《THE CONTRACT WIFE: A ONE NIGHT STAND BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE》


 PROLOGUE

    Zara¡¯s POV


    Together with my friend Antote, I settled onto the stools of a dimly lit bar. Lively music pulsed through the air and the clinking of sses made me realized that I was in a perfect ce to rx and unwind.


    We ordered our drinks and Antote started to talk about men.  When the warmth of the alcohol began to seep into my veins,ughter bubbled up easily and I felt my worries melting away like snow in the spring. We had fun with our drinks until I turned around and saw the man who just entered the bar.


    It was Lucas ckwood, my ultimate crush since college. My heart almost skipped a beat as I watched him saunter inside with his brooded eyes scanning the room. He seemed tired and sad! I had never seen him so sad before so I wondered what happened to him.


    ¡°Zara, are you alright?¡± Antote¡¯s voice was a distant murmur and her wordspeted with the excited thumping of my heart.


    ¡°Y-yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± I stammered and my voice betrayed the adrenaline coursing through my veins.


    Then once again, I turned to check on him. Lucas found a seat at the far end of the bar. When a waiter served his drinks, he was staring at it. For a moment, his drink remained untouched in front of him. Although, I never had the chance to win his heart, the thought of him being upset gnawed at me like an itch I couldn¡¯t ignore.


    ¡°Zara! Look!¡±


    I was startled when I heard Antote¡¯s voice, and then she casually mentioned seeing Lucas in the bar. I just smiled in response because I didn¡¯t want her to know that I had been watching him since he arrived.


    ¡°This is your chance, girl. Go and talk with Lucas. He seemed to be alone,¡± Antote suggested.


    ¡°No way,¡± I refused because I knew that Lucas had a girlfriend, a model named Giselle, and I didn¡¯t want to flirt with an engaged man. ¡°What about you?¡± I asked her a few minutester.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. Have you forgotten that this bar belonged to my cousin? I will not be alone,¡± she assured me.


    For a moment, I was terrified of approaching Lucas. It had been a long time since we saw each other, and I was afraid he would send me away with a simple wave of his finger. He was always like that every time he would dismiss someone in front of him. I believed it would be embarrassing!


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± I mumbled to Antote, and then my legs propelled me forward before I could think twice. The alcohol emboldened me and made me feel invincible at the moment. Then, without further ado, I slid onto the stool next to Lucas.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Zara Dfontaine? What are you doing?¡± he asked.


    I was surprised when he called me by my full name. So, he remembered me. ¡°Hello, Lucas ckwood,¡± I purred while feeling a grin tug at the corners of my lips. Then, his gaze shifted from his drink to me.


    ¡°Please leave,¡± he stated.


    ¡°Is everything alright?¡± I asked and my heart was beating so loudly I was sure he could hear it.


    ¡°Not really. Just a rough day, but I¡¯m fine. I just need a drink or more,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you lucky tonight? I happen to be an expert at turning bad days around,¡± I informed him and a chuckle escaped from his lips.


    ¡°Are you alone?¡± he asked after sipping his drink.


    ¡°Nope, I am with Antote but something came up and she went ahead of me,¡± I lied so when he scanned the bar, I became nervous.  When he narrowed his eyes, I was tempted to check the area where Antote and I were sitting earlier. Fortunately, the woman was not there. She probably went to talk to her cousin.


    As the night wore on, Lucas and I talked and then I flirted with him shamelessly. The bar around us faded into a background blur as we became lost in our conversation. The night had taken an unexpected turn because of too much alcohol.


    We talked,ughed and with every passing moment, my heart felt more alive. Then, as our conversation deepened, my hand somehow found its way to his thigh. It was a subtle touch and almost unconscious. His eyes flickered and his expression suddenly became hard to read. With a simple touch, I could sense that that something had changed in him and I could feel the tension between us.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he suddenly said while grabbing my hand.


    I was hesitant to let him lead me toward the bar¡¯s exit because of Antote but then I realized that I wouldn¡¯t get another chance to be with Lucas ckwood. So, I followed him without looking back or worrying about Antote.


    Once outside the bar, he brought me to his car. I didn¡¯t question his motive and entered the vehicle as soon as he opened the door for me. Before he drove away, I nced at him, and I was instantly amazed at his chiseled jawline.


    The city lights painted streaks of color across the night sky and I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that everything was just a dream because it was too good to be true. Then, the engine purred to life and we left the area.


    A few momentster, we arrived at a towering penthouse and he helped me out of the car. He brought me to his private space!


    ¡°Come in!¡± his voice was deep when he invited me.


    What¡¯s wrong with me? Why his deep voice would cause my heartbeat to quicken? Pushing the door open, I stepped inside and I was immediately captivated by his luxurious ce. My eyes locked onto the room¡¯s setup. His ce was beyond magnificent!


    ¡°Lucas, when did your voice be so deep?¡± I asked as my steps led me toward the massive bed.


    The soft lighting inside the room allowed me to take in the opulent furniture and the grandeur of the bed itself. Then, a rich, masculine fragrance filled the air. It was a scent I loved in him, but I couldn¡¯t help but wonder why he didn¡¯t change his cologne after all these years.


    ¡°Lucas,¡± I murmured his name as I drew closer to the bed but because of the alcohol I had earlier, I suddenly felt my body growing warm. Without thinking twice, I began to adjust my clothes to cool down a little bit.


    Once again, I nced around the room, but this time, the sound of running water caught my attention. When did he go to the bathroom? I was so deep in thought earlier that I didn¡¯t notice when Lucas left to take a shower. A yful grin spread across my face as I waited for him.


    After a few minutes of waiting, a tall and breathtakingly handsome figure emerged from the bathroom. The subdued lighting entuated his well-defined chest muscles, glistening with droplets of water. He was truly a sight to behold, then his gaze locked onto me.


    ¡°I¡¯m feeling hot¡­ I want to undress right now,¡± my lips parted slightly as the words tumbled out, surprising even myself.


    I couldn¡¯t fathom why I suddenly felt like my body was on fire. Then, as if in a daze, I copsed onto the floor. Through my haze, I saw him discard the towel, giving me an unexpected glimpse of his nakedness. He immediately extended his hand to help me up.


    ¡°Lucas,¡± I murmured, my arm instinctively draping around his neck.


    ¡°Rest for a couple of minutes. I will take you hometer. Perhaps, do you need a shower? You are sweating,¡± he noticed.


    ¡°Yes, please,¡± I replied, and then I allowed him to take me to bathroom to have a cold shower.


    However, the cold shower didn¡¯t even help. I was still drunk. When I got out of the bathroom, the subtle aroma of wine mixed with the sweet fragrance of the evening air swirled around me. As I gazed up at him, everything felt hazy and surreal. Confusion clouded my thoughts and I struggled to make sense of the situation.


    ¡°Hey, what are you doing?¡± he asked.


    I wanted to respond but my mind was a whirlwind of sensations and it was difficult to form a coherent response. I heard his words but they felt distant as they wereing from another world. Giggle escaped my lips as I tried to focus on his face and my senses were heightened by the intoxicating atmosphere.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing right now?¡± he asked again.


    ¡°I felt ufortable and hot, Lucas,¡± I replied, and my voice was barely audible. Leaning in, I pressed my face against his chest, and an odd sense of relief washed over me. With my eyes closed, I allowed myself to be carried away by the moment. As he looked above me, I clung to him, while silently yearning for his touch.


    ¡°You are drunk, Zara,¡± he pointed out.


    My body was warm and the alcohol cursed through my veins like liquid fire. It was as if my thoughts were being pulled in different directions, so I struggled to piece everything together.


    ¡°Kiss me, Lucas,¡± I found myself pleading, the words spilling out without thought. ¡°Please, Lucas ckwood, let¡¯s do it,¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°Oh God, woman! Are you sure?¡±


    I nodded in response and before I knew it, I was pressed against him and he immediately conquered my mouth in a ravishing kiss. The world around us seemed to fade into insignificance as Lucas and I shared that electrifying kiss.


    It was as if time had stopped, and all that mattered was the sensation of his lips against mine. As our lips moved in a passionate dance, I decided to surrender everything to Lucas ckwood.


    His touch was both tender and urgent when his fingers traced a fiery path along my skin, leaving a trail of sensation that sent shivers down my spine. My heart raced in tandem with the rising tide of emotions. When he deepened the kiss, every nerve ending on my body seemed toe alive.  Then, my fingers found their way into his hair, and I pulled him closer as if I could merge my very soul with his.


    ¡°I want you, Zara,¡± he said when he let me go.


    ¡°I am all yours, Lucas,¡± I replied, and then my eyes widened in shock when I realized that we were already in bed.


    He was on top of me and his legs tried to nudge mine in order to separate them. When I obliged, he conquered my lips once more before he thrust into me. I winced in pain at his invasion and he was also shocked to know that he was my first.


    ¡°I love you, Lucas,¡± I said while enduring the difort of his hardness inside me.

 CHAPTER 1

    Zara¡¯s POV


    The morning sun filtered through the drapes and as I stirred awake, the memories of what happened between me and Lucas flooded back. However, a surge of regret gripped my heart like a vice. I had allowed myself to be swept away by the passion of the moment and now, in the unforgiving light of day, the consequences of my actions loomed over me.


    Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the magnitude of my mistake. I had given myself to Lucas, not just physically, but emotionally too. Closing my eyes, I tried to steady my breathing to calm down. I wished I could turn back time, to erase that fateful night from existence, but life didn¡¯t offer such luxuries. Instead, I had to face the consequences of my actions.


    I had no idea I would be involved in a scandal. How did it happen that I woke up next to my famous batch mate in college?! Lucas ckwood?! Why him? There were several guys who were more handsome than him, but why? Why did I surrender my exquisite honeypot to Lucas?


    ¡°Zara Dfontaine! Come here right now!¡±


    When I heard his voice, I remembered that I was a goody-two shoes, daughter of the respected principal in our school, and also the most beautiful granddaughter of our vige chief. Being the daughter of the principal, I had to be serious about studying and I couldn¡¯t afford to fool around.


    My family were overprotective. They would always tell me that men were like bees who would love to taste the nectar of my flower, and they would do anything to stop them froming near me. However, it wasn¡¯t the bee who came; it was the flower who went to the bee, and I was so humiliated by it.


    I got drunk when Antote took me out to the bar. Just like Lucas, Antote used to be my ssmate. I wanted to me her for what happened but it would be inhumane to do so. After all, it was my own decision to approach Lucas in the bar. I wasn¡¯t forced to talk to him in the first ce. I was so wasted that I had no idea what happened afterward.


    In fact, I was shocked when I woke up beside Lucas ckwood. He was naked like me! For goodness sake, the bloodstain on the bed sheet was a clear sign of what transpired between us while we were both wasted.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    While it was true that Antote suggested that I should talk to Lucas, she really never forced me to do it. Because of her, I got the chance to spend a night with my ultimate crush. However, I was worried when the morning came. It was a one-night stand with a wasted man, and we were both intoxicated. Overall, it was a horrible way to lose my v-card!


    Although I heard my grandfather¡¯s voice, I didn¡¯t have a n to go downstairs. Instead, I went to the window and opened the drapes to see what¡¯s going on outside. I was lost in my thoughts while staring into nothingness, then a ck car arrived. I furrowed my brows in confusion until I recognized the vehicle parked outside!


    The sound of the doorbell ringing snapped me out of my reverie. I ran downstairs and turned to look at the front door. As I opened the door, my heart skipped a beat to see Lucas ckwood!


    He stood there with an unreadable expression on his face. Then, my heart sank as I realized the storm brewing behind his eyes.


    ¡°Finally, you are awake!¡± he said, but there was something frightening in his voice.


    ¡°Good morning, Lucas!¡±


    ¡°Good morning?! Zara, do you even know what happenedst night? How could you just spread your legs after being drunk? My God, woman! This is uneptable!¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, Lucas?¡± I asked innocently, then I tried to get away from him, but I couldn¡¯t move my body.


    My muscles were sore, and my entire body felt heavy. When I nced at him, he just smirked, as if he knew the cause of my difort. Then, he started to insult me. He insulted my upbringing and my entire womanhood, and he also mocked me for sleeping with him.


    ¡°Why are you ming me?¡± I inquired because I really had no idea why he was so worked up.


    ¡°Because it¡¯s your fault, Zara! If you didn¡¯t challenge mest night, then it wouldn¡¯t have happened. I wouldn¡¯t bepelled to take you here!¡±


    For a moment, I didn¡¯t know how to take all the insults I heard from Lucas. I was like ice instantly melting from his harsh words, and it seemed that I was just frozen in a corner of the bed while he got up to get dressed.


    For a moment, I wanted to cry. I wanted to cry for losing my virginity to a horrible bastard. He probably knew he was the first man I slept with even if he was drunk, so the least he could do was to insult me.


    ¡°What the fuck! Fuck you, Zara! Damn you, bitch!¡±


    As he cursed me, I bit my bottom lip to stop it from quivering from being humiliated. Then, he red at me as if I did something so wrong. If there¡¯s something he should do after doing it with me, he should be gentle or even apologize. Why the hell did he keep on cursing at me?


    He was so mad, and I couldn¡¯t imagine that the person I admired for so long would hate me like this. The audacity of Lucas ckwood to insult me after taking my virginity!


    ¡°I have no idea that you¡¯re just another desperate whore! You like what happenedst night, right? Fucking right, Zara? Answer me, bitch!¡± he screamed at me.


    I quickly shook my head while avoiding his stern gaze. I couldn¡¯t take his insults anymore, and he went overboard with the cuss words.


    ¡°You knew I was drunk, Lucas. You also took advantage of my weakness,¡± I told him, and he became so furious.


    ¡°Stop! Just forget about what happened, okay?! Don¡¯t ever try to screw me¡­ or I¡¯ll make your life a living hell, Zara!¡±


    When he threatened me, I felt his anger, but when he threw some crisp bills onto the bed, I couldn¡¯t help but cry. He just didn¡¯t insult me with words but also paid my body with a handful of cash!


    ¡°I hate you!¡± I told him, but he just smirked at me.


    ¡°I also hate you, Zara! You cornered me into doing it with you, and this is cheating! Do you know that I am getting married soon?¡±


    He asked, but he didn¡¯t give me the chance to reply. He was scared that his fianc¨¦e would find out about what happened, and at that moment, I felt so small and pathetic. How could he me me for everything that happened? It wasn¡¯t me who drove the car and brought him to my ce.


    ¡°Stop ming me, Lucas. If you really have a woman in your heart, you wouldn¡¯t be tempted to sleep with me or with anyone else,¡± I told him and he narrowed his eyes in anger. He look so furious and I stepped back for fear that he would suddenly hit my face.


    ¡°Shut up, Zara!¡± he shouted at me.


    Fortunately, he left right away before my grandfather could stabbed him with his knife. My knees wobbled after closing the door when he left. He was furious at me and he med me for everything that happened between us.


    For a moment, I was dazed. My grandfather asked me what was wrong but I ignored him. I had no energy to respond. So, I decided to return to my room¡­and it went on for several weeks.


    My routine would be boring. Home to the office, then office to home, and nothing in between. It was boring, but I couldn¡¯t be bothered by it. There were times when Antote wanted to go out again, but I didn¡¯t want to be reminded of what happenedst time.


    One morning, the day I dreaded the most came. I experienced several symptoms of being pregnant, and I immediately confirmed it with a pregnancy test kit.


    I seemed to have caught a cold. My mom was also a single mom, so I couldn¡¯t bear to disappoint her by bing a single mom, too!


    For several days, I tried to hide it, but for some reason, my grandfather discovered my secret. The ticking bomb just went off, and my mom almost copsed when my grandfather became so furious that he wanted to hit me with his fist!


    ¡°Dad, stop it!¡±


    Mom tried to calm him down, but he was so stubborn. Then, he red at me, and he looked at me with disappointment in his gray eyes.


    ¡°Anna, what have you done to your daughter? Didn¡¯t you teach her well? Why does it have to happen again?¡± Grandpa asked my mom angrily.


    ¡°Dad, please, it was in the past. Let¡¯s just forget about it,¡± Mom requested Grandpa to stop talking about the past.


    ¡°And you, Zara! You don¡¯t even get to meet your father because he abandoned my daughter, and yet, you dared to follow in her footsteps! Is it too hard to keep your legs close to anyone?¡±


    When my grandfather asked those words, I remembered every single insult I got from Lucas ckwood that day. Once again, I remembered the pain of being used and insulted.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I apologized for my mistake.


    ¡°Sorry? Would it be enough? I raised you well so that whatever happened to your mom wouldn¡¯t happen to you, Zara! Tell me the man¡¯s name! He needs to be responsible!¡±

 CHAPTER 2

    Zara¡¯s POV


    As soon as I discovered I was pregnant, fear gripped me because Lucas ckwood¡¯s family was influential. His family owned severalpanies in ybourne City. I was confused and I didn¡¯t know what to do especially when he threatened to ruin my life after the one-night stand I had with him.


    Initially, I wanted to keep my situation a secret but my family found out about it and no matter how hard I tried to keep his identity a secret, my grandfather managed to squeeze the information out of my mouth.


    The idea of raising a child alone was daunting enough but knowing the potential implications of being connected to Lucas ckwood made it moreplicated. He threatened to ruin my life on the day he visited me for first time. My initial n was to keep my situation a closely guarded secret because the thought of bringing Lucas into the equation seemed like a recipe for a disaster.


    Desperation wed at me as I tried to maintain a fa?ade of normalcy and I battled with myself whether to hide or reveal the truth about the baby¡¯s father. However, my grandfather wouldn¡¯t let me to hide the truth forever.


    Despite my attempts to safeguard his identity, the truth was out. My secret was exposed and it was like a ticking bomb that threatened to explode my world apart. After he learned that the man responsible for my pregnancy was Lucas ckwood, he didn¡¯t waste another minute and arranged a meeting with Lucas ckwood. I had no idea what transpired during their closed-door meeting but I ended up meeting Lucas again.


    He arranged a meeting with Lucas and I watched as he orchestrated the details. Dayster, I found myself standing face to face with Lucas once again. His presence was asmanding as ever, and his gaze locked onto me as if trying to read what was inside my head. The room seemed to shrink and the air grew thick with unspoken emotions.


    ¡°Zara,¡± Lucas broke the silence and the timbre in his voicemanded my attention.


    ¡°Yes, Lucas,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Is it true that you are pregnant with my child?¡± he asked and I nodded in response. ¡°Damn!¡± he cursed suddenly and my grandfather was startled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Lucas. I have no intention to bother you about the child,¡± I said.


    ¡°Oh really? Then why don¡¯t you talk to your old man? He pressured me into marrying you!¡± he shouted.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not true,¡± I said while looking at my grandfather but he nodded his head as if telling me that Lucas ckwood¡¯s im was true. ¡°I don¡¯t want to marry him, Grandfather,¡± I told him.


    ¡°Shut up, child. I will be the one to deal with this bastard,¡± my grandfather said.


    As an experienced businessman, he had no trouble in negotiating with my stern grandfather. I dreamed of a lovely wedding, with my wishful white wedding gown, with my loving groom, and my friends as the people who would attend on my special day. But instead, it would be a rush wedding.


    I had imagined myself walking down the aisle in a flowing white gown and being surrounded by my friends and family. Of course, my loving groom would be waiting for me at the altar. I imagined a scene straight out of a fairytale but those dreams felt like distant echoes of reality and it was reced by something entirely unexpected.


    The picture I painted in my mind faded!


    I recalled the way Lucas threatened me, and I shivered in fear. Then, he reminded my grandfather about their meeting and I was bbergasted to know that he tried to sue me and my family for ruining his life.


    Then, I shivered involuntarily as the recollection of his threats resurfaced. The mere thought of his menacing words sent a chill down my fine. As if to further cement the hold he had over the circumstances, Lucas didn¡¯t hesitate to remind my grandfather that we would lose more in case we wouldn¡¯t follow his wishes.


    I felt like a pawn in a game muchrger than myself. The weight of his power, the reach of his influence, became all too clear when he threatened to take legal action. Would I be able to face the humiliation in court?


    Fortunately, he realized it would be a huge mistake to let the public know about what happened between us. I told him to just forget about the one-night stand and to let me raise the baby alone, but he was against the idea. He said he couldn¡¯t let his offspring be a bastard!


    My grandfather was against the secret wedding that Lucas has proposed, but Lucas made us realize that we didn¡¯t have a say in the matter. Everything was considered my fault, and he didn¡¯t flinch when he embarrassed me in front of my family members.


    ¡°Take it or leave it,¡± Lucas challenged me to ept his proposal to wed me in secret. Just like my grandfather, I didn¡¯t like the idea of a secret wedding because I believed that I deserved better than that but when I nced at Lucas, I immediately nodded my head in agreement.


    ¡°Zara! Are you out of your mind?¡± my grandfather shouted.


    Then, the tension in the room pressed down on all of us. The proposal Lucas had put forward ¨C a secret wedding ¨C hung in the air. The air cackled with unease as my grandfather and Lucas exchanged words, and each of them tried to assert their stance.


    As I listened to their conversation, it became increasingly evident that the control over the situation had slipped from our grasp. Lucas delivered every word with an air of authority and my heart sank further as his words took on a more pointed tone. He didn¡¯t even hesitate toy me squarely on my shoulders. The way he turned the situation around stung like a betrayal. I could never imagined that he tried to humiliate me in front of my grandfather.


    How could he me me for everything? But then, he wasn¡¯t wrong. It was my fault!


    ¡°See you in three days for the wedding, Zara. Don¡¯t bete,¡± he said before leaving us and my grandfather was too stunned to speak.


    ¡°What a bastard!¡±


    ¡°I told you not to bother him, Grandfather, but you insisted,¡± I med him for the embarrassment we experienced in front of Lucas ckwood.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, child. I just didn¡¯t want you to end up like your mother. Do you know how the society judged her? She fell in love and gave herself to a man willingly, and she was judged as a whore. Can you imagine that?¡±


    ¡°You are just overthinking, Grandfather. In this modern times, who would dare to judge a single mom? Besides, I am earning well to raise my child if ever, but then, you insisted on meeting Lucas,¡± I continued to me him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home,¡± he said.


    Three dayster, I met Lucas in the Judge¡¯s office for our union. He personally knew the judge, and Lucas ordered to keep their union a secret. After the papers were signed, he didn¡¯t even bother to treat us with food. He just took me from my family and brought me to a new house he bought in the heart of ybourne City.


    As soon as we entered, Lucas dragged me to the bedroom. My eyes widened in fear at the thought of being forced but it didn¡¯t happen. When we were inside the room, his demeanor changed totally. He became gentle with me as he led me into our huge bed.


    ¡°I want to kiss you,¡± he whispered, and my heart skipped a beat as his warm breath brushed against my cheek. Before I could react to what he said, Lucas leaned down and kissed my lips gently.


    My body trembled from his action. It wasn¡¯t the first time he kissed me on the lips, but this time it felt more special. Was it because we were now officially a couple? I wanted to resist and push him away, but it was toote.


    He deepened the kiss, and I willingly followed his lead. I savored every movement he made, especially when he gently nibbled on my lower lip. But then, he suddenly stopped and stood up.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked.


    Instead of answering, he just smiled, the kind of smile that could make any girl¡¯s panties drop. I tried to get up because I felt like I had exposed myself too much to him, but he stopped me.


    ¡°Oh my goodness!¡±


    I was surprised when he suddenly kissed my abdomen, just a few inches away from my intimate area. I pushed his head away and crossed my legs, but Lucas insisted and forcibly spread my legs apart. Next thing I knew, he was already licking me, tasting me.


    ¡°Ohhhh,¡± I moaned as he continued his actions. I was losing myself, and I couldn¡¯t stop him as he took control of my body. It felt like I was on fire, and I let myself sumb to his desires.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he said.


    I wondered why he suddenly apologized to me, but I didn¡¯t get a chance to ask him because he continued. He took off my remaining clothes until we were both naked. I couldn¡¯t bear to look at his nakedness.


    Again, he kissed me deeply and passionately, moving down to my neck and then lower, until he reached my breasts. I whimpered as he gently sucked on my nipples. We were both gasping for breath when he finally positioned himself and forcefully entered me.


    I winced in difort as he thrust into me repeatedly. I tried to call his name, but he didn¡¯t listen. When I looked at his face, our eyes met, and I tried to break free from his intense gaze, but I couldn¡¯t. It felt like I was hypnotized, and I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off him as he continued his rough movements. His touch was scorching, and I felt the heat radiating from him, overwhelming me.


    ¡°Lucas¡­¡± I called out as I climaxed, and he soon followed after, copsing beside me.


    I noticed that his eyes seemed to change color, or maybe it was just my imagination due to the events. ¡°I love you,¡± I said without hesitation but he didn¡¯t respond.


    He kissed me again on the lips, down to my neck, and then he gently caressed my body. When he reached my intimate area, I tried to resist, but he persuaded me to trust him.


    Iy down to sleep, but the smile on my lips won¡¯t fade away. I¡¯m just so happy!


    However, my happiness ended abruptly as soon as he stood up. Then, he red at me. For a moment, I was confused what was going on. I thought we were okay because he was gentle with me earlier.


    ¡°At least that body of yours can make up for the sins youmitted against me,¡± he stated before leaving me speechless inside the room.


    Then, he continued to me me for everything as soon as we got him. I felt bad for my family and I couldn¡¯t get over their expressions earlier when Lucas tantly ignored them. I also felt bad for myself because as soon as I entered the door, Lucas threw a maid¡¯s uniform into my face!


    As he kept on ming me, I was convinced that maybe, it was my fault for getting myself intoxicated that night. It was my fault for letting him have me that night. Everything was my fault and for six damn years, I have been paying for that mistake.


    Every single day, he med me for what happened!


    It has been six years since we had a secret wedding, and after enduring our ill-fated rtionship, I wanted to set myself free. He couldn¡¯t just keep me forever as his dirty secret! How could he keep me but refuse to love me in the right way? I felt bad for my son who never experienced love from his heartless father!


    It has been six years, and yet, I could still remember how ruthless he was on our wedding night. He knew I was already pregnant, but then he imed my body over and over again. He didn¡¯t even let me get a wink of sleep that night.


    Since that night, he treated me like a fucking whore!


    For six years, he never showed me any kindness. He was mean all the time, constantly ming me for what happened to his life, and maltreating me as well as our son. For six years, I tolerated his behavior because I was hoping he would change. I chose to be a martyr because I didn¡¯t want my son to be in a broken family.


    For six long years, his animosity bore down on me. Each day, his demeanor toward me was consistently unkind and he never missed an opportunity to remind me of the role I had yed in ruining his life.


    Initially, I thought I could manage it but his mistreatment extended not only me but also to Enrique, our son who deserved nothing but love and care. For a long time, I endured anger and resentment and each time he would scream at me, I held onto the sliver of hope that someday, he would find it in himself to let go of the grudges he had with me.


    The specter of a broken family loomed over me but the desire to shield my son from the pain of a broken family was a driving force to continue living my miserable life with Lucas ckwood.


    Oh, how stupid of me!


    Every time our eyes would meet, I would always be greeted with cold pair of eyes. Yet, I endured everything for six years. For my son¡¯s sake, I was willing to endure everything just to give him aplete family.


    But then, what did I get in return?


    Heartbreaks, lies, and betrayals. Over and over again, he betrayed our vows, he betrayed my trust! How could I be so stupid to remain in a situation where I was bound to get hurt every day?


    One day, when Enrique misbehaved, Lucas expected me to discipline our son in front of him. I couldn¡¯t me my son for being stubborn sometimes because he got that attitude from his father and I knew the reason why Enrique behaved that way.


    The little boy just wanted to get his father¡¯s attention, but all he got was Lucas¡¯ indifference. I have been thinking it for several days. By staying with Lucas, I ruined my son¡¯s happiness. Lucas ruined my happiness, too!


    ¡°Are you just going to sit still, Zara? Tell your son to behave!¡± His words cut through the air like a knife and his tone was dripping with impatience toward our child.


    ¡°My son? He is also your son, Lucas! How can you be so indifferent in front of the little boy? Look, we can argue all we want, but only if our son is not watching us,¡± I retorted and my voice carried a hint of desperation. Or rather, it was plea for him to be a little bit considerate toward Enrique.


    ¡°Really, Zara? Finally, I can see a glimpse of the old Zara. You seem to have found your strength to go against me this time,¡± he noticed. ¡°Enrique, behave!¡± he shouted at the child.


    ¡°Look, we can argue all we want, but only if our son is not watching us, Lucas,¡± I implored while locking my gaze at him.  In that moment, I hoped he would understand the importance of shielding our child from the bitterness that had taken root between us.


    ¡°You seem to have found your strength to go against me this time,¡± he remarked.


    My heart swelled upon hearing his remark. It was a small triumph to have him acknowledge my attempt to stand up for what was right, and for what our son needed.


    ¡°Enrique, behave!¡± Lucas suddenly shouted at Enrique.


    I red at Lucas for shouting at the child, and then, I grabbed the boy¡¯s hand and hugged him. I squeezed his little hands to assure him that everything would be alright. He was about to cry but I told him he could cryter after I dealt with his bastard father.


    Yes, he was a bastard amongst all bastards. For six long and torturous years, no one knew that he was married. The world remained oblivious to the fact that he was married, and I was his wife. His peers and the people at hispany never knew that he married me. He wanted to keep his status as a bachelor CEO, and because of that, he was popr amongst women.


    To him, we were just a nuisance who ruined his perfect life. He told me several times that if I didn¡¯t seduce him that night, he would be happily married to his fianc¨¦e. I really had no idea why he held onto the belief that had I not seduced him that ill-fated night, he would have been living a happily married life with his fianc¨¦e.


    ¡°Where are you going, Lucas? Apologize to Enrique!¡± I demanded, but he just snorted and walked away.


    When I nced at my little boy, he was teary-eyed. For several days, he had been talking about the school activity. He expected that Lucas would be kind enough to attend, but when I talked to the bastard about it, he tly refused.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t love me, Mom,¡± heined.


    ¡°Shhh, don¡¯t say that. Just don¡¯t mind him for now, baby. Come, let¡¯s eat our breakfast then I will take you to your school, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Enrique answered.


    Actually, whenever Lucas was around, he knew how to ruin my appetite, but because of Enrique, I had to eat. I had to force myself to enjoy the food even if I didn¡¯t feel like eating.


    A few minutester, we finished eating. After I put the food we ate in the sink, I took my car out of the garage. I let myself drift into this kind of routine for a long time.


    Enved by aplex of fear and hope, my days unfolded in a haze of uncertainty. One day with wishful thinking, that maybe deep down in his heart, he would love his son. I wouldn¡¯t mind if he could only love Enrique and not me. I wouldn¡¯t mind at all. He could hate me forever and I wouldn¡¯t give a damn!


    Before having a one-night stand with Lucas, I had a well-paying job. However, after the secret wedding, Lucas ordered me to quit working and focus on my pregnancy. He said he could finance my needs and the needs of our child. Still, even if he wouldn¡¯t support us financially, it would be fine since I was able to save before being reckless that night.


    I yearned for a day when his gaze would soften as it fell upon our child, when he would see the innocence and vulnerability in Enrique¡¯s eyes. Of course, it was just a wishful thinking, but I held onto it.


    I hade to terms with the fact that his feelings towards me would never change, and strangely enough, I found myself epting that truth. If he could love Enrique as much as I did, I could endure his hatred for another year.


    Before that ill-fated one-night stand with Lucas, I had a well-paying job but after our wedding, he ordered me to resign from job so that I could focus on my pregnancy. Back then, it seemed so sweet, and he sounded as if he was concerned about my well-being. It turned out that he was just scared that someone else would find out about my rtionship with him.


    He assured me that he could provide for our needs, and that he would take care of me and the child financially. Initially, I refused, but he insisted. He exerted his dominance on me until I couldn¡¯t say no to hismand.


    After six long years, I realized that a rtionship without love shouldn¡¯t be pursued. It was not just devastating on my part, but as well as to my son¡¯s. I should have realized it sooner, but I was naive and hopeful that one day, he would have a change of heart.


    A few minutester, we arrived safely at a private school where my son was enrolled. Enrique Dfontaine. From the very start, Lucas did not want to lend hisst name to our son. Just that thing makes my heart shattered. I couldn¡¯t believe that he could do that to his son, to his own flesh and blood! But, he was Lucas ckwood, the most heartless man in ybourne!


    ¡°OMG! Our paths have finally crossed!¡± said a shrill voice.


    It was Antote, and I noticed that she had a baby bump. I wanted to ask her about it, but I decided to just remain silent and waited for her to talk first.


    ¡°It has been a long time, Zara. Did you bring Lucas today?¡± she inquired.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°No, I only bring my bag, and of course, my handsome little boy,¡± I replied.


    Then I nced at Enrique. He was a little version of Lucas ckwood, and the only thing he inherited from me was his gentle eyes. Lucas possessed a set of fierce eyes.


    ¡°I see. Well, see you around, Zara!¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± I replied, then I looked at my son again. When he smiled and showed me his white teeth, I smiled at him, too. ¡°Remember, Ken, you should be kind, be good, and be brave at all times,¡± I reminded him whilebing his hair with my hand.


    Enrique smiled enthusiastically and replied, ¡°Yes, Mommy! I will be a good boy in school but I want to be brave against Daddy. He is a bad man, Mom.¡±


    ¡°Someday,¡± I mumbled.

 CHAPTER 3

    Zara¡¯s POV


    Antote and I were both coffee lovers, so I invited her to get a cup at the nearest coffee shop from the school campus. She went to the counter to get our favorites while I looked for a vacant table.


    ¡°Are you still with the bastard, Zara?¡± she immediately asked as soon as she brought our coffee.


    I sighed, replying with, ¡°Yes, I am still with Lucas ckwood.¡±


    Antote apuded sarcastically, then studied my face. I knew she was concerned, as she was the first person to know how Lucas has been treating me and our son.


    ¡°Be honest with me, Zara. Are you trying to be a saint? It has been six years since that sted wedding. I expected that you would soon realize that living with that bastard is like living in hell. Every day, I felt guilty for everything that you have been through. It¡¯s my fault,¡± Antote said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself, Antote. It was never your fault. You never forced me to spread my legs before him. I was excited that night,¡± I confessed, trying tofort my friend who seemed too apologetic for my life¡¯s situation.


    ¡°You can ask for a divorce. I am sure he would be happy to let you go,¡± she stated.


    ¡°I wish it is that easy,¡± I answered.


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°I signed a contract with him, Antote. I can¡¯t just file for divorce. It should be him to initiate such a thing, and as his wife, I shouldn¡¯t do anything to tarnish his reputation,¡± I informed Antote, and she was aghast.


    ¡°Oh, my God! I feel bad for you, Zara. You should do the right thing for your son. It is not healthy for your son to be in a chaotic environment. Besides, I believe that it will be better if you will just go back to your family. To your Mom and Grandpa,¡± she suggested.


    ¡°Honestly, I have been thinking about ittely. I wasted six years, waiting for him to have a change of heart, but it seems, it¡¯s not going to happen anytime soon,¡± I told her.


    ¡°You should stop daydreaming about Lucas falling in love with you, Zara. You are aware it is not going to happen. Look, it has been six years, and still, he didn¡¯t feel anything for you! He doesn¡¯t like you from the beginning, and you know it has always been a one-sided love on your part since college days.¡±


    ¡°You are right,¡± I agreed because what else could I say?


    ¡°Just look for someone who can make you happy. Never settle for less, Zara. Not ever again,¡± she advised.


    ¡°I want to take him out of my system, but I don¡¯t know how,¡± I informed Antote of my effort to un-love Lucas ckwood.


    ¡°Get in touch with Nick again. He can help you forget about the damn bastard!¡±


    ¡°Nichs Rutherford? For goodness¡¯ sake, the man could be married as of this moment!¡±


    ¡°Wrong. He is still single, and I believe that he is still waiting for you, Zara. Come on, girl. Divorce the bastard and be happy with Nick,¡± she suggested maliciously.


    ¡°He¡¯s our friend,¡± I reminded her.


    ¡°But he likes you, for sure,¡± she replied. ¡°If he doesn¡¯t like you, he wouldn¡¯t be depressed when you married Lucas ckwood,¡± she told me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t assume something that is not true, Antote. He was just concerned about me.¡±


    ¡°I know, right? He was concerned when he learned about your pregnancy, but do you know that he was thinking about adopting your child and raising it with you if the damn bastard didn¡¯t marry you?¡±


    ¡°That excuse for a wedding,¡± I snorted when I recalled the events on my wedding day. It was the most dreadful day of my life!


    ¡°Just try, Zara. Nick¡¯s number is still the same,¡± she said.


    ¡°Oh God, stop it, Antote! I have no idea why you are so talkative today,¡± Iined, and she justughed.


    After having our coffee, we spent a couple of minutes in the coffee shop while talking some more. However, when Antote kept on talking about our friend, Nichs Rutherford, I decided it was time to end the conversation.


    Fortunately, her husband called and wanted her to return to the campus as soon as possible. So, I was able to return home without some drama to do some things.


    Then, thirty minutes before my son¡¯s ss would end, I would go back to the campus to pick him up. Once, I suggested to Lucas about availing the services of the school bus, but he refused. He said I had nothing else to do but to ensure that Enrique was fine.


    As soon as I got home, I went to my room and sat in front of therge vanity mirror. I stared at my own reflection and smirked with disappointment. I had dark circles around my eyes, my lips were dry, and it seemed that a regr lip balm couldn¡¯t fix it.


    I couldn¡¯t even use any skincare freely, or it would cause an argument between me and Lucas. Every time I would start caring for myself, he would use me of having an affair. He told me that since I forced myself into marrying him, then I had no right to look for someone else. I should endure my time with him. What a brute!


    It wasn¡¯t his style to physically hurt me, but mentally and psychologically, he knew how to torture me.


    Later in the day, I picked up my son from school, and after telling him to take a bath, I immediately went to pamper myself in a bubble bath.


    The following day was Saturday, so Enrique had no sses. I took him to the nearest grocery store. Actually, it has been one of our bonding moments during the weekend. Sometimes, I wished that Lucas would know how to free his schedule to spend some quality time with Enrique.


    ¡°Can I watch TV, Mom?¡± he asked as soon as we got home from buying groceries.


    ¡°Sure,¡± I answered, and I immediately opened his favorite channel ¨C Cartoon Network. When ites to watching television, he has no ess to the remote control.


    Actually, I was worried that he might see some news about Gisele, the actress that Lucas was dating. Speaking of Lucas, he didn¡¯te homest night, and he mentioned he wouldn¡¯t be home for a week. He was probably with Giselle on a Europe tour.


    The subdivision we lived in was private because he couldn¡¯t afford to expose his dirty secret. He was so powerful that for six years, he was able to hide the fact that he was no longer a bachelor but married with one son.


    ¡°Will you be okay alone? I will just be in the kitchen to cook your favorite, dear,¡± I told him, and he nodded in understanding.


    Then, I immediately went to the kitchen to prepare his favorite meal ¨C vegetables and chicken. I roasted his favorite pumpkin and then prepared the ingredients for his favorite fried chicken.


    In our home, Lucas wouldn¡¯t dare to touch the food that I cooked. He said it was awful, but my son had no problem with it. He would always dine out, or he would dine with his family at their family home.


    About an hourter, everything was ready, so I immediately returned to the living room where Enrique was busy watching a cartoon show.


    ¡°The food is ready,¡± I informed him, but he didn¡¯t say anything. All the time, he would jump up from his seat to check the food with me. ¡°Darling, is there something wrong?¡±


    ¡°I wish Daddy can be like that,¡± he said while pointing to the television where a Daddy pigeon was ying with his son.


    For a moment, my eyes were glued to the television. I wished it was also the case, but it was not. When Enrique looked at me with tears in his eyes, my heart was broken a million times. My heart broke for him. As I sat down with Enrique, I knew that this conversation wasn¡¯t going to be easy. He had been asking questions about his father, and I could see the pain in his eyes.


    ¡°Mommy, why doesn¡¯t Daddy love us anymore?¡± he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.


    I took a deep breath, trying to hold back my own tears.


    ¡°Sweetheart, sometimes people make choices that hurt others, and it is not your fault,¡± I exined gently.


    ¡°But why did he leave us?¡± he pressed, his voice quivering.


    I struggled to find the right words before I spoke again, ¡°Your father is just busy at work, darling.¡±


    ¡°But today is Saturday! Does he have work during the weekend?¡± my son asked again, looking up at me with confusion.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, baby,¡± I replied, my voice breaking. ¡°Sometimes, people don¡¯t think about how their actions affect others. He is just busy with work,¡± I lied for the nth time.


    Enrique nodded, but I could see the sadness in his eyes. It broke my heart to see him hurting like this, but I knew that I had to be strong for him.


    ¡°I wish he is here to y with me,¡± he said once again.


    ¡°Shhhh, always remember that you have me, and I will always be here for you,¡± I said, pulling him close for a hug.


    As we sat there, wrapped in each other¡¯s arms, I knew that this was just the beginning of a long journey, but I also knew that no matter what happened, I would always be there for my son, to help him navigate the pain and confusion thates with a heartless father.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°Am I adopted?¡± he asked, and I was too stunned to speak.


    When Enrique asked if he was adopted, I couldn¡¯t stop myself from crying. I didn¡¯t give a damn anymore if I cried in front of him. I felt devastated that the young boy would feel that way because of the way Lucas has treated him. The boy didn¡¯t want anything else but to be loved by his father, and yet, Lucas couldn¡¯t do that. I hate him for it!


    ¡°Are you crying because of me?¡± Enrique asked.


    ¡°No, something just went inside my eyes,¡± I ended up lying as soon as I saw his sad expressions. ¡°You still have a ss tomorrow, my son. It¡¯s time to go to bed now,¡± I told him.


    Fortunately, Enrique was naturally a good boy and he didn¡¯tin. A few momentster, I sighed in relief while watching him sleeping on his bed. He was such an adorable little boy who deserved nothing but pure love from his parents. Inwardly, I promised that I would love him every day regardless of my situation with Lucas.


    From Enrique¡¯s room, I went downstairs to get something to drink. I was so confused and I believed I needed a drink to be able to sleep. However, I wasn¡¯t ready when Lucas came and it seemed he needed a drink or two as well. I took two bottles of beer from the fridge ¨C one for Lucas and one for myself. It¡¯s still early to sleep.


    ¡°Here¡¯s your beer,¡± I said to Lucas as I handed him the cold beer.


    ¡°Are you going to drink too?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Of course, why not?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you might get drunk and make a mess in front of me, then you¡¯ll be embarrassed to face me tomorrow.¡±


    I justughed at Lucas¡¯s remark before I started drinking from the bottle I was holding. As we continued chatting, we ended up having one bottle each, then two, three, and I lost count of how many beers we finished. I realized I could handle drinking a lot without even getting drunk.


    It felt good to allow oneself to do whatever one wants, without following any rules or caring about the surroundings. I admit I am ate bloomer! But it¡¯s okay, because I could trust Lucas not to do anything bad if I happen to pass out from drinking too muchter. Besides, he despised me, so I was less worried he would do anything if I got wasted.


    ¡°Excuse me for a minute,¡± I stood up and asked him if I could use the bathroom. My stomach felt like it was about to explode, and I needed to pee urgently.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Do you want me to go with you?¡± he offered.


    But I refused. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I can manage on my own.¡± I said, even though I felt like I was floating in the air as I walked towards the nearest restroom.


    I struggled to keep my eyes open, trying to fight off the sudden drowsiness that engulfed my entire being. Upon entering the restroom, I immediately pulled down my sleeping shorts and sat on the toilet.


    ¡°Zara? Are you alright?¡± I heard Lucas¡¯s voice calling me, but I couldn¡¯t find the strength to respond.


    My eyes were almost unable to stay open due to extreme drowsiness. I was feeling fine just a while ago, why did I suddenly be so sleepy? Was I drunk?


    ¡°I¡¯ming in, okay?¡± He said, but my mind screamed that he couldn¡¯te in, yet no sound came out of my mouth.


    ¡°Zara!¡±


    He helped me get myself together, supporting me as we walked out of the bathroom. On our way to the living room, he gently squeezed my finger to keep me from falling asleep.


    ¡°Stay here for a moment, I¡¯ll get you some hot water,¡± Lucas said.


    I nodded and leaned my head against the sofa. I tried to open my eyes but quickly shut them again. The room was spinning rapidly, and I felt extremely nauseous. Damn! I cursed myself for being too confident with the alcohol.


    ¡°Here, drink this.¡±


    I tasted the warm water with a hint of salt. Gradually, I felt some relief and finished the cup Lucas gave me.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said as I started to feel a bit better.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll take you to your room.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll just stay here for now. You go to sleep,¡± I dismissed him as I leaned my head against the sofa.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do that,¡± Lucas said before he lifted me up.


    ¡°Just put me down, please.¡±


    Apart from feeling embarrassed by him carrying me upstairs to my room, I was also very ashamed of what happened in the bathroom. He was the one who fixed my sleeping shorts before we left. If only he didn¡¯t try to clean my private parts. Arrghh!


    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± He pushed the door of my room open with his foot.


    As we entered, he gentlyid me down on the bed and covered me with a nket. As he tucked me in, our eyes met. Maybe because of our close proximity, I saw and thought of many things.


    When I stared at him, I saw something dangerous in his eyes. Definitely dangerous for me! But at the same time, I felt what Lucas might be feeling too. It¡¯s embarrassing to admit, but my body felt warm due to our closeness. He was breathing heavily, and I couldn¡¯t deny my own desires any longer. Could it be because of the alcohol?


    ¡°Touch me,¡± I urged him.


    ¡°I would love to, but I don¡¯t want to take advantage of your weakness, Zara.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m really horny now,¡± I told him, trying to free myself from the thick nket to feel the warmth of his body.


    ¡°Me too. But this is wrong.¡±


    ¡°Please? Just once.¡±


    ¡°Zara¡­¡±


    I wanted him to caress my body, but he didn¡¯t want to. So, I had no choice but to be bold and wild. I grabbed his face and kissed his lips. The excitement inside me was so strong that I had a hard time catching my breath.


    ¡°Damn!¡± He cursed.


    I heard Lucas curse after I removed my shorts and tank top. Then, slowly and carefully, he touched my breast and gently sucked my nipple. I moaned at his actions; each suck and bite sent shivers through my body.


    In one swift motion, Lucas and I switched positions. I was on top of him, and like lightning, I removed all his clothes. We were both naked, but I didn¡¯t feel the cold air from the aircon unit. In fact, we both burned with passion.


    Because of the intense heat, I didn¡¯t even think about how thirsty I was for carnal pleasure. I explored his hardness and then slowly, I straddled him, attempting to insert him into my body.


    ¡°Slowly¡­.¡± he said, but I didn¡¯t listen, something I would regret after I felt the fullness of his manhood inside me. It was like being split in half, and I winced in pain.


    ¡°I warned you,¡± he smirked.


    ¡°But this is not my first time!¡± I argued with Lucas while he was still inside me.


    He moved and sat while still inside me. Then he started kissing me while squeezing my breasts at the same time.


    ¡°Hmmmmm¡­.¡± a moan escaped me when I felt Lucas move inside me.


    At first, it was slow and gentle, but then he became rough and as wild as a crazy horse.


    He pleasured my body in a way that I loved and enjoyed! He explored every corner, leaving me struggling to breathe, and I felt like my body could copse at any minute from what he was doing to me.


    With each thrust ¨C deeper, slower, faster, and harder ¨C the sensation was just too much for me to handle, and I wanted some release. I wanted to ease the pain in my abdomen. I wanted to¡­


    ¡°Oh God¡­ Lucas!¡±


    Lucas quickened his pace, and we both moaned loudly. I tried to match his movements until I couldn¡¯t hold on any longer and surrenderedpletely.


    ¡°Lucas¡­.!¡± I don¡¯t even know how many times I screamed his name as we both reached the peak of pleasure.

 CHAPTER 4

    Zara¡¯s POV


    My body was used to waking up at five in the morning. Yes, my eyes were wide open, but my mind was nk. Thest thing I remember was telling Lucas that I would go to the bathroom for a moment. Then he apanied me back to the living room and gave me some hot water. After that¡­ he carried me upstairs¡­ into my room.


    Oh my! I touched myself because I felt like something inappropriate happened. I¡¯m really naked! My suspicion was correct.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake, good morning,¡± someone suddenly spoke close to me.


    His hair was still wet, and a few drops of water were trickling down his neck.


    ¡°Lucas? What are you doing here?¡± I asked because even if we were married, we slept separately.


    ¡°I spent the night here, don¡¯t you remember?¡± he said to me, and of course, I was shocked.


    Who wouldn¡¯t be surprised by his revtion? ¡°Why? I mean, why did you sleep here?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Because you asked me to,¡± he replied.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡± I told him because what he¡¯s saying is impossible; I didn¡¯t invite him to spend the night in my room. As if!This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Common, Zara. We¡¯re not kids anymore to deny what happened between usst night. But I understand if you¡¯re still in denial stage right now,¡± he said.


    ¡°So, I have to ept whatever happened even if I don¡¯t want to because I¡¯m getting older. Is that what you¡¯re telling me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not implying that you¡¯re old already. What I¡¯m saying is, we are both adults and mature enough to deal with our situation now!¡±


    ¡°Adult and mature. Hah! But you should¡¯ve controlled yourself!¡± I couldn¡¯t stop myself from raising my voice.


    ¡°I tried to stop you but-¡±


    ¡°But what?¡±


    ¡°I was not strong enough to resist the temptation. You were so beautiful and seductivest night. Besides, am I not allowed to sleep with my wife?¡±


    ¡°You are mean!¡±


    ¡°Mean or not, I have every right to sleep with you or to fuck you whenever I want to. Remember this, Zara. As my wife, you have an obligations to fulfill my sexual needs,¡± he reminded me.


    I wanted to respond, but he quickly left my room and mmed the door shut. It seems like Lucas¡¯s signature way of closing doors ¨C always mming! Was he the one who should be angry with both of us? After all, I was the one who took advantage of himst night.


    I got up and made my bed before heading to the bathroom to take a shower. I wanted to get rid of the beer smell from my body and also Lucas¡¯s scent.


    I took a three-minute shower before filling the tub with hot water. I added a few drops of rose oil to the water. Before getting into the tub, I lit some scented candles and grabbed a romance novel to read.


    The story of the book I read was beautiful, but I couldn¡¯t stay too long in the bathtub as I had guests to attend to. I folded the book and returned it to its ce. I used a body wash cream to keep my skin clean and moisturized.


    After rinsing off the remaining soap from my body, I inspected my private area to see if I needed to shave. Good thing it was still clean and pretty down there. Somehow, I felt a bit relieved when I remembered that Lucas already saw that part. Lord, help me. I was not yet fully dressed when Lucas suddenly entered my walk-in closet. His timing is really something! Just when I was adjusting my bra, he entered.


    ¡°Next time, knock first!¡±


    ¡°I was worried when I couldn¡¯t find you!¡±


    ¡°And where would I go, huh?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but maybe you¡¯ll try to escape¡­ from me. You know what I mean, right?¡±


    ¡°Maybe, but it¡¯s unlikely to happen. If you¡¯ll excuse me, I¡¯ll change now, then I¡¯ll prepare our breakfast.¡±


    ¡°Take your time¡­ but please don¡¯t wear that skirt,¡± he ordered.


    For the second time, I was not given a chance to respond as he was gone again. Lucas was really fast when leaving my room. I took a good look at the denim skirt I originally nned to wear. What¡¯s his problem with it? In the end, I chose a navy blue pocket dress with a floral pattern before heading downstairs.


    ¡°How about we eat outside?¡± I suggested to Lucas because we seldom go out as a family. When I nced at Enrique, I immediately regretted for suggesting such a thing. He looked hopeful, and I knew he would be disappointedter on.


    ¡°No,¡± Lucas said before leaving us, but a few momentster, he returned and whispered into my ears everything that we didst night. Did he really have to do that? What was his intention? To torment me that he could have my body but I couldn¡¯t have his heart?


    In the past, I had no problem being alone with Lucas in the same room or ce. Our dynamics have really changed because I no longer feltfortable being alone with him. I felt uneasy around him.


    ¡°Are you ufortable with me?¡± he asked, and it¡¯s obvious, isn¡¯t it?


    But I couldn¡¯t answer immediately. I wanted to deny that everything¡¯s okay between us, that nothing happened between us, but I couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°Honestly, yes.¡±


    ¡°Me too. And whose fault is this?¡±


    I wanted to ask him if he would also be hurt if I suddenly avoid him and if he would be upset with me. But I chose to remain silent and fortunately, he left me alone and never came back. So, when he was gone, I started preparing breakfast. Lucas could go to hell and I wouldn¡¯t give a damn!


    Last night, I was shocked when he asked if he was adopted. I was speechless for a moment, but I came up with a better exnation to make him understand the situation even at his age. After our heart-to-heart talk, he voluntarily came with me to the dining room, and we enjoyed the meal together.


    ¡°Mom, your cooking is the best! Especially the fried chicken,¡± heplimented my cooking before taking a big bite.


    I chuckled and wiped the side of his lips. ¡°Eat slowly, young man. You don¡¯t want to choke, right?¡±


    ¡°Okay, Mom.¡±


    After enjoying the food that I cooked for him, I took out our favorite cake. He loved sweets, but since I didn¡¯t want to ruin his teeth, I decided to learn baking to have better control of the sugars. I baked him cupcakes with different vors, but we both loved the red velvet one.


    All of a sudden, my cellphone rang, and there was a video call request from Nichs Rutherford. For a moment, I was hesitant to take the call. It had been a long time since we talked, but he was a friend.


    ¡°Hi, Nick!¡±


    He smiled handsomely. It¡¯s no wonder that way back in our college days, he was the talk of the female students at Emerald University.


    ¡°Hello, my beautiful best friend,¡± he greeted with his signature yful smile.


    I immediately looked at his blue eyes, which he got from his British father. Then, suddenly, I became ufortable looking at him. Was it because of Antote¡¯s suggestion to date him?


    ¡°How are you doing?¡± I asked, subtly changing the topic.


    He acted like he was hurt. As far as I know, he¡¯s currently in another country for theunching of his new brand for a clothing line. I wished we could talk just like in the past, but when I nced at Enrique, he seemed to be disappointed.


    ¡°Who is that, Mom?¡± he asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s Uncle Nick,¡± I replied, but before I could exin further, Enrique rudely took my phone.


    ¡°Hi, Uncle Nick!¡±


    I know that Lucas prohibited me from talking to anyone, but Nick was an exception. We were friends for a long time. Besides, I had no interest in Nick for a romantic rtionship.


    ¡°Hey, buddy. How¡¯re your studies?¡± Nick was all smiles.


    In fact, Nick had been more of a father than Lucas. I remembered the day I was about to go intobor. I writhed in pain, and my water broke. I tried to reach Lucas, but he was nowhere to be found. He was on a date with his girlfriend because it was her birthday.


    I had no choice back then but to call Nick, and he didn¡¯t hesitate to pick me up and bring me to the hospital. He and Antote were with me for almost a few hours after giving birth. I don¡¯t want to think about the past. My chest was too heavy. I shed a lot of tears for Lucas ckwood.


    While Nick was talking to my son, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if I ended up with Nick and not with Lucas. Would I be happy? Would Enrique be happy?


    After they talked, Enrique ended the call without returning the phone to me. The call was already disconnected when he handed it back to me. Then, he excused himself to continue watching the television show. I was supposed to wash the tes when Nick called again. For a moment, I was tempted to ignore the call, but then, I couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°Wazzup, Nick? You called again,¡± I said.


    ¡°You know that Giselle is one of my clothing models, right? Your husband is also here to support her,¡± he told me, but I wished he didn¡¯t bother.


    I felt a new weight in my chest, and it was painful¡­ I thought there was no pain because I was used to it.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine¡­ he told me about it,¡± I lied to save face, but Nick suddenly became furious and raised his voice.


    ¡°No, it is not fine, Zara! Are you crazy? I just told you that your husband is cheating on you, and then, you will tell me that it¡¯s fine. What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    When Nick raised his voice at me, the tears that had been brewing for a while now willingly ran down my cheeks. Nick looked at me through the video call with confusion and pity in his eyes.


    ¡°Hey, Zara. Listen to me, buddy. Don¡¯t you cry for that idiot! Hey, stop crying,¡± he asked me.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s because of you,¡± I told Nick.


    ¡°Why do you cry for the bastard? Divorce him,¡± he suggested.


    ¡°I think I will,¡± I said, and then I lied about Enrique calling me.


    The call ended. Supposedly, I would stare into nothingness while imagining Lucas with Giselle, being sweet with one another, or even kissing in public.


    However, this time, I reacted differently. I picked up the tes and brought them to the sink. Last week, I had a maid, but only God knows what Lucas did to her because she suddenly went AWOL. It had always been like that. He would never oppose hiring a maid, but then, he would encourage the maid to go AWOL or absent without official leave.


    After drying the tes on the white mat, I joined Enrique in the living room. Together, we watched cartoons, and when it was time for snacks, I stood up to get some refreshments.


    Whenever Lucas was not home, I would be free to bezy. No one would tell me what to do. I knew that what Lucas was doing had an emotional and psychological impact on my son and me, and yet, I was hesitant to leave him for good.


    For every special day in Enrique¡¯s life, Lucas would never bother to show up. My son never experienced spending time with his Daddy during birthdays and other special asions.


    Just like me, it seemed that Enrique wouldn¡¯t experience a father¡¯s love, and it was heartbreaking. However, I couldn¡¯t just me Lucas for our dysfunctional family. It was all my fault.


    I should be the one to be med, and Enrique should hate me more. Oh God, I was confused by everything. Was it really my fault? Was everything my fault from the start?


    Later that evening, after picking up Enrique from school and having dinner together, I knew it was time to have a serious conversation with him. I waited until we were both settled on the couch and then I gently took his hands in mine.


    ¡°Enrique, there¡¯s something important I need to talk to you about,¡± I began, trying to find the right words.


    He looked at me with those innocent eyes, and I felt a pang of guilt wash over me. My sweet little boy didn¡¯t deserve to go through this.


    ¡°What is it, Mom?¡± he asked, sensing the seriousness in my tone.


    ¡°I want to talk to you about Daddy and me. You know that we haven¡¯t been very happytely, right?¡± I said softly.


    He nodded, his expression serious, and I continued, ¡°Well, sometimes grown-ups have disagreements, and it can make them sad. And when grown-ups are sad, it can affect their rtionships with others, even the people they love the most.¡±


    ¡°Are you and Daddy sad because of me?¡± he asked his voice breaking, and it broke my heart to see him me himself.


    ¡°No, sweetheart, it¡¯s not your fault at all. You are the light of my life, and I love you more than anything in this world. Mommy and Daddy¡¯s problems have nothing to do with you,¡± I reassured him, wiping away a tear from his cheek.


    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you both smile like we used to?¡± he asked innocently.


    I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to exin this to him in a way that he would understand.


    ¡°It¡¯s like when you used to love ying with a certain toy, but as you grow older, you find other things you like. It doesn¡¯t mean you didn¡¯t love that toy; it¡¯s just that things change,¡± I said gently.


    ¡°But I want things to be like before,¡± he said, his lower lip trembling.


    I pulled him into a tight hug, trying tofort him, ¡°I know, baby. I wish things could be like before too. But sometimes, life doesn¡¯t work out the way we want it to. And it¡¯s okay to feel sad about it.¡±


    He stayed in my embrace, and we sat there quietly for a while, his little arms wrapped around me tightly.


    ¡°Mom, are you going to leave me too?¡± he asked hesitantly.


    My heart shattered into a million pieces at his words. I never wanted him to feel abandoned, and the thought of leaving him hurt me deeply.


    ¡°No, baby, I would never leave you. I will always be here for you, no matter what,¡± I said, trying to sound as reassuring as possible.


    ¡°But if you and Daddy don¡¯t love each other anymore, why do you still stay together?¡± he asked, and I knew he was too young to understand theplexities of rtionships.


    ¡°It¡¯s not because we don¡¯t love you, but we want to make sure you have a stable and happy life. But if Mommy and Daddy are not happy together, it¡¯s not fair to anyone, especially you,¡± I exined.


    He seemed to absorb my words, and after a moment, he spoke again, ¡°So, what are you going to do, Mom?¡±


    I sighed, knowing this was the moment I needed to be honest with him.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s time for Mommy and Daddy to live apart, sweetheart. We both love you very much, and we will always be your parents, but we need to figure out a way to be happy,¡± I said gently.


    Enrique¡¯s eyes welled up with tears again, and he buried his face in my shoulder, sobbing softly. I held him close, whisperingforting words and trying to soothe his pain.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to leave,¡± he said between sobs.


    ¡°I know, baby, and I don¡¯t want to leave you either. But sometimes, grown-ups need to make hard decisions for the best. We will figure it out together, okay? You and me, we will always be a team,¡± I said, hoping to bring him somefort.


    As the night went on, I held my son close, promising him that no matter what happened, I would always be there for him. We both cried that night, but in each other¡¯s arms, we found a little sce.

 CHAPTER 5

    Zara¡¯s POV


    I had fallen asleep while lost in thought. If it weren¡¯t for the knocking on my door, I wouldn¡¯t have woken up. I quickly got up and approached the door.


    ¡°Enrique, it¡¯s you.¡± I was slightly disappointed when I saw the little girl at the door.


    ¡°Are you sick?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not. Why do you ask?¡± I answered with a question while fixing my hair.


    ¡°Daddy told me to ask if you¡¯re okay.¡± I tried not tough at Enrique¡¯s statement because I was sure Lucas must have warned her not to let me know he was concerned about my health. Such drama!


    ¡°I see, so where is he now?¡±


    ¡°Cooking dinner.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°But I think he needs your help!¡± Enrique said, sounding worried.


    ¡°Really?¡± I replied while trying to look presentable.


    You see, when I just woke up, my appearance changes slightly ¨C not that I look like an alien, but it¡¯s noticeably different.


    ¡°Yes, Miss.¡±


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go and see your dad,¡± I said to the child, and we both went downstairs to the kitchen.


    What the hell? I couldn¡¯t help but curse silently when I saw the mess in my kitchen.


    ¡°Enrique, stay with your brother for now, okay? I¡¯ll help your dad with cooking.¡±


    As soon as Enrique left, I immediately confronted Lucas.


    ¡°You knew you can¡¯t cook a proper meal, so why?¡±


    I mean, I¡¯m asking why he dared to intervene in my kitchen when all he¡¯s capable of is making toasted bread. Yes, he¡¯s a frustrated chef, but he shouldn¡¯t be practicing in my kitchen. It¡¯s just uneptable!


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry, and the kids were hungry too! Did you n to starve us?¡±


    And now I¡¯m the one to me!


    ¡°You should have woke me up!¡±


    My anger subsided a bit.


    ¡°But you said I wasn¡¯t allowed to go to your room¡­¡± He peeked at me and seemed amused.


    I took offense when he smirked. ¡°Is there something funny?¡±


    ¡°No, none at all. I just remembered how you look when you just woke up.¡±


    Without warning, I lightly punched his arm.


    ¡°Is being a gentleman just fake for you, Mr. Khalifa?¡± I was about to forget the embarrassing incident that only the two of us knew, but my mind changed quickly when he suddenly hugged me.


    ¡°You knew that I was gentle with you!¡± He whispered into my ear while hugging me tightly.


    My ear tickled, but I couldn¡¯tugh because he might misunderstand my reaction to his whisper. I bit my lower lip to prevent any noise that might be misinterpreted by him, then I tried to calm down and pushed him away.


    ¡°What do you really want?¡± I asked him because I couldn¡¯t understand his actions anymore.


    ¡°I want you,¡± he whispered to me.


    ¡°Really?¡± Just like that? Is he already interested in me just because we had a one-night stand? Well, it¡¯s like magic if that¡¯s the case.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth, Zara. Why won¡¯t you believe me?¡±


    ¡°Oh, Lucas, just stop it, okay? What truth are you talking about? Justst week, you were head over heels for Kate. Don¡¯t mess with me! I¡¯ll never allow you to be just a rebound!¡± My speech might have been a bit long and profound, but it came from the depths of my heart.


    I realized that a woman like me could easily fall in love. It only took a little bit of sweet-talking, and my heart would give in. Maybe if I had been involved with other men before, I would wouldn¡¯t be so gullible to Lucas. Soon, I must find some ways to get away from him!


    ¡°Why are you here, Lucas? You said you are going to meet with Giselle,¡± I reminded him about the things he told after ravishing my body.


    ¡°Later, Zara,¡± he replied before walking out of the kitchen without looking back.


    I shrugged my shoulders and started cleaning up. I cook better when my countertop or the whole kitchen was clean. A cluttered kitchen would always ruin my mood but it was Lucas who messed up in my work area.


    Once I finished cooking and setting the table, I called the whole family to eat, even though it was quitete. Enrique seemed to enjoy the food I prepared, but Lucas was the only one not enjoying the meal. He was busy with his phone until the food got cold.


    The next morning, around four o¡¯clock, I woke up, and Enrique was already awake too. Only Lucas was missing, and we were about to leave. I wondered what was taking him so long! It was unusual for him to take us to the mall but he promised Enrique he would do it with us this morning.


    ¡°Enrique, please tell your father to hurry up.¡± I asked our son, who was battling sleepiness with excitement.


    After a few minutes, Enrique was back, but Lucas was still nowhere to be found.


    ¡°How about your father?¡±


    ¡°I think he¡¯s sick, Mom,¡± Enrique answered.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Was he getting sick now when we¡¯re about to leave? No, I didn¡¯t think it was the case. I believed Lucas had second thought about going to the mall with us. Before Enrique would be disappointed, I went to see Lucas.


    As expected, he was fine but decided not to go. So, I ended up begging him not to disappoint my son once again. He only agreed when I chose a not so famous mall in the city. I waited for him while he was getting ready so that he wouldn¡¯t have another chance to make an excuse.


    While we were heading to the mall, I only spoke when Enrique would ask me some questions. My hand was sweating from holding my mobile phone for so long but I was really ufortable around Lucas.


    ¡°Are you waiting for someone to call you?¡± he asked.


    I didn¡¯t respond to his inquiry; instead, I put my phone inside my sling bad and held Enrique¡¯s hand. When we arrived at the mall, he kept a safe distance from us. I felt bad for my son when Lucas refused to hold him, and then he pretended to busy calling someone. In my mind, I wondered if he was calling Giselle at the moment.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let go of my hand, Ken,¡± I said to my son. Sometimes I would call him by his nickname.


    ¡°But I am a big boy now, Mom. I am sure I can manage,¡± he replied while trying to get away from my hold.


    ¡°Don¡¯t use that tone with me, little boy!¡± I scolded him in a way I knew wouldn¡¯t hurt him too much.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mom,¡± he immediately apologized.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I understand that you are a big boy now, but there could be bad guys in the mall. So, do you want to eat first before shopping for toys?¡±


    ¡°I will look for a good restaurant,¡± Lucas said from a distance.


    We followed him when he was looking for a nice ce to eat when I saw someone who shouldn¡¯t be at the mall. I suddenly stopped walking and bumped into my husband¡¯s back.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lucas asked.


    Anyone in my position would also lose focus and stopped walking. I became speechless while staring at Giselle. She was so beautiful even with a simple dress and I was insecure. Before Lucas could tell me what to do, I dragged Enrique to another direction. I wasn¡¯t that far when Giselle squealed in delight for seeing Lucas!


    I wanted to confront them or even pped the woman but my conscience stopped me. Besides, I wasn¡¯t a scandalous person. Therefore, I lied to my son that Lucas received an emergency call from the office, and he couldn¡¯t join us. Enrique pouted but he understood there was nothing else we could do at the moment.


    I took him to a fast food restaurant that was popr with kids and ordered a kiddie meal for him. He seemed to be contented and as I watched him eat his food, I felt bad for the little boy. I wanted to drag Lucas from that woman but Giselle had no idea he was married.


    From the fast food, we went to a toy store but Enrique lost the drive to go shopping and asked if we could just go home. I knew he was sad, and at that moment, I hated Lucas. When we got home, Enrique went to his room, and said he was tired, but I knew better.


    I took a deep breath before I went downstairs to prepare his favorite snacks. However, while cooking, I couldn¡¯t focus because I was thinking about Lucas and Giselle. In the evening, Lucas didn¡¯te home.


    Well, he didn¡¯te for several days!


    When Lucas came home after a week of being with Giselle, I expected he would be kind to Enrique, who missed him for a long time, but Lucas was just the same jerk. He still treated Enrique and me coldly. He was so indifferent toward us!


    He quickly changed his clothes and took the car key. Even though it waste, he would go to his girlfriend¡¯s condominium. Sometimes, I wondered if Lucas would get tired of looking at Giselle¡¯s face, as her makeup seemed to never leave her face, but then, he really loved Giselle.


    ¡°Come on, son. Let¡¯s go to sleep,¡± I informed Enrique.


    Then, I washed him and prepared him for bed. Just like his father, Enrique loved to sleep without anything on. As soon as his back hit the bed, he was immediately asleep.


    Since I couldn¡¯t sleep, I got up from bed and went outside to get a ss of milk. While in the kitchen, my mind wandered to Lucas and Giselle. Were they cozy on the balcony, drinking wine, and embracing each other while stargazing?


    I gulped the remaining milk in the ss and afterward, I returned to my room. I believed that reading a book would help me be sleepy. My footsteps echoed in the hallway because the silence was deafening. Deep inside, I asked myself if I was waiting for him toe home.


    Even if he would just be sleeping in another room, knowing he was close would give me peace. When I entered the room, it was awfully quiet. Then, I changed my mind. Instead of reading a book, I would just cuddle with my little boy. I thought he was already asleep, but he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m sorry,¡± he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.


    I faced him and gentlybed his hair with my fingers. ¡°Sorry for what, baby?¡± I asked in a low voice.


    ¡°Sorry for having me. I feel like it¡¯s my fault, why you have to endure Daddy¡¯s indifference to you,¡± his voice quivered when he said those words.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    While listening to him, I almost lost my breath. The wordsing out of his mouth deeply pierced my heart. When I looked into his eyes, I wondered what was going on inside his head.


    ¡°Ken, what are you talking about? It¡¯s not your fault, okay? Go to sleep now, do you want me to sing for you?¡± I asked gently, but then he suddenly cried. I didn¡¯t know what to do but hug him.


    I cried too, and I couldn¡¯t stop my tears from falling. It¡¯s okay for me to be suffering and hurt. But not my son! Not my child!


    I couldn¡¯t believe that he was hurting more than me! What have I done? Because of my one-sided love for Lucas, I let my son suffer silently! I allowed him to think that he was a worthless son.


    I wiped my son¡¯s tears. I spoke sweetly, ¡°Enrique, listen, baby, okay? It is part of our life. And don¡¯t ever say and think that you brought this pain. You didn¡¯t cause this, son. In truth, maybe if you were not here with me right now, maybe I¡¯d be even more miserable. Maybe I¡¯d be even more depressed. Baby, Mommy draws strength from you, alright? You are my only treasure. Always remember that.¡±


    My son nodded slightly and said, ¡°I love you, Mom.¡±


    ¡°Mommy loves you too. Never forget that.¡±


    The next day, I woke up early to cook breakfast. It was just enough for the two of us because Lucas never came homest night. As if I¡¯m not used to it. He was always absent in our lives.


    Enrique ate his pancakes with gusto. Thankfully, his appetite wasn¡¯t affected by ourst night¡¯s conversation. When I looked at him, he just smiled.


    ¡°Do you want more chocte syrup?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Yes, and more strawberries, Mom.¡±


    While he was eating, I couldn¡¯t eat my food. I had no appetite. So, I just had a cup of my favorite coffee. Then, I called my husband¡¯s secretary to ask something about the man I married.


    Actually, it wasn¡¯t my style to call his assistant, but it was urgent. If only I could call him personally, then it would be better. When ites to us, Lucas treated us like staff who had to go through his secretary.


    ¡°Hello, Mary, good day to you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, hi Miss Dfontaine. How can I help you?¡±


    ¡°Can I speak with your boss?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but he is not yet here, Miss Dfontaine. It¡¯s still seven in the morning, and he usuallyes at eight,¡± Mary said on the other line.


    While listening to Mary, I was embarrassed. She was right. It was seven and yet, I called her to ask about Lucas ckwood. She was probablyughing behind my back. But then, I have known Mary for more than six years. She was one of the few who knew the truth between me and Lucas.


    ¡°Hmmm, Mary, do you know if Lucas has any ns for his birthday?¡± I inquired because his birthday would be next month. He never celebrated it with me or Enrique.


    ¡°Hold on, let me check his schedule. Hmmm, he will go to Japan with Giselle on that day, Miss.¡±


    When I heard it, I was not surprised. After all, he has been celebrating every special asion in his life with Giselle. However, I wished he would change his ns this year. I hoped he could spend it with us.


    I sighed deeply. Then, I thanked Mary for letting me know. When I nced at Enrique, he was still eating, but I knew he was listening. Perhaps, Antote was right. I should just divorce Lucas and go to Nick. Speaking of Antote, I sent her a message to grab some coffeeter.


    After dropping Enrique off at his school, Antote and I immediately went to the nearest coffee shop. As expected, Nick informed her about what Lucas did. She was furious but I warned her to minimize her voice.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t believe it when Nick told me. Do you know he was furious when you said it was fine? Zara, are you crazy?¡±


    ¡°Giselle has no idea he is married to me,¡± I reminded her, and she snorted.


    ¡°I know, right? Then, why not do something about it? Slowly inform the public that he is married! Girl, you are the wife! Surely, you know what to do in this matter!¡±


    ¡°Actually, I have several ideas, Antote, but I don¡¯t want toplicate things because it can hurt my son more,¡± I told her.


    ¡°Goodness! Do you want my help? I can ruin his reputation with a few posts online,¡± she suggested.


    ¡°And you will just be dragging my name into the dirt,¡± I said.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Anyway, the only solution is to divorce him, and about the contract, tell him you will pay for the damages. Just let me know the amount,¡± she told me.


    ¡°Should I be wasting my money for freedom?¡± I asked her.


    Lucas had no idea that Antote and I had formed a partnership before. I invested my savings into the business, and in just a few years, the amount was tripled, and even more. Currently, our dessert shops have branches everywhere.


    ¡°If money can give you freedom, do it. Do it for yourself, Zara. Do it for Enrique. Your son doesn¡¯t deserve to be suffering in that household,¡± she said, and I was reminded of the way Enrique criedst night.


    ¡°I will talk to him about divorce tonight,¡± I informed Antote, and she gave me a thumbs-up before she went to get our coffee.

 CHAPTER 6

    Zara¡¯s POV


    I was surprised upon seeing Lucas when I got home. Then suddenly, Lucas imed that he had a stomachache and needed to rest. As if I would care to check on him or disturb him! What was wrong with him? He didn¡¯t have to put on some drama right after spending a lot of time with his girlfriend.


    But then, I was all talk, andcked actions. I tried my best to ignore the fact the he was sick but after a few moments, I found myself knocking on his door. When he allowed me to enter, I slowly walked inside and found him lying on his bed. I thought he was lying, but then, he really looked like he was sick!


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you want to see a doctor?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to. I¡¯ll be fine with some rest. Why do you insist on seeing a doctor? Are you concerned about me?¡± he asked, but I just rolled my eyes at him.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to see a doctor, then it¡¯s your problem!¡± I stood up, walked straight to the door, and left.


    He kept on irritating me with his words, and I wasn¡¯tfortable with what he¡¯s saying. Yes, we lived under the same roof but I barely paid attention to him because he was mostly absent from my life of even from our son¡¯s life. I didn¡¯t care even if I saw him walking around the house without a shirt because I never paid attention to his body, but now, even though he was wearing a lot of clothes, I could imagine his naked body underneath. In short, I desired him!


    However, it would be wrong to want him all the time. I couldn¡¯t afford to get pregnant for the second time. It¡¯s something I shouldn¡¯t do as a woman especially when Lucas couldn¡¯t reciprocate my love for him.


    But of course, even though I didn¡¯t want to see him again, I had no choice. I had to check on him and brought him some food. For the nth time, I convinced myself that I was only doing it for my son¡¯s sake.


    Carrying a tray with food for him, I knocked before entering his room. When there was no answer, I panicked that something bad had happened to him. So, slowly, I pushed the door open, but he¡¯s gone!  Where could he be?  Was he struggling in the bathroom or did he pass out inside? I got worried so quickly, I rushed to the bathroom.


