《Sold To A Billionaire》


 In The Club

    In The Club


    ZOE is a graduating college student from Manhattan. She¡¯s a schr of a well-knownpany that


    deals with cars. She lives in four corners of a small apartment with her mother, Iris.


    Iris works every night at the nearby club as a pole dancer and a court for the upper-ss¡ª


    billionaires, politicians, and the like. People address her as an ultimate ¡®courtesan¡¯ because she¡¯s


    been targeting high profiles.


    Zoe even gets bullied because of her mother¡¯s job. Despite this, she mastered ignoring everything.


    Her mother may not have a decent job, but she still loves her, and no one can change that.


    ¡°Zoe¡­¡± her mom called her name, and she stopped doing her homework.


    Since their apartment costs cheap, she could easily hear voices outside her room. She then walked


    towards the door and opened it. She looked at her mom from head to toe, and she dressed


    seductively for her work again.


    ¡°Have you finished your homework already?¡± her mom asked.


    She shook her head. ¡°Not yet.¡±


    Her mother¡¯s lips formed an ¡®O¡¯.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna ask if you want to go to the club and chill since it¡¯s Friday,¡± her mom asserted and fixed


    her dress, especially in the bust area, where the cleavage of her boobies was unted.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just continue it then tomorrow,¡± she replied. ¡°Give me five minutes,¡± she added, making her mom


    smile and nod.


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡±


    She frowned slightly and looked into her mom¡¯s eyes. It seems like her mom wants to add


    something or say something.


    ¡°Ma?¡± she snapped out.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± her mom cleared her throat, ¡°¡ªw-wear something sexy, okay,¡± she stuttered.


    Zoe arched her brow. ¡°Why?¡±


    Her mom shed a smile on her face again. ¡°Just.¡±


    Zoe then heaved a deep sigh and nodded.


    ¡°Wait for me,¡± she said before closing the door.


    She heaved a deep sigh as she walked toward her small wooden cab. She opened it and


    roamed her eyes inside. ¡°Wear something sexy?¡± she whispered, ¡°¡ªbut I don¡¯t have any sexy


    dress,¡± she added. Sheughs. Most of her clothes were shirts and jeans. She is not fond of


    dresses. She prefers loose shirts. Sometimes she wears a skirt, but she makes sure that it reaches


    her knee. She will never wear any revealing clothes nor try one.


    ¡°Mom! I don¡¯t have any of¡­¡± the door of her room opened, ¡°those,¡± she whispered thest word as


    she faced her mom.


    Her mom approaches her while holding a ck off-the-shoulder dress. ¡°Sorry, sweetie. I forgot you


    don¡¯t have any sexy clothes,¡± she said and shed a wide smile.


    She arched her left brow as she reached for the dress. ¡°I am taller than you, mom. And this is¡­¡±


    she lifts the dress to scan it, ¡°¡ªtoo short for me,¡± she added as she looked at Iris.


    Iris smiled. ¡°You should try it¡ª¡±


    ¡°And why do I need to dress like this? We go to clubs or bars, but this is the first time that I will wear


    this¡­¡± she nced at the dress once again, ¡°¡ªkind of dress.¡±


    Iris let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Sweetie, we will be going to attend a party.¡±


    Zoe arched her brow. ¡°In a club?¡±


    Iris nodded. ¡°Myst client invited me to attend his son¡¯s 28th birthday.¡±


    She arched her brow. ¡°I thought we¡¯re gonna chill¡ª¡±


    ¡°Of course, with free drinks, since it¡¯s a party,¡± Iris interrupted and let out a disturbing chuckle.


    She nodded. ¡°I see. But it¡¯s fine if I don¡¯t wear this, right? It¡¯s not that I will join you and the rest. I will


    just have some drinks on the counter,¡± she said, trying to avoid wearing this soul-chasing dress.


    Iris crossed her arms in front of her chest. ¡°Zoe¡­¡± okay, her mother already uses her warning tone.


    But there¡¯s no way she would wear a kind of dress like this.


    ¡°You knew I don¡¯t wear this kind of stuff.¡±


    Iris heaved a deep sigh and approached her. She cupped her face as she looked up at her.


    ¡°Look, sweetie, can you do this for mommy, just this time?¡±


    Zoe met her mom¡¯s eyes and her forehead slightly knitted. Her eyes were confused, and her heartOwned by N?velDrama.Org.


    started to feel doubt, and fear suddenly lingers inside her.


    She doesn¡¯t know¡ªshe doesn¡¯t want to overthink it, but she has a bad feeling about it.


    WHEN they took a cab towards the club where her mother usually goes for work, her mom seemed


    bothered¡ªit looked like something was bothering her.


    Zoe held her mom¡¯s hand and pressed it, and she felt that it was cold. ¡°Ma, is everything fine? You


    seem unwell¡ª¡± she didn¡¯t finish her words when her mom tapped her hand and shed a smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay. Nothing to worry about,¡± Iris replied.


    Zoe heaved a deep sigh and nodded. She didn¡¯t let go of her mom¡¯s hand until they reached the


    club.


    Iris paid for their fare before they got out of the car. She smiled at her again when they walked


    towards the entrance, making Zoe frown.


    ¡°Ma, your smile is creeping the hell out of me,¡± she uttered. Her mom doesn¡¯t usually smile orugh.


    She¡¯s a busy woman during the day and night. When shees home, Zoe is already asleep. And


    when she went to school, her mother had already left.


    So, she knew, and she strongly felt something was bothering her mom.


    However, she chooses to stay silent when they enter the club.


    The loud music weed them. As usual, the club ambiance is still the same. The first floor is the


    dance floor and the bar counter, while the second floor is the VIPs areas, and thest floor, which is


    the third floor, is full of rooms¡ªat least there were ten.


    She¡¯s been in this club about four times now, and she can¡¯t pinpoint any changes. Except for those


    men who are outside. She hasn¡¯t seen those men in tuxedos. And what are they doing there?


    Well, she doesn¡¯t mind. All she needs is to have some drink at least. And at the moment, she


    wanted to change her dress already. Her body was too exposed with her dress. Her cleavage can


    be seen if she pulls the hem a little bit.


    She cursed under her breath when a hand touched her exposed legs while walking toward the


    stairs.


    She red at the man who was now staring at her like a pervert and got closer to her mom.


    Iris saw it and drove the man away. ¡°Sorry about that, sweetie.¡±


    ¡°Ma, he just runs his fingers into my left leg,¡± sheined, but her voice was in control.


    Iris smiled. ¡°No one can harm you here. Trust me. My client is too powerful. If I tell him that they


    touch you, that man will be dead¡ª¡±


    ¡°What are you saying, Ma?¡± Zoe asked as confusion lit her eyes.


    Iris¡¯ eyes widened. ¡°Oh¡ªit¡¯s nothing, sweetie. Come on, and the party is upstairs. They must be


    waiting for us,¡± she said, which drew lines into Zoe¡¯s forehead.


    They were on thest step of the stairs when Farah¡¯s eyes widened because of surprise. She was


    about to turn around, but her mom grabbed her in the arm, making her step forward.


    ¡°Ma¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sweetie,¡± her mom uttered as she grabbed Zoe by the arm again, and they walked


    towards the single couch where a man in his seventies was sitting, and a pipe was in between his


    lips.


    Zoe started to feel fear when her mom¡¯s grip tightened on her arm as she pushed her.


    ¡°Ma¡­ what are you doing¡ª¡±


    ¡°Come on, sweetie. Please, behave,¡± her mom muttered.


    ¡°B-But, Ma,¡± she forced her feet to stop, but her mom pulled her again. ¡°Ma¡­ what are you doing!¡±


    her voice roared.


    ¡°Zoe, I told you to behave¡ª¡±


    ¡°What are we doing in front of a murderer? And where¡¯s the party?!¡± Zoe shouted as she nced at


    the older man.


    ¡°That person sitting on the ck couch was the one who killed the President¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Zoe. Just follow me, please¡­¡± her mom pleaded, and when Zoe met her eyes, she saw


    fear in them.


    Iris pushed her forward and let her go.


    Zoe shot a re in her mom¡¯s direction. Suddenly two men went to her side and pointed their guns


    at her. She trembles in fear as tears fall down her cheeks. She nced at her mom, and her vision


    started to blur.


    ¡°Why?¡± she whispered.


    However, her mom didn¡¯t give her answers.


    Iris faces the old man. ¡°As promised, here she is. She¡¯s clean and pure. She¡¯s also at the right age


    ¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡± Zoe eximed when she got the idea of what was going on. ¡°How could you do this¡­.¡±


    No one dared to answer her. She wiped her tears as she nced at the gun on her right. She


    choked back tears when the man dipped the gun¡¯s muzzle into her arm. Her sobs got louder until a


    deep voice ruined the tension on the second floor.


    ¡°Dad. What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡±

 He Bought Her

    He Bought Her


    A MAN in a gray polo and ck trouser butt in, and then he walked towards the old man, whom he


    called ¡®dad.¡¯


    ¡°Helios, son,¡± the old man greeted as he stood up. A sly smile crept into the old man¡¯s lips.


    ¡°What are you doing here, dad? And what are these people doing here?¡± the guy named Helios


    uttered as he stopped his gaze on Zoe.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing it again?!¡± Helios¡¯ booming voice roared on the corners. He walked closer to his dad


    and grabbed the old man by his cor. ¡°I¡¯m warning you! Don¡¯t you dare tint my ce with your


    schemes!¡± he asserted.


    Instead of answering, Helios¡¯ dad let out a devilishugh.


    ¡°Let them go, dad,¡± Helios asserted once again.


    The old man¡¯s devilish smile is still drawn to his lips as he equaled Helios¡¯ death stares.


    ¡°I will if¡­¡± he paused, which made Helios clench his jaw. ¡°Well, I will let the youngdy go¡ª¡±


    ¡°Both of them. Let them go,¡± Helios said.


    ¡°No. The older one needs to pay debts to me¡ª¡±


    ¡°I am clear, dad. Let them go!¡± Helios shouted, making the old man¡¯s bodyguards point their guns at


    him. However, the old man raised his hand as a sign for them not to shoot.


    Zoe doesn¡¯t know¡ªshe was confused about what was going on, but when the old man mentioned


    debts, she looked at her mother. Their eyes met, but her mom broke the gaze.


    She knew that her mom was doing her best for her future, but she was also aware that she was


    good at gambling.


    If Zoe analyzes the situation, her mom seems to haverge debts to the old man, and since she


    can¡¯t pay it, she will sell her own daughter to save her ass¡ªand thinking of this, her heart is being


    torn into pieces.


    The thunderous voice of the guy who butts in cuts the hum of her thoughts.


    ¡°It¡¯s just money. And stopped this, now that I still have respect for you,¡± Helios said as he pierced his


    eyes into his dad. ¡°Remember, you killed a person once, and when you do it again, I¡¯ll make sure


    that you will rot in jail,¡± he added.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that, son. And why do you care about these people?¡± the old man asked as he


    nced at Zoe and at her mother.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay for her debts and let them go,¡± Helios said and let go of his dad.


    Helios walked closer to Zoe. And she locked her eyes on the man.


    ¡°Are you aware that your mother will sell you?¡± he asked, which made her shake her head and


    nce at her mom.


    Helios leaned over. ¡°Come with me if you still want to live,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°Since you wanted to sell your daughter to this man? Then you better sell her to me. And don¡¯t


    expect me to return her to a mother like you!¡± It was Helios¡¯st words before they left the club, and


    those words keep on reying in Zoe¡¯s mind.


    She was inside his car, and no one dared to talk, and she had no idea where he was taking her.


    She wanted to ask him. However, his aura is frightening. She tried to nce at him, but she seemed


    like she¡¯d be dead if he caught her.


    She heaved a deep sigh as she simply pulled down the hem of her dress, but it caught Helios¡¯


    attention.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t like your dress, why would you wear it?¡± His husky voice sent chills down Zoe¡¯s body


    which made her shiver.


    ¡°Let me clear things to you. You are already sold to me, and I don¡¯t want you to get back to your


    mom. Stay¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay with you,¡± she interrupted, and this time, she got the courage to face him.


    However, the man¡¯s eyes are still on the road.


    ¡°Yes. And that old man that you just met earlier is my father¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know. I¡¯ve heard it,¡± she cuts in again, making Helios¡¯ forehead crease.


    ¡°You took the courage to cut me off?¡± he asked, and this time, he nced at her.


    She pressed her lips as she looked away. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she whispered and looked down. But she


    cursed inside her head when she looked at her body. Her cleavage is showing up!


    She pulled her dress upward, but her long white legs unted this time.


    Helios frowned when he saw what the woman was doing through his peripheral vision. A sly smirkProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    crept into his lips. ¡°Ufortable?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± the woman replied, which surprised him because of how she answered him. It seems like


    they¡¯ve known each other for a long time.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of me?¡±


    Zoe¡¯s forehead knitted as she looked in his direction. Helios turned to her, and their eyes met. It


    lasted for seconds before he returned his gaze to the road.


    ¡°Why would I be afraid of you? You just save me¡ª¡±


    ¡°What if I¡¯ll be the one who will hurt you?¡±


    Zoe¡¯s eyes widened, and they weren¡¯t expecting those questions from him. She knew that he was a


    stranger, but he did earn her trust when he saved her.


    ¡°You can do it? You will hurt me?¡± she asked as she steadied her gaze at him.


    ¡°So, you really don¡¯t know me,¡± he stated.


    Zoe saw how he tightened his grip on the steering wheel. She frowned. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. But who are


    you?¡± she asked. Indeed, she doesn¡¯t know him but the old man earlier, she got to know him in the


    news and newspapers, and it was two years ago.


    She doesn¡¯t know a man named Helios.


    Honestly, Zoe is not into social media, and that old man she got to know when she identally


    flipped a newspaper, and the news spread all over their university.


    She doesn¡¯t even have a cell phone. She devoted her life to studying and buying the things she


    needed when she finished school. She got part-time jobs, but she never bought a phone. Her mom


    wants to buy her one, but she always refuses.


    She has no friends to call her, to begin with, so why bother?


    ¡°Is that how quickly you forget about those people who¡¯re helping you?¡±


    Again, she frowned and tried to think where and when did she meet the guy. He¡¯s handsome and


    got a perfect shape. He got muscles, but Zoe sucks at describing a man¡¯s features. All she could


    say was the man was Greek god-like. He got a sharp nose, tantalizing eyes in the shade of blue,


    and kissable lips. And she wonders how many women he kissed¡ª ¡®shit, Zoe!¡¯ She cursed herself


    as she put those thoughts away.


    She shook her head and looked past through the window. ¡°We haven¡¯t met before,¡± she replied.


    Helios let out a devilish chuckle. ¡°I see. At first, I didn¡¯t know that it was you; your back is facing my


    direction when I butt in with my father¡¯s business. But when I got a chance to see your face, I was


    surprised, and then I saw your mom¡ª¡±


    ¡°Can you just get straight to the point?¡± she asked as she nced in her direction again. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,


    but you need to know that I¡¯m not good at recognizing people. I can memorize the names for a long


    time but not their faces,¡± she replied honestly.


    Helios nodded, and a faint smile crept into his lips. ¡°I see. Don¡¯t worry. Just forget it.¡±

 His Tattoo

    His Tattoo


    IT''S been two days since Zoe lived with Helios. It''s Monday, and she just went home from school.


    Her everyday life as a student became different the moment she lived with Helios. Yesterday, the


    man ordered someone to pick up and pack her things at her old apartment. However, they only


    brought her something that she would need at school but not her clothes because Helios bought


    many of them.


    She knew he bought her but to the extent that he would buy her dresses and stuff. She couldn''t say


    anything about his treatment. He''s caring¡ªdespite the fact that he has a solid and scary aura, she


    still manages to stay calm on his side. And she has this strong feeling that she''s safe when she''s


    with him.


    About her mom¡­ they lostmunication. But Helios assured her that her mother was safe. She


    trusts Helios'' words. She doesn''t know, but she felt at ease being with him in just a few days.


    "Miss, dinner is ready."


    "Thank you, Nana Milky. But I will wait for Helios first," Zoe said and smiled at Helios'' butler.


    "But Helios said you must eat dinner on time, Miss," the old woman said, which makes Zoe hold her


    hand.


    "Nana, I''m okay. I will just wait for Helios, and you can have a rest. I will be the one who will prepare


    his dinner," she said.


    The olddy sighed. "What else I can do? Since you live here, you always want to help, but Helios


    ordered that you don''t have to and focus on your studies until you graduate."


    Zoe crept a smile on her face. "Nana, I am just a nobody. So, I want to help."


    The olddy shook her head and sighed. "Okay, then. I know I can''t change your mind," the olddy


    said in defeat, then smiled at her. "You''re such a beautiful and kinddy," she added.


    She smiled back and let the older woman go into her room as she waited for Helios. Also, she


    needs to talk to him. She was curious about his treatment and the like. And why does he always ask


    her if she knew him?


    And no matter how hard she tried to remember moments from the past people that she interacted


    with, she can''t really remember him. The fact that she will forget the faces of people that she met,Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    she also knew that it''s pointless.


    She nced at the wall clock, and it was already eight in the evening. She turned off the television.


    Helios usually got home at this time, she thought. She stood up and was about to walk on her way


    to the kitchen when the main door opened.


    And the man she wanted to see stepped inside.


    A tint of shock was visible in Helios'' eyes when their gazes met.


    "What are you still doing?" he asked, and he walked to the wooden table near the door and put


    down his car key inside the swan''s cup.


    He started to take off his neckties as he walked closer to her.


    Zoe sighed. "Did you already eat?" she asked, trying to be casual to him¡ªwell, they always talk as


    if they knew each other for a long time.


    Yesterday, Zoe found out about his identity when she asked Nana Milky. He''s a famous bachelor in


    the business world. He owned a carpany.


    "You knew I''m not eating dinner outside¡ª"


    "Yeah, you prefer Nana''s dishes," she said and smiled. "Come on, let''s eat," she added, which


    made Helios frown.


    "You really talk to me as if we''ve known each other for a long time, yet if I asked you, you always


    replied that you can''t remember," he said.


    Zoe sighed. "It''s the truth. I really can''t remember¡ªhave we met before?" she tilted her head a little


    bit, "No matter how hard I tried to remember every event¡­" she shook her head, "¡ªI can''t


    remember that we have met before.


    Helios formed a sly smirk on his lips. "Okay. Don''t overthink about it," he said as he took off his coat


    and his necktie. He was about to throw it on the couch when Zoe rushed towards him.


    "Let me," she said as she grabbed it. "I''ll just put this on theundry basket¡ª"


    "Zoe¡­" Helios called her name, which made her put to a halt.


    She arched her brow and met Helios'' gaze. She waited for Helios'' following words, but his mouth


    didn''t open, and just nodded at her before he walked towards the kitchen.


    Zoe frowned. "Did he want to say something to me?" she whispered.


    When Helios pulled the chair in the kitchen and sat, he cursed inside his head. Don''t lose control,


    his inner self shouted.


    He heaved a deep sigh and waited for Zoe. After a few moments, Zoe returned, and the woman


    started to serve him dinner, which she didn''t need to. But it seems like the woman felt that she has


    debts to pay, so he just let her. Besides, it was the first time that a woman cared for her¡ªhe meant


    a stranger like her.


    Zoe smiled at him, and he smiled back. And it''s another thing that he does, unusually. He''s not fond


    of smiling, but his heart softened with a simple smile or gestures from Zoe.


    They eat dinner peacefully, and when he''s done, he stands up and is about to put his te on the


    sink when Zoe stands up and initiates to have it.


    "You can go upstairs and rest. Leave it to me," she said.


    He sighed and nodded. It seems he can''t stop her. He then left the kitchen and went upstairs.


    Zoe smiled unconsciously while washing the dishes. She doesn''t know, but she feels like she was


    her girlfriend¡ª "Damn it," she whispered. Then suddenly. She remembers that she needs to talk to


    him.


    After she was done with what she was doing, she hurried to the next floor and knocked on Helios''


    room. She frowned and knocked once again but still, no one opened the door. She then tried to


    twist the knob, and her eyes widened¡­ ''it''s not locked,'' she thought.


    She pressed her lips together and heaved a sigh as she twisted it and pushed the door open. Her


    forehead creased when she didn''t see Helios inside. She knew what she was doing was


    inappropriate, but she was just curious what his room looked like, and as she expected, it was


    shouted luxury, yet it was simple.


    The interior paint is so cold to the eyes. It''s gray and has a lining of ck below. He has a king-


    sized bed. And the color of the sheet and hisforter is silky ck. Now, she nodded. Helios


    maybe loves the color ck and gray. The color of his pillows was gray.


    She closes the door and roams her eyes inside his room. And her gaze stopped on the picture


    frames that were above his side table. She smiled. She walked towards it and grabbed it as she ran


    her fingers into his portrait.


    "What are you doing here?"


    Zoe suddenly put down the frame and turned around in his direction. Her eyes widened when he


    saw him.


    Helios is half-naked!


    And while he walked in her direction, her eyes went down to his navel¡ªshit! Eight-packs, she


    screamed inside her head.


    She was about to look away when her eyes caught the tribal tattoo on his left arm until it covered


    his left chest. She squinted her eyes, and thoughts suddenly came into her mind. Then she came to


    realize¡­


    "Y-You¡­" her heart started to palpitate as the memories of that night came across her mind, "¡ª


    you''re that man¡ªthat tattoo¡­" she''s sure that she already saw that tattoo¡ªthe unique tribal


    design¡­


    Helios approached her side in a swift move and suddenly cupped her face and pressed his lips into


    hers.

 Kiss and Touch

    Kiss and Touch


    WHEN Zoe¡¯s lips met his lips, a bomb suddenly exploded inside her. The kiss is familiar, and so is


    his touch. She knew that her body recognized it.


    He was the man whom she let have her that night two years ago. She can¡¯t forget that tribal tattoo


    design covering his left chest and shoulder. The room that night is dim, but the tattoo shines through


    the dark.


    She was sure that he was the man who took her virginity¡ªyes, she lost it that night. It was clear as


    snow, but it was the memory she tried to forget. She was drunk. However, she still remembers what


    she did. She was at the counter at that time while waiting for her mom. She remembered clearly


    how she pulled the guy that passed by in front of her and suddenly kissed him. It was supposed to


    be a peck, but the guy caught her lips again.


    She opened her eyes at the moment and pushed Helios away. Her chest was heavy panting while


    she stared at him.


    ¡°Now, you remembered me,¡± he said, and a smile formed on his lips.


    ¡°W-Why you didn¡¯t tell me the moment¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to. I want you to remember me by your will,¡± he replied as he met her gaze.


    In Zoe¡¯s eyes, confusion can be seen. ¡°W-Why did you kiss me again?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe I want to taste those lips again. You made me insane for the past years. And I


    had enough control not to get close to you¡ªwatching you from afar is enough¡ª¡±


    ¡°Why do you have to do it? I am a stranger. It was just a one-night stand, Helios¡ª¡±


    ¡°It is, but it is memorable. I remember how you rubbed your wetness on my navel¡ª¡±


    ¡°Helios!¡± she warned, but the man just let out a soft chuckle.


    ¡°Why? Didn¡¯t you enjoy that night too?¡±


    ¡°I was drunk,¡± she replied, which made Helios let out a mischievous smile.


    ¡°Really? Then why did you remember my tattoo? Well, maybe you¡¯re drunk since it took you two


    days to remember¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because you¡¯re wearing long and half sleeves polo. And this is my second time seeing you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Naked?¡± he interrupted, which made her roll her eyes.


    ¡°Half. Half-naked,¡± she corrected.


    Helios formed a sly smirk on his lips and suddenly took off the towel that wrapped on his lower part,


    and Zoe¡¯s eyes wanted to pop out of the socket when she saw his firm and hard shaft.


    ¡°Helios!¡± she eximed, but Helios just let out a soft chuckle and rushed towards her.


    Surprise, she fell on the bed, and Helios leaned over as he put his hands on her both sides and met


    her eyes.


    Zoe could feel the loud beats of her heart as she met his gaze. ¡°H-Helios¡­¡± she mumbled. She


    wanted to push him away, but her body won¡¯t cooperate.


    ¡°Zoe¡­¡± he whispered, wearing his deep velvety voice, which sent chills down Zoe¡¯s body.


    She tried her best not to look down. But damn herself when her eyesnded on his proud shaft.


    ¡°Loving the view?¡± Helios teased, which made Zoe get back her gaze into his.


    ¡°Stay away¡ª¡±


    She didn¡¯t finish her words when Helios imed her lips again. It was gentle at first, and when she


    kissed back, their kisses became rough.


    Helios started to touch her from her face down to her neck until it went to her shoulder. Then


    suddenly, it changed direction; his hands went inside her blouse and caressed her t tummy, which


    made her moan between their kisses.


    She could see the fire growing and could feel the heat that it gave. His warm touch made her shiver.


    His kisses went down to her jaw, down to her neck as he pulled off her blouse and tossed it to the


    side, and she cursed herself inside her head because she didn¡¯t evenin.


    Helios stopped as he met her eyes, and all she ever wanted at that moment was to vanish. But she


    can¡¯t because she has no magic.


    His hand went into her left shoulder as he slowly pulled down the strap of her bra until his hand


    went on her back and lifted her up and pressed his lips again into hers.


    Then came, he unsped the hook of her bra and took it off her without breaking the kiss.


    She moaned when she felt his warm palm envelope his right breast as his right hand went at the


    back of her head, and slowly, he leaned over, pushing Zoe onto the bed.


    Soon as her back felt the cold velvety sheets, she moaned once again as his hand went above her


    breast and kneaded it gently.


    While Helios nibbled her lips, she encircled her hands into his nape which deepened their kiss. He


    slightly bit her lower lip which made her gasp and part her lips. He then took that chance to dart his


    tongue inside her mouth and started to battle with her tongue.


    A moan slipped from her mouth when Helios sucked her tongue gently and swirled it inside. Sooner,


    his hands tweaked his nipple in between his fingers, and his touch went down to her navel until he


    found the part of her cleft.


    She was wearing pajamas, yet she could feel the warmth through his touch.


    Helios gently rubbed his fingers into her mound behind her pajama as his lips went down to her


    neck, down to her shoulder, until his lips found her right nipple and started to nibble it. He swirls his


    tongue around her soft pinkish tips and then sucks it, which makes her shudder.


    Her eyeballs rolled up, and she closed her eyes because the tingling sensation from Helios¡¯s touch


    was slowly killing her.


    Helios¡¯s hand continues to rub her mound while his mouth is savoring her tip. He licked and kissed


    her left tip, then he ran his tongue on the other part of her breasts and put her right nipple inside his


    mouth. While savoring her tip, his hand went to the side of her pajama and pulled it off.


    She gasped when she felt the coldness that came from the AC, but when Helios touched her again,


    heat evaded her body.


    His hand went back to her mound and rubbed it. At the same time, he swirls his tongue down to her


    navel until it reaches the top of the garter of her panty. Slowly, he bit the strap and pulled it down,


    and let his hand do the rest until Zoe was naked.


    Helios carried her and pushed her upward as he went on top of her in a swift move.


    Zoe¡¯s cheeks turned pinkish-red when they both locked their gazes on each other.


    For goodness¡¯ sake, they¡¯re both naked.


    She knew she was not that innocent, but damn, ¡®how could things end up like this so quickly?¡¯ She


    thought.


    ¡°You knew how much I control myself not to im you¡ª¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a coward then,¡± she interrupted, and she saw how lines were drawn into Helios¡¯s forehead.


    A sly smirk crept into his lips as he slowly leaned over and imed her lips. Sooner, they found


    themselves exchanging rough kisses as if the wall in front of them broke. Their touches went wild.


    Zoe mimicked him as he started to roam his hands all over her body. Her hand traveled into his


    nape, to his back, until it went into his chest as their kisses went deep.


    And when Helios¡¯s kisses went down to her neck, she couldn¡¯t help herself not to moan out of


    pleasure. His kisses went down to her breast, and he licked her left tip again while Zoe trailed her


    fingers into the tattoo on his left shoulder.


    She arched her body when his lips went down to her navel until she felt his warm breath in her


    between. She nced down as she parted her legs to give Helios a better view of her mound.


    Helios pulled himself up as he rubbed her clit, making her moan aloud. Then suddenly, he slid one


    finger inside her core. And a tint of pain registered on Zoe¡¯s face, but when he started to thrust his


    finger in and out, pleasure began to dive in immediately, easing the pain.


    However, Helios¡¯s finger didn¡¯tst too long inside her core because he moved up and kneeled in


    her between; his hands enveloping her thighs and guiding his shaft towards her wet core. And


    started to delve deeper inside her¡ªbanging her hard and rough.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

 She Wants Him

    She Wants Him


    Zoe awoke beside Helios the following morning. Naked. She shook her head as she locked her


    gaze on Helios, who was sleeping peacefully beside her.


    She questioned herself at this point: how did she get in here?


    She was a typical college student who was only concerned with her studies and her mother. Her


    mother, whom she adores, attempted to sell her to a man¡ªa murderous devil.


    However, how could she be certain Helios is not a mirror image of his father?


    Zoe sighed and was about to descend when she felt a warmth draw her.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    When she felt Helios¡¯s breathnd on her bare neck, she closed her eyes. She sighed as she


    turned to face him.


    Zoe smiled as she locked eyes with Helios. ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°I apologize forst night¡ª¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she said, shaking her head. ¡°You are not required to be sorry. We both desired it,¡± she


    continued.


    Helios smiled and kissed her temple softly. His hands caressed her right cheek.


    ¡°I¡¯m reluctant to im you, but I can¡¯t help myself¡ª¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Zoe sighed. ¡°Believe me; I am knowledgeable.¡± She drew in closer, cupping his face


    and iming Helios¡¯ lips. And when she released her grip, she smiled once more.


    The silence returned, and all that remained were their eyes as if they understood each other simply


    by looking.


    ¡°So¡­¡±


    Zoe¡¯s brow arched. ¡°So, what?¡±


    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t have sses today?¡± Helios inquired, his gaze falling on Zoe¡¯s natural


    pinkish lips.


    ¡°Hmm... are you sure you didn¡¯t forget the days of the week?¡±


    Helios let out a soft chuckle and pushed himself away from her, locking his gaze on the ceiling.


    Zoe squinted. ¡°Is there a problem? Don¡¯t you have work?¡±


    ¡°It''s a holiday.¡±


    Zoe smiled and moved closer to him. Helios stretched her right hand, and Zoe rested her head on it.


    When she smells his natural scent, she closes her eyes. ¡®Damn, he still smells amazing,¡¯ she


    reflected.


    ¡°Did my father instill fear in you?¡± Helios inquired abruptly, causing a crease in Zoe¡¯s brow.


    Did he not?


    Zoe sighed deeply. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I am¡ª¡±


    ¡°However, I¡¯m more afraid of what mom did. How could she have done such a thing to me?¡± Zoe felt


    a tightening in her chest as she recalled what had urred just a few days before.


    ¡°She would have informed me, and I will do everything I can to help her. I am aware that she is a


    gambler, but¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shh¡­ I do not want you to consider it. The important thing was, you¡¯re here with me. Safe,¡± Helios


    said as he hugged her, making Zoe bury her face on his side.


    Zoe smiled and raised her eyes to him. ¡°I appreciate it.¡±


    Helios beamed a smile. ¡°My pleasure, but it is not gratuitous...¡± he paused.


    Zoe¡¯s brow arched. ¡°What? Do you want something?¡± she moved away from him and sat. However,


    when she caught a glimpse of Helios¡¯s gaze, her eyes widened, and she immediately grabbed the


    comforter and covered her chest.


    ¡°You are aware that there is no reason for that,¡± he stated meaningfully.


    Zoe sighed and rolled her eyes. ¡°Simply get to the point. What are your intentions? You already


    have me¡ª¡±


    ¡°Marry me.¡±


    Zoe¡¯s eyes grew wider. Did she hear correctly?


    The silence filled in, and for a brief moment... Helios squealed withughter.


    Zoe clenches her teeth, and invisible smoke begins to emanate from her nose as if she were


    portraying an enraged dragon.


    ¡°How could you!¡± Helios caught her hand as she was about to p him.


    ¡°Hey, my apologies. I simply wish to brighten the mood¡ª¡±


    ¡°By pranking me?¡±


    Helios¡¯ lips were pursed. ¡°I wasn¡¯t intending to¡ªHey, Zoe.¡±


    Zoe rolled out of bed without looking at him. She let go of theforter, oblivious to the fact that


    Helios would witness her nakedness. In any case, he has already seen it.


    ¡°Zoe. C¡¯mon. I apologize.¡±


    Helios rose from his bed and approached Zoe, but she red at him.


    ¡°Stop. Keep a safe distance from me. And this will not happen again,¡± she stated as she began


    looking for the bathroom. When she did, she rushed towards it but was quickly apprehended by


    Helios.


    ¡°Leave me alone!¡±


    ¡°No! I expressed my regret.¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t require your apologies¡ª¡±


    ¡°I intend to marry you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stop!¡± Zoe made no further attempt to wiggle. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in hearing about it. And, oh, I¡¯ve


    got some housework to do,¡± she said, cocking her head to the side.


    She locked her gaze on Helios¡¯s eyes before lowering her gaze to his arms that encircled her waist.


    ¡°Let me go, Helios,¡± she repeated.


    ¡°No. Not unless and until you forgive me¡ª¡±


    ¡°Forgiven. Now, allow me to go; I desired to take a shower¡ª¡±


    ¡°Then let us do it...¡± Helios carried her in bridal style, ¡°¡ªtogether.¡±


    For a brief moment, Zoe is powerless. She was taken aback, and the next thing she knew, they


    were sharing passionate kisses inside the bathroom.


    As they both intensify their kisses, she encircles her arms around Helios¡¯s nape.


    When cold, refreshing water dripped on their bodies, their lips parted.


    Helios¡¯ hands began caressing her back. His hands reached her bottom, and he squeezed one of


    them.


    He nibbles the inside of her lower lip until his kisses reach her jaw. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Zoe raised her head and shifted it to the side, allowing Helios easier ess to her neck.


    Water drips down her face, causing her to gasp, and she feels her back collide with the cold wall.


    Helios¡¯ tongue curled into her skin as she moaned softly. It made its way down to her chest,


    stopping just short of her left breast.


    He swirled his tongue around her nipple and then sucked it, eliciting a loud mutter from Zoe.


    ¡°H-Helios¡­¡±


    Helios continued swirling his tongue and proceeded one by one.


    Zoe bit her lower lip in response to the sensation that something was growing inside her. She was


    desperate to explode. She desires him within her.


    ¡°H-Helios... please,¡± she pleaded.


    Helios smirked and came to a halt. He straightened his posture and met her gaze. ¡°Please, what?¡±


    She gulped and took a deep breath. ¡°I want you¡­ inside me.¡±

 Shes Unaware

    She''s Unaware


    THE following day, Zoe awoke early to prepare breakfast. She was aware that Nana Milky was


    present, but she insisted onpleting the task on her own.


    ¡°Have you seen Helios, Nana?¡± she inquired as she prepared to cut the white onions.


    Nana greeted her with a smile. ¡°He departed at the crack of dawn. H he will be on a week-long


    business trip.¡±


    Zoe paused in her onion cutting and looked at Nana, baffled. She spent the entire day yesterday


    with Helios. As she was afraid to leave the house¡ªprior to what happened recently¡ªshe chose to


    y board games after discovering a chessboard in the living room.


    Howe Helios failed to inform her?


    ¡°Didn¡¯t he inform you?¡±


    Zoe sighed and gave a faint smile. She examined the onions that had been chopped. ¡°No. Hmm...


    well, it¡¯s his business,¡± she replied, her voice a little somber.


    Nana Milky approached her and took her hand in hers. ¡°I¡¯m certain he¡¯ll call. Helios is always this


    way when he embarks on a journey.¡±


    Zoe pursed her lips and gave a slight nod.


    ¡®Why am I behaving as if wemit?¡¯


    Zoe sighed. ¡°Thank you, Nana. There is no cause for concern. It is not as if we are in a¡ª¡±


    ¡°Rtionship?¡± Nana abruptly cut off, causing Zoe¡¯s eyes to widen, and she felt a little surprised.


    ¡°Nana¡­¡±


    The elderly woman smiled at her. ¡°I recognize genuine affection when I see it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not what you think, N-Nana.¡± Zoe felt slightly embarrassed because she was certain the elderly


    woman was aware that she had already had sex with Helios. However, it never urs to her that


    she might like him.


    She was attracted differently, not liking him, and eventually fell into love.


    ¡°Helios is someone I¡¯ve known for a very long time. Two years ago, he began to like a girl¡ªmore


    urately. He became obsessed with her. I discovered the name one day, and it was yours.¡±


    Zoe was so taken aback by the revtion that she was speechless.


    She shook her head and locked her gaze on Nana Milky¡¯s.


    ¡°Nana...¡± she said as she let go of the knife and wiped her hands on her apron. She pressed her


    hands into Nana¡¯s as she continued, ¡°¡ªHelios was my first. Even I, I swear, have been puzzled by


    what has urred in my life since that night.¡±


    Nana smiled once more, causing Zoe to feel a little uneasy.


    ¡°I am aware. Things moved quickly between you two, but you don¡¯t know Helios, so I¡¯ll say that I¡¯m


    proud of his decision this time,¡± the olddy said as if she were conveying a profound message.


    Zoe squinted. ¡°Nana, perhaps these,¡± she shifted her gaze around before returning her gaze to


    Nana, ¡°¡ªthese will be only temporary. And I¡¯m confident that Helios will eventually decide to release


    me¡ª¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re already sold to him, Zoe. Helios is someone I am familiar with. But promise me one thing¡­¡±


    the old woman sighed, ¡°¡ªtrust him.¡±


    Zoe¡¯s brow furrowed slightly as if mystified. There¡¯s something in Nana that she couldn¡¯t figure out.


    ¡°Certainly, Nana. Helios rescued me from the clutches of his father. I¡¯m familiar with his father. That


    elderly gentleman was the one who assassinated the estate¡¯s most prominent member¡ª¡±


    Nana shook her head in disbelief. ¡°Ignore Don Lincoln. Simply put, your trust in Helios. And please


    hurry. You¡¯re going to bete if we continue this drama,¡± she said softly, to which Zoe responded


    with a soft chuckle.


    Zoe shook her head and released her grip on Nana¡¯s hands. ¡°I¡­ ¡°I¡¯m a little bit¡ª¡±


    ¡°Moved?¡±


    Zoe chuckled and nodded.


    ¡°Well, then, continue making breakfast, and oh, don¡¯t forget to give me a taste. I¡¯ll just begin


    cleaning Helios¡¯s room,¡± Nana said as she walked away, smiling at her.


    Zoe sighed as she continued her work.


    ¡®What just happened earlier?¡¯ She thought.


    She smiled and shook her head as her thoughts drifted back to yesterday. On the other hand,


    Helios insisted that she sleep in his room, but she declined.


    Zoe was well aware that sleeping with a man was a bad idea and that it was a temptation. AndOwned by N?velDrama.Org.


    cursed her because she was unable to help herself. As a result, it is advisable to avoid Helios.


    Furthermore, she had not yet graduated.


    She busied herself with cooking and preparations before joining Nana Milky for breakfast.


    Afterward, she then went upstairs to prepare for school.


    Since she left her home, she has been aware that she is missing someone. Iris. Her mother.


    If God can forgive sinners, why can¡¯t she?


    Zoe and her mother owe Helios money. He pays for everything and even ensures her mother¡¯s


    survival.


    She was well aware that their association with Don Lincoln would jeopardize their lives, and the only


    person in whom they could ce their trust was Helios.


    However, doubts lingered in Zoe¡¯s mind.


    She was still unsure whether Helios was a gentle soul or if he was also like his father.


    ¡®Damn. How could I even consider such a thing?¡¯ she thought before going down the stairs.


    ¡°Nana¡­¡±


    Nana drew closer to her as she approached the main entrance.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think they¡¯ll get a lot of attention? You knew I was known to be amoner¡ªady with


    no penny. Do you believe they will not criticize me for this?¡± Zoe inquired, her gaze falling on the two


    men dressed in suits resembling those worn by presidents¡¯ bodyguards in films,monly referred


    to as men-in-ck.


    Nana chuckled softly. ¡°Oh dear, do not be rmed. You¡¯re going to be fine. Helios had already given


    them the order. Therefore, please make an effort to be at ease with them. And who knows what will


    happen when Helios marries you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Nana... he was joking. Believe it not.¡±


    The elderlydy gave a soft chuckle. ¡°I¡¯ve known Helios. He is incapable of cracking nor exerting a


    jest,¡± she stated.


    Zoe inhaled deeply and sighed. She was about to walk when she caught sight of her dress¡¯s hem.


    ¡°And, Nana, why am I required to wear this type of clothing?¡±


    Nana burst outughing once more. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re skilled at whining, dear. It is Helios¡¯s will,¡± she


    said, turning to the man at her side and adding, ¡°Take care of her.¡±


    ¡°Nana¡­¡±


    ¡°Have a pleasant day, Zoe. Additionally, check your phone,¡± Nana Milky emphasized.


    ¡®Great! Yeah, the phone. I never had one in my entire life, not until yesterday morning. Where Helios


    handed me his spare phone because I didn¡¯t want him to buy me a new one.¡¯ Zoe let out a sigh. ¡®I


    never imagined that Zoe, who lives on a narrow street in a wooden-walled apartment surrounded by


    stinking sewage, could wear such fancy clothes and even be treated like a princess while living with


    her prince charming.¡¯

 His Fianc茅

    His Fianc¨¦


    "IS that Zoe themoner?¡±


    ¡°Wow, she¡¯s hot, dude!¡±


    ¡°Amoner is always amoner. Even if she wears luxury clothes.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    Zoe is aware that the people are eyeing her. Murmuring about her.


    Well, who wouldn¡¯t?


    She was known to be themoner. She has been bullied ever since because of her mother. But


    all of these, she tends to ignore.


    And she was quite aware that her entrance, with the two men beside her, walking with her, would


    literally catch attention.


    She stopped walking and faced the man on her right. ¡°Maybe it would be best if you would wait for


    me in the parking lot? I know you understand my situation,¡± she said and smiled. However, she got


    no response.


    She looked to her left, and still, the other man had no response.


    ¡®Seriously?¡¯ she thought.


    ¡°Look, sir. You will put me in trouble if you don¡¯t stay away¡ª¡±


    ¡°We need to follow sir Lincoln¡¯s order, ma¡¯am. I¡¯m sorry,¡± finally the man on her right talked.


    Zoe pinched the bridge of her nose to calm herself. Afterward, she wandered her gaze around and


    saw her fellow students gossiping, whispering through their ears. And she¡¯s aware that it is all about


    her.


    She heaved a deep sigh and continued to walk to the left wing of the university.


    ¡®Damn, you got this, self,¡± she thought.


    ¡°Hey, bitch!¡±


    Zoe stopped when she heard that voice¡ªthat familiar voice came from the cheerleading team


    leader at the University, Mira.


    ¡°My, my, Zoe¡­¡± Mira walked towards Zoe, but the two men on her side went in front of her, seeming


    to protect her. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°What on earth?¡± Mira, for sure, was baffled. ¡°Hey, Zoe. Can you tell them to stay¡ª¡±


    ¡°State your business, young miss,¡± the man on Zoe¡¯s right talked.


    Zoe heaved a deep sigh and moved to the side. She slightly pulled the man and smiled at him. ¡°I


    got this.¡±


    She looked at Mira, and thetter arched her brow as she crossed her arms in front of her chest.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? As far as I remember, you¡¯re not born rich, and thest time we see each other,


    you¡¯re not with them.¡±


    Zoe smiled faintly and nodded. Guess Helios¡¯s idea is really gonna create a scene and will probably


    humiliate her.


    ¡°Trust me. I have no idea.¡±


    Mira snorted. ¡°Have no idea? Are you fucking kidding me?¡± she moved closer to Zoe, but the man


    stopped Mira, making Mirain and re at him.


    ¡°And what¡¯s with their sunsses? They¡¯re inside the school premises. And I can¡¯t see the sun?¡±


    Mira reacted and rolled her eyes.


    Zoe let out a soft chuckle. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± she nced at her watch, ¡°¡ªI¡¯m gonna gette¡ª¡±


    ¡°Are you avoiding me now? Don¡¯t tell me you already forget that you owe¡ª¡±


    ¡°I certainly not forget about it, Mira. But please. I have a ss to attend¡ª¡±


    ¡°In ten days, we¡¯re gonna climb to the stage and get our diploma. But your debts on me have not


    yet been paid,¡± Mira warned as she red at Zoe.


    Zoe could feel the blood rush towards her cheeks, and her heart started to thump fast.


    ¡°I¡­ I know. I will pay you. But I still don¡¯t have the money. I don¡¯t have work¡ª¡±


    ¡°Says the woman who has bodyguards and dresses like she was a real princess,¡± Mira interrupted.


    Zoe knew that she needed to pay Mira.


    The thing was, she had no job yet. It was her mother¡¯s debt to Mira¡¯s father but Mira, being a bitch


    who always bullies her, still saves Zoe and her mother. Long story short, Mira saved them, but they


    need to repay.


    ¡°Ten thousand dors is just a small amount, Zoe. I¡¯m sure your new sugar daddy can give you


    that.¡±


    Zoe frowned.


    ¡®Sugar daddy?¡¯


    ¡°Sugar daddy? What makes you think that I have¡ª¡±


    ¡°Then what? Don¡¯t tell me your mother sell you and a rich guy has bought you?¡± Mira asked, making


    Zoe¡¯s eyes widen in surprise.


    She was rendered speechless.


    Mira let out a disturbing chuckle. ¡°Oh, did I hit the trigger?¡±


    Zoe¡¯s lips parted, and she let out a chuckle. ¡°Of¡­ Of course, I¡¯ll pay you. I¡¯ll tell him¡ª¡±


    ¡°Great. Anyway, I don¡¯t care about who¡¯s your master, bitch. I just want to get my money,¡± Mira said


    before she left, which made Zoe feel a little mystified.


    Mira is not like that, and it¡¯s the first time that she confronted her and did nothing to her. Despite the


    two men beside her, Mira will always be Mira, and she should make a way to do things for her.


    But why?


    Zoe sighed and looked at the two.


    ¡°Do you know her?¡±


    The two looked at each other and nodded.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°She was Helios¡¯s cousin, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Zoe¡¯s jaw dropped; eyes filled with shock.


    Cousin?


    Does it mean she knew that Helios¡ª ¡°so, she¡¯s familiar with you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± the two said in unison.


    ¡®What the hell?!¡¯


    In ss, Zoe¡¯s mind is flying somewhere; her thoughts are full of questions, and she basically wants


    to know the answers.


    How on earth did Helios and Mira have connections?


    She shook her head and closed her notebook as she dropped her pen on the desk.


    The whole thing will feed her curiosity. Then suddenly, she remembered the phone that was inside


    her bag.


    ¡®Great. I need to ask Helios,¡¯ she thought.


    Zoe waited for her sses to end in the morning, and afterward, she went to the garden, where she


    usually spent her lunch alone.


    But this time, she was with what they call ¡®bodyguards,¡¯ and she found it a little bit awkward.


    ¡°Can you please stay away from me for a moment? My apology, but I wanted to have privacy.¡±


    ¡°But ma¡¯am¡ª¡±


    ¡°At least give me time to talk with Helios. I will gonna call him.¡±


    They nodded. ¡°We¡¯re gonna watch you still, ma¡¯am,¡± the man said before they walked away.


    Zoe sighed in relief when the two kept their distance from her. She then let out the phone and tried


    to figure things out with it.


    This is her first time. Although she tried to tap itst night, still, she needs more knowledge about it.


    Helios¡¯s instructed her that the only contact on the phone was his number, and all she needed to do


    was to click the designated app.


    And she smiled when she sessfully did it.


    She heaved a sigh and calmed herself while waiting for Helios to pick up his phone.


    Well, Nana told her that Helios might call. However, it seems like the man is quite busy.


    She sighed once again when no one answered, but after a few seconds, she heard his voice over


    the phone¡ªdeep, velvety, and husky. It was Helios¡¯s charming tone.


    ¡°Baby.¡±


    Zoe pressed her lips and smiled. ¡°Helios.¡±


    ¡°Mm¡­¡±


    ¡°C-Can I ask something?¡± Zoe started.


    She heard Helios¡¯s soft chuckle. ¡°Seems like something is bothering my baby?¡±


    Zoe shook her head, well as if Helios could see it.


    ¡°How are you rted to Mira?¡±


    The line went silent for a few seconds before Helios responded. ¡°Mira, what?¡±


    ¡°Mira Riverdale.¡±


    Helios let out a soft chuckle. ¡°She¡¯s my cousin. Second. In the mother side.¡±


    Zoe nodded.


    ¡°Oh, I forgot, she¡¯s at the same university as you. Is she bullying you? Tell me. If so, I¡¯m gonna


    punish that¡ª¡±


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s okay. She¡¯s no harm. And she¡¯s good. She even saved mom and me just like you did.¡± Zoe


    needs to let it out. She feels like Helios must know.


    ¡°Oh. I know Mira; she¡¯s a bitch, and helping is not her cup of tea.¡±


    ¡°She did, Helios¡ª¡±


    ¡°Calling me ¡®baby¡¯ is fine, wife. Besides, we¡¯re gonna marry¡ª¡±


    ¡°Enough with it, Helios. I am not exerting a joke here,¡± Zoe stated, making Heliosugh on the other


    line.


    ¡°Sorry, baby. So¡­ what about Mira?¡±


    ¡°I owe her ten thousand and¡ª¡±


    ¡°She wants the money?¡±


    Zoe nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°No problem, baby. I will transfer it to her ount. That¡¯s nothing. And¡ª¡±


    ¡°Helios¡­¡± she sighed, ¡°¡ªyou don¡¯t understand. I just want to¡ª¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s fine, baby. Your fianc¨¦ will take care of it.¡±


    ¡°Helios, are you still making fun of me? How did you be my fianc¨¦? I know you save me¡ªyou


    bought me is the term. And sooner, I will make amends¡ª¡±


    ¡°Who said that I will let you make amends? I want to marry you not because of pity, Zoe. It¡¯s


    because I love you. Now, let¡¯s talk when I get back¡­.¡±


    Zoe was about to interfere, but Helios didn¡¯t let her.


    ¡°¡ªOops. I don¡¯t wanna hear a thing about you, undesiring my offer. Let¡¯s talk about the marriage


    when I get back, baby. I¡¯m not fond of jokes, Zoe. So, wait for me.¡±

 His Identity

    His Identity


    ZOE was surprised when she woke up one morning. Helios was there, sitting beside her, and she


    bet he was staring at her, who-knows-when.


    It was a hell week for Zoe, dealing with other bullies, but she admits it and is beyond grateful


    because the queen, Mira Riverdale, was there to save her ass.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Helios uttered and smiled at her.


    Zoe couldn¡¯t still believe the things happening between them were too swift and seemed temporary.


    She moved herself up and leaned on the headboard, never leaving Helios¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Since when did you arrive?¡±


    Helios crept a yful smirk on his lips. ¡°Just this morning.¡±


    Zoe pressed her lips and sighed. ¡°And how long have you been staring at me?¡±


    Helios let out a soft chuckle. ¡°You have no idea¡ª¡±


    ¡°Just answer me, Helios. And I am not up for a joke.¡±


    Helios¡¯s forehead creased and sat properly. ¡°What¡¯s with you, baby? Did I do something wrong?¡±


    Zoe took a deep breath and sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± she shook her head, ¡°¡ªall of these seem so


    unreal, and it shouldn¡¯t be like this.¡±


    Zoe was certain that he might trigger something inside Helios. And she won¡¯t apologize for that.


    ¡°Are you talking about my proposal? The marriage thing¡ª¡±


    ¡°That marriage thing¡­¡± she raised her hand to prevent Helios from talking.


    ¡°Marriage is not a game that has to be yed by kids. Marriage is sacred. You can¡¯t just joke with


    that thing around. Especially to strangers like me. Whom you only met,¡± she stared into Helios¡¯s


    eyes, ¡°¡ªa few weeks ago,¡± she added, making Helios scoff.


    Helios arched his brow. ¡°You are not a stranger.¡±


    Zoeughed sarcastically. She doesn¡¯t mean to be rude to someone else who saved her life, but


    she¡¯s dealing with an important thing.


    ¡°Say, you know me. Like from that bar? Two years ago? A virgin woman who deals with a one-night


    stand with Helios Lincoln? So, that will be the reason for our union?¡±


    ¡°Stop being sarcastic, Zoe.¡± Helios¡¯s voice is indifferent. It¡¯s stern and chilly.


    Zoeughed. ¡°I¡¯m certainly not. I am stating facts. I am waking you up.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t change my mind¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stop this nonsense, Helios. Marriage is not for rush¡ª¡±


    ¡°Trust me. I know you well. Wanna know a secret, Zoe?¡±


    Zoe was rendered speechless. She doesn¡¯t know why Helios needs to rush things, especially with


    the word marriage¡­ which is supposed to be not.


    ¡°Do tell.¡±


    ¡°I am responsible for your schrship.¡±


    Zoe wasn¡¯t surprised. She knew it days ago.


    ¡°I know,¡± she replied and curled down theforter as she moved to the side and wore her


    slippers.


    ¡°You know?¡± the shock in Helios¡¯s voice and reaction are indeed visible.


    Zoe met his eyes and nodded. ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°Then, what¡¯s wrong¡ª¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t love me, Helios. The marriage you want won¡¯t work without love.¡±


    Helios¡¯s eyes widened, and he chuckled. ¡°Oh, you have no idea how much I love you, Zoe Levine. I


    love you so much¡ª¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t be together, Hel. You know that. I know we had sex twice, but that¡¯s not a measure of


    love. Can¡¯t you understand?¡±


    Zoe put her hand on her waist as she tried to exin things to Helios, who was on the other side of


    the bed.


    Helios stood up and shed sadness in his eyes.


    ¡°How sure are you? I love you, and I won¡¯t offer marriage if I am not ready.¡±


    Zoe shook her head, and there was only one thing she knew that might stop Helios¡¯s stupidity.


    ¡°And I don¡¯t love you, Helios.¡±


    Silence evaded the whole room, and no one dared to talk for minutes. They both could hear the


    swoosh of the wind, the way how leaves moved by its force, and the chirping of the bird, which had


    been lightened by the morning sun.


    ¡°You¡¯re¡ª¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the truth. Not just because we had sex or I let you have me¡ªthat I want you fucking me


    means to say that I love you, Helios. That¡¯s not how it works. Love is different from want. I want you,


    but I do not love you. And love can¡¯t be one-sided. Again, marriage is sacred. Thank you so much


    for saving me, even though I know that I was sold to you rather than to your father. But the thing


    you¡¯ve done to me will not affect my emotions, my heart towards yours.¡±


    Zoe saw a tint of sadness in Helios¡¯s eyes and the way he shook his head and let out a sarcastic


    smile.


    Helios is hurting.


    He smiled. ¡°I see¡­¡± his voice is faint, ¡°¡ªI am sorry¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, I am sorry, Helios. I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Congrats,¡± Helios let out a sarcastic chuckle, ¡°¡ªyou just did.¡± Zoe was about to talk when Helios


    cut her off. ¡°¡ªno worries. I understand, and I can manage. Maybe, you¡¯re right¡­ I shouldn¡¯t rush


    things. Excuse me.¡±


    Zoe was shocked. ¡°Helios¡­¡±


    But Helios had already left the room.


    Zoe heaved a deep sigh. ¡®Did I go overboard?¡¯ she thought.


    ¡­


    ¡°How¡¯s your trip, Helios?¡± Nana Milky asked Helios when they were both sitting in the kitchen a few


    minutes after he went down from Zoe¡¯s room.


    Helios drank the cup of tea that his Nana served.


    ¡°Nothing¡¯s new, Nana,¡± he replied after.


    Nana Milky could sense that something was bothering Helios.


    ¡°Did you talk to Zoe?¡±


    Helios¡¯s met Nana¡¯s eyes. ¡°He doesn¡¯t love me, Nana.¡±


    Nana Milky felt pity for Helios, whom she treasured as her son for years.


    Ever since Helios¡¯ mother died, it was she who took good care of him.


    ¡°Did I scare her, Nana? Did I go so fast? I know, but I am true to my feelings. I love her. It¡¯s been


    years.¡±


    ¡°You surely love her, but it isn¡¯t right. I know you made the best decision to help her. But it was


    because you¡¯re guilty¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, Nana. I love Zoe!¡± Helios¡¯s voice raised, and his grip on the mug tightened.


    Nana was rmed and calmed him down. What if Zoe saw it?


    ¡°I understand. But you should also get honest¡ª¡±


    ¡°I am honest, Nana. You know I am. I helped her. I saved her. I love her.¡±


    Nana Milky nodded to calm Helios. ¡°I know. I am proud of you. I know you love her, son. But you¡¯re


    stealing your brother¡¯s identity.¡±


    Helios¡¯s clenched his fist and red at his Nana.


    ¡°I am Helios, Nana. I am.¡±


    ¡°Orion¡ª¡±


    ¡°I am Helios, Nana. Not Orion.¡±


    Nana Milky doesn¡¯t know how to control him at the moment, but she needs to calm him down.


    ¡°Icarus Helios is already dead. And you have nothing to do with it. It wasn¡¯t your fault. Orion¡­¡±


    Nana paused when Helios raised his hand.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear anything that rted to that name, Nana. I am the only Helios now.¡±


    Nana shook her head and looked around. ¡°Yes, you are. You and your twin have the name Helios.


    But you¡¯re not the person whom Zoe met two years¡ª¡±


    ¡°Enough with this conversation, Nana. And don¡¯t ever mention my dead brother here,¡± Helios said,


    wearing his cold voice, and left.


    Nana Milky shook her head in disbelief.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

 Warning and Coldness

    Warning and Coldness


    ¡°CONGRATULATIONS, ZOE!¡± Nana Milky greeted Zoe as she exited the stage.


    Zoe gave the elderlydy a genuine smile and hugged her. She then walked over to her mother,


    who was crying and standing on Nana Milky¡¯s back.


    Iris couldn¡¯t help but cry as she watched her daughter walk across the stage to receive her awards


    and diploma. Words can¡¯t describe how proud and happy she was.


    ¡°Mom¡­¡±


    Iris shook her head, and she couldn¡¯t stop thinking about what happened a few weeks ago. She


    regretted everything, and she was grateful that Zoe had allowed her to attend her graduation.


    ¡°Please ept my apologies¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shh¡­¡± Zoe rushed up to her and tightly hugged her. ¡°¡ªdon¡¯t me yourself, mom,¡± she released


    her grip and smiled. ¡°We allmit mistakes, and I forgave you. And all I ask is that you promise


    me one thing...¡±


    Iris bit her lower lip as she fixed her gaze on her daughter. She took Zoe¡¯s hand in hers and


    squeezed it tightly as she met her gaze. ¡°Please tell me, honey.¡±


    Zoe cracked a grin. ¡°Promise me you¡¯ll never keep a secret again.¡±


    Iris was stunned for a few seconds before smiling and nodding. ¡°I swear to you. Come here,¡± she


    said and hugged her daughter once again.


    ¡°Well, I suppose it would be impolite to interrupt your mother-daughter reunion.¡±


    Zoe let go of the embrace and turned to face the person with a deep but alluring voice.


    ¡°Congrattions.¡±


    Zoe bit her lower lip as she stared at Helios. She was aware that they hadn¡¯t been getting along well


    in recent days, and she admitted that she missed him.


    She hadn¡¯t seen him since that day. Nana just told her that he was going on another trip. And his


    presence this time took her by surprise.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Helios said as he handed her the tulip bouquet.


    Zoe smiled at him as she held them. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Helios sighed, smiled, and extended his arm to do the handshake with Zoe¡¯s mother.


    ¡°I apologize for not formally introducing myself to you, Mrs. Levine.¡±


    Iris shook her head and smiled. ¡°I already know who you are, son. Don¡¯t be concerned. Zoe told me


    about you.¡±


    Helios¡¯ brow furrowed as he looked at Zoe. Then Zoe averted her gaze.


    ¡°Oh, she did?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and I know you¡¯re Don Lincoln¡¯s son, and you¡¯re the one who saved and paid off my debts to


    him.¡±


    Helios nodded, his lips pressed together. ¡°My name is Orion Helios, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Orion?¡± Helios overheard Zoe¡¯s mumble.


    He smirked. ¡°That¡¯s my other name.¡±


    Zoe gave a soft chuckle. ¡°Uh, you didn¡¯t say anything to me¡ª¡±


    ¡°Do you require it? I believe what you said to me that day rified everything.¡±


    Zoe looked at him, perplexed, and she could taste the bitterness in his voice. ¡°Helios¡­¡±


    Nana Milky intervened, telling them that they needed to celebrate before starting a fire and burning


    everyone.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to try Italian cuisine. So, maybe book a table at an Italian restaurant, Helios,¡± Nana


    suggested as she assisted Helios¡¯ arm, and they began to walk away.


    Nana motioned for Zoe to join her, so she grabbed her mother¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Is there anything going on between you two, honey?¡±


    Zoe rolled her eyes and stated that she didn¡¯t want to think about it. She sighed deeply and shook


    her head. ¡°Nothing, in particr, mom.¡±


    ¡°Zoe!¡±


    When she heard her name, Zoe came to a halt and frowned.


    ¡°Hey. Congrattions, bitch!¡± It was Mira. She took a step forward and looked at her mother. You


    must be, Mrs. Levine.¡±


    Iris smiled and nodded. ¡°Good day, dear. And you are?¡± She reached out a hand to Mira.


    ¡°Mira Riverdale, Helios¡¯ cousin,¡± Mira replied, crossing her arms in front of her chest and looking at


    Iris¡¯ hand. She smirked as she looked at Zoe.


    ¡°Stop using my cousin, you scumbags. I understand how your mother works¡ª¡±


    ¡°Please, stop, Mira. I don¡¯t want to start a fight,¡± Zoe stated, trying to maintain her calm demeanor


    despite Mira¡¯s insults.


    Mira snorted. ¡°Uh, Uncle doesn¡¯t want people like you tainting their family¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mira, what are you doing?¡±


    Mira came to a halt, and her eyes widened as she heard Helios¡¯ voice from behind her. She rolled


    her eyes and turned to face Helios.


    ¡°I¡¯m just sending these two warnings¡ª¡±


    ¡°And, Who gave you the right?¡±


    Zoe was taken aback. She assumed Mira was friendly because of what she had witnessed over the


    last few days. Mira is always there to protect her. Even though she found it strange, she was


    grateful.


    However, she already understands at this point.


    Mira is not sincere. She¡¯s just acting. If that¡¯s the case, why does she need to confront them?


    ¡°My dear cousin. Have these lowlifes already tainted your mind?¡±


    Helios clenched his fist as he approached them.


    Zoe felt a pang in her chest. And her gaze wandered; few remained, and she was afraid they would


    cause amotion.


    ¡°No matter how you dress them. They still smell like trash, Helios, especially Zoe,¡± Mira''s insults are


    getting overboard.


    She¡¯s too much.


    Zoe couldn¡¯t help but move in closer. ¡°What exactly did you say?¡±


    Mira turned to face her, her brow furrowed. ¡°Are you deaf or not?¡±


    Miraughed as Zoe clenched her jaw and gritted her teeth.


    ¡°Oh, the stray cat wants to bite me?¡± Miraughed.


    ¡°Enough already, Mira. Stop interfering with my¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not interfering, my dear cousin; I¡¯m just trying to make some sense. You dislike it when Uncle


    gets angry with you.¡±


    Helios snatched Mira¡¯s arm and drew her closer to him. ¡°Stop causing a fuss. You don¡¯t want it


    when I¡¯m angry,¡± he said quietly.


    Zoe pressed her lips together and looked at her mother. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she said and walked towards the


    parking lot.


    When they got there, Nana Milky asked about Helios.


    ¡°He¡¯s dealing with his cousin,¡± Zoe exined.


    Nana Milky sighed and shook her head. ¡°Mira is a spoiled brat,¡± she said.


    Zoe cracked a grin. ¡°She was born wealthy, Nana. And perhaps an only child¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, shecks respect in general.¡±


    When she heard Helios¡¯ voice, Zoe¡¯s eyes widened.


    The man approached the driver¡¯s seat of his Range Rover.


    ¡®Great! I could feel his coldness,¡¯ she thought.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

 The Job Offer

    The Job Offer


    A FEW days after Zoe¡¯s graduation, she decided to look for a job that suited her knowledge. The


    thing was, Nana knew about it, so she did tell Helios, and here she is, sitting in front of him while the


    man was staring at her.


    Zoe doesn¡¯t know how to react, but she finds it awkward. She knew that Helios had confessedst


    time, and she rudely responded with it. She bit her lower lip and hemmed to clear her throat,


    catching Helios¡¯s senses.


    ¡°Uhm, is there anything wrong?¡± she asked.


    They were just a few distances away from each other, sitting in Helios¡¯s living room, and she did


    hear his deep sigh.


    It seems like something is bothering him.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked once again.


    Helios took a deep breath once again and sighed. ¡°I want to ask you onest time about¡ª¡±


    ¡°If this is about your proposal. I apologize, but I can¡¯t give you what you want. I am still young and


    full of dreams, Helios. I am sorry.¡±


    Helios scoffed and arched his brow. ¡°I see. I understand. I will not mention it once again. Because


    fuck it, I am hurting.¡±


    Zoe was rendered speechless. Helios is too bold. Too honest. And seems like have a vulnerable


    heart, unlike his father. But some things didn¡¯t need a rush. Mainly it was marriage, and the main


    factor between them is missing.


    The love.


    It¡¯s unrequited. Helios loves her, but Zoe doesn¡¯t love him. Yes, she will admit, she likes him¡ªshe


    wants him inside her. She wants his touch, his every thrust, but she can¡¯t feel love.


    Say, she cared, but it is not love.


    However, she assumes that learning to love Helios is not that hard. Maybe, it only takes time.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to hurt you. But it¡¯s better to be like this. It is better to talk earlier about this. I like you, I


    swear, I am lucky to have you. You have a good reputation, hardworking, lovable, kind, unlike your


    fat¡ª¡±


    ¡°Is that why you don¡¯t like my proposal because of my father? Because he killed the President of the


    estate, like what rumors fed you?¡± Helios asked, clenching his fist that was resting on the armrest of


    the sofa.


    Zoe was a little bit stunned. She didn¡¯t mean it that way. But what is he saying? Is there a possibility


    that it¡¯s not Don Lincoln who killed the President?


    ¡°Whatever. You can think whatever you want. Besides, people are true about Michael Lincoln.¡±


    Helios mentioned his father¡¯s name.


    ¡°Hel¡ª¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s drop that topic, can we?¡±


    Zoe pressed her lips together and nodded.


    Helios leaned on the backrest of the sofa and crossed his leg as if he was sitting on a throne.


    ¡°Anyway, Nana told me about you, finding a job. Why don¡¯t you work with me? I¡¯m in need of a


    secretary. Well, I don¡¯t have one, but I will make an exception this time. Since I know that you will


    not fall in love with me, right?¡± he said, but Zoe could sense his sarcasm.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if you really want me to work with you¡ªI mean, say you¡¯re working eight hours during


    weekdays, means to say, I will always be there with you. Isn¡¯t it a little bit awk¡ª¡±


    ¡°Awkward?¡± Helios interrupted and scoffed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t bother you about it again. Rest


    assured that you don¡¯t love me. I¡¯m not dumb.¡±


    Zoe¡¯s forehead creased. ¡°It¡¯s not that I offended¡ª¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your answer about the job offer?¡±


    Zoe sighed. It¡¯s her chance. Besides, it¡¯s the job that she must focus on, not the thing between


    them.


    After a few moments of silence, she nodded.


    ¡°Great. You can start tomorrow. I will teach you¡ªoh, not necessary since your course is rted to it.


    So, maybe just a simple instruction.¡±


    Zoe nodded, but she could sense that Helios was letting out awkwardness between them.


    ¡°Are you sure that you¡¯re fine working with me?¡±


    Helios¡¯s frowned and scoffed. ¡°Don¡¯t be too full of yourself, Zoe. You¡¯re not that beautiful¡ª¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Helios formed a snide. ¡°Nothing.¡±


    Zoe let out a sarcasticugh. ¡°I think it¡¯s you who¡¯s being too haughty.¡±


    Helios arched his brow and stood up. ¡°Am I? It¡¯s just that¡­¡± he paused and stared into her eyes, ¡°¡ª


    I can¡¯t believe that a woman could turn down such an offer. I am a fucking billionaire yet¡ª¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t buy love, Helios.¡±


    Zoe is waiting for something that Helios would do. But she didn¡¯t find it.


    If he¡¯s really in love with her¡ªif he loves her, he should be consistent. Then why doesn¡¯t he court


    her, tame her, until they develop their feelings? However, it is not what she expected. And it is better


    to be this way.


    Helios seems not to know the word love. Or is he really feel love for her?


    Or he was just bluffing, trying to test his charms as other men did?


    Zoe shook her head and looked at Helios¡¯s fainting figure as he left. She heaved a deep sigh and


    got back to her room.


    She reached for the phone which Helios gave and dialed her mother¡¯s number.


    Zoe is grateful that he helped her and her mother. It¡¯s been days, and her rtionship with her


    mother is getting back like usual.


    Her mother promises that she will not do things without Zoe¡¯s knowledge and her mom even want


    them to find a new apartment and start over. Well, she¡¯s thinking about it.


    ¡°Zoe¡­¡±


    Zoe smiled when she heard her mother¡¯s voice. ¡°Where are you right now, mom?¡±


    Iris let out a soft chuckle and sipped on her ss of wine. ¡°I am having dinner with my colleagues.¡±


    Zoe sighed on the other line. ¡°You can stop working in the nightclub, Ma. I found a job.¡±


    Iris smiled and excused herself. She walked towards thedies¡¯fort room and stopped in front


    of the mirror.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, sweetie. I¡¯m not stripping again, and just a waitress. The boss wants me there. You know,


    some of my clients still look for me.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s dangerous. Look what happened¡ª¡±


    ¡°I assure you, sweetie. I¡¯m fine. And Helios owned the ce, right?¡±


    Zoe pinched the bridge of her nose. Ugh! She almost forgot. Her mother is working at Helios¡¯s bar.


    She smiled and heard her mom''s soft chuckle.


    ¡°So, don¡¯t worry about momma, okay? Anyway, what¡¯s your job and we need to celebrate it. Wanna


    come?¡±


    Zoe looked at the wall clock. ¡°No, it¡¯s toote. We can do it tomorrow after work.¡±


    ¡°You will start tomorrow? Do you have a corporate dress already? How about heels?¡±


    ¡°Whoa, mom.¡± Zoe chuckled. ¡°Slow down,¡± she said, smiling.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sweetie. It¡¯s just that my baby is already¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mom, I don¡¯t want drama.¡±


    Iris rolled her eyes andughed. ¡°Yeah, right. Okay, let¡¯s meet tomorrow then, and you need to have


    beauty rest,¡± she said.


    Zoe nodded, even if her mom couldn¡¯t see it. ¡°And go home after dinner, okay?¡±


    ¡°Aye, aye, ma¡¯am,¡± Iris joked.


    Zoe then hung up and sighed as she put down the phone on the side table. After that, she walked


    toward the bathroom and took a cold shower.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

 At The Entrance

    At The Entrance


    THE COLD breeze of the wind shoves inside the window, waking up the sleeping beauty. The


    surrounding is still calm and could be deafening.


    Zoe stretched her arms upward and smiled before opening her eyes. Her eyes blinked twice, thrice,


    until she adjusted her vision to the lighting from the window.


    ¡°What a lovely day,¡± she stated when she got up and sat. She looked pat through the window and


    saw the shades of the sky turning orange in delight.


    The sun is rising and ready to say HI to the world.


    Zoe knew today was a busy day. Of course, her first day of work.


    However, she couldn¡¯t help but sigh as she got off of her bed. She opened the window and


    wandered her eyes around. And she let out a soft chuckle when she remembers that the AC is on.


    She then pulled back the window and waved the curtain to see the view.


    The trees are still calm this morning. She also saw birds flying as if they were also in a hurry for


    something, maybe finding a portion of food to eat.


    And, of course, she could see some vehicles traveling on the road. She knew some of those were


    employees who stayed overnight, like people who worked 24/7 or got a shift at night.


    Zoe then realizes that she was blessed, staying in a luxurious penthouse at the top of a building that


    cost millions of dors.


    However, why can¡¯t she feel total happiness?


    It may be because this wasn¡¯t her dream life. Say, she¡¯s lucky with Helios, but the thing is, chances


    that came for an instant may vanish in an instant.


    She doesn¡¯t know if this kind of life willst.


    She can¡¯t just risk her life, her freedom.


    If marrying Helios would make him happy. How about her?


    Zoe took a deep breath and shed a smile. ¡®Whatever might happen, I must deal with my actions,¡¯


    she pondered.


    After a few moments of feeling the great ambiance, Zoe started to prepare for her first day as


    Helios¡¯s secretary.


    The fact that she was Helios¡¯s secretary means to say she needs to be patient and work with


    professionalism. She must not let their situation ruin their jobs.


    This means she also needs to deal with Helios''s cold treatment.


    Just what had happened the past few days, she knew Helios would give her a stern demeanor,


    which she believed that she could ignore.


