《Marriage and Annulment》


 One

    Zaneska¡¯s voice could be heard throughout the mansion. Because she saw the look of her expensiverge jars that were broken on disy in her living room. When she entered her house with the three broken jars scattered on the floor, it was as if she were in a trance.


    ¡°All of youe here to the living room!  Who did it? Do you have any idea how much that is? It costs more than your life! If none of you will admit it, it¡¯s better to pack your belongings and leave my house!¡± I eximed loudly.


    My ten assistants bowed their heads in front of me. Others are still trembling in terror. Because they can see how angry I am now.


    Later, with a bow, one of Lucianna approached me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ma¡¯am; my son arrived earlier. And he was ying in the living room, so his hand just happened tond on the jars,¡± she exins.


    My hair stood on end all of a sudden.


    ¡°Luciana, my house is not a yground. I told you both just before you came in as my staff that you should take care of the things inside the house. ¡°I said this while holding my brow in one hand and my other hand on my hips.


    I noticed she was trembling in fear of what I was about to do to her.


    ¡°Allright, please put that broken jar  away and throw it in the trash can. So the next time  something breaks in this house again, I¡¯m not going to forgive you,¡± I exined to each of them individually.


    They nodded and walked away in front of me, leaving Luciana to shed ss. I then went to my room and sat on my bed. My phone rang after a while. I answered because it was my assistant, Randolf, who was calling.


    ¡°What exactly is it?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Miss Zaneska, all of our investors have pulled their investments in us,¡± he said over the phone, trembling.


    My brow furrowed in response to what I heard.


    ¡°What¡¯s the reason, Randolf?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not certain, Miss,¡± he admits.


    ¡°Fix it right away,¡± I said.


    ¡°I tried to fix it, but they need to talk to you,¡± he says on the other end of the phone.


    ¡°And why is that? You¡¯re my assistant, so you have the authority to solve the problem.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve done everything I can, but they still refuse. Mr. Chin is even worse,¡± heins.


    Mr. Chin is a Chinese investor who lives in China. We fixed the investment, but why was  he yanked? Is he lying to me? I sat down on the bed, my phone still in my ear.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Randolf, take a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯ve heard your nervousness all the way up here,¡± I said.


    ¡°I was suddenly afraid that you would chastise me for withdrawing their investments,¡± he said.


    Because of what he said, I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you used to my routine? How long have you worked with me?¡± I asked.


    I could hear his heavy breathing on the other end of the line.


    ¡°All right, call them and set up a meeting,¡± I said.


    ¡°OK, Miss,¡± he said as he hung up the phone.


    I put the phone down on the table, undressed, and went into the bathroom to take a shower; I¡¯m leaving now; it¡¯s about seven o¡¯clock in the evening.


    I had a shback to Mitch. She  didn¡¯t even call out to say hello. Their house is in the province, and I haven¡¯t seen her in a long time. I¡¯m too preupied with my life. As a result, I sometimes neglect myself.


    So I decided to get out of the house and go to the city to rx. I couldn¡¯t even give my housemates free time anymore. I know they need a break as well because they work hard here at the mansion. I also provided them with excellent benefits and pay.


    I have no issues with them because they are both courteous and dependable at work. They are both unmarried. Luciana is the only one had a child without a husband.


    I emerged from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around my entire body.


    I looked for clothes that I could wearter in the day in the city.


    I took my ripped jeans and binge-colored crop top. I put on light make-up and wore it. I went down the stairs before I was satisfied with my appearance. First, I went to the kitchen to take a look. And I noticed some foods that had been prepared on the table. I slice a piece of cake and ate it.


    When Luciana entered the kitchen, I was drinking water.


    ¡°Please call them all, Luciana, and let us eat together,¡± I said.


    She  stopped as a result of what I said. Maybe she is taken aback because I had just said that we would all share a meal. They all entered the kitchen a minuteter, while I was already sitting in a chair.


    ¡°All of you sit down and eat,¡± I order.


    They took their seats one by one and began to eat.


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯d like to apany me to the city to unwind,¡± I suggested.


    They all turned to look at me at the same time.


    ¡°All right, Miss, we¡¯d like to try going out at night as well,¡± M said.


    I cracked a grin.


    ¡°OK, get dressed, and I¡¯ll meet you all outside the house,¡± I said.


    I stood up and walked out of the kitchen. I called Randolf while I was out of the house. I called three times, but he never returned my calls. He called just as I was about to hang up the phone.


    ¡°Hello, Randolf, how are you?¡± I asked.


    ¡°At home, Miss,¡± he replied with a heavy breathing.


    It¡¯s as if he¡¯s been running for a long period.


    I thought I blushed when I realized what Randolf was doing. I quickly hung up the phone and pressed the power button. Shit! I was suddenly embarrassed about what I had done. Why did I dial his number? When I realized he¡¯d done something shady.


    Randolf has a girlfriend who lives in the same house as him. Their rtionship has been going on for four years, as far as I know. It¡¯s a good thing I never found out about his girlfriend¡¯s jealousy. Better in a rtionship where there is mutual trust. I suddenly wondered, Why didn¡¯t I have a rtionship?  Is there something wrong with me? Is my appearance unattractive? Is there nothing unique about me? But I didn¡¯t feel insecure in the good rtionships of others. I¡¯ve reached this age, but the man hasn¡¯te for me yet. I¡¯ve been waiting outside the mansion, but the girls who were with me in the house have yet toe out.


    I also noticed that they were pushing up against the gate.


    ¡°Hurry up, it¡¯s toote,¡± I told them.


    As a result, they moved closer to me. I held a big car to amodate all of us. I was able to smell their perfumes. Why do they appear to be drenched in perfume? My head shook. They weren¡¯t overjoyed at the prospect ofing out. Because I can see it on their faces, they are all wearing make-up. I started the car and drove away from my house.


    ¡°You should all know how to drive because if it¡¯s like this, I¡¯ll have difficulty driving because you¡¯re all heavy,¡± I joked.


    They were all cracking up. We¡¯ve made it to town. I stopped the car on the outskirts of the za. We were all getting into the car and driving away. The night is cool. My eyes darted all over the ce. There are still businesses open, and couples sit in cement chairs holding hands. I furrowed my brow. I was obsessed with earning money.


    I had no idea there was a ce like this in the city. In the center of the za, there is a fountain. There were kids running around and groups of girls and boys dancing. I turn to face mypanions, who are already sitting in a shop selling stick-pierced foods. I could see the joy on their faces. They¡¯re all nine, but I¡¯ll never forget what they¡¯re called. They brought light into my life. I was relieved that there were some people who stuck by me. That means I have a good attitude.


    I was staring at them when someone grabbed my hand. When I looked at it, I noticed that the girl was unkempt. Her two hands are extended to me.


    ¡°Can I have some money? I¡¯m hungry,¡± she said, holding her stomach.


    I reached into my channel bag¡¯s money pocket and handed it to her.


    ¡°The amount of money you gave,¡± she said to me.


    ¡°How much does that cost?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a thousand, Ma¡¯am,¡± the child said replied.


    I smiled as she said it.


    ¡°How do you know?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m just dirty, but I know how to count money.¡± She exined.


    ¡°Why are you grimy?¡±


    I appear to want to talk to this kid.

 Two

    Delicious? In my opinion, it appears to have a distinct vor. But I haven¡¯tmented yet because I don¡¯t want to offend the seller, who appears to be staring at me at all times. I¡¯m also aware that this is their family¡¯s primary source of ie.     ¡°However, ma¡¯am, don¡¯t try to eat this; you might not be able to digest it in your stomach.¡±     ¡°You¡¯re not used to it yet, but if you want to try this one,¡± Lazzy said as she handed me a chicken dung.


    I took it and eat it. So they won¡¯t be hurt if I refuse.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    As soon as I tried it, I realized it was delicious.     I sat with my back to them and nodded. I took my phone from my bag. I also went on Instagram. Something caught my eye and raised my brows. A photograph of me in business attire The bandit in front of the tabloid Why don¡¯t I realize this? Did they go so far as to not ask my permission? Because I am not a celebrity, I must put my face on the inte. There are even more captions. Is the Vergarapany¡¯s heiress single or not? When I read what was written, my hair stood on end.     They have no right to meddle in my life. I want to be alone, but they have intruded on my privacy. They stood up after eating.     ¡°Are we going home, Ma¡¯am?¡± Laica asked.     ¡°Not yet, we¡¯re going somewhere else,¡± I replied.     So I walked into the car first, and they came after. After they had all left the za, I started the car. We looked for a bar that was easily essible. Tonight, I intend to drink as a stress reliever. I noticed another bar open while I was driving. When I looked at the name, it said, ¡°Happiness¡± which raised my eyebrows. Is it really enjoyable to enter this bar? Will the hangover give me a headache the next day? At the thought, I shook my head. I park my car on the side of the bar. They squeaked like bees as they opened the car door.     I shivered. I assumed they were having a good time because they appeared to have only recently visited this location. First, they led me into the bar. But they all stoppedand collided because the bouncer was blocking their way. I went up to them.     ¡°Ma¡¯am, minors are not permitted to enter here,¡± the big man said. Iughed at what I heard, which drew the bouncer¡¯s attention.     ¡°They just look like minors, sir,but you¡¯re the same age as them.¡± I exined.     The bouncer frowned, as if he was embarrassed. And I looked at Luciana to make sure I wasn¡¯t lying. They all nodded, and the bouncer went back to his post sowe could pass.     ¡°It¡¯s rare that we¡¯re still mistaken for minors,¡± Genie chuckled.     They all burst outughing. When we all went inside, the music that was ying was primarily rock. They all started dancing at once, which made meugh. I had no idea they had a talent for dancing.     We were looking for a seat when I noticed that other customers were staring at us.     ¡°Rx, girls; you¡¯ve already captivated the interest of others,¡± I advised.     They abruptly stopped dancing and fell silent. We took a seat in the far corner. M stood up and swayed her both hands, saying, ¡°Yahoo, let¡¯s go, girls, let¡¯s dance.¡± They all stood up and made their way to the center of the dance floor. I was left in the chair by myself.     I had no idea they had a talent for dancing. I could see them all from where I was sitting. They were swaying and grinding so hard to the music. I scowled. What¡¯s the secret to their dancing prowess? I stood up and walked over to the counter, despite the fact that I am not.     ¡°Please, one martini,¡± I said to the bartender.     ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am,¡± he responds. I know that not drinking is why they agreed to go here to the bar house but the disco. The bartender has already given me my order. I epted it and drank it when I noticed something was wrong with my neck. I turned around and noticed a receptive man approaching me and suddenly kissing me on the neck. All my hair stood on end.


    ¡°Are you by yourself, Babe?¡±he asked.     What I heard made my ears tingle; hehad no right to kiss me, after all, I didn¡¯t know him.     ¡°You chose the wrong woman,¡± I pointed out.     One of its hands approached me. In rage, my nose smoked. Perhaps she thought I was one of those women who were easily duped.     ¡°Perhaps you¡¯re no longer young, so you don¡¯t know how to be respectful?¡± I suggested.     Heabruptly moved away from me and said,


    ¡°I thought you wanted someone with you?¡± he sarcastically asked, grinning broadly. I turned to face him.     ¡°Seriously? I wouldn¡¯t havee here alone if I wanted more of apanion. Not the one like you, I need,¡± I said with a smile. The smirk had vanished from his lips, reced by a re.     ¡°You deserve it, you idiot,¡± my mind retorted.     ¡°I¡¯m not going to like you either,but we just feel the same way, so you can leave right in front of me.¡± I pushed him away.     ¡°We¡¯re not done yet. I¡¯lle back to you, and when I return, you¡¯ll kneel in front of me,¡± heughs maniacally.     I felt as if all of my blood flowed to my head in order toprehend everything he said. He walked away from me and to his table. And I noticed he was whispering something into hispanion¡¯s ear. And they were allughing as they looked at me. I was nervous. Shit! They have something nned against me.     I stood there staring at them. They are still conversing. I moved closer to the middle of the dance floor. I¡¯m yanking them away from me. They came to a halt and looked at me.     ¡°Let¡¯s head home.I have a bad feeling here,¡± I told them.     They all turned pale as a result of what I had said.

 Three

    ¡°You get in the car first, and I¡¯ll follow,¡± I instructed.


    I¡¯m extremely nervous. After Luciana left, I hid in the middle of the crowd. They¡¯re all six, and I can see that the fibers in their faces aren¡¯t working properly. Because I was already scared, I walked slowly out of the bar. Even in the dead of night, I perspired profusely. As I walked past the two bouncers, I smiled broadly. I was about to get into my car when I heard a male voice call out to me.


    ¡°Excuse me for a moment,¡± he said.     I didn¡¯t go back. Because he could have been one of the men with the man who had suddenly kissed my neck earlier. It moved to my side. As I looked at it, I breathed a sigh of relief. It was one of the bouncers from the bar.     ¡°Why?¡± I¡¯ll inquire.


    Someone is searching for you on the inside, Ma¡¯am. ¡°He imed to be your friend,¡± he says.     My brows furrowed, and I had a bad feeling.     ¡°Are you sure I¡¯m the one he¡¯s looking for?¡± ¡± I askedonce more.     ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± he replied, ¡°he pointed you out here earlier.¡±     ¡°He has a bad n,¡± I said as I approached him, and hebacked away an inch.     ¡°Are you certain?¡±he asked, and I nodded.     ¡°All right, go ahead; I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± he said as he walked away from me.


    After locking the door, I went inside and started the car. I drove quickly so that we could get to the bar house. They were all quiet in the background, I noticed. They were all perspiring as a result of their dancing. ¡°Breathe, girls, and get yourself together. It¡¯s look like ten men raped all of youtonight,¡± I said.     They were allughing.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have known your talents if I hadn¡¯t thought of including you tonight, like your horses out of the stable. ¡± I said, and they all looked at me with a frown.     ¡°We just didn¡¯t have time to dance, Miss Zaneska,¡± Lazzy exined.     ¡°Because when there is a festival in our province, we are always present there,¡± he said, smiling.


    ¡°Our captain will conduct a disco during the fiesta.¡± She said it again.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Yes, but when you go there you won¡¯tst long because you¡¯re not used to living hard.¡± said Luciana.


    She is right; my whole life was surrounded by great things.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    ¡°You know what, Miss, we are thankful to you all these years since our lives have be nice and beautiful since you became our boss. We could find some expensive things if we wanted, since we have nice wages that you gave us. And we gave our family a better life also. Mina says, seriously.


    ¡°All of you deserve better treatment since you became mypanions all these years.¡± My response.


    I suddenly fell silent as I noticed a ck Honda Civic that seemed to be following us. And it is impossible for someone else to drive the car. We were already on the highway and no other vehicle passed except us and the vehicle that followed.


    ¡°Hold on tight, girls.¡± I told them.


    ¡°Why, Miss?¡± Luciana asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask too many questions as long as you just follow what I said.¡± I told them all.


    I grabbed the steering wheel of the car and drove it fast. I¡¯ve been sweating a lot. I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m really the one they¡¯re following or if I¡¯m just too paranoid. But the car was still in the back, continuing to follow us. I turned the car into an abandoned building owned by my godfather, who migrated to the States. I let the car into the building. I stretched out my two hands because they seemed swollen. I leaned back in the car seat and took a deep breath. I saw Luciana gasping in the background.


    ¡± All of you are okay back there?¡± I asked them. They all nodded.     ¡°Who are they, Miss? We¡¯re really being chased. ¡± Luciana asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what they need.¡± was my answer.


    I looked at the time on my watch. It¡¯s eleven o¡¯clock in the evening.


    I grabbed  my head because my eye suddenly hurt. The doctor told me when I checked in that I was not allowed to stay awake. What if we came out and they were already outside and blocking us? We are all ten, but based on our strengthpared to them, I know it is still not enough. I started the car again and drove out of the building. I looked around first. If a vehicle is blocked I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw nothing. I was too young to be dead. I can¡¯t even remember that I hurt someone.     I have no recollection of hurting someone for my own sake. When ites to money, All those who work for me have a good sry from me. I parked the car on the way to my house. We have finally arrived too. Mina went out to open the gate of the house. I got the car inside. I got out of the car and they all followed. I went up to my room and took off my clothes. and went into the bathroom to take a half bath. When I started to take a shower, I washed my whole body thoroughly to remove the sweat. I closed the shower. and came out of the bathroom. I was looking for a nightgown to wear. I was now in bed lying down. I don¡¯t want to think about what could possibly be the reason why I was being chased earlier. because I can¡¯t get an answer. I closed my eyes and fell asleep. The next day, the sun was high when I woke up. I frowned because I knew Randolf was looking for me now. It lost itself again when I hadn¡¯t arrived yet. I got my phone in my bag only to find out that it was off.


    I opened my phone. And I received many calls and texts from Randolf, indicating that he was asking where I was. I rolled my eyes. Sometimes I wonder what the true gender of this Randolf is. It doesn¡¯t seem like a man because it¡¯s easy to be scared. I sent him a message, and I said I was on my way. Then I got out of bed. I took a shower and got dressed. I went downstairs while carrying my newly bought bag. I found Luciana in the living room of the house.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to eat?¡± it asked me.


    ¡°No, Luciana, I¡¯m toote to go to the office.¡± was my answer.


    It nodded, and walked out of the house. I¡¯ll get in the car and drive away from the house. I am always looking at my watch. And it¡¯s nine o¡¯clock in the morning. Shit! I¡¯m sote. Why did I forget to set my rm clock? If I hadn¡¯t decided to go to the city yesterday night. Maybe I¡¯m not bingte right now. Then Later on, I was stuck in the traffic on the Edsa. I forgot that if I travelte in the city, It might catch up with the traffic.


    I honked my car. It was as if the others had stepped aside so that I could pass, but the traffic was heavy. I feel like I¡¯m deaf to different sounds. Then suddenly, there was a bump in the back of my car. It was as if my brain was shaken by the excessive impact of the crash. I looked away and seemed to smoke my nose in anger because I knew the back of my car had really broken. The traffic enforcer knocked on my door. ¡°Ma¡¯am, the back of your car is broken,¡± said the man.


    ¡°I know.¡± I answered him with a frown.


    I get the bag and the keys inside the car. And I threw the key at the traffic enforcer. He caught it while wondering.


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you to sort out the mess. I¡¯m in a hurry,¡± I told him.


    I left him stunned and ran over to the front. I traced the side of the establishments toward mypany. Two hours had passed when I arrived at thepany. I opened the door and sat down in my chair. It was as if I had lost my breath because of the distance I had walked. Randolf gave me water and a handkerchief.


    ¡°Thank you, Randolf,¡± I told him.

 Four

    I wiped my face and drank water from the stic bottle. ¡°What happened, Miss?¡± he asked me.


    ¡°I got stuck in traffic, and even hit the back of my car, so I left the car there at Edsa.¡± I answered his question as I leaned back in the swivel chair. He nodded.


    ¡°Did you know that Mr. Chin is waiting for you in the meeting room?¡± he said to me. My nostrils widened. ¡°What? Why did you just tell me just for now? ¡°I asked him.


    ¡°Because I know you¡¯re still resting,¡± he says.


    I winced. Of all the people who can wait for me, why is Mr. Chin, really? I took my make-up kit out of the bag and put a little make-up on my face. I no longer bothered to apply lipstick to my lips because they were already red. I got up and left the office to go see Mr. Chin in the meeting room. I was no more, and I immediately opened the door and entered. I always found him sitting in a chair and always looking at his watch. It smiled when it saw me.


    ¡°It¡¯s my first time waiting for you in a long time, Miss Vergara,¡± he said.


    ¡°Do you know I wasted my time with you?¡± he says.


    My ears tingle. I don¡¯t like this Chinese behavior. All the boastfulness, he caught it all. I raised an eyebrow at him.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t order you to wait for me, Mr. Chin.¡± Itughed, which I think is like the devil.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Miss Vergara, if you¡¯ll allow what I want to happen,¡± he said, and looked at me emphatically.


    ¡°What is that, Mr. Chin? If I can hear anything from you that was inappropriate, you had better leave my building. ¡± I said in a serious tone.


    It says,


    ¡°It¡¯s easy, Miss Vergara, so you won¡¯t have a boyfriend because of the habit you have.¡±


    ¡°Did it juste here to annoy me? ¡°I don¡¯t have to change my habit just to like you, Mr. Chin.¡± was my answer.


    Heughed a little, and he adjusted his seat.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to change your usual habit because I want you no matter what, Zaneska, ¡°it says.


    Suddenly, my forehead furrowed at what he said. We were not close enough for him to mention my first name. But what caught my attention was thest thing he said. Does he need me? But why? He thinks he can get me with a sweet word of him?


    ¡°Say what you want to say, Mr. Chin. I have a lot to do in my office,¡± I said.


    ¡°Just give me time, Miss. Vergara, even just a moment. I noticed that when the two of us talked. It¡¯s like you¡¯re in a hurry.¡± He said, smiling. It¡¯s like he¡¯s remembering something that made him smile.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you wondered why I pulled out my investments?¡± He asked me.


    ¡°No, since it¡¯s your attitude that thinks twice at the end of the day.¡± My response.


    ¡°No either, Miss Vergara, I have an offer for you that we can both benefit from,¡± it says. I don¡¯t like the destination of our conversation with this Chinese man.


    ¡°Speak up, Mr. Chin, so we can finish.¡± I said. ¡°You¡¯re really impatient, Zaneska,¡± it said to me.


    ¡°All right, I want you to marry me for the merger of ourpanies,¡± it says. I was right to suspect what he wanted to tell me.


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll let what you want to happen?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Why not? Yourpany will grow when you marry me,¡± Mr. Chin said,


    ¡°I don¡¯t need yourpany for mypany to grow. I can grow it without having to marry someone.¡± I said.


    It lost its smile. Suddenly, it stood up and left me inside the meeting room. I took a deep breath as he left. I smiled. Hispany even made an excuse. Maybe mypany is what he needs to grow his business. I left the meeting room and went back to my office. Randolf was not there when I came back inside. I sat down and started unfolding the papers. The door opened and Randolf entered with a woman.


    ¡°Miss, Samara, my girlfriend, ¡°She¡¯s here to apply for a job,¡± he said to me.


    Is this Randolf¡¯s girlfriend of four years? Obviously, their rtionship willst longer because I think this woman is kind. It smiled at me.


    ¡°All right, give her the position she is fit for.¡± My response.


    ¡°Thank you, Ma¡¯am,¡± Randolf¡¯s girlfriend said.


    ¡°Your wee.¡±


    The two of them left the office. I leaned my back on the swivel chair. I was thinking about what happenedst night. I was so curious if someone chased me. And I can¡¯t even remember that my parents had a misunderstanding with someone.


    I picked up my phone and someone called.


    ¡°Hello, Detective,e here to the office. We need to talk.¡± I told him on the other hand. I put down the phone and ced it on the table. The door opened and Randolf went inside.


    ¡°Please grab me some lunch, Randolf,¡± I told him.


    He nodded and left the office again. I heard a knock on the door.


    ¡°Pleasee in,¡± I said. The door opened and Detective Morgan entered.


    ¡°Sit down, Detective.¡± I told him.


    It sat on the couch in front of me.


    ¡°I was surprised because all of a sudden you called me Miss Vergara,¡± he said to me.


    ¡°Did I disturb you?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Last night, someone chased my car.¡± I said.


    ¡°Did you see the face?¡± it asked me.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°No, Detective, because I didn¡¯t stop to find out who was in the car. I was scared because my car was running fast but it still chased me, so I thought I was really what they needed.¡± I said. It nods and says,


    ¡°What do you want me to do?¡± He asked me.

 Five

    ¡°I want you to investigate and find out all the transactions my parents used to have. Maybe they had things to hide until they died. ¡± I said.


    ¡°Because it¡¯s scary like this, I don¡¯t know who I¡¯m going to avoid or not.¡± I told him.


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll take care of everything,¡± he said.


    I nodded and leaned back in the swivel chair. I took the check from under the drawer and wrote the amount of my down payment to him. I gave it to him. He epted it at once, saying,Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Thank you,¡± as he stood up and left the office.


    Randolf then entered the office, carrying a stic cellophane, which I believe was my lunch.


    ¡°Here¡¯s your food for lunch, Miss.¡± He said,


    ¡°Thank you,¡± was my response.


    Meanwhile,


    ¡°How¡¯s your courtship with the woman you like, Zander?¡± my co-teacher asked.


    We are in the faculty room right now because it is lunch time. Zander shook his head at the question of his co-worker.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Duke, I seem to have no hope,¡± I answered, in a low voice.


    I¡¯ve been dating Davianna for a long time, but it seems like I haven¡¯t had a chance to see her. And I notice I¡¯m not the type she likes.


    ¡°Why?


    ¡°You tried so hard to court her and then you couldn¡¯t get an answer from her?¡± he asked me.


    I shook my head.


    ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve lost hope,¡± I said. He asked me,


    ¡°What type of man does she want?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Duke,¡± was my answer.


    ¡°You can really pass on being a model of branded clothing, and I don¡¯t think you¡¯re fit to be a teacher. You can also be a soldier or a policeman. You can even be fit as a boyfriend for rich women, as I see in the tabloids, ¡°it says.


    I smiled at what he said. I like the habit that Duke has. He can boost an ego too much. But in sum, he can¡¯t help me with my problem with Davianna.


    We stopped talking when Vienna suddenly entered the faculty room, carrying food. She handed it to me.


    ¡°That¡¯s for you, Zander,¡± it says. I epted it at once, saying,


    ¡°Thank you, Vienn.¡± She smiled.


    ¡°Is there anything for me?¡± Duke asked. Vienna frowned.


    ¡°Does Zander represent the only one you love among all of us?¡± Duke asked.


    Vienna was shocked by what the man said.


    ¡°Stop it, Duke, I¡¯ll shut your mouth,¡± it says.


    Duke winced at what Vienna had said. Vienna left the faculty room.


    ¡°Why are you still looking for someone else? Vienna is here for you, ¡°said Duke.


    I notice that Vienna likes me, but I can really only give her friendship.


    I shook my head and said, ¡°We can¡¯t force ourselves to like others and our hearts beat for someone else.¡± My response.


    It shook its head at what I said. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be a martyr to someone, if you aren¡¯t given a chance,¡± he says.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be sad just because of a woman. There are many more days, months, and years to know when the right person is for you, ¡°he says.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± I said.


    ¡± Whatever angle you look at it, I¡¯m absolutely right,¡± he said, smiling.


    I can¡¯t say we¡¯re friends with this man, but when he gives me advice, it¡¯s like digging into my soul.


    ¡°Are you sure you have no intention of having a girlfriend?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Why not? If someone is willing to be with me, it¡¯s okay. ¡± he says,ughing.


    ¡°How can you have that someone? You¡¯re not serious,¡± I said. It says,


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to take life seriously all the time, because when you do, you¡¯ll die sad. Let¡¯s hang outter, Zander. A new drink has been set up here in our area, ¡°he said to me.¡±


    ¡°I doubt I won¡¯t be able to be with you. I still have a lot to do. I¡¯ll check the children¡¯s modules. It¡¯s more tiring now because we¡¯re in a new normal, ¡± I said.


    ¡°Just give yourself a break; it¡¯s not just work you have to do always,¡± he says.


    ¡°All right, just call meter.¡± I said. It was afternoon when we left school. Duke told me he was going home first. I was out of school when someone called me.


    ¡°Are you going home, Zander?¡± Vienna asked me.


    ¡°Yes, I still have a lot to do,¡± was my answer.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat first, I¡¯m free,¡± she invited me.


    ¡°Vienna, it¡¯s embarrassing on my part that you¡¯re free. Next time when we get paid, it¡¯s enough that you gave me food earlier in the faculty room. ¡± I said.


    Her shoulders dropped as she walked away from me. I shook my head. I don¡¯t want a woman to be free for me. I was walking to the jeepney when I saw someone. Davianna with a malepanion. It appears that they enjoy each other¡¯spany. My eyes burned with anger at what I saw. That¡¯s why she can¡¯t love me because she has a boyfriend. The thickness of her face fooled me. All the effort I made for her was all wasted.


    I continued walking towards the jeepney and went inside. My heart and mind are in chaos right now. I want to confront her and punch the face of the man she¡¯s with. But I restrain myself from doing it since I¡¯m a teacher. I have a name to prevent. So the Jeepney travels into our ce. After half an hour, the jeep stopped because it arrived in my barangay. I¡¯ll get out after I pay the driver. I was slowly walking towards our house when my sister noticed me.


    ¡°Brother, did you buy some food for me?¡± She asked me. I suddenly stared at her. I forgot to buy her food since I was preupied with what I saw.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, little sister, I forgot to buy you food.¡± My response.


    I know she was sad.

 CHAPTER 6

    I took some cash from my wallet and handed it to my sister.


    I told my sister, ¡°You just buy the foods you like out there.¡±


    The child said, ¡°Thank you, Brother.¡±


    It ran out of the house and into the store, which I witnessed.


    I¡¯m unable to see my mother. So I went directly into my bedroom and jumped into bed. Davianna¡¯s actions had a negative impact on me. If she told me straight up that I don¡¯t stand a chance with her, I wouldn¡¯t expect much. The likes and affection I had for her were blinding me.


    So I¡¯m hurting like this because I¡¯m hoping we¡¯ll end up together, but I¡¯m wasting my time with a jerk.


    Inside my cks, I heard my phone ring. Despite the fact that Davianna had contacted me several times, I ignored her.


    Is there anything else we need to discuss? She was obviously deceiving me. I¡¯m not the type of person who would stay with someone even if they were toxic.


    A knock came at the door.


    My mother yelled outside the door, ¡°Son,e out first so we can eat.¡±


    I got out of bed and walked outside. My mother led me into the kitchen. I dug in and grabbed a te to begin eating.


    ¡°Where is sister, Mom?¡± I inquired.


    My mother said, ¡°She¡¯s outside at the grocery store, and she¡¯ll stay there and y with her friends.¡±


    ¡°Are you all right? Is it possible that I¡¯ve picked up on your grief now?¡± My mum made a remark to me.


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m fine; I¡¯m simply exhausted from work. We¡¯ve done a lot previously.¡± My response.


    While Zaneska was still in her office.


    She did nothing except sit and contemte. She attempted to contact her friend but was unable to do so. She wanted to unwind and take a holiday since she was bored at work.


    She also doesn¡¯t have a boyfriend, which made her feel insecure inparison to those who had a simple life but had a man who loved them unconditionally. She had everything, but she¡¯s so lonely.


    I stood up and walked out the door with my sling bag. I enjoy taking a walk outside of the city to get some fresh air. I¡¯m hoping to find a way to get rid of the boredom I¡¯m experiencing. I made the decision to go inside the mall first to look for new clothes and bags. I¡¯m thinking about inviting the girls to the beach to freshen up.


    I¡¯m already inside the shopping center. Maybe I phoned them so that we could pick out a great swimsuit. I reached into my bag for my phone and dialed Luciana¡¯s number.


    She answered my call after three rings.


    ¡°Hello, ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°All of youe here to the city¡¯s mall,¡± I remarked.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± she replied.


    Lucianna¡¯s attitude is one of my favorites because she doesn¡¯t hesitate to ask questions. In other words, she isn¡¯t obnoxious. They were all pleasant to be around. I¡¯m not the type of boss that lets my wealth mold my entire self to the point where I refuses to interact with my employees.


    Then I noticed a group of girls approaching the mall¡¯s entrance. They¡¯ll be simple to spot because their voice was so loud. I¡¯m lurking behind the perfume counter.


    ¡°Where is Miss Zaneska, Luciana? I can¡¯t seem to find her. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re making fun of us?¡± Lazzy asked.


    Make your voice as quiet as possible, girls. Lucianna¡¯s rebuke: ¡°We¡¯re not at home.¡±


    ¡°How are we going to spend our time here?¡±


    ¡°Miss Zaneska has dispatched us.¡±


    ¡°Can you tell me where she is?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know since she told me that we came here,¡± Lucianna say, I¡¯m not trying not tough at their.motion.


    I emerged from my hiding spot.


    ¡°You¡¯re all too loud,¡± I remarked.


    As I approached them, I said, ¡°You¡¯re all too noisy; it¡¯s a good thing the guard let you in.¡±


    ¡°Miss, where are you hiding?¡±


    ¡°Over there,¡± I said, ¡± All of you was too loud. It¡¯s embarrassing to be with.¡±


    Their brows furrowed.


    I¡¯m giggling.


    ¡°Did you bring any cash with you?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, Miss,¡± says them.


    ¡°How¡¯s it going now? We¡¯re going to get a swimsuit, but you don¡¯t have any money, so you can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Miss, we¡¯re not going to wear a bathing suit.¡±


    I smirked.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to the beach,¡± I says.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m tired of living my boring life, so let¡¯s rx.¡±


    They all shouted at the same time, causing other customers to look at us.


    ¡°Choose your favorite swimwear color.¡±


    When Zander¡¯s phone rang, he was busy checking his students¡¯ records. It was his male coworkers who addressed him.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Zander, Dude, let¡¯s hang out tonight.¡±  He replied.


    ¡°No, thank you,¡± I replied.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got a lot on my te right now.¡±


    ¡°Oh,e on! Give yourself a break. By the way, Davianna and I met at the market earlier, and she wants to see and talk to you.¡±


    My anguish tightens. She had no right to talk to me. There¡¯s nothing to discuss.


    ¡°All right, so where are we going?¡± I inquire.


    He responds, ¡°The one I mentioned earlier, the new open bar here at our property.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    He said, ¡°Great. I¡¯ll call youter.¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Then he puts the phone down.


    I¡¯m back to work in order to finish. Later, there was a knock at the door.


    Outside, my mother remarked, ¡°Son, someone is looking for you.¡±


    I yell, ¡°Yes, mommy, I¡¯ming!¡±


    I stuffed my belongings into the drawer and changed my clothing.


    When I emerged, Duke was waiting for me.


    I burst outughing.


    ¡°I hope you just phoned me,¡± I continued, ¡°so you don¡¯t have toe here.¡±


    ¡°At home, I have nothing to do.¡±


    ¡°Today is too early to go inside the pub.¡±


    He answered, ¡°Yeah, so maybe we¡¯ll goter. Or it would be better if we went early and found a date.¡±


    My brows furrow with concentration.

 CHAPTER 7

    ¡°Why is Davianna looking for you? Did something good happen when you courting her? ¡± Duke asked me.


    I did not speak. ¡°Didn¡¯t you call her?¡±


    I sighed.


    ¡°Should I still expect an answer from her? We both know that¡¯s there¡¯s nothing. And I should add that I saw her earlier in a Jeep with a malepanion. How do you think I will feel?¡± was my answer.


    It stared at me in shocked voice.


    ¡°Is that what I¡¯m saying? Why are you still going away in search of a woman? Vienna ready to love you. ¡°he said.


    ¡°I can¡¯t hurt and court Veinna just to cover up what Davianna did to me. Veinna is kind and beautiful, so she can¡¯t be hurt. ¡°I said.


    ¡°That¡¯s my point. She¡¯s kind and beautiful, but why would you look for someone who isn¡¯t kind?¡± he said to me.


    I leaned back in our chair.


    ¡°Duke, you can¡¯t force yourself to like someone who is just your friend. Even you can do the same. ¡± I said.


    ¡°So maybe tomorrow I¡¯ll feel okay and I¡¯ll give myself a chance to get to know Veinna better so that you can feel better too.¡± I told him.


    And heughed. ¡°Bastard! I¡¯m just concerned about you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m no longer young, so you can always be a concern to me. Then you should be my girlfriend instead.¡± I said.


    ¡°Stupid, Never in my wildest dream that I became gay, Zander, so get organized.¡± He says.


    I¡¯mughing.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, it¡¯s seven in the evening. We may not be able to find a seats, I know there are so many people in now.¡± He says.


    ¡°Just a moment. I will say goodbye to my mother first, ¡°I said.


    I went to the kitchen and found my mother washing the dishes.


    ¡°Mom, please rest in your room. I¡¯ll be the one to wash thatter when I arrive. I¡¯m leaving first; we¡¯re just going somewhere. ¡± I say goodbye to my mother.


    ¡°Be careful, son. Don¡¯t go home toote. ¡±


    I went back to the living room to visit Duke.


    ¡°Come on, Duke,¡± I said.


    ¡°I thought your mother wouldn¡¯t let you out.¡± He told me.


    ¡°What am I, a child who needs to be banned?¡± was my answer.


    ¡°I can see that your mother loves you very much.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I have been looking for money for them since my father died. That is why. ¡± I said andughed.


    ¡°Will anyone else find money for them? Of course it¡¯s you because you¡¯re the only man in your family.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you had such a beautiful car.¡± I said. I once looked at a ck Honda Civic parked outside our house.


    ¡°I just borrowed it from my father.¡± Duke replied.


    ¡°You¡¯re rich, I just found out.¡± I said.


    Dukeughs.


    ¡°It¡¯s just them, Zander, not me. We are not like a woman who is curious, when we understand each other as friends right away. ¡± He says.


    Duke was already driving away from the house. The establishments we passed were quiet; some were already closed, and others were still open.


    And we stopped at a bar house whose walls were painted violet. My eyebrows furrowed. With the amount of color that can be used, why is it that violet is an eye ache? We got out of the car and went inside. The crowds of people we could hardly get through were too many. And the strength of the ringing that seems to remove dirt from the ear. It was like there was a DJ ying in the front because people were shouting. I whispered to Duke.


    ¡°Can we still have a seat today?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°It¡¯s gone, so we¡¯ll just stand until our feet hurt.¡± Duke replied.


    ¡°Is this the only bar in our city? People seem to have changed. ¡±


    ¡°There are many more, but it¡¯s just new open bar, so people went.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s so special about this?¡± I will ask.


    ¡°Maybe they have woman to offer for free.¡± Duke said, smiling.


    ¡°Is there anything free at the moment? You will also pay the woman you can afford. Then the ending will make you sick, so if I¡¯m with you, just find a girlfriend. ¡± I said.


    ¡°But we can¡¯t judge them because they are also human beings with needs in life.¡± I said.


    Duke nodded in response.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s grab some drinks.¡± Duke invited me.


    We approached the counter and ordered drinks.


    ¡°Hi, sir. ¡°Good evening,¡± said the woman. I nodded.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    ¡°When you order a bucket of drinks, you get three free bottles of beer,¡± said the woman.


    ¡°We only have a little drink, Duke, a bucket really. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll get drunk on that. We still have school tomorrow, ¡°I said.


    ¡°Who says we only have two drinks? Of course, we have someone with us. ¡± I frowned at what Duke had said.


    We walked over to a table with two women waiting for us. Duke put down a bucket, and I took three bottles for free. But what caught my attention was the woman with curly brown hair. She has a strong aura that makes my heartbeat fast. She stared at me nkly.


    ¡°They are the ones I say we can be with. She is Amara, my woman. And this snobby one is Mitch. Ladies, I want the two of you to meet my single friend, Zander. ¡± said Duke.


    Amara smiled at me, but it was Mitch who rolled her eyes. I did nothing wrong to her.


    ¡°Sit down, Zander, over there next to Mitch.¡± Amaramands me.


    ¡°Amara, there¡¯s still a lot of space where Duke and you are sitting. Why does he need to be here?¡± Said the woman, frowning.¡±


    I want tough out loud.


    ¡°Is there anything you can do if I want to sit there next to you?¡± I said in a serious voice.


    Its eyebrows rose. She was beautiful in this manner anyway. But I didn¡¯t just tell her, she might get angry forever. I sat down next to her and opened a beer well.


    ¡°By the way, Zander, Duke told me that you are single.¡± Amara asked me. I sneezed.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were talking about my being single life, Duke.¡± I said.


    I felt awkward with the woman next to me. And I heard the phone ring. I looked at my phone in my pocket but no one called, and I saw Mitch pick up her phone that was inside her sling bag.


    ¡°Hello, Zaneska.¡± I heard Mitch say to the person talking to her on the phone,


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m too busy, so I didn¡¯t call you right away. I¡¯m at the bar here in our area, so it¡¯s noisy. Okay,  I¡¯m going to go there in the city. One of these days. ¡± Mitch said, once the phone hang.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that, Mitch?¡± Amara asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s  Zaneska. My best friend. ¡± Mitch replied.


    ¡°Is that so? What did she say?¡± Amara asked.


    ¡°Nothing, she just sad because I didn¡¯t call her. She seemed bored with her life.¡±


    ¡°Do the rich still feel bored in life? While us who had a simple life work hard to have something to eat every day.¡± said Mitch.


    With the amount of money, there is no use, so she is bored with life.


    ¡± Do you have a picture of her, Mitch? ¡°said Duke.

 CHAPTER 8

    Mitch fiddled with her phone andid it  front of us. And I saw a picture of the woman smiling. Mitch is beautiful, but this woman is beyond attractive.


    ¡°She¡¯s beautiful, Mitch,¡± said Duke.


    And then I noticed Amara frowning.


    ¡°What¡¯s your n, Duke?¡± Amara asked with a raised eyebrow.


    Dukeughs. ¡°Sweetheart, I just want you, nothing else.¡± said Duke.


    ¡°But why do I feel like you want to know her?¡± Amara asked me.


    ¡°Sweetheart, I have no n. After all, we are rtives.¡± Duke said,


    ¡°Seriously? How did you be rted, Duke? ¡± Mitch asked.


    ¡°In herst name. Vergara Isn¡¯t that herst name? ¡± said Duke.


    ¡°It is.¡± Mitch replied.


    ¡°Why do you know, Duke?¡± I will ask.


    ¡°I read in the tabloids. She was featured there. The most wealthy businesswoman in the world.¡± said Duke.


    I was humbled and shook my head.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re rted to that? Maybe you¡¯re just making up a story.¡± said Amara.


    Dukeughs. ¡°Why don¡¯t you believe it, sweetheart? I¡¯m telling the truth. My grandmother¡¯s surname is Vergara. And then her mother looks like a British woman. ¡± Duke replied.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you sure?¡± Amara asked again.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s just a coincidence that they had the same surname as your grandmother¡¯s, Duke. Because Zaneska is not a Filipino, she is half-American and half-British. But she only grew up here in the Philippines. ¡± said Mitch.


    I checked my watch and it was eleven o¡¯clock at night.


    ¡°I¡¯m going home, Duke, it¡¯ste at night.¡± I told him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have anything to ride now, Zander. I¡¯ll just take you home.¡± he said to me.


    I nodded and went out of the bar first.


    I leaned against Duke¡¯s car while waiting for him toe out. But two minutester, it was still gone. I was always looking at the entrance of the bar house. But it was Mitch I saw walking up to me. It leaned over me and spoke to me.


    ¡°I assumed you¡¯d already returned home?¡± she asked me.


    My response was, ¡°I haven¡¯t, I  just ventured here outside the bar.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for my attitude towards you earlier. It just that I¡¯m so tired of my work.¡± She said.


    ¡°What is your work, by the way?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°I¡¯m a waitress in a coffee shop.¡± I says.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you apply to the office? ¡± I asked her.


    Itughed out loud and faced me.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    ¡°Will anyone ept me? I didn¡¯t graduate from college.¡± She says.


    ¡°Why did you ask for a job there from your friend in the city? It will definitely give  you a job right away. ¡± I said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be embarrassed. She might think I abused her kindness.¡± said Mitch.


    ¡°Don¡¯t expect those two toe out; they¡¯re taking advantage of their time because Amara¡¯s parents are very strict. ¡± said Mitch.


    Ilooked at Mitch. ¡°There¡¯s no point in waiting here.¡± I said.


    ¡°Yes. Amara was my employer¡¯s daughter, owns the coffee shop where I work. So I keep my mouth shut. But my loyalty is more with Amara. ¡± said Mitch.


    Whileughing


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Where is your ce? I don¡¯t think you have anything to ride now. ¡± said Mitch


    . ¡°Yes, it¡¯s toote to go home. We are far away. The fare is also about fifty pesos. ¡± I said.


    ¡°Is that so? Juste with me to the apartment where I live. It¡¯s just near here. ¡± She told me.


    I suddenly fell silent because her suggestion didn¡¯t seem right.


    ¡± It is okay if a man just sleep in the apartment where you live? All I know is that there are rental houses where men are not allowed to enter.¡± I said. Mitchughed at what I said.


    ¡°Not really. Because the house where the owner of the apartment lived was different, so that apartment was really only for boarders. There is nothing forbidden for my board mates to let their men live there. ¡± said Mitch.


    ¡°Is that so? Maybe someone will get angry at me there.¡± I said.


    Mitchughs. ¡°Just rx. If you care about is where you sleep, The room has a lot of space, and I have two beds, so you can sleepfortably.¡±


    I was pped on my forehead maybe Mitch think I was hesitant to be with her. She is the one who cares about me but still I¡¯m choosy. I just nodded. As we were walking, we stopped at a five-story apartment.


    ¡°Is that it?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°Yes, Come on. Come in. ¡± It says once the gate is open.


    ¡°There is no curfew here, so the boarderse in and out and they are kind, so the owner doesn¡¯t have a problem. ¡± said Mitch.


    And then we entered the front door. We found a group of men and women in the living room who seemed to be talking and having a little drink.


    ¡°Hi, everyone. It¡¯s toote at night, but all of you haven¡¯t slept yet. ¡± Mitch said to them.


    ¡°It¡¯s toote at night, but you just go homete,¡± said a man with curly hair.


    And it looked at me. Mitch frowned.


    ¡°But we are happy with the oue of yourte appearance because you immediately saw a boyfriend and the handsome one,¡± said a woman with long hair.


    ¡°Shut up, Maya! ¡± Mitch¡¯s rebuke.


    And everyoneughed.


    ¡°Join us first,¡± said the man.


    ¡°Later, I¡¯ll put him to bed first. Then I wille back.¡± said Mitch.


    Everyone grinned. ¡°That was new. Our beautiful snob board mate was in love.¡± said the gray-haired woman. Mitch didn¡¯tment anymore, and she drag me  going into her room.


    ¡°Be patient with them. This is the first time that I brought a man into the apartment, so they are surprise. ¡± Mitch said to me,


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, I don¡¯t have a problem.¡± My answer.


    I sat down in a chair, and I noticed she boiled water and took two cups of noodles and ced them on the table.


    ¡°This is just what we¡¯re going to eat because I have nothing else to give you because I haven¡¯t been able to get to the grocery store yet.¡± She told me.


    ¡°I¡¯m full.¡± My answer.


    ¡°It¡¯s possible what you ate earlier melted, so you¡¯re full because of the beer you drank. So your stomach needs to be warm. ¡± She told me.


    Mitch stood up and rummaged inside the cab. She then handed me a pajamas and a ck t-shirt.

 CHAPTER 9

    ¡°Over there was the bathroom, you take a half bath first and then get dressed. I¡¯ll just get you ready for bed.¡± She told me.


    ¡°Where are you from, Mitch?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°Ours is in the province. I¡¯m only here in town because of my job. It¡¯s so hard there, so I thought of working here. When I didn¡¯t think of working here, I would probably be able to get married as hard as I am.¡± She told me.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    I got up and went to the bathroom. I took a half bath first and then got dressed. I came out of the bathroom three minutester. I found Mitch dressed as well.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t take a half bath?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like to take a bath or even a half bath at night because I get winded and my stomach suddenly hurts. You know, I¡¯m the only one here, so no one will take care of me when I get sick. ¡± She told me.


    I nodded in agreement. ¡°You sit here and you sip the soup,¡± said Mitch.


    I sat down in a chair and grabbed the cup noodles. Now I still feel hungry when I smell the cup noodles with that sea food vor. I also finished eating and threw the empty cup of noodles in the trash can.


    ¡°Take a rest, Zander, I¡¯ll be out in a minute.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye, Mitch. Don¡¯t stay there long. It¡¯ste at night and you still have work tomorrow. ¡± I told her.


    It suddenly stopped and stared at me intently and suddenly nodded with a smile. I was suddenly ashamed of myself. I was like a boyfriend that cares for her girlfriend, but I suddenly fell in love with Mitch. It came out for a moment, and I was left stunned inside the room. I decided to lie down as well and sleep. I just closed my eyes, but I didn¡¯t go straight to sleep since the ce is new to me.


    I heard the door open and Mitch entered. I felt her approach my bed and hug me. I mistakenly imagined her. I thought she was snob, but why is she taking care of me? Never in my whole life have I experienced anything like this. It even came from a woman I just met. I just heard it whispered in my ear.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you sleep?¡± It was as if all the hair on my body stood up because of what she said.


    I didn¡¯t say anything. I just felt  Mitch. Maybe she noticed I didn¡¯t move, so she didn¡¯t talk to me anymore.


    The next day, I woke up early because today was the day we were going to the beach. I got dressed and left the room. I found Luciana in the living room of the house, ready to leave.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re too excited.¡± I told my housemates.


    ¡°Actually, miss, we woke up at four o¡¯clock. We were so excited that we couldn¡¯t sleep well.¡± Laica said to me.


    Iughed. Then I noticed my phone rang. I answered Randolf¡¯s call to me.


    ¡°Hello, Randolf. Why? ¡± I asked him on the other line.


    ¡°Miss, Mr. Ching called this morning, he said he wanted to talk to you. ¡± said Randolf.


    My eyebrows rose.


    ¡°I texted youst night, Randolf, that I would not being into the office today. I hope you told him that earlier.¡±


    ¡°I already told him, Miss, but he doesn¡¯t want to believe it.¡±


    ¡°Do we have anything else to talk about? As far as I know, he will pull out  his investment in ourpany, so what else can we talk about? ¡± I don¡¯t know. ¡°Miss.¡± Randolf said, once the phone rang. ¡°Let¡¯s go, girls.¡± I told them all. I walked out of the house first. but nashocked at the person I saw leaning against the hood of my car. ¡°Good morning, Zaneska. I know you were surprised when I visited. Howe you don¡¯t pay attention to my message and call you? So I came to your house on purpose.¡± Mr. Ching said.


    My eyebrows rose.


    ¡°Do we have anything else to talk about, Mr. Ching? ¡± I asked him.


    ¡°It¡¯s not about business, Zaneska. It¡¯s personal matters. ¡± The man answered.


    ¡°Can that wait? Maybe next week. because I¡¯m off today. We are going somewhere. ¡± I said.


    ¡°Can Ie along?¡±


    Because of what this Chinese said, my brow furrowed.


    What did he think we were close to each other?


    I woke up to the noiseing from outside Mitch¡¯s room. I got up and saw Mitch sitting in a chair at the table.


    ¡°Zander. You¡¯re awake.¡± Mitch told me.


    ¡°What time is it?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°It¡¯s nine o¡¯clock.¡± Mitch replied.


    I got up. My mother is definitely looking for me. And then it was toote to go to school.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving, Mitch. Thank you. ¡± I said.


    Mitch nodded. And I left the room and continued walking until I could get out of the apartment. I looked for a motorcycle to ride home. I got off and walked into the house. I saw my mother sweeping the front of our house. I kissed my mother.


    ¡°You should eat, son. I have prepared food for you.¡± My mother said.


    I was surprised because my mother didn¡¯t even ask me why I came home in the morning.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, mom, I just got home today.¡± I said.


    ¡°You are too old to look for more. Go ahead. You should entered the house. ¡± She told me.


    It made me scratch my head. I went inside the house and went straight to the kitchen to eat. I still remember that Mitch clothes that I was wearing. It¡¯s a good thing my mother didn¡¯t notice. I am on the side of the road right now. Waiting for a motorcycle.


    Duke had been calling me before, but I didn¡¯t bother to answer him because I was teasing him. If he had delivered mest night, I wouldn¡¯t bete today.

 CHAPTER 10

    It was actually ten o¡¯clock, and then a motorcycle stopped in front of me. I rode. It was good that the driver was running fast, so I came to school right away. I paid the driver and got off. I even saw Duke, who was always seen looking at theabs as well as at his wristwatch as if someone was waiting. I went inside the gate. And Duke approached me.


    ¡°Dude. How are you? ¡°he asked me. I want to kick him in the stomach to make him conscious.


    ¡°Well, do you still remember to say hello to me? I asked him.


    ¡°You¡¯re bastard, Duke. You didn¡¯t take me home. I¡¯m sote right now. ¡± I said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I was stuck in the situation. But Mr. Principal now has a seminar, so you are safe. ¡± He told me


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    ¡°Next time, don¡¯t invite me if you don¡¯t have n to take me home.¡± I said.


    And I walked to my ss room.


    ¡°Where did you sleepst night? I was going to pass you by your house. That¡¯s why I thought your mother might ask, ¡± He says.


    ¡°Tsk. Who were you waiting for earlier? ¡± I asked him.


    ¡°You, who else?¡±


    ¡°I thought you and Amara would meet again. You will insert it during our work hours. ¡±


    ¡°What? I have no brain. Of course, as long as it¡¯s work time, our love life is outside. ¡±


    ¡°Good to know.¡±


    ¡°Veinna has been looking for you for a while.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I do not know. Maybe you need something. ¡± Duke replied.


    ¡°And then Davianna, looking for you too. I don¡¯t know why your presence needed  today. ¡±


    I shook my head and sat in the chair inside my ss room.


    I was still here at home. I wanted to get rid of this Chinese, but I shook my shaken. I think he still wants toe with us to the beach.


    ¡°Miss, Let him be with us. It will take us too long when you insist on not including him. I think it¡¯s the thickness of that person¡¯s face. ¡± Lazzy whispered.


    ¡°Stop, he might hear you.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Ching, it¡¯s a women¡¯s walk, so men can¡¯te.¡± I told him.


    ¡°I want toe with you, Zaneska, so it¡¯s inproper if you don¡¯t include me. And then I have some boys in the car, so I won¡¯t be alone there. ¡± Mr. Ching said.


    Then the window of his car opened. Then a group of men waved at me. I think there are five men inside, but I¡¯m not sure. This man is impossible. I could do nothing but consent. Then I noticed my girls giggling at my back. I know they are all thrilled.


    I could do nothing but nod and get into the car. I heard them all whispering.


    ¡°Are you all right? It¡¯s like you¡¯re all a bees there, you can raise your voice if you want to say something to each other. I think you¡¯ve only just seen handsome men. ¡± I ssaid


    ¡°And then, men these days can¡¯t be trusted, so beware of the handsome ones like the ones in the car that follow us today.¡± I said.


    ¡°Why do you seem so bitter, ma¡¯am? Did a man hurt you before?¡± Genie asked.


    I did not speak. My concentration is on driving now. I called Randolf and fitted my headseat on phone.


    ¡°Hello, Randolf. Did you tell Mr. Ching? Where do I live? ¡± I asked him.


    ¡°No, Miss, he didn¡¯t ask about your address.¡± He answered me.


    ¡°He was here with us on the beach and even brought a bodyguards. I don¡¯t know what this Chinese n.¡± I said.


    Randolfughed on the other line while I frowned. Just now I heard this manugh.


    You must be very happy, Randolf. Is this the effect that your girlfriend is just around the corner? ¡± I asked him.


    ¡°I will not include my work in my rtionship. It¡¯s different. ¡± He ssays


    ¡°Why did Mr. Ching n for you? ¡°he asked me.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask him, Randolf?¡±


    ¡°Why should I ask if his  interested to you? There¡¯s only one reason why a man would approach a woman. Don¡¯t you know that? ¡°he asked me.


    ¡°I¡¯m not aware of such things.¡± My answer.


    Randolfughed on the other line. I


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re like that, you¡¯re so numb or you just don¡¯t really want to entertain the possibility that Mr. Ching might be like you¡± said Randolf.


    ¡°No way!¡±


    ¡°All right, Miss. Enjoy your day.¡±


    ¡°Wait, Randolf. Follow hereter. Take your girlfriend with you. ¡± I told him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like the beach, Miss. So I¡¯m not going.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s an order. I¡¯m your boss, so I should be the one to follow. ¡± I said.


    ¡°Whatever, Miss.¡± He told me once he cut the line.


    I get irritated.


    ¡°If you are notfortable with her, miss, tell us. We will teach that Chinese a lesson. ¡± said Luciana.


    I gasped. It was ten o¡¯clock in the morning when we arrived at the beach resort. We all got out of the car. And I saw Mr. Ching walking closer to me. I stared because I didn¡¯t think we would be together in a ce like this. We don¡¯t know each other personally. He just became my investor and, at the end of the day, pulled out the investment.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go inside, Zaneska.¡± He invited me.


    ¡°You go inside first. Mr. Ching.¡± I said.


    Heugh.


    ¡°Just call me Tao, Zaneska. You are too formal with me. I am no longer your investor. ¡± He told me.


    My eyebrows rose.


    ¡°So what do you think we two will call now?¡± I asked.


    ¡°You¡¯ll know soon, too.¡±

 CHAPTER 11

    I frowned and went inside the beach resort first and Luciana followed me.


    ¡°There are many customers, Miss, and everyone is wearing a swimsuit,¡± said Laica, frowning.


    ¡°Yes, but if you are notfortable, you can also wear shorts and sleeveless shirts. No one will interfere with you, ¡± I said.


    ¡°We¡¯ll eat first because I was suddenly hungry on our trip,¡± I told them.


    I entered the resort restaurant. I noticed Tao Ching in the distance, but I ignored him but he called me. This man will never really give me peace of mind.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I raised an eyebrow to question him.


    ¡°I have already prepared a table for us, Zaneska. I¡¯ve already ordered food,¡± he said to me. I sighed.


    I didn¡¯t want to embarrass him and, even more, I didn¡¯t want to be filled with tabloids the next day with bad features, so I walked over to the table upied by Mr. Ching.


    I sat down, and Tao sat next to me. And he put food on the te he was carrying and gave it to me. And I noticed that the men with him were winking. I hate this kind of attitude in men. They make fun of me.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do this. They are all there to serve me.¡± I was pointing to Lucianna and the girls.


    ¡°All right.¡± An Answer by Mr. Ching.


    We started eating, and then we went to the beach to take a bath. Lucianna was already paddling in the water with the men and Mr. Ching was with me like he wanted to guard me. I stretched my neck to look at Randolf, hoping he¡¯d follow me there. Because I¡¯m notfortable with this Chinese person, but the fool didn¡¯t reallye.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you take a bath yet, Zaneska?¡± Tao asked me.


    My eyes rolled. We seem to be too close if this man treats me this way.


    ¡°Take a swim, Mr. Ching. I¡¯ll be right next. I¡¯m still waiting for my executive assistant. ¡± I told him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just join you here. I don¡¯t really like bathing in this ce. ¡± He answered me.


    My forehead furrowed.


    ¡°Then what brought you here?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°To be with you. That¡¯s the only reason for me. ¡± He answered me directly.


    I¡¯m in the ss room right now after Duke and I talked. So I checked the kids¡¯ modules. And I noticed Veinna enter.


    ¡°Sir, Zander, Someone is looking for you outside. ¡± She told me.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°I do not know. Maybe it¡¯s an important matter.¡± She said, once outside the door.


    I got up and left the room to go and see the guest Veinna was referring to. The guard signaled to me that it was waiting outside the gate. When I came out, I saw Davianna smile at me once, kissing my cheek.


    ¡°I meant toe here since you didn¡¯t make a phone call anymore and you ignored all my messages.¡± She says.


    ¡°I still have work. Just wait for me. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll call youter.¡± I said.


    ¡°I know you won¡¯t call me. Are you avoiding me, Zander?¡± She asked me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talkter.¡± I said and left her outside the gate.


    It was lunchtime, and my co-teachers were in the faculty room, but I didn¡¯t join them. I am eating alone now, inside my ssroom. Duke entered.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t youe with us?¡± he asked me.


    ¡°I still have a lot to do.¡±


    ¡°Vienna mentioned to me that you have a visitor.¡±


    ¡°It was Davianna who came here. I think she wants to talk to me.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Maybe she misses you. That¡¯s why. When you are if you first, you will be looked for. Sometimes women are veryplicated to think about, ¡± said Duke.


    ¡°Is that your girlfriend¡¯s attitude?¡±


    ¡± If only I didn¡¯t love her. I¡¯m going to find another woman.¡± said Duke.


    ¡°Bastard. When Amara hears you, she will definitely leave you immediately.¡±


    ¡°I know it¡¯s not going to happen since our rtionship has already grown,¡± said Duke while smiling.


    I nod.


    ¡°What do you think of Mitch?¡± Duke asked out of nowhere.


    ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong with Mitch?¡±


    ¡°Sometimes you¡¯re upied, that¡¯s why you don¡¯t think easily,¡± he said,


    ¡°What do you think of Mitch? beautiful or what?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious, Duke, that Mitch is beautiful.¡±


    ¡°So what are you waiting for?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, Duke?¡±


    ¡°Mitch is single. You can court her. The two of you fit for each other.¡±


    ¡°I will think first. Not just what you said.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    ¡°Mitch told me that Amara¡¯s parents are strict. Howe you always hide? ¡± I asked him.


    ¡°I do not know. I am really afraid that one day they will take Amara away from me, ¡± Duke replied.


    Iughed. ¡°You are no longer children, so parents can¡¯t interfere in the rtionship between the two of you. That¡¯s not right. You and Amara will be together if ever, but her parents, ¡± I said.


    It¡¯s afternoon, and mypanions are already busy packing their belongings to go home. And Duke motioned for me to go home first. And I understand that. I was caughting out of the gate and I found Davianna waiting for me.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you I¡¯d just call you?¡± I told her.


    ¡°I made sure we could talk today, Zander, so I¡¯ll just wait for you until you go home.¡± She told me.


    We went to the restaurant near the school. He¡¯d better be here so we can talk. ¡°What are we going to talk about?¡± I asked him while drinking soft drinks.


    ¡°About the two of us.¡± Iughed and he was surprised.


    ¡°Are we just kidding, Davianna? If I had any faith in you, I would have responded immediately. Why are you taking so long until I¡¯m bored? ¡± I asked her. She suddenly fell silent.


    ¡°I stopped dating you a long time ago, so I didn¡¯t call you anymore. Maybe everything is clear to you, ¡°I said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t I have the right to think and then answer you?¡± Iughed because another customer is looking at us.


    ¡°We¡¯re not kids anymore, so we still need a long time for courtship, Davianna.¡± I said. So I want you to know that I¡¯m not going to date you anymore. Because I¡¯m tired of waiting for your decision. I said.


    ¡°I can¡¯t, Zander.¡± He told me. And I noticed the woman had just arrived and entered the dining room. Mitch smiled at me as our eyes met. Davianna left suddenly and left me inside the restaurant. ¡°I never thought I¡¯d see you here, Zander,¡± Mitch said as he sat down in front of me.


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    ¡°Who is with you? Your girlfriend? ¡±


    ¡°I just don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?. It turns out that your clothes were left in my apartment. I already washed that. ¡± She told me.


    ¡°Thank you. I forgot to bring it. Get out of work first? ¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m not a night owl, are you? So I went for a walk. Is Duke home yet? ¡±


    ¡°He left first. Maybe they will meet today. Amara was the one who guarded the coffee shop earlier. Because his parents have note from other countries yet, ¡±


    Will you eat it too? Let¡¯s go together. The sadness of eating alone .


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, too.¡±


    And the syrup got into our food, so we started eating. When are youing back to the apartment? I think I missed your presence there. ¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Mitch said that it seemed like nothing was said to him, but for me it had a big impact.

 CHAPTER 12

    ¡°I¡¯m still too busy, Mitch, only when I can get rid of the paperwork,¡± I said.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re a teacher?¡± Mitch asked me.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious I¡¯m wearing a uniform?¡± I asked her.


    Mitchughs.


    ¡°Because you¡¯re handsome and you¡¯re going to be a model and an actor.¡± She told me. I was calming down because my heart¡¯s had a beat since sheplemented me.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    I drank water because I suddenly felt thirsty.


    Mitch looked at me.


    ¡°Are you sure the woman earlier wasn¡¯t your girlfriend? I think the two of you seem fighting,¡± said Mitch.


    Iughed.


    ¡°I courted her, but after a year, she still didn¡¯t answer me. And the other day, I saw her with a man. So I ignored her right away. Maybe she felt I ignored her, so she went to school and asked me why I didn¡¯t pay attention to her anymore. ¡± I said had it at length.


    ¡°Maybe she had a n to make you a second option. And then, aren¡¯t you enough of her? Oh, my! That woman is choosy. You are already handsome and have a good job. What else will she be looking for? ¡°said Mitch.


    I had no confidence in myself, but because of what this woman said, I became wholehearted.


    ¡°When are you free?¡± Mitch asked me.


    ¡°Saturday and Sunday.¡± My answer.


    ¡°Great. Can we take a walk and unwind? My treat.¡±


    Iughed. ¡°I¡¯m the man between the two of us, so I¡¯ll pay for it.¡± I said.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, because I¡¯ll still send money to my parents,¡± Mitch said, while smiling.


    ¡°No problem.¡±


    ¡°Can I have your number? In such cases,¡±


    Yes, Can I have your phone? I¡¯ll type my number.¡± She handed me her phone. And I put my number in.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    We were already outside the restaurant, standing while waiting for a ride home.


    ¡°Are youing home, Mitch?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°Yes, since you are going home. So I don¡¯t have anyone to go for a walk with, ¡± Mitch replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mitch, maybe we only go the next day, ¡± I said.


    ¡°Seriously? All right, I¡¯ll expect that.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    I was riding a motorcycle when it stopped in front of me. I just looked at Mitch as he waved at me. I was just irritated because it was afternoon and Randolf still hadn¡¯te. This man really broke up with me. I think Mr. still has ns to apany me. Ching for overnight. I shook my head.


    ¡°Miss, do you n to spend the night here?¡± Genie asked. ¡°Do you like you?¡± I asked them. They all nodded.


    ¡°The hot guys, Miss? They¡¯re going to go overnight, too? ¡± Luciana asked.


    My eyes rolled.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Luciana.¡±


    ¡°Good. That Chinese person has forgiven you. Miss, I thought I would never leave you. ¡±


    ¡°I will leave it to that man. I think I still have ns to stay here until tomorrow. ¡±


    ¡°That man seems to be in love with you too much, Miss. Because you think differently, so be careful to leave. ¡± said Laica.


    ¡°Stop it. I¡¯m not the only one you see. What about your jokes with those men? ¡°I asked them.


    ¡°No problem, Miss., because they are single.¡±


    ¡± Why do you know? I¡¯m single because I¡¯m not married yet. But they have brides. ¡± I said.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Really?¡± I picked up my phone and handed it to them.


    ¡°Look at the pictures of them with women. Don¡¯t tell me that¡¯s your brother. There is a kiss going on in each of their photos. ¡± Suddenly, they all fell silent and frowned.


    ¡°They are all taken. All of you have been taken for granted,¡± I said.


    They allughed.


    ¡°Gather your things, girls. Let¡¯s go home before it¡¯s too dark. ¡± Imanded them.


    I noticed that they looked drunk. Mr. Ching. So I signaled for us to go ahead and hurried out and got into the car.