    Because of my panic, I didn¡¯t hear the door opening and I identally bumped into the man as he came out of the bathroom. With his body size and the impact, I was knocked off bnce and fell backward quite far. I expected him to catch me while falling, just like in the movies, but no, he didn¡¯t try to help me.


    He just let me fall to the floor even though he saw me grimaced in pain from the impact on my lower back. He continued walking toward the closet to get his clothes. Then, I noticed he was only wrapped in a towel and had just taken a shower. Instead of looking away because he was topless, I boldly stood up and approached him. I was about to confront him for letting me fall to the floor, but different words came out of my mouth.


    ¡°I thought you were sick?¡± I raised my voice as I faced him.


    ¡°Rx, Zara. I just took a bath,¡± he answered.


    ¡°Rx? What if your stomach pain gets worse? You¡¯re so stubborn, Lucas! You¡¯re like a child!¡± I couldn¡¯t stop myself from scolding him like that.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine now. I called my personal doctor, and he told me I wouldn¡¯t die from a stomachache,¡± he exined.


    ¡°By the way, I¡¯m going overseas with Giselle,¡± he announced and I was momentarily speechless when his words sunk in.


    ¡°W-what did you say? When are you leaving?¡± I immediately changed the question because he always apanied Giselle whenever he has a free time to waste.


    ¡°We¡¯re leaving tomorrow morning,¡± he told me while busy choosing his sleepwear.


    ¡°So soon? Can¡¯t you go on another day?¡± The news shocked me; I didn¡¯t expect them to leave so soon. I wasn¡¯t ready!


    ¡°When I¡¯m gone, will you miss me?¡± he suddenly asked.


    ¡°No, of course not, but our son will miss you,¡± I lied. Of course, I¡¯ll miss him too!


    ¡°Okay. Anyway, thanks for taking care of me, Zara. I¡¯ll see you again soon,¡± he promised.


    ¡°Anytime,¡± I said as I thanked him.


    I looked at him with confused eyes, but isn¡¯t this what I wanted? Not seeing him every day? Well then, my wish was about toe true.


    ¡°What time should I take you to the airport tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Six in the morning will be good,¡± he said. ¡°Oh wait, you don¡¯t have to do it.¡±


    ¡°Noted. Hmm, there¡¯s food on the table if you¡¯re hungry,¡± I said while heading to the door to leave. I turned the doorknob when suddenly Lucas approached me. I looked back. ¡°Do you need anything else?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°No, I just want you to lock the door when you leave.¡±


    For a moment, I couldn¡¯t move from where I was standing, and my eyes blinked several times due to what he said.


    When I finally stepped outside, I stayed there for a moment in case he changed his mind and ran after me. But in just an hour, nothing happened. Of course, I stopped myself from knocking on his door, pretending to be hard to get!


    As I stood outside, my heart pounded in my chest, hoping he woulde rushing after me. The street felt eerily quiet, and every passing minute only heightened my anxiety. Maybe he needed more time to think, I reassured myself.


    An hour passed, but there was no sign of him. I battled the urge to go back, to knock on his door and confront him about his feelings. But I knew I had to stay strong, to show him I wasn¡¯t desperate. I decided to y hard to get, even if it was tearing me apart inside.


    The night air felt cool against my skin as I wandered aimlessly, trying to distract myself from the ache in my heart. I reyed our conversation over and over, searching for any signs that he might still care. But the more I analyzed it, the more confused I became.


    Was it all a mistake? Did I read too much into his words and actions? I felt like a fool for letting myself fall so hard, only to be left hanging in uncertainty.


    To stop thinking about Lucas and Giselle, I took Enrique to the nearest park. Enrique yed in the park for a couple of minutes but since there were no other kids present at that time, he got bored and wanted to go home to watch his favorite cartoons.


    As soon as we arrived home, an eerie silence engulfed the atmosphere. Lucas was already present, sitting in a daze, while sipping on his wine. He absentmindedly switched on the television, flipping through channels until he stumbled upon his girlfriend¡¯s face.


    My son, Enrique, approached Lucas timidly.


    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m watching cartoons.¡±


    Lucas stared at him, a coldness settling over his features. He handed Enrique a tablet dismissively. ¡°Watch it on YouTube. Don¡¯t bother me.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m following it there,¡± Enrique replied, his voice quivering.


    Lucas¡¯s anger surged like a volcano about to erupt. ¡°CAN¡¯T YOU UNDERSTAND? JUST WATCH IT THERE! ON THE TABLET! STUPID!¡±


    I felt frozen in ce, witnessing Lucas yelling at our innocent son, who appeared scared and shocked. Lucas seemed taken aback by his own outburst, but it was toote-our son had fainted from fear and shock when Lucas screamed at him.


    ¡°Enrique, my son!¡±


    Shaking with anger and fear, I couldn¡¯t believe Lucas could stoop this low. I scooped up my son, and when Lucas reached out to grab him, I yelled at him with every ounce of my being.


    ¡°DON¡¯T TOUCH ME! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, LUCAS? I WISH YOU¡¯D JUST SHOW SOME PATIENCE WITH THAT KID! HE¡¯S A CHILD, NOT JUST ANY CHILD, BUT YOUR OWN SON! I¡¯D RATHER YOU SLAP ME IN THE FACE! JUST HOW COULD YOU?!¡±


    I hurriedly got into the car and sped off, making a quick call to Nick. Confusion overwhelmed me.


    ¡®Damn it! Not my son! Please, not my son.¡¯


    As I drove, I tried to steady myself and regainposure. I needed to stay calm, to focus on the road ahead. I put on my AirPods and dialed Nick¡¯s number.


    ¡°Nick¡­ Something terrible happened to my son. Pleasee to the hospital with us.¡±


    ¡°Huh?! Which hospital? Alright, I¡¯ll be right there!¡±


    Upon arriving at the private hospital, my son was promptly taken to a room. I remained outside, anxiously waiting for news about his condition.


    Lucas¡¯s behavior had reached a breaking point for me. I couldn¡¯t subject my son to any more of his cruelty. Lucas had brought nothing but pain and suffering into our lives.


    Perhaps it was time for me to put an end to this madness. As a mother, I felt a deep wound from the incident. Our family cannot continue to crumble like this. I simply couldn¡¯t bear it any longer.


    While waiting outside the room, I couldn¡¯t contain my frustration any longer, and tears began streaming down my face. Through my tear-filled eyes, I saw Lucas approaching me.


    ¡°How¡¯s my-¡±


    I didn¡¯t let him finish his sentence. I deliberately pped him across the face. My heart was consumed by anger. I despised him.


    ¡°What are you doing here?! We don¡¯t need you anymore! I hope you understand, even if it¡¯s just a little¡­ I wish you had thought of him as your own flesh and blood.¡±


    My crying intensified, echoing the depth of my pain.


    ¡°Enrique will be alright,¡± he said calmly.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gone too far, Lucas! I can¡¯t understand you anymore. I can¡¯t endure this any longer¡­ What you did was unforgivable. I wish you had just pped me or hit me physically. But I¡¯m begging you, Lucas. Don¡¯t hurt my son. It¡¯s as if you¡¯ve killed me as a mother!¡±


    As they say, everyone has their breaking point. My heart, like a candle, had flickered and struggled against the gusts of Lucas¡¯s abuse for far too long. And now, it had finally been extinguished. The love I once held for him had turned to ashes, scattered in the winds of his cruel words and actions.


    Lucas stood before me, his face flushed from the impact of my p. His eyes held a mixture of surprise, regret, and perhaps a glimmer of realization. But it was toote. His apologies meant nothing to me anymore.


    ¡°You should have thought about all this before,¡± I whispered, my voice trembling with a mixture of anger and sadness. ¡°You had the chance to be a father, to be a loving partner. But you chose to destroy everything we had. And now, I won¡¯t let you hurt our son any longer.¡±


    As I turned away from him, I felt a surge of determination welling up inside me. It was time to take a stand, to protect my child from any further harm. I knew that staying in this toxic rtionship was not an option anymore.


    Antote was right. I should have let go of Lucas a long time ago. It was painfully obvious that he was in love with someone else. I shouldn¡¯t have continued the fight. In truth, I lost the battle from the very beginning.


    But it was when I saw my son in that state that true fear gripped me. It was like a p in the face, a wake-up call. The consequences of keeping Lucas in our lives were clear as day, captured on camera, right in front of me. It was time to make a change for the sake of my son, Enrique.


    Finally, I mustered the courage to sign the divorce papers that I had long desired. Yet, I had never followed through with it because deep down, I held on to a glimmer of hope. I believed that maybe, just maybe, things would change. Perhaps fate could be altered. I know it sounds hopeless and foolishly martyr-like, but that¡¯s where I stood.


    I no longer want to dwell on what happened in the past.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    My husband can be reced, but my child, the one I brought into this world, is irreceable. I won¡¯t be selfish anymore. The truth has struck me hard. I thought I was making the right choices, and walking the right path, but in reality, I was being selfish without even realizing it.


    ¡°Nick, eat your food first, and don¡¯t tire out Enrique too much,¡± I scolded the two mischievous pranksters as I caught them tickling each other on the hospital bed. We were in a private room that I paid for myself because even if I leave Lucas, I won¡¯t let him chase me.


    ¡°Buddy and I had a st, didn¡¯t we, Buddy?¡± Nick asked my son, who politely nodded, holding onto his beloved Pok¨¦mon collection.


    My son was spoiled by his godfather Nick, and it¡¯s heartwarming to witness their bond.


    Nick was intelligent, attractive, and a charmer. He¡¯s theplete package, and he almost has it all. Back in college, he was my second crush, but I never took his advances seriously. I never considered myself beautiful or wealthy enough for him, and at that time, my focus was on my crush on Lucas. I was a fan girl,pletely blind to what was right in front of me.


    ¡°When your mom agrees, Buddy, why not?¡± Nick grinned, causing my cheeks to blush. He¡¯s as goofy as ever!


    After Lucas and I reached an agreement, I went home to straighten things out. He left too, which made me feel that I made the right decision. We were leaving that house, a house that witnessed the coldness of a marriage I desperately tried to hold onto. Now, I¡¯ve learned that our union was a lost cause.


    ¡°Yes, chicken!¡± the two eximed excitedly as they dug into their food.


    They looked like a father and son. I was grateful that Nick filled the void of paternal love that Lucas couldn¡¯t provide.


    Their synchronized bites echoed with delight as they enjoyed the crispy chicken skin. Meanwhile, I couldn¡¯t help butugh at their mischievousness. After they finished eating, I put away the containers.


    Nick volunteered to put the yful boy to sleep. Once we made sure my son was sound asleep, Nick and I stepped out to a nearby coffee shop next to the hospital.


    ¡°What have you decided, Zara?¡± Nick asked, handing me a small cup of coffee.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I replied before addressing his question.


    ¡°We¡¯ve made an agreement, Nick,¡± I told him with a serious expression.


    ¡°An agreement? Please don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re going back to that worthless Zara! He will never change! He no longer has a ce in your life, Zara. Set yourself free from that jerk, for your own sake and your son¡¯s,¡± he pleaded, his eyes filled with concern.


    ¡°So, Nick, I¡¯vee to a decision. Let me exin,¡± I pretended to joke, building up to what I wanted to say.


    ¡°I agreed to sign the divorce papers for both of us on one condition. If it means our son will experience the love of a father, even just for a little while, then I want Lucas to give Enrique a happy memory. After that¡­ we¡¯re leaving. We won¡¯t leave a single trace in Lucas¡¯s life.¡±


    Tears began to stream down my face, and Nick held me in aforting embrace. It was written all over his face that he was happy with my decision, and deep down, I knew it was the right thing to do-to let go.


    Nick apanied me back to the hospital room before bidding farewell and heading home. He insisted on staying with us, but I declined, feeling that I had already imposed on him too much. We said our goodbyes at the door, and I gently ced my son on the spacious bed.


    My son slept peacefully, and I made a promise to myself. I would provide him with a life filled with more joy and happiness than aplete family ever could. Happiness isn¡¯t contingent onpleteness; it¡¯s about finding assurance and contentment.


    The next day, we were discharged from the hospital. With Nick by our side,ing to pick us up, I began to doubt whether returning to Lucas¡¯s house was the right choice.


    We have an agreement, but I could help but fear disappointment. What if he doesn¡¯t follow through with what we discussed? If he fails to honor our conversation, I¡¯d rather leave him and take Enrique away from his father.


    It was a relief that Nick helped me pack our clothes and a few belongings here in the hospital room. Antote wasn¡¯t around, and it was bing difficult for her, considering her growing belly from the pregnancy.


    The only surprise came when Lucas showed up to pick us up from the hospital. He even brought some fruits along. Nick approached him, and I could sense the tension between the two men. I nervously bit my lip, wondering about Lucas¡¯s heightened emotions now.


    ¡°I can drive home your wife and your son, Lucas,¡± Nick said while giving Lucas a stern look.


    ¡°I also have a car, and you said, my family¡­ so I¡¯ll take care of them!¡± Lucas eximed.


    I froze for a second, taken aback by his actions. What was wrong with him?


    Nick, usually the calm and collected one, seemed shocked.


    ¡°You¡¯re a fool! Why don¡¯t you just go back to your girlfriend!¡±


    The two men were on the verge of a fight when I intervened, feeling embarrassed in front of the nurse and doctor in the room. Seriously? Acting this way in front of such a young child!? If only I could bury them in the ground!


    I ushered them outside. Their presence made me feel dizzy. Why was Lucas here? He was supposed to be at his office¡­ Or maybe it was because of our conversation? He seemed overly eager to break up¡­


    Now, we stood outside the hospital in the parking lot. Nick had already taken charge of carrying the travel bag with Enrique¡¯s clothes and belongings. The atmosphere was heavy with seriousness and an ufortable silence¡­ Was it awkward?


    ¡°I¡¯m only here to fulfill our agreement, nothing more,¡± Lucas started, his voice carrying an air of detachment. I noticed that he was dressed more casually, and it suited him well. He was always in formal attire whenever I saw him before.


    ¡°Why? Are you afraid Zara won¡¯t go through with the divorce? One day, you¡¯ll wake up to find them gone, reced by someone better¡­¡± Nick chimed in, his wordsced with provocation. I was about to retaliate with what Lucas had said to him so harshly.


    ¡°You¡¯re being foolish! What ce do you even have in their lives? A dog waiting for scraps? Poor you¡­¡± Lucas fired back.


    My ears throbbed with the sting of his words. Me? Reduced to a mere leftover¡­ I couldn¡¯t help but feel hurt by his callousness. He didn¡¯t seem to be fazed at all!


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Nick¡­¡± I said in a disappointed tone, my voice filled with a sense of resignation. Lucas still couldn¡¯t believe what I had said. What an insensitive jerk¡­


    ¡°What?! I also have a car¡­ I can drive you home¡­¡±


    ¡°I am not going back to your house, Lucas,¡± I told him.

 CHAPTER 8

    Lucas¡¯ POV


    ¡°Lucas¡­ Lucas! You¡¯re doing it again.¡± Giselle¡¯s voice pierced through my thoughts, and I realized she was growing irritated with me.


    My mind was consumed by a troubling thought. Zara didn¡¯t need me anymore. A man named Nick had entered her life. So, all this time, she had someone else? The very idea pierced through me like a knife. How could she move on so easily?


    ¡°Lucas! What are you thinking about?¡± Giselle¡¯s voice snapped me back to reality, and she threw a tantrum.


    I kissed her gently on the forehead and mustered a smile. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, babe. I¡¯m just a little stressed from work.¡±


    Her smile, the one that had captured my heart time and time again, lit up her face. We had been together since our college days, and I had been faithful to her, never even considering anyone else.


    But one fateful, uneventful night, things took an unexpected turn. Fueled by alcohol and a fight with a friend named Pedro, I made a terrible mistake and ended up sleeping with another woman.


    The morning after was a wake-up call, and I was consumed by misery. I had failed to be the loyal boyfriend I prided myself on being, and I directed all my anger toward Zara Dfontaine.


    All I knew about her was that we had graduated from the same university, and she came from a modest background, having earned a schrship to attend our prestigious alma mater.


    That one night, amidst a heated argument with my girlfriend, I sumbed to alcohol¡¯s numbing embrace without realizing the consequences. I mistook the woman lying next to me for Giselle, only to wake up to a harsh reality.


    Instead of directing my anger toward myself, I unloaded it onto the unsuspecting girl. How dare she use that situation to her advantage?! I threatened her, ensuring that no one would ever know what had transpired between us. My reputation was at stake, and being from one of the city¡¯s wealthiest and most prominent families, I guarded it fiercely. I had every intention of remaining faithful to Giselle, the woman I envisioned walking down the aisle with.


    And so, I left the crying girl behind, dismissing her as a one-night mistake. Little did I know that fate had a different n in store for me. My careless actions had far-reaching consequences, as that night of indiscretion bore fruit.


    I tried to ignore it, desperately hoping it wouldn¡¯t disrupt the life I had carefully built. I was content with my wealth, my name, and the woman I had always dreamed of having. How dare this womane and ruin it all?


    To make matters worse, her influential grandfather pulled strings, even involving prominent government officials, to force a shotgun marriage-an empty union devoid of love. I tried to reason, offering financial support instead, but the old man was obstinate, wanting his grandson to have a father.


    From that day forward, I made a solemn promise to myself. I would make their lives as miserable as possible. Our son, Enrique, would never have my sympathy or love, just as his mother would never hold any significance to me beyond being the bearer of my child. I was determined to make them suffer, and nothing else mattered at that moment.


    I had intended to keep the sin Imitted a secret, known only to a select few. Even my parents, siblings, and Giselle were oblivious to what had transpired. Only my uncle, who happened to be the governor, was privy to the truth, while the rest were left in the dark.


    For the past six years, I had kept them at arm¡¯s length, refusing to acknowledge the concept of family. So why should I feel guilty about what had happened? I yelled at the child in a fit of rage, causing him to pass out.


    At that moment, fear gripped me as I witnessed my son¡¯s lifeless form. Zara was livid and didn¡¯t allow me to help. She took Enrique to the hospital on her own.


    I followed behind, filled with a strange mix of anger and confusion. How could she have moved on so quickly, finding sce in another man¡¯s arms? And why did it bother me so much? That night, sleep eluded me, as my mind wrestled with conflicting emotions.


    The following day, I needed to see Giselle. I missed her but she had a photo shoot. I had no choice but to keep myself busy at work. As the CEO of ckwood Corporation, a multinational corporation with interest in shipping and banking, my responsibilities were immense.


    I was feared by many tycoons, as they knew that crossing paths with mypany could spell disaster for their businesses. My family¡¯s prominence was unquestionable, but my life had been marred by a single woman and a son I never loved.


    ¡°Sir, your schedule is free around 3 in the afternoon after your meeting with one of the investors,¡± Mary, my long-time secretary and one of the few people privy to my secret family, informed me.


    I nodded, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over me. ¡°Okay, Mary¡­¡±


    ¡°Is Enrique okay, sir? I heard the news from Zara¡­¡± Mary¡¯s concerned voice broke through the haze.


    Mary was a unique woman, unlike the other secretaries I had gone through. If it wasn¡¯t due to my own ipetence, there was always some ulterior motive behind the constant changes.


    However, Mary was an exception. She was not only efficient but also assertive, unafraid to speak her mind while maintaining boundaries. I could sense that she had overheard something about my secret family.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, and please stop sympathizing with them. You have no idea what I¡¯ve been through because of Zara,¡± I insisted firmly. The me of my anger towards them refused to be extinguished.


    ¡°My choice to show sympathy is none of your concern, sir. I just want to remind you that while Zara may have contributed to your misery, do you have to hate the child? And yes, sir, it is none of my business. I just needed to vent. I am also a mother, a single parent. I know the pain Zara feels when she sees her son suffer,¡± Mary expressed, taking a deep breath before bowing slightly. ¡°That¡¯s all, sir. Excuse me.¡±


    Mary¡¯s words lingered in my mind, causing further contemtion even during the investor meeting. Guilt began to gnaw at my conscience, clouding my thoughts. Maybe I was feeling guilty, unable to escape the weight of my actions.


    Although I wanted to visit my girlfriend, I knew she was a career-oriented woman who might be upied with othermitments. I understood and respected that. Lost in my thoughts, I decided to go home to have a conversation with Zara.


    All I desired was to appease my guilt-ridden heart!


    However, as I arrived, I noticed someone inside. I couldn¡¯t ignore what had transpired the previous night. I was stressed, but I didn¡¯t want to take it out on the child anymore. To my surprise, I found Zara, organizing clothes into a bag.


    She was so focused on the task and I believed she didn¡¯t notice me so I left her to continue doing what she was doing, and headed to the kitchen to get something to drink.


    Taking a sip from the ss, I noticed Zara had followed me. She seemed calmer now, sitting across from me at the dining table. The way she looked at me indicated that she had made a decision, and now was the moment to share it. Curiosity piqued, and I volunteered to sit in front of her. It was clear she had something important to say.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    ¡°Lucas, I have signed the documents and finalized everything for the divorce,¡± she stated bluntly, her gaze unwavering. She no longer held back.


    For a long time, we had remained together under the same roof, and these were the words I had longed to hear. I wanted her to let me go, to sign the divorce papers. Although it was emphasized on the contract that I should only be the one to initiate a divorce, my pride stopped me from doing it.


    ¡°R-Really? Are you sure about what you¡¯re saying?¡± I sought reassurance.


    Once again, she nodded, but what she said next was unexpected.

 CHAPTER 9

    Zara¡¯s POV


    As the days passed, life settled into afortable routine. My son, Enrique, continued to grow and thrive, and my friendship with Nick deepened. We spent time together often, enjoying each other¡¯spany and sharingughter.


    One afternoon, Nick surprised me with a small pic in the park. It was a beautiful sunny day, and we lounged on the grass, sharing stories and indulging in delicious treats.


    ¡°You know, Zara, you¡¯re an incredible mother,¡± Nick said, gazing at me with admiration. ¡°Enrique is lucky to have you.¡±


    I blushed at hispliment. ¡°Thank you, Nick. That means a lot to me. Being a mother is the most important role in my life.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re doing a fantastic job at it,¡± he replied sincerely.


    We continued talking, and the conversation eventually turned to Nick¡¯s family. He spoke fondly of his parents and siblings, sharing anecdotes and memories from his childhood. It was evident that family meant a great deal to him.


    ¡°I wish I had a big, loving family like yours,¡± I admitted wistfully. ¡°Enrique deserves to have grandparents and cousins to y with.¡±


    Nick smiled warmly. ¡°You never know, Zara. Maybe one day you¡¯ll have that big, loving family too.¡±


    I chuckled, not daring to entertain such thoughts. ¡°Well, let¡¯s focus on the present. We should n more outings like this. Enrique loves spending time with you, and I enjoy yourpany too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d love that,¡± he replied with a grin. ¡°You know, I¡¯ve been thinking about something.¡±


    ¡°Oh? What is it?¡± I asked curiously.


    ¡°Well, you mentioned that you¡¯re not ready for a romantic rtionship, and Ipletely understand that,¡± Nick began. ¡°But what if we tried being more than just friends? Not in a romantic sense, but like a support system for each other. We could be there for each other, go on adventures together, and just be a constant presence in each other¡¯s lives.¡±


    I considered his proposal. Nick had always been a dependable and caring friend, and the idea of having him as a support system appealed to me. He had a way of making even the most mundane moments fun and exciting.


    ¡°I think that could work,¡± I said, smiling at him. ¡°We¡¯ll be adventure buddies, cheering each other on in life.¡±


    Nick¡¯s eyes sparkled with joy. ¡°Adventure buddies it is, then!¡±


    And just like that, we solidified our newfound bond as adventure buddies. Over the next few weeks, we went on hikes, explored new cafes, attended concerts, and even tried our hand at painting sses. Our friendship deepened, and I found sce in hispany.


    Meanwhile, my interactions with Lucas were limited to co-parenting matters. We maintained a respectful distance, both aware that our marriage had run its course. He continued to be present in Enrique¡¯s life, and I appreciated the effort he put into being a father figure to our son.


    One day, as I sat in the park with Nick and Enrique, my mind drifted back to the past-the mistakes, the heartaches, and the pain that had once consumed me. But as I looked at my son and my dear friend, I realized that I hade a long way. I had ovee so much and had found love and support in unexpected ces.


    ¡°Zara, are you okay?¡± Nick asked, concern evident in his eyes.


    I smiled at him, grateful for his presence in my life. ¡°I¡¯m more than okay, Nick. I¡¯m happy.¡±


    Nick returned my smile, and we shared a moment of understanding without the need for words. Sometimes, the best rtionships were the ones that didn¡¯t follow a conventional path.


    One afternoon, as we sat on the rooftop of his penthouse, watching the sunset, I couldn¡¯t help but reflect on how much my life had changed. The painful past was now just a distant memory, and I had found contentment and joy in the present.


    ¡°Thank you, Nick,¡± I said, breaking thefortable silence between us.


    He turned to me, his eyes gentle and kind. ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°For being there for me, for being my adventure buddy, for reminding me that life can be beautiful despite the hardships,¡± I replied.


    Nick ced a hand on mine, his touch warm and reassuring. ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me, Zara. I¡¯m grateful to have you in my life,¡± he dered emotionally as he lowered his mouth toward mine.


    ¡°What are you trying to do, Nichs Rutherford?¡±  I asked while trying to distance myself from him.


    ¡°I was just about to look closely into your eyes,¡± he exined.


    ¡°Whatever, Nick, but for now, we have to go and eat,¡± I told him and as if on cue, my stomach grumbled for food.


    Nick chuckled as he led me toward the dining area. I smiled as soon as his maid started to set the table with appetizing dishes. Unlike Lucas, Nick was extravagant with his money. He has a personal chef in his ce, and several maids to cater to his need.


    After spending time with Nick, Enrique and I went home. When we didn¡¯t see Lucas at our home, we were not surprised.


    My gaze fell upon the table in my room, where a framed wedding photo of me and Lucas was ced. I was smiling in the picture, wearing semi-casual clothes. We had gotten married in nd, a town that was five hours away from the city.


    I knew that his family was influential in ybourne but I was surprised to discover that his kin technically owned the town. His cousin, Logan Lopez owned arge ranch and farm in the area, and almost every acre in nd belonged to them.


    Sighing, I turned the picture upside down, reflecting my feeling that would soon be buried in my past. I saw no reason to hold on to it when all my memories with him were filled with pure bitterness and agony.


    When Enrique expressed his wishes to remain in the living room, I decided to continue packing our things. After letting him watch his favorite cartoon show, I went upstairs.


    I opened my closet and tidied it up a bit. I also swept the floor before taking a refreshing shower. When I came down the stairs, I saw my son sitting on his dad¡¯sp, both of them engrossed in a show, radiating happiness.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    I watched them silently, not wanting to disrupt this picture-perfect moment. Just like me, my child longed for this kind of love and connection. I wasn¡¯t blind to the fact that my son also yearned for his father¡¯s affection.


    I was overjoyed to see my son happy in that moment. Even if Lucas was only acting for the sake of our agreement and the promise of a legal separation, I went to the kitchen and prepared something to eat.


    Our fridge was empty, but I remembered the bags of groceries I had left in the car¡¯spartment. I retrieved them from the garage and got back to the kitchen to prepare our food. I chose something simple and hassle-free-fried chicken with saut¨¦ed vegetables as a side dish.


    When everything was ready on the table, I called them over. Enrique had a big smile on his face as he sat on his dad¡¯sp. It was evident that Lucas was making an effort to honor our agreement, and I appreciated that.


    Seeing both of them enjoy their meal filled my heart with joy. It was easy to tell they were father and son with just one nce. Enrique was a mini-Lucas, bearing a striking resemnce to his father.


    I was delighted to see Lucas enjoying the meal I had cooked. Whether he was truly enjoying it or simply putting on an act didn¡¯t matter anymore. This was all for the sake of my son, nothing else. It was like putting on a good show.


    After they finished eating, Lucas suggested that they go swimming, which got our son excited. The pure happiness on his face brought me joy as well.


    While they enjoyed the pool, I took care of washing the dishes in the kitchen and cleaned the other rooms. As I swept the floor, my phone rang.

 CHAPTER 10

    Zara¡¯s POV


    I couldn¡¯t believe what I was seeing-or reading. Lucas, my soon-to-be ex-husband, was not the type to send me private messages. It had been a long time since we had any form ofmunication, and now, here he was, popping up unexpectedly in my inbox. As I read his message, disappointment washed over me once again. It seemed like the same old story, repeating itself over and over. After contemting his message, I found myself typing back, my fingers moving with resolve.


    ¡°I will, but not now. We have an agreement, after all.¡±


    Lucas had always been my biggest downfall. I deserved to be happy, and he deserved to be free. We had been tormenting ourselves for far too long. He was eager and enthusiastic about reiming his dreams, while I felt like I was stumbling blindly in the dark.


    I knew there would be hesitations and regrets along the way, but I believed it would be worth it once I stepped out of the darkness. So, I decided to give myself some time to rest. A week of respite, to clear my mind and gather my strength. After that week, I would face Lucas again and fulfill my part of the agreement.


    I was doing this for the benefit of my son, Enrique. It was all for him. I wanted him to experience a father¡¯s love and grow up with aplete family, even if it meant sacrificing my own happiness. At least Lucas would be good to him, albeit temporarily. And after that, I would have no regrets about leaving him.


    I believed there was a greater purpose behind all of this. And with that conviction, I rested my case.


    Once my son finished his snack, I busied myself with washing the dishes, making sure to store leftovers in the fridge to prevent them from spoiling. I left just the right amount for Nick to eat when he woulde for a visit.


    As I retreated to my room for some rest, my grandfather continued his pursuits with his friend. Grandpa had always been adventurous, never content with staying in one ce. That was one of the reasons he remained strong and full of life-he never let himself be stagnant.


    It didn¡¯t take long for me to hear the sound of Nick¡¯s car outside. I hurried to open the gate, allowing him to enter. We nned to leave at seven, avoiding the heat and the crowds. The atmosphere of the fair was entirely different when there were fewer people around.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my snack?¡± Nick teased as he stepped out of the car.


    I chuckled, ying along with his joke. ¡°Oh, you thought I saved something just for you?¡±


    He burst outughing, following me into the kitchen. We engaged in friendly banter as I served Nick his food. He moaned in delight as he savored each bite.


    ¡°I wish there was always something like this,¡± he expressed with satisfaction.


    I yfully countered, ¡°Well, that¡¯s your privilege. Even if you hired a personal chef, you couldn¡¯t afford it.¡±


    My statement wasn¡¯t far from the truth. Nick may appear down to earth and humble, but I knew he came from a wealthy and influential family. I had once visited their mansion and was astounded by its sheer size.


    Their business ventures and political involvements in ybourne ced them on a simr tier to the ckwoods. Yet, Nick remained unassuming, as if unaware of his privileges.


    We decided to unwind by watching a Disney movie, a favorite pastime of ours. After the movie, my son and I took a shower and got dressed. As I stood in front of the mirror,bing my hair, my cell phone rang. The voice on the other endcked any introduction, and I immediately recognized it as Antote¡¯s. I could hear her frustrated groan through the line.


    ¡°Hi, Antote, what¡¯s up girl?¡±


    ¡°Nick told me everything! You¡¯re going to the fair together? Are you really a couple? Just when I¡¯m unavable, you two decide to make a move! How could you do this to me, Zara!¡± Antote¡¯s loud outburst was painful to my ears, even though the volume was turned down.


    ¡°Please calm down. It¡¯s just a coincidence that it¡¯s a holiday today, and you¡¯re due this month. We can do it again after you give birth to your second child,¡± I told her.


    ¡°Fine! But you owe me one!¡± she eximed, but her tone suddenly changed. ¡°Or maybe you two are secretly dating, you and Nick. You¡¯re so sneaky! It¡¯s happening so fast!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on in your mind, Antote? Nick is just a friend. Let¡¯s not mix people¡¯s goodness with malicious intentions.¡± I defended myself, concerned about preserving the purity of our friendship.


    Nick was still young, and I¡­ I had nothing to be proud of. I had a child, just in case. I didn¡¯t want Nick and me to be tarnished by rumors. I didn¡¯t want him to settle for less. I knew I was unworthy. I could hear her let out a loud sigh on the other end.


    ¡°Why is it that he¡¯s so clumsy, and you¡¯re so oblivious? It¡¯s obvious he is in love with you! And there¡¯s nothing wrong with that,¡± she insisted.


    ¡°I need time for that. I want to focus on my son first. Now, go have dinner, and we¡¯ll leave for the fair. Nick is already waiting for me.¡±


    Antote grew annoyed. ¡°It¡¯s so unfair! I miss eating street food from our favorite vendors.¡±


    ¡°We can schedule that after the delivery, okay?¡±


    Sometimes, Antote could really be stubborn but after exining the situation to her, she finally understood. After ending the call, I reviewed my outfit once more. Faded jeans, a printed shirt, and a messy bun for my hair. Since Lucas wasn¡¯t around, I allowed myself to apply a bit of makeup.


    Later on, I saw Nick and Enrique wearing a bored expression on their face, and their arms were crossed while waiting for me. Seeing my son like that, I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at his yful snorting and pinch his cheek. He was really cute! Nick, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow and frowned. Obviously, Nick showed how impatient he was at the moment.


    ¡°What took you so long?¡± Nick asked.


    ¡°Antote called, and I had to m myself up,¡± I exined.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go now,¡± Nick said.


    Since the fair was within walking distance, we decided not to take the car. It was dark outside, and the cool night air justified my decision to bring jackets for the three of us.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    The pathway was well-lit, making the walk less intimidating. We joined the flow of people heading towards the fairgrounds, a mix of different ages and rtionships. Friends, couples, parents with children-everyone was excited to experience the renowned fair.


    Thankfully, I had plenty of coins forter. The fair games involved throwing coins to win prizes, and while I could afford them outright, there was a different thrill in winning through sheer luck.


    As we arrived, we were greeted by a bustling and lively atmosphere. It had been so long since I visited this ce. I had almost forgotten the joy it could bring.


    And then it hit me-I had wasted so much time chasing the wrong guy. So much time was lost!


    ¡°Mom, I want to ride that!¡±


    My son¡¯s eyes were fixed on the carousel. It seemed like a suitable choice, considering we couldn¡¯t go for the extreme rides, especially with me apanying him.


    Enrique and I hopped on the carousel while Nick captured the moment with his camera. Unbeknownst to him, he was garnering attention from both girls and guys present. It was no surprise, given his captivating charm, towering height of 6¡¯1, broad shoulders from his love of extreme sports, fairplexion, and handsome face.


    I simply shook my head, smiling. We continued exploring the fair, trying out a few booths and winning prizes. My son proudly held onto a stuffed toy we got from a gun-shooting booth earlier. We had so much fun at the fair that we lost track of time.


    We found a vacant table near a food booth and sat down. My son happily enjoyed his shawarma and sipped on a chocte drink. It dawned on us that we had forgotten to have dinner, so we ordered a rice meal to satisfy our hunger. We ended up ordering quite a lot, as Nick had a voracious appetite.


    It was almost midnight when we decided to go home!


    I thanked Nick for being there for me. I wished him all the happiness he deserved, knowing he was such a kind and empathetic man. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder why no woman had captured his heart yet.


    It waste at night, and Nick needed to drive back to his penthouse.


    ¡°Thanks for the wonderful night,¡± he said, a genuine smile gracing his lips and eyes.


    ¡°Thank you too, Nick. Thank you so much. Drive safely!¡±


    ¡°Of course! I have to be careful especially now that you started to go out with me, Zara,¡± he remarked.

 CHAPTER 11

    Zara¡¯s POV


    The following day, it was my schedule to do some general cleaning in the house. While cleaning, I happened to stumble into ourrge mirror, and I was frozen in front it. I couldn¡¯t believe what I saw. The reflection that stared back at me was too different from who I was before.


    Then, I realized I needed to have some makeover, but I had no idea where to start. Fortunately, Antote was avable for a video call and she exined things to me. She also rmended her favorite spa in the city.


    After the call, I resumed cleaning, and once I¡¯m done, I took another shower. It felt refreshing, especially in the sticky heat of summer. Despite having air conditioning, sweating was inevitable.


    Following my shower, I prepared a snack for Enrique and Lucas-juice and sandwiches. Then, I carried the tray with refreshments toward the pool area. They appeared to be thoroughly enjoying each other¡¯spany. Lucas was teaching our son how to swim. I called their attention so they could have a snack.


    ¡°Dad! Am I doing great?¡± my son asked, and he was giggling.


    Lucas smiled at our son, affectionately patting Enrique¡¯s head. ¡°You¡¯re doing fantastic. We¡¯ll work on the backstroketer. And I¡¯ll teach you how to ride a bike, okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Dad! Thank you!¡± my son eximed with excitement.


    I returned to the kitchen, tears of joy welling up in my eyes. It was heartwarming to witness, even if it was only because of our agreement.


    In the evening, Lucas left without telling me where he was going, but I knew it was because of Giselle. I had nothing to say about that. My son fell asleep early, exhausted from his swimming lesson.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    I couldn¡¯t understand why there was a can of beer in the fridge, but I felt like I needed a drink. My heart remained restless. I hadn¡¯tpletely moved on from Lucas. There was still a lingering pain whenever he went to see his real love, something I could never rece.


    For tonight, the only way I could ease that pain was by drowning myself in beer. Just for tonight, I thought.


    In the morning, I woke up with a pounding headache, despising the familiar sensation of a hangover after indulging in too much alcohol. Perhaps I had gone overboardst night. ncing at the clock, my eyes twitched.


    ¡°Shit!¡± I eximed, surprised to find Enrique absent from my side. Making my way downstairs to the living room, the door swung open, revealing Lucas already dressed in his corporate attire.


    ¡°I brought the child¡­¡± his voice sounded monotone.


    I stood frozen, realizing he had caught me in this state. It didn¡¯t matter to him if I looked like a mess or a witch; his indifference was palpable. In his eyes, there was only one woman of beauty-Giselle. Lucas gazed at her as if no one else existed. To him, she was a goddess, his Aphrodite, while I was merely a peasant.


    There I went, once again, shrinking into myself. I needed to regain control! I pushed aside my thoughts and resolved to visit the store first before heading to Antote¡¯s ce.


    While I was lost in my thoughts, Lucas touched my arm, sending an electric shock through me, reminiscent of our first kiss. Startled, I pulled away. He looked at me with such seriousness, an intensity that became unbearable, and I had to avert my gaze.


    ¡°If you can¡¯t handle drinking, you shouldn¡¯t have touched the beer,¡± he scolded me.


    My face flushed with embarrassment. I recalled leaving the roomst night, feeling nauseous, and ending up vomiting on none other than Lucas. Oh, how I wished the walls would swallow me whole!


    I muttered, ¡°Oh my gosh, I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    But he ignored me and proceeded straight to his home office. After grabbing a folder, he left for thepany. I sighed, taking a moment topose myself. I freshened up with a shower, changed into a decent ck shirt and pants, grabbed my Chanel bag, and hopped into my car to tend to my business.


    ¡°The sales are going well, ma¡¯am. How¡¯s Enrique? Is your adorable son doing alright?¡± Mariz, one of my employees at the mall shop, knew my son well since he often preferred to be there rather than at home.


    ¡°By the grace of God, my son is doing fine,¡± I replied with a smile.


    Before fulfilling the pregnant woman¡¯s request, I focused on fixing things at work. She seemed content; there was no sign of stress in her appearance or demeanor. She was one of those rare people who managed to stay radiant during pregnancy, defying the idea that it should be an ugly phase.


    Once everything was in order and signed in my office, I briefed Mariz on her tasks and headed straight to Antote¡¯s upscale subdivision. It didn¡¯t take long for me to park my car in front of an imposing mansion. It wouldn¡¯t surprise me if Antote¡¯s house looked like this. She had a penchant for Victorian-era mansions with ssical themes.


    Since the gate guards recognized me, they allowed me entry. I had to pass by a grand fountain in the middle, facing the three-story mansion-towering and alluring. I was warmly greeted by the pregnant woman, already in the living room, apanied by renowned hair and beauty experts in the country. She meant business when she said we were going for a makeover.


    ¡°Finally, you¡¯re here!¡± she eximed joyfully, her pregnancy bump evident. She looked stunning in every way possible-truly beautiful.


    ¡°Sorry for the dy. I was taking care of some business matters.¡± I immediately noticed that everything was ready.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she dered excitedly.


    My guess about her taste wasn¡¯t wrong. We started with a massage, focusing on my back, of course. A hairstylist worked wonders on my neglected hair, transforming it into an apple cut that suited me. We proceeded with facials, face massage, cleansing, and nail design-a truly refreshing experience. As one of Antote¡¯s makeup artists worked on my eyebrows, she teased me, unable to contain herself.


    ¡°How are you and your husband? Still the same jerk?¡± Antote smirked, her eyes fixed on a magazine she held.


    I smiled and shook my head. ¡°Nothing will change there, Antote. That¡¯s just who he is. He was forced into this marriage, and he felt suffocated by it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a kind soul, my dear friend. Maybe you¡¯re already an angel! Don¡¯t carry the burden of all the sins. Why should you bear it alone? You know he¡¯s the one at fault. It¡¯s truly terrifying, this victim-ming!¡± She couldn¡¯t help but vent her frustrations.


    ¡°We¡¯ve endured for six years.¡± I tried to exin.


    ¡°And thank you for finally seeing the truth! Date Nick. That¡¯s my rmendation!¡± She eximed, brimming with excitement. Oh dear, she just couldn¡¯t let go of that topic!


    ¡°Please, let go of that idea already. It¡¯s embarrassing for our friend. Nick is just a kind person, and there¡¯s no ulterior motive or malice in anything Antote does. That¡¯s the point, nothing more.¡± Her insistence on Nick and me was causing me distress and straining our friendship.


    ¡°You¡¯re so dense, my dear Zara. That¡¯s why the man is still single. He¡¯s waiting for someone to divorce her husband, and that someone is you. He¡¯s waiting for you today!¡±


    I paid little attention to Antote¡¯s words. I simply dismissed the idea.


    Feeling extremely rxed from the massage, my hangover dissipating, and the silence around me, I closed my eyes and unknowingly drifted off to sleep. I woke up around 5 PM, realizing I hadn¡¯t picked up my son!


    Thankfully, Lucas had taken care of it. He made the effort, even though it wasn¡¯t his responsibility. He sent me a text informing me that he had picked up our child, providing me with much-needed relief.


    Before leaving, Antote handed me a dress and sandals, saying, ¡°Your makeover is stunning, but it doesn¡¯t match what you¡¯re wearing. Take these; no one leaves my house looking anything less than beautiful.¡±

 CHAPTER 12

    Lucas¡¯ POV


    Giselle went out of the country, and I drove her to the airportst night. I couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of loss knowing that I would miss her. With nothing to do at our love nest, I returned home, only to be greeted by darkness.


    As I walked into my room, I collided with a woman, and her vomit stained my shirt. Frustrated, I cursed loudly, but she was too intoxicated toprehend what had happened. The temptation to do something terrible to this drunken woman loomed over me, but I resisted.


    I took the responsibility of cleaning up the mess she had made, but I didn¡¯t bother changing her clothes-why would I? Instead, I took a shower and went to bed. However, falling asleep wasn¡¯t easy.


    Thoughts of my son, Enrique, filled my mind. Neglecting his growth was my own doing, driven by my resentment toward his mother. Yet, spending just a few hours with him felt strangely liberating. He was smart and kind, and I couldn¡¯t deny the simrities between us. Opening my heart to my child brought me happiness, but my feelings toward Zara remained unchanged.


    These thoughts upied my mind until I finally drifted off to sleep. When I woke up, I found Enrique in the kitchen, reaching for cereal on the top shelf. Curious about Zara¡¯s absence, I asked him about her whereabouts.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    He informed me that she was still snoring and didn¡¯t want to wake up. It seemed she had indulged in too much drinking the night before. Determined to make breakfast for Enrique and myself, I toasted bread and fried eggs, and bacon. As we ate, he shared stories that brought me joy.


    I realized that my child had grown smart and kind without my notice, overshadowed by my animosity. Slowly, regret started to seep in. Zara showed no intention of waking up, so I decided to be my son¡¯s chauffeur for the day.


    Looking at him, I felt a sudden sadness, realizing that our time together was limited. Soon, Zara and Enrique would be taken away by that arrogant fool, Nick, a son from a well-known family, wealthy and extravagant. The mere thought of him stealing them from me ignited an unfamiliar anger.


    As I started the car and began driving, Enrique surprised me by speaking.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. ckwood, for being there, even if it¡¯s just an agreement,¡± he said, revealing his knowledge of our situation.


    He didn¡¯t call me Daddy or Papa, a reminder of the time Ished out at him when he attempted to do so. Guilt began to consume me. What had I done to deserve this child? He was a blessing I had rejected for so long.


    I stopped the car and smiled, brushing his hair gently. The word ¡°son¡± now held a sweeter meaning for me. The realization that they were about to vanish from my life weighed heavily on my chest.


    ¡°Call me Dad, Enrique, at least when we¡¯re alone,¡± I requested.


    Later in the afternoon, I picked up Enrique from school as per our agreement. I messaged Zara, informing her of my intention to spend quality time with our son. Even though it had only been two months, I wanted to createsting memories.


    I didn¡¯t regret giving them this opportunity. Seeing my son waiting near the guardhouse, bored and ying with a rock, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a mix of emotions. I squatted down to his level, and as he looked up, his surprised expression was epic.


    ¡°D-Daddy? You¡¯re here¡­¡± he stammered, still unable to believe my presence.


    I smiled and gently tapped his head. At that moment, my son beamed with happiness, and when he hugged me, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. Finally, I was embracing my role as a father. It only took me two days to truly be his dad, and I was slowly epting him as my son.


    However, a tinge of sadness and unease washed over me, knowing that Zara and my son would leave me in just two months. Wasn¡¯t this what I wanted? I wanted them out of my life, but as my son grew closer to me, I realized it would be difficult to let them go.


    ¡°D-Dad?¡± Enrique¡¯s voice interrupted my thoughts. ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked, concerned.


    I smiled at him reassuringly. ¡°Of course, son. Let¡¯s go inside. It seems your mom won¡¯t be joining us.¡±


    He pouted. ¡°Yeah, this happens sometimes when Mom is busy with work. She usually sends me to Antote¡¯s ce or Nick¡¯s.¡±


    Hearing that man¡¯s name filled me with bitterness. Had Nick been involved for a long time?


    Pushing those thoughts aside, I held my son¡¯s hand as we walked towards the car. His hand was small, but it fit perfectly in mine, and for the first time, I truly felt like a father in denial. After fastening his seatbelt in the passenger seat, I started the engine and drove off.


    But instead of heading home, I decided to buy sweets like ice cream and marshmallows for a movie marathon with my son. We shared a love for the same things, such as video games.


    Upon reaching home, I led Enrique upstairs and helped him change his clothes. I even applied some powder on his back before putting on a shirt. We had a delightful time ying video games when the door opened, revealing a stunning woman. .


    Zara lookedpletely different, and I could hardly recognize her. She had taken care of herself, and her hair was neatly styled. I couldn¡¯t help but see her in a different light, realizing that I had never allowed her to express herself or look the way she wanted before. Simultaneously, a surge of emotions ignited within me, driven by the realization that she was doing all of this for that damn Nick!

 CHAPTER 13

    Zara¡¯s POV


    For some inexplicable reason, I found it difficult to meet his piercing gaze. It seemed as though I had done something wrong, and he no longer wished to witness my self-care routine.


    Well, I refused to be constrained by his rules. I will not allow him to bind me with his words and desires anymore. Antote was right about him being unjust, selfish, and dictatorial. It turned out that I had been blinded by so many things. I couldn¡¯t believe how delusional I¡¯d been¡­ all these years!


    I made my way upstairs and decided to change my clothes. However, as I nced at my wardrobe, I realized my outfits were hopelessly outdated, and I had no idea how they would look on me now.


    Tomorrow, I will make it a priority to buy new things for myself. In the meantime, I settled for knee-length ck pants and a in white shirt. I secured my hair in a messy bun with a hairpin.


    Downstairs, I headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Chicken curry and egg soup seemed like a good choice, as they were easy to make. During my college days, I lived in a dorm since my home was far from the school.


    That¡¯s when I became even more independent and learned how to cook properly. I couldn¡¯t always rely on takeout and instant meals, which were not the healthiest options when consumed frequently and turned into sugar.


    I had been burying those memories, which brought some trouble from fans who had crushes on him, especially his girlfriends at the time, who mistook our friendship for something more. In reality, we were just friends.


    While cooking, I couldn¡¯t help but smile as I reminisced about my college moments. I didn¡¯t even realize that the food was ready until I finished setting the table.


    Both of them sat down at the table, and we said our prayers before enjoying the meal. I could see that my son was happy now. Perhaps it was because his dad had finally shown up, something Lucas hadn¡¯t done before.


    ¡°Dad, can we y after dinner?¡±


    Enrique asked his father, and I was slightly taken aback. It was because he allowed our son to casually address him as ¡°dad.¡± Clearly, he had changed his stance.


    ¡°No, son. It¡¯s time to get ready for bed. You have an early ss tomorrow, and you need a good night¡¯s sleep to grow as tall as me when you be a teenager,¡± Lucas responded to our son with kindness.


    I couldn¡¯t hide the smile on my lips. I had been dreaming of this moment for a long time, even if it was the only gift and exchange for the pain Lucas had caused me. I was happy as long as my child was happy. There wasn¡¯t a mother who didn¡¯t dream of her child¡¯s happiness.


    After we finished eating, Lucas announced that he would put our child to sleep. I immediately agreed without any objection. I would take care of cleaning up.


    While wiping the tes to dry them faster, I was startled by a deep baritone voice speaking behind me. My heart skipped a beat with nervousness.


    ¡°Who were you with earlier?¡± he asked.


    I couldn¡¯t help but raise an eyebrow at his question, as if he insulted me by insulting my friend. Setting aside the tes I was wiping, I turned to face him, wearing a serious expression.


    ¡°So what if I was with him? And what¡¯s it to you, Lucas? Don¡¯t you ever dare call him a bastard. You don¡¯t even know the person.¡±


    He looked at me with eyes that melted my heart. ¡°Of course! Of course, I know that bastard! He¡¯s also a wealthy man. And he¡¯s interested in you.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but wonder why everyone saw malice in my friendship with Nick. And why was Lucas showing this anger? Shouldn¡¯t he care about me anymore? I couldn¡¯tprehend his behavior. It was bing increasingly difficult to understand this man. It felt like trying to solve aplex puzzle!


    ¡°Stop meddling in my affairs. So what if that¡¯s the case? Don¡¯t I have the right to pursue a rtionship again? Look at yourself first! Then ask yourself if you have the right toin,¡± I couldn¡¯t help but speak up.


    ¡°Just because you went with that man, you forgot to pick up our child. What kind of mother are you?¡± He poked at me, fueling the fire in my already heated head. This guy really knows how to push my buttons!


    ¡°Now you get a taste of your own medicine! You probably know how it feels, considering what you did to me when you were with Giselle.¡± I turned my back on him, knowing that I wouldn¡¯t gain anything from continuing the conversation.


    I couldn¡¯t wrap my head around Lucas¡¯s behavior. He was actingpletely contrary to my expectations. He should have been happy for me, now that I had found someone to love. Shouldn¡¯t he be even happier? After all, he would be freed from the bonds of our marriage.


    Due to his strange behavior, my night turned into a sleepless one. My mind was exhausted, and deciphering Lucas¡¯s actions felt more challenging than my board exams for the CPA.


    The next day, I woke up early as usual. It wasn¡¯t even six o¡¯clock, and I was already in the kitchen. After ironing their uniforms, I cooked breakfast. Since it was still early, I prepared fried rice, sunny-side-up eggs, hotdogs, and bacon. Afterward, I took a quick shower. I still had some tasks to attend to at my business office branch.


    Once I was dressed for work, I woke up my little boy and made sure he had breakfast right away. I would pack his lunch forter.


    ¡°Good morning, Daddy!¡± The boy cheerfully greeted Lucas, who seemed to have dressed himself properly.


    ¡°Morning, son,¡± the man greeted him back, but his gaze towards me held a stern expression. It was I who chose to avoid eye contact; I had no time to dwell on his seemingly erratic behavior. He just didn¡¯t want me to initiate anything. I didn¡¯t have the luxury of deciphering his bipr tendencies!


    We headed straight to the kitchen, where our child ate his breakfast with gusto. Only the sound of utensils clinking against tes filled the room.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drop off our child,¡± I said, and he simply nodded in agreement.


    After we finished eating, Lucas kissed his son on the forehead, bidding him goodbye and mentioning that he might be heading to the office. Once I was certain he was gone, my son looked at me with a surprised expression.


    ¡°Is Daddy okay, Mom?¡± the boy asked, and I didn¡¯t immediately respond.


    Lucas¡¯s stubbornness was likely due to what happenedst night. If that wasn¡¯t half-crazy, I didn¡¯t know what was. His attitude was beyondprehension!


    ¡°Maybe Daddy is just busy, or it could be work-rted,¡± I finally replied. My son simply nodded, letting go of the topic.


    After our meal, I took my car out of the garage and had my son hop in before closing the gate. We were off to school.


    My son excitedly recounted a story about his father¡¯s kindness during the ride. It was apletely new experience for him, and he couldn¡¯t contain his enthusiasm. In his whole life, he had only recently discovered that his father loved him too. I knew it was an overwhelming emotion for him.


    When we arrived at the school, I escorted him to his ssroom before heading back to my car. I immediately drove to the office to attend to my responsibilities. I was also nning to open another branch of my caf¨¦ near Khalifa¡¯s hotel. My business had gained a good reputation, thanks to the quality of our products and excellent customer service.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I was so engrossed in my work that I didn¡¯t realize lunchtime had arrived. I briefly visited the chef and barista to pick up the lunch boxes I had prepared. I would bring them to my son at school, and we would have lunch together.


    Many kids stared at me, perhaps surprised by my slightly altered sense of style and grooming. They were used to seeing me looking like an olddy who had no knowledge of salons andbs. Maybe they found it strange that I put in some effort this time.


    ¡°Mom, look, my ssmates are staring at you. You look beautiful, especially today. You resemble a real goddess.¡± When did my son be so good at ttery? This kid would be a heartbreaker in no time!


    Still young, but the beauty was evident! And the words he spoke were incredibly sweet. I felt content knowing that my son would grow up to be kind, respectful, and hardworking. That would be my greatest achievement as a mother and as someone with a purpose.


    After their break, I apanied my son back to his ssroom before returning to the office to organize my tasks. I nned to visit a boutiqueter and purchase some new clothes. Dressing in thetest fashion trends would ensure that no one noticed any problems with my marriage!


    I drove towards the mall and was greeted by Jozel, the mid-twenties manager of the boutique.


    ¡°Hello, ma¡¯am!¡± Jozel approached me with a warm smile.


    I asked for assistance in selecting newly purchased dresses, shirts, and outfits that would suit me. They helped me choose, and I left the boutique with bags of stylish clothes. They evenplimented my new look. Well, maybe now I looked like a put-together person.


    Afterward, I visited a renowned makeup store to purchase beauty products. I carefully selected lipstick shades and other makeup items. I also bought skincare products.


    This day wouldn¡¯t end without making Lucas realize what kind of woman he was about to lose¡­

 CHAPTER 14

    Lucas¡¯ POV


    I was at the airport and eagerly waiting for Giselle¡¯s arrival in ybourne. I missed her so much and I couldn¡¯t wait to spend the day with her again. In fact, I cleared my schedule of all pending appointments, meetings, and business luncheons to focus solely on her.


    As I saw her walking in my direction, my heart raced, and I immediately kissed her. I couldn¡¯t contain my excitement and emotions as if I wanted to memorize every detail of her face. She was my dream girl ever since!


    There¡¯s something about her that messes with my system. But I quickly brushed it aside. Then, suddenly, Zara¡¯s image appeared inside my head. I shook my head immediately because I didn¡¯t want to entertain thoughts of Zara; she¡¯s in the past. My heart belongs to Giselle now.


    ¡°I miss you, babe,¡± my voice trembled with emotion as I gaze at her lovingly.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± She asked with concern, noticing my deep-in-thought expression. I quickly dismissed her worry, attributing it to fatigue from work.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, love. Maybe I¡¯m just tired. I have tons of work at the office,¡± Iughed it off and reassure her.


    ¡°You should take a rest too! Being sick is hard, love,¡± she insisted, always caring for me.


    We made our way to my car, and I couldn¡¯t help but notice the attention she receives from people at the airport. Being a well-known model, she was used to curious nces.


    We head to a hotel owned by me, and we had lunch in one of the private restaurant rooms. Inside my head, I made a mental note to just check on Enrique the next day. For now, I had to focus on Giselle, and nobody else. It has been too long since she was away and I have been going crazy while waiting for her.


    ¡°Eat, babe, this is all your favorite,¡± I served her food, but she pushed the te away, iming she was on a diet.


    ¡°Eat a little bit, dear; you look thinner,¡± I expressed my concern, but she rolled her eyes.


    She always dreamed to be an international model, the highest paid and even a well-known model. Of course, I understood why she was constantly on a diet but I couldn¡¯t control myself for feeling lonely. I felt that over the years, she prioritized her career over our rtionship and the possibility of starting a family.


    I wanted to confront her about it but I loved her deeply. Sometimes, I couldn¡¯t help but wish she would like to create a family with me. However, she was determined to focus on her career, which often leads her to be in different countries for an extended time.


    I have wanted her to marry me for a long time but she turned down every proposal I threw at her way. She always imed she wasn¡¯t ready yet and she still has big dreams for herself. Despite my disappointment, I always apologized to make up with her. I just couldn¡¯t bear to have her being upset with me.


    After dinner, we immediately headed to our shared unit, and after our passionate encounter, I decided to propose to her again. This time, I hoped she would finally ept my proposal andmit to building a family with me.


    After our steamy sex, Iy at my girl¡¯s side, catching my breath. I am exhausted but satisfied again. She¡¯s impable at what she does on the bed. She never knows how beautiful she is just being beside me after making love.


    I¡¯ve made up my mind. I don¡¯t want to have another thought, especially about Zara. I don¡¯t want to be confused, and I don¡¯t want to let that woman into my system.


    Naked like a newborn, I stood up and grabbed a small red box from beside the table. So many times, I tried to propose to Giselle, just for an engagement, but she refuses. She always insists on pursuing her dreams, which is why she often stays in other countries for her career.


    She always chooses to go away, chase her dreams, and never chooses to settle with me. I just want her to marry me so that Zara will be out of my life forever! But she keeps running away from the idea of marrying me.


    She became a different person when she insisted on being known as the most beautiful model in the world. When we were younger, high-school lovers, we dreamt of getting married and starting a family, a dream that was fulfilling for both of us.


    But everything changed before we graduated from college. She started dreaming of bing an international model, especially when her beauty started getting recognized.


    She became the face of different magazines, walked fashion runways, didmercials, and endorsed beauty products. At first, I was just the normal supportive boyfriend. But herck of time for me became more frequent. That¡¯s why after we graduated, I wanted her tomit to me.


    We made love, and I always insisted on not using any protection. Until I found out that she was using contraceptives. We had a very bad quarrel that time, and she left for a few months.


    That was also the time when I made the biggest mistake of my life ¨C I had an affair with Zara and got her pregnant.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Now, at this moment, I grabbed the red box. It has a fine engagement ring. I want to ask Giselle to marry me.


    I knelt beside her on the bed while we were both naked.


    ¡°Babe, you know that I love you for too long and I will love you for eternity. Do you still remember our dream? Our dream of starting a family. And I can¡¯t wait to fulfill it, babe. Marry me?¡± I said as I opened the small box containing the engagement ring, looking at her with hope.


    But I heard a different answer from her. The usual excuse! The answer that I can¡¯t ept, is that she doesn¡¯t want to settle down yet.


    ¡°You know my answer to that question, babe! I am not ready yet¡­ I still have dreams for myself, for both of us! Of course, I love you so much too. But please, stop pressuring me. Time wille, babe, and by the way, do you think I didn¡¯t notice? You came inside me again. I am not ready to bear a child, Lucas.¡± She insisted.


    I couldn¡¯t help but get angry and frustrated. I don¡¯t want to say some nasty words to her, so I want to avoid it for now.


    ¡°Lucas! Babe, please don¡¯t be mad¡­¡± She pleaded.


    I faced her while putting on my clothes. ¡°How?! How can I calm down knowing you refuse me again? You refuse my dream again, and instead, you choose your dream! If I understand you, babe, how about me? All I want is to build a family with you, have a child. I¡¯m wealthy enough to provide for you beyond what you can get from modeling!¡±


    She looked at me with the same anger. ¡°Lucas! Can you stop belittling my dreams? Stop thinking that they are shallow! What do you want me to do? Be a housewife! I am not born to be just a housewife, just someone who sits still and looks pretty. You want me pregnant? It will destroy my modeling career!¡±


    ¡°Then you choose your career over me. Crystal clear.¡± I said sarcastically and walked out. I wanted to scream in anger! I was so furious! She just pped me with it! Her words were knives piercing me through.


    My mind was clouded by anger. She¡¯s always like that. Always thinking that I¡¯m ruining her dreams. I¡¯ve been patiently waiting for her for more than a decade! I¡¯ve been by her side since the beginning. I am willing to give up everything, but she won¡¯t. I felt like I lost another battle.


    I called one of my friends, Ahron, and we ended up in a bar, a private one owned by an acquaintance.


    In a dimly lit corner of the cozy bar, I sat with my friend Aaron, feeling defeated and lost. Frustration and confusion weighed heavily on my mind and I creased my forehead as I focused on my drink.


    Aaron, ever the perceptive one, sensed my distress and asked gently, ¡°Hey, what¡¯s been bothering you, Lucas?¡±


    His eyes showed genuine care, and I appreciated his concern. Taking a sip of my drink, I sighed before replying, ¡°I¡¯ve been feeling defeatedtely, Ahron. It¡¯s like I¡¯m stuck in this loop, not knowing which way to go. Work, rtionships, everything feels overwhelming.¡±


    Aaron nodded, understanding my struggle. ¡°I¡¯m here for you, man. Whatever you want to share, I¡¯m all ears.¡±


    His invitation encouraged me to open up, and I poured out my frustrations, hopes, and uncertainties. As I spoke, Aaron listened intently, providing reassurance through a nod or aforting word. The act of confiding in a friend lightened the weight on my shoulders, even if just a little.


    ¡°You know, sometimes all we need is a little distraction to break free from those overwhelming thoughts. How about we enjoy the night, and have a little fun?¡±


    His attempt to lighten the mood brought a faint smile to my face. ¡°That sounds like a good idea. Maybe some distraction would do me good right now.¡±


    ¡°As you well know, women like Giselle would obviously turn down any proposal,¡± Aaron said.


    Curious, I asked, ¡°Oh? What does she want to do?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s right on track, taking all the necessary steps to achieve her dreams. It got me thinking about how times have changed, you know? Modern women like Giselle have these high aspirations, and they don¡¯t want to be confined to traditional roles like being a housewife.¡±


    ¡°What should I do?¡±


    ¡°Focus on something else, buddy,¡± Aaron suggested.


    Knowing that I could count on him whenever I needed someone to lean on broughtfort to my heart. The night had indeed been a perfect distraction, however, my mind was clouded with anger and confusion. I loved Giselle, but thoughts of Zara kept creeping into my mind.


    I try to push them away, but it¡¯s bing increasingly difficult. I wanted to forget Zara and focus on Giselle, but my heart seems to be struggling with conflicting emotions.


    As I head home, my vision blurs slightly from the alcohol, but I managed to get back safely. I feel like I¡¯ve done something wrong again, and I can¡¯t shake off the unsettling feeling.

 CHAPTER 15

    Zara¡¯s POV


    Lucas didn¡¯te homest night, and to my surprise, I stumbled upon a Facebook post about the famous model, Giselle, returning to the country. They were even seen embracing Lucas Son at the airport. It stirred up the familiar feelings of a tight chest, aching heart, and unbearable pain that I experience whenever I suspect he¡¯s having an affair.


    Even though I am legally his wife, I still feel like I¡¯m in the shadows, hidden away. I carry the burden of guilt, aware that I have divided Lucas¡¯s life between myself and Giselle.


    At my age, ying games feels tiresome. Being just Lucas Son¡¯s shadow is mundane and unfulfilling.


    Even my son seemed down and lethargic that night. He must have been disappointed that his dad didn¡¯te home. Reluctantly, I reminded him about our agreement.


    Fortunately, Nick came to the rescue. He visited us at home, bringing toys, food, and treats. It turned out he had returned from a business trip.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Nick yed with my son until he grew sleepy and drifted off to sleep early. We even managed to finish his homework beforehand, so the mischievous boy was already sound asleep.


    Late into the night, around 10 p. m., Nick insisted on heading home. ¡°Thank you for the visit. Your daughter missed you too. It¡¯s nice of you toe by, and she was feeling sad,¡± I said, a grin forming on my face.


    ¡°You know, Enrique is just like me, Al. If I have spare time, I can always spend it with your son,¡± my clever boyfriend replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I want you, Nick!¡± I teased, yfully nudging him.


    ¡°I hope you feel the same way about me,¡± he whispered, causing me to strain my ears to hear.


    ¡°Are you saying something, Nick?¡± I asked, catching him off guard.


    ¡°Huh? Oh, I said I should head home because it¡¯s gettingte. That¡¯s all!¡± he stammered, still blushing.


    ¡°You¡¯re young; don¡¯t be so hasty,¡± I joked. He chuckled and bid farewell, acting a bit strange.


    Heading upstairs to freshen up and change into my pajamas, I was surprised when someone knocked on our bedroom door. It was Lucas, but I wondered what he needed.


    I opened the door to be greeted by a mixture of alcohol and his cologne, suffocating the air around him. Lucas, being of mixed race, had a flushedplexion, most likely from drinking. Why was he drowning his sorrows in alcohol? Had he fought with Giselle?


    ¡°Lucas? What do you need? It¡¯ste, and you haven¡¯t slept,¡± I told him, concerned. He stared at me intently before speaking in a serious tone. Though he wasn¡¯t stuttering, his words came slowly.


    ¡°You know, it¡¯s all your fault,¡± he said, pointing his finger at me. I wasn¡¯t sure if he was angry or something else, but I felt a surge of guilt.


    What had I done this time? I should stay quiet and go to sleep! But guilt started creeping in; maybe I was the one at fault. After all, I had been the cause of so many issues between us.


    ¡°What are you talking about? You¡¯re clearly drunk, Lucas. You better go back to your room and get some sleep.¡± If anyone is the liar here, it¡¯s him.


    As I turned to leave, he grabbed my hand and pulled me closer. Time seemed to slow down as he held my face and our lips met. It was a brief moment, yet it felt electrifying.


    You¡¯re crossing the line, Lucas!


    Whatever magic Lucas Son possessed, it had kept me awake throughout the night. It was his fault!


    But that doesn¡¯t give him the right to get drunk and kiss me. I won¡¯t be disrespected like this! Maybe he forgets that we¡¯re on the verge of breaking up. All of this confusion is driving me mad.


    Despite my sleep deprivation and pounding headache, I woke up early. I decided not to go to work and would inform Jozelter. I couldn¡¯t function with this throbbing sensation in my head.


    The memory of his passionate kiss lingered, making me feel conflicted. For the second time, I had tasted the lips of the man I loved, still loved. I needed to shake myself out of it, for the sake of my peace of mind. Stop thinking about Lucas, Zara. Just, please.


    I prepared breakfast for the two of them, even packing a bento box for my son¡¯s lunch. I wasn¡¯t sure if I could eat it myselfter. I managed to push past my headache and hangover, even though my eyes felt heavy.


    Father and son came downstairs, and my annoyance began to fade as I watched Lucas lift our son and set him down. It seemed like he had already bathed the child and made all the necessary preparations. I could focus on cooking now.


    ¡°Good morning, Mom!¡± my handsome son greeted me cheerfully. He was in good spirits, and his mood seemed unaffected. Lucas, on the other hand, still showed signs of being hungover. The kiss thief.


    ¡°Good morning, and breakfast is ready,¡± I said, pouring a ss of fresh milk for my son.


    I acted as if everything was fine with Lucas, even offering him a cup of coffee to help with his hangover.


    ¡°Yes, please,¡± he responded. I nodded and quickly prepared his coffee.


    ¡°Dad, are you okay? You still look tired,¡± my son asked his father while we sat down to eat. He had noticed his dad¡¯s lethargy. Of course, he¡¯s hungover!


    But despite everything, I couldn¡¯t help but notice how attractive Lucas Son looked, even in this state. Even with a hangover, he was far from unappealing. Handsome, no matter the season, as others would say.


    ¡°I had a bit too much to drinkst night, kiddo. I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t make it home. I¡¯ll make it up to you, alright?¡± Lucas Son assured our son.


    My son smiled warmly. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Dad. There¡¯s no problem,¡± he replied, disying a maturity beyond his years.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drop you off at school, son. I¡¯ll drive you. So finish up your breakfast,¡± Lucas said.


    ¡°Really? Thanks, Dad! Besides,st night was fine. Godfather Nick was here, and he had lots of fun with me,¡± our son shared.


    I noticed the crumpled expression on Lucas Son¡¯s face when he heard Nick¡¯s name. Why did he have such a problem with the man?


    Nick is kind and honorable, unlike him! Perhaps Lucas¡¯spetitive nature prevents him from epting Nick¡¯s presence. Don¡¯t always let thatpetitive streak get the best of you.


    My son ate his breakfast without any issues, and I avoided questioning him to prevent him from choking. Exactly at 7, they left the house, and I considered calling Jozel.


    ¡°Is that so, ma¡¯am? Alright, I¡¯ll take care of things at the cafe. Rest well and have a good day,¡± Jozel said as we concluded our conversation. I immediately got to work in the kitchen, cleaning the dishes so that I could rest without any mess around.


    Suddenly, Lucas spoke from behind me, making my heart skip a beat. ¡°Aboutst night,¡± he said. I nearly jumped out of my skin!


    ¡°Why are you startling me like that?¡± I eximed, annoyed. To my surprise, he chuckled. Wait, is he actuallyughing? It caught me off guard.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you sense my presence? You were deep in thought, and I suddenly started speaking! Hey, you¡¯re already here, and I¡¯m still doing something,¡± he replied, amused. I didn¡¯t know where I found the courage to respond like that.


    I used to tremble in his presence, but now I no longer feared him. I wasn¡¯t afraid of losing anymore because that¡¯s where our rtionship was headed. It was amusing to think that I could somehow absorb the truth.


    ¡°And why are you still here? Don¡¯t you have work now?¡± I asked, genuinely curious about him.


    ¡°I have a free schedule this morning. I have a dinner meetingter tonight, so I can¡¯t make it for Enrique just yet. But Nick is not allowed in this house, Zara. I hope we understand each other at this point. I don¡¯t want that guy in my own home,¡± Lucas Son asserted. What¡¯s with this attitude, Lucas Son?


    ¡°Why? What¡¯s your problem with him visiting? He used toe here, sometimes with Antote. He¡¯s a kind person, and don¡¯t try to insinuate anything about our friendship,¡± I responded, defending Nick.

 CHAPTER 16

    Lucas¡¯ POV


    When Zara insisted that it wasn¡¯t wrong to let her friend Nick into the house, I wanted to throttle her neck. She was stubborn about it but I told her several times that Nick shouldn¡¯t be allowed in our house.


    I was able to breathe when she agreed to it. Actually, I don¡¯t understand myself anymore. Why do I cringe when I think that that idiot will step into my house to steal something from me?


    That is so fucking up, but I can¡¯t get any better idea why I am failing to make it normal than usual.


    ¡°About thest night¡­ I just want to apologize. I was drunk at the time.¡± She interrupted me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s forget about it, Lucas,¡± she said.


    She is still washing the dishes. I, on the other hand, am restless with annoyance. How could she easily say it? I was confused by her kiss.


    Nothing has changed! She is still the Zara that I know. Yes, and he seems to have settled. That¡¯s why I can¡¯t understand why I¡¯m like this or why I am so confused. As if my spirit floatedst night when I kissed him.


    I don¡¯t want to ept what I am concluding right now. Because it¡¯s not good! I can¡¯t let myself fall that way!


    ¡°What will be our lunchter?¡± I asked her while she was still busy wiping the tes with a clean tissue.


    Shit Lucas? What the fuck are you doing, man? Why are you trying to create a conversation with her? Am I really old?


    She seems surprised by my question, and she slowly faces me with a smirk evident on her face. Why does she suddenly be angelic in my eyes? She seemed to glow before my eyes. And there are sudden beatings in my heart. It felt good!


    ¡°Are you going to eat here?¡± she wondered.


    Don¡¯t worry, Zara. I am as confused as you.


    ¡°Yeah? Am I not allowed to eat here anymore?¡± I asked, and she shook her head.


    She said, ¡°Of course not.¡±


    ¡°So, what are you going to cook?¡±


    ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll cook a beef steak. I¡¯ve already had some marinated a while ago, so I¡¯ll just cook it thoroughly. Is that okay with you?¡±This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    I absent-mindedly nodded.


    That time when it is still hard to ept her and our son. I loathed her way of cooking. I know that her cooking is delicious, but I am showing her and acting like her cooking is way too bad.


    While Giselle is bad at cooking. She can¡¯t handle that with a spoon, and she will mess up the whole kitchen.


    Zara is different, and so is Giselle. But why am I so confused?


    I am sitting in the dining area of our house. Zara is still cooking for our lunch. The aroma of the sizzling beef filled my nostrils. She never failed to amaze me with her way of cooking.


    She is humming an unfamiliar song, and I steal nces at her from time to time. I don¡¯t like this. I¡¯ve never been so fanatical about looking at her. I always felt hatred towards this woman without knowing its source. Is it right to own up to my mistakes now?


    Out of nowhere, I asked her an unfamiliar question.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you angry with me? All this time, what have I always done towards you?¡± I asked while staring at the back of her body.


    She stopped her tracking when I asked her that question. She looks so stiff based on her posture. She turned to me¡­ But she had a smile on her lips-the opposite of what I expected.


    ¡°Of course, I was very angry with you. There was a time when I could have strangled you. What would I have done? I¡¯m not a saint,¡± she exined.


    I don¡¯t know, but instead of being offended, we both justughed.


    ¡°Why are you still holding on if you know¡­¡± I asked. I am not minding if I am being insensitive or sounding that way.


    She turned to me again and said, ¡°You know, Lucas, I never had the experience of having a father. My mom is a single parent. And one of my dreams is to have aplete family. Who doesn¡¯t want to build a family with the person they love, right?¡±


    So, she really loves me?


    I don¡¯t know, but I felt proud knowing that she loves me. Something that unknowingly makes me happy. I felt bad for Nick because he already loses the battle without starting and making a fight.


    And about her question, which woman doesn¡¯t want to start a family? It¡¯s Giselle. She hates the idea of having a child and a family yet. She and Zara are very different. But why do I feel this way? Am I doomed?


    And Zara doesn¡¯t have a father? That is also the reason why her grandfather, the captain, wants his grandson to have a father. He doesn¡¯t want him to feel the same destiny as his daughter and her granddaughter.


    And as our conversation deepened, I couldn¡¯t help but get to know her better. She is a smart woman. I never thought it would be this fun to talk to her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat?¡± She put the rice and warm dish on the table. She also prepared lemon juice.


    As soon as I took the first bite from my spoon, I couldn¡¯t help but be amazed at the deliciousness of her cooking. The beef is tender and vorful, and she is also not sloppy when serving rice.


    She is pretty; Zara is beautiful, kind, patient, and a very wifely woman. If our paths diverge. She will be swooned over by lots of men out there. Nick is one of them. And just that idea is making me mad.


    Even if I don¡¯t recognize what I feel, my heart doesn¡¯t lie. Am I fucking fucked up again? Am I slowly falling? Am I jealous?


    I shook my head inside my mind. I need to get rid of this feeling. Giselle and I just had a fight, but she is my only dream.


    While we are in the middle of silently eating our lunch, I asked her again, out of nowhere.


    ¡°Why are there women who don¡¯t want to get married even though they love the man? Why can they do that because of a dream?¡± I can¡¯t believe I asked her this. Maybe I don¡¯t have lots of girlfriends, and I want to hear a point of view from another woman.


    She smiled. ¡°Is that about Giselle?¡± She can catch it faster than I thought.


    I nodded, and she answered. ¡°You know, Lucas, women are different. There are women who want a family right away; there are women who are career women; there are women who are simple; and there are women who have high dreams but can¡¯t settle down right away. Just like our names are different, women are different too.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± That¡¯s all I said.