    After a few minutes of getting ready, she went down, and Nana Milky saw her.


    ¡°What a lovelydy,¡± the old woman said when Zoe approached the kitchen.


    Zoe smiled and was grateful for the olddy¡¯s words.


    ¡°Thank you, Nana.¡±


    Nana smiled at her and gestured for her to take a seat. ¡°Coffee or milk?¡±


    Zoe¡¯s eyes slightly widened when she realized. She stood up. ¡°Oh, Nana, I am sorry. I can handle it


    ¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oops. Sit down.¡± Nana gave her an authoritative look.


    ¡°But¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, buts. Just tell me what you want, dear,¡± Nana said.


    Zoe knew that she couldn¡¯t change the olddy¡¯s mind, so she just told her what she wanted.


    After a few minutes, she thought of something¡ªmore of someone. ¡°Where¡¯s¡ª¡±


    ¡°You might be wondering, dear. However, Helios had already left for work,¡± Nana said, and she


    seemed to read what was inside Zoe¡¯s mind.


    Zoe gulped, bit her lower lip, and nodded.


    Nana looked at her with a teasing smile visible on her lips.


    ¡°Nana, it¡¯s not what you think.¡±


    Nana shrugged and nodded.


    Zoe¡¯s shoulders fell in disbelief, but she still continued to eat the meal Nana served. And after a few


    moments, she stood up. She grabbed her te and cup and was about to walk toward the sink


    when Nana stopped her.


    ¡°Leave it there, and the driver is waiting for you,¡± Nana said.


    Zoe was surprised, but she knew she couldn¡¯t oppose thedy. So, she left and went back to her


    room to cleanse her teeth. After that, off she goes.


    While sitting in the car, she then realizes that she must not let Helios spend her living. She needs to


    make it on her own. Later, she will talk with her mother.


    She sighed and looked past through the window to calm her thoughts.


    Suddenly, she looked down at herself, at what she wore.


    It was ck trousers, paired with white Chanel Sastre polo and open-toe Dior heels. She paired it


    also with a ck saddlebag. But all of it came from Helios. So, it shouts luxury.


    She doesn¡¯t want to wear them, but she has no choice¡ªall she needs to do is to choose the simple


    attire for her.


    Minutester, the car stopped in front of the building, and Zoe was a little bit anxious.


    It¡¯s her first day anyway.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, we¡¯re here,¡± the driver asserted, and he was standing on the side.


    ¡®Oh, thank God, the men in ck are not present,¡¯ she thought.


    Well, she talked to Helios about it.


    ¡°Uhm¡­ thanks,¡± she said and climbed into the car.


    She wandered her eyes around. She took a deep breath and sighed to calm herself¡ªnot letting


    anxiety take over.


    ¡°You got this, Zoe,¡± she whispered and started to walk towards the entrance.


    ¡°Good day, Miss. I.D, please.¡±


    Zoe¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°I apologize, but I don¡¯t have one¡­ yet. I am Mr. Lincoln¡¯s secretary,¡± she


    replied and managed not to stutter.


    The two guards looked at each other.


    One of them smiled mockingly. ¡°Mr. Lincoln never hires¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for cutting you off, but you can call him and tell Zoe Levine is here. Thank you,¡± she said


    politely. Rendering the two speechless.


    One guard then went to his post and grabbed a telephone.


    While waiting, Zoe bit her lower lip and started to scan the ce once again. Still, she couldn¡¯t


    believe she was entering the world of tycoons. Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Well, luck has been on her side since she met Helios. Also unfortunate because she seems to hurt


    him.


    ¡°We¡¯re sorry, ma¡¯am. You can enter now. Top floor, please,¡± the man said, making Zoe smile, and


    even her thought told them¡­ ¡°See. I told you.¡±

 Never Back Down

    Never Back Down


    ¡°THANK YOU,¡± Zoe said when the guards let her in. They may act a little bit rude to her earlier; she


    could understand it. Besides, Helios didn¡¯t instruct them.


    Zoe heaved a deep sigh and cursed inside her mind when she walked toward the elevator. Ever


    since she has been an introvert, she will spend her time at school, at home, and vice versa. She¡¯s


    not fond of socializing and seeing many people, making her feel a little bit anxious.


    At the same time, she was clueless. She might not be dumb, but she can still feel that jitters in her


    very first.


    It took her a couple of minutes before she reached the top floor of the building.


    The space on the top is vast, and every corner is well-furnished. The dim lights beamed in the


    hallway, and the indoor nts were quite refreshing to the eyes.


    The moment she saw Helios¡¯s office, which is just at the center, right after she stepped out of the


    elevator, she took a deep breath to calm herself. She knocked thrice before she twisted the know


    and entered.


    For a moment, Zoe was expecting something, a more high-tech door that would open once it


    sensed something near it.


    Well, she expected too much. However, the interior of the floor still shouts luxuriousness. It was just


    that she sucked at describing things.


    Soon as she got in, it was Helios¡¯s cold stare whom she met. The man is handsomely sitting on his


    swivel chair.


    Helios broke the stare and continued to sign the pile of documents that were on top of his table.


    Zoe hemmed and cleared her throat.


    ¡°Good more¡ª¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no good in the morning. You¡¯re five minuteste,¡± he said coldly, making Zoe frown.


    She scoffed as she looked at him. ¡®Seriously?¡¯ she thought.


    The building is too broad and high. And the fact that she got a little fuss at the entrance, what does


    he expect?


    ¡°You are aware that this is¡ª¡± Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°It could be the reason that you should wake up early, and move swifter, Miss Levine.¡±


    Zoe¡¯s lips parted, shoulders down, and she stared at him, baffled.


    ¡°Are you being serious? Can¡¯t you be considerate?¡±


    Zoe doesn¡¯t know what to feel at the moment. She couldn¡¯t find her exact emotion toward Helios¡¯s


    demeanor. A part of her urges her to cry and shout in rage at him.


    ¡®He changed since I didn¡¯t ept his proposal.¡¯


    To Zoe, all of the things that are happenings between them¡ªall the changes¡­ are all because of


    her declining Helios¡¯s proposal.


    Zoe let out a soft chuckle instead. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong with you. But if you continue to do


    this, better if I go and find a new job. Instead of here, dealing with a bipr like you!¡± she said,


    wearing all the courage that was left of her.


    Their gazes met, and Zoe was the one who broke it. ¡°Thanks for offering me a job for me. But I can¡¯t


    do this¡­ not with you,¡± she said, and after that, she left the office.


    Soon as she stepped inside the elevator, tears poured down from her eyes down to her soft, rosy


    cheeks.


    How cruel was fate?


    Of all people, why did He let her meet a person who doesn¡¯t even have an overview of


    understanding?


    Helios is a nice guy; she could feel that at first. But as time passed by, since he started to get


    transparent about what he felt, he changed.


    Well, all people change. It¡¯s just a matter of time. Maybe Helios will realize that he¡¯s too far.


    But what else could a mere Zoe do? He saved her life.


    Did she make the wrong decision?


    Should she have epted his proposal?


    How about her happiness? Could she really feel it when they got married?


    If it¡¯s true that Helios is head-over-heels on Zoe, then all his words were valid, but the thing is, love


    at first sight¡ªoh, scratch that, it was love at first sex¡­ for Helios.


    But what about Zoe? She was sure that and genuine to herself that she didn¡¯t love him. She may be


    like him or want it like she always thought, but love is totally different. And if Helios can¡¯t see this,


    then there¡¯s only one thing she could do.


    She must distance herself, away from him.


    It¡¯s the only way.


    Zoe will choose to stay with her mother than deal withplicated things.


    But there¡¯s one thing that¡¯s holding her back too.


    Helios¡¯s father.


    She heaved a deep sigh, called her mother, and then asked her whereabouts.


    Zoe was sure enough that she needed her mother in a moment like this.


    Zoe found herself knocking in front of their old apartment.


    ¡°Sweetie¡ª¡±


    Iris didn¡¯t finish her words when Zoe dashed towards her and hugged her tight.


    After a few seconds, she felt Zoe¡¯s body slightly trembling.


    Iris frowned and caressed her daughter¡¯s back. ¡°Hey, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Zoe didn¡¯t reply and continued crying. She bit her lower lip to prevent herself from sobbing.


    Afterward, she wiped her tears away. She let go of her mom and smiled.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, sweetie? Is there something that happened between you and Helios? And it was


    supposed your first day at work,¡± Iris queried simultaneously as she dragged her daughter gently


    inside.


    Zoe sat on their old long sofa, and her mother sat beside her.


    Iris held her hand and pressed it. ¡°You cried, sweetie. Let me know what¡¯s bothering you. Is it about


    Helios?¡±


    ¡°Mom¡­¡± she whispered. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do anymore. Things were not the same when Helios


    and I first met. I warned myself that it¡¯s not permanent, and here¡¯s the result.¡±


    Iris sighed and caressed her daughter¡¯s shoulder as she enveloped her hand on Zoe¡¯s back.


    ¡°Things are reallyplicated, especially when we owe someone.¡±


    Zoe¡¯s eyes widened in surprise as she looked at her mom¡¯s eyes.


    Her mother nodded. ¡°Yes, sweetie. In every way, you feel something like that. You will still choose to


    stay even if you know that he doesn¡¯t want you.¡±


    Zoe frowned. ¡°Mom, we¡¯re out of the topic. I will get straight to the point. I don¡¯t want to leave and


    work with Helios anymore. Things are not going well between us. For tomorrow¡­¡± she shed a


    smile in front of her mom, ¡°¡ªI will find a new job and you too.¡±


    ¡°B-But¡ª¡±


    ¡°No but¡¯s, mom. This is for the better. I will try my best to pay the Lincolns.¡±


    ¡°But how about the threat? What if Don Lincoln¡ª¡±


    ¡°Then I will not stop seeking for Helios¡¯s conscience if he will let his father get in our way. Mom,¡¯ she


    held her mother¡¯s hand, ¡°¡ªwe must not show that we¡¯re weak. We may be women, but they must


    not underestimate our power.¡±


    Iris smiled. ¡°Girl power!¡± she eximed, making them both burst intoughter.

 Her Moms Doubt

    Her Mom''s Doubt


    Zoe¡¯s POV


    ¡°ARE you sure about this, Zoe?¡±


    ¡°Mom¡­¡± As I was fixing my clothes inside the small luggage, I looked at my mother, ¡°¡ªit has to.¡±


    ¡°But there must be a reason why Helios treats you like that. Let his head cool off. You can¡¯t just act


    like you wanted to be just because of Helios¡¯s cold treatment. You have to respect him.¡±


    I sighed as I sat on the edge of my small bed. ¡°You don¡¯t understand¡ª¡±


    ¡°Zoe, I didn¡¯t teach you to hold a grudge or to give up that easily. It came from you that he proposed


    marriage, but you declined it because of the unrequited love.¡±


    Mom walked towards me and sat on my side. She reached for my hand and pressed it gently.


    ¡°Helios is a man. Sometimes, when ites to love, men choose to be straightforward. Some got


    cowardly. However, Helios is different. He¡¯s honest. It takes time for a man to take courage in


    confessing, yet he took the risk.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°Then he could also understand my feeling, mom.¡±


    ¡°This is all about lowering your pride. Helios was hurt, sweetie. What do you expect? Hmm?¡±


    Mom looked intently into my eyes, making me heave a sigh.


    ¡°He¡¯s trying to gain back the risks he gave. You just shed his ego when you rejected his


    confession, Zoe. What if it happened to you? What will be your reaction?¡±


    Silence filled in the atmosphere after hearing my mom¡¯sst words.


    ¡°It would not be that easy too, right?¡±


    I sighed again. I know I was wrong, and I owe him an apology.


    ¡°You have to take and see the bigger picture, Zoe. Helios didn¡¯t do anything to you; he¡¯s just being


    honest with his feelings. And you knew whose fault it is.¡±


    ¡°But mom, he¡¯s treating me indifferently.¡±


    ¡°Talk about it and bear with it. You must know that there¡¯s always a consequence to every action we


    make. Look at me, I love gambling, spend some of my savings, got tons of debts to a wealthy and


    dangerous family, leaving me with no choice, making me think of selling my daughter¡­ look what


    happened?¡±


    I pressed my lips and sighed again.


    ¡°I am lucky enough that Helios saved you.¡±


    ¡°He bought me, mom.¡±


    ¡°Not exactly, sweetie. He did it to save you¡­ us. And he even offers you a job, and so am I. Don¡¯t


    you think we¡¯re lucky enough that someone came into our life to bring good deeds?¡±


    ¡°Fine. I will talk to him and apologize. But mom, I can¡¯t live with him under the same roof. It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s


    awk¡ª¡±


    ¡°Well, if I know, you two already do that thing, right?¡± she asked, emphasizing the word ¡®thing,¡¯


    which I knew what she was talking about.


    I frowned. ¡°You don¡¯t have to mention¡ª¡±


    ¡°Is it big?¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡± My eyes widened.


    Mom burst intoughter as she stood up. ¡°God, sweetie¡­ I know that kind of reaction,¡± she said in


    between.


    I red at her, making her stop. She raised her hand and said, ¡°Fine; I¡¯ll stop. Anyway, fix your


    things back and let¡¯s go party tonight,¡± she said and exited my room.


    I shook my head and continued putting back my clothes in my cab.


    Great!


    I decided to dial Helios¡¯s number at three o¡¯clock in the afternoon.


    Phone?


    Damn, I don¡¯t have one. It¡¯s Helios¡¯s. Guess I owe him big time.


    In just three rings, he picked up.


    Silence filled in between us for seconds before I decided to crack it.


    ¡°Hello¡­¡± I bit my lower lip. I heard him give a faint ¡°mm,¡± and silence evaded once again.


    I sighed. ¡°Can we talk?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re talking already,¡± he said, making me curse silently.


    Patience, Zoe. Have patience.


    ¡°I mean in person. I need to discuss things with you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m busy. Bye.¡± And he hung up the phone.


    Wow! Just wow!


    How rude is he?


    Is that the effect of rejections to Helios Lincoln?


    Fine! If that¡¯s what he wants, then be it. But he won¡¯t stop me from what I¡¯m going to do. I know it


    was my fault, but I am trying to fix things up. However, he¡¯s about to ruin it.


    Eight in the evening when we left the house as my mom wanted us to chill. It¡¯s her day off anyway.


    ¡°Mom? Why are we here?¡± I asked in confusion when the cab stopped in front of Helios¡¯s bar.


    My mother looked at me and formed a sly smirk on her lips. ¡°Come on, sweetie. It¡¯s no big deal.


    Besides, Helios doesn¡¯te here on weekdays.¡±


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t you sure about, mom. What if he was there?¡±


    Mom rolled her eyes at me as she got off the cab. ¡°Then¡­ it would be better. You need to talk to


    him, right?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Mom shook her head as she pulled me out of the cab. ¡°Come on, sweetie. You don¡¯t have anything


    to be afraid of. It¡¯s not that you stole millions or so,¡± she teased, making me frown.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the point, mom¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t me, sweetie. I heard you¡ªidentally, on the phone earlier. Saying, you want to talk to


    him personally, right?¡±


    ¡°Eavesdropping is ain¡¯t good, mom.¡±


    My mom winked at me. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal, sweetie. So, let¡¯s go. Let¡¯s taste the Sex On The Beach.¡±


    My forehead creased. ¡°Are you being serious, mom?¡±


    ¡°What? That¡¯s what they called it, and it¡¯s a hard drink. You better try it.¡±


    ¡°Oh no. No hard drinks for me, mom. I will not let you.¡±


    Mom encircled her arm into mine and chuckled. ¡°Silly, you¡¯re old enough. Besides, there were


    private rooms upstairs. If we can¡¯t make it, then we will rent one,¡± she said.


    ¡°No way!¡± Iined. ¡°Mom, there¡¯s no way we would do that¡ªthat I would do that. I will just


    watch you drink then.¡± Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Silly girl. Come on. Stop stressing yourself. You¡¯re giving me doubt.¡±


    I frowned. ¡°Doubt with?¡±


    Mom stopped walking and looked at me. ¡°That you like Helios, but you¡¯re just being IN DENIAL,¡±


    she said, rendering me speechless.

 A Kiss

    A Kiss


    Zoe¡¯s POV


    My mother was still teasing me while we entered the club entrance. The bouncer nodded at me, but


    I doubt


    that he knew me. The nod was for my mother, making me look at her.


    ¡°Mom, stop smiling. You look stupid,¡± I said and rolled my eyes.


    I frowned and red at her when she pped my butt. ¡°Mom¡­¡± I warned with a steady voice.


    She smiled at me and winked. Afterward, she dragged me towards the bar counter.


    ¡°Two shots of sex on the beach!¡± she said, her voice booming and blending with the loud music


    being yed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have a beer, mom.¡±


    She arched her brow and red at me. ¡°Quit being stubborn, Zoe. Let go of the bad vibes, feel the


    rhythm of the music, rx and chill.¡±


    I took a deep breath and nodded. ¡°Fine, you win this time.¡±


    I saw how a smile drew to my mother¡¯s lips. ¡°You mean, you¡¯re epting that you like Hel¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡± I yelled and then suddenly looked at the crowd.


    I pressed my lips when a couple looked in my direction, but, in the end, they still continued to dance


    and enjoy the music.


    I shook my head and met my mother¡¯s gaze. ¡°Mom, can I have a beer?¡±


    She shook her head, and sooner, the bartender put down two sses in front of us.


    My mother winked at the young bartender and then turned to me. ¡°Try this instead of beer. Beer is


    for a weakling.¡±


    Her words made my eyes widen, and I frowned. ¡°Mom, that¡¯s bad.¡±


    She winked at me andughed. ¡°Just kidding, baby. But the game is on me. So, we¡¯ll drink whatever


    I wanted, get it?¡± she asked, making me roll my eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯re unbelievable.¡±


    ¡°Bear with it, my dear¡ªoh!¡± Mom abruptly changed her reaction as if she saw something¡­ behind


    me.


    My forehead creased in confusion, and I arched my brow.


    ¡°What¡¯s¡ª¡±


    ¡°Helios, dear!¡± mom eximed and hearing that name made my heart thump fast for no reason.


    No reason?


    Whom am I fooling with?


    I owe him something, and I badly need to talk to him. However, he hung up earlier. And that¡¯s rude.


    I clenched my jaw and didn¡¯t bother to look back. Instead, I grabbed the ss and drank into it.


    I winced when a familiar warm slit my throat when I took one gulp.


    ¡°Damn,¡± I cussed out, and I met mom¡¯s gaze when I lifted my face.


    I arched my brow and mouthed the word: what.


    Mom tilted her head to the left, gesturing that I needed to turn around and face Helios. But knowing


    what he did to me earlier. I think it¡¯s not bad to hold a little grudge against it.


    I ignored her and continued drinking the SOTB, and when I emptied the ss, my vision got into a


    daze.


    What the hell?


    It¡¯s just one ss, right? A small one.


    I shook my head, trying to ease it. However, it started to throb in my head, making me close my


    eyes.


    ¡°Zoe? Are you okay?¡± I heard mom¡¯s voice, but I didn¡¯t bother to open my eyes and ignored her.


    Suddenly, I felt her handnd on my back. ¡°Sweetie?¡±


    ¡°Ugh,¡± I groaned, ¡°what kind of mixture is that? Damn, it made me feel dizzy, mom,¡± I added.


    I don¡¯t know, but this is my first time tasting it. I¡¯ve heard about it but didn¡¯t dare to look after it and


    have a taste.


    I heard my motherugh and talk to Helios.


    ¡°Helios, dear, I think my daughter badly needed to take a nap. Look how her body reacted to the


    mixtures, knowing that she had only one shot,¡± she said.


    From her voice, I sensed mockery and even her idea. Was mom trying to be cupid?


    I red at her when suddenly, a force yanked me, making me lose my bnce, but his arms caught


    me.


    If he didn¡¯t yank me, I wouldn¡¯t be in his arms.


    I red at him and pushed myself away from him.


    ¡°I thought you were busy? Besides, you even ended the call rudely, right?¡± I asked; sarcasm filled


    my voice, and I didn¡¯t fucking care if he noticed it or not.


    Helios¡¯s eyes pierced into mine, exerting a powerful aura. However, that has no use for me.


    ¡°What?¡± I arched my brow, and I didn¡¯t care if our conversation would draw attention. All I ever


    wanted was to teach him a lesson, but the idea that I owe him, big time, made me stop thinking


    about it.


    ¡°Can you please take her to one of the VIP rooms, dear? I promise, I will follow after a few shots,¡±


    mother said, making me shoot a re at her.


    Mom¡¯s booming voice could be heard everywhere.


    Remind me on how to deal with my mother tomorrow, I thought to myself.


    ¡°No need. I can walk on my own,¡± I replied.


    I saw how lines knitted dainty into Helios¡¯s forehead, but I just rolled my eyes and started to walk


    away. I even bumped my shoulder into his forcefully so that he would know that I was mad at him.


    How could he hang up on the phone and show himself in front of us? How impolite.


    Indeed, he missed the character education part during his elementary days.


    I excused myself from the crowd and walked passed through them. I sighed in relief when I finally


    reached the staircase.


    I looked at the bar counter and saw mom waving at me despite that she was in a dim corner.


    I shook my head and frowned when I saw Helios beside me.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± I asked when he suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me upstairs.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?!¡± I yelled.


    Helios met my gazed and clenched his jaw. ¡°Follow me, or else I will not talk to you forever and let


    conscience eat you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stop talking nonsense. I approached you kindly earlier and even asked you if you have time for us


    to speak privately. However, you wasted it. Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t stop whining, I will kiss you, right here, right now,¡± he warned, making me burst into


    laughter, unbothered by other people¡¯s gazes.


    I scoffed. ¡°Kiss your ass¡ª¡± my voice cut off by a warm feeling that touches my lips.

 How He Acted

    How He Acted


    Zoe¡¯s POV


    Soon as we enter the VIP room on the edge of the second floor. I heaved a deep sigh to calm


    myself and won¡¯t get enraged because of what he did.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Two words slipped out of our mouths in unison.


    I met his gaze and pressed my lips. If I will point out what he did earlier, I will just waste my time. So


    I decided not to mention it and told him my purpose.


    ¡°I know I was wrong. I should have considered your feelings. But you should have known that love


    doesn¡¯t work that way, Hel.¡±


    Helios met my gaze. ¡°Forget about it. Are you okay now? If so, I¡¯ll let you take a nap¡ª¡±


    ¡°I want us to talk.¡±


    Helios scoffed. ¡°About what? It¡¯s clear as crystal that you don¡¯t like me¡ª¡±


    ¡°I like you. That¡¯s the truth.¡± I saw how his eyes widened and his forehead knitted. ¡°However, that


    marriage you wanted, it¡¯s too fast, and I am not prepared. What if you¡¯ll regret it in the end?¡±


    ¡°I never regretted every decision I made,¡± he said, making me shake my head.


    ¡°No, Helios, you can¡¯t be perfect for your whole time being. We allmit mistakes, even just small


    ones. Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t even make a mistake? I will not believe in it.¡±


    ¡°All I need is for you to love me!¡± he shouted, which startled the hell out of me.


    My heart thumped fast, and I felt a pang of fear.


    I wasn¡¯t expecting his reaction. He used to remain calm and stern.


    ¡°Hel¡ª¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you just love me back, Zoe? Why?¡± this time, his voice became gloomy as he knelt in


    front of me.


    I rushed towards him and tried to pull him up. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    ¡°Please¡­ just love me back¡­¡± he begged faintly.


    I frowned. I even gathered my strength back, and the alcohol inside mine vanished.


    ¡°Helios.¡±


    However, he didn¡¯t move and kept begging and saying the word: please. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    I don¡¯t know what to do to him. I can¡¯t just tell him the word: yes, even if I don¡¯t mean it.


    I don¡¯t want to lie to myself and even to him.


    ¡°Come on, Helios. Quit with it.¡±


    His head bowed, and keep chanting, ¡°love me back.¡±


    ¡°You knew things won¡¯t work that easily, Helios.¡±


    He shook his head and then suddenly met my gaze. ¡°I love you, Zoe. Just love me back.¡±


    ¡°If you won¡¯t stop, I will leave you here and cut all ties with you.¡± I was left with no choice. It¡¯s not my


    intention, but I take risks and hope it will work.


    I even diverted the topic from that stupid kiss!


    ¡°You will never see me again,¡± I added.


    I saw how lines were drawn into his forehead, and he fixed his gaze on me.


    ¡°Are you kidding¡ª¡±


    ¡°Do I look like I am joking?¡± I asked, but I wanted to burst intoughter deep inside me because I


    didn¡¯t expect Helios to act like this.


    He¡¯s like a little kid who was bribed by sweets.


    ¡°You¡¯ll do that?¡±


    I nodded and pressed my lower lip. ¡°So, stop acting. It doesn¡¯t suit you. You¡¯re not Leonardo


    DiCaprio.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s that punk?!¡±


    My eyes widened, lips parted, and I gasped. ¡°Are you being real?¡±


    He stood up, and I looked up to meet his gaze this time.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to lose my patience, Zoe. Who¡¯s that punk?!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re impossible!¡± I yelled and pinched the bridge of my nose. ¡°You really don¡¯t know him?¡±


    Helios arched his brow. ¡°I won¡¯t be asking if I knew him,¡± he replied, making me burst intoughter


    and walk towards the bed.


    My tummy aches as I continueughing. I looked at Helios and saw his deep, deadly res.


    ¡°Chill¡­ ha, ha¡­.¡± I shook my head as I tried to calm myself; I pressed my lower lip. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I


    didn¡¯t mean to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Is that your boyfriend? Or ex?¡±


    My eyes widened and filled me with surprise. How could he don¡¯t know about a legendary actor?


    Leonardo¡¯s Titanic movie is my favorite.


    And this giant in front of me doesn¡¯t know about him?


    ¡°Answer me. Is he you¡¯re your boyfriend?¡± he asked as he walked closer to me and stopped a meter


    away.


    I looked up and bit my lower lip. ¡°I wish.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    I could feel his impatience lingering inside his eyes down to his voice.


    ¡°So, what if he¡¯s my ex?¡± I don¡¯t know, but I just want to test his patience. Will he get offended by it?


    Besides, he dared to stole a kiss earlier. Consider this as a little revenge.


    I don¡¯t know where this conversation will lead but seeing Helios¡¯s new sets of reactions; I can¡¯t help


    but continue teasing him.


    ¡°If you won¡¯t answer me, I¡¯m gonna¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh,e on, Helios. Howe you¡¯re a top bachelor or whatsoever when you don¡¯t know


    Leonardo DiCaprio?¡±


    Helios arched his brow. ¡°Now, I get it. He¡¯s your ex.¡±


    I shook my head and burst intoughter once again. ¡°You have no idea¡ª¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re not giving me!¡± he yelled, making me slightly nudged backward.


    I raised my arms, surrendering, and bit my lower lip. ¡°He¡¯s an actor, for goodness¡¯ sake; you¡¯re


    jealous of him?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± he replied straightforwardly.


    Helios¡¯s walked closer to me, making me arch my brow, and my heart started to thump fast. I don¡¯t


    like his aura at this moment.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I hate when people are making fun of me,¡± he said, making me scoff.


    ¡°I am not making fun¡ªwhat the hell! Helios!¡± I interjected when she abruptly pushed himself into


    mine, making my back fall on thefy bed as he hovered me.


    His arms were on the side of my head as our eyes looked at each other intently.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it, Hel,¡± I mumbled, making him smirk.


    The Helios I know is back.


    ¡°Think about what? By doing this?¡±


    I gasped when he imed my lips in a blink of an eye. My body tensed in surprise. My grip on the


    sheet tightened as my eyes widened.


    His lips were so warm, which kept my eyes shut and let me feel the tingling sensation that went


    from my spine up to my head.


    Then suddenly, his lips started to move,pletely shutting me off.

 Reaching Their Climax

    Reaching Their Climax


    Zoe¡¯s POV


    The atmosphere became thick, enveloping our warming bodies. Helios never left my lips, and he


    deepened them as his hand traveled from my navel to my right breast.


    My body shouts that I want him. I miss him, his touch... and everything. I want to feel him inside me


    again.


    His hands massage my right breast, making me feel the warmth of his palm through the fiber of the


    cloth covering it. His lips moved, and I joined his every pace. I kissed back with the same intensity


    and sensation.


    Our kisses sent shivers down my spine, making my body shudder in pleasure.


    A moan slipped out of my mouth when his lips moved down to my jaw, leaving soft kisses on it.


    Then it went to my neck; he sucked my skin as if he were a leech, and one moment, he stood up


    and undressed.


    My gaze swiftlynded on the tattoo, covering her left arm and chest. He walked towards the door


    and reached for the light switch on the side. The room became dim, leaving the penlights on the


    side open.


    I could see his tall feature and perfect silhouette blended in as he moved toward me.


    ¡°Take it off,¡± hemanded dominantly.


    I didn¡¯t think twice and did hismand, willingly submitting myself.


    I couldn¡¯t see any apparent reaction sh on his face, but I was sure that he was mesmerized by it. I


    admitted, and he knew that I liked him, but he must know the thing that my words wanted to point


    out.


    I gasped when his hand touched my left thighs. I waited for him to get closer and wanted to kiss him


    again, but the thing he did made me moan out loud.


    He parted my legs, and I could tell by now that he was kneeling on the carpeted floor as he pulled


    me closer to him. His warm lips made me gasp in surprise, and the familiar coldness of his tongue


    enveloped my core.


    I gripped the sheet while Helios continued to savor my pussy.


    I moaned when I felt him tense his tongue and thrust it inside me. And after a few moments, I felt


    his finger entering mine.


    I arched my back perfectly as he slid one of his fingers inside my wet core.


    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± I moaned in harmony.


    Helios continues to exert pleasure on her and to his side. I could feel the building sensation in my


    belly as if something wanted to explode. Then suddenly, I cum.


    ¡°Helios¡­ oh¡­¡± I moaned out loud when he thrust his finger swifter while his tongue swirled into my


    cleft.


    He sucked my peanut as he continued to thrust his finger. His hands-on my right thigh went to my


    navel and massaged it in a circr motion as if he was motioning for my second cum.


    I bit my lower lip and closed my eyes. I curled my toes when it led me to swirl divine.


    ¡°Ahh!¡± I moaned out loud when he entered me with me knowing. I wanted him to taste my pussy


    once more, but he rushed to thrust his biggie shaft.


    He held my thighs, lifting my hips as he thrust faster and deeper inside me. ¡°Ugh,¡± I heard him


    groan slightly¡ªa sign that he was enjoying it.


    However, if there¡¯s one feeling that I will point out in his every move, it sways gentleness. It may be


    the fact that he loves me.


    But Helios is no way to be gentle, just like what he did to me when we had sex for the second time. I


    don¡¯t want his love to hinder what he truly wants when he has me.


    ¡°Faster¡­¡± I begged. ¡°Ahh¡­ Helios, please,¡± I added as I met his gaze amidst the dim surrounding.


    Helios still maintains the same pace, fast but still gentle. His touch and grip on my thighs were


    delicate as if he didn¡¯t want to pinch a portion of my skin.


    ¡°What the hell, Helios! Faster! Lose control¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up¡ªugh!¡± he groaned as he thrust deeper and moved swifter.


    I rolled my eyes as I started to lose my patience. I then wiggled and pushed him away. I stood up. In


    a swift move, I pulled and forced him onto the bed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fucking move!¡± Imanded and climbed on the bed. I held his firm cock as I parted my legs


    and guided it inside me.


    This is the first time that I will do it and gather all the luck to do my best to give him satisfaction.


    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± I moaned as I slowly pounced my body into his. And when I sat into it totally, I moaned out


    loud as the head of his cock darted to my edge.


    When I adjusted myself, I slowly ground and moved my hips into a circr motion. I could feel how


    his body tensed as I moved and heard his soft groan.


    I moved a little bit swifter.


    I ground faster until I felt his hands holding the sides of my waist down to the cheeks of my bum,


    motioning me to go back and forth.


    I took a breather for a moment and started to bounce myself up and down and move my hips round


    and round.


    The sound of our colliding bodies roared inside the room.


    I was doing it, repeating my every move, and then suddenly, I stopped when I cum.


    I was about to move again when he carried me and exchanged our position. I gasped when he


    imed my lips once again. It went down to my neck and down to the top of my chest until his warm


    lips enveloped my left tip.


    His left hand traveled into my right breast and started to knead it while his lips were savoring my


    aroused pinkish tips.


    I arched my back when his shaft poked my thigh. Abruptly, I felt his hand guiding his shaft inside


    mine. While he thrust, he continued sucking my nipple¡ªgoing to the right and to the left.


    Helios pushed himself up while he held my waist and thrust swifter.


    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± I moaned as he thrust harder and deeper. He sessfully carried me up with his strength


    and let me sit on hisp, my core enveloping his.


    He leaned backward as he let me move my hips, then suddenly, his left handnded on my breast,


    kneading it in a circr motion and even squeezing it.


    Heliosposed himself¡ªsat adequately and then hugged me. His lips yed with the skin on my


    neck down to my exposed shoulder, making me look up, and then suddenly, he pushed me back


    slightly as he sucked my nips once again.


    I continued to grind until I reached my climax again. This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    I heard our heavy breathing as we gasped for air. I was about to stand up when hey my back on


    the bed, and without withdrawing, he thrust inside me.


    The room filled with moans as we both shared the ecstatic feeling of having sex and reaching our


    climax.

 The Assurance

    The Assurance


    Helios never thought that he would fall in love with Zoe. He¡¯s been watching her from afar for two


    years.


    Icarus, his twin brother, took her virginity¡ªit was clear to him that it was Icarus, not him. But he lied


    to her.


    He stopped Icarus from doing it, but his brother just ignored him. And he can¡¯t do anything about it.


    Besides, he saw how Zoe seemed to like it too.


    Until¡­


    It was three at dawn, and he was on the bar counter still drinking his beer when Icarus suddenly


    rushed outside. He was confused and followed his twin but ended up watching Icarus¡¯s Lamborghini


    away from his bar.


    And the afternoon of that day, he received a phone call from his father that they found Icarus¡¯s dead


    body.


    Unlike him, Icarus deals with fights. He got enemies. He was their father¡¯s right hand; after all, he


    was the next heir to his throne, while Orion Helios was just meant to deal with their business


    sess.


    He didn¡¯t mean to lie to Zoe that night when he unexpectedly saw her inside his bar. But something


    is urging him to use that thing.


    About the tattoo¡­ he doesn¡¯t have one.


    When Icarus died, there was a part of him went missing. Maybe it¡¯s the guilt that he¡¯s not on good


    terms with him. They¡¯re talking but only for business, not as brothers.


    Orion loves his twin, and in honor of it, he wears Icarus¡¯s tattoo on his arm, precisely the ce


    where Icarus¡¯s tattoo was.


    And when days passed by, he felt guilty about the innocent woman Icarus imed. Thus, he seeks


    information for her, watches over her, and even offers her a schrship.


    He wouldn¡¯t expect that when he met her again, a spark woke his body, and the next thing he knew,


    he was in love with her.


    He smiled when Zoe moved closer to him, buried his face, and even hugged him in the waist.


    He was sure that she was tired after they had done it thricest night. He lifted his chin to stare at


    her face and smiled. Then suddenly, a thought came across his mind.


    What if Zoe finds out about it? That he was not his first? He¡¯s still Helios but his Orion, not Icarus.


    Will she hate him? How bad is it?


    His Nana Milky knows about it and even reminds him to tell the truth, but he chooses not to.


    However, if he prolongs it, and Zoe will hear from someone else, then the worst thing might be done


    on his side.


    And he won¡¯t let that happen.


    He heaved a deep sigh and let go of her slowly, afraid that he might wake her up. He grabbed a


    towel, walked toward the bathroom, and took a quick shower.


    ZOE frowned when she felt a slight pain in her between so as her limbs. She then slowly opened


    her eyes and sighed.


    Under thefyforter, she¡¯s naked. She looked in the direction of the bathroom and heard


    sshes.


    She smiled when she remembered what had happened to themst night.


    Guess her mom is right. She¡¯s just in denial. She likes him, and he knows it.


    A few minutester, the bathroom door opened, and she saw Helios half-naked.


    ¡°Hi,¡± she greeted with a smile.


    Helios then walked toward her while drying his hair with a towel.


    ¡°You have work?¡± she asked.


    Helios nodded as he pulled a chair and sat beside the bed. ¡°How about you?¡±


    Zoe bit her lower lip. ¡°Hmm¡­ about the position you¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still vacant, not until you fill in,¡± he interrupted and winked at her, making Zoe blush.


    ¡°T-Thank you. And I¡¯m sorry for what happened the other day,¡± she said as she sat up and leaned


    on the headboard.


    Helios nodded. ¡°I understand. And I decided to pursue you. Let¡¯s go on dates,¡± he said, making my


    eyes widen, filled with a tint of surprise.


    ¡°A-Are you serious about¡ª¡±


    ¡°I understand your reason. You still don¡¯t love me, but you like me¡­.¡±


    The way he said it in his deep yet calm voice, Zoe couldn¡¯t help but blush. She could feel the blood


    rushing towards her cheeks.


    ¡°You will court¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yes, if that¡¯s what they called. I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t have any experience with dates nor women.¡±


    Zoe frowned. ¡°Are you for real? Rich people normalize dates with other heiresses. And even


    engaged in arranged marriages. Why you?¡±


    Helios smirked. ¡°I¡¯m different, and I need to tell you something too.¡±


    ¡°Tell what?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll know about it after dinner. Please don¡¯t hate me,¡± he said, his voice being more of a beg.


    Zoe was baffled. It seems like something is bothering him. She was about to ask about it when


    Helios¡¯s phone rang, and he did pick it up above the bedside table.


    Helios gestured his hand to answer the phone call, and she nodded. He walked towards the


    window.


    ¡°Dad¡­¡±


    Zoe¡¯s gaze turned back to him, but she could only see his back.


    ¡°What time? No, I will bring someone¡ªyes. Just don¡¯t¡ªI know. I know¡­¡±


    She shook her head as she didn¡¯t have any idea about their conversations. She removed the


    comforter covering her body and climbed off the bed.


    She walked towards the cab and grabbed a robe before she went inside the bathroom. She


    walked toward the mirror and stared at her reflection.


    She sighed when she saw hickeys surrounding her nipples and even a hickey in her navel. Good


    thing Helios didn¡¯t give one on the part of her neck.


    She smiled and shook her head. She couldn¡¯t believe that she would finally experience the so-


    called drama of life.


    When she¡¯s studying, she promises not to have a boyfriend or do sex, or date, someone if she¡¯s not


    financially stable. However, when she met Helios, her promises to herself were torn to pieces.


    Zoe sighed and started to take a warm shower and covered her body with the robe before she


    stepped out of the bathroom.


    Soon as she got out, she saw Helios standing near the bed while fixing his tie.


    She hemmed to clear her throat, and when their eyes met, she smiled. ¡°Can I go back to work


    tomorrow? I¡¯m sorry. I know you¡¯re my boss¡ª¡±


    ¡°Of course. You don¡¯t have to apologize. Anyway, I will call Nana and apany you to the


    boutique to buy a dress.¡±


    Zoe frowned. ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Dad invited me for dinner, and I will bring you,¡± he said, making Zoe shake her head and decline it


    right away.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to bring me¡ª¡±


    ¡°Dad says so,¡± he added.


    There¡¯s no way that Zoe will share a meal with a devil.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid of him. It¡¯s not that he can touch you,¡± he said. As if he¡¯s assuring Zoe that she will


    not get harmed.


    Helios walked closer to her and snaked his right palm into her cheek, and caressed it, making her


    close her eyes for a moment. ¡°You¡¯re with me,¡± he said and lifted her chin, and when she met his


    gaze, he gave her an assurance, ¡°I will keep you safe.¡±Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Back To His House

    Back To His House


    Zoe¡¯s POV


    ¡°Mom!¡± I called my mother as I looked for a dress inside my old cab.


    Silly me, for I am not wearing any dress like those. I only have jeans and shirts.


    ¡°What is it?!¡± My mom yelled back as she was busy cooking in the kitchen.


    I shook my head. Instead of shouting at each other, why can¡¯t I just get down and ask her¡­


    closely?


    Gees, self!


    I rushed towards the kitchen and saw my mom stirring. ¡°Mom.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± she asked, but her attention was still on the dish that she was cooking.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ can I borrow one of your dresses?¡± I bit my lower lip as I reached for the ss and poured


    the water pitcher.


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°I have a date.¡±


    ¡°A date?!¡± she eximed, which made me lose grip on the ss.


    ¡°What the hell, mom?!¡±


    ¡°Words, Zoe,¡± she said, more of a warning.


    ¡°So, can I?¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s your date?¡±


    I put down the ss on the table and sighed. ¡°Helios¡ª¡±


    ¡°See¡ª¡±


    ¡°With his dad,¡± I continued. And watched for her reaction. I saw how her eyes widened, and her lips


    parted.


    ¡°Seriously?¡±


    I bit my lower lip and nodded.


    ¡°Why? Aren¡¯t you afraid?¡±


    I let out a soft chuckle and grabbed an apple from the center table. ¡°Nope. Helios is with me.¡± And I


    bite on the apple.


    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want his offer?¡±


    I frowned. ¡°Whom?¡±


    ¡°Helios. The marriage.¡±


    I coughed when I choked and red at my mom. ¡°No. It¡¯s too early¡ª¡±


    ¡°Why prolong it? You can try beside you like each other. He loves you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mom, please, stick with the topic. I need a dress. If you have, a more luxurious one,¡± I said and bit


    again on the apple.


    I saw mom shake her head and turn off the stove.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go upstairs,¡± she said. She walked toward her room, and I followed.


    I watched how my mother looked after her dresses lined up on her cab and continued eating the


    apple. I eveny my back on her bed as she has a hard time finding one.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just go back to Helios¡¯s penthouse, Zoe? Your wardrobe is there, and it¡¯splete


    from pumps to essories,¡± she said as she walked towards me and looked down.


    I sighed and sat up. ¡°Mom, I don¡¯t want to take advantage of Helios¡¯s kindness, and what if things


    won¡¯t work between us? You can¡¯t tell that we¡¯re meant for each other.¡±


    Mom shook her head and sat beside me. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking. Enjoy life. Enjoy the present


    moments and don¡¯t even think of the future just yet. Of course, you have a long journey to walk on.


    The important thing is, you¡¯re with him. It would be best if you didn¡¯t have regrets, Zoe. Look at me. I


    didn¡¯t think of a better future since I lost your father. You¡­¡± she enveloped her right hand on my


    shoulder, ¡°¡ªyou¡¯re still young. And I could feel that Helios is genuinely attracted to you. Give him a


    chance.¡±


    I heaved a deep sigh. ¡°Do you think so?¡± I asked as I met her gaze.


    ¡°Of course. There¡¯s no harm in trying. And don¡¯t be afraid to take a risk. So, what if his father killed


    someone? Besides, we don¡¯t know the other side of the story. We can¡¯t judge people just like that.


    And when I am working with Don Lincoln¡ªhep, I know that look. We¡¯re not having sex, okay? Since


    I have debts to him, I gave him some of my sry as interest. I regret that, sweetie. So, stop


    shutting me your death re. We¡¯re just inches apart,¡± she said and chuckled. ¡°But honestly, they¡¯re


    kind.¡±


    ¡°I only trust Helios, mom. And, of course, Nana Milky. There¡¯s a part of me that I don¡¯t trust her


    father. I could still feel his aura during that night, and it sent chills all over my body.¡±


    ¡°But you will meet himter. So, cheer up. Don¡¯t get intimidated. Fight his gazes like how you fight


    mine,¡± she said andughed as she stood up.


    ¡°Anyway, call Helios. I don¡¯t have nice dresses. Almost are revealing, and I know you hate it. Not


    unless you want to try?¡± she teased.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°No, mom. Thank you,¡± I replied and left her room.


    Guess I have no choice but to ask for help from him. When I got back to my room, I grabbed his


    phone. Yeah, his phone is still in my possession. I dialed his number. The perk of a billionaire, he¡¯s


    phone never runs out of load.


    In just three rings, he picked up.


    ¡°Did you miss me that fast¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stop assuming, Hel. I don¡¯t have any dresses. Would you mind if I¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll send the driver to pick you up,¡± he replied abruptly.


    I frowned. ¡°I didn¡¯t even finish my¡ª¡±


    ¡°I get it, baby. You don¡¯t have to worry. And please, get back to my house. It¡¯s lonely when you¡¯re


    not there,¡± he said. His voice is calm and soft.


    I chuckled. ¡°Nana Milky is there¡ª¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t kiss nor hug, Nana.¡±


    ¡°What? Are you being serious? You can kiss her¡ª¡±


    ¡°On the lips? Grr, that¡¯s disgusting.¡±


    I burst intoughter. I could picture his reaction and will find it adorable.


    ¡°Whatever. I will wait for the driver. And don¡¯t worry, I will go back¡ª¡±


    ¡°Rea¡ª¡± He didn¡¯t finish his words when I ended the call.


    It serves him. He doesn¡¯t even let me finish talking.


    I smiled as I put down his phone. He¡¯s really something. His small actions made him adorable, yet


    sometimes he¡¯s annoying.


    However, I wonder what we will gonna talk about after dinner. Why does he even tell me not to hateProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    him?


    Did he do something wrong?


    Why would I hate him?


    I shook my head. Helios is really killing me in bafflement sometimes. He¡¯s really annoying.


    But I admit, he¡¯s unique. He can make me mad at the same time, tamed when I¡¯m with him.


    If only I could teach my heart, I would ept his proposal right away. But things won¡¯t go that way


    so easily. We need to build a foundation to have a strong connection with each other.

 Mrs. Lincoln

    Mrs. Lincoln


    Zoe¡¯s POV


    I was surprised when I saw Helios in our small living room soon as I got down.


    ¡°I thought you would send your driver? I didn¡¯t know that you¡¯re the driver now,¡± I said, more of a


    tease, and put my sling bag on.


    Helios stood up and walked towards me, arching his brow. ¡°You¡¯re just seeing me as your driver?¡±


    he asked. His voice is deep and chilly.


    I gulped and nced at my mom to seek help, but she just crossed her arms in front of her chest.


    Seriously?


    ¡°Nope. I see you as an angel who shines attractively,¡± I said, waiting for his reaction. Still, he¡¯s stern.


    Hmm¡­ what will soften his cold heart at this moment?


    Maybe¡­


    I walked closer to him abruptly, tip-toed, and crashed my lips into his.


    Bingo!


    I saw his shocked expression and my mother¡¯s little snickers when I moved away.


    I nced at her and winked. ¡°Gotta go, mom. I will call youter,¡± I said and dragged the hypnotized


    Helios.


    Soon as I opened the door, I saw his broad and veiny hand twisting the doorknob.


    I looked up at him and smiled. ¡°You¡¯re on earth already?¡± I teased.


    ¡°What did you do?¡± he asked as we stepped outside.


    I bit my lower lip and was about to tip-toe again when he had already figured out what I was going


    to do.


    ¡°Same tricks won¡¯t work on me for the second time, Zoe,¡± he said and formed a sly smirk. He


    reached for my hand and pulled me towards his car.


    He opened the door for me and guided me inside before he turned to the other side.


    Did my action just backfire on me?


    What the hell!


    Silence filled in the inside of his car, which was irritatingly deafening. I hemmed and cleared my


    throat when suddenly Helios pulled over.


    I frowned and looked at him. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked.


    I saw how his chest moved up and down heavily. As if he¡¯s gasping for his breath.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked once again. ¡°Helios¡­¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Zoe,¡± he said, making me confused.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening to you? You didn¡¯t do anything. I was the one who should be sorry to you. I hurt


    you, but¡ª¡±


    ¡°No. I deserved it. I will not push to marry you. Just forgive me and let me court you.¡±


    I pulled a strand of my hair. ¡°I don¡¯t understand you, Helios. Can you just go straight to the point?


    Don¡¯t leave me with bafflement.¡±


    Helios reached for my left hand and held it tightly. ¡°I am sorry, Zoe¡­¡± he paused as he met my


    gaze, I didn¡¯t leave his eyes and waited for his following words, ¡°I am so sorry for lying to you,¡± he


    added.


    My brows furrowed. ¡°W-What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I am not the Helios¡ª¡± The tune of his phone cut off Helios.


    Helios let go of my hand, reached for his phone, and picked up the call.


    ¡°Speak,¡± he said in a chilly voice, that even I was carried on it.


    ¡°What?!¡±


    My eyes blinked twice because of surprise. I don¡¯t know what the caller said, but the moment he put


    down his phone, he started the engine again, and this time, he drove faster.


    ¡°What on earth is ha¡ª¡±


    ¡°My father was rushed towards the hospital,¡± he said, making me press my lips together.


    Baffled, I was about to ask what happened when I held myself not to. It seems like my mind is telling


    me not to.


    I didn¡¯t talk nor create any noise until we stopped right in front of the hospital. Helios unbuckled his


    seatbelt with a rush in his every move. He didn¡¯t even look at me or even bother to ask me if I


    wanted toe. He just climbed off his car and almost ran towards the entrance.


    I heaved a deep sigh and followed him. This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    His father invited him for dinner, and now, his father was rushed to the hospital?


    I walked as fast as I could but failed to catch up. I just asked the nurse at the information desk about


    Don Lincoln.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s in the ICU, ma¡¯am,¡± the nurse said to me, making my eyes widen.


    ¡°W-What happened?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t give private¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m his daughter-inw. I¡¯m Helios¡¯s wife,¡± I stated, which I regretted in the end. But I already said it.


    There¡¯s no turning back.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you see my husband? He runs soon as we arrived here, and I am sorry to ask you¡ª¡±


    ¡°My apology, Mrs. Lincoln,¡± the nurse said as she stood up and bowed her head, making my lips


    part but get back to my senses afterward.


    I smiled even if she couldn¡¯t see it and said politely, ¡°it¡¯s okay. You¡¯re not aware of it, so I


    understand.¡±


    ¡°Don Lincoln was ambushed on his way to his house this morning¡­.¡±


    ¡°Ambushed?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ma¡¯am if you have to hear this. They told me not to give discreet information about the


    Lincolns, but you said you¡¯re his son¡¯s wife, so¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. You don¡¯t have to. Thank you, by the way. I need to go,¡± I said and rushed toward the


    ICU.


    Did someone want the Don dead? Why would they ambush¡ªthis means he got gunshot wounds?


    I walked faster until I saw Helios standing outside the ICU, his hands pinned on the wall, and I saw


    how blood dripped from his knuckled. My eyes widened in panic, and I rushed toward him.


    ¡°Hel, why did you do that?¡± I asked but calmed my voice. I reached for his hand and pulled him into


    the waiting area.


    ¡°Why would you do that, Helios?¡± I looked for my handkerchief inside my small bag and gently


    wiped the blooding out from his knuckles.


    ¡°I already warned that old hag, but he never believes in me¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand you, but I will listen, so go on. What happened? And why are there many men in


    suits in the hospital? It seems like they¡¯re guarding all the entrances and exits?¡± I asked and looked


    at the two men near us.


    And old hag? Is he talking about his father?


    I shook my head.


    ¡°Go on. I¡¯ll listen.¡±


    However, Helios shook his head. ¡°You don¡¯t need to know about it¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Lincoln. You forgot your phone.¡± It was the nurse at the entrance.


    And how did she address me?


    With wide eyes, I looked at Helios, who was now darting his gaze at me.


    ¡°Mrs.? Since¡ª¡±


    I stood up, rushed toward the nurse, and took Helios¡¯s spare phone. ¡°Thank you so much.¡±


    The nurse smiled at me, and I sighed in relief when she left.


    I closed my eyes to calm myself before turning back to Helios.


    ¡°Oh,¡± I gasped, ¡°I forgot to ask for a band¡ª¡±


    ¡°What was that?¡±


    I frowned and met his gaze. ¡°Huh?¡±


    I saw how Helios¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡°Why did she call you Mrs. Lincoln?¡±


    I smiled awkwardly and suddenly took the courage to divert the topic. ¡°How¡¯s your father¡ªoh,


    here¡¯s the doctor!¡± I eximed and stood up to face the old man in a whiteb coat.


    I pressed my lips as I stood beside Helios. I sighed in relief when I sessfully diverted his


    attention.


    ¡°He was lucky that it was not a high-caliber gun that hit him. And some of his wounds are just


    grazed. The bullet in his leg was sessfully removed, and he needs to get healed for half a year.


    He¡¯s still unconscious because of the anesthesia that I injected into him. Do you know who¡¯s behind


    this incident¡­¡± the doctor paused in mid-sentence when he nced at me.


    ¡°Can I talk to you in private, Helios?¡± the doctor continued, and I don¡¯t know why my heart throbbed


    in pain because of what the doctor said, then suddenly, I realized I am a nobody¡ªcertainly, I do not


    belong.


    ¡®But you¡¯re Mrs. Lincoln, right?¡¯ the inner me yelled.


    I shook my head and looked at their back as they walked away from me.


    I gasped when Helios turned and looked at me. I smiled at him and mouthed, ¡®it¡¯s okay,¡¯ and even


    gestured my fingers as an OK sign.


    He then nodded.

 His Words

    His Words


    Zoe¡¯s POV


    ¡°So, you pretended to be my wife?¡± This was Helios¡¯s first question soon as he got back to the


    waiting area.


    As per the doctor¡¯s advice, the Don needs to wait for another hour before they will transfer him to


    his private room, and here is Helios, sitting beside me, teasing me.


    I frowned and looked at him. ¡°I left with no choice. I want to see your father too. And you just left me


    there,¡± I said and red at him, making him smirk.


    ¡°You see, being my wife has the perks¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stop with it. I will only hold it for this day. It¡¯s fake, okay? Fake.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we just make it real.¡±


    I arched my brow as I met his gaze. ¡°We already talked about this, Hel. Am I going to repeat it


    again?¡±


    Helios took a deep breath and sighed as he shook his head. ¡°No. I¡¯m just trying¡ª¡±


    ¡°Court me first¡ª¡±


    ¡°For real¡ª¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what we talked for. Convinced me more. It¡¯s not that I am ying hard to get but makes me


    feel not just to like you but to love you instead, Helios.¡±


    Helios smiled. ¡°I could feel that you just not like me, Zoe. But you¡¯re hindering your heart from loving


    me more by believing that you JUST like me,¡± he said, emphasizing the word: just.


    I shook my head. ¡°It¡¯s too early for marriage Helios. We barely knew each other. Look how those


    couples stay a decade in a rtionship, but in the end, they break up. What more for us, who only


    see each other for a month?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the rtionship thatst, Zoe. Not the courtship. Marry me now, and I will promise to court you


    forever,¡± he said in a deep yet soft voice.


    I don¡¯t know how to react. But that are the most romantic words that I have ever received and


    heard. But¡­ in the wrong ce.


    If only he said that in a cozy ambiance, not in the hospital, it could be more romantic.


    ¡°You should have at least kneeled and presented me a box of a ring,¡± I joked and let out a soft


    chuckle to hide my ttered self.


    I saw how his brow knitted, and suddenly he realized what I meant.


    ¡°You mean¡­¡±


    ¡°If only you have it. Maybe, I would say YES,¡± I replied andughed.


    Helios was about to call someone when the doctor came out, and the nurses pulled his father¡¯s bed


    out of the ICU.


    I was about to follow them when Helios reached for my hand, and we held hands until we entered


    the private room of his father.


    I could feel the warmth in his hands, and it even sent shivers down my spine. And when he let go, it


    feels like I am still holding his hands.


    But I just like him!


    No, we can¡¯t rush things. I don¡¯t want that one of us will regret the decision that we made at this


    moment.


    What if he realizes that I am not meant for him?


    He¡¯s rich, and I am just an ordinary girl who just graduated from college. I am still young for


    marriage.


    Marriage is sacred and only couples who love each other will embrace it.


    What if he only thinks that he loves me, but he¡¯s not?


    But would it be worth it to take a risk? This is not just a small one but a big one. What if one of us


    gives up?


    Yes, he was the man two years ago, but we don¡¯t know each other yet¡­ that much. I don¡¯t even


    know what¡¯s his favorite color. What makes him happy¡ªthose essential things that a couple must


    know. So, why would he marry me?


    What if his family is against it? Like those movies? Was the viin for the protagonists¡¯ rtionship


    the male lead parents? Or vice-versa?


    The thought of this made me feel scared.


    ¡°Zoe¡­¡±


    ¡°Zoe¡­¡±


    I gasped when I felt him poking me on the cheek. I frowned and looked at him. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re spacing out. I am asking you if you¡¯re hungry.¡±


    I pressed my lips and nodded. Honesty is the best policy. I am starving, and I just realized that.


    I saw Helios smile and nod as he let out his phone and called someone.


    I heaved a deep sigh as I looked at Don Lincoln.


    Even if he¡¯s sleeping, he¡¯s still scary. What more if I agree with the wedding and he will object to his


    son¡¯s idea.


    Then suddenly, I realized¡­ I haven¡¯t seen Helios¡¯s mother yet. I didn¡¯t even ask Nana Milky.


    I waited for Helios to drop the call and will ask him. Well, if I¡¯m gonna ept his proposal, I need to


    know about his family, right?


    I smiled at him when he looked at me and put down his phone.


    ¡°Uhm¡­ your mom wille, right?¡± I asked and bit my lower lip.


    I watched how Helios¡¯s facial expression changed. Not literally, but I saw a glint of gloominess in his


    eyes.


    ¡°W-What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    I¡¯m afraid I asked it wrongly.


    He shook his head. ¡°She died when she gave birth to us,¡± he said and let out a soft sigh.


    I reached for his hand and pressed it slightly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know.¡±


    Helios smiled at me, making me curse inside my head. Damn, he¡¯s really handsome!


    ¡°Lucky you, you have your mother,¡± he said.


    ¡°Lucky you, you have your father,¡± I stated and smiled, but it didn¡¯t reach my eyes.


    Helios frowned. ¡°What happened¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have one. I don¡¯t know, but mom said he already died,¡± I replied and met his gaze. ¡°Uhm¡­¡± I


    am hesitant to say it, but, I think, his words are right. It¡¯s the rtionship thatsts.


    ¡°Do you want to say something?¡±


    I nodded and was about to talk when I saw his father open his eyes. ¡°Y-Your dad is¡­ awake!¡± I


    eximed, and Helios turned to look in his father¡¯s direction. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Uhm¡­¡± I reached for Helios, making him stop from approaching his father, ¡°¡ªI¡¯ll just stay outside,¡±


    I added.


    ¡°Wait for me then. I¡¯ll just need to talk to him,¡± he said, and I nodded.

 Secretary not Sex-retary

    Secretary not Sex-retary


    Zoe¡¯s POV


    I waited for Helios toe out and busied myself with scrolling his phone. I have never used one of


    these for the time being, so I need to get familiar with its features, and it¡¯s not that hard to memorize


    or use it.


    Minutes passed, and he was not stilling out. I heard a growl in my stomach. Then suddenly I


    remembered that he had ordered food.


    Guess I need to wait for the delivery.


    While waiting for more minutes, I saw a person carrying a red square box, and he was heading in


    my direction. However, two guards stopped him and instructed him that he couldn¡¯t go any further.


    I stood up and walked towards them and smiled at the guard who turned to see me. ¡°Excuse me, is


    this the food for Helios Lincoln?¡± I asked the guy, and he nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get it,¡± I stated.


    He then put down the big red box and grabbed the bag of food tubs inside. The guard on my left


    reached for it, making me arch my brow.


    ¡°Hand it over to me¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you out, Mrs. Lincoln,¡± he said, making my eyes widen.


    Mrs.?


    ¡°Thank you for ordering, ma¡¯am,¡± the guy interrupted my thought, and I smiled at him.


    He left after that.


    I turned to the guard and was about to reach the bag when he moved it away. And the other guard


    gestured the way and said, ¡°After you, Madam.¡±


    I shook my head and rolled my eyes as I walked forward. Before opening it, I knocked on the door,


    and I saw Helios walking toward us. He must be going to open the door.


    ¡°Here¡¯s the food you order. Maybe we could eat them first?¡±


    Helios smiled at me, but there was something in his smile. It¡¯s not that genuine smile that he


    constantly shed to me.


    I know something is wrong. Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I nced at his father and frowned when he darted his sharp re at me. I gulped and looked at


    Helios again.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat?¡±


    Helios nodded.


    The guard then ced the bag on the table. And they were about to leave when I called them.


    ¡°Good Sirs, maybe you could join us. The food is too much, and we don¡¯t have a big stomach.


    So¡­¡±


    Helios held my hand, making me look at him. ¡°Why?¡±


    I arched my brow when one man hemmed to catch my attention. ¡°My apology, Mrs. Lincoln, but


    bodyguards are not allowed to eat with their bosses,¡± he said.


    I looked at Helios, and I saw how his eyes smiled, and I knew the reason why. It¡¯s because of the


    title: Mrs.


    Since fate enjoys dragging me into the name: Mrs. Lincoln, Huh, why not use it?


    ¡°Join us. We must not waste food. Now, seat.¡±


    ¡°But Ma¡¯am¡ª¡±


    ¡°No buts. Just sit down and let¡¯s eat,¡± Imanded, and I heard Helios''s soft chuckle as I walked


    towards the sofa.


    The two guards then sat across from us. Then suddenly, I remembered Helios¡¯s father.


    I then turned to look at him and met his deathly gaze. ¡°Dad¡ª¡±


    ¡°Dad¡­?!¡±


    I was startled upon hearing the three repeating my words.


    ¡°What the hell? You almost pushed my heart out of my chest!¡±


    I saw how the two in front of us hid their smiles as they bowed their heads. And when I turned to


    Helios, he was pressing his lips as if he was holding not to burst.


    ¡°Who are you to call me, Dad?¡± I heard Don Lincoln, making me turn to face him.


    ¡°Huh?¡± I let out a soft chuckle, ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that. The people inside this hospital thought that I


    was your daughter-inw, but long story short, it was a fake one. It¡¯s not real¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know the meaning of FAKE,¡± Don Lincoln replied, making me nod my head.


    ¡°All right. Anyway, do you want to eat?¡±


    Helios nudged me, making me re at him.


    ¡°Dad will eatter. He has his nurse, so we can just eat, hmm?¡±


    I nced at his dad, and the old man¡¯s eyes seem wanting to skin me alive.


    I smiled at him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Don Lincoln if I have to be Helios¡¯s wife for this day. Rest assured¡­ it


    won¡¯t happen again,¡± I said and let out a soft chuckle.


    And when I looked at Helios, he was ring at me, making me arch my brow. ¡°What?¡±


    He shook his head and pulled me to sit beside him. ¡°Just eat and stop talking,¡± he said, stern and


    cold.


    I looked at the two in front of us again, they were busy eating and seems like they were purposely


    ignoring my nces. After a few minutes, they bowed their heads and left.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with them?¡± I asked suddenly.


    ¡°You¡¯re scaring t¡ª¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not allowed to eat with their bosses, yet a stranger like you invited them?¡± it was Don


    Lincoln¡¯s voice that made me look at him.


    ¡°Dad¡­¡±


    I stopped Helios and mouthed, ¡°it¡¯s okay.¡±


    I smiled at the old man even though the hairs on my skin were already rosing in fear.


    ¡°Sadly, I am not their boss, Don Lincoln¡ªI mean Dad. Yes, you¡¯re my dad, for this day only,¡± I said,


    with sarcasm in my tune.


    ¡°If I were you, Helios. Ki¡ª¡±


    ¡°Enough with it, father. Let¡¯s go,¡± he said as he pulled me upward and left the room.


    Did that old man mean to kill me?


    ¡°Kill me?¡± Iughed sarcastically. ¡°He¡¯s a monster then¡ª¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know that. And I thought you were scared of him? Why are you still talking to him?¡± he


    asked simultaneously.


    I arched my brow as I crossed my arms in front of my chest while we were walking in the hallway.


    ¡°A little bit scared, but he¡¯s crippled. So...¡±


    ¡°So, stop messing with him. And don¡¯t even listen to him. You¡¯re right, he¡¯s a monster, and you don¡¯t


    know him that well. So, avoid him.¡±


    Iughed and unsped my folded arms.


    ¡°Avoid? When in fact, if this does not happen, we will be having dinner with him tonight. Right?¡±


    Helios pinched the bridge of his nose. ¡°Zoe, please. This matter is not for a joke.¡±


    I pouted my lips. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. But I started my day with a joke. You know, pretending to be your wife.¡±


    ¡°We can proceed on that¡ª¡±


    ¡°No way. And let¡¯s drop about it. Anyway, I wille to work tomorrow and start to be your


    secretary.¡± I said and looked at Helios.


    He bit his lower lip and looked down at me.


    I frowned. ¡°Secretary, Helios. Not Sex-retary. Strictly, no sex at work,¡± I said through gritted teeth.


    He scoffed and shook his head. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that,¡± he replied and winked at me.


    What the hell?!

 Pinned To The Wall

    Pinned To The Wall


    Zoe¡¯s POV


    Two days had passed, and Helios¡¯s father was discharged yesterday. We visited him and even had


    dinner with them.


    I was amazed at how vast and elegant their house was. The Lincolns are really rich. However, I


    really wonder why they need to hire too many bodyguards. Don Lincoln is not the President of the


    estate, so why?


    He killed the former President¡ªugh, here I am again, judging. I don¡¯t know the whole truth nor the


    other side of the story, so I can¡¯t pinpoint who¡¯s who. But rumors had it, Don Lincoln killed the


    President.


    The old man is still treating me coldly even if I told him that I was just joking the other day. Helios


    introduced me as his secretary at the same time, the woman he was coaxing. And will be his future


    wife.


    Wife?


    That sounds perfect every time he¡¯s saying it. And I couldn¡¯t help but feel ttered.


    However, saying this in front of Don Lincoln seems like it angers him. He dislikes that idea¡ªhe


    opposes it right in front of us.


    But the hell do I care?


    It¡¯s not that I¡¯m gonna ept it.


    ¡°Care to share your thoughts?¡±


    I frowned and looked up and met Helios¡¯s gaze. He was standing right in front of my desk outside of


    his office.


    ¡°Do you need something, Sir?¡± I asked, teasing him. Well, we¡¯re at work. Professionalism and


    respect are a must.


    I saw how his forehead creased. ¡°Sir? Didn¡¯t I tell you that call me Helios?¡±


    I smiled and leaned on my chair. ¡°I understand that, Sir. But what if your employees will hear about


    it? What will they think? Didn¡¯t I tell you that we need to keep everything private?¡±


    A sly smirk crept into his lips as he put his hands inside the pocket of his trousers. ¡°Oh, says theProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    woman who pretended to be my wife in the hospital¡ªa public establish¡ª¡±


    ¡°From now on, I will call you SIR when we¡¯re at work and call you Helios or Hel after. How about


    that?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± he shook his head. ¡°No. Call me, Helios, if no one¡¯s around¡ª¡±


    ¡°I will just call you baby then,¡± I cut off the hum of his words, teasing him.


    I saw how his lips parted, making me bite my lower lip.


    ¡°Are you really testing my patience, are you? And you dared¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, you have a meeting at three!¡± I cut off and pulled the yellow sticky note that I ced at the side


    of the monitor. ¡°And¡­¡± I nced at my wristwatch before meeting his sharp gaze once again, ¡°¡ªit¡¯s


    about time, baby,¡± I added and winked at him.


    He snorted and gritted his teeth. ¡°Prepare to be punished when we get back home,¡± he said and


    left.


    Soon as I can¡¯t see his build. I sighed in relief.


    ¡°Geez, what¡¯s wrong with him?¡± I whispered and got back to work.


    I am his secretary, but he doesn¡¯t even want me to follow him. Supposedly to be, we were going to


    the meeting together, but he said he didn¡¯t want me to get tired.


    Duh?


    I am his secretary. I am working. So, it¡¯s normal to get tired if there are many of paperwork to do.


    I just don¡¯t know what¡¯s in his mind.


    I busied myself, piling and printing all the documents that he needed. When I was done, I walked


    toward his office and put the papers in front of his desk. I also received all the reports per


    department as per hismand.


    After that, I am vacant again.


    I took a deep breath and sighed as I stood up.


    I nced at my wristwatch, and it was already five in the afternoon. I wonder if his meeting is


    already done.


    As per his client¡¯s wants, she wants to meet Helios in a restaurant.


    She and the restaurant?


    Hmm¡­ guess that woman might be interested in Helios.


    Thinking about this made meugh. I don¡¯t know what he will be Helios if he sees her.


    ¡®Aren¡¯t you jealous?¡¯


    Shouted my subconsciousness.


    I shook my head. ¡°Why would I be jealous?¡±


    ¡°Jealous to whom?¡±


    ¡°Ahh!¡± I screamed, ¡°What the hell?! You scared me!¡± I yelled as I clutched my chest and red at


    him.


    He arched his brow. ¡°Who are you talking to?¡±


    Helios was standing behind me while I was waiting for the elevator to open.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t I see you? I just got back from your office. Did you teleport?¡±


    Heughed. ¡°No. You¡¯re just upied that you didn¡¯t see me. You¡¯re here, standing in front of the


    elevator, not knowing that it opened, and I am just in front of you?¡±


    ¡°W-What?!¡±


    Helios shook his head. ¡°Drop it. Anyway, who¡¯s jealous?¡±


    ¡°Jealous? Did I ever say that?¡± I asked and pressed my lips together. I pushed the open button and


    entered inside.


    I frowned when he entered. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Following my wife.¡±


    ¡°Wife? The game is over Helios. I am your secretary.¡±


    Helios¡¯s forehead creased, and he stopped the elevator door to close as he pulled me out of it.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡±


    However, he didn¡¯t reply.


    ¡°Helios!¡±


    ¡°Babe,¡± he stopped and turned to me, ¡°keep quiet. They might hear us,¡± he added.


    ¡°Hear us? We¡¯re on the top¡ª¡± I didn¡¯t finish my words when he pinned me to the wall and pressed


    his lips into mine.


    I was trying to push him away, afraid that someone would go up and might see us but his kisses


    started to drown me so deep that I couldn¡¯t resist.


    He nibbled my lips as he cupped my face; he deepened it and even bit the lower one, making me


    gasp.


    He darted his tongue inside me and battled with my tongue; a moan slipped out of my mouth when


    he sucked the tip of my tongue.


    His hand kneaded my right breast, and I could feel the warmth that lingers through the fabric of my


    clothing.


    I encircled my hands into his nape, and he carried me until I felt the movement of his body, walking


    towards his office.

 Interrupted Session

    Interrupted Session


    Zoe¡¯s POV


    Helios struggled to open the door because of my height and without him breaking the kiss. I don¡¯t


    want to cut this intense feeling that is growing between us, so I just let him do what he pleased at


    the moment. And when we got inside, he walked us towards his desk and let me sit.


    His roamed around my shoulder down, on its way to my back, until it reached the side of my bum.


    A moan slipped out of my mouth when his lips moved down to my neck. I closed my eyes and held


    onto his shoulder as his kisses moved down.


    He was about to pull the tucked-in of my blouse when we both heard a knock on the door.


    I gasped in horror and pushed him away, making him re at me.


    What? I mouthed and pointed to the door.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I heard him curse before he fixed his hair so as his suit.


    I saw the frustration on his face making me smile and bit my lower lip.


    Wrong timing.


    Whoever that person is, I¡¯m sure, he or will receive Helios¡¯s wrath.


    Sorry, not sorry then. An incident like this can¡¯t be avoided. So, I hope Helios will have control over


    himself.


    And damn me because I let him get distracted.


    But I wonder who wants to talk to him at this hour? It¡¯s already time to go home. His employees


    worked from 8:30 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. It¡¯s already past five in the afternoon.


    I jumped off the desk and fixed myself. I reached for the documents that I printed earlier and held


    them.


    Other employees must not know that Helios and I share intimate feelings toward each other. We


    must not give them the slightest idea.


    Helios looked at me once more before he opened the door.


    ¡°Helios, honey!¡±


    I coughed when I heard that flirtatious voice, and my eyes widened when I saw the woman kiss


    Helios on the lips.


    She fucking kissed him on the lips!


    My grip on the folders tightened when the woman even encircled her arms around Helios¡¯s nape.


    When Helios turned in my direction, I averted my gaze and put down the folders in front of his desk,


    forcedly making a disturbing sound.


    Guess I caught the woman¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Oh, your new secretary is here. Sorry, darling. You have seen that¡± she said to me soon as our


    eyes met.


    I smiled awkwardly. ¡°Good day, Miss¡­.¡± I paused since I didn¡¯t know her.


    ¡°I¡¯m Chloe,¡± she added.


    I nodded. ¡°Good day, Miss Chloe. And I just dropped some documents,¡± I said and walked towards


    their direction as they were blocking the doorway.¡¯


    I know Helios is trying to catch my gaze, but I never bother to look at him.


    The bitch named Chloe smiled at me. I don¡¯t even know if it¡¯s real. She looks lovely and kind. I just


    don¡¯t see what¡¯s her rtionship with Helios.


    ¡°She¡¯s beautiful, Helios,¡± Chloe suddenly said when I got near them.


    ¡°When did you return?¡± Instead of answering, he asked her a question.


    Return? It¡¯s meant to say, Chloe came from abroad.


