《The Billionaire鈥檚 Lust Love》


 Chapter 1

    ¡°Are you done there yet?¡± Steven asked me rudely and he is sitting on the sofa while busy on his phone.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m done, sir,¡± I replied then stood up and shook off the dirt on my clothes.


    ¡°Good. Now leave,¡± I hurriedly left out of his sight, carrying the cleaning materials I used.


    ¡°Are you okay Ria?¡± Lourdes asked me when she saw the sadness in my eyes. I smiled and kept from being upset about what had happened earlier. I¡¯ve only been here for two weeks, but I felt like I want to give up.


    ¡°Are you going home now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Lourdes. My son is already waiting for me,¡± I said sadly and then went to the maid¡¯s quarters and take off the uniform I¡¯m wearing.


    Before I left, I looked at Steven who was now drinking while talking someone on his phone.


    When I got home, there was no one. I just sighed when I realized that my son had not yet returned home with his godmother, Divine.


    I sat on the sofa and leaned my head back to it. I¡¯m so tired.


    ¡°Mama,¡± I opened my eyes because of the voice of the angel calling me. It¡¯s no other than, my baby angel.


    ¡°Yes, baby?¡± I said then kissed him on the cheek which made himugh. I fell asleep. What time is it?


    ¡°Where¡¯s Divine?¡± I asked my son noticing that there was no Divine¡¯s shadow around.


    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± I looked at the kitchen when I heard her voiceing from there.


    ¡°Thank you Vine,¡± I said for watching my son today.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it Ri. We¡¯re best of friends, right?¡± We bothughed at what she said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go first. I still have works to do, Ri.¡± she said goodbye then left.


    ¡°Mom, are we going home?¡± I frowned because I didn¡¯t get what my son meant.


    ¡°We are home baby,¡± I said confused because we are at home now.


    ¡°In Canada mama, I want to meet papa.¡± My eyes widened. I know he has been looking for his father for a long time but even I, I don¡¯t know if his father will ept him. Based on my observation of his father for two weeks, I¡¯m not sure if he¡¯s a good guy.


    He didn¡¯t even know that we had a one-night stand. He also did not know that he had a child who needed his care.


    ¡°Baby, we¡¯re going to Canada but not to look for papa. We¡¯re going to Canada to visit Aunt Agatha and Oceanie.¡± I said and I saw in my son¡¯s eyes the sadness that I cannot bare to see. I don¡¯t want to lie to him so even if it hurts, he should know our intention in going to Canada.


    All he knew was that his father was in Canada. Even I, I thought Steven lived in Canada because that¡¯s where we met. It was a one-night stand and he was drunk at that time. Stupid of me, because I gave in easily even though I wasn¡¯t drunk at all.


    I was in Canada at that time because I visited Agatha. After all, it was her birthday.


    That¡¯s where Steven and I met.


    It¡¯s been 6 years since I left Canada to return to the Philippines and my son is five years old now. The fruit of one night I was with Steven. I understand that he¡¯s looking for his dad because he¡¯s longing for his father¡¯s love that no matter what I do, I cannot fulfil.


    ¡°Mama you always telling me that papa is busy. I haven¡¯t met him even once. I just want to meet him even if it¡¯s only for one minute .¡± My son said crying. I don¡¯t know what to tell him.


    I am trying my best to approach Steven. I came to his house as his maid to get to know him. I want my son to know him. But I¡¯m afraid that his dad won¡¯t like him. I don¡¯t want to hurt my son because of that.


    ¡°Okay, so like this, when we arrive in Canada, mama will look for papa and I¡¯ll tell him to meet you. Is that good?¡± He nodded, hoping what I said would happen. I¡¯m sorry baby. Mama needs to lie.


    I remembered the time before I disguise as Steven¡¯s maid.


    We were in the living room with my friends Angie, Divine, and Lia. Only Agatha is missing because she¡¯s in Canada.


    ¡°We¡¯ll show you something Ri,¡± it was Angie and she approached me with a magazine. I put down the juice that I currently drinking and looked at her.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I asked.


    Instead of answering me, she handed me the magazine she was holding.


    I looked at it confusedly and my eyes widened to see the face of the man I was with in a one night in Canada.


    When I looked up, the three of them were looking at me seriously.


    ¡°He¡¯s the man, right?¡± Lia asked in her stoic face.


    ¡°How did you know?¡± I asked them in disbelief.


    ¡°Hunch! You said Hivo¡¯s father is Canadian but are you sure he¡¯s a Canadian? Maybe you said that because you both were in Canada at that time.¡± Angie exined.


    ¡°That was our first clue that Hivo¡¯s father may not be Canadian or live in Canada. It was just your assumption that he is from Canada since that¡¯s where you first met him. The second is, you don¡¯t need a solid proof to know that he¡¯s the father. Why? Because, your son exactly looks like his father. He just came from your vagin* but his appearance, he got that from the man who entered your flower.¡± Angieughed after she said those nasty things.


    ¡°I heard she¡¯s looking for a new maid right now,¡± Lia added ignoring Angie¡¯s joke.


    ¡°Yeah. He¡¯s Steven Marcus Alvante. One of the well-known rich bachelors in the country. You caught a big fish, Ri.¡± Divine said making everyoneughed.


    Everything I learned from them won¡¯t sink in. I¡¯ve been looking for him for a long time because Hivo wants to meet him. I thought he was in Canada, but wait- what if he¡¯s a bad man? What should I do?


    ¡°I want to apply as his maid,¡± I said and they stopughing.


    ¡°We know. We see thating and don¡¯t worry Ri, you will be sent as his new maid.¡± Angie said confidently. Perks of having connections.


    I sighed when I remembered that.


    ¡°Where are we going to s-stay mama?¡± my son asked me while I am pre-upied of that thought. We¡¯re heading to Canada now.


    ¡°At the hotel first son before we go to your Aunt Agatha¡¯s house,¡±


    If my child is excited, I am nervous. I wish we could step in to Canada without a problem.


    I ihold my son when our name was called. It¡¯s Hivo¡¯s first time riding on a ne but he seemed fine. He¡¯s not scared or asking me about stuff. He¡¯s observing his surroundings.


    ¡°Hi,¡± I looked at the person next to us. He was talking to my son who was busy looking around.


    The guy looks like in his thirties. Handsome and educated, I think?


    ¡°Hello, mister,¡± my son replied, and turned to look at me.


    ¡°Mama, can I talk to him? You¡¯re here anyway so I¡¯m safe to talk to strangers, right?¡± I couldn¡¯t help butughed. I nodded and I kissed both of his cheeks.


    ¡°Of course son,¡± I said and the man who heard what Hivo saidughed too.


    ¡°How old are you kid?¡± I heard the man asked. Why is he asking?


    ¡°I¡¯m five years old mister,¡± Hivo replied.


    ¡°I see. You look familiar,¡± when he said that I got immediately nervous. Does he know Steven? Sh*t! Whoever knew Steven, will immediately know that Hivo is his son because the child¡¯s physical appearance is a carbon copy of the father.


    ¡°Baby, go to sleep. Stop talking with that stranger son,¡± I said. He leaned his back on the chair and yawned.


    When I looked at the man, he was looking intently at me and to my son. It looked like he¡¯s observing us.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you mind if I ask you miss about your name?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not giving information to someone we didn¡¯t know sir. If you mind please mind your own business.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but to rolled my eyes because I didn¡¯t feel well with him anymore. He¡¯s a bad news to me.


    ¡°I see,¡±


    He kept quiet so we arrived in Canada without hindrance.


    When we got off, my son excitedly leaving the airport.


    ¡°Bro, I saw a kid. Yeah. He looks exactly like you,¡± said the man we talked to earlier. He was talking on the phone and dly, he¡¯s looking at the opposite direction where we headed so he didn¡¯t see us.


    Is a he friend with Steven? Sh*t we need to get out of here. This is not yet the right time for Steven to know everything. I¡¯m still not sure about him. I¡¯m not sure if he¡¯s a good person. I don¡¯t want to endanger my son even if he is still his father.


    I took Hivo¡¯s hand and quickly grab a taxi. The driver got out of the car and helped us get our luggage into thepartment.


    As we were about to enter, Hivo called the man he talked to on the ne earlier.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Mister¡±


    My eyes widened especially when I heard some of its curses. ¡®Bad timing son, that¡¯s your dad¡¯s friend.¡¯


    ¡°Sh*t they are leaving bro,¡± I heard him said to the one he was talking on the phone then I closed the taxi¡¯s door.


    ¡°Faster mister, drive us to this address.¡± I said while showing the address I wrote in my mini notebook while worrying that it might be Steven¡¯s friend.


    Thank God we were safe when we got to the hotel. This is a five-star hotel and I no longer check who owns it. We only stay one night here so I¡¯m not worried at all


    I already booked our hotel room when we were still in the Philippines online so it wouldn¡¯t take long to amodate us. The facilities are good and the hotel is secure. Hivo seemed enjoying it.


    ¡°I like it in here mama,¡± he said. We were near the counter, waiting for a staff to lead us to our room.


    ¡°Oh my God,¡± the woman said while looking at my son. The woman looked like just my age. There are many bodyguards behind her so she¡¯s probably an important person.


    ¡± (Iwan niyo na¡¯ko. Ligtas naman ako dito.) Leave me alone. I¡¯m safe here,¡± said the woman in thenguage I am familiar with.


    I was surprised when I heard her. Why is she going to our direction? Does she knows Steven? If yes we are dead.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry miss. But your child looks so familiar.¡±


    It was as if my whole body had lost blood when she told me that.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re a Filipino too. I heard this cute kiddo talking ealier. Am I right kiddo? You came from the Philippines?¡± she asked my son, smiling.


    ¡°Yes, po,¡± she just smiled again at my son and she looked at me.


    ¡°Do you know Steven Alvante?¡± she asked. I didn¡¯t answer and I felt like I was going to faint because of nervousness.


    ¡°Based on your reaction, it¡¯s a yes,¡± she said looking at me seriously.


    I couldn¡¯t find the right words to answer. Then the staff interrupted us because he¡¯s going to apany us to our room.


    The woman followed us.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said to the staff as we entered to our room.


    ¡°I am harmless. Can I go inside? No worry I can guarantee you that I am not a bad person. By the way, I am Hannah Alvante and yes, I am the sister of Steven Marcus Alvante.¡±


    Oh my God! His sister?


    No way¡­.. I¡¯m doomed!

 Chapter 2

    ¡°V!¡± Even though we were still far away we could already hear Oceanie¡¯s voice happily to see Hivo. Agatha was behind her smiling at us.


    ¡°How was the trip?¡± She asked us.


    ¡°Tiring,¡± I said. Hivo kissed Agatha¡¯s cheek and Oceanie kissed me on my cheek too.


    ¡°Hello baby girl,¡± I said and bent down to kiss her on her forehead.


    ¡°Hello Aunt Ri,¡±


    The two children no longer waited for us and immediately ran inside the house.


    ¡°What happened? I received your textst night.¡± Agatha asked me worriedly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just talk inside. Where are they?¡±


    ¡°They are on the way here,¡± she replied. We were talking about our other friends.


    When we got inside, everyone was busy preparing. Agatha¡¯s husband was not here because he had something to do so we were the only ones here and also the helpers.


    ¡°What happened? Spill it Ri,¡± Agatha couldn¡¯t wait for me to tell her about what happened yesterday so I started telling her about what happened at the airport and when Hannah saw us in the hotel.


    (shback)


    Hannah waited for me because I was still taking care of my son. I changed his clothes and told him to sleep. My son didn¡¯t ask too much about Hannah because he was already sleepy so he was unaware of what was going on around him. If he wasn¡¯t drowsy, he would have been bbering on Hannah for sure.


    ¡°He looks exactly like my brother even the way he speaks or acts.¡± Hannah said while looking at my son who sounds asleep. I agree with her because in short period of time I have been serving Steven, I, sometimes saw him as the mature version of my son.


    ¡°How old is he?¡± She asked.


    ¡°5¡± I answered.


    ¡°I see. But why?¡± I know what she meant why. Why did I hide the child? Why didn¡¯t I introduce him to her brother?


    ¡°Because your brother didn¡¯t remember what happened to us 6 years ago. So he¡¯ll be surprised if he finds out that he had a child with me. What happened to us was just a one night stand only and he was drunk at that time.¡± I exined.


    ¡°Really? Doubt that. I even remember how you looked even though I was young then,¡± she said that widened my eyes.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I was with my brother that time at the bar. I excused myself for a while to pee and when I came back, you two were talking so I just didn¡¯t show up and let you enjoy thepany with each other. That¡¯s why I dared to approach you earlier because Hivo looks like my brother and I assumed already that your son is my brother¡¯s son.¡±


    I was stunned by what she said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say.¡± I said.


    ¡°You know my brother but why you didn¡¯t tell him about your son? It¡¯s been 6 years.¡±


    I sighed. ¡°I just found out this month where he live. I thought he lived in Canada the reason why I couldn¡¯t find him for the past years. It was my friends who found him him since my son looks like Steven, so they suspected that he might be Hivo¡¯s father and they are right.¡±


    Hannahughed at what I said. Hivo¡¯s appearance looked exactly like his father so it¡¯s easy to tell that my son is Steven¡¯s son.


    ¡°Well .. yeah, he looks like my brother.¡± Hannah said.


    ¡°Hivo wants to meet his dad. As his mother, I want to make sure that his dad is a good guy. There¡¯s a possibility that he will not ept my son especially he has a girlfriend now. So I disguised as his maid to get to know him better for me to decide if I¡¯ll introduce my son to him or not.¡± I told Hannah with honesty.


    ¡°His girlfriend? I don¡¯t like that b*tch,¡± Hannah said.


    ¡°It¡¯s not my right to interfere in your decision in life. And you¡¯re right that you should know my brother first. It¡¯s doesn¡¯t mean that he¡¯s my brother I¡¯ll support him. He¡¯s an ass so he needs to change first. But he¡¯s kind sometimes. I can guarantee you with that.¡± she said, smiling.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said. She¡¯s nice unlike to her brother.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What is your name by the way?¡± sheughed then. Of course, we¡¯ve been talking for a while but here we are, she doesn¡¯t know my name yet.


    ¡°Rialyn. Just call me Ri or Ria.¡± I said.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice meeting you, Ria. Anyway, I just want to rify with you regarding what you¡¯re saying to my brother¡¯s girlfriend. That b*tch, Amanda, she¡¯s iming that my brother is the father of her baby. Steven denied it but the witch still insists so we don¡¯t have a choice but to shelter her, so that after her delivery, we can do the DNA tests. We don¡¯t want a scandal.¡± she said full of astonishment.


    ¡°My parents are pressuring my brother for the new heir but I don¡¯t want that witch to inherit our legacy. Even though my brother is an ass, he is kind sometimes. They are done for so long so when he said that the child was not his, I believed him.¡± She added then stood up and approached my son.


    ¡°But I guess, I shouldn¡¯t stress myself anymore. Your son is the firstborn of my brother so he should just be his heir.¡±


    My eyes widened at what she said.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t tell that. I don¡¯t want Steven¡¯s wealth. I can raise my son on my own. All I want is for him to grow up away from trouble.¡± I said. I don¡¯t want to put myself and my child in their chaos.


    I don¡¯t want to hurt my son.


    ¡°I respect your decision Ri. I also won¡¯t tell my brother even if you don¡¯t ask me. I need to see first that he is responsible for his life.¡± She said and smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather you be my sister-inw than that b*tch,¡± she said making me blush. This is embarrassing! It never crossed my mind that Steven and I would be getting along. All I want is to indulge my son in his desire to meet his father.


    ¡°Can I visit my nephew? Can I introduce myself as her aunt? Can I borrow her even for a moment? Promise, I will be careful.¡± She said full of pleading.


    I don¡¯t know but even we just have met, I felt like we¡¯d known each other for decades.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay with me. But he should get to know you first and he should get used to you. We¡¯ll only be here in Canada for a while, we¡¯ll go home next week.¡± I said.


    ¡°All right. Can I have your address there? And your number as well, if it¡¯s okay?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± I said and gave her my address and cellphone number then she bid her goodbye and leave.


    The next day, I woke up early because I felt that my son who was next to me, was now awake.


    ¡°Good morning mama,¡± I heard my son¡¯s enthusiastic greetings and he smiled happily.


    ¡°Good morning son,¡± I said and kissed him on both of his cheeks and heughed because it tickles to his part.


    ¡°Mama, where¡¯s the beautifuldyst night?¡± Hannah immediately entered my mind. Oh! so Hivo saw herst night.


    ¡°She¡¯s in his room son but we¡¯ll meet herter. She¡¯ll join us for breakfast.¡±


    Hivo¡¯s face suddenly lit up and he jumped for joy. We immediately did our morning rituals and then we went down to meet Hannah. The facilities here in this hotel areplete and they have a mini resto at the ground floor and all are well-amodated that¡¯s why I like it. Simple yet cozy.


    ¡°Oh! Hi, darling,¡± Hannah said as we approached her at the table. She knelt slightly to match the height of my son who was looking at his aunt.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Hivo said a little shyly.


    ¡°Hi, Hivo. Do you know me?¡± Hannah asked.


    ¡°No but I saw youst night in our room. I wasn¡¯t able to talk to you because I¡¯m sleepy. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Aw! My baby is so adorable! It makes me proud to be his mother.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay darling. By the way, I am your aunt, Hannah.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so pretty Aunt Hannah. My name is Hivo.¡± My son answered enthusiastically and when I looked at Hannah she was already looking at me.


    ¡°Hello, Hivo. C¡¯mon, let¡¯s eat. I already ordered the food.¡± Hannah said and we sat down at the round table which wasn¡¯t spacious for the three of us.


    Hannah and Hivo started talking now. I know this sounds weird but I have no choice but to get along with Hannah. One more thing, she¡¯s nice and kind so I hope I didn¡¯t make a mistake of trusting her.


    After all, her brother is Steven and I believe blood is thicker than water.


    ¡°Say bye to Aunt Hannah, son.¡± I said to my son as we were going to Agatha¡¯s house.


    ¡°Bye Aunt Hannah,¡± Hivo said kindly to Hannah who is now crying because she still wants to be with my child.


    ¡°Can Ie with you, Ri?¡± Hannah said and I justughed. She frowned a bit.


    ¡°You have a meeting to attend remember?¡± I said and she frowned even more.


    ¡°Can Ie with you baby Hivo?¡± She said cutely to my son. Hivo turned to me as if asking for help on how to answer Hannah.


    ¡°Aunt Hannah, mama, and I, will go to aunt Agatha¡¯s house and after that, we will find my papa.¡± I sighed and tried to smile at Hannah. Hivo didn¡¯t know that Hannah was his father¡¯s sister. Hannah didn¡¯t disclose her rtionship with his father so I¡¯m thankful for that.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry baby Hivo. For surepapa  loves you so much. Besides, your mama and I are here for you.¡± She said and kissed my son on both of his cheeks. Soon we said goodbye to her and headed straight for Agatha¡¯s house.


    (End of shback)


    After I talked to Agatha, I just see her jaw dropped on the floor.


    ¡°What a small world,¡± she said.


    ¡°Indeed.¡±

 Chapter 3

    We did not stay long in Canada and immediately returned to the Philippines. I¡¯m back to being Steven¡¯s maid again. Lourdes isn¡¯t here because she¡¯s on leave so I¡¯m the only one left here since we¡¯re only the two maid in Steven¡¯s house.


    ¡°Good morning sir. Breakfast is ready,¡± I said. I saw him naked walking into the kitchen. I blushed and avoided looking at his body. He was wearing only a towel below.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving,¡± I said and was about to leave him in the kitchen when he suddenly called me.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Steven asked while looking my body. I gulp!


    ¡°I¡¯ll just clean the outside sir,¡± I replied politely while looking down on the floor for me to avoid looking at his perfect body.


    ¡°You¡¯ll staying here tonight,¡± He said that surprised me.


    ¡°Pardon?¡± No, I cannot stay here. My son will look for me, our son will look for me.


    ¡°Yes. Because, no one will open the gate for meter. Lourdes is on leave so stay in the house until she returns.¡± He replied and started to eat.


    My knees are trembling because of that so I leaned on the wall. Who will be left with my child? Can I just call Liater? I¡¯m sure she won¡¯t mind if I ask her to take care my son tonight.


    I cleaned his yard and when I went back inside the house, I saw Steven sitting on the sofa and reviewing something on hisptop.


    ¡°Please get my suit ready,¡± he said without looking at me. Is this Lourdes¡¯ job? I thought it was forbidden to enter his room?


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll go to your room, sir?¡± I asked and I am so damn nervous.


    ¡°Yes? Because you¡¯re going to prepare what I¡¯m going to wear?¡± He answered while his eyes were still on theptop.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°Yes. Copy sir,¡± I said and hurried to enter his room.


    When I entered his room I immediately go to his closet. What does he want to wear? I cannot decide, this is so hard.


    I just took what I thought would suit him, though I think, everything here is just right for him.


    I ironed it immediately. I am so careful not to get his suits burn because it looks expensive.


    I was about to flip it when he came inside.


    ¡°Just a minute sir and I¡¯m done,¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± He said and came closer to me. I looked up and saw him staring at me. Why? Is there a dirt on my face?


    ¡°Wait here,¡± he whispered and turned around then went into the bathroom.


    ¡°What am I going to do here?¡± I sighed. As he said, I waited until he finished taking a bath. His suit is ready.


    He came out from the bathroom and I saw the towel wrapped around his waist. I blushed suddenly at the thought that such a body preceded me. The body that I slept with 6 years ago.


    ¡°Help me to wear that suit,¡± he said while staring at me. Is this still Lourdes¡¯ job?


    He grabbed a boxer so I immediately turned around when I saw that he was about to wear it. Seriously, he didn¡¯t even give a signal.


    ¡°Why did you turn away?¡± I heard him chuckled. My forehead furrowed and I slowly faced him.


    I chose not to answer him and instead, I give him the clothes he¡¯s going to wear. I help him to wear his coat and I fix the necktie because he was waiting for me to do it. Lourdes¡¯ job is really hard. I feel like, I¡¯m helping a 5-year-old kid to wear his clothes.


    I thought my job is done, so I¡¯m nning to go down.


    ¡°What about my hair?¡± I stopped and looked at him again. What does he mean by that? That I will fix his hair? Confirmed, Lourdes has a different level of work.


    He sat down on the bed and I came closer to him tob his hair. Suddenly my cheeks turned red when I realized our position now.


    My breasts were close to his face. Our position is too embarrassing.


    ¡°I-It¡¯s done sir,¡± I stammered. I quickly returned theb to his table and hurried to the door.


    ¡°Your boobs are bigger than I thought,¡± he said which made me stunned. My cheeks turned red even more. I did not answer and ran down to the living room to escape from him. My heart is beating so fast because of what happened earlier.


    ¡®Is this usually what happened between him and Lourdes? Shocks!¡¯ I said to my mind.


    When the nervousness in my chest subsided, I just washed the dishes that Steven used earlier.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving,¡± he said. Ah-okay? What should be my response then?


    ¡°B-Be careful sir,¡± I said without looking at him. I thought he was gone so when I turned around, I jumped in surprise because he was still behind me and staring at me earnestly.


    ¡°W-Why sir?¡± My heart is still pounding so hard.


    ¡°I¡¯m dying to taste that lips.¡± He added.


    My eyes widened and immediately move away from him. But he just grabbed my waist back to pull closer to him.


    He looked at my lips and swallowed several times. He looked me in the eyes and slowly, he lowered his head towards me when suddenly my phone rings inside my pocket. He stopped.


    I picked it up and we both looked at the caller.


    He walked away and frowned at me.


    ¡°F*cking taken,¡± he said and left.


    I let out a deep sigh as he left and answered my son.


    ¡®My love,¡¯ is what I put to our son¡¯s name on my contact list.


    It¡¯s funny to think that Steven thought that my boyfriend was calling me. ¡®Stupid! That¡¯s our son,¡¯ I whispered.


    ¡°Yes, baby?¡± I said after I answered Hivo¡¯s call.


    ¡°Mama! Tita Divine told me you won¡¯te hometer,¡± he muttered.


    ¡°Yes, baby. Mommy¡¯s gonna stay here for her work. Can you stay with your aunt Lia tonight?¡± I said.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you really go hometer, mama?¡± I can imagine his sad face now.


    ¡°Yes, son. I¡¯m sorry. You understand Mommy, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, mommy. Take care. I love you,¡± I smiled after he uttered that.


    ¡°I will. I love you too my love,¡± I said then dropped the call.


    Steven went back inside with a frown to his face. He picked up his suitcase that was left on the table and stubbornly averted his gaze away from me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll eat hereter so cook for me,¡± he said rudely and left.


    ¡®What happened to him?¡¯ I asked, confusedly.


    The next day I was still here at his house. Steven woke upte.


    He just came down from his room.


    ¡°I want coffee,¡± he said without even looking at me.


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± I said.


    I quickly make the coffee and gave it to him then I went back to what I was doing before.


    While doing the chores, I feel like Steven is looking at me while cleaning so I looked up at him to see if he¡¯s watching me, but then, all I can see is him, reading the papers on his table. ¡®I guess I¡¯m just imagining¡¯ I whispered to myself and continue to work.


    ¡°Sir what do you want for lunch?¡±


    ¡°You,¡± my eyes widened. Huh? Me? Last time I checked I cleaned my ears so it¡¯s unlikely I heard it wrong.


    ¡°P-Pardon?¡±


    ¡°I mean, how about you?¡± He said then looked up at me then his eyes dropped to my lips and immediately returned to his papers on the table. ¡®Okay, what was that?¡¯


    ¡°Adobo. Do you like that?¡± He just nodded so I just get the ingredients and utensils that I would use for cooking.


    After a minute,


    ¡°The food is ready, sir. You can eat now,¡± I said.


    ¡°Eat,¡± I heard him whisper but he said it differently that made me blushed.


    ¡°Are you saying something, sir?¡± I asked pretending not to hear what he said a while ago.


    ¡°Nothing. Let¡¯s just eat here-¡± He paused and took a sip of the coffee.  ¡°In this table,¡± he continued.


    After I ced the foods on the table, I was about to leave when he stopped me.


    ¡°Join me. I can¡¯t finish it all,¡± he said so I just sat down so that the conversation wouldn¡¯t be long.


    I¡¯m nervous because basically, I don¡¯t know what my cooking tastes like. It¡¯s either he¡¯ll likes it or not. He¡¯s the boss so it must be delicious.


    ¡°Yummy?¡± I asked. I was waiting for him to answer but he drank the water first and his cheeks turned red which surprised me. Why his cheeks are getting red suddenly? Does he have allergies?


    ¡°I-It¡¯s yummy,¡± he said and drank the water again. ¡®Weird¡¯

 Chapter 4

    At night I was still in the mansion and my attention was focused on Steven who looked at me as if I was a meal that could only be served at the table once.


    I just ignored him and continued wiping his expensive vase at home. His antique collections looked so expensive and I am so scared that I would break them.


    I nced at Steven again and immediately looked away when I saw that he was still looking at me intently while holding a ss of wine in his left hand.


    ¡®Gosh! What kind of man is this? I said to myself.


    Why is he staring at me?


    I finished what I was doing and left. It¡¯s past 8 in the evening so I can go to sleep because I will call my son who I haven¡¯t seen for three days now.


    But I was having a hard time while putting back the cleaning supplies inside the drawer box.


    ¡°My God! Why is it so tight?¡± I am sweating enough because the box is loaded and I can¡¯t put these things properly.


    While I was busy putting the things back to the box, I heard Steven sneeze behind me. I immediately stood up and blushed when I realized that he was watching me while my ass part was up for bending.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± he asked while sweating.


    Why is he sweating? The AC is good.


    ¡°I¡¯m returning these things inside but I can¡¯t do it because it¡¯s loaded and tight,¡± I said.


    ¡°Tight?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s tight and f-full,¡± I innocently replied.


    I saw his face reddened. ¡®Wait! What were we talking about?¡¯ I feel embarrassed when I realized something.


    Steven sat down to arrange the things in the box and after, he turned to me.


    ¡°There.. It fits perfectly even though ¡­¡± he swallowed for a while before continuing ¡°tight¡± and he left as if I have a contagious disease.


    Okay, what was that?


    I immediately went to my room straight to the bathroom. I n to take a bath first before calling my son.


    When I¡¯m done, I went out while wrapping the towel around my body.


    I screamed loudly when I saw Steven inside my room and sitting on the bed.


    I saw how he looked at me from my feet up to my face and I blushed when it sink to me that he¡¯s here in my room. I couldn¡¯t look at his eyes and I held the towel tightly as if I was afraid it would fall off.


    ¡°What/What,¡± we said it together.


    ¡°What¡­ What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Ahm¨C¡­. Wake up early tomorrow. We need to go to the grocery. The fridge is empty,¡± he said and left blushing.


    I was confused as hell. He knew I¡¯m going to the grocery store tomorrow so why does he have to say that and came here into my room? And we? As in us? Going to buy groceries tomorrow? No way.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    I chose to ignore him and dried my hair before calling Hivo.


    The next morning I woke up early to cook. I also don¡¯t know why all the days I¡¯ve been here at his house, he¡¯s been here too.


    I mean, I know that he¡¯s a busy person and it¡¯s seldom for him to stay at his house.


    I also didn¡¯t hear him calling anyone else which is weird because since I started working here, he was always busy on his cell phone and talking to someone else.


    Steven is the typical boss who is rude and arrogant. Since I started working as his maid, he already scolded me a lot of times that is why I wanted to give up in my first week here.


    So I don¡¯t know if he¡¯s just bored and started talking to me as if he hadn¡¯t scolded me before.


    So basically I always cook for him because he¡¯s just here at home. Good thing I know how to cook. I am more thrilled to be told that I am good at cooking than I am beautiful.


    I mean, deeeym,plimenting my culinary skills is way more beautiful than how I look.


    ¡°What are you cooking?¡± I stiffened as I felt Steven behind me and looked at the food I was mixing.


    His head is on my shoulder and his breath hits my cheek. I was taken aback by his actions.


    ¡°S-Sir .. your request,¡± I said and move way from him and pretending to find something near the table.


    He noticed me avoiding him so he frowned which made me nervous. I stared at his frowning face and I couldn¡¯t help but topare his handsome face to our son cause that¡¯s how Hivo looks like especially if he¡¯s frowning.


    I can see the way my son looks when he doesn¡¯t like something and what Steven was giving me are exactly the same. ¡®Sh*t! I said to myself.


    Hivo is indeed his son. There¡¯s no question with that.


    ¡°Why are you avoiding me? Do I stink?¡± Steven said and red at me.


    Why is he angry if I avoided him?


    ¡°What? O-Of course not sir. I¡¯m not avoiding you,¡± I lied and slowly stepped closer to him. I took the spat and stirred the food in the bowl.


    ¡°Tss¡­¡± he hissed and took my hand and apanied me to stir the food.


    I was just silent as I felt him and my heart was beating so hard when I felt his lips on my neck.


    ¡°Sir .. what are you doing?¡± I close my eyes when his lips touch my shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯m helping you,¡± he said in his deep and husky voice as his lips kissed my neck down to shoulder.


    I slowly moved a little away from him and stared into his lustful eyes who was looking at me.


    ¡°What now?¡± his face was already frowning as he looked at me.


    My goodness, he¡¯s frowning again, and all I can see was our son¡¯s face.


    If my friends saw it, they will surely say the same. Because it¡¯s undeniable that the two looked exactly the same.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry sir but I¡¯m notfortable,¡± I said. He sighed and sat down in the chair near the table.


    ¡°I was rejected. I¡¯m that handsome, rich, and handsome again yet rejected?¡± I heard him mumbling which is why Iughed a little.


    ¡°I¡¯m beautiful too,¡± I chuckled after I say that.


    ¡°What did you say? You¡¯re beautiful?¡± he said looking at me earnestly.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I replied while holding back myughter.


    ¡°Really? Beautiful?¡± he said while examining my body. When his eyesnded on my face, I saw the movement of his adam¡¯s apple.


    ¡°Is it not?¡± I politely asked him.


    He blushed and looked away. ¡°Pretty,¡± he said and immediately averted his gaze as he put his hand on his neck.


    When I saw that he¡¯s no longer looking at me, Iughed softly without making a sound and then handed him the food.


    While we were eating, I could feel Steven stares sometimes and I just pretended not to notice it.


    I went to their garden and watered the nts. For a man like him, it¡¯s amazing that he has a garden at home. Just cute.


    While I¡¯m busy, suddenly, he came again with the coffee I made earlier.


    His face was dark while looking at me. At first, he was just standing in the distance and watching me. He put the coffee on the table before approaching me.


    ¡®Why does he looked so angry? Did I do something he didn¡¯t like?¡¯ I asked myself.


    He ced both his hands on my shoulders and I gasped for his sudden move.


    He bent over because he was taller than me and his eyes were dark as if it¡¯s digging into my soul through his stares.


    ¡°Are you seducing me?¡± he asked and I was shocked.


    ¡°Huh? .. me? Seducing ¡­. you?¡±


    Come one, how? I was just watering the nts and didn¡¯t do something bad.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ What else? It¡¯s obvious that you were seducing me,¡± he said.


    I want tough but he might explode. If our son inherited some of his traits, I already know his reaction would be Iugh at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry sir but no sir,¡± I said politely.


    ¡°Of course you are! Stop lying¡­ I know that you¡¯re seducing me,¡± he insisted on what he wanted to happen.


    My God, son, you inherited that habit from your father. Maybe if we were in the same house, with our son, I¡¯m probably having a headache. Wait- what am I thinking. Erase that!


    ¡°No sir. Not really. If I¡¯m seducing you then ..¡± I deliberately hung up what I was going to say and leaned closer to him so that my lips could reach his ear.


    ¡°I would have been naked now,¡± I said in my seductive tone but what I did was wrong because I was the one who suddenly got hot.


    His whole face turned red and he immediately turned his back on me and entered the house. Because of what he did I couldn¡¯t help butugh. He¡¯s impossible.


    ¡®Looks like mama will enjoy teasing your daddy son,¡¯ I whispered in the air while looking at Steven¡¯s receding bulk.

 Chapter 5

    We are now in his car and heading to the grocery store. I first looked at what I had written on a piece of paper and then looked at my driver who was now frowning. He acted like a child.


    ¡°What?¡± he was annoyed when he saw me looking at him.


    ¡°You¡¯re so handsome,¡± I said and Iughed when I saw that he¡¯s trying not to smile at what I said even though his lips were lifting up. Was he blushing? Too cute.


    ¡°Are you going to buy a lot today?¡± he said, trying to open up conversation.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I answered briefly while texting my son how he was doing. My son wanted me to go home because he misses me and so do I but I have no choice because I have to do this for him too.


    If Steven will soon earn my trust. Maybe soon, I will introduce our son to him.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± he asked so I looked at him and saw that he was frowning again. I hid my cellphone because he didn¡¯t seem to like what I did.


    ¡°I just texted my family sir,¡± I said and looked away.


    ¡°What¡¯s with the formalities?¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡± I wondered.


    ¡°You keep on saying it, sir. Do I look old?¡± I looked at him again andughed when I saw his forehead wrinkled.


    If so, what does he want me to call him? Just like casual?


    ¡°What should I call you?¡± I asked innocently.


    ¡°Sweetheart,¡± he answered.


    ¡°Huh?¡± I think I was deafened by what I heard.


    ¡°I mean Steven,¡± he rified and focused on the road.


    I know what he said, I heard the word sweetheart, ¡®Your father is a very flirty son. No wonder I immediately went with him even though I have never drunk any alcohol that night,¡¯ I thought.


    ¡°Okay Steven,¡± I said and looked back to the roan when the car suddenly stopped causing me to gasp. I was holding my chest when I turned to look at Steven. What was on his mind?


    ¡°What did you say?¡± he asked looking only at me.


    ¡°Huh? Am I saying something?¡± I wondered.


    ¡°Say it,¡± he said which messed up my brain even more. What should I say?


    ¡°My name. Say my name once again,¡± he said.


    ¡°Steven,¡± I repeated.


    ¡°Weird. It sounded so familiar,¡± he said and went back to driving as if nothing had happened.


    What¡¯s weird about his name? Of course it is familiar to him because that is his name.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Have we met before?¡± Steven asked so I kept quiet. Does he remember anything that happened to us in Canada?


    ¡°Not yet,¡± I tried to speak as if it was normal. I¡¯m afraid that he might notice that I¡¯m nervous now.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± he asked again.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I answered and turned my eyes to the window to avoid his scrutinizing nces.


    Thank God because he didn¡¯t ask any more questions. Just a little longer we arrived at the grocery store. I don¡¯t really know why he came so I just let it go.


    He took a big cart and he followed me. I went straight to the meat section to get some meats.


    ¡°The person carrying the cart is handsome, miss,¡± I heard Steven say. I just shook my head and ignored him. He¡¯s very confident to his looks.


    ¡°So tell me about your family Ria,¡± I stopped taking the chicken when I heard him mention my name.


    ¡°My adopted parents threw me away six years ago,¡± I began. I first took seven packaged meats and ced them in the cart, then continued to speak.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t met my biological parents. When I was a baby until I was 2 years old, my grandmother took care of me but she died so they had to find someone to take care of me,¡± I continued.


    ¡°Then I met mommy Violet and daddy Alberto, they were my adopted parents. They raised me. But just like what they said that blood is thicker than water, so they kicked me out for a sin I didn¡¯tmit,¡± I said. .


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I heard Steven say. I just smiled and took the vegetables on the list that we will buy today.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s not your fault. My sister and I argued about it. My sister did something bad and passed that sin on to me. I tried to exin my side but mom and dad believe her over me,¡± I said and pointed him to go to the rows of cup noodles.


    ¡°So you still go home to them? How about the school?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t finish my degree,¡± I said because she got me pregnant 6 years ago. I need to stop studying for my baby.


    ¡°But I¡¯m not sorry that all of that happened because I met you,¡± I said while putting the cup noodles that I got into the cart.


    ¡°Huh?¡± he asked confused. I justughed and went ahead of him to look for those still on the list. I don¡¯t really regret it because I met Steven and my son came into my life and he¡¯s my life now.


    ¡°Ri? Is that you?¡± I looked at the man looking at me. My eyes widened when I recognized who it was.


    ¡°Oh Rex. Is that you? Oh my God!¡± I screamed and hugged him with great joy.


    ¡°Hey how are you? I mean look at you. It¡¯s great! You¡¯re already promoted!¡± I said and heughed at what I pointed out.


    ¡°Hmm, I¡¯m okay. I just came back from the States actually. How are you?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay. I¡¯m great! I didn¡¯t recognize you right away.. I mean look at you now.. Wow!¡± I said. Rex is handsome, and it¡¯s been long since thest time we saw each other.


    ¡°Oh Ri, it¡¯s still me. By the wat, I messaged you on your Insta-gram ount. You haven¡¯t read it yet,¡± he said.


    I was about to speak when Steven stood next to me and extended his hand to Rex.


    ¡°I¡¯m Steven,¡± Steven¡¯s arrogant and authoritative self-introduction. It¡¯s obvious to his face that he¡¯s mad.


    ¡°I¡¯m Rex,¡± Rex said and epted Steven¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Tss.. what a bug,¡± Steven whispered but it¡¯s impossible that Rex didn¡¯t hear that.


    ¡°So what is your message to me for?¡± I asked to get the attention of Rex who didn¡¯t seem to like what Steven said.


    ¡°I offer you a job Ri. I need a secretary to-


    ¡°He already has a job. He won¡¯t ept your offer,¡± Steven interrupted into the conversation so I red at him.


    ¡°Can you leave us alone?¡± I said in a low voice then faced Steven. His face darkened and I know right away that I pushed his button.


    Seeing that I was serious, he left and left the cart next to me.


    After leaving, I faced Rex who was watching me and Steven.


    Rex was my ex-boyfriend. He¡¯s a good friend of mine and he¡¯s Hivo¡¯s godfather.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been wanting to ask this for a while, but he¡¯s Hivo¡¯s father, right?¡± he asked and I nodded.


    ¡°So do you have a thing?¡± he asked again.


    ¡°We¡¯re not like that, Rex. Hivo demanded to meet his father, so I pretended to be his maid to get to know him first. Thank you also because you didn¡¯t show the surprise when you saw him earlier,¡± I said referring to what he did.


    I know he was surprised when Steven intervened in the conversation and I know he recognized him right away but he immediately returned his reaction to normal so Steven did not notice it.


    Like I said, my son and his father look alike.


    ¡°I dropped to your house yesterday and I saw that Divine was the one taking care of Hivo. That¡¯s why I knew something was wrong. Anyway, I need to go to Ri or else I¡¯ll be deadter.¡± Rex said so I nced at Steven¡¯s direction and saw that he was ring at us.


    ¡°Let¡¯s catch up together? You have a lot to tell me. And may I remind you, that that man was already marking you Ria. I know it cause I¡¯m a man too,¡± he said and he¡¯s referring to Steven.


    I? marking? I don¡¯t think so. Maybe he is attracted to me but I don¡¯t think he will mark me.


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy. That¡¯s impossible!¡± I saidughing but he just looked at me seriously.


    ¡°When will you introduce him to your son? Hivo needs a dad, Ri. Your son keeps on saying that he will soon meet his dad,¡± he said.


    ¡°Maybe soon Rex. So far, Steven is nice. But I need time, even just a little bit because I want to get to know him better,¡± I said.


    ¡°Okay. If that¡¯s what you want. Just call me if you need some help,¡± he said.


    ¡°Thank you Rex,¡± I said and hugged him.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Steven¡¯s voice separated me from Rex and he dragged me out of the grocery store.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I tried to withdraw my hand but he held it tightly. He didn¡¯t let me go until we got into his car.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked him in surprise.


    ¡°No Ria. It¡¯s you. What are you doing? Why are you hugging that man? Are you out of your mind?¡± he said blushing with anger.


    ¡°What¡¯s your problem?¡± I said.


    ¡°My problem? Oh.. it¡¯s youdy,¡± after he said those words, he mmed his lips against mine that stunned me. What the!!!!

 Chapter 6

    I immediately pushed him and went back inside the grocery store. He¡¯s being irrational. We don¡¯t have a thing, andst time I checked, he¡¯s not like that to me. What¡¯s wrong with him?


    Rex was gone when I came back. He probably left without me noticing.


    I was at the counter when Steven arrived. He was quiet and waiting for everything we bought to be packed.


    Even the girls who were packing were secretly flirting with him but Steven just ignored them. I couldn¡¯t me those girls.. I mean, Steven is real hot!.


    I looked at Steven and his face was dead serious. It¡¯s written all over his looks that you shouldn¡¯t talk to him.


    I carried the others and he took the big packs. We silently made our way to his car.


    When he got home he was still like that, just quiet. I put everything we bought earlier on the table and got water to drink. I feel like I¡¯ve lost my strength because of what happened today.


    First, I met Rex. Second, it¡¯s like my boss was jealous to us andstly he kissed me.


    I was still absorbing everything when he suddenly entered the kitchen.


    ¡°Look, I¡¯m sorry,¡± he started.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s okay sir,¡± I said and stood up to leave when he grabbed my elbow to stop me from leaving.


    ¡°Wait,¡± he said so I turned to him and saw that his mesmerizing eyes darted to me. I gulped and my heart started beating so fast.


    ¡°Why are you so mad?¡± he asked in a low tone.


    ¡°I¡¯m not mad sir. It¡¯s just that what you did earlier was not right. You¡¯re being rude to someone who didn¡¯t do anything wrong,¡± I said.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that boy?¡±


    ¡°Rex is my friend. A very good friend, so what you did earlier was out of ce. Also, maybe you are forgetting that I am your maid and you¡¯re boss. We are not a thing,¡± I said and took my hand back but he grabbed it again.


    ¡°What did you say? We don¡¯t have a thing?¡± heughed sarcastically but his face was dark while saying that.


    ¡°Why? Isn¡¯t it?¡± I said.


    ¡°You¡¯re wrongdy. The moment you entered this house, I already set my eyes on you,¡± he suddenly pulled me close to him so I grabbed his shoulders for immediate support. ¡°So take the full responsibility because it¡¯s your fault why I¡¯m doing this to you.¡±


    And after that, he imed my lips as if it belonged to him. The same feeling when he kissed me 6 years ago in Canada. The kiss that I couldn¡¯t forget.


    Kissing him was the reason why I did that thing with him. Why I surrendered myself to him cause believe me or not, his kisses were full of magic.


    Once he starts kissing me, my body shut, my mind will nk.


    I closed my eyes and returned the kiss he was giving me as memories of our first meeting came back to my mind. God! My body, my mind and my soul couldn¡¯t forget this guy.


    6 years ago in Canada, my mind was confused at that time. I didn¡¯t know what to do especially since I have no one to go home to in the Philippines. My parents kicked me out and I understand why they didn¡¯t like me. After all I¡¯m not their biological daughter.


    I decided to go to a bar to get wasted. I wanted to drink and drink until I could temporarily forget all of my pains and problems. I was looking around when my attention was stole by a man at the Ind counter drinking alone.


    There are many handsome men around but my eyes settled only for him that spoke perfection. I caught off guard by his beautiful and tantalizing eyes. He looked like a broken man.


    I didn¡¯t know which spirit possessed me when I made my way to him. Once in our lives, I didn¡¯t expect that I could feel it. They say, that there¡¯s a certain phenomenon where you suddenly feel that you have a certain connection to someone even though you just met.


    What¡¯s with him that made me do it? I also did not know. He was just like a ma pulling me closer to him.


    I sat next to him and when he looked at me closer, I was out of breath. He¡¯s so handsome. No-I think handsome was not enough to describe him.


    ¡°Hey, why are you looking at me?¡± He said. And I didn¡¯t know why even his voice was so attractive to listen to.


    ¡°I¡¯m not looking at you,¡± I said even though I was actually looking at him.


    ¡°Of c-course you are. I can see your eyes. It¡¯s beautiful.¡± What he said made me blush but I smiled when I saw him drop the ss of wine ande a little closer to me.


    ¡°Pretty,¡± he whispered and I could also smell the alcohol on his breath but it still smelled good. ¡®Is that possible?¡¯


    I cursed underneath cause it was addicting to sniff him.


    ¡°Really?¡± I asked without smiling.


    ¡°Yeah. Wanna go out with me?¡± he asked. I swallowed a few times at what he said and looked at his entire appearance.


