I'm not sure how long it was before I realized I had slept off; I didn't even notice it until a gentle touch on my hair roused me from my nap. I purred and opened my eyes gradually. I was a little taken aback when Zachary's face emerged in front of me."Good morning," he said softly, although his demeanor was still strong due to his rugged features.My forehead furrowed when I caught a whiff of smoke. I ignored him and roamed my eyes, searching for that smell, but I found none. My attention went to him again when he got up from the bed."I have already prepared your grilled chicken intestines," he said.I didn't say a word. My eyes only focused on his cheek when I saw something black there. Later, my mouth fell open when he lifted the hem of his shirt and wiped it on his face—perhaps he noticed my stare. His deflated and rather muscular stomach, which still sweats from time to time, exposed itself to me. I looked away and involuntarily took a gulp."I'm not hungry anymore," I said, an

I couldn't look at or even smile at other guests, while Zachary could barely wipe the smile off his face while talking to them. His hand remained on my back even though he occasionally moved to take the glass on the table. He was drinking with the people, and I don't know if he was drunk or just high."Do you want something?" he asked.I sat up because his head almost nuzzled into my neck when he whispered that. I saw the suppressed smile of the elders in front of us, so I looked down again to hide the blush on my cheeks. I simply moved away, but quickly, he pulled me back to his side. He would just sit me on his lap if necessary."Are you drunk?" I hissed, teeth gritting.I just finished eating. An hour has passed since the guests and the bride and groom danced. I did not participate in the event. Apart from the fact that I was embarrassed to show them because of the scene with Zachary, he also did not let me out of his sight.Zachary chuckled lowly, and for the fvcking nth time, he

Zachary seemed like a mystery to me throughout the following weeks. He's more attentive and careful around me. He looked like he was under a curse, and I was the one who cast it. He did all I asked and looked for without complaining. Well, he used to do that, but this time he doesn't seem to care, even if I torture him. One time, I found him secretly ransacking our room; he seemed to be looking for something that I couldn't guess. In short, he's acting quite oddly."We're going to the farm today. Do you like to come?" Zachary asked while carrying a tray of food in his hand.I looked up at him because I was sitting on the floor while playing with Angel. It was only six in the morning, but he had already taken a shower. Up to this day, I still can't get used to it when I see him in a jacket that isn't branded or looks new. He placed the tray on the bedside table before sitting on the edge of the bed. He tried to call Angel, but I quickly picked up the kitten and glared at him."Don't to

Suddenly, all of my exhilaration subsided—possibly because I thought back on my past. I was quiet for the following few hours. I wasn't even moving from my position; I was just looking at my surroundings and Zia from time to time, who is now assisting Nanay Victoria in setting out the tableware for eating.I sighed and observed the serene sky. I smiled bitterly. I couldn't help but ask the Lord why he had given me so many horrible experiences. To make me stronger? To prepare me better?But do I really need that?Maybe I wasn't a perfect child. Even so, I know that I have been an honest and good partner. I couldn't help but feel unfair. Why do I have to suffer all the pain? Why do I have to be the only one to be broken?Revenge. Only the ignorant don't realize that's wrong, but can they hold it against me?Two years ago, I was at my lowest point. I lost a child. I was cheated by people I trusted. The person I was hoping would support me abandoned me. I was forever deprived of the oppor

Aireen and I were both speechless when we got to her apartment. My mind was still confused, which is why I didn't drop off at Nanay Victoria's house first. Besides that, I also plan to take the car and some of my things that she brought home after I called her before. I reviewed Zachary's laptop again to uncover further documents that would shed light on the situation, but I've gone through all of them one by one, and even with his lesson plans that were saved, I still didn't find anything in the end.I massaged my senses and completely gave up. I tiredly leaned my back on the sofa and involuntarily looked up at the ceiling, hoping that an idea would enter my mind. I was in that position for almost a few minutes until I turned to Aireen when she came out of the kitchen. She was carrying a glass of lemonade juice and then placed it on the center table in front of me."What's your next plan?" she asked while sitting next to me.I let out a deep breath before sitting properly. "Still the