The woman on TV kept pleading, just like I used to do when I begged Benjamin. I couldn’t help but scream and cover my ears when she was whipped on TV. Suddenly, the screams disappeared, and I knew Rome had turned off the TV.“What’s wrong with you? You’re so dramatic! Pick that up! You’ve ruined my mood,” he scolded. I bit my lip and let out a soft sob. “S-Sorry.” If only Rome knew how painful it is to feel the whip on your skin.“Get out! Didn’t Nanay Sonya tell you I don’t like crybabies? If you can’t handle it, my door is open for you!” he shouted. I hung my head in shame.“N-No, sir. I’ll stay,” I replied firmly, wiping my face.“Good. Go out before you completely ruin my mood. Gather all the scattered snacks on the floor and put them on my table.”“Yes, sir.”“Goodness grief!”“I’ll go out now,” I informed him after collecting all the snacks he had been munching on.“What time is it?” he asked, engrossed in what he was watching. Thankfully, it was an action movie, not a horror o
The next day at three in the morning, I woke up because of the barking of the dogs. I felt thirsty but I only saw Rome in the kitchen.“Prepare breakfast,” Rome said to me with a cold voice and if looks could kill, I would have been bleeding by now.He embraced the woman and they went back up to his room. It was obvious they did something because the woman was wearing very little clothing, even Rome’s clothes.I wish I were her. I wish I were the one beside Rome.I followed them upstairs to listen to what they were going to do but I couldn’t focus, I couldn’t hear them. I wanted to scream but no sound came out when I went back down.I’ve wanted to leave this kitchen since earlier because of what I saw. Rome told me to stand by the table so they could give me some instructions. After I finished cooking earlier, they came down. Rome didn’t even offer me food while they were feeding each other.“What’s up?” the woman said playfully. Can I throw the cup of coffee I’m holding at her? It wo
“Faster!”Rome yelled as I almost stumbled while running. I didn’t intend to trip because of the heels I was wearing. The boxes of bond paper he asked me to carry were also heavy.“Aren’t you having breakfast?!” he faced me irritably. “I feed you well at my house and then you’re going slow like a snail?!”“Sir, my feet can no longer bear it,” I pleaded, letting him hear my exhausted breath. I swallowed hard as he suddenly stopped and for several seconds now, he still hadn’t faced me.When he finally faced me, his gaze pierced through me like a sharp blade. I shied away, clutching the boxes with a firmer grip.“In the world of this company, no one ever faces me complaining and exhausted. If you want to go home, leave here.” He said firmly. “I don’t pick up the money I pay you. I work properly and sacrifice my fatigue even without sleep. How dare you complain? Is that really what you want, to feel a comfortable life without doing any heavy work in your own workplace? You're shameless, a
FAYE I tallied the coins in my purse and found that the amount for today’s journey to seek opportunities in various places barely covers the cost. Yet, it seems inadequate. The fare is steep. I raised my hand as the scorching morning sun beat down, sweat trickling down my brow. I let out a heavy sigh in the sweltering air. My head throbs from the relentless heat. “You prioritize Mama, Francis, I must secure employment,” I informed my brother. I pitied him, knowing he would return home hungry after school once more. I lack funds for meals. We often make do with just soy sauce and oil, yet it suffices for the day. The crucial matter is to satisfy our hunger, regardless of the dish, as long as there’s rice. “Understood, sis. When should I administer Mama’s medication?” he inquired, releasing his school bag, ready to depart, but noticing my attire he knew I would find a job. His eyes, like orbs in the night, are shrouded in dark circles. He burned the midnight oil tending to Mama.
I am happy to go straight home. Somehow, our house saw the light I brought back, not just a bundle of frustrations and disappointments. I sniffed as I saw my sibling feeding Mama, struggling to open her mouth. Every time I see them like that, it’s as if my heart is a coconut, cracking. “Sis, it’s you. Are you hungry? I borrowed an egg from the store. I told them you were looking for a job,” Francis greeted me when he noticed me watching them. “I know you’ll find a job, Sis, and we’ll be able to pay off our debts,” he added determinedly. “Is that so? How much do we owe now? Last I checked, it was already long,” I replied. I continued feeding Mama porridge when Francis handed me the food. I thanked him and ate as well. I was very hungry, I haven’t eaten much since last night. Just small bites of rice. I have too many things on my mind, so even my food is affected. That’s just how I am, I lose my appetite when troubled. I also think that when I eat, it’s like running out of food.
ROME I surely wasn’t stupid not remembering the name of my ex-wife. Her full name. Thinking back to when I mixed my surname with hers is a little unsettling. The name I saw brought back all the hurt and painful memories, stabbing me in the heart once more. I told Regina, my right hand and my trustworthy employee that she needed to find me a new secretary since my previous one wanted me to be his husband ever since we slept together in the same bed. What a trashy idea of her. It was just all show and game for me, but she anticipated that I wanted to be with her after that one-night stand. I only want her body, not anything else. As if… And my job is just to give them a nice and warm pleasure without any compensation. Love? Nevermind. In the realm of sex things, love doesn’t exist. Even if they insist that they love me or have feelings for me, I don’t pay attention. Why? Do they deserve my love? No one deserves my love, not even the woman I married a long time ago. I regret givin
FAYEI want to run towards him to give him a tight hug, but I am afraid of the piercing looks he is giving me. They feel like sharp knives with how he stares. I swallowed nervously and couldn’t hide my anxiety.I dream of seeing the face of the man I adore and love so much.“You missed me?” he laughed as if I were joking, full of sarcasm and pain. “Why? Did your lover leave you?” There was bitterness in his voice. “Is he tired of you or did you also replace him?”I had nothing more to say and I just stared at him from head to toe. Only one thing was running through my mind now, him and his current appearance. He looks so different now. He is very handsome, decent, and his posture is so elegant. His formal attire suits him perfectly.If he used to be thin, now he is muscular. He has become even fairer. I am blushing now because I am filled with admiration for him.I felt ashamed of myself. He has come a long way compared to me.But I am happy to see him in that situation. I thought he
I can’t help but stand up and look around. I see Benjamin’s face everywhere, no matter where I am in the office. “I will kill you!” I covered my ears when I heard that in my mind. “You’re letting your stupidity prevail! You’re worthless!” A memory of him hitting me is the reason why I’m now sobbing uncontrollably. I saw Rome stand up from his chair and approach me, but I stopped him. “Please, don’t hurt me,” I pleaded while crying. “You just hurt me earlier. My body is in so much pain. I don’t know where to go anymore! Please, stop, I don’t want to get hurt anymore!” “What the heck is happening to you? And what are you talking about? I will not hurt you and I didn’t hurt you. People might think I really hurt you if they hear you. My goodness. You’re putting me in danger!” “I need to be alone,” I said finally and ran out of his office. I didn’t know the layout of this building, but all I knew was that I ended up in an unfamiliar hall where I was all alone. I could see the whole