Isabella Heyes Dasmond. Is this what they call the magic words? I suddenly became calm. The anger and pain from earlier slowly faded, though not entirely because I started overthinking again."You love me?"He kissed the tip of my nose. "Yes. I love you, sweetie. Please, hear me out, and I won't lie to you. I'll explain everything, okay?"I pulled away, but he shook his head to dissuade me. "No, please, Isabella. Please hear me out."Wiping away the tears that escaped my eyes, I looked at him. "Will hearing your explanation be worth my time? Will it ease the pain when I hear what you have to say?" I asked bitterly. His eyes frowned, but he held onto my hand."I-Isabella.""Let go of me, Alex. I'm tired." A hint of tears welled in his eyes upon hearing that. I avoided eye contact and wiped my damp cheeks."I'm tired of standing, so let's just sit here for a while.""Does that mean--""Start exp

I couldn't sit still as I approached Mama's place. We were outside the gate, and Alex was behind me.Mama greeted me with an emotionless look. I knew she was angry about what I did last night, disrespecting and quarreling with her sibling."Tita-" Alex couldn't continue speaking as Mama quickly embraced me."If it weren't for Alexander, I might have gone crazy looking for you. You always bring me problems, Isabella," she said, pulling away and looking at me. "Why didn't you tell me that your cousin was hurting you?"I couldn't utter a word. Mama had no idea about what I went through back in high school with my cousin Alohi. I didn't want Mama to be angry with her sister. I bowed my head."If you're suffering because of their behavior, they're not family to me, Isa. You're my priority because you're my child, and I must protect you. Just because they're our relatives doesn't mean they can mistreat you. I brought you into this world without

WARNING: not suitable for young readers and sensitive minds. Read at your own risk.ISABELLA HEYES DASMOND I undressed and turned on the faucet since we don't have a shower. Resorting to using a dipper, I tried to ignore the lingering soreness from recent activities. Despite several days passing, the discomfort in my intimate area persisted. It feels like it's being torn apart. I reminisced about Alex's intense gaze and passionate moments at our old home, making me yearn for more. Taking a deep breath, I hastily dampened my body, realizing my desires were stirring again.After my bath, I wrapped myself in a towel and headed out of the bathroom, feeling refreshed. I grabbed a small towel to use for drying my hair since hair dryers aren't commonly used here. I do have a dryer, a gift from Alex, but I tend to forget it. I remember he gave me a complete set of makeup, shampoos, lotions, and other women's essentials, some of which I sent to my mom because ther

We decided to head back because it's getting dark. Mama might come home late tonight as she was invited to dine with her friends. We used our cellphones as flashlights since I forgot to bring one earlier. Didn't expect we'd stay until 8. Maybe we would've stayed longer if not for the mosquitoes. The air was refreshing and peaceful."Let's build a vacation house there next time," he said, holding hands as he carried the basket with our food."But the land isn't ours. I don't even know if the owner is willing to sell," I replied."I already met the owner. She let me buy the lot," he said. I looked at him surprised."When? How did you find out who owns it?""Oliver knows the owner. She's the wife of the former mayor, right?" I nodded in confirmation.I overheard the challenges they faced after Mayor Del Recio's defeat. Maybe that's why their child doesn't bother me anymore. Despite being just regular citizens now, they're still well

I find myself staring into nothingness. The events of the previous night are the only thing on my mind. My eyes are swollen, and the weight of my dark circles is a testament to the endless tears.It's only been a day since my classes started, but I'm still at our home in town. Mama hasn't discussed my situation yet, but I sense her suspicions, especially considering the incident outside is now a topic of discussion. They discovered my visitor's wealth and influence because their faces are plastered everywhere. Even Oliver's argument outside the house was caught on camera, so I know this will go viral. I haven't checked my social media yet, but I anticipate what's coming.The media will scrutinize the two about why they're here and why they're at the house of the market vendor's child. It's ironic that a billionaire like Alex, Lavinia's fiancé, will become viral for being with another woman.My head is buried in my folded arms on my bed. I've lost track of