Jane’s POV It was already afternoon when I was able to go home. From pretending as Lance’s date, fooling his mom and running away from Ingrid, it felt like an unending thrilling action movie. Lance did not send me home because we’re afraid that his mom would follow us. When I got off the bus, I walked back to my village. The sun slowly set, and the colors set from bright vibrant to pure darkness. It was beautiful, and for a moment my mind was interrupted. But it did not take long. When I looked down, the accidental kiss with my boss went back to my head. “Argh!” I ceased my pace and covered my burning face. Just thinking how awkward it will be to face my boss on Monday made me feel so embarrassed! As I pulled my hands down, I started to defend myself just like what I did multiple times ago after Lance and I separated. “That is not a kiss,” I murmured, nodding my head. “And our lips did not even bump into each other! It is a slight peck near my lips! AN ACCIDENT ISN’T A KISS!
CONTENT GUIDANCE: This chapter explores aspects of psychological health, physical and s*xual abuse. Please read with care. *********************************** The next morning, I found out that Sir Lance opened the flower shop even though it’s Sunday. I guessed it is because we were closed for a long time and he’s worried the flowers would wilt. Lance texted me that I should not come to work today and instead, I should take a rest for my injury to heal. I am not sure if he’s really worried about my injury or if he just doesn't want to meet me today. I know it would be so awkward to see each other. Nevertheless, I felt grateful for his consideration. Instead of staying in the house, I thought of taking a walk around the village. There are a lot of things bothering me, so I need fresh air. While walking around, I thought of the new information I got from talking with Haidee yesterday. ‘Cyrus was her lover.’ There was no doubt why Cyrus hates Eric so much. But what bothers me t
Many have changed because the time has turned back.Instead of working in Monteverde, I found a good job in Lance’s flower shop. I didn’t have to experience the same abuse I received from the Monteverde couple. And I thought, we won’t see each other again.Yet, Arthur is here. In front of me.When my eyes went clear and I saw his face, I felt the tingling pain inside my chest. It was hard for me to breathe as I remembered all the things he did to me.I realized that even if I avoided the misfortune, there’s a chance I’ll meet people who I encountered in the future.That happened to Lance, and that same goes with Arthur.However, that does not mean that I will let him do the same thing. NEVER.“Miss? Are you ok…”I moved backward when Arthur tried to hold my arm.I will never feel okay being with him. And I really really wanted to get out of here as soon as possible.Gathering my strength, I stood up. I kept my head down, staring at the lemonade wasted on the ground.“I am really sorry
Jane dragged her feet on her back to her apartment. She was dazed. She looked at her hands and saw them trembling. ‘Even if I came back to the past, the trauma is still there.’ Jane sighed. She thought that she was brave enough to face everything. But her reaction after seeing Arthur was proof that there were still things that she could not handle. Arthur has no recollection of their pasts. And Jane thinks it was so unfair. He can smile and act as if nothing happened, when she was drowning in fear. ‘If Eric did not come, maybe, I was stuck in that place,’ Jane guessed. Listening to Eric and Arthur’s conversation before she left, Jane could tell that Eric and Arthur are acquainted with each other. She didn’t have the chance to ask how, but she felt bad that Eric had to associate himself with an evil guy like him. “That guy is rotten from the bone,” Jane said through her clenched teeth. Now that Arthur is gone, she feels braver than before. She thought of punching his face, th
While Lance and Damiel were busy assisting the deliveries, Lance received a call. He stared at the caller’s name for a long time. It is from someone who gives him information about his other job, aside from working in the flower shop. Lance made it clear that he will only answer the call if it is important and if there is something worth reporting. Thinking that he had to answer this no matter what, Lance excused himself and went to the staff room to pick up the call. “What is it?” he asked the person from the other line. Lance listened quietly at the information he got from the other line. When the report ended, his eyes widened in surprise. “Okay. I got it,” Lance murmured before ending the call. Blinking swiftly, he gaped. He couldn’t believe what he just heard just now. “What? Eric beat an investor?” he murmured in dubiety. A moment later, he burst into an amusing laugh. “Eric punched someone? That cowards sh*t did?” This is the first time Lance heard that Eric had a fi
Arthur Monteverde. He is one of the investors in the Geelq company, and also, the man Eric punched yesterday. Intel said that Eric beat Arthur in the coffee shop. But they haven’t shared why, how, and where it happened. Lance, now, has a clue on his grip. He understands the possible reason why Eric lost his patience and it is possible that the fight happened in this place. Certainly, Lance might do the same thing today. He looked at Arthur’s back before Lance stretched his neck and fingers, as if he’s readying for some wild physical activities. When Lance was in high school, he was called ‘the beast’ among the gangsters during his days. No one have the chance to beat him yet. Even though many years have passed by, his fighting skills are still alive and fury inside his body. Lance approached the center of the attention. His eyes turned cold when he saw Arthur raise his hand to Jane. Before the abusive hand landed on her face, Lance caught the man’s wrist and held it tight. Wonde
Everyone will agree that ever since Eric started to work in Geelq, he did all of his best to make the company grow. Although he cannot compete against Cyrus, he gave good service for many years. He did not act on things that will stain the company’s image; that includes having scandals, fights or questionable hobbies. Employees see him as the perfect boss, before, now and forever. But the image that he hardly built for long years is on the verge of getting ruined. The news about Eric beating the Geelq’s investor spread so fast like a contagious disease. He received bashful comments from different sides. Some worry that it might be Eric’s first and last offense as the new CEO of the company. Some believe that maybe he isn’t suited for his position and Cyrus should be the CEO. However, even after knowing what will happen, Eric even came to Jane’s neighborhood to see her. Perhaps he only wanted to hear praise from her and for Jane to say that he did the right thing. He really wanted
Eric sat in front of his desk in his office. The bruise on his cheek and the cut on his lips are still visible. While sitting, Eric recalled the time he saw how Lance hugged Jane. An immense strength settled in his fists which were on the table. ‘Lance really likes her,’ Eric thought. He grew up with Lance. Eric knew that Lance wasn't interested in dating . But this is the first time he saw Lance’s gaze towards Jane. “That person won’t stop until he gets what he wants,” Eric said the bitter truth. The truth which made him envious to Lance. Lance has the courage to follow his heart. Deep inside, Eric wanted to be like Lance. This inferiority complex is what made him despise his competitor. “Why am I thinking about this?” Eric asked himself before he roughly washed his face with his dried palms. Instead of worrying about the painful one-sided love he has for the mother of his child, Eric knew that he had to focus on solving the problem about his rumor and the investor he beat.