《Taming Mr. CEO》


 Chapter 1: Work

    ¡°We will call you after days,¡± the old woman with four eyes said before leaving me alone to the interview room.


    I breathe out before tugging my phone out of the bag. When I saw the picture disyed on its lock screen, I smiled.


    ¡°For you, Mommy will do everything,¡± I said and went outside the room. I headed through the elevator and pushed the down button. Another sigh passes my mouth. I felt weary, hungry at the same time but when I looked at my pocket, two bills that is enough for my fare were all left. There is no excess for my food or at least for a bottle of water.


    When the elevator opened, I hurriedly stepped outside and went through the entrance. There is a taxi that I can ride but I choose to walk instead. The nextpany is not that too far but not too near as well. If I ride for a taxi, my money might be short.


    Despite the sunny weather making me sweat, I walked under the zing ball of fire. Even though I have an umbre, it wasn¡¯t enough to lessen the heat. The blouse I am wearing is already wet. Thanks to my daughter that she pack extra blouse for me. When I¡¯ve reached the nextpany, I will change my clothes first before applying for a job.


    In the middle of walking, I felt my phone vibrate so I stopped for a while and took it out of my bag. I adjusted the brightness as the light made it hard for me to recognize who¡¯s on the phone.


    ¡°Yes, Helena?¡± I asked upon answering my friend¡¯s call, Helena.


    ¡°Alicee home now!¡± she replied, panic is creeping in her voice that made my heart skip a beat.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°Aisle is in the hospital,¡± she announced that made me lose my bnce. Thank goodness that someone caught me in his arms and put me steady again.


    I didn¡¯t waste time, I hurriedly run and look for a taxi. When I got one, I came back to the phone and asked Helena about the hospital¡¯s location.


    ¡°MMG Medical Hospital, Sir¡­ please be in a hurry. My child needs me!¡± The driver didn¡¯t speak instead, he sped up.


    On our way to the hospital, fear eats me. My hands are shaking as well as my lips. I am sweating bullets not because of the heat, rather, because of nervousness. I can¡¯t help but me and keep on scolding myself while I am on my way.


    If I just stated on her side¡­ if I just didn¡¯t leave her¡­


    ¡°Alice!¡± Helena shouted so I instantly run towards her and hug her tightly.


    ¡°What happened to my baby? What happened to Aisle? Where is she? Helena, answer me!¡± I cried in panic.


    Helena held me tight on my shoulders and guided me to the nearest seat. ¡°Calm down, Alice¡­ Aisle is safe now. The doctor saved her from danger,¡± she announced which helps me to calm down but still, fear is on me.


    ¡°What happened to her?¡± I asked, more calm than earlier.


    Helena looked at me with her saddened eyes. ¡°I took her in the park because she said she want to stroll around, to y and buy some ice cream. So, I bring her to the park. When she saw the ice cream vendor, she hurriedly ran and I can¡¯t able to stop her until she slipped and hit her head into the rocks. I¡¯m so sorry, Alice¡­ I felt sorry for what happened to her. I didn¡¯t mean¡­ it was my fault. I should have not brought her there¡­¡± Helena sobbed on her palms. Her shoulder are shaking as she cried so I drew near her and rubbed her back.


    ¡°Hush¡­ it is not your fault, Helena¡­ it¡¯s not your fault,¡± Iforted her. ¡°This is my fault. I am her mother yet I wasn¡¯t there for her¨C¡±


    ¡°Alice?!¡± Helena cut me off. She was locking her eyes at me as if I said something bad. ¡°Don¡¯t say that¡­ this isn¡¯t your fault too. Don¡¯t me yourself for not being on Aisle¡¯s side. We both know, even Aisle know why you can¡¯t stay on her side. You are looking for a job and Aisle understands that you are doing this for her.¡±


    ¡°But I should be there¨C¡±


    ¡°Hush! Stop it, Alice¡­ don¡¯t think like that. Anyway, I called my Auntie earlier,¡± Helena notified.


    I furrowed. ¡°Then?¡± I asked.


    She smiled at me before dropping her surprise which bring me into tears again. No wordse out of my mouth for a couple of seconds. I was still shocked upon knowing what she have done for me.


    ¡°No words that can describe my feeling right now, Helena. You truly a blessing¡­¡± I sniffed.


    ¡°Come on, what our friendship is for?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ what our friendship is for,¡± I agreed while I am wiping out my tears.


    When I saw the doctore out from the room where my daughter is-based on Helena- I quickly stood up and approached her. ¡°How was my daughter, Doc? Is she okay now?¡± I fired away my questions.


    She smiled that somehow put me at ease. ¡°There is nothing to worry about, your daughter is now stable. She just needs to stay here at least for a couple of days or three for further monitoring. Aside from that, all things are fine. I got to go¡­ please, excuse me.¡± I smiled at her and immediately looked above while thanking Him.


    ¡°See? Aisle is a strong girl like you. Let¡¯se in to see our daughter.¡± I was the one who opened the door and as soon as I stepped inside, my eyesnded on my daughter. Laying on a white hospital bed, sleeping while there is a bandage wrapped around her injured head.


    I drew near her and sat beside her bed as I reached for her little hand-caging it to mine. ¡°I really can¡¯t take it if there is something that has happened to her, Helena¡­ I will never forgive myself,¡± I cried again.


    ¡°Enough, Alice¡­ don¡¯t worry too much. You heard the doctor. She just needs days to recover from her injury. Let¡¯s thank God for securing her safety, Alice.¡±


    ¡°She is the only person I have, Helena. You know that I lost my parents years ago. Even the man who promised the whole world for me already left me and marry another woman. Aisle is the only one I have now in my life.¡±


    ¡°Uh, what about me?¡± Helena pouted.


    That made me chuckle and slipped a smile. ¡°Silly. Of course, I also have you and I love you.¡±


    ¡°Good to hear that.¡± Sheughed. ¡°By the way, I got to go for a while. I¡¯ll buy the two of you food to eat and take clothes. I¡¯ll also call my Auntie regarding the job offer. I will be back before night¡­ bye-bye!¡± I simply nodded and once Helena is nowhere in my sight, I locked my eyes again to my daughter who¡¯s still unconscious.


    Ibed her hair, removing some strands of it out of her beautiful face. Her face always reminds me of that night. The night that I once considered as a mistake but now, a blessing because of having her.


    Having an Aisle wasn¡¯t a n, not my intention. I have her unexpectedly because of one night¡¯s stand after I drowned myself from the influence of alcohol. During my first month of pregnancy, I almost killed her as I am not that totally ready but because of Helena, who helped me to open my eyes, I,ter on, decided to keep her. And guess¡­ I didn¡¯t regret it.


    Aisle grew up a beautiful four years old little girl. She¡¯s talented, can do both dancing and singing. She¡¯s also jolly and loves to talk. Since the day Iid my eyes on her, she became the source of my happiness.


    Despite not having her father, Aisle didn¡¯t ask me about him. If she ever does, I don¡¯t know what will be my answer for I runaway that morning upon realizing what I have done. I don¡¯t even bother to know his name, all I can remember is his face which she shared with our child.


    From eyes to lips. The shape of their face to their jet ck hair. Nose and the shape of their lips. They were the same which sometimes I get jealous of.


    I mean¡­ where is the justice?!


    I bare her in my womb for nine months and yet, there was no trace of me on her looks. Well, her attitude is somehow reflected in mine. But who could say that Aisle¡¯s attitude reflects her father¡¯s attitude too?


    ¡°Mommy¡­¡± My lips stretched for a wide smile when I saw Aisle, slowly opening her eyes.


    I hold her hand tight. ¡°I am here baby¡­ Mommy is here,¡± I said.


    ¡°Mommy, my head is aching ¡­¡± she weaklyined which made me sad for her.


    ¡°My poor baby.¡± A single tear rolled down from my eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡­ Mommy will blow the pain away.¡± I slightly lifted my butt out of the chair and leveled my lips on her injured head. I then blew it just like what I had said. After blowing five times, I looked her down and saw her smiling. Showing her front dent teeth which added to her cuteness.


    ¡°Oh, my baby is now smiling.¡± I tickled her and she giggled instantly. The whole room then filled with her waves ofughter as I continue to tickle her. At that point, I breathe out of my relief. Her smiles andughter are my strength¡­ the source of my happiness. When I saw her smile, I smile too. Every time sheughed, Iughed too.


    ***


    ¡°Your Mama Helena will be the one to take care of you for a while, huh, baby?¡± I tied up Aisle¡¯s hair into piggy tails.


    She looked at me through the mirror. ¡°Where are you going, Mommy?¡± she asked, pouting her lips.


    ¡°Mommy will go first on my job interview. You want a new barbie doll, right?¡± She nodded. ¡°Then Mommy will make money first that¡¯s why I have to leave you to your Mama Helena¨C¡±


    ¡°Aisle baby!¡± Helena suddenly stepped inside, cutting off my words. I looked at her then darted into her hands with several paper bags on them. When she opened it for Aisle, I shook my head instantly.


    ¡°Helena¡­ you know I don¡¯t want too many sweets for Aisle,¡± I said, ring but she just pouted at me while blinking her eyes like a kid. ¡°Fine! But not too much. Baby, don¡¯t eat too many candies, okay?¡±


    Aisle nodded at me. I held my bag as well as my folders containing my application papers and then I turned to Helena again. ¡°Helena, take care of Aisle, huh? I got to go¡­ it¡¯s already seven. I might bete.¡± I then drew near Aisle and caged her in my arms.


    ¡°Mommy needs a good luck hug from her princess. You behave, baby.¡± Before Ipletely left the room, I once turned into Helena. ¡°Don¡¯t forget the don¡¯t and don¡¯ts,¡± I reminded, eyeing at her like a warning.


    She just saluted at me which made me chuckle before leaving them. As I walked outside, I felt my hands sweating. Maybe because of nervousness. I am nervous knowing that thepany I am going to apply with is a multinationalpany. Where corporate people work. For sure there are lots of big-time people in thatpany. Elite one. While me? Uh, never mind. I am just Alice Del Angelo¡­ nothing more, nothing less. I didn¡¯t graduate college so applying to that saidpany is a big opportunity yet a very challenging one for me.


    ¡°You can do this, Alice!¡± I cheered myself, boosting my confidence before I hop in the taxi.


    It took me almost an hour before I arrived at the high-rise building. As I stepped out of the taxi, I am looking up at the high building in front of me. The nervousness I am feeling earlier just doubled. I can feel how my heart pounded against my chest, hard and wild. And when I stepped inside the building, I am sweating even though it was air-conditioned.


    ¡°Good morning, Miss. May I know on which floor the job interview for executive secretary is?¡± The woman in charge just click something on the monitor before facing me.


    ¡°On 15th floor, Miss. Are you one of the applicants?¡± she asked so I nodded. ¡°Well, then¡­ good luck!¡± she added which I answered with my thankful smile before walking through the elevator.


    ¡°In what floor, Ma¡¯am?¡± the elevator girl inquired.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°15th floor,¡± I replied, curtly.


    She pressed the button for me while I am waiting for the door to open. My grip on the folder tightened because of tension. I felt pressured a bit. I just passed this job interview or else, I can¡¯t pay for my daughter¡¯s hospital bills. Even though Helena was the one who took the charges, I still had to pay her back. She said that I don¡¯t need to but I promised her that once I got a job, I will pay her. Helena agreed at the end of our conversationst time so here I am now, hoping that I will pass the interview.


    I heard the ting sound which indicates that I already reached the floor. The elevator soon opened and the cold temperaturesing from the floor made me hug myself while continuously rubbing both of my arms using my hands.


    ¡°Good luck with your interview, Ma¡¯am.¡± Said by elevator girl before closing the elevator and leaving me in the clear hallway, alone.


    I roamed my eyes and see nothing but a clear hallway, paintings hanging on the wall. And the huge frame disyed with the name of thepany on it. I walked around and as I walked, the elegance of the whole floor is all I can see. The ck and white interior color blending were clean enough, feeding my eyes with satisfaction.


    ¡°Excuse me, Miss?¡± With my widened eyes, I twirled around only to see the owner of the voice who spoke behind me. An old woman, with bun hair and in business attire is staring at me before slipping her t smile.


    ¡°Are you here for the interview?¡± I nodded, not able to reply back. ¡°You¡¯re heading the wrong way. Follow me and I¡¯ll bring you to the conference room where the CEO is waiting for the applicants.¡±


    ¡°The CEO himself will be the one who will be going to interview me?¡± I asked, biting my lips inside.


    The woman simply nces at me while she¡¯s in front of me. ¡°Are you nervous?¡± she asked so I said yes. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to worry about, youngdy. The CEO won¡¯t bite and such a nice person,¡± she added, sort of calming me down which help me to do so.


    We continue to walk until she stopped in front of a closed door. She looked at me, smiling at me before she opened the door for me. It gives me unexinable tension, my hands be cold. An old man, sitting on a swivel chair eyed me.


    ¡°G¨Cgood morning, Sir¡­¡± I greeted with my lips slightly quivering. He greeted me back before we headed to the interview and after almost an hour, I came out from the conference room. Wearing a bright smile, almost shouting in happiness.


    ¡°You did it, Alice! You did it!¡± I boomed in delight while I am riding the elevator. The elevator girl can¡¯t help but join me in my celebration. She even congratted me before I left thepany.

 Chapter 2: CEO鈥檚 Son

    In six months of working as executive secretary, there are changes happening not just in my life but also, in my daughter¡¯s life. I still remember how she asked me before about sending her to school and since we don¡¯t have enough money to sustain her study, I was the one who act like her teacher during the night before going to the bed. But now, because of having my current job, I finally granted her wish and now studying in a private pre-school which gives her joy. We also afford to move into a new space, nearby my workce and her school so it would not be too hassle for the two of us. I can also spoil her with different toys and have lots of time to bond with her as my schedule is friendly enough. My boss is nice enough too and far from being rude and strick billionaire.


    There is one time that Helena bring Aisle into the office which gives me a mini heart attack as for thinking that my boss will be mad. But no, he didn¡¯t get mad and didn¡¯t even say anything bad about bringing my daughter. As a matter of fact, he get fond of my daughter and told me that Aisle reminds him of someone that hunt my curiosity. However, I didn¡¯t bother to ask him.


    ¡°Alice?¡± I lifted my eyes from the monitor to my boss who¡¯s standing in front of my table.


    ¡°Yes, Sir?¡±


    ¡°After you finish the reports, can you buy a mouthful cake for me?¡±


    Even though I was curious about what he going to do with the cake, I still nodded. ¡°Give me ten minutes more, Sir¡­ I¡¯ll buy right away.¡± He nodded while smiling at me before going back inside his office.


    On the other, I finished the reports as soon as possible and went outside for his favor. I went to a mall and look for a cake shop. Finding one that might suit my boss¡¯ taste wasn¡¯t hard for I was used to finding some cakes for my Aisle. My daughter really loves sweets and one of them is cakes which literally giving me headaches sometimes. I reminded her often that too much consumption of sweets is not good but as a kid, especially on a toddler stage, it was hard for me to convince Aisle. Plus, her Mama Helena spoils her always. Giving all sweets she demands.


    ¡°Three thousand and four hundred, Ma¡¯am.¡± I took four blue bills out of my pocket and give them to the cashier. After a few seconds, she gave me my exchange and I went back to the office.


    When I came back, I knocked first on my boss¡¯ office before it flew open with a woman behind the door leaf. The woman was in an elegant blue dress, with her hair tied into a french twist. Pearls as her essories, from her earnings to her ne. Her make-up was fair enough, not too thick but not too light.


    ¡°Good morning, Ma¡¯am.¡± I greeted as I stepped inside. ¡°Sir, I already bought the cake you asked for. I didn¡¯t know the exact vor you prefer so I picked the mostmon one but I assure you first that it was good.¡± Iid down the box of cakes on the table.


    ¡°Thank you, Alice.¡± I slipped for a smile and asked for my exit.


    I went straight to Aisle¡¯s school after work. I promised her that I will be the one to pick her up instead of her Mama Helena who¡¯s also busy with her work.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± It was Aisle who¡¯s already waiting for me outside her school. She¡¯s with her other schoolmates, chit-chatting just like the usual kid. I can¡¯t help but to smile in delight upon knowing that my daughter is slowly having her circle of friends unlike before that I and her Mama Helena she¡¯s bonding with.


    She ran towards my car. Yeah, my car which is one of the benefits given by my boss. I opened the door for her and she quickly hopped inside.


    ¡°How was your school, baby?¡± I asked, fixing her things on the backseat.


    ¡°My day is good, Mommy¡­ we have an activity earlier and look.¡± She showed me her right arm with a red mark in the shape of a star on it. ¡°I got a star, Mommy. The teacher said I nailed the activity that¡¯s why I got this!¡± she proudly announced, her lips are stretching for her wide smile.


    I caged her heart-shaped face on my palm and level my head on hers. ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you, baby,¡± I told, kissing the tip of tiny nose. ¡°My baby¡¯s star is calling for a celebration. Where do you want to go?¡± I asked afterward, turning on the car¡¯s engine.


    ¡°I heard from one of my ssmates that there are candy restaurant nearby that offers various candies, Mommy. Can we take a look?¡± she asked, blinking her eyes in her cute ways.


    ¡°Take a look only¡­ you don¡¯t want to eat?¡±


    She giggled. ¡°Of course, I would love to Mommy. Promise.¡± Raising her right hand on the level of her shoulder. ¡°I won¡¯t eat too many candies¡­ just a few candies, maybe about four or five.¡±


    I patted her head while shaking my head. ¡°Fine but just five sweets, baby¡­ nothing more.¡± I started the engine and drive to the ce she¡¯s talking to.


    Several minutes of driving passed and we finally reach the candy restaurant. It wasn¡¯t a literal candy restaurant. It was a restaurant with so many sweets inside making my daughter cheer in delight as she saw those candies, chocte fountains even cupcakes in every corner of the room. She promised that she will only request not too many sweets but her actions as we reach the ce says otherwise. In the end, I was the one who give up. In order to stop her, I bought her everything she pointed out but assured her that she will not eat all of those in one day.


    ¡°Give mommy a hug, baby,¡± Imanded her before kneeling in front of Aisle who¡¯s still in her pajamas. She obeyed what I have said with her bonus kiss.


    I showered her my kisses too before carrying her back to her seat. I turned to Helena who¡¯s busy putting jam on Aisle¡¯s bread. ¡°Helena¡­ take her to the dentist first, please. She¡¯s eating too many sweets that¡¯s why she¡¯s nowining about her toothache.¡±


    Helena nodded at me. ¡°Nothing to worry, Alice¡­ you can go now to the office, you might bete,¡± she said, looking up at the clock hanging on the wall.


    I pick up my shoulder bag as well as my folders of reports and the coat I¡¯ll going to wear when I am already in the office. Before stepping outside, I faced my daughter who¡¯s brows are slightly contorted because of pain.


    ¡°Mama Helena will take you to the dentist, baby. Don¡¯t worry about the pain too much, the dentist will take away those cavities. I got to go, baby¡­ behave while you are in the clinic.¡± She nodded silently.


    I hastily hopped inside the parked car in front of the high-rise condominium where I got our current condo unit. When I nced at my wrist, my watch says that I am alreadyte. I bit on the bottom of my lips as I started to drive fast. Good thing that there was no heavy traffic ahead of me so after several minutes, I reached the building and parked my car in rush.


    ¡°Good morning, Ma¡¯am.¡± I don¡¯t even get the chance to greet back the security guard at the entrance as he greets me. I ran through the elevator and silently cursed when it closed as soon as I arrived.


    ¡°God! Looks like you need to take the stairs, Alice,¡± I mumbled, walking through the stairs.


    I can¡¯t bete now. My boss called me yesterday that I need to be in the office before he arrived but unfortunately, I think I will disappoint him this time. I woke upte earlier and has to prepare for our breakfast. And then Aisleined about her toothaches which I can¡¯t just set aside for she¡¯s crying too much out of pain. I have to wait for Helena toe in before I leave Aisle but Helena¡¯s house is far from our unit. So yeah, now¡­ I amte and have to prepare my reasons for my boss to understand me.


    I was rushing myself climbing the stairs and silently celebrated inside my mind when I reached my office¡¯s floor. But the celebration inside me eventually ruined when I hit something -someone, I think- that caused my folders as well as my butt to kiss the hard floor.


    Still wincing in pain, I stood up and picked up those folders I have in my hand earlier. When there were no remaining papers on the floor, I looked up at the person that I bumped in and was ready to apologize but the man quickly passed through me, bumping my shoulder. I twirled around and it was his broad back that weed me. Sudden anger because of the man¡¯s rudeness, I was about to throw my words at him when one of my workmates came into the scene.


    I was forced to leave the rude man behind and walked through my boss¡¯s office as he already waiting for me, especially to the reports that had just flown away earlier. With my cold hand because of nervousness, I twisted the doorknob and came inside. There, I was weed by the strange face of a man, wearing a business suit while sitting peacefully on the leather couch.


    He looked me up with a yful grin on his lips, showing his perfect set of white teeth. ¡°Are you my Dad¡¯s secretary?¡± he asked, eyeing me from head to toe.


    I nodded, not slipping for a word which made him chuckle. He stood up, stretching his limbs in front of me. ¡°I¡¯m Lyndon, the youngest Ivanov. Care to tell your name, Miss Secretary?¡± His brow twitch.


    I want to roll my eyes because it was pretty obvious that he¡¯s hitting on me by just watching his sinful eyes, scanning me frankly. But since I am facing my boss son-which is based on him- I held my hand.


    ¡°Alice Del Angelo, Sir,¡± I said politely. He stared at my hand hanging in the air for a couple of seconds before he took it and shake hands with me. I cringed slightly when I felt how he squeezed my hand that made me pull out from our shake hands. But to my annoyance, he burst outughing-clutching his stomach with his shoulders shaking.


    He just stopped fromughing when the door flung open, giving Mr. Ivanov and a very familiar man beside him. To my shock upon seeing the man just beside my boss, I clutched on my chest¡­ squeezing the part where my heart lies beneath. I instantly felt how my heart beat erratically as both of them started walking. My eyes settled on the man with shoulder-length hair, tied into a half bun. It seems like everything goes in slow motion as the memories of the past slowly shback inside my mind.


    ¡°Alice? Are you with us?¡± I roamed my eyes carelessly as I heard my boss¡¯ voice. My eyes thennded on him, sitting in front of me. And when I scanned myself, I got curious on how do I even managed to sit when I am too upied with the man-sitting just beside him now.


    ¡°Dad, your secretary is too funny.¡± I tilted my head and found out that Lyndon is sitting beside me while checking me out with a grin on his lips.


    ¡°Alice¡­ I asked you to be early because of this matter.¡±


    I shyly bowed my head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for beingte, Sir William,¡± I apologized.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay¡­ anyway, met my sons. The one sitting beside you¨C¡±


    ¡°He already knows me, Dad,¡± Lyndon cut his dad¡¯s words. ¡°I introduced myself to her earlier, that¡¯s why.¡± I secretly rolled my eyes before lifting the gaze that made me meet a pair of eyes.


    I gulped, pinching myself secretly. When I felt the pain, I cussed inside. I am not dreaming¡­ the heck!


    ¡°Well then, this is Logan¡­ my oldest son. They are here now with us because starting today, you will work with them.¡± My eyes went wide.


    ¡°W¨CWith them?¡± I startled.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Mr. William smiled. ¡°Lyndon will going to work as the head of finance while Logan, he will going to rece me for a while,¡± he announced that made me protest.


    ¡°What? No, Sir!¡±


    Are the words that I want to shout in disagreement but remain as words inside my mind.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    As I nced at his oldest son once again, it feels like I wanted to run and be gone in his sight. What the hell is happening? For all person I will be going to meet in thispany, why does it need to be him? This man¡­ this man with a big part in my past.

 Chapter 3: Night of Mistake

    What I have right now, who I am right now started years ago when I broke up with my long-time boyfriend, Axel. I thought that together, we will build our own happy family. That together, we will live on one roof, with our kidspleting each day of our life. But everything vanished, everything faded just because of his mistakes.


    All our dreams together¡­ all the happy memories that we have before got wasted because of him. I thought that I already found a man with whom I going to spend my life. I thought that I already found my prince charming, that I already found my almost a fairy tale love story. But yeah, who I am fooling to? Fairy tales aren¡¯t real. It doesn¡¯t exist in the real world. Having a man sh a prince charming was so hard to find. They were rare and unfortunately, Axel-my boyfriend, my childhood best friend-is not one of them.


    ¡°So, what are your ns for our sixth anniversary, babe?¡± he asked while his face buried on my neck. I can feel his breath, fanning my skin which gives me tickles.


    He was fond of doing that. Burying his face on my neck and then intentionally tickling me. At first, it was ufortable for me but since it was him, I let him. But that was my mistake. I shouldn¡¯t have to trust him as he goes too far from my limit. Tickling me is okay but it was then followed by licking, kissing, and putting marks on my neck. I must admit that it gives me pleasure so just like before, I let him continue not until our sixth anniversary came.


    We just have our dinner date and after that, he brings me home straight. While we are in his car, he told me that he wanted to spend a night with me. It was not a problem at first as I am used to spending a night with him too before. I going to his unit or he, going to mine for a sleepover. But when we reach my apartment, the imperfection in our rtionship takes ce.


    It started from the thing he usually does to me, tickling me until he started licking and kissing my neck. I let him but the next thing he does scares me, making me push him with all my strength. For our five years of rtionship, I only let him kiss me¡­ nothing more, nothing less. So when I felt his hand slowly touching me, squeezing my breast¡­ it gives me panic.


    ¡°What?!¡± he asked, raising his voice all of the sudden. He stared at me with a visible frustration in his eyes. ¡°I thought you love me, Alice. Didn¡¯t you tell me that you love me?!¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Y¨Cyes, I l¨Clove you¡­¡± I startled.


    He massages the bridge of his nose before looking up, with his fingers brushing his hair. He then faced me again, red color tinged his face slightly. ¡°You love me¡­ then why are you doing this to me?¡±


    ¡°Axel¡­ I¡¯m not yet ready,¡± I reasoned out. ¡°Yes, I love you but if you¡¯ll going to ask for this, sorry but I can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°I waited for five damn years, Alice! I waited and understand you. Tonight is our sixth anniversary and yet, there¡¯s still no score between us. What the heck! Do you really love me or are you just ying with me?¡±


    ¡°Axel, I already told you¡­ I love you!¡± I yelled.


    ¡°Then give me what I want. Prove to me that you love me.¡±


    I instantly shook my head making him curse loud, punching the wall.


    ¡°If you really love me, then let¡¯s have sex tonight.¡±


    ¡°No! I can¡¯t! If love for you is all about sex then leave, I don¡¯t want your love anymore. You can¡¯t force me into what you want for me to prove to you that I love you. You know I love you, Axel¡­ you know how much I love you but if you¡¯ll going to ask for sex, sorry. I am not yet re¨C¡± I can¡¯t able to finish my words that night when Axel stormed out of my apartment.


    That night, instead of happiness¡­ loneliness eats me. I cried all night until the next morning. It was then followed on the following days when Axel didn¡¯t show himself to me. I called him many times but he didn¡¯t pick up his phone until two weeks already passed. I me myself because of what happened. It was me who did a mistake that¡¯s why he treat me that way, he avoided me. Days and nights I cried until I finally came to a decision that never in my wildest dream I will do just to prove to him that I truly love him.


    As a woman who believe in preserving myself until my wedding day came, it was really hard for me to give up my virginity. Axel knew that I have no experience and for years of our rtionship, he respect my decision. But because of that night, I have set aside my belief for the man I truly love.


    Two weeks after our quarrel, I decided to give myself to him. Maybe I must give what he wants-that¡¯s what I thought on my way to his unit. I was nning to surprise him and even prepared myself for my first experience with the man I see myself forever. I dressed well, far from the shirt and jeans outfit I am used to. I even seek my friend¡¯s help on choosing my clothes as wearing tight and sexy dresses aren¡¯t my thing. All thanks to Helena-my best friend ¨C for helping me from choosing my outfit to putting makeup on my usually bare face.


    It was supposed to be my surprise but I was the one who got a surprise from him when I finally arrived at his unit. Everything seems normal that night. The hallway to his unit was clear, engulfed by tranquility. All I could that time is the click soundsing from my six inches high heels as well as my breathing which is rough because of sudden excitement and nervousness. The smile on my face that I am wearing while I am still at home didn¡¯t fade not when I came in silently to his unit.


    I could still remember how the bottle of wine I was holding dropped to the floor, making it break into pieces as I felt how my heart also shattered into tiny pieces while I am looking at him. While I am tearfully witnessing his sin together with a blonde hair coquette. I could still remember how the bold sounding from their body as the man whom I thought my prince charming is pumping from behind.


    Seconds passed and the way how Axel and the woman reach their climaxpletely destroyed me. Not just as Axel¡¯s girlfriend but as a woman who has pride. But because of what they did, it felts like my pride sank into the deepest part of nowhere. When I finally have the chance to confront them, Axel¡¯s words pped me so hard. Giving a bruised on my whole being that seems so hard to get healed with.


    ¡°ept the consequence of your choice, Alice. What you have seen is nothing but all your fault. If you just give me what I asked to you that night, then this will never happen to us. You choose to be untouched until our wedding day but heck! That¡¯s too far from now! I can¡¯t wait anymore. God knows how much I tried to be faithful in our rtionship but this is too much¡­ six years of waiting is too much. I¡¯m still a man, with needs that should be fulfilled and it was you that was supposed to do the favor but what did you do? You don¡¯t even let me to touch you so don¡¯t me me if I find another girl to warm my bed!¡±


    Those are the exact words he said that made me feel so useless. He¡¯s right¡­ I am his girlfriend but yet, I can¡¯t warm his bed. The me is on me¡­ the fault is all mine.


    On the same night, I broke up with Axel, and with an unexinable pain lies in my heart, I went to an unfamiliar ce to me. A ce where there are lots of drunk people inside, almost making out in every corner of the ce. As I watched them, it seems like it was easy for them to do the hardest thing to me. For them, making out seems so easy¡­ they seem unbothered.


    As I drank myself with bottles of liquors, I also felt how the pain subside and it was thenpletely faded when a man in his business suit appeared. Offering hispany to me that I didn¡¯t hesitate to ept. We both drank that night at the bar counter. I still remember how he offered me a drive home before everything for me went vague. Too blurry to remember. All I can recall on what happened is the next morning when I woke up in a bed with the same man I drank within the bar.


    I lying on a bed next to him with no clothes under the thick mattress. And when I tried to move, I was immediately stopped by the soreness in between my thighs. But even though the pain makes me winced and cursed to hell, I forced myself to get up. Wrapping the mattress around my worn-out body. However, what I have done is a wrong move for my eyes popped out from their sockets as theynded on the naked body of the man. There were still traces of the sin we made. Those scratches in his back which I think I made hunt me even after I run away, leaving him still unconscious.


    ¡°You did what?!¡± It was Helena who almost freaks out while we are inside a cafe, having a cup of warm coffee.


    I pulled her to sit down. ¡°Can you please calm down?¡± I whispered hard.


    She brushed her curly hair with her fingers while shaking her head on me. ¡°You broke up with Axel. You identally gave yourself to someone you don¡¯t even know. Yet you¡¯re here, asking me to calm down. Can you f*cking tell me how can I f*cking calm down, Alice? What have you down is not calming, you know.¡±


    I rolled my eyes before locking it to a slice of cheesecake in front of me. I took a spoonful amount of it and devoured its soothing taste.


    ¡°I felt so stupid, Helena¡­¡± I trailed and just for a while, I felt the lid of my eyes water until a drop of tear rolled down to my cheeks. ¡°I refused Axel when he asked me for sex but yet, I only give what he wants to unknown man. It feels like I cheat on him, Helena.¡± I sniffed.


    ¡°Cheat?! You didn¡¯t cheat on him, Alice. Have you forgotten what you have said? You told me that you caught him having sex with another woman. So means, Axel is the one who cheated on your rtionship. Don¡¯t me yourself.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re already on that. I saw him with another woman but my point here is what I have done. Helena, I have sex with a stranger. I don¡¯t even know that man, even his name!¡± I frustratedly reasoned out.


    Helena chuckled. ¡°Let¡¯s just hope that there¡¯s nothing more happened to you, Alice.¡±


    My brows knotted. ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked, confused. But instead of answering me, she trailed me down until her eyes settled on my belly.


    At first, I didn¡¯t know what¡¯s the meaning behind that but after weeks, my life is bound to change. That night of mistakes changed my life forever.

 Chapter 4: Stranger鈥檚 Child

    All I thought was that after running away that morning of realization my life will back to normal. That even though I recently came from a heartbreak, at least that was the only problem I should get rid of. But I was wrong ¡­ it went out that I ampletely wrong. Thinking that after the mistake I have done, there will be no problem ahead of me the following days is foolish.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I still remember how Helena stared at my belly while we are in the cafe, the day I confessed to her what happened to me. At first, I am literally clueless about the meaning behind her malicious stare but one morning, I started to feel different. It started from puking up every morning and then followed by my sensitivity to taste and smells. That every time I smell food-a cheese to be exact-I will push myself to the nearest sink orfort room and then will puke so hard. In addition to those weird things that suddenly happened to me, I also felt drowsiness and it seems like I was too tired for every day.


    My first assumption is that I am only stressed or have eaten spoiled foods but while at work, I lost my consciousness because of dizziness. Helena to the rescue insisted to bring me to the hospital so I could have a check-up after I gained back my sense. Worries also creeping on my system, I decided to take her advice. I seek a doctor¡¯s appointment on the following day. And on the same day, my world changed.


    ¡°Congrattion, you are three weeks pregnant,¡± the doctor announced with a bright smile stered on her lips.


    It caught me off-guard. It feels like my heart suddenly stopped beating. Because of that shocking announcement, my world seems stopped from rotating. My mind can¡¯t function well for an instant. All I can process in my mind is that I went out of that hospital clouded by different emotions. I don¡¯t know how to react. I don¡¯t know what should I feel. Should I be happy because there is an innocent life inside me or should I fear that life? I literally don¡¯t know¡­ I was lost.


    I remember that I cried when the night came. I locked myself to my room, crying all day and night. My tears seem unstoppable even I wiped them out many times. All I want is to cry, to cry my heart out. For what specific reason? I also don¡¯t know.


    Frustrated. I felt frustrated for what I have done on that night. I keep on ming myself for the stupidest action that changed my life. I am not into alcohol and yet, I drunk my ass off like I am a veteran drinker.


    Fear. I am afraid not for myself but also for the life inside my tummy. I didn¡¯t graduate college and just depends on my work as a waitress. That was my living and even though I am alone, I can¡¯t still provide a better life for myself. The expenses are too harsh, my budget is too tight. How much more if there will be a child I am going to raise? I don¡¯t know how to support her. How can I even sustain her life when it was already difficult for me to sustain my own life.


    And then there¡¯s one solution that came to me. I nned to get rid of my own child. I know it was wrong but during that time, there were no choices left to me. I felt hopeless. I felt so empty and getting rid of her is the best solution I have thought of so she won¡¯t be going to experience the harsh reality of life.


    Before the day of finally getting rid of my child, I cried again for thest time while caressing my tummy. Talking to the innocent life inside it, saying nonstop sorry for what I am going to do to her the following day. It was hard. I mean, yeah, I choose to get rid of her but it doesn¡¯t mean that I am not hurt. God knows how pain struck me so hard. Crying like a baby in my bed. Hugging myself while uttering ¡°sorry¡± to my unborn child is the image of the past.


    The next morning, I didn¡¯t cry. The puffy eyes of mine are enough to tell how I cried bloodst night and only the darkness is the witness to my breakdown. After preparing myself for the abortion, Helena rushed herself into my apartment. She was worried sick about my absence that¡¯s why she came to my ce. Actually, I didn¡¯t inform her about my n but that morning, I decided to tell her.


    Up until now, her hand on my cheek when she pped me so hard is still fresh in my memory. It was restored to me. Because of that p, I woke up from the evilness I was about to do.


    ¡°Are you awake now, Alice?¡± she asked in mockery. O didn¡¯t reply. I remained speechless. My sniffs are all I can hear. Sniffs that turns into cries while I was clutching on my chest.


    ¡°As far as I remember, you are wise enough to know what is wrong, Alice. For heaven¡¯s sake! You are not a murderer! Why are you going to kill that baby, huh?! Just because you are afraid, just because you don¡¯t know what to do this is your solution now? Wake up, Alice¡­ wake up!¡± I stumbled on the floor, shame is on me.


    Yes, Helena was right. I am wise enough to know what is wrong but still, I choose to do the wrong. What a shame!


    ¡°You will keep the child no matter what happens, Alice. You will keep her and together, we will raise her. You as her mommy and me, as her Mama Helena.¡±


    And that is where it all started. After waking up from my foolishness, Helena stayed on my side. Helping me with her open arms. Not just for me but my child as well.


    ¡°When I said push, push!¡± The doctor count one up to three and when she shouted push, I pushed.


    Pain during mybor wasplete hell for me and it was brought to the next level when I am in the delivery room. Alone while the doctor is cheering and praying for my sessful delivery.


    After nine hours ofbor and two hours in the delivery room, I won over the hard challenge of giving birth. Those cries from my baby didn¡¯t escape my sense of hearing before I passed out. When I woke up, I was already inside a hospital room. My body felt so weak and I barely move but when Helena stepped inside my room followed by a nurse who¡¯s carrying my baby, the tiredness and soreness faded away. Those hours in hell is worth it when I firstid my eyes on my child. The child I once want to get rid of.


    ¡°Congrattion, she¡¯s a healthy baby girl!¡±


    I couldn¡¯t contain myself anymore so as the nurse exited, I burst out crying while kissing my child¡¯s soft cheeks.


    ¡°Aisle¡­ my baby Aisle,¡± I uttered while sniffing her.


    ¡°Is that her name? Aisle?¡± Helena asked so I nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s add another name, Alice,¡± she insisted.


    I know that Aisle is way too short that¡¯s why I agreed on adding her name until we both came into one name¡­


    ¡°Aisle Bellinda Del Angelo.¡±


    My child with the stranger I slept with¡­ a year ago.


    ***


    ¡°Hey, Alice! I am talking to you.¡± I blinked a couple of times beforeing back from my reverie. My eyes firstnded on Coreen, leaning in my table with her brows knotted.


    ¡°Are you talking to me?¡± I asked, clueless.


    She smirked. ¡°Naah,¡± she curtly answered but with a hint of mockery in her voice. ¡°Of course, I am talking to you. I¡¯ve been standing here but you are so dumbfounded ever since you came out from the boss¡¯ office.¡±


    I bit the bottom of my lips, scratching my left brow. ¡°Uh, sorry¡­what is it again? Do you need anything?¡±


    ¡°I need the report I asked you to keepst time. Where is it now? The new head of finance needs it right away.¡± I didn¡¯t waste time. I tugged out the folder containing the report she¡¯s talking about from my shelf. And then I faced her again.


    ¡°Here. Sorry for the dy,¡± I apologized before she walked out.


    As soon as Coreen was out of my sight, I heaved a deep sigh. Resting my head on my palms as I stared at my boss¡¯ office.


    What should I do now? The CEO is recing by his son who happens to be my daughter¡¯s father. My God! Why on earth this is happening to me¡­ I don¡¯t know what to do! Should I tell him about our child or not? But on my second thought, why I am worrying too much when it seems like he didn¡¯t recognize me?


    Instead of being paranoid about the recent surprise in my life, I focused on my monitor. Finishing those tasks that are still untouched just to stop my mind from thinking of that man. When I felt tired, I stretched out my limbs. Leaning on my swivel chair while my eyes shut closed. I am even yawning but immediately get stopped when I suddenly heard a man¡¯s cough. Mr. William appeared in front of me which sent me into shame. I hastily stood up causing him to slightly chuckled. I smiled shyly at him before asking, ¡°What can I do for you, Sir?¡± I bit the inside of my lips.


    He fixed his not-crooked tie. ¡°My son is inside my office and asking for thetest reports as well as my uing schedules. Can you give it to him, Alice? I am a bit in a hurry.¡± he said before leaving me.


    I wanted to shout in protest but I just can¡¯t do that unless I want to lose my job. Letting a deep sigh, I stared in disbelief at the boss¡¯ office. It took me how many minutes before I finally have the guts to walk through the office. And as I walked, all I can hear was the heartbeatsing from me, covering the sounding from my heels. I gulped hard when I reached the doorknob and twisted it to open. I was silently cursing continuously and when the door clicked open, I caught my breath.


    ¡°Put it on my table and leave fast,¡± hemanded in a hard tome without even facing me. I rolled my eyes but cheered at the same time. At least on his way like that, I wasn¡¯t able to meet his zing orbs that gave me chills without even doing anything.


    Just like what he has said, I put the folder on his table and leave the lion¡¯s territory as soon as possible. I clutched on my chest as I finally let out the breath I didn¡¯t notice I am holding earlier.


    ¡°Calm down for goddamn sake, Alice!¡± I scolded myself silently before walking back to my table.


    After office hours, I hurriedly drive home. Up until now, I can¡¯t move on from what happened to me to this day. First, I came to the officete that perhaps disappointed my boss, Mr. William. Second, he dropped the bomb that has a connection to my past. Andstly, sooner orter, whether I like it or not, I will be working for my daughter¡¯s father. My God! I think my brain will explode from different thoughts filling my mind.


    ¡°Wee home, Mommy!¡± I kneeled as soon as I stepped inside my unit to hug my four years old daughter who is hurriedly running towards me.


    I catch her with my open arms and nted a kiss on her temple. ¡°How was my baby, huh? Does your tooth still aching?¡± I asked afterward. Aisle pulled out from our hugs


    ¡°I am okay now, Mommy.¡± She paused, showing her teeth on me. ¡± The doctor healed my toothache, Mommy. At first, I am afraid because of the needle but just like what you always remind me of, I should have been brave. I didn¡¯t cry. I¡¯m a big girl!¡± she added, proudly.


    I was about to answer her when Helena came out from the kitchen with an apronced around her not-so-thin waist. ¡°Our daughter is such a brave girl, Alice. I bet she will grow up like you someday. By the way, change your clothes now. Aisle and I are preparing the table for our dinner.¡± Aisle run towards Helena.


    Before they went back to the kitchen, Helena then looked at me again. ¡°Is it okay if I stayed here for a night, Alice?¡± she asked.


    I simply nodded. ¡°Yeah, sure. You are on time anyway. I wanted to tell you something, badly.¡±


    Her brow rose then stared at me skeptically for a short span. ¡°I smell something fishy, Alice,¡± she chimed.


    ¡°Uhuh! Really fishy as I caught a big fish earlier,¡± I joked before stepping inside my room.


    I took a bath first before going to the kitchen to join Helena and Aisle on the dinner. I wore my night sleep pajamas and blow dry my hair and headed outside. In the kitchen, I saw Aisle who is helping her Mama Helena with preparing the table. That made me stop and lean on the door frame with my hands crossed around my breast. Then suddenly, as I watched my daughter genuinely happy about what she is doing, my boss¡¯ son shes through my mind.


    His exact face that looks like my daughter¡­ our daughter. How is he going to react if times havee that I introduce Aisle to him? Will he ept my daughter? Will he ept Aisle as his child? Or he will not? Will he break my daughter¡¯s heart as he broke mine too knowing that my child¡¯s father can¡¯t ept her?


    I hope he will¡­ I really hope that perhaps, he will ept his child. That he will acknowledge Aisle as part of him.


    ¡°Mommy, why are you staring at us? Come on, join us here!¡± I was dragged back to my senses when Aisle pulled my hand, pulling me towards the dinner table where dishes they prepared are located. When I nced at Helena, she is looking at me with her you¡¯ve-got-something-to-tell-me look.


    I chuckled inside. Of course, I really need to tell her about my child¡¯s father. I can¡¯t bear it alone so I really need to share it with her.


    I pulled for my seat after I settled Aisle on her seat beside me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat! Baby Aisle, show your Mom how good chef you are,¡± Helena broke the short silence engulfing the scene.


    ¡°Yes, Mama Helena!¡± Aisle giggled before putting a slice of tuna on my te. ¡°Taste it, Mommy. I help Mama Helena on cooking that one,¡± she paused, ¡°it is a bit different from the rest because I am the one who tried to cook that,¡± she shyly added.


    I felt being touched on the warmest way as I heard her. Aisle,pared to those kids on her age is different. At her age, some kids are quiet, they are not into socializing while Aisle, she¡¯s the opposite of those kids. I could still remember how she uttered her first word. It was ¡®mommy¡¯¡­ during her one-year-old, she called me Mommy which brings me into tears.


    ¡°So, what is it, Alice? Shoot it.¡± I nced at Helena while am leaning on the couch with Aisle on myp-sleeping.


    I took a deep breath, summoning my courage to tell her about my boss¡¯ son. ¡°I saw him¡­¡± I trailed, locking my eyes on Aisle.


    ¡°You saw who?¡± Helena asked, confused.


    ¡°I saw that man again, Helena. After several years, I saw him again and I don¡¯t know what to do.¡±


    ¡°You mean¡­ you saw Axel again? You saw him again?¡± I leered at her.


    ¡°Silly,¡± I hissed. ¡°He is not who I am talking about. You know that Axel is already living with his wife in States so how the hell our world will cross again?¡± I added, still leering at her.


    Helena groaned. ¡°He cane here anytime he wants, duh! But going back to our topic. Who are you talking about? Is he one of your ex¨C¡±


    ¡°Aisle¡¯s father,¡± I tly cut her off that made her eyes popped out.


    ¡°You got to be kidding me.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°I hope I am,¡± I replied, sighing.

 Chapter 5: Rudeness

    ¡°I hope I am,¡± I said tly as I stare at Aisle.


    I heard Helena chuckle, seems like she is not convinced. ¡°Come on, Alice¡­ this is a joke, right?¡± she asked again that made me roll my eyes for the second time.


    I lifted my gaze on her. ¡°Do I look like joking, Helena?¡± I asked in a serious tone. From her, I diverted back my eyes to Aisle. ¡°I am no way kidding here, Helena. Aisle¡¯s father is not a joke and I just knew it earlier today. I mean, how the hell did it happen that the man I slept with that night is my boss¡¯ son? This is ridiculous!¡±


    ¡°So you really are serious?¡±


    ¡°The hell! I am Helena¡­ far from being serious. And to tell you right at this moment, I am clouded. My mind is blowing and I don¡¯t know what to do,¡± I replied, hard.


    ¡°What if¡­ quit your job?¡± My jaw dropped.


    I twitched my brow. ¡°If I quit the job I have right now, then what will happen to me and Aisle? You know that if it wasn¡¯t you, I can¡¯t have my job. I can¡¯t sustain Aisle¡¯s needs¡­ I can¡¯t give her what she wants.¡±


    Helena looked down at Aisle before lifting her eyes back on me. ¡°Then what are you going to do? What if he knows you? What if he finds out about Aisle? What now, Alice?¡± she fired away.


    I pressed my eyes shut, leaning my back on the couch. I breathed in, breathed out before meeting her eyes again. ¡°You know what, Helena, I noticed something?¡± I paused, ¡°When our eyes met earlier, he seems unconcerned about my presence,¡± I told, reminiscing the way my boss¡¯ son acted while he¡¯s in front of me earlier.


    ¡°So, what are you trying to say?¡± Helena¡¯s brow twitched. ¡°Are you saying that he didn¡¯t know you?¡± she added.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to give a conclusion about the way he acts but what if? What if he didn¡¯t recognize me? Because if you were there with me earlier, you will also think the same way I am thinking now. He stared at me like he didn¡¯t know me. And to add on to that, if he ever recognized me, then he must approach me, right? But he didn¡¯t. Even though he have the time to confront me the moment I gave him those files he was asking from me. Helena, what if he didn¡¯t recognize me? What if I am just part of his past that he has easily thrown away that¡¯s why he can¡¯t even recognize me now?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Helena trailed, ¡°that¡¯s really something, Alice but we can¡¯t just believe in that way. What if he¡¯s just dropping an act in front of you earlier? Then any moment from now, he will finally confront you. What are you going to do, Alice?¡±


    I bit my lip. Thinking for an answer but there¡¯s nothing came out from me. What if Helena has said the right thing? What I am going to do?


    ¡°Are you going to tell him the truth or not? Will you let him know about Aisle or you will keep his child as a secret?¡±


    ¡°I d¨Cdon¡¯t know¡­¡±


    Those questions that have been thrown away by Helena to me that night keep me awake, big time! The next morning, I get up from the bed like a zombie. Perhaps, a zombie is the right term to use to describe me. From those dark circles under my eyes. To my dull movement as I prepare Aisle¡¯s food for her school. Aisle and Helena even noticed how was my look while we were eating our breakfast earlier. I just lied to them but obviously, Helena didn¡¯t buy it.


    ¡°Say bye to your Mama Helena, baby.¡± Aisle waved her hand at her Mama Helena before I maneuvered my car away.


    Aisle leaned back, crossing her arms around her chest. And then afterward, she settled her attention on her nametag, ying with thece of it. While driving, I gradually nced at her and noticed her unusual silence. I was used to hearing her voice filling the entire car while I am driving her to school. When the traffic light turn red, I faced her for a while.


    ¡°Why my baby is silent, huh?¡± I asked, tugging those strands of her hair on the back of her ear.


    She lifted her head, showing me her face without her usual joy. ¡°Mommy¡­¡± she trailed.