    ¡°Tonight?¡± I asked then he nodded.


    Again, I looked at his bright eyes and then focused on the wine that ced in front of me. I am here, to get wasted and here I was flirting with someone I didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°You¡¯re drunk,¡± I said.


    ¡°Oh I¡¯m not baby,¡±


    I looked at his face again and I bit my lip cause in his eyes, there was lust.


    ¡°Yes you are,¡± I insisted.


    ¡°I¡¯m not. I can make you-¡± he came closer to me and whispered. ¡°scream in pleasure. We will go to have fun tonight,¡± I feel aroused because of his voice. It¡¯s hot! I think, I¡¯m getting wet. God! What am I doing?


    ¡°Can I taste your lips?¡± he said while looking at my lips.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I said weakly.


    Right from that moment, I agreed to what he wanted, his lipsnded onto mine and it I gave in. I came with him and surrendered myself like without hesitation.


    Just like now, I couldn¡¯t control myself anymore. I responded to everything he gave me. I didn¡¯t know when or how we got into his room when we were just in the kitchen earlier.


    I didn¡¯t know what¡¯s in his kisses and it always made me follow him as if it¡¯s magic, that everytime I taste it, I¡¯ll just do what he wanted me to do.


    I gasped when he broke the kiss. This was not in my n. My only n is to get to know him to find out if he is a good father or not.


    He doesn¡¯t even remember me, so I know he¡¯ll be surprised if he finds out that we have a child.


    I pretended to be his maid to make it easier for me to get to know him, but why is he the one working me? I mean, why is he flirting me?


    ¡°You don¡¯t have a husband, do you?¡± I opened my eyes when I heard him. Hus-Husband?


    ¡°Anyway, I don¡¯t f*cking care,¡± he said and he pushed me onto the bed and he came on top of me.


    We stared at each other for a while and then he put a few strands of my hair that covered my face behind my ear.


    ¡°Pretty,¡± he said.


    ¡°Really?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yeah. I like your eyes. It¡¯s beautiful,¡± he added.


    I didn¡¯t know why but I blushed when he said that. The effect was still the same. He¡¯s the only man who can made me feel that.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°But why did you scold me the first time I came here? You were so strict back then as if like I did wrong.¡±


    His lips twitched up.


    ¡°Because I felt like you don¡¯t like me. It¡¯s like you were forced to work here. Anyway, you told me that you didn¡¯t finish your degree. What did you take?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Architecture,¡± I said.


    ¡°What if I offer you a schrship? Will you ept it?¡± he asked.


    I felt like someone caressed my heart when he said that. I didn¡¯t know he had a side like this. Is he nice to everyone or just me?


    Is he a good person?


    ¡°Thank you but I can¡¯t ept it, Steven. I have to work¡± I said. Of course, because I need a full-time job. I resigned from my online job that earns me money to support my son and there¡¯s a lot of expenses that I must to pay.


    ¡°No worry. You still have a sry while studying,¡± he said.


    ¡°It¡¯s too much. I can¡¯t ept that. Just let me work here in your house. That¡¯s okay with me,¡± I said.


    I didn¡¯t know why he seemed shocked by what I said. Why? Did I say something wrong? He stood up which surprised me. I also stood up while looking at his back.


    ¡°Why? Is there something wrong with what I said?¡±


    ¡°Are you for real?¡± he asked in disbelief. Huh? Why? Did I offend him?


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand you at all,¡± I said.


    Hebed his hair with his fingers and looked at me.


    ¡°Okay, I believe you¡¯re not using me. D*mn!¡±


    Huh? He thought I was using him? Did he just suspected me like a gold digger? I frowned.


    ¡°So you¡¯re just testing me earlier?¡±


    ¡°Kind of,¡± he said, looking embarrassed.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know what to think because you¡¯re really seducing me and it¡¯s working,¡± he said making my eyes widen. And when did I seduce him?


    ¡°Oh mister! I¡¯m not seducing you. It¡¯s not my fault that you¡¯re attracted to me.¡± I said. He approached me and held my chin up so that I can see his face clearly. He¡¯s taller than me even though I¡¯m tall.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m very attracted to you and there¡¯s something urging me to take you in my bed tonight. Tasting and pleasing you until you beg me to stop. Will you allow me to do that?¡± His voice was so enticing that I swallowed hard.


    His eyes were full of lust. Just by looking at him, I know that my panty got wet. I cursed myself when I realized that it¡¯s him who¡¯s seducing me.


    ¡°Y-Yes,¡± when he heard the confirmation from me, he immediately grabbed my nape and sealed my lips with his lips. Damn! He¡¯s so good!

 Chapter 7

    Steven woke up in the middle of the night and immediately looked at the girl next to him. The girl who got his attention since she arrived at his house.


    He had no idea that a very beautifuldy reced his maid who just resigned recently. He didn¡¯t know anything about Ria who applied to be his maid because it was his friend who hired her.


    He remembered the first day when Ria entered his house carrying a small bag. He was drinking coffee that time. He was shocked the moment his eyesnded to her face. He couldn¡¯t believe that there¡¯s such a beauty that existed.


    For Steven, Ria was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. But the girl seemed to be elusive to him which annoyed him. He didn¡¯t have any idea why he felt like Ria putting some distance from him.


    He scolded her often but secretly observing her while cleaning. He didn¡¯t know why he¡¯s very attentive to his new maid.


    He tried to be close to her but the girl was obviously ufortable in his presence.


    He couldn¡¯t believe that Ria, a beautifuldy was his new maid. For Steven, someone like Ria mighte from a wealthy family. Ria seemed like had a foreign blood and she also had a porcin skin, that¡¯s why Steven thought, she came from afortable life.


    So he wondered why the girl was here at his house and working as a maid.


    If Steven is obsessed with Ria¡¯s beautiful face, he¡¯s even more obsessed with her eyes. The eyes that caught his attention. He said to himself that he had seen those eyes before but he just couldn¡¯t remember where and when.


    When he woke up, he couldn¡¯t stop caressing the girl¡¯s cheek. He was happy to be with herst night, especially that Ria surrendered herself to him.


    He was about to get out of bed to get water when Ria¡¯s cell phone that was in her bag suddenly rang. Steven frowned wondering who was calling the girl at this hour.


    ¡°It¡¯s already midnight. Who is it?¡± Steven asked himself curiously.


    He knew it¡¯s not good to meddle about other people¡¯s stuff but curiosity ate him. So he took Ria¡¯s cell phone from her bag and he saw the caller who made his jaw tighten.


    ¡®MyLove¡¯ was the one calling Ria, but since Steven didn¡¯t know who it was, his system is filled with envy, jealousy and annoyance. He was about to answer the call, when it stopped.


    While on the other hand, Hivo was lying in bed with Ria¡¯s friend named Lia. She was the one who looked after the child because she doesn¡¯t have a job every night unlike Divine.


    The child woke up and asked Lia if his mother called him while he was sleeping, but Lia answered no because Ria didn¡¯t actually call her son since she was doing something ¡®sexy¡¯ earlier with Steven.


    ¡°Aunt Lia, is mom okay?¡± Hivo asked.


    ¡°Yes baby. Why are you asking?¡±


    ¡°Why is she not calling me earlier?¡± Hivo wondered, Lia also wondering why her friend didn¡¯t call them which is unusual because she always calls to say hello to her son.


    ¡°Do you want me to call mom for you?¡± Lia asked to calm the boy down.


    She took Hivo¡¯s cellphone that was on the table near their bed to call Ria. But it wasn¡¯t answered because Steven was the one holding the phone and he¡¯s just staring at it for a long time reading the contact name my love all over again.


    ¡®What happened to you Ria? Why are you not picking up the phone?¡¯ Lia said in her mind. Because Hivo was still sleepy, he slowly closed his eyes and fell asleep.


    She didn¡¯t call Ria again but she sent her a message then went back to sleep.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you answering the call, babe?¡± Lia¡¯s style is to call her friends babe which is sometimes misinterpreted by others.


    After Steven read the message from ¡®MyLove¡¯ he immediately left and didn¡¯t bother to reply. ¡®She has a babe and yet, she let me f*ck her? Great! Just great!¡¯ Steven thought.


    ¡®Is he her first? It doesn¡¯t matter to me if I¡¯m not her first because I respect her. It makes me proud if I¡¯m the first one to touch her, but if not, it¡¯s okay because she is a great, beautiful and amazing woman, so I¡¯m happy that she responds to my kisses without hesitation.¡¯ He continuously mumbling while going to his car.


    After he read the message, his mind just blew up. It¡¯s too much! ¡®Is she taken? Okay fine, I¡¯ll get her from whoever the hell that man is.¡¯


    ¡°Man, why are you here?¡± his friend Philip greeted him. It¡¯s a miracle that his friend stayed the country and not in another one. Of all his friends, Philip was the one who can¡¯t stay in one ce.


    ¡°Nothing. Just wanted to chill¡±


    ¡°Is it because of Amanda?¡± Philip asked without looking at him


    ¡°Of course not. I don¡¯t care about her,¡± Steven said. He couldn¡¯t understand that girl. After she cheated on him six years ago, he realized that he was so dumb that he gave everything to her. ¡®She¡¯s not worthy of the love I gave.¡¯ Steven thought


    ¡°Here,¡± he epted the wine Philip gave him. They were in the VIP room of a friend¡¯s bar. He didn¡¯t n toe in the today, but he needed to chill and calm his system.


    ¡°Thanks bro,¡± Steven said.


    ¡°Anyway, do you believe me that I saw a child at the airport recently that looked exactly the same like you?¡±


    Philip called him and told him about a kid he saw who looked like him. He insisted that it was probably his child from the girl he had sex with in a one-night stand but Steven didn¡¯t buy that because he always believe that he¡¯s using protection while being intimate with some.


    ¡°So you don¡¯t believe me. Man, that¡¯s your son. I¡¯m sure because you don¡¯t just simr to other, you have the same face with that child. If that¡¯s not your son, who is it then? Your youngest brother?¡± Steven justughed at his friend.


    ¡°That¡¯s too much, Philip. I¡¯m always safe bro. I always use protection,¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s really your son bro. Just.. fine..  I¡¯ll find them in Canada and when I find them, I¡¯ll send the photos to you. So for now, be a good man bro and stop the hate,¡± he said, which Steven didn¡¯t take that seriously. He¡¯s crazy.


    Steven was confident that he doesn¡¯t have a child. He always made sure that his name wouldn¡¯t be put in scandal. But if he wants to, then he¡¯ll choose to have a child to the girl he wanted to be with for the rest of his life.


    ¡°What are you pointing out, Philip?¡± they both looked at the neer. It¡¯s Steven¡¯s sister, Hannah. Philip sat properly when he saw Hannahing. Steven thought Philip likes his sister but Hannah was hard to please so Steven¡¯s felt sorry for his friend.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Because he has a child Han. I saw it!¡± Philip said. Hannah looked surprised. Well, she knew that already.


    ¡°Are you the father of Amanda¡¯s baby, Steven?¡± Hannah asked her brother, trying to manipte the situation.


    ¡°No. That¡¯s not mine,¡± Steven answered firmly.


    ¡°So who¡¯s kid is this idiot talking about?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Philip said when Hannah called him ¡°idiot¡±.


    ¡°It¡¯s true. I saw a child who looked exactly like your brother. I suspect that it was his son with the woman he had sex with from his one-night stand,¡± Philip said.


    ¡®He¡¯s so sure that it was my brother¡¯s son,¡¯ Hannah thought. ¡®Wait. Have he met my nephew? No, Han. Maybe he saw Hivo and Ria at the airport but Steven didn¡¯t believe him.¡¯


    Hannahughed at Philip so Steven just shook his head.


    ¡°You just got home?¡± Steven asked his sister-Hannah. He heard from their mom that his sister went to Canada.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m so tired,¡± Hannah replied. Steven noticed the paper bag she was carrying. Based on what¡¯s printed on the bag, Steven realized what¡¯s inside the bag.


    It¡¯s a toy. ¡®Why would my sister bought that? To whom she¡¯ll give that?¡¯ Steven wondered.


    ¡°To whom is that for?¡± Steven asked referring to the toy his sister brought.


    ¡°It¡¯s a present, brother. For my friend¡¯s son,¡± she said and smiled. Steven knew his sister very well. He knew she¡¯s lying.


    When Hannah saw that her brother was not convinced, she immediately said goodbye and left. Steven chose to ignore it and just drink.


    ¡°So why are you here drinking?¡± Philip asked again.


    Steven looked at him.


    ¡°Well, I met a woman. She¡¯s pretty man. She¡¯s gorgeous, beautiful and ugh.. lovely,¡±


    ¡°Are you drunk bro? What you¡¯re saying is just synonyms of beautiful,¡± Philip said, shaking his head andughing.


    ¡°Ohh.. Really? Well.. She¡¯s indeed beautiful man and amazing too.¡±


    ¡°You love her,¡± Philip said so Steven looked at him surprised.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Just, I can¡¯t take my eyes on her,¡±


    ¡°So what¡¯s your problem?¡± Philip asked.


    ¡°I think she¡¯s taken. You know, I¡¯ve been in different rtionships with different girls and I haven¡¯t reached the point where I want to have a woman¡¯s attention. If she shows flirts me, it¡¯s good but if she doesn¡¯t, it¡¯s okay. But in my case now, I want everything from her. I always want her to pay attention to me. I want her by myself only,¡± Steven said and took another shot of alcohol.


    ¡°Man, you¡¯re in love,¡± Philip said seriously.


    ¡°So what are you up to now?¡± he added.


    ¡°I¡¯m willing to be her ¡°secret lover¡± for the meantime. I intend to snatch her from whoever she¡¯s in a rtionship with right now,¡±


    ¡°Man, you¡¯re crazy. It¡¯s not so you,¡± Philip pointed whileughing.

 Chapter 8

    RIA


    I woke up early in the morning. I groped for Steven but he was no longer by my side so I stood up and looked around the room to find him. ¡®Where is he?¡¯ I asked in vain.


    I took my phone that was on the table and picked up my bag that was on the floor as well as my clothes. I looked for where my panty was but I couldn¡¯t find it. I don¡¯t know where Steven threw thatst night.


    I left the room and looked for Steven downstairs but I couldn¡¯t find him in the living room either. I went back to my room to take a shower before I called my son.


    I didn¡¯t know why Steven left. Is there an emergency at hispany? Why didn¡¯t he say goodbye? But why would he inform me? We¡¯re not a thing.


    To remove those negative thoughts from my mind, I decided to cool off my mind.


    After I take a bath, I called my son. I miss him so much.


    Divine answered it immediately after the first ring.


    ¡°Hello,¡± her frowning face exposed to me.


    ¡°Why are you so ugly?¡± I saidughing.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t start with me, Ri. I¡¯m not in the mood. Where were youst night and you didn¡¯t call Lili?¡± she asked. I sighed. I forgot to call my sonst night because I didn¡¯t expect what happened to me and Steven.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you when I get home, Vine. Anyway, I¡¯m fine,¡± I said.


    ¡°How about your peanut?¡± her question made my eyes widen. Peanut means vag! na.


    ¡°Watch your mouth, Divina,¡± I said. Gosh! This woman!


    Sheughed.


    ¡°Let me talk to my son,¡± I said.


    ¡°Your son? Well, he¡¯s with his aunt,¡±


    ¡°Aunt? Who?¡±


    ¡°Who else? Hannah of course,¡± she said. Oh My God! Did Hannah visit?


    ¡°Where are they now?¡± I asked curiously.


    ¡°She¡¯s in the living room. They are ying. Hannah brought a gift! Scratch that- I guess, she just brought the whole toy factory.¡± Iughed at what my friend said.


    ¡°My son? How is he?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not in the mood earlier because you didn¡¯t call himst night. But when his aunt Hannah came, his mood change,¡± I sighed.


    ¡°Alright. Thanks Vine. I¡¯ll call youter. Don¡¯t be jealous.¡± I said, mocking her.


    ¡°Jealous? Who?¡± she said and hung up the call.


    I smirked. I know you very well, Vine.


    So now, since I¡¯m alone and I couldn¡¯t find Steven, maybe I¡¯ll just cook to eat. I will do hisundryter.


    It¡¯s six o¡¯clock in the evening, and Steven still isn¡¯t there. I am really wondering now why he left me. Did he leave because he got what he wanted?


    I should stop thinking this nonsense.


    But why am I bothered now by the fact that he left me after we did thatst night?


    I have done all the diversions but still no effect. So I decided to sit down and wait for him.


    Time passed and I got more and more nervous. When I heard a car horn outside, I know that Steven has arrived.


    I opened the gate for him, his ck car entered, before it even reached the garage the car stopped. Steven came out clearly drunk.


    So I quickly came to him to support him not to fall.


    ¡°My baby,¡± he said when I held him. He turned to me and touched my cheek.


    I tried to carry his weight into the house. I didn¡¯t know why he got drunk. We were fine yesterday.


    When we entered the living room, I put him on the sofa. I quickly got a basin of water and a clean face towel to wipe him. His face was red, a sign of being soaked in alcohol.


    ¡°W.. Why are you so pretty?¡± He said staring at me. He tried to reach out to me, but because I was wiping him, I moved away, making him frown again.


    ¡°Why avoi.. ding me?¡± This is damn hard. I ignored him and took off his slippers took off his clothes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s change your clothes upstairs so you don¡¯t get cold.¡± I said. He shook his head.


    ¡°No. Sit first,¡± he said like a child.


    I sat next to him and he shook his head again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t.. there. Sit beside.. me,¡± he said.


    ¡°Here..¡± he tapped hisp. I sighed and followed his tuntrums.


    ¡°You might get cold. Change your clothes first,¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to,¡± and then he hugged me and buried his face in my neck.


    ¡°Why did you drink too much?¡±


    Heughed sarcastically.. ¡°To cool off my mind¡­ You¡¯re taken.. But I don¡¯t want you to be taken by someone else. I want you to be taken because of me. I want you to be mine,¡± I blushed at what he said.


    ¡°Who told you I am taken?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s someone in your phone calling you earlier. I got curious so I took your phone inside your bag. Even though it¡¯s wrong,¡± he said pouting. So he was the one who put my phone on the table?


    ¡°Who called me? I asked.


    ¡°Your love¡± he said and his face immediately changed. I couldn¡¯t stopughing because of that. Seriously? Is he jealous? It¡¯s our son who is calling.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Why are youughing at me?¡± He asked confused.


    ¡°Because you¡¯re funny,¡± I said.


    ¡°Break up with him,¡± he ordered. Oh my God! Our situation is crazy.


    ¡°Sorry Steven. But I can¡¯t,¡± I said, trying to suppressed myughter. Pain, jealousy and disappointment shed in his eyes. Is he in love? With me? It¡¯s too fast. I admit that I am attracted to him but is he too? Really?


    ¡°Do you love him?¡± he asked. I nodded in response. Silly! Of course I love him. He¡¯s our son after all.


    ¡°Me? How about me? You allow me to kiss you, hug you, to f*ck you. What are we?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re my boss. I¡¯m your maid. So that¡¯s¡­ we are.¡± I saidughing as his face frowned even more.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want that. I¡¯ll make you mine,¡± he said.


    ¡°Really?¡± I¡¯m still enjoying this conversation with him.


    ¡°Yes. So I¡¯m willing to be your little dirty secret,¡± he said and hugged me tightly.


    ¡°Baby,¡± he said calmly making my chest pound.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s so nice to call you that,¡± he said. Yes, I agree! It¡¯s scary but at the same time, it feels good.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry,¡± heined.


    ¡°I cooked. Do you want to eat first?¡± I asked him gently. He nodded so I stood up to help him stand up and we walked towards the kitchen.


    I put rice on the te and a bowl of soup with fish. Steven was just focused on what I was doing, particrly on me. I didn¡¯t know why but I just let him.


    ¡°Why are you looking at me?¡± I asked,


    ¡°Nothing baby. You¡¯re just pretty and perfect,¡± he said seriously while staring at me.


    Just a simple words but my face immediately turned red. When he noticed my reaction, he smiled and started eating.


    ¡°How is it? Is it good?¡±


    ¡°Yes. But you taste better,¡± he said. Okay, what¡¯s with him? Why does he have so many flowery words now?


    ¡°Alright. Eat now. I cooked it for you,¡± I said. He nodded and ate well which made me smile too.


    I wonder what Steven¡¯s reaction would be if he found out that there was a Hivo in the world that came from him? Will he be angry at me? Will he be happy? Will he ept Hivo? or not?


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    STEVEN


    ¡°I found the one I want to marry,¡± Steven said to himself while staring at Ria who was taking care of him. For Steven, people like Ria are people who should be kept.


    ¡®She¡¯s a wife material. She¡¯s perfect. She¡¯s going to be a perfect wife and a mother to our children,¡¯ he added.

 Chapter 9

    7 in the morning and Steven still hasn¡¯t woken up yet. I have already cooked our breakfast because I want to invite him if he want toe with me to Tagaytay.


    I didn¡¯t even know if he still remembers what he told me yesterday but for now, I have made up my mind to tell him the truth about our son.


    My phone rang and I saw Hannah calling. I looked up to see if Steven was awake before I answered the call. After making sure that he¡¯s deeply asleep, I answered Hannah.


    ¡°Han?¡±


    .


    ¡°My soon to be sister inw. Are you still at home with my brother?¡± what? Did she just call me soon to be sister inw? Oh my God! Hannah is hrious.


    ¡°Yes, why? Lourdes isn¡¯t here yet, so I¡¯m staying here.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s okay sister-inw. Even if you live there forever, it¡¯s really okay,¡± I reallyughed when Hannah said that. It¡¯s like she¡¯s really pimping me out with her brother.


    ¡°Oh why did you call me?¡±


    ¡°I will kidnap your son today if that¡¯s okay with you. I promise, I will take good care of him. I just really want my nephew to bond,¡± I stood up for a moment because I heard a bang in Steven¡¯s room so I quickly entered my room and locked it.


    ¡°Please Ri.. If you agree agree¡­ I swear I will return him to Lia before evening,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just keep an eye on him. If you eat outside Han, don¡¯t give him shrimp. He¡¯s allergic to it, and he doesn¡¯t like to eat beans so if there¡¯s any vegetables, so spare him with beans. Hivo is really picky when ites to food,¡± I said and Hannahughed in surprise from the other line.


    ¡°Got it Ri. I¡¯m also not into seafoods because my brother and my dad are both allergic to shrimps. So yeah, we¡¯re not used with foods like that. I think my nephew¡¯s allergy to shrimp, he got it from his dad,¡± Hannah exined.


    It didn¡¯t take long before Hannah immediately said goodbye so I texted Divine that Hannah would borrow Hivo and my witch friend immediately replied, ¡°Got it!¡±


    I left the room, and I saw Steven who was about to knock on the door. He was naked and still had a towel on his shoulder.


    I was about to say. ¡®why are you here?¡¯, when he suddenly kissed me which surprised me.


    Then he turned and marched up to his room.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have breakfast together baby. Wait for me, I¡¯ll take a shower first,¡± he said as if like, he didn¡¯t do anything wrong.


    I touched my lips and I suddenly felt my cheeks turned red from what Steven did earlier.


    Did he just kiss me?


    Oh my God!


    I felt like a teenager because of what he did.


    Because of that, I suddenly thought of having coffee first and waited for that man to finish taking a shower. Geez! Steven is full of surprises isn¡¯t he?


    Steven walked towards me like he¡¯s modelling a clothing product. Surely, even a teared clothes look good on him.


    People like Steven is an asset to any modelling agency. I mean he looked real hot. Steven was so handsome and hot. I couldn¡¯t imagine what kind of morning I would have if he was with me every day.


    I didn¡¯t know that I was staring at him too much that I didn¡¯t even notice his face that is now closer to my face. I was so deep in thought that I didn¡¯t even realize that he drank my coffee.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been staring at me for a while now. Am I really that handsome?¡± he asked.


    I didn¡¯t know what to answer. He¡¯s so full of himself. But everything he bragged are true.


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re handsome,¡± I answered.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ more handsome than your boyfriend? You can leave him if you want to because I¡¯m more handsome than him,¡± he said. I pouted. He didn¡¯t know that there was no boyfriend he shouldpare himself to. If there is, it is his son. If he¡¯s indeed jealous, then he¡¯s jealous to his own son. Silly!


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I think he¡¯s more handsome,¡± I said. His forehead furrowed and it looked like he didn¡¯t like what I said. I just ignored him and took the basket I had prepared earlier.


    ¡°Wanna go out with me?¡±


    ¡°Where?¡± he looked confused.


    ¡°Tagaytay,¡± I answered shortly.


    ¡°You¡¯re asking me out? Like a date?¡± He asked with a smile.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I said and he smiled showing all his teeth. He¡¯s so cute.


    ¡°Alright. How many days are we in Tagaytay?¡± he asked.


    ¡°It depends, Anyway, go and prepare your things,¡± I said. I smiled when I saw the joy on his face. It¡¯s contagious and it touched my heart.


    He left and went back up to his room. I felt like I am the guy in our situation but it¡¯s okay, I mean there¡¯s nothing wrong if sometimes the woman makes the effort for the man. We are in a world where everyone is equal so there¡¯s nothing wrong about it.


    I prepared my things and took the envelope. It¡¯s the DNA result of Steven and Hivo.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    I know that Steven is the father of my child but I need this in case Steven doesn¡¯t believe that we have a child. I just need this paper as my supporting evidence. I don¡¯t want him to think of the negative side that I¡¯m doing this because he¡¯s rich or something. That I¡¯m chasing money.


    The result was positive and I breathed a sigh of relief even though I knew the truth. I¡¯m still nervous of that. I immediately put it in the bag and went out. I just let my slightly curly hair fall behind me.


    When I went out from the maid¡¯s quarter, I saw Steven waiting for me.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t change the clothes. I ran out of time. I called my secretary to cancel the appointments this day and it took a little longer so yeah. I don¡¯t want to keep you waiting.¡± he exined.


    I just nodded.


    ¡°That¡¯s okay. You look good no matter what you wear. So let¡¯s go?¡±


    Steven smiled, showing his dimples.


    I¡¯m nervous about what might happenter. He¡¯ll be surprised and I know it. I prepared myself for his reaction. If it happen to me, I¡¯ll be surprised too.


    But, what scares me as a mother is the fact that he¡¯ll reject our son.


    Just thinking about the look of my son¡¯s face, I¡¯m, sure it¡¯ll break me so bad.


    Hivo is my life now. He¡¯s my everything. I¡¯m here with Steven because of our son. I will do everything for my son. If he¡¯s going to be happy to meet his father, I have to make sure that his father is a good man. That¡¯s what I am praying as his mother.


    ¡°Why are you so quite? Are you okay?¡± I looked at him and tried to smile. I tried not to overthink and tried to enjoy this trip with him. I¡¯ve only been with him for a few weeks, but we¡¯re already feelfortable with each other.


    ¡°Babe, you know what, you should sleep in my room every night,¡± he said out of the blue. He¡¯s been telling me for a week about that, and I always rejected him.


    I said no, but he still didn¡¯t give up on asking me that.


    ¡°How many times did you tell me that? You¡¯ve been convincing me for weeks now.¡±


    ¡°More than 100? I think?¡± I just shook my head and focused my attention outside.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you want to? I mean, I will behave babe,¡± he said pouting.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying, Steven.¡± I said and he pouted like a woman so Iughed at his looked


    .


    After that day when he came home drunk, our rtionship improved a bit. I became his instant girlfriend-wife which is weird on my part.


    It¡¯s my job to serve him because I am his maid but my job goes beyond that when ites to him. I don¡¯t have anyints about that, but sometimes, it feels like it¡¯s wrong. It¡¯s wrong for me to do those things because we didn¡¯t reallymit to each other.


    Everything I did to him was all on me. I like pampering him and I like the attention he¡¯s giving me.. And it¡¯s scary because I¡¯m getting used to it. I¡¯m getting used to his kisses every morning or his presence alone. Steven is so clingy that¡¯s why- I sighed.


    There was not sex happened to us after that night. We just did things like, watching movies together, eat together or doing the simple household chores together.


    The only exception was that, we¡¯re sleeping in different rooms. I didn¡¯t agree to his offer because it¡¯s kinda inappropriate. Even though I¡¯m like this, my grandmother still raised me and I could still remember some of her conservative advices to me.


    Even my adopted parents taught me to act like a conservativedy. That¡¯s why, I always declined his offer.


    ¡°So aside from you wanting me to be with you, babe, what other reason do you have for asking me to go to Tagaytay?¡± Steven asked.


    ¡°Other reason? I don¡¯t think no more other reason,¡± I answered inly.


    ¡°Babe,¡± he eximed. Really? Why is he acting like a child?


    ¡°What do you want to hear?¡± I askedughing and looked back at him.


    ¡°That you want me so bad,¡± he demanded.


    I didn¡¯t answer him because his brain was being abnormal again. I sighed. Steven is very hard-headed than his son.

 Chapter 10

    We arrived in Tagaytay safely. We chose to stay in my grandma¡¯s house bequeathed to me. This house is the only memory I have left of my grandmother, so even though I was struggling with money, I still didn¡¯t sell it.


    Steven poked me.


    ¡°Babe, what¡¯s really the reason you bring me here? Do you have a n to do here with me?¡± Steven said teasingly. I rolled my eyes to him. God! This man is a-argh!


    ¡°Oh! Please.. don¡¯t get me started.¡± Heughed real hard after I said that.


    ¡°Seriously babe, why did you bring me here? Is there a problem? Is there something you wanna tell me?¡± Even though I was nervous, I still tried to smile.


    ¡®Is this it? Shall I say it? Am I going to do the right thing or the wrong thing?¡¯ I asked myself.


    ¡°Steven, can we perhaps enjoy this day? I want to get to know you. Is that okay with you?¡±


    Steven¡¯s face showed surprise at what I said but he agreed.


    ¡°Is that the reason you asked me to go in Tagaytay?¡± I nodded.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m okay with that since I¡¯m handsome.¡±


    He¡¯s really full of himself but what he said is true so I just let him brag his appearance.


    The house was a bit dirty so we started cleaning the whole house.


    I was busy cleaning when Steven hugged me from my back. I looked at him and asked ¡°why?¡±


    ¡°Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?¡± Iughed a little withpliments.


    ¡°Silly!¡± I said and smiled.


    I faced him and boldly touched his cheek. I wondered, if by the time I tell him the truth, will he be able to look at me like how he looked at me now? Is he still sweet? Or he¡¯ll get mad?


    It¡¯s crazy to think but after we did that, I couldn¡¯t get him out of my system. He¡¯s the father of my child, the first man I trusted with myself.


    I¡¯ve been looking for you Steven for a long time, from Canada to the Philippines. I¡¯m looking for you not because of our son, it¡¯s because I wanted to see you too again.


    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that, babe?¡±


    ¡°Why? How do I look at you?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re looking at me like I¡¯m handsome, that you like me, that you love me. Are you in love with me?¡± He asked seriously.


    ¡°You¡¯re so assuming,¡± I saidughing.


    ¡°Are you sure we¡¯ve never met before, babe?¡±


    ¡°Why did you ask? You keep repeating it. You feel like we¡¯ve met before?¡±


    ¡°Hmm.. Yeah.. I doubt it.¡± he said.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Because if we met before, I¡¯m sure I won¡¯t forget you.. so yeah.. even though you¡¯re familiar with me, I think it¡¯s impossible that our paths have crossed before.¡± He said.


    I wanted to say, fool, we did met, but you didn¡¯t remember me.


    I was about to open my mouth to speak when the door suddenly opened and an unexpected guest entered.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± I asked while looking at the unexpected guest.


    ¡°Who are you,¡± she said ring at me.


    ¡°Amanda what are you doing here? How did you find this ce? Are you following me?¡± Steven asked angrily.


    ¡°Why are you so mad? Yes. I am following you and I have the rights to do that because I will be the mother of your child, the heir of yourpany!¡±


    So this is Amanda that Hannah kept on telling me. No wonder she doesn¡¯t like her because she¡¯s a user. It was obvious that she¡¯s just forcing herself to Steven. She¡¯s pretty but I¡¯m prettier than her.


    ¡°What are you talking about? You¡¯re going crazy! How many times have I told you that your child is not mine, so why are you still insisting that I¡¯m the father of that when we haven¡¯t been together for a long time?!¡±


    My eyebrows arched as I watched them shouting inside my house. I have no intention of interfering with them because it¡¯s their problem but if this girl move that annoys me, I won¡¯t just sit here and watch her.


    I¡¯m not like other women out there who cry on the side and let someone else oppress them. If she curse me, then I¡¯ll curse her too.


    ¡°Why did you keep on rejecting me? Is it because of that maid? My God Steven, how many times do I have to tell you that this child is yours? This is your child, your flesh and blood!¡±


    ¡°I know which women I put my seeds in and for your information there is no other woman I put them in.. well.. except for one.¡± Steven said and turned to me meaningfully. I suddenly blushed remembering what happened to us recently.


    ¡°How dare you for cheating on me!¡± Amandaconda said. Yeah, she looks like a snake.


    ¡°Amanda wake up! We broke up for a long time! it¡¯s you who cheated on me first and I moved on so please do the same.¡±


    Ows. So there was something about them. What happened then?


    ¡°But Steven I¡¯d still love you. We¡¯re having a baby now. So why are you like that? Didn¡¯t you always want us to have a child? Remember you followed me to Canada 6 years ago to settle things with me. You love me and I know that! That maid is only seducing you. Pleasee back to me!¡± Amanda said begging.


    So she was the reason why Steven got drunk that night. So she¡¯s the reason why Steven was in Canada 6 years ago.


    Well.. too bad for her because I saw Steven that time. She threw Steven away, so I picked him up. Thanks to her because I met Steven there. Thanks to her because Steven became the father of my child.


    Because I¡¯m bored watching that girl¡¯s drama so I exited myself to get a sandwich. I got starving while watching them.


    ¡°Where are you going babe?¡± Steven asked.


    ¡°Kitchen.. I¡¯ll make a sandwich, I¡¯m hungry.. let¡¯s talk after your business with her,¡± I said


    I went to kitchen and look for mayonnaise but I forgot to bring one earlier.


    I looked at Steven who was still talking to Amandaconda.


    ¡°Steven,¡± I called him but he¡¯s still busy talking to Amandaconda,


    I thought of something silly to annoy that female witch. She ruined my n on telling Steven about the truth. This vacation was supposed to be full of our moments but Amanda ruined it.


    I¡¯ll get back to her. I smiled wickedly.


    ¡°Babe,¡± I called Steven.


    I saw him stop talking and answered ¡°Yes babe?¡± and turned to me with a silly smile. I smiled too.


    I bit the bottom of my lip to stop myughter then asked him if-


    ¡°Babe.. are you done with that?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    ¡°No. We¡¯re not done talking yet.¡± Amandaconda interrupted angrily.


    ¡°Ahm, babe.. can I ask you to buy mayonnaise?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Sure babe,¡± Steven left immediately and ignored Amandaconda¡¯s shout at him.


    ¡°You b**ch, you meant that, right? You purposely ask him out!¡± She shouted at me.


    ¡°Congrats, you¡¯re right,¡± I teased and sneered at her.


    She was about to attack me out of annoyance but I raised the knife I was holding at her.


    ¡°First of all, I have a knife in my hand. Second, you¡¯re in my territory. The third time you approach me, this knife will slice your throat. Remember that. Don¡¯t me, cause if you are a devil, I¡¯m Satan!¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t take Steven from me, remember that.¡± She said and walked away.


    ¡°Girl for the record I¡¯ve done it already. I didn¡¯t do that much how much more if I try to do something,¡± I teased her with a smile. It¡¯s a good feeling when you know that the person in front of you is annoyed because of you.


    ¡°Of course you can do that because you¡¯re a slut. It¡¯s your job to steal, right?¡±


    I shrugged my shoulder.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I flirted, he flirted back so we¡¯re even. How about you? You¡¯re trying your best to seduce him but he¡¯s ignoring you. Why is that?¡± I smirked. ¡°Is it because you¡¯re ugly?¡±


    ¡°Argh! I hate you!¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°The feeling is mutual so I hate you too¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not because you have Steven, his family is also on your side. For the record, I¡¯m close to his family, so don¡¯t expect any more. You¡¯re only after money from him,¡± she said and left . I just shook my head and looked at the message that Hannah sent just now.


    It¡¯s a photo of her and Hivo. They were in the pool area and Hivo was kissing Hannah¡¯s cheek while Hannah was smiling big at the camera. It looked like, they were having fun.


    ¡°Hi future sister-inw, your son is so sweet,¡± she said.


    No wonder Divine is jealous of Hannah because my son is obviously close to her aunt even though they have just met.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Amanda?¡± Steven asked when he arrived.


    ¡°She left,¡± I answered with a shrug.


    ¡°Okay¡±


    ¡°Are you sure that you are not the father of her baby?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I didn¡¯t touch her. She just came in 2 months ago and she said that she¡¯s pregnant and I am the father which is impossible because we haven¡¯t seen each other in a long time.¡±


    ¡°Then why would she insist that you are the father of her child?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know..¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes. One more thing, I have no ns to have children yet. I have no ns to give up my freedom as bachelor. And I want to be with you first, just us,¡± Steven said, making the smile disappear from my lips.


    I forced a smile and took the mayonnaise he bought.


    ¡°Why?¡± I asked being difort to his confession.


    ¡°Why are you asking?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Nothing.. let¡¯s eat first before we go for a walk. I¡¯m hungry,¡± I said and turned around to discard the DNA result in my bag.

 Chapter 11

    We didn¡¯t stay long in Tagaytay because his secretary called that there was a problem with thepany.


    I didn¡¯t say anything about our son because he just said that he wanted to enjoy his freedom as a bachelor. So what¡¯s the point of telling him truth? He¡¯ll just reject our son for sure.


    Lourdes has also returned so there are two of us now cleaning the house. I can go home at night and sleep with Hivo. As for Steven, he was out of town for a week so we didn¡¯t see each other now for a week too.


    ¡°Ria, is there a problem?¡± I looked at Lourdes who was looking at me worriedly.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, I¡¯m fine¡± I tried to smile to make hercent.


    But she didn¡¯t seem convinced that I was fine so I just said that I¡¯ll clean the house.


    But before I could move, the door opened and men in ck suits came in carrying suitcases..


    ¡°Finally!¡± We looked at the woman and it was Amandaconda who closed her eyes and smiling. I¡¯m wondering why she¡¯s here but I guessed, based on the suitcases the bodyguards were carrying, it looked like she¡¯s going to live here.


    My forehead furrowed. Did Steven let her? Does Steven know this?


    ¡°Oh you¡¯re here.¡± The look of annoyance on her face was obvious as she looked at me.


    I was about to leave to go to the pool when Amandaconda grabbed my hand.


    ¡°Wait a minute. Don¡¯t be rude,¡± I looked at her and my whole body almost trembled with anger.


    ¡°Let go,¡± I said and tried to calm myself down.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to. You¡¯re just a maid here, but in Tagaytay, you¡¯re acting like the wife of Steven,¡±


    ¡°At least the man you say is the father of your child didn¡¯t throw me away. Unlike you,¡± I pulled my hand away from her grip when she suddenly pped me.


    I growled in anger so I pped her back. I don¡¯t care if she is pregnant. Like I said, I¡¯m not like everyone else who can just be oppressed.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening here?¡± a sophisticateddy entered and Amandaconda started crying.


    ¡°Oh Ria!¡± Lourdes whispered to me. Fears creep into her face while looking at the neer.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry ma¡¯am. Ria didn¡¯t know what she did,¡± Aleng Lourdes apologized to her.


    ¡°Mommy, send that girl away. She hurts me,¡± Amandaconda said crying. I wanted to roll my eyes. She¡¯s so stic.


    ¡°Is that true?¡± a sophisticateddy¡¯s face had no emotion while looking at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry ma¡¯am,¡± I apologized.


    ¡°Apologize to her. Can¡¯t you see that she is pregnant? Something might happen to her child because of what you did.¡± I closed my eyes and wanted to cry because the situation was so unfair.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? I said apologize to her,¡± she said when I didn¡¯t follow what she wanted.


    ¡°Ria,e on and apologize,¡± Lourdes whispered while worriedly looking at me. I couldn¡¯t. I¡¯m not at fault here. I just defended myself. What¡¯s wrong with that?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I forced myself to say that.


    ¡°Good. Lourdes, where¡¯s Steven?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s still in the business trip, ma¡¯am,¡± Lourdes answered politely while motioning for me to go to the swimming pool.


    Is that Steven¡¯s mother?


    This is so funny, she¡¯s so protective of Amanda¡¯s child where in fact, she already has a grandchild with me.


    I cleaned the pool and then after, I saw Steven who was frowning and heading my way.


    ¡°Why?¡± I asked but I was surprised when he suddenly hugged me.


    ¡°Did they hurt you?¡± He asked me while examining my body as if I had bruises.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine Steven,¡± I told him gently.


    ¡°Steven, what are you doing?¡± We heard Amandaconda scream.


    Steven angrily turned to them and hid me behind him. As if like, he¡¯s protecting me or something. He just came home? I wanted to ask him how¡¯s the trip but he¡¯s busy on shielding me from Amanda and his mom.


    ¡°Mom, what are you doing? Why is she here?¡±


    ¡°Calm down son. She¡¯s here because you¡¯re the father of her child so she must live her with you.¡±


    I¡¯m just quiet and wanted to leave. Will my son¡¯s life be like this with his dad? This is so messy


    ¡°Mom, how many times do I have to say that I¡¯m not the father?!¡±


    ¡°Why are you defending that maid?¡± His mom looked at me seriously and ignored her son who was looking at them angrily.


    ¡°Mommy, she is seducing Steven. I investigated her and found out that she is only after money from your son.¡±


    I closed my eyes and holding myself not to attack Amandaconda. She¡¯s a liar!


    I wish I pped her in Tagaytay.


    ¡°Fire her son.¡± I saw iting. I know she¡¯s on Amandaconda¡¯s side. Who am I to be on her side? I¡¯m just her son¡¯s maid.


    ¡°No! I hired her so you have no right to fire her.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re answering me now because of that girl?¡±


    ¡°No mom! But you are too much. Why are you interfering with me? Why are you forcing me to be the father of that woman¡¯s child when I am not?¡± I took back my hand that Steven was holding and faced his mom.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry ma¡¯am, I¡¯ll just resign¡±


    ¡°Good!¡± his mom said. I can¡¯t imagine my son¡¯s life in this family. Good thing I haven¡¯t told Steven everything yet.


    ¡°No! I won¡¯t allow it!¡± Steven protested. Steven¡¯s voice was full of authority and anger, even Amandaconda was unable to move. I can feel his anger and opposition to my decision.


    ¡°Why are you leaving?¡± We looked at the new arrival. It¡¯s Hannah and her forehead is furrowed.


    ¡°Sister inw, that girl pped me,¡± Amandaconda said to Hannah and she even held on to the girl¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Get away from me. We¡¯re not close.¡± Hannah said. Maybe if we weren¡¯t in a serious situation, I wouldugh especially when I saw that Amandaconda was embarrassed.


    ¡°Mom, let¡¯s leave my brother alone. If you want that girl to live here, she can sleep in my brother¡¯s guest room and please tell her to act ordingly. I don¡¯t want her to act like she¡¯s a queen or I¡¯ll smash her face. Anyway, in just a few months, we can arrange a DNA test to her child.¡±


    It¡¯s obvious that she doesn¡¯t like Amanda. Their mother sighed and answered.


    ¡°Fine. Anyway, I¡¯m leaving,¡± she said and left in front of us. When Hannah looked at me, she winked before approaching Amanda.


    Good thing, she¡¯s on my side.


    ¡°Fix your stuff in the guest room. And don¡¯t ask anyone for help because you have hands.¡± Hannah said to Amanda and followed her mother.


    When I looked at Steven, he was looking at me angrily.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t like what you said earlier.¡± His whole face was red. He¡¯s angry indeed.


    ¡°You and your mom will only fight because of me so it¡¯s better that I just leave.¡±


    ¡°And you think I will agree?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Because you can find someone else to rece me.¡±


    ¡°What? What did you say?¡±


    ¡°Steven, we¡¯ll talkter. I have something else to do,¡± I don¡¯t know where our conversation is going.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°No, let¡¯s talk right now. You can¡¯t leave the house. You stay with me and only me.¡±


    I was momentarily surprised by what he said. I tried to understand the wordsing out of his mouth.


    ¡°Sorry Steven but you don¡¯t own me.¡±


    He was about to speak when Hannah returned and called him.


    Steven went to her and they talked for a while then I saw Steven walking inside the house.


    ¡°How are you?¡± Hannah asked as she approached my side.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Thank you, Han.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind it. Good thing, I followed mommy here. That Amanda is getting on my nerves. I wanna smash her face real bad for what she did to my brother. 6 years ago, she left my brother for another man. What a thick face she had.¡±


    I¡¯m curious what happened to them 6 years ago. I mean, If Amanda was the reason why Steven get drunk that night, then I¡¯m wondering what rtionship they have before.


    ¡°How is my handsome nephew?¡± Hannah suddenly asked.


    ¡°Well, he looked for youst night. I said you were busy.¡±


    ¡°You know Ri, everything would be fine if only that flirtatious girl wasn¡¯t here. My family will surely ept Hivo.¡± I hesitated to smile at Hannah. From what I saw from their mom earlier, I doubt that.


    ¡°Mommy wants grandchildren. When that woman said that my brother was the father of her baby, was happy and believed her immediately.¡±


    Maybe she wanted to have a grandchild with Amanda but not with me or another woman that¡¯s why she¡¯s forcing Steven to ept the child.


    ¡°So what¡¯s your score now with my brother?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have a rtionship, Han,¡± I said.


    ¡°Ohh, but Steven protected you earlier as if you were his wife to our mom.¡± I looked away because I could feel my face turning red.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like what you¡¯re thinking¡±


    ¡°Eyyy¡­ It¡¯s not possible tho. I could feel it. Who knows, maybe you two, will having your second child,¡± I stopped for a moment and thought about what Hannah said.


    Last time something happened to me and Steven, he didn¡¯t use protection.


    ¡°So you stay in here?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going home, Han. I¡¯m not staying in because Lourdes is here now.¡±


    ¡°Can Ie with youter?¡± She even held on to my arm.


    ¡°You know, Divine and Lia are jealous of you,¡± I saidughing. She just pouted and frowned at me.