    ¡°It¡¯s just my advice, right? If you love her, you can handle it and wait. But if it doesn¡¯t, it¡¯s your heart that will give up. Time wille; it¡¯s like a sign that the time wille when you know hands down.¡±


    Just like her.


    She is choosing to give me up. She is way too exhausted from her own battle. She¡¯s giving up on me. And that idea hurts me. Just imagining Zara and Enrique away from my life felt miserable.


    ¡°Why choose to give up?¡± I asked. But this is not my question about Giselle. This is a secret question for her, Zara.


    ¡°You have to give up because you can¡¯t do it anymore. Not all battles are won. It doesn¡¯t always work that way. There¡¯s a reason why we stumble. See? If I let you go, you¡¯ll be happy; on the other hand, if I touch you, you will be in trouble, me and the child. No offense.¡±


    She is so deep. And her words hit me more deeply. So, she will hand me over? Why am I hurting like this?


    Why does imagining her leaving me inflict pain on me? Why am I hurting like this?


    ¡°N-None taken.¡± I still stammered and continued eating even though I had lost my appetite.


    ¡°And then Lucas¡­¡± She got my attention. ¡°Our son¡¯s birthday ising up very soon. I hope you will be free on that day¡­even for thest time.¡±


    My chest felt tight when Zara said it was toote.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it. I keep my word, Zara.¡±


    She seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and then smiled at me. Why did I notice her beauty only now?

 CHAPTER 17

    Zara¡¯s POV


    I was overwhelmed with emotions, ranging from annoyance to indescribable happiness. After all, I was finally having a genuine conversation with the guy I had secretly admired for so long. In the past, our interactions were always filled with arguments and heated exchanges, so this normal conversation felt like a major achievement.


    However, my joy was short-lived when the topic of discussion shifted to Lucas and his rtionship with Giselle. Bitterness reced my momentary happiness, and I had to remind myself not to dwell on something that was no longer mine. It took all my strength to discuss our breakup as if it hadn¡¯t hurt me, when in reality, I was in a tremendous amount of pain.


    After our meal, Lucas left for the gym, leaving me with a pounding headache. I took a quick nap but woke up before 3, eager to pick up my son from school. Arriving at the school, I noticed the familiar faces of nannies waiting for their young charges. This was a high-ss school, and most of the children were picked up by their nannies. It was not unusual for me to be mistaken for a nanny due to my appearance, which garnered attention from the gossiping nannies nearby.


    To my surprise, Nick was also present among the crowd. The nannies were quick toment on our presence, specting about the beauty and handsomeness of the son we would have together.


    I turned to Nick, puzzled by his presence, and asked him why he was there. His response, inquiring whether I was not allowed to miss the pickup, caught me off guard. I jokingly replied that it was strictly forbidden, but deep down, I appreciated his thoughtfulness.


    As we turned around, my son excitedly ran towards us, calling me ¡°Mom¡± and greeting Nick with a cheerful wee. I wiped the sweat from my son¡¯s forehead, reminding him to be careful and not trip. Nick, ever the doting godfather, mentioned that he had ns to take us out. It was a considerate gesture, but I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if he had no other obligations or a job.


    ¡°Are you not working?¡± I questioned him.


    ¡°Of course, you and your son are my priority,¡± he replied mischievously.


    I yfully pinched him, unable to deny his stubbornness. Then, we set off together, but since I had something to carry, we took separate cars. Our destination was, a fast-food restaurant where we could enjoy their signature chicken and spaghetti.


    As we parked outside and entered the establishment, Nick would asionally catch me staring at him, while I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if there was something on my face that drew the attention of other men.


    During our meal, my son asked the inevitable question, ¡°Is Daddying home today?¡±


    I replied that he had business to attend to, but he would definitely be back, especially for our shared birthday. This news filled my son with excitement and happiness.


    Nick¡¯s order arrived, and it was a feast fit for a king. When he indulged in his favorite dishes, it was clear that his appetite rivaled that of a construction worker. We engaged in lively conversation, enjoying each other¡¯spany.


    Everything seemed fine until I caught sight of Lucas and Giselle outside, separated by only a ss wall. Lucas appeared furious, his handsome face contorted in anger. Not again.


    Although it was not yet six o¡¯clock, I insisted on heading home, despite Nick¡¯s invitation to explore Antote¡¯s mansion. The pregnant woman was expecting our visit, but Lucas¡¯s earlier behavior outside the restaurant bothered me too much.


    I couldn¡¯tprehend why he was still angry. We had been clear about our situation. There was something different in his gaze, dark like a brewing storm, and it deeply unsettled me.


    Returning home, Lucas was still absent. He had mentioned a business dinner, but it was apparent that his ¡°business¡± involved Giselle. I couldn¡¯t express my frustration towards him.


    I had learned to swallow my resentments over time, but I hoped he would do the same. Acting jealous of Nick was unnecessary, especially considering that I was not the one with a disability. Perhaps it was him who had difficulty epting the reality of our situation.


    I was ovee with annoyance at the mere thought of him, so I busied myself with taking care of my son. After dressing him up, I prepared to go straight to bed. Even though we had eaten our fill earlier, I decided to cook some ramyeon for us to enjoyter. It was just a small snack, nothing extravagant.


    ¡°How are you, son? How was school? Do you have any assignments?¡± I asked my little one.


    As a parent, it¡¯s important to engage in these conversations and show interest in our child¡¯s life. Even though he¡¯s still young, these interactions help with his socialization and development. It¡¯s also my way of monitoring and guiding him because I genuinely care.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Mom. I¡¯m learning a lot at school, and we have a school project too. I¡¯ll work on it this Saturday. I¡¯ve already finished my assignment during my free time,¡± my son replied.


    If your child spoke like that, wouldn¡¯t you feel proud? He was polite, kind, and smart. However, I always emphasize that kindness should never be taken advantage of.


    There are people who are kind and intelligent but lose their way and be ignorant, earning a reputation for themselves. I¡¯m teaching my son to be a wise young man, to avoid falling into that trap.


    My son fell asleep around eight in the evening, exhausted from a long day at school. Feeling tired myself, I retreated to the living room and nned to get some much-needed rest. Unexpectedly, someone arrived home.


    To my surprise, he didn¡¯t reek of alcohol, and miraculously, he wasn¡¯t drunk. However, his mood was far from normal. He still looked handsome, even in his disheveled state. I chose not to move, avoiding any interaction or confrontation. Talking to him would only lead to arguments and trouble, and I had no interest in that. But, of course, he had to bring up the topic from earlier.


    ¡°I saw you with Nick¡­ I thought we had an agreement, Zara Dfontaine ckwood?¡± he said sarcastically, a hint of mockery in his voice.


    And to add to it, he addressed me by my marriedst name. What was wrong with him?


    I yed it cool and responded, ¡°What about him?¡± I wanted to see where this was going.


    He sat down on the couch and stared at me intensely. I couldn¡¯t decipher his mood. He was so difficult to read, even more enigmatic than my grandfather¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Stop pretending like you don¡¯t know. I told you to never go near him again, didn¡¯t I? But you defied me, Zara! Don¡¯t you understand? I said stay away from him!¡± he shouted, his anger catching me off guard.


    He was infuriated, but I couldn¡¯t fathom why. What was wrong with meeting Nick? There was no ill intent on my part. Yet, here he was, even angrier than before. It made no sense. I genuinely hoped he was okay, but it was a fleeting thought.


    ¡°What are you so angry about? You made it clear that he¡¯s not allowed in your house, and I agreed! This is your house, after all. I didn¡¯t agree to never see Nick. Let¡¯s get that straight. We are friends, and you have no right to dictate my life. Just as I no longer dictate yours. Consider this a reminder, sir. Lucas ckwood. We¡¯re heading towards separation. I hope you¡¯re prepared for whatever life I choose,¡± I said, my words flowing uninterrupted.


    I was breathless, not just from the length of my speech, but from the tension in the room. Could he stop acting like a jealous husband? We weren¡¯t on national television ying characters in a telenov.


    He woke up from his anger-induced stupor and faced me,ing closer. Fear gripped me, and I instinctively stepped back. He towered over me, his imposing height and broad build causing me to tremble. I wasn¡¯t invincible; I was only human.


    His scent was undeniably masculine and alluring. It enveloped my senses like a soothing massage, and I could feel the warmth radiating from him. He was no ordinary man; he was my long-time love. Even now, with him standing so close, I felt an unexinable connection.


    ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong with Nick? Why do you feel the need to defend him? Do you actually like him?¡± he asked, his irritation evident.


    But my question remained: Why? Why was he upset? Why was he acting this way?


    ¡°Why are you acting like this? Did you ever see me scolding you when I caught you with the girl you loved? Did you? Lucas, you know what? You¡¯re being unfair! Answer me. Why are you behaving like this?¡± I stared at him, waiting for a response.


    He looked at me nkly for a moment, then turned away. Fine! That¡¯s what he was good at-avoiding and keeping his distance.


    Feeling overwhelmed, I decided to go to sleep and hope to avoid any further encounters like this. Lucas was truly aplicated man.


    The next day arrived as if nothing had happened the night before. I woke up early to cook breakfast while Lucas bathed and dressed our son. He showed enthusiasm in caring for our child, but he continued to ignore me. That was fine too.


    We were like passing winds, acknowledging each other¡¯s presence only when necessary. It didn¡¯t bother me; we had an understanding. If anything, it seemed he was content acting this way.


    When they left, with Lucas dropping off our child, I breathed a sigh of relief. I thought we would continue to coexist in this casual manner. But it seemed fate had a different n, as Lucas ckwood¡¯s mind suddenly spiraled into madness.


    He started off possessive and jealous, then he kissed me, and yesterday he acted stubbornly like a man possessed.


    Lost in my thoughts, I was distracted by a phone call. It was Nick, and what he revealed left me utterly confused.


    ¡°Antote is about to give birth! Come to the hospital,¡± I eximed, surprised at my immediate agreement.


    Leaving my boutique behind, I swiftly hopped into my car and raced towards the hospital. Antote and Nick had been by my side during the birth of my son, Enrique, offering unwavering support when Lucas was absent and filled with remorse. Their presence had provided me sce during the challenging moments of pregnancy and stress.


    Nick, in particr, had been my rock. His kindness, unmatchedpassion, and willingness to fulfill even my most absurd cravings, like raw mangoes at two in the morning, had made him an extraordinary friend. While Lucas had been preupied with another woman, Nick had stepped in selflessly.


    Arriving at the hospital, I checked my phone and discovered a message from Nick detailing Antote¡¯s room number. I swiftly made my way to the seventh floor, feeling a mix of anticipation and excitement.


    Outside the operating room, I found Nick, his face brimming with enthusiasm. We were eagerly awaiting the birth of twin boys, a fact revealed at the gender reveal party where two blue cakes were cut open. I couldn¡¯t contain my excitement, teasing Nick about his future role as a father.


    ¡°Take a seat, Nick. Are you prepared to be a father? I can already envision your confident strides as you walk with your children,¡± I yfully challenged him, unable to contain my joy.


    ¡°Of course! My children are destined for greatness, just like Enrique. He has inherited my good looks and will surely achieve remarkable things,¡± Nick replied with a touch of arrogance, prompting a yful retort from me.


    ¡°Your confidence knows no bounds, my friend,¡± I teased, as Nick settled beside us, eagerly awaiting the news. Antote¡¯s wife, Fin, was also inside the room, sharing the precious moments with her.


    Engaging in lighthearted banter, I unexpectedly asked the person next to me, ¡°Hey Nick, when do you n on finding ¡®the one¡¯? Antote and I have already moved ahead of you, remember? Back in college, you were determined to be the first to tie the knot. Are you waiting to be a dashing young man?¡±


    Hisughter filled the room, attracting the attention of passing nurses and patients who couldn¡¯t help but admire his charm.


    ¡°Is it my irresistible charm? An ageless young man, perhaps? Well, I have found the one for me. It¡¯s just a matter of waiting for the right time,¡± Nick replied, his tone filled with anticipation.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. Will I have the privilege of meeting her first?¡± I asked mischievously, yfully challenging him.


    ¡°Oh, Antote already knows all about it,¡± he responded, leaving us both amused.


    ¡°You two are quite the tricksters!¡± I eximed, enjoying the light-hearted camaraderie we shared.


    Just as we were engrossed in conversation, the door swung open, revealing two nurses, a doctor, and Fin, beaming with victory. The joy in their eyes emphasized the fatherhood I had longed for Lucas to exude during our son¡¯s birth. But that was merely a wish, an impossible dream.


    Fin approached us, adorned in a hospital gown and gloves, with a radiant smile. ¡°I¡¯m a father!¡± he announced, filling our hearts with happiness. Our dear friend had sessfully delivered, despite the slight dangers the doctor had warned about. But knowing Antote, her strength and bravery were evident.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Congrattions, bro,¡± Nick said, conveying his heartfelt wishes.


    ¡°Congrats, Fin. Best wishes as a new parent,¡± I added, sharing in the celebration of their new journey.


    As the nurses carried the babies to the nursery, we caught a glimpse of the two adorable angels. Their cuteness didn¡¯te as a surprise, considering Fin¡¯s striking German heritage and Antote¡¯s beauty reminiscent of a pageant queen. I could already imagine the attention these twins would attract from countless admirers when they reached their teenage years.


    Moreover, I couldn¡¯t wait to share this joyous news with my daughter, Enrique. He would be thrilled to be an older brother to his godmother¡¯s children.


    While Antote rested and drifted into sleep, exhausted from the normal delivery, the other grandparents arrived. We extended our congrattions to them before bidding farewell, knowing that Antote would still be unconscious for some time. Nick and I decided to head out, with the intention of returning once our friend was awake.


    Both of us shared a love for coffee, so we decided to visit a nearby caf¨¦. Settling down at a caf¨¦, we sipped our beverages and engaged in heartfelt conversation.


    ¡°Enrique¡¯s birthday is approaching. Any ns?¡± Nick asked, prompting me to share our birthday celebration arrangements.


    ¡°We had nned tomemorate Lucas and Enrique¡¯s birthdays together onest time. It was one of the agreements we made,¡± I exined, reminiscing about the agreements Lucas and I had established.


    ¡°Alright, but I¡¯ll still prepare a gift for Enrique,¡± Nick responded with a smile, showcasing his unwavering support.


    I couldn¡¯t help but appreciate Nick¡¯s thoughtfulness. Despite theplexities of my situation with Lucas, he continued to be a positive presence, offering support to both me and our son.


    As our time at the caf¨¦ drew to a close, we bid each other farewell. Driving home, I was overwhelmed. The impending joy of my son¡¯s uing birthday and the sce I found in Nick¡¯spanionship were overshadowed by the realization that my marriage was crumbling.

 CHAPTER 18

    Zara¡¯s POV


    Two days had passed since Antote gave birth, and we were excited to finally visit her at home. She had been discharged from the hospital and was now resting with her adorable baby boys. As we entered the room, Antote greeted us with her usual wit and humor.


    ¡°Thank you for the fruit and the gift. I hope it¡¯s cash! Haha,¡± Antote joked, making us allugh.


    ¡°Your sons are incredibly handsome, Antote. They must have inherited their good looks from their godfather, Nick,¡± I remarked, teasing Nick yfully.


    Antote immediately retaliated, defending her children. ¡°Hey, my children don¡¯t look like assholes. And if they inherit anything from you, they might be as smart as you. I just don¡¯t know,¡± she joked, leaving us all amused.


    ¡°Antote!¡± Nick blushed, scolding our friend for herment.


    The personal nurses had already put the babies to sleep, allowing us to engage in lighthearted conversation. However, our pleasant moment was interrupted by a phone call from Lucas. He informed me that he was outside the mansion with our child, as he had picked him up from school.


    Surprised by Lucas¡¯s sudden presence and his willingness to spend time with us, I shared the news with Nick and Antote, who were equally confused and amazed. Lucas¡¯s behavior had been inconsistent in the past, so his unexpected interest in our family was unexpected.


    Antote, always quick to add humor to any situation, pretended to be even more stressed than me, ying along with the teasing banter.


    Lucas parked the car in the mansion¡¯srge garage and opened the door for our son, Enrique. As I wiped the sweat off Enrique¡¯s forehead, I suggested that Lucas go ahead and that Enrique and I would join himter. However, Lucas had other ns in mind.


    ¡°As if I¡¯ll let Nick steal another moment,¡± he whispered mischievously, his yful nature shining through.


    ¡°What is that?¡± I asked, trying to catch his words.


    Lucas didn¡¯t respond and entered the manor before me, leaving me wondering about his intentions.


    We followed them inside, entering Antote¡¯s room, where the tension was palpable. Antote was already in her signature sassy mode, exchanging sarcastic remarks with Lucas.


    Deciding to give them some space, I instructed Enrique to go find the twins in the other room. My son followed me reluctantly, sensing the intensified tension in the air.


    I could hear Antote¡¯s sarcasticment directed at Lucas, ¡°I never imagined that the infamous Lucas ckwood would be here at my humble abode.¡±


    It was clear that Antote had formed her own negative opinion of Lucas based on my struggles in our rtionship.


    Leaving Antote¡¯s mansion, I noticed Lucas¡¯s car at the gate, with the guard initially hesitant to let him in. After confirming that we knew Lucas, the guard allowed him inside.


    As we drove home, Lucas¡¯s face reflected annoyance, his mood darkening. It seemed like something troubled him, a weight he carried within.


    The following day, life returned to a semnce of normalcy. I busied myself with preparations for our son¡¯s birthday celebration, a significant milestone for us. It was the day Lucas and I would meet for the first time since our separation, coinciding with our son¡¯s special day. Enrique was eagerly looking forward to the festivities.


    Both my mother and grandfather suggested celebrating in our barangay, and Lucas agreed, although he preferred to stay in the background. His presence alone would mean the world to our son, and that was all I expected from him.


    The day of the party arrived, and we had decorated the venue with colorful balloons and banners. Friends and family filled the space, eager to celebrate with us. A local caterer had graciously offered to provide the food, ensuring everything was in order.


    ¡°Mom, is Daddying?¡± Enrique asked, his excitement tinged with a hint of worry.


    I reassured him, nodding with conviction. ¡°Yes, son. He promised he woulde. Maybe he¡¯s still at the office, but he¡¯ll be here.¡±


    The partymenced, filled withughter, clowns, and joyous moments. Even my mother and grandfather were enjoying themselves. However, as time ticked by and the guests started to leave, Lucas was nowhere to be seen. My heart sank as I witnessed my son¡¯s anticipation turning into disappointment.


    Enrique received many gifts, but his one wish for the day, Lucas¡¯s presence, remained unfulfilled. I couldn¡¯t help but feel the weight of my son¡¯s sadness, and a sense of foolishness for believing in Lucas¡¯s promises once more.


    I entered Antote¡¯s room and immediately sensed the tension between her and Lucas Son. It was no secret that my friends were well aware of the difficulties I had faced in my rtionship with Lucas. Consequently, it didn¡¯t surprise me that they harbored negative feelings towards him.


    ¡°I never imagined that the infamous Lucas ckwood would grace my humble abode,¡± Antote remarked sarcastically, her words dripping with subtle disdain.


    Wanting to shield my son from the mounting tension, I gently instructed Enrique to go find the twins in the adjacent room. He followed me reluctantly, his unease palpable as he sensed the strained atmosphere.


    Lucas, disying a boldness that surprised me, didn¡¯t back down. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with being here? If I¡¯m not wee, just say the word. We can leave.¡±


    Antote fired back swiftly, her wordsced with sarcasm. ¡°Why would you think that? Are you lost? And do you really have to rush off with your wife and child? Don¡¯t worry; your soon-to-be ex-wife and child won¡¯t vanish into thin air. My friend has finally awakened, and I know that she and Enrique deserve far better than you.¡±


    Feeling the weight of the escting conversation, I made the decision to leave. I didn¡¯t want to witness their debate any longer. Nick, though remaining silent, appeared eager to voice his thoughts against Lucas.


    During our flight back home, Lucas¡¯s face wore a mask of annoyance, resembling a crumpled piece of paper. He still possessed his striking looks, but his mood had turned dark, creating an air of mystery around him.


    Once we arrived home, we settled down for dinner, and I put my son to sleep. While cleaning the kitchen that night, Lucas approached me. I braced myself for another argument, but to my surprise, he asked for my forgiveness.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for my recent strange behavior. Let¡¯s just forget it, for the sake of our agreement?¡± I listened, unable to do anything. It pained me that I couldn¡¯t fully ept his apology, even though he was extending it.


    Days passed, and our lives returned to a semnce of normalcy. I found myself busy preparing for my son¡¯s birthday, an asion filled with excitement and anticipation. It would also mark the first meeting between Lucas and me since our separation, coinciding with our son¡¯s special day.


    Both my mother and grandfather expressed their desire to celebrate the asion in our localmunity, and Lucas agreed to the idea, preferring to remain low-key. All that mattered was his presence for our son, and I had epted that as enough.


    Together with Antote, who had made a remarkable recovery, we arranged a mini stage and entertainment area for the children at our home in the brigade. Nick graciously offered to cater for the event, ensuring that everything was in order.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Mom, will Daddye?¡± my son inquired, his eyes filled with hope.


    I nodded confidently, assuring him, ¡°Yes, son. He promised he would be here. Maybe he¡¯s still at the office, but he¡¯ll make it.¡±


    The birthday partymenced, filled withughter, clowns, and joyful moments. Everyone, including my mother and grandfather, reveled in the festivities. However, as the hours ticked by and the guests began to leave, there was no sign of Lucas. My heart sank as I witnessed my son¡¯s anticipation turn into disappointment.


    Despite the multitude of gifts he received, his one wish for the day remained unfulfilled-Lucas¡¯s presence. I couldn¡¯t help but feel a mixture of anger and foolishness for believing in his promises once again. It hurt me deeply to see my son in tears on his special day, his innocence tarnished by his father¡¯s absence.


    Antote and Nick did their best tofort him, but it was clear that he longed for Lucas¡¯s arrival above all else. In that moment, I cursed Lucas ckwood silently, regretting ever having hoped for more. Today, I realized just how foolish I had been, and it was my son who paid the price for it!

 CHAPTER 19

    Lucas¡¯ POV


    I was taken aback to discover that Giselle had returned to the country, reaching out to spend my birthday with me. Caught up in a whirlwind of office tasks, her request left me torn. After all, I had promised my son that this day would be dedicated solely to him. Disappointing him was thest thing I wanted.


    ¡°Please, just a brief moment, babe,¡± Giselle pleaded on the phone. ¡°I want to congratte you and mend things, Lucas. I¡¯ll be back. If you¡¯re too busy, I understand, but it¡¯s truly just for a moment.¡±


    Sighing, I reluctantly agreed, ¡°Alright, but only after an hour. I¡¯m swamped with work.¡±


    Her voice brimming with joy, she eximed, ¡°Thank you, babe! I love you.¡±


    As I hung up, an unfamiliar lump formed in my throat. It used toe effortlessly, reciprocating her ¡°I love you,¡± but now, it felt awkward and unsettling. For some reason, the word ¡°love¡± stirred thoughts of Zara within me.


    Shaking off the unease, I tried to refocus on my tasks. This meeting with Giselle would be brief, a mere interlude before heading to my son¡¯s birthday party.


    Without realizing it, I found myself smiling as I opened the drawer of my desk, retrieving a picture frame featuring my son and me. The love I felt for him, an unexpected and profound affection, was a revtion. Bing a proud and devoted father had brought me immeasurable happiness.


    ncing at the gift on the table-a ticket to Disnend for the three of us-I knew deep down that I didn¡¯t want to merely fulfill our agreement anymore. The thought of Zara signing the separation document filled me with anguish. The idea of her and Enrique disappearing from my life was unbearable.


    I resolved to find a way to extend our time together. I couldn¡¯t bear the thought of waking up one day and discovering that they were no longer part of my life. The mere prospect of that day felt like a fatal illness looming over me.


    Words couldn¡¯t adequately express the pain that decision would inflict. It took time, but in the midst of my office haze, I began piecing everything together.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Slowly, surely, and with an insatiable longing, I found myself falling in love with my wife once more. Zara, whom I once deemed a disappointment, had transformed into a priceless gem in my eyes.


    With everything arranged, I instructed my secretary to clear my schedule for the day. After a brief rendezvous with Giselle, I would head straight to my son¡¯s birthday celebration.


    Speaking of Giselle, I faced one of the most challenging decisions of my life. Everyone knew the depth of my love for her. Together, we had built dreams, but now, I sensed a misalignment between our love and our aspirations.


    Though she had once dominated my dreams, I realized that dreams can evolve and change. In my case, it wasn¡¯t a quick shift, but a gradual realization over six years. Despite my initial resistance, my heart slowly shifted its focus toward Zara.


    I had made up my mind. It was time to end my loveless rtionship with Giselle. I would assess the situation and take the necessary steps to rectify what needed fixing. She deserved a better man, and it was time for me to repair my bond with my neglected family.


    There¡¯s an unexinable tightness in my throat, hindering my ability to reciprocate with ease when I hear those three little words-I love you. It used to roll off my tongue effortlessly, never causing any inner turmoil. But why do I struggle now? Why does Zara upy my thoughts whenever love is mentioned?


    ¡°I-I love you too,¡± I stumbled on the other end of the line. To be honest, it felt awkward and unsettling, an unfamiliar difort.


    I ended the call and tried to refocus on my work. It would be a brief conversation. After all, I had my son¡¯s birthday party to attend to.


    But then, I caught myself smiling-a genuine smile. I reached into the drawer of my desk and retrieved a picture frame disying a snapshot of me and my son. The unexpected surge of love for my child overwhelmed me. I had been raising him blindly for so long, unaware of the depth of this unsolicited love. My decision to prioritize him filled me with true happiness.


    ncing at the gift on the table-a ticket, not just any ordinary ticket, but a trip to Disnend for three people-I realized that even after our agreement, I still wanted to be with them. I couldn¡¯t quiteprehend it, but the thought of Zara signing our separation document pained me deeply. The idea of losing them tore at my heart.


    So, I resolved to find ways to extend our time together. I refused to wake up one day and discover that Zara and Enrique were no longer a part of my life. The mere thought of that day felt like a terminal illness closing in.


    No words can aptly describe the agony that decision would bring. epting myself had been a long and arduous journey. And as I sat there, stunned in my office, everything finally fell into ce.


    I am gradually, steadfastly, and passionately falling in love with my wife. The woman I once viewed as a disappointment now shines brightly as a precious gem in my eyes.


    With everything set in motion, I instructed my secretary to clear my schedule for the entire day. After a brief encounter with Giselle, I would head straight to my son¡¯s birthday celebration.


    And as for Giselle and our rtionship, I stand at the precipice of one of the most difficult decisions of my life. Everyone knows the depth of my love for her. Together, we built dreams, but I no longer see the desire to fulfill those dreams reflected in her eyes. Our aspirations and love no longer align.


    It¡¯s true that she once dominated my dreams, but dreams can change. In my case, transforming everything overnight wasn¡¯t a mere snap of the fingers. It took six years. Despite my initial resistance, Zara seemed to have carved her ce within my heart.


    I¡¯ve made up my mind. I intend to break up with Giselle. I will carefully evaluate the situation and take the necessary steps to correct what needs fixing. There¡¯s no reason for me to remain in a loveless rtionship. Giselle deserves a better man now. It¡¯s time for me to mend my neglected connection with my family.


    As I retrieved the key from my pocket and opened the door of my sleek ck sports car, I noticed more gifts waiting in the back. They were but a small gesture topensate for my absence in my son¡¯s life. However, my goal was clear-I wanted to win my son¡¯s heart, and I longed for Zara to fall in love with me once more. I would not allow her to unlove me. I could no longer conform. I refused to be a foolish, irrational man. This time, I would be true to my feelings.


    Just a short distance away, the renowned SB coffee shop beckoned. As I swung open the door, the envious and admiring gazes of other customers met me. Oh, how I longed to revel in their envy and give them a knowing smirk.


    Not far off, I spotted Giselle engaged in conversation with her former best friend, re. Rumor had it that these two had been locked in a bitter argument for quite some time now.


    When Giselle caught sight of me approaching, her eyes widened in surprise. She discreetly signaled to re, prompting her friend to leave. re brushed past me, her face a canvas of indiscernible emotions.


    Dressed in a striking red dress, Giselle looked breathtakingly beautiful. Yet, deep down, I sensed that something had changed between us. The spark that once ignited our connection had faded away.


    She leaned in to kiss me, but the magic of her touch no longer resonated as it once did. We took our seats near a table beside the ss wall, adorned with an array of delectable food. To my delight, Giselle had ordered my favorites-knowing all too well of my disdain for creamy indulgences, she brought me a dark coffee with an extra shot of brown sugar and a tantalizing piece of cinnamon bread.


    ¡°Eat, babe, and then we¡¯ll go somewhere,¡± she eximed with excitement, her enthusiasm palpable. While I didn¡¯t want to dampen her spirits, I had to be honest with her. I couldn¡¯t miss my son¡¯s birthday celebration.


    ¡°Giselle, I have a mountain of work waiting for me. I¡¯m swamped right now, but we can n something for another day,¡± I replied wearily. I witnessed a flicker of annoyance in her eyes.


    ¡°Your birthday onlyes around once, Lucas Son ckwood! Can you put your responsibilities aside, just for a little while? I¡¯m doing this to make it up to you. Time is running out as I have a shoot in Japan this Saturday. Please, baby!¡± she pleaded.


    ¡°Then it seems like you prioritize your career more than I do. And that¡¯s okay¡­ I have to go,¡± I said calmly before rising from my seat and walking away. She chased after me, unleashing all her pent-up frustration.


    ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you, Lucas?! You weren¡¯t like this before! What¡¯s wrong with you? Maybe you¡¯re ying games,¡± she eximed, her voice piercingly loud and attracting the attention of the caf¨¦¡¯s patrons.


    ¡°Stop, Giselle.¡± I continued walking, unaffected by her stunned expression.


    Determined, I headed towards Zara¡¯s family home, where the party was about to begin. Excitement coursed through me at the thought of being there.


    However, as I parked the car a distance away from the house and made my way toward the gate, I unwittingly stumbled upon a heart-wrenching scene. My heart shattered, and rage consumed me. Before my eyes, I witnessed Zara, alongside Nick, embracing my son as if they were a family.


    An indescribable mix of anger and jealousy surged through my veins, leaving me breathless and my vision clouded. I refused to cause a scene solely due to my seething emotions and jealousy towards that despicable Nick.


    I watched myself retreat from the Dfontaine residence, forsaking the party. The bitter taste of karma lingered in my mouth. Did Zara experience the same pain when I was with Giselle? Fate certainly had a way of ying its twisted games. This moment served as a stark reminder of karma¡¯s swift retribution.


    Thus, what should have been a joyous asion transformed into a solitary evening drowning my sorrows in a private bar. The only respite I sought was to drown myself in alcohol and wake up devoid of any lingering emotions.

 CHAPTER 20

    Zara¡¯s POV


    The disappointment I felt toward Lucas ckwood cannot be adequately expressed in words. I never expected, nor hoped, that he wouldck integrity in such a crucial situation. I had to keep my overwhelming anger in check, so as not to inflict any additional pain on my son. Protecting him from shattered expectations became my priority.


    Lucas proved to be incredibly selfish, devoid of any qualities that bring happiness into my life. If I was once infatuated with him, do I even feel anything for him now? There¡¯s nothing left between us.


    Regret fills my heart as I realize I initiated a conversation that I knew he couldn¡¯t handle. The damage has been done, and the consequences of my futile attempt only serve to worsen my son¡¯s suffering. I can¡¯t bear to be broken anymore. If only it were just me and not my son enduring this pain. As a mother, the sight of my child¡¯s distress amplifies my own anguish.


    Enrique, my son, stood outside the house, waiting for his useless father. Tears streamed down his face as he clung to hope. Witnessing his heartbreak adds an extrayer of hurt as a mother who desires nothing but her child¡¯s happiness.


    Fury consumes me, and I sense that Nick and Antote share my rage. The child has finally fallen asleep in the room here at Grandpa¡¯s house. I can¡¯t bring myself to return to Lucas¡¯s house; I might get lost in the midst of it all.


    ¡°That husband of yours has absolutely no shame! He is a heartless bastard and a heartless father! The next time I see his face¡­ ugh! I still have stitches from giving birth; he¡¯s nothing but a lump. Zara, all this time-yes, all this time-Lucas has been ying games with both you and your son. Choose wisely and leave his life. It¡¯s time to rediscover yourself! There¡¯s someone out there who deserves you far more than that idiot,¡± Antote¡¯s words lingered in the air, each syble seething with anger.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m tempted to beat him up myself. He has no conscience, not even for his own son. It¡¯s not some random person; it¡¯s his own flesh and blood. Perhaps he¡¯s too preupied with his girlfriend, Giselle,¡± Nick interjected, revealing his encounter with Lucas and Giselle at a hotel in the past.


    Antote wasted no time in expressing her opinion. ¡°Listen, Zara! Are you awake, or should I p you with coffee? Stop being a shadow of a man who never saw your worth! Perhaps you¡¯ll be canonized for your martyrdom and sent straight to the Holy Father.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯ve learned my lesson well. Maybe I¡¯ll be the one to initiate our divorce proceedings. I don¡¯t want him going berserk and causing any more harm to our son. I¡¯d be a fool not to recognize our own worth after what¡¯s happened.¡± It was true-we needed to separate. My son and I have suffered enough at Lucas¡¯s hands. We can survive without him; we can manage.


    As the night grewte, Antote bid farewell, driven home by Fin and Nick, who also departed. I entered our room, where my son slept soundly, his tear-streaked face still evident. I¡¯m not sure if I can ever forgive Lucas for what he¡¯s done.


    It¡¯s toote now. Perhaps there¡¯s truth to what they say-that when there¡¯s nothing left, our hearts simply give up. Tomorrow, I will begin packing my belongings. I¡¯m sorry, Lucas, but I can¡¯t bear to continue. I just want us to let go of each other.


    Guess who came knocking on the door? None other than Antote, wearing a wide grin that stretched from ear to ear. She held a paper bag, her excitement palpable as if she had just won the lottery ore up with a wild n. Her trademark madness shone through, reminding me of all the crazy adventures we had during our college years.


    Recalling those moments when we experimented with alcohol, went to bars and parties, or took unconventional sses brings a smile to my face. It¡¯s good to reminisce about the carefree days of our youth. Now that we¡¯re both adults and mothers, we can no longer indulge in those same antics.


    ¡°And what did you do in there, hiding away?¡± I inquired, amused. She darted straight to my bed, depositing the clothes she had brought-the very ones I had never imagined myself wearing.


    ¡°I know you¡¯d wear something worse than sweatpants and tattered clothes, my friend. So I prepared these fashionable swimwear pieces! It¡¯s time for you to dive into the world of romance! Time is precious, Zara,¡± she eximed, wearing a mischievous grin.


    I couldn¡¯t help but fall in love with her audacity. My son was present, hearing every word from this mischievous witch. Before heading out with Antote, I made arrangements for my son to stay with his grandparents.


    We walked together, heading towards the beachfront hut. However, I couldn¡¯t help but feel uneasy about the stares we received from the people around us. Many eyes, mostly from foreign men, fixated on Antote and me, making me ufortable under their scrutinizing gaze.


    ¡°Hey Zara, why are you bowing?¡± asked the person next to me, radiating confidence. The woman who had given birth still looked like a goddess.


    Unlike her, my self-confidence had always been shaky. I struggled with it since high school, and it only worsened with Lucas¡¯s actions. Being married to him, my self-esteem takes a nosedive. Every day, he made me feel so ugly and unattractive! I looked at Antote with a concerned expression.


    ¡°It¡¯s strange how we perceive each other.¡±


    ¡°Because we are beautiful. Zara, I hope you see yourself in the mirror and understand why you attract men¡¯s attention.¡± Ever since I started taking better care of myself, I noticed visible improvements.


    I no longer looked exhausted and worn out. I could be fashionable and embrace my new haircut. I could finally be myself without someone dictating or undermining my confidence with their words. You know exactly who I¡¯m talking about.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tter me, Antote,¡± I replied, chuckling, as we continued walking.


    ¡°Chin up, chest out. Show them the attitude of a queen.¡± Iughed at her words.


    After a minute or two, we spotted our colleagues.


    There, waiting for me, was my child, jumping up with excitement as we approached.


    ¡°Mom, I want to swim now!¡± my daughter eximed eagerly.


    ¡°Alright, but first, let¡¯s apply sunscreen, and then we can go swimming,¡± I said, retrieving the sunscreen from my bag.


    I carefully applied it to my son¡¯s skin. As I turned towards the sea, my eyes caught sight of Nick, our new colleague. I couldn¡¯t help but feel a rush of attraction.


    If you could see what I saw, you would agree that a sculpted Adonis had descended upon us. Nick wasn¡¯t just any guy; he was a captivating delight that both women and men admired.


    Observing him in his shirt, revealing his perfectly chiseled muscles and abs, sent shivers down my spine.


    He was wet, handsome, and undeniably attractive. If he weren¡¯t my friend, I might have beenpletely captivated by his irresistible charm. It was no wonder why so many people were crazy about him.


    ¡°Hello, miss, can I still get a kiss?¡± he greeted me teasingly. Nice, a bit cheeky.


    ¡°Kiss that tree,¡± I replied,ughing along.


    ¡°Why are you dressed like that?¡± he inquired, his attention focused on me.


    I felt slightly self-conscious. My son had already said goodbye, going with his grandparents who were enjoying the beach and going for a swim.


    ¡°Just don¡¯t go too far, alright? Wear your life vest with this whistle ne. Stay close,¡± I reminded my son.


    He nodded. ¡°Yes, Mom, I¡¯m a big boy now.¡±


    I turned to Nick. ¡°Do I look ridiculous in this outfit?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°No, not at all. I¡¯m just not used to seeing you in this style. Antote is usually the one who rocks these kinds of clothes,¡± he replied. It was true; this wasn¡¯t my usual style, but hey, why not try something different?


    ¡°Yeah, Antote nned this. I feel a bit ufortable. It seems like everyone is staring at me,¡± I mentioned, noticing the slight furrow in Nick¡¯s brow and hearing his muttered curse.


    ¡°If someone is rude to you, Zara, just let me know, and they won¡¯t be bothering you for long,¡± he boasted, flexing his muscles a little.


    I yfully rolled my eyes at him. ¡°Oh, really? You¡¯re too busy with your admirers to notice.¡±


    He gave me his infamous smirk before winking, causing a blush to creep onto my cheeks. ¡°If you want, you can be my woman, and I won¡¯t have to look anywhere else.¡±


    I yfully punched his chest. ¡°How smooth, Nick.¡±


    I apanied my son to the sea, and together we built sandcastles. Even Nick joined in the fun. Twenty minutes flew by, and then we were called for our boodle fight.


    And guess who won? Nick was crowned the champion, devouring food like it was a mystery how he maintained his sculpted physique.


    The beach party was a st, and I could see that my son was enjoying himself. It made me realize that I had made the right decision for our healing.


    Perhaps it was the right choice to walk away.


    Later that night, we gathered around a bonfire, filled with excitement and the joy of youthful days. It felt like I was transported back to my teenage years, but this time, I had my adorable child with me. Maybe it was another opportunity to reim what I had lost all these years because of Lucas ckwood!

 CHAPTER 21

    Lucas¡¯ POV


    The next day, as I returned home after my birthday, I walked into the kitchen and found Zara standing there, wearing an expressionless face that sent shivers down my spine. It was a terrifying sight, to say the least.


    ¡°H-Hi,¡± I stammered, immediately regretting themeness of my greeting.


    But she remained silent, treating me like an invisible entity, as if I were nothing more than air. It hurt deeply, leaving me with a lingering sense of guilt.


    Why did I still feel responsible for everything? Weren¡¯t they happier without me yesterday? Why did Zara make me feel like the viin once again? I desperately wanted to understand her, to decode the meaning behind her nk facade.


    ¡°Divorce papers?¡± I turned to her, my voice devoid of emotion.


    There was a time when I was the one excited about the prospect of breaking free from our marriage. I longed to be liberated, but in that moment, I was afraid that she would mention the dreaded words of breaking up with me. The thought alone threatened to shatter my sanity.


    ¡°We still have two weeks,¡± I stated matter-of-factly, needing that time to heal.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have to wait for the entire two weeks, Lucas. I agree to sign the papers so we can expedite the process. If you¡¯re busy, I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±


    Why did it feel like she was in such a hurry to end it all? Was it because of Nick? Was he the reason behind this urgency?


    ¡°What?! I can¡¯t agree!¡± I eximed, unable to ept it. I refused to let her break me into pieces.


    Zara stared back at me with intensity.


    ¡°Why, Lucas? Aren¡¯t you eager to escape our marriage? Well, here you go! I¡¯ll give you what you want so you can be happy with her. Is it because you were with Giselle yesterday while our son was left feeling like a fool?¡±


    Her words pierced through me, causing me to flinch.


    ¡°Lucas! You gave our son hope. All he wanted was to be with you on his special day. That¡¯s all he asked for, even as ast chance! But you chose to break his heart once again. So go ahead, I¡¯ll just give you what you want,¡± she cried, her eyes welling up with tears.


    I was angry at myself too. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Zara. I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± I cursed myself for my foolish envy and jealousy that had brought us to this point.


    She shook her head. ¡°No, Lucas, I¡¯m sorry. I can¡¯t take it anymore. I hope you find happiness now that we¡¯re no longer a part of your life.¡±


    With that, she turned and walked upstairs, leaving me alone with my regrets, feeling like a fool. I sank into the couch, lost in deep thought. I didn¡¯t want to lose them, but I had given her reasons to leave me.


    I couldn¡¯t believe how foolish I had been. Enveloped by jealousy, I had made decisions that further tore apart the family I should have been building.


    Instead of wallowing in regret, I knew I had to find a way. Not just any way, but a grand gesture to mend their hearts. I would win them back. I would correct my mistakes. It was what I should have done six years ago.


    And that¡¯s exactly what I would do when I remarried Zara. This time, it would be genuine. I would be the pir of our home, as I should have been from the start.


    My mind was clouded throughout the day, and Zara continued to avoid me, frustrating me to no end. I had messed up with my decision, but I was determined to make things right again.


    Around noon, the doorbell rang. I knew Zara was already in her room, probably sleeping. Curiosity got the better of me, and I peeked through the window to see who was at the gate. To my surprise and dismay, it was none other than the greatest threat to my family-Nick.


    It seemed he had picked up my son from school, and they appeared happy together. But when my son caught sight of me, his smile vanished, and he looked away. It was a painful rejection as if I had been stabbed in the back.


    My son was angry, or perhaps even furious with me. And I had to honor my words. I had once again let him down.


    I opened the gate, allowing my son to enter. He brushed past me, causing a deep ache inside. I felt rejected as a father, consumed by the pain that I had inflicted on them for so many years. It was my karma, and it was hitting me hard.


    I confronted Nick, my anger boiling over. He smirked at me as if he were reveling in my misery. I red at him before uttering my warning.


    ¡°Stay away from my wife and my son, you bastard. If you try to steal them, I won¡¯t hesitate to fight back with everything I¡¯ve got.¡± Each word I spoke dripped with venom.


    I swore that if he dared to provoke me, I would show him the true power of a ckwood.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you, ckwood? You already have Giselle, and now you want Zara too. You¡¯re too greedy, bro. Don¡¯t you want to leave your marriage and marry your girlfriend? I hope it happens, ckwood. Seize the opportunity,¡± he taunted, making my disgust for him grow even stronger.


    ¡°You son of a bitch, don¡¯t you dare mock me. Zara and I are married. Don¡¯t interfere in our lives. Just remain the pathetic friend you¡¯ve always been.¡± I felt a sense of triumph as I witnessed his forehead crease in response. I had struck a blow to his ego.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve loved Zara for a long time. I was there before you ever came along. I deserve her more than you do! And mark my words, I will fight tooth and nail to have her by my side, no matter what it takes. Yes, ckwood, I will make sure I can take her away from you. And trust me, it won¡¯t be difficult, considering what you¡¯ve done.¡±


    With that, he walked away, leaving me with a lingering feeling of unease.


    Damn right, I won¡¯t let him. No matter how hard he prays or schemes, he won¡¯t be able to steal my wife. He¡¯s about to start a war he can never win. Zara is my wife, and they are bound to me. All I need to do is regain their trust.


    As I entered the house, my focus shifted to finding my son. He would be my first priority. I needed to reconnect with him and win him back.


    ¡°Son?¡± I called out to him, feeling a nervous knot in my stomach. Why was I so anxious?


    ¡°Yes?¡± he responded, avoiding eye contact.


    ¡°I have some presents for you, Enrique. They¡¯re in the car. Would you like to see them? They¡¯re new toys and gadgets,¡± I tried to sound cheerful, hoping to lighten the atmosphere and bring a smile to my son¡¯s face.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°I received plenty of presents yesterday,¡± he replied, his toneced with anger.


    I approached him, attempting to give him a hug, but he evaded it. ¡°Son, are you still upset? I¡¯m sorry if I couldn¡¯t make it yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Well, I hope you didn¡¯t make any more promises. I hope you didn¡¯t just say you¡¯de to my birthday. I was disappointed and sad,¡± he said, and as I witnessed tears streaming down his face, my heart and sense of masculinity crumbled. I realized the depth of my foolishness and the impact of my actions.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, son. Daddy will make it right, okay? What do you want? I¡¯ll get you anything you desire,¡± I pleaded, willing to do whatever it took.


    He simply shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t want to ask anymore. It neveres true.¡±


    With that, my son left me stunned and utterly crushed. What should I do now?

 CHAPTER 22

    Lucas¡¯ POV


    They continued to treat me with coldness, and I struggled to cope with it. Despite my efforts to make amends, it felt like a hopeless endeavor. My situation seemed utterly helpless.


    My son remained silent, unwilling to respond to me. Even Zara spoke to me in a distant and cold tone. I couldn¡¯t help but long for the way she used to care for me, and the time and effort she invested in our rtionship. Regret washed over me as I realized how much I had neglected them for far too long.


    Fear crept in, whispering that it might be toote for me to reim my role in their lives. The thought of them letting me go, casting me aside, felt increasingly real. There was a growing anxiety within me, a weighty feeling that they would turn their backs on me, just as I had done to them for years.


    And then, at that moment, I faced my fear, confusion, and doubt head-on. I acknowledged the depth of my emotions. I was awakened, and I sensed that they were too. The impact of my actions might serve as a trigger for them to leave me.


    The burden felt overwhelming, like an incessant downpour of hopelessness. Each day I woke up, I feared that our home would be a cold and empty ce.


    But I refused to sumb toplete despair. I needed to maintain my confidence, to keep the mes of hope and faith alive within me. I still believed that my fight was not over yet. I wanted to cherish my wife and son genuinely, to love them wholeheartedly, not merely due to a sudden change of heart.


    I longed to witness my child¡¯s growth, to see them achieve great things, and to give everything I had for their happiness. I yearned to be a true father, to fulfill my role in their lives.


    ¡°Are you lost in thought, sir? Perhaps this photo of Zara and Enrique might slip,¡± Mary, my secretary, remarked while holding the coffee I had requested.


    She ced it on my table. Then, I massaged my temples, feeling exhausted beyond measure. I was tired of overthinking, but I knew that alone wouldn¡¯t be enough to im recovery. I still had a long way to go, a seemingly hopeless case, but I would never give up or stop trying. I was ready for the real battle.


    Not solely because of the threat posed by that bastard Nick, but because I refused to lose Zara. For far too long, I had denied my love for her, trying to force myself to believe I loved Giselle instead.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°Mary,¡± I called her, motioning for her to take a seat in the guest chair.


    ¡°Yes, sir?¡± she responded, aware of what I was about to ask.


    ¡°Mary, if there¡¯s someone who truly knows me, it¡¯s you. You¡¯ve witnessed my secrets, failures, and hardships. You¡¯re familiar with my talents.¡± I saw a genuine smile form on her face, knowing that my words rang true.


    ¡°You¡¯re exceptional, sir. I¡¯m not one to gossip, am I?¡± she joked.


    I knew I could trust her to keep a secret. I couldn¡¯t rely on someone who couldn¡¯t hold her tongue.


    ¡°Seriously, Mary, I feelpletely doomed. It¡¯s been draining, and I can¡¯t help but sigh over and over again,¡± I expressed with a heavy heart. The weight of my mistakes seemed etched on my face.


    She responded, not holding back, ¡°Yes, sir, I¡¯m aware of everything. I also know about your questionable fashion sense. And those dark circles under your eyes? Well, you¡¯re to me for those, sir.¡± There was no need to hide anything; it was all written on my face.


    ¡°I want them back, Mary. I want my family back. I feel lost, and I don¡¯t know what to do anymore. It¡¯s a constant struggle,¡± I admitted, feeling as if my options were dwindling.


    ¡°I knew this day woulde, sir. I just didn¡¯t expect it to take six long years. But you¡¯ve finallye to your senses. It seems your ego no longer blinds you, and you¡¯re no longer deaf to the cries for connection. I¡¯m proud of you, sir,¡± Mary said, offering words of encouragement to uplift my spirits.


    ¡°That¡¯s the thing, Mary. Once I awakened to the truth, they remained distant. I made them feel so terrible that it feels like a hopeless case. It seems they¡¯re slowly slipping away from me. They won¡¯t even speak to me without those icy res and distant treatment,¡± I confessed in a hushed tone.


    ¡°Sir, forgiveness isn¡¯t easy. It takes time to heal certain wounds, doesn¡¯t it? And you know what you need to do. Fight against your emotions, and make up for your shorings. It¡¯s difficult, yes, but isn¡¯t it worth it?¡± she advised, bringing a smile to my face. She was right; it was my battle to fight.


    I will win them back, even if it takes time and effort. They¡¯ll be worth the wait, worth every hardship endured, and worth cherishing.


    It feels strange like I¡¯m not quite myself, but I must embrace this change. Otherwise, I¡¯ll lose her forever, and I know the pain will be unbearable, like a searing scar.


    On that same day, anticipation filled me as I headed home. I nned to confess my feelings and beg for forgiveness. I prepared myself for potential rejection, knowing that painful truths might be spoken.


    As I drove, my eyes kept darting to the clock. It was 6 pm, and darkness enveloped the sky.


    But despite my excitement, nervousness consumed me. As I approached the house, an overwhelming sense of fear and trepidation gripped me when I noticed the lights were off and the gate and door were locked.


    With a desperate urgency, I entered their room. Emptiness greeted me. Their clothes, their belongings, all gone as if they were sudden and forgotten memories.


    Standing there in shock, I felt a surge of terror. It was like a nightmare turned into a harsh reality. I couldn¡¯t help but shake my head in disbelief. This couldn¡¯t be true¡­


    They wouldn¡¯t abandon me just like that, would they? I¡¯ll reim what¡¯s mine¡­ It can¡¯t be them. No, they wouldn¡¯t do this to me.


    I copsed to my knees, tears streaming down my face. The pain and anguish threatened to drive me to madness.


    My gaze fell upon the bed, where a lettery. Trembling, I picked it up and read its contents.


    Dear Lucas,


    You are finally free. I¡¯ve always prioritized you, but I¡¯ve suffocated you in the process. It¡¯s clear that you can¡¯t find happiness with us, and that we don¡¯t align with your goals and dreams. Let me take care of our child. We¡¯re moving far away so as not to burden you. I¡¯ll send the divorce papers, already signed. It¡¯s time to part ways. I genuinely wish you happiness, Lucas. Goodbye¡­ until next time.


    It felt as if my soul had been ripped away, leaving me in a state of shock.


    Happy? How could I possibly be happy when they¡¯ve just abandoned me? I can¡¯t¡­ My happiness fades away as they drift further and further away, beyond my reach.

 CHAPTER 23

    Zara¡¯s POV


    The foundation of our marriage had crumbled, leaving me with a deep love for Lucas that couldn¡¯t be erased from my heart and life. Moving on was necessary, a sacrifice that would set us both free.


    With the help of my dear friends, Antote and Nick, along with my mom and grandfather, I managed to gather my belongings. It was just a small portion, but it symbolized a fresh start. Even my son agreed that we needed to heal our wounds; otherwise, they would haunt us forever. I made the decision that was best for me and for us.


    Nick owned a condominium where my son and I took refuge temporarily. Since Nick was often away at his parents¡¯ house or traveling, we were able to stay there. As for me, I had ns to build a house on a lot next to my mom¡¯s ce. However, Nick¡¯s cousin¡¯s mother was staying there temporarily, so we couldn¡¯t go there just yet.


    I never got the chance to say goodbye to Lucas personally. Instead, I left a letter, masking my true emotions and pretending to be content for the sake of his eptance. I couldn¡¯t bear to bid farewell in person, fearing that he might react with indifference or even contempt.


    With the children currently on vacation, Nick arranged a trip for all of us. We would be flying to Stonewick on Fin¡¯s private ne, apanied by our parents, Fin and Antote, and of course, my son and me. The first month of the twins¡¯ lives would be celebrated there, a reminder of how swiftly time had passed since Lucas and I parted ways.


    Antote scolded me jokingly at the airport, ¡°You¡¯re lost in thought again, Zara. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re considering aeback with Lucas. I swear, if I get the chance, I¡¯ll p you with a gold te.¡± Her words were filled with concern and a hint of yful sarcasm.


    As we prepared to board the ne, I realized it had been a while since I traveled. Thest time I went on a trip was back in high school.


    ¡°Antote, it¡¯s over, alright? I¡¯ve let go, and this is the end,¡± I said with a tinge of sadness. We were called to board, and our private ne awaited us.


    ¡°Just make sure, Zara. You know, one of my dreams was for you to break free from that husband of yours who¡¯s blind to your worth! But I see it, Zara! Finally, you woke up and set yourself free.¡± Antote¡¯s happiness was evident in her words.


    ¡°You know what? Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s board. You talk too much. Whether you¡¯re pregnant or a virgin, you¡¯re always chattering, Antote,¡± I yfullyined.


    ¡°Well, at least I¡¯m entertaining!¡± she retorted.


    I shook my head, listening to her banter. My son was already engrossed in conversation with his godfather, Nick. They were happily discussing and browsing through pictures of beautiful ces in Stonewick.


    ¡°Are you excited, Enrique?¡± I asked my son, who was eagerly searching for more information about the seafood delicacies in Stonewick.


    ¡°Yes, Mom! I can¡¯t wait to try the seafood!¡± he eximed, his excitement shining through. It seemed he had inherited his godfather¡¯s love for good food.


    ¡°Of course, son, but let¡¯s not go overboard, alright? Let¡¯s not indulge in your godfather¡¯s gluttony.¡± I yfully teased him, and heughed, fully engaged in the conversation.


    ¡°I just enjoy good food, Mom. Besides, I won¡¯t get fat. Look at these muscles!¡± Nick flexed his arm proudly.


    ¡°Go on, Nick, show off!¡± I teased him. The entire journey was filled withughter and lively conversations.


    Nick truly was our personal entertainer. Even Fin and Antote joined in the fun. Meanwhile, my mom and grandfather, along with Antote¡¯s rtives, were dozing off in the back of the ne. We decided to keep the noise down for now, except for Nick, who always managed to make a racket.


    We arrived in Stonewick around 9 in the morning. We took a van to a resort, owned by Nick¡¯s cousin, as a special gift for Antote¡¯s twins. It was hard to believe that such luxury could be hidden behind Nick¡¯s casual demeanor. He truly was a man of many surprises.


    My son and I shared a room. Nick had already brought our belongings inside and hurried off to take care of something. I had no idea what it was.


    The room itself was exquisite,fortably decorated in white and wood. It had a soothing lemon scent that filled the air. And to top it off, we had a veranda with a breathtaking view of the sea.


    ¡°Wow, Mom! Can we go swimming?¡± my son eagerly asked, his excitement bubbling over.


    ¡°Yes, sweetheart, we¡¯ll have a beach barbecue partyter. But for now, let¡¯s get changed, shall we?¡± I suggested, but our conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door.


    Around 3 p. m., after tucking my son into bed for a nap, I ventured to the rocky side of the beach. People were scattered about, enjoying the rocky shoreline.


    The sky was partly cloudy, creating a refreshing ambiance. The gentle sea breeze caressed my skin, bringing a sense of tranquility. I felt a presence behind me.


    ¡°Nick, no need to startle me,¡± I said, recognizing his distinctive scent of chestnuts. There was no mistaking it; it had always been his signature fragrance since our college days.


    ¡°You look great,¡± he remarked.


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re mistaken, and somehow you ended up in the wrong ce. The girls of your caliber are over there,¡± I said, gesturing to the other side where the girls were unting their perfectly sculpted bodies.


    ¡°How did I end up in that category? And you¡¯re even more beautiful than all of them, Zara,¡± heplimented, effortlessly charming me with his sweet words.


    It seemed his ttery knew no bounds.


    I yfully teased him, ¡°I don¡¯t have any chance for yourpliments right now. Come backter, and maybe then I¡¯ll entertain your ttery.¡± It had been our dynamic since the day we first met.


    Back in our college days, he was always adies¡¯ man. I initially thought he was just a yer, given his muscr physique and confident demeanor, often seen among the social elite. But who would have thought he would still be my friend?


    In fact, I had secretly harbored a crush on him, watching as girls on his left and right became his girlfriends. Yet, I settled for being his friend, his confidant, and his partner in crime. He was all I ever thought about.


    ¡°Penny for your thoughts?¡± he asked, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    I wondered where he had found the hair clip, but he effortlessly secured my hair with it.


    ¡°Careful, you might jinx it, and I¡¯ll see you walking down the aisle tomorrow,¡± I joked, testing the waters.


    He chuckled softly. ¡°I hope someone sees my worth.¡±


    I could hear the hint of sadness in his voice. Thest time I had seen him like this was when his mother passed away and when he discovered I was getting married.


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t lose hope. You¡¯ll make your fair share of mistakes too,¡± I promised yfully, causing him to furrow his brows.


    He even pretended to gasp dramatically and yfully snorted.


    ¡°You¡¯re really something, Nick,¡± I said, a hint of irritation in my tone. I stood up, and he quickly followed suit, chasing after me.


    ¡°Where are we going, Zara?¡± he asked, catching up with me.


    ¡°To a ce where you don¡¯t exist,¡± I joked, but it hit a nerve, and he looked genuinely hurt.


    ¡°Damn, Zara. That¡¯s low,¡± he sighed, ying the role of an offended actor with impable politeness.


    ¡°Enough, Nick, hahaha. I¡¯ll just go over there and buy a souvenir,¡± I said, spotting some local shops earlier.


    I intended to do some shopping so that I could bring back something for my employees as a greeting.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I agreed, realizing I didn¡¯t really have much of a choice. Even if I said no, it would still be taken as a yes.


    We attracted the attention of other tourists. Perhaps it was because of Nick¡¯s appeal, wearing a stylish white beach polo shirt and shorts, along with his Gi men¡¯s sunsses. I, on the other hand, was donning a vibrant yellow summer dress and a summer hat. We became quite the sight for the crowd.


    ¡°Look at that lovely couple,¡± someone remarked.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to make everyone jealous, sis,¡± another person chimed in.


    We tried to ignore theirments and proceeded to go shopping. We picked out a seashell keychain, a Stonewick shirt, and some other knick-knacks. Around five, we indulged in more ice cream. I was truly enjoying every moment of this trip.


    It was also the perfect time for me to find myself again. I took in the fresh air, allowing myself to rx and rejuvenate, even if only for a moment.


    As night fell, we kicked off our bonfire party. Everything was set up, with marshmallows, drinks for the adults, and a milk tea shake for my son. Stonewick transformed into a vibrant city at night, bustling with bars, entertainment, concerts, and dining options.


    Before the bonfire, we sat down for a meal at a famous seafood restaurant, courtesy of Fin. Their buttered spicy lobster was both affordable and delicious. My child enjoyed some sweet and sour fish and cheese-smoked m shells. It was a feast that was hard to resist.


    Once the night truly began, we gathered around the bonfire. It was just me, Nick, Fin, Antote, and my son. The other bonfires were separated, as we preferred to stay within our circle of friends.


    Nick held a drink in his hand, asionally ncing at other girls in the area. I didn¡¯t mind; it was good for him to let loose and have some fun.


    Antote looked stunning in a grey night dress, while Fin strummed the guitar as my son happily devoured marshmallows.


    Believe it or not, I used to be the lead vocalist of a band. Music has always been my passion and a means of expressing my emotions. It has been my escape and my voice in life. Whenever I felt sad, happy, or empty, music was always there for me.


    I gained the courage to join a band because of Antote. She believed I had the talent and encouraged me to pursue it. So, I became a part of a band for almost a year before deciding to take a break and focus on my career.


    With Fin¡¯s guitar as apaniment, I sang ¡°Wild Heart.¡±


    As I performed, I noticed Nick looking at me with a smile. It felt right, and it was nice to catch his eye.


    ¡°Your voice is truly beautiful, Mom,¡± my son eximed, always one to speak his mind. That made me proud. He had inherited that fierceness from his godfather.


    ¡°Thank you, kiddo,¡± I replied.


    As the night grew deeper, the crowd around us gradually dispersed. My son fell asleep, and his grandparents took him to their room. I knew how much they missed their grandson.


    Now, with just the four of us, I unexpectedly found myself in the hot seat.


    ¡°What are your ns?¡± Antote asked.


    ¡°Well, life must go on,¡± I responded with a hint of resignation. ¡°There¡¯s nothing else I can do.¡±

 CHAPTER 24

    Zara¡¯s POV


    They were all still gathered around the bonfire-just the four of us. We sat there, engrossed in our conversations and stories. Typically, I would be the one steering the boat, while Fin and Nick delved into their business discussions. If Nick dared to start a topic that didn¡¯t sit well with Antote, she would swiftly shut him down with a devastating blow.


    I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Fin would ever seek someone else. But truth be told, he was head over heels for Antote, and it was evident to everyone. Their love for each other was undeniable, a stark contrast to my own situation. Yet, despite that, Fin and I were still great friends, and I couldn¡¯t deny that he had all the qualities of an ideal husband.


    Our conversations mostly revolved around drama series, something I was passionate about. Antote and I would excitedly discuss dramas, screaming and swooning over our favorite actors. It never failed to put a smile on our faces, although I couldn¡¯t help but notice Fin¡¯s slightly furrowed brow, perhaps a tinge of jealousy toward our beloved actors.


    As it becamete, we found ourselves growing drowsy, our eyes tired from all the excitement. It was time to call it a night, so I bid them farewell and headed straight to my room at the resort hotel.


    s, my peace was short-lived as someone began knocking on my door, jolting me awake. Annoyed, I swung the door open, only to be greeted by the sight of a familiar, striking figure.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked, somewhat taken aback.


    His dark, sleep-deprived eyes met mine, and despite his exhaustion, he exuded a captivating charm. His tall stature left me in awe.


    ¡°We need to talk, Zara. We need to resolve this,¡± he spoke, his voice carrying a hint of desperation.


    I had hoped that the letter I had given him would have conveyed my intentions clearly. And yet, here he stood, seemingly unhappy about the prospect of our separation. Wasn¡¯t that what he wanted all along? So why was he barging into my room like a madman? Why was he angry if we were no longer a part of his life? It was confounding. He was a mess.


    ¡°So early in the morning, Lucas? And why are you here? I¡¯ll send the divorce papers next week. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t run away. You¡¯ll be free from me soon enough,¡± I retorted, exasperated.


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m here because of that? I¡¯m here to win you back, Zara,¡± his words were harsh, each one piercing through me.


    To be honest, I had no time for games or charades with him. Did he want me back? Why¡­ I wanted to ask why, but he wouldn¡¯t allow it. I couldn¡¯t bear the anticipation of hearing his answer.


    I thought I was strong enough. Yet, seeing him in the flesh weakened my walls, crumbling like fragile twigs and hay. His mere presence made me irrationally vulnerable.


    Impatiently, I stared at him. ¡°You¡¯re only wasting our time, Lucas. I don¡¯t have time to y games with you. Furthermore, I don¡¯t have time to guess your intentions. I want you gone.¡±


    I attempted to close the door, but the disparity in strength between us became evident. His single hand was enough to prevent the door from shutting.


    ¡°I said we need to talk, Zara,¡± he persisted, attempting to force his way into my room. Determined, I pushed him away with all my might.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?! Leave! This is my personal space, Lucas. Get out,¡± anger surged through me, not directed at him but at myself.


    Call me stupid, for a single touch could resurrect my long-buried emotions. It was true. There was a flickering hope within my heart, the hope that perhaps, just perhaps, he felt a pang of jealousy, a tinge of pain from our departure. And I despised myself for being so weak in his presence.


    Please, Lucas, I beg of you. All I need is time and space. I promise to leave you alone. I promise to grant you your freedom. My voice trembled with sadness, my heart already aching from what he was revealing, perhaps just a facade.


    ¡°Lucas, move aside and let me close the door!¡±


    Yet, he stubbornly entered my room.


    I stood there, unable to muster a response, closing my eyes in defeat. I felt like I had failed once again. I couldn¡¯t hold onto my independence in his presence.


    Facing him, I shut the door, our eyes locked in an intense gaze. He sat on my bed, his gaze piercing into my soul.


    ¡°Lucas¡­¡± I uttered wearily. ¡°Let¡¯s take care of ourselves, okay? Let¡¯s stop torturing each other. Please, just please.¡±


    His eyes shed with anger and narrowed at my words.


    ¡°Then damn it, cage me, Zara! I won¡¯t resist. I just want you back! That¡¯s all¡­ Why can¡¯t you give me that?¡± His words left me stunned, as he sounded unlike himself.


    ¡°For what, Lucas?! Is it because of this child? I¡¯m willing topromise. What else? Is it because you think I¡¯m after your money? I can provide too, Lucas. So please, stop saying such things! Stop being selfish, because I¡¯ve stopped being selfish with you!¡±


    My rage consumed me.


    ¡°I love you, Zara! Now you¡¯ve heard it! That is my reason-I just want you back. I want to be a part of your life. And you have no idea how much you¡¯ve hurt me, Zara, by leaving me!¡± I stood there, taken aback by his words, trying to process the sudden change in him.


    ¡°Lucas, what¡¯s going on? This doesn¡¯t sound like you. Where is Giselle?¡± I asked, puzzled by the unrealistic nature of his words.


    The Lucas I knew would say things like, ¡®I love Giselle very much¡¯ or ¡®Giselle is my life!¡¯ He wouldn¡¯t express these feelings for me.


    ¡°I¡¯m not joking, Zara! I can¡¯t stop thinking about you. I can¡¯t imagine my life without you. The thought of you with someone else makes me so jealous, even Nick. I¡¯m falling for you!¡±


    My shock grew with each word he spoke. Was he confessing his feelings to me? Could it be true?


    ¡°Lucas, I¡¯ve given up¡­¡± I admitted, unsure of his intentions.


    Perhaps he loves me now, but what about Giselle? Will I be the one left heartbroken?


    ¡°Then let me fight for us this time. I¡¯ll shout to the world how much I love you if I have to. Please don¡¯t leave me. I can¡¯t bear the thought of losing you, especially to Nick. No one would me you if it wasn¡¯t me!¡± His possessiveness emerged like a stormy climate-damaging me with its changing weather.


    ¡°You don¡¯t love me, Lucas. You¡¯re just starting to believe you do because you hate the idea of losing me. Maybe it¡¯s your ego or the thought of someone else loving me. But that will pass, Lucas. My advice to you is to let go, to stop this destructive cycle.¡±


    I was tired and emotionally exhausted from our turbulent rtionship.


    Suddenly, he reached out and touched my waist. Our eyes met, and this time, I didn¡¯t see anger but genuine love. I wanted to believe it was true, without jokes or hidden meanings.


    My heart raced, like a drum beating fiercely. My knees felt weak, and I nearly lost my breath from the intensity of the moment. Without thinking, my lips found their way to his, moving in a rhythm that made me feel like I was floating on cloud nine. It was a pleasure beyond words, like a dreame true.


    In that fragile but honest moment, it felt like everything else faded away. The anger and pain turned to ashes, reced by the sweet taste of his kiss. We were so lost in each other that we didn¡¯t realize we had entered my room, with Antote, Fin, Nick, and my parents present. Embarrassment washed over me, and I wished I could bury my face in that moment.


    ¡°Move on, huh?¡± Antote¡¯s voice broke the silence as we sat at a table.


    I couldn¡¯t bring myself to look at her, feeling ashamed of my own moment of weakness. I had been so strong just the night before, and now I seemed to crumble and fall apart.


    Nick had disappeared, and I had no idea where he went or what happened to his girlfriend. But in that moment, it didn¡¯t matter.


    We found ourselves in a buffet-style restaurant, surrounded by people enjoying their breakfast. My son and Lucas sat at a separate table, Lucas wearing a smile that couldn¡¯t be wiped off his face. I nudged him, annoyed by his happiness. How could he be so happy after what we had just done? I felt like I was going crazy with embarrassment.


    ¡°Stop smiling like that. It¡¯s not good to be so happy,¡± I scolded him, and he pouted like a banished puppy.


    This side of him, the one in love with me, was something I never dreamed I would see. The way he reacted to my reprimands, acting childishly, showed just how deeply he cared.


    He was an open door for me, and I was grateful that this day had finallye.


    ¡°Son?¡± I called out to Enrique, trying to get our son¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Yes?¡± my son responded, still upset.


    Lucas let out a sigh. ¡°I know I¡¯ve done bad things to you, son. I haven¡¯t been a good husband or father for a long time. But things will change, I promise. I will make up for my mistakes and be the father and pir of our home that you deserve.¡±


    His words were filled with sincerity and love, and I could feel his heart pouring out.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared, Daddy. What if you go back to being mean to us?¡± my son expressed his fear, the pain from previous disappointments still lingering.


    ¡°That won¡¯t happen, son. I will do everything in my power to make things right. I love you, and I¡¯m so proud to have you. Consider this my bted gift to you.¡±


    I read the papers Lucas handed to me. He was granting our child the ckwood surname, acknowledging him as his legitimate son. It meant the world to my son, and tears of joy streamed down his face.


    ¡°Stop crying, son. They might think I¡¯m making you cry,¡± Lucas said with a chuckle.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes, Daddy. You¡¯re making me cry tears of happiness.¡±


    My son¡¯s words brought a smile to my face, grateful for this newfound hope in our lives.

 CHAPTER 25

    Zara¡¯s POV


    After our breakfast, Lucas and I engaged in a deep conversation. I knew it wouldn¡¯t be easy for any woman to trust someone like him so readily. At this point, I needed more than just words and promises. I needed him to prove himself, to show me hismitment and conviction. This time, he had to take full responsibility for his actions and the words he spoke.


    In simple terms, it was an investment, and I refused to be scammed again. And just in case he couldn¡¯t keep his promise, I wanted to make something clear while it was still early. I loved him, but I had some trust issues that needed to be addressed.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk, Lucas. We need to address our issues before I fullymit toing back home,¡± I said boldly, sitting in a nearby coffee shop.


    The aroma of almonds and chocte filled the air, aforting choice for our conversation.


    Lucas frowned, but that didn¡¯t change the fact that he was as attractive as ever. The women in the shop couldn¡¯t help but steal nces at him, but I couldn¡¯t care less. I felt like the hero in this story.


    That thought gave me a slight boost, a sense of entitlement I hadn¡¯t felt before.


    ¡°You will have to earn my trust again, Lucas. It won¡¯t be that easy. We¡¯re not even divorced yet,¡± I trailed off, feeling a pang of hurt in my heart.


    He sighed, his demeanor shifting to calm and gentle. He reached for my hands, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of emotions. I had to suppress my smile, pretending to be grumpy.


    ¡°I understand that you can¡¯t trust me easily right now, Zara,¡± he said.


    His words were apanied by the warmth of his touch. I could win an award for acting with the way I held back my smile.


    ¡°I know, but I¡¯m willing to do whatever it takes to regain your trust, even if it¡¯s little by little,¡± he assured me, kissing my hands in the most endearing way.


    I pulled my hand away, trying not to reveal the blush that had spread across my cheeks. They were probably as red as a tomato.


    ¡°Lucas, I don¡¯t need empty words. I need assurance. It¡¯s all or nothing this time. If you can¡¯t stand up for me, if you continue to hide our rtionship in the shadows, then I¡¯d rather free myself and move on. When I left your house, I epted the possibility of losing my ce in your life,¡± I expressed honestly.


    I may be fragile now, but rest assured, I am not the same Zara anymore. If he intended to keep us a secret, then we would simply disappear from his life. I made that promise to myself. He looked at me with sadness in his eyes. I couldn¡¯t handle that, Lucas. It weakened my resolve.


    ¡°I understand, Zara. It¡¯s not just empty words. I¡¯m willing to break up with Giselle and introduce you to my family. If necessary, I¡¯ll even marry you again. This time, I¡¯ll cherish you and our son. Please, don¡¯t take your love away from me,¡± he pleaded, his voice filled with sincerity.


    ¡°You have no idea how much it tears me apart, thinking about you leaving. I¡¯ve been restless, unable to eat properly, lost in a void. The thought of you being gone causes me immense pain,¡± he admitted, his exhaustion evident.


    It¡¯s hard not to see this as karmaing back to him, but I don¡¯t want to dwell on that. Instead, maybe this is my turn for good karma. I deserve happiness, don¡¯t I? The bitterness I¡¯ve experienced has taught me the value of my own happiness, and I desperately need it.


    ¡°It¡¯s a lot to take in, Lucas. But for thest time, I will trust you,¡± I said, feeling a weight lifted off my shoulders. It felt as if a thorn had been removed from my heart.


    ¡°You won¡¯t regret it, Zara. I love you,¡± he dered, sending shivers down my spine.


    ¡°I love you too.¡±


    Our vacation took a turn for the better. Father and son started bonding, and I finally learned why Lucas hadn¡¯t shown up for our son¡¯s birthday.


    It turns out, Lucas was jealous of Nick, which led to his anger and absence from the birthday party. It wasn¡¯t an eptable behavior, of course, but I couldn¡¯t help but be moved by this newfound vulnerability Lucas was showing me.


    I never imagined him to be a jealous and possessive person before. He was more inclined to ignore me. But now, it feels as if I¡¯m a precious diamond in his eyes. I hope this is not just a temporary change. I hope it remains consistent, and I hope there are no more surprises in store for me. Have my struggles finally paid off?


    We were leaving tomorrow, which made this vacation all the more meaningful. Lucas even insisted on going swimming, and I wore the outfit Antote had given me. Lucas was furious and didn¡¯t want me to leave the room.


    ¡°Lucas, seriously? Don¡¯t block the door like that. Our son is waiting for us outside. What time is it?¡± I asked, frustrated. We were already in the room, and it was past eleven, nearing lunchtime.


    He still didn¡¯t want me to go out because of what I was wearing. It was a bit exaggerated, but I have to admit that I enjoyed this kind of attention from Lucas. It was new and exciting for me.


    ¡°Look at what you¡¯re wearing! Look at your legs! Do you want to attract unwanted attention? Do you want to provoke some perverted behavior out there?¡± he eximed, his anger evident. But deep down, I knew I was the one thrilling him.


    I couldn¡¯t help but feel annoyed.


    ¡°Lucas, don¡¯t overreact. It¡¯s just a shirt and shorts. It¡¯s not revealing at all. There are girls in bikinis out there, and they¡¯re even more exposed,¡± I tried to reason with him.


    ¡°Why? Are they my wife?¡± he retorted, his eyes narrowing.


    I was taken aback and felt a shiver down my spine. Why?


    ¡°N-No, of course not. I¡¯m your wife,¡± I replied, almost whispering.


    A smile appeared on his face as he faced me. He sighed before saying, ¡°I just don¡¯t want others to disrespect you or give you unwanted attention. Even if those fools out there just look at you, I feel the urge to protect you. So, please, Zara, spare me?¡±


    ¡°Oh? Are you afraid someone will insult me? Can¡¯t you defend me? And even if they look at me, are they my husband? Are they going to snatch me away? No and no? Then what are you so afraid of? Come on, let¡¯s go. I¡¯m also part of the scenery. Shoo!¡± I teased, reveling in the yful banter.


    He let out a deep breath.


    ¡°Fine, you win this time. But remember, this is only for now, Zara. If someone approaches you disrespectfully, I can¡¯t promise to be diplomatic. A ckwood can be fierce when protecting their loved ones.¡±


    I nodded in agreement, and together we stepped outside. The scene before us was delightful, with bleachers, pic baskets, and cozy nkets spread out. What caught my attention the most was Lucas teaching our son how to swim. Just witnessing their bonding filled my heart with joy and overwhelmed me with happiness.