    ¡°Yes, baby?¡±


    ¡°Last night¡­ I heard you and Mama Helena talking.¡± Using those wordsing from her, I instantly feel how my body went rigid but I tried not to make it obvious in front of Aisle. When the cars in front of us started moving, I back in maneuvering the wheel again.


    ¡°What do you hear, baby?¡± I asked even though I already knew what would be her answer.


    Of course! We don¡¯t have any topic aside from her father. Sucks! I thought she was sleeping in myp.


    ¡°You have mentioned my daddy, Mommy. I heard you¡­ talking about him,¡± Aisle announced and if I am not ready for those words, I might stop the car recklessly.


    ¡°Mommy, are you really talking about him? I thought daddy was gone just like what Mama Helena always told me when I am asking her. But if he was already gone, then why are you two talking about himst night?¡± My eyes that are on the road went wide as I heard herin.


    I didn¡¯t know what should I say. And I really don¡¯t know how to react to what she had just said. She¡¯s asking Helena about her father but she remained silent about that matter when she is alone with me. And why the hell Helena didn¡¯t tell me about this? That my child is asking for her father without me knowing it.


    We remained silent for the rest of our path to her school and when I finally dropped Aisle, Ibed my hair out of frustration. Aisle didn¡¯t bother to kiss me while I am showering her my kisses. She just bid her goodbye before she entered her school gate. I felt frustrated¡­ frustrated about me that night. All I thought was that Aisle is already asleep so I have the guts to talk to Helena about Aisle¡¯s father. But little did I know, my daughter is faking her sleep.


    My gosh! Why do I forget that Aisle has the habit of faking her sleep?


    Afterposing myself again, I started the engine and drive to thepany. On my way to the office, I was so dumbfounded. My daughter¡¯s voice keeps on shing into my sense of hearing and I felt guilty for what I have acted earlier. She asked me about her father but what did I do? I keep my mouth shut, I didn¡¯t give her the answer she was expecting.


    But what can I do? I really can¡¯t find the right words so I can exin everything. Being silent was the only option that is left to me so I did even though it will make her sad.


    Ten minutes have passed before I reached thepany. After I parked the car, I identally nced at my wristwatch, and guess what? The time showing by the watch on me makes my feet knotted as I push myself to go to the elevator as fast as I can. Thank goodness that the elevator is empty and left alone to me. As I waiting for the elevator to open, I was cursing inside my mind. I forgot the time¡­ I lost my focus on and now, I am f*ckingte-again!


    ¡°Good morning, Alice!¡± my colleagues greeted me as soon as I passes their table. I didn¡¯t have the time to greet them back as I was really rushing myself so that I can immediately reach my office but as soon as I opened the door, I was nailed on the floor.


    Gulping hard. Gripping tight on my bag. I looked up at the man just a few meters in front of me and when I met his eyes, my heart went wildpletely.


    ¡°G¨CGood morning, S¨CSir,¡± I startled as I greet him.


    He didn¡¯t say any words, instead, he drew near me and stopped when there is only a short distance between us. The way how he towered me made my knees be wobbly. His presence gives me damn bewilderment and I can¡¯t stop my heart from beating so fast like it was about to pop out from my ribcage.


    ¡°Calm down for f*cking sake, Alice!¡± I shouted myself inside but it was futile especially when I heard him finally speak.


    ¡°So¡­ my dad¡¯s secretary is alwayste?¡± he asked. I immediately shook my head and was about to protest when he raised his right hand, stopping me. ¡°Starting today,¡± he paused, ring at me. ¡°I don¡¯t want my secretary toete or else, I will fire you. I don¡¯t care if Dad¡¯s the one who hired you. I don¡¯t care, Miss Del Angelo.¡± After he said those words that were almost a threat to me, he entered his office that is separated from my office by a ss wall.


    I watched him in disbelief. He didn¡¯t even bother to know my reason why I camete unlike his father. Compare to his father, he is far from Mr. William. How dare he threaten me when he didn¡¯t ask for my reason. If only he knows that I need to drop first his child. If only he knows¡­


    Instead of spoiling my day, I choose to ignore what he has just said. I focus on my work and it was past ten in the morning when I heard a buzzer from him so I immediately entered his office.


    ¡°Yes, Sir?¡± I asked, waiting for his order.


    I heard him sigh. ¡°Get me a cup of brewed coffee,¡± hemanded without even lifting his eyes at me.


    Rolling my eyes, I went out of his office and headed through the pantry. There, I saw Betty who¡¯s busy sipping her hot choco. She nced at me and smiled after she put down the cup.


    ¡°How¡¯s work, Alice?¡± she asked.


    I shrugged. ¡°As usual, tiring.¡± I poured the coffee into the cup and stirred it afterward. When my eyes caught the cookies on the basket, I picked some and put them on a te.


    ¡°How was the new boss? He¡¯s undeniably gorgeous, right?¡± I winced secretly about what I¡¯ve just heard from her.


    ¡°Well¡­ the new boss is pretty okay. He¡¯s nice,¡± I lied and I wanted to take back what I have said. If only Betty knows how rude that boss is. I wonder if she can still call him gorgeous, yucks!


    ¡°You know what, Alice¡­ I have heard that he¡¯s still single.¡±


    ¡°So what if he¡¯s single? Come on, Betty¡­ stop talking about another guy. Your boyfriend is just there.¡± I pointed out Harry, who¡¯s busy at his table.


    Betty rolled her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re a killjoy, Alice. Now I know why you¡¯re still single. You don¡¯t have an eye for other guys when you should give your daughter a new father.¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer, instead, I headed back to the office with a tray containing my boss¡¯ snacks. But when I entered inside, I was stiffened when he threw those cookies I brought together with his coffee.


    ¡°What did I tell you?¡± he asked, ring at me as if I have done something really horrible.


    With my trembling lips, I answered, ¡°A brewed coffee, Sir¡­¡±


    ¡°Exactly! I told you to bring me a cup of brewed coffee. Nothing more! Did I ask for some shit?¡± he roared which made me close my eyes. I didn¡¯t answer, not even try to defend myself. I just took all his anger just because I brought him cookies.


    ¡°Clean up those shit and get out of my sight afterward!¡± he roared once again so I hurriedly picked up the broom and cleaned up the mess.


    After cleaning up, I went out of his office, irritated by his attitude. Just because of those simple cookies, his rudeness totally spoiled my day.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.

 Chapter 6: Jerk!

    Working in a corporate world is new to me. New and hard as well. There¡¯s a lot of adjustment I have to do in order to get along with the people around me, with those tasks given to me. I have to change my routine to fit in my schedule. It was hard, really really hard but working with the new boss is the worst. I can endure the tiredness, the heavy work but I don¡¯t think, I can still handle him and his worst attitude. Of all people I have met, Logan Ivanov is the worst. Since the day he reced his dad, everything for me-oh, not just for me, for my co-workers as well- is such a hellish experience.


    Every morning, we wille into the office, rushing ourselves just to arrive earlier than him. If he ever arrived earlier than us, we will see the devil automatically. And to add to that, he fired almost twelve employees in just a month. The reason why? Well, those employees just camete. Without further exnation, without hearing their side, the rude CEO fired them out.


    That¡¯s how rude he is!


    And being near his presence is a total hell for me. There was a time that even though I have a great day, he will ruin it. In just a flick of his finger, he will ruin my day. Last time, he asked me to clean his office before he went out for a meeting. So I did. I obeyed what he justmanded but when he came back from the meeting, he burst out in anger. At first, I thought it was the meeting that made him mad but little did I know, it was me. For what reason? Well, I really can¡¯t name up until now. All I know is, he got mad because I arranged those papers on his table. He asked me to clean his office and his messy table with bundles of paperwork above is part of his office so I cleaned it. I organized it. But instead of being thankful, instead of getting apliment from him¡­ I only taste his wrath.


    He scolded me. And the worst is, he shoved those papers on his table and then asked me to organize them again afterward. That¡¯s how his mind works. He¡¯s bipr. Insensitive. He is a beast. A beast is lurking inside his downright gorgeous face and body.


    However, upon experiencing hell, I can¡¯t help but praise him. To be amazed at how he looks every day. Then even though he is mad, he still looks gorgeous to me¡­ in my eyes. Every time he scolded me, I went speechless. Not because of a total fear but because of tension. Tense not on his rude attitude but his presence. I can¡¯t take to stand near him. Staring at him is a difficult one for me to do. If I tried to, at least just for a short time, my heart went wild. I don¡¯t know why? But I could say that he affects me. An effect that I don¡¯t know how to avoid.


    ¡°I salute you, Alice. I really salute you.¡± I stared at Betty in confusion.


    ¡°Salute me for what?¡± I asked, taking a bite of my sandwich.


    Betty shrugged. ¡°Well, I do salute you for enduring our boss¡¯ attitude. Imagine, of all people in our department, you are the only one who¡¯s always with him. Given his attitude, how can you stay being his secretary? Plus the fact that he always scolds you. Tell us the secret, Alice.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°There is no secret I have to share. But cursing him inside my mind, murdering him most ruthlessly in my mind is my solution. Every time he got mad at me, every time he threw harsh words towards me¡­ I kill him many times,¡± I shared which made them burst outughing.


    Iughed with them too not until when my phone ranged beside my te. When I saw the caller ID, my happiness just faded.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Betty asked.


    My lips twitched before I showed them the screen. ¡°Speaking of the devil,¡± I blurted and then signed them to be quiet as I answered the phone.


    ¡°Yes, boss?¡± I asked, waiting for him to answer.


    ¡°Where are you?¡± his cold voice asked back.


    ¡°At the cafeteria, Sir¨C¡±


    ¡°Go back here,¡± hemanded before I could even finish my words. My eyes instantly rolled three hundred sixty degrees out of frustration.


    ¡°I will just finish my food, Sir. I¡¯ll being in fifteen minutes.¡±


    ¡°I said¡­ go back now.¡± He dropped the call, leaving me dumbfounded. With my mouth hung open, still in disbelief.


    ¡°He is a demon. The hell needs him.¡± I gritted my teeth before leaving the cafeteria. I was cursing him in my mind as I climbed his office and when I reached the office, he didn¡¯t even give me a minute to rest.


    ¡°Go to the flower shop and buy me a bouquet,¡± he announced, giving me his card.


    I am gripping tight on the car wheel as I drove to the nearest mall where I know there is a flower shop I can buy one. But when I am already in the shop, I couldn¡¯t pick which flower to buy as the boss didn¡¯t tell me what exact flower he want. So, when I saw those healthy red roses in the corner, I picked up a bouquet. I went back to the office, holding the bouquet of roses I bought.


    ¡°Go buy another bouquet. ire doesn¡¯t want a rose, she wanted tulips.¡± Are his words which sent me into anger that if I just can¡¯t control myself, I have shouted at him¡­ perhaps.


    I didn¡¯t move which made his brows furrow. ¡°What are you waiting for? Go back to the flower shop and buy another flower,¡± he snapped.


    ¡°How about this flower, Sir?¡± I asked, ncing at the roses I am still holding.


    ¡°Dump it, of course. Unless you want to keep that shit.¡± He turned around and went inside thefort room. I was left frustrated at him again before walking to the trash bin and dumping the bouquet.


    Why would I keep it? I love flowers but the fact that that flower is supposed to be given to a girl named, ire. Ugh, no thanks!


    So, just like what Logan said, I went back to the flower shop. Finding a bouquet of tulips but to hoodoo, the shop runs out of a tulip so I have to find another shop. To the next mall, farther from thepany, I go search for a bouquet of tulips, and luckily, I have found a fresh one. After I bought the flower, I drop by the nearest coffee shop and bought myself a cup of coldtte.


    ¡°Here¡¯s the tulip, Sir.¡± I ced the bouquet on the table and was about to go back to my table when he called me again. Asking for another task that meant to frustrates me¡­ over and over again.


    ¡°Dang him! Damn it!¡± I silently cursed while riding the elevator down to the parking lot. When I reached my car, I harshly hopped in and drive to the cake shop as the devil is asking me to buy a dessert.


    Good thing that the shop was just a quick drive so I came back into the office, fast. Holding a box of cheesecakes. I am forcing myself to smile as I entered the boss¡¯ office but that smile fadedpletely when his eyes narrowed as he stared at the cheesecake in front of him.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± he asked, staring at me, stoic.


    I bit the inside of my lips before answering. ¡°Uhm¡­ cheesecake, Sir¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know this is a cheesecake.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you asking like you didn¡¯t know?!¡± I replied pedantry inside my mind.


    ¡°You supposed to buy a dessert with chocte vor, Alice. ire doesn¡¯t want cheesecake,¡± he announced that cut the string of my patience.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t mention that vor, Sir. All you have said earlier was for me to buy a dessert. You didn¡¯t give a vor,¡± I reasoned out.


    He scratched his brow. ¡°You know that chocte is the popr vor. So, why the hell do you buy a cheesecake?¡±


    ¡°Cheesecake is popr too, Sir.¡±


    Oh,e on! Remind me that killing is a sin or else, right at this moment, I will strangle this jerk with my bare hands.


    ¡°I wonder why Dad hired an idiot assistant when he can have the best one.¡± He eyed me from head to toe. His eyes shout insult towards me which made me boil and was about to explode in anger when suddenly, the phone inside my pocket stopped me.


    I hastily took it out, only to find Helena on the screen. When my eyes went back to the boss, I saw him staring at my phone.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± he asked but I didn¡¯t bother to give him the name, I just excused myself and went out of his office.


    ¡°Hello, Helena?¡± I answered Helena on the phone. Silence is the first one that weed me before I heard her, sobbing.


    My heart skipped a beat instantly as I heard her sob. ¡°Hey, what happened?¡± I asked, panicked eats me slowly.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°Alice¡­¡± she trailed.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Alice¡­ I couldn¡¯t find her.¡±


    ¡°Find who?¡± I asked, clueless about what she was saying.


    ¡°Aisle¡­ I couldn¡¯t find her. I am supposed to fetch her in her school but there was no Aisle there. I already roamed the whole school, asked for her to everyone I am seeing. Even the teachers and guards but only say that they don¡¯t see her. Alice¡­ Alice, Aisle is missing¡­¡± she announced, her voice¡¯s coated by panic and fear.


    Before I could even answer, the harsh sound that came from my phone that fell on the floor engulfed the whole room as I stand weakly, only depending on myself on to the table near me. Without that table, I am sure that I already stumbled on the floor. After recovering from the shock, I immediately look for my phone again and picked it up before I went inside the boss¡¯ office. He stared at me in confusion but I don¡¯t see any concern written in his eyes given that I am crying. Oh, why would I expect a concern from him? Have I forgotten that he is ruthless?


    ¡°What¡¯s with the look, Alice?¡± he asked, lowering his eyes on the magazine he is now holding.


    ¡°S¨CSir¡­ can I ask for an absent?¡± I asked, hoping that he will give me but when his brows knotted, shouting his disapproval, I lost my temper but still contained myself.


    ¡°As far as I remember, you still have a task to do. I told you to get me a chocte dessert, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir¡­ I didn¡¯t forget that but I need to be absent right now. There is an emergency at home so I need to be with¨C¡±


    He raised his hand, stopping me from exining. ¡°You don¡¯t bring personal problems at work, Alice. You are here in mypany to work and you should be focused. When you¡¯re already in your home, then there, you can solve your problem. But since you are still in mypany, focus on your task. Now, go buy me a chocte dessert ¡¯cause any minute from now, ire ising.¡±


    My mouth hung open. I clenched my hands into tight balls as I stared at him with my teary eyes. Soon, I shook my head out of disbelief. Disbelief in how she acts, on how rude he is.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Are you just going to stare at me?¡± His brow rose.


    I bit my lips, trying to surpass my anger butter on, I just boomed in anger making me open my mouth. Telling unexpected words towards him. I spoke fast to the point that I couldn¡¯t even remember the exact words I have told him. All I can remember is that I shouted at him so hard before I mmed his office door.


    Jerk. The jerk was thest word I can recall as I drive through Aisle¡¯s school.


    ¡°You are nothing but a ruthless jerk!¡±


    These were the exact words I threw at my boss.

 Chapter 7: Condition

    Despite of being clouded by anger towards my boss, I choose to remain focused and collected. I drove fast as I can just to reach Aisle¡¯s school fast. Biting my lips, I hurriedly jumped out of the car as soon as I park. My eyes then find for Helena and saw her in the gate, talking to guard with recognizable panic in her every movement. I jogged on her ce, then caught her attention afterward. She immediately wrapped her arms around me and sobbed on my shoulder. I as well started to cry again. The tears I am controlling while I am still driving earlier just flowed heavily from my eyes. It seems unstoppable especially when Helena mentioned to me that my daughter is still missing.


    I didn¡¯t know what to do anymore. We already talked to the guards and they are now trying to check every CCTV footage. I and Helena are sitting on the bench, outside the CCTV room-waiting for the results. Helena tried to calm me down but I just can¡¯t. She offered me a bottle of water but I can¡¯t even open its cap. My hands are trembling for f*cking sake! Different scenarios yed inside my mind, nonstop. On my side, Helena looks like me too. With her bloodshot and puffy eyes, I could say that the level of her worry is the same as mine.


    ¡°She¡¯s not like this, Alice¡­¡± Helena started the conversation between us. I agreed with what she said. She is right. Aisle is not like this.


    Since Aisle turned two, we always taught her not to make us worried. And one of them is to ask for permission before doing anything else. So now, I don¡¯t know why she¡¯s gone.


    ¡°Do you think there is another reason, Alice?¡±


    I looked at Helena, confused. ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked.


    Helena brushed her hair using her fingers. She then locked her eyes on the wall we are facing. She stared nkly at it before she make words. ¡°I don¡¯t want the idea creeping in my mind, Alice but what if¡­ what if I am right? What if I am thinking the right thing.¡±


    ¡°Helena¡­ I can¡¯t understand what you are pointing¨C¡±


    She faced me. Her lips went into a thin line. Her eyes seem weighing something on me. ¡°I hate to think of this idea, Alice. But I know, somehow¡­ I may be right. What if there¡¯s something that took Aisle?¡± she dropped, making my heart pound against my chest-wildly.


    I clutched my chest. My ribcage hurts as I continue to feel the erratic beat of my heart. There¡¯s a long stretch of silence, all I could hear is my own heartbeat. I wasn¡¯t able to answer Helena. No words came out from me. I can not think rationally. Slowly, I can feel that I am losing my sanity. But when the door in front of us opened, I hastily stood up. Approaching the guard that is just about toe outside.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°We saw a girl, matching with your description, Miss. All you have to do is check if it was her.¡± I didn¡¯t waste time. As soon as he opened the door wide for us, I came in. Heading directly to the other guard who is facing the CCTY footage.


    He then yed one footage and told us to wait for a few seconds. Just like what he said, I patiently waited until my eyes went wide upon seeing my daughter. In her usual school uniform, gripping her backpack while walking outside the school gate. I saw how Aisle stop for a span of time while roaming her eyes. Seems like searching for something -probably, it was Helena whom she is looking to. When there where no Helena who came into the scene, Aisle then walked away until she was gone on the footage.


    I massage my forehead after watching the footage. Then I turned to Helena who¡¯s supporting me, putting me steadily in my ce. ¡°Aisle¡­¡± I trailed, tears rolled down from my eyes again.


    ¡°Do you know a ce that she usually wants to visit, Ma¡¯am? Like mall or park?¡± As soon as the guard says the word ¡®park¡¯, Helena squealed beside me.


    ¡°Park!¡± she yelled. ¡°Alice¡­ Aisle loves to go in the park,¡± she announced, making me remember how my daughter is so fond of strolling around the park.


    ¡°If that so, Ma¡¯am¡­ there is a nearest park, just ten to fifteen minutes walk from here.¡± After giving us information, Helena and Aisle drive fast to the park the guard talking about.


    We decided to part our ways so we can find Aisle faster. I took the backside of the park while Helena stayed at the front. I am biting the bottom of my lips while gripping tight on my phone as I continue to roam around my eyes thoroughly. Tiny drops of sweat are dripping down my forehead but I didn¡¯t bother to wipe it out. I just continue walking, searching for my missing daughter until my attention was caught by a family. Resting in the shade of a decorous tree while sitting on a pic nket. The image of them-having a fun time, bonding with each other-makes me smile suddenly. And then from then, my eyes suddenly went to the other tree near them. I covered my mouth with my hand as I saw Aisle, standing there while she is looking tightly at the family I am recently looking at.


    Without further ado, I run towards her. When she noticed my presence, she then run towards me and hug me. I hugged her tight as if someone will going to take her away from me. I just released her from my arms when I heard her cute littleints.


    I pushed her slightly, caging her face in my palms. ¡°Baby¡­ why did you do this? You make me and Mama Helena worried. I almost lost sanity thinking that I lost you¡­¡± I cried.


    Using her little palms, she wiped out my tears. ¡°I am sorry, Mommy.¡± She said before I carried her in my arms, heading back to Helena¡¯s ce.


    When she saw us, she hurriedly joined us and showered Aisle her kisses while continuing to utter words I didn¡¯t bother to know. I felt relief. I think I can now let go of the breath I am holding earlier. I can breathe fine now¡­ I am at ease with my daughter inside my arms again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do it again, Baby Aisle¡­ Mama Helena might go crazy. I don¡¯t know what to do¡­ we are worried sick,¡± Helena ranted while driving us home.


    At the unit, I changed Aisle¡¯s clothes first and let her watch her favorite kid show on the TV while I am preparing our early dinners. Helena is helping me while still telling how her mini heart attack is so close to killing her earlier. I thanked her for helping me find Aisle. Without her¡­ I really don¡¯t know what to do.


    While preparing food, a ring from my phone suddenly interrupted us. I drew near my bag ced on the mini cab and took out my phone. Shocked spread on me instantly followed by unknown fear as I stared at the screen showing the name of the caller.


    Mr. Logan Ivanov


    Shit! Why is he calling me this time?!


    Oh shit! I forgot what I have done earlier in thepany. Words that came out from me slowly shed back in my mind. Those harsh words I have to her and¡­ and¡­ the jerk part!


    Even I am hesitant to answer his call, I summoned all my courage just to talk to him. But soon as I answered him, his loud and bone-melting voice boomed from the other line making me pull my phone away from my ear. When I heard his voice be calm and t, I then put the phone back in my ear.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Sir,¡± is all I could say, followed by my excuses but seems like he is not buying that even though it is the pure truth I have told him.


    ¡°Go back in my office now, Alice,¡± he sounded more intimidating. ¡°You do not have the right to dismissed your boss in that rude way.¡±


    Wow! Big word!


    Rude? I am now rude, huh? Then what about his attitude? He¡¯s always rude, not just to me but to his all employees then now he¡¯s demanding and mad about me, being rude to him. I hope he could hear himself.


    ¡°Sir¡­ hear me out, please,¡± I said, almost pleading but his decision is final.


    ¡°Go back to my office now and finish the work I have to give you. I expect you here in fifteen minutes or else¡­ you know what I am going to do.¡± My throat went dry when he ended the call with a threat again.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that? You seem bothered as fuck, Alice,¡± Helenamented.


    I smiled raw at her. ¡°Literally¡­ I am fucked up, Helena!¡± I gritted my teeth. ¡°The boss calls me, he calls me for goodness¡¯ sake. Telling me that I should go back to the office now or else he will fire me. He¡­ ugh! He is getting on my nerves. Big time!¡±


    ¡°You can go now, Alice. Aisle is safe now.¡±


    ¡°What?! No! I will mot leave my child¡­ just at least this time.¡±


    ¡°Then what about your boss¡¯ rude attitude towards you? If he¡¯s not joking then he could literally fire you out.¡± I was about to reply when the phone rang again.


    Frustratedly, I answered the call again. Controlling myself as much as possible.


    ¡°Where are you now?¡± his cold voice asked.


    I turned to Helena, she twitched her lips. I scratched the back of my neck, getting the timing to ask for at least a half-day absent.


    ¡°Alice¡­ I am not joking here. Ten minutes is already down so where the hell are you now?!¡±


    ¡°S¨CSir¡­¡± Oh, great! I was just startled.


    ¡°What?!¡± he shouted from the other line.


    Hesitant, I still pushed my luck. ¡°Can I ask for a half-day absent, Sir?¡± I asked directly.  Just like what I am expecting, consecutive curses from him bombed my ear.


    ¡°And why the hell I am going to give you what you want?! I don¡¯t toleratezy workers in mypany, Alice!¡±


    I rolled my eyes. I am notzy. It just happened that I have to take care of our child¡­ his child. If only he knows my reason¡­ if only he knows.


    ¡°Please, Sir. I promised I will take overtime tomorrow just give me a half-day absence. I badly need it right now.¡± I heard Helena sigh heavily beside me before leaving me for Aisle.


    ¡°Why do you need a half-day absent anyway?¡± he asked making me a bit on my lower lips hard.


    ¡°Uh¡­ there¡¯s something bad happened in my rtive, Sir. I am the only one she can rely on so I am taking care of her now. Please, Sir¡­ give me this half-day¨C¡±


    ¡°Fine!¡±


    My eyes widened upon hearing it. I have to pinch myself just to make sure that I am not dreaming or hallucinating. He agreed¡­ he f*cking agreed!


    ¡°Thank you, Sir. Thank you.¡± I am smiling wide as I thanked him. I even jumped slightly in my ce out of joy but my smile slowly quickly faded. Reced by a grimace as I heard him speak again.


    Ugh! Just like what I am supposed to expect from him. Of course, he is not kind. He is really rude-no! Maybe beyond the term ¡®rude¡¯. Perhaps, he is literally a devil in disguise.


    ¡°I will give you what you ask for, Alice. But in one condition.¡±


    What condition?


    ¡°S¨CSir?¡±


    ¡°Oh, sounds like you didn¡¯t like my opposition, huh? Of course, there is something you need to do to get what you want. You can¡¯t get it without hard work. You should work hard so I am giving you my condition. In that way, we will be both benefits. I am right, Alice?¡±


    I wasn¡¯t able to answer. I went speechless thinking about the unknown condition he just dropped.


    ¡°Anyway, I got to go. Enjoy your half-day absence, Alice. You¡¯ll know my condition tomorrow.¡± And with that, he dropped the call.

 Chapter 8: Cries

    At dinner, we are in silence while eating our food. No one dared to break the tranquility engulfing the whole dining area. All we could hear was the sounding from our utensils-fork, and spoon hitting the te. Our breathing is being controlled, avoiding creating any sound. I looked at Aisle beside me then nced at Helena afterward. I saw her pointing my daughter using her lips so I arched my brow. Giving her my what-look. She rolled her eyes and then turned her focus on her food again. I even heard her breathe, deep and hard which followed by mine.


    I once again locked my gaze to Aisle. She¡¯s busy spooning the rice in her te and then silently bringing it to her mouth. ¡°Baby¡­¡± finally, I was able to break the silence. ¡°Do you love the food?¡± I added, trying to create conversation.


    She simply looked me up and then brought down her eyes again. I don¡¯t like to think that she is avoiding me but her actions say it. Her eyes seem to avoid mine and it makes me worried. Especially when she didn¡¯t answer my question.


    ¡°Baby¡­¡± I hold her hand. ¡°Is there something wrong? You know you can tell it to me¡­ to your Mama Helena,¡± I insisted.


    She breathes out. I thought that she will be going to answer finally but then, I got panicked when she suddenly burst out crying. I hurriedly lifted my butt out of my chair and drew nearer her so I could stop her but it was futile.


    ¡°Hey¡­ why are you crying,¡± I asked. Helena is being confused too. ¡°Aisle baby¡­ don¡¯t cry.¡± I caressed her back and then bring her to my arms.


    When I already carrying her, I turned to see Helena and signed her that we will just go to the bedroom. She nodded so I went inside our room. There, Iid Aisle on the bed andid too just beside her. She instantly hugged me sideways while still sobbing. Compare to earlier, her cries became calmer but despite that, I can¡¯t still calm myself. Seeing her crying makes me worried as fuck.


    ¡°Tell mommy what¡¯s your problem, baby.¡± I brushed her hair gently.


    She sniffed. ¡°Mommy¡­¡± she trailed, gripping tight on my waist. ¡°Mommy¡­ I envy them,¡± she added, sobbing.


    My brow rose. ¡°Envy who?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°My c¨Cssmates¡­¡± she startled. Her sob was then followed by her little hups. ¡°I want to have what they have, Mommy.¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer. Confused about what she is referring to.


    ¡°Mommy.¡± She lifted her head on me. There, I met her tearful and swollen eyes. ¡°I want to have a father. I want my father, M¨CMommy,¡± her voice broke.


    My reaction was as fast as lightning. My jaw instantly dropped as I heard her words. As I heard what just she said.


    ¡°My ssmates always bragged their fathers to me. They always told me that they have a father. They have a loving daddy while me¡­ I have none. I want a Dada too, Mommy. Please, give me one,¡± she pleaded between her tears.


    I wasn¡¯t able to speak. My brain can¡¯t process properly. Shocked just hit me, damn hard! I don¡¯t know what to do? What to say? I really don¡¯t know!


    ¡°You w¨Cwant a Dada?¡± I asked. Though it was clear enough to me, I wanted to make it clearer.


    Aisle nodded. ¡°Yes, Mommy¡­ I want a Dada. Can you give one?¡± If she¡¯s only asking for another pair of shoes or another toy¡­ I can easily give it to her. But in this case, she¡¯s asking me a very difficult one.


    She is just asking for a father. For Pete¡¯s sake¡­ I don¡¯t know how I can give her her father!


    I stared at her, meeting her eyes that is waiting for my answer. I can see hope in her eyes. Hope that I can¡¯t endure taking away from her. Years passed, Aisle didn¡¯t ask me about her father. Even though I know that her action says that she look for her father, she didn¡¯t bother to open a conversation about him. Just this time. And now, staring in her beautiful eyes¡­ asking for a father¡­ how can I take away that string of hope from her? It will surely break her heart.


    I smiled. ¡°Fine, I give you one.¡± How I wished that it was easy. That it was easy to give her a father when the truth is, it was beyond impossible.


    Her father is ruthless. Rude. A monster. A beast that is need to be a cage. So, how the hell I can give Mr. Logan Ivanov to her. Plus the fact that¡­ he didn¡¯t recognize me as the woman he bedded years ago.


    My gosh, Alice. You are really¡­ really¡­ fucked up!


    I wait for Aisle to fall asleep before I went outside the room. In the living room, Helena is on the couch. Even though the television is open in front of her, I know that her focus wasn¡¯t there but on me and my daughter. I headed to the kitchen and took a ss of cold water to calm my nerves down. Afterward, I joined her on the couch. She stared at me queryingly and then followed by her consecutive question.


    ¡°Aisle is okay now!¡± I dered, stopping her from firing me away from her questions.


    She breathed in relief. ¡°Thank God! I thought there is something really bad¨C¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, there is,¡± I cut her off which makes her eyes go wide.


    ¡°What do you mean? What do you mean about bad? Is she injured or sick?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°She¡¯s not injured nor sick. It just happened that she is asking for her father so it is bad for me,¡± I announced. I soon heard her curses after I dropped the bomb. As expected, she will be as shocked as me.


    ¡°Father?! Oh my God! So now, she is asking you for her father?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. It started when she heard us talkingst time about her Dad. I was sending her to school that day when she suddenly asked about her father. I didn¡¯t give her the right answer back then but now, seems like she can¡¯t take it anymore. She just burst out crying, asking about a Dada. My God, Helena! I don¡¯t know what to do anymore.¡±


    ¡°Of course, you know!¡± she reasoned out which made me frown. ¡°Come on, Alice¡­ we all know that you are always with her father so what is the problem now? You don¡¯t have to search for him ¡¯cause destiny already takes its part. All you have to do is to move before it¡¯s toote.¡±


    I stared at her in disbelief. ¡°Helena¡­ it is not as simple as what you say,¡± I reasoned back. I brushed my hair frustratedly. ¡°You know the status¡­ the situation. Yeah, he is just one step closer to me. He is so near. I am always with him but how about his treatment towards me? For heaven¡¯s sake, Helena. He can¡¯t even recognize me!¡±


    ¡°Then what are you going to do? Let him treat you like how he treats you? Alice, he has a child on you¡­ he has a responsibility on you and to her child. It is his right to know about Aisle. He has an obligation to you so whether he did not recognize you, whether he likes it or not¡­ he must know and acknowledge Aisle as his child.¡± With that, Helena left me, heading towards the guestroom where she always sleeps when she¡¯s staying.


    I was left dumbfounded. The mouth is still open. The brain is still tangled. My heart still erratically beating. I am still holding my breath. Shock. Fear. Doubts. Different emotion is filling me already and I don¡¯t know what to do anymore.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Holy Molly! My child is just asking for her father!


    ***


    The next morning, unlike me, Aisle is back to her usual mood. She became energetic again unlike these past few days. While me, with the two heavy bags under my eyes, it tells that I don¡¯t have enough sleepst night. My mind is so full for I get drowned in a deep sleep. It was already two in the morning when I luckily took a nap. Five in the morning, I have to get up and prepared breakfast. At seven, I arrived at the office. I silently celebrated when I came inside my office without the beast on his throne.


    ¡°What¡¯s with the look, Alice?¡± I lifted my eyes on Betty who was drinking her morning coffee in front of me. I came with her when she asked me to go to the cafeteria. Since I felt so stressed, I also wanted to drink some cup of coffee again even though I just have one during breakfast.


    ¡°I have to finish some works the boss gave me,¡± I lied.


    Betty grimaces as an answer. ¡°I really don¡¯t know why Mr. William choose him when it could be Mr. Lyndon. Imagine, my friend under Mr. Lyndon tells that he is a nice boss. Hmm, how I wished that Mr. Logan is as nice as his brother too.¡±


    ¡°As far as I remember, you praised him when he¡¯s still new to his position. Now, you act like you are too disgusted with him.¡± I arched my brow.


    Betty¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°I praised his looks, his body build. He is a total drop-dead gorgeous, Alice so who am I not to praise him? My point now is his attitude towards us¡­ he is disgusting. I am disgusted by his attitude, Alice.¡±


    ¡°Who isn¡¯t by the way.¡±


    We chose to continue our coffee in the office instead. Fearing that the boss might think that we arete. At the office, I am just three seconds sitting on my chair when the door opened. Give me Logan in his usual business suit. His long hair is perfectly tied up into a bun. His perfect chiseled jawline shouts charisma plus the well-toned body of him that definitely a head-turner. In his looks, I know¡­ every woman is having difficulty in ignoring his presence. He is a total distraction, big time!


    ¡°Done checking me out?¡± I was back to senses when his manly voice proudly chimed.


    I darted my eyes to nowhere just to avoid his stares. ¡°Good morning, Sir.¡± Good thing, I didn¡¯t stammer. If ever I am, it was a total shame for my morning then


    ¡°Follow me inside, we have something to talk about,¡± hemanded before stepping inside his office. I was left confused about what he is talking about not until the memory of yesterday crept into my mind like a wildfire.


    ¡°Oh my God!¡± I mumbled, biting my nails suddenly.


    I nervously walked inside. Both of my hands are on my back, clenched into tight balls. Every step I make to draw nearer his table is making my heart pound against my chest hard and heavy. Sucks, my ribcage hurts!


    ¡°Sit down,¡± hemanded which I quickly obliged.


    He stood up from his swivel chair and then faced the outside view through therge ss window. I stared at his back which is now facing me. His suit is hugging his body tightly which highlights his well-defined body. From broad shoulders to back? Damn it!


    ¡°How was your rtive?¡± he suddenly asked. My eyes went wide, staring at his back in shock.


    ¡°S¨CSir?¡±


    ¡°How was your rtive, Alice? You told me yesterday that she needed you so I am forced to gave you what you asked for. So, how was her now?¡±


    I gulped, finding the right words to give to him. ¡°Uhm¡­ she is okay now.¡± Your daughter is okay now.


    ¡°Good then. There will be no disruption on your work now.¡±


    Since he is facing back on me, I rolled my eyes freely. Damn him! My daughter is not a disturbance for me. His daughter is not!


    ¡°Thanks for giving me a half-day absence yesterday, Sir. It means a lot to me,¡± I thanked at least.


    I heard him chuckle. ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me, Alice. Just like what I have said yesterday on the phone, you need to pay me.¡± Then he twirled around with a grin creeping on his thin lips.


    ¡°Remember the condition, Alice¡­ remember.¡±

 Chapter 9: Heartbreaker

    ¡°I didn¡¯t¡­¡± I trailed as I stuttered. I licked my dry bottom lip before finishing my words. ¡°I didn¡¯t forget our agreement, Sir,¡± I added.


    Logan¡¯s side lip twitched before turning his back on me again. I heard him whistle as he take his seat and then face me afterward. ¡°Let¡¯s dive in already with the agreement, Alice. I don¡¯t like to waste time.¡± He stared at me, steel-hard but still, that annoying expression on his face didn¡¯t fade.


    My throat went dry as I stared at his table. Staring on his face for a long time wasn¡¯t helpful, I know. It will only give me a damn nervousness. Those eyes of him are meant to melt and torture me at the same time.


    ¡°I need you to work for me, Alice.¡± I suddenly lifted my head on him and give him my confused look.


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°I said¡­ I want you to work for me,¡± he repeated.


    ¡°I am already working for you, Sir,¡± I reasoned out. What does he think of me? ying in hispany?


    I saw him shake his head made me rose my left brow. ¡°I am talking about different work, Alice,¡± he said in a t tone.


    I was about to ask him about the work he is talking about when a sudden idea popped inside my head. My jaw literally dropped as the ideas about the work he is talking about slowly creeps into my brain. I gulped hard, locking my eyes on him. What the hell?!


    ¡°Give me different work, Sir, and I will dly oblige you but not that shit in your brain. I am not that kind of girl.¡±


    From that annoying expression stered on his gorgeous face, it was then reced by an expression of disbelief. Followed by his booming waves ofughter filling his whole office. Both shoulders are shaking as heughed with his stomach. Seems like I have just said something really worthughing about. But instead of being irritated about what he is doing, I felt a different kind of feeling. This was the first time¡­ the very first time. Since he reced his dad in the CEO position, my life only went through hell with him. Every day, he keeps my day ruined. That even though how many times I have tried to be nice to him, he will only push me to my limit until I boomed into anger as well. But this time¡­ this time is unusual.


    Watching himugh freely gives me joy. Those sweet and genuine smile on his lips gives me butterflies in my stomach. And the background around us, oh damn! Why the hell that the background went blurred and suddenly turns into slow motion. And to add with this cliches feeling of mine, why are there sparkling shimmering around him?


    Holy Molly!


    ***


    I was walking to the restaurant, somewhere near thepany. Holding a piece of paper where it shows me the face of the woman who turns out to be my mission this day. Uhuh¡­ mission.


    ¡°This is ire, she is my current girlfriend and I want you to meet her at the restaurant where she is waiting for me.¡± Logan¡¯s voice keeps on ying on my mind like it was a broken disk.


    ¡°You need to break her, Alice. Remember that you need to break her¡­ for me!¡± he hardly demand which threw me into confusion, into frustration.


    Two emotions are clouding my mind as I make my entrance to the restaurant where ¡®ire¡¯ is. Gripping hard on ire¡¯s picture, I roamed my eyes throughout the whole ce. Searching for my purpose ofing in and there, I spotted her. Sitting calmly andposed on the end table, near the enormous ss window. She was wearing a nude fitted dress that perfectly hugged her upper body. My eyes narrowed as I saw her breast and can¡¯t help but curse inside. This woman is blessed. Beautiful, sizzling hot, and dude, she could be a Goddess in her look.


    I wonder why Logan wanted me to break this beautiful woman when she¡¯s looking perfectly fit for him. Uhuh! Perfectly fit, with no hidden bitterness.


    ¡°Uhm¡­¡± I faked a cough when I stopped at her table. She instantly lifted her eyes on me and scan me from head to toe. It cringe me but I didn¡¯t entertain the feeling as I am here for only one reason.


    ¡°Yes, Miss?¡± she asked, arching her brows on me. ¡°Do you need anything?¡± she added.


    I shook my head slightly. I took a deep breath, summoning my courage to execute the mission given to me by my boss. ¡°I am¡­ Uhm¡­ I am Alice, Mr. Logan Ivanov¡¯s secretary. He told me to meet you here as he can¡¯t make it today.¡± Her jaw instantly dropped when she heard half of my announcement. ¡°He also told me to send you a message,¡± I added, almost biting my inner lips harshly.


    ¡°And what¡¯s the message?¡±


    ¡°I am breaking up with you. I¡¯m done with you. You already satisfied my needs in bed. Thank you.¡± And with that, I instantly saw how the beautiful Goddess in front of me quickly turned into a mother dragon.


    She grudgingly stood up, facing me with her red face. If I am going topare that shade of red on her face, tomato is the best option.


    I should be relieved as I made her angry just like what Logan told me. But contrary to what should I feel, I felt so guilty even though this was not my n. Guilt is eating me but I can¡¯t do anything to fight it because I know, at some point, I am already part of his n. That jerk can¡¯t do it with himself so he used that condition he have me yesterday so he¡¯s already free from this problem.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Come with me, bring me to his office so I can teach that jackass the suitable lesson he deserves!¡± As if a cue, I hurriedly stopped the raging Alice from walking outside the restaurant.


    With all my strength, I pulled her on her hand but it was useless. She forcefully pulled back her arms and stared at me with her dagger look.


    ¡°You are his secretary so bring me to your boss!¡± she yelled. I looked around and just like I expected earlier, lots of eyes are on me. We are already creating a scene but for ire, it seems nothing to her. While for me, it is! This scandalous scene means a big deal for me and thanks to that jerk, I am at shame right at this moment.


    ***


    ¡°Drive fast!¡± ire ordered her driver before giving me a hard re. She leaned back on the backseat, crossing her arms around her breast. ¡°Why did he suddenly call it off?¡± she asked and I can¡¯t tell if it was a question meant for me to answer so I remained my mouth shut. I heard her breath harsh.


    ¡°What he thinks of me? Trash that he can discard anytime he wants? No one broke ire Smith¡¯s heart. Damn him!¡±


    I choose to listen to her rants as we headed back to thepany and when we got in, the visible shock written on each employee on the CEO¡¯s floor is the thing that wees me and ire. I thought that they were shocked upon seeing the raging woman of our boss but I was wrong. Have I forgotten that Logan Ivanov is a monster, ruthless beast to be exact?


    ¡°What the hell is this?!¡± ire¡¯s voice boomed like a destructive bomb when we both enter the CEO¡¯s office.


    Both of our eyes are settled on Logan¡¯s table where he and another woman are both sharing an intimate make-out session. Logan is already topless, with scattered lipstick around his neck and hard chest. While the woman he is with is already naked, only covered by her brassiere and ckcy panty. When they saw us, the woman hurriedly fixed herself but she was just halfway to fixing herself, ire cut the distance between her and Logan¡¯s ce.


    With her sharp movement, ire pulled the woman¡¯s hair and dragged her out of Logan¡¯s office. Logan and I on the other hand left into silence. He didn¡¯t open his eyes for a word neither did I. What I saw was enough to shut the hell out of me and didn¡¯t bother to scold him. One word to describe him right at this moment is that he is disgusting.


    How can he drag two women into this scandalous act of him? If he wanted to break up with ire then he must decently do it all at least. But based on what he did, I don¡¯t think he is a decent man nor a gentleman.


    ¡°You!¡± I faced the still raging ire who flew the door open. She stared angrily at Logan but dude, the jerk seems unbothered. What the heck!


    ire cut the distance between them and I was still nailing on my ce while witnessing their unfavorable break-up.


    ¡°Who do you think you are? Just because you are the most sought bachelor of the town, you can do all you want. When you courted me, you told me that I will be a queen of your world¨C¡±


    ¡°It is not my fault that you believe,¡± Logan proudly cut ire¡¯s words. ¡°Look, ire. I lost my appetite for you. I told you that you will be my queen and yes, I made you my queen. But that fairy tale of yours is now over, right now.¡±


    ¡°How dare you, Logan Ivanov!¡± ire fumed before giving Logan a hard p on his left cheek. It made his face turn into a side and ire¡¯s hand leave a red mark on his face. ¡°I hate you! I hate you for cheating on me! I hate you for doing this on me. How I wished that some of these days, you will be the one who will suffer this kind of heartbreak you gave to me. How I wished that someone will give you an endless pain just like what you give this day to me. May karma hit you hard, asshole!¡± irestly cursed before mming the office¡¯s door.


    I didn¡¯t wait for Logan to shoo me away. I initiated to take my exit and went to the pantry to calm my nerves. At the pantry, I thanked that no one dared to ask me about what just happened inside. I freely got a cup of hot chocte and snacks as well before turning back on my desk. I even saw Logan inside, smiling cockily on his swivel chair like there¡¯s nothing happened.


    Rolling my eyes, I started my work. ¡°May ire¡¯s wishes be granted,¡± I mumbled in the air.


    Passed nine in the evening when I decided to tear my eyes from my monitor. I exhaustedly lean my back on my chair and stretched my limbs while yawning. When I identally nce inside Logan¡¯s office, I saw him busy on hisptop so I decided to give him a coffee even though he didn¡¯t ask for one. But just when I was about to stand up, I saw him start fixing his things. And then put on his coat before walking outside. He then simply nce at me before heading outside. I breathe out and started to off the monitor and fixed my things as well.


    When I got outside, there were no employees left. I decided to took overtime just like what I have said to Logan yesterday. I am not obligated to do so but still, I have my word. What I have said is what I already said. I won¡¯t take it back.


    On the ground floor, the security guard greeted me before I went outside the building. I was about to take the taxi that is heading towards me when a ck BMW stopped right in front of me. It even made me flinch backward from panicking that it might hit me. Thank God it didn¡¯t!


    But my mini heart attack doubled when the car¡¯s window slowly move down giving me the most handsome driver I have ever seen in my entire life.


    Fine, I am just exaggerating things! But still, I am in no way kidding that the driver is literally dropped dead gorgeous. But what was his car doing right in front of me now?


    ¡°Hop in, heartbreaker,¡± Logan ordered and as if I am his robot, I unknowingly hopped in-not minding the sobriquet he gave me.

 Chapter 10: Sorry

    ¡°Thank you, Sir,¡± I thanked again for the third time. He just simply nodded before unlocking the door for me. However, my heart skip a beat when he leaned closer to me and all I can do was close my eyes tightly as I held my breath. And then after a couple of seconds, I heard a clicke from the door. When I already knew that Logan was no longer close to me, I opened my eyes again. But the dude, I am still holding my breath and it gives me heartaches.


    ¡°You seem so nervous when I am around, Alice.¡± I darted on him and then bit my inside lip. I heard him chuckle while his chin settled on his left hand. I even saw him simply biting his lips.


    The way he do that was so simple but goodness gracious. Why do I find him seductively handsome Adonis in that simple way? Arg, erase!


    ¡°By the way, get out already. I have another ce to go,¡± he ordered which dragged me back to reality.


    I refrain from rolling and slipping a curse as I jumped out from his car. And as soon as I jumped off, he instantly started the wheel and maneuvered away. I watched his car until it was nowhere to be seen before I finally decided toe inside while pouting.


    As I opened the door, I heard a coughing from the couch where Helena is. Her eyes settled on the opened television but it looks like her focus wasn¡¯t really there. She turned her eyes on me, there was no emotion on it at first butter on, it was reced by curiosity.


    ¡°Where have you been?¡± she asked, suspiciously.


    I ced my bag on the couch and started to remove my heels and shove them to the shoe racks. ¡°At the office, obviously.¡± I leaned my back, stretching my limbs as well as my legs.


    ¡°Uhuh, is that so, Alice?¡± she asked again.


    I frown. ¡°Where else do you expect?¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Come on, you got to tell me something, Alice. I am not blind here.¡±


    ¡°Who says you are? What is it all about and by the way, where is Aisle?¡± I asked her before heading towards the kitchen to grab some food to eat. J opened the refrigerator and saw a cup of soup there which I heated on a microwave.


    I heard footsteps from my back which came from Helena. ¡°I saw you,¡± she announced making me turn my face on her.


    My brow twitched. ¡°You saw me where? At the office¨C¡±


    ¡°Outside!¡± she hardly cut my words. ¡°I saw you Alice Del Angelo outside and guess what? Aside from seeing you outside, I also saw youing out from a luxurious car? BMW huh?¡±


    I let out a sigh before turning my back on her. I thought there is something important she is talking about. I didn¡¯t know that she was just curious about Ligan sending me home. I took the seat in front of her and started eating but Helena is too persistent to know who send me home.


    I put down my spoon and take a bite of my bread. ¡°He¡¯s nothing, Helena,¡± I replied.


    ¡°He is? You mean, a guy send you home thiste night?¡±


    ¡°Can you minimize your voice? Nothing is shocking on a man sending me home, duh. Besides, it was Logan, my boss who send me home¨C¡±


    ¡°Geez! Logan Ivanov! You mean Aisle¡¯s drop-dead gorgeous father?!¡±


    I winced. ¡°Yeah, the drop-dead gorgeous father of my child,¡± I mimicked the way she said those words and started eating again. But Helena being Helena didn¡¯t give me a peaceful time to eat myte dinner. Instead, she keeps on asking what is currently going on between me and Logan.


    Of course, nothing is going on us. If there is, maybe earlier this day, he seems a different person. And yeah, he is kinda nice this day. But it was just because I gave him a favor that really¡­ literally benefited him and his ego.