    ¡°It¡¯s my time now. Besides, I¡¯m the one who¡¯s jealous. Hivo likes them more than me. But I get along better with Divine, I just don¡¯t feel well with Lia,¡±


    I just shook my head. Lia was a bit stiff but she¡¯s kind.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner at home if that¡¯s okay with you.¡±


    ¡°Alright! Yehey I¡¯m excited,¡± she pped like a child. Obviously excited.


    ¡°Excuse me sister inw,¡± we looked at Amanda who was at the door.


    ¡°Argh! Her again,¡± Hannah whispered from the side. ¡°She keeps on calling me sister inw. When are you going to marry my brother?¡± she added.


    I chuckled.


    ¡°Why?¡± She answered Amanda strictly. She¡¯s different when she¡¯s with me.


    ¡°Can we have a dinner togetherter?¡± Amanda asked while smiling. Very stic.


    ¡°I can¡¯t. I¡¯ll go with Riater,¡± I closed my eyes to stopughing especially when I saw the disappointment on Amanda¡¯s face.


    ¡°Can I go with you?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No. You can¡¯t. It¡¯s only me and Ria,¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°Amanda, know your ce. We¡¯re not close and I don¡¯t like you. Don¡¯t force yourself any further.¡± Amanda¡¯s tears was about to drop.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t have anything to say, then I¡¯ll leave!¡± Hannah turned to me ¡°See youter Ri,¡± she said softly before leaving.


    When I looked at Amanda, she looked at me badly. I just ignored her and went inside the house. Are you jealous, girl?

 Chapter 12

    Warning!!


    ¡°Hey, make me some milk,¡± I couldn¡¯t help but to roll my eyes at Amanda¡¯s order. She literally ruined my day.


    To avoid any trouble, I just followed her orders. Today is Saturday and we were the only people left in the house because Hannah has an urgent meeting with her producer. Steven was in the office.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make her milk, Ria,¡± Lourdes said. I smiled and shook my head. I know that Amanda doing this to annoy me.


    ¡°Thank you but I can do it.¡± After I brewed, I immediately brought it to her.


    ¡°Here is your milk,¡± I said politely. I can¡¯t insult her because she¡¯ll just report it to Steven and Hannah¡¯s mother and I¡¯ll be damned for sure.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want that anymore. I want juice and make me some cookies,¡± she said and smirked. She¡¯s making my head hot. I didn¡¯t move yet and just took a deep breath.


    I want to tweak her. She¡¯s lucky that she¡¯s pregnant. I have been patient with her since she started living here.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Go!¡± she said.


    I did nothing but follow Amanda¡¯s orders all day. Lourdes felt sorry for me and wanted to take the other things that Amanda ordered but I refused. I know that that girl really just wants to torture me.


    Steven went home before afternoon. I am currently finishing mopping the floor.


    I was in the living room and Amanda was lying on the sofa watching a show.


    ¡°Wee home baby,¡± I heard Amanda say. I stopped for a moment but immediately continued. I didn¡¯t even bother to look at them because I nned to go home early to cook my son¡¯s favorite food.


    I saw two pairs of Steven¡¯s shoes in front of me so I couldn¡¯t do anything but look at him.


    ¡°Are you going to ignore me?¡± He frowned.


    I looked at Amanda and she¡¯s ring at me.


    ¡°Wee home,¡± I said to Steven.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Cleaning?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.. But why? I told you not to work anymore,¡± instead of answering him, I just took the cleaning tools and left. He¡¯s doing what he wanted to happen.


    ¡°So you¡¯re avoiding now?¡± he followed me into the kitchen and was obviously not in the mood.


    ¡°Why? I don¡¯t like what you¡¯re saying. I want to work. If you don¡¯t want me then I will resign.¡± I said to him. When he came back that day when Hannah and Amanda came home, he told me not to work and I could still have a sry. So what is that?


    I don¡¯t want that. If he¡¯ll give me a sry, then I have to work. But if he insisted that I should stop, then it¡¯s better to resign.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare, babe,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why don¡¯t force me. I¡¯m tired.¡± I don¡¯t want us to fight because of this.


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯m sorry.. ahm.. Can you bring me some food to my room? I want to eat there.¡±


    I just nodded and he kissed me suddenly. My eyes widened at what he did. Before I could even react, he turned around to leave. We saw Amanda looking at us shocked.


    I could see the pain, regret and anger in Amanda¡¯s eyes before she turned her back on me and Steven and went up to her room.


    Steven didn¡¯t seem to care about that. After a while, Lourdes came out and approached me.


    ¡°What will Steven want you cook?¡± she asked.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t say anything,¡±


    ¡°Is that so? I¡¯ll just cook,¡± Lourdes said.


    I know that Lourdes knew that Steven and I have something. I knew because Steven doesn¡¯t care if everyone knows about us.


    ¡°Ria, I hope you¡¯ll not get offended to what I am gonna say to you. I know you¡¯re a good kid, but what¡¯s really your intention to Steven?¡± Lourdes asked me which surprised me.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it but I heard you talking to your son once.¡± She added


    I held my breath and nervously looked at her.


    ¡°What? W-What do you mean, Lourdes?¡± I stammered.


    ¡°Why are you nervous? I just said that I heard that you have a child. I was wondering why someone like you is working here. You are rich and it is obvious from your looks that you came from a wealthy family. At first, it doesn¡¯t matter to me but when I heard you talking to your son, you said that you will soon see his father. So I wonder who you are talking about.¡±


    I was suddenly get nervous to what Lourdes said. I feel like I¡¯ve been med for a crime I didn¡¯tmit.


    ¡°At first I thought you were like them, a user,¡± she added. ¡°But from what I see, you are a nice person,¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to ask what your purpose here is. I just want to know what really your intention to Steven. I treated him like my son that¡¯s why I¡¯m worried.¡± Her voice was serious, far from the soft voice that I¡¯m used to hear.


    ¡°I¡¯m not nning anything bad, Lourdes. My intention here is good. I just want to know something, that¡¯s why I worked here,¡± I said. I know that she treats Steven like a son and I know that because that¡¯s how I am to my son.


    ¡°Good then. Be careful. It¡¯s dangerous to like him.¡± She smiled but what she said made me nervous.


    I excused myself and went to maid¡¯s quarter to look at my cellphone. I need to check if Hivo message me or not.


    When I entered my room, my phone rang.


    ¡°Hello baby?¡± I sat on the bed and waited for him to answer. I can still hear hisughter on the other line.


    ¡°Hello mama. Stop it, Ani,¡± and heughed again. I frowned because I was clueless about what was happening on the other side.


    ¡°Stop it, darling. Let Hivo talk to his mother.¡± Agatha¡¯s voice. I can¡¯t be wrong. It¡¯s Agatha¡¯s voice. Did they go home to the Philippines?


    ¡°Hello mom? I¡¯m sorry mama, Oceanie is chasing me.. Wait-Oceanie-stop! I need to talk to my mom,¡± I heard him panting.


    ¡°Are you with aunt Agatha, Hivo?¡±


    ¡°Yes mom,¡± why Agatha didn¡¯t inform me that they were going home?


    ¡°Okay. So why are you calling baby? Do you have something to say to mama?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°When are youing home, mom?¡±


    ¡°Later baby. Why?¡±


    ¡°Can Ie with youter?¡± Am I going somewhere?


    ¡°Where?¡± Because I didn¡¯t get him. Or maybe I just forgot.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to find dad.¡± I stopped for a moment and could not speak.


    ¡°I am excited mom. I can feel it. Dad ising home to us.¡±


    I wanted to make an excuse that I have something to doter but I couldn¡¯t say it because my son is obviously excited. I don¡¯t know why he said that.


    ¡°Okay son. Later when momes home,¡± he looked so happy.


    ¡°Hivo, baby, can you give the phone to your aunt Agatha?¡±


    ¡°Okay mom,¡±


    I waited a moment before I heard my friend¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Divine?¡±


    ¡°Well, she has a date,¡± she said andughed a little.


    ¡°Date with an ex?¡± I shook my head.


    ¡°So what¡¯s your n?¡± Agatha asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m not prepared for that.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Ri. I think it¡¯s because of my daughter. Earlier she asked Hivo if he had seen his dad. And it¡¯s toote for me to stop that.¡±


    ¡°No it¡¯s okay Agatha. I just don¡¯t know where to take himter. I can¡¯t bring him in Steven¡¯s house because of Amanda.¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh. The snake you¡¯re telling me about?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Oh my God. Is Steven really the father of her child?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not sure yet that Steven is the father of her baby,¡± I couldn¡¯t help but get irritated when I heard that.


    ¡°Why are you mad, my friend? Are you falling in love with him?¡± What? Of course not!


    ¡°No. I just don¡¯t want him to have a child with someone else while my child hasn¡¯t experienced his love and care yet,¡± I said. Why do I sound so selfish?


    ¡°You¡¯re in trouble. If that¡¯s the case, tell him that you already have a child,¡± Agatha said.


    ¡°Drop your n on investigating his characters. Just tell him immediately. It¡¯s his loss anyway if he doesn¡¯t ept Hivo,¡± Agatha added.


    ¡°But he said he doesn¡¯t want a child yet,¡± I remembered what Steven told me in Tagaytay.


    ¡°Then resign because you won¡¯t get anything out of it.¡± Agatha¡¯s words silenced me. She has a point. What¡¯s the point of why I¡¯m still here if I already got the answer?


    ¡°You can¡¯t right? Maybe because you¡¯re falling for him,¡± I couldn¡¯t speak. I¡¯ve only been here for a while. Is that possible?


    ¡°Ria,¡± I looked at the door. I saw Lourdes. I guess the food is cooked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talkter Agatha. Please look for my child.¡±


    ¡°Sure. No need to mention it.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I said before hanging up.


    I smiled after leaving the room and saw Lourdes looking at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lourdes. My friend called me.¡± I shyly told her.


    ¡°Is that so? The food is ready. Please bring this to Steven¡¯s room.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡±


    I epted the tray of food and quietly walked up the stairs to Steven¡¯s room.


    ¡°Steven,¡± I called him but no one answered.


    I tried to open the door and it was open so I went in.


    His room was dark. And only thempshade was on. I saw Steven sitting on the bed and looking directly at me.


    Lust is evident in his eyes. I swallowed because of his stares.


    He stood up and came to me while I just stood nervously holding the tray of food.


    He went behind me and I just felt his warm touch on my skin.


    ¡°You¡¯re so f*cking annoying baby. You¡¯re always rejecting me,¡± he said and kissed my neck. Every touch of his lips on my skin sends hundreds of volts through my system.


    ¡°I miss you. I miss your scent,¡± and his lips touched my cheek down to my neck. Every lick oh his tongue brought a strange feeling to my core


    I held the food tray tightly. I was so scared to let it go and it might fall to the floor.


    ¡°I miss your lips,¡± and he imed my lips, using his left hand, he held my chin so that I couldn¡¯t get away from his hungry kisses.


    ¡°And your sweet juices between your thighs.¡± I gasped as soon as Steven put his hand inside my skirt.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bite your lips babe. Moan for me,¡± he said but I didn¡¯t listen. I bit my lip more when I felt Steven insert his two fingers inside me.


    Sh*t this is heaven.

 Chapter 13

    Steven sped up his finger going in and out between my thighs and I can¡¯t control myself anymore.


    I moaned and it seemed like he likes it. His room filled with my moans and he doesn¡¯t mind at all. He likes what he¡¯s hearing.


    I leaned my head on his shoulder to have a support. ¡°I¡¯m closer,¡± I whispered.


    After some thrusts, I came. I was panting as he took what I was carrying and led me to sit on his bed.


    Before I could regain my strength, he grabbed me again with a kiss and I can¡¯t help myself but to respond.


    He easily removed my clothes but before he could start what he was nning, Lourdes knocked the door.


    ¡°F*ck,¡± Steven cursed.


    ¡°Sir Steven, Amanda is bleeding,¡± my eyes widened when Lourdes said. The baby! I was nervous for the sake of the baby.


    ¡°Steven, go. The baby. Take her to the hospital.¡± I pushed Steven away. He understand what was happening because he immediately went out to see Amanda.


    I got dressed immediately and followed them. I saw that Steven carried Amanda out of the house.


    ¡°Lourdes, what happened?¡± I asked when Lourdes entered the house after helping Steven and Amanda outside.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°She went to Steven¡¯s room earlier. When she came back, she started bleeding. What did you and Steven do?¡±


    I felt guilty suddenly. Even though I didn¡¯t like Amanda, I never dreamed that something bad would happen to the baby.


    ¡°You know Ria, I¡¯m not in the ce to say this. But I hope you think about what you¡¯re doing. I know Steven. I know he doesn¡¯t care if he hurts anyone else, so I¡¯ll just beg you. We know Amanda has feelings for Steven and even if it is not confirmed that Steven is the father of her child, please avoid him for now. Amanda should not be stressed and Steven¡¯s mother entrusted her to me. So if possible, you stay away from Steven until Amanda deliver the baby.¡±


    I do not know what to say. I understand her point.


    At this time, all I could do was nod and go home.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± My son greeted me with a smile when he saw me.


    I kissed him on both cheeks then hugged him. I¡¯m the one who feels sorry for him. His father¡¯s situation is very messy now. I¡¯m hesitant to introduce him to the Alvante.


    They are veryplicated. I know Hivo wanted to meet his father but Steven¡¯s mother doesn¡¯t like me at all. She wanted to have a grandchild with Amanda.


    And Amanda is iming that Steven¡¯s the father of her baby while Steven keeps on denying it. Am I ready to bring my child in their conflict?


    No. I don¡¯t want that. I just want Hivo to be happy and currently, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll not be happy to his father¡¯s current situation.


    ¡°Hi aunt Ri,¡±


    ¡°Hello Oceanie,¡±


    Oceanie kissed my cheek and followed her. She raised her eyebrow at me.


    ¡°I guess it¡¯s a bad day?¡± she asked. I tried to smile and I knew she already knew that something bad had happened in my day cause after all, she¡¯s my best friend.


    ¡°Ri, Hivo deserves everything,¡± we are nowplete at home. They are all here because Agatha will spend the night with her daughter at my house, so they¡¯ll gonna sleep here as well.


    ¡°Everything. Including Steven¡¯s name,¡± Angie continued.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want them to think that we¡¯re only after wealth from Steven,¡± from what I saw of their mom, it¡¯s pretty obvious that she¡¯s thinking badly at me. And I¡¯m afraid, Hivo will be put in danger.


    ¡°Ri. Hivo is the son of a multi-billionaire. Whatever wealth his father has is his too.¡± Angie added while Lia was silent next to her.


    ¡°Ri, we know that you can can raise Hivo. But we also know that you are struggling. Let¡¯s be practical here. We know that what you earn is not enough for the both of you.¡±


    I was silent because everything they said was true. The house we¡¯re living now is Divine¡¯s house and she just let us live for free. I¡¯m making some money from my online job but I know it¡¯s still not enough.


    Especially now that my son is growing up and our household expenses are also increasing.


    ¡°If you¡¯re afraid that Steven won¡¯t ept Hivo, don¡¯t worry we¡¯ll keep him away from him and we promise that he¡¯ll never see Hivo again.¡± Agatha said decisively.


    ¡°Will Steven really reject his son?¡± Lia said.


    ¡°If I know that Ria and him have a thing,¡± she added.


    ¡°He¡¯s a good person Ri,¡± we all looked at Divine who was just listening earlier.


    ¡°I met him once. He¡¯s Diego¡¯s friend.¡± Diego? His ex?


    ¡°They have a charity for children in orphanages. Steven is one of the major supporters of twenty orphanages here in the country.¡±


    ¡°Why do you know that?¡± Lia asked.


    ¡°Diego once took me to the orphanage with Steven and he told me the story so I know everything,¡± she answered.


    Yes. Steven is kind. I know that based on what he showed us.


    I have no problem with that. My only concern was, he¡¯s not ready to have children. That¡¯s why I¡¯m not sure if he¡¯ll ept Hivo when I tell him everything.


    ¡°I know that. But it¡¯s very chaotic in his house right now. Especially now that their mother believes that Amanda¡¯s child is her grandchild. Even I, I¡¯m not sure if the child in her womb is Steven¡¯s child or he¡¯s just running away from his responsibility.¡±


    ¡°Your life is like a movie. I don¡¯t know who Steven¡¯s leadingdy is. Is it you or Amanda?¡± Angie said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know Ri! It¡¯s just for me, I think you should tell Steven everything.¡± Agatha said. ¡°Anyway, are youing with me?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Lia asked.


    ¡°At the B. H. B club. I¡¯m going to see my husband,¡±


    ¡°Pass,¡± Divine said.


    ¡°Me too, pass,¡± Angie added.


    ¡°Just take Ria with you,¡± Lia said.


    ¡°How about my son?¡± I told them. I can¡¯t go to the club.


    ¡°Duh! We take care of him. Go ahead and go with Agatha so you can rx for a while.¡± Divine said.


    I just sighed and agreed. Maybe I need to unwind sometimes.


    We went to B. H. B Club. Agatha was driving and I was silent while looking outside.


    ¡°Do you have a work tomorrow?¡± Agatha asked. I do not know. I remembered what Lourdes said to me. I¡¯m guilty all of a sudden.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡±


    ¡°Alright. Forget about work for now.. Let¡¯s just enjoy this night.¡±


    We arrived safely in B. H. B Club.


    Because my friend apparently has a V. I. P pass, we went straight to the top floor. The floor for wealthy people.


    ¡°Ahm-Ri, let¡¯s find Kael first and then let¡¯s have some funter,¡± I nodded.


    We walk towards Akhael¡¯s office. I forgot to mention that Akhael who is Agatha¡¯s husband owns this B. H. B club.


    ¡°Ugh-can I just wait for you downstairs, A?¡± I forgot to mention that I call A than Agatha. All of us, we call her that.


    ¡°Okay. Wait for me downstairs,¡± she said. I nodded.


    I went to ind counter. I want to be alone.


    I told the bartender that I want tequ. I just wanna have fun tonight. I want to gather all my thoughts and decide for the right thing to do.


    I had already taken a few shots when someone sat next to me. I didn¡¯t bother to see who it was. But his smell is familiar to me.


    Ah-I think I¡¯m tipsy.


    Maybe just a coincidence.


    He is in the hospital now with Amanda.


    ¡°Another 1 please,¡± I said to the bartender.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± said the person next to me and he sounded like Steven. It¡¯s funny! Why do I hear him? I think, I¡¯m crazy.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my tequ?¡± I asked the bartender when I saw that he was just looking at me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give her anymore,¡± I frowned and turned to look at him.


    ¡°Hey, why are you bothering me?¡± I said but my jaw dropped when I saw Steven¡¯s serious face looking at me. Why is he here?


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Because you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be here. You should be there by Amanda¡¯s side. You should be taking care of your family.¡± I can¡¯t hide bittersweet of my voice. I¡¯m too bitter to pretend I¡¯m okay.


    First of all, they were unfair on my son¡¯s part but I shouldn¡¯t me them because I didn¡¯t tell them the truth.


    ¡°Are you jealous?¡± he asked. Jealous? Who? Me? No¡­ Yes!


    ¡°No. You¡¯re just being unfair. You have a baby with her, you took care of them. How about me? How about-¡± I stopped when I realized what I was saying.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving,¡± I said but he stopped me.


    ¡°Are you pregnant?¡± What he said stopped me. What? I¡¯m pregnant?


    ¡°What? Of course not. Will I drink alcohol if I¡¯m pregnant? Just don¡¯t mind what I said. I¡¯m just¡­ drunk.¡± I said and stood up. Why did Agatha take so long?


    ¡°Where are you going? You¡¯re drunk.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going home sir,¡± I said and gave him a hard look.


    ¡°C¡¯mon. I¡¯ll take you,¡± he insisted.


    ¡°No. I can do it myself,¡± I told him.


    ¡°Baby you¡¯re so stubborn. Come on,¡± he said. Baby your face.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to resign,¡± I said and I saw the shock in his eyes and he obviously didn¡¯t like what I said.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to resign,¡± I said again. His face darkened and I know right away that he¡¯s mad. Even though I¡¯m tipsy, I know what I¡¯m doing.


    ¡°No! I won¡¯t agree,¡± he said and grabbed my hand out of the club.


    I tried to take it back but he only tightened his grip on my hand.


    ¡°Let me go Steven,¡± I said.


    ¡°No! If I let you go, I will lose you forever. And correction babe, I¡¯m not the father of Amanda¡¯s child¡±


    I don¡¯t care. I just want you to ept our son when you know about him.


    ¡°Take me home,¡± I said to him.


    ¡°Youe with me,¡±


    ¡°Where?¡± I asked wonderingly.


    ¡°To my ind,¡± No. My son will find me.


    ¡°I can¡¯t. I can¡¯t go with you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s decided babe. You¡¯lle with me whether you like it or not.¡± I immediately felt his lips on mine and it was toote for me to react because he covered my nose with a handkerchief after kissing me.


    ¡°Sleep well babe,¡± was thest thing I heard before everything went ck.

 Chapter 14

    I woke up next to Steven. He was hugging me and his head was close to my chest.


    I tried to move but his hug only tightened on me. I suddenly remembered Agatha, so I immediately looked for my things and saw that my cellphone was on top of the table.


    I tried to reach for it and when I got it, I immediately opened the message box. I saw Agatha¡¯s messagest night. I was asked where I was but I got this reply.


    I¡¯m Steven. She¡¯s with me and she¡¯s safe¡¯ Steven replied to my friend.


    ¡®Really? Okay and take care of our friend. It¡¯s okay even if you won¡¯t return her. Bye.¡¯ Agatha replied.


    I frowned at what I read. What? Is she throwing me to Steven? I¡¯m so touched that my best friend love me so much. Note the sarcasm please.


    ¡°Good morning babe,¡± I looked at Steven who looked very sleepy and snuggled closer to me.


    ¡°Where are we Steven?¡±


    ¡°Ind,¡± he answered sleepily.


    ¡°Why did you bring me here?¡±


    ¡°To have time alone with you,¡± he answered while still closing his eyes.


    ¡°But why here? One more-¡± I couldn¡¯t finish what I was going to say when he kissed me. DIt¡¯s deep and torrid. I wrapped my hand around his neck and he me pressed harder and deepened the kiss we shared on the bed.


    ¡°Just focus on me babe. Stop asking questions.¡± He frowned. I stared at his face for a moment because I just now realized that our son didn¡¯t get his eye. His eyes are golden brown. It¡¯s so attractive and beautiful.


    My eyes are ck and Hivo inherited that. While his nose is pointed and the shape of his face is perfect. Thank goodness my eyes didn¡¯t y tricks on me that night. Thanks to Steven¡¯s genes, my son is very handsome.


    ¡°Babe, I¡¯m hungry,¡±


    Steven¡¯s lips is naturally red.


    ¡°Babe, let¡¯s eat. I know I¡¯m handsome but I¡¯m really hungry. I didn¡¯t eatst night.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I looked for you. Aftering home from the hospital,               Lourdes said you went home. And I went to the address on your resume but it was a different address.¡± He frowned and obviously wanted to ask me a lot of questions.


    I should be nervous now. But nothing. I couldn¡¯t feel anything. I think I¡¯m ready. Ready to tell him everything.


    ¡°I should ask some help from Akhael, my friend, but I saw you in his club. I¡¯m confused. I don¡¯t mean to underestimate you, but that club, it¡¯s costly. Not to mention that you¡¯ve had a few shots of tequ. It can¡¯tpensate with your sry.¡± He said. His voice was serious and he was looking at the ceiling. He¡¯s like an investigator piecing everything together.


    ¡°You¡¯re indeed mysterious to me. Is your name really Rialyn? Are you ying with me? Why did you applied as my maid? Who are you really?¡± He added.


    ¡°Those are just some of the questions I had when I found out that your address was not really your address yesterday. I should be mad at you. But when I saw you in the club, I can¡¯t help myself but to own you. I want you. All of you. So I said to myself, maybe you have a reason. I can feel it that you are not a bad person. So I trust you.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but be emotional about what he said. I didn¡¯t expect it. I can¡¯t stop my tears.


    I hugged him. I felt him nted small kisses on my head.


    ¡°Thank you Steven. And I¡¯m sorry,¡± I said.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay babe. I¡¯ll wait. Whatever your reason is, I¡¯ll wait for you to tell me. I¡¯ll gamble with you.¡± He whispered.


    This is indeed an ind. I thought something would change in his treatment of me, but I was wrong. I became morecent with him.


    ¡°Get that one Steven,¡± I shouted while looking at him taking a young coconut.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the ¡®babe¡¯ babe?¡± I rolled my eyes again because of his bossiness.


    ¡°Fine. Get that one, babe.¡± I repeat what I said earlier even though I look like a fool. I tried to frown but I couldn¡¯t because it was hard to fight the joy in my chest.


    Steven got a lot of young coconuts before he went down from the tree. I helped him remove the dirt that stuck to his body.


    I also wiped his sweat and he just stood there looking at me with a smile.


    ¡°Why are you smiling?¡± I asked, chuckling.


    ¡°You¡¯re pretty and I like you,¡± I stopped for a moment and looked at him.


    ¡°You look crazy,¡± I saidughing even though my cheeks reddened of what he said.


    ¡°Come on. Take that. We¡¯re going to make a sd I saw some ingredients in the fridge earlier for Buko sd. (Buko sd: A dessert contained of lots of young coconut meat, nata de coco, milk and sago (tapioca pearls).


    A simple day with Steven. No Amanda. I prefer this. Fun and very fulfilling. We¡¯re in the house and we¡¯re done making Buko sd. We put it on the fridge.


    ¡°Babe, wannae with me?¡±


    ¡°Where?¡± I asked while eating the banana fries I cooked earlier.


    ¡°Fishing,¡±


    Fishing? Hmm.. That¡¯s a nice idea.


    ¡°Yes please,¡± I said excitedly. Heughed.


    ¡°You like it?¡± I nodded. I looked into his eyes and he was looking at me full of¡­ Love?


    Is it true? Or am I assuming things again?


    He kissed my forehead and I closed my eyes as I savored his warm kisses.


    ¡°Alright. Get your things you intend to bring,¡± he said.


    ¡°Food. I¡¯ll bring foods,¡± I said.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll wait for you here,¡± I excitedly turned around to get some food when Divine suddenly called.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    I stopped to answer the call.


    ¡°Go home Ria,¡± she said. I was suddenly nervous. I feel like something bad is happening.


    ¡°Why? Did something happen?¡±


    ¡°We rushed Hivo to the hospital.¡± My chest heaved loudly.


    I looked at Steven. You can see the concern on his face. He was saying something but I couldn¡¯t hear. My thoughts lingered with my son.


    ¡°Steven, take me home,¡± I said.


    ¡°Why? Why are you pale?¡±


    ¡°Please take me home.¡± My tears started to flow. I heard him cursing but I ignored it. I immediately looked for my bag.


    I want to go to my son now.


    ¡°Answer me Ria. Why? Why did you suddenly ask to go home? Why are you crying?¡±


    ¡°My son. Steven, my son needs me. He was rushed to the hospital. I have to go to him.¡± I said while crying. I don¡¯t care what would happen. My mind right now, I should go to the hospital for Hivo.


    ¡°You have what?¡± He seemed surprised by what I said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll answer everythingter but please take me home. My son Steven¡­he needs me.¡± I begged him.


    I couldn¡¯t even see him clearly because of the tears in my eyes.


    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s go,¡± he said in a low voice.


    We are on his private jet and now we are going home. I don¡¯t care what happens next. What matters to me is my now and nothing else.


    I received a text from Divine that I needed to get Hivo¡¯s clothes from home so I told Steven to drop me to Divine¡¯s house where we currently live.


    He¡¯s still silent and I don¡¯t know what is going through his mind.


    ¡°Thank you for sending me here,¡± his face was dark. He nodded and immediately drove the car away. He didn¡¯t even say goodbye. There¡¯s a pain in my heart because of that.


    I¡¯d like to say everything but I have no time now.


    I immediately prepared my son¡¯s clothes and went to the hospital.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I asked when I arrived at the hospital.


    ¡°We are still waiting for the doctor¡¯s findings, Ri.¡± Lia said looking at me seriously.


    ¡°Hivo has a fever and we took him to the hospital when he passed out earlier.¡± Divine said.


    It¡¯s my fault.


    ¡°Calm down Ri. Everything will be fine.¡± Angie said.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Steven?¡± Lia asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I think he¡¯s mad. He already knows that I have a child.¡±


    ¡°Where is he?¡± Angie


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t know that he is the father. I think he¡¯s confuse now. I¡¯ll exin everything to him when Hivo is fine.¡± I said.


    I don¡¯t know if I can still talk to Steven again. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going through his mind right now. What matters to me now is my son¡¯s recovery.


    I stood up when the doctor came out.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the mother of the child?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m the mother, doc,¡± I said.


    ¡°How is my son? What happened?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Your son has dengue. It¡¯s a good thing you brought him here right away.¡±


    What? How can my child get dengue? I always make sure that there¡¯s no ce for mosquitoes in the house.


    ¡°I think it was at the zoo when Agatha took them there yesterday.¡± Angie said.


    ¡°Thank you doc. Please do everything to save my son,¡± I begged.


    ¡°No worry. It¡¯s my job. I¡¯ll take care of your child. Be ready in case there is an urgent need for the child. Excuse me, I¡¯ll visit my other patients first.¡± He said.


    ¡°Alright doc. Thank you¡±


    ¡°What if a blood donor is needed? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re going to send Steven here, Ria?¡± Lia said. She looks concerned. I do not know why.


    ¡°If necessary, yes,¡± I replied. Because I am type A while Hivo is negative AB. And I know his father has the same blood as him. If my son needs his father¡¯s blood just in case, then I will bring Steven here.

 Chapter 15

    STEVEN


    I couldn¡¯t control my anger. I wanted to ask her but when I saw her pale and crying earlier, I was taken aback. I can¡¯t even find the right words to say, dammit!


    Only to find out that she has a child. She has a child and-I-I fvcking don¡¯t know what to do. It hurts because I feel like she lied. She has a lot for secrets hiding from me. I felt betrayed.


    I wanted to know everything but I couldn¡¯t force her if she¡¯s not ready to tell everything to me.


    Fvck this! I didn¡¯t even know if she had a boyfriend or not.


    My n is to take her away from her boyfriend if she has one, but the part about her having a child, I-I don¡¯t know what to think anymore. I¡¯m he confused.


    Who is the father of the child? Is it her boyfriend? Or her ex?


    Why didn¡¯t she tell me everything about her son? F*ck. Is it hard for her to tell me everything? Am I not important to her? Is she just ying with me? This is so gay but damn, it hurts so much.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter bro?¡± Diego arrived with Akhael. They are my friends.


    ¡°Woman? Amanda?¡± Akhael asked.


    ¡°Amanda and I were done!¡± Amanda! Amanda! Amanda! She¡¯s not my girlfriend anymore. It¡¯s been years since we broke up.


    I tried to talk to my mom about Amanda living in my house. For the sake of our family name, she said it was necessary to hide my involvement to the scandal she probably cause to public.


    Like I fvcking care? Even if she tells the world that I¡¯m the father, I still won¡¯t ept her baby because I¡¯m not really the father.


    She¡¯s just my ex and a former friend. If I hadn¡¯t been taught good manners, maybe I would have done something bad when she messed with me.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    THIRD POV


    ¡°Then who?¡± Diego looked surprised because he¡¯s not used to seeing Steven be like that. Among all his friends, Steven was the most calm and rational.


    ¡°New?¡± Akhael asked Diego without a voice. They are not aware that their friend has a new girl. Steven didn¡¯t tell them about Ria, his maid.


    Diego just shrugged his shoulders because even he was clueless about what happened.


    ¡°There¡¯s a woman that I like. No! Scratch that. There¡¯s a woman that I love. Yes. I love her¡­ But recently I just found out that she¡¯s faking the information about her¡­¡± Steven paused. ¡°That part, it feels like she¡¯s fooling me around but it¡¯s okay-¡± he stopped for a moment andughed sarcastically.


    While Diego and Akhael are patiently waiting for what he would say next. They are really confused because Steven wasn¡¯t like that.


    ¡°What happened next?¡±


    ¡°She has a child. I thought she only had a boyfriend,¡± Steven added as he poured the wine from the ss. ¡°She fooled me. Fcvk! She has a child already so what are we?¡± His voice was full of bitterness.


    ¡°Wait! You know she¡¯s in a rtionship with someone else?¡± Diego asked cause he¡¯spletely lost to Steven¡¯s words.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Steven replied to his friend.


    ¡°And still, you still want to own her?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± he answered his friends without hesitation.


    Akhael and Diego looked at each other in shock.


    ¡°So why?¡± Akhael asked confused.


    ¡°I¡¯m nning to take her away from her boyfriend. But fvck! How can I steal her if she¡¯s already a mother to someone¡¯s kid?¡± Steven¡¯s voice cracked and his eyes are about to cry.


    ¡°Who is this woman you are talking about?¡± Akhael asked curiously. Never in his life could he imagine that his friend would be like this.


    ¡°The most beautiful woman on Earth, her name is Ria.¡± Steven replied drunkenly. ¡°Even her name sounds beautiful, right?¡± He smiled at his friends.


    ¡°He¡¯s in deep trouble.¡± Diego said to himself.


    ¡®Ria? Her name is Ria? Hmm.. They have the same name of Rialyn.¡± Akhael said in his mind. He knew Rialyn because she¡¯s his wife¡¯s best friend but Akhael didn¡¯t know that the Ria he knew and the Ria that Steven meant were the same.


    ¡°So you¡¯re drinking because she has a boyfriend and she has a child?¡± Diego asked. Among their friends, Diego was the counselor, so Steven and the rest always approached him in times of trouble.


    ¡°I feel like, she¡¯s cheating on me. I don¡¯t know anymore.¡±


    ¡°Will you ept her even if she has a child?¡± Diego asked and Steven stopped for a moment.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    STEVEN


    If I know from the very start that she has a child, will that change the way I think about her?


    Yes. Cause she¡¯s perfect.


    ¡°Yes. I will ept her. She¡¯s pretty, man. She¡¯s a good cook, kind and¡­¡± I remembered Ria¡¯s smiling face in my mind. ¡°So pretty.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re smiling man, you look like a fool.¡± Diego said in amazement.


    Really?


    I couldn¡¯t help it.


    My baby is pretty. Even though I drank a lot of alcohol, I could still think straight. I know what I¡¯m doing.


    ¡°Steven!¡± We looked at my sister who was walking to our direction. I stood up and stepped forward to give her a hug but I was surprised to see the anger on her face. What did I do?


    ¡°What kind of person are you?¡± What does she mean? Did I do something wrong?


    ¡°Why? Is there something wrong?¡± I asked her confused.


    ¡°Wrong? Steven¡­ Really? You just brought Ria to their house and then you¡¯re here to drink?¡± Her voice was full of sarcasm. I was confused about her point. Since when did she and Ria be close? And why is she so angry?


    ¡°Hannah, easy. What¡¯s the problem?¡± Akhael


    ¡°Han, what¡¯s the problem? I don¡¯t know what makes you angry. What¡¯s wrong with me taking Ria to their house?¡± I asked.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Well¡­ It¡¯s the fact that you¡¯re here to drink while there¡¯s a life out there that¡¯s in critical condition.¡±


    I really have no idea what she¡¯s talking about. Who is she referring to?


    ¡°Who are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°You know what brother, you should mature. Argh! I just waste my time here.¡± She said and left.


    I looked at Diego and Akhael. Oh-kay, what was that? Why was my sister so angry?


    ¡°Did you do something?¡± Diego asked.


    ¡°No. I have no idea why she¡¯s so angry. What did I do?¡± I¡¯m running out of patience. I knew my sister very well. She wouldn¡¯t getting angry for no reason.


    ¡°I think the reason why Hannah was so angry, because you are not doing anything.¡± Diego said. And so? Should I do something?


    ¡°I don¡¯t get it at all!¡±


    ¡°Hannah was angry because her good brother is here while someone is in critical condition in the hospital.¡± Diego exined. Here is he again, trying to be a detective.


    ¡°Whose life?¡± I asked confused.


    ¡°Whose life, man? Do you have a family member who is in the hospital and critical?¡± Diego asked.


    I shook my head. There¡¯s none. Besides, mom will tell me if there have.


    ¡°So what¡¯s the connection with this Ria? I think that¡¯s one of the reason that made Hannah angry.¡±


    ¡°Is there someone that rted to Ria that rushed in the hospital?¡± Diego asked. I suddenly remembered Ria¡¯s face earlier, begging her to go home for her son.


    Did something bad happen to her son?


    Do Ria need me there? Should I go there? B-But maybe the father of her child was there too. Fvck! I can¡¯t go there if she¡¯s with the father of her son.


    ¡°Hon,¡± I looked at the neer. If I¡¯m not mistaken she¡¯s Agatha. Akhael¡¯s wife.


    ¡°Hello hon. Where¡¯s our daughter?¡± I heard Akhael ask his wife. Among all of us, Akhael was the first one who got married. And because I didn¡¯t go to their wedding, it was my first time to see her wife.


    ¡°She¡¯s with Angie. By the way, who are they?¡±


    ¡°Oh yes. By the way, they are my friends. My friends who didn¡¯t make it to our wedding.¡± Akhael said with a sneer in his tone.


    I just shook my head. I was really busy that time so I was not able to attend but I made sure that I send them my gift.


    ¡°Hi. I¡¯m Agatha. Akhael¡¯s wife.¡± She said while extending her hand but Kael just took her hand and hid it.


    ¡°No need for that honey.¡±


    Tss.. why is he so very possessive?


    ¡°Hi. Diego Reis,¡± Diego said.


    ¡°Oh. You¡¯re my husband¡¯s friend. Divine¡¯s ex, right?¡± The woman said with a smile. Diego was stunned and his smile disappeared.


    ¡°I¡¯m one of her best friends. She told me about you so I know you a little.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. And I¡¯m not informed that we¡¯re no longer together. Last thing I know, I didn¡¯t agree to the break-up.¡± Agatha was obviously surprised and apologized.


    ¡°And you are?¡± She turned and asked me.


    ¡°Steven. Steven Marcus Alvante.¡±


    ¡°YOU¡¯RE WHAT?¡± She seemed surprised after I said my name. Why? Is there something wrong?


    ¡°Hey hon. Is there a problem?¡± Kael asked his wife.


    ¡°No hon,¡± Agatha smiled and looked at me again.


    ¡°Nice to meet you S-Steven¡­ Ahm, hon¡­ I need to go now. I have somewhere else to go,¡± she said. Obviously a bit nervous.


    ¡°Are you going to the hospital?¡± Kael asked.


    I watched them and I saw in Agatha¡¯s eyes that she¡¯s nervous. She¡¯s so weird. She¡¯s smiling when she arrived earlier but right now-I shook my head and averted my eyes away from them.


    ¡°Hey hon,¡± it was Kael so I looked at his wife again. She¡¯s pale.


    ¡°Hey, are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she answered.


    ¡°I¡¯ming with you. You¡¯re not okay, hon. You looked pale,¡± Kael said.


    ¡°No, hon. I¡¯m really fine. Don¡¯t worry about me,¡± she said.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ming with you. Where are you going by the way? Hospital?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I want to visit, Hivo.¡±


    Hivo? Who¡¯s Hivo?


    ¡°Is he okay?¡± Kael asked worriedly. Maybe this Hivo is important for them. As far as I know, Akhael¡¯s child is a girl.


    ¡°The doctor¡¯s findings was dengue. It¡¯s a good thing we brought him to the hospital right away.¡±Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°How is Ria?¡± Kael asked.


    I frowned when I heard the name Ria.


    The name Ria is somon so it¡¯s not a surprise that there are lots of Ria in the world.


    ¡°She¡¯s not okay. I hope Hivo will be fine.¡±


    Hivo. I don¡¯t know but I like the name Hivo. It¡¯s kinda unique.


    Kael and his wife are concerned about him. Maybe he¡¯s their rtives.

 Chapter 16

    Steven wasn¡¯t in the mood all day. All of the employees in the office were avoiding him. Everyone gets scolded by him because a week passed without a text or call from Ria.


    ¡°Why is it like this?¡± He asked his secretary who almost trembled with fear. Steven¡¯s voice was a bit calm but everyone knew that he¡¯s mad.


    ¡°Who did this? What do you think of this job? Just a game?¡± Steven threw the papers in the trash.


    Sora, his secretary, left looking pale while Steven¡¯s father, who was looking at his son, just shook his head. Don Alvante entered the office and asked his assistant to leave him for a moment.


    ¡°Dad,¡± Steven stood up to greet his father.


    ¡°Is there a problem son?¡±


    ¡°No dad. I¡¯m sorry for that. I¡¯m just stresstely.¡±


    Steven¡¯s father is a good man. His name was famous in the business industry before passing the throne to Steven. He is respected by the big bosses of Asia. A sessful business tycoon in the country that¡¯s why many people knew the Alvante.


    ¡°Are you sure? You seem hot-headed.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Anyway dad, can you please help me convince mom? I want Amanda to leave me alone. She¡¯s not wee to my house dad and I¡¯m telling you that I¡¯m not really the child¡¯s father.¡± Steven added while handing the beer to his father.


    Don Alvante was a little surprised when he saw the beer. ¡®Why is there beer in the office?¡¯


    ¡°You know what son, I don¡¯t know why your mom agreed to Amanda¡¯s wishes. I don¡¯t think she doesn¡¯t believe you. She must have a reason.¡± His father said.


    ¡°And I already told her about that but she didn¡¯t listen. I love your mom so I just let her do the things she pleases to do.¡±


    ¡°Well try harder dad. You might be able to convince her.¡± Steven couldn¡¯t hide his annoyance and frustrations thinking about his situation with Amanda


    ¡°What¡¯s your problem if she¡¯s living with you? I thought she was your girlfriend.¡± Don Alvante said while looking at his son. In his mind, he already knew the reason. He just wanted Steven to confess everything.


    ¡°Well dad, you¡¯re toote of the news. We¡¯re done and I want someone else. We broke up 6 years ago. She cheated on me when we were together so why would I want her?¡±


    There. That¡¯s what the Don wanted to hear. It¡¯s his first time seeing his son like that.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s not what we heard from her. She said, you¡¯re still in touch with each other even though you¡¯ve been separated.¡±


    ¡°What? And you believe her? Well.. News sh, I¡¯m into someone else and obviously, she¡¯s not that someone.¡±


    ¡°So you have a new one now. What is she looks like?¡± The Don asked. Steven looked at him.


    ¡°Well dad.. She¡¯s amazingly beautiful.¡± Steven couldn¡¯t help but smile as he looked into the void.


    ¡°Really?¡± Don Alvante asked, still looking at his son. From what he observed, his heir is confirmed to be in love with someone and he¡¯s thrilled to meet the woman who drove his son crazy.


    ¡°Yes dad.¡±


    ¡°I wanna meet her,¡± he added and Steven suddenly looked at his father.


    Don Alvante noticed the changes in his son¡¯s expression so he became even more intrigued.


    ¡°I think she¡¯s in a rtionship with someone else dad.¡± Steven said.


    ¡®In rtionship but my son is crazy in love with her? What potion did that girl use on my son?¡¯ The Don thought.


    ¡°And she has a child,¡± Steven added, surprising his father even more.


    ¡°What? In that case¡­ So why?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know dad. I just feel it and I think it¡¯s impossible for me to stop it.¡±


    His father was silent. For Mr. Alvante, there¡¯s no case if his son marries anyone as long as the woman his son wanted is a good person. But he wondered why his son still likes a woman who¡¯s in rtionship with someone. Not to mention that that woman has a child already.


    Mr. Alvante knew Steven. His son is arrogant but smart and fierce in business.


    Mr. Alvante also knew the reason of his wife why she let Amanda live with Steven. His wife wanted the best for their son and Steven is no longer in his 20s.


    For his wife, Steven needs to settle down so she¡¯s hoping that her son¡¯s feelings for Amanda will be develop again.


    Obviously his wife fond of Amanda because Amanda¡¯ste mother was his wife¡¯s best friend. His son and Amanda were used to being best friends until they grow up.


    Mr. Alvante understand his son but he doesn¡¯t want his son to be with someone who¡¯s in rtionship with someone else and already has a child. It¡¯s a big no for him.


    Don Alvante hesitantly smiled at Steven before saying goodbye.


    Before the day ended, Steven took the cellphone and went straight to his condo. One week has passed since he learned the truth that Ria has a child.


    It¡¯s been months since he visited his condo.


    He did nothing but to clean. He¡¯s pretty tired and he missed Ria so damn much.


    Steven couldn¡¯t help but to remember her again. He wanted to see her face again. He wanted to hear Ria¡¯s voice again. He cursed.


    He took his phone.. ¡®I¡¯ll text you, Ria. I think I¡¯m dying, baby.. I missed you so damn much!¡¯


    He took the courage to send Ria a text message but an hour passed, he didn¡¯t receive a reply from her and he¡¯s mad again to the bottom of his core.


    ¡°Fvck shit! Why are you not replying? God!¡±


    He¡¯s getting angry every time an image of Ria with her boyfriend crossed his mind.


    He looked at the clock and saw that it was 8 in the evening. He was just sitting on the couch and he felt that the clock was making too much noise. It¡¯s like, it¡¯s calling him to leave and go see Rialyn.


    Steven stood up and went to the car. He¡¯s ready for what might happen. He could feel it too. The moment when he was with the girl, he felt that Ria was genuine to him. That she likes him too.


    Steven went straight to Divine¡¯s house where Ria live.


    He immediately approached the gate of the house but the gate opened and Agatha came out with her daughter.


    Steven wondered when he saw Agatha. And vice versa, cause Agatha¡¯s jaw dropped when she saw Steven standing outside the gate. ¡®What the hell! Why is he here?¡¯ Agatha thought.


    ¡°Hon,¡± both of them looked at Kael who just came out from the house. He didn¡¯t notice Steven yet.


    ¡°Daddy,¡± Oceanie shouted, very happy to see her daddy.


    ¡°Hello princess. Where¡¯s my kisses?¡± Kael was talking to her daughter andughed when his princess gave him lots of kisses as he cuddled up to him.


    ¡°Kael,¡± Steven said so Kael looked at him. Kael¡¯s forehead furrowed wondering why his lovesick friend was standing outside the house of his wife¡¯s best friend.


