Sean was facing the electronic door lock for quite a while now, struggling to figure out Thera's passcode unit. He had inputted Thera's birthday, her parents' birthday, their wedding day, but to no avail. On top of that, Thera was clinging to his neck, her face pressed against his shoulders. She was absolutely intoxicated. “Hey…” he muttered as she slipped out of his arms. He watched her squat on the floor like a child, her back leaned against the wall. Her eyes still shut. Sean knelt to scoop her up. Thera let out a groan of protest, leaning her head against his chest this time. He swore the hair all over his chest stood when her breath brushed through his neck. He was about to press the digital lock when Thera spoke out of a sudden. “Ten, fifteen, fifteen, idiot.” As soon as they got in, Sean carefully laid her down. He tucked her in bed. He remai

Just when the elevator door was just inches from closing, Sean held it with his hand to keep it open. Thera raised a face. She wished she could blink her tears away, but how could she do so? Sean's serious gaze rooted her to the spot. “Nine years ago, I told myself if I could travel back in time, I’d choose not to meet you. Afraid I might ruin the girl who got nothing but love in her heart. I told myself to keep my distance from you. That I shouldn't have met you. But when you lost your memories, just thinking about you forgetting everything about me scared the hell out of me, Thera. No matter how hard I try to deny it, you are the last person I want to lose.” Thera swallowed hard. Hearing those felt like someone hit her hard on the chest. Sean's voice sounded so broken and sincere to her ears. “I know I cannot put back in your eyes all the tears you cried for me. I know that a single sorry can't

October 15, 2019The Palace Mall and Hotel  The employees paved the way for Thera as soon as she began picking up her pace towards the exit door. She just finished debating with a few board members in the conference room a little while ago. Two of the employees of The Palace were gathering outside the mall, threatening to file a complaint to the labor union. To add more tension, they were holding a banner in hand, which clearly showed strong protest.  They were Lira and Rose from the marketing department. Just a week ago, Thera caught the two gossiping about her inside the restroom with a newbie.  But their protest failed to move her. It was evident in her eyes that the amount of care she possessed as she watched them is equal to the amount of common sense they have.  She could not believe them right now. After bad-mouthing her, she was considerate enough to let the

Epilogue Thera slid her hands into the pocket of her maxi dress that barely protected her skin from the cold. She got too excited to see the sunrise that she forgot to bring her scarf. She stood in the gazebo, the one that was facing across the ridges of Baguio where the sun usually emanated the very first thing in the morning. The temperature went down to ten degrees last night— enough to make their teeth chatter. Today was the twenty-fourth of December 2023. The De Marcos would gather tonight to celebrate not only Christmas but also her birthday. Their maids and cooks were all busy preparing for the party later tonight. She’d might as well help later since she had nothing to do in particular anyway. It was three years ago when she left to find solitude and to recollect her broken soul. Now, she finally came back after regaining herself fully. Sean still managed The Palace Mall and Hotel pretty well over the years. On the other hand, Miguel was still managing the Tea Caf with the