    Passed eleven in the evening when Helena let me take asleep so when I woke up the next morning, heavy ck bags under my eyes are too visible. I needed to put on heavy makeup just to cover it and be presentable in the office. All thanks to my best friend, goodness gracious.


    ***


    ¡°Good morning, Alice!¡± Betty greeted me as soon as I saw her early in the pantry room.


    I smiled and greeted her back and then turned to the coffee maker and prepared two cups. Yeap, two. For me and Logan.


    Uhuh, Logan. Since when I used to call him by his name?


    ¡°You¡¯re early today. I bet our boss gives you heavy-loaded tasks on your table that is why?¡± Betty devoured the cake in her mouth and my stomach growls upon seeing her mocha cake so I decided to grab a fork and pick mine on the refrigerator.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the reason, I just want toe early. You know our boss, he wants us to be early than him. I shouldn¡¯t bete or else, we will see another volcanic eruption.¡± Betty and I bothughed in the pantry room as we spend our free time before we headed back on our work.


    When I came inside the office, Logan wasn¡¯t still there so I decided to clean his office even though it wasn¡¯t really a mess. I just have the urge to do so since I woke up this morning thinking about being nice to him starting today. Also, this is my way of thanking him for sending mest night.


    Eight in the morning when I nced at my wristwatch and yet, there were no Logan showed so I felt a bit confused why. Usually, seven in the morning is his arrival but what happened now? I already finished cleaning his office yet he¡¯s not still here.


    ¡°The rm clock might didn¡¯t woke him up,¡± I mumbled and decided to go back to my table and start my work.


    Ten, when I suddenly yawn as I am fighting my sleepiness due to theck of sleep. I was about to stand up to grab some snacks when the door open giving me the man I had been waiting for for hours. But his looks that remind my looks earlier this morning didn¡¯t escape my eyes. Even though he didn¡¯t throw a single nce at me, I can clearly see how eye bags ruined his tantalizing eyes. And his hair that I prefer to see tied up in half gives me an idea that there is something that happened to him.


    ¡°Good morning, Sir.¡± I greeted him as I followed him to his office. He didn¡¯t turn his face on me but still ordered me to give him a brewed coffee that he always asks.


    I instantly get him what he asked and added some snacks to his tray. When I came back to his office, I thought he will going to throw this bread but he didn¡¯t so I breathe in relief and smiled inside.


    ¡°Still need anything, Sir?¡± I asked cheerfully which is really unusual of me. No doubt why Logan lifted his eyes on me and then frowned at the same time. He even scan me from head to toe which sent the strange feeling that became usual to me since the day I worked for him.


    ¡°You may go now,¡± he tly answered.


    I restrained myself from pouting instead, my lips slipped a smile. ¡°When you need anything, Sir, just call me.¡± I walked towards the doorway and let out the pout I am hiding from him.


    When I reached my table, I tried to focus back on my work and convince myself that my sudden disappointment is only because I am trying to be nice to him. Nothing more, nothing less. But as I go deep in my work, my unbelievable thoughts about Logan dive deep as well to the point that it hinders me to finish my work early at the end.


    Due to frustration on myself, I stopped for a while and give myself a hard p-hoping that it will wake me up. But it didn¡¯t. It only hurt me and when the pain finally subsided, my brain dived back on my thoughts about Logan.


    ¡°My God, Alice! For f*cking sake, can you please focus?! Damn focus, Alice!¡± I whispered to myself while gritting my teeth at the same time.


    ***


    ¡°Alice!¡± a loud voice boomed the whole pantry and because of that voice as well, the tray I was holding fell from my hand. The cup of coffee settled on that broke into pieces as the coffee and the cookies sttered on the floor. But that is not the reason why should I panic, it was the voice and the owner of it that made me shake in panic.


    ¡°S¨CSir¡­¡± I trailed, biting my lower lip. I simply look around and saw the other employees locking their eyes on me and the boss, our ruthless boss who didn¡¯t change.


    Logan strode closer to me and to my shocked, I instantly winced as I felt his harsh hand on my elbow. Gripping tight on it as if I am a robot to him that doesn¡¯t feel anything.


    ¡°I told you to bring my coffee in five minutes yet you took ten minutes in preparing a simple cup of coffee? My time is so precious to be ruined by a kind of people like you, understand?¡± He freed my elbow and left me like there is nothing happened.


    As soon as he left, I hurriedly picked up the broken ss and cursed when a piece of sharp ss cut my index finger identally. Pain instantly eat me but it is not from the wound, but from what Logan did.


    Six days ago. Six days of trying to be nice to him and six days of thinking that he would be nice as well but he didn¡¯t. I don¡¯t know if being nice to him is enough so he could treat-not just me as well as the other employees- in a nice way as well. But, still, it wasn¡¯t. I have tried, every day I tried to be nice to him. I always wear a smile even though I get harsh words from him. I always obliged his order with a smile and didn¡¯t demand for giving me too many works on my table. I didn¡¯t demand even he hurt me¡­ I didn¡¯t demand it because I just wanted to have a good rtionship with him. Just like what I promise to Aisle¡­


    ¡°Sir¡­ coffee.¡± With a bit of shaking hands, I put his coffee on his table. He didn¡¯t say any words but I heard him sigh before I started to walk back to my table.


    And just when I was about to step outside, he called me.


    ¡°Yes, Sir?¡± I asked.


    I waited for him to speak but he didn¡¯t, instead, he just walked in my direction and I got surprised on the next thing he did. He hold my hand and examine my wounded fingers. His eyes settled on there for a few seconds before he slowly dragged me towards the leather couch and guided me to sit. I gulped when turned to the cab and get something from there. When he faced me again, I saw a small medical kit he was holding in his right hand.


    ¡°Give me your hand,¡± he ordered but I was stiffened, I can¡¯t move because of his sudden mood. ¡°Alice, give me your hand,¡± he repeated.


    I slowly moved my hand, but Logan seems losing his patience so he pulled my hand towards him. As soon as he pulled my hand, my body came together causing me to get closer to him. It made me gulp two consecutive times as my heart started to pound hard against my chest. Our eyes are connected and it sends thousands of voltage on me. I don¡¯t know how to react, I don¡¯t know what to do. Right at that moment, everything for me is a blurred vision and Logan was the only one who was crystal clear in my eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±

 Chapter 11: Ynez

    I suddenly have difficulty breathing as I stared at him. My throat went dry, no words came out of my mouth. Right at this moment, as there was no space between us, my heart goes crazy wild. Like it was a wild animal who had just been freed away from a cage. It hurts me bad¡­ the strong and erratic beat of my heart hurts me but it was a kind of pain that I somehow, enjoyed.


    My eyes went down on his lips and even though I want to refrain from gulping, I just did. That made his lips stretch for a naughty grin which on the other for me, just fueled the intense feeling I have right now. And even though it was a shame for me to admit, I could tell that my body-for heaven¡¯s sake! My body is reacting to our sudden closed space just like how it was reacted that night, our first night. I could feel how my body shouts for needs, how it was shouting my hidden cravings on that sexual matter. And this is ridiculous! I don¡¯t understand why he is giving me this kind of feeling even after so many years.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± I heard him repeat what he just said earlier but my mouth is still close. I can¡¯t evenprehend the meaning behind his sorry. I don¡¯t know why is he sorry.


    My f*cking brain can not focus on what he is talking about. Instead, my whole sense is in our bodies. My body which tightly pressed against his perfectly sculptured body. And damn, dude! I like the feels how his body gives me another level of warmth. But I know, I should stop my nonsense. We. Should. Stop. This. Nonsense!


    We should part already because if we weren¡¯t, I might be lost my sanity. But how can I make the first move when I am currently enjoying this? When I am enjoying his warmth, his body against mine¨C


    ¡°Logan, baby¨C Woah!¡±


    Logan and I both dragged back to our almost lost senses when a mischievous voice of someone suddenly came in. Making the two of us automatically parted and I, forcefully pushed Logan away from me causing him to fell back on the couch. My eyes went on the door and to my surprise, I harshly cursed inside my inner self.


    Standing in the door is Logan¡¯s brother, Mr. Lyndon Ivanov. And dang it! He is just giving us an equal stare with visible malice on it. I bit the bottom of my lip before putting down my eyes on my palms settled on myp now which is currently on Logan¡¯s thick chest.


    ¡°Oh,e on, Alice! You were just caught by his brother and yet you still have the guts on fantasizing about Logan¡¯s chest?¡± I scolded myself silently.


    Logan faked a cough and leave his seat to approach his brother who was still silent after what he had witnessed. My God! It was a total shame for me!


    ¡°What do you need, dumbass?¡± Logan asked.


    I heard Lyndon chortled and when I lifted my eyes back on him, he is still eyeing me.


    ¡°Stop staring at her like that, will you?¡± it was Logan who growled to his brother.


    Logan just discarded what his brother says instead, he just doubled the malice on his eyes as they were locked on mine. ¡°As far as I know, Dad gave you the CEO position only, right? And you actually told me before that you hate the position given to your shoulder. But now, it says another thing, dude,¡± Lyndon maliciouslymented which made my eyes roll secretly.


    But before I could hear their conversation about what Lyndon just saw, I decided to make my exit without asking for Logan¡¯s permission. I just hurriedly go back to my table and there, I scolded myself for what I did. From the very earlier, I know that I should have pushed Logan away. That is what I should do but instead, I discarded that idea. Threw it aside and let myself enjoy that sinful feeling given by Logan to me. So now, boom! I need to suffer from the consequence of my impulsive decision. I have to carry the shame, endured it until Lyndon himself willpletely forget what he saw.


    But seems like Lyndon will not easily forget about it especially since he came out from Logan¡¯s office after they finished their private discussion. What kind of discussion? I really don¡¯t know¡­ probably, I am included on that topic.


    ***


    ¡°Seems like he¡¯s smitten, huh?¡±


    What Lyndon says before he totally left me earlier keeps on bugging me during office hours. Thankfully when the lunch came, I eluded the stress of mine but just for only a short time. Because when I came back to my table, a few minutes after I took my seat, Logan speak from the inte. Telling me toe inside his office for a business matter. And guess what, it is indeed a business matter.


    ¡°Attend to the meeting as ourpany¡¯s representative, Alice,¡± he ordered which I hesitate to do. ¡°Tell Mr. Sanchez that I can¡¯t make it today. Just record all the meetings so I can deal with them at home,¡± he added before putting his suit on.


    My mouth is still shut close when he left his office. I don¡¯t even get a chance to protest so I was left with no choice. Huh, as if I have?


    ¡°Tell Mr. Ivanov that I am expecting him in mypany next week. His presence in this project is necessary.¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    I smiled as I nod at Mr. Sanchez whose face is clearly disappointed about not seeing Logan in the meeting earlier. ¡°Your message will be directed to him, Mr. Sanchez. Thank you,¡± I replied before leaving hispany.


    I headed directly to the shuttle van at the parking lot when suddenly my phone buzzed inside my bag. Walking slowly, I took out my phone and answered Helena on the call.


    ¡°Yes, Helena? Something happened?¡± I asked as I opened the car¡¯s door. The driver smiled at me so I smiled back as my focus is still on the phone.


    ¡°Nothing really happened, Alice but I can¡¯t fetch Baby Aisle today. There¡¯s something I have to attend and it was important for me to miss,¡± she exined.


    I simply nced at my wristwatch and found that it was near four in the afternoon. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Helena. I¡¯ll fetch Aisle today. Bye.¡± I ended up the call and put it back in my bag.


    I decided to go back to the office first before I fetch Aisle and ask for my early out but when I came back to the office, no Logan was sitting on the CEO¡¯s chair. I pouted because of his absence. But four o¡¯clock ising so I decided to write a letter asking for his permission. Whether he will agree or not, I will deal with it tomorrow.


    But the heck! Knowing him, I¡¯m sure there¡¯s another condition he will going to ask for me to pay him.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± I was stunned when I found Lyndon standing at my back, leaning sideways on the door frame.


    I gulped but managed to hide my reaction. ¡°I¡­ Uhm¡­ I need an early out, Sir Lyndon¡­¡± I trailed.


    He nods as his lips stretch for a thin smile. His index finger and thumb are caressing his chin smoothly as if he was thinking about what I have said.


    ¡°Why go out early? As far as I am concerned, working hoursst until six.¡±


    ¡°Uhm¡­ I have to do something, Sir that is why¨C¡±


    ¡°And that something is?¡± he asked as he strode towards me. I step back until my butt hits the couch. It made me gulp while Lyndon on the other hand, grin yfully before taking his seat.


    ¡°My brother¡¯s secretary wants an early out but unfortunately, he was not here. You are supposed to ask permission from him but it¡¯s okay, I am still here. Tell me the important matter you are talking about so I can tell my brother when he came¨C¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to fetch my child, Sir¡­¡± I announced which shocked me as well as Lyndon. To his shock, he even stood up as he stared at me with disbelief in his eyes.


    ¡°You have a child?¡± he asked. I didn¡¯t say anything instead, I just nod for confirmation before I left thepany.


    Exactly four when I arrive at Aisle¡¯s school and just as expected, my child hurriedly run towards me when she saw me entering the school¡¯s gate. We took a taxi and eat at a fast-food restaurant first before we headed straight to the apartment.


    Eight in the evening when Aisle fell to sleep and I just finished taking a shower when my phone rang. Thinking that it was Helena bugging me at this time, I answered the call without paying attention to it. So when I heard someone¡¯s male voice on the other line, my brows knotted as I read the caller¡¯s ID. The number isn¡¯t registered on my phone but the voice is enough for me to recognize the caller.


    ¡°Sir Logan?¡± I asked, making sure that it was him.


    He answered but I barely understand the words. ¡°Sir, I can¡¯t understa¨C¡±


    ¡°Who do you think you are, Alice? Huh¡­ you are just my dad¡¯s secretary¡­ you are nothingpared to her,¡± he said in his drunk voice.


    Even though his words are barely understandable, still, it struck me instantly. Who he is to tell me these words? He is the one here who called in the f*cking night to what reason? F*ck him! I thought there is something important he wants to tell me that is why he called me this night.


    ¡°You are no waypared to Ynez. You didn¡¯t even reach half of her level. F*ck!¡± he cursed from the other line.


    I even heard him constantly cursing for an unknown reason while I, remained stiffened at my ce. Tears are started to build upon my eyelids. Biting my lips to prevent me from bursting into cries.


    ¡°You know what, I don¡¯t know what you do to me. Huh¡­ as far as I remember, I am not even noticing you since I first met you at the office. Maybe you seduce me, you used potion so you can get me into your hand¨C¡±


    ¡°Stop, Sir!¡± I finally voice out. Tears rolled down from my eyes but I instantly wiped them off. I breathed heavily, trying to calm myself at least but it wasn¡¯t helpful. ¡°If you just call me to insult me, please Sir, spare me. If you want me gone to yourpany, I will file my resignation letter tomorrow. Good night,¡± I said, dropping the callter on.


    F*ck him! He¡¯s such a jerk for doing his drunk call.


    After I pulled myself together again, I decided to go to Aisle¡¯s room to check her. When I saw her peacefully sleeping, I felt relieved yet I can¡¯t still help but to think of her, wanting a father that impossible for me to give on her. Especially in this situation. Her father clearly doesn¡¯t like me¡­


    ¡°Huh, Ynez. She is better than me, huh. So what, I didn¡¯t care, you asshole!¡±

 Chapter 12: No Place

    ¡°Can I take the seat, Miss Secretary?¡± I lifted my eyes to face the man who suddenly spoke, dragging me back to my senses.


    I awkwardly smiled at him and then roamed my eyes around. The cafeteria wasn¡¯t that full so there are lots of vacant tables around. I faced him again with confusion butter on, I chose to hide it and let him take the seat in front of me. He simply let out a smile before he sipped to his cup of coffee which aroma directs in my nostrils.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t eat your breakfast?¡± he asked, eyeing the waffles on my te.


    I simply nod before taking a slice of my breakfast. Lyndon was right, I haven¡¯t eaten breakfast. I cooked but I just don¡¯t have an appetite to eat especially since my mind is still filled by what happenedst night. Dang it! It made me cry for almost a whole night, it keeps me awake until dawn. If it wasn¡¯t because of the pill I takest night, I won¡¯t drown to sleep.


    ¡°You looks bothered, Miss Secretary,¡± Lyndonmented.


    From him, I darted my eyes to the window ss which gives me the view of the busy road. I don¡¯t have the usual energy as well and it¡¯s giving me a fuck. Last night, after talking to the drunk Logan, I cried. I know that I shouldn¡¯t be hurt, or maybe, I should be but why does the pain never fade. Until now, it¡¯s still in my heart, torturing the hell out of me. Even Aisle notice it, so do Helena when she picked up Aisle for school. I just weave an excuse so she won¡¯t bother to interrogate me because if she ever did, I don¡¯t know how to exin her.


    What should I exin? That I was hurt because my bosspared me to another woman whom I didn¡¯t know. Goodness¡¯ gracious, Alice. Wake up!


    ¡°Ynez¡­¡± I suddenly mumbled followed by my smooth chuckled.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± I suddenly turned my eyes to Lyndon whose brows are barely knotted. ¡°Did you just say Ynez?¡± I nodded to confirm.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Sir?¡± I asked, still calling him ¡®Sir¡¯ even though he eat in here, acting like we were close friends or what.


    ¡°How do you know Ynez? Uhm¡­ I mean, who¡¯s Ynez you are talking to?¡±


    My brows then knotted, reflecting his brows. ¡°I don¡¯t know someone named Ynez¨C¡±


    ¡°But you just said her name,¡± he reasoned out.


    I grimaced. ¡°Uh, I just heard her name from someone when hepared me to her. Why, do you know this Ynez?¡± After all, Logan is his brother and Logan is the one whopared that woman to me.


    ¡°Was it Logan?¡± He locked his eyes on me as if he was scanning my face. When I didn¡¯t answer, I heard him let out a silent curse followed by shaking his head as if from disbelief. ¡°I knew it¡­ damn him! It¡¯s been a year yet he stillpared the woman to whoever he started to like,¡± he murmured which I clearly don¡¯t understand but still, I choose to listen to him.


    For what reason? Well, seems like Lyndon knows this Ynez so I am eager to know it from him instead of from that jerk. I want to know who is this Ynez at least before I give my resignation letter to Logan.


    ¡°Whatever my damn brother told you, just ignore it, Alice. Believe me, he didn¡¯t mean it. Maybe, he¡¯s still living in the past that he supposedly buried a long time,¡± Lyndon remind with a visible concern in his eyes.


    I want to believe that Logan didn¡¯t really mean what he saysst night but it was clear to me now. When I heard it from him, it awakened me in the most painful way. It feels like my past suddenly came back in the way hepared me to another woman. The love of my life cheated on me, he finds another woman and do sinful things behind my back. It destroyed me, it destroyed my confidence as a woman, and thanks to Logan, that confidence that I force to build again for years crumbled again.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter to me anyway. He was drunk when he called mest night. I do really think that he didn¡¯t mean it,¡± I lied.


    Lyndon smiled at me with relief in his expression. We talked for a while, and he even told me who¡¯s this Ynez is. And it made me reject for being curious about who is she. When Lyndon left the cafeteria to go back to his work, I suddenly felt droplets of tears rolling down from my eyes. The pain ofst night just seems doubled after discovering that Ynez is Logan¡¯s love of his life. The woman whom hepared to me is the woman who owns his heart and it just pained me realizing that there was no ce left to me¡­ left for his child.


    Now, how am I going to exin the truth to Aisle? She¡¯s expecting her real father yet this is the situation given to me.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ***


    After fixing myself in thefort room, I headed back to the office and intended to finish the obnoxious paperwork at my table. It took me hours before I finally finished at least half of them. Three in the afternoon when I stopped for a while and tiredly leaned my back on my chair. I even closed my eyes until unknowingly, I fell asleep. If it wasn¡¯t because a hand softly patted my cheek, I won¡¯t wake up and continued to sleep with my head rested on my crossed arms above my table.


    ¡°S¨CSir¡­¡± I sputtered upon seeing Logan beside me, eyeing at me with no emotion written on his face. ¡°Sorry, I fell asleep,¡± I apologize.


    He just nods tly before telling me to follow him inside his office. I was hesitant to do so but ended up following him inside with the resignation paper I have preparedst night. I hide the white envelope behind me and waited for the right time. When I saw the chance, I didn¡¯t hesitate to bring the envelope above his table which makes his brows shut knots. Seconds passed before he finally bring it to his hand and opened it. The lines on his forehead became visible telling me his clear disapproval.


    But this is what he wants, didn¡¯t he? Last night, when he called me drunk, he clearly want me gone. So resigning early as possible is in favor of him. In this case, he won¡¯t be obliged to fire me up and create shitty excuses that he could feed me.


    After reading what is written on the paper, he eyed on me with his deadly re that I usually see when he is mad. ¡°Why?¡± he asked afterward.


    I lost my tongue to speak. I can¡¯t even stand his dangerous stares so I pulled down my eyes on the floor, remaining my mouth shut. I don¡¯t want to answer his damn question. I want him to remember why, I want him to know it for himself but seems like he will not. Seems like he didn¡¯t remember what he saidst night. What insult he threw me and what kind of pain his words gives me. I don¡¯t want to exin my side why I want to resign. I just want to f*cking leave hispany so I can finally get rid of him and this damn feeling he slowly inflicted on me.


    ¡°Answer my question, Alice. Why do you want to resign? You clearly don¡¯t have a valid reason to resign if it was the benefits. Your sry is way higher than the other employees of thepany. There are lots of benefits offered¨C¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about the benefits, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Then what? Tell me your nonsense reason why you have to give up your work. My Dad will not be going like it if he found out that his secretary just quit her job.¡± I heard his harsh breath but I didn¡¯t dare to look him up. I don¡¯t want to¡­ I just don¡¯t want to because I know, my heart might betray me again.


    ¡°I have a personal reason, Sir that is why¨C¡±


    ¡°And that personal matter you are talking to is more important than your job?¡± he cut me off. ¡°Do you really want to resign?¡± he asked, with a hint of assuring on his voice.


    I lifted my eyes on him and then smiled even though behind that smile are the tears I am trying to hold back. ¡°Yes, Sir. And please tell Mr. William that I thanked him for epting me in thispany despite my background,¡± I finally voice out.


    Logan nodded a couple of times before bringing back his eyes to the resignation paper. He then handled it and I was thinking that he will finally agree but to my astonishment, he slowly tore the paper into half and to half again. Repeating the process until the resignation paper turned into small pieces. After doing that, he lifted his eyes to me. Giving me his intense re as if there is something he want to tell me but instead of telling it through his mouth, he chose to use his fiery eyes.


    ¡°You can¡¯t resign,¡± he announced, leaning his back on the swivel chair. ¡°Good employees must be kept so I decided to keep you. So, it¡¯s a no for me, My Dear Secretary.¡±


    ¡°But my decision is final, Sir. I want to resign¨C¡±


    ¡°I am still your boss and it will depend on me whether I¡¯ll ept your resignation paper or not. Yes, it was your decision but apparently, your boss didn¡¯t take your resignation paper. So whether you like it or not, you will work for me. You will be my secretary for how long I want you to be,¡± he cleared making me step back dumbfounded.


    After hearing his statement, my anger towards him just doubled. How can he forget his mistakesst night and then doing another mistake again this time? He¡­ he is a total jerk I want to get rid of.


    ¡°You can¡¯t force me to work with you anymore. I am resigning. I am leaving yourpany whether you like it or not, you asshole!¡± I yelled at his face before stepping outside.


    When I reached my table, I drastically grabbed my bag and then began walking outside. Soon, I reach the parking lot and then maneuvered my car back home. I was in the middle of the clear road when a ck sporty car suddenly stopped me from driving. I was about to jump off the car and ready to reprove the driver but when I saw the man in a suit who came out from the car, I hastily go back on my car and nned to maneuver it again. But Logan stood in my way with his intimidating confidence. He obviously challenged me.


    When he started to strode towards my car, I instantly feel panic inside. My grip on the wheel tightened as my eyes followed every step he make. Later on, I just found him on the window-knocking with his left brow twitching sexily.


    Darn it! Sexily? F*ck thepliment, Alice!


    ¡°Tail me,¡± he ordered as soon as I opened the door.


    My brows twitched and stared at him in disbelief. ¡°Sorry, but I just quit my job and I don¡¯t know you,¡± I confidently replied before shutting closed the window and driving again. When I nce back at him through the rear mirror, I saw him shaking his head.


    ¡°Huh, I won, asshole!¡± I blurted out and drive fast at home.


    But little did I know that when I reach home, there is another surprise waiting for me. Because as soon as I parked the car, I saw Lyndon at the gate.

 Chapter 13: Flirting

    ¡°What the hell is he doing here?!¡± I gritted my teeth as I stared at Lyndon who was waiting outside my apartment. Hesitant to jump off the car, I still do and when he saw me, his face brightened up.


    With confusion bugging me, I walked towards the gate and opened it with my keys. ¡°What are you doing at my ce, Sir Lyndon?¡± I inquired.


    His eyes followed every movement I did. ¡°Just Lyndon, we are not in thepany. Anyway, I am here for a certain matter¨C¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s about my resignation, I disagree to talk about that. Look, if Logan pushed you here so he can make change my decision, I am sorry, Sir. My decision is final and I want you to respect it.¡± I was about to close the gate when he stopped it with his arm.


    ¡°Logan didn¡¯t push me here to talk to you, Alice,¡± he announced.


    My brows twitched. ¡°Then who?¡± I sighed. ¡°Whether it was Logan who pushed you here or not, still, my decision won¡¯t change,¡± I dered in finality. Standing hard for my words.


    ¡°If that so, then what about your daughter? You have a child, right? And she¡¯s studying right now in a private pre-school. If you lost your job, how are you going to sustain her tuition? Her needs and wants?¡±


    My eyes popped out. It seems like my tongue got caught by a cat. I lost my word. All that running in my mind after hearing him is a question. How did he know about that? The heck!


    ¡°Come back to ourpany, Alice and I will assure you, your secret is safe to me.¡± He winked after saying those additional words with a hint of another meaning on them.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a secret. My child¡¯s background is not a secret so what are you talking about?¡± I asked, acting so tough even though there is something that already creeps the hell out of me. And I don¡¯t want to believe in it. Even though Lyndon¡¯s words are already enough to make it clear, still, I don¡¯t want to take it. I want to deny it as much as possible.


    ¡°You have a secret, Miss Secretary. Denied it or not, you still have. But don¡¯t worry, as what I have said,e back to ourpany. Be my brother¡¯s secretary and your secret is fine with me. I will keep it, I will care for it as if it was my own,¡± he said before walking to his car. But before he could jump on his car, he twirled once again to face me. ¡°And oh, by the way, your daughter really looks like him, huh. I advise you to be careful enough if you this to stay as a secret or else, he will know about her sooner orter. Got to go, Miss Secretary!¡± he wave his goodbye and then maneuvered his car away until it was nowhere in my eyes.


    It made me dumbfoundedly stand outside my apartment and if it wasn¡¯t because of the thunder that suddenly roared around, I wouldn¡¯t be back to my senses. As soon as I entered my house, the heavy rain poured and then my phone suddenly rang. Helena was on the line, I answered her call.


    And guess what, surprises are really richly pouring on me because as soon Helena spoke from the other line, she gave me another surprise. Now my spection has been confirmed.


    ¡°Really, Alice¡­ I don¡¯t know why he suddenly blocked our way out of the school. He even introduced himself as Aisle¡¯s father¡¯s brother when Aisle thought that he was her father. Oh my God, girl! You really f*cked up this time. What are going to do?!¡±


    What am I going to do?


    Dang it! I don¡¯t know! Lyndon just found out about Aisle and in what and how? I am clueless, big time!


    ***


    When Aisle and Helena get home, just like what I am expecting after knowing what happened from Helena, Aisle is booming in happiness. She even tells me about Lyndon who looks like her, my four-year-old child detailed to me what Lyndon did. The bastard! How can he kidnap my child and bring her to the mall? And goodness¡¯ gracious! I am really going to kill him once I came back to the office tomorrow.


    I waited for Aisle to finally run out of her words because of so much happiness before I came back to the kitchen where Helena is now preparing coffee for us.


    ¡°How was Aisle?¡± she asked, stirring the coffee.


    I sighed, deeply. ¡°She finally fell asleep talking endlessly about her father and her uncle.¡± I crunch a biscuit in my mouth and then sip on my coffee.


    Helena seat in front of me and then locked her eyes on me for a period. ¡°What are you going to do now?¡± she inquired.


    I shrugged. ¡°I am still thinking about that. Lyndon made a promise to me that this will remain his secret too as long as I came back to thepany. I think I will just need to follow what he wants so he will not break his promise.¡± I sipped on my coffee again while cursing inside my mind.


    ¡°So, you are telling me that you will eat your own words just so this Lyndon won¡¯t take back his promise?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    I nodded silently. ¡°I mean, is there any option left to me?¡±


    ¡°Obviously, there is nothing. But if I were you, I will go straight to your boss and tell him that you are the woman whom he bedded before. And then also tell him that you have a daughter with him. Easy peasy, Alice.¡±


    I rolled my eyes, not taking her advice. ¡°I am not crazy to do that. As long as Lyndon will shut his mouth, I won¡¯t tell Logan the truth.¡±


    Helena is such a good advisor. Giving advice is her expertise but I bet to disagree with her right now. Seriously? Tell Logan that he has a child on me. Like how exactly am I going to tell to him?


    Like, ¡°Boss, I am the woman you bedded years ago and you identally got me pregnant after our one-night stand.¡±


    Like what I have said, I am not crazy. If taking back my decision of resigning is the only way to silence Lyndon, then I¡¯ll do. I¡¯ll work again as my child¡¯s father¡¯s secretary. Whether I like it or not. As if I have a choice. Darn it!


    ***


    The following day, it became the usual morning for me. Woking up early in the morning, preparing breakfast, and then sent Aisle to her school first before heading to the office. Helena can¡¯t make it to send Aisle to her school that is why she left early in the morning and didn¡¯t even eat her breakfast.


    ¡°Good morning, Ma¡¯am Alice!¡± the security guard greeted me so I greeted back before going to the elevator. When I have reached my floor, I heave a deep sigh before stepping out of the elevator.


    Soon as I step out, I saw the face whom I cursed to hell several timesst night because of what he did for my daughter. Lyndon ¡°the jerk . 2¡± Ivanov is leaning on the front desk where Coreen is almost eye f*cking him without even noticing it. When he saw me, he gave me a proud grin which I answered with my eye roll. I walked through the office where I think, Logan ¡°the jerk . 1¡± Ivanov is sitting on his throne with his I-am-the-boss emotion.


    ¡°Alice, wait!¡± I heard the clicking sounding from Lyndon who¡¯s now tailing me. I didn¡¯t look back instead, I just walk way faster than I do.


    ¡°Alice, hey! Can you please slow down, Miss Secretary?!¡± he almost begged and I couldn¡¯t help but to slip a smile and then stop at the end.


    ¡°What do you need, Sir Lyndon?¡± I asked in a professional tone. I saw him smirk before slowly shaking his head.


    ¡°How was your night, Miss Secretary?¡± he asked suddenly.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    ¡°How was your morning? Was it good or bad?¡±


    I rolled my eyes, not trying to hide it from him so that made him chuckle smoothly. ¡°Bad because of you,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Hey, I am not bad for a morning. You are so harsh on me,¡± heined as we walked through the CEO¡¯s office.


    I didn¡¯t answer instead, I focus my thoughts on what I am going to say to Logan if he saw meing back after I resigned. Maybe, I¡¯m just going to weave excuses for the sake of my biggest secret.


    ¡°I told him that you¡¯lle back to thepany but he didn¡¯t listen. I think now that you were here, his eyes will pop out from their sockets.¡± Lyndonughed as we entered the office.


    Through the ss wall, I saw him. In the usual position, I used to see whenever I am ncing at him inside. Facing therge ss window, sometimes reading a paper works or just enjoying the view of the busy city outside.


    ¡°Knock! Knock!¡± Lyndon gets his attention. It made him twirl around while sitting on his swivel chair and when his eyes firstnded on me, Lyndon made a right presumption. His eyes popped out.


    ¡°I told you, dude. She wille back. Now, you have to thank me for bringing back your one and only, yours truly secretary.¡± I leered at Lyndon and then brought my eyes in front again. I met his gaze but avoided it afterward.


    ¡°You may proceed to your usual doing, Alice,¡± he ordered so I followed as soon as he said it. But before I step outside, I heard Lyndon from my back speak which I know, teasing me.


    ¡°Wee back, Miss Secretary. I¡¯m d you heard my offer,¡± he said.


    Offer? The heck he¡¯s talking about! It wasn¡¯t an offer, he ckmailed me for heaven¡¯s sake.


    Lyndon took about an hour inside his brother¡¯s office. Even how I badly want to peek at their business inside, I can¡¯t do as Logan close the blindfold. Hindering me from peeking out at them.


    ¡°Alice,e here,¡± Logan ordered from the inte so pushed me inside his office.


    When I came in, he is sitting on the leather couch. Legs crossed in a manly position and his eyes are settled on the door as if it was really expecting me.


    ¡°Do you need anything, Sir? Coffee?¡± I inquired, not minding his gaze that already centered on me.


    ¡°What is your rtionship to him?¡± he suddenly asked in his t tone.


    I threw into confusion instantly. ¡°Pardon, Sir?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t bullsh*t me, Alice. You know what I am talking about.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t really understand you, Sir. Can you please make it cleare¨C¡±


    ¡°Lyndon¡­ my brother. What the f*ck is your rtionship to my brother?!¡± he shouted which made me step backward and boiled from anger at the same time.


    ¡°Sir, you must be mistaken something,¡± I exined, trying to be calm even though I am already mad inside.


    ¡°Mistaken of something?¡± heughed humorlessly. ¡°You came into the office with him. He even talks to you like you knew each other, that you¡¯re close to him. And to add to that, he just told me that he came into your house yesterday so he can talk to you. Tell me, do I misunderstand something?¡±


    My gosh! That Lyndon, why did he tell him about yesterday?!


    ¡°Uhm, about that, Sir¡­ Yes, Sir Lyndon came to my house so he can convince me toe back. And abouting into the office with him, I actually just saw him at the front desk earlier. That¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°You two can talk here so why the hell does he needs to go to your house?! Tell me, Alice¡­ are you, perhaps, flirting with Lyndon?¡±


    My eyes went wide as my temper already run out. What the heck?! Me?! He¡¯s using me of flirting with Lyndon?! Holy Molly!


    ¡°I guess, silence means yes. So it¡¯s true, you are flirting with him. Great! Just great.¡±

 Chapter 14: Rumors

    ¡°Mommy!¡± Aisle burst out into my room and hurriedly jumped into my bed as her lips is almost tearing because of her wide smile. ¡°Someone¡¯s here, Mommy!¡± she announced making me frown as I put down myptop into my bed.


    ¡°Someone?¡± I asked, totally clueless about whom she is talking to. If it was Helena, this is not her reaction. Helena is normally visiting in our apartment so it wasn¡¯t a surprise but this time, seeing Aisle¡¯s reaction is a different thing.


    Instead of answering my question, Aisle jump off the bed and pulled my hand. I don¡¯t have a choice but to follow her and let her drag me outside. My eyes firstnded on the fruit basket in the living room and then it traveled to the man in a polo shirt, calmly sitting on the couch as he owns it.


    ¡°Good morning, Alice,¡± Lyndon greeted with a smile on his lips. Aisle abandoned me at my ce and then runs towards her uncle. Lyndon on the other hand opened his arms widely and carried my daughter, effortlessly. He sat back on the couch with Aisle on hisp.


    ¡°Why are you here, Sir?¡±


    ¡°Just Lyndon, remember,¡± he reminded. ¡°Anyway, I am here for my pretty niece. Can I borrow her, Alice?¡± he suddenly asked which I instantly refused to cause both of them showed their sad face.


    Oh great! Since the day Aisle met this man, she became a stubborn one. She will always use her sad face just to convince me.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I surrendered. ¡°But likest time, I¡¯lle with you,¡± I added and headed back to my room to change my clothes. Aisle followed me as well and I first fix her up and then told her to tell Lyndon to wait.


    When I came out ready, I saw the two both cheering in the living room. Aisle is in Lyndon¡¯s arms while giggling at something Lyndon is saying which I could not hear.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Where are we going this time?¡± I asked, getting Aisle from him.


    ¡°Dada Lyndon told me that we will go to the park, Mommy!¡± Aisle happily pped her hands.


    I look up Lyndon who¡¯s towering me beside. I leered at him as I gritted my teeth. ¡°I said no spoiling, Lyndon. Last time, you bought her lots of toys that almost filled her room. The first time you saw her, you bought her lots of sweets which I strictly prohibited. And then now¨C¡±


    ¡°Come on, Alice¡­ she is my baby too. Whatever my niece wants, she will get it. Right, baby Aisle?¡± He turned to Aisle who was wiggling in my arms. He pinched her tiny nose while Aisle giggles.


    I can¡¯t do anything but roll my eyes out because of frustration. ¡°No sweets, no junk food, and no other toys, Lyndon,¡± Istly warned before we ride in his car.


    Today is Sunday so there is no office work for me, fortunately. I can have bonds with Aisle and I nned to take her to the mall this day but because of Lyndon who suddenly came into the picture, my n got ruined. It¡¯s been weeks since Lyndon found out about Aisle. I already told him the whole story and he respects my decision of not spilling my secret to Logan. He never bugs me about telling the truth, on confessing my secret and I really, really thanked him for that. He also made sure that my secret is like his secret too and whenever Aisle is asking him about Logan, he will just create excuses so my child won¡¯t be hurt. Fortunately, I could tell that Aisle is happy enough with Lyndon¡­ with her uncle. But despite that, there were still days and nights of me thinking about what Helena kept on advising me. She said that I must tell Logan the truth because it was his right as Aisle¡¯s father. I sometimes agree with her but every time I am trying to, something is stopping me. I can not pinpoint what it is but I know, it was clear to me that there is something hindering me.


    ¡°Does Logan still thinks that we are in a rtionship?¡± I suddenly asked Lyndon while we are still on the road, heading to the ce he is talking to.


    He simply nced at Aisle who¡¯s currently sleeping in myp. ¡°Since the day you told me what he thinks of us, it didn¡¯t change.¡± Heughed while shaking his head.


    ¡°Damn that jerk!¡±


    ¡°Just don¡¯t mind him. Let him think that way. Just sit and enjoy the show.¡±


    ¡°The show you are talking about? Are crazy? Your brother is thinking dirty things about us yet you are acting like it doesn¡¯t affect you,¡± I ranted.


    Lyndon chuckled. ¡°It is not affecting me, to be honest, lol. The boss is just jealous, Alice.¡±


    ¡°Jealous?¡± Iughed humorlessly. ¡°If that is a joke then I must say it isughable.¡± Lyndon just shrugged as he turned the car into another street. We remained silent as he drive and I even fell asleep. I just woke up because of Aisle naughtily tickling me under my chin.


    ¡°We are here, Mommy!¡± she announced in joy. When I look outside, the park is the one I am expecting but the view is not a park. Rather, it was a calm sea and the refined white sand.


    ¡°Lyndon!¡± I screamed, finding Lyndon in the car but he was not with us anymore.


    ***


    ¡°A child?!¡± My eyes turned into the woman who is standing beside me while riding an elevator.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± the other woman beside her confirmed. ¡°I saw him yesterday with a child. They were on the beach yesterday and he looks so happy with the young girl,¡± the woman continue which pulled my whole attention to them.


    I secretly look at their reflection on the elevator wall. The two seem so serious about their discussion as they almost forgot my presence. I just keep on listening to them for the whole ride on the elevator and when the elevator opened at the finance floor, they both came out-leaving me with my unsatisfied curiosity.


    ¡°You arete.¡± I almost jump out when I was weed by a hard tone of Logan who is leaning at my office table.


    ¡°Apology, Sir. I woke upte this morning and I have to drop¨C¡±


    ¡°Your child in her school,¡± he cuts me off.


    Shock, I instantly lifted my eyes to him. Stared at him in disbelief with horror as well. Different ideas flooded my mind making me go into a panic while he is just staring at me with his expressionless face.


    ¡°Shock? It¡¯s okay, I got shocked as well when I found out from Lyndon,¡± he told.


    ¡°You found out from Lyndon?¡± Damn that jerk! He told me that I can trust him with my secret!


    ¡°Yeah,¡± he shrugged. ¡°Anyway, proceed to your work. That¡¯s a big revtion, huh. But you know what keeps on bothering me? It is why my brother knew about your child and he is getting close to you? Last time, you admit that you are flirting with him¨C¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t admit your usation, Sir!¡± I suddenly raised my voice which made his brow twitch.


    He grins afterward and gives me a mocking stare. ¡°Fine, you didn¡¯t admit but it was then confirmed after knowing how close my brother is to my secretary. You got a big fish, Alice. Wow! Really wow!¡± He pped as he shook his head. I only stared at him with my eyes slowly watering but I still hold back my tears just so I can hide the pain he is giving me.


    I suppose to be used to his treatment. Rudeness. Insults. Mockeries. I suppose to get used to it but why is he still hurting me this way every time he insults me?


    When he walked to his office, he is whistling with mockery on it. All I can do was to stare at his back and followed his movement as he closed the blindfold. When I was assured that he can no longer see my state, I broke down in my seat. I silently sobbed with my hands covering my mouth. I just stayed in that state until I get tired of sobbing. When I finally pulled myself together, I began doing my daily work until the door flew open giving me the root of all unpleasant treatment of Logan.


    Lyndon strode towards my table while smiling. ¡°Good morning, Alice. How was Aisle?¡± I avoided his eyes.


    ¡°She¡¯s good. She also remind me to say thank you for bringing her to the beach yesterday,¡± I silently answered.


    ¡°No problem¡­ anytime for my pretty niec¨C¡±


    ¡°Lyndon.¡± We both turned our heads to the door where Logan is now standing. ring on us with his deadly shooting daggers.


    Lyndon leave my table and walked to his brother. He was supposed to give him a brother¡¯s punch when Logan rudely avoided it, making Lyndon¡¯s fist hit the door. Before Lyndon could enter to his brother¡¯s office, he turned to me. Giving me his what-happened-to-him look. I just shrugged my shoulders and bring my focus back to my work. Eleven in the morning, I have noticed that Lyndon are still inside. There were no also calls on the inte from Logan. Usually, at this hour, he would be going to ask for food or at least a cup of his brewed coffee. I just brush off my thoughts and started fixing myself to go to thepany¡¯s cafeteria for a break time.


    And as soon as I reached the cafeteria, everyone is murmuring on their own tables. Looks like they were busy discussing about something I am clueless. Ignoring the employees who turned out to be like bees, I headed to the counter to pick up my food.


    ¡°Alice, here!¡± I search for the shrill voice of someone who called my name. I jokingly rolled my eyes when I saw Betty together with her boyfriend and the other employees in our department, sitting on the long table at the corner of the room. I walked towards them, holding my food tray.


    ¡°You are just in time, girl!¡± Betty shrieked.


    My brows knotted as I sit in front of her. ¡°In time for what?¡± I opened my sd as I waited for her answer.


    ¡°Just in time for a hot sizzling news!¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by hot sizzling news?¡±


    ¡°Sizzling means headline of the day. And guess what, the headline is our boss¡¯ younger brother,¡± Betty told which get my attention.


    It just perfectly hit my curiosity so I intend to listen to her. Everyone at our table is also waiting for her mouth to open because it will feed our own curiosity.


    ¡°Guess what, an employee in his department just saw him at the beach.¡±


    My heart started to palpitated as soon as I heard her words.


    ¡°With a kid with him.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Her follow-up words threw me off guard. There is a lump that builds up in my throat, hindering me from uttering words. My heart as well pounded hard against my chest which leads me to difficulty in breathing.


    ¡°The employee also witnessed how Mr. Lyndon was so fond of the young girl. And the most shocking is that the kid called him ¡®Daddy''¡±


    What the f*ck!


    Beach? Young girl? Daddy?


    She is talking about my daughter who is with Lyndon yesterday together me as well.


    ¡°Did she see the kid¡¯s mother?¡± Linda, one of Betty¡¯s friends, asked curiously.


    Betty nodded to answer. ¡°ording to the witness, the woman is with Mr. Lyndon as well. They obviously had a family bonding but unfortunately, the witness didn¡¯t see the face of the woman. My gosh! That was so surprising, right?¡±


    I was silent while my grip on my fork gets too tight.


    Family bonding? What the heck?!


    ¡°Everyone already knows about the secret family of Mr. Lyndon and now, look, they are now talking about him.¡±


    Yes, it was right. Betty was right. Because when I excuse myself to go back into the office, everyone that will walk with us talking about Lyndon.


    The headline was Lyndon and the allegedly secret family of him which turned out to be a big mistake because we were not his secret family, dang it! Aisle wasn¡¯t his child but Logan. And I am not Lyndon¡¯s woman, for goddamn¡¯s sake!

 Chapter 15: Saw

    [¡°Alice, calm down, okay? They didn¡¯t see you and as long as Aisle will be kept away from their eyes, there will be no problem. Just calm down, I got to work with that.¡±] Lyndon assured from the other line.


    I pressed my palm on my forehead followed by massaging the bridge of my nose. ¡°I told you, going to that beach is not a good idea. There is someone who sees us and now the secret family of yours rumors spread like a wildfire in thepany. What if this would be the end of hiding my secret. Sooner orter, Logan will hear the rumors. So, what are you going to do? Deny the rumors to your brother which Ipletely know that he will not believe on?!¡± I gritted my teeth. I even walked back in forth inside my room because of mixed emotions ring inside me.


    I heard him sigh from the other line which just added to my annoyance. I told him¡­ for goodness¡¯ sake, I already warned him about being careful too but he didn¡¯t listen. I am not prohibiting him to see Aisle but at least, follow my instruction. Now, we are facing a scandal that turns out to be a mistake.


    [¡°Don¡¯t worry, Alice. For Aisle, I will fix everything. Go ahead, you can sleep now. Don¡¯t worry too much.¡±]


    I didn¡¯t answer, instead, I hang up the call and shove myself to my bed. With my both legs drooping at the edge of my bed, I cried my heart out silently. Different emotions are filling me, causing my mind not to function well. I can¡¯t even think properly since the moment I found out who is the headline in thepany now. Different questions are running inside me that I could not answer. Full of ¡®what if¡¯ and ¡®how¡¯.


    But after all, what happened, I should have med myself too. He should not know about my secret, I shouldn¡¯t let him know. I should deny it from Lyndon since the day he found out. I should have lied to him after all, lying is my expertise. I even lied to my own child many times, countless times to be exact. So, what is the matter in lying again? If it will going to prevent my secret from spilling, I should have done that. But I know, it was toote¡­ toote for my lies. Maybe, I really have to think of the right solution by now, or else, Aisle will suffer from the nonsense and false spection of the others.


    ¡°It¡¯s now or never, Alice.¡± I breathe out, thinking of Logan as I close my eyes.


    The following day, I decided to call Logan for my urgent absence. Just like before, he interrogated me. Fired me up with his questions which I answered with another lie. I just can¡¯te to the office right now. At least for one day, I wanted to evade those rumors spreading around.


    Secret family.


    Lyndon¡¯s hidden child when it was supposed to be the CEO¡¯s name that is being used.


    Lyndon¡¯s mistress. Oh, God! I don¡¯t even know Lyndon in the very first ce.


    ¡°Mommy, you look like a zombie,¡± Aislemented before chewing her bacon.


    I slipped a smile before leaning towards her and pinched her nose. ¡°Silly! Do I look like a zombie to you, huh?¡± She nodded. ¡°So, it means that you look like a zombie too? Remember, you came from me.¡±


    ¡°Nah,¡± she strongly disagrees. ¡°Dada Lyndon told me that I do not look like you but I look like my Daddy.¡±


    My lips twitched as I grimaced. That Lyndon is really getting into my nerves! How dare he to spoil my child¡¯s mind? She should believe me that she looks like me even though it wasn¡¯t true.


    ¡°Finish your food, baby. We are going somewhere. Mommy didn¡¯t go to work just to be with you alone. No one will disturb us, you want that?¡± I asked. Aisle nodded while smiling wide at me and then energetically eating up all the foods on her tes.


    Minutes after, she is now ready with her new purple dress and shoes bought by Lyndon for him. Actually, I choose the pink outfit for her but she shove it back into her closet and personally picked her uncle¡¯s gift. See, that is how she changed since the day she met her annoying uncle. Usually, she will not listen to me anymore. No sweets are my strict rules but because of Lyndon, she got support to break it. Plus the additional support of her Mama Helena. It was now three versus me now.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ***


    The mall was not so crowded, unlike thest time we went here. As soon as we entered the mall, all I have got to do is to follow Aisle from running, walking fast. Sometimes, she will ask for other toys which I disagree with. The heck! I don¡¯t even know where else to put her entire toys. Lyndon just made her bedroom a total mess because of those heavy stuffed toys and boxes of dolls he bought. Even the storage meant for her toys wasn¡¯t enough to hold them all.


    ¡°Mommy, I want ice cream¡­ pretty please?¡± Aisle blinked her eyes at me like a cute puppy.


    Heaving a deep sigh, I agree at the end. We both walked to the second floor of the building where her favorite ice cream stool is. When we reach the ce, she hurriedly run towards the stool-not minding those people on the line. That made me shake my head as I followed her.