    Antote was by my side now, but Fin was absent, supposedly still in the room. They had brought work along on this vacation, and it seemed they had a disagreement earlier.


    ¡°My dear friend, you turned the tables on me,¡± Antote said, a mischievous smile ying on her lips.


    Lucas looked at her apprehensively and spoke in a bitter tone, ¡°So, Zara Dfontaine, is this a realeback?¡± I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if I should be scared or burst intoughter at his remark.


    ¡°As for Antote, you really scare me with that look on your face,¡± I replied, acknowledging her fearsome reputation. Even a nuclear bomb would retreat in fear when faced with her anger.


    ¡°You¡¯re truly something, Zara! Your level of freaking out is on a whole new scale. Are you kidding me? You im to know about moving on, and now you¡¯re trying toe back. Is that what you want? Should I give you a p with my Chanel bag?¡± Lucas threatened, raising his hand as if about to strike.


    ¡°I apologize, Antote. He made a promise. This is the first and thest gamble. It¡¯s truly worth it!¡± I reassured her, raising my right hand.


    Lucas crossed his arms. ¡°What else can I say? You were born an idiot for Lucas ckwood. I¡¯m tired of giving you advice. You¡¯ll always return to your handsome and irresistible husband. But why is he your husband?¡± His nonsensical statement made me burst intoughter, and I embraced Antote. I was truly grateful to have her as my friend.


    ¡°Sorry for wasting your breath. But you see, Antote, with just a little push, I¡¯ll take onest gamble. If I¡¯m not important to him, he won¡¯t chase after me or beg me toe back. And then he said, ¡®I love you¡¯ to me,¡± I revealed, causing Antote to exim in excitement.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re ying your part beautifully. Your long-awaited reunion after seven years! I can¡¯t even imagine how it feels for you. Will it be thrilling or irritating? Either way, I¡¯ll support you. I hope this time, your gamble pays off, and you don¡¯t lose anything for the sake of a promise,¡± Antote offered her words of wisdom.


    As we engaged in conversation, I turned my gaze to the side and spotted Lucas holding our son¡¯s hand, engrossed in conversation with two women dressed in yellow.


    They were stunningly beautiful and radiant. However, my husband¡¯s attention seemed to be drawn to the younger one. It annoyed me, and my stress resurfaced in that moment.


    The jealousy crept back in. How could he entertain those girls? It was such a clich¨¦d behavior!


    ¡°Leave him be; it¡¯s just one mistake by Lucas. Someone will be upset here,¡± I dered boldly, my voice filled with determination.


    ¡°Oh, I love this fiery side of you. You¡¯re ready to fight, huh? Hahaha,¡± Antote chuckled. I wished Lucas had just been joking and had informed me earlier.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    I noticed Lucas turning towards me. Was he now afraid of me? In that moment, I felt like a lioness, fierce and unyielding. There was no hesitation in my gaze as I met his eyes.


    I pointedly showed him my ring finger, still adorned with our wedding ring, and then threatened to remove it. The sight of his reaction was swift-he immediately left thepany of the girls, leaving them with puzzled expressions. They had learned their lesson!


    Lucas approached me, sheepishly scratching his head, with Enrique held in his other hand. He embodied the role of a loving father.


    ¡°Why did you leave there? You seemed upied with those things. I wish you had waited a little longer,¡± I grumbled, feigning annoyance.


    ¡°Of course, I was simply afraid of you,¡± he confessed, his blush betraying his words.


    Our son giggled, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle unfolding before him.


    ¡°I never expected this day toe-the day when a Lucas ckwood would bow down and surrender,¡± Antote chimed in, wearing a grin that matched my own. It was indeed time for payback.

 CHAPTER 26

    Lucas¡¯ POV


    Overwhelmed by frustration, hurt, and a sense of emptiness, I find sce in thepany of beer and cigarettes within the confines of my deste home. Giselle attempts to reach out to me, but I deliberately ignore her calls.


    I already have enough problems to contend with-Zara and my son remain missing from my life. Their absence constantly preupies my thoughts, and I struggle to determine where to begin in my quest to find and reunite with them.


    Sleep eludes me without the numbing effect of alcohol. I find myself perpetually on edge, hot-headed even at work. I am a mere shell of my former self, worn down and lost. My anguish cuts deep, and I yearn for an end to this unbearable pain.


    Driven by desperation, I decide to visit their house, only to discover that they are not there. Zara¡¯s Mom and grandfather are also absent, having left town without disclosing their whereabouts. Even Zara¡¯s social media ounts offer no clues. It feels as if she has vanished into thin air, leaving me grappling with how to retrieve my loved ones.


    One morning, a glimmer of hope emerges as I receive a message from a private investigator I had enlisted to find my wife and son. An email awaits me, revealing that my wife was spotted leaving a condominium purchased by someone named Nick.


    Rage courses through my veins, causing my hands to tremble with barely contained fury. I learn that they are currently in Stonewick, courtesy of their friend Antote, who organized the trip. Without hesitation, I grab my phone, swiftly canceling all my meetings and hastily booking a flight to join them.


    A smug smile ys upon my lips as I embark on this mission to reim what is rightfully mine. Sess! The overwhelming joy of their presence in my life is indescribable. They will no longer be ignored or kept hidden away. I am determined to make up for my past shorings. No longer will they be a secret; I will proudly proim them as my family.


    Such thoughts bring a genuine smile to my face as I envision a future where we wake up together, with Zara preparing breakfast and showering me with affection before I head off to work. The world may be full of big challenges, but my mind can only focus on them. It¡¯s as if I am intoxicated with sheer happiness.


    Our two blissful days in Stonewick remain etched in my memory. I cherish those moments, especially when Zara disys her adorable jealousy. Though it may sound possessive, I simply want to shield her from the advances of other men.


    Upon returning to ybourne, we find ourselves reunited-Zara¡¯s parents, our son, and me. Numerous questions hang in the air, yet they choose to remain silent, perhaps waiting for the right moment.


    Guiding them to our home, we enter together, mindful of thete hour and Zara¡¯s parents¡¯ desire to avoid further travel.


    ¡°Lucas, take Enrique to his room first. He¡¯s already asleep,¡± Zara¡¯s mother requests, and I oblige, carrying Enrique to his room before swiftly exiting, as Zara¡¯s parents signal their intention to speak with me.


    Anxiety courses through my veins, my nerves on edge. I brace myself for the unknown, fearing they may demand a divorce this time. Absolutely not! Not now, when I have epted my love for Zara and my son above all else, and when I am ready to fight for my feelings.


    They await me in Zara¡¯s room. Her grandfather, her mother, and I gather in the living room, their expressions poised and calm, as they begin to address me, their intentions still unknown to me.


    ¡°What are your intentions with my daughter, Mr. ckwood? It was clear the other day that she intended to end things with you, and it seemed you felt the same. We too wish to rify matters as her parents,¡± Zara¡¯s mother speaks, her voice steady.


    I anticipated this question, yet my nerves remain frayed. It is a vulnerability I have seldom experienced. I am ustomed to instilling fear in others as a ckwood, possessing countless abilities at my disposal with a mere flick of my hand. But when ites to Zara, I am learning the art of vulnerability.


    ¡°The truth is, I have only nowe to truly realize their worth to me. I admit I have been foolish for far too long, disregarding them and failing to acknowledge my love for your son and grandson,¡± I respond, maintaining my gaze on them as they listen intently.


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°I apologize for all I have done to your daughter. I allowed my pride to overshadow my true feelings for Zara. And when I woke up one day, they were no longer by my side. I felt as though I was losing my mind, but now I am determined to mend my ways. I have awakened to the undeniable truth that I cannot live without them,¡± I speak at length.


    Zara¡¯s grandfather then interjects, ¡°We hope that you will take good care of our grandson, Lucas. Please do not make us regret the fact that we pushed for your marriage.¡±? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Expressing my gratitude and offering apologies once more, I retreat to our room. Zara and Enrique slumber peacefully, likely exhausted from the journey. Seeing them sleeping soundly beside me fills me with an overwhelming happiness, and the anticipation of waking up to them by my side amplifies that joy.


    The next day, the sun¡¯s gentle rays streamed through the window, nudging us awake. Just as the aroma of breakfast began to waft through the air, Zara¡¯s mom called. We eagerly picked up the phone, knowing it would be a pleasant conversation with Zara¡¯s loving mother.


    As we gathered around the table, our morning hunger was met with a delightful spread prepared with love. Zara, beaming with affection, had even lent a hand in cooking our breakfast.


    The table showcased a mouthwatering array of fried bacon and eggs, sausages, bread, and liver spread. Zara¡¯s thoughtful gesture extended to brewing a fresh cup of coffee, which she lovingly ced in front of me.


    ¡°Thanks, love,¡± I whispered tenderly to her, regardless of our friends¡¯ presence at the table.


    In that moment, a blush graced Zara¡¯s cheeks, illuminating her face with an undeniable joy. It was evident that my love and appreciation touched her deeply, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of happiness.


    Zara¡¯s parents had cared for us with a warmth that mirrored that of a mother and a wife. After savoring the delicious breakfast and exchanging heartfelt goodbyes, we bid farewell to Zara¡¯s parents, grateful for their kindness and understanding. It became clear why Zara¡¯s upbringing had shaped her into the remarkable person she is, and their influence on my own transformation was undeniable.


    Before departing, Zara¡¯s mom sought a private moment with me. Her words carried the weight of a mother¡¯s wisdom and love.


    ¡°Take care of my daughter and grandson, Lucas. She has never experienced the presence of a father, which has driven Zara to be brave and independent. Protect them, cherish them, and never let them slip away. I forgive you, Lucas, my son,¡± she implored, her words echoing with the power of maternal love.


    ¡°Mom, you can count on me. I will never let you down again,¡± I vowed, holding her gaze, my determination resolute.


    As we embarked on the journey in our car, an air of anticipation filled the space. A surprise awaited us, a symbol of the fresh start we had embraced.


    ¡°The road to our subdivision is not familiar, my love,¡± Zara remarked.


    ¡°Just wait, my love,¡± I reassured her, savoring the thrill of anticipation.


    Though questions lingered, Zara and our son remained patient, allowing the element of surprise to unfold without interruption.


    Eventually, our car came to a halt in front of a majestic two-story house, exuding an aura of grandeur that outshone the neighboring residences. This house was not merely a dwelling; it would be our cherished home, the haven where we would create precious memories as a family.


    ¡°Daddy, whose house is this?¡± our son inquired with wide-eyed wonder, stepping out of the car beside us.


    ¡°Our house, son, this will not just be a house, but a ce we call home. Here, we will forge new memories together as a family. Let¡¯s leave the past behind and embark on this new chapter of our lives,¡± I exined.


    Zara¡¯s disbelief gave way to tears streaming down her cheeks. I gently wiped them away, nting a soft kiss on her temple.


    ¡°You¡¯re not dreaming, my love,¡± I assured her, handing her the key and leading the way to our new abode.


    As we stepped into our new home, the first thing that greeted us was a beautiful fountain, lending an air of tranquility to the surroundings. A vibrant rose garden adorned thendscape, enhancing the elegance of the mansion¡¯s Victorian-modern architecture.


    ¡°Look, we have a bigger swimming pool!¡± our son eximed joyfully, his eyes gleaming with excitement upon spotting the wide, inviting infinity pool.


    In our new home, we were blessed with a team of dedicated helpers, allowing me to spoil Zara and our son without any worries. I intended to shower them with all the love and abundance that life had to offer.


    ¡°Darling, it¡¯s up to you now. You don¡¯t have to work anymore,¡± I offered to Zara, wanting to ensure her happiness and well-being.


    A radiant smile graced her face as she replied, ¡°Okay, I will take care of our family with all my heart.¡±


    Leaving our old house behind, I arrived at the office with a lightness in my step, a sense of contentment radiating from within. Mary, my colleague, immediately noticed the change in my demeanor, prompting me to share the joyous events of the day. She wholeheartedly celebrated my transformative journey, thrilled with the pivotal decisions I had made.


    However, amidst the bliss, one concern lingered-Giselle, who persistently sought contact, longing for a chance to meet and discuss our situation. Our paths were yet to bepletely untangled.


    She desired a meeting at her condominium, but I found no reason to indulge her. My heart and soul were content, no longer yearning for extramarital affairs. My focus now rested solely on the happiness I had found.


    Today, I had an appointment with one of my investors. As I made my way to the parking lot, ready to step into my Ferrari, a surprise awaited me. Standing there, seemingly out of ce, was re, Giselle¡¯s old friend.


    ¡°re? Thest time I saw you was during that unpleasant incident at the coffee shop on my birthday,¡± I recalled.  ¡°Do you need anything, re?¡± I asked, noticing her restlessness and nervous demeanor. Sensing the importance of his words, I checked my watch, realizing it was still early. Curiositypelled me to hear him out.


    As we strolled towards the nearby coffee shop, I couldn¡¯t help but steal nces at re. Her weary appearance and persistent agitation piqued my interest. It was evident that she carried a weighty matter on his shoulders.


    Upon reaching the coffee shop, we settled down and ordered our drinks-an aromatic cup of coffee and a tantalizing slice of blueberry cheesecake. Taking a sip of my coffee, I inquired, ¡°What is it that you wanted to discuss?¡±


    ¡°You see, I¡¯ve been friends with Giselle for a long time, and I¡¯ve witnessed most of her indiscretions. But there was a secret that caused a falling out between us. I believe you deserve to know the truth,¡± re began, his tone serious andden with significance.


    Anxiety began to creep up within me, uncertainty tightening its grip. ¡°What is it?¡± I asked.


    He let out a sigh before continuing. ¡°Lucas, seven years ago, your girlfriend-my best friend-aborted your child,¡± he revealed, causing me to jolt upright in my seat, as if sshed with cold water.


    ¡°Is it true?¡± I queried, the weight of his words sinking in.


    re nodded solemnly. ¡°I have no reason to lie. Giselle chose to prioritize her dreams and modeling career. I disagreed with her, leading to our fallout and subsequent silence. Do you remember the time we coincidentally ran into each other at the coffee shop? It wasn¡¯t a coincidence. Giselle had urged me to bury her secret in the depths of our conversation that day in the limo. But I couldn¡¯t,¡± she exined, providing a detailed ount of the past.


    Slowly, the puzzle pieces began to fit together, and a wave of emotions crashed over me. First came the heaviness in my heart, followed by a profound sense of betrayal. My fists clenched, and anger clouded my vision, threatening to consume me. The intensity of my emotions made me fear the harm I might inflict.


    How could she have done this to me? All those years, I loved her wholeheartedly, blinded by her dreams. And now, I stood here, shattered and deceived. It felt as though a part of me had died.


    Overwhelmed by the realization that I had been foolishly deceived by the person I loved, I felt my strength wane. I had neglected the well-being of my mother and daughter, who had loved and understood me unconditionally. It was time to show them my worth and make them feel cherished.


    Without saying another word to re, I bid him farewell and swiftly left the coffee shop, my mind consumed by a single purpose-to confront Giselle and her treacherous secret. The business meeting I was supposed to attend faded into insignificance. My sole focus was to face the woman who had made a fool out of me.


    Hurriedly, I reached the parking lot where my car awaited. Sliding into the driver¡¯s seat, I revved the engine and sped towards Giselle¡¯s condominium unit. The clock seemed to race as I arrived at her doorstep, my anger burning like an inferno within me. I pressed the doorbell, and she emerged, expecting a warm embrace, only to be met with a forceful push. The shock and confusion were evident on her face.


    ¡°Why?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.


    ¡°How could you do this to me? All those years, I foolishly believed in you. But you were only driven by selfish desires, pursuing your own dreams. You made a mockery of me!¡± I shouted, my voice echoing with anguish.


    ¡°What are you talking about? I don¡¯t understand, Lucas,¡± she pleaded, her expression filled with concern.


    ¡°You aborted our child!¡± I dered, the weight of the truth hanging heavily in the air.

 CHAPTER 27

    Lucas¡¯ POV


    I¡¯m filled with immense pain right now. Never could I have imagined that the person I once loved, cared for, and dedicated myself to would betray me in this manner. For God¡¯s sake, that¡¯s our child! And all because of her damn ambition, she did this?


    How do I feel now? Disgust wells up within me. She has sacrificed everything for her own selfish desires. Is it because she thought his body would be damaged by what he was carrying? Could she have considered an abortion? My vision blurs as my emotions are consumed by pain and anger.


    ¡°L-Lucas, please, just give me a chance to exin¡­ Lucas, please? Let¡¯s talk about it. We can find a resolution,¡± she pleads, attempting to draw closer to me.


    But I push her away. I don¡¯t want to make a hasty move, fearing that in my anger, I might harm her, despite her being a woman and despite my love for her.


    I cherished her with all my heart. I was ready to marry her, but I never knew she was this ambitious. Ambitious to the point of sacrificing an unborn child.


    ¡°THERE¡¯S NOTHING FOR YOU TO EXPLAIN, GISELLE! ALL THIS TIME, I CHOSE TO BE WITH YOU; I CHOSE TO TURN A BLIND EYE TO YOUR SELFISH DESIRES!¡± I cry out, tears streaming down my face as I gaze at her.


    I¡¯m not perfect, and I¡¯m not a saint of a boyfriend. I made mistakes too, but I never imagined she would stoop so low just for the sake of her own ambitions.


    This isn¡¯t the Giselle I once loved. This isn¡¯t the woman I wanted to marry. She was never the same anymore! The girl I loved wouldn¡¯t havemitted such an act.


    ¡°L-Lucas? I did it for us, Lucas! We were too young back then. But now, I can make it work, Lucas. Let¡¯s start a family¡­ Please, forgive me, my love. You¡¯re the only man I¡¯ve ever loved, right? You can still forgive me, can¡¯t you?¡± she pleads desperately.


    I can hardly believe what I¡¯m hearing.


    It¡¯s as if she¡¯s delusional, afraid that I¡¯ll abandon her. But little does she know, I am already filled with nothing but emptiness for her.


    I¡¯m burdened by guilt for having had another boyfriend without her knowledge, but this is different. This is a terrible secret she had been hiding, and now it¡¯s been exposed.


    ¡°Do you hear yourself, Giselle? I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t be with a woman who values her dreams above all else. I gave you so many years for your dreams¡­ because I believed you weren¡¯t ready for everything. But the truth is, I was blinded by what you wanted. And don¡¯t you dare try to justify it by talking about our age at that time! I hold you ountable, Giselle, but you decided to end our child¡¯s life!¡± I shout at her, my tears continuing to flow.


    ¡°Lucas, please! You can¡¯t do this to me, Lucas! I loved you. I didn¡¯t understand then! You can¡¯t me me, Lucas! Call me selfish for one mistake, but I¡¯m willing to face the consequences. Just don¡¯t leave me, my love! You¡¯re all I have,¡± she pleads, even going down on her knees.


    But I feel no mercy. I¡¯m devoid of any blessings. There¡¯s no remorse or guilt within me. She has be a selfish, deranged woman whom I no longer recognize. I tried to understand her, but she defies all logic.


    ¡°We¡¯re finished, Giselle. Perhaps we should part ways. I don¡¯t want to be loved by someone who can¡¯t love me with her whole heart. Because if you truly loved me, you would have considered our lost child before pursuing your dream!¡± I use her.


    She rises and wipes away her tears, her gaze now filled with darkness.


    ¡°Who told you? Huh? Was it re? That shameless girl! She can¡¯t keep her mouth shut! I¡¯ll make her pay!¡± she says angrily, her eyes gleaming.


    She resembles a provoked animal, eager to be unleashed. I maintain eye contact with her.


    ¡°Threatening to harm someone again? Just the usual you, Giselle. I¡¯m grateful to re because, without her, I might have remained blind. Now, I¡¯m setting you free. Go chase your dream, and I couldn¡¯t care less, Giselle. Even if you don¡¯t show it to me,¡± I state with a cold expression on my face.


    Her expression shifts from hurt to immediate anger, and I can see the anger consuming him, evident in hisbored breathing.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°Just try to break up with me, Lucas! If you do, I¡¯ll end my life! My existence would be meaningless without you! You¡¯ll regret it, Lucas ckwood!¡± she threatens me, resembling a rabid dog ready to bite.


    Her face contorted with a menacing re, resembling that of a madman.


    I anticipated this reaction. After all, she is unhinged. So, I execute my n as intended, raising my cell phone and brandishing it before her.


    ¡°Everything has been recorded. You won¡¯t be able to shift the me onto me if you attempt suicide. Your actions won¡¯t affect me. I won¡¯t tolerate you or even spare a nce, Giselle,¡± I respond, my tone resolute.


    Ignoring her pleas, I simply walk away. My heart feels heavy as I reflect on the good times we shared. We were deeply in love once. She was my ideal, my perfect partner. She was always my top priority.


    But this is the repayment I receive: I hope she can at least appreciate the child. Yet, it was too easy for her to discard our child for the sake of her dreams. I despise her for it.


    She tries to pursue me, but the elevator doors close before she can reach me. I breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that encountering her again is something I never wish for.


    I contemte ending our rtionship out of a sense of conscience, but she¡¯s the one who betrayed me repeatedly. It is she who has gone mad!

 CHAPTER 28

    Zara¡¯s POV


    My husband arrived home around five in the evening, visibly saddened with swollen eyes. He mentioned having a terrible headache and retreated to our room, utterly drained from a burdensome issue. I sensed his exhaustion and the weight of his troubles, so I decided to give him space before he was ready to share what was bothering him.


    As a married couple, his problems became my problems, and I firmly believed in the promises we made before God¡¯s altar. Even during dinner, hecked any appetite, and his disinterest was evident. He mustered a smile and bid us farewell.


    Enrique, our son, and I didn¡¯t immediately head to bed. Instead, we cozied up in the living room, watching cartoons in the dimly lit space. Meanwhile, Lucas rested upstairs, seemingly lost in his thoughts.


    ¡°Mom, does Daddy have a problem? He looked so sad and lifeless earlier. Is he angry?¡± Enrique curiously questioned, breaking the silence.


    I let out a sigh and replied, ¡°Your dad might be facing some challenges at the moment, and feeling down is normal. He¡¯s not angry, just not in the mood. Let¡¯s give him some space, and things will eventually return to normal.¡±


    Enrique nodded, his drowsiness bing evident. We climbed up to our separate room, a situation that I found somewhat embarrassing. The speed at which everything had changed felt surreal, as if it were only yesterday. Lucas no longer desired to see me, yet the morning revealed his confession-a dreamlike scenario, almost too good to be true.


    Hence, it felt slightly awkward sharing the same bed. We were husband and wife, bound by marriage, but my body and mind had grown ustomed to his absence. Last night was the first time we shared a bed, and I unknowingly drifted off to sleep without realizing he was beside me.


    As I was about to surrender to sleep¡¯s embrace, I felt a warm embrace envelop me. Startled, I turned towards the source, realizing Lucas had joined me in bed. In the gentle glow of thempshade, I observed the seriousness etched on his face.


    ¡°Why are you sleeping here?¡± he whispered, careful not to disturb our sleeping son beside me.


    Embarrassment washed over me, but I managed to offer an exnation. ¡°I¡­ I felt awkward being close to you.¡±


    He settled beside me, letting out a soft chuckle. ¡°Why? I am your husband, Zara,¡± he stated matter-of-factly.


    ¡°I know, but it¡¯splicated. Hard to put into words,¡± I confessed, my cheeks flushing. Lucas sighed before resting his head against my chest.


    I could feel the weight of his exhaustion, but I resisted the urge to pry. I respected his need for personal space, understanding that he would open up when ready.


    ¡°I was afraid to wake up without you by my side¡­ I never want to experience that again. I don¡¯t want to feel betrayed once more,¡± Lucas whispered, tears dampening my clothes. In this moment, he appeared vulnerable and fragile.


    His pain felt too heavy for him to bear alone, and I willingly shouldered it alongside him. When we exchanged vows, we pledged to stand together through hardship and suffering, and that¡¯s precisely what I intended to do.


    ¡°L-Lucas,¡± I murmured, gently running my fingers through his hair, offering whateverfort I could.


    ¡°Zara¡­ It hurts so much. Why? Why would she do this to me?¡± he pleaded, his voice filled with anguish.


    ¡°Perhaps she has his reasons. Maybe there¡¯s more to it,¡± I consoled, aware that I didn¡¯t possess theplete understanding of his emotions.


    ¡°Zara¡­ Giselle aborted our son seven years ago. She did it for her own dreams,¡± he confessed, his sobs growing more pronounced.


    Witnessing the pain of someone you love is excruciating. I am a woman of empathy, not prone to jealousy. I know Lucas truly loved Giselle, but the reality is, I am the one who remains by his side, even if I initially stole his heart.


    My husband must have fallen back asleep. I didn¡¯t realize he was feeling this way. I need to find a way to help him. It¡¯s been a few days, and I can see Lucas gradually improving. As his wife, it hurts me to see him struggle.


    Lucas has always had a strong personality, and it¡¯s disorienting to witness him in such a vulnerable state. Yet, my son and I have be a source offort and support for him during this time. We bring him joy and sce, and we¡¯re grateful to see some improvement in his condition.


    What he¡¯s going through is no trivial matter. If it were me, I wouldn¡¯t want to experience it either. Sometimes, I notice him lost in thought or seemingly just going through the motions at work.


    During the initial night of his ordeal, he had a fever and appeared to be having a nightmare. The impact of what he had discovered was devastating.


    Since it¡¯s still early for our nned vacation, I reached out to my aunt in the countryside. We had already arranged our vacation there, and I wanted Lucas to have an opportunity to unwind as well. I made sure not to burden him with any extra responsibilities, and my cousin Mary was a great help in rescheduling and rearranging everything.


    One morning, I woke Lucas up earlier than usual. Our son, Enrique, was already downstairs and had been awake for a while. The clock on the wall showed it was only five-a bit early, but I needed to get my sleepy husband out of bed.


    ¡°Lucas, wake up,¡± I whispered as I gently nudged him.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He grumbled in annoyance, trying to burrow further into the covers. ¡°Love, it¡¯s too early. I have things to doter,¡± he protested.


    I was taken aback. Did he forget about the ns or something important? I insisted he get up, reminding him, ¡°Let¡¯s go, Lucas; it¡¯s going to get hotter!¡± I yfully swatted his exposed, hairy thigh to jolt him awake.


    He was wearing his usualbo of a shirt and boxer shorts, and despite the heat, he didn¡¯t tempt me. Though we had epted our supposed marriage, there hadn¡¯t been any intimate moments between us. Perhaps it required a full moon, I thought, with a hint of humor.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to, love. Am I still dreaming? Please lie beside me. I want to cuddle my beautiful wife. Where¡¯s Enrique?¡± he mumbled, his eyes still closed.


    ¡°Our son is already downstairs. Everything is sorted; it¡¯s just you who needs to get ready. Get out of bed, or there will be consequences,¡± I warned, trying to sound stern. He quickly stood up, pretending to salute even as he yawned.


    He even managed to slip in a mischievous smirk. My cheeks felt warm, possibly due to the rising temperature. I silently thanked the dim lighting for concealing my embarrassment.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°We¡¯re going on our family vacation. You can¡¯t back out now; everything has been nned, and you¡¯re the missing piece. So hurry up and get ready,¡± I informed him. He scratched his head, seemingly surprised.


    ¡°But I still have work and meetings, love. I¡¯m not avable right now,¡± he stated, as if it were impossible for us to take a vacation. Little did he know that everything had already been taken care of.


    ¡°I spoke to Mary, and I made it clear that you have no work for the whole week. So stop making excuses and get moving. If you keep stalling, you¡¯ll be in trouble,¡± I replied, a touch of threat in my voice. I could y that role if necessary.


    He chuckled and shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s good that my secretary informed you; I didn¡¯t. Who¡¯s the boss now, Mary or you?¡± Lucas teased me.


    I chose to ignore his remark. ¡°Do you have a problem with that, Mr. ckwood?¡± I retorted, trying to sound indignant.


    ¡°No problem at all. It¡¯s time to take a shower,¡± he replied, grabbing his towel and heading towards the bathroom. But before disappearing behind the door, he turned to me with a mischievous smile. ¡°Do you want to join me?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a grown man, Lucas. You can handle your own shower,¡± I quipped, trying not to let his morning charm affect me.


    I knew the temptation was there, especially with the evidence standing tall. But I had other things to attend to, at least until tomorrow. We waited for Lucas downstairs. Our driver was ready for our trip, and I had already informed our trusted caretaker, about her responsibilities. After around half an hour, Lucas finally descended the stairs, his wet hair neatlybed. Despite wearing a simple vacation shirt and shorts, he looked presentable.


    His effortless grooming still held its charm. You know the type of person who can look incredibly attractive without trying too hard. That¡¯s how I saw him from any angle-handsome and captivating.


    ¡°Stop drooling, love. I wish you had joined me in the shower,¡± he said mischievously, yfully acknowledging the effect he had on me.


    ¡°Hey Lucas, let¡¯s get going before we get stuck in traffic,¡± I urged, motioning for him to join me in the van. The province wasn¡¯t too far away, and we were eager to embark on our adventure.


    As we hit the road, we found ourselves immersed in a captivating journey. Thendscape transformed before our eyes, with modern establishments and high-rise buildings gradually giving way to a more serene and natural environment.


    The polluted city air was reced by the refreshing scent of trees and open fields. It was a sight to behold, and even our son was enthralled, witnessing firsthand what a real farm looked like. We rolled down the windows, allowing the crisp breeze to invigorate us. Throughout the trip,ughter filled the van, as even our driver joined in the teasing.


    ¡°Son, when will you grow up? If you ever need advice on handling thedies, I¡¯ve got your back,¡± Lucas yfully whispered, but his mischievous voice carried across the vehicle, making sure I heard every word.


    ¡°Dad, why would I need that?¡± our son innocently retorted. We couldn¡¯t help but burst intoughter, captivated by his adorable innocence. Oh, the joys of parenthood! But I couldn¡¯t let Lucas off the hook that easily. He was sitting right next to me, so I yfully swatted him too.


    ¡°Aw, love, why did you hit me?¡± he eximed, feigning offense. Did he really think I would let him get away with it?


    ¡°When will our oldest, Lucas, finally grow up and stop being such a troublemaker? Brace yourself!¡± I jokingly threatened, concealing my amusement.


    ¡°That¡¯s alright, Love. I¡¯m just preparing our second child for the fun ahead,¡± he quipped, unabashed in his mischief.


    Our son responded gleefully, ¡°Really? Am I going to have a little brother or sister?¡±


    Ah, the innocent curiosity of a child.


    His ever-loving father replied, with a mischievous smile, ¡°If you¡¯re up for both, my dear.¡± Please forgive me for indulging in these yful antics.


    ¡°Why? Are you going to get pregnant and carry the baby, Lucas? Will you take care of everything?¡± I retorted, deadpanning my response.


    He simply scratched his head, acknowledging my position. I¡¯m the newmander here, after all.


    Even our breakfast was meticulously prepared. I had crafted my own version of a bento box, and with only our driver, Mang June, apanying us, we found a shaded spot by the roadside. The picturesque surroundings included a nearby farm, adding to the idyllic ambiance. We spread out a pic nket, creating our own little oasis.


    Lucas gazed at me, his eyes reflecting a peculiar mix of emotions. ¡°I truly am lucky to have you,¡± he expressed sincerely.

 CHAPTER 29

    Zara¡¯s POV


    An hour had swiftly passed, and we found ourselves arriving at our cherished destination-a personal interpretation of a green paradise. Memories of my childhood flooded back when my mother would bring me here on every vacation to escape the monotony of ybourne. This ce was a haven filled with cousins to y with, ensuring that boredom was never an option in the province.


    Thendscape held numerous delights-a river perfect for bathing, trees begging to be climbed and turned into tree houses, and mango trees that yielded juicy fruits. We would rise early to savor the rich taste of fresh cow¡¯s milk, a ritual that added to the enchantment of our days.


    Even in the evenings, our joy didn¡¯t wane. We would y on the roads, chasing dragonflies, capturing rice spiders, and marveling at the luminous glow of fireflies. The memories of my childhood, so full of innocent bliss, are priceless and irreceable.


    Despite the passage of many years, nd had managed to maintain its essence. The air was still invigoratingly fresh, the green crops a feast for the eyes, and the rivers we had passed remained untainted by pollution or chemicals.


    Before long, we reached the ancestral home of my grandfather¡¯s sister, Grandmother Minerva. Contrary to its portrayal in horror movies, the house stood resplendent, well-cared-for by my cousins.


    As we approached, my uncle, Uncle Arni, and his wife, Aunt Sophia, warmly greeted us. They exuded vitality and strength, attributed to the farm¡¯s vastness and the nourishment derived from consuming fresh produce. Mama and Aunt Sophia were cousins, connected by blood and shared experiences.


    Leading the way, I guided my husband, Lucas, and our son into the house. Aunt Sophia eximed, ¡°Oh my, Zara, is this your child? He¡¯s grown so much! Thest time I saw him was at his baptism. We endured quite a journey to ybourne. And who is this handsome gentleman with you?¡± Her surprise was palpable.


    Lucas hadn¡¯t been present at Enrique¡¯s baptism; it was Nick who apanied me.


    ¡°This is my husband, Auntie. The person I was with during the baptism was my friend, Nick. Let me introduce you to my husband, Lucas ckwood,¡± I rified, observing a flicker of jealousy cross Lucas¡¯s face.


    Oh, how amusing!


    ¡°Is that so? Well then,e on in. Your mother¡¯s room is ready for you to rest. Bring your belongings,¡± Aunt Sophia graciously offered. June will be returning home shortly. We¡¯ve already made arrangements for the week.


    ¡°Mom, can we take a walkter?¡± my son eagerly inquired as we stepped inside the manor.


    ¡°Yes, son, we¡¯ll visit your grandmother Minerva¡¯s farm,¡± I replied, preparing myself for the tender moment that awaited.


    ¡°Where is Grandma Minerva, Mom?¡± my son asked once more.


    ¡°She passed away two years ago, my dear,¡± I gently shared, and together we walked in silence.


    The ce exuded an air of sophistication, adorned with chandeliers reminiscent of Spanish elegance. The fusion of ssical and modern elements lent the house a captivating charm.


    As we ascended to the second floor, I overheard my husband whispering, ¡°It seems like something is being dried or stomped on here again. Women, I tell you¡­¡±


    His voice barely reached a whisper, but I caught every word. Ah, the wonders of his yful nature!


    ¡°Hey, Lucas, behave yourself¡­ You¡¯re like a child,¡± I yfully scolded, disregarding hisment. Thankfully, my son and I paid no attention to the things that lingered in the manor.


    ¡°Tsk, am I not allowed to be jealous? And you still call me by my first name only?¡± he retorted, feigning annoyance. It wasn¡¯t a new sight, but his faux irritation never failed to amuse me. He should know he has a wife to contend with.


    ¡°I won¡¯t call you ¡®love¡¯-that¡¯s reserved for you and Giselle,¡± I teased, well aware of our inside joke. Why not y along?


    A mischievous grin crept across his face. ¡°Then what would you like to call me? Sweetie? Honey? Wifey?¡± he proposed, his tone softening.


    Oh, the banter between us was always filled withughter.


    ¡°Huh? That¡¯s quite a repertoire!¡± I eximed, breaking intoughter.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Thank goodness, because I truly love you,¡± he confessed, pulling me close and stealing a kiss. And as always, we reveled in the thrill of our yful affection.


    ¡°Lucas! Tsk! Alright, let¡¯s go,¡± I blushed, feeling the warmth spread across my cheeks.


    ¡°Huh? What¡¯s wrong, Zara?¡± he pretended to be puzzled.


    ¡°Come on, dear! You¡¯re such an actor! Haha!¡± I responded, and he released his grip, yfully winking at me.


    Mischievous indeed! Perhaps his name should have been Lucas, the embodiment of mischief!


    My mind raced, lost in thought, before snapping back to reality. We proceeded toward my mother¡¯s room, nestled within the old manor-clean, spacious, with wooden tile floors, and a serene ambiance that greeted us outside. It was a truly perfect setting.


    After a brief rest, we descended from the rooms to find a delightful lunch awaiting us. Aunt Sophia had prepared a feast fit for royalty. As we sat down to indulge, my other cousins greeted us warmly. It was heartwarming to see how we had all grown and blossomed into beautiful and handsome individuals.


    Among them were Rea and Mie, my dearest girlfriends, who had stood by me through thick and thin. Their brothers, Josh and Andrew, were like brothers to me, sharing a bond that had only strengthened over the years.


    They were a unique bunch, each with their own remarkable qualities. It was as if they possessed an air of singrity that set them apart from the rest. They were priceless gems that I was lucky to have in my life. You won¡¯t find them anywhere else, so add them to your cart now!


    My son and husband savored the delectable spread with utmost delight. Every dish was meticulously crafted by Aunt Sophia, showcasing her culinary prowess. We relished the vors of crab with beans and pumpkin, the sulent moaning fish, the charred perfection of grilled pork belly, and the freshness of farm-raised catfish, among other farm-to-table delights. Our taste buds danced in ecstasy with each bite.

 CHAPTER 30

    Zara¡¯s POV


    I don¡¯t know where I got the courage to do this. I just felt these things happening. Since I was only in a dress and had no underwear, I could easily take off my clothes. And to tell you frankly, it¡¯s not that easy. It takes courage; it needs a hundred swallows for me to do it. This is not about a carnal desire; I just want to be one with him again. I am a woman who needs to¡­ I just felt like doing it this time.


    Lucas also stood up. My husband strips off his clothes until he gets naked. My mouth instantly dried as I watched his sinful body glisten in the moonlight. It should be a sin to own that kind of body. It is built in an erotic way. Once your eyes catch that kind of body, it will be a curse to never remove your stare from it. That is how powerful Lucas¡¯s charms are.


    We are not afraid that someone wille here. It is actually a private property. Only a few of us know about this ce. This is the secret paradise of me and my cousins. Paradise like Lucas, who are its parents when I thanked?


    He immediately joined me in my swimming. We are both naked, like newborns. Both of us couldn¡¯t take our eyes off each other. Even though the water was cold, I still felt warm. This is fire-the fire of desire.


    He approached me, and I immediately hooked my hand around his neck. Our eyes wandered. Even our souls understand. I can hear his loud breath and feel his warmth, which gives me a strange sense of anticipation. Is this what they call sexual tension?


    Little by little, our lips met. The kiss is slow at first and very passionate; he is like kissing my soul, and it drives me crazy. Until it seems that our tongues are on swords, gradually, our responses also became more aggressive. Our kisses became thirstier, as if we didn¡¯t want to let go.


    Lucas¡¯s every move seemed to get more mischievous. He aimed at my neck. It¡¯s like a vampire sucking and licking a part of it.


    ¡°Ohhh Lucas¡­ What is that?¡± I asked between my grunts. He is so good at this. I¡¯ve never felt this good before.


    ¡°I will teach you some pleasurable lessons,¡± he said in a hoarse voice. His voice is mainly baritone, which makes it anticipatory.


    He immediately returned to kissing my lips. It seems that the driver is in control. He is my rhythm. He is the more expert of the two of us.


    I didn¡¯t realize that we had entered the adjacent hut. I was gasping for the pleasure that he was giving me. I had never sought pleasure before. I think sex is absurd; who needs it? You can live without it. And that is the truth.


    But when Lucas put that on me, it makes me want it more. It is like a forbidden fruit that will open your awareness to transformative experiences. Because we were wet, we just wiped our bodies and immediately went back to what we were doing. Lucas attacked my breast; he tasted it and licked every inch of it.


    ¡°Ohhh, Lucas. Ahhh, don¡¯t stop,¡± I said in the middle of pleasure.


    My knees seem to bend from the sheer pleasure of what he¡¯s doing.


    I can see his smirk through the light of amp. ¡°Oh, I won¡¯t. Never.¡±


    His hand seemed to be looking for something. His hands became restless until he found my pearl. He touches it with tease; I can see his yful smile while he looks at me unbearably in pleasure.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    He moved his finger to y with my clitoral. He knows how to touch it and y it to ignite my desire. Each of my roars got louder because of the pleasure. I breathe heavily. He is so good!


    He managed to make the hidden desire in mee alive again. With his touch, with his tongue, and with his movement. Who can resist this devil in disguise?


    Now I will be in control. I let myself dominate him this time. I insist on the kiss while battling our tongues for dominance.


    I also kiss his neck, and I assure myself that I leave some hickeys in that spot. It makes me smile to hear his manly moan. It makes me proud that I can dominate a ckwood, a Lucas ckwood.


    I also yed with his chest. It is well built. It¡¯s like a dense mountain that¡¯s good to run my hands over. I let my hands and tongue work.


    I even touched his six-pack of abs. Slowly, I go down there.


    It wasn¡¯t long before Lucas put me to bed. At first, I didn¡¯t know what he was going to do. But I noticed his positioning between my thighs.


    ¡°Ahhh¡­ Lucas! No¡­ not there!¡± He is ying with my womanhood. His tongue swirling into my private parts is the best sinful thing that I can have.


    He expertly moves up and down with his finger on my clitoral area; his tongue is like a sharp dagger knocking at my entrance. It seems that my womanhood is getting wet because of the taste of what Lucas is giving me.


    When it is wet enough, he positioned his manly wood at my entrance. I felt a sudden fear and nervousness. How does that fit me? The size and girth? It is so thick and has a length of maybe 8 to 9 inches. It is fully shaved as well, and the head of his thing is fully spurting white semen.


    ¡°Can I handle that?¡± I asked Lucas nervously.


    Myst one was seven years ago, at a party, and I was still drunk, right? I hadn¡¯t even felt this kind of emotion before.


    ¡°Trust me, dear. I will take it slowly; I will be gentle,¡± he teased me. I took a deep breath before nodding.


    ¡°I trust you, Lucas,¡± I replied to him.


    He centered his attention on my entrance. I¡¯m so excited here. After all, this is the first time I will experience this kind of thing on a whim.


    But I trusted Lucas. I trust him.


    He slowly entered me. It is painful; it was like the first time. It¡¯s like I¡¯m being split in two by the pain I feel right now.


    I silently cried, but he kissed my pain away. He kisses me sweetly to relieve the pain I feel.


    He stopped for a while; he let me get used to his size. He is big and also thick, which is why I feel so much pain with him.


    He gently moved his hips; at first, it really hurt. But slowly, it begins to hit something pleasurable inside of me. I feel like he¡¯s hitting something inside me that gives me a strange taste.


    ¡°Ohhh, Lucas, please, faster! Deeper!¡± I shouted in pleasure.


    The pain is gone, and the pleasure of each thrust is more dominant. I can see the pleasure in his face. He almost drives our movement.


    He was surprised when I showed up. He still looks like he can¡¯t believe what I¡¯m going to do. But I let myself do the work this time.


    ¡°Can you handle it?¡± he asked me in amazement.


    ¡°Don¡¯t belittle me, Mr. ckwood. If you can handle it, so can I,¡± I said , not knowing where I got the courage from.


    I started riding him. In this position, what¡¯s inside me gets hit harder.


    ¡°Oh, Lucas, you are so good!¡± I moan because of the pleasure.


    He is ying with the peak of my breast while I am riding him at a rhythm. Our movements became even faster, and our feelings and bodies seemed to be one. Until he spurts his seeds inside of me. We rested a little and rinsed off at the waterfall. I don¡¯t know what happened next because I passed out due to exhaustion.

 CHAPTER 31

    Lucas¡¯ POV


    I marveled at the incredible effort my wife put into making me feel better. Her dedication made me realize just how important I am to her, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of regret for not recognizing her value sooner.


    With a single smile, she had the power to brighten my day, and I cherished the fact that she was not just a woman but an integral part of my life, alongside our son.


    In the serene countryside where we found sce, breathtaking views and fresh air enveloped us, providing a stark contrast to the stress and chaos of ybourne. It was a pure paradise, offering a haven of peace and tranquility to anyone seeking respite from the world.


    Our lunch was a culinary delight, with each dish meticulously crafted using fresh ingredients. Even the rice, fragrant and of the highest quality, served as the perfectplement to the vorsome offerings on our tes.


    As the afternoon wore on, my son and I sumbed to the pleasant fatigue of a satisfying meal and drifted off to sleep. It was a refreshing slumber, a luxury I hadn¡¯t experienced in days.


    The weight of recent discoveries had left me weary, burdened by the pain inflicted by Giselle¡¯s actions. Forgiveness seemed elusive, and the guilt weighed heavily on my conscience, leaving me bewildered and confused.


    Yet, in the midst of it all, I found sce in the unwavering presence of my wife by my side. Their unwavering support and love were instrumental in my recovery. While I had always considered myself a strong individual, their steadfastness and dedication provided the pirs upon which I could rebuild.


    Like a lion and a lioness, we were born to conquer, and together we would ovee any obstacle. Giselle¡¯s betrayal had wounded me deeply, akin to having my legs and feet cut off, but with my wife¡¯s love, I had the strength to endure and move forward.


    As night fell, our dinner proved to be just as delightful as the meal before. I discovered that my wife had been the mastermind behind these exquisite dishes, filling me with pride and admiration.


    She was more than a decent woman; she was a dependable, intelligent, and loving wife-everything I could ever wish for. She was my rock, and I had no desire for anything more.


    Later in the evening, Zara and I ventured out under the enchanting glow of the full moon. The night sky stretched before us, revealing a tapestry of stars, a sight rarely seen amidst the hustle and bustle of ybourne.


    They twinkled brightly, and I couldn¡¯t help but hope that one of them represented our unborn child, a symbol of forgiveness I longed to ask for. I yearned for a chance to prevent the pain they might have endured, to rectify any mistakes I may have made.


    As we wandered through a grove of trees, we were captivated by the magical sight of fireflies, dancing in the darkness. It was my first time witnessing such natural beauty, and I was filled with awe and gratitude for Zara, who had allowed me to experience such wonder. Finally, we settled on a rock, enveloped in afortable silence that spoke volumes. I reached out, gently taking her hand in mine, and looked deep into her eyes.


    ¡°Thank you, my love. If it weren¡¯t for you, I don¡¯t know where I would be. You¡¯re my greatest source of strength, Zara. You and our child symbolize my happiness,¡± I spoke passionately, pouring my heart out.


    She tightened her grip, reassuring me with her touch. ¡°Lucas, remember the promise we made? Through thick and thin, we¡¯ll stand together. Your battles are mine too. Since the day we embraced our love, I¡¯ve felt the same way. When you feel like you can¡¯t go on, lean on me. I¡¯m here for you,¡± she said, her words bringingfort and peace to my soul.


    I couldn¡¯t help but feel immense pride that she was mine. I reveled in the knowledge that she belonged to me, and her wlessness was a constant source of happiness.


    Her next move took me by surprise as she gracefully undressed, causing my mouth to go dry. In the moonlight, she stood before me like a naked goddess, radiating warmth and beauty that stirred something deep within me. I felt like a hungry dog being offered the most delicious piece of meat.


    She immersed herself in the cool water, inviting me to join her. The moment was filled with an electric energy that was impossible to resist. This was a night to remember, a night of passion and connection.


    My wife passed out due to exhaustion. I know that it is not her first. Of course, I was the one before him, and I am proud of it. But he didn¡¯t do it for too long, so he just got tired. She doesn¡¯t have the stamina to stand that kind of vigorous sex.


    She has fallen asleep here in the hut. But I was the one who carried her to the mansion. Even in the middle of the night. I was careful on the way, so I didn¡¯t get lost. I¡¯m not burdened by Zara, either. She is not that heavy after all.


    I think she is cute sleeping in my arms. I am so happy that we did it now. Our love is more than satisfied with his performance. I hope she finds my performance that way too. I did my best anyway, smirking.


    I also arrived immediately at the manor. We went up to our room, and I found Enrique there already sleeping. I put my wife there. I go to our bathroom. I took a clean towel and a basin with water to clean her even more.


    They are sleeping soundly. Just looking at them made me realize how lucky I am. With my lovely, kind, and very genuine wife. To my smart, wise, and cute son. I don¡¯t know what else I could ask for. When both of thempleted me.


    Iy down next to them. I frowned at both of them because the breeze was cold, even though there was no air conditioner there. The climate here in the countryside was unexpectedly cold.


    So I slept well again. Even in the dream, I was happy. When I woke up, there was no one next to me. That¡¯s why I got up and fixed myself.


    I wear my casual shirt. I looked in the mirror and tried to fix my hair. I need my hair cut sooner. I need to shave my beard. My beard is getting annoying.


    I left the room and went straight to the dining area. It is already 7 a. m., and I saw them already having breakfast.


    ¡°Hey Lucas, I thought you weren¡¯t going to get up yet. I was going to see you,¡± she said, who looked like she was going to pick me up in the bedroom. I shouldn¡¯t have woken up sooner; maybe I would have been alone.


    ¡°Sorry, love, I just had a good sleep. You know I¡¯m getting my strength back,¡± I said, pretending to be innocent.


    She got my green jokes, which is why my wife immediately looked at me.


    ¡°Lucas?¡± she threatened me.


    I raised both of my arms to show my defeat. She is the boss, for the record.


    He imitated me at the table. Zara¡¯s cousins immediately had fist bumps. Josh and Andrew look like simple, provincial guys who are kind. They all look like¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s good to wake up; are you readyter? There¡¯s something to drink,¡± said Josh as he atefortably.


    I look at the table, and the mouth-watering food is already prepared. There is fried beef, sausages, sunny side-up eggs, fried rice, and fresh bananas on the table. A typical yet very special food here in the countryside.


    ¡°Will you drinkter? I asked my husband while frowning.


    We silently ate our breakfast after that small conversation. After breakfast, we went to the wide mango ntation. Many ripe fruits from the tree. First, we harvested, and finally, we tasted some fresh fruit from the tree.


    I didn¡¯t know that my wife had the talent to climb a tree. I approached her and whispered.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you sore down there, dear?¡± I asked her, and she instantly blushed at the way I asked and my wife grumbled.


    I couldn¡¯t help but burst intoughter. My wife is too cute when blushing. I saw my son ying with some kids here at the farm. They are actually hunting dragonflies and ying in the field. My son also learned to fly a kite.


    Then afternoon came, and we decided to go to a waterfall, where what you already know happened. We decided to swim there while having a barbecue party.


    My son is very happy to be able to swim again. My child has actually been fond of swimming since the day that I taught him how to dive. I feel that it willpete in swimmingpetitions in the future.


    Like happy days, this day also ended. But it seems the cousins didn¡¯t forget our drinking session tonight.


    Everything is settled for the feast. Can be consumed with honey, wine, and others. Andrew and Josh also invited their friends. But I didn¡¯t expect to have any girls.


    And there was exactly one girl who kept leaning on me. I believed her name was Grace.


    She is sexy, and she is pretty too. But she is not equal to my wife. But my wife is very jealous. I¡¯m getting away from this Grace, but he still tries toe closer to me and wrap his hand around me.


    I didn¡¯t see my wife anymore. She seems to have entered. I¡¯m moving from ce to ce because Grace is getting closer and closer to me.


    She is often trying to seduce me, but I am not immune to that. First of all, there is nothing more beautiful than my wife in my eyes. She is my life, so I did not intend to cheat for a piece of limited pleasure. I am now seeking a longermitment.


    If I could just leave this drinking ce, I would. Grace is getting closer and closer. I am getting annoyed too. And I was even more excited when he was about to pick me up.


    You can call me a gentleman, but I really pushed her away. No sane woman would do that! Just a fucking slut!


    ¡°Why did you push me?!¡±¡± she said in an annoyed way. It¡¯s still very artful to speak.


    ¡°I have a wife. If you can¡¯t respect yourself, respect mymitment and my wife. I am a married man,¡± I said seriously.


    The drinking stopped. Grace stood up and is now free.


    ¡°What if you¡¯re married now? It¡¯s okay with me! That¡¯s what¡¯s more exciting!¡± she said.


    If my brain was like that, then it is different now. Fortunately, my husband is not here. And maybe even more trouble. Josh is still here, looking like he¡¯s holding our drink, whose name is Jayson.


    ¡°Brother, take your sister home. Why did you bring her here?¡± Andrew said to Jason Uncle Arni and I are going to get into trouble.


    I went inside. I am not that dizzy; I am still in my right state. My alcohol tolerance is not that low. I can still walk and think straight.


    I just take a bath, and then I go straight to our room. Zara and I are sleeping, probably tired from ying and swimming all day. Zara is sitting on the bed and looking at me with a nk expression.


    ¡°Oh? Why are you here? I thought you were already taken out by that leech; I thought you were going to join her. I¡¯m willing to donate you,¡± she said, jealousy evident in her tone.


    Just like how her sarcasm is so obvious.


    ¡°Mmmm Honey? What are you talking about? Let us talk about it.¡± I said it with a hint of sarcasm in my tone.


    ¡°Lucas, I am tired. Let¡¯s go to sleep,¡± she said tiredly. But I didn¡¯t let her sleep. I don¡¯t want us to go to bed with bad feelings.


    I pulled her to the balcony, and we talked there. We will not sleep without talking and solving this problem.


    ¡°Dear? I won¡¯t do that! I¡¯ve changed; you¡¯re going to trust me, right?¡± I begged her. She is crying now. And it pains me to see her in that kind of state.


    ¡°I¡¯m so jealous, Lucas. I don¡¯t know if tomorrow or the day after tomorrow you¡¯ll find someone else again. I don¡¯t know if your son and I might wake up to the fact that we¡¯re not your life anymore. Sorry, Lucas, huh? I¡¯ve had too much insecurity.¡±


    She started to cry silently. And the only thing that I can do is hug her as tightly as I can. I am hurt that he is hurt.


    I never thought that after all these years, I would start to strip her confidence from her body. I never thought that this would be the result of neglecting my wife.


    Now I felt regret. Only now has it sunk into me that all these years, I have been slowly eating her esteem because of my greed and selfishness? She just showed me how to be a good wife. But I just paid her painful words of rejection and fed her with insecurities.


    I wish that I could bring back the time, look for the other side of my destiny, and finally ept her. I wish I could prevent my old self from destroying my wife. But I can¡¯t; everything happens, and I can¡¯t bring back time.


    That¡¯s why I¡¯m trying to fix it. Because I want to recover. I just want to lift her up.


    I hugged her tightly and let her cry on my chest. She is doubting herself; she is just tired from all of the pain that I brought to her life before and even now. She is a brave woman, a brave wife, and a brave mother to our child.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    That¡¯s why I¡¯m also hurt every time I see him struggling. Especially and the most full of all this is me. I just made her vulnerable.


    I kneel in front of her while I stare at her in this pleading way. I want to ask for her forgiveness. I want to beg. I want to beg her not to underestimate herself, her love for me, or my love for her.


    ¡°I am sorry, Zara, my love, for everything that I have done to you then and now. For every pain that I have caused you. I know that it affects you. Everything that I have done in the past has resulted in you being like this.¡± I took a deep breath, but I couldn¡¯t help but cry.


    True men cry for their love. That does not diminish my masculinity. It is a way to ease my pain. I am willing to show every side of myself to my wife. From weak to brave, the happiness and sadness.


    I want to be part of her life and our history. I don¡¯t want them to disappear from my life. Or it will be a nightmare. I can¡¯t live thinking that they will be gone.


    ¡°Lucas,¡± she said as she tried to stand me up.


    But I refuse. I want to show her that I am sincerely asking for her forgiveness. I am sorry that I have done all of those things in the past.


    ¡°Forgive me, Zara¡­¡±


    ¡°Lucas, the day I epted you? I ept youpletely.  Believe me, Lucas, I forgave you a long time ago. Because I love you so much.¡±

 CHAPTER 32

    Zara¡¯s POV


    I suddenly forgot that he is already a changed man, that he is doing his best to change his ways. And I also know that it is not easy. It should be my part to understand more first.


    In the morning, I told Mei and Rhea what happened yesterday. That bitch! Grace even tried to involve my husband in his affairs. I was amazed when Mei said what Lucas did, how he refused Grace and stood up for our marriage.


    I breathed on my husband, and at the same time, I felt guilty for what I did yesterday. I should not have judged him that fast; I should have known better before I acted like that.


    But the important thing is that we learn from each of our mistakes. What is important is that we are strengthened by trials. We shouldn¡¯t be torn apart by the likes of Grace or Giselle. I should also show my worth to Lucas so that he knows the value of what he will lose if it really happens.


    Josh and Andrew, the brothers, also apologized to me. The only person they really brought to the drinking party was their friend, Jason. The brothers realized their mistake and were grateful that Lucas had changed.


    After all, Lucas is not really a womanizer. Giselle came first, and that¡¯s why I understand where he got his anger towards me. But it¡¯s time for us to bury all that in oblivion. That¡¯s why we are here, to start a new chapter in our lives.


    It seems that change is reallying, and I¡¯m happy with the way our lives are going. I feelplete as a woman, mother, and wife. It seems I can¡¯t ask for anything more from God.


    Our one-week vacation ended easily. Lucas has improved; he¡¯s doing better now. He¡¯s eating well, he¡¯s no longer distant as if he¡¯s lost in thought, and the most important thing is that he¡¯s eating well. So I¡¯m very happy.


    Our vacation as a family ended in the blink of an eye. It¡¯s sad because I have to leave this happy ce again. I mean, I know that there is no such thing as permanence rather than changes.


    But we have to go back to ybourne. We left some lives there. We are just here to rx, take a deep breath, and have a nice vacation. I want my son to experience the life of a provincial boy.


    Kids nowadays are drowning in gadgets. They are really the so-called digital natives. They can use technology better than adults can. It¡¯s not a bad thing per se. It¡¯s okay to know that they are using technology as long as there is an adult guiding them, so they will not make mistakes in using technology, which can lead to misinformation and harmful knowledge.


    I¡¯m happy to see Enrique gaining new experiences. He has experienced ying on a grass field, hunting insects, ying with dirt, feeling the warmth of the sun, being able to sweat, and so on.


    Now we are packing our things. Maybe June is out and just resting so we can travel back to ybourne in a little while. While I was folding the clothes we wore and that I washed yesterday, I felt Lucas hugging me.


    ¡°My love smells so good,¡± he said while trying to nuzzle his face into my neck. I couldn¡¯t help but feel tickled by his beard. His beard and hair are getting thicker.


    ¡°Lucas, get a haircut and shave, huh? Your beard is getting thick,¡± I told him. He moved away a little and pretended to sulk like a child.


    ¡°Why? Don¡¯t I look attractive with this beard?¡± he asked.


    A silly thought crossed my mind as I looked at him. ¡°Yes, you don¡¯t look handsome anymore. Nick is more handsome than you,¡± I jokingly told him with a smile.


    But it had a different effect on him. His eyes seemed to darken, and he red at me. He grinned and stood in front of me.


    ¡°What? Handsome? Zara, are you blind? If someone looks like flour because he¡¯s so white, then you like it. Tsk,¡± he said, feigning annoyance while crossing his arms.


    I hugged him. ¡°Hey, Lucas ckwood, I¡¯m just kidding; you¡¯re still handsome. Let¡¯s go downstairs, and we¡¯ll head home,¡± I said, softening my tone. I forgot how sensitive my young husband can be.


    ¡°No! You said Nick was more handsome, tsk,¡± he said, pretending to be sulky.


    What I did was anchor my arms around his neck since he¡¯s taller than me. I bent down and captured his lips with mine. At first, he didn¡¯t respond to my kiss, butter on, I found myself getting lost in the way he kissed me. If I hadn¡¯t pushed his broad chest, I might have run out of breath.


    ¡°Stop, we¡¯re going downstairs, and they might be looking for us there!¡± I said, panting. I could see Lucas¡¯s proud smile.


    ¡°Okay, dear,¡± he said, and then we went downstairs.


    Our cousins still had gifts for us, so our van was filled with so many goodies. There were bananas, mangoes, sweet potatoes, and more.


    Before we left, I hugged Aunt Sophia and Uncle Arni. ¡°Thank you very much for having us here. I¡¯m going to miss you all,¡± I said with tears in my eyes. You know that my tears are easy toe by.


    ¡°What are you talking about, Zara? Our home is always open for you. And I will also miss my grandson. Come back soon, okay?¡± Aunt Sophia said warmly.


    I also said goodbye to my cousins, as did Lucas, who talked to his cousins, Josh and Andrew. I also saw Enrique chatting with a girl. As a child, he can be quite charming, white and with long ck hair.


    ¡°I will marry you someday, promise,¡± my son said, shocking me. Lucas is really rubbing off on him! That cheeky boy!


    We got into the van and took onest look. Since the trip was still quite long, I took a nap. I also stayed up becausest night we had a silly despedida party prepared by my cousin.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    It has been a while since we got up, so I¡¯m still awake. I just woke up and realized that we were taking a different road. I asked Lucas, who was seated next to me. The naughty boy was still asleep, so he didn¡¯t even pay attention to us.


    ¡°Where are we going, dear?¡± I asked. He smiled back at me.


    ¡°To my parents. I want to introduce my lovely wife and son to my n. They have been waiting for a grandchild from me, but they don¡¯t know I have one,¡± he said.


    My brain felt like someone mmed on the brakes. Wait? What?! Introduce?


    Suddenly, I looked at Lucas nervously and worriedly. I¡¯ve always loved watching dramas, which is why I¡¯m freaking out now.


    The ckwood family is known to be wealthy and powerful. They are feared not only in the ybourne but also around the world. The ckwoods have been dubbed the Iron Hand Tycoons because they always dominate the business world wherever they step.


    ¡°Lucas? I¡¯m nervous¡­ Just give me a moment. I¡¯m not ready,¡± I told him, feeling confused by what he said.


    ¡°I knew you¡¯d say that. That¡¯s why it¡¯s so sudden. But, dear, there¡¯s no perfect time. I promised you that I would shout out to the world that you are mine, and I will do it. And the first step is to introduce you to my family.¡± He looked determined.


    We arrived at this huge ce. Just entering the gate of the mansion was overwhelming. Well-armed guards opened the door for us. I was amazed by the size of the garden; they even had a maze garden! And the mansion in front of us had six stories, semi-modern in style, and was really impressive.


    My son woke up. ¡°Mom? Where are we?¡± My son asked in surprise.


    ¡°We are going to visit your grandparents on your father¡¯s side,¡± I told him.


    My son was shocked and amazed. When our car was parked in the wide parking lot of the mansion, various models of cars could be seen. Even if I work hard, I can¡¯t afford any of them.


    Despite our nervousness, we followed Lucas. We arrived at a living room where two couples were seated, Mr. and Mrs. ckwood. Lucas¡¯s other siblings were also there: his older brother, his sister, and his twin brothers.


    They saw us, and they looked at us like lions examining their prey. But my son wasn¡¯t even scared; he seemed happy to run to his father¡¯s parents and siblings.


    ¡°Bless you,¡± Mrs. ckwood said.


    They were all surprised. First, they didn¡¯t know that their son was married, and especially that Lucas had a son. We left Enrique in the care of Lucas¡¯s twin brothers, since Lucas¡¯s parents wanted to talk to me, as did his older siblings.


    That¡¯s why we went to the library-office of the ckwoods. They even have their own elevator. While we were in the elevator, my knees almost shook from the excessive nervousness and pressure. If Lucas hadn¡¯t held my hand, I might have lost consciousness right there. I saw my husband¡¯s sister looking at me with too much intensity and curiosity.


    ¡°I like your fashion,¡± she said softly to me.


    I thanked her. She smiled, and it looked like she was kind even though she seemed cold. She is Lucas¡¯s sister and has her own international clothing line.


    We arrived at the library-office; it was wide, and there was a table where Mr. and Mrs. ckwood sat. Then, his brother stepped aside.


    ¡°Start exining, son,¡± Mr. ckwood said, without emotion.


    He is actually old, but it¡¯s not obvious because of his elegance and handsomeness. Lucas bravely faced his father.

 CHAPTER 33

    Zara¡¯s POV


    ¡°I have been married for about seven years. I have a lovely wife and a great son that I have hidden from all of these years,¡± Lucas said, bravely facing his parents like a true ckwood would.


    Their expressions were hard to read, and their intimidating presence was undeniable. It was challenging to stand before them, but I had to maintain myposure.


    ¡°Start exining now, Lucas. I want all the details,¡± Mrs. ckwood said, fanning herself.


    She looked morous, and it seemed the beauty of the ckwood matriarch never grew old.


    My husband took a deep breath, and I could sense that his exnation would be a long one. I held his hand tightly, knowing he needed someone to lean on. We would be each other¡¯s source of strength through this.


    ¡°It all started one fateful night. Giselle and I had a heated argument. I was at a bar when I met Zara, and she got pregnant. I didn¡¯t know that everything would turn out this way, and her parents wanted me to marry her. I was hesitant at first, and I kept it a secret, with the help of Uncle Dray. But I eventually agreed to marry her secretly.¡±


    ¡°And, what else happened?¡± his mother asked once more.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ept them right away. At that time, I was deeply in love with Giselle, and I kept Zara and Enrique as my biggest secret. However, as my rtionship with Giselle fell apart, I found myself leaning on Zara, and I discovered her true beauty. And now, I have finally woken up.¡±


    ¡°So, you just realize your mistake? Why?¡±


    ¡°I had a lot to lose if I continued to hide them, so I¡¯m here to introduce them to my family,¡± Lucas exined with courage and honesty.


    Suddenly, Mr. ckwood raised his hand and pped Lucas with force. The sound of the p echoed in the room, and my husband¡¯s face turned to the side.


    ¡°I am quite disappointed with you, son. No ckwood brings shame to this family,¡± Mr. ckwood said sternly, but then he smiled. ¡°And I am proud that you can acknowledge your mistakes, but you shouldn¡¯t have waited seven years to meet us. Anyway, I can¡¯t wait to have another grandchild.¡±


    I was surprised when Mr. ckwood extended his hand to me.


    ¡°It¡¯s finally nice to meet you, Zara. May I ask for your full name?¡±


    My throat felt dry, and I felt intimidated, despite his smile. ¡°Zara D-Dfontaine,¡± I stammered, trembling with nervousness.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Zara. Please don¡¯t be intimidated by us. Wee to the family. You are now a ckwood,¡± he said warmly, trying to ease my nerves.


    My mother-inw, Mrs. ckwood, approached me. ¡°Call me Mom. Wee to the n. Don¡¯t be afraid of us; we don¡¯t bite.¡±


    She hugged me, and it was a heartwarming embrace.


    Then, Lucas¡¯s sister came forward.


    ¡°Hi! I¡¯m Stephanie. You can call me just by my first name; I have no problem with that. I like your fashion, and you¡¯re a perfect fit to be my sister-inw. You¡¯re way better than my brother¡¯s ex. I never liked her attitude from the start, but you¡¯ve won me over, girl!¡± she said wittily, and it seemed that she and Antote got along just fine.


    Next was Lucas¡¯s older brother, who looked even more intimidating than Lucas and his father. ¡°Wee to the family,¡± he said with a tight smile and a deep voice.


    Lucas couldn¡¯t contain his jealousy and ced his hand on my waist. ¡°Back off, brother,¡± he said angrily, ring at his older brother.


    ¡°My brother is getting more possessive; that¡¯s new.¡±


    I was about to say something when his father intervened. ¡°Enough, young men. Let¡¯s go down to the living room. I¡¯m excited to meet the younger ckwood.¡±


    We went to the living room, where I saw Lucas¡¯s twin brother and our son ying with Legos, building impressive structures. One of the twins grinned mischievously.


    ¡°Looks like we¡¯ll have a new genius in the family.¡±


    Lucas ckwood, my husband, proudly bragged, ¡°Of course, he¡¯s my son.¡±


    ¡°Good thing he didn¡¯t inherit everything from you,¡± his sister said.


    The ckwood couple approached their grandson, and Enrique spoke kindly to them. I noticed that Enrique had taken an interest in swimming since Lucas started teaching him. They were bonding at the pool.


    As I sat with Mom and his sister on a bench near the pool, Mom asked me about my life and what I do.


    ¡°I graduated from ounting school and worked for some ounting firms before Lucas and I got married. Now, I manage my own businesses, like boutiques and coffee shops,¡± I replied.


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky with Lucas. And you¡¯re the one who got lucky; you have a wife who¡¯s crazy about you, my baby brother, who¡¯s a brat¡­¡± she said, making meugh.


    ¡°You¡¯re teasing your brother too much, dear. Lucas is kind; he¡¯s just a brat who¡¯s spoiled with everything. But he¡¯s a sweet guy. I know that by now,¡± Mom said, to which I nodded.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°Yes, he loves very sweetly. He makes up for all his shorings. It¡¯s true that a man like him loves differently,¡± I said, appreciating my husband¡¯s unique way of expressing his love.


    ¡°Still, he is a bastard for hiding his own family for seven years!¡±


    While listening to his sister¡¯s outburst, I couldn¡¯t help but nod my head in agreement. It was not false that Lucas ckwood has been a bastard and a fool who was so blinded by his love for Giselle.


    ¡°Although I have already forgiven my husband, I couldn¡¯t deny that he was really an idiot for not realizing our worth sooner,¡± I blurted and it was toote when I realized my mistake that I was talking to my mother-inw and sister-inw.

 CHAPTER 34

    Zara¡¯s POV


    As we were engrossed in our conversation, a maid discreetly entered the room, interrupting us.


    ¡°Apologies for the inconvenience,dies. Our chef won¡¯t be able to make it on time today, so there won¡¯t be lunch prepared,¡± the housekeeper informed us.


    Thedy pondered for a moment, contemting our options for lunch.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, we could consider ordering from a buffet or dining out at a five-star restaurant for a change,¡± suggested my mom.


    However, I had another idea brewing in my mind.


    ¡°Would it be alright if I take charge of preparing our lunch?¡± I asked, feeling a surge of confidence.


    Stephanie smiled, seemingly impressed. ¡°Wow! You can cook? I¡¯m so envious! I¡¯ve never been able to pick up the skill, so only my husband cooks for us. I still dream of being able to cook for my family one day,¡± Stephanie admitted wistfully.


    ¡°I could teach you sometime. Cooking is something our family truly enjoys. I want my son to grow up appreciating my home-cooked meals because it creates a special bond,¡± I shared, expressing my belief that a family that eats together grows stronger.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to go through the trouble, Zara. We wouldn¡¯t want you to feel burdened over a simple lunch for our newlywed family member,¡± thedy interjected, her concern evident.


    I smiled warmly in response. ¡°It¡¯s absolutely fine with me, and I would love for you to taste the dishes we prepare.¡±


    ¡°If you insist, you can seek assistance from our kitchen staff to lighten the load for you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea,¡± I agreed. ¡°Lucas and I brought fresh ingredients from the countryside, including fruits, vegetables, and even seafood in the cooler.¡±


    ¡°Really?! I miss the countryside. The fresh air is often underrated but definitely something to appreciate when visiting. I wish I had known earlier; I would have loved to join you. And I¡¯ll dly help with the cooking. Maybe you can give me a few tips so I can move beyond instant noodles,¡± Stephanie chimed in with enthusiasm.


    First, I asked the assistant, to bring in the fresh produce and the cooler from the van parked outside. Once in the kitchen, I noticed that the kitchen assistants had already set up the necessary peeling and cutting tools. ncing at the well-stocked fridge, I spotted some high-quality beef.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start by soaking the meat in water to thaw it properly,¡± I advised Stephanie, focusing on the basics for now.


    ¡°Ah, I see!¡±


    I chuckled, understanding that her upbringing with helpers taking care of such tasks contributed to herck of experience. It was a privilege for them, while for the middle ss, it was an opportunity to learn independence.


    Returning to our cooking, I boiled the necessary ingredients while marveling at the state-of-the-art kitchen appliances at our disposal. Meanwhile, using the beef, cabbage, bananas, and potatoes we brought, I prepared a mouthwatering stew with sweet corn.


    ¡°Remember, don¡¯t immediately ce the food in the pan. Check if the pan is dry first, then heat it before adding oil to ensure it¡¯s hot enough for frying,¡± I instructed Stephanie, who seemed to be absorbing every word I said.


    Mostly taking on the role of a mixer, Stephanie patiently assisted me in mixing the dishes. She also served as the taste tester, bravely trying his hand at frying marinated meats. Initially hesitant, she quickly found his rhythm and took pride in his achievements.


    Using the ripe mangoes we had brought, I prepared a mango graham cake, a favorite of my husband. To conclude our lunch, a delightful dessert awaited us.


    As the maids brought out the dishes I had prepared one by one, cing them on the table, the ckwood men entered the room, impably dressed and looking presentable once again.


    ¡°Wow! What a feast! They look absolutely mouth-watering! Yum¡­¡±


    Stephanie spoke up with pride, ensuring everyone knew our aplishment. ¡°Just so you know, Zara and I cooked all of these dishes, and they are all delicious. No room for doubt, little brother,¡± she stated, a grin adorning her face.


    ¡°Now I¡¯m starting to doubt the credibility of this food. I might need to keep a ss of water by my side. Last time you cooked, our tongues were scorched by the saltiness of your roasted chicken. It was salty and burned,¡± he recounted, recalling a past culinary mishap.


    ¡°Excuse me, little brother. Are you badmouthing me? Your sister, Zara, and I prepared all of this. So grab your spoon and start eating,¡± Stephanie retorted, her voice tinged with yful sternness directed at her youngest twin sibling.


    ¡°Alright, enough banter. Let us begin with a prayer,¡± Dad interjected, prompting us all to bow our heads and listen attentively.


    As I observed these respected, dominant, and high-ss families, I realized that they were just like any other people. Despite their wealth, they were still human, and it brought me joy to be a part of their happy family.


    ¡°Hmm, this soup is delicious. Did you make it, sister?¡±


    ¡°Hey, little brother, Zara has taught me how to mix and cook. Watch and learn¡­ Besides, you¡¯ve been underestimating me for a while now. Why don¡¯t you trust me with cooking?¡± Stephanie responded, yfully pouting.


    ¡°That¡¯s because thest time you stepped into the kitchen, you managed to burn half of your condominium,¡± Lucas chimed in, his grin unwavering.


    I couldn¡¯t help but notice their fondness for teasing Stephanie.


    Stephanie gasped at Lucas¡¯ remark before turning to me. ¡°Your husband is lying, Zara! He¡¯s exaggerating. You have an unfortunate husband, my dear. Perhaps I can introduce you to some fine men so you can understand,¡± Stephanie yfully teased Lucas in return.


    Before my husband could respond, their father scolded them. ¡°Enough, both of you. Let¡¯s eat¡­ mmm Zara, you have a talent for cooking. This tastes incredible,¡± Dadplimented me, causing a wave of embarrassment to wash over me as I thanked him.


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s my wife¡¯s cooking,¡± my husband proudly proimed.


    Seeing my husband and son enjoy their meal filled my heart with happiness. They even praised the quick mango-graham cake I prepared for dessert, appreciating the freshness of the fruit.


    Afterward, we returned to the garden, seeking refuge under the shade of the trees. Today was a day of happiness for me, as I felt epted by my husband¡¯s family. I had initially feared that my social status would prevent their eptance, but I was proven wrong. They were kind and weing, making me feel like one of them. Their wealth didn¡¯t create a sense of difference; their interactions were genuine and down-to-earth.


    Everyone was delighted to have an unexpected guest, further solidifying the warmth and hospitality of the family. However, an unsettling feeling began to creep up on me. Giselle, the woman from Lucas¡¯ past, suddenly appeared, her expression twisted with anger and ferocity. She resembled an unstoppable storm, and my son grew fearful, hesitating toe near me.


    Giselle approached my husband, her eyes gleaming with intensity. ¡°What is the meaning of this? Huh!? Lucas, you better start exining yourself!¡± she demanded.


    Lucas responded calmly, not allowing Giselle¡¯s presence to rattle him. ¡°I have nothing to exin to you, Giselle. We are over, and you should stop this scandalous act.¡±


    The model stood up, scanning the room and fixating her gaze on us, particrly my son. ¡°We¡¯re over? We only broke up a month ago, and you already have a son who¡¯s about to be a teenager! Hey, Lucas, have you been cheating on all this time? How dare you reveal what I did? It was supposed to be kept hidden! You damn cheater! Everyone should know about this!¡± Giselle shouted, herughter filled with madness.


    Sensing the need for calm, I suggested that Stephanie take the child inside to spare him from witnessing the unfolding scandal. I didn¡¯t want my son to be traumatized amidst what should have been a joyful gathering. After all, there should always be a sense of fun associated with such asions, right?


    Stephanie agreed and guided the boy indoors, while Giselle continued her persistent hostility towards us.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°Oh? Why did you take the child away? He should hear who¡¯s involved! You, woman! Are you the one who reced me? My God, Lucas, just look at her! You never said anything to me! Have you lowered your standards all these years?¡± Giselle eximed, approaching me with an usatory tone.