    ¡°Just this afternoon.¡±


    That¡¯s confirmed it.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you call?¡±


    Chloeughed, making me slightly gasp. ¡°Can¡¯t you be sweeter, honey¡ª¡±


    ¡°My name is Helios, Chloe.¡±


    Chloe let out a chuckle, and it echoed in the four corners of Helios¡¯s office.


    ¡°We should practice it. Besides, we¡¯re going to get en¡ª¡±


    ¡°Chloe, I¡¯m tired, and I need to go home.¡±


    ¡°Great! Then let¡¯s have dinner. I missed¡ª¡±


    ¡°I will go straight home,¡± Helios interrupted, making Chloe frown.


    Damn, I don¡¯t know what to do. I am stuck. Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Ahem,¡± I hemmed and cleared my thought as I coughed slightly.


    Chloe met my gaze and smiled. ¡°Oh, sorry, sweetie.¡±


    I smiled. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Miss Chloe. If you excuse me,¡± I said and walked into the small space.


    Soon as I stepped out of the office, I never dared to look back. I got back straight to my desk and


    started to fix my things. Suddenly, I heard the door close. Maybe they¡¯re already getting inside.


    I grabbed my bag and walked toward the elevator. Guess Helios already found his future wife.


    I let out a soft chuckle and entered the elevator. I pressed the closed button and pressed: 1.


    Chloe holds the aura of an heiress, and Helios is a boss. And the owner of arge carpany.


    Rich people are meant to be of the same race. She¡¯s also beautiful and sophisticated. She seems


    like a model.


    I clutched my chest when suddenly I felt my breath grip my heart.


    What the hell?


    So, what if they¡¯re meant for each other?


    I don¡¯t love him. I like him, but I don¡¯t love him. There¡¯s a difference.


    I shook my head as I hated what I was feeling at the moment.


    I gasped when I felt the elevator stop. I exited and walked towards the exit. I saw the two guards


    again that stopped me during my first day. I smiled at them and waved my hand to bid them


    goodbye.


    They waved back and smiled at me.


    I was about to get a cab when suddenly a force pulled me, making me turn to face¡­ ¡°Helios?¡±


    I frowned as I looked at him, panting. His chest moved up and down rapidly.


    ¡°What¡¯s your problem¡ª¡±


    ¡°Helios!¡±


    I pushed him and forced him to let go of me. I sighed in relief when Helios let me go. I was walking


    near the road when I saw a cab. I waved my hand, and I rushed inside the moment it stopped.


    I looked past through the window and met Helios¡¯s raging gaze. I saw how he clenched his fist, and


    when Chloe snaked her arm into his, I looked away and smiled.


    I told my old apartment address to the driver soon as he drove away from the building.


    I closed my eyes as I leaned the back of my head to the headrest and clutched my chest to calm my


    heart.


    What did I do?


    Why did I act like that?

 What If?

    What If?


    Zoe¡¯s POV


    ¡°Zoe¡­!¡±


    I heard my mother¡¯s voice as she called my name.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there in a minute, mom!¡± I yelled back as I put on my shirt.


    I decided to take a shower after I came back from work. And also see mom, who¡¯s ready for work.


    But until now, she¡¯s still not leaving. I wonder why.


    I climbed downstairs and frowned when I saw her holding my phone.


    ¡°This keeps on ringing, and it shows Helios. However, I didn¡¯t dare to answer it. I don¡¯t want you to


    get upset because you look UPSET,¡± she said and gave stressed the word: upset.


    I pressed my lips and reached for my phone. Mothers really know best.


    ¡°What happened again, Zoe?¡± she asked. Guess she smelled misunderstanding again.


    I shook my head and smiled. ¡°Nothing, mom. Don¡¯t worry about me. It¡¯s just that I am not really


    comfortable staying at his house,¡± I replied; much to say, I lied.


    ¡°Zoe,¡± my mom walked towards me as she grabbed her bag from the coffee table, ¡°you¡¯re still young


    and confused. But when you feel it, why don¡¯t you give it a try?¡±


    I coughed and let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Mom¡­ what are you talking about? This is not about love¡ª¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mention love, but you said it. This means you like him or¡­¡± she smiled at me, ¡°¡ªyou


    already love him.¡±


    Iughed. ¡°Love is not to be felt that easy.¡±


    ¡°Who knows? There is love at first sight, love at first touch, love at first misunderstanding¡­ who


    knows when will this love¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mom, with all due respect. I don¡¯t want to talk about it. Helios and I are fine. Also, love may find in


    anything, but you should know that elite people are not meant for us¡­ the poor,¡± I said and walked


    towards the kitchen. I badly needed to drink cold water.


    ¡°Okay!¡± mom eximed, making me look back at her. ¡°Fine, I will not meddle nor get myself


    attached to your business, sweetie. You¡¯re a big girl now, so I know you can do it. But if you needed


    me, you knew I¡¯m always here,¡± she said and winked at me. Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I smiled and gestured a flying kiss to her. ¡°Take care, mom.¡±


    I heard her softugh soon as she left the apartment.


    I heaved a deep sigh as I walked toward our tiny fridge and grabbed a bottle of water.


    I shook my head. ¡°Why do I have to think of him? Chloe is a perfect girl while I am just a rug,¡± I let


    out as I opened the lid of the bottle and drank up.


    They are meant for each other.


    I was about to put down my phone on the side when it started to ring again.


    I puffed my cheeks and breathed out. I gritted my teeth as I picked up the call.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Where are you?¡±


    I frowned when I heard his deep and cold voice. I sat on the old one-seater sofa and leaned my


    back as I looked at the ceiling.


    ¡°Home.¡±


    ¡°Get out.¡±


    I arched my brow. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Get out, and let¡¯s¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sleepy¡ª¡±


    ¡°Your mother just told me that you¡¯re in the kitchen¡ª¡±


    ¡°Where are you?¡± I stood up and walked towards the door.


    ¡°Outside of your doorstep¡ª¡±


    I dropped the call, opened the door, and yelled at him. ¡°What the hell are you doing here?!¡±


    Helios put down his phone and pierced his eyes on me. ¡°We need to talk,¡± he said firmly.


    ¡°Talk about what?¡± I asked as I arched my brow.


    ¡°About us.¡±


    Iughed, but I know he was hard-headed, so I stepped to the side and motioned him to get in.


    I closed the door and walked toward our small living room. I sat across from him and put down my


    phone¡ªhis phone since he only let me borrow it.


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°Why did you run away? I told you we¡¯re going to have dinner outside after¡ª¡±


    ¡°Are you not thinking? Chloe was there. She just got home and visited you. I pay respect, Helios.


    You should have¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t fucking care about Chloe. So, what if she just got home?¡±


    Iughed, but sarcasm filled it. ¡°Can¡¯t you sense it? The girl likes you. And based on how she


    kissed and hugged you¡­.¡± I bit my lower lip. Damn, I don¡¯t want to sound jealous. I shook my head.


    ¡°Just get out, and I¡¯m off to bed.¡±


    ¡°Are you jealous because she¡ª¡±


    Iughed to cut him off. ¡°Don¡¯t be too full of yourself, Helios. We don¡¯t have any rtionship¡ª¡±


    ¡°But I love you.¡±


    His words rendered me speechless. It seemed like a bolt of lightning hit my heart, making it thump


    so fast.


    I faked a coughed to clear my throat and smiled awkwardly. ¡°I¡­ I know that. But¡­ we¡¯re not¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear any reasons nor exnations from you, Zoe. Chloe is just my childhood friend.


    Her father and my father are best friends, but me and Zoe, we¡¯re not that close.¡±


    ¡°So? What do you want me to do or say? That it¡¯s fine if she finds out that you love me?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡ª¡±


    ¡°No!¡± I shook my head, and I saw his eyes widen. ¡°Please, Helios. I don¡¯t want any controversies.


    Chloe is a model, am I right?¡±


    He frowned. ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°I searched her name on the inte. She¡¯s the highest-paid model. At that rate, she got many fans.


    Please, if you get my point. I don¡¯t want her to find out that¡ª¡±


    ¡°Sure. I promise to be more cautious¡ª


    ¡°And please, I don¡¯t want to have sex inside your building,¡± I cut off the hum of his words.


    My eyes widened when I realized the words from my mouth.


    ¡°Shit,¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°Then we can have sex at my penthouse.¡±


    ¡°Helios!¡± I yelled, and I didn¡¯t care if the neighborhood would hear it.


    ¡°No. Never. I am not going back to your house. I¡¯m sure Chloe will go there¡ª¡±


    ¡°Please¡­¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°If you want to get my YES, then we shouldn¡¯t get caught.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the use of hiding if you¡¯re going to marry me in the end? And I hate hiding you. You¡¯re a


    woman that I should be proud of,¡± he said. The more profound thoughts in his words made my heart


    skip a beat.


    I am touched. I can¡¯t help but feel dramatic about it.


    I sighed. ¡°It¡¯s too early for the both of us, Helios. We can take time¡ªwe must enjoy it. What if we


    decided to tie the knot but, in the end, you just realize that you don¡¯t love me?¡±

 The Accident

    The ident


    Zoe¡¯s POV


    Helios remained silent for a moment, making me heave a deep sigh.


    ¡°Helios, you must understand me. You can¡¯t just get what you want or make things happen the way


    you want. By looking at her, Chloe is a sweet girl. Please, don¡¯t drag me¡ª¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re already part of my life, Zoe. And Chloe has nothing to do between us.¡±


    ¡°Your father is against my closeness to you¡ªhe may not tell it directly, but I can feel it.¡±


    Typical elite parents who dislike lowly people.


    ¡°He can¡¯t control my life. I can make my own decision. So, please, I don¡¯t want you to overthink¡ª¡±


    ¡°I am getting your father¡¯s approval too.¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯re saying you don¡¯t want to marry me?¡±


    I pressed my lips and shook my head. ¡°I like you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s get married¡­.¡± I was about to open my mouth when he continued, ¡°¡ªprivately.¡±


    My eyes widened, and it seemed like my ears were bombarded with a booming sound that made


    me deaf. My thoughts took me away from him, and I couldn¡¯t think straight.


    Why does he need to rush things?


    ¡°Why are you doing this? Is this what you truly wanted?¡± I asked, and he nodded.


    ¡°Are you sure about your decision?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°I am sorry, Helios. If you keep on insisting on what you wanted, I¡¯m afraid that I


    will hurt you more because I am against it. Also, this breaks the bond that we have. We¡¯re okay as


    acquaintances, right? We kiss, have sex¡­ but marriage?¡± I sighed and stood up. ¡°I can¡¯t do it. So,


    please leave.¡±


    ¡°Zoe¡­¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much¡­ for everything, Helios. For your love and kindness to mean my mom. But the


    things that you wanted I can¡¯t. I just can¡¯t. And if my rejections fall into consequences, I will ept


    them. If you say that I¡¯m fired, I will find another job. If you removed my mother¡ª¡± I paused when


    Heliosughed, but I know and can feel that it was sarcastic. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°One thing that I hate is when people make decisions for the person. It¡¯s not for you to decide


    everything, Zoe. Not because you rejected my proposal means to say I will fire you. You can still


    work in thepany. So as your mother to my bar. But, of course, don¡¯t expect that I will treat you


    like I have done the past few days. Do you want to be professional? Then let¡¯s work with


    professionalism. And this is thest time that I will visit you and talk to you like this. At work, you¡¯re


    not permitted to talk to me not unless it¡¯s about work. Also, if you gette twice, you¡¯re fired.


    Suppose you failed to pass documents on time. You¡¯re fired. If you can¡¯t perform tasks well, you¡¯re


    fired.¡±


    I smirked. ¡°You can just sum all up to your conditions, Helios, then it would be more understandable


    to me. You can say, one mistake, and I am fired. Anyway, thank you for your understanding. It¡¯s time


    for you to leave,¡± I said and gestured the way toward the door.


    I saw how a sly smirk formed on his lips. ¡°I just don¡¯t understand girls. A man swallowed his pride to


    confess, yet he was rejected, and if the man hides his feelings, you call them cowards.¡±


    My heart thumped fast because of what he said, and I clenched my fist.


    ¡°My eyes were set on you for two years, but you just got my heart broken in a short period. Anyway,


    this is what they called taking risks. Even if I am not sure about the results¡­ I still tried, but in the


    end, I failed,¡± he said, and after that, he left me dumbfounded.


    The moment he left, it seemed like there was something missing in me. My heart thumped with a


    tint of pain. But why?


    I did this for the best. He is meant for a woman like Chloe¡ªrich, beautiful, kind, famous¡­ while I¡­ I


    shook my head and climbed on the bed.


    I pulled theforter up to my chest and stared at the dim ceiling.


    I smiled, but it didn¡¯t reach my eyes. ¡°This is for the better. Besides, I am not unsure. And I am


    grateful that he didn¡¯t fire me. I can¡¯t undo my decisions.¡±


    I was about to close my eyes when the phone on my bedside table rang. I reached for it and


    frowned when I saw an unknown caller.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Is this Mrs. Lincoln?¡±


    I frowned. ¡°My apology, but who¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°This is NYPD, and we recover your husband¡¯s phone at the ident site¡ª¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡± My hands started to shake as I sat up. ¡°W-What happened?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Helios Lincoln was rushed to the hospital because of a car ident, and before he lost


    consciousness, he was holding his phone and whispered the word: wife¡ª¡±


    ¡°Where is he? What hospital?¡± I asked simultaneously as I rushed towards my old cab and


    grabbed my leather jacket and pants.


    The caller told me the address before I ended the call.


    I hurriedly exited the apartment and rushed towards the street. I took a cab and told the address.


    I couldn¡¯t think straightly at the moment. My hands were trembling as I dialed the number at his


    house. In just three rings, Nana picked it up.


    ¡°Nana¡­¡± my eyes widened when I felt a cold drop on my cheeks; tears flowed from them when I


    reached for my eyes.


    ¡°Zoe¡­ what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Nana¡­ Helios is in the hospital. I¡¯m on my way there. He was involved in an ident.¡±


    I heard Nana gasping and knew what she was feeling right now. I told her the address of the


    hospital before ending the call.


    Why am I crying?


    I felt guilty for what I did. I know it was because of me. And I can¡¯t forgive myself if something worst


    happens to him.


    I closed my eyes and wiped my tears away.

 His Coldness

    His Coldness


    ZOE rushed toward the hospital. She asked at the information desk about Helios, but she didn¡¯t use


    the title: wife this time.


    She must stop doing it because it¡¯s wrong.


    Her tears keep on pouring down her cheeks while talking the way toward Helios¡¯s private room.


    Soon as she got there, she saw the nurse who had juste out of the room and bowed her head


    when the nurse passed by.


    Her hands were trembling while her heart thumped so fast. She twisted the doorknob and pushed


    the door slightly open.


    Soon as she stepped in, she saw Helios lying on the white bed, unconscious. She sobbed silently


    as she walked toward him.


    ¡°Ms. Levine¡­¡±


    Her eyes widened when she saw the two bodyguards that apanied her during herst school


    days in college.


    Guess she¡¯s too upied that she didn¡¯t notice them.


    She smiled, but it faded away when she nced at Helios again.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t¡­¡± she choked and covered her mouth to prevent herself from sobbing.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t wake up yet, Ms. Levine. But the doctor said that he was already safe. He only got


    wounds in the head because of the impact when his car rushed towards the road barrier.¡±


    Zoe sighed in relief after hearing it. She smiled and said, ¡°Thank you,¡± before she walked toward


    Helios.


    She sat on the side of the bed as he reached for his hand. She pressed her lips together as she


    stared at his peaceful face.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± she said and halted as she nced at the two who were standing near the door.


    ¡°Did you two already eat?¡± she asked.


    The two nodded. But eventually, get what she meant.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to give you two privacy, Ms. Levine. We¡¯re just outside,¡± the blonde-haired guard said,


    making Zoe smile and nod. Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Ambrose, Ms. Levine, and he¡¯s Cliff,¡± Ambrose said as he pointed to the man with brown hair.


    ¡°Nice meeting you two. Thank you,¡± she said and smiled.


    After that, the two went out, making her shake her head as she turned to face Helios. She couldn¡¯t


    believe that she had only got to know those two at this moment.


    ¡°Hel¡­¡± she started. She pressed their palms together as she caressed the back of his hand. ¡°I am


    sorry¡­ I know it¡¯s my fault¡­¡± she stopped when she felt a droplet on her left cheek. Which she


    knew came from her left eye. Then suddenly, tears pour down once again.


    ¡°I am so sorry¡­ even if I want to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Zoe.¡±


    Zoe immediately let go of Helios¡¯s hand and wiped her tears away. She smiled soon as she turned


    towards the door.


    ¡°Nana¡­¡±


    Nana rushed towards them, and tints of sadness filled her eyes. ¡°God¡­ what happened to him?¡±


    she mumbled soon as she stood beside Helios.


    Zoe remains sitting beside Helios.


    ¡°What happened¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my fault, Nana,¡± Zoe said as she bowed her head and bit her lower lip.


    Nana Milky nced at her and shook her head. She walked closer and hugged her on the side.


    ¡°Zoe, dear. Howe it is your fault? Helios is a drag racer. He is good at driving; that¡¯s why he


    opened a carpany¡­.¡±


    Zoe frowned and lifted her head to face Nana Milky.


    ¡°What do you mean, Nana?¡±


    Nana sighed. ¡°I talked to the doctor soon as I get here since Don Lincoln can¡¯te to visit his son.


    The doctor said that Helios is not drunk nor in the sense of drugs. Also, he said that Helios¡¯s blood


    pressure is low. This means to say he was stressed¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because of me, Nana. He¡­ He proposed yet¡ª¡±


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Zoe and Nana froze for a moment when they heard that familiar voice.


    Nana Milky smiled and let go of Zoe. ¡°Helios¡­¡±


    Zoe slowly turned to face him and met his cold gaze. ¡°H-Hey¡­¡±


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Zoe was about to open her mouth when Nana went in front of her. ¡°She¡¯s here to visit you, of


    course.¡±


    ¡°Send her away, Nana. I don¡¯t want to see her,¡± he said.


    Hearing this, Zoe felt something inside her. It seems like a barbed wire has enveloped her heart. It


    aches.


    She smiled faintly. ¡°Helios¡­¡±


    ¡°Nana, I want to get proper rest. I don¡¯t want to receive any guests at the moment.¡±


    Nana Milky¡¯s eyes widened because of Helios¡¯s sudden demeanor. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? She¡¯s Zoe.


    She¡¯s the one who called me and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Please, Nana,¡± he said, as his eyes never left Zoe¡¯s.


    His cold gaze sent shivers down her spine.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡ª¡±


    ¡°Why are you apologizing? Don¡¯t feel sorry about this. This has nothing to do with you¡ª¡±


    ¡°But I¡­¡± she heaved a deep sigh as she looked down and then nced at Nana Milky. She smiled


    at the olddy. ¡°I¡¯lle back tom¡ª¡±


    ¡°Call the doctor, Nana. I want to get out and rest at home,¡± he interrupted. ¡°And I don¡¯t require my


    employee to visit me at home.¡±


    Zoe knew what he meant. Thus, she didn¡¯t bother to talk again. Guess Helios really doesn¡¯t want to


    see her.


    Does he loathe her now?


    Is this because of what they havee up with earlier?


    It was the right thing for them. Helios has a brighter and more fantastic future if he finds the right


    woman with the same life state as him.


    For the nth time, love is not something they can rush to feel with. Marriage is not easy. Being


    Zoe raised her left hand, making Ambrose stop talking. She smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s fine. Thank you.¡±


    However, Ambrose still insisted.


    Zoe doesn¡¯t want to fight with them, so he lets the two apany her until she takes a cab back to


    her apartment.


    Staring at the white ceiling, Zoe couldn¡¯t sleep. She was thinking about Helios. If he treats her


    coldly, what will happen to her work?


    Could she work well?


    Or is it a sign that she will pass a resignationter?

 When Confusions Occured

    When Confusions ured


    ZOE reminded herself one fine morning not to be affected by Helios¡¯ cold demeanor toward her.


    ¡®It¡¯s for the better, Zoe,¡¯ she thinks to herself as she enters the building.


    She made the decision to get up early and get to work before seven a.m. And, much to her surprise,


    the guards informed her that Helios had already entered his office.


    Helios had begun to treat her coldly since the ident. And here she is, standing in front of his


    office door, thinking if she will get in or not.


    She had already printed her resignation letter the day before. But she wasn¡¯t sure if she would give


    it to him. Finally, she conceals it in the drawer of her table.


    At the time, she was holding a stack of documents that needed to be signed by Helios, and as her


    secretary, Zoe couldn¡¯t avoid the fact that he would see him every day. It¡¯ll be fine if she¡¯s in the


    other department. But sadly, she¡¯s just outside his office.


    She took a deep breath and sighed before knocking on the door. She twisted the doorknob and


    pushed the door open, her lips pressed together.


    She noticed Helios, who was busy writing some documents from the day before. She hemmed to


    clear her throat, hoping to catch his attention, but she was unsessful. Instead, she heard his icy


    tone.


    ¡°Just put it down and leave.¡±


    Zoe sighed and bit her lower lip as she approached his table. When he got a closer look, he


    realized what he was doing, and she put down the documents.


    ¡°These are from the Finance Department. And you have a meeting with an investor at 4,¡± she said.


    On the other hand, Helios didn¡¯t even pause or look at her.


    Zoe sighed once more and turned to face the door. Helios stopped her just as she was about to


    reach for the doorknob.


    ¡°We¡¯ll reschedule the meeting for this afternoon. I have to attend an important meeting in Cali,¡± he


    said, making Zoe¡¯s eyes widen, and she turned to him.


    ¡°California? Are you taking a ne or¡ª¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re out of it. You¡¯re merely my assistant,¡± he stated coldly. It gave her skin chills all the way up


    to her head.


    Even though Helios was not looking at her, she smiled and nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯m simply inquiring so that I¡¯m aware. When will...¡± She came to a halt when Helios raised his head


    to meet her gaze.


    ¡°Ms. Levine, why do you have so many questions?¡±


    Zoe¡¯s heartbeat was quick.


    Miss Levine?


    Things are different now because he¡¯s not calling her by her name or calling her a baby.


    Before leaving his office, Zoe shook her head and smiled. She leaned against the wall and closed


    her eyes as she shut the door.


    ¡°He¡¯s different now,¡± she said quietly.


    She snorted. She was well aware that it was her fault. And she can¡¯t undo what she¡¯s already done.


    She puffed her cheeks as she approached her desk. She was about to turn on herputer when


    she noticed Chloe approaching her desk.


    Her eyes widened in awe, and she quickly smiled.


    ¡°Good morning, Ms. Chloe,¡± she said, standing up and smiling at thedy.


    ¡°Good day, dear. In any case, is Helios inside?¡± She inquired.


    ¡°Yes, Ms. Chloe,¡± Zoe said with a nod. ¡°You can enter.¡±


    Chloe gave a soft chuckle. ¡°Call me Chloe...¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Zoe. His assistant. Since you¡¯re important to Sir Lincoln, you can just enter,¡± she said and


    smiled at her.


    Chloe gave a big smile. ¡°Aww, thank you so much, Zoe. You¡¯re adorable,¡± she said as she walked


    into Helios¡¯ office.


    Zoe sighed too deeply as she reclined in her chair. ¡°Important?¡± she mumbled.


    Did she really just say that? And why does it appear that she did something wrong?


    Why does it feel like something struck her heart when Chloe walked in?


    She shook her head and went back to work. She needs to focus on her work in order to divert her


    attention away from Helios and Chloe.


    ¡®You¡¯re such an in-denial queen, Zoe,¡¯ she thought.


    She knew she liked him and was jealous of Chloe, but what was she doing? She¡¯s even assisting


    the youngdy.


    She shook her head and began typing on herputer when the phone next to her rang.


    She frowned as she answered the phone. ¡°Yes, Sir?¡±


    Of course, it¡¯s Helios¡¯ line, whereas the other phone was for the different departments.


    ¡°I need the report for the newpany that I¡¯m starting...¡±


    ¡°Come on, Helios... Give me a kiss and touch me ¡ª¡±


    Zoe yelled as she dropped the phone. Then she realizes what she¡¯s done. She licked her bottom lip.


    ¡°It¡¯s a damn shame.¡±


    Did she just get a phone call from her boss?


    She¡¯ll be doomed.


    ¡®What¡¯s the matter with me?¡¯ she thought as she bit the tip of her thumb.


    So, what if Chloe desires Helios¡¯s kiss and touch? What¡¯s the big deal?


    What does it mean to her?


    Damn! She cursed inside her mind.


    She has no idea what will happen to her¡ªwhat Helios will do to her now that she has disrespected


    him. She just fucking dropped the call.


    She stood up because she couldn¡¯t concentrate, and she desperately needed a cup of coffee to


    calm her down.


    She was about to turn left when she heard the door to Helios¡¯ office open, causing her to look in that


    direction.


    Her eyes widened when she noticed Helios, who was leaning against the jamb with his arms


    sped to his chest.


    She gulped and was about to open her mouth when she noticed Chloe smiling at her.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Helios?¡± Chloe inquired, turning to face Helios. ¡°Are you harassing your


    assistant in order to get overworked like you?¡±


    Zoe was taken aback by what Chloe had said. Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Helios turned to face Chloe. ¡°Just leave Chloe. I¡¯ve been very busy today, and I even had a meeting


    this afternoon.¡±


    Chloe pressed her lips together. ¡°You¡¯ve missed me, and now you¡¯re shooing me?¡±


    Helios pinched the bridge of her nose. ¡°Let¡¯s meet over dinner. Is it fine?¡±


    Chloe¡¯s eyes brightened, causing Zoe to look away, and she was about to leave when Helios


    intervened.


    ¡°We¡¯re not done yet, Ms. Levine,¡± he said, turning back to Chloe.


    ¡°I¡¯lle to get youter. But for the time being, let me work,¡± he said.


    Chloe held his tie as she adjusted his cor and lightly tapped his chest. ¡°All right, fine. Please call


    me when you¡¯re on your way.¡±


    Helios nodded.


    Chloe then exited his office and turned to face Zoe. ¡°Hello, lovely. Please let me know if your boss is


    ¡ª¡±


    ¡°Chloe.¡± It¡¯s Helios.


    Chloe chuckled as she rolled her eyes. ¡°Whatever. Helios, don¡¯t be too hard on Zoe. She¡¯s too cute


    to do your bossy things.¡±


    Helios¡¯ brow furrowed as he looked at Zoe. ¡°I am the boss. So, what do you anticipate?¡± He said


    those things without looking away from Zoe.


    Chloe smacked his arm, causing Helios to frown.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let yourself get too cold. Anyway, see you,¡± she said as she pressed her lips against Helios¡¯.


    When Zoe noticed this, she immediately averted her gaze. Her heart was thumping too fast and too


    loudly in her chest. Her lips were pressed together.


    Isn¡¯t that what she wanted?


    ¡°I¡¯ll see youter, Helios!¡±


    Hearing this brought Zoe back to reality, and she dashed towards the pantry without looking back,


    even when Chloe called her name.


    She closes the door and leans into it as soon as she enters the pantry. She clutches her blouse and


    closes her eyes as she feels her heart... attempting to calm it.


    She shook her head and walked over to the counter to make her coffee.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t good,¡± she murmured.


    HELIOS let out a deep sigh as he watched Zoe walk away. He couldn¡¯t figure out why Zoe was


    acting so strangely.


    He was well aware that Zoe did not adore him. But why does he believe she is envious of him?


    He bit his lower lip and resisted the urge to follow Zoe. He returned to his office and sat back in his


    swivel chair.


    He took out one of the documents and opened it. He tried to read it, but his vision was blurry. He


    then closes the folder and ces it on the table.


    He swiveled his chair towards the ss wall and gazed outside as he tried to rx.


    Suddenly, his mind brought up the ident.


    How could he be so rash? Why does he need to get affected by just a girl?


    So, what if Zoe doesn¡¯t fall in love with him?


    He acknowledges Zoe¡¯s point. They won¡¯t be able to rush things. And now he¡¯s treating her coldly.


    She, on the other hand, stole his pride. He gave his all, but Zoe shows him that he¡¯s not worth it.


    He was ready to reveal his secret and clear things up about himself¡ªthe real him. But it appears


    that fate does not want him to talk about Icarus any further.


    But what if Zoe hates him for admitting it?


    And every time he was about to say it, something terrible would happen. It appears to be a sign that


    it is not yet time, to tell the truth.


    But Helios can¡¯t keep it up any longer.


    Zoe must be informed. Whatever the consequences, she must be aware that he is Orion Helios.

 Bringing Her

    Bringing Her


    IN THE afternoon, Zoe was surprised because Helios really attended his meeting with the investor


    when in fact, he informed her that he would postpone it because he needed to be in Cali. And what


    puzzled her more was that he brought her.


    Helios never brings her to any meetings outside thepany. This is the first time.


    What¡¯s wrong with him?


    Zoe kept on sighing while they were on their way to the restaurant. She was looking passed through


    the window. She could feel the awkwardness between them. Their silence is deafening.


    She¡¯s not used to this, but she will bear with it. It was her choice. If only she got the courage to pass


    her resignation letter. She will do it right away. But something is stopping her, and she doesn¡¯t know


    what it is.


    ¡°This is a new partnership. You should listen and take down notes properly,¡± atst, Helios broke the


    silence.


    Zoe turned to face him, but she saw him looking in front. She pressed her lips together and gave a


    faint, ¡°mm.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s the report that I needed?¡±


    ¡°Uhm, I alreadypiled it and will only print it out¡ª¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t printed it out yet?¡± he asked and nced at her for seconds.


    ¡°I¡­ I thought you were going to¡ª¡±


    ¡°This will be yourst warning. You knew I hatete entries.¡±


    Zoe bit her lower lip when she felt the anger in Helios¡¯s voice.


    ¡®I don¡¯t understand him,¡¯ she thought.


    ¡°I will print it once we get back to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Never mind. Just bring it to my desk tomorrow,¡± he said, and silence filled me once again.


    Zoe looked away and sighed. In a few minutes, they arrived at the restaurant.


    She couldn¡¯t help but get amazed. This will be her first time meeting a new investor in Helios¡¯s


    company. Also, she¡¯s not used to being in a fancy restaurant like this.


    She carried her suitcase of Helios while her left arm held the iPad, and they entered. Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The two guards greeted them, and that¡¯s when Zoe realized that she couldn¡¯t see Ambrose and Cliff


    ¡ªHelios¡¯s bodyguard.


    She frowned and nced at Helios. She gasped when Helios happened to meet her gaze.


    Zoe suddenly averted away as she smiled at the guard on the left part of the door.


    A blonde hair waiter came over, and Helios told him his reservation.


    ¡°Good day, Mr. Lincoln. He¡¯s waiting for you,¡± the waiter said, making Zoe knit her forehead.


    ¡®Maybe the waiter is pertaining to the investor,¡¯ she pondered.


    Helios nodded to the waiter and walked to the restaurant¡¯s second floor. She then followed him but


    kept their distance together.


    She can¡¯t just let Helios feel that she¡¯s unhappy. She shook her head. Why would she feel


    unhappy?


    Is it because of that kiss?


    So, what?


    Zoe was preupied, making Helios frown and poking her. They both halted, and Zoe lifted her


    head as she met his gaze.


    ¡°W-What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Helios repeated it.


    Zoe bowed her head and apologized.


    Helios shook his head and continued walking until they reached the couch, and the investor stood


    up to greet them.


    ¡°Mr. Lincoln¡­ it¡¯s been a while,¡± said the old man who wore a gray suit and had no hair at the


    center of his head. ¡°And this is?¡±


    Helios put his hands inside his pocket and replied. ¡°She¡¯s my assistant.¡±


    The bald old man nodded and gestured for them to take a seat. He sipped into his ss and tossed


    the wine in it. It produces a low thud when he puts it down.


    ¡°So¡­¡±


    Helios crossed his arms in front of his chest as he leaned on the couch. ¡°We already talked about


    this many times, Mr. Aguirre. I hope you asked for my presence not to pull out your decision,¡± Helios


    uttered, making Zoe shiver.


    The coldness in his voice makes her feel her fear.


    She bit her lower lip as she started to tap into her iPad while listening to Helios and Mr. Aguirre


    discuss their partnership.


    After a few minutes, the waiter came, carrying their orders.


    Zoe doesn¡¯t want to eat with her boss, but Helios¡¯s gaze is a little bit scary. She reached for the


    ss of wine and drank from it while waiting for Mr. Aguirre¡¯s onest final decision.


    Although Zoe could feel the hesitation in Mr. Aguirre¡¯s mind, she knew that Helios would be capable


    of convincing him. Besides, this is not the first time that they have talked together.


    ¡°Well, I won¡¯t prolong this one. So, yes, I will cooperate with yourpany,¡± Mr. Aguirre finally said.


    Zoe sighed in relief and smiled at the old man when their eyes met.


    ¡°I¡¯m puzzled that you hire a woman as your assistant and the fact that you don¡¯t have one in the


    past; this is not usually you, Mr. Lincoln.


    Helios smirked as she reached for his ss and drew it circrly as he yed with the wine.


    Zoe didn¡¯t talk, even throwing a smile at the old man. She was waiting for Helios¡¯s reaction.


    Helios drank from his ss, and suddenly he put it down on the table as he locked his gaze on Mr.


    Aguirre.


    ¡°Yourst concern is not a part of our cooperation, right, Mr. Aguirre?¡±


    Zoe¡¯s eyes widened when she could sense the sarcasm in Helios¡¯s voice. She nced at the man


    and watched for his reaction.


    Mr. Aguirre let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Of course. My apology, Mr. Lincoln. Anyway, I will sign the


    documents and will send them tomorrow,¡± he said.


    Helios nodded. ¡°With that, this conversation is done,¡± he said and stood up.


    Zoe looked up and followed Helios then they left the table.


    On their way out, people can¡¯t help but look at them, especially Helios, who seems not to care about


    other people¡¯s reactions.


    Zoe took a deep breath and sighed. She walked silently until they reached Helios¡¯s car. Would it be


    appropriate if she¡¯s expecting Helios will open the door for her?


    However, she knew that would never happen.


    After a few minutes of meeting with Mr. Aguirre, they got back to thepany.


    ¡°I will print the¡ª¡±


    ¡°Just leave it on my table. I¡¯m leaving for a minute,¡± he said and went inside his office.


    Zoe shook her head in disbelief. She walked towards her table and opened her PC, and arranged


    the files that needed to be printed out.


    After a few minutes, she saw Helios¡¯s office door open and closed. She bit her lower lip as she


    followed Helios by her gaze.


    She nced at her wristwatch, and it was almost the end of work, but still, she needed to prepare


    the documents before she left.


    And knowing that Helios would have dinnerter with Chloe, Zoe couldn¡¯t help but feel sad.


    ¡°Huh,¡± she let out a soft chuckle, ¡°why does sadness hug my heart?¡±


    So, what if they will have dinner? It¡¯s none of her business.


    They can even have sex if they want.


    She shook her head and banged her head on her desk while waiting for the papers when suddenly,


    she heard Helios¡¯s voice.


    ¡°What the hell is wrong with you?¡±


    Zoe gasped and sat properly. Her eyes grew wide, and she let out an awkward smile. ¡°E-he¡­


    you¡¯re still here, Mr. Lincoln.¡±


    Helios¡¯s forehead creased. ¡°Are you nning to wreck your skull?¡± he asked, making Zoe frown and


    let out a soft chuckle.


    ¡°Of course¡­ not, Mr. Lincoln. Anyway, do you need something?¡±


    Helios arched his brow as he walked closer.


    Zoe was puzzled about why he got back.


    ¡°I need my spare phone back,¡± he said as he looked straight into her eyes.


    Zoe didn¡¯t know how to react but nodded in the end. She reached for her bag, immediately let out


    the phone, and handed it over to Helios.


    ¡°T-Thank you. And I am so sorry. I didn¡¯t know that you needed it after the things that had


    happened. Don¡¯t worry. I took care of it,¡± she said and averted her gaze, and looked at the papers


    that wereing out from the printer.


    Part of her ache because of what he did.


    Zoe felt offended.


    Of course, she has no right to grab what belongs to him.


    She could still feel his presence in front of him, perhaps staring at her. But she didn¡¯t bother to give


    him a nce until she printed thest paper.


    Shepiled it in one folder and stood up. She walked towards Helios¡¯s office. She bit her lower lip


    when she saw him in her peripheral vision, standing there.


    After a few moments, she put down the documents on his table and exited the office right away.


    Still, Helios was there, but she didn¡¯t bother to throw a nce at him. She arranged her table,


    turned off her PC, and grabbed her bag.


    To avoid him, she walked to the left and made her way toward the elevator.


    Helios heaved a deep sigh when he saw how Zoe ignored him.


    ¡®Damn it!¡¯ he cursed inside him.


    What makes him do that? Why would he get back the damn phone?


    He sighed as he followed him. He saw how Zoe stood in front of the elevator and pressed the open


    button. But when she saw him, she bowed her head and moved to the side.


    ¡°You can go first, Mr. Lincoln,¡± she said.


    Helios frowned and clenched his jaw. After that, his body takes over his mind. He pulled Zoe inside


    soon as the elevator opened, making her gasp.


    Zoe was frozen when she felt his touch and couldn¡¯t move until the door closed.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Helios started, but Zoe didn¡¯t bother to look at him, ¡°¡ªdon¡¯t overthink about it. I just hate the


    fact that you will be alone¡ª¡± he paused when he heard Zoe¡¯sughter.


    Zoe arched her brow as she met his gaze. ¡°Why would you be concerned about me? I¡¯m a grown-


    up and also have the brain to think. Couldn¡¯t you feel that I am avoiding you?¡±


    She waited for his reaction, but he remained still.


    ¡°Treat me like a stranger or at least your employee. No attachments, just pure work. If you can¡¯t do


    it, then I will file my resignation¡ª¡±


    ¡°You signed a one-year contract. If you want to breach, I can call my attorney¡ª¡±


    Zoe cut him off. ¡°There you are; you¡¯re good at threatening.¡±


    Helios scoffed. ¡°Threatening? I am not giving a threat. I am just reminding you.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°I see. So, please remind yourself that you can¡¯t just pull me whenever you want, Mr.


    Lincoln.¡±


    Helios was about to open his mouth when the elevator door opened, and Zoe stepped out of it.


    Good thing, the time moved swiftly.


    ¡°How could he?¡± she whispered and then called for a cab soon as she got out of the building.

 Staying Away From Him

    Staying Away From Him


    SOON as Zoe arrived in front of their apartment. She frowned when she saw men in suits.


    ¡®What are they doing here?¡¯ she thought.


    She was confused, and suddenly she felt her heart thump fast as she had a terrible hunch about it.


    She walked towards the door, and her eyes widened when she saw Helios¡¯s father sitting on their


    old couch while her mother sat across from him.


    ¡°Mom¡­¡± she mumbled and drew the old man¡¯s attention.


    She saw how a smirk formed on Don Lincoln¡¯s lips. ¡°It was nice to see you, Zoe Levine,¡± he said,


    wearing his cold and stern voice. If Helios is scary, his father is more terrifying. As she can at least


    talk back to Helios but to the old man in front of her, she feels intimidated, and with one wrong word,


    she thinks she¡¯ll be doomed.


    ¡°Sit down, Zoe and let us talk,¡± he said, making Zoe follow like a robot and sit beside her mother.


    ¡°What do you really want, Don Lincoln?¡± It was her mother.


    The old man leaned backward as he rested his arms on the armrest of the old couch. ¡°I will not beat


    around the bush. I want you two to stay away from my son.¡±


    Zoe gasped in surprise, and her heart thumped fast. She could even feel the coldness of her


    mother¡¯s palm, which held her hands.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want Helios to get distracted by helping lowly people like you. Prior to the ident, I already


    warned him to stay away from your daughter, yet he still pursued her, and now, he even got into an


    ident.¡±


    Zoe scoffed. ¡°With all due respect, Don Lincoln. Please don¡¯t assume that it¡¯s my fault that your son


    got into the ident. You can¡¯t just me us and tell us what to do,¡± she said, trying to remain calm


    as possible.


    The Don let out a devilish chuckle. ¡°And you have the guts to talk back?¡±


    Zoe smiled and tried her best not to feel scared at the moment. ¡°We¡¯re not your puppet, Don


    Lincoln.¡±


    ¡°Ten million dors. You can im it and leave my son.¡±


    Zoe let out a sarcasticugh. ¡°We don¡¯t need your money. And didn¡¯t you know that your son and I


    are not on good terms? And now, you¡¯re telling this us? Why don¡¯t you investigate first, Don Lincoln,


    before putting the me on someone else?¡±


    Don Lincoln arched his brow. ¡°For a lowly human being like you dared to tell me what to do? I am


    his father, and I know what¡¯s best for him. So, if you won¡¯t file your resignation letter tomorrow, I will


    not think twice about throwing you away¡­¡± he nced at my mom, ¡°¡ªwith your mom out of New


    York.¡±


    Zoe was rendered speechless at the moment.


    ¡®What does he mean by that?¡¯ she thought.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to murder us like what you did to the President?¡±


    It was toote when Zoe realized the words that came out of her mouth.


    She saw how rage shaded the eyes of the old man as he stood up.


    ¡°How dare you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Dad!¡±


    Zoe¡¯s eyes widened, and her heart skipped a beat. She stood up and faced the man immediately.


    She saw Helios standing at their door.


    ¡°What are you doing, father?¡± he asked as he walked closer and stopped near Zoe.


    Don Lincoln chuckled. ¡°Son, I am doing what is best for you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Best? By threatening them?! We already talked about this!¡± Helios¡¯s anger is so deep that one


    wrong move from his father will explode.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me force you to stay away from¡ª¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have any rtionship.¡±


    Don Lincoln¡¯s forehead creased as he squinted his eyes toward him. ¡°So, you¡¯re telling me that I am


    wrong? I already investigated¡ª¡±


    ¡°Instead of watching and investigating my life, why don¡¯t you investigate the person behind the


    ambush?¡±


    Zoe¡¯s eyes widened, and suddenly, she pulled her mother away from them. She saw how Helios


    nodded at her as if telling her that she must not let her mom hear about it.


    ¡°Talk outside,¡± Zoe suddenly said, making Helios frown, but afterward, he turned to his father. Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Leave, father. Let¡¯s discuss this matter.¡±


    Don Lincoln smiled. ¡°Stop this nonsense, Helios. Don¡¯t make me force you to leave this useless


    woman.¡±


    Hearing this, Zoe¡¯s heart seems pierced with a dagger, shattering into pieces.


    Zoe raised her head and met Helios¡¯s gaze. ¡°I will file my resignation letter tomorrow¡ª¡±


    ¡°No! You already signed¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stop this nonsense, Helios! Besides, let her know that in a few days, you¡¯ll get engaged.¡±


    At this moment, Zoe was frozen into ce upon hearing about Helios¡¯s engagement. She knew that


    the feeling that she was getting inside her a few days ago was not just for the word LIKE, but she


    unconsciously fell in love with Helios.


    But the word ENGAGE wrecked her on the inside.


    She looked into Helios¡¯s eyes and waited for his response, but minutes passed, and she could only


    hear her rapid breathing.


    ¡°Get out!¡± she yelled.


    ¡°Invite her to your engagement¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Zoe and Helios said in unison.


    Don Lincoln let out a devilish chuckle. ¡°You should have known Helios that falling in love with the


    poor and weakling is not meant for you. So, think twice before I make my way that will surely hurt


    you,¡± he said, and after that, he left.


    Zoe wanted to burst intoughter, but her tears betrayed her. When Helios met her gaze, she


    looked away and still hugged her mom.


    ¡°Get out,¡± she said, cold and stern.


    Helios stretched his arm and was about to hold her when Zoe¡¯s mother talked.


    ¡°She will resign from yourpany, and I will not work on your bar again, Helios. Thank you, son,


    for helping us but please¡­ follow your father and leave,¡± she said.


    Helios¡¯s eyes were full of gloominess that he wanted to punch his father at any moment.


    ¡°Leave Helios, and please don¡¯t evere back,¡± Mrs. Levine said as she caressed her daughter¡¯s


    back.


    Helios stepped backward but called Zoe¡¯s name. ¡°Zoe¡­ let¡¯s talk¡ª¡±


    Zoe didn¡¯t reply as her tears continued to flow down her cheeks.


    ¡°Leave, Helios.¡±

 Slightly Fragile

    Slightly Fragile


    LATE at night, Zoe and her mother talked about moving in, and the good thing is¡­ her mom has a


    friend in a town in Cali.


    Of the thing that had happened earlier, they¡¯re afraid that they will get involved with the Lincolns¡¯


    businesses. And Zoe knew that what she was doing was for the better.


    They packed their things before going to bed, and the following day, Zoe went to work early to


    prepare herself. She waited for an hour before Helios arrived with Ambrose and Cliff.


    Ambrose waved his hand at her, and Zoe just bowed her head and smiled slightly.


    Soon as Helios got inside his office, she waited for a few minutes before she pulled out her drawer


    and grabbed the resignation letter.


    Whether Helios was going to ept it or not, she had already made her decision. She needs to get


    away from him.


    She heaved a deep sigh and smiled at Ambrose and Cliff, who were standing side by side at the


    door.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Ms. Levine?¡± Ambrose asked soon as she stopped a few inches from the door.


    Zoe shook her head and smiled. She took a deep breath and twisted the knob.


    Soon as she entered, she could feel Helios¡¯s office¡¯s thick awkward and cold.


    This is it.


    This is the end.


    She hemmed to clear her throat and caught Helios¡¯s attention.


    ¡°You¡¯re aware that you signed it,¡± Helios said, making her body tense.


    She pressed her lips together as she met Helios¡¯s eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t get paid yet, and this is for the


    better, Mr. Lincoln.¡±


    Helios let out a smirk. ¡°Better? Are you getting affected by my father¡ª¡±


    ¡°This is not just about your father. This is about us. We¡¯re not meant to be. I like you¡ªscratch that. I


    just realized that I love you, but it¡¯s already toote, and we can¡¯t change the fact that you¡¯re this


    high¡­¡± she gestured her hand above, ¡°¡ªwhile I am below.¡±


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Helios cursed as he mmed the door. ¡°Why would you be concerned about our lifeProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    status? I love you, and you love me¡ª¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Zoe. Please don¡¯t deny it. You already said it. Love conquers all. Love is fair in love and


    war. Love is all about taking a risk. You will love me, not my father. You don¡¯t have to prove yourself


    to him that you love me. I am enough¡ªwe¡¯re enough. The understanding between us is enough for


    us to build¡ª¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand, Helios. Please don¡¯t make things moreplicated than they used to be. I


    made my decision. And please, ept the truth that we¡¯re done.¡±


    Then suddenly, Zoe felt the cold droplets on her cheeks. She then wiped it away. She smiled. ¡°T-


    Thank you for everything, Helios. God knows how fortunate we were when you came into our life,


    even if it¡¯s just a short period.¡±


    ¡°Zoe¡­ please, don¡¯t do this.¡±


    Zoe smiled and walked closer to him. She put down her resignation letter in front of me, and Helios


    was about to hold her hand when she pulled it away.


    ¡°Zoe¡­¡±


    ¡°Chloe is the one for you¡­.¡±


    ¡°Fuck it!¡± Helios cursed and boomed inside the office, and he was about to walk closer to her when


    the door opened, making Zoie wipe her tears once again and bow her head.


    She closed her eyes when she heard Chloe¡¯s angelic voice.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Helios? Why are you shouting?¡±


    Zoe felt her presence making her turn around and rushed outside Helios¡¯s office, ignoring Chloe.


    ¡°Zoe!¡±


    Zoe immediately closed the door, rushed towards her desk, and grabbed her bag.


    ¡°Ms. Levine, is everything fine?¡± Ambrose dashed in front of her.


    Zoe stopped and met Ambrose¡¯s eyes. ¡°Thank you, Ambrose. I appreciate your efforts to me. I¡­ I


    need to go,¡± she said and walked towards the elevator.


    Ambrose looked at Cliff, and thetter shrugged his shoulders.


    ¡°WHAT did you do to her, Helios?¡± Chloe¡¯s anger can be sensed in her voice.


    Helios sat down on his swivel chair and didn¡¯t bother to look at Chloe.


    Chloe walked closer to him and mmed his desk.


    ¡°Did you just fire her?!¡±


    Still, Helios didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°How cruel are you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Please leave for a while, Chloe. I¡¯m not in the mood to hear your rants,¡± he interrupted.


    Chloe crossed her arms in front of her chest and arched her brow.


    ¡°So, you fired her.¡± She scoffed. ¡°I don¡¯t sense any bad about Zoe. She¡¯s lovely and kind. You know


    me, I am not friendly, but I can see that she¡¯s genuine with one look. Yet, you fired her? If only I


    knew it, I should have taken her in my father¡¯spany,¡± she said and left.


    Even Zoe is just new to Chloe¡¯s eyes. She could feel that Zoe loved her work. And knowing Helios¡¯s


    demeanor, she couldn¡¯t help but get angry at Helios.


    How could he let go of such a wonderful employee?


    HELIOS¡¯S clenched his fist as he looked at Zoe¡¯s resignation letter. He reached for it and crumpled


    it. He punched his desk, and it caused his knuckles to bleed.


    Suddenly, the door opened, and it showed Ambrose and Cliff.


    ¡°What happened, Sir?¡± Ambrose asked.


    ¡°We heard a loud¡ª¡±


    ¡°Get out!¡± Helios yelled, making the two confused, yet they followed his order.


    Helios fell into silence for a moment, then suddenly¡­ he stood up and exited his office.


    Ambrose and Cliff follow him, and the two seem to know why Helios is acting so cold and scary.


    This has something to do with Zoe¡¯s departure. The two knew about the love of their boss towards


    Zoe, and it was their first time seeing Helios like this¡­ especially with a girl.


    Helios was known to be cold yet calm and won¡¯t let distractions evade his mind. But what they¡¯re


    seeing now it¡¯s not the Orion Helios anymore. He became unguarded and slightly fragile¡­ because


    of LOVE.


    He became soft, and the two knew that this might be good or bad for him.


    Helios is no ordinary person, and like his father, who got enemies, so as he. And involving love in it


    is a great distraction that might lead to his downfall.


    At this moment, Ambrose knew that Don Lincoln had already made his way to stop Helios from


    digging his own pit.

 Need To Chill

    Need To Chill


    IT was eight in the evening when Zoe decided to take a chill in the nearby bar, located just a few


    blocks from their apartment. While her mother has work to do.


    They both decided that they would leave Manhattan on Friday.


    Since she was alone, she just sat at the bar counter while ordering some drinks¡ªjust the mild ones.


    She will not taste any mixtures like Sex on the beach again.


    ¡°Alone?¡± the bartender asked while doing her drinks which made Zoe to rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Did you see any apany?¡± she asked sarcastically, making the bartender shake his head and


    smile.


    ¡°I never saw you before¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood to talk.¡±


    The bartender let out a soft chuckle as he pushed her ss in front of her.


    ¡°Feisty, huh? Since you¡¯re new here, your drinks are on me,¡± he said.


    Zoe arched her brow and stared at the guy. ¡°Are you hitting on me?¡± she asked straightforwardly,


    making the manugh once again.


    Zoe picked up her ss and was about to sip on it when the man spoke again.


    ¡°You can tell. Anyway, I¡¯m Grant, the owner of this bar,¡± he said.


    ¡°I¡¯m not asking,¡± she replied and drank into her ss.


    Zoe cursed inside her mind. She doesn¡¯t care if he¡¯s the boss. It¡¯s just that she¡¯s not in the mood to


    talk and y games with no one.


    The loud, swaying music boomed inside the bar, and Zoe watched the night people dancing at the


    center.


    It was still early, but the club was already upied.


    She sipped in her ss again and was about to order when she frowned as she saw the man


    named Grant walking near her. The man sat next to her and raised his ss.


    ¡°You can order anything you want, my treat,¡± he said.


    Zoe doesn¡¯t know if the man is really serious about hitting her, but his looks and smiles say he¡¯s just


    making fun.


    ¡®Fine, this is what you wanted, huh?¡¯ she thought.


    She smiled and nodded. ¡°All right. Thank you¡­¡±


    Grant smiled, but it disappeared upon hearing Zoe¡¯sst words.


    ¡°¡ªbut no thanks.¡±


    Grant¡¯sughter blended into the loud music, making Zoe frown.


    ¡°What the hell do you want from me? Why are you pestering me?¡±


    Grant drank into his ss and put it down. He called the other bartender. Well, Zoe thought Grant


    was just a regr employee.


    So, what if he¡¯s the boss?


    ¡°One beer for thisdy and for me,¡± Grant said to the waiter before turning back to face her.


    ¡°So¡­ do you know me?¡±


    Zoe frowned. ¡°What kind of question is that?¡±


    ¡®Is he insane?¡¯ she pondered.


    Grant smiled. ¡°I¡¯m Grant Lincoln.¡±


    Lincoln?


    Hearing that name makes Zoe¡¯s heart thumping fast.


    ¡°What do you want from me?¡± she asked courageously.


    Grant shook his head. ¡°Nothing.¡±


    She arched her brow. ¡°How are you rted to Helios Lincoln?¡±


    Zoe doesn¡¯t know why she asked for that, but she was just curious.


    Grant¡¯s forehead knitted. ¡°How do you know about him?¡±


    ¡°Is that important?¡±


    Grant let out a soft chuckle. ¡°I see. He¡¯s my cousin,¡± he said, making Zoe¡¯s eyes widen when she


    saw the beer on her side. She took it and drank it straight.


    Grant was amazed by it and couldn¡¯t help but part his lips and give a faint ¡®O¡¯.


    ¡°Are you Helios¡¯s ex?¡±


    Zoe red at her. ¡°Are you crazy? He¡¯s my boss¡­.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡±


    ¡°But I filed my resignation early this morning,¡± she replied.


    Grant moved forward. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I am leaving Manhattan,¡± she replied and ordered another beer.


    Grant keeps on talking, but Zoe¡¯s ears are not open for him. She couldn¡¯t even understand a thing


    about his story. She just kept drinking and drinking until she felt a little dizzy.


    ¡°You drank a lot. Are you sure you can do more?¡± Grant asked.


    Zoe met his gaze and nodded.


    However, Grant has a feeling that Zoe is already drunk. Her face is already red, and her eyes¡ªat


    any moment, she will fall asleep.


    ¡°Did youe here alone?¡± Grant asked.


    Zoe let out a soft chuckle and even pointed her index finger at him. ¡°Are you blind?¡±


    Grant smiled. ¡°Great,¡± he mumbled.


    ¡°Can you manage to go home? I¡¯ll send you if¡ª¡±


    Zoe waved her hand in front of Grant¡¯s face. ¡°No, thanks,¡± she replied.


    Grant sighed and was about to hold her when he saw the man who was walking toward them.


    ¡°Helios¡­¡±


    Helios didn¡¯t bother to greet his cousin. His eyes were fixed on Zoe, who was now resting her head


    on the countertop.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Helios¡¯s voice lingered inside Grant¡¯s ear.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. But she keeps on drinking straight since eight and¡­.¡± Grant nced at his


    wristwatch, ¡°¡ªit¡¯s already ten. I offer her a ride, but she declines.¡±


    Helios didn¡¯t respond and just looked at Zoe.


    Grant frowned. ¡°Anyway, she asked me about you. Do you know her?¡±


    Helios nodded. ¡°She¡¯s Zoe.¡±


    Grant¡¯s eyes widened upon hearing that name. Helios mentioned to him that he loves someone and


    her name is Zoe. But Grant was in Spain when they talked about her.


    So, she¡¯s Zoe.


    Grant now wonders what happened between them. The woman seems depressed.


    ¡°She seems broken, dude. What happened?¡± Grant asked.


    Helios heaved a deep sigh. ¡°Dad.¡±


    One word, but Grant already understood it.


    ¡°Chloe is in the city, and I heard about your engagement in a few days. Is this one of the reasons?¡±


    Helios simply nodded.


    ¡°And Zoe ended it?¡±


    ¡°I will take her home, Grant. Thanks for apanying her,¡± Helios said and moved closer to Zoe.


    ¡°Zoe¡­¡± he said.


    Zoe suddenly raised her head when she heard that voice. Sheughed when she met Helios¡¯s


    eyes.


    ¡°Am I¡­ hallucinating? Even here, I can see¡­ his face,¡± she said and was about to stand up, yet


    she almost swayed to the right.


    ¡°Easy there,¡± Grant said and chuckled.


    ¡°Guess she badly needed to go home, dude.¡±


    Helios nodded and encircled his arm into her waist as he guided her towards the exit.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do something stupid, Helios. I know you¡¯re craving¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut the fuck up!¡± Helios yelled, but it only blended into the loud music.


    Grant burst intoughter as he watched Helios and Zoe leave his bar. He shook his head.


    ¡®Helios got pvssy-whipped,¡¯ he thought.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

 One Last Time

    One Last Time


    HELIOS cursed inside his head while he stared at Zoe, who sat on the back seat with him.


    ¡°Sir, where are we taking her?¡± Ambrose asked as he nced at the rearview mirror.


    Helios pressed his lips. ¡°At the penthouse,¡± he replied.


    Cliff, who¡¯s in the driver¡¯s seat, started the engine when he heard Helios.


    ¡°What happened to her, Sir?¡± Ambrose couldn¡¯t help but ask. He was also concerned about Zoe¡¯s


    state.


    ¡°You can see it clearly, Ambrose. Don¡¯t start with me,¡± Helios replied.


    Ambrose pressed his lips and sat straight, but he saw how Cliff smirked. He just heaved a deep sigh


    and remained silent until they reached Helios¡¯s penthouse.


    ¡°What if Don Lincoln will know about this?¡± it was Cliff soon as he got off from the car.


    Helios frowned. ¡°He will not know not unless you said it, right?¡±


    Cliff bowed his head. ¡°My apology, Sir.¡±


    Helios carried Zoe towards the door, and when Nana saw them, she couldn¡¯t help but ask about


    what had happened.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of her, Nana. Don¡¯t worry,¡± Helios said.


    ¡°Are you sure¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yes, Nana. Please take a rest,¡± he said and walked towards the stairs.


    Ambrose rushed behind, and when they stepped into the second floor, he opened the door of


    Helios¡¯s room, and after that, he left.


    Helios walked towards his bed andy her down. He took off her shoes and then sighed when he


    saw how Zoe turned to the left and reached for the pillow.


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± she moaned, but her eyes were still closed.


    Helios sat beside her and was about to reach for her hair when suddenly, Zoe shifted back and


    faced his side.


    Slowly, he saw how Zoe opened her eyes.


    Zoe didn¡¯t panic since she was aware that she was with Helios. She¡¯s not that drunk. Just a little bit


    tipsy. She heard Helios¡¯s words and even felt everything.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Helios started when he stared at her.


    ¡°What did you take me here?¡±


    Helios pressed his lips and sighed. ¡°You¡¯re drunk¡ª¡±


    ¡°Then why am I here? This is not my house¡ª¡±


    ¡°Do you want to take a shower first before we talk?¡± Helios cut off the hum in her words.


    Zoe didn¡¯t speak again and moved as she sat up on the bed. Helios was about to help her, but she


    just nudged his hand away.


    ¡°I am not crippled nor paralyzed. I can move on my own.¡±


    Helios wouldn¡¯t be surprised by Zoe¡¯s cold demeanor.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get you some clothes in your room,¡± he said as he stood up and left.


    Zoe doesn¡¯t know how to react at the moment. Why would he bring her back to his house?


    She had already given up.


    If Helios continues to be like this, she will have a hard time leaving him.


    She took a deep breath and sighed before she stood up and walked toward the bathroom.


    A few momentster, she grabbed the robe that was above the cab and wore it. When she


    stepped out of the bathroom, she saw Helios taking off his shirt.


    She frowned but didn¡¯t look away.


    ¡°Where are my clothes?¡±


    Helios turned to face her and reached for the set of clothes that was on the couch. He walked


    towards her and handed it over.


    Zoe reached for it, and she took a glimpse of his tattoo once again.


    ¡°After this, I¡¯m leaving¡ª¡± however, she didn¡¯t finish her words when Helios suddenly imed her


    lips.


    Zoe was frozen in ce by the chilly feeling that his kiss gave. However, the cold feeling slowly


    turned into a warm one when Helios started to move his lips and nibbled her lower lip.


    She shut her eyes and let the fire grow. She found herself enveloping her arms around his neck,


    and Helios took a grip on her waist.


    Helios¡¯s hand went into the knot of her robe and untied it¡­ until the robe fell, leaving a soft thud. His


    hands went around her waist again until he carried her towards the bed.


    Zoe couldn¡¯t deny that she missed him. She couldn¡¯t even resist the temptation that he gave. And


    this time, she¡¯s letting him touch and kiss her.


    Helios¡¯s lips went down to her jaw until they reached her neck. He swirls his tongue down to her


    chest until his lips find her left breast.


    Zoe¡¯s nipples were aroused because of the sensation that Helios gave.


    His mouth found her left tip. He swirls his tongue around his nipple and then starts to nibble and


    suck it.


    Zoe¡¯s grip on the sheet tightened while Helios kept on savoring her tips. His hand kneads and


    squeezes her breasts, one after the other, until his lips make their way towards her belly, down to


    the top of her pvssy.


    Helios parted her legs a little bit as he trailed his tongue toward his clit and slid it down to her cleft.


    She arched her back because of the tingling sensation. Helios¡¯s warm breath tickles her


    sensitiveness.


    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± she moaned faintly.


    She closes her eyes while she savors how Helios was romancing her body.


    Helios licked Zoe¡¯s cleft and sucked her clit. His hands went below her globe while he continued


    tasting her wetness.


    ¡°Helios¡­¡± Zoe whispered, but Helios heard it.


    He stopped and kneeled between her legs. He can¡¯t take it anymore. He wanted to take her right


    away. At the same time, part of him wants to taste her slowly.


    Zoe¡¯s eyes are still closed as she slowly feels the head of Helios¡¯s cock, and in a swift move, Helios


    pushes his wholeness inside hers, making her moan.


    Helios started to delve deeper and moved faster.


    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± he moaned while entering the depths of Zoe¡¯s mound. His hands go into her breasts while


    he keeps on thrusting inside her.


    Then suddenly, he stopped and moved Zoe upside down, then took her from behind.


    His hands went into her hips as he thrust his shaft inside her. He even pped the side of her rightProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    bum upward.


    Zoe could feel her libido growing and a sensation that formed inside her, and at any moment, she


    will explode.


    That night, they united as one. They savor each other. Do it countless times until they get tired.


    Zoe waited for Helios to feel asleep before she got dressed and left his room. On her way


    downstairs, she saw Nana Milky talking to Ambrose.


    They stopped when they saw her climbing down.


    ¡°Where are you going, Zoe?¡± Nana asked.


    Zoe smiled and rushed towards the olddy and hugged her. ¡°I¡¯m leaving, Nana,¡± she said as she


    let go of the hug.


    She saw how the olddy¡¯s eyes saddened.


    ¡°What happened, dear?¡±


    Zoe smiled and shook her head. ¡°Things are just tooplicated for Helios and me, Nana. And I


    need to go,¡± she said.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you wait until he¡¯s awake?¡±


    Zoe shook her head. ¡°This is for the better, Nana.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure about this, dear?¡±


    Zoe nodded and hugged the olddy before Ambrose took a cab for her onest time. The man


    insisted on sending her home, but she didn¡¯t want to.


    The moment she left Helios¡¯s home, she knew that she needed to leave their memories behind. And


    she wishes for his happiness.

 Leaving Manhattan

    Leaving Manhattan


    ¡°ARE you sure about this, Zoe?¡±


    Zoe turned around to face her mother. ¡°It¡¯s the best for us, mom.¡±


    ¡°You should ask or talk about everything about Helios¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mom, please. I don¡¯t want to hear more about it. Look,¡± she scans her eyes around their luggage,


    ¡°¡ªwe¡¯re already prepared. This is the best decision, mom. Do you want to get involved with their


    monkey business? Look how Don Lincoln encounters cruel people who even ambushed him. And


    who knows if they did the same with Helios¡ª¡±


    ¡°Okay. All right. I understand. Since it seems like I can¡¯t change your mind, we better must hurry.


    Pack your things well, and I will just get back to my room and call your aunt Millie.¡±


    Zoe nodded her head.


    Soon as her mother left her room, she threw herself into the small bed, took a deep breath, and


    sighed loudly.


    She stared at the ceiling as her mind traveled to Helios.


    She¡¯s wondering if he¡¯s already awake.


    Was he looking for her?


    She smiled. Why is she wondering about it?


    HELIOS, who just woke up, went wild when he couldn¡¯t see Zoe. He dashed towards the kitchen


    and asked Nana Milky and the silence of the olddy already made him get the message.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what really happened between the two of you. But I know that you love her that much.


    But you can¡¯t disobey your father, Helios. And you know that,¡± Nana said, making Helios clench his


    fist and grit his teeth.


    ¡°Nana¡­¡±


    Nana Milky seems to foresee what runs into Helios¡¯s mind. She shook her head. ¡°Don¡¯t do anything


    reckless, Helios.¡±


    Helios sighed. ¡°Nana¡­ I waited for years¡ª¡±


    ¡°Life runs so fast, and who knows if you¡¯re really fated to each other, Cupid will make way,¡± the old


    lady said meaningfully.


    Helios pinched the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes. When he looks at Nana once again, he


    doesn¡¯t want to give up.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna get her, Nana.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t like it when you anger your father, Helios. Please, think first before you act.¡±


    Helios shook his head. ¡°I can¡¯t take it any longer, Nana. Is it wrong to love?¡±


    Nana pressed her lips together and couldn¡¯t find the right words. She sighed. ¡°No. But for your


    father, it¡¯s wrong, especially when you feel it with the wrong person.¡±


    Helios chuckled sarcastically. ¡°Yeah, great. Fuck with elite rules!¡± he eximed. ¡°I love her! And dad


    ¡ª¡±


    ¡°For now, Helios, respect Zoe¡¯s decision. I like Zoe for you, but your situation is tough. Perhaps you


    can wait a little more.¡±


    ¡°I want to be with her, Nana¡­, for the rest of my life. I wanted to settle down and let go of the other


    responsibilities.¡±


    Nana Milky could feel the bed of emotions in Helios¡¯s words. She then went closer to him. She lifted


    her head to meet Helios¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Don¡¯t rush things, Helios, and wait for the perfect timing,¡± she said.


    ¡°MOM, why are you bringing too much?¡± Zoe asked when she saw her mother¡¯s luggage. ¡°Why do


    you even get those pans and¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to buy new things since I need to earn money. Although you already graduated, I still


    wanted to work.¡±


    Zoe smiled and hugged her mom.


    ¡°Mom, when we get there, I will go out and find a new job.¡±


    Her mother red at her.


    Zoe arched her brow. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Just take a rest, Zoe. Don¡¯t pressure yourself. ording to your aunt Millie, there are many


    vacancies in her town.¡±


    Zoe smiled. ¡°Then that¡¯s great.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Also, I already have work once we get there,¡± her mother said, making her eyes widen. Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°For real?¡±


    ¡°Yes. So, you better give your best shot in applying, alright?¡±


    Zoe smiled and nodded.


    After a few minutes, Zoe and her mom decided to take a cab to the airport.


    Zoe¡¯s expectations didn¡¯te after an hour.


    Helios didn¡¯te to see her. Guess that¡¯s the way it is.


    You just realize everything when it¡¯s already its end.


    It¡¯s amon problem for every individual.


    ¡°Iris!¡± It was her aunt Millie¡¯s voice that echoed while she was approaching them. ¡°Oh, my


    goodness¡­ is this Zoe already?¡± she added.


    Iris smiled and nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Millie went closer to Zoe. ¡°Wow, you grew lovelier than your mother,¡± she said, making Iris shoot a


    re at her.


    ¡°Wee to California, sweetie,¡± Millie added.


    Zoe smiled and said, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Millie nodded and smiled. ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s have lunch outside since I didn¡¯t cook anything¡­¡± she


    looked at Iris, ¡°¡ªI am not expecting your arrival since you told me that it¡¯s for next week.¡±


    Iris let out a soft chuckle. ¡°I see,¡± she said sarcastically.


    Zoe shook her head in disbelief. Now, it seems she will not have a peaceful life since her aunt Millie


    is too hyper like a teenager.


    ¡°Zoe¡­¡± her Aunt Millie called her, ¡°there are many jobs offers this month. So, you¡¯re lucky. I hope


    you can find a job quickly.¡±


    Zoe smiled. ¡°Of course, I will, Aunt,¡± she replied.


    After a few scenes and moments at the airport, her Aunt Millie took them to a nearby restaurant.


    Zoe knew that her Aunt Millie was a maiden since she didn¡¯t want to marry. The woman also has a


    small business¡ªa small caf¨¦ near her house.


    Her aunt Millie also asked her if she could help at the caf¨¦, and she said, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°You can apply for a new job right after lunch¡ª¡±


    ¡°No rush, Aunt. Don¡¯t worry. In the meantime, I will help at your caf¨¦.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± It was her mother.


    Zoe nodded as she sipped into the straw of her mango juice.


    ¡°I believe in your daughter, Iris. She¡¯s good at handling things¡­.¡±


    Zoe wanted tough about thest words of her Aunt Millie.


    How is she good at handling things?


    ¡°Anyway, enjoy your food, and it¡¯s all on me,¡± her aunt Millie said.


    ¡°You know what, Millie¡­ why don¡¯t you try to find a man that perfectly matches your taste, hmm?¡±


    Millie red at Iris. ¡°I love being single. Why? Do you have a problem with that?


    Iris let out a soft chuckle and shook her head.

 In Cali

    In Cali


    WORKING at the caf¨¦ for a while would be safer for Zoe. She has a hunch that Helios will look after


    her. She doesn¡¯t know, but she has a strong feeling about it.


    She doesn¡¯t want to see him¡ªoh, who is she lying to?


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sweetie. I will still give you your sry¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Aunt Millie. I am willing to help.¡±


    Millie pouted her lips, which made Iris stand beside her and roll her eyes. ¡°Stop acting like you¡¯re a


    kid, Millie. You¡¯re already forty-nine. Turning fifty in a few days,¡± Iris said.


    Zoe smiled and shook her head. It¡¯s been a while since shest saw her Aunt Millie. She was her


    mother¡¯s best friend. They both studied and worked in Manhattan, but when Millie¡¯s parents moved


    to California, she had no choice but to follow.


    A decade after, her parents died in an ident. Thus, she lives alone.


    As for boys? Well¡­ Iris said that Millie wasn¡¯t interested in them anymore after her first breakup.


    Maybe she really loves the man, but they are not meant to be. Sometimes, that¡¯s how life works.


    Some are in a long rtionship but end up separating. Also, there are many temptations on earth.


    However, if you¡¯re disciplined enough and know your boundaries, perhaps you can avoid it.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t want a sry, then just get anything you want, sweetie,¡± Millie said.


    Zoe nodded. ¡°Thank you, Aunt. Anyway, what kind of job¡ª¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a waitress,¡± her mother interrupted, making Zoe re at her, even arching her brow.


    ¡°Mom¡­ I am not talking to you.¡±


    Irisughed and shook her head. ¡°Oh, I see.¡±


    Zoe could sense her mother¡¯s mocking tone.


    Seeing this, Millie couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°You two are funny. Anyway, I am a waitress in a fancy


    restaurant, dear. Where water has a price that you wouldn¡¯t even imagine,¡± she said andughed


    again.


    Zoe frowned. ¡°The water has a price? Is it usually free?¡±


    Iris walked closer to her daughter and sat beside her. ¡°Well, that¡¯s why it¡¯s a fancy one. A diner for


    the elite who loves to show off.¡±


    ¡°Mom¡­ you¡¯re rude,¡± Zoe uttered.


    Irisughed. ¡°Don Lincoln is an example¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡± it¡¯s a warning tone from Zoe.


    Her mother scoffed. ¡°I am just stating a fact. Anyway, highway, my dear, Millie got me a spot in


    there,¡± she said, making Zoe¡¯s lips part in awe.


    ¡°Wow, seriously?¡± she asked and looked at her aunt Millie.


    Millie nodded and smiled. ¡°I can look for another one if you want to, Zoe.¡±


    Zoe smiled and shook her head. ¡°Thank you, Aunt. But I think I still can¡¯t work¡ªI mean, focus on it.


    Maybe, I will start or train first here in your caf¨¦.¡±


    Besides, her Aunt Millie¡¯s caf¨¦ is quite popr because of its many customers. She was surprised


    that even if the caf¨¦ was not that big, the things were luxurious, and she tasted their caramel coffee,


    and it was deliciously amazing.


    Zoe kind of loves the aroma of coffee and freshly baked bread. And even loves the small cakes.


    ¡°Who¡¯s your baker, Aunt?¡±


    ¡°The boy next door. He¡¯s living in the neighborhood.¡±


    Iris smirked. ¡°How old is he?¡±


    Millie seems to sense something in Iris¡¯s words.


    ¡°Same age as mine,¡± she replied, which made Iris p her hands.


    ¡°Great, then it could be awesome if I meet this¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stop with your flirtatious mind, mom.¡±


    Iris arched her brow, and Millieughed as she shook her head.


    ¡°What? I¡¯m single. Is he single?¡± Iris asked as she turned to Millie.


    Millie nodded and gave a faint smile.


    Iris frowned. ¡°You like him?¡±


    Millie bit her lower lip and stood up. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go. So that you can arrange your belongings, if


    you want to Zoe, you can have a tour of the caf¨¦.