    ¡°Common, girls. You all get on board. ¡± I said.


    And I drove the car away from the beach resort. I¡¯m not used to dealing with men, especially drunk ones. We don¡¯t know them very well, so their true nature wille out when they get drunk.


    ¡°Are you okay, Miss?¡± they asked me.


    ¡°It¡¯s OK. No problem. I was tired all day. I didn¡¯t swim in the sea. It¡¯s not like you swim too much. I said.


    I havee home. And I saw outside the store my sister Melissa sitting on it while eating a coto. He didn¡¯t see me, so I went straight home. I went inside and found my mother as if she had seen a ghost.


    ¡°Zander, you¡¯ve arrived,¡± she told me.


    ¡°Yes, mother.¡±


    And when I went inside, I saw a man my mother¡¯s age sitting on the sofa in the living room. It looked at me and greeted me.


    ¡°Good evening. You must be Zander.¡± The man greeted me.


    I nodded in response, and my mother did not even introduce me to her visitor. And I could feel the worry on my mother¡¯s face. Introduce me to the man.


    ¡°I¡¯m Don Agusto Santin, your mother¡¯s friend.¡±


    I noticed the man wearing this glittering watch was obviously real gold. My forehead furrowed because I had just found out that my mother had a friend who was a man and obviously rich, based on the man¡¯s posture.


    ¡°Melissa is out, mom.¡± I told mom to take the worry off her face.


    ¡°Yes, it was still there.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll leave you, sir. I¡¯ll just go inside my room.¡± I said goodbye to him.


    ¡°Go ahead. Just call me, Tito Agusto.¡±


    I nodded in response, and went inside the room. I doubt it¡¯s just my mother¡¯s friend. The mother is just embarrassed to admit it or maybe scared. If so, who am I to object to his happiness? It¡¯s been four years since my dad disappeared. Maybe she will be happy in heaven if her mother marries again. I got dressed andy down on the bed while I closed my eyes and went to sleep. Maybe I¡¯ll eatter.


    A knock on the door woke me up.


    ¡°Brother, mother said we¡¯re going to eat.¡± Melissa¡¯s voice was what I heard outside.


    ¡°I¡¯ll follow.¡± I shouted.


    I got up and left my room and went straight to the kitchen. Don Agusto hasn¡¯te home yet, so we can still have dinner. I saw fried chicken and vegetables and I dried our dish. I don¡¯t know if this guy will eat this kind of dish. Because I know it is ustomed to delicious foods that are still rich.

 CHAPTER 13

    ¡°Mom, haven¡¯t you cooked another dish? ¡± I asked my mother.


    ¡°No, son.¡± Mother replied.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me, Zander. I eat whatever is on the table. I am not picky about food. I¡¯m used to eating simple, home-cooked food. Answered by Don. I did not say a word but continued to eat. Don sneezedter.


    ¡°Zander, can I invite your mother outside? We won¡¯tst any longer outside,¡± he said.


    I looked at my mom and she just remained bent over and continued to eat. I¡¯m not numb so as not to feel that Don has a different motive foring here to the house. I am also a man. So I know.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a problem. Ask mom if she will agree. ¡± I said.


    ¡°Your mother agreed. You just didn¡¯t have it, but since you agreed, thank you. ¡±


    Then I saw a glimpse of love in this man¡¯s eyes as he looked at my mother, while my mother just kept on eating. Melissa did the same, as if no one knew what was going on. What is expected of a child at this age? It can only eat the food it wants to be happy in life. We also finished eating, and my mother put away the dishes. I am in the living room now and will sit down to digest what I ate. Don Agusto stood beside me.


    ¡°How is a teacher¡¯s life?¡± he asked meter.


    ¡°It¡¯s OK. It¡¯s tiring, but it¡¯s fun. ¡± My answer.


    ¡°Good then.¡±


    ¡°Do you have a girlfriend?¡± he asked me out of nowhere. Iughed.


    ¡°I was courting someone, but sadly I was not answered. Will I leave what I did wrong? ¡± My answer.


    Don Agustoughed.


    ¡°Why? What is their reason? ¡± ¡°I do not know.¡± He tapped my shoulder.


    ¡°Don¡¯t lose hope. A handsome man like you can see something beautiful. The world is round. ¡± He told me.


    I knew he was taking my heart. But I think he is kind and easy to get along with. By the way, I¡¯m here to court your mother. He is hesitant because he is worried about you, ¡± Don said eventually.


    ¡°Why did I join you two? Will you be together just in case? ¡°was my answer.


    Donughed.


    ¡°I like your attitude. We can get along easily.¡±


    I just nodded.


    ¡°Will you let me court your mom?¡± he asked me.


    ¡°I have no problem. Sir, my mother will decide. ¡±


    ¡°All right, thank you. ¡± And my mother came out beautiful. It was as if she had returned to her virginity. And she put on lipstick that matched the dress she was wearing. I nodded at him in assent.


    ¡°Your sister, Zander.¡± She told me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of Melissa, Mom.¡± I said.


    My mother has left, but I am still in the living room. I think maybe it¡¯s happier when I have a girlfriend. There¡¯s nothing wrong with me flirting with Mitch; we¡¯re both single. The pain in my back from driving I am here now in the living room. While they were there, Luciana was already asleep. Drowsiness does not visit me. Now I just think that my life was very sad. It¡¯s a good thing there are nine of them here with me. I tried to call Mitch so I could talk to someone today. In two rings, she answered.


    ¡°Hello. Zaneska. How are you? ¡± she asked me.


    ¡°When are youing to visit me in the city?¡± I asked.


    My life is still very busy. Then maybe you will when I¡¯m not busy. And then Zaneska. I¡¯m in love. I want you to meet my love of life. He¡¯s handsome. ¡±


    Mitch shouted on the other line. My eyes are rolling. Do you have a boyfriend? Who? ¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not my boyfriend yet, but he¡¯s close to me.¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Don¡¯t say you¡¯re the suitor.¡± I asked him. Mitchughed on the other line.


    ¡°No. You know, I¡¯m not easy to get. ¡± She says.


    ¡°All right, when you get out of here, bring him so I can meet him. ¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± he said once the phone rang.


    I went inside the bedroom andid down on the bed to sleep. Randolf had called earlier, but I ignored him. He will take care of his life. I entered the room to go to Melissa, who was sleeping. I heard my phone ring as Iy in bed. And Melissa texted me. He greeted me and asked if I wouldn¡¯t be out tonight. I told her it was only tomorrow night because there was no school on Saturday. Melissa woke up.


    ¡°Brother, has Mom arrived yet? She promised me that she would buy me ice cream when she came home. ¡±


    ¡°It hasn¡¯t arrived yet, but I know my mother will buy ice cream. Go back to sleep. I¡¯ll just wake you up. ¡±


    Melissa nodded and went back to sleep. I left the room because I heard the gate ring, indicating that someone had entered. The door opened, and my mother came in with a paper bag.


    ¡°What about Melissa, Son, she¡¯s already asleep? ¡°she asked me.


    ¡°She woke up earlier, mom, but she went back to sleep.¡± My answer was: He bought me ice cream. It¡¯s a good thing it hasn¡¯t melted yet. Wait, I¡¯ll just put it in the fridge. ¡± I followed him inside.


    ¡°How¡¯s your walk, mom?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. August told me so. Did you two talk? ¡°my mom asked me.


    My mother suddenly blushed.


    ¡°Yes, he told me to court you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s embarrassing! It¡¯s like we¡¯re teenagers again. Is it okay with you? ¡±


    ¡°Yes, mother. No problem with me. Just be happy. ¡±


    ¡°Thank you, son. Go to sleep.¡± she said to me, and went into his room with Melissa.


    I saw my mother pick up Melissa and carry her to their room. I also went into the bedroom to sleep. There¡¯s no school tomorrow, so I won¡¯t do paperwork. I gave myself a break. It¡¯s as if I can rest a little.

 CHAPTER 14

    I woke up early because of the knock on the door. Why did my mother bother me, when she knew that today was Saturday? I left the room with my eyes narrowed. It was as if I wanted to punch the one who was bothering me this morning, because he was sitting in front of me on the couch in our living room. And he smiled at me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t smile at me, Duke, because I¡¯m not happy with your visit. It¡¯s still six in the morning, but you¡¯re already here. What do you need? ¡°I asked him.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you promise Mitch that you would have a walk today?¡± Duke asked, frowning at me.


    ¡°How do you know?¡± I would ask.


    Dukeughed. ¡°Of course I know because she¡¯s in the town with Amara waiting for us,¡± said Duke.


    I was gaping. ¡°Don¡¯t you get tired, Duke? I still want to sleep in the morning, ¡± I said.


    ¡°If it¡¯s okay for Mitch to be there alone and without you. You can also stay here and sleep until tomorrow, ¡°said Duke.


    I shook my head.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get dressed first,¡± I said, and left him in the living room.


    I was dressing as if I wasn¡¯t in myself. Why did those people wake up so early? After I got dressed, I went out of the room and looked for my mother.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say goodbye to your mother, Zander, because she went back to sleep and I¡¯m done saying goodbye to her too,¡± said Duke, as she looked at his phone.


    ¡°What are you looking at there?¡± I asked.


    ¡°This is Don Agusto. He is one of the richest men in our town.¡± said Duke once, showing me his phone.


    ¡°Who is that?¡± I asked him again, as if I didn¡¯t know the man.


    ¡°I¡¯m done saying who he is, Zander, just go back to sleep. Just don¡¯te with us. I¡¯ll just find another date for Mitch there.¡± said Duke.


    ¡°Bastard. Wait, is that well-known here in our area?¡±


    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t you know?¡± I shook my head.


    ¡°Yes, he is rich but unmarried. I don¡¯t know what his story reached this age without being married. We know that he is in his fifties,¡± said Duke.


    ¡°Maybe a lot of women are suing him, but maybe he didn¡¯t like anything at all. Because, based on what I heard, he was hurt when his girlfriend married another man, ¡°said Duke.


    I was also curious about what Duke said about Don Agusto. I want to ask him when hees home next.


    ¡°The family he has is good. They are not the types who like to insult and hurt others. So many love their family. ¡±


    I nodded in response. We had reached the area where Mitch and Amara were waiting. I opened the car window.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Come on, girls.¡± I told them.


    I went out for a moment to go to the back so that Amara could sit in the front seat.


    ¡°Why are you frowning?¡± Mitch asked me, as she sat down next to me.


    ¡°Duke is bothering me in the morning. I still want to sleep. Where are we going? ¡°I asked.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go to sleep now? I¡¯ll just wake you up when we get to where we¡¯re going. ¡±


    Mitch made me lie down on herp, causing me to stiffen on the seat.


    ¡°Is there a problem, Zander? Lie down here on myp so you can sleep a little bit,¡± said Mitch.


    I¡¯ll just leave to see if Duke heard what we were talking about because he was also busy talking to his girlfriend. I said,


    ¡°I¡¯m going to just lean my head here in the chair.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    And Mitch stopped talking to me after she was busy looking at her phone. Although I also regretted her offer, I was ashamed. So at the end, I could not sleep. The car stopped at a beach resort. And at the same time, the three of them came out while I was left inside the car. Why didn¡¯t they say that we were going to the beach? I wish I had brought any extra clothes. Duke knocked on the window. So I just went out.


    ¡°What happened to you? Why are youzy now? You act like a woman. Don¡¯t tell me you were turned into gay. ¡± Duke asked.


    ¡°Bastard! I hope you told us to go to the beach so I could bring some clothes, ¡± I said.


    ¡°Mitch already bought you,¡± said Duke, thenughed, and went inside the beach resort.


    Mitch and Amara waved at us in the distance. The dining style of such a beach resort is good because the tables are set outside and the diners step on the sand. But there is a roof to keep customers from getting too hot and drizzly in the sun and rain. The two women had already ordered food. I know they haven¡¯t eaten yet, especially me.


    ¡°Sit down, Zander,¡± said Duke.


    ¡°Are you feeling bad, Zander? I told Duke not toe to you but he really insisted,¡± said Amara.


    ¡°No, but it¡¯s like my soul was left in our house,¡± I answered, and Mitchughed.


    I felt different because of herughter and how beautiful she. It¡¯s only now that I realize I want this woman.


    ¡°That¡¯s just missing the bath, Zander. Take a bathter after you eat. I also bought you a change of clothes, ¡°said Mitch.


    ¡°Why did you suddenly be kind, Mitch?¡± Amara asked.


    ¡°Shut up, Miss, if you don¡¯t want me to report you to your parents,¡± said Mitch. Amara frowned.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. Let¡¯s eat first. ¡± Duke¡¯s rebuke.


    I woke up to the sound of my phone. I had a good night¡¯s sleep because I was so tired from our trip yesterday. I answered the phone without looking at the caller. But suddenly my spirit awoke when I heard the voice of the caller on the other line.


    ¡°Hello, Zaneska. How are you? Why did you suddenly disappear yesterday without saying goodbye? ¡± Mr Ching asked me.


    I sigh. When will this man stop me?


    ¡°Look, Mr. Tao Ching. The girls invited me to go home, so why should I let you know? You are too busy drinking. That is why. ¡± My answer.


    ¡°I¡¯ll visit you there.¡± He says. Suddenly, I panicked.


    How did I get into this mess? I made the wrong decision to approach him because he could not be brought into a good conversation. He can¡¯t understand that he got nothing from me.

 CHAPTER 15

    ¡°Look, Mr. Ching. I¡¯m busy in the office so I can¡¯t face you. And then I don¡¯t want to entertain a visitor when it¡¯s not about business.¡± I told him.


    ¡°Just this once, Zaneska. I¡¯m going home to China soon. I want to be with you because when I¡¯m there I don¡¯t know when I¡¯ll be back,¡± he said to me.


    I rolled my eyes. I would have liked to tell him that I don¡¯t care if he goes home to China. It¡¯s better that I can¡¯t see him. But I chose to keep quiet.


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll get ready to go to the office,¡± I said.


    ¡°All right. See you there.¡± he said once, cutting the phone line.


    I¡¯m irritated with annoyance because no matter what I avoid, that man will stille.


    I went into the bathroom while snoring. It¡¯s like I don¡¯t want to go in the office today because I know that man is there again.


    I took a slow shower so I had a reason why I took so long to go to the office. I heard the phone ringing early. I knew someone was calling. I was about to run out of patience with that man.


    Duke didn¡¯t mention to mest night that we were here at the beach resort until today. So we only took two rooms. Amara and Duke were in the other room, Mitch and I were also in one room. So the result was I didn¡¯t sleep well. I closed my eyesst night but my mind was very awake.


    Why did Duke think that Mitch and I would share the same room? There are many other rooms that have no users. So I couldn¡¯t get out of bed because Mitch hugged me tightly as if she thought I was a pillow. This is an extraordinary life. Never in my whole life have I had a woman sitting next to me in a room and we were even next to each other in bed.


    I removed Mitch¡¯s foot and hand that was wrapped around my body. I didn¡¯t know that this woman was so naughty to sleep. Fortunately, it left and turned in the other direction, so I left immediately and went out of the room. I found Duke smiling at me.


    ¡°Did you sleep well?¡± he asked me.


    ¡°Damn you, I didn¡¯t get any decent sleep because of what you did,¡± was my answer. Dukeughs.


    ¡°Who can sleep when you have a beautiful woman with you but she¡¯s not your girlfriend. It¡¯s good that you were able to control how you feel?¡± Duke asked me with mixed uproar.


    ¡°You idiot!¡± I told him.


    But he justughed.


    ¡°Are we leaving? If we don¡¯t, I¡¯ll probably go first,¡± I said.


    ¡°Will you leave Mitch sleeping inside the resort room? How can a fool get inside and hurt him?¡± said Duke, making me feel guilty.


    ¡°Just rx and enjoy yourself, Zander. Today is Sunday and you don¡¯t have anything to do at your house. So here we go now. We¡¯ll go home tonight.¡±


    I am still sitting on my bed today. I just finished taking a shower. It¡¯s like I don¡¯t want to go into the office anymore. Earlier, Randolf called me asking where I was.


    So before Randolf could get mad at me, I got up and looked for something to wear.


    Carrying my sling bag, I left the room and walked down the stairs. The quiet of the house, maybe Luciana was still sleeping so I was not eating and I just went straight to the front door and went out the gate.


    I got in the car and drove it away from the house. It was eleven o¡¯clock in the afternoon when I arrived at thepany. I went inside the office.


    Randolf¡¯s face averted seeing me.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Randolf? Why are you calling me?¡± I asked him as I sat in the swivel chair.


    ¡°Miss, Mr Ching is here and he¡¯s been waiting for you for a while. I don¡¯t know how annoying he is. I¡¯m about to lose my patience with him.¡± said Randolf.


    I sighed.


    ¡°Where is he now?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°I think he left. He¡¯lle backter,¡± Randolf replied.


    ¡°He said I¡¯ll just let him approach me. Because he¡¯s going back to China.¡± I said.


    ¡°Based on the news I gathered, he has already bought a house here and he has also started building a business,¡± said Randolf.


    My forehead furrowed.


    ¡°Where did you know that?¡± I asked Randolf.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°One of my acquitances. My girlfriend and I were eating at a restaurant and I met the woman I knew and she was the one who opened a topic about that Chinese man. That¡¯s how she said that Mr Ching stays here in the Philippines for good.¡±


    I was pped on my forehead.


    ¡°I was confused about what, Mr. Ching¡¯s action, but I¡¯m not dumb to think that he¡¯s interested in me. But I don¡¯t think about being in a rtionship with him,¡± I said.


    ¡°So it¡¯s much better for us to remain friends at this moment. Because I can¡¯t let myself get involved with a person who I know about by his name. I don¡¯t wantplications, Randolf. So, please, help me to send him away.¡± I said.


    That, Duke and I talked. I went back to the room and saw Mitch was already awake. She smiled at me. I nodded at her in return.


    ¡°Did you sleep well? I know you¡¯re not. I¡¯m sorry if I¡¯m so naughty when sleeping,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± my response.


    ¡°Had Amara and Duke already woken?¡± Mitch asked.


    ¡°Duke has woken but Amara has not yet.¡± My response.


    ¡°What are they nning to do today?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but he said that we should stay here for now and enjoy ourselves. And we go home at night.¡± I said.


    ¡°Great!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get out and grab some snacks.¡± Mitch said and held my hand while dragging me outside the room.

 CHAPTER 16

    Mitch still didn¡¯t let go of my hand until we came to the end of the beach resort. I didn¡¯t know there was a refreshment store just standing here. And there are tables lying on the sand. There are also many customers. In the distance, I saw Duke smiling widely in my direction. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s in this man¡¯s brain anymore.


    ¡°Amara and Duke are already here. They were ahead of us,¡± said Mitch.


    I nodded in response.


    ¡°What do you want, Zander?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you what¡¯s yours. My is the same.¡±


    Mitch left me for a moment, then I walked in Duke¡¯s direction.


    I hadn¡¯t sat down yet when Amara asked me.


    ¡°Are you in a rtionship with Mitch, Zander? You¡¯re sofortable with each other.¡±


    ¡°No, we¡¯re just friends.¡±


    ¡°Really? Why don¡¯t you court her? Mitch is kind and beautiful. Then there¡¯s something I noticed.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± I would ask.


    ¡°That¡¯s for you to find out.¡±


    Mitch is approaching as Amara has calmed down from asking. But I was too curious about what he said.


    ¡°Here¡¯s your order, Zander,¡± said Mitch, smiling.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Mitch gave me a juice and a burger.


    So when do you n to go home?¡± Mitch asked.


    ¡°Tonight. Why?¡± Amara asked.


    ¡°Your parents came home, Amara, and then they called me,¡± said Mitch.


    Amara and Duke were suddenly worried. While I was there, I just shook my head.


    ¡°What did you say, Mitch? Did you say we¡¯re here?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Rx, Amara, you¡¯re nervous about that. But they extended it for a few months so you can breathe.¡±


    ¡°When you have been a coward, Duke, you are no longer teenagers who have to hide your rtionship,¡± I said.


    ¡°I really wanted to face but Amara stopped me,¡± said Duke.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to have a peaceful rtionship, Amara?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°I want to, but mommy and daddy have different habits, they might separate us. Sometimes, when they¡¯re so strict, I think in living alone,¡± said Amara.


    I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be allowed, but what¡¯s in return?¡± Mitch asked.


    ¡°I will be rejected as their child.¡±


    ¡°The harshness of your parents is something, Amara,¡± I said.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m not happy with my family being able to afford it in life, because there¡¯s always something forbidden in my actions,¡± said Amara.


    ¡°Their over-protective manners are out of ce.¡±


    Then Duke and Amara took a deep breath.


    I¡¯m in the office right now. I was doing something and then the door opened. I thought Randolf hade in. As I looked up, I saw a face of Mr. Ching smiling.


    ¡°You¡¯re already here, Zaneska. I thought you weren¡¯ting. Your executive assistant is annoyed with me over and over again when I ask questions. It¡¯s a good thing he didn¡¯t punch me,¡± he said to me.


    My eyes rolled.


    What do you want, Mr. Ching?¡±


    ¡°Zaneska, rx. I won¡¯t bother you. I¡¯ll just sit here.¡± he replied while sitting on the couch.


    I sighed. I have had no peace of mind since this man came.


    ¡°I¡¯m notfortable working with someone watching me, so you can wait for me outside the office,¡± I said. Itughs.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Randolf entered afterwards.


    ¡°Miss, you have a visitor.¡±


    And the investigator I talked tost month came in.


    ¡°Sit down.¡± Imanded him.


    ¡°It¡¯s too early for you to frown like that. Is that because of your Chinese lover outside?¡± When else have we been close to each other?


    ¡°Shut up! It¡¯s work you came here for,¡± I said.


    Sheughs.


    ¡°It¡¯s because he thinks badly of me. He thought maybe I was going to date you, but it¡¯s not bad that I¡¯ll try.¡±


    ¡°Damn you, Arthur!¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re not having a boyfriend because you¡¯re too snobbish,¡± he said to me.


    What is what I¡¯m asking you to do?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see any problems with your parents. And I¡¯m looking for who could possibly chase you that night. Maybe you had a fight?¡±


    My eyes rolled.


    ¡°Who will I fight? I know how to handle my temper.¡±


    ¡°Knowing you, maybe you know someone?¡±


    Suddenly, I thought of the man who approached me at the bar before. Maybe it was him, but I talked to him properly that time.


    ¡°So for now you shouldn¡¯t go out at night until we know who they are.¡±


    He looked at me. Arthur and I are only known by name. We are not that close. He really knows my parents.


    ¡°What? Do you want to tell me something?¡±


    ¡°Can you join me for dinner? None bad things happen to you because I¡¯m with you.¡±


    My eyebrows rose.


    ¡°We¡¯re just going to eat and I know it¡¯s not a date.¡± Arthurughs.


    ¡°You¡¯re really very sensitive. All right, I won¡¯t force you anymore because you¡¯re really avoiding being in the tabloids tomorrow since you¡¯re with a guy. It¡¯s different when you¡¯re very famous,¡± he said to me.


    ¡°Just call me because there¡¯s another person I hate outside waiting for me. You two are naughty.¡±


    ¡°Just take him to our dinner,¡± Arthur¡¯s suggestion.


    ¡°That was a good idea.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful too.¡±


    ¡°Really? I just heard that.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, because we¡¯re just now talking like this.¡±


    Arthur left and I was left alone.


    I know I have a new friend besides Mitch. I leave a greeting, and the woman no longer calls me. Maybe too busy with the man she ims to be her boyfriend. I left the office because it was alreadyte afternoon. All my employees have gone home. I immediately saw Mr. Ching next to Arthur.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Who is this guy, Zaneska? He said.


    You¡¯re going somewhere, and I¡¯m going with you. We should just leave together. I¡¯ve been waiting here for a while, and then I couldn¡¯t be with you. ¡± Mr. Ching¡¯s lengthyint


    ¡°He is my friend, Mr. Ching. If it¡¯s okay with you, have hime with us. ¡± I said. But I noticed his face was darkened, as if he was angry.


    ¡°Better luck next time, Zaneska. Make sure that friends of yours will no longer be with us next time.¡±

 CHAPTER 17

    I shook my head as I followed Arthur out of the building.


    ¡°He¡¯s not allowed to be your boyfriend because he has no patience and doesn¡¯t know how to get along. I hope if he really courts you, he should show off to people close to you.¡±


    My eyes rolled.


    ¡°What do you expect from someone like him? But it was also better so that he would not have to hope.¡± I said.


    We were already in the car on our way home. I was next to Mitch as she fell asleep leaning on me. It was dark all around us when we decided to go home. We first drove Mitch to her apartment.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just call you, Zander. Don¡¯t turn off your phone, ¡°said Mitch, then got out of the car.


    She even waved at me before entering the apartment. I was finally taken to our house. I went inside the house. I noticed the silence, as if no one was inside. Where did my mother and sister go?


    So I went inside the bedroom and slept. It was nine o¡¯clock in the evening when I woke up. I went out of the room and found my sister and mama sitting in our living room. They are wearing new clothes.


    ¡°Where have you been?¡± I asked them.


    ¡°Brother, you¡¯re already there. When did you arrive? ¡°Melissa asked me.


    ¡± I arrive at six o¡¯clock. And you¡¯re not home. ¡± I said,


    ¡°Mom and I went out.¡±


    ¡°Seriously? Where? ¡±


    ¡°Mommy got her first sry, so she tours me around the town. I have new clothes like you. ¡±


    ¡°Where do you have a job, mom?¡± I would ask.


    ¡°I was hired by your Uncle Agusto. He insisted, so I couldn¡¯t refuse.¡±


    ¡°Seriously? But what about Melissa? Who¡¯s going to take care of her? ¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry because Agusto agreed to let me take her to the office,¡± said my mother.


    ¡°Maybe she was just disturbed there.¡±


    ¡°No brother, I¡¯ll just keep quiet there because mom bought me a tablet.¡±


    And I saw Melissa get her new gadgets. I was suddenly ashamed of myself because I didn¡¯t even think of buying gadgets for my sister. She hasn¡¯t studied yet.


    ¡°What is your job in Uncle Agusto¡¯spany?¡± I asked again.


    ¡°His secretary, from his old one, resigned.¡±


    My mother smiled. Shepleted a secretarial course. She just couldn¡¯t find a job because she took care of us. She chose to be a housewife rather than working in thepany before.


    I was always looking at my mom, so she asked meter.


    ¡°Do I have dirt on my face, Zander?¡± she asked.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Nothing, mom, but it looks like something has changed in you,¡± I said.


    ¡°So what?¡± she asked me as she raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°It¡¯s like you¡¯re back to adulthood. I think it¡¯s like we¡¯re just the same age. ¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make fun of me like that, Zander,¡± she said to me.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t say before that you wanted cosmetics. I wish I had bought you before.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s embarrassing for me to say to you what I want to buy. So I just kept quiet, ¡°said my mother.


    I was frowning.


    ¡°These are the clothes I bought for you,¡± said my mother, as she handed me three paperbags.


    ¡°Thank you. You shouldn¡¯t have bought me a dress first, so you can use your money.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I also want to buy you something that came from my first paycheck. ¡±


    Thank you very much mom.¡± I said. My mother nodded and got up to enter their room.


    I also entered the room.


    I was already inside the restaurant with Arthur.


    ¡°What do you want to order, Zaneska?¡± Arthur asked me.


    ¡°What you ordered is also mine,¡± was my answer.


    Arthur nodded and walked over to the counter.


    The restaurant we went to was simple but the whole ce was clean.


    My phone is silent. Even one of Luciana¡¯s and the girls didn¡¯t bother to call me today, so it¡¯s refreshing. What can they do now? So I tried to call them. But no one answered. Have they slept yet?


    So Arthur returned to our table with our food.


    ¡°Here¡¯s our order. Did you like it?¡± he asked me as the food was ced on the table.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s okay. I¡¯m already hungry. So I¡¯ll eat anything.¡± I said.


    ¡°Really? I¡¯ve changed you now.¡±


    ¡°Why is there anything?¡±


    ¡°No, just eat.¡±


    So I ate so I could go home. I want the girls to see what they are doing now. After Arthur and I ate, I delivered him to my house.


    ¡°Thank you, Arthur, for the free meal,¡± I said.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be the one to buy it next.¡± he said to me once the window closed. I already went inside the house. And I already heard a noise. That frowned at me.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± I asked them. Carrying a different backpack.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to sleep, Miss. Are youing?¡±


    ¡°Hiking? Did you forget that it¡¯s already evening?

 CHAPTER 18

    Mitch and I exited the apartment together. I really need to borrow a car because it¡¯s embarrassing when I invite Mitch out and there¡¯s no car.


    ¡°Let¡¯s wait for a motorcycle that can be ridden right now so we can get to where we¡¯re going; I¡¯m sorry that I joked with you.¡±


    Mitch burst outughing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me, Zander. I¡¯m fine as long as I¡¯m happy with you. I won¡¯t be chosen when ites to where we can ride where we¡¯re going. So all I want to say is thank you. ¡± Mitch said as he kissed my lips. I was stunned for a minute before returning to the right mood. I was shocked by his kiss. I was not prepared for it.¡± I asked.


    ¡°What¡¯s that kiss for?¡± Mitch was suddenly embarrassed.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? I like you a lot, Zander,¡± said Mitch.


    ¡°Me too, so it means we can be or I¡¯ll court you first,¡± I asked.


    ¡°Both.¡±


    So we bothughed. I hugged her.


    ¡°Thank you, because you agreed.¡± You know, I¡¯m so happy today. This is the happiest Valentine¡¯s gift I¡¯ve ever received. ¡± I told her.


    Why should we prolong it if we feel that way? We¡¯re both single, ¡°said Mitch.


    Then the motorcycle stopped in front of the two of us. Before I got on, I helped Mitch get on board.


    I cuddled Mitch, the reason for the driver looking at us. I just let him look. I am so happy now.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± she asked me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask many questions, Mitch. You¡¯ll knowter. ¡± I said as I kissed her head.


    We stopped at a ce with a beach. We both went down at once after I paid. The ce was neither dark nor quiet because there were couples having a party. Someone is grilling fish. And there are still lights on the poles.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know there was such a thing here?¡± Mitch asked.


    ¡°Even me, Duke just told me so too, so I tried to go. My answer.


    ¡°Maybe the cottage here has a fee, right?¡± she asked me.


    ¡°Come on,¡±


    The two of us entered the gate together. And there was a man on guard wearing a heart-shaped hat. I paid, and then we went inside. It turns out that dating in this ce won¡¯t make you hungry because someone also sells something to eat.


    Mitch and I no longer took the cottage. But we just sat there on the sand by the beach. As we held hands, staring into the darkness of the night,


    ¡°What are you thinking, Zander?¡± Mitch asked me out of nowhere.


    My answer was, ¡°Nothing. I was overwhelmed with happiness because we already had a rtionship. ¡±


    Really?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see. We¡¯ll get out of the city. I¡¯ll take you with me. Zaneska wants to meet you. When you¡¯re not on duty at school, of course, ¡°said Mitch.


    ¡°Why does he want to meet me?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Because he wants to see you in person. I want to show him that my boyfriend is handsome, ¡°she says.


    I¡¯mughing.


    It¡¯s ugly to listen to. It¡¯s like you¡¯re making her look like you¡¯re the only one who has the right to find a handsome boyfriend. ¡± I said.


    ¡°She understands, but I¡¯m just kidding,¡± said Mitch.


    I was just curious about Mitch¡¯s best friend. I know her by name, but not her attitude.


    I was sweating with the driver, but we had not yet arrived at our destination, while the nine women with me were busy on their phones. The others seem to have fallen asleep.


    ¡°Are you sleeping there yet?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No, Miss. We just looked around. It¡¯s dark, it seems scary, ¡°said Luciana.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    I hope you thought about that before you decided to go home tonight. There will be many tomorrow. Because your jaws will be hard, ¡°I said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss, we¡¯re excited now.¡± said Genie.


    ¡°You mean you¡¯re excited about seeing your ex-boyfriend with another wife?¡± I said, causing Genie to wince. They allughed.


    How long have you lived in the city? Haven¡¯t you even met a rich, handsome man there? ¡± I asked them.


    We don¡¯t want to be like Luciana, Miss., so we¡¯ll pass it on to the boys. We¡¯ll just work. Even the most beautiful and rich people in the world can still be hurt. How can we be the only beauty we have?¡± asked Lyka.


    Iughed. My tiredness will go away because of these women. Even if I seem to have lost my bum in the seat.


    Why don¡¯t you practice driving a car? I¡¯m sure tomorrow I won¡¯t be able to get up from the extreme pain in my body from driving today. ¡± I said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss. Let¡¯s go home to the city. Let¡¯s really practice driving. Because we¡¯re really ashamed of you. But now we¡¯ll bother first. By the way, how is that Chinese man flirting with you?


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to be in a rtionship right now. I haven¡¯t seen the man for me yet. Maybe I think he hasn¡¯t been born yet. ¡± I joked with them.


    They bothughed.


    ¡°If you keep waiting for that person, you will grow old and be unable to get married,¡± said Nina.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, at least I¡¯ll wait for the right person,¡± I said.


    ¡°There¡¯s no right person right now, Miss Zaneska. The men are very transparent. ¡°It¡¯s good in the beginning, when you¡¯ve been with them for a while, but they¡¯ll suddenly leave you and make you cry,¡± said Luciana.


    I know what she went through with her son¡¯s father, so that¡¯s how she thinks of men.


    ¡°Not everyone, Luciana. Because only one means when you experience your ex-boyfriend, that you¡¯re not really for each other. ¡± I said.


    She nodded.


    ¡°Right now, all of you should find someone better. When that happens, I will be happy for you, ¡± I said.


    ¡°Where are we going to look, Miss?¡± Genie asked.


    ¡°Maybe your ex-boyfriend wille back to you, then the one he exchanged for you will also leave. It doesn¡¯t matter if karma is real, ¡± I said. Theyughed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to, miss. I¡¯ve already vomited him, so he¡¯s too dirty when I swallow again.¡± said Genie.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, but you deserve to be happy,¡± I said.


    ¡°But there¡¯s no other woman involved,¡± Genie said.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right. There are many men out there, ¡± I said.

 CHAPTER 19

    ¡°Do you regret your ex-boyfriend swapping you for someone else, Genie?¡± I asked her.


    She was speechless.


    ¡°Because when you tell me you feel regret that that man left you, I¡¯ll support you.¡± I said.


    ¡°What do you want me to tell you, Miss? You¡¯re going to attack me right now. So no. I don¡¯t care about him anymore,¡± Genie replied.


    We allughed.


    ¡°You¡¯re too blinded by that love. Just look on the bright side. If you¡¯re not separated, you won¡¯t be able to get to the city. And you can¡¯t tell yourself that you can be beautiful? ¡± I told her.


    She was smiling, as if she liked what I said.


    It¡¯s all because of you. I don¡¯t want to be emotional, but I¡¯m grateful, ¡°Genie said.


    ¡°Your wee. But, hopefully, when the right manes along, everything will be fine. Don¡¯t get married at the same time because, by chance, I¡¯ll give you a gift. ¡± I said whileughing.


    If what you said ever happens, Miss, you don¡¯t need a gift first. Your presence always matters. We already have too many gifts from you, so we don¡¯t ept them anymore, ¡°said Laica.


    ¡°It¡¯s better that I don¡¯t beg because you will run out of my wealth.¡±


    So they allughed.


    I looked at the clock. It waste at night when we arrived at a secluded ce. Because of the darkness, I can¡¯t  see my surroundings. The only lighting from my car is the light.


    ¡°Are we still far away?¡± I asked them.


    ¡°It is closed because we have deviated from the arch.


    Is it really like this here? There are no households. ¡±


    ¡°Yes, Miss, but when youe forward, there are a lot of houses crowded together,¡± said Hannah.


    Isn¡¯t it scary here at night? Or haven¡¯t you even heard that there are bad people here? ¡± I asked.


    So far, nothing, Miss. That¡¯s why we have the courage to invite you toe home with us tonight, because we¡¯re confident you won¡¯t be harmed. ¡± said Lucianna.


    I nodded.


    ¡°Seriously? Are all of you really neighbors? ¡± I asked them.


    They are working under my rules and regtions, but until now I still didn¡¯t believe that the nine of them lived next door.


    ¡°Yes, Miss, And you¡¯ll also see nine concrete houses tomorrow morning. We¡¯re thankful to you, ¡°said Lazzy.


    We stopped at a house with pink paint. They all came out. And I wondered why so many people inside frowned at me.


    They opened the gate for me. Then I¡¯m weed with a warm stare that I just saw. They are amazed, and you even noticed that you were stunned by staring at me. It¡¯s like I¡¯m an artist who they all admire. I approached Lucianna and whispered to her.


    ¡°Who are they? And whose house did we go to? ¡±


    ¡°They are our family. We informed them that we would be taking you with us when we returned home, so they prepared arge amount of food. And look at them; they are so happy, ma¡¯am, to see you. ¡°said Lucianna.


    An hourter, I was sitting in the seat because I was too tired from driving earlier. I have met all their families. So I am now resting on one side. Even though their life here on a farm is simple, they are happy. I can see every smile and they allugh now.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you eaten yet, Miss?¡± Lazzy asked me as she got closer to my seat.


    I¡¯m not hungry. Maybe I¡¯ll eatter. They are having fun, ¡± I said.


    ¡°Yes, this is really the case with us, and when we came home, it was a barangay festival. There was a dance and song contest, ¡°Lazzy replied.


    Seriously? Why don¡¯t you go now? ¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t youing?¡± she asked me.


    ¡°Hmm. I¡¯ll take it off first. I¡¯m tired. Then I¡¯ll go. ¡°my response.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure. You¡¯ll enjoy it, Miss. There will be disco and parlor games, ¡°said Lazzy in a happy voice.


    ¡°Can we find a boyfriend?¡± I asked.


    ¡°If it¡¯s for you, it¡¯s hard to find a man who¡¯s right for you. You¡¯re handsomepared to the men here. Your beauty is ssy. ¡± I was frustrated.


    ¡°Like that? Is there a basis now when ites to a possible rtionship? I will ask.


    ¡°Of course, because there is a level of rtionship. It is not umon for a rich woman to have a boyfriend who is a poor man. That only happens in novels. In real life, we now know that the rich are only for the rich. And it¡¯s hard just for the poor. ¡±


    Of their nine, it was Lazzy who was too straight-forward to speak and too talkative. And most of all, she knows everything.


    ¡°You know everything about life and love,¡± I said.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°Then, what about your love life? I didn¡¯t know about your personal life after all these years that we were together in one house. You¡¯re not the kind of woman that has fun opening up about your true feelings, ¡± I said.


    She suddenly became silent.


    ¡°I¡¯m better and bitter, Miss,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Why is that?¡±


    ¡°Better because I¡¯ve finally moved on. And it¡¯s bitter because I still loved him, until now, just like Genie. He left me for another woman. I¡¯m always asking myself before. What did I do wrong? Did I miss out on loving him? Until now, I have not received answers to my questions, ¡°said Lazzy.


    I was suddenly sad.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Only now did I find out every detail of their lives.


    I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know that that¡¯s what you went through. ¡± I said.


    ¡°Nah, that doesn¡¯t matter anymore.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right. Every time you are hurt, remember that there will be a time when you will be happy. So don¡¯t lose it. ¡± I said.


    ¡°All I can say is thank you so much for giving me the chance to work for you. I¡¯m lucky enough since I gave my parents the nice life that they deserved. ¡± Lazzy said, her voice trembling.

 CHAPTER 20

    ¡°What happened to the girls? ¡± I asked.


    ¡°They¡¯re still eating. Miss, don¡¯t you want to eat? You might be hungry when we goter,¡± Lazzy spected.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine; I¡¯ll eat right now.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take a break,¡± I said.


    Mitch and I are still here, with only the stars shining in the dark sky.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you getting cold?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°Yeah, why is this the dress I thought I¡¯d wear?¡± she said to me.


    I didn¡¯t even think of bringing a hoodie because I was so excited to be with Mitch. I looked around.


    Many of us still stay here. I really don¡¯t think anyone wants to go home yet. I¡¯m sure we don¡¯t have to ride hometer.


    ¡°Yeah, we were so excited we forgot to bring a jacket. For the cold. If we stay here until twelve o¡¯clock we¡¯ll be really cold,¡± I said.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Mitch replied.


    ¡°Just tell me if you want to eat. I¡¯ll buy something for you there.¡± I said.


    Then my phone suddenly rang. Mitch and I looked at each other. I took my phone in my pocket and looked at who was calling me. But to my surprise, it was Davianna. I looked at Mitch, then she was frowning.


    It¡¯s like she wasn¡¯t happy that Davianna was calling me. I didn¡¯t answer the call since I didn¡¯t want Mitch to get angry with me. We are in a rtionship just today. I don¡¯t want her to be upset. So he ignored Davianna¡¯s call.


    ¡°Just answer that, Zander, she was so annoying.¡± Mitch said, that made me surprised.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind her call. I won¡¯t answer that, ¡± I said.


    ¡°That won¡¯t stop if you don¡¯t talk to him. Answer first.¡± said Mitch, then stood up and walked away from me. I wiped my face with my palm.


    This is trouble. Why did this woman think to call today? Doesn¡¯t he understand that I¡¯m not going to date him anymore? Especially now that Mitch and I are together.


    I got up and followed Mitch to the cottage.


    I approached him and hugged him.


    ¡°Do we both have a problem? We were okay before. Why did you suddenly be like that?¡± I asked him.


    He still didn¡¯t say a word, so I put my face close to his face and suddenly kissed him on the lips. He looked at me.


    ¡°What! Why are you kissing?¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t stop if you don¡¯t talk to her. Answer first. ¡± Mitch said, then stood up and walked away from me.


    I wiped my face with my palm. This is trouble. Why did this woman think to call today? Doesn¡¯t she understand that I¡¯m not going to date her anymore? Especially now that Mitch and I are together. I got up and followed Mitch to the cottage. I approached her and hugged her.


    ¡°Do we both have a problem? We were okay before. Why did you suddenly be like that?¡± I asked her.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    She still didn¡¯t say a word, so I put my face close to her face and suddenly kissed her on the lips. She looked at me.


    ¡°What! Why are you kissing me?¡± She said in an embarrassing tone.


    ¡°I¡¯m like this if my girlfriend is having tantrums. If you want to experience that, I will kiss you torridly in public. So don¡¯t stop doing this, ¡± I said.


    I noticed that she was in rattle.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s just I¡¯m jealous. Since she was your first love, what if you make me rebound just to forget her? ¡±


    ¡°Stop that attitude of yours, Mitch! I love you. I¡¯m not courting you because of my past. ¡± I said, assuring her.


    ¡°Really?¡± Mitch said, in a happy tone.


    ¡°Of course, you are better than her in every aspect. So stop being jealous. ¡± I said.


    ¡°I can shout to the whole world how much I love you.¡±


    Mitch hugged me.


    ¡°Thank you, I just don¡¯t want to be a cover up for your hole. Because you didn¡¯t court me. Suddenly, we got into a rtionship, since I made the way for us to be. Because I suddenly kissed you,¡± said Mitch.


    ¡°Love, get rid of your doubt. My intention is pure. If you want me to court you until we grow old, I will. But for now, let¡¯s enjoy yourself. ¡± I said.


    She nodded. So I hugged her and kissed her forehead. I stood up and looked for something we could eat today. Mitch might be hungry too. It¡¯s almost midnight.


    I also ended up eating, so I thought of finding them all because I was ready to go to their gym. I saw Lucianna holding her child. I even remember this boy breaking my precious jar in the mansion.


    ¡°Where can I get dressed, Lucianna? I¡¯ve been sweating earlier until now. It¡¯s like I¡¯m covered with dust. ¡± I said.


    ¡°Inside the house, Miss, I¡¯ll give this child to my mother in a moment.¡± She said goodbye to me. I just waited for Lucianna until she coulde back.


    The two of us entered the house at the same time. And we came across other girls putting make-up on their faces.


    ¡°What¡¯s up? Are you going to the pageant? Why did you put so much on your face?¡±


    They allughed.


    ¡°Even if we don¡¯t join the pageant. We have to be beautiful too, Miss, we¡¯re used to having make-up in the city. You know how beautiful you are, so it¡¯s really contagious. You¡¯re the one we¡¯re always with, so I¡¯m ashamed we¡¯re not beautiful when you are by your side, ¡± said Lazzy.


    I¡¯m frowning. There are really many reasons for this.


    ¡°Yeah, so you¡¯re good at make-up because I¡¯ll get dressed first.¡± I said.


    ¡°Will youe with us, Miss?¡± Hannah asked.


    ¡°Yeah, what am I going to do here if I don¡¯te? Count the lizards on the roof?¡± I said once, entering the room that Lucianna had opened for me.


    Suddenly, my phone rang. When I was not yet undressed. So I took my phone on my pants pocket and answered it.


    Floriza Y. Romero


    Author


    romerofloriza1@gmail.


    I¡¯m Floriza Y. Romero, a Filipina registered writer, is 27 years old. My daughter is my inspiration for writing. In October 2021, I began writing. I used to be a huge fan of authors. I was impressed by their writing abilities, and one day I became a writer who I did not expect to have such talent. It¡¯s a fulfilment for me when a reader bes a writer.

 CHAPTER 21

    Randolf called.


    ¡°Hello, Randolf, is there a problem?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Nothing, Miss, but your suitor is pissed off. ¡°Since he can¡¯t contact you, ¡°he replied.


    My forehead is wrinkled.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Ching, He always calls you; you don¡¯t answer, so he always calls me. It¡¯s like you¡¯ve been missing for a year, even if it¡¯s just tonight. It¡¯s better that you don¡¯t want to answer him because it¡¯s annoying.¡±


    My eyes rolled.


    ¡°Even if you don¡¯t say so, I really have no ns to answer his courtship towards me.¡± I said.


    Randolfughs at the other line.


    ¡°My suggestion is that you should find a boyfriend as soon as possible so that he can stop pestering you. I don¡¯t like him for you. He was so full of himself. In short, he is so boastful, ¡± Randolf said.


    ¡°You are so judgemental. You¡¯re like a woman judging a man, ¡± I said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me, you use me of having a dual personality? You can ask my girlfriend then that I¡¯m a man. ¡± He said.


    I burst outughing.


    ¡°You¡¯re too defensive, Randolf. I didn¡¯t mention anything,¡± I said.


    ¡°Whatever, Miss, you take care there. Bye,¡± he said, once he hung up the phone.


    Randolf was like my brother in terms of caring. I¡¯m not even in the mood to talk to him in the office. After all these years that he was my assistant, we didn¡¯t talk in a serious way, just like others. But I always felt that he cared for me like a family member.


    Then I continue changing clothes since I know that the girls are waiting for me outside. I took a in t-shirt in ck and ripped jeans. When it¡¯s cold like this, I don¡¯t wear whole dresses or anything that shows too much skin. I wear it and put on light make-up.


    I left the room afterwards. I never found them in the living room. So I went out of the house and I was right because they were already outside the gate waiting for me. They each pressed their phones. And the visitors are gradually leaving. I walked closer to them, frowning. In a smirking tone, I said,


    ¡°You¡¯re so excited. I hope you didn¡¯t just wait for me. ¡± They allughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss, it¡¯s too hot in the room, so we¡¯re out.¡± they answered.


    My eyebrows rose.


    ¡°You¡¯re not used to not having air conditioning, are you?¡± I said.


    Of course, we¡¯ve lived in your mansion for a few years, so we¡¯re used to it. And then we turned white because of that, ¡°said Laica.


    ¡°Whatever. Let¡¯s go. ¡± I told them, once in the car,


    We¡¯re just going to walk, Miss, we¡¯re just going to be closed. There¡¯s no need to drive, ¡°said Lucianna.


    ¡°All right,¡± was my answer.


    And get out of the car. Mitch and I had also finished eating, so I invited her to go home, and another very cold day.


    ¡°Are we going home, Zander?¡± Mitch asked me.


    ¡°Yes, because the weather is cold. We¡¯ll juste back here in the next few days, ¡°was my answer.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Mitch nodded. So the two of us walked out of the ce together. We were looking for a ride.


    A minuteter, a motorcycle stopped in front of us. I supported Mitch to get on and I followed. The driver had already driven his motorcycle away from the area.


    ¡°Are you cold, Mitch?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yes, but I¡¯m happy now because of you,¡± said Mitch passionately.


    ¡°I¡¯m very happy too,¡± I said.


    Nice weather, even at dawn. They celebrate with us too.


    An hourter, we arrived at Mitch¡¯s apartment.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going into the apartment anymore, Mitch. Are you okay? ¡± I asked her.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s early too. You need to catch up on sleep because tomorrow you still have school. ¡± Mitch replied.


    Thanks, I¡¯ll just call you. When I got home, I told her once, kissing her lips.


    Mitch just smiled and hugged me. I just looked at him as he walked into the gate. Fortunately, the apartment door was not locked. The residents are no longer minors. The driver had already driven the motorcycle away from Mitch¡¯s apartment. When I got home, I frowned because there was a car parked outside our house and I didn¡¯t know who the owner was. I went inside the gate and saw Uncle Augusto on the balcony of the house.


    ¡°I guess you¡¯re celebrating too much, Zander. You¡¯reing home early. You know, your mother is worried. So I told her to let you go now because it¡¯s Valentine¡¯s Day, ¡°he said to me.


    ¡°Thank you, Uncle, because by chance he will scold me again,¡± I said. Uncle nodded.


    ¡°How are you?¡± he asked me.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°And I know you¡¯re happy now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, because I finally have a girlfriend,¡± I said in a happy voice.


    ¡°Seriously? My worries about you didn¡¯te to anything, ¡°said my mother, who suddenly appeared out of nowhere.


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m sorry.¡± I said. My mother sighed.


    ¡°Your Uncle Augusto has been waiting for you for a while. He will tell you something,¡± said my mother.


    I suddenly looked at my uncle. He just smiled at me. My mother entered the house. So Uncle and I were left on the balcony.


    ¡°What do we need to talk about, Uncle?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Nothing, I just want to give you something,¡± he replied.


    My forehead furrowed.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°You see that ck car outside the house?¡± he asked me.


    I looked for the ck car, he said, except for the red one, I saw nothing else. But when I looked ahead, I saw the ck car that I knew had just been bought because the paint was still shiny.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle. That¡¯s a nice car. You just bought it? ¡± I asked him.


    Yes, I just bought it this morning. And that¡¯s my gift to you, ¡°he said to me, causing me to stare.


    Uncleughed.


    Why did you fall silent all of a sudden? Don¡¯t you want to believe it? ¡°he asked me.


    I know that cars are expensive and I¡¯m too old to teach, but I can¡¯t buy a car like that yet. And I know the value of such a vehicle is millions. I started sweating suddenly.


    ¡°I can¡¯t ept that, Uncle, because I don¡¯t have the money to pay for that,¡± I said. Uncle Augustoughs.


    ¡°Did I say I¡¯d sell that to you? I¡¯ll just give it to you as a gift and thank you for epting me into your family. It¡¯s not a bribe or anything. It¡¯s from my heart that I¡¯m giving that to you. If that¡¯s what you¡¯re thinking, my rtives will say that you might just have gotten all of my wealth. Don¡¯t think that, because they are not like that. We have our own money and we worked hard to get it. Ask your mother. She will prove that the family that I had is kind. ¡± Uncle Augusto gave me a reason to be quiet.


    I know how to drive, but I didn¡¯t think of buying a motor because I was saving for my future and for my mother and sister Melissa. But from what I can see, my mother has a partner in the future that she will follow.


    ¡°ept that. I¡¯ll be hurt if you don¡¯t ept it. It¡¯s like your new girlfriend having a ride. ¡± Uncle Augusto said to me with a wink.


    Iughed. Only now do I remember Mitch. I even promised her I would call her. I¡¯ll juste in first, Uncle. And then thank you for your gift. ¡± I said.


    ¡°Your wee.¡±


    And I entered my room and dressed. After I got dressed, I went to bed. I¡¯m happy because I already have a car, but it¡¯s embarrassing at the same time.


    I called Mitch. In two rings, she answered. And I heard a noise in the background. And I can hear male voices. Suddenly, my blood boiled. Where did she go?


    ¡°Where are you?¡± I asked in a serious voice.


    It¡¯s just in the apartment. There¡¯s a celebration because one of my boardmates is getting married. Are youing here? ¡± She asked me.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re looking for you here. Why don¡¯t youe with me? There¡¯s still time, ¡°she said to me.


    When I go, I will definitely not be able to go to school tomorrow.


    ¡°Just next time, because I¡¯m getting sleepy,¡± I said.


    And then Mitch cut the other line. Is he mad at me? I sighed. I called her again, but I could not contact her.


    We¡¯re just in a rtionship, but she gets upset right away. So I went to sleep. We arrived at a basketball court with a disco light in the middle. And there is dancing to the apaniment of music.


    ¡°It started earlier?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yes, Miss, it¡¯s one o¡¯clock already,¡± Genie replied.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t those people sleepy? They¡¯re still active in dancing, ¡± I said.


    I can no longer understand their dance because they have different styles. I smiled at what I saw. It¡¯s just that the people here are having so much fun.


    ¡°It¡¯s not sleepy, Miss, because it only happens once a year, so give it your all.¡± Laica replied.


    ¡°By the way, I haven¡¯t even seen Genie¡¯s ex-boyfriend,¡± I said.


    ¡°They¡¯re here, Miss, because, on this asion, her ex-boyfriend¡¯s wife won¡¯t give up,¡± Lucianna replied.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    So we looked for a ce to sit. And suddenly, I fell silent as the emcee on stage spoke.


    ¡°Everyone, let¡¯s wee our guest for tonight. Miss Zaneska Vergara. Thank you foring, ma¡¯am. Nice to see you and get to know you in person,¡± said the gay emcee.


    I smiled and waved. Then they all apuded. It¡¯s like I¡¯m running for mayor in this position now.


    ¡°How did he know my name?¡± I asked with astonishment. They smiled down at me.


    ¡°There¡¯s a newspaper and television here, Miss. Sometimes you¡¯re featured in a magazine. That¡¯s why they know you, ¡°said Lazzy.


    I nodded in response. And an old man came up to me.


    ¡°Good evening, Ma¡¯am. Wee to our ce. And I am Mang Celso, the captain of this barangay, ¡°said the old man, and he shook my hand.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Captain,¡± I said.


    ¡°Come here to the front. We have a seat prepared for you. As well as all of you girls,¡± he says.


    So we walked forward and sat in the chairs that were for us.


    ¡°We¡¯re instant celebrities tonight because we have a beautiful goddess with us.¡± I heard Laica say. That¡¯s why we all look at each other.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking at you because you¡¯re white because of the air conditioner,¡± I said whileughing.


    They allughed. Next to me is Mang Celso.


    ¡°How is this ce of yours, Captain?¡± I asked.


    It¡¯s okay, ma¡¯am, but the city is short of funds because it¡¯s far from civilization. ¡°We really don¡¯t have the funds to build a center and school here,¡± said the old man.


    ¡°Is that so? Have you already told the mayor of the city? ¡± I will ask.


    ¡°Yes, but the money is unlikely toe. I don¡¯t know why, ¡°said the old man.


    ¡°And from what I noticed, the house has very little electricity,¡± I said.


    ¡°Yes, because there is still no money for the electricity poles to reach here. If you weren¡¯t upset, I would have asked for your financial help. I¡¯ve heard rumors that you give help to those in need, ¡± Mang Celso stated.


    It¡¯s okay. But you have to go to the city first. To talk about your problem, and please also prepare a document that I can look at so I can find out what¡¯s missing. ¡± I said.


    ¡°Thank you, Ma¡¯am.¡±

 CHAPTER 22

    ¡°You¡¯re wee. When you go tomorrow, my assistant will be there, because I can¡¯t go home tomorrow. We¡¯ll do something else here, ¡± I said.


    Mang Celso nodded. So we thought we would go home because I wanted to sleep.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    ¡°Are you all right? Maybe you still want to dance there. ¡± I said.


    ¡°Not anymore, Miss. We want to sleep well,¡± they said.


    So we went into our each room and decided to sleep.


    The next day, I woke up early. It¡¯s a good thing because our duty was not exempted because it was Hearts Day yesterday. I got up and went out of the room, and I thought about going straight to the kitchen. And I found my mother preparing food on the table.


    ¡°I thought you were awake at noon?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No, mom, we have duties at school now. It¡¯s forbidden to be absent without a good reason, ¡°was my answer.


    ¡°It¡¯s good that I woke up early so that I could prepare something to eat. And then the uniform you¡¯re going to wear is ready,¡± she said to me.


    ¡°Thanks, mom, you shouldn¡¯t have bothered anyway.¡±


    ¡°As long as the two of us are still together. And you¡¯re not married yet. I¡¯ll do something for you first, ¡°she says.


    ¡°Thank you, mom.¡± My mother nodded and then spoke.


    ¡°Eat that before the food and the broth have cooled,¡± said my mother.


    I sat down and scooped up the chicken broth and sipped.


    ¡°By the way, mom, where¡¯s Uncle August? ¡± I asked.


    ¡°He came home at two in the morning,¡± my mother answered.


    ¡°Is that so? Why? I thought he would sleep here?¡± I asked.


    ¡°He said he was going to a meeting at six in the morning. So he left in a hurry.¡± my mother responded.


    After I ate, I went back into my room to take a shower. I looked at my phone and I didn¡¯t see a single message from Mitch. Is she still sulking at me? I went into the bathroom and took a shower. Half an hourter, I left the room. And I said goodbye to my mother to go to school. I approached the car that Uncle Augusto was telling me about. I touched it. I couldn¡¯t believe it because I had no ns to have a car. I only know how to drive because of my friendship with Duke. I¡¯m embarrassed to use it. So I¡¯ll use it next time. I rode a motorcycle and drove to school. I¡¯ll call Mitchter or go to his ce of work. When I got out of the gate, I saw Veinna but I was surprised because she ignored me even though we looked at each other. I slowly walked into my room. I found Duke sitting in front of my chair.


    ¡°I thought you weren¡¯ting in today?¡± he asked me.


    ¡°Is that okay? What are we students? That if we¡¯re tired we won¡¯te in? Why are you here? As far as I know, this is my room,¡± I told him.


    Dukeughs.


    ¡°I already know this is your ssroom . But there¡¯s nothing stating that it¡¯s forbidden to enter,¡± he replied.


    I shook my head while sitting in the student chair.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you doing anything? Why are you here?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Actually, I have a lot to do, but then I¡¯m still tired. By the way, are you okay? That¡¯s not the kind of reaction I expect to see now.¡± he said to me. My forehead furrowed.


    ¡°What reaction should I have?¡±


    ¡°Of course you¡¯re smiling. What happened yesterday? Didn¡¯t you date Mitch?¡± he asked me.


    ¡°The truth is that Mitch and I already have a rtionship, that¡¯s why ¡­¡±


    ¡°So just what?¡±


    ¡°Maybe she was upset with me because I didn¡¯t go back to her apartment because one of her board mates had a party. You know we¡¯re still busy today. Why can¡¯t he understand? She even hung up the phone on me. I called her again, I can¡¯t contact her anymore. ¡± my long exnation.


    ¡°Just understand him first, he might want to be with you for a long time. You, on the other hand, didn¡¯t give in,¡± said Duke.


    I shook my head.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat at the cafeteria first.¡± Duke invited me.


    ¡°I¡¯m still full, Duke, I ate at home. Mom cooked early.¡± my answer.


    ¡°It¡¯s ugly to eat alone, Zander. Even if you don¡¯t eat as long as you just apany me,¡± he says.


    ¡°Right? I guess your attitude was new to me. You¡¯ll just invite the others with you to eat. I still have a lot to do,¡± I said.


    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving here, as long as you don¡¯te with me,¡± said Duke.


    ¡°You look like a child, Duke. All right.¡± I said, and then left the room first.


    ¡°You know I saw Vienna earlier outside the gate. But I wondered why she wasn¡¯t paying attention to me,¡± I said.


    ¡°Ignore it first. That¡¯s really how women behave. We don¡¯t know what their struggles are in life because we don¡¯t have to do them every day.¡± said Duke, as we walked out of school.


    ¡°Bute to think of it, we both admitted that Vienna loves you very much. Maybe she found out you already have a girlfriend, so she¡¯s avoiding you?¡± said Duke.


    Duke has a point, but I don¡¯t want to assume it. I still considered Vienna as my friend besides Duke. We entered a cafeteria near the school. I sat down first while Duke ordered his food.


    ¡°A coke that¡¯s cold for me, Duke. I¡¯m suddenly thirsty.¡± I told him.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I picked up my phone and then looked up for a call from Mitch.


    I smiled because she had two messages that greeted me, and I loved her in the end. And in the second message, she said that her phone had suddenly turned off and she had forgotten to charge it. I¡¯m just thinking too much about it. Duke had already unloaded the food he had ordered. Including the coke that was for me.


    ¡°What happened? Why did you suddenly smile there? ¡°he asked me. I shook my head. This man really likes to criticize me.


    ¡°Mitch texted me that she had just put down her phone and suddenly her battery was low.¡± I said.


    That¡¯s right, you really overthink. ¡°You look like a woman,¡± said Duke.


    Duke sat down and began to eat. I noticed he was looking at me as if he wanted to say something.


    ¡°Why, Duke, do you want to tell me something?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Not that I¡¯m interfering, Zander, I just want to ask,¡± said Duke, stopping chewing what he had eaten.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Did your mother and Don Augusto have a rtionship? I saw them together once. I would think they were just friends, but they were holding hands when entering a restaurant. I know your mother is modest and she will not allow a man to hold hands. That has nothing to do with her, ¡°said Duke at length.


    ¡± Yeah, maybe a few months. Who am I to stop them? ¡°was my answer.


    ¡°Seriously? It¡¯s good for you to think about getting married. ¡± Duke joked with me.


    ¡°You idiot! I¡¯m not ready to get married yet. I¡¯ll definitely put you first. The truth is that he gave me a new car yesterday, ¡± I said.


    ¡°Where is it now? ¡°Can I try to drive?¡± said Duke in a cheerful voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s still at home. I haven¡¯t used it yet because it might get scratched, ¡± I said.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to use it, just give it to me, ¡± I said.


    ¡°You bought your new car. You have a purchase, ¡°I said. Dukeughs.

 CHAPTER 23

    Then I saw Vienna enter the cafeteria. When Duke waved at her, she returned the smile, but she didn¡¯t even look at me. I know she really avoids me. And I¡¯m not numb to feeling it.


    ¡°Will you eat?¡± Duke asked.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    ¡°Yes, but that¡¯s where I¡¯ll eat in my ssroom,¡± Vienna replied.


    Join us here. Since it¡¯s not yet the time, ¡°said Duke.


    ¡°That¡¯s it. I really still have a lot to do, ¡± Vienna replied.


    Don¡¯t you want Zander and me anymore? And then I noticed earlier that you were not talking to Zander. Do you have a problem with him? ¡± Duke asked.


    Duke is the kind of person who will really say what he is noticed by fellow teachers, even outside of school. He does not know what the words ¡°privacy¡± mean.


    ¡°Nothing. Why would Zander and I have a misunderstanding? We are not friends. Except he¡¯s a teacher like me. Excuse me. ¡± Vienna said as she exited the cafeteria.


    I noticed Duke¡¯s head shaking.


    ¡°She is really angry with you. She never used to be like that. Suddenly, she liked that she didn¡¯t notice you, ¡°said Duke.


    Let her go first. You will really say what you think, ¡± I said.


    I¡¯m curious. Is it bad to ask? ¡±


    It¡¯s not bad for you to ask, but respect the silence of others. I said.


    ¡°Someone is waiting for you outside.¡± Duke pointed outside.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Look,¡± said Duke.


    And I looked again, and I saw Davianna standing outside the dining room.


    My forehead wrinkled. What else does this woman need from me? Is she numb? I told her I would never court her again.


    ¡°Wait a minute, Duke, I¡¯ll talk to her first.¡± I told him.


    I stood up and walked out.


    ¡°What do you need, Davianna?¡± I asked her as I approached where she was standing.


    ¡°You are being visited. Aren¡¯t you happy to see me? ¡± She asked me


    I smiled mentally.


    ¡°Look, Davianna, don¡¯t expect it. I¡¯ve already ceased courting you. And I already have a girlfriend. So avoid going here. ¡± I said.


    It fell silent and suddenly sighed.


    ¡°Seriously? I hope you twost a long. But I¡¯m sure tomorrow or the day after tomorrow you will also separate. ¡± She said, smirking.


    I am back inside the dining room with a frown. She pissed me off. She didn¡¯t have the right to say those things.


    ¡°What did she say?¡± Duke asked.


    ¡°She just seemed to visit me.¡± My answer.


    ¡°Maybe she missed your courtship as well,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Stupid! Maybe her face is too thick when she doesn¡¯t stop following me, ¡± I said.


    ¡°Yes, what else does he need from you if he already has another man? She is a two-timer. Maybe she wants two men in her life. ¡± Duke shook his head.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯m done paying. ¡± Duke told me to walk back to school together.


    When we got inside, we entered our ss room one by one. I woke up to a knock on my bedroom door. I get up when my eyes are wrinkled. I opened the door and the Genie¡¯s face opened up to me. Here we slept at Genie¡¯s house. I don¡¯t know why they are all still here when, in fact, they have houses.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss, I woke you up from your sleep. But Captain Celso had been waiting for a while. He needs something from you. ¡± said Genie.


    ¡°Okay, I will follow. I still need to get dressed and take a bath, ¡± I said, and closed the door, leaving Genie.


    I quickly took a shower and got dressed. It¡¯s embarrassing that Mang Celso has been waiting for a while. I left the room and walked to the balcony of the house. Only Genie I saw was in front of Mang Celso.


    ¡°Where are they?¡± I asked.


    ¡°They all go home, Miss.¡± She answered.


    I just nodded.


    ¡°Good morning, Mang Celso, I¡¯m sorry I slept too much. I¡¯m really tired. ¡± I said, with a smile.


    He is with a woman who I think is his wife. The woman smiled at me. I reciprocated with a smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, ma¡¯am. No problem.¡±


    He gave me a document that he put in a brown envelope.


    ¡°Is everyone here yet?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to the city now?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll call my assistant first to go straight.¡±


    I picked up my phone and called Randolf.


    In the three rings he had not yet answered. Where is he?


    I called him again. It¡¯s good to answer.


    ¡°Where have you been? I¡¯ve been calling you. ¡± I told him.


    ¡°I ate breakfast, Miss, and I left my phone in the room,¡± said Randolf.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Do you have a problem there?¡± he asked me.


    My eyes rolled. Every time I call, he always asks if I have a problem with it. How I wish I had a brother.


    ¡°Nothing, Randolf, I¡¯d rather live here,¡± I replied.