    ¡°Hey, kid! What do you want, Lucas? Money! Just tell me your price and leave us alone, you bitch!¡± Giselle yelled, raising her hand to p me.


    However, Lucas intervened, pushing her away with a determined look in his eyes. Summoning my courage, I spoke up, determined to find a diplomatic resolution.


    ¡°If we can have a civilized conversation, we can avoid turning this into a scandal. Let¡¯s handle this with maturity,¡± I suggested calmly.


    Giselle rolled her eyes, sarcastically throwing a smile my way.


    ¡°Civilized conversation? Oh, how considerate of you! You¡¯re suddenly trying to act gracious and educated! Well, I have every right to be furious! You stole my man away from me! Do you understand that?¡± Giselle continued, her anger unabated.


    ¡°I am legally married to Lucas, Giselle. We tied the knot without your knowledge. So refrain from calling me a hookup, and perhaps I¡¯ll consider showing you our marriage certificate,¡± I finally revealed, unable to contain my frustration any longer.


    ¡°Married? Then what about all these years? Goodness! Lucas, you¡¯ve made me look like a fool! Dad!¡± Giselle turned to the don. ¡°I¡¯ve always been engaged to your son, his fianc¨¦e. How could you allow some nameless woman to enter your family?¡±


    Lucas approached Giselle, his voice calm but firm. ¡°Ease up on the insults, Giselle. My wife is the one you¡¯re referring to as a bitch. We¡¯ve been together for a long time, and we have something special. While I still have some respect for you, it¡¯s time for you to leave,¡± Lucas asserted.


    Giselle grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes. ¡°No, Lucas. No! Not if you¡¯re noting back to me. Do you want the press to get wind of this?¡± Her words carried a threatening undertone.


    Lucas seemed to darken at Giselle¡¯s words. ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb! Who here sacrificed our child for her own dreams? Do you think I¡¯ll evere back to you? Start dreaming on!¡± He exposed a secret, leaving Giselle momentarily speechless.


    The shock on the faces of the ckwood family was evident, swiftly followed by anger. Mrs. ckwood approached Giselle, delivering a resounding p that reverberated through the room.


    ¡°Get out of here, Giselle. The ckwood household does not tolerate deceit. Don¡¯t threaten us, dear; be prepared to face our wrath! Guard! Escort this woman out and ensure she never enters our home again!¡± Mrs. ckwoodmanded, her voice filled with authority.


    Giselle was forcibly removed, her temper ring as she screamed in protest.


    Lucas embraced me, but I couldn¡¯t shake off the worry that lingered within me.

 CHAPTER 35

    Zara¡¯s POV


    It was still a fun day despite everything that had happened earlier. Somehow, we were able to restore the mood that was lost due to the scandal. We decided to go home even though they wanted us to spend the night there. We assured them that we woulde back another day.


    The older members of the family also grew fond of my son. They loved him dearly, admiring both his innocence and intelligence. They wanted to spend more time with him, so we agreed to let him stay with them for the night. After all, it was a vacation, and it would be a good opportunity for them to bond.


    When we arrived home, Lucas and I were exhausted physically from the trip and emotionally drained from the events earlier with Giselle. I understood where she wasing from; she felt betrayed, hurt, and in pain.


    As a woman, I could empathize with her anger. But it was all in vain; Lucas had chosen me, and if she had fixed her life, he would have chosen her. I was willing to give Lucas his freedom before, as long as the man I loved truly loved her. But maybe it wasn¡¯t up to me to decide if my husband loved me or not. He had chosen me, and I had the right to him the moment he confessed his love for me.


    Back home, we skipped dinner since we had already eaten before leaving the mansion. I helped Stephanie cook, and I must say she learned quickly. Lucas¡¯ siblings and his uncle were still in disbelief that Stephanie had cooked all the dishes we enjoyed earlier.


    Lucas and I were to sleep in the same room. I was trying to train myself to befortable with the idea. While lying in bed, we couldn¡¯t help but talk about what had happened earlier.


    ¡°Sorry for her words. I hurt her, and I understand Giselle¡¯s anger. Just be patient with her, my love. Maybe it¡¯s not easy for her to move forward. She needs time,¡± my husband said with concern.


    I was in awe of hispassion. After all, Giselle was still in a difficult situation because of him, yet he was still worried about her.


    ¡°I know, dear. I understand that her wounds are still fresh, and that¡¯s why she acted that way. This time, we should be the ones to understand her,¡± I replied.


    I found myself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, staring deeply into his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m really lucky. I am so fortunate to have a kind and beautiful wife. I don¡¯t know what good deeds I did in my past life, but fate gave me a perfect wife. I am so happy to have you. I thank God for giving you to me,¡± Lucas said sweetly, tracing my lips with his finger.


    We shared another passionate kiss, one filled with love and connection, not just driven by lust. Every touch of our lips felt warm and meaningful, as love and passion intertwined.


    His kiss was tender at first, filled with a mixture of gentleness and tenderness. But as our feelings surged, our responses to each other grew more intense and passionate.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Our kisses became more fervent and heated. We were both breathing heavily, needing to catch our breaths, but unable to stop ourselves from being consumed by the mes of love and passion.


    My husband¡¯s hand began to wander, yfully teasing. Hisrge, firm hand traced my waist, moving upwards as if seeking the peaks of my mountains. He then sat in front of me, teasingly removing his clothes.


    In the gentle glow of thempshade, I could see his divine form, a sight that delighted my eyes. His face was handsome, and his body was even more so. He had a perfectly sculpted physique, a true work of art.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be shy; you can touch it. I am yours, Zara. I am only yours, just as you are only mine,¡± he whispered soothingly.


    I took his invitation spontaneously, running my hand over his hard chest and down to his abs. I pulled him close, kissing his lips once again, longing for the connection.


    The mes of passion began to engulf us once more. He expertly removed my clothes, revealing that I wasn¡¯t wearing a bra. He kissed my breasts, massaging them with care before gently suckling on them.


    ¡°Oh, Lucas, don¡¯t stop!¡± I moaned between every gasp.


    It felt like I was going crazy with every touch of our skin. It was hot, scorching, but there was a strangely pleasurable sensation coursing through my body.


    His hand roamed, exploring my body like he was worshipping a goddess. He didn¡¯t even skip my cave; his fingers yed skillfully, making my legs tremble from the sensation.


    He was not just an expert; he was a master of the game. It was as if he knew exactly where to touch every sensitive spot on my body.


    As he prepared himself with lubricant, I felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension. He gently moistened his member, coating it with the jelly substance before focusing on me.


    Slowly, he inserted himself inside me, and it was slightly painful due to his size and thickness. I closed my eyes, feeling the initial difort and struggle as he entered me.


    Tears welled up in my eyes, but Lucas wiped them away and kissed me sweetly, distracting me from the pain. Slowly, the pain subsided as he allowed me to adjust to his size.


    ¡°Shh, do you want me to stop?¡± he asked with concern.


    I shook my head, indicating that I wanted him to continue.


    He began moving, and as the pain lessened, the pleasure and tickling sensation of his movements became more dominant. He was hitting a spot inside me that gave me an indescribable sensation.


    ¡°Lucas¡­ Ohh! It feels so good!¡± I cried between grunts.


    I didn¡¯t know where to look; my senses were overwhelmed. He thrust expertly, maintaining a steady rhythm. It was fast and passionate, like a rabbit in a hurry, yet every move was filled with love.


    We also tried different positions. I tried riding him, taking on a more dominant role. It allowed me to feel his length inside me more, adding a strange pleasure to the sensations.


    And for the nth time, he filled me with his essence. My knees felt weak, and my femininity throbbed. We had multiple rounds; Lucas wasn¡¯t satisfied with just one. My endurance was good and improving, so we went all the way to the final round.


    I had to keep reminding myself that my husband was a beast in bed, as it always seemed to surprise me. But I was also aware that I might be fertile now, and there was a chance I could get pregnant. I couldn¡¯t help but think about it as I saw my husband fast asleep next to me.


    After we cleaned up and got dressed, Lucas had already left for work. So, I went downstairs and smelled garlic frying in the kitchen. I found myself walking towards our dining room.


    There he was, my husband, cooking our breakfast, while the maids admired him. One of the maids greeted me,menting on how lucky I was to have such a handsome and caring husband who cooked for me. I smiled at herment; it was indeed true. When my husband noticed me, he pulled me closer and gave me a quick kiss on the lips.


    ¡°Good morning, dear. Let¡¯s sit down and eat,¡± he said, gesturing for me to take a seat at the table. The food looked delicious, and I couldn¡¯t wait to dig in.


    ¡°My husband is an amazing cook,¡± Iplimented Lucas, who looked proud of himself.


    ¡°Of course, Mrs. Zara Dfontaine ckwood¡¯s husband has to be perfect,¡± he said, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel delighted.


    As we began eating, he asked about my schedule for the day, and I inquired about his. He mentioned that he had a meeting in an hour and that I should rest since I might still be tired from our activities the night before.


    ¡°I have an easy day ahead, ckwood, and then I¡¯ll be going to the shop. I need to check the status of my business,¡± I said matter-of-factly.


    He seemed taken aback. ¡°You can stop working, dear. You don¡¯t need to work anymore; I can provide for you.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow in surprise and a hint of irritation. ¡°It¡¯s not that simple. Many people depend on my business, and it¡¯s not something I can dissolve just because you want me to, Lucas,¡± I said firmly.


    He still insisted, saying that my business would only interfere with our life together and that my attention would be divided. I stood up, feeling disappointed, and gave him a stern look.


    ¡°I lost my appetite. Excuse me,¡± I said, walking away.


    It seemed like this issue was not going to be resolved easily. I knew that he cared for me and wanted to provide for me, but my business was important to me too. I couldn¡¯t just give it up. We would have to talk more about thister.

 CHAPTER 36

    Zara¡¯s POV


    Two days had passed, and I found myself somewhat indifferent to the situation between Lucas and me. Although he asionally attempted to bridge the gap, his pride often got in the way. However, I didn¡¯t let it bother me too much. It was up to us to resolve our issues in due time.


    I loved Lucas deeply, and my love for him drove me to support him wholeheartedly in every aspect of his life. Whether it was his career, his aspirations for our family, or his dreams, I always said yes to him.


    But sometimes, I hoped for the same level of support in return. After all, my endeavors mattered too. I had poured my heart and soul into my businesses, fighting tooth and nail to keep them afloat.


    If everything were suddenly taken away from me-my businesses, my properties-there would be nothing left. Nevertheless, I had invested my blood, sweat, and tears into them, not to mention the livelihoods of numerous employees who depended on them. That¡¯s why I felt a tinge of disappointment at some of Lucas¡¯s words.


    Currently, I was with Antote, my trusted friend. We were driving around aimlessly, trying to distract ourselves from the chaos. My son was still at Lucas¡¯s parents¡¯ house, and I nned to visit himter. Going home didn¡¯t feel appealing at the moment; maybe I would meet my husband there, or perhaps not.


    ¡°Giselle is absolutely terrible, isn¡¯t she? I can¡¯t believe she would stoop so low. And that business with the abortion, too. Unbelievable, isn¡¯t it?¡± Antote expressed her exasperation, clearly stressed by the unfolding events.


    ¡°I understand the pain she must be feeling. Imagine discovering that your long-time boyfriend has a wife and child,¡± I replied, taking a sip of my coffee.


    ¡°Don¡¯t y the ¡®I¡¯m so kind¡¯ card with me, alright? But I get your point. If that happened to me, I would be furious too. But the issue goes beyond that-it involves an unborn child. That¡¯s a whole different story! I hope Lucas realizes the gravity of it,¡± Antote vented, as if she were the one who hadmitted the sin.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. Let¡¯s leave it to karma. I can¡¯t me my husband entirely for feeling hurt, can I?¡± I remarked, attempting to find some semnce of understanding.


    Antote burst intoughter. ¡°You, my friend, are quite resilient. If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯m happy for you. It¡¯s just that Nick really doesn¡¯t have luck on his side,¡± she said, shaking her head.


    I took a deep breath, contemting her words. ¡°That¡¯s true. He just hasn¡¯t found the right person yet. I hope he does,¡± I responded, gazing into the void.


    Antote continued to shake her head, snickering. ¡°You¡¯re such a tough cookie, girl. It¡¯s entirely up to you, but that best friend of ours will eventually find someone else,¡± she said, leaving me slightly confused. What did she mean by that? How did I be so resilient?


    We engaged in deep conversation, delving into the intricacies of my rtionship with Lucas.


    ¡°You, my dear, are stunning. Your husband wants to unt you like a trophy! Pass me those scissors; I¡¯ll give you a haircut,¡± Antote eximed mischievously, shing a grin. That girl!


    ¡°You know how important my business is, Antote. I¡¯ve poured my blood, sweat, and tears into it. I hope Lucas understands the sacrifices I¡¯m making now,¡± I asserted, emphasizing the significance of my endeavors.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be mad at me. Tell that to your husband! Alright, the sun is setting, and you¡¯re still heading to the ckwoods. They¡¯ve been kind to you so far, just make sure to take care of yourself. Guard your heart,¡± advised my one and only female best friend.


    I had made many friends over the years, but she was truly one of the best.


    We bid farewell, and I drove past the grand manor of the ckwood family. It wasn¡¯t far, and I would likely arrive around 6 p. m.


    Upon seeing me, my son enthusiastically greeted me, and my heart swelled with joy. I had missed him dearly during those two days, which felt like an eternity.


    ¡°We¡¯re having a great time here, Mom! They have a huge library where I can read so many books! They even have a movie room, a gaming room, and plenty of choctes,¡± my son excitedly shared, indicating that he had been thoroughly spoiled.


    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful, sweetheart. Have you been behaving yourself? Let¡¯s not give your grandparents, aunts, and uncles a hard time, alright? We¡¯ll be staying here tonight, but we¡¯ll head back home tomorrow,¡± I informed him. He nodded in understanding.


    ¡°Mom, where¡¯s Daddy?¡± my son inquired with curiosity.


    ¡°He¡¯s still away on business, my love. Don¡¯t worry about it. Let¡¯s go inside; it¡¯s getting dark,¡± I gently deflected his question, leading him back into the house.


    ¡°Hi, Zara! I¡¯ve missed my beautiful sister-inw!¡± Stephanie greeted me warmly, her radiant presence illuminating the room.


    She looked stunning in her light blue dress, emanating an innocence that I couldn¡¯t fullyprehend. Good looks certainly ran in their family.


    My son immediately went to spend time with his grandparents, who seemed delighted by his presence. They were building a strong bond with their grandson.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have a chat, just us. We have something important to discuss,¡± Stephanie suggested, and I found myself slightly taken aback. They led me to the gazebo in their picturesque rose garden.


    My mom-inw and Stephanie began their conversation, indicating that they had an agenda to address. They nned for a family gatheringter in the afternoon, during which they intended to introduce me to their extended n. I couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of unease. Did I really need an introduction? Couldn¡¯t I just remain in the background as Lucas¡¯s wife?


    ¡°Is it really necessary? I mean, we can keep it low-key. It¡¯s fine,¡± I nervously expressed my thoughts, unsure about the grand ns being discussed.


    Stephanie, always full of motivation, reassured me with encouraging words. ¡°You¡¯re more than deserving, Zara. You¡¯re part of our family now, and as a ckwood, you deserve everything our n has to offer. Don¡¯t be shy!¡±


    I shrugged, realizing that the decision was ultimately up to me. ¡°Okay, I guess it¡¯s my choice,¡± I replied, trying to maintain a nonchnt demeanor.


    My mother, serious and determined, asked an important question. ¡°Did you have a civil wedding?¡±


    The question hit a nerve. Did Lucas not want me enough to marry me in a church? Did he resent me so much that our marriage was limited to the municipality?


    I nodded silently, unable to find the words to express my feelings.


    ¡°I can¡¯t ept that. You should have a proper wedding with my son. Stephanie, design her gown. As for the rest of the n, leave it to me-I¡¯ll handle it. It will be as grandiose as a fairytale, mark my words!¡± my mother eximed with joy.


    I couldn¡¯t help but let out a frustrated growl. ¡°It¡¯s not necessary. What matters is that we¡¯ve sworn to love each other.¡±Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    And it was true. I was content with the fact that Lucas loved me, that we were married, and that we were together. It wasn¡¯t about extravagant ceremonies; it was about the real and genuine connection we shared.


    But my mother wouldn¡¯t hear any of it.


    ¡°Oh no, Zara. If it¡¯s fine with you, it¡¯s not fine with your mother-inw! I¡¯ve seen all my children get married, and I will see you in your gown and my son in his tuxedo with the same enthusiasm as their weddings. No objections, that¡¯s the n!¡±


    Her determination made it clear that I couldn¡¯tin any further. However, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that our marriage wasn¡¯t the right timing if we hadn¡¯t yet reconciled or received congrattions from my husband. I could only hope that everything would work out.


    I was well aware that I couldn¡¯t stand my husband either.

 CHAPTER 37

    Lucas¡¯ POV


    I was incredibly worried. It had been two long days since west spoke. We were both stubborn, but in the end, it was me who was hurting the most. Do you want to know why?


    All I wanted was for her to stop working. She carried the heavy burden of being my wife and a mother to our child. I wanted her to enjoy her life, to have the freedom to pursue her own happiness.


    I had my own work, my own business, and more than enough money to provide for us. I could take care of her, and that¡¯s all that mattered to me. That¡¯s why I initially asked her to give up her business. But she didn¡¯t take it well; she was offended, even though that wasn¡¯t my intention.


    The truth was, she didn¡¯t want to give it up. I tried talking to her, but she didn¡¯t respond. I became sulky too, and I stopped coaxing her. I knew I was in the wrong, but I thought she would understand what I wanted.


    All I wanted was the best for her. She was my wife, and I didn¡¯t want to burden her with something I could easily provide. But as I arrived home from work to an empty house, the darkness and silence enveloping me, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of panic. Call me paranoid, but the fear of losing her again haunted me, and I didn¡¯t want to experience that pain once more.


    It felt like a punch to the gut, searching for her in the darkness. I called her, but she didn¡¯t respond. I immediately jumped into the car and dialed Stephanie¡¯ number.


    ¡°Good evening, little brother. I¡¯m almost going to sleep now. You¡¯re lucky I¡¯m still awake and going through my nighttime skincare routine. So, what¡¯s on the agenda?¡± Stephanie answered yfully, seemingly trying to provoke me.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my wife?¡± I asked with a serious tone, not in the mood for games.


    She responded sarcastically, ¡°Bro, maybe she feels too bad about having a husband like you, the only thing you¡¯ve given her is heartache. Poor Zara.¡±


    Cursing under my breath, I was beyond exhausted. I knew Stephanie too well; she always enjoyed tormenting me and ying with my emotions.


    ¡°Stephanie, listen carefully. I don¡¯t have time for your nonsense. I need my wife!¡± I shouted, my anger boiling over.


    Sheughed on the other end of the line. ¡°Oh, my baby brother is so cute when he¡¯s mad. Don¡¯t worry, I was just teasing you with what I said. I just wanted to torment you because you¡¯ve been tormenting Zara. Poor thing, it seems like you two had another fight!¡±


    I pulled over to the side of the road, feeling overwhelmed by a mix of anger, sadness, and nervousness. I couldn¡¯t bear the thought of almost losing my wife again. It would be torture.


    I don¡¯t know why, but I had this strange urge to confide in Stephanie about our fight. I was exhausted, and I realized that not talking to Zara was-


    I felt like a lost puppy, without direction or purpose.


    ¡°Because what Zara said is true. She loves her business, and you just want to take away something that has been a part of her for a long time. If I were Zara, I¡¯d be furious with what you said, you jerk!¡± Stephanie spoke loudly, causing my ears to ache.


    ¡°I¡¯m just thinking about what¡¯s best for her.¡±


    ¡°Is what you want really best for her? Lucas, listen, you¡¯re married to a woman who¡¯s independent enough to think for herself. She can say yes or no based on her own judgment. If you always dictate what she should do, then you¡¯ve married a robot.¡±


    ¡°I can provide her with everything!¡±


    ¡°Think about this, Lucas. Zara loves her passion, and she knows how to bnce her business and family. I can see it in her. She¡¯s not an ordinary woman, and you should consider yourself lucky to have her. Don¡¯t mess things up with her again. It¡¯s normal to have disagreements, but don¡¯t let it reach the point where you lose her. You¡¯re still healing,¡± Stephanie advised, and finally, it started to sink in.


    I hadn¡¯t been thinking clearly. I only considered what I wanted without consulting or considering her. Stephanie was right, and I hated that she was right.


    I immediately drove to Mom and Dad¡¯s mansion. When I arrived at the manor around ten o¡¯clock, I met Dad in the living room. Thoughts of the earlier argument still weighed heavily on my mind, and I felt utterly foolish for my actions.


    I entered our room, finding my mother and daughter fast asleep. Exhausted from the day¡¯s events, I stripped down to my boxers and a shirt, leaving me feeling bare and vulnerable. But being beside my husband, I found sce and a source of renewed energy.


    Wrapping my arms around Zara, I nestled my face in the crook of her neck, inhaling herforting scent. In her embrace, the weight of the day began to lift, and a sense of peace washed over me. This, right here, in her arms, was where I belonged. This was home.


    ¡°Lucas?¡± My wife¡¯s sleepy voice broke the silence, and I noticed his eyes fluttering open.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my love. I realize now how narrow-minded I¡¯ve been. I apologize for not considering your feelings enough. I thought I was doing what was best for you, but I see now that I was mistaken. I¡¯m sorry, and I promise to be more aware from now on,¡± I confessed sincerely, hoping he could sense the depth of my remorse.


    A soft smile graced his lips-the smile I yearned to see every day, even as we grew older, until the veryst breath I took.


    ¡°I forgive you, Lucas. Because I love you, for better or for worse,¡± Zara replied, her words carrying the weight of her unconditional love.


    The day at work seemed endless as I dealt with meetings, calls, and the usual business matters. However, despite the hectic schedule, my mind kept wandering back to Zara. I couldn¡¯t shake off the worry I felt earlier when she suddenly felt sick.


    I sent her several messages, but she reassured me that it was probably just something she ate. Still, I couldn¡¯t help but feel uneasy until I saw her in person. Work became more of a distraction than usual, allowing me to focus on something other than my concerns.


    The evening approached, and I hurried home, eager to see my wife and son. As I entered the house, I could hear theirughter from the living room. I couldn¡¯t help but smile at the joyous atmosphere. But when I saw Zara¡¯s expression, a sense of anxiety washed over me.


    ¡°Hey, how¡¯s my favorite girl doing?¡± I greeted her with a gentle kiss on the cheek.


    Zara smiled back at me, but I could see something different in her eyes-a spark of excitement and a hint of mischief. ¡°I¡¯m doing great, Lucas. Enrique and I were just having fun.¡±


    I joined them on the couch, and Enrique immediately jumped onto myp. ¡°Daddy, guess what! Mama has a surprise for you!¡± he eximed with glee.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°A surprise? What is it, my little man?¡± I asked, trying to y along.


    Zara giggled, seemingly enjoying the moment. ¡°Well, you know how we always wanted to have more children and expand our family, right?¡±


    I nodded, not quite sure where this was going.


    She continued, ¡°So, we decided to try again, and¡­ I¡¯m pregnant, Lucas!¡± Zara¡¯s eyes were shining with happiness as she revealed the wonderful news.


    My heart skipped a beat, and tears welled up in my eyes. ¡°Are you serious? We¡¯re going to have another baby?¡± I couldn¡¯t contain my joy as I hugged Zara and Enrique tightly.


    ¡°Yes, Daddy! I¡¯m going to be a big brother!¡± Enrique chimed in, sharing in our excitement.


    I was over the moon. The news felt surreal, yet it filled my heart with immense happiness. Zara was pregnant with our second child, a new life that we would create and wee into our family. It was a dreame true.


    I looked at Zara with so much love and adoration, feeling incredibly grateful for having her in my life. She was the woman I loved, my best friend, and now the mother of my children.


    After a moment of soaking in the happiness, I chuckled, ¡°Well, I guess I won¡¯t need to call the caterers toin about the garlic smell anymore.¡±


    Zaraughed, yfully nudging my shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re never going to let that go, are you?¡±


    ¡°Of course not. It¡¯s a part of our journey now-a reminder of this special moment,¡± I replied, kissing her forehead.


    We spent the evening celebrating our impending parenthood, talking about how our family would grow and how Enrique would be a wonderful big brother. Zara already had ns to involve him in taking care of the baby and teaching him or her all the things he had learned.


    As the night grew darker, we tucked Enrique into bed, and I held Zara close, basking in the joy of our newfound revtion. I couldn¡¯t wait to embark on this journey with her and our growing family.


    The next day, we decided to visit the doctor for a more thorough checkup. The excitement only grew as we saw the ultrasound, witnessing the tiny heartbeat of our unborn child. It was a magical moment that brought tears of joy to both of our eyes.


    With the doctor¡¯s assurance that everything looked healthy and normal, we left the clinic, hand in hand, ready to face this new chapter in our lives.


    Throughout Zara¡¯s pregnancy, I made sure to be there for her every step of the way. I attended every doctor¡¯s appointment, helped her with household chores, and took care of Enrique to give her some rest whenever she needed it. I wanted her to feel loved, supported, and cherished during this special time.


    As the weeks passed, Zara¡¯s belly grew, and the excitement in our household escted. We started preparing the nursery, selecting baby names, and sharing our dreams for the future.

 CHAPTER 38

    Zara¡¯s POV


    My mother-inw who has graciously arranged for a renowned wedding nner and designer named Charlotte Montgomery. My mother-inw, on the other hand, seems reluctant to let go of my husband and our marriage. Despite this, I try not to let it dampen my spirits. As I sat there, engrossed in my messaging app, my mother¡¯s voice broke through my concentration.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked, concerned.


    Startled, I refocused my attention and forced a smile, assuring her that everything was fine. ¡°I was just checking in with Lucas to see where he is,¡± I calmly exined.


    Mrs. Montgomery chimed in, understandingly. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s rush hour, and the roads are congested. Mr. ckwood is probably caught up in the traffic,¡± she said, offering an exnation for Lucas¡¯s dy.


    Mrs. Montgomery proceeded to borate on the forest motif that she had nned for our wedding. The mere thought of a Twilight-like atmosphere filled me with an overwhelming sense of excitement, and I couldn¡¯t help but p my hands joyfully. As the discussion continued, the door swung open, and Lucas finally appeared, clutching a box in his hands.


    ¡°Those are the hotdog buns I bought!¡± I eximed with delight.


    My fondness for hotdogs seemed to be taking over my thoughts, particrly my craving for the long, juicy ones. I shot Lucas a disapproving look as he took his time to arrive.


    ¡°Those are mine,¡± I said rudely, snatching the box of buns away from him. Yes, hotdogs! Finally!


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, dear. The traffic was unbearable,¡± my husband apologized, attempting to make amends. However, my irritation with him lingered, and I ignored his attempts to make peace.


    ¡°Go ahead then,¡± I grumbled, my grumpy mood overshadowing any rity about my emotional state.


    Lucas frowned, ncing at his mother and Mrs. Montgomery for guidance. ¡°May I use your bathroom?¡± he inquired, seeking a moment of respite.


    ¡°Of course, Marco, please assist Mr. ckwood,¡± Mrs. Montgomery instructed her assistant. As Lucas made his way to the restroom, someone called out to Mrs. Montgomery, and my mother hurriedly left the room as well.


    Left alone, I could no longer resist my hunger. With the hotdog buns in hand, I indulged in their delicious and savory taste, savoring every bite with delight. It was a smallfort in the midst of my mounting hunger.


    ¡°Son, Zara, may I ask you something?¡± My mom¡¯s intuition kicked in, noticing my unusual cravings, mood swings, and irritability. ¡°Are you experiencing pregnancy symptoms? It seems quite apparent to me, my dear.¡±


    I nodded, confirming her suspicions, and she squealed with joy. ¡°Oh, this is such wonderful news! It calls for celebration-a gender reveal party, a baby shower, and so much more!¡±


    In that moment, an idea sparked within me. ¡°Actually, Mom, I would love for our wedding to double as a gender reveal party. I want to keep it a secret from Lucas until that moment. I want to surprise him,¡± I shared, gently rubbing my stomach.


    ¡°Of course, my dear. We¡¯ll keep it our little secret for now. I¡¯ll also inform Stephanie so that she can customize your gown ordingly, ensuring yourfort. And remember, take care of yourself-watch your diet, avoid excessive exertion, and minimize stress. If Lucas ever causes you stress, just call me, and I¡¯ll straighten out that stubborn husband of yours,¡± Mom assured me, her kindness and support shining through.


    I couldn¡¯t help but feel grateful for my amazing inws. Just as I thought Lucas had remained in his own world, he suddenly appeared by my side, grasping my hand.


    He whispered softly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, dear. Can you forgive me?¡±


    His words tugged at my heart, realizing that my unsuspecting husband was empathizing with my pregnancy, mood swings, and irritability.


    ¡°It¡¯s all right,¡± I replied, nting a kiss on his cheek.


    Unbeknownst to us, both Mom and Mrs. Montgomery observed the scene, sharing in our joy. I blushed with a mixture of embarrassment and gratitude.


    The rest of the day was spent at our home. Then, we enjoyed the evening in the mansion and decided to return home the next day. This time, it was just Lucas and me, as the grandparents happily borrowed their grandson once again. My son reveled in the attention, thoroughly spoiled.


    As Lucas prepared to return to work, my emotions got the best of me. I clung to him, not wanting to let him go, tears streaming down my face.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re okay, my love? Should we see a doctor?¡± he asked, concern etched across his face. I shook my head, my tears flowing freely.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, Lucas. Go on, or you¡¯ll bete for work,¡± I reassured him, wiping away my tears and sniffing. Sometimes my emotions got the better of me, but it was a part of this journey we were embarking on together.


    ¡°Then why are you crying, my dear? If you¡¯re not feeling well, I can skip work. You are always more important to me than anything else, my love. Remember that, always,¡± he said, kissing my forehead tenderly.


    Thankfully, I managed to persuade my hesitant and skeptical husband to go to work. He had other obligations to fulfill, but I made it clear that he needed toe home with a hot dog from Seven Eleven. That was my one request.


    As I sat in the living room, engrossed in reading my monthly reports and catching up on thetest business news, my phone rang. To my delight, it was a very familiar voice-one I hadn¡¯t heard in over a month. It was my son¡¯s best friend, Nick.


    ¡°Nick! It¡¯s been so long. I¡¯ve missed you,¡± I eximed, unable to contain the joy in my voice.


    His baritone voice sounded a bit raspy as he responded, ¡°Hey Zara, how have you been? I¡¯ve missed you too.¡± I could sense the sincerity in his words.


    I couldn¡¯t help but sneeze and roll my eyes. This guy always managed to confuse me. I didn¡¯t know what to believe about him.


    ¡°Everyone else misses you too, you know. But you never respond to my messages or answer my calls. So, of course, Nick, you must miss me,¡± I said, dripping with obvious sarcasm.


    He teased, ¡°You sound just like a jealous girlfriend, Zara.¡± I raised my eyebrows at that remark.


    ¡°As if! If we have an issue, Nick, let¡¯s talk about it instead of avoiding it,¡± I replied firmly.


    There was a sigh from the other end of the line. ¡°If only you knew, I¡¯ve been searching for the right time to confess my feelings to the woman I love,¡± he confessed.


    It seemed like Antote and I might not be the only ones heading down that path.


    ¡°That¡¯s great! And since you¡¯re the only single one among our friends, spill the news. What¡¯s going on?¡± I inquired, eager to hear his update.


    ¡°I really need your help. Juste over to my condo if you¡¯re free. It¡¯s a small thing,¡± he requested, sounding a bit embarrassed. I¡¯ve always thought of him as an older brother.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°What are friends for? I¡¯ll be right there. Let¡¯s find that perfect girl for you. Don¡¯t disappoint me! I remember you being quite thedies¡¯ man back in college,¡± I added jokingly, hearing his chuckle on the other end of the line.


    ¡°I hope she likes me too. I¡¯ll be waiting for you,¡± Nick said.


    I couldn¡¯t help but think that he deserved someone amazing-someone kind and sweet, just like him.


    I drove to his condo, which was conveniently located near our alma mater. Antote and I used to spend time there during college, especially when the academic year was winding down and there wasn¡¯t much to do.


    We often found sce in their well-stocked kitchen, which probably contributed to my college weight gain. But with Lucas¡¯s help, I managed to shed those extra pounds. As I drove, I couldn¡¯t help but reflect on the fact that Nick was the only one among us who was childless and single.


    He was always a bit awkward when it came to expressing his feelings for the woman he loved. It amazed me how someone like Nick, who was handsome, charismatic, wealthy, and a true gentleman, could struggle in matters of the heart.


    I felt incredibly blessed to have a friend like him. Despite the significant difference in our social statuses, both Nick and Antote treated me with kindness and never made me feel inferior to them.


    I arrived at Nick¡¯s condominium, pleasantly surprised by how clean and well-maintained it looked. In college, Lucas had a reputation for being rude, but not all men are like that. Antote and I understood that there are both good and bad men out there.


    I appreciated the fact that Nick¡¯s diligence and cleanliness had rubbed off on us. He truly cared about maintaining a presentable home, which was a refreshing trait. However, his attempts at flirting often fell t and turned women off.


    As I entered, I couldn¡¯t help but notice how handsome Nick looked in his polo shirt and pants. He seemed to be in a rush, and I couldn¡¯t resist teasing him, ¡°Where are you off to?¡±


    He scratched his head, slightly embarrassed, and gave me a small smile. ¡°Isn¡¯t it okay to tidy up a bit? Besides, I always strive to be a gentleman, Zara. You know that, don¡¯t you, Zara?¡±


    ¡°I hope you have a n to genuinely help her when we find the woman you love,¡± I said, eager to hear his thoughts.


    He fell silent for a moment, deep in thought. It seemed like he was contemting his next move. ¡°Hey, wake up from your daydreaming again,¡± I yfully flicked my finger in front of him, snapping him out of his reverie.


    ¡°I want you to see something significant, something you should see before anyone else, Zara,¡± he said seriously. I was taken aback because Nick rarely took himself so seriously, making it all the more intriguing.


    ¡°Alright, where is it?¡± I asked, following him through the condo.


    Memories flooded back as we passed the living room, the ce where we used to have movie marathons back in college. We reminisced about the days of using DVDs and CDs, before Netflix and Chill became a popr phrase.


    Ah, those were the times. My college years held some of my most cherished memories. They represented the pinnacle of my happiness as a young woman-much more enjoyable than my high school days, actually.


    We finally stopped in front of a door, and I was surprised because Nick had always kept this red-door room off-limits since our college days.


    ¡°I want to share my feelings with you, Zara,¡± he said, unlocking the door.


    The room was initially dark, but as Nick switched on the red light, I stood there, stunned by what I saw. It felt as if I had been transported to another world-one filled with fear and apprehension. The walls were covered with pictures of me, documenting every moment of my life, like a disturbing timeline. It was as if I had a secret stalker.


    I turned to Nick, my eyes filled with disbelief. What did all of this mean? I wanted to ask, but fear held me back. What reassuring answer would he provide? I was terrified and trembling.


    ¡°I¡¯ve loved you for so long, Zara. I¡¯ve been in love with you since our college days, but I was too clumsy to make my move, and someone else stole you away!¡± Nick¡¯s voice broke as he shouted, his eyes shining with intensity.


    This wasn¡¯t the Nick I knew. This was a different person.


    ¡°He always hurts you, Zara! Look at me! You feel the same way I do. That guy will continue to hurt you and deceive you. Don¡¯t be blind! ZARA, YOU SHOULD BE MINE!¡± He cried out, a mix of despair and madness consuming him.


    I reached out to touch him, but he pped my hand away. ¡°Nick, I¡¯m your friend,¡± I promised calmly, hoping to reason with him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be just friends! I LOVE YOU, AL! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, BUT YOU DON¡¯T KNOW IT! You were mine first! ZARA, PLEASE, CHOOSE ME!¡± he pleaded, his emotions spiraling out of control.


    Shaking my head, I replied firmly, ¡°Nick, for the sake of our friendship, let¡¯s forget that this ever happened.¡± I turned to leave, but his final words stopped me in my tracks.


    ¡°By the time you leave this ce, Zara, you¡¯ll regret not choosing me.¡±


    Trembling, I exited that room, feeling shaken and disturbed. Nick, I¡¯m your friend.

 CHAPTER 39

    Zara¡¯s POV


    My wedding preparations were not easy. It took five months. Five months to build everything. That¡¯s how proud my marriage will be.


    I dream of a simple wedding. I am not a materialistic person. My only dream is to get married in a church and marry the person I really love. When we make a promise together in front of the Creator. That¡¯s it, and I don¡¯t want more.


    But maybe it¡¯s a blessing that it can be considered the second time in our rtionship. I really thought it was a hopeless case. I thought everything was fine, and I just had to give up and move on.


    But the world is truly round, and my luck seems to be back; like magic, our rtionship is okay. I didn¡¯t expect it all. Because I have to give up in the fight.


    The ckwoods embraced us again. Mom and my grandfather are happy with where my rtionship and life are going. It seems like the thorn in my side is slowly disappearing. It seems unreal that I¡¯m getting married tomorrow.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas answered me. But because of the fact that we already love each other. It is no longerpulsory. This is what we already feel.


    Our wedding is tomorrow, and I¡¯m nervous. I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m nervous. I am in one of the hotels now. Lucas and I are not allowed to see each other, and bad luck with marriage. So even though I really miss my husband, I chose to put up with Lucas first.


    It¡¯ste, and I can¡¯t sleep with so much excitement. I am like a young woman getting married for the first time. Every time I close my eyes, I think that I will get married tomorrow. I can¡¯t sleep then.


    Regarding my pregnancy, my child is healthy. And yes, Lucas and I will have a girl. I¡¯m excited because Lucas will find out tomorrow that we will have another child.


    I know that Lucas will treat our future daughter like a princess again. That¡¯s also one of the reasons why I can¡¯t sleep because of the excitement. I¡¯m excited for tomorrow.


    I don¡¯t know why someone knocked on my door in the middle of the night. I was a little nervous. That¡¯s why I first looked to see who was behind the door.


    ¡°It¡¯ste, and you¡¯re still here? Aren¡¯t you supposed toe here? There¡¯s a superstition!¡±


    I¡¯m annoyed with my husband. He is wearing his pajamas and a very tight white shirt. He pouted and looked at me.


    ¡°Forget superstition. I miss my wife! And our marriage will go on and on! Because you have no intention of running away from me, don¡¯t you love me? You¡¯re dear to me!¡± He¡¯s being arrogant again.


    I shut him up and let him inside. He immediately hugged me. He buried his face between my neck and mine. He slowly sniffed my scent, and I could feel his hot breath.


    ¡°I miss you, really.¡± He spoke to me passionately. At least this is my husband.


    ¡°You already miss me; we haven¡¯t seen each other for just a day. Tomorrow, you¡¯ll be with me from morning to night. You shouldn¡¯t go,¡± I promised while reminding him of the elders¡¯ order. There is nothing wrong with following that.


    ¡°But I miss you,¡± he said like a child. ¡°Why? Don¡¯t you miss me, dear?¡±


    ¡°I miss you too; sleep here. But leave right away? Maybe mom and Stephanie will beat you up when they find you here.¡± I reminded him. This guy is like this! The race is so ugly.


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go to sleep, my love. I just want you to cuddle tonight. I feel like I¡¯m going to lose you,¡± he said. I yfully hit him weakly.


    ¡°Where am I going? You¡¯re paranoid again! Let¡¯s go to sleep, alright? Don¡¯t think too much. I love you so much. That¡¯s the only destination for both of us,¡± I said passionately. He acted like he was thrilled. He was about to kiss me when I stopped him.


    ¡°Oops, it¡¯s not allowed. Not until after the honeymoon. No debts allowed,¡± I reminded him with augh. He frowned.


    ¡°Get ready for tomorrow, tsk tsk.¡±


    I woke up the next day, and Lucas wasn¡¯t by my side. There was a letter written next to thempshade. It said that he had already left and that his sister and mother might catch up with him. Iughed.


    I still had breakfast in bed. Here are my personal makeup and hair stylists, all set. I¡¯m the only one missing from the church.


    After I went out the door, a boy approached me. I should follow him in the car.


    I was even surprised by the type of car we were going to use. But I just shrugged it off.


    While we were on the way, I was wondering. First, my driver looked restless. Second, it seems that we are taking a different road.


    ¡°Sir! This is a different road. I¡¯m not going to my wedding.¡± I felt very nervous at that moment.


    The driver turned towards me for a moment and apologized. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ma¡¯am. I was just following orders,¡± he said.


    I panicked that I couldn¡¯t help but wrestle with the steering wheel with the driver. I had to get out of here! I had to run away! I look around to check my surrounding and then I tried to open the door, however it was locked. I tried so hard but it wouldn¡¯t open.


    I didn¡¯t realize that the car was out of control. I felt the force of the impact as the car crashed into a tree. I almost passed out, but I hugged my stomach first.

 CHAPTER 40

    Zara¡¯s POVPlease check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    It was morning again, and I heard the weak strokes of the waves outside. They seemed to beckon me toe ashore and watch the rising sun from the ocean. Like the sea, I feel the same loss. I haven¡¯t remembered anything for years. It¡¯s like my name and the events of my life have been forgotten, washed away like a bubble that disappeared from me.


    The only one beside me is Nick. Nick, who introduced himself as my husband. On the day of our wedding, I was involved in an ident and fell into a longa. When I woke up, I had amnesia.


    Every time I try to recall my memories, it feels like someone is hitting my head, causing pain, and making me pass out. It worsens my feelings. I know that something is notplete, but I don¡¯t know why I feel so void. I can sense that something is off, but I can¡¯t identify what it is.


    I feel like a nk piece of paper now, with all my memories washed away by the waves. For seven months after I woke up, I¡¯ve been living on this ind.


    I¡¯m in a vacation house with only our housekeeper, Eugenie, and Nick, who is now in ybourne taking care of business. Nick and I are said to be married. He ims that we were lovers back in college, and he always tells me how much I love him. But I don¡¯t feel it. I wonder if maybe I do love him, and it¡¯s just because of my amnesia that I don¡¯t feel any love for him now.


    I don¡¯t even know why I seem to want to go back to ybourne. I feel like I left something important there. Going back mightplete my personality and help me remember everything I¡¯ve forgotten during the three years I wasatose.


    But every time I ask Nick about it, he gets angry and yells at me. Whenever I cry, he apologizes, and I forgive him. Sometimes he asks us to sleep together, but I don¡¯t know why I get panic attacks when he tries.


    Now, my life seems like an illusion. I don¡¯t know what my memories were, and all I have to rely on is Nick¡¯s stories. Other than that, there is nothing. I feel so empty and lifeless. It¡¯s as if I¡¯m haunted by a past that I can no longer remember.


    I am so bored and restless. To fill the time, I help Eugenie with the housework and take care of cooking. Nick has disabled social media on theptop and cellphone he gave me, and whenever I try to search for my name, ¡°Zara Rutherford,¡± no informationes up.


    I have prepared chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, pepper,urel leaves, and other ingredients so that I can cook his favorite dish. Nick will surely enjoy it. As the soup boils, I lower the heat of the fire and let the aroma of the chili peppers dominate the kitchen.


    Nick returns home, and I can¡¯t help but feel uneasy when he tries to kiss me. There¡¯s something about his affection that I can¡¯t bring myself to reciprocate.


    I continue cooking, and when I serve him the food, he exaggerates a moan of delight. I can¡¯t deny that there¡¯s never a boring moment with Nick, even though I don¡¯t fully understand my feelings.


    After eating, Nick promises to take me to meet my friends in a nearby vige to keep me from being bored. They tease med about not letting me out often because of my beauty. I don¡¯t feel jealous of other women being close to Nick, and I can¡¯t exin why. It¡¯s like I trust himpletely.


    As Nick is busy talking to the fishermen, I take the chance to ask Ava and Poppy if they knew Nick or me before my ident. They tell me that they only met me today and don¡¯t know much about my past. They mention that Nick was seen drinking on a neighboring ind and that triggers a vague memory in my mind.


    I try to grasp the memory, but it remains elusive, just out of reach. I wonder why the mention of that ce triggers something in me.


    ¡°Ava, Poppy, thank you for being honest with me,¡± I say, trying to sound appreciative, even though I¡¯m frustrated by theck of answers. ¡°Maybe there¡¯s something about ybourne that I need to remember.¡±


    They exchange curious nces, but before I can inquire further, Nick joins us, diverting the conversation to fishing stories and the beauty of the sea.


    As the day passes, I can¡¯t shake the feeling that something important is tied to ybourne. It¡¯s as if my memories are hidden there, waiting for the right moment to resurface. But with Nick unwilling to share anything about my past, I¡¯m left to piece together the fragments on my own.


    In the days that follow, I find myself constantly thinking about ybourne. It¡¯s like a ma pulling me closer, and I can¡¯t resist its pull any longer. I need to find out what¡¯s there, what¡¯s waiting for me.


    One morning, while Nick is away, I gather my courage and make a decision. I tell Eugenie that I need to go to ybourne, that I feel a strong urge to visit the ce. I see worry in her eyes, and she hesitates for a moment before agreeing to apany me.


    We prepare for the trip, and I can feel my heart racing with both excitement and apprehension. What will I find in ybourne? Will it hold the key to unlocking my lost memories?


    As we arrive in ybourne, I feel a strange sense of familiarity, like I¡¯ve been here before. The sights, the sounds, the smell of the sea-all trigger a cascade of emotions within me. I walk along the beach, trying to find a connection, but it¡¯s overwhelming.


    As the day draws to a close, we find ourselves near a quaint little caf¨¦. Something about it tugs at my heartstrings. I feel a pull to go inside, and as I do, a rush of memories floods my mind.


    Laughter, warmth, and a sense of belonging fill my thoughts. I see faces-smiling faces of friends, people I know. And then, in the midst of it all, I see him-the man from my dreams, the one who disappears when I wake up.


    His eyes lock with mine, and suddenly, everything makes sense. ybourne, this caf¨¦, these people-they were a part of my life, a life that I shared with him. We were in love, deeply and passionately.


    ¡°Zara¡­¡± he whispers, his voice choked with emotion.

 CHAPTER 41

    Lucas¡¯ POV


    Darkness, darkness again. It feels like this darkness is erasing my sanity from my mind.


    I keep asking myself, ¡°Why?¡± Where did I go wrong? Why did she do this to me? Is this her idea of revenge? IT¡¯S ALL SO MESSED UP!


    The day Zara chose not to show up at our wedding, I felt like I was going to die from the pain. I thought she loved me. I thought everything was fine, but she chose to leave me, our son, and our life behind.


    Does she want to teach me a lesson? Is this payback for what I did to her in the past? If so, she¡¯s seeded in devastating me.


    I searched for her relentlessly, refusing to give up easily. But she remains elusive. There must be a reason behind her disappearance. Maybe she was kidnapped.


    But then I received a letter. Antote, my ex-wife¡¯s best friend, confirmed it was Zara¡¯s handwriting, and its contents drove me almost crazy.


    Dear Lucas,


    Now you¡¯ve tasted your medicine, right? You¡¯re just wasting your time trying to find me. You can¡¯t and will never see me again. Goodness! Well, you fell into my trap. Is Lucas feeling sick? Then you deserve it. After all the time we spent together, you never saw my worth, so I¡¯ll tell you that you don¡¯t deserve me either.


    Take care of Enrique; take care of our son. I did my part, now it¡¯s your turn¡­ Or someday I will take him away from you. So, that¡¯s all I wanted to say, Lucas. I hope you grow old. I hope you can finally forget me because my love for you was just a facade. I merely wanted to teach you a lesson.


    At first, my brain couldn¡¯t ept those words. I didn¡¯t want to believe that she could say such cruel things. I hope she¡¯ll show up and tell me all this to my face.


    Everyone knows how devastated I am. Not just me, but also our child and her family. Even her parents have lost contact with her. I can¡¯t imagine that if she was truly angry with me, she would have the heart to cut off ties with her parents too.


    But the person most devastated by her revenge is our son. Enrique lost weight rapidly. He became aloof and stubborn. His behavior is getting harder to handle, and I often find myself raising my voice at him.


    I can feel his heart drifting away from me. Enrique loves his mother more than he loves me. Sometimes, he mes me for why Zara left us.


    The wound Zara inflicted on my life runs deep. For months, I felt like I was going crazy. I would often find myself lost in thoughts of why she did this. Does she truly mean everything she wrote in that letter?


    I still believe that the girl who wrote those words is not the Zara I knew. I¡¯m still holding on, even though it¡¯s hard.


    Three years have passed, but the wound from her departure still hasn¡¯t healed. It¡¯s been three years, and the pain still feels as raw as on the first day. It¡¯s still an open wound that time cannot heal.


    To try and forget the pain, I drown myself in work, burying myself in piles of tasks to distract myself. I seek sce in office work, avoiding any moment of weakness where I might break down and cry.


    I know she¡¯s the one I love. I never loved Giselle as much as I love Zara. I thought she was different from Giselle, but she still left me, seeking revenge. I hope she finds the satisfaction she desires.


    I now realize that I¡¯m working beyond my capacity. I almost forgot to take my lunch again if it weren¡¯t for Mary reminding me.


    Mary ces a lunch box in front of me with a sincere smile. ¡°Eat, boss. It¡¯s not good to be hungry¡­ It¡¯s not good for our health. Nowadays, it¡¯s hard to get sick.¡± I appreciate her concern, like that of an older sister.


    ¡°Thanks, Mary. I¡¯m about to eat that,¡± I reply, while arranging the folders on my desk. There are still papers to sign and evaluate.


    ¡°That¡¯s an old habit, Mr. ckwood. We know that if I don¡¯t remind you, you won¡¯t eat your lunch,¡± she says.


    I fall silent, feeling guilty. Yes, I lost my appetite three years ago. Everything tastes nd and lifeless. I can¡¯t find joy in anything anymore.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sorry. I just had my lunch. Don¡¯t worry about me. I can manage,¡± I say as I open the lunch box. I notice Mary¡¯s arms are crossed in front of her.


    ¡°I¡¯m just reminding you, sir. Lucas, huh? You imed to have moved on from that hunger, and yet here you are, resorting to that bad habit again. Sir, you¡¯re not a robot, are you? I¡¯m just trying to remind you,¡± she says sarcastically. I sigh.


    ¡°I know I¡¯m not a robot. Sometimes, I wish I were one, so I wouldn¡¯t feel this miserable. I wish I could just erase this pain easily.¡± I¡¯m tired of talking about it.


    ¡°Sir,¡± she says sadly. ¡°I can¡¯t advise you on that. I¡¯m not in your shoes, and I can¡¯t truly understand the pain you¡¯ve been through. But I believe that time wille, and your wounds will heal.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I just have to ept that this is my karma? I always get what¡¯sing to me, right? Maybe I was too foolish in the past, and I cheated on my wife. Perhaps I was such a jerk that she had to leave me.¡± That¡¯s all I say.


    ¡°Sir, you¡¯ve changed. You¡¯ve tried to recover. And I believe there¡¯s a reason why all of this happened.¡± With that, Mary leaves my office.


    I sink back into deep thought. I was delusional before, thinking that everything I did was enough for her to forgive me. But maybe her way of forgiving me is breaking me just as I broke her heart in our past.


    I eat, even though I don¡¯t really feel like it. I lost my appetite three years ago, and everything tastes nd and lifeless. It takes me a while to finish the small amount of food. I eat just for the sake of living for my son. Without Enrique, I would have given up on life a long time ago.


    I¡¯ve lost weight too. I¡¯m still muscr, but not as much as before. I miss my old self. I miss the old Lucas. I wish I could turn back time and correct my mistakes.


    After finishing work, I go home. I¡¯m living with my mom and dad. I can¡¯t bear going back to the house Zara and I shared. Being there feels like dying from the pain.


    We built so many dreams together, but I¡¯m the only one left now. She¡¯s gone, and she¡¯s discarded our dreams like trash.


    But when I get home, it seems like my day is ruined even more. This woman just won¡¯t leave me alone. She keeps pestering me, trying to get back together with us, even though we were doomed from the start.


    ¡°You¡¯re home,¡± she says with a happy smile.


    She¡¯s wearing a revealing dress, and her straight hair is cut in an apple cut.


    I walk past her, not even bothering to stop. I have a headache, and dealing with her is thest thing I need.


    ¡°Lucas, let¡¯s talk. It¡¯s been three years. I ept that you have a child. I will ept everything. I want us back, just like in our old rtionship, okay? Why can¡¯t you look at me the way you look at her? Zara is gone, and I can rece her in your life,¡± she pleads desperately.


    ¡°Did you even stop to ask if I could ept you? No matter if Zara is here or not, I can¡¯t bring myself to love you again, Giselle. You can keep dreaming, but I will never be with you.¡±


    She res at me angrily. ¡°Lucas! Wake up! I¡¯m here too! I was here before that old Zara!¡±


    I push her away as she attempts to kiss me. ¡°Who let this madwoman in?¡± I shout, looking at our watching assistants. The young assistant approaches, looking scared and tearful.


    ¡°Sir,¡± he stammers, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Pack your things. I don¡¯t want someone who doesn¡¯t understand what I¡¯m saying. My order is not to let a whore into my house!¡± The assistant leaves, crying.


    Giselle is looking at me in disbelief.


    ¡°A whore?¡± she says in shock. ¡°I¡¯m just a bitch to you now?! Lucas! You loved me before!¡± she shouts.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°That¡¯s it. I¡¯m tired of arguing with you, Giselle. Just give up,¡± I say, and then I leave her. She¡¯s already left, and I want nothing to do with her lunacy.

 CHAPTER 42

    Zara¡¯s POV


    Nick and I are finally home from our tour. The weather doesn¡¯t seem to be getting any better. The warm sunlight that once touched my skin has turned into a cool breeze. The sky above is filled with ck and grey clouds, and it¡¯s raining again.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    Instead of catching a ride, we decide to walk home in silence. Holding hands, but something feels off.


    Why can¡¯t I feel love for him?


    It¡¯s been six months, but I can¡¯t see Nick as my life partner. He¡¯s an important person in my life, but definitely not a husband.


    Something feels wrong because I can¡¯t even feel the wedding ring I¡¯m wearing. The pictures he shows me seem suspicious. We don¡¯t even have a wedding photo. My mind feels like it¡¯s being excavated again.


    We arrive back home. It¡¯s just the two of us and Nick, but for some unknown reason, I feel nervous. I find myself in the living room, and Nick tries to kiss me.


    But why do I feel like I¡¯m being vited? Why is this not what I want?


    I start silently crying, and he stops kissing me, apologizing. My mind is a mess; I¡¯m confused and don¡¯t know what to do.


    Nick goes upstairs to our room, and I assume he¡¯s upset because I can¡¯t fullymit to him. Every time we try to be intimate, I end up feeling like crying and hating myself. I¡¯m grateful that he¡¯s not forcing me anymore.


    Suddenly, heavy rain pours outside, and it looks like there¡¯s a storm. The rain is relentless, and it¡¯s getting colder. Perhaps cooking some soup would be nice.


    Since the housekeeper hasn¡¯t arrived yet, I decide to cook some soup to warm our stomachs. I boil elbow macaroni and start boiling eggs. Nick likes soup with boiled eggs, which is a bit unusual, but I try it, and it turns out to be delicious.


    While waiting for the food to boil, I can¡¯t help but think about Lucas, the man from my dreams the other night. He feels so important in my life, and I have this strange feeling that he yed a significant role.


    My amnesia is a curse. I wish I could remember my past life, but I¡¯m afraid of Nick and how he changes when he gets angry. It¡¯s something I¡¯d rather not witness.


    When the boiled eggs are cooked, and the soup is ready, I peel the eggs and serve the soup. It¡¯s still pouring heavily outside, and it¡¯s dark even though it¡¯s just three o¡¯clock in the afternoon. It looks like Eugenie will have to spend the night somewhere else due to the weather.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I fell asleep,¡± Nick¡¯s baritone voicees from behind me.


    He looks sleepy, and his hair is a mess, but he¡¯s still handsome even without a bath.


    Nick is a handsome guy, the type you¡¯d see next door with a baby face. But for some reason, I can¡¯t find myself attracted to him.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,e and eat the soup. It¡¯s delicious, especially when it¡¯s hot,¡± I say as I imitate him in the kitchen. He responds with a yful smile.


    ¡°I know something else that¡¯s delicious to eat, especially when it¡¯s cold,¡± he says with a mischievous smile. I can¡¯t help but give him a murderous look, which only makes himugh.


    ¡°Just sit there. Instead of eating this soup, I might just give you a cold shower,¡± I say with annoyance in my tone.


    We enjoy our dinner, and then we watch the news in the living room. The storm is fierce, and Nick won¡¯t be able to leave tomorrow. It¡¯s too dangerous to travel in this weather, especially by boat, which is needed to cross to the other ind.


    It¡¯s hard to sleep, even with the cold weather. The rain momentarily stopped, but it resumed with even greater intensity.


    I spend the time thinking about my life before amnesia. I must have lost so much, but it¡¯s frustrating not knowing exactly what.


    Life is too short, and it feels even shorter since losing my memories. Waking up without even knowing my name or my parents was terrifying, like waking up as a nk te.


    I think of drinking chocte while reading the novels Nick buys for me. They are from ybourne, and I find myself rting to the stories of wives and husbands with one-sided love.


    As I drift off to sleep, I find myself dreaming of being in a church, walking towards an altar. A man stands there, muscr, tall, and handsome with expressive eyes. It¡¯s not Nick, and I don¡¯t know him, but I feel an unexinable connection to him. My heart beats faster, and I feel a mix of excitement and longing.


    He pulls me into a tight hug, saying, ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you for so long. Even though we¡¯ve been separated, my love for you remains. Pleasee back to me.¡± His voice carries sadness.


    Before I can respond, I wake up from the dream, tears streaming down my face. Nick holds me, trying tofort me, but the weight of not knowing who I really am feels overwhelming.


    Nick gives me some medicine, and I fall asleep again, hoping that when I wake up, my memories will return.


    However, I woke up feeling the same. I felt lost and disoriented but before I could think about something, Nick approached me with a wide smile.  I had no choice but to smile back at him.


    ¡°How are you feeling, sweetheart?¡± he inquired.


    For a moment, I stared into his eyes. He was smiling but his expressions were guarded. ¡°Can you take me to ybourne?¡± I asked


    ¡°No!¡±

 CHAPTER 43

    Nick¡¯s POV


    When you¡¯re too in love, you can blur the line between right and wrong. I¡¯m blinded by my feelings, and the thought of not having her drives me insane. I can¡¯t ept that after waiting for so long, I¡¯m being ignored while she falls for another man.


    I was the one who stood by her when she was hurt by Lucas. I¡¯ve been there as herpanion, support, and tool. I waited because I knew Zara¡¯s ultimate destination was meant to be with me.


    I feel like I¡¯m losing my mind, going crazy. The jealousy is consuming me, and I can¡¯t ept not being herst choice.


    It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve loved someone from afar, just waiting for the right moment to make my move and make her mine. I¡¯ll keep a close eye on her, and the moment I see someone else trying to take what should be mine, I won¡¯t hesitate to act. I¡¯ve worked too hard, faced too many challenges, and invested too much of myself to let her slip away. I will make sure that I am her endgame.


    Zara has been kidnapped, and I still remember that day. It was her wedding day, but she ended up in the car I arranged for her, not knowing it wasn¡¯t the bridal car. She had no idea something was wrong with that car.


    If it weren¡¯t for me¡­ But I never expected Zara to be so stubborn and brave. She tried to take control of the car and steer it away from danger, but it crashed into a tree. Luckily, I was following her car.


    I saved her, but the person I ordered to kidnap her lost his life. I kept her hidden away, and for years she remained lifeless andatose. During that time, she even gave birth to a girl while still in aa. I couldn¡¯t bear the thought of anything reminding her of her past life, so I gave the baby girl to an orphanage.


    Call me evil, call me a demon, call me selfish-I don¡¯t care. I am happy with my decision, even though many people would say it¡¯s wrong. I¡¯m just saving her, rescuing her from pain and misery with Lucas.


    Zara woke up without her memories, and I took advantage of the situation. I fabricated a story that we were married and in love. I also made sure she wouldn¡¯t regain her memories by giving her memory-suppressing medication. I won¡¯t let all my efforts go to waste.


    Last night, Zara mentioned Lucas¡¯s name in her dream. It made me nervous; perhaps she¡¯s starting to remember something. I fear the day when she wakes up, remembers all the sins I¡¯vemitted against her, and leaves me. I can¡¯t bear to be alone again. I¡¯d rather die than feel that loneliness.


    The stormy weather outside makes me wish it would never end. It gives me a reason to stay on the ind, where Zara is safe, hidden from Lucas or anyone else who might try to interfere with us.


    I didn¡¯t sleep, knowing that Zara may wake up with more memories. I must find a more effective drug to ensure her memory doesn¡¯t return. I won¡¯t allow her to remember her past life.


    Zara believes I am her husband, that we love each other, and if I have to tell her a lie, I will. I just can¡¯t bear to be alone, and I won¡¯t ept anything less.


    In the living room, I¡¯m having coffee, and Eugenie, who has been my nanny since childhood, scolds me for staying upte. She knows why Zara is here, and though she disapproves of my actions, I no longer care. I¡¯m content with my decision.


    She tells me I should make things right while I still have time, but I¡¯m prepared to face the consequences of my actions. I¡¯m waiting for karma toe for me, but for now, I¡¯ll live with my guilt.


    The next day, the weather clears up, and I hate leaving Zara alone on the ind. However, I have business and work in ybourne, and as the heir to my father¡¯spany, I must fulfill my obligations.


    Before I leave, I talk to Zara again, reminding her not to leave the ind. I can¡¯t risk anyone seeing her and taking her away from me. I¡¯ve waited too long to let anyone steal her from me again.


    Back in ybourne, I receive a report from my godchild, Enrique. He¡¯s still missing his mother, whom I took away from him. I promise Enrique that we¡¯ll find his mother and that I¡¯ll take care of him and Zara¡¯s daughter from the orphanage. We¡¯ll start a new family in another country.


    While I¡¯m rxing on my couch with a drink, Giselle shows up at my condominium, looking annoyed. She starts ranting about Lucas and how she still wants him, but I pay little attention to herints.


    She demands my help, and I reluctantly agree. But I won¡¯t let anyonee between Zara and me. Giselle might think she has a n, but I have my own, and I¡¯ll ensure that Zara remains mine.


    Someone rings the doorbell, and it¡¯s Giselle. She barges in and sits on my couch, sipping my whisky, and looks troubled.


    She starts criticizing Zara, and I warn her not to speak ill of her. I¡¯m ready to defend what¡¯s mine, and I won¡¯t let anyone take her away.


    Giselle eventually calms down, and I listen to her rants, even though I¡¯m still determined to protect Zara and keep her by my side.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°I want Lucas to be mine again. Help me, Nick.¡±

 CHAPTER 44

    Giselle¡¯s POV


    Viin, sounds familiar right? They are always the struggle and nuisance for every heroine in a story. I thought I am the heroine on my own love life. I am living with my life to the fullest.


    I have my career, my love, my everything. I was not ready for the turning table of this world. I was not ready for the change, where I would be the viin to my ex-boyfriend¡¯s love story.


    I was born into a very wealthy family. You could imagine my life with a golden spoon in my mouth ever since I was born until now¡­ Both of my parents are well-known politicians. With a mother who is a mayor of our municipality, and a father who is a Senator and a former governor.


    Everything went smoothly. I was getting what I wanted. Money and beauty that anyone could wish to have and possess. I considered myself lucky. I was living my life way too easily.


    However, I reached a point where I needed to reciprocate what Mom and Dad had given me. I was a high school student at that time when my Dad called me from his office at our house.


    Both my Mother and Father are two-faced devils. Money is a bit addicting, and they craved for it. Little did I know, they were starting to create a very hideous n. They were nning to make me a bait for one of the sons of the ckwood family.


    A position in the government is not permanent. My Mom and Dad were struggling to rise in the business world. So, they thought that if I could get one of the ckwood sons to be my boyfriend, it would secure our future. I wouldn¡¯t have a problem, and neither would my parents.


    At first, I was hesitant. I spoke to them at that time.


    ¡°Dad! Mom! This is so unfair. I want my freedom, and having a boyfriend is not on my list, but you are nning to push me into a marriage?¡± I said frustratedly. That is insane!


    ¡°Dear, we won¡¯t be in government forever. Our future is still uncertain. You see our mansion? Your collection of bags? It could all be lost in an instant if we don¡¯t make a move. Our ce in the business world is also uncertain. And marrying the son of a business magnate, a ckwood, will eliminate that uncertainty and lead to a much better future, right?¡± my mom said, and I knew she was manipting me.


    In my mind, I wondered, what else could I do? Maybe it was my time to y my part. I hated the idea of being used for wealth, but I couldn¡¯t afford to lose everything I had.


    I had grown ustomed to a life of luxury, being able to buy whatever I wanted. So, yes, I had no other choice but to do what my parents wanted.


    I was baited into a blind date with the son of the most powerful tycoon. Lucas ckwood was so handsome that night. You could see the mesmerizing look on my face at that time.


    He was handsome, tall, and well-built. I didn¡¯t know I would enjoy this kind of blind date. I mean, look, this guy in front of me was a total package. Handsome and wealthy.


    I didn¡¯t have a hard time. I learned that Lucas had a longtime crush on me. So yeah, I could tell it was going to be easy. We dated for three months, and before we graduated from high school, we became a couple. I said yes to him.


    I also gave myself to him, my everything. He was my first¡­ That night, the night we officially became a couple, was also the first night I lost my virginity. It was magical¡­


    You could say it was wrong. We were both teenagers at that time. But in my mind, I knew he would be the one for me. I was expecting it, predicting it. It was as if nothing could separate us.


    But who am I kidding? I wasn¡¯t the one who controlled our destiny. Maybe there was a reason why the tables turned.


    In college, I dreamed of bing a model. I wasn¡¯t sure before, but I was chosen as a model for TVmercials. It was nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time.


    Lucas supported me back then. He was there whenever I had a runway show or a photoshoot. I began to dream of bing a supermodel, an international one.


    I was young and ambitious. I already had a manager, and I was just one step away from bing an international model. My first international runway show was going to be in Mn.


    Unfortunately, unexpectedly, I became pregnant, without Lucas knowing. I was terrified when I learned I was pregnant. I was pregnant, and it was going to shatter my dreams.


    Yes, I was young and ambitious. I wasn¡¯t ready for this. I had just graduated, and my modeling career had just begun. My manager told me not to get pregnant.


    I was building a name in the industry, and getting pregnant would ruin it all. I couldn¡¯t let that happen.


    It was my fault, but yes. I aborted my child. I still remember re was with me. She was the only one who knew my dark secret. It happened because Lucas and I were having a love quarrel. And that gave me an opportunity to execute my n.


    ¡°God, Giselle! This is insane. You¡¯ll carry the weight of this decision on your conscience forever! Aren¡¯t you even a bit remorseful?¡± re said, trying to stop me again.


    I red at her irritably. ¡°I¡¯m too young to be a mother! Stop spouting nonsense, can¡¯t you? You¡¯re not helping!¡±


    She sighed. ¡°What if the ckwoods find out? Aren¡¯t you afraid of their reaction?¡±


    I looked at her sternly. ¡°If they find out, and they¡¯ll only find out if you tell them. Don¡¯t you dare, ire. I¡¯ll forget we were ever friends.¡±


    Yeah, I had the pregnancy terminated back then. With the help of a local healer. I cried too, as it was painful emotionally, physically, and psychologically. Do I regret it? Yes, of course, but does that matter?


    No, it doesn¡¯t.


    I continued pursuing my dreams. Lucas was by my side.


    I couldn¡¯t count how many times Lucas tried to propose to me over the next six years. But it wasn¡¯t my priority at that time.


    I wasn¡¯t ready to get married. My parents were pressuring me to be a ckwood sooner orter to increase our power and influence.


    It was suffocating! Yes, I was deeply, madly in love with Lucas. But I wanted to make the most of my freedom for a while longer. I knew that once I had children, everything would change. There would be limits.


    And I couldn¡¯t afford to lose my shine. I was an international supermodel. I knew, even if Lucas didn¡¯t, that I wouldn¡¯t have achieved this without a price.


    Yes, sometimes things happened between me and other modeling industry producers. I cheated on Lucas a few times. But it was for a purpose. Remember? Young and ambitious. There was no ce in my heart or mind for the word ¡®no.¡¯


    I hade a long way. But I didn¡¯t know that, in my journey to sess, I had lost the man who had held onto me for years. Lucas¡­ He had given up on loving me. He surrendered his love. I tried asking help from Nichs Rutherford but he tly refused to help me. He just told me to move on and forget about Lucas ckwood!


    And God knows how painful that was. Especially since the reason for our breakup was my fault. I wasn¡¯t prepared at that time. Lucas found out about the abortion, and he was furious. He might have killed me if he had wanted to.


    But what hurt me more was finding out that he had a family now. He even had an eldest child! All these years, we were just fooling ourselves.


    I confronted Lucas and his family. I couldn¡¯t ept it! But I didn¡¯t expect Lucas to humiliate me in front of his family. He revealed my secret abortion. This must be what ire was talking about.


    That I would always be haunted by karma. And it didn¡¯t feel good at all. I found out that he was about to get married. He proposed to me, but he wasn¡¯t marrying me. It was a sick joke¡­ And I wasn¡¯t prepared for it.


    I couldn¡¯t allow it to happen. So, I devised a n, with Zach as my aplice. Someone told me that this Rutherford guy was in love with Zara, my husband¡¯s ex-wife.


    I couldn¡¯t let the wedding proceed. I couldn¡¯t ept that I wouldn¡¯t be the ckwood in the end.


    Zara was out of my way. She was taken by Nick, and I didn¡¯t care about the rest of her stuff.


    I executed my n next. I wanted Lucas back¡­ I wanted him, but he refused.


    I was always by his side, wanting to go back to how things were. But, s, there was no use.


    I never thought the day woulde when I would have to let Lucas go too. I wasn¡¯t prepared, but I had to.


    I regretfully turned to Zach for help. He was crazy, a psychopath, and obsessed. He needed to be stopped.


    Now, I was meeting Lucas again. I promised him it would be thest time. I was about to leave for New York. I was going to stop chasing someone who couldn¡¯t love me anymore. Those years weren¡¯t wasted, right? Lucas loved me deeply for all that time. I would cherish those memories until myst breath.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    We were at a caf¨¦ at that time. I was with Lucas, and he looked exhausted, tired, and sleep-deprived. He really loved Zara, more than he ever loved me. And maybe my decision would change their fate once again.


    ¡°I love you, Lucas. You can curse me until yourst breath, but remember that I loved you. This will be thest time I tell you this before I let you go. Over all these years,¡± I said with a broken voice.


    I didn¡¯t realize I was already crying.


    ¡°In all the years you loved me, thank you,¡± I added. ¡°All I want is your forgiveness. And I understand if you¡¯re not ready to give it to me¡­ Goodbye, okay?¡±


    ¡°Thank you too, Giselle. I don¡¯t love you anymore, but you¡¯ll always have a ce in my heart¡­ Thank you.¡±


    I handed him a piece of paper. It had the address of an ind, where Zara was.


    Yes, this time, I won¡¯t be the viin or the heroine. I¡¯ll be the one making the right choice.


    ¡°Your answer is here.¡±

 CHAPTER 45

    Lucas¡¯ POV


    It felt like a weight was lifted off me when Giselle and I talked. She¡¯ll stop pushing herself onto me. She¡¯ll focus on finding her true self first. Because I believe that you can¡¯t truly love deeply if you don¡¯t love yourself.


    She¡¯s as empty as I am. We¡¯re both just boxes without contents. We¡¯re not meant for each other. And I¡¯m d she decided to end her madness. I know someone deserves her love more than I do.


    I may not forgive her for her mistakes immediately, but I¡¯m relieved that she¡¯s repenting for them. I know it¡¯s difficult for her too, but I hope she learns her lesson. Just like me, I¡¯ve learned one of the happiest lessons in my life ¨C epting the situation, appreciating what I have before it¡¯s taken away. Just like Zara, I wish I cherished her more so she wouldn¡¯t leave me.


    I still hope we¡¯ll meet again. I don¡¯t know, but I have a feeling and intuition that we¡¯ll cross paths again. And if that dayes, even if she pushes me away, I¡¯ll remind her how much I love her, make her feel the true significance she holds in my life.


    God knows how I miss my wife. She¡¯s the only one who can fill my emptiness. It¡¯s lonely and tough for me. These years have been the darkest days of my life.


    I¡¯m leaving the coffee shop now. I know Giselle will be fine, she¡¯s a strong and brave woman. She can stand on her own¡­ I trust that she¡¯ll be in good hands. I loved Giselle, but it¡¯s Zara who holds my heart now, even after three years.


    Zara still has a grip on my feelings. Every time she appears in my dreams, I pray that I don¡¯t wake up anymore.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    I¡¯m tired of waking up in bed without her by my side, only the cold air hugging me at night¡­ because I¡¯m longing for her.


    When she decided to leave me, I knew my life lost its color. I just wanted to sleep and never wake up again.


    I don¡¯t want to think that everything she did was just a facade and a means to seek revenge against me. I don¡¯t want to think that everything she did for me was an illusion; our love was real, not shallow, but genuine.


    As I sat in my car, I looked at a piece of paper with the address of a resort on an ind. I don¡¯t really know why she gave this to me. She just said that what I¡¯ve been looking for could be found there.


    Maybe she¡¯s suggesting a vacation? But I really don¡¯t have time to rest.


    In reality, I don¡¯t have time to rest or take a vacation. Ever since I immersed myself in work, thepany¡¯s growth in the industry doubled or tripled.


    I still have pending meetings to attend. Since she left me for an unknown reason, my priorities have been my job and my son. I don¡¯t have time for vacation or women. Whenever I think about giving my attention to another woman, my conscience devours me.


    I¡¯d rather grow old alone if it¡¯s not going to be Zara. I¡¯m dedicated to her.


    There are a lot of girls trying to get my attention, trying to persuade me into a rtionship or even into bed. But for some unknown reason, I lost interest.


    Because I¡¯m the kind of man who loves deeply and entirely. I¡¯m not the type who easily moves on. I love Zara too much that until now, I¡¯m not ready to give up on her.


    I went home. My son is still busy with his video game. I know he¡¯s be stubborn, and I can¡¯t make up for all my shorings. I¡¯m not a perfect father for my son.


    I¡¯m trying to be the best father he could have. I know it¡¯s just me and my son. But he can¡¯t see that because my past actions have left a mark.


    I¡¯m reaping the regret now for leaving them, for ignoring them for such a long time. If I could turn back the clock, maybe I could make it right.


    I entered my office. On my desk is aplete picture of us ¨C me, Zara, and our son, Enrique.


    We only have a few pictures together. I just stare at the photo and reminisce about our memories.


    I took the picture frame and kissed it.


    ¡°Zara, I miss you so much. Whatever Icked, my love, I¡¯m ready to fill it. If my sorry isn¡¯t enough, just say it, and I¡¯ll do everything. I just want to create more memories with you, I just need you to fill my emptiness with love. I¡¯m ready to ept you again if youe back. I won¡¯t give up. I¡¯ll wait for you until you return. I love you so much,¡± I said with a smile, tears streaming down my cheeks.


    I love this woman as if she¡¯s my entire world. When she left me, the light of my life left with her, leaving me in darkness.


    I lost so much when she left me. I just want aplete family with her. I just want toe home to a ce where she¡¯s there.


    I can sacrifice everything just to have her back. If I need a miracle, I¡¯ll ask God for it.


    I¡¯m ready to struggle to have her again. I won¡¯t give up, someday we¡¯ll meet again.


    I shifted my gaze to my desk. The documents are piling up, needing my signature and review. I have numerous decisions to make.


    My eyes are getting heavier, and I have a headache. I want to rest, but these papers need to be finished soon so that projects can move forward.


    Someone knocked on my door. When I opened it, it was Mom. She¡¯s still awake? It¡¯s alreadyte¡­


    ¡°Mom? What are you doing here? It¡¯ste, and you¡¯re still awake,¡± I asked her. She raised an eyebrow in a sarcastic manner.