    ¡°Hey man, why are you here?¡± Kael asked.


    ¡®This is the address where I sent Ria after we came back from the ind. Why the hell Kael is here?¡¯ Steven thought.


    STEVEN


    Why Kael is here?


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± I asked Kael.


    ¡°I¡¯m picking up my wife and my daughter. You?¡±


    ¡®So what is his wife doing at Ria¡¯s house?¡¯


    I looked at Agatha who¡¯s now nervous. Based on her reaction a while ago, I think she already knew me other than the fact that I am her husband¡¯s buddy.


    I could feel it. Is she hiding something from me?


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± I asked Agatha.


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s wrong Steven? This is the house of my wife¡¯s best friend, Divine. But Rialyn was the one who¡¯s currently living here.¡±


    What?


    ¡°That¡¯s why they¡¯re here.¡± Kael added.


    And then I remembered their conversation one week ago at the club. So that¡¯s it. The Ria they talked about and MY Ria are the same?


    I couldn¡¯t believe it. And then Agatha, why do I feel like, she already knew me at that time when Kael introduced usst week?This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that the Ria you are referring to is-¡± Kael


    ¡°Daddy who¡¯s he? Is he V¡¯s daddy?¡± Kael couldn¡¯t continue what he was going to say because of what their daughter said.


    I frowned because of that.


    ¡°Anie, baby,e on, mommy forgot something. Let¡¯s go back inside the house darling.¡± Agatha took her daughter from her husband. Why do I really feel like she¡¯s hiding something from me?


    ¡°Mommy, V will be happy when he finds out that his daddy visits here.¡± I heard their daughter said again before they went inside.


    When I looked at Kael, his jaw dropped while his eyes widened.


    ¡°Daddy?¡± I asked Kael about what his daughter just said. Who is V? Ria¡¯s son? Is the father of Ria¡¯s child not with them? I thought-wait.. I¡¯m confused.


    I was suddenly nervous. Sh*t!! Don¡¯t tell me¡­ But how? Damn! I¡¯m so confused. Did I get it wrong? Am I wrong?


    ¡°Sh*t! I didn¡¯t know.¡± Kael¡¯s words made me even more scared. What¡¯s happening now?


    Based on his reaction..


    ¡°Man, I¡¯m sorry. I think¡­ God! I¡¯m stupid¡± What does Kael mean? Why is he saying sorry to me? I have a hunch but it¡¯s beyond possible, right?


    ¡°What do you mean, Akhael?¡±


    ¡°Kael, stop it.¡± Agatha went out with a woman. It must be one of her friends.


    ¡°So it¡¯s confirmed?¡± Kael asked his wife while I just looked at them like a fool. I¡¯mpletely lost.


    ¡°Yes honey,¡± Agatha answered.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me, hon? He deserves to know.¡± Kael said, frustrated.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know either Kael. I didn¡¯t know it was him. I found outte and besides, it¡¯s her choice so we should respect it.¡± Agatha answered. Are they having a quarrel now? Really? I¡¯m still confused about what¡¯s going on.


    First, I just found out that the Ria I know, and they Ria they were talking a week ago were the same.


    Second, their daughter said, that I¡¯m the daddy of her friend named V. Who¡¯s V, by the way? Is it Ria¡¯s son?


    And why Kael is acting weird? What are they talking about?


    Lastly, I have a feeling that I and this Hivo are somehow connected.


    ¡°Steven, you better go and see Ria at the hospital.¡± The woman said who was with Agatha who went out earlier. She knew my name and that¡¯s weird.


    ¡°Divine,¡±


    ¡°Angie, he deserves to know and I think it¡¯s time. He¡¯s here now so he better go. Ria is fighting the battle alone for Hivo. It¡¯s time for this man to step up.¡±


    At this time, I don¡¯t know what to feel. I¡¯m nervous and I don¡¯t know why. My heart is pounding fast.


    They gave him the address of the hospital and I immediately drove the car to the hospital. To Ria. God! I have conclusion in mind. Am I right?

 Chapter 17

    I was getting closer and closer to the address of the hospital and my heartbeat was getting stronger. For some unknown reason I was nervous.


    When I arrived at the hospital, I immediately parked the car and hurried inside but I saw my sister not far away.


    ¡°What is she doing here?¡± I don¡¯t know but something urged me to follow her. Isn¡¯t a great coincidence that she¡¯s here while none of our rtives were taken to the hospital?


    I stopped for a moment and hid when I saw her stopped and started to talking to a nurse.


    I was not far away so I heard what they were talking about.


    ¡°Hannah, long time no see.¡± The nurse said while smiling at my sister.


    ¡°Hello Jessica. It¡¯s nice to see you.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Jessica asked Hannah.


    ¡°I¡¯m visiting my nephew,¡± I gasped in surprise.


    Which nephew is she referring to? Do we have another sibling who already has a child?


    ¡°Nephew?¡± The nurse asked.


    ¡°Yes. My brother¡¯s son,¡± Hannah answered. I blinked thrice at what she uttered. Because of what Hannah said, the nervousness in my chest intensified. I feel like I¡¯m losing my breath.


    ¡°To your brother Steven? I thought he didn¡¯t have a child yet? Well I heard rumors that his ex-girlfriend was pregnant and he was the father, but I didn¡¯t believe it right away because it was just rumors.¡± I saw my sister¡¯s face crumple as she looked at his friend.


    ¡°That was just a fake news. My brother didn¡¯t impregnate the bitch!¡± Hannah eximed!


    ¡°And besides, I have a handsome nephew. And yes, keep it a secret because even my brother doesn¡¯t know that he has a child.¡±


    I felt like I lost my soul when I heard that. So it¡¯s confirmed. Why didn¡¯t I know I impregnate someone? Like I said, I¡¯d always make sure I use protection if I do that thing.


    Why Hannah knew everything? Why am I the only one who¡¯s clueless here?


    ¡°Oh! Okay,¡± the nurse answered.


    ¡°Yeah, anyway I¡¯m leaving Jessica. See you when I see you.¡± Hannah said and continued walking.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    THIRD POV


    Because of what he heard, Steven followed his sister until Hannah entered a room. Steven knew right away that that room was the room of Hannah¡¯s nephew. He could literally hear his heart beating so fast.


    He didn¡¯t go in first and hid on the corner.


    He pretended to be with another patient watcher and was watching the room his sister entered.


    He waited two hours before he saw Hannahe out so he immediately covered his face with a jacket and pretended to be sleeping.


    When he made sure that his sister was gone, he immediately entered the room. He immediately saw a girl who drove him crazy for a week. The girl he missed so much. His baby, Ria.


    But when he saw the child sleeping on the bed, Steven¡¯s world stopped moving. He felt like his soul move from his body and his legs were shaking. His jaw dropped when he saw the kid looking exactly like him.


    He literally sat on the floor.


    Steven¡¯s chest tightened. He couldn¡¯t believe what he¡¯s seeing. He couldn¡¯t believe that the boy in the bed exactly looked like him. Steven felt like he¡¯s looking at his younger self.


    He wanted to say that it¡¯s just a coincidence, but it seemed impossible because the boy was like a carbon copy of him. From the shape of the face, the nose and everything was just like his face.


    For some inexplicable reason, he felt strange. He felt joy, pity and anger at his current situation.


    And suddenly his sister¡¯s anger at the bar came back to his memory. Hannah was very angry back then because he drank alcohol while there was a child who was in critical condition. He remembered Kael¡¯s actions earlier too. And everything was confirmed.


    Then out of nowhere, he recalled what his friend Philip said not so long ago.


    Steven immediately left, confused. He wanted to talk to his friend. He wanted to know why he didn¡¯t know about the kid.


    He wanted to know where he and Ria first met. He wanted to investigate further.


    He told me months ago that he saw a child who looked like me and he¡¯s positive enough that it was my son.


    I didn¡¯t believe it because it might just be a coincidence.


    And I am so stupid because I didn¡¯t even check. I want to know the truth now.


    ¡°Oh bro, what are you doing here?¡± Philip said when he opened the door.


    ¡°Bud, I have something to ask you. About the boy you saw in the airport.¡± Him being Philip just smirked at me.


    ¡°So you believe in me now?¡± I nodded in response. Sweat was dripping from my forehead. I didn¡¯t know everything would be like this.


    ¡°Come. I have something to show you.¡±


    I entered his condo. He offered me a drink but I refused. I just wanted to know the truth.


    Philip entered the room and when he came out he was carrying an envelope. He gave it to me so I was surprised when I turned to look at him.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°Open it,¡± I opened it and saw the picture of Ria and the boy who looked like me.


    ¡°You see man, when I saw them at the airport, I¡¯m positive enough that the boy has a connection with you. His looks, it¡¯s so you. The way he talks, and the way he acts, I literally see you. Even when I was observing the child, I could easily identify your actions with him. Even the mother, after I mentioned your name, she stopped her son talking to me. That¡¯s why I investigate even if you didn¡¯t believe me.¡±


    ¡°Where did you first see them?¡±


    ¡°At the airport when I went to Canada.¡±


    Canada. I didn¡¯t go to Canada these past few months but it doesn¡¯t mean that I haven¡¯t been there.


    ¡°Rialyn Loverio and her son, Hivo. ording to the information I gathered, they were living in Divine¡¯s house which is Diego¡¯s lover. The child is turning six while Ria is currently working¡­ as your maid.¡±


    I was surprised and looked at him. So he knew and he didn¡¯t tell me?Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°6 years ago, Ria went to Canada together with her best friend named Agatha who is now Akhael¡¯s wife. And when she returned to the Philippines, she was pregnant. So now bud, try to recall it. Think about what happened and why you forgot Ria.¡±


    I tried to recall what happened six years ago in Canada. That year, I chased Amanda in Canada. I went to Canada to bring her back but I failed and I don¡¯t remember anything anymore. I was with my sister that time so it¡¯s impossible for me to be with Ria that night.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember anything bud. I don¡¯t remember anything with Ria.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible buddy. Because I got the DNA result yesterday.¡±


    My eyes widened in disbelief looking at him as he handed over the DNA result.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say all of this?¡± I asked him.


    If he knew these, he should have tell me everything immediately. I have the right to know. The evidence he has is enough to convince me that I have a son.


    Fvck!


    ¡°I tried bud but Hannah blocked me. Four days ago, I went to Ria to the hospital to confront her about the truth since there was no DNA test result yet and I met Hannah there. She asked me not to tell you everything and Rialyn also talked to me that if possible she will be the one to tell you everything.¡± Philip said.


    ¡°But you found out everything before she could tell you the truth.¡± He added


    Fvck! What have I done? I was enjoying my bachelor life while I neglected a child? What kind of person am I?


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    THIRD POV


    ¡°What happened to him?¡± Ben asked, one of Steven¡¯s friends who only showed up once in a while.


    ¡°He just found out about his fatherhood.¡± Philip answered while shaking his head.


    ¡°What the fvck. For real? He has a child Pee?¡± Ben couldn¡¯t believe what he heard. He didn¡¯t think that apart from Kael, they had another friend who already had a child. Philip red at him.


    ¡°Can you stop calling me Pee?¡± He frowned at Ben but his friend ignored him.


    ¡°How did that happen?¡± Ben asked Philip and the young man looked at him in his stoic face as if Ben was the stupidest person in the world.


    ¡°Because he inserted his genital into the woman¡¯s genital, so he is now a father like Kael.¡± Philip answered his idiot friend.


    ¡°This is a big news. We should celebrate then,¡± Ben said but Philip stopped him.


    ¡°I think he needs to be alone this time, Ben. Look at him, he¡¯s far from the Steven we know. He¡¯s ming himself for his stupidity.¡± Philip said seriously.


    ¡°Yeah! He¡¯s wasted,¡± Ben nodded while Steven waspletely lost.


    He was very angry because no matter how hard he tried to remember Ria, he couldn¡¯t really remember her. And it¡¯s frustrating to his part.


    He was angry because he was so careless. He¡¯s furious because his stupidity let Ria raise their child alone. And he¡¯s furious even more because he¡¯s not there when his son was born.


    He did not know the reason why Ria did not tell him the truth. And he also couldn¡¯t be angry with her because he found out that Ria had been looking for him in Canada thinking that he was living there.


    And Steven felt at that time that he was very useless in the world.


    If before, he was asking Ria¡¯s purpose why she applied as his maid, now he seemed to know why.


    Steven wanted to know everything and he knew that his sister, Hannah knew something about what happened 6 years ago. He wanted to know if he was really with Ria that time at the bar, or not.


    ¡°Steven, that¡¯s enough,¡± Philip said trying to stop him from drinking more.


    ¡°Instead of wasting your time here bud, why don¡¯t you just go home and prepare yourself to go to see your son?¡± Philip said and Ben was just listening to the conversation.


    Steven sobbed.


    ¡®Right. I have a son now. He¡¯s in the hospital. I should be there.¡¯ For the first time in his life, a tear fell down from his cheek and his friend was shocked to see Steven crying.


    ¡°Sh*t bud! Hey, you still have a chance to be with your son.¡± Ben said to Steven in a daze and supported him as he tried to stand up.


    ¡°Also with Ria. You like her, don¡¯t you? It¡¯s your chance Steven. Rialyn doesn¡¯t have a boyfriend. The only person with her at home is your son.¡± Philip said.


    ¡°Rialyn?¡± Ben asked Philip in confusion.


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story bud. Later, I¡¯ll tell you everything. Let¡¯s take Steven home first.¡± Philip answered and Ben didn¡¯t ask any more questions and they led Steven out of the bar.


    ¡°Hospital. I want¡­ to.. go¡­to the hospital¡± Steven said, drunk. Philip shook his head at his friend¡¯s condition.


    ¡°Fix yourself first bud before you go to see your son.¡± Philip added before starting the engine.

 Chapter 18

    STEVEN


    Like yesterday, I went to the hospital at night. I was outside the door of Hivo¡¯s room. My son.


    I didn¡¯t know why I¡¯m nervous. I¡¯m wondering if he¡¯s mad at me. ¡®Will he ept me or what? I miss him a lot.¡¯


    I guess this was the situation where the nervousness I felt doubled.


    I looked at my watch and it was eleven o¡¯clock at night. I¡¯m so damn scared. I¡¯ve been an irresponsible father to him.


    I slowly entered the room and found Ria sleeping next to the child who was also sleeping.


    It was as if something caressed my heart with regret and anger when I saw them. I am ashamed that I couldn¡¯t remember the woman I love. The frustrating part was no matter how hard I try to remember her, I always ended up nothing.


    I stepped forward, and stood next to my son and watched him sleeping soundly.


    I wonder how he cried when he was a baby. I wondered how heugh for the first time. How he looked like in his first walk and first run. What was the first word he uttered?


    Was it mama? Was it papa? Was it a milk? God! I wanted to cry..


    I missed a lot of events in his life.


    I couldn¡¯t stop myself crying while looking at my son. Right, I have a son already.


    My son opened his eyes and I didn¡¯t know how to react. His forehead furrowed while looking at me and gradually he frowned.


    I¡¯m nervous and I didn¡¯t know what to do. The joy I felt when I saw my face to my son¡¯s face. He really looked like me. He¡¯s indeed my son. No need for DNA. I could feel it too. We shared the same blood. He has my blood, my veins, my flesh, my son. I immediately wiped the tears from my eyes while looking at him.


    I didn¡¯t know what to say. I didn¡¯t know if I should smile or what.


    I stepped closer to him and sat in the chair next to him. Ria was still sleeping peacefully. I know she¡¯ll be surprised when she sees me here.


    ¡°Hi,¡± I smiled while looking at my son.


    I wanted to say to him that he¡¯s my son or my buddy but I didn¡¯t know if it¡¯s right.


    He might be surprised or something. I didn¡¯t even know if he¡¯s happy or what.


    ¡®I don¡¯t want my son to be afraid of me.¡¯


    His frowning face gradually disappeared. For the first time, I was shocked to see tears running down from his face.


    ¡°Hey what¡¯s wrong bud-


    ¡°DAD!!!¡± I did not act immediately. Time seemed to stop running. My world stopped spinning when he called me dad.


    I felt like someone punched my heart when I saw the joy on his face to see me. The excitement on his face was obvious.


    He tried to stand up so I immediately picked him up while he was crying.


    ¡°Hivo-


    Ria woke up and gasped and surprised to see me carrying our son. I couldn¡¯t even stop my tears from falling while hugging my son


    I didn¡¯t know how to calm him. I just hugged him while carrying him in my arms. It was the first time I hugged and held him and I am so damn happy. Fvck!


    RIALYN


    Hivo cried for more than ten minutes in his father¡¯s arms. I was shocked to see Steven inside carrying our son.


    I saw the pain in his eyes as he looked at me. I cried when I saw our son clinging to his father while crying.


    I stood up and approached them. I don¡¯t have any idea why Steven is here. I don¡¯t know if someone told him the truth or he just found out because he looks so much like his son.


    Did he tell Hivo that he¡¯s his father? Or Hivo recognized him right away?


    ¡°Come here son. Mama will carry you.¡± I said but he shook his head and buried his face to his father¡¯s neck.


    ¡°I want dad, mom.¡± He¡¯s really sure that Steven is his dad even though no one told him or shown him a picture of Steven.


    ¡°Alright, but you need to get down. Your-¡± I stopped up for a moment because I¡¯m unsure if it¡¯s right to say the term dad. ¡°Your dad might get tired for carrying you.¡±


    I looked at Steven and he was silent while also looking at me.


    My son looked at his father. ¡°Are you tired, dad?¡± His voice was still weak.


    Steven shook his head and smiled at our son then kissed him on the forehead. ¡°Of course no, son. Daddy can carry you all day.¡± He said to his son and Hivo smiled from ear to ear.


    ¡°Really dad?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    Hivo smiled and turned to look at me.


    ¡°Thank you, mommy,¡± he said. Why is he thanking me when I¡¯m not the one who carried him?


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°Because you kept your promise to find dad.¡± I was surprised to hear that and it seemed like, I was not the only one who was also surprised by what our son said.


    ¡°You can stay at home just like before I asked you to look for dad, right mom? Because daddy is here so you don¡¯t have to leave everyday.¡± Hivo¡¯s voice cracked at the end and I couldn¡¯t answer that. I just cried because of what he said.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want me to leave every day?¡± I asked him. He nodded and leaned on his father¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Yes, mommy. I don¡¯t you to leave,¡±


    I stepped forward to kiss him on his forehead. ¡°Alright, my love. Mommy won¡¯t leave you again. Go back to sleep,¡±


    ¡°Dad?¡± Steven wiped the tears from his eyes before answering Hivo.


    ¡°Yes son?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not leaving, are you?¡±


    ¡°No, I won¡¯t,¡± Steven answered seriously while looking at me.


    ¡°Goodnight mom. Goodnight dad.¡± Hivo immediately fell asleep so Steven put him back on the bed.


    When our son slept peacefully, the ambiance between me and Steven became awkward.


    I don¡¯t know how to deal him.


    ¡°You need sleep,¡± I said because it¡¯ste.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m not sleepy.¡±


    ¡°You want coffee?¡±


    He didn¡¯t answer. He just looked straight into my eyes. For the first time, I got nervous.


    ¡°Babe, I mean Steven.. -¡± I was surprised when he suddenly knelt in front of me.


    I didn¡¯t know what to do.


    He was on his knees and his head bowed. I looked at him, eyes wide open.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ sorry,¡± his voice cracked. Steven is crying. He¡¯s crying while kneeling in front of me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m such a useless father.¡± I couldn¡¯t stop the tears from falling in my eyes. I couldn¡¯t help it especially because I could clearly hear his sobs while saying sorry.


    Did I make a mistake in not telling him right away?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry because I let you down,¡± he added.


    Did he remember everything 6 years ago? Including me?


    I knelt down to face him. I took his hands and looked into his eyes.


    I can clearly see the regret there.


    When I saw him carrying our son earlier, I almost passed out.


    I was wrong to think that he wouldn¡¯t ept Hivo. I was wrong in the part that I thought he couldn¡¯t ept our son.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Steven,¡± I apologized while wiping the tears from his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry because I didn¡¯t tell you right away.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry because I was scared.¡± I could barely see him because of the tears.


    ¡°I was afraid that you might reject our son.¡± I added.


    He hugged me.


    ¡°Babe, I should be the one¡­ I should be the one to apologize. I¡¯m sorry Ria. I¡¯m sorry babe. I¡¯m sorry because I didn¡¯t remember you right away. I¡¯m sorry because I can¡¯t remember you. I¡¯m sorry because now I amte. I¡¯m¡­ Sorry.¡± Something in my chest tightened when Steven cried at the end.


    I buried my face in his chest. I shed all my tears. I hugged him and let myself be vulnerable.


    I¡¯m tired of being strong.


    I was carrying alone the fears of raising Hivo. What if I fail as a mother? There are many what if¡¯s and I have no one to share with those anxieties.


    I leaned on Steven¡¯s shoulder while looking at our son.


    ¡°You need to go home Steven-¡±


    ¡°No babe. I¡¯m staying here. I want to be here when our son wakes up.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡±


    There was silence between us.  But I¡¯m happy that he¡¯s here for Hivo.


    ¡°Babe, can I ask something?¡±


    ¡°Yes. About what?¡±.


    ¡°About our son,¡±


    Our son. Hmm. Sounds nice.


    ¡°Yes. What do you want to ask?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s his favorites? Does he have a favorite food? Toys? Or anything? Can you tell me about him? I want to know everything.¡± I was surprised. He¡¯s excited to know everything about Hivo.


    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s start with the foods he likes.¡±


    ¡°He likes meat. Andins about vegetables,¡± I said and saw the satisfaction in his eyes. The edge of his lips rose as if he remembered something.


    ¡°Yes. Like you,¡± I added. In the few months that I served him, that¡¯s what I noticed about him. He doesn¡¯t like vegetables.


    ¡°He likes ying basketball. He have many basketballs in the house. I guess he never gets tired of it.¡± I chuckled.


    Steven¡¯s face crumpled.


    ¡°That motherfvcker,¡± he said.


    ¡°Why?¡± I asked him confused.


    ¡°He knew you and yet, he didn¡¯t even tell me.¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh. About that, I think Kael didn¡¯t know either. They were in Canada and Hivo was just a baby when he first saw it. So I think he didn¡¯t know that my son-¡±


    ¡°Our Ria. Our son.¡± He corrected me with a frown.


    I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°Okay. I think Kael knows nothing. He didn¡¯t see Hivo when he was growing up. But then, I remembered that he said that Hivo looked like his friend when he first saw him. I think, he meant you. ¡±


    He sighed and looked at me.


    ¡°Babe,¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Come and live with me,¡± he said staring at me. What? Is he kidding me? Is he asking me to live with him in his house?


    Based on his looks, obviously, he¡¯s not joking. I gulped!

 Chapter 19

    I didn¡¯t know what to say. I couldn¡¯t find the right words to answer him. Will I agree or not? What should I do?


    I could see in his eyes the expectation that I would answer ¡®yes.¡¯


    Should I agree? If you think about it, Amanda lives with him. His mother doesn¡¯t like me either. I can¡¯t match the wealth they have. We¡¯re poor!


    ¡°Can I just answer you next time?¡±


    I can see the disappointment in his eyes but as a mother, I have to make sure that my son will be okay.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Steven,¡± I apologized.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay babe,¡± he tried to smile but it just looked fake. I just don¡¯t want to rush everything because of my son.


    I fell asleep while Steven was next to me watching over our son.


    I woke up when I heard my son¡¯s soft giggles.


    ¡°Dad. Stop it. I¡¯m a man now,¡± I frowned while watching them ying around. Steven tickling Hivo and our son burst into tears whileughing.


    ¡°But you¡¯re still daddy¡¯s baby,¡± Steven said.


    I saw the scratch papers scattered on the floor and other coloring materials.


    I had just fallen asleep but our room looked like it had been hit by a storm.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to work anymore dad?¡± Hivo asked Steven innocently.


    They didn¡¯t even notice that I was awake.


    I could see how happy my son was while talking to his dad. I really love my son.


    ¡®How about the father of your child, Ria? Do you love him too?¡¯ It was like a demon asked me in my mind.


    I blushed at the thought. I just shook my head.


    ¡°Daddy needs to work, son,¡±


    ¡°So when will I see you again?¡± Steven got nervous when he saw the tears that were about to fall in his son¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Everyday. Papa will visit you every day. Shh.. Don¡¯t cry buddy. I thought you¡¯re a big boy already?¡± Our son wiped away his tears and slowly nodded to his father. He¡¯s such a crybaby now.


    ¡°Hmm.. I¡¯m a big boy, dad. You promise that you¡¯ll visit me every day?¡±


    ¡°Yes. daddy promise you.¡±


    Hivo hugged his father. I wiped my tears away. My heart is full.


    Steven looked at me. ¡°Good morning babe,¡± he said and beckoned me toe to them.


    ¡°Good morning mom,¡±


    ¡°Good morning, baby.¡± I said.


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m okay. Let¡¯s go home.¡± Hivo stood up and started to jump. It¡¯s my first time seeing him like this. Only his father can give him this joy.


    I smiled and approached him.


    ¡°Can I ask for a hug, my love?¡± Iughed when he hugged me tightly. I looked at Steven and I saw him happily looking at us.


    ¡°Mama misses her baby so much,¡±


    ¡°Mama, I¡¯m not a baby anymore. I¡¯m a big boy now.¡± He said with a frown like how his father frowned. They really looked alike.


    I¡¯ve been very nervous for the past few days. I just breathed a sigh of relief now, especially seeing my son¡¯s enthusiasm. I have been praying almost every night that he will be fine.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a baby? But mommy wants you to be my baby forever,¡±


    ¡°Okay fine. For you, even though I¡¯m a big boy, I¡¯ll be your baby forever.¡± I chuckled.


    ¡°How about dad?¡± Hivo looked at him and our son scratched his head which made meugh.


    ¡°Okay dad. I¡¯m your baby too.¡±


    Stevenughed and took him from me.


    I stood up to match them. Because Steven was so tall.


    ¡°Mommy has a surprise for you.¡±


    My son frowned. Even Steven, he frowned too and my jaw dropped when I saw their face together. Wow! They really looked alike.


    Did my son inherit something from me? Cause he really looked like his father and no sign of me.


    ¡°Why mom? It¡¯s not my birthday today.¡±


    ¡°Yes but since you¡¯re brave, mom has a gift for you.¡±


    ¡°What is it mom?¡±


    ¡°We are moving house. We will live together with daddy.¡±


    After I said that, my son smiled widely and rejoiced in happiness. He even jumped while shouting ¡®yeheyyy¡¯.


    And I saw Steven looking at me in shock and it seemed like, he did not expect me to agree right away.


    ¡°Really mom? Yeeeeeeey! Dad will be with us all the time.¡±


    I¡¯ve thought ¡¯bout it. My son is happy with his father so why should I stop that? I¡¯m sure there is a solution to my worries and I have thought of something to counter that.


    The door opened and Hannah suddenly entered.


    ¡°Steven?¡± She said in her eyes wide opened. She couldn¡¯t believe seeing her brother here with us.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± she asked but Steven just red at her.


    Hannah already knew the reason why her brother ring at her so immediately ran back to the door.


    ¡°Hi Aunt Hannah,¡± Hivo ran to Hannah.


    ¡°Look. Papa is here,¡± my son said happily to his aunt.


    ¡°My handsome nephew is very happy. Are you happy that papa is here?¡± Hannah asked my son and my son nodded.


    Steven walked towards me and hugged me. ¡°Thank you for raising him, babe. Thank you for saying yes.¡± I smiled. Anything for my son.


    I will do everything for him. He wanted to be with his dad so who am I to hinder?


    ¡°Ahem.¡± Hannah cleared her throat. I immediately let go of Steven¡¯s hug because of Hannah.


    Hannah raised her eyebrows at us while carrying our son. It seemed like she was teasing us but Steven red at her again so she pretended to look away and chose to y with my son.


    ¡°Brother, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I was currently feeding Hivo while Hannah was nagging her sister to forgive her.


    ¡°Stop it Han. You¡¯re a jerk.¡±


    Hannah¡¯s muzzle lengthened. When the brother, who was clearly enjoying what he was doing, still couldn¡¯t agree, he immediately wrapped his hands around his older brother¡¯s arms.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Brother, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Mom, why did aunt Hannah saying sorry to dad?¡± I looked at my son who was looking at his aunt and his dad.


    ¡°Leave them alone, son. They¡¯re just ying. Go ahead and eat some more to get stronger again.¡±


    ¡°Quit making that face. You¡¯re so ugly!¡± Steven said to his sister.


    Hannah came to us, crying.


    ¡°Am I ugly, buddy?¡± she asked Hivo. My son just looked at them.


    My son scratched his head and looked at me as if asking for help.


    ¡°Yes baby? Why?¡± I asked.


    ¡°What should I say, mama?¡± He whispered.


    My son is so smart.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want taking sides, mom. I don¡¯t want them to be sad.¡± He whispered and I know they heard us.


    ¡°Oh my God! Steven! Your son is so smart.¡± Hannah said happily.


    Hannah giggled and she filled my son¡¯s cheeks to her kisses.


    ¡°Of course, my son is smart. He¡¯s my little me after all,¡± Steven said proudly, full of love looking at his son who wasughing because he was tickled by what Hannah was doing.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    I¡¯m currently fixing Hivo¡¯s stuff. I will pay the billster. The doctor said he¡¯s fine, so we can go home now.


    ¡°Babe, ahm¡­ can you please watch our son?¡±


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just going to ask for the bills so I could withdraw from the bank-


    ¡°No, don¡¯t bother to do that. I¡¯ll take care of that.¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°Let me do that Ria. Let me pay for our son¡¯s hospital bills. Let me make it up to him. Let me make it up to you.¡± He said seriously.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s a shame-


    ¡°I forbid you to feel that with me. Why should you be ashamed of me? You¡¯re the mother of my child. Both of you are my responsibility.¡±


    I was shunned. I wanted to say something but I couldn¡¯t find the right words. He¡¯s dead serious.


    ¡°What?¡± He asked gruffly.


    I blinked a few times before shaking my head.


    ¡°Tss.. we had a son already, you should feelfortable with me.. I think it¡¯s right to impregnate you again,¡± He mumbled.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡±


    ¡°Hmm.. I heard something.¡± He looked away and his ears were red.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything,¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you look at me then?¡±


    ¡°Tss¡­ Stop it babe,¡± he said.


    ¡°Say it or we won¡¯t live with you anymore.¡±


    ¡°Babe!¡± He faced me again and he suddenly hold my waist and pulled it closer to him.


    What the!!


    ¡°W-Why?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful,¡± he said. If earlier he was the one blushing, now it¡¯s me.


    ¡°You¡¯re a good kisser,¡± He slowly pulled his head closer to my face. My heart was pounding hard. I know my face was red like a tomato.


    When his lips were close to mine, I immediately pushed his face with my palm.


    ¡°Stop it Steven. This is not a drama.¡±


    He frowned and I jumped in shock when Hannahughed out loud.


    ¡°Bravo! Hahahahaha. I really like you Ria!¡± She said andughed again so Steven threatened to hit her. Hannah ran towards Hivo who was busy watching Paw Patrol.


    ¡°Why are you so angry? That was embarrassing. Bleeeh!¡± Hannah teased her brother so I couldn¡¯t help but tough at them.

 Chapter 20

    RIALYN


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m excited,¡± Hivo whispered to my ear and Steven heard that. He chuckled while driving. I know his heart was full being with his son.


    ¡°Are you happy son?¡±


    ¡°Yes dad,¡± Hivo answered and looked out the window to watch the houses we passed on the road.


    It¡¯s been a week since Hivo got out of the hospital.


    We were heading to Steven¡¯s condo now. We¡¯ll live there temporarily cause Amanda still living in his house.


    I looked at Steven when he suddenly hold my hand.


    ¡°What are you thinking babe?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Amanda,¡±


    ¡°What about her?¡± He frowned when he asked back.


    I¡¯ve been thinking thistely that once she found out about Hivo, she might attack us.


    ¡°She might get angry once she learns about our son.¡±Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Why would she be angry? She¡¯s out of my life and besides, I will protect you and our son.¡± I looked at him. Somehow, because of what he said, I calmed a little bit.


    ¡°Dad, are we going to stay at your house?¡± Hivo asked him. He¡¯s really excited because he has repeated several times to ask his father about that matter.


    ¡°Baby, we¡¯re going to live in daddy¡¯s condo.¡± I said and nced at Steven.


    ¡°Why not in his house mommy?¡±


    How to exin to my son that we can¡¯t because there¡¯s another woman that currently living in his father¡¯s house? I¡¯m sure he will be confused and surprised because he¡¯s still young.


    ¡°Because we can¡¯t yet, Hivo.¡± That¡¯s all I said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand, mommy. Are we not allowed to live in daddy¡¯s house?¡±


    ¡°Because son, at daddy¡¯s house-¡±


    ¡°Our house was still in renovation, buddy,¡± Steven said, interrupted earlier.


    ¡°Oh. I see.¡± Hivo answered like an old man. Once Hivo started to ask something, he didn¡¯t stop until he got an answer.


    Hivo¡¯s energy has gradually returned as well as his weight. He lost weight when he was in the hospital. During our son¡¯s recovery, Steven was there to take care of him.


    And Hivo was very happy because of that.


    ¡°Ahm, Hivo and I will just sleep in the guest room.¡±


    ¡°What? Why?¡± He frowned. It¡¯s a sign that he didn¡¯t like what I said.


    Why? Is he nning that the three of us will share the same room?


    ¡°Why? Are you suggesting that we should sleep in the same room?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Why? Is there something wrong with that?¡±


    Is he serious? Of course it¡¯s wrong. I mean, yes we had sex  but-


    ¡°So you want us¨Ctogether?¡± unsure of my question. Geez. This is so hard.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? Tsk.¡±


    My cheeks reddened. For the record, we didn¡¯t have a thing. I mean yes, we have a son but we¡¯re not girlfriend and boyfriend.


    We just had sex twice.


    ¡°Tss. Don¡¯t worry. Maybeter, I¡¯ll take you again.¡±


    My eyes widened as I turned to him. What the!


    ¡°Steven, your mouth!¡± I said, blushing.


    ¡°You¡¯re annoying, babe. You keep on calling me by my first name. When will you start calling me-¡±


    ¡°STEVEN!¡± I¡¯m pretty sure that I looked like a red tomato right now. I¡¯m sure our son was watching us.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he chuckled.


    ¡°Stop fooling me,¡±


    ¡°I said you¡¯re beautiful. That¡¯s why you should always call me babe to make you even more beautiful.¡± He said and I smiled. God! He knew how to make me blush.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ What a ttering wordsing from Mr. Alvante,¡± I said.


    ¡°Mom, dad are you fighting?¡±


    Steven and I turned at the same time to our son who was innocently sitting in the back seat of the car while looking at us.


    ¡°No son.¡± I said, smiling.


    ¡°No son. Daddy just making mommy blush,¡± Steven said and winked at Hivo.


    ¡°Where do you want to eat today?¡± I asked him to change the topic.


    ¡°Jobee mama. I want to eat fried chicken.¡±


    ¡°Oh babe. It¡¯s Jobee,¡± I said and I arched my brow when I saw him gulped. I couldn¡¯t help butugh when I saw him holding back a smile. Is he blushing?


    ¡°Sh*t babe, you making me-¡±


    ¡°Blush?¡± I added


    ¡°Horny,¡± he whispered. I immediately hit him in the arm. God! His mouth!!!!


    He justughed when he saw me ring at him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s drive Tru?¡± he asked. I looked at my son who was ying with his father¡¯s phone.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just go to the mall. I¡¯m going to buy something,¡± I want to buy grocery foods.


    ¡°Mommy, dad,¡± I looked at my son when he called us.


    ¡°Can we watch this?¡±


    He showed us a cartoon movie. And it¡¯s showing now in cinema.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Steven asked.


    ¡°A cartoon movie,¡±


    He looked at our son.


    ¡°Oh. Of course son. Y¡¯know what, let¡¯s do that. Let¡¯s have a family date today.¡± When Hivo heard his father, he started shouting with joy. It¡¯s his first time to go out with his father.


    ¡°Thank you dad, thank you mom,¡± he said.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee son/son,¡± Steven and I said at the same time.


    We were already inside Jobee and I was the one who went to the counter to order. I¡¯m carrying Steven¡¯s wallet that he gave earlier. He seemed serious when he said that he will take care of all the expenses for us.


    My jaw dropped when I opened his wallet. I tried to find the people I was familiar with but I couldn¡¯t find them. (People imprinted in money)


    He didn¡¯t have 1k? 500? 200, 100 and fifty? OMG.


    I just put his wallet in the bag afraid that someone would steal it from me.


    I took my own wallet and paid after I said my order.


    I went back to our table where I left them. My son has been with his father for just over a week and he is already close to him.


    Vice versa, Steven takes good care of his son too. Though sometimes, he¡¯s overreacting when ites to Hivo. When Hivo stripped, Steven almost rushed him in the hospital. That how exaggerated he was.


    But I understand because it was his first time being a parent to his son.


    ¡°Mommy, help!¡± our son said whileughing, trying to get away from his father.


    ¡°Your sweaty son,¡± I immediately took my towel and wiped his sweats.


    ¡°Finished?¡± Steven asked while taking Hivo from me.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I took his wallet and gave it to him ¡°your wallet,¡± I said.


    ¡°Is that all the money you have?¡±


    He scratched the back of his neck and smiled sheepishly.


    ¡°Yes babe. All my money is in the bank. Why? Is that not enough? I¡¯ll leave first to withdraw or I¡¯ll call my assistant to withdraw so he can bring it here.¡±


    Huh? I blinked a few times. And looked at him, confused. OMG. He have a lot of money in the wallet but he doesn¡¯t have cash¡­ only cards.


    Cards are fine, but you won¡¯t always use cards to pay.


    ¡°No. That¡¯s too much. Hehe. Here, take it.¡± I said.


    ¡°Keep that babe,¡±


    ¡°Okay- What? No. I won¡¯t,¡± I said.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. Just keep it. After all, you¡¯re the one who will budget everything.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too much, babe. One card is enough,¡±


    ¡°Okay, just throw the others away if you don¡¯t ept them.¡±


    Instead of taking an ATM card from his wallet, I suddenly looked at him. I couldn¡¯t believe what he said. Throw away? Is he real?


    He looked at me seriously too so I have no choice but to follow him, afraid that he¡¯ll throw the other cards away like what he said.


    ¡°Why are you like this? Why are you trusting me so much? What if I¡¯m not a good person? What if I¡¯m just using you because you¡¯re rich?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°It¡¯s enough for me babe, to see our son that is kind, intelligent, and respectful in order for me to say that you¡¯re a good mother; that you¡¯re a good person,¡± he said seriously, prating not only my heart but my entire being.


    ¡°Your personality reflected on how you raise our son.¡± I hugged him tightly after he said that. That¡¯s the bestpliment I¡¯ve ever heard. I am happy to hear that.

 Chapter 21

    ¡°Where are you going? Can wee along?¡± I rolled my eyes because Steven asked that to me so many times now.


    ¡°Yes mommy, can wee with you?¡± I sighed. I can¡¯t believe these two.


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t. You¡¯ll be get bored waiting for me.¡± I said.


    Hivo pouted.


    ¡°Mama is just going to buy something for a while. Please, can you wait me in the car?¡± Hivo looked at his father before looking at me again.


    ¡°Daddy will be sad, mom.¡± I looked at Steven for a moment then looked at our son that always seemed to be on his father¡¯s side. I feel jealous sometimes.


    ¡°Oh! Daddy is not a kid. He understands me. Right daddy?¡± I nced at Steven with my deadly stares. He smiled noticing that if he said no, I would be upset with him. I saw he swallowed several times before he nodded.


    ¡°Y-Yes b-babe,¡± he stammered.


    ¡°See son? Daddy understands, doesn¡¯t he? So you should get in the car first and wait until mommyes back.¡± I said.


    Hivo nodded.


    I waited for them to leave before I turned around to buy facial creame.


    I know they¡¯ll be get bored if I bring them along so it¡¯s better if they just wait me in the car.


    I was about to enter into the store when I met Amanda. We stared at each other.


    She¡¯s wearing a maternity dress. I¡¯m wondering who¡¯s really the father of her child.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Steven?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Give him back to me. Stop seducing him, b-tch. Our daughter needs him.¡± I looked at her belly before I looked into her eyes.


    Amanda is beautiful. She has pointed nose, round brown eyes and thin lips. But right now, she looks like a desperate woman.


    ¡°Get out of my face Amanda because I might p you even if you¡¯re pregnant.¡± I want to p her now but I can¡¯t because she¡¯s pregnant.


    ¡°You¡¯re brave considering you¡¯re just a maid.¡± She smirked at me. ¡°Next time, Steven will be on myp again and I promise that he¡¯ll leave you like trash.¡±


    Isn¡¯t there a beauty aside from this girl¡¯s face?


    ¡°You know what, you¡¯re beautiful Amanda,¡± I told her. She smiled with pride.


    ¡°But it would be nice to sweep the floor using your face.¡± I added.


    Her smile disappeared from her lips.


    ¡°Did you scandalize here as well?¡±


    My eyes shifted to the woman I couldn¡¯t believe that I would met here.


    ¡°How dare you make a scene here? I know you¡¯re just a maid, but are you really cheap as well?¡± People around us were looking at us, Amanda was smiling as if she finally got her revenge.


    It hurts so much to be told cheap in this situation.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Mrs. Alvante. But between the two of us, I¡¯m not the first one who make a scene. I¡¯m just defending myself.¡±


    ¡°You know what, you¡¯re stupid. You didn¡¯t go to school? Even high school? Can¡¯t you see? She¡¯s pregnant. But you threatened and fight her. What if she gets stressed and bleeds?¡±


    I wanted to cry.


    ¡°Stop being so delusional, gold digger. You¡¯re such a disgrace!¡±


    I didn¡¯t react to what she said. Am I gold digger and stupid?


    ¡°It¡¯s disrespectful ma¡¯am, you¡¯re too much. I¡¯m not that kind of woman. If you don¡¯t want your favorite daughter-inw to be threaten, then please teach her good manners. Excuse me,¡± I said and turned away.


    ¡°What the! HEY! You¡¯re rude!¡± I heard her but I didn¡¯t bother to look. I¡¯m holding my tears not to fall. I still walked away with my forehead high. I¡¯m just defending myself, and there¡¯s nothing wrong with what I did.


    Steven¡¯s mother hates me. Do Steven and I have a future?


    I¡¯m afraid to introduce Hivo to his parents. I don¡¯t know if they will ept my son or not.


    I knocked on the car¡¯s window and peeked inside. I saw themughing, I just couldn¡¯t hear what they were talking about.


    ¡°Mommy,¡± Hivo shouted when he saw me.


    I smiled back at him. When I nced at Steven, his eyes were smiling while checking his son¡¯s seat belt.


    He looked at me after when I got inside the car.


    ¡°Where are the things you bought?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I-I didn¡¯t buy anything babe. I was suddenly dizzy earlier,¡± my excuse.


    ¡°What? Are you okay?¡± he¡¯s worried.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the hospital.¡± I stopped him because I was just pretending.


    ¡°NO.. it¡¯s okay. I¡¯m okay. Let¡¯s just go home. I¡¯ll just let it rest.¡±


    He still didn¡¯t seem convinced but he followed anyway.


    ¡°Are you okay, mom?¡± My son asked worriedly. I looked at him and smiled.


    ¡°Yes baby. Mom is fine,¡±


    ¡°Does your stomach hurt? Is it because of the fried chicken earlier?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but tough at what he said. It¡¯s hard to pretend in front of them. But even so, I¡¯m happy that I have them.


    ¡°Mommy is fine, love.¡±


    He¡¯s still looking at me worriedly. I just sighed and kissed him.


    ¡°Are you tired?¡±


    ¡°No, mommy. How about you?¡±


    Steven is silent while driving but I know he¡¯s listening to us.


    ¡°Mommy is fine my love. I¡¯m not tired. Come,y on myp. I¡¯ll wake you upter when we get home. I know you¡¯re sleepy.¡± I kissed him on his forehead before humming the song I sing to him when I put him to sleep.


    I looked at Steven because he stopped the car.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m lucky,¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because you are the mother of my child, babe. Thank you.¡±


    All of a sudden, all my pain I felt towards his mother and Amanda disappeared. I felt like I was cradled in the sky because of those words he said.


    I didn¡¯t say anything. He just started the car. Leaving the ce where we stopped. But my heart and my mind calmed because of him.


    No, Steven. It¡¯s a thank you for being there for us.


    When we arrived at the condo, Hivo was still asleep. It¡¯s gettingte so I just cooked for our dinner.


    ¡°Are you going to work?¡± I asked Steven while he was looking at hisptop. I heard him call his assistant earlier.


    ¡°Yes babe. I have a dinner meetingter with a client.¡±


    Oh. I cooked too much for dinner.


    ¡°Is that so? I¡¯ll just prepare your suits.¡±


    He smiled, ¡°thank you,¡±


    After cooking, I prepared his clothes. I blushed at the thought that I¡¯m acting as a wife now.


    ¡°Are youing hometer or are you spending the night at the office?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try toe hometer. Thepany¡¯s anniversary ising up, so my schedule is very hectic, especially that I dyed all my meetings by one week so I could bond with our son.¡±


    Even though I wasn¡¯t smiling, my heart was screaming with joy. I really appreciate all his efforts for our son. It¡¯s far from what I expected to happen.


    ¡°See youter babe,¡± he said.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I said while standing at the door.


    ¡°Why? Did you forget something?¡± I asked when I noticed he didn¡¯t leave yet


    Instead of answering, he closed the distance between us and he suddenly kissed me.


    ¡°Goodbye, baby.¡±


    ¡°G-Goodbye!.. be careful,¡± and I really stuttered in front of him.


    When Steven left, I immediately looked around to find something to clean. When you¡¯re really a mom, you be oozy and wanted everything clean and organized.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    I entered the kitchen and saw Steven¡¯s phone left on the table.


    He forgot to bring it.


    I took it and I saw his wallpaper. It was the picture of the three of us in the house that Hivo and I used to live in. I smiled.


    Then, I saw a message pop out.


    I didn¡¯t intend to read it but I saw the message identally. I saw what Hannah¡¯s message to her brother. The message that made me nervous.


