AUSTIN arrived a few minutes later after having their coffee. Triana urged him to have a cup of tea, but he declined.“We had a cup of tea a while ago, thanks. Shall we go now?” Austin asked. He didn’t wear his bodyguard suit, only a casual outfit—a plain white shirt at jeans paired with signature sneakers. Actually, he looked more like a model than a bodyguard.Austin drove them to the flower farm. Devance left the black sports car he used earlier. Triana learned that the Chaudharys had a vacation house somewhere in Camarines Sur and Devance probably drove early to avoid the traffic.According to Devance’s instructions, they went to the flower farm near the city. It was the same place where Caleb proposed to Triana.“Come, let’s buy the jade vine,” Devance said when they went out of the car. Triana followed him. Austin strolled in front of them while still alert, looking around.Triana was mesmerized by the flowers that sprawled around. There were different kinds of plants giving co
TRIANA was relieved after talking with Caleb because everything about their arrangements was clear. They were optimistic that everything would end in a year and then celebrate their grand wedding immediately. That dream was enough for Triana to hold on.A phone rang amidst their lunch. It was Caleb’s. “Excuse, I’ll just answer this call.”Caleb looked at Triana as if asking permission to answer it, and she nodded. He immediately came back soon after talking on the other line.“Darling, something came up. Congressman Ruiz arrived at the site to check the project. I need to meet him.”“All right, be careful. Okay? I’ll see you tomorrow.” Triana smiled.He arched his head down to give a quick peck on her lips. While Devance and Austin seemed uninterested, and continued eating their food.Caleb cleared his throat to get the attention of the two. Then they raised their heads when he started talking.“I’ll leave Ria on you guys. Please take good care of her.” Caleb meant what he said. If on
THERE was a beach party on the seashore at nighttime. The surroundings were alive, and everyone celebrated joyously as their laughter mixed into the crashing waves. Several mobile bars were erected at a close distance to each one, while a fire dance was being performed by three young men. Triana got a cocktail drink. She wore a two-piece swimsuit this time and enjoyed her alone time under the moon waxing crescent.Triana strolled while holding a martini glass. Her vision caught Devance nearby in the middle of four Caucasian girls sharing flirtatious laughs. While Austin stood beside them along with two girls, they were probably Koreans.Her eyes only narrowed. They were having fun, obviously. What to expect from them? She was not blind to see their good looks and oozing sex appeal. But who cares?Triana chugged her martini as she continued to look at Devance, who was being guided by the women to join the fire dancers. The girls went wild and started a sexy dance with Devance.A frown
TRIANA returned home immediately after filing a formal complaint at the police station. Devance promised he’d take care of everything. The boys made sure she was totally fine and did not suffer trauma. And in return, she assured them she was okay.It was late in the afternoon when they reached the house. Triana was surprised to see Lara in the living room as if waiting for them to arrive. She was busy playing card games with the twins.“You’re back, big brother Dev and Austin! Are we going to play basketball?” Travis greeted the two. The twins even had a fist bump with them.“Sure!” Devance gently tapped Travis’ shoulder.“When?” Tristan asked. He was also excited.“Anytime when Dev is not busy,” Austin said.The twins tilted their heads in agreement.“Boys, get back to your room!” She ordered her brothers. Travis and Tristan obeyed instantly.However, Lara was astounded upon seeing Triana’s companion and unbelievingly staring at them.“How dare you! Why didn’t you inform me about thi
DEVANCE hurriedly parked his car in the vast parking area of a well-known hotel in the city. It was a good thing that they had stopped over at one mall earlier to buy some clothes. He loosened one button on his gray shirt.When he strolled inside the hotel’s lobby, Devance immediately found the person he’d meet. However, his face was void of emotion when their eyes met.“Dev!” A woman waved at him at a distance wearing a fitted yellow dress. She looked confident as she flaunted her curves and her towering height.“Eshvi…” Devance only shook his head. Getting in touch with her after three long years was unexpected. She appeared glamorous now, compared to the last time he had seen her. Eshvi Javier was his ex-girlfriend, and they had a nasty break-up three years ago. And now that he had matured, he chose to understand everything between them.“What the hell are you doing here?” Devance did not conceal his irritation as he approached her.“I guess I was wrong for expecting a warm welcom
EVERYONE was busy in preparation for Triana and Devance’s wedding. As expected, they had to do a wedding photoshoot because their parents were so excited about it. It was the talk of the society pages—the extravagant wedding of the son of the billionaire to his ‘childhood sweetheart’, the Allende princess.Triana almost winced in disgust upon reading that headline on one entertainment page. Their parents plotted this story, making everyone believe they were childhood sweethearts. It seemed they wanted to portray them as having a love marriage.Right now, Triana wanted to finish this madness as quickly as possible so her life would be back to normal. She had been enduring a lot since the day she met Devance at her doorstep. Everything happened so fast.Triana’s family flew to Nepal a few days before the wedding. It was too late when she found out that the Chaudharys had prepared a grand celebration of their union.“I thought we’re clear on this. Dev, we agreed we’ll only have a simple
MOST of the Chaudhary relatives arrived at night, and Triana and Devance had to greet them. They had a custom of bowing down and kissing their feet as a sign of respect for their immediate family, although this was not required. Devance had advised her not to follow it since they would only do this to their parents. It would be tiring if they did it for every family member. Besides, Triana was not used to this kind of tradition.“Kanchhi, have you seen Dev?” Akhil was beaming when he asked her.“Y-yes, Dad. I think he’s on the roof deck.” She averted her gaze. It was because since he left with Eshvi, she hadn’t seen him until now.“Please come to the living room downstairs. My family wants to see you both.” Akhil reminded her before he left.“Yes, Dad.” Triana moved in haste. Where could she find Devance in this massive house? He tried calling him, but there was no answer.Triana went to his room on the fifth floor. The door was not locked, but it was empty. She bumped with Austin and
TRIANA could not complain when Devance guided her into his room late at night. She was too tired to argue with him. She might even lose consciousness anytime now because she was bone-weary.“I can sleep in my room.” Triana harshly sighed as she studied his room—it was minimalistic, with a black and white interior. A 3D world map was hung on top of the cream leather couch. “Are you crazy? We’re married now. You know we can’t sleep in a different room in this house, especially now that my entire clan is here. What would they think if we slept in a separate bed?”“I get your point. But I can’t share a room with you.”“You have to endure more, sweetheart,” he teased. “Dev, I’m exhausted. I want to rest.” She went to bed and sat in silence, surprised at how smooth it was. She assumed it was probably a waterbed.“Go ahead. I’ll sleep on the couch. I’ll just change. You can use the bathroom.” He pointed in the direction from the right side, “by the way. All your belongings are in this room