    ¡°It¡¯s good that way because I¡¯m the only one with thepany and your wealth here,¡± Randolf replied.


    ¡± It¡¯s also possible if you can deal with the habits of the boards and investors there,¡± I said with augh.


    ¡°No way!¡± Randolf replied.


    He does not want to be left behind in thepany when there are investors whoe, especially when they need too much exnation about thepany. He is more prepared to take down notes when I speak. Rather than him speaking in front,


    ¡°Actually, someone¡¯s going to be there with thepany. You¡¯re the one to talk to him. ¡± I said.


    ¡°No way! Come home so you can talk to whoever it is. ¡± Randolf¡¯sint.


    ¡°Easy, Randolf, he¡¯s not an investor or something you have to be afraid of. He¡¯s the barangay captain here. He needs a sponsor for their ce. funds for the project they¡¯re going to build. ¡± I said.


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll take care of him.¡± Randolf replied.


    ¡°Did you breathe easily?¡± I joked with him.


    ¡°Of course!¡± I¡¯mughing.


    ¡°Go ahead.¡± I said, lowering the phone at once.


    Then I face Mang Celso again.


    ¡°Everything is settled, Mang Celso. I¡¯ll just text him to have thepany driver pick you up at the terminal so you can get there easily. ¡± I said.


    ¡°Thank you, Ma¡¯am, we¡¯re leaving.¡±


    They both nodded and left. I sat down next to Genie.


    ¡°Miss, are you hungry already? Dad and mom left. So they cooked you breakfast, ¡°said Genie.


    ¡°Thanks, where did they go?¡±


    ¡°The truth of the matter is that we have a shop, vegetables and meat. So they left early to keep an eye on it, ¡°he replied. Are you an only child? I will ask.


    ¡°There are five of us. But all four of them are married. And they have separated. They are all in another ce. I am the youngest and only girl.


    ¡± Seriously? What¡¯s the feeling that you¡¯re the only woman? ¡± I asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s not fun, Miss. They¡¯re making noise. They¡¯re always fighting. And then it¡¯s frustrating because there are a lot of guards when I have a date, ¡°said Genie.


    ¡°That¡¯s better; you¡¯re always safe,¡± I said while smiling.


    ¡°Yes, Miss, so then no one really dared to do anything bad to me. Because I will definitely hang out tomorrow. When I¡¯m alone, they won¡¯t be angry because they know they will follow me, ¡°said Genie.


    ¡°It¡¯s really fun when there are so many of you at home,¡± I said.


    ¡°Yes, I really missed them all. I couldn¡¯t visit her because I was too busy with work. ¡±


    Then the gate opened and eight of them entered.


    ¡°You¡¯re not dressed yet?¡± Lazzy asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s early to leave.¡± My response.


    ¡°It¡¯s better early, Miss, because the sun wasn¡¯t high.¡±


    They were each carrying a backpack and a tumbler filled with water. And I noticed a girl with them. Which child¡¯s is that? Will you take that with you?¡± I asked.


    ¡°My niece, my brother¡¯s daughter, Miss, and her mother went to the city, so I was the first to watch, ¡°said Laica.


    ¡°Should we take her on our hike?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yes, she¡¯s used to walking here in the province.¡± Laica replied.


    ¡°Seriously? It doesn¡¯t seem obvious because theplexion is rich. And that boy is so beautiful, ¡± I said.


    ¡°Thank you for appreciating my beauty. You too, you¡¯re beautiful too. ¡± The child¡¯s answer caused us all tough.


    ¡°Thank you, darling. Come in here first, ¡± I said.


    ¡°Actually, that kid daddy is American, ma¡¯am,¡± Genie replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s why, when you don¡¯t want to get married, there are popr dating sites where you can chat with American people. Just get pregnant. Somehow you have a child of a different breed, ¡± I said.


    Really, Miss? You¡¯re good at giving advice. You¡¯re really good at being single, ¡± Lazzy replied.


    I was frustrated.


    ¡°You really haven¡¯t found a man who will love you. After all, you already have everything. You can only shower us with grace and beauty, ¡°said Laica.


    Anytime, really. Laica really has a lot to say. I¡¯mughing. True, I¡¯ll just leave it.


    ¡°Do you know that I also ask myself that sometimes? What¡¯s wrong with me? Didn¡¯t even go through the men who knew me to court me? ¡± I said.


    They allughed.


    ¡°Please don¡¯te to the point where you just beg for love, Miss. What a waste of your beauty.¡± Hannah joked.


    ¡°Seriously, Hanna? Are you really the one who speaks? I just only know that I heard your voice. ¡± I joked with her.


    ¡°She¡¯s inspired, Miss, because¡­¡± Lucy said.


    It¡¯s refreshing because they just now joked with me. They are very quiet. ¡°Shut up!¡± said Hannah.


    ¡°Really why?¡±


    And the other girls were waiting for what Lucy would say next.


    ¡°Miss, Hannah has a suitor.¡±


    ¡°Who else?¡± Genie asked.


    ¡°The employee of yourpany, Miss, His name is Mark Alonzo,¡± said Lucianna.


    ¡°You really all of you are gossipers!¡± Hannah¡¯s shout made us allugh.


    I am not very familiar with all my employees. But I know Mark Alonzo, the man in the ounting department. That man is handsome but very shy.


    ¡°Ah, miss, isn¡¯t there any news that Mark is flirting with his office mate?¡± Hannah asked me seriously.

 CHAPTER 24

    The other girls were also silent and waiting for my answer.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Hannah, I¡¯m just in my office. But if you want to know his whereabouts and which women she meets, you cane into the office. ¡± I said.


    ¡°Huh? What am I going to do there? ¡± she asked me.


    ¡°Actually, I¡¯m thinking of getting you all into the office to work. You¡¯re not just lying down inside the mansion. You have to explore. ¡± I said.


    ¡°Really, Miss?¡± they all said at once.


    ¡°Yes, even if your courses don¡¯t fit, it¡¯s okay. Later on, you¡¯ll also learn to work there. Randolf told me that thepany is hiring a lot of employees. Thepany has expanded, ¡°I said.¡±


    ¡°All right, miss, thank you.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get dressed, Genie, so we can start hiking.¡± I said and entered the room first.


    I already wore the one I was ready to put on. A leggings and a hooded sweatshirt. I wore my ck rubber shoes. Suddenly, the door opened and Lucianna entered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take your backpack, Miss,¡± he said to me, taking my things at once.


    ¡°I¡¯m the one to carry that, that¡¯s not heavy, ¡°I said.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s just me, Miss, so you don¡¯t have to take anything. I know you shouldn¡¯t be used in hiking. Besides, the road isn¡¯t in but bumpy, ¡± she said, once outside of the room.


    And then I followed her outside. We have already started walking. And Lucianna was right. We did not go well, but there was water and the road was bad. I was starting to sweat. All I see are trees. But so far I haven¡¯t felt scared.


    ¡°Hopefully, the next time we go here, we will all have boyfriends so that someone will carry our luggage. The weight of the tumblers.¡± Lazzy¡¯sint.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need a boyfriend, Lazz, but a butler. In short, a helper, ¡± Laica replied.


    ¡°Why did you bring so much water?¡± I asked them.


    ¡°We¡¯re easily thirsty, Miss. There are coconuts here. But we don¡¯t know how to climb, ¡°said Lucianna.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± I asked.


    ¡± We¡¯re close to the stream. It¡¯s nice there.¡± Laica replied.


    ¡°What time is it?¡± I asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s four o¡¯clock in the afternoon.¡±


    ¡°We didn¡¯t know the time. I¡¯m hungry. I forgot to eat earlier. ¡±


    ¡°We have food.¡±


    And I heard the rushing watering from the waterfall. And I saw a small house made of bamboo walls above the tree. Are we here yet? Whose house is that? ¡± I teach at home.


    ¡°Miss, we did it, and we can sleep there now. It¡¯s nice,¡± Lucianna replied.


    ¡°Really, over the tree? Isn¡¯t it scary to go along thatdder? ¡± I asked.


    ¡°No, we used big trees there. And then the air is nice when you¡¯re upstairs. You want to go up, Miss? Let¡¯s eat first, ¡°said Lazzy.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared of going up there. I¡¯m not afraid of heights, but I don¡¯t think I can. I might fall. ¡°my answer.


    ¡°That¡¯s okay, Miss, because you fell at the bottom. It¡¯s more surprising if you fall from the top. ¡± Genie¡¯s office.


    ¡°So funny,¡± I said. I was so hungry that I tried to climb. My feet were twisting. I could feel the trembling of my whole body.


    ¡°Take it easy, Miss, we¡¯ll help you.¡± said Lucianna.


    ¡°Don¡¯t follow me. Just one at a time. Maybe when we all go up, the stairs will be destroyed. ¡± I said.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    I breathed a sigh of relief when I finally reached the balcony of the house. I sat down in great fear and nervousness. Half an hourter, we were all inside the house and started eating.


    It was five o¡¯clock in the afternoon when I thought about leaving the ssroom. I found Duke in the hallway.


    ¡°I thought you weren¡¯t going home?¡± he asked me.


    I just finished something. So I don¡¯t have to take it home anymore. ¡°My answer.¡± While carrying myptop and bag, Duke and I walked out of the school. I was shocked when I saw Mitch talking to Amara in the distance.


    ¡°Are they still there?¡± I asked Duke.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Mitch didn¡¯t text me that she was going to school here. Duke and I waved. Duke grinned at me, frowning at me.


    ¡°What do you feel every time you go out of school tired and you see such a smile like that?¡± Duke asked me.


    I didn¡¯t answer Duke¡¯s question. I just kept walking closer to Mitch. I kissed her cheek. And I smiled at Amara with that sweet smile looking at us. I know he already knows that Mitch and I already have a rtionship.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say you wereing here?¡± I asked.


    Mitch¡¯s eyes rolled.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to disturb you. So I just came here without you knowing. Because I know you¡¯re busy, ¡± Mitch replied.


    That would have bothered you, if he had just seen you in that order and disappeared suddenly. ¡°You¡¯re so handsome,¡± said Amara.


    Dukeughed too.


    ¡°Have you only known that you have just seen Zander¡¯s handsomeness, sweetheart? ¡°Said Duke.


    ¡°Mitch would regret it if Zander hadn¡¯t be her.¡± Mitch bowed as if embarrassed, but smiledter.


    ¡°I have no intention of releasing him,¡± Mitch replied. I smiled, because I was happy with what Mitch said. When I looked at Duke, he gave me a thumbs-up with a wink. But it looks like I have a rival with him. Mitch said again, frowning at me.


    ¡°Why?¡± Duke asked.


    ¡°She saw the woman you used to be dating waiting outside the school. I wonder who she was waiting for here? So we know it¡¯s Zander, ¡± Amara replied.


    What else did Davianna do here at school? I exined to her that she had nothing to expect from me. She¡¯s just really making a mess. It¡¯s a good thing Mitch isn¡¯t mad at me now.


    ¡°Are we double dating today?¡± Amara asked. It¡¯s okay. Where can we eat? I¡¯m a little hungry, ¡°said Mitch, simultaneously holding my arm.


    We were already walking to Duke¡¯s car. I opened the door to Mitch¡¯s, and he entered. I followed it too.


    ¡°Next time, we¡¯ll get in the car first, Zander,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Do you already have a car?¡± Mitch whispered to me.


    ¡°My mother¡¯s boyfriend gave that car to me,¡± I said.


    I didn¡¯t mention Mitch or tell her about my life. But I slowed down at first. I also n to introduce her to my mother and Uncle Augusto.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I really don¡¯t want to ept it because I¡¯m ashamed. But she insists. You know, that¡¯s how it is when still dating, right? ¡± I whispered too.


    ¡°No offense intended. Where is your father? ¡± Mitch asked as she leaned her head on my shoulder.


    I kissed her hair.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t had a father in a long time. I wasn¡¯t a teacher when he died. So it¡¯s a pity that he didn¡¯t catch up with me being sessful, ¡± I said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad. We can¡¯t control our lives. So all we can do is ept your father¡¯s fate, ¡°said Mitch.


    I nodded.


    ¡°I lost my temperst night. I thought you were already upset with me,¡± I said.


    ¡°No, I understand you¡¯re busy. But my phone didn¡¯t work, ¡°said Mitch.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I called you. So I thought you were angry with me. ¡±


    ¡°Expect me not to be a hindrance to your work, ¡°said Mitch.


    ¡°Thank you, I love you,¡± I said.


    ¡°I love you too.¡±


    I smiled because I could feel the sincerity in Mitch¡¯s voice when she said she loved me too. I think I was traumatized by what Davianna did to me, so I get angry because when I don¡¯t want her anymore, she shows up to me.

 CHAPTER 25

    ¡°I was curious as to why Davianna didn¡¯t stop chasing you. Are you sure that you courted her before and nothing else? ¡± Mitch asked me, out of nowhere.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    ¡°Of course, what do you think, aside from the fact that I¡¯ve just courted her?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°Nothing, I¡¯m just a little curious,¡± Mitch says.


    I looked at her and our faces were about an inch apart. If she moves I¡¯m sure I kissed her lips.


    ¡°Seriously? Why do I seem to notice that there is jealousy in the tone of your voice? Always think this: she¡¯s nothingpared to you. I love you more. That always matters.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Mitch said, and smiled at me sweetly.


    It was six o¡¯clock in the evening when we arrived at a ssy restaurant. I shook my head. When Duke is really with me, this is where we really go. What should be consumed with expensive foods here will be exhausted. It¡¯s not that I¡¯m saving Mitch, but I know she eats everywhere, so I¡¯ll just leave it to Amara because she¡¯s rich. But based on what I see of Amara, she¡¯s not the one like others who say a lot and act like a spoiled brat. We stood in the corner. When we sat down, the waiter approached us. Mitch and Amara have already ordered for us. When the waiter left, we just waited for our food.


    ¡°By the way, it¡¯s my birthday next week. You two are invited,¡± said Amara.


    ¡°Seriously? It¡¯s okay that we¡¯re going? ¡± I said.


    ¡°Why not? And one thing Duke will face my family. He¡¯s embarrassed to tell you, maybe you mightugh at him.¡± Amara said, while smiling.


    ¡°Really, Duke? Did you have the courage?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°It¡¯s scary, but I can handle it,¡± said Duke.


    He¡¯s not smiling. What else can I do? It¡¯s also crossed my mind, what if Mitch¡¯s parents might not like me. So I feel what Duke possibly felt today.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to be epted, Duke, run away and take Amara and live far away. You both had a nice way of living because you both have jobs. ¡± Mitch¡¯s suggestion.


    ¡°Really, Mitch? Would you do the same if your parents didn¡¯t like Zander? ¡± Duke asked.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s okay. But why would they be so picky? They¡¯re even thankful that someone loved their daughter who graduated and had a nice jobpared to their daughter who didn¡¯t even finish school, ¡°said Mitch passionately.


    I held her hand. I would have spoken when Amara spoke first.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be self-pitiful, Mitch, there¡¯s no measure and status in living when ites to love. So all you have to do is treasure every moment you¡¯re with Zander. What about those people who have everything they want because they have a lot of money? But they¡¯re not happy?¡± said Amara. I smiled.


    ¡°Thank you, Amara, you¡¯re a good friend,¡± Mitch said.


    Amara smiled.


    ¡°Seriously? Do you consider me one of your friends?¡± Amara asked, as if in disbelief.


    Mitchughs.


    ¡°Why do you seem so surprised? Don¡¯t you have any friends? Why do you see anyone else besides me?¡±


    Amara shook her head.


    ¡°We just met in the coffee shop, Amara, so I don¡¯t know what else you¡¯re doing,¡± said Mitch.


    ¡°The truth is, I don¡¯t like to make friends. One close friend will do.¡± said Amara.


    ¡°You¡¯ll find many friends, especially now that you¡¯re a full-fledged doctor,¡± said Mitch.


    ¡°Seriously? Congrattions, Amara.¡± I said.


    ¡°Thank you, Zander.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why you should go on Sunday, my birthday, and the celebration of my disappearance as a doctor in one celebration. I¡¯ll just wait,¡± said Amara to us.


    ¡°When is that?¡±


    ¡°On Sunday,¡± Amara replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you because it¡¯s not a joke to pass the doctor¡¯s exam, but you did it, sweetheart,¡± said Duke passionately.


    ¡°Aww, thank you, sweetheart. I¡¯m in touch. I love you. ¡± Amara replied.


    ¡°I love you too.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, maybe you forgot we¡¯re here at the restaurant because we¡¯re going to eat, not flirting and saying sweet words,¡± said Mitch.


    We allughed.


    It really happened that we didn¡¯t get home to Genie¡¯s house. So here we go to sleep in the tree house. The tree house is spacious, so it fits us all. And there are more pillows, curtains, and two beds. And there¡¯s actually an emergency light, so it¡¯s not dark. Their trip was also different.


    ¡°Miss, are you okay?¡± Lucianna asked me.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay, I¡¯m happy with our get-together. I¡¯ve only just experienced something like this now. I felt happy. ¡± I replied, as she followed me to the balcony.


    I even heard the rumble of the waterfall. And the darkness all around. I wasn¡¯t scared to think because we were up in the trees.


    ¡°Are they all asleep yet?¡± I asked.


    ¡°They¡¯re lying down one by one, Miss. Maybe they¡¯re tired from walking. They¡¯re not used to it anymore because we¡¯ve been in the city for so long, ¡± she replied.


    ¡°Who thought of making this tree house?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°Actually, Miss. I¡¯m the one who nned this. This was really my hiding ce before. Ever since my ex-boyfriend left me, who became my child¡¯s father, because of my sadness, hurt, and everything else I¡¯m feeling. It even got to the point where all my anger seemed to pile up. And go in, my child. It¡¯s not physical. But I don¡¯t pay attention to him. My mother always takes care of him. So he loves my mother more than me. But he knows as he grows up that I am his real mother, ¡°said Lucianna in a smiling voice.


    She¡¯s a fragile woman. easily hurtpared to Lazzy and the rest of the girls. Lucianna is really modest when ites to behavior and beautiful too. But she was still hurt by the man she loved.


    ¡°How are you today? Your heart?¡±


    ¡°So far, I¡¯m okay. I have moved on from my past. And it¡¯s been a long time, but the fear is still there. I really feel, Miss, like I don¡¯t want to be involved with a man again. ¡°said Lucianna.


    ¡°You really can¡¯t. Avoid being afraid. But being hurt is part of life. Many more men wille into your life. It¡¯s not always the pain you will experience. But it still hurts to lose a parent. I¡¯m the only one. I really remember them. But it¡¯s good that all of you are with me,¡± I said.


    ¡°We are always here for you. As long as your sry is not exhausted by us, we have a new job to be yourpany¡¯s employee, ¡°said Lucianna.


    ¡°Yes. If I can give all of you the best of life, why not? So, while all of you are not yet getting older, you shouldn¡¯t miss the opportunities thate. ¡±


    Our conversation was interrupted when my phone rang. I took it out of my pocket and Randolf called.


    ¡°Hello, Randolf, How¡¯s your day? ¡± I asked her.


    ¡°So good, Miss, and no investors have visited here yet. So go home before theye,¡± he says on the other line. I¡¯mughing.


    ¡°I enjoy myself here. I really don¡¯t want to go home. How was Mang Celso going there? ¡± I asked. So far, it¡¯s okay, Miss, the document is on the table first. And then the record of the money was released, ¡± Randolf replied.


    ¡°Thank you. Do you want a day off? When¡¯s your girlfriend¡¯s anniversary? Have maldives. I¡¯ll treat you. I¡¯m the one to take care of all the expenses.¡± I told him.


    I still seem to remember that Randolf never really asked me to leave for vacation, even if he was sick. He even preferred to work for thepany and work. Because I know that a man has the ability to feel his pain when ites to normal sickness like colds and fever. I noticed the other line was quiet.


    ¡°Are you still there, Randolf?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still here, Miss.¡±


    ¡°Why did you suddenly fall silent?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°I was just shocked by your holiday gift. Maldives, really? It¡¯s just for newlyweds, ¡°said Randolf.


    ¡°Silly, that ce is for couples. It¡¯s okay for singles like me,¡± I said.


    ¡°It¡¯s embarrassing for you. But your offer is so tempting,¡± said Randolf once,ughing at the other line.


    ¡°Of course, because all the girls with me will being into thepany one of these days, there will be someone to watch over the office when I go to something important. So you¡¯re free to take a vacation without leaving your brain at work, ¡°I said.


    ¡°I see, but maybe my girlfriend won¡¯t let me. Because she¡¯s new to thepany,¡± said Randolf.


    ¡°That¡¯s okay, I¡¯m the one who invited. And then thepany is ours. No one willin if you go on vacation with her. We¡¯ll fire them all. ¡°I joked.


    ¡°Thepany is yours. You are the owner,¡± said Randolf.


    ¡°The two of us, because I can¡¯t do everything alone when I don¡¯t have an assistant like you, ¡± I said.


    ¡°Thank you, Miss. I¡¯ll hang up the phone,¡± he said to me.


    ¡°All right.¡±


    Lucianna just smiled at me.


    ¡°When¡¯s their vacation, Miss?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try again another day because Randolf¡¯s birthday is also near. You¡¯ll help me n to surprise him.¡± I said.


    ¡°All right.¡±


    After we ate with Duke and Amara, we headed straight to Mitch¡¯s apartment. Because she said she was too tired at work because there had been a lot of customers before.


    ¡°Are you really okay, Mitch? Your face looks different now. Does your head hurt? ¡°I asked her as we sat on her bed.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll just rest for a while. Then it will go away,¡± she says.


    ¡°All right,¡± I replied.


    Mitch stood up and took something from inside her cab. She handed me pajamas and arge T-shirt.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°Get dressed first, because you¡¯ve been wearing your uniform. Maybe the sweat has dried on your back,¡± she said to me, simultaneously holding my back.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m going home too. And then the dress you lent me is still at home. I haven¡¯t returned it to you yet,¡± I said.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡±


    I took the dress and then went inside the bathroom to get dressed. I felt relieved because my body had be fresh.


    ¡°You can leave your uniform here. I¡¯ll do theundry.¡± said Mitch.


    ¡°Don¡¯t, it¡¯s embarrassing for you.¡± I said.


    ¡°No. Will your mother ask why you¡¯re wearing different clothes? ¡± she asked me.


    ¡°No, and then I¡¯ll tell her where I left my clothes. I briefly told her that I already had a girlfriend.¡± I said while smiling.


    ¡°Really?¡± said Mitch, once hugging me.


    ¡°Sure, do we have to hide our rtionship?¡±


    ¡°Of course not.¡±


    ¡°Go to sleep. I need to go home too. Are you okay here alone?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯m too used to it,¡± Mitch replied, while smiling.


    The two of us walked out of the gate together. I took myptop and bag to Mitch. I kissed her cheek and lips.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving,¡± I said.


    Then a motorcycle pulled up in front of us. I rode as Mitch waved at me. It¡¯s nice to feel that someone loves you. So I¡¯m pretty sure I won¡¯t let Mitch go. When I got home, I found Melissa outside the house.


    ¡°What are you doing out here, sister?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Mom told me to buy soap at the store,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Why haven¡¯t you gone inside yet? It¡¯ste and there are a lot of mosquitoes here.¡± I said.


    ¡°I¡¯m waiting for you toe with some food.¡± said Melissa.


    I messed up her hair. We have food in stock at home. We also have ice cream in the fridge. Do you need anything else? ¡°I asked him.


    ¡°I like junk food, brother.¡±


    ¡°Junk foods are forbidden for health,¡± I said, apanying him into the house at the same time.


    ¡°Are you here yet, Zander? Where¡¯s your uniform?¡± my mother asked.


    I was scratching my head.


    ¡°Eh, I passed by my girlfriend¡¯s house, mom, my uniform is wet with sweat, so I changed my clothes.¡± I said.


    My mother smiled.


    ¡°Come inside so we can eat.

 CHAPTER 26

    ¡°I¡¯ll get dressed first, mom.¡± I said this before entering my room.


    I quickly got dressed because I was hungry from the smell of the dish my mother cooked that reached all the way inside my room. I immediately left the room and went to the kitchen.


    ¡°What dish, mom? I can smell it all the way to my room.¡± I asked my mother.


    My motherughed and said,


    ¡°Marinated chicken, that¡¯s why your clothes are upside down.¡±


    Melissa, on the other hand, didn¡¯t care while biting into the dish.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry, mom. So ask for a te,¡± I said.


    ¡°You¡¯re hungry. Why don¡¯t youe home early?¡± she asked me.


    ¡°We ate outside with Duke; it¡¯s just that your cooking is even tastier,¡± I said, as I began to eat.


    My mother said, ¡°I¡¯m really good at cooking, so your girlfriend has to be good in the kitchen, so you don¡¯t lose weight.¡±


    Iughed.


    ¡°Even though she¡¯s not good in the kitchen, mom, I know how to cook, so I don¡¯t have a problem. We can hire a maid just in case.¡± I said.


    ¡°That¡¯s the trend now if you have money to pay for something. Why do you have to work so hard to cook? It¡¯s so hot,¡± said my mother.


    ¡°Are you okay, mom? Didn¡¯t you have a hard time making it home? We can get a maid if you want.¡± I said.


    ¡°Sometimes I get tired, but it also disappears when I rest. I don¡¯t have a problem because I can just take care of you. It¡¯s okay,¡± said the mother.


    ¡°Thank you, mom.¡± I said.


    The mother said, ¡°Eat a lot, then go to bed early.¡±


    She put rice on my te.


    ¡°By the way, hasn¡¯t Uncle Augusto gotten used to this? How about you working with him? ¡± I  asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s still busy now, so she can¡¯t visit. It¡¯s okay for me to work there. I¡¯m not doing much. It¡¯s also better because I can take Melissa, so I don¡¯t have to leave her here when she¡¯s not in school,¡± said my mother.


    ¡°That¡¯s good, mom.¡± My mother asked.


    ¡°When will you introduce me to your girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take her here, mom, when she¡¯s not busy with her work.¡±was my answer.


    ¡°All right, I want to meet her too.¡±


    After a half hour, I was inside the room and resting. I was very full because I ate more of the dish my mother cooked. I¡¯m lying down now while Mitch is texting. We also exchanged messages for an hour, but he said goodbye to go to sleep, so I could go to sleep too. The next day, we went early to the tree house to go back to Genie¡¯s house. I n to go back to the city today because Randolf texted me that someone was looking for me in the office. I was surprised because Randolf didn¡¯t tell me who was looking because I wasn¡¯t used to hearing the hanging call. Every time someone searches for me for detail, who and what is needed, for now it¡¯s really refreshing.


    ¡°Miss, are we going home to the city?¡± Lucianna asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s just me, if you want to stay here first. I have an urgent meeting with thepany, so I can¡¯t stay long, ¡± I said.


    We¡¯re about to get to Genie¡¯s house. Maybe I won¡¯t get dressed. This is all I will wear. I have already called the driver of thepany that I will be arranging for because I do not want to drive now. Then a ck car pulled up in front of us. The door opened and I entered.


    ¡°Miss, will you leave your car here?¡± ¡°Lazzy asked.¡±


    ¡°Yes, because I¡¯m not in the mood to drive right now. Just follow and the girls will bring things when you go home.¡± I said.


    ¡°All right, miss, be careful.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    The driver drove the car away from Genie¡¯s house. I didn¡¯t know who was looking for me, but Randolf was rushing me. If our family somewhere else was looking for me, there was none. As far as I know, my mommy and daddy are the only children, so it¡¯s impossible for anyone else to show up.


    ¡°What happened? Is there a problem with thepany? ¡± I asked.


    ¡°Nothing, Ma¡¯am, but they said someone was looking for you.¡±


    ¡°And I have no idea who that is,¡± says the driver.


    I closed my eyes at first because we were still far away. I heard the driver¡¯s voice. So I opened my eyes. I slept for a long time because I didn¡¯t realize that we were outside the mansion. I went out and entered the gate.


    ¡°Wait for me first, Lucio. Have some coffee first.¡± I told him.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, ma¡¯am, I¡¯ve eaten. I nodded and proceeded to enter the mansion and go straight to my room. I took off my clothes and went into the bathroom.


    I even heard my phone ring on the bed. After I took a bath, I immediately went out of the bathroom and looked for something to wear in the closet. What¡¯s going on? I really can¡¯t go into the office right now. I was already dressed when I left the room. I went to the kitchen first to drink water. When I went out, I found Lucio eating an apple.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± I told him.


    Once inside the car, Lucio drove it away from the mansion.


    Who is looking for me? Whoever they are, they have no consideration. It was almost half an hour away when I arrived at thepany. You wasted no time, and I immediately went in and went straight into my office. I only put my office on the first floor because I was toozy to take the elevator. I prefer the easy way. I immediately saw Randolf standing outside the office.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Randolf? What happened? Why do you always call me?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss, but they¡¯re really looking for you,¡± he says.


    And we went inside the office together. I was exposed to a woman with a raised eyebrow, as if she were in her forties. She was with a girl who was five years old and a twenty-four-year-old man. I just think the woman with the raised eyebrows who looked at me seemed to have an attitude. I sat in the swivel chair.


    ¡°So, they¡¯re looking for me?¡± I asked Randolf, but my eyes were on the three of them. The woman smirked.


    ¡°Yes, Miss,¡± Randolf replied.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know that a bigpany was entrusted to just one person because the owner was out of town,¡± said the woman.


    ¡°Excuse me? You haven¡¯t introduced yourself yet, but your tongue is sharp. Who are you? ¡± I asked.


    ¡°All right, I¡¯m your dad¡¯s second wife. And these are our children,¡± said the woman with a grin.


    I was overwhelmed by the thought. I never had a brother. My daddy even had a child with another woman and two more, really. It¡¯s impossible! I¡¯mughing. And the woman¡¯s eyes zed over at me.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    ¡°Howe? You just showed up now? Why not before? And it¡¯s so impossible for my daddy to have children and have other rtionships then. If his routine is always in the office, if he leaves, he¡¯ll be with my mother!¡± I asked her.


    The woman grinned.


    ¡°Not all of your daddy¡¯s escapades are known to your mother or you know. I have a lot of evidence here that your daddy and I have a rtionship. So whatever wealth he left all to you, my children must also have it,¡± the woman said sternly.


    Iughed.


    ¡°Do you think everything is that easy? You suddenly came here and introduced yourself? You thought maybe I¡¯d give you what you wanted right away? Let¡¯s go through the process first, ma¡¯am. ¡± I said.


    The woman¡¯s smile faded and was reced by anger.


    ¡°No way! My kids have to get one for them! ¡°yelled the woman.


    ¡°Rx, ma¡¯am. I¡¯m not going to squander my father¡¯s wealth. If what you¡¯re saying is true, it¡¯s not that easy to do what you want to happen. They have to undergo tests. So we can find out if they are my father¡¯s children to you,¡± I said.


    ¡°No way! What do you think of us liars? I have some evidence here. So there¡¯s no need for the tests you¡¯re saying!¡± the woman says in a histerical tone.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, you don¡¯t have to shout there, because we¡¯re not deaf here. Whatever the evidence is, if your children and I don¡¯t match the result, it¡¯s useless. My daddy died a long time ago.


    If I let hispany, it won¡¯t be sessful, so it¡¯s not just something you ask me to give sincerely. If you don¡¯t want to agree, I won¡¯t force you. Mypany is open to epting applicants. Your son can work here for the meantime.¡±


    But I know that this woman will not allow it based on her aura. But I¡¯m not a fool to share with people I only know now.


    ¡°No need, I¡¯ll see you in court. I¡¯ll make sure to embarrass you!¡± the woman shouted, before leaving my office.


    I leaned back in the swivel chair. I didn¡¯t expect this to happen, toe to the point where someone woulde here iming that she was my daddy¡¯s second wife. Never in my wildest dream did I imagine my daddy was having an affair with another woman. He was kind and I always see that he loved my mother so much. So I don¡¯t believe he had a different family. Randolf just silently watched me, as he sat in his chair.


    ¡°Can I have one ss of water, Randolf? I¡¯m suddenly thirsty. ¡± I told him.


    He handed it to me from the dispenser inside the office. Randolf thought of putting it inside my office because he likes to drink water.


    ¡°What do you think, Randolf? Is he telling the truth? ¡± I asked him.


    I¡¯m confused now and can¡¯t believe it. I was shocked to the extent that I wanted to hide inside the mansion. It would have been a pity on my mommy¡¯s part if she was still alive today. I can¡¯t even believe that Daddy did those things. He¡¯s my idol and my hero. I love him so much. I always pray that if ever I find someone who is my love, it should be like my daddy. But this news came out today. And I know it was directly featured in a magazine if everyone knows. I know that a woman¡¯s mouth is very talkative. I don¡¯t believe that my daddy would hit a woman like that because there seems to be no breeding. Not being carried away in socialization. Just a little conversation she will definitely scream.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either, Miss. I was surprised. It¡¯s been years since I¡¯ve been working for yourpany. Not yet as your assistant. I haven¡¯t heard anything about having a girl when your daddy has. You know the news is like a fire that has been poured out.¡± Randolf replied.


    I sighed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want an issue, Randolf. I don¡¯t want to be featured in a magazine about that. It is just respecting the soul of my parents,¡±I said.


    ¡°What do you want me to do?¡±he asked me.


    ¡°You¡¯ll take care of them,¡± I said.


    Randolf came out of the office, while I called Arthur.


    ¡°Hello, Arthur, where are you? Aren¡¯t you busy right now? ¡± I asked him on the other hand.


    ¡°No, we have a walk?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No, but I¡¯ll have you do something. Come here to the office.¡± I said.


    ¡°Okay,ing,¡± he answered, once the phone hung up.


    The door opened and Arthur entered.


    ¡°What is it? You seem to be in trouble,¡± he asked me.

 CHAPTER 27

    ¡°It was an unexpected problem of mine.¡± My response.


    ¡°Why? What happened? ¡± Arthur asked in a worried tone.


    ¡°Have a seat, bute here first. I¡¯ll show you something. ¡± I told him.


    And I showed him the CCTV footage that happened earlier. I want to show him the woman¡¯s face.


    ¡°What did they do?¡± Arthur asked.


    ¡°They came here iming that they are Daddy¡¯s second family, and they want to get some money, or thepany and everything my father left me. I don¡¯t believe it and I really don¡¯t want to believe it. Are they really going to show up now? So I want you to investigate them,¡± I said.


    ¡°Of course,¡± he replied.


    I paused the video and Arthur got the picture.


    ¡°I have to go. I still have a date today.¡± he said to me, winking at once.


    ¡°Really, wait! To whom? ¡± I asked him, as if we were close.


    ¡°It¡¯s a secret for now. When we¡¯re official, I¡¯ll take her here to introduce to you. So you should also look for a boyfriend. You¡¯re not getting any younger, so find him, ¡± he said to me, and went out.


    I¡¯m frowning. So I thought of going home to the mansion first to rest. I got up to go out, then Randolf came in.


    ¡°Where are you going, Miss?¡± he asked me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go home to the mansion first. I want to sleep. Is that okay with you? ¡±


    ¡°Go ahead, Miss. I¡¯m fine. ¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡±


    I got out and got into the car. It¡¯s a good thing Lucio hasn¡¯t parked the car in thepany¡¯s parking lot yet.


    ¡°Where will I take you, ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°In the mansion, Lucio,¡± was my answer.


    He had already operated the car. It was also about half an hour away when we arrived at the mansion due to traffic. I saw my car outside the mansion. Lucianna and the other girls are sure to arrive.


    ¡°Thank you, Lucio,¡± I said, then gave him money for more snacks.


    ¡°What¡¯s this for, ma¡¯am?¡± he asked me.


    ¡°That¡¯s for you. Buy snacks,¡± I said.


    ¡°It¡¯s too much.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm, keep the change,¡± I said.


    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    I entered the mansion. And I heard themughing in the back of the house, and I knew they were on the edge of the pool. I went to them first. I just saw you all doing this by the pool. Ever since you lived here at home,


    ¡°Are you too busy?¡± I asked. They allughed.


    ¡°We don¡¯t feel it, Miss, yet,¡± Genie replied.


    ¡°How was your urgent meeting?¡± Lucianna asked me.


    I sat down first.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, please take my bag into the room first, please Lucianna.¡± I said.


    Lucianna stood up and took my bag.


    ¡°Girls, order pizza, cake, and ice cream.¡± Imanded them.


    ¡°A few boxes of pizza, Miss?¡± Laica asked.


    ¡°No matter how much. And three buckets of beer as well. Let¡¯s have a drink, ¡± I said.


    When I looked at them, they were all stunned to see me.


    ¡°Is it your birthday today, Miss? Or do you just have a problem? ¡± Hannah asked.


    My answer was, ¡°It¡¯s not yet my birthday, but there¡¯s a problem.¡±


    ¡°All right, Lucy and I are leaving,¡± said Laica.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    It¡¯s okay to have a drink today because it¡¯s still early in the morning. It looks like I¡¯ll be able to sleep early now. I noticed earlier that Lucianna was looking at me, as well as Genie, Lazzy, and the rest of the girls.


    ¡°Are you really okay, Miss?¡± iza asked.


    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry. Because it¡¯s normal to have a problem,¡± my answer.


    They all nodded. An hourter, Hannah and Lucy arrived, carrying their purchases. Along with a man carrying a bucket of beer.


    ¡°Get some ice first. Put more in the container.¡± Imand them.


    After the driver left, I started eating pizza. I also opened a beer and sipped it.


    ¡°Take it easy, Miss, you seem to have be greedy for that wine,¡± said Lucianna to me.


    ¡°This is the first time that I drank this kind of alcohol. The bitterness in the throat was something,¡± I said.


    They allughed.


    ¡°So, we¡¯re going to talk about your problem, Miss, just to alleviate how you¡¯re feeling right now. You don¡¯t have to get drunk.¡± said Laica.


    ¡°All right, so I came home here first because someone was looking for me. A woman and her two children,¡± my answer.


    ¡°Who are they? Your family?¡± Lucianna asked.


    ¡°Nope, they¡¯re iming that they are my daddy¡¯s second family. I was shocked to the extent that I seemed to want to hide,¡± I said.


    ¡°Like that? How did that happen?¡± Lucy asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Lucy. Her courage to im the wealth for her children because they are also my daddy¡¯s children. I was scared. What is it true? Because I know and I see that woman is savage. She ims what she doesn¡¯t own. I don¡¯t want this mansion to go to them. In this house we all formed a friendship,¡± I said.


    ¡°Yes, Miss, but if it¡¯s true, we¡¯re leaving here. We don¡¯t want to be with that woman just in case,¡± said Lazzy.


    Iughed.


    ¡°So I found a way, so that all of you don¡¯t have to bother. Since this is my problem and I¡¯m the only one involved,¡± I said.


    ¡°Yeah, we should all just enjoy it. Cheers! ¡±


    We all shouted, and we gathered our sses and glued them together.


    ¡°What does the man look like, Miss?¡± Laica asked.


    My eyes rolled.


    ¡°Seriously, Laica? Is that really what you¡¯re going to ask? ¡± I said.


    Laicaughed. Maybe you saw a resemnce or something to prove that they are your brother or your daddy, ¡°he says.


    ¡°The eldest is 24 years old. Handsome and muscr. The second is five years old. Beautiful. You can¡¯t prove that you¡¯re rted to someone if you¡¯ve only seen it now in resemnce or something, unless you have DNA. That¡¯s my suggestion to your mother. But the bravery of that woman is overflowing. She said she didn¡¯t want to agree because she had evidence, ¡± I said.


    ¡°Maybe she is scared to find out she¡¯s lying? That¡¯s the modus operandi of someone who has nothing in life, ¡°said Hera.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got a point, Hera, but it¡¯s okay if she can ask me for help or something. I¡¯ll help them. She¡¯s not the one who makes up stories to cheat people. She¡¯s just tarnishing my daddy¡¯s good image, ¡± I said.


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re really right there, Miss.¡± Lucianna replied.


    ¡°Hmmm, all of you already drunk?¡± I asked.


    ¡°We don¡¯t drink too much, Miss. We just love disco, but we don¡¯t really drink too much. But since it¡¯s problematic, we all drink.


    ¡°Thank you, guys, but for me, two bottles is fine. I want to sleep. The drink is for the night only. But we had already started at ten in the morning,¡± I said.


    We allughed.


    I am here right now at the library to borrow a book that I am going to use. Vienna and I were together, but not everything was the same. She ignored me as if she couldn¡¯t see me. But I got the courage to talk to her.


    ¡°Hi, Vienna! Did you borrow something from the library too?¡± I asked her.


    But I was suddenly embarrassed because she ignored me. She just kept walking until she disappeared from my sight. But I followed her. I couldn¡¯t be bothered until I knew what her problem was with me.


    ¡°Wait, Vienna, let¡¯s be clear. What¡¯s wrong with you? Are you mad at me? But why? ¡± I asked her.


    Sheughed.


    ¡°You¡¯re assuming too much, Zander. I¡¯m not in the mood to notice you. Even in our co-teachers, so there¡¯s no reason for you to ask me that. ¡± Veinna replied, and she left me standing in the hallway.


    So I did nothing but go back to my ssroom. I¡¯d rather just check the modules than notice Vienna¡¯s problems. I was so engrossed in what I was doing that I didn¡¯t realize that my co-teacher, Maya, was already standing at the door.


    ¡°Hi, ma¡¯am, how long have you been there ?¡± I asked her.


    She just smiled at me.


    ¡°Yes, but you¡¯re too busy and bent over, so I didn¡¯t speak. May Ie in? ¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± was my answer.


    Maya was happily married with two kids. So it¡¯s off-limits and I don¡¯t like to talk to them if it¡¯s not about work. Duke, Vienna, and I are the only ones who haven¡¯t gotten married yet, but the rest already have children.


    ¡°What can I do for you? I¡¯m changing because you just found yourself in my ss room.¡± I said while smiling.


    ¡°Yes, because I would have borrowed something from you,¡± Maya replied.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Laptop, I left mine at home. I had something to do. You are always carrying aptop, ¡± she says.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯m not going to use aptop right now. I¡¯m just checking some modules. ¡± I said, once handing her theptop.


    ¡°Thank you, and by the way, congrattions,¡± she told me with a sweet smile.


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°For having a girlfriend. We¡¯re so happy because, finally, our most handsome co-teacher was happily in love with his new-found love. ¡± Maya said, cheerfully.


    ¡°Aw, thank you. How did you know?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Because Duke said so, you know that man is very talkative. He has a lot of news every day. But someone is hurting, ¡°said Maya.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°I have no right to tell you. She might say I¡¯m interfering.¡± Maya said.


    ¡°We¡¯re the only ones here, Maya. I want to know,¡± I said.


    ¡°All right, It was Vienna. She was crying when she found out you had a girlfriend. Maybe you don¡¯t notice it because you¡¯re too busy and dedicated to work. But believe me, she loves you so much. I hope you didn¡¯t confront her. And ask something since you already know and you have no intention of loving her. And let her be silent first, because it really hurts when loving someone who can¡¯t love you back.¡± said Maya, once outside of the ss room. I was left stunned.


    So Duke was right in what he thought. So Vienna ignores me now because of Mitch. I shook my head.


    ¡°Hey, are you okay? Why do you look so stunned there? ¡± Duke asked me.


    I didn¡¯t even realize that Duke had entered my ss room.


    ¡°Nothing. What do you need? ¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have lunch. I¡¯ve been hungry for a while, ¡°he replied.


    ¡°What time is it?¡± I asked.


    ¡°That time is no longer important. Any time you¡¯re hungry, you need to eat. ¡± Duke¡¯sint.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just go straight out? You always think ofing here? ¡± I asked him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not with anyone.¡± Duke nodded.


    ¡°You never used to be like that. Are you going to die tomorrow? Why do you seem to want to be with me first before you disappear? ¡±


    ¡°Shut up! You¡¯re talking too much. Let¡¯s go,¡± said Duke, and he walked out of my ss room first. I followed him eventually.


    ¡°Why do you want to take me with you to your meal at the carinderia? We have many otherpanions. You can invite them, ¡°myint.


    ¡°Are you thinking, Zander? They are all women and married. What will their husbands think? Even on my side, I would be really angry if my wife invited another man to join her for dinner,¡± Duke replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m not telling you, you should invite one of them to lunch or something, Bastard! All of them, so you won¡¯t be thought of badly, ¡± I said.


    ¡°Whatever, you¡¯re talking too much. Are you on a diet, so do youin when I invite you to eat early? It won¡¯t add to your good looks. That¡¯s all you really look like, ¡°said Duke.


    I¡¯m frowning. The fool isn¡¯t really joking.


    ¡°Dumbass!¡± He justughed and went inside the dining room.

 CHAPTER 28

    We took empty seats in the corner. It¡¯s great that there are still seats avable.


    ¡°A lot of people are eating right now, Zander, so it¡¯s a good thing we found an empty seat since I wouldn¡¯t be able to eat otherwise,¡± Duke exined.


    ¡°Shut up talking, since you¡¯re so talkative, a lot of people might assume you¡¯re gay.¡± I said,


    I sat down while Duke went to the counter and ordered dinner.


    I shook my head. When he was hungry and didn¡¯t eat straight away, he grew afraid and terrified. Duke was approaching our table, and ady I recognized as a server was following him. They ced the food on the table, and Duke sat down.


    ¡°You know, bro, you have the appearance of a woman,¡± he grumbled.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who should be serving, after all, you¡¯re the one who invited me here.¡± My response.


    ¡°I¡¯mpletely pissed off with you,¡± Duke said, once he sat down.


    ¡°Can you tell me what I did to you?¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you use your new car? I still want to see and drive it.¡±


    ¡°You have a car, Duke. You can buy a new one if you want. Don¡¯t ruin mine. That was my gift given to me and you¡¯re really insisting you use it,¡± I said.


    ¡°You¡¯re really mean. What do you think of me? I don¡¯t know how to drive? I¡¯m not going to crash your car. And I know that¡¯s important to you,¡± he said.


    I sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll take my car tomorrow,¡± I said.


    Duke nodded and started eating.


    At five o¡¯clock in the afternoon, the girls and I hadpleted our drinks. We didn¡¯t get drunk after that because we only had a few bottles left. We¡¯re each in our own room. I¡¯m currently lying on my bed with a nket covering my entire body. Before going to bed, I would have nned to take a bath. However, the water appeared to be icy. My phone rang, so I couldn¡¯t close my eyes and continue. I held it next to me and answered it without ncing at the person at the other end of the line.


    ¡°Hello, Zaneska, How are you?¡± he asked me from the other side.


    I woke up suddenly. What else does this man need? I should have calmed down because he suddenly disappeared. But this is him again now.


    ¡°What do you need, Mr. Chin?¡± I asked him.


    Heughs at the other line.


    ¡°You¡¯re still too rude to me, Zaneska. I thought if I didn¡¯t show up and never called, you would miss me. But I was wrong,¡± he says.


    I get irritated. He¡¯s too assuming. Not even in my dreams did I think of him as a friend.


    ¡°What do you want this time?¡± I asked in a disgusted voice.


    Mr. Chin justughs at the other line.


    ¡°I appreciate your demeanor, Zaneska; it¡¯s incredibly harsh and filthy. But I¡¯ve seen that you¡¯ve treated me differently and badly than other people you know. What is the reason for this? I believe you have a problem with me,¡± he says.


    ¡°Whatever, Mr. Chin, I want to sleep.¡± I said.


    ¡°It¡¯s too early to go to bed. We¡¯ll talk first. Don¡¯t you miss me? ¡°he asked me.


    My mouth was wide open.


    ¡°Why do I miss you? I will never consider you as my friend,¡± I said.


    Heughed, as if unaffected by what I was saying.


    ¡°You¡¯re so mean, but I love you.¡± Mr. Chin said directly, which surprised me.


    What the hell is going on here? I¡¯m sure he¡¯s just joking. When you¡¯re unsure about your feelings for someone, it¡¯s difficult to tell them you love them. This man, on the other hand, can tell right away. To my surprise, I did not say goodbye to him when I hung up the phone and ced it on my desk. My gaze was drawn to the clock on the wall of my room. It was a little after eight o¡¯clock in the evening. Because I didn¡¯t hear the girlsugh, I¡¯m guessing they¡¯re already asleep. They share a room but each have their own bed.


    When they realize they¡¯re in the same room, they¡¯re overjoyed. When I heard the doorbell ring, I grimaced. I didn¡¯t put up a guard on my mansion because it has been a safe haven for us for years. I slipped on my slippers and walked out of the room. I¡¯m already on my way to the entrance. If my memory serves me correctly, as I opened it, my employee¡¯s face, Mark¡¯s, was exposed to me. When he saw me, he was taken aback.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, good evening. I didn¡¯t know you were the one who opened the gate,¡± he said in a confused voice.


    I know that he¡¯s here for Hannah, and maybe Hannah didn¡¯t mention to him that he lives with me.


    ¡°Hi, Good evening. Do you need anything? Is it work rted? ¡± I asked him, pretending that I didn¡¯t know where he was going.


    ¡°I was looking for my woman. Maybe I went to the wrong house. But she said she lives here.¡± Mark replied. I smiled.


    He is so brave toe here.


    ¡°Who are you looking for here? I have many girls girlpanions here.¡± I asked him.


    ¡°It was Hannah Marquez.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s here,e in. Didn¡¯t she tell you she¡¯s been with me for more than five years already? ¡±


    ¡°No, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°I see, sit down first. What do you want to drink? Feel at home. Don¡¯t be shy. You¡¯ll just think I¡¯m not your boss for tonight, okay?¡± I told him.


    ¡°Okay, ma¡¯am,¡± Mark replied.


    I went to the kitchen first and got some juice and gave it to Mark.


    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you first. I¡¯ll call Hannah in her room.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    I left in front of Mark and walked to their room. I knocked three times.


    ¡°Girls, are you all asleep?¡± I asked them outside the door.


    ¡°Not yet, Miss? Why do you need to cook something or? ¡± Lucianna asked.


    ¡°What about Hannah?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I was asleep earlier, Miss.¡± Hera replied.


    ¡°Can I wake up? He has a guest waiting in the living room.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Mark, her boyfriend.¡± I replied, smiling at the same time.


    ¡°Oh my! Hannah, wake up! Mark¡¯s outside! ¡°they all shouted at Hannah.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    ¡°What? Why is your noise? ¡± Hannah asked, knowing I was suddenly awakened by the noise of them all.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear what we said? Mark is outside, ¡°said Lucy.


    ¡°What? What is he doing here? ¡± Hannah asked, in shock.


    Iughed outside the door.


    ¡°Where is Miss Zaneska now? Does she already know?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Actually, Miss Zaneska is outside the door of our room. She opened the gate for Mark.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t even say he was going to be here. He was so stubborn!¡±


    It was Hannah¡¯sint that I actually heard up here.


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk like that! He¡¯s really interested in you because he actually came to see you here at the mansion. He gave you a surprise visit.¡±


    ¡°How sweet!¡± said Lucianna.


    ¡°The more you say that, Hannah, it turns out you¡¯re so lucky to have a man like him.¡± M said.


    I left it outside the door of their room. Because I knew they were alling out.


    It¡¯s already eight o¡¯clock in the evening, but Mitch and I are still in the za.


    We went for a walk while eating street food. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to go home yet, Zander?¡± Mitch asked me.


    ¡°Not yet, Mitch. Why don¡¯t you want to be with me anymore, so you¡¯re sending me home?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Silly, not really, because you might be sweating, and your clothes were already wet. I¡¯m bringing additional clothing, pants, and underpants to rece them because I¡¯m sweaty, so you had better bring some clothes with you next time.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Saturday tomorrow, and Amara¡¯s birthday is the following day,¡± Mitch exined.


    ¡°That¡¯s why that moron is worried now; it¡¯s truly frightening; Amara¡¯s parents are even stricter; aren¡¯t your parents like that?¡± I ask.


    Mitch burst outughing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they¡¯re lovely and don¡¯t have any issues,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°It¡¯s all right.¡±


    ¡°By the way, love.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm, why?¡±


    ¡°Mom would like to meet you,¡± I exined. Mitch was taken aback for a moment.


    ¡°But why?¡± you might wonder.


    ¡°Why are you still inquiring? What is our current situation?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m your girlfriend,¡± she says.


    ¡°Exactly!¡± I eximed, ¡°therefore she wants to meet you.¡±


    ¡°Eh, Zander, I¡¯m not ready to meet your mother yet,¡± Mitch remarked.


    I understand what she¡¯s saying.


    ¡°My mother didn¡¯t bite you,¡± I exined, ¡°so why are you scared?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s usual for a meeting with parents. Doesn¡¯t it feel like it¡¯s too early for you to introduce me?¡±


    ¡°Is it awful to know you in person? What¡¯s wrong there? It was nothing and I asked her. I started to feel annoyed.


    ¡°Nothing, but we haven¡¯t been in a rtionship for a year. How can I? ¡±


    ¡°Enough, Mitch, let¡¯s not talk about that thing anymore. We might have another fight.¡± I said, because I was starting to get irritated with her.


    I don¡¯t want my mother to feel sad since she¡¯s the one who requested to know about Mitch.


    But so far, he doesn¡¯t want to. Why would I even insist?


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go home,¡± I said.


    And I walked up to him first.


    ¡°Zander! Are you mad? I¡¯m sorry, ¡°he says.


    It¡¯s okay. Get in, I¡¯ll buy something for mom and Melissa. ¡± I said.


    She looked at me. I knew she felt I was really sulking because my tone of voice had be different.


    I¡¯ll just go with you. And we¡¯ll ride a motorcycle together,¡± said Mitch.


    ¡°Next time, take her home safely.¡± Imanded the motorcycle driver.


    The man nodded. So Mitch was forced to ride as well. After Mitch left, I went to a ce selling chicken joy.


    When I came out of the room, I saw eight of them gathered together, hiding in arge jar near the living room.


    ¡°What are you eight doing? Don¡¯t you know it¡¯s bad to listen to other people talking?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, Miss, we just looked at them.¡± Laica¡¯s excuse wasme.


    ¡°It¡¯s the same; we gave them privacy. Let¡¯s go  in the backyard near the pool.¡± I invited them. We went through the back door so that Mark and Hannah would not be disturbed.


    ¡°I thought you were asleep, Miss. Because when we came out of the bedroom door early, you disappeared,¡± said Lucianna.


    ¡°Not yet, it¡¯s still early, and I can¡¯t sleep either. I also heard someone push the doorbell outside, so I stood up. When I opened the gateway, I noticed Mark¡¯s gaping face. Maybe he didn¡¯t think I was the one who opened the gate. He even thought he had gone to the wrong house,¡± I said.


    We all burst outughing.


    ¡°Because Hannah didn¡¯t tell him, Miss,¡± Lucy exined, ¡°that she lives in the mansion and they both work for you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct, I observed he looked to want to leave and even hesitated to walk inside, so you can join the firm tomorrow so Randolf and the rest of you can be assigned to your different areas of responsibility, so good luck to all of you,¡± I added.


    ¡°Thank you, Miss,¡± I said.


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll go to bed first. Lock the gate when Mark gets home.¡± I told them.


    ¡°All right, Miss.¡±


    I went into the bedroom andid down on the bed. I just got home.


    I also observed that my phone had been ringing inside my pocket earlier. I immediately recognized Mitch as the caller. Even though I¡¯m annoyed with her, I can¡¯t stand seeing her get upset. I love her, so I should be capable of understanding her. I took her call and answered it.


    ¡°Hello, Love,¡± I said. ¡°I just came home; I¡¯ll call youter.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    I opened and closed the gate. My automobile was obscured by arge nket when I arrived. Maybe it was my mum who did it because I was too preupied to notice.


    I had already entered the residence. My mother was dancing without music and with cream all over her face when I noticed her.


    ¡°Good evening, mother,¡± I said,ughing. ¡°Are you all right? Why do you seem to be having so much fun now? You¡¯re dancing without any music, which I didn¡¯t even notice before.¡±


    ¡°Shut up there, what are you carrying?¡± my mother asked, her gaze fixed on the cellophane I had brought.


    ¡°A dish, and by the way, mother, where is Melissa now? I didn¡¯t see her at the house¡¯s corner.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s ying at our next-door neighbor¡¯s house, and she begged if she could go because she was so weary at school.¡±


    Melissa is like a grown-up who needs to dpress, which is why I¡¯mughing.


    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte; she might be hungry.¡±


    ¡°Before she left, I fed her,¡± my mother exined.

 CHAPTER 29

    ¡°I¡¯ll go into the bedroom first to get dressed.¡± I told my mother.


    ¡°Hurry up, we¡¯re going to eat. I¡¯ll just call Melissa at the other house,¡± my mother replied.


    I awoke to the strength of theughter I heard. I took my phone and looked at the time. And it was seven o¡¯clock in the morning. I rubbed my eyes while wearing my slippers. I went out of my room, but I did not find anyone in the living room or kitchen. So I thought of going to theundry area. They are all doingundry.


    ¡°Hi, Miss, You woke up early. It¡¯s Saturday, so we don¡¯t have office work. ¡± They said.


    I suddenly felt embarrassed because I mentioned to themst night that they were now entering the office.


    ¡°I can really forget,¡± I said.


    ¡°You were just drunkst night, miss. That¡¯s why you said that.¡± said Vina.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t feel like I was drunkst night.¡± My answer.


    ¡°So today is Saturday. What are we going to do, Miss? ¡°Lazzy asked.


    ¡°We go shopping since I want to buy new clothes and things for a change. And because you washed my dirty clothes, I will treat all of you.¡± I said.


    ¡°Yes, thank you, Miss,¡± said Lucianna. All right, will you finish? Stop cooking, we will eat outside, ¡°I said.


    ¡°Yes, Miss, we¡¯re almost done.¡±


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll take a bath first.¡± I told them, once leaving theundry area.


    I went back into the room and took off my clothes to take a bath. I will go to the hotelter after we go shopping. I want to give Randolf a surprise birthday party since tomorrow is his birthday. I went into the bathroom and started to take a bath. I hope Mr. can no longer think. So as not to ruin my day, Chin disturbs me now. I left the bedroom and walked into the living room. They are all ready to leave. ¡°Are you all ready?¡± I will ask.


    ¡°Yeah, miss, as long as it¡¯s this walk. And then your treat will really make us leave. Especially since we won¡¯t have to spend it, ¡°said Laica.


    Iughed. Of course, you¡¯ll pay when you¡¯re paid at the end of the month. I said.


    ¡°That¡¯s not possible, Miss, you said treat me.¡± Lazzy¡¯sint.


    ¡°Right now, because you don¡¯t have a budget yet.¡± I said in a serious voice. I¡¯m not reallyughing, so they know I¡¯m not kidding. But their shoulders all sagged, so Iughed.


    ¡°You really, Miss, love to have a good time,¡± said Lucianna. Let¡¯s go, ¡°I invite them.¡± I walked out first, and they followed me. We all got into the car. And I was already driving.


    ¡°Girls, join meter. It¡¯s my assistant Randolf¡¯s birthday, so I want to give him a surprise birthday.¡± I told them.


    ¡°All right, Miss,¡± they replied.


    ¡°Shall we cater to him?¡± Lucianna asked.


    ¡°Yeah, exactly twelve o¡¯clock.¡± I said.


    We arrived at the mall a few minutester. They all came out. And I parked the car in the parking lot of the mall. I left immediately afterwards. They were all already inside the mall. Because I¡¯m so busy, it¡¯s been a few years since I¡¯ve been able to do this. We are all inside the mall.


    ¡°Pick what you want to buy, guys,¡± I told them. All right, Miss, whatever we like, you¡¯ll pay. Lucy asked. I smiled.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll go to thedies¡¯ bags first. I¡¯ll just buy something. ¡± I told them.


    They all nodded and looked for what they wanted to buy. I just woke up. So I went straight to the kitchen. I regained sleep because I was so tired the day before. I came across Uncle Augusto sitting on a stool near the sink.


    ¡°Good morning, Uncle. I think you visited early in the morning.¡± I told him.


    ¡°It¡¯s dyed now. It¡¯s close to eleven o¡¯clock. So it¡¯s not too early,¡± he replied while smiling.


    ¡°What¡¯s up? You suddenly came here. I thought you were on a business trip. ¡± I asked him.


    ¡°I just arrived, so I¡¯ll go straight here.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting for you to wake up,¡± said Uncle.


    ¡°Why?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Actually, I bought a beach resort, so I want to take your mom for a visit there and include you as well. And try to invite your girlfriend to include her when we go there as well,¡± said Uncle.


    ¡°Maybe she won¡¯t let me, Uncle, because she¡¯s too shy.¡± was my answer.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let her know. We¡¯ll just go see herter when we leave here. Does she live just on the way or far away from the town?¡± Uncle asked.


    My answer was, ¡°Her apartment is just near here.¡±


    Uncle Augusto nodded in response.


    Then my mother came out of her room with two packbacks.


    I thought you were just going to visit there. But you seem to want to live there, mom? ¡± I asked her.


    My uncle justughed.


    ¡°She can also live there, even for a lifetime.¡± Uncle replied.


    ¡°Why did you just wake up? Do you know that Melissa is crying because she wants to take a bath in the sea?¡± said the mother.


    I hope you came first and didn¡¯t wait for me. I said. I had a good night¡¯s sleep. All right, you have a car. The three of us will go first,¡± said Uncle.


    I simply nodded in response. I went into my bedroom and changed my clothes. I¡¯ll take the car right now. I¡¯m hoping Mitch agrees. But I had no idea she¡¯d be on duty for several weeks. I left the house after getting dressed. I removed the car cover to keep it dust-free. Before getting out of the car, I unhooked the gate. Before starting the car, I mmed the gate shut. I attempted to call Mitch but was unable to reach her.


    Half an hourter, I reached Mitch¡¯s apartment. Then I saw hering out of the gate. I stopped the car opposite her and opened the window.


    ¡°Mitch, where are you going?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°Oh, Zander, Hi, I guess you got a visit today?¡± she asked me.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯d like to take you. We¡¯re going somewhere together. ¡± I said.


    ¡°Hmmm, it¡¯s okay.¡± Mitch replied.


    ¡°But perhaps you¡¯re going somewhere else,¡± I inquired.


    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s not important; I just want to go around town because I¡¯m bored here in the apartment,¡± she exined.


    ¡°Ah, I see.¡±


    ¡°Get in,¡± I said as the car door opened.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to bring extra clothes? We¡¯re going to my mother¡¯s boyfriend¡¯s beach resort, and there¡¯s a sea there,¡± I exined.


    Mitch abruptly ceased speaking.


    ¡°You mean your mother is there?¡± Mitch inquired, his voice awkward.


    ¡°Yes, why don¡¯t youe with me?¡± I asked.


    ¡°OK, let¡¯s go; we¡¯re already here, so I can¡¯t back down,¡± Mitch said.


    I cracked a grin.


    ¡°I promise you, you don¡¯t have to be afraid or shy because my mother is kind and she adores you,¡± I said.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    ¡°But I can¡¯t help but be scared and nervous that she won¡¯t like me,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°Just rx, my mother has no standards, and when ites to women, be my girlfriend,¡± I told her while holding her hand.


    Mitch gave a nod. I could tell she was calm. My phone began to ring. When I looked at it, I saw my mother texting about Uncle Augusto¡¯s beach resort¡¯s location. So Mitch and I exchanged nces.


    ¡°Mom texted me about the beach resort¡¯s location,¡± I exined.


    If I didn¡¯t tell her who sent me a message, she might think I¡¯m a bad person.


    Mitch¡¯s smile caught my attention.


    ¡°Why did you suddenly smile?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°You¡¯re too defensive, and I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t fool me,¡± Mitch said to me.


    ¡°I can¡¯t fool you. I love you so much,¡± was my answer.


    ¡°I love you too.¡±

 CHAPTER 30

    ¡°By the way, how is Amara? It¡¯s her birthday tomorrow, isn¡¯t it? ¡°I asked Mitch.


    ¡°Yeah, maybe she¡¯s getting ready now,¡± Mitch replied.


    ¡°Maybe Duke also didn¡¯t call me. I think he¡¯s preparing for his meeting with Amara¡¯s parents tomorrow. I know the fear has started now, ¡± I said.


    ¡°Amara¡¯s parents¡¯ faces are really strict, but not to their employees. Maybe for their only child. They also don¡¯t want to get hurt and end up with a man with bad behavior. You know the trend nowadays; the man hurts the woman with or without a valid reasons , ¡°said Mitch.


    ¡°I know Duke is kind. I¡¯m sure when he and Amara stay together, he¡¯ll be a good husband. We¡¯ve been together in the service for almost four years, but he¡¯s not reported that he got another woman pregnant, and he left a woman behind, or hurt by him.¡± I said.


    ¡°I can also see in him that he loves Amara very much,¡± Mitch replied.


    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re already here.¡± I said to Mitch.


    I stopped the car in front of the gate because I saw Melissa, wearing a bathing suit, standing in front. I opened the car door and held Mitch¡¯s hand so he could get out safely.


    ¡°Brother, is she your girlfriend?¡± Melissa asked and took Mitch¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Yes, she¡¯s your sister, Mitch,¡± was my answer.


    ¡°Come on, sister. Let¡¯s start by taking a bath. Do you have a swimsuit? If you don¡¯t have one, mom will have one, ¡°said Melissa as she walked inside.


    I shook my head. Will mom wear a bathing suit? Why does she have that? It¡¯s showing too much skin. We have reached the beach. The ce is beautiful. And I know it¡¯s a private resort that Uncle Augusto bought because there are cement walls surrounding the whole ce. Mitch just stared silently at my mom. As my mother turned around, fanning the barbecue, she cooked.


    ¡°Sweetheart, you should grill thatter. Zander is here. Nice to meet you,¡± Uncle said to Mitch, smiling at the same time. Mitch smiled back.


    ¡°I¡¯m also happy to meet you, Uncle,¡± said Mitch.


    Then my mother faced us. And the size of her smile as she looked at Mitch.


    ¡°Hi, I finally met you too. I¡¯m d you got here, Mitch,¡± said Mom, once kissing Mitch.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you too, Aunt,¡± Mitch replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m about to get upset because I thought you didn¡¯t want to see me and get to know me. You didn¡¯t go home with Zanderst night,¡± said Mommy, then smiled sweetly.


    ¡°You really are, sweetheart. Of course, Mitch is still thinking about how she¡¯s going to deal with you. You¡¯re making it too early for the two of you to meet. It¡¯s normal feelings when she probably met with her boyfriend¡¯s parents. I know that you felt the same way before you met my parents,¡± said Uncle. My mother burst outughing.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather have someone with me to fan the barbecue here, but, of course, I also want to see and get to know my son¡¯s special someone,¡± mother replied.


    Mitch smiled and I knew that she was uneasy right now when she looked at me. So I winked at her.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Come here, Mitch, because this barbecue needs to be cooked right away,¡± said the mother.