    Can¡¯t the wind really go along with what I want to happen? There¡¯s always an obstacle to everything and sometimes it is unstoppable.


    What will happen to my son? To me?


    ¡®Steven, where are you? Mommy is crazy. He will marry you to Amanda.¡¯ ¨C Hannah

 Chapter 22

    After I read the message, I admitted that it scares the hell out of me. My son had just met his father, what will happen to them?


    ¡°Daddy?¡± Hivo mumbled. I looked at the clock and it was midnight. I don¡¯t know if Steven will go home tonight.


    ¡°He¡¯s still at work son. Go back to sleep, we¡¯ll wake you up when dad gets home.¡± I said smiling.


    He yawned and fell asleep immediately. I tried to sleep but I couldn¡¯t. So I stood up to get water.


    I was surprised to see Steven sitting on the sofa and looking in vain.


    He¡¯s thinking deeply that he didn¡¯t even notice my presence. I didn¡¯t know how long he had been there.


    ¡°Babe,¡± He looked surprise when he see me, he immediately stood up and approached me.


    ¡°Why-¡±


    I couldn¡¯t finish what I was going to say when he suddenly hugged me and buried his face in my neck.


    ¡°Babe, I¡¯m tired,¡± he said.


    Why are you tired? At your job or at your mom¡¯s request?


    ¡°Babe,¡± he called.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± I replied while rubbing his back up and down.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get married,¡± I was surprised. I didn¡¯t react immediately. WHAT?


    ¡°When?¡± I¡¯m just riding him along. He¡¯s just joking right?


    ¡°Now,¡± he answered.


    ¡°What?¡± Iughed. What kind of joke is this? Is that possible?


    ¡°I¡¯m serious babe. Let¡¯s get married now.¡± I stoppedughing when I noticed how serious he was.


    The next day, Steven stayed at home. He¡¯s in the living room right now ying Hivo while I¡¯m in the kitchen baking because we have guestster.


    ¡°Babe, you need help?¡± Steven said.


    ¡°Yes mom. You need help?¡± Our son said, imitating his father.


    ¡°No. thanks boys. Mama can do it. Just have fun there,¡± I said. If they were here to help, I might just mess things up. It will take me a long time.


    ¡°Mom, are you making brownies?¡± my son asked.


    ¡°And cake too, babe?¡± Steven added. I just shook my head because of them. I¡¯m really grateful that I know how to bake even without proper training. Especially now that Steven and our son love sweets.


    ¡°Yeah, and cake too for dad, mom?¡±


    I let out a deep breath. ¡°Yes, my love. Brownies for you and cake for daddy.¡±


    After a while, the guests arrived.


    ¡°Hello uncle Kael,¡± I heard my son say.


    I was surprised that he remembers Kael¡¯s face even he was just a little boy thest time he saw him.


    ¡°The kid is so smart, Kael, he remembered you right away. Whereas you have seen him before, yet you have no idea that he¡¯s from our friend¡¯s sperm.¡± The man I-don¡¯t-know-who said. And they really med Kael for what happened.


    ¡°Yeah it¡¯s my fault that I didn¡¯t notice righ away. Hivo was still very young thest time I saw him.¡± He said when I looked at them, he was carrying my son now.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s okay bud. It¡¯s my fault too. Anyway, take a sit,¡± Steven said.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Ben?¡± Steven asked them.


    ¡°Oh¡­ That idiot, he said he¡¯ll follow after he reaches his climax.¡± Theyughed as the man who said that grimaced.


    He was the man who went to the hospital. The person we saw at the airport.


    ¡°Hi Ria,¡± I smiled at Kael. It¡¯s been a long time since I saw him because we didn¡¯t see each other every time we visit them in Canada. He¡¯s busy at work.


    ¡°Hello Kael. Long time no see,¡± I said. Steven suddenly wrapped one of his hands around my waist.


    ¡°Easy man, we won¡¯t take Rialyn away from you.¡± Kael saidughing when he saw what Steven did.


    ¡°And besides, I¡¯m taken,¡± Kael added.


    ¡°Me too,¡±


    ¡°And me-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother Philip because you haven¡¯t confessed to Hannah yet.¡± My eyes widened at Kael¡¯s words. What the! He likes Hannah?


    Philip just smirked at his friends when he was tease by them.


    ¡°Oh by the way Ria, this is Philip and this is Diego. I¡¯ll be the one to introduce them because I think Steven doesn¡¯t have a n of doing that.¡± Kael said and looked at Steven who red at him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat? I cooked for all of you,¡±


    ¡°Yes food!¡± The three of them said together.


    ¡°Tss. ¡± Steven hissed, annoyed to his friends. I stomped his foot under the table.


    ¡°Ouch babe! It hurts,¡± he said but I just ignored him.


    ¡°Hello world! How are you?¡± We all looked at the neer.


    ¡°Hi uncle Ben,¡± my son greeted him.


    He had only been with Ben for a day and he was immediately close to him.


    ¡°Hello big boy. How are you?¡± He picked up my son and messed up his hair.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay uncle. Still handsome,¡± we allughed at what Hivo said. I don¡¯t know where he learned that.


    ¡°O¡¯right. Just like me who is handsome too.¡± And my son giggled. I sighed.


    ¡°Hi Ria,¡±


    ¡°Hello Ben,e and join us,¡±


    When I looked at the boys, they were already eating the cake.


    ¡°HEY! Give me some cake,¡± Ben nervously approached his friends to reach for the cake but Steven, ate the remaining slice.


    ¡°WHAT THE! MAN, WHERE¡¯S MINE?¡±


    ¡°Hmm.. Yummy, sorry bro,¡± Diego said while drinking water.


    What kind of people are they and they ate the 2 sets of twoyer of cake I made? Are they some group of cake monsters?


    Ben frowned and waned to cry.


    ¡°Bud, when will it done?¡± Steven asked seriously.


    ¡°2 years,¡± Ben answered bluntly.


    ¡°What? Too long, man!¡±


    ¡°Of course because you ran out of cake.¡± He answered. Oh my God! He¡¯s so funny!


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll buy you a lot of cake. Make it 1 day,¡± Steven bargained.


    ¡°1 week plus cake for 1 month. What do you think of me? Superman?¡±


    ¡°Your face looks like a cake. Okay fine as long as after a week, it¡¯s done.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you are demanding, dude.¡±


    I just shook my head at the nastiness of these two. They acting like a child.


    The next day, Steven left early for work. Later, Hivo and I will bring him his lunch.


    ¡°Take a bath, son. We¡¯re going to your father¡¯s office now.¡±


    ¡°Okay mom,¡± Hivo turned off the TV and immediately went into the room to take a shower while I was preparing the things we were going to bring for Steven.


    I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s right to bring my son to his office but he made a request earlier so I agreed.


    When everything was fine, my phone beeped so picked it up to see who was calling. Unknown number and it has five missed calls already.


    ¡®Who is this?¡¯


    I waited for someone to speak on the other line.


    My forehead furrowed that I could hear nothing but a sigh.


    ¡°Hello, who is this?¡±


    But there was still no response so I was about to hang up the call when I heard the voice of the person I hadn¡¯t seen for a long time.


    My hands were shaking because God knows how much I was praying that the day woulde when I could talk to her again, that I could hug her again.


    Because I still want to be part of their family.


    To be their daughter again.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Ria,¡±


    I cried. I¡¯ve longed for her to call me her daughter again.


    ¡°Mom,¡±


    Because even though she was not my real mother, she still stood as my mother.


    ¡°Can we see each other?¡± I gasped and couldn¡¯t believe what I heard. Is this real?


    ¡°Yes mom. When?¡± I really want to see her again. I miss her so much.


    ¡°Later if it¡¯s okay with you,¡±


    I bit my lip because Steven and I had nster.


    ¡°Okay mom. Just text me the address.¡± I said before hanging up.


    I¡¯ll just leave Hivo to his dad. Maybe they will understand if I postpone it first.


    I would like to bring them both but I think it¡¯s better if I talk to mom first. It¡¯s been years since Ist saw her. I missed her so much.

 Chapter 23

    Hivo was excited as we entered his father¡¯spany while I was nervous. When we got out of the taxi, I looked at myself again. I¡¯m wearing the off shoulder red dress that Angie gave mest birthday. I wanted to be presentable somehow so as not to embarrass Steven.


    My son wearing the polo shirt that Steven and I bought for him. He¡¯s also wearing the customized cap that his father bought for themselves. There is a ¡®I¡¯m his son¡¯ embroidered on the corner of the cap. It¡¯s small, enough to be seen by the people. And ¡®I¡¯m his father¡¯ to Steven¡¯s cap.


    It was delivered earlier so Hivo wore it right away and insisted on bringing the other one for his dad.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, ID please,¡± the guard stopped me.


    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t have apany ID. But I know Steven Alvante. Please call him.¡±


    The bodyguard is kind and he followed me right away without any questions. After a while, my son started shouting ¡®daddy¡¯ when he saw his father walking while his assistant and secretary followed him. So all the people around were staring at us.


    His assistant and his secretary also seemed surprised by what my son said. It looked like a ¡®Child reveal¡¯ show.


    ¡°Hello son, Did you miss dad?¡± He greeted his son before kissing his forehead and carrying him.


    ¡°Yes, dad. By the way, the cap was delivered earlier. It¡¯s cool,¡± my son said cheerfully.


    ¡°Really? Did you bring mine?¡± My son nodded. I can see from his assistant and secretary that they are curious behind. They were trying to look at my son¡¯s face.


    Hivo was wearing a cap so they couldn¡¯t see his face clearly.


    When Steven nced at me, I saw how his eyes moved to my dress. I was suddenly conscious.


    ¡°Is it ugly?¡± I asked, shyly.


    He came closer to me and kissed me on the side of my head.


    ¡°Was it for me?¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes¡± I answered shyly. Yeah, I dressed up like this for him.


    ¡°You look extra gorgeous today babe. But I don¡¯t want to kill some people today so please get my coat and put it on your shoulders. It¡¯s too revealing,¡± my eyes almost rolled at what he said. So possessive huh?


    I just followed what he said.


    ¡°By the way babe, this is Jamie and Roel. My trusted employees,¡± he introduced me to his assistant and secretary.


    ¡°Hello. It¡¯s nice to meet you,¡± I said to them.


    ¡°Hello ma¡¯am. The same goes for you,¡±


    ¡°Hello,¡± Hivo greeted them.


    ¡°Roel, Jamie, my son Hivo and this is my life, Ria.¡± I blushed at what Steven said. I want to hide behind him. All eyes are looking at me.


    When they saw my son, the shock was evident on both of their faces.


    ¡°Come on sir! The kid looks just like you,¡± Jamie said in shock.


    ¡°Yes sir. We thought you were still single, we didn¡¯t know that you already have an heir, sir,¡± his assistant Roel said in surprise. Steven justughed at them and took us to his office.


    When I looked at Roel, I saw his eyes widen. It was as if he had seen a ghost. He¡¯s old, I think more than fifties? I¡¯m not sure. But why is he staring at me? Have we met before?


    I notice people gossiping in the distance but I just ignored it. This is big news for them, especially since they thought their boss didn¡¯t have a child yet.


    ¡°Ahm-babe, can I leave for a while?¡± I asked Steven.


    ¡°Why, where are you going?¡±


    ¡°To mom. She called me earlier. She wants me to meet with her. I would like to take you with Hivo but I think, I need to talk to her thoroughly first.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay babe. We¡¯ll just take you where you¡¯re going.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll just take a taxi back hereter.¡±


    Steven and Hivo drove me to a well-known restaurant. The staff greeted me and took me to the reserved table that mom reserved earlier.


    I saw her in the distance. I smiled with joy because I saw her again after 6 years.


    She was looking out the window since we were on the top floor of the restaurant. She looked so elegant in her dress. Mommy is glowing.


    ¡°Ria,¡± mom smiled when she saw me. She stood up and greeted me with a hug. Nothing has changed about her. Mom is still beautiful. She age like a fine wine.


    ¡°You look so good darling,¡± I smiled, shyly.


    ¡°Thank you, mom. You too. Where¡¯s dad?¡± I missed my dad too. Even my sister, Sydney.


    My foster parents, who took care of me when I was a child.


    ¡°He¡¯s busy. You know your dad is a workaholic. Anyway, sit down first. Let¡¯s catch up together,¡± she said happily, but I noticed that something was off when I mentioned the word ¡®dad¡¯.


    ¡°Thank you, mom. I miss you guys already,¡± I said.


    ¡°How are you hija? Where did you go when we throw you away from home?¡± The smile on my lips disappeared. I don¡¯t know, I feel like. Never mind.


    ¡°I mean, when you left? We¡¯re worried ¡¯bout you,¡± she smiled. I knew mom. I knew her so well and I¡¯m aware that her smiles are not genuine.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay mom. I tried to survive and I did. What about you?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re fine too. Your sister, Sydney, has married a rich man and they¡¯re in California now. While Alberto, he¡¯s in charge of the R. L Corporation.¡±


    R. L Corporation? I didn¡¯t know that dad was working there. Well, I don¡¯t know anything about dad¡¯s work ever since.


    ¡°It¡¯s good if that¡¯s the case mom,¡± I said and smiled at her.


    ¡°You? What happened to you?¡± I smiled sadly because I looked like they didn¡¯t even try to find me. They didn¡¯t know anything about me.


    ¡°I already have a child. He¡¯s with his dad now,¡± I said.


    She wasn¡¯t even surprised by what I said. No reaction. It looked like she already know about that.


    ¡°Is that so? How¡¯s your rtionship with the father of your child?¡± She asked while slicing the steak.


    ¡°We¡¯re fine mom,¡± I answered. I would like to tell her more but I don¡¯t feel well to the ambiance between us. Something seems not right.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the father? What¡¯s his name?¡±


    Why? Why am I nervous?


    ¡°He¡¯s Steven. Steven Marcus Alvante,¡± I said. Just like before, she was not surprised either.


    ¡°Oh, one of the famous bachelor. Howe? I heard he¡¯s going to marry someone else. Did you seduced him to have sex with you?¡± She said that shocked me.


    Why does it hurt? Why mom telling me that now? I did not react immediately. I didn¡¯t answer either.


    ¡°Leave him, rich people like Steven are only for people like him. You can find someone else on your level, darling. You¡¯re beautiful,¡± Ipletely lost my appetite after she said that.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    I don¡¯t know what she¡¯s trying to say. I think she said too much.


    ¡°Oh, eat more. Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s on me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry mom, but I need to go.¡± I said while holding back the tears.


    ¡°Leave him, Ria. Get out from Steven¡¯s life. Alberto and I will ept you as long as you leave Steven,¡± I stopped and looked at her in disbelief.


    ¡°What? What did you say, mom?¡±


    ¡°Leave him. You are not match for him. I¡¯m sure, you just used him where in fact, someone impregnate you. You¡¯re just after his money, right?¡±


    H-How can she say all that to me?


    ¡°What¡¯s your point, mom? Why are you ordering me? Why are you telling me to leave Steven?¡± I couldn¡¯t help but raise my voice. I was very shocked by what she said.


    ¡°And what makes you think that he¡¯s not the father of my child?¡±


    What did she think of me?


    ¡°Oh! I get it. You¡¯re using your son to extort money? Is that it?¡±


    Seriously?


    ¡°Excuse me mom, but you are too much. Why did you invite me here? To insult me?¡± I couldn¡¯t stop my tears now. It¡¯s painful to hear those words from mommy. I love her so much.


    ¡°Why? Isn¡¯t it true? The person already has a fiancee, yet you¡¯re stealing him.¡±


    Why am I still here? Clearly, mom just wanted to insult me that¡¯s why she invited me here.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you were that kind of person. I owe you a lot because you raised me. But I guess I don¡¯t deserve to be told like that. I¡¯m a good person mom.¡±


    ¡°Whatever! Just follow what I said.¡±


    I immediately wiped my tears and looked at her directly in the eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry mom but I can¡¯t.¡± I said firmly.


    ¡°What? Why?¡± she asked.


    ¡°My son needs him. I need him. I love him, so no. No matter what you say, I won¡¯t follow you.¡±


    ¡°What? Is that how you repay me?¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer. I just remained silent standing in front of her.


    ¡°You are such a useless child.¡±


    ¡°See mommy?¡±


    I was surprised to see her. My eyes widened as I watched her kiss mom¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked her, angrily. What¡¯s happening? Do they know each other?


    She didn¡¯t answer me and just raised an eyebrow at me.


    ¡°Mom, you made a mistake on raising her. You raised a snake.¡±


    I wanted tough at what she said. Snake? Who? Does she define herself?


    ¡°I¡¯m not like you. I¡¯m not the snake here. It¡¯s you! You¡¯re forcing yourself to Steven.¡±


    ¡°Try to hurt my daughter and I¡¯ll be the one to fight you Ria,¡± mommy said angrily.


    Huh? Daughter? I heard it right, didn¡¯t I?


    My eyes widened in shock. It took me a long time for everything to sink in. I can¡¯t believe Amanda is mom¡¯s daughter.

 Chapter 24

    I went home, crying. I felt like I¡¯ve been betrayed.


    I wanted to ask mom how did that happen but I didn¡¯t because of the anger in her eyes.


    I just forced myself to turn my back on them and leave. I endured theughter from them that insulted me.


    Luckily I was able to find a taxi right away.


    I went to the restroom first to fix myself then went straight to Steven¡¯s office. As soon as I got on the elevator, everyone was looking at me.


    I ignored them because a lot happened today.


    I have many problems circting in my mind. I don¡¯t think I can add more.


    When the elevator opened, I was surprised that there were many people in the hallway. There are lots of bodyguards.


    I saw Steven talking to his mom. More likely they were fighting while Hannah was on the middle.


    I went to them. I feel like I¡¯m the reason of their fight.


    ¡°So the slut is here,¡±


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Steven shouted. I closed my eyes because it seemed like chaos has a crush on me. When will it stop following me?


    ¡°And you really brought your bastard son here? What are you nning to do? Put my son in charge?¡± Mrs. Alvante said.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Steven and Hannah


    ¡°Mommy, Hivo is my Steven¡¯s son. Why don¡¯t you believe me?¡± Hannah said.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s not true. That girl poising you and your brother¡¯s mind. She¡¯s after our money and nothing more.¡±


    That¡¯s it. She can¡¯t ept my son then okay fine. My son and I are leaving. We were fine just by ourselves before we met Steven, and we can be fine again.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry ma¡¯am,¡± I apologized. I looked at Steven to ask where my son was.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Hivo?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°He¡¯s inside,¡± I nodded and turned to his mother.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± I quietly left and entered the office.


    I saw my son who was sitting quietly on the couch. Based on his face, I think he had an idea what was happening outside.


    ¡°Mommy,¡± my son ran to me. I knelt down to hug him.


    My bestforter ever. My stress reliever. My baby.


    ¡°Mom, where¡¯s dad?¡± He asked with a hint of concern.


    ¡°He¡¯s outside, my love. Daddy is talking to his mommy. Let¡¯s go home, son, because dad needs to fix something in his office.¡±


    He agreed and held my hand. He took his father¡¯s caps that was on the table while he¡¯s wearing his cap.


    When we came out, they were all silent. I held Hivo¡¯s hand tightly while he¡¯s looking around. I took the cap off from his head and everyone gasped. Even Steven¡¯s mother had the same reaction with them.


    ¡°Hello, aunt Hannah,¡± Hannah tried to smile and kissed my son¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°Hello big boy. Are you and mom leaving?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    When he looked at his father, he gave him the cap.


    ¡°Daddy, keep this. I will keep mine.¡± My son said smiling.


    Steven took our son and he carried him to converse while all the eyes here were looking at them.


    ¡°Okay son. Daddy will keep this.¡±


    I heard someone said that the boy looked just like Steven. Many were also surprised that their grumpy boss suddenly softened towards his son.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry buddy if we can¡¯t go on our family date today,¡±


    ¡°No dad. It¡¯s okay. Mommy told me that you have something to fix here. Maybe I¡¯ll go home to watch videos.¡±


    ¡°Videos? What kind of videos?¡± Steven asked.


    ¡°Different math form, I want to solve some math problem.¡± I chuckled when I hear that.


    Looks like I¡¯m not the only one surprised by what my son have said. They were happy while looking at my son happily talking to his father.


    ¡°You like math?¡± Steven asked.


    ¡°Yes dad. I think it¡¯s fun,¡±


    Son, which part of math is fun?


    ¡°Okay, do you still remember what dad told you?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m allowed to use gadgets 2-3 hours only.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but look at Steven¡¯s mother who was seriously looking at my son.


    I want her to see that the child she¡¯s rejecting is her real grandson. She doesn¡¯t need a DNA to prove that my son is Steven¡¯s son cause like what I have said, Hivo looked exactly like his father.


    ¡°Son, let¡¯s go. Say goodbye to your dad and to your aunt Hannah.¡±


    ¡°Bye daddy. See youter,¡± he turned to Hannah ¡°Bye aunt Hannah,¡±


    I looked at Steven and I gasped when he pressed his lips on my lips in front of many people.


    ¡°I¡¯lle hometer,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°Alright,¡±


    I nodded to Hannah and faced their mother.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry ma¡¯am. My son and I will go first,¡± I said to her. Roel came to us to take us to the condo.


    ¡°Bye,¡± I didn¡¯t expect my son to say that. He was saying goodbye to his grandmother. His face was innocent as he waved his little hand.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go son,¡±


    ¡°Mommy, just wait,¡±Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    My eyes widened when he ran back to his grandmother. I hurriedly followed him but stopped when I saw that he¡¯s handing a sticker to his grandmother.


    ¡°Hi. It¡¯s a sticker. Don¡¯t be sad. Bye,¡± and he ran back to me after Mrs. Alvante get the sticker.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know ma¡¯am, if Mrs. Alvante will reject your son, who is a very kind boy and obviously smart like his brother,¡± Roel said while driving. We¡¯re heading home now.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about that, Roel. She doesn¡¯t want me for her son. That¡¯s why I¡¯m not sure if she¡¯ll ept my son,¡±


    ¡°A lot of people are surprised today, ma¡¯am. We didn¡¯t think that sir has a child already. We were surprise to see that sir Steven has a girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°Steven just met our son recently, Roel. Our situation is kinda messy.¡±


    ¡°I see, ma¡¯am, but you raised your child well. You¡¯re a good person.¡± He said with a smile.


    ¡°I remember my former boss to you.¡±


    I just smiled and hugged my son who fell asleep on myp.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am,¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Someone is following us,¡±


    I immediately looked behind us and he¡¯s right. There¡¯s a van following us.


    ¡°He has been following us for a while. And there are two more behind,¡± Roel¡¯s words made me nervous. I immediately hugged Hivo tightly.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, fix your seatbelt.¡± I immediately followed Roel¡¯s order. He sped up the car with so much speed, I feel like we are racing with Satan.


    ¡°Roel, why are they chasing us?¡±


    Roel didn¡¯t answer. He¡¯s focusing on the road.


    I don¡¯t know where we are now. I am nervous as hell. I¡¯m scared.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am Ria, no matter what happens you will live. You and your son will live,¡± he said.


    ¡°Roel,¡±


    ¡°More and more people are chasing us. Sir Steven and the others are already tracking us. We just need time ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°I they are after you and your son,¡±


    What? Then who could possibly have done this to me?


    Three images entered my mind. Steven¡¯s mom, my foster mom and Amanda.


    ¡°Roel, if something bad happens to me, I hope you save Hivo.¡± My tears are falling from my eyes. I kissed my son on his forehead while praying that nothing will happen to my son.


    Roel didn¡¯t answer me. We were driving so fast that it was surprising that no policemen followed us.


    Is this then end?


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    THIRD PERSON     Ria asked some saints for help, while Roel¡¯s mouth remained silent.


    He didn¡¯t want to admit it, but he was nervous. He knew that the person behind it is a big one because there was no warning from any police force.


    He pressed the emergency button that Steven made for his trusted employees so now Steven and with people he asked for help are following them.


    They are tracking the car where Ria and Hivo are riding in. Steven wanted to teleport right away. He¡¯s nervous and he¡¯s sweating.


    ¡®Please be safe babe. I hope you and our son are okay,¡¯ were the words that escaped from Steven¡¯s lips while concentrating on driving.


    Meanwhile, the car that Ria rode in was near the cliff.


    Aside from the van, there were also five other cars following them.


    On the other hand, in the mansion owned by the young and beautiful leader of a syndicate.     There are people celebrating after plotting something bad to Ria and Hivo.


    ¡°All set ma¡¯am. Our men are chasing them now.¡±


    ¡°Good. You may leave,¡± chief Alvi politely left with his men.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s too much,¡± the woman who is Ria¡¯s foster parent said, worriedly.


    ¡°No. She deserves it,¡± thedy wearing a long gown in the shade of biege answered.


    ¡°Please let me go. Have mercy on me. I¡¯m pregnant,¡± Amanda said while crying. All her life, she lived in fear and obeyed the woman who threatened her for a long time.


    She was scared because Amanda knew that her child could be in danger.


    ¡°No. If you want to leave, it¡¯s better to just die.¡±


    Ria¡¯s foster mother held her.


    ¡°Take it easy Amanda,¡± she whispered.


    ¡®I want to leave. God help me¡¯  Amanda plead, while tears dripping into her cheeks. She¡¯s tired but she keeps on moving for her baby in her belly.

 Chapter 25

    RIALYN


    ¡°Roel,¡± I was worried especially when I noticed that we were near the cliff.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am Ria, do you know how to use a gun?¡±


    ¡°W-What? N-No!¡±


    ¡°FVCK!¡±


    I screamed as we almost collided with a ten wheeler truck.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am Ria, can you jump?¡±


    ¡°What? W-Why?¡± Roel¡¯s forehear furrowed while looking at the road. I¡¯m praying silently that someone will save us.


    ¡°After we pass that one truck, you jump with your son,¡±


    ¡°Is there any hope for us to survive if we do that, Roel?¡± I asked, crying. I couldn¡¯t help but tear up in fear.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am,¡± he answered while looking at me in the mirror.


    ¡°After you jump, run and hide so they won¡¯t see you.¡±


    For thest time I hugged my son. I¡¯ll do anything, for us to live.


    ¡°Alright, Roel. How about you?¡± I asked him worriedly. We have been running for some time and I know he is very tired.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, ma¡¯am Ria. The important thing is that you and your son survive,¡± he said while smiling.


    I do not know what to say. Roel is a very good person and he will do everything just to save us.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am Ria,¡± I looked at him again.


    ¡°May I know yourst name?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I remembered my old boss I used to serve. I see him on you and it¡¯s fun to think about, cause he looks exactly like you.¡±


    ¡°Loverio. Rialyn Loverio is myplete name,¡± when I said that, I noticed his reactuon. I could see the shock on his face when I told him my full name.


    ¡°Roel, why?¡±


    Roel justughed softly. Laughter tinged with sadness. His eyes were full of sadness.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy that I met you, ma¡¯am Ria,¡± he said.


    ¡°What? What do you mean?¡± It¡¯s funny to think that we¡¯re talking normally now while we¡¯re in verge of death.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that the little girl I was holding back then is a good and beautiful mother now,¡±


    I don¡¯t get him.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been looking for you for a long time, Miss Ria,¡± he said.


    I¡¯m confused.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°And no wonder, why I see Don Albert in you,¡± heughed again.


    Albert? Who is Don Albert?


    ¡°Ma¡¯am Ria, open the door and when I say jump, jump out.¡±


    I shut my mouth after Roel said that. I have many questions to ask but we were in the situation where I should prioritize my son.


    I don¡¯t know where we are right now. It seems like we are in the province.


    We were on top of a small mountain. If we jump, my son and I will definitely roll in the mud in the paddy field. I have no choice, I¡¯ll jump. We will live!


    I bravely opened the door and when we passed through a big truck, Roel immediately shouted


    ¡°JUMP NOW!¡±


    I hugged Hivo tightly. My right hand supported his head as we rolled in the mud. I am protecting his head if ever there¡¯s a rock in the fiesld.


    My son was awake and I know that he felt the pain from things that hit our body.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t cry, son. Bear the pain,¡± I whispered to him when we stopped at the middle of the rice field.


    ¡°Yes, mom,¡± he said and snuggled closer to my chest. We were covered by the mud and camouge through it so that they wouldn¡¯t notice us. Thanks to the nts, we can hide.


    When I looked up, there were cars passing by one after the other.


    I¡¯m just praying that Roel would be safe. Because of him, my son and I are safe now.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    THIRD POINT OF VIEW


    Meanwhile, when Ria and Hivo jumped, Roel immediately closed the door and when he sessfully closed it, he started driving the car.


    He immediately took out cell phone and called the person close to him.


    ¡°John,¡± he called his friend whom Sir Albert used to trust.


    ¡°I found the heir,¡± he said and cursed as he almost ran into a truck.


    ¡°What? Where? When?¡± The person on the other line asked.


    ¡°Just now!¡±


    ¡°Wait, where are you Roel?¡± His friend asked him while frowning.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have time, John. Death is chasing me now.¡± Roelughed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that, bastard. What¡¯s going on? Where are you?¡±


    ¡°Track this number John and find sir Albert¡¯s daughter around this area. She¡¯s with her son now,¡± Roel was already sweating in his current state.


    But he was happy because somehow he met the daughter of the person he owed his life to. The person who first trusted him. And the person who helped him was Ria¡¯s real father, Albert Loverio.


    ¡°Done. Wait, where are you now? Shit! Why are you running so fast? Look. Don¡¯t die! Promise me that you won¡¯t die. Wait for us.¡± Roel smiled bitterly because he also wanted to see his friends but it¡¯s toote.


    ¡°Hey Roel, try to die and I¡¯ll kill you.¡± He heard another voice on the other side. One of his friends.


    ¡°It¡¯s a miracle that you¡¯re with John, Felix.¡± He chuckled.


    ¡°Roel, you owe me a drink so promise me that you won¡¯t die.¡± Roel shook his head and end the call. He already knew that it was the end of him now.


    He has to sacrifice. If the car doesn¡¯t get into an ident, he knew that those people chasing them will still searching for Ria, but when the car explodes, they will think that their n is over. That they sessfully killed Rialyn together with her son.


    Roel knew that those cars chasing him now think that Ria and Hivo are still with him inside the car.


    ¡°Sir Albert, it looks like I¡¯ll follow you there in paradise.¡± Roel said jokingly before deliberately crashing the car into a big tree. Due to the force of the impact, his head hit the steering wheel causing him to lose consciousness. Due to this, the steering wheel was identally moved by him which caused the car to move and fell into the ravine which caused a loud explosion.


    The red dot that was monitored by Steven and John of Roel¡¯s location suddenly disappeared..


    ¡°What happened to Roel?¡± Felix asked.


    ¡°Sh*t¡± Felix cursed seeing the reaction on John¡¯s face while on the other hand, Steven suddenly burst into tears when he saw the disappearance of the small red dot on the monitor.


    They have already knew the meaning of that. The car explodes as well as the people inside it.


    ¡°No babe. You¡¯re still alive. You and our son are alive,¡± Steven whispered into the void as he traced the path where Roel wasst spotted before he disappeared from the monitor.


    The man saw t the cap that his son was wearing. He became even more nervous for some inexplicable reason.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    His phone was ringing for a while, which he was not paying attention to.


    He doesn¡¯t care about the surroundings. He just wanted to see his son and Ria.


    Hannah and her parents are also worried about Steven¡¯s condition. Hannah was already crying while their mother was pale as she waited for the news.


    Violet Alvante, Steven¡¯s mother was guilty for what she did earlier. If she didn¡¯t acted that way, Ria wouldn¡¯t like to go home.


    Earlier, when Ria left, she asked her daughter about Hivo.


    ¡°I told you mom that Ria¡¯s son is my brother¡¯s kid. They met in Canada 6 years ago, and I know that because I was there.¡± Hannah was so frustrated when she said that to her mother.


    ¡°6 years ago? Your brother was in a rtionship with Amanda at that time,¡± Violet said.


    ¡°No mom. Amanda went to Canada 6 years ago that¡¯s why we followed her. Then we found out that she was with another man; she was cheating. I don¡¯t know if it was destiny works but Steven and Ria met in Canada and Hivo was made there. So you need to ept that you already have a grandson.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me right away?¡± Violet asked her son.


    ¡°I told you already, mom. You just didn¡¯t believe me. You believed Amanda more even when I said I wasn¡¯t the father of her child. We haven¡¯t been in contact for years. I was surprised that she came home and said that I am the father of her child.¡±


    ¡°So Amanda lied to me? She said that Ria was after for your money. She even told me that you¡¯re not the father of Ria¡¯s son.¡±


    ¡°Of course she will defame Ria because she wants to get your sympathy. That b*tch!¡± Hannah said angrily.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know,¡± Violet apologied. ¡°Oh my God! What did I do?¡±


    ¡°Oh you saw how smart and wise the boy is. What can you say mom?¡± Hannah asked her.


    ¡°He looks like your brother. I wanna meet him. I want to meet him and his mother. I want to apologize.¡±


    Then, she turned to Steven.


    ¡°Why Amanda needed to lie? And why did you let her poisoned my mind? I mean, you can easily get the evidence to prove to me that she¡¯s lying.¡±


    ¡°I still respect her mom. After all, she used to be my best friend.¡± Steven said.


    That was the scene before the ident happened.


    ¡°What did I do, hon? I think it¡¯s my fault.¡± Violet said to her husband.


    ¡°Honey, calm down,¡± Ignacio said to his wife.


    ¡°If I didn¡¯t reacted that way earlier, they shouldn¡¯t have left,¡±


    Hannah trembled with fear while holding her phone.


    ¡°Hannah, what happened?¡± Ignacio-Hannah¡¯s father, asked.


    ¡°Dad. Mom. They¡¯re gone,¡± she said while tears falling from her eyes.

 Chapter 26

    ¡°Mom, wake up,¡±


    Hivo, baby? Where are you?


    ¡°Grandma, when will mommy wake up?¡±


    Grandma? Who¡¯s grandma? Where am I? Where are we?


    ¡°I don¡¯t know son. Let¡¯s hope she¡¯ll wake up soon. Your mom needs to wake up for your sibling,¡±


    Sibling? I slowly opened my eyes. Where am I?


    ¡°She¡¯s awake grandma.¡± I turned to my son and scanned the whole ce. We are in a hut.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± and olddy asked me.


    ¡°I¡¯m dizzy. Are you the one who helped us?¡±


    ¡°Yes. You passed out when you knocked on our door to ask for help.¡±


    ¡°Thank you again for your help. Can you tell me what day it is today?¡±


    ¡°Mommy, I think we¡¯ve been here for 3 days. You¡¯ve been sleeping too long, mama.¡± I was surprised by what my son said. Maybe Steven is already looking for us.


    I was about to get up when the old man stopped me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take your body by surprise. You need to rest especially now that you¡¯re pregnant.¡±


    Huh?


    ¡°Pardon?¡±Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You¡¯re pregnant.¡±


    What? I was shunned. I just woke up, then I was immediately pregnant? Seriously?


    ¡°I think you¡¯re two months old pregnant.¡±


    Oh my God.


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m going to be a big brother?¡± I couldn¡¯t answer Hivo. With everything that happened, including jumping off the cliff, it¡¯s a miracle that the baby in my womb didn¡¯t die. My God, thank you!


    ¡°How did you know?¡± I asked. How did they know I¡¯m pregnant?


    The old woman smirked at me. ¡°Our ancestors taught us to distinguish things without the help of technologies. We are native on thisnd, we have our own way of living.¡±


    I see. Maybe they are right. It¡¯s been months since I started to work as Steven¡¯s maid and we had sex many times already. I shouldn¡¯t be surprise if I¡¯m pregnant now.


    I need to see him right away. I have to tell him the news.


    ¡°Grandma, do you have a phone?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have anything like that. Our life here is different. We can¡¯t afford a phone.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯m sorry for the trouble,¡± I said.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s fine. The best thing is to rest first so you and your son can go home to your family.¡±


    I nodded and leaned against the wooden bed. Hivo climbed on the bed and hugged me.


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay,¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry son,¡±


    That night when we jumped, I tried to walk the muddy path to ask for help. I have many wounds but I¡¯m worried about Hivo¡¯s well-being.


    I was also afraid that those people who chased us would find us, so that¡¯s why I ran to ask for help at the first hut I saw.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    THIRD PERSON


    Ria¡¯s recovery in the province took three weeks. Her legs were crushed when she and Hivo jumped into the car at the highest speed.


    Gradually, she¡¯s getting better. She¡¯s happy cause they can finally go home to Steven.


    But since she had no money, Ria was forced to pawn her earrings that she had been wearing since she was a child. It was a legacy of her grandmother who took care of her.


    On the fourth weeks,


    ¡°Gramps, grandma, please take this,¡± Ria gave money to the old couple who took care of them.


    ¡°Oh no. Just use that on your trip,¡±


    ¡°Just ept it, that¡¯s not even enough for everything you did to us.¡±


    Ria put the money in Feliciana¡¯s hand and thanked her sincerely. She then turned to her son.


    ¡°Hivo, mommy will be back, okay? You¡¯ll be safer here.¡±


    ¡°Okay, mom. Promise that you¡¯ll bring dad back here?¡±


    Ria nodded. She¡¯s temporarily leaving Hivo to the old couple who helped them. Her n is to find Steven first and bring him back to the ce where they rested.


    She didn¡¯t know the person behind the incident that¡¯s why she¡¯s careful.


    ¡°Yes, mommy promise that,¡± Ria kissed her son before she leave.


    It would take her six hours of travel to reach Steven¡¯s condo unit.


    It waste in the afternoon when Ria arrived at Steven¡¯s condo. Before she rang the doorbell, she touched first her belly.


    ¡®Your father will be happy for sure,¡¯ Ria whispered in the air. She¡¯s excited that they will have another child.


    Ria pressed the doorbell but no one opened the door.


    ¡®Where¡¯s Steven?¡¯ she wondered.


    When no one really opened the door, Ria decided to go to his house where Amanda lives.


    She had a lot of trust in Steven so she wasn¡¯t too nervous.


    When Ria arrived, she noticed there were many cars surrounding the house of Steven. She didn¡¯t know what was going on.


    ¡®Is there a party?¡¯ She wodered. She slowly approached the crowd.


    ¡®Why is there media? What¡¯s up?¡¯


    ¡®Great! They really are the end game,¡¯ Ria heard from the woman next to her while looking ahead.


    ¡®Yes. I didn¡¯t quite think that they would be together until the end.¡¯


    Ria looked at the front and she almost fainted to what she witnessed. She saw Steven with Amanda holding hands while smiling at the crowd.


    ¡®What¡¯s going on?¡¯ she asked


    ¡°Finally, they are getting married,¡± Ria heard a woman who was sitting at the round table with Steven¡¯s mother.


    ¡°They¡¯re good, aren¡¯t they?¡±


    Ria saw Mrs. Alvante, smiling at her friends. Ria feel betrayed.


    She was suddenly got dizzy so she moved away from the crowd.


    She was hurt seeing Steven, holding Amanda¡¯s hand and proud that he was about to marry her.


    Tears welled up in Ria¡¯s eyes before finally turning to leave.


    ¡®Shh.. It¡¯s okay baby. Mom is here. Mama won¡¯t leave you,¡¯ Ria said as she endured the pain in her stomach.


    ¡°Miss,¡±


    ¡®Shh.. It¡¯s okay baby. Mom is here. Mama won¡¯t leave you,¡¯ Rialyn didn¡¯t notice that this time she was bleeding.


    ¡°Sh*tdy. You¡¯re bleeding,¡± the man who was going to Steven and Amanda¡¯s engagement immediately approached Ria.


    He rushed her to the hospital.


    The man didn¡¯t leave the hospital. He would have passed Ria earlier if he hadn¡¯t noticed her wet face from crying and that¡¯s when he noticed that she was bleeding.


    The doctor came out and immediately approached him.


    ¡°Are you the patient¡¯s husband?¡± The doctor immediately asked him.


    ¡°Huh?¡± The man flinch in shock.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about your wife. Your child is safe. Just tell her to avoid stress. I¡¯ll go first,¡±


    ¡°Doc, wait a minute¡±


    Vios scratched the back of his head when the doctor didn¡¯t heard him. He looked at Ria.


    ¡°Did you bring me here?¡±


    ¡°Hmm.. Yes,¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Ria said and held her stomach. She was worried that something might happen to her child.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure Steven never sees his children again.¡±


    The man named Vios was shocked when he heard the name Steven.


    ¡°You know Steven?¡± Vios asked Ria.


    ¡°Yes. Why? You know him too?¡±


    ¡°Nope. Dad just ordered me to take his ce to attend Steven and Amanda¡¯s engagement party.¡±


    ¡°Oh okay. Yeah, I know Steven and the snake,¡± Viosughed at what Ria said. Earlier she was crying, now she¡¯s like a tiger.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Vios asked


    ¡°Ria. You?¡±


    ¡°Your husband,¡± he grinned. Well, that what was the doctor said earlier.

 Chapter 27

    The next day I¡¯m nning to go back where my I left my son but I looked at the man who helped me yesterday. If it wasn¡¯t for him, my life and my child in my womb might be in danger. He¡¯s currently sleeping on the side of the bed.


    Right now I have nothing to pay him for what he spent in the hospital. If our paths cross tomorrow in the future, I will pay him back.


    I made my way back to my son with the money I have. I know he will be sad, more likely to cry, but it¡¯s better than being with his father who is engaged now to someone else.


    I¡¯m not sure why Steven would marry Amanda. I don¡¯t know but I believe he doesn¡¯t like it. I¡¯m just angry because he didn¡¯t even look for Hivo and me.


    I arrived at the ce I left my son. I saw him waiting for me outside. When he saw me, happiness immediately appeared on his face.


    ¡°Mommy,¡± he ran to me and hugged me.


    ¡°Mom, where¡¯s dad?¡± he asked.


    Instead of answering him, I changed the subject.


    ¡°Where are grandpa and grandma son?¡±


    ¡°They are inside, mom. There are visitors and they¡¯re looking for you¡±


    The visitors? I didn¡¯t call my friends that we were here so I don¡¯t expect any visitors today. We entered the house.


    I saw a man on his 50¡¯s and he was shocked when he saw me.


    ¡°Oh, Ria is already here,¡± grandma said. Why is he looking for me? Who is he?


    The man stood up and came closer to me.


    ¡°I¡¯m John. Roel¡¯s friend,¡± Roel?


    ¡°Oh. Hello John. How¡¯s Roel?¡± I asked worriedly. There is no news of what happened to him since there is no electricity here. I don¡¯t know if he is fine or what.


    I expected him to answer but he didn¡¯t. I expected him to say that Roel was fine, but the joy on his face disappeared and reced by sadness.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me-¡±


    ¡°Yes. He died,¡±


    W-What? He died.


    N-No.. Tears started to fall. Is it my fault?


    N-No.


    That incident happened four weeks ago. During those weeks, Hivo and I were hiding and recovering and we didn¡¯t have even a slightest idea that he died.


    ¡°Mdy, calm down,¡±


    ¡°My God! Get some water quickly!¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡±


    I could barely hear my surroundings. I feel guilty. That wouldn¡¯t have happened if it wasn¡¯t for me. It¡¯s my fault. I feel guilty for what happened to Roel.


    ¡°If I hadn¡¯t gone home. If only I had let Steven¡¯s mother insult me. If I would have just epted all those painful words, I-I think he¡¯s still alive today.¡±


    ¡°Ria,¡±


    If only-


    ¡°Ria,¡± I blinked and looked at everyone who was looking at me worriedly.


    ¡°You need to rest first,¡± they led me to the bed andid me down. The weight of pain inside me is unbearable.     I poured everything into crying until I fell asleep. When I woke, I immediately looked for my son.


    ¡°Grandma, where is Hivo?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s with Karyo in the rice field,¡±


    ¡°Oh okay. Thank you, grandma,¡± I then looked around to find John.


    ¡°Where¡¯s John?¡±


    ¡°John? He¡¯s with hispanion,¡± he answered. Companion? Someone came?


    ¡°A while ago, when you were sleeping, hispanion came. You didn¡¯t see him because you fell asleep earlier,¡±


    Why are they here? What¡¯s their purpose with me?


    I stood up and went straight to grandma to ask for soup. She¡¯s currently cooking now. I can smell the aroma of the chicken soup.


    ¡°Grandma, can I have some soup?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Just a moment and I¡¯ll fill it with soup,¡± she said, ¡°here,¡±


    ¡°Thank you, grandma,¡±


    John came in with his friend.


    John¡¯s friend¡¯s eyes widened when he saw me.


    ¡°Is this the daughter that Roel is talking about?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Felix. She looks exactly like Sir Albert,¡± John replied.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be rude but who are you? And who¡¯s Albert?¡±


    ¡°Hello mdy, we¡¯re not bad people. I¡¯m Felix, Albert¡¯swyer. Your dad,¡± he said.


    My forehead furrowed


    ¡°Why are you looking for me?¡±


    ¡°Mdy, we are here to-


    ¡°MOMMY!¡± we both turned to my son who was running towards me while crying.


    I was so worried that I almost dropped the bowl I was holding.


    ¡°Mommy! It¡¯s not true.. right?¡± he said crying. What is not true?


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I looked at Grandpa to ask for an exnation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either. Earlier he was fine while we were listening to Rosing¡¯s radio news on his phone then he suddenly started crying,¡±


    I looked at Hivo. He buried his face on myp.


    ¡°Baby, listen. Why are you crying?¡±


    He didn¡¯t listen and continued to cry.


    ¡°Hivo, baby, why are you crying?¡± it took awhile before he lifted his chin to look at me. I immediately wiped his face with the clean t-shirt I found.


    ¡°Now, can tell mama everything why are you crying?¡±


    ¡°Because mom-¡± he sniffed again and wiped the tears from his eyes.


    ¡°Mommy, the news said dad is expecting a new baby from another girl and¡­ and mommy, why is daddy getting married to someone? Why is he happy? Why didn¡¯t he look for us here? Is this the reason you back here alone? Is daddy really getting married?¡±


    I want to cry when Hivo said those


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t he love us, mom?¡± I sighed and knelt down to match his height.


    I fixed her messy hair and smiled.


    ¡°Hivo. Always remember that daddy loves us okay? Whatever you hear on the news, it¡¯s not true,¡±


    He nodded and wiped the tears from his eyes again.