    ¡°Son, I should be asking you that question. It¡¯ste, yet you¡¯re still awake. What¡¯s going on?¡± she asked.


    I rubbed my forehead. ¡°I¡¯m still working, Mom. I¡¯ll sleep soon. And you should too,¡± I replied, not really wanting to argue at this moment since I¡¯m tired and sleepy.


    ¡°No, Lucas ckwood. You¡¯re working until 4 a. m., and you¡¯ll only get an hour of sleep. You¡¯re killing yourself again! Let me remind you, young man, that you were recently hospitalized because of being a workaholic?¡±


    I know. I¡¯ve been too upied with work.


    ¡°Mom, this is for ourpany!¡± I gave my reason, not wanting to argue much because I¡¯m exhausted.


    ¡°No, son. You¡¯re still doing this because you¡¯re not over her yet! You¡¯re sacrificing yourself! Take a break!¡± she scolded.


    ¡°Okay, fine, Mom. I¡¯ll take a vacation. Just to calm you down. Alright? But just three days?¡± I offered.


    She shook her head. ¡°No, son, one week. That¡¯s final! Bring Enrique with you so he won¡¯t get bored.¡±

 CHAPTER 46

    Lucas¡¯ POV


    When I mentioned our unnned vacation to Enrique, I saw how much he disliked the idea of going on a vacation. He became distant, antisocial, and very timid since the day she left us.


    ¡°You¡¯re not even looking for Mom, and now you want to go on a vacation? I don¡¯t want to, you go alone!¡± my son replied with a rebellious tone. I wanted to discipline him, but on the other hand, I knew my past mistakes. It hurts to be reminded of what I did wrong in the past.


    ¡°This is just once, Enrique, my son¡­ This is what your grandma wants. You know how stubborn your grandmother is. She won¡¯t ept no as an answer¡­¡± I tried to convince him while we were at the dining table having breakfast.


    He gave me a sharp look. ¡°If you want to, then you go. I say no, and that¡¯s final! I don¡¯t want to, so it¡¯s final!¡± he shouted, sounding annoyed.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    I was losing my patience¡­ But I didn¡¯t want to argue with my son.


    In reality, I owe him so much. I have many shorings as a father. I¡¯ve done a lot of wrong things. Things that made my son resent me even more, especially now that it feels like our light has gone out. I need to stay strong because the pir shouldn¡¯t give up.


    I¡¯m all they have. If I give up too, we won¡¯t make any progress.


    To persuade my son, I thought of a way. This isn¡¯t a lie anyway.


    ¡°Son, if youe on vacation with me, I¡¯ll hire the best private investigators to find your mom, Zara. I promise, just go with me for a vacation,¡± I said. My son seemed to be contemting for a moment.


    ¡°Okay, I agree. But you should promise not to lie to me, Dad. Or I¡¯ll do something you won¡¯t like again,¡± my son said, giving me a threatening look.


    My child is so feisty.


    Our son, Zara, is growing up. This is the time when he needs both our guidance. I wish you were here by our side. I wish you woulde back to us.


    I need you, Zara. I can¡¯t carry this family alone. I¡¯m not as strong as you, my love. We need your guidance, dearly. We really do.


    ¡°Yes, son, just pack your things. We¡¯re heading to the ind. We might get into trouble if we don¡¯t obey your grandma.¡± That¡¯s an actual fact. Mom is too persistent.


    She left Stephanie in charge of mypany for a while. Well, her husband is her assistant, after all. Our vacation won¡¯tst long anyway. It¡¯s just to appease my mother¡¯s wishes. I just can¡¯t figure out how troublesome her stubbornness can be sometimes.


    I¡¯m nning to go on vacation to the ind Giselle mentioned. I looked it up, and it seems fascinating and enjoyable. I mean, the white sand and the sea are like paradise. Maybe I need a vacation to be more active when I return to work.


    After lunch, I called Mary. I gave her some reminders that she needs to convey to Stephanie. There are important matters they can¡¯t afford to forget. When I return, there should be no mistakes or additional tasks waiting for me. Otherwise, the vacation would be in vain.


    ¡°Mary, the meeting with our investor Mr. Valdez, provide Stephanie with the materials in advance for her review and preparation on how she will present it. I want you to guide her, and it has to be a hundred percent assurance that we¡¯ll secure the investment¡­ It will be a huge help for us,¡± I said while packing my suitcase.


    I can¡¯t afford to bete for our flight.


    She sighed on the other line. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Sir, we¡¯ve got this. Just focus on your vacation, rx, and enjoy the rest of your week. Give yourself some time to breathe, Sir. It¡¯s not a crime for a Ferrer to take a vacation once in a while, right?¡± I chuckled.


    ¡°Okay, Mary, I trust you. I need to hang up now. My email and phone line are still open for any verification and questions. Don¡¯t hesitate to contact me during my vacation,¡± I said with a smile.


    I went to the mirror. Has my beard grown longer? I remember before, Zara didn¡¯t like it when I had a scruffy beard. So, to look handsome, I need to shave my beard.


    It didn¡¯t take too long, and everything was set for our vacation. I didn¡¯t realize that Enrique had also grown taller. I hope Zara could see this too. She¡¯d be delighted to see our son growing up.


    I suddenly miss her, but I know that someday our paths will cross again. And if that timees, I won¡¯t let her go again. I¡¯d be a fool to let go of the woman whopleted my dreams.


    I¡¯m willing to invest money, effort, and love into her. Just to make her realize that I love her more than my life. She¡¯s my sunshine. Sooner orter, she¡¯ll be the only reason I wake up.


    We boarded the van with my son. Our private ne was ready. The traffic wasn¡¯t bad on the way. Our journey was smooth. It seems like we¡¯ll enjoy our vacation. I heard there are plenty of water activities on the ind, and I wish I had booked our reservation at the resort.


    I miss going to the beach. I still remember the times I went to Stonewick to pick up my family. That day, I realized I couldn¡¯t let them go¡­ because they were already a part of my life. I can¡¯t afford to lose them, or I¡¯ll lose myself.


    When we were on the ne, my son and I were quiet. He was busy listening to music. I¡¯m excited to bond with my son. I remember teaching him how to swim. I was the one who taught him how to swim.


    That¡¯s also why he became a varsity swimmer at school¡­ I¡¯m a proud dad, you could say.


    We reached the ind by boat after disembarking from our private ne. I wasn¡¯t disappointed. The ind is truly beautiful.


    The sea is a vibrant mix of emerald green and sapphire blue. The ind itself is breathtaking. The resort is amodating and world-ss in its beauty. There are many foreigners and visitors here. It seems to be the peak season for vacationers.


    The wind is cold but alsoforting. Perhaps I¡¯ll go swimmingter? Maybe I need a vacation to be more active when I return to work.


    After we checked in and put our belongings in a spacious room, a presidential suite, we had a meal at a restaurant. My son has a healthy appetite. I never realized he loved, I mean really loved seafood.


    We enjoyed our meal, and afterwards, we rxed by the sea. Once again, an unusual silence enveloped us.


    ¡°Dad? Did you give up on Mom? Will she nevere back? Should I stop hoping to see her again?¡± my son asked, his voice choked with emotion.


    I felt a heavy emotion, resonating with my son¡¯s feelings that he had been carrying for a long time. The pain we¡¯ve felt over these years is no small matter. We¡¯ve been in a daze for a long time.


    I saw him looking at me for an answer. I nodded, and that was my true answer.


    ¡°I never lost hope, son. I know that we¡¯ll meet her again someday. And if that timees, we won¡¯t let your mom go again. Let¡¯s both do our best to give her a reason to stay. Okay?¡± I said while ruffling Enrique¡¯s hair.


    I seemed to have lost a deep thorn when I saw my son smile. He might not have fully forgiven me yet, but this is the first step.


    I let him be for a moment as he took in everything, while I walked around the ind. The sound of crashing waves was inviting. The atmosphere was so rxing.


    I was surprised when my son, Enrique, caught up with me, panting. I waited for him to catch his breath before he spoke.


    ¡°You should see this, Dad! Hurry up!¡± he said, and I eagerly followed him, curious about what he had found

 CHAPTER 47

    Zara¡¯s POV


    I¡¯m feeling extremely bored. There¡¯s nothing to do at home. I think I¡¯ve wandered through the entire house, walked by the beach earlier, but this boredom is overwhelming. It¡¯s like being imprisoned in a cage. My movements are so restricted. How much longer will my life be like this?


    Because I have nothing to do, I decided to go to the kitchen and cook something to eat. Pancakes, cupcakes, noodles, and more. Until I got tired of it and went back to the living room to watch TV.


    I can¡¯t find any show that would interest me. I really don¡¯t know what to do! Sigh.


    It¡¯s always like this when Nick is not around. I¡¯m always alone, and I¡¯m not even allowed to go to the neighboring vige. Eugenie is always keeping an eye on me. I don¡¯t want to be rebellious.


    Sometimes Eugenie is also hard to talk to, and she¡¯s a bit aloof. So just imagine how bored I am right now.


    While I was searching the inte, I saw that there¡¯s a resort on the other side of the ind. I suddenly felt like a mischievous child who came up with a daring n. It¡¯s already almost noon, and I¡¯ve had lunch.


    Eugenie cooked seafood with coconut milk earlier. The olddy seems to have had a good sleep. I, on the other hand, was outside, enjoying the fresh air. I was wearing a white dress while holding my tablet.


    I was deep in thought about the events of the past few nights, when I had strange dreams. Dreams of getting married to a handsome man, but upon waking up, I couldn¡¯t remember his face.


    That¡¯s why I¡¯m starting to think about stopping the medication they¡¯ve been giving me. I feel like it¡¯s not helping me. The side effects are also puzzling. I often feel dizzy, and my vision blurs. When I don¡¯t take it, nothing bad happens to me. So, I quietly stopped taking the medication.


    While I was outside the house, I couldn¡¯t bear the boredom anymore. I needed to get out. Even if it¡¯s just this once, I¡¯ll escape for a while. If this continues, the excessive boredom might drive me to my limits. I don¡¯t want to think about everything all at once.


    Sometimes, I find myself wondering how my day passes-eating, scrolling through Facebook, and sleeping.


    I went to the kitchen first. I left a note for Eugenie, in case she looks for me, so that she wouldn¡¯t worry too much. Nick wouldn¡¯t find out, and besides, I¡¯m just going to the neighboring vige. I¡¯m just going to visit Ava for a while.


    Dear Eugenie,


    If you wake up and I¡¯m not here, I¡¯m just in the neighboring vige, okay? Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be back before dawn. I just can¡¯t handle the boredom. I¡¯ll take care and I have my cellphone with me. It¡¯s fine, right?


    After writing the letter, I prepared to leave. I still have some pocket money that I can use, and I brought my cellphone, power bank, umbre, and a handkerchief. I changed into a neater dress. Just a summer dress, and then I left.


    I walked towards the neighboring vige. Lost in thought, I realized I was wondering how long I would be confined to this ind.


    It¡¯s like I¡¯m one of those women in a story, imprisoned, like the Lady of Shallot. Sometimes, I feel like my freedom is being stolen from me. Sometimes, I feel like I don¡¯t belong here. I mean, don¡¯t get me wrong, this ind is a paradise. But I feel like there are memories outside that I should revisit.


    Unknowingly, I had already reached Ava¡¯s vige. I was immediately greeted by Ava, who hugged me tightly.


    ¡°The youngdy has ventured out of her house! Oh, and my dear, did you get lost?¡± Ava weed me. Iughed at her. She left her work just to give me a hearty wee.


    ¡°I¡¯m just sneaking out. Nick and Eugenie don¡¯t know. I was getting bored at home,¡± I told Ava as I sat beside her. They were making baskets that they exported to other countries.


    ¡°Oh my, you¡¯re in trouble with your hubby Nick again. As for him, he¡¯d lock you up at home if it meant you couldn¡¯t escape to the other side of the Earth. Hello! If he were my boyfriend, I¡¯d tie myself to him! What more could you want? Rich, tall, handsome, and supposedly wild in bed, rawr!¡± Iughed at her yfulness.


    ¡°You really have a crush on my husband, don¡¯t you? And maybe Nick has a reason for wanting to limit my movements. I trust him and his reasons,¡± I said with a smile.


    ¡°Looks like Nick is possessive too.¡±


    I noticed what they were doing. I wanted to learn how to craft baskets too. It didn¡¯t look easy, but I was willing to learn if it was fun.


    ¡°How do you make baskets, Ava? Can you teach me? I can help you!¡± I suggested. She sighed.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°We¡¯re almost done, Zara. If you want, you can join us. We¡¯re going to the other side of the ind, where there are many tourists. We¡¯re delivering the baskets. What do you say?¡± she asked. I got a bit excited, but I was still hesitant.


    ¡°But if Eugenie and Nick find out, I¡¯ll definitely get scolded.¡± It¡¯s scary to think about that.


    ¡°What are you afraid of? You already escaped, right? Haler?! You might as wellmit the crime fully. Come on, Zara, don¡¯t be too scared. They won¡¯t kill you. It¡¯s just a one-time thing to get rid of your boredom,¡± Ava persuaded. What could I do? Well, let fate decide.


    I decided to join them. We rode a boat around the ind. Ava was actually skilled at driving the boat. It was impressive, even though most of the time she was just being yful.


    We reached the other side of the ind. Just like what I saw in the pictures earlier. There was a resort and a hotel. There were a lot of tourists, both foreigners and locals alike. The ce was lively and full of life.


    The beauty of the white beach was unparalleled. You could see yachts and boats in the sea with tourists on board. I suddenly felt happy. It felt like I had a temporary taste of freedom after a long time.


    ¡°Stay here, alright? We¡¯re going to visit our main dealer for the baskets. Let¡¯s meet in front of our boat, okay? Don¡¯t go too far so we won¡¯t worry. And my cellphone number? You still have it, right?¡± Ava instructed me.


    Iughed at her motherly attitude. ¡°Sure, I can handle myself, Ava. Go ahead, and I¡¯ll explore for a bit. There are lots of souvenir shops here. I want to take a look.¡±


    Ava, along with Jenny and Aries, bid me farewell again. I started to entertain myself. I went to the souvenir shops. The items there were beautiful. They had nes and essories made from shells and other local materials.


    There were also nice shirts and square pants. I bought some for myself. Nick often gives me gifts, especially when hees back from ybourne. But it¡¯s different when I choose my own clothes.


    While I was walking, I bought a coconut from a vendor. It quenched my thirst and cooled me down. Even though it¡¯s windy, the heat is still intense on my skin. It¡¯s a good thing I have a handkerchief, so I wiped my sweat from time to time.


    I didn¡¯t realize I had walked quite far from the boat. I should probably head back now. What surprised me was a child, around 11 or 10 years old, hugging me. He was good-looking and was crying while holding on to me.


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ve missed you so much. Mommy, I finally found you. Please don¡¯t leave us again. I¡¯ll be a good son¡­¡± he said while sobbing.


    I felt sorry for the child. Maybe he just thinks I look like his mother. I took out my spare handkerchief and wiped away his tears.


    ¡°Sorry, okay? I¡¯m not your mother. Maybe I just look like her. Don¡¯t cry,¡± I told him.


    He was stubborn, shaking his head.


    ¡°You are my Mom. I¡¯m ten years old now, Mommy Zara. Look, I have this, your gift to me,¡± the child said while showing me a pendant with a picture of me.


    What shocked me even more was that the child knew my name.


    Suddenly, my head started to throb as memories flooded in, still unclear. I closed my eyes, feeling dizzy. I stepped back from the child, but a man blocked my way.


    His face looked familiar. He resembled the man I¡¯ve been dreaming about every night. The man in a wedding suit.


    Just as I was about to leave, he held my hand.


    ¡°Do you really think I will let you go?¡±

 CHAPTER 48

    Lucas¡¯ POV


    I seethed with anger, feeling the mes of fury burning within me. How dare she run away again? She acted as if she didn¡¯t know us, and it infuriated me to no end.


    ¡°Let me go, mister! Who are you? Do I know you?¡± she eximed, her voice filled with confusion and pain. I couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing. The woman I loved so deeply seemed to have no recollection of me.


    ¡°Zara¡­ please, I¡¯ve been searching for you tirelessly. I miss you, our son, and our life together. Why didn¡¯t youe with us? Did I do something wrong? Let¡¯s talk about it. Don¡¯t just disappear like this, my love,¡± I pleaded, feeling exhausted and on the verge of kneeling before her.


    She shook her head, anger evident in her voice. ¡°I said I don¡¯t know you! Why do you know my name? Who are you? Let go of me, or I¡¯ll scream for help!¡± Her words stung me, and I could see the fear in her eyes. That¡¯s why I released my grip, and Zara ran away immediately.


    Enrique, my son, was about to chase after her, but I stopped him. ¡°Dad! Don¡¯t stop me! I need to go after Mom! I need her!¡± my son cried, his desperation tugging at my heart.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, son. This week won¡¯t end without your mothering back to us. Now that we¡¯ve found her, she has nowhere else to hide,¡± I assured him, my determination evident. I would do whatever it took to have her by our side once more.


    Swiftly, I hired someone to track Zara¡¯s movements. By the afternoon, I received information that she was currently residing on the other side of the ind. If our paths hadn¡¯t crossed, I would have never known that the love of my life was just around the corner.


    I couldn¡¯t mistake her for anyone else. After enduring immense suffering and sleepless nights due to loneliness, my heart leaped when I saw Zara again.


    I couldn¡¯t fathom why she was acting as if she didn¡¯t know us, me, or our son. It weighed heavily on my mind. Now, I had private investigators gathering information for me. I couldn¡¯t rest anymore, not when it concerned my son and me.


    ¡°Dad, will Mome back with us?¡± my son asked as we sat at the dining table.


    I nodded solemnly. ¡°Yes, son. I told you we would reim all the moments she lost. Now, let me handle my part. Further investigation is necessary. We need to understand why your mom left or disappeared, my wife. I¡¯m also curious why she seems unable to recognize us,¡± I pondered deeply.


    ¡°I noticed that too, Dad. She doesn¡¯t recognize this,¡± my son said, holding up the ne Zara had given him.


    ¡°Alright, son, after we eat, you rest. Let me do my job. If it takes a long time to bring your mom back, I will¡­¡± I trailed off, determined to give my all to reunite our family.


    After we finished eating, my son rested, and I contacted the detective I had hired.


    ¡°Good evening, sir. I have gathered some information. Miss Zara lives in a house with a maid named Eugenie and a man named Nichs Rutherford,¡± the detective informed me.


    The news hit me like a blow. Suddenly, everything became clear. I had finally discovered who was behind all of this. And it had taken three years for me to find out! Anger surged through me, consuming my thoughts.


    ¡°Boss, are you still there?¡± the detective¡¯s voice interrupted my thoughts.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m still here,¡± I replied, attempting to calm myself down.


    ¡°I have more information. Miss Zara is suffering from severe amnesia. She doesn¡¯t recognize herself or anyone from her past. The only person she remembers is Mr. Nick, whom she believes is her husband. Furthermore, Zara was in aa for three years. She had an ident,¡± he revealed, and suddenly, everything fell into ce.


    I hit my head in frustration, feeling a sense of enlightenment wash over me. It was all so clear now. She hadn¡¯t intended to leave us.


    She is being manipted by that cunning guy, and I refuse to ept that. Zara is the one I love, and no one else. So what if she ran away and had an ident resulting in amnesia? He made me believe he was the one I loved, and I won¡¯t stand for it.


    Darkness and rage consume me, and all I can think about is seeking revenge. I want to make sure Nick pays for what he¡¯s done. I will make him suffer.


    I have been searching for my husband relentlessly. We spent a long time looking for him, but that demon managed to hide him. I won¡¯t let him get away with it. I will ensure he ends up behind bars. But before that, I will make him feel my fist in his face.


    For a long time, I pondered the reason behind my husband¡¯s disappearance. Then it dawned on me that this deranged person took him away.


    I had already entered the house, making calls to my powerful allies. One had a formidable team, while the other owned an ind nearby.


    He imprisoned my wife on this ind, so I will do the same to bring back my husband¡¯s memory. I will remind him of our love and who we are in his life. I won¡¯t give up on reminding Zara.


    Now, I will execute my n. I am desperate, even willing to prey on sacred days just to have my husband back. Zara, please remember us once again.


    For two days, we prepared to kidnap my wife. Others may see it as wrong, but I don¡¯t care about their judgments. All I want is to end this pain. I want my wife back.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I yearn to hold her tightly again. I crave her kiss to alleviate the loneliness that consumed me for three long years. I want her back, for she is the only reason I still exist and have the will to keep going. She is the reason I wake up with excitement each day. Finding her has given me a renewed purpose in life.


    One night, with my crew, we entered the ce where Zara lives. The old woman was about to scream, but we swiftly injected him with sleeping pills. Just be patient; I am reiming the love of my life.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Zara shouted as she saw us. Her eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°You?!¡±


    We could have easily kidnapped my husband. There were no neighbors nearby, and the neighboring vige was far away. Nick was toocent. Now, I am taking back what he stole from me.


    To ensure my wife¡¯s silence, we put her to sleep. Zara still looked beautiful as shey in my arms. We boarded a yacht headed to the ind owned by Yuan, where we got married before he lost his memory.


    While I haven¡¯t exacted my revenge on that fool Nick, I will show him what payback truly means.


    As Zara slept peacefully in my arms, I couldn¡¯t resist kissing her lips. It was a brief touch, but it felt like it erased years of longing.


    Even though I had forgotten how to love, she has brought my heart back to life. I swear that nothing will tear us apart.


    I will be her endgame.

 CHAPTER 49

    Zara¡¯s POV


    Upon waking up, I felt a throbbing pain in my head and senses. I stared nkly for a few minutes, letting my vision adjust and trying to figure out what was happening. As I realized my situation, I stood up, almost stumbling because I still felt dizzy.


    My hand was handcuffed to the bed. I looked around, observing the white and brown designed room. From the sound of the waves outside, it seemed we were by the seaside.


    Despite feeling dizzy, I tried to think of a way to escape. Maybe they were nning to kill me or do something terrible! I should have known better! I shouldn¡¯t have left home if I had known this would happen!


    I attempted to find something to break the chain, but everything I tried seemed futile. My hand just hurt from the constant banging. The door opened, and the man responsible for my kidnapping entered. He was wearing a tight sleeveless shirt and shorts. His appearance was captivating with his poker face and messy hair.


    But wait! What am I thinking, Zara?! Snap out of it! Have some pity on yourself! Why am I fantasizing about a guy who might be the reason I end up six feet underground? I quickly moved to the farthest corner of the bed and red at him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you daree near me! If you don¡¯t want us both to die, stay away! Don¡¯t you even dare!¡±


    He seemed bothered and tired. He ced a tray beside the bed containing a bowl of soup and the usual breakfast set. That was when I realized how hungry I was-my stomach was growling.


    ¡°I never knew you could be so stubborn, my love. Eat first, then we¡¯ll talk,¡± he said in amanding tone, almost like a boss.


    Who was he?! And what¡¯s this? He just called me ¡®my love¡¯.


    ¡°We have nothing to talk about because I have no intention of conversing with the person who forcibly took me from my own home! And stop calling me ¡®my love¡¯! I don¡¯t even know you,¡± I replied, noticing a momentary look of pain in his eyes.


    I felt a bit guilty about that.


    He approached me, and he was so close that I found myself staring at his handsome face, as if it was pulled out from a book due to its exceptional handsomeness. His cologne smelled very familiar. His eyes seemed to pierce through my soul.


    ¡°You might not recognize me now, but I will make you remember who I am in your life, my dear. We won¡¯t leave this ind until you remember me, Zara¡­ I promise you that,¡± he said.


    I felt myself melting a bit at his words. It was as if my heart was pounding too fast. He had an unusual effect on me. It was like my heart knew him. It was as if he hadn¡¯t been forgotten by my emotions.


    My mind wanted to believe. I wanted to believe him. But what about Nick? Didn¡¯t he say we were married? What does this mean? Now I¡¯m even more confused!


    ¡°I know that you are still confused, my love. I know that you won¡¯t easily remember our past. But I will patiently wait until you remember us. That¡¯s how much I love you, Zara. I¡¯m willing to wait, even if it takes a lifetime,¡± he said and kissed my forehead. He left the room, but he left my heart racing.


    Who was he really? Why do I feel this way whenever he¡¯s close? What is he in my life?


    So many questions were swirling in my mind. My thoughts were in turmoil. I wanted to understand why my heart acted this way whenever he was near.


    Who should I believe? Ugh! My life is a mess right now.


    I decided to eat the food he prepared. What was his name again? See? I can¡¯t even remember his name, and how could I trust him? This amnesia thing is frustrating!


    I started eating the food, using only one hand since my left hand was still handcuffed. It was a bit difficult, but I was really hungry, so I didn¡¯t mind.


    Unexpectedly, memories shed through my mind as I ate. There was an image of a man embracing me from behind while I cooked. We seemed so sweet to each other.


    After eating, Iy back down. I hadn¡¯t realized that my thoughts had wandered so much that I fell asleep. I woke up when I felt something moving on my hand.


    ¡°W-What are you doing?¡± I stuttered as he held my hand. I felt my cheeks warming.


    He smirked. ¡°I¡¯m just loosening your chains a bit, my love. We can¡¯t do that yet until your memoriese back.¡±


    I blushed even more. Why did he have to be so charming? And why did he call me ¡®my love¡¯ again?


    I pushed him away, not realizing how strong my push was until he fell back. I quickly approached him, seeing he was holding his side.


    ¡°Oh no, are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Do I look okay? Shit!¡± he cursed while grimacing in pain.


    I felt a bit guilty, even though he deserved it. He was so cocky, and he was a kidnapper! But my conscience couldn¡¯t let me leave him suffering, so I helped him sit on the bed.


    ¡°What do you want me to do? Let you invade my personal space? Seriously, let me go! I¡¯m sick of being imprisoned, and now you,¡± I said with frustration.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    I didn¡¯t realize that I was almost crying.


    He raised an eyebrow, looking even more handsome to me. Shut up, Zara! Stop fantasizing about your kidnapper! Snap out of it!


    ¡°How can you be so sure that I¡¯m invading your personal space when you¡¯re my wife?¡± he said, looking surprised.


    Wife? Me? His wife?


    I couldn¡¯t believe what he was saying. How was this even possible? Didn¡¯t Nick say he was my husband?


    ¡°How can you say that? Nick is my husband!¡± I shouted at him.


    It seemed like he was stunned for a moment. He slowly turned to face me, wearing a grin. Was I in trouble? He looked mad and dark.


    He moved closer, and our eyes locked. He was incredibly handsome! His face was timeless! I almost believed he was a god¡¯s son. His scent was so familiar. His eyes seemed to see right through me.


    ¡°Zara, I am your husband, and you are my wife. Whatever that bastard told you is a pure lie¡­ If you want to believe anyone, don¡¯t believe the person who¡¯s afraid to introduce you to the world, the one who¡¯s hiding you. Me, I am willing to show you to everyone-your family. I¡¯m willing to remind you, my dear. I¡¯ll leave you for now to think, but I know in the end, I¡¯m the one speaking the truth,¡± he said, leaving me even more confused before he walked away.


    I also realized that I wasn¡¯t handcuffed anymore.


    I left the room and walked outside. I had no means of escaping. The ocean surrounded us, and I couldn¡¯t see any nearby inds. It seemed like a private beach, and there were no other inhabitants nearby.


    I was all alone, with the man who imed to be my husband. I was trapped, and I couldn¡¯t see a way out.


    I DON¡¯T understand why my heart reacts like this. The rapid beating of my heart whenever the skin of this man touches mine. I don¡¯t know why his touch seems familiar, and why I felt longing for this to happen.


    When he let go of me, we started eating. I cooked chicken stew, hot soup with lemon grass, and roasted beef. I don¡¯t know what came into my mind, but suddenly I wanted to cook for him.


    I started to scoop rice, but he put rice on my te. I smiled without realizing it. He caught me smiling, so I quickly returned my face to a poker expression.


    Embarrassing, Zara!


    We ate quietly. I observed his reactions. I don¡¯t know why I felt relieved when I saw him eating heartily and enjoying everything I served.


    ¡°Your cooking is still one of the best!¡± He praised me, making my face blush. I was so embarrassed, yet his words made me very happy.


    ¡°How did we meet? What¡¯s your name?¡± I courageously asked, hoping to know the name of my kidnapper! That¡¯s all.


    He smiled, a smile that could instantly melt someone.


    ¡°I am Lucas ckwood, Zara Dfontaine¡¯s husband, and your one and only love of my life,¡± he said.


    And when I heard the stranger¡¯s name, I felt a strange eleration in my heartbeat.


    Lucas, a name that tasted familiar on the tip of my tongue. I never thought I could feel so much happiness just from hearing his name. Does this mean he¡¯s telling the truth and Nick has been lying to me all this time?


    What does this mean? Is Lucas the answer to my questions? Is he the key?


    I remained silent and ate.


    It¡¯s like the sea surrounds us. The gentle breeze of the wind is a lovely sensation on my skin. It feels wonderful to have the warmth of the sun on my skin. Happiness, is this happiness? Why have I never felt it with Nick?


    I walked back to the vacation house before it got dark and night arrived. I saw a young boy sitting on the sofa. I felt a strange surge of emotions.


    He was the boy who hugged me on the ind one day. The boy who embraced me with longing. I didn¡¯t know, but tears started to flow from my eyes.


    Is this what they call a surge of emotions? Why do I feel such longing for this child? And when our eyes met, he jumped up from his seat and hugged me. He buried his face in my embrace, and that¡¯s where we cried together.


    ¡°Mom, I miss you please don¡¯t leave me. Please Mom, I will do anything! I will be a good boy, I will be honest, I will make you proud¡­ Just don¡¯t leave me, I feel so lonely,¡± he said, sobbing.


    I wiped his tears with my hand. I kissed his forehead and brushed his hair. I could see the resemnce between us, even though he looks more like Lucas.


    Could it be true? That my husband is Lucas, and Nick has been lying to me all this time?


    If that¡¯s the case, I need to have a deeper reason to regain my memories. I need to fill in the three years of my absence.


    I hugged the child and whispered to him, ¡°Sorry, my child, I¡¯m sorry if Mom was gone all this time. I am so sorry if I can¡¯t still remember you. But I¡¯ll try, okay? I¡¯ll try to remember and make up for the days I lost. I promise I won¡¯t ever leave you again. I promise, my child,¡± I said with longing.


    I saw Lucas on the side, smiling at us.


    For dinner, I cooked fried chicken, which turned out to be my child¡¯s favorite. At the dining table, I asked about things I had forgotten in the past and what happened when I disappeared.


    My child¡¯s name is Enrique. He¡¯s 10 years old now, and I¡¯m so proud to learn that he¡¯s an achiever in school.


    They said that when I was gone, my mother managed the business I left behind. Could it be that my mother is still alive? But they said she¡¯s just a single mother and a retired principal. Meanwhile, my grandfather is still strong and working with my mother.


    I learned a lot. Firstly, I graduated from a university where I was ssmates with Lucas. I finished a degree in ountancy and became a Certified Public ountant. I left behind businesses ¨C a caf¨¦ and clothing shops.


    I also learned about how Lucas and I became a couple. The idental conception of Enrique, everything was detailed. But I paused the questioning for now. I was feeling a deep pain in my senses. Perhaps my mind couldn¡¯t ept everything I learned.


    We slept in the same room, me and Enrique. Lucas stayed in another room since we couldn¡¯t all fit in one bed.


    While on the bed, my child started talking to me.


    ¡°You know, Mom, I always prayed to see you again. And God is really good for granting my prayers. I thought you hated me, so you left us. But when I learned what happened, I was happy to know you didn¡¯t want to leave. I love you, Mom,¡± he said and kissed my cheek. It touched my heart.


    I kissed my child¡¯s cheek too. ¡°Mom loves you very much, my child. Good night, let¡¯s sleep now.¡±


    My child nodded sleepily and drifted off to sleep. I covered him with a nket. An hour passed, and I still couldn¡¯t sleep, even though Enrique was sound asleep beside me.


    Someone knocked on the door of the room. I didn¡¯t need to guess who it was.


    I opened the door and was greeted by Lucas, wearing pajamas and a tank top. He was holding a nket and some pillows. He smiled sheepishly at me.


    ¡°I wanted to sleep over,¡± he said, which I found so cute.


    Wow! He¡¯s handsome even when shy!


    I looked at our bed. It was just right for two people.


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit cramped for us,¡± I said. He smiled.


    ¡°No problem with me, I¡¯ll sleep on the floor. I just want to wake up near you. I just want to see you first thing in the morning. So that it¡¯s not a dream that you¡¯re finally back in my life¡­¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Sure, it¡¯s up to you,¡± I agreed, helping him arrange his sleeping area. He was on the side, on the floor with a thickforter.


    My hand identally fell. I felt him touch it. He entwined our fingers, and it felt magical. I fell asleep shortly after. Afortable, dreamless sleep that I had longed for.


    I woke up earlier than Lucas and my child. So, I decided to cook breakfast for them. I wanted to start fulfilling my role as a wife and a mother. I prepared our breakfast.


    I didn¡¯t wake them up; I let them sleep. I heard a thud from the second floor. Lucas quickly came downstairs, along with Enrique, both looking rmed.


    ¡°I thought you were gone again. Please don¡¯t leave us again, Zara. It will drive me crazy if that happens,¡± Lucas said, hugging me tightly.


    I didn¡¯t know, but I felt that they would miss me and feel sad if I were gone. I felt that there would be a void in them.


    Iughed at them. ¡°Don¡¯t be paranoid. Where would I go? We¡¯re on the same ind, after all. It¡¯s good that you¡¯ve eaten, and there¡¯s food ready on the dining table.¡±


    BELIEVE it or not, we stayed on the ind for another week. Time passed quickly, and before I knew it, it had been a week.


    I wasn¡¯t impatient, and there were no moments of dead air or boredom while I was with them. Something I hadn¡¯t felt in Nick¡¯s presence. It felt like I belonged here. It felt like I was supposed to be here. This was my sanctuary, the ce where I belong. Where my husband and child are.


    Even though my memories haven¡¯t fully returned, I could feel that they are my life.


    One night, Enrique slept more soundly. While I couldn¡¯t sleep, I went outside to cool down. I wanted to enjoy the coolness. So, I went out and headed to a gazebo near the sea. Lucas was there, with aptop and some alcohol. He was busy working.


    I couldn¡¯t believe it when he said he¡¯s a CEO and wealthy. I couldn¡¯t believe that I¡¯m married to a man with such a heavy responsibility in the world. He¡¯s a multi-billionaire.


    I sat beside him and joined him.


    ¡°Why are you still awake?¡± he asked as I sat beside him.


    I smiled. ¡°I can¡¯t sleep yet,¡± I said. I don¡¯t know what happened, but I saw myself kissing him. Suddenly, we were kissing, and our kisses were battling. I felt a surge of desire and love in every kiss.


    ¡°L-Lucas, don¡¯t stop!¡± I begged him as I touched my neck.


    I knew he was going to leave a mark there. A mark of love.


    ¡°I won¡¯t, Zara. You don¡¯t know how long I¡¯ve waited for this,¡± he said in the midst of our kisses. It was like he was speaking with his eyes. I could feel that.


    I let him take control. It felt like it was our first time. I was exploring, but he was guiding me.


    ¡°Lucas!¡± I eximed as he removed my clothes and I was left exposed to him. I didn¡¯t know what to say. He was so well-endowed! I didn¡¯t know if I could handle that.


    But I trusted him. And on this night, we finally became one¡­

 CHAPTER 50

    Zara¡¯s POV


    I AM SO sore down there when I woke up this morning. Seriously, it feels like I¡¯ve been hammered in the thighs due to excessive soreness. I¡¯m gasping due to the pain, it¡¯s as if I worked out without resting. Just imagine, I can¡¯t even remember which round we stopped atst night.


    And I feel shameless to think that something happened between Lucas and me without me fully recovering my memories. Although I¡¯d be lying straight if I said it didn¡¯t feel amazing. Because it was heavenly, he took me straight to heaven. Lucas has the power to do that to me.


    I woke up quitete, probably around 10 in the morning, and I wouldn¡¯t have woken up if Lucas, well, my husband, didn¡¯t wake me up. It¡¯s still a bit awkward for me, slightly. But I noticed that I¡¯m bing morefortable around him. It just feels so normal.


    Even if I can¡¯t remember everything yet, it feels normal to sense that he¡¯s my husband and I¡¯m his wife.


    I wasn¡¯t aware that I was blushing from that thought. Ugh, wake up, Zara!


    ¡°Have you eaten, dear? It¡¯ste and you shouldn¡¯t skip breakfast,¡± Lucas said to me. He had a tray with a breakfast set. It smells so good and mouthwatering.


    I have quite the appetite, but I¡¯m a bit shy because Lucas is just staring at me the whole time I¡¯m eating.


    ¡°You might melt me with that stare,¡± I jokingly said to break his gaze.


    ¡°You won¡¯t, I will not let you melt and go away from me again. Seriously, Love, you should know that you are locked with me, to my love¡­ Even destiny won¡¯t be able to take you away from me,¡± Lucas said, his eyes fixed on me, his tone possessive.


    I would be lying if I said I¡¯m not getting butterflies. My heart is pounding heavily now. This is the definite effect of Lucas¡¯s simple and short but emotional words for me.


    Lost in thought, I found myself smiling at him. ¡°Will you wait for me? Will you wait for me to remember everything before anything else?¡± I asked.


    He nodded. ¡°Of course, Love. I can give you time, but not your freedom anymore. You are mine from now on,¡± he said with a slightly possessive tone.


    He left me for a while. He wanted to assist me since he exactly knows my state right now. I¡¯m awfully tired, exhausted, and so sleepy. It feels like I¡¯ve been hit hard by a bull during what we did.


    Speaking of stamina in bed, if we were to discuss that, I¡¯d say it¡¯s insanely strong. If I hadn¡¯t passed out around dawn, he probably wouldn¡¯t have stopped. I feel like there¡¯s a yearning in what we did¡­ Just like I am.


    Gosh, why am I thinking about this so early in the morning?


    Seriously, I don¡¯t want to spend my whole day reminiscing aboutst night¡¯s naughty encounter.


    Even though I¡¯m a bit sore, I still manage to take a shower and do my morning routine. I caught my child in the living room ying with a puzzle. I kissed him on the cheek, he greeted me good morning, and I did the same.


    After that, I went straight to the kitchen. The housekeeper isn¡¯t here the whole day since she¡¯s the one who gets our rations and supplies for the week.


    ¡°The whole week?¡± I asked Lucas. We¡¯re still in the kitchen. He just took a bottle of water while I¡¯m preparing sandwiches for our snackter.


    ¡°Yeah, a week. We¡¯re going back to ybourne. They should know by now that you¡¯re back. Many people miss you. You just vanished suddenly. Many are still hoping to see you. You have a lot of catching up to do, love.¡± I understand that.


    I suddenly felt excitement. Because first, I¡¯ll be able to fill in the gaps that Zach denied me. I know that I still have a life back home. I still have a ce to stay and return to.


    I nodded at him. He returned to working on hisptop. Meanwhile, I¡¯m preparing our snack.


    I really feel like a wife and a mother. I don¡¯t know, but in the past few days, I¡¯ve be even more content. It¡¯s true what they say, you¡¯ll only be happy with the right person. And honestly, it feels like I¡¯m with the right person now.


    Days passed by, and I didn¡¯t even notice that it¡¯s already ourst day on the ind. I¡¯ve grown attached to this ce. I have so many memories here with my child and of course, with Lucas.


    Using a private helicopter, we¡¯re on our way to ybourne. It¡¯s quite dizzying, isn¡¯t it? And I¡¯m quite nervous again about what¡¯s going to greet me upon my return.


    Lucas held my hand while we¡¯re on the helicopter, and our child is in between us.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much, Love. You¡¯ll be happy to see them again, they¡¯re nice. And no one will hurt you anymore. I promise happiness for you,¡± he said, and I know what he said is true.


    ¡°Thank you, okay? Thank you for being patient with me. For being so considerate even though I haven¡¯t fully remembered yet.¡± He squeezed my hand that¡¯s holding his.


    ¡°I love you, Zara. Maybe those three words are enough to tell you that you mean the world to me,¡± he said.


    We¡¯ve arrived at thending area. The first ce we went to is my parents¡¯ house, my mom¡¯s house to be exact.


    So we arrived at a familiar house. My heart is pounding so hard. I saw an almost senior citizen woman watering her orchids in the garden.


    I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m feeling this overwhelming affection again. When she saw me, she dropped the hose she was holding and hugged me tightly.


    ¡°Oh my God! Tell me I¡¯m not dreaming! Tell me this is real. You¡¯re here, my child,¡± my mom said, tears in her eyes. I¡¯m also crying while hugging her tightly.


    ¡°It¡¯s really me, Mom. I¡¯m finally home.¡±Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

 CHAPTER 51

    Zara¡¯s POV


    It is good to be back. I¡¯m overwhelmed with happiness and the joy I¡¯m feeling knows no bounds. After a long period of being lost, being separated, my life was taken away from me all because of a wrong love.


    I want to be angry at Nick. He helped me in many ways ¨C as a good friend for a very long time. But he also owes me a lot. He stole so much of my time with his persistent feelings.


    But I understand his feelings too. He¡¯s also a victim of circumstances and his emotions. I want to listen to him, for him to exin to me¡­ But not now, because an intense anger is burning inside me. It¡¯s an overwhelming pain, a feeling of so much wasted time. Honestly, even now, I still feel down.


    I am very upset because he took away a significant amount of time from me. Time that should have been happy, a time when we were building our family. When love bes toxic, it can lead to dangerous things.


    I also don¡¯t know what mistake I made to deserve this karma from fate. I hope it can be corrected. It¡¯s like we¡¯re running in circles, chasing both wrong and right at the same time. It¡¯s getting really exhausting for me.


    I know that there¡¯s no instant happiness. Everyone has their struggles. I¡¯m struggling, others are struggling too. But for me, I want to settle.


    I woke up from my contemtion when Mom ced coffee and bread in front of me. She smiled and held my hand. A very heartwarming gesture that made my heart and eyes smile as well.


    ¡°We¡¯re happy that you¡¯re back, Zara, my child. The day you disappeared¡­ It felt like life was stolen from me. I¡¯m a mother who was robbed of the right to see her child again. That¡¯s how I felt, and I was given life again when you were returned to us by the Divine. My wish is for everything to be alright, my child,¡± she said.


    Hopefully, I just want everything to be okay. Who wouldn¡¯t want that?


    ¡°Yes, Mom. I missed so many days in our life with my husband, my child, our family. My memories still aren¡¯tplete. But I want to make up for it and make everything right. That¡¯s all I wish for, Mom,¡± I said. I hope it will happen.


    ¡°God is kind, my child. He will help you heal and find a better path again. God will guide you again, my child, just hold on. Always remember that you only lost your memories, but we haven¡¯t lost you. Mama is here, okay? Your Grandpa is here, your husband, your child. You¡¯re not alone in this fight, okay?¡± she hugged me.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    I suddenly saw a glimpse of hope. A hope for a new start, a new beginning, and a new chance for a new phase. I¡¯m not a fan of twists and turns. So hopefully, there won¡¯t be any more detours.


    We stayed for a little while. We shared a meal at the same table. I was happy to see my grandfather again. We even cried. They saw me as a hopeless case of finding me again.


    I just suddenly disappeared without a trace. So I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if they¡¯ve considered some possibilities of what could have happened to me.


    They told me that I wasatose. They¡¯re still withholding some information because recalling too many memories tends to cause pain.


    It felt so incredibly painful. It¡¯s like my senses are being punched and squeezed. I rested here at the elder¡¯s house because I got tired from the journey.


    I¡¯m also a bit nervous, on the other hand. Because the truth is, I¡¯m going to see my inws again after a long time.


    I¡¯m scared and anxious, to be honest. Just being honest. But like my husband said, I shouldn¡¯t be afraid or worried, because they¡¯re there behind me. And with those simple words, I felt better.


    It¡¯s evening, and we said goodbye to my mother. We¡¯re going straight to the mansion to stay there. Lucas¡¯s mother wants to talk to me. I¡¯ll be honest. I¡¯m freaking out right now. I can¡¯t remember when thest time I saw my inws was.


    I wonder how they¡¯ll react. Are they angry? Will there be a confrontation? Will it be like pouring coffee and tea all over me? Will there be a dragging-out effect when leaving the mansion? These are just a fraction of my fears and frustrated imagination.


    ¡°There you go again, dear. Your face is bing unreadable. Trust me, they won¡¯t do any harm to you. In fact, it¡¯s quite the opposite, they¡¯re excited to see you. After all these years, they¡¯ve been longing for you. They know what happened, and they understand¡­¡± Lucas said to ease my worries. To some extent, I¡¯m feeling better now.


    ¡°Sorry, I just can¡¯t help it¡­¡± I said while looking out of the car window. ¡°You know, right? I¡¯m still groping in the dark¡­¡±


    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. We¡¯re right here,¡± my child said and kissed my cheek.


    They¡¯re right. What could I fear more than losing these two precious gems of mine? My only treasures.


    We¡¯ve now arrived at the familiar mansion or manor. It¡¯s gigantic and screams money and social elite status.


    We¡¯re greeted by a familiar, ssy woman in herte 50s. Her timeless beauty and gentle aura radiate kindness. Her embrace as a greeting washes away all my worries.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time, dear. I¡¯m happy to see you again! Come, let¡¯s go inside. We have a lot of things to catch up on,¡± my mother-inw said.


    We went into the living room. Lucas took our child to their room, and Mama and I had a conversation.


    ¡°How are you, Zara? You¡¯re still as beautiful as ever, dear¡­ Are you okay now? Your amnesia?¡± thedy asked me immediately.


    ¡°To tell you the truth, I still haven¡¯t fully recovered. I still struggle with this memory loss¡­ I mean, I can recognize faces and have a few nostalgic memories. But everything is still notplete. I wasatose for 3 years. It¡¯s a miracle that I woke up,¡± I said with a sad smile on my lips.


    ¡°Dear, you¡¯re strong to face that. Where it happened, I didn¡¯t know what to do anymore. And it¡¯s sad that I lost my granddaughter¡­¡± she said with a sad tone.


    I suddenly felt puzzled.


    ¡°Granddaughter?¡± I asked, furrowing my brow.


    ¡°Yes, dear, you were pregnant when you had the ident¡­ Isn¡¯t it around six months back then?¡± Mama said.


    I suddenly felt dizzy. My vision seemed to blur due to the rush of memories flooding my mind.


    My college life with Antote and Nick. The ident that happened between Lucas and me. Our one-sided love, and the building of our love story until everything. My memories returned, all of them. And I woke up crying. I was in Lucas¡¯s embrace, his concerned face looking at me.


    ¡°Lucas! Lucas, I remember everything, love! Our child, love! Our child!¡± I eximed while he held me.


    ¡°We will make that Nick pay for his damn fault!¡± Lucas said with an angry tone, and even I felt my heart burning with anger.

 CHAPTER 52

    Nick¡¯s POV


    ANGER, that¡¯s what I¡¯m feeling right now. It¡¯s like a burning log that can¡¯t be removed from me. Fuck! They took Zara away from me again. I only found out about it from Eugenie, so I hurriedly came back to the ind. I am greeted by Eugenie, who is crying.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you, Eugenie, to immediately call my people there when there are suspicious individuals? What¡¯s that! What kind of negligence is that!?¡± I shout at Eugenie with intense frustration and anger! Everything I¡¯ve worked for is going to go to waste again.


    Fuck it! Fuck it!


    Lucas! Yup! That son of a devil! He¡¯s the only one who could have done this! But how did he find our hiding ce? How!


    Then I remembered Giselle¡¯s sudden disappearance! That fucking bitch betrayed me!


    I feel like I¡¯m going crazy, losing my mind! I can¡¯t ept this! NO! NO, I WON¡¯T LET THIS HAPPEN!


    I can¡¯t believe Eugenie is looking at me.


    ¡°Are you yelling at me, young master? I am Eugenie, the one who raised you! And now you¡¯re acting like this because of a married woman you stole!¡± Eugenie says, which silences me.


    But my mind and heart remain closed. Because all I know is that Zara is mine.


    ¡°Eugenie, she¡¯s mine. She¡¯s mine alone, Eugenie, and if I have to do everything! If I have to make mistakes again. I¡¯ll do it, Eugenie!¡± I shout, crying and losing control.


    ¡°You¡¯re losing it, my child! You¡¯re going insane with what you¡¯re saying! I¡¯ve warned you that this won¡¯tst! There wille a day when the fire you started will turn to smoke. I¡¯ve warned you, but what? You ignored it!¡±


    I fell silent, and Eugenie left me, nning to leave too. Everyone¡¯s leaving! Everyone is leaving me! Everyone! Everyone! Damn it, I just need her to stay for me, but why! I gave everything!


    I cried while looking at my cellphone. Zara is with me, the woman I will love deeply.


    I will take her back in any way possible.


    SOMEONE called mest night. I woke up with empty alcohol bottles on the floor and beside my bed. I¡¯m a mess, sleepless, and tired. Too tired of thinking about how to get her back.


    Because no matter what they say, Zara is mine! And that won¡¯t change just because she¡¯s married to a fucking bastard and has his own child.


    So I want to get her back. And I have this dark idea. Even though, you know, it might not be approved by everyone. I know I¡¯m going to add to my sins. I know that we might feel guilty.


    But I don¡¯t care. I love Zara so much that I¡¯ve lost control of myself.


    Andst night, I received a call from Enrique. I woke up with beer bottles on the floor and around my bed. I¡¯m a mess, sleep-deprived, and exhausted. Too exhausted from thinking about how to get her back.


    Because no matter what they say, Zara is mine! And that won¡¯t change just because she¡¯s married to a fucking bastard and has his own child.


    So I want to get her back. And I have this dark idea. Even though, you know, it might not be approved by everyone. I know I¡¯m going to add to my sins. I know that we might feel guilty.


    But I don¡¯t care. I love Zara so much that I¡¯ve lost control of myself.


    Andst night, I received a call from Enrique. It made me confirm that Lucas has Zara for a month. I feel like I¡¯m going back to hell for another month.


    But now? I¡¯m going to take her back. Fuck! I won¡¯t let him have his way again. I¡¯m just taking back what¡¯s rightfully mine.


    As I rememberst night, Enrique called me around 8 pm. I was still sober and not totally drunk. So I was conscious at that time.


    ¡°Hello, Uncle Nick?¡± my godchild greeted me cheerfully.


    ¡°Yes, Kiddo?¡± I replied while looking into nothingness.


    ¡°I have some news for you. It¡¯ste, but I wanted to tell you that Mom is back! She¡¯s here with us again, Uncle!¡± he said happily.


    That¡¯s when I confirmed what would happen. I confirmed that Lucas is the reason for all of this. I felt so down and depressed because of this situation.


    I gambled, wasted too much time and effort. I bet my dignity, my everything just to have her. And that motherfucking Lucas snatched my greatest possession instantly?! Damn it, I waited so long, and he takes her away from me just like that? I can¡¯t ept it!


    I¡¯m not the type of man who surrenders easily. She was mine first. I was the first one to love her! I was the one who was always by her side. It¡¯s me! But why wasn¡¯t I the one she chose!


    So a n started forming in my mind. It might be the craziest and most evil thing I¡¯ll ever do. This is myst chance and myst attempt. I just want to end my pain.


    I want Zara back. And if I have to lose everything all at once, I will do it.


    ¡°Is that so, Kiddo? Can you do me a favor?¡± I asked him on the other line.


    ¡°What is it, Uncle?¡± he responded.


    ¡°Let¡¯s meet up tomorrow morning. No bodyguards or drivers, right? You know how tomute. I just want you to help me n a wee party for your mom. So don¡¯t tell anyone else about this. Just between us, okay?¡± I said, trying to be as convincing as possible.


    Yeah, that¡¯s my n. I have to fake a kidnapping, and the ransom I¡¯ll demand is Zara. It sounds messed up, but who the hell cares.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    If I need to do this as ast resort? I would do it just to have her. We¡¯ll be far away, and she¡¯ll learn to love me. Because I can¡¯t unlove her. She was meant to be mine from the beginning.


    It¡¯s a long shot, but what do they care? They don¡¯t understand what I¡¯m feeling and deciding. People don¡¯t know my pain. The scars and wounds I¡¯ve acquired from overthinking. Inside, I¡¯m a man deeply wounded.


    So what happened was I took a shower. Got ready and hired a few of my men. Because something big is about to happen. I know it¡¯s wrong. I know that, but for her, I¡¯ll do it.


    I¡¯m willing to be a sinner just for her. That¡¯s how crazy I am for you, Zara! But damn it, can¡¯t you see that!


    I shaved my beard, put on something presentable before meeting my godchild.


    I¡¯ll apologize to him in advance. He¡¯ll be the key to aplishing my mission. I¡¯m sorry, but I really need to do this. Or it will destroy me. Not having her might destroy me even more deeply.


    I met Enrique in my condo. He looks happy, but I¡¯ll apologize because that happiness won¡¯tst for long. I have to do this.


    ¡°Uncle! Bless¡­¡± he began and bowed to me.


    I can feel the guilt and conscience. But there¡¯s nothing I can do about it. The system has consumed me.


    I slowly took a handkerchief from my pocket, with a sedative.


    I quickly covered my nose and mouth with it and handed one to my godchild. I saw the pain of betrayal in his eyes.


    I¡¯m so sorry¡­ Sorry.

 CHAPTER 53

    Zara¡¯s POV


    It seemed like the ss I was holding slipped from my hand, and it shattered, cutting me in the process. The pain stung, a physical representation of the emotional turmoil I was going through.


    I was in the kitchen, cooking breakfast while Lucas and our son haven¡¯te down yet. Suddenly, I was overwhelmed by an inexplicable nervousness, and that¡¯s why I dropped the ss and got injured.


    Lucas quickly approached me, seeing my bleeding hands, and scolded me, ¡°You need to be more careful, my dear!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I just suddenly got really nervous! That¡¯s why I dropped the ss. I¡¯m sorry! Please don¡¯t be angry,¡± I said, feeling overwhelmed.


    He sighed with defeat in his voice, ¡°Alright, just be careful next time, okay? Don¡¯t make me worry!¡±


    Then we decided to call Enrique, but the maid informed us that he was not in his room. Panic started to set in, and my phone rang from an anonymous number. Trembling, I answered the call.


    ¡°Hello!¡± I said.


    ¡°Hello, love¡­¡± The voice was familiar, and it wasn¡¯t on speakerphone.


    ¡°Nick! You¡¯re shameless! What did you do?¡± I asked angrily.


    ¡°If you still want to see your son alive, you only need to do one thing. Be mine¡­ I will send the address, and you go there alone!¡±


    I couldn¡¯t believe the audacity of Nick. When will he stop his madness? He¡¯s delusional because of what he did and is doing. Even now, my son is being used to manipte me!


    I swore that he must have done something to my son. I was ready to fight him and seek revenge. I couldn¡¯t fathom how he still had such a hold on my life. Why would an innocent person get hurt because of him again?


    I cannot forgive Nick, nor can I forgive myself if something happens to Enrique. I cannot bear to see my son suffer because of a situation that started because of me.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    I was still in the living room, crying, while Lucas tried to calm me down and made some calls to his associates. We received a text message with an address-a location in an abandoned house near nd. I still couldn¡¯t believe that Nick could sink this low. Love can be so destructive if not handled properly. It¡¯s like a disease that eats away at your soul, like madness.


    If Nick had confessed to me and I had properly rejected him, perhaps he could have found someone who was better for him. Instead, he imprisoned himself within me.


    My heart ached as I thought about how my many dreams were on the verge of being destroyed. I wasn¡¯t prepared for this kind of twist and turn. Love was proving to be too lethal if not handled right.


    Lucas and I were both trapped in this situation, with conflicting interests of saving our son and ensuring our own safety. Nick was smart, and his mind was filled with darkness. He was hard to read, and I couldn¡¯t predict his actions.


    Lucas tried to reassure me, but deep down, even he wasn¡¯t sure of the oue. We were both hoping for the best, but the situation was uncertain. There could be trouble, there could be tragedy, but I hoped that I could change the course of events early. If only I could control time and alter the present.


    As night fell, we prepared ourselves for the dangerous encounter. Surrounding the abandoned house were police, military personnel, hired guards, and rescuers, all with the support of ckwood.


    When we arrived at the scene, my heart pounded with nervousness. My son was tied to a chair, and next to him was his godfather. Anger surged through me as I saw my son crying, his mouth taped and treated like an animal.


    I couldn¡¯t contain my emotions any longer. I vented my frustration at Nick, expressing my deep anger and disappointment at his actions. He had manipted me, taken advantage of me, and made me believe that we were married, all while keeping me isted from my family and drugging me to stop my healing and memory recovery. His actions were deplorable.


    He imed it was because he loved me and couldn¡¯t bear the thought of me being with someone else. He believed that I was meant to be with him, that I was his.


    But his love was nothing but a gue-a destructive force that had robbed me of my rights to love my children, Bless and Enrique. Now he was trying to take Enrique away from me as well. I couldn¡¯t stand it any longer, and my anger overflowed.


    I couldn¡¯t take Nick¡¯s madness any more. I walked towards him, pretending to be calm, but my heart was pounding with fear.


    ¡°Let go of that, Nick¡­ I¡¯m ready to go. Don¡¯t point that gun, or I¡¯ll kill myself!¡±


    His gun wavered, and he seemed tough maniacally. ¡°Come with me, and we will exchange your child. Zara, you wille with me. We will be a family, far away!¡±


    His eyes looked bloodshot, and he appeared different from the Nick I once knew. Panic began to rise within me, and I acted quickly. I hugged him, pretending to be cooperative, and injected him with a sleeping drug. He looked dazed, and his staff fell as well.


    I stood surrounded by those in charge, and the situation was finally under control. But I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Nick¡¯s darkness was still lurking somewhere, ready to resurface.


    ¡°Z-Zara¡­¡± he mumbled, and I felt a mix of relief and sadness.


    This wasn¡¯t the end; the aftermath of this confrontation would be a whole new challenge to face.


    ¡°Zara, please forgive me! I only did it because I love you so much!¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t love me, Nick. You are obsessed with me!¡±

 CHAPTER 54

    Zara¡¯s POV


    All my nervousness from that night is gone, especially after hugging my son and getting him out of that hellish ce. The scene was so bad that I felt like I was going to pass out at any moment.


    Nick is now in trouble. They used force to get him out of jail, but we¡¯ll make sure he can¡¯t get out of there first. We¡¯ll ensure he has plenty of time inside that prison to think about what he¡¯s done.


    When we got home to the mansion, all my husband¡¯s brothers and their wives were there. They were all worried about us, and while we reassured them that everything was fine, anger was still brewing over what Nick had done.


    Stephanie hugged me, and I felt a longing for that sibling connection. You see, I never had a sibling because I was the result of an ident, and my biological father wasn¡¯t responsible for me, while my mother never looked for a partner in life. So having a sister like Stephanie, my husband¡¯s sister, means a lot to me. She feels like an older brother I¡¯ve always wanted.


    ¡°I really missed you, Zara! I was so confused that day you were gone. I thought you didn¡¯t like the gown I designed! We didn¡¯t know that man would take you, and we know he tried to harm my nephew! We won¡¯t let this slide easily. They might have forgotten that ckwood was the one they messed with.¡±


    I could see Stephanie¡¯s genuine concern and understood where his anger towards Nick wasing from.


    The ckwood family is very family-oriented. Even though they have their own families, they still look out for their rtives, brothers, sisters, and the younger generation.


    ¡°The important thing is that we are all fine, Stephanie. I¡¯m sure nothing bad will happen. We will appoint a psychologist for my son. He might be okay for now, but I don¡¯t want the day toe when the child is traumatized.¡± Enrique¡¯s involvement in this was also not by chance.


    I can¡¯t imagine how betrayed my son must feel by his godfather. During the times when Lucas was pushing us away, Nick became like a father to Enrique. If I were in my son¡¯s shoes, Nick¡¯s actions would have a profound impact on me.


    Stephanie agreed. ¡°I agree with that. I know a very close friend of mine who is really good at handling such cases, especially with children.¡± I nodded, and we returned to the living room where Enrique was with his grandmother and grandma.


    As much as we can, we don¡¯t want to bring up the topic of the kidnapping. My son seems to be fine. He might be happy to see his cousins, aunt, and uncle. Everything seems fine. There was no trace of the ident that happened earlier.


    ¡°We deserve a delicious feast. Let¡¯s go to the kitchen, and we can all have dinner together!¡± said the elder ckwood with a happy tone.


    My husband kissed me on the cheek. I could see the tenderness in his eyes. He looked exhausted, but I knew that we found peace in each other¡¯spany.


    All I want to know is what happened to my pregnancy. I should have had a daughter by now. She would be turning 3 years old. It hurts to think that I was robbed of the right to be the mother of our child, and he was robbed of the right to be with us.


    He wiped my tears and kissed me on the lips.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, love. Tomorrow, we¡¯ll make that fool admit what he did. He¡¯ll pay for everything he owes us, family.¡± I nodded and gave him a small smile.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, and we¡¯ll be the only ones waiting there! Let¡¯s go!¡± I said and then took his hand to the dining hall.


    The dining table was filled with ourplete family, happy to share the food prepared in front of us. It was nice to talk and not dwell on what happened tonight. It felt like there was a rainbow after the storm. We no longer understood what had happened during our encounterst night.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    At night, before we went to sleep, our son sat next to us. He said he couldn¡¯t sleep, but when we talked to him, his mood calmed down, and he fell into a deep sleep.


    Lucas and I looked at each other. We left the bed for a while and talked on the veranda of our room. That night, the light given off by the round moon was still bright, and the wind felt cold on our skin.


    Lucas held my hand, with genuine concern in his eyes. He was worried that I still couldn¡¯t face Nick tomorrow, that I couldn¡¯t see the man I once considered a friend but who had ultimately destroyed me and my life.


    ¡°We can reschedule it, dear. If you can¡¯t do it yet, don¡¯t force yourself,¡± he said, and I could sense his genuine worry. I gave him a smile that said, ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°I can do it, Lucas. I can face him, dear¡­ There are so many questions I want to ask because there are still so many unanswered. I want to scold and scream so much. But even if he doesn¡¯t answer, and even if my heart doesn¡¯t find calmness, I have to be brave and face him myself, Lucas. I have to be strong.¡±


    We stood up and kissed each other. I cried a lot, releasing the pain and weight I had been carrying. The fear and everything that I felt¡­


    Tomorrow, we will confront everything at the same time. I will wake up as a brave Zara, strong despite everything we¡¯ve been through. Am I still weak?


    The next day, I woke up with the father and son sleeping next to me. I smiled in awe because it¡¯s heartwarming to wake up with your loved ones next to you. Yes, they are the reasons why I am still here, why I believe there are reasons behind all of this.


    I immediately pushed away the negative thoughts that tried to creep in. I need to focus on how I will approach this. I have to prepare myself. There¡¯s a possibility I will break down when I see him.


    There¡¯s still anger inside of me. I¡¯ve been looking at him, realizing how blind I was to the signs. Everything Antote said was about Nick, but I never noticed. I never bothered to see those dangerous omens brewing at that time.


    I just woke up from my thoughts when I noticed my handsome husband was also staring at me.


    My cheeks flushed, and my heart raced. I¡¯m getting older, yet he still has the same effect on me. I still feel like a teenager around him.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± he said in his bedroom voice, which sent shivers down my spine. He looked like a handsome man pulled from Tiktok.


    I smiled back. ¡°Good morning too,¡± I replied, unable to help my excitement. Lucas, you have a way of doing this to me.


    He kissed me carefully, not wanting to wake up our son who was sleeping between us.


    ¡°L-Lucas!¡± I whispered, feigning annoyance. ¡°I haven¡¯t brushed my teeth yet!¡± I yfully scolded.


    He winked at me like a yful yboy. ¡°You taste the best, love. Don¡¯t worry, even if I devour you now!¡± he said seductively.


    He¡¯s so hot when he¡¯s like this, but I didn¡¯t want to show that I was affected. I didn¡¯t want to add fuel to the fire. It was too early for a heated encounter, and we had other things to focus on.


    ¡°We¡¯re the only ones here; what¡¯s the rush?¡± I teased back.


    ¡°Stop it! I¡¯m tired of being teased in bed,¡± I replied, trying to look serious.


    But he looked so handsome,ughing there. I didn¡¯t actually mind, and I knew he was just being yful.


    I went straight to our bathroom to take a shower. There¡¯s no point in washing up and then showeringter. Just to be clear, when I came out of the bathroom, Lucas looked at me with a raised eyebrow as if he were teasing me.


    ¡°I wish you had joined me. What a waste of water, dear,¡± he said seductively.


    We headed out and sat together at the dining table, enjoying our meal. The atmosphere was cheerful, and the stories flowed. Who would have thought that such a wealthy family could be so down-to-earth and socialize like this? All the wives were kind and easy to get along with.


    Lucas mentioned that he had booked an appointment with Dr. Brown, his friend. He joked about how influential he was, but we both knew she was truly powerful in her own right.


    She had established herself as an independent woman, much like my friend Antote. Stephanie, being a ckwood, had a bit of a different upbringing, with a dominant brother. That was probably a bigger factor in why she became an Alpha, a female alpha, and her husband is a bit more timid but also appears to be dominant.


    We arrived at the clinic of Dr. Brown. While we were on the trip, my son, Enrique, was using his cellphone in the backseat. He seemed distant, so I took the opportunity to ask him about how he was feeling.


    ¡°How do you feel, son?¡± I asked, and Enrique stopped what he was doing, seeming exhausted and bothered.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared, Mom. I¡¯m sad because my uncle did this to me and to us. I had a nightmarest night, but I didn¡¯t wake you up. Mom, I¡¯m not okay,¡± my son honestly shared his feelings. My heart ached knowing what he had gone through.


    Enrique did not deserve such trauma. It was heartbreaking to think that my son had to experience such a traumatic event.


    I hoped Nick didn¡¯t do that to him. I hoped he had considered the child, but he had prioritized his feelings and desires over thinking about the consequences of his actions.


    Lucas looked at us from the driver¡¯s seat but remained silent, giving us space to talk.


    I held my child¡¯s hand, and he looked at me with fear in his eyes. I hugged him and kissed his forehead.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, son. You wouldn¡¯t have gone through this if only I had been more careful. I¡¯m sorry because you don¡¯t deserve this. So if you have a nightmare, please wake us up. You don¡¯t have to face it alone. We¡¯ll go to the doctor, and we¡¯ll ask for help.¡±

 CHAPTER 55

    Zara¡¯s POV


    We are heading straight to Dr. Brown¡¯s clinic. When we parked the car in the parking lot, we got out. The clinic is a three-story building. As soon as we entered, my husband immediately caught everyone¡¯s attention. Ever since I¡¯ve known him, Lucas has always been like that.


    He effortlessly captures anyone¡¯s attention. His presence is enough tomand respect and admiration at the same time. He¡¯s tall, with a perfect face, and he epitomizes the idea of a handsome man.


    I¡¯m so lucky among all the women in the world, he chose me. There¡¯s nothing particrly special about me, but he still chose me, even though I disappeared for three years like a bubble.


    I wasn¡¯t a girl with self-confidence. I could barely stand up for myself. I didn¡¯t know how to be the best, and yet I was lucky to have someone like him. He fell in love with me deeply.


    It was back in college when we met. He was like a star I couldn¡¯t reach. He was like the moon, yes, really. He was like a long shot, to think that he would choose me as his life partner.


    Lucas is not perfect. He has ws, he¡¯s human, and he makes mistakes. But what I appreciate about him is that he never lies to me. He¡¯s honest. That¡¯s why I epted that I wasn¡¯t the one for him. Because he honestly loved Giselle back then¡­ But now, the tables have turned. And this time, it¡¯s not just me who loves. We both have been struck by Cupid¡¯s arrow.


    As we walked in, my husband immediately caught the attention of everyone. He has that effect on people. He¡¯s used to it. He can make anyone¡¯s heart skip a beat. Of course, it¡¯s normal to feel irritated. But I¡¯m not going to cause a scene here. I¡¯m not that kind of person.


    But it¡¯s like I¡¯m possessed, and Lucas grabs me around my waist. He¡¯s holding me like he¡¯s protecting me. He¡¯s sending signals, telling me to trust him and focus only on him.


    After all, how can I not feel this way? We¡¯ve been through so much. We¡¯ve been tested by time, and here we are, a better version of ourselves. More trusting and stronger.


    Because trust and respect are the foundation of a rtionship. Without them, there¡¯s doubt, one might give up and leave. And without respect, you don¡¯t consider your partner¡¯s well-being.


    So I believe that people who cheat don¡¯t really respect their partners. If they don¡¯t love them, what¡¯s the point of holding on? What¡¯s the point of staying in a loveless rtionship?


    But it¡¯s not always like that, I guess. Just like me, who endured for a long time before he saw my worth in his life. I had to make him love me. And I seeded, though I almost gave up.


    We approached the female secretary of Dr. Brown. She shot a suggestive look at my husband. Of course, it¡¯s natural for me to be annoyed. But I¡¯m not going to make a scene here. That would be unprofessional. Hello! Your wife is here. I snapped at the secretary. She got annoyed, but I don¡¯t care!


    ¡°Jealous?¡± he asked, even though the answer is obvious. Of course! It¡¯s written all over my face.


    I never imagined myself being jealous, irrational, or this sensitive. I never thought I¡¯d be the possessive girl I¡¯ve read about.


    I rolled my eyes at him for teasing me. ¡°I might as well give you away, Lucas,¡± I said.


    He pouted in response.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Without warning, he stole a kiss from me. I could see the secretary ncing at us again, the one who was eyeing my husband earlier. Sorry, but the crown is mine.


    I¡¯m not usually into public disys of affection. But at this moment, I¡¯ll let Lucas be the one to do it. I¡¯m not a hypocrite-I¡¯ll admit that I¡¯m also getting thrilled. It¡¯s different when a guy flirts. I feel so valuable to him. He can easily brighten my mood without even trying.


    We went inside the doctor¡¯s office, who seems to be around Stephanie¡¯s age. She¡¯s a living goddess. She¡¯s beautiful, the kind of beauty that¡¯s enhanced by pregnancy. The kind of beauty that seems to be perpetually blooming.


    She greeted us and we talked.


    ¡°Please sit here, Mr. and Mrs. ckwood, and you, handsome guy. I¡¯ve already been informed by my friend Stephanie about the purpose of your visit. Just rest for a moment before we start the session¡­¡± She seems kind and professional.


    My son doesn¡¯t seem too nervous. He¡¯s actually quite fascinated by how beautiful the doctor is. He¡¯s growing up, and it looks like he¡¯s already developing a crush.


    We exchanged nces with Lucas, both wondering what¡¯s on each other¡¯s minds. I guess our son is reaching the right age.


    I believe that puberty is a critical stage for teenagers. This is when they be more involved in socializing and making friends. It¡¯s a time when they need guidance, the right kind of guidance.


    I was lucky to have a mother like mine. I internalized all her teachings. That I should take care of myself and not let anyone see me as less than who I am. I wasn¡¯t the most independent woman, but I was instilled with the value that no one should belittle me.


    The true winners know their worth. That¡¯s when you can say you¡¯ve won your battle without saying a word.


    Dr. Brown is nice, aside from being professional. I can see she excels in her field by how she interacts with my son and answers his questions. My child looksfortable with the doctor. The session ends quickly. Dr. Brown then talks to me in private.


    ¡°Enrique might look okay for now, but expect some nightmares and slight trauma because of that event. Being a mother is a very challenging role in a woman¡¯s life. A mother¡¯s feelings are intertwined with her child¡¯s. Their pain is shared, yours and his. There will be times when you¡¯ll see your child struggle. But my advice is not to lose heart. That¡¯s not what your child needs. She needs a strong mother right now,¡± Dr. Brown says, as if she knows what I¡¯m going through.


    She¡¯s preparing me to be stronger because I know what lies ahead won¡¯t be easy. I know that as a mother, I need to be strong for my child.


    It¡¯s clear to me that my son is doing okay with Dr. Brown. He¡¯s quiet and shy. He¡¯s only active and joyful when he¡¯s in front of a few people. Nick is one of them.


    Nick is ying the role of a father to Enrique. I can¡¯t change that. It¡¯s already a part of the system, especially for my child.


    He is a father figure, a great man that I used to know. But that has changed. Because of a love that I couldn¡¯t reciprocate, or maybe I didn¡¯t even notice it was there.


    We left and headed to the mall to take a break and enjoy ourselves. After all, we¡¯ve been through a lot. We¡¯ve suffered, and that¡¯s the truth. A little break won¡¯t hurt us.


    My husband also took a leave from work. He wanted to make this day a family day and a day of gratitude that we¡¯re all doing okay. That no one got hurt, and we¡¯re still here,plete.


    We also went to the church to pray and thank God that we¡¯re still together after all the challenges we¡¯ve faced. It wasn¡¯t easy. We almost gave up, almost lost hope, but here we are, still intact. As a family. Although I know there¡¯s something missing.


    We left our son with his brothers. They¡¯ll watch over him while we attend to our main agenda for today.


    I know that I have to see him. I need to see him and talk to him to finally get closure. To know the things I need to know. I can¡¯t find peace otherwise. I don¡¯t know if I can handle this conversation.


    But I know Lucas is by my side. He won¡¯t let me fall into my darkest thoughts. He¡¯ll be there to support me.


    All this time, I¡¯ve been weak and manipted. He made me fall into a deep slumber and erased my precious memories. But not this time.


    A part of my heart hopes that he¡¯s regretful by now. That he¡¯s repentant for everything he¡¯s done.


    We entered the waiting area where we¡¯re going to talk to Nick. Where we¡¯ll see the man who has been both my ally and my enemy.


    He¡¯s there, and we see Nick with tearful eyes. He looks tired and sleep-deprived. As soon as he saw me, he was about to run and embrace me, but he was held back. He¡¯s instructed to calm down or he¡¯ll be sent back to prison, and we won¡¯t talk to him.


    Nick sits down in front of us, his hands cuffed, and a police officer by his side. He¡¯s ring at my husband.


    ¡°Why are you here?! To show me that I¡¯m the loser?! Then fuck off! Laugh like you love to do. I don¡¯t fucking care anymore!¡± Nick¡¯s words burn like fire.


    My husband is about to respond, but I gently stop him and take the opportunity to speak.


    ¡°We¡¯re not here to fight, Nick. We¡¯re here to ask you why. I want to know why you did all of this!¡± My voice carries a mix of resentment.


    ¡°Nick, I trusted you. I trusted you so much as an older friend. NICK! You¡¯ve taken so much from me. You¡¯ve stolen from me, wasted what was mine. AND YOU¡¯RE THE ONE ANGRY?¡±


    I¡¯m stopped by Lucas, who holds me back. I just want to let this anger out all at once. Just let it all out, because no matter how much I hide it, I¡¯m truly at my limits. I¡¯m not just betrayed. It¡¯s like a knife in my back.


    ¡°I loved you, Zara. You were the only one I had,¡± he pleads. ¡°You were the only one who understood me. I can¡¯t bear losing you too.¡±


    ¡°God, Nick! You didn¡¯t love me, and you¡¯re not alone in this. You just thought you did because you blinded yourself! Now Nick, how will you repay everything you took from me? Even the child I¡¯m carrying, who doesn¡¯t even know what¡¯s happening,¡± I say, breaking into sobs.


    I don¡¯t know if I can continue this conversation.


    We¡¯re about to leave because it seems like this conversation won¡¯t lead to anything.


    ¡°I know you can¡¯t forgive me, Zara. I¡¯m not even hoping for your mercy. But please ask forgiveness from Enrique. I loved the wrong way, blindly. I¡¯m so sorry. Please go to St. Lucas Orphanage. Your daughter is there. Alive.¡±

 CHAPTER 56

    Zara¡¯s POV


    When Nick dropped that bombshell, it felt like the world turned icy. In an instant, a chill ran through my body, leaving me speechless and teary-eyed. The weight of his words pressed down on me, making it difficult to face him any longer. I feared that my emotions would betray me, causing me to say something I¡¯d regretter.


    Leaving the precinct, I could feel my strength draining away. My knees wobbled, threatening to give out beneath me. I felt utterly weak, vulnerable in the face of such overwhelming news.


    The news of my daughter¡¯s survival brought a mix of joy and guilt as a mother. I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of remorse knowing that while I slept soundly in afortable bed and had three meals a day, my child was living in an orphanage, possibly feeling unloved and abandoned.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to Lucas, our child! Please!¡± I pleaded, my heart constricting, making it hard to catch my breath.