    ¡°How about me, mom? I want to swim in the sea. I¡¯m not with anyone, ¡°said Melissa.


    ¡°It¡¯s still too hot for you to take a bath. You might lose that beauty when you get dark.¡± said Uncle.


    ¡°All right,ter, daddy. Juste with me,¡± said Melissa.


    The Uncleughs upon hearing that Melissa called him ¡°daddy.¡±


    ¡°You know, Zander, I dreamed of having children as well, but it didn¡¯t happen,¡± Uncle exined.


    The surroundings is not totally hot in the afternoon because there are trees around. And mommy and Mitch started grilling. I don¡¯t know what the two of them are talking about because we are so far away from them. Melissa, on the other hand, ran to her mother and started bathing in the shallow part of the sea. So I looked at my Uncle to ask.


    ¡°Why? What happened?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°We broke up with my girlfriend then, and she married someone else because I was careless. I was so blinded by her love for me. Now I just thought that you were getting older. You shouldn¡¯t just becent that it¡¯s not about you loving the woman without them taking care of her. You should love them more than your life. ¡± Uncle replied.


    I nodded.


    ¡°Where is the woman now?¡± I asked.


    It is true what Duke said about Uncle Augusto, why he reached this age without getting married.


    ¡°Your mother is that woman, Zander. Your father was the one she traded for me then.¡± Uncle replied.


    When I heard what Uncle said, I was taken aback.


    Heughed when he looked at me.


    ¡°I have no idea, Uncle, because my father couldn¡¯t tell me about his past,¡± I said.


    ¡°But that¡¯s what happened. I left without saying goodbye because we had a fight with your mother. I went to New York. I thought then that your mother loved me so much that I thought she was waiting for me. But I just found out that you were born. By the way, I know everything that happened in her life. I was hurt so much by what I did wrong. So until now, I haven¡¯t been married. Because I seem to have lost my appetite, ¡°said Uncle.


    ¡°Is that a reason, Uncle, that you stopped loving others? Just because you were hurt? ¡± I asked.


    People have different minds, Zander, because I used to hope so much that maybe your mother and I would still have a chance. But when I found out that your father died, I couldn¡¯t feel the joy because I could see that it was painful for your mother to go through what happened. The loss of your father, but this is what we are again. And I¡¯m so happy because the thing I dreamed of happening happened again, ¡°said Uncle.


    ¡°It¡¯s true from the news I have heard about you, Uncle, that you didn¡¯t get married because you were hurt by your ex-girlfriend. I don¡¯t have any idea that woman is my mother.¡± I told him.


    ¡°Yeah, they all know that. What they don¡¯t know is who that woman is. I don¡¯t like to include the woman who will be my girlfriend in the news about me. Because they have privacy and a life that must be taken care of and can¡¯t be involved in the media. So now I see to it and I¡¯m avoiding really making mistakes in my rtionship with your mother. Because it¡¯s hard and painful to be left behind, especially when you love that person very much, ¡°said Uncle,¡± while smiling and looking at mom.


    Then my mother approached us, while Mitch apanied Melissa.


    ¡°What are you two talking about there? Why is it serious? Did you tell my son what happened then, Augusto? It¡¯s over, so there¡¯s no need to go back,¡± said the mother with a frown.


    ¡°Nothing, sweetheart; I¡¯m just telling Zander how much I love you,¡± Uncle exined.


    ¡°Is that true, Zander? ¡°Mom asked me.


    I nodded in response and smiled.


    ¡°What time is it? Haven¡¯t we eaten yet? ¡°Mom asked. ¡°We¡¯re hungry, sweetheart,¡± Uncle replied.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a table there? If I hadn¡¯te here for the serious conversation, you two wouldn¡¯t have stopped, ¡°said the mother.


    ¡°Are you curious about what the two of us are talking about, mom? It¡¯s just a man¡¯s conversation, and you can¡¯t include it.¡± I said.


    My uncle and I got up and went inside the house.


    ¡°To whom did you buy it, Uncle?¡± I would ask.


    ¡°To my friend who migrated to Italy. He sold it to me,¡± Uncle replied.


    ¡°Don¡¯t they have any ns toe back here? I will ask.


    ¡°There are, he has properties and businesses left here. But he followed someone there in another country. But he didn¡¯t say what or who. But I¡¯m sure it¡¯s a woman. ¡± Uncle responded with a smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s really hard to understand women sometimes, ¡± I could only say.


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right. But if you really love someone, you can understand them, ¡°said Uncle.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, Uncle. We can put a cloth on the sand and put our food there. That¡¯s even better. ¡°My suggestion.


    ¡°All right, wait. I¡¯ll go into the room first and find a cloth we can use, ¡°said Uncle.


    I nodded, then Mitch entered.


    ¡°Are you okay, Mitch?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯m just looking for a toilet. I want to pee as much. ¡± Mitch replied.


    ¡°Come on, we¡¯ll find out.¡± I said.


    And then we stopped at the brown door with the toilet attached.


    ¡°It¡¯s just like a public toilet, love, because there¡¯s really something written,¡± said Mitch.


    ¡°Let it go. This is a beach resort. So maybe the former owner here has friends to spend the night with and take a bath. They won¡¯t have a hard time finding a toilet.¡±my answer.


    Mitch went inside.


    ¡°Mitch, I¡¯ll go out first. Are you okay? I¡¯ll help Uncle first. ¡± I said outside the door.


    ¡°It¡¯s OK. ¡± Mitch replied.


    I looked at my watch. It¡¯s three o¡¯clock in the afternoon.


    I looked around and looked for them all. We choose the ones we want to buy individually. And I just saw them all at the counter carrying their belongings. So I approached them.


    ¡°Is that all you want to buy? Maybe you can add more?¡± I asked them.


    ¡°This is all we want, Miss, and we have nothing more to add,¡± they answered.


    ¡°All right, we¡¯re going somewhere else. It¡¯s a hassle if we bring paper bags. Put them all in the car.¡± I order them, after I pay at the counter.


    They all came out, while I was left inside the mall. I turned around and my eyes fixed on a man who went to the office iming that we¡¯re siblings. He approached me and smiled. So far, I can see he¡¯s kind. His voice was not as loud as his mother¡¯s.


    ¡°Hi, sister. I never thought I¡¯d see you here.¡± he said in a gentle voice, simultaneously kissing my cheek.


    I was taken aback, and I had no idea he¡¯d refer to me as his sister. And kiss my cheeks like we¡¯re really family. Something in me longs for a brother or a sister. Maybe above, granted my wish, but in another way.


    ¡°Hi, are you with someone?¡± I asked him, out of nowhere.


    ¡°Nothing, when it¡¯s like this. I¡¯m not young enough to take my mother with me. By the way, I¡¯m Calvin. I¡¯m sorry about the incident in your office. I didn¡¯t even introduce myself properly, ¡°he said to me.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. By the way, I¡¯m Zaneska. ¡±


    We shake hands.


    ¡°So, who are you with here at the mall?¡± he asked, trying to strike up a conversation so that I didn¡¯t feel awkward.


    But for him, it seemed like nothing.


    ¡°I¡¯m with my friends.¡±


    ¡°What about you? Your sister? ¡± I also asked him.


    ¡°Nope, I¡¯m alone. My sister is in the house with a nanny. And my mother is somewhere I don¡¯t know. ¡± Calvin replied.


    ¡°What about friends or girlfriends?¡± I asked him.


    Heughed, barely seeing her eyes. Only now have I seen him up close. This man is handsome. Maybe he¡¯s just strolling here in the mall because he doesn¡¯t have any paper bags or anything.


    ¡°My friends are all busy with their work. I¡¯m just jobless. And a girlfriend is nothing. I don¡¯t like girls right now. I¡¯m not gay. But I¡¯m not really attractive to them yet, ¡°he replied.


    ¡°You¡¯re something,¡± I said.


    ¡°Thank you! Can I go to your house? ¡°he asked me.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± said Calvin, as if amazed at my answer.


    ¡°Why? Is there something wrong with my consent? ¡°I asked him.


    ¡°Nothing, it¡¯s just that I¡¯m shocked. Because you agreed right away, ¡°he replied.


    ¡°Should I be worried about what you could possibly do to me?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Nothing, I was kind. And I respect you, ¡°he said to me.


    I was touched by his words. He¡¯s so kind. I can see.

 CHAPTER 31

    ¡°So are you going home now?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Not yet, but maybe I¡¯ll go hometer. I don¡¯t have anything else to do here.¡± Calvin replied.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t youe with us, we¡¯re going somewhere,¡± I suggested.


    ¡°Is that okay? Isn¡¯t it too embarrassing?¡±


    ¡°No, do you know how to drive?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Yeah, I got my driver¡¯s license when I was neen, but I don¡¯t have a vehicle to use,¡± he exined.


    I was too curious to find out what their life had been like with their mother. I¡¯m still waiting for a response from Arthur. I only told Arthur to look into their lives a day ago.


    I can¡¯t say they¡¯re in pain based on how they dress. I¡¯ll be able to learn the truth about their situation.


    Calvin and I go to the mall. While I don¡¯t see any of the girls. Maybe they were all in the car.


    ¡°This is my car, Calvin,¡± I informed him.


    He slid open the driver¡¯s door. And then I went through the other door. When I turned around, they were all stunned and staring at Calvin.


    ¡°Who is he, Miss?¡± inquired Laica.


    ¡°Hello, girls, my name is Calvin, and I¡¯m Zaneska¡¯s brother,¡± Calvin introduces himself.


    They all said, ¡°Nice to meet you.¡±


    Did I think he was the shy type? Why are you droning on?


    ¡°Are they the ones you have at home?¡± vin asked.


    ¡°Yes why?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, how many are they all?¡±


    ¡°There are nine of them in the house with me, and we¡¯ve been together in the mansion for four years,¡± I replied.


    ¡°You won¡¯t be sad there because they¡¯re there,¡± he said, while the girls just stared in the mirror in front of us. But I know they¡¯re paying attention.


    ¡°At the hotel, remember the man with me in the office; he¡¯s my assistant; his birthday is tomorrow, so I¡¯ll surprise him at twelve o¡¯clock in the evening,¡± I replied.


    ¡°I see, you¡¯re a good boss,¡± Calvin said.


    ¡°Of course, which hotel do you want to go?¡±


    ¡°In luxury hotels,¡± I replied.


    ¡°All right.¡±


    We were in front of the luxury hotel in less than two minutes. I went out first, and the girls followed.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going inside the hotel?¡± I¡¯ll ask him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just wait here, sister,¡± Calvin replied, ¡°and you can go inside.¡±


    We all went inside at the same time after I nodded.


    ¡°Miss, if you¡¯re that handsome to be my driver, I¡¯d rather go out every day,¡± Lazzy said.


    I justughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but he doesn¡¯t want a woman,¡± I exined.


    They appear perplexed by what I am saying.


    ¡°What does he want a man?¡± Lucianna ask.


    ¡°He also like a woman but he still doesn¡¯t really feel like having a girlfriend. Or, more urately, he is not yet ready.¡±


    They appeared to be breathing heavily, which I noticed.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you ept that he might be gay just in case?¡± I inquire.


    ¡°Miss, he¡¯s handsome, then he became gay, and I¡¯m sure many women would be crying,¡± iza said.


    I¡¯m justughing.


    I approached the front desk.


    ¡°Hello, ma¡¯am, what can I help you with?¡± the woman asked me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s make a reservation or cater for my friend¡¯s surprise birthday; are you open until twelve o¡¯clock in the evening?¡± I¡¯ll ask.


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am, we¡¯re open twenty-four hours a day; where do you want to be on the rooftop? How many people do you have?¡± the woman asked.


    ¡°One hundred or more, just add it, maybe he has a lot of visitors, and then we¡¯re just on the roof,¡± I replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Pleasepute everything and call me when you¡¯re done; we¡¯ll eat first,¡± I said.


    ¡°Of course, ma¡¯am,¡± she say.


    ¡°Find our table, girls; I¡¯m just going outside to Calvin,¡± I instructed.


    I got out of the car and walked to my parked car. I didn¡¯t see Calvin inside when I opened it, but I did see him standing outside a boutique. He was looking for a long-sleeved shirt. Maybe he liked it. I approached him.


    ¡°Calvin, what are you doing here?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Nothing, I just look while waiting for you.¡± he replied.


    But I notice he wants to purchase the long-sleeved shirt that the mannequin is wearing.


    ¡°Come inside; we¡¯ll eat first,¡± I said.


    ¡°I¡¯m still full, sister,¡± he exined.


    ¡°It¡¯s twelve o¡¯clock in the afternoon, and I¡¯m hungry as well,¡± I exined.


    As a result, he had no choice but to go inside. When he was gone, I went inside the boutique and looked at the blue long sleeve Calvin had been staring at from the outside.


    ¡°Miss, I¡¯ll buy this and onedenim pants and a pair ofshoes,¡± I told the saleswoman.


    ¡°What size, ma¡¯am?¡± she asked me.


    ¡°Can I had a ballpen and paper? I¡¯ll write the size,¡± I exined.


    She gave me a scrap of paper and a ballpoint pen. Calvin¡¯s waist and foot measurements were taken. I did the calctions. I hope it¡¯s appropriate for him.


    I chose children¡¯s clothing. I¡¯ll also buy vin¡¯s brother whole and shoes so they can attend Randolf¡¯s birthday party. I went with a pink one with a lot of flowers and a half shoe. I proceeded to pay at the counter. Then I walked out of the boutique with everything I had purchased. I threw it in my car and drove straight to the hotel. The woman at the front desk smiled and waved at me.


    ¡°How was it?¡± I ask the woman.


    ¡°Everything is settled, ma¡¯am; here¡¯s the bill,¡± he said as he handed me the bill.


    I epted the offer and paid.


    I went to our table in the restaurant. It¡¯s a good thing that all of our orders are ready. Because I¡¯m starving.


    ¡°Have you eaten yet, Calvin?¡± I asked. ¡°Did you like the foods, or do you want to add something else?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, sister; I¡¯ll eat anything,¡± he exined.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    I nodded and began to eat as well. Even the girls remained silent. It was only hunger that brought them all to their knees.


    We were finished eating in half an hour. After I paid, we went out together.


    ¡°Miss, we¡¯re all just going somewhere; is it okay if you wait here?¡± they ask me.


    ¡°Of course,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Sister, I¡¯m going home; maybe my mom is looking for me; I still don¡¯t have a phone to call you,¡± he told me.


    ¡°Just a second,¡± I said.


    I took four paper grocery bags and gave them to him.


    ¡°What is this?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°That¡¯s for you and your sister. Go to the partyter, take her. That¡¯s what you¡¯re going to wear,¡± I said, smiling.


    ¡°I can¡¯t ept this, sister,¡± Calvin said.


    ¡°ept that, it¡¯s not a bribe to treat me well; I just want to give you that so the three of us can be close,¡± I exined.


    ¡°Thank you; we¡¯ll try to go, but our house is far from here in the city, and mother might not let us,¡± he says.


    ¡°Just tell your mother that I invite you,¡± I advised.


    Calvin had already moved away from where I stood. While transporting the paper bags. I knew they couldn¡¯teter because their mother wouldn¡¯t let them. I got in first, and then they all did.


    ¡°What did you go for?¡± I ask.


    ¡°We intend to re-bond our hair, Miss,¡± Lucy said.


    ¡°For a change? That¡¯s great. Let¡¯s go,¡± I said.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to treat usagain, Miss?¡± Lucianna ask.


    ¡°Sure,¡± I replied.


    As a result, I started the car.


    ¡°Where is it?¡± I¡¯ll ask.


    ¡°Near the Watsons,¡± Lazzy responded.


    ¡°It¡¯s right around the corner,¡± I exined.


    We all walked out and into the salon at the same time.


    ¡°Is it okay here? Is it possible our hair will break?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s give it a shot, Miss,¡± Hannah suggested.


    ¡°You go first,¡± I instructed.


    We also began to eat. Our food had allnded in the piece of cloth that had been ced in the sand.


    ¡°Youe to see me a lot, Mitch, when we¡¯re not too busy,¡± mother said.


    ¡°All right, Aunt, what are you up to now?¡± Mitch inquired of his mother.


    Mom responded, ¡°I¡¯m your Uncle Augusto¡¯s secretary.¡± Mitch gave a nod.


    ¡°I¡¯m taking her into the office with me, Mitch, because someone else might take her away from me again, so it¡¯s best to keep an eye on her at all times,¡± Uncle said.


    Except for Mom, we were allughing. Her brow furrowed.


    ¡°Stop embarrassing them, Augusto,¡± his mother reprimanded.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s fine, Ma; you¡¯re even more beautiful now,¡± Uncle said.


    ¡°Shut your mouth!¡± mother eximed.


    I stood up and took Mitch¡¯s hand in mine.


    ¡°First, mom, Mitch and I are going for a walk,¡± I exined.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Mitch and I have already begun our walk along the beach.


    ¡°Are you full? I used to believe you didn¡¯t eat.¡±


    ¡°I ate a lot in the apartment, and I¡¯ll eat moreter when I¡¯m hungry. This ce is beautiful, and it¡¯s very quiet,¡± Mitch exined.


    ¡°Yeah, far away from the crowd, it¡¯s calm, and the air is fresh,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Yes, your mother is intelligent; I¡¯m sorry, but I kept thinking negatively of her; I thought she wanted to see me or get to know me in order to say something bad,¡± Mitch exined.


    I burst outughing.


    ¡°No one, not even my father, is like that; they¡¯re kind.¡±


    ¡°And Uncle Augusto was familiar to me; I¡¯m not sure where I saw him,¡± Mitch exined.


    ¡°He¡¯s a well-known businessman in town, so it¡¯s impossible that no one knows who he is,¡± I reasoned.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s as if I saw himin the news section of the magazine, but he¡¯s also kind. Hisface is happy, and your sister is lovely. I immediately remembered my brothers and nephews in the province,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°How long have you been gone home?¡± I¡¯ll ask.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a year, but I always send money there because I¡¯d rather live here in the city than in the province because of the noise of my siblings. They always fight because their husbanddon¡¯t have a decent job,¡± Mitch exined.


    ¡°It¡¯s really like that, that¡¯s normal for a couple.¡± I said.


    ¡°My sisters are very brave. But they don¡¯t think they are to me for why they are having a hard time in life because they chose to get married early than to study and have a good life.¡± said Mitch.


    ¡°It¡¯s their choice, because you know they think more about how they feel.¡± I said.


    ¡°Then they will regret it when they have had many children and they are having a hard time in life. So when they have money problems they don¡¯t go straight to ask me because I will really scold them all. It is not so easy to find money here in the city.¡± ¡®He said. Mitch.


    ¡°It¡¯s really like that when one of them has a work together. Help when you have money, maybe they won¡¯t insist if you don¡¯t.¡± I exined.


    Mitch gave a nod.


    ¡°Can you tell me what time it is?¡± Mitch inquired.


    ¡°It¡¯s five o¡¯clock in the afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Can you take me to the coffee shop today? I¡¯m on duty from six o¡¯clock until morning; are you all right?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Sure, no problem, let¡¯s go,¡± I replied.


    So we walked back to Uncle and mother.


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m going to take Mitch home because she has dutyter; will you sleep here, Uncle?¡± I¡¯ll ask.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Uncle said.


    ¡°Come back here or at least at home, Mitch, I¡¯ll cook you some delicious food,¡± mother said.


    ¡°Yes, Aunt,¡± Mitch said, kissing my motheron the cheek.


    ¡°We¡¯re leaving; Melissa, we¡¯ll y when Ie back,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°All right, Sister Mitch,I¡¯ll wait for you.¡± Melissa said.


    As the two of us walked out the gate, Mitch waved to them.


    ¡°I hope you eat again so you can get to work right away; where can I take you to the coffee shop right away?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yes, I have a uniform there, and don¡¯t worry, I can eat there because they provide dinner,¡± Mitch exined.


    I drove away from the beach house.


    We haven¡¯t left the salon yet.

 CHAPTER 32

    ¡°We¡¯re leaving; Melissa, we¡¯ll y when Ie back,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°All right, Sister Mitch,I¡¯ll wait for you.¡± Melissa said.


    As the two of us walked out the gate, Mitch waved to them.


    ¡°I hope you eat again so you can get to work right away; where can I take you to the coffee shop right away?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yes, I have a uniform there, and don¡¯t worry, I can eat there because they provide dinner,¡± Mitch exined.


    I drove away from the beach house.


    We haven¡¯t left the salon yet.


    Lucy and Lucianna are the only hairs that have yet to be rebonded. While I was getting ready, I cut my hair short for a different look.


    I took a look at my wristwatch. It¡¯s seven o¡¯clock at night. It¡¯s only a matter of time before we have to go home and get ready to return to the hotel.


    I dialed Randolf¡¯s number.


    ¡°Hello, Miss, do you need anything?¡± he asked me.


    ¡°Nothing, I just called to say hello; where are you?¡± I ask.


    ¡°I¡¯m just at home,¡± he stated.


    ¡°Can you give me your girlfriend¡¯s phone number?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°All right, Miss,¡± Randolf replied, ¡°I¡¯ll just pass it on to you.¡±


    When I hung up the phone, I said, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I quickly receivedRandolf¡¯s girlfriend¡¯s phone number.


    I dialed her number, and she answered.


    ¡°Hello, who¡¯s this?¡± she asks on the other end of the line.


    ¡°It¡¯s me, Zaneska,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Hello, Ma¡¯am, do you need anything from me?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I got your number from Randolf; is his birthday tomorrow, right?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°All right, twelve o¡¯clock in the evening, take him to the Luxury hotel and don¡¯t tell him why; I want to surprise him,¡± I said.


    ¡°Of course, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± I eximed as I quickly hung up the phone. ¡°Who hasn¡¯t finished yet?¡± I¡¯ll ask.


    ¡°Miss, It¡¯s just only Lucianna left.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps their backs are already aching from looking after all of us here.It¡¯s a good thing this salon has arge staff,¡± Imented.


    ¡°Yes, but for all of us, Miss, they make a lot of money andmissions,¡± iza exined.


    ¡°Yeah, did you get any clothes to wearter on Randolf¡¯s birthday?¡± I ask.


    M ask, ¡°Are we all invited?¡±


    ¡°Sure, who said no?¡± I¡¯ll inquire.


    ¡°Nothing, because the celebrant isn¡¯t our friend,¡± Lucy exined.


    ¡°We¡¯re family, I invited Calvin and his sister,¡± I exined.


    ¡°Really?¡± Lazzy asked, her eyes still gleaming.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you had feelings for Miss Zaneska¡¯s brother, Lazzy?¡± Genie asked.


    ¡°Hmmm, just a crush. ¡°What¡¯s the big deal about that? ¡°Lazzy inquired.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Laica said, ¡°but I¡¯m sorry, he¡¯s not ready to like someone right now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m ready to wait,¡± Lazzy said, and Iughed.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t there have to be another man besides Calvin?¡± M asked.


    ¡°Why are you asking ? Isn¡¯t it as if you said I don¡¯t have any other brothers besides Calvin? It can¡¯t be too much, M, because I¡¯ll run out of money if that happens. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll meet a lot more men in the world. But don¡¯t be my brother the second time. ¡± I make fun of them.


    They were allughing.


    We noticed Lucianna was finished. They all turned out beautifully. I won¡¯t go into detail about their hairstyle because it will make me hungry.


    ¡°Congrattions, girls,you all look so much better today.¡± I said.


    ¡°Thank you for your bonus, Miss, even though it¡¯s not December yet,¡± Laica said.


    I couldn¡¯t stopughing.


    ¡°Wee, get in the car first, and I¡¯ll just pay,¡± I said to everyone.


    I went up to the cashier and paid.


    ¡°Thank you, Ma¡¯am,¡± the woman said, ¡°because we also had argemission and a bonus.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± I replied, smiling.


    After that, I exited the salon and got into my car.


    ¡°Do you have anywhere else to go?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°Nothing, Miss, and then it¡¯stenight; we¡¯d better get back to the hotel as soon as possible,¡± Hannah said.


    I nodded and got behind the wheel. Despite the cold, the night was clear. And the beauty of the city. People are still walking around and entering establishmentte at night.


    We arrived at the mansion half an hourter.


    ¡°Luciana,e out first, and please open the gate,¡± I said.


    I got into the car to unlock Lucianna¡¯s gate. We all went out together.


    ¡°Girls, I¡¯ll sleep for a while, but if you want to go to the hotel first, that¡¯s fine,¡± I said.


    ¡°Invite Mark, and please tell himto send all of thepany¡¯s employees in the hotel.¡± Imand.


    ¡°All right, Miss,¡± Hannah said to me.


    I walked into the room. I stripped naked and went into the bathroom. I turned on the shower and began to soak.


    They were also busy because I couldn¡¯t hear the noise any longer. I emerged from the bathroom three minutester, a towel wrapped around my body. My phone then rang. Who could call isthat? I took up my phone and checked to see who had called. I also saw Mr. Chin. I went through my closet looking for clothes. Maybe I¡¯ll be able to sleep before twelve o¡¯clock at night. I called Lucas after I had finished getting dressed.


    ¡°Hello, Lucas, where are you?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°At home, Ma¡¯am, why?¡± he askedover the phone.


    ¡°Do we have a new car that arrived at our car shop?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am,but Sir Randolf never mentioned the celebration to me.¡± he says.


    ¡°Actually, he doesn¡¯t know, so it¡¯s a surprise for him,¡± I exined.


    ¡°OK, Ma¡¯am, I¡¯m going there.¡± he said before hanging up the phone.


    I tookmy backless, above-the-knee ck gown inside the closetand put it on. I applied some make-up to my face. When I heard a car beep outside the mansion, I was carrying my ck sling bag. I walked out of the room. I started in the girls¡¯ room, but I never saw them again. How easy is it for them to dress like that and then vanish? They haven¡¯t bathed, have they? I shut the gate properly.


    ¡°Where are those girls with you here, Ma¡¯am?¡± Luke inquired.


    Perhaps they¡¯re at the hotel. They¡¯re no longer inside. I said this as I slid into the driver¡¯s seat. Lucas had already driven away from the mansion in his car.


    ¡°What time is it, Lucas?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°It¡¯s ten o¡¯clock at night,¡± I said, nodding.


    We arrived in the city after a half-hour drive. I was the first to get out of the car. I saw Rolly standing outside the shop.


    ¡°Good evening, Ma¡¯am; I didn¡¯t open the roll up  without you,¡± he said to me.


    ¡°Thank you, you have someone with you.¡± I told him. because I saw a woman waiting in her car while the window was open. The woman smiled at me.


    ¡°My girlfriend, Ma¡¯am,¡±


    ¡°I see. Let¡¯s go inside. What nice car for a gift? ¡± I asked him.


    ¡°This Mercedes Benz S-ss, Ma¡¯am, it only arrived yesterday,¡± said Rolly to me.


    ¡°OK, please settle the price, and I¡¯ll pay tomorrow,¡± I said.


    ¡°All right, ma¡¯am,¡± he said, ¡°I¡¯ll just get the key to the office.¡±


    ¡°All right, Lucas, you¡¯re going to drive that car. Putwell outside the hptel, then put up balloons,¡± I say.


    ¡°All right, ma¡¯am,¡±


    Rolly handed the key to Lucas.


    He then started the car and drove outside.


    ¡°Bring your girlfriend Rolly to the hotel as well; you¡¯ll be there first because I¡¯m going somewhere else,¡± I said.


    I got into Luke¡¯s car and started it. I intend to return to the mansion because I left the document that I will give to Randolf. I gave him shares in mypany as a gift as a thank you for his loyalty to me and thepany. It was also twelve o¡¯clock when I returned to the hotel. I got out of the car and entered the mansion. I went straight to my room and opened my drawer. I returned to my car after picking up the document. When I arrived at the hotel, I noticed Lucianna standing next to vin and his sister. I got out of the car and parked it on the side.


    ¡°Why are you still out here?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already apanied them here, Miss,¡± Lucianna replied, ¡°because they said they wouldn¡¯te in if you didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re embarrassed because there are many guests on the rooftop, including Randolf¡¯s family and all of your employees,¡± she exined to me.


    I nodded and turned to face the girl. She crept behind Calvin.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be shy, it¡¯s me, your sister Zaneska, and the dress looks great on you,¡± I said once, holding her hand.


    The child grinned.


    ¡°Thank you for this and these shoes,¡± she said.


    ¡°Thank you, and please apany me inside,¡± I said.


    My phone then began to ring inside my sling bag.


    ¡°You go inside first, and I¡¯ll just answer the phone.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Mitch. How are you doing? I¡¯m about to sulk with you. When are you going to arrive?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to say anything because it¡¯s a surprise, Zaneska,¡± she said to me.


    ¡°OK, I¡¯ll just wait for your visit,¡± I said.


    ¡°All right, I just called to say hello, and I still have a job,¡± he said to me.


    ¡°All right, be careful,¡± I said.


    ¡°You, too,¡± she replied after hanging up the phone.


    I took a look at the time. It¡¯s really twelve o¡¯clock. I¡¯ve seen a lot of people on the rooftop. Someone shouted. They¡¯re having a good time talking at their tables.


    The woman, who I believe works for the hotel, said,


    ¡°The birthday person has already arrived!¡±


    I was simply standing behind everyone.


    ¡°Just turn off the light,¡± I tell the female staff.


    ¡°That¡¯s all right, ma¡¯am.¡±


    And the entire area went dark. Then everyone made amotion. It¡¯s possible that there was a brown out. It¡¯s a good thing they¡¯re quiet because someone is keeping them quiet.


    ¡°What are we doing here, Love? It¡¯s quiet and dark; why did you bring me here?¡± Randolf askedof his girlfriend.


    I want to burst outughing. I whispered while holding the staff¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Open the light,¡± they all yelled, and everything around them lit up.


    ¡°Happy birthday! Happy birthday!¡± they all yell as they release the balloon into the sky.


    Randolf was teary-eyed, I noticed. He looked as if he was crying. It¡¯s a good thing it didn¡¯t go any further.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Thank you so much to everyone who came; I had no idea who made this celebration surprise me, but I was very happy,¡± Randolf said, looking around as if looking for someone.


    In my head, Iughed. He had no idea I was the one who nned the surprise birthday party for him. As I approached Randolf with the envelope, Lucas handed me the car key.


    ¡°Happy birthday! How old are you? You can get married,¡± I teased.


    ¡°I¡¯m not ready yet,¡± Randolf replied.


    And everyoneughed.


    ¡°You¡¯re making your girlfriend look bad with what you¡¯re saying,¡± I pointed out.


    ¡°She understands, as long as she can just wait for me,¡± Randolf said after kissing his girlfriend, and I simply smiled.


    ¡°Did you enjoy my surprise birthday celebration for you?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Yes, Miss, I¡¯m overjoyed; I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d nned a surprise for me.


    ¡°Of course, you are deserving of this. because you are an excellent assistant to me This is my present to you.¡± I informed him. And I presented my gift.


    ¡°Key? And this envelope? What is this?¡± he asked, his voice astonished.


    ¡°Open the envelope, and the one with the key is parked outside the hotel, which you should seeter,¡± I exined.


    Randolf opened the envelope and took a look at the document inside.


    ¡°Shares in thepany, but why?¡± he asked, astoundedand disbelieving.


    ¡°Are you serious, Miss?¡±


    ¡°Do I appear to be joking? That¡¯s legal, and I had awyer do it for me. ¡°I can¡¯t ept it all,¡± I exined.


    ¡°And there¡¯s still a car,¡± he grumbled.


    ¡°ept it. You are deserving of everything. Congrattions! ¡± I told him as I hugged him.


    ¡°Thank you very much, Miss.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re very wee. Okay, take a seat. And we¡¯ll all eat together. ¡°I told the two of them.


    And as I approached our table, I noticed Calvin squirming in his seat.

 CHAPTER 33

    I took a seat next to him.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Calvin? Are you okay? I noticed you¡¯re uneasy in your seat,¡± I asked, my gaze fixed on him.


    ¡°A lot of people are looking at me, sister, and I noticed that they are mostly women, maybe they are curious about who I am. Too embarrassing,¡± heined.


    I couldn¡¯t stopughing.


    ¡°They have a crush on you. That¡¯s a normal reaction of women. Maybe you¡¯re not aware of your good looks. So if you want to be a partof my life and my world. You have to get used to a lot of people.They¡¯ll stare at you. Because you¡¯ll be with them every day for the next few days.¡± Imand him.


    He stood up and took a bite of food. I took a look at Calvin¡¯s younger sister. She was eating now because Lucy was looking after her. Maybe she was hungry because she ate so well. My eyes widened at the rooftop entrance, and I gaped at the visitor. Mr. Tao Chin was there with apanion.


    Was he formally invited? What else does he need at this point? Randolf approached him and escorted him to the open table. So he was invited by Randolf? But it appears that he will be unable to do so. Randolfis allergic to him.


    The hotel staff¡¯s gave Mr. Chin a foods. Randolf then approached me.


    ¡°Did you invite him, Miss?¡± Randolf asked.


    ¡°Nothing, I thought you were the one who called to invite him here,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Neither do I, but maybe it¡¯s okay with you that he¡¯s here?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°Is there anything I can do for him? He¡¯s already here,¡± I said.


    ¡°Go back to your table, so he doesn¡¯t see me here,¡± I told Randolf.


    He then exited and returned to his table. I¡¯m sure Mr. Chinwon¡¯t notice mehere because even when the moon isn¡¯t out, the light isn¡¯t very bright all around the rooftop. And when I saw him look around, I knew I was the one he was looking for.


    ¡°Your suitor has arrived, Miss,¡± Lazzy said.


    They also examined Mr.¡¯s desk. Chin.


    I shrug my shoulders and keep eating.


    I told them, ¡°Don¡¯t look athim so he doesn¡¯te to our table.¡±


    I turned to face the child who was busy eating.


    Calvin took a seat next to me and began eating.


    ¡°What is your name?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°Hello, my name is Princess Lara,¡± she says.


    ¡°Your name is lovely, just like you,¡± I said.


    ¡°Thank you very much, sister.¡±


    ¡°Did you enjoy the meals they prepared? After you finished the rice, there¡¯s ice cream and cake here; just ask,¡± I told the boy.


    ¡°Yeah, I prefer eating foods like this to that¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop talking, Lara! Just eat,¡± Calvin says.


    My brow furrowed. Because I was too interested in what Lara would saystly.


    As a result, I was very interested in learning about the state of their lives. I even waited for Arthur¡¯s phone call.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    It wasn¡¯t long before I was so engrossed in looking at Lara that I didn¡¯t notice the hand of whoever was holding my arm.


    ¡°What are you doing? You¡¯re holding my sister¡¯s shoulder without telling her?¡± Calvin asked out of nowhere.


    Calvin¡¯s raised brow was the one I noticed looking behind me. So I took a look at what he was staring at. It was Mr. Chin who was beaming at me.


    ¡°Your brother is so angry when he looks at me, Zaneska, as if I¡¯m about to do something bad to you,¡± Mr. Chin said to me.


    I cracked a grin. Right now, I know there is someone who will truly protect me from disaster. Calvin¡¯s expression reminds me of my father when he is angry. I have the impression that he is not pleased with Mr. Chintouching me. So he took his hand off my arm.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprise that I see you here, Mr. Chin?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Yeah, I know everything that¡¯s going on in your life, Zaneska, so I know exactly what those are,¡± he replied.


    My brow furrowed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say you had me investigate? That¡¯s a bad move,¡± I pointed out.


    Mr. Chinughed.


    ¡°Of course, I like you, Zaneska, so I¡¯m not doing anything wrong, and if you¡¯re worried that I¡¯ll find out something about your personal life, don¡¯t be.


    I ept you in all of your facets ¡°In a serious tone, he said to me.


    For a brief moment, I was deafeningly silent. Seriously? Is he still here to say whatever in front of arge crowd? I also noticed the girls staring at us, as if they were taken aback.


    ¡°Find a seat, Mr. Chin; you¡¯re not the only one standing there, and you¡¯re attracting the attention of others,¡± I said.


    He sat down next to me and took a seat. I rolled my eyes at what he did. He has absolutely no intention of leaving my table.


    It¡¯s twelve o¡¯clock, but I¡¯m still sitting alone on our house¡¯s balcony. Mom and Melissa did not return home. They primarily sleep at the beach house. Drowsiness did note to visit me because the house was so quiet. So I know I¡¯ll be exhausted the next day. My eye is hurting. I¡¯m still waiting for Mitch¡¯s call, but he texted me that we¡¯ll meet tomorrow instead of today because he¡¯s on duty today.


    I made the decision to go inside my room. I¡¯ll just sleep by myself now. I closed my eyes and wrapped a nket around myself.


    Randolf¡¯s birthday celebration hase to an end. As a result, his other guests left first. We¡¯ve checked out of the hotel. They are staring at the car I gave to Randolf. In addition to Calvin.


    ¡°Your boss is too generous to give you a gift, Mr. Agoncillo,¡± Mr. Chin told Randolf.


    Randolf¡¯s response was simply augh.


    ¡°We¡¯re leaving, Miss, thank you so much for your gift, which will be repeated,¡± Randolf said to me.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I said.


    Randolf and his girlfriend walked away. I looked at Calvin, who was holding Lara¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Does your mother knows you¡¯re here?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°Actually, he didn¡¯t know because he wasn¡¯t home when I arrived, and then he was working somewhere I don¡¯t know. He usually doesn¡¯te home for a few days,¡± Calvin exined.


    ¡°I see you¡¯re only going to sleep in the mansion; it¡¯s two o¡¯clock in the morning; perhaps something bad will happen to you when you go home,¡± I said.


    ¡°Our ce is safe, so there¡¯s no problem; I have a friend who works here, and he has a car, so we¡¯ll just go together; he¡¯s already here,¡± Calvin exined.


    Then, in front of us, a white car pulled up. The window slid open, revealing the curly-haired man¡¯s head.


    ¡°Good evening,¡± he said to me, ¡°I¡¯ll just take Calvin home with me, we¡¯re neighbors.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, and please be cautious,¡± I advised.


    I took a look at Lara. He smiled at me and took my hand in his. I gave her a peck on the cheek. They got into the car together. I motioned with my hand to them.


    ¡°Mypanion and I will go first, Zaneska; I can¡¯t take you anymore because I have someone with me now,¡± he said while kissing my cheek; he would have avoided me but it was toote because his lips had already touched my skin.


    I¡¯m scowling. What is this man up to? Mr. Chincar has driven away. So we all piled into the car. My head began to ache. So I have to go to bed convinced that I am it.


    ¡°Are you okay, girls?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°No, Miss, we really want to sleep; I see it¡¯s like a pillow and a nket,¡± Lazzy said.


    I burst outughing. I drove away from the hotel in my car. We arrived at the mansion about a half hourter. They all went out first and opened the gate, allowing me to bring the car inside.


    I exited the building and went straight to my room. I dressed, sat on the bed, and closed my eyes.


    I awoke at ten o¡¯clock the next morning. I apologize for being sote to work today. I¡¯m not sure if Randolf came into the office today. I intend to pay a visit to my parents at the cementery. I haven¡¯t seen them in a long time. I exited the room and went to the kitchen to get some water. I discovered them all eating.


    ¡°Are you leaving now, Miss? I thought you¡¯d wake upter because it¡¯s Sunday,¡± Lucianna asked.


    What the hell happened? Why am I bing so forgetful? Is it possible I¡¯m already ill? I was given a ss of water to drink. I had three sses left when I ran out.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving first; what dish?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°We only cooked vegetables for you, Miss,¡± they exined.


    ¡°That should suffice,¡± I said.


    I sat down and took a seat. I began spooning rice and dish.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have anything to do today? You can start entering the office tomorrow, so you can¡¯t go anywhere; I¡¯m too strict when ites to office work,¡± I exined.


    ¡°All right, Miss,¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take Lucianna, and the rest of you should check all my business around town; you¡¯ll just visit and see if there¡¯s a problem,¡± I tell them.


    ¡°Yes, Miss,¡± they replied.


    The eight of them stood up, leaving Lucianna and me in the kitchen.


    ¡°Miss, where are we going?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to visit my parents¡¯ grave, and I¡¯ll take you with me. Are you finished eating? Get dressed, because we¡¯re leaving now,¡± I said.


    She was the first to emerge from the kitchen. I returned to my room after eating to take a shower. Even in the morning, the temperature is high.


    Arthur hasn¡¯t yet callme. Maybe he hasn¡¯t gotanything yet. I exited the bathroom. And I¡¯m looking for something to wear right now. I decided on a t-shirt and faded ck pants, which I would pair with doll shoes. I began getting dressed and exited my room. The entire house is silent. Maybe they¡¯ve all gone.


    I exited through the front door. And I noticed Lucianna waiting for me beneath the mango tree. I¡¯m not sure if there is any fruit on the mango tree that I grew myself so that I wouldn¡¯t have to buy fruits from the store. At the back of the mansion, there are many more fruit trees. I¡¯m not sure if any fruits have yet ripened. Because, as far as I know, the fruits are only avable seasonally.


    ¡°Have they all gone, Lucianna?¡± I¡¯ll ask.


    ¡°Indeed, Miss,¡±


    ¡°Are there any ripe mangoes yet?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Looks like nothing yet, Miss,¡± Lucianna replied, ¡°only raw ones I see above.¡±


    I gave a nod. And then he got in his car. Lucianna then followed me.


    ¡°Whose car are they in now?¡± I¡¯ll inquire.


    ¡°To Lucas, Miss, I don¡¯t want to think about it, but there appears to be something in yourpany driver and M,¡± Lucianna said.


    ¡°Really?¡± I asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know the details of Lucas¡¯ life, but I haven¡¯t heard that he has a wife or girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°They only met and talked at the birthday party; I had no idea they had an understanding now; it¡¯s too easy,¡± Lucianna smiled.


    ¡°That¡¯s really how life works. Wherever you¡¯refortable and happy, that¡¯s where you¡¯ll end up,¡± I exined.


    Lucianna simply nodded. I¡¯ve already started the vehicle.


    ¡°Would you mind if I came out to open the gate, Miss?¡± I¡¯ll ask.


    ¡°Nevermind,¡±

 CHAPTER 34

    To open the gate, I used the remote control. Then I exited the car.


    ¡°Is that a new purchase, Miss? I just saw that now.¡±Lucianna said.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time, I forgot to use, and if I didn¡¯t get a dress from the farthest part of the closet, I wouldn¡¯t be able to see this.¡± was my response.


    We arrived at the private cemetery about a half hourter. I pulled over to the side of the road and parked the car. And Lucianna and I walked in together.


    The gate has been opened. Perhaps another visiting rtive was buried here as well. Lucianna and I both entered at the same time.


    ¡°Are we still a long way away, Miss?¡± Lucianna asked.


    ¡°We¡¯re almost there,¡± I replied.


    When we turned left, I noticed the gate to my parents¡¯ grave. I made it myself to use in the construction of a house. So they don¡¯t get wet from the rain. I swung open the locked gate. And then I went inside. I stopped bringing flowers because they didn¡¯t want them. However, I was surprised to see fresh flowers on my mother¡¯s grave. Did anyone pay them a visit? Who is he?


    ¡°Did anyone elsee here, Miss? I think that flower has been here a while, because it hasn¡¯t withered yet,¡± Lucianna said.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, Lucianna; I was surprised, too.¡± was my response.


    I went over to my father¡¯s grave. I also stroked the area where his name was written.


    ¡°How are you, Daddy? I¡¯m sorry because I just thought of visiting you two, but that doesn¡¯t mean I forgot about you. You know, your woman showed up in your office and you two really have a child. That woman. I was shocked because I couldn¡¯t imagine you could fool mommy, but when that happened, I was ready to ept them. Maybe when mommy found out that you had another child, she punched you. And hung you upside down.¡±


    My mother¡¯s name was caressed with one hand.


    ¡°Mommy, how are you? Do you know how much I missed you? It¡¯s been a few years since you left my side, but I know you¡¯re happy where you are now. Just don¡¯t hurt Daddy anymore because he had a children. I don¡¯t have to sweep and clean your house anymore because it¡¯s clean. So I¡¯m leaving. I¡¯ll just visit you again next time.¡± I caressed the graves of the two of them and


    I shut the gate and  lock it again.


    When we got out, I ran into the man who was watching over this ce.


    ¡°How are you?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°It¡¯s all right, Ma¡¯am, I just saw you visit again, but a man visited your parents¡¯ grave, and I happened to be here at eight o¡¯clock, so I opened the gate for him,¡± the man said to me.


    My brow furrowed. That is why flowers exist.


    ¡°Did he tell you his name?¡± I inquire.


    ¡°No, but he said he was from your parents¡¯ family,¡± the old man exined.


    I simply nodded. I also gave him money.


    ¡°What is this for?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°That¡¯s for your expenses and as a thank you for cleaning my parents¡¯ house,¡± I exined. ¡°Thank you. We¡¯re leaving.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate it.¡±


    And then we exited the cemetery gate. What the old man told me was indelible in my mind. What kind of news did this bring me? Isn¡¯t my mother and father telling the truth? I got in the car and turned it on so Lucianna could join me.


    ¡°First, Lucianna, let¡¯s go to the city,¡± I suggested.


    ¡°That¡¯s all right, Miss.¡±


    Our return flight to the city took an hour and a half. I came to a halt in front of the mall.


    ¡°Are you nning on buying anything here, Miss?¡± Lucianna inquired.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll get Calvin a new phone and Lara a tablet,¡± I said.


    Lucianna nodded, and the two of us walked into the mall. We go straight to the gadgets section. I went on the hunt for a good phone model.


    ¡°It¡¯s just this phoneand a tablet, Miss,¡± I exined.


    After that, I paid. I first showed it to Lucianna.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to buy anything for your child, Lucianna? New clothes and shoes; what about a phone? Does he already have one?¡± I inquire.


    ¡°I already gave him a gadgetson his birthday, Miss,¡± Lucianna replied.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    On our walk through the mall, I was about to collide with Mr. Chin, but I was already hidden in a perfume shelf. I grabbed Lucianna¡¯s hand and yanked her away from me.


    ¡°Luciana, let¡¯s go home.¡±


    ¡°What happened, Miss?¡± Lucianna asked.


    He must have been perplexed as to why I had dragged him.


    ¡°Mr. Chin is inside the mall; good thing he didn¡¯t see me,¡± I exined.


    Heughed as he looked at me.


    ¡°You look like a teenager, Miss, avoiding your stalker,¡± Luciannamented.


    ¡°I really believe he¡¯s a stalker, and he¡¯s a childish human being when ites to acting,¡± I exined.


    We¡¯ve already left the mall. I got into my car. Then Mr. Chinappeared outside the mall.


    ¡°Hurry up, Lucianna, he¡¯s gone,¡± I said.


    I stopped the car when Lucianna came in. I was sweating profusely when we arrived at the mansion. I opened the gate and got into the car.


    I went out with Lucianna.


    ¡°Please get some juice, Lucianna; we¡¯re hanging out under the mango tree; I don¡¯t think they¡¯ve arrived yet, so the house is quiet,¡± I said.


    ¡°All right, Miss,¡± he said as he went inside, leaving me on the bench under the mango.


    I was scrolling through Instagram when a photo caught my eye. A picture that made my heart race. Mr. Chin and I as we were still on the beach at the time. So, what is his intention in releasing this photograph of us? And it was the caption that irritated me the most. The caption on the photo reads, ¡°My love of my life.¡± He allowed the media to ruin my life, which I was trying to avoid. He gave me another reason to dislike him.


    So I didn¡¯t notice Lucianna handing me the juice. He poured me into a ss. I drank it all at once. Because of my rage.


    My mother hasn¡¯t returned home yet today, despite the fact that it¡¯s twelve o¡¯clock. As a result, I slept alone at home today. The gate swung open. I mistook them for my mother when they walked in. All I could see was Duke¡¯s happy face.


    ¡°Did you get a visit here at home, Duke? I thought you went to Amara¡¯s house,¡± I asked him.


    ¡°We¡¯re all going there together; no one will be ahead or behind,¡± he said.


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the deal with your house being so quiet? Where are your mother and Melissa?¡± Duke inquired.


    ¡°Mitch and I went to Uncle Augusto¡¯s beach housest night, but we also went home because she was on duty at the coffee shop,¡± I exined.


    ¡°I see, is it nice there? Maybe we can go there on vacation and skip school; we¡¯ll just rent it,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful there, and the whole ce is quiet. Uncle Augusto will never let it be rented, so we can stay there for free,¡± I exined.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    Duke sat next to me.


    ¡°When will Amara¡¯s birthday party begin?¡± I ask.


    ¡°It¡¯s still tonight; she texted me earlier.¡±


    And he was looking down at his phone. Suddenly, his brow furrowed.


    ¡°What are you looking at, Duke?¡± I¡¯ll asked him.


    ¡°Mitch¡¯s friend Zaneska Vergara. Featured on social media.¡± Duke response.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s with someone on the beach. Take a look at this,¡± Duke said, handing me his phone.


    I took a look at the photograph. Duke was correct. Mitch¡¯s best friend on the beach with a man. The woman is dressed in a yellow swimsuit thatplements her white skin tone. Because his eyes were small, the man with him appeared to be Chinese. In my head, I smiled.


    ¡°They don¡¯t fit together,¡± only Duke said.


    ¡°Do you mind them,as long as they feel the same way.¡±


    ¡°She is far more beautiful and attractive than he,¡± Duke said.


    I¡¯m cracking up.


    ¡°It¡¯s as if you don¡¯t eat, you just watch other people¡¯s lives,¡± I exined.


    ¡°Actually, I¡¯m very full, but the hours are ticking away, and even if I stop the time, I won¡¯t be able to do it. I¡¯m nervous, and I don¡¯t know what to do. Because of the confrontation between Amara¡¯s parents and me. I don¡¯t know what the possible consequences of everything will beter,¡± Duke exined.


    ¡°Just have faith in yourself, Duke,¡± I advised.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m hoping so.¡±


    Despite how much Duke and I talked, we didn¡¯t know what time it was. It was already seven o¡¯clock in the evening when I looked at the clock.


    ¡°Do you want to go home to change clothes, Duke?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll just get dressed here; my clothes are already in the car,¡± he said to me.


    He stood up and left the house to get his clothes. He returned a few secondster with the paper bag. We went inside the house, just the two of us. As I entered the bedroom, I left him in the living room.


    I dressed and exited my room.


    ¡°Come on, we¡¯ll just go by Mitch¡¯s apartment,¡± I said.


    Duke gave a nod. And he came up to my car.


    ¡°Is this your car? It¡¯s nice,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Yes, is that what we¡¯re bringing, or is it just yours?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll just take my car,¡± Duke said.


    We exited the gate. Duke got into the car first, while I shut the gate to our house.


    Mitch also texted me to say he had been waiting for me for quite some time.


    I got into my car. I was in the front seat, next to Duke. I was just quiet while he drove.

 CHAPTER 35

    Duke appears to be shivering.


    ¡°Duke, stop the car; I¡¯ll drive; you¡¯re too tense, we might collide,¡± I said.


    He exited the vehicle. As a result, I was the one who had to drive for the two of us. I think I understand him right now. Meeting a girlfriend¡¯s parents can be stressful, especially if they are overly strict.


    ¡°Drink some water first; maybe you brought something in your car,¡± I suggested. He went behind the car to get some water in a stic mineral container.


    I came to aplete stop because we were right next to Mitch¡¯s apartment. Then he exited the gate. He rapped on the car¡¯s door. When I opened it, he punched me.


    ¡°Amara called me, Duke, you can¡¯t be reached,¡± Mitch exined. When he climbed into the car.


    ¡°I turn off my phone because I don¡¯t want anyone calling me, especially when I¡¯m nervous,¡± Duke responded.


    ¡°Everything will be fine, don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°I can¡¯t help myself, Mitch.¡±


    I¡¯ve already begun driving. We were in front of Amara¡¯s mansion an hourter. The size of their house took my breath away. Many cars are parked inside the mansion. I could tell the party was about to begin. I was the first to leave, and I opened the door for Mitch.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go in, Duke, there¡¯s a crowd inside,¡± I said. He didn¡¯t seem to hear what I was saying.


    I rapped on the window.


    ¡°Are we there yet?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°Yes, so get down there and let¡¯s go inside their house together,¡± I instructed.


    Duke was probably forced toe down because we were really here. There is also nog. As Duke and I followed, Mitch held my hand.


    Amara stood at the mansion¡¯s entrance with the woman and man I recognized as her parents. I don¡¯t think we¡¯re having a good day today. Amara¡¯s parents were not pleased to see us. The woman¡¯s brows rose to my mother¡¯s age, and the man¡¯s brows rose to Uncle Augusto¡¯s age. When she saw Mitch, the woman simply smiled.


    ¡°Hello, Mitch, I¡¯m d to see you here, and who¡¯s with you?¡± the woman asked, frowning from head to toe.


    Mitch responded, ¡°He¡¯s my boyfriend, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    The woman smiled.


    ¡°Really? He¡¯s so handsome. You¡¯re lucky to have him,¡± the woman said, but I didn¡¯t smile. Because he had previously mocked my character by looking at me from head to toe.


    Amara is the opposite of her mother in terms of attitude..


    ¡°And who is the man who is behind you?¡± Amara¡¯s father inquired.


    Amara approached Duke and grabbed his arm. There¡¯s a reason her parents¡¯ eyes widened.


    ¡°Mommy, daddy, Duke, my boyfriend,¡± Amara exined. The woman smiled.


    ¡°Really? He¡¯s so handsome. You¡¯re lucky to have him,¡± the woman said, but I didn¡¯t smile. Because he had previously mocked my character by looking at me from head to toe.


    Amara is the opposite of her mother in terms of attitude..


    ¡°And who is the man who is behind you?¡± Amara¡¯s father inquired.


    Amara approached Duke and grabbed his arm. There¡¯s a reason her parents¡¯ eyes widened.


    ¡°Mommy, daddy, Duke, my boyfriend,¡± Amara exined.


    The couple¡¯s eyes widened when they heard what Amara said.


    ¡°Good evening, Ma¡¯am, sir,¡± Duke said, about to approach the two to pay his respects when he was stopped.


    ¡°No need, you came here to meet us, didn¡¯t you? Don¡¯t you know there¡¯s another man with a n for Amara, and it¡¯s not you?¡± the mother asked.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± eximed Amara.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Aren¡¯t you telling her you¡¯re going to marry someone else?¡± Amara¡¯s father asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t agree, daddy! Because I love Duke!¡± Amara eximed, as Duke became pale and perplexed. He abruptly let go of Amara and walked out the gate.


    Amara was supposed to follow Duke outside, but her mother intervened. So I simply followed Duke. First, I said my goodbyes to Mitch.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just follow Duke, Mitch, and call you,¡± I said.


    He gave a nod. I never said goodbye to Amara¡¯s parents because I was furious at what they had done to Duke. I wouldn¡¯t have gone if I had known what was going to happen. I¡¯m in pain right now for Duke. I¡¯m not sure what he can do. I caught up with him just as he was about to get into the car.


    ¡°Duke, where are you going?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°What do you want me to do, Zander? Stay there even though I know they¡¯re hurting me? Are you thinking? You¡¯re back inside the mansion. Why are you following me? I wish Amara would have followed me and fought for me, but only now can I prove that only friends can be there in any problem,¡± he says. His heart is filled with resentment right now.


    Although no tears flowed from his eyes, I could feel the agony of his failure.


    ¡°Are you going to give up? I thought you loved Amara?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Do I have chancein case I fight for her? His parents don¡¯t want me,¡± Duke replied before getting into the car.


    ¡°I¡¯m hurt because his parents did something wrong, and he still doesn¡¯t tell me, so it means one thing: he still doesn¡¯t really love me very much. If I had known this is how I¡¯d end uping here, I wouldn¡¯t havee here; I¡¯m ashamed of you,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°What are you going to be ashamed ofme? There¡¯s no case against me like this. Let¡¯s go home,¡± I said.


    Then he walked out the gate to see Mitch. And then she got into the car.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Mitch said, herface solemn.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re arguing, they¡¯re scolding Amara, and she¡¯s upset because Duke left without fighting for her parents; she wanted that Duke was go with her, but she also lied,¡± Mitch responded.


    ¡°I¡¯m hurt, Mitch, because she kept a secret a secret from me, so what do you expect me to do? I was surprised because I didn¡¯t even know? So it¡¯s better like this. She can face herparents¡¯ anger alone. Theyhas a bad temper. I¡¯ll meet many more women on the way. Why would I stick with a woman when her parents want a different man for her?¡± Duke said.


    ¡°You¡¯re just saying that, Duke, because you¡¯re hurting,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°Of course, Mitch, it hurts, but I¡¯m not a martyr to pursue someone who is difficult to pursue,¡± Duke exined.


    My head shook. I don¡¯t think their rtionship will end here.


    ¡°Don¡¯t rush the decision, Duke; wait until you two talk to Amara; maybe she was surprised, too, by what her parents revealed; she has a n to tell you the truth, so she was just preceded by his parents; listen to what she tells you first, so you don¡¯t regret itter,¡± I advised.


    Duke shook his head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do, Zander; I¡¯m not a bad person; I¡¯ve never cheated on a woman before; but why did I have this kind of life in terms of rtionships?¡± Duke asked.


    I drove away from Amara¡¯s mansion in my car.


    ¡°Look at her, we were outside their mansion for a long time, but she didn¡¯t evene out to follow me; she only wants one thing, she can¡¯t fight me,¡± Duke exined.


    I exhaled a sigh.


    ¡°Are you going home now, or somewhere else?¡± I inquired of him.


    ¡°I¡¯m at the bar house first,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Will we go with you first?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t do it, it¡¯ll be too embarrassing for Mitch,¡± Duke advised.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine with me, and it¡¯s still early, so we¡¯ll just go with you to the bar house,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Of course, we¡¯re friends.¡±


    We were still standing outside Lucianna¡¯s mansion, under the mango tree. It¡¯s seven o¡¯clock at night, but the moon is shining brightly. The girls have yet to arrive. Lucianna and I also dined here.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t they nning to stroll around the city until midnight? Call them,¡± I demanded of Lucianna.


    ¡°They texted me, Miss, they got hometer,¡± Lucianna responded.


    ¡°Where did you hide the gadgets?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s in your drawer, Miss,¡± she says.


    ¡°Thank you, Lucianna; I¡¯ll go to bed early.¡± I said.

 CHAPTER 36

    ¡°All right, miss, you¡¯re not going to eat again?¡± Lucianna inquired.


    ¡°Not any longer, and please call them all.¡± That they won¡¯t be able to stay in the city for long. ¡± Lucianna gave a nod. So I went straight to my room after entering the mansion.


    I stripped naked and went into the bathroom. I turn on the shower and begin to soak in it. Mr. Chin, we haven¡¯t talked yet, but I¡¯m disgusted by what he do. He is really testing my patience. Maybe he did that so I could call him and confront him because I didn¡¯t pay attention to him.


    I exited the bathroom and changed my clothes. I won¡¯t stay inside because the water is too cold.


    I¡¯m dressed. And take a seaton the bed. I closed my eyes and went to sleep.


    We were already inside the bar as a group of three. We¡¯ll just go with Duke so he doesn¡¯t even consider suicide. He has already begun to consume beer. Somedies drink while Mitch is drinking. Duke gave me a look.


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m going tomit suicide if you don¡¯te with me? She¡¯s just a woman; I¡¯ll trade her for a lot more if I want to,¡± Duke exined.


    ¡°Shut up! Your talking too much, yeah they¡¯re just women, but remember you could see a beauty of life just because of a woman; you can call her so you two can get along and talk; if it can¡¯t be fixed, let go and move on,¡± I said as I drank a beer.


    ¡°I¡¯m hurting a lot. I love her a lot, but she still can¡¯t seem to let her parents go to apany me. She was so naive and fragile enough to be removed from her parents¡¯ welfare. I¡¯m not that viin to take away that right from him. Your right, we need to talk if he really doesn¡¯t want toe with me. I¡¯ll be forced to let him go,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Duke, all you have to do is move on. I¡¯m nning to go to the city the next day; perhaps you¡¯d like toe? I¡¯ll take Zander with me,¡± Mitch said.


    Mitch hadn¡¯t mentioned anything about our trip to the city to me, so I frowned.


    ¡°When are you leaving?¡± Duke inquired.


    ¡°Are you free on Saturday, Love?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I replied.


    ¡°What are your ns for the city?¡± Duke inquired.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to see Zaneska; she¡¯s been calling and asking when I¡¯m going to see her,¡±


    ¡°Speaking of her, does she have a boyfriend? I saw her picture on social media with a man on the beach,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Really? She didn¡¯t say anything, and she¡¯s allergic to social media, so why did she put her face there with aman?¡± Mitch asked.


    ¡°Why?¡± I¡¯ll inquire.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t want limelight, she doesn¡¯t want hername and face in the tabloids or on social media; if she finds out that hername is only mentioned, she will be furious; she prefers a quiet life,¡± Mitch exined.


    I gave a nod.


    ¡°How long will we be there?¡±


    ¡°It all depends,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s our vacation, Zander, so it¡¯s okay for us to stay there for a while; maybe Zaneska will let us stay at her house,¡± Duke exined.


    ¡°You can do it, too,¡± I said.


    We considered going home after an hour. Duke was already drunk, so I drove the car. Duke was in the back, and I was next to Mitch.


    ¡°Are youing home, Mitch?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°Yes, you?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ll go on a date the next time,¡± I said.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. We can¡¯t insert dating anymore, sincewe have a drunk manwith us. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll still clean up when he vomits here,¡± Mitch said, smiling.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Mitch and I finally got to our legs. Duke is propped up because he is so drunk and has already slept.


    ¡°Are you all right, Mitch? I¡¯ll just take Duke on my own because he¡¯s so heavy.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll just help you so we can get home faster.¡±


    We also exited the bar. I opened the car door, and we both helped Duke get inside.


    ¡°You¡¯re in the driver¡¯s seat, Mitch; where are we going to take this Duke? We¡¯ve been together for a few years, but I¡¯ve never been to his house,¡± I exined.


    Mitchughs.


    ¡°You can¡¯t take Duke home if you¡¯re not with me right now,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°I had no choice but to bring him in the house,¡± I exined.


    Mitch nodded and went up into thecar. I drove it away from the bar. Mitch and I just sat quietly in the backseat as I drove slowly.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me we were going to the city,¡± I pointed out.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I really told you earlier, but Duke was broken hearted. And then, after I visit Zaneska, I¡¯m going home to the province, and I¡¯ll take you with me because they want to meet you,¡± Mitch exined. Thereason I¡¯m sweating.


    ¡°Are you all right? Don¡¯t you want to meet them? It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯te,¡± Mitchughed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there; I¡¯m just stunned by what you said,¡± I said.


    ¡°We¡¯re even, I was surprised when you said your parents wanted to meet me, so what you¡¯re feeling now is the same way I felt before, but it¡¯s still Saturday, and if you¡¯re on vacation,¡± Mitch exined.


    Fortunately, Mitch had told me the location of Duke¡¯s house. Before she could forget as a result of our conversation.


    We arrived at a private residence. The swinging gate swung open. Perhaps the guards recognized Duke¡¯s car. We stopped two secondster in front of a four-story brown-painted house.


    ¡°Is this Duke¡¯s house?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Yes, hopefully the maid will open their gate because if his parents, this drunk man will face his parents¡¯ rage,¡± Mitch exined.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t his parents stay here for an unusually long time?¡±


    ¡°Duke is usually apanied here by his maidbecause his parents are away on business,¡± she exin.


    Mitch emerged from the house and pressthe doorbell. Because she wasn¡¯t wearing a uniform, I knew she wasn¡¯t Duke¡¯s housemate when the gate opened.


    ¡°Good evening, do you need anything?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Mitch said, frowning at the woman. I opened the car door and took Duke, who was fast asleep, inside.


    I look at the woman, who has a furrowed brow.


    ¡°What happen tohim?¡±


    Mitch responded, ¡°He¡¯s drank.¡±


    ¡°Is that correct? Come inside first,¡± the woman said after opening the gate for us to enter.


    ¡°He said he was going to his girlfriend¡¯s house to meet her parents, and then he came home drunk?¡±


    We¡¯ve already entered the house¡¯s living room. I sat Duke down on the couch andthe woman remove his shoes.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a shambles there since they got in trouble; I don¡¯t know the whole story; you should ask him,¡± Mitch said.


    The woman nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯m Sammy, Duke¡¯s cousin. Actually, this is my house. I only let him live here when I went to France. It¡¯s a good thing you brought him here. When it¡¯s at their mansion in the other ce. It¡¯ll take a sermon to the parents,¡± Sammy exined.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°What would you like to eat?¡± Sammy asked.


    Mitch replied, ¡°No, thank you, we¡¯re full.¡±


    Then it began to rain heavily. There¡¯s a reason Mitch and I are staring at each other.


    ¡°Are you going home? You¡¯re going to sleep here because the road is slippery now.¡± she invited us.


    I waited for Mitch to say something. I¡¯d like to spend the evening with heras well.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, too,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine; changing your clothes isn¡¯t a problem because I have clothes for guests,¡± Sammy said.


    Then a man came out of the kitchen topless.


    ¡°His name is Brando, and he¡¯s my cook,¡± Sammy exined.


    ¡°Shut up! I¡¯m not your maid, I¡¯m your boyfriend,¡± Brando replied.


    ¡°Good evening, my name is Zander, and this is my girlfriend Mitch,¡± I introduced myself.


    ¡°Feel at home, I prepared dinner; what happened to that man?¡± Brando asked about Duke.


    ¡°Perhaps he¡¯s broken-hearted,¡± Sammy responded.


    Brando chuckles.


    ¡°Love can be annoying at times, but we¡¯re going to eat,¡± Brando said as he walked into the kitchen. We went to the kitchen as a group of three. We finished eating an hourter and are now inside the guest room. The rain is still falling heavily.


    Mitch and I were both dressed and lying in our beds. As we looked up at the ceiling, he hugged me.


    ¡°Love?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m curious, why?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to thank the rain,¡± I exined.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m with you right now, and I¡¯m hugging you tight,¡± I replied.


    Mitch burst outughing.


    ¡°We can sleep together even if it¡¯s not raining,¡± Mitch responded.


    ¡°Is it okay if we sleep next to each other? Even we¡¯re notmarried?¡± I said.


    ¡°Of course. We¡¯re in the modern world now, and the policy was different backthen than it is now, and others are doing even worse,¡± Mitch exined.


    ¡°You better sleep already. It¡¯s also nice to sleep at this time because it¡¯s cold.¡± I said, and pulled the nket and cover in our body.


    I kissed Mitch on the lips briefly before kissing her goodbye. I had to hold back because we hadn¡¯t yet married. Even though I¡¯m not afraid of responsibility, it¡¯s still wrong. Mitch had stopped speaking, so I assumed she was sleeping. So I did nothing but sleep.