    ¡°Very good. Can you give me a hug?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry but can we talkter? I¡¯ll just put my son to sleep,¡± I told them.


    When they nodded, I turned around toy Hivo on the wooden bed.


    I don¡¯t know what is really going through Steven¡¯s mind. I know that he loves Hivo. I know he loves me. So I wonder why he agreed to marry Amanda. I need to know everything. I want to ask him why he agreed. I want to know his side before judging him.


    The next day, John and Felix were still here, but this time they did grocery shopping for grandma and grandpa, which made them happy.


    ¡°Steven Marcus Alvante? Is he the father of your son, Mdy?¡± Felix asked, who is said to be my father¡¯swyer. First of all, who is really my father?


    ¡°Yes Felix and please stop calling me Mdy. Ria will do,¡± and why did they look for me? So what, if I¡¯m Albert Loverio¡¯s daughter?


    ¡°Alright Mdy I mean Ria. Anyway, this Steven is getting married. Is he cheating on you? We can sue him,¡± I coughed when he said that.


    ¡°Wait. What? Why are you suing him? He¡¯s a good man. I can vouch that. Let¡¯s not judge him first.¡±


    ¡°Or maybe because he thinks you and your son are dead,¡± he said making my eyes widen.


    ¡°WHAAAAT?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It said in the news that you, your son and Roel died at the car explosion. Your friends are grieving of your death,¡± Felix said.


    Grieving? What the!


    ¡°How did you know they grieved us?¡±Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°We investigated. There¡¯s a big person behind this incident. Someone wants you dead, Ria.¡±


    I gasped. What? But why? And who could it be?


    ¡°My son ising here. He will bring the documents that I have to show youter,¡± he said.


    ¡°Okay-¡±


    ¡°Hello world. Is Feliciano Natividad a. k. a Felix there? Please tell him that his handsome son has arrived.¡± I heard someone¡¯s voice outside the hut.


    ¡°My idiot son has arrived,¡± Felix mumbled.


    I stood up and went with him to see who his son was. When our eyes met, we both surprised at each other.


    ¡°YOU!/YOU?¡±

 Chapter 28

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± he asked in shock.


    ¡°Do you know each other?¡± Felix asked us, confused.


    ¡°Oh yes, because he hel- hmm¡± he suddenly put his hand on my mouth to silence me.


    ¡°Her ex-boyfriend, dad¡± heughed while still covering my mouth with his big hand.


    ¡°What!¡± I said to him disgustedly. When I looked at Felix, his face was full of surprise looking at me.


    ¡°Is that true, Ria?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Just say yes please,¡± the guy next to me whispered. Because he helped me in the hospital, so I said yes to Felix, who seemed unconvinced.


    ¡°Oh, okay. Anyway, we¡¯ll talkter. We have something to discuss but I¡¯ll help John and Karyo first on getting firewoods.¡±


    When Felix left, I turned to look at his son in annoyance. It feel like my jaw dis-aligned because of what he did.


    ¡°It hurts,¡± Iined.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I rattled when you were about to spoil dad that I didn¡¯t show up at the engagement party,¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so noisy,¡± I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°Tss. Are women like that? Especially if they are pregnant?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Ask yourself,¡±


    ¡°Come on! That¡¯s too bad. Anyway, Let me introduce myself, beautifuldy, I¡¯m Finn-


    ¡°Viosdado, where is the document I sent you?¡±


    My eyes widened when Felix shouted, Viosdado.


    ¡°HAHAHAHAHAHAH!¡± I couldn¡¯t help butugh at his name that made him frown.


    ¡°Is that your name?¡± I askedughing.


    ¡°Funny!¡± he told me full of sarcasm. It was obvious that he was so pissed off when his dad called him Viosdado.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± he left me and rushed to his father.


    ¡°Hey wait a minute Viosdado,¡± I called him whileughing.


    We were in grandma¡¯s small living room. John and Felix were looking at me while Vios was standing next to me.


    ¡°First of all Ria, we did an investigation regarding what happened to the incident. Until now, we¡¯re still locating who is behind this. Will you tell us who you had quarrels with before?¡± John asked seriously. Why are they helping me and for what reason? Because I¡¯m their friend¡¯s daughter?


    ¡°Yeah. Amanda, mom and Steven¡¯s mother. Amanda hated me because of Steven. She has a big motive for doing that to me. Secondly was Steven¡¯s mom because she didn¡¯t want me for her son-


    ¡°And why?¡± Vios interrupted. Curious to know why Steven¡¯s mother doesn¡¯t like me.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m poor,¡±


    ¡°Oh! Because you¡¯re poor? Well, p your money to her,¡± he said jokingly. I don¡¯t have a lot of money.


    ¡°You¡¯re joking again,¡± I said.


    ¡°I¡¯m not joking,¡± I looked at him and he looked at me seriously. Tss. I won¡¯t believe him. He¡¯s teasing me. I just ignored it and continued my story.


    ¡°Mom is thest one I suspected did that. I recently found out that Amanda is her daughter. I don¡¯t know how it happened but when I met her, she¡¯s with Amanda and she told me that she was her daughter.¡±


    John was listening quietly. I couldn¡¯t read what he was thinking.


    ¡°Do you have a rtionship with Steven aside from him being the father of your child?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re in rtionship more than being a parent to Hivo,¡± I answered.


    ¡°He likes me and so do I,¡± I added


    ¡°Like but not love,¡± I red at Vios who was obviously teasing me.


    ¡°Have you Viosdado already moved on with Ria?¡±


    Iughed when I heard his name again.


    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t call me Viosdado. And what? Move on? From her? Yucks!¡± He said, frowning.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you ex-girlfriend-boyfriend?¡±


    I raised an eyebrow at Vios.


    ¡°Of course. It¡¯s easy to move on from an ugly chic,¡± he said trying to mock me.


    ¡°Vios, should I cut your tongue?¡± Felix


    Vios fell silent.


    ¡°Anyway Ria, what are you going to do now?¡± I looked at John who was looking at me seriously.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Steven. He¡¯s getting married to Amanda,¡±


    ¡°I was shocked at first but I trust him. Maybe he has a reason. That¡¯s what I want to believe,¡±Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Yes. I am angry with Steven but not because he cheated as they say. I don¡¯t know why I feel this. I¡¯m just angry that he doesn¡¯t seem to care about Roel or about our son. And that¡¯s all!


    Hivo and I felt his love and care for me then. It was sincere that I almost cried.


    I know he has a reason. Whatever it is, I want to know.


    ¡°You trust him? Even if they are getting married 3 months from now?¡±


    3 months? That fast?


    ¡°Yes. I trust him,¡± I said. Yes, that¡¯s right. I trust him cause in the end, he¡¯ll going home for us. We already have children and we are his home.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I should be surprised or you¡¯re just really stupid,¡± Vios said.


    ¡°You really look like Sir Albert,¡± Felix


    ¡°By the way, may I know who Albert is? What kind of person is my father?¡± I asked them.


    ¡°Sir Albert is the person who helped me back then,¡± John


    ¡°I used to be an ex-convict. Because of my criminal records, it was difficult for me to find a job.¡±


    Woah! Surprising!


    ¡°Sir Albert is a good man. He treated his employees as his family.¡± Johnughed a little as he remembered his yesterday.


    I smiled at what I learned about my father. I never thought that he¡¯s a kind person.


    ¡°He¡¯s smart when ites to business. No wonder hispany is very well-known now to the world,¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m hiswyer. But I wouldn¡¯t be awyer if he didn¡¯t help me to survive,¡± Felix.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m out. I hate to hear this again old man,¡± Vios said and left. John and Felix just shook their heads at him.


    ¡°Like I said, Sir Albert also helped me. I met him earlier than John because Sir Albert and I met when we were young. I grew up where my parents neglected me. I am abused by my step father when I was young. To make the story short, I attempted tomit suicide on the bridge and then your father came. He saw me and stopped me from jumping off that bridge. Maybe if he hadn¡¯te, I wouldn¡¯t be here now.¡±


    It¡¯s a surprise for me. I don¡¯t know that they were once a broken man before. When I look at them now, you¡¯ll see nothing but a fine good looking professionals. Indeed don¡¯t judge the book by its cover.


    ¡°We became friends. When I ran away from us, he took me to his house. He convinced his parents to shelter me and finance me in my studies. I graduated inw because of him and his family.¡±


    How does it feel to grow up with dad? Based on their stories, he¡¯s a wise man. It¡¯s just sad to think that I never even saw him.


    ¡°Can I ask a question?¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°What dad¡¯s business are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°The R. L. Corporation¡±


    R. L Corporation? Familiar.


    I think I heard that somewhere.


    Wait.. I remembered something.


    ¡°We are fine too. Your sister Sydney has married a rich man and they are now in California. While Alberto, he is in charge of the R. L Corporation,¡±


    While Alberto, he is in charge of R. L Corporation¡±     While Alberto, he is in charge of R. L Corporation¡±


    Right. Thepany that mom mentioned when we talked about dad. If so-


    My eyes widened and I turned to look at Felix and John.


    ¡°Yes. You¡¯re his heir. You are the heir of Albert Loverio, the one who created the R. L Corporation. The real owner of thepany that your father worked hard for.¡±

 Chapter 29

    ¡°You must be kidding me,¡± Iughed. What kind of joke is that? It¡¯s not funny.


    ¡°But that¡¯s the truth Ria. Whether you believe it or not, you are really Albert Loverio¡¯s daughter. Your father is rich and you are his heir.¡±


    I didn¡¯t listen to them and went to my son. Their joke is not funny.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Vios askwed, following me.


    ¡°Hey what¡¯s wrong? Why did you leave?¡±


    ¡°Everything,¡± I said.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s hard-¡±


    ¡°Stop it! Go away. All of you messing my mind. I have enough today. Please, give me a peace of mind,¡± I¡¯m going to explode.


    ¡°With Steven, I can help you with that,¡± I immediately looked at him.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve known each other. I can ask him to talk to you secretly. I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t let you show yourself to everyone.¡±


    ¡°Dad is right. Everyone assumed that you are dead and there are many enemies out there. They wanted you dead for the position of thepany.¡±


    But why? Why did they just show up now? Why just now?


    ¡°We¡¯ll tell you everything after you settle your problem with Steven. It¡¯s better that you do that first and when you¡¯re ready to know everything why we only approached you now and what really happened to your parents, just go us,¡± I looked at John who was behind Vios.


    ¡°We are leaving. We will leave Vios with you to guide you,¡± Felix added.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡°Say goodbye to grandpa and grandma, son,¡±


    ¡°Bye grandpa and grandma,¡±


    ¡°Grandpa, grandma, thank you very much. We are indebted to you,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Just be careful on the trip,¡± they said.


    ¡°And our home is open for you and Hivo,¡± grandma added.


    It is sad to think that we have to leave now.


    We will stay at Vios¡¯ private house today. I had no choice so I agreed. They are right that we should stick to Vios because we cannot determine yet who was the mastermind of the incident.


    ¡°Tito V, is your house big?¡± my son, asked.


    ¡°Yes big boy. Why?¡± I leaned my head on the chair because I was sleepy.


    I just let them walk around and sleep.


    I¡¯m really sleepy.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked when I noticed Vios¡¯ face near to my face.


    ¡°Nothing. I just stared at your eyshes, I thought it¡¯s fake,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not fake,¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Anyway, we¡¯re here,¡±


    I looked outside, I saw his house..


    ¡°You live here alone?¡±


    ¡°Not anymore. My wife and my son are with me,¡± I looked at him in awe. What? He have a family yet he brought us here?


    ¡°We¡¯ll leave then,¡± I said.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Your wife will get mad if you let us live with you,¡± is he an idiot or something?


    ¡°Stop bbering. Let¡¯s go inside. Your son already ran inside the house.¡± He chuckled.


    I frowned and walked next to him. Why didn¡¯t my son wait for me? As soon as we entered inside his mansion, we were met by arge number of servants.


    ¡°Wee home master,¡± they said.


    ¡°Everyone listen. She¡¯s Rialyn and from now on, I want you to treat her like how you treat me,¡± he said full of authority.


    ¡°Good afternoon madam,¡± I was suddenly embarrassed by what they called me.


    ¡°Oh, just Ria,¡± I said shyly. I pinched Vios so he screamed in pain.


    ¡°Great! Are you a sadist?¡± heined while rubbing his skin that I pinched.


    ¡°Where is my son?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Probably in kitchen. Are you sure you are his mother? Your son is like an angel while you are,¡± I red at him.


    ¡°Never mind,¡± he added.


    ¡ª¨C


    ¡°Mommy,¡± I saw my son waving at me while his mouth was full of food.


    ¡°Are you having a party?¡± I whispered to Vios.


    ¡°No. Why?¡±


    ¡°You prepared a lot of food today,¡±


    ¡°Ah, about that? It¡¯s normal here every day,¡± he said without boasting even though it sounded like that.


    ¡°By the way, where are your wife and children?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t see them?¡±


    ¡°No¡±


    ¡°Oh that¡¯s bad!¡±


    I frowned. I think this fool is fooling me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat first. You need to rest because tomorrow you will go to talk to Steven,¡±


    Yes. Tomorrow is.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Tomorrow morning,


    ¡°Is Hivo gonna okay there?¡± I asked,


    ¡°Yes. No worry, Nena can be trusted besides dad will go home today to watch over Hivo personally,¡±


    Thank you then. I¡¯m also a little nervous because I left my son at their house.


    We¡¯re in Steven¡¯spany. It was only 3 o¡¯clock in the morning so the employees are not here yet.


    ¡°You¡¯ll cook dinnerter, right?¡± Vios asked. I promised that I will cookter after I talk to Steven.


    I am also excited to see him. It¡¯s been more than a month since thest time we talked.


    ¡°Yes. I need to massage the chicken breast and marinate it when I got home,¡± I said.


    ¡°Do you know how to massage?¡±


    ¡°Punch you want?¡±


    Vios couldn¡¯t answer when someone suddenly spoke behind us. We both turned around and saw Steven looking at Vios.


    ¡°Babe¡­¡± I called. The smile on my face disappeared when I saw his emotionless face looking at me. So cold, that I was suddenly intimidated.


    Why is he not happy to see me? Wasn¡¯t he surprised I was alive? No, stop thinking negative Ria. I trust him. Right. I trust him.


    ¡°Follow me,¡± he said coldly.


    I looked at Vios who was looking at me.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m here. Don¡¯t worry,¡± Vios said before I entered Steven¡¯s office.


    ¡°Why did youe back?¡± Steven asked. His eyes that were full of love before are now full of anger.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Why are you here? I¡¯m engaged.¡± He said


    What is he saying? Is this some prank?


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you happy to see me?¡±


    ¡°Why should I be happy? Why are you the only one alive? Where¡¯s my son? Why did you leave my son to die there?¡± full of pain when he said that. He is crying too. I couldn¡¯t speak immediately. Where did he get that fake news?


    ¡°Babe, wait-¡±


    ¡°Stop it Ria. I don¡¯t want you toe back,¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± I tried to speak properly but my voice cracked.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s enough for you to understand that I don¡¯t love you. I just wanted to use your body and nothing more. If Hivo was still here, I woulde back to you but now he¡¯s gone, I think there is no more reason toe back to you.¡±


    I gave him a couple of ps. For the first time when I looked at him, I saw the pain in his eyes.


    When he saw me looking at him angrily, I saw the fear in his eyes but I don¡¯t care about that anymore.


    I turned back.


    ¡°Babe,¡± he called.


    I didn¡¯t look back. I started to walk away from his office. Leaving his office. Leaving hispany. Leaving from his life.


    I don¡¯t know who said that Hivo is dead.


    I thought Steven would be happy to see me but the opposite happened.


    What he said hurt me so much. To bed me? What? Am I good in bed? Is he satisfied?


    I smiled bitterly and gently wiped the tears from my eyes.


    I held my stomach. I would like to announce this good news. But bad news preceded me.


    ¡®I¡¯m not the only one you wasted Steven. Even your children who need your care,¡¯


    ¡°Vios¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Tell your dad that I want to know everything. Even thepany my dad owns,¡±


    ¡°Noted madame,¡± he answered, seriously.

 Chapter 30

    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Vios asked me. I took a deep breath before nodding. When the bodyguards opened the door, I saw the board of directors who are looking at me with their intimidating stares.


    ¡°Who is she, Felix?¡± the sophisticated woman asked,


    Felix did not answer her instead he called me to go to his side. Vios hold my hand since I was wearing red heels and a fitted dress thatplimented my skin tone


    ¡°Everyone, I want to introduce to you, the right heir of R. L Company, Rialyn Loveri. She is legitimate daughter of Lianne and Albert Loverio.¡± I saw the shock in their eyes.


    ¡°What? How about Alberto?¡±


    Alberto Loverio is my uncle. He¡¯s the only brother of my biological father but Alberto lied to the people. He made the public believed that I died too in the ident together with my parents that¡¯s why, he¡¯s ruling my father¡¯s business for some time now.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°We all know that he will only be in charge of thispany temporarily because he is the only blood-rted to Sir Albert. But not everything is named after him. So it¡¯s time to give to the true heir what his parents left her.¡±


    I expected their reactions already. They are against about the idea of me from nowhere managing thepany.


    I will do anything for my children. They deserve everything so I will fight for our rights. They don¡¯t have a father to look up to anymore and I can¡¯t allow Steven to take them from me once he finds out that Hivo is alive.


    ¡°I know many of you will not agree that I will be the new head of thispany. I know many of you are against me recing Alberto as CEO. I know all of you do not trust me. But give me a chance. Give me a chance to prove myself to you. Give me a chance to show you what I can do for thispany. My father founded this when he was still alive so I won¡¯t let thepany ruin.¡±


    They were all silent. Even I¡¯m nervous, I have to show ¡¯em that I am a strong woman they can rely on.


    ¡°As for Alberto, we can¡¯t locate him. I have here the evidences to prove that he took out a lot of money from thepany to gamble. And yes, thepany is in the middle of crisis right now.¡±


    Vios immediately took the papers from Felix and gave to the board of directors.


    My grandmother who raised me is not my real grandmother. He was my parents¡¯ maid. She hid me after the ident. Butter on after she died, my foster parents found out that I was alive so they took me and raised me.


    ¡°Alright. This is your chance to prove everything to us. Fix the problem left by Alberto and then we will agree that you will take over thispany,¡± said the man who is just the same age as Felix


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile while looking at them all. This is what I need


    ¡°Thank you so much. You can count on me,¡±


    When I looked at Felix and Vios, they were smiling at me.


    ¡°Congrattions,¡± Vios mouthed. I didn¡¯t reply and I¡¯m grateful for everything that happened today.


    At home, Felix and John were with me and then they both exined to me things about business. I review everything I need to know while my son always asking me about his dad.


    I don¡¯t want him to know what happened to us. So I kept on lying and lying until he stopped asking me about his father


    I know it will never be easy but I¡¯m ready for anything.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    THIRD PERSON


    The marriage of Steven and Amanda was broadcast by media. Everyone witnessed their wedding. It¡¯s all over the inte even in the tabloids.


    But Ria chose not to watch it. She was focusing on studying her father¡¯s business. Vios was supporting her as well as Felix and John.


    She shut herself to the world. She just leaned her full attention on work and her children.


    She gradually gets the approval of the board. She¡¯s bing an efficient and effective leader in thepany.


    But during meeting with the clients, Vios was the one she always sent to deal the clients. As of the moment, she cannot risk the well-being of the child in her womb. She always thinks ahead of the risks in going outside the house.


    ¡°Mom, what do you think happen to dad?¡± Hivo asked one time as hey on herp


    ¡°I think he¡¯s okay son,¡±


    ¡°Mom, can we go see dad? I¡¯m worried about him. He didn¡¯te to my sixth birthday. Even Aunt Divine, Oceanie and all of them,¡± Ria looked at her son sadly because she knew it¡¯s impossible.


    ¡°Maybe next time son. It¡¯s still dangerous. There are many bad guys out there and mommy is afraid that they might harm your baby sister in my womb.¡± Her son nodded but Ria knew that Hivo is sad.


    After a month, Ria delivered a beautiful baby.


    Ria named her daughter, Stefanny.


    Ria is happy to see the baby beautiful and healthy out of her womb.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    RIALYN


    After 3 years..


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Vios asked me. I rolled my eyes for the nth time because he was asking me that for a row now.


    ¡°Why do you seem nervous?¡±


    ¡°Why not? You are going to a gathering where you are one of the VIPs,¡±


    Tss.


    ¡°Hi mommyyy¡­ Hello uncle V,¡± we both turned to the source of the shrill voice.


    ¡°Here she is. The beautiful and cute baby angel,¡± I heard Vios say and he was the first to meet my daughter who was running towards me. Hivo followed her. As he grows up, he bes Steven.


    ¡°Hello my princess,¡± Vios hugged her and kissed her both cheeks


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your face?¡± I asked Hivo.


    ¡°Mom, Stef broke my phone,¡±


    ¡°What? Thetest one your uncle gave you?¡± Hivo and Stefanny were so spoiled by Vios, John and Felix. Just likest month, Vios gave him a phone for unknown reason.


    ¡°Yes mom. Thetest. She put it in the aquarium,¡±


    What? I looked at my daughter, she was making a cute face because she knew I would scold her.


    ¡°No worry son, uncle can buy you again,¡± I widened my eyes at Vios. Oh my God, that¡¯s not right.


    ¡°Stop it Viosdado. It¡¯s too much,¡± I said


    ¡°Steffany¡± I called my daughter still a bit angry.


    ¡°Say sorry to your brother. Didn¡¯t I tell you not to mess with his stuff?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Steven. I promise, I won¡¯t touch your things again,¡± she said


    ¡°The princess has apologized, what will you say Hivo?¡± Vios


    I just shook my head and left the room. Vios is a kind and good person. He¡¯s always there for us. He became the father of my children and my children are also close to him. He takes care of everything so I thank him for that.


    Unlike Steven,


    Oh well, I can¡¯t wait to be there. I can¡¯t wait to meet him again after 3 years. I can¡¯t wait any longer.

 Chapter 31

    ¡°Mom, can Ie?¡± before I got into the car, Hivo followed behind me. I don¡¯t know why he wants toe this time. It¡¯s not his thing to join my walks after we stayed here at Vios¡¯ house.


    I built my own house but my son insisted that he prefers it here with Vios, so we¡¯ll just stay here.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Papa wille too right? I wanna see him mama,¡± his eyes are full emotions while looking at me. I sighed because he knew I would answer no. That I will not allow him toe.


    ¡°Son-


    ¡°Please mom. I just want to see him for a moment. I know the real reason why he didn¡¯te to us. He has a family now,¡± I was surprised when he said. How did he know?


    ¡°It¡¯s over in the inte, ma. I read everything,¡± he said with sadness in his eyes. But still my answer is no. It¡¯s not the time yet. I need a little time to control everything in thepany. And when it¡¯s fixed, then I will no longer be afraid to show my children to the whole world because I know, I can fight. I have money. I have the power to protect them.


    ¡°Maybe next time son. Please understand me,¡± his shoulders sagged and he was forced to go inside.


    ¡°What happened? Why is that one sad?¡± Vios asked me when he met my son while he¡¯s going out.


    ¡°He wants toe. He wants to see Steven,¡± I said worriedly.


    ¡°You really can¡¯t avoid that. He met his father so it¡¯s normal for him to look for Steven. Actually, he¡¯s asking for help saying he wants to go to school. He¡¯s sick at homeschool Ria. Let the child go. ¡±


    I looked back at the door Hivo entered before returning my gaze to Vios.


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it. Anyway, where¡¯s Stefanny?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s with her nanny. She also wants toe, not for her real father tho, she just doesn¡¯t want to be separated from me,¡± I could see the satisfaction on his face when he said that. Stefanny is very close to him that¡¯s maybe the reason why she¡¯s not asking me about her dad.


    ¡°Are we going to get married Ria?¡±


    I hit his head


    ¡°It hurts,¡± he said while rubbing his head.


    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re misbehaving again. Tss. Let¡¯s go,¡± I said and got into the car first.


    He¡¯s my driver now while we have a bunch of cars behind us.


    ¡°Seatbelt first for my wife,¡± he said and he himself put on my seatbelt.


    ¡°Done wife,¡± he said. I winced when he called me that.


    ¡°Why? The doctor at the hospital said you¡¯re my wife, so perhaps we should married?¡± he said andughed like crazy.


    ¡°You look crazy there. Let¡¯s go,¡± I said.


    ¡°Okay madame. Your wish is mymand,¡± I just shook my head and looked straight at the road. He¡¯s Vios, one of my trusted friend.


    ¡°Ms. RL, this way please,¡± I was greeted by my secretary who had been waiting here for a while. After I took over thepany, I worked under the name RL. To remind everyone that the rightful owner of thepany is the person connected to its foundation and that is my father. RL Company stand for Rialyn Loverio Company.


    ¡°Ms. RL everything is set,¡± me, Vios and my secretary are the only people here in this VIP room. I will expose myselfter. It¡¯s my first time actually to reveal my identity to the public.


    Except for the board, trusted employees and some investors in thepany, no one knows who¡¯s really Miss RL is-the new CEO of RLC.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Vios asked me.


    ¡°Yes. Why?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you nervous? It¡¯s your first time, right?¡±


    ¡°Viosdado, I prepared myself for a long time here so yes, I¡¯m ready.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯m always here for you,¡± he said seriously. I smiled and nodded. I am really thankful to him because I was able to keep up with everything because of him. He¡¯s my best friend and the second father of my children.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, everyone is waiting for you,¡± my secretary said.


    I guess it¡¯s time.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    STEVEN     ¡°Daddy, handsome daddy,¡± Iughed and took the child from Amanda.


    ¡°Really? Daddy is handsome?¡± She nodded which made me smile. She¡¯s adorable and beautiful.


    ¡°Daddy is leaving. What does my princess want for a gift?¡±


    ¡°Dolls,¡±


    ¡°Dolls? You like new dolls?¡±


    ¡°Yes daddy,¡±


    ¡°Daddy just bought you some dolls. But okay, daddy will buy you a new one,¡± she pped her hands. She¡¯s really happy.


    ¡°Thank you daddy. You¡¯re the best!¡±


    ¡°Oh where is my kiss?¡± she kissed my cheek and I smiled.


    ¡°Give Snow to me. You should go, Steven. Who knows, maybe she¡¯ll show up.¡± Amanda.


    Yes. I hope I can see her. I miss her so much. I miss her and my son. I miss them. I want to see them. I want to be with them. I have made many mistakes and I know that they cannot be corrected immediately.


    After she left, I still tried to locate them but they disappeared suddenly. I don¡¯t know where they are. Myst troupe is my friend, Vios who keeps on blocking me to all of his ounts.


    ¡°I hope to see her again,¡± I said sadly.


    ¡°Of course. I believe you are meant for each other. You suffered a lot already. If she finds out all that, I think she will forgive you,¡±


    I smiled before saying goodbye. What I said 3 years ago was a lie. I need to lie to reveal the truth. I know my son and her were alive. I know Hivo is alive. God knows how thankful I am that they didn¡¯t die in the ident.


    ¡°Sir, let¡¯s go,¡± Jamie said. I fixed my coat before getting into the car.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see you babe. I miss you so bad,¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    THIRD PERSON


    ¡°So it¡¯s true, that we will meet Ms. RL,¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I heard she¡¯s a ruthless,¡±


    ¡°Really? There¡¯s also a rumor that she¡¯s ugly that¡¯s why she didn¡¯t reveal her identity yet,¡±


    ¡°She must be a genius. RLC is very sessful now because of her,¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I can¡¯t wait to meet her. Dad told me to befriend her because we n to enter RLC,¡±


    ¡°So we have the same agenda here. I think we are not the only ones with a n like that,¡±


    Murmurs of people in the venue.


    The name of Ms. RL is a big news to everyone. If the small businessmen are hunting Ms. RL, so are the bigpanies. And Steven Marcus Alvante is not an exception with that.


    Steven knows that Viosdado works at the RLC so he needs to get into the copmany to get close to Vio.


    He needs to get information about his son and Ria. Steven couldn¡¯t bear to let the year go by without his son and the girl he loved the most.


    ¡°Sir, we¡¯re here¡±, for thest time, Steven fixed his suit and got out of the car, hoping to see Ria and their child.


    In the party, many celebrities were present including Steven¡¯s friends, Agatha and her husband Kael were also there, Divine with Diego, Philip with Hannah, Angie and Lia.


    When Lia saw Steven, she immediately approached her.


    ¡°Hi,¡±


    ¡°You look good,¡± she added. Steven smiled lightly at her before answering.


    ¡°Thank you,¡±


    ¡°Alone?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡±


    ¡°Why so distant? I¡¯m Ria¡¯s friend,¡± Lia said jokingly. Steven just smiled in response. He can¡¯t find the right words to say.


    ¡°I know that it¡¯s been 3 years since she died. But still, I¡¯m still sad. But we don¡¯t have a choice but to move on right?¡± Lia


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Steven answered before making an excuse. His fist clenched and he let out a deep breath.


    ¡°Calm down Steven. Calm down,¡± Steven said trying to control his anger.


    ¡°Hey Steven, why are you in a hurry?¡± Lia followed him where he went and when Philip saw them, he immediately approached Steven.


    ¡°Hi,¡± Philip


    ¡°Hi,¡± Lia answered sparingly.


    ¡°Excuse me, I need to snatch my friend. We have something to discuss,¡± Philip said and pulled Steven away from Lia.


    He took his friend to a private room and confronted him.


    ¡°Man, wake up. Control yourself. Don¡¯t waste everything just for this day. Calm down or else everything will be wasted,¡± Philip.


    ¡°That b*tch is a great pretender man. I wanna kill her right away! Damn!¡± Steven said angrily as his face turned red with anger.

 Chapter 32

    All the people with well-known names in the business industry showed up at the venue one by one. Suits, gowns, heels and shoes, watches, and some of the essories speaks wealth. Even the bags and cars, are all expensive.


    Everyone is excited. Everyone is boasting. Some prominent people are sitting with a ss of wine and socializing to others, while the others are talking boasting their wealth. Even the food in the venue is world ss, the waitresses and waiters are well trained and the chefs are famous all over the world.


    There¡¯s a lot of press and media inside the venue.


    If other¡¯s busy minding their own business, Steven is different cause his eyes settled only on the stage. He didn¡¯t know why. He just got nervous all of a sudden. He knew Viosdado was one of the VIPs who would be introducedter on stage.


    Because even though hispany is sessful, RLC is on another level. It¡¯s like a Supreme king in a pce while they are just princes.


    Everyone¡¯s whispers were heard. Who is RLC? Everyone is excited.


    VIPs were introduced one by one as the program began. What gave everyone the most thrill was the revtion of the identity of the new owner of RLC.


    Viosdado was introduced first.


    Vios waved at the people inside the venue then the emcee continued speaking.


    ¡°So today, for the first time, the person behind the sess of RLC is here with us,¡± the venue was filled with apuse because they were all excited to meet the heiress of RLC.


    ¡°The famous owner of RLC has decided to reveal herself after 3 years of overtaking thepany.¡± Kael


    ¡°So basically, she is the boss of your friend, Vios?¡± Agatha


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s all wee. Rialyn Loverio,¡±Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    When the emcee announced Ria¡¯s full name, everyone stood up in shock, including her friends. They didn¡¯t expect that the new owner of the RLC is their friend whom they think died 3 years ago.


    Steven couldn¡¯t believe that the new CEO of RLC was the woman he had been looking for so long.


    RIALYN


    ¡°Smile wife. You look like stupid,¡± I didn¡¯t listen to Vios and just looked at the people with the face I had prepared for this day.


    The emcee was saying something but my attention focused only to the crowd. My friends were here. As much as possible, I want to keep my rtionship with them hidden. This is for their own safety.


    ¡°Your friends are here madame. And they all look shocked,¡± Vios whispered.


    When I looked around, I saw Steven. He looked surprised and unable to believe that I was here in front of him. The reaction on his face is what I want to see. But when I looked into his eyes, I immediately averted my eyes from him. I don¡¯t know why I see the longing and pain there. And I don¡¯t like that.


    ¡°Come here,¡± Vios put his hand on my small waist. I couldn¡¯t help but look at Steven especially when his eyes fell on Viosdado¡¯s hand that was on my waist. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going through his mind and I don¡¯t care to know what it is.


    ¡°Stop looking at him Ria. You look like a fool,¡± Vios whispered in my ear.


    ¡°I¡¯m not looking at him,¡± I denied.


    ¡°Yes. You are staring at him,¡± he took some strands of my hair from my face and put them behind my ears.


    ¡°There. Beautiful,¡± he said and led me to sit in our assigned seat.


    In the middle of the event, there were people who tried to talk to me, but because of my tight security, they couldn¡¯t just approach me. Vios make sure that no one can get close to me except him.


    He handled everything. I trust him with this. I went to the restroom to pee and my secretary came with me.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am Ria, I¡¯ll just wait for you outside,¡± I nodded. When I looked at myself in the mirror I let out a deep breath.


    I never thought I would see them all at an event like this.


    I never thought I would see my friends here. Earlier, I could see the pain on their faces. They were shocked and couldn¡¯t believe I am alive. I also saw how Divine and Agatha cried. And also, I saw the anger of Lia¡¯s face when she saw me.


    Why?


    Why her?


    ¡°Why did she do all that to me?¡±


    For 3 years of investigating, I found out the person behind the ident.


    We¡¯ve been friends since college. We¡¯ve been friends before I met Steven.


    I still remember what Felix said to me a year ago.


    ¡°Amanda has no connection with your foster mother, hija,¡±


    ¡°Really? But she said that mom was her biological mother thest time we met,¡± I said.


    ¡°No, she¡¯s not but it¡¯s true that she has a child other than Sydney. Her daughter from her first husband,¡±


    ¡°Who is her daughter then?¡±


    ¡°Lashnia Guirro,¡±


    My eyes widened when I heard my friend¡¯s name.


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°Lashnia Guirro. She¡¯s your friend right?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ it looks like you made the wrong decision to befriended her. Lashnia Guirro took over from her father¡¯s business. All are illegal. She¡¯s the first daughter of your foster mother from her first husband.¡±


    What the!! Lia knows everything about me. She knows mom. She knows what I went through because she is my friend. But why didn¡¯t she mention to me about her biological mother?


    ¡°Aside from that, Amanda¡¯s father owes a lot to Christopher. Don¡¯t you wonder, Ria, why Amanda came suddenly at the same year you found Steven?¡±


    Suddenly everything came back to my memory. Amanda and I met for the first time in Tagaytay.


    The exact address that only I, and my friends know.


    (End of shbacks)


    ¡°Ria,¡±


    ¡°Lashnia,¡± I was surprised but I tried not to stay calm.


    ¡°Oh My God! I miss you,¡± she said and hugged me. I didn¡¯t expect her to hug me.


    She cried while hugging me.


    ¡°I thought you were dead,¡± she said.


    She looked at me from head to toe.


    ¡°You look different,¡± she said. I just stared at her. We almost died because of her.


    We stillck evidence. We cannot yet prove that she was involved in the crime. But I am certain she¡¯s the mastermind of everything.


    ¡°Thank you Lia,¡± I said.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t youe home? How¡¯s Hivo? Is he dead?¡± why did it sound to me like she was making sure that my son is dead?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Lia. A lot happened. I need to move on.¡± I answered. Not saying that Hivo is dead. Not confirming that he is alive. It¡¯s up to her how sheprehend it.


    ¡°I understand. I know it¡¯s hard to lose a child,¡± she said.


    Really? She knew? Why? Did she get pregnant then? Or experienced having a child? What is she talking about?

 Chapter 33

    Lashnia Guirro


    I covered my ears because of the moans of the two girls in the other room. At the very young age, I was already exposed to lewdness. My father bought 2 prosti every night and every night something bad happens.


    I left the room to get water. It¡¯ste and the mansion is very dark because it¡¯s midnight, add to that, the thunder and lightning making the house even more terrifying.


    We should have been celebrating because today is Christmas but why is it that the ambiance of the house looks like Halloween? Is it because we are iplete? Because mommy cheated? Or because daddy is a criminal?


    I put my hands on both ears as I walked down the stairs.


    All my life, I feel like I¡¯m alone in the world. I have no one to lean on.


    Before I could even go down the stairs, I saw daddy¡¯s room open.


    I know what they are doing but I want to see what exactly they are doing. I peeked into the room and saw how a woman who was resting on daddy¡¯s lower part was moving up and down.


    I can¡¯t see her eyes but she¡¯s moaning. She likes it. While the other woman is sitting as her legs spread on dad¡¯s mouth. Both of them are sl*t and my daddy enjoys it too much.


    I just left and went down while the heavy rain was still pouring down.


    Tomorrow is my 17th birthday but then, it don¡¯t seem to have anything special on my birthday. Probably dad will give me everything that I don¡¯t need.


    When I came down I saw Uteir. Dad¡¯s right hand. I know all the illegal things they do. At first I was surprised, but thenter I got used to it and I don¡¯t care anyway because they don¡¯t care about me.


    ¡°Good eveningdy Lia¡± he said. I know that looks. If I wasn¡¯t dad¡¯s daughter, he might have taken advantage of me now.


    I nodded and looked at his two men who were standing behind with guns in their hands.


    ¡°Uteir, can youe?¡± I said innocently while biting my lip.


    ¡°Yes, suredy Lia,¡± he said. I gave him a flirty look before heading to the kitchen.


    I gave my virginity to someone else. To Dad¡¯s right hand.


    And then when I turned 19, I met my mom. My real mom. The woman who left us for someone else.


    ¡°You must be Lashnia. You¡¯re so big now,¡± she seemed happy to see me. My face showed no reaction while looking at her. Who would be happy to what she did to us?


    Before I met her, I took the data about her.


    My biological mom married to Alberto Loverio. She has two children, Rialyn and Sydney Loverio. I raised my eyebrows at the fact that she had two children to take care of while she had one child that she neglected.


    ¡°How are you darling?¡±


    Darling? She calls me that? She¡¯s not even worth it to call mother. What a waste of time.


    I stood up but she stopped me to leave. I forcefully removed my hand that she was holding and left without minding her calls. I hate her. I hate her that I can¡¯t even look at her.


    On my way home, I ran into a very handsome man. I don¡¯t know why but he¡¯s very handsome. The kind of look that you can¡¯t take your eyes off of him. His eyes are perfect. His nose is well made. His lips¡­ so kissable. His entire features, are so damn beyond perfect.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry miss,¡± he said and left. I was just dumbfounded as I watched him run away.


    What is his name? Where does he live? I want to know him. Is this what they call love at first sight? So cringe but I guess, that¡¯s true.


    ¡°Dad, please help me,¡± I said.


    ¡°Stop it Lashnia. How do you find the person who has no name? Give me his name and I can give you the information you want,¡± daddy said who was focused on what he was doing.


    I ran out of his office and ran into Utier but I ignored him.


    I entered my room and opened myptop. I want to know what his name is. I wanna know him¡­ badly.


    My bedroom door opened and Utier entered. Since we had s*x for a couple of times, he wasfortable entering my room.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked but he continued walking towards me without answering my question.


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± he said in a deep voice. He sat on the bed.


    ¡°I want to find someone,¡± I said.


    ¡°Who?¡± he answered while smelling my neck.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. If you¡¯re not going to help me with my problem, you better leave,¡± I said.


    ¡°I can help you,¡± he said in a hoarse voice.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. But in one condition,¡± he said while starting to undress me.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Let me tie you in bed tonight and eat you til dawn,¡± he whispered. I smirk because I know he will do everything for me.


    ¡°Deal,¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Steven Marcus Alvante,¡± I read the name of the man I was looking for.


    Even his name, it¡¯s gorgeous.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± I said to our driver going to the gymnasium. I want to watch Steven in his y. I heard they have a game today.


    When we got there, there were many people supporting him and his team.


    I watched Steven carefully. Every time he shoots the ball in the ring I p my hands. He¡¯s good. I admire him even more.


    But all the smile that was stered on my face disappeared because of the girl next to me who screamed too much.


    I¡¯ve been in awe of him for a while now.


    When the game ended, I was smiling when I saw Steven approaching me. But it disappeared immediately because he approached the girl next to me.


    What?


    Who¡¯s this girl? Why is she stealing Steven from me?


    I got up and decided to go home.


    ¡°Give me the details about that b*tch!¡± I said to dad¡¯s staff


    After an hour, I got the information about that freaking girl.


    That b*tch¡¯s name is Amanda. Steven¡¯s so called best friend and his current girlfriend. While reading her information, I also learned that her father indebted to dad.


    ¡®What a lucky¡¯ it looks like Amanda will disappear from my path.


    I transferred to Steven¡¯s school. I want to see him every day. I want to be with him.


    I always saw him in the cafeteria, gymnasium, library and everywhere because I always followed him. And because of that, I also see Amanda with Steven. And that¡¯s what I hate the most. For 3 months, I am dying to lose her from my path with Steven.


    ¡°Dad do it for me. Please¡­¡±Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Okay as you please, my princess¡±


    Daddy signaled his men and they immediately brought Amanda¡¯s father inside. Her father owes a lot from us because he lose millions in our Casino.


    I was sitting on a chair in the dark part of the room holding a ss of tequ and quietly watching them.


    I¡¯m only waiting for one person.


    ¡°What did you do to my dad?¡± she said, crying.


    There she is. I stood up with a smile on my face.


    ¡°Who are you? Let my daddy go,¡± she pleaded while crying.


    Daddy knows what I want to happen. Of course he will give me everything because I am his only child.


    ¡°Lock it up,¡± Uteir ordered our men.


    ¡°Who are you? Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Shh.. Don¡¯t be afraid. We are kind. Your daddy owes my dad a big debt and he can¡¯t pay it so in return, we will take his life,¡± I said with a smile. I really enjoyed the fear I could see in her eyes.


    !¡±What? NO! PLEASE¡­ NO!¡± She¡¯s desperate and I¡¯m enjoying the show.


    ¡°Okay but I have a condition for you,¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°We will release your father if you stay away from Steven,¡±


    Her eyes widened as if she couldn¡¯t believe what she heard.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked in shock.


    ¡°You heard me,¡± I said before I finished the tequ. ¡°Break up with him and stay away,¡± I added.

 Chapter 34

    (In the past)


    I¡¯m always watching Amanda¡¯s behavior. We still have her father, so when I asked her to do everything, I knew she would do it. I secretly watched them so I know how she pushed Steven away which made me happy. Finally my dream wille true. Steven is mine.


    Three months have passed and I¡¯m getting impatient because Steven still doesn¡¯t stay away from her.


    ¡°Call her. Tell her I¡¯ll be waiting here,¡± I ordered my bodyguard. After awhile, Amanda came nervous and shaking. ¡°What else do you need from me? I¡¯ve followed everything you ordered. I¡¯ve already broken up with him so what else do you need?¡±


    ¡°Leave. Go to Canada and get out you bitch!¡±


    Her eyes widened and she couldn¡¯t believe what she just heard.  ¡°Alright,¡± she said. I don¡¯t care even if it¡¯s against her will. What I want to follow must be followed. I have my men to take care of everything. I want Amanda to leave by tomorrow.


    ¡°Mdy, everything is fine. Amanda will fly to Canada tomorrow,¡±


    I smiled and stood up. I¡¯m excited because tomorrow too, I¡¯ll start to introduce myself to Steven. The next day, as expected, Amanda went to Canada. I was so happy with that news that I immediately made arrangements to see Steven.


    ¡°We need to get there faster. I want to be there to sympathize with him,¡±


    We were going to their vige when we met his car speeding away. ¡°Sh*t follow him,¡± I immediately said to the guard.


    ¡®Why is he in such a hurry?¡¯


    Ah¡­ he really intends to follow Amanda?¡¯


    I took my phone and called Uteir.


    ¡°Book me a flight,¡± I said.


    ¡°To Canada. Now!¡± I said before hanging up.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Canada


    Steven and his sister quickly followed where Amanda was and I also followed them too. I don¡¯t have time to waste because Steven is mine so I need to watch him carefully. Before Steven could talk to Amanda, I called her already to remind her not to talk Steven.


    ¡°Steven ising to you. I sent someone there today. You know what to do next,¡± I said and hung up immediately. Not far away I hid in a tree while watching Steven knock on the house where Amanda was staying.


    His eyes show anger, sadness, annoyance and pain. But I know that this will pass, I know that it won¡¯t take long for him to get better because I¡¯m here tofort him. I waited a few seconds before the door opened. I saw Amanda, she was covered with a towel while a man I ordered earlier was behind her. I smiled at what I saw especially when I saw the pain in Steven¡¯s eyes.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    When I was sure that my n was a sess, I turned around to go back to my car. That night, I waited at the hotel that was owned by dad while waiting for the call from the man that I ordered to follow Steven. He then told me that Steven was at the bar. I got dressed right away and put on my make-up. He¡¯s going to drink. I should be there tofort him.


    I was about to go out when I met Uteir.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Bar. Steven is there so I should be there too,¡± I said but I notice that he¡¯s going to go with me.


    ¡°You¡¯re noting with me,¡±


    ¡°Butdy Li-¡±


    I angrily faced Uteir. Didn¡¯t he hear what I said?


    ¡°I said, I¡¯m going alone,¡± I red at him before turning around and walking out.


    When I arrived at the bar, I immediately looked for Steven.


    ¡°Hey, have a drink with me,¡±


    ¡°No. Excuse me,¡±


    ¡°Hey, c¡¯mon let¡¯s dance¡±


    ¡°Stop it. What! Don¡¯t touch me!¡±


    I¡¯m getting annoyed from the people here. Don¡¯t they understand that I don¡¯t want to? I was very happy to see Steven drinking alone near the bartender.


    My heart pounded hard when I saw him turning towards me. Does he notice me? A smile spread across my lips. I slowly stepped my feet closer to him but suddenly I was bumped by someone I didn¡¯t know.


    When I looked at Steven again, there was a woman in front of him that made me angry. I saw how that girl flirted with Steven. How did Steven stick his lips to the woman¡¯s ears? I can also see the sparkle in his eyes and a smile on his lips. It makes me wanna pull that woman¡¯s hair out of this bar. She¡¯s stealing Steven from me.


    Steven stood up and held the hand of that flirtatious woman. I immediately panicked and was about to stop them but someone bumped me again.


