"But, I can't..." Loney's expression darkened. His hopes were crushed. His heart pumped with the speed of an aeroplane. She didn't want him? "You - can't - marry - me?" He let out word by word, his heart shredding. According to the contract, this was where it ended. He had nothing to hold her to. She agreed to be his woman but she didn't want to be his wife. "No, don't overthink this. I mean, I can't let the world know that I'm yours." She wanted him but she feared that whoever ordered her abduction might want to hurt her child. So, she wanted him without the knowledge of the world. It was simple but complex. "Make me understand, Danica" Loney didn't want to hope but he wanted to introduce her to the world as his. He wanted to let go of everything for her. "I want our marriage to be kept secret," she uttered in plain words but Loney was incensed. Could her meeting her Pastor be the reason for taking this decision? "Because you are a Christian and you don't want to be associated w

Herty woke up refreshed from a long sleep. Her body craved it. She too had not slept throughout yesterday. However, joy cruised through her. She had fought it for so long. Paul wasn't the only one who suffered thinking about her. She too has had her fair share of sleepless nights, thinking about him and how impossible their love would be. She knew that her parents would never accept Paul. They want her to marry from the church but she doesn't have to marry him. She can be his friend. A close one and see what the future holds. When the subject of marriage comes in, they would cross over. Just as she came out of the shower, a maid brought her a parcel. "A delivery guy brought this for you." It was unexpected. She has never received anything like this. This was her first time experiencing this part of life. It could only be from one person and she was right. She unwrapped the gift and pulled out a beautiful black knee-length Versace dress. It was beautiful but a little shorter than her

5 YEARS LATER "Chef Danica, we have a request for a chef's special." Gabriella, one of the waitresses eagerly conveyed to busy Danica. She was doing what she loved, thanks to Loney. Exactly one year after he travelled, he sent her a surprise package containing the keys to a restaurant in her name.  Their son was a year old by then and Loney hadn't returned to Mexico therefore, Danica was amazed as to how he was able to put it all together. She couldn't tell if it was something he was working on before his business trip but it was the best gift ever. He gave her the dream of owning her restaurant. In four years, it has risen among the top three restaurants in Mexico City. "Today isn't Friday, Gabriela." Danica continued with the order she was previously working on. She occasionally wiped the beads of sweat forming on her forehead. The kitchen was hot and busy yet she loved it. "I know, but the man insists. He's so authoritative as