    ¡°Honey, please, try to calm down. We¡¯ll be reunited with our son soon, won¡¯t we? Please, you can¡¯t be weak right now. He needs us, and we¡¯ll make up for the time lost,¡± my husband reassured me, reminding me that now wasn¡¯t the time to falter. I needed to find strength.


    I held on to the fact that so much was at stake, not just my son Enrique¡¯s well-being but also our quest for redemption. I reminded myself that I wasn¡¯t alone in this battle. My husband, our friends, and our families were by our side.


    I couldn¡¯t iste myself, believing that this was solely my burden to bear. We would fight together, as a united front. I had a partner, and I knew deep down that we would ovee this trial.


    I embraced Lucas, expressing my gratitude for his unwavering presence. ¡°Thank you, my love, for being here with me. Let¡¯s not give up on our child, okay?¡± I whispered, my voice filled with both vulnerability and determination.


    ¡°What are you talking about? Who said anything about giving up? You are my family, and I am your husband and the father of our child. I will never abandon you. Have faith in me,¡± he dered.


    I realized then that I wasn¡¯t alone in this fight.


    Rather than rushing home, we decided to take a moment to collect ourselves. I needed a breather. Exhausted doesn¡¯t even begin to describe how I felt. It was as if every fiber of my being was drained. I had to process the enormity of the situation, for my mind was a thorny maze.


    The day after next, we set out. My husband had contacted the orphanage, and the news that our child was there brought a sense of relief, as if a thorn had been extracted from my chest.


    Yet, a wave of weakness washed over me when I discovered that my son was born blind. Perhaps it was a consequence of the ident I had during my pregnancy, a guilt that gnawed at my conscience.


    That night, tears flowed endlessly. I cried until my eyes felt heavy and my breathing became strained. The thought of St. Lucas Orphanage, my son¡¯s limited vision, and my own struggles consumed me.


    Growing up without a father, I understood the pain of feeling alone, of something missing in one¡¯s life. I had vowed that if I ever had a child, especially a daughter, I would provide her with aplete family-a mother, a father, and an older brother.


    The idea of my daughter growing up in an orphanage was unbearable. I couldn¡¯t bear the thought of her believing she was unloved, unable to see us or the world because of my own actions.


    In these moments, my conscience weighed heavily upon me, causing an overwhelming amount of guilt and self-doubt.


    Instead of finding fault in everyone, I resolved to focus on tomorrow. It wasn¡¯t toote; a new day would dawn, and I would be reunited with my son, Blessing. I made a promise to myself that we would create a loving family,pensating for all the lost years.


    Thursday arrived, and we embarked on a long van journey, apanied by my husband, Enrique, and a driver. The orphanage was located far away, in the countryside, and the estimated five-hour trip felt like an eternity-the longest I had ever experienced.


    There was a mutual longing among us all, a yearning that transcended words. As we held hands in the van, I asked my husband, ¡°What¡¯s the first thing you¡¯ll do when you see our daughter, dear?¡±


    He smiled and replied, ¡°I might not be able to do it right away. But I imagine our daughter, as beautiful as her mother and as courageous as her father. I will embrace her and make her feel our presence-yours, mine, and Enrique¡¯s.¡± Even Enrique beamed with joy, excited at the thought of having a little sister.


    ¡°Do you remember how my pregnancy was meant to be a surprise at our wedding? The gender reveal was supposed to be through the wedding cake. Life had different ns,¡± I shared, my voice wavering.


    He reached for my hand, his touch providing sce. I gradually calmed down, although my excitement remained palpable.


    After a long and tiring journey, we finally arrived at a quaint town in the countryside, right next to the orphanage. The nuns, including the superior, were waiting for us, ready to meet and guide us through the process.


    ¡°Good day to you¡­ I understand your eagerness to meet the child, but I would like to invite you to my office first. The children are still having their meals,¡± Sister Melissa greeted us warmly.


    Both Lucas and I agreed, and as our son happily yed with the other children, our driver kept a watchful eye on them.


    We walked through the orphanage, passing numerous rooms with simple wooden doors, until we reached Sister Melissa¡¯s office. It was a serene space, painted in pristine white.


    ¡°Please, have a seat while I fetch them,¡± Sister Melissa offered kindly, leaving us to wait with anticipation.


    Momentster, she returned with a collection of stories and a beautifully bound book.


    As we opened the book, we were greeted with a series of pictures showcasing our son¡¯s journey. From his earliest days as a baby to his growth throughout the years. The overwhelming joy in my heart brought tears streaming down my face. I longed to have witnessed every moment of Blessing¡¯s growth, shedding tears of happiness along the way.


    ¡°On the first week of December, a kind woman brought this child to Mr. and Mrs. ckwood, five days after her birth. In exchange for generous donations, they decided to adopt the child and requested to bring him here for some undisclosed reason,¡± Sister Melissa shared, capturing our immediate attention.


    ¡°My child was born on November 30,¡± I interjected, pained by the realization that, even after his birth, we remained in the dark about his existence.


    Sister Melissa nodded, her expression filled with empathy. ¡°This child has grown up in our care, his journey marked by silence and darkness due to his blindness. There is a void in his heart that needs to be filled. Everyone in our orphanage is like an angel, victimized by an unjust world. I am relieved to see that this little one still has a mother and a father. We named her Ava.¡±


    I gently caressed the pictures of my daughter, knowing without a doubt that he was mine. His features resembled mine, with hints of his father, Lucas, in his nose and eyes.


    ¡°Can we see her, Sister? We are overflowing with excitement,¡± I eagerly asked, taking a leap of faith. Sister Melissa nodded, giving us her blessing.


    ¡°Alright,e along, and I shall be your guide,¡± she graciously offered.


    My husband tightly held my hand, our eyes meeting with unspoken love and anticipation.


    Together, we walked towards the back of the orphanage, where children happily yed, except for one, who sat alone, lost in his thoughts. My heart ached, desperate to bridge the gap between my son and me, to hold him and let him feel the presence of his mama.


    Seated on a bench, our daughter appeared small, with a frail frame and a paleplexion, his face seemingly expressionless. Overwhelmed, I felt as though a weight pressed upon me, urging me to rush towards her.


    Approaching slowly, Lucas and I stood in front of our child. Her face was remarkably beautiful, resembling that of a delicate doll. Tears welled up in my eyes, unable to contain the immense happiness flooding my being. God had answered my prayers, bringing him here to us.


    ¡°Hello, who are they?¡± our child asked calmly, his gentle tone causing a lump to form in my throat.


    Nervously, I struggled to find the courage to speak.


    ¡°Are you sad?¡± I managed to ask, though I wasn¡¯t even sure why.


    A hint of sadness flickered in our daughter¡¯s eyes. ¡°I have grown ustomed to it¡­¡±


    That¡¯s when the floodgates opened, and I couldn¡¯t resist embracing her. Lucas joined me in holding our daughter, tears mingling with overwhelming emotions.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Are you here to adopt me?¡± she questioned. ¡°But I¡¯m blind. You might regret it,¡± she added, her words squeezing my heart.


    ¡°Never, my dear. You have a mother now. We are deeply sorry for the time we¡¯ve been apart, but we¡¯re here now. We love you so much. We¡¯re sorry we werete,¡± I whispered, my voice choked with emotion.

 CHAPTER 57

    Zara¡¯s POV


    That very day, we joyfully brought our daughter out of the orphanage, relieved to discover that she harbored no resentment. She expressed his happiness at having her wish fulfilled and being reunited with us.


    The overwhelming joy I felt was impossible to contain. Lucas, Enrique, and I had a delightful time together, showering our daughter with love and affection. Enrique, being the older brother, embraced him warmly, forming an instant bond.


    As we sat in the van, she curiously asked, ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    It waste, and darkness had enveloped the surroundings. But we were nearing our grand mansion.


    The anticipation among everyone to meet our son, the long-lost member of the ckwood family, was palpable. Gratitude filled the hearts of our rtives, thankful that we had finally found our daughter, our missing piece. It was as if a void in my heart had been miraculously filled. Lucas and I couldn¡¯t help but smile, radiating pure joy.


    ¡°We¡¯re going home, sweetie. To our grand house¡­¡± Lucas replied, sitting beside him, while Enrique embraced me, hugging me tightly.


    ¡°Really? We¡¯ll all sleep next to each other? Yay! I¡¯ll be beside Mom, Dad, and Brother!¡± she eximed, his voice brimming with joy.


    We all chuckled in unison, sharing her excitement.


    ¡°If that¡¯s what you want, little one,¡± Enrique replied.


    It filled me with immense pride and a sense of warmth, as if my heart was being caressed by overwhelming happiness.


    ¡°What does our house look like, Mom? Dad? Even if it¡¯s simple, as long as we¡¯re all together,¡± she asked.


    I was grateful to see that our child had grown content with what she had. However, we also wanted to provide her with everything he deserved.


    ¡°Our house is grand, son. But first, we¡¯ll go to your grandparents¡¯ house. Your cousins, grandparents, and extended family are eagerly waiting to see you!¡± I assured her enthusiastically.


    A hint of sadness crept into our son¡¯s smile. ¡°I wish I could see, you know? I wish I could see the faces of my father, mother, and older brother. Even though my world is always dark, I know I¡¯m not alone. Thank you so much! Thank you for bringing me back. I thought you didn¡¯t want me anymore, so you gave me away,¡± she expressed with gratitude.


    Her words pierced our hearts, reminding us of the depth of his emotions. I couldn¡¯t bear the thought.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that, my child. Your disability is never a reason for us not to love you. We would never want to part with you if not for circumstances beyond our control. And Mom and Dad promise to do everything possible to give you the best. Okay?¡±


    ¡°Really? Thank you so much! I love you all!¡± she eximed, and we showered her with kisses on his forehead.


    ¡°We love you too, little one!¡±


    Soon enough, we arrived at the grand mansion, where our grandparents eagerly greeted us, brimming with excitement to meet their beloved granddaughter. She radiated pure happiness, relishing in the love that surrounded him.


    The entire family celebrated that night, rejoicing in the miracle of her return. We also began preparations for a grand party next week to honor Bless, as it truly felt like a miracle to have him back in our lives. We wanted tomemorate this joyous asion.


    ¡°How do you feel now that you have a little sister, son?¡± I asked, curious about his thoughts on the matter.


    ¡°I¡¯m thrilled, Mom. Didn¡¯t I tell you before? I¡¯m so happy that we finally get to meet her. I¡¯ll be a protective brother to her,¡± my son replied, his enthusiasm shining through.


    I couldn¡¯t help but feel immense pride. It amazed me how my young child had such a capacity for understanding andpassion.


    ¡°Son, I want you to understand something important. Your sister is a bit different, and she requires special attention. Are you okay with that? I don¡¯t want you to feel jealous or resentful. You and your dad will always be our first treasures, and we love you just as much as your sister, even though you¡¯re younger. Can you promise not to be jealous?¡± I exined, making sure he understood.


    ¡°Mom, I already know that. I won¡¯t be jealous or hold a grudge. I understand the situation. As the older brother, it¡¯s my duty to take care of Bless. I promise,¡± he reassured me, and my heart swelled with love and pride.


    ¡°That¡¯s our boy,¡± I beamed with delight.


    The following day, we went to the mall as a family to meet with our extended family. We nned to shop for our daughter¡¯s essentials while also taking Bless for a checkup. It turned out that our daughter was malnourished and needed to gain weight before her potential eye surgery.


    Lucas and I were determined to ensure that our son¡¯s life didn¡¯t lose its vibrancy forever. We wanted to show her the beauty of the world and do everything in our power to ensure our daughter¡¯s happiness.


    After the doctor¡¯s appointment, we headed to the mall and purchased a multitude of items, arranging for the mall to have them delivered. As we strolled through the mall, I caught sight of a familiar face I hadn¡¯t seen in years.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Antote!¡± I called out, filled with excitement.


    It had been such a long time since west met, around four or three years ago.


    ¡°Zara! I finally caught you! We have so much to catch up on. Oh, is that Enrique? My, he¡¯s grown into a young man, hasn¡¯t he? And who is this beautiful youngdy here?¡± Antote eximed, appearing to be alone.


    ¡°Hello, my name is Bless,¡± she introduced himself.


    ¡°Bless you, godmother,¡± Enrique said.


    ¡°Bless you, my dear. Lucas, may I borrow your wife for a little while?¡± Antote requested, ncing at my husband.


    He let out a sigh.


    ¡°Of course, but please make it just an hour. The children need their rest too,¡± Lucas agreed, disying his understanding nature.


    I felt grateful to have such a supportive and understanding husband.

 CHAPTER 58

    Zara¡¯s POV


    Lucas took our kids to Toms¡¯ World first, while Antote and I decided to find a nearby coffee shop. We stumbled upon a delightful little spot with chocte brown walls, cozy tables, and friendly customer service. The aroma of the ce was enchanting, a harmonious blend of bitter and sweet chocte scents.


    As we settled in, we both ordered our preferred coffees. I chose a rich and indulgent dark chocte brew, while Antote opted for a creamytte. To apany our drinks, we treated ourselves to a slice of mouthwatering blueberry cheesecake. Thebination felt wonderfully nostalgic, evoking cherished memories.


    Lost in the moment, I couldn¡¯t help but reflect and yearn for what once was.


    ¡°What do you miss, Antote? If only we could turn back time,¡± I mused, casting a wistful gaze at my ring finger.


    She responded with a tinge of sadness in her eyes, ¡°It¡¯s heartbreaking to think how everything unfolded. It feels more tragic than the tale of Romeo and Juliet. If only I had known sooner¡­ If only we had the chance to correct it all.¡±


    Regret filled my voice as I pondered the possibilities. If only I had known earlier, perhaps I could have rejected Nick properly, allowing him to find someone else. Antote let out a heavy sigh, taking a sip of her coffee before settling down to talk.


    ¡°On the other hand, Zara, I must admit it¡¯s partly my fault too. I knew that Nick had feelings for you since our college days, but I didn¡¯t intervene because I enjoyed his pursuit. That¡¯s why, during our college years, I tried to ship both of you¡­ Your grandfather was quite the matchmaker.¡±


    I interjected, contemting the undeniable truth that some things, no matter how we fight against them, simply aren¡¯t meant to be.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like we were destined to be together, Antote. There are circumstances that we can¡¯t change, no matter how hard we try. If something else is meant for us, we cannot escape it.¡±


    At the end of the day, destiny is merely another way of referring to our path-the choices that lead to our happiness orck thereof. It bes a matter of weighing the opportunity cost and seeking our own happiness.


    Antote admitted, ¡°I stopped shipping the two of you because, first and foremost, you were already married. I hoped that Nick would give up and move on! But who could have predicted that blind love would drive him to such lengths?¡±


    The fact was undeniable, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel a mix of sympathy and lingering anger towards Nick.


    ¡°There is still a scar in my heart, Antote. It¡¯s not easy to forgive the weight of his transgressions, both for me and for us. It will take time to heal those wounds. Forgiveness is not something that can be rushed,¡± I confessed, acknowledging the profound impact his actions had on us.


    The wounds he inflicted cannot be easily mended.


    ¡°I agree, Zara. Forgiveness is aplex process, and as mere humans, we have the right to take our time. Life isn¡¯t easy, and forgiveness even less so. I can¡¯t say for certain how I would handle such a situation,¡± Antote sighed, recognizing the immense challenge that forgiveness poses.


    ¡°That¡¯s why, as soon as I discovered everything, I did my best to return to the ybourne. I had been working in Italy for two years on a business contract and expansion. I never suspected that the letter we received wasn¡¯t yours. In that note, you had clearly expressed your unwillingness to marry. I overlooked the fact that Nick could mimic your handwriting. All the signs and answers were right in front of us, yet we failed to notice,¡± Imented, realizing how oblivious we had been.


    ¡°This serves as a lesson for both of us, Antote. A scar that will remain etched in our minds for a long time. Nick has taught me a valuable lesson-that trust can be tarnished and love has the power to build or destroy someone. Love isn¡¯t always about beauty. It carries the weight of doubt,¡± I said, picking up my phone as I noticed my husband looking for me.


    Our children were tired and in need of a nap.


    ¡°Let¡¯s pray that someday Nick will change. That was the conversation Antote and I had,¡± I shared, hoping for a positive transformation in Nick¡¯s character.


    I informed her about my daughter Bless¡¯ uing wee party, which would take ce the following week. Thankfully, her schedule remained clear, and she would bring her son, who was only one year younger than Lucas, to join in the celebration.


    Reluctantly, we said our goodbyes, exchanging contact information once again. We parted ways, with a lingering feeling of missing each other. True friendships are meant tost, even if we don¡¯t see each other frequently.


    I made my way to the parking lot, where my husband was already waiting. Our two sons were asleep inside the van, exhausted from their day of y. They had a fantastic time, and I was grateful for that.


    In my own childhood, I had limited opportunities for y, as there was no one to watch over me. My grandfather was busy as a captain, and my mother, a school principal, carried many responsibilities at the time. I had to behave within the confines of our home.


    Now, I yearned to provide my children with a life filled with experiences I never had. It wasn¡¯t because my own childhood wascking, but because I wanted them to encounter the joys I had missed.


    As we sat inside the van, Lucas and I held hands, content with the blessings we had. I felt incredibly fortunate to have him by my side. Our journey together had been long and arduous, but we knew there would be more moments of both joy and pain.


    Three dayster, we visited my mom and grandpa¡¯s house. Mom was brimming with excitement and joy, adoring our youngest Bless. She couldn¡¯t help but mention how much he resembled me as a child, in terms of cuteness. Meanwhile, Grandpa had enlisted the help of our eldest, Enrique, in tending to the small urban garden at the back of the house.


    ¡°My grandson found this adorable. Let¡¯s go and have some cookies. Just give me a moment, and I¡¯ll fetch the muffins from the kitchen before I take my handsome grandson and his grandfather to the backyard. I¡¯ll leave you two here in the living room,¡± Mom said, leaving us momentarily.


    My son joyfully devours the cookies I hand him, his eyes sparkling with delight. Lucas, my husband, is currently at work, shouldering the immense responsibilities thate with being the CEO of ourpany. Despite his busy schedule, he always remains a devoted family man.


    One of the things I admire most about Lucas is his ability to separate his personal problems from his work life. It¡¯s a quality that not everyone possesses, as many struggle to leave their worries behind when they step into their workce or school. But Lucas has mastered the art ofpartmentalization, and that¡¯s something I truly love about him.


    ¡°Mom, do I really look like you?¡±


    Soon enough, my blessed little boy will grow into a fine young man. And by chance, he has inherited the Adams¡¯ striking features, which draw attention whenever we step outside our house. My son is truly a sight to behold.


    The ckwoods, our family, are a breed apart. There¡¯s a certain aura that surrounds us, an inexplicable radiance that apanies our presence. And my youngest child, with her captivating charm, is living proof of that.


    Even her older brother, Enrique, possesses a charisma that captivates hearts. They truly are a pair to be reckoned with, and sometimes I can¡¯t help but feel sorry for the souls who will inevitably fall under their spell.


    When Bless transitions into womanhood, I suspect that this overprotective nature will persist, with both his dad and brother keeping a watchful eye. They can be possessive at times, but it¡¯s their way of showing love and concern. Truth be told, even I can¡¯t help but be a bit overbearing with them. It¡¯s just part of our nature as a family.


    There are many qualities that my eldest can inherit from his father, and one of them is undoubtedly being a remarkable parent. It¡¯s fascinating how certain traits are passed down through generations, shaping the way we navigate parenthood. It¡¯s a beautiful connection that binds us together.


    ¡°Yes, my child, you are incredibly beautiful and adorable. Your fairplexion, your button nose, your lovely face¡­¡± I express my adoration, unable to contain my affection for my youngest son, Lucas.


    ¡°Really, Mom? I hope I can see all those things too. I want to see the colors of flowers, rainbows, dogs, and even my brother¡¯s drawings. I hope darkness doesn¡¯t overshadow everything,¡± my daughter replies, his innocent hope shining through her words.


    It breaks my heart to know that he yearns for something he hasn¡¯t experienced fully.


    Indeed, it¡¯s heart-wrenching to think that my daughter has to endure such hardships. She should be shielded from the difficulties and trials that should be ours alone. If it were possible, I would willingly give my eyes to her, just so she can see the world in all its beauty.


    As a mother, it pains me to see Bless like this. Her smile holds a glimmer of happiness, but deep down, I know that something is missing. There¡¯s an underlying sadness that lurks beneath her daily existence. It¡¯s a darkness that casts its shadow upon her.


    ¡°Let it be, my child. The day wille when you will see everything, I promise. Just trust Mom and Dad. We will find a way for you to see the world again, my love. That¡¯s my unwavering promise to you, our little princess.¡±


    I reassure hew, vowing to do everything in my power to make it happen. We will leave no stone unturned to restore her vision.


    We are still in search of donors, hoping to procure the right pair of eyes. And while we wait for Bless to recover from her recent eye surgery, she remains a bit frail due to malnourishment.


    To ensure the well-being of both Bless and Enrique, we have enlisted the help of our own pediatrician. Regr check-ups and monitoring their health has be our top priority.


    ¡°Thank you, Mom. I love you!¡± she exims, nting a sweet kiss on my cheek. I offer my cheek, making it easier for him to reach. Our youngest is overflowing with affection.


    ¡°Mom loves you too, my dear. Alright, let¡¯s pause with the cookies for now and have lunchter, alright?¡± I suggest as we move to the table.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Mom. These dolls are just for me to y with,¡± she assures me, referring to the gifts from his uncles and aunts.


    I expect they will spoil him, especially since she¡¯s currently the youngest among the cousins.


    We thoroughly enjoy the meal that Mom and I have prepared. I cook the savory stewed bee. Our appetites are satisfied, and I can¡¯t help but take pictures of our culinary creations, intending to send them to Lucas. I wonder if my husband has had his lunch yet?


    While we¡¯re savoring our meal, my phone suddenly vibrates. It¡¯s Lucas, and I quickly answer, eager to hear his voice.


    ¡°Who¡¯s this? You must have the wrong number,¡± I yfully tease on the other end of the line, a mischievous grin forming on my face. I can hear him chuckling, hisughter music to my ears.


    ¡°Is that so? Can I still flirt with you?¡± he responds, fully embracing the yful banter. It brings a smile to my face. Sometimes, I feel like a teenager again, unaware of the passing years.


    ¡°Oh no, dear brother, I¡¯m already taken. I¡¯m loyal to my husband,¡± I dere, adding a hint of regret in my voice. I decide to y along and tease him further.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t I have what your husband has?¡± he counters, his wordsced with humor.


    He then requests a video call.


    Am I in heaven? Is this where I can finallyy eyes upon an angel? My husband, with his striking handsomeness, appears before me. He¡¯s a temptation that¡¯s hard to resist, a sin I willingly sumb to.


    ¡°My husband is not only my partner in life but also my beloved brother. He possesses both wealth and irresistible charm that attracts attention wherever he goes. Yet, despite the attention he receives from others, his heart remains devoted to me. However, it was not without its challenges when I discovered his past as a womanizer. The strength of our rtionship was put to the test.¡±


    I yfully taunted him, observing his reaction as he closed his eyes, perhaps feeling a pang of guilt. ¡°Oh, dear, it stings a little, doesn¡¯t it?¡± I couldn¡¯t help butugh, a mixture of jest and genuine affection.


    Concerned about his well-being, I quickly shifted the conversation, asking about his day. ¡°Did you have a break, my dear? Are you finished with work? Have you had lunch yet?¡± I bombarded him with questions, eager to hear about his schedule and ensure he was taking care of himself.


    He replied with a hint of drowsiness, indicating his fatigue. ¡°We have a meetingter, my love, with board members and investors. After that, I¡¯ll finally have lunch. But all I want right now is to be with you. I miss you dearly, my love. You and our children mean everything to me.¡±


    I suggested that he should rest as well, expressing my concern for his well-being. ¡°You deserve some rest too, my dear. Take care of yourself.¡±


    Lucas, my husband, acknowledged my words and reaffirmed hismitment to our family. ¡°Yes, my love, I understand. I am working tirelessly to provide afortable life for you and our child. It¡¯s not just a sense of duty; it¡¯s because I genuinely want it. I love you, Zara Dfontaine ckwood. I promise to work harder, remain loyal, stay faithful, and be by your side until ourst breath. My love for you knows no bounds.¡± The depth of his love never fails to fill me with excitement and joy.


    Who wouldn¡¯t be thrilled to have a spouse as sweet as sugar? His stunning appearance and the grace he carries are truly blessings from above.


    It¡¯s important to acknowledge that my husband is not perfect, but that¡¯s something I can proudly proim. Our journey began with difficulties, but our love triumphed in the end.


    Fate dealt us a challenging hand, but as the elders say, what is meant to be will always find a way. There are no doubts or uncertainties in our love story.


    ¡°Save those beautiful vows for our wedding, Mr. Lucas ckwood. I want to hear even more enchanting words from you at the altar,¡± I yfully teased, eagerly anticipating our future nuptials.


    We find ourselves in our room, watching Blessyb her hair at my makeup table. She looks like an angel in his adorable dress, adorned with butterfly pins on her head.


    ¡°Mom, am I beautiful?¡± she innocently asks, and I can¡¯t help but smile at her words.


    ¡°Of course, my child. You are the most beautiful girl I have ever known. Tonight, you resemble a princess,¡± I respond, my smile filled with love and pride.


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m scared. I¡¯m afraid that my father, grandparents, uncles, and aunts will be disappointed because I am visually impaired. Can I skip the event, Mom? Please?¡±


    ¡°Why do you think that way, my dear? You are never a disappointment to us. You are a blessing for which we are endlessly grateful. We love you, and don¡¯t ever believe that you are defined solely by your visual impairment. To us, you are a treasure cherished by your parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and even your cousin,¡± I assure her.


    Our little princess sheds tears of both sadness and happiness, yet manages to smile through them. Afterforting her, we finally step out of the room and head to the mansion where the grand party awaits.


    The celebration is set to take ce in a vastndscape garden, attracting famous individuals including prominent business tycoons, politicians, investors,petitors, and entertainers from the industry. The magnitude of the event is truly remarkable.


    My husband promptly assists me, ensuring our son, Enrique, is settled. Enrique, dressed in a smart ck suit with perfectly styled hair, clings onto the rose given to him by his brother. They both look absolutely adorable.


    Meanwhile, my husband exudes charisma in his ck and red suit, while I grace the asion in a stunning white and blue gown. The preparations for such a grand event werepleted in a remarkably short span of time.


    ¡°My wife looks absolutely perfect tonight,¡± my husband remarks, taking my hand and bestowing a princely kiss upon it. I can¡¯t deny that his words send shivers of excitement down my spine.


    ¡°You are equally handsome, my love,¡± I respond sincerely, and with that, we are led to our designated table. The event begins shortly after, promising an evening of elegance and celebration.


    The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as my mother took the stage, microphone in hand, ready to address the audience. The crowd grew silent, eager to hear her words.


    ¡°This evening is a moment of celebration and gratitude as we reunite with my long-lost daughter-inw and granddaughter. Tonight, I want to proudly introduce my granddaughter to the world. Please join us on stage,¡± my mother dered, her voice filled with warmth and joy.


    As we imitated Bless, stepping onto the stage, thunderous apuse erupted throughout the venue, acknowledging the significance of this heartfelt reunion.


    The entire celebration unfolded wlessly. Lucas found himself engrossed in conversations with investors and fellow businessmen. In the meantime, my grandparents lovingly tended to their grandchildren, showering them with affection and care. Their love for their grandchildren knew no bounds.


    Antote and her husband, Fin, also graced us with their presence, apanied by their son, Angel. A grand reunion, indeed. After dinner, the guests were treated to a stunning fireworks disy, illuminating the night sky with vibrant colors.


    As the celebration came to a close, Lucas and I stood beneath the starry sky, hand in hand. We both took a deep breath, savoring the moment.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Lucas, do you believe in destiny?¡± I asked him suddenly, breaking the silence.


    He turned to look at me, his eyes filled with sincerity. ¡°I do. Destiny brought us together, Zara. Our journey may have been challenging, but I believe it was meant to be. I wouldn¡¯t change a thing, for every moment led me to you, and I¡¯m grateful for that.¡±


    His words struck a chord deep within me, and I couldn¡¯t help but lean in to kiss him. Our lips met in a tender embrace, conveying more than words ever could.

 CHAPTER 59

    Zara¡¯s POV


    I don¡¯t know if this is just me, okay? A woman¡¯s intuition is really something else when it kicks in and I wasn¡¯t wrong when I saw that shameless woman. The daughter of our local mayor, who¡¯s clinging to my husband as if her life depended on it, and now she even dared to kiss my husband.


    Girl, if only you knew how much that hurt in my chest. It felt like I was punched with anger and jealousy in my heart. I remained calm, just observing the situation.


    ¡°What the fuck, Wendy!¡± my husband eximed angrily, wiping his lips.


    They haven¡¯t noticed me watching them yet. Wendy, that¡¯s the name of this shameless woman! Damn!


    ¡°Lucas, I¡¯ve loved you since then! LUCAS, I¡¯M WILLING TO BE YOUR SIDE CHICK! JUST SPARE ME SOME TIME. I¡¯M WILLING TO ACT LIKE A FOOL.¡±


    ¡°I love my wife. And it never crossed my mind to trade her for someone like you! Maybe you have no self-respect, Wendy. Respect my marriage to my wife,¡± Lucas said.


    But the thing is, this shameless woman was about to kiss my husband again when I approached.


    ¡°You wicked witch. I¡¯ll tear your lips apart and feed them to the dogs! Just try me.¡±


    Wendy was scared and left. Then, Lucas and I returned to the party. Later that night, I am genuinely amused by Lucas. He is so loyal in nature. I wouldn¡¯t wait for my husband to feel down. I¡¯m going to prank him a little. That¡¯s my n.


    ¡°Darling, you know it¡¯s only you, right? You¡¯re the only one I¡¯ll love. You know that girl is just trying to lure me into that. But it¡¯s only you. I won¡¯t look at anyone else. Did I brush my teeth, dear? There¡¯s no trace of that woman on me anymore¡­¡± he pleaded.


    We¡¯re in the bedroom. We have separate rooms for the kids, so I can freely act and put on a show. My heart is starting to soften a bit. I can¡¯t really control my emotions when it¡¯s about Lucas ckwood. I can¡¯t resist his charm. That puppy face look is to die for. It¡¯s like I¡¯m always the bad one in our rtionship.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just stay with Wendy? Weren¡¯t you Peter Pan in her life? Maybe you two should go live in Nevend together. I won¡¯t be angry. I¡¯ll even pack your things for you,¡± I told him, pretending to be angry.


    You know, he looked so lost in his own world at that moment. He looked defeated, shoulders slumped, and a hint of disbelief on his face.


    He walked away from me. I¡¯m on the bed, having just finished taking a shower, while he¡¯s half-naked, his Adonis-like body on full disy.


    It seems like he¡¯s picking up his phone and about to make a call. From being gentle and meek, like a sheep or a puppy just scolded, he suddenly changed and his brows furrowed as he called someone I don¡¯t know.


    ¡°Hello, Fred. I want you to LISTEN to me very well. I want Mayor Allegro and his business to go down. I want his business to copse as soon as possible and for him to lose his position.¡± When he said that, I became truly rmed.


    I approached him and snatched the phone from him. ¡°Hello, don¡¯t worry about your boss, okay? He¡¯s just not in the mood. Okay, good night!¡± I ended the call and my husband looked at me with a furrowed brow.


    ¡°My god, Lucas. Can¡¯t I y a prank on you?¡± I asked him. He still looks dead serious.


    ¡°I¡¯m not making fun of you, Zara. I am so serious about you that I can¡¯t take you lightly. I¡¯m serious about you, Zara. I don¡¯t want you to ever feel like my love and respect for you is any less. I love you so much that I¡¯m afraid you might wake up one day and not love me anymore. I don¡¯t want to give you any reason to leave me. Because I won¡¯t be able to handle that again,¡± he said while embracing me. I hadn¡¯t even realized he had wrapped his arms around me. I feel so safe. I feel so loved.


    ¡°I love you so much, Lucas. And you know that, from the very beginning¡­ Why would I let go of someone I thought I could only admire from afar? The man I thought was out of reach before he started loving me? The man who never left my thoughts. Lucas, you are my reason for living. Forever.¡±


    Our lips finally meet. Our bodies may be tired, but we draw strength from each other.


    With fiery passion in his kisses, his intense desire, and his gentle touch, I¡¯m transported to heaven.


    And we ended up exchanging our love throughout the night. The warmth of our bodies and our fiery emotions igniting.


    In the morning, I woke upte. I¡¯m so sore down there. I don¡¯t know why I can¡¯t get used to Lucas¡¯s size. He¡¯s huge and very thick, and every time we¡¯re intimate, it feels like the first time.


    He can be gentle and very rough, depending on the intensity of our connection. He is my best experience.


    As I thought about all of this, in the midst of the new morning, I felt a bit embarrassed for being so naughty again. Get a grip, Zara! Stop having such lewd thoughts so early in the morning.


    I got dressed. Surely, while I was asleep, Lucas dressed me. He even cleaned me up, as I wasn¡¯t sticky anymore, if you know what I mean.


    Zara, control yourself! You¡¯re not like this.


    I was surprised when the door opened, and there was my husband with our two kids.


    He was holding a tray with breakfast. Our breakfast in bed is always perfect. My husband is so sweet and genuinely kind. How can I not feel excited to wake up to a day like this?Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Breakfast in bed, my love. Sorry if I overdid it again. Let¡¯s eat, and here¡¯s a painkiller for you. I love you, and thank you forst night¡­¡± my husband said.


    Our eldest asked curiously, ¡°What were you doingst night?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an adult thing, honey. Someday, you¡¯ll learn about it too,¡± I told our child.


    I¡¯m not embarrassed to talk about those things. But my child is still so young. Maybe we should talk about it when he¡¯s a bit older and bes curious.


    For some reason, religion might y a part in it. Talking about sex feels like going against God. People here can be so hypocritical.


    We all know that sex is one of the basic needs of humans. It¡¯s a physical need, and we need it in our lives.


    A weekter, we suddenly decided to go on a vacation to Lucas¡¯s hometown. Yes, they also own a hacienda. I can¡¯t even fathom how wealthy they are. Owningpanies,nd, and other valuable properties make them incredibly strong.


    We were on our way when our kids mentioned they were hungry. So, I served them our ready-to-eat Bento. Before leaving, I prepared our meals.


    ¡°This is delicious, Mom! Your cooking is truly the best¡­¡± our youngest said, and I smiled. I took my handkerchief from my pocket and wiped a smudge off the corner of our child¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Our princess is buttering us up again. Go ahead and eat, sweetie. Keep eating, or you¡¯ll end up with no substance,¡± I teased, unable to suppress myughter.


    ¡°That¡¯s true, Mom. Your chicken curry and sushi are the best,¡± our eldest said, eating heartily.


    ¡°Alright, go on and eat, my dear. Here¡¯s some water, too, in case you choke.¡±


    I nced at my husband, who was looking at his iPad. He¡¯s been busy with worktely. Their business is expanding.


    ¡°Darling, are you busy?¡± I asked my husband.


    ¡°Just a moment, dear. Sorry, I¡¯m a bit stressed,¡± he said. He looked pitiful, and he seemed tired.


    ¡°Come on, honey. Don¡¯t mind that. Take a break as well,¡± I said. He pecked me with a kiss and returned to his work.


    Actually, I insisted that we postpone all of this. I¡¯ve noticed he¡¯s been busy with work for weeks. I don¡¯t really know why. It¡¯s difficult to ask.


    Our trip went smoothly. But I could tell Lucas was unusually distant. Sometimes he¡¯s just angry. We¡¯ve been arguing during our vacation.


    I just don¡¯t understand him anymore! I want to understand him, but he¡¯s bing frustrating!

 CHAPTER 60

    Zara¡¯s POV


    The night weighed heavily upon us as we slept, carrying with it unresolved grievances. No greetings were exchanged, no apologies offered, and our stubbornness held us captive. The emotional distance between Lucas and me mirrored the separation of our children into separate rooms.


    The air grew cold, and doubts crept into my heart, leaving me feeling insecure and unimportant in his eyes. The warmth of our marriage seemed to wane, and tears streamed down my face throughout the night, burdened by the fear that his love for me had vanished.


    How had wee to this? I believed Lucas and I were destined to endure together until the very end. Yet here we were, estranged and adrift. His heart had seemingly changed with rming swiftness, and I questioned why. Was it just me? Why had he distanced himself so abruptly?


    The weight of my emotions consumed me, and tears flowed ceaselessly. I cried out all the pain and anguish burdening my heart, emptying myself of the sorrow that seemed endless. If this was a test, I longed for its conclusion.


    As the morning sun broke through, a sense of emptiness enveloped me. Neither my son nor my husband was by my side, but instead, a letter awaited me-a letter that would shake me to my core.


    ¡°Sorry, Zara¡­¡±


    At that moment, an icy chill ran down my spine, and disbelief clouded my mind. I rose from my bed, feeling like a mere shell of myself, a hollow vessel lost in a whirlwind of emotions. Scandalous thoughts raced through my mind as I wandered aimlessly in the vi, unnoticed by all.


    I tried to reach out to Lucas through messages, only to discover that he had blocked me. If his love for me had truly waned, if we were no longer okay, then I hoped he wouldn¡¯t let our son bear the weight of his regrets. I couldn¡¯t bear the thought.


    As I prepared to leave the house and step into the waiting car, a mysterious figure covered my nose, and darkness engulfed me as I sumbed to a deep slumber. It was an act of sabotage, a sinister plot against me, leading me into an eternal sleep.


    When I awoke, the afternoon sun bathed me in its warm glow. I found myself in a jungle behind the hacienda, lying on a bed of dried leaves and flowers. The melodic sound of a piano danced through the air, transporting me to a realm of unparalleled beauty. It felt like paradise, a blissful escape surpassing even the enchantment of Be and Edward¡¯s wedding in the twilight.


    d in an exquisite wedding gown, I felt an unexpected surge of energy. Everything seemed to have been prepared with meticulous care, yet I struggled to grasp the reality of the situation. The earlier sadness, pain, and anger that had consumed me were reced by an indescribable joy-a joy that defied words. It seemed like a trick straight out of a fairytale, awakening to find myself on the verge of marriage.


    So all along, everything had been a carefully orchestrated n. Lucas, in his enigmatic way, had orchestrated these fights and conflicts, all leading up to our forest wedding. Damn you, Lucas! I had doubted his love, foolishly believing that it had waned. I chastised myself for such shallow thinking, for failing to appreciate the depths of his surprises.


    As our favorite song was yed in the background, two men stepped forward, revealing themselves to be his brother. Yes, I was about to marry Lucas,pletely oblivious to the grand ruse that had unfolded.


    Lucas had fought to marry me, and his peculiar sense of surprise had woven this intricate tapestry of emotions. But that was one of the reasons why I loved him-the unpredictability that kept our love alive. He was my husband, my partner in this unpredictable journey called life.


    I trembled as I walked the red carpet, surrounded by an audience that seemed to fill every corner. I yearned for Lucas and me to mend our hearts and share this beautiful moment. Tears streamed down my face, though I couldn¡¯t fathom what I must have looked like. All that mattered was that I took each step forward.


    At the end of the aisle stood my grandfather, who had always been a father figure to me. His tearful gaze met mine, conveying his approval and love. I walked toward Lucas, who remained visibly guilty but also on the cusp of ending our pain. He awaited me, tears of happiness glistening in his eyes, mirroring my own.


    The ceremony was breathtaking and heartwarming. This would be our third attempt at a joyous marriage, and I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if it was all a dream. But now, it was real. No longer tainted by pretense or selfishness, our union was a testament to pure, unconditional love.


    Guided by my grandfather, who had assumed the role of a loving father, I walked the path toward Lucas, witnessing the immense love and support surrounding us. Antote, my maid of honor; our children, serving as bearers and flower girls; my mother; and our extended family from Lucas¡¯s side-everyone hade to bear witness to our love.


    My grandfather led me to Lucas, and with a smile, he said, ¡°Lucas ckwood, promise me that you will never break my grandson¡¯s heart. Fight for him if need be, but never give up. I trust you to love and care for him, just as you promised. And I will love my grandson through you.¡± I wept, moved by my grandfather¡¯s tenderness.


    At that moment, surrounded by loved ones, the past burdens seemed to dissipate, making way for a future filled with hope and happiness. Our forest wedding marked a new beginning, a testament to the resilience of our love. And as I stood by Lucas¡¯s side, tears of joy streaming down our faces, I knew that together, we would embrace the unpredictable journey thaty ahead.


    ¡°Thank you, Lucas. If you hadn¡¯t pushed me into this marriage, I might never have experienced such immense happiness,¡± I expressed my gratitude, turning to my husband.


    ¡°Shall we, my dear?¡± Lucas asked nervously.


    A wide smile adorned my face as I inquired, ¡°What¡¯s my surprise, Lucas? Is everything meticulously nned?¡±


    He sheepishly scratched his head, causingughter to ripple through the wedding crowd. Perhaps they were already privy to Lucas¡¯s secret scheme.


    ¡°I apologize, my love, for putting you through this. It won¡¯t happen again. Pretending to be angry with you was truly challenging. It felt like I was tearing myself apart. You know how much I adore you!¡± he admitted, his eyes gleaming mischievously.


    My husband is devilishly clever and undeniably charming. Absolutely adorable. Yet, I feltpelled to remind him of his guilt.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Lucas, you didn¡¯t have to¡­¡±


    ¡°But I wanted to, Zara. Love knows no boundaries, and I want to marry you countless times if I can. You are my forever,¡± he dered, his excitement contagious.


    The priest, seemingly unenthused, interjected with a lighthearted tone, ¡°Before we proceed with the vows, let¡¯s actually get you married, young lovebirds.¡± This prompted chuckles from both Lucas and me, slightly embarrassed but undeniably delighted.


    ¡°Today, we gather here to witness the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. ckwood, for the second time,¡± the priest proimed.


    It felt like we were embarking on a brand-new journey together. As tears of joy flowed, we exchanged rings.


    ¡°Lucas, you have forever engraved yourself in my heart, my mind, and my soul. God and all these witnesses bear testament to the depth of my love for you. I will never let you slip away. You were my dream back when we were in college, a dream I thought would never materialize. I attempted to let go of my love for you, thinking our marriage was a lost cause, my dear,¡± I tearfully expressed, caught off guard by the surge of emotions.


    Who would have thought we would end up getting married so suddenly?


    ¡°But one day, destiny intervened, and the world turned around; it became clear that you loved me. My patience had paid off. Every tear shed was worth it because you, Lucas, are one of God¡¯s greatest gifts in my life. I love you, and I promise to be with you until death separates us, my Lucas.¡±


    My husband¡¯s response was a smile mixed with tears as he slipped the ring onto my finger.


    ¡°Zara, I thought I would despise you until the end. I resisted my feelings for you. Our love story began on rocky grounds. Yet, even with all the reasons to hurt your heart, I found mine changing unexpectedly. It was as if I woke up one day, realizing I couldn¡¯t bear to lose you. The pain I felt when you were gone, snatched away by fate, was unbearable. I thought you had left for good, that you didn¡¯t want to marry me. I tried to stop loving you, Zara¡­ but I failed. And when you reentered my life, I realized just how much I truly loved you. Till death do us part, my love.¡±


    After exchanging our heartfelt vows, the priest introduced us to the gathered congregation.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. ckwood! May the couple seal their union with a kiss?¡±


    He is the only one I will ever love. The man who has brought me through moments of sadness, anger, joy, and happiness. Lucaspletes me,pletes us, and our child.


    And together, we sealed our love with a tender, passionate kiss.

 CHAPTER 61

    Zara¡¯s POV


    Fifteen years have passed since Lucas and I exchanged our vows, a journey filled with ups and downs, tears and smiles. We have faced countless challenges, nearly losing hope at times, but our determination has kept us fighting.


    Has it been an easy road for us? No, there¡¯s no such thing as a perfect rtionship. We, like any couple, have experienced moments of doubt and contemtion.


    But we have also found reasons to hold on tightly, to weather the storms together. We understand that true happiness and a healthy rtionship require effort andmitment.


    They say that when you¡¯re truly happy, time flies by unnoticed. And indeed, the time has flown. It feels like just yesterday when my children were young, and now they tower over me, grown into remarkable individuals.


    Enrique, our eldest, is now 25. He has blossomed into a handsome, intelligent young man, dedicated to his studies and still possessing a gentle sweetness. He will forever be Mama¡¯s boy, choosing to remain close to home despite his age.


    He¡¯s yet to find a partner as he is savoring his bachelor days, and while I¡¯m not in a hurry for grandchildren, I can¡¯t deny that time waits for no one. With a business degree under his belt, Enrique is poised to take on the responsibility of managing the ckwood group ofpanies.


    We have always encouraged him to follow his own path, be it in medicine,w, engineering, or any other field. However, it¡¯s clear that business flows through his veins, and our pride in him knows no bounds.


    Bless, our youngest, has blossomed into a young woman, celebrating her 19th birthday in November. At the age of 13, she underwent eye surgery, a pivotal moment in her life. Now, she aspires to be a model and fashion designer, drawing inspiration from her godmother, Antote, and her aunt, Stephanie. I wholeheartedly support my daughter¡¯s dreams and aspirations.


    As the cold December wind embraced my skin, I found sce in wrapping my arms around myself upon exiting the van. We had just returned from the market, havingpleted our shopping for the uing christmas. Yes, we have a maid, but it has be my tradition to prepare for this special asion.


    Amidst the busyness, I often find myself missing my children. They have embarked on their own journeys, carving their own paths in life. I know that the day wille when they must spread their wings and venture further away from me. Such is the nature of life. Yet, it doesn¡¯t stop the bittersweet sadness from enveloping me.


    ¡°Darling,¡± a voice interrupted my thoughts, unmistakably familiar.


    He embraced me once more, and in that moment, it felt as if time had stood still. Our marriage, still as sweet as that very first kiss, had stood the test of time. We both may be showing signs of aging, nearing our 50s, but my husband remains as captivating as ever.


    ¡°Love, you seem lost in thought again. Are you tired? I told you to let Dolores handle the preparation,¡± my wife expressed her concern.


    ¡°Lucas, I¡¯m still strong. I may have a few wrinkles, a few imperfections, but I¡¯m still strong,¡± I yfully retorted.


    While many havemented on how I seem to defy the aging process, I do take care of my skin, appreciating the importance of self-care.


    As we continue on this remarkable journey together, navigating the twists and turns that life presents, I am grateful for the fifteen years we have shared and excited for the many more toe. Our love is a testament to the enduring power ofmitment and the beauty of growing old together.


    With a smile on my face and Lucas by my side, we head inside to prepare food for the Christmas Eve.


    My husband turned to me, a slight frown on his face. ¡°Who sees you as ugly and old? All I see is the young woman I fell in love with, Zara Dfontaine ckwood.¡± His words still carry the sweetness that first captivated me.


    A smile refuses to leave my lips as the Christmas lights in our home twinkle as brightly as the love in our eyes. I gently release myself from his embrace, assuring him that I¡¯ll take care of preparing our meal. He insists on helping, but I stand my ground, affirming my role as a devoted wife and mother.


    As I enter the kitchen, my husband yfully scampers upstairs, his childlike excitement endearing. Though the years have passed, he remains as handsome as the day we met. Both of us make it a priority to maintain our figures, regrly visiting the gym and embracing a healthy lifestyle. Ourmitment to exercise and well-being ensures that time doesn¡¯t take its toll on our appearances.


    That¡¯s why, despite the calendar advancing, we both possess the strength and vitality of youth.


    I dive into the culinary task at hand, skillfully gathering the tools and ingredients for the day¡¯s cooking. This morning, I prepare freshly baked bread rolls, while nning to craft a sumptuous feast of roasted chicken and pasta for our evening meal. The rest of the dishes will be cookedter in the day.


    As I fry the bread rolls, a warm embrace envelops me. Automatically, a smile spreads across my face.


    ¡°Merry Christmas, Mom! I¡¯ve missed you and Dad so much!¡± My son¡¯s eyes glisten with tears.


    ¡°I¡¯ve missed you too, my dear. Have you returned home? How was your trip to Italy? Are you with Aunt Stephanie?¡± I ask, passing the tongs to our dedicated helper, Dolores.


    ¡°They¡¯re at Grandpa and Grandma¡¯s. We¡¯re all gathering at their ce tomorrow.¡±


    I can¡¯t help but recall the time when Bless had suitors aplenty. Lucas and Enrique, protective brothers, created an imprable shield around her. How could she find a boyfriend with such vignt guardians?


    ¡°Why am I not part of this hug?¡± a male voice interjects yfully.


    I swiftly turn to see my eldest, Enrique, standing tall, a hint of jealousy in his eyes.


    I wrap my arms around my firstborn, who has been away from home for three months due to a work project abroad. ¡°You didn¡¯t mention that you wereing, my love,¡± I say, peppering his face with kisses. He pretends to be annoyed, but a hint of a smile betrays his true emotions.


    ¡°Mom! I¡¯m grown now. Please stop with the kisses,¡± he chides me, his tone light-hearted.


    I indulge in some acting. ¡°Oh, my oldest no longer loves me. He¡¯s grown so tall, undergone circumcision, and now he has a girlfriend. It seems he¡¯s forgotten about his dear old mom,¡± I say, feigning a sad frown.


    ¡°Mom! That¡¯s not true at all! You are the greatest woman in my life, and my love for you knows no bounds,¡± he reassures me, his words bringing a smile to my face.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    As we gather around the table, ready to feast and celebrate this Christmas, Lucas and I exchange knowing smiles. How many Christmases, New Years, birthdays, and ordinary days have we shared together?


    Perched on the rooftop, our hands sped tightly, we gaze at the perfect crescent moon. At that moment, he leans in and kisses me.


    Tears unexpectedly stream down my face-a manifestation of overwhelming happiness that cannot be contained.


    ¡°I love you, Lucas ckwood. You are the greatest gift life has bestowed upon me.¡±


    ¡°My dear Zara, I will love you eternally. In this life and the next¡­¡±

 CHAPTER 62

    As I fry the bread rolls, a warm embrace envelops me. Automatically, a smile spreads across my face.


    ¡°Merry Christmas, Mom! I¡¯ve missed you and Dad so much!¡± My son¡¯s eyes glisten with tears.


    ¡°I¡¯ve missed you too, my dear. Have you returned home? How was your trip to Italy? Are you with Aunt Stephanie?¡± I ask, passing the tongs to our dedicated helper, Dolores.


    ¡°They¡¯re at Grandpa and Grandma¡¯s. We¡¯re all gathering at their ce tomorrow.¡±


    I can¡¯t help but recall the time when Bless had suitors aplenty. Lucas and Enrique, protective brothers, created an imprable shield around her. How could she find a boyfriend with such vignt guardians?


    ¡°Why am I not part of this hug?¡± a male voice interjects yfully.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    I swiftly turn to see my eldest, Enrique, standing tall, a hint of jealousy in his eyes.


    I wrap my arms around my firstborn, who has been away from home for three months due to a work project abroad. ¡°You didn¡¯t mention that you wereing, my love,¡± I say, peppering his face with kisses. He pretends to be annoyed, but a hint of a smile betrays his true emotions.


    ¡°Mom! I¡¯m grown now. Please stop with the kisses,¡± he chides me, his tone light-hearted.


    I indulge in some acting. ¡°Oh, my oldest no longer loves me. He¡¯s grown so tall, undergone circumcision, and now he has a girlfriend. It seems he¡¯s forgotten about his dear old mom,¡± I say, feigning a sad frown.


    ¡°Mom! That¡¯s not true at all! You are the greatest woman in my life, and my love for you knows no bounds,¡± he reassures me, his words bringing a smile to my face.


    As we gather around the table, ready to feast and celebrate this Christmas, Lucas and I exchange knowing smiles. How many Christmases, New Years, birthdays, and ordinary days have we shared together?


    Perched on the rooftop, our hands sped tightly, we gaze at the perfect crescent moon. At that moment, he leans in and kisses me.


    Tears unexpectedly stream down my face-a manifestation of overwhelming happiness that cannot be contained.


    ¡°I love you, Lucas ckwood. You are the greatest gift life has bestowed upon me.¡±


    ¡°My dear Zara, I will love you eternally. In this life and the next¡­¡±


    *****


    Hello Guys,


    Thank you so much for reading this book. Thank you. Thank you.


    Mwahhhhhhh,


    Empress Kei

 CHAPTER 63

    CHAPTER 63 ¨C Zara¡¯s POV


    As the sun began to set, I made my way back to the vacation house. Inside, I noticed a young boy sitting on the sofa, and a surge of unfamiliar emotions washed over me.


    He had been the boy who had hugged me on the ind that day. The boy who had embraced me with such longing. Unbeknownst to me, tears had started to flow from my eyes.


    Was this what they called a surge of emotions? Why did I feel such a strong connection to this child? And when our eyes met, he had jumped up from his seat and wrapped his arms around me. He had buried his face in my embrace, and that¡¯s where we had cried together.


    ¡°Mom, I missed you. Please don¡¯t leave me. I¡¯ll do anything! I¡¯ll be a good boy, I¡¯ll be honest, I¡¯ll make you proud¡­ Just don¡¯t leave me, I feel so lonely,¡± he had sobbed.


    I had wiped his tears with my hand, kissed his forehead, and brushed his hair. I could see the resemnce between us, even though he looked more like Lucas.


    Could it be true? Was my husband really Lucas, and had Nick been lying to me all this time?


    If that was the case, I needed a deeper reason to regain my memories. I needed to fill in the gaps of the three years I had been absent.


    I had hugged the child tightly and whispered, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my child. I¡¯m sorry if Mom was gone all this time. I¡¯m sorry if I still can¡¯t remember you. But I¡¯ll try, okay? I¡¯ll try to remember and make up for the lost days. I promise I won¡¯t ever leave you again. I promise, my child,¡± I had said with longing.


    I had seen Lucas on the side, smiling at us.


    For dinner, I had cooked fried chicken, which turned out to be my child¡¯s favorite. At the dining table, I had asked about things I had forgotten in the past and what had happened when I disappeared.


    My child¡¯s name was Enrique. He was 10 years old now, and I felt so proud to learn that he was an achiever in school.


    They had told me that when I was gone, my mother had managed the businesses I had left behind. Could it be that my mother was still alive? But they had said she was just a single mother and a retired principal. Meanwhile, my grandfather was still strong and working with my mother.


    I had learned a lot. Firstly, I had graduated from a university where I had been ssmates with Lucas. I had finished a degree in ountancy and had be a Certified Public ountant. I had left behind businesses ¨C a caf¨¦ and clothing shops.


    I had also learned about how Lucas and I had be a couple. The idental conception of Enrique, everything had been detailed. But for now, I had paused the questioning. I had been feeling a deep pain in my senses. Perhaps my mind couldn¡¯t fully ept everything I had learned.


    We had slept in the same room, Enrique and I. Lucas had stayed in another room since we couldn¡¯t all fit in one bed.


    While lying on the bed, my child had started talking to me.


    ¡°You know, Mom, I always prayed to see you again. And God was really good for granting my prayers. I thought you hated me, so you left us. But when I learned what happened, I was happy to know you didn¡¯t want to leave. I love you, Mom,¡± he said and kissed my cheek. It touched my heart.


    I kissed my child¡¯s cheek too. ¡°Mom loved you very much, my child. Good night, let¡¯s sleep now.¡±


    My child nodded sleepily and drifted off to sleep. I covered him with a nket. An hour passed, and I still couldn¡¯t sleep, even though Enrique was sound asleep beside me.


    Someone knocked on the door of the room. I didn¡¯t need to guess who it was.


    I opened the door and was greeted by Lucas, wearing pajamas and a tank top. He was holding a nket and some pillows. He smiled sheepishly at me.


    ¡°I wanted to sleep over,¡± he said, which I found so cute.


    Wow! He was handsome even when shy!


    I looked at our bed. It was just right for two people.


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit cramped for us,¡± I said. He smiled.


    ¡°No problem with me, I¡¯ll sleep on the floor. I just want to wake up near you. I just want to see you first thing in the morning. So that it¡¯s not a dream that you¡¯re finally back in my life¡­¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Sure, it¡¯s up to you,¡± I agreed, helping him arrange his sleeping area. He was on the side, on the floor with a thickforter.


    My hand identally fell. I felt him touch it. He entwined our fingers, and it felt magical. I fell asleep shortly after. Afortable, dreamless sleep that I had longed for.


    I woke up earlier than Lucas and my child. So, I decided to cook breakfast for them. I wanted to start fulfilling my role as a wife and a mother. I prepared our breakfast.


    I didn¡¯t wake them up; I let them sleep. I heard a thud from the second floor. Lucas quickly came downstairs, along with Enrique, both looking rmed.


    ¡°I thought you were gone again. Please don¡¯t leave us again, Zara. It will drive me crazy if that happens,¡± Lucas said, hugging me tightly.


    I didn¡¯t know, but I felt that they would miss me and feel sad if I were gone. I felt that there would be a void in them.


    Iughed at them. ¡°Don¡¯t be paranoid. Where would I go? We¡¯re on the same ind, after all. It¡¯s good that you¡¯ve eaten, and there¡¯s food ready on the dining table.¡±


    Believe it or not, we stayed on the ind for another week. Time passed quickly, and before I knew it, it had been a week.


    I wasn¡¯t impatient, and there were no moments of dead air or boredom while I was with them. Something I hadn¡¯t felt in Nick¡¯s presence. It felt like I belonged here. It felt like I was supposed to be here. This was my sanctuary, the ce where I belong. Where my husband and child are.


    Even though my memories hadn¡¯t fully returned, I could feel that they were my life.


    One night, Enrique slept more soundly. While I couldn¡¯t sleep, I went outside to cool down. I wanted to enjoy the coolness. So, I went out and headed to a gazebo near the sea. Lucas was there, with aptop and some alcohol. He was busy working.


    I couldn¡¯t believe it when he said he was a CEO and wealthy. I couldn¡¯t believe that I was married to a man with such a heavy responsibility in the world. He was a multi-billionaire.


    I sat beside him and joined him.


    ¡°Why are you still awake?¡± he asked as I sat beside him.


    I smiled. ¡°I can¡¯t sleep yet,¡± I said. I don¡¯t know what happened, but I saw myself kissing him. Suddenly, we were kissing, and our kisses were battling. I felt a surge of desire and love in every kiss.


    ¡°L-Lucas, don¡¯t stop!¡± I begged him as I touched my neck.


    I knew he was going to leave a mark there. A mark of love.


    ¡°I won¡¯t, Zara. You don¡¯t know how long I¡¯ve waited for this,¡± he said in the midst of our kisses. It was like he was speaking with his eyes. I could feel that.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    I let him take control. It felt like it was our first time. I was exploring, but he was guiding me.


    ¡°Lucas!¡± I eximed as he removed my clothes and I was left exposed to him. I didn¡¯t know what to say. He was so well-endowed! I didn¡¯t know if I could handle that.


    But I trusted him. And on that night, we finally became one¡­

 CHAPTER 64

    CHAPTER 64 ¨C Zara¡¯s POV


    When I woke up this morning, I felt incredibly sore down there. It was as if my thighs had been hammered due to excessive soreness. The pain was so intense that I found myself gasping. It felt like I had worked out without resting. I couldn¡¯t even remember which round we had stopped atst night.


    The fact that something had happened between Lucas and me without fully recovering my memories made me feel a bit shameless. But I couldn¡¯t deny that it felt amazing. It was like he had taken me straight to heaven. Lucas had that power over me.


    I woke up quitete, around 10 in the morning, and it was Lucas, my husband, who woke me up. It still felt slightly awkward, but I noticed that I was bing morefortable around him. It felt so normal.


    Even though I couldn¡¯t remember everything yet, it felt normal to sense that he was my husband and I was his wife. The thought made me blush, but I had to remind myself to wake up.


    ¡°Have you eaten, dear? It¡¯ste, and you shouldn¡¯t skip breakfast,¡± Lucas said to me, holding a tray with a breakfast set. The smell was irresistible.


    I had quite the appetite, but I felt a bit shy because Lucas was staring at me the whole time I was eating. Trying to break his gaze, I jokingly said, ¡°You might melt me with that stare.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t. I will not let you melt and go away from me again. Seriously, Love, you should know that you are locked with me, to my love¡­ Even destiny won¡¯t be able to take you away from me,¡± Lucas said, his eyes fixed on me, his tone possessive.


    I couldn¡¯t deny the butterflies in my stomach. My heart was pounding heavily. Lucas¡¯s simple and short but emotional words had a definite effect on me.


    Lost in thought, I found myself smiling at him. ¡°Will you wait for me? Will you wait for me to remember everything before anything else?¡± I asked.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He nodded. ¡°Of course, Love. I can give you time, but not your freedom anymore. You are mine from now on,¡± he said with a slightly possessive tone.


    He left me for a while to assist me since he knew exactly how I was feeling. I was awfully tired, exhausted, and so sleepy. It felt like I had been hit hard by a bull during what we did.


    Speaking of stamina in bed, I would say it was insanely strong. If I hadn¡¯t passed out around dawn, he probably wouldn¡¯t have stopped. There was a yearning in what we did, just like I was yearning for more.


    Why was I thinking about this so early in the morning? I didn¡¯t want to spend my whole day reminiscing aboutst night¡¯s naughty encounter.


    Despite feeling a bit sore, I managed to take a shower and do my morning routine. I found my child in the living room ying with a puzzle. I kissed him on the cheek, he greeted me good morning, and I did the same.


    I felt a sudden surge of excitement. Finally, I would have the chance to fill in the gaps that Nick had denied me. I knew that I still had a life back home, a ce to stay and return to.


    I nodded at him as he returned to working on hisptop. Meanwhile, I busied myself with preparing our snack. The feeling of being a wife and a mother overwhelmed me. In the past few days, I had be even more content. It was true what they say, happinesses with the right person, and it felt like I was with the right person now.


    Days passed by without me even realizing that it was already ourst day on the ind. I had grown attached to this ce, with so many memories made here with my child and, of course, with Lucas.


    As we boarded a private helicopter, heading back to ybourne, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit dizzy. I was nervous about what awaited me upon my return. Lucas held my hand tightly, our child nestled between us.


    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it, Love. You¡¯ll be happy to see them again. They¡¯re nice, and no one will hurt you anymore. I promise you happiness,¡± he reassured me, and I knew his words were true.


    ¡°Thank you, okay? Thank you for being patient with me, for being so considerate even though I haven¡¯t fully remembered yet,¡± I expressed, my hand squeezing his.


    ¡°I love you, Zara. Maybe those three words are enough to convey that you mean the world to me,¡± he confessed.


    We arrived at thending area and made our way to my parents¡¯ house, more specifically, my mom¡¯s house. It was a familiar ce, and my heart raced with anticipation. I spotted my almost senior citizen mother watering her orchids in the garden.


    I couldn¡¯t believe the overwhelming affection I felt. When she caught sight of me, she dropped the hose and enveloped me in a tight hug.


    ¡°Oh my God! Tell me I¡¯m not dreaming! Tell me this is real. You¡¯re here, my child,¡± my mom eximed, tears streaming down her face. I couldn¡¯t hold back my own tears as I hugged her tightly.


    ¡°It¡¯s really me, Mom. I¡¯m finally home.¡±

 CHAPTER 65

    CHAPTER 65 ¨C Zara¡¯s POV


    It was a surreal feeling to be back. The overwhelming happiness and boundless joy consumed me as I returned after a long period of being lost and separated. My life had been taken away from me all because of a misguided love.


    I couldn¡¯t help but feel a mix of emotions towards Nick. He had been a good friend for a long time and had helped me in many ways. However, he also owed me a lot. His persistent feelings had stolen so much of my time.


    But deep down, I understood his feelings too. He was also a victim of circumstances and his own emotions. I wanted to listen to him, to hear his exnation. But for now, anger burned inside me, overshadowing any desire for understanding. It was a painful feeling, knowing that so much time had been wasted. Even now, I couldn¡¯t shake off the heaviness in my heart.


    The significant amount of time that Nick took away from me left me upset. It was time that should have been filled with happiness, a time when we were building our family. Love, when toxic, can lead to destructive consequences.


    I couldn¡¯t fathom what mistake I had made to deserve this unfortunate fate. I hoped for a chance to make things right. It felt like I was trapped in a never-ending cycle, chasing both wrong and right simultaneously. It was exhausting.


    I knew that instant happiness was not possible. Everyone faced their own struggles, and I was no exception. But all I wanted was to find a sense of stability and peace.


    My contemtion was interrupted by my mom cing a cup of coffee and bread in front of me. Her smile and the warmth of her hand holding mine filled my heart with joy.


    ¡°We¡¯re overjoyed to have you back, Zara, my child. The day you disappeared¡­ it felt like a part of me was stolen. I was a mother robbed of the right to see her child again. But when the Divine returned you to us, it was like I was given a second chance at life. All I wish for is for everything to be alright,¡± she said, her words touching my soul.


    I held onto the hope that everything would eventually be okay. Who wouldn¡¯t want that?


    ¡°Yes, Mom. I missed out on so many days with my husband, my child, and our family. My memories are still iplete. But I¡¯m determined to make up for lost time and set things right. That¡¯s all I wish for, Mom,¡± I replied, hoping that my wish woulde true.


    ¡°God is kind, my child. He will help you heal and find a better path. Just hold on and remember that you may have lost your memories, but we haven¡¯t lost you. Mama is here, your Grandpa is here, your husband, your child. You¡¯re not alone in this fight,¡± she reassured me, embracing me tightly.


    After that, I headed straight to the kitchen. The housekeeper had been absent all day since she was responsible for getting our rations and supplies for the week.


    ¡°The whole week?¡± I asked Lucas, still in the kitchen. He had just grabbed a bottle of water while I prepared sandwiches for our snackter.


    ¡°Yeah, a week. We¡¯re going back to ybourne. By now, they should know that you¡¯re back. Many people have missed you. You disappeared suddenly, and many are still hoping to see you. You have a lot of catching up to do, love.¡±


    In that moment, a glimmer of hope emerged. Hope for a fresh start, a new beginning, and a chance to embark on a new chapter. I wasn¡¯t a fan of unexpected twists and turns, so I hoped there wouldn¡¯t be any more detours.


    We lingered for a while, sharing a meal at the same table. It brought me immense joy to see my grandfather again. We even shed tears together. They had viewed my return as a hopeless case, thinking they would never find me.


    I had vanished without a trace, so it wouldn¡¯t be surprising if they had considered various possibilities of what could have happened to me.


    They informed me that I had been in aatose state. They were still withholding some information, as recalling too many memories tended to cause pain.


    It was an incredibly painful sensation, as if my senses were being punched and squeezed. I decided to rest at the elder¡¯s house because I had grown weary from the journey.


    On the other hand, I felt a bit nervous. The truth was, I was about to see my inws again after a long time.


    To be honest, I was scared and anxious. I wanted to be honest about my feelings. But as my husband had reassured me, there was no need to be afraid or worried because they were there to support me. With those simple words, I began to feel a sense of calm.


    It was evening, and we bid farewell to my mother. We headed straight to the mansion to settle in. Lucas¡¯s mother wanted to have a conversation with me. I¡¯ll be honest, I was feeling extremely anxious. I couldn¡¯t recall thest time I had seen my inws.


    I wondered how they would react. Would they be angry? Was there going to be a confrontation? Would it feel like having coffee and tea spilled all over me? Would leaving the mansion be a dramatic affair? These fears and worries consumed my thoughts.


    ¡°There you go again, dear. Your expression was bing unreadable. Trust me, they wouldn¡¯t harm you. In fact, it was quite the opposite. They were excited to see you. After all those years, they had longed for your return. They knew what happened, and they understood¡­¡± Lucas tried to reassure me, easing my concerns. To some extent, I began to feel a little better.


    ¡°Sorry, I just couldn¡¯t help it¡­¡± I replied, gazing out of the car window. ¡°You knew, right? I was still in the dark¡­¡±


    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. We were right here,¡± my child chimed in, nting a kiss on my cheek.


    They were right. What could I fear more than losing these two precious gems? They were my only treasures.


    Finally, we arrived at the familiar mansion, a grand structure that exuded wealth and social status.


    We were greeted by a familiar and elegant woman in herte 50s. Her timeless beauty and gentle aura radiated kindness. Her warm embrace as a greeting washed away all my worries.


    ¡°It had been a long time, dear. I was delighted to see you again! Come, let¡¯s go inside. We had so much to catch up on,¡± my mother-inw said.


    We entered the living room. Lucas took our child to their room, leaving Mama and me to have a conversation.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°How were you, Zara? You were still as beautiful as ever, dear¡­ Were you feeling better now? What about your amnesia?¡± thedy asked me immediately.


    ¡°To be honest, I still hadn¡¯t fully recovered. I continued to struggle with this memory loss¡­ I could recognize faces and had a few nostalgic memories, but everything was still iplete. I was in aa for three years. It was a miracle that I woke up,¡± I replied, a hint of sadness in my smile.


    ¡°Dear, you showed incredible strength in facing that ordeal. I was at a loss for what to do when it happened, and it breaks my heart that we lost our granddaughter,¡± she said, her voice filled with sadness.


    Suddenly, confusion washed over me. ¡°Granddaughter?¡± I asked, furrowing my brow in confusion.


    ¡°Yes, dear. You were pregnant when the ident urred¡­ It was about six months ago,¡± Mama exined.


    In that moment, a wave of dizziness hit me. Memories flooded my mind, causing my vision to blur. I remembered my college days with Antote and Nick, the ident that involved Lucas and me, and the development of our one-sided love story. All of my memories came rushing back, and I woke up crying in Lucas¡¯sforting embrace.


    ¡°Lucas! Lucas, I remember everything, my love! Our child, our precious child!¡± I eximed, holding onto him tightly.


    ¡°We will make Nick pay for his terrible actions!¡± Lucas dered angrily, and I felt my own heart burning with anger.

 CHAPTER 66

    CHAPTER 66 ¨C Nick¡¯s POV


    Anger consumed me, a burning log that couldn¡¯t be extinguished. Damn it! They had taken Zara away from me once again. I found out about it from Eugenie, and immediately rushed back to the ind. As I arrived, I was met by a tearful Eugenie.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you, Eugenie, to inform my people right away if there were any suspicious individuals? What is this? What kind of negligence is this?¡± I shouted at Eugenie, frustration and anger coursing through me. Everything I had worked for was on the verge of being destroyed.


    Fuck it! Fuck it all!


    Lucas! Yes, that devil¡¯s spawn! He was the only one capable of doing this. But how did he discover our hiding ce? How?


    Then it hit me. Giselle¡¯s sudden disappearance! That treacherous bitch had betrayed me!


    I felt like I was losing my mind, spiraling into madness. I couldn¡¯t ept this. No! No, I wouldn¡¯t let this happen!


    I couldn¡¯t believe Eugenie was staring at me.


    ¡°Are you yelling at me, young master? I am Eugenie, the one who raised you! And now you¡¯re behaving like this because of a married woman you stole!¡± Eugenie¡¯s words silenced me.


    But my mind and heart remained closed. All I knew was that Zara belonged to me.


    ¡°Eugenie, she¡¯s mine. She¡¯s mine alone, Eugenie, and I¡¯ll do whatever it takes! Even if it means making mistakes again. I¡¯ll do it, Eugenie!¡± I shouted, tears streaming down my face, losing control.


    ¡°You¡¯re losing yourself, my child! You¡¯re going mad with what you¡¯re saying! I warned you that this wouldn¡¯tst! There wille a day when the fire you ignited will turn to smoke. I warned you, but what? You ignored it!¡±Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    I fell into silence as Eugenie left, nning to depart as well. Everyone was leaving! Everyone was abandoning me! Everyone! Everyone! Damn it, I just needed her to stay with me. But why? I had given everything!


    I wept as I stared at my cellphone. Zara was mine, the woman I loved deeply.


    I would do whatever it took to reim her.


    Someone had called mest night. I woke up surrounded by empty bottles of alcohol, a mess of sleeplessness and exhaustion. I was too tired to think about how to win her back.


    Because no matter what anyone said, Zara was mine! That wouldn¡¯t change just because she was married to a despicable man and had a child of her own.


    So I was determined to get her back. I had a dark idea, even though it might not be approved by everyone. I knew it would add to my sins. I knew we might feel guilty.


    But I didn¡¯t care. I loved Zara so intensely that I had lost control of myself.


    Andst night, I received a call from Enrique. I woke up surrounded by beer bottles, a mess of sleep deprivation and exhaustion. I was too worn out from contemting how to win her back.


    Because no matter what anyone said, Zara was mine! That wouldn¡¯t change just because she was married to a despicable man and had a child of her own.


    I was determined to get her back, even if it meant resorting to a dark idea that may not be approved by everyone. I knew I would be adding to my sins and that guilt might weigh heavily on us. But my love for Zara had consumed me to the point of losing control.


    Then,st night, I received a call from Enrique. It confirmed my worst fears. Lucas had taken Zara and would have her for a month. It felt like I was descending back into hell for another agonizing month.


    But now, I was resolute. I wouldn¡¯t let Lucas have his way again. I was going to take back what was rightfully mine. The memory of Enrique¡¯s call reyed in my mind. It was around 8 pm, and I was still sober enough to be conscious.


    ¡°Hello, Uncle Nick?¡± my godchild cheerfully greeted me on the other end of the line.


    ¡°Yes, Kiddo?¡± I responded, my gaze lost in emptiness.


    ¡°I have some news for you. It¡¯ste, but I wanted to tell you that Mom is back! She¡¯s here with us again, Uncle!¡± he eximed with happiness.


    That¡¯s when the confirmation hit me. Lucas was the reason behind all of this. I felt a deep sense of despair and depression wash over me. I had gambled everything, invested so much time and effort, sacrificed my dignity, all for the chance to have Zara. And now, that despicable Lucas had snatched her away from me in an instant. I couldn¡¯t ept it.


    I wasn¡¯t the type of man to surrender easily. I was the one who loved her first, who was always by her side. But why wasn¡¯t I the one she chose?


    A n began to form in my mind, one that was both crazy and evil. It was myst chance, myst attempt to end my pain. I wanted Zara back, and if I had to lose everything in the process, so be it.


    ¡°Can you do me a favor, Kiddo?¡± I asked him, my voice filled with determination.


    ¡°What is it, Uncle?¡± he responded.


    ¡°Let¡¯s meet up tomorrow morning, just the two of us. No bodyguards or drivers. You know how tomute. I want you to help me n a surprise wee party for your mom. But don¡¯t tell anyone else about this. It¡¯s our secret, okay?¡± I said, trying to convince him.


    That was my n. I had to fake a kidnapping and demand Zara as the ransom. It sounded messed up, but I didn¡¯t care. If it was myst resort to have her, I would do it. We would be far away, and she would learn to love me. Because I couldn¡¯t unlove her. She was meant to be mine from the beginning.


    It was a risky move, but what did they know? They didn¡¯t understand the depths of my pain and the decisions I had made. People couldn¡¯tprehend the scars and wounds I carried from overthinking. Inside, I was a man deeply wounded.


    So, I took a shower, got ready, and hired a few of my men. Something big was about to happen, something I knew was wrong. But for her, I was willing to be a sinner. That¡¯s how crazy I was for Zara. But damn it, couldn¡¯t she see that?


    I shaved my beard, dressed in something presentable, and met my godchild, Enrique. He looked happy, but I knew that happiness wouldn¡¯tst for long. I had to do this.


    ¡°Uncle!¡± he began, bowing to me.


    I could see the guilt and conscience in his eyes. But there was nothing I could do about it. The system had consumed me.


    Slowly, I took a handkerchief from my pocket, one that wasced with a sedative. I covered my nose and mouth with it and handed one to my godchild. I saw the pain of betrayal in his eyes.

 CHAPTER 67

    CHAPTER 67 ¨C Zara¡¯s POV


    It seemed like the ss I was holding slipped from my hand, and it shattered, cutting me in the process. The pain stung, a physical representation of the emotional turmoil I was going through.


    I was in the kitchen, cooking breakfast while Lucas and our son haven¡¯te down yet. Suddenly, I was overwhelmed by an inexplicable nervousness, and that¡¯s why I dropped the ss and got injured.


    Lucas quickly approached me, seeing my bleeding hands, and scolded me, ¡°You need to be more careful, my dear!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I just suddenly got really nervous! That¡¯s why I dropped the ss. I¡¯m sorry! Please don¡¯t be angry,¡± I said, feeling overwhelmed.