    Zoe nodded and smiled.


    Her aunt, Millie¡¯s caf¨¦, is located on the first floor of the building, while she lives on the second floor,


    and the location of the caf¨¦ is between the tall apartments.


    As for the baker, he¡¯s living just a few steps from the caf¨¦. And by Zoe¡¯s senses, it seems like her


    Aunt Millie has a thing with the baker.


    Zoe shook her head.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± her mom asked.


    ¡°Nothing, Ma.¡±


    Iris wasn¡¯t convinced. ¡°Really?¡±


    Zoe arched her brow. ¡°Mom, what is it again?¡±


    Irisughed. ¡°Don¡¯t mind me. It¡¯s just that I can sense your sad¡ª¡±


    ¡°Ma, please. I don¡¯t want to hear anything about it. We moved in¡ª¡±


    ¡°For you to move on. I get it!¡± Iris replied, making Zoe shake her head. ¡°Anyway, sweetie, you can


    stay here, and I will move into Millie¡¯s room,¡± she added.


    Zoe¡¯s forehead creased. ¡°Why? This room is spacious, Ma. We can fit in that wide bed,¡± she said as


    she pointed to the bed.


    Irisughed. ¡°It¡¯s fine. You can have it. Also, do you want to buy a new phone?¡±


    ¡°What would I do with the phone?¡±


    Iris bit her lower lip. ¡°Perhaps it can ease your boredom¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, thanks, Ma. I rather help at the caf¨¦. Since aunt is in need of a cashier or a waitress.¡±


    Iris nodded. ¡°Yeah, she only had one baker, a cashier. Just two employees¡ªuhm three, including


    herself.¡±


    Zoe nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll just go down and look around at the caf¨¦, Ma.¡±


    ¡°Sure, sweetie. Your aunt and I will go to the supermarket. You know, her cupboards and fridge are


    near to be empty,¡± she said and chuckled.


    ¡°Take care then, Ma,¡± she said, and after that, she climbed down.


    Soon as she stepped in front of the caf¨¦, she saw some customers having some chit-chat, and


    some were busy in front of theirptops. Some are students who dropped by for a snack.


    She pushed the ss door, and the chimes rang, giving a swaying sound inside. When she lifted


    her head and gazed at the front, the girl in front of the monitor waved her hand.


    Zoe was hesitant, but she smiled in the end.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

 A Friend

    A Friend


    ZOE walked towards the counter. ¡°Hi,¡± she greeted the cashier.


    The cashier smiled brightly as if she was already expecting her visit.


    ¡°You must be Zoe, right?¡±


    Zoe pressed her lips together and smiled as she nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯m Cindy,¡± the girl said and extended her hand.


    Zoe then reached for it and shook her hands. ¡°Aunt Millie told me that I can¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes. She reminded us. Anyway, it would be best if you met our baker,¡± she said and gestured


    for her to follow.


    She then walked around and stepped in front, following the lead of Cindy.


    Cindy opened the door, and the aroma boosted soon as they got inside.


    ¡°Mr. Reynolds¡­¡± Cindy called the baker, who was currently mashing a huge dough on the left side


    of the baking room.


    ¡°Over here, Cindy,¡± he said.


    Zoe¡¯s forehead knitted when she heard that deep voice.


    Cindy turned to her. ¡°Come on. You need to meet that awesome old man,¡± she said andughed.


    ¡°I heard you, Cindy!¡± It was Mr. Reynolds.


    Cindy snickered and covered her mouth.


    Zoe couldn¡¯t help but let out a soft chuckle.


    ¡®These people are amazing and funny,¡¯ she thought.


    They took a few more steps, and they finally saw the baker.


    ¡°Hi, Zoe,¡± the man said, making Zoe smile.


    She didn¡¯t expect Mr. Reynolds is that good-looking.


    ¡°Amazed?¡± Cindy asked as she nudged her arm.


    Zoe looked at her and nodded.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Zoe Levine, Mr. Reynolds,¡± Zoe said and was hesitant to extend her hand since the man was


    busy mashing some dough.


    ¡°Feel free to ask anything us and Millie already instructed us.¡±


    Zoe let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Thank you so much. Hmm¡­ perhaps I can start now. May I know when


    will the caf¨¦ be closed?¡±


    Cindy pulled her and dragged her out gently. ¡°We¡¯ll get back to youter, Mr. Reynolds,¡± she said


    and waved her hand.


    Zoe nced at Mr. Reynolds and saw him smiling.


    ¡°So¡­¡± Cindy started as they stopped at the counter.


    Good thing there aren¡¯t many customers today. Cindy can teach Zoe the basics.


    ¡°Actually, we open at four in the morning and close at eight in the evening. But when we got a lot of


    customers¡ªespecially orders from different people orpanies, we stayed up 24 hours. Since we


    only had one baker,¡± she exined.


    Zoe nodded and listened thoroughly to Cindy.


    ¡°We have a big client every month.¡±


    ¡°Big client?¡±


    ¡°Yes. However, only Aunt Millie knows his identity.¡±


    ¡°Oh. How did he be a big client?¡±


    Cindy smiled. ¡°He sometimes ordered different bread, cakes, and even coffee. I don¡¯t know what is


    his events every month. We won¡¯t open the caf¨¦ in public at those times, and we¡¯ll focus on making


    his orders.¡±


    Zoe couldn¡¯t help but get amazed. Guess that man is really awesome rich. And there¡¯s only one


    thing that came to her mind why the man droppedrge orders.


    ¡°Maybe he donated to an orphanage. You know those kids who are in need, and as for the cakes,


    they are for those children who have birthdays in that month,¡± she said, making Cindy baffled.


    She arched her brow and smiled after. ¡°Clever thinking. Maybe.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, how do you manage baking those orders? You only have one baker¡ª¡±


    ¡°Your aunt Millie is good at baking too. She¡¯s even getting better the past few days because of the


    help of Mr. Reynolds,¡± Cindy said.


    At that point, Zoe couldn¡¯t help but think that maybe, her aunt Millie would finally find her only one.


    Her mother really senses those things.


    ¡°How about you? Didn¡¯t you want to learn to bake or at least for putting the icing and such?¡±


    Cindy smiled. ¡°Of course, I know. Mr. Reynolds taught me. I¡¯m good in packing and putting names


    and icing but sucks in baking, girl.¡±


    ¡°Still, that¡¯s quite helpful.¡±


    ¡°How about you? Do you know how to bake?¡±


    Zoe smiled. ¡°I baked cookies but for bread¡­¡± she shook her head, ¡°¡ªno.¡±


    Cindy snapped her fingers. ¡°Then you can ask Mr. Reynolds to teach you.¡±


    Zoe waved her hand. ¡°I can take orders, but for baking, maybe next time.¡±


    ¡°I understand. Besides, you¡¯re a great help to me. You can stay here at the counter if you want to,


    and I will help Mr. Reynolds. Your aunt Millie is working at a fancy restaurant¡ªand you know what?¡±


    Cindy pulled her closer. ¡°I have a hunch that our big client is her boss.¡±


    Zoe frowned. ¡°The owner of


    the restaurant?¡±


    Cindy nodded. ¡°Yes, look at the bigger picture. Don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°You have a point, but we can¡¯t just pinpoint who¡¯s who, right?¡±


    ¡°Indeed. But I really got a strong hunch about it.¡±


    Zoe shook her head and smiled. ¡°If you say so.¡±


    Cindy smiled widely. ¡°Anyway,¡± she moved closer to her, ¡°¡ªdo you want extra work?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Hmm? Tell me about it,¡± she said.


    Cindy walked closer to her and whispered in her ear. ¡°Why don¡¯t you apany me and let¡¯s find


    out about it,¡± she suggested, making Zoe arch her brow.


    ¡°What?¡± she mumbled.


    ¡°Come on. We can do it after work¡ª¡±


    ¡°You dream of being an agent or a spy?¡± she asked and chuckled.


    Cindy pouted her lips and pinched her in the waist, making Zoe turn to the side and shoot a re.


    ¡°Oopsie,¡± Cindy muttered and raised her hand, ¡°Sorry. So¡­ are you in?¡±


    Zoe couldn¡¯t believe that she got along with Cindy in just a short period. A sweet and full of positive


    vibe like Cindy is not hard to be friends with.


    She heaved a deep sigh. ¡°How can we follow her?¡±


    Cindy¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°So, you¡¯re in?¡±


    ¡°Shh¡­¡± Zoe put her index finger on the middle of her lips. Cindy¡¯s voice is pretty much loud at the


    moment. Good thing the music that came from the speaker at the corner tampered it in.


    ¡°So¡­¡± Cindy whispered.


    Zoe sighed, and seeing Cindy with her puppy eyes and pouty lips, she couldn¡¯t resist it. In the end,


    she nods her head.


    ¡°All right.¡±This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

 Seeking for Information

    Seeking for Information


    ¡°THIS is your fault, Helios. Why would you listen to your father?¡± Grant¡¯s voice keeps on lingering


    inside Helios¡¯s mind.


    He opened up his problem to Grant so that his cousin would help him to find Zoe. And as promised,


    Grant will look after it.


    ¡°You¡¯re a son of a mafia boss, a future mafia leader after your father. Yet, you¡¯re scared?¡±


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Helios throws the ss on the wall of his office inside his penthouse.


    ¡®Grant¡¯s voice is really troublesome,¡¯ he thought.


    Helios went mad like this¡­ for a woman. But Zoe is different. She possessed something that


    enchanted him, and she was hard to forget.


    Speaking of who, Grant entered his office and pped his hands soon as he sat on the side of his


    desk.


    Helios arched his brow. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Grant smiled. ¡°Hmm¡­ visiting my dearest cousin, whose heart¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut the fuck up, Grant. I am not in the mood for your jokes,¡± Helios cut off the hum of his words.


    Grant shrugged his shoulders. ¡°Well, if you say so. Anyway, I came with a piece of news,¡± he said,


    making Helios meet his gaze as he leaned on his chair.


    ¡°Good or Bad?¡±


    Grant pressed his lips together and was hesitant to tell about it.


    Helios crossed his arms in front of his chest. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Bad.¡±


    Helios stood up, gesturing that he was not interested.


    Grant shook his head. ¡°But it¡¯s rted to Zoe,¡± he uttered, making Helios look at him.


    ¡°Spill it.¡±


    ¡°Zoe is not already in Manhattan.¡±


    It was just a few words, but they struck Helios¡¯s heart and seemed shattered into pieces. He


    couldn¡¯t find the exact words that he wanted to say.


    ¡°ording to my informant, they moved in. But doesn¡¯t know where.¡±


    Helios red at him. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me your abilities are getting weak? It only takes time for you to find


    people. Why can¡¯t you find them? Are you hiding something¡ª¡±


    ¡°What? Dude, why would I hide something? Excuse me, and I don¡¯t even know Zoe personally. Just


    a few details from you. And oh, inside that bar, but how dare you use me?¡±


    Helios arched his brow. ¡°Then howe you can¡¯t trace her even if they moved in? Search the


    whole state.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not in New York anymore. That¡¯s what my informant says. And mind you, you just asked for


    help yesterday, and my informant has a job to do aside from yourmand.¡±


    Helios pinched the bridge of his nose.


    ¡°Then he better hurry¡ª¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a SHE,¡± Grant emphasizes thatst word.


    Helios knitted his forehead.


    ¡°Your girl?¡±


    Grant arched his brow. ¡°My girl? Excuse me. I hate a woman who even ims that they¡¯re stronger


    than us. Never.¡±


    ¡°Then why wouldn¡¯t you fire her?¡±


    Grant frowned. ¡°She¡¯s even more useful than you. So, why would I? Besides, she doesn¡¯t work


    directly with me. She¡¯s independent. How can I fire her?¡± he asked andughed, making Helios


    re at him.


    ¡°Oopsie. Anyway, don¡¯t worry, she will bring the news tonight or first thing tomorrow. Anyway, why


    would you have trouble finding her? She already ended everything¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not your problem anymore. Didn¡¯t you say that I must not be afraid of my father?¡±


    Grant arched his brow. ¡°Did I say that?¡±


    Helios red at him and was about to hit him when Grant jumped away from him andughed.


    ¡°Gosh, dude, you¡¯re really pvssy-whipped. She¡¯s that good¡ªwhat the hell Helios?!¡± Grant yelled


    when Helios punched him in the arm.


    ¡°If I know, you also liked that informant of yours.¡±


    Grant scoffed. ¡°She wished.¡± Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Helios shook in disbelief.


    AFTER work, Cindy invited Zoe to go to the bar. Since her body also needed a drink and chill, she


    agreed.


    ¡°What the hell are you wearing?¡± Cindy¡¯s voice boomed in the living room. She stood up and walked


    closer to Zoe.


    Zoe arched her brow. ¡°Why?¡±


    Cindy rolled her eyes. ¡°Geez, we¡¯re going to the bar. You should wear seductively.¡±


    ¡°What? Are you nuts? I¡¯m not going to the bar to flirt with boys.¡±


    Cindy slightly hit her arm. ¡°Oh, please. Look at me, I wear this very cute¡ª¡±


    ¡°Daring dress?¡± Zoe interrupted.


    ¡°Yes! So you are. So get back to your room and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Cindy, darling. Zoe is not fond of sexy dresses. She¡¯s happy wearing jeans and shirts,¡± it was her


    mother who just came out of the kitchen.


    ¡°But Aunt¡­ we¡¯re going to that high-end bar. And what do you expect when we enter? That bar is


    for elite bachelors in this town¡ª¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s taken,¡± Iris interrupted, making Zoe re at her mom.


    Irisughed, which confused Cindy.


    ¡°You have a boyfriend?¡±


    ¡°Well, almost¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mom?!¡± Zoe raised her voice, making her motherugh.


    Then came her Aunt Millie. ¡°You girls go and have fun. And Zoe, Cindy¡¯s suggestion is quite fine.¡±


    Zoe shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m notfortable wearing dresses, Aunt Millie,¡± she said politely.


    Millieughed. ¡°That¡¯s fine. Then you can wear crop tops or sleeveless ones. I have a lot in my


    closet. And I think it will suit you.¡±


    Zoe heaved a deep sigh, and it seemed like she couldn¡¯t change their minds. It¡¯s three versus one,


    so in the end, she agrees, but she only wears a shining, shimmering, sleeveless. And it¡¯s pretty fine,


    though.


    ¡°There you are. See, it¡¯s good to show your bare shoulder sometime. Besides, it¡¯s summer, baby,¡±


    Cindy uttered and smiled.


    Zoe rolled her eyes. ¡°Whatever.¡±


    Millie, who was standing on the side,ughed. ¡°Look at you two. It¡¯s just a day, and you already get


    along. Take care then, okay?¡±


    Cindy nodded. ¡°Thank you, Aunt.¡±


    ¡°Look after Zoe, Cindy. She¡¯s new in town. And please avoid your enemies,¡± Millie reminded.


    Zoe arched her brow. ¡°You¡¯re a trouble?¡±


    ¡°Of course not. Those bitches are just jealous of me.¡±


    Millieughed. ¡°Cindy here has many elite friends in that club.¡±


    ¡°You got a boyfriend among them?¡± It was Iris.


    Cindy smiled and shook her head. ¡°None, Aunt Iris. They¡¯re not my type,¡± she said.


    Zoe arched her brow. While Iris gave a faint ¡®oh.¡¯


    ¡°Seriously? If I were you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mom¡­¡±


    Iris chuckled. ¡°Yeah, whatever, sweetheart. Anyway, go and enjoy the night. Drink responsibly,


    okay?¡±


    ¡°Aye, Mrs. Levine,¡± Cindy replied.


    ¡°Just call me mom, Cindy,¡± Iris said.


    Cindy smiled. ¡°Aunt and Mrs. will do, mom,¡± she teased.


    Zoe shook her head.


    Cindy is an orphan, and she¡¯s living across the streets. Millie offered to stay with her, but the young


    lady refused.


    Cindy failed to enter college since no one could support her except her.


    They bit the same. Only Zoe has her mother.

 Guessing It

    Guessing It


    Zoe¡¯s POV


    Indeed, it¡¯s strangely different mingling with others. But Cindy never failed to entertain me while we


    were inside the bar. She finds a seat for us at the corner, where lights were somewhat not passing


    through.


    ¡°Drinks here are awesome, Zoe. It would be best if you tried it,¡± she said as she leaned on the


    couch.


    I smiled. ¡°I¡¯m okay with vored beer. I don¡¯t drink alcohol with higher¡ª¡±


    ¡°Come on. I swear you will love it. Let¡¯s try?¡± she asked, making me shake my head.


    ¡°You can go. I¡¯ll stay here with my beer,¡± I said as I raised the bottle.


    Cindyughed. ¡°Okay, if you say so. Anyway¡ªoh shit!¡± she eximed when her eyes darted to the


    entrance, I guess. I followed the direction of her eyes and arched my brow.


    I saw two men, one with blonde hair, while the other one was ck.


    I arched my brow. ¡°Who are they?¡±


    I can¡¯t see any special thing with them. They¡¯re like Helios, and I could smell their luxury.


    ¡°Girl¡­¡± she bit her lower lip when I met her gaze, ¡°The one with ck hair is Calyx DiMarco.¡±


    I frowned. ¡°And so?¡±


    Cindy rolled her eyes. ¡°Duh, he¡¯s the famous cold-hearted bachelor in town. But women are head


    over heels for him. He obtains a jaw-dropping and panty-dropping figure. Look how his bodysuit


    with his polo¡ª¡±


    ¡°In short, you¡¯re one of the girls who fantasize about him?¡±


    Cindy rolled her eyes. ¡°Of course not. There¡¯s no way that I like him. Aside from his looks, well, he¡¯s


    a womanizer. So, it¡¯s a no, no.¡±


    ¡°Cold-hearted but womanizer?¡±


    ¡°He flirts with any girl at his pace. And then, after a minute, he dumped them.¡±


    I shook my head. I am not interested in others¡¯ affairs.


    ¡°He¡¯s a bachelor with good looks. So, he can¡¯t avoid it. You know what, you can tell me if you like


    him. I promise I will keep my mouth shut,¡± I said as I took a gulp of my beer. This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Amidst the dim surrounding, I can clearly see how Cindy rolled her eyes. ¡°No, thanks.¡±


    I wonder why she hated that man when in fact, while describing him, her eyes are glimmering.


    Guess her heart dislikes it, but her heart doesn¡¯t.


    Just like Helios¡­ I paused and shook my head.


    ¡°Girl¡­¡±


    I got back to my senses when she pulled my arm.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°They¡­ they¡¯re walking towards our direction.¡±


    I arched my brow and looked at the two, and yes, they were taking the way toward us, but I doubted


    that maybe they wanted to sit on the opposite couch.


    I shook my head and just drank my beer while I let Cindy feel thrilled while staring at the two.


    I smirked. Guess she¡¯s really hooked with that Calyx, huh?


    I leaned towards her and whispered in her ears. ¡°You got the same initials. Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re


    meant to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up,¡± she said and moved away, making meugh.


    After a few moments, I felt a shiver; seems like someone is looking at me. I wandered my eyes


    around and frowned as I met Calyx¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Hello,dies!¡± It was the blonder hair one.


    I averted my gaze and drank into the bottle again.


    ¡°Care to share a seat?¡±


    I looked at Cindy. She bit her lower lip and nodded. ¡°S-Sure,¡± she said.


    I rolled my eyes and sighed as I dropped the empty bottle.


    ¡°You¡¯re Cindy, right?¡±


    I frowned upon hearing the blonde boy¡¯s voice.


    Does it mean they really know, Cindy?


    Cindy hemmed and nced at me before giving an awkward smile.


    ¡°Yes. Why?¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s been a long time since I saw you in the ring,¡± he said, making me confused,


    ¡°Ring?¡± it was toote when I realized that I had said it aloud.


    The blonde looked at me and smiled. ¡°You got an apany. Who¡¯s she? She¡¯s not familiar¡ª¡±


    ¡°Of course, she¡¯s not. Anyway, she¡¯s my best friend from Manhattan.¡±


    The blonde gave a faint ¡°o.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? What is she doing here?¡±


    ¡°Can you stop taking information, Romeo?¡± It was Cindy; she seemed irritated.


    The blonde, who¡¯s named Romeo, raised his hand, surrendering.


    ¡°Feisty Cindy.¡± He chuckled. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m Romeo,¡± he said and extended his arm in front of me.


    I reached for it and shook his hands. ¡°Zoe.¡±


    ¡°Zoe? Wow, that¡¯s a pretty name, and this man,¡± Romeo pulled Calyx in the shoulder, ¡°¡ªis¡ª¡±


    ¡°Calyx. Yeah, I know. Cindy told me.¡±


    Cindy¡¯s eyes widened, and she red at me.


    I arched my brow and mouthed, ¡®what.¡¯


    I heard Calyx¡¯s soft chuckle, making me turn to face him. He¡¯s now sitting beside me, but his eyes


    are darted into Cindy.


    Oopsie, did I just be a bridge?


    I saw how Cindy red at Calyx.


    I hemmed to clear my throat.


    ¡°Calyx,¡± okay, I¡¯m a thick-face. But I wanted to help Cindy to ept that she has a feeling about this


    stone.


    Calyx met my gaze.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know that Cindy¡ª¡±


    ¡°Zoe!¡±


    I smirked. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking,¡± Calyx said.


    I arched my brow.


    ¡°That Cindy likes me?¡± he scoffed, ¡°I already know that,¡± he added.


    Cindy stood up and was about to dash toward Calyx, but I stopped her.


    ¡°Cindy¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re too full of yourself. Over my gorgeous body. I will never like you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Says, the woman whom I take her first?¡±


    My eyes widened in surprise upon hearing Calyx¡¯s revtion. I felt Cindy¡¯s body tense.


    How could he tell that in front of us? And at this time, I felt guilty.


    Cindy wanted to let go of my grip, but I hugged her and whispered, ¡°let¡¯s take revenge.¡±


    She stopped wiggling and looked at me. She arched her brow.


    ¡°You¡¯re ruining my mood, Zoe,¡± she whispered and pouted her lips.


    I tapped her shoulder and winked at her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I thought she would get angry at me, but she smiled and seemed to agree with me in the end.


    I let go of her, and she pulled me to her side, away from Calyx.


    ¡°So, what if you¡¯re my first? It¡¯s not that I like you just because of that,¡± she said and rolled her eyes.


    Calyx formed a sly smirk on his lips. ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°I hate to correct you with your thoughts, but that¡¯s not what I meant. Anyway, let¡¯s have a drink,¡± I


    said and raised my bottle.


    Calyx knitted his forehead as he met my gaze.


    I smiled at him and emptied the bottle.


    ¡°Your treat, right?¡± I asked Calyx, who was still frowning. ¡°Well, if you don¡¯t want to, we will leave


    then and find another bar. Right, Cindy?¡±


    Cindy nodded as she tossed her drink.


    Actually, I don¡¯t know how I will help Cindy by getting revenge. I just feel guilty, but maybe wasting


    Calyx money will be fine¡­ or NOT.


    I shook my head and leaned over Cindy. ¡°What will gonna do?¡± I whispered.


    Cindy moved away and looked at me. ¡°Nothing.¡±


    I sighed. ¡°Are you mad at me?¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°No, but I¡¯m pissed off by Calyx¡¯s presence.¡±


    ¡°I heard that,¡± said Calyx.


    Cindy rolled her eyes. ¡°Whatever.¡±

 Not In The Mood

    Not In The Mood


    Zoe¡¯s POV


    Monday morning, I was awakened by the noise of my rm and greeted by the rising sun, which


    lights beamed past through the window.


    My eyes widened when I realized that I had work to do. And I amte!


    I dashed inside the bathroom to take a quick shower, and afterward, I wore a simple white shirt and


    jeans. Since it¡¯s summer, the weather is fine, and it suits my clothing¡­ er, I guess?


    I don¡¯t want to wear any sexy stuff like sleeveless or summer dresses. There¡¯s no way. I am more


    comfortable with shirts and jeans.


    When I got out of my room, I smelled freshly baked cookies. I know that Aunt Millie¡¯s cookies smell


    like that, and we¡¯ve been here in Cali for almost a week now.


    Mr. Reynolds, the baker, has excellent baking skills so as cooking and I can sense that he likes


    Aunt Millie. So as my aunt. It¡¯s just that they¡¯re like teenagers who still feel shy with tints of


    cowardice.


    Even though mom always teased Aunt Millie, thetter still didn¡¯t ept it. And she reminds me of


    myself.


    I shook my head as I went down and smiled at my mom when I saw her in the living room¡­ with


    Aunt Millie.


    ¡°You¡¯re upte this day, sweetheart. Hmm? What happened?¡± Aunt Millie asked.


    I smiled and shook my head as I walked toward the door. ¡°Nothing, Aunt.¡±


    Aunt Millie arches her brow. ¡°Is that so? Anyway, have some breakfast and continue¡ª¡±


    I waved my hand, stopping her. ¡°I¡¯m good, Aunt. Besides, Cindy and I decided to have some coffee


    and bread, which is fresh from the oven,¡± I said.


    Aunt Millie let out a soft chuckle. ¡°If you say so. Anyway, we have work today, so please do take


    care of the caf¨¦, alright?¡±


    I smiled and nodded. ¡°Yes, Aunt. And do take care,¡± I said and went out of the apartment.


    Downstairs I saw Cindy pass through the ss walls, and she was busy talking and getting her


    customer¡¯s orders. Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    I pushed the ss door, and the chimes rang. Cindy lifted her head and met my eyes.


    ¡°Good morning, Zoe,¡± she greeted me while I walked toward her.


    I smiled and greeted her back.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯mte,¡± I said as I walked towards the small locker, grabbed my apron, and tied my hair


    up.


    Afterward, I stood beside her and smiled at the customer.


    I heard Cindy talk. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Besides, we don¡¯t have many customers today. But¡­¡± she nced at


    me, ¡°Aunt Millie¡¯s boss has a bulk order,¡± she added.


    I frowned as curiosity struck me. Cindy¡¯s n was ruined from day one. We didn¡¯t get the


    opportunity to look after him.


    Mom and Aunt Millie¡­ so Mr. Reynolds warned us not to do stupid things, and since conscience


    attacked us, we didn¡¯t pursue to find it out for the second time.


    Like, what¡¯s the big deal?


    At first, we followed them but waited for nothing.


    ¡°Care to share your thought?¡± she asked and smirked, making me shake my head.


    We keep busy preparing and giving orders to customers. For a few moments, we take a rest and


    drink a cold caramel float with cookies.


    Monday is another tiring day, but we¡¯re delighted that we made all the orders. Since the caf¨¦ has no


    delivery boy, the clients send someone to pick up their orders.


    ¡°A drink for tonight?¡± Suddenly, Cindy asked me while I was currently wiping the tables, and she


    was mopping the floor.


    I nced at the wall clock, it was still seven in the evening, and I still got time to grab a drink.


    However, I am feelingzy to get out.


    I shook my head. ¡°Maybe, next time.¡±


    I saw how Cindy pouted her lips. ¡°Come on, Zoe. My treat.¡±


    I stopped and sighed as I met her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Cindy, but I¡¯m not in the mood to grab a drink. If


    you want, we can go on Friday,¡± I suggested to ease her tantrum.


    She arched her brow. ¡°Please? Just one bottle. Besides, we will not go to that high-end bar. I don¡¯t


    want to bump with DiMarco,¡± she said and was pertaining to Calyx.


    I let out a soft chuckle. ¡°I know you like the guy. But I swear, I am not in the mood to drink, Cindy.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you on this day? You camete, and it seems you lost your appetite. Then, now,


    you¡¯re declining me,¡± she said, making meugh.


    ¡°We can go out some other time, but not today. If you want to, you can go out alone.¡±


    Cindy red at me. ¡°Hmph. If I know you just don¡¯t want to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Cindy, please. Don¡¯t be stubborn. I swear I am not in the mood to go out,¡± I said and continued


    wiping the table.


    Before Cindy moved away from me, I heard her deep sigh.


    I shook my head.


    I am just telling the truth, and I am already sleepy at this moment.


    When we were done cleaning the caf¨¦, Cindy went out by herself, and Iughed when she threw a


    tantrum at me. But I told her that I would treat her over dinner tomorrow.


    When I climbed upstairs, mom and Aunt Millie were not yet home. Maybe the two decided to take


    their OT. I am happy because I see that mom loves her new work.


    The atmosphere of her work is new to her since she used to be an escort and always worked in


    clubs. And amidst that, we¡¯ve been through. I am proud of her.


    She¡¯s a strong woman, and I admire her for that, making me wish that I¡¯m like her.


    As the days go by, still, my feelings haven¡¯t changed. It¡¯s my fault anyway. But I only did the thing


    that was right.


    Don Lincoln is a dangerous man, and Helios is already fated to marry his childhood friend. Chloe is


    a sweet girl, and I know she will take good care of Helios more than I can.

 Dont Be Afraid

    Don''t Be Afraid


    ¡°ALL I need is an update, Grant! Why can¡¯t you give it to me? I already paid you!¡± Helios¡¯s


    thunderous voice boomed inside his office at the penthouse.


    Grant is standing in front of him. ¡°I am doing my best¡ª¡±


    ¡°You all have the sources, but why are you having a hard time locating her?¡±


    Grant pinched the bridge of his nose as he met Helios¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°What you are doing will cause trouble, Helios. You have to think¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don''t fucking care! All I want is to see her!¡± he yelled.


    Grant sighed. ¡°I will look for her again. But I am telling you, it¡¯s so hard. My informant is a skilled


    one, but still, she¡¯s having a hard time. It seems like someone is hiding her¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t add bullshit to your shit, Grant!¡±


    Grant frowned. ¡°I am your cousin, but you¡¯re telling me those things?¡±


    Helios red at Grant. ¡°Don¡¯t make me say that you¡¯re useless.¡±


    Grant let out a soft chuckle. ¡°But you already said it. Whatever, pussy-whipped. I will find your girl,¡±


    he said and was about to turn around when Helios spoke.


    ¡°I will give you until tomorrow¡ª¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go and find her?¡± Grant asked, and this time, he was a little bit pissed off.


    Helios red at him. ¡°Father is watching me.¡±


    Grant scoffed. ¡°It¡¯s so hard to be a son of a mafia boss. Good thing, my parents are just business¡ª¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re part of the n, but your father refused. Remember, you are under my father¡¯smand.


    And sooner mymand¡ª¡±


    ¡°And do you think I follow the rules?¡± Grant asked, arching his brow while he put his hands inside


    his pockets. ¡°I am much willing to break the rules, Helios. It¡¯s because that¡¯s what I want, and I am


    not a COWARD,¡± he emphasizes thest word, making Helios clench his fist.


    ¡°If you¡¯re letting your father control you¡­.¡± Grant shook his head, ¡°¡ªI swear, you can¡¯t defend Zoe.¡±


    After that, Grant left Helios speechless.


    When Grant closes the door, Helios grabs his ss that was on the table and throws it on the wall


    in anger.


    AS promised, Zoe treated Cindy to dinner. They dine in that fancy restaurant, and their aunt Millie


    and Zoe¡¯s mom entertained them.


    ¡°Does mom know about the owner of this restaurant?¡± I suddenly asked Cindy.


    Cindy nodded and said, ¡°yes.¡±


    Zoe¡¯s heart thumped so fast. This isn¡¯t good for her. She has a bad feeling about it. But she still tried


    to calm down.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on. But I want you to know that I am always here for you. If you need


    help, you can tell me,¡± Cindy said.


    Zoe smiled and nodded.


    After a few moments, their orders came, and Zoe saw her mom walking toward them.


    ¡°Hello, prettydies. Enjoy your meal,¡± Iris said and winked at her daughter.


    Zoe smiled and replied, ¡°Thank you, Ma.¡±


    No one dared to talk while they were eating. They asked for Iris and Millie¡¯s presence to join them,


    but the two said they were not off duty yet.


    Zoe tried to eat everything that they ordered, but she couldn¡¯t make it. It seems like she suddenly


    lost her appetite.


    Cindy saw this but tried to stay blind and continue eating until she was finished. She grabbed her


    ss of wine and drank into it.


    ¡°Do you want to walk at the park or go straight home?¡± Cindy asked.


    ¡°Home,¡± Zoe replied simply.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let problems evade you, Zoe. It¡¯s bad for our health,¡± Cindy said, making Zoe nod and smile,


    but it didn¡¯t reach her eyes.


    ¡°You really love him that much, do you?¡±


    Zoe met Cindy¡¯s gaze and pressed her lips together. Nothing slipped out of her mouth.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to ask more things, but let him find you and talk about your situation. Don¡¯t let anyone


    hinders your love for each other. If hees and finds you, it proves that he loves you. Men are


    sometimes egoistic, and it¡¯s hard for them to confess their true feelings. Thus, they were enveloped


    by cowardliness. Helios is brave enough to confess because I know that he thinks of you more thanOwned by N?velDrama.Org.


    his pride. He was ready to be rejected. He took the risk. But you let someone meddle with your


    love¡­ his father.¡±


    Zoe¡¯s shoulders dropped. Her heart seemed shattered. It was aching and shouting regrets. She


    knew it was her fault, but she thought that she had done the right thing. But it turns out that it will


    onlyplicate things.


    She loves Helios. The thing that she can¡¯t deny for this moment. It was just¡­ she was toote to


    ept it for herself.


    If only¡­ there she is with the word IF.


    If only she let her heart decide¡­ then she must not feel heartbroken at the moment.


    What would she feel when Helios was her boyfriend?


    What is the feeling of having one?


    But love shouldn¡¯t be rushed. Emotions and thoughts clouded her at those times, and she couldn¡¯t


    just let them push her into the pit.


    And she knew her emotions were triggered by Helios¡¯s wants¡­ marriage.


    Hearing this sacred word, her mind was frightened.


    If Helios said that he loved her without the marriage, maybe she epted it. But because marriage


    is all he wants, her mind gets confused and makes aplicated decision.


    She felt fear.


    ¡°You knew Zoe that you love him. If a chance came in, please don¡¯t let it slip away. I may not be


    there for a long time, but when you told me about it. I suddenly traced the connections and valued


    your feelings. As your friend, don¡¯t be afraid to take a risk. Because WE all do, we take risks in


    everything. Don¡¯t be afraid to fail because failure will always lead you to sess. If you love him,


    then ept it. That¡¯s it.¡±


    Zoe sighed, and tears began to cloud her vision, but she suddenly wiped them away.


    ¡°I want to go home, Cindy,¡± she said.

 Willing to Help

    Willing to Help


    CINDY AND ZOE are waiting for a cab when suddenly an Audi stops in front of them.


    Cindy grimaced and looked at Zoe.


    Zoe arched her brow and shrugged her shoulders.


    They are about to move to the other side when the window on the passenger side opens. Their


    eyes widened, and Zoe heard Cindy gasp when they saw the person in the driver¡¯s seat.


    ¡°Grant?¡±


    Grant smiled at them. ¡°Come on,dies. I¡¯ll drive you home,¡± he said, making Cindy arch her brow.


    ¡°Are you following us?¡± Cindy asked.


    Grant smirked. ¡°Of course not. This is a coincidence. And if you don¡¯t get in¡­¡± he paused and


    raised his phone, ¡°¡ªI will call Helios right away, Zoe,¡± he added.


    Zoe clenched her fist and walked to the left. She opened the back door.


    Cindy was about to follow when Grant stopped her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be your driver. At least, you, seat in front,¡± he said.


    Cindy didn¡¯t bother to talk and just rolled her eyes as she got in.


    ¡°So, where do you want to go,dies¡ª¡±


    ¡°Home!¡± Cindy and Zoe said in unison.


    Grant smirked as he maneuvered his car away from the restaurant.


    For a few moments, silence filled in inside the car.


    ¡°Address?¡±


    Hearing Grant¡¯s voice broke the silence that filled in inside his car.


    Cindy was the one who gave it to him.


    As for Zoe, she has a bad feeling about Grant. What if he tells it to Helios?


    They need to talk.


    ¡°I want a peaceful living, Grant. If your presence represents Helios, please, don¡¯t tell where I am,¡±


    she said, even if she was not sure.


    Grant sighed. ¡°Helios doesn¡¯t know anything about you leaving here. But I knew,¡± he said, which


    baffled Zoe.


    ¡°Can we talk?¡±


    ¡°Over a drink?¡± It was Cindy¡¯s cheerful voice when it came to alcohol.


    Zoe shook her head. ¡°Please, allow us to talk privately, Cindy, once we get home.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    After that, silence filled in once again. After a couple of minutes, they arrived at Zoe¡¯s ce.


    Cindy bid goodbye and got back to their apartment, and Zoe saw how Grant followed the figure of


    Cindy until she vanished from his sigh.


    Zoe, who has a stronger instinct about unrequited love, asked Grant. ¡°Do you like her?¡±


    Grant turned to face her. ¡°Does she have a boyfriend?¡±


    Zoe arched her brow. ¡°None. But she likes someone and stops flirting with her. You¡¯re a yboy,


    Grant,¡± she said.


    Grant let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Am I? As far as I can remember, we¡¯re not close, and I just met you in


    your bar back in Manhattan.¡±


    It was Zoe¡¯s time to give a snide. ¡°Well, Helios told me,¡± she said and speaking of who, she needs


    to talk to Grant about Helios.


    ¡°Shall we go upstairs?¡± Zoe asked as she motioned the direction.


    Grant then smiled and nodded.


    Grant sat on the couch when they got up while Zoe sat in his opposite direction.


    ¡°I will not beat around the bush. What exactly are you doing in Cali, Grant?¡±


    ¡°I have a business here. So as Helios¡ª¡±


    ¡°So, are you talking that this is a coincidence?¡±


    Grant heaved a deep sigh. ¡°Fine. I tell the truth. Helios is searching for you. He ordered me to look


    after you.¡±


    ¡°You told him?¡±


    Grant waved his hand. ¡°No. No. I told him that I couldn¡¯t locate him. That it seems like someone is


    hiding you. When in fact, that¡¯s me. However, sooner orter, Helios might find out that I am hiding


    something from him.¡±


    Zoe sighed in relief upon hearing Grant¡¯s exnation.


    ¡°I¡¯m begging you, Grant. Please don¡¯t tell Helios my location.¡±


    Grant nodded. ¡°You can count on me. Besides, I want to teach that cousin of mine a lesson.¡±


    Zoe frowned.


    ¡°You knew his father, right? And your situation right now is because of Uncle.¡±


    Zoe nodded.


    ¡°I will not hide anything from you, and I am willing to help if you ask for my aide. Don Lincoln is a


    mafia boss, and Helios is the next on the throne.¡±


    Zoe will not be surprised about this because the first time that she set her eyes on Helios¡­ when


    he bought her, she already knew that his family was powerful.


    ¡°The old man wants Helios to marry a powerful n just like them,¡± Zoe said.


    Grant sighed and nodded. ¡°That¡¯s how dangerous¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about it, Grant. Nothing is going on between us. All I want you to do is keep your mouth


    shut. Please¡­¡± Zoe met his gaze. ¡°I am begging. Don¡¯t ever tell my whereabouts to Helios.¡±


    Grant nodded. ¡°Yes. However, if he was the one who would work and was the one who finds you¡­


    I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t help you at that moment.¡±


    Zoe smiled, but it didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s okay. At least, keep it a secret for now. Besides, he will


    get married sooner¡ª¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s nning to call off his engagement to Chloe,¡± Grant interrupted, making Zoe¡¯s eyes widen.


    ¡°B-But why?¡±


    Grant scoffed and shook his head. ¡°I bet you know the answer, Zoe.¡±


    ¡°H-He can¡¯t do that¡­.¡±


    Grant stood up, making Zoe lift her face. ¡°Nothing is impossible if Helios is determined enough to do


    things. Never underestimate his strength nor his power,¡± he said. ¡°Anyway, nice seeing you, Zoe.


    Don¡¯t worry. I will help you.¡±


    Zoe heaved a sigh of relief and stood up. ¡°Thank you, Grant. I don¡¯t know how to repay you, but¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I need to go,¡± he said and turned his back away from Zoe.


    Zoe then followed him to the door and waved goodbye soon as Grant stepped out of the apartment.


    After a few moments, Zoe entered her room and took a warm shower. Afterward, shey down onMaterial ? N?velDrama.Org.


    her bed while her gaze was fixed on the ceiling.


    She keeps on sighing as she remembers Helios.


    Why would he cancel his engagement?


    Chloe is the perfect girl for him. She came from a wealthy family, was a famous model, was


    gorgeous, and even kind. Compared to her, Zoe is just a speck of small dust.


    She doesn¡¯t deserve to be with an elite family¡­ to Helios Lincoln.

 Those Meaningful Words

    Those Meaningful Words


    ¡°SO, what¡¯s your decision, Zoe?¡± Cindy asked the next day at their work. It¡¯s still early, so they¡¯re


    sitting while sipping coffee paired with bread.


    Zoe shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I am distracted. I can¡¯t think clearly.¡±


    Cindy heaved a deep sigh. ¡°You know what¡­ I experienced falling in love too, but it was unrequited;


    he didn¡¯t know about it until one day. I confessed¡ªeven if I knew that he would reject me, I still told


    my true feelings. Because the more I keep it myself, the more I get distracted and even get weak.¡±


    Cindy reached for her left hand. ¡°Love is all about taking risks, Zoe. You must know that.¡±


    Zoe pressed her lips and nodded.


    Cindy sighed. ¡°In the end, it doesn¡¯t matter what other people think about whether or not taking risks


    for love is a good idea; we do it anyway. The most potent weapon a person can wield is fear. Fear of


    being harmed, ridiculed, making mistakes, failing, and not achieving our objective. It¡¯s possible that


    fear keeps us from pursuing our goals and aspirations, or it may keep us from trusting those who


    care about our well-being.¡±


    Cindy could feel Zoe. And as a friend, she was very much willing to help her. To gain her courage


    and to be true to herself.


    ¡°Zoe¡­ Neither your first kiss nor a breakup would teach you those important lessons. If it weren¡¯t


    for the decision we made to put everything on the line for love, all of those rejections and moonlight


    dinners would be a distant memory. You must put your faith in Him, trusting that He will catch you if


    you fall and that He will be there for you in both your happy and sad times. That he will do


    everything in his power to ensure your safety while also doing everything in your power to make him


    feel like the coolest dude ever is a mutually beneficial rtionship that can only end in love.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    Cindy let go of her and sipped into her ss. When she put down her cup, she continued. ¡°Allow


    others to see you for who you truly are, rather than for what you hope they see you as. Never let


    fear stop you from opening your heart to the person who is willing to make sacrifices for you. Love


    means risking everything, taking risks, getting hurt, getting back up, and trying again. Love is a two-


    way street, so don¡¯t forget that he¡¯s doing the same thing by letting you get to know him for who he


    truly is.¡±


    ¡°Fear is still evading my heart, Cindy. I don¡¯t know what to do anymore. I hurt him. I rejected him


    many times¡ª¡±


    ¡°He will understand, Zoe. Talk to him and clear things between you two. Confess. Let out what you


    truly feel. In order to truly love someone, you must be able to let them see you in your most


    vulnerable state and bepletelyfortable with that. However, love is not always a frightening


    experience. When things seem to be going well in love, all of a sudden, you¡¯re lying on the ground,


    not knowing what hit you. Every one of us has experienced some form of heartbreak that makes us


    wonder if love is worth the suffering, but true love is worth every moment of suffering.¡±


    Zoe let out a soft chuckle. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that you know a lot of things in terms of love.¡±


    Cindy rolled her eyes at me. ¡°I told you, I¡¯ve been there, done that. But not as deep as your


    situation, though, and I am just in high school at those times.¡±


    ¡°What if I am just overthinking? What if Helios doesn¡¯t truly love me? Cindy, I¡¯m a little bit scared¡­.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s inevitable that love will arouse some level of anxiety because, at the core, we¡¯re all seeking the


    same thing. A person who brightens your day, someone who sees all the things you despise about


    yourself and loves them anyway. Aspiration is that you will find someone who will put in as much


    effort as you do and who will be able to love you as much. Be careful not to let one person turn your


    heart to stone. The best thing you can do is embrace it and not try to see the bad in it. The WHAT


    IFs? should not keep you from experiencing happiness.¡±


    Cindy bites on her bread and chews it before speaking again. ¡°A person¡¯s life can be ruined by their


    fear. It can ruin every opportunity you have to do anything in your life. Don¡¯t let that fear keep you


    from finding true happiness. When you¡¯ve given so much of yourself to others, you¡¯ll finally get the


    love back that you¡¯ve given to yourself. This is going to be everything you¡¯ve ever wished for and


    more. Yes, love can be risky, but you have to take a chance if you want something in life. Those


    who are brave enough to take a chance on love will be d they did because they will have found


    the right person who speaks to them in a way they never expected.¡±


    Tears clouded Zoe¡¯s eyes. She couldn¡¯t believe that she was hearing thoseforting words from


    Cindy. Her every word seems to mend shattered pieces inside her.


    Her words are so meaningful and full of power. And all of it is true.


    Zoe shouldn¡¯t let fear evade her heart. She should be true to herself¡­ especially to her feelings.


    ¡°So, Zoe, my friend. Talk to Helios. Don¡¯t be afraid. Don¡¯t let someone will hinder your feelings. The


    more important thing is¡­ you will ept that you truly love him. So, what if he asked for your


    hand? Why don¡¯t you try? Get married. Besides, there¡¯s a divorce¡ªOuch!¡±


    Zoe reached for Cindy and mmed her left shoulder.


    ¡°You look serious earlier, and now, you¡¯re bluffing again? I don¡¯t know if I will believe your words


    earlier.¡±


    Cindy shrugged her shoulder. ¡°Well, it¡¯s up to you if you will follow it or not. Besides, in the end, it


    was you, who will make the final decision,¡± she said.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

 Delighted With Each Others Touch

    Delighted With Each Other''s Touch


    ¡°DO you want to go to the bar¡ª¡±


    ¡°Passed,¡± Zoe immediately declined, making Cindy roll her eyes.


    ¡°Hmph! Killjoy. But I understand you.¡± She grabbed her sling bag and wore it. ¡°See you tomorrow


    then,¡± she said and waved goodbye.


    Cindy felt pity for Zoe, but she understands her friend. She heaved a deep sigh as she rode a cab


    towards the high-end club. She doesn¡¯t care if she will see Calyx. So, what?


    That cruel billionaire.


    Cindy ordered Sex on the beach as she sat in front of the bar counter. It¡¯s still early, so there is


    nothing many party people yet. Maybe,ter.


    Usually, they arrive from ten pm until three.


    She drank into her ss and felt a tight slit in her throat because of the alcohol. She continues to


    drink it until it¡¯s empty.


    She ordered again and again¡­ and again¡­ until her vision started to get hazy.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± she cursed to herself.


    She tried to get down, but her vision got blurry. Then suddenly, she felt someone who enveloped his


    arms in her waist.


    ¡°You drink too much, and now, you can¡¯t even control yourself,¡± said the deep yet husky voice.


    Cindy¡¯s eyes widened. Even if she was a little bit drunk, she knew the owner of that voice.


    ¡°Devil.¡±


    ¡°I have a name. Come on. I will take you upstairs,¡± Calyx said as he helped Cindy.


    ¡°Take me somewhere else, Calyx. Not here¡­¡± Cindy said.


    Calyx doesn¡¯t know if her will has been made by the spirit of alcohol inside her body. But in the end,


    he followed what she said.


    He took her to a five-star hotel near the bar and rented one room.


    As for Cindy, she is still in her right mind. It¡¯s just that she got more courage to face Calyx.


    ¡°I miss you so much, Calyx¡­¡± she said soon as they got inside the room.s


    Calyx stiffened and suddenly looked at her eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t start¡ª¡±


    ¡°Touch me, Calyx¡­ I miss you¡­ I miss your kisses¡­ your touch. And the way we y things to


    start with our fantasies¡­.¡±


    ¡°Cindy, you¡¯re just drunk¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not. And this time, I want us to y with wine,¡± she said.


    Calyx''s eyes widened, and he suddenly frowned as he stared at Cindy.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious.¡±


    ¡°Then, after we did it, you will run away again, Cindy?¡±


    Cindy bit her lower lip as she started to remove her clothes. ¡°No¡­ Calyx. I will not,¡± she said.


    At this moment, the beast inside Calyx is unleashed.


    ¡°Then prepare to be fuck so hard,¡± he said.


    His words instantly boosted Cindy¡¯s libido.


    Calyx approached the table and took the bottle of red wine. When he got it, he gave her a teasing


    smile.


    ¡°Would you like to taste how good this wine is?¡± he asked, making her blush.


    She nodded and bit her lower lip. ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll be grateful. So, how about you? Would you like to


    try it as well?¡± she inquired, repeating herself.


    As they make their way to the couch, he slides his arm into her shoulder. ¡°You already knew the


    answer,¡± he said, winking at her as she looked up.


    Calyx ced the bottle of wine on the side table, cupped her face, and kissed her softly on the lips.


    He then let go of her and they looked into each other¡¯s eyes. They seemed to be calcting their


    next move as they looked in the mirror.


    When his lips touched hers, she responded with all her heart, wrapping her arms around his neck.


    When their tender kiss turned passionate, Calyx¡¯s hand became naughty, removing her upper


    clothingpletely. A tiny gasp escaped her mouth as she fought Calyx¡¯s intense kiss. As they


    aggressively kissed each other, their lips met, their tongues fought in unison, and their breathing


    became heavy.


    Calyx sucked her tongue out as she removed her bra, and she couldn¡¯t stop herself from moaningContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    weakly. Cindy couldn¡¯t help but bite Calyx¡¯s lower lip as he gripped her bras and yed with the


    crown on them.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± As her hands caressed his massive chest down to his muscr abdomen, she deepened


    the kiss.


    ¡°Cal...¡± she murmured as he quickly undressed his own underwear.


    His lips are back on hers in an instant, nibbling her lower lip, sucking her tongue, and causing her to


    gasp. Her lips, however, appear to have a mind of their own and moved away from Calyx¡¯s lips and


    then down to his neck, where the tip of her tongue emerged and went through Calyx¡¯s skin.


    ¡°Cindy¡­¡± Calyx¡¯s tiny sigh faded as her lips pressed against his chest. Her tongue snaked down


    from his neck to his chest, circling his n*pple. ¡°Please, Cindy, stop punishing me,¡± he begged.


    Cindy simply smiled and continued to lower her lips until she was on her knees, her face identical to


    Calyx¡¯s manh**d. When she looked up, she noticed him staring at her. She removed his pants and


    boxer and stroked his erect, reddened manh**d, which was bing increasingly intense.


    ¡°Cindy¡­¡± He forced her to stand up by biting his lower lip. ¡°Come here¡ªput that down. With your


    lips, you¡¯re driving me into the wilderness...¡± The tip of her tongue licked his c*ck¡¯s head. ¡°¡ªfuck!


    Cindy!¡± he yelled.


    Calyx growled repeatedly as she tightened her grip on her manh**d, ced it in her crooked mouth,


    and began moving her tongue around its length.


    Cindy¡¯s body was tense as Calyx¡¯s intensifying manh**d entered and exited her lips. She moaned


    when he tasted him in her mouth. His vor remains enticing, and she has be addicted to him.


    Regardless of how hard she tries; she can¡¯t deny her desire for the sensation of Calyx¡¯s erect shaft


    inside her mouth. Her tongue twirled around it, teasing and iming every movement it made inside


    her mouth.


    ¡°Oh, Cindy...¡± Calyx whimpered with delight.


    As she delights Cal with her mouth, her hand gently massages his b*lls, teases them with her


    fingers, and adds pleasure to his groin... causing him to moan once more.


    His c*ck is long and extensive, and it made her mouth feel so full. Nheless, she continued to


    gratify her husband. Shebined his hand, mouth, and tongue to bring Calyx to the pinnacle of


    happiness.


    Her lips moved up and down quickly as she stroked the length of his c*ck with her hand. Her mouth


    would then descend to his test*cles, where she would lick and y with her lips.


    ¡°Ah... Fuck¡ªCindy... Oh!¡± He sighed and moaned.


    She moves her mouth quickly and slowly, then quickly again. His p*nis make a noise as it moves in


    and out of her mouth, and he sucks the small amount of juice thates out.


    Calyx then began to move his hips as he approached his mouth, savoring his length. He thrust


    inside her mouth, making her feel queasy each time, but she closed his eyes and proceeded to


    make him happy. Then she spat out his c*ck and rubbed her tongue across its smooth surface. As


    her tongue swirled with Cal¡¯s crimson c*ck, she raised her eyes and locked her gaze on Calyx¡¯s


    without hesitation. She massages his b*lls before swiping her tongue along the tip of his c*ck,


    licking and nipping the skin along his length.


    She then stood up and kissed the tip of his c*ck. She drew him towards the bed and pushed him


    into it, causing him to copse on the soft,fortable bed.


    She then knelt between his thighs, preventing him from moving.


    She leaned in and kissed the side of his thighs, trailing her lips to his hard shaft. Cal groaned as she


    kissed the tip of his c*ck again.


    ¡°That¡¯s it, baby... hmm...¡± he groaned.


    When she heard it, she smiled and took his proud shaft back inside her mouth. Calyx shudders as a


    result.


    When she began to fully suck him again, his hips rose.


    She quickly removed herst cloth with Cal¡¯s manh**d in her mouth. She spat out his manh**d and


    crawled up to his body when he waspletely naked. Cal¡¯s eyes were half-closed, and you could


    see the written pleasure on his face.


    ¡°Cal...¡± she murmured as she began to kiss his muscled chest and swirl her tongue into his n*pple.


    When she looked Cal in the eyes, she smiled. ¡°How was it?¡± she inquired, which elicited a chuckle


    from Calyx, and in the blink of an eye, she was beneath him, pinning her to the bed.


    She was about toin when Calyx began kissing her from his lips down to her neck, all the


    way to her left bre*st. He swirled his tongue around her nipple, causing her to moan. Cal rubbed her


    cl*t with his fingers, and she arched her back. He tinkered with it, slipping his finger inside her wet


    mound.


    Cal¡¯s finger continued to slide in and out of her core as she spread her legs wider. ¡°Ahh...¡± she


    sighed. His fingers move in and out, tease her cl*t, y with her wetness, and make her body


    shiver.


    She licked her lower lip, savoring the pleasure Cal was giving her. Her breathing wasbored, and


    she panted... Cal fills her legs with his fingers, causing them to tremble in delight. Her grip on the


    pillow¡¯s sides tightened.


    Her lustful groans filled the room as Cal finger-f*cked her. She was writhing in pleasure, her body


    convulsing with ecstasy, and she couldn¡¯t stop screaming Cal¡¯s name as pulse after pulse of


    pleasure crashed through her.


    She¡¯s almost there... Cal abruptly plunged his hardness inside her core as she was about to reach


    her orgasm, and he was about to scold him.


    She cursed, ¡°Damn it!¡± He¡¯s so big that I felt like I was being squeezed, she thought.


    Calyx began to thrust hard, delving his wholeness inside her, and she moaned aloud. He buried his


    face into her neck and thrust himself in and out of her with such force that her body shook with each


    thrust.


    As he continued to f*ck her deep and hard, her nails dug into her back. When he spits his juices


    inside, he pulls her up and drags her to the bathroom.


    They kissed once more inside as he pinned Cindy against the tiled wall. They took a quick shower


    and then went back to bed after a few minutes.


    Calyx ced her on the bed as he walked to the table and opened the bottle of wine.


    As heat rushed into Cindy¡¯s cheeks, she bit her lower lip.


    ¡°I¡¯m curious how this wine tastes,¡± he said as he locked his gaze on her.


    Cindy runs her tongue across her lips, moistening them. ¡°Hmm... perhaps sweeter and sweeter if


    you drip it into my core,¡± she said, parting her legs.


    Cal¡¯s lips curled into a sly grin as he darted his gaze into her pinkish core. ¡°Is that correct?¡± he


    inquired, and she nodded. ¡°All right, let¡¯s try it,¡± he said as he drank a tiny amount of wine from the


    bottle, drew the table beside the bed, and ced the bottle on it.


    He climbed on top of her and knelt between her legs. He leaned down and grasped her thighs. He


    then poured the wine from his mouth onto her cl*t and let it drip from her cl*t. And when the wine


    was about to spill on the sheet, he licked and sucked it, causing her to moan and slightly arched her


    hips.


    He sipped the wine and began licking her wet mound. When he stood up, he took another sip of her


    mound skin and drank more wine.


    He did it again, this time pulling her hips a little higher as he buried his face into her mound,


    savoring her wet pussy. He licked his lips and dipped them into hers. He was sipping her juices


    alongside the wine, experimenting on her damp core. He hardened his tongue and darted it inside


    her core after swallowing the wine.


    ¡°Ahh...¡± she moaned, and it was some kind of loud melody that was good for the ears.


    Cal is still savoring her wetness. When he put down her hips and slid his one finger inside her, he


    didn¡¯t bother to drink any more wine. He moved his finger slowly at first, then faster and faster,


    causing her to convulse.


    She could feel her orgasm approaching, and as his fingers moved faster in and out of her core, she


    reached her climax.


    ¡°Let me try it as well!¡± she eximed as she forced herself to stand.


    They then switch ces. Calyx watched his wife while resting his head on the pillow.


    Cindy then drank a small amount of wine from the bottle while kneeling between his parted legs.


    She smiled as she leaned down. She snatched his manh**d and began to stroke it slowly. She


    poured wine from her mouth from the head of his c*ck and watched the liquid drip down to his


    length, and when it was about to touch his b*lls, she licked it upward and swallowed it as she ced


    his c*ck inside her mouth.


    While stroking it up and down, she began to suck it. As he sucked the head of his c*ck, she twirled


    her tongue inside. Her fingers continued to y with his b*lls until she leaned lower and turned her


    head to the side, at which point she abruptly ced his b*lls inside her mouth.


    Calyx sighed and clutched her hair. He gently pulled her hair, then pressed his shaft inside her


    mouth, causing her to gag.


    He began to move his hips in response to Cindy¡¯s mouth stroke on his shaft.


    He drew his juices after a few seconds, and Cindy cleaned them for him.


    Cindy tasted wine with Calyx¡¯s sperm inside her mouth. It¡¯s delicious, and it drives her insane.


    Her body wanted her to pump herself into Calyx¡¯s hardness as much as she wanted to lick and


    savor his d*ck. She then steered his d*ck into her wet core.


    When their precious parts collided, they both moaned in unison. Calyx¡¯s hand moved to her hips as


    she began to grind. She started slowly, then quickly elerated and became wild.


    As she grinds and pumps in and out, she leaned over and hugged Calyx.


    Calyx could feel Cindy¡¯s soft piles rubbing his chest as she continued to grind.


    He hugged her and pushed her up, his palms resting on herrge br*asts. He kneaded and


    squeezed them as she moved quickly on top of him.


    He got up when he wasn¡¯t satisfied with just kneading it, and they were both seated while he


    reached for her left br*ast and savored her n*pple. He licked and sucked it as if he were going to


    drink something from it. Cindy then reached her climax, which weakened her legs, after a few


    moments.


    Calyx pinned her to the bed quickly as he thrust into and out of her core, lips to her n*pple.


    He sucks and thrusts.


    The room filled with their moans as they both achieved their desires. Calyx wanted to try every


    position that was running through her mind at the time.


    He turned her upside down and thrust inside for the third time when he spits his juices inside her.


    He pushed his hard c*ck inside her deeper and faster. And each collision of their bodies sends


    thousands of pleasures into their system, causing them to reach their peak.

 Morning Quickie

    Morning Quickie


    Cindy¡¯s POV


    The sun''s rays glinted through the window of our hotel room, waking me up. When I moved, I


    groaned. A sharp pain shot up between my legs. And then I remembered what had happened to us


    the night before.


    I smiled as I looked at the most amazing man I¡¯d ever met in my entire life. We took each other


    nearly five timesst night and wouldn¡¯t have stopped if we weren¡¯t tired. One of the inexplicable


    feelings is the way Cal devours me. It¡¯s tinged with love, lust, and respect.


    There¡¯s a feeling of hesitation inside him, no matter how hard he tries to do it rough. Nheless, I


    manage to provoke him. Andst night was one of the best nights of our lives.


    I slid out of bed, curling theforter that covered my nakedness to the side. I walk naked to the


    bathroom to take a quick warm shower. I need to shower because I didn¡¯t do itst night. I just let


    myself be taken by the darkness when we¡¯re done for thest f*ck. And I knew it was Calyx who


    had wrapped theforter around me.


    As I stared in the mirror, I rubbed the soap all over my body. When I noticed hickeys in various parts


    of my body, I smiled. I had a feeling!


    It was as if they were a tattoo¡ªa symbol of love looking at them.


    As I rubbed myself with my hands, I smiled and let go of the soap. I rubbed my hands into my neck,


    down to myrge br*asts, and began cleaning them in a circr motion. Iughed as I squeezed


    one of them. It took me years to realize that I, too, can do what other women do to their men. I


    made a sacrifice for myself, and now I have what I desired. When a sudden heat rushed above me,


    I tweaked my n*pples and moaned¡ªit was electrifying. It feels great, and it will be even better when


    Calyx is doing it.


    After a few minutes of rubbing, I stood beneath the shower and began to wipe the soap from my


    skin. As the water dripped into my face, I closed my eyes and frowned when the bathroom door


    opened and revealed Calyx¡¯s face.


    I smiled as I turned off the shower and looked at him.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± I said as I moved closer to him and kissed his lips. He leaned forward and imedMaterial ? N?velDrama.Org.


    it again when I let go. He pushed me back and pinned me against the wall. Then, all of a sudden, I


    felt warm water dripping on us.


    Calyx kissed me on both sides of my neck as he ced his hands on both sides. He¡¯s devouring my


    skin once more. His lips descend... until they reach my left br*ast and suck into my n*pple. When I


    felt his lips on my cleft, I looked up and met the dripping water, then wiped my face and moaned


    aloud. I lowered my gaze to observe what he was doing.


    And cursed inside my head as I watched him spread my cleft to suck my clit*ris, which made me


    shiver.


    I clutched his hair as he continued to nibble and lick the sides of my clit.


    ¡°Oh...¡± I murmured.


    His right hand began to grasp my left bum and massage it in a circr motion, which added to my


    delight.


    He sucked once more into my clit before standing up, turning me around, and allowing me to face


    the wall.


    I felt his shaft enter mine after a few moments, and then he pulled my hips backward, causing me to


    bend slightly.


    He began to thrust, but he was doing so slowly. And I don''t particrly appreciate how slowly he


    does things¡ªI know it¡¯s killing me. Slowing down is like torture for me.


    ¡°Faster, babe,¡± I eximed, prompting him to spank my right b*tt in an upward position, after which


    he began to move faster.


    The water is still dripping in our bodies as he threw himself inside me quickly and hard.


    When his hand went to my two bo*bies as he thrust inside me faster, I convulsed.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡ªit¡­ ahh... Calyx... ahh... ahh...¡± Simultaneously, I moaned.


    As he dug deeper, his grip tightened around my br*ast. He kept doing what he was doing until I


    reached my peak.


    He grabbed my shoulder and ran his hands up my tummy to my neck, and now he was gesticting


    as if he wants to choke me.


    His left hand was wrapped around my neck, and his other hand was kneading my br*ast as he


    thrust in and out of my core.


    As he f*cked me hard, I could hear his heavy breathing. I tried moving my hips to keep up with him,


    but he was too fast.


    He drew his shaft after a few moments, and I jerked forward when I felt his lips kiss the cheek of my


    b*tt. When I looked behind me, I met his gaze, and he simply winked at me.


    I pressed my lips together and was about to turn to face him when he pushed me and said, ¡°stay


    still.¡±


    I nodded, biting my lower lip. ¡°Move your hips backward,¡± he instructed, and I did. Then he lifted my


    right leg as he asserted his im to my core.


    I moaned aloud due to the tingling sensation, then shuddered due to his warm lips and tongue. He


    savored my wetness, then slid one finger back inside it. He pushed it up and down while licking and


    sucking its surroundings.


    I felt my orgasm inside my tummy and exploded again after a few moments.


    ¡°Ahh¡­ Calyx, take me...¡± In between moans, I mumbled.


    Calyx fucked me so hard that I even convulsed in delight. I love the way how his c*ck evaded my


    core. I could feel his hardness and length inside me. He delved even deeper and moved faster as


    he banged me.


    ¡°Oh¡­ Ahh¡­¡± I can¡¯t help myself not to moan out loud. I really love the tingling sensation that his


    c*ck gave to me.

 Not Just Once

    Not Just Once


    CINDY was startled as she was getting dressed when she felt Calyx¡¯s hands go into her waist while


    the other was cupping her face with the other. When they kiss, they nibble each other¡¯s lips and


    battle with their tongues, which is a sign of passion and heat.


    The kisses became deeper as Calyx pulled her even closer to him, and Cindy found herself sitting


    on hisp with her hands wrapped around his neck and grabbing his hair as the kisses became


    deeper. Calyx pulled her even closer to him, and Cindy found herself sitting on hisp as her hands


    were enveloped in his nape.


    Calyx¡¯s hand began to wander around inside her body.


    Cindy could feel his warm hand brushing against the hem of her cotton shirt. And then, all of a


    sudden, the poking of his sword poked her right in the gut.


    Calyx let go of her lips, and the pain traveled all the way down to her neck. While saying, ¡°You


    anger, my junior,¡± he continued to give her soft kisses on the neck until he reached down and


    grabbed the hem of her shirt, pulling it up with his other hand.


    She assists him in getting rid of it, and their lips suddenlye together again. This time, Calyx¡¯s


    hand went behind her back and unsped her brassiere, allowing it to fall to the floor.


    Calyx deepened the kiss as his left hand went on top of her breast, causing her to moan in between


    kisses. Calyx deepened the kiss as his left hand went on top of her breast, making her moan in


    between kisses.


    When his lips reached her jaw, he continued to trail them down to her neck until he reached the


    peak of her right breasts.


    During the process of Calyx inserting her nipple into his mouth, she arched backward and held him


    in her arms. It caused her nipple to be aroused, and she moaned when she felt the tingling


    sensation that it gave her. He sucked it in with his tongue after swirling it around.


    Cindy could feel the electrifying sensation that it provided, which caused her body to shudder


    slightly. Her libido began to form in her center, causing her mound to be dripping wet.


    ¡°Hmm...¡± she moaned as she ran her fingers through Calyx¡¯s hair, swishing it around to keep her


    orgasms under control.


    It licked Calyx¡¯s tongue, and his lips sucked the tip of her tongue before moving to the other side.


    He followed suit, donating the same energizing sum as before.


    She raised her head. As she shivered, her eyeballs rolled back in their sockets. ¡°Oh...¡± she moaned,


    her voice breaking. ¡°Hmm... I think that¡¯s it, Calyx...¡±


    In the process of sucking the other breast hungrily, Calyx¡¯s other hand sped his other breast and


    squeezed it.


    After a long period of time without having sexual rtions, they are certain that they miss each


    other. Everything is expressed through their aggressive kisses and harsh touches.


    As the chilly breeze blew in and wrapped around their bodies. Cindy was carried into the room by


    Calyx, who gently ced her on the bed.


    Calyx smiled as he removed his shirt and kissed her on the lips for the second time. His lips went all


    the way down to her breasts... all the way down to her navel until he discovered her gem hidden


    beneath her towel. In addition to her underwear, Calyx took it down and threw it on the floor to finish


    it off.


    When Calyx saw her slender figure, her eyes glowed with delight. With his menacing gaze darting


    over to her jewel, he managed to smuggle a smirk onto his face.


    Cindy bit the inside of her lower lip as she looked at Calyx, and she immediately closed her eyes


    when he began to touch her again. Calyx parted her legs in a gentle motion.


    Calyx had a clear view of her pussy and her peeking clitoris from a distance.


    With his hand on her center, Calyx caused her to moan as he took up a position in the space


    between her and him.


    The moment Calyx thrust his finger deep into her core, she shuddered and said, ¡°Ahh...¡±


    The search for Calyx on the inside resulted in the sensation of greasy skin inside her, which caused


    Cindy to moan even louder.


    Calyx¡¯s G Spot was on the verge of exploding, and she knew she had only a matter of minutes


    before she blew. ¡°Ahh...¡± she said, arching her back to keep up with his pace as he continued to


    finger him. When Calyx¡¯s thumb rubbed against her clitoral area, she moaned once more.


    Her system began to shut down as a result of the tingling sensation, which caused her legs to


    tremble and shut down her senses. After feeling Calyx¡¯s lips encircle her right breast while his finger


    was doing her core, she couldn¡¯t help but mutter to herself, ¡°Ah...¡±


    She gasped into her hair and couldn¡¯t even remember where she was holding on this time.


    Calyx groaned as she sucked her nipple a little too hard, causing her to gag. His lips reached all the


    way down to her abdomen, where they came across her nut and enveloped it inside his mouth.


    When it tickled her, she let out a loud groan.


    ¡°Ahh¡­ Yeah¡­¡±


    As his lips rose above her core, he slid his tongue into her wet pussy in exchange for his finger,


    causing her to squirm. His hands wandered around her body until they came across the side of her


    butt.


    The ravaging of her pussy continues as he uses his tongue and lips. With his tongue, he darted in


    and out, nibbled its folds, and licked the cleft of his lower lip.


    ¡°Oh... it... that¡¯s it... that¡¯s hmmm¡­.¡± She whimpered a little.


    After a few moments, Calyx rose to her feet and kneeled in the space between her legs, guiding his


    shaft into the space between hers.


    Her gaze fell to the ground, where she noticed Calyx¡¯s long and imposing shaft. During the process


    of guiding the head of his cock into her mouth, Calyx moved closer to her.


    ¡°Ahh...¡± she moaned when Calyx began to tease her pussy, only getting as far as the head of his


    cock. ¡°Ahh...¡±


    When he saw Cindy¡¯s irritable expression, he smirked a little. ¡°Please be patient¡ª¡±


    If you don¡¯t repeat¡ªAhh..., I¡¯ll fucking kill you, Calyx. When Calyx suddenly inserted his cock inside


    hers, she groaned in pain.


    ¡°What an impatient woman,¡± he said as he thrust faster and delved deeper into Cindy¡¯s body,


    causing her to lose her mental equilibrium.


    Calyx grasped her thighs and pulled her body up a little higher, resting her legs on his shoulders


    and thrusting even harder and quicker.


    Due to theck of soundproofing in her room, Cindy rolled her eyes up and bit the inside of her


    lower lip to keep herself from moaning any louder. What Calyx is doing right now, on the other hand,This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    is causing her to whimper a little bit louder.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Her soft moans echoed around the room, ¡°Hmmm...¡± she thought. She bit the inside of her


    lower lip. ¡°S-Calyx¡­¡±


    Calyx had a sly grin on her face. ¡°Do you like it?¡±


    Cindy returned his gaze with a nod. ¡°Faster, baby...¡± shemanded, and Calyx followed her


    orders.


    After that, she reaches her first climax.


    The fact that Calyx had withdrawn and turned her upside down caused her to gasp in surprise. He


    walked in from behind her, lifting her back and forcing her to kneel on the bed. There was no


    hesitation in his steps.


    Calyx propels herself forward at a faster and more powerful pace. Cindy groans and begs for more


    after he ps her ass face upwards several times. ¡°Do... hmm... it again,¡± she instructed.


    Calyx formed a sly grin on his lips and repeated the action once more. Calyx made Cindy groan in


    agony when he identally inserted his cock into the incorrect hole. Calyx quickly covered her


    mouth as he inserted his finger into her anus.


    Cindy ispletely at a loss for what to do at this point. When the excruciating pain of what


    appeared to be tearing skin evaded her body, her body began to deteriorate.


    The fingers of Calyx¡¯s hands were on the corners of her mouth, covering it as he continued to push


    into her anus.


    Upon returning to her core after a few seconds, Calyx pushed his cock back into her core and


    plunged deeper into him as he moved even faster.


    ¡°Screw you; I¡¯m done with you... Calyx!¡± She screamed and didn¡¯t care if anyone heard her screams


    because she didn¡¯t care about them.


    Calyx burst outughing, her face contorted in mockery. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, baby¡ªugh... His exnation


    was simple: ¡°I just miss being able to thrust inside of it.¡± He then continued delving and thrusting


    deeper and faster.


    Cindy could even feel his balls mming into her cleft as a result of her quick reaction.


    After a series of thrusts were delivered, the difort she was experiencing gradually subsided.


    Prior to reaching their climaxes, Calyx concedes to a few more thrusts from the other.


    Calyx drew it back and wiped his shaft with her mound as she did so.


    Cindy thought that he was done, but she was wrong. Calyx entered her once again and reached for


    her breasts; he massaged them from behind as if she were massaging a dough while his hard shaft


    kept on entering her core.


    And Cindy knew that her core would be aching in pain at this moment.


    ¡®Damn,¡¯ she cursed inside her.


    Calyx is really a beast. She was his first, and now, they did it again. Not just once, nor twice, but


    many times that she even lost count in just a night.


    Maybe she will call Zoe and tell her that she will be absent on this day.

 Shades of Wanders

    Shades of Wanders


    Zoe¡¯s POV


    I was wondering the whole day what had happened to Cindy. I tried to look for her in the


    neighborhood, but she was not there. I wanted to call her number after she called, but she turned it


    off.


    An overthinker like me feels like something is going on.