    ¡°WHAT THE HELL!¡± I can¡¯t stop screaming in anger. When I looked at Steven¡¯s direction, they were no longer to where they were sitting earlier. I looked around but they suddenly disappeared from here. I searched the whole corner of the bar but I could no longer see their traces.  When I didn¡¯t see them anymore, my mind filled with too much of anger and hatred. I swear, as soon as I see that girl, I¡¯ll make sure she never sees the light of day again.


    ¡°Lady Lashnia, that¡¯s enough,¡±


    ¡°Uteir, can you leave? I want to drink!¡± because I¡¯m their boss¡¯ daughter, they couldn¡¯t do anything but follow me.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    THIRD PERSON


    Lia was drunk. Since Christopher-her father, ordered Uteir to watch over his child, Uteir approached her to stop her. Lia was no longer in herself. The only person she wanted to see was Steven. Due to the influence of alcohol, Lia saw Steven in the person of Uteir.


    The young man took Lia to his room in the hotel owned by Lia¡¯s father. Meanwhile, Lia¡¯s hands were moving around Uteir¡¯s body thinking that he was Steven.


    ¡°Why are you so handsome?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve waited a long time for this day,¡± Lia said with all her heart as she held her right hand on Uteir¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°I¡¯ve waited a long time for you to notice me.¡±


    ¡°Take me tonight. I¡¯m all yours,¡± she whispered in a seductive tone.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    (Back in the present)


    Lia POV


    ¡°Ria, I¡¯m happy to see you,¡± I said smiling to the friend I wanted to lose in my life with Steven.


    ¡°Where were you the whole time?¡± I said, worriedly. I thought she¡¯s dead already. Why is she her now? She is really a pest in my life. She¡¯s like a mosquito that I wanted to kill.


    ¡°I¡¯m just here for you. I am sad that Hivo is dead. I missed him,¡± I wiped the tears from my eyes. For how many years, I have been pretending. For how many years, I yed them in my palms.


    ¡°Thank you Lia,¡± she said. I looked at her appearance. She ispletely different now. I couldn¡¯t imagine that she was the real daughter of Albert Loverio. Fvck!

 Chapter 35

    Lashnia Guirro


    ¡°Congrattionsdy Lashnia. You¡¯re pregnant,¡± I was happy when the doctor who examined me said that. I can¡¯t believe it. Steven and I are going to have a baby.


    I happily stood up to get my bag. I saw the surprise on everyone¡¯s face as to why I was happy. I saw dad, he¡¯s with Uteir.


    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m pregnant!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you happy?¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s the father?¡±


    ¡°Steven Mar-


    ¡°Me,¡± we looked at Uteir at the same time when he interfered into the conversation. What is he talking about?


    ¡°I am the father. I¡¯m sorry Don Guirro. I¡¯ll take any consequences for what I did tody Lashnia.¡±


    ¡°Hey stop it! You are not the father of my child, Uteir. Dad, don¡¯t believe him. He is not the father of my baby.¡±


    I am hoping that they will believe me but I received pity from their eyes. As if I were a desperate woamn initiating that my baby belongs to the man who doesn¡¯t want me.


    I was so angry that I pped Uteir in front of everybody. He is not the father of my child. It¡¯s Steven and no one else.


    I locked myself in the room all night. I don¡¯t know what dad did to Uteir. I do not care about them.


    I will leaveter and find Steven. For sure he will be happy with this good news.


    It waste afternoon when I came out from my room and I was surprised to see that all of dad¡¯s bodyguards where standing outside the room. I think they¡¯ll stopping me to leave.


    ¡°What does this mean?¡±


    ¡°Lady Lia, I¡¯m sorry but the Don ordered us not to let you leave your room.¡±


    What? Why? I need to talk to Steven. They can¡¯t lock me in the house.


    I need to escape. They can¡¯t do this to me. I will not allow Uteir to be the father of my child. Yucks!Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    THIRD PERSON


    6 in the evening, Lia escaped by disguising as a maid. She outwit her bodyguards and ran to Steven¡¯s ce.


    Her face couldn¡¯t hide the excitement at the news she brought. What she didn¡¯t know was that Uteir was in the garage and was about to leave for the transaction at the Casino then identally, he saw Lia escaping. Uteir immediately followed her.


    Lia on the other hand, noticed Uteir. What she did, she sped up the car without minding the officers who warned her. Because her mind was focused on escaping from Uteir, she did not notice the approaching truck on her way. She was about to crash to the truck, luckily in thest minute, she managed to turn the steering wheel and crashed the car into a tree instead.


    When Lia woke up, she wondered why she had a bandage on her body and was confined in the hospital. When she looked around, she saw Uteir worriedly looking at her.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    Lia immediately touched her belly and turned to Uteir with full of fear.


    ¡°My baby is fine, right? How is he?¡± Lia started panicking the moment Uteir looked away from her.


    ¡°Answer me Uteir. My baby is fine, right?¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you answer me?¡± Lia was fuming mad. She knew already why Uteir didn¡¯t want to answer her but she didn¡¯t want to ept the idea lingering in her mind. She didn¡¯t want to ept that her baby was gone.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t say anything, then leave Uteir,¡± she said in a cold manner.


    Uteir sighed before exiting. When there was no one in the room, Lia poured out all the pain she was carrying.


    She was in so much pain to the point that she couldn¡¯t tell anymore the right from wrong.


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    RIA POV


    Currently,


    ¡°You¡¯re so different Ri. I hardly recognize you¡±


    Yes. You are right Lia. I¡¯m different now and I don¡¯t know who you are.


    ¡°Not really. I¡¯m still the same as before,¡± I smiled and took the powder out of my pouch. I faced the mirror while looking at her reflection.


    I put some blush on my cheeks and lipstick on my lips. My feet were trembling cause after I learned the truth about her identity, it¡¯s my first time seeing her again not as friend but as an enemy.


    ¡°Steven is married to Amanda,¡±


    I stopped for a moment and looked at her again who was looking at me seriously. As if like, she¡¯s observing my reactions.


    ¡°Yeah, I know,¡±


    I forced a smile and continued retouching. This is insane! For the first time in my life, I¡¯m faking my feeling to my friend. Wait- did she really consider me a friend?


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked wondering why I looked like calm after she said that Steven married Amanda, You cannot hurt me with that one, Lia. That¡¯s not a new for me.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m okay and it¡¯s fine with me if he¡¯s married with Amanda. I know there¡¯s still an annulment,¡± I said smiling at her.


    ¡°WHAT?¡± she snapped.


    I was surprised by her sudden reaction but I didn¡¯t show it.


    ¡°I mean, what do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I got him before, I can get him for the second time, Lia¡±


    There. I saw how her face crumpled which he immediately reced with a calm face.


    ¡°You n to steal him again?¡±


    Again? I steal Steven to whom? Is she referring to Amanda? or¡­.. to herself?


    ¡°Yes. That¡¯s easy and besides I have thest card to steal him from Amanda,¡±


    ¡°W-What is it?¡±


    This is funny. It¡¯s so fun to see my ex-friend¡¯s reaction about my teases. She looks pathetic.


    ¡°Do you want to know?¡± I asked, smiling. She nodded as sweat slowly dripping from her forehead.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s time for him to know that his son is still alive, I¡¯m sure he will beg for me to ept him again,¡±


    I want to believe that she had nothing to do with the ident happened to me but from what I see now, I¡¯d rather shove her face in the toilet. She is my friend but from what I can see now, she embodied the King of the underworld.


    ¡°What? Hivo is alive?¡±


    What I said was like a nightmare to her. If she¡¯s my friend, she should be crying with joy or at least she¡¯s breathing a sigh of relief that my son is safe, but no, I see the opposite in her reaction.


    It looks like she¡¯s raging that my son was alive after all these years.


    I was shaking with anger.


    We almost died then. My son cried a lot because of what happened.


    ¡°Why? Why do you look like that? Aren¡¯t you happy that Hivo alive?¡±


    ¡°W-What? O-Of c-course I¡¯m happy,¡± she said unable to look at me now.


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t that what I see on your face?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m happy Ria. I¡¯m just¡­ right¡­ I¡¯m dizzy. Excuse me,¡± she said and rushed out of the restroom.


    I didn¡¯t move yet as tears slowly pouring from my eyes.


    Why? Why we ended up like this, Lashnia?


    When I got out of the powder room, I saw my secretary waiting for me. I also saw Steven not so far away. He¡¯s looking at me. I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off of him. Next to him are his friends together with my friends.


    I want to approach them but if I do that, it might ruin my n.


    It¡¯s better just like this. They are my friends and I love them. Then, my eyes came back to Steven, and there¡¯s a longing in his eyes. He¡¯s indeed the father of my children. Our little fes carried his features as well as his mannerisms.


    ¡°Wife, you are looking at him again,¡± Vios whispered to me. I just pinched him and drifted off when he put his hand on my waist and took me to the meeting hall.

 Chapter 36

    THIRD PERSON


    Lashnia Guirro


    After a month, everyone was surprised that Lia came out of her room after being locked up for a month.


    ¡°Lady Lashnia, where are you going?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to see my mother,¡±


    Carrying the pain from the death of her baby, she has no other thought but to take revenge on everyone.


    Lia went to her mother¡¯s house. Her mother was very happy when her daughter visited her but Lia felt differently. She had a different purpose to her visits.


    ¡°Lia,¡± her mom was about to hug her when she stepped back a little.


    ¡°I¡¯m not here to hug you. Where¡¯s your daughter?¡± Her face had no emotion as she looked at her mom.


    ¡°Your sister Sydney? She¡¯s-


    ¡°Shut it. She¡¯s not the one I¡¯m looking for. Your adopted,¡±


    ¡°Ria? She¡¯s not here anymore. She¡¯s gone,¡±


    ¡°Really? So it¡¯s pointless for me toe here,¡± she turned her back on her mother and walked out of the house.


    Her mom was in pain while looking at her daughter coldly walking away from her.


    ¡®When can I hug you darling? When will you forgive me?¡¯ thoughts lingering in her mind.


    While Lia was driving, she called her men to find Ria. She¡¯s mad for what had happened to her life. ¡°Find Rialyn Loverio. Report me her whereabouts immediately,¡± she said before hanging up.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    LIA POV


    (The night that Lia and Uteir had sex. Lia thought that it was Steven she¡¯s fvcking and not Uteir.)


    The next morning I woke up alone in the room. I looked for Steven because I knew he was with me but I couldn¡¯t find his shadow so I asked Uteir to find him.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Uteir said, Steven has returned to the Philippines so I also went back home.


    I tried to look for him for a month but I couldn¡¯t locate him. And then I found out that I was pregnant. I was happy because Steven and I were going to be parents. I was so happy even if Uteir imed that he was the father¡­ Well¡­I didn¡¯t believe him cause he¡¯s crazy.


    It was Steven¡¯s baby but everything changed. My baby died and it¡¯s everyone¡¯s fault.


    When my phone rings, I pick it up to answer.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am Lia,¡±


    ¡°We found her. I¡¯ll send you her address,¡±


    After receiving the text message, I immediately drove the car to the bitch¡¯s location.


    Since it wasn¡¯t that far, I was able to get to her instantly. But I stopped immediately when I saw her sitting outside the apartment with her little belly bulge. She¡¯s obviously pregnant.


    For unknown reason, fear crept into my mind gain like a virus eloping my whole system. I¡¯m hoping that suspicion was not true. I was praying that she has another boyfriend who got her pregnant. After all, she¡¯s a b*tch.


    I got out of the car after parking it. I slowly approached her.


    She hasn¡¯t noticed me yet. She¡¯s smiling like an idiot and suddenly, something within me wanted to cut her head off.


    But then, I saw the balling in her direction, I immediately blocked my hand to prevent her from being hit. She looked at me and to the ball I was holding.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± the dirty kids said while taking the ball from my hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just be careful next time,¡± I said.


    Ria looked at me with a relief while she was hugging her tummy.


    ¡°Miss, thank you. If it wasn¡¯t for you, I might have hit the ball,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­ can I buy you a food for saving me earlier?¡±


    ¡°Yeah sure,¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your name by the way?¡±


    ¡°Lia,¡±


    ¡°Our names sound simr. I¡¯m Ria. So why are you here?¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­ I¡¯m just passing by,¡±


    ¡°Is that so? It¡¯s nice meeting you Lia,¡±


    Yeah, nice meeting you b*tch


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    RIA POV


    Currently


    ¡°Do you want sweets?¡± I nodded when Vios offered me that. I¡¯ve been craving chocte cake for a while now. I just can¡¯t get it because there are a lot of people trying to suck me in.


    Vios got me with a slice of cake and he put it down in front of me.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± I asked when I saw that he was about to leave.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t even left yet, but here you are missing me right away,¡± I pinched him on his arm and he winced. What is this guy bbering about? Can¡¯t he filter his mouth?


    ¡°I¡¯m just going somewhere for a while. Bye,¡± he kissed my cheek before leaving. I met Steven¡¯s eyes darted at me, and he looked¡­angry? I raised an eyebrow at him but I panicked when I saw him approaching me.


    ¡°Hi babe, don¡¯t you miss me?¡± he said with a forehead furrowed. His jaw tightened and he looked like drank. Did he drink too much?


    ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m invited here too. You? Don¡¯t you miss me anymore?¡±


    He¡¯s wasted. I don¡¯t know what his problem is.


    ¡°Go away Steven. We¡¯re done!¡±


    ¡°What? Who told you that?¡± I can really see the veins in his neck. Obviously he¡¯s holding back his anger towards me.


    I stood up. I need to excuse myself.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. But I need to go,¡±


    I looked at Steven and shook my head. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to leave, then I¡¯ll leave,¡± I turned my back on him and marched away.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, are we going home?¡± I gave the bag I was carrying to Gemma, my secretary.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I said.


    Before we could even get close to my car, someone¡¯s grabbed my hand and pulled me on the corner.


    I was surprised to see Steven.


    ¡°What is your problem?¡±


    ¡°You. You are my problem woman!¡± he snapped.


    ¡°How? I didn¡¯t do anything wrong to you,¡±


    ¡°Yes you did something wrong with me!¡±


    What? Is he crazy?


    ¡°You know what? You¡¯re going crazy,¡± I tried to take back my hand that he held but he just tightened it.


    ¡°What? Let me go!¡±


    ¡°No! Let¡¯s talk Ria!¡±


    ¡°Talk? We don¡¯t have anything to talk about anymore. You¡¯ve already finished everything about us, Steven, so we don¡¯t have anything to talk about. Actually, we should ignore each other now.¡±


    ¡°We have something to talk, Ria. It¡¯s Hivo!¡± He shunned me out by mentioning the name of our son.


    ¡°I want to see my son. I want to be with my son,¡± his face was full of pleading.


    ¡°Son? You don¡¯t have a son, Steven. He¡¯s dead as you said before!¡±


    I hold back the tears that are about toe out again. I¡¯m done crying. So what¡¯s this? Why am I crying?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± his voice cracked. I was surprised to see tears in his eyes.


    ¡°I lied,¡± he added.


    I want to ask why? Why did he do that? Why did he lie that day? But I stopped myself. Whatever his reasons are, I don¡¯t care anymore.


    ¡°Save your exnation by yourself. I don¡¯t need that. I¡¯ve made up my mind, so you won¡¯t see him. You won¡¯t see Hivo ever again.¡±


    ¡°No! I disgaree. I¡¯m his father!¡± he whined.


    ¡°You never became a father to him,¡± I said and turned away from him.


    It was very painful to hear those words from him. It carved not only in my mind, but also in my heart.


    He doesn¡¯t know what pain and suffering we went through. I wish he was there to sympathize with us, but he wasn¡¯t. He was watching over another woman.


    His children are fine. I have provided their needs. I can give them a beautiful and luxurious life. So there is no reason for him toe back into our lives. And besides, he chose Amanda. Why can¡¯t he be a father to his family?


    ¡°If you still don¡¯t stop, I¡¯ll see you in court,¡± I said before getting into the car and leave him there alone. I took a deep breath and wiped the tears that fell from my eyes.


    Like I said 3 years ago, he didn¡¯t just abandon one child. Hivo wasn¡¯t the only one he abandoned. Because the day he said those hurtful words to me, I was carrying a child in my wombing from his flesh and blood.


    ¡°It¡¯s toote Steven¡­ way toote.¡±

 Chapter 37

    Lashnia Guirro


    (shback)


    ¡°Lia,¡± before I faced Ria, I let out a deep breath. Everything is really disgusting about her. I don¡¯t like her. I hate her.


    ¡°Yes? Are you done?¡±


    ¡°Yep. Thank you for waiting.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡±


    I walk with her to where she was staying. I thought she¡¯s homeless since she ran away from my useless mother. Unfortunately, someone was helping her now and offered her a roof.


    ¡°Do you live alone?¡±


    ¡°No. I live with a friend, Divine,¡±


    Friend? Another pest like her.


    ¡°Oh you¡¯re home. Where have you been?¡± said by the woman with long curly hair with a tan skin. She¡¯s pretty but I don¡¯t like her. She¡¯s like a b*tch too.


    ¡°Just in the za. Anyway, this is Lia and Lia this is my friend, Divine¡± Ria introduced me.


    I step forward and offer my hand to Divine, faking everything in from of them. ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Lia,¡±


    ¡°Divine,¡± she epted my handshake but her face showed no reaction. I looks like she doesn¡¯t like me. I don¡¯t like her either so the feeling is mutual.


    ¡°By the way, Ria, Agatha called earlier. She still couldn¡¯t find the man,¡±


    ¡°Man?¡± don¡¯t tell me they are looking for Steven?


    ¡°Vine, I¡¯m fine without him. I¡¯m going to work to support my baby,¡±


    What did they talk about?


    ¡°Ria, do you hear what you¡¯re saying? You stop studying to work even though you¡¯re pregnant. It¡¯s better that we ask the father of your child for alimony.¡±


    ¡°Where is he? I don¡¯t even know his name. What if he has a family? Stop it Vine, I¡¯m really fine.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be negative. And so what if he¡¯s already married? He is still responsible for the child in your womb. Also, your child will find a father when he grows up.¡±


    ¡°But Vine-¡±


    ¡°No buts. We¡¯ll check all the ces in Canada to find him.¡±


    So the father of her baby is Steven. I will k*ll this bitch. I¡¯m going to fucking kill this b*tch!


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± they both looked at me. ¡°I can help you if you allow me,¡±


    I can¡¯t let them know that Steven lives here.


    ¡°Really?¡± Divine.


    ¡°Yes. I can help you, my dad has a lot of connections in Canada.¡±


    ¡°Problem solved, Ria.¡± Divine said.


    That¡¯s what you thought. Fool! I will not help you. More likely, I will misled you about Steven¡¯s whereabouts.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    RIA POV


    (Currently)


    ¡°Mamaaaaaa,¡± I heard the shrill voice of my daughter.


    ¡°Looks like your head hurts more from Stefanny¡¯s voice than from what you¡¯re reading,¡± Johnughed when he saw the reaction on my face.


    ¡°You got it right, John. Even if I¡¯m at the end of this house, I can still hear her scream,¡± the door opened and Stefanny came in carrying myb.


    When I looked closely at her face, I almost fainted to what she looked like. What the-


    ¡°Hello Grandpa,¡±


    ¡°Hi princess,¡± John greeted her back. My daughter kissed him on the cheek. I don¡¯t know if Iugh or feel sorry for him cause every time my daughter kiss him, he wince.


    ¡°Stefanny, what did you do to my make up?¡±


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m pretty¡­ right?¡±


    Pretty? Oh baby, what did you do to your face?


    ¡°Grandpa, is Pane pretty?¡± John looked at me asking for help cause he didn¡¯t know how to answer my daughter.


    Her face covered with powder, the dark pink blush on her cheeks weren¡¯t blended at all, and not to mention that the lipstick spread to her cheeks. She looked like Joker.


    I really want tough but I hold it back because she must see that I am serious and not happy with what she did with my make-up.


    ¡°Stefanny, why did you mess with mom¡¯s make up? Didn¡¯t I tell you not to meddle with mama¡¯s things?¡±


    She apologetically nced at me.


    ¡°Are you mad, mom?¡±


    ¡°Mama is not happy with what you did!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry mom,¡±


    I don¡¯t want to be too strict with them. I know that I don¡¯t have enough time to spend with them since I am busy with thepany so I don¡¯t want to give them the reason to hate me.


    I sighed.


    ¡°Forgiven. Come here. I¡¯ll kiss you,¡±


    I took my handkerchief and wiped her face. Stefanny looked like Steven. She only got my lips and nose, the rest is up to her dad. I wonder how will Steven react once he finds out about Stefanny?


    ¡°Am I pretty now mommy?¡±


    ¡°Yep. Now, go to your room and tell your nanny that you needed a shower because teacher Ann will be hereter,¡±


    She followed me and ran out of the room.


    After a while, the door opened and Vios entered. If earlier I was surprised by my daughter¡¯s appearance, now I amughing out loud at Vios¡¯ state.


    ¡°Haha. Viosdado! What did you do?¡±


    He frowned at me and sat down on the sofa.


    ¡°You reallyughed at me, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Did my daughter did that to you?¡±


    He looked like Bon-chan in one piece. Promise!


    ¡°I just slept. And I was surprised that I woke up like this.¡±


    ¡°Wash yourself. You¡¯re so ugly,¡±


    ¡°By the way, before you continue with that, someone wants to invest with RLC,¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Your ex,¡± he said in a serious voice.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°I heard that he was looking for you before,¡± John interjected.


    ¡°Just reject it,¡± I said referring to Steven¡¯s proposal.


    ¡°Think about it, Ria. It¡¯s a good opportunity for you especially since you don¡¯t really hold the entire RLC yet¡­¡±


    ¡°We can find someone else,¡± I said.


    I will not allow Steven to enter our life. I know what he¡¯s plotting.


    ¡°Yeah. But in case you don¡¯t know, your ex is taking down everyone who wanted to invest in RLC.¡±


    WHAT?


    ¡°When ites in business Ria, Steven is ahead of you. He is more experienced. He has many connections and above all, hispany is also famous and stable because it is owned by their family by generations after generation.¡± John


    ¡°You¡¯re a newbie, he¡¯s an oldie,¡± I immediately picked up the ballpoint pen I saw on the table and immediately threw it at Vios. He¡¯s still cracking a joke even though I¡¯m not in the mood now.


    At night I thought about what John said to me. He¡¯s right. But¡­


    ¡°Mommy,¡± I looked at the door and I saw my children standing in the doorway holding a pillow. Stefanny has her eyes close while Hivo was holding her hand.


    ¡°Can we sleep here?¡± Hivo asked.


    ¡°Of course. Come here,¡±


    They climbed up to the bed andy beside me.


    ¡°You want to go to a real school, Hivo?¡± I asked weakly,


    ¡°Yes mom. Will you let me?¡± I could see the joy in his eyes. If all that had not happened to us, he could have a normal life now just like the other children in her age.


    ¡°Yes. Tomorrow we will ask Vios to fix your papers so that you can enter school on Monday,¡±


    ¡°Thank you mom,¡± he immediately hugged me which made me smile. He¡¯s the sweetest ever.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee son,¡±


    ¡°I love you¡±


    ¡°I love you too. Mama loves you, always remember that,¡±


    ¡°Mom, will you be angry if I tell you that I emailed dad?¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer right away. I know that it wille to the point that Hivo himself will approach his father secretly.


    ¡°Did he reply to you?¡± I answered calmly.


    ¡°Yes mom,¡±


    ¡°What does he say?¡±


    He didn¡¯t answer. He leaned over and hugged me. He snuggled around my neck and hugged me tighter. I also felt the warm liquid touch my skin.


    What happened? Why is my son crying?


    ¡°What did dad tell you?¡±


    ¡°Mama,¡± he sniffed and cried. ¡°He said that I should forget him because he has another family and he won¡¯t ept me as his son anymore.¡±


    My blood boiled at what my son said. I would really kill that bastard who said that to him.


    ¡°Shh. Don¡¯t cry son. That¡¯s not true, okay? Maybe someone just hacked your dad¡¯s phone. Your father loves you. I can guarantee you that,¡± I consoled him.


    Steven won¡¯t beg me about Hivo if he¡¯s going to hurt our son. Someone sabotaged him and I will kill that person. I swear that!

 Chapter 38

    Lashnia Guirro


    (Back in past)


    I chose to stay next to them to monitor them especially that bitch.


    I have also met some of her friends, Agatha and Angie. They are a bunch of pests. All of them are parasites.


    Years have passed by, I¡¯m always observing Steven from afar. I¡¯m happy for him especially since he is in charge of their family¡¯s business.


    But I know that everything is risky until that b*tch and her son are alive.


    Things didn¡¯t go well. Dad got sick so I need to take over his business. I was in charge of his illegal businesses and the Casino while pretending to be friends with Ria and her squad.


    As Hivo grows up, I see Steven in him. He looks exactly like his father.


    It would perfect if I could be his mother. Steven will probably be happy. It¡¯s not a bad idea also to rece Ria as Hivo¡¯s mother. Why not? He will be happier with me.


    ¡°Hivo, my son,¡±


    ¡°Yes, aunt?¡±


    ¡°Baby, didn¡¯t I tell you to call me mommy?¡±


    I smiled at him. I want him to follow me. He should get used to calling me mommy because that¡¯s where we going cause soon enough Ria will be dead for sure.


    ¡°But aunty, I only have one mommy. It¡¯s my mommy Ria,¡±


    The smile disappeared from my lips. I didn¡¯t like his response to me.


    ¡°O Lia, you¡¯re here,¡± I looked up and saw Divine with Angie.


    ¡°Ria is not here today because she has something to do,¡±


    ¡°Oh. I brought you rice porridge. It¡¯s my specialty,¡± I said, smiling. I wish I put some poison on that.


    ¡°By the way, we have something to tell you,¡± Angie. Hmm.. What¡¯s that?


    ¡°Do you know the bachelor who was featured in the magazine recently?¡± Angie asked.


    ¡°Bachelor? Who?¡± I asked confused. Don¡¯t tell me that-


    ¡°Steven Marcus Alvante,¡±


    Suddenly, my heart beats faster at what Angie said. I¡¯m restless. I tried to calm down but I felt like I¡¯m going to explode.


    ¡°W-What about him?¡± I stammered.


    ¡°Hivo exactly looked like him. Maybe the man who got Ria preganant was him.¡±


    ¡°I-I guess that¡¯s impossible,¡± I drank water to hide the nervousness on my face.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong if we show Ria that magazine. Let her recognize the face,¡±


    No! I should stop them.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    (BACK TO PRESENT)


    RIA POV


    ¡°Are you ready, son?¡± I checked his lunchbox, tumbler, and his things to secure that everything was prepared.


    While I was doing that, I saw Vios leaning against the door and looking at me with his arms crossed. I raised an eyebrow at him and immediately turned back to Hivo who¡¯s now eating.


    ¡°Mom, can I go to school with Hivo?¡±


    I looked at my daughter who¡¯s holding bread and sausage in her hands.


    ¡°You can¡¯t go to Hivo¡¯s school yet, honey.¡±


    ¡°But mom-


    ¡°Princess, Hivo is going to school to study. You are not allowed there because you are still a baby,¡± Vios. He talked my daughter with me and they started to talk about the things that only of them can understand.


    ¡°Mom, you can eat now. I already checked my bag earlier except for the lunchbox,¡± I looked at Hivo. ¡°And rx mom. I will be fine. With the amount of bodyguards you will send with me, I¡¯m sure nothing bad will happen to me,¡± he said.


    I let out a deep breath. I¡¯m still nervous about what might happen. I don¡¯t want anything bad happen to him.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m sorry. I was just worried. ¡±


    Hivo just smiled at me and continued eating.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    After we ate, we took Hivo to his school.


    ¡°Please watch over my son? Don¡¯t let him out of your sight,¡± I said to the boyguard.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am. We will remember that,¡±


    I nodded to them before turning to Hivo.


    ¡°Wow, Hivo¡¯s school is beautiful and big,¡±


    Stefanny said amazed by the school buildings in front of us. It¡¯s not part of the n to bring her here but she kept on nagging us earlier so we have no choice but to bring her also.


    ¡°When you grow up princess, you will also study here with me,¡± Hivo said to his sister and Stefanny was jumping because of joy.


    ¡°Okay son, go inside and you might bete. Just always remember-¡±


    ¡°Yes mom. Don¡¯t talk to strangers.¡±


    I smiled and kissed him on the cheek.


    ¡°Very good. Now go and have fun,¡±


    He kissed my cheek and his sister¡¯s cheek before saying goodbye.


    ¡°Bye Hivo!¡± Steffany is waving her hand to her brother as Hivo keeps on waving her too while running backward to go inside the school campus.


    ¡°Mommy,¡±


    ¡°Yes my darling?¡±


    ¡°Jobee. I want jobee!¡±


    What? We just ate a while ago.


    ¡°Are you hungry? But we just ate before we leave,¡±


    ¡°Yes mom. I¡¯m hungry,¡±


    I chuckled and kissed her forehead. She¡¯s so adorable. How can I say no to her?


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Let¡¯s go to the jobee,¡±


    ¡°Yeeheey. Thank you mommy,¡±


    We got into the car. I put her in the backseat and secured her seatbelt before I drove the car.


    We are on our way home after our drive thru at Jobee. I called Vios to ask where he was.


    ¡°Thanks God you called me. I couldn¡¯t contact you earlier. Anyway, go to the office right now,¡± he said.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Someone wants to meet you,¡±


    ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°Juste here and stop asking,¡±


    ¡°But Stefanny is with me today. Can I take her home first?¡±


    ¡°What? No, it¡¯s fine. Just bring Stefanny here,¡±


    I looked in the mirror and saw my daughter eating the fried chicken we bought.


    Is it okay for me to take her in the office?


    Well Vios said that it¡¯s okay to bring her.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be there in a minute,¡± I said and drove the car straight to the office.


    When we arrived at the office, everyone was surprised that I had a child with me. It feels like a deja vu when I brought Hivo to Steven¡¯s office years ago.


    I don¡¯t know who¡¯s waiting for me but I guess it¡¯s important.


    When we entered the office, I was immediately greeted by a person I did not expect to see today.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked in disbelief.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Stefanny ran to Vios when she saw him. I saw how Amanda was surprised to see my daughter ran to Vios.


    ¡°Do you want me to tour you here, princess?¡±


    ¡°Yes papa,¡±


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go. ¡± Vios took Stefanny out of the office.


    When I looked at Amanda again, I saw her lips parted, being confused to what she have witnessed. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that-¡± I cut her off.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here to ask for help,¡± she said in a serious voice.


    Her face is too thick for me to ask for help.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to get any help from me Amanda. Go away,¡±


    ¡°Ria, please listen to me,¡±


    I turned away and didn¡¯t answer.


    ¡°Steven, he needs your help¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you help him instead? You¡¯re married, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Ria, I know that I did a lot of bad things to you. But please help, Steven. He needs you and Hivo. He needs someone to hold onto now. He is losing hope,¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t be the one to tell you this but Steven doing all of this for you and Hivo. He knew all along that you survived the ident. You don¡¯t know what he went through just to protect you from afar. If you have time, please talk to him at his condo,¡± she said and left me full of questions in my mind.


    Before Amanda could get away, I chased after her. I just want to know something. I want to confirm something.


    ¡°Amanda, wait a minute¡±


    She stopped and turned to me. There is sadness in her eyes. She¡¯s different from the Amanda I used to hate.


    ¡°Why? Why are you doing all this? Do you like Steven?¡±


    ¡°Ria, the child will do everything for the parent and the mother will risk her own life for her child,¡±


    I was confused to her answer.


    ¡°I love Steven because he is my best friend since we were kids. But everything will change, and I have fallen for someone else.¡±


    ¡°Then why? Why did you do all that? For what reason?¡±


    ¡°Because¡­ I have to do that, Ria. I have to do that even though it was wrong. I have to do that even though I know that I will hurt someone else. I will do everything for my child, Ria. I will do everything just to save my baby.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Lashnia Guirro. The one you considered a friend. She always wanted to get Steven before you two met. She¡¯s the reason behind this. She manipted our lives and she used me to do that. She¡¯s crazy. She¡¯s obsessed to my friend, so be careful.¡±


    What?

 Chapter 39

    ¡°Are you sure of your decision?¡±


    I¡¯m sure of my decision now. The partnership with thepany.


    ¡°Yes¡± I said seriously as I finalized everything.


    ¡°Okay wife, I have already emailed him. He will be here in any minute¡±


    ¡°Alright. Thank you Vios¡±


    ¡°No problem¡± he said and exited.


    I suddenly remembered what Amanda said. Now it makes sense. The first time we met in the za while I was pregnant with Hivo.


    I still remember the day she came to me. The day she introduced himself and the day we became friends.


    It¡¯s not a coincidence at all. She went to deliberately to me cause she have been stalking Steven at that time. She befriended me to manipte the situation.


    Is that why I couldn¡¯t find Steven in Canada right then? That¡¯s why it took me six years to find him because of the clues that Lia fed me that Steven lurking in Canada where in fact, he¡¯s just here in the country where we live.


    It¡¯s possible that Lia nned everything. To lead us astray and hope. Because even then, she already knew who Hivo¡¯s real father was. She knew who Steven was.


    I wanted to know everything from her but Amanda left in a hurry earlier.


    I still remember thest thing she said before she left.


    ¡°Steven only loved you, Ria. From then until now. That¡¯s why I owe him a lot because he stood as a father to my daughter even though he¡¯s not the biological father.¡±


    Thest words he uttered before leaving. I am not surprised that Steven is not the father because he has denied it several times and I believe him.


    Lia was the reason why Amanda did that. She was the one who ordered poor Amanda to mess with Steven.


    If I think about everything that Lia has done, my anger towards her grows stronger. I didn¡¯t quite think that in the few years of our friendship wasn¡¯t true.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, Mr. Alvante is here,¡± I looked at my secretary when she suddenly entered the office.


    I nodded and followed her to the conference room.


    When I arrived at the door, Vios greeted me.


    ¡°He¡¯s inside, waiting for you,¡±


    Vios held my waist as we went inside together.


    I don¡¯t know why Viosdado is always so extra touchy when Steven is around. I feel that he¡¯s trying to make Steven jealous.


    When we entered, Steven was sitting and looking at us. I stopped leaning back and we looked at each other. His eyes dropped to Vios¡¯ hand that was on my waist and I saw how he looked away.


    His aura darkened and I know he¡¯s not happy at all. Is he angry?


    ¡°Good day Mr. Alvante,¡± I greeted him as I held out my hand with a poker face on my face. As far as I can, I need to maintain my posture that is serious and calm.


    He looked at my hand, and Vios then red at us.


    ¡°Did youe here for partnership or to be arrogant and rude?¡± I asked impatiently. I don¡¯t like the way he looks like Imitted a big sin because God knows I¡¯m not doing anything wrong.


    ¡°I¡¯m here for the partnership and it¡¯s supposed to be you and me.¡±


    ¡°Yes. That¡¯s why I¡¯m here. So what¡¯s your problem?¡±


    ¡°Why is he here?¡± he pointed at Vios, angrily.


    I looked at Vios and his face was serious even though I know that he¡¯s secretlyughing at the situation we¡¯re in. In the 3 years I¡¯ve been with Vios, I¡¯ve gotten to know him.


    ¡°Am I not wee here, man? It¡¯s like I¡¯m not your friend,¡± Viosdado turned around to hug Steven.


    But Steven patted the hand of Vios who was about to hug him. Obviously not happy with Vios presence.


    ¡°Stop it. I¡¯m not your friend¡± he said and simply took me out of the conference room. I couldn¡¯t speak as we continued walking.


    ¡°Wait a minute. Where are you taking me?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your problem?¡±


    ¡°What? What¡¯s wrong with me? You! What¡¯s wrong with you and you¡¯re just pulling me out of the blue?¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    STEVEN POV


    I couldn¡¯t believe the anger I could see in Ria¡¯s eyes. I knew what I did earlier in the conference room was not good but my head was really hot in the presence of Viosdado.


    I waited a long time for this day so I won¡¯t let anyone else disturb us.


    ¡°Where¡¯s your office?¡± I was not moved by her raging gaze. She should know by now that I am not happy about what happened either.


    ¡°And why should I tell you?¡±


    She¡¯s really mad! Her face is red. And damn! I fvcking miss her so much! That even though she is very angry now, I am still fascinated by her ethereal beauty.


    I took her hand and went to the ce where her secretary was standing. I think that¡¯s her office.


    ¡°What the hell Steven, let me go¡±


    I did not listen to her and continued to pull her in.


    ¡°Is that her office?¡± I asked her secretary.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Yes sir¡±


    I immediately opened it and both of us entered. There! Just the two of us. No pest; no Viosdado.


    ¡°You¡¯re so rude! Don¡¯t you have any manners?¡±


    ¡°Babe, if I had no manners, I would have kissed you right in front of your employees. And don¡¯t try my patience because I¡¯ve been waiting to kiss you for a while now¡±


    She kept quiet and immediately looked away. Her cheeks were slightly red very different from her tiger-like appearance earlier. She just needs to be threatened for her to keep quiet. I won¡¯t mind if she will wear out my patience if I can kiss her. I won¡¯t hold back this time. It¡¯s time to get them back. To get my family back.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    RIA POV


    ¡°Now, it¡¯s time to talk¡± I said. I red at him before turning to the chair. I don¡¯t know but he seems to be enjoying what he is doing now.


    ¡°Yeah! Let¡¯s talk about us¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You heard me babe¡±


    I didn¡¯t immediately react to the babe he uttered. I was caught off guard. Why does he call me babe?


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that¡±


    ¡°What? The babe?¡± he asked innocently. Can he hear himself?


    ¡°Yes. And Steven, don¡¯t flirt with me,¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not flirting with you, am I? Besides, what¡¯s wrong? That¡¯s what I call you since then.¡± I red at him. I¡¯m not happy with what he¡¯s doing now.


    ¡°Stop calling me babe. We¡¯re not what we used to be,¡±


    The smile disappeared from his lips. Pain drew in its eyes. Did I overboard?


    ¡°I know that¡¯s why I¡¯ll take you back from Viosdado¡± he said.


    His face was serious. He¡¯s not kidding.


    ¡°If you¡¯re here to piss me off, you¡¯d better leave,¡± I said.


    ¡°No! I¡¯ll listen now. Let¡¯s proceed with business babe¡±


    I just ignored him and started the meeting that should have started earlier.


    It didn¡¯t take long. And this man doesn¡¯t seem serious about this partnership.


    He¡¯s currently signing now and I¡¯m just looking at him. I suddenly thought of what Amanda said.


    What help does Steven need? From what I see now, he seems okay. Shall I ask? What will I say?


    How are you? I heard you have a problem? The casual one.


    What¡¯s wrong Steven? Is something bothering you? But the delivery is ugly.


    What should it be?


    ¡°Why?¡±


    I was surprised by his sudden question.


    ¡°What, why?¡±


    ¡°Why are you looking at me?¡±


    ¡°Me? Looking at you? You¡¯re joking,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay babe that you look at me again and again. It¡¯s better that you and our sone back to me,¡± he said in a low voice.


    ¡°What? What did you say?¡± I pretended that I didn¡¯t hear hisst words.


    ¡°No. I said you¡¯re beautiful¡±


    ¡°Steven, stop flirting with me.¡±


    I looked away because of his strange gaze.


    ¡°How is our son?¡± he asked. There is sadness and longing in his eyes.


    ¡°He¡¯s fine¡± I answered.


    ¡°Can I see him?¡±


    ¡°I know I wasn¡¯t a good father to him but I miss our son, Ria. I only spent a little time with him.¡±


    If I hadn¡¯t talked to Amanda, maybe I would have said no. I will not agree. But after that talk, everything became a little clearer to me. Even though I haven¡¯tpleted the puzzle yet, I already have an idea what was going on between us.


    It¡¯s clear to me that Lashnia is manipting our lives.


    ¡°Yes. He wants to see you too,¡±


    I can see the joy in his eyes. What really happened Steven and you did all that? I want to know everything. Everything!

 Chapter 40

    Ourpany will expand a new branch along with Steven¡¯s participation since we¡¯re having a partnership. It¡¯s a big project so we¡¯re working on it together.


    ¡°Mom, can Ie with you?¡± my daughter entered my room while I was looking at my outfit today. I¡¯m not wearing a business suit. I just wear denim jeans and I paired it with white long sleeves.


    ¡°Baby, mommy is going to work and it¡¯s dangerous there for children so it¡¯s safe for you to stay here with your nanny.¡±


    ¡°But mom. It¡¯s boring here. Hivo is not here and dad is working too,¡±


    My youngest, called Vios ¡®daddy¡¯. I wonder if she will call Steven daddy too when I introduce him to her.


    ¡°Do you like calling your uncle Vios, dad?¡±


    ¡°Yes mom. He¡¯s not just my uncle. He¡¯s my papa forever and ever,¡± I just sighed and smiled. I went to her and held her hand.


    ¡°You¡¯re not allowed toe with me. But mommy promise you that I¡¯ll buy you fried chicken when I get home. That¡¯s your favorite, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes mommy,¡±


    ¡°Aww.. my baby is so adorable,¡± I knelt down and kissed her cheeks.


    I looked at her nanny to tell her to get Stefanny and bring her to her room.


    I looked at my appearance again then left. I¡¯m ready to go.


    For the first time, Vios is not with me. He¡¯s in the main branch now. He was supposed to be here but Steven requested that I shoulde alone. And I think it¡¯s a better idea for me to know his reason behind those decisions he made.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I asked when I got out of the car. Steven was there already and waiting for me.


    ¡°Why? Am I not allowed to wait for you here? Where¡¯s your thanks? I waited you I here under the scorching sun.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s hot here, then you shouldn¡¯t have wait for me,¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re hot, babe. Do you need anything today?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me Steven. I¡¯m not in the mood,¡±


    ¡°Hmm.. Someone¡¯s having a bad day,¡± he whispered but I just ignored it. When we arrived at the site, Engr. Castro and Archi. Delos Reyes were already waiting for us.


    ¡°Hello ma¡¯am, by the way, I¡¯m Bryan Castro,¡± Steven¡¯s cleared his throat.


    I smiled at Engr. Castro and epted his hand. Ms. Delos Reyes on the other hand is trying to flirt Steven.


    ¡°I¡¯m Ms. Loverio,¡± I said to the architect.


    ¡°Hello Ms. Loverio. I¡¯m Angel Delos Reyes,¡± she smiled but I hate her guts.


    ¡°Hello Mr. Alvante. It¡¯s so nice to meet you,¡±


    She¡¯s rude. She withdrew her hand from my grip to turn to Steven.


    ¡°Hello Ms. Delos Reyes. It¡¯s nice to meet you too,¡± Steven said when the architect introduced herself to him. I rolled my eyes at them.


    We need to wear safety our hats before entering the site.


    ¡°Ms. Loverio,¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Please wear this coat,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hot, why should I wear that?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wearing long sleeves but look at the silk. I can see your undergarment in the daylight.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s really hot. Don¡¯t you understand?¡±


    ¡°Are you going to wear it? Or I will lock you inside my car until nightfall?¡±


    My eyes widened. This man is crazy.


    ¡°And I¡¯m not joking,¡± he added with a very serious face.


    I immediately put on his coat afraid he¡¯ll lock me up inside the car.


    We met all theborers and we also had a thorough conversation with Engr. Castro on the construction deadline.


    When I feel tired, I sat on the stic chair and wiped the sweat from my forehead with a handkerchief.


    Steven approached.


    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± he asked. I nodded because I only ate a sandwich for breakfast.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat. Can you still stand?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No,¡± I admit. ¡°My feet hurts,¡±


    ¡°Wait here babe,¡± he saidThis is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    He left for a moment. I do not know where he go. A few minutester, he returned with a pair of slippers.


    He knelt down to take off the heels I¡¯m wearing.


    ¡°I c-can do it by myself,¡±


    ¡°Let me do this babe. Please..¡±


    I bit my lip when a memory came back to the time when I pretended as his maid.


    After removing my stilettos, he immediately put on the two slippers.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go so we can eat,¡± he said.


    We went to the eating house nearby and he¡¯s the one who offered to order our foods.


    I¡¯m expecting he ordered meat but he ordered a lot of vegetables. I still remember that he called it grass.


    I looked at him a bit surprised.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Why there are vegetables? You don¡¯t like it, right?¡±


    ¡°No babe. I like it. It¡¯s my favorite actually. All the things or food that can remind me of you, I¡¯ve gotten to like it.¡±


    I¡¯m speechless. I don¡¯t know how to react. Should I be happy? I don¡¯t know.


    ¡°Umm¡­ Can I take you to your ce? I just want to see our son,¡±


    If I agree, he will know about Stefanny. I will introduce Stefanny to him but I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a right time yet. There is still a lot to fix and I don¡¯t want to involve my children in everything.


    I chose to keep everything a secret from him and I will keep it until the threat to our lives disappears.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry but you can¡¯t. But I¡¯ll bring him here. Maybe it¡¯s time for you to exin everything to him,¡±


    ¡°To be honest, I hate you. Why are you acting this way? Didn¡¯t you push me away?¡± he just looked at me. There was sadness in his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry babe. I can¡¯t exin it right now,¡±


    I don¡¯t know why or what Lia did. I want to know but I can see the fear in his eyes.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait for you to tell me everything,¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your understanding. Just wait me a little, everything will be over and I will get you and Hivo back,¡±


    I feel like I¡¯ve lost my appetite. I felt his hand on mine. He¡¯s holding it but I took it back. Everything will not disappear with one touch. If he wants to make up for it, he should start by exining to me.


    ¡°By the way, your son emailed you and you just replied with hurtful words,¡±


    ¡°WHAT?! WHEN?¡±


    ¡°You replied him with hurtful words, Steven. He was hurt and crying. He reported it to me. If only I had been narrow-minded, that very day, I would have bombed you,¡± I said without even blinking.

 Chapter 41

    ¡°Wait for me first,¡± I said and Vios rolled his eyes on me.


    ¡°Here you are again. You took too long to get dressed. I was telling you earlier we were leaving early. How on Earth you¡¯re not done preparing?


    ¡°Vios, I¡¯m a woman!¡± I said, as if telling him that that was the answer why I took too long to prepare.


    ¡°Wow, wake up! You¡¯re not a virgin anymore,¡±


    Annoyed, I threw my heel at him.


    ¡°Your mouth is no longer a virgin,¡± I said.


