"Just find an obstetrician out there. But my advice as a friend is to stick to conventional methods because you're both young and healthy. If you're confident in your fertility, it won't take long to get pregnant," Stefanie said, half mockingly. "Besides, intimacy can enhance emotions, not only between husband and wife but also between parents and the baby." She continued, directing her words specifically to Adaline. I saw Adaline's face turn red from Stefanie's straightforward explanation, and strangely enough, I felt fondness for the woman who was now my wife.Adaline didn't respond to Stefanie's remarks. My petite wife seemed unsure of what to say, and I didn't have any other words to counter Stefanie. My high school friend turned to me and said, "Come on, Al. Act like a real man. Well, unless you can't 'rise' in front of your wife, then maybe I can help." He continued with a mocking tone."Damn it!" The curse slipped out of my mouth unintentionally. I turned and saw a surprised lo
They just arrived at the Altezza apartment right at nine o'clock in the evening after Altezza had picked up Adaline, Emma, and Violet from the hospital and taken them back to Violet's house. Emma, Violet, and Adaline were quite surprised when they saw Altezza at the hospital after they finished their examinations. When asked the reason for his presence there, Altezza—as usual—always had a silly answer to every question asked of him.Flashback On"Why are you the one picking us up? Where's your driver?" Violet asked, quite surprised to see her son-in-law."He's got a pretty bad stomachache, so he asked me to pick you up. That's what happens when you have an employee who's getting older, there's always some trouble whenever they're on duty. If only I didn't need him, I would still keep him because he's quite loyal," he replied casually, winking mischievously, which made Emma unable to hold back her laughter.Next, before heading back to Violet's residence, Altezza took his three female
Adaline wanted to ask, but when she was about to knock on his door, she hesitated and chose to continue to the kitchen. Besides not wanting to disturb Altezza, she also didn't want to come off as intrusive, and Adaline had to realize her position that she wasn't Altezza's real wife, but just a surrogate mother figure for him.Adaline opened the big fridge door. She was surprised to find it almost empty except for frozen instant food and canned goods. Adaline bit her lip in confusion. Luckily, there was a loaf of bread that seemed to be fresh on the nightstand. Alright, even though she didn't know whether Altezza was used to having breakfast or not, Adaline would still make breakfast for the two of them with the available ingredients.Adaline eventually decided to make scrambled eggs with fried sausages and toasted bread in a pan. The scent of butter from the bread and the distinct aroma of eggs made Altezza emerge from his hiding place."Wah wah wah, Mrs. Quirino. What's that lovely s
Adaline refused when Altezza insisted she accompany him to the office because, aside from Tessa and Duncan, no one else knew they were already married. And Adaline intended to keep it that way. The only office personnel aware of their marriage were the board of directors and Altezza's work partners. They had also been instructed not to spread the information because Altezza didn't want Adaline to be treated differently by her colleagues. That was the reason Altezza's assistant, Duncan, presented when he distributed the wedding invitations.But no matter how strongly Adaline resisted, Altezza wouldn't give in."Go to the office with me or be driven by the chauffeur. Those are your only options, Mrs. Quirino. Because I don't want my wife to take public transportation again, no matter what the reason," Altezza asserted, causing Adaline's courage to falter instantly. Not wanting to cause trouble, Adaline chose to go with the chauffeur, with the option to drop off a bit away from the offic
"Y-yes," Adaline nervously replied. Their faces were too close, barely an inch apart, making Adaline feel awkward. "Are you alright? Your body is hot.""I don't feel well, everything aches," he answered softly. Adaline tried to get up, but Altezza stopped her. "Where are you going?" he asked softly."To get medicine. Is there a medical box here?""In the kitchen cabinet," Altezza replied.His arm, which had previously hugged Adaline, released her, and quickly Adaline got out of bed and went to the kitchen.The digital clock on the kitchen counter showed two in the morning. Adaline opened each cabinet until she found the medical box she was looking for. At least she hoped there was a fever reducer in there. Then she filled a large glass with warm water and took it back to the bedroom."Here's some paracetamol. Drink up," Adaline opened the packaging and handed it to Altezza, who accepted it and drank almost half the glass. "Do you want to change your clothes? Yours are wet," Altezza no
They arrived at the hotel, which was a branch of the Quirino family's hotel. Before leaving, they had a debate because Adaline forbade Altezza from driving herself. Eventually, feeling defeated, Altezza decided to hire a makeshift driver instead of using an online taxi service.Letizia and her family, along with Altezza's parents, were already waiting for them in the hotel restaurant area. They were enjoying snacks while waiting for Antony's entourage and family to arrive. Gian immediately stood up and greeted Adaline with his annoying greeting in Altezza's eyes."My beauty, why do you look more and more like an angel every day?" He praised with sparkling eyes. He attempted to embrace Adaline with both hands, but Altezza quickly redirected Adaline behind him."Remember, cousin. She's my wife," he growled hoarsely."Yes, yes, I know, but just for a moment, let your little brother hug her," he pleaded with a pout."No, Gian!" Altezza shook his head. His actions only made his head spin.
Altezza POVI gaze at Adaline with a whirlwind of emotions. Surprised, impressed, and annoyed all at once. Even the surprise I felt at her beauty earlier hasn't faded yet, and now? What other trials must I endure?How could that shy girl look so extraordinary standing on stage with her mesmerizing voice that captivates me, my family, and even the guests? Her aura just radiates. After her first lyric, she seemed to forget everything around her. As if her world is there, on that stage. And that's what makes me angry.No. This time I'll be more selfish. More selfish. I refuse to be sidelined again. Especially by obsession.No! Adaline is only mine. I won't trade her for anything. And by God, if a single word comes out of her lips saying she wants to be a star, then I'll use a hundred, a thousand, even a million ways to silence her.Adaline is back in her seat. I deliberately keep quiet about it. Childish, indeed. But I want her to know that I don't like what she did earlier. Even though
Adaline sat in the corner of the long sofa, watching TV as Altezza approached her. Instead of sitting down, he chose to lie down, placing his head on Adaline's lap."Feeling unwell," he said, reaching for Adaline's right hand and placing it on his forehead. Indirectly asking her to massage his head as she did earlier in the afternoon.Adaline complied, and her hands massaged both sides of Altezza's temples gently.Both of them fell silent. The only sound came from the TV Adaline had turned on. Meanwhile, Adaline thought her husband had fallen back asleep due to his illness. She was about to replace her thigh cushion with the sofa cushion, but he held her arm first."Madam..." Altezza spoke hesitantly. "There's something I need to discuss."Slowly, he rose from his reclined position and sat with his left knee bent on the sofa while his right leg dangled to the floor. Altezza turned his body fully towards Adaline, inevitably causing her to turn her body towards him."This is about the b