    I waited for her at the caf¨¦ the next morning and speaking of the witch; she had just entered the


    caf¨¦. I walked in front of the countertop and crossed my arms in front of my chest.


    I saw how her eyes widened when she met my gaze.


    ¡°What happened? Don¡¯t give lies because it means friendship is over,¡± I threatened. However, I


    don¡¯t mean it.


    Cindy rolled her eyes at me and pouted her lips.


    ¡°Did you have sex with Cal¡ª¡± I didn¡¯t finish my words when she dashed over me and covered my


    mouth?


    ¡°Gosh! What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± she asked as she pulled me to the counter.


    I frowned and pushed her away. I arched my brow soon as I let go of her grip.


    ¡°I am asking¡ª¡±


    ¡°But why do you need to add the word¡ª¡±


    ¡°Sex¡ªhmm!¡± I groaned when she covered my mouth again.


    She red at me before she let go.


    I bit my lower lip and formed a sly smirk on my lips. ¡°So, am I right?¡±


    I waited for her response, but she rolled her eyes again and turned her back away from me.


    ¡°Come on, Cindy. What are friends for?¡±


    She turned to me and pierced her eyes into mine. ¡°Shut up, Zoe. Just tell me if you are missing


    Helios¡¯s dick, and I will¡ª¡±


    ¡°Why would I miss that?¡±


    Cindy scoffed. ¡°Come on, I know you¡¯re itchy¡ª¡± she halted when I let out a chuckle.


    ¡°In his dreams. I will not let him¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, Come on. That¡¯s what I told myself, but Calyx got¡ª¡± she paused, and her eyes widened when


    she realized what she had said.


    ¡°Got you,¡± I eximed and burst intoughter.


    Cindy closed her eyes and clenched her fist as Iughed out loud.


    ¡°See¡­ I am¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Zoe!¡± she blurted, and after that, she turned away from me, making me shake my head.


    I heaved a deep sigh and shook my head. At first sight, I knew that there was something between


    Calyx and Cindy until Calyx identally told them that he was her first.


    There were only a few customers on this day, and I didn¡¯t feel tired at all. That¡¯s why I asked Cindy if


    she wanted to go to a bar and chill.


    At first, she didn¡¯t like the idea, but with a few sweet words, she agreed.


    ¡°I will choose,¡± she said and was pertaining to the bar.


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile because I knew that she was avoiding Calyx.


    ¡°After sex all day, you don¡¯t want to bump with Calyx? Seriously?¡± Iughed.


    Cindy red at me. ¡°You¡¯re really great at teasing, are you?¡±


    I shrugged my shoulders.


    She rolled her eyes and grabbed her bag. ¡°I¡¯ll see youter, 8 A.M. sharp,¡± she said and exited the


    caf¨¦.


    I shook my head and sighed.


    Mr. Reynolds is still baking some cookies for thest-minute order and told me to go first.


    When I got back upstairs, I started to take a shower and wore jeans and a ck sleeveless. For


    sure, Cindy will be surprised when she sees me wearing this. Actually, she¡¯s nagging when she


    sees me wearing shirts, and this is the first time that I am willingly wearing this one.


    I checked my wristwatch and chatted with Cindy through messenger.


    Mom and Aunt Millie have not yet arrived; I guess they took an OT.


    After a few minutes of waiting, I heard a knock on the door, and it was Cindy.


    I saw how Cindy wandered her eyes from my head to toe. When she met my eyes, I arched my left


    brow.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Good thing, you wear¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I cut off the hum of her words. ¡°Stop rolling your eyes. Are you thinking how delightful when


    Calyx is inside¡ªwhat the hell?!¡± I eximed when Cindy mmed the back of my head slightly.


    ¡°You know what, Zoe¡ª¡±


    ¡°Not yet.¡±


    ¡°Heh! Can you stop teasing me? If you miss Helios, you can tell me or say to Grant. I¡¯m sure Helios


    badly misses you¡ª¡±


    ¡°No way,¡± I grunted.


    Cindy pierced her eyes into mine, making me roll mine.


    ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s go¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too early. Why don¡¯t we eat dinner first at Grant¡¯s restaurant?¡± Cindy asked, making me frown at


    her.


    ¡°Are you kidding me?¡±


    Cindy formed a sly smirk on her lips. ¡°Nope. I am just giving a suggestion¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested. Let¡¯s go so that we can go back home early.¡±


    She coughed. ¡°Come on, Zoe. You¡¯re such a killjoy. Why don¡¯t you try facing your fears¡ª¡±


    ¡°Says the woman who pretended not to know the guy, but for a day, they had sex¡ª¡±


    ¡°Taxi!¡± She yelled, making me shake my head. ¡°Instead of talking and talking in there, might as well


    you ride¡ª¡±


    ¡°You can admit that you and Calyx spend quality time together, Cindy. You don¡¯t have to be


    ashamed. That¡¯s why I¡¯m wondering that you¡¯re getting¡ª¡±


    ¡°Zoe, please, let¡¯s go,¡± Cindy interrupted as she pulled my left hand and dragged me inside the taxi.


    I was surprised for a moment. I wasn¡¯t expecting her next move.


    ¡°At the bar¡ª¡±


    ¡°Dinner,¡± Cindy arched her brow as she red at her, ¡°¡ªremember?¡±


    ¡°What if Grant¡ª¡±


    ¡°Now, you¡¯re afraid to see Grant because you think about Hel¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear about him.¡±


    Cindy scoffed and didn¡¯t mind that they were inside the cab. ¡°We exchanged situations. But


    honestly, Zoe. It would be best if you talked to Helios. Just like what I said the other day. Love is


    really risky. God gives us challenges with a purpose. So, my dear friend, be true to yourself and


    don¡¯t be afraid to fight for your love. You¡¯re lucky because you and Helios have a mutual


    understanding¡ª¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s Calyx, right?!¡± I suddenly asked as my eyes darted past through the window.


    I frowned. ¡°Look¡­ that¡¯s¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Zoe. You¡¯re really ruining my mood,¡± Cindy said as she pierced her death re at me.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

 He Found Out

    He Found Out


    ¡°YOU¡¯RE lying to me, Grant,¡± It was Helios¡¯s chilly voice that roared inside Grant¡¯s office.


    Grant, who was surprised, suddenly stood up. ¡°W-What are you doing¡ª¡±


    ¡°So, you found her?¡±


    Grant frowned and was a little bit baffled. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Helios let out a soft chuckle. It¡¯s been so hard for him to know that Zoe is just a little bit far away


    from him and the worst thing was, his cousin found her, but he didn¡¯t even tell him.


    ¡°What¡¯s your purpose? Why?¡± Helios walked towards Grant¡¯s table and mmed his desk.


    Grant raised his hands. ¡°Calm down, and let¡¯s talk¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Helios moved closer to Grant and pierced his re at him. ¡°You knew I hate it when


    someone is toying at me. You know me, Grant. I trusted you because¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I was supposed to tell you about it, but Zoe begged¡ª¡±


    ¡°Zoe?¡±


    Grant could see the pain in Helios¡¯s eyes. He felt pity at the same time, scared.


    ¡°What about her?¡±


    Grant took a deep breath and sighed. ¡°She begged me not to tell you about it. I made a promise for


    her¡ª¡±


    ¡°You knew that I am looking for her¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Grant cut off. ¡°If only you could see her at that moment, where she told me not to¡ª¡±


    ¡°You should have told everything to me, Grant. Now that I know where she is, no one can stop me


    from getting her.¡±


    Grant¡¯s eyes widened. He dislikes Helios¡¯s term. ¡°Let¡¯s talk, Helios. You need to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Grant. I will not believe in your¡ª¡±


    ¡°I convinced her to talk to you. So as Cindy¡­¡±


    ¡°Cindy?¡±


    ¡°Her friend. And I know Zoe wants that. Just don¡¯t do reckless things at this moment, Helios. I


    promise I will make it up to you.¡±


    Helios darted his eyes at him.


    ¡°I swear. I will help you. But first, you have to clear the obstacles in front of you. Call off the


    engagement and ept first the title. Once your father gives you the title, he can¡¯t do anything


    because he no longer has the power. Think about it, Helios. Don¡¯t rush things,¡± Grant said without


    any pause.


    Grant¡¯s hands are trembling while looking at Helios, but hopefully, Helios will hear him.


    ¡°How is she?¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t seen¡ª¡±


    ¡°If I see her, am I asking this question?¡±


    Grant pressed his lower lip and nodded. ¡°She¡¯s fine. She¡¯s working at her aunt¡¯s caf¨¦, and her mom


    is working in my hotel.¡±


    Helios didn¡¯t make any expression, but Grant knew that he was happy deep within.


    ¡°How about¡ª¡±


    ¡°Boys? Men? Don¡¯t worry. You upied her mind and heart,¡± Grant said, making Helios frown.


    ¡°Are you making fun¡ª¡±


    ¡°Nope. I am telling the truth. You two are a victim of¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Grant. Be grateful that I didn¡¯t kill you.¡±


    Grant let out a soft chuckle, even though his heart thumped fast because of fear. ¡°I know you can¡¯t.


    No matter how monstrous you are, you can¡¯t kill¡ª¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s if you¡¯re loyal to me, but you¡¯re not.¡±


    Grant¡¯s forehead knitted. ¡°It was because Zoe told me not to¡ª¡±


    ¡°So, Zoe¡¯smand is more important than mine?¡±


    Grant¡¯s jaw dropped.


    ¡®Unbelievable,¡¯ he thought.


    ¡°If only you saw how she¡ª¡± Grant halted when Helios turned his back away from him.


    ¡®What a jerk,¡¯ he thought.


    ¡°Just a reminder, Helios. Don¡¯t rush things. You have to get the throne first before you get your


    queen,¡± Grant said until Helios¡¯s aura disappeared.


    Grant walked towards his chair and sat. He closed his eyes as he leaned on his chair.


    He cursed inside his mind a couple of times.


    He was hoping that Helios would hear him. If not, he¡¯s afraid about what will happen. His uncle is


    not a soft-hearted person. ¡®


    If Helios has control, that old man hasn¡¯t.


    INSIDE the bar, Zoe and Cindy are having a good time watching those people who are dancing on


    the dance floor. Cindy was shouting andughing out loud.


    ¡°Geez, why don¡¯t we try¡ª¡±


    ¡°You can go all by yourself,¡± Zoe interrupted as she drank thest bottle that they had. When she


    was done, she stood up, making Cindy look at her.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°Home. And I¡¯m tired,¡± Zoe replied.


    Cindy snorted and pouted her lips. ¡°I will order more drinks,¡± she said, but Zoe shook her head.


    ¡°We have work tomorrow, and I think I¡¯m already tipsy.¡±


    Right after Zoe said that Cindy burst intoughter. ¡°Girl¡­ you only drank two beers, and you¡¯re


    tipsy? Are you kidding me?¡± she asked.


    Zoe pressed her lips and sighed. ¡°You can stay if you want to,¡± she said.


    Cindy arched her brow. ¡°You asked me toe here, and now you¡¯re the one¡ª¡±


    ¡°Exactly, I asked you, so I will also ask you to go home. But if you want to stay, then you can, simple


    as that.¡±


    Cindy rolled her eyes and pouted her lips. ¡°Killjoy.¡± She stood up and grabbed her bag. ¡°Let¡¯s go


    then.¡±


    Zoe sighed and shook her head. After that, they walked to the crowd until they reached the exit.


    She got a cab and assisted Cindy in getting inside.


    Cindy pushed her away. ¡°I can manage.¡±


    Zoeughed and shook her head as she got inside. She told the cab driver the address, and after a


    few minutes, they arrived. She helped Cindy first until they got inside her room before she went


    down and went to their apartment.


    When she got there, the lights were already switched off, which meant to say, her mom and aunt


    were already home and got to bed.


    She just took a quick shower before she climbed on the bed.


    She tried to close her eyes, but darkness won¡¯t fill in. She then stared at the ceiling, took a deep


    breath, and then sighed to remove her heart¡¯s heaviness.


    She has no phone and doesn¡¯t even know Helios¡¯s contact number. She will admit to herself that


    she misses him¡ªshe misses him so badly.


    She was weighing her time and when will he talk to him.


    Cindy has a point.


    Why would she be afraid to take a risk?Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

 The Symptoms

    The Symptoms


    ¡°What are you doing here, Chloe?¡±


    Chloe let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Are you really questioning me about that? Of course, I am visiting my


    fiance,¡± she replied as she sat on the side of Helios¡¯s desk.


    Helios stopped tapping the keyboard and met Chloe¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°We¡¯re not yet engaged¨C¡±


    ¡°Yeah, because you¡¯re prolonging it,¡± she interrupted. She raised her left hand and stared at her


    fingernails.


    ¡°Call off the engagement. I am not interested,¡± Helios said, but Chloe justughed and tapped his


    table.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do anything about that. Don Lincoln, your father, already set everything.¡±


    Helios clenched his fist and moved his swivel chair backward. ¡°I will talk to him.¡±


    Chloe stood up and crossed her arms in front of her chest. ¡°Try it if you can.¡±


    ¡°You knew that I love someone else¨C¡±


    ¡°But Zoe doesn¡¯t love you, babe. But I do. She dumped you, right?¡±


    Helios frowned. It seems like Chloe is different at this moment. She used to admire Zoe.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t you wanted Zoe¨C¡±


    ¡°Yes, not until I find out that she¡¯s the girl you were head over heels for.¡±


    ¡°I still love her. And no one can change that. I will talk to my father. And I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Chloe smiled. ¡°You can¡¯t change your father¡¯s decision, Helios. I also came here because the time


    you set for preparation is almost over. Almost a month had passed, Helios. The engagement will be


    on Friday. It will be done, no matter what you say. Also, your father told me that you can¡¯t make any


    fuss that will harm your family.¡±


    Helios pierced his eyes into Chloe. ¡°I will never marry you, Chloe. If there¡¯s only one girl that I


    wanted to marry¡­ it¡¯s Zoe.¡±


    Chloe smirked. ¡°But Zoe is not here. Also, if you disobey your father, you know what will happen.


    You don¡¯t like Zoe to get harmed, do you?¡±


    At that point, Helios didn¡¯t like Chloe¡¯s words, making him stand up, and was about to grab Chloe¡¯s


    neck, but Chloe spoke.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that. What if I tell Zoe that you¡¯re not the man whom she spent the night with?¡±


    Helios tightened the clenching of his fists upon hearing it.


    Chloe knew. Because she was there too¡­ when that night happened.


    They were childhood friends, Chloe, Icarus, and him.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that,¡± Helios said. His voice is stern and scary.


    Chloe smirked. ¡°I can. So, don¡¯t try me.¡±


    Helios scoffed. ¡°I will kill¨C¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Icarus is dead. So, don¡¯t drag my twin¡¯s name into the conversation. I love Zoe.¡±


    ¡°But it doesn¡¯t change the fact that you hide your true identity.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter; she will understand. I know her.¡±


    Chloe cracked up. ¡°You don¡¯t know what it likes when someone you love¡­ lies to you. Zoe loves


    you, and I can see that but knowing the truth¨C¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Chloe. And get out,¡± Helios cut off the hem of Chloe¡¯s words.


    ¡­


    ¡°Are you sure about this, Zoe?¡± Cindy asked while they were filling up the cups and spoons on the


    counter.


    Zoe shared her decision with Cindy.


    ¡°Are you ready for it?¡±


    Zoe sighed. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know unless I try Cindy.¡±


    Cindy nodded. ¡°Indeed. But you have to tell Grant first. And I¡¯m d that you already made your


    decision.¡±


    Zoe smiled and put the box of tissue on the left side. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°But still, prepare for the consequences, Zoe. It may be hard at first, especially now that Helios¡¯s


    father is not in favor of you. Plus, in Helios''s engagement, we don¡¯t know if the old man will do


    something, just to tear you apart. Always be prepared for things like that. No matter what¡­ I¡¯m


    always here for you,¡± Cindy said, making Zoe smile.


    Then suddenly, Zoe frowned when she saw how Cindy¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡®What¡¯s wrong?¡¯ she thought.


    Zoe then followed Cindy¡¯s sight, and she frowned when she saw Grant Lincoln at the entrance.


    ¡°Speaking of the devil,¡± Cindy muttered.


    ¡°Hello,dies¨C¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your perfume? I don¡¯t like the smell. Stay away,¡± Zoe said all of a sudden, making Cindy


    and Grant stare at her with their lips slightly parted.


    Cindy poked Zoe¡¯s arm. ¡°Are you for real?¡±


    Zoe is still looking at Grant while her two fingers are pinching her nose. She suddenly hates Grant''s


    perfume.


    Grantughed slightly. ¡°It¡¯s a hundred dor worth of Dior perfume, and it¡¯s gentle in every nose,


    even the sensitive one. What¡¯s the drama all about, Zoe? I know you don¡¯t want to see my


    handsome face¨C¡±


    ¡°Handsome, your ass. Stay a¨C¡± Zoe didn¡¯t finish her words when suddenly she felt her stomach


    stumbled down. She dashed towards the bathroom and puked, but nothing wasing out.


    Grant and Cindy looked at each other when they heard it since the bathroom was just a few meters


    away from where they were.


    Cindy hates her idea, while Grant was just feeling curious.


    Zoe continues to puke and mes Grant¡¯s perfume inside her mind. And when she got out, Cindy


    stood in front of the door.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Zoe nodded, but when she saw Grant looking at her, she covered her mouth and pointed at him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let him get near me. Send him away, Cindy,¡± she said, making Cindy frown.


    Cindy sighed, walked closer to Grant, and told him to get back some other time.


    Grant waved his hand to Zoe, and after that, he left.


    Cindy pulled Zoe into the corner since they only had a few customers.


    ¡°I know you hate the idea that Grant is here, but you don¡¯t have to overreact, Zoe.¡±


    Zoe¡¯s forehead knitted. ¡°I am not pulling a drama. I really hate the scent of his perfume,¡± she replied.


    Cindy crossed her arms in front of her chest. ¡°As far as my nose remembers Grant¡¯s scent, it¡¯s still


    the same, and you too knew about it. But why?¡±


    Cindy doesn¡¯t want to get directly to the point. She just wanted some supporting information.


    Zoe shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know, but these past few days, I feel so tired even if I am just at the


    cafe. Also, I¡¯m feeling toozy to wake up every morning. I feel so drained and a little bit sensitive¨C¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re pregnant, Zoe.¡±


    Zoe¡¯s eyes widened upon hearing it. ¡°W-What? Impossible¨C¡±


    ¡°You have sex with Helios. Why wouldn¡¯t it be impossible?¡±


    ¡°B-But¨C¡±


    ¡°Are you taking pills at those times? Where you fucked each other?¡±


    Zoe¡¯s heart started to thump fast while listening to Cindy¡¯s questions.


    ¡°N-No.¡±


    ¡°Then you might be pregnant. Your symptoms are for preggy mommies. And to be sure of¡­ you


    need a pregnancy kit to test if it¡¯s positive.¡±


    Hearing this, Zoe¡¯s tears started to pour out of her eyes. ¡°I¡­ I am not ready¨C¡±


    ¡°Yes, you can. I¡¯m here. Now, let¡¯s buy the kit.¡±


    Zoe doesn¡¯t know what to think, but she¡¯s not dumb too. The symptoms were there¡­ even first-


    timers knew about it.


    ¡®What if I¡¯m pregnant? What will I do? Should I tell about it to Helios?¡¯ she pondered.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

 About Her Pregnancy

    About Her Pregnancy


    ZOE is staring at the two lines on the PT kit, and her hands are slightly shaking because she knows


    that Cindy¡¯s anticipation was true.


    Cindy walked towards her.


    They were inside Zoe¡¯s room. Right after they closed the cafe, Cindy bought a PT kit at the nearby


    drugstore and gave it to Zoe.


    The pharmacist instructed Cindy to take the test early in the morning. However, Cindy was


    determined enough that it was positive.


    ¡°What was the result?¡± Cindy asked.


    Zoe sat on the side of the bed and took a deep breath. Then suddenly, her chest started to move


    rapidly as her tears clouded her eyes.


    Cindy sat beside her and caressed her back. ¡°Let it out. I am here. I will listen,¡± she said.


    Hearing this, Zoe cried even harder. She tried to control it, but her sobs slipped out of her mouth.


    It was just seven in the evening, and as usual, the two olddies were still working at the hotel and


    restaurant Grant until eight in the evening.


    Cindy hugged Zoe and startedforting her. ¡°I am just here, Zoe. Let it out.¡±


    Zoe closes her eyes as she rests her head on Cindy¡¯s right shoulder. ¡°W-Why? Why it has to be at


    this moment¡­¡± she said faintly. Her voice is low.


    Cindy caresses her back once again. ¡°Sometimes in life¡­ God will lead us to the hardest obstacles


    for us to be stronger than we are. I know God has a purpose,¡± she let go of her but held Zoe¡¯s arms


    as she stared at her eyes, ¡°you got this. I will never leave you. I will help you to talk to Helios. He


    must know¨C¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Zoe interrupted. She shook her head. ¡°I pulled off my words. I will not let Helios know about


    my child¨C¡±


    ¡°His child too, Zoe,¡± Cindy cut off the hum of Zoe¡¯s words.


    Zoe shook her head once again. Her mind was clouded with many thoughts that she couldn¡¯t even


    understand, and her heart thumped as if she was in a race and was trying to win.


    ¡°Zoe¡­¡± Cindy held her hand and pressed her palm to calm her, ¡°Helios should know about this.


    What if this blessing will help Helios¡¯s father to think about what¡¯s best for his son?¡±


    Zoe pulled her hands from Cindy¡¯s grip as she wiped her tears. ¡°W-We don¡¯t know how ruthless the


    Lincoln family is. You knew about the rumor that Helios¡¯s father murdered the President of the


    state?¡±


    Cindy¡¯s forehead knitted. ¡°Of course, I heard about it. But that¡¯s been the case for a long time.


    Besides, the result isn¡¯t clear enough until it was buried.¡±


    Zoe stared into Cindy¡¯s eyes. ¡°Exactly. It was buried, and we didn¡¯t know the whole truth¨C¡±


    ¡°So, what are you pointing about, Zoe? This is not about Lincoln¡¯s head¡¯s past. It was your


    situation.¡±


    Cindy wanted to help Zoe, but it seemed like thetter didn¡¯t want to listen to any advice that she


    would give. She wished Zoe to be happy. She could understand how tough it was to be away from


    the one you love¨Cby staying away from him.


    Cindy clearly sees genuine love of Zoe to Helios. But the situation only hinders both of them.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind the reactions of others. The most important thing is your decisions and how you


    ovee these struggles. If you want to, let¡¯s talk to Grant first and arrange¨C¡± Cindy didn¡¯t finish


    her words when Zoe interrupted.


    ¡°What for? We can¡¯t trust him, and I really hate the smell of his perfume,¡± Zoe said.


    Cindy rolled her eyes and sighed. ¡°Grant knew where you are, but why didn¡¯t he tell Helios? Why


    didn¡¯t he tell him about your whereabouts? Knowing Helios, who¡¯s truly, madly, deeply in love with


    you, he will ask someone to investigate just to find you. And seeing Grant, who still feels at ease,


    lingering near us, I know that he¡¯s helping us,¡± Cindy stated.


    Silence filled in for a few moments. Zoe was put into deep thinking.


    Cindy always has a point, but Zoe just keeps on ignoring it¡­ which is a bad habit.


    ¡°Helios has the right to know. Don¡¯tpare your life to movies or books where the woman runs


    away because she¡¯s pregnant. Don¡¯t be afraid and face your fears. And this will also be part of the


    test.¡±


    Zoe frowned.


    Cindy smiled. ¡°It¡¯s a test if Helios is really willing to marry¨C¡± Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Marriage is not in my ns at the moment, Cindy,¡± Zoe interrupted, making Cindy let out a soft


    chuckle.


    ¡°Whatever. As I was saying, it would be best, to tell the truth to Helios. And if he will ept you and


    the child without any further conversations, then you¡¯re freaking lucky, girl,¡± Cindy continued.


    ¡°Lucky? I don¡¯t think so,¡± she mumbled.


    Cindy can¡¯t help but roll her eyes again. ¡°You¡¯re full of negativity, Zoe. If only you see things beyond


    their masks, I swear you would know what¡¯s the best answer. Helios is a billionaire. He can buy


    anything he wants¨Che can get anything he wants. But the thing is, he can¡¯t have you. That¡¯s why


    he¡¯s putting so much effort into you. But you¡¯re this killjoy who always declines offers or even shrank


    into where you are.¡±


    Cindy shook her head. ¡°You¡¯re lucky. However, you can¡¯t see it. It¡¯s a shame that people give effort


    for you, but you can¡¯t see it¨C¡±


    ¡°Easy to tell, Cindy. Yes, you can predict, you can foresee and certainly feel my emotions¡­ but


    what if you¡¯re in my shoe? I told you, they¡¯re dangerous, and Helios is meant for Chloe¨C¡±


    ¡°Your negativity will cause you anxiety, Zoe. Don¡¯t get blind. This is not just about love but for the


    sake of your child. Do you want him or her to grow up without aplete family? Helios loves you,


    and I know he will love your child as much as he loves you. So, don¡¯t be a coward, Zoe.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°WHAT¡¯S the meaning of this, Helios?¡± It was Don Michael Lincoln¡¯s booming voice that roared


    inside the kitchen hall.


    They were having dinner when Helios told the old man about his n.


    ¡°Why are you rushing? I told you to get engaged first with Chloe before you will take the throne¨C¡±


    ¡°Why prolong it, father? Besides, it¡¯s even better to have the throne before the engagement¨C¡±


    ¡°Chloe told me everything, Helios. You can¡¯t fool me. If you are eager to get the title, then I will


    arrange your engagement party tomorrow.¡±


    Helios clenched his fist in rage.


    ¡°Why are you rushing¨C¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my final decision, Helios. Obey or else¨C¡± the old man didn¡¯t finish his words when Helios


    pushed the chair back and stood up.


    ¡°I¡¯m done,¡± he said and left.


    The old man is calling out his name, but Helios seems deaf and doesn¡¯t mind it. He dashed towards


    the entrance and entered his car. After a few moments, he sped away from his father¡¯s mansion.


    Helios dislikes his fucked up life because his father is trying to control him.


    He has his own mind and can think about his own decisions. Why would his father need to ovey?


    And the fuck with Chloe because he thought that the woman could understand him¨Cwhat he truly


    feels, but she¡¯s not. She¡¯s also eager to marry him.


    There¡¯s no way that he will marry someone if it¡¯s not Zoe. His heart belongs to Zoe only.


    He grabbed his phone from the passenger seat and dialed Grant¡¯s number as he drove along the


    highway.


    He wanted to set up a fight in the underground at the moment. He wanted to let go of his rage.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, dude?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s fight,¡± Helios said, making Grant¡¯s eyes widen on the other line.


    ¡°What are you thinking, dude? I still value my life. Find another sparring partner,¡± Grant said.


    Helios¡¯s forehead creased. ¡°You have¨C¡±


    ¡°Dude, it¡¯s already eight in the evening. I am also tired of work. Why don¡¯t we just drink and chill?


    My treat?¡± Grant suggested.


    However, Helios doesn¡¯t want to drink.


    ¡°No. Let¡¯s fight¨C¡±


    ¡°If you like, you can visit my hotel and restaurant in Cali. I have stocks of ss tes. You can


    throw them¨C¡±


    ¡°Are you making fun of me?¡± Helios asked, making Grant zip his mouth on the other line. ¡°Meet me


    at Front street. Don¡¯t worry. Just one round, Grant.¡±


    Grant burst intoughter upon hearing Helios¡¯sst words after he dropped the call.


    One round?


    Seriously?


    Helios¡¯s one round is equivalent to ten rounds. He¡¯s also getting brutal if he tells about one round.


    Grant knew that there was something wrong or had happened¡­ that¡¯s why Helios is looking for a


    fight.


    After a few seconds of thinking, Grant called the guard of the underground gym at Front street.


    Grant is not good at fighting, while Helios is so good at it. He wanted to escape, but he knew Helios.

 The Advice

    The Advice


    ¡°Fuck it, dude. Look at my face now?¡± Grant¡¯s voice was filled with madness while he stood in front


    of the mirror and stared at his reflection.


    They just finished sparing, and Helios was really in a rage, making him punch Grant¡¯s face with


    anger.


    As for Grant, he didn¡¯t dodge and received Helios¡¯s strength, leaving a cut and bruises on his face.


    ¡°Fuck! You can punch my body, but why my face?!¡± he yelled as he faced Helios.


    Helios arched his brow as he drank a bottle of water, taking it in one gulp.


    ¡°Damn it. My chicks will¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up, fucker. Just fuck your informant,¡± Helios said as he threw the bottle in the bin. He grabbed


    the white towel at the side of the ring and wiped his hair.


    Grant gestured a punch in the air while Helios¡¯ back was facing him. And when Helios turned to face


    him, Grant whistled and walked towards the bench.


    He was about to grab the bottle of water when the phone on the top of his sports bag vibrated. He


    frowned as he reached for it.


    It was an unknown number.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Cindy, who¡¯s the caller on the other line, frowned, and anger started to register inside her heart.


    ¡°Why are you being rude, Grant Lincoln?!¡± she yelled and made sure that it would ruin Grant¡¯s


    eardrum.


    She heard how Grant uttered a curse.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Grant asked, his voice a little bit pissed off.


    Cindy arched her brow as she met Zoe¡¯s gaze.


    Zoe gave her an inquiry look.


    ¡°Where are you?¡±


    Grant formed a sly smirk on his lips. He looked at Helios, who was now changing his clothes.


    ¡°Why are you asking about it?¡± Grant asked, still the snide remaining on his lips.


    Helios frowned because of it. He walked closer to Grant and grabbed the phone suddenly.


    Grant was about to dash over him when Helios gave the phone back, but this time, the call was in


    loudspeaker mode.


    Grant¡¯s forehead knitted.


    ¡°Hey, Lincoln!¡± Cindy¡¯s voice ruined the silence between Grant and Helios.


    Helios frowned.


    ¡°What?¡± Grant asked.


    ¡°Zoe is pregnant¡ª¡±


    ¡°Cindy!¡± It was Zoe¡¯s voice that interrupted Cindy¡¯s.


    The two men on the other line fell into silence.


    Zoe grabbed Cindy¡¯s phone and turned it off. ¡°Are you insane?¡± she asked; her heart began to


    thump fast.


    ¡°What if he will tell it to Helios directly?¡±


    Cindy rolled her eyes. ¡°Then¡­ it¡¯s better,¡± she replied.


    Zoe wanted to burst into crying. Cindy couldn¡¯t understand her situation.


    ¡°Let me think about it first. I told you to call Grant to ask when he will be avable, not to tell him the


    sudden truth.¡±


    Cindy scoffed. ¡°Zoe, it¡¯s just the same. Stop being an overthinker whatsoever. Let¡¯s wait for him to


    call back again,¡± she said.


    Zoe shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t trust Grant, Cindy. And I really have a bad feeling about this.¡±


    Cindy sighed as she stood up. She grabbed her bag from the side and wore it. ¡°I¡¯m already tired of


    giving you words of encouragement. You¡¯re getting on my nerves, Zoe. You¡¯re a coward. Weakness


    will lead you to death. Trust me.¡±


    Zoe was surprised by Cindy¡¯s words, and it hit her heart big time. However, her friend was right.


    ¡°But you know my situation¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, please, Zoe. I heard enough. I¡¯m sorry if you missed this chance, but I did my best to help you.


    If you fail to get your right, then it will be your fault. Geez, you love each other; why not fucking fight


    for it? You¡¯re getting insane, Zoe. I hate weaklings,¡± Cindy said and left Zoe dumbfounded.


    It¡¯s a little bit hard for Cindy to encourage Zoe. It¡¯s been days since she kept on giving advice to her,


    yet Zoe is letting the negativity in her system.


    ON the other side, Grant and Helios remained silent not until it was Grant who broke it first.


    ¡°Fuck that woman¡ª¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get in there,¡± Helios cut off the hum of Grant¡¯s words.


    Grant stood up and frowned. ¡°What are you trying to do?¡±


    Helios clenched his fist. ¡°I will get what¡¯s mine. It¡¯s time¡ª¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Grant yelled. ¡°This will only cause chaos and war against your father. Get engaged. Get the


    title, then after that, break the rule,¡± Grant said.


    Helios met his gaze and frowned.


    At this moment, he knew that Grant¡¯s advice was the right thing to do.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Having A Good Time

    Having A Good Time


    Zoe¡¯s POV


    The following day, I was toozy to get up from my bed, but mom went in to remind me.


    I¡¯ve searched the inte about the symptoms of pregnancy since it¡¯s my first time. The whole thing


    is new to me.


    I also don¡¯t know when will I¡¯m going to talk about it to my mother. I¡¯m sure mom will get surprised.


    When I stepped out of the room, I frowned and covered my nose immediately when I smelled


    something in the air. It¡¯s from the kitchen.


    My stomach stumbled down, and the bathroom called me. I dashed back to my room.


    I puked, but nothing came out.


    I closed my eyes and waited for my stomach to settle. I wished mom didn¡¯t hear me. I¡¯m not ready


    to tell her about it yet.


    After a few minutes, I stepped out of the bathroom and fixed my hair.


    Soon as I opened the door, I saw mom standing in front of it. I frowned and immediately covered my


    nose.


    I saw how mom¡¯s forehead creased.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    I smiled faintly. ¡°Mom¡ª¡±


    ¡°Why are you covering your nose? Zoe, I just took a bath and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Gotta go, mom. See you, bye,¡± I said and kissed her forehead. I rushed towards the main door and


    got out.


    I sighed in relief when I let go of my nose.


    I climbed the stairs and walked towards the caf¨¦. I frowned when I saw Cindy standing near the


    door and staring at me.


    I smirked. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°So, you made your decision¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about it.¡±


    Cindyughed, but I sensed the sarcasm in it. ¡°Yeah, whatever. Anyway, Grant invited us over for


    dinner. His treat.¡±


    I arched my brow. ¡°Where to and why?¡±


    ¡°Why? Do you have to ask about it? Of course, he wanted to help you.¡±


    ¡°How do you trust his words?¡±


    Cindy¡¯s forehead creased, and she rolled her eyes. ¡°Noment. Anyway, do the inventory. I will


    just help Mr. Reynolds in packing for the orders,¡± she said and turned her back away from me.


    I sighed and shook my head.


    ¡°Geez, what a life,¡± I whispered.


    But I know God has better ns for us.


    ¡®You got this, Zoe. You¡¯re strong,¡¯ I empowered myself as I walked inside.


    Hours passed, and the caf¨¦ did great again. Aunt Millie is so proud of us because the profit has


    doubled ever since I handled the caf¨¦. And Cindy was also grateful that she got a higher sry.


    ¡°Grant will fetch us. Do you want to get change first?¡± Cindy asked while I was fixing my hair in front


    of the small mirror of the metal locker.


    ¡°I¡¯m good.¡±


    ¡°Yuck¡­¡± Cindy uttered. ¡°At least take a shower¡ªa warm one and, of course, a casual dress¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to a party, Cindy. So, stop bbering and stay away from me,¡± I said.


    Cindy snorted andughed softly. ¡°Whatever, preggy.¡±


    I let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Shut up. Anyway, where¡¯s Calyx?¡± I saw how Cindy¡¯s body stiffened.


    I smirked. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since Ist saw him. How about you?¡±


    Cindy rolled her eyes at me. ¡°How can you see him if you¡¯re just here at the caf¨¦? And what about


    him?¡±


    ¡°I am not dumb, Cindy. That man likes you¡ªhe was your first, right? Are you two still having se¡ª¡±


    ¡°What the hell, Zoe?! Shut up!¡± Cindy roared.


    I burst intoughter. ¡°Now, you know the feeling of being teased,¡± I said, making her roll her eyes


    and even flip her hair.


    ¡°So, what if we¡¯re having sex? At least I am using pills; how about you?¡± Cindy asked, making my


    eyes widen. Her words struck pain in my heart. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    I smiled faintly. ¡°Yeah, sorry. I didn¡¯t take pills. Unlike you. Anyway, does Calyx loves you?¡±


    Cindy pressed her lips together and pierced her eyes into mine. ¡°Are you starting a war, Zoe?¡±


    I shrugged my shoulders. ¡°I thought it was you who wants it, Cindy.¡±


    Cindy was about to talk when a deep yet husky voice interfered.


    ¡°Hello,dies?¡±


    I frowned as I turned to face Grant.


    Grant smiled at me, making me arch my brow.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± I asked, but I was just bluffing.


    I wanted to burst intoughter when I saw how his face showed confusion.


    I bit my lower lip and looked at Cindy.


    ¡°The driver has arrived,¡± I said.


    ¡°W-Wait? Driver? Are you two having a good time making fun of me?¡±


    Cindy and I met each other¡¯s gazes and shrugged our shoulders.

 Is It Just A Bluff?

    Is It Just A Bluff?


    ¡°CAN you tell me where you¡¯re going, Helios? We¡¯re not finished yet,¡± Chloe stated emphatically.


    Helios was invited to a dinner party at a posh restaurant by Chloe. Helios agreed because the


    woman has been in contact with his father and has asked for updates on a regr basis.


    As an added bonus, he remembered what Grant had said to him. And he¡¯s only putting up with all of


    this nonsense for the sake of his scheme.


    ¡°As I previously stated, I have arge number of tasks toplete.¡±


    Chloe wrinkled her brows as she wiped the inside of her mouth. She took a sip of the red wine from


    her wine ss and stared at it. ¡°It¡¯s not business hours, Helios.¡±


    Helios¡¯s brows knitted together. ¡°You¡¯re familiar with my working style, Chloe.¡±


    She sipped her drink from the ss and smirked when she caught Helios¡¯s eye. ¡°So, what do you


    want me to say to your father if he calls?¡± she inquired.


    ¡°Then tell the truth,¡± Helios responded, and he then walked out of the room toward the entrance.


    Chloe rose to her feet with a sigh of relief. Helios will not be able to get away from her that easily.


    She was convinced that something was going on, and she was determined to find out what it was.


    When Helios¡¯ bodyguards arrived, she was just about to take the next step toward the exit.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± she asked.


    The two men, Ambrose and Cliff, were asked the same question.


    Chloe received a friendly smile from Ambrose. ¡°Mr. Lincoln told us to apany you, Miss,¡± says


    Lincoln.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be able to handle it,¡± Chloe said.


    Cliff took the initiative and walked up to say something. ¡°We are adamant, Miss,¡± he said as he


    gestured in the direction of the car, ¡°This way, please,¡± he continued.


    The thought had Chloepletely floored. Wasn¡¯t it Helios who brought her here, and now she¡¯ll be


    driven back to her house by two of his bodyguards?


    After sensing Chloe¡¯s thoughts, Ambrose was inspired toe up with something that would benefit


    Helios and the situation in question.


    ¡°The safety of his future fianc¨¦e is all Mr. Lincoln cares about, Miss. Apart from that, your


    engagement party is just two days away,¡± Ambrose exined, hoping that Chloe would take him up


    on his offer.


    Chloe blinked, then realized that the bodyguard had a valid point: she was being unreasonable.


    ¡°Please understand Mr. Lincoln, Miss,¡± Cliff said, ¡°As a result, he assigned us the responsibility of


    looking after you. In the end, he only wanted you to be safe and for his engagement to be smooth.¡±


    Cliff continued, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll see him again tomorrow,¡± and he looked at Ambrose with


    concern.


    After saying that his buddy had done excellent work, Ambrose smiled and widened his brows.


    She was forced to remain silent for a moment before exhaling a deep sigh of relief and dering


    herself to be persuaded.


    ¡°All right, that¡¯s fine with me. You¡¯ve provided a great deal of relief. Send me home.¡±


    Nodding their heads, Ambrose and Cliff exchanged nces.


    ¡­


    ¡°So... Zoe, you¡¯re expecting a child?¡± With one nce in the rearview mirror, Grant inquired about


    Zoe.


    Given that Zoe was in the passenger seat, Cindy gave her a quick nce over her shoulder.


    Awaiting the oue of Zoe¡¯s response.


    Nodding her head, Zoe sighed.


    Grant shed a grin at her. ¡°Is it Helios?¡±


    Cindy cast a sour look in the general direction of Grant. ¡°Keep driving as long as you can. We¡¯ll


    have a talkter. Bring us to the most expensive restaurant as well,¡± she demanded emphatically.


    An indistinct chuckle could be heard from Grant. ¡°Why? Has yourst daye to pass?¡±


    Grant¡¯s words have an awful taste in Cindy¡¯s mouth. ¡°Are you treating me as if I were dead?¡± she


    asked.


    When Grant interrupted, he turned the steering wheel to the left. ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything, dear,¡± Grant


    said.


    Cindy sighed and shook her head. ¡°What¡¯s the reason I asked for this parasite''s presence beside


    me? Please tell me, Zoe.¡± she inquired, making Zoe shake her head.


    ¡®Cindy looked like an idiot,¡¯ Zoe thought.


    ¡°Parasite? Then I¡¯m a pretty good-looking parasite.¡±


    With her gaze fixed on Grant, Cindy made an arched brow. ¡°Never in a million years. Anyway, this is


    for a treat, okay?¡±


    ¡°My treat?¡± Grant repeated.


    Cindy smiled and bowed her head a little bit. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Grant couldn¡¯t stop himself from smiling. ¡°Never in a million years. It was you who requested my


    assistance.¡±


    Cindy responded with, ¡°Then send us back.¡±


    Zoe couldn¡¯t believe what she was seeing and shook her head. A pointless debate between the two


    continues. It was as simple as pulling out her earphones, putting them in her ears, and listening to


    some soft music while admiring the lights that were passing through the window.


    After a few minutes of driving along the wide and long highway, Grant''s auto came to a stop in front


    of a five-star restaurant named Aguste¡¯s, which was a well-known establishment in the area.


    Grant, it appears, is unable to refuse Cindy¡¯s invitation to dinner.


    ¡°You¡¯re the first one to go¡­ I¡¯ll just take this call,¡± Grant said as he walked out of his car, waving his


    phone in their direction.


    If Cindy noticed Zoe¡¯s gaze on her, she simply shrugged her shoulders. It was Cindy who said,


    ¡°Let¡¯s get moving.¡±


    The guards greet them, followed by the approach of the waiter.


    ¡°Do you require a reservation, ma¡¯am?¡± the waiter asked.


    Grant is nowhere to be found when Cindy looks in his direction, so she relies on her intuition. ¡°Mr.


    Lincoln¡¯s.¡±


    The waiter looked down and checked his lists before nodding.


    ¡°Upstairs, ma¡¯am.¡± After answering, the waiter began to walk, guiding them.


    As they followed him, Cindy looked at Zoe and smiled.


    Cindy and Zoe couldn¡¯t help but get amazed by the interior of the restaurant.


    ¡°It¡¯s really nice to mingle with elite people, right, Zoe?¡± Cindy suddenly asked while they entered the


    elevator.


    Zoe shook her head and nodded.


    ¡°Look how beautiful your life will be if you married like one of them¡ª¡±


    ¡°Just consider yourself, Cindy. If Calyx will marry you,¡± Zoe interrupted as she diverted the topic to


    Cindy.


    Cindy pouted her lips and rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Whatever,¡± she said as she turned to the waiter who was standing on the side.


    Zoe shook her head when Cindy started to talk to the waiter.


    The elevator door opened after a few moments, and Zoe stepped out first, followed by Cindy and


    the waiter.


    ¡°This way,dies,¡± the waiter said as he gestured the way to the right of the second floor.


    ¡°Wow!¡± It was Cindy who was baffled by the surroundings and didn¡¯t mind if people were looking at


    her.


    For Zoe, Cindy is kinda embarrassing because of her sudden attitude. As if she¡¯s not been in a


    restaurant like this¡ªwell, even but Zoe knew how to control her emotion. Unlike Cindy.


    ¡°Damn, Zoe. This is so¡­¡± Cindy paused as she walked towards her and whispered, ¡°I will get a


    spoon, fork, and a knife as a remembrance,¡± she said, making Zoe frown.


    ¡°Are you for real?¡± she asked.


    Cindy nodded and bit her lower lip.


    Zoe shook her head. ¡°Then get some table napkin, ss, and a te,¡± she said.


    Cindy let go of her arm and rolled her eyes again.


    ¡°You are being sarcastic,¡± she said and walked ahead of her.


    Zoe couldn¡¯t help but smile because of her friend¡¯s behavior.


    The waiter led them to the right side of the floor, and Zoe was amazed because Grant had reserved


    the perfect spot.


    The table is near the ss wall, and they can see the perfect view of the city lights.


    ¡°Geez, this is so good,¡± It was Cindy again.


    Zoe smiled at the waiter and apologized because of Cindy¡¯s behavior. Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The waiter smiled. ¡°I understand, Miss. Anyway, you can check the menu book and press the bell to


    call an attendee waitress,¡± he said.


    Zoe nodded and said, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°God, this is so cool¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know, Cindy. So, stop being so ignorant,¡± Zoe said, which made Cindy roll her eyes.


    ¡°Killjoy,¡± Cindy uttered as she reached for the menu book.


    Zoe sighed and smiled. ¡°You¡¯re like a ten-year-old kid, Cindy. Does Calyx know about¡ª¡±


    ¡°Your mouth was filled with that beast''s name. If you miss Helios¡ªHelios?!¡±


    Zoe frowned when she sensed the missing fragment of Cindy¡¯s sentence.


    ¡°What¡ª¡±


    ¡°Helios Lincoln is here!¡± Cindy blurted in surprise, making others¡¯ attention fixed on her.


    At that moment, Zoe¡¯s body tensed, and her heart started to thump fast, but her mind couldn¡¯t


    process it.


    ¡®Does Cindy telling the truth, or she¡¯s just bluffing,¡¯ she thought.

 The Embarrassment

    The Embarrassment


    ZOE could hear the loud beating of her heart¡ªit was deafening. That aura¡ªshe knew who owned


    it. She looked at Cindy, whose eyes were pierced into her.


    At this moment, she knew that Cindy was not joking.


    Cindy reached for her hand and pressed it. ¡°Helios is here,¡± she whispered, making Zoe nod her


    head.


    ¡°I know,¡± she replied.


    Zoe closed her eyes for a moment to calm her heart. She counted up to three before she felt the


    presence of Helios, who sat on her side.


    ¡®He knew? Does he know that I am pregnant?¡¯ she thought.


    ¡°Cindy¡­¡± Zoe muttered Cindy¡¯s name.


    Cindy moved closer to her as she was sitting on her sight while Helios sat on the left.


    ¡°Water, please,¡± Zoe said.


    Cindy frowned and was about to stand when Helios spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get¡ª¡±


    ¡°Call the waiter,¡± Zoe said, her eyes fixed on Cindy¡¯s.


    Cindy heaved a deep sigh and reached for Zoe¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Apany me at the restroom,¡± she said as she pulled Zoe upward. ¡°We can ask for a ss of


    water on our way,¡± she added. But Cindy knew that it was Zoe¡¯s alibi.


    Cindy slightly bowed her head towards Helios. ¡°Please excuse us for a moment,¡± she uttered.


    Helios then nodded his head.


    Zoe never dared to look at Helios¡ªnot even a single nce.


    Cindy pulled Zoe inside the restroom and locked the door.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you, Zoe?¡± Cindy asked, slight bafflement filled in her eyes.


    Zoe met Cindy¡¯s gaze and shook her head. ¡°I can¡¯t do it¡ªI am not ready to face him. I¡¯m going to


    break down.¡±


    ¡°Zoe¡­¡± Cindy reached for her hands and held them, ¡°¡ªthink of the good side. This is your chance.


    Don¡¯t you want Helios to know about your situation? You can¡¯t hide these things for the rest of your


    life.¡±


    Zoe took a deep breath and sighed. ¡°I know. But¡ª¡±


    ¡°Remove the word ¡®but.¡¯ Don¡¯t even think of that word,¡± Cindy said.


    Zoe nods her head.


    ¡°Act normal. Answer whatever he will ask you. Don¡¯t be afraid.¡±


    Zoe bit her lower lip. Cindy is knocking her sense once again, and it was a great help.


    ¡°Yes, thank you, Cindy.¡±


    Cindy shed a smile at her. ¡°I¡¯m always here.¡±


    Zoe then smiled back and nodded. After that, they stepped out of the restroom.


    ¡°Where are they, dude?¡± Grant asked soon as he approached the table.


    Helios red at him, making Grant shrink from his ce.


    Grant knew that Helios was not in the mood, so he would just keep his mouth shut.


    ¡®Why am I surrounded by weird people?¡¯ Grant thought.


    After a couple of minutes, Grant saw Cindy and Zoe approaching their ce.


    Grant shed a smile, but Cindy just rolled her eyes.


    ¡®Seriously?¡¯ Grant thought once again.


    Zoe was about to pull the chair when Helios did the work, making their skin touch each other. She


    felt the familiar spark from his slight touch.


    ¡®Damn,¡¯ she cursed inside her mind.


    Helios guided her until she sat down.


    Cindy, on the side, pressed her lips together as she tried to hold herughter.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ let¡¯s order?¡± Grant broke the awkward silence that filled the atmosphere.


    Cindy grabbed the menu book and smiled. ¡°Yes. Hmm¡­¡± she wandered her eyes around and called


    the waiter. ¡°Give me the most expensive meal on the menu, also the expensive drink,¡± she added.


    Zoe frowned and couldn¡¯t believe how thick Cindy¡¯s face was.


    After a few moments, the waiter gets their order.


    ¡°Anyway, Grant,¡± It was Cindy as she sipped on the ss of wine.


    Grant arched his brow. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t smell your perfume¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because Zoe hates the smell of it,¡± he replied.


    Zoe¡¯s eyes widened. Now, that¡¯s the assurance that they know about her pregnancy.


    ¡°All right!¡± Cindy pped her hands to lighten the atmosphere. ¡°The food ising,¡± she added.


    Zoe shook her head in disbelief.


    ¡°Zoe, you must eat veggies¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Zoe interrupted the words of Cindy.


    Cindy rolled her eyes.


    They were drowning in the soft music that surrounded the floor as they savored the food that was


    served to them.


    Cindy, as usual, can¡¯t help but to talk and criticize the food that she ordered. No one spoke among


    them except Cindy.


    ¡°Geez, I thought it was delicious, but it isn¡¯t. It was only filled with salt and pepper. What kind of


    expensive food is this?¡± she asked simultaneously.


    However, no one answered her.


    Zoe could feel the sharp gaze of Helios, but she never dared to do side-ncing. She continued to


    eat her food and finish everything on her te. The food she ordered was appetizing, and for a


    moment, she burped.


    ¡®Damn, that¡¯s embarrassing,¡¯ she thought.


    Cindy pressed her lips as she met Zoe¡¯s gaze, and after a few seconds, sheughed.


    Zoe wished to sink from where she was at that moment.


    ¡°T-That¡¯s because I am eating for t-two now,¡± she replied.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

 Finding Ways

    Finding Ways


    AFTER dinner, Helios wanted to talk to Zoe, but Grant stopped him. They excused themselves and


    talked privately.


    ¡°I let you see her even if she didn¡¯t ask for it. Now, do your part. You have already seen her and


    even heard her voice. Do your part, Helios. Go home.¡±


    Helios clenched his fist as he met Grant¡¯s gaze. ¡°Let me talk to her. Even just a few seconds¡ª¡±


    ¡°Eyes are on you, Helios. And you¡¯re aware of that. Good thing you have your own reapers to back


    you up.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re just my bodyguards, idiot,¡± Helios replied.


    Grant scoffed. ¡°Whatever. Now, go home. Call Chloe and act ording to the n. If you do not


    cooperate, I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t help you,¡± he said, and after that, he turned his back away from


    Helios and went back to their table.


    At this moment, Zoe and Cindy were confused because they didn¡¯t see Helios.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Helios?¡± Cindy asked.


    ¡°He has work to do,¡± Grant replied, and he looked at Zoe, ¡°can we talk privately, Zoe?¡± he asked.


    Zoe arched her brow as she looked at Cindy. ¡°Let¡¯s talk when we get home,¡± she said.


    Cindy frowned. ¡°Why don¡¯t you just discuss it in front of me?¡± she asked.


    Grant let out a soft chuckle. ¡°It¡¯s confidential. Well, you can be asked about it by Zoe after we talk.


    If¡­ she wants to share it,¡± he said.


    Cindy grimaced and rolled her eyes. ¡°Yeah, whatever.¡±


    ¡°Shall we?¡± Grant asked.


    Zoe nodded, and Cindy followed.


    After a few minutes of sitting inside Grant¡¯s car, they arrived home. Cindy bid her goodbye as she


    climbed into her apartment while Zoe led Grant inside the Caf¨¦. She opened the lights on the side.


    ¡°Why are we here?¡± Grant asked.


    Zoe¡¯s forehead knitted. ¡°We won¡¯t talk too long. I just want to ask you something,¡± she said.


    Grant pulled a chair and gazed at her.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Why did you bring Helios?¡±


    Grant was expecting that question. ¡°My apology for that. But I just want to grant my cousin¡¯s


    request. You see, he found out about your destination, and it was my fault not to tell him the truth


    immediately.¡±


    ¡°D-Does he knows that I am¡ª¡±


    ¡°Pregnant?¡±


    Zoe bit her lower lip and nodded.


    ¡°Yes, he knew. He was there when Cindy called me. He was the one who put the call into


    loudspeaker mode.¡±


    Zoe pinched the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath as she sighed to calm her heart. It beats


    so fast that she can overhear its beat.


    ¡°W-What did he tell¡ª¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    Zoe¡¯s shoulders fell. She was not expecting it.


    Grant let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Just kidding. Of course, he was so eager to see you. And worst, he


    even nned to get you, but I stopped him.¡±


    Zoe frowned.


    Grant continued. ¡°You are aware that Helios will get engaged to his childhood friend, Chloe.¡±


    Zoe nodded. A familiar pain throbbed in her heart.


    ¡°Helios doesn¡¯t want to get engaged, but his father insists on it, and if he does not oblige, the old


    man will do anything to make Helios do it. As we nned¡ªnow, I am telling you our ns so that


    you¡¯ll get aware. With it, you can understand Helios even more.¡±


    Zoe replied with a faint ¡®mm.¡¯


    ¡°The engagement will continue as my uncle has nned.¡±


    Zoe frowned.


    ¡°Helios needs to do it. Why? So that his father will turn over the title¡ªyou know what I mean,¡± Grant


    said, and Zoe nodded.


    ¡°That¡¯s just an engagement, Zoe, not a marriage, so you don¡¯t have to worry,¡± he said.


    Zoe let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Why would I get worried?¡±


    Grant arched his brow as he gazed at her. ¡°Are you serious? You seem unbothered,¡± he asked.


    ¡°I understand, Helios¡­ and the n,¡± she replied.


    At this moment, Grant sighed in relief. ¡°Thank goodness. Back to the topic. After everything has


    been settled on Helios¡¯s side, I swear, he will get back to you, and with that, I hope you¡¯re ready.¡±


    Zoe nodded. ¡°I am.¡±


    Grant pped his hands. ¡°Thank God. I thought you would ignore it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just that, why it has to be you¡­ who will exin all of this? Why can¡¯t he do it?¡±


    Grant sighed, ¡°He can¡¯t. He was under surveince¡ª¡±


    ¡°But why did you bring him to the restaurant?¡±


    Grant shrugged his shoulder. ¡°Well¡­¡± he stood up, ¡°we find ways,¡± he added.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

 Hell Do Anything

    He''ll Do Anything


    DAYS had gone by. Helios pretended to be involved in his rtionship with Chloe. He apanied


    Chloe on all of her errands, including the selection of cakes, decorations, and clothing.


    Helios could see Chloe¡¯s joy in her eyes. They¡¯re inexplicable, but he knew it was everything the


    woman had ever desired.


    Helios initially assumed that Chloe would understand his feelings for Zoe. He assumed she would


    not object, but in the end... Chloe pushed through the engagement with his father¡¯s help.


    Helios was well aware that the wedding would benefit their mafia n. Chloe¡¯s brother is also a


    member of a mafia organization and one of its top leaders. His father intends to unite with their


    family in order to strengthen their power and be more daring.


    Chloe knows nothing about the mafia, and that will remain the case.


    Helios preferred that their engagement be kept private. However, Chloe and his father are opposed


    to the idea, but after he exins the potential threat, they agree. As promised, their future wedding


    will be broadcast on NYC television.


    ¡°Babe, which vor do you prefer?¡± Chloe inquired as to when the waiter would ce the sample


    slices of cake for their engagement party.


    Helios¡¯ brow furrowed as he reached for the spoon. He nibbled on the chocte Bavarian on the


    left, then the four-season vani on the right.


    ¡°I prefer the chocte Bavarian,¡± he said as he set the spoon down.


    Chloe smiled broadly and nodded. ¡°Perfect. What about the¡ª¡± When Helios¡¯ phone rings, Chloe


    comes to a halt.


    Helios locked his gaze on Chloe, waiting for her permission. Chloe recognized the caller who


    appeared on Helios¡¯ phone screen. She then nodded and smiled. ¡°Answer it. It could be important,¡±


    she spected.


    Helios wanted to smile, but he couldn¡¯t.


    Guess he¡¯s good at pretending, huh?


    Helios stood up and answered the phone. It¡¯s a good thing it was Grant.


    ¡°Dude!¡±


    When Helios heard Grant¡¯s loud voice, he frowned.


    He sighed and looked down, resting his left hand on the railing. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Zoe was already aware of your ns and...¡± Helios¡¯ brow furrowed as Grant came to a halt.


    ¡°And?¡±


    Grant gave a soft chuckle. ¡°She concurred. She is willing to cooperate and understands.¡±


    Helios sighed in relief at that moment. He looked around to make sure no one was watching him.


    ¡°Great. We just need to finalize the engagement,¡± he exined.


    ¡°Yes, yes, yes.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s meetter. See you in my penthouse,¡± Helios said before hanging up the phone. After that, he


    walked and returned his attention to Chloe.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said, looking at Chloe.


    Chloe raised her hand, asking Helios for help. Helios then took her hand in his and guided her up.


    Chloe was content on the inside.


    However, she has no idea that it was all Helios¡¯ n. His sweetness and tender care were all part of


    his schemes.


    Despite his desire to be with Zoe and his child, Helios heeded Grant¡¯s advice and practiced the art


    of patience.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to send you home¡ª¡±


    ¡°No! I¡¯d like to visit your penthouse. I¡¯d like to go there. You didn¡¯t bring me there¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got a lot of work to do, Chloe¡ª¡±


    ¡°Babe. Call me ¡®babe,¡¯ Helios,¡± she said.


    Helios sighed and smiled faintly. ¡°I¡¯m going to send you home. Chloe, you need to get some beauty


    rest. I don¡¯t want my future bride to look awful,¡± he said, making Chloe frown.


    ¡°Are you for real? I am still beautiful even if I had a sleepless night. Helios, I¡¯m a model. Are you


    making fun of me?¡± As she faced him, she inquired.


    Helios shook his head and fixed his gaze on the road. ¡°No, Chloe, that¡¯s not what I mean¡ª¡±


    ¡°Babe.¡±


    Helios let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Okay, babe. You¡¯re beautiful. It¡¯s just that I don¡¯t want you to get tired.¡±


    When Chloe heard those words from Helios, her eyes twinkled, and her heart thumped quickly.


    ¡°You¡¯re such a sweetheart, babe. I know I don¡¯t haveplete control over your heart, but I know


    it¡¯s not that difficult for you to love me,¡± she said.


    Following that, there was silence. Helios wanted to puke upon hearing it. He¡¯s not good at


    pretending, but for Zoe¡¯s sake... he¡¯ll do anything.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

 Pissed Off

    Pissed Off


    "GOOD morning, pretty momma," Cindy greeted with glee soon as she entered the caf¨¦ the next


    day. "How''s your sleep, momma?" she added.


    Zoe let out a soft chuckle and gestured a quiet sign. "Your voice is too loud. What if Mr. Reynolds


    will hear¡ª"


    "Oh,e on, popcorn. Let him hear it. Anyway, highway, when will you tell to your mom? It''s been


    days," Cindy asked as she tied her hair in a bun.


    Zoe sighed and put thest fill of the straw. "Tonight," she replied.


    Cindy''s eyes widened, and she even pped her hands. "Perfect. Do you want it over dinner or


    after dinner?"


    "Just after I go to bed," Zoe answered, making Cindy frown and roll her eyes.


    "Geez, you''re so cheap. It calls a celebration, and I''m sure Aunt Iris will be d to have a


    grandchild."


    Zoe shook her head. "I don''t know. I am not sure."


    Cindy waved her hand and smiled. "Come on. Aunt Iris is just like Aunt Millie. They''re both kind and


    awesome oldies," she said, making Zoe smile and feel sudden ease in her heart.


    Zoe nodded. "I hope."


    Cindy rolled her eyes again. "Don''t you worry, mommy? I''m always here for you," she said, and after


    that, they started to work and served the customers.


    It was past ten when Cindy came to a halt when she saw the man who had just entered the


    entrance of the caf¨¦.


    It''s no other than¡­ Calyx.


    Cindy saw how a smirk drawn into Calyx''s lips as he walked towards the counter. She then looked


    at Zoe and said, "take his orders, and I''m just going to check Mr. Reynolds," she said. And she was


    about to turn around when Zoe pulled her and didn''t let go of her.


    Zoe smiled at Calyx and greeted the man.


    Calyx then nodded at Zoe and told him his orders.


    "What brings you here, Cal?" Zoe asked as she tapped the monitor while her left was holding Cindy.


    When Cindy met Calyx''s gaze, she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms in front of her chest.


    Seeing this, Zoe shook her head.


    "You hear his order, right, Cindy? I will just use the bathroom," Zoe said, and after that, she let go of


    Cindy and left.


    Cindy took a deep breath and sighed as she prepared Calyx''s orders.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Calyx asked as he moved closer to Cindy.


    Cindy arched her brow. "Move away, jerk," she said.


    Calyx let out a soft chuckle. "After what we''ve done¡ª"


    "Don''t remind me about it. I was drunk," she cut off the hum of Calyx''s words.


    The man smiled and nodded. "All right. You''re drunk. But don''t tell me that it has an extension until


    morning, right?"


    Cindy red at him. "I am still drunk during the nighttime," she replied.


    "Doesn''t want to admit the truth, are we? Don''t worry, babe, we can do it again. With it, you might


    remember¡ª"


    "Never again," Chloe interrupted as she put the frappino cup in front of Calyx.


    "Get your coffee and leave," Cindy said,


    Calyx stared into her eyes and scoffed. "Is that the way you treat your customer?"


    "Nope. Just for a living parasite," she uttered.


    Calyx doesn''t like Cindy''s words. "Parasite, huh? Fine, I will never leave the caf¨¦, not unless you


    apologize," he said and was about to turn around when Cindy pulled the sleeve of his suit.


    "Are you for real?" she asked in a low voice. She gritted her teeth as she pierced her eyes into him.


    Calyx arched his brow. "Do I look like I''m joking? And who are you calling a parasite? Me?" he


    chuckled, "you''re digging your own grave, woman," he added.


    Cindy knew that Calyx takes jokes seriously, and it was really her fault.


    When Calyx turned around, she cursed under her breath.


    "What am I going to do?" she whispered.


    When Zoe came back, she saw Cindy, who seemed bothered. She then poked Cindy''s shoulder.


    "What''s wrong?" she asked. Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Cindy red at her. "Now, you''re asking me? After you ruin my mood¡­ together with that monkey!"


    Zoe let out a soft chuckle and raised her hands. "Chill, girl. I know you can manage that," she said


    and winked at her.


    Cindy''s cheeks burned in anger, and when her eyes met Calyx''s, she gritted her teeth and raised


    her fist.

 The Promise

    The Promise


    AFTER working at the caf¨¦, Calyx and Cindy left together, making Zoe alone. She decided to grab


    some snacks at the nearby convenience store. She was craving potato chips. Although her OB


    reminded her not to eat too much junk food or carbonated drinks.


    She pushed the door as she enters the store and get the snacks she needs and after that, she paid


    for them on the counter.


    She walked slowly as she takes the way toward their apartment. She looked up at the sky and


    glimpse how the stars winked at her.


    She smiled while she sways the stic of the things she bought and then focus her gaze on the


    road after a few moments. She took a deep breath to calm her thoughts.


    Until now, she didn¡¯t own a phone. She wanted to buy but her pregnancy came. She decided to put


    her savings into her baby.


    Zoe halted when she saw a ck range rover that stopped beside her. Then suddenly she felt a tint


    of fear in her heart. She was about to walk again when the car¡¯s door opened and she gasped in


    surprise when she saw who it was.


    ¡°H-Helios¡­¡±


    Helios climbed down from the driver¡¯s seat and walked towards her. He reached for her hand and


    said, ¡°let¡¯s go before someone will see us,¡± he said.


    Zoe wanted to savor the tune of his voice but she was aware of what he meant. She then reached


    for his hand and Helios guided her toward the passenger seat.


    When Helios gets back into the driver¡¯s seat, he started the engine and maneuvered the steering


    wheel and Zoe wasn¡¯t aware of where will he take her.


    For a few moments, an awkward silence filled in but it was Helios who broke it first.


    ¡°How are you?¡±


    Zoe bit her lower lip as her eyes were still fixed on the road. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°How about the baby?¡± he asked.


    Zoe took the moment to nce at Helios. ¡°I¡¯m just five weeks pregnant and my OB can¡¯t tell the


    gender yet,¡± she said.


    Helios smiled¡­ feeling at ease. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± he said, making Zoe¡¯s forehead crease.


    She let out a soft chuckle as she turned her gaze back in front. ¡°You don¡¯t have to say that.¡±


    ¡°I know I caused you too much trouble¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t,¡± she replied as she looked at him again.


    Helios sighed. ¡°Let me speak. I know you¡¯re not expecting this¡ªit¡¯s my fault. I should¡¯ve not¡ª¡±


    ¡°Please, Helios. I don¡¯t regret anything. Besides, why feel sorry? We both wanted it. What has been


    done was done. You can¡¯t undo it. Can¡¯t we stop mentioning what had happened?¡± Zoe couldn¡¯t


    help but meddle with Helios¡¯s words.


    ¡°If only I am not a part of that dangerous organization¡­ I could always be there for you,¡± he said.


    Zoe shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. It¡¯s fate. Grant and I talked about those things already. I


    understand. But you don¡¯t have to insist if it will only cause you trouble, Helios. Chloe is so sweet


    and I¡¯m a woman. I know what it feels like being rejected or being left alone.¡±


    Helios pulled his car onto the wide street. He faces Zoe.


    ¡°I am doing all of this because of you. If Grant didn¡¯t stop me, I should have kidnapped you,¡± he


    said, frankly.


    Zoe¡¯s eyes widened because of surprise. ¡°Are you for real? Why would you think of that?¡±


    ¡°Because that¡¯s how I am crazy in love with you, Zoe,¡± he said, wearing his deep yet soft voice.


    Helios grabbed her left hand and grasped it.


    He pressed her hand tightly. ¡°I can¡¯t wait for the time that we will be together, Zoe. I will not ask or


    force you again for marriage. But let me care for you for a lifetime. I am very much willing to wait


    until you¡¯re ready, Zoe.¡±


    At this moment, Zoe couldn¡¯t stop her emotions. Her heart thumped fast because of happiness. She


    doesn¡¯t know but she¡¯s happy. Helios¡¯s presence makes her happy. She feltplete.


    ¡®Is this the thing that Cindy had mentioned?¡¯ She thought.


    ¡°Helios¡­¡± she whispered. Tears clouded her eyes and her vision became blurry.


    Helios reached for her cheeks and began to wipe Zoe¡¯s tears away as he consoles her.


    ¡°Baby¡­ I¡¯m here,¡± he mumbled as he pulled Zoe closer to him.


    He held her so gently as if she was a fragile thing that is meant to be broken if not handled with


    care.


    ¡°I love you, Zoe¡­¡± he whispered as he put her inside his embrace.


    Zoe sobbed even louder while hearing those words from Helios.


    ¡°I love you too, Helios,¡± she replied.


    Helios caresses her back and suddenly lets go of the hug. He cupped her face and stared into her


    eyes. And after a few seconds, he pressed his lips into hers.


    Zoe could feel the warmth of Helios¡¯s lips.


    Helios started to nibble her lower lip, making Zoe slip out a soft moan.


    They both miss the warmth of each other¡¯s kisses and touches.


    Helios¡¯s hand started to caress her shoulder and went to her back. While his other hand still held


    her face and even caressed her cheek.


    Their kisses deepen andter on, they became more intimate and aggressive.


    Helios bit Zoe¡¯s lower lip, making thetter gasp. He then took the chance to slide his tongue inside


    her mouth and savor it.


    Their hunger for each other can be clearly seen. After a few moments of kissing and touching,


    Helios stopped and stared at Zoe¡¯s eyes again.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting engaged tomorrow.¡±


    Something struck Zoe¡¯s heart but she remained silent.


    ¡°Also, I will get the title. I want you to wait for me, Zoe. Give me two days and I promised, I will get


    back to you. I will hide you until my fight is over. Let me care and fight the battle for us. Just promise


    me that you will trust me.¡±


    Hearing this, Zoe knew that Helios is sincere. She then nodded and said, ¡°I will, Helios. I will wait for


    you.¡±Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Cant Stop

    Can''t Stop


    CINDY couldn''t even tell when they arrived at Calyx''s pad due to the speed of his car. She had just


    found herself undressed and in a plush velvet bed.


    She eximed in shock when Calyx climbed on top of her.


    The man focused his attention on her.


    Cindy perceived lust and a hint of love as if he had been experiencing them for some time.


    "You can stop me"


    ¡°No. I want you," she responded, causing her eyes to widen.


    ¡®Did I actually say those?¡¯ She pondered.


    The sight of his familiar smirk caused her heart to beat rapidly as if she were in a race.


    ¡®Oh no! I shouldn''t feel this way. Is this the result of the alcoholic beverage I consumed at the bar?¡¯


    She reflected.


    They both drank bottles of beer before they both decided to went into Calyx¡¯s pad.


    Why did she experience both lust and a foreign emotion that she is unfamiliar with for the nth time?


    She felt a thousand electric bolts jolt her body when Calyx''s lips touched hers.


    She murmured "Hmm" between their kisses.


    Cindy did her best to return Cal''s kisses while they were urring. She exhibited the same vigor


    and intensity.


    Calyx''s left hand began to explore her body. From her waist up to her t stomach, up to her right


    breast.


    Cal is able to knead, massage, and nip her breast without breaking the kiss.


    Cindy could sense Cal''s gentleness in each of his touches, but she was anticipating more. More


    pleasurable with a touch of pain.


    She desires for him to lose control. She loathes it when he attempts to make her appear so fragile


    that he is afraid she will break.


    To hell with it!


    She desires more. As Calyx''s lips approached her thighs, she arched her hips.


    When Calyx''s tongue finds her clit, she grasps the sheet.


    Cindy did not know what to do when Cal''s tongue began to spiral into her clit, all the way down to


    her opening.


    After sucking her folds, he inserted one finger into her moist core.


    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± Cindy wailed when she felt the tingling sensationing from Cal''s hand as he thrust it into


    her.


    She arched her back to match the speed of his finger, but Cal pushed her down as he wrapped his


    muscles around her thighs and savored her wetness.


    Cindy gripped the sheet and bit her lower lip, but her whimper still escaped her mouth. "Oh..." she


    wailed.


    Calyx released her hips and knelt between her legs. He moved forward to establish his position.


    Cindy observed Cal holding his shaft and guiding it into her.


    She screamed in agony as Cal inserted his thick and long cock into her core.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± He cursed, "You''re still tight!" but Cindy didn''t mind.


    She recalls the tint of pain she experienced when he thrust inside her. She bit her lower lip when


    she felt as if something had been torn inside of her, but when Cal began to move again, the little


    pain subsided, causing her to open her eyes.


    Cal smiled at her upon meeting her gaze.


    "I fucking can¡¯t stop myself¡ª"


    Cindy is capable of rolling her eyes. "Just go on."


    When he began to move more quickly, Cal emitted a soft chuckle and a soft moan.


    Again, he cursed, "Fuck!"


    "Is this your method when fucking women?"


    Cal shot her a re. "I never make out with other women"


    "How did you then learn these moves?" Cindy inquired.


    "I watch pornographic content," Calyx replied candidly. Rather than feeling embarrassed, he felt the


    opposite.


    Suddenly, Cindy desired to vanish from existence. Why is it necessary for her to ask him that?


    Now, she is experiencing awkwardness and a tense environment. Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Do not fret. I''m all yours, baby," he responded with a wink.


    She bit her lower lip and rolled her eyes in response.


    Calyx chuckled softly and increased his speed and intensity.


    The manner in which the head of his cock reaches her cervix causes her to moan even more loudly.


    ¡°Cal¡ªahh!¡± When Cal began to thrust aggressively, she screamed and moaned as if his cock


    wanted to dig even deeper.


    "Faster," she requested, eliciting a broad grin from Cal.


    Then Calyx moved much faster and harder, prating deeper into her, and all she could do was


    moan and curse.


    Cal''s handnded atop her chest, squeezing it as he thrust her again.


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡±


    Slowly, Cal massages her breast in a circr motion.


    After a few seconds, Cal began to thrust again quickly and deeply.