    ¡°What vor do you want?¡± I asked, looking down at her while holding her left hand.


    ¡°Uhm¡­¡± she trailed, backing and forth her eyes from the different ice cream vors in front of her. ¡°I want this, Mommy¡­ and this and this.¡± She cheerfully said, pointing out the strawberry, vani, and chocte vors.


    I rolled my eyes as I lifted my stare. ¡°One cup of ice cream, Miss.¡± The vendor smiled at us before scooping ice cream from each vor Aisle pointed out.


    When we have already gotten the order, I roamed my eyes around the food court to find a table in where Aisle could finish her snack. But Aisle being so energetic, as my full attention wasn¡¯t on her, she pulled out her hand from me and run to the nearest arcade games station. I even called her to be back but she didn¡¯t listen nor look me back. Leaving with no choice, I followed her to the arcade games and search for her in the whole ce but to my horror, after searching all the corners, I couldn¡¯t find her anymore.


    My heart instantly thumped harshly against my chest when Ipletely couldn¡¯t find her. I started to ask each person on the arcade games station but their answers were all the same. They didn¡¯t see her which threw me into an uncontroble panic. Thinking that Aisle had just run towards the nearest toy store, I also search for her there with my hands sweating and heart aching. And yes, I was right in thinking that she was there. As soon as I entered the store, I saw her at the end part, holding her ice cream which slowly dripped down to her tiny hand.


    ¡°Aisle, baby!¡± I called as I walked in her direction. She quickly looks at me and then let out a smile. ¡°I¡¯ve been searching for you in the arcade station. Why are you here? You made Mommy go worried sick. I thought I have lost you. And look at your hand, it¡¯s now dirty. Your ice cream is already melting¨C¡±


    ¡°Sorry for making you worried, then.¡± My heart hitched as soon as I heard the man¡¯s voiceing from behind. Restraining myself from looking back, I immediately brought Aisle in my arms and run away from the store. I even heard the familiar man¡¯s voice calling me but the hell I will look him back.


    No way! No f*cking way, Logan! You will not be going to know about Aisle.


    ¡°Mommy, slow down,¡± Aisleined as we walked towards the mall¡¯s exit. I was holding her little hand and almost dragging her so we can leave the mall fast.


    ¡°We need to be quick, baby. The bad guy might catch us.¡±


    ¡°But he is not a bad guy. He even promised me that he will buy me the doll I want,¡± Aisle reasoned out which made me roll my eyes. Damn this! Of all the ces Logan, why here? Why now?!


    I rolled my eyes once again as we reached the parking lot. We stop for seconds and kneeled in front of her. Holding her shoulders, making sure that her eyes are on me, I spoke, ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you that you should not talk to a stranger? You didn¡¯t know if that guy is really a good person or not. We always remind you of that, right baby?¡±


    She pouted. ¡°But Mommy, for me¡­ Uhm¡­ I always remember what you and Mama Helena keep on reminding me but that guy, he looks like Dada Lyndon. I even thought that he is my father because of our same eyes.¡±


    I heaved a deep sigh before standing up and settling her on the passenger seat. ¡°Still, he is a stranger so next time you encounter a stranger, don¡¯t talk to them. Did you get me, Aisle?¡± She nodded as an answer.


    I turned to the driver¡¯s seat and breath out once again before maneuvering away. My gosh, that was close, really really close. Logan just saw Aisle and I know, even it was just for a short time, he will notice something. I know that after all, Aisle is right. Lyndon looks like Logan, and Aisle almost gets her features from her father. Of course, Logan will notice Aisle¡¯s face just by a single nce. She undeniably looks like her father, from any angle.


    After a not-so-long driveway home, I instantly called Lyndon about what happened when Aisle is busy watching a cartoon movie in the living room. Two rings, Lyndon immediately answered.


    ¡°Hey, Miss Secretary, what is it? How was Aisle?¡± he asked from the other line.


    I sat at the edge of my bed and stared at my nails, still feeling nervous even though we are already home. ¡°She¡¯s fine, she¡¯s enjoying a cartoon movie. By the way, I called you because of something that is really urgent. God, this is making me anxious, Lyndon!¡±


    ¡°Anxious? Wait, why? Is there¡¯s happened wrong?¡± he asked, worried.


    ¡°He saw us¡­ he f*cking saw us, Lyndon. He even talked to Aisle¨C¡±


    ¡°Who? Wait, I¡¯ll be back. Someone¡¯s disturbing the hell out of me, I¡¯ll be right back.¡± He didn¡¯t end the call, so I can freely hear him from the background. At first, my attention was taken away from the line but when I heard something that came from a broken thing, I got alerted.


    Thinking that there is something happened to him, I yelled from the line. Keep on calling him even though I know, he would not hear me. After several minutes, Lyndon came back, gasping for air.


    ¡°What happened to you?¡± I asked.


    ¡°F*ck!¡± he cursed. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me that he saw you and Aisle at the mall? Now, he burst out here mad and I wasn¡¯t prepared. Damn that, asshole! He punched my pretty face, Alice!¡± Heined.


    ¡°I was about to tell you that¡¯s why I called you. Logan saw Aisle at the mall and I was left with no choice but to elude from him so he won¡¯t think that Aisle is his child. Everything happened unexpectedly, Lyndon. Please help me¡­ help me so he wouldn¡¯t know the truth.¡± I almost cried.


    ¡°Fortunately, he didn¡¯t think that Aisle is his but unfortunately, he thinks that Aisle is our daughter. Damn him! Doesn¡¯t he have any father¡¯s feelings? He even visits me in my peaceful room so he can punch the hell out of me thinking that I impregnate you a long time ago and I didn¡¯t even inform him. F*ck?¡±

 Chapter 16: Suspicious

    Even with a heavy anxiousness creeping the hell out of me, I still went to the office. I nned to avoid Logan as much as possible even though I am sure that it will be hard. F*ck it! How can I even avoid the person who is just feet apart from me?! But when I arrive at the office, I don¡¯t even need to avoid him because clearly, he does the same thing that I build inside my mind. Logan didn¡¯t just avoid me rather, I feel like for him, I am no longer existing.


    Earlier in the morning, there is an urgent board meeting. I suppose toe with him since I have to apany him to every meeting he will going to attend. As a secretary, I must be there wherever he is. But to my disappointment, (yeah, maybe I am disappointed in any angle I may try to look at), he put a sticky note on my table. There, written his message he can tell me directly but he didn¡¯t. See, he is avoiding me.


    At first, I thought he was giving me a favor. Because he is already avoiding me, I don¡¯t need to effort much into creating excuses about what he saw at the mall yesterday. But when I ate my snack at the cafeteria with Lyndon, I instantly felt disappointed.


    ¡°He wants to get rid of you.¡± This keeps on ying in my mind like a broken disk.


    Get rid of me? Then why not fire me? Why not throw me outside hispany if he wants to get rid of me. He is sick of seeing me, then why not throw me out?


    ¡°Come here.¡± I jolted in upon hearing his cold voice from the inte. Since yesterday, one day after seeing Aisle, he really didn¡¯t talk to me. He will just used those poor sticky notes to deliver his messages. It¡¯s up to me if I canprehend the message written on the right. If I did understand it in the wrong way, surely, he will roar at me just like before.


    ¡°Yes, S¨CSir?¡± I sputter because of meeting his deadly res. I tried to avoid it but it was toote when he was the first one who break the stare.


    ¡°Clean my office,¡± he ordered, not looking at me. When I roamed my eyes around, I grimaced realizing that there are lots of crumpled paper in his damn whole office.


    But despite that, I still smiled. ¡°Yes, Sir.¡± I hurriedly walked towards the trash bin where beside it, it is where the broom is. I started sweeping from the other side of his office, I even dusted off those cabs and tables. When the part is already clean, I turned to face his table, and there, I caught him staring at me.


    He immediately pulled away from staring which made me secretly let out a smile. Huh, looks who¡¯s stealing nces?


    ¡°Sir, can you sit at the couch first, I¡¯m going to clean your¨C¡±


    ¡°You can clean my table without throwing me to the couch,¡± he cut making me gape and stare for a second. ¡°What are you still looking at? Clean my table,¡± he harshly ordered so I have left with no choice.


    I strode towards his table, with a broom and duster in both of my hands. His table is the one I cleaned first and even though there is still a clean distance between us, I am still uneasy. Maybe because I know that he keeps on staring at me while I am working on his table.


    ¡°Hurry up, there is still trash in here.¡± I nced at where he pointed and quickly pouted upon seeing those pieces of shit under his table.


    Thest time I checked, he wasn¡¯t this messy while working. He can even manage to make his office appear as an ideal room for doing different works. But now, his whole office is dreadfully untidy.


    I finished cleaning his table as soon as I can and when it was now time for cleaning the under, I gulped. Realizing that there is no way for me to clean it but to turn on his ce, the uneasiness doubled.


    ¡°Hesitating, Alice?¡± he asked huskily all of the sudden.


    I pulled down my gaze under the table and brought it back to his face and then I gulped again. F*ck, is he really challenging me?


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll move so you will not be nervous.¡± He chuckled followed up by lifting his butt from his table. When he turned his back to me and face the ss window, I breathe in relief. Slowly, I walked towards his swivel chair and bent down to pick up those crumpled papers. I then sweep the floor off and then dusted off his drawers and chair. When I am all done, I was ready to leave his table when he stopped me to do.


    With his strong arms, he held me up to his table. His arms settled in beside my both legs as my heart thumped so fast because of shock. He leaned towards me, making me bend backward. His breath is touching my facing and f*ck, why do my sex clench because of that?!


    ¡°Why do you need to hide it?¡± he suddenly asked in his hoarse voice. I suddenly felt drunk especially when he leaned closer, almost touching my cheek with his pointed nose. ¡°You were always with me, almost every day yet I didn¡¯t know what is happening between you and my brother.¡±


    My eyes circled in awe. Brother? Is he going to talk about Lyndon again? Lyndon and Lyndon again? Come on, there is nothing between me and that boy.


    ¡°Sir, I think you really misunderstood something,¡± I replied, still palpitating because of his strong presence conquering mine.


    He shoots me with his deadly res. ¡°Misunderstood what? Misunderstood that my secretary has a child with my brother? Come on, Alice. Stop bullshitting me, will you?¡± He bit the bottom of his lips. ¡°I saw her, I saw your child, and damn it! She looks like my brother, he even looks like me!¡±


    Idiot! She really is because she is yours and not your brother¡¯s child!


    ¡°Break him,¡± he ordered which I didn¡¯t get in the first ce. ¡°Break up with my brother, Alice. Damn it, break him up and go with me! I can raise your child like she really is mine. Just.¡± He leaned closer, touching my ears with his nose. Fanning my neck with his breath. ¡°Just. Leave. Him,¡± he continued in his hard tone.


    ***


    Damn Logan Ivanov! What was he thinking upon saying those words to me? Leave Lyndon and go with him? Is he saying that I should give up Lyndon for him? Darn it! If only he knows that he isprehending everything in the wrong way. For heaven¡¯s sake, Lyndon and I weren¡¯t connected to each other. I don¡¯t even see Lyndon as an attraction.


    ¡°Come back to Earth, Alice,¡± Helena snapped in front of me, dragging me back from the reverie.


    I turned my head at Aisle¡¯s room where she came out. ¡°Where¡¯s Aisle?¡± I asked.


    She sat beside me and snatched the remote in my hand. ¡°She¡¯s already sleeping. She even asked you for a bedtime story yet you didn¡¯t know?¡± My mouth formed an ¡®O¡¯.


    Damn! Because of her father, I didn¡¯t notice nor heard her asking a bedtime story. I felt so guilty all of the sudden.


    ¡°You know what, since you go home, you act like you are not into your sense. You¡¯re even dumbfounded while dinner. You should get rest, Alice.¡±


    I nod, standing up and walking to the fridge to drink water before sleeping. ¡°Turn off the light, unplug all wire, Helena,¡± I reminded her before entering my room.


    As I closed the door, I leaned to the door. Image of Logan while I am sitting at his office table and he is staring at me intently, cane back in my mind. Biting my lips, I dive into my bed. Honestly, after leaving his office, different emotions consume me. I don¡¯t really know what to feel, how to react. Should I believe him? Or should I not? Was it true or he is just saying those words to me so he can get me and y in his hands just like what he did to all of his girls?


    A huge part of me is saying that I should not believe him. That he is just lying, that no part of his words is true. But there is also part of me saying that I should believe him, that I should open my mind to him. I really want to believe him, I really like it. Thinking that he said those words genuinely makes me the happiest woman on Earth for the reason I really don¡¯t know. Maybe, I was attracted to him that is why I am so affected by what he said. But was it bad to believe¡­ to hold on to his words? Was it bad to take the risk even though it means telling him the truth? The truth is that I¡¯ve been hiding from him ever since.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± I immediately lifted my butt from my seat when the door opened, giving me the man who hunt my damn whole night.


    ¡°Good morning, Sir,¡± I greeted back, silently thanking my mouth for not sputtering.


    He let out a yful grin which I think,plete my day. ¡°Just Logan for you from now on,¡± he said, entering his office while I, was left dumbfounded. Didn¡¯t notice that I slowly let a smile and to my shame, Logan sees it causing him to tease me.


    ¡°Sooner orter, you¡¯ll be mine, Alice,¡± he tease as he closed the doorpletely.


    I sat down and secretly follow his every moment inside. And f*ck! Why do I have these sudden butterflies in my freaking stomach?!


    ¡°Darn it, Alice! Focus your ass on your f*cking work! Stop eye f*cking him, will you?!¡± I silently scolded myself, refraining myself from getting a nce at Logan again. But damn, dude! I just can¡¯t tear my gaze away from him.


    From that morning to our lunchtime, my work went in that way. Stealing nces at Logan then hastily put back my eyes at my monitor whenever he nces at my table. It was so an awkward yet satisfying moment for me. It does not only give me butterflies in my stomach, but it also gives me energy while working which is very unusual for me.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    But when the afternoon came, everything that I feel changed when Logan came back after leaving the office. He told me before he go that he will just attend a meeting in which I couldn¡¯te. I agree, at least that won¡¯t bore the hell out of me while listening to the endless discussion of two or more elite people around me. When Logan came back to the office, his expressionless face didn¡¯t escape my eyes. I even greeted him as soon as he entered but my words hang in the air when he mmed the door close. I frowned in confusion about his sudden mood change.


    ¡°What happened to him?¡± I silently asked, ncing at him inside. When his eyesnded in my direction, our eyes met causing me to pull out from stares. When I came back on ncing at him again, I couldn¡¯t see him anymore because of the blindfolds.


    I grimaced and chose to focus on my work again. Moments have passed when I heard him speak from the inte, ordering me toe inside. Wasting no second, I pushed myself inside only to find him leaning against his table while crossing his arms around his chest.


    ¡°Si¨C¡±


    ¡°Tell me, Alice. F*cking tell me the truth, damn it!¡± he roared, cutting my words, making me step back from shock. With his sharp movement, he strode towards me and then held both of my shoulders tightly. ¡°F*cking tell me the truth! Is she his child? Was that child is Lyndon¡¯s daughter?!¡±


    Here we go again. Lyndon. Lyndon. Lyndon.


    ¡°Damn you, woman! Lyndon told me that she wasn¡¯t his. If that so, why the hell your child looks like him¡­ looks like me?! Tell me the truth, Alice, or else you¡¯ll taste my wrath,¡± he paused, giving me his bloodshot eyes. ¡°Is Lyndon was her father, Alice?! Was it Lyndon?!¡± He shook me harshly making me whine in pain.


    I couldn¡¯t answer, I don¡¯t want to answer. I thought ¡­ I thought we are over with this argument. I thought he is now over with Aisle. I thought he is no longer bothered about who the hell is Aisle¡¯s father.


    ¡°She is not Lyndon¡¯s child, right? She is mine, am I right?¡± His eyes squinted which is the total opposite of mine.

 Chapter 17: Denied

    ¡°What are you talking about?!¡± I suddenly yelled, pulling out from his tight grip. Honestly, I don¡¯t even know where the hell I get the strength of raising my voice. I felt so weak, his grip made me weak. It¡¯s just shocking that despite being conquered by his intimidating presence, I was still able to fight it.


    ¡°Enough with the shit, Alice!¡± He roared, mming the table behind him. I step backward because of that until there is a fair distance between us. He stared at me madly, eyes were bloodshot, red color tinge his handsome face. ¡°I talk to Lyndon earlier and do you know what he told me? He cleared that your child wasn¡¯t his so why the f*ck that little shit looks like us!¡± With my anger suddenly taking over my whole emotion, I quickly strode towards him. And then pping him that made his face turn side.


    ¡°You don¡¯t call my child a shit, Logan! F*ck you!¡± I fumed, drastically heading towards the doorway, and then mmed it closed.


    I hurriedly walked outside to the elevator, nning to leave hispany as soon as possible. I even saw some of my colleagues staring at me as soon as my heavy footsteps are being heard in the hallway. On the ground floor, I saw Lyndon who strode fast towards my direction and then blocked my way. I stopped for a while, giving him my tearful eyes.


    Confusion consumed his face, he asked, ¡°What happened, why are you crying?¡± he asked, holding both of my elbows butter on, I burst his hands away.


    ¡°You promise me that my secret is safe on you, bastard!¡± I yelled, getting the attention of the others but I didn¡¯t care at all. ¡°Damn you, Lyndon! I trusted you because I thought that you can protect my secret like it was your own. But I guess I am wrong. Starting today, I don¡¯t want to see your face in my house. I forbid you to see Aisle nor go near her, understood? And tell your asshole brother that I am resigning for damn good!¡± I passed through him, not minding the attention I attract because of what I have done.


    At the parking, I was about to drive my car away when I saw Lyndon hurriedly running towards my car. And then my eyesnded on the man who is walking behind him. Oh, great! It looks like me versus these two assholes.


    ¡°Stop the car, Alice!¡± I heard Lyndon shout as I drove in their direction. Gripping tightly on the wheels, I continue to drive until they were both forced to avoid the car.


    Because of fast maneuvering, I quickly got home. As soon as I opened the door, I was thrown off guard upon seeing Helena on the couch who immediately stood up and join me when she sees my current state.


    ¡°What happened to you? What¡¯s with early off?¡± she fired away.


    Not answering any of her questions, I asked, ¡°Where is Aisle?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s still in school, why? And can you please first tell me what happened? You are making me worried, big time!¡± she ranted but I didn¡¯t answer again. Instead, I hurriedly run back to my car and drive it to Aisle¡¯s school. I even see Helena chasing my car and then stop when she got tired.


    At Aisle¡¯s school, I was still in the car, unbuckling my seatbelt when I saw hering out from the school hate with a hand, holding her tiny hand. My eyes squinted as I tried to see who¡¯s the man and then went wide when I realized that it was Lyndon. Rage controlling me, I jumped off the car and heavily walk in their direction. Lyndon¡¯s eyes went wide upon seeing me while Aisle just give me her cutest smile.


    ¡°Come here, Aisle!¡± I strictly ordered, making her smile fade as she slowly pulled out her hand from her uncle.


    Lyndon looked at me with protest in his face but I didn¡¯t mind it. As soon as Aisle reach me, I dragged her hand in a way that unintentionally hurt her. I heard herin followed by Lyndon¡¯sint.


    I locked my eyes on him. ¡°I told you to stay away from her, didn¡¯t I? Do I need to repeat myself to you or do you want me to file aint against¨C¡±


    ¡°You know you can¡¯t, Alice?¡± I stiffened upon hearing the voice of Logan from behind. If it wasn¡¯t because of Aisle who instantly pulled out her hand off me, I wouldn¡¯t turn around.


    ¡°It was you!¡± Aisle cheered, settling her eyes on his father. Lyndon walked through Logan and patted Aisle¡¯s head, making her giggle.


    ¡°Aisle, I said don¡¯t talk to a stranger!¡± I yelled.


    Aisle pouted at me. ¡°But Mommy, he wasn¡¯t a stranger. Right, Dada Lyndon?¡± Lyndon just nodded. ¡°Dada Lyndon told me that he was his brother, my father¡¯s brother too. He is not bad either. He even gave me ice cream and donuts earlier.¡± I looked Logan up and then saw him grinning at me in his proud way. While Lyndon is opposite with a grimace on his face.


    Annoyed at them, I dragged Aisle away from there. With no further argument, I carried her in my arms and walked to my car. After shoving her to the passenger seat, I turned to another side and was about to hop in when a forceful arm stop me.


    As I looked up, I met Logan¡¯s serious face. ¡°You don¡¯t do this to me, Alice. Stop the bullsh*t and I am expecting you tomorrow at mypany.¡± He nced inside, where Aisle is sitting. ¡°And please, don¡¯t you dare hurt the child or else, I will take her away from you,¡± he warned clenching his jaw.


    I tugged out my arm from him. ¡°Stop meddling with my personal life, Sir,¡± I sarcastically replied. ¡°And just to inform you, I already resigned.¡±


    ¡°Uh uh, Nah, baby. You can¡¯t resign without presenting a resignation paper and without my approval. So, yeah, I am still your boss and you are still my secretary. Drive safe, baby.¡± He winked before turning his back on me.


    ***


    ¡°What the hell, Alice? Why are you packing up all your clothes?!¡± Helena yelled behind me while I am putting my and Aisle¡¯s clothes in the luggage. ¡°Damn it, girl! Can you f*cking tell me what is really going on? I am so clueless here, you know?!¡± she ranted again.


    I stop for a while and then drastically sat on my bed. ¡°He knows already, Helena!¡± I frustratedly answered. I brush my hair with my fingers and then slightly pulled it out of irritation. ¡°Damn his brother, I shouldn¡¯t trust him with my secret. F*ck!¡± I groaned.


    Helena remained standing while crossing her arms around her breast. I heard her sigh heavily, seems like she is also bothered about my problem. ¡°Then what is your n now?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Leaving,¡± I tly replied. ¡°I¡¯ll go somewhere ¡­ anywhere ¡­ to the ce where he couldn¡¯t find us anymore.¡±


    ¡°And how about Aisle?¡±


    ¡°What about her? Look, can¡¯t you see, I am doing this for her. I want to take her away from her father as much as I can because that is the right thing to do.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she snapped which made me frown. ¡°You are not doing this because you are concerned about her. You are not doing this because of Aisle, Alice. You are doing this for you!¡± She pointed her fingers at me which is very unusual of her. In fact, this is the first time where she do this.


    ¡°Are you telling me that I am selfish?¡± I asked in disbelief.


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°I am not telling you but if you are going to analyze everything you are doing, all of them will tell you that you are a selfish mother. How could you do this to Aisle, Alice? Yes, at first, I am on your side but now¡­ God! I don¡¯t know if you were still the Alice I have known. Look, Aisle is growing up. She needs to know about her father because she deserves it, damn it, Alice! Are you even thinking? You know what, if you are really doing this just to elude that dumbass and not really for Aisle¡¯s sake, then forgive me. I¡¯ll be the one on the list of stopping you from continuing your n.¡± And with that, she left my room. But as soon as she opened the door, we both went rigid on our ce upon seeing Aisle-standing there, seems like eavesdropping on our argument.


    Her eyesnded on me before they watered. ¡°I hate you, Mommy! I hate you!¡± she cried and then ran towards her rooms-leaving me unable to move.


    My child¡­ Oh, God! What you have done to hate by your child, Alice?


    ***


    Those words are thrown by Aisle to mest night keep me awake. They hunt me to the point that I can even wipe out my tears totally. For the almost whole night, I cried. I tried to visit Aisle in her room but when I see her crying in Helena¡¯sp, it clenched my heart. Seeing her crying for what I have done pains me and it was a whole new pain that I ever felt for my entire life. I remember how myte mother always reminds me that no pain can surpass the pain when you see your child crying. No mother wants to see their child miserable. It felts like every tear rolling out from their eyes is like needles that are slowly pricking your heart. My mother is right, it was truly painful.


    I was in the kitchen when Helena with Aisle in her arms, entered. Helena smiled at me but when Inded my eyes on Aisle, she avoided it. She even buried her face to her Mama Helena¡¯s neck so just she can avoid my eyes. For our whole breakfast, Aisle acted on that way and God knows how much I tried to hold my tears. I even tried to fed her, I put her favorite omelet on her te and even her favorite hot choco but all of them got wasted when Aisle didn¡¯t eveny her hands on them.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Alice¡­ just let her for a while. She will forget it sooner,¡± Helenaforted but it wasn¡¯t enough. I was about to reply when we both heard Aisle¡¯s voice suddenly booming in happiness. When we step out from the kitchen, we saw Lyndon who¡¯s currently carrying Aisle in his arms.


    ¡°Alice.¡± He smiled.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked coldly.


    ¡°He sends me here to fetch you. Come on, Alice¡­ let¡¯s stop the argument and face what is really matters. For Aisle, for your daughter, finish this.¡±


    In the end, I came to Lyndon going to thepany. As soon as I entered the building, everyone looks in our direction or should I say, look at me. Their eyes show undeniable curiosity and judgment but I chose to burst them away. After all, I am here not for them.


    ¡°She¡¯s here.¡± Lyndon opened the door for me. As soon as I walk inside Logan¡¯s office, all I can see was his expressionless face. The face I used to see.


    ¡°Leave us, Lyndon,¡± he ordered. When we were alone, he pointed out the couch-telling me to sit but I refuse.


    ¡°Just go straight to the point, Sir. I still have something to do,¡± I said.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk while standing then. And just like what you want, be straight. So, Alice, I want you to be honest with me. Tell me that I am her father.¡±


    My lips twitched, giving him a sarcastic smile. ¡°He isn¡¯t yours,¡± I hardly answered.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    He chimed, shaking his head. ¡°And do you think I would buy that? Yeah, maybe I forgot you but damn it, woman! I now recall everything so deny it or not, we both know the truth. Or should I tell you how you moan that night so you could remember everything as well?¡± He give me his evil smirk which made me gulp in both frustration and horror.


    ¡°I don¡¯t k¨Cknow what are you t¨Ctalking about.¡±


    ¡°Go on, deny it for yourself, Alice baby.¡± He chuckled. ¡°But once I get the evidence, there is no chance for you to escape.¡±

 Chapter 18: The Truth

    Days passed by in a blur. It¡¯s been a week since Logan confronted me about Aisle and even though he already found out the truth, I still denied it to hell. And just like what he told me that day, he is so desperate to find any evidence that will prove his conclusion. What kind of evidence? Well, I am clueless. I am also still obliged to work in hispany even though I already filed lots of resignation papers. That the end of the day, he always tore those papers into pieces-not epting my resignation. And, oh! I almost forgot to mention how my life turned upside down because of him. Since everyone in thepany saw us arguing like a lover, I immediately became their center of discussion. That every time I came into thepany, I entered the cafeteria, I walked into the hallway, their eyes are all on me. And God knows how much I hate their attention.


    ¡°Alice,e here.¡± I rolled my eyes upon hearing his voice from the inte. I didn¡¯t answer, instead, I pushed my feet inside. I saw him calmly seating on the couch with his legs crossed together.


    ¡°What?¡± I asked, showing him my unpleasant reaction towards him. Why would I even hide it? He¡¯s perfectly aware that I already hated working on him yet he is too persistent in not giving my freedom. Now, he must suffer the consequences.


    He patted the space beside him, telling me to sit there but I didn¡¯t even move in my ce. ¡°Come on, Alice¡­ stop being stubborn,¡± heined.


    I rolled my eyes again. Perhaps, it was my hundred times on rolling my eyes since my day starts today. ¡°If you just want to annoy me, then you won. Now, if you are done, mind if I excuse myself ¨C¡±


    ¡°Stay still, Alice. Sit beside me,¡± he cut. He stood up and strode towards me then held up my hand before dragging me towards the couch. I wanted to protest but when he already cornered me, I gave up. ¡°Eat,¡± he said, tugging out some food box out of the paper bag on top of the table.


    I gave him a sear look. ¡°Why would I eat that? Who knows if you put poison on them.¡±


    He let out a sigh and then massaged the bridge of his nose. Perhaps, it was because of irritation as well. Well, I must say, the feeling is mutual. I am totally irritated with him and I won¡¯t try to conceal it.


    ¡°If you¡¯re suspecting me then I¡¯ll eat too. Just eat and shut up at least for this moment, Alice. Aren¡¯t you tired of arguments, huh? Almost all day and night, you keep on making arguments even in a small thing.¡±


    I stared in disbelief followed by my sarcastic chuckled. ¡°Who told you that I am the one who¡¯s starting the fight? I already told you, I want to resign yet you keep on tearing down my resignation paper. You¡¯reining about days and nights of arguments? Why? Did I tell you to annoyed me at day and called me at night just to piss the hell out of me?!¡± I rose my voice.


    He frustratedly brushes his fingers onto his hair. I even saw how his perfectly structured jaw clenched and even though it was so tempting, I shove my thoughts away. He stared at me for a moment and then brought back his eyes to the food. He handed me a disposable te with corn sd and steak on it.


    ¡°Eat, Alice¡­ just eat. After that, you can go home so you can get rid of my annoying face for a while,¡± he announced sarcastically. I didn¡¯t answer instead, I settled my attention on the food.


    ¡°You should eat on time. You are not my ve, I am not forbidding you to at least take a break. If you were hungry, the cafeteria is always open to dig in. No need to¨C¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Logan,¡± I cut his words, making him shut. Several minutes passed, I already finished eating. I put down my empty te back on the table and was about to stand up when Logan grabbed me back.


    ¡°You are not done yet.¡±


    I rose my brow. ¡°I am done eating. Can¡¯t you see my te is now empty?¡± I gritted my teeth.


    ¡°Fortunately, there is still a dessert for you.¡± He smiled which pissed me off. With resentment chewing me alive, I forced myself to stay longer for the desert he is talking about. And when I finally finish all the foods he gave me, I didn¡¯t wait for his words. I headed straight back to my table and grabbed my bag before leaving thepany.


    Since he allowed me to go home, what is the reason for me to take down his offer? Wearing my victorious smile, I quickly reach the parking lot but unfortunately, when I was just about to drive away from thepany, Logan walked in front of my car-stopping me from driving. He then walked near the window with a huge paper bag in his left hand.


    ¡°What is it again, Logan? Didn¡¯t you tell me that I can go home?!¡± I frustratedly raised a question.


    ¡°Yeah, I said that but I forgot to give you something.¡± He held up his hand handling the purple paper bag. ¡°Here.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need that¨C¡±


    ¡°Silly!¡± He pinched my nose and before I could brush his hand away, he already did. ¡°This isn¡¯t yours, this is for my child. Give it to her and tell her that I want her to wear this before I go to your houseter.¡±


    ¡°I already told you, she isn¡¯t your child, asshole!¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°Yeah, as if you didn¡¯t moan loud that night while I am thrusting myself to you.¡± My jaw dropped upon hearing his bold words. ¡°Drive safe.¡± He even saluted after he settled the paper bag at the back seat.


    Feeling shame because of what he said, I drove fast. And then stopping the car as the traffic light turned red. ¡°F*ck you!¡± I shouted inside, hammering the wheel with my palm which leads me to hurt myself at the end.


    ***


    At home, as soon as I entered the door, Aisle came running towards me with a sweet smile on her lips. Thankfully, I already fixed the issue between us, and just like before, she¡¯s back to being a four years old child who never runs outs of energy. When she saw the paper bag Logan gave to her, she immediately unpacked it in the lounge area. With a blinding bright smile almost tearing her lips, she leveled the floral dress into her body and then swirled around. After getting tired of cheering for her new dress given by her father, I carried her inside her bedroom where Helena is currently folding her clothes.


    She greeted me as I walked towards the bathroom with Aisle in my arms. I bathed her because just like what her father wanted, Logan wanted to see his daughter wearing his gift. Though I am still denying the fact, I can¡¯t help but let him in whenever he visited Aisle. And even I am still frustrated with him, for Aisle, I let him go near and see her. Aisle still didn¡¯t know the truth. She only thinks that Logan was her uncle too, that he is her father¡¯s brother just like Lyndon.


    I know, I already crossed the line on hiding the truth from her but maybe, if there is already a perfect time on telling the truth, Aisle would be the first one who will know it.


    ¡°Wow, my baby is so dazzling!¡± Logan praised as Aisle walks towards him on the couch. He then carried Aisle like a China doll to make her sit on hisp. Standing just in their back, I walked inside the kitchen where Helena is.


    She nced at me sideways. ¡°He¡¯s here again,¡± she said, about Logan who always visit Aisle for about a week from the day he confronted me.


    I just shrugged and then went to the sink to wash my hands to prepare Logan¡¯s sandwich. After finishing his sandwich, I then made a juice for him and then went into the living room. There, I saw the two happily watching some cartoon movies while Aisle is currently sitting in between Logan¡¯s thighs. Take note, they are both sitting on the floor. I just shook my head as I walked on their ce and then ce the food on the center table. Aisle evenined when I suddenly blocked the screen.


    Rolling my eyes, I sat on the couch. I silently watch them as they bothugh because of the stupid cartoon character. I evenughed as well without my knowing which made them nce at me.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Dada Logan, when will Daddye home? You know what, I am really excited to see him. Dada Lyndon told me that he looks like me. Was it true, Dada Logan?¡± Aisle suddenly asked while eating the sandwich I prepared earlier.


    Logan wasn¡¯t able to answer immediately. He first locked his gaze on me which made me notice how his expression changed. Looking back at Aisle, he smiled and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, baby, you will going to see your Daddy soon. Right, Alice?¡± He turned to me, giving me a steel look which made me feel uneasy. Leaving without choice, I just nodded before leaving them alone.


    It was already nine in the evening when Logan bid him goodbye. Aisle was already sleeping when he left her in her bedroom. They bond together earlier and almost their time on the television. They even give me a hard time before I could stop them watching for dinner.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go,¡± he said with the expressionless face again.


    I nodded before closing the door but before I couldpletely close it, he blocked it with his hand. I rose my brows, thinking that he forgot something.


    ¡°I forgot to tell you, this would be yourst night sleeping here. Starting from tomorrow, you and Aisle will live in my house.¡± I gulped, staring at him with my eyes wide open. ¡°Tomorrow, you will not be going to deny the truth again, Alice. Swear to God, you¡¯re already getting into my nerves. My patience is nearly losing, Alice. You don¡¯t want it if I already lost it,¡± he added, almost threatening me.


    Right after he left, I wasn¡¯t able to sleep immediately. In fact, I need to consume first cans of beer before I could able to sleep. The next morning, I woke upte. Good thing Aisle doesn¡¯t have school and Helena was already at the apartment. After drinking a cup of coffee, I drove fast to work. And when I arrived at the office, I thanked seeing Logan¡¯s chair, empty.


    Nine in the morning, I was busy typing reports on myputer when the door burst opens making me stand up hastily. Logan in his usual business suit strode towards my table and then mmed an envelope in front of me. My eyes went down the envelope and when he already let it go, I slowly get it and as soon as I opened it, my heart thumped wildly.


    ¡°You know what, I am really mad right now, Alice. I want to punish you for keeping on denying the truth. I really want you to take the suitable punishment for what you did. But it¡¯s okay, I will let this pass. But it doesn¡¯t mean that I am forgiving you for hiding the truth from me. Damn you, woman! Do you know what is running in my mind now? I want you to be tied in my bed, naked and helpless. I wanted to devour every single shit of you and then f*ck you senseless just so I can take my revenge for hiding my child from me! Your piece of shit, Aisle is mine!¡±

 Chapter 19: Responsibility

    I don¡¯t know what emotion weighs most after knowing the whole truth from Logan. Regret and guilt are eating me at the same time. How I wish that I didn¡¯t have known the truth because f*ck, it¡¯s damn hurt.


    ¡°I suffered from an ident, Alice¡­ it cause me head injury causing me to forget you. But if that didn¡¯t happen to me, hell will freeze first before I could forget you.¡±


    His voice as he says those words are still fresh in my mind. It actually keeps me awakest night the reason why I felt so sleepy and exhausted this early in the morning.


    ¡°Hey, Alice!¡± I lifted my head drowsily at Lyndon who just entered the office. He strode towards my table and then ce a cup of coffee. ¡°Coffee to awaken your sleepy soul.¡± He winked before entering Logan¡¯s office but as I followed him by my gaze, I saw Logan clenching his jaw while eyeing Lyndon like he was his prey.


    Sometimes, I couldn¡¯t help but think that he is jealous of his brother but in the end, I always shook that thought away. Yes, he acts so nice to me now. His treatment of me change since he suspected Aisle as his child but it doesn¡¯t mean anything. He is only doing that because of Aisle, because of his child¡­ nothing more, nothing less. Huh, as if I forgot how hepared me that night? In fact, every time I assume that he is jealous of Lyndon, I always forced myself to think of that night. When he called me while he was drunk and then suddenlypared me to Ynez-the love of his life.


    ¡°Alice,e here.¡± I looked inside where I saw Logan staring at my ce while speaking on the inte. I didn¡¯t answer, instead, I went into his office directly.


    ¡°Yes, Sir¨C¡±


    ¡°Logan, damn it, Alice,¡± he cuts while clenching his fist into tight balls. Lyndon¡¯s chuckle then followed but I ignored it. ¡°How many times do I have to tell you that you should call me Logan? Anyway, go to my car, get the paper bags on the passenger seat and get back in here afterward.¡± He gives me his car¡¯s key.


    ¡°Yes, Sir¡­ I mean Logan,¡± I said and exit myself.


    Just like what he had told me, I went outside the building and then walk into the parking lot where his sporty car parked. I then opened the passenger seat and went confused upon seeing three paper bags from a designer¡¯s brand. I took it out and then hurriedly go back to his office. As usual, as I walked through the hallway, employees¡¯ eyes went on me as I passed them one by one. The attention I am getting ispletely new to me but I got used to it since I don¡¯t have a choice. Even though I wanted to avoid the humor spreading around, I can not as Logan trashed all my resignation papers.


    ¡°Here are the bags, Logan,¡± I announced, dropping the bags where Lyndon had just recently sat on.


    Logan stood up from his swivel chair and then closed the blindfolds as well as the curtains. He then turned to me and then tugging something out of the bag. My eyes instantly went wide when I saw a designer¡¯s halter dress and then suddenly gave it to me.


    Frowning, I asked, ¡°Where is this for?¡±


    ¡°Go, change your clothes.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°What? Why?!¡± I asked.


    ¡°I needed a date for my cousin¡¯s birthday party, so you need toe with me as my date. Go, change quickly. We will go thirty minutes from now.¡±


    ¡°And what makes you think that I¡¯lle with you? Find another woman, Logan. I won¡¯te with you to that party¨C¡±


    ¡°Yes, you will.¡± He cuts, pushing me to thefort room and then shutting the door closed. I even protest from the other side and mmed the door leaf but Logan didn¡¯t listen. Instead, he shouted from outside-telling me I should hurry up.


    Rolling my eyes as a sign of my defeat, I slowly take off my blouse followed by taking off my skirt. I then eyed the dress and then bring it to me while cursing at Logan. But my curse stopped when I¡¯ve realized that the dress has a zipper on the back and damn it, I can¡¯t zip it off.


    ¡°Logan?¡± I called while still trying to pull up the zipper.


    ¡°Yes?¡± he answered and then showed at the doorter on. As soon as my eyesnded on him, I gulped in with a familiar feeling he always causes me when he was just near to me.


    ¡°Can¡­ Uhm¡­ Can you zip my dress off?¡± I asked, trying so hard not to stutter yet I did.


    He strode towards me and with the help of the mirror in front of me, I saw how his eyes burned as he stared at my bareback. ¡°I like your back, Alice,¡± he confessed, trailing his finger on my spine from my nape to down.


    It instantly gives me the voltage of electricity that seemsing from his finger. Biting my lower lip, I forced myself not to let out any sound but even though, I seeded, my breath still went heavy.


    ¡°You like it?¡± he teased, eyeing my reflection.


    ¡°I said¡­ zip it off, Logan¡­¡± I trailed.


    His lips twitched before pulling me closer to his body with his sharp move. ¡°Tell me that you like it.¡± He intentionally fans my ear with his minty breath.


    ¡°Zip it off.¡± I gritted my teeth with my eyes pressed tightly. ¡°It¡¯s cold, Logan¡­ zip it off.¡±


    ¡°Liar. You¡¯re not feeling cold, you¡¯re hot, Alice. And do you know why?¡± He snakes his hand around my waist with a gentle squeezeing from him.


    I loudly cursed inside because of what he is doing. My down there is slowly getting wet and clenching at the same time because of him. Sooner orter, moaning will follow and I hate the idea of moaning while Logan is teasing me.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll zip this off. My baby is already flushing and f*ck, Alice! I would love to see that expression while you are in my bed.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Logan, dude!¡± I moved one stride away from Logan as soon as a guy with a green eye walked in our direction. Logan didn¡¯t notice what I did because of being busy weing the guy with his brother¡¯s hug.


    While they were busy talking to each other, I was there, just at Logan¡¯s back while simply roaming my eyes around the whole venue. And then I¡¯ve realized that Logan lied to me while we were in his car earlier. He told me that we will just attend a simple birthday party, no elites around, just a simple one. But with me, standing right at the venue now, I suddenly felt out of ce. And the fact that Logan¡¯s status in life is far more different than mine, reality pped me hard.


    Even though I¡¯ll try to fit in just to be fit with Logan, I know, at the end of the day, we¡¯re different. He¡¯s so ideal to be fit in me. For a woman who doesn¡¯t have anything in her life that she could brag about.


    ¡°So, who¡¯s this lovely woman with you?¡± I turned my eyes on the man Logan was talking to and found out that he is now looking at me.


    Logan pulled me gently towards him and possessively snakes his arm around my waist which made the guy rose a brow. ¡°This is Alice, my¨C¡±


    ¡°One of your girlfriends,¡± the guy cuts Logan¡¯s words. And the way he let those words punch me.


    Logan chuckled. His hand squeezed my waist gently. ¡°I am now loyal to one and only girl, Tyler. And you should know that it was her.¡±


    I keep my eyes off from rolling but Logan¡¯s answer is just unbearable for me. I wanted to puke up because of his unbelievable words.


    ¡°Woah, so you are telling me that the Logan Ivanov I used to know is now tamed like a puppy dog?¡±


    ¡°Big time.¡± They both cackled before we walked deep into the party. While walking, I couldn¡¯t help but simply removed Logan¡¯s hand from my waist which he clearly objects to. Instead of losing off his hand, he just tightened the grip and pulled me even closer to him.


    ¡°Handoff, Logan,¡± I whispered, gritting my teeth.


    ¡°No,¡± he replied as we walked towards a table where two men with two elegant women are sitting.


    ¡°Logan!¡± The girl in ref dress immediately leaves her seat just to wee Logan with her open arm. Watching them hugging each other made me roll my eyes secretly as well as cursing Logan for giving me a false hope on what he just said earlier too that Tyler boy.


    ¡°Nice to see you too, Emily.¡± Logan pulled a chair for me and that attracts the eyes of the four people sitting with us.


    Emily¡¯s eyes even squinted at me which is totally awkward so to avoid that feeling, I simply take away my eyes from her. The party goes on, a not-so-loud melody engulfed the whole venue. And the people at the same table I am with keep on discussing about something I can¡¯t get in. They tackled about business, their personal life, and even the children they both have. As I also listen to their discussion, I found out that Emily and the other woman sitting beside her are both Logan¡¯s cousins and the two guys are their husbands.


    ¡°So, how are you after years of mourning? I¡¯ve heard that Ynez¡¯s parents flew back to the states for her death anniversary.¡±


    My throat went dry as soon as I heard Ynez¡¯s name on their topic. I badly want to see Logan¡¯s reaction after hearing her name but I chose not to lift my eyes on him even nce at him. I just don¡¯t want to¡­ I am afraid to see his face, to see the answer on his face.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Logan trailed off. ¡°Everyone knows how I love her and how I mourned for her death. But time flew fast and throughout those years, I already ept her death.¡±


    ept? Then why the hell did hepare me to herst time?


    ¡°Do you still fly to the states to visit her?¡± the other girl named Sharon asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Logan¡¯s answer tore me into two. It feels like a strong hand is grasping my heart, making me hard to breathe.


    ¡°Last year, I visited her and her family,¡± Logan continued and I badly want to shout at them so they can stop talking about her but my mouth remained tightly pressed. I can¡¯t even able to let out a normal breath because of the torture I am experiencing without them knowing it.


    I waited for them to stop their discussion and when Emily and Sharon together with their husband finally leave our table for a dance, I took the chance on excusing myself.


    ¡°I¡¯lle with you,¡± Logan insisted but I shrugged it off.


    ¡°I can manage, I won¡¯t take long anyway,¡± I replied before leaving the table and then walking over to thefort room I didn¡¯t know where.


    And when I reached thefort room with the help of a waitress, I hastily locked myself in the cubicle at the very end. There, I silently sob with my hands covering my mouth and me sitting on the bowl.


    After the party, Logan bid goodbye to his cousin, Tyler, and drive me to the apartment. At his car, we are both eaten in silence. Neither of us broke it until we reached my home.


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± Logan asked, stopping me from unbuckling my seatbelt.


    ¡°Problem?¡± I asked, trying to sound confused even there is already a hint for me. ¡°I don¡¯t have a problem. How about you?¡±


    ¡°Drop the act, Alice, you know what I am talking about. Why are you keeping on distancing yourself from me at the party? Why are suddenly acting so cold to me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just your imagination, Logan.¡± I chuckled.


    ¡°Are you jealous?¡± he asked, stopping me again from what I am doing.


    Iughed humorlessly but deep in thatugh is my answer I am hiding. ¡°Jealous of whom? And why would I even get jealous? We both know why you¡¯re here on my side. It¡¯s not because you meant what you say at the party earlier but rather, it was because of Aisle. For Aisle and your responsibility as her father, I am right?¡±


    Logan¡¯s expression suddenly turned into a nk one. He then grips tightly on the wheel and twitches a lip. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right¡­ I am here for my responsibility. Nothing more, nothing less.¡±

 Chapter 20: Together

    After hearing those words that came from Logan, I awkwardly jumped off his car, and before I could enter the gate, Logan apanied me as I enter. I gulped as I feel his presence just behind me as we walked over the door. Thankfully, when we opened the door, Aisle is hurriedly running towards us or should I say, to her father only.


    Rolling my eyes, I strode over the kitchen and saw Helena is there, currently washing the dishes.


    ¡°How was work?¡± she asked, not ncing at me the reason why her eyes went wide when she finally threw me her eyes. ¡°What the f*ck! Since when did you buy that dress? The heck, it¡¯s so pretty on you!¡± she praised, touching my dress after she dried her hands on the towel.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t buy this, Logan did.¡± I tugged out a pitcher of water in the refrigerator. ¡°Anyways, you know that dress isn¡¯t my thing so this is yours now.¡±


    Helena answered me with her skeptical stare. ¡°I smell something fishy, Alice,¡± she announced.


    ¡°There is nothing between us, Helena, stop thinking another way. He already cleared what is the connection between us and it was Aisle. Nothing more, nothing less,¡± I mimicked the way Logan told those words to me earlier at his car.


    Helena twitched a brow, telling me she didn¡¯t convince so to avoid her intriguing question, I pushed my feet to my room and then dive on my bed. As soon as my eyes locked on the ceiling, small drops of tears came out of my eyes. I instantly wiped it out as soon as I heard a knock.


    ¡°Yes, baby?¡± I asked as I saw Aisle standing outside with Logan on her back. Logan¡¯s brows knotted as he stared at me so I avoided his gazes.


    ¡°Mommy, Daddy told me that he would like to ask your permission.¡±


    ¡°Permission?¡± I lifted my eyes back to Logan who¡¯s now smiling like an innocent kid. ¡°What kind of permission it is, baby?¡± I asked Aisle but my eyes are still locked at Logan.


    ¡°He said that he wanted to stay for a night. Would you allow him, Mommy?¡± They even made puppy eyes on me so I would agree. And as if I have a choice? When I disagree, Aisle burst out crying so left without a choice, I agree in the end. Both cheered as soon as I nod.


    At dinner, Helena wasn¡¯t already with us. She said she have something to do that is why she needed to go. Three of us are eating and unlike before, Aisle seems so energetic as she eats her food. She even eats vegetables she doesn¡¯t like all as far as I know. Before, when Logan is out of the picture, it is hard for me to feed her that radish. But now, just wow! Seems like my daughter is now biased.


    ¡°Mommy, can I sleep in your room?¡± Aisle suddenly asked.


    Smiling, I agree, ¡°Yes, you can baby. Anytime for my princess.¡± I bring back my attention to my food.


    ¡°So Daddy can also sleep with us?¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± I asked panicked, eyes wide open as I gaped at her. ¡°He¡¯s not allowed, Baby. He will sleep in your room,¡± I said afterward.


    Aisle pouted while I heard Logan simply whistle. I red at him and then brought back my eyes to Aisle. ¡°Daddy can¡¯t sleep with us, baby. My bed is too small for three people.¡±


    ¡°But Mama Helena already slept with us on your bed. Your bed is big enough for us, Mommy.¡± I bit inside when she let out the truth making Loganugh.


    ¡°Uhm¡­ your Daddy is too fidgety while he¡¯s sleeping,¡± I reasoned out which was instantly refuted by Logan.


    ¡°That¡¯s not true, Alice. I slept and woke up in the same position.¡± I gritted my teeth andter on, ept my defeat. Again, they both cheered as they watch how I get defeated.


    ¡°You¡¯re using Aisle as your advantage, Logan,¡± I silently whispered at him while Aisle is peacefully sleeping between us.