    The next morning, at five o¡¯clock, I awoke. I switched out the curtains and bedding. Aside from nkets. I put it on the tray and went to theundry room.


    I walked out of the kitchen. And I was surprised because they were all awake, drinking coffee, and having just finished taking a bath.


    My brow drooped. They were all cracking up.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, miss? Do you have a problem?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, when do you get up? I thought I was the only one here who gets up early,¡± I exined.


    ¡°It¡¯s four o¡¯clock,¡± Genie replied, ¡°and we took an early shower.¡±


    I gave you a nod.


    ¡°Are you going to eat?¡±


    ¡°Later,¡± I¡¯ll say,


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a shower first, so what am I asking you to do?¡±


    ¡°Your businesses are doing well so far, Miss,¡± Laica said, ¡°and I noticed a handsome man in your restaurant near chowking.¡±


    My brow drooped.


    ¡°Handsome man? Where did you see it? Perhaps it¡¯s just a customer,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Actually, Miss, I don¡¯t think he is, like a restaurant manager,¡± M responded.


    ¡°Perhaps because I¡¯m unfamiliar with my managers and staff, and Randolf took them all,¡± I reasoned.


    ¡°The one with curly hair,¡± Lucianna exined.


    I give a nod.


    ¡°So, if you¡¯ve done everything here, you should change into office clothes because it¡¯s already seven o¡¯clock in the morning. All of you go in the office first, and I¡¯ll follow after,¡± I told them.

 CHAPTER 37

    They were all nodding. So I returned to my room and went straight to the bathroom. I quickly showered and dressed. So that I won¡¯t bete for work. I brought Calvin and Lara a present. In addition to the car key and my sling bag.


    I exited the room and walked out of the mansion. I got into my car and drove away. Because the road was slick, I was driving slowly. I had no idea it was rainingst night.


    I arrived at thepany an hourter. It was fortunate that Lucas was outside because he was the one I directed to park my car.


    I went up to the first floor. And take a look around. My entire staff was so preupied with their jobs that they didn¡¯t even notice I had arrived. So I went straight to work. And I discovered Randolf scrubbing the chairs and tables.


    ¡°Good morning, Randolf,¡± I say.


    ¡°Good day, Miss.¡±


    ¡°How are thedies?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re already at work, Miss; I¡¯ve already fixed that.¡±


    ¡°Alright, thank you.¡±


    ¡°Did you meet Calvin outside, Miss? He¡¯s been waiting here for a while. He arrived this morning,¡± Randolf said.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°He never stated what he required.¡±


    In response, I nodded.


    Calvin walked into the office through the open door. Randolf signaled to me that he would be the first one out. In response, I nodded.


    ¡°Good morning, sister, did you juste today?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°Please take a seat; I¡¯m delighted to see you here today; do you need anything from me?¡±


    In his head, he was scratchy. And sat down in front of me on the couch.


    ¡°Speak up, you¡¯re not just scratching your head, you¡¯re embarrassed to say,¡± I said, simultaneously smiling.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to work here because it¡¯s difficult to find work these days,¡± he says.


    ¡°You can work here for as long as you want. Thepany needs many employees this season, so you can start now. Randolf can apany you to your workce, and by the way, this is for you.¡± I handed him a paper bag.


    ¡°What exactly is this?¡±


    ¡°Open it,¡± I tell him.


    He took what was inside the paper bag and opened it. His brow furrowed.


    ¡°What is this for?¡± he ask.


    ¡°That¡¯s for you; you need a phone so I can call you right away, and Lara should have something avable as well,¡± I said.


    ¡°I can¡¯t ept this; it¡¯s too much,¡± Calvin said.


    ¡°No, I gave it to you so you wouldn¡¯t have to return it to me, and I¡¯m nning to give you a new car so you won¡¯t have trouble getting home and to the office,¡± I exined.


    Calvin abruptly ceased speaking.


    ¡°However, sister¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want aint, Calvin, so you can go to your workce for the time being; just look for Randolf outside the office,¡± I said.


    ¡°Thank you very much, sister.¡±


    In response, I nodded.


    I rummaged through the papers on my desk when Calvin came out. When I saw Mr. Chin¡¯s smiling face, I assumed Calvin had returned. When I saw him, my nose started to smoke.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you here, Mr. Chin,¡± I said tly.


    ¡°Did you miss me?¡±


    ¡°Why would I? Take down those pictures of us on social media because they don¡¯t look good!¡± I said sternly.


    He had lost his grin.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that? I was just happy to be with you,¡± he exined.


    ¡°Did you really investigate about me? Why don¡¯t you know I¡¯m allergic to social media? That needs to be removed before I run out of patience with you,¡± I said.


    ¡°Okay, no need to look bad on me first; I¡¯ll delete that if you just agree to let us date tonight,¡± he said to me.


    ¡°Sure,¡± I replied.


    Finally and forever. I must put a stop to this man¡¯s ambitions.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but only on the condition that you stop following me,¡± I said.


    ¡°No way!¡± he eximed.


    ¡°I¡¯m noting with youter.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to delete our picture either,¡± he says.


    What a childish act! I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Zaneska. Bye,¡± he said as he walked out of the office.


    I eximed. It¡¯s as if I struck a deal with the devil.


    I returned to my paperwork.


    Mitch and I were cooking in Sammy¡¯s kitchen. I haven¡¯t seen Brando yet; perhaps he¡¯s already at work. Duke¡¯s eyes widened as he noticed us in the kitchen, rousing him.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°We slept here because it suddenly rained when we delivered you, and you got drunk,¡± I exined.


    ¡°What happened to Sammy?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know, there was no trace of herwhen we woke up earlier,¡± Mitch exined.


    ¡°I¡¯m d she didn¡¯t wake me up today because I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be deaf to hersermon,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Because you drank way too much,¡± I exined.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I haven¡¯t had a drink in a few months, so it¡¯s really too much,¡± Duke responded.


    ¡°Can we still go to school? What time is it?¡±


    ¡°Of course you eat so we can leave,¡± I exined.


    While Mitch was eating quietly next to me. Duke took a te and took a seat in front of us. He also began to eat. We were on our way home in half an hour. Mitch was driven to her apartment by us. And I was the next person Duke delivered.


    ¡°I¡¯m going home, Zander, sincewe¡¯re still going to school.¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Are you going back to Sammy¡¯s houseor to your mansion?¡± I ask.


    ¡°At our mansion, because I know they¡¯re on the lookout for me right now.¡±


    ¡°OK, be careful,¡± I advised.


    I went inside the house after Duke left and went straight to my room. I took a towel and went to the bathroom. The silence in the house makes me wonder if they have returned home or not. I began showering so that I wouldn¡¯t be toote.


    I was so preupied that I didn¡¯t notice the passing of time. It was a little after twelve o¡¯clock in the afternoon. Lucianna walked in after the door opened.


    ¡°Miss, I just brought you food for lunch because I know you don¡¯t want to go out,¡± she says. Sh e had already ced a disposable te and a packed lunch in front of me.


    ¡°How about thedies?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they¡¯ve already eaten, and we¡¯ve taken Calvin, who would have been a very shy man if we hadn¡¯t forced him toe with us, and take note,all the women here in thepany had a crush on him,¡± Lucianna said, smiling.


    I simply smiled.


    ¡°Thank you for this, Lucianna; please take a seat,¡± I said.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be long, Miss; I¡¯m going back to work.¡±


    I nodded and began eating. Lucianna also appeared. Two minutes after I finished eating, the door reopened. I thought it was Randolf who came in, but it was Arthur.


    As he sat down on the couch, he asked, ¡°Good morning, did I bother you?¡±


    ¡°No, I just had lunch; how about you?¡±


    ¡°I ate there first beforeing here.¡±


    ¡°How do you feel about what I¡¯m asking you to do?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m finished, and I learned a lot,¡± he said, handing me a white folder.


    I texted Randolf to let him know that no one would being into the office first because I had a visitor.


    ¡°Please read to me, Arthur; I¡¯m not in the mood to read right now,¡± I said.


    Arthur chuckles.


    ¡°When did you grow tired of life?¡±


    ¡°Whatever you do, get started.¡±


    ¡°She is Carol Agustin, and ording to what I recover, she has two children, a boy and a girl. You are correct, as is the photo I took on CCTV, and I even met the man earlier when I entered here,¡± Arthur exined.


    ¡°Yeah, he requested to work here at thepany,¡± I replied.


    Randolf gave a nod.


    ¡°Let¡¯s keep going.¡±


    ¡°ording to other information, Carol worked at a city club when she was thirty-plus, and a male gambler¡¯s got her pregnant and was the father of her children, so it¡¯s impossible that your daddy is the father of her children, but she had a lot of men in her life back then, unless they had to undergo DNA testing.¡±


    Right now, I¡¯m thinking about a lot of things. If Arthur¡¯s information is correct, why does she say my daddy is the father of her children?


    ¡°Where do they live?¡± I inquired again.


    In the squatterneighborhood. Because her husband was imprisoned for murder, the house they were staying in was in ruins. He was murdered inside the jail a yearter. ¡±


    ¡°Can you tell me what Carol¡¯s job is right now? Is she still present at the club?


    ¡°She stopped working at the club as her children grew older. She working as a cooker. I also inquired of her neighbors about the names of the men who were rted to her. Neighbors who are genuinely interested in her can also be of assistance. ¡± Arthurughing.


    ¡°What did you discover?¡±


    ¡°Your father was Carol¡¯s first boyfriend when they were young, but they soon separated, and it never got to the point where the two of them lived together and had children.¡±


    My brows were already raised as a result of what I discovered. This is excessive. I assisted those in need, but not in such a way that others¡¯ good character was jeopardized.


    ¡°Is there anything else?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps Carol is holding a knife toe to you and introduce themselves as your daddy¡¯s second family because of the difficulties of life; they are in debt because of what her husband did, and all the people the man owes money to are now chasing them.¡±


    I sat back in my swivel chair. While turning away. I need to talk with that woman. But not right now.


    ¡°All right, Arthur, thank you.¡±


    I took the check from my bag and wrote the amount I had paid for his services on it. I gave it to him at that time. His grin made me frown.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, I¡¯ll get rich if you¡¯re always my customer, and you¡¯re generous with your payment,¡± he says.


    My head shook.

 CHAPTER 38

    Randolf came in after Arthur had left and sat on the couch while carrying cold water.


    ¡°So, Miss, what happened?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°That woman was lying; she was just my father¡¯s ex-girlfriend; Calvin and Lara¡¯s fathers are other man,¡± I exined.


    ¡°What¡¯s your n now?Are you going to get Calvin out of thepany?¡±


    ¡°No, he has nothing to do with what his mother is doing, so he will continue to work for thepany, and I will go to where they live tomorrow,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Would you like that I apany you?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll take Arthur because he knows where that ce is.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all right,¡±


    Mr. Chin appeared as the door reopened.


    ¡°I guess you¡¯re too early toe here, don¡¯t you have any other job besides chasing me?¡± I inquired, prompting Randolf to grin in my direction.


    ¡°Why would I kill myself at work when I could pay a few thousand people?¡± he asked.


    My brow furrows.


    I¡¯m sick of the wind in this man¡¯s head. If he¡¯s going to be my boyfriend. I know I¡¯m not going to live to be forty; I¡¯m going to die.


    ¡°Actually, I¡¯m here to remind you of our dinner reservation for tonight. Because I know you don¡¯t know how to continue the conversation. You agree, then run away, so I¡¯m picking you up right now. ¡°He stated.


    I rolled my eyes because the idiot sounded as if I wasn¡¯t going to whip him againter.


    My brow furrowed.


    ¡°You should be thankful for the photo you posted on social media; without it, you won¡¯t be able to date meter,¡± I exined.


    He couldn¡¯t stopughing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just leave, but I won¡¯t leave yourpany,¡± he told me as he walked out the door.


    Randolf shook his head.


    ¡°He¡¯s very self-conscious, Miss, and if you stay together, he¡¯ll only cause you problems; I¡¯m not saying this to hurt or insult him, but I notice something in him that I don¡¯t like,¡± Randolf exined.


    Calvin entered with a frown as the door reopened. I feel sorry for him because his mother convinced him that his real father was my father.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter with you?¡± Randolf inquired.


    ¡°I¡¯m suffocating at the job you gave me,¡± Calvin responded.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Calvin¡¯s annoyance: ¡°The women there don¡¯t seem to want to work; they¡¯re always facing me.¡±


    Randolf bursts outughing.


    ¡°Why is that? I was there before butthey didn¡¯tnoticed me; what do you have that I don¡¯t?¡± Randolf wondered.


    ¡°Stop talking! It¡¯s not funny; it irritates me even more when they approach me,¡± Calvin grumbled.


    ¡°Do you have a female allergy? What did they do, or have you had simr experiences? ¡±


    ¡°Nothing, but it irritates me when they show motive.Only men should do something like this.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t make them change; it¡¯s up to them. You can¡¯t make them stop looking at you.¡±


    He took a seat next to Randolf.


    ¡°What is thatChinese doing here?¡± Calvin inquired.


    My brow furrowed.


    ¡°The one who grabbed you unexpectedly at sir Randolf¡¯s party.¡±


    Randolf replied, ¡°Nothing, but he arranged a date with Miss Zaneska.¡±


    Calvin gave me a scowl.


    ¡°And you concurred?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a choice because I want to delete the picture he posted on social media,¡± I exined.


    I looked at the time.


    ¡°It¡¯s five o¡¯clock in the afternoon, and Randolf, just apany Calvin to our car dealership and let him choose the car he wants.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all right, Miss.¡±


    ¡°Take the girls with you, and I¡¯ll leave thepany first,¡± I say.


    I went out to my office with my sling bag. Mr. Chin was leaning against the hood of his car when I noticed him. He came to a halt as I was about to get into my car.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just use one car, Zaneska,¡± he suggested, ¡°and I¡¯ll drive.¡±


    ¡°No, we¡¯ll use each of our cars,¡± I exined as I went up into my car.


    He had no choice but to get into his own car. I was the first to leave, and he was the second. He was ahead of me and signaled that he would find us something to eat. I noticed him pull over at a new restaurant. I parked the car first and went inside. I want this to end so I can go home to the mansion. I would rather sleep than hear this man¡¯s arrogance.


    We took a seat in the restaurant¡¯s corner.


    ¡°Do you want to go to this ce, or should you prepare the restaurant in high-end hotels?¡± he asked.


    My brow furrowed.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine here; I don¡¯t want us to go any further,¡± I replied.


    He nodded and gave the order. We began eating a few minutester.


    ¡°By the way, Zaneska, what are your summer ns?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just thinking about taking you to China for a vacation.¡±


    My nostrils expanded. I have no intention of going with this man.


    ¡°I¡¯m busy; I don¡¯t have time to go on vacation right now; just bring someone else with you,¡± I exined.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    We ended up eating, so Mr. Chinorder a dessert.


    ¡°Are you okay with us going to the bar after we get here?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°So, what are we going to do over there?¡±


    ¡°Drink.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to drink anything.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just me, soe along with me.¡±


    I gave a nod.


    We left the restaurant at seven o¡¯clock in the evening. Because of all their messages, my phone is making a lot of noise. I got in my car and drove after Mr. Chin. Along the way, we stopped at the Glory BarHouse. I didn¡¯t like the atmosphere because it was too creepy for me. I was nervous despite the fact that itwas clean and fresh-painted. After I parked the car, I went inside. The background noise. There is a lot of smokeing from smokers. Both men and women. I became depressed out of nowhere. Mr. Chincame up to me.


    ¡°Are you all right, Zaneska?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s too smoky in here,¡± I admitted.


    ¡°Let¡¯s find a table far enough away from the smoker.¡±


    So we walk over to the bar counter. H e had ordered hisdrink, while I had just ordered adies drink. I took Mr. Chin home outside an hourter after noticing he was drunk. I assisted him in leaving the bar.


    ¡°Hold on tight so you don¡¯t fall,¡± I said, holding hisbody. When we got outside, he suddenly tightened his grip on my body. I was already nervous because he gave me an obscene look. I tried to get away from him, but his grip was too tight.


    ¡°Let me go! What are you going to do to me?¡± I ask, perplexed.


    He just smiled maniacally and kissed my neck. I became terrified. I desperately wanted to escape, but he had cornered my small frame. His kiss has alreadynded on my ribcage.


    Oh my goodness! Help! My mind screams. But it was already dark in the bar because it was nine o¡¯clock at night.


    ¡°If you keep doing this to her, I¡¯ll blow your skull off,¡± said a manvoice from nowhere.


    Mr. Chin abruptly let go of me and addressed the man. I was also scrutinized. He was leaning against the hood of my car, as if he were watching TV.


    ¡°Who are you, and why are you interfering? We¡¯re a couple, and we just do it normally,¡± Mr. Chin exined. I noticed that he seemed to have lost his drunkenness, or that he wasn¡¯t really drunk. Is he just pretending and do bad tome?


    ¡°Really? As far as I can tell, she doesn¡¯t like what you¡¯re doing, and who would do that in a public ce? You have no respect for yourself. Get out of here. Before I report you to the police,¡± the man said. He¡¯s probably in his forties, but he¡¯s still quite attractive. As a result, Mr. Chindid nothing , on the other hand, jumped into his car and drove away quickly. As he walked away, I breathed a sigh of relief. The man came up to me.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Are you all right? Are you hurt?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, and thank you foring,¡± I exined.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee, and I¡¯ll finally meet you, Zaneska,¡± he said. My brow is wrinkling as a result of this. Why does he know what my name is? I saw nothing in him, even with a passing nce.


    ¡°Do you know who I am?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°Get in your car first, and then follow me. Are you able to drive?¡±


    I nodded and went up into my car. I followed his car until it¡¯s stopsto a restaurant.


    I exited the car and followed the man into another restaurant that was open at the time. I took a seat in front of him.


    ¡°So, sir, how do you know me?¡± I asked as I sat down.


    ¡°I¡¯m actually your mother¡¯s stepbrother.¡±


    I¡¯m perplexed by what¡¯s going on right now.


    ¡°The sad thing is that she didn¡¯t know, so you found out that she doesn¡¯t have another family. I¡¯m his daddy¡¯s child with another woman, and I just found out now, so I came here. I was from France, and I visited their grave the other day,¡± he says.


    As a result, he brought flowers there.


    I cracked a grin. I was relieved to learn that I still had a family. What can Mr. Chin do to me if he doesn¡¯t show up?


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not here to share the inheritance your mother left you; I just want to meet you and let you know that you still have a family,¡± he said as he smiled at me.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think of that. I¡¯m d to meet you. You can go to the mansion. Do you have a house here?¡± I¡¯ll ask.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay in a hotel, but if you want, I can go to the mansion. I won¡¯t be here long; I have business in France.¡±


    ¡°By the way, my name is Conrad, and you can call me Uncle.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m delighted to meet you, Uncle; I hope you¡¯ve brought your son and wife so we can meet.¡±


    He was giggling.


    ¡°My mother passed away a long time ago, and in terms of wife and child, I¡¯m single,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Really?Isn¡¯t there a beautiful woman in France?¡± I¡¯ll ask.


    ¡°There are many, and they are attractive and wealthy, but I don¡¯t like them; perhaps my destiny is here in the Philippines,¡± he says.


    ¡°Maybe.¡±


    ¡°By the way, who is that idiot?¡±


    ¡°He was my acquittance or suitor, but I don¡¯t like him,¡± I exined.


    ¡°Have you filed aint yet?¡±


    ¡°Nothing bad has ever happened to me.¡±


    ¡°Can you go home? I¡¯ll be right there; just give me the address.¡±


    I gave the address to Uncle Conrad. The two of us then left the restaurant together.


    ¡°Take care.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all right, Uncle.¡±

 CHAPTER 39

    I got in my car and drove away from the restaurant after Uncle Conrad had left. I¡¯m so tired that I just want to sleep. I was outside the mansion in half an hour. Before I opened the gate, I took a deep breath. I¡¯m furious with Mr. Ching right now; his inebriation shouldn¡¯t be an excuse for him to hurt me. I used the remote control to open the gate.


    I also drove the car in. I intend to take a bath in order to remove the traces of Mr. Chingkiss on my neck and chest. I want to kick him and punch himsome more. Nobody has the right to insult or disrespect me. I hope he neveres back to see me again. I exited the vehicle. And walked into the mansion. They were all in the living room, which I discovered. Their entire attention was on me.


    ¡°Are you all right, Miss? It¡¯s like five men chased you with your looks and the sweat on your face,¡± Lucianna inquired.


    I walked up to them and sat down.


    ¡°Can I please have some water first? I¡¯m very thirsty.¡±


    Lucy stood up and walked to the kitchen. He returned a split secondter and handed me a ss of water.


    ¡°Thank you very much,¡±


    I¡¯ve already consumed the water. And I¡¯m relieved. I¡¯ll just get dressed for a moment and returnter. They were all nodding.


    I entered the room. I stripped naked and proceeded to the restroom. I¡¯ve already started bathing. Mr. kissed a part of my skin that I had covered with my hand. Chin. I was furious and offended. Only once in my thirty-two years of life have I encountered a man¡¯s rudeness.


    I stepped out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around my entire body. I went into the closet and changed into a dress. After leaving the bedroom, I went back to the living room. I noticed that they were all staring at a man. Uncle Conrad was already on his way. The sight of all the girls surprised him.


    ¡°Hello, Zaneska, who are they all, and why are there so many?¡± my Uncle asks, a smile on his face.


    ¡°Why are you perplexed about who among them all is truly beautiful?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm, they¡¯re all lovely,¡± uncle replied. But I noticed Uncle¡¯s gaze was fixed on Laica.


    ¡°They¡¯ve been my family for almost four years, and they¡¯re the ones who are with me here in the mansion,¡± I exined.


    ¡°It appears to be very exciting for me to live here when I see what I see.¡± Uncle Conrad¡¯s office.


    ¡°Really? Who are you?¡± Laica inquired, her eyebrow raised.


    In my head, Iughed. Uncle Conrad bursts outughing.


    ¡°What about you? Don¡¯t you want to see me? Or don¡¯t you want me here anymore? It¡¯s just that I noticed you raised an eyebrow at me earlier, Zaneska. Didn¡¯t you tell them who I am?¡±


    ¡°No, Uncle, you must introduce yourself.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, by the way, my name is Conrad, and I¡¯m Zaneska¡¯s Uncle. I¡¯m his mother¡¯s step brother, in case you¡¯re wondering. Well, anyway, long story. You can call me Uncle, except that woman with short hair.¡±


    The girls were about tough at Laica when they realized her eyebrows were already raised.


    ¡°Why is that? You can¡¯t be called Uncle anymore, grandpa is better for you,¡± Laica exined as they walked into the room together.


    ¡°That woman¡¯s patience is too short, Zaneska; where will my room be? I need to sleep,¡± he said to me.


    ¡°All right, Uncle,¡± I said, ¡°I¡¯ll just go with you.¡±N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    ¡°Goodbye,dies.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    Uncle and I went to the guest room together.


    ¡°Before all the stuff here, uncle, so it¡¯s fine; you can sleepfortably,¡± I exined.


    ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯m not picky, and by the way, what¡¯s her name with short hair?¡±


    ¡°Hello, my name is Laica.¡±


    ¡°Really? She¡¯s lovely; I like her,¡± Uncle said.


    I¡¯m cracking up.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t he ugly? He¡¯s like your child, if you look,¡± I said.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that? Is there an age preference when ites to love?¡± he asked. ¡°Unless she¡¯s single anymore, I mean if she already has a boyfriend. Doesn¡¯t she have a boyfriend?¡±


    ¡°You should ask her; I¡¯m not privy to their personal lives,¡± I replied.


    Uncle burst outughing.


    ¡°Of course, go ahead, but you should sleep as well, Zaneska.¡±


    I gave a nod. I returned to the living room. Except for Laica, who had already entered the room, they were still sitting. Uncle was probably embarrassed by the fact that he was staring at him. I took a seat next to Lucianna.


    ¡°How¡¯s your date going?¡± Genie inquired.


    ¡°Disaster, Mr. Chin is trying to do bad things to me; it would be better if Uncle Conrad came, otherwise he might have raped me; and it¡¯s really outside the bar house,¡± was my response.


    ¡°What? Did I mention that? That man isn¡¯t going to do well,¡± Lazzy said.


    ¡°Won¡¯t youin, Miss? To get that man back to where he came from?¡± M asked.


    ¡°No, but don¡¯t he think te to me because if he does, I¡¯ll reporthim.¡± I said.


    ¡°It¡¯s best if you find out about his behavior early, Miss, so he can stop flirting with you,¡± Hanna advised.


    I exhaled a sigh.


    ¡°All right, girls, go to bed because it¡¯ste,¡± I said.


    I went into my bedroom first and fell asleep. I got up early the next day because I wanted to go to Calvin¡¯s house. I¡¯ll go when he is alreadyin the office so we don¡¯t saweach other. I went to bed after using the bathroom. When I left the room, I was already dressed. I immediately go to the kitchen. Uncle Conrad was standing in the way of Laica when I arrived. What I saw made me smile.


    ¡°Let me go! What are you doing? You act like an adult; maybe you forgot you were in your forties,¡± Laica eximed.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you listening to me? I¡¯ve been talking to you properly before, and if you had just talked to me, I wouldn¡¯t have blocked you here,¡± Uncle exined.


    ¡°What do you care if I don¡¯t talk to you? We won¡¯t know each other. Just leave the door. When I became of going to the office, I¡¯ll cut your head off,¡± Laica raged.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you through unless you speak to me politely.¡±


    ¡°All right, fine.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Sweetheart,¡± Uncle said as he hugged Laica.


    The thought made meugh. When I walked into the kitchen, Laica had already left.


    ¡°Hmmm, Uncle, it¡¯s only in the morning that the rest of us have a bad day,¡± I observed.


    ¡°I was irritated because she didn¡¯t pay attention to me, so I woke up in the morning to cook all ofyou breakfast,¡± he exins.


    ¡°You¡¯re in such a hurry, but you still know something,¡± I pointed out.


    ¡°She¡¯s stunning even without make-up.¡±


    I sighed and rolled my eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m going somewhere now, Uncle, and the girls wille into thepany; you can hang out in my office there so you¡¯re not alone here,¡± I said.


    He gave a nod.


    ¡°Are you not going to eat?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°I¡¯m still full, so I¡¯ll eat there,¡± I exined.


    I have now exited the mansion. I called Arthur first to make sure we only used his car.


    ¡°Hello, where have you gone?¡±


    ¡°Why? I¡¯min the office?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Are you not busy? Could you apany me to Carol¡¯s house?¡±


    ¡°Of course, when?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m outside the mansion right now; I¡¯ll be waiting for you here, so we¡¯ll just use your car,¡± I exined.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    I¡¯m going to hang up the phone. I only had to wait half an hour for Arthur¡¯s car toe to a stop in front of me.

 CHAPTER 40

    Arthur¡¯s car stoppedin front of me. He let me in by opening the door.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    ¡°Come in, Zaneska,¡± he said.


    When I walked in, I was surprised to see a woman in the front seat frowning. I don¡¯t believe she was pleased to see me. And I¡¯m aware that this woman is Arthur¡¯s girlfriend. I didn¡¯t give hera smile. Instead, I cocked my brow at her.


    ¡°What¡¯s with your stares? Do you have a problem with me?¡±  Arthur has a reason to be distracted by my actions.


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s Martha, my girlfriend,¡± Arthur exined.


    ¡°I know, but he doesn¡¯t seem happy that you picked me up today; I just want herto know that all we had was business,¡± I said, looking out the window.


    What I said seemed to embarrass the woman. We stopped infront of a fast food restaurant. Arthur emerged from the house and opened the door for hisgirlfriend. I saw the womane out.


    Following that, Arthur started the car.


    Arthur apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Zaneska, we¡¯re fighting.¡±


    ¡°Will your girlfriend still be angry with you if you¡¯re so sessful?¡± I¡¯ll inquire.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m not perfect; I¡¯m too busy with work, and I don¡¯t always give him my full attention.¡±


    My brow furrowed.


    ¡°It was only time that mattered; why doesn¡¯t she understand you?¡± I asked. ¡°I know what you¡¯re doing is also for the future, if you and herstay together.¡±


    Arthur shook his head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do; it¡¯s as if I don¡¯t want to love anymore, but I can¡¯t stop my heart from beating; I¡¯m so tired from work, and someone else is angry,¡± Arthurmented.


    ¡°You can avoid me; I¡¯ll call someone else; just give me the address,¡± I said.


    ¡°No, we¡¯ve already arrived.¡±


    ¡°Why did your girlfriend choose the fast food chain?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s herbusiness; I invested in it; you know her family¡¯s life in the province is difficult; she can be sent there; she stopped working because I don¡¯t want to,¡± Arthur exined.


    ¡°Where did she previously work?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯sa bartender at a bar; it¡¯s just that there are always rude people, so I stopped her working there.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s also good; you can keep him out of harm¡¯s way, and he should still thank you,¡± I exined.


    ¡°He¡¯s grateful, but in a rtionship, he can¡¯t really avoid a fight,¡± Arthur exined.


    Arthur¡¯s car stoppednear the bridge. I took a look around.


    ¡°We¡¯re here, Zaneska,¡± he said.


    I got out of the car and opened the door. I peered beneath the bridge. I noticed some houses, particrly in the front.


    ¡°Don¡¯t they realize it¡¯s dangerous to live under the bridge? How can I have crashed vehicles? They¡¯ll be affected underneath,¡± I retorted.


    ¡°They don¡¯t have a choice; they don¡¯t have anywhere else to live,¡± Arthur responded.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it a good thing they haven¡¯t been fired yet?¡±


    ¡°As far as I know, they were given notice that they would be evicted, but they all stood firm because they had nowhere else to go.¡±


    We drove down the narrow road to the houses. When I tripped on the slick road, I rolled down.


    ¡°What kind of ce is this, Arthur?¡± Iined, citing the difficulty of the passage.


    ¡°They¡¯re getting used to going this way every day; you could also donate aentirend to make them live there, what do you think?¡± Arthur smiled.


    ¡°All right, are we still a long way away?¡± I¡¯ll ask.


    Thest house is still standing. We had arge number of children passing through. They¡¯re ying next to each other. Based on what I¡¯ve seen, they¡¯re having a difficult time in life. Women were staring at us. Their brows furrowed. Perhaps they were curious about who we were who were stranded in their ce. In a small shop, I noticed six men drinking. They gave Arthur a salute.


    ¡°Drink first, sir,¡± he instructs.


    ¡°Later,mypanion needs something from Carol.¡± Arthur said.


    They gave me a friendly smile. I returned their smile. I don¡¯t think they¡¯re bad people.


    ¡°All right, Carol is here now; she doesn¡¯t have a job on Thursday,¡± said the mustachioed man.


    Arthur gave a nod.


    ¡°Her son?¡± Arthur inquired once more. While I was simply listening.


    ¡°He left earlier because, ording to the news I heard, he was able to work for argepany, and from what I can see, the owner gave him a new car; I saw the beauty, and I know that car is expensive,¡± the curly-haired man exined.


    I cracked a grin.


    ¡°You, sir, don¡¯t you have a job for us? We¡¯ll take anything; we can be janitors,¡± the short man said.


    Arthur gave me a look.


    ¡°You go to her; she has a lot of work to offer,¡± Arthur advised.


    They looked at me as if they were pleading.


    I tookmy business card inside the sling bag. And handed over to them.


    ¡°This is my business card; call the number listed there, and there¡¯s also thepany¡¯s address,¡± I exined as I handed it to them.


    ¡°Thank you very much, ma¡¯am.¡±


    I nodded and kept walking. I even heard the woman we were passing say something.


    ¡°She¡¯s stunning; what is she doing here?¡±


    I didn¡¯t look back at them and just kept following Arthur. We stopped infront of the bamboo house. Because the door was shut, Arthur knocked. Carol pushed open the door.


    When she saw me, her eyes widened. The woman I met in the office two weeks ago is not the same as the woman standing in front of me now. She was only dressed in a duster with a hole in the hem. And her hair isn¡¯t in the proper ce.


    ¡°Hi, may Ie in?¡±


    She was trembling, which I noticed. She appeared to be in the mood to cry. She let me in by opening the door. Arthur indicated that he would not be entering. I entered the room and sat on the bamboo bench. I took a look around their living room.


    ¡°Where is Lara?¡±


    She can¡¯t look me in the eyes. And I could tell she was scared. The female fighter who had rushed me to the office had vanished. Sh e has transforminto a gentle sheep.


    ¡°She¡¯s at school,¡± she replied, her voice trembling.


    ¡°Look, I didn¡¯te here to imprison you or hurt you; I came here to rify something. Regarding our issue. I now know everything, and I already know that you already know why I¡¯m here, so I see in your face the fear of what I might do to you,¡± I said.


    She began to cry. And knelt down in front of me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, forgive me. I didn¡¯t mean to. I¡¯m just really stressed. My husband got into debt because he wasn¡¯t ashamed of what he was doing in his family. He died, but I wasn¡¯t happy because he left me with a lot of debt,¡± she says.


    ¡°I admit what you did was wrong; you cane to me and ask for help; it¡¯s not like you ruined my daddy¡¯s image,¡± I said.


    As she looked at me, her eyes were blurred with tears.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t respect your daddy¡¯s image; now I realize it¡¯s wrong to hurt him in that way; he left me because he thinks I had an affair with someone, but that¡¯s not true, so I decided to exact revenge on him, but it turns out that I¡¯ll be the one who suffers in the end.¡±


    ¡°I hope you don¡¯t use me, because I know it¡¯s really my fault, but I just hope you forgive me,¡± she told me.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to help you and get you out of here; I¡¯m not here to imprison you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much, Ma¡¯am; I hope it doesn¡¯t get to Calvin anymore because I know he¡¯ll be upset with me.¡±


    I gave a nod.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be long; I¡¯ll leave you my phone number; call me ande to the mansion,¡± I said as I stood up.


    ¡°I appreciate it.¡±


    I left his house while he was smiling at me. Arthur stood up when he saw me.


    ¡°Are we leaving?¡± he asked me.


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    Two minutester we were in the car. Arthur turned it on as I fastened the seatbelt.


    We are here at the eatery today. I was with Duke and our other co-teachers. A miracle we decided to eat all here today. Vienna is here too. Maybe he¡¯s not mad at me anymore because he already smiled when we met earlier inside the school. I¡¯m not at fault for him. And I had no intention of hurting him. Davianna, on the other hand, I just found out that she was pregnant and the man left her.


    ¡°Congrattions, Zander, because you finally found a girlfriend as well. Your co-teachers and I once discussed why you haven¡¯t found a woman you want to love. We thought. What¡¯s wrong with you? You¡¯re handsome. And sessful in life. But now we know you just waited for the right timing,¡± our principal, Mrs. Lazaro, said to me.


    I couldn¡¯t bring myself tough.


    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am, as long as you¡¯re all invited to our wedding,¡± I said.


    ¡°We¡¯ll expect it, and we¡¯ll be disappointed if you don¡¯t invite us,¡± Dona said.


    They were allughing. In addition, Vienna is rooting for Duke. He even smiled and gave me a thumbs up. I¡¯m relieved because we¡¯re both fine.


    ¡°Now that we all know that next Monday is a holiday, I¡¯m sure you¡¯re all happy.¡±


    We had left thepany. I exited the car and went inside. I¡¯m going straight to work. Randolf was tying up the six men we had seen earlier in Calvin¡¯s ce when I arrived.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, it¡¯s good to see you here; this man is tying us up; we¡¯re not thieves,¡± the short one said.


    I¡¯m cracking up.


    ¡°Miss, you¡¯ve arrived; do you recognize them? I¡¯m stunned because I just saw their faces,¡± Randolf said.


    ¡°Ah, yes, I know six of them. Untie them first; they¡¯re here to apply for a job,¡± I exined.


    ¡°Is that correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes, are there still jobs avable to them. Even janitors are supposed to be able to enter.¡± I said.


    ¡°All right, Miss, I¡¯ll take them all,¡± Randolf said.


    They wouldn¡¯t have stood up yet because Randolf might tie them up and drag them away. In my head, Iughed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, he¡¯ll give you a job,¡± I said.


    As a result, they came out with six. I leaned back in the swivel chair. I¡¯m sorry. I still feel like I have a fever today.


    Monday. We¡¯re on vacation, so I¡¯m at home with Mom and Melissa right now.


    ¡°Are you on vacation now? Don¡¯t you have any ns to go somewhere?¡± mom asked me.


    ¡°No, Mom, I¡¯ll just stay at home,¡± I replied.


    We¡¯re drinking coffee on the balcony right now.


    ¡°You and Uncle Augusto, do you have any ns for a vacation?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure; I¡¯ll just wait for his call.¡±


    I noticed a motorcycle parked in front of our house. Mitch entered through the gate, carrying a backpack.


    ¡°Good morning, Aunt,¡± she greeted mymother. She kissed my cheek she entered the house.


    ¡°Did you get a visit, Mitch?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here to say goodbye to you, Zander, and I would have taken him to the city,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°Are we leaving now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, if it¡¯s okay, let¡¯s go; but if you don¡¯t want toe, that¡¯s fine,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°No, I¡¯lle with you. Wait, I¡¯ll just get dressed,¡± I said.


    And then I went into my room to dress. I didn¡¯t bring any clothes with me. Perhaps that¡¯s where I¡¯ll get it. In order for me to go shopping at the mall. I exited the room and went outside to the balcony.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t you bring a dress?¡± Mitch asked me.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll just buy it there, and we¡¯ll bring the car,¡± I exined.


    ¡°We¡¯re really going to use your car. Aunt, are you really okay?¡± Mitch asked mom.


    ¡°No problem with me, Mitch,¡± mother replied, ¡°as long as you just take care of him there.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, aunt,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°Mom, we¡¯re leaving,¡± I announced.


    ¡°All right, take care.¡±


    I let Mitch in by opening the door. Then I walked in. I elerated out of the gate.


    ¡°Where is Duke?¡± Mitch ask.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    ¡°I was thinking, he¡¯sing?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll just call, and maybe he¡¯ll follow us if he finds out we¡¯re in city.¡±


    Mitch gave a nod. I looked at the time. We had not yet arrived in the city despite the fact that it was twelve o¡¯clock at noon.


    ¡°Are you hungry, Zander?¡± Mitch ask.


    ¡°I¡¯m a little hungry, but it¡¯s okay,¡± I replied.


    Our flight took about five hours as well. When we got to the mansion. Mitch and I stepped outside, and he rang the doorbell.


    ¡°Perhaps no one is here, Mitch; the ce is quiet,¡± I suggested.


    ¡°Perhaps he¡¯s just inside,¡± Mitch responded.


    Mitch rang the doorbell three times more, and the gate swung open. The man emerged. Because the man in the photo with Zaneska has a different face, it¡¯s unlikely that he¡¯s her boyfriend.


    ¡°Hello, Zaneska and I are friends; is she here?¡±


    ¡°No, he¡¯s still in the office. You two go in first, and he¡¯ll be waiting inside.¡± said the man.


    He opened the gate and weed us in. The size of his estate. That woman is extremely wealthy. We were sitting in the living room. We were also given food.


    ¡°Have lunch first, and then I¡¯ll call herand tell heryou¡¯re here,¡±

 CHAPTER 41

    Mitch nodded, and the man walked away. So we began to eat.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you call herand tell herwe¡¯re here?¡±


    ¡°No, because it¡¯s a surprise,but I¡¯m sure herUncle will call her.¡±


    The man entered the living room again. It¡¯s also shook herhead.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I didn¡¯t call herbecause I ran out of load; however, if you¡¯re not in a hurry, just wait until tonight.¡±


    ¡°Is she going to bete?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure either, because I was just here yesterday.¡±


    Mitch gave a nod.


    The man took the dishes after we finished eating. It was five o¡¯clock in the afternoon, but what we had been expecting had yet to arrive. But I was distracted by the noiseing from inside. I count nine women.


    ¡°Oh, we have a visitor,¡± the ck woman with shoulder-length hair exined.


    Mitch took a look at them as well.


    ¡°Good afternoon, we¡¯re waiting for Zaneska,¡± Mitch exined.


    ¡°Hmmm, I think she¡¯s working overtime; aren¡¯t you in a hurry?¡± the curly-haired woman ask Mitch.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Mitch replied.


    The woman we had been waiting for came in after a few hours. When I first saw her in person, I was awestruck. It is incorrect to say that I admire other women when I know the woman I love is right next to me. But I couldn¡¯t help myself because this woman was stunning. We looked each other in the eyes. I saw an emotion in hereyes that I can¡¯t put into words.


    She stoppedin front of us.


    ¡°Oh my, Mitch, I was surprised to see you here!¡± she eximed.


    Mitch rose to herfeet and hugged the woman.


    ¡°I¡¯m so d to see you now. Yourhere. I¡¯ve been waiting for you here a little longer,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry; I had a lot of work in the office and just got home,¡± Zaneska exined.


    ¡°Because that¡¯s why.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm, who is he? Is this what you always say when I call?¡± the woman askMitch, who was staring at me intently.


    I¡¯m embarrassed by the looks she gives me. She seemed to be probing every nook and cranny of my being. I¡¯m not assuming, but she gave me a different meaning.


    ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± Zaneska said to me.


    I just nodded, my gaze fixed on Mitch. With this woman, I weakened my knee.


    ¡°Excuse me, Mitch, I¡¯ll just get dressed for a moment, and please make yourself at home,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°Of course, take your time.¡±


    I dashed into my room. I also texted Lucianna to bring me water.


    At that man¡¯s stare, I felt as if I couldn¡¯tcatch my breath. I couldn¡¯t figure out why I felt strange when I saw him. I¡¯m aware that this is not correct. I am not aware of this sensation. Never! But I couldn¡¯t help myself. This is the first time I¡¯ve felt strangely drawn to someone. And to the boyfriend of my best friend. I¡¯m not going to look at him anymore so I don¡¯t forget anything.


    I stripped down to my garments and went down to the bath tub. I intend to stay here longer because I¡¯m puzzled by how I¡¯m feeling right now. My bedroom door swung open.


    ¡°Miss, your water has arrived,¡± Lucianna announced loudly.


    ¡°Just put it there, Lucianna, and please feed our guest as well as clean the guest room,¡± Imand.


    ¡°How about you, Miss? Aren¡¯t you going to eat?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right behind you.¡±


    Iy down in the bath tub after Lucianna exited and closed my eyes. The water from the faucet continues to flow into the bath tub. I didn¡¯t realize I¡¯d dozed off. I heard Uncle Conrad¡¯s voice.


    Because it was so hot, I was covered in water that flowed into the bath tub. A nket wrapped around my entire body and yanked me out of the bath tub.


    ¡°What did you think you were doing, Zaneska? You¡¯re not a suicidal person; you would have drowned in the bath tub if I hadn¡¯t been here!¡± I heard Uncle Conrad preach to me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Uncle, I fell asleep and forgot to turn off the water,¡± I exined.


    ¡°I hope you just go to bed if you¡¯re tired; it¡¯s not the one who will harmyou.¡±


    ¡°OK, Uncle, I¡¯ll just get dressed.¡±


    ¡°Hurry up, we¡¯re all going to eat,¡± Uncle Conrad said.


    I nodded and wrapped a nket around myself.


    We were invited to eat in the kitchen. So I just followed Mitch quietly. After she sat down, I followed. Everything is here, but Zaneska hasn¡¯tyet arrive.


    ¡°What about Zaneska? Won¡¯t she eat?¡± Mitch wondered.


    Uncle Conrad exined, ¡°She was just resting for a while because she was probably nning tomit suicide in the bath tub.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± the brown-haired woman inquired. Uncle Conrad stopped heras she was about to stand up.


    ¡°Rx, Laica, you¡¯re too agitated; she¡¯s fine; she just slept inside the bath tub,¡± Uncle Conrad said.


    ¡°Where is she now? Why hasn¡¯t shee down yet?¡± inquired the short-haireddy.


    Who exactly are they? Is it possible that these women are her sisters? I notice they are all concerned about her. I can tell Mitch is concerned as well. She was about to stand up to go to Zaneska when the woman walked into the kitchen.


    ¡°What are you thinking, Zaneska? Do you have a problem? Is it just becauseof a man?¡±


    She shed me a shivering smile. When I saw hersmile, it was as if I had entered another dimension. This is excessive. I know this isplete adoration. If it is just a simple crush, it will fade away as well.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mitch; I¡¯m not going to kill myself just because of the guy,¡± Zaneska said, looking at me.


    I averted my gaze and never looked back.


    ¡°By the way,¡± Mitch said, ¡°I¡¯d like to ask you about the picture of you that I saw on social media.¡±


    I noticed Zaneska clench her fist.


    ¡°Speaking of the man, he was attempting to do something bad to Zaneska. It¡¯s a good thing I came. I¡¯m truly the knight in shining armor of yoursZaneska,¡± Uncle Conrad exined.


    ¡°I appreciate it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s best if that man didn¡¯t show up again if he is I¡¯m going to skin him alive, Zaneska,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°Not really,¡± Zaneska replied.


    As he began to eat. She was so graceful even when she was eating. This womanes from a very well family.


    And she had a visitor. A man sat in a chair. But my eyes widened when I noticed the next person sitting next to him. It was Duke.


    ¡°Mitch and Zander, are they already here?¡±


    ¡°What do you think? Are we just a shadow? What are you doing here, Duke? We¡¯re calling you, but you can¡¯t be reached,¡± Mitch inquired.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I left the city first to see him; we¡¯re cousins,¡± Duke exined.


    ¡°Really? You have a cousin they know, Randolf?¡± Zaneska inquired, her gaze fixed on us.


    ¡°Yes, Zaneska, he was Zander¡¯s co-teacher there in their ce,¡± Mitch replied.


    ¡°Wow, a handsome teacher,¡± Zaneskamented. When she says we¡¯re handsome, my heart skips a beat.


    ¡°Actually, Miss, you¡¯re the one she¡¯s looking for.¡± Duke¡¯s cousin asked.


    ¡°Me? But why?¡± Zaneska asked, causing me to frown.


    What does Duke need from Zaneska?


    ¡°What do you need from Zaneska, Duke? Insist that you are her rtive?¡± Mitch asked, causing Duke to frown.


    Zaneskaughed causing me to look at her.


    ¡°Are you rted? It¡¯s my pleasure to know you then.¡± said Zaneska.


    Duke smirked.


    ¡°Really? Do you ept me without question?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I won¡¯t be surprised because I¡¯m used to my rtives showing up at any time, just like Uncle Conrad. I¡¯ve been living alone for almost three years now, but I¡¯m thankful for the nine of them; they¡¯ve been my family for a long time.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s difficult to be alone. Most people say I have a lot of money and wealth, but I¡¯m not happy. Because my parents are no longer alive. ¡°So whoeveres, I will ept them wholeheartedly as long as they have no hidden agenda with me,¡± Zaneska exined.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°I appreciate you taking the time toe from your home to meet me,¡± he says.


    ¡°So far, we¡¯ve also had a school vacation, so we¡¯ve had a vacation,¡± Duke exined.


    ¡°All you¡¯re saying is you¡¯re avoiding because you¡¯re heartbroken,¡± Mitch exined.


    ¡°Stop it, Mitch, you¡¯re talking too much.¡±


    ¡°Are men who are sessful and attractive still hurt?¡± Zaneska inquired.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m not a robot to avoid getting hurt,¡± Duke smiled.


    Mitch inquired, ¡°Conceited,you¡¯re really acknowlegde that you arehandsome?¡±


    ¡°Of course, hearing I was handsome from a woman known all over the world was a privilege; it was so touching.¡± Duke¡¯s drama.


    The girls went into their rooms after an hour of talking and eating. Mitch and I were joined by the woman who introduced Lucianna to the visitor.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already cleaned everything here so you can sleepfortably, and if you need anything, just knock on our door,¡± he says.


    ¡°Thank you, but this is too much for you to amodate us,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee, I didn¡¯t know you were here,¡± he said.


    I sat down on the bed after Lucianna had gone. The sensation of my back being pressed against the thick and soft bed. I was just tired from our entire trip earlier.


    ¡°Get dressed first, Love,¡± Mitch said as he pulled a dress from the closet.


    ¡°Is this clothesfor the guest?¡±


    ¡°Yes,and I know it¡¯s new because of the smell.¡± Mitch replied.


    ¡°Does the style really change when you¡¯re wealthy?¡± I wondered.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Yeah, they¡¯re very different from us.¡±


    I stood up and went into the bathroom, carrying a change of clothes with me. I wore it out once more. When I approached Mitch, she was already dressed.


    ¡°Go to sleep, Mitch,¡± I said.


    ¡°How are you doing? Can¡¯t you sleep?¡± she inquired.


    ¡°Not yet, but would you mind letting me out for a little while?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± she says.


    Mitch sat down and wrapped a nket around herself.


    I¡¯m now in the mansion¡¯s back yard, near the swimming pool. I drink beer by myself.


    Randolf and Duke are no longer with us. Uncle Conrad told meto leave first and go to the city. The girls then entered the room. Mitch and herboyfriend Zander have already wentinto the guest room. It was only now that I realized Mitch was happy with herboyfriend that I felt the emptiness.


    I have everything, but I have never had a boyfriend. While I was thinking, I noticed a man¡¯s shadow walking towards where I was standing. Obviously, I made a light fixture for the mansion¡¯s back yard.

 CHAPTER 42

    I noticed Zander. He would have gone back inside the mansion whenour gazes had made contact.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t youe here? Am I sick enough for you to avoid?¡±


    He remained standing.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll just go inside and sleep; maybe you need to be alone here,¡± he replied.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m just chilling,Come on, have a beer first.¡± And he was given a bottle of beer.


    ¡°I don¡¯t drink,¡± he told me.


    ¡°Really? Is there a man who doesn¡¯t drink right now?¡± I asked,ughing.


    He was deafeningly quiet as he stared into the void. I knew he had no intention of speaking with me. As a result, I remained silent as well.


    ¡°Go to sleep, drinking isn¡¯t the solution to your problem,¡± he told me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t drink because I have a problem, because I was too strong to have a problem,¡± I exined.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine; all right, I¡¯ll be there,¡± he said.


    I¡¯m cracking up.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    He walked away, leaving me alone. Mitch was far too fortunate to have someone like him. He was so devoted to Mitch that he refused to talk to other women. I decided to go inside the room because I was a little tipsy. And then I slept. I got up early the next day. I went into the kitchen to get some water.


    I had to leave the room because I was thirsty. I immediately go to the kitchen.


    Because of the size of this mansion, it¡¯s a good thing I haven¡¯t forgotten where the kitchen is. Before I could enter, I noticed Zaneska in the kitchen with a ss in her hand. Mitch is still sound asleep. I felt embarrassed waking him up to get some water. She may notice that I¡¯m avoiding her best friend.


    I knew I¡¯d forget about myself if I approached and talked to this woman. Because his beauty is destroying the system. It¡¯s wrong to like someone, especially this woman, because even though she hasn¡¯t done anything yet, you¡¯re going to fall for her.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t youe in here? Will you endure your thirst?¡± he asked, drawing my attention to his entire being.


    She was dressed in a risqu¨¦ nightgown. Without his knowledge, he messed up my brain. I¡¯m still not saying anything. I¡¯m still standing near the front door.


    ¡°Common, Zander, drink some water here. I assure you that I¡¯m not going to bite you. You can treat me also as your friend befortable. In my thirty years of living in the world. Only now have I encountered a man I was so disgusted in myself but I understand you. Don¡¯t think that when you meet a woman here in the city they will just grab you.¡±


    I¡¯m embarrassed by myself. And in my demeanor. My pride, however, triumphed. Zaneska walked away from the kitchen without looking at me. I know she was irritated by my actions. After she left, I went in and drank a lot of water. It¡¯s after seven o¡¯clock in the morning. The entire mansion was raucous. Because everyone has woken up. Maybe they¡¯lle into the office. We ate together once more.


    I noticed Zaneska¡¯s gaze had shifted away from me. Sh e simply continued to eat. She was already dressed for work. And thedies as well.


    ¡°Hmm, Mitch, what are your ns now, and how long will you be here?¡± Zaneska ask.


    ¡°Are you attempting to drive us away?¡± Mitch ask jokingly.


    ¡°Are you attempting to drive us away?¡± Mitch ask jokingly.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t being silly, Iwas just asking.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,but Zander is still nning to go shopping.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, brother Zander; there are a lot of items on sale right now at the mall, so you can really stock up,¡± Lucianna said.


    ¡°Yeah, I didn¡¯t bring any clothes because I¡¯m going shopping,¡± I say.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have a cousin or a brother, Brother Zander? I was just going to breed,¡± Laica exined.


    I burst outughing.


    ¡°Nothing really, mywere female,¡± I exined.


    ¡°Shut up, Laica, I¡¯m here, why are you making fun of others?¡± Uncle Conrad interjects.


    ¡°You¡¯re not my type; I¡¯m not interested in oldies,¡± Laica replied, staring.


    ¡°I swear, you¡¯ll just eat what you¡¯re saying now,¡± Uncle Conrad said as he stooped up and walked away. I could tell he was irritated.


    ¡°Laica, why did you say such a hurtful word to Uncle Conrad? He¡¯s very sensitive,¡± Zaneska said. ¡°But,e to think of it, why do we have to force ourselves on someone who doesn¡¯t want to talk to us?¡±


    I bowed quietly. Why do I get the impression that Zaneska is aiming her remarks at me?


    ¡°Hurry up, girls, you might bete for work; Mitch, can I go to the mall with you?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± she says.


    We ended up eating an hourter as well. Mitch and I have already gotten into the car. Zaneska is on her way. Because she said she¡¯d apany us. The gate opened, and she stepped out and into the car.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mitch, I took so long,¡± Zaneska apologized.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, let¡¯s go, Love,¡± Mitch said to me.


    I drove away from the mansion in my car. We arrived at a mall after a half-hour drive. I parked the car on the side of the road. And all three of us went out and into the mall at the same time.


    ¡°What are you going to buy, Zaneska?¡± Mitch inquired.


    ¡°I¡¯m just going to buy something, I¡¯m just going to go with your boyfriend and buy what he needs; I¡¯m just here.¡±


    Mitch and I left after Zaneska. Mitch wrapped her arm around my shoulders and led me to the clothing racks.


    Mitch inquired, ¡°What do you want to buy?¡±


    ¡°Whatever I want; you can also shop because I will buy something for you as well, and I will give you a gift,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Really? It¡¯s embarrassing,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be shy, I lovez you,¡± I said.


    Mitch gave me a smile and a kiss on the lips. Another customer gave us a friendly smile. I was suddenly humiliated.


    My phone rang as I was walking around the mall looking for something. Randolf called after I looked at it.


    ¡°Hello, Randolf, is there a problem?¡± I askover the phone.


    ¡°Calvin has already resigned, Miss.¡±


    ¡°What and why?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, his colleagues just told me he resigned without informing them,¡± Randolf exined.


    ¡°OK, please tell Lucas to meet me here at the mall because I¡¯m taking him to Calvinhouse,¡± I instructed Randolf.


    ¡°Taken care of, Miss.¡±


    I exited the mall as soon as I hung up the phone. Later, I texted Mitch that I was going somewhere for a while. Luke arrived after I had gone. I boarded right away.


    We also drove for half an hour before reaching the bridge.


    ¡°Join me there, Lucas,¡± I said.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, where is the location?¡±


    ¡°Downstairs, we¡¯re going.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we going to roll down that, considering the difficulty of the road here?¡±


    ¡°Just slow down so we don¡¯t crash.¡±


    We¡¯re at a loss for words. I¡¯ve never seen six people drinking here before because they all work for thepany. We arrived in front of Aunt Carol¡¯s house as well.


    Luke knocked on the door. Calvinopen it.


    ¡°What are you doing here, Sister?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Please let me in first.¡±


    He unbolted the door.


    ¡°Did you know you could be prosecuted for leaving thepany without informing me?¡± I asked as I sat down.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I was embarrassed when I found out what my mother did; we¡¯re not your daddy¡¯s children,¡± Calvin exined.


    ¡°I already know that. No matter who your daddy is, I¡¯m not going to change my opinion of you, so go back to thepany, and where is your mother? So you can move to the new house I took for you,¡± I told him.


    Calvin gave a nod.


    ¡°Mom even went away with Lara.¡±


    ¡°Please tell them to pack, and please call me; do you have a phone number of me.¡±


    ¡°Yes,  by the way, sister, six of our neighbors here work for thepany; why do they work there?¡± Calvin ask.


    ¡°Ah, they asked me for a job when I first came here, so I took it.¡±


    ¡°Is that correct?¡±


    ¡°Oh, hey, I¡¯m leaving; just call me,¡± I said.


    I got up and left Calvin¡¯s house.


    I¡¯ve already purchased what I wanted at the mall. I also purchased mom and Melissa. But I noticed Zaneska never returned.


    ¡°Are we leaving, Love?¡± I asked Mitch.


    ¡°Yeah, I n to go home to our province. We¡¯ll juste back here,¡± Mitch said, frowning at me. ¡°But then Zaneska texted me that she won¡¯t being back here to the mall. That woman is too busy, so she can¡¯t take care of us too much, and she¡¯s ashamed to disturb us. We¡¯re not in a conversation because I¡¯m with you.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Mitch replied, ¡°because the difference between a single friend and one hada boyfriend is greater, so she understands.¡±


    Is that correct? Or was she avoiding me because she was angry? Because he understands I don¡¯t want to talk to him. We exited the mall. We then looked for a ride to Mitch¡¯s house. We were looking for a tricycle to transport us to the terminal.


    ¡°What can we ride home to you for?¡±


    ¡°What can we ride home to you for?¡±


    ¡°Buses.¡±


    We¡¯ve arrived at the bus station. And there is a bus to be loaded. We boarded right away.


    ¡°Does Zaneska know we¡¯re leaving?¡± Iasked her.


    ¡°Not yet, but I¡¯ll call her.¡±


    Luke and I were the first to arrive. I¡¯m now in my office, seated in a swivel chair.


    I¡¯ll contact Mitch.


    ¡°Hello, Mitch, where are you?¡± I ask her.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    ¡°Zaneska, weare on the bus back to my province; we¡¯ll just go there next time,¡± she said.


    ¡°All right, take care.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate it.¡±


    I¡¯m going to hang up the phone. I sat back in my swivel chair. Zander, I¡¯m sure, was relieved. He pretended not to notice me, as if he was trying to avoid talking to me. He was so devoted to Mitch that even when I spoke to him, he misinterpreted what I said. He insulted me in that manner. Hees in second ce to Mr. Chin, who insulted me. At the very least, if he considers me a friend because his girlfriend is a friend of mine. Because of what he did, my heart rebelled.


    We¡¯ve made it to Mitch¡¯s town terminal. We¡¯re on our way to her house on a tricycle. I¡¯m starting to get worried.


    I¡¯m not sure what I¡¯ll find there. We came to a halt in front of the log house. There¡¯s also a lot of plot on the side.


    ¡°Here we are, Zander,¡± Mitch said.


    Outside the house, I noticed children ying.


    We went down and entered the wooden gate as a pair.


    ¡°Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Mitch is here,¡± a six-year-old child eximed.


    The two elders emerged from the house and stared at me. They¡¯re both in their 60s. And Mitch¡¯s father was as sluggish as if he were sick.


    ¡°Good afternoon, mom and dad, this is Zander,my boyfriend,¡± Mitch said as she introduced me to herparents.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Aunt and Uncle,¡± I say.


    ¡°Thank you for thinking ofing to our house; I¡¯m sorry because we just have a simple life here,¡± Mitch¡¯s father said.


    ¡°That¡¯s okay, our life is also simple, so I¡¯m used to it,¡± I replied.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, pleasee in first.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I couldn¡¯t buy you a greeting because I forgot,¡± I exined.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine, no worries.¡±


    I took a seat on the bamboo bench. While Mitch was saying his goodbyes, I was getting dressed.


    Mitch¡¯s mother and father sat in front of me as well. They¡¯re stare  is entirely up to me.


    ¡°What do you do, Zander?¡± Mitch¡¯s mother inquired.


    ¡°I¡¯m a public school teacher in our area, Aunt, and I¡¯ve been in the service for about four years,¡± I exined.


    ¡°Really? Your parents¡¯ is so lucky,¡± Mitch¡¯s father eximed.


    I simply smiled. Then three women walked into the house.


    ¡°Dad, mom, who is he?¡± the thin woman ask.


    Mitch¡¯s father responded, ¡°He¡¯s your sister Mitch¡¯s boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°Really? My sister¡¯s luck then,¡± the fat woman said.

 CHAPTER 43

    ¡°Come in, your talking too much.¡± their mother rebuked.


    ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± I said just now.


    ¡°We, too,¡± they added.


    And entered the kitchen.


    The three men went after them. They were with their children. These men are the husband¡¯sof Mitch¡¯s three siblings, I believe.


    ¡°We have a visitor, dad and mom,¡± the man with the banana said.


    ¡°Yes, Mitch, your sister¡¯s boyfriend.¡±


    They said, ¡°Nice to meet you, bro.¡±


    ¡°Me, too; can youe with me to the city? It¡¯s still early; I¡¯ll just buy something we can eatter,¡± I said.


    ¡°All right, now?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I stood up and bid Mitch¡¯s mother and father farewell. When Mitch called, the four of us were about to leave.


    ¡°Zander, where are you going? You three really, where are you going to take him? I¡¯m going to hit your heads.¡± Mitch sermon.


    ¡°Sister, he invited us to buy a dish and food in the city; you really are. you always think bad of us,¡± the curly-haired man said.


    ¡°OK, get out, but hurry up,¡± Mitch said.


    We were already on our way to town in search of a ride. In front of us, a tricycle whizzed by.


    We¡¯ve already begun our trip.


    ¡°Brother, maybe you can rmend a job for us; we¡¯d like to experience the city¡¯s meltdown; we¡¯re tired of it here in the province,¡± said the semi-bald man.


    I¡¯mughing out loud.


    ¡°I¡¯m not from the city, but I live in the province, and I don¡¯t own a business, so you might think I¡¯m wealthy,¡± I exined. ¡°I¡¯m a public school teacher.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? Why is your skin smooth? You appear toe from a wealthy family,¡± another person inquired.


    ¡°It¡¯s also very convenient for me to buy things since I had a job; I won¡¯t promise anything, but if I find a friend who owns thepany, I¡¯ll let you in.¡±


    ¡°Any job. A hut cleaner. A janitor. We¡¯re going to work. We¡¯re already ck in plowing the fields here.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how life is, just be patient a little, and we can get up too,¡± I exined.


    When we arrived in town, the first thing we did was look for a dish to buy.


    ¡°Can I have something, Brother?¡±


    ¡°What is that?¡±


    ¡°Two bottles of wine, if that¡¯s all right with you.¡±


    Jordan, you idiot, you just met your brother-inw and you¡¯re already asking for alcohol. s! When Mitch finds out, she will undoubtedly scold you again.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only now, Cardo, so don¡¯t bother.¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°All right, go get two bottles of wine.¡±


    After a half-hour of shopping, we returned on the tricycle we had ridden earlier, making him wait for us so we wouldn¡¯t have to look for anyone else.


    I dozed off with my head on the table. A loud knock jolted me awake, and I pushed hard on the door to my office. And when I saw Mr. Chin¡¯s sweaty face, my blood pressure rose. I got to my feet and approached him. When he knelt in front of me, I would have pped him. But I restarain myself since I know I had many respect in my system.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Zaneska, I didn¡¯t mean to haryou that night. I was drunk at the time, so I didn¡¯t know what I was doing. I hope you forgive me, and please help me convince your uncle to just forgive me. He sued me. He reported me to the police. And he banned me froming here. He wanted me back there in our ce. Please, Zaneska, I will nevere near you again as long as you just drop yourint against me.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what you¡¯re saying, Mr. Chin; I already told my Uncle that I won¡¯tin about what youdid, but since he did, you¡¯ll talk to him; I hope you don¡¯t do anything that will hurt your personality; you¡¯re a businessman, but when everyone finds out what you did, that¡¯s the beginning of the end of your career,¡± I said.


    Mr. Chin begged, ¡°No, Zaneska, please ask your uncle.¡±


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll try to talk to him; I¡¯m not in this to hurt you, even if you don¡¯t respect me,¡± I said.


    Mr. Chinwas taken aback and bow his head.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Zaneska,¡± he says, ¡°I swear I¡¯m really sorry for what I did to you.¡±


    ¡°Okay, go home and fix yourself.¡±


    He smiled at me and walked away. I exhaled a sigh. When that person is drunk, he terrifying. I¡¯m not sure what his life was like there, but he¡¯ll take care of himself. Calvin entered after Mr. Chin had left.


    ¡°Oh, why?¡±


    ¡°What is that man doing here, and why does he appear insane?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, he just came over and asked me a question; you? What do you need?¡± I asked.


    Calvin replied, ¡°Nothing, I was just checking on you.¡±


    ¡°Wow, I was touched,¡± I admitted.


    ¡°Yeah, because now I¡¯m still embarrassed; it¡¯s a good thing you¡¯re not like the other rich viins in the movie, who will charge the person immediately if they make a mistake,¡± Calvin exined.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, by the way, have you told your mother? We¡¯ll go to the houseter, and I¡¯ll apany you.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Please buy me lunch outside, and you buy as well,¡± I say.


    ¡°I¡¯m full, sister; the girls bought me foodsearlier; they ate breakfast in the morning because they were afraid of bing hungry, but they didn¡¯t gain weight,¡± Calvin exined.


    I¡¯m cracking up.


    ¡°Mr. Chin, I remember seeing him. Our neighbor who works in China turned out to be his girlfriend. He made that woman of four and he just left. And now he is trying to fool you,¡± Calvin said.


    ¡°That¡¯s why your blood is boiling over him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving,¡± Calvin said as he walked out of my office.


    I was left to mull over my options. I¡¯m not to me if some people are offended and decide to leave. It is not their fault if they abandon someone. No matter what the woman or man does, they will never be able to stop someone who has lost love for them.


    So perhaps I reached this age without even attempting to love because my heart and mind were closed to love. I avoid being hurt because I am aware of the person who is being hurt and what they have been through. But, seeing how happy Mitch is, I feelpelled to try to love.


    I was thinking so hard that I didn¡¯t notice Calvin had already entered my office.


    ¡°This is your lunch, sister; you really need to eat because you appear to have sumbed to extreme hunger,¡± Calvin exined.


    I widened my eyes at him, but all he did wasugh and walk out of the office.


    We¡¯re all in the kitchen now, getting ready to eat. At the table, I sat next to Mitch.


    ¡°Sister, why do we put up with our crowded kitchen here when we can take a table and put it outside so we can all eat there? It¡¯s embarrassing for my brother-inw,¡± Cardoined.