    As he moved more quickly, his hands wrapped around her thighs, and he ced her feet on his


    shoulder.


    Cindy could feel that his cock was poking her G-Spot, which caused her to convulse and shudder.


    She has also been watching porn, and now she understands how the girls who provided their


    services felt. It''s pretty good, but the beginning really hurts.


    "I''m close!" Cal expressed. "And I won''t stop ¡ª let''s f*ck all night, baby," he said as he continued to


    thrust his fingers into Cindy''s moist pussy.

 The Moonlight

    The Moonlight


    CINDY woke up in the middle of the night when she felt her throat dry. ¡®Geez, why all of a sudden?¡¯


    she pondered. She felt delighted because Calyx had brought her to his home.


    She stretched her arms upward and sighed deeply as she walked towards the door. She¡¯s just


    wearing her loose white shirt and her cotton shorts.


    When she stepped outside the room, her vision was greeted by the dim hallway. Silence filled in,


    and only the shuffles of her footsteps could be heard.


    The whole house is in a night of deep sleep now.


    She walked silently towards the kitchen and didn¡¯t bother to open the main light as the light from the


    moon passed through the window.


    She opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water. She was about to close it when a force


    stopped it, making her jerk back. However, she bumped into a hard¡­


    ¡°Watch out,¡± said the deep yet husky voice.


    The familiar feeling registered inside her. Her heart started to beat fast, wanting to get out of her


    chest. Shivers went above her head, making her feel that the strands of her hair lifted.


    ¡°C-Calyx¡­¡± she mumbled as she looked at the tall figure towering over her.


    Calyx grabbed a bottle of water and closed the fridge. The sound of the lid of his bottle gives


    awkwardness to the atmosphere.


    ¡°Thirsty?¡±


    She bit her lower lip and tried her best to stay still. ¡°Y-Yeah. You?¡±


    She heard his soft chuckle, and she could picture his yful smile. ¡°What do you think, hmm?¡± he


    asked and started to take a step, making Cindy move backward.


    ¡°Rx¡­¡± he mumbled.


    ¡°W-What are you doing?¡± she asked, but in a lower tone. She doesn¡¯t want to create loud a noise as


    possible.


    Calyx walked forward, making him step backward, and she gasped when she back-touched the cold


    edge of the countertop.


    ¡°C-Calyx¡­¡±


    ¡°Cindy¡­¡±


    Her feet rose from the ground when Calyx lifted her and let her sit on the top the next thing she


    knew. His arms caged her side. He grabbed the bottle in her hand and put it on the side.


    Their breath started to get rapid as they faced each other. Cindy didn¡¯t protest. God knows how


    much she misses him.


    Cindy could make out the perfect outline of Calyx¡¯s body as it was illuminated by the moonlight,


    which shone on his back. Despite the fact that she couldn¡¯t see his face very well, she could


    imagine the lust that was in his eyes.


    Calyx put his left hand inside her waist while cing his right hand on her back.


    She dozed off, and Calyx began to caress her body, at which point she shut her eyes. When he


    traced her back with his fingers, she let out a low groan, which he mistook for a response.


    ¡°Calyx...¡± she mumbled to herself.


    Calyx reached out his hand and pulled her closer to him, and he didn¡¯t waste any time seizing the


    opportunity to im her lips as his own.


    Cindy let out a low groan as she felt the warmth of his lips press against hers. It was a head-on


    collision done to perfection.


    Calyx staked her im to the best position.


    Their kiss was gentle, but it became more passionate and passionate as time went on.


    Calyx bit the bottom of her lip, which caused her to cough and caused her to separate her lips. After


    that, he made the most of the opportunity to taste the contents of her mouth and wrestled with her


    tongue.


    While his hands roamed all over her body, he intensified the kiss, and it settled above the right


    breast of the woman he was kissing.


    Because he wasn¡¯t wearing her bra, Cindy was able to feel the warmth of his hands on her chest.


    Because Calyx¡¯s lips reached down to her neck, she was forced to tilt her head to the side to


    provide him with easier ess.


    Calyx¡¯s hand eventually found its way to the garter of her cotton shorts after a few moments had


    passed.


    ¡°Calyx...¡± the tone of her voice is more caution.


    Calyx¡¯s lips twisted into a sly grin as he felt Cindy¡¯s body tense up in response to what he said. It


    would appear that he was able to make a greater impact on the woman.


    After that, he was sessful in removing her shorts, and he hastily rubbed her mound.


    When Calyx first began to rub Cindy¡¯s mound, Cindy could sense the tension that wasing from


    Calyx¡¯s hand. The warmth from his fingers sent electric jolts through her body, despite the fact that


    she was still wearing her underwear.


    ¡°Hmm...¡± she moaned to herself.


    Calyx didn¡¯t waste any time removing her panty and cing it on the side, in the same spot where


    he had earlier ced her shorts.


    This made Cindy feel ufortable. ¡°Calyx¡­ It¡¯s possible that someone saw...


    ¡°Be quiet... all of them are currently fast asleep. He then began to rub her clit while telling her to ¡°be


    a good girl.¡±


    The rate of Cindy¡¯s breathing increased. Her hold on Calyx¡¯s arms became increasingly firm. She


    had trouble pronouncing his name as pleasure eluded her body. ¡°C-Calyx...¡± she struggled to say.


    Calyx gave her a push, which caused her to lurch backward. She eventually released her grip on


    him and put her hands on the side of her body to provide support.


    Calyx lifted her thighs, and in a fraction of a second, Calyx felt his warm lips press into her vaginal


    folds, causing her to moan. Calyx¡¯s action caused her to moan.


    She bit her lower lip to keep from wailing in frustration when she realized what she had done. But


    she was unsessful.


    ¡°C-Calyx¡­ ahh¡­ ¡°Just get me out of here,¡± was all she could manage to utter.


    Calyx came to a halt, uttered an expletive, ¡°fuck!¡± and then lifted her in a bridal fashion.


    Cindy is able to grab her shorts and underwear in a split second, thanks to her quick reflexes.


    They cannot afford to give the impression to anyone that they were responsible for something in the


    kitchen.


    Calyx brought her into his room but did not bother to turn on the light in the hallway leading there.


    Cindy was able to see how Calyx started to strip in front of her because the lighting from the


    opening.


    The difort that Cindy was experiencing started to lessen after a few more thrusts, and the


    wetness that encircled his cock helped as well... until the difort was reced by pleasure.


    ¡°Ahh...¡± she moaned as Calyx pushed more forcefully and more deeply inside of her.


    ¡°Ugh!¡± Calyx made the assertion. ¡°Still tight,¡± hemented as he continued to move forward. He


    grabbed one of her breasts and began massaging it as if it were a ball of massage lotion.


    Cindy started to feel something inside of her; it was her orgasm that was beginning to build up, and


    at any moment, she would burst out in a fit of rage.


    Calyx let go of her breasts and grabbed hold of her thighs as he pushed deeper and more rapidly


    inside of her.


    Calyx''s room was filled with the sound of their groans, and after his final thrust, they both trembled


    as they reached the peak of their experience.

 The Suggestion

    The Suggestion


    ¡°CONGRATS, dude!¡± When Grant approaches Helios, who was in the midst of a conversation with


    some investors who hade to the engagement, he greets him loudly.


    Upon hearing this, a frown formed on Helios¡¯s forehead. Chloe identally brushed his shoulder


    while she was responding to his question, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Chloe reprimanded her by saying, ¡°Babe, you are being so unkind to your cousin.¡±


    Because of the way Chloe¡¯s voice sounded at this very moment, Grant had the urge to throw up.


    Grant brought his lips together and gave a smirk that was barely perceptible. ¡°Yeah. Helios, you are


    such a jerk. Anyway, Chloe, would it be possible for me to borrow your future husband for just a


    second?¡± he inquired.


    Chloe gave a radiant grin and gave a confident nod. She responded by saying, ¡°Of course, I am


    aware that you will not take him away from me.¡±


    Grant let out a sarcastic chuckle. ¡°Of course not¡­.¡± He mocked Chloe while flipping his imaginary


    hair and adding, ¡°¡ªhe¡¯s not my type.¡±


    Chloe was the target of his mockery.


    Helios looked at Grant and dragged him outside, shaking his head in disbelief. Before he made his


    decision to speak, he looked around for a clear coast.


    ¡°What is it all about?¡± Helios asked soon as he was sure that no one could hear them.


    Grant tucked his tie inside his jacket and slid his hands into his pockets. ¡°It is time for you to depart


    right away, Helios.¡±


    The tone of concern in Grant¡¯s voice was clear for Helios to pick up on. When hest saw him, he


    was engaging in mockery; however, it appears that Grant has discovered something.


    A frown could be seen on Helios¡¯ face as he crisscrossed his arms in front of his chest. ¡°What


    brought this on so quickly? After the engagement party, the title will be passed down from my


    father,¡± he exined.


    Grant brought his right palm up to his chin and wiped it. ¡°As I was passing by¡ª¡±


    ¡°You mean you did it again?¡± After Helios¡¯s interruption, Grant¡¯s brow furrowed in concentration.


    ¡°W-What¡ª¡±


    ¡°It was the listening in¡ªthe eavesdropping,¡± Helios exined.


    Grant gave a hushed chuckle before looking around the room. He responded by saying, ¡°You know


    me so well, cousin.¡±


    ¡°Can you tell me what you heard?¡±


    Directly addressing the matter, Grant stated that ¡°Uncle won¡¯t pass the title, not after the wedding.¡±


    Helios¡¯s jaw tightened as he clenched his fist in frustration. ¡°Are you certain that this is the case?¡±


    ¡°The matter is of concern to you and Zoe, so why am I uncertain?¡±


    Helios clenched his teeth in determination. ¡°I¡¯m done with it.¡±


    ¡°Because of this, I¡¯m advising you to run away as quickly as you can.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡±


    Grant took a quick nce around before turning his anger toward Helios. ¡°Seriously? Do you want


    them to be able to find us?


    At that precise moment, anger welled up inside Helios.


    ¡°Your father has a dry sense of humor. He¡¯s witty. Perhaps he was aware of our intentions.¡±


    ¡°How?¡± Helios gave a little shake of the head. ¡°There¡¯s no way that this is going to happen.¡±


    Grant made a snapping sound with his fingers. ¡°Exactly. That¡¯s why I¡¯m going to suggest a solution


    to the problem,¡± he exined.


    ¡°Escape?¡± Helios asked and scoffed. ¡°What would be the point of escaping?¡±


    Grant looked at Helios with eyes filled with confusion as he continued to stare at him. ¡°Are you for


    real? Can¡¯t you get it? So, before you go back to Zoe, you want to get married first¡­?¡± It was his


    way of saying, ¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re dumb or stupid.¡±


    Helios drew his brows together. ¡°It had the same meaning either way.¡±


    Grant let out a sigh. ¡°Whatever. Now, keep a clear head. The clock is ticking,¡± he stated


    emphatically.


    ¡°Escaping is not in my vocabry¡ª¡±


    ¡°There is no other option avable to you at this time. What are you going to do about your father?


    Don¡¯t tell me you will fight him?¡±


    Helios made a sly smirk. The response he gave was, ¡°I¡¯m sure I can.¡±


    ¡°Zoe is pregnant, Helios. What are the odds that your father won¡¯t turn her against you?¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll watch out for them no matter what.¡±


    Grant made a shaky motion with his head. ¡°Do not be so obstinate. Helios, the current state of your


    forces is very poor. In spite of the fact that you im to have reapers¡ª¡±


    ¡°They are assassins.¡± Helios corrected Grant. ¡°And they¡¯re right here in the surrounding. You were


    aware, as well, that I watch over Zoe and her family in addition to your own. Even her friend, Cindy.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that cheeky monkey. Calyx is a member of our group. Surely, he will be able to find a way to


    keep his girl safe.¡±


    ¡°So do I.¡±


    Grant let out a long, heavy sigh. ¡°We cannot afford to rx. Do you not long for quality time with


    Zoe...? Even if only for the time being?¡±


    Helios was aware that Grant had a firm grasp on what was optimal. Even though Grant¡¯s fighting


    abilities aren¡¯t particrly impressive, his strategic nning abilities make him a valuable asset.


    ¡°Cover your tracks for a while. I give you my word that I will assist you in putting together our


    coalition. Also, Chloe¡¯s brother can be a difficult person to get along with. This pertains not only to


    your father but also to those who have wronged you¡ªthe enemies of the n. Now that they are


    aware that you are involved with Chloe, they will approach her, and Chloe¡¯s brother will be diverted


    from fending off your adversaries by having to deal with them. You will have more time to spend


    with Zoe... until the timees when she gives birth to your child.¡±


    Helios pinched the bridge of his nose together. ¡°The date for the wedding will be announced next


    week.¡±


    ¡°Perfect. There is still time for you to get ready. Now, think of a ce where your father will not be


    able to locate you,¡± Grant instructed.


    Heliosughed quietly to himself. ¡°I¡¯m quite popr, Grant. No matter where I am...¡±


    Grant responded with a grin. ¡°Boastful. You have dors in your hands right now. A significant


    number of zeros in your bank ounts. Take out an amount of money that will cover your


    expenditures for the next five years¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not. To the same extent as any transactions, I am in charge of my finances. I¡¯ll be readyOwned by N?velDrama.Org.


    to fight if Fatheres looking for us,¡± Helios replied.


    Grant smiled and nodded. ¡°If... it is your father,¡± she said. ¡°What if it turns out to be your rival?¡± he


    added.


    Helios formed a sly grin on his lips as he said this. ¡°Then better. With that¡­ I will never feel guilty


    about it.¡±


    ¡°So, which country would that be?¡±


    When Helios responded with ¡°Philippines,¡± Grant¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.


    ¡°PH? Do you have any knowledge of that country? And the distance is too long.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been there a total of three times.¡±


    Grant¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°What? And you never bring me?¡± he inquired.


    Helios wore a frown. ¡°What would be the point of bringing you?¡±


    ¡°I am your favorite cousin¡ª¡±


    ¡°Simply because I needed you.¡±


    ¡°Ouch!¡± Grant clutched his chest and acted as though he was in pain. He shot Helios an angry look.


    ¡°I wonder what it is about you that Zoe loves. What exactly did she see in you that attracted her?


    Simply put, if I were a woman, I could never have feelings for you. You can fuck me, but you can¡¯t


    love¡ª¡± When Helios turned his back on Grant and began to walk away from him, Grant was unable


    to finish what he was saying.


    When Grant realized what he had said, he scratched the back of his head in confusion. ¡°Damn,¡± he


    muttered under his breath.


    Helios could feel the coldness of the air while he walked toward the reception hall. It¡¯s cold like him


    but seeks warmth thates from Zoe. He knew that life has many obstacles. And God will test


    him no matter what. He always thinks that it¡¯s just a test for him¡ªfor Zoe. God seems to be trying


    on how he will solve his problems.


    There is no perfect life. There is noplete happiness.


    ¡°Helios! Wait for me!¡± It was Grant''s voice, but Helios never bothered to stop and look back.

 Sharing His Idea of Escaping

    Sharing His Idea of Escaping


    PEOPLE can tell that a new day has begun when they look up in the morning and see a pale blue


    sky with white clouds floating in it, the breeze blowing the leaves beside the road, and the birds


    jumping back and forth from the tree.


    Zoe was ready to open the caf¨¦ again when Cindy rushed towards their main door.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Cindy?¡± Aunt Millie asked who was getting ready for their work.


    Cindy shed a smile. ¡°Work again, Aunt?¡±


    Millie frowned but nodded after. ¡°Of course; why?¡±


    Cindy shook her head. ¡°Nothing, Aunt. Anyway, I¡¯m here to pick Zoe, Aunt Iris,¡± she stated when


    Zoe¡¯s mother came out from the kitchen.


    Iris smiled. ¡°I know, dear¡­¡± she nced at her wristwatch, ¡°¡ªyou two arete for ten minutes in


    opening the caf¨¦,¡± she added.


    Cindy let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Zoe got a morning sick¡ª¡± she didn¡¯t finish her words when Zoe


    covered her mouth.


    ¡°We need to go, mom, aunt. See youter,¡± Zoe said as she pulled Cindy outside their apartment.


    Soon as they stepped meters away from the house, Zoe pinched Cindy¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    Zoe red at her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Mom will¡ª¡±


    ¡°I thought you were going to tell her the truth¡­ that you¡¯re pregnant. What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Zoe shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to tell it. Maybe, I need Helios¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yes. Great idea,¡± Cindy interrupted, making Zoe roll her eyes and walk towards the caf¨¦.


    Zoe was about to look for the key inside her bag when they saw a ck Lamborghini parked in front


    of the caf¨¦.


    The two looked at each other, wondering who owned it.


    ¡°Who owned that¡ªHelios?¡± Cindy reacted when she saw the man that got off the car.


    Zoe¡¯s body tensed, and her heart beat so fast.


    Helios approached their ce and shed a smile. Then afterward, he looked around, making Zoe¡¯s


    forehead crease. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    It seems like he¡¯s checking if the area is clear.


    ¡°Zoe, we need to talk,¡± he said in his deep yet husky voice.


    Zoe looked at Cindy, and thetter got the key and decided to open the caf¨¦ by herself.


    Helios then took Zoe inside his car.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk here, Helios,¡± Zoe said.


    Helios heaved a sigh and nodded. ¡°As you wish.¡±


    Zoe looked at Helios and met his gaze. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I was engaged yesterday.¡±


    Zoe nodded.


    ¡°But we have a problem,¡± he said, which made Zoe frown. ¡°Dad doesn¡¯t want to pass me the title.


    He wanted it after the wedding.¡±


    Zoe¡¯s heart thumped fast, not because of delight because Helios was near her, but it¡¯s because of a


    tint of fear that registered in it.


    ¡°W-Why?¡±


    ¡°He seems to know about us¡­ again,¡± he replied, directly to the point.


    Zoe bit her lower lip. ¡°W-What¡¯s your n?¡±


    ¡°Come with me. And I promise I will take care of you and the baby.¡±


    Zoe¡¯s eyes widened upon hearing this. ¡°You mean we¡¯re going to hide?¡±


    ¡°You can say that. But this is until you give birth to our son. I know my father. I can¡¯t risk you and the


    life of our child.¡±


    ¡°Where are we going then?¡±


    ¡°Philippines.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s too far.¡±


    Helios reached for Zoe¡¯s hands and pressed them gently. ¡°I know, but it¡¯s the only ce that my


    father will never think I would go.¡±


    ¡°H-How about the people around me? My mom? My aunt¡­ Cindy¡­¡±


    ¡°We can bring your mom and your aunt if they want to. But if they don¡¯t want it, Grant is here to look


    for them. I promise they will be safe.¡±


    ¡°How about Cindy?¡±


    ¡°Her boyfriend is one of us.¡±


    ¡°A member of the mafia?¡± Zoe raised her voice in surprise.


    Helios nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Zoe couldn¡¯t believe that Calyx was like Helios. ¡°But she¡¯s not Cindy¡¯s boyfriend¡­.¡±


    Helios let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Well, maybe it¡¯splicated,¡± he said.


    Zoe slightly tilted her head. ¡°Like us?¡±


    Helios arched his brow. ¡°I thought we¡¯re officially on¡ª¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t even courted me¡­.¡± Helios was about to open his mouth and speak when she


    continued, ¡°¡ªjust kidding.¡±


    Helios couldn¡¯t help but drag Zoe and let her sit on hisp.


    Zoe¡¯s jaw dropped when suddenly, her center touched his bulk.


    ¡°Can feel it?¡± Helios asked softly near her ear, and Zoe could sense the shade of tease in it.


    She frowned and looked at her. ¡°Getting horny?¡±


    Helios smirked. ¡°What do you think, baby?¡±

 Dont Get Mad

    Don''t Get Mad


    ¡°DON''T start, Helios. I¡¯m pregnant,¡± Zoe uttered immediately, making Helios press his lips together.


    He was just teasing her and taking chances.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re here, help me tell my mother about my pregnancy,¡± she continued.


    Helios¡¯s forehead creased. ¡°Why you didn¡¯t tell her? Why do you need¡ª¡±


    ¡°Are you dumb?¡± she arched her brow and pierced her eyes into Helios¡¯s. ¡°Fine, I¡¯m a coward. But if


    you don¡¯t want to, then DON¡¯T,¡± she emphasizes the word: don¡¯t.


    Helios slightly shook his head and let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he reached for Zoe¡¯s left


    hand, ¡°let¡¯s face her together. Let¡¯s go?¡±


    Zoe bit her lower lip. She finds him more handsome when he¡¯s showing care. She nodded.


    ¡°Wait here, and I open the door¡ª¡±


    ¡°No need, Helios,¡± she cut off the hum of Helios¡¯s words.


    Helios nodded and let go of her hand.


    Zoe could still feel the morning sickness, but she was trying to fight it. Also, she has cravings, but


    they are not that bold.


    Helios wore his sunsses soon as he stepped out of his car and turned to the other side to help


    Zoe.


    Zoe smiled at him when their eyes met. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said.


    Cindy, who¡¯s behind the ss wall, can see clearly what¡¯s going on between Helios and Zoe. She


    felt delighted for her friend. Despite Zoe¡¯s stupidity, now, it seems like she knew more.


    Cindy wished them a great rtionship, but she knew that life isn¡¯t perfect. The two were facing a


    great struggle¡ªa huge wave and were a little clueless about how to dive to a safer ce.


    Zoe caught Cindy¡¯s eyes, and thetter winked at her, making Zoe frown.


    ¡°Where¡¯s your mom?¡± Helios suddenly asked.


    Zoe turned around and looked at him. ¡°She¡¯s upstairs with Aunt Millie. Uhm¡­ I¡¯m not sure, though.¡±


    Helios arched his brow.


    Zoe smiled. ¡°Kidding. Let¡¯s go before they leave for work,¡± she said and grabbed Helios by the hand


    as she pulled him toward their apartment.


    Perfect timing¡­ the two olddies were climbing down the stairs when they saw Helios and Zoe.


    Iris, Zoe¡¯s mom, was surprised when she saw Helios.


    Helios smiled. ¡°Good day, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    Iris scoffed so did Millie. ¡°He¡¯s your boyfriend, Zoe?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Aunt,¡± Zoe replied without hesitation.


    Millie¡¯s mouth formed an ¡®O¡¯ as surprise filled her eyes. ¡°OMG, for real?!¡±


    Zoe let out a soft chuckle upon seeing her Aunt Millie¡¯s reaction. ¡°Mom¡­ can we talk?¡±


    Iris¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°Now? Can¡¯t it wait until my out, honey?¡±


    Zoe shook her head. ¡°This is urgent and¡­.¡±


    ¡°Okay, then. Go, Iris. It seems like it¡¯s really important,¡± Millie said.


    ¡°But we¡¯re gettingte if¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, no pressure. Besides, the owner is Lincoln, too, right? Your cousin, if I¡¯m not mistaken.¡±


    Zoe frowned. Her Aunt reacted as if she didn¡¯t know anything earlier. And now¡­ she even knows


    more than Helios¡¯s name.


    Millie smiled awkwardly. ¡°Well, Cindy told me,¡± she replied as if she knew what¡¯s Zoe thought.


    Zoe sighed and shook her head. ¡°Yes. Grant is Helios¡¯s cousin. Helios¡­¡± she looked at Helios,


    ¡°she¡¯s my Aunt Millie. Mom¡¯s best friend,¡± she continued.


    Millie smiled brightly. ¡°It was nice finally meeting you, dear,¡± she said.


    Helios smiled and nodded. ¡°It was nice meeting you too¡­.¡±


    ¡°Just call me Aunt,¡± Millie said.


    Helios smiled and nodded, making Millie go hysterical.


    ¡°Jesus! You¡¯re so handsome! And¡­ bulky¡­ my niece is soooo lucky!¡± Millie uttered. ¡°Anyway, you


    go talk. I¡¯ll just check the caf¨¦, dears,¡± she added and dashed down.


    Zoe shook her head in disbelief. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about my aunt¡¯s behavior.¡±


    Helios smiled. ¡°No worries about that. I like her,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Iris called their attention.


    ¡°Mom.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get back inside,¡± Iris said as she climbed up, and the two followed.


    Soon as they sat on the couch, Helios reached for Zoe¡¯s left hand.


    ¡°What do we need to talk about?¡±


    Zoe pressed her lips and sighed again. ¡°Mom¡­ please don¡¯t get mad if I tell you that¡­¡± she


    paused.


    Iris frowned. ¡°What is it, honey?¡±


    Zoe was about to open her mouth to respond when Helios spoke.


    ¡°She¡¯s pregnant.¡±


    Iris¡¯s eyes widened, and her heart got irregr beating. She turns deaf for a moment.


    ¡°W-What?¡±


    ¡°Mom¡­ I¡¯m pregnant.¡±


    ¡°And I am the father,¡± Helios set the confirmation.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

 Willingness

    Willingness


    ZOE expected her mother to be upset, but she epted the truth, thankfully.


    Iris, Zoe¡¯s mother, noticed a change in her daughter¡¯s body and mood. She thought it was just a


    mood swing at first, but it turns out she¡¯s pregnant.


    ¡°I have nothing¡ªI won¡¯t say too much for you both. I¡¯m not opposed to your pregnancy, Zoe. My


    concern is Mr. Lincoln,¡± she said, looking at Helios. ¡°Is he aware of this?¡± Iris inquired,


    Helios let out a small sigh. ¡°Not yet, aunt¡ª¡± he didn¡¯t finish his sentence when Iris cut him off.


    ¡°Call me mom if you don¡¯t mind,¡± Iris said, smiling.


    Helios squealed with delight, tightening his grip on Zoe¡¯s hand.


    ¡°So, what are your ns? And Zoe... Did you seek a doctor¡¯s help for your pregnancy?¡± Iris asked


    her daughter.


    Zoe nodded. ¡°Yes, mother. Last week, Cindy and I went to see an OB. Actually, they gave me


    vitamins and told me what to do and what not to do,¡± Zoe replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s fantastic. How about your cravings, honey?¡±


    Zoe looked at Helios first before returning her gaze to her mother.


    ¡°I enjoy eating snacks from the nearby convenience store, mom. I also despise Grant¡¯s perfume,¡±


    she added with a smile.


    Helios smirked. ¡°Grant¡¯s perfume?¡± He said it again.


    Zoe nodded. ¡°Yeah, but¡ª¡±


    ¡°Is that it?¡± Helios interrupted the hum of her words.


    ¡°I have morning sickness, and I¡¯m toozy to get out of bed in the morning, but don¡¯t worry... I¡¯ve


    been managing it thesest few days,¡± Zoe feltpelled to exin.


    Iris gave a soft chuckle. ¡°I suppose you¡¯ll inherit my journey when I¡¯m pregnant with you,¡± she joked.


    Zoe grinned.


    ¡°I¡¯m also here, mom, because¡­.¡± Helios paused and scratched the back of his neck as he felt


    slightly awkward calling Iris ¡°mom.¡±


    ¡°What exactly is it, son?¡± Iris was curious.


    Helios was about to say something when Zoe opened her mouth and said, ¡°We¡¯re leaving, mom,¡±


    without hesitation.


    Iris¡¯ brow furrowed. ¡°Where are you going? And why?¡±


    Zoe locked her gaze on Helios. ¡°Philippines, mom,¡± she said.


    Iris¡¯s eyes widened in perplexity. Suddenly, the space was filled with silence.


    Zoe and Helios didn¡¯t bother talking for a while. They waited for Iris.


    ¡°W-Why? Why do you feel the need to travel so far? Is this because of Chairman Lincoln?¡±


    Helios never hesitated¡ªhe didn¡¯t want to keep anything from Zoe¡¯s family¡ªand simply stated, ¡°Yes,


    mom. Father is opposed to my feelings for Zoe. Actually, I recently got engaged¡ª¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Iris eximed in surprise and thought of¡­ ¡®until these surprises stoping?¡¯


    Iris let out a long sigh. ¡°I understand everything; it¡¯s just that... the location you desired is too far


    away from here.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee toe, mom,¡± Zoe said, making Iris shake her head.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to apany you, honey.¡±


    ¡°But, Mom... What if Helios¡¯ father goes looking for us¡ªwhat if he kills¡ª¡±


    ¡°Helios will be there¡ªhe will be there for you and your baby,¡± Iris said, looking at Helios and smiling,


    diverting the subject from her daughter.


    Helios returned the smile and nodded. ¡°I promise... I will never leave you,¡± he said, looking at Zoe in


    the eyes.


    Iris exhaled a sigh. ¡°OK, fine. Despite the fact that I won¡¯t be able to apany you... I promise to


    call you every day to see how you¡¯re doing. Please understand that if I leave, that old man will


    suspect that I am aware of your n.¡±


    ¡°Your mother is correct, baby,¡± Helios said, ¡°don¡¯t be concerned about their safety... Grant will


    remain here. I just need to keep you and the baby safe.¡±


    Zoe nodded. ¡°I understand. But what if your father forces my mother¡ª¡±


    ¡°Dad would never do that, Zoe. Grant will be there for them¡ªto protect them, believe me.¡±


    Iris nodded, listening intently to her future son-inw. ¡°All right... when do you intend to leave the


    country?¡± she inquired.


    ¡°Tomorrow¡ª¡± Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Tomorrow?¡±


    Helios frowned as Zoe and Iris spoke in unison.


    ¡°Y-Yes... any issues?¡± Helios inquired.


    ¡°That quick?¡± It¡¯s Zoe calling.


    Helios nodded. ¡°It¡¯s got to be that early. Father is on his way to push the wedding forward. I can¡¯t


    afford to waste time,¡± he replied.


    Iris rose to her feet.


    ¡°Then you should start packing, Zoe.¡±


    Helios raised his hand, causing Iris toe to a halt. ¡°There¡¯s no need. We¡¯ll fly in my private ne


    ¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a passport,¡± Zoe said.


    Helios grinned. ¡°All right, that¡¯s better. I can also buy you things when we get there,¡± he added.


    ¡°Where are we going to stay?¡±


    Helios looked Zoe in the eyes. ¡°I bought a vacation house there. Father isn¡¯t aware of it... neither is


    Grant,¡± he responded and informed.


    Zoe couldn¡¯t help but feel scared and anxious, but she reminded herself to trust Helios.

 The Invite

    The Invite


    CINDY''S forehead was in deep lines while waiting for Zoe, but it seemed like they were having a


    serious talk inside. She was about to ce the refills when her phone inside her pocket vibrated.


    She frowned and got it off from her pocket. She arched her brow when she saw the caller.


    It was Calyx.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked, a little boastful.


    ¡°I¡¯m across the street. We need to talk about something,¡± Calyx said, and after that, he ended the


    call, making Cindy feel rage.


    ¡®What¡¯s wrong with him?¡¯ she thought. Feeling a little rage, in the end, she called Mr. Reynolds and


    told him that she needed to settle with an important thing for a moment, and after that, she would


    get back.


    Across the street?


    Soon as she stepped out of the caf¨¦, she looked in the straight direction and saw Calyx Audi.


    She gritted her teeth and crossed the street.


    Cindy knocked on the window, and Calyx lowered it down.


    ¡°Hop in,¡± he said.


    However, Cindy crossed her arms in front of her chest and arched her brow. ¡°What do you need?¡±


    Calyx grinned. ¡°Just get inside the car, babe,¡± he said.


    Cindy rolled her eyes and turned to the side. She opened the door in the passenger seat and


    hopped in.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Calyx bit his lower lip. ¡°I just miss you,¡± he said.


    At this moment, Cindy gritted her teeth. ¡°That¡¯s it?! You called me toe over¡­ just because you


    freaking miss me?¡±


    Calyx nodded.


    Cindy scoffed. ¡°You¡¯re unbelievable. Geez.¡±


    Calyx let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Just kidding, baby. You¡¯re getting more beautiful when you¡¯re


    blushing,¡± he said with a tint of a tease and genuinely.


    ¡°Get straight to the point, Cal. I have works to do.¡±


    Calyx heaved a sigh and shook his head. He doesn¡¯t want to tell the truth¡ªnot this time¡­ that he¡¯s


    part of a mafia organization.


    ¡°You know what, Cal. I know that we have no rtion¡ªwe don¡¯t have amitment. But you¡¯re


    really wasting my time, acting like you¡¯re in love with me,¡± Cindy uttered.


    Calyx met Cindy¡¯s gaze.


    Cindy¡¯s words got a strong impact on Calyx¡¯s heart.


    Calyx loves Cindy, and he just realized it in the past few weeks, but his ego is still covering him. He


    doesn¡¯t want to confess.


    He admits he got cowardly¡­ up to now.


    ¡°You freaking waste my time, Cal!¡±


    ¡°Cindy¡­¡±


    Cindy let out a sarcastic chuckle. ¡°I don¡¯t know what is wrong, but you fucking waste my time¡ª¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve said that about five times?¡±


    Cindy arched her brow. ¡°Really? Even if I say it a hundred times, the hell I care and the hell you


    care!¡±


    Cindy opened the door and was about to get down when a strong force pulled her, and she swiftly


    landed on Calyx¡¯sp.


    Her eyes widened and were about to wiggle when Cal said, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it. I won¡¯t let


    you go,¡± Cal said, making Cindy frown.


    She took a deep breath and sighed in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re unbelievable. Just fucking state your words.


    Don¡¯t test my patience, Cal,¡± she warned.


    Calyx then let her go, making Cindy take the opportunity to sit back in the passenger seat.


    ¡°We will attend a private dinner this evening¡ª¡±


    ¡°Dinner?¡± Cindy muttered.


    ¡°Yes. You need to be there or else¡­¡± he paused when Cindy red at him, ¡°¡ªyou have to be there,


    Cindy. I am not bluffing. Your presence is needed on that dinner meeting,¡± he said.


    Cindy fell into bafflement. ¡®Why does she need to attend a dinner meeting with Calyx?¡¯ she thought. Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Why would you invite me?¡± she asked again, acting like stubborn¡ªjust to get some information.


    Calyx shrugged his shoulders. ¡°They just told me to invite you because¡ª¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± Cindy asked as Cal mentioned something.


    Calyx scratched the back of his head and even wiped his palm into his face. ¡°Just. I¡¯ll pick you up


    later. Wear a dress, or do you want me to buy one for you,¡± he suggested, making Cindy frown.


    ¡°Are you insane?¡±


    ¡°Nope,¡± Cal replied and shed a short smile, ¡°I¡¯m just helping a friend.¡±


    Cindy let out a sarcastic chuckle. ¡°Yeah, right. Just text me up then,¡± she said and opened the door.


    She pushed it and got down.


    Calyx was about to open his mouth and was about to say something when Cindy swiftly closed the


    door of his Audi.


    Calyx then shook his head as he followed Cindy with his gaze.

 The Dinner

    The Dinner


    GRANT arranges a private dinner for Helios and the rest. It was Helios¡¯s request, and he agreed


    with his cousin¡¯s n.


    After a few minutes of waiting, one by one came to the reception.


    Cindy, whose voice was as loud as always, echoed in the hall. Grant heaved a sigh and shook his


    head.


    ¡°Hey, Cal, say to your girlfriend to stop yelling. We¡¯re just near,¡± Grant said as he walked towards


    Calyx, who had juste in.


    Calyx looked at Grant with a knitted forehead. ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell her?¡±


    Grant''s brows furrowed. ¡°Are you kidding me?¡± he asked.


    Calyx let out a soft chuckle and tapped Grant¡¯s shoulder. After that, he walked toward the table and


    pulled a chair.


    Cindy, who was just near Grant, suddenly pinched Grant¡¯s ear and twisted it, making Grant


    whimper.


    ¡°What the hell?!¡±


    ¡°Enough with that!¡± Helios uttered, anger lingering in his voice. He pierced his gaze towards Grant,


    making Grant raise his hand in surrender.


    Cindy rolled her eyes and sat beside Calyx.


    ¡°Sit beside Zoe¡ª¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not my mother for me to obey¡ª¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have a mother,¡± Calyx interrupted, making Cindy feel a tint of pain in her heart.


    However, she manages to hide that sadness. ¡°I do have. And they were two. And don¡¯t you dare


    talk to me,¡± she uttered coldly.


    Calyx frowned but didn¡¯t bother Cindy anymore.


    Helios shook his head while watching the others. He looked at Zoe, who was sitting on his left. ¡°Are


    you alright?¡±


    Zoe met his gaze and smiled. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s just like we¡¯re watching a fight between kids,¡± she said and


    let out a chuckle.


    Helios nodded. ¡°Indeed. Anyway¡­¡± he turned to Grant, ¡°let¡¯s eat first before we talk about things,¡±


    he added.


    Grant then nodded and called the waiters. They then waited for a few minutes before their food was


    served.


    Helios served Zoe with care. He kept on asking her what she wanted and was the one who put food


    on her te.


    The others are watching them. Grant, who had known Helios since birth, couldn¡¯t help but feel


    amusement while watching them.


    Cindy was feeling thrilled for her bestie too. While Calyx¡­ well, he¡¯s just there, unbothered.


    Cindy shook her head. When ites to s*x, Calyx acted livelily.


    Silence filled in for a while, and when they were all done, Grant started the conversation. ¡°So¡­ let¡¯s


    start?¡±


    Helios nodded.


    Grant hemmed to clear his throat. ¡°Just so you know, people¡ª¡±


    ¡°Get directly to the point, dude,¡± Cindy cut off the hum of Grant¡¯s words.


    Grant¡¯s forehead creased, and he sighed. ¡°Helios needs our help and cooperation for their escape,¡±


    he stated.


    ¡°And?¡± Cindy asked a mock visible in her voice. She crossed her arms in front of her chest.


    ¡°Cindy¡­¡± Zoe called her attention. When their eyes met, Zoe arched her brow and pierced her gaze


    on Cindy as if she was sending a message that Cindy would understand.


    Cindy shrugged her shoulders and grinned. ¡°Go on,¡± she uttered.


    Grant then started and exined the ns. It was simple. They need to be extra careful and refrain


    from giving information about Helios and Zoe¡¯s whereabouts. They all understand it. However, Grant


    seems not to mention a missing piece.


    But, of course, the girls couldn¡¯t understand it. Well, Zoe knew some, but Cindy, they are not sure.


    ¡°I will not give the exact details of our departure, but we¡¯re living as early as possible,¡± It was Helios.


    He looked at Zoe and nodded.


    ¡°Why? How can I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stop it, Cindy. Don¡¯t be stubborn,¡± Calyx asserted, making Cindy re at the man.


    ¡°This is unfair. Zoe is my best friend, and I want to¡ª¡± she paused when Zoe spoke.


    ¡°Cindy¡­¡± Zoe smiled, ¡°¡ªI promise I will be okay, and I will call you from time to time,¡± she added.


    Cindy pouted her lips. ¡°But our time zone is different.¡±


    Zoe let out a soft chuckle. ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter, girl. We can set a time for facetime¡ª¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have a phone,¡± Cindy interrupted, making Zoe frown at her, and Grant let out a chuckle.


    ¡°I will buy itter,¡± Helios said.


    ¡°Okay. All goods then. But I don¡¯t know how dangerous your father is, Helios, but I bet, maybe


    sooner, he will understand you and ept my best friend and my future niece.¡±


    Calyx frowned. ¡°How do you know that it will be a girl?¡± he asked out of the blue.


    Cindy looked at him. ¡°It¡¯s just a strong hunch,¡± she replied and rolled her eyes as she sipped into


    her wine.


    Zoe shook her head. She knows that the two will start a kiddie fight once again, andter on, Grant


    will join them.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

 Cowardice

    Cowardice


    AFTER the dinner meeting, Zoe and Helios left the venue first. Followed by Grant.


    ¡°I¡¯m taking the cab¡ª¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Calyx pulled her closer to him. ¡°I will take you home¡ª¡±


    ¡°To my home, all right, Cal?¡±


    Cal¡¯s brows furrowed and grinned after. ¡°All right,¡± he replied.


    But of course, Cindy knew that Calyx was a great scammer. Well, the man sent her home but


    stopped a few meters away from her apartment. He parked his wrangler near the empty lot.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Cindy asked, making Calyx form a sly smirk on his lips.


    ¡°I miss¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Calyx, and send me home. I am not in the mood to have sex with you,¡± she said, frankly,


    which made Calyx arch his brow and let out a soft chuckle.


    ¡°I was about to tell you that I miss being with you, like this, where we can talk for a while¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, shut up. Don¡¯t mock me, Cal. I know you so well.¡±


    Calyx scoffed. ¡°So, that¡¯s how you portray me? That I only want you¡­ because of sex?¡±


    Cindy let out a sarcasticugh. ¡°Aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Calyx doesn¡¯t know how to react at the moment. His grip on the steering wheel tightened.


    If only she knew how deep his love is. It¡¯s just that¡­ things are a little bitplicated on his part.


    He¡¯s not ready formitment yet.


    He was afraid.


    People might see that Calyx is brave and strong, but deep inside¡­ he has weaknesses like


    everyone else.


    All of us have weaknesses.


    ¡°You hatemitment, Calyx. So, I will not expect the presence of the thing called love,¡± Cindy


    laughed, ¡°Because I hate getting hope.¡±


    But deep inside, Cindy was hoping that Calyx would open his heart to her.


    ¡°I let you do me because I am enjoying it too. I know my limitations¡ªI know certain measures. I


    know my ce. And I am just your freaking fuck buddy! Nothing more. So, I hope you don¡¯t ask me


    that question again because you know the answer. You¡¯re just interested in me because of the


    fucking word sex!¡±


    Calyx was about to open his mouth and speak when Cindy suddenly opened the door on her side


    and get off the car.


    He tried to reach for her, but Cindy moved down swiftly and closed the door.


    Cindy didn¡¯t bother to look back. She scoffed when she was just assuming things that Calyx would


    follow her, stop her and kiss her¡ªtame her. But who is she? She¡¯s just his fuck buddy¡ªa freaking


    bed warmer.


    And she will not expect anything.


    Her mind wanted her to give up and leave him, but her heart didn¡¯t want it.


    What else can she do? She loves him.


    Seeing Cindy walking away from him, it seems like, with one wrong move, he will lose her.


    ¡®Fuck this cowardice!¡¯ he thought.


    ¡°Damn!¡± he cursed and mmed the steering wheel.


    He got a dark past that caused him¡­ be afraid to getmitted once again. His past leads him to


    trauma.


    Calyx understands Helios. They are almost the same. But Helios is brave enough to fight for his


    love and even take a risky action for the sake of his love for Zoe and his future child.


    And as a friend, he wished Helios a better and more delightful life with his family and was hoping for


    a settlement of both sides sooner.


    ¡­


    ¡°What are you saying?!¡± Anger lingered in the man¡¯s voice while he pulled the cor of the man in


    front of him. ¡°Are you insane?! It was already settled!¡±


    ¡°I have to do it.¡±


    ¡°Why?! Fuck! Did you realize what will be the effect of your decision?! You will hurt them once


    again. You will do it again. You will give them a wound that they may be bringing for a lifetime. Think


    wise! Fuck it!¡±


    ¡°This is the only option. Please, help me.¡±


    ¡°Can you enlighten me on what is going on?!¡±


    ¡°He found out¡ªthey found out. And for their safety¡­ I need to follow¡ª¡± the man didn¡¯t finish his


    words when the other one pushed him to the floor.


    ¡°You know what¡­ you¡¯re a COWARD! You can¡¯t stand your words! You¡¯re worthless. You don¡¯t


    deserve them!¡±


    ¡°I know¡ª¡±


    ¡°You know?! Seriously? Fuck you!¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

 Bothered

    Bothered


    ZOE felt the excitement and fear that lingers at the same time. She only needs to wait for a few


    hours before Grant will pick her up.


    Helios reminded her that it was Grant who would fetch her so that it would be safer. Puzzled, she


    still agreed.


    ¡°At least bring some clothes, honey,¡± it was her mom.


    Zoe smiled as she sat on the small couch. ¡°It¡¯s fine, mom. Helios told me that we¡¯d buy stuff once


    we get there,¡± she replied.


    Iris arched her brow and nodded after. ¡°Are you sure about this, Zoe?¡±


    Zoe frowned. ¡°Why are you asking me that, mom?¡± sheughed, ¡°of course.¡±


    Iris pressed her lips together. She shook her head and heaved a deep sigh. ¡°I don¡¯t know why but I


    have a bad feeling¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mom¡­ what are you talking about? I epted it. I am taking the risk with Helios.¡±


    Iris moved close to Zoe and reached for her daughter¡¯s hand. ¡°Promise me that you will call me if


    something happens¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mom¡­ please, I don¡¯t want to leave with those thoughts that you want to insert inside my head. I


    promise¡­¡± she smiled, ¡°¡ªI will be okay. This will be over soon,¡± she added.


    Iris smiled and hugged Zoe. Zoe then hugged back and caressed her mother¡¯s back. They stayed


    like that for a while when suddenly, they heard a loud car horn.


    They let go of their hugs, and Iris smiled at her daughter as she stood up.


    ¡°That might be Grant,¡± Iris said.


    Zoe nodded and walked towards the door. Her mother apanied her until they stepped outside.


    Grant waved his hand at Zoe and her mother soon as he walked near them.


    Iris smiled. ¡°Grant, please take good care of my baby. Tell it to your cousin, or else I¡¯m going to cut


    his balls¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡±


    Iris let out a soft chuckle. ¡°I¡¯m just kidding, honey.¡±


    Zoe shook her head and walked toward the car. Grant, who seemed bothered, opened the door at


    the passenger seat.


    ¡°Grant¡­¡± Iris called Grant¡¯s attention.


    Grant then closed the door and turned to face Iris. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°I hope everything will be fine. Keep my Zoe safe,¡± Iris said.


    Grant clenched his jaw and sighed. He nodded and said, ¡°I will, ma¡¯am. We¡¯ll get going then.¡±


    Iris nodded as she waved her hand toward Zoe.


    Grant then turned to the side and sat in the driver¡¯s seat.


    ¡°Bye!¡± Zoe uttered as she waved her hand.


    After that, Grant sped away from their apartment.


    Zoe took a deep breath and sighed.


    ¡°Did you bring your vitamins?¡± Grant breaks the silence, which makes Zoe look at him.


    ¡°Yes. It willst for two months.¡±


    Grant nodded and stepped on the elerator.


    Zoe¡¯s forehead knitted when she felt that Grant had increased the speed of his car.


    ¡°You can drive slow, Grant. It¡¯s dangerous¡ª¡± Zoe paused when she heard Grant¡¯sugh.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Zoe. I can manage. Besides, we¡¯re almost there,¡± he replied, but his attention was in


    front, and keep on ncing at the side mirror.


    She frowned and was about to look at the rearview mirror when Grant closed it.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong¡ª¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± he said as he entered the widewn.


    ¡°I thought we were going to the airport¡ª¡±


    ¡°Helios¡¯s private ne parked at the edge.¡±


    Zoe pressed her lips and nodded as she looked outside the window.


    After a few minutes, Grant¡¯s car stopped in front of a three-story modern building.


    ¡°We¡¯re here. Let¡¯s get inside first as we wait for Helios,¡± Grant said as he unbuckled his seatbelt and


    got off the car.


    Zoe then followed. However, she was about to open the door on her side when Grant did the favor.


    She let out a faint smile. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said.


    Grant put his hand inside his pocket and nodded. After that, he turned his back and walked away


    from her.


    She doesn¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong with Grant. He seems cold. The Grant she knew smiled brightly and


    even started a teasing game.


    ¡®What¡¯s going on?¡¯ she thought as she followed Grant¡¯s steps.


    Grant opened the ss door and stepped inside the house.


    Zoe wandered her eyes. It was nine in the evening, yet the lights on the broad road shone brightly.


    She could clearly see the surroundings, but she couldn¡¯t see any ne.


    ¡°Move faster,¡± Grant uttered, making Zoe turn her gaze on him and nod.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

 Clueless

    Clueless


    ¡°DAMN it! You can¡¯t do this, Dad!¡±


    ¡°Try me, Helios. Try me. I warned you. I told you to stay away from that woman, and what did you


    do? Do you even n to elope with her? You would destroy the n if I didn¡¯t find it out!¡±


    Helios clenched his fist while he pierced his gaze toward his father. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare touch them,¡± he


    uttered.


    The old manughed. ¡°I won¡¯t if you promise me that you will forget her and marry Chloe.¡±


    Helios¡¯s heart seems enveloped with barbed wire. He tried his best to understand everything¡ªhe


    was just fighting for his love.


    ¡°If Cliff didn¡¯t tell me about it¡­ I wouldn¡¯t know about it,¡± Don Lincoln said.


    Helios now darted his gaze toward the man that stood beside his father.


    Cliff¡ªthe traitor. Helios trusted him as his reaper, but he ended up spoiling his ns.


    ¡°Be grateful that I didn¡¯t kill you, traitor!¡± it was Ambrose who stood up beside Helios.


    Cliff didn¡¯t show any expression and was just looking at them while his friend Ambrose was dressed


    in rage.


    Don Lincoln let out a devilish chuckle. ¡°How many times do I have to tell you, son¡­ that you can¡¯t


    trust someone that much.¡±


    Helios scoffed. ¡°You old demon. You want me to marry Chloe, right?¡±


    The old man¡¯s eyes widened, and he smiled after.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will not bother Zoe anymore. I will marry Chloe,¡± he said, and after that, he left.


    Ambrose red at Cliff for a few seconds before he followed Helios.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to escape, Helios! I have a lot of assa¡ª¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me, old man!¡± Helios eximed without looking back as he opened the door


    and left.


    ¡­


    ¡°Can you tell me what are we doing here, Grant?¡± Zoe asked. It¡¯s been an hour since they arrived at


    the meeting ce, but Helios hadn¡¯t arrived yet.


    While Grant was sitting on the couch while holding hisptop.


    Zoe was curious about what he was doing, which made her stand up and sit beside Grant.


    ¡°Grant¡­¡±


    Grant frowned and looked at her. ¡°Get back to your seat¡ª¡±


    ¡°Why are you so cold? You used to smile brightly¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because I am not Grant,¡± he said, making Zoe¡¯s eyes widen, and it seemed like her mind


    couldn¡¯t process what he said.


    ¡°W-What?¡± she let out a sarcastic chuckle. ¡°Are you insane¡ª¡±


    ¡°I am Grant¡¯s twin brother, Gun.¡±


    Zoe¡¯s jaw dropped, and the information won¡¯t register inside her mind. Her heart beats so fast.


    She faked augh. ¡°HAHAHA¡­ what are you saying? Is that your new tactic¡ª¡± she paused when


    the man showed his identification card in front of her eyes.


    Zoe gasped but covered her mouth. She was rendered speechless.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe it, then ask Grant¡ª¡±


    ¡°H-How do you know about this?¡±


    Gun grinned. ¡°Grant ain¡¯t a good liar, Ms. Levine. Anyway¡­¡± he nced at his wristwatch, ¡°¡ªGrant


    will be here in a minute,¡± he added.


    Zoe has a bad feeling.


    ¡°Y-You look like Grant¡ªyou acted like him a while ago. It¡¯s just that you got a cold voice like¡ª¡±


    ¡°Helios?¡±


    Zoe met Gun¡¯s eyes. ¡°Y-Yes. And I didn¡¯t know that Grant has a twin brother.¡±


    Gun smirked. ¡°Now, you know,¡± he said and continued tapping on hisputer.


    Zoe clutches her chest. ¡°Helios will ce, right?¡± she asked suddenly.


    Gun arched his brow and looked at her. ¡°What do you anticipate?¡±


    She sat straight. ¡°We already talked about this¡­ so, yes¡ª¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯te,¡± Gun interrupted.


    Zoe was frozen in her ce because of what she heard. And at that moment, Grant entered the


    house.


    ¡°What did you do?!¡± Anger can be visible in Grant¡¯s voice. Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Gun closes hisptop and rests his right elbow on the armrest. He shrugged. ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything


    ¡ª¡±


    ¡°Did you tell her?¡± Grant asked.


    Zoe gets back to her senses when she felt a cold drop in her cheeks. ¡°W-What¡¯s happening?¡±


    Gun pierced his eyes at Grant as he waited for his twin¡¯s response. He put down hisptop and


    crossed his arms in front of his chest as he leaned on the sofa.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Gun asked.


    Grant clenched his fist. ¡°You should have waited for me¡ª¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Helios, Grant?¡± Zoe asked as she stood up. Her hands are trembling as her body shakes


    slightly.


    Grant looked at her, and sympathy lingered in his eyes. ¡°C-Calm down, Zoe. It will endanger your


    child¡ª¡±


    ¡°Answer me!¡±


    Grant approached Zoe and was about to hold her to calm her down when Zoe warned him. ¡°Don¡¯t


    come near me.¡±


    ¡°Zoe¡­¡±


    ¡°Answer me!¡±


    Gun sighed and stood up. He suddenly grabbed Zoe¡¯s hand and dragged her outside the house.


    ¡°Gun! What are you doing? She¡¯s pregnant!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re here. We need to move swifter!¡± Gun uttered.

 Dragged

    Dragged


    TEARS keep on pouring into Zoe¡¯s cheeks while she lets Gun to dragged her¡­ to a ce she


    doesn¡¯t know.


    Grant walked to the side, and pity lingered in his eyes while looking at Zoe. Helios is a goddamn


    coward because he¡¯s letting the one he loves suffer like this.


    ¡°I will fucking kill that Helios Lincoln!¡± Grant asserted as he walked faster.


    Gun smirked. ¡°Of course, let¡¯s punish that punk!¡± he eximed and even chimed in with a devilish


    chuckle. Suddenly, he frowned. ¡°Where the fuck did you park your car, Grant?!¡± he asked and


    nced at Grant, who was ahead of them.


    ¡°You told me to park it at the end of the road¡ª¡±


    ¡°Seriously? Are you using your brain? She¡¯s freaking pregnant.¡±


    ¡°She can walk¡ª¡± Grant didn¡¯t finish his words when Gun interrupted.


    ¡°Carry her.¡±


    Grant¡¯s eyes widened and said, ¡°What?!¡±


    Amidst the darkness of the surrounding, the two can picture each of their reactions.


    ¡°Piggy-back ride, idiot!¡±


    Grans stopped and looked at Zoe. ¡°Come on¡ª¡±


    ¡°I can walk!¡± Zoe yelled.


    Gun arched his brow and grinned. ¡°Then move faster,¡± he said.


    Zoe wiped the tears that flowed down her cheeks and shot a re at Gun.


    ¡°I can see your sharp gaze,¡± Gun uttered when he looked down at her since he was way taller than


    her. He has the same height as Helios. Even their body was alike.


    ¡°Tell me the detailster, Grant,¡± Zoe uttered coldly.


    Their steps were quick, and after a few minutes, they saw a ck Jeep Wrangler. Grant walked


    towards the driver¡¯s seat and started the engine while Gun opened the door at the back seat.


    ¡°Move.¡±


    Zoe pulled her hand out of Gun¡¯s grip. ¡°I can manage.¡±


    Gun didn¡¯t respond and sat beside her. He closes the door, making Grant step on the elerator.


    Tears are stilling out of Zoe¡¯s eyes, but she tries her best to wipe them away. She turned to


    Gun, and their eyes met.


    Gun¡¯s brows knitted. ¡°What?¡±


    Zoe pouted her lips and wanted to cry louder, but she couldn¡¯t. She¡¯s thinking about her baby¡¯s


    health. She must not get stressed, but she knew that no matter how she tried to stay calm¡­ in a


    situation like this, stress was the one that evaded her.


    ¡°Did you bring your vitamins, Zoe?¡± It was Grant.


    Zoe frowned. ¡°Your devil twin asked about it earlier. Why don¡¯t you ask him?¡± She wiped her tears


    once again as she looked passed through the window.


    Grant looked at Gun in the rearview mirror, but Gun just arched his brow and looked outside the


    window.


    ¡°Are they following us still, Gun?¡±


    Gun crossed his arms in front of his chest as he leaned his head backward. ¡°They¡¯re gone. They


    just shove us away. Uncle is really ruthless, and Helios is useless,¡± he uttered.


    Grant scoffed. ¡°Indeed.¡±


    ¡°Then you two should just let me stay in California and never bother me anymore,¡± Zoe joined in.


    Gun smirked. ¡°We will not let Helios have you so easily. If he wants to fight for your love¡ªif he really


    loves you, then he needs to get through us.¡±


    Zoe frowned and looked at Gun. ¡°What are you saying? I¡¯m tired of running away¡ª¡±


    ¡°This is for your own safety, Zoe,¡± Grant said.


    Zoeughed sarcastically. ¡°Safety? I am safer if Helios cut ties with me. I can raise my child alone.¡±


    ¡°Oh,e on. I don¡¯t want to hear any drama here,¡± Gun reacted.


    Zoe couldn¡¯t hold her rage towards Grant¡¯s twin brother. She then pped his shoulder, which


    surprised Gun.


    ¡°Are you nuts¡ª¡±


    ¡°Liar. You fucking, liar!¡±


    Gun raised his eyebrow, unbothered. ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±


    Zoe¡¯s forehead creased. ¡°What are¡ª¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s an order from Helios¡¯s father, and Gun saved your ass, Zoe,¡± Grant asserted. ¡°If Gun didn¡¯t


    come on time¡ª¡±


    ¡°We tackled about the time. So, don¡¯t make excuses, Grant. I will not buy it.¡±


    Grant heaved a sigh.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be crying because Helios choose to abandon you and will marry his fianc¨¦


    ¡ª¡±


    ¡°Gunner!¡± Grant eximed.


    Upon hearing Gun¡¯s words, Zoe was rendered speechless.


    ¡°What?¡± Gun scoffed. ¡°I am telling the truth¡ªFuck it!¡±


    Gun¡¯s curse echoed inside the car when Zoe pped his mouth, and it hit his nose.


    ¡°What the hell is wrong with you?!¡± Anger lingers in Gun¡¯s voice.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

 In The Plane

    In The ne


    ZOE couldn¡¯t help herself but cry while they boarded the twin¡¯s ne. She even uses two boxes of


    tissue.


    Grant was sitting beside her and was trying to console her. But Zoe didn¡¯t even bother to talk to him.


    She just keeps on shooting death and res at him.


    ¡°Zoe¡­ you can ask me¡ª¡±


    ¡°For what? To hurt me even more?¡±


    Grant took a deep breath and sighed. ¡°For at least you will know what will be his reason.¡±


    Zoe wiped her tears. ¡°No. I will not ask anything¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up, crying baby. Aren¡¯t you wanted to ask about it earlier?¡± it was Gun, who was sitting on the


    other side of the ce.


    Grant arched his brow and gritted his teeth as he pierced his gaze on his brother.


    ¡°Who are you? I don¡¯t even know you. Why are you talking to me?¡±


    Gun scoffed. ¡°You are talking to me too. In case you have a hearing defect, I am Gun. Grant¡¯s twin


    brother,¡± he said and formed a sly smirk on his lips.


    Zoe rolled her eyes and red at Grant.


    Grant was moved, making his body tense in coldness. ¡°I¡­ I can exin about Gun¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to know more about him,¡± Zoe cut off the hum of Grant¡¯s words. ¡°I want to sleep,¡± she


    added as she pulled down the eye mask and covered herself with the nket.


    Grant sighed and pierced his gaze towards Gun.


    Gun smirked and shrugged his shoulder.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you be more friendly¡ª¡±


    ¡°Gentleness is not in my vocabry, Grant. You know me.¡±


    Grant scoffed. ¡°Really?¡± he stood up and walked towards Gun and sat on the opposite side, ¡°¡­let¡¯s


    see. If I know you like her, right?¡±


    Gunughed. ¡°No way.¡±


    ¡°Why would you present yourself to pick her up and save her?¡±


    ¡°Helios owned her. I¡¯m not that kind of person, Grant,¡± Gun replied.


    Grant let out a soft chuckle.


    ¡°Oh, wait¡­¡± Gun called his attention, ¡°I think it was you¡­ who liked her,¡± he said and pointed to


    Zoe.


    Grant frowned. ¡°Never. My informant is prettier than her¡ª¡±


    ¡°One more word from the two of you, I will fucking kill you,¡± it was Zoe.


    The two then looked at her. Zoe was still in her position. Eye masks were on and were covered with


    a nket.


    ¡°I thought you were already asleep,¡± Grant uttered.


    Zoe removed her mask and red at Grant. ¡°Only a few seconds passed, and you think I can sleep


    that fast? Knowing that your Lincoln family dragged me into huge trouble?¡±


    Gun grinned. ¡°You dragged yourself into this. Don¡¯t y safely, Ms. Levine,¡± Gun uttered.


    Zoe clenched her jaw and red at him. ¡°If only your family is not that picky, then things would be


    better. But all of you involved with those demonic actions¡ª¡±


    ¡°Woah¡­ Woah¡­ you¡¯re doing it below the belt, Ms. Levine,¡± Gun asserted. ¡°If only you cut ties with


    Helios¡ª¡±


    ¡°Are you ming me?!¡± Zoe yelled as she sat straight and pierced her eyes towards Gun.


    Grant mmed Gun¡¯s chest, making the man cough and curse.


    ¡°Fuck!¡±


    ¡°Watch your words, Gunner,¡± Grant warned.


    Zoe¡¯s forehead knitted. ¡°Could you please find a ce where you can¡¯t disturb me?¡±


    Grant and Gun looked at her, frowning.


    ¡°We¡¯re in a small¡ª¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s pregnant, Gun. Be gentle. She needs to rest,¡± Grant said.


    Gun didn¡¯t respond. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and leaned backward as he closed his


    eyes.


    Zoe rolled her eyes and got back to her position. She wore her eye mask again and tried her best to


    take a nap. If she continues to cry, it will affect her baby¡¯s health. She can¡¯t risk it.


    However, no matter how hard she tries to let those thoughts away, it still remains inside her headMaterial ? N?velDrama.Org.


    and keeps on bugging her.


    She lifted her mask and looked in Grant¡¯s direction.


    Grant, who was looking at her, frowned. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Does your phone has music?¡±


    ¡°Yes, why?¡±


    ¡°Do you have a headset¡ª¡±


    ¡°You want to listen to music?¡± Grant interrupted.


    Zoe sighed and nodded. ¡°I can¡¯t sleep. I don¡¯t have a phone, and¡­¡± she paused when Gun opened


    his eyes and gazed at her.


    ¡°Helios has lots of money, and he can¡¯t even buy you a new phone?¡±


    Zoe frowned and didn¡¯t bother to answer Gun. She looked at Grant again. ¡°Do you have or¡ª¡±


    ¡°I do. Wait here. I will get my backpack. I put it on the other¡ª¡±


    ¡°Just go and get it. You don¡¯t have to exin, idiot,¡± Gun asserted.

 A Favor

    A Favor


    ¡°UHM, Zoe¡­¡± Grant moved closer to Zoe while they stopover in Japan for an hour.


    Zoe looked at him and arched her brow.


    Grant gulped as he met Zoe¡¯s eyes. He could clearly see how puffy they were because of her cries.


    But she manages to stop.


    ¡°What?¡± Zoe asked as she looked outside the window. ¡°Speak,¡± she added.


    Grant heaved a deep sigh. ¡°Do you want to ask anything about¡­ Helios?¡± he asked.


    Zoe turned to face him and frowned. ¡°Are you fucking kidding me?! Are you nuts?!¡± she yelled,


    making Grant move back slightly. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear that name or anything rted to him!¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I understand,¡± Grant replied, his heart thumping fast because of a tint of fear.


    ¡°What¡¯s the noise all about?¡± Suddenly, Gunner walked toward them, who had juste out of the


    bathroom. ¡°Your voice is too loud,¡± he added.


    Grant looked at Gunner. ¡°Nothing¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up. Get back to your seat,¡± Gun said.


    Grant frowned. ¡°I am five minutes older than you, Gun¡ª¡±


    ¡°Get back to your seat,¡± Gun¡¯s uttered. He pierced his gaze towards his twin brother. And after that,


    Grant went back to his ce.


    Gun turned to face Zoe. ¡°And you. Stop shouting. We¡¯re just a few steps apart¡ª¡±


    ¡°Get lost,¡± Zoe cut off the hum of his words.


    Gun formed a sly smirk on his lips. Instead of leaving, he sat beside her, making Zoe frown and


    react. ¡°What¡¯s with those words, get lost, which you couldn¡¯t understand?¡± she asked.


    Gun closed his eyes as he leaned backward,pletely ignoring Zoe.


    Zoe gritted her teeth and raised her fist into the air but stopped. If she can¡¯t hold it, she will punch


    his face!


    ¡°Stay away from me,¡± she uttered with rage.


    However, Gun didn¡¯t respond and continued to pretend to sleep.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t stay away from me, I will freaking knock your stupid face¡ª¡± she paused when Gun


    suddenly opened his eyes. Zoe met his gaze, and she took the chance to look at the color of the


    man¡¯s eyes.


    Gunner has electric blue eyes and got a sharp nose¡­


    ¡°Stop fantasizing about me¡ªFuck!¡±


    Zoe¡¯s palmnded on Gun¡¯s face, making the man curse out loud and re at her.


    Silence filled in for seconds, and then it was broken by Grant¡¯sugh.


    ¡°A piece of advice, bro¡­ stay away from her,¡± Grant chimed in.


    Gun turned to face his brother and red. ¡°Shut the fuck up!¡± he eximed. He stood up and red


    at Zoe. ¡°Be grateful that you¡¯re a girl. If not, I will fucking kill you,¡± he said in his deep baritone voice.


    Zoe arched her brow and even crossed her arms in front of her chest. ¡°I am not afraid,¡± she


    answered.


    Gun¡¯s forehead was slightly creased. ¡°Really?¡± He ced his arms into her sides as he leaned


    closer to her. He stared at her eyes and could see the awkwardness.


    ¡°S-Stay away from me, you pervert!¡± Zoe eximed as she pushed Gun away.


    Gun stood straight and put his hands inside his pockets. ¡°Don¡¯t try me, Levine. If I can¡¯t control


    myself, I will fucking kill¡ª¡±


    ¡°Just fuck and kill yourself, Gunner. You¡¯re a big piece of shit!¡± she asserted, and after that, she


    pulled her nket and covered her face.


    She already had a hard timest night, and she can¡¯t afford to have it until the following days.


    She just wanted to forget everything.


    ¡°Come on, Gun. Let¡¯s y Mobile Legends¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood, Grant. I will sleep. So, don¡¯t fucking disturb me!¡± Gun blurted out.


    Grant frowned. ¡°Could you stop adding the word fucking to your sentences?¡± he asked.


    Gun opened his eyes and arched his left brow. ¡°Why should I fucking remove it?¡±


    Grant shook his head and sighed. ¡°You fucking hard-headed!¡± he said, imitating his twin¡¯s fuckin¡¯


    word.


    Gun smirked and closed his eyes after.


    Their journey continued, and after several hours, they reached the NAIA. Grant walked towards Zoe


    and poked her arm lightly.


    ¡°Zoe¡­¡± Grant poked her arm again, ¡°¡­ we¡¯re here. Wake up,¡± he added. But Zoe has no reaction.


    Grant massaged his temple and looked at Gun, whose arms were on his chest and intently


    watching him.


    ¡®What?¡¯ Grant mouthed, which made Gun grin.


    Gun stood up and stopped beside him. ¡°If you can¡¯t wake her up. Just yelled¡ª¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s pregnant, Gun. If you think that she¡¯s bothering you, could you just pretend that you both are


    strangers?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re stranger. I don¡¯t know her. How would I know if you didn¡¯t tell me some details?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you be more serious?¡± Grant asked.


    Gun sighed. ¡°Am I not?¡±


    ¡°Do you think we¡¯re just ying, Gun?¡±


    Gun scoffed. ¡°Aren¡¯t we? Helios started this game, right? Hide and seek with a touch of finding


    Nemo¡ªI mean escaping,¡± he mocked.


    Grant, who can¡¯t hold his rage anymore, dragged Gun by his cor and pulled him closer to him. ¡°If


    only I¡¯d known that you would be the thorn of my mission. I shouldn¡¯t have asked for your help!¡± he


    said through gritted teeth.


    Gun smirked. ¡°Toote, brother,¡± he replied and let go of Grant¡¯s grip.


    ¡°This is myst warning, Gunner. Be nice to Zoe. She¡¯s pregnant.¡±


    Lines were drawn into Zoe¡¯s forehead when she heard those bbers. She pulled down the


    nket.


    ¡°I wish to fight, get out of the ce¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± The twins said in unison.


    Zoe¡¯s eyes widened, and sit straight. ¡°Did you two just yell at me?¡±


    Grant pressed his lips and sat beside her. ¡°I am just giving warnings to Gun. I told him not to¡ª¡± he


    didn¡¯t finish his words when Zoe raised her right hand.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear about it.¡± She sighed. ¡°Where are we?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Phil.¡±


    Zoe nodded and didn¡¯t ask anything.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to Helios¡¯s vacation¡ª¡±


    ¡°Take me somewhere else. Where he can¡¯t find my child or me,¡± Zoe uttered, firm and cold.


    Grant looked at Gun, and thetter nodded.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know much about the ce, but Gun does. Do you trust him?¡± Grant asked suddenly.


    Zoe met Grant¡¯s eyes and sighed. ¡°Then I have no choice but to follow the jerk,¡± she replied, which


    made Gun frown.


    ¡°I could fucking sense your sarcasm,¡± Gun blurted out.


    Zoe looked in Gun¡¯s direction and arched her brow. ¡°So?¡±


    Grant shook his head in disbelief. ¡°Stop that. Let¡¯s go. Don¡¯t worry, Zoe. Aside from Helios, Gunner


    knew the ce better than Helios¡ª¡±


    ¡°I stayed here for five years, idiot,¡± Gun interrupted.


    Grant raised his fist but stopped mid-air.


    ¡°I want to live in a peaceful and quiet neighborhood,¡± Zoe said.


    Gun scoffed. ¡°You want to leave in the mountain? Like over there?¡± he asked as he moved slightly


    downward and peeped at the window. He pointed to the tall mountains.


    Zoe rolled her eyes. ¡°Are you mocking me?¡±


    Gun stood straight and put his hands inside his pockets. ¡°Nope. I am just stating¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Zoe moved and walked towards the door. Grant followed and assisted her.


    ¡°Be careful,¡± Grant said.


    Zoe arched her brow but didn¡¯t talk. Deep inside her, she was grateful that there were people that


    are willing to help her. Even if her tongue is getting itchy to know about the truth why Helios broke


    his promise¡­ she doesn¡¯t want to hurt her heart even more. As the doctor reminded her, she must


    not jive herself into stress.


    ¡°The wife of Gun¡¯s best friend is an Obstetrician. So, don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Grant said.


    Zoe nodded. ¡°How about the ce that we¡¯re staying?¡±


    ¡°Gunner suggested that we leave in the city. He has a penthouse there. And he even suggested


    that you will find a job in case you get bored.¡± Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Zoe frowned. ¡°How about the expenses?¡±


    ¡°Hel¡ªI mean, it¡¯s all settled. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    Zoe nodded.


    Is she ready to leave like this?


    This is not what she dreamed of being. This is not the life she wanted.


    She doesn¡¯t want to let her child grow up in a messy world. However, she can¡¯t undo things and


    can¡¯t even hold fate.


    ¡°Can I ask you a favor, Grant?¡±


    Grant¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°What is it?¡±


    Zoe took a deep breath and sighed. She ces her hand on her tummy. Even though his tummy


    was still small, she could feel the presence of her child.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t let Heliose near me¡­ near us until my child is born. I know it¡¯s impossible that


    he will still look at us after his wedding. But just in case,¡± she said. She wanted to congratte


    herself for not choking on tears when she told those.


    Grant doesn¡¯t know what to answer. But he just nodded afterward.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Zoe uttered.

 Call Off The Wedding

    Call Off The Wedding


    ZOE felt exhausted after a long trip. When they arrived at Gun¡¯s penthouse, she got inside the room


    that was designated for her. She takes a nap for hours, and when she wakes up, it¡¯s already nine in


    the morning.


    She went to the kitchen to look for water, and soon as she climbed down, she saw Gunner, who


    was wiping his wet hair. When their eyes met, Zoe rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Good morning, sleeping ugly¡ª¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Zoe asked, a little bit furious.


    Gun formed a sky smirk on his lips. ¡°Say what?¡± he asked in a mocking tone. He walked towards


    the kitchen.


    Zoe followed his track. If she can¡¯t control her anger, she will punch the man¡¯s face.


    ¡°You¡¯re such a bully. D you know that?¡± Zoe blurted out as she walked toward the fridge. She


    opened it and grabbed a bottle of water.


    Gun arched his brow. ¡°Am I? Do you feel awkward¡ª¡±


    ¡°I did, and it¡¯s not healthy for a pregnant woman like me to live with a bully like you. What if my child


    ¡ª¡± Zoe halted when Gun spoke.


    ¡°Find a job to make a living, Ms. Levine. Do you think Grant will always be there for you?¡±


    Zoe felt a sudden pang of pain in her chest upon hearing this. Her heart aches. Her grip on the


    bottle tightened.


    She let out a sarcastic chuckle. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡­ I will adjust myself first to this new environment


    before I find a job,¡± she replied. ¡°If you see me as a huge burden to you, you can close your eyes or


    better ignore my presence,¡± she added, and after that, she left the kitchen and went back to her


    room.


    ¡­


    ¡°Adjust the date of your wedding, Helios,¡± Mr. Lincoln said.


    They are having dinner at a fancy restaurant, together with Chloe¡¯s parents.