    Logan opens his eyes. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± he asked innocently.


    ¡°You have your bed in your house. Why are you keep on pushing yourself to sleep here and you even used the kid.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Alice, that¡¯s not true. I am not using our child just to sleep here. I just agree with her when he wished me to sleep here,¡± he answered and then closes his eyes again.


    ¡°Still.¡± I breathe hard. ¡°You should decline her.¡±


    ¡°What?! Decline my child? No way. You know what, just sleep. We still have work tomorrow. Good night, baby.¡± he winked.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Baby your face, asshole.¡± I fumed before closing my eyes and turning my back to them.


    ***


    Blinding light from the morning sun enters my room through the open window which awakens me. And as soon as I jumped off the bed, step out of my bedroom, the aromaing from the kitchen permeated the air. I followed the savory smells and it brought me to the kitchen where I saw Aisle, together with his father-Logan. They were both facing the stove, with Aisle is in her father¡¯s arms. I nearly shout to scold him because of bringing Aisle near the stove until Aisle look in my direction. She cheered in delight as soon as she saw me and then Logan freed her. Aisle walk over to me and dragged me to her father.


    ¡°Look, Mommy, Daddy cook you a special breakfast.¡± I twitched a brow. Huh, special?


    ¡°Baby, there is nothing special on the omelet,¡± I corrected while tly staring at the poor omelet Logan¡¯s cooking.


    I heard him fake a cough to caught my attention but I didn¡¯t look him up. Instead, I carried Aisle and settled her on her seat. ¡°What do you want for breakfast, baby?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Daddy already fed me, Mommy.¡± Faking a smile, I looked at Logan who is now grinning at me proudly. I rolled my eyes and scoffed, ¡°Oh, your Daddy is so nice. He could rece me now.¡±


    Logan rose a brow before he could object to what I have said, I already turned to face Aisle. ¡°Then you must be taking a bath now? You¡¯ll bete for school¨C¡±


    ¡°I called her teacher and ask permission to let Aisle go absent for a day,¡± Logan butted in, cing the omelet on the table.


    ¡°Why did you do that? Who told you that you can do that?¡± I slightly raise a voice.


    Logan shrugged. ¡°I am her father, I can do that without asking anyone. Plus, I didn¡¯t do that for anything. You and Aisle need toe with me to buy some stuff for our house.¡±


    ¡°House?!¡± That¡¯s when I totally shout. ¡°What house are you talking about? Logan, we already discussed this thing. We will not live with you and you agree on that.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t agree, woman. As far as I remember, I didn¡¯t answer you that time. Plus, Aisle is the one we are talking about here. She needs aplete family, not a broken one. So, yeah¡­ you¡¯ll live with me. Now, eat. I¡¯ll take care of her, right baby?¡± He turned to Aisle and pinched her nose before carrying her to her room.


    They left in the kitchen alone while grumping for what he did. How dare that asshole meddles in my duty as Aisle¡¯s mother and then suddenly decide to live with us for his so-calledplete family image? Huh, family. Does he even think of what family means before telling it? How can he even say those words when it is crystal clear that we were not a family even he tried us to be?


    ¡°This is the best-selling bed, Sir. It¡¯sfortable and worth it for its prize.¡± I scanned the bed the salesdy talking about and rolled my eyes three hundred sixty degrees after seeing its prize.


    Who would buy a bed for five hundred dors? Are you kidding me? That¡¯s enough for my groceries for almost three months!


    ¡°Okay, we will get it.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± I instantly protest upon hearing Logan taking the bed. ¡°Five hundred dors is too much for a bed, Logan. You are just wasting your money.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Alice¡­ don¡¯t think of the money, I have a lot of them,¡± he brags which red my nostrils. ¡°So, have you chosen a sofa?¡±


    I randomly picked a blue-colored sofa. ¡°This is what I want,¡± I announced. Logan just walked over to the sofa and then without any protest, he buy it too.


    After buying lots of stuff for our so-called new house, Logan brought us to a high-ss restaurant where the first time I entered, itpletely shouts elegant. From the view to the smell of the whole ce, damn, so much elegance.


    ¡°What my baby wants?¡± Logan suddenly asked making me look at him-thinking that I am the one he is asking. But when I saw him staring at Aisle beside him, I darted my eyes awkwardly. ¡°Seems like Daddy has another baby.¡± My cheeks heated when I heard his words hinting at me.


    ¡°You should bring us to a simple restaurant, Logan. You don¡¯t need to bring us here and bragged how much money you have.¡± I rolled my eyes as I flipped the menu pages.


    ¡°I told you, don¡¯t worry about money. My money is for my babies.¡± I ignored his words, convincing myself that he is just ying with me.


    I put down the menu book. ¡°Nice joke,¡± I scoffed, leering at him afterward.


    That¡¯s it, Alice¡­ you are doing right. Don¡¯t you f*cking allowed his sweet words to destroy your barrier. He¡¯s just lying, he didn¡¯t mean those words. Logan is doing all of that just because of his responsibility to Aisle. And don¡¯t you ever forget that he is still freaking in love with the love of his life, Ynez. Don¡¯t be blinded¡­ just don¡¯t.


    After eating at the restaurant, Logan finally drive us to a subdivision where we stopped in front of arge white modern house with a pool in front. Awe is creeping all over me as well as Aisle who¡¯s cheering in joy as we walked inside.


    ¡°Do you live here?¡± I asked, still feeding my eyes with the beauty of his house.


    ¡°Nope, I have my own house.¡± That made me turn my gaze on him.


    Frowning, I asked, ¡°Then who owns this?¡±


    ¡°You and Aisle,¡± he tly announced. ¡°I brought thisst week for you and Aisle.¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°We could live to your house instead, Logan. You wasted your money again.¡± I leered and was about to roam deep in the house when he pulled me, snaking his arm around my waist.


    He then leaned on my ear and whispered, ¡°My house reminds me of bad memories so I nned to buy another one. Don¡¯t you like it, we can fill this house with new memories even moans.¡±


    ¡°Logan!¡± I yelled in shame, feeling the heat rushing through me.

 Chapter 21: Agreement

    ¡°So, you are living with your husband now?¡± I grimace after hearing Helena. She locked her eyes on me with malice in it.


    I sipped on my frappe. ¡°How many times do I have to tell¨C¡±


    ¡°Me that Logan is not your husband,¡± Helena cut off. She leered. ¡°Come on, Alice¡­ no matter how much you deny it, people who will see you living with Logan will definitely think that you and he were husband and wife.¡±


    ¡°And you are one of them, didn¡¯t you?¡± She nodded with a grin on her lips.


    I sipped again on my frappe and then darted my eyes outside the cafe we are currently having our snack. It¡¯s been a week since I and Aisle move into Logan¡¯s house and if I were going to tell how was it, well, it¡¯s fine. There¡¯s nothing a problem except that Logan is a tease. Yeah, he is and I actually didn¡¯t like it. I mean, sometimes, I like him in that way. Like a gentleman or the best dad in the whole universe. But there is really a time that I wanted him to act like he didn¡¯t care for me, that he only care about Aisle. I couldn¡¯t help but wish that he will treat me the way he treat me before when he was my boss and I am only his employee. I prefer it to be that way rather than he, being nice and sometimes sweet to me. It¡¯s scaring the hell out of me every time I am caught off guard when he will suddenly hug me, or even kiss me on my forehead. Plus his territorial manner every time Lyndon was in our house. It is freakishly scary knowing that it was Logan, it was him who can easily destroy my guard.


    When Helena and I parted ways after enjoying some snacks in the cafe near thepany, I headed back to the office. As I walked over to my table, a cup of another frappe didn¡¯t escape my eyes. Confused, I held it up and saw a sticky note on it with a message from Logan. With knotted brows, I nced at his office only to find his eyes, staring intently at me. Gulping two times, I ced back the frappe and sat on my chair but when my butt is just nearly kissing the chair¡¯s surface, Logan speaks from the inte-telling me to go inside.


    ¡°Do you need anything?¡± I asked tly.


    He shook his head before standing and walking over me. When he is already in front of me, he held me on my both shoulders and bring me closer to him. Thinking that he was going to steal a kiss from me-which he always did- I pushed him away from me instantly. He chuckled and then let go of me afterward.


    ¡°Do you like the frappe I bought for you?¡± he asked as soon as he sat again on his chair.


    ¡°I just finished a frappe in a cafe before I go back in here,¡± I answered which caused his brows to twist.


    ¡°Cafe? With Lyndon again?¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Nah but if ever I go on a cafe date with Lyndon, you have nothing to deal with it. Mindo your own business, Logan.¡±


    ¡°Did you just tell me that I should not interfere with your life, is that it Alice?¡± He red at me menacingly.


    I shrugged off. ¡°You¡¯re the one who told that, not me. Why do you call me anyway? Do you need something?¡± I inquired, changing a topic.


    When he told me that he didn¡¯t need anything from me, instead of scolding him, I went back to my table. After that conversation inside his office thatte afternoon, Logan didn¡¯t talk to me nor drive me home. And even when we are both in the house, I noticed that he is silent on me which is unlikely for him since we live with him. Shoving away my thoughts, I tried to ignore him too.


    ¡°Mommy,¡± Aisle suddenly called while I am reading a bedtime story for her.


    I looked her down and answered, ¡°Time for your milk?¡± Aisle shook her head, sitting in the middle of her bed.


    ¡°Are you and Daddy having a fight?¡± she asked, throwing me speechless. Fight? Of course, we didn¡¯t. I was about to answer her when the door opened-hanging my words into the air.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t fight, baby, what makes you think like that?¡± It was Logan, in his bared top and white sweat pants. He dives on Aisle¡¯s bed with his chest and abdomen first and then twisting around, supporting his body with his two arms. ¡°Daddy and Mommy were okay, right, baby?¡± Logan turned on me while I is unable to answer immediately because of his endearment.


    I nod as an answer instead. My God, Alice! What is the hell wrong with you?! It is just his ¡®baby endearment¡¯ he always used. Why does your tongue always catch by a cat when he called you using that word?!


    When Logan snatches the book from me to continue reading the bedtime story for Aisle, I went outside her room without them noticing it. Around eight in the night when I heard my room¡¯s door click which made me alerted on my bed. Since the light is turned off, I couldn¡¯t see who sneak into my room without my permission.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± I asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± His voice sent chills and electricity on my spine as soon as I heard it. Gulping, I turned on the bedmp only to see Logan, standing at the edge of my bed. ¡°Let¡¯s talk, Alice,¡± he said with his deep manly voice.


    ¡°Talk about what? And can we please talk about that outside? Not here in my room.¡±


    ¡°Why we can¡¯t talk about it here? Calm your ass, baby, I won¡¯t going to harass you. We are just going to talk about our near wedding.¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    I don¡¯t know what part of what he has said that made my heart thumped harshly against my chest. Was it the baby? The dirty meaning he is obviously trying to imply or the word which is strange and eerie for me to hear?


    ***


    ¡°Have you already thought of my proposal, huh?¡± I look Logan up as he suddenly butts in, stopping me from writing some reports.


    ¡°Can you please live me alone for a while? I am still busy for me to think of your shit, Logan.¡± He shrugged his shoulder before stepping out of the office, leaving me frustrated and pressured as well.


    When I am already alone, I mmed my hands on my table and then brought my face in my palms afterward. Memories ofst night-when Logan talked to me about the married- sh one by one inside my mind.


    ¡°What wedding are you talking about?!¡± I asked, confusion is consuming me as I stared at his expressionless face. ¡°Are you expecting me to be married to you?!¡± I rose a voice once again while pointing my index finger at him.


    He calmly sat at the edge of my bed. ¡°Don¡¯t overreach, Alice. The wedding isn¡¯t for you.¡±


    ¡°Then whom? If it wasn¡¯t for me then why did just say ¡®our¡¯?¡±


    ¡°What I mean is, yeah, it is our wedding but the marriage wasn¡¯t for you but Aisle. I want my child bare my name, Alice. And we can¡¯t do it unless we get married,¡± he reasoned out making me furiously brush my hair with my fingers.


    ¡°We can change her name if that¡¯s what you want. The heck, Logan¡­ marriage isn¡¯t the only way. Why would I even tying a knot with the man I didn¡¯t love¨C¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t love?¡± he asked, staring at me with an unknown expression in his eyes. ¡°Alice, there are a lot of couples who got married even though they didn¡¯t love each other. If love is what marriage means to you, then we can teach our heart to love each other.¡±


    ¡°We can not teach our heart to love someone you didn¡¯t love, Logan. What the hell?! For goodness¡¯ sake, marriage is sacred, Logan.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± He stood up, putting his hands in his pockets. ¡°I won¡¯t pressure you so much, I¡¯ll let you think about my proposal so let me know when you already think about it. Remember, for Aisle¡­ for our child.¡±


    Darn! For Aisle, for Aisle! He always based his decision just for Aisle, for our child¡¯s sake. But how about mine? Teach our hearts to love each other. Huh, how can he even do his own words knowing that he¡¯s still madly in love with his ex? Damn him! What does he think of me? A robot or a toy that doesn¡¯t feel anything so he can y with it anytime. For heaven¡¯s sake, I am still a woman with a heart¡­ a heart for him yet he acts like he didn¡¯t aware of it. He is talking about a very delicate matter yet for him, he acted like it was just a in arcade game that when you lost, you lost. That¡¯s it. That you can restart the game until you win.


    ¡°So, what was your answer?¡± It was Helena, on the phone while I am taking a warm bath.


    Scrubbing my leg with foam, I answered. ¡°Of course, I didn¡¯t agree. Is he even thinking that marriage is not just about responsibility? It¡¯s about inmitment as well, Helena.¡±


    ¡°Idiot!¡± she scolded from the other line which made me frown. ¡°Come on, Alice, you are not a teenager anymore. For goddamn sake, you¡¯re already twenty-six! Don¡¯t act like you were so innocent about life.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about being innocent or not, Helena. It is my heart I am going to put at stake when I agree on his proposal. We both know what was his reason and it will never be me.¡±


    It will never be me because just like what he said, he is doing all of this for Aisle. The reason is Aisle. He only cared for Aisle and not on me and he will never be.


    ¡°Alice, is it not clear to you why he asked you for marriage? Damn, girl! I don¡¯t know if you are just born an idiot or not. He asked you to get married to him because he clearly wanted to be married to you as well.¡±


    It made me stop scrubbing. Staring at my phone where Helena is, I gulped. He wanted to be married to me? Huh, that¡¯s ridiculous. Why would I even believe in thatughable joke?


    Butter on that night, after being drowned by my own thoughts, I only find myself outside Logan¡¯s room. With my hand hanging on the air, attempting to knock for almost how many times but at the end, doubts and fear conquered me. Breathing out harshly and deeply, I turned my back and was about to go back into my room when the door flew open. The familiar manly scent of him instantly registered in my mind.


    ¡°What is it?¡± he asked in his deep voice.


    Twirling back to face him, I almost curse loud upon seeing him in his almost naked look with a boxer only covering his down there.


    ¡°Eyes up here, Alice.¡± I instantly lifted my eyes on him and then felt the shame upon seeing his naughty grin on his lips. ¡°What is it?¡± he asked afterward.


    Summoning my remaining guts, I answered in a low voice. ¡°About the proposal, you are talking about¡­ Uhm¡­ I already made a decision even if it is really hard for me. Because you know, we didn¡¯t love each other and it is hard to¨C¡±


    ¡°Just go straight to the point, Alice,¡± he cuts, seems like he is nearly losing his patience.


    I bit on my bottom lip before finally letting my decision out. ¡°Let¡¯s get married.¡±


    Let¡¯s get married even though I am the only one here who has this feeling for you while you are still in love with your ex.

 Chapter 22: Mrs. Alice Ivanov

    Up until now, after two days upon saying my decision about his proposal, I can¡¯t still believe it. Getting married is just a dream for me. Of course, just like any other woman, they dream of marrying a guy they love. The man they see spending the rest of their life with. But in my case, given that I have a feeling for Logan, I can¡¯t still name that feeling. Maybe I just didn¡¯t know it yet or I am just afraid to ept the fact that¡¯s why I continued to deny it.


    ¡°All done?¡± From the mirror, I looked at Logan¡¯s reflection.


    I smiled curtly before answering his question. ¡°Almost done.¡±


    He nods. ¡°We¡¯ll see you downstairs.¡± He said, stepping outside again.


    As soon as he closed the door, I breathed hard. I lied. I am done¡­ done with my clothes, my makeup, and even in my hair. I am just this nervous thinking that when I step out of this room, I¡¯lle back tied into a man who married me just for the sake of his responsibility.


    Staring at my reflection, the single drop of tear didn¡¯t escape my eyes. I wiped it out carefully, preventing myself to ruin my makeup. My mother told me before and she made sure that I will never forget that marriage is a sacred thing. And it should only be done if two people truly loved each other. I understand that there are lots of couples out there that are getting married just for convenience. Especially those elites who do marriage for the sake of their businesses. But as a woman who sees marriage not in that way, it is hard for me to marry Logan. It doesn¡¯t just scare me but rather, it is also throwing me into tangles of emotions to the point that I couldn¡¯t even know how to react and live with my decision.


    ¡°Calm down, Alice¡­ there¡¯s no turning back, remember?¡± I talked to myself like I am sort of an idiot. Heaving a deep sigh, I stood up and walked over to the door. As soon as I stepped out, my body went chill. My heart is thumping hard out of nervousness and not in an exciting. Before I headed downstairs, I once look back at my room.


    In that room is where I leave all my doubts and uncertainties for the man who is currently waiting for me at the bottom of the stair.


    ¡°I think, my heart just dropped because of you, Alice,¡± Lyndonmented while gaping at me with awe in his face. ¡°You really are beautiful,¡± he added praise.


    I just smiled awkwardly upon hearing those words before turning my eyes to Logan who is currently staring at me with vivid intensity in his eyes. That threw me in uneasiness especially when he circled his arm around my waist as we walked outside where Helena and Aisle is waiting. Only Helena and Lyndon know about our so-called wedding. They are the only witness and I don¡¯t know if I am going to be happy with that or not? I mean, yeah, this will surely benefit me knowing that the fewer people who will know this matter, the less risk it would be for me. But again, just like other girls out there who dream about an ideal wedding, I would love if there are other witnesses for our exchanging of vows. But since the wedding that will be going to happen is unn, enough with the dreams, Alice.


    Maybe, I just need to ept the fact that there is no ideal wedding reserve for me. All unn just like what usually happened to my life.


    Aisle is unnned. Working with my boss¡¯ som who happened to be my daughter¡¯s father is unnned as well. Even this, living with Logan and marrying him for us to be that perfect family. Father and mother, with a child.


    ¡°Logan Ivanov, do you take Alice Del Angelo as yourwful wife?¡± the judge asked.


    Logan slipped a smile. ¡°I do,¡± he answered which is even it is already expected, my heart still stopped for a beat.


    ¡°Alice Del Angelo, do you take Logan Ivanov as yourwful husband?¡± the judge then threw me that question that sent baffled in my mind.


    It even took me for about seconds before I could even let out those two words as my answer. And as soon as he announced that I am already married to the man who stood wlessly in front of me, my brain instantly malfunctioned. I caught my breath as I heard him telling Logan that he could kiss me already. Logan, on the other hand, leaned forward and cages my face to his palms. Expecting that he will be going to kiss me on my lips, I slowly close my eyes but also went wide when I felt his lips not on mine but my forehead.


    Lyndon and Helena, as well as Aisle, cheered but not me, the bride. That kiss¡­ the kiss he did just pped me. It¡¯s like a reality pping me damn hard. He already used to steal a kiss from me and that was on my lips. But howe¡­ howe that we are already married, he just kissed me on my forehead.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°This calls for a celebration, dude.¡± Lyndon bumped his brother¡¯s shoulder with his. ¡°Damn it, you just married the most beautiful woman on Earth. You should celebrate,¡± he added.


    Logan chuckled. ¡°Stop overreacting, Lyndon. But anyway, there¡¯s a simple dinnerter. You cane, you to Helena,¡± Logan announced, turning to Helena thennding his eyes on me and Aisle.


    I instantly avoided his eyes and as soon as we reached home, I locked myself in my room for about half an hour. Thinking that life is sometimes unfavorable on me. I even cried and just try to act normal when the dinner came-hiding the pain Logan give to me.


    I thought my marriage life would be happy but now that I am married to him, I think I thought it wrong.


    ***


    ¡°Good morning, Mommy!¡± Aisle greeted me first before running towards me as soon as I walked over to the table where she and Logan is having their breakfast without me.


    I opened my arms widely to catch her. ¡°Good morning too, baby.¡± I kissed her cheeks and then carried her back to the table. ¡°Did you help Daddy cook these foods?¡± I asked, still settling my eyes on Aisle.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t, Mommy. I woke upte and when Daddy woke me up, the foods are ready.¡± She pouted.


    ¡°Oh, is that¡¯s it?¡± I finally lifted my head to Logan only to find him staring at me. When I caught him, he darted immediately his eyes from me to his te. As much as I wanted to slip a smile, I refrained from myself.


    ¡°Mommy, you know what, Daddy told me somethingst night ¡± I suddenly stopped chewing my bacon and looked down at Aisle who¡¯s sitting beside me.


    Frowning, I asked, ¡°Told you what?¡±


    ¡°He told me that you¨C¡±


    ¡°Baby, didn¡¯t I tell you that it was our secret? You should keep it from your Mommy.¡± Aisle, being a cute kid who like being caught stealing cookies on a jar, covered her mouth with her small hand.


    She then looked me up with a forced smile on her lips. As much as I want to ask her, Logan already carried her back to her room to took her a bath before we go to the office.


    ¡°Good morning, newlywed!¡± I badly want to remove my heels suddenly and throw them to Lyndon who¡¯s heading towards me and Logan as we walked in the hallway.


    I roamed my eyes around and gritted my teeth when I realized that some of the employees on the floor heard what Lyndon have said. Avoiding their curious eyes, I hurriedly walk to reach the office as soon as I can. Several minutes have passed before the door then flew open again as Logan entered. I immediately noticed how his brows were twisted before throwing me his dagger looks.


    ¡°Why did you run?¡± he asked in a hard tone.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t run¨C¡±


    ¡°Yes, you did. You just leave me alone in the hallway with my jackass brother. Do you think I wouldn¡¯t notice that?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t run, I just walk fast to avoid those employees who heard Lyndon,¡± I reasoned out.


    Logan clenched his jaw. ¡°Why? Why do you want to avoid them, tell me. Are you ashamed because I am your husband?¡±


    ¡°My God, Logan!¡± I raised a voice, suddenly lifting my butt out of my chair. Staring at him furiously, I spoke. ¡°It¡¯s not about me being ashamed because you are my husband, it is me, being ashamed because they might judge me for suddenly being your wife. Are you even aware of how my life changed because of the rumors spreading around? Others thought that I seduces you that¡¯s why I became close to you. How much more if they all find out that we have a child and we just married yesterday?!¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that the reason why? Then I¡¯ll tell you, you have nothing to worry about. Before this day end, all people in my f*ckingpany will know who you are in my life.¡±


    I gulped, suddenly stiffened in my ce. ¡°You gotta be kidding me.¡±


    ¡°I am afraid, I am not.¡±


    And he was right, he didn¡¯t just joke around because just like what he said that early in the morning, everyone in thepany will find out the truth.


    ¡°Everyone, listen to me!¡± Logan shouted while almost all of the employees are in the lobby and the rest were on the second floor including us.


    ¡°Stop spreading rumors about my secretary because from now on, anyone who will be caught spreading shits about my wife will be punished. Understood?!¡±


    Like the reaction written on everyone¡¯s face, my reaction is the same as theirs. The air suddenly became suffocating making me breathe hard.


    ¡°This woman right beside me is not just my secretary, she is also the mother of my child. She is Mrs. Alice Ivanov¡­ my wife!¡±

 Chapter 23: The Ivanov Family

    Logan¡¯s Point of View


    ¡°Why the hell did you do that, Logan?!¡± Alice asked, red color tinged her gorgeous face. ¡°Do you think announcing our wedding to the public will make the situation better? You just made it worse, I can¡¯t believe you.¡± She gritted her teeth and as much as I want to calm her down, I know, I couldn¡¯t.


    So, instead of arguing with her, I headed inside my office and leave her at her table. From my swivel chair, I could still feel her eyes shooting me, and guess what, when I nced at her, she is throwing me her dagger. Which I don¡¯t know if I am going to be scared about or just smile my ass off like an idiot because I really loved seeing that side of Alice. Gone the finest, the kindness. Just her boiling anger for me, conquering her face.


    Smiling, I locked my eyes on my monitor and tried my best not to peek at her ce again which I eventually did. After all, I¡¯ve been used to controlling myself when ites to Alice. After several hours of working on my monitor and this obnoxious bundle of papers on my desk, I speak from the monitor. I ordered Alice toe inside but after several minutes of waiting, she didn¡¯t even move from her table which made me frown. Losing my patience, I stepped outside and threw him my cold stare which again, I already practiced.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear your boss?¡± I asked.


    She leered at me before twitching her side lip. ¡°Have you forgotten what have you just announced earlier? You made sure that everyone will know who I am in your life. You told them that I am your wife so meaning, you can¡¯t just order me like your ordinary employee before.¡± Her spicy words threw me off guard making me step back into my office a bit frustrated.


    Leaving without choice, I called for food delivery as my stomach is already growling like a monster who didn¡¯t eat for years. After calling the delivery, I called Lyndon-my jackass dude-to pick up the food outside. At first, he protests. Telling me lots of excuses like he is busy with his work but when I told him that it was Alice¡¯s food, he immediately followed without any objection. A few moments have passed when I saw the first door open and right there, Lyndon entered with a bright smile on his face. My brows immediately knotted when I watch him from my desk-walking over Alice¡¯s table which also has a smile on her damn lips.


    She didn¡¯t even smile at me that way. How unfair¡­ she is so unfair. For f*cking sake, I am her husband yet she is smiling at the other guy.


    After Lyndon leave the office, I was about to speak on the inte to order Alice to bring the food to me when the door swung open. Giving me my wife in her usual grimace.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t order foods, Logan,¡± she informed using her voice with a hint of irritation on it.


    ¡°I know,¡± I replied, leaving my seat as I walked into her. ¡°It¡¯s just Lyndon¡¯s keeps on protesting when I asked him to get these foods. So, I have to use your name to make him follow.¡± I snatched the bags of food from her and held those in my single hand while the other is grabbing her elbow gently. And of course, being the stubborn wife, I felt how she protest but when I tightened my grip on her a little, she gave up until I fixed her on the couch.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I am not hungry.¡±


    I smirked. ¡°Who told you that I am going to force you to eat?¡± Her nose red while I, diverted my gaze in the foods in front of me while hiding my true reaction on her face.


    Damn, I badly want tough at her reaction but I tried not to because who knows that I¡¯ll instantly receive a p from her?


    Her soft palm on my face is still vivid on me and I definitely don¡¯t want her palm to touch me again. Unless it would not be my handsome face she will be going to touch.


    ¡°Why are you grinning?¡± I was dragged back to my sense after hearing her voice, raising a question. ¡°You looks like a pervert, Logan,¡± she added.


    ¡°I just thinking of something¨C¡±


    ¡°You mean someone¡­ you¡¯re thinking of someone whom you probably doing your nasty things. Gosh, I should have known you from the very start.¡± She rolled her eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯re judging me, Alice and that¡¯s bad. I am not thinking of someone else, I am thinking of you. I always think of you every day and night,¡± I confessed which made her silent and went rigid on her seat. That gave me a proud smirk especially when I saw her face flushed. ¡°Huh, seems like a cat caught your tongue, baby,¡± I teased and before I could tease her even more, a pillow already hit my face before I found out that she is marching out of my office.


    ¡°Short-tempered, baby,¡± I mumbled alone before finishing my food.


    When I already doing again my work, my phone suddenly rang, and got surprised upon seeing my Mom¡¯s photo on the screen. Hesitant to answer, I still did. Already weaving my reason on what she will going to discuss. And just like what I am expected, as soon as I answered her call, she demand on seeing the wife I just announced earlier in the morning.


    ¡°For goodness¡¯ sake, Logan¡­ if it wasn¡¯t because of a piece of news already spreading around, I wouldn¡¯t know what is happening in your life. Wife? Since when did you get one and who is this unlucky girl?!¡±


    ¡°Mommy, calm down-¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t calm down unless you bring your rumored wife right now!¡± And just like that, Alice and I will have to visit my parents¡¯ house.


    ***


    Right after our office hours, I ended up deciding to bring Alice and Aisle with me to my parents¡¯ house. As if I have another option. It was my Mom who mandated me to bring my wife to their house. But in this case, it wasn¡¯t just my wife that I am going to bring with me. My child as well¡­ I just hope they won¡¯t throw me outside the house because of the surprise.


    ¡°Where are we going? This isn¡¯t the way home?¡± Alice inquired with confusion written on her face.


    ¡°We¡¯re going first to my friend before we go home,¡± I answered, driving to my friend who is the only person I know who will help me.


    After several minutes of driving, we reached the boutique my friend owns. Confusion wrote on Alice¡¯s face but she didn¡¯t bother to ask any questions. When I offer my hand to her, she took it while wandering her eyes around.


    ¡°Logan, darling!¡± I almost cursed when Alice drastically pulled her hand clung to mine as soon as Joanna walked over to wee us. ¡°Oh my gosh, what brought you here? It¡¯s been a while, darling.¡± Joanna leaned forward and shamelessly kiss me on my lips, right in front of Alice.


    When I saw how my wife¡¯s face contorted, I slightly pushed Joanna away from me. That¡¯s when she was able to notice Alice, standing a few gaps from me.


    ¡°Oh gosh! Don¡¯t tell me the humor are true? What the hell?! Is this for real?! Logan Ivanov is now tied into someone?¡± I saw how exaggeration registered on Joanna¡¯s gorgeous face.


    I know, she will be one of the lists who will be surprised knowing the truth. She¡¯s part of my past, I could say that she is one of my girls before who aren¡¯t that bossy. When we are still in the rtionship, we are both aware that we are sort of using each other to quench our thirst in bed. The same reason why I didn¡¯t avoid her and still considered her as my trusted friend.


    ¡°Fortunately, the humor is true. Joanna, meet Alice, my wife. Alice, this is Joanna, my¨C¡±


    ¡°His ex-girlfriend and I am not pleased to meet you.¡± Alice instantly slipped an awkward smile before looking me up. ¡°Kidding! Of course, I am pleased to meet Logan¡¯s gorgeous and sizzling wife. Now I know why Logan chooses you. You really got his favorite, Alice dear. And the boobs, Logan¡­ the boobs!¡±


    ¡°Anyways, please help my wife choose an outfit for a family dinner. Dropped the chit-chat first, Joanna, we are in a hurry.¡± Twitching her lips, Joanna pulled Alice into the deep of her shop. And before I walked over to the couch, Alice threw me her questioning face.


    Later, baby¡­ter.


    I chose to read some magazine settling on the ss table as I waited for Alice and Joanna. And thanks to God, after an hour of choosing, they finally appeared in front of me with their selection.


    ¡°I think the red one suits you, baby.¡± Joanna almost shriek beside Alice when I called my wife with my endearment.


    ¡°Love is in the air,¡± Joanna mumbled but still audible for me. ¡°Anyways, the red one is picked by yours truly, darling. You know, I know what¡¯s your preferences and I do think that will bring up Alice¡¯s tempting look. Hot baby, perfect!¡± Joanna pped her hands.


    Before we left her boutique, she once again kissed me but this time, on my cheeks. She waved her goodbye before Alice and I hop inside my car. And as soon as I drive away, I nced at Alice who was still quiet. Her arms were crossed against her chest which gives me a peek at her perfectly defined breast.


    ¡°Mom¡¯s inviting us to their house. We just fetch Aisle at home then we are going¨C¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± she cuts, still eyeing the road. ¡°I asked you earlier before we go to your woman¡¯s shop but you didn¡¯t give me an answer. Now, you are suddenly telling me that we are going to see your parents,¡± sheined.


    ¡°Mom called me unexpectedly and I chose not to tell you as early as possible because I know you will not agree. And can you please drop your thoughts of Joanna being my woman? She is not my woman.¡±


    She chuckled. ¡°Really, huh? So what about the kiss? Is that a friendly kiss? And oh, I almost forgot the endearment. Darling, huh¡­ how sweet?¡± sarcasm coated her words but instead of answering her and exining my side, I choose to drive fast so we can get into my parents¡¯ house.


    Like what I have said, we only fetch Aisle at home and then head to my parents¡¯ house. Alice didn¡¯t talk to me anymore for the whole ride, she was so silent and every time I will talk to her, she will just ignore me like I didn¡¯t exist. Thanks to Aisle that¡¯s lessening the tension for the whole ride. When we finally reach the destination, I hold Alice¡¯s hand and clung it to mine while Aisle is on my other arm.


    ¡°Where are we, Daddy?¡± she innocently asked while we are walking through the hallway with two maids in front of us. ¡°New house, Daddy?¡±


    ¡°No, baby. We are in Grandma and Grandpa¡¯s house. They wanted to see you that is why we are here. Are you excited to meet them?¡± Aisle didn¡¯t hesitate to nod her head while Alice tightened her hand on mine.


    ¡°Calm down, baby. They won¡¯t eat you,¡± I reminded but she just leers at me which made me smirk.


    ¡°Logan, son!¡± As soon as we entered the dining area, Mom¡¯s voice boomed around making Alice tighten her grip on me again. ¡°Oh my God! Lyndon was right, you really are my son¡¯s wife, Alice. My God! I¡¯m so blessed and who¡¯s this kid? Is she your¨C¡±


    ¡°Our child. Aisle, say hello to Grandma.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Grandma!¡± Aisle cheerfully greets my mom.


    ¡°Oh my God! Look, William¡­ look at her! She really looks like our son. Thank you for giving her as our grandchild, Alice. Thank you.¡±


    Alice awkwardly smiled but didn¡¯t let out a word.


    ¡°I told you, they won¡¯t bite you,¡± I whispered, leaning close to her ears.

 Chapter 24: Caught

    Logan¡¯s Point of View


    ¡°You¡¯ve been my secretary first yet I did not get any clue about you and my son. Seems like Cupid used me to fulfill his duty, huh?¡± My dad stated, looking at Alice with a smile in his eyes.


    Alice on the other hand just lifted her eyes and simply answered Dad with a smile. ¡°Actually, Sir¡­ Uhm¡­ I don¡¯t have any idea about him being your child as well. I just get surprised when I saw him with you that day you introduced him to me.¡±


    ¡°But in all in fairness with you, my dear, I didn¡¯t even spot any strange emotion in you that day. Now, I know why I made Logan agree to my proposal.¡± He turned his eyes on me before sipping on his wine. ¡°As far as I remember, you didn¡¯t want to take my position, right? You even convinced your brother so he will be the one who will gonna rece me. If I know that it would be only Alice, huh.¡± Heughed before turning to Aisle who is currently feeding by Mom with our dessert.


    I once nce at Alice beside me and found out that she is locking her eyes on Aisle as well while ying with her fingernails under the table. Thinking that she was still nervous, I get her hand and caged it into mine. But instead of her-feeling thefort- I was the one who suddenly felt one. I¡¯ve been noticing this feeling this past few weeks. The feeling that every time I will hold her hand, I felt the undeniablefort and joy. And it felts like I badly wanted to always hold her on this way.


    When the dinner ended, we headed to the living room perhaps for another session of discussion. And guess what, I am right. Right after we sat down, Mom and Dad¡¯s interrogation just doubled until Aisle fell asleep on my arm.


    ¡°My son is very lucky to have you and Aisle on his life, Aisle. You don¡¯t know how much I am happy as his mother knowing that he is in good and loving arms of yours.¡± Mom cages Alice¡¯s hands in hers. ¡°Thank you, sweetheart,¡± she added.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me, Ma¡¯am¨C¡±


    ¡°It should be Mom, not Ma¡¯am.¡± Then she giggled.


    Alice tilted her head on me before slipping a smile as she turned to Mom again. ¡°Mom¡­¡± she trailed.


    Nine in the evening when I decided to spend a night at my parents¡¯ house. Also, it was Dad and Mom¡¯s request so Alice agree as well with no protest. But when we reach our room, that¡¯s when she boomed in protest.


    With a knotted and unpleasant expression written on her face, sheined, ¡°You should have asked for a separate room, Logan.¡±


    I scratch my brow. ¡°How can I do that when they think that we are okay? If I did ask for a separate room, do you think what will they think?¡± I covered Aisle with a mattress gently then looked upon Alice who was walking back and forth. ¡°Come on, this is just for one night. Don¡¯t act like this is new to us, we both slept¨C¡±


    ¡°Shut your dirty thoughts away, Logan¡­ for once.¡± She gritted her teeth while I is surpassing myugh.


    ¡°I am not thinking of dirty things, woman. I suppose to tell you that we both slept in the same bed with Aisle between us. You were the one who¡¯s thinking the other way.¡± I cackled, living her, and walked over to the bathroom to brush my teeth. When I got back, I saw her already lying next to Aisle. Sleeping peacefully while hugging our child.


    Out of nowhere, I just grabbed my phone on the bedside table and then opened the camera. ¡°So adorable,¡± Imented while my eyes are focused on their image shing through my screen. After that, I alsoid myself on the bed-hugging them both with my arms.


    The next morning, I woke up alone in bed so I hurriedly jumped off and went outside. The first one I saw is Aisle with Mom in the living room. Aisle was busy telling something to my Mom while my Mom on the other hand was just listening to her while smiling widely. Delight is visible in her eyes and it¡¯s been some time since I saw her wearing that smile. When they noticed my presence, Aisle hurriedly run towards me and jumped to me. To catch her, I level om her and opened my arms wider.


    ¡°Good morning, Daddy,¡± she greets before giving me a peck of a kiss.


    ¡°Good morning too, my baby. Where is your Mom?¡± I asked, roaming my eyes but I didn¡¯t see who I am looking for.


    ¡°She¡¯s in the kitchen, Daddy. They were eating breakfast,¡± Aisle answered making me frown in confusion.


    ¡°Eating with whom?¡± I asked.


    ¡°With Dada Lyndon, Daddy.¡± She pulled out from my arms and then run back to my Mom who is waiting for him. She greeted me as well before I walked over to the kitchen and found out Aisle wasn¡¯t lying. Of course, she would not.


    My mood was instantly ruined upon seeing Alice and Lyndon-eating their breakfast together and were talking cheerfully like they were sort of couples on a date. Lyndon even tell his corny jokes which made Aliceugh like there was no tomorrow. Damn her! How can sheugh in that way with another man¡¯s joke while she can¡¯t even show that side of her when I am with her?!


    ¡°Dude!¡± Lyndon called as he identallynded his eyes in my direction. Alice as well looked at me and what happened next annoyed me even more. Her smile faded as soon as she met my eyes, how unfair? ¡°Come on, join us on our breakfast!¡± Lyndon added but instead of taking his offer, I walked over to the coffee maker and made one for myself. She should be the one preparing my coffee because she must serve her husband.


    When I was about to go outside the dining, Lyndon called me again. I twirled around, giving them each nce before my eyes settled on Alice. ¡°I don¡¯t want to disturb you, guys,¡± I said and then walked away.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Darn it! How dare her?! How dare she flirt with my brother behind my back?! And for goddamn sake, she¡¯s in my parent¡¯s house! If she can¡¯t show any respect for me, at least show respect for my parents.


    ***


    Alice and I both decided not to go on our work after we reached home from my parents¡¯ house. At the car, I didn¡¯t even bother to talk to her nor nce at her from time to time. While on the house, we just eat our lunch cooked by the housemaids and then busy me in my office. Trying so hard not to with Alice.


    I am still pissed to the point that even I was trying so hard to give all my attention to my paperwork, still, I couldn¡¯t move on from what I saw since my day started. Those smiles that almost tore her lips, thoseughs that she genuinely let out when she was with my brother. How can she do those shit?!


    I clenched my fist into tight balls followed by crumpling some papers in front of me and then throwing them forcefully to nowhere. In the middle of my resentment, the door opened giving me the woman who makes me insane. I throw her daggers which made her gulp as she bit the bottom of her lips.


    ¡°What?¡± I coldly asked, drawing away my eyes from her.


    ¡°Uhm¡­ I baked cupcakes¡­ I just want to ask if you want so I¡¯ll bring you¨C¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± I cut off. ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood to eat sweets,¡± I added. I looked her up again and saw an expression with a hint of sadness on it. ¡°Leave, don¡¯t disturb me just like what I did when you were busy flirting with my brother.¡±


    ¡°Flirting?!¡± she raised a voice, brows twisted together while her hand is gripping tight on the doorknob. ¡°And where did you get that usation?¡±


    ¡°Oh, didn¡¯t I see you?¡± I smirked. ¡°Instead of preparing your husband¡¯s breakfast, you rather flirt with Lyndon. What a good wife,¡± I said with a bit of mockery creeping into my voice.


    Alice didn¡¯t answer instead, she mmed the door and drastically march away without even trying to exin her side. Huh, as if there were still an exnation for what I saw? It was clear¡­ her agenda was clear. She¡¯s doing it because she wanted Lyndon. She even informed Lyndon first about my child rather than me. I am Aisle¡¯s father yet my brother knew it first.


    When dinneres, nothing changes. I still show my rude attitude to Alice and just faking everything is okay when Aisle is asking if I and her Mommy fight. The night, before I go my room, I decided to visit Aisle first in her room but got stopped from opening the door when I heard sniffsing inside. I thought it was Aisle so I hastily open the door but went stiffened on my ce when I found out that it was Alice who was silently crying while caressing our child¡¯s hair. When she saw me, she immediately wiped out her tears and jumped off the bed then walked over to me. Just when she was about to pass me, I grabbed her elbow-stopping her which I eventually did.


    Scanning her face, I asked, ¡°Why are you crying?¡±


    ¡°Why do you care?¡± she asked back silently but the tinged of sarcasm in her voice are enough for me to hear. ¡°Hands off, Logan.¡± I gritted my teeth when she forcefully pulled her elbow and then march away.


    I intend to follow her but when I heard Aisle calling me, I turned my eyes on her. ¡°Daddy, why Mommy is crying?¡± Damn, I thought she is sleeping?


    I joined her on the bed and then ced her on myp. ¡°Mommy isn¡¯t crying, baby. She only got dirt on her eyes that is why,¡± I lied but when her face contorted, I know she didn¡¯t take my excuse.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying, Daddy. She wasn¡¯t crying because of dirt, she is crying because of you. I heard her cursing you while I am faking my sleep. You¡¯re bad, Daddy! You made my Mommy cry!¡± Aisle cried before turning her back on me and covering herself with the mattress.


    Shocked by what I have found out and how my daughter suddenly acted, I chose to leave her alone. On my way back to my room, I purposely stopped at Alice¡¯s room and then knocked on the door. However, after how many knocks, Alice didn¡¯t open the door until I gave up knocking. The next morning, I was left alone in the house with the maids telling me that Aisle and Alice had already left for work and school. Cursing myself to hell, I drive frustratedly to thepany. As soon as I reached the office, I saw Alice already working her ass off-facing the monitor and didn¡¯t even throw a nce on my way.


    ¡°Get inside,¡± I ordered, getting her attention but I failed. ¡°Alice, I said get inside,¡± I repeated, almost losing my patience.


    She lifted her gaze on me with a nk emotion written on it. ¡°I still have works to do, Sir. Excuse me,¡± she dropped before leaving her seat and leaving me alone in the office.


    ¡°F*ck!¡± I cursed, gritting my teeth as I seat on my chair.


    What¡¯s with the sudden treatment? She was the one where I caught flirting with my brother yet she still has the guts to be mad at me?

 Chapter 25: Falling

    Logan¡¯s Point of View


    ¡°You¡¯re burning your liver, dude,¡± Yuri, one of my friendsmented as he sat beside me with a woman clinging on his bicep. ¡°Thest time we ask you to join us on bar hopping, you didn¡¯te with us. But look at you now, you look like a f*cking broken-hearted.¡±


    ¡°Just shut up, Yuri. Busy yourself with your woman and stop spoiling my peaceful time.¡± He shrugged off while I pour another shot of tequ on my ss.


    I roamed my eyes around until it settled on the dance floor where lots of party girls are dancing-tuning with the beat of flirtatious music yed by the DJ. When I once empty my ss, I decided to leave my seat and walked over to the bar counter where as soon as I took my seat, a brte wearing a too sexy and expose dress approach me. She stands in front of me and I noticed how she intentionally leaned forward just so I could have a peek at her exposed cleavage.


    Biting her lips, sheid her fingers on me. From my shoulder down to my chest then she smiles yfully. ¡°Alone?¡± she asked, her eyes were seductively scanning my whole.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I answered before I nced at the bartender and ordered another shot of tequ. ¡°Have a seat and be mypanion for the night,¡± I added, giving her the same stare she¡¯s giving me.


    We talked while we were drinking ss after ss of our liquor and when we both felt tired from talking, I stood up and grabbed her hand. We walked through the crowds until we reached the deep of the dance floor and then dance with the rhythm with no space between us. Her body is rubbing against mine but I don¡¯t understand why I didn¡¯t feel anything unlike before. Every time I am going to a party or go clubbing with a woman, I felt so alive and high. But now, this night is so different until I ended up walking out from the dance floor. The woman followed me and immediately cling her hands on my arm which made me suddenly distance myself from her.


    Her brow twitched and stared at me in disbelief. ¡°What¡¯s your problem?¡± she asked, gone the pretty and seductive expression she has earlier. ¡°You didn¡¯t like that earlier? I thought you wanna have some fun that is why you entertained me.¡±


    ¡°Well, you thought it in the wrong way. So now, leave me alone.¡± Hands-on in my pocket, I walked back to the table where my friends are.


    ¡°Hey, who¡¯s the brte, Logan?¡± Yuri-still having a girl on hisp-asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I answered before taking a bottle of beer with me before I decided to leave the bar. I even heard Yuri asking if he can bed the brte he is talking to. Who cares if he beds that woman? I don¡¯t even know her name.


    When I reach the parking lot, I emptied first the beer before I drive home which frustrates me at some point. I nned not to go home for this night so I could avoid Alice but here I am, seems like there were a string pulling me to go home. After driving home, the darkness weed me as I entered the house. The lights were all off so I have to tug my phone out of my pocket for a shlight. As soon as I opened my phone, the screen shows that it was already eleven in the evening. I headed directly on the stairs and was about to take a step when a small amount of light shed inside the kitchen. Curious about what it is, I walked over to the kitchen and saw the opened refrigerator as well as the figure standing in front of it. I bit my lips as I chose to watch Alice¡¯s every movement as I am leaning against the door frame.


    Damn! She¡¯s in her pajamas but why does she look so sexy on them? And the way she drinks water, that neck of her that I suddenly wanted to lick seduces me. Darn this woman for doing this to me!


    ¡°Stop doing that!¡± I couldn¡¯t take it anymore but to break the silence so she will stop drinking. ¡°Stop showing your neck, Alice,¡± I added while her eyes are now on me with her mouth gape open.


    ¡°You¡¯rete.¡± My lips twitched and started to walk over her.


    ¡°So what if I came homete?¡± I asked, towering her height. ¡°Are you mad?¡± I saw her gulp before she steps backward. Annoyed by how she reacted, I immediately step forward and grabbed her waist making her lean against me.


    ¡°L¨CLogan¡­ let me go¡­¡± she stuttered.


    ¡°Why would I?¡± With a grin, I leaned forward and couldn¡¯t take it but to im her lips. Her body instantly went rigid as I kiss her butter on, I slowly feel how she surrendered. I break the kiss, leaving her gasping for air. ¡°You don¡¯t avoid me this much, Alice¡­ you don¡¯t,¡± I said with a hard tone.


    ¡°You¡­ you drink?¡± she asked, shock still registered on her face.


    I chuckled. ¡°Yes, I do. All because of you, Alice¡­ all because of you.¡± I removed my arms around her waist and then walked away-leaving her alone in the kitchen.


    After I reached my room, I dive into my bed with a grin on my lips. And as I closed my eyes, the image of me kissing her Alice shed through my mind. Damn lips! It feels so good to feel her lips on mine.


    ***


    ¡°Mommy, will you drive me to school?¡± Aisle asked before taking a bite of her pancakes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drive you to school, baby,¡± I butt it but when Aisle looked at me, she instantly diverted her eyes to her mother. She still didn¡¯t talk to me like usual and when she did, it seems like it was very hard for her. Since that night, Aisle bes cold on me and it driving my nuts just like how her mother did to mest night.


    Shame for me to admit but hell! It was my very first time jerking off as I think of a woman-imagining that ut would be her that I f*ck!


    ¡°Baby, are you still mad at Daddy?¡± I asked, showing her my saddened eyes. Damn, dude! It¡¯s been two days of hell!


    ¡°You made my mommy cry, Daddy¡­ you¡¯re bad,¡± she silently replied that making Alice lift her gaze on me. She then turned to Aisle and then held up her little hand.


    ¡°Baby, Daddy and I were okay now. Don¡¯t worry anymore, okay?¡± After Alice talked to our daughter, as if her voice were magic, Aisle treat me the way she treat me before.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said before stepping inside my office. When I nced at Alice again when I took my seat, I saw her smiling but when she caught me staring, her smile faded. And I should be mad, right? Because she hides those precious smiles of her again but instead of being mad, her action seems like a childish one to me making me smile as well.