    ¡°Ria, stop throwing things like that. It¡¯s dangerous. What if you hit my beautiful face?¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t stop your mouth, I¡¯ll feed you this bag I¡¯m holding,¡±


    ¡°Wow! You¡¯re just bragging that your bag is expensive. Fabulous!¡±


    Without a word, I immediately threw the other pair of my heels at him. This time, I hit him hard.


    ¡°That¡¯s what you got for annoying me,¡± I said and got into my car.


    I waited two minutes before he followed.


    ¡°Miss,¡± the fool knocked on the window.


    ¡°What is your problem, Viosdado?¡±


    ¡°Go to the driver seat. You¡¯re driving this car cause I¡¯mzy to drive.¡±


    Argh! His face is irritating!


    When we arrived at RLC, we were greeted by some of the employees.


    ¡°Did you get it?¡± Viosdado said while he¡¯s checking some of the document.


    ¡°Yes. Let¡¯s go,¡±


    ¡°Next time, don¡¯t leave the important things behind. You¡¯re always doing that. Tho, I can¡¯t me you because you¡¯re getting old.¡±


    ¡°Are you not closing your mouth? This is yourst warning Vios or I¡¯ll crush you like a lice.¡±


    ¡°Wife. You are such a sadist,¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me wife. I¡¯m not your wife. You¡¯re ugly,¡± the fool justughed at me. He¡¯s following me around just to annoy me.


    When we arrived at the site, it wasn¡¯t that hot because it looked like it was going to rain today. Vios and I met Steven who was looking at Vios, angrily. Oh, what day is today and someone is having a bad day?


    When he looked at me, he sneered at me! Woah!


    ¡°Hello my friend,¡± Vios came to shake Steven¡¯s hand but Steven shook Vios¡¯s hands away and approached me and took my hand.


    ¡°Come with me,¡± he said to me and pulled me away from Vios but before that could happen, Vios chased after me and pulled my other hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m with her so she will stick with me all day,¡± Vios said with his serious face. They red at each other.


    ¡°Come with me wife,¡± Vios took my hand held by Steven. But Steven immediately took it back.


    ¡°She¡¯s not your wife,¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not yours too,¡±


    I took my hand from both of them and looked at them evilly.


    ¡°You two should go home. I don¡¯t need you here,¡± what are they doing? This is time for work.


    ¡°Are they all right ma¡¯am?¡± Engr. Castro said while looking at my back.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind them. Anyway, any update?¡±


    ¡°Umm. Come. I will show you the minor things that we will rece in the original n. Give me your insights about this,¡±


    I looked at the two again and they were still ring at each other.


    At lunchtime, Vios sat on my left and Steven on my right. If they¡¯re going to fight again, I swear, I¡¯m gonna punch them straight to their faces.


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to fight, then fight somewhere out of my sight,¡± they didn¡¯t say a word so I continued eating.


    We were currently eating when Angel Delos Reyes suddenly arrived. We we¡¯re in the area nad we¡¯re having a meal with all the people part of this project.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re already eating. I have Afritada.. Here, have a taste of my dish,¡±


    ¡°Hi ma¡¯am architect. Thank you,¡± one of theborers said.


    ¡°I cooked a lot. Don¡¯t be shy.¡± She said to thatborer before she nce at me. ¡°How about you ma¡¯am Ria? You want some?¡± I smiled and nodded but she turned to Steven suddenly before I dig my spoon to the bowl she¡¯s holding.


    ¡°Oh wait, I¡¯ll give it to Mr. Alvante first. He should taste my afritada,¡±


    I clenched my teeth at her rudeness. Should I exclude her to this project? Steven just smiled at her and refused to eat her dish. I smiled secretly.


    When the day was over, I looked for Vios to tell him that we¡¯re going home together since I didn¡¯t bring my car. It was his car we used earlier.


    ¡°Take care of her. She¡¯s important to me. I¡¯m afraid she¡¯ll do something bad to herself,¡± I heard him talking to someone over the phone. Who is he referring to?


    ¡°Vios,¡±


    He was surprised when I called him. Fear was evident on his face. Why? Did something happen?


    ¡°Are you okay? Who is that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m fine. Have you been there for a while?¡±


    ¡°Oh no. I just arrived. Umm, can I ride with you? I didn¡¯t bring my car,¡±


    ¡°Ohh.. I¡¯m going somewhereter. I¡¯m sorry, Ria,¡± he said.


    ¡°Is it urgent?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Oh. Is it really important?


    ¡°Alright. Take care then. I¡¯ll just grab a taxiter,¡±


    He kissed my cheek and left in a hurry. ¡°You take care. I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t send you home,¡± he said.


    I watched him until he disappeared from my sight.


    When I turned my eyes to the road, I saw Steven looking at me sadly.


    He approached slowly, and when he stopped in front of me, he took his handkerchief and wiped my cheek that Vios kissed as if there were germs attached to it.


    I wanted to leave but I couldn¡¯t move my foot while staring at his eyes that are gloomy just like the weather today.


    ¡°It¡¯s heavy inside babe,¡± he began.


    ¡°It¡¯s painful to see you with that man,¡± he added.


    ¡°I want to punch him but I know you will be angry. I want to curse him but I have no right because he is the one who fulfilled the responsibility that I should be doing,¡± he said.


    ¡°I know you two are friends. I also know that he purposely annoys me by being clingy to you. Maybe I¡¯m just hurt because I know everything he said were true. I¡¯m annoyed because he¡¯s there with you instead of me. I¡¯m really annoyed because of that.¡±


    Insecurities. I thought only us girls has it but it turns out that those who are not used to it will feel it. Steven has everything cause he is rich, handsome and he came from a prominent family but here he is, telling me all his insecurities.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°Do you want toe with me?¡± I asked


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°At Hivo¡¯s school. I¡¯ll pick him up now,¡±


    His face seemed to be cheered up by that. You can see the joy on his face. I never thought that with that simple words, his aura would change. And even more, I did not expect that he would suddenly hugged me.


    ¡°Thank you,¡±


    ¡°I do really miss my son. So much! Not a day goes by that I don¡¯t think about him. I¡¯ve wanted this to happen for a long time. I really want to hug and see him,¡±


    Oh God! What did I do?


    Steven is crying. He is this vulnerable when ites to his son. And here I am, being selfish.


    ¡°Both of you are the reason why I¡¯m fighting everyday babe even though I¡¯m already tired. I was so scared when you said that we would meet in court if I insisted on seeing our son. You two are important to me, that¡¯s why I don¡¯t want to lose you.¡±


    Lashnia, what did you do that this man is so scared and cautious?


    I held his hand and smiled at him with sincerity. ¡°Let¡¯s go to our son. He¡¯s already waiting for us,¡±


    He¡¯s like this now to our eldest, how much more when he found out about his other child?


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯m excited to see him,¡±


    I¡¯ll probably call my staff to pick up my car from the site.


    We arrived at the school and we were waiting for our son toe out.


    ¡°Yes, mom. Poor Mark because one of our ssmates beat him up,¡±


    ¡°But Annie, that¡¯s Mark¡¯s fault. He provoked Hivo,¡±


    I heard the children talking who passed by. I was surprised when I heard my son¡¯s name.


    ¡°Steven, are they talking about Hivo?¡± I asked nervously. I¡¯m nervous that maybe something bad happened to my son.

 Chapter 42

    We waited outside for a few more minutes. I really want to go inside but I know I couldn¡¯t because of the school protocol.


    ¡°Babe, calm down,¡±


    No matter what Steven said to calm me down, it couldn¡¯t help even a bit, cause I knew that those children were referring to my son earlier.


    I think I should go to the principal¡¯s office now.


    I approached the guard. I¡¯ll venture toe inside even just for a sec.


    ¡°Sir, please. I need to see my son.¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m just following the rules to do not let anyone to go inside.¡±


    ¡°But sir, I¡¯m not just anyone. My son is in-¡±


    ¡°Mama,¡± I immediately turned to the one who called me. It¡¯s my son and I almost ran the distance between us especially when I saw the bruises on his lips and other parts of his face.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I asked him worriedly. Oh my God!


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry mom,¡±


    ¡°Why are you the one apologizing to me? I will talk to your teacher,¡± I trembled when I saw the bruise on his face. Why did this happen to my son? Are they not looking after the children properly?


    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s okay. It doesn¡¯t hurt at all. But, I punched someone, and between us, he¡¯s in more critical than me,¡± he said without a hint of remorse. I gasped, when did my son learn to talk like that?


    ¡°Our teacher didn¡¯t know all these. She just found out what happened after the incident. I already clean my name in front of her. My ssmate provoked me reason why I punch him but then, I know I have somepses too and I should say sorry for worrying you. I¡¯m sorry mom,¡±


    I was shunned to my son¡¯s deep sentiments. I¡¯ll just wanted to cry and hug him. Oh God! Thank you for giving me this child. I am so lucky to be his mother.


    I looked at Steven, I just noticed how shock he was while looking at Hivo. He couldn¡¯t even move his foot toe over to us. And it seems like Hivo just noticed him now. My son looked at me. He seemed confused and wondering why his father was here.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine mom. Can we go home now?¡± he said. I was surprised why his reaction was like that. He has been asking me about his father for several years and now that the father he has been looking for a long time is here, then why¡­. Why does he want to leave?


    ¡°Hivo,¡± I called my son.


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡±


    I looked at Steven and I saw the pain in his eyes while looking at his son who was just looking at me. He doesn¡¯t really pay attention to his father.


    ¡°Your dad is here,¡± I said to him.


    ¡°No mama. Papa is busy. He told me earlier,¡± he¡¯s referring to Vios. I don¡¯t know what pain Steven is feeling now after hearing those words from his son.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be rude, Hivo. Haven¡¯t you been waiting for your dad for a long time?¡± I want to force him to pay attention to his father. But whatever my son feels now, I have to respect it too.


    As a child, what he went through was not easy. He grew up without Steven. He grew up seeing on the news that his father had married another woman.


    ¡°Ma,¡± it¡¯s obvious in his voice that he¡¯s notfortable with what is happening now. I looked at Steven, he smiled at me but forcedly. I don¡¯t know what to say to him.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t raise you like that. At least say hi to your father,¡± I said.


    He looked into my eyes. I need to show him that I¡¯m serious. I know he is observing my reaction.


    He¡¯s weighing the level of my anger. He¡¯ll obey me if he¡¯s sure enough that I am real mad but if he notice that I¡¯m not, he won¡¯t listen. I know what¡¯s running inside of his head.


    I know how deeply he missed his father, but the fact that he¡¯s ignoring Steven, it¡¯s because he¡¯s in pain.


    His face showed no reaction as he approached his father. He just stood in front of him. He didn¡¯t know what to do. I can¡¯t me him. He¡¯s already 8 years old turning 9. He¡¯s maturing and maybe he¡¯s feeling awkward seeing his father now.


    ¡°Can I hug my son?¡± I could feel the fear in Steven¡¯s voice. I feel sorry for him.


    Like Hivo, I know he missed our son too. Damn it! My heart is crying, seeing them like that. They won¡¯t be like this if Lia didn¡¯t try to ruin us.


    My son hugged him. I can clearly see Steven¡¯s tears falling from his eyes. He turned to me and I read the word ¡®thank you¡¯ from his lips.


    ¡°Can we have a dinner before you go home? I-Is that okay?¡± We are in his car now.


    I looked at my son who was just quiet and looking out the window. I know he misses his father very much. He just maybe sulking that Steven took too long before he show his face to him.


    ¡°Are you fine with that, son?¡±


    He looked at me and his father. I knew Steven was watching him from the front mirror.


    ¡°Mom, dad and I will yter,¡± he¡¯s referring to Vios.


    Hivo is like Steven, so Steven knew very well that it¡¯s hard to persuade Hivo. His son takes it from him after all.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Son, your father just made a request. Are you not going to grant him his request?¡±


    I ought that Steven will never see his children, but what happened now? I¡¯m the one who pretends to be a bridge between the two of them.


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll just text dad that we¡¯re rescheduling our bonding time.¡± I bit my lip as our son openly told his father about his moment with Vios.


    Hivo is smart. I know why he does all this. He sulked at his father.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I softly whispered to Steven.


    He just smiled and drove to JABEE. I remember that we ate here for the first time when we went out as a family.


    ¡°Do you still remember this ce son? Didn¡¯t mom and I eat here before?¡±


    ¡°No and I don¡¯t like Jabee now. I prefer something else. Dad and I spent our time there after we jog every Sunday morning,¡±


    I closed my eyes again. It¡¯s obvious why Hivo always brings up Vios. And I¡¯m not blind for me not to notice the pain in Steven¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Is that so? You like MDo?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± answered my son gruffly.


    ¡°Steven, drive your car to your condo. We¡¯ll eat there,¡± I said. I don¡¯t like Hivo¡¯s answer to his father. To be honest, I¡¯m having a hard time weighing the situation.


    ¡°Hivo, fix your attitude boy. I¡¯m not happy anymore. When we get to your dad¡¯s condo, we¡¯ll rece the bandage on your face. I¡¯ll ask youter why you got into a fight,¡±


    ¡°No need mom. Teacher Mariel will call youter. She will tell you everything so as not to be biased. Besides, I have evidences to prove that I¡¯m innocent that¡¯s why I got out and wasn¡¯t in the detention room.¡±


    Is my son really young? Why is he so mature?


    ¡°Fine. Then be rational son. Your father wants to bond you,¡± I said.


    Steven kept quiet and listened to me. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going through his mind right now. I also know that he mes himself for why Hivo treated him like that.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    THIRD PERSON


    Ria made an excuse so that Steven and Hivo could converse. She knew that Steven wanted to talk to his son so she distracted herself in the kitchen.


    ¡°Can youe with papa? I was going to show you something,¡± Hivo did not answer. He just stood up and Steven knew he was agreeing.


    He brought Hivo to the room. He immediately took the only thing he was keeping. The customized cap that they made years ago.


    ¡°Do you remember this


    Back then he had to kneel down to match Hivo¡¯s height, now it¡¯s different. Hivo inherited his height.


    ¡°Yeah. The cap we made,¡± Hivo replied to his father while sitting down.


    ¡°Are you really mad at dad, son?¡± Steven¡¯s voice cracked. For the nth time, he¡¯s being weak again. Only his son and Ria are his weakness and strength.


    Hivo looked at his father. Sadness was seen on his father¡¯s face. He hates to see it so he immediately averted his gaze.


    ¡°I¡¯m mad at you¡­ papa,¡± for the first time after he saw his son, tears suddenly flowed from his face when he heard the word papa from Hivo.


    ¡°I know. Is there any way for you to forgive me?¡± he gently asked his son.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. There are things that I want to know. Why did you leave us? Why did you abandon us? Why did you hurt mom? Why did you marry someone else? Why did you reply to my email like that? What took you so long toe back to us?¡±


    No matter how angry and sullen he showed his father, he couldn¡¯t deny that he was happy to see Steven again. It¡¯s his greatest dream to be with him again.


    ¡°Son, you and your mother are my family and I love you very much,¡± after Hivo heard those words, he suddenly lost his temper and anger towards his father. And Steven knows that his son longs for his presence. He knows and he can clearly see it in Hivo¡¯s face.


    ¡°Can you give papa another chance to make it up to you?¡± Steven asked his son expectantly.


    Hivo slowly nodded. After 3 years of being tough, the wall he built starts to crumble down.


    ¡°Yes dad. I¡¯m sorry,¡±


    Steven chuckled and hugged his son. ¡°Thank you, son. Papa really miss you so much.¡± He wiped the tears from his eyes while holding his son.  ¡®Finally¡¯

 Chapter 43

    ¡°Does it still hurt?¡± Steven asked his son worriedly while cleaning the bruise on his face.


    ¡°No papa. It doesn¡¯t hurt anymore,¡± Hivoughed because his father has been asking him if it hurt or not.


    ¡°Just tell me son if it hurts, we¡¯ll go to the hospital,¡± the boy scratched his head because he realized just now that his father is more worried than his mother.


    ¡°Papa, you live here alone?¡± Hivo asked, while looking around the condo they stayed at before.


    ¡°Yes. Why?¡±


    Hivoy down on his father¡¯s bed. They both finished showering so they are all fresh.


    ¡°You must be lonely here because you have no one with you,¡±


    It is. He was very sad when Ria and Hivo were not in his life. But he has no choice but to endure that because their lives will be in danger if he¡¯s with them.


    ¡°Papa, we will be happy if Stefanny is here with us,¡± Hivo said as Steven frowned.


    Who is Stefany? He asked himself.


    ¡°Who is Stefanny you are talking about son?¡± Steven asked Hivo nervously.


    ¡°My little sister,¡± something struck in his heart when Hivo said that. He was shocked and couldn¡¯t say a thing. He didn¡¯t know how to absorb all that.


    ¡®Who¡¯s the father? Is it Vios? Are they really not in a rtionship? Or did I make a mistake? But why didn¡¯t Ria tell me? But why would she tell me if they are? Am I toote?¡¯ questions ying in Steven¡¯s mind.


    He¡¯s hurt. It¡¯s unthinkable that the girl he likes has another child with another man.


    ¡°Can you tell me son, about Stefanny?¡± Hivo got up and sat down then faced his father.


    ¡°Wait. I¡¯ll call mama first and Stefanny to say goodnight. Maybe Pane is already looking for me.¡± After Hivo and Steven reconcile, Hivo told his mom to stay with his dad that¡¯s why, him and Steven are together now.


    Hivo took his phone. He immediately called Ria who had just returned home.


    ¡°Wait darling.. your brother is calling,¡± they heard Ria¡¯s voice and a little girl¡¯s voice crying on the other line. Steven was silent as he listened to the person on the other line.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Stefanny¡¯s sweet voice echoed while wiping her tears. Ria bit her lower lip because she knew that at this time, Steven already knew about Stefanny¡¯s existence. She just wasn¡¯t sure what exactly was on his mind.


    ¡°Hello princess?¡±


    ¡°Hivo? Where are you? Why haven¡¯t youe home yet? Pleasee home¡­ I missed you,¡± she started crying again so Hivo looked at his father worriedly. He¡¯s bothered that his sister was crying.


    ¡°Honey, didn¡¯t mom tell you that your brother can¡¯t sleep here?¡± Steven suddenly stiffened in his seat when he heard Ri¡¯s voice. ¡®So it¡¯s true that she has another child?¡¯ he said in his mind.


    ¡°But mama, my brother promised me that he will give me a book this day. He must going home,¡±


    ¡°Papa,¡± Hivo called his father. He seemed wants to go home after he heard his sister crying and looking for him.


    ¡°I¡¯m going home dad,¡± when Ria heard what Hivo said, she immediately spoke.


    ¡°Hivo, it¡¯s okay baby. Go, stay with your dad tonight. I¡¯ll take care of Stefanny,¡± Stefanny¡¯s cries got louder. Even Steven, who didn¡¯t know anything, was suddenly nervous about her crying.


    ¡°But mom, she¡¯s crying,¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± they heard Vios¡¯ voice as if asking what happened.


    ¡°Papa, I want my brother to go home. Get him papa,¡± Stefanny


    There¡¯s a lump in Steven¡¯s throat after he heard what the little girl has said to Vios.


    ¡°Princess, stop crying. Do you want papa to read you a book?¡±


    ¡°Papa, I want my brother,¡± Stefanny


    ¡°But your brother is not here¡±


    ¡°Where is he papa? Is he at school?¡±


    ¡°Come here. Papa has something important to say to you but first, can you stop crying?¡± Stefanny stopped crying immediately.


    ¡°Vios, thank you,¡± Ria came out of the room after Vios calmed Stefanny down.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Hello mom? I¡¯m just going home mom. Pane won¡¯t stop crying if she won¡¯t see me,¡±


    ¡°Hivo, it¡¯s okay. Stay there and spend your time with your father,¡±


    Hivo really wants to stay with his dad. This is one of his dreams to sleep with his father again, but he can¡¯t ignore his sister who is looking for him.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re worried. But mama can assure you that Pane will be fine,¡± Ria added


    ¡°Can you give your phone to you father? Let me talk to him.¡±


    Hivo immediately gave his phone to Steven.


    Steven stood up. Ria didn¡¯t know what to say to him and he didn¡¯t know how Steven would talk to Ria.


    ¡°Ahm¡­ I¡¯ll just pick up Hivo tomorrow,¡± She didn¡¯t know why but she¡¯s really nervous.


    ¡°No need. I¡¯ll bring him to you tomorrow. I¡¯m nning to take my son with me to the resort I bought first,¡± Steven couldn¡¯t hide the sadness in his voice.


    He can¡¯t pretend he¡¯s fine because he¡¯s not.


    ¡°Is that so? All right¡±


    There was silence between them again.


    ¡°About Stefanny, ahm-¡±


    ¡°Can we talk about that tomorrow?¡± Ria was shocked. She knew that Steven had misinterpreted everything.


    ¡°Okay,¡± was the only answer he gave to her.


    ¡°Goodnight,¡± for some unknown reason, his heart rate suddenly elerated.


    ¡°Goodnight too. Kiss my son for me and tell him I love him.¡± Ria.


    ¡°Yeah! I¡¯ll tell him that. I love you,¡± Steven said.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Ria asked in shock.


    ¡°Exact words I will say to our son,¡±


    ¡°Ah okay. Alright. Bye,¡±


    ¡°Bye,¡± when Ria disappeared on the other line, Steven immediately turned back to his son who was looking at him.


    ¡°Mama said that she loves you and you don¡¯t have to worry anymore,¡± Steven said while ruffling his son¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Dad, is Pane okay? Can we take her with us tomorrow dad?¡± Hivo said.


    It¡¯s fine with him even though it¡¯s hard for him to see Ria¡¯s child with other man. The child is innocent, so there is no problem with that, but Vios might not agree.


    ¡°Vios might get angry,¡± he said to Hivo.


    ¡°Papa Vios will understand. He won¡¯t be angry papa because he loves Pane so much though he¡¯ll get sad when the princess is not at home.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. Let¡¯s just buy her a gift. What does she want?¡± Steven asked.


    ¡°She likes fried chicken papa. She hates vegetables. We¡¯re the same. That¡¯s why papa Vios always forces her to eat vegetables because it¡¯s healthy but she doesn¡¯t want it.¡±


    Steven smiled inwardly because the child was just like him. He didn¡¯t like vegetables either. He just liked it recently.


    ¡°What else does she want?¡±


    ¡°She also likes barbie dolls so maybe she will be happy if we give her that¡±Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s buy her a doll tomorrow.¡± Steven said who was also entertained by his son¡¯s story.


    Steven woke up earlier than Hivo because he wanted to prepare for their breakfast. He knows how to fry some eggs and ham so that¡¯s what he did.


    After he prepared everything,


    ¡°Hey son, wake up,¡± but Hivo hardly open his eyes.


    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m sleepy,¡± Hivo.


    ¡± You need to get up because we¡¯re going to the resort today,¡± when Hivo heard what his father said, he immediately opened his eyes.


    ¡°Right. I almost forgot,¡± he said and jumped off the bed and hurried into the bathroom.


    Steven just shook his head at what Hivo did. One of the happiest moments in his life after what happened for the past three years of being in hell.


    He couldn¡¯t think of anything but to have fun with his son.

 Chapter 44

    ¡°Are you excited, son?¡± Steven asked his son. They were currently making their way to the resort he had recently bought.


    ¡°Yes papa,¡± Hivo couldn¡¯t hide his joy either, especially since they were going to the beach with his father. Steven is wearing a shirt and a cargo pants. Within a few hours of being together, they n what they will do including what they wear today.


    Steven is happy with his son, but his mind wanders to Ria and her other child, Stefanny. He was restless. He¡¯s thinking if he¡¯s way toote for Ria.


    He wanted to lose his temper and get wasted but because of his son, he stopped himself. Besides, it¡¯s also his fault why it all led to this.


    ¡°Papa,¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Aunt Hannah?¡± The smile disappeared from Steven¡¯s lips. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel and tried to calm himself as they made their way to the resort.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen her. I miss her so much,¡± Hivo said while waiting for an answer from his father.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure Aunt Hannah missed you too,¡± Steven shortly replied.


    ¡°Can I see her dad?¡±


    Steven did not know how to answer his son. He can¡¯t exin what really happened to Hannah. Until now, he mes himself for what happened to his sister, he couldn¡¯t exin everything to Ria because she didn¡¯t want to burden her.


    ¡°Your aunt is.. busy. Yeah, your aunt Hannah is still busy,¡± Steven made an excuse.


    ¡°Busy? But I don¡¯t see her on TV anymore.¡±


    ¡°Ah.. Oh yes, before I forgot. Do you still remember Oceanie?¡± Steven deviated the conversation.


    ¡°What about her dad?¡± Hivo remembered his friend. Oceanie is his first friend. He wanted to make a social media ount to contact her but his mom forbade him. So even though he and Stefanny have gadgets, they are still not allowed to make their own social media ount.


    He didn¡¯t want to disobey his mother so he followed her.


    ¡°They are at the resort waiting for us. She¡¯s with your uncle Kael and your godmother Agatha. Your uncle Ben, uncle Philip and uncle Diego are there too.¡± Hivo recalls his memory about the people mentioned by his father.


    ¡°Oh they are your friends, right?¡±


    Steven nodded at his son and smiled. He wasn¡¯t ready to talk about Hannah so he¡¯s d, he diverted their conversation to something else..


    When they arrived at the resort, they were immediately greeted by the employees. Steven had already told them that he¡¯sing with his son, but all his employees still didn¡¯t expect that the son he was talking about looked exactly like him.


    ¡°Come on, sir. Is this your son?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Everyone I want you to meet my son, Hivo Loverio Alvante,¡± Steven proudly told his employees about Hivo.


    Steven has already nned that when he gets family back, he will change theirst name to Alvante. After all, Hivo is his son so he deserves his name! ¡®He¡¯s my heir.¡¯


    ¡°Hello sir Hivo,¡± the girls greeted the young heir.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Hivo replied politely to them.


    ¡°Oh my God. It looked like he¡¯s your mini version sir.¡± Hivoughed


    ¡°God really favored me over my wife,¡± he said.


    ¡°Do you have a wife, sir?¡±.


    Steven just smiled and didn¡¯t answer. Even if the world is turned upside down, the future cannot change what they have done in the past.


    ¡°Are my guests here yet?¡± he asked them.


    ¡°Yes sir. They are here,¡± they were immediately led by the staff to Steven¡¯s friends. Steven could hear his friends¡¯ughter even though they were still in the distance.


    When Ben noticed that Steven and Hivo wereing, he immediately called his colleagues.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    The closer the two get, the more amazed their friends are. Hivo looks exactly like his father. It¡¯s like a smaller version of Steven.


    They watched how the two walked, the movements of their feet and hands, are the same. Steven and Hivo frowned at the same time because of their reaction.


    ¡°Damn, are they human or made in aboratory?¡± Kael asked in his mind while looking at his friend and Hivo.


    ¡°Robot,¡± both Philip and Diego thought while looking at the two.


    ¡°What¡¯s the s*x position of Steven and Ria did? I want them to teach me so I could make a child that looks like me,¡± was the most unique thing in Ben¡¯s mind while staring at Steven and Hivo.


    ¡°Pa, are they okay?¡± Hivo whispered to Steven. When he looked at his friends again, he didn¡¯t know if they were okay.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure son,¡± he answered.


    Everyone immediately looked at Agatha who suddenly ran when she saw Hivo. She¡¯s very emotional because she¡¯s pregnant with her second child.


    So she cried a lot when she saw Ria again at the party she attended. They all thought she was dead along with Hivo.


    They were all mourning and it took a long time for the wound in their hearts to heal.


    After they find out the truth that Ria is alive, they tried to contact her but she¡¯s out of reach.


    Because Ria makes sure that her and her children¡¯s lives are keep in private. With the help of John and Felix, she is able to hide their existence from the public.


    Hivo was also surprised and did not immediately react. He felt that his godmother Agatha was crying.


    ¡°Where have you been? Where did you and your mom go, Hivo?¡± Agatha


    Hivo also saw Oceanie with wide eyes looking at him. Both of them grew. In appearance and mentally. Hivo knew from that moment that he owes an exnation to his friend.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry aunt Agatha,¡± Hivo whispered softly. Everyone there noticed that the child¡¯s voice had changed. Before, it was soft and mellow, but now, Hivo¡¯s voice is deep and quite serious. Like his father too.


    ¡°Love, it¡¯s enough. Let Hivo rest.¡± Kael took his wife.


    Kael pulled her inside the hotel so Agatha could rest.


    The children looked at each other. Even the adults couldn¡¯t speak. They feel the tension between Hivo and Oceanie.


    ¡°Is this a live romance drama?¡± Ben whispered as Diego immediately kicked him.


    ¡°Bastard! They¡¯re still young. Shut your mouth,¡± he added.


    ¡°Anie,¡± Hivo tried to step closer to his friend but ¡­.


    ¡°Don¡¯te near,¡±


    ¡°Can I talk to you?¡± Hivo asked gently.


    ¡°No. You can¡¯t! I hate you,¡± she immediately ran away. Hivo looked at his father as if he was asking for permission to follow his friend.


    ¡°Go on son. Exin to her. She misses you,¡± Steven said and Hivo immediately followed Oceanie.


    When the children next to them disappeared, their faces immediately became serious.


    ¡°What¡¯s the update?¡± Steven asked Ben.


    ¡°Just wait a little bit more and we will soon get evidence of their illegal business,¡±


    Steven looked at Philip.


    ¡°How¡¯s my sister?¡± Philip looked back at him sadly. It means, no progress.


    ¡°As for Amanda, my men are following her move for her safety. When she goes out, there is always someone else with her,¡± Diego said.


    ¡°She already knew that Ria is alive. It¡¯s time for Ria to know too that you and Amanda are not married, maybe she¡¯lle back to you.¡± Ben


    Steven thought of the possibilities. He owes a lot to Amanda so he thanked his friend.


    ¡°The partnership is my way to get close to her. She was surrounded by Felix and John vator. They were known in their field so it was really difficult for us to go near to her.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep my eyes on them. As long as Lia knows that I¡¯m married to Amanda, her attention would only on Amanda. We made her as bait that¡¯s why we need to protect her. Ben, we need to put Lia behind bars. She has ruined many lives,¡± Steven said seriously to his friend.


    ¡°Noted man. Our spy has infiltrated them. This year won¡¯t end that she won¡¯t be in jail,¡± Ben replied.

 Chapter 45

    After their father and son bonding, Steven took Hivo to Ria at RLC.


    ¡°Sorry, we¡¯rete,¡± Steven said who couldn¡¯t look at Ria. He¡¯s asking himself if he will ask her about Stefanny but he is dominated by the fear that Ria will confirm that she is indeed her daughter with Vios.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s okay,¡± Ria replied who didn¡¯t know how to start exining to Steven about Stefanny.


    ¡°Ahm, I¡¯ll go ahead,¡± Steven


    ¡°Is that so? Oh.. Alright,¡± Hivo looked at them, surprised. It¡¯s his first time to see his parents talk after 3 years.


    ¡°Bye dad,¡±


    ¡°Bye buddy. Next time, let¡¯s go hiking,¡± he replied smiling to his son while ruffling the boy¡¯s hair.


    When Steven arrived at hispany, he immediately called Jamie. Jamie is one of his longest employees in thepany. Steven can¡¯t say anything about his work because it¡¯s clean and organized. But things are different now, he needs to clean the mess and throws the garbage away.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ªBelonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Steven Marcus Alvante


    ¡°Jamie,e with me,¡± I looked at him seriously. He¡¯s smiling, showing me his teeth. A very punctual person but not that loyal.


    I smirk when I thought that I am taking care of parasites in mypany.


    ¡°Where are we going sir?¡± he asked politely.


    ¡°Business,¡± I replied shortly. I secretly contacted Ben. Good thing, I have a very loyal and trusted friends.


    ¡°Oh¡­ okay,¡±


    Seriously, I really wanted to punch his face. I would have punched him by now if it will not ruin my n.


    Damn that b*tch! It¡¯s all her fault.  So now, I¡¯m trying to locate her men. I need to track them and erase them from the world. They don¡¯t deserve to live.


    ¡°Standby,¡± I said when I saw the green signal on my phone. It means that Ben and Diego¡¯s men are now on standby.


    ¡°Jamie,¡± I called him.


    ¡°Yes sir?¡±


    ¡°Have you received an important email?¡±


    ¡°Email? Yes, but whose email is it?¡± he asked. Pretending again, I see.


    ¡°Hmm.. My son¡¯s email?¡± I said. Trying to keep my ass.


    ¡°Pardon sir? Didn¡¯t your son die 3 years ago?¡±


    I looked at his reflection in the mirror. He¡¯s stressed. He keeps on making his necktie to loose. We¡¯re on the car now, going to hell.


    ¡°Oh? Really? I thought he sent you an email.¡± Iughed but this time, he couldn¡¯t hide the nervousness on his face.


    I stopped my car in the road. I turned to his direction and fears were written all over his face.


    ¡°Get down or I¡¯ll kill you,¡± I said with full of authority. He trembled in fear. Like a wet chick. By now, he knows that I know everything.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to make something that will make me angry!¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    THIRD PERSON


    When Hivo got home, he quickly went to his sister who was now in the living room ying alone with his dolls. Hivo is holding the doll that Steven bought.


    ¡°Hivoooo!¡± Stefanny ran to her older brother who was carrying the big doll in the box.


    Hivo hugged her and excitedly showed the toy.


    ¡°Wow, it¡¯s beautiful,¡± Stefanny said happily while looking at the toy.


    ¡°It¡¯s a gift from papa,¡± he said to his sister.


    Hivo knows that his father is only Steven. But because he grew up with Vios, he got used to calling him papa as well. The only difference is, he knows that he is not his real father.


    ¡°Papa?¡± Stefanny asked, confused.


    ¡°Yes Pane. Papa. Our real papa,¡±.


    ¡°Brother, we have papa already,¡± she said. Hivo knew what his sister was talking about.


    ¡°Yeah but papa Vios is not our real father,¡±


    ¡°What? No! Papa is my real father¡±,


    Stefanny¡¯s eyes began to cry because of what Hivo said. She does not want to ept that Vios is not her real father.


    Ria keeps on saying that Vios is their uncle but to her youngest, Vios is her real dad.


    ¡°Hey, why are you crying?¡± Hivo asked worriedly.


    ¡°You¡¯re a bad brother,¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡±


    ¡°Why did you say papa is not our real father? Stefanny is sad. You are bad¡±


    She let go of the doll she¡¯s holding and ran to her nanny.


    ¡°It¡¯s a big trouble,¡± Hivo said to himself while looking at her sister.


    At night, when Ria came home, Stefanny immediately reported to her about what Hivo said.


    ¡°Mama, Hivo is bad,¡± she started crying again.


    She sighed because she knew it would be difficult for Stefanny to ept the fact that Vios is not her father.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay honey, Hivo didn¡¯t mean to hurt you,¡±


    It didn¡¯t take long for Stefanny to fall asleep in Ria¡¯s arms so she immediatelyid her on the bed.


    ¡°Hivo, let¡¯s talk,¡± she called to Hivo.


    Hivo went to her.


    ¡°About your fightst time, I didn¡¯t like that. But then, your teacher already exined to me what happened,¡± Ria.


    After she left Hivo with Steven that day, Hivo¡¯s teacher called her and told her the reason why her son got into a fight with his ssmate.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay mama. I¡¯m sure they won¡¯t bully me again cause papa is already here,¡± Hivo replied happily.


    Ria is happy that her son¡¯s reaction is like that. The reason why Hivo got into a fight with his ssmates was because he was told hurtful words.


    They indeed provoked Hivo. The only thing they don¡¯t know was, Hivo turned on the sound recorder on his phone hidden in the bag. So he had an evidence to prove that he did not start the fight.


    And Ria doesn¡¯t know if she should be proud of her son or not for that matter.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy that you¡¯re happy son. Anyway, can mom ask you a favour?¡±.


    ¡°What is it mom?¡±


    ¡°Is it okay for you not to mention your dad to Stefanny?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Let mama tell her the truth son. Your sister is still a child. She can¡¯t just ept everything easily. Unlike you, you¡¯re a grown up now. But her, she¡¯s still a baby so please let mama exin to her about your dad. Is that okay?¡±


    Hivo understands everything so he nods to his mother¡¯s request.


    ¡°Thank you, darling. Go back to your room. You still have school tomorrow,¡±


    ¡°Good night mom¡±


    ¡°Goodnight my baby,¡± Ria replied softly as Hivo kissed her cheek.


    The next day, Steven got ready right away. He won¡¯t go to work today.


    He wears his casual clothes while carrying a basket of fruits and flowers. He¡¯s hoping that Hannah will recognize him.


    His sweet, kind and beautiful sister is gone. Hannah is ill because of trauma.


    So he never stops chasing everyone who made Hannah like that.

 Chapter 46

    Viosdado


    I¡¯m with Ria¡¯s children. She is busy with thepany, so I¡¯m here as the nanny.


    It¡¯s Saturday and obviously I have work but then, I don¡¯t seem to be in the mood to go in so I decided to take her children with me.


    ¡°Papa, let¡¯s buy cotton candy,¡± now it¡¯s starting. My money will surely gone before this day ends.


    ¡°How about you, Hivo? Do you want something to eat?¡± He¡¯s busy on his phone. He¡¯s smiling. Hmm.. I wonder why? Is he texting his crush?


    ¡°No dad, I¡¯m good,¡±


    ¡°Who are you texting?¡±


    ¡°A friend¡±


    Who is this friend he is referring to? Something is fishy.


    ¡°Whose friend is that?¡±


    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s just a friend. Why are you looking at me like that?¡±


    ¡°Friend¡­ huh?¡± Who is your friend? Why doesn¡¯t he tell me?


    ¡°Papa that¡¯s enough. Go and y with Pane,¡± and he walked away.. I can¡¯t believe what he did. He really moved away from me.


    He¡¯s growing up.. Ahh-I¡¯m so proud of my son.


    ¡°Dad, buy me balloonsStefanny


    We can actually literally buy the whole za because she won¡¯t stop nagging me unless I buy her everything she see.


    ¡°Just wait here,¡±


    ¡°No! I¡¯lle with you,¡± she¡¯s very demanding. She surely inherits that from her mother.


    ¡°Grandpa,¡±


    Okay¡­ what is dad doing here? I shook my head when I saw his smile when he saw Stefanny running towards him.


    Behind him is uncle John. Why are they here?


    ¡°Grandpa John,¡± they are happy to see Pane..


    I can¡¯t me them because Pane is a very tender child. Not to mention that she¡¯s the only baby in the house.


    I looked at Hivo. He¡¯s still busy with his phone but this time, his forehead is wrinkled. Who is he texting to the point that he¡¯s so preupied to his surroundings?


    ¡°Hivo.¡±


    When he turned to us, he just then noticed dad and uncle John are here.


    ¡°Why is he busy?¡± I heard dad ask but I just shrugged my shoulders. I don¡¯t even know which friend he is texting to.


    ¡°Vios, we need to talk,¡± My old man looks serious. I don¡¯t know if I did something wrong or what.


    ¡°Papa, give me my balloons,¡± I immediately gave Pane the balloons I bought and she and uncle John immediately left. They went to where Hivo was.


    ¡°What are we going to talk about dad?¡±


    ¡°Follow me¡±


    I followed him to his car. I could feel that something is wrong.


    ¡°What is that news all about??¡±


    Oh I get it.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything wrong¡±


    ¡°Vios, everything you did was wrong! Why did you go to that girl? Your mission is done. What? You¡¯re going to harm them?¡± I know. I know I was wrong to include emotion in my work but¡­ I can¡¯t avoid that. I can¡¯t ignore him even after my work is done.


    ¡°Dad, I love Ria and her children. I consider them as my family. I loved and took care of them as if they were my own. That¡¯s why I can¡¯t betray them.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. You love them and you are Ria¡¯s partner in raising them, so why are you still getting close to her? What if she uses you to hurt Ria or the children?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m being careful dad-


    ¡°No son! You are not careful. That girl didn¡¯t trust you. When Ria revealed herself to the public, her n changed.¡± It¡¯s my first time seeing my old man like that.


    ¡°She thought that I am her ally,¡± I said.


    ¡°When she found out that Ria was alive, she contacted you toe back to him, right? Because she knew your connection with Ria. She¡¯s using you why can¡¯t you see that?¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer. I chose not to answer. I can¡¯t exin my side to him.


    ¡°Is that why you can¡¯t date Ria? She¡¯s avable and so are you,¡±


    ¡°She loves someone else. Her heart doesn¡¯t want me. We know who the man she wants is and we need to respect that. Besides, we see each other as brother and sister. That¡¯s all.¡±


    Because I consider her as my sister, that¡¯s why I don¡¯t want her to be harmed. She¡¯s very kind and sweet even though she keeps on hitting my head. She allows her children to call me papa and I am happy because of that.


    ¡°This is all we can do with Albert. To protect his daughter,¡± he said and got out of the car.


    Everything they told Ria had a hole. I understand why they do that because it is for her safety. The truth is, Alberto, the foster father of Ria is under arresy of uncle John.


    They put Alberto in a dungeon where people with serious crime are imprisoned. Those criminals are not capable to pay for the government¡¯s prison care. Yes, my dad is part of a secret organization.


    And I¡¯m afraid the girl I like is going there too.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Steven Marcus Alvante


    ¡°Man you need to calm down¡±


    Calm down? How will I calm down if I know that he has been betraying me for a long time and has turned his back on me?


    ¡°Sir, have mercy on me¡±


    Mercy? How can I feel sorry for him if I know that he is the spy of that crazy woman?


    ¡°I really want to kill you Jamie. Do you know that?¡± he didn¡¯t answer. He was just crying.


    ¡°Sir, I was dazzled by the money. Sir, believe me. I have nothing to do with the incident,¡±


    ¡°Nothing? Are you an idiot?¡±


    ¡°Sir, believe me. I just reported your actions to ma¡¯am Lashnia. I had nothing to do with the ident that happened to ma¡¯am Ria,¡±


    ¡°Brute, calm down¡±


    ¡°Hold me, Ben, or I might kill this shit!¡±


    ¡°Let Kael handle it. Calm down please,¡±


    I tried to calm myself but I was still shaking with anger.


    ¡°Now Jamie, all you need is to tell us everything or else, you will never see your family again,¡±


    ¡°Sir, yes. Just don¡¯t touch my family. They didn¡¯t know about this.¡±


    ¡°A¡¯rayt! We¡¯re easy to talk to. Now spill the beans,¡± Kael


    ¡°Even before I started working with Sir Steven, ma¡¯am Lashnia already paid me. She said, I will work as sir Steven¡¯s secretary. I have to be the one epted into the position or she¡¯ll kill my mother,¡± he started to talk while crying. I clenched my fist when I heard what he said. That maniptive b*tch¡­


    ¡°I had no choice but to do that. So I did everything just to get the position. She rewarded me with arge amount of money for spying on Sir Steven for the past few years. I tried to stop because I felt guilty, but she threatened my family¡¯s life¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s crazy and I¡¯m so afraid of her.. Sir, believe me. I tried to ask the police for help but they didn¡¯t take me seriously because ma¡¯am Lashnia is holding them too.¡±


    ¡°Brute, where are you going?¡± I didn¡¯t listen to Ben. I approached Jamie.


    ¡°Sir Steven, I promise, I always pray that you will be fine. I hope that you will not be harmed because you have been so kind to me¡±


    ¡°Does your prayer can bring my family back? Does your prayer can bring back Roel¡¯s life? Can you bring back my sister¡¯s sanity? Because of your simple report to her, many have perished¡±


    ¡°Sir, please forgive me..¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m shivering Jamie. I want to smash your face now.¡±


    ¡°Sir. Sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you the one who replied to my son?¡±


    ¡°No, sir. It¡¯s ma¡¯am Lia. All your ounts that I know are hacked by her. She¡¯s always been following you.¡±


    ¡°Dude, she¡¯s crazy,¡± Ben


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of that,¡± Diego.


    ¡°Double your security Steven. You have to be extra careful from now on.¡± Philip suggested.


    ¡°It terrifies me when I think that she has been following you for a long time. It¡¯s hard for me to believe that she befriended Ria to keep her away from you.¡± Kael .


    ¡°Are you sure you haven¡¯t met before? Her obsession with you, it¡¯s impossible that she didn¡¯t even attempt to approach you,¡± Diego.


    No. I¡¯m sure I never met Lia before. A girl like her is not worthy of my attention.


    ¡°No¡±


    ¡°You must have seen her. Maybe you didn¡¯t notice her because of Amanda, and when she had a chance, Ria came.¡±


    I¡¯m not surprised. She will not pass my standard.


    ¡°You take care of that Kael,¡± I said and left. I call my son. He is in the za now with Vios.


    ¡°Hello dad?¡±


    ¡°Are you still there?¡±


    ¡°Yes, papa. I¡¯m with papa Vios¡±


    Vios is always in the way. I hope, I can finish this mess and get them back from Vios. I am sick of sharing them with Vios. They are mine.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Papa, stop it. It¡¯s nothing¡­¡± I heard my son say on the other line. He¡¯sughing. When I thought that he was enjoying himself with Vios, I felt jealous.


    ¡°Who is your friend? Why don¡¯t you tell dad?¡± Vios said. What are they talking about?


    ¡°It¡¯s a friend, dad,¡± the way my son interacts with Vios, it¡¯s obvious that he¡¯sfortable with him. Unlike me, even though we¡¯re okay, I know there¡¯s still a gap between us.


    ¡°A girl, right? I¡¯ll report you to your mom.¡±


    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re so deceitful¡±


    ¡°Tell papa who you are calling. A whisper will be fine.¡±


    I can¡¯t stand it anymore.


    Right, I¡¯m really jealous.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    THIRD PERSON


    Steven arrived at the za and found Hivo and Vios. Stefanny came along with her Grandparents so she¡¯s nowhere to be found in za.


    ¡°Papa, you¡¯re here,¡± Hivo said happily. Steven smiled at his son and red at Vios. Vios on the other side felt the same to Steven.


    ¡°Papa, this is my papa Vios. Papa, this is my papa,¡± Hivo introduced the two men to each other. He put his hand on his nape when he realized how weird it was to introduce his two fathers to each other by calling them papa.


    ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± Steven chimed in even though he had known Vios for a long time.


    Vios is his senior at the school he used to attend. They are friends but not that close.


    Steven sees him as his rival in the life of his family, in the life of his son.


    ¡°Nice to meet you too,¡± Viosdado


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