    He sighed with defeat in his voice, ¡°Alright, just be careful next time, okay? Don¡¯t make me worry!¡±


    Then we decided to call Enrique, but the maid informed us that he was not in his room. Panic started to set in, and my phone rang from an anonymous number. Trembling, I answered the call.


    ¡°Hello!¡± I said.


    ¡°Hello, love¡­¡± The voice was familiar, and it wasn¡¯t on speakerphone.


    ¡°Nick! You¡¯re shameless! What did you do?¡± I asked angrily.


    ¡°If you still want to see your son alive, you only need to do one thing. Be mine¡­ I will send the address, and you go there alone!¡±


    I couldn¡¯t believe the audacity of Nick. When will he stop his madness? He¡¯s delusional because of what he did and is doing. Even now, my son is being used to manipte me!


    I swore that he must have done something to my son. I was ready to fight him and seek revenge. I couldn¡¯t fathom how he still had such a hold on my life. Why would an innocent person get hurt because of him again?


    I cannot forgive Nick, nor can I forgive myself if something happens to Enrique. I cannot bear to see my son suffer because of a situation that started because of me.


    I was still in the living room, crying, while Lucas tried to calm me down and made some calls to his associates. We received a text message with an address-a location in an abandoned house near nd. I still couldn¡¯t believe that Nick could sink this low. Love can be so destructive if not handled properly. It¡¯s like a disease that eats away at your soul, like madness.


    If Nick had confessed to me and I had properly rejected him, perhaps he could have found someone who was better for him. Instead, he imprisoned himself within me.


    My heart ached as I thought about how my many dreams were on the verge of being destroyed. I wasn¡¯t prepared for this kind of twist and turn. Love was proving to be too lethal if not handled right.


    Lucas and I were both trapped in this situation, with conflicting interests of saving our son and ensuring our own safety. Nick was smart, and his mind was filled with darkness. He was hard to read, and I couldn¡¯t predict his actions.


    Lucas tried to reassure me, but deep down, even he wasn¡¯t sure of the oue. We were both hoping for the best, but the situation was uncertain. There could be trouble, there could be tragedy, but I hoped that I could change the course of events early. If only I could control time and alter the present.


    As night fell, we prepared ourselves for the dangerous encounter. Surrounding the abandoned house were police, military personnel, hired guards, and rescuers, all with the support of ckwood.


    When we arrived at the scene, my heart pounded with nervousness. My son was tied to a chair, and next to him was his godfather. Anger surged through me as I saw my son crying, his mouth taped and treated like an animal.


    I couldn¡¯t contain my emotions any longer. I vented my frustration at Nick, expressing my deep anger and disappointment at his actions. He had manipted me, taken advantage of me, and made me believe that we were married, all while keeping me isted from my family and drugging me to stop my healing and memory recovery. His actions were deplorable.


    He imed it was because he loved me and couldn¡¯t bear the thought of me being with someone else. He believed that I was meant to be with him, that I was his.


    But his love was nothing but a gue-a destructive force that had robbed me of my rights to love my children, Ava and Enrique. Now he was trying to take Enrique away from me as well. I couldn¡¯t stand it any longer, and my anger overflowed.


    I couldn¡¯t take Nick¡¯s madness any more. I walked towards him, pretending to be calm, but my heart was pounding with fear.


    ¡°Let go of that, Nick¡­ I¡¯m ready to go. Don¡¯t point that gun, or I¡¯ll kill myself!¡±


    His gun wavered, and he seemed tough maniacally. ¡°Come with me, and we will exchange your child. Zara, you wille with me. We will be a family, far away!¡±


    His eyes looked bloodshot, and he appeared different from the Nick I once knew. Panic began to rise within me, and I acted quickly. I hugged him, pretending to be cooperative, and injected him with a sleeping drug. He looked dazed, and his staff fell as well.


    I stood surrounded by those in charge, and the situation was finally under control. But I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Nick¡¯s darkness was still lurking somewhere, ready to resurface.


    ¡°Z-Zara¡­¡± he mumbled, and I felt a mix of relief and sadness.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    This wasn¡¯t the end; the aftermath of this confrontation would be a whole new challenge to face.


    ¡°Zara, please forgive me! I only did it because I love you so much!¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t love me, Nick. You are obsessed with me!¡±

 CHAPTER 68

    CHAPTER 68 ¨C Zara¡¯s POV


    All the nervousness from that night had vanished, especially after embracing my son and rescuing him from that horrific ce. The scene was so distressing that I felt like I could faint at any moment.


    Now, Nick was in trouble. They had forcibly removed him from jail, but we would ensure that he wouldn¡¯t escape the consequences of his actions. He needed to spend a significant amount of time behind bars to reflect on what he had done.


    When we arrived home at the mansion, all of my husband¡¯s brothers and their wives were waiting for us. They were concerned about our well-being, and even though we reassured them that everything was fine, anger was brewing over Nick¡¯s behavior.


    Stephanie embraced me, and I felt a longing for that sibling connection. You see, I never had a sibling since I was the result of an unnned pregnancy, and my biological father wasn¡¯t involved in my life, while my mother never sought a life partner. So having a sister like Stephanie, my husband¡¯s sister, meant a great deal to me. She felt like the older brother I had always yearned for.


    ¡°I missed you so much, Zara! I was so confused when you disappeared. I thought you didn¡¯t like the gown I designed! We had no idea that man would take you, and we know he tried to harm my nephew! We won¡¯t let this go easily. They might have forgotten that they messed with the ckwood family.¡±


    I could see Stephanie¡¯s genuine concern and understood why she was angry with Nick.


    The ckwood family values family above all else. Even though they have their own families, they still watch out for their rtives, siblings, and the younger generation.


    ¡°The most important thing is that we are all safe, Stephanie. We will arrange for a psychologist for my son. He might seem fine for now, but I don¡¯t want him to be traumatized in the future.¡± Enrique¡¯s involvement in this situation was not a coincidence either.


    I couldn¡¯t imagine how betrayed my son must feel by his godfather. During the times when Lucas was pushing us away, Nick became like a father figure to Enrique. If I were in my son¡¯s shoes, Nick¡¯s actions would have a profound impact on me.


    Stephanie agreed. ¡°I agree with that. I have a close friend who is excellent at handling such cases, especially with children.¡± I nodded, and we returned to the living room where Enrique was with his grandmother and grandfather.


    As much as possible, we avoided discussing the kidnapping. My son seemed to be doing well. He was happy to see his cousins, aunt, and uncle. Everything seemed normal. There was no trace of the earlier incident.


    ¡°We deserve a delicious feast. Let¡¯s go to the kitchen, and we can all have dinner together!¡± the elder ckwood said with joy in his voice.


    My husband kissed me on the cheek, his eyes filled with tenderness. He looked exhausted, but I knew that we found sce in each other¡¯s presence.


    All I wanted to know was what had happened to my pregnancy. By now, I should have had a daughter who would be turning three years old. It pained me to think that I was deprived of the opportunity to be a mother to our child, and he was deprived of the chance to be with us.


    He wiped away my tears and kissed me on the lips.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, my love. Tomorrow, we will make that fool acknowledge his actions. He will pay for everything he owes us, as a family.¡± I nodded and offered him a faint smile.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, and we¡¯ll be the only ones waiting there! Let¡¯s go!¡± I said, taking his hand and leading him to the dining hall.


    The dining table was filled with ourplete family, joyfully sharing the meal prepared before us. It was wonderful to converse and not dwell on the events of the previous night. It felt like a rainbow after the storm. We no longerprehended what had transpired during our encounter.


    At night, before we went to sleep, our son sat beside us. He imed he couldn¡¯t sleep, but as we spoke to him, his mood calmed, and he drifted into a peaceful slumber.


    Lucas and I exchanged nces. We left the bed for a moment and conversed on the veranda of our room. The round moon emitted a gentle glow, illuminating the night, while the cool breeze brushed against our skin.


    Lucas held my hand, genuine concern evident in his eyes. He worried that I still couldn¡¯t face Nick the next day, that I couldn¡¯t confront the man I once considered a friend but who had ultimately destroyed me and my life.


    All the nervousness from that night had vanished, especially after embracing my son and rescuing him from that horrific ce. The scene was so distressing that I felt like I could faint at any moment.


    Now, Nick was in trouble. They had forcibly removed him from jail, but we would ensure that he wouldn¡¯t escape the consequences of his actions. He needed to spend a significant amount of time behind bars to reflect on what he had done.


    When we arrived home at the mansion, all of my husband¡¯s brothers and their wives were waiting for us. They were concerned about our well-being, and even though we reassured them that everything was fine, anger was brewing over Nick¡¯s behavior.


    Stephanie embraced me, and I felt a longing for that sibling connection. You see, I never had a sibling since I was the result of an unnned pregnancy, and my biological father wasn¡¯t involved in my life, while my mother never sought a life partner. So having a sister like Stephanie, my husband¡¯s sister, meant a great deal to me. She felt like the older brother I had always yearned for.


    ¡°I missed you so much, Zara! I was so confused when you disappeared. I thought you didn¡¯t like the gown I designed! We had no idea that man would take you, and we know he tried to harm my nephew! We won¡¯t let this go easily. They might have forgotten that they messed with the ckwood family.¡±


    I could see Stephanie¡¯s genuine concern and understood why she was angry with Nick.


    The ckwood family values family above all else. Even though they have their own families, they still watch out for their rtives, siblings, and the younger generation.


    ¡°The most important thing is that we are all safe, Stephanie. We will arrange for a psychologist for my son. He might seem fine for now, but I don¡¯t want him to be traumatized in the future.¡± Enrique¡¯s involvement in this situation was not a coincidence either.


    I couldn¡¯t imagine how betrayed my son must feel by his godfather. During the times when Lucas was pushing us away, Nick became like a father figure to Enrique. If I were in my son¡¯s shoes, Nick¡¯s actions would have a profound impact on me.


    Stephanie agreed. ¡°I agree with that. I have a close friend who is excellent at handling such cases, especially with children.¡± I nodded, and we returned to the living room where Enrique was with his grandmother and grandfather.


    As much as possible, we avoided discussing the kidnapping. My son seemed to be doing well. He was happy to see his cousins, aunt, and uncle. Everything seemed normal. There was no trace of the earlier incident.


    ¡°We deserve a delicious feast. Let¡¯s go to the kitchen, and we can all have dinner together!¡± the elder ckwood said with joy in his voice.


    My husband kissed me on the cheek, his eyes filled with tenderness. He looked exhausted, but I knew that we found sce in each other¡¯s presence.


    All I wanted to know was what had happened to my pregnancy. By now, I should have had a daughter who would be turning three years old. It pained me to think that I was deprived of the opportunity to be a mother to our child, and he was deprived of the chance to be with us.


    He wiped away my tears and kissed me on the lips.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, my love. Tomorrow, we will make that fool acknowledge his actions. He will pay for everything he owes us, as a family.¡± I nodded and offered him a faint smile.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, and we¡¯ll be the only ones waiting there! Let¡¯s go!¡± I said, taking his hand and leading him to the dining hall.


    The dining table was filled with ourplete family, joyfully sharing the meal prepared before us. It was wonderful to converse and not dwell on the events of the previous night. It felt like a rainbow after the storm. We no longerprehended what had transpired during our encounter.


    At night, before we went to sleep, our son sat beside us. He imed he couldn¡¯t sleep, but as we spoke to him, his mood calmed, and he drifted into a peaceful slumber.


    Lucas and I exchanged nces. We left the bed for a moment and conversed on the veranda of our room. The round moon emitted a gentle glow, illuminating the night, while the cool breeze brushed against our skin.


    Lucas held my hand, genuine concern evident in his eyes. He worried that I still couldn¡¯t face Nick the next day, that I couldn¡¯t confront the man I once considered a friend but who had ultimately destroyed me and my life.


    ¡°We can reschedule it, dear,¡± he said, his genuine worry evident. I smiled, assuring him that it was alright.


    ¡°I can do it, Lucas. I can face him,¡± I said, determined. ¡°There are so many questions I want to ask, so many things left unanswered. I want to scold and scream, but even if he doesn¡¯t answer, even if my heart doesn¡¯t find peace, I have to be brave and confront him myself. I have to be strong.¡±


    We stood up and embraced, tears streaming down my face, releasing the pain and burden I had carried for so long. The fear and emotions overwhelmed me.


    The next day, I woke up with my husband and son sleeping peacefully beside me. It warmed my heart to wake up surrounded by my loved ones. They were the reason I kept going, the reason I believed there was meaning in all of this.


    I pushed away the negative thoughts that tried to creep in, focusing on how I would approach the situation. I needed to prepare myself, knowing there was a possibility of breaking down when I saw him.


    There was still anger inside me, realizing how blind I had been to the signs. Everything Antote had said was about Nick, but I never noticed. I never bothered to see the dangerous omens brewing at that time.


    Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly noticed my handsome husband staring at me. My cheeks flushed, and my heart raced. Despite the passing years, he still had the same effect on me. I felt like a teenager in love.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± he greeted in his bedroom voice, sending shivers down my spine. He looked like a handsome man straight out of a romantic movie.


    I smiled back, unable to contain my excitement. ¡°Good morning to you too,¡± I replied. Lucas, you always have a way of making me feel this way.


    He kissed me gently, mindful not to wake our son who slept between us.


    ¡°L-Lucas!¡± I whispered, pretending to be annoyed. ¡°I haven¡¯t brushed my teeth yet!¡± I yfully scolded.


    He winked at me, his yful nature shining through. ¡°You taste the best, love. Don¡¯t worry, even if I devour you now!¡± he said seductively.


    He looked so attractive,ughing there. I didn¡¯t mind at all, knowing he was just being yful.


    I headed straight to the bathroom to take a shower, not wanting to waste time washing up twice. As I emerged from the bathroom, Lucas looked at me with a raised eyebrow, teasing me.


    ¡°I wish you had joined me. What a waste of water, dear,¡± he said seductively.


    We left the house and sat together at the dining table, enjoying our meal. The atmosphere was cheerful, and stories flowed easily. Who would have thought that such a wealthy family could be so down-to-earth and sociable? All the wives were kind and easy to get along with.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas mentioned that he had booked an appointment with Dr. Brown, his friend. He joked about his influence, but we both knew she was truly powerful in her own right.


    Dr. Brown had established herself as an independent woman, much like my friend Antote. Stephanie, being a ckwood, had a different upbringing with a dominant brother. This likely yed a role in her bing an Alpha, a strong female leader, while her husband appeared more reserved but still assertive.


    We arrived at Dr. Brown¡¯s clinic. During the car ride, my son, Enrique, was using his cellphone in the backseat. He seemed distant, so I took the opportunity to check in with him.


    ¡°How are you feeling, son?¡± I asked, and Enrique paused, looking exhausted and troubled.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared, Mom. I¡¯m sad because of what my uncle did to us. I had a nightmarest night, but I didn¡¯t wake you up. Mom, I¡¯m not okay,¡± he shared honestly, his words breaking my heart. My poor son didn¡¯t deserve this trauma. It was devastating to think that he had to go through such a horrifying experience.


    I hoped Nick hadn¡¯t done the same to him. I hoped he had considered the well-being of the child, but it seemed he prioritized his own desires without thinking about the consequences.


    Lucas nced at us from the driver¡¯s seat, giving us space to talk. I held my son¡¯s hand, looking into his fearful eyes. I hugged him tightly, nting a kiss on his forehead.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, son. You shouldn¡¯t have had to go through this if only I had been more careful. I¡¯m sorry because you don¡¯t deserve any of this. If you have a nightmare, please wake us up. You don¡¯t have to face it alone. We¡¯ll go to the doctor and ask for help.¡±

 CHAPTER 69

    CHAPTER 69 ¨C Zara¡¯s POV


    We headed straight to Dr. Brown¡¯s clinic. Once we parked the car in the parking lot, we got out. The clinic was a three-story building. As soon as we entered, my husband immediately caught everyone¡¯s attention. Ever since I had known him, Lucas had always been like that.


    He effortlessly captured anyone¡¯s attention. His presence was enough tomand respect and admiration at the same time. He was tall, with a perfect face, and he epitomized the idea of a handsome man.


    I felt so lucky among all the women in the world that he chose me. There was nothing particrly special about me, but he still chose me, even though I had disappeared for three years like a bubble.


    I wasn¡¯t a girl with self-confidence. I could barely stand up for myself. I didn¡¯t know how to be the best, and yet I was lucky to have someone like him. He had fallen in love with me deeply.


    It was back in college when we had met. He had been like a star I couldn¡¯t reach. He had been like the moon, yes, really. He had been like a long shot, to think that he would choose me as his life partner.


    Lucas was not perfect. He had ws, he was human, and he made mistakes. But what I appreciated about him was that he never lied to me. He was honest. That¡¯s why I had epted that I wasn¡¯t the one for him. Because he honestly loved Giselle back then¡­ But now, the tables had turned. And this time, it wasn¡¯t just me who loved. We both had been struck by Cupid¡¯s arrow.


    As we walked in, my husband immediately caught the attention of everyone. He had that effect on people. He was used to it. He could make anyone¡¯s heart skip a beat. Of course, it was normal to feel irritated. But I wasn¡¯t going to cause a scene here. I wasn¡¯t that kind of person.


    But it was like I was possessed, and Lucas grabbed me around my waist. He held me like he was protecting me. He sent signals, telling me to trust him and focus only on him.


    After all, how could I not feel this way? We had been through so much. We had been tested by time, and here we were, a better version of ourselves. More trusting and stronger.


    Because trust and respect were the foundation of a rtionship. Without them, there was doubt, one might give up and leave. And without respect, you didn¡¯t consider your partner¡¯s well-being.


    So I believed that people who cheated didn¡¯t really respect their partners. If they didn¡¯t love them, what was the point of holding on? What was the point of staying in a loveless rtionship?


    But it wasn¡¯t always like that, I guess. Just like me, who had endured for a long time before he saw my worth in his life. I had to make him love me. And I had seeded, though I had almost given up.


    We approached the female secretary of Dr. Brown. She shot a suggestive look at my husband. Of course, it was natural for me to be annoyed. But I wasn¡¯t going to make a scene here. That would be unprofessional. ¡°Hello! Your wife is here,¡± I snapped at the secretary. She got annoyed, but I didn¡¯t care!


    ¡°Jealous?¡± he asked, even though the answer was obvious. Of course! It was written all over my face.


    I had never imagined myself being jealous, irrational, or this sensitive. I had never thought I¡¯d be the possessive girl I had read about.


    I rolled my eyes at him for teasing me. ¡°I might as well give you away, Lucas,¡± I said.


    He pouted in response.


    Without warning, he stole a kiss from me. I could see the secretary ncing at us again, the one who was eyeing my husband earlier. Sorry, but the crown is mine.


    We headed straight to Dr. Brown¡¯s clinic. Once we parked the car in the parking lot, we got out. The clinic was a three-story building. As soon as we entered, my husband immediately caught everyone¡¯s attention. Ever since I had known him, Lucas had always been like that.


    He effortlessly captured anyone¡¯s attention. His presence was enough tomand respect and admiration at the same time. He was tall, with a perfect face, and he epitomized the idea of a handsome man.


    I felt so lucky among all the women in the world that he chose me. There was nothing particrly special about me, but he still chose me, even though I had disappeared for three years like a bubble.


    I wasn¡¯t a girl with self-confidence. I could barely stand up for myself. I didn¡¯t know how to be the best, and yet I was lucky to have someone like him. He had fallen in love with me deeply.


    It was back in college when we had met. He had been like a star I couldn¡¯t reach. He had been like the moon, yes, really. He had been like a long shot, to think that he would choose me as his life partner.


    Lucas was not perfect. He had ws, he was human, and he made mistakes. But what I appreciated about him was that he never lied to me. He was honest. That¡¯s why I had epted that I wasn¡¯t the one for him. Because he honestly loved Giselle back then¡­ But now, the tables had turned. And this time, it wasn¡¯t just me who loved. We both had been struck by Cupid¡¯s arrow.


    As we walked in, my husband immediately caught the attention of everyone. He had that effect on people. He was used to it. He could make anyone¡¯s heart skip a beat. Of course, it was normal to feel irritated. But I wasn¡¯t going to cause a scene here. I wasn¡¯t that kind of person.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    But it was like I was possessed, and Lucas grabbed me around my waist. He held me like he was protecting me. He sent signals, telling me to trust him and focus only on him.


    After all, how could I not feel this way? We had been through so much. We had been tested by time, and here we were, a better version of ourselves. More trusting and stronger.


    Because trust and respect were the foundation of a rtionship. Without them, there was doubt, one might give up and leave. And without respect, you didn¡¯t consider your partner¡¯s well-being.


    So I believed that people who cheated didn¡¯t really respect their partners. If they didn¡¯t love them, what was the point of holding on? What was the point of staying in a loveless rtionship?


    But it wasn¡¯t always like that, I guess. Just like me, who had endured for a long time before he saw my worth in his life. I had to make him love me. And I had seeded, though I had almost given up.


    We approached the female secretary of Dr. Brown. She shot a suggestive look at my husband. Of course, it was natural for me to be annoyed. But I wasn¡¯t going to make a scene here. That would be unprofessional. ¡°Hello! Your wife is here,¡± I snapped at the secretary. She got annoyed, but I didn¡¯t care!


    ¡°Jealous?¡± he asked, even though the answer was obvious. Of course! It was written all over my face.


    I had never imagined myself being jealous, irrational, or this sensitive. I had never thought I¡¯d be the possessive girl I had read about.


    I¡¯m not usually one for public disys of affection, but in this moment, I let Lucas take the lead. I can¡¯t deny that I feel a thrill as well. There¡¯s something different when it¡¯s him flirting with me. It makes me feel valued and cherished, effortlessly brightening my mood.


    We entered the doctor¡¯s office, where Stephanie, who appeared to be around the same age as us, greeted us. She was a stunning woman, her beauty only enhanced by her pregnancy. She seemed to radiate a perpetual glow.


    Stephanie guided us to our seats and informed us that she had already been briefed on the purpose of our visit by her friend. She came across as kind and professional, putting us at ease before the session began.


    My son, on the other hand, seemed more fascinated than nervous. He couldn¡¯t take his eyes off the beautiful doctor. It was a sign that he was growing up and starting to develop crushes.


    Lucas and I exchanged nces, silently wondering what was going on in each other¡¯s minds. It seemed that our son was entering that stage of adolescence, where guidance bes crucial for navigating social interactions and friendships.


    I consider myself fortunate to have had a mother who imparted valuable teachings to me. She instilled in me the importance of self-care and not allowing others to diminish my worth. While I may not have been the most independent woman, I carried the belief that I should never let anyone belittle me.


    True winners know their own value. They can triumph without uttering a single word.


    Dr. Brown proved to be not only professional but also genuinely kind. Her interactions with my son and her willingness to answer his questions demonstrated her expertise in her field. My son feltfortable in her presence, and the session concluded swiftly. Dr. Brown then requested a private conversation with me.


    ¡°Enrique may seem fine for now, but expect some nightmares and slight trauma as a result of the recent event,¡± Dr. Brown shared. ¡°Being a mother is an incredibly challenging role in a woman¡¯s life. Your emotions are intertwined with your child¡¯s. Their pain bes yours as well. There will be moments when you witness your child struggling. But my advice is to stay strong. That¡¯s what your child needs most right now.¡±


    Her words prepared me for the challenges thaty ahead. I knew it wouldn¡¯t be easy, but I understood that as a mother, I needed to be resilient for my child.


    It was evident that my son felt at ease with Dr. Brown. He was quiet and reserved, only truly lively and joyful when surrounded by a select few, including Nick.


    Nick yed the role of a father figure for Enrique, and I couldn¡¯t change that. It was already a part of our dynamic, especially for my child.


    He was a great man whom I used to know, but things had changed. Perhaps I couldn¡¯t reciprocate the love he had for me, or maybe I hadn¡¯t even noticed it was there.


    After our visit to the doctor, we decided to take a break and enjoy ourselves at the mall. We had been through so much, and it was important to give ourselves a moment of respite. We had endured hardships, and a little break wouldn¡¯t hurt.


    Lucas even took a day off work to make it a family day, a day to express gratitude that we were all doing okay. No one had been hurt, and we were still together.


    After enduring countless challenges, we decided to visit the church to offer our prayers and gratitude to God for keeping us together. It had been a difficult journey, filled with moments where we almost lost hope, but here we were, still standing strong as a family. However, deep down, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was missing.


    We entrusted our son to the care of his uncles, knowing that they would watch over him while we attended to our main agenda for the day. I knew that I had to see him, to have a conversation and finally find closure. There were unanswered questions that needed to be addressed for me to find peace. The thought of this conversation filled me with uncertainty and doubt, but I took sce in the fact that Lucas was by my side, ready to support me.


    For far too long, I had been weak and manipted, falling into a deep slumber as my precious memories were erased. But not this time. A small part of me hoped that he would feel regret by now, that he would repent for all that he had done.


    As we entered the waiting area to speak with Nick, the man who had been both my ally and my enemy, we saw him with tearful eyes. He appeared tired and sleep-deprived. The moment he caught sight of me, he attempted to run and embrace me, but he was held back, warned that any outburst would result in his return to prison and our conversation being cut short. Nick sat down in front of us, his hands cuffed, and a police officer standing by his side. His re was directed at my husband.


    ¡°Why are you here? To show me that I¡¯m the loser? Then fuck off! Laugh like you love to do. I don¡¯t fucking care anymore!¡± Nick¡¯s words burned with anger and resentment.


    Before my husband could respond, I gently stopped him and took the opportunity to speak. ¡°We¡¯re not here to fight, Nick. We¡¯re here to ask you why. I want to know why you did all of this!¡± My voice carried a mix of resentment and pain.


    ¡°Nick, I trusted you. I trusted you so much as an older friend. Nick, you¡¯ve taken so much from me. You¡¯ve stolen from me, wasted what was mine. And now you¡¯re the one angry?¡± I was stopped by Lucas, who held me back, understanding the depth of my anger and the need to release it all at once. The betrayal felt like a knife in my back.


    ¡°I loved you, Zara. You were the only one I had,¡± Nick pleaded. ¡°You were the only one who understood me. I can¡¯t bear losing you too.¡±


    ¡°God, Nick! You didn¡¯t love me, and you¡¯re not alone in this. You only thought you did because you blinded yourself! Now, Nick, how will you repay everything you took from me? Even the child I¡¯m carrying, who doesn¡¯t even know what¡¯s happening,¡± I said, breaking into sobs.


    I didn¡¯t know if I could continue this conversation. It felt like it was leading nowhere, and we were about to leave, epting that closure might nevere.


    ¡°I know you can¡¯t forgive me, Zara. I¡¯m not even hoping for your mercy. But please, ask for forgiveness from Enrique. I loved in the wrong way, blindly. I¡¯m so sorry. Please go to St. Lucas Orphanage. Your daughter is there. She¡¯s alive.¡±

 CHAPTER 70

    CHAPTER 70 ¨C Zara¡¯s POV


    When Nick dropped that bombshell, it felt like the world turned icy. In an instant, a chill ran through my body, leaving me speechless and teary-eyed. The weight of his words pressed down on me, making it difficult to face him any longer. I feared that my emotions would betray me, causing me to say something I¡¯d regretter.


    Leaving the precinct, I could feel my strength draining away. My knees wobbled, threatening to give out beneath me. I felt utterly weak, vulnerable in the face of such overwhelming news.


    The news of my daughter¡¯s survival brought a mix of joy and guilt as a mother. I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of remorse knowing that while I slept soundly in afortable bed and had three meals a day, my child was living in an orphanage, possibly feeling unloved and abandoned.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to Lucas, our child! Please!¡± I pleaded, my heart constricting, making it hard to catch my breath.


    ¡°Honey, please, try to calm down. We¡¯ll be reunited with our son soon, won¡¯t we? Please, you can¡¯t be weak right now. He needs us, and we¡¯ll make up for the time lost,¡± my husband reassured me, reminding me that now wasn¡¯t the time to falter. I needed to find strength.


    I held on to the fact that so much was at stake, not just my son Enrique¡¯s well-being but also our quest for redemption. I reminded myself that I wasn¡¯t alone in this battle. My husband, our friends, and our families were by our side.


    I couldn¡¯t iste myself, believing that this was solely my burden to bear. We would fight together, as a united front. I had a partner, and I knew deep down that we would ovee this trial.


    I embraced Lucas, expressing my gratitude for his unwavering presence. ¡°Thank you, my love, for being here with me. Let¡¯s not give up on our child, okay?¡± I whispered, my voice filled with both vulnerability and determination.


    ¡°What are you talking about? Who said anything about giving up? You are my family, and I am your husband and the father of our child. I will never abandon you. Have faith in me,¡± he dered.


    I realized then that I wasn¡¯t alone in this fight.


    Rather than rushing home, we decided to take a moment to collect ourselves. I needed a breather. Exhausted doesn¡¯t even begin to describe how I felt. It was as if every fiber of my being was drained. I had to process the enormity of the situation, for my mind was a thorny maze.


    The day after next, we set out. My husband had contacted the orphanage, and the news that our child was there brought a sense of relief, as if a thorn had been extracted from my chest.


    Yet, a wave of weakness washed over me when I discovered that my son was born blind. Perhaps it was a consequence of the ident I had during my pregnancy, a guilt that gnawed at my conscience.


    That night, tears flowed endlessly. I cried until my eyes felt heavy and my breathing became strained. The thought of St. Lucas Orphanage, my son¡¯s limited vision, and my own struggles consumed me.


    Growing up without a father, I understood the pain of feeling alone, of something missing in one¡¯s life. I had vowed that if I ever had a child, especially a daughter, I would provide her with aplete family-a mother, a father, and an older brother.


    The idea of my daughter growing up in an orphanage was unbearable. I couldn¡¯t bear the thought of her believing she was unloved, unable to see us or the world because of my own actions.


    In these moments, my conscience weighed heavily upon me, causing an overwhelming amount of guilt and self-doubt.


    Instead of finding fault in everyone, I resolved to focus on tomorrow. It wasn¡¯t toote; a new day would dawn, and I would be reunited with daughter, Ava. I made a promise to myself that we would create a loving family,pensating for all the lost years.


    Thursday arrived, and we embarked on a long van journey, apanied by my husband, Enrique, and a driver. The orphanage was located far away, in the countryside, and the estimated five-hour trip felt like an eternity-the longest I had ever experienced.


    There was a mutual longing among us all, a yearning that transcended words. As we held hands in the van, I asked my husband, ¡°What¡¯s the first thing you¡¯ll do when you see our daughter, dear?¡±


    He smiled and replied, ¡°I might not be able to do it right away. But I imagine our daughter, as beautiful as her mother and as courageous as her father. I will embrace her and make her feel our presence-yours, mine, and Enrique¡¯s.¡± Even Enrique beamed with joy, excited at the thought of having a little sister.


    ¡°Do you remember how my pregnancy was meant to be a surprise at our wedding? The gender reveal was supposed to be through the wedding cake. Life had different ns,¡± I shared, my voice wavering.


    He reached for my hand, his touch providing sce. I gradually calmed down, although my excitement remained palpable.


    After a long and tiring journey, we finally arrived at a quaint town in the countryside, right next to the orphanage. The nuns, including the superior, were waiting for us, ready to meet and guide us through the process.


    ¡°Good day to you¡­ I understand your eagerness to meet the child, but I would like to invite you to my office first. The children are still having their meals,¡± Sister Melissa greeted us warmly.


    Both Lucas and I agreed, and as our son happily yed with the other children, our driver kept a watchful eye on them.


    We walked through the orphanage, passing numerous rooms with simple wooden doors, until we reached Sister Melissa¡¯s office. It was a serene space, painted in pristine white.


    ¡°Please, have a seat while I fetch them,¡± Sister Melissa offered kindly, leaving us to wait with anticipation.


    Momentster, she returned with a collection of stories and a beautifully bound book.


    As we opened the book, we were greeted with a series of pictures showcasing our son¡¯s journey. From his earliest days as a baby to his growth throughout the years. The overwhelming joy in my heart brought tears streaming down my face. I longed to have witnessed every moment of her growth, shedding tears of happiness along the way.


    ¡°On the first week of December, a kind woman brought this child to Mr. and Mrs. ckwood, five days after her birth. In exchange for generous donations, they decided to adopt the child and requested to bring him here for some undisclosed reason,¡± Sister Melissa shared, capturing our immediate attention.


    ¡°My child was born on November 30,¡± I interjected, pained by the realization that, even after his birth, we remained in the dark about his existence.


    Sister Melissa nodded, her expression filled with empathy. ¡°This child has grown up in our care, her journey marked by silence and darkness due to his blindness. There is a void in her heart that needs to be filled. Everyone in our orphanage is like an angel, victimized by an unjust world. I am relieved to see that this little one still has a mother and a father. We named her Ava.¡±


    I gently caressed the pictures of my daughter, knowing without a doubt that she was mine. Her features resembled mine, with hints of her father, Lucas, in his nose and eyes.


    ¡°Can we see her, Sister? We are overflowing with excitement,¡± I eagerly asked, taking a leap of faith. Sister Melissa nodded, giving us her blessing.


    ¡°Alright,e along, and I shall be your guide,¡± she graciously offered.


    My husband tightly held my hand, our eyes meeting with unspoken love and anticipation. Together, we walked towards the back of the orphanage, where children happily yed, except for one, who sat alone, lost in her thoughts. My heart ached, desperate to bridge the gap between my daughter and me, to hold her and let her feel the presence of her mother.


    Seated on a bench, our daughter appeared small, with a frail frame and a paleplexion, her face seemingly expressionless. Overwhelmed, I felt as though a weight pressed upon me, urging me to rush towards her.


    Approaching slowly, Lucas and I stood in front of our child. Her face was remarkably beautiful, resembling that of a delicate doll. Tears welled up in my eyes, unable to contain the immense happiness flooding my being. God had answered my prayers, bringing us to her before it¡¯s toote.


    ¡°Hello, who are they?¡± our child asked calmly, her gentle tone causing a lump to form in my throat.


    Nervously, I struggled to find the courage to speak.


    ¡°Are you sad?¡± I managed to ask, though I wasn¡¯t even sure why.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    A hint of sadness flickered in our daughter¡¯s eyes. ¡°I have grown ustomed to it¡­¡±


    I couldn¡¯t resist embracing her. Lucas joined me in holding our daughter, tears mingling with overwhelming emotions.


    ¡°Are you here to adopt me?¡± she questioned. ¡°But I¡¯m blind. You might regret it,¡± she added, her words squeezing my heart.


    ¡°Never, my dear. You have a mother now. We are deeply sorry for the time we¡¯ve been apart, but we¡¯re here now. We love you so much. We¡¯re sorry we werete,¡± I whispered, my voice choked with emotion.

 CHAPTER 71

    CHAPTER 71 ¨C Zara¡¯s POV


    That very day, we joyfully brought our daughter out of the orphanage, relieved to discover that she harbored no resentment. She expressed his happiness at having her wish fulfilled and being reunited with us.


    The overwhelming joy I felt was impossible to contain. Lucas, Enrique, and I had a delightful time together, showering our daughter with love and affection. Enrique, being the older brother, embraced him warmly, forming an instant bond.


    As we sat in the van, she curiously asked, ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    It waste, and darkness had enveloped the surroundings. But we were nearing our grand mansion. The anticipation among everyone to meet our son, the long-lost member of the ckwood family, was palpable. Gratitude filled the hearts of our rtives, thankful that we had finally found our daughter, our missing piece. It was as if a void in my heart had been miraculously filled. Lucas and I couldn¡¯t help but smile, radiating pure joy.


    ¡°We¡¯re going home, sweetie. To our grand house¡­¡± Lucas replied, sitting beside him, while Enrique embraced me, hugging me tightly.


    ¡°Really? We¡¯ll all sleep next to each other? Yay! I¡¯ll be beside Mom, Dad, and Brother!¡± she eximed, his voice brimming with joy.


    We all chuckled in unison, sharing her excitement.


    ¡°If that¡¯s what you want, little one,¡± Enrique replied.


    ¡°What does our house look like, Mom? Dad? Even if it¡¯s simple, as long as we¡¯re all together,¡± she asked.


    I was grateful to see that our child had grown content with what she had. However, we also wanted to provide her with everything he deserved.


    ¡°Our house is grand, my dear. But first, we¡¯ll go to your grandparents¡¯ house. Your cousins, grandparents, and extended family are eagerly waiting to see you!¡± I assured her enthusiastically.


    A hint of sadness crept into our son¡¯s smile. ¡°I wish I could see, you know? I wish I could see the faces of my father, mother, and older brother. Even though my world is always dark, I know I¡¯m not alone. Thank you so much! Thank you for bringing me back. I thought you didn¡¯t want me anymore, so you gave me away,¡± she expressed with gratitude.


    Her words pierced our hearts, reminding us of the depth of his emotions. I couldn¡¯t bear the thought.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that, my child. Your disability is never a reason for us not to love you. We would never want to part with you if not for circumstances beyond our control. And Mom and Dad promise to do everything possible to give you the best. Okay?¡±


    ¡°Really? Thank you so much! I love you all!¡± she eximed, and we showered her with kisses on his forehead.


    ¡°We love you too, little one!¡±


    Soon enough, we arrived at the grand mansion, where our grandparents eagerly greeted us, brimming with excitement to meet their beloved granddaughter. She radiated pure happiness, relishing in the love that surrounded her.


    The entire family celebrated that night, rejoicing in the miracle of her return. We also began preparations for a grand party next week to honor her, as it truly felt like a miracle to have him back in our lives. We wanted tomemorate this joyous asion.


    ¡°How do you feel now that you have a little sister, son?¡± I asked, curious about his thoughts on the matter.


    ¡°I¡¯m thrilled, Mom. Didn¡¯t I tell you before? I¡¯m so happy that we finally get to meet her. I¡¯ll be a protective brother to her,¡± my son replied, his enthusiasm shining through.


    I couldn¡¯t help but feel immense pride. It amazed me how my young child had such a capacity for understanding andpassion.


    ¡°Ken, I want you to understand something important. Your sister is a bit different, and she requires special attention. Are you okay with that? I don¡¯t want you to feel jealous or resentful. You and your dad will always be our first treasures, and we love you just as much as your sister. Can you promise not to be jealous?¡± I exined, making sure he understood.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Mom, I already know that. I won¡¯t be jealous or hold a grudge. I understand the situation. As the older brother, it¡¯s my duty to take care of Ava. I promise,¡± he reassured me, and my heart swelled with love and pride.


    ¡°That¡¯s our boy,¡± I beamed with delight.


    The following day, we went to the mall as a family to meet with our extended family. We nned to shop for our daughter¡¯s essentials while also taking Ava for a checkup. It turned out that our daughter was malnourished and needed to gain weight before her potential eye surgery.


    Lucas and I were determined to ensure that our son¡¯s life didn¡¯t lose its vibrancy forever. We wanted to show her the beauty of the world and do everything in our power to ensure our daughter¡¯s happiness.


    After the doctor¡¯s appointment, we headed to the mall and purchased a multitude of items, arranging for the mall to have them delivered. As we strolled through the mall, I caught sight of a familiar face I hadn¡¯t seen in years.


    ¡°Antote!¡± I called out, filled with excitement.


    It had been such a long time since west met, around four or three years ago.


    ¡°Zara! I finally see you! We have so much to catch up on. Oh, is that Enrique? My, he¡¯s grown into a young man, hasn¡¯t he? And who is this beautiful youngdy here?¡± Antote eximed, appearing to be alone.


    ¡°Hello, my name is Ava,¡± she introduced himself.


    ¡°Bless you, godmother,¡± Enrique said.


    ¡°Bless you, my dear. Lucas, may I borrow your wife for a little while?¡± Antote requested, ncing at my husband.


    He let out a sigh. ¡°Of course, but please make it just an hour. The children need their rest too,¡± Lucas agreed, disying his understanding nature.


    Lucas took our kids to a toy store first, while Antote and I decided to find a nearby coffee shop. We stumbled upon a delightful little spot with chocte brown walls, cozy tables, and friendly customer service. The aroma of the ce was enchanting, a harmonious blend of bitter and sweet chocte scents.


    As we settled in, we both ordered our preferred coffees. I chose a rich and indulgent dark chocte brew, while Antote opted for a creamytte. To apany our drinks, we treated ourselves to a slice of mouthwatering blueberry cheesecake. Thebination felt wonderfully nostalgic, evoking cherished memories. Lost in the moment, I couldn¡¯t help but reflect and yearn for what once was.


    ¡°What do you miss, Antote? If only we could turn back time,¡± I mused, casting a wistful gaze at my ring finger.


    She responded with a tinge of sadness in her eyes, ¡°It¡¯s heartbreaking to think how everything unfolded. It feels more tragic than the tale of Romeo and Juliet. If only I had known sooner¡­ If only we had the chance to correct it all.¡±


    Regret filled my voice as I pondered the possibilities. If only I had known earlier, perhaps I could have rejected Nick properly, allowing him to find someone else. Antote let out a heavy sigh, taking a sip of her coffee before settling down to talk.


    ¡°On the other hand, Zara, I must admit it¡¯s partly my fault too. I knew that Nick had feelings for you since our college days, but I didn¡¯t intervene because I enjoyed his pursuit. That¡¯s why, during our college years, I tried to ship both of you¡­ Your grandfather was quite the matchmaker.¡±


    I interjected, contemting the undeniable truth that some things, no matter how we fight against them, simply aren¡¯t meant to be.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like we were destined to be together, Antote. There are circumstances that we can¡¯t change, no matter how hard we try. If something else is meant for us, we cannot escape it.¡±


    At the end of the day, destiny is merely another way of referring to our path-the choices that lead to our happiness orck thereof. It bes a matter of weighing the opportunity cost and seeking our own happiness.


    Antote admitted, ¡°I stopped shipping the two of you because, first and foremost, you were already married. I hoped that Nick would give up and move on! But who could have predicted that blind love would drive him to such lengths?¡±


    The fact was undeniable, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel a mix of sympathy and lingering anger towards Nick.


    ¡°There is still a scar in my heart, Antote. It¡¯s not easy to forgive the weight of his transgressions, both for me and for us. It will take time to heal those wounds. Forgiveness is not something that can be rushed,¡± I confessed, acknowledging the profound impact his actions had on us.


    The wounds he inflicted cannot be easily mended.


    ¡°I agree, Zara. Forgiveness is aplex process, and as mere humans, we have the right to take our time. Life isn¡¯t easy, and forgiveness even less so. I can¡¯t say for certain how I would handle such a situation,¡± Antote sighed, recognizing the immense challenge that forgiveness poses.


    ¡°That¡¯s why, as soon as I discovered everything, I did my best to return to the ybourne. I had been working in Italy for two years on a business contract and expansion. I never suspected that the letter we received wasn¡¯t yours. In that note, you had clearly expressed your unwillingness to marry. I overlooked the fact that Nick could mimic your handwriting. All the signs and answers were right in front of us, yet we failed to notice,¡± Imented, realizing how oblivious we had been.


    ¡°This serves as a lesson for both of us, Antote. A scar that will remain etched in our minds for a long time. Nick has taught me a valuable lesson-that trust can be tarnished and love has the power to build or destroy someone,¡± I said, picking up my phone as I noticed my husband looking for me.


    Our children were tired and in need of a nap.


    ¡°Let¡¯s pray that someday Nick will soon realize his error,¡± I said before excusing myself.


    But before totally leaving, I informed her about my daughter Ava¡¯s uing wee party, which would take ce the following week. Thankfully, her schedule remained clear, and she would bring her son, who was only a few years younger than Lucas, to join in the celebration.


    Reluctantly, we said our goodbyes, exchanging contact information once again. We parted ways, with a lingering feeling of missing each other. True friendships are meant tost, even if we don¡¯t see each other frequently.


    I made my way to the parking lot, where my husband was already waiting. Our two kids were asleep inside the van, exhausted from their day of y. They had a fantastic time, and I was grateful for that.


    In my own childhood, I had limited opportunities for y, as there was no one to watch over me. My grandfather was busy as a captain, and my mother, a school principal, carried many responsibilities at the time. I had to behave within the confines of our home.


    Now, I yearned to provide my children with a life filled with experiences I never had. It wasn¡¯t because my own childhood wascking, but because I wanted them to encounter the joys I had missed.


    As we sat inside the van, Lucas and I held hands, content with the blessings we had. I felt incredibly fortunate to have him by my side. Our journey together had been long and arduous, but we knew there would be more moments of both joy and pain.


    Three dayster, we visited my mom and grandfather¡¯s house. Mom was brimming with excitement and joy, adoring our youngest Ava. She couldn¡¯t help but mention how much he resembled me as a child, in terms of cuteness. Meanwhile, Grandfather had enlisted the help of our eldest, Enrique, in tending to the small urban garden at the back of the house.


    ¡°Kids, do you want some cookies?¡± Mom asked Ken and Ava.


    ¡°Yes, Granny!¡± they replied.


    I smiled as they followed Mom to the kitchen where freshly baked cookies were waiting to be eaten. Then, I took a deep breath because at the moment, I¡¯ve been missing my husband.


    It¡¯s a pity that he was able toe with us. He had works to do, and being the CEO of ckwood¡¯s Holding Company means he had immense responsibilities.


    ¡°Mom, do I really look like you?¡± Ava asked when she came back, and I nodded before kissing her forehead.


    ¡°Yes, dear. You are as beautiful as your Mom,¡± I told her and there was a smile on her lips. While watching her smile, I felt like crying because she couldn¡¯t see me yet.


    Then, Enrique joined us, and he saw me teary-eyed while staring at his sister. He understood how I felt at the moment, and after holding Ava¡¯s hands, he took her outside.


    Soon enough, my blessed little boy would grow into a fine young man. And by chance, he has inherited his Dad¡¯s features and charisma. Few yearster, he would be a grown up and he would probably be a heartbreaker like Lucas but of course, I wouldn¡¯t let him.


    When Ava would be a youngdy soon, I suspected that Enrique would be protective of her. Like his Dad, he could be possessive and protective. While daydreaming about the time they would be adults, Ava returned with a question.


    ¡°Mom, how do I look?¡± she asked and I waspelled to describe herself.


    . ¡°Mmm, you are incredibly beautiful and adorable. Yourplexion is fair, you got a button nose and red lips, and of course, your face is lovely to look at,¡± I told her.


    ¡°Really, Mom? I hope I can see all those things too. I want to see the colors of flowers, rainbows, dogs, and even my brother¡¯s drawings. I hope darkness doesn¡¯t overshadow everything,¡± my daughter replies, her innocent hope shining through her words.


    It broke my heart to know that she yearned for something she hadn¡¯t experienced fully. Indeed, it¡¯s heart-wrenching to think that my daughter has to endure such hardships.


    She should be shielded from the difficulties and trials that should be ours alone. If it were possible, I would willingly give my eyes to her, just so she could see the world in all its beauty.


    As a mother, it pained me to see Ava like this. Her smile held a glimmer of happiness, but deep down, I knew that something was missing. There¡¯s an underlying sadness that lurked beneath her daily existence. It¡¯s a darkness that casts its shadow upon her.


    ¡°Let it be, my child. The day wille when you will see everything, I promise. Just trust Mom and Dad. We will find a way for you to see the world, my love. That¡¯s my promise to you, our little princess.¡±


    I reassured her, vowing to do everything in my power to make it happen. We would leave no stone unturned to restore her vision.

 CHAPTER 72

    CHAPTER 72 ¨C Zara¡¯s POV


    We had been tirelessly searching for donors, hoping to find the perfect pair of eyes for Ava. As we awaited her recovery from the recent eye surgery, she remained fragile due to malnourishment.


    To ensure the well-being of both Ava and Enrique, we sought the assistance of our trusted pediatrician. Regr check-ups and monitoring their health became our top priority.


    ¡°Thank you, Mom. I love you!¡± she eximed, nting a sweet kiss on my cheek. I offered my cheek, making it easier for her to reach. Our youngest overflowed with affection.


    ¡°Mom loves you too, my dear. Alright, let¡¯s take a break from the cookies for now and have lunchter, alright?¡± I suggested as we moved to the table.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Mom. These dolls are just for me to y with,¡± she assured me, referring to the gifts from her uncles and aunts.


    I anticipated that they would spoil her, especially since she was currently the youngest among her cousins.


    We thoroughly enjoyed the meal that Mom and I had prepared. I cooked a savory stewed beef, satisfying our appetites. I couldn¡¯t help but take pictures of our culinary creations, intending to send them to Lucas. I wondered if my husband had already had his lunch.


    While savoring our meal, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was Lucas, and I quickly answered, eager to hear his voice.


    ¡°Who¡¯s this? You must have the wrong number,¡± I yfully teased on the other end of the line, a mischievous grin forming on my face. I could hear him chuckling, hisughter like music to my ears.


    ¡°Is that so? Can I still flirt with you?¡± he responded, fully embracing the yful banter. It brought a smile to my face. Sometimes, I felt like a teenager again, unaware of the passing years.


    ¡°Oh no, dear brother, I was already taken. I am loyal to my husband,¡± I dered, adding a hint of regret in my voice. I decided to y along and tease him further.


    ¡°Oh, really?¡± he countered, his wordsced with humor.


    He then requested a video call.


    Was I in heaven? Was this where I could finallyy eyes upon an angel? My husband, with his striking handsomeness, appeared before me. He was a temptation that was hard to resist, a sin I willingly sumbed to.


    ¡°My husband was not only my partner in life but also my beloved brother. He possessed both wealth and irresistible charm that attracted attention wherever he went. Yet, despite the attention he received from others, his heart remained devoted to me. However, it was not without its challenges when I discovered his past as a womanizer. The strength of our rtionship was put to the test.¡±


    I yfully taunted him, observing his reaction as he closed his eyes, perhaps feeling a pang of guilt. ¡°Oh, dear, it stings a little, doesn¡¯t it?¡± I couldn¡¯t help butugh, a mixture of jest and genuine affection.


    Concerned about his well-being, I quickly shifted the conversation, asking about his day. ¡°Did you have a break, my dear? Were you finished with work? Did you have lunch yet?¡± I bombarded him with questions, eager to hear about his schedule and ensure he was taking care of himself.


    He replied with a hint of drowsiness, indicating his fatigue. ¡°We will have a meetingter, my love, with board members and investors. After that, I would finally have lunch. But all I wanted right now was to be with you. I missed you dearly, my love. You and our children meant everything to me.¡±


    I suggested that he should rest as well, expressing my concern for his well-being. ¡°You deserved some rest too, my dear. Take care of yourself.¡±


    Lucas, my husband, acknowledged my words and reaffirmed hismitment to our family. ¡°Yes, my love, I understand. I am working tirelessly to provide afortable life for you and our child. It¡¯s not just a sense of duty; it¡¯s because I genuinely want it. I love you, Zara Dfontaine ckwood. I promise to work harder, remain loyal, stay faithful, and be by your side until ourst breath. My love for you knows no bounds.¡±


    Who wouldn¡¯t be thrilled to have a spouse as sweet as sugar? His stunning appearance and the grace he carries are truly blessings from above.


    ¡°Save those beautiful vows for our wedding, Mr. Lucas ckwood. I want to hear even more enchanting words from you at the altar,¡± I yfully teased, eagerly anticipating our future nuptials. ¡°By the way, don¡¯t bete for the event, okay?¡±


    ¡°No problem, my love. I would never miss it,¡± he promised.


    After the call ended, I went to check on Ava, and I found herbing her hair. She looked like an angel in her adorable dress, adorned with butterfly pins on her head.


    ¡°Mom, am I beautiful?¡± she innocently asked, and I couldn¡¯t help but smile at her words.


    ¡°Of course, my child. You are the most beautiful girl I have ever known. Tonight, you resemble a princess,¡± I responded, my smile filled with love and pride.


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m scared. I¡¯m afraid that my father, grandparents, uncles, and aunts will be disappointed because I am visually impaired. Can I skip the event, Mom? Please?¡±


    ¡°Why do you think that way, my dear? You are never a disappointment to us. You are a blessing for which we are endlessly grateful. We love you, and don¡¯t ever believe that you are defined solely by your visual impairment. To us, you are a treasure cherished by your parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and even your cousin,¡± I assured her.


    Our little princess shed tears of both sadness and happiness, yet managed to smile through them. Afterforting her, we finally stepped out of the room and headed to the mansion where the grand party awaits.


    The celebration was set to take ce in a vastndscape garden, attracting famous individuals including prominent business tycoons, politicians, investors,petitors, and entertainers from the industry. The magnitude of the event was truly remarkable.


    When we arrived at the mansion, I didn¡¯t expect to see Lucas already there. He weed us and then he checked on Ken¡¯s outfit for the event. Enrique, dressed in a smart ck suit with perfectly styled hair, clings onto the rose given to him by his sister. They both look absolutely adorable.


    Meanwhile, my husband exuded charisma in his ck suit, while I graced the asion in a stunning white and blue gown. The preparations for such a grand event werepleted in a remarkably short span of time.


    ¡°My wife looks absolutely perfect tonight,¡± my husband remarked, taking my hand and bestowing a princely kiss upon it.


    I couldn¡¯t deny that his words send shivers of excitement down my spine. ¡°You are equally handsome, my love,¡± I responded sincerely, and with that, we were led to our designated table. The event began shortly after, promising an evening of elegance and celebration.


    The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as my mother took the stage, microphone in hand, ready to address the audience. The crowd grew silent, eager to hear her words.


    ¡°This evening is a moment of celebration and gratitude as we reunite with my long-lost daughter-inw and granddaughter. Tonight, I want to proudly introduce my granddaughter to the world. Please join us on stage,¡± my mother dered, her voice filled with warmth and joy.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    As we imitated Ava, stepping onto the stage, thunderous apuse erupted throughout the venue, acknowledging the significance of this heartfelt reunion.


    The entire celebration unfolded wlessly. Lucas found himself engrossed in conversations with investors and fellow businessmen. In the meantime, my grandparents lovingly tended to their grandchildren, showering them with affection and care. Their love for their grandchildren knew no bounds.


    Antote and her husband, Fin, also graced us with their presence, apanied by their kids. A grand reunion, indeed. After dinner, the guests were treated to a stunning fireworks disy, illuminating the night sky with vibrant colors.


    As the celebration came to a close, Lucas and I stood beneath the starry sky, hand in hand. We both took a deep breath, savoring the moment.


    ¡°Lucas, do you believe in destiny?¡± I asked him suddenly, breaking the silence.


    He turned to look at me, his eyes filled with sincerity. ¡°I do. Destiny brought us together, Zara. Our journey may have been challenging, but I believe it was meant to be. I wouldn¡¯t change a thing, for every moment led me to you, and I¡¯m grateful for that.¡±


    His words struck a chord deep within me, and I couldn¡¯t help but lean in to kiss him. Our lips met in a tender embrace, conveying more than words ever could.

 CHAPTER 73

    CHAPTER 73 ¨C Zara¡¯s POVPlease check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    The party was a sess but then I felt something weird. I didn¡¯t know if it was just me, or I was just being paranoid. A woman¡¯s intuition was really something else when it kicked in, and I wasn¡¯t wrong when I saw that shameless woman. The daughter of our local mayor, who clung to my husband as if her life depended on it, and now she even dared to kiss my husband.


    As I watched her and Lucas together, it felt like I was punched with anger and jealousy in my heart. I remained calm, just observing the situation, but deep inside I wondered if Lucas would ever change for the better. We just got reunited, and there¡¯s another woman already who was vying for his attention!


    ¡°What the fuck, Nadine!¡± my husband eximed angrily, wiping his lips after the woman kissed him.


    They hadn¡¯t noticed me watching them yet. Nadine, that was the name of this shameless woman! Damn!


    ¡°Lucas, I¡¯ve loved you since then! I am willing to be your mistress, just keep me close to your heart,¡± Nadine said, and I smirked while listening to her.


    ¡°I love my wife. And it never crossed my mind to trade her for someone like you! Maybe you have no self-respect, Nadine. Respect my marriage to my wife,¡± Lucas tried to get away from Nadine but the woman didn¡¯t want to let go of my husband.


    So, I had to step up before she could kiss Lucas again. ¡°You wicked witch. I¡¯ll tear your lips apart and feed them to the dogs! Just try kissing him again!¡±


    Nadine was scared and immediately left before she would be humiliated even more. Lucas apologized but I didn¡¯t say anything. When I turned around to go back to the party, he followed me. I knew he didn¡¯t want Nadine but the woman was persistent and a brat. As the mayor¡¯s daughter, she probably got whatever she wanted.


    But not my husband! As long as I¡¯m alive, no other woman could take him away from me. But then, even though I was aware of the truth, I decided to y a little prank on him. After the party, when we were back in our room, he tried to exin.


    ¡°Darling, you know it¡¯s only you, right? You¡¯re the only one I¡¯ll love. You know that girl was just trying to tempt me but she failed,¡± he told me.


    ¡°Then, do everything to take that woman¡¯s scent away from your body, Lucas. Until then, don¡¯te near me,¡± I warned him and he groaned in response.


    He returned to the bathroom to take another shower, and while he was inside the bathroom, I was amused. It was his fifth shower already. Should I stop now? He might probably be sick from having too much shower when it¡¯s alreadyte in the evening!


    ¡°Done. I even brushed my teeth a dozen times,¡± he said as soon as he got outside of the bathroom with a towel covering his lower torso.


    I tried my best not to stare at his abs and muscr chest. Then, I asked, ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes, love. There¡¯s no more trace of that woman on me anymore.¡±


    We were in the bedroom. We had separate rooms for the kids, so I could freely act and put on a show. My heart was starting to soften a bit. I couldn¡¯t really control my emotions when it was about Lucas ckwood. I couldn¡¯t resist his charm. That puppy face look was to die for. It felt like I was always the bad one in our rtionship.


    ¡°I hope it¡¯s thest time I will see you with another woman, Lucas. Otherwise, we have to break up for good. I wouldn¡¯t tolerate that kind of behavior anymore,¡± I told him.


    For a moment, he stared at me, and he looked so damn lost in his thoughts. He looked defeated, shoulders slumped, and a hint of disbelief on his face. Then, he walked away from me.


    I watched him go to the wardrobe to get something to wear. He put on a bathrobe before grabbing his phone to make a call. I frowned while thinking about his action. From being gentle and meek, like a sheep or a puppy being scolded, he suddenly changed and his brows furrowed as he called someone on the phone.


    ¡°Hello, Lassiter. I want you to listen to me very well. I want Mayor Smith and his business to go down. I want his business to copse as soon as possible and for him to lose his position.¡±


    When he said that, I became truly rmed. I approached him and snatched the phone from him. ¡°Hello, this is Zara, his wife. He was just kidding. Just don¡¯t take his words seriously. Good night.¡± I ended the call and my husband looked at me with a furrowed brow. ¡°My god, Lucas. Can¡¯t I y a prank on you?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not making fun of you, Zara. I am so serious about you that I can¡¯t take you lightly. I don¡¯t want you to ever feel like my love and respect for you is any less. I love you so much that I¡¯m afraid you might wake up one day and not love me anymore. I don¡¯t want to give you any reason to leave me. Because I won¡¯t be able to handle that again,¡± he said while embracing me. I hadn¡¯t even realized he had wrapped his arms around me.


    ¡°I love you so much, Lucas. And you know that, from the very beginning¡­ Why would I let go of someone I thought I could only admire from afar? The man I thought was out of reach before he started loving me? The man who never left my thoughts. Lucas, you are my reason for living. Forever.¡±


    Our lips finally meet. Our bodies may be tired, but we draw strength from each other. With fiery passion in his kisses, his intense desire, and his gentle touch, I¡¯m transported to heaven. And we ended up exchanging our love throughout the night. The warmth of our bodies and our fiery emotions igniting.


    In the morning, I woke upte. I didn¡¯t know why I can¡¯t get used to Lucas¡¯s size. He¡¯s huge and very thick, and every time we¡¯re intimate, it always felt like the first time. He could be gentle and very rough, depending on the intensity of our connection.


    As I thought about all of this, in the midst of the new morning, I felt a bit embarrassed for being so naughty again. Get a grip, Zara! Stop having such lewd thoughts so early in the morning.


    I was surprised when the door opened, and there was my husband with our two kids. He was holding a tray with breakfast. Our breakfast in bed was always perfect. My husband was so sweet and genuinely kind. How could I not feel excited to wake up to a day like this?


    ¡°Breakfast in bed, my love. Sorry if I overdid it again. Let¡¯s eat, and here¡¯s a painkiller for you. I love you, and thank you forst night¡­¡± my husband whispered.


    Our eldest asked curiously, ¡°What were you doingst night?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an adult thing, honey. Someday, you¡¯ll learn about it too,¡± I told our child.


    A weekter, we suddenly decided to go on a vacation to Lucas¡¯s hometown. Yes, they also owned a hacienda. I couldn¡¯t even fathom how wealthy they are. Owningpanies,nd, and other valuable properties made them incredibly strong.


    We were on our way when our kids mentioned they were hungry. So, I served them our ready-to-eat Bento. Before leaving, I prepared our meals.


    ¡°This is delicious, Mom! Your cooking is truly the best¡­¡± our youngest said, and I smiled. I took my handkerchief from my pocket and wiped a smudge off the corner of our child¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Our princess is buttering us up again. Go ahead and eat, sweetie. Keep eating, or you¡¯ll end up with no substance,¡± I teased, unable to suppress myughter.


    ¡°That¡¯s true, Mom. Your chicken curry and sushi are the best,¡± our eldest said, eating heartily.


    ¡°Alright, go on and eat, my dear. Here¡¯s some water, too.¡±


    I nced at my husband, who was looking at his iPad. He¡¯s been busy with worktely. Their business was even more expanding.


    ¡°Darling, are you busy?¡± I asked my husband.


    ¡°Just a moment, dear. Sorry, I¡¯m a bit stressed,¡± he said. He looked pitiful, and he seemed tired.


    ¡°Come on, honey. Don¡¯t mind that. Take a break as well,¡± I said.


    Actually, I insisted that we postpone all of this. I¡¯ve noticed he¡¯s been busy with work for weeks. I didn¡¯t really know why. It¡¯s difficult to ask.


    Our trip went smoothly. But I could tell Lucas was unusually distant. Sometimes he¡¯s just angry. We¡¯ve been arguing during our vacation. I just didn¡¯t understand him anymore! I wanted to understand him, but he¡¯s bing frustrating!

 CHAPTER 74

    CHAPTER 74 ¨C Zara¡¯s POV


    The night weighed heavily upon us as we slept, carrying with it unresolved grievances. No greetings were exchanged, no apologies offered, and our stubbornness held us captive. The emotional distance between Lucas and me mirrored the separation of our children into separate rooms.


    The air grew cold, and doubts crept into my heart, leaving me feeling insecure and unimportant in his eyes. The warmth of our marriage seemed to wane, and tears streamed down my face throughout the night, burdened by the fear that his love for me had vanished.


    How had wee to this? I believed Lucas and I were destined to endure together until the very end. Yet here we were, estranged and adrift. His heart had seemingly changed with rming swiftness, and I questioned why. Was it just me? Why had he distanced himself so abruptly?


    The weight of my emotions consumed me, and tears flowed ceaselessly. I cried out all the pain and anguish burdening my heart, emptying myself of the sorrow that seemed endless. If this was a test, I longed for its conclusion.


    As the morning sun broke through, a sense of emptiness enveloped me. Neither my son nor my husband was by my side, but instead, a letter awaited me-a letter that would shake me to my core.


    ¡°Sorry, Zara¡­¡±


    At that moment, an icy chill ran down my spine, and disbelief clouded my mind. I rose from my bed, feeling like a mere shell of myself, a hollow vessel lost in a whirlwind of emotions. Scandalous thoughts raced through my mind as I wandered aimlessly in the vi, unnoticed by all.


    I tried to reach out to Lucas through messages, only to discover that he had blocked me. If his love for me had truly waned, if we were no longer okay, then I hoped he wouldn¡¯t let our kids bear the weight of his regrets. I couldn¡¯t bear the thought.


    As I prepared to leave the house and step into the waiting car, a mysterious figure covered my nose, and darkness engulfed me as I sumbed to a deep slumber. It was an act of sabotage, a sinister plot against me, leading me into an eternal sleep.


    When I awoke, the afternoon sun bathed me in its warm glow. I found myself in a jungle behind the hacienda, lying on a bed of dried leaves and flowers.


    The melodic sound of a piano danced through the air, transporting me to a realm of unparalleled beauty. It felt like paradise, a blissful escape.


    d in an exquisite wedding gown, I felt an unexpected surge of energy. Everything seemed to have been prepared with meticulous care, yet I struggled to grasp the reality of the situation.


    The earlier sadness, pain, and anger that had consumed me were reced by an indescribable joy-a joy that defied words. It seemed like a trick straight out of a fairytale, awakening to find myself on the verge of marriage.


    So all along, everything had been a carefully orchestrated n. Lucas, in his enigmatic way, had orchestrated these fights and conflicts, all leading up to our forest wedding. Damn you, Lucas! I had doubted his love, foolishly believing that it had waned. I chastised myself for such shallow thinking, for failing to appreciate the depths of his surprises.


    As our favorite song was yed in the background, two men stepped forward, revealing themselves to be his brother. Yes, I was about to marry Lucas,pletely oblivious to the grand ruse that had unfolded.


    Lucas had fought to marry me, and his peculiar sense of surprise had woven this intricate tapestry of emotions. But that was one of the reasons why I loved him-the unpredictability that kept our love alive. He was my husband, my partner in this unpredictable journey called life.


    I trembled as I walked the red carpet, surrounded by an audience that seemed to fill every corner. I yearned for Lucas and me to mend our hearts and share this beautiful moment. Tears streamed down my face, though I couldn¡¯t fathom what I must have looked like. All that mattered was that I took each step forward.


    At the end of the aisle stood my grandfather, who had always been a father figure to me. His tearful gaze met mine, conveying his approval and love. I walked toward Lucas, who remained visibly guilty but also on the cusp of ending our pain. He awaited me, tears of happiness glistening in his eyes, mirroring my own.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    The ceremony was breathtaking and heartwarming. This would be our third attempt at a joyous marriage, and I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if it was all a dream. But now, it was real. No longer tainted by pretense or selfishness, our union was a testament to pure, unconditional love.


    Guided by my grandfather, who had assumed the role of a loving father, I walked the path toward Lucas, witnessing the immense love and support surrounding us. Antote, my maid of honor; our children, serving as bearers and flower girls; my mother; and our extended family from Lucas¡¯s side-everyone hade to bear witness to our love.


    My grandfather led me to Lucas, and with a smile, he said, ¡°Lucas ckwood, promise me that you will never break my granddaughter¡¯s heart. I trust you to love and care for her, just as you promised.¡±


    I wept, moved by my grandfather¡¯s tenderness. At that moment, surrounded by loved ones, the past burdens seemed to dissipate, making way for a future filled with hope and happiness.


    Our forest wedding marked a new beginning. And as I stood by Lucas¡¯s side, tears of joy streaming down our faces, I knew that together, we would embrace the unpredictable journey thaty ahead.


    ¡°Thank you, Lucas. If you hadn¡¯t pushed me into this marriage, I might never have experienced such immense happiness,¡± I expressed my gratitude, turning to my husband.


    ¡°Shall we, my dear?¡± Lucas asked nervously.


    A wide smile adorned my face as I inquired, ¡°How did you do it, Lucas? Is everything meticulously nned?¡±


    He sheepishly scratched his head, causingughter to ripple through the wedding crowd. Perhaps they were already privy to Lucas¡¯s secret scheme.


    ¡°I apologize, my love, for putting you through this. It won¡¯t happen again. Pretending to be angry with you was truly challenging. It felt like I was tearing myself apart. You know how much I adore you!¡± he admitted, his eyes gleaming mischievously.


    My husband was devilishly clever and undeniably charming. Absolutely adorable. Yet, I feltpelled to remind him of his guilt.


    ¡°Lucas, you didn¡¯t have to¡­¡±


    ¡°But I wanted to, Zara. Love knows no boundaries, and I want to marry you countless times if I can. You are my forever,¡± he dered, his excitement contagious.


    The priest, seemingly unenthused, interjected with a lighthearted tone, ¡°Before we proceed with the vows, let¡¯s actually get you married, young lovebirds.¡± This prompted chuckles from both Lucas and me, slightly embarrassed but undeniably delighted.


    ¡°Today, we gather here to witness the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. ckwood, for the second time,¡± the priest proimed.


    It felt like we were embarking on a brand-new journey together. As tears of joy flowed, we exchanged rings.


    ¡°Lucas, you have forever engraved yourself in my heart, my mind, and my soul. God and all these witnesses bear testament to the depth of my love for you. I will never let you slip away. You were my dream back when we were in college, a dream I thought would never materialize. I attempted to let go of my love for you, thinking our marriage was a lost cause, my dear,¡± I tearfully expressed, caught off guard by the surge of emotions.


    Who would have thought we would end up getting married so suddenly?


    ¡°But one day, destiny intervened, and the world turned around; it became clear that you loved me. My patience had paid off. Every tear shed was worth it because you, Lucas, are one of God¡¯s greatest gifts in my life. I love you, and I promise to be with you until death separates us, my Lucas.¡±


    My husband¡¯s response was a smile mixed with tears as he slipped the ring onto my finger.


    ¡°Zara, I thought I would despise you until the end. I resisted my feelings for you. Our love story began on rocky grounds. Yet, even with all the reasons to hurt your heart, I found mine changing unexpectedly. It was as if I woke up one day, realizing I couldn¡¯t bear to lose you. The pain I felt when you were gone, snatched away by fate, was unbearable. I thought you had left for good, that you didn¡¯t want to marry me. I tried to stop loving you, Zara¡­ but I failed. And when you reentered my life, I realized just how much I truly loved you. Till death do us part, my love.¡±


    After exchanging our heartfelt vows, the priest introduced us to the gathered congregation.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. ckwood! May the couple seal their union with a kiss?¡±


    He¡¯s the only one I will ever love. The man who has brought me through moments of sadness, anger, joy, and happiness. Lucaspleted me,pleted us, and our child.


    And together, we sealed our love with a tender, passionate kiss.

 CHAPTER 75

    CHAPTER 75 ¨C Zara¡¯s POV


    Fifteen years have passed since Lucas and I exchanged our vows, a journey filled with ups and downs, tears and smiles. We have faced countless challenges, nearly losing hope at times, but our determination has kept us fighting.


    Has it been an easy road for us? No, there¡¯s no such thing as a perfect rtionship. We, like any couple, have experienced moments of doubt and contemtion.


    But we have also found reasons to hold on tightly, to weather the storms together. We understand that true happiness and a healthy rtionship require effort andmitment.


    They say that when you¡¯re truly happy, time flies by unnoticed. And indeed, the time has flown. It feels like just yesterday when my children were young, and now they tower over me, grown into remarkable individuals.


    Enrique, our eldest, was already twenty-five years old. He has blossomed into a handsome, intelligent young man, dedicated to his studies and still possessing a gentle sweetness. He would be forever a Mama¡¯s boy, choosing to remain close to home despite his age.


    He¡¯s yet to find a partner as he was savoring his bachelor days, and while I¡¯m not in a hurry for grandchildren, I couldn¡¯t deny that time waits for no one. With a business degree under his belt, Enrique was poised to take on the responsibility of managing the ckwood group ofpanies.


    We have always encouraged him to follow his own path, be it in medicine,w, engineering, or any other field. However, it¡¯s clear that business flows through his veins, and our pride in him knows no bounds.


    Ava, our youngest, has blossomed into a young woman, celebrating her neenth birthday on November. When she was thirteen, she underwent an eye surgery, a pivotal moment in her life. Now, she aspired to be a model and fashion designer, drawing inspiration from her godmother, Antote, and her aunt, Stephanie. I wholeheartedly support my daughter¡¯s dreams and aspirations.


    As the cold December wind embraced my skin, I foundfort in wrapping my arms around myself upon exiting the van. We had just returned from the market, havingpleted our shopping for the uing Christmas. Yes, we have a maids, but it has be my tradition to prepare for this special asion.


    Amidst the busyness, I often find myself missing my children. They have embarked on their own journeys, carving their own paths in life. I knew that the day wille when they must spread their wings and venture further away from me. Such was the nature of life. Yet, it didn¡¯t stop the bittersweet sadness from enveloping me.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Darling,¡± a voice interrupted my thoughts, unmistakably familiar.


    He embraced me once more, and in that moment, it felt as if time had stood still. Our marriage, still as sweet as that very first kiss, had stood the test of time. We both may be showing signs of aging, nearing our 50s, but my husband remained as captivating as ever.


    ¡°Love, you seem lost in thought again. Are you tired? I told you to let Karen handle the preparation,¡± my husband expressed her concern.


    ¡°Lucas, I¡¯m still strong. I may have a few wrinkles, a few imperfections, but I¡¯m still strong,¡± I yfully retorted.


    While many havemented on how I seemed to defy the aging process, I did take care of my skin, appreciating the importance of self-care.


    As we continued on this remarkable journey together, navigating the twists and turns that life presents, I am grateful for the fifteen years we have shared and excited for the many more toe.


    With a smile on my face and Lucas by my side, we head inside to prepare food for the Christmas Eve. My husband turned to me, a slight frown on his face.


    ¡°Who sees you as ugly and old? All I see is the young woman I fell in love with, Zara Dfontaine ckwood.¡± His words still carried the sweetness that first captivated me.


    A smile refused to leave my lips as the Christmas lights in our home twinkled as brightly as the love in our eyes. I gently released myself from his embrace, assuring him that I¡¯ll take care of preparing our meal. He insisted on helping, but I stood my ground, affirming my role as a devoted wife and mother.


    As I entered the kitchen, my husband yfully scampered upstairs, his childlike excitement endearing. Though the years have passed, he remained as handsome as the day we met.


    Both of us made it a priority to maintain our figures, regrly visiting the gym and embracing a healthy lifestyle. Ourmitment to exercise and well-being ensures that time didn¡¯t take its toll on our appearances.


    That¡¯s why, despite the calendar advancing, we both possessed the strength and vitality of youth. I dived into the culinary task at hand, skillfully gathering the tools and ingredients for the day¡¯s cooking.


    This morning, I prepared freshly baked bread rolls, while nning to craft a sumptuous feast of roasted chicken and pasta for our evening meal. The rest of the dishes would be cookedter in the day.


    As I fried the bread rolls, a warm embrace enveloped me. Automatically, a smile spread across my face.


    ¡°Merry Christmas, Mom! I¡¯ve missed you and Dad so much!¡± My daughter¡¯s eyes glistened with tears.


    ¡°I¡¯ve missed you too, my dear. How was your trip to Italy? Are you with Aunt Stephanie?¡± I asked, passing the thongs to our dedicated helper, Karen.


    ¡°They¡¯re at Grandpa and Grandma¡¯s. We¡¯re all gathering at their ce tomorrow.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but recall the time when Ava had suitors aplenty. Lucas and Enrique, as protective as they were, created an imprable shield around her. How could she find a boyfriend with such vignt guardians?


    ¡°Why am I not part of this hug?¡± a male voice interjected yfully.


    I swiftly turned to see my eldest, Enrique, standing tall, a hint of jealousy in his eyes. I wrapped my arms around my firstborn, who has been away from home for three months due to a work project abroad.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t mention that you areing, my love,¡± I said, showering his face with kisses. He pretended to be annoyed, but a hint of a smile betrayed his true emotions.


    ¡°Mom! I¡¯m a grown up now. Please stop with the kisses,¡± heined.


    ¡°Oh, my oldest no longer loves me. He¡¯s grown so tall, undergone circumcision, and now he has a girlfriend. It seems he¡¯s forgotten about his dear old mom,¡± I said, feigning a sad frown.


    ¡°Mom! That¡¯s not true at all! You are the greatest woman in my life, and my love for you knows no bounds,¡± he reassured me, his words bringing a smile to my face.


    ¡°Thank you, Ken, but once you have your own wife soon, she should be your number one, and not me. Understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mom.¡±


    As we gathered around the table, ready to feast and celebrate this Christmas, Lucas and I exchanged knowing smiles. How many Christmases, New Years, birthdays, and ordinary days have we shared together?


    Perched on the rooftop, our hands sped tightly, we gazed at the perfect crescent moon. At that moment, he leaned in and kissed me. Tears unexpectedly streamed down my face-a manifestation of overwhelming happiness that couldn¡¯t be contained.


    ¡°I love you, Lucas ckwood. You are the greatest gift life has bestowed upon me.¡±


    ¡°My dear Zara, I will love you eternally. In this life and the next¡­¡±


    -END-


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