    But when lunch came, my mood subsided. Lyndon, my brother, always has his shitty way to ruin my day. With a wide smile stretching his lips, I saw him enter the office and talk to Alice as if the woman he is talking to wasn¡¯t his brother¡¯s wife. Losing my patience, I drastically leave my seat and stepped outside which made the two look at me with their widened eyes.


    ¡°What¡¯s with the surprised?¡± I ask sarcastically. ¡°I am not allowed to hear your conversation with my brother, my wife?¡± I added, emphasizing the twost words.


    She shook her head as she concealed the surprise in her face. ¡°Uh¡­ of course, not. It¡¯s just¨C¡±


    ¡°Can I borrow Alice, dude? We¡¯re eating lunch at the cafeteria. You can join us.¡± Lyndon butted in, cutting Alice¡¯s words.


    I nced at Lyndon before bringing back my eyes on Alice who was biting her bottom lips again. With a caustic stare, I am giving to her, I spoke, ¡°Of course, you can borrow her but count me out, I have a lunch date today,¡± I lied before walking away without turning my back again even though I heard Lyndon shouting behind me. Scolding the hell out of me as if he was my mother.


    ¡°We just got into a barst night, Logan. Why are we here again?¡± Yuri¡¯s voice mixed with the loud music of the ce. ¡°Tell me, is there anything wrong?¡± he asked as soon as we took our table.


    ¡°There is,¡± I confessed. I then raised my hand to call the attention of the waiter for our drinks. When we already ordered, I again turned to Yuri. ¡°So, listen, I have a wife but I didn¡¯t know why she is flirting with my brother? It looks like she wants Lyndon rather than me ¡± I gritted my teeth but soon stop when Yuri burst outughing while clutching his stomach.


    ¡°The heck? What¡¯s funny?!¡± I frustratedly asked as I grabbed him on his cor.


    He stoppedughing, but still, giggles are present, and it still annoyed me. ¡°Wife? Are you serious?¡± he asked.


    Letting him go drastically, I emptied my ss. ¡°I am f*cking serious here, Yuri. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Honestly, I think you¡¯re already lost your memory. Logan Ivanov? The most sought bachelor of town is now married? Dude, I am not informed.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not because you are too busy f*cking lots of women. But seriously, I am married, dude. If you still didn¡¯t believe me, then check the inte.¡± And just like what I have said, Yuri immediately browse on his phone, and after a few minutes, he turned on me with awe in his eyes.


    ¡°What the f*cking hell?! It¡¯s true, you¡¯re not lying dude! Bullsh*t!¡± he cursed until we go deep on the topic.


    ¡°So you are telling me that your wife likes Lyndon rather than you and it drives you nuts?¡± I nodded. ¡°But you also told me that you didn¡¯t actually love this Alice, right?¡± I nodded again. ¡°If that is the case, I guess you are lying to yourself, Logan.¡± It made me face him with brows twisted together.


    ¡°Lying? I am not¨C¡±


    ¡°Yes, you are,¡± Yuri cuts off. ¡°Look, if you really don¡¯t love her then tell me the reason why you are frustrated just because you think that she likes Lyndon rather than you?¡±


    ¡°Because it looks like she is not respecting me as her husband.¡± I brushed my hair with my fingers.


    Yuri cackled and then drink his tequ. ¡°You are falling for her, Logan¡­ that¡¯s it. You are just you, being so in denial about your feelings when the truth is, you already fell on this Alice. You¡¯re mad because you are jealous, Logan. That¡¯s the real reason why you have that burning resentment inside your heart. You couldn¡¯t take it because the woman you love loves your brother.¡±


    ¡°Me? Love her?!¡± I shook my head. ¡°You gotta be kidding me. Yeah, I like her but I didn¡¯t love her. There is a big difference between like and love, Yuri.¡±


    ¡°Sooner orter, you will eat your words, dude.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t fell on her, Yuri, and I will prove you that.¡± I marched out, leaving him on the bar alone.

 Chapter 26: Avoiding

    Alice¡¯s Point of View


    ¡°What do you mean that he is avoiding you?¡± Helena asked with fewer lines written on her forehead.


    ¡°Avoiding. That¡¯s it. He is ignoring me and acting like I didn¡¯t exist,¡± I answered as I scrubbed myself while I took my warm bath.


    ¡°So, you mean¡­ are you telling me that after the wedding he ignored you? There is no honeymoon happened?¡± I grimaced when I heard the word ¡®honeymoon¡¯.


    As if I am expecting that there would be a honeymoon after our so-called wedding. ¡°I already told you, there was no honeymoon happened because it wasn¡¯t needed at all. And the heck, Helena. It¡¯s not the honeymoon that I am concerned about. It was his treatment of me, he f*cking treat me like air.¡± I cursed.


    Helena justughed from the other line and it took her moments before she has stopped. ¡°Didn¡¯t you also tell me that you didn¡¯t care if Logan will going to treat you like his wife as long as he will provide for Aisle?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you demanding his attention?¡± That threw me off guard, making me stop moving. I gulped the lumps that instantly build up on my throat. ¡°You better think of that, Alice¡­ you better think. Because if I were you, I will going to ask myself if my feelings are still normal for a so-called you that is unbothered.¡± Helena dropped the call and I was there, in the bathroom for almost an hour. Staring at nowhere as my mind is drowning in clouded emotions.


    When the night came deep, I wasn¡¯t able to sleep. I was all there, with my eyes wide open as I stared at the ceiling. Only the monotonous chirped of crickets are all I could hear. But despite the noisesing from them, the night was still peaceful. As the bright moon conquers the night¡­ the dark, I am also wishing that perhaps, the moon can lighten up my thoughts as well. Everything was gloomy, vague. Yes, I said that I don¡¯t care if Logan will treat me nice, or will at least give me his eyes. I don¡¯t care if he would ever see me as a woman who has an eye on him, but if I am going to take Helena¡¯s words, am I really unbothered? Do I really don¡¯t care or it¡¯s just me, denying the truth that I secretly demand for his attention?


    That night, when he came homete. I thought it would be the start, I thought it would be the first step in bringing up the undefined rtionship between us to the next level. But all my hopes flew like a bird, like a bubble that burst out when the days passed and he eventually ignored me. I first ignored him but after that kiss, I removed my barrier all for him. But just when I am starting to let my guard down, he ignored me. Not just once, twice nor thrice¡­ he ignored me many times. And whether I admit it or not, it f*cking hurts.


    Even though I didn¡¯t get enough sleep that night, I was still able to get up from my bed for a morning routine. I just took a bath and wear simple house clothes since it is Sunday today so there is no work. After tying up my hair into a messy bun, I stepped outside my room and walked into Aisle. When I saw her still sleeping peacefully, I didn¡¯t bother to wake her up since it was still six in the morning. When I got downstairs, there were already two maids cleaning the house while the head of the maid, Lucia is now busy in the kitchen.


    I simply coughed, getting her attention and when I did, Lucia smiled at me before greeting me with a good morning. I walked over to the sink and washes my hand before I get some ingredients in the refrigerator.


    Lucia eyeing me, I speak. ¡°I wanna help, Auntie Lucia.¡± And then I started peeling off some onions and garlic and then chopped them.


    Lucia didn¡¯t protest for what I wanted, and when I told her that she can already do some of her work and leave the cooking on me, she agreed. I was smiling widely as I sang while frying bacon, hotdogs, and egg. And when I already finished cooking and preparing the table, I sighed in delight. Ucing my apron, I washed my hands again and headed back upstairs to wake Aisle as well as Logan. But when I was about to enter Aisle¡¯s room, the door flew open. Giving me my daughter in her father¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Good morning, Mommy!¡± Aisle greeted me as she saw me. I greet her back and when my eyesnded on Logan, greeting him too was my intention. But when he avoided my eyes, I got to bite my tongue just so I can stop my mouth from opening. Logan walked first downstairs with Aisle he effortlessly carrying on his strong arms. While me, I just have to follow them with pursed lips. Hands gripping on the hem of my blouse.


    ¡°Did you cook all of this, Mommy?¡± Aisle asked while her eyes are glistening in joy upon seeing those foods in front of her.


    Putting bacon, hotdogs, and rice on her te, I answered. ¡°Yes, baby¡­ I prepared these all for you.¡±


    ¡°What about Daddy? Didn¡¯t you cook these for Daddy as well?¡±


    I awkwardly lifted my eyes on Logan who¡¯s now sipping on his cup of coffee, not giving me any nce. I was forced to let out a smile and then turned again to Aisle. ¡°Of course, I prepared these foods for Daddy as well.¡± Aisle giggled.


    The whole breakfast went out just like that. Me, feeding Aisle, answering all her questions and chit-chats. But on the other hand, Logan was just like a dumb. He didn¡¯t even speak even though Aisle is talking to him. He will just smile and then that¡¯s all. His actions somehow frustrate me. Not because he is obviously ignoring me but because he is acting rude to his child. Aisle wasn¡¯t used to that side of him and I have to lie about that when I was bathing Aisle.


    ¡°Mommy, is Daddy mad at me?¡± she innocently asked while ying with those bubbles that are covering her body.


    ¡°Of course not¡­ what made you think like that, baby?¡± I bit my lips inside, silently cursing Logan inside my mind.


    ¡°Because he seems like not happy when I am talking to him. He is not like that before and it saddened Aisle.¡± Seeing the sad face she is wearing, I unknowingly tightened my grip on the scrubs.


    I heave a deep sigh. ¡°Baby, Daddy wasn¡¯t mad at you¡­ don¡¯t think like that. See, he even goes to your room to wake you up. Do you think if he is mad at you, he will do that?¡±


    Damn you, Logan! Damn, him!


    He told me that he wanted a perfect family for our child yet he is acting like an asshole now.


    The not-so-pleasant lunch came and pass and just like what happened earlier in the breakfast, Logan is still dumb. He didn¡¯t dare to talk to me either Aisle which made our child feel sad as she thought that her father is mad at her. One o¡¯clock in the afternoon when I stayed in Aisle¡¯s room as she is sleeping. Later on, I decided toe back to my room and take a quick shower. While under the pouring cold water, I made myself feel calm while thinking of what should be done so that I can lessen what Aisle feels. And then it bring me to one idea that I decided to do right after I took a bath. After drying my hair with a blower, I stepped outside and walked through the hallway, and then stopped in the front of Logan¡¯s office. At first, I was hesitant to knock butter on, eating my pride, I knock twice.


    ¡°What do you need?¡± he instantly asked after giving me a short nce.


    ¡°Uhm¡­¡± I trailed. ¡°Can¡­ can we talk for a while?¡± in a silent voice.


    ¡°I still have work to do, we will talkter,¡± he said, sounding like he is dismissing me.


    Gritting my teeth, I twirled around and face the door again. I mmed the door next and walked heavily downstairs.


    What is he? A woman in period? My gosh! He is worse than me when I am on my period. I can¡¯t take him anymore¡­ he is already getting into my nerve.


    When I reach the first floor, I then walked to where alcohol is located. Reaching a bottle of tequ, I poured enough amount on my ss and then drank it directly. I bit my lips and then headed back upstairs. I didn¡¯t waste a second and went back to Logan¡¯s office. He can¡¯t just dismiss me like this when he promised to me that he will take care of Aisle. That he will provide a perfect family for our child.


    ¡°Alice, I already told¡­ I still have works to do.¡±


    I stared at him nkly before twitching a lip. That made him frown but then instantly hid that reaction. I strode towards his office table and then mmed my hand on it which made Logan jerk on his seat.


    ¡°What the f*ck is your problem, woman?¡± he asked in a hard voice. ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me? I said, I still have works to do, and whatever you wanted us to talk about, save itter¨C¡±


    ¡°Save your bullsh*t, you mean?!¡± I raised a voice. ¡°Why are you doing this? Come on, tell me Logan, why the f*ck you are doing this?!¡± I frustratedly asked.


    ¡°Doing what?!¡± He stood up, putting both hands on his torso. ¡°You know what, just leave.¡±


    ¡°Why would I when you still didn¡¯t give me the answer? Damn it, Logan! You told me¡­ you f*cking promised me that you will provide a perfect family fir Aisle yet how dare you to broke my daughter¡¯s heart?¡± His eyes widened, unable to move in his ce. I chuckled. ¡°Oh, you are shocked? Damn you! F*ck you, Logan! I should have mot trusted you when ites to my child¡­ I should have not to trust you!¡± I shouted hysterically.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± is all he could ask.


    Iughed humorlessly. ¡°You told me to leave, right? You want me to leave? You want me gone that is why you are ignoring me like I didn¡¯t even exist in this house? Fine, I¡¯ll give you a favor. Since you are obviously and intentionally ignoring me and even Aisle, I will leave. We will leave!¡± I stormed out of his office and went hurriedly back to my room.


    As soon as I mmed the door closed, I drastically go to my closet and tugged out the luggage. I then started to put on my clothes, not minding if they were still on a hanger. When I almost emptied my cabs, I zip the luggage and was about to step outside when the door swung open.


    Logan- with his hands on his pocket- shoot me with his dagger looks but instead of getting intimidated like what I usually feel, I stared at him with equal ferocity. I continued to walk and pass through him but just when I totally did, he gripped tight on my luggage to stop me.


    ¡°Where do you think you are going? You can¡¯t leave like what you wanted, Alice,¡± he told sounds like threatening me.


    I turned around and looked him up before my right hand flew on his cheek. ¡°You can¡¯t control me, Logan¡­ you can¡¯t. Didn¡¯t you tell me to leave? Well, then I am doing what you ask for¨C¡±


    ¡°F*ck it, Alice! It¡¯s not what I mean for God¡¯s sake! I am only asking you to leave in my office¨C¡±


    ¡°And what about the ignores? You wanted to avoid me so I better leave! You don¡¯t treat me the way you want! F*ck you! F*ck your promises! Do you know what Aisle thought now? She thinks that you are mad at her because you didn¡¯t even talk to her the same way before. I would ept the anger you throw on me but not my child, Logan. Not.¡± I turned my back on him and stepped outside my room but he still follow me and stop me once again. However, my decision is final it wouldn¡¯t change.


    ¡°I will leave and I will bring Aisle with me.¡±

 Chapter 27: Kiss

    Logan¡¯s Point of View


    ¡°I will leave and I will bring Aisle with me.¡± I gritted my teeth when Alice turned her back on me and march over to our child¡¯s room. I again tried to follow her and when I just touch her hand, she shove my hand away before she could enter Aisle¡¯s room which she immediately locked so she can prevent me froming in.


    ¡°Alice, open the door,¡± I ordered, trying my best not to raise a voice to avoid Aisle from getting scared. I knocked and knocked but to no avail, Alice didn¡¯t open the door. Brushing my hair furiously, I walked towards my room and hurriedlye back with the keys in my hand. After putting the key of Aisle¡¯s room on the keyhole, the door opened which gives me an unexpected scene inside.


    Alice-stumble on the floor, just beside Aisle¡¯s bed-crying while holding our child¡¯s little hand. As I watched her from behind, it pained my heart. Her silent sobs seem like clenching my heart making it bleed so much.  Aisle was still sleeping, she doesn¡¯t any idea what is happening and I silently thank that. I don¡¯t want her to see how I made her mom cry again. I already made her mad at me because I made her mom cry once and I definitely don¡¯t want that to happen again.


    I strode towards Alice and cease when there is enough space between us. ¡°Stop crying, Alice¡­ stop it,¡± I said.


    ¡°I hate you, Logan¡­ I hate you.¡± She sniffed before she stood up and march outside. I followed her until we stop in her room. ¡°Why I can¡¯t do it? For goodness¡¯ sake, why I can¡¯t leave?! You hurt me, you hurt Aisle¡­ it is enough reason for us to leave but I can¡¯t? Why can¡¯t f*cking leave you and continue to think of you even though you hurt me so much!¡± She cried again, frustratedly sitting at the edge of her bed-face on her palms.


    Meanwhile, I was just there, in front of her and watching her crying all because of me. Just because I wanted to prove that I didn¡¯t fall for her, this has to end like this. This wasn¡¯t my intention, all I want is to prove that I didn¡¯t. I avoided her, fine I am guilty! I ignored her presence but I wasn¡¯t aware that as I ignored her, I slowly ignored our child. Because of what I wanted to prove, I didn¡¯t just hurt my child¡­ I also hurt her mother.


    ¡°Sorry¡­¡± I said instead. I drew near her and sit beside her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± I repeated.


    ¡°Are you sorry for what you¡¯ve done to me or you were just sorry for what you have done to Aisle?¡±


    ¡°Both. I am sorry for both. I am so jackass for treating you and Aisle like that. I¡¯m sorry, Alice.¡± She wiped out her tears and looked me up.


    With bloodshot eyes, she spoke, ¡°Apology epted. I¡­ I am okay now.¡± She smiled but it contradict what she said. ¡°Just leave me alone first,¡± she added, avoiding my eyes.


    Instead of following her, I drew closer to her, and with a sharp move, I caged her inside my arm. I buried my face on her neck as I am hugging her from behind. Once again, the sobs she tried to conceal by her smile, freed away.


    ¡°I am really sorry, Alice. Please forgive me and don¡¯t ask me to leave. Shout me, hurt me too. Make me feel the pain I¡¯ve given you.¡± My words were only answered by her sobs and we took longer on that position before she fell asleep on my arms while we are both lying on her bed.


    After felling asleep as well, I woke up with someone naughtily tickling my ears. When I opened my eyes, Aisle weed me with her lips stretching out for a wide and childish smile. Her dent teeth just make her cuter than usual. Her eyes were glistening with visible joy on them as she spoke.


    ¡°Hello, Daddy! How was your sleep?¡± she asked, leaning forward to me before giving me a peck of a kiss on my cheek.


    I blink twice before I sat on the bed. ¡°My sleep is good. How was yours? And where is your Mommy?¡± I asked, finding Alice in every corner of the room my eyes could see.


    Aisle jumped off the bed, wear her slippers on and give mine as well. ¡°Mommy leaves, Daddy,¡± she announced, making my heart thump fast instantly.


    Panic rushed through me, I hurriedly storm out of the room without any slippers on. I even left Aisle in her mother¡¯s room just so I could hurriedly go to the garage and bring her back to our house. But when I got into the garage, I saw the gardener and inform me that Alice left to buy something. Breathing in relief, I decided to get back upstairs and see Aisle walking towards me pouting her lips. I immediately carried her in my arms.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t wait for me, Daddy,¡± sheined as we climbed down.


    ¡°My sorry, Baby¡­ I thought your mommy leaves us that is why hurriedly came down. Don¡¯t worry, Daddy won¡¯t do that again.¡±


    She smiled. ¡°Mommy told me to tell you that she will be going to the mall with Mama Helena. She didn¡¯t bother to wake you up because you are sleeping tight. By the way, Daddy¡­ I saw Mommy with puffy eyes. Why is it so?¡±


    I cursed inside before I ced Aisle on myp when we reached the living room. ¡°Have your Mommy told you the reason?¡± She shook her head. ¡°I also don¡¯t know why baby. But once she came back, I will ask her so you won¡¯t be bothered anymore. Do you want a snack? Daddy will prepare something for my princess.¡± Aisle pped her hands together as we run to the kitchen and prepare our snack.


    While eating ice cream and cakes, Alice keeps on bugging me. She told me that she is already okay but I highly doubt it. I know she is lying. I know she is not okay and it was all because of me.


    ¡°What have you done, Logan?!¡± I silently mumbled making Aisle look me up with her brows bit knotted. When she asked what I have said, I lied and divert her attention back to her food.


    ***


    ¡°Bye, Mommy! Bye, Daddy!¡± Alice and I both waved our hands-on Aisle who¡¯s about to enter her school and when she was already, I started to maneuver the car to thepany.


    The drive usually took only ten minutes but it feels so long while there is a long stretch of silence between me and Alice. I gradually took a nce at her but every time I did, her eyes only settled outside or on her phone. Since she got home yesterday, I wanted to talk to her but it was like the table have turned. I can feel that she is the one who¡¯s now avoiding me though she still talking to me and not acting like I didn¡¯t even exist. It was just unusual¡­ the feeling was so hard and awkward. I can¡¯t even think step to make so we can have some chit chats.


    However, when I suddenly nced outside, I saw a cafe which made me stop the car while I am hiding a smile. When I jumped off, I once turned to Alice and told her to wait for a couple of minutes which she just answered by her nods. I stepped inside the cafe and varieties of cakes, bread, as well as coffee vors, weed my eyes.


    ¡°What is your order, Sir?¡± thedy in pink uniform and her gray hat inquired with glistening smiling eyes.


    Diverting my eyes from her to the board menu, I spoke. ¡°Blueberry cheesecake and cafe americano, both two orders.¡± It only took me almost five minutes before I stepped out of the cafe with paper bags in my left hand.


    As I sit in the driver¡¯s seat, I saw Alice look at me and then pull down her stares on the thing I am holding. ¡°Here,¡± I said which made her lift her eyes back on me.


    ¡°For what?¡± she asked with a bit crease on her forehead. ¡°I already eat my breakfast¨C¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but I saw that you didn¡¯t finish your food. There were pancakes left.¡± I twitched a brow and drive again while Alice started to sip on her coffee.


    ***


    ¡°What can you say, Mr. Ivanov?¡± I was dragged to my senses when one of the board members in the conference I am with suddenly asked me. Not sure about my answer, I said, ¡°The idea was great.¡± Which made them stare at me with confusion in their eyes butter on, they all slipped for a smile.


    The presentation continued and instead of paying attention and settling my eyes in the PowerPoint, I was all there in my seat. Locking my eyes on where Alice is sitting who¡¯s simply chit-chatting with a guy I didn¡¯t even know who the hell is. My brows twisted when I saw how they are getting close to each other almost second by second. I almost think to end the meeting as soon as possible so that piece of shit could shove his ass away from my wife who seems not to mind how that asshole is enjoying herpanion.


    ¡°Meeting adjourned!¡± I announced and instantly get their attention as I stood up from my seat.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°But, Sir¡­ the meeting is¨C¡±


    ¡°I have important calls, let¡¯s continue the meeting tomorrow and discuss the rest of the process,¡± I said, walking out from the conference room. Not minding how I heard their breath in disbelief.


    Of course, they all have the right to be disappointed by what I have done. The meeting was all about thepany¡¯s big project with another oilpany abroad but I just can¡¯t dedicate my whole attention to that meeting when I am watching how my wife is entertaining another guy knowing that her husband is just steps away from her. I thought it was hard for her at the time when I am ignoring her. So why the hell she is the one ignoring me now when I am making up the things between us?


    ¡°You want some coffee?¡± I lifted my eyes on her who just stepped inside my office.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I answered bored. She just nodded and then walked away. As soon as she leave my office, I swirled my swivel chair to face the outside view which helps calm my nerves every time I get into a bad mood. Minutes passed, I heard the door click. Assuming that it was Alice, I instantly turned to face her with a smile stretching my lips but then, the smile quickly fade when I saw ire and not Alice.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked in a hard tone.


    She walked over to me and shamelessly sat on myp. ¡°I already missed you, baby¡­ pleasee back,¡± she replied, almost begging in her tone. She then creeps her hands all over my shoulder and runs them down to my chest.


    I shove her hands away and then push her afterward. ¡°Didn¡¯t I make myself clear to you before? I told¡­ it is over!¡± I clenched my jaw.


    ¡°Yeah, but I know you are not serious. You love to joke around, baby¡­ I don¡¯t believe you. When you told me it was over, I know you only want a space that¡¯s why I gave it to you. Come on, it¡¯s been months¡­ let¡¯s fix our rtionship.¡±


    ¡°There is nothing to fix, ire. Leave my office now and don¡¯t you evere back.¡± But instead of doing what I have said, ire leaned forward and kissed me afterward. And just when I was about to push her away, the door swung open followed by the breaking sound of ss.


    With my eyes wide open, it then flew to the door and cursed inside when I saw Alice standing there. Eyes wide open as well, mouth gaped open as she stared at us.


    I pushed ire away, not minding if I would hurt her. ¡°Alice¡­ it¡¯s not what you think¨C¡± But to no avail, my words haven¡¯t finished when she mmed the door closed.

 Chapter 28: Jealous

    Logan¡¯s Point of View


    ¡°Alice, wait!¡± I shouted as I attempted to run after her but ire is so stubborn to the point she even block my way. I gritted my teeth and brushed my hair with my fingers furiously instead of pushing her away. I stared at her hard. ¡°Get the f*ck out, ire! Which of my words you f*cking don¡¯t understand?! I said leave or I will security to drag the hell out of you here?¡± I threatened but it seems nothing to her.


    She even tried to step forward to me again so I immediately pass through her and mmed the door. In the hallway, I searched for Alice but only those eyes staring at me with curiosity are all I can see. Cursing silently, I hurriedly run towards the elevator, and just when the door was closing, ire again appeared like a bullsh*t mushroom.


    When she tried to step inside, I barked, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare step, ire¡­ stop until I am still seeing you as a woman.¡± And the elevator door closed. A few seconds passed and I¡¯ve reached the lobby again, eyes are on me. Maybe they also see Alice that is why they are looking at me like that.


    Thinking that Alice is already in the parking lot, I hurriedly run outside thepany and check her in the parking lot. But I stopped and breathed when I saw her car was still parked there. I walked back inside and roamed my eyes around to search for her until one of the employees approach and told me that Alice is in the cafeteria. Not wasting any time, I go over the cafeteria and find her sitting at the veryst row of tables-besides the ss wall. She was staring nkly outside so she didn¡¯t notice that I am walking over her.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I catch her attention which I did sessfully. She settled her eyes on me nkly and I hate to see her eyes wearing that expression. It seems gloomy, there was no joy on them. I can¡¯t even see my Alice on those orbs. I sat in front of her as she brought back her eyes outside. Tapping the table, I hesitate to open a conversation.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± she asked, her voice is cold as well. I don¡¯t hear any euphoria on it¡­ the voice I missed damn much. ¡°Go back to your office, Logan¨C¡±


    ¡°Go back with me,¡± I cut off.


    She nced at me and then flew her stares away again. ¡°Why would I? You have a very important guess that is waiting for you. You should go back and entertain her¨C¡±


    ¡°Damn it, Alice. What are you talking about? For all the people, you were the one who clearly knows that what was between me and ire was already over. I don¡¯t entertain ex, Alice,¡± I reasoned out, stretching my patience longer.


    She again bring her eyes to me but this time, she made sure that it was long enough for me to read her emotion. Her lips then twitched before she spoke. ¡°You don¡¯t entertain ex, huh? Really? Then what about Joanna? Your one and only darling?¡± her words were coated by sarcasm.


    I scratch my brow as I tried to exin my side. ¡°Joanna is another case¡­ I already told you that she is one of my exes who turned out to be my friend, didn¡¯t I?¡± Alice rose her brow and leaned backward. ¡°But in ire¡¯s case, she is just my ex and she will remain my ex. I don¡¯t consider the possibility of her being my friend. Honestly, I don¡¯t even know why she suddenly appeared in my office¡­ it¡¯s been months since I broke up with her, right. You saw it, you were the witness.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t expect her then how about the kiss? Did you expect it? Did you like it? Do you miss her kisses¨C¡±


    ¡°Come in, Alice¡­ shut up.¡± I gritted inside. ¡°I don¡¯t. I f*cking don¡¯t! If there is something I missed, it¡¯s you and your lips against mine,¡± I added which instantly made Alice flush in front of me before she gulped.


    She avoided my eyes and hastily stood up.


    ¡°Hey, wait for me.¡± I grabbed her hand and intertwined our fingers as we walked towards the elevator. ¡°You believe me now?¡± I asked, leaning sideways towards her. ¡°I assure you, you can trust my words. When ites to you and Aisle, you can trust me, baby.¡± As she gulped, I heard how she sexily made it. And if we weren¡¯t in the elevator, I maybe lost my patience and mmed her on the wall as I hungrily devour her lips.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    What have you done to me, Alice? What this woman has done to me? This is f*cking killing me alive and I don¡¯t even know how to f*cking save myself from this disaster she gave to me. There were no days and nights I didn¡¯t think and dream of her. Even in the meeting, while showering¡­ I f*cking imagining her. Her face, those precious orbs she has, her lips¡­ damn! Everything about her just drives me crazy¡­ really really crazy! She is driving me insane and the worst is, she even doesn¡¯t have any idea what actually she is doing to me.


    Those days if ignoring her presence, she wasn¡¯t only the one who suffered¡­ I suffered too. That no matter how much I tried to refrain myself from thinking about her, I just couldn¡¯t because of her pretty face, the whole she is hunting me. All I want was to prove that I didn¡¯t fall for her and now, I already got the answer. Yeah, I didn¡¯t fell¡­ I f*cking didn¡¯t.


    Because¡­ because I am f*cking smitten with her. She cast a spell which made me madly in love with her. Yuri was right, he is. I hate how Alice is being happy with Lyndon¡­ I hate it because I am in love with my wife. And the fact that Lyndon effortlessly makes Alice smile is driving me jealous, big time!


    ***


    Alice¡¯s Point of View


    ¡°Do you want to have dinner first?¡± I nced at Ligan confused while he was driving home. His eyes were settled on the road, not giving me any attention.


    ¡°Aisle is waiting for us for dinner,¡± I reasoned out. He slipped a smile before ncing at me sideways.


    ¡°Lyndon told me that Mom visit Aisle and took her to the house that¡¯s why we can¡¯t eat dinner together.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to your parents¡¯ house then.¡± I breathed. ¡°I felt weary too so I badly need a rest.¡± Leaning my head on the window, I closed my eyes and didn¡¯t wait for Logan¡¯s answer. I just woke up with him slightly patting my cheeks as he stood outside the car, leaning towards me. My eyes went wide for how close he is to me so I instantly leaned backward to draw distance between us which made him cackle.


    Logan took my hand as we entered his parents¡¯ mansion and when we reach the dining where Aisle is currently sitting beside her grandma, Logan let go of my hand. He pulled a chair for me, just in front of Aisle.


    ¡°I thought you two were going on a date?¡± I smiled awkwardly when Logan¡¯s mom suddenly threw me a question. ¡°Is there anything happening, Alice?¡± I shook my head.


    ¡°My wife was so tired that is why Mom. There is still another day for a date anyway.¡± Logan scoop a corn sd for me and put a steak too which almost made my stomach growl.


    Damn, I missed steak for almost a week.


    ¡°Anyway, can we spend a night here, Mom? I felt so tired to drive as well¡­ you know, I have to work my ass off on the site Dad told me to do.¡±


    ¡°Of course, you can but please, let us borrow Aisle. We want to sleep together, right dear?¡± I was expecting that Aisle will say no and will reject her grandma but when she nodded cheerfully, I cursed inside as my grip on my fork tightened.


    nning to object to what thedy wanted, I looked on Logan beside me with damn-stop-your-mom-look. But to no avail, he just smirked at me before finishing his food. The dinner wasn¡¯t that good for me, tho. The foods were good but thinking that I have to sleep with Logan again for this night made me regret what I suggested to him earlier in his car. If only I know that this is going to happen, I should have agreed to have dinner with him. But even though how much I get to disagree with what is about to happen, I know it was toote.


    ¡°You shower first or me?¡± Logan asked me while staring at me with his brow twitched up.


    ¡°You can go first,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± I nodded. ¡°We can shower together, you know that,¡± he added which made me throw a pillow on him which he effortlessly catch.


    ¡°I hope that you washed your dirty mind as well, asshole. Stop pestering me and just go to the shower!¡± Cackling, he strode towards the bathroom and stepped outside a few minutester with his towel sexily wrapped around his waist.


    Water was still dripping down on his body as he dried his hair with another towel. I have tried to pull out from staring but my eyes just don¡¯t let me do until Logan caught me.


    He smirked. ¡°Want to taste some piece of me, baby?¡± he asked naughtily which made me feel the heat instantly rushed through me. ¡°Quit staring, Alice¡­ I might bed you right now.¡± As if a cue, I hastily run towards the bathroom and closed the door. It even took me an hour before I decided to step outside and go to the bed with Logan already lying peacefully.


    Avoiding waking him up, I carefullyid my body in the bed and turn off the light. But as soon as there was no light, a strong arm pulled me from behind making me gasp in shock.


    ¡°You smells good¡­¡± Loganmented with a hoarse voice as his face was buried on my neck.


    I was struggled to move away from him as his arms snaked around me were strong enough to refrain me from moving. ¡°Logan, hands-off¡­¡± I gritted my teeth when I felt his hand daringly caressing my tummy until it goes up which caught my breath and ended up slipping my chained moan.


    ¡°You like this, baby?¡± he asked, cupping my right breast. I turned speechless and ended up allowing him to touch me while gradually letting moans. ¡°Don¡¯t moan, Alice¡­ don¡¯t.¡± But he seductively bit my nape which made me let out another sinful moan. ¡°I said, stop doing that¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t¡­ Uhm, sh*t¡­ Logan¡­¡±


    ¡°Darn it! Stop moaning my name,¡± he once again reminds but how can I oblige him when those hands of him, as well as his lips, are giving me pleasure that I didn¡¯t taste for years?


    ¡°Logan!¡± I shrieked and wiggle inside his strong arms when his right hand suddenly rub what is between. y thighs. ¡°L¨CLogan¡­ Uhm¡­¡± I moaned when he slit his index finger on my slit and thrust it inside me without warning.


    F*ck! It¡¯s hurt a bit! But it was a kind of pain that set my body on fire.


    ¡°My jealous baby is still so f*cking tight, damn it!¡± he cursed behind me while thrusting his finger from slow to fast pace. As his right hand was busy pleasuring my part, his other hand was massaging my breast which just drive me into total insanity.


    ¡°Logan! Sh*t! Logan, please¡­ ugh! S¨CStop.¡± But my body says different.


    I don¡¯t want him to stop¡­ I just don¡¯t want to. I badly want to taste the heaven on his arms again¡­ at least for this night.

 Chapter 29: Cuddle

    ¡°Uhm¡­¡± I moaned drowsily as I felt someone¡¯s fingers tickling my cheek down to my bare shoulder. I burst the fingers away and soon heard chuckleding from someone who made my eyes fly open. My mouth instantly gapes upon seeing Logan who is currently facing me with a sexy grin on his lips.


    ¡°Good morning, baby.¡± He greeted before sharply leaning forward and kissing me on my temple. That made me gulp and my heart started to beat fast especially when the memories ofst night rushed through my mind.


    ¡°Oh my God!¡± I gasp breathlessly as I panicky uncover my body with the mattress and hurriedly run towards the bathroom. There, I sat on the closed toilet bowl as soon as I locked the door. I hysterically shoved my face on the palms and bit my lips that almost make them bleed.


    The moans. Oh my gosh, I was panting so damn hard thatst night. I was gripping tight on Logan¡¯s hand while he was busy finger f*cking me. Sh*t! I have lost my sanity¡­ I totally lost it all because of the pleasure he gave me.


    ¡°Alice?¡± I jolted in upon hearing him knocking on the door. ¡°Is there any problem?¡± I bit my tongue, refraining myself from cursing.


    What should I do? He¡­ he just witness how shameless I amst night while desperately begging him to pleasure me more. Oh, God! I don¡¯t know what to do!


    ¡°Alice?¡± he called once again while I remained stiffened on my ce. ¡°Hey, are you there? What¡¯s wrong?¡± There were worries in his voice so even though I don¡¯t have enough bravery to face him, I pushed myself to the door and slowly opened it.


    He immediately held my shoulder and with his other free hand, he held up my chin. My knees be wobbly as soon as my eyes meet his. And when I tried to avoid those orbs of him with queries on them, he held my jaw steady.


    He stared deep which just made me even weaker in front of him. ¡°What¡¯s bugging you?¡± he asked.


    Didn¡¯t know what to answer, I just denied what is currently running on my mind. ¡°Uhm¡­ I¡­ I just felt hungry already. Let¡¯s go downstairs¡­ Aisle might be looking for us.¡± He let go of me so it became easy for me to escape the awkwardness which slowly creeping around.


    We both head downstairs after I fixed myself. He even hold my hand while walking to the dining and when we reached the table, he ced food on my tes.


    ¡°How was your sleep, Mommy? Daddy?¡± Aisle asked.


    I forced a smile. ¡°Uhm¡­ good. Mommy sleep good, how about you?¡± I turned back the question and as I waited for her to answer, I secretly shriek in my seat when I felt Logan¡¯s not-so rough hand caressing my exposed leg.


    I turned my eyes on him with a warning on them but he just grin yfully before taking back his hand. I breathed in relief and continue to eat my food while answering some questions thrown on me by Aisle or sometimes, Logan¡¯s mom. After breakfast in Logan¡¯s parents¡¯ house, we bid our goodbye and drive back home. It was Saturday today, Logan decided not to go on thepany to rest. He even told me that I should do the same when he entered my room while I am preparing to go to work. In the end, I surrendered when he told me that we will go somewhere.


    ¡°Do you like the beach?¡± Logan asked while driving the car to a ce he was talking about earlier in the house.


    I nced down to Aisle who was sleeping on myp. ¡°Aisle likes beaches,¡± I answered.


    ¡°I was asking you, not Aisle.¡±


    My brows furrowed a bit but immediately faded as I answered. ¡°Well, sometimes. Lyndon once brought us on a beach and I kinda like¨C¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t bring my brother in our conversation, Alice,¡± he silently growled which made me bite my lips. ¡°You, I, and Aisle¡­ no other names included.¡± He nced at me. I just nodded and leaned my back before I decided to sleep.


    Perhaps, sleeping was the right choice that I have to avoid having a conversation with him. Who knows when he will go to dive on a topic about what happenedst night?


    When I woke up, I already found myself in a hotel¡¯s parking lot. I nced in the driver¡¯s seat and found Logan who is currently unbuckling his seatbelt. I turned back my eyes outside and realized that we are not just in a hotel but a beach as well. I secretly smiled when I realized why Logan is asking me if I love the beach. Now I know.


    ¡°Gave Aisle to me.¡± Logan stretches his hands on me to get Aisle from me. She was still sleeping and I decided to just carry her instead of waking her up. But Logan insisted to carry him so I withdrew.


    We walked towards the hotel¡¯s entrance and he just talked to the receptionist not so quite long before we walked again and rode the elevator. The elevator opened on the fifteenth floor and we walked again until we reach our room. Logan carefullyid Aisle on the bed and then he turned to me afterward.


    ¡°What do you want for dinner? I¡¯ll order after I took a bath.¡± He walked over to the cab and tugged out a bathrobe from it. He then started to undress in front of me which made me close my eyes. But when I just closed my eyes for about a couple of seconds, I heard Logan cackling.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act like you didn¡¯t see me naked before, Alice. We both know what I looked like when there are no clothes on.¡±


    ¡°Shut your mouth, Logan.¡± I opened my eyes and avoided staring at him instead. ¡°We are with our child, she might hear you.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s sleeping anyway,¡± he reasoned out.


    ¡°Logan!¡± I silently roared, gritting my teeth. ¡°Can you please get outta here and just go to the bathroom?!¡± Whistling teasingly, he walked over to the bathroom and when I heard he turned on the shower, I cursed.


    ***


    I was staring outside the balcony, facing the horizon where the sea meets the sky while I was sitting peacefully on the hammock. Aisle was still sleeping inside while Logan was out for a while to grab some food and talk to someone I didn¡¯t bother to ask who is. I don¡¯t want to sound like a wife full of doubt about her husband because we are clearly not like the other husband and wife. Duh, we were¡­ but only in the paper. I leaned my back and breathed calmly and then closed my eyes afterward. The fresh beach smell wafted out around, the not-so calm waves hitting the long stretch of rocks below filled my ears. But still, despite the noiseing from the shore, there is still this serenity inside me. It just felts like at least for this moment, there was no burden I am carrying. All was peaceful to the point that I don¡¯t have to think about my problem and secret pains.


    I opened my eyes and then locked them on the not-so-dark skies. It was already six in the evening but still, even the skies show there is still a glint of light in any darkness. It proves that no matter how weak your light is, you can still fight the darkness until the end.


    ¡°Hey.¡± I suddenly lifted my eyes sideways on Logan who I didn¡¯t notice. ¡°The dinner is ready,¡± he announced.


    I once turned the skies before I headed inside, following him. He then walked over to the bed and started to wake Aisle up whichter on, open her eyes before shing her cute smile. Logan carried her and walked towards the table where the food is alreadyid. He settled Aisle beside him before sitting beside me and putting food first on Aisle¡¯s te and then turning on me afterward.


    ¡°We are just three who¡¯s going to eat but you ordered a lot,¡± Imented before slicing and chewing my steak.


    ¡°I just thought that you won¡¯t like what I have chosen so I made it more so you can have many options. Do you like your meatballs, baby?¡± he asked Aisle which was answered by a nod only.


    I didn¡¯t talk again instead, I finished my food and prepared for sleep. Eight in the evening, we are already lying on the bed with Aisle between us. But at some point, I suddenly don¡¯t feel the idea of having Aisle between us. And I didn¡¯t know why? I can¡¯t even fall asleep immediately even though my body wanted to rest already as well as my already sore eyes. Running out of patience, I jumped off the bed carefully as Aisle and Logan were already sleeping. I then walked inside the bathroom and locked myself there for a while.


    ¡°Come to Earth, Alice!¡± I silently scolded and pped myself while facing the mirror. After that, I opened the faucet and washed my face even I already did earlier. Cold rush through my face but when the scene ofst night came to me, the cold was suddenly reced by heat.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± I cursed and then continued to wash my face many times before I decided to open the door. But I shuddered in surprise upon seeing Logan outside, leaning on the wall that seems to wait for me.


    Thinking that he will be going to use the bathroom too, I spoke, ¡°You can go now, I¡¯m done.¡± And then walked back to the bed while biting my lips.


    But when I heard his footsteps just a few distances from me, I twirled around confused. I furrowed when I saw him walking back on the bed as well. ¡°I thought you were going to use the¨C¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I just checked you when I felt that you rushed your feet there. You¡¯re supposed to be sleeping by now, Alice. Why aren¡¯t you?¡± I gulped.


    I sat at the edge of the bed. ¡°I am not sleepy,¡± I lied. For goodness¡¯ sake, I am! It¡¯s just my mind keeps me awake for an unknown reason.


    ¡°You want me to cuddle you?¡± My heart skip a beat as I slowly lifted my eyes in him.


    A f*cking what?


    ¡°I noticed that you sleep tight and peacefullyst night when I am cuddling you so why not let me cuddle you again? Promise, just cuddle¡­ nothing more,¡± he added meaningfully which in the end, made me agree on what he offered. ¡°I told you, you can sleep tight on my arms,¡± he whispered on my ears which made his breath fan my skin.


    I didn¡¯t answer. Instead, I just pressed my eyes together as I pressed myself against him even more while my right arm is stretched forward to hug Aisle. And he was right, I did sleep tight on his arms. It felt so warm to be caged on them to the point that I don¡¯t wanna opened my eyes again, thinking that everything will end if I did.


    ¡°Good night, baby¡­¡± The rest of Logan¡¯s words be bby on me when slept already pulled me to its depth.

 Chapter 30: Family Vacation

    The following days have be a total paradise not just for me but also for Aisle. Everything felt surreal. Logan decided to extend our stay in the beach resort of his friend for three days more. At first, I wanted to disagree but when I saw how Aisle is enjoying our not-so-long vacation, I ended up agreeing on what Logan wants. Perhaps, having a vacation wasn¡¯t that bad?


    Now, we are on the shore. We decided to get a good dip in the water which we just did earlier. We are now having our beach lunch under the tent. I was busy grilling pork while Logan on beside me is teaching Aisle how to grill hotdogs on a stick while he was carrying her in his arms. They were turning their back on me so I am free to stare at them without knowing it. It made my lips stretch for a genuine smile as I am happily watching them having some bonds. To be honest, the smile never left my lips to the point that my jaw almost hurt. Earlier, when Logan is teaching Aisle how to swim, I am there, sitting at the sand while watching them.


    That¡¯s when I also noticed good father Logan is to Aisle. I mean, he wasn¡¯t bad at her even on me-sometimes rude or snob. But if it¡¯s about being a father to Aisle, there is nothing I can say. He gave what Aisle needed, what Aisle wanted. He provided her all and do his best just to make her smile and be happy.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Are you done?¡± Logan came and approach me while holding a disposable te. He snatched the tongs on me and turned over the pork belly I am grilling. ¡°Aisle is already eating, you should too. I¡¯ll handle this,¡± he added.


    I nced at Aisle on the table and found out that she is. Ketchup is all over her little hand while dipping her hotdogs on the ketchup after every bite. I tsk and approach her after grabbing a towel to wipe off the mess in her.


    ¡°You eat too messy, baby,¡± Imented. She just answered me with her giggles and then continued to eat her food. Later on, Logan joined us too at the table and together we eat our lunch.


    After having lunch on the beach, we headed back to our room to take a bath and take a rest as well. Aisle and Logan, after a shower, instantly fell asleep together. I even took a picture of them while sleeping as they are in a very cute position. Aisle is resting on Logan¡¯s chest, while Logan on the other hand is covering his eyes with his arms as the other one is hugging Aisle. After taking a quick picture, I tried to sleep as well but to no avail, I didn¡¯t. So I ended up jumping off my bed and stepping outside our room. I decided to take a walk instead or just grabbed a seasoned juice in the lobby. But I ended up in a cafe, having my favorite slice of cake.


    In the middle of my alone time, I suddenly lifted my eyes to the figure who stood in front of my table. My brows instantly furrowed as I saw a man whom I didn¡¯t know. He was wearing a polo shirt and khaki shorts with sunsses on his head. He then smiled at me before sitting on the vacant seat in front of me with my consent. Offended by what he did, I instantly left my table and stepped outside the cafe. However, just when I am about to enter back the hotel lobby, someone grabbed my hand forcefully which made me stopped from walking.


    ¡°Hey, no one¡¯s dismissing me like that.¡± I gaped as I saw the arrogant man who ruined my peaceful time inside the cafe earlier.


    ¡°Let go of me, Mister. Let go of my hand!¡± I tried so hard to pull out my hand from him but he just tightened his grip which sent me pain in my wrist. ¡°I said let go!¡± I shouted, there were some people already noticing us but it seems like he doesn¡¯t care.


    ¡°Come on, don¡¯t be so trying hard to get. I know you also want mypany.¡± Summoning my strength, I flew my palm right on his cheek made boiling mad.


    He then locked his eyes on me, clenching his jaw as he slightly massage it. I gulped upon seeing his dangerous look. ¡°Did you just p my pretty face?¡± he asked, gritting his teeth afterward and when I was about to draw distance between us, he easily grabbed me again.


    I struggled again and when I tried to kick him off, he threw on the floor. In my shock, I instantly run on the man who did that to him and sob on his chest.


    ¡°Get your f*cking ass out of here, you sh*thead!¡± Logan growled before wrapping his arms around me and guiding me to the elevator. When we stepped inside, he then turned on me with his deadly res. ¡°Why did you leave alone? You should have stayed in our room, Alice!¡± he scolded making me speechless until we reach our room.


    ¡°Did he hurt you?¡± he inquired, holding my chin and scanning my face. I burst his hand away and hugged him instead as an answer. That jerk did hurt me but I can endure the pain so I can prevent Logan from doing anything that might hurt him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ for I left alone. I just go on a walk, I didn¡¯t know that this will happen¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± He rubbed my back and caressed my hair. ¡°Just don¡¯t do it again. If you want to go on a walk next time, you should ask me so I can apany you. Understand?¡± He looked me down and I just nodded as an answer.


    ***


    Today was ourst day staying in the hotel and for the past few days, nothing really happened except that as the days passed, happiness between the three of us grow even more. I can¡¯t even contain the happiness I am feeling to the point thatst night, I burst out crying out of nowhere. Logan even asked me why but I chose to hide the reason as I am afraid that he may think that I am just overreacting. I just lied to himst night when he saw me crying while he was hugging me from behind. Yeah, he was literally hugging me from behind since that night he offered me his cuddle. I don¡¯t know if I was the one who like it-love it, rather-or it was him, who wants the idea of hugging me while sleeping.


    ¡°Mommy, where are we going home? I¡¯ve been absent in school for two days,¡± Aisleined while I am tying up her hair into piggy tails.


    I nced at her through the mirror and smiled. ¡°Aren¡¯t you enjoying our stay here?¡± I asked because if I were to ask, I would love the idea of staying here a bit longer. Two to three days will do, lol.


    ¡°I like to be here, Mommy¡­ but what if my teacher is already finding me?¡± I was about to answer when Logan came out from the bathroom drying his hair. He then walked over to us and then snatched Aisle away from myp.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, your teacher won¡¯t be mad at you, baby. Daddy already talked to her and ask for her permission. Anyway, tomorrow, we will be going home so you have nothing to worry about.¡± Then he kissed Aisle on both of her cheeks before he ced her back on myp and walked over the cab to get his clothes.


    Exactly after thirty minutes, we are all done and ready for ourst day here in the resort. Logan already told me that he booked a boat ride so we can get a night camp on the other ind. Carrying a backpack with lots of food inside, we headed to the boat which is waiting for us. Logan first settled Aisle in her seat before turning back on me and guiding me to climb. Because the bag I am carrying is a little bit heavy, as soon as I stepped on the edge of the boat, I almost lost my bnce. Thankfully, Logan was fast enough to put me steady again.


    ¡°Careful.¡± He territorially snaked his arm on my waist as we walked on to Aisle¡¯s ce. As soon as we took our seats, Logan signaled the banker to start our trip.