    ¡°Have you thought about it yet? When are we going to eat? No matter when you¡¯re confused. Zander isn¡¯tining about that. You have moreints than he does.¡± Mitch responded.


    We were allughing.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine with me like this; I don¡¯t mind being in such a crowded ce,¡± I exined.


    ¡°It¡¯s good, brother-inw, you¡¯re too humble; we won¡¯t be ashamed of our simple life,¡± Jordan said.


    I simply smiled.


    ¡°Are you leaving right now, Mitch?¡± Mitch¡¯s father inquired.


    ¡°Yes, Dad, I¡¯ll just take Zander ande back here when we get paid for work. We¡¯re leaving quickly, and even if they¡¯re on school vacation, he¡¯ll have a lot to do,¡± Mitch replied.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back here when I¡¯m not too busy, Aunt,¡± I said.


    ¡°We will, indeed, wait for you.¡±


    I simply smiled.


    We left the house after we finished eating.


    We were standing in the shade of a mango tree. We sat down on the nk of wood. At seven o¡¯clock in the evening, it was already dark. Add more, such as rain from bad weather. Mitch and I were seated next to one another.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t mangoes ever fall in here?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps not,¡± Mitch countered.


    ¡°It¡¯s quiet with you; don¡¯t you have a neighbor? This is the only house I see,¡± I remarked.


    ¡°There are many, but they are in the back, and this is where you passed on the other side, so you don¡¯t have a house to see,¡± Mitch exined.


    ¡°There¡¯s no staring out now, and I can¡¯t wish,¡± I said out of nowhere.


    ¡°What would you wish for if there was a star?¡± Mitch inquired.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say, Love, because it might note true.¡± was my response.


    ¡°Like that? But you know, when we¡¯re at home, we can¡¯t stay in bed because my parents are too conservative; maybe tomorrow we¡¯ll get married,¡± Mitch joked.


    ¡°I prefer that as well, so you can truly be mine,¡± I exined.


    Mitch was taken aback.


    ¡°Zander, when we¡¯re talking about marriage right now, it¡¯s not yet time, and it¡¯s too early for that matter,¡± Mitch said.


    I took Mitch¡¯s hand in mine.


    ¡°I understand,¡± I said, ¡°but when you¡¯re ready, I won¡¯t let you go.¡±


    ¡°Me, too. We¡¯re leaving tomorrow because there are a lot of customers. Amara called, and her mommy said I can¡¯t stay long,¡± Mitch exined.


    ¡°Yes, by the way, how is Amara doing?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, we never discussed them with Duke.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Duke¡¯s birthday is the next day,¡± I exined.


    ¡°Is that correct? We really need to get home,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside, we need to sleep, and there¡¯s another swarm of mosquitoes outside,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯d rather have your bite than a mosquito bite,¡± I jokingly stated.


    ¡°Stupid!¡± eximed Mitch.


    We also went inside their house.

 CHAPTER 44

    We found Mitch¡¯s mother with a nket and a pillow as we entered the house.


    ¡°Mitch, please put it in your room so Zander can sleep there, and then you can sleep in the other room, next to your nephews,¡± Mitch¡¯s mother said.


    Mitch and I exchanged nces. We walked to Mitch¡¯s room, where shegrabbed the nket and pillow from her mother.


    ¡°I told you we weren¡¯t supposed to sleep in one bedtonight,¡± Mitch chuckled.


    I kissed him on the lips for a long time when we entered.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°What is it, Zander? Just let me go,¡± Mitch said, smiling.


    I¡¯m cracking up.


    ¡°OK, go to sleep. It¡¯s too embarrassing if they¡¯re all asleep, and then we¡¯ll talk more,¡± I said.


    ¡°All right, good night,¡± Mitch said as she exited the room.


    I closed my eyes andy down on the bed.


    I kissed him on the lips for a long time when we entered.


    ¡°What is it, Zander? Just let me go,¡± Mitch said, smiling.


    I¡¯m cracking up.


    ¡°OK, go to sleep. It¡¯s too embarrassing if they¡¯re all asleep, and then we¡¯ll talk more,¡± I said.


    ¡°All right, good night,¡± Mitch said as she exited the room.


    I closed my eyes andy down on the bed.


    I once mentioned Calvin to Uncle.


    Uncle Conrad had gone, leaving Duke and me alone.


    ¡°Hi, Duke, I thought you were going toe home,¡± I said as I sat on the couch.


    ¡°Today I¡¯m going home; I brought my own car, so the trip will be easy; I¡¯m here to invite you to my birthday; if you just want toe along, that¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°Sure, are we leaving right now?¡± I inquire.


    Duke gave a nod.


    ¡°Wait a minute, I¡¯ll just put on some clothes.¡±


    I went into my bedroom and changed my clothes. Genie walked in.


    ¡°Where are you going, Miss?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°In Duke¡¯s province, please put my clothes in my Genie backpack. You¡¯ll look after thepany. Uncle Conrad and Randolf are here,¡± I said.


    ¡°Indeed, miss.¡±


    Genie was carrying my backpack as I left. Duke kidnapped her. I also bid the other girls farewell.


    I climbed into Duke¡¯s car. I sat next to him in the front seat. Before I buckled my seatbelt, I put on my hoodie. We were on the ne in half an hour. Duke¡¯s province is also a long distance away. Because I¡¯m tired, I¡¯m yawning.


    ¡°First, Zaneska, take a nap so you can sleep at least a little,¡± Duke advised.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± I¡¯ll ask.


    ¡°By the way, isn¡¯t it dangerous for a gabe to travel to your province?¡±


    ¡°Of course not, and as you can see, we¡¯ve got a lot of cars on the road today,¡± Duke replied.


    ¡°I¡¯ll sleep first, Duke,¡± I said.


    ¡°You certainly can.¡±


    I shut my eyes. I¡¯m not sure how many hours I slept, but I awoke to Duke shaking my shoulder.


    ¡°Come down, Zaneska, we¡¯re here,¡± Duke said.


    When I opened my eyes, I saw that we hade to a halt in front of the four-story house. When I got out of the car, I noticed a woman standing near the gate, staring at me. Duke and I made our approach.


    ¡°Sammy, this is Zaneska Vergara, one of our rtives,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Hello, good evening,¡± I said with a smile.


    ¡°Good evening, too; I recognize you, and I¡¯m delighted to meet you in person,¡± Sammy said, smiling.


    ¡°Really? Me too,¡± I replied.


    When Duke looked at Sammy, he frowned.


    ¡°Where did you meet him?¡± Duke inquired.


    ¡°Actually, I saw him on social media, as you know, so don¡¯t ask me where,¡± Sammy exined.


    We were allughing. And then we went inside.


    ¡°You know, Zaneska, my grandmother was overjoyed when she found out I included you, and I had already mentioned you to her,¡± Duke exined.


    ¡°Really? Where are they now?¡± I¡¯ll inquire.


    Duke replied, ¡°In the mansion.¡±


    ¡°Can I sleep, Duke? I was so tired on our trip,¡± I asked.


    ¡°Sure,e on in; I¡¯ll meet you in the guest room.¡±


    I took Duke¡¯s lead.


    ¡°Come in, Zaneska, and rest.¡±


    ¡°Thank you very much, Duke.¡±


    I changed into a new dress after Duke left. And Iy down on the bed, closing my eyes.


    I got up early the next day. I walked out of the room. And then I discovered Duke in the living room. He changed his clothes and took a bath.


    ¡°Hello, Zaneska, and thank you for being awake,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Why?¡± I¡¯ll inquire.


    ¡°I would have taken you to my girlfriend¡¯s house,¡± he exined.


    ¡°Sure, wait a minute; I¡¯ll just get dressed and eat; you¡¯ll feed me first before you take me with you,¡± Iined.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯m already cooking; I¡¯ll prepare you while you take a bath,¡± Duke replied.


    ¡°By the way, where is Sammy?¡± I¡¯ll inquire.


    ¡°She¡¯s at work; she left early, and she told me she wanted me to feed you first.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see.¡±


    I returned to the guest room. And took a bath. I went back out and into the living room five minutester.


    Someone has made me some food. I approached and sat down to eat as well. Because I had the impression that I was hungryst night.


    I was in Duke¡¯s car, driving to his girlfriend¡¯s house, half an hourter.

 CHAPTER 45

    ¡°Why do you have to take me with you? Can¡¯t you just call her and arrange for the two of you to meet?¡± I questioned.


    ¡°Actually, I would have brought Zander with me just because he hasn¡¯t returned home yet; he¡¯s still in Mitch¡¯s province, don¡¯t you know?¡±


    ¡°Mitch told me the same thing.¡±


    ¡°The other day was my girlfriend Amara¡¯s birthday, and I went because I wanted to meet her parents because our rtionship is secret. We are both adults with jobs, but we hide like minors, which is why I was devastated because her parents didn¡¯t want me. She was supposed to marry someone her parents chose for her. I was upset because he didn¡¯t inform me. He even got information from my parents. I didn¡¯t want to, but my love for him won out. It is not only the right woman who pursues the man. I really don¡¯t want to go now because they still won¡¯t ept me. ¡°Duke said.


    ¡°There are some parents who are truly like that, and we can¡¯t force them because they are the parents,¡± I exined.


    Duke gave a nod.


    ¡°Yes, they are parents, but it is not appropriate for them to make decisions for their children. If your parents are still alive today, what do they stand for in your rtionship?¡± Duke inquired.


    ¡°They¡¯re nice, Duke; they¡¯re not like other parents who interfere in their children¡¯s decisions; I was devastated when they disappeared, but who are we to interfere in the well above, right?¡± I replied.


    ¡°You¡¯re correct,¡±


    We arrived at a brown-painted mansion after half an hour. There are many flowers all around. Duke and I exited the vehicle, and he pressthe doorbell. We were let in after an assistant opened the gate. The owner was right outside the house, and we werepletely focused on him.


    ording to how I saw her look at Duke and me, the woman looked at me with passing pain in her eyes. I¡¯m guessing this is Duke¡¯s girlfriend, apanied by her parents. When they see me, I can see recognition in their eyes. The woman stood up and approached me, kissing me on the cheek.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised that a famous billionairess from all over the world is here in my mansion right now,¡± the woman said, smiling, but her gaze on Duke vanished abruptly.


    ¡°I just went with my cousin; nice to meet you; you must be?¡± I inquired.


    In the film, she canyed the role of a viin. Even if she does not express it yet, herposture will make it clear.


    ¡°Really? He never told us the two of you are rted,¡± the woman said, faking a smile.


    My brow furrowed. I¡¯d still believe if Duke hadn¡¯t told me about them. When Duke¡¯s girlfriend heard what I said, her face lit up. Shecks the strength to stand on her own two feet. She would rather lether parents handle her rtionship with Duke.


    ¡°Really?¡± I asked, ¡°but I know what all of you do to him.¡±


    The woman¡¯s smile had vanished.


    ¡°So, won¡¯t you ask us to sit down? My foot hurts,¡± I say, jokingly.


    ¡°Sure,e on over. We¡¯re right here.¡±


    I took a seat next to Duke.


    ¡°How¡¯s your business going? We¡¯ve heard a lot about you,¡± Amara¡¯s father inquired.


    ¡°So far, my business has been doing well over the years,¡± I replied.


    ¡°I¡¯ve considered investing in yourpany before if we had the opportunity to meet, but here you are, and you two are rted to my son¡¯s boyfriend,¡± the man said.


    I¡¯m grinning.


    ¡°All I thought was you didn¡¯t want her for your daughter, and now I hear you¡¯ve already chosen for her?¡± I asked, making Dukeugh foolishly.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Forget it; we¡¯re just shocked; they can talk to our daughter and reconcile,¡± the woman said.


    Amara rose to her feet, and Duke followed.


    ¡°Please excuse us,¡± Duke said.


    The wives nodded in agreement.


    ¡°It¡¯s settled then, ourpany will invest in yourpany,¡± the man said, despite the fact that I still didn¡¯t agree.


    ¡°Sure, mypany is always open every day, but I have to go,¡± I say as I wave goodbye.


    I noticed Amara and Duke outside, leaning against the car¡¯s mya hood.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Duke said.


    Amara gave me a friendly smile.


    ¡°Thank you so much for showing up; your presence saved our rtionship,¡± he expresses gratitude.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± I said.


    Because Amara was in the front seat, I rode in the back.


    ¡°Zaneska, we¡¯re at the mansion, and there¡¯s a party going on because I told them you wereing,¡± Duke exined.


    ¡°Is that correct? I was overwhelmed; am I really that important?¡± I¡¯ll inquire.


    ¡°Of course, you¡¯re our family, so that¡¯s all there is to it.¡±


    We arrived at Duke¡¯s mansion an hourter.


    We all got out of the car at the same time. When we walked in, I was greeted by arge crowd. They both smiled as they looked at me. I recognize them as Duke¡¯s family. Even though I didn¡¯t know them personally, and we had only recently met, I was pleased. I can¡¯t quite believe they exist.


    What drew my attention, however, was an elderly woman standing near the table. She was crying as she looked at me. I went up to him.


    ¡°Good evening, you must be Duke¡¯s grandmother?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m delighted to meet you, even if we only share a surname; we don¡¯t need to guess where you¡¯re from as long as we¡¯re family,¡± he says.


    ¡°Thank you, Grandma; I was very happy, even though my parents are no longer here; many have taken over.¡±


    The elderly gentleman smiled. Even though her hair is all white, there is no denying how stunning she was when she was younger.


    I met all of them and we got along well. Amara was also introduced to them by Duke.


    ¡°Zaneska,¡± Duke said, ¡°we¡¯re going to Zander¡¯s house so they cane now; are youing?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine; what time is it?¡± I¡¯ll inquire.


    ¡°It¡¯s seven o¡¯clock in the evening; the speed of time surprised me.¡± Mitch responded.


    We said our goodbyes and got into the car. Duke had already driven away from the mansion in his car. We also took about 30 minutes to get to Zander¡¯s house. I was the first to leave. Amara and Duke trailed behind.


    When we walked in, there was a woman sitting on the balcony.


    ¡°Good evening, aunt,¡± Duke said. ¡°Has Zander arrived yet?¡±


    ¡°Not yet, I thought you two went out of town together?¡± inquired the woman.


    ¡°We just got here first; they went through Mitch¡¯s province. This is my cousin Zaneska, and this is my girlfriend Amara.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you both; pleasee in first.¡±


    We entered the house. Then a girl took my hand in hers.


    ¡°My name is Melissa, and you¡¯re stunning,¡± the child said.


    ¡°Thank you, my name is Zaneska,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Would you mind joining me in the kitchen, I¡¯m thirsty?¡± I asked the boy.


    As a result, he apanied me. Zander¡¯s mother was slicing vegetables when I noticed her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll cook that, Aunt; I haven¡¯t held a spoon in years, and I have a lot of people at home,¡± I said.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s embarrassing that your clothes might get dirty; it¡¯s best if you wear different clothes first,¡± Zander¡¯s mother said.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    I went to get dressed first with Aunt. Then I returned to the kitchen. I can cook because I studied culinary at the time. My mother also taught me at the time.


    ¡°It¡¯s unusual for someone like you to know how to cook; some people be ustomed to having a helper do the work,¡± Aunt exined.


    ¡°Yes, but I no longer have parents; they¡¯ve been gone for a long time, and I only have workers at home,¡± I exined.


    ¡°Is that correct? You shoulde here more often.¡±


    ¡°All right, but I¡¯m too busy in the office, Auntie, Duke just sent me today because it¡¯s his birthday next week.¡±


    Zander¡¯s mother gave a nod.


    ¡°Do you know my son Zander?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°Actually, my Aunt¡¯s bestfriend is Mitch, your son¡¯s girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°Really.¡±


    I gave a nod.


    I¡¯ve already started preparing vegetables. Aunt made me put on an apron. Amara is talking to Melissa, and I¡¯m not sure where they¡¯ve gone. While Duke was standing on the balcony.


    I¡¯m currently in my car outside the house. I just arrived. Because her father was still harvesting rice and she was assisting him, Mitch and I arrivedte at night. And I saw Duke¡¯s car, indicating that he was already on his way home. I got out of the car and went inside.


    ¡°You¡¯ve already arrived, Zander,¡± he told me.


    ¡°I came to you because I thought you wereing.¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute, I¡¯ll get dressed first, then we can talk,¡± I replied.


    I went into my bedroom and changed my clothes. I went outside and into the kitchen to get some water. However, I noticed Melissa while Amara was teaching her something. Are they both okay with Duke? I went back to the kitchen.


    I hadn¡¯t even walked in when I noticed the woman with her back turned while someone was cooking and my mother standing next to her.


    What is the significance of this woman¡¯s presence? He was dressed in an apron, a simple faded t-shirt, and a pair of shorts that I recognized as mom¡¯s. I returned to the balcony instead of going into the kitchen.


    ¡°Why is Zaneska here?¡± I inquired as I sat down.


    ¡°I took herbecause mygrandmother wanted to meet her, so we went to the mansion earlier,¡± Duke exined.


    ¡°Are you and Amara all right?¡±


    ¡°Sort of, we¡¯ve already talked. Please, I took Zaneska to Amara¡¯s mansion, her parents knew her and found out that we were rted, so they suddenly changed their treatment of me, and I even did business. Zaneska¡¯s presence saved our rtionship. I don¡¯t want to, but I realize that I love Amara so much,¡± Duke exined.


    ¡°Well, you figured it out,¡± I said.


    ¡°Of course. It has to be consistent. It¡¯s not that you have a problem, you just leave and look for someone else, which is very wrong,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°It¡¯s great that you persuaded Zaneska toe here.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I was surprised, and we¡¯ll travel in the evening, and your mother and I will be close from the start, and she knows how to cook.¡±


    I saw mother emerge from the house and approach us.


    ¡°You¡¯ve arrived, Zander.¡±


    ¡°Yes, mom, just now. Why did you allow our guest cook? She might think we enved her here,¡± I exined.


    ¡°She¡¯s insistent, so I just let her go. She¡¯s beautiful and kind, and she¡¯s so white. I¡¯m embarrassed to step aside because my skin color will be covered,¡± Zaneska¡¯s mother said,plimenting her daughter.


    I also noticed Zaneska was very white. Perhaps because of the numerous applications on theplexion. I noticed Zaneska emerge from the kitchen. He then went into Melissa¡¯s room. Zaneska walked away and to the balcony.


    ¡°Auntie, the vegetables are done,¡± he said to mom, not even looking at me.


    ¡°Thank you very much, Zaneska.

 CHAPTER 46

    ¡°Thank you, Zaneska; can we eat now?¡± mymother asked her.


    Zander¡¯s gaze was drawn to Zaneska. But she disregards it. She returned to the kitchen. And sh e even went inside Melissa¡¯s room to see Amara. I saw them walk into the kitchen.


    ¡°Hmmm, Melissa, where is your father?¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°My father died four years ago, and my mother already had a boyfriend, his name is Uncle Augusto, and he is nice to us,¡± the child replied.


    I gave a nod.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go out because your mother said we¡¯re going to eat, Amara; let¡¯s go.¡±


    Amara stood up, and the three of them exited the room to go to the kitchen. Zaneska sat across from Zander¡¯s mother. She noticed Duke had already eaten.


    ¡°You like cooking, Zaneska, you can get married right now,¡± Duke joked.


    ¡°Like that? You¡¯re going to push me to marry just because I know how to cook; just don¡¯t, because it¡¯s difficult for meto do,¡± she responded.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you have a boyfriend? You¡¯re beautiful and wealthy,¡± Amara asked.


    ¡°That was a nice question from you, sweetheart; why is that?¡± Duke inquired.


    I scowled.


    ¡°This is too much. Seriously, Duke? You asked why? I don¡¯t know. Maybe I was born to be like this, and I was born to be alone forever,¡± she responded.


    ¡°By the way, how old are you?¡± Amara inquired.


    ¡°Thirty-three,¡± she said.


    ¡°Not bad; you can still catch up,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Yeah, I think so, but the one for me hasn¡¯t yet been born,¡± Zaneska replied.


    ¡°How long are you going to stay here, Zaneska?¡± Zander¡¯s mother asked.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°We can go to Uncle Augusto¡¯s beach house?¡±


    ¡°All right, Aunt? We¡¯re still on vacation from school,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Maybe we¡¯ll go there tomorrow or tonight.¡±


    ¡°Excellent,¡± she said.


    ¡°Shall we not say goodbye to Uncle, mom?¡± Zander asked, who had now spoken as much as they had talked.


    ¡°I can call him because he¡¯s in Dubai on business right now, and Zander, call Mitch because we¡¯re going to the beach house today.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Zaneska exited the house and went outside the gate after they finished eating. He intended to call the girls and introduce himself.


    She called Lucianna as she leaned against the hood of Zander¡¯s car. It¡¯ll be a hassle if she calls them all.


    ¡°Hello, Lucianna, how are you?¡± she inquired.


    ¡°We¡¯re fine, Miss,¡± Lucianna replied, ¡°the mansion is quiet because there¡¯s nothing to do and because you¡¯re not here.¡±


    ¡°Are you serious? Or are you kidding me?¡±


    ¡°No, Miss, it¡¯s true; we miss you when you¡¯re not in the mansion,¡± she responds.


    ¡°It¡¯s really better that I leave now, because it¡¯s almost as if you¡¯re looking for me,¡± she says.


    On the other end of the line, Luciannaughed.


    ¡°All right, Miss, be careful there,¡± Lucianna said.


    They all emerged.


    ¡°Are we going to the beach house?¡± Zander¡¯s mother inquired.


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    Zaneska went up into the car. And her eyes widenbecause she was in Zander¡¯s car. They exchanged nces. But Zander wouldn¡¯t let her go, and he kept driving.


    We stopped inan apartmentplex where I saw Mitch emerge from the gate. She opened the car door and enter.


    ¡°Oh, Zaneska, how did you get here; you didn¡¯t even say you were going,¡± Mitch eximed.


    ¡°Actually, Duke invited me to his birthday party next week, so I went along with him,¡± she exined.


    ¡°It¡¯s good so you can rx now and then,¡± Mitch said.


    I gave a nod.


    While driving, Zander was deafeningly quiet. He noticed Zaneska in the mirror, her gaze fixed on what we were going through.


    Mitch inquired, ¡°Who suggested we go to the beach today?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my mother; they¡¯re in the other car with Duke and Amara,¡± he exined.


    ¡°Really? Amara and Duke back together?¡± Mitch inquired.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Zander didn¡¯t say why because he didn¡¯t want toe across as gossipy, especially since Zaneska was just in the back.


    ¡°It¡¯s also a waste of their rtionship; it¡¯s simply broken because of a simple thing,¡± Mitch said.


    Mitch calls out to Zaneska, ¡°Hmmm, Zaneska.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but why?¡±


    ¡°Are you all right in the back?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s nice here. It¡¯s quiet and there¡¯s no traffic,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°You can live here if you want; you can buynd and build a house, but you have a business in the city, and I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t be left behind, but you have loyal employees, so it¡¯s okay,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°However, Zaneska, you should look for your soulmate here first, because you¡¯ve been in the city for a few years and are still single.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Zaneska asked, ¡°Don¡¯t state the obvious, Mitch, because I¡¯m beginning to regret it.¡±


    Mitch burst outughing.


    They were so engrossed in their conversation that they didn¡¯t notice the passing of time. They¡¯d made it to the beach house. Duke entered the vehicle after opening the gate. Mitch and Zaneska leave.


    Zander noticed Zaneska move away from them.


    ¡°How are you, Amara?¡± Mitch asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, and I¡¯m really sorry for what my parents did, and I didn¡¯t know what to do so I didn¡¯t show up. All I thought was that Duke had found someone else since he didn¡¯t call me anymore, but when he appeared in the mansion gate in the morning. I had hope. But I was very embarrassed because my parents agreed for Duke and I to go back because they are rtives of Miss Zaneska, who my parents have wanted to meet for a long time.


    But that¡¯s fine, too. ¡°Amara stated.


    ¡°Is that correct? Your parents are stern. They didn¡¯t ept Duke just because they wanted to, did they? Simply because of Zaneska. If Zaneska didn¡¯t show up that day, where are you now? Amara, you¡¯re no longer a child. You are also capable of standing on your own two feet. If you care about Duke, you must fight for him as well. ¡± Mitch said, while Duke remained silent and Amara became speechless.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Amara; it wasn¡¯t my intention to say those things, but the rtionship you two built is being squandered.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    Zaneska avoided them because she was embarrassed to be the only one in the group without a boyfriend. She had never felt insecure before, but now she is skeptical. She is happy for other people¡¯s sessful rtionships, but she is unsure how she feels. This ce is so amodating to people like her.


    There is no noise andquiet. Only now did she prove to herself that she had feelings for someone. She would not admit it at first, but now she is certain, but she will not let it get to the point where someone will be hurt. It¡¯s not wrong to like someone because there are no words in the dictionary that say it¡¯s wrong to like someone, but what¡¯s wrong is that you ruin the rtionship so that you can be happy.


    ¡°What a surprise seeing a beautiful woman alone in a ce like this?¡± she heard a man say, but she did not hesitate to turn around to see who it was.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    She just kept looking around as if she was alone.


    ¡°Hmmm,¡±


    ¡°Are you talking to me?¡± Zaneska inquired, turning to face the man. A man in his forties looks at me with interest. He had curly hair and was attractive.


    ¡°Of course, are you apanied by anyone else?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Zaneska replied, ¡°but you ruin my loneliness.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to go here but your whiteness is outstanding,¡± the man apologized.


    ¡°Is that apliment?¡± she inquired.


    ¡°Of course, by the way, my name is Nathan, and I used to own this ce before Augusto bought it,¡± the man exined.


    I recognized the name he mentioned. Aunt¡¯s boyfriend was there.


    ¡°I see, my name is Zaneska, and I¡¯m with them.¡±


    ¡°I saw youe in, so what do you think of this ce?¡± Nathan inquired.


    My brow furrowed. This gentleman strikes up a conversation. But if she doesn¡¯t talk about it, she might be kicked out.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice; if I had the time, I¡¯d buy this type of ce if there were more avable,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°You can talk to me, and I can rmend something even better here,¡± Nathan said.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°So, why are you here? Is it because you¡¯re the only one without a partner?¡± he asked.


    I know he felt at ease talking to me because he asked me a question as if we were friends. I scowled.


    ¡°Do you ask a lot of questions naturally? Are you a reporter?¡± she asked.


    Nathan chuckles.


    ¡°No, you can probably guess what my job is.¡±


    ¡°No need, because we¡¯ll bete if I guess any more,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°You can, because you¡¯re here to have fun, and then you don¡¯t want to go with them because you¡¯re the only one without a partner,¡± Nathan exined.


    ¡°U-huh?¡±


    They were on the beach in front of the bonfire, I noticed. And I noticed Zander¡¯s mother standing next to a man. Perhaps he¡¯s her boyfriend.


    ¡°My bestfriend is a man in a gray shirt named Augusto. They¡¯re going to be an ex-couple who get back together. Isn¡¯t that great? There¡¯s always a second chance in a rtionship,¡± Nathan exined.


    ¡°Not everyone who breaks up can get back together; it still depends on how everyone feels. Other people¡¯s mindset is why would you pick up something you¡¯ve already thrown away? And why would you swallow something you¡¯ve already spit out?¡± exined Zaneska.


    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Nathan said.


    Zander noticed Zaneska talking to a man from a distance. And, ording to Uncle Augusto, that man was a previous owner of this beach house. They¡¯re speaking seriously, as if they¡¯ve known each other for a long time. Mymother was also preupied with them.


    ¡°So your friend returned here, Uncle, did he find what he was looking for in another country?¡± he asked.


    Uncle Augusto burst outughing.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but seeing him right now, I think he really found the one for him,¡± Uncle said.


    Zander smirked. Is Zaneska the one Uncle is talking about?


    ¡°They¡¯re a good match because they¡¯re both business-minded,¡± Amara said.


    Zander notices Zaneska is at ease speaking with the man.


    ¡°Nathan is a nice man; we¡¯re about the same age, but I know when ites to love, there¡¯s no age limit, right? As long as they feel the same way about each other,¡± Uncle exined.


    ¡°Yeah, and Zaneska was single as well, so they can be together; the age difference doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Mitch exined.


    ¡°What about when you¡¯re seventy and thirty? Is that still okay?¡± Duke inquired solemnly.


    Duke¡¯s reaction made himugh.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Mitch replied.


    ¡°The ambiguity is that it¡¯s a patient, not a rtionship; you¡¯ll be caring for the elderly; your profession must be caregiver, not lover,¡± Duke exined.

 CHAPTER 47

    They were allughing. We built a bonfire in front of us and ate a lot. I would have told Mitch to feed Zaneska because it waste at night and she could be hungry. But I was embarrassed that Mitch thought I was interested in herfriend.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t Zaneskka hungry yet? It¡¯ste at night, and they¡¯ve been talking to Nathan for a while,¡± Zander was relieved to hear his mother¡¯s question because he had already stated on his mind.


    ¡°She only eats when she¡¯s hungry, Aunt; people like herdon¡¯t like rice; she makes better vegetables and sandwiches,¡± Mitch responded.


    ¡°Is she always on a diet?¡± Zander¡¯s mother asked.


    ¡°Sort of off.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why she has such a nice body,¡± Zander¡¯s mother exined.


    Nathan¡¯s presence made Zaneska very happy. Because she is no longer alone and ashamed because she is the only one in the group who does not have a partner and appears to be an outcast. Nathan is a pleasure to be around. He¡¯s not a bore to talk to.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go with them so you can eat,¡± Nathan suggested.


    ¡°I¡¯m still full, and I don¡¯t like eating rice at night,¡± she exined.


    ¡°Are you afraid of gaining weight when you eat a lot?¡± Nathan asked.


    ¡°Sort off.¡±


    ¡°Body figure isn¡¯t important to me; I leave it to others,¡± Nathan exined.


    I exhaled a sigh.


    ¡°Nowadays, good looks are always important. There are oversize women who are broken hearted simply because their men aren¡¯t saying anything to them, especially when they can find sexy and good looking. That¡¯s a reality of life,¡± he said.


    ¡°You¡¯re correct.¡±


    ¡°Can you apany me, I¡¯d like to swim; when my friends and I went to the beach, I didn¡¯t get a chance to take a swim,¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°Are you sure? The water is freezing, especially tonight,¡± Nathan asked.


    ¡°Night swimming is fun, but I hope there aren¡¯t any sharks in this area,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°Nothing so far.¡±


    ¡°All right then.¡±


    They¡¯ve already started walking towards the group. As we approached, Uncle Augusto smiled at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m delighted to meet you in person; I¡¯ve only seen you in tabloids and on social media, and we¡¯ve never met on business trips abroad,¡± he says.


    ¡°Is that so? I try not to be in the tabloid news, but someone always manages to get through,¡± Zaneska joked.


    ¡°Of course, that¡¯s their work, so whatever you do, they¡¯ll find a way,¡± Uncle replied.


    ¡°Yeah, speaking of business trips abroad, I only send representatives because I despise traveling,¡± she responded.


    ¡°Whoa, this is the first time I¡¯ve heard of a businesswoman who isn¡¯t interested in gatherings; the otherspete just to be known all over the world,¡± Nathan says.


    Zaneska simplyughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m thezy businesswoman, and when I¡¯m not in the mood, I don¡¯t show up at gatherings,¡± he exined.


    ¡°Can I work as your assistant, Zaneska?¡± Duke inquired.


    ¡°Of course, if you can leave your profession,¡± Zaneska replied, ¡°but being a teacher is a nice profession. You teach children. You wouldn¡¯t be a doctor or a police officer if it weren¡¯t for the teachers.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but there¡¯s a lot of paperwork, and it can be exhausting at times,¡± Dukeined.


    Zaneska bursts outughing, and the first thing Zander notices is how white her teeth are, which adds to her beauty.


    ¡°Hmmm, Aunt, do you have an extra bathing suit?¡± Zaneska inquires of my mother out of the blue.


    ¡°However, can you swim in the sea? Will you get cold?¡± mom inquired.


    ¡°No, I can only go night swimming now; how about you, Mitch and Amara?¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to get cold, Zaneska; perhaps we¡¯ll take a bath tomorrow; I¡¯m sorry we can¡¯t be with you,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Zaneska replied, ¡°I¡¯ll just make Nathan apany me.¡±


    Zander¡¯s brows rose unexpectedly, which he didn¡¯t notice, and he simply looked away.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Zander¡¯s motherapanied her inside the house to look for a bathing suit.


    He had no idea what happened next because they had vanished from his view.


    Zander¡¯s mother offered her a swimsuit, but she declined. Because it was evening, she was prepared to wear leggings and a shirt in case somethingbit her in the sea. As she walked out, Nathan smiled at her.


    ¡°All I could think was, are you going to wear a bathing suit?¡± Nathan asked.


    Her brow furrowed.


    ¡°Disappointed?¡±


    ¡°Of course not; it¡¯s better that way because it¡¯s tonight; let¡¯s go,¡± Nathan said.


    They went to a nearby beach, and she swimwhile Nathan stood right next to her, keeping an eye on her.


    However, he noticed that Nathanwas talkingon the phone. After a while, he addressed her.


    ¡°Zaneska,e on up because I¡¯m going somewhere today; is that okay? Just continue your bath tomorrow,¡± hesaid.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Shegot out of the bath and went into the kitchen to get some water. Nathan had to leave as well due to an urgent call. Her phone began to ring.


    Genie phoned her.


    ¡°Hello, Genie, what¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Something came up, Miss,¡± Genie replied.


    She was trembling at the time.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°Lazzy was attempting suicide, and she shed her wrist. It¡¯s good to see us,¡± Genie said.


    My world came to a halt when I heard what I heard.


    ¡°What happened? I just vanished for a while, and that¡¯s what happened to you there!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what her problem is because she doesn¡¯t speak; she just keeps crying; we¡¯re at the hospital now, and she¡¯s looking for you.¡±


    ¡°OK, I¡¯m going home there,¡± he says.


    Zaneska gets off the phone. She eximed. What exactly is going on? She walked out of the kitchen without even looking back to see if Zander was standing in the kitchen doorway. She quickly changed herclothes and left the house. She rejoined the group.


    ¡°Are you all right, Zaneska?¡± Mitch asked.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not, something came up in the mansion. Duke, may I borrow your car?¡± she asks.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you there, Zaneska; it¡¯ste for you to travel,¡± Duke said.


    But only now Duke and Amara reconcile again, so he can¡¯t leave.


    ¡°You just gave me your car key, Duke; it¡¯s urgent; don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be fine,¡± she says.


    Duke let out a sigh and handed her the key.


    ¡°Aunt, Uncle, I have to go,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°Take care.¡±


    Mitch and Amara exchanged nods.


    Zaneska exited and got into Duke¡¯s car. Lazzy¡¯s concern was palpable. She had already driven away from the beach house in her car. She answered the phone when she tried to call Uncle Conrad.


    On the other end of the line, she asked,


    ¡°Uncle, how is Lazzy?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s fine. She fell asleep crying. She doesn¡¯t want to talk about her problem.I didn¡¯t think this woman had a suicidal problem. Do you have no idea what she¡¯s going through?¡± Uncle asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, Uncle; I have no idea what she¡¯s going through right now. Okay.¡±


    After that, shehung up the phone.


    When Zander returns to the group, he notices that Zaneska has left. And he had heard that there was an issue with their mansion. And he was concerned because she was travelingte at night.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Zander; I¡¯ll be taken home first because I have duty tomorrow,¡± Mitch said as he approached.


    He gave a nod. They began by saying their goodbyes to his mother and Uncle Conrad. When they exited the gate, he noticed Duke¡¯s car had vanished. Maybe Zaneska used to.


    He and Mitch got into the car and started it. They were out of the apartment in half an hour. He kissed Mitch on the lips and bid herfarewell. He ns to follow Zaneska because he has a bad feeling about her travel.He was nervous for no apparent reason. This is the first time he has expressed concern for someone.


    After Mitch entered the apartment, he drove the car quickly. He might even be able to catch up to Zaneska. And it was twelve o¡¯clock at night, so he knew the road was dangerous at this time of night, especially since she was alone and a woman. But he couldn¡¯t see herany longer, and there was no other way to travel.


    Zaneska was especially worried because she saw men with guns in the distance, which was nota check point because no one was blocking the road. They are not soldiers or police officers based on their appearance. Sh e estimated that there were about ten people. If she continues, she will undoubtedly be blocked and kidnapped.


    Particrly since she was alone. Only now did she realize she should have studied martial arts for self-defense years ago. She was worried because someone had seen her with a mustache and she couldn¡¯t describe it. She will only be brave in order to engage these men in conversation. She rolled down the window of her car.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Good evening, Miss,¡± the man said, as if he saw grace in her. And he gave her a malicious look. So she is aware that she is in danger right now. Because of the distance from the city, these men will catch her before Uncle Conrad arrives to rescue her. She was already breaking out in a cold sweat. Her heart was pounding like a drum because she was so nervous.


    They will shoot her if she backs up and drives quickly. She wishes she had simply listened to Duke and let him send her home. She could be so adamant at times. The ten men were staring at her like hungry animals.


    ¡°Do you have a problem? I¡¯m in a hurry, and as far as I can tell, none of you conducted a checkpoint,¡± Zaneska said.


    They¡¯re bothughing like maniacs.


    ¡°Miss, it¡¯s not just soldiers and police who need checkpoints; you¡¯re so unlucky because you passed by this ce; who told you to travel at this time?¡± said the tall-haired man, who looked as if he hadn¡¯t taken a bath in months.


    Shit! This is the end of the road for me. If I survive this time, I will never return to this ce. I swear! I¡¯m not even sure I want to die!


    ¡°What¡¯s up, Miss? Get out! And don¡¯t wait for me to drag you out!¡± heyell.


    ¡°What do you need? Money? I¡¯ll give you a lot of money,¡± Zaneska said, her voice trembling.


    They were allughing.


    ¡°This beautiful woman is wealthy, and we¡¯re lucky to have her,¡± they said.


    The man pushed open the car door and drew me out.


    Please help me! I want to live a longer life! She silently prayed.


    Zander noticed Zaneska in the distant tow of a man with long hair, and he noticed many other men staring at her. I detect a threat. They are well-armed men. He sped up the car to catch up to them before they took Zaneska away.


    He exited the vehicle.


    ¡°Release me!¡± yelled Zaneska, but the man¡¯s grip tightened on her.


    ¡°Zaneska! What¡¯s wrong, darling? Did they do something bad to you?¡± a man¡¯s voice I recognized asked.


    Aside from her father, this is the first time she has been addressed as darling.


    Zander! She yells quietly. He stood there staring at her with his eyes fixed on her. And men, too.


    ¡°Who are you, and what are you doing here?¡± the man askedZander.


    ¡°Of course, she¡¯s my wife, and we had a misunderstanding, so she left at night. Where do you n to take her?¡± Zander asked the man, his voice solemn, but she could see fear in his eyes.


    ¡°Just make sure you¡¯re telling the truth or we¡¯ll kill you,¡± the man said. ¡°Is what that man said true, Miss?¡± he asked.


    She didn¡¯t say anything, but Zander could tell she was just nodding to avoid the problem even more.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she said.


    ¡°I¡¯m still not convinced because I haven¡¯t seen a ring that proves you¡¯re truly married; you can leave; I just need this woman so you don¡¯t get hurt,¡± the man said to Zander.


    Zander was concerned for Zaneska¡¯s safety, and he could see it in her eyes. We both share the same sentiment. They have guns if only hand-to-handbat is permitted, but I¡¯m not sure if they¡¯ll shoot us if I don¡¯t speak politely.

 CHAPTER 48

    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s trendy now to live together in one house before getting married,¡± Zander exined.


    His nerve impulses didn¡¯t go away as long as the man had Zaneska in his grip. And he could tell she was scared.


    ¡°Can you please let her go because we need to leave because our son is already crying and looking for their mother?¡± he asked.


    And he saw the man release Zaneska¡¯s arms.


    ¡°Come here, sweetheart,¡± Zander said, ¡°get in the car, and let¡¯s go home.¡±


    He is aware that men regard him with disdain, but he hopes that nothing bad will happen to them. Zaneska got in the car and drove away from the men, which he then followed. When the man called him, he hadn¡¯t even gotten into the car.


    ¡°Wait, the next time we cross paths, I¡¯ll make sure you don¡¯t leave here alive,¡± the man said to her.


    ¡°That¡¯s not a problem,¡± he said.


    He got into his car and started it. He chased after Zaneska as fast as he could. When Zaneska noticed Zander¡¯s car following her, she exhaled a sigh of relief. Earlier, she was concerned about their safety. She understands that she owes her life to him and that if Zander does not appear, she will be damned. Fortunately, the men believethey were a married couple.


    Fear made her throat dry up. When she came to aplete stop, she was a long distance away from the men. She got out and leaned against the car¡¯s hood. When she saw Zander¡¯s care to a stop, she got out and approached him. Zaneska couldn¡¯t control her emotions and hugged Zander out of relief. She knew what she did didn¡¯t look good, but she was grateful. It would have been preferable if they had simply killed her, but she knows they are going to rape her.


    ¡°Thank you so much for saving me,¡± she said.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee; this is what you¡¯ve got as a result of your tenacity,¡± Zander replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry because I nearly destroyed you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that; as long as we¡¯re both safe, I don¡¯t mind; I hope this is your lesson so that it doesn¡¯t happen again,¡± Zander told him.


    ¡°Did Mitch know you wereing?¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°No, she didn¡¯t, and I didn¡¯t know how to exin to her that I really intended to follow you because I had a bad feeling about your trip at twelve,¡± Zander responded.


    ¡°Why?¡± Zaneska replied. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t lie because little lies add up when the dayes.¡±


    But Zander is skeptical that Mitch will understand what he says because, knowing her, he notices that he is overly jealous on the days they are together, especially when he iste to read hertext messages. It¡¯s not right for him to abandon Zaneska when he knows he can help.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Ijust go with youto the city, so you can rest,¡± Zander suggested.


    They got into their car. They arrived in the city around two a. m. They went to the hospital right away. Zaneska buys a bottle of mineral water before entering the hospital. She only realised she was thirsty, hungry, and tired now. Sh e entered the room where Lazzy had been admitted. She approached each and every one of the girls. Zander stayed outside and did not go inside the hospital.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    She realized now that hugging him was inappropriate. She¡¯s still perplexed by Zander¡¯s obedience. She wouldn¡¯t want to talk to her or be around. She wasn¡¯t numb enough to be oblivious to it while they were at the beach house.


    And she already knew she wanted this man the moment she saw him. In her opinion, falling in love with someone is not a mistake, but rather a natural emotion. However, this is incorrect because this man is her bestfriend¡¯s boyfriend. They didn¡¯t get along well and only spoke to Mitch because of their busy schedules, but they considered each other to be bestfriends.


    As long as it does not insult other people, Zaneska sees no reason for someone to be her best friend. As a result, it is extremely inappropriate for her to like the man she adores. When the girls saw her, they all stop talking.


    ¡°Miss, you¡¯ve arrived,¡± Hera said.


    She just nodded, her gaze fixed on Lazzy, who was bending over at the time. She came up behind her and approached her.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? How bad has it gotten to the point where you¡¯ve had tomit suicide?¡± Zaneska asked.


    Lazzy knelt and sobbed instead of saying anything.


    ¡°Are you just going to cry there? What do your parents think I did when I left you and you did that? I almost got raped because I drove home at twelve a. m. just to see you because I¡¯m worried.¡±


    They were all silent, and Lazzy was crying as she looked at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss,¡± Lazzy said. ¡°I don¡¯t want themto be concerned, especially you, but I¡¯m going through something right now.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± Zaneska asked. ¡°It¡¯s not like you shed your wrist out of nowhere.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just that I¡¯m pregnant,¡± Lazzy exined as a reason for me to rise.


    ¡°Do you understand what Lazzy is saying?¡±


    Her gaze is drawn to females.


    ¡°No, we just found out about that thing now,¡± Laica exined, ¡°because when we asked her repeatedly, she just cried.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with being pregnant without a father in your pregnancy? Being pregnant is a blessing; you don¡¯t have tomit suicide because your man abandoned you. We¡¯ve been through a lot together, Lazzy; I¡¯ve been through a lot during pregnancy, but it never urred to me to slit my wrist,¡± Lucianna exined.


    ¡°Of the nine of us, you¡¯re the brave one. You¡¯re justughing at the problem that¡¯se into your life. You¡¯re beautiful, and you¡¯re not desperate to do such a thing just because your man left you. Know your worth. Not because someone else got you pregnant.no one will ept you and love you again.There are many nice men out there to ept your ws. Cheer up. We¡¯re all here for you,¡± Genie said passionately.


    ¡°You¡¯re so lucky to have us,¡± M said, ¡°because Lucianna was like that too at the time, and we hadn¡¯t met her yet.¡±


    Lazzy remained silent.


    If they be pregnant in this manner, as Lazzy did, they need not be concerned because she will assist them. However, getting to the point where they are physically hurting themselves is no longer eptable.


    She fixed her gaze on her.


    ¡°Who is the father?¡± She asked.


    Before speaking, Lazzy took a deep breath and swallowed.


    ¡°It was Lucas, Miss.¡±


    ¡°What happened? When did you have a rtionship with Lucas? As far as I know, Lucas had a live-in partner for almost five years,¡± Zaneska says,


    ¡°Miss, you don¡¯t need to be in a rtionship with a guy to please him like this; they¡¯re both willing,¡± Laica interjects.


    She locked her gaze on Laica.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to, Miss,¡± Lazzy replied, ¡°I was just taken by chance and we have no rtionship.¡±


    She locked her gaze on Lazzy.


    ¡°That¡¯s why his not responsible because the two of you don¡¯t have a rtionship. Are you thinking, Lazzy? Why would youmit suicide? That¡¯s not a problem in the first ce. You have a child that¡¯s okay to begin with. You can have your child all by yourself with the fewestplications if ever. If you¡¯re worried about what other people will say just because you got pregnant and the man wasn¡¯t responsible, we¡¯re no longer in the old days We now live in a society where having a child is viewed as a sport. So, if you aren¡¯t ready to have a child, I can have it until you are. I¡¯d like to have a child without a father. As a result, the mansion has a considerable surface area. It is possible that there are ten or more children living there. ¡± said Zaneska.


    ¡°But, Miss,¡± Lazzy replied, ¡°I love him.¡± There¡¯s a reason for my serenity.


    Then she realized something, which she hoped would nevere to pass: she might have tomit suicide because the man she loves doesn¡¯t love her.


    ¡°¡®What do you want me to do? Arrest Lucas to hold you ountable? I can do worse in a sh, Lazzy, but you don¡¯t have to insist on something impossible to happen to avoid trouble. Don¡¯t tell me you n this pregnancy thing to have Lucas as your own just because you love him?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No, being pregnant was not in my ns, but I¡¯m getting carried away.¡± Lazzy replied.


    My brow is pressed together. I¡¯m not sure how Lazzy got away with it.


    Lazzy smiled and nodded. I feel sorry for her, but she is incapable of helping her right now. Lucas should not be forced to choose Lazzy over her live in partner. No one is always to me for this. Theyshould be open to the possibility of their action because they both decided to do it, but when ites to Lazzy, she¡¯s a nice woman who isn¡¯t perfect. She needs to speak with Lucas about what she intends to do with Lazzy. For the time being, Zaneska, especially Zander, who is out of the hospital, needs a break.


    ¡°First, keep an eye on Lazzy; I need to get home to the mansion and rest,¡± she says. They exchanged nods.

 CHAPTER 49

    When Zaneska returned, she found Zander dozing inside his car. She felt sorry for him because her actions had an effect on him. How would Mitch react if she found out Zander was here because he helpher? She was probably irritated, but she didn¡¯t want to tell Mitch what had happened so she wouldn¡¯t be med for their fight.


    It¡¯s natural for Mitch to be upset because Zander didn¡¯t say goodbye. There is nothing to be angry about in her opinion because they have done nothing wrong. Zaneska rapped on the car window to rouse him. Zander awoke and exited the vehicle.


    ¡°How are you doing? Who among them was in the hospital?¡± Zander asked.


    ¡°It was Lazzy, she shed her wrist because she was pregnant, and the man wasn¡¯t responsible for her,¡± Zaneska responded.


    ¡°Suicide is not a solution,¡± Zander stated.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right, because the man who got her pregnant has a girlfriend, and she¡¯ll justmit suicide out of desperation because she loves the man but he doesn¡¯t love her,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Who got herpregnant?¡±


    ¡°It was Lucas, mypany driver; I¡¯m so busy that I have no idea what¡¯s going on, but they¡¯re both adults, so there¡¯s no problem; they¡¯re the ones who have to clean up their mess.¡±


    Zander was exhausted and hungry. He intended to return home because his mother might be looking for him. They had no idea he was in the city. He abruptly follows Zaneska. He admitted that he avoided the woman for the same reason, but his kindness won out.


    A woman like Zaneska should be avoided by Zander because she hasn¡¯t done anything yet, and anyone who approaches her will be drawn to her smile.


    ¡°Zaneska, I¡¯m going to say goodbye; I need to go home because my mother is definitely looking for me, and it¡¯s four o¡¯clock in the morning; the road is not dangerous now; my mother will look for me when she discovers I¡¯m not at home,¡± Zander said.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Zaneska asked. ¡°Go ahead, and once more. Thank you for saving me. I¡¯ll take it back next time. I¡¯ll give Mitch¡¯s and you a date.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that to repay what I do; I¡¯m not going to ask; I helped you because I was present when they were attempting to harm you.¡±


    ¡°All right, go ahead,¡± Zaneska said to him.


    He got into his car and began driving. I hope he can¡¯t contact his mother at home because she will undoubtedly ask. He passed through the area where Zaneska was being obstructed by armed men. When he remembered that incident, his hair stood on end. That person is unquestionably a rebel.


    At five o¡¯clock in the morning, he arrived at their house. The fact that the gate is closed indicates that his mother has not yet returned home, which exins why he can breathe easily. After opening the gate, he got into his car and drove it outside the house. He entered the house and went straight to his room.


    He sat down on the bed after changing into his pajamas and a t-shirt. He felt relieved as his back pressed against the soft bed. He then put his hands over his eyes and closed them.


    Even though she had lost sight of Zander¡¯s car earlier, Zaneska remained standing. She was disappointed that, despite the fact that hehad helped her to the point of disaster, hedid not consider her a friend. He climbed into Duke¡¯s car. Maybe she¡¯ll simply instruct Randolf to carry his cousin¡¯s car back to the province. I drove away from the hospital in my car. Zaneska wishes to sleep the entire day away. Many people will keep an eye on Lazzy.


    Because she was driving, she called Lucianna from her headseat, which was connected to her phone.


    ¡°Hello, Lucianna, just tell Lazzy not to tell her parents about what happened until we¡¯ve settled things,¡± she said to her.


    ¡°Indeed, miss.¡±


    She hung up the phone and returned her attention to the road. She arrived at the mansion and noticed Lucas leaning against the gate. She got out of the car and walked up to him.


    ¡°Hello, Lucas, isn¡¯t there anyone inside? Perhaps Uncle Conrad is there,¡± she said.


    ¡°No, ma¡¯am, I already pressthe doorbell but no one open the gate.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Zaneska unlocks the gate, allowing her and Lucas to enter.


    ¡°I¡¯m truly here for you, Ma¡¯am, and I just wanted to say something,¡± Luke said.


    ¡°Sure, let¡¯s go inside first,¡± she says.


    Lucas took a seat on the couch.


    ¡°Just wait for me, I¡¯ll just get dressed for a minute,¡± she told him.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    She walked into the room. When she saw her bed, she wanted to sleep. But she and Lucashave something else to talk about, and she knows it¡¯s all about Lazzy. She changed her clothes and returned to the living room.


    ¡°What do you want to eat, Lucas?¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°No need, ma¡¯am; I just needed to tell you something, and that¡¯s why I¡¯m here now,¡± Luke exined.


    ¡°What is that?¡± she asked as she sat down.


    Lucas was truly worried that he would be unable to sit still in his seat.


    ¡°You should speak up, Lucas; it¡¯s not that you can¡¯t be bothered; it¡¯s just that you won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, I¡¯m here to apologize. I got Lazzy pregnant, and you know I have a live-in partner. I¡¯m trying to persuade her that I will support the child but we can¡¯t be together,¡± Lucas exined.


    ¡°Yes, I know. Come to think of it, Lucas, you¡¯re telling me that you have a rtionship and live in partner. What happened to why you even made Lazzy pregnant? I never thought you would be this jerk. You disappoint me. Do you think when your girlfriend finds out what happened that you got someone else pregnant she will ept you? That was an insult to her part at all. You have cheated on her. So don¡¯t tell me you were tempted and taken by chance, because that¡¯s not eptable. You¡¯d better choose who you¡¯re going to be with. ¡± She exined.


    ¡°I understand, ma¡¯am, but I¡¯m also here to ask for a favor that hopefully you won¡¯t fire me because, especially now that I have a problem, I desperately needed a job,¡± Lucas exined.


    ¡°Of course not, your personal problem is outside of work, and you should face the consequences of your actions; all you need to talk to are her parents; I won¡¯t make the decision; I¡¯m just her boss.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am; I must depart.¡±


    ¡°Sure, go ahead.¡±


    She went into the bedroom and sat on the bed after Luke had left.


    Zander awokete in the afternoon, after eleven o¡¯clock. He exited the room and went straight to the balcony, but his eyes widened as he saw what he saw. Duke was the only one who sat alone. And staring off into the distance.


    ¡°Would you mind telling me what you¡¯re thinking? I slept well, but I had no idea there was anyone out here,¡± he said.


    ¡°I just arrived; did you sleep tootest night and wake up in the afternoon? What did you two and Mitch dost night to make you so tired?¡± Duke asked,ughing foolishly.


    ¡°Shut up! Your brain is filthy, stupid!¡± Zander eximed.


    ¡°Do you have any food there? I¡¯m suddenly hungry because of how you look right now,¡± Duke inquired.


    Zander had forgotten to remove his pajamas earlier, so he was only wearing briefs and a t-shirt.


    ¡°Come inside, cook first because I¡¯m not in the mood to cook what you¡¯re going to eat right now; Mom hasn¡¯t returned from the beach house yet; maybe they¡¯re still there,¡± he replied.


    Duke¡¯sint: ¡°I came here because I couldn¡¯t cook at Sammy¡¯s house because she told me to cook lunch because she was tired, but now you¡¯re going to order me to cook.¡±


    ¡°Duke, you¡¯re the one who has to eat what you¡¯re going to cook, so why are you stillining? If you¡¯re toozy to cook, why don¡¯t you call Amara to cook for you?¡±


    ¡°Amara is on duty, so don¡¯t bother her,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Wow, she¡¯s already got a job?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Good for her.¡±


    They were sitting in the living room.


    ¡°Wait a minute, Duke,I¡¯ll cook you a hotdog and an egg.¡± Zander said.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°Mitch is lucky to have you, dude, even if you¡¯re not in the mood, when ites to someone you care about, you¡¯re going to please them,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too sure, Duke, I didn¡¯t love you. You¡¯re so gross. I¡¯m not into man,¡± Zander said,ughing.


    ¡°Bastard!¡±


    And Zander is still in the kitchen.


    He brought four eggs and a pack of hotdogs to fry. He¡¯s going to eat something. He poured rice into the cooker to speed up the cooking process. He cooked the hotdog first, then the egg. He finished cooking and ced the food in the living room a few minutester. He took a shower for a few minutes before returning to the living room. I sat down and began to eat.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    ¡°How are you and Amara doing, Duke? Has nothing changed in her since you haven¡¯t seen each other in a few days? Have you talked about that man her parents chose for her?¡± Zander inquired.


    ¡°I think that¡¯s gone; they probably realized they needed Zaneska¡¯spany more than that man¡¯s,¡± Duke replied.


    ¡°So you¡¯re just going to make your rtionship with Amara look like a business?¡± Zander asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a choice, Zander, if that¡¯s what they want, as long as Amara is with me. Now I realize that being away from someone you love the most is torture, especially if she marries another man. Zaneska assures me that herpany is open for anyone to invest,¡± Duke said.


    Zander takes a look at Duke.


    ¡°What are you staring at? Do you want to ask or tell me something?¡± Duke inquired.


    ¡°I needed to make a confession.¡±


    ¡°What exactly is it?¡±


    ¡°I came from the city. Last night, after I took Mitch to her apartment, I followed Zaneska. I don¡¯t know why I did that but I had a bad feeling that something bad was going to happen to her. Then I was right because I saw men blocked her the road. They are armed men with high guns. She was scared even though I felt the same way. Fortunately, I begged them and sent us away without anything bad happening to us. ¡± Zander said.


    ¡°How is she doing now? I offered to take her home, but she refused; thank you, Zander, for saving her,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°She¡¯s fine, but there¡¯s a problem in the mansion because one of her housemates became pregnant by herpany driver and shed her wrist because the man wasn¡¯t responsible for her pregnancy,¡± he exined.


    ¡°How¡¯s thedy?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s fine, she was taken to the hospital,¡± Zander said. ¡°But I¡¯m worried that if Zaneska tells Mitch that I saved her, Mitch will be angry with me because I didn¡¯t tell her that I followed her friend. You know the woman¡¯s behavior is very unreasonable.¡±


    ¡°She understands, but of course she will be angry because you didn¡¯t say goodbye; but if you think you¡¯ll fight when you tell her now, it¡¯s better not to tell. It¡¯s not bad to lie if there¡¯s a reason. Actually, it was a white lie. And I¡¯m sure Zaneska won¡¯t talk about that anymore. You¡¯re the only one who thinks too much. If you want, you can propose to her and marry her.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking about it,¡± he said.


    After we finished eating, Duke said his goodbyes and left. So Zanderwent into the kitchen and washed their tes.


    Zaneska leaves her room.

 CHAPTER 50

    She is currently nning a visit to Aunt Carol¡¯s house. She hasn¡¯t been able to see themin a few weeks. Before leaving her room, she took a shower and dressed. Uncle Conrad was watching television in the living room when she arrived.


    ¡°Hello, Uncle,¡± Shesay.


    ¡°I thought you were in the hospital.¡±


    ¡°I went there earlier, but I came home because I needed to sleep,¡± Zaneska exined.


    Uncle Conrad said, ¡°Is that so, you¡¯re probably tired because you woke up at five o¡¯clock.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Uncle,¡± she asked, ¡°how¡¯s your stay here in the mansion? Aren¡¯t you bored?¡±


    ¡°No, I prepare in here very quietly; no woman disturbs me; in France, I always hide because women are chasing me,¡± Uncle Conrad said, his face solemn.


    ¡°Seriously?¡±


    ¡°Do I appear to be joking, Zaneska? I¡¯m disgusted by their presence; I wasn¡¯t born attractive, but I¡¯ll leave it to them,¡± he exined.


    Zaneska rolled her eyes.


    She murmured, ¡°Conceited and humble.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true, but my mother has always told me that I¡¯m so handsome,¡± Uncle Conrad exins, ¡°but what my mother said wasn¡¯t true until I grew up and got older.¡±


    I burst outughing.


    ¡°When are the mothers going to tell a lie, Uncle? Of course they¡¯re always right; it¡¯s as if you¡¯re looking for apliment.¡±


    Uncle Conrad erupted inughter.


    ¡°Well, maybe you didn¡¯t get married because you¡¯re too picky with women,¡± Zaneska suggests. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go out and date? It¡¯s not like you¡¯ll grow old alone.¡±


    Uncle Conrad says, ¡°I already had someone, but I¡¯m having a hard time courting him.¡±


    ¡°Uh, who¡¯s that? Don¡¯t tell Laica; you¡¯ll have a hard time, especially now that Lazzy has been ripped apart by man,¡± she exined.


    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of responsibility,¡± Uncle Conrad says, ¡°and even if we have a few more children, they won¡¯t go hungry.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Uncle,¡± she said. ¡°Good luck taming a wild animal.¡±


    Uncle Conrad frowned as Zaneska finished her sentence.


    ¡°You better help, dear, to make my marriage life easier.¡± he said.


    ¡°Why would I? You¡¯re not old enough to require assistance with courtship.¡±


    ¡°All right, Zaneska, I really like her.¡± Uncle Conrad said.


    ¡°All right, let me see what I can do. I have to go.¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°Where are you going? It¡¯s afternoon.¡±


    Zaneska replied, ¡°I¡¯m going to Aunt Carol¡¯s house to visit them today.¡±


    ¡°All right, be careful.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate it.¡±


    She walked out of the mansion. Hercar is what she uses now. Before getting into hercar, she opened the gate. She was now on herway to Aunt Carol¡¯s ce. She arrived at their house half an hourter. She went out and pressthe doorbell. The gate opened and she saw Calvin open it.


    ¡°Sister, you¡¯re here. Come in.¡± said Calvin.


    ¡°I¡¯m definitely going in.¡±


    We all walked into the house together. Lara was scribbling in her notebook when I arrived.


    Lara said to her, ¡°Hello, sister Zaneska, I miss you.¡±


    Zaneska approached Laraand kissed her on the cheek.


    She responded, ¡°I miss you, darling.¡±


    Aunt Carol emerged from the kitchen, and she recognized her. Her hair is a dark brown color that is straight. She turned out to be quite lovely. Aunt Carol smiled at her, and she smiled back with a sweet smile.


    ¡°Oh, hello, Zaneska, I¡¯m d to see you here; I was hoping you wouldn¡¯t visit with us again.¡± Aunt Carol said.


    ¡°I¡¯m so busy these past few days. I love your good looks. You¡¯re a little younger than me. And your real beauty came out.¡± Shepliment Aunt Carol.


    ¡°Aw, thank you. I felt shy because it doesn¡¯t fit to my age.¡± Aunt Carol said.


    ¡°There¡¯s no age basis when ites to cosmetology. It was a normal thing.¡± she replied.


    ¡°Calvin suggested this kind of self-transformation because he has money to give me even if I don¡¯t work,¡± Aunt Carol exined. ¡°I really want to look for a job, but there is no one to watch over Lara, especially now that she is studying in the city.¡±


    ¡°You can build a business, Aunt, the one that you like. For something to do. I can help you with that.¡± Zaneska suggests.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need, Zaneska; this house is too much for us,¡± she exined.


    ¡°Aunt,¡± Zaneska replied, ¡°it¡¯s fine. We¡¯re family, so who else will work together but us?¡±


    Arthur walked in through the front door. When he saw me, his eyes widened.


    ¡°Hello, Arthur,¡± she said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you here.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I was surprised as well.¡± He replied.


    She saw Arthur kiss Aunt Carol¡¯s cheek that make her wonder and stunned. What¡¯s going on? Aunt Carol said her goodbyes briefly before returning to the kitchen. Arthur took the seat in front of her.


    ¡°Can you tell me what¡¯s going on here? Can you exin what I saw?¡± Zaneska asked.


    Arthur gave her a friendly smile.


    ¡°Carol and I had a rtionship, and when my ex-girlfriend broke up with me, I courted her,¡± Arthur exined.


    I was a little taken aback. Shenever imagined Arthur¡¯s rtionship with his girlfriend would end.


    ¡°Rebound?¡±


    ¡°Of course not. She was the one I was looking for. I don¡¯t care if she has two children; I ept her because I love her. And I assure you, she loves me as well. And speaking of her children, I want to. They have me as well,¡± Arthur said.


    Zaneska eximed, ¡°Wow, I never thought you and Aunt Carol would end up together.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Zaneska, life is wonderful, and there have been many unexpected events,¡± he replied.


    Arthur said goodbye to Zaneska, ¡°Wait, Zaneska, I¡¯m going to the kitchen first.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°What do you think, sister Zaneska?¡± Lara asked.¡°Uncle Arthur is a nice man; he was the first man Brother Calvin and I loved.


    She replied, ¡°Of course, I¡¯m fine with their rtionship.¡±


    She was overjoyed because the people she cared about had already found love and someone with whom they could spend the rest of their lives. So, when will she get her chance?


    Calvin took a seat next to me.


    Calvin asked, ¡°Did you know Arthur and Mother had a rtionship?¡±


    She replied, ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s just now.¡±


    ¡°I saw that mother was happy with him for the first time, and there is no longer a problem with her system. I was just thankful because of all your help, and that¡¯s why I¡¯m thinking about how we can get paid for everything you help,¡± Calvin exined.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to think about how to get paid. I¡¯m not charging.¡± she replied.


    ¡°Thank you, because I haven¡¯t any money topaid you.¡±


    She asked him, ¡°Silly, how are you working at thepany?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s going well so far, and I¡¯m saving a moneyat least a little.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°How are Lazzy and Lucas?¡± Calvin asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if Lazzy is still in the hospital; the situation is even moreplicated,¡± Zaneska replied.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    Calvin smiled and nodded.


    ¡®Hmm, sister, does Lucy have a boyfriend? Isn¡¯t she dating someone? ¡°Calvin approached her in the middle of nowhere and asked her a question.


    Zaneska gave her a friendly grin.


    ¡°Are you ready for a girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just that I like Lucy.¡± Calvin replied.


    ¡°Good for you,but you should ask him that.¡± she said.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t want to tell the truth; perhaps she already has a boyfriend, so I¡¯m not interested in dating. It¡¯s difficult to be hurt by a delusion,¡± Calvin exined.


    ¡°Lucy is a nice woman, Calvin, and if you just ask her, she will tell you the truth.¡±


    Zander made the decision to go to town. He was bored at home because he was alone. He had no idea why his mother and Melissa hadn¡¯t arrived until now. He¡¯ll simply ride a tricycle. It¡¯ll be a hasslefor him to drive the car. He exited the house in search of a ride. He rode on a tricycle that had stopped in front of him.


    When he arrived in town he entered arge store that sold clothes and various household items. He has nothing to buy now. He just ns to pick up Mitch out of workter. As Zander looked around, he came to a jewelry stand. There are many types of nes, rings, and earrings.


    ¡°Sir, you have already bought this product of mine. It¡¯s original and pawnable. So you won¡¯t regret it when you buy it. You can give it as a gift to your girlfriend.¡± said the saleswoman.


    It¡¯s really original and can be pawned at the pawnshop because there are amazing prices. But my eye focused on a white gold ring with a heart shape diamond on the top.


    ¡°You want to take a look, sir?¡± the saleswoman asked him.


    ¡°You can too,¡±


    The saleswoman gave it to him. He looked at this beautiful ring and he knew something was in Mitch¡¯s hand. He wrapped the box with the salesman and paid. She will try to ask Mitch now if he is ready to marry her.


    But otherwise he could do nothing. He left the store and went to the coffee shop where Mitch worked. It¡¯s only a short walk, so it¡¯s fine. He was just waiting outside. He didn¡¯t call or leave a message for her because he nned to surprise her. This will be his first visit to his girlfriend¡¯s workce. Zander and Mitch has only been together for nine months. But he appears impatient, as if he wants to be in the same house with her.