    Helios knitted his brows while Chloe held his hand. ¡°No pressure, dad,¡± she chimed in as she met


    the old man¡¯s eyes, ¡°¡­the wedding is only three days from now. So, there¡¯s no need to move it. TheOwned by N?velDrama.Org.


    wedding organizer is already prepared and settled everything,¡± she continued.


    ¡°Chloe is right, Michael,¡± Chloe¡¯s father uttered. ¡°What¡¯s with the rush?¡±


    Michael Lincoln sipped on his ss of wine. ¡°Helios is not interested in the wedding and even dared


    to escape¡ª¡±


    ¡°Do you have to say those?¡± Helios interrupted his father and even pierced his eyes towards the old


    man.


    ¡°Yes. I want you to learn a lesson¡ª¡±


    ¡°Then, I¡¯m done here. Excuse me,¡± Helios cut off his father¡¯s words and left the table.


    Chloe frowned. She had no idea what was going on. ¡°Uhm¡­ I will just follow Helios,¡± she said, and


    after that, she left.


    Michael Lincoln shook his head in disbelief. ¡°That son of mine is really a pain in the a-s,¡± he uttered.


    Chloe¡¯s fatherughed. ¡°Children nowadays are really a pain in the a-s.¡±


    Helios pulled one stick of cigarette and lit it up. He doesn¡¯t usually smoke, but when he is stressed


    out, he can¡¯t help it.


    ¡°There you are!¡±


    Helios frowned as he turned around and saw Chloe. The woman is approaching his side with a


    smile.


    ¡°Get back inside,¡± he said, cold and firm.


    Chloe pouted her lips. ¡°No,¡± she replied and walked closer to Helios.


    Helios lifted his head as he blew the smoke. ¡°Leave me alone, Chloe.¡±


    ¡°Why are you like that, Helios? Is this because of Zoe?¡±


    Helios remained silent and continued to smoke.


    ¡°It was your father who wanted us to get¡ª¡±


    ¡°Then you marry him.¡±


    Chloe¡¯s eyes widened upon hearing this. ¡°Are you insane? Why would I marry your father?¡±


    Helios¡¯s forehead creased. ¡°Call off the wedding.¡±


    Chloe arched her brow. ¡°Why would I? Everything has been settled already, and now you want me


    to call off our wedding?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t love you. Chloe. You knew that,¡± Helios said as he threw the piece of cigarette in the bin. He


    put his hands inside the pockets of his pants and turned to face Chloe. ¡°You knew whom I really


    love.¡±


    Chloe let out a soft chuckle. ¡°We¡¯re already engaged, Helios. In three days, I will be your wife.¡±


    Helios scoffed. ¡°Don¡¯t expect me to treat you like my wife. Don¡¯t expect one big happy family when


    you are with me because you¡¯re not the girl whom I want to spend the rest of my life with,¡± he


    asserted, and after that, he left Chloe dumbfounded.

 Hes Married

    He''s Married


    DAYS passed, and the wound in Zoe¡¯s heart was still fresh. She couldn¡¯t help but think about what


    Helios did to her. And as the days go by, her pregnancy hormones are growing. She felt irritated


    quickly. Especially to Gun, Grant¡¯s twin brother.


    Yesterday, she decided to find a job, but Grant got angry.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go out when you¡¯re alone, Zoe,¡± Grant uttered while they were having their dinner.


    Zoe nodded.


    ¡°Let the maid get what you want outside,¡± Grant added.


    Gunner has a maid, and she¡¯s already in her mid-60s. Seeing the olddy, she suddenly misses


    Nana Milky.


    ¡°Marie will help you with everything you need¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stop treating her like a baby, Grant,¡± Gun uttered, feeling irritated.


    Grant frowned and pierced his gaze on his brother. ¡°Are you tired of living?¡±


    Gun scoffed. ¡°Wrong question, bro,¡± he said.


    Zoe shook her head as she continued eating her food. The two are not yet done with their business


    when she¡¯s done.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you two eat quietly? Continue your argumentter. You¡¯re in front of the food, for goodness¡¯


    sake.¡±


    Gun looked at her. ¡°So? If you¡¯re done, go upstairs and take a rest,¡± he said.


    Zoe gritted her teeth and rolled her eyes. She stood up and looked at Grant. ¡°Let¡¯s talkter,¡± she


    said and left.


    Gun frowned. ¡°Talk about what?¡± he asked Grant.


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business,¡± Grant replied.


    Gun has the urge to hit his brother, but he holds himself and finishes the food on his te.


    An hourter, Grant knocked into Zoe¡¯s room.


    Zoe opened the door and let him in.


    ¡°How¡¯s your day? Tomorrow is your first check-up with the OB, right?¡± Grant asked as he sat on the


    single couch.


    Zoe nodded. ¡°Yeah. Marie will apany me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll drive. Gunner will do some business overseas.¡±


    ¡°I am not asking for him,¡± Zoe asserted as she sat on the opposite side.


    Grant let out a soft chuckle. ¡°You really hate my brother, huh?¡±


    ¡°Who wouldn¡¯t? He¡¯s arrogant and a bully. I am getting stressed because of his attitude. Good thing


    I can hold it enough. If not, I may be jived into miscarriage,¡± she said.


    Grant shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Gun is just like that, but he cares. Anyway, what are we going to


    talk about?¡± he asked.


    Zoe took a deep breath and heaved a deep sigh. ¡°How will I talk about everything to my mom?¡±


    ¡°Shit!¡± Grant cursed out, making Zoe frown. ¡°I forgot to buy you a phone.¡±


    Zoe smiled. ¡°You can buy it tomorrow. Add it to the list of my debts,¡± she said.


    ¡°It¡¯s no big deal. I got you covered.¡± ¡®Helios got you covered,¡¯ he wanted to add.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Zoe shook her head, ¡°¡­ I will pay you,¡± she added.


    Grant sighed. ¡°All right. All right. If it will make you at ease.¡±


    ¡°But no interest, okay?¡± Zoe asserted and let out a soft chuckle.


    ¡°Yeah. Yeah. Anyway, what brand of phone do you want?¡±


    ¡°Brand?¡±


    Grant nodded.


    Zoe smiled. ¡°Anything will do.¡±


    ¡°All right. Back to how you will tell this about your mother, just tell the truth.¡±


    ¡°But what if mom will approach Helios?¡±


    ¡°Then tell her not to do a reckless thing. Uncle Michael despises you. Especially your mother


    because she broke the agreement. Your mother has debts to my uncle, but a good thing, Helios got


    it covered to save the both of you.¡±


    Zoe sighed as she remembered what had happened¡ªhow she met Helios.


    ¡°Do you know that I met Helios two years ago?¡±


    Grant arched his brow. ¡°W-Where?¡± Actually, he knows the truth. Helios told him. It was Icarus


    whom Zoe met two years ago. But Icarus was already dead. He hemmed to clear his throat. ¡°You


    mean¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, but I don¡¯t feel like he was Helios.¡± She shrugged her shoulders. ¡°Maybe because I was drunk


    at that time.¡±


    Grant nodded. ¡°Zoe¡­ I know you banned us from uttering his name, but Helios never faked his love


    for you.¡± He was taking chances.


    Zoe clenched her jaw. ¡°I know. But the fact that she let me and his child stay away means to say he


    loses the game.¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s not that. One of you needs to sacrifice¡ª¡±


    ¡°Sacrifice?¡± Zoeughed sarcastically. ¡°Why would¡ª¡±


    ¡°Do you trust him, Zoe?¡±


    ¡°How am I supposed to trust him when he¡¯s already married, Grant? How¡­?¡± her voice was faint.


    Grant sighed. ¡°Trust me. Helios is doing his best to be with you and his child.¡±


    Zoe scoffed then suddenly; she felt a cold drop from her cheek. She raised her hand and touched


    her cheek. Tears are flowing¡­ again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know how it hurts, Grant? Do you know how painful it was¡­ knowing that the one you


    love marries someone? You know what¡­ I regretted that I let it off. If only I agreed to his proposal,


    then I should be the one¡­ who is there for him¡­¡± she sobbed but wiped her tears away from her


    cheeks. ¡°It¡¯s hurting me¡­ day by day. He¡¯s already married, Grant¡­ he¡¯s married.¡±


    Grant could feel Zoe¡¯s pain. They are visible in her eyes. He approached her and sat beside her. He


    was hesitant to hug her, but he couldn¡¯t stand seeing Zoe burst into tears and break down. She¡¯s


    pregnant.


    ¡®I¡¯m sorry, bro,¡¯ Grant thought, and then he hugged Zoe.


    Grant consoled her. ¡°You got this, Zoe. You¡¯re strong for your baby. Believe me¡­ you have to trust


    Helios,¡± he said.


    Zoe shook her head and let Grant hug her.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know, Grant. He¡¯s already married.¡±


    Grant didn¡¯t talk again and let Zoe let go of her burden on Helios.


    ¡®Damn that man,¡¯ he cursed inside his head. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Minutes had passed, and Zoe slept in Grant¡¯s arms. Grant then carried her andy her down on her


    bed. He pulled the nket up to Zoe¡¯s chest, and after that, he left the room.


    Grant went back to his room and pulled his phone out of his pocket. He dialed a number and made


    a call.


    In just three rings, the man picked up the call.


    ¡°How is she?¡±


    ¡°Fuck man¡­ she¡¯s crying and even slept because of it,¡± Grant uttered as he walked toward the


    balcony of his room. He held into the railing and looked down.


    The Philippines'' weather is far different from Manhattan, but it¡¯s quite refreshing. The city is still full


    of lights at night and a slightly cold breeze in the morning.


    ¡°What happened with your new n, Helios? Better make progress, or else... I swear, I will not let


    you see Zoe.¡±


    Helios sighed. ¡°Dad will transfer it next week. Wait a little more. And I will be there once he passed it


    on to me,¡± he said.


    Grant frowned. ¡°Be sure that the traitor is not around you right now, Helios,¡± he warned.


    Helios let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Ambrose is aware now.¡±


    ¡°Damn that, Cliff. I will fucking kill that man if I get the chance,¡± Grant chimed in.


    ¡°Yeah. Me too, but Ambrose will deal with him. Anyway, don¡¯t let Gunnery his hand on Zoe.¡±


    It¡¯s Grant¡¯s turn tough. ¡°Now, you¡¯re being possessive. Gunner will leave the country tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re Chloe¡¯s husband now?¡± Grant teased.


    ¡°No. Never.¡±


    Grant nodded and smiled. ¡°So, you faked everything?¡±


    ¡°Of course. n B, remember?¡±


    ¡°Great. Now, don¡¯t take things too slowly, Helios. They¡¯re waiting for you.¡±


    Helios took a deep breath and sighed. ¡°No matter what happens, please look after them until I get


    back to their arms,¡± he uttered, making Grant frown.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me there will be a dy¡­ again?¡±


    ¡°Dad is setting his eyes on me and even supervises my every move¡ª¡±


    ¡°Fuck, dude. Don¡¯t make excuses. I know you¡¯re smarter than your father. And don¡¯t worry about


    Zoe¡¯s mom and friends. Calyx is there for them.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t be at ease. I need to make things clean and smooth,¡± Helios asserted.


    Grant sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know, man. Now that you finally found love, obstacles then came.¡±


    ¡°It is a test, Grant.¡±


    Grant burst intoughter. ¡°Test? How long? I¡¯m getting bored¡ª¡±


    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you invite your informant?¡±


    Grant frowned. ¡°Fuck, dude. She¡¯s not my type¡ª¡± he didn¡¯t finish his words when Helios interrupted


    him.


    ¡°Come on, dude. We¡¯ve known each other for so long. Anyway, I need to hang up. Chloe is already


    waiting¡ª¡±


    ¡°ying to be a good husband, are we?¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    ¡°Watch out if Chloe will force you into s-x. Zoe will get mad¡ª Hello?!¡± Grant frowned when he


    looked at his phone.


    Helios dropped the call.


    ¡°That jerk,¡± Grant whispered.

 Sacrifices or Excuses

    Sacrifices or Excuses


    MONTHS PASSED.


    ¡°You seem like you swallow a whole watermelon, Zoe,¡± Grant blurted out soon as Zoe stepped out


    of the clinic.


    They¡¯re inside the hospital, and it¡¯s Zoe¡¯s follow-up check.


    ¡°In two days, your baby wille out. Are you sure you don¡¯t want to know the gender?¡±


    Zoe sighed as she sat down on the chair in the waiting area. She could feel the heaviness of her


    baby.


    She shook her head. ¡°No.¡±


    Grant frowned. ¡°Why?¡±


    Zoe red at him, making Grant gulp, feeling terrified. ¡°What is it to you? Why are you asking about


    it?¡± she asked.


    Grant bit his lower lip. ¡°Er, nothing. Am I forbidden to ask?¡±


    Zoe rolled her eyes as she stood up.


    Grant cursed inside his head. ¡®Because Helios is asking about it,¡¯ he wanted to say aloud, but he


    pressed his lips together.


    Damn that idiot. It¡¯s been months, and Zoe is nearly in herbor, yet Helios is still stuck with his fake


    marriage.


    ¡°Anyway, Grant¡­¡± Zoe turned to look at him, ¡°Mom and Cindy want toe before my due date.


    You must arrange a flight for them,¡± she added.


    Grant frowned and whispered, ¡°Demanding.¡±


    Zoe happened to hear it. ¡°You take responsibility for your words, Grant. You don¡¯t want me to find a


    job to save money. You volunteered,¡± she uttered coldly.


    Grant smiled awkwardly. ¡°Ehe, I¡­ I know. Don¡¯t worry. He¡ªI mean, I¡¯m going to settle their tickets.¡±


    Zoe knitted her forehead but nodded after. She continues to walk to the parking lot of the hospital.


    Grant opened the door for her, and she got in. He then walked to the other side and hopped inside.


    He started the engine and sped away from the building.


    ¡°Anyway, where do you want to go?¡± Grant asked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s drop by at the mall. I will buy stuff for my baby,¡± she said. It¡¯s not that Zoe is taking advantage


    of Grant¡¯s generosity, but she really wants to buy more clothes for her baby.


    It¡¯s been months since they flew to this ce. And Zoe slowly loved the atmosphere of it. She loves


    her surroundings. Even though they¡¯re in the city. The ce is not as busy as Manhattan.


    The pain is still there¡­ inside her. The wound healed, but the scar was left in her heart. She cried


    for a month every night¡­ and even stalked Helios when Grant bought her a phone. But she


    stopped it because she was just hurting herself.


    She hates to see Helios with Chloe, seemingly happy.


    She can¡¯t help but feel jealous of Chloe. She was supposed to be in Chloe¡¯s ce if only she


    epted it.


    She tried her best to ignore everything, but every time she caresses her baby bump, she thinks of


    Helios. His promises¡­ which he broke.


    She was afraid to ask Grant why Helios did it, but the man always says that she must trust Helios.


    How hard could Helios be to be with her?


    Is it that difficult to disobey his father?


    ¡°Zoe¡­¡± Grant called her attention.


    However, Zoe just keeps her gaze outside the window.


    Grant heaved a deep sigh as he decreased the speed of the car. ¡°About Helios¡¯s father¡­¡± he


    stated, which made Zoe turn to him.


    ¡°What about with that old man?¡± she asked, totally losing her respect for Helios¡¯s father.


    ¡°He was diagnosed with cancer, and it''s stage 4. Helios was supposed to fly, but his father¡­¡± he


    paused when Zoe turned her eyes away from him.


    Grant sighed. ¡°You should know about this, Zoe¡­ Hear it out. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s time for you to


    know more about Helios¡¯s sacrifices?¡±


    Zoe scoffed. ¡°You mean excuses?¡±


    ¡°Zoe¡­ all he wanted is your trust. He might have the title and power but his father¡ª¡±


    ¡°How about us?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t let selfishness evade your heart. Listen. Look deeper. With all the mafia, his father, and his<ppany¡­ Helios is giving his best to fix everything. The old man couldn¡¯t make it for a month. And


    all he ever wanted is for you to trust and wait for him.¡±


    Tears fell from Zoe¡¯s eyes, but she wiped them right away.


    ¡°Chloe¡¯s brother has the urge to grab the opportunity to rule the ck organization, which I know


    you couldn¡¯t understand. And Helios was trying to bnce everything. He¡¯s doing all of this to keep


    you safe. You and your baby. Don¡¯t you think those are his sacrifices? Do you still think that those


    are excuses?¡± Grant asked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk once we get home, Grant. You¡¯re driving,¡± she said.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we going to the mall¡ª¡± he didn¡¯t finish his words when Zoe spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯ve changed my mind. I want to go home,¡± she said.N?velDrama.Org content.

 Lets Talk

    Let''s Talk


    UNTIL now, Cindy¡¯s hatred towards Calyx and his friends has grown deeper. However, she felt pity


    for Calyx. The man is doing everything just to have her forgiveness. She knew she was too much,


    but this was all about Zoe.


    Even though she only met Zoe for a month, their bond is something that is unbreakable.


    ¡°Cindy¡­ let¡¯s talk, please,¡± Calyx muttered while he stood in front of Cindy. Cindy was busy making


    the customer''s order, and the man was present again.


    Calyx keeps on coaxing her day by day. And it seems like the man doesn¡¯t even go to hispany.


    But whom will he me? It was loud and clear that they promised to protect them¡ªyes, Calyx and


    Helios are protecting them, but how about Zoe?


    Her best friend is pregnant, and she will give birth at any moment this month.


    ¡°I will take you to Zoe¡­ just talk to me, please.¡±


    Calyx even makes the other customers pissed. But the hell he cares?


    Cindy put down the stic cup and arched her brow in front of Calyx. ¡°No, thanks. Grant already


    covered our tickets.¡±


    ¡°You talked to Grant and didn¡¯t want to talk to me?¡±


    Cindy frowned. ¡°Zoe told me. I am not talking to Grant. And can¡¯t you see nor hear? I am talking to


    you, idiot,¡± she chimed in. She got the cup and started to fill it in with caramel coffee.


    ¡°Can we talk¡­ privately?¡± Calyx muttered.


    Cindy scoffed. ¡°That¡¯s a scam, Cal. I know you. The talk should be just talking. Nothing must be


    involved, but you didn¡¯t change at all. So, why bother? You can talk here, all day, by yourself,¡± she


    uttered and put the lid of the cup.


    Cindy put the filled coffee cups on a tray and served them at the customer¡¯s table.


    Calyx took a deep breath and sighed. He couldn¡¯t help but curse under his breath. ¡®Damn, it.¡¯


    He can¡¯t help but me Helios too.


    If only Helios didn¡¯t break their first scheme, things shouldn¡¯t be this harder for him.


    ¡°Go away, Cal. Can¡¯t you see¡­¡± Cindy put her left hand on her waist, ¡°¡­I¡¯m busy.¡±


    ¡°I will help¡ª¡± he didn¡¯t finish his words when Cindy raised her hand. This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Stop it. I¡¯m tired of it. Go away, Cal.¡±


    Calyx shook his head. ¡°I will not bother you until you¡¯re off to work. I will wait outside or at the stairs


    of your apartment,¡± he said.


    Cindy sneered. ¡°You¡¯re insane¡ª¡±


    ¡°Because you took my sanity away from me. And if you don¡¯t want to talk to me¡­ I willpletely


    get insane¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, cut the crap, Cal. Don¡¯t pull a drama in front of me¡­.¡± Cindy walked closer to him and didn¡¯t


    mind those people who were watching them, ¡°¡­it doesn¡¯t suit you,¡± she added, and after that, she


    moved away.


    ¡°Remember what I said, Cal. I don¡¯t trust you anymore and will never.¡±


    Calyx¡¯s face stiffened as he clenched his fist. ¡°I will wait. Let¡¯s talk,¡± he said, cold and firm, and after


    that, he left the caf¨¦.


    Cindy went back to the counter. She pulled the wooden chair and sat there heavily. She red at


    Calyx when their eyes met.


    ¡®Damn this man,¡¯ she thought.


    Will she talk to him for him to stop pestering him? Or will she wait until Zoe gives birth?


    Their flight will be the day after tomorrow. ording to Zoe, Grant had already booked their flight,


    and they only needed to be at the airport two hours before their departure.


    She was grateful that amidst the things that had happened around Zoe, her friend still managed to


    hold them for the sake of her health and her baby.


    Cindy salutes Zoe for being strong. She knew it was hard for Zoe, but thetter survived.


    Although she doesn¡¯t know the real reason¡­ she can¡¯t help but hate Helios for abandoning her best


    friend and the child.


    However, no one knows that things will fall like that. If they had known beforehand, they should


    have let Zoe be with them, not in a ce that was so far away from them.


    Rumors said that the old Lincoln was ill. And this makes Helios look for his father.


    Cindy sighed and wanted to ignore things about Helios.


    The man is already married. She can¡¯t do anything about it, even if she kills Helios by herself.


    Things are already done.

 Giving Birth

    Giving Birth


    ZOE and Cindy were out for an early walk in a nearby park when she ran into someone. She was


    stunned by the impact and would have fallen if Cindy hadn¡¯t made a quick move to support her


    body.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Cindy cursed loudly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, miss,¡± the man who ran into Zoe said.


    Cindy let go of Zoe after double-checking that she was standing properly. Following that, she


    confronted the man. ¡°Are you insane?¡± Cindy grabbed the man¡¯s cor and drew him closer. ¡°You


    knew she was pregnant¡ªthe road was wide. How are you supposed to run into her?¡± she raged.


    ¡°That¡¯s it, Cindy. He had no intention of doing it.¡±


    ¡°No. You almost fell because of this idiot,¡± she said, her voice filled with rage.


    ¡°I¡ªI¡¯m sorry,¡± the man said again, but Cindy was still clutching his cor. She tightened her grip


    even more. Cindy appeared to be a courageous and strong man. Zoe was taken aback by how


    manly she appeared.


    Then Zoe grabbed Cindy¡¯s arm. ¡°Enough of that. Let¡¯s go,¡± she said, smiling at the nervous-looking


    man who was shaking.


    Cindy violently let go of the man, causing him to fall to the ground. Before turning away, she even


    gave the man a death re.


    ¡°Come on, Zoe.


    They ordered food when they arrived at the coffee shop. They sat in the chair in the corner and


    began discussing what had just urred. The two of themughed about it. It¡¯s a good thing the


    shop only has a few customers. Customers on the inside are taking notice of them. And those


    people appear to be covered in goosebumps as a result of theirughter.


    ¡°Oh my goodness, friend. You should have seen that man¡¯s expression. He appears to urinate in his


    pants due to nervousness. His body was trembling,¡± Cindy observed.


    ¡°It¡¯s all your fault. You frightened him. Anyway, you¡¯re cool at that moment. Did Calyx teach you


    about these things? I thought you two weren¡¯t getting along?¡± Zoe inquired.


    Cindy hugged himself. ¡°Don¡¯t even bring up his name. Calyx has no concept of love. He is only


    interested in sex.¡±


    Zoe chuckled softly and shook her head.


    They continue their conversation when someone suddenly draws Zoe¡¯s attention. She looked at the


    neer to the coffee shop with wide eyes. Her focus was fixed on it while her friend bbered


    something she couldn¡¯t understand.


    When their gazes locked, she was taken aback. The man ced his hand inside his pocket and


    announced that he would take their ce. She shivered as the man¡¯s gaze remained fixed on her


    as he approached them.


    Something inside her chest appears to be trying to escape. The feeling she was attempting to forget


    appears to have been triggered.


    ¡°Hey, Cindy,¡± she said. She even waved his hand in front of Zoe¡¯s face to draw her attention to the


    man she was looking at.


    When Cindy couldn¡¯t regain her attention, she turned to face the man who had just stopped in front


    of their table. Cindy then stood up in annoyance.


    ¡°What exactly are you doing here?¡±


    The man smirked, said nothing, and walked away.


    Zoe appears to want to cry as a result of the conflicting emotions she is experiencing. Cindy


    bes concerned as she clutches her chest.


    ¡°Are you OK, Zoe?¡± she inquired.


    She shook her head and turned to face her friend. Suddenly, tears began to fall from her eyes.


    ¡°Hey¡­¡±


    She began to break down. Her OB advises her not to stress herself this time. But now, after how


    many months, the man she loves appears before her eyes, saying nothing.


    Cindy began to panic, particrly when Zoe touched her baby bump.


    ¡°C-Cind...¡± she clung to the table¡¯s edge, ¡°I¡ªI think... my water broke...¡±


    Cindy abruptly stood up. Her hands were trembling as she held her friend as if she didn¡¯t know what


    to do.


    ¡°Inhale. Exhale. Zoe...¡± She appears perplexed.


    Cindy was about to speak when she was abruptly shoved aside, and the man she had been staring


    at carried her away without permission.


    ¡°Bring her belongings.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll drive her to the hospital,¡± said the man.


    It would have been fine, but he spoke firmly and coldly.


    Zoe wanted to punch the man, but it appeared that her child was ready toe out.


    ¡®Baby, your father is helping us,¡¯ she thought.


    She was happy despite her squirming.


    Helios gently ced Zoe inside the car after Cindy opened the door.


    ¡°C-Cindy, call mom and aunt. My things¡ªah!¡±


    ¡°Shh, don¡¯t talk,¡± Helios said. ¡°Save your energy.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Just rx,¡± Cindy advised. And she was taken aback when Helios looked at her.


    ¡°Calm down, Zoe...¡± said Helios, his voice low and husky.


    Cindy muttered, ¡°I¡¯m going to punch her handsome face, Zoe. Stop me, please,¡± she said, gritting


    her teeth.


    Zoe was able tough despite her squirming because of what her friend said.


    Helios, surprised, looked in the rearview mirror while driving.


    Cindy then pretended to pull her cell phone out.


    Zoe frowned and rubbed her belly as she looked out the window.


    ¡°Hey aunt, we¡¯re going to the hospital because Zoe is about to give birth.¡±


    Zoe turned to face her. She assumed it was all a ruse until she discovered Cindy was actually her


    mother.


    ¡°Yes, at St. Benedict¡¯s. OK,¡± Cindy said before hanging up the phone.


    Helios tightened his grip on the steering wheel.


    It hurt him to see Zoe be pregnant and eventually give birth. He¡¯s a jerk because he can only


    put her in danger.


    If only he didn¡¯t have problems, he could be the one by her side as they start a family.


    ¡°St. Benedict Medical Center.¡±


    Helios nodded, and that¡¯s where he led Zoe. He is overjoyed because the medical team acted


    immediately.


    His n was revealed in the coffee shop scenario. He followed her when he saw her in the park


    with Cindy.


    He had been keeping an eye on Zoe from a safe distance for quite some time. But he makes certain


    that no one notices his every move. Especially the mafia organization he¡¯s been to.


    When he has a business meeting in the Philippines, he always finds a way to see her.


    Before saying goodbye, Helios took Zoe to thebor room. It¡¯s dangerous when someone sees him


    with her.


    He wants to put an end to everything before coaxing the girl again, even if it means leaving them...


    again.


    ¡­


    ¡°IT¡¯S A GIRL,¡± said the doctor.


    Zoe has no idea how she feels after seeing her little angel crying and wiggling her soft little hands.


    She is happy, but she is also hurt and feels iplete. Helios left again because of the thought.


    Helios didn¡¯t even bother greeting her or asking if she was OK. Or even wait until the child is born.


    Because of the mixed emotions¡ªfun and excitement¡ªshe almost kissed Helios earlier. If she


    hadn¡¯t been able to restrain herself, she would have kissed the man. In her eyes, he appeared even


    more appealing.


    ¡°H Selene Lincoln,¡± she said before the darkness enveloped her.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

 Adorable Daughter

    Adorable Daughter


    ¡°HELA, my adorable goddaughter,¡± Cindy eximed when she saw her future goddaughter. Cindy


    went up to Zoe, who was carrying her daughter, and poked the baby¡¯s cheeks.


    ¡°How is the baby?¡± Cindy inquired.


    ¡°She can¡¯t talk yet. You insane, bitch,¡± Zoe eximed,ughing.


    Cindy ced the paper bags, which Zoe deduced contained clothes and other items for her baby.


    Cindy has been bringing gifts for her daughter H every time they visit them since she gave birth


    to her three months ago. She stated that they would simply make up for the days they missed


    together.


    And Zoe is curious about Cindy¡¯s money. But shecked the courage to inquire. On the other hand,


    Cindy enjoys earning money and has a lot of zeros in her bank ount.


    ¡°Well, you have no idea. What if she has a high IQ and can alreadymunicate? Huh? Baby,


    come to mama. Please let me carry the adorable baby,¡± Cindy said.


    Zoe then gave her child to a friend. She was relieved that her daughter was not fussy. H does not


    cry even if everyone tries to carry her unless she is hungry, in which case she does cry.


    ¡°Where is your mother?¡± Cindy inquired.


    ¡°She went to the grocery store with my aunt Millie,¡± Zoe exined.


    ¡°How about Grant and Gunner? Did theye to see you since you moved out?¡±


    ¡°No, not yet. Those jerks have a lot of work to do. They appear to have a lot of it. And someone


    here seemed to get preupied with something too¡ªI mean someone,¡± Zoe said, referring to


    Cindy.


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯m already here, and I¡¯m no longer busy. If you want, I can look after your daughter 24 hours


    a day, seven days a week,¡± Cindy said consistently.


    Cindy found a part-time job in a fancy restaurant with the help of Grant and got busy. She was also


    living in an apartment nearby. Zoe told her to live with them, but Cindy didn¡¯t want to.


    Zoe burst outughing. ¡°No thanks, I¡¯m still breastfeeding my daughter, and she requires her


    mother. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll let you take care of her when she can walk on her own.¡±


    Cindy took a seat. ¡°Do you intend to return to New York and torture Helios?¡±


    Cindy sat next to Zoe. ¡°Yes, I have. But maybe when H is able to walk. I want to focus on my


    daughter and treasure every moment with her for the time being. Besides, time will surely wait for


    vengeance,¡± she replied, holding her daughter¡¯s left hand and thenughing. How is she supposed


    to punish the man she loves?


    ¡°You have a point there. By the way, don¡¯t you want to send Helios a picture of his daughter?¡±


    Zoe did not respond right away. She is unsure whether Helios is still interested in their child.


    When her daughter cried, Zoe returned to reality.


    ¡°Wow, it appears that the baby knows her father¡¯s name,¡± Cindy eximed.


    Zoe then pped her friend on the shoulder and kidnapped the child. She cradled her daughter in


    her arms and began feeding her.


    ¡° was so cute drinking momma¡¯s milk.¡±


    ¡°You call my daughter a lot of names.¡± Cindy referred to her daughter as Selene, H, or Hel to


    make it easier to pronounce. And now she¡¯s referring to her as ?


    H would be sufficient.


    ¡° is a lovely name.¡±


    Zoe simply shook her head.


    ¡°You have a veryrge breast, sissy. Don¡¯t put too much pressure on your daughter¡¯s face; she


    might not be able to breathe,¡± Cindy said.


    Zoe¡¯s palm touched Cindy¡¯s neck. ¡°You¡¯repletely insane. So you¡¯re jealous because yours was


    t? Perhaps Calyx no longer desired you because your chest is like a wall.¡± Zoe pertains to Cindy¡¯s


    breast.


    Cindy sat up straight and rolled her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t ever bring up that name because it irritates me. I


    just wanted to let you know that I have the tits! And I¡¯m hot,¡± she added, clutching her chest. ¡°I have


    boobs, but they¡¯re not as big as yours. Just be thankful that you were fortunate enough to have


    those,¡± Cindy advised.


    ¡°Silly.¡±


    ¡°Woah, she fell asleep already,¡± Cindy eximed when she saw her sleeping daughter. The child


    then released her grip on her mother¡¯s nipple. Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°When a baby begins to cry, he or she is either hungry, sleepy, has wet diapers, or is not feeling


    well.¡±


    ¡°Wow, you¡¯re a real mother.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m a mother. I had a difficult time adjusting at first, especially since H makes the


    night her daytime and only sleeps during the day. I had a sleepless night, and I appear to be losing


    weight. Thank goodness mommy and auntie Millie was there for me.¡±


    ¡°Get some vitamins. ¡°Do you miss Helios?¡±


    Zoe took a breather. ¡°N-No.¡±


    ¡°Howe you don¡¯t want him to see you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve already told me that a few times¡ªHey,y your baby down upstairs so she can sleep


    well,¡± Cindy said.


    Zoe stood up and nodded. ¡°Please carry those items you purchased for my daughter,¡± she said as


    she began to walk towards the stairwell.


    Zoe sat beside her daughter after sessfully cing her on the bed. Her daughter has a crib, but


    she is uneasy with it. She would rather have her daughter beside her. Her baby will not fall because


    her bed is next to a wall.


    Cindy ced the paper bags on top of the wooden table. ¡°Please move to the other side. I¡¯d like to


    sleep next to ,¡± she exined.


    Zoe then moved to the other side, leaving her daughter in the center.


    ¡°Breastmilk is really good for her, right?¡± Cindy poked the baby¡¯s cheek and said, ¡°Look, she¡¯s so


    fatty cute.¡±


    Zoe stroked her pal¡¯s hand. ¡°You might wake her up.¡±


    ¡°Geez. Hmm... wake me up when H does, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±

 The Visit

    The Visit


    "WHY did you let H pick the roses, MOMMY? What if her hand was pricked?"


    "You''re overly concerned, sweetie. Those roses don''t have any thorns," her mother said.


    "You have no idea. What if it has, and you just didn''t notice?"


    Zoe''s mother burst outughing. "I understand your apprehension, sweetie. I used to be like you.


    However, allow your child to enjoy the moment. If she likes flowers, so be it. Even if it means


    destroying everything, besides, we can rece them."


    "You''re spoiling her, Mommy. And it bothers me." She took the child in her arms and lifted her. She


    took the petals off her daughter''s small hand. And it appears that her daughter was upset by what


    she did, as she began to cry.


    "See how you made her cry? I told you to let her be.¡±


    "Mom, she''ll get spoiled with this treatment, and I''m worried she''ll grow up to be like those spoiled


    brat kids."


    "If you don''t want to get in trouble, call your child''s father. So you don''t have to struggle¡ªhe can


    help you," her mother said, and it appeared that it had a different meaning for her.


    Zoe was taken aback by it. It''s been six months since shest saw him. He was never seen by her


    again.


    "I''m not sure, Mom."


    "Well, then, make Gunner the father of your child. Furthermore, he appears to like you."


    Zoe simply shook her head. "I''ll just bathe my baby, mom," she exined as she began to walk


    away. Her baby had been quiet since her mother gave her rose petals. Her mother, like her, was a


    headstrong woman.


    She leaned in and kissed her daughter on the cheek.


    "Can we just throw this away, baby?" She asked, but her daughter refused to let go. The young girl


    just kept crumpling the rose petals in her tiny hands. Petal fragments were strewn across the floor.


    She feeds her daughter after she has finished bathing her. Her daughter quickly fell asleep, so Zoe


    left H in her crib. She went downstairs and discovered her mother conversing with someone in


    the living room. Her mother''sughter was audible. She appears to be conversing with someone


    else. She moved closer to see who it was, and she was taken aback when she saw the figure¡ªit


    was a man. The only thing she can see is the man''s back.


    When her mother saw her, she called out to her, and the man quickly turned to face her. When she


    saw the guy''s familiar face, her eyes widened.


    ''What exactly is he doing here?'' She pondered.


    The man rose to his feet and approached her. "Hello," he said.


    "What exactly are you doing here?" Zoe inquired.


    Her mother approached them. "What kind of question, Zoe? Of course, he¡¯s visiting.¡±


    ¡®Visiting? But he never brought a gift?'' She pondered. She, on the other hand, does not want to


    assume.


    ¡°Ah¡­ is that so? Who is he seeing, Mom? You?¡± Zoe inquired.


    Her mother burst outughing. ¡°Of course¡­ it¡¯s you, my daughter.¡±


    She didn''t respond and walked away, acting like a difficult girl. But she was ecstatic on the inside.


    If only things weren''t soplicated, she''d jump for joy and hug Helios.


    "Zoe, don''t be so impolite. First, speak with Helios. I''m just going to Tte''s house to look for your


    aunt Millie." Her mother was telling her about a neighbor who had a birthday.


    Her aunt did invite her to the party, but Zoe declined because she needed to care for H. After all,


    it was a waste of her time. She will simply wait for her aunt to bring her food.


    "Didn''t you say you didn''t want to go?" It was something her mother told her a while ago, but it


    appears that things have changed.


    "Am I unable to change my mind?" Her mother smiled.


    Zoe was already acquainted with her mother. She was teasing her once more. Helios appears to


    have been forgiven by her mother. Her mother also owes Helios.


    ¡°Okay. Simply take him with you." She directed her finger at Helios, who was now frowning and


    staring at her. She abruptly averted her gaze. She grabbed a pan and set it on the stove. She lit the


    stove to heat the pan. She then went to the fridge, took two eggs, and reached for the bottle of


    cooking oil.


    She''s doing her best to ignore Helios'' presence. She does not want to burst into tears. This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    She avoids seeing him as much as possible. Because every time she sees him, she is still in pain.


    She was doing her best to remind herself that they no longer had the opportunity. But why does it


    appear that fate is ying tricks on them? What does fate want them to do, that they keep crossing


    each other''s path?


    Is Helios truly in love with her? Is it fate that sends them hidden messages that they will have the


    opportunity to be together?


    He¡¯s married for goodness sake!


    She is at a loss for what to do if Helios approaches her. She''ll just keep falling deeper. And she was


    afraid she wouldn''t be able to get out of it.


    She loves Helios, and nothing changes, even if she tries to forget about him. That feeling grew


    stronger after she gave birth to their child. She thought about him before going to bed, and she


    found herself crying at times.


    But secrets and lies are keeping it hidden.


    Everything around them isplicated. Helios has many things to deal with.

 Talk About Us

    Talk About Us


    ¡°OH, I thought you were going to leave, mom?¡± Zoe asked. Because her mother was still there,


    standing next to Helios, both of them were probably looking at her and watching what she was


    doing.


    ¡°You know what, honey? I think you and your Helios should work out your problems.¡± And she


    pointed at them. ¡°Clean up the mess, and that was pretty clear. Especially you, Zoe,¡± her mother


    said, and she went to the clothes rack to get her trench coat and hat. She said goodbye with a smile


    on her face.


    Zoe rolled her eyes in irritation.


    Helios tells her aunt, ¡°Take care,¡± which makes her momugh.


    Zoe just went back to what she was doing after turning around. She put oil in the pan, and when it


    was hot, she beat the egg on the side of the pan and dropped it.


    She turned to face Helios when she was done cooking. The man was still standing where he was,


    but he smiled and moved closer to the table when he saw her. He pulled out the wooden chair and


    sat down on it.


    Because Helios is there, Zoe feels uneasy. But she still gets everything fixed. Once everything was


    ready, she put two tes on the table. She put one in front of Helios and the other on her side. She


    got out the bread and started spreading it with a sandwich spread. Then she put the egg on it. She


    then gave it to Helios and put the other one on her te.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Trinity was annoyed that Zach didn¡¯t answer right away. She got up, grabbed her te, and put it in


    the sink all at once.


    ¡°You can leave now if you¡¯re here to bother me and waste my time. I¡¯m going up to look for my


    daughter right now.¡±


    When Helios heard about Zoe¡¯s child, he stood up all of a sudden. ¡°Can I see her?¡±


    ¡°No! She¡¯s not awake. You might wake her.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be quiet, I promise,¡± he said.


    Zoe has to stop herself fromughing. Helios acts like a one-year-old who wants to see his littleUpstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    sister. She just turned away from him. ¡°Come with me.¡±


    They went upstairs and stopped in front of her room. She turned the doorknob, and as soon as she


    opened it, she rushed to her daughter¡¯s crib because she was already awake. The baby was sitting


    and holding a pacifier.


    Zoe didn¡¯t understand why her daughter slept for less time than usual.


    It looks like her daughter knew that her father wasing to visit.


    She picked up the child and took her with her. Her daughter looked in the direction of her father.


    He was holding the door open with his hand. He went inside and shut the door behind him.


    What¡¯s on his mind?


    People who see her child won¡¯t be able to tell who her father is because the child looks a lot like


    Zoe.


    She said, ¡°Hello, H,¡± and then walked toward where Helios was standing. When her daughter


    puts out her hand to the man, both of them are stunned for a moment.


    Helios doesn¡¯t know what to do, so Zoe gives him the baby, grabs his hand, and lets him hug her


    daughter. He then quickly fixed himself and carried H the right way.


    ¡°Dada!¡± the little girl said with a smile.


    Zoe was surprised for the third time, but she got over it right away. Her daughter keeps on


    mumbling ¡®dada.¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but she¡¯s still learning to talk, which is why she called you dada. She has never said that


    word before. I¡¯m really sorry,¡± she said to Helios, who seemed happy about what he heard.


    Helios smirked. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t she have called me that?¡± He then looked at his daughter. ¡°How do you


    like calling me, dada?¡± He asked the young girl, but she just said ¡°dada¡± in response.


    Zoe wanted to cry because she had a lot of feelings that she wanted to get out. Seeing her


    daughter in her dad¡¯s arms was a beautiful sight.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why are you crying?¡± Helios and her daughter moved closer. ¡°Did I say something


    wrong? I apologize. All I care about is that she calls me dada,¡± he said.


    She dabbed at her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal. Hmm¡­ I¡¯m about to go pee. Please look after her,¡± she


    said, ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± and ran into the bathroom.


    ¡®What are you doing, Zoe? Why are you crying?¡¯ She wondered.


    Before leaving the bathroom, Zoe washed her face. Her eyes got very big when she saw her


    daughter lying on Helios¡¯s chest. In contrast, he was leaning on her bed¡¯s headboard.


    How long did she stay in the bathroom?


    When they looked at each other, Helios smiled. Then her heart began to beat quickly. She thought


    to herself, ¡®Damn that smile!¡¯ She walked closer to them and was about to get her daughter when


    Helios stopped her.


    ¡°Let her be. She keeps yawning, so I patted her, and now she¡¯s sleeping.¡±


    ¡°I am so sorry. Do you feel good about it? Maybe you have somewhere to be, and H might get in


    the way.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I came here to see you, especially. And we need to talk.¡±


    It looks like the cat¡¯s tongue is out. She has no idea what to say back. but is able to build one. ¡°What


    about?¡± She sat on the edge of the bed andbed her daughter on the other side. When she saw


    that her daughter¡¯s mouth was wide open, it made her smile.


    He looked right at him.


    Even though Zoe had a baby, she still looked the same. In fact, she looks better and hotter now,


    even with her gray V-neck shirt and leggings. Even though her clothes were on, you could still see


    her curves. Her face looked better. She¡¯s still angelic, just like before.


    ¡°We have to talk about us,¡± he said.

 He Stayed For A While

    He Stayed For A While


    ONE DAY passed, and Helios was still in the Philippines.


    Zoe¡¯s mother told the man he could stay for at least a day. She might need his help because her


    mother, aunt, and friends are going on a trip. Zoe and her daughter will stay with Helios at home.


    Zoe¡¯s mother begged Helios to stay for a while after they got back if he could. He was on board, too.


    Zoe wants to pass out because of what her mom is doing. And her mother doesn¡¯t usually go on


    trips because she doesn¡¯t know much about PH. That¡¯s why it seems strange.


    Zoe was avoiding Helios because he wanted to talk to her about them. Whenever Helios brought up


    her life after the incident or her pregnancy, she always had a reason or an excuse. It looks like the


    man was trying to find out something.


    ¡°Mom, there¡¯s no need for you to do that. Just stick around. Don¡¯t bother other people with it. It


    sounds like you¡¯re asking bodyguards at a securitypany. Besides, if that was what you were


    worried about, I can handle it,¡± Zoe said.


    ¡°That was the end of the talk. He has said yes. We¡¯ll only be in Tagaytay for two days.¡± Her mother


    came up to her and said quietly, ¡°Be kind. Fix your misunderstandings. I wasn¡¯t born yesterday, so I


    should be able to tell that things are getting awkward between you two. Get up and talk to him,¡± she


    said, pinching the skin on her arm.


    ¡®Ouch! Damn!¡¯ She cursed to herself.


    ¡°Oh, son, you look good as a father,¡± her mother said to Helios, who was sitting and feeding H


    mashed potatoes.


    ¡°Really?¡± he asked.


    Zoe smacked her forehead because she was upset.


    Her mother can¡¯t stop making jokes and ns because Helios keeps riding on her mother¡¯s


    comments and jokes. It¡¯s strange that as soon as he has her daughter in his arms, he seems not to


    want to let go of her, just like her daughter. It looks like they¡¯re feeling the blood rush of their


    connection.


    H also seemed to enjoy biting her dad¡¯s cheeks on asion.


    Zoe liked watching what they were doing, but she couldn¡¯t show how she really felt, no matter how


    much she wanted to.


    ¡°Come on, Iris,¡± her aunt Millie said to her as she pulled her suitcase behind her.


    Her mother turned to face her. ¡°Remember what I¡¯ve said, sweetie. Don¡¯t be afraid to ask Helios for


    help if you can¡¯t deal with H¡¯s temper tantrums.¡±


    Zoe gave her mother a mean look. Her mom was correct. H sometimes has temper tantrums, but


    she is very good at handling them. Why did her mother say that it looks like she can¡¯t take care of


    her daughter? What kind of n is she making?


    ¡°Fine, mom. Get going. You could miss your trip, right?¡± She pushed her mother a little bit, which


    seems to be fun for her mother because it makes her look worse.


    Helios and her daughter make the most of the situation by acting cool. As Zoe walked by them, she


    saw the man¡¯s smile.


    ¡°Go, mom. Besides, wasn¡¯t Helios here? Don¡¯t worry,¡± she said in a sarcastic way.


    Her mom did nothing but shake her head. She kissed Zoe on the cheek and then walked away.


    When her daughter cried, she was about to follow her. She ran back quickly to the kitchen.


    Helios was holding her daughter and trying to make her feel better. He keeps stroking the back of


    his daughter.


    Zoe moved toward them. ¡°Hand her over. She said, ¡°Perhaps she doesn¡¯t want to eat and just


    wants to drink milk.¡±


    The child was then given to Zoe by Helios.


    He got up and pulled the chair toward Zoe so she could sit down.


    ¡°What was wrong with the baby?¡± Zoe asked sweetly. She held H in her arms, pulled up her shirt,


    and put her left index finger on the baby¡¯s mouth. And the baby sucked it up quickly. H cried


    because she really needed her mother¡¯s milk.


    Helios was surprised by what he saw, even though he had often seen the girl feed her baby since


    he visited PH.


    He was happy. ¡°She just finished eating, and now she¡¯s drinking milk again?¡±


    Zoe gave him her attention. ¡°Babies are like that. Even though they were eating food like we usually


    do, breastfeeding is still different. And H had been used to it from the start.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t things hard for you?¡±


    Zoe didn¡¯t immediately answer. Not because she doesn¡¯t know what to say, but because the man¡¯s


    voice sounds sincere and worried.


    In all honesty, she¡¯s having trouble too. Even more so when he held her daughter for the first time,


    but she was d that her mother, aunt, and even Cindy were there for her and her daughter.


    ¡°Of course not. I¡¯ve gotten used to it.¡± Then Trinity gave him an odd look.


    Zach sat down properly.


    She looked over at her sleeping daughter.


    She smiled. ¡°It seems like you were closer to my mom than I thought. I¡¯d like to know why you¡¯re


    here.¡±


    If this is when they¡¯re going to talk about them, so be it.


    ¡°Put H on her bed first, and then we¡¯ll talk,¡± he said.


    She said ¡°yes¡± and got up to put her baby in the crib in her daughter¡¯s room upstairs. Then Helios


    went after them.


    When she finally got her daughter to sleep, Helios began to talk.


    ¡°Where would you like to talk? Here or outside?¡±


    ¡°Here? Outside? Be specific,¡± she gave a sarcastic answer.


    Helios chuckled. ¡°I mean, in your room or on your balcony?¡±


    ¡°There, you need to make yourself clear.¡± She can¡¯t figure out why she was mad again. ¡°Let¡¯s just


    talk here.¡±


    Helios looked at H all of a sudden. ¡°Won¡¯t she wake up?¡±


    ¡°No. Just start talking.¡±


    He then sat down on the wooden chair that was on her vanity table. ¡°Zoe... I¡¯m sorry...¡±This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

 Cleaning Up His Mess

    Cleaning Up His Mess


    ¡°I apologize. I know that words can¡¯t describe everything. But I do all of these things for you and for


    our daughter. You can call me whatever you want: jerk, coward, whatever. But please, all I¡¯ve ever


    wanted is to be with you. I know I shouldn¡¯t hide things, but things are getting hard. I don¡¯t want you


    and H to get in the middle of my battle.¡±


    What he said took Zoe by surprise. She isn¡¯t ready for it. She is at a loss for words.


    She chuckled.


    No. Not this time. She thought that she was ready. But she¡¯s not. She thought it was easy. And she


    wasn¡¯t sure that Helios would tell everyone everything.


    The man seemed different. His face turned dark, and he made a fist.


    Zoe gave a head shake. She was so sad that she was about to cry. ¡°Please leave,¡± she begged.


    ¡°My life with my daughter makes me happy and content. M-Maybe you forget that y-you are a


    dangerous person. If...if your organization knew this. That¡­¡± her eyes started to well up with tears.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to get in trouble with my daughter.¡± She wept. ¡°Please don¡¯te near us.¡±


    He felt sorry for Zoe when he saw her crying. He went up to her. He put his hand on her chin and


    looked up. They saw each other. He could see the pain she had been trying to hide.


    ¡°Please... talk to me again. I¡¯m not married to Chloe. Our wedding is a sham. I promise to look out


    for you.¡±


    Zoe gave a head shake. Even though what he said is worth remembering. She can¡¯t change the


    fact that he works for the mafia, which is a risky group from which the only way out is to die. She


    told him, ¡°You can¡¯t be a father to my daughter,¡± and pushed him away.


    She wants to cry out loud, but her daughter is sleeping.


    Then Helios gave her a tight hug. He begged, ¡°Please...¡±


    Because of what she heard, Zoe cried even more.


    ¡°Please don¡¯te near us, Helios,¡± she said through clenched teeth as Helios continued to hug


    her andfort her. And Zoe is trying hard to get away from Helios¡¯s hold.


    She fell down and sobbed a lot.


    Helios was still there, wrapping Zoe¡¯s body in his broad arms. Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°Please, stop making me mad. Please don¡¯te near us. I¡¯m fine without you. ¡°Helios, we don¡¯t


    have a real rtionship,¡± she said. It hurt, but it was the truth, and it was the only way she knew to


    let go of the pain from their past.


    Helios¡¯s left eye shed a tear. When he heard Zoe¡¯sst words, he felt a pain in his chest. He has


    always been afraid of being turned down. Since then, he has never tried to love anyone else. That


    he was scared to say how he really felt. Because he was scared of being turned down. With his


    work, he can quickly get by, but being turned down by the person you love, he can¡¯t take it.


    He has always gotten what he wants all his life. If what Helios wants, Helios gets. All he has ever


    been through is that. Not until a girl named Zoe made him fall in love. And things went wrong in his


    life.


    So this is how people feel when they find out they have a terrible fate? They were in terrible pain.


    Their bad choices are hurting them. Why can¡¯t they just be happy? Do they have to fight for what


    they really want?


    Then, it¡¯s true that you don¡¯t always get what you want. You have to work hard to get there. Before


    you can be happy, you have to go through all the pain.


    They might not be meant to be together right now. It could have all been a dream. A dream that


    won¡¯te true. But this is just a short time that they can spend together; this is just a passing


    moment.


    The person she loved just gave her a chance to be with her.


    ¡°Okay. Okay. Please just stop crying. Your mom is out of town, so you and your daughter are alone.


    Just let me stay here until theye back. I promise that I won¡¯t be a bother. Just... just be the way


    you used to be with me. He asked, ¡°Or do you want me to call Cindy?¡± He moved away from her so


    that he could look into her eyes.


    Zoe wiped her tears away and then looked at him. ¡°No. I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m fine with H. You can go,¡± she


    told him as she stood up. Even though they¡¯re only a few blocks away, she doesn¡¯t want to bother


    Cindy with her personal problem.


    She straightened out her wrinkly dress. She turned away from him and walked toward her daughter.


    H Selene was soundly asleep.


    This was how Helios looked at her. He hoped that things wouldn¡¯t be so hard.


    ¡°I love you,¡± he told her before turning his back on her and walking toward the door. If leaving now


    was one step toward winning Zoe¡¯s heart again, he would do it.


    Maybe he should first clean up the mess he made with the organization and his father.

 Old Enough

    Old Enough


    ¡°HELLO?¡±


    ¡°Sir, we saw Bill on the outskirts.¡±


    ¡°What is he doing there?¡± he wondered.


    ¡°He¡¯s inside his car, looking through a binocr.¡±


    Helios averted his gaze. ¡°Who is his intended victim?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s got his eye on Zoe¡¯s house, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Secure the area,¡± Helios said, gripping the steering wheel tightly. ¡°Call me right away if he does


    anything bad,¡± he said.


    ¡°Roger that.¡±


    What does Chloe¡¯s brother do in ce of Zoe?


    Bill appears to have distanced himself from Helios over thest month. As well as Grant and


    Gunner. And he has a feeling Bill is going to start a fight between them.


    He hopes Bill has no intention of betraying him. Because of his marriage to his sister, his group is


    already considered an ally. But he doubts Bill will discover his phony marriage.


    As a result, they must coborate to strengthen the mafia¡¯s foundation. However, it is not impossible


    that there could be a traitor in the group.


    Helios would not hesitate to kill Bill if he discovered that he was involved in everything that was


    happening to him.


    ¡­


    CINDY QUICKLY snatched Zoe¡¯s bottle of water. ¡°If you continue to give your daughter water


    instead of milk, she will get diarrhea. Where¡¯s your mind, Zoe?¡±


    Helios called Cindy when Zoe continued to push him away because Cindy was closer to Zoe¡¯s


    house.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what¡¯s going on between you and Helios. Consider this: the man begged me toe


    here and keep an eye on you because you¡¯re driving him away.


    Zoe is still speechless. Then, all of a sudden, tears welled up in her eyes.


    ¡°Hand me first, . You might lose your grip on her if you¡¯re like that,¡± Cindy said as she took the


    child from Zoe¡¯s arms and carried her.


    Cindy was thankful for the child¡¯s kindness.


    They had entered Zoe¡¯s room. She doesn¡¯t want to go downstairs because of the thoughts that are


    running through her head.


    Cindy has no idea why Zoe has been acting strangely since she arrived. But she was certain of one


    thing: it was a heart problem.


    ¡°Zoe, tell me the truth. Do you genuinely love Helios?¡± Cindy inquired. She notices that Zoe appears


    to have stronger feelings for Helios, and she wants to confirm her suspicions.


    Zoe stares into nothingness. She¡¯s sobbing now.


    ¡°You will suffer if you do not let go of the pain. That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying.¡± Cindy took a look at the child.


    ¡°What¡¯s your mother¡¯s problem, baby?¡± she inquired. H burst outughing. H reached for


    Cindy¡¯s hair and began to y with it. ¡°Ouch!¡± she eximed as the young girl abruptly yanked her


    hair.


    ¡°What happens now, Zoe? Are you going to talk all day or cry all day?¡±


    Zoe didn¡¯t say anything but faked augh, and she appeared to be okay.


    ¡°You¡¯re going insane,¡± Cindy said.


    ¡°H-Helios,¡± she sniffed, ¡°his marriage was a sham, Cindy...¡± she turned to face her friend. ¡°I¡­ I


    pushed him away. I don¡¯t... I¡¯m not sure what got into me.¡± She sobbed louder, causing her daughter


    to stop what she was doing and look at her. ¡°Fear came before me,¡± she said, covering her face


    with her palms.


    Cindy ced H in her crib and gave the child her toys before approaching Zoe.


    Cindy embraced Zoe and stroked her back. ¡°I understand you.¡± She let go of Zoe and looked at her.


    ¡°Even if you won¡¯t tell me how you truly feel, Zoe, I know. I know how much you love Helios. If you


    were meant to be together, destiny would arrange for you to be together again. Yes, your


    rtionship with him is shaky, but he adores you. I used to despise him, but now I see all of his


    sacrifices. I believe you should give him a chance. Believe in the process. For the time being, you


    may be affected by it; consider your daughter. The longer you allow yourself to be stuck in pain, the


    more your daughter will suffer as a result of what you¡¯re doing. So, please, cheer up.¡±


    Zoe¡¯s head shook. ¡°I kicked him out, Cindy. I said things that were inappropriate to him. Can you


    me me? I¡¯m simply terrified. If only things weren¡¯t soplicated...¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the difficult part. But you must have faith in him. I despise Helios, but what can I do? H


    requires a father figure. And you imed their marriage was a forgery... So you don¡¯t have to be


    concerned.¡±


    Zoe was speechless and wiped away her tears.


    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s also a right time for you and Helios. You¡¯re both making me nervous. Be cheerful and


    take good care of your lovely daughter.¡±


    Zoe wiped her tears away once more. She nodded and smiled briefly.


    ¡°Can you please rx? I¡¯m only here to help you. So... feed your daughter already. Just go back to


    Manhattan to fix your problem with Helios. You were both old enough to keep things straight,¡± Cindy


    said as she exited the room.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

 No One Can Mess With Helios

    No One Can Mess With Helios


    ¡°FIRE!¡±


    When Helios received the signal, he fired the 45 Caliber pistol he was holding until it ran out of


    ammo, and the target paper was hit only once¡ªin the center.


    Grant walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder. ¡°You haven¡¯t changed. You remain the


    best.¡±


    Helios let go of the gun and set it on the table. ¡°Where¡¯s Gunner?¡± he inquired, looking at Grant.


    ¡°He¡¯s on his way. He just came by and got what you asked for,¡± Grant exined.


    Helios nodded and began to leave the shooting range. He handed over a card to an employee who


    passed by.


    ¡°Call Gun and inform him that we will meet in the hideout. How about Bill? Will he be there?¡± He


    inquired of Grant, who was following him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. He is not returning my calls. Why don¡¯t you call him instead?¡±


    Helios walked again, reaching for the card returned by the employee, and Grant kept up with him.


    ¡°He¡¯s not returning my calls either,¡± Helios said.


    ¡°I¡¯m concerned and perplexed by Bill¡¯s recent actions. Amanda was also in the country. She¡¯s Bill¡¯s


    girlfriend, isn¡¯t she?¡±


    Helios sighed and shrugged. Despite knowing everything, he chooses to remain silent. He stillcks


    sufficient evidence.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. That Amanda... She dates and sleeps with random men. She even drugged me and


    did some shit on me without my permission. I¡¯m not sure what¡¯s gotten into her. However, rumor has


    it that she has issues with her other own. She¡¯s an outcast, and her family expelled her.¡±


    Helios has a problem with Amanda, Bill¡¯s rumored girlfriend, in addition to Chloe. Fortunately, Chloe


    is out of the country for a month for her model fashion show in Paris.


    Grantughed. ¡°You knew way too much, dude, hmm...¡±


    ¡°Only a few things. Anyway, do you know who¡¯s against us? Especially to me?¡± Helios inquired.


    A random ck car fired at him as he returned from PH. Fortunately, Ambrose was present, as was


    Cliff, the traitor.


    Helios was curious as to what Ambrose had done to that traitor. Why are they suddenly getting back


    together?


    Grant tries to figure things out but shakes his head. ¡°About it, I just thought it was odd, dude. Every


    time you conduct an investigation, it appears that someone is sabotaging it, and all of the findings


    point to a single suspect, which brings us to our previous adversary, the Hombre n. Which is


    somewhat dubious given that we have already eliminated the root of that organization.¡± Grant shook


    his head again and made a sound with his mouth.


    Helios came to a halt. ¡°All you have to do is do what I¡¯m asking you to do. This is my battle. I don¡¯t


    want you to get involved with it as much as possible.¡±


    ¡°Dude, whether you like it or not, we¡¯re already in it. Whatever happens, we will always be there for


    you. Your battle was also our battle. But, even with me, I advise you not to reveal your ns just


    yet.¡± Grant approached him and whispered in his ear. ¡°Because I believe there is a traitor among


    us,¡± he exined as he moved away from him. He tapped Helios on the shoulder. ¡°All right, my dear


    cousin, I¡¯ll see you around.¡±


    Helios nodded. He hopped into his car after opening the door. Grant will not warn him because he


    knows what he is doing. He does not simply believe what he knows and sees; everything must be


    thoroughly examined. But his cousin was correct; there appeared to be a traitor among them.


    Whoever it is, he will make certain that the asshole has a long death wish. But killing quickly wasn¡¯t


    Helios¡¯ strong suit. He prefers slow and brutal killing; the slower the killing, the more painful it is.


    That¡¯s what happens when people mess with Orion Helios Lincoln.


    The desire to kill was hidden within him, but the beast would kill without mercy once awakened.


    ¡­


    INSIDE Three animals were having a party in a room. A man sucking Amanda¡¯s tips like a hungry


    dog, and another man licking her wetness as she moaned louder.


    Amanda appears to be going insane, and she has lost her sense of what is right and wrong. The


    only thing thates to mind is her pleasure when she hears the word s-x. Despite being


    threatened, she continues to pursue her own happiness.


    She considered asking for assistance, but fear stopped her. As a result, she chooses to remain


    silent and do what she wants to do.


    She groaned as the man¡¯s finger continued to push on her jewel while the other man continued to


    massage and suck her piles.


    They were in that state when the door was abruptly mmed.


    Amanda then pushed the man on her top in the face and kicked him in the bottom.


    ¡°You fucking slut!¡± yelled the man who had just arrived. And he undoubtedly shoots the two men.


    And now they were naked on the floor, bathed in their own blood.


    The enraged man then approached Amanda. She then took a step back until she was stuck against


    the cold wall. She had just closed her eyes when a strong and hard pnded on her left cheek.


    She screamed as the man pped her repeatedly until she was on the floor.


    ¡°How often do I have to tell you to stop flirting and do what I told you?¡± he eximed. Because of


    his rage toward Amanda, the veins on his neck were visible.


    Amanda did not respond and remained crying in her seat.


    ¡°If you do not follow me from now on, I will put your son and you in danger.¡±


    Nheless, she remained silent. She was simply sobbing. The gunman approached Amanda and


    pulled her hair. Because of the man¡¯s tight grip, she screamed.


    Amanda¡¯s piles were trampled by the man¡¯s hand. He squeezed it tightly, making the girl cry even


    harder.


    ¡°Is this what you¡¯re looking for? How about this? Huh?!¡± He yelled.


    He forced Amanda to open her legs for him, but she wiggled. The man stripped naked and ced


    his Gun on the table. He then leaned in close to her.


    He began to kiss the girl roughly. His other hand slid down to her core, crumpling her folds.


    Amanda screamed in agony.


    ¡°Stop...¡± she pleaded weakly, but the man continued his journey into the woman¡¯s nakedness.


    The guy remained deaf and began sipping her crown. While sucking her left tip, his other hands


    massage her left pile.


    Amanda curved her back. Her body couldn¡¯t help but like what the man was doing, but her mind


    was against it. The man¡¯s violent im made without her permission was illegal. But if she speaksN?velDrama.Org content.


    about it, she will be immediately buried in a deep pit. That¡¯s why she can¡¯t help but surrender her


    body and soul to the demon. And this was not the first time the man had violently taken her.

 Needs To Play Hard-To-Get

    Needs To y Hard-To-Get


    ZOE has spent all day fixing things. In a few days, they will leave PH. She doesn¡¯t want to go back


    home, but her friend and her mother have told her more than once that she should¡ªtime to deal


    with her problem. Helios was giving her trouble. And she wondered if she should give them a


    chance.


    But Helios will have to work hard to win her heart back. She still needs to be tamed, even if they


    already have a child. When she goes through with her ns, she can¡¯t have a weak heart.


    ¡°Everything all right?¡± Cindy spoke up. She has her arms crossed and is leaning against the door.


    Zo looked up and nodded. She got up and turned to her sleeping daughter.


    ¡°Is she asleep again? She was just ying a minute ago,¡± Cindy said. She went in atst and sat


    down on the bed.


    Zoe is very thankful to Cindy because, ever since Helios left, Cindy has never left her. Even though


    she likes to tease her, she was d always to have her on her side. Zoe will be a better person


    because of all herforts.


    ¡°Babies were greedy for sleep. You won¡¯t know about that until you and Calyx make it for


    yourselves.¡±


    Cindy took the pillow that was next to her and threw it at her. ¡°Heh! I won¡¯t let that man make me


    pregnant. Never,¡± was her answer.


    Zoe doesn¡¯t understand why Cindy seems to dislike the guy so much. But she knew that he was her


    first and even second¡­ and so on. She didn¡¯t know anything else about them.


    She gets it if Cindy doesn¡¯t want to talk about it, just like she does. They were identical. They still


    hide things from each other, but they need to be close.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just get pregnant¡ªI mean, find a boyfriend¡ªwhen you and Helios get married,¡± she said with a


    yful smile.


    Zoe gave a smile and a nod. ¡°Okay, you just have to wait,¡± she said with a tone of humor in her


    voice.


    Cindy said, ¡°Come here.¡± She tapped the side of the bed and motioned for Zoe to join her. ¡°Listen,


    Zoe; you need to be a bit colder with Helios. Don¡¯t be too easy to hurt. I¡¯m afraid that once you seeThis belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    his long, beautiful shaft, you¡¯ll just open your legs and let him in¡ª¡±


    Cindy was talking badly again, so Zoe smacked her on the head. ¡°I knew that already. I don¡¯t need


    to be reminded. Also, you were the one who told me to make peace with him.¡±


    Cindyughed. ¡°I don¡¯t know, and I¡¯m not sure if you knew about it. ¡°Even more so now that daddy


    Helios looked more handsome and bigger than he did before,¡± she said as she pulled out her


    phone.


    Zoe¡¯s eyes got big when she saw Cindy¡¯s picture on the phone¡¯s background.


    ¡°Where did you get that from?¡±


    Cindyughed. ¡°Look at those biceps, those shining abs, and those mysterious eyes. His jaw. That


    is enough to make any girl drool. You¡¯re lucky, you fucked-up vegetable because this man loves


    you.¡± She pointed to the phone¡¯s disy.


    They are looking at the picture of Helios that shows him half-naked. He seems like a model. He is


    actually a model in that picture.


    Zoe wants to know how Cindy got it.


    She grabbed Cindy¡¯s phone and asked, ¡°Where did you get this?¡±


    ¡°Secret,¡± Cindy said with a smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m warning you. I won¡¯t let you be the godmother of my child?¡± Zoe made a threat.


    ¡°Fine. I got the pic from Pinterest. Okay? Happy?¡±


    Zoe looked sad. ¡°Why does he have photos on Pinterest?¡±


    Cindy¡¯s eyes rolled. ¡°Well, duh, it was in the magazine¡ªthe issue of NYC Magazine that is about


    the hottest billionaires. And you have no idea about it. Since then, you don¡¯t care about it, right?


    You¡¯re no longer interested in it. So, don¡¯t ask any questions, and how dare you threaten me?¡± She


    answered with a deep sigh.


    ¡°Is asking a bad thing? What if you both like him?¡±


    Cindy got to her feet and put her hands on her hips. ¡°Excuse me¡ª¡±


    ¡°Alright, you may pass.¡±


    ¡°Bitch. First, let me finish what I¡¯m saying. Only you own Helios. Even though I¡¯m a woman, I still


    respect people like your Helios. I also really like his abs. But, and this is a big but, I never liked him


    or even thought about it. I don¡¯t like him, okay? He belongs to you. If you give me back my phone,


    I¡¯ll delete it.¡±


    ¡°Alright. In any case, you¡¯ve got Calyx.¡±


    ¡°Heh!¡± Cindy huffed and turned to leave.


    Guilty.


    I love you.


    I love you.


    I love you.


    Zoe felt pain when Helios¡¯s voice came back to her again.


    This is why she decided to go back to Manhattan. She didn¡¯t want to make things hard for him


    either. But just because she¡¯s going home doesn¡¯t mean she¡¯ll give up so soon. As nned, she


    needs to act colder and make Helios work harder to win her back if he really loves her. She will


    never have another weak heart.

 Back in Cali or NY

    Back in Cali or NY


    ¡°MOMMY, won¡¯t Grant pick us up here?¡± Zoe asked as they were putting their things away. While


    Cindy held her baby and fed her, the baby cried. Her mom just sat on the couch and watched her.


    ¡°Not anymore. He said he would just wait for us at the airport. ¡°Then he¡¯ll take us home,¡± her mom


    said.


    ¡°Look at how the wrong Grant timed it. We need him now, but he¡¯s noting. Even though I didn¡¯t


    want to see him, he couldn¡¯t wait to get here.¡± Zoe put herst suitcase on top of her brown one.


    She told her mom, ¡°I¡¯m going straight home to our old apartment.¡±


    Her mother looked at her and raised her left eyebrow. It looked like she didn¡¯t want to hear what her


    daughter had told her. She asked, ¡°Who will take care of your child then? Won¡¯t that put you both in


    danger?¡±


    Zoe moved toward Cindy¡¯s house. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s into me. I¡¯m not going to work yet anyway,¡± she said.


    ¡°Hey, witch, for now, just stay in California. Next month, I¡¯ll be busy, and I¡¯m sure the twins are still


    busy with their business. They are responsible for a lot. No one will be with you,¡± Cindy told her.


    ¡°I can handle my daughter,¡± Zoe said.


    ¡°Honey, it would be better if we all stayed at your aunt¡¯s apartment. You have us locked up. If you


    want, we could hire a maid for your daughter if you want to,¡± her mother said.


    Zoe let out a big sigh. Mom and her best friend were right. She knew it wasn¡¯t easy to take care of


    H since she was getting bigger every day. She was also a first-time mother. Even though she¡¯s


    been taking care of H Selene since she was born, it¡¯s hard for her to do both parenting and


    housework at the same time. She knows that, too. She just thought it would be easy, but her mind


    and body were telling her different things.


    H was a very active little girl. She is different from the other baby in that she doesn¡¯t cry when


    you give her food or a toy. Instead, she stays quiet in the corner. H, you can¡¯t get her to do what


    you want with anything but her mother¡¯s breast. She gets what she wants. That¡¯s how hard the baby


    is to please. But it¡¯s fun to take care of her smart daughter, so it¡¯s nice to do that. You can always tell


    when a baby is smart, and H is already smart at such a young age.


    Zoe did a great job of raising her daughter. She hopes that she will always be healthy.


    ¡°Baby,e to mom.¡± Her daughter, who had just finished eating, was in her arms. ¡°Alright. We are


    the only family there, after all. But don¡¯t worry about getting a babysitter for H, mom. I¡¯m good


    with my daughter.¡± At least, she thought, I¡¯ll try. And as a mother, it¡¯s her job to do so. She really


    cared about it.


    ¡°Okay, but it would be easier if she had her own maid. Or I¡¯ll just ask Helios toe over?¡±


    Zoe¡¯s eyes got bigger. ¡°Mom, you know that¡¯s not a funny joke. You¡¯re giving him too much trouble


    with the way you do things.¡±


    ¡°What? Nothing is wrong with Helios. Sweetheart, the problem is only with you. Because you¡¯re not


    paying attention to him and making him leave,¡± her mother told her.


    Zoe just rolled her eyeballs. She knew there was nothing she could hide from her mother. Her


    mother was like an all-knowing psychic. Her mother had a good sense of what was going on and


    knew what had happened. With the way Cindy talks, she might get the information from her. There


    is no question about that.


    ¡°Where¡¯s aunt Millie, mom?¡±


    ¡°Whoa, she¡¯s switching the subject. Hmm¡­¡± Cindy made fun of her as she washed the te and


    spoon that her daughter had used.


    Zoe just wanted to know where her aunt was. Where¡¯s the problem?


    ¡°Let¡¯s change it. Anyway, when did our flight leave? Did you take a flight with a stopover, Cindy?¡±


    Zoe asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s eight o¡¯clock at night. We should get on the ne two or three hours before takeoff. And the


    time is already 5 o¡¯clock. Grant has already solved all the problems. Maybe you should take a bath


    and move more quickly?¡±


    ¡°Connecting flight?¡±


    ¡°Of course not. It¡¯s direct, okay? So, let me carry your daughter while you take a shower and put on


    clothes. Time is running out, Zoe,¡± Cindy said.


    Then Zoe did what Cindy had just said.


    When her friends picked her up, H was a good girl. And she has no problem with that at all. But if


    H wants something and you don¡¯t give it to her, she will throw a fit, which is not easy to deal with.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    She was still young, but she already liked to be in charge.


    If things weren¡¯t soplicated between her and Helios, he might have helped her raise their


    daughter.


    But now, she was holding on to the fact that Helios had told her he loved her. Then there¡¯s a chance


    that her daughter¡¯s family will be whole. They¡¯ll have to deal with it. To get together again.

 Overcome

    Ovee


    ¡°HEY, dude, are you busy?¡±


    Helios stopped slicing his beefsteak and looked at Grant. ¡°Why?¡±


    Grant frowned when he heard that Helios¡¯s voice was cold. He can¡¯t me him or make him do


    what he wants because Helios isn¡¯t used to being in that kind of situation.