    And less than an hour, we arrived on an ind that was tantalizing and breathtaking with its white sand and the paradise looking of it.


    ¡°Like it?¡± I looked Logan up which made me meet his eyes staring deep on me. I nodded as an answer before I reached for Aisle¡¯s hand and walked first on the tent that is already built when we arrived. When I looked back at Logan, I saw him already talking to the banker before it left. Logan then followed us on the tent and changed his clothes into sleeveless and then he started to gather some dried branches of trees to make it our source of light for the night that is nearing.


    Night came and we are already sitting around the bonfire Logan created. With a stick stretched on the top of the fire, we are happily grilling some hotdogs with marshmallows on them which are instantly loved by Aisle. She even consumed about two sticks already and now I am preparing her third stick. Logan on the other hand was grilling his hotdogs as well while gradually sipping on his beer car. We just stayed like that until Aisle fell asleep so I needed to transfer her inside the tent. After settling her inside, I came back outside and stood just beside Logan.


    Looking at him down, I asked, ¡°Are you staying for longer?¡± He lifted his eyes on me and then shrugged.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just finish my beer and then I¡¯ll go inside too. Go ahead, you can sleep now.¡± Saying without any word, I walked back inside andid beside Aisle after covering a thick nket. But because I am still not sleepy, I chose to browse on my phone instead.


    Since I haven¡¯t used my phone for three days, as soon as I turned it on, lots of messages from Lyndon and Helena bombed me. I replied first to Helena¡¯s messages and then was about to send a message to Lyndon when Logan came inside. His eyes quickly settled on my phone so leaving without choice, I turned it off again and then put it back in my bag.


    ¡°Who are you texting to?¡± Logan suddenly asked while we are nowying together. Again, he was behind me-arm stretched forward, hugging me as well as Aisle.


    ¡°Helena and¡­¡± I trailed when I remember how his mood is suddenly changing when I am talking about his brother, Lyndon. ¡°Uhm¡­ Helena,¡± I added.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying,¡± hemented before burying his face on my nape. ¡°It wasn¡¯t just Helena, right? Is it Lyndon?¡± I bit the bottom of my lips when he caught me lying.


    ¡°He¡¯s just asking if where is Aisle and us, that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Then why do you have to hide it? Come on, Alice. Tell me that nothing is going on between you and my brother? Tell me¡­¡± He bit my skin sexily which almost made me let out a moan.


    Controlling my breath, I replied, ¡°I told you many times, Logan¡­ nothing¡­¡±


    I heard him chuckled before pulling me closer to him making the warmthing from him double. ¡°It¡¯s good to know¡­ very good to know. And please, don¡¯t you ever reply to his messages. We are on a family vacation, no one is allowed to ruined our bondings together.¡±


    ¡°Fine¡­¡± I started to grip on his hand when it started to mischievously cup my right breast. ¡°Logan¡­ stop¡­ oh my God¡­¡± I panted when his other hand took it ess on my fold and then started to gently rubbing it until I lost my sanity again.

 Chapter 31: Ynez鈥檚 Picture

    Thursday morning, everything went back to normal. Our three days¡¯ vacation in the beach resort has ended but the changes that happened between me and Logan seem like will never end. After we spend nights on the beach, I just felt how the closeness between us slowly grew stronger. Not that I am assuming all the nicest things he did, that I am putting another meaning on them. Rather, I would say that Logan is now showing how possessive he is as a man. And he became used to sleep hugging me which I actually love. And oh, I almost forgot. I almost forgot how I am bing so vulnerable and docile when I am caged in his arms for almost three days. Gosh! I don¡¯t even know where my guts areing to still face him every morning. For goodness¡¯ sake! He didn¡¯t just kiss me or hug me. It was beyond those two¡­ more on that.


    I know that it wasn¡¯t new. Of course, we have had sex before. But he just f*cking touch me in my private part and even though he is my husband, I still felt shame every time those sinful sins we did together came and keeps on reying on my mind. Though I must say that everything that is going on between us every night is just pure forey. Last night, on the ind, we almost get there. We were almost lost in the wilderness but thankfully, I got to stop him when reality dragged me back to my senses. The heck! We can¡¯t just do it again with our child sleeping just beside us.


    I maybe lost my sanity, his touches might lose my mind but when ites to Aisle¡¯s sake, I can control.


    At dinner, we shared our meals which I prepared. While eating, we got on to the topic of Aisle¡¯s uing fifth birthday. I have already suggested to Logan that the birthday could be as simple as possible. There are not lots of visitors, fewer will do. I told him that we can invite at least two or five of Aisle¡¯s ssmates and then the rest were the whole family. But just like what he always did, when ites to his daughter, he says he wanted it to be always special. And since it will be Aisle¡¯s biggest birthday party, I agreed on the end.


    ¡°Mommy, I want to wear a gown. A very beautiful gown like those princesses in the movies I watched.¡± She demands while I am sitting behind her andbing her long hair before going to bed. ¡°And I want you and Daddy to wear gowns and knight¡¯s armor too. Like those royal families.¡± I just rolled my eyes thinking that the money that will be going to be used in her party will be too much.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Anything for my Aisle,¡± I said instead as I braided her hair and jumped off her bed afterward. I drew near themp table to grab her milk and then give it to her. When she had already drunk it, Aisle thenid on her bed and before I stepped outside, I made sure that she is already asleep.


    In my room, I thought that I will enter and go dive on my bed without anyoneying on it. But I gaped, surprised upon seeing Logan who¡¯s alreadyying on it peacefully. His arms were folded and supported his nape. When he noticed my presence on the door, he immediately jumped off the bed and walked over to me.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± I asked when he is already standing in front of me.


    He smiled boyishly before pulling me closer to him and then carried me into bridal style afterward which made me shriek and wiggle on his arms. He then strode back to bed and then carefullyid me on it like I am a China doll.


    ¡°Logan¡­ you should go to your room¡­¡±


    ¡°Is that what you want?¡± he asked, twitching his brow on me. He leaned forward and then buried his face on my neck like what he usually does. And when he sniffed and started to licked my skin, I clutched hard on the mattress. ¡°Is that a moan, baby?¡± he teased when I identally let out one.


    ¡°Logan¡­ please¡­ Uhm¡­¡± I struggled to have good breathing because of what he is doing. And when his hands started to do their moves daringly, everything was just history.


    Panting drastically while gripping tight on Logan¡¯s left arm which serves as my pillow, I still forced myself to speak. ¡°Good night, Logan¡­¡± Some words came out from him as well but I am still tired so I easily fell asleep as soon as I closed my eyes making me unable to hear them.


    The next morning, Logan and I go to work together after dropping Aisle at her school. Just like before-since they found out my rtionship with Logan-when we are walking in the hallway, they will greet us good morning with such a title I still wasn¡¯t used to hearing.


    ¡°Good morning, Mrs. Ivanov.¡±


    ¡°Good morning, Ma¡¯am Alice.¡±


    Ma¡¯am Alice will do but lots of them often called me Mrs. Alice Ivanov which I am ufortable to hear. When Logan and I reached the office, we then focused on our work that is waiting for oureback for three days. Eleven in the morning when Logan stepped outside his office and told me that he will just go to the site near his Dad told him to visit frequently. I just nodded before he left the office. Past noon, I am still working on my table when the door swang open. I first assumed that it was Logan who just got back from the site but when I lifted my eyes, the excitement faded away upon seeing thest person I am expecting to visit in thepany.


    ire-Logan¡¯s ex-is standing on the opened door in her bright neon pink outfit, ck stilettos, and very morous makeup that just adds spice to her beauty. I gulped when she twitched a brown on me before walking in my direction afterward. She then sat on the visitor¡¯s chair in front of my table and then elegantly crossed her legs together as she leaned backward. ire lifted her eyes on me as I am still standing, still processing the step I should just to avoid arguing with her if she is here just for that.


    ¡°So¡­¡± she trailed, traveling down her eyes on me. ¡°You¡¯re that girl? I thought you were just his secretary. Howe a cheap, dowdy woman like you happened to be Logan¡¯s wife?¡± Her bold words coated with insults pang my heart instantly. ¡°Tell me, Miss Secretary, do you seduce Logan that¡¯s why he broke up with me? Do you, huh?¡± She stared at me in mockery.


    Clenching my fists into tight balls under my table, I spoke, tried to defend myself from the insults she is throwing at me. ¡°Miss ire, I didn¡¯t do anything of what you¡¯ve said. If you were just here to insult me, you can leave now.¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡± Sheughed humorlessly before lifting her ass on the chair. She then mmed her hands on the table making me step backward. And when I locked my gazes on her, the earlier almost angelic and stunning face of her is now tinged with red color. ¡°Do you know who you are talking to? Let me just remind you bitch, just because you were Logan¡¯s wife, it doesn¡¯t mean you can act superior to me. You were nothing but just his secretary who seduce him so you can make him fall on your dirty tricks. You are slut, disgusting woman!¡±


    ¡°With all due respect, Ma¡¯am. Just leave the office or I¡¯ll call security to drag you out of thispany.¡± But instead of doing what I¡¯ve said, ire pped her hands while chiming in mockery.


    ¡°Do you think he is serious on you, huh? Do you really think that a Logan Ivanov will take you seriously? Come to think of this, Miss Secretary. He managed to broke my heart, he managed to broke ire Smith¡¯s heart. A woman every man craved for, dreamed of. Logan manages to discard me away after being used. Then how much more he can do to a woman like you? He can easily break you too, darling¡­trust me.¡±


    ¡°I am his wife.¡± I know it was too desperate to tell just to save myself. Yeah, I may be his wife but ire is right, Logan can do anything he did to her on me after he got tired and lost his appetite.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, yeah¡­ wife.¡± ire chuckled. ¡°If you and Logan were truly husband and wife, then you must know already what his greatest secret is.¡± I wasn¡¯t able to answer which made ire¡¯s lips smile devilishly. ¡°Well, I guess, your silence means no.¡±


    ¡°ire¡­ just leave¡­¡±


    She shook her head and then leaned forward towards me. ¡°Just a friendly advice, Mrs. Ivanov,¡± she started, emphasizing thest two words. ¡°If I were you, I will check his phone out so you will know who is he hiding¡­ what is he hiding. Thanks, meter, after you found out.¡± And then with a quick wink from her, she walked away leaving me clueless and curious at the same time about what she said.


    Check his phone? Why would I do that? That¡¯s his privacy and if I did what ire has said, it means I am invading Logan¡¯s privacy. And even though he is my husband, it is still wrong to do that. But if I didn¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t know what ire is talking about.


    Logan¡¯s greatest secret? What was it?


    ***


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Logan suddenly raised a question while we were eating ourte lunch in his office. ¡°Don¡¯t you like the foods?¡± he added.


    I shook my head as an answer and then bring back my attention to my te. I bit my lips inside before taking a spoonful of corn sd he ordered together with rice and steak. He heaved a deep sigh and then stood up afterward making me lift my eyes back on him again.


    ¡°Finish your foods, Alice. Seems like something is bugging you since I came back. Care to tell me?¡± He twitched a brow.


    ¡°You¡¯re just imaging things, Logan.¡± He just shrugged before stepping inside his office¡¯s bathroom. While I was left almost cursing myself loud.


    Logan was right. There is really bugging me and I can¡¯t get over with that shit. What ire has said to me makes me so clouded yet so curious. Part of me wanted to know it, but part of me also told me that I should not do that. That I should let Logan tell that matter to me voluntarily. But I was so eager and it was bing hard for me to control my own curiosity. I know, sometimes, curiosity is not good. It can put you in danger and just like the saying, curiosity kills a cat. So, what if I let myself sumb to curiosity, I might regret it in the end.


    ¡°Good night.¡± Logan kissed the top of my head beforeying beside me and wrapping his arm around me. He sneaks into my room again, telling me that I need his cuddle when in fact, it seems like he is the one who needed it.


    After several minutes after saying his good night, I heard little snoresing from him so I carefully get up from the bed and then reached for his phone settled on themp table. I then walked over to the bathroom and then locked the door and sat on the closed bowl. I stared at his phone inside my hand. It was still turned off and I was still hesitant to open it even though I already made up my decision while we are in the office.


    ¡°Come on, Alice¡­ just a peek,¡± I muttered and then opened his phone. If ire didn¡¯t tell me about this, I wouldn¡¯t dare to invade Logan¡¯s privacy¡­ I wouldn¡¯t.


    Upon opening his phone, I don¡¯t see anything suspicious on it. Even the messages were clear. I only see Lyndon¡¯s name and mine. As well as some numbers about businesses. But when I dive into his pictures, I was first got shocked upon seeing my pictures. I smiled as I bite my lips but then again, my smile faded when I dared to open a folder without a name. The phone almost fell out of my hand when I saw Logan kissing a woman¡¯s cheek even on her lips. Some photos were taken on a beach, in a hotel room, and even on a mountain. They are undeniable sweet in each photo making me clutch my chest. And when my eyesnded on a photo in which a woman is showing her fingers with a diamond ring on them, I heard how my heart shattered like ss.


    ¡°They look perfect¡­ very perfect¡­¡± I silently with my hand covering my mouth.


    And even though there is no one telling me who¡¯s the girl, I already knew who is she. I can¡¯t be wrong¡­ I know her. Logan¡¯s fiancee¡­ Ynez. And damn! I do really regret invading his privacy yet I am also thankful. Because at least now, reality pped me¡­ damn hard this time. He can¡¯t love me, he can¡¯t love me the way he loves Ynez.

 Chapter 32: Heartache

    There is a heavyweight on my chest as I climbed downstairs. After I put back Logan¡¯s phone, I have decided to grab a drink that can help me erase the pain my curiosity cause me. When I reached the kitchen, I instantly tugged out a can of beer from the refrigerator and sat on the stool, and then opened it. Bitterness conquered my mouth when I started to drink it until I only find it empty so I grabbed another can again. Hopefully, these may soothe the pain¡­ that this can help me or at least set aside the heavy feeling I have right now.


    Clutching my chest, right where my heart lies beneath, I walked back upstairs before Logan may notice that I am notying beside him. But because of what happened, in my case now¡­ how can I still endure sleeping beside him? How can I endure those hugs and kisses from him knowing that it all says the same meaning? He didn¡¯t love me, nor like me¡­ it was still her and she will forever be. And even though how much I dream to be in Logan¡¯s heart, in the end, I wouldn¡¯t rece Ynez.


    When I reached my room, it took me minutes before I could decide to jump on the bed andy beside him. I made sure that there was enough space between us, unlike those past few nights where we slept together with almost no space in between. Controlling my heavy breath, I stared at Logan who¡¯s now peacefully sleeping, and then my eyes thennded on his phone I¡¯d been holding in the bathroom earlier.


    Bringing back my stares on Logan, I bit my lips to prevent myself from bursting into crying. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have blinded by your sweetness, I shouldn¡¯t have made myself believe that I am perhaps special on you. In the first ce¡­ from the very start, I am aware that you still love her but I set aside that fact just so I can make myself feel better. Now, I regret it, Logan. I regret loving you a man who¡¯s still in love with the girl in his past,¡± I whispered silently, assuring him that he won¡¯t be going to hear what I have said.


    Tears rolled down from my eyes as I turned my back on him. I then turned off thempshade and then let out my uncontroble silent sobs. I just covered my mouth with my hands and then right where darkness surrounds me, I cried my heart out in the most silent way.


    The next day, I opened my eyes because of the light hitting my face. Unlike those past mornings, today feels so gloomy, so hazy. I couldn¡¯t even think how I still made my morning routine quickly despite my sluggishness. It was exactly seven in the morning when I climbed down for my breakfast. At the kitchen, I saw Logan who¡¯s already in his business suit while preparing Aisle¡¯s milk. When he suddenly flew his eyes in my direction, he smiled which made me gripped on my bag tightly.


    Please. I am begging you¡­ please. Stop smiling at me that way. Stop doing that¡­ please.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± I hitched in my ce when I suddenly felt Logan kiss me. Because of being clouded with my thoughts and emotions, I didn¡¯t notice that he is already reached my ce.


    I forced a smile. ¡°Good morning,¡± I greet back before walking over to the table where Aisle is already eating her breakfast.


    The breakfast went normal, and after almost an hour, we already reach thepany after dropping Aisle at her school. I tried my best to act normal while I am alone with Logan in his car. When he is raising a question, I answered in my normal tone. I didn¡¯t give him a hint on what was going on in my mind. It was my choice to invade his phone without his permission. It was my choice to feed my curiosity so I must suffer the consequences of my impulsive decision without him knowing it. If I didn¡¯t let myself be sumbed to what ire have told me yesterday, then I wouldn¡¯t feel the pain I have right now. But despite that, I still thank ire for fueling up my curiosity. Now I know where I should stand in Logan¡¯s life.


    Now I know that even though he is married to me, his heart will never belong to me. It was her¡­ it was Ynez who still own him. And I should ept that fact wholeheartedly instead.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°I am going on the site again, so I¡¯ll leave you for a while and be back before lunch. Do you want certain foods for lunch, hm?¡± Logan sweetly snaked his arms around my waist while he is standing in front of me.


    My heart is thumping damn hard because of his presence but I conceal the awkwardness with a faked smile. ¡°I¡¯m not picky. The decision is on you,¡± I replied.


    He smiled and then pulled out from the hug. ¡°Okay then, I¡¯ll give you the most delicious lunch in town,¡± he joked before leaning closer to me and giving me a quick kiss on my temple.


    I told you to stop this. Please, don¡¯t make it so hard for me to move on, Logan. I am already dying. If you continue being so sweet to me, I might be lost my control now and let myself love you despite anything.


    ¡°Wait for me, I¡¯ back.¡± Logan waved his hand as he stepped outside. And when I was already alone in the office, I bit my lips and then burst out crying.


    He loved someone else, Alice so for goodness¡¯ sake, back off! Let your feelings go and move on. Just ept the fact that even though how much you loved him, he will not do the same. ire is right, he can break you ruthlessly if you still let yourself be blinded by your heart¡¯s feelings towards him.


    ***


    It was almost one hour before twelve, exactly three hours after Logan left for checking the site. I leaned exhaustedly on my chair, stretching out my limbs before lifting my butt to grab some snacks in the cafeteria. I walked through the hallway and some of the employees greeted me as I passed them. When I reached the cafeteria, I walked over the counter and ordered my favoritesagna and a cold tea. I then sat at the table near the window ss and started eating my food. But in my halfway to finishing my te ofsagna, someone suddenly interrupted me when she impolitely took the seat in front of me.


    I lifted my head to face the woman and see her face even though I already know who she is because of her expensive perfume wafting out as soon as she came near me.


    ¡°Good morning, Miss Secretary,¡± ire greeted with a faked smile on her lips which is coated by her thick intense red matte lipstick. ¡°How was your day? Is it good? Or is it bad?¡±


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± I asked instead.


    ¡°Uh, let me guess.¡± She faked augh this time before leaning closer. ¡°You¡¯re having a bad day, didn¡¯t you?¡± There was a mockery in her voice but I chose to shove it away and leave my table instead.


    I stepped out of the cafeteria and then walked over to the elevator. I breathe in relief when ire didn¡¯t follow me anymore but when I reached back the office, it only took her a couple of minutes before she swung the door open. ire gracefully walked over to my table and then sat on the visitor¡¯s chair to rx. I rolled my eyes when she started bbering about the things I didn¡¯t want to hear anymore.


    ¡°Did you juste here so you can piss the hell out of me, huh? If yes, then fine¡­ congrattions! You already did so can you please give me a f*cking favor, leave me alone!¡± I roared after losing my patience for her.


    ire suddenly bes speechless when I fumed in anger but then again, this woman seems like didn¡¯t get what I said or she is just really pushing me to my limit.


    ¡°I told you, Miss Secretary,¡± she chimed. ¡°Logan will not take you seriously. I guess you already saw her, the woman who owns your husband. What can you say about her? Isn¡¯t she dazzling, isn¡¯t she? She¡¯s perfectly suited for Logan but too bad for her, she died early. Now, Logan is suffering and even though he is already married to you, he will not love you the way he loved Ynez.¡±


    I clenched my fists into tight balls as her words are like acid burning me alive. Like millions of knives stabbing my heart to death. I felt how the green monster is slowly gnawing me alive, giving me excruciating pain.


    ¡°But you still have one option left, Miss Secretary,¡± ire smirked. ¡°Give Logan to me and get out of his life. In that case, you can move on and the pain will eventually go after days or weeks perhaps.¡±


    Weeks? Days? Did she really think that I can get over with Logan that fast?


    ¡°Leave, ire¡­ leave. I don¡¯t want to see you again. And if you¡¯re still into Logan, go on! Get him! Tie him on you, I don¡¯t care. I don¡¯t care at all, understand?!¡± ire just bid her sweet goodbye before leaving me crying in the office.


    With my arms resting on my table, I shove my face on them and then cry my heart out. The memory ofst night came back freshly on my mind. It keeps on shing until I couldn¡¯t do anything but to cry instead. The pain is at a different level to the point that I only wish for my heart to get numb so I can no longer feel this aching heart. And if there were only medicine that I can take so I can erase the pain, I will overdose myself.


    ¡°Hey, are you alright?¡± Logan raised a question while we were eating inside his office.


    I nodded silently before stuffing my mouth with food.


    ¡°You seem like you were not. I also noticed that your eyes were swollen when I get back. What¡¯s wrong? Tell me.¡±


    I stared at him instead. Without saying anything, I just locked my eyes on him until I felt how my eyes slowly watered which alerted him. As a result, he drew closer and held my shoulders as he guided my face to face him.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why are you crying? Hey, is everything alright?!¡± His voice coated by concern seems like strangling my heart. And his presence, his hands touching me is just like poison-slowly killing me.


    How many times do I have to beg on you, Logan? How many times do I have to tell you that stop doing that¡­ stop showing that side of you on me again. It¡¯s frustrating the hell out of me.


    ¡°Stop¡­ please stop, Logan¡­¡± I sob.


    ¡°Stop what?¡± he asked in confusion. ¡°What are you talking about? What should I stop, huh?¡±


    ¡°That¡­¡± I trailed. ¡°Please stop being so sweet, so nice¡­ please stop caring¡­ just f*cking stop. I don¡¯t know what to do anymore. I don¡¯t know where should I believe. I am tired of making myself believe that you genuinely care for me or not. Logan, please¡­ stay away from me so I can prevent myself from falling even more.¡±


    Please stay away. Be gone. Just be the Logan I knew before. The ruthless, the so arrogant boss, the insensitive one so I can give myself a reason to hate you.

 Chapter 33: Stay Away

    ¡°What exactly this is all about, huh?¡± Logan¡¯s voice suddenly bes t with a hint of coldness on it.


    I smiled between my sobs. That¡¯s it, baby¡­ that¡¯s it. Be mad at me. Be the Logan I used to know before. Be that rude and heartless boss I have ever known.


    ¡°We are okay, right? We are okay.¡± I shook my head as an answer. ¡°No, we are, baby. We are just okay earlier, stop this.¡±


    I lifted my gaze on him and then stared at him deep with my tearful eyes. ¡°We are not¡­ we are not okay.¡± I sob.


    ¡°Come on, Alice¡­ if this is a joke then I am telling you, stop this shit. You know I have a short string of patience¡­ you knew that.¡±


    ¡°This is not a joke, I am not kidding. I am asking you to stay away from me and that isn¡¯t a joke.¡±


    ¡°Bullsh*t, Alice!¡± he roared as he drastically stood up which made my sobs go louder. ¡°Of all the favor you can ask on me, why the hell do you want me to stay away from you?! Why?! What was your reason? Why are you suddenly asking me to stay away from when we are okay earlier?! Did I do wrong? Did I hurt you?¡±


    I shook. ¡°No¡­no. It¡¯s not you, Logan¡­ it¡¯s me. I am asking you this because I can no longer take the pain. I didn¡¯t know what to do if we continue this. It f*cking frustrate me¡­ everything you¡¯re doing is f*cking frustrate me. You suddenly be so sweet, when in fact, we are not like this before. I want the old Logan to be back, I want that Logan instead of the Logan I have been with this past few days. Be mad at me, Logan¡­ please¡­ be mad at me so I can stop myself loving a man who¡¯s still hopelessly in love with his past. Be mad at me, hurt me rather so I can make myself hate you. Please¡­¡±


    ¡°You want the old Logan toe back? Do you really mean what you said, huh Alice?¡± Now, his voice totally bes cold. Gone is the concern that is creeping on it earlier.


    That¡¯s it¡­ just continue doing that¡­


    ¡°Answer me, Alice. Do you f*cking mean what you said?¡± he asked again.


    Trying to stop my sobs from letting out, I silently nodded and heard his rough curse afterward.


    ¡°Fine. I will give what you asked for and I¡¯ll assure you, you will f*cking regret asking that Logan be back again.¡± And he walked out of the room, leaving me alone while I heard how my heart shattered into pieces.


    I asked for this. In order to protect myself from the deep pain he can give me in the future, I need to be damaged as early as possible. At least now, in the following days and so, I can eventually get over the pain instead of being happy in his arms knowing that there is a disaster waiting for me ahead.


    After what happened, after Logan left and didn¡¯te back for the rest of the hours that day, I didn¡¯t see him again even in the house. And even Aisle is asking why she didn¡¯t see her father around, all I can say to her was that Logan is out for a business trip which is a total lie I created. I don¡¯t even know where he is by now. It¡¯s been a day since Ist saw him and even though I am the reason why he didn¡¯t show up, I am still waiting for him. Last night, I¡¯ve been so hypocritical. I asked him to stay away from me yet I¡¯ve longed for his touch that night. I wanted him behind me again, giving warmth to me. All of the sudden, I wanted to take back my words and chase him back but I know, it was already toote. I have decided and he already did also.


    The old Logan is now back. Gone the sweet, caring Logan. And I know, if he came back after many days or so, I have to face the consequences of asking that Logan to be back.


    I just wished that he will not hurt Aisle as well. I am only asking him to be mad at me not at our child. Because if he ever did, it would be my death knowing that my daughter will experience misery all because of me.


    ¡°Mommy, when will Daddy be back? It¡¯s just a week before my birthday and it would be my first birthday with him.¡± I smiled at Aisle to fade her worry away even though I know that it is possible that Logan will not be on her birthday.


    ¡°Daddy calledst night, he told me that he can make it to your birthday. He¡¯ll be home after two days.¡± And as if the angel blessed my words, Logan did show up after two days.


    When I firstnded my eyes on him, I felt relief. Finally, he came back.


    ¡°I just came back for my daughter and not for you, Alice. Stop smiling, it pisses me off.¡± Logan whispered in my ears coldly while Aisle forced him to hug me.


    My smile faded after hearing what he said. How dare my heart forget that day¡­ that day I asked Logan to stay gone. He already did what I asked for but why do I have this feeling of heaviness in my heart? I asked for this¡­ I f*cking do.


    ¡°Of course, I¨CI didn¡¯t forget¡­¡± I stuttered before he pulled out from the hug. I am not even sure if he heard it or not because it seems like he didn¡¯t when he pulled out fast.


    ¡°Daddy, how was your trip? Mommy told me you are in Singapore.¡± Logan nced at me with his piercing eyes before he bring down his eyes on Aisle again.


    ¡°Daddy¡¯s trip went fine. I¡¯ve enjoyed it,¡± he replied, emphasizing thest sentence intentionally.


    I gulped the lump on my throat and decided to go upstairs instead of watching them having bonds and I  am not included anymore. When I reached my room, I locked it and decided to take a quick shower. And just like my past shower a few days ago, I ended up crying again while water is pouring on me. And the cold water hugging me reminds me of Logan now, cold yet caustic.


    ***


    ¡°Come on, Alice. Did you just ask me toe over so you can have a shoulder to cry on? I don¡¯t even know why you are crying damn hard? What is it? Is there anything wrong with you?¡± Helena fired me her questions but instead of answering them one by one, I wiped out my tears and forced a smile which she instantly criticized.


    ¡°You can¡¯t fool me with your faked smile, Alice. Come on, tell me what is exactly going on?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± I answered. ¡°By the way, are you free for tonight?¡±


    ¡°Yeap, why?¡±


    ¡°Perfect then. I suddenly feel to go in a bar hopping. You know, it¡¯s been a long time since we did.¡± I sipped on my juice and then lifted back my eyes on Helena who was staring at me with her contorted brows. ¡°What?¡± I asked innocently.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°What¡¯s with what? Did you just ask me to go in a bar-hopping?¡±


    ¡°Ah huh.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°What? Are you taking down your best friend?¡±


    ¡°No. We are not going to a bar unless you told me what is going on with you. I am totally clueless here, Alice. As in, literally.¡± And even though I don¡¯t want her to know the truth, because she is too persistent and I badly want to drown myself in alcohol, I ended up telling Helena the whole truth.


    From Ynez down to what I¡¯ve asked for Logan.


    After telling Helena the whole truth, we ended up in the bar. Together, we drank our ass off and dance out on the dance floor, turning the loud and flirtatious music yed by the DJ.


    ¡°Hey, I¡­ I¡¯m just going to pee,¡± I said drunkenly to Helena after we headed back to our table. Helena just nodded, unable to speak anymore.


    Laughing in her current state, I walked over to thefort room I don¡¯t exactly know where. I got to bump others on my way. Thankfully, I am still aware of my surroundings even though I am a bit tipsy. When I reached thefort room after asking people I passed through, I then walked on a cubicle and locked myself. After taking minutes inside, I then headed back to the table where Helena is but, in the midway of walking back, I bumped into a hard figure which made me lose my bnce. Thankfully, there is an arm that instantly snaked around my waist and put me steady.


    I lifted my head and saw a blurry image of a man. ¡°Oh, thank you, Mister,¡± I said-eyes are half-opened.


    ¡°Alice?¡±


    ¡°Oh, how did you know my name?¡±


    ¡°Damn, it¡¯s me, Lyndon. Why are you here and damn it! Why are you f*cking drunk?¡±


    ¡°Lyndon?¡± I asked. ¡°Oh, my husband¡¯s brother. How are you, huh?¡± But instead of answering me, he dragged me to nowhere until the light near the dance floor hit my face making me shut my eyes tightly.


    ¡°Wait for me here, I¡¯ll just call Logan.¡± As if like a hammer hit my head, I was instantly dragged back to my senses when I heard his name.


    ¡°Logan?¡± I asked, roaming my eyes around afterward, and then my eyes stopped on a table with three men seating including Logan. I bring back my eyes to Lyndon and tugged out my hand. ¡°I got to go,¡± I announced and started walking away with him shouting behind or perhaps, following me.


    I hurriedly run back to the table where Helena is currently waiting drunk as well. With my hazy vision and almost spinning background, I still summoned the rest of my strength and pulled myself together. Even though I already bumped several people on my way back to the table, I don¡¯t care. What I care about is Logan and the fact that he is in the same bar where I am. He can¡¯t see me in this state. Drunk and looking like a pathetic. I don¡¯t want him to think that I am suffering because of my own choice. I just don¡¯t want to.


    ¡°Hey, Alice¡­¡± Helena trailed, smiling drunkenly at me while she is halfying on the leather couch.


    I pulled her hand and shove her sling bag on my shoulder. ¡°Get up, Helena. F*cking get your ass off!¡± I gritted my teeth when Helena just murmured something I didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Helena, hey!¡± I patted her cheeks but again, she began murmuring.


    ¡°Helena, please. Get up! We need to go now, hey! Helena¨C¡±


    ¡°Need help?¡± someone asked.


    ¡°Yes, plea¨C¡± I stopped when I realized who owned that voice. I slowly twirled around and met his eyes, shooting me dangerously. Now, the alcohol literally left my body.


    ¡°Great. Instead of taking care of our child, you were just here partying and drinking yourself.¡± He shook his head as he stared at me mockingly before dragging me through the doorway. I tried to pull out but he didn¡¯t me.


    ¡°Helena is still there!¡± I reasoned out but he didn¡¯t answer instead, he continued to drag me until we reached his car.


    He opened the door harshly and then red at me. ¡°Get in,¡± he ordered in a hard tone making me follow like a docile wife.

 Chapter 34: Would it be too much?

    ¡°Why are you there?¡± Logan asked, eyes locked on the road while his fingers are casually thumping the wheels.


    ¡°I am drinking, what else is the reason why would I be in a bar?¡± I answered.


    He heaved a sigh. ¡°In the middle of the night? Seriously, Alice?¡±


    ¡°When do you expect me to go to a bar? During a sunny day? Of course, it is a bar, people go there every night, duh,¡± I replied again sarcastically which made him curse silently though I still heard it.


    ¡°Are you aware that Aisle is been looking for you? She¡¯s asking me where the hell are you?!¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re lying. I left home while you two are busy watching movies in your room. You didn¡¯t even allow me to enter when I was about to give you your snacks, right?¡± there was a bitterness in my voice as I remembered how Logan locked the door when he and Aisle are busy watching in his room.


    I even baked cupcakes for them yet he did that. Well, what else I should expect? I asked him to be like that again. Shouldn¡¯t be I be happy now?


    ¡°Where is Aisle by the way? Do you leave her in the house alone?¡± I asked upon realizing that Aisle might be alone in the house.


    He nced at me. ¡°Mom fetched her,¡± he replied curtly and then he didn¡¯t speak again.


    Thinking that he didn¡¯t want to talk to me anymore, I just rolled my eyes as I stared outside. After a few minutes of driving, we then reached our house and as soon as I entered, I headed directly to my room and then locked it afterward. I just took a bath and then changed my clothes into pajamas before diving into my bed. And because I am still a bit tipsy, I instantly fell asleep.


    Seven in the morning when I hurriedly jumped off the bed just to puke as I felt how my head is like hammering by Thor¡¯s hammer. I stayed up in the bathroom for several minutes before I stood up and walked outside with my weakened body.


    ¡°F*ck this hangover!¡± I cursed while getting myself cold water. I frustratedly brushed my fingers on my hair and then pulled it to lessen the pain but it was still futile.


    ¡°That¡¯s what you get, woman.¡± I jolted in ce, almost dropping the ss I am holding because of the hard voice that spoke from behind. Shocked upon seeing Logan a few steps behind me, I ced down the ss on the sink and then was about to step out of the kitchen when he spoke again.


    ¡°Would it be bad if I greet you a good morning?¡± I slowly twirled around, my heart beating fast beneath my chest. ¡°Well, I guess your silence means no. Good morning then, baby.¡± And that¡¯s it, my heart dropped and I was standing there, unable to pick it up again. I stared surprised at Logan before he slipped a yful grin and faced his back on me.


    Did he just call me, baby? No! Maybe, he only says that because he wanted to y with my feelings now that he knows what I am hiding from him.


    Still confused about what I¡¯d heard from him, I still managed to walk back into my room to do a quick shower before fetching Aisle on Logan¡¯s Mom¡¯s house. But when I was about to step out of the house, Logan walked beside me and towered to me making me look him up.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± he asked, tugging out his keys in his pocket.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to fetch Aisle.¡±


    ¡°No need.¡±


    My brows twisted. ¡°Why? She may be looking for me by now.¡±


    ¡°Mom told me that she didn¡¯t in fact, she is having a good time with my parents. She also told me that she and Dad will bring Aisle to the farm on our province and they will stay there for two days or three,¡± Logan announced making my jaw drop.


    ¡°And you agreed? Why didn¡¯t you tell me so I cane with my child?¡±


    Logan nced at me with a smirk before opening the garage. ¡°Is not clear to you why they are doing this?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I asked confused and followed him on his parked car. I am supposed to go get a uber but here I am, forgetting about it just because I am talking to him.


    ¡°Get in,¡± he ordered as he opened the door for me.


    ¡°Why would I?¡±


    ¡°Because you are my wife and I am your husband so just get your ass on my damn car and we will be going somewhere.¡± Still confused with a bit of doubt, I still followed him until I found myself walking on beach sand, heading towards the beach house Logan is talking about earlier.


    ***


    I was in a room for almost an hour after Logan told me that he will just go to the market to buy some stuffed and our necessities. At first, I wanted toe with him but when I thought about distancing myself from him, I changed my mind. Duh, as if I can still get that so-called space knowing that only me and Logan are in here in this beach house.


    Is he even thinking? Why does he need to bring me here with him when I already made myself clear to himst time? I told him to stay away because, in that way, I can forget him. But look what he did now? It seems like he is trapping ourselves here and for what? For what exactly f*ckibg reason?!


    ¡°I¡¯m home.¡± I brought my gaze to the door where Logan is now standing. ¡°I bought freshly baked lemon cake, want some?¡± But instead of answering him, I turned my back on him and intended not to talk to him. And when I heard the door close, I faced it again and breathe in relief when I found out that Logan had already left.


    But after several minutes after he left the room, the door once open-giving me him, holding a tray table with foods on top of it. ¡°Here, eat this,¡± he said and sat beside me.


    ¡°I am not hungry, Logan,¡± I refused.


    His brow twitched and rested his chin on his knuckles as he stared at me. ¡°You didn¡¯t eat breakfast and you didn¡¯t even eat the snacks I bought when we are our way here. Then you are now telling me you are not hungry? Eat this one and take a rest.¡±


    ¡°I told you, I am not hungry, okay? And why can¡¯t you just leave me alone just like what I have asked you? You¡¯ve been doing that for days, Logan so please, just¨C¡±


    ¡°Shut the f*ck up, Alice, and just eat this damn lemon cake I bought for you. After doing what your husband said, we will talk about your f*cking request. Are we clear?¡± I bit my lips before nodding unknowingly as I am staring at him. His jaw clenching, eyes are on me-shooting me with his deadly res. And then after a couple of minutes, he stood up and walk out of the room again when he assured me that I am already eating his lemon cake.


    And guess what? As soon as my tongue touches the cake, I instantly eat my words telling that I am not hungry. Who would dare to reject this delectable sweet?


    It took me almost thirty minutes before finishing the cake Logan served me. And after finishing it, I stepped outside the room and bring my tes to the kitchen. I saw Logan watching television in the living room as I walked over to the kitchen. After washing my tes, I decided to go back to the room and sleep instead but just when I was about to leave the kitchen, Logan blocked my way making me frown. He stepped towards me so I stepped backward until I unintentionally sat on a chair waiting behind me. Logan smirked because of that or he is just having fun at the way how I react. He headed to the refrigerator and tugged something out of it. When he faced me again, that¡¯s when I realized that it was a can of beer which he immediately emptied and red at me making me gulp in uneasiness.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t trust me, didn¡¯t you?¡± he started which just doubled the lines on my forehead.


    ¡°What are you talking about¡­?¡± I trailed.


    ¡°Drop the act, Alice, I know you know what I am talking about. You f*cking didn¡¯t trust me and choose to believe in that woman instead of asking me!¡± He gritted his teeth as he mmed the crumpled beer can into the marble counter. ¡°Lyndon told me that ire visited the office that day we have a fight. Now I know why you suddenly want everything to go back to what it was before¡­ all because of her. All because you choose to believe on the shits of that girl!¡± he roared once again, summoning the hidden tears in my eyes.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t believe in her¡­¡± I uttered silently, pulling down my eyes on myp. ¡°I didn¡¯t believe in her, Logan,¡± I repeated.


    ¡°Then why the hell you asked me to stay gone?!¡±


    ¡°Because I saw it with my two eyes! I f*cking saw it on your phone and that was the reason why I told you to stay away. For Pete¡¯s sake, Logan! You still f*cking love her! You still can¡¯t get over with Ynez even though I am already here! Yeah, you¡¯re right. I didn¡¯t trust you because how can I when I already know the fact, when the reality already pped me hard? Don¡¯t ask for my trust, Logan, don¡¯t. I¡¯m tired¡­ I¡¯m done overthinking if I really matter to you if you genuinely care for me. Or you were just using me to get over with your past. I am not for a rebound, Logan¡­ I didn¡¯t want me to be one!¡± I cried, clenching my hands into tight balls as I stared at him with my tearful eyes.


    My vision is blurred because of the tears but I still saw how sharp Logan moved towards me and quickly caged me into his arms. I first refrain myself from hugging him back but I ended up holding on to him tight, just how my heart is holding to the hope that maybe¡­ maybe we can be together. No Ynez. Just me.


    ¡°Logan¡­ please, I don¡¯t want t¨Cthis p¨Cpain¡­¡± I sob while my face is buried in his chest. He gently rubs my back and kissed my temple as I continued to cry and after gaining back, he pulled out from the hug and held my cheeks so I can look him up.


    His palms caged my sticky cheeks, he stared deep into my eyes. Seems like digging something on them. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± he mumbled and dried up my tears using his thumbs. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, baby¡­¡± and with the way, he called me that endearment, I burst out crying again.


    It feels so ironic that even though I asked him to be gone, part of me also wanted to make him stay. All his hugs, his touch, every time he will be kissed me, I instantly surrendered and my brain asked for my heart to save me from uing pain. I know he still loves her but would it be a sin if I ask Logan to forget Ynez and poured his love into me instead? Would it be too much if I ask for his whole attention, for his whole heart? Would it be selfish if I demand his love because I am his wife even only in papers?


    ¡°Would it be too much if ask you to love me back, Logan? Would it be?¡±

 Chapter 35: Mistake of the Past

    Logan¡¯s Point of View


    ¡°Would it be too much if ask you to love me back, Logan? Would it be?¡± she asked, sobbing in my chest.


    I didn¡¯t answer. I just caressed her hair and continue to put kisses on her temple. I didn¡¯t answer even though my heart wants to tell it all. It just makes me happy yet felt mad at myself for making my wife cry. I wanted to ease that pain away because she is thinking the wrong way but my mouth didn¡¯t open to exin everything. I am so speechless because for the second time, my wife, my girl, confessed her feelings to me. But in a tearful way again and it is all my fault. From the very start, I should have made myself clear to her. From the day I epted my feelings to her, from the day Ipletely epted that yes, I am smitten with her. I should have cleared it that I am head over heels in love with her too but my damn mind just keeps on stopping me just so my ego can get the justice he wanted. But guess what? Now I am suffering as well for seeing Alice crying again and again all because of me.


    ¡°Would it be, Logan?¡± Alice then asked, lifting her eyes on me. I looked her down and just caressed her cheek and I imed her lips which made her stiffen for a while before she can able to answer my kiss.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Alice moaned when I deepened the kiss and started pushing her on a marble counter. Both of my hands slowly made their way to travel her body while her right hand is copying what my hands did with her left hand on my nape, seems like she didn¡¯t want to end our kiss. I chuckled inside. Dude, the feeling is mutual but we have to pull out unless we run out of air.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get upstairs.¡± I didn¡¯t give her the chance to agree or say words, instead, I immediately carried her on a bridal position. Her arms are wrapped around my nape tightly with her face buried on my nake while gently sniffing me which is sending chills on me.


    When we reached the room, I then delivered her to our bed and there, I continue what we have started in the kitchen, freely. As I keep on traveling her using my daring hands, she is moaning continuously especially when I am biting her skin, putting red marks on it.


    ¡°Someone might see them, Logan¡­¡± she said breathless, talking about the hickeys.


    I smiled and give her another one on the valley of her breasts and then looked her up again. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to have my mark?¡± I asked yfully, enjoying the emotion written on her gorgeous face that is now tinged with red. Alice¡¯s skin tone is a bit lighter and I love to see her blushing all because of me.


    ¡°But it¡¯s¡­ ugh!¡± She wasn¡¯t able to continue her words when I brought her bead to my mouth after licking it many times. I did it to the other one, alternately andst for minutes before I crawled back on her lips and devoured it again endlessly.


    ¡°Would it be too much if I please my wife?¡± I whispered in her ears and nibbled it afterward. She just answered me with her moans before I crawled down on her breast again and down to her belly.


    My hands started to removed her clothes until the only thing that is left is her ck panty. I bit my lips as I stared at her like my prey,ying on my bed and ready to be devoured by me. Alice on the other hand covered her breast after realizing that I am staring at her. I chuckled and leaned towards her and pinned her arms beside her.


    ¡°I saw them before, you don¡¯t have to hide them.¡± And once kissed her before I started to remove my clothes too.


    Alice¡¯s eyes widened when I stood up in front of her with no clothes on. She traveled her eyes down on my member and instantly gasped before covering her mouth and bringing back her eyes on mine.


    ¡°Did¡­ Did you just put that thing inside me before?¡± she asked.


    I nodded and covered her again. ¡°Haven¡¯t you seen him when we did that years ago? I remember how you writhed in pain while I prated you for your first time.¡±


    ¡°Who wouldn¡¯t be if that huge thing will be the one to do the task?¡± Her brow twitched as she pouted her lips making me tempted to kiss it again which I did for how many times before we ended up moaning, both sweating as we continue to give pleasure to each other.


    ¡°Oh my, God! Ugh, Logan!¡± Alice moans in pleasure while I am thrusting between her legs. ¡°Logan¡­ Uhm, that feels so good.¡± She wrapped her legs around my waist while I bend forward and carried her out of the bed.


    ¡°You¡¯re still tight, baby¡­ damn!¡± I groaned in ecstasy as I feel how my member is being squeezed by her walls.


    ¡°Logan¡­¡± she called breathless, panting while she is wing my back unintentionally. ¡°Oh my, God! I¡¯m cumming¡­ f*ck, I¡¯m cumming, Logan!¡± she moaned loudly, filling the whole room before I felt how she explode. She told me to stop but I just couldn¡¯t when I am also near.


    Hugging her tightly, not wanting to let her go again, I thrust myself deep and deeper on her which just tripled the moansing from her. Moments passed, I also feel that I am going to explode so I thrust at a fast pace until we reach our climax together. She for the third time and me for the first time since we started.


    Iid her back on the bed, still panting and unable to speak. I crawled beside her, ced her head on my bicep, and covered ourselves with the mattress.


    ¡°Rest, there¡¯s still another round, baby. I¡¯ve been waiting for this day toe and I am definitely won¡¯t let this day pass with you wearilyying on my bed.¡±


    ¡°Can you please shut your mouth from dirty talks, Logan?¡± she hissed and buried her face on my chest again. Later on, I just chuckled when I heard her little snores and when I looked her down, I can¡¯t help but steal a kiss from her before I decided to close my eyes while she is caged in my arms.


    I did love her before, I am once hopelessly in love with Ynez before but when Alice came, I know, I will be much in love and smitten with her.


    ***


    Alice¡¯s Point of View


    I woke up the next morning still sorr because of what happened between me and Loganst night. And even though it wasn¡¯t my first time anymore it still hurt to the point that up until now, I could still feel the pain down there. But despite that, I forced myself to get up from the bed where I am currently alone. I don¡¯t know where Logan is, maybe he¡¯s outside or left for something which he didn¡¯t bother to inform. I instantly felt the bitterness upon thinking that maybe, it is the reason why I woke up without him beside me.


    Huh! After what he did to mest night, he didn¡¯t even wait for me to wake up? For goodness¡¯ sake, he took me many times in different positions and the worst is, he did take me while my back is against the wall, standing with one foot. God! Those sinful things we didst night are f*cking cringing the hell out of me.


    After I did my morning routine, wearing my sunny dress, I stepped outside the room, and to my disappointment, I didn¡¯t even see Logan in the living room nor the kitchen. So, I ended up eating my breakfast alone and I almost cried upon eating alone. After finishing my food and washing the tes I have used, I decided to take a walk around the beach since I haven¡¯t stepped out since we got in here.


    The weather was pretty good though it seems like the sun is a bit shy right now. Sea breeze weed and hugged me when I walked over the shore, kicking a random shell I passed with. I¡¯d been walking for about fifteen minutes when I decided to stop on a rock formation and when I look back from where Ie, that¡¯s when I realized that I had already taken far. However, instead of going back, I just sat on the rock formation, facing the horizon where the sea meets the morning sky.


    Again, upon being alone, the memory ofst night shes back through my mind. And even though I don¡¯t want to think in a negative way, I couldn¡¯t help it. Especially what starts my day today. Being immature it may sound, I am really expecting that upon opening my eyes, they will firstnd on Logan who¡¯sying beside me but it didn¡¯t. My expectation hurt me. How can he leave me alone without even telling me where he will go or when he wille back. It feels like he just used mest night so he can feel the pleasure and when the morning came, it was easy for him to leave me without any words.


    When the air blows, a drop of tear fell from my eyes. Biting my lips, I wiped it off and picked up some stone beside me, and then threw it off on the water. Putting my resentment to Logan on them.


    ¡°Damn you!¡± I shouted, ¡°How dare you just used mest night and leave me alone afterward?! When I told you to stay away from me, you didn¡¯t did. Instead, you brought yourself on me and lure me to your trap. Now that I am not asking you to leave me, you just f*cking did! F*ck you, Logan!¡± my voice cracked before I weakly stopped throwing and shouting my pain out.


    After a couple of minutes, I took off my dress and hang it on the rock before I soaked myself in the water. And funny how it feels that the water wasn¡¯t cold but inside me is freezing. It felts like my heart is coated by ice and then some ice spikes are pricking it slowly making me feel the racking pain inside. As I go deep into the seawater, I breathed in and out. Trying to find peace in the peaceful waves but I just couldn¡¯t find it when the bitterness is continue to creeps on me. I tried to walk forward again and when I am already on tiptoe just so I can still feel the bed sand under, I decided to swim. I intentionally make myself heavy so I won¡¯t float instantly and as I am underwater, I opened my eyes. I cried while I stared at nothing and that¡¯s when I realized that maybe, Logan just took me here so he can make my life miserable.