    When Zander saw Mitch talking to a man, he frowned. They were seriously discussing two reasons why his blood was boiling. He was preupied with something else, but it¡¯s possible he was simply conversing with Mitch at work. Mitch emerged from the coffee shop at six o¡¯clock in the evening. She was carryinga backpack. When she saw him, she smiled and kissed his cheek.


    ¡°Love, have you stayed here a little longer?¡± Mitch asked.


    ¡°Yes, but it¡¯s okay; I¡¯m not tired of waiting for you.¡± He replied.


    ¡°Are you sure?I hope you texted so I can leave early and you don¡¯t get tired of waiting for me.¡± Mitch response.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to call or send you a message to surprise you,¡± Zander exined.


    ¡°You came after me just now,do you need anything from me?¡± Mitch asked.


    ¡°Do you mind if I pick you up?¡±


    ¡°No, let¡¯s go,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll take your bag.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate it.¡±


    ¡°First, let¡¯s eat,¡± he said as he hugged Mitch.


    ¡°All right, that¡¯s fine. I¡¯m already hungry, and I don¡¯t want to cook when I get home to the apartment. I couldn¡¯t sit down because of many customers earlier, so when I get hometer, I¡¯ll just sleep,¡± Mitch exined.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    They walked into a restaurant that was almost empty. He sat Mitch in a corner and told herhe was going to order food for them. He¡¯d already forwarded it to one of the saleswomen at their table. Then he went after her. He took a seat in front of Mitch, who had already begun eating.


    While chewing, he looked at Mitch.


    , ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Love? Do you want to tell me something? I noticed you were looking at me earlier.¡± Mitch asked.


    ¡°Nothing, it¡¯s just that you¡¯re still beautiful even with a lot of customers and no make-up,¡± Zander exined.


    ¡°Are you serious? Or are you kidding me?¡± Mitch asked.


    ¡°Of course not; you¡¯re absolutely stunning.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate it.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, love,can we go to the za after we eat here and just talk?¡±


    ¡°Of course, no problem,¡± she replied.


    Mitch and Zanderwere out of the dining room in half an hour. They¡¯re on their way to the park now. They sat near the fountain in a cement chair. There are people who sell any type of food, as well as couples who are busy talking.


    Mitch said to him as he looked up at the sky, ¡°It¡¯s a cold night, love, it looks like it¡¯s really raining.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, are you cold?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Of course not,¡±


    With only the ring in his pants pocket, Zander picked up the box. Mitch received it from him.


    ¡°What is it, Zander?¡± Mitch asked.


    Mitch looked at her as she opened it. As she stared at the ring, Mitch¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°Can you tell me what this is?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that ring obvious, love?¡± Zander asked.


    ¡°Of course, I know it¡¯s a ring,¡± Mitch said, ¡°but why did you give it to me?¡±


    ¡°Gift.¡±


    The ring was taken by Zander. And ced it on Mitch¡¯s ring finger.


    He asked Mitch, ¡°Will you marry me?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Mitch¡¯s eyes widened in response to his question. It also takes a long momentto decide what shesay. This is the kind of reaction I¡¯m expecting from her. Because he knew shewasn¡¯t ready yet, I just tried her.


    ¡°Of course but it¡¯s too early for something like this? I¡¯m not ready yet. I still have a lot to do in my life. Maybe you are even worse.¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°Yeah, just always wear that ring. When you¡¯re ready just tell me.¡± Zander said.


    Zander knows that this kind of proposal is not what the woman expects. But he doesn¡¯t like that, he just wants it. And he knew Mitch did too. He knows it was a wrong move to ask here. He followed Duke¡¯s advice. He believed differently.


    The length of a rtionship is determined by how much they love each other, not by how many years they have been together. He understand, however, that she still has many responsibilities in her life and with her family.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Mitch. It¡¯s gettingte, so let¡¯s go home.¡± Zander said.


    ¡°Love, I hope you understand me,¡± Mitch said, staring at me.


    She responds, ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°Since I didn¡¯t bring my car, let¡¯s try to find a ride.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all right.¡±


    They were riding a motorcycle when the vehicle in front of them came to aplete stop.


    Zaneska is still staying with Aunt Carol. They¡¯re eating raw mangoes in the backyard right now. He was apanied only by Lara and Calvin. As a result of Arthur and Aunt Carol¡¯s leaving.


    ¡°You eat too much mango, sister, are you pregnant?¡±Calvin asked.


    ¡°Damn you!Don¡¯t insist on that thing because it¡¯s impossible to happen.¡± Zaneska retorted.


    Calvin chuckles. After that, Zaneska¡¯s phone rang. It was Mitch who called, so she answered.


    On the other line, she asked her,


    ¡°Hello, Mitch, how are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Zaneska,I just called to say Zander proposed to me. Oh my, Zaneska, we¡¯re getting married!¡± Mitch said over the phone.

 CHAPTER 51

    For a brief moment, Zaneska was deafeningly quiet. She felt a stab of pain in her chest as Mitch spoke. Sh e had to persuade herself that she was happy for herfriend but itcouldn¡¯t fit into hersystem.


    ¡°Are you still there, Zaneska?¡± Mitch asked.


    ¡°Of course,¡±


    ¡°What do you think? Is it okay for us to get married even though we¡¯ve only been dating for nine months?¡±


    ¡°Of course, it makes no difference how long you¡¯ve been together,but anyway, congrats in advance; I¡¯m happy for you.¡± Zaneska said.


    Mitch said, ¡°Thank you, Zaneska, bye,¡± and she hung up the phone.


    Zander has already returned home. And now he¡¯s ventting on the balcony. He couldn¡¯t seem to get Mitch¡¯s words out of his head. They do, however, spend a lot of time together.


    They returned to school two monthster because their vacation was over. He hasn¡¯t heard from Zaneska in a long time, so he doesn¡¯t know how she¡¯s doing. Duke and Zander have made their way into the ward. Because it¡¯s still early, they haven¡¯t done anything yet.


    ¡°So, did you listen to what I said?¡± Duke asked.


    ¡°Which one is it?¡±


    ¡°You propose to Mitch and the two of you marry.¡±


    ¡°I tried, I even bought a ring,but she¡¯s not ready yet. It¡¯s difficult to force someone when they have so many other responsibilities in life. I¡¯m willing to wait.¡± Zander exined.


    ¡°Is that correct?¡±


    ¡°I saw her parents¡¯ life in the province, and it¡¯s simple butcking in resources, so maybe that¡¯s it. I¡¯m just too excited to get married, so I¡¯ll just wait for her when she¡¯s ready.¡±


    ¡°You can certainly do that, but how long will you be able to wait?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± she says.


    Vienna smiled as she approached them. She¡¯s expecting a child.


    ¡°Hello, Zander,¡± he says. ¡°Hello, Duke,¡± he says.


    ¡°Hello, how many months have you been pregnant? You look great during your pregnancy.¡± He asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s been four months.¡±


    Vienna gave them something and said, ¡°Thank you, Zander.¡±


    ¡°Can you tell me what this is?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m getting married, so you go, and all our co-teachers will be there, so you won¡¯t be lost that day,¡± she exined.


    ¡°Of course,¡± she says.


    Vienna got up and went back to her room.


    ¡°Who did Vienna marry?¡±


    ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard from our coworkers, he¡¯s a doctor. You can see that she¡¯s happy now, and I know that when someone is hurt, someone new wille along to make them happy, so I¡¯m happy for her,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Yeah,¡±Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    Zaneska is currently working in the office. That was about two months ago. Lazzy has also been discharged from the hospital. She is currently resting at home. Because the office was quiet, she was bored right now. Add in the fact that she hasn¡¯t been in the mood since Mitch told her she¡¯d be the bridesmaid at Zander¡¯s wedding. When are they going to be satisfied with me?


    Duke called. As a result, she responded.


    ¡°Hello, Duke, how are you?¡± she asked.


    ¡°When are you going toe back here, Zaneska?¡± Duke asked.


    He replied, ¡°No way! I¡¯m not going there anymore. I curse that ce.¡±


    ¡°That incident happened a long time ago, Zaneska,¡± Duke exined. ¡°It¡¯s just a lesson in your stubbornness.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a jerk!¡±


    On the other end of the line, hughs.


    ¡°You know how angry I am with you because you didn¡¯t show up for my birthday.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I was just busy, you cane to the city, or I¡¯ll treat you and Amara to a trip to Paris so you can date there.¡± Zaneska says.


    ¡°That was a great idea, but Amara ispletely booked at the moment.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? By the way, when did Mitch and Zander wedding?¡±


    ¡°What wedding?As far as I know, Mitch declined Zander¡¯s proposal because she still has a lot of responsibilities in life.¡± Duke responds.


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°All right, that¡¯s fine; I have to get going; I¡¯m still in school.¡±


    ¡°Bye.¡±


    Zaneska was deafeningly quiet. So Mitch lied to her when she said she and Zander were going to marry, but why? They¡¯re close friends. She can im that he proposed to her, but she has declined because she is not yet ready. Her heart screamed at her for what she¡¯d done. Isn¡¯t she dependable? It¡¯s not a major issue, but she¡¯s very upset about it.


    Randolf walked in looking dishevelled.


    He asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? I¡¯m not asking you to do any paperwork?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m tired, can I take a break? You say you want to go to the Maldives,¡± Randolf said.


    ¡°Uhuh?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m emotionally and physically exhausted.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± she asked. ¡°Are you having a serious problem right now? You can tell me. I¡¯m ready to listen. It¡¯s not like I¡¯ll just know you¡¯ve been admitted to the hospital.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a suicidal person, Miss,¡± Randolf exined, ¡°but I can take my problem abroad if that¡¯s okay with you.¡±


    She said, ¡°Just tell me your problem first.¡±


    Randolf took a seat on the couch and fixed his gaze on me.


    ¡°My girlfriend and I are breaking up. I have no idea how we got to this point, but we don¡¯t really have vibes there are things we don¡¯t understand. We¡¯re not fit for each other. We know both are the same. Our rtionship isn¡¯t going to work anymore,¡± Randolf said.


    ¡°What? Are you sure about your decision? The two of you have been together for over a year; perhaps you became like that because you didn¡¯t marry him; what¡¯s stopping you from marrying herdespite the fact that you just separated?¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, maybe. She¡¯s not the one for me,¡± he admitted. ¡°I had to move on, Miss.¡±


    Zaneska let out a sigh. That is why, despite theirplexity, she despises rtionships.


    Because he wanted to be with her, Zander kept calling Mitch. They¡¯ll eat and go to the za, but she won¡¯t be able to reach her phone. He called numerous times but received no response. He had already begun to be concerned. Randolf trailed him as he walked out of the school. Amara had been waiting for Duke when he arrived.


    ¡°Hello, sweetheart,¡± Amara said as she kissed Duke on the cheek.


    Zander did nothing but nod.


    ¡°By the way, Zander, Mitch wasn¡¯t at the coffee shop today.¡±


    What happened to him? ¡°Amara inquired.


    ¡°Huh? I¡¯m not sure. Isn¡¯t he supposed to be here? ¡± Zander inquired.


    So, where did Mitch go? Why didn¡¯t she say goodbye? Is he unreachable? He was already concerned.


    ¡°Yeah, I went to the coffee shop to get her so we could bothe here.¡± But she didn¡¯te in,¡± Amara exined.


    ¡°Is that so? I leave first. He said goodbye to Duke and Amara and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go to her apartment.¡±


    They exchanged handshakes and nods. As a result, he got into his car and drove away. He arrived at Mitch¡¯s apartment a few minutester. Her board mate was out at the same time. The window in his car was rolled down.


    ¡°Hello, is Mitch inside?¡±


    ¡°Why are you asking?¡± the woman replied, ¡°Didn¡¯t you leave together?¡±


    He¡¯s at a loss for words. Is Mitch with someone, and if so, who is it? So, what exactly is going on? So far, they¡¯ve gotten along swimmingly and have never fought.


    Zander replied, ¡°I don¡¯t know, I¡¯ve been at school all day.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct, but she said she was leaving with you.¡±


    ¡°All right, thank you.¡±


    He¡¯d already driven away from the apartment in his car.


    Shit! H e couldn¡¯t believe Mitch was having an affair.Because he was well aware that his girlfriend did not act in this manner. He already has a lot of negative thoughts in his head. He hopes not, because if he finds out Mitch is cheating on him, he will not ept it.


    Zaneska is now in the finance department, checking on her employees as well as the finances. Sh e hasn¡¯t been in this area in a long time as well. Calvin went to her for that reason.


    Calvin said, ¡°Sister, someone is waiting for you inside your office.¡±


    Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank ¡±


    Zaneska was already on her way to her office when she opened the door and saw Mitch sitting on the couch, her eyes swollen as if from crying with a man she didn¡¯t know. She noticed Mitch had prompted the man to leave first, and Mitch stared at her after the man had left.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± she asked.


    She began to cry. Zaneska was well aware that Mitchwas going through this right now. What could have gone wrong? Are all of herfriends and family going through something this month?


    ¡°I need money, Zaneska, my daddy needs surgery. I haven¡¯t saved up enough money, and I know only you can help me. Please, help me. He¡¯ll be operated on as soon as possible before it¡¯s toote,¡± Mitch cried.


    ¡°Of course, how much?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Two million,¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to need a lot, Mitch,¡± she said.


    Mitch camein front of herand knelt.


    ¡°Please, Zaneska, assist me; I¡¯m at a loss for what to do,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    I took the check and scribbled the amount on a piece of paper.


    ¡°It¡¯s here, but there¡¯s a catch: you have to divorce your boyfriend,¡± she joked. Because Mitchwas in trouble now, she knew what she had done was wrong. ording to her, it was a childless act.


    For a brief moment, Mitch was deafeningly quiet.


    ¡°Go ahead, Mitch,don¡¯t mind what I said.¡± Zaneska said.


    Mitch remained silent. She left heroffice without saying anything. Sh e sensed that herfriendship with Mitchwasing to an end the moment she walked out of heroffice. As a result of what she said. She acted like an arrogant best friend.


    She didn¡¯t offer assistance without requesting payment. She also had no idea where she got the courage to say that, even though she was joking, but what she said was true for her.


    She sighed as she leaned back in her swivel chair. She got up and drank a ss of water.

 CHAPTER 52

    Zander is now in the car. Mitch¡¯s apartment was not far away. He wanted to wait for her and kept calling, but he couldn¡¯t get through to her. He noticed a parked motorcycle in front of the apartment half an hourter. When he picked her up, he saw Mitche down first, followed by a man he saw talking to her in the coffee shop.


    The brow of Zander furrowed. He didn¡¯t want to think negatively, but he didn¡¯t see the man in Mitch¡¯s province if he was just a family member.


    Zander exited the vehicle and approached Mitch. He called just as shewas about to enter inside.


    He exims, ¡°Mitch!¡±


    Mitch shifted her gaze to him, as if she hadn¡¯t expected to see him. Her eyes were swollen, as if she had been crying.


    He stated, ¡°We need to talk.¡±


    Mitch replied, ¡°Not now. I need to rest. I¡¯m so tired right now.¡±


    He asked, loudly, ¡°Where are you tired, and who is this man?¡±


    ¡°Zander, don¡¯t cause a ruckus,¡± Mitch advised.


    ¡°If you exin it to me properly, I won¡¯t make a scene here. Where did you go? Why didn¡¯t you say goodbye to me?¡± Zander asked.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for me to exin anything to you.¡±


    ¡°Mitch!¡±


    As a result, Zander had no choice but to drag Mitch into his vehicle. The man was going to try to getMitch, but he told him,


    ¡°Don¡¯t get in the way.¡±


    Mitch was thrown into the car by Zander. He didn¡¯t give a damn if she was hurt. He¡¯s only feeling more enraged now. He does not want to deceive anyone by not telling the truth. He adores her too much to be duped in this way.


    ¡°Now talk! What happened?¡± he demanded, his gaze fixed on her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s break up, Zander,¡± Mitch said. ¡°I realized I don¡¯t love you anymore.¡±


    For a brief moment, Zander was deafeningly silent. He mustprehend what Mitch said to him. Later on, he isughing, but his heart is broken. He goes to great lengths to maintain their rtionship, but howe?


    ¡°What? You¡¯re just kidding, aren¡¯t you?¡± Zander asked. ¡°I didn¡¯t force you to marry me because I know there are many things you want to do in life and for your family, but if you just broke up with me because you don¡¯t love me anymore, I won¡¯t let you. I feel like you love me so much, but why does it turn out like this?¡±


    He¡¯s in excruciating difort. He can¡¯t ept she¡¯s broken up with himpletely, so he¡¯s trying to understand her, despite her excessive habit¡­ He adores the fact that, despite his proclivity for hurts, he is willing to choose a woman or a long-term rtionship. But why is that the case? He hadn¡¯t broken any rules. He ispletely enamoured with her. Zander will not cry, even if his tears start to flow.


    ¡°Please, love, don¡¯t do this to me. If there¡¯s anything in our rtionship or with me that you don¡¯t understand, let me know. Just don¡¯t divorce me. I can¡¯t afford to lose you in my life,¡± Zander said.


    Even though a few tears dripped down her cheek that he didn¡¯t see, he noticed Mitch didn¡¯t cry. As a result, it only means one thing. She doesn¡¯t love himor even pretend to love him. What we had together was a fabrication.


    Mitch stated, ¡°I¡¯ve made up my mind, Zander, I don¡¯t want our rtionship anymore.¡±N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    He asked, referring to the man with her, ¡°Is it because of him?¡±


    ¡°He has nothing to do with it. Thank you for everything. I have to go.¡± said Mitch


    Mitchthen left the car. Inside the car, Zanderwas stunned. Becaus e of anger hehit the steering wheel, tears began to flow. He didn¡¯t mind if people called him gay because he couldn¡¯t stop himself from crying. He has never loved too much before, but it will be a painful experience for him.


    He started the car and drove it gently. Despite the fact that his heart condition is deteriorating, he has no intention ofmitting suicide. He still has family and friends who will love him without causing him any harm. He was going to the city and wanted to get drunk, so he entered the bar. He arrived in the city at seven o¡¯clock in the evening.


    Zaneska was concerned, so she attempted to contact Mitch, but she was unable to do so. Maybe Mitch has blocked her phone number. Zander sat in the far corner. He has only recently entered the city¡¯s bar. The ce is extremely crowded. And there were many customers in the bar, and there was a lot of smokeing from people who smoked. He ordered wine and began to consume it. He didn¡¯t answer the phone when it rang because he knew Duke had called.


    He didn¡¯t want Duke to speak to him. If Mitch had told the truth, he would have understood, but being abruptly separated from him for no apparent reason is uneptable, but he still believes in himself. He doesn¡¯t usually beg for a woman.


    Zaneska has arrived at the mansion and her room. She was worried about Mitch, but she didn¡¯t know what to do. Duke called when hrephone rang. So she responded.


    ¡°Are you sure, Duke?¡±


    ¡°Zaneska, do you know where Zander is? Amara called me and said Mitch and Zander had split up,¡± Duke said.


    She abruptly ceased speaking. Was it because of what she said that the two of them split up? I was only joking about it. I felt bad about what I¡¯d done. I¡¯m destroying someone else¡¯s rtionship. Shit! What exactly have I done?


    ¡°Hmm, I¡¯m not sure. Because your friend and I aren¡¯t close.¡± she instructed Duke.


    ¡°That¡¯s the problem. I¡¯ve called him before, but he hasn¡¯t answered, and I¡¯m already worried about him. He might havemitted suicide,¡± Duke exined.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make that kind of joke, Duke.¡±


    ¡°Of course not. I¡¯m not kidding, Zaneska, he truly loves Mitch, but she just broke up with him. Zander is a nice man. I¡¯m not sure why, but he might not be able to cope with the pain because this is his first heartbreak. His first girlfriend is Mitch,¡± Duke exined.


    Zaneska became concerned seemingly out of nowhere.


    ¡°The size of the entire world, Duke. Call his mother or maybe Uncle Agusto. Maybe he just went to the beach house,¡± she said.


    ¡°It¡¯s not there, and his mother is already aware of what happened.¡±


    She exhaled a sigh.


    ¡°OK, just call me again when there¡¯s more news about him.¡±


    Duke gets off the phone.


    Zander was irritated by the sound of his phone, so he checked it to see who had called. Their mother, by the way. It had to have gotten home from work because it was already dark. He responded.


    ¡°Hello, Mom, why?¡± he asked.


    ¡°You¡¯re still asking me why? Where are you? Why did you leave without informing me?¡± his mother inquired.


    ¡°Mom, I just went somewhere; I¡¯lle hometer,¡± Zander replied.


    ¡°Just make sure you don¡¯t do anything bad to yourself; there are many other women in the world; it¡¯s not just her,¡± his mother advised.


    There¡¯s a reason he¡¯s keeping quiet.


    ¡°Mom!¡±


    ¡°Zander, you¡¯re my son. I¡¯ve been with you your entire life. You came from me, so I hope if you have a problem with me, youe here and not anywhere else,¡± his mother said.


    ¡°Thank you, mom,¡± Zander said before hanging up the phone.


    Zander¡¯s eyes appeared to be spinning, indicating that he was already inebriated. She became aware of a hand on her shoulder. When he looked at it, he noticed Zaneska¡¯s happy face.


    ¡°Zaneska!¡±


    ¡°Silly man, who is Zaneska you say? My name is Laura, and what¡¯s yours?¡± the woman asked.


    He winced because he was heartbroken, but then he saw another woman. I believe he is drunk.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need apanion right now, Miss,¡± Zander said, motioning for her to leave.


    ¡°Uh, what do you think? I can provide you with a nice service tonight.¡±


    ¡°Uh, what do you think? I can provide you with a nice service tonight.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t require your assistance,¡± Zander said, sick of the woman.


    ¡°Whatever,¡± the woman said, leaving it beside him. Perhaps she was disgusted with his response.


    Zaneska was getting dressed. She needed to unwind tonight, her chest heaving as a result of what had happened. Sh e didn¡¯t say goodbye to the girls because they were already sleeping in the room. She walked through the gate and into the car.


    She was dressed in a ck jacket, boots, and skinny ripped ck jeans. Because she¡¯s dressed all in ck, it¡¯s as if she¡¯s going topete in a race or be a hired killer. She burst outughing at the thought.


    She¡¯d already driven into town and nned to visit a bar tonight. They hadn¡¯t been here in a long time, when they were being pursued by a car and she pped a jerk man. She looked for another bar to go to and chose one on the other side to avoid any problems if she ever met that jerk man again. She was terrified when she recalled that day.


    She parked the car in the avable space. She exited and returned inside. The bouncer only gave her a friendly smile. She returned the smile. She took a seat at the bar.


    She ordered wine and began to sip it. In her throat, she could taste the bitterness of the wine. Whatever she does, she dislikes the taste of the wine. She only visits this type of location when she is thinking about something.


    She took a look around. The smoke from the entire establishment was still causing severe earache. She recognised a man as she rolled her eyes. She believes he is inebriated, but she continues to drink. Because Duke was in the city, he couldn¡¯t contact her.


    She was just staring at Zander¡¯s every move. She can tell his life is miserable based on his posture. Who will be happy if you and your partner are suddenly separated? She addressed herself to him in secret.


    ¡°Hi, you¡¯re here, and I think you¡¯re a little tipsy; any problems?¡± she asked, pretending she didn¡¯t know what his problem was.


    After noticing Zander blink for a brief moment, he returned his gaze to her.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re not Zaneska. I¡¯m really drunk. It¡¯s just who I see,¡± Zander exined.


    Zaneska frowned before burst outughing.


    ¡°How frequently have you seen me?¡± he asked.


    Zander even counted his fingers, which made Zaneska smile. It¡¯s amusing how people get drunk because they¡¯ve lost their minds.


    ¡°Ten, now get out of my sight; you¡¯re like a spirit to me,¡± Zander said once more.


    ¡°Damn you! I¡¯m still alive, but you¡¯re killing me in your head; this is my flesh and blood,¡± Zaneska responded.


    ¡°Really?¡± he eximed, ¡°I don¡¯t want to believe it.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to believe, you take care of your life,¡± Zaneska said, get backat the counter at the same time.


    Zaneska is no longer aware of the passage of time. It¡¯ste in the evening. As a result, she intends to return home. She stood alone, not looking at Zander. Someone called her as she was about to get into the car. She didn¡¯t turn around.


    ¡°Excuse me, Miss,¡± a male voice said.


    She fixed her gaze on him.

 CHAPTER 53

    ¡°Why? Do you require something?¡± she askedthe man.


    ¡°Why? Do you require something?¡± she askedthe man.


    ¡°The one with you is drunk; we¡¯re about to close, but he still won¡¯t leave,¡± said the man, who she acknowledged as a bartender.


    ¡°I¡¯m not with him; I came here by myself,¡± Zaneska exined.


    ¡°But he said the two of you are together,¡± the man exined.


    Shit! That man made hera babysitter. She would not have gone if she had known the two of them would meet. But it would be painful to hear if she didn¡¯t help him, and she remembered Zander assisting her when she was in danger before. So she went back inside the bar. She noticed him huddled on the table.


    ¡°Mr., could you please take him in my car? I can¡¯t take him alone, and my car is grey,¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°Sure, ma¡¯am, but it appears he¡¯s carrying a car, probably a ck one,¡± said the bartender.


    ¡°Yeah, I know, but he¡¯ll be back tomorrow,¡± she said.


    ¡°Sure,¡±


    ¡°I appreciate it.¡±


    Zaneska emerged from the door, followed by the bartender and another man, who picked up Zander and escorted her to her car.


    ¡°Thank you once more.¡±


    ¡°No problem, ma¡¯am,¡± they respond.


    Zaneskastarted the car and drove away from the bar. Sh e was still pondering where she would take Zander if in the mansion because the girls, especially Uncle Conrad, would undoubtedly asked.She drove to hercondo, which I hadn¡¯t used in years but had a cleaner every weekend.


    They arrived at his condo unit at twelve o¡¯clock in the morning. He motioned for the guard to help him carry Zander.


    ¡°Good evening, ma¡¯am,I¡¯ll take him inside your condo.¡± the guard said.


    ¡°I appreciate it.¡±


    ¡°You just arrived, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, so busy,¡± she said.


    Zander had already entered the apartment. She threw it on her bed.


    ¡°Thank you; here¡¯s your money for snacks.¡±


    ¡°Thank you very much, ma¡¯am.¡±


    She stripped Zander¡¯s clothes and pants after the guard had left. This includes undergarments. She didn¡¯t bother dressing it in a dress and pajamas any longer. She simply covered Zander¡¯s entire body so it couldn¡¯t see what was inside. She exited by opening the air conditioner. She chuckled at the thought. She also went to the other room to change her clothes andy down on the bed. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.


    Zander awoke the next morning feeling extremely cold. And then there¡¯s the pain in his head. He stood up, only to have his eyes widen as a result of how he perceived his appearance. He wasn¡¯t wearing anything, and his briefs were gone as well. So he reflects on what happened the night before. He just drank by himself at the bar. And he went to this room with the pure white curtain. What is he doing there? He was about to leave when the door unexpectedly opened.


    When he saw Zaneska walk in, he grabbed a nket and wrapped it around his waist, but it was toote because Zaneska had already noticed his nakedness.


    ¡°Wow, what a beautiful view early in the morning,¡± Zaneska said, smiling.


    ¡°Shit! Get out of here!¡± eximed Zander as a nket wrapped around his waist.


    Zaneska justughed and closed her eyes as she leaned against the door. She stared at him intently, as if she were undressing him.


    ¡°What are you staring at? What have you done to me?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Zaneska responded, ¡°I haven¡¯t lost my sanity for raping a drunk man.¡±


    Zander smirked.


    ¡°Where have my clothes gone?¡±


    ¡°Why? Are you going to wear that again?¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°Thoseclothes are filthy.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, what dress can I wear?¡± he asked of Zaneska.


    ¡°You wear a sleeveless shirt? I have a lot in my closet, just look,¡± she says.


    ¡°Damn you, I¡¯ve never been gay enough to wear women¡¯s clothes,¡± Zander responded.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have a choice, other than you don¡¯t have clothes to leave this room,¡± Zaneska exined.


    Zander gave a nod. She noticed Zaneska enter the room.


    ¡°Wait!¡± he eximed.


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s house is this?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°I have this condo unit, but I don¡¯t use it anymore, especially now that you¡¯re drunk,¡± Zaneska exined.


    ¡°Ah, I almost forgot you¡¯re wealthy,¡± Zander could only say.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m just lucky. My room with a closet is next to this room. You can go in there to find clothes to wear, and when youe out, my kitchen is underground. There¡¯s a door, so you¡¯re there. Just pass by. I¡¯ll go first.¡± Zaneska exined.


    When Zaneska left, she went into the other room to find something to wear. He winced at what he saw because he only saw women¡¯s clothes and the little one appeared to be missing fabric. Not even a t-shirt and pajamas are avable. He noticed a brown hoodie and short shorts. She doesn¡¯t have a choice but to wear it instead of a backless blouse.


    He exited the room and noticed a cream-colored door. When he opened it, he discovered adder at the bottom. So he went downstairs and saw that there was a table with food ready, as well as Zaneska sitting at the table.


    Zaneska smiled as she noticed Zander¡¯s expression in the clothes she was wearing, a hoodie and shorts that were too short for Zander due to his height. She looked at his hairy legs as if they were delicious to caress. Zaneska abruptly drank water.


    ¡°hmmm, my shorts look good on you, great. Nice pair of legs,¡± Zaneskamented.


    ¡°Damn you! Don¡¯t make fun of me!¡± Zander yelled angrily.


    She never imagined she¡¯d be stayingin the same house as this snobbish man.


    ¡°Of course not!¡± she replied, ¡°why would Iugh at you?¡±


    ¡°I saw it in your eyes,¡± Zander grumbled.


    ¡°You¡¯re using me without providing any evidence,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°Whatever.¡±Zaneska smiled as she noticed Zander¡¯s expression in the clothes she was wearing, a hoodie and shorts that were too short for Zander due to his height. She looked at his hairy legs as if they were delicious to caress. Zaneska abruptly drank water.


    ¡°hmmm, my shorts look good on you, great. Nice pair of legs,¡± Zaneskamented.


    ¡°Damn you! Don¡¯t make fun of me!¡± Zander yelled angrily.


    She never imagined she¡¯d be stayingin the same house as this snobbish man.


    ¡°Of course not!¡± she replied, ¡°why would Iugh at you?¡±


    ¡°I saw it in your eyes,¡± Zander grumbled.


    ¡°You¡¯re using me without providing any evidence,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°Whatever.¡±


    Zander sat down and began to eat.


    ¡°How are you doing? Why are you getting drunk and really go inthe city just to drunk?¡± she asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business,¡± said Zander.


    ¡°Aw, it hurts,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act as if you don¡¯t know, because I don¡¯t want to talk,¡± he exined.


    ¡°Which?¡± Zaneska asked.


    Zander is annoyed by the woman in front of him. He couldn¡¯t believe this woman had done something wrong. She¡¯s acting as if she doesn¡¯t know when, in fact, Mitch is her friend.


    ¡°Please, Zaneska, I don¡¯t want to talk about what I¡¯m going through. Perhaps you¡¯re already aware of what happened to Mitch and me, so I don¡¯t want to talk anymore. I¡¯m hurting and don¡¯t know how I¡¯m going to recover. I admit that I¡¯m grateful for your presence and assistancest night, but I won¡¯t speak.¡± Zander said.


    ¡°All right, eat well. I have to leave because I still have work to do in the office, but this condo is open if you want toe here to be alone. And here¡¯s the key,¡± Zaneska said.


    Zaneska hands him the key and climbs the stairs with it.


    ¡°Are you not going to eat?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already eaten bread. And then I¡¯mte.¡± Zaneska replied and continued to climb the stairs.


    He was left to eat alone.


    ¡°Zander!¡± exims Zaneska from above.


    ¡°Why?¡± he eximed as well.


    ¡°Your car is at the bar house; I left it therest night; you should go,¡± she says.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    When Zaneska went to the office, she looked for something to wear. She¡¯ll be eventer when she returns to the mansion. She exited the condo, got into her car, and drove to the office. But first, she drove around the mall in order to buy clothes for Zander. So she went inside the mall and bought a pair of pants and a polo shirt, as well as a pack of briefs.


    When she got out of the mall, she called Lucas first.


    ¡°Lucas, where are you?¡± he askedon the phone.


    ¡°I¡¯m at a restaurant close to thepany, ma¡¯am,¡± Luke said.


    ¡°I¡¯d like tomand somethingfor you; pleasee to me here at SM mall; I¡¯ll be waiting for you,¡± she said as she hung up the phone.


    She leaned against the hood of her car as she waited for Lucas. Lucas showed up a few minutester. As he opened the window, she handed him a paper bag.


    ¡°Please go to my condo, Lucas; I have a friend who stayed there; please give it to him,¡± I say.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Miss,¡±


    Zaneska got in her car after Lucas left to go to work. She parked her car on the side of the road, went outside, and entered thepany. She walked right into the office. And she noticed Randolf sitting quietly.


    ¡°What¡¯s up? Are you all right?¡± she asked.


    ¡°In a way.¡±


    ¡°I hope you applied for a few months of leave,¡± she says.


    ¡°Is that all right with you?¡± Randolf asked.


    ¡°Yeah, you need a break, especially since we don¡¯t have much to do here at thepany,¡± Zaneska responded.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°By the way, someone sent you an envelope,¡± Randolf mentioned.


    ¡°From whom?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t read the message, but the sender is from Mahusay Elementary School in San Pablo,¡± Randolf responded.


    ¡°Where is it? The location is unfamiliar to me,¡± Zaneska inquired.


    ¡°Of course in the province,¡± she says.


    I opened the envelope and read the letter inside.


    ¡°They invite me to participate in a n to house the students, provide food and supplies, and conduct a feeding programme,¡± she says.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine; take me with you,¡± Randolf suggests.


    ¡°What do I know about this? I¡¯m not a teacher,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°Of course, you donate things and food for the children so you won¡¯t be embarrassed to go there, so you know what to do,¡± Randolf exined.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    Zander was about to walk out the door when he noticed a man standing there.


    ¡°What do you need? You might have gone to the wrong condo,¡± he says.


    ¡°The owner of this condo is Miss Zaneska, if I¡¯m not mistaken, and she gave you this paperbag,¡± the man exined.


    ¡°I appreciate it.¡±


    He took the paperbag and entered the condo. He opened it, revealing a polo shirt, a pants, and a pack ofunderwear.


    Zander put it on and went outside. He intends to take his car and drive back to the province.

 CHAPTER 54

    He hailed a cab and drove to the bar house. He went inside first when he arrived; it was a good thing it was openat ten o¡¯clock in the morning.


    ¡°Good morning, I¡¯ll get my car,¡± he said to the man who he knowsthe bartender.


    ¡°All right, sir,¡± he says.


    He nodded and returned outside. He got into his car and began driving. H She¡¯s going home right now so hismother doesn¡¯t have to worry. Duke called when his phone rang. As a result, he stoppedand answered the phone.


    He nodded and returned outside. He got into his car and began driving. She¡¯s going home right now so her mother doesn¡¯t have to worry. Duke called when his phone rang. As a result, he first stop the car and answered the phone.


    ¡°Hello, Duke, why?¡± he asked the person on the other end of the line.


    ¡°Where have you been? There¡¯s a meeting at school today; you just follow even if you¡¯rete,¡± Duke responded.


    ¡°What are the meetings for?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Zander, just go,¡± Duke said when the phone rang.


    Zander drove hiscar right away so hecould make it to the meeting on time. There is a meeting when I am not in the mood to go to school.


    He arrived at the school an hourter. He jumped out of the car and dashed inside. He walked right into the faculty room. All of his co- teachers are inside.


    ¡°Now that we¡¯re all here, we can begin our meeting,¡± their principal said as he walked in.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ma¡¯am, I¡¯mte,¡± Zander said.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine, Mr. Zander,¡± their principal response.


    ¡°So, in theing weeks, we will go house to house for our students because, as you know, our students¡¯ houses are far away in this area, so we will go to them. And because there are supplies, we will take them to the feeding programme. Raise your hands if you don¡¯t agree with what I said,¡± Their principalinstructed them.


    ¡°No more, ma¡¯am, we¡¯re all fine with what you said,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°All right, you¡¯ll start in a few weeks. Dismiss everyone,¡± their principal said.


    Some of their colleagues were the first to emerge. He and Duke went back inside.


    ¡°How are you doing? Did you talk to Mitch about getting her back?¡± Duke asked.


    ¡°Why would I? She was the one who dared to break up with me; she should alsoe back to me.¡± he responded. ¡°You know me, when a woman hurts me, I won¡¯t chaseanymore. I¡¯m not like someone else begging just their love to return.¡±


    Duke exhaled a sigh


    ¡°I never thought Mitch would break up with you. I don¡¯t want to see you hurt because I know how much you love her, but you can¡¯t force something that isn¡¯t for you anymore. Maybe you¡¯ve already cared for someone else and your mission in her life is done,¡± Duke exined.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if I can love anyone else, Duke; after what happened to Mitch and me, I don¡¯t want to gamble if I¡¯m just going to be left behindter,¡± Zander said.


    ¡°Yeah, are you sure you¡¯re all right?¡± Duke asked.


    ¡°Of course, I can do it.¡±


    ¡°Where exactly did you go yesterday?¡±


    ¡°I got drunk at a bar in the city, and by chance, Zaneska and I met, and she helped me and took me to her condo unit,¡± he exined.


    Duke cracked a grin.


    ¡°Really?¡± Duke asked, ¡°Why do I seem to notice something else?¡±


    Zander smirked.


    ¡°Is there anything else?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter with you and Zaneska? Maybe Mitch abandoned you because she knew you and Zaneska were together and you didn¡¯t say goodbye to her?¡±


    ¡°Damn you, Duke, the dirt of your mind. The pinnacle of my respect for you and your cousin, and it¡¯s impossible you¡¯re saying, that woman is a millionairepared to me. Wait, are you trying to match make me to Zaneska?¡± Zander asked.


    ¡°No, because I know you don¡¯t want to get into another rtionship, especially since your breakup with Mitch is still fresh, but it¡¯s ugly to see that your ex-girlfriend bestfriendis your new girlfriend,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Moron! Let¡¯s go home!¡±


    Duke trailed him.


    He climbed into the car. He kept looking at his phone. I¡¯m hoping Mitch will call, but the two of them are separated. He drove away from school in his car. Even though it was only five o¡¯clock in the afternoon, he didn¡¯t want to go home because he was sad.


    Duke stoppedand rolled down his window. As a result, Zander stopeedin front of Duke¡¯s vehicle.


    ¡°Why did you stop, Duke?¡± he asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s better if we go to the city first; I don¡¯t want to go home,¡± Duke exined.


    ¡°We have school tomorrow, so we can¡¯tgo to the city,¡± Duke responded.


    ¡°Stupid! It¡¯s Saturday tomorrow, so no school. I won¡¯t be surprised if you forget. Where is your brain flying? To Mitch again? Stop that because no matter what you do, you and Mitchreally separated,¡± Duke exined.


    ¡°I know, even if you don¡¯t say it,¡± Zander responded.


    ¡°What, are you going or not?¡± Duke asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,e on,¡± he said.


    Zander followed Duke, who had already started his car. He needs to have some fun in order to forget about Mitch and what they both went through. They arrived in the city an hourter. They considered going to Zaneska¡¯s mansion. They got out of the car and pressed the doorbell, but they noticed the gate was open, so they just walked in. However, they discovered Uncle Conrad sitting on a bench beneath a mango tree. He appeared to be drunk because there were numerous empty beer bottles on the table.


    ¡°Oh, here you are, handsome teachers,¡± he said, inviting them to sit and join him for a drink.


    ¡°You¡¯re drunk, Uncle Conrad, you¡¯re still cheering; what¡¯s the matter with you? You drank in the morning,¡± Duke said as they sat down.


    ¡°Is it just a question of who should have the right to drink?¡± Uncle Conrad asked.


    ¡°Mostly, that¡¯s the reason,¡± Zander responded.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, I¡¯m really hurting right now because the woman I want doesn¡¯t like me. The pain is unbearable,¡± Uncle Conrad said, punching his chest.


    Duke inquired, ¡°Who?¡±


    Uncle Conrad exined, ¡°Laica, the hardness of that woman¡¯s heart was inherited from their boss.¡±


    Uncle Conrad had mentioned Laica, and he remembered who she was. He assumed it would simply crush the woman, but it now appears to be unattractive because Uncle Conrad is no longer a teenager.


    ¡°You¡¯re both like this withZander, his girlfriend dumped him for no good reason,¡± Duke said.


    Duke would have a sore mouth when he couldn¡¯t tell what I was going through, so Zander just shook his head.


    ¡°Seriously? Your girlfriend dumped you? Why, that woman is so unlucky. What else would she look for in others if you already have everything?¡± Uncle Conrad wondered.


    It was assumed that Zaneska would return home because it would bete in the evening the next time. She was about to leave when the door to the office opened and Randolf walked in.


    ¡°Why, Randolf? I thought you were already home?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Not yet,¡± Randolf replied, ¡°the girls with Calvin went to the bar, but I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    ¡°Is that correct?¡± Zaneska inquired. ¡°You know Calvin is courting Lucy, so he¡¯s hanging out with them.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try to join them so that I, too, can find true love.¡±


    ¡°Of all the girls, who do you have a crush on?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen much of who I want to look for yet,¡± Randolf said.


    ¡°Ah, I see,¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Miss,¡± Randolf said, ¡°let¡¯s eat. This is my treat.¡±


    He says, ¡°Wow, this is the first time you¡¯ve invited me to eat; you wouldn¡¯t have thought of it if your girlfriend hadn¡¯t left you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just that Iknow you¡¯re my boss, so it¡¯s awkward if I¡¯m close.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re no different from me, Randolf,¡± Zaneska replied, ¡°so it¡¯s fine for you to consider me a friend even during work hours.¡±N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get going.¡±


    They exited the office and entered the business at the same time. They got in their cars before Randolf got behind the wheel. Zaneska was not far behind. They stoppedin the za. She and Randolf exited the vehicle.


    ¡°What are we doing here, Randolf?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to eat street food, Miss; what would you like to eat?¡±


    Randolf had enquired of her.


    ¡°Eh, Randolf, I haven¡¯t eaten that yet,¡± he replied.


    ¡°It just looks dirty, Miss,¡± Randolf said, ¡°but it¡¯s delicious.¡±


    He was sitting on a wooden bench. Zaneska was the next and take a seat.


    ¡°Five chicken intestine sticks and five chicken liver sticks,¡± Randof told the salesman.


    Randolf asked.¡°You? What do you want to eat, Miss?¡±


    ¡°I only have five hotdogs, the little ones, the spicy sauce, and a coke.¡± She replied.


    Zaneska doesn¡¯t want Randolf to be angered, so she stops refusing.


    She took a seat next to Randolf. Randolf appeared to be stunned, which she noticed.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡± she asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Randolf said, ¡°I just remember my ex-girlfriend and I were always here, but now you¡¯re with me.¡±


    She replied,ughing, ¡°What¡¯s the difference? We¡¯re both women.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you, Miss? Why hasn¡¯t anyone courted you until now? There are a lot of bachelor business people; why haven¡¯t you chosen even one of them?¡± Randolf asked.


    She was taken aback for a brief moment. What did she have nned for the future? Zander appeared out of nowhere in her mind. They aren¡¯t likely to be because Zander adores Mitch.


    ¡°No, Randolf,¡± Zaneska exined, ¡°it¡¯s just not the right time. It¡¯s not a race for you to chase. I don¡¯t want to be like you who gets hurt. It¡¯s scary when you¡¯re happy and then you get hurt.¡±


    ¡°Does anyone not feel pain? It¡¯s only natural for people to be hurt.¡±


    ¡°Of course, nothing,¡± she replied.


    ¡°You¡¯ve hit the nail on the head,¡±


    The saleswoman then ced the cooked order that we had requested. So we began to eat.


    ¡°Can I hang out at your mansion, Miss?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s fine even if you want to live there,¡± Zaneska responded.

 CHAPTER 55

    ¡°I¡¯ll just hang out there for a while and see what I can do,¡± Randolf said.


    ¡°We can swim in the pool, grill meat and fish, and pick fruits,¡± Zaneska replied. ¡°I believe all the fruits are ripe there.¡±


    ¡°Great.¡±


    They got up and into the car after they finished eating. Randolf even went out and bought some street food to bring back to the mansion. They¡¯ve been on the road. They were outside the mansion in half an hour. Zaneska was taken aback when she noticed two cars parked near the gate. Randolf followed her out the door.


    They discovered Uncle Conrad, Duke, and Zander drinking on a mango tree-shaded bench. They came closer.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Why are you so drunk, Uncle? Are you in pain? You¡¯re the same with..¡±N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    ¡°Stop it! Don¡¯t continue,¡± Zander said, indicating that he wasn¡¯t yet drunk. Duke gave her a friendly smile.


    Zaneska responded, ¡°Why are you defensive? I didn¡¯t say a name, Randolf is also broken-hearted.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll say my name if I don¡¯t stop you,¡± Zander warned.


    Zaneska couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    ¡°By the way, cousin, are you heartbroken? But why? What¡¯s wrong with women these days? Don¡¯t they want to be attractive men and then have a decent job?¡± Randolf inquired.


    Uncle Conrad interrupts, ¡°That only means one thing, try to love a man.¡±


    They were allughing at the same time. The street foods wereid out by Randolf. And took a seat next to Zander.


    Uncle Conrad greeted herwith, ¡°Hello, dear, you¡¯ve arrived.¡±


    She rolled her eyes earlier as she stood here, but it was only now that she was noticed.


    ¡°You better sleep, Uncle,¡± Zaneska replied, ¡°because you don¡¯t seem to see me anymore because you¡¯re so drunk.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, where are they?¡± Uncle Conrad asked.


    ¡°Those girls, they¡¯re rxing outside.¡±


    ¡°Howe you didn¡¯t show up?¡±


    He replied, ¡°Randolf invited us to eat out.¡±


    ¡°Can you tell me where you went?¡±


    ¡°We ate street foods in the za,¡± Zaneska exined.


    Zander inquired, ¡°Are you eating like this?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Zaneska replied, ¡°what do you think? I don¡¯t eat like that.¡±


    ¡°In a way.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a different habit, dude, she doesn¡¯t really eat that kind of food but she¡¯ll eat even if her stomach can¡¯t because she doesn¡¯t want the person who invited her to sulk. I¡¯m the one who knows that better because we¡¯ve been together in thepany for a few years. It¡¯s good that¡¯s an employer and sometimes her employees don¡¯t leave because aside from the high sry, they also have snacks every day plus points that she¡¯s not a strict boss.¡± said Randolf.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t started drinking yet, Randolf,¡± Zaneska said, ¡°but the amount you say, but anyway thank you; you boost my ego. Shall I increase your shares in thepany?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all right; it¡¯s a big deal for me.¡±


    Zander was staring at Zaneska intently, so Zaneska raised an eyebrow at him.


    He asked, ¡°So, do you want to tell me something?¡±


    ¡°Ah, nothing,¡±


    When Zaneska looked at him, Zander swallowed. Under hergaze, he seemed to dissolve. So he decided to get up and walk outside the gate. He leaned against his car¡¯s hood. The girls arrived on time. They all waved at him, and he smiled back.


    Lucianna inquired, ¡°You¡¯re here, are you with Mitch?¡±


    ¡°No,¡±


    ¡°I see, why are you out here,¡± Lucianna said, inviting him inside.


    ¡°All right, that¡¯s my hometown.¡±


    Duke soon followed him outside.


    ¡°Are you all right, Zander? Why don¡¯t you go inside?¡± Duke asked.


    ¡°First, let me get some fresh air; are we going home?¡± Zander asked.


    ¡°Yes, we can¡¯t stay the night here if we¡¯re going home; you know how dangerous it is for us to go through,¡± Duke exined.


    He nodded and got into the car, which he then drove. Zander¡¯s mind seemed to calm down. But the questions about why Mitch and he had broken up remained in his mind. He believes that, like his mother and Uncle Agusto¡¯s love story, the one who breaks up will get back together, but it appears unlikely that he and Mitch will.


    When Zander arrived at their house at 7:00 p. m, it was already dark. Uncle Agusto¡¯s car was parked outside their gate, which he noticed.


    He exited the vehicle and entered the house. Uncle Agusto made a motion toward him. He gave him a friendly smile.


    He said, ¡°Good evening, Uncle.¡±


    ¡°Good evening, I believe you arrivedte.¡± Uncle said.


    He replied, ¡°Yeah, Duke and I went to thecity unwinding.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s excellent.¡±


    ¡°Where is Mom?¡± Zander asked.


    ¡°Sit here first because she¡¯s in the kitchen cooking and Melissa is in the bedroom studying a lesson.¡±


    Zander sat up.


    Uncle Agustoasked, ¡°How are you doing? Your mother told me what happened.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not okay, but I can handle it; I don¡¯t have to think or I¡¯ll go insane,¡± Zander responded.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure everything will be fine. Just let me know if you need a break. Tell me we can go clubbing and sky diving. Let¡¯s go somewhere else to cool off,¡± Uncle Agustosaid.


    ¡°Thank you, Uncle,but I¡¯m still at school.¡± He replied.


    ¡°Ah, I see.¡±


    Zaneska was irritated, and she was now wondering what she had said to Zander to cause him to leave the mansion and never return. He returned home, but only Duke bid him farewell. He assumed Zander was irritated with her because she said he was heartbroken. She was simply trying to start a conversation with him, so there was no awkwardness between them.


    The door to her bedroom was rapped on.


    Lazzy said to Miss Zaneska, ¡°Miss Zaneska, we¡¯re going to have dinner.¡±


    ¡°Come in here inside my room, Lazzy,¡± she said.


    Lazzy walked in and sat on her bed when the door opened.


    ¡°How are you doing?¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Miss,¡± Lazzy replied, smiling. ¡°I¡¯m not too stressed anymore, and then I¡¯ll ept my fate.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s great to hear that.¡±


    ¡°Did you speak with Lucas?¡± she inquired.


    ¡°She ignored me because his live-in partner broke up with him after finding out that I¡¯mpregnant with his child,¡± Lazzy exined.


    ¡°Not all women will ept their husbands having children with other women unless it happens when they haven¡¯t met,¡± Zaneska says. ¡°But in the case of you and Lucas, he got you pregnant while he was living with his live-in partner, which only martyrs do.¡±


    Lazzy remained silent.


    ¡°I¡¯m not saying this to hurt your feelings, Lazzy; we¡¯re not perfect. We can do things we can¡¯t stop doing even if they¡¯re wrong. So all I can say to you right now is congrattions because you¡¯re going to be a mother. There¡¯s nothing good about that. Getting pregnant without standing up is not a loss to our womanhood. ¡± Zaneska stated.


    ¡°Thank you, Miss,¡± shesay.


    ¡°All right, go ahead and eat. You¡¯ll take Luciana with youto the pharmacy tomorrow to buyvitamins for the baby,¡± she said.


    ¡°All right, miss, you won¡¯t eat?¡± L azzy asked.


    ¡°Not yet,I¡¯lle out when I¡¯m hungry.¡± she replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    She was left lying on the bed when Lazzy came out. When her phone rang, she saw Arthur on the other end. She was perplexed as to what Arthur required of her. As a result, she answered the phone.


    ¡°Hello, Arthur, what¡¯s the matter?¡± she inquired.


    ¡°Hi, Zaneska, are you free tonight?¡± Arthur asked.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m just in the mansion for some reason.¡±


    ¡°Are we able to see each other?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Zaneska asked, ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll just pick you up there,¡± Arthur exined.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    Zaneska got out of bed and went to the closet to look for clothes. She put on a pair of ck pants and a white shirt. She walked out of the room, carrying her sling bag. She then proceeded to the kitchen.


    ¡°Everyone, I¡¯m leaving first because Arthur and I need to talk,¡± she exined.


    ¡°You know who he is, right?¡± she asked.


    Lucy replied, ¡°Yes, Miss.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, Laica, where is Uncle Conrad?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Miss,¡± Lucianna replied, ¡°maybe he just slept for a while and then abruptly left.¡±


    She burst outughing. In Uncle Conrad¡¯s presence, Laica became extremely allergic. It¡¯s always been that way; there¡¯s an old adage that says ¡°the more you hate, the more you love.¡± Zaneska bid them all farewell and exited the mansion. She waited for Arthur to arrive. Before Uncle Conrad left, she noticed that her car had been entered. Arthur arrived a few minutester. He let her into the car by opening the door.


    ¡°Where is Aunt Carol?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I just said goodbye to her at their house, and we¡¯ll meet because I need something from you,¡± Arthur replied.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t it great that she asked what that was?¡±


    ¡°No, Carol is the type of woman who, when I tell her I¡¯m going to the city and other ces because of my job, she nods and that¡¯s it; there¡¯s no follow-up question,¡± Arthur exined.


    ¡°Ah, I see,¡±


    Arthur had started the car and was on his way to the city. They stoppeda few minutester at a building she owned. They both got out of Arthur¡¯s car at the same time.


    ¡°What are we doing here? This is my building,¡±


    ¡°Of course, I know this is yours. So we came here because I asked here the other day. This space is avable and no one has thought of taking it yet. And I talked to the in charge, but the rental is expensive every month here, so I want to ask you for a favour so you can lower the price a little. I n to do business withCarol,¡± Arthur exined.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Zaneska said, ¡°I¡¯ll just give you the building and you don¡¯t have to pay.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Zaneska,¡± Arthur said.


    We walked into the building¡¯s office.


    The in-charge said, ¡°Hi, ma¡¯am, you got a visit.¡±


    ¡°Hello, can you tell me if the one on the other side is just an empty space for rent?¡± she asked.


    ¡°There¡¯s more, ma¡¯am,¡± I say.


    ¡°Is that so, those on the other side will take space,¡± Zaneska exined, ¡°but I already gave it to them, so don¡¯t charge themevery month because they are my rtives.¡±


    ¡°No problem, ma¡¯am,¡± the in-chargereplied.


    ¡°I appreciate it.¡±


    After that, Arthur drove her to the mansion. She exited the vehicle and entered the building. After Arthur had left, she locked the gate. The entire mansion was deafeningly quiet. Maybe they¡¯re all dozing off. Zaneska immediately went to her room. She changed into her pajamas and sat down on the bed.


    Zaneska awoke to bright sunshine on Saturday. Because it¡¯s Saturday, she¡¯ll be able to sleep in. She stood up and walked out of the room, straight to the kitchen. She discovered the girls seated at the dining table.


    ¡°It¡¯s early in the morning,¡± she said to the girls, ¡°but your faces are all so problematic.¡±


    ¡°What can we do now that we have a boring Saturday?¡± Lazzy wondered.


    ¡°Is that a problem, I told youst night to go to the pharmacy and buy vitamins, and the rest of you will clean the entire mansion, and the swimming pool has a lot of dry leaves floating in it, and then you harvest ripe fruits,¡± Zaneska exined.

 CHAPTER 56

    They were all frowning.


    ¡°Are you sick of cleaning and doingundry?¡± she asks. ¡°Now you have to find someone to clean the entire mansion.¡±


    ¡°All right, miss,¡± Hera said, ¡°can we go out now and go to the city?¡±


    She replied, ¡°Of course.¡±


    Zander was toozy to get out of bed, so he was still curled up in his bed. His life is dull because no one ever calls to tell him shelove him. Mitch wasn¡¯tsorry at all, but he knew Mitch was the first to give up, so there was nothing he could do. The first thing Zander heard was a knock on the door.


    Outside the door, his mother said, ¡°Son,e out. We¡¯re going to have breakfast. Will you still sleep?¡±


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m next,¡± he said.


    ¡°Just hurry up because your Uncle Agusto is expecting you.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    Zander rose from his bed, exited the room, and proceeded to the kitchen. Uncle Agusto was here, as his mother had predicted.


    ¡°Zander, hurry up, we¡¯re going to eat.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± Shesay.


    Zander took a seat in front of Uncle Agusto and began to eat.


    ¡°I¡¯vee to take you to the city, Zander, because the members of the business association had a party,¡± Uncle exined.


    ¡°What do I know about business, Uncle? I¡¯m a teacher,¡± Zander exined.


    ¡°I want you to enjoy yourself, so hurry up there first,¡± Uncle said.


    ¡°Mom should apany you because she is your secretary,¡± he advises.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t want toe, so you shoulde instead.¡±


    He replied, ¡°All right, Uncle, wait a minute, I¡¯ll just get dressed.¡±


    Zander went into his room and changed his clothes. He emerged from his room two minutester.


    He says, ¡°Mom, we¡¯re leaving.¡±


    ¡°All right, be safe on your trip.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    When Zander emerged, Uncle Augusto was already in the car. As a result, he just walked in.


    Uncle told Zander, ¡°It¡¯s up to you to drive.¡±


    As a result, he exited the vehicle and sat in the driver¡¯s seat.


    ¡°What time is your party, Uncle?¡± Zander inquired.


    Uncle replied, ¡°It¡¯s still around seven o¡¯clock in the evening, so let¡¯s hang out at Nathan¡¯s house in the city first.¡±


    Zander smiled and nodded.


    ¡°Is he also going?¡± he asked.


    ¡°You can¡¯t always force that person toe,¡± Uncle August exined, ¡°but you don¡¯t have to force him to present himself if he truly wants to.¡±


    ¡°Can you tell me what happened when he went to another country, as you mentioned?¡±


    ¡°Is it about that? Nothing happened because his girlfriend, whom he left behind, had already married someone else when he went there, so why did he stay there? He just came back here.¡±


    Only Zander could say, ¡°Nobody really chooses to be hurt, even if they are so sessful in life that the person they love will be able to leave.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, because there¡¯s no such thing as certainty in life; it¡¯s not like the person you love will be yours for life; some people just came by to teach you a lesson in how to be strong, while others just make you happy for a while but not for long; reality is better than a dream,¡± Uncle exined.


    We arrived in the city an hourter.


    ¡°Get down there first, Zander, and I¡¯ll drive to Nathan¡¯s house.¡± Uncle said to him.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    Because the girls were in the city, Zaneska was alone in the pool. As a result, she began by meditating. Her phone eventually rang, and she tossed it on top of the ss table. Randolf had called, and she had seen him.


    ¡°Hello, Randolf, what¡¯s up?¡± she asked on the other line.


    ¡°Are you free tonight?¡± Randolf asked.


    ¡°Yeah, why?¡± She replied.


    ¡°Some businessmen invited you to their party tonight; are youing?¡± Randolf asked.


    ¡°Howe I only found out now?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I didn¡¯t know until now,¡± Randolf replied, ¡°and you almost forgot that the news will pass me by before you.¡±


    Zaneska replied, ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Tsk. Are you going?¡± Randolf asked her again.


    ¡°What time is the party? Pleasee on my behalf¡±


    ¡°About 7:00 p. m.; however, why should Ie?¡±


    ¡°Most of the time, when gatherings like that, the assistant should be present,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to a party; this isn¡¯t a business meeting where I have toe to list what you discussed,¡± Randolf responded.


    ¡°I was bored there; I couldn¡¯t talk to you; you wouldn¡¯te,¡± Zaneska exined.


    ¡°Eh, Miss, it¡¯s just you; maybe you¡¯ll founda boyfriend when you go there.¡±


    She exims, ¡°Stupid!¡±


    Randolf then hung up the phone.


    Randolf is the type of person who can¡¯t be forced to go when he doesn¡¯t want to. She let out a sigh. Who is she allowed to invite? She¡¯ll dial Calvin¡¯s number. He did not answer the phone when she called him. She¡¯s enraged. There were none when she needed them. She took a look at the time. She had no choice but to go into the bathroom and take a bath because it was six o¡¯clock.


    Nathan¡¯s house was already upied by Zander and Uncle Conrad.


    ¡°Agusto, I thought you weren¡¯ting?¡±


    Uncle replied, ¡°Is that okay? I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll look for me.¡±


    Uncle Nathan asked, ¡°I thought you were going to take her mother?¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t show up, despite her promise to do something.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how women are; you can¡¯t make theme if they don¡¯t want to.¡±


    Uncle replied, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s great that you¡¯reing, Zander,¡± Uncle Nathan said. ¡°Let¡¯s go girl huntingter.¡±


    Uncle Agusto replied, ¡°That¡¯s right, Zander is single, dude.¡±


    Uncle Nathan questioned him, ¡°Why? What happened to the woman you brought to the beach house?¡±


    He couldn¡¯t avoid talking about his love life no matter how hard he tried.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Zander replied, ¡°she abruptly ended our rtionship.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, that¡¯s even better; we can¡¯t let our own self love them even if they leave us. What time is it?¡±


    Uncle Agusto replied, ¡°Six -five.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get going.¡±


    We exited the building and entered the vehicle. Uncle Agusto was still behind the wheel. Zander¡¯s head ached and he leaned back in his car seat. If he has a fever, he hopes he doesn¡¯t have a headache right now. The party hall was packed when we arrived. Uncle Agusto and Uncle Nathan were greeted with a wave and a smileing from other visitors. They went looking for a seat and all three of them sat down at the same time. A tall man about Uncle Agusto¡¯s age approached them as they sat down.


    The man said, ¡°Thank you, and you arrived, Agusto.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°And where is your wife? So this handsome man with you is your son?¡± the man asked, his gaze falling on him.


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    He greeted Zander with, ¡°Oh, nice to meet you, son.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d to meet you as well,¡± Zander replied.


    Uncle Nathan was the focus of the man¡¯s attention.


    ¡°How are you doing, Nathan? Where is your date tonight?¡±


    Uncle Nathan said, ¡°Don¡¯t keep pretending, Lance, you know your sister got married in another country.¡±Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ma¡¯am,¡± the man said,ughing, ¡°I didn¡¯t help you; it¡¯s your fault.¡±


    Uncle Nathan said, ¡°Dammit, Lance, don¡¯t remind me of what I did to your sister.¡±


    ¡°Whatever the case may be, I¡¯m leaving first; have fun at the party.¡±


    Someone approached their waiter after the old man had left and offered them something to drink.


    Uncle Nathan asked, ¡°Agusto, do you have a phone number for Zaneska Vergara?¡± Zander overheard.


    Uncle Agusto asked him, ¡°Did you ask for business?No, I didn¡¯t ask for business,¡± he replied.


    Uncle Agusto asked him, ¡°Did you ask for business?No, I didn¡¯t ask for business,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Nothing, Uncle,¡±


    Uncle Agusto said, ¡°Why didn¡¯t I think of bringing Duke here? Look around Zander, maybe his parents are here.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t met Duke¡¯s parents yet, Uncle.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    When Zander turned around, he noticed a woman standing in the foyer. She was looking for someone she recognised as bored based on her appearance.


    Zaneska had a frown on her face. She is now standing at the entrance to the location of the party. Sh e noticed Uncle Agusto with two men in the distance and approached them. She was taken aback when she saw Zandernext to Nathan as she approached.


    She was taken aback when she saw Zandernext to Nathan as she approached.


    ¡°Oh, Nathan,¡± she says, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you again.¡±


    ¡°Zaneska! I just asked Agusto for your phone number, but you¡¯re already here,¡± Nathan said.


    ¡°Is that so, and why?¡± he asked.


    ¡°If I had known you wereing, I would have called you.¡±


    ¡°I was also invited; I didn¡¯t want to go, but I was forced to go because my assistant didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see,¡±


    ¡°Hello, Zander, you look great.¡±


    In this type of atmosphere, Zander was bored. But he¡¯ll make an effort to stay alive, even though his head hurts. Zaneska looks stunning in her ck sleeveless fitted whole dress with a side slit tonight. Zander, on the other hand, notices Zaneska¡¯s unhappiness with her decision toe here.


    Soon after, an elderly gentleman approached them, and a young man of his age gazed at Zaneska.


    The old man asked, ¡°I finally meet you, Miss Vergara or Mrs?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still single.¡± Zaneska.


    ¡°Great, but why?¡± said the old man. ¡°Why is it that a sessful businesswoman, at the age of thirty, is still single? But it¡¯s not questionable. By the way, I want you to meet my son, Kent; the two of you are a perfect match, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    Zaneska¡¯s forehead was frowning, as if she didn¡¯t like what the old man said.


    ¡°She¡¯s with me, Mr. Luigi,¡± Uncle Nathan interjects, ¡°so it¡¯s not right for you to give her to your son without asking me.¡±


    The old man burst outughing.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Tan, I see you¡¯re not Miss Vergara¡¯s thing,¡± the old man said, irritating Uncle Nathan. ¡°You know, among the rich, fix marriage is in vogue even if they don¡¯t love each other.¡±


    The old man¡¯s son, on the other hand, was always staring at Zaneska¡¯s legs. Zander¡¯s teeth were clenched.

 CHAPTER 57

    ¡°If my parents were still alive, Mr. Szar, they would not agree with what you¡¯re saying. Why? Because that fix marriage will only happen if apany needs a merger because of bankruptcy. Let me tell you this, mypany will gain the trust of otherpanies that I will not have topromise my entire life to engage in that fix marriage thing. If you mean that you can talk to my rtives about what you¡¯re nning to do, you¡¯re wrong because I¡¯m the one who makes my own life decisions. You are wee to ask me to invest in yourpany, but you are not required to endorse your son in front of me,¡± Zaneska replied.


    The elderly manughs.


    ¡°You made a mistake, Miss Vergara; I haven¡¯t said anything yet,¡± the old man said.


    ¡°That¡¯s also the point of your words, Mr. Szar, so I preceded you. And one more thing, my attitude didn¡¯t fit the characters of your son. Look at him, he¡¯s looking down instead of at my face. He¡¯s no longer pass in my taste buds,¡± Zaneska exined.


    Zander burst outughing. Because he noticed the old man¡¯s sour expression.


    ¡°You¡¯re too arrogant, Miss Vergara, and you¡¯re not even beautiful,¡± the old man¡¯s son said.


    Zander rolled his eyes. This man was full of himself.


    ¡°Oh, that was a nicepliment from you, Luigi,¡± Zaneska said, ¡°but I see something different in your eyes; what do you just see in me? That I¡¯m not beautiful in your eyes but meat to be eaten?¡±


    They all remained silent.


    ¡°And by the way, this man beside me is Mr. Agusto Mondragon. He is a wealthy businessman as well. Maybe you want to invest in hispany as well. But he doesn¡¯t have a daughter. This guy beside Mr. Tan is his son. So what do you think?¡± Zaneska askedof the older man.


    Zander gave a nod. Zaneska¡¯s tongue is sharp, so perhaps she hasn¡¯t had a boyfriend until now. The elderly man and his son walked away without saying goodbye. Zaneska drank the water as she leaned over.