    ¡°Today, Zoe is going home, but I have a meeting. If you don¡¯t mind, can you pick them up at the


    airport, if that¡¯s possible?¡±


    Helios set down the fork and spoon he was holding with care. ¡°Alright. What time will they arrive?¡±


    he asked.


    Grant then looked at the watch on his wrist. ¡°Just wait until I call or text you. Still, Cindy hasn¡¯t


    replied to any of my messages,¡± he said.


    So, he said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll just wait,¡± and he kept cutting his steak.


    Grant nodded and smiled thoughtfully, but Helios didn¡¯t seem to notice.


    Helios had an idea all of a sudden. So, Grant asked him toe over because he wanted to ask


    him for a favor. Well, he will do it right away if Grant just tells him straight out. He doesn¡¯t have to


    buy him a meal because he did him a favor.


    But Helios didn¡¯t care about Grant¡¯s clear n and just jumped on board.


    He will also gain from the favor.


    He¡¯s not interested in dating, but he¡¯ll do his best to give Zoe what she really wants. If Helios¡¯s


    mother was still alive, she might tell him how to approach a girl. But God took her mother¡¯s life away


    from her too soon. And he was left alone with his horrible father... in the dark, trying to get away


    from that nightmare. It¡¯s good that Zoe seems to have saved his life. He has friends, but he has


    trouble putting his trust in them. They may have been friends for a long time, but the trust has to be


    earned over time.


    Even though he has a lot of money, his family wants him to leave. His mother¡¯s rtives said that


    the properties and businesses she set up cost a lot of money. But those properties are named after


    him, and he can¡¯t sell them to anyone else.


    His father used to take care of everything, but now that he thinks he¡¯s married, the old man has


    already put everything in his name.


    Helios came from a strange family, so he won¡¯t be surprised that everything he gets is safe. His


    father used to be a Mafia boss, but Helios has already taken his ce.


    ¡­


    Grant called Helios at 1 o¡¯clock in the afternoon.


    Zoe was already at the airport, Grant told him. But Helios already knew about it because he was at


    the airport when it happened. When his staff in New York told him when Zoe got on the ne, he


    went to the Los Angeles International Airport ahead of time (LAX). He was an hour early, but that


    didn¡¯t matter because he needed to check out the area first. He needs to know that the love of his


    life won¡¯t get hurt. He doesn¡¯t know when his enemy will put their n into action, so he has to be


    ready at any time.


    Security must be very tight.


    Helios was holding a piece of cardboard with a picture of the Levine Family on it. He stood at the


    entrance to the terminal so they could see him easily.


    He might be happy and want to kiss and hug the girl if he were just an average person, but he knew


    that the girl didn¡¯t want him. So, he will just try to hold back his excitement.


    He didn¡¯t have to wait long before he saw theming.


    Cindy, Zoe¡¯s friend, waved as they got close to his house.


    When Helios saw what Zoe was holding, he gave her a smile. The child was so cute. She looks just


    like her mother. The little girl had her pacifier in her hand and was trying to put it in her mother¡¯s


    mouth.


    Cute.


    Cindy hesitated because Helios didn¡¯t even notice that she was there.


    Helios didn¡¯t tell Zoe that he was looking her way. He¡¯s wearing sunsses, which is a good thing.


    ¡°Hi. I was tasked to pick you up,¡± he said.


    Cindyughed. ¡°I adore Grant now, Auntie Iris,¡± she said to Zoe¡¯s mother. ¡°Do you see, he knows


    about this? Okay, Mr. Lincoln, show us the way to your car,¡± she said in a clever way.


    The girl was then hit on the shoulder by Zoe. Cindy is acting again like a child. And she¡¯s already


    making fun of them.


    He turned around and showed me where his car was.


    When Zoe saw Helios, however, her chest shook.


    ¡®Alright, she¡¯s messing with her mind again. She thought that when they met, she would be fine. She


    was taken aback. She only knew that Grant would pick them up, but it turned out to be Helios.¡¯


    She will show that the man¡¯s presence no longer has any effect on her. Who does she lie to?


    Herself?


    She knew it would be hard to say she didn¡¯t feel anything because she was so in love with the man


    in the first ce.


    Like Helios¡¯s simple gestures¡ªsweet gestures make her heart beat faster.


    ¡®Damn feelings. Will I be vulnerable again?¡¯ She wondered.


    She just gave her daughter a kiss and shook her head to calm down.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

 Fools

    Fools


    ZOE had been back in California for two days at this point. And because the country has a cold


    climate. Her daughter got sick and had a cold and a fever.


    And Helios is always going there to see them. The man makes sure that the people in her aunt


    Millie¡¯s apartment are safe.


    Now, he was back there. He is taking care of their daughter while her mother takes a bath. But he


    doesn¡¯t have Zoe¡¯s permission. He saw Iris carrying the little girl and decided to help look for her on


    his own. And the old woman let him because Mrs. Levine and her friend were working on


    something.


    He is happy every time he gets close to the little girl while he is carrying her. He found it hard to stay


    away from them, but he knew that everything has its time. Now, even Zoe will dislike him because


    of what he does for a living. He will treat his daughter like a king treats his princess.


    When Zoe came down, the little girl was sleeping on Helios¡¯ chest. When she saw what she saw,


    her eyes grew wide, and she quickly climbed down to get to where they were.


    ¡°Where is my mother?¡± Then, she holds her daughter away from Helios¡¯s chest in a gentle way.


    She swayed her daughter to let her still sleep while her attention was on Helios.


    Helios sits up straight after that. ¡°I came here because of you two, in fact.¡±


    Zoe looked at him strangely.


    ¡°The kid still has a fever. I think we should take her to the doctor. I know someone,¡± said Helios.


    ¡°Both the cool fever patches and the medicine work well. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    He rose to his feet. ¡°I insist.¡±


    ¡°No. There¡¯s no need to go to the hospital. It¡¯s really fine.¡±


    Then Helios took something out of his pocket. ¡°Fine.¡± He turned his back on her and said, ¡°I¡¯ll just


    call the doctor toe over.¡±


    Zoe let out a big sigh. Is she too talkative, which makes him mad?


    But Helios is taking it too far. Their daughter was still getting used to the weather here because it


    was so different from the weather in PH. And it¡¯s normal for babies and young kids to do so.


    She shook her head and went upstairs to put her child down on her bed. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Zoeid her daughter down and then put a pillow on each side of her. When she was sure that the


    child was safe, she walked to her room¡¯s balcony.


    She was confused about why they had so many bodyguards. She knew when the number went up,


    and she knew that her dad had hired twice as many people as usual.


    Howe?


    When she saw Helios walking toward the other side of the street, her eyes narrowed. A man was


    with him.


    ¡°Is he the doctor he tried to reach?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°CUT THE crap, Ali. ¡°I just want to know where he is,¡± said an angry Helios.


    ¡°Patience, dude. I just want to tell a story.¡±


    ¡°I want things that get to the point quickly.¡±


    ¡°Ok, dude. What¡¯s the big deal? You¡¯ve been dry for a long time. It¡¯s clear. Why don¡¯t you just go


    through, you know? The seducing thing.¡±


    He stopped moving and turned to face Ali. ¡°Are you serious, or I¡¯ll blow your mind right now?¡±


    Ali put up both hands to show that he was giving up. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare do it if I were you. Do you want


    her to see you killing a man? She¡¯s eyeing us, dude. Six o¡¯clock.¡±


    He didn¡¯t say anything and kept walking.


    ¡°My source tells me that Bill is living in a condo. He has a child with him. The child was at least two


    years old.¡±


    ¡°Location?¡±


    ¡°Beverly Street. The boy is Amanda''s child.¡±


    Helios stopped walking again, but this time he stopped behind the maple tree so Zoe wouldn¡¯t see


    him.


    ¡°Amanda¡¯s son? From whom?¡±


    ¡°Bill. But the guy isn¡¯t aware of it. He keeps saying that you are the child¡¯s father.¡±


    ¡°Me? No way!¡± He said something.


    ¡°Chill, dude. It isn¡¯t you. It¡¯s Bill.¡±


    ¡°How did you know everything that happened?¡±


    ¡°Someone told me,¡± Ali replied, smirking.


    The top of Helios¡¯s head wrinkled. ¡°Someone?¡±


    Alexis tapped the left shoulder of Helios. ¡°My source is helping us out.¡±


    ¡°She? Are you sure that the person you¡¯re talking to won¡¯t betray us?¡±


    Ali answered, ¡°Let¡¯s just say that she wants to get out of the lion¡¯s den,¡± and then he walked away.


    As Helios watched Ali walk away, the corner of his mouth turned up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother the monster inside of me. You¡¯re trying to trick me, huh? Fools,¡± he whispered.


    ¡­


    A MAN walks into a room. He saw a woman putting on clothes. And the woman looks like she¡¯s


    ready for it.


    ¡°Did you do what I asked you to do?¡±


    ¡°Yes. And he seems to believe it.¡±


    The man gave a smile. ¡°Good. And it¡¯s great that everything is going as nned. If you obey me,


    we¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t choose. You have my kid with you. I¡¯ll do your ns.¡± She begged, ¡°Just... just don¡¯t hurt my


    son.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you. The next thing you¡¯ll do is introduce them to your son.¡±


    ¡°What happened to Chloe?¡±


    ¡°Please ignore my sister. She went on with her life and already knew that Helios didn¡¯t love her.


    Anyway, like you, she has a son from another guy, and I think they¡¯re getting back together. She¡¯s


    there.¡±


    The woman nodded.


    He got up and walked toward the woman. His eyes wandered over her stack.


    ¡°You¡¯re still gorgeous as ever, sweetie. Even if you have a child already.¡±


    The man¡¯s lips were wet. He seems like a hungry wolf who is ready to eat his prey. He moved


    toward her as she moved backward to get away from him.


    ¡°Are you frightened? It seems like you¡¯ve wanted to hang out with two other people recently.


    Hmm¡­¡±


    ¡°I have to go somece. Can¡¯t you just do what you want to do tomorrow or the other day?¡±


    Heughed like he was a demon or something. ¡°Seriously?¡± As he got closer to the woman, he


    grabbed her arm tightly.


    The woman did nothing, and the man just took her. And let him treat her however he wants.


    Because she knew there was nothing she could do about it. She could only cry after it happened.

 Coming Over

    Coming Over


    ¡°YOU KNOW? I don¡¯t know why youe here every day. Did you want to work as a waiter at our


    caf¨¦ or as a bodyguard to keep an eye on us?¡± Zoe asked Helios.


    When she went downstairs early in the morning, she saw Helios again in their living room. So, she


    had to ask the man why he had to be there all the time.


    ¡°Good morning to you, my sunshine. And of course, to this beautiful young angel,¡± he added as he


    kissed H Selene on the cheek. She is currently holding her daughter. The little girl then reached


    out her arms to Helios. It looks like she wants him to carry her.


    Helios didn¡¯t want to let the little girl down, so he reached out and picked her up in his big arms.


    Zoe thought, ¡°Sunshine, my foot.¡± But deep inside, she was ttered by it.


    Zoe doesn¡¯t want to give him her daughter, but she realizes that the little girl also needs her father¡¯s


    care. Even though she won¡¯t admit it yet, it looks like fate is bringing them together.


    ¡°Can... can I carry her for a little while? You can keep up with some of your habits if you want to.¡±


    ¡°S-Sure. Thanks. I¡¯ll be right back,¡± she answered.


    ¡°Take your time.¡±


    Zoe gave her daughter to her father after that.


    Father?


    That sounds like a great idea.


    The left side of her brain said, ¡°Because it was.¡±


    She went up to her room to take a bath and get ready. So, she ns to go grocery shopping today.


    Her mom and aunt were actually on a trip.


    Yes, they are traveling again.


    She and her daughter were left with the servants and their bodyguards.


    She came to the conclusion that Helios might being to the house all the time because her


    mother told him to.


    Like they asked Helios for a favor again.


    After all, whenever Helios is there, she feels at ease, even though there are times when she worries


    about what will happen next. Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    He runs a gang. This shows that he has enemies.


    She¡¯s not so stupid that she doesn¡¯t know Helios is part of a dangerous group. Even though she


    knows about the mafia, she doesn¡¯t want to ask any more questions.


    Not yet.


    She thinks that the time will be right. But what if they lose chances by waiting for the right time, like


    if Helios was dead at that time?


    Helios will be in danger if he joins that group, and he may even die because of it.


    Worse, they might join it if they find out that Helios really does have a daughter and loves someone,


    even though he knows that love is against the rules in the group because it could be their


    weakness.


    She shook her head because she couldn¡¯t get rid of the thoughts in her head.


    Zoe rushed to take a shower, and as soon as she was done, she got dressed. Just as she was


    about to go down, her phone rang.


    She answered, ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Sweetie.¡± On the other end of the line is her mother...


    ¡°Huh? When are youing back?¡± she inquired.


    ¡°This afternoon, sweetie. How are your baby and you? Has Cindye to see you?¡± asked her


    mother.


    ¡°Not yet, mom. Butst night, she called. She has a lot to do. I can take care of myself and my


    daughter,¡± she said in response.


    Cindy got a job in the city, so she quit the caf¨¦ for good. So, her aunt Millie hires people to work


    part-time.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. Where is Helios?¡±


    She made a face. She knew her mother would ask about Helios, but why did she have to talk about


    him in such a roundabout way?


    ¡°Yeah. He¡¯s early. H is downstairs with him.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so then what are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I just finished getting dressed, mom.¡±


    ¡°Are you off somewhere?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. She said, ¡°Groceries.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Get Helios toe with you. H could be useful, so it¡¯s best to have Helios with you. You


    know, spend some time with your family.¡±


    She gave an eye roll. ¡°Okay. Send Aunt my hugs and kisses. I¡¯ll end this call now,¡± she said as she


    put the phone down.


    It would look bad for her if she asked Helios for help. He can stay here and keep trying to find H.


    He also seems to feel a lot better when he is with her daughter.


    When she got down from the tree, she saw Helios and his daughter ying on the floor. There was


    carpet on the floor. So, it¡¯s all good.


    She got the man¡¯s attention by saying, ¡°Hmm... Helios.¡± He then looked to the sky. She sputtered.


    ¡°Can you first watch H?¡±


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll just go to the supermarket. We don¡¯t have a lot of things in the kitchen or in the bathroom. And


    also, H¡¯s stuff.¡±


    ¡°Is it hard to look after her by yourself?¡± He asked out of the blue.


    ¡°N-No¡ª Yeah, sometimes, especially now that she¡¯s starting to figure out how to do things like


    crawl, stand up, and eat some things. She wants to walk sometimes. But so far, I can handle her.¡±


    The man nodded.


    Zoe looked away. ¡°No worries. I can deal with her. So... can you look after her while I¡¯m gone?¡± She


    looked at him and asked.


    He got up and picked up the little girl. ¡°Sure¡ª¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªBut we will being with you. Get her things ready,¡± he told her, and she was shocked.


    ¡°A-Are you sure? You... you want toe?¡±


    ¡°How can I not be sure? We¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    She just nodded and ran upstairs to get the things that belonged to the child that she would bring.


    She didn¡¯t put a lot of stuff in her bag. She just put in wet wipes, alcohol, hand sanitizer, extra diaper


    pants, a milk bottle, and water.


    She also sits in H¡¯s seat when they go somewhere. She saw her daughter ying with Helios


    andughing when she got to the bottom.


    If everything had gone smoothly and there hadn¡¯t been any problems, she would have been the


    happiest mother on earth, and her family would have been satisfied and whole.


    If things between her and Helios hadn¡¯te to a head yet, she might be the luckiest mother on


    earth, with a cute daughter and a hot soon-to-be husband. Together, they will build and grow a


    beautiful family.


    Helios asked, ¡°Are you done?¡± and she said, ¡°Yes.¡±

 Because of Him

    Because of Him


    WHEN THINGS were all done, Helios started walking and Zoe followed him. He pulled something


    out of his right pocket while his left hand was holding their daughter¡ªit was a key. He then tapped


    the button, and the light of the silver car parked in front of their house blinked twice.


    It''s an Audi S5. A luxurious car that cost a bunch of fortune. A family he will build is so damn lucky.


    Zoe hopes that it''s her whom he wants to share the rest of his life.


    "Nice car," she eximed. But the guy has no response.


    She opened the door at the back seat and put down the carrier. Helios then put H inside and


    adjusted the child''s seatbelt.


    "She has stuff like this?" the man asked suddenly and talked about the carrier. Zoe then nodded.


    "So, I''m concluding that you will apany me in front?" he asked and let out a yful grin.


    ''Damn!'' She''s afraid that the man was right. Why did she bring it if she could just carry the little girl?


    "A-Ah, of course. Besides, it would help if you didn''t treat me like your mere driver. But it''s also fine


    with me if you don''t want me to sit by your side, right?" she said, trying to hide embarrassment.


    Helios let out a soft chuckle. "That''s not what I meant."


    "Whatever."


    She closed the door in the back seat and walked toward the passenger seat. When she sat down,


    she mmed the door.


    Helios turned around and sat in the driver''s seat. He shook his head because of Zoe''s sudden


    mood swings.


    "So, where do you want to do your grocery?"


    "Unknown Mall," she replied.


    Helios nodded and started to speed away. He looked at the side mirror to ensure that his men were


    tailing them. He needs to secure their safety as possible.


    "Do we really need guards when going out?" Zoe asked when she nced at the SUVs that were


    following them.


    "We have to," he answered.


    "The closer you get to us, the more you will get in trouble," she said, but her gaze was still on the


    road. "Don''t you remember what happened to me before? Please don''t let my daughter get involved


    with any danger."


    "I promise that you are all safe."


    "Promises are meant to be broken, yet I''m counting on it. I just want a peaceful life with my


    daughter. So please, don''t let us be the payment of your involvement."


    "I won''t," he replied.


    ¡­


    WHILE WALKING inside the mall, some were looking at them. Well, they look like a family. A family


    of a royal one. How Helios carries her daughter seems so magical. Like he was the real king of the


    family while his princess was securely wrapped in his hands, protecting her. Indeed, he was the


    father.


    Zoe is an epitome of a queen who was deeply in love with the king. Indeed, she was in love, yet


    things are stillplicated.


    Zoe grabbed a pushcart while Helios and her daughter followed. She took only the goods needed


    and put them in the cart. The queue inside the grocery was not long, so she finished having


    groceries quickly. She was just a bit pissed because Helios insisted on paying for her groceries. She


    doesn''t want to pick a debate with the man because they were in public. So, she just agrees with it.


    They''re on their way out when Helios suddenly asks, "Are you hungry?"


    "Nah," she replied.


    "You are angry, then? Because I insisted that I''ll pay for it?"


    Zoe rolled her eyes, and Helios caught it. She crossed her arms. "What do you think?"


    "You are, but it is just me helping a friend," said Helios.


    Friend? ''Yes, a friend! Just a friend,'' she thought.


    She felt a sudden pang in her chest. ''Friend, huh? Okay, let''s spend all your money,'' said the corner


    of her mind.


    "If I''m going to buy a house, are you going to pay for it? Is that what you mean by helping a friend?"


    she asked sarcastically.


    "Yes. Of course, if that''s what you want. Then I''m going to buy you a house." N?velDrama.Org content.


    Zoe was surprised by his reaction. Seriously? She justughed sarcastically. "Nah, I''m just kidding.


    Let''s take a meal in Jollibee, right, H?" she asked her daughter, and the little girl giggled.


    They were going down the esctor when she saw someone. Her eyes widened when that


    someone grinned and winked at her. She gulped and looked at her daughter, who Helios carried,


    and then she returned her gaze to that man. Her heart started to thump fast when the man gestured


    a handgun and mouthed ''bang.''


    "Are you okay?" asked Helios.


    Zoe looked at Helios and just nodded. When they reached the first floor, she closed her eyes to


    calm herself. On her side were their five bodyguards. At the same time, the other men stayed in the


    parking lot.


    She turned back again to where the man had been before, but he was no longer there, which made


    her more nervous.


    Why does that man seem to want to kill her? But she knew that it was because of Helios.


    They''re targeting her because of Helios.

 The Right Thing To Do

    The Right Thing To Do


    SUNDAY MORNING, Mrs. Levine invited Zoe to attend the mass, but Zoe couldn¡¯t leave her


    daughter. And her mother suggested then that she would call Helios and let the man watch over her


    daughter.


    ¡®Helios again,¡¯ she thought.


    What does her mom want? That she will entertain Helios again? That fast?


    Zoe doesn¡¯t like it; Helios must exert some effort to win her.


    She doesn¡¯t want to think about them because of what she saw at the mall the other day. Should


    she tell Helios or not? But she promised herself that she wouldn¡¯t bother Helios.


    What if that man would bring trouble to her? The way the man looked at her, it seemed like he


    wanted her dead.


    ¡°Mom, I can¡¯t go with you. H also has not been baptized yet, and don¡¯t try calling Helios. You¡¯re


    just going to bother the man again.¡±


    Her motherughed. ¡°Oh, you¡¯ll still end up with him, trust me. So, why prolong the process?¡±


    ¡°Mom¡­ some things shouldn¡¯t be rushed. Just go, mom. The mass will be about to start. Don¡¯t let


    aunt Millie wait for you a little bit longer. Just pray for us, okay?¡±


    "Are you sure you don¡¯t want to go to church?¡±


    Zoe nodded.


    ¡°Why? You also need to go to church and confess your sins,¡± said Mrs. Levine.


    "Mom¡­"


    "Alright, alright," her mother approached her and kissed her on the cheek. ¡°Bye.¡±


    Zoe heaved a deep sigh when her mother left. She nced at her wristwatch. It¡¯s 7: 48 in the


    morning. The second mass will start at eight o¡¯clock. She wanted to go, but she couldn¡¯t be at ease


    when she left her daughter to somebody else. She has been used to taking care of her daughter


    since then. Her mother wants to hire a nanny for her daughter, but she refuses. Besides, she has no


    work. So, why bother?


    Her daughter was still asleep, so she took the opportunity to clean her room. She started


    vacuuming the carpet and picking up the scattered toys. This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    H Selene is growing fast. Sooner, her daughter will be able to walk and run, and so on.


    She reced the bedsheet and the pillowcases. She leaves the curtain as it is because she just


    changed it the other day.


    Zoe cleans her room. Her time revolves around her daughter and the household chores¡ªlike


    cleaning their room, cooking breakfast for her daughter, feeding, and ying with H all day. Her


    father invites her to work in theirpany, but she sets her daughter as her priority. Work can wait.


    Maybe she will just work again when she¡¯s run out of money.


    She doesn¡¯t want to depend on their living with her parents, so she uses her bank ount. Helios is


    also helping her. The man buys H¡¯s vitamins and milk. Even diapers.


    She shook her head because of the thought.


    When she finished cleaning, her daughter woke up.


    ¡°Good morning, my H Selene Lincoln. How¡¯s your sleep, my pumpkin?¡± she baby-talked.


    Her daughter giggles. It seems like she knew her name¡ªherplete name. She followed Helios¡¯s


    surname for her daughter¡ªit¡¯s the man¡¯s right, anyway.


    She picked up her daughter, and they sat down on the bed. She lifted her dress and began to feed


    her daughter. She started humming when someone knocked on the door.


    ¡°Come in!¡± she said. And she was surprised when she saw the person. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Helios closed the door. ¡°Visiting.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re too early for it. aren¡¯t you supposed to be at work, Helios?¡± she asked, seeming pissed. ¡°You


    always visit us. Why don¡¯t you just pack your things and stay here?¡± she asked sarcastically.


    Helios chuckled and walked near her. He sat down at the edge of the bed. "I have work, but I''m the


    boss, so I can work whenever I want to. But you and the baby are more important than it. Besides, I


    do have lots of zeroes. I''m still rich even if I don''t work every day."


    ¡°And you¡¯re still the same Helios ¡ªarrogant.¡±


    "You can tell. But I''m just stating the fact."


    She rolled her eyes and pushed down her shirt. As her daughter got up and she stared at her father.


    Her daughter knows it. She can¡¯t stop the blood rush.


    "Hello, angel," Helios greeted.


    "Da-da."


    Their eyes both widened when the baby talked. "W-What did¡­did she say, da-da?" asked Helios,


    seeming happy.


    ¡°No. She said, go out,¡± she stood up and pushed the man. ¡°Just go out.¡±


    "No, I heard it. She said da-da to me."


    ¡°No! You¡¯re just hallucinating Helios.¡±


    Helios looked at her thoughtfully. His eyes began to ice as if he hated something.


    ¡°So, please, get out of my room and go home. Please."


    ¡­.


    LUNCH WAS made when her parents arrived home.


    ¡°You seem anxious, sweetie. Is there something wrong?¡±


    ¡°Mom¡­ I¡¯m scared. What if he takes away my daughter?¡±


    Her mother held her hands, ¡°Everything happens for a reason. Just like I¡¯ve always said, talk about


    it. The two of you need to talk about it and settle your misunderstandings. We are always here for


    you. We will support you, no matter what. And Helios is a responsible man¡ªhe¡¯s kind. He will surely


    understand your reasons. Problems will be settled through good conversation. Lower your pride. He


    has the right to know. Don¡¯t wait for him to find the truth by himself.¡±


    Zoe hugged her mother. Tears fell from her eyes. ¡°Thank you, mommy.¡±


    Maybe her mother was right. She needed to talk to Helios. For the sake of her daughter. Whatever


    the risk, she¡¯ll take it. Besides, the truth will set you free. She hopes that they can already settle and


    fix their problems. She hopes that destiny will give her the happiness she sought.

 Her Cousin

    Her Cousin


    TODAY is the day that she chooses to talk to Helios.


    Zoe called him earlier toe over. It was quite demanding, but she was still afraid to go out


    because there seemed to be danger awaiting them outside. And Helios never disappoints her


    because the man came minutester after the call.


    Zoe then invited the man to their garden. She left her daughter to her mom and dad.


    ¡°How¡¯s your day?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Fine,¡± he replied without breaking their eye contact.


    She then suddenly drank from her ss of juice.


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± she put down the ss she was holding. ¡°I asked you toe because I have something


    to tell you.¡±


    He crossed his legs and rested his arms on the armchair. ¡°About what?¡±


    She gulped, and her heart started to pound fast as nervousness outgrows. ¡°About H.¡±


    ¡°How about her?¡±


    She sat properly. ¡°Wait¡ªare you mad?¡±


    Helios heaved a deep sigh. ¡°No, I¡¯m just exhausted.¡±


    ¡°Did I pick the wrong time? Are you busy? Did I bother you?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got piled of documents to review and sign, but it¡¯s alright.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I bothered you.¡± It¡¯s almost six in the evening, and maybe he needs rest, and I just


    called him out of the blue.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. Just... just tell me why you called me. You have something important to tell me, right?¡±


    ¡°A-About H...¡±


    ¡°How about her... hmm?¡±


    She gulped two times, got her ss of juice, and drank it. She heaved a deep sigh.


    ¡°Will you believe me when I say¡ª¡±


    ¡°That you want her to call me ¡®da-da?¡± she cut off.


    Her eyes widened. ¡°Uhm¡­?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m scared, Helios! I am scared that you might not like her¡­ me. Because in the first ce, you are


    married¡ªI know it¡¯s just forgery, but in the eyes of the people, you¡¯re married to Chloe¡­.¡±


    Helios punches the iron table. ¡°Bullshit!¡±


    ¡°Helios? Zoe?¡±


    ¡°Mommy.¡±


    ¡°Auntie.¡±


    ¡°Are you fighting?¡±


    Zoe shook her head. She was about to say something when she saw the woman beside her


    mother.


    ¡°Amanda?!¡± Helios and Zoe said in unison.


    ¡°How... how did you know her?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Daddy!¡± eximed the shrill male voice. The kid ran and hugged Helios¡¯s leg.


    Helios was not able to move immediately because of astonishment.


    Zoe began to shed tears. And her mom was shocked too. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Aunt, he¡¯s my son,¡± said Amanda.


    ¡°And why this kiddo fucking called me daddy?¡± said Helios furiously. Just the sight of the woman¡¯s


    face makes his blood boil. He wants to pull out the gun on his waist and shoot the woman¡¯s head.


    But he controls his temper because Zoe is there.


    ¡°How did you know that fucking bitch!¡± Zoe shouted at Helios as she pointed at her cousin.


    ¡°And how do you know her too?¡± Instead of answering her question, Helios asked her to.


    ¡°She¡¯s my fucking cousin!¡± Zoe replied. ¡°All this time, you¡¯re the one who impregnates her. You¡¯re


    the father of her innocent child that she wants to abort. It was you!¡± she pushes Helios. And the kid


    who¡¯s hugging Helios almost trips, but Helios grabs the kid immediately, which makes Zoe¡¯s lost her


    temper even more.


    Zoe shook her head. ¡®It really hurts! I am hurt!¡¯ she thought. Her vision is getting blurry. She can¡¯t


    handle the pain anymore. She can¡¯t bear it. She was ready to settle everything.


    She crumpled his blouse on her chest. Her breath was getting heavy as her visions were still blurry.


    The next thing she knew, she passed out.


    When Helios saw the unconscious Zoe, he immediately went to her and was about to pull out hisContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    gun when Mrs. Levine screamed and pped Amanda.


    ¡°Look what you did to my daughter?! Does hurting me wasn¡¯t enough that you still need toe


    back here?!¡± asked Mrs. Levine before she turned to Helios. ¡°Helios, carry Zoe to her room. Hon,


    call our doctor.¡±


    Suddenly, Millie came and tried to calm Iris because she might have had a heart attack. ¡°Iris¡­ calm


    down. I will handle this. Look to your daughter upstairs. Where¡¯s H?¡± Millie suddenly asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s with¡ªmake sure to fix the mess that bitch done for!¡± she said as she pointed to Amanda.


    ¡°Yes, yes, just... just stay away from here.¡±


    Mrs. Levine then listened and walked inside.


    ¡­


    ¡°What do you want this time, Amanda?¡±


    ¡°Aunt Millie, I¡­ I didn¡¯t abort my child.¡± She lifted his son, who was now covering his two ears and


    was crying silently.


    ¡°But why did youe here again? Didn¡¯t I drive you away before? And I don¡¯t want to see you in


    my eyes,¡± said Millie, pissed but trying to calm herself.


    Amanda kneeled in front of her father. ¡°Aunt, forgive me. I know I have been wrong and a bad


    person and a cousin. Aunt, I was just forced to do this.¡±


    ¡°What? I don¡¯t understand you,¡± said Millie.


    ¡°Aunt¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stay away from her, Aunt. She¡¯s dangerous,¡± said Helios as he cut in.


    ¡°Helios. Just stay on Zoe¡¯s side.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Auntie, but not until I nt a bullet in her head,¡± Helios said and pointed the gun he was


    holding at the back of Amanda¡¯s head.


    Millie¡¯s eyes widened. On the other hand, Amanda started to tremble. She hugged her son, who


    was still crying.


    Bodyguards from a distance also went closer to him.


    ¡°Tell me, who ordered you to ruin this family?¡± he cocked the gun and pressed it to the back of


    Amanda¡¯s head.


    Millie, who was still in shock, still tried to stop Helios. ¡°Son, what are you talking about? She¡¯s my


    best friend¡¯s niece. Whatever her fault is, we can discuss it.¡±


    Helios¡¯s grip on his gun tightened. ¡°No. This girl just wants to lure you out to bite her bait. Don¡¯t get


    fooled.¡±


    ¡°Can you exin to me what the hell is going on?!¡± Aunt Millie shouted. She¡¯s clueless. And she


    couldn¡¯t understand what Helios was saying.


    ¡°She works for someone who wants me dead,¡± said Helios.


    ¡°Dead?¡±


    ¡°Aunt¡­ Helios, I can exin. Please, I want to help. Please, hear me out,¡± Amanda pleaded.


    ¡°You double-faced bitch. You think you really can fool me?¡± asked Helios furiously.


    Millie held Helios¡¯s hand, which had a gun, and pushed it away. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it. and Amanda,


    what are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°One wrong move, a bullet will be nted on your head,¡± Helios said and left the garden.


    ¡°Secure the area!¡± Helios said to his men.


    He went to Zoe¡¯s room again. The girl is still unconscious. Mrs. Levine stood up and approached


    him.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, son?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story, aunt. I¡¯ll exinter. Let me have some moment with Zoe,¡± he said and kissed her


    daughter¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°All right, H and I will stay in our room. Let me know when she¡¯s awake.¡±


    Helios just nodded.


    Mrs. Levine and her daughter then went outside. He went closer to Zoe and stared at her.


    The doctor they called didn¡¯t arrive yet.


    He then freely examined the gentle face of Zoe. He caressed her soft cheeks and gave her a peck


    on her lips. He holds her hands and presses them. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, and I love you,¡± he whispered as he


    kissed the back of her hands.

 Just Go With The Act

    Just Go With The Act


    IT WAS two o¡¯clock in the morning when Zoe regained consciousness. She was surprised when she


    saw who was holding her hand. Seeing his face brought back the pain she feltst night. She pulled


    off her hand from Helios¡¯s grip.


    Helios then sat straight when he felt her move.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake,¡± he said in a hoarse voice.


    ¡°No¡­ you¡¯re just dreaming,¡± she replied sarcastically.


    ¡°Look, baby... that kid is not my son. Amanda is just using the young boy to ruin us,¡± he exined.


    She averted her eyes. She doesn¡¯t like the emotion she sees in Helios¡¯s eyes.


    Helios grabbed her left hand, but she just hid her hand at her back.


    ¡°I want to be alone. If¡­ if you don¡¯t mind,¡± she said in a low voice.


    ¡°I won¡¯t leave you, not until you hear me out,¡± he pleaded.


    ¡°What else do I need to know?¡± she looked at him. ¡°Does the truth I heard wasn¡¯t enough?¡±


    She wants to cry. She fucking wants to cry. But it seemed like her eyes were tired of letting go of the


    tears.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m sitting here, beside you. If you are going to listen to me, baby, I will tell you


    everything. Just... just don¡¯t push me away... again. I waited for you for almost a year, and that was


    long enough. Please stop driving me away every time that I want to confess everything to you.¡±


    Helios pinched the bridge of his nose and held her hand again. This time, she didn¡¯t take her hand


    away from his grip.


    ¡°If that kid was not your child, then who?¡±


    Helios could not answer immediately.


    Zoe raised her left eyebrow. ¡°What? Don¡¯t just look at me. Answer it.¡±


    ¡°As much as possible, I don¡¯t want you to get involved with my fight¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m already involved, Helios! I¡¯m in the game from the start. If only you had told me everything


    before, then I shouldn¡¯t force myself to stay away. I¡¯m not getting younger, Helios. I can handle


    myself if that bothers you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid something might happen to you. You fall in love with me... was a big mistake¡ª¡±


    ¡°Damn! Is it my fault?¡±


    Helios¡¯s grip tightened.


    ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t your fault, baby. It¡¯s mine. If only I didn¡¯t get closer to you... if only I had kept my


    promise to myself that I won¡¯t fall for you, we would not be in this tough situation. I love you, and I


    can¡¯t just hold myself loving you from afar. I know, we agreed about no strings attached, but... I¡¯m


    sorry, I¡¯m not ready to confess all of it. Not until I finished the mess I started. Can... can you wait for


    it?¡±


    ¡°You know what¡­ fuck you! You already said¡ªyou confess that you¡¯re already in love with me, then


    you left me hanging on a cliff?¡±


    ¡°Please, baby, I promise I will tell you every detail. But I have a mess to clean up. I don¡¯t want to tell


    you everything not until I fix my problem with the org. I want to fix my mess, get back to you, and


    hold your hand in front of the altar¡ªexchanging vows.¡±


    She looked away. She pursed her lips to stop herself from smiling. Her heart is fluttering. Her


    cheeks seem burning.


    ¡°Baby...¡±


    ¡®Damn that callsign,¡¯ she thought.


    ¡°Fine!¡±


    ¡°Are you mad?¡±


    ¡®Shit! Shit! Shit! What¡¯s with the husky voice?¡¯ She thought.


    ¡°Okay, fine. I agree with your decision. What does the witch want to ruin my family¡­ us?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯s their n.¡±


    ¡°Their¡ªwait, where¡¯s H?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s with your mom, and she¡¯s asleep. I checked her about an hour ago.¡±


    She nodded.


    ¡°They want to kill me, and they¡¯re using you against you. But I won¡¯t let that happen.¡±


    ¡°Why do they want to kill you? Why don¡¯t they just kill your leader?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re good at remembering.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t born yesterday, Helios. I remember everything. And you have secrets that I need toContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    unfold,¡± she said. She pulled her hand away and crossed her arms.


    ¡°Being in a dangerous organization like the mafia thing, it¡¯s risky. You don¡¯t know what will happen


    next. Maybe you were shot, or your head was thrown away from your body. I want you out of it. But


    you said that you are already involved. That¡¯s why I tightened the security inside your property.


    Even when you were in PH, I¡¯ve been watching you, twenty-four-seven.¡±


    An O formed in her mouth.


    Zoe picked up the pillow and beat Helios. ¡°Crazy beast. Get me some milk.¡±


    The man stood up. ¡°Roger, Ma¡¯am,¡± he said and gave a two-finger salute.


    She smiled. ¡°Does your woman leave already?¡±


    ¡°No, she owns the house. Why does she need to leave? Not unless she wants toe and live with


    me at my house,¡± he said and smirked.


    ¡°Stupid. I¡¯m referring to your Amanda.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not my woman. I¡¯m all yours, babe,¡± he said and winked at her.


    She then threw the pillow because of romantic excitement.


    Just get me some milk, please¡­ Get out!¡± she said and pointed in the direction of the door.


    Helios let out a soft chuckle and shook his head. Before he stepped out, he gave a quick kiss on


    Zoe¡¯s lips. And she didn¡¯t see thating. She was left dumbfounded.


    ¡­


    WHEN HELIOS entered the kitchen, he caught with Mr. Rojas, who was sipping on his coffee.


    ¡°Good morning, aunt,¡± he greeted.


    ¡°How¡¯s Zoe?¡± Millie asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s awake.¡± He looked at the olddy.


    Millie nodded. ¡°Amanda keeps on bbering about this certain person she works for. She said they


    ordered her to approach us because of you. Can you exin that to me, son?¡±


    ¡°So, what is it, Helios?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a part of a mafia,¡± he said.


    The olddy didn¡¯t seem surprised anymore because he was already expecting it.


    ¡°And you¡¯re dragging Zoe into it? why didn¡¯t you tell us about it from the start?¡±


    ¡°Our mafia consents legal and illegal terms, but we are more in legal things.¡±


    ¡°Why do you say so?¡±


    ¡°I investigated, aunt. But this certain person Amanda¡¯s been talking to, he¡¯s the real culprit.¡±


    ¡°Do you know him?¡± asked Millie.


    ¡°Yes, and I need your cooperation in this, aunt.¡±


    ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you how and when. For now, just go with the act. I will not let something happen to you and


    your family. I will proceed to my ns if it¡¯s already final,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Just make sure of that, young man. If you failed to protect us¡ªespecially our Zoe¡­ I want you to


    stay away from her at any cost¡ªeven if I¡¯m just her mother¡¯s best friend. I¡¯ve known them for so


    long. So, be aware.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am,¡± he said and gave the olddy a salute that made themugh.


    ¡°Hmm... how about Amanda? Is she telling the truth?¡±


    ¡°No. Because I¡¯m not the father of that kid. I¡¯m hundred percent sure. But the things she said about


    the certain person¡­ did she tell you the name?¡±


    ¡°No. She just said that if she did not do his n, his son¡¯s life would be in danger. Even if Amanda


    did something in the past, she¡¯s still Zoe¡¯s cousin, and I also knew the word ¡®care.¡¯ That child is


    Zoe¡¯s nephew, and I will do everything to protect him. But if Amanda will put Zoe to danger, I guess


    we will never wee her¡­ ever again. And I¡¯ve been wondering, why does she was involved with


    dangerous people? Does this mean she is into syndicate¡­ does this man she was talking to a part


    of mafias like you or what?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a part of a mafia, Uncle. He¡¯s a part of the organization where I work,¡± he replied.


    ¡°What? So, why do they want you dead?¡±


    Helios stood up. ¡°I can¡¯t tell you. It¡¯s my battle. I don¡¯t want something bad to happen to all of you.


    The less you know, the safer you are. I will just check Zoe upstairs. And please, don¡¯t get fooled by


    Amanda. Make her stay here with you until I¡¯m done with my ns. I guarantee your safety. Just like


    what I¡¯ve said, just go with the act.¡±


    Aunt Millie nodded.


    Millie is not innocent of Mafia things because her baker is part of those dangerous organizations


    too. But she¡¯s keeping it a secret¡­ in the meantime.

 Allies

    Allies


    ZOE LOVES the game, pretending. But right now, she can¡¯t guarantee herself if she wants to act


    like she and Amanda were okay. Because literally, they¡¯re not.


    It irritates her how Amanda moves, talks, and even smiles¡ªit seems mendacious. Fake. If only she


    didn¡¯t give respect, she might have knocked her cousin down and kicked Amanda¡¯s ass out of the


    house.


    Amanda must be thankful that she¡¯s trying to control her temper. Zoe may loathe her cousin, but not


    the little angel beside her. Amanda¡¯s son had nothing to do with her mother¡¯s mess.


    The kid is innocent. His mother is not.


    ¡°So, where did you stay when you were cast out of here?¡± Zoe emphasized the words¡¯ cast out.¡¯


    Amanda then looked up and put down the spoon she was holding, and she smiled at her.


    ¡®Bitch.¡¯


    ¡°I was in Paris.¡±


    Zoe was fed up with her daughter first before turning to her sister. ¡°So, you were enlightened not to


    end the life of your innocent child, am I right?¡±


    ¡°Zoe!¡± Iris and Millie uttered in unison.


    She shrugged her shoulders. ¡°What? I¡¯m just asking her questions. You know, we¡¯ve been apart


    since, I don¡¯t know, and I don¡¯t care when.¡±


    ¡°You can do itter, sweetie. Let¡¯s finish our food first. Let¡¯s just give peace when we¡¯re having our


    meal,¡± Millie said.


    Zoe nodded and continued to feed her daughter. H Selene is already eight months old. In just a


    few months, the little girl will turn into one.


    Indeed, time flies so fast.


    When she finished feeding her daughter, she bid goodbye and left the dining area. She carried her


    child and went to the living room.


    Zoe stopped and looked behind him because her daughter seemed to be talking to someone. And it


    turned out that it was her cousin¡¯s son who was following them.


    ¡°Do you need anything, young boy?¡± she asked gently.


    The child smiled at her. She met his cute almond eyes. ¡°Can I y with her, auntie?¡± the young boy


    asked.


    Zoe gave the kid a genuine smile. She always reminds herself that the kid has nothing to do with


    her issue with Amanda.


    Amanda was her cousin who grew up together with her not until she decided to stop her studies.


    Amanda got pregnant and tried to abort the child. Her mother gave everything to her, but she only


    dared to ruin an innocent life. Then suddenly, she vanished without even saying thank you to her


    mother or goodbye.


    ¡°Sure. Come,¡± she said and took the child¡¯s left hand as they continued to walk to the living room.


    She let go of the young boy¡¯s hand when they got there. Andid her daughter on the carpet, and


    the young boy sat beside his cousin. ¡°Wait, you don¡¯t have toys to y with,¡± said Zoe. So, she told


    the maid to get H¡¯s toys upstairs.


    While waiting, she asked some questions to the kid.


    ¡°How old are you, kiddo?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m two years old, auntie,¡± the young boy replied but failed to pronounce the letter R fluently.


    ¡°Does your mommy give all your needs? Does she always take care of you?¡±


    The young boy didn¡¯t reply and just bowed his head.


    ¡°Hey, is there anything wrong, baby?¡±


    The child shook his head. ¡°No¡­ Mommy is not always around. Uncle says, she¡¯s with other men¡­


    doing this,¡± using his tiny palm, the boy spanked his left palm to his right.


    Zoe¡¯s eyes widened. She understands what the kid wants to tell.


    And who the fuck is this uncle he¡¯s pertaining to? And why does he need to give that demonstration


    about an adult thing to an innocent two-year-old boy?¡±


    ¡°Do you know what it is, auntie?¡±


    ¡°No! And why do they have to tell you that?!¡± the tone of her voice rose.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening here? Are you scolding my son?¡± Amanda said, and theirs a gentleness in her


    voice.


    Zoe almostughs because of the discreet voice of Amanda.


    ¡®What a pretender bitch.¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯m just asking him if his mother always takes care of him. Do you know what he just said? Zoe


    raised her left brow, ¡°¡­he said no because her mother is with another man.¡±


    Amanda¡¯s gaze deepened on her, and she clenched her fist. It seems the demon wants toe


    out, huh? She thought.


    ¡®Why not show her true color?¡¯


    Zoe was expecting something that Amanda might do, but she failed. She didn¡¯t lure out what she


    needed. She justughed.


    ¡°Is that all you want to know? You don¡¯t have to care about it. Excuse me, Aunt Millie is asking for


    my presence,¡± said Amanda and left the living area.


    Zoe grinned and turned her attention back to the children. The maid approached her and handed


    over the box of toys. Zoe then gave it to the kids.


    She stood up and sat on the one-seater sofa while still watching the children.


    ¡°Elena¡­ please get my phone in the kitchen. I think I left it there.¡±


    ¡°Alright, Ma¡¯am,¡± replied Elena¡ªone of their maids.


    She¡¯s wondering if Helios has missed calls. She never looked at her phone when her daughter


    woke up. She forgot about it.


    Zoe silently watches over her daughter and nephew. Unlike her mother, she knew that her nephew


    was a smart and kind kid. The young boy knew how to give respect.


    She¡¯s wondering who that uncle he¡¯s pertaining to. Is it the man who impregnated her cousin?


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, here¡¯s your phone.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Elena,¡± said Zoe.


    When she opened her phone, there were miscalls from Helios. Her hunch was right. The man will


    definitely call her. Maybe the man was already wondering why she didn¡¯t pick her phone up, so he


    dialed Helios¡¯s number. And it only took three rings when he picked it up.


    ¡°What are you up to? Why are you not answering my calls?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m taking care of H, and I suddenly forgot about my phone. You knew I¡¯d been watching the


    biggest snake in the house. You know,¡­ just taking some safety measures,¡± she replied. N?velDrama.Org content.


    On the other side, Amanda was hiding behind the wall, eavesdropping. Amanda clenched her fist


    when she figured out who¡¯s that biggest snake.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Won¡¯t you visit your son¡ªalright¡ªYes, I know¡ªFine. Bye.¡±


    Amanda immediately turned around and went straight to the guestroom. She locked the door and


    pulled the cell phone out of her pocket.


    She dialed someone¡¯s number.


    (¡°What?¡± said the voice on the other line.)


    ¡°Helios doesn¡¯t believe that he was the father of my child.¡±


    (¡°What? Why not? Isn¡¯t he the father of your child?¡±)


    A cat seems to get Amanda¡¯s tongue. She knew that Helios was not the father of her son.


    ¡°What? Am I still talking to Amanda?¡± asked the voice sarcastically.


    ¡°I will try¡­ I¡¯ll do my best to make him believe me. the important thing is, Aunt has epted my s


    ¡ª¡±


    (¡°I don¡¯t care if your aunt epted your son or not. All I want is for you to make a way to destroy


    Helios and Zoe¡¯s bond. So that I would know if that bitch was Helios¡¯s weakness. Do you


    understand?¡± said the voice with his angry tone.)


    ¡°It¡¯s not that easy¡ª¡±


    9 ¡°Goddamn, it!¡± shouted the voice that made her shiver. ¡°Will you do what I tell you to do, or will I


    bury your corpse ten feet below the ground?¡±)


    A tear fell from her eye. She can¡¯t do it anymore. She¡¯s already tired of being enved by the man.


    ¡°What?! Damn¡ª¡± she dropped the call. She really can¡¯t do it anymore. She threw her body on the


    bed and started to cry.


    By dropping the call, she knew what will be the man¡¯s reaction. And when that man sees them, it will


    be their end. And to save their lives, she will no longer leave this ce. Even if her cousin rejects


    and loathes her, they¡¯re staying. Even if she will be pped and knocked down¡­ it¡¯s way better


    than being killed by a devil.


    It is for the better if she shows her family that she can change¡ªthat she¡¯s just a victim of the cruel


    world. That she could be an excellent mother to her son. She will spend more time with him from


    now on.


    She would just stay at her aunt¡¯s side because she felt that they were safe there. She knew that


    there was still kindness left in her sister¡ªshe knew that Zoe would be able to forgive her one day.


    ¡­


    ¡°DUDE! BELIEVE me. Everything she says is true.


    Helios just ignored his friend, Ali. He still couldn¡¯t believe that Ali¡¯s informant was that woman.


    ¡°Dude, she¡¯s asking help from me, from Grant¡­ from us. Also, all the information that corroborates


    the evidence against that man matches,¡± Ali wiped his face using his palms, ¡°dude, she¡¯s the only


    one who can tell and prove the truth about it. and she¡¯s approaching us to save her.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t change the fact that they nned to kill me.¡±


    ¡°Dude, think about it¡­ that woman is a big help to catch the man you have been looking for a long


    time. I don¡¯t know his reason or reasons, why... why he needs to kill you when in fact, he has the


    same position as us. Like what the F? Does he like Zoe too?¡±


    Helios didn¡¯t answer. He just stood up and walked out of his office. Ali tweaked his own hair out of


    frustration.


    He is also confused by the happenings. There seems to be no concrete reason for it. But we knew


    that only Helios could solve everything. And why does Helios have to be secretive? It looks like he


    has some trust issues.


    ¡®Damn! We are allies!¡¯ Shouted the corner of Ali¡¯s brain.

 Doubting

    Doubting


    THINGS HAPPEN unexpectedly, and there¡¯s no doubt about that. But all we could do to blend in is


    to ept the fact that we can¡¯t bring back what was already happened. All we have to do is move


    on because that¡¯s how life goes. The world is round, so in your life, we may sometimes in the top,


    and we may sometimes be below. We may experience all-day happiness, and we may share all-day


    sorrows. We must always look on the bright side. That¡¯s all we can do to help ourselves to move on.


    ept. Move on. Life circtes. Then it will produce peace and harmony.


    Life is more challenging when we struggle. And Zoe realized all things within when Helios told her to


    trust him.


    Since the day that day, the guy has alwayse along. He always visits them after his work. Zoe


    felt pity for the man because he would have to drop by just to see her daughter. She knew that the


    man was busy all day and he seemed tired, but he was just hiding it behind his smile.


    Yes, Helios smiles a lot in front of her daughter. And she knew Helios¡¯s other reason why he was


    always there¡ªtheir safety matters the most to him.


    The other day she just let the man sleep in the living room. Well, they may be in a truce, but she will


    not let him sleep beside her not until all mess has been fix-up. And Helios respected her decision.


    Zoe keeps an eye on her cousin because she seems to be behaving strangely.


    Amanda seldom talks, not like the way she used to be when they were younger.


    Zoe wondered why Amanda behaved that way all of a sudden when she knew¡ªwell, they¡¯d been


    together for a long time, and the Amanda she knew was talkative and a demonic bitch.


    Zoe can¡¯t deny the fact that they have a simrity. She treats every person with a different attitude. If


    that person gives sticity, why can¡¯t she? ¡ªthat¡¯s Zoe. She shows her bitchy self-depending on


    what you will show her. She¡¯s a bitch if you¡¯re bitching at her, but she was not talkative. She¡¯s not


    also flirtatious¡ªsort of, she just flirted when she met Helios. Besides, she had known him for a long


    time. Who wouldn¡¯t know the surname ¡®Lincoln¡¯ in the business industry?


    His name resonated even when they were even before.


    ¡°You know what, you cane here every weekend. It¡¯s not that you¡¯re forcing yourself toe


    here after work. Look at you. You really look like a mess,¡± said Zoe. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Helios grinned. ¡°You mean a handsome mess?¡±


    She rolled her eyes balls. ¡°Have you eaten?¡±


    He shook his head, and that made Zoe pity him more. ¡°See, you haven¡¯t eaten yet. Are you trying to


    ruin your body? If you¡¯re worried about us, I can say that we¡¯re just fine. Your men watch over us,


    twenty-four-seven. And we don¡¯t even go out from the mansion.¡±


    Even if she still has unfixed issues with the man, she doesn¡¯t want him to abuse himself. What


    about his promise, then? What will happen to it if he will not watch his health? Sometimes you still


    need to love yourself as much as you love others. Because once your body gives up, you can no


    longer stay longer with your loved ones, and you can no longer do whatever you want to do.


    ¡°Be thankful that we haven¡¯t started dinner yet. Eat with us, then.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am,¡± answered Helios.


    Zoe just shook her head and smiled. She¡¯s happy despite all the mess¡­ the problems they¡¯ve been


    through. She¡¯s happy because they have no problem with Helios being the father of her daughter.


    Though there are still secrets to unfold, still she¡¯s holding to Helios¡¯s promise.


    ¡°Beige. Don¡¯t put toys inside your mouth.¡± Zoe called the attention of the boy who was ying with


    the toy car her mom bought yesterday. Her mom also epted Amanda¡¯s son. Just like her, the


    child has nothing to do with what Amanda did to the family. Beige is also a blessing to their family.


    So, they should forgive her.


    Her mommy is right. God forgives us no matter how tough our mistakes are. Why can¡¯t we?


    Zoe can forgive her, but she can¡¯t promise that she¡¯ll be good to her. Because every time she sees


    her, the sight of Amanda irritates her eyes.


    God knows how she tries to talk to her¡ªto give her attention. To be civil to her. It¡¯s just that when


    she¡¯s trying to talk to her, Amanda goes away. And that¡¯s why she¡¯s wondering for. Why?


    It is good that her nephew is obedient and kind that even though his mother locked herself inside


    their room, Beige was not ask questions about her mother¡¯s strange behavior.


    She heaved a deep sigh, and the sight of it never escaped Helios¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± he asked. Helios put down H Selene beside Beige and approached her.


    ¡°Amanda is acting strange.¡±


    ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°Amanda will only go out of her room when mom calls her. And after it, she will lock herself inside


    again. I feel sorry for her son because she¡¯s not giving the child''s full attention. When I try to talk to


    her, she¡¯s making an alibi that mom or aunt Millie was calling for her. She¡¯s avoiding me. Aunt Millie


    told me that we will just let her adjust.¡± Sheughed sarcastically. ¡°Adjust for what? Are you not


    wondering too? After a long time that we didn¡¯t see her, she will suddenly show up here and worst.


    She¡¯s telling you that you¡¯re Beige¡¯s father? Isn¡¯t that¡­¡± she didn¡¯t finish her words.


    Helios frowned. ¡°What is it?¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°Nothing.¡± She stood up. ¡°Stay here. I¡¯m just going to help in the kitchen, and I


    will call you once the food is already prepared. Watch over the kids, okay?¡± she said and quickly


    turned around and walked toward the kitchen.


    Helios heaved a deep sigh as he closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

 A Kiss on Her Forehead

    A Kiss on Her Forehead


    AFTER DINNER, Zoe and her daughter went to her room, and Helios followed them. She then told


    the man to watch over her daughter as she took a shower. The man agreed, and he yed with her


    daughter while waiting for her.


    ¡°Da-da,¡± said the little girl, and Helios smiled.


    ¡°Can you say it one more time, sweetie?¡± asked Helios tenderly.


    The little girl giggled and tried to reach Helios¡¯s face. Helios then moves closer to her daughter. ¡°Da-


    da!¡±


    Heliosughed. He took the child out of her crib and lifted it. He kissed the child on the cheek, and


    the child imitated what he did, which made him even happier.


    The scene was melting Zoe¡¯s heart. She had juste out of the bathroom and was wearing her


    nightgown.


    ¡°You seem to have fun?¡± she said.


    Helios turned around and faced her. At the same time, her daughter is leaning on the man¡¯s


    shoulder.


    ¡°I think her first word is da-da,¡± he said.


    Zoe smiled. ¡°Yes, and it¡¯s kind of frustrating. I was the one who carried her for nine months¡­ took


    care of her,¡­ breastfeeding her. Then when she saw you, she said her first word, which is da-da.


    Isn¡¯t it a little bit unfair?¡± she asked. She took the blower to her vanity table and plugged it in. She


    stood in front of the mirror and started to dry her hair.


    On the other hand, Helios continued to hold the child, and he swayed to make her sleep. ¡°Because


    she knows he¡¯s daddy. Just wait for her to call you, mommy,¡± he said andughed.


    ¡°Yeah, whatever,¡± she replied and finished drying her hair. ¡°I guess she¡¯s already asleep,¡± she said


    when she peeked at her child. ¡°You can put her in the crib.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not sleeping beside you?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No. She¡¯s been in the crib ever since she came out into this world. And their crib was next to me. It


    was what most western people usually do to their kids. Unlike here that we must sleep beside them.


    She will not wake up every hour if she''s full, unlike when she was just a newborn. Usually, she wokeThis belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    up every hour just to drink breastmilk. When she was three months old, she woke up every four


    hours. And it depends too when she¡¯s not feeling well, or she¡¯s been irritated with the noise¡ªshe¡¯ll


    wake up unpredictably.


    Helios nodded. He likes to hear more about her daughter.


    ¡°Nowadays, she¡¯s not getting handy, unlike before. I let her eat mashed, mixed veggies, eggs, rice,


    soft bread¡­ fruits. I love giving her organic foods.¡±


    ¡°Are you getting tired, too?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes. But when you see the smile fluster on your daughter¡¯s face, and you know that she¡¯s growing


    healthy, all the exhausting thing fades away,¡± she replied and smiled.


    Helios nodded and walked over to the child¡¯s crib. He slowlyid the little girl on it. And he


    sessfully did it. He tapped the child¡¯s legs until H Selene was in a deep sleep.


    ¡°Are you going home already?¡± asked Zoe.


    Helios turned to her and walked closer. He sat on the end of her bed. ¡°It¡¯s up to you if you don¡¯t want


    me to go home. I can¡ª¡±


    ¡°Hey. Don¡¯t assume things. But if you don¡¯t want to go home, you¡¯re free to sleep in the guestroom,¡±


    she said.


    Helios smirked. ¡°What if I want to stay here, but I won¡¯t be sleeping in the living room, and just sleep


    here,¡± he said and tapped her bed.


    Zoe¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Hey, fucking¡ª¡±


    ¡°Language, woman.¡±


    ¡°Are you stupid? Just go home, will you? Tomorrow is Saturday. You can stay here until dinner if


    you¡¯re not busy,¡± she said and looked away.


    The room was bright, and she couldn¡¯t stand seeing the handsome face of Helios.


    Damn!


    She might not control herself and threw herself into the man¡¯sp.


    ¡°Are you feeling unease?¡± He stood up and walked closer to her.


    She crossed her arms over her chest. ¡°Don¡¯te closer!¡± she threatened, but it just made the man


    grin even more.


    ¡°Are you still affected by my presence?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± she picked up the flower vase on the side table. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare


    come near me! Are you going to steal a kiss again?¡±


    Helios stopped andughed, and he even held his abdomen.


    ¡°Damn it! Go home now!¡± she said irritatingly.


    ¡°Shh¡­ you might wake up our daughter.¡±


    Our daughter¡­ that echoed inside her mind. It¡¯s so pleasing in the ears. She touched her cheeks


    because they seemed to heat up.


    ¡°Woah, it¡¯s already nighttime, yet I can clearly see your red cheeks,¡± said Helios, teasingly.


    ¡°Stupid. It¡¯s because the room was bright. What now? Are you going out, or I will drag you out of this


    room?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t stolen what I wanted,¡± he said and smirked.


    Zoe pretended to throw the vase in her grip. ¡°Jerk. Out!¡±


    ¡°I hate what we¡¯reing out of your mouth. You¡¯re not like that.¡±


    ¡°And I hate your voice!¡± she looked up because the man was already towering over her. She


    couldn¡¯t resist when the man took the vase out of her grip. Helios held her shoulder and lowered his


    face.


    ¡°You¡¯re still beautiful as ever. But I don¡¯t like some shitsing from your mouth, throughout your


    sexy lips. You need to be punished.¡± He moved his face closer to her until their faces were an inch


    apart.


    She can¡¯t help herself but close her eyes the moment his breath touches her face. The smell of mint


    envelops her nose, and it gives chills to her body. Just like in old times, Helios still has that effect on


    her body. She¡¯s waiting for the demon¡¯s kiss. Yes, she¡¯s ready for a kiss again. She will not refuse.


    She¡¯s just pretending that she doesn¡¯t like to be kissed by Helios, but deep inside, she¡¯s expecting


    that it will happen. Flirtatious as it may sound but hell, who is she going to lie for? Herself?


    But a few secondster, there were still no warm lips touching her cold lips.


    She opens her eyes instantly when Helios loosens his grip on her shoulders. The grin on his face


    burst in her eyes.


    ¡°See you tomorrow, baby,¡± he said and gave a peck on her forehead. He turned around and walked


    out of her room.


    She was left dumbfounded.

 Moving Out

    Moving Out


    DUE to the death threat that Helios has been receiving, he convinced Zoe and her family to leave


    California and get back to Manhattan. At first, Zoe didn¡¯t like the idea because her aunt¡¯s caf¨¦ was


    in Cali, but considering the danger, she then agreed, and they couldn¡¯t believe that Helios put them


    in a private subdivision, and they got the chance to live in a mansion.


    A red Ferrari stopped in front of the mansion. The men in ck ran to the front gate. They pulled out


    their guns and aimed at the vehicle.


    Zoe, who is currently in the control room of the mansion, is also worried. She walks back and forth


    as she looks at the monitors. She¡¯s worrying that the person inside the expensive red car might be a


    suicide bomber or what. Coincidentally, Helios isn¡¯t there yet. Helios said that he needed to attend


    an important meeting in Brooklyn.


    Her eyes widened when she recognized the person who got out of the car. ¡°Open the gate. Do not


    shoot,¡± she said with her authoritative voice. The men outside heard what she said through the


    speakers attached to the bottom of the closed-circuit television cameras. She walked outside the


    room.


    ¡°For goodness¡¯ sake! Are they trying to kill us? And what¡¯s with the guns?!¡± her friend Cindy


    shouted.


    ¡°Why do you seem to be in a hurry as you drive?¡±


    ¡°What? I¡¯m not the one who drives.¡±


    Zoe looked at the driver¡¯s side of the car. Her eyes narrowed as she could not see the driver. ¡°Then


    who?¡±


    Cindy rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. ¡°It¡¯s the monkey who¡¯s driving. Let¡¯s go,¡± Cindy said


    and pulled Zoe inside the mansion.


    ¡°Hey! Who¡¯s the driver? And who¡¯s the monkey?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother about¡ª¡± Cindy couldn¡¯t finish what she was going to say when the driver blew the


    car''s horn. ¡°Damn it!¡± Cindy cussed out.


    Even Zoe was shocked but didn¡¯t react like her friend. It seemed as if something had crossed her


    mind about who was driving the car.


    She formed an O in her mouth. "Whoa, you and Calyx¡ªCalyx owns the red Ferrari?¡±


    ¡°Shut up! Hurry up and walk. I badly want to see my beautiful goddaughter,¡± Cindy said as she


    diverted the topic.


    Zoe shook her head. ¡°Yeah. She¡¯s inside, ying with Beige.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s this Beige? I don¡¯t think you mention anything to me every time we chat, hmmm¡­¡± asked


    Cindy.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see,¡± she answered.


    When they finally got inside the house, Cindy immediately left her and ran to her daughter. She


    picked it up and lifted the young girl who seemed astonished by Cindy. Her daughter just silently


    looked at Cindy until the young girl pouted and looked in her direction.


    ¡°You startled my daughter, witch,¡± she said as she approached them. The young girl tried to reach


    her, but she didn¡¯t take it. She just smiled at her, which made the child even sadder until she cried.


    ¡°Aw, my baby, she cried because her godmother was beautiful,¡± said Cindy.


    Zoe then ps the woman¡¯s shoulder. She took her child to calm her down.


    ¡°You¡¯re bitching out. Just let yourpanion get inside. You¡¯re keeping a secret now, huh?¡±


    ¡°Huh? I don¡¯t hide secrets, a dud. He was just forced to apany me.¡±


    ¡°You ckmailed him?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Heh! Wait, who¡¯s that kid?¡± asked Cindy when she saw Beige climbing down the stairs.


    ¡°That¡¯s Beige, Amanda¡¯s son,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Amanda? As in, Amanda the bitch¡ªYour evil cousin?¡± Cindy asked unbelievably. Cindy knew


    about Amanda because Zoe told her too when they were exchanging secrets at the caf¨¦.


    ¡°The one and only¡ªhey witch! You made me nervous. I thought you¡¯re some sort of viin riding in


    an expensive car,¡± she said as she averted the topic.


    ¡°Stupid. I¡¯m more nervous because it seems like your men want to shoot us anytime¡ªwait,¡± Cindy


    sat down on the sofa, and she followed. Good thin, her daughter has already stopped crying, and


    the young girl seems like listening to them. ¡°Why do you have many bodyguards?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re from Helios.¡±


    ¡°So, you and Helios are really on good terms? No more drama or secrets?¡±


    ¡°Crazy. Of course, we¡¯re okay,¡± she answered.


    ¡°Okay, and you owe me that story.¡±


    ¡°Duh, I already told you about it when we had facetime, remember? You will be the one who owes


    me a story,¡± she said.


    ¡°And what would I tell you? About Calyx and me?¡±


    Zoe nodded.


    ¡°Duh, we don¡¯t have a thing, okay? It¡¯s just that he owes me. So, the kid beside you was Amanda¡¯s


    son? And where is she?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s in her room, locking herself up.¡±


    ¡°What?! Why is she locking herself up? What¡¯s wrong with her?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Since she showed up to us three weeks ago, she¡¯s been like that¡ªacting weird.¡±


    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s going through something. Or her conscience was bothering her. You know, she¡¯s a


    devil.¡±


    Zoe ignored what just Cindy said.


    ¡°Cal!¡± she turned to the man who was approaching them. ¡°Long time no see,¡± said Zoe. She knew


    the man even though Cindy had never introduced him to her. He¡¯s also popr in the business


    industry. ¡°Sit next to Cindy. Are you her new bodyguard?¡± she pointed to her friend. But Cindy just


    res at her.


    ¡°No.¡¯


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind him, Zoe. We¡¯re discussing an important matter, remember?¡±


    ¡°What? I¡¯m just gr¡ª¡±


    ¡°Excuse me, can you just apany him into the kitchen? Give him some juice and give us some


    too,¡± said Cindy to one of their maids named Elena.


    Helios is really that annoying and even gave them maids. And she can¡¯t do anything at all. Zoe saw


    the efforts of the man, and he was really trying to catch up to them.


    Her friend''smand seems like she owns the house. She then heaved a deep sigh.


    Cindy is always Cindy. Nothing had changed in her attitude. It seems like she¡¯s getting worse than


    before. And she will not believe that nothing is going on between her and Calyx.¡±


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t treat my guest like that,¡± she said.


    ¡°What did I do? You must offer him some drinks, right? You¡¯re the owner, but you didn¡¯t even bother


    to ask me? what kind of people are you?¡± Cindy said, talking nonsense.


    ¡°You know what, one more talk, and I will ster your mouth. Cal, sit down,¡± she said to the man.


    Calyx then nodded and sat on the one-seater sofa.


    ¡°Aunt, I¡¯m hungry,¡± said Beige.


    ¡°Okay, baby. Nanny Elena will get some snacks for you. Elena, prepare us snacks, please. Thank


    you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Aunt can I y with H again?¡± asked Beige.


    Zoe nodded. ¡°Go get your toys first,¡± she said and pointed to the storage box beside the huge


    cab.


    ¡°So¡­¡± she turned to Cal, ¡°what brought you here, Cal?¡±


    ¡°Nothin¡ª"


    ¡°I¡¯m talking to Cal, Cindy,¡± she said.


    ¡°Helios told me toe over. Your friend just tagged herself along. She suddenly showed up from


    nowhere and entered my car without my consent¡ª"


    Cindy threw the pillow to Calyx, but the man seemed to have high reflexes, and he caught it. ¡°Jerk


    shut the f¡ª"


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who shut up, Cindy. I¡¯m not talking to you,¡± said Zoe, who seemed annoyed with her


    friend.


    Cindy just folded her arms and leaned on the armrest of the sofa. When Cindy and Calyx¡¯s eyes


    met, she rolled her eyes.


    "Helios ordered you toe here? For a visit? Are you too close to each other?" she asked.


    ¡°Yeah. He said that I¡¯d just wait for him here. We have something important to talk about. And about


    her,¡± she pointed to Cindy, ¡°she said. She escaped her meeting and climbed into my car because


    she had already missed you. I don¡¯t know if she¡¯s telling the truth or she¡¯s been stalking me all the


    time.¡±


    Cindy sat properly. ¡°What?! Stalking you?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡± Calyx asked and smiled foolishly.


    ¡°Dream on!¡¯


    ¡°Hep, stop that. Why did Helios send you here if he can call you by phone?¡±


    ¡°Things that we¡¯re going to talk about can¡¯t be casually discussed through phone,¡± Calyx said


    meaningfully.


    Cindy did not intervene again in their conversation, and she was grateful for that.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

 Acting Cupid

    Acting Cupid


    ¡°MAN! What¡¯s wrong with you? Why did you kill them? Are you insane?¡±


    The man smiled. ¡°They deserved it. It was just a simple task, but they failed to do it. And that


    woman, I gave her a chance before to get closer to Helios, what did she do? She gave up! A


    coward! The same goes with that asshole! Useless creatures. And that Amanda, she¡¯s really pissing


    me off!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s really your n? And what did Helios do to you¡­ that you¡¯re acting this way?¡±


    The man looked at him sharply. He stood up and recklessly cocked the gun and aimed it in front.


    ¡°Why are you asking so many questions? Huh?¡± the man shouted.


    The guy raises his two hands. ¡°Chill, I¡¯m on your side.¡±


    The man who was holding the gunughed and touched the head of the gun to his face. He kissed


    it.


    ¡®Crazy,¡¯ the man thought as he saw how he kissed the tip of his gun.


    ¡°Get out of here. I might lose my temper and kill you,¡± the man said, and he followed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll repeat. I¡¯m on your side. Whatever your problem with Helios¡ªWhatever your n with him, do ii


    before Helios makes the first move.¡± He tapped the man on the shoulder and walked away from the


    room.


    ¡­


    ¡°SWEETIE, Helios will be with you for a few days.¡±


    Zoe stopped what she was doing. ¡°Pardon?¡± she asked crookedly. ¡°Where are you going? And why


    do we even need Helios to be here? We have a lot of bodyguards, mom.¡±


    They are currently eating dinner, and she¡¯s feeding her daughter. Why does Helios have to stay with


    them for a while?


    Luckily, Amanda and her son were not there. And when Amanda hears about it, she might get


    jealous. She couldn¡¯t understand Amanda¡¯s behavior. Sometimes, she¡¯s silent, and sometimes


    she¡¯s mad at something. There seems to be a problem with her brain. But she was surprised before


    dinner that she brought her son inside the theater room and said that they needed to spend some


    quality time.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go back with your Aunt Millie in California,¡± her mother looked to her dad, ¡°we¡¯re attending a


    business summit.¡±


    ¡°Helios knew about it, and he asked me if he could stay here for the meantime,¡± said Millie.


    ¡°But Aunt, there¡¯s no need with that. Besides, he cane here anytime. But he¡¯s not allowed to


    stay here. Think of me,¡± sheined. Don¡¯t you care about my feelings, she wants to add.


    Her motherughed. ¡°Gosh, sweetie, you¡¯re not a teen anymore. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re being aloof


    with the father of your child. And we¡¯re more at ease if Helios will be here. Just be thankful that


    we¡¯re not sending you to his ce.¡±


    ¡°Why are we going there, mom?¡±


    ¡°You need to get married first before we will send you there.¡±


    ¡°What? So, how about him? He cane here whenever he wants, even if we¡¯re not married yet. Is


    that so, mom?¡± she asked sarcastically.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sarcastic, sweetie. If you¡¯re going to ask us¡­ you would have been married to Helios. But


    you¡¯re so picky, eh,¡± said her mom, and the old womanughed.


    Zoe handed the spoon first to Elena and let the nanny feed her daughter. She then turned to her


    parents.


    ¡°How many days do you n to spend in Cali?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re willing that Helios will stay here? Her mother asked, which made her brows arch. Hmm¡­


    she smells something.


    ¡°Wait¡ªyou mean Helios doesn¡¯t know about your scheme, mommy?¡±


    The olddy seemed surprised by her action. And she was sure that her mother was acting cupid


    again.


    ¡°Of¡­ Of course, he knows about it. That¡¯s why I¡¯m telling you about it. Anyway, we¡¯re staying there


    for two to three weeks,¡± her mother replied.


    Three weeks?


    ¡°Of course, we need to settle things there. Spend some quality time together. Right, Millie?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± her aunt replied, who had obviously scripted their performance. Why didn¡¯t just her mother


    and aunt enter the world of showbiz? They¡¯re good at acting. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    But she doesn¡¯t want to pressure her mother and throw tantrums like a kid.


    Well, honestly, she wants Helios to spend more time with their daughter.


    ¡°Okay. Fine. And don¡¯t forget about the presents,¡± she said, totally surrendering.


    Her mother then let out a smile of sess, while her Aunt Millie just nodded.

 If Not, Youre Dead