    I asked him to stay gone and he¡¯s been doing that for days so howe he will suddenly drag me just so we can fix everything. He may be tricked me and I was so fooled to believe in him. Once again, I let my guard down all because my love for him conquered me. I must know it. He already give me the warning that I will regret that I asked him to bring the old Logan back. He brought him back and probably, the Logan I slept withst night wasn¡¯t the Logan who was so sweet, nice, and clingy to me. He may be the old Logan, my ruthless boss, the insensitive beast who doesn¡¯t care about what others may feel. The Logan who only thinks himself¡­


    And what happenedst night, was just a part of his n to get me into his trap. He knows that I love him because I¡¯ve confessed it unintentionally before. And he used that as his advantage so he can hurt me. What happenedst night was all just a mistake¡­ a mistake which I did in the past. I slept with a stranger, I gave my whole self to the man I didn¡¯t know.

 Chapter 36: Pregnant

    After spending quite hours on the beach, I decided to go back to the beach house-expecting that when I came back, Logan is already inside, waiting for me. But as soon as I opened the door and walked over to the living room, my shoulders dropped in disappointment. Nevertheless, I still roamed around until I already go in each corner-seeing nothing but myself who¡¯s desperately searching for Logan.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    I let out a deep sigh and walked back to the kitchen and prepared my food instead. I only tugged out a cup of noodles in the fridge because I am not in the mood to cook other than that. When it was already cooked, I sat on the stool and started to eat it alone. As I chewed it, I could also feel how my heart is being chewed painfully making me clutched on my chest. Many deep sighs pure of bitterness passed my lips before I ended up throwing the rest of the noodles I didn¡¯t manage to finish because of the lumps that is keeps on building in my throat. Before I walked into the room, I suddenly looked up at the clock hanging on the wall and it just doubled the emotions filling my heart.


    With heavy steps, I have reached the room and locked it before I went to the bathroom to take a bath. After that, I dive into the bed tirelessly, andter on, before I closed my eyes, tears filled them first. I fell asleep while crying and when I woke up past three in the afternoon, my face felt so sticky making me go to the bathroom first before I rushed outside. As I took my steps downstairs, I heard somethinging from the kitchen. It sounds like someone is in there, busy doing something. Presuming that it was Logan who had alreadye back, I took my steps fast and rushed my feet to the kitchen-smiling widely. But my smile faded upon seeing an old woman, facing the sink while washing some vegetables on the strainer.


    I faked a cough, making her jolt in ce, and turned around to see me. ¡°Are you, Alice?¡± she asked. I just nodded as an answer. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nice to meet you, Alice. I am Auntie Precious, Logan¡¯s personal maid before. It was nice to meet his wife,¡± she said smiling at me.


    I awkwardly smiled. ¡°It was nice to meet you too, Auntie. By the way, do you know where Logan is?¡± I couldn¡¯t help but ask since she might know where he is.


    The woman¡¯s face brightened, seems like there is something popped up in her mind. ¡°I saw him early this morning, he told me that he will just go back to the city for something. Didn¡¯t he tell you where he is going?¡± I forced a smile to refrain my lips from stretching out the different one.


    ¡°Uhm¡­ he actually told me. I am just worried because he took long,¡± I lied, sat on the stool afterward, and watched Auntie Precious cooking something she said for my and Logan¡¯s dinner.


    I grimaced secretly when she told me that it was our dinner. I bet it wouldn¡¯t be. I don¡¯t even know when will Logane back. He didn¡¯t tell me when and he didn¡¯t even bother to call me nor text me when my number is just an easy tap on his phone. By the way, he is doing now and what he did this morning, I bet it was really easy for him to ignore and leave me behind. Well, what else should I expect? I know my ce, I know where I am in his life and that was thest in his list of priorities. He probably didn¡¯t care for me at all despite what happenedst night.


    Huh, that jerk! If only I know that after the pleasure he gives me is a pain, I should have listened to my brain and not in my heart. Now I regret everything¡­ I regret doing that stuff the second time with him.


    ¡°Good night, Auntie.¡± Auntie Precious just waved her hand before she went out of the house, leaving me alone again. I looked at the clock and it told me that it was already eight in the evening yet Logan is still nowhere to be found.


    I walked back into the room after I drink a ss of milk and headed to bed. I easily fell asleep and just woke a bit when I felt the space behind me dipped and then an arm snaked around my waist. When I smell the familiar smell of Logan, my sleepiness faded. My heart thumped when he came closer and pulled me towards his chest which almost made me slip a sound. Thankfully I have dared to refrain myself from doing so. I pretended that I am already sleeping even though his breath fanning my nape made me tickled and wanted me to let out a moan at the same time.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I came homete, baby¡­¡± I bit my tongue, preventing myself from speaking back. ¡°I promise that I will make it up to you tomorrow,¡± he added and I am just there, continued my pretense.


    Part of me wanted to twirl around and hug him back but I don¡¯t let that part conquer me again. Every time I followed that part, it just puts me in pain. Every time I let my guard down, it will just send me to my downfall which I choose to create. But tonight is going to be different. If I have to control my breath, to push my acting skills so he won¡¯t know that I am not sleeping, then I will dly do. I will pretend to be the best I can¡­


    ¡°Uhm¡­¡± I moaned when I felt something thrusting between my legs. ¡°Uhm¡­¡± I moaned once again, eyes still pressed together but when I heard his voice, my eyes swang open.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± he greeted with a naughty smile on his lips while his hand and fingers are busy on my between. ¡°Do you like my morning surprised?¡±


    I surpassed my uing moan when he thrust faster and before I could cum in his fingers, I forced myself to jumped off the bed and headed straight to the bathroom even though it f*cking hurt me. Dang, it! I didn¡¯t explode! But for the sake of my poor heart, I have to do it. I won¡¯t let him take advantage of me again. When I stepped out, Logan shoot me with his res while creasing his forehead.


    ¡°Why did you leave?¡± he asked the question I badly want to throw him back.


    Why did you leave me yesterday, Logan?!


    ¡°I¡­ I wanted to pee,¡± I told casually, putting my robe on and tying up my hair into buns afterward.


    ¡°Come back here,¡± he ordered, making me stop for a while. ¡°Let me make you cum.¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± I smiled. ¡°I¡¯m already hungry, I¡¯ll just prepare our breakfast.¡± And then I stepped out of the room, clutching on thece of the robe as I climbed down the stairs.


    That¡¯s it, Alice¡­ you¡¯re doing great. Protect your heart from him at all costs. Prove to yourself that you won¡¯t be such a fool when ites to him again.


    And that¡¯s what I have done and continue to do until we went back to the city. We only spend three days at his beach house and decided to go back home and it¡¯s been three weeks since something happened to us. It didn¡¯t happen again in the rest of our stay there. I remained hard from the temptation. Just like what I have promised to myself, I won¡¯t let Logan fool me again. And thankfully, seems like Logan wasn¡¯t aware of what is really going on inside my mind. I won¡¯t let him know either if that means I have to continue the acting.


    But while I do my best in acting around him, something happened the next Saturday morning. With his arms still wrapped around my waist early in the morning, I pushed myself to the bathroom and puked up hard. Later on, Logan came inside and instantly checked me out.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked.


    I was about to nod when I puked up again making me unable to create lies to answer him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call a doctor¨C¡±


    ¡°No!¡± I cut him off with a sudden rise in my voice which made him twitch a brow. ¡°I mean, no need. I am okay now.¡± I lied even though I still felt weak because of my morning sickness.


    Yeah, morning sickness.


    When I didn¡¯t have my period that was supposedly on Tuesday, I already think of what is probably going on. I even go to Helena¡¯s apartment yesterday so I can take a pregnancy test and guess what? It just shows two lines which means I am pregnant. At first, I don¡¯t know how to react just like how I felt when I am still pregnant with Aisle. I don¡¯t even know if I have to te it to Logan because he is the father of course. Butter on, I decided not to tell him yet unless the line between us is all clear.


    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to go for a doctor¡¯s appointment?¡± Logan asked while eating our breakfast.


    ¡°I told you, I am fine now,¡± I hissed. This is the problem also. I became so moody for the past few days and I am afraid that he might find out about my pregnancy.


    ¡°Why do you need a doctor, Mommy?¡± Aisle suddenly asked while we are in the car, heading to her Grandma because she told us that she wanted to be there for a night. ¡°Are you sick?¡±


    ¡°No, baby. Your Daddy is just overreacting.¡± Logan red at me which I just answer with my eyes, rolling out on him. After several minutes in the road, we already reached the Ivanov mansion and left Aisle there for a while, and headed back home.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Logan asked, currently blocking the door.


    ¡°I¡¯ll meet Helena today.¡±


    ¡°But you just meet yesterday. Today is Saturday, Alice¡­ it means today is our alone time.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell me that you will go to the site today?¡± I arched a brow. ¡°Go to the site and I¡¯ll go to meet my friend. So can you please move a bit and let me pass?¡± He didn¡¯t move even a bit making me lose my temper. ¡°Logan, I said move out!¡± I irritatedly brushed my fingers into my hair.


    ¡°Call Helena and told her that you canceled your meet-up. For goodness¡¯ sake, this is our alone time Alice. Don¡¯t you dare avoid me again?¡±


    I gulped. So¡­ so, he knew that I am avoiding him?


    ¡°I am not avoiding you, Logan. Come on, I¡¯ll bete¨C¡±


    ¡°Call Helena now and stayed here. You will not be going out. We will have a date instead,¡± he cut.


    I threw my bag on the bed drastically as I marched back into the closet to change my clothes. ¡°Happy now?¡± I sarcastically asked after I¡¯d changed my clothes with him watching me.


    ¡°I¡¯ve noticed something while you¡¯re naked,¡± hemented which made me frown.


    ¡°And what were your dirty eyes noticed?¡±


    ¡°Did I just notice that you gained weight or not? And your tummy, it was t before but you have now a cute belly.¡± Heughed.


    I threw off guard and swallowed the lump in my throat. Damn it! That wasn¡¯t a belly! It was your second child, idiot!

 Chapter 37: Cheating

    ¡°Mommy, you¡¯re eating too much,¡± Aisleined while we are having dinner. I nced at her awkwardly before my eyesnded on his father sitting beside her. I didn¡¯t know that Logan is also staring at me so I slowly put down the chicken I am holding and wiped out my lips before I drink on my ss casually.


    ¡°The foods were good that¡¯s why¡­ I love it,¡± I reasoned out and I heard Logan let out a sigh as he put another piece of chicken wings on my te. I frowned at him but he just shrugged and turned his attention to Aisle.


    After dinner, I have to read Aisle a bedtime story before I could go to my room. But as I walked in the hallway, I almost shout when an arm snaked around my waist followed by lifting me from the floor.


    ¡°Put me down, Logan!¡± I hissed, worried that I fell and the baby on my tummy might be put in danger. ¡°Logan, put me down, the heck!¡± But he just continue walking until we reach my room. But it didn¡¯t stop there, Logan still carried me in his arms until heid me carefully on my bed.


    He stared at my eyes, deep, intense, and desire is undeniably visible in his two orbs. And when he leaned forward, I gulped before I closed my eyes instead. But when I felt his lips touch mine down to my jaw, I instantly flinched and pushes him away. He looked at me with confusion, the desire I once see in his eyes is now reced by his questioning stares.


    ¡°Why?¡± he asked but I lost my words to speak. ¡°Is there¡¯s something wrong?¡± he asked once again.


    I shook and jumped off the bed to avoid his eyes and questions. ¡°Uhm¡­ I¡¯m not in the mood, Logan¡­ you better go back to your room.¡± I massage my neck.


    He stood up harshly and walked over to me. When he is already towering over me, he held up my chin so I can look at him straightly. ¡°Are you mad at me?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No, I am not¡­¡± I burst his hand away and go back to my bed. I covered myself with the thick mattress and forced myself to fall asleep but Logan didn¡¯t allow me especially when heid behind me and hugged me from behind. ¡°Logan¡­ please. I¡¯m not in the mood to go back to your room. I¡¯m tired, I wanted to sleep now.¡± Iined when his hands bes naughty again.


    ¡°Fine. I won¡¯t do anything but I am not going out. We will sleep together and I won¡¯t sleep in my room ever again. From now on, we will share our room.¡± He pulled me closer and I was just there, inside his arms, restraining myself and my f*cking hormones not to lure with the devil¡¯s trap.


    The next morning, we go to the office together. Aisle is already in her school and before we headed to thepany, I suddenly craved a strawberry cake when we passed in a cake shop.


    ¡°I just know that you love strawberry cakes. You often eat cheesecakes with blueberry vored,¡± Loganmented when he saw me devouring my cake during our snack time.


    ¡°I love strawberry too,¡± I said instead and just ignored his chuckle.


    ¡°You have icing in your lips, Alice. Do you want me to wipe it out using my lips?¡± I rolled my eyes as I hastily tugged out a tissue. ¡°You seem so distant to me this past few days, Alice¡­ oh, actually not days. You¡¯ve been distant to me since we came back from the beach house weeks ago. Why is that so?¡± He twitched his brow.


    I evaded his eyes and just continue to eat my cake as if he wasn¡¯t there in front of me. ¡°I¡¯m not distant, you are just imagining things. And can you please go back to your work? You¡¯re obviously disturbing me¨C¡±


    ¡°From eating?¡± Heughed. ¡°I am the boss, Alice. I can have a break whenever I want and you, you are still my employee but you eat during office hours.¡±


    ¡°I am not. It¡¯s ten in the morning meaning I can have my snack. You know what, stop pestering me and just go back inside. You¡¯re being too harsh.¡± Even I got shocked by the way I react. I almost pulled out my own hair because of the emotional changes happening to me.


    Damn the hormones. I am not like this, I am not the kind of woman that is too emotional over small things.


    ¡°You¡¯re weird this past few days, baby but I like it. Except that you are not in the mood to do some stuff at night. I badly want to feel you again. I miss your moans while you¡¯re writhing under me.¡±


    ¡°Logan! Shut your mouth!¡± I roared, cringing over his dirty talks.


    ¡°Why?¡± He grinned. ¡°Didn¡¯t you miss my cock too? Cause he¡¯s been looking for your pussy for quite a week.¡±


    ¡°You know what?! I lost my appetite! If you don¡¯t want to leave then I¡¯ll leave¨C¡±


    ¡°Hey! I¡¯m just joking. Fine, I¡¯ll stop and finish your cakes. I really wonder why you¡¯re eating too much these past few days. Is there a crocodile in your stomach?¡±


    I almost choke as I heard him saying that there is a wild animal inside my stomach.


    Damn him! How dare hepare his child to a crocodile?! It was your child, asshole!


    ***


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± I asked, trying not to sound like a doubtful wife.


    Logan twirled around to face me while tying his necktie. ¡°There¡¯s an urgent meeting,¡± he answered casually which made me frown in confusion.


    ¡°Meeting? But today is Sunday, Logan.¡± Fine, it sounds like a doubtful one now. ¡°Anyway, don¡¯t mind¡­ forget about it,¡± I said and stepped out of our room, leaving him preparing for something he named a meeting.


    That¡¯s very unusual. Meeting? Sunday? This day was supposed to be his day off¡­ our day off. Yet he was iming that he has a meeting.


    Minutes passed, Logan climbed down and I was expecting that he will join us on our breakfast but he didn¡¯t. He just drink his coffee, not even finishing it and then he flew away after giving me and Aisle a peck of a kiss. Still doubting him, I forced myself to shove my thoughts away and focus my attention on Aisle instead. So when she told me that she wanted to go to a mall, I decided to grant her wish and drove to the mall afterward. It was ten in the morning when we reached the mall. I am holding her hand as we strolled around and bought some toys she is pointing to.


    ¡°Mommy, chicken,¡± she demands while pointing to a famous fast-food chain. I nodded and carried her as we walked inside the fast-food chain and ordered on the counter afterward.


    Aisle eats so much chicken and I was there, wiping her mouth every time there will be ketchup on her lips. Also, her hands that are in mess. I told her that I will just feed her but she insisted that she is already a big girl. She can feed herself, as she said. So, I just give her what she wants instead of I have to deal with her tantrums. After having fun in the mall, I decided to go home, especially that Aisle is already sleeping on my shoulder as I walked to the parking lot. And just when I put her in the back seat and I was just about to sit on the driver¡¯s seat, my phone rang from my pocket.


    I tugged it out and found out that it was Helena. ¡°Hello, Helena.¡± I sat on the driver¡¯s seat and stayed there while speaking with her.


    ¡°I am with Aisle, why?¡± I asked again when she asked me where I am.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Are you with your husband?¡± I frowned.


    ¡°No, we are not. Logan was out for an urgent meeting, why?¡±


    ¡°Urgent meeting?!¡± there was a sudden rise in her voice that made my frown double. ¡°Alice, he is not in the meeting. Duh, I saw him when I was about to check out in a hotel. And guess what, he isn¡¯t alone. There was a woman, a brte to be exact, who clung beside him. Damn that man! But don¡¯t worry, I am still here¨C¡± I wasn¡¯t able to finish hearing her speaking from the other line when my phone fell from my hand.


    There was a sudden pain as well as anger pang my heart and it¡¯s making me hard to breathe. I even have to breathe in and breath out so I can calm myself but in the end, it was useless especially when my phone beep on the car floor. I bend down to pick it up and saw that there was a messageing from Helena. When I opened it, I almost cried upon seeing a picture of Logan. And yes, she isn¡¯t lying. Logan is true with a f*cking brte in a f*cking hotel.


    He told me. He f*cking told me that he will go to an urgent meeting! But he didn¡¯t say what kind of meeting. Because as for what I have seen, it is obviously a kind of different meeting. Damn him! I was right all along¡­ I was right. And I am super proud of myself for not letting my guard down again. He really just after his revenge. He didn¡¯t want to fix everything, he just wanted to give what I have I asked him. And now, he is giving it to me, and dang him! It still f*cking hurt!


    ¡°Mommy, why are crying? And why do I have to pack my clothes?¡± Aisle innocently asked while I am tugging out her clothes out of her closet.


    I faced her and then forced a smile even though my eyes were full of tears. ¡°Would it be okay with you if we leave for a while, baby?¡± my voice cracked.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay with me, Mommy as long as I am with you and Daddy.¡± and that¡¯s it, my tears rushed out in double. Her innocent answer clenched my heart and it is f*cking hurt.


    ¡°No, baby¡­¡± I sob. ¡°We, just the two of us¡­ your Daddy won¡¯t be going with us. Would it be okay?¡± Aisle didn¡¯t speak for a couple of seconds but then, nodded afterward¡­ with tears slowly building in her eyes.


    She then walked over to me and hug me which made me stiffen. ¡°I¡¯m okay, Mommy¡­ I¡¯m okay. I don¡¯t want to see you crying. I don¡¯t want Daddy to hurt you again,¡± she said as sobs passed through her lips.


    All I can do the time she was hugging me is to hug her back while our silent cries are filling her room. After that moment, and after I packed her clothes, we both stepped out climb downstairs. The maids who see us came and blocked our way with confusion on their faces as their eyes traveled down on the luggage I am holding.


    ¡°If Logan came back, please tell him that don¡¯t meddle our lives again,¡± I said, ignoring their words that are meant to stop us but my decision is already final.


    He told me that he will just go to an urgent meeting yet he was caught by my best friend, in a hotel together with a woman clinging to his arm. And the worst is, Helena took a picture for a piece of evidence. Those pictures are enough¡­ enough to shake my mind and bring me back to my senses. Even though he didn¡¯t marry me for love, he is still married to me¡­ even in the papers only. Logan Ivanov is still married to me, he is still my husband so how dare he cheat behind my back?!


    He didn¡¯t just vite thew that binds us, he also forget that he is still a child on me.

 Chapter 38: Ran Away

    Logan¡¯s Point of View


    I casually checked my phone to see if there was at least one text that came from Alice but to my disappointment, there is nothing. Even at least a single period that was came from her, nothing. Breathing deeply, I shoved my phone back into my pocket and focus on the ring Alexis presenting to me. Then my eyes bore on to a simple ring yet made elegant and expensive by those diamonds around it. I bring it to my hand and scanned it closely then the image of Alice wearing the ring popped up in my mind. I smiled in delight thinking that she will gonna love the ring.


    ¡°I¡¯ve chosen one.¡± I interrupted Alexis from tugging many boxes out of the ss cab. Then she walked over to me and her eyes brightened up upon seeing the ring I am holding.


    ¡°That¡¯s looks good, couz,¡± she artisticallymented and snatched the ring from me. ¡°But you told me that you¡¯ll buy a ring for engagement, right? This isn¡¯t an engagement ring, tho. This is a wedding ring.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be going to buy two. That one is for our wedding and the other one is for the engagement. So, is there anything you can offer? Probably the best in your collection as I wanted the best for my wife.¡±


    She stared at me teasingly before she slightly punch my left shoulder. ¡°So, Lyndon wasn¡¯t lying as well as Yuri. Logan Ivanov is already tied up, huh?¡±


    ¡°Not just tied up. Caged¡­ I am my wife¡¯s prisoner, big time.¡± We bothughed and continued to find the best engagement ring for Alice in her collection.


    Damn! Lying to her will be worth it cause these rings will make her happy. But that¡¯s what I have expected until I came home with no Alice and Aisle on the house. And when I asked the maids, they were both hesitant to speak up and if I didn¡¯t threaten them, I wouldn¡¯t know that Alice left me, bring our child with her. Furious and worried at the same time, I drive to Lyndon¡¯s unit so I could ask for his help knowing that Alice is very close to him. But when he called Alice many times, she didn¡¯t pick up making me fly into a rage.


    ¡°Dude, calm your ass off.¡±


    I red at Lyndon¡¯s bloodshot while he was driving the car to Helena¡¯s apartment. ¡°How can I, tell me?! She just leave me and bring our child.¡±


    ¡°I know Alice, she will not going to do this unless she was hurt badly.¡± I clenched my fists into tight balls and tried to remember if I have done something wrong.


    But there is nothing. We didn¡¯t fight either except for the things I have noticed since we came back from the beach house. After that night, when there is something happened to us, the following days I felt how she became sl distant to me.


    ¡°Are you sure you didn¡¯t hurt her or do you perhaps make her jealous? Come on, dude¡­ seriously? If you ever did either the two of them, I will punch you damn hard on your face!¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Lyndon, and just f*cking drive the car to her friend.¡± I paused, stared at the road, and breathed deeply before I have the guts to ept the conclusion built in my mind. ¡°Fine. I maybe made her disappointed that day. But it wasn¡¯t my intention, I have to go to the site because of the emergency.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± he asked.


    ¡°So, I bring her to the beach house and something steamy happened to us and then the next morning, Daddy called, telling me the bad news happened in the site. You were out of the country that day so do Dad and Mom are out of town. I left with no choice, I am the only one who¡¯s near the site so I leave Alice alone in the beach house without telling her. Then that¡¯s it, the following days, she suddenly changed.¡± I heaved a sigh, remembering how I became so insensitive again over her feelings.


    ¡°You know what, you are an asshole, dude. If this isn¡¯t for my niece, I will push your ass out of my damn car and never get you back. How could you do that to her?¡± I gritted my teeth.


    Fine, that was my fault. I ampletely guilty and I f*cking need Alice toe back. I need her and Aisle.


    ¡°Unbelievable,¡± Lyndon mumbled as he turned off the car after parking it in front of Helena¡¯s house. Waiting for no second, I hurriedly jumped out of his car and headed through the gate-pushing the doorbell continuously.


    And after many times of pushing the damn button, the door opened, giving Helena to us. But when she saw us, she hastily go back inside like we are sort of police and she was a criminal we are going to arrest. Losing my patience after she didn¡¯t open the gate for us, I shouted outside. Not minding how Lyndon is stopping me, telling me I am already getting attention. But who cares? I don¡¯t care. It was my child and wife we are talking about in here and I wi do everything-even the most shameful thing-just to get them back.


    ¡°What do you need?¡± Helena finally opened the door after thousands of seconds. ¡°Are you aware that what you are doing can put you in jail?¡± She twitched a brow at me and then showed the disgust on her face.


    ¡°Look, I¡¯ll go straight to the point here, Helena. Tell me where are Alice and Aisle.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    That made me catch her but the horrified on her face is then being hidden expertly. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± she asked casually but she can¡¯t fool me. No one did.


    I saw it in her eyes.


    ¡°Come on, Helena¡­ stop the act. Your face already says it all so just f*cking tell me where the hell Alice is or I will call the police and I will tell them that you are hiding them from me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what are you talking about¡­¡± but the shake in her voice tells different. ¡°Just leave my house or I will call the police¨C¡±


    ¡°Go on, call the police so they can arrest you already. I am giving you the favor, Helena. Tell me where she is and I will not call the police.¡±


    When she let out a deep sigh, I know, she already surrendered. And after confronting her, asking her too many questions, I made her confess everything. Thanking her after getting the information I needed, we headed straight to the airport and flight to where are Aisle and Alice now.


    ¡°You can run but you can¡¯t hide, Alice¡­ you¡¯ll end up in my arms always.¡± I grinned, imagining how would she look upon seeing me standing in front of her.


    ***


    Alice¡¯s Point of View


    When the nended at our destination, I instantly carried Aisle in my arms after getting my stuff in the luggage bins. And in the departure area, Auntie Juanita waves her hand on us. It¡¯s been a long time since Ist saw her, my mother¡¯s older sister. Aftering up with the decision to leave Logan¡¯s house, I decided to go to my mother¡¯s province. I also strictly warned Helena not to tell Logan where I and Aisle are. I trust her. I believe that she won¡¯t be going to break her promise. Though I doubt that Logan will look for us desperately. He maybe look for us for a couple of days or three but in the end, he will give up. After all, I am giving him the freedom to getid in different flowers. It was a favor I am giving him¡­


    ¡°Is this Aisle?¡± Auntie Juanita gently pinched Aisle¡¯s tiny noise before she greet her. Aisle greeted back and unlike while we are on the ne, the sadness on her voice and face lessen.


    We ride Auntie Juanita¡¯s car towards her house and when we reached it, Aisle instantly demand to go in a sleep which I granted. And when she is already sleeping, I get down in the kitchen. Auntie Juanita is cooking our foods and smiled when she identally threw her eyes in my direction. I walked over to her and bent down fair enough on her pot and then smelled the aromatic smellsing from it. As far as I remember, she was cooking the dish my mom usually cooked for me. And that dragged me to the reverie. Me, while watching my mom cooking my favorite foods.


    ¡°How was life in the city?¡± Auntie Juanita asked while chopping potatoes. ¡°Tell me you¡¯re living there fine and good.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine, Auntie¡­ nothing to worry about.¡±


    She darted her eyes on me and they twitched a brow. ¡°Is that true? You know what, I am not asking you because I wanted you to tell me voluntarily. And based on what I have noticed, you are hiding something from your auntie.¡± She grimaced. ¡°But anyway, where is her father? Helena once told me that you were living with him. Where is him now?¡±


    I let out a sigh and then locked my eyes on the potatoes she was cutting. And I couldn¡¯t help butpare myself to them. I¡¯m sure they are hurt as well because my auntie is mercilessly cutting them into tiny pieces. Just like my heart that feels like being stabbed by thousands of knives until the pain bes unbearable. How I wished that I can shut down my sense so I will be numb for everything, especially in this pain.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I suppose to tell you, Auntie.¡± I lifted my eyes to her. ¡°Her father and I are already separated that¡¯s why we are here¨C¡± my words were cut when I suddenly felt the urge of vomiting. I tried to surpass it but it was toote when my feet pushed me to the nearest sink and I puked up hard.


    Darn it!


    While puking up, I felt Auntie caressing my back with a random sigh passing through her mouth as I continue to puke up. I washed my mouth and drink up a ss of water when I finish. And when I twirled around to face Auntie, I saw how her eyes is burning-shooting me with her res.


    ¡°You¡¯re pregnant, aren¡¯t you?¡± Instead of hiding it, I just nodded casually before I weakly took the seat beside me. ¡°Does he know about that child?¡± she asked again.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I uttered silently. ¡°And I don¡¯t want him to know¡­¡±


    ¡°And why is that so?¡±


    ¡°Because¡­¡± I trailed, remembering the pictures I have seen. ¡°Because¡­ he was cheating behind my back. He has another girl that is why I am here together with my child and unborn one. He hurt me too bad, Auntie¡­ he hurt me too bad¡­¡± And then I cried whichter on got stopped with the help of Auntie Juanita.


    That night, I cried hard but the criesing from me were so silent, I controlled myself not to create any noise. I was afraid and worried at the same time that Aisle might witness how I cried again because of his father. And even though I was mad at Logan, I wouldn¡¯t endure that Aisle will be mad at him too. He didn¡¯t hurt Aisle, he did everything for our child. It was me¡­ only me¡­ whom he killed without him knowing it.


    The next morning, when I woke up, Aisle us no longer beside me so I just finished my morning routine and climbed down the kitchen, thinking that she was there with Auntie. However, upon reaching the kitchen, I didn¡¯t see her nor Auntie and even though I have roamed the whole house, I couldn¡¯t find them. That¡¯s when I decided to go outside, sure that Aisle is on the shore since she loves the sea and Auntie Juanita¡¯s house is facing the sea. But when I opened the door and walked through Auntie¡¯s garden, I saw someone I didn¡¯t expect to see. He¡¯s facing his back on me but I am sure of who is he.


    Heart beating erratically, I managed to get his attention and he instantly face me with a bright smile on his lips. How the hell did he know where I am?!


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked.


    Lyndon walked forward and grin when he was already towering over me. ¡°Before I answer your question, mdy, let me give you the message that came from my highness. He wanted you to know that¡­¡± he trailed and continue afterward.


    ¡°You can¡¯t just leave me easily, my dear wife,¡± Lyndon said, mimicking Logan¡¯s hard and deep voice which made me shiver.

 Chapter 39: Mad

    Alice¡¯s Point of View


    I have lost all my courage to speak and throw my rants to Lyndon upon hearing his message-or should I say Logan¡¯s message. So, when he grabbed my hand and dragged me towards his car, it was toote for me to jump off when he started maneuvering the damn thing. Gritting my teeth and clenching hard my hands into tight balls, I chose to settle my eyes on the road and act like I didn¡¯t hear everything he was saying to me. He keeps on talking about their so-called journey of his damn brother on finding me and Aisle. And what makes me threw in surprised is when he told me that it was Helena-their guardian angel-who help them to find me. Thinking about how Helena breaks her promise, I have the urge to pull her hair. What the heck! It was our secret yet she exposed it.


    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± I roamed my eyes around upon stepping out of his car. ¡°I won¡¯t going to walk with you but don¡¯t worry, just follow the pathway and it will bring you to your husband.¡±


    ¡°What kind of game is this? Can you just call your f*cking brother so I could get my child back? And also, tell him that if he didn¡¯t give Aisle to me, I will call the police and will tell them that you two kidnapped my daughter.¡±


    ¡°Easy, Alice.¡± He chuckled, raising both of his hands on the level of his shoulders like he was on the act of surrendering. ¡°You know I can¡¯t do that. I told you, he holds me and I am just here to fetch you so you two could have some talks. And about Aisle, don¡¯t worry, he assured me that he will give her back to you after the talk. So, what are you waiting for¡­ go and talk to him now. Don¡¯t worry, my brother is so head over heels on you so he can¡¯t be too harsh on his wife.¡±


    I wanted tough at what I have heard. Seriously? That bastard is head over heels on me? And he can¡¯t be too harsh on me? Wow! Where the hell on Earth did Lyndon find those words to describe his asshole brother?!


    Leaving without a choice when Lyndon hopped back on his car and maneuver it away, I started to walk inside the restaurant-looking house and followed the pathway Lyndon is talking about that will bring me to Logan. And after minutes of walking, I met the end which is a closed door. I hesitate to twist the knob butter on decided to so I could finish the deal with him.


    ¡°What took you so long?¡± I hard and deep voice weed me making me jolt in ce. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you for almost an hour now¨C¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just thirty minutes, Logan¡­ don¡¯t exaggerate it. And please, I am not here to talk to you. I am here only for my daughter so give her back to me now,¡± there was a warning in my voice which I forced myself to make it sounds harder than normal. But Logan seems unconcerned and even casually offered me his arm which I instantly refused especially when the pictures of him together with his brte shed back in my mind.


    ¡°Where is Aisle?!¡± I started to walk and roamed around but to my anger, it seems like Logan is really pushing me to my limit. ¡°I will call the police or you will give my daughter back.¡±


    ¡°Is my wife threatening me, huh?¡± He walked towards me and when there is only a thin distance between us, I stepped back but Logan was fast enough to stop me from doing so. ¡°Should I feel scared now, huh?¡± His fingers slowly touches my cheeks, tracing it down to my jawline which made me shiver.


    Damn his touches! They always make me feel weak.


    ¡°Tell me, what¡¯s your reason now? When you were mad at me, there is always a reason behind it. So tell me, what did I do for you to run away together with my daughter?¡± I didn¡¯t speak for I really don¡¯t know what to tell. I have lost my tongue to speak and all I can do was to remain calmed andposed inside his arms even though they are already melting me. His eyes darkly staring at me are making me weak, they already suck my strength until there is nothing left for me.


    ¡°I was expecting that when I came home, you and Aisle will be there but guess what, I was weed by our maids. And they were all silent about what you did. In fact, if I didn¡¯t threaten them, they will shut their mouth forever.¡± He paused, tightening his grip on my waist. ¡°Why did you leave?¡±


    I pushed him and I actually got surprised when I made him stepped back causing me to free from his arms. ¡°It¡¯s not of your business why I leave. Just tell me where Aisle is and you can stay away from us from now on¨C¡±


    ¡°And do you think I will do that?!¡± he roared, stopping my breath for a second. ¡°Did you know how mad I am, huh? Did you f*cking know how I am, huh, Alice!¡± He stepped forward again and this time, gripped tight on my arms making me wince in pain. He then shake me as he threw me his anger when in fact, I was the one who is doing that. I was the one whose reaction is like that.


    He was the one who cheated on me, on our marriage yet he still has the guts to hurt me, not just emotionally but physically as well.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°How many times you will be going to this, Alice?! How many times you want me to chase you, to run after you like a pet dog?!¡± I tried to stop him and remove his hands that are hurting me but my strength wasn¡¯t enough to do it. As I stared into his eyes that has scorching anger, I totally lost my control and burst out crying while grasping on his shirt.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry! Stop acting like you were the f*cking victim here¨C¡±


    ¡°I am!¡± I finally shouted, not minding the pain slowly building in my belly. ¡°I am the victim here, Logan! I am your victim so cut your bullsh*t! I told you to stay away from me so I won¡¯t fall even harder but you were too persistent in getting in my line again. You¨C¡± I wasn¡¯t able to finish my words when an intense pain pangs my system making me get alerted and traveling my eyes down to my legs.


    Horrified for what I saw, I weakly grasp for support on Logan who then get panicked upon seeing the blood I have seen running down through my legs.


    ¡°Jesus!¡± he eximed, snaking his arms around my waist to support me.


    ¡°L¨CLogan¡­ my b¨Cbaby¡­¡± my voice cracked and just when I was about to close my eyes, Logan carried me to his arms and rushed outside. There are wordsing from him but I wasn¡¯t able to hear those words when everything get blurry and ck at the end.


    ***


    Logan¡¯s Point of View


    ¡°Why the hell you didn¡¯t tell me that she is pregnant, Helena¡­ why the hell?!¡± I fumed in anger as I red bloodshot at Alive¡¯s friend, Helena. With her shaking hands and quivering lips as she stared back at me, she wasn¡¯t able to speak and answer my resentment. Lyndon on the other hand is trying his best to calm me down but it was futile. I can not just calm my ass off here on the hospital bench while Alice and¡­ oh f*ck!


    I didn¡¯t know. I am clueless about her pregnancy that seems like she intentionally hides from me. I didn¡¯t know that she was carrying our second child, for goddamn sake! Now I regret what I have done. I hurt her but now, not just emotionally, physically as well. Brushing my hair out of frustration for myself and for what I¡¯ve done, I walked over to the emergency room¡¯s door and the doctor stepped outsideter on.


    ¡°Are you the patient¡¯s¨C¡±


    ¡°How is she now? How was the baby?¡± I didn¡¯t let her finish her words and fire her away from my questions instantly. ¡°Are they okay? Tell me they are¡­¡±


    The doctor smiled and nodded. ¡°There is nothing to worry about now, everything is now fine. Although, I need you to ensure that from now on, she¡¯ll be free from stress. It won¡¯t help her as well as her baby. As for now, she needs to stay here for a couple of days or three for further monitoring. You can visit her after she was transferred to her suite. Excuse me.¡±


    I breathe in relief upon hearing the doctor¡¯s announcement though I still didn¡¯t forget myself for doing this to her and to our unborn child. After transferring Alice to her suite, I stayed on her side and waited for her to wake up. And I already prepared myself for her resentment because I deserve it all. I am a sh*t, I admit it and I must suffer the punishment she will give me. After all, I didn¡¯t do anything good to her aside from making her cry which I regretted so much. I have waited hours before I suddenly felt her index finger flinch and followed by opening her eyes slowly.


    ¡°Alice? Oh, thank God you¡¯re awake!¡± I instantly leaned forward, closer to her, and was about to kiss her temple when she tilted her head left, avoiding my kiss. It made me freeze for a second but then gulped the pain it caused me because I know, this is my fault. ¡°Are you okay now? How was your feeling? Do you need¨C¡±


    ¡°Tell me I didn¡¯t lose her,¡± she cut off, clenching her jaw as she stared with visible tears on her eyelids. ¡°Tell me that she¡¯s still alive, Logan.¡± Tears rolled down in her eyes which stung my heart.


    I held her right hand and squeeze it gently before my lips stretched for a forced smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, she¡¯s still alive¡­ she¡¯s still inside.¡± I locked my eyes on her tummy and instantly felt the guilt like it was chewing my heart until it ripped into tiny pieces. And then I lifted my gaze in her, meeting her eyes that are now staring back at me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Alice¡­ I¡¯m so so sorry.¡± Even it may sound like a gay, I burst out crying as I hold her hand tightly. My shoulders shake as I cried but when I felt her hand holding me back, tightening it too¡­ I lifted my tearful eyes on him.


    She then smiled as tears continue to roll down her eyes. ¡°Why I am so in love with you, Logan? What did you do to me to love you this hard?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, baby¡­ I didn¡¯t know¨C¡±


    ¡°Shh!¡± she silent me. ¡°I am at fault too, I hid it from you. This was your child too but I didn¡¯t let you to know. But I know, if you ever knew that I am pregnant, you wouldn¡¯t hurt me, right?¡±


    ¡°Sorry¡­ sorry for being mad at you, Alice. I¡¯m sorry if I hurt you. I¡¯m sorry for being such a dick and making you cry as always. I¡¯m sorry, baby¡­ please forgive me. Forgive me for I have hurt you countless times.¡±


    She smiled and sniffed at the same time. ¡°There¡¯s is nothing to say sorry for, Logan. I already forgive you, my heart will always forgive you no matter how much you hurt it. And even if it¡¯s already ripped out, it will still beat for you. You were forgiven, Logan¡­ as always.¡±

 Epilogue: Tamed at Last

    ¡°Dad, I can¡¯t¨Cno, I don¡¯t want!¡± I raised in finality as I stood up and was about to walk out of his office when I heard how he suddenly mmed the table making me flinch and drove back. ¡°Dad¡­ I am not your only son, for goodness¡¯ sake. Lyndon is still there, so please, spare me. I can¡¯t take the responsibility of being a CEO.¡±


    Dad stared steel at me, not letting out at least one word. He just stared at me in a way that seems scanning or perhaps, skinning me alive. I scratch the back of my head and leaned my back on the chair. Heaving a sigh, I prepared another reason so Dad won¡¯t go to choose me as his recement.


    ¡°You know that business is not my thing. I am not good at it, I even failed my college course, right? And have you remembered that you have to pay the principal so I can graduate?¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Logan.¡± He heaved a deep sigh, cing his chin in his knuckles as his eyes still creeps on me. ¡°I remember everything but it won¡¯t change my mind. My decision is final and you will rece me whether you like it or not. I already talked to Lyndon and I¡¯ve already put him in the finance department because I know, he suits there. And you, I know, you will be fit in my position.¡± He stood up, putting his hands on his pockets, and before I could protest again, he once twirled around and pointed me his index finger. ¡°I¡¯ll be expecting you tomorrow, son.¡± With a proud and bright smile on his lips, he left me in his office.


    Frustrated by his decision, I know it is already toote for me to protest and disagree. Just like what he has said, whether I like it or not, I will rece him as the CEO. I know Dad, once he made up his decision, he¡¯ll be deadly serious about that, and no one could stop him. Not even Mom, Lyndon¡­ not even me.


    ¡°Woah! That¡¯s going to be so awful, bro. Imagine, from being the free willy Logan Ivanov, you will be tied up in apany. That¡¯s like you¡¯ll going to marry as early as tomorrow.¡± Yuriughed, clutching his stomach as he make fun of my situation which based on him is ¡®awful¡¯.


    I threw him my empty beer can and opened another one. ¡°There¡¯s nothing funny, jackass,¡± I said, roaming my eyes around the bar we are in. And as I roamed my eyes around, the realization hit me, throwing me into an even more devastating situation I couldn¡¯t even imagine myself to be in.


    I am Logan Ivanov, known for being the free man and the most sought man on Earth. (Okay, that¡¯s an exaggeration.) Most sought man of town will do. In my thirty years of existence, being tied up to anyone or anything is thest thing I want. Well, except that night when I was ready to vow myself to the woman of my dream but unfortunately, things didn¡¯t end up the way I wanted it to be. Ynez, my fiancee, is the woman whom I see myself spending the rest of my life with. I proposed marriage to her but one fatal night ruined all the ns I have in my mind. She died in a car ident before she could even reach the church where I am waiting for her, where we were supposed to have our grandest wedding.


    Losing her seems like losing my mind too, my life. Ynez is my whole life, I made my life revolves only around her so when she died, I died too. My human body might be alive, but inside me, I am already dead. I¡¯ve lost my interest in all, her death changed me-turning me into Logan I don¡¯t even know. After she died, I suffered from an ident too, the night when Ist remember is I was inside a ce, wild beat of the music, party women are tuning in the beat in the flirtatious and seductive way. After that night, I lost everything¡­ not just Ynez, including my memory of that night.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll going to love my office, son.¡± Dad patted my shoulder manly as we walked through the hallway. And as I take my steps towards his office, it felts like my near-death ising too.


    Heck! What¡¯s fun on sitting on a swivel chair all day? That will only bore the hell out of me!


    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± As soon as Dad opened the door for us, my heart stopped beating for seconds. It stops not because I am facing my nightmare, but because I saw a familiar face of someone whom I didn¡¯t name who. A woman in a peach blouse, knee-length pencil cut skirt, and a ponytail is standing beside my brother Lyndon. My eyes stopped on her, scanning her and trying to remember where I¡¯d seen her but my damn brain couldn¡¯t process what I asked for so I ended up shoving my thoughts away. But what catches my attention is her face, her undeniably gorgeous face with a hint of visible surprise written on it.


    That¡¯s when I jumped to the conclusion that I really knew her and it was just my amnesia that is hindering me to remember who she is.


    ¡°Are you sure? Is that a joke, son?¡± Dad¡¯s face is showing me his bright aura. ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell me that you¡¯re just giving it a try? What changes your mind?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± I shrugged and emptied my whiskey. ¡°I just realized that maybe, I have to be serious this time. I¡¯ll quit my bad habits and give my whole attention to thepany,¡± I lied.


    That¡¯s not what is running in my mind as I said those words. It was that woman¡¯s face, my dad¡¯s secretary¡¯s face that seems stered in my eyes making me see her image only. I¡¯m sure I know her and I will find out who she is, sooner orter.


    So after epting my Dad¡¯s offer to rece him as the new CEO of hispany, my journey to find out who she begins. I also found out that her name is Alice when my Dad gave me her background. I tried to remember if I knew someone named Alice but to no avail, I remember nothing. My memories stopped at myst memory in the bar and that¡¯s it, everything went blur. And when I tried harder to dig more, my head aches like it was being hammered. So instead of digging her on my past, I stopped myself to think about her and if ever she is part of my past that I have forgotten. But it was toote for me to realize and stop when one morning, I woke up feeling the excitement to go in thepany. Not because I embrace my job, my Dad¡¯s offer¡­ it was because of her. I was so excited toe into thepany so I could see her face and after that, my day is alreadyplete.


    But then again, my ego came. Ruining all, turning me into the rude Logan again. Just when I realized how Alice affects me, it makes me think and served my ego first. I once believe that women are just decorations for me, for the whole male species. So, I started to be rude to her. Trying my best to fight back the effect she is slowly giving to me. Every day, I made her day in thepany like hell. I show her the beast inside me and then hurt her most possibly. Not physically but emotionally. I insulted her, I threw harsh words at her that I know, will hurt her. I did care for every word I¡¯d thrown her but that day, that moment, I only think what is best for myself. What I think will benefit me in the end¡­


    But just like in the movie, where destiny decided to make her move, the memory of that night that is been buried for a long time slowly came back. And then I remembered her, I saw her in my memory. Seeing her in my forgotten past surprised me but what surprised me the most and shake my world is the fact that she is that woman I bedded years ago. The night before I lost my memory¡­


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Alice smiled sweetly at me while looking at my reflection on the mirror where she is currently facing whilebing her hair.


    ¡°I¡¯m so excited to know what¡¯s our child gender is. Aisle is excited as well and she badly wants a baby sister so she could have a ymate soon.¡±


    ¡°Whatever the gender is, I am so excited. But I hope, it¡¯s a boy.¡± Iughed and she rolled her eyes on me before she stood up and cling her arm to mine. Together, we stepped out of our room and headed downstairs where Aisle is currently waiting for us. When she saw us, she hurriedly run and with open arms, I catch her.


    Today is Alice¡¯s doctor¡¯s check-up and this day is the day when we can finally know the gender of our child. And the heck! Now I know how is it feels to be so excited father. This was the first time where I can monitor Alice¡¯s pregnancy and stayed on her side. And I promised her after fixing all the misunderstandings between us that I won¡¯t be going to be an asshole ever again. She already had enough and I don¡¯t want to stress her more.


    ¡°Congrattion Daddy, it¡¯s a boy!¡± I almost jumped on my ce upon hearing the doctor¡¯s announcement.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    It¡¯s a boy! A boy!


    Out of happiness, I leaned towards Alice who was stillying on the hospital bed-her big tummy is still exposed. I then kissed her lips which she immediately condemned because of the doctor that is in front of us and Aisle as well. But I don¡¯t care. The feeling is so surreal for me to still care about my surroundings.


    ¡°Thank you for giving me the life I once dream, Alice,¡± I uttered while we are bothying on our bed after the forey we did. My arm serves as her pillow while her soft hand is caressing my bare chest, ying with that tiny and soft hair on it.


    She buried her face on my chest afterward. ¡°I wonder what¡¯s your heart is beating,¡± she mumbled.


    I brushed her hair, gently. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? Of course, it beats for your name. Since the day I met you, it started to beat for you¨Couch!¡± Iined when she suddenly pinched my nipple and drastically pulled herself from my arms.


    She then red at me. ¡°Liar!¡± she used. ¡°How could you say that? You didn¡¯t even remember me when you firstid your eyes on me when you stepped in your dad¡¯s office.¡± she rolled her eyes and as always, I find her cute while doing that.


    I made a chuckle and pulled it again. ¡°Fine, I admit it. I didn¡¯t remember you but it¡¯s because I have amnesia. But if I didn¡¯t have, it is too impossible for me to forget the most beautiful woman I ever bedded.¡± But again, she pinched my nipple and pulled out from my arms again.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying again!¡±


    ¡°No, I am not.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you are. How can you say that I am the most beautiful woman when you dared topare me to Ynez before. You even told me that I didn¡¯t reach her level.¡±


    ¡°Silly.¡± I sat up and caged her face on my palms. I then leaned closer and put kisses on every part of her face. To the forehead, nose, eyes, and most especially in her lips. ¡°I told you, I am drunk that night.¡±


    ¡°So what? That doesn¡¯t mean that you canpare me to another woman. Do you know how I felt insecure that time, huh?¡± She crossed her arms around her chest, making her cleavage appear behind the mattress that is covering her.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to feel so insecure cause in every angle, you are already gorgeous and I wanted to beat myself for telling you such things. You¡¯re beautiful, Alice¡­ the most beautiful in my eyes.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± A smile appeared on her lips. ¡°Beautiful than your exes?¡±


    I nod. ¡°Yes. And I never regret being so head over heels in love with you. As long as I am breathing, I won¡¯t stop loving you. I will give you everything you need and if it is needed, I will give my everything to you. You and our kids are the best gifts I have ever received in my entire life and I couldn¡¯t ask for more. As long as you and our kids are on my side, I will be happy and contented.¡± Alice didn¡¯t make a word, she just threw herself on me and buried her face on my chest before I heard her silent sobs.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, baby¡­ you know that I made a promise to myself right?¡±


    A promised that I won¡¯t make you cry ever again. That I won¡¯t make the woman of my life cry again. You¡¯re the best gift, Alice, and I vowed myself to you. I¡¯ll stay on your side, I¡¯ll love you like how you love me. And whenever you¡¯re in your darkness, I will get you there and bring back the light in your life because that¡¯s what you did to me before. You brought light to my life. You have tamed the untameable beast inside me, inside that Logan who gets drowned in the darkness of his life.


    THE END


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