    ¡°Wow, Zaneska, that was something,¡± Uncle Agusto said.


    ¡°Hmmm, that¡¯s why I hate gatherings like this, Uncle, I¡¯m running out of air in reasoning,¡± Zaneska responded.


    ¡°All right, you two stay here first, and Nathan and I just need to socialize with other businessmen,¡± Uncle August exined.


    ¡°All right, Uncle.¡±


    Zaneska noticed Zander was drowsy after the two had left. As a result, she drew closer to him.


    ¡°Are you all right? You wouldn¡¯t havee here if you weren¡¯t feeling well.¡±


    Zander let out a smallugh.


    ¡°You could also be a nurse; my head hurts, and I¡¯m not sure when this party will end,¡± Zander responded.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go out first; we can eat at the restaurant,¡± Zaneska says.


    ¡°Why are you still going out when there¡¯s food here?¡± Zander asked.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather pay than eat at an event like this because I try to avoid associating with toxic people,¡± Zaneska responded.


    Zander was taken aback when Zaneska took his hand in hers and drew him out. His head is hurting even more now.


    ¡°Just call Uncle Agusto after the party and tell him we¡¯re going somewhere else; I¡¯ll be the driver,¡± Zaneska told him.


    He hopped into the driver¡¯s seat before Zaneska could start the car and drive away. He noticed they stoppedin front of a pharmacy.


    ¡°Get out, Zander, we¡¯ll boughtmedicine in there,¡± Zaneska orders.


    He went outside and followed Zaneska into the pharmacy.


    ¡°Hello, miss, I bought some headache medicine,¡± Zaneska said to the saleswoman.


    The woman took the medicine, but her gaze remained fixed on him.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, Is heyour boyfriend?¡± the woman asked Zaneska, but Zander could clearly hear her.


    ¡°No, he ismy brother, are you attractive to him?¡± Zaneska asked.


    The saleswoman gave him a friendly smile.


    ¡°But he¡¯s a single father, Miss, and he has seven children; if you¡¯re willing to care for seven children, you can be his wife at any time,¡± Zaneska responded.


    The saleswoman was left speechless. Zander burst outughing. Zaneska and Zanderre-entered the car and drove away from the pharmacy.


    ¡°Did you know the saleswoman believed what I said?¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°Who wouldn¡¯t believe what you said? Your face is so serious that the woman¡¯s eyes almost popped out,¡± Zander responded.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the big deal?¡±


    ¡°Of course, you mention seven children; it¡¯s just nice if someone gets a nice job so that children have a nice life; if it¡¯s you, I know seven children isn¡¯t enough for you because you have too much wealth,¡± he says.


    Zaneska gave him a sidelong nce.


    ¡°What do you think of me, pig? Am I capable of bearing seven children?¡±


    ¡°After five years, you only release one at a time, not all seven in one day, and you were really called a pig then,¡± Zander replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, Zander, whether I should release a child,¡± Zaneska admitted.


    Zander was taken aback. Why did Zaneska and himbring up the subject of children? This is an unusual conversation. He used to avoid this woman, but now they always cross paths.


    They stoppedin front of the restaurant.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯m hungry,¡± Zaneska suggested.


    He went out the carand go insideafter Zaneska. They chose a seat in thethe right corner.A waiter came over.


    ¡°Can I please have a ss of water?¡± Zaneska asked the waiter.


    ¡°All right, ma¡¯am.¡±


    The waiter walked away and returned a few secondster, carrying the menu. Zaneska took a ss of water and handed it to him, along with some medicine.


    ¡°Drink some medicine first, Zander, so your headache doesn¡¯t get worse,¡± Zaneska advised.


    Zander epted the medication, and the waiter left with their order. The waiter unloaded their food a minuteter. They ate after that.


    Zaneska fixed her gaze on him.


    ¡°By the way, Zander, I have a question for you,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°What is it?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°Howe you avoided me in the first ce?¡± Zaneska inquired.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Zander fell silent all of a sudden.


    ¡°I guess you¡¯re toofortable with me to ask that question?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it appropriate for me to ask?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything to say,¡± Zander responded.


    ¡°OK, I won¡¯t force you; I already have an answer; since we¡¯re done eating, maybe we can go home; call Uncle Agusto first,¡± Zaneska says.


    After that, Zaneska paid and we exited the restaurant.


    ¡°Are you full, Zander?¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°Yes, by the way, thank you for the clothes you sent me when I slept in your condo unit; I¡¯ll wash them first before returning them to you,¡± Zander exined.


    ¡°Silly, who will wear it when you return it to me? I bought it for you, so wear it; if you¡¯re shy, buy me as well so we¡¯re both fair,¡± Zaneska responded.


    Zander was taken aback. Did they already friends? What can he give her when she already has everything?


    ¡°What can I give you if you can buy whatever you want?¡± Zander asked.


    Zander is stopped in his tracks when he notices Zaneska¡¯s genuine smile. She gave him a look.


    ¡°Are you okay, and why did you stop?¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°Nothing, I just had a thought.¡±


    Zaneska nodded and went up into her car.


    ¡°Come in, Zander; I¡¯ll take you there so I can go home; I¡¯m so tired I can see my bed and nket,¡± Zaneska said.


    Zander agreed and went up into the car.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drive, Zaneska; you could doze off and we¡¯ll collide.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to be able to do it any longer.¡±


    Zaneska was already on her way to the party location. Uncle Agusto and Uncle Nathan have left the house. He just walked out, and Zaneska just waved. And proceeded to drive away from them. They returned home after that.


    Duke arrived early on Monday because today is the day they go house to house. Zander had no choice but to get up early as well. When he came out of his room, he was already dressed and taking a bath.


    ¡°Dude, I thought you were still sleeping?¡± Duke asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s humiliating for our co-teachersif they¡¯re still waiting for us,¡± he responded.


    ¡°Your mother told me you went to a business partyst night; did you meet a woman there?¡± Duke asked.


    ¡°Stupid, I didn¡¯t go there looking for a woman; you¡¯re really just thinking a woman, thanks to the power of your radar,¡± Zander exined.

 CHAPTER 58

    ¡°Are we leaving?¡± Zander inquired of Duke.


    ¡°Yes, the othersalready in front of the school; are you finished?¡±


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go. Mom, we¡¯re leaving,¡± Zander said as he kissed his mother goodbye.


    ¡°OK, be careful,¡± his mother replied.


    ¡°We¡¯ll only use one car, Duke, yours, so it¡¯s not too much hassle,¡± Zander exined.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    They got in the car, and Duke drove. They were out of school in a matter of minutes. The things they intend to bring are already in the car.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we supposed to leave yet?¡± he askeTeacher Mae.


    ¡°As Ma¡¯am Principal stated, we will wait for the one with whom we can be together,¡± Mae responded.


    ¡°Does anyone elsee with us? Aren¡¯t we just eight teachers?¡± Zander asked.


    ¡°It appears that Ma¡¯am Principal has invited someone from the city.¡±


    Mrs. Rodriguez then emerged.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just wait a minute; she¡¯ll juste with you because Ihave a meeting,¡± she replied.


    A red car then pulled up in front of them. Randolf and Zaneska emerged as the door opened. Zander¡¯s brow furrowed. What exactly is this woman doing here? Mrs. Rodriguez was approached by Zaneska.


    ¡°Hello, Ma¡¯am, nice to meet you all,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°I, too, would be delighted to meet you in person, Miss Vergara, and you have epted my invitation,¡± Mrs. Rodriguez responded.


    ¡°I¡¯m not too busy, ma¡¯am,¡± Zaneska replied, ¡°so I agreed, and then I bought something for the kids.¡±


    ¡°Thank you very much,¡±


    ¡°Well, you agreed, Zaneska, it is okay for you to walk on thewns there,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Perhaps that¡¯s why,¡± Zaneska replied.


    ¡°You know Duke,ma¡¯am?¡± Mae asked.


    ¡°Actually, Duke is a rtive of mine, and this man beside me is my assistant, and this handsome teacher of yours is my friend,¡± Zaneska exined.


    Everyone was amused by Zaneska¡¯s remark.


    Mrs. Rodriguez said, ¡°All right, leave while it¡¯s still early.¡±


    They piled into the car. Andtravel.


    The weather was bad, as Zander had noticed. He didbelieve it would rainter. He hopes they arrive at their destination before it rains. Some of their coworkers, who he recognized as Teacher Mae¡¯s students, came by.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t one of your students¡¯ house still there, Zander?¡± Duke asked.


    ¡°It¡¯sstill far away,¡± Duke replied. ¡°Perhaps we can go to their barangay and give them everything we brought.¡±


    ¡°You thought it was better,¡± Zander responded. ¡°It¡¯s better than going to their houses, which we don¡¯t know where.¡±


    They came to aplete stop in order to talk to theirpanion. Duke took a moment to go outside and tell the others what he wanted to happen. Duke got into the car a minuteter.


    ¡°Zander, they¡¯ve all agreed,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    They came out to see a child on the road and inquired about the location of the barangay hall in the area. They also brought the young man on board to instruct them. They arrived at the specified location half an hourter. They were taken to the barangay captain¡¯s house by the boy.


    Zaneska had the urge to pee. She had gotten out of the car earlier because she was in pain. Zander¡¯s gaze fell on her.


    ¡°Please take out what we¡¯re carrying, Randolf,¡± she said to Randolf, ¡°I¡¯m just going somewhere.¡±


    ¡°Where are you going, Miss? You don¡¯t know where you¡¯re going.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m already urinating, Randolf,¡± she says, ¡°so I¡¯ll look for something to urinate on, even if it¡¯s the grass.¡±


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Randolf asked. ¡°Perhaps people have toilets here.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t whine.¡±


    Zaneska was walking onto thewn when Zander noticed her. His brow furrowed. What is this woman up to? As a result, he followed her.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Zander asked.


    As she looked at him, Zaneska¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°You scared the hell out of me.¡±


    ¡°I just asked you where you were going; what are you doing here?¡± Zander asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m peeing, I needed to pee earlier, and I¡¯m going to urinate this before my dder explodes,¡± Zaneska replied.


    In his mind, he burst outughing. Even the most affluent individual would urinate on thewn if necessary.


    ¡°Seriously? Are you urinating here? What if the¡­¡± Zander wondered.


    ¡°Get out of here! Get back in there,¡± Zaneska yelled at him.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go back there and see if there¡¯s a toilet here.¡±


    Zander took Zaneska¡¯s hand and led her back to theirpanion. When he noticed that everyone around him was staring at their entertwined hands, he let go of Zaneska¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Hello, do you have a toilet here? Zaneska is already urinating,¡± he asks.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. The one with the wood door. Go there. There¡¯s water there for washing.¡± replied the captain¡¯s wife.


    Zaneska addressed him in hushed tones.


    ¡°Come with me; maybe there¡¯s a snake there,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°No, there¡¯s no grass there, and the ce is clean,¡± he said.


    ¡°Just urinate there, Zaneska, you¡¯re not the one you¡¯re whispering to Zander, maybe you¡¯ll be able to urinate fromwhere you¡¯re standing,¡± Duke advised.


    Duke made a foolish smile. As if the expressions had meaning.


    ¡°I just noticed yourplexion, Ma¡¯am Zaneska; is that natural?¡± Zander overheard Mae inquire.


    Zaneska bursts outughing.


    ¡°Does it look fake, Mae?¡± Zaneska asked, a smile on her face.


    ¡°Eh, because you¡¯re too white for paper; aren¡¯t you out in the sun? I didn¡¯t see any ck on your body,¡± Mae exined.


    ¡°Is that apliment or what?¡± Zaneska chuckled.


    ¡°Of course,pliment; what¡¯s your secret? Tell me I want to be as white as you.¡±


    ¡°Sure,ter. For now, I need to pee. Come with me,¡± Zaneska said, pulling him over to the toilet.


    ¡°Come inside, Zander, and see what¡¯s inside,¡± Zaneska orders.


    Zander sighed and rolled his eyes.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯ll see if you go inside the toilet, Zaneska?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask too many questions, Zander, or the snake will bite me when I enter there,¡± Zaneska warned.


    So Zander did nothing but use the restroom. The interior is spotless, with a white bowl and a bucket. He looked at the water and saw that there was nothing swimming in it. He¡¯s go out right away.


    ¡°It was clean before your urine got out here, and there were no snakes,¡± he exined.


    Zaneska entered the house. He was about to leave and go back to hispanion when Zaneska called.


    ¡°Zander,e in here,¡± Zaneska said to him.


    ¡°What? Are you insane already? I¡¯m going in there,¡± Zander said.


    ¡°I think I have LBM; my stomach hurts,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°Did you eat before, or is your stomach really empty?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I only ate rice and a dish, and nothing else, and my stomach hurts when I¡¯m not at home.¡± Zaneska¡¯sint.


    ¡°Does it hurt?¡± Zander asked.


    He was concerned. Because of the duration, Zaneska. He finished when he heard the murmur of water. When the door opened, he saw that he couldn¡¯t paint Zaneska¡¯s face.


    ¡°Where have they gone?¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°Maybe in the barangay hall,¡± Zander replied.


    ¡°Can you walk?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Is there no medicine for stomach aches here?¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure either, but we¡¯ll just asked someone tp buy you medicinenow to get rid of your stomach ache,¡± Zander said.


    ¡°Do we still have to go to the barangay hall?¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s just at the Captain¡¯s house for you to rest,¡± Zander said.


    They noticed the Captain¡¯s wife approaching.


    ¡°Are you all right, ma¡¯am?¡± the older woman asked.


    ¡°Her stomach hurts, can Ie inside your house, and I hope she can rest?¡± Zander asked.


    ¡°Of course,¡± she says.


    They walked into the house. He took Zaneska¡¯s seat. Perhaps her stomach hurts a lot because she¡¯s already sweating profusely. The older woman poured hot water in the ss and handover toZaneska. The older woman directed the boy to purchase medicine for her stomach ache.


    ¡°What would you like to eat, Zaneska? Aren¡¯t you hungry?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No.¡±


    The boy then arrived with medicine. He gaveit to Zaneska.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired, Zander,¡± he says.


    Zaneska is led into the room by the older woman. And she was given a nket.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Go to bed first, and make sure you¡¯re not hungry,¡± he advised.


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take care of her,¡± the elderly woman assured him.


    ¡°Would you mind leaving youhere first, Zaneska?¡±


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll just put it to sleep, and it¡¯ll vanish,¡± she says.


    ¡°Thank you, and if her stomach ache doesn¡¯t go away, pleasee to me,¡± Zander said.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    Zander went to Barangay Hall after leaving the house. He noticed that many of the students were receiving meals in addition to their module. He went up to Duke.


    ¡°What took you so long? I already gave yours,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, thank you; Zaneska had a stomach ache, so I went with her first,¡± he said.


    ¡°Is that correct? How is she doing? Is the pain gone?¡± Duke inquired.


    ¡°She drank the medicine, and she dozed off.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    Zaneska awoke with a light feeling. And the pain in her stomach had vanished. So she decided to get up and go outside. She came acrossinto the captain¡¯s wife.


    ¡°Are you okay, ma¡¯am?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yes, thank you very much; the pain is gone; I¡¯ll go out first,¡± she said as she waved goodbye to the older woman.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    Zaneska will be on the lookout for a signal because she intends to call them in the city. In this area, there is no signal. So she decided to go in the opposite direction. She couldn¡¯t find her way out because she had done so much walking. She was worried because she realised she was lost. And she was struck because it was raining heavily and thunder was rumbling. She was drenched from the rain. So she dashed to a derelict house that still had a roof on it.


    Zander and Duke dashed to the captain¡¯s mansion. While the rest of their group was left in the barangay hall.


    ¡°How is Zaneska?¡± Zander asked the old woman.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t shee to you? She said she¡¯de out first,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Huh? Not really. Where did she go?¡± Zander asked. ¡°Duke, I¡¯ll find Zaneska here first. Lend me a raincoat. And an umbre, mother.¡±


    He go even had aheavy rain to track down Zaneska; the only problem was he didn¡¯t know where to look. He¡¯d wandered off into the woods.


    ¡°Zaneska! Zaneska! Where are you?¡± eximed Zander.


    He was concerned that something bad had happened to the woman. He¡¯d been looking for herfor a while but couldn¡¯t find her. Until he ended up in a shattered house. Because it was pouring so hard, he had no choice but to go inside. Then he noticed Zaneska shivering from the cold because her entire body was wet from the rain.


    ¡°What are you doing here, Zaneska? You¡¯re dripping wet.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m lost; it¡¯s a good thing you came; I¡¯m freezing,¡± Zaneska responded.


    ¡°Stand up, put on my jacket. You¡¯re wet. Take off everything you¡¯re wearing,¡± he said.


    Zander removed his jacket and handed it over to Zaneska. He went out for a while so Zaneska could changes clothes.

 CHAPTER 59

    ¡°Zander,e in; it¡¯s pouring hard,¡± Zaneska called to him.


    So he went back inside. Zaneska had already taken a seat on a wooden bench.


    ¡°Why did youe here? Didn¡¯t you think there might be wild animals here? You scared the hell out of me, and the strength of the rain. You¡¯re ruining yourself,¡± he said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Zaneska said, ¡°I was just looking for a signal.¡±


    She exhaled a sigh.


    ¡°They know you¡¯re here, and I¡¯m sure everything you left there is fine, but you really need to in dangeryourself,¡± he told her.


    Zaneska simply nodded.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be back there before nightfall,¡± Zander predicted.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Zaneska rose to her feet. And she was the one who came out first, so he had to follow. As well as the weeds¡¯ slickness. They both bowed beneath the same awning. Zander drew Zaneska closer to his body to keep her from getting wetter. He was carrying a small umbre.


    ¡°Next time, stay where you are; it¡¯s not where you¡¯re going,¡± Zander advised.


    Zaneska was a happy girl. This is the first time she has approached a man in this manner. And there¡¯s something about the scent. She considered sniffing his neck, but she knew he¡¯d notice. He was even more irritated now that she had unexpectedly gone to that house. It is not her fault that she became lost. They arrived at the captain¡¯s house half an hourter.


    ¡°Did your clothes get wet, Zander?¡± she asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s only my pants, but it¡¯s fine,¡± Zander responded.


    ¡°Come with me to the car first; I¡¯ll just take my clothes, which I brought,¡± Zaneska said.


    Zander escorted herto the house¡¯s balcony before returning to the car. When he walked in, he noticed Randolf with a woman.


    ¡°Where are you from, Miss, and why is your hair wet?¡± Randolf inquired.


    ¡°I was looking for a signal, so I got lost and wet in the rain; where are the others? Isn¡¯t it over yet?¡± she wondered.


    ¡°They¡¯re all still eating dinner in the barangay hall, and it¡¯s raining, so I brought you your food as well,¡± Randolf exined.


    ¡°I appreciate it.¡±


    ¡°Hername is ra.¡±


    Zaneska gave the woman a friendly smile. And the woman smiled, but she thought it was awkward.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be shy, Randolf, how many clothes did you bring?¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°Five pieces, Miss.¡±


    ¡°Give it to Zander; he got wet in the rain while looking for me.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Then Zander came in and Randolfhanded him a paper bag.


    ¡°Thank you; get dressed as well; Randolf has extra clothes; you¡¯re wet as well, and we¡¯ll be able to stay here for a while,¡± Zaneska said.


    Zander is feeling chilly. H e believes hisclothes are wet as well. It¡¯s a good thing Randolf had an extradressed. Why hadn¡¯t he thought of bringing a dress? When Zaneska came out, she went in to changed a clothesas well. The rain became even heavier; perhaps there was a storm. The rain stopped around five o¡¯clock in the afternoon. Because the others with them already had husbands and children, they decided to return home. In addition, the children¡¯s meals and modules have been done giving. They¡¯ve all left the house.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to say our goodbyes, captain and mother; we can¡¯t stay long because we have work tomorrow,¡± Zaneska exined.


    ¡°Yes, thank you very much for your assistance,¡± the barangaycaptain said to Zaneska.


    Zander wondered what Zaneska had done to help them, but he didn¡¯t ask.


    After two years,


    A lot has happened. Amara and Duke are already married. Randolf, on the other hand, has already found true love in the person of ra. Calvin, on the other hand, became Lucy¡¯s boyfriend. In addition, Arthur and Aunt Carol married. They¡¯ve all had a good life over the years. Zander had a lot to learn. Hisfeelings for Mitch have faded in recent years. He can¡¯t evenpletely forget her because she has be a part of his life. And his work remains the same. Finding the right person for him was a significant change in his life.


    Zaneska has been his light over the years, and in the days and months that he has spent with her, he can confidently state that she is the woman for him.


    Maybe he and Mitch would split up just so he could go be withZaneska because of the opportunity. To say he married his ex-girlfriend¡¯s bestfriendis an understatement. Yes, he proposed to Zaneska a year ago, and they married the following year. He is content with hislife as it is. They¡¯re fine with how the two of them are set up their schedules because of their works.


    Zaneska is in the city for work, and he is in the province as well. On weekends, he returns to the mansion. They haven¡¯t yet engaged in a fight. She was the kind of wife who was always understanding and never nags her husband. He is now in front of his students in the ssroom. Everything returned to normal after the students returned to school, and the school was no longer silent. The bell rang, signaling the start of recess.


    He tells them, ¡°OK ss, it¡¯s recess time. You¡¯ll writeter.¡±


    The students have already exited the building. As a result, he was left alone in the ssroom. He¡¯ll give Zaneska a call to say hello. When Zaneska¡¯s phone rang and she didn¡¯t answer, Zander frowned. He called her numerous times before she finally answered.


    On the other line, Zaneska said, ¡°Sweetheart, I¡¯m at the board meeting. It¡¯ll endter. I¡¯ll call you backter. I love you.¡±


    He gave a warm smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry; I love you as well.¡±


    Zaneska put the phone down. He could only hear Zaneska¡¯s voice when they were both busy with work like this, and he was content. Duke walked in.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have any snacks?¡± Duke asked.


    ¡°Are you still full, Duke?¡± Zander asked.


    ¡°Finished.¡±


    ¡°How are you doing, Duke?Have your inws turned into viins now that you¡¯re their daugther¡¯s husband?¡± Zander asked.


    ¡°No, what they want has already happened,¡± Duke replied, ¡°and even if they do, there is nothing they can do.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°How about you, Zander? You appear to be in good mood.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m content with my life now, and thank you for allowing me to love your cousin,¡± Zander said.


    ¡°Of course, I see Zaneska is happy that you¡¯re the one she married, so I¡¯m fine,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy for mom as well, because someone is making her and Melissa happy.¡±


    Duke smiled and nodded.


    Zaneska decided to leave the meeting room after her meeting with the board members ended. She¡¯ll dial her husband¡¯s number right now. She misses him because they only see each other on weekends. She used to take him to the province on asion. Because they cared about each other and understood the nature of their work, there was no fight between them.


    It¡¯s fine that she now has a man in her life who will love and care for her until she dies. Except for Lazzy, who lives with Lucas, the girls are still in the mansion.


    He walked into the office. Also, take a seat in the swivel chair. He dialed Zander¡¯s number. He immediately returned her call.


    ¡°Wow, how easy it is for you to respond; it¡¯s as if you¡¯re always looking at your phone; don¡¯t you have a ss?¡± Zaneska asked.


    Hisresponse was, ¡°It¡¯s recess time now, so all my students are still in the canteen.¡±


    ¡°Is that correct? When are youing home? I¡¯d like to smell your perfume,¡± Zaneska said.


    On the other end of the line, Zanderughs.


    ¡°Are you expecting a child?¡± Zander asked.


    ¡°Not yet,¡± Zaneska joked, ¡°but I hope we can have children; maybe it wille to the point of divorcing me first because you don¡¯t love me anymore and there¡¯s a child left for me.¡±


    ¡°Shut up! Don¡¯t make a joke about it. It¡¯s not funny. No matter what happens, I¡¯m not going to leave you. Even if we have a serious problem, you¡¯ll still be the one I love,¡± Zander said passionately.


    ¡°I totally love you to the moon and back.¡±


    ¡°Be careful there; just always waitfor me; it¡¯s Tuesday, and we¡¯ll meet in a few days,¡± Zander advised.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    Zaneska took her bag and left the office after she hung up the phone. She came across Randolf go out as well.


    ¡°How¡¯s your love life going, Randolf?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m delighted to be with ra, Miss,¡± Hereplied.


    ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that,¡± Zaneska said. ¡°When do you n to marry her?¡±


    ¡°I actually proposed to her, and she epted.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct? That¡¯s good.¡±


    Zaneska went up into her car and drove to the mansion. Because the mansion is now quiet, she was alone at because the others were still in the office working long hours. Uncle Conrad returned to France, bringing Laica with him. She is also unaware of the two of them¡¯s currentstatus, but Zaneska is relieved that Uncle Conrad will no longer get drunk because Laica isn¡¯t paying attention to him.


    She entered her room. And she was perplexed as to why her room was so dark, so she instructed the girls not to turn off the light inside. She flipped on the light, flooding the entire room with light, and her eyes widened at what she saw. Her husband was naked on the bed, wearing only his boxers. Did she think he wouldn¡¯te home? What brings him here now? Is she hallucinating?


    ¡°Come here, sweetheart, it¡¯s not just you widening your eyes,¡± Zander said to her.


    ¡°I thought it wasn¡¯t you; aren¡¯t you still in the province?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Silly woman, I¡¯m your handsome husband; when you called earlier, I was already here; I fell asleep because I was tired from the trip,¡± Zander responded.


    Zander stood up and approached her, kissing her on the lips for a few seconds longer.


    ¡°Wait a minute, I¡¯ll get dressed first. I still smell sweat right now.¡± Zaneska replied.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Zander replied, sniffing her neck.


    ¡°Are you not in ss?¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°There¡¯s more, but you¡¯re more important here, and it¡¯s simple to go there.¡±


    Zander sat on Zaneska¡¯s bed and hugged her. He was messing with her hair. He couldn¡¯t stand not seeing her, so he decided to go home and see his wife.


    ¡°Get dressed first, then we¡¯ll go to bed; my back hurts,¡± Zander said.


    Zaneska dressed and sat on the bed beside Zander. She kissed him and hugged him. These are the things she¡¯s always wanted,to sleep next to in bed with someone. When she wakes up the next day, she will see a gentle face. This is a lot to ask for, but she is content.


    The next day is Wednesday.


    So Zaneska stood up, but her entire body hurt from what she and her husband had done. They¡¯re both naked now, hugging each other on the bed with only a nket covering their entire bodies.


    ¡°Zander, wake up. What time is it now? Are you going to school? Your trip is still long,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°It¡¯s early, sweetheart, I want to hug you, and I¡¯m tired of what we did; the pain of your bite hasn¡¯t gone away; I didn¡¯t know you bite when you miss me too much,¡± Zander exined.


    Zaneska had a shback to how wild she had been the night before. That¡¯s when he noticed the numerous bites on Zander¡¯s body.


    ¡°Shut up! I¡¯m ashamed of what I did; don¡¯t bring it up again. Get up.¡±


    Zander opened his eyes and looked at her.


    ¡°I need two rounds in the morning, and I¡¯ll packter,¡± Zander exined.


    ¡°Stupid! I may not be able to walk with that; get up and take a bath,¡± he said.


    ¡°Sweetheart, let¡¯s get up together,¡± Zander suggested.


    ¡°You get to go first.¡±


    ¡°Why would you be embarrassed for me to see your naked body? I always see it and still taste it, so don¡¯t hide it,¡± Zander said.


    ¡°The amount you say. Come on, let¡¯s take a shower together,¡± Zaneska said.

 CHAPTER 60

    We were outside the mansion an hourter. Zander will be going to school in the province. Zaneska, on the other hand, is in her office.


    ¡°Just take care of yourself, sweetheart,¡± Zander advised, ¡°and I hope you¡¯ll be good news for me when I get home this weekend.¡±


    ¡°Just in case,what¡¯s the news?¡± Zaneska asked.


    Zaneska notices that Zander looks on her tummy. Her brow furrow.


    ¡°You might be pregnant already.¡± said Zander and winked at her.


    ¡°Come here first.¡±


    She approached the window of Zander¡¯s car. So he kissed her immediately.


    ¡°I love you so much.¡±


    ¡°I love you too.¡± he replied.


    When Zander¡¯s car drove away, Zaneska waved and got into the car, driving it away from the mansion. At 8:00 a. m., Zander arrived at school. Because of the force of his driving, he was already drenched in sweat. When he stepped out of the car, he noticed Duke waiting for someone.


    Duke asked, ¡°I thought you weren¡¯ting; aren¡¯t you having trouble with that?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± he asked.


    ¡°In your situation, you¡¯re here and your wife is in the city. It¡¯s too much of a hassle for you toe home. You have a house here. You can live with Zaneska. Since your mother has separated from Uncle Agusto with Melissa. Didn¡¯t you and Zaneska talk about that?¡±


    ¡°So far, we haven¡¯t had a fight about our arrangement, but I¡¯m not sure if she can stay at home and care for me; she¡¯s used to someone doing things for her,¡± Zander responded.


    ¡°Of course, being Zander¡¯s wife, sheknow a lot about the kitchen. She won¡¯t marry you if she can¡¯t take care of you. She didn¡¯t like other rich women who just rely on maids,¡± Duke exined.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talkter, Duke,¡± Zander said, ¡°I¡¯m sure my students are already waiting.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡±


    Zander walked into his ssroom. All of his students were inside, he noticed.


    ¡°Good morning, ss,¡± Zander said. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir is a littlete.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, sir,¡± his student ire exined, ¡°we¡¯re just reading here in the room while we wait for you to arrive.¡±


    ¡°Wow, really?¡±


    They all replied, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Very good,so this recess time I¡¯ll serve you all snacks.¡± he says.


    Everyone exims, ¡°Yeheey!¡±


    Zaneska had also arrived at heroffice. Calvin was sitting in herswivel chair when she arrived.


    Calvin said, ¡°I thought you weren¡¯ting, sister? I¡¯d have sat here until this afternoon if you hadn¡¯te.¡±


    Zaneska replied, ¡°Why don¡¯t you sit there while thispany is still alive; I¡¯d like to take a break.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me,¡± Calvin eximed, ¡°I still have a lot of rice to eat to get to where you are.¡±


    ¡°Why not?Randolf is there to help you.¡± she said.


    ¡°If you want to take a break, just put Randolf here,¡± Calvin suggested.


    The door then opened, and Randolf walked in.


    Randolf wondered, ¡°Why did I hear my name all the way out of the office?¡±


    Zander was able to leave the school at four o¡¯clock in the afternoon because he first followed the order to serve snacks to his students because they are good kids. Because he is tired of travelling to the city, he may stay at their house first, even if he is alone. So he decided to rx first by going to town to freshen up. He has already texted Zaneska that he will not be returning to the city at this time. When he said he was tired and couldn¡¯t go home, she immediately understood.


    He was hungry as well, so he decided to go to a restaurant first because he was toozy to cook right now. When he gets home, all he wants to do is sleep. He wants to talk and be with Zaneska when he is alone like this. Maybe he¡¯ll just ask her to stay here with him and leave Randolfand Calvin to look after thepany. And the eight women were there because Lazzy and Lucas had previously shared a home. He has memorized all of their names over thest year. Those people are already a part of Zaneska¡¯s life, and he is also a part of Zaneska¡¯s life because he is her husband.


    He walked into the carenderiaand sat down. And sat in the corner after ordering food. It¡¯s not right for him to be alone in this manner. He has a wife, but he is currently alone eating.


    After paying, he left the diner a few minutester. He took a walk first because he was extremely full. He noticed a woman enter the store when he turned to the left. Even if her hair is so short that he can¡¯t ignore her face, he can¡¯t be wrong. Mitch was the one who gained weight and darkened. Without Mitch¡¯s knowledge, he approached her. He admitted he doesn¡¯t love her anymore two years ago, but now that he sees her again, he¡¯s confused.


    Bumalikhat ang nararamdaman niya para rito.


    There is a mixture of pain and joy.


    He exims, ¡°Mitch!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s great to see you again today, Zander. How are you doing?¡± Mitch asked, as if they were old friends.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s all right, you? I guess you¡¯re gaining weight,¡± Zander said.


    ¡°I heard about you,¡± Mitch said. ¡°How¡¯s Zaneska and the two of you getting along? It¡¯s been two years and you still haven¡¯t lost your good looks.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Are you two still seeing each other?¡± he asked.


    Mitch was taken aback for a moment.


    ¡°No, I misced my sim card with her number, so I couldn¡¯t attend the wedding of the two of you,¡± Mitch exined, smiling.


    Zander could tell she was pleased. He didn¡¯t seem to mind that she had abandoned me. However, it is inappropriate to discuss such matters because they are both content. How will Zaneska react when she learns that she and Mitch have met?


    ¡°I want closure, Mitch,¡± Zander said. ¡°Perhaps you¡¯ll tell me why you left me then.¡±


    Mitch¡¯s eyes erge. She is unable to look him in the eyes.


    ¡°Is that even necessary, Zander? You¡¯re married now,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯d like to hear your side of the story so we can be friends just in case,¡± Zander said.


    Mitch nodded, but Zander noticed that she was hesitant to say anything. Mitch brought him to the za and sat him on a concrete bench.


    Mitch coughed.


    ¡°When my father was diagnosed with severe leukaemia and I didn¡¯t have enough money to admithim, I approached Zaneska because I knew she could lend me money. Two million dors was demanded to pay for my father¡¯s illness. Zaneska lent me, but she said something that I ignored because I knew she was joking,¡± Mitch exined.


    Zander was jittery. He refuses to believe Zaneska was involved in his and Mitch¡¯s separation at the time.


    He asked, ¡°What is that?¡±


    ¡°Zander, it¡¯s been a long time. It¡¯s all in the past. Maybe timewanted us to split up so you could be with her,¡± Mitch exined.


    ¡°I¡¯m curious,¡± Zander said, his voice cold.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be the reason you¡¯re upset with her; you two are married in God¡¯s eyes and thew, so please let¡¯s end this conversation,¡± Mitch said.


    When Zander stopped Mitch, she was about to stand up. Mitch has reimed her seat. Mitch let out a sigh.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry with her. I¡¯m to me for why we broke up. I can refuse the money. But Zander, my father¡¯s life is at stake. So I¡¯m willing to lose our rtionship just to save my father¡¯s life,¡± Mitch said, crying.


    This is excessive. When he learned Mitch¡¯s reasons, rage welled up in his chest. His failure back then was due to the woman he loved and married. She was a scumbag who disguised herself as a nice woman. How could she do such a thing to her own best friend? Didn¡¯t she feel any remorse? What kind of individual is she? He married a woman who was self-centered.


    He left Mitch out of rage.


    ¡°Zander!¡± it exims. But he ignored her and continued walking until he reached his car, which he stopped. He switches off his phone so he won¡¯t be able to contact Zaneska. He wasn¡¯t ready to discuss it yet. He¡¯s furious right now.


    Zaneska was concerned because she had been unable to contact Zander. If his phone¡¯s battery is low, he keeps it turned on even when it¡¯s charging so that if he gets a call, he can answer it right away. But it¡¯s nowpletely turned off. She was concerned that he would suffer some sort of misfortune. Zander had not returned home after a week.


    Her heart was pounding with so much anxiety that she couldn¡¯t take it any longer. She hasn¡¯t been able to contact Zander since then.


    So she dialled her mother-inws number.


    Her question on the other line was, ¡°Hello, Zaneska, do you need anything?¡±


    ¡°Did Zander go there, Mom?¡± Zaneska asked, ¡°because he didn¡¯te home to the mansion, and I still can¡¯t contact him because his phone is off.¡±


    ¡°Did you two have a fight? He slept here on Saturday and was here in the morning but left; I asked him if he was going home to the mansion and he didn¡¯t respond,¡± her mother replied.


    ¡°We¡¯re fine, mom,¡± Zaneska replied. ¡°We didn¡¯t fight.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask himand tell himyou¡¯re looking for her,¡± her mother said. ¡°Be careful there, Zaneska.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re there, too, mom,¡±


    Zaneska sat her phone on the table. She sat back in the living room on the couch. She was already perplexed by what had urred. Because the girls have returned to the province, she is still alone in the mansion. She can¡¯t hear anything but her breathing because it¡¯s Sunday and there¡¯s no office. The front door opened, and Zander walked in without smiling. She approached him and kissed him on the cheek, but he ignored her and proceeded to the master bedroom. As a result, Zaneska followed.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? I¡¯m calling you because I can¡¯t reach you. I asked my mother, and she said you slept there, but you didn¡¯t really tell me?¡± Zaneska wondered.


    ¡°You¡¯re my problem, Zaneska,¡± Zander yelled. ¡°Mitch and I met, and she told me everything.¡±


    She fell silent all of a sudden. Her husband had never yelled at her before.


    ¡°Do you believe that?¡± Zaneska inquired as she regained consciousness.


    Zander screamed, ¡°So now you¡¯re telling me Mitch is lying? You¡¯re a selfish bitch!¡±


    What Zaneska heard had a negative impact on her. She was about to cry, but she refrained.


    ¡°Really? So you believe her more than me?¡± Zaneska eximed. ¡°I¡¯m your wife. It¡¯s been a long time since you said I was just joking that time. It¡¯s not my fault that she believes what I¡¯m saying. She could refuse the money. She had always had a choice!¡±


    ¡°So your true nature came out as well. You won¡¯t help unless you get something in return, and you forgot she was your bestfriend. You know how much I loved Mitch back then,¡± Zander said, causing Zaneska to lean against the door.


    ¡°How about me? You¡¯re saying I¡¯m the one you love now. You married me because you love me so much, but what happened? You just saw her change everything?Let¡¯s move on, Zander, Mitch was just a part of your past. I just teased her, but she believed only one thing meant she didn¡¯t really love you,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°Shut up! You made a mockery of everything, including our rtionship. Damn you!¡± Zander eximed.


    Zaneska replied, ¡°Because I love you!¡±


    ¡°Are you kidding? You have no idea how to love, Zaneska. You only care about your own happiness, not the happiness of the people you love. Let¡¯s break up. Let¡¯s stop this,¡± Zander said.


    Zander snatched all of his belongings. And it¡¯s all tucked away inside the travel bag.


    Zaneska yelled, ¡°What are you doing? Put all your clothes back in the closet!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving because this rtionship between us has no destination, and you didn¡¯t really love me before I knew it,¡± Zander said.


    ¡°Calm down first. Let¡¯s talk politely; you¡¯re not going to leave; I won¡¯t allow it,¡± Mitch said.


    She gathered Zander¡¯s belongings and stuffed them back into the closet. She did, however, keep a firm grip on her hand.


    ¡°Let me go before I hurt you physically,¡± Zander said to her.


    In Zander¡¯s grip, Zaneska felt the pain in her arm. For a brief moment, she was taken aback. When Zander became enraged, she didn¡¯t expect him to act violently. Herarm was red, she noticed. As a result, she had no choice but to flee. And I walked into the guest room.


    Zander was enraged when he noticed Zaneska didn¡¯t cry and apologise for what she had done wrong in Mitch¡¯s rtionship. Zander smiled and nodded. After all, she wasn¡¯t sorry. He was carrying his travel bag. And then he went up into his car and drove away from the mansion. He understands that his rtionship with Zaneska is over. He wasset on broke up withher. Because of the chasm in their lives, they don¡¯t matter.


    Zaneska was in excruciating pain. Her heart appeared to be ripped apart. The words of Zander were jumbled up. Her tears streamed down her cheeks, but she didn¡¯t cry. She had not anticipated the severity of the situation. Zander ims that no matter what problems arise in their rtionship, he will always be by her side and that he loves her, but this is not the case. It¡¯s all just a bunch of words. She only loved once and with one person, but the pain was multiplied. She had no idea that the impact of the joke she had told earlier was the cause of her loss. Life is so cruel because when she is happy, the pain wille. She was happier back thenevenshe was alone.


    Zaneska arrived at the office on Monday. She tried to appear vivacious in order to hide the fact that she was going through a difficult time. When she entered the office, Randolf was sitting on the couch, staring at her intently.


    ¡°What¡¯s up with your appearance, Randolf? Did I do something wrong?¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°Nothing, I just happened to see your husband in the restaurantst night, and we struck up a conversation, and he told me everything you¡¯ve done,¡± Ramdolf exined.


    ¡°How do you deal with the prospect of him breaking up with you?¡± Randolf asked.


    Zaneska sighed and took a seat on the couch.


    ¡°Nothing, I let him go and cool his head. Because he might be enlightened he wille back to me.¡± Zaneska replied.


    ¡°Really?¡± Randolf countered. ¡°But you¡¯re wrong, he told me that his decision to divorce you is final.¡±


    Zaneska was deafeningly quiet. She is aware of the situation. So what else is there for her to do?


    Randolf inhaled deeply.


    ¡°You can resurrect your old brave self. You can cry because you¡¯re hurting. It¡¯s not like you don¡¯t have it, but you¡¯ve already been crushed. Please, cry. I¡¯m here for you. No one will mess with you,¡± Randolf said as he hugged her.


    Zaneska was unable to restrain herself. He didn¡¯t cry when Zander said something, but he cried a lot when Randolf arrived. This man has been by my side through the ups and downs of life. He knows more about me than I do.


    ¡°I¡¯ve done the wrong thing with them, and it¡¯s only right that I pay for it,¡± she said, sobbing on Randolf¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°This is too much. Your mistake is forgivable. But why can¡¯t he forgive you? It¡¯s because he doesn¡¯t truly love you. I didn¡¯t say this to hurt you. But this is a sad reality. Cheer up. Even if someone has broken up with you, we are still here to truly love you, ¡°Randolf said, wiping her tears away.


    ¡°Thank you!¡±


    It¡¯s been a few days now. Zaneska¡¯s day was still going strong. She can cope, even if she is sad and hurt. Zander never contacted her again after a few days. Randolf was the only one who knew about their split. It¡¯s also better if no one asks, even if she doesn¡¯t agree, because that¡¯s what will happen.


    Lucianna greeted her with, ¡°Good morning, Miss.¡±


    ¡°Good morning,¡± Zaneska inquired, ¡°why is the mansion quiet? Where are they?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re already in the office, and I left to cook for you beforeing in. You¡¯re fine, but why do you look so thin?¡± Lucianna wondered.


    ¡°You know how thin I am; by the way, it¡¯s been two years; do you have any ns to marry?¡± Zaneska asked.


    Luciannaughed and shrugged her shoulders.


    ¡°All men are liars. Even the most attractive ones. Appearances can be deceiving. No matter how hard you try to hide your true nature, the truth will eventuallye out. Just like your husband,¡± Lucianna said.


    ¡°What are you talking about, Lucianna?¡± Zaneska asked.


    ¡°We are family here, ma¡¯am. The pain you are going through will be our pain. If I didn¡¯t hear when your husband came home and you fought because of the mistakes you made. You haven¡¯t told us yet. And then I started crying.


    She hugged Lucianna as she approached her.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to cry; everything will be fine; I¡¯m fine,¡± Zaneska said.


    The girls then emerged, and everyone rushed up to her and hugged her. She assumed they¡¯d all walked into the office. As a result, they all began to cry.


    They thought they¡¯d entered the office after half an hour of talking. She covered her face with make-up so she wouldn¡¯t be seen crying. She sat down in the swivel chair in her office. She has a limited number of permanent documents. As a result, she¡¯ll sign it before adding anything.


    Randolf walked in through the open door. He had his gaze fixed on her.


    ¡°Is there another issue, Randolf?¡± she asked.


    Randolf remained silent. A folder, however, was ced in front of her. She took it from the shelf, opened it, and began reading. Her eyes were dripping with tears. This is a copy of Zander¡¯s annulment papers. It is necessary for her to sign.


    ¡°This is ridiculous, Randolf; do I deserve this treatment? I hope he doesn¡¯t marry me if we end up like this!¡± Zaneska eximed.


    And all of her belongings were strewn across the floor after she threw them. She¡¯spletely insane.


    ¡°Miss, calm down. You don¡¯t have to yell. We¡¯re not at home; we¡¯re in the office, and someone can hear you here,¡± Randolf reprimanded.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care! All I know is I¡¯m hurting,¡± Zaneska said. ¡°They¡¯ll ask what¡¯s wrong with me and why my husband filed an annulment. I don¡¯t have a personal problem.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to sign it.¡±


    ¡°Let go of someone that he don¡¯t want to be with you. You¡¯re just hurting yourself. It¡¯s as if your life will be peaceful.¡± said Randolf.


    Zaneska was silent.  She sat down on the couch and took out a ballpen and signed the document. So this is the end of her happy days. If this is the line of her destiny is if she grows old alone so be it.


    Months, days and years were hard for Zaneska. But she insists on being steadfast for those who love her. It¡¯s been one and a half years since their annulment was granted. It was painful for their marriage to end. For Zaneska she was back to her old life and herself.  She had long epted that they weren¡¯t really for each other.

 CHAPTER 61

    On the contrary. When the annulment was granted, Zander felt relieved. He acknowledged that he had made the correct choice. Over the years, he¡¯se to realize that they¡¯re not really meant for each other. When his mother and Duke learned, they stoppedmunicating with him. He did, however, remind them that he had made the right choice. He knew his friendship with Duke was over when he broke up with Zaneska.


    He¡¯s leaving right now to go to Mitch¡¯s house in town. That¡¯s where he was a few days ago. He hasn¡¯t heard a word from his mother in a long time. He could no longer feel it, despite the fact that he was his mother. However, he simply does not pay attention.


    Zaneska was currently in the mansion. She decided not to go into the office. After a few years, she knew she couldn¡¯t move. The front door swung open. Aunt Carol then walked in.


    Although she smiled at her, she could see the sadness in Aunt Caroleyes. Shehugged and kissed her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for not being there for you during these difficult times; how are you now? I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll get through it; this is just a part of life. You¡¯re beautiful; you can get anything you want. You should at least buy a man for fun,¡± Aunt Carol said.


    She burst outughing.


    ¡°Are you serious, Aunt? I¡¯m going to buy a man just for fun?¡± Zaneska inquired.


    Aunt Carol responded, ¡°I¡¯m just joking to make you feel better.¡±


    ¡°Thank you foring to see me, Aunt.¡±


    Aunt Carol said, ¡°Your wee, I won¡¯t be long, Zaneska, I have a lot of customers there.¡±


    Zaneska entered the kitchen a minute after Aunt Carol had left. They already have helpers in the mansion, so the girls won¡¯t be overworked. She returned to the living room, but she considered leaving the mansion. As Zander motherentered the mansion, the eyes of thetwo of them met.


    She hugged her and said, ¡°Good morning, Zaneska.¡±


    ¡°Good morning,¡± she says.


    Zaneska was at a loss for what to call her. They don¡¯t have a rtionship with her son anymore.


    ¡°How are you doing? I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t do anything for you. You¡¯re a nice woman. Even if you and my child are separated, you will always be my daughter,¡± she says.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she says. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m fine. Nothing bad happened to me. I hope you don¡¯t lose your motherhood to Zander. Love whoever he chooses to love.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t help myself; he doesn¡¯t think clearly, and you know how their friendship with Duke ended a long time ago.¡±


    Zaneska was taken aback by the news.


    ¡°But why?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I just found out.¡± mother replied.


    Zander knocked on the door of Mitch¡¯s house. It opened and he popped out.


    ¡°Zander, what are you doing here?¡± Mitch asked him.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ¡°I was just visiting you. I had nothing to do at home. I was leaving work.¡± he replied.


    ¡°Is that so? How are you?¡± it asks him and lets him inside.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Zaneska and I have separated. Our annulment was granted after a year so we are both free in marriage.¡± Zander replied.


    ¡°But why?¡± Mitch wonder.


    Zander replied, ¡°We both decided to separate.¡±


    ¡°Can we please stop talking about this? It¡¯s over. Where are we going to eat now? It¡¯s my treat. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Mitch said, ¡°I¡¯ll get dressed first.¡±


    They were in town in a matter of minutes. It was already mid-afternoon, so they decided to eat inside the diner.


    It¡¯s the 29th of March.


    Lucy¡¯s engagement party will be a major event in her beloved Calvin¡¯s life. So they¡¯re in the event hall at the hotel she owns right now. She is so preupied with her life that she is oblivious to the fact that she is neglecting all of her businesses. Everyone is wee. She does not have to close her heart to the people who have been close to her in the past in order to move on. It¡¯s the same as it was before. Duke and Amara have brought their baby with them. And everyone is in the hotel.


    Calvin came up behind her and approached her.


    ¡°Sister, you had some important visitors; I¡¯m not doing this to hurt you, but to bring closure,¡± Calvin exined.


    Zander was ovee by conflicting emotions. After a year, he will see everyone close to him again. He also wanted to re-establish contact with his mother, so he agreed to attend Calvin¡¯s engagement party. He had no idea what Zaneska¡¯s friends and family were thinking. He could be kicked and hit. Mitch was also deafeningly quiet next to him.


    Mitch asked, ¡°Is it okay for us toe here, Zander?¡±


    ¡°I went because I didn¡¯t want my mother to be angry with me,¡± Zander exined, ¡°but ifawkward for you, so we won¡¯t continue.¡±


    ¡°No, we¡¯re already here, so there¡¯ll be no dy; I¡¯ll deal with their reaction,¡± Mitch exined.


    As they approached the entrance, everyone¡¯s eyes widened. Zaneska recognized who had arrived and stood up to assure everyone that everything was fine. They need to move on because it¡¯s been a long timeing. Her ex-husband and an ex-bestfriend are among those who have paid her a visit. It is not in his best interests for him to embarrass them. Because of their pasts alone. So she walked up to the door and smiled.


    ¡°Thank you foring,¡± Zaneska said. ¡°Come inside. They¡¯re all here.¡±


    Zander refused to smile, but Mitch was forced to. He delivered them to Amara and Duke¡¯s table. Randolf and ra, too.


    Even though Zaneska graciously epted them, Zander is aware that he is not wee in this ce. Duke isn¡¯t even smiling at him. Calvin and Randolf, on the other hand, approached him.


    The two said to him, ¡°Wee, thank you foring.¡±


    And the women only gave him a nod, not a smile. Mitch and I took a seat.


    ¡°How are you doing, Mitch? It¡¯s been a year since we met. You gain weight,¡± Amara said with a smile.


    Mitch said, ¡°Yeah, your son is growing so fast.¡±


    Duke¡¯s joke made everyone at the tableugh, ¡°Yes, we are also nning to have a second child.¡±


    Even Zaneska appears to have returned to her former self. It didn¡¯t appear that the pains had even made their way through hersystem.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, Zander? How are you doing?¡± Amara asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m all right.¡±


    ¡°Well done,¡± Amara said. ¡°Did the two of you get back together? You can¡¯t really tell.¡±


    He replied, ¡°Yes,¡± which caused Mitch to frown, but he grabbed herhand and squeezed it.


    ¡°Wonderful, everything will fall into ce, and it will appear as if nothing happened, right, Zaneska?¡±


    ¡°Yeah right. By the way, Mitch, how¡¯s your father¡¯s health? Is he okay? Send my regards. And this is the best way for me to apologize for my past mistakes. This is my genuine words to you and Zander. So that everyone knows they shouldn¡¯t be mad at you two anymore. Why it turns out like this. I¡¯m sorry for the mistakes,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine; thank you for your assistance as well.¡±


    Zander doesn¡¯t say anything. He didn¡¯t know what to say, and he was embarrassed by what had urred. He questioned why he hade here in the first ce.


    ¡°Everyone, this is the day that the two people want and need because they fell in love with each other, and this is the way for them to end up in something that everyone dreams of: marriage,¡± said the emcee. ¡°Now I call Miss Zaneska Vergara to give a speech to two people close to her life.¡±


    Zander overheard Zaneska say goodbye and said, ¡°Excuse us.¡±


    ¡°Why do I have to speak? Do I understand everything?¡± Zaneska wondered.


    Everyone was giggling.


    ¡°That¡¯s on purpose, Miss,¡± Lucianna screamed. ¡°They want you in a hot seat because they know you¡¯ve been there before. You¡¯ve been hurt. Because there¡¯s no certainty in the world.¡±


    Everyone was giggling.


    ¡°Lucianna, are you drunk?¡± Zaneska asked.


    Lucianna stopped talking.


    ¡°All right, I¡¯m not allergic to heartbreak. I¡¯m happy to see my loved ones get married and start their own family. Life is wonderful. Hurts are just a part of living. But I¡¯m not saying I want them to go through what I went through. All I want is for them to be happy. That¡¯s all. I save my tears for the wedding day. Cheers for two people in love!¡± Zaneska eximed.


    The audience erupted in apuse. Zaneska sat down at the table again.


    Zander overheard Duke say, ¡°So, Zaneska, will you be willing to meet the man I¡¯m telling you about?¡±


    Randolf asked, ¡°Is there?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s interested in Zaneska, and if he wants, I can set up a dinner date for them,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Hey, before you set a date, introduce him to me,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°Are you in agreement?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Zaneska replied, ¡°are you the only one who wants to be happy?¡±


    ¡°Of course. We want you to be happy. If you don¡¯t want to be happy, just buy a man,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Stupid, you¡¯re really tarnishing my image. What other people think if they hear is that my behavior is really bad. I¡¯ve had a lot of hang ups in my life, but I¡¯m not a bad person,¡± Zaneska said.

 CHAPTER 62

    Zaneska kept pretending to be fine, but she was still in pain in her heart. She was especially taken aback when she saw Zander. Whatever she said about him moving on, it wasn¡¯t enough. When she saw himagain a few yearster, all of their memories resurfaced. And the agony of being separated from it. She was confronted by two people who were close to her at the time.


    The two people are truly in love. Who is she to stop the two of them?  She knew that any moment the two of them get back together, would never go back to the way they used to be because it had already cracked.  She couldn¡¯t see it for a long time as if any moment she would cry in front of them even more and she seemed like strangers to Zander. Zander has ignored the two years they spent together as a married couple then.


    She got up and went inside the hotel toilet. She washed her face because she seemed to want to cry.


    Zander notices that Mitch was standing up


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to the bathroom,¡± Mitch responded.


    Zaneska then notices the toilet door is open. She noticed Mitch walk in.


    She noticed Mitch washing her hands. And approached her.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°I know your notfine. It¡¯s not my intention to destroy your rtionship with Zander; he just cornered me when we met, so I told him,¡± Mitch exined.


    Zaneska¡¯s brow furrowed.


    ¡°Really? Or did you mean to do it to get back at me? Let¡¯s not be nice now Mitch because our friendship has long ended. We¡¯re even now. I broke your rtionship with Zander before and you also broke our rtionship now. Zander is single and you can get back together. What are you worried about? What will other people say? Don¡¯t be, because we won¡¯t be best friends anymore,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°Zaneska! I¡¯m not here to fight you. You¡¯ve changed, and I just want to apologize to you for whatever you say,¡± Mitch said.


    ¡°After all, you¡¯ve made me look bad in the eyes of other people by stealing your boyfriend, so I¡¯ve done it. This is my true attitude, so leave in front of me if you don¡¯t want to be told anything.¡± she said.


    ¡°You act like a child, Zaneska, Oh my, we¡¯re fighting over one man. There are a lot of men out there. I¡¯ve already left him, so why should I go back to him?¡± Mitch asked.


    ¡°Are you sure? We¡¯re both women, Mitch, and we know when we don¡¯t love someone anymore, so don¡¯t lie to me. But, if you¡¯re sincere in your apology. I ept it, though,¡± Zaneska said.


    Mitch abruptly ceased speaking. So Zaneska left her in the restroom and returned to their table. Zander¡¯s gaze met hers.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you all first,¡± Zaneska said as she bid them farewell.


    She walked out of the hotel and into her car. She¡¯s in need of airs right now because she can¡¯t seem to breathe. She walked to the za. She never got out of the car. She had juste in and was looking around the za.


    She considered going out for a walk and looking at the fountain. She simply wants to get rid of the negative energy in her body. Her eyes widened only when they met the eyes of the man she had met earlier at the bar, who suddenly kissed her. And she believes it was the same person who chased after her car that night. When the man approached Zaneska, she appears to have backed away. He smiled at her without the tinge of malice that would make her frown.


    ¡°Hmm, hi, I know you didn¡¯t forget me based on the fear on your face, but please ept my apologies; I didn¡¯t mean to insult you at the time; I¡¯m just a little tipsy, so I¡¯ll kiss you,¡± the man exined.


    Zaneska¡¯s brow furrowed.


    ¡°You must have fixed your drunkenness!¡± Zaneska exims.


    ¡°I know, by the way; my name is Tristan Ocampo; don¡¯t introduce yourself to me; I already know you,¡± Tristan said.


    ¡°Really? Are you looking into it?¡± Zaneska asked.


    Zaneska has been reassured as well.


    ¡°No, I really know you. Before we met at the bar. I know it wasn¡¯t a pleasant encounter,¡± Tristan said.


    Zaneska leaned against her car¡¯s hood.


    ¡°I have a question for you, Tristan: are you also the car that followed my car that night?¡± Zaneska inquired.


    ¡°Yeah, we didn¡¯t have any bad intentions with you back then; we just wanted to introduce ourselves, so you just vanished,¡± Tristan responded.


    Zaneskaapproached Tristanand pped himacross the face.


    ¡°You scared the hell out of me that time,¡± Zaneska admitted.


    ¡°Ouch, it hurts?¡±ughed Tristan.


    Tristan approached her, causing her to be rmed.


    ¡°What are you going to do? Get out of my way. We¡¯re not friends, so you¡¯re going to be this close to me,¡± Zaneska said.


    ¡°I took a picture with you for remembrance,¡± Tristan exined.


    ¡°Just make sure it¡¯s remembrance, because if I find out you posted that on social media, you¡¯re not going to get a p from me,¡± she says.


    Tristan cracked a grin.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    ¡°Stupid!¡±


    After they finished talking with Tristan, he said goodbye because he had somewhere else to go. So she had no choice but to return to the mansion.


    Amara called early on Sunday to invite him to their son Jeom¡¯s second birthday, and he couldn¡¯t say no to Amara. Mitch should also be included. Because he is in the province, he will simply call her. If he still picks up Mitch in the city, it will be too much trouble. He didn¡¯t want to leave just in case Duke and him were all right.


    Zaneska was invited to Joem¡¯s first birthday party. And I¡¯m still in the province. She didn¡¯t have a choice but to leave because she didn¡¯t want Amara to be upset. Because the girls are all busy, she is the only one who is going. She needed to get somewhere quickly so she wouldn¡¯t bete. She also had an hour¡¯s drive, so it was already five o¡¯clock in the afternoon when she arrived. She had already entered Duke¡¯s house, only to be surprised by the man she encountered. Tristan was the one who was smiling at her.


    Don¡¯t tell me Tristan is Duke. Didn¡¯t he mention her before? Tristan approached her, hugged her tightly, and kissed her on the lips.


    ¡°You¡¯re too clingy, damn you! You¡¯re just attracting a lot of attention,¡± Zaneska remarked.


    Zaneska was aware that everyone in the room was staring at them. Tristan simply smiled at her. Duke approached her with a broad grin.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have to introduce you anymore because, based on what I¡¯ve seen so far, you¡¯re too close,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Is this bastard your friend?¡± Zaneska inquired of Duke.


    ¡°Yes, did you know this man kissed me without saying goodbye 8 years ago? To my surprise, I pped him,¡± Zaneska exined.


    Zaneska notices Duke¡¯s amusement.


    ¡°Really? That was called fate,¡± Duke said.


    ¡°Whatever.¡±


    Zaneska has already found and loaded baby Joem. Amara was beaming.


    ¡°You¡¯re blushing, Zaneska, and that was sweet,¡± Amara said.


    ¡°U-huh? You¡¯re still beautiful, Amara, even though you have a child,¡± she said.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Amara responds, ¡°you need make-up so your husband doesn¡¯t leave you.¡±


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s why my husband left me because I didn¡¯t look good anymore,¡± Zaneska said in hushed tones to Amara.


    ¡°Because he¡¯s a great fool,¡± Amara replied quietly.


    As a result, they bothughed.


    When Zander saw the earlier scene, his blood began to boil. He¡¯s not sure why, but he¡¯s not pleased with what he sees with another man approaching Zaneska. Especially since he was well aware that the man¡¯s appearance would not go well. What he sees now is a series of Zaneska going in different directions.


    Zaneska was bored in the hours that followed, so she considered going to the back of the house, but her eyes widened when she saw. Zander and Mitch are kissing passionately. She walked away before they could see her.


    She noticed that she had already gone through the back gate so that Duke and Amara would not question her about what had happened. She was sobbing. She assumed she was fine. She hadn¡¯t been able to see them in that sweetnessbefore. She got in her car and mmed on the brakes hard. She didn¡¯t realize arge truck had hit her car because she was driving too fast. Whatever she did, she was suffocated. She had no choice but to close her eyes.


    She was aware that this was the end of her life. She will ept if she dies in this manner. She closed her eyes as her body collided with the hard object, causing her to pass out.


    Zanderwas never saw Zaneskaagain. Maybe it will return home. Tristan, the man, is still here. He noticed Duke¡¯s unease, and Tristan, Amara began to cry. So he went up to them. Duke gave him a death stare, but he ignored him.


    ¡°Amara, what¡¯s the matter?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Zaneska, she was in an ident; her car was crushed when arge truck collided with it; her entire body was filled with blood,¡± Amara sobbed.


    Zander seemed deafeningly deafeningly deafeningly deafeningly deafen He had no idea how people would react. Please do not reach for anything that he is afraid of. If something bad happens to Zaneska, he won¡¯t be able to forgive himself.


    So he bolted, followed by Duke and Amara, as well as Tristan and Mitch. He no longer waited for Mitch to get in the car once he was in it. He¡¯d already driven the vehicle. Zaneska had just arrived at the hospital by ambnce when he arrived.


    Zander approached Zaneska, who was lying with blood all over her.


    He appeared to pass out from fear. Zaneska appeared lifeless as shey on the stretcher.


    ¡°Zaneska, sweetheart, I¡¯m sorry; if I hadn¡¯t been selfish, you wouldn¡¯t have gotten to this point,¡± Zander exined.


    Zaneska opened her eyes, despite the fact that she appeared exhausted from the pain she was experiencing. Zaneska touched his face with her blood-sttered hand. He didn¡¯t mind if his face was smeared with blood as long as Zaneska lived. She fixed her gaze on him.


    ¡°Be happy, okay? I know I won¡¯tst long because my body is weak and I have a lot of fractures all over my body,¡± Zaneska said.


    Zander became terrified.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. You¡¯re not a doctor to say such a thing. Promise me you¡¯ll fight, and if you do, I¡¯ll marry you in any church,¡± Zander said.


    ¡°Zander, don¡¯t say that. I know this is my punishment for the mistake I¡¯ve made with you two and Mitch, so goodbye,¡± Zaneska said as she let go of her grip.


    ¡°Enough,¡± said the male nurse, ¡°we need to get her to the operating room before it¡¯s toote.¡±


    As a result, Zander trailed behind, his chest tense. Then they arrived, apanied by Duke.


    They came up to him.


    ¡°Zander, where is Zaneska?¡± Amara asked.


    ¡°Zaneska is inside, checking on her condition,¡± he replied.


    ¡°How is she doing? Was she seriously hurt?¡± Mitch asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    Zander was leaning against a wall.


    ¡°You better get ready, Zander, because if something bad happens to Zaneska, I¡¯m going to bury you alive!¡± Duke yelled at him.


    When Tristan stepped in, Duke was about to punch Zander.


    ¡°This is all your fault; if you hadn¡¯t separated him, this wouldn¡¯t have happened. Pray hard, Zander, because otherwise I¡¯ll forget we¡¯re both friends!¡± Duke eximed.


    Zander remained silent as Duke spoke.


    He has already repented.


    Mitch and Amara are already in tears because the doctor they have been waiting for hasn¡¯te out. Zander questioned why he had be so selfish. Even now, when Zaneska was on the verge of death, he realised everything.


    ¡°No, Zaneska! No!¡± Zander eximed as he pushed open the door and entered the operating room.


    They, too, followed. Zaneska¡¯s straight line heartbeat was also visible to Zander. Not at all! His mind¡¯s cry.His tears began to fall.


    Oh my goodness! Kindly help her! Please!


    Duke yelled, ¡°Zaneska! Fight back! We need you here!¡±


    The doctor attempted to resuscitate Zaneska, but her heart rate remained straight lineon the monitor. He had given up hope and knelt on his knees. Mitch embraced him.


    Zander overheard the doctor say, ¡°Time of death: 7:35 p. m.¡±


    He abruptly rose to his feet and approached Zaneska.


    ¡°No way! She¡¯s still alive! Resurrect her! Have mercy on her!¡± Zander begs the doctor.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, we tried everything, but she gave up,¡± the doctor said.


    In front of Zaneska, he burst into tears. She didn¡¯t mind if his tears dripped. All he wanted was for her to be with him for a long time. He kissed Zaneska on the lips and touched her face.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t leave me oh. I love you so much. I can¡¯t live without you. I promise you I won¡¯t leave you again. Wake up, please,¡± Zander said.


    Two personwent inside to tookZaneska¡¯s body.


    ¡°No, don¡¯te near here! I still want to talk to her!¡± eximed Zander.


    ¡°Sir, there¡¯s nothing we can do. Your wife is gone; that¡¯s just the way life goes,¡± the man replied.


    ¡°She¡¯s not dead yet! Take what you said back!¡±


    He was about to punch the man when he heard the monitor ring with Zaneska¡¯s heartbeat, which had returned to normal.


    ¡°Call the doctor!¡± exims the nurse.


    The doctor returned his gaze to Zaneska.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure how it happened, but her heartbeat returned; you¡¯re lucky because something about her love for you kept her from leaving you,¡± the doctor told him.


    He took a seat on the cement floor. He felt relieved when he saw Duke¡¯s tears dripping against the wall.


    ¡°You alle out first, and I¡¯ll tell you the resultter. Don¡¯t worry, her heartbeat will continue to return,¡± the doctor said to them.


    They all came out, but the nervousness in Zander¡¯s chest remained.


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky evenyou¡¯re stupid!¡± Duke eximed to her.


    Mitch handed him water, which he drank.


    ¡°You¡¯ll rest first, Mitch,e home with Amara, sleep at their house first, and I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± Zander exined.


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    Zander was left in the waiting area after Mitch left. He was content despite his many upbringings and mistakes. Time will not allow it. Zaneska has been home from the hospital for nine months. That was one of the scariest things Zander had ever seen and experience, so he promised himself that if there was a problem in their lives, he would understand her. Because her two legs were injured, Zaneska is still in a wheelchair and is notpletely healed. As a result, he was extremely cautious. Even if he is tired, he will not make it appear so. He couldn¡¯t believe that no matter what he did, he¡¯d end up back in Zaneska¡¯s arms. And Mitch is only a relic from his past.


    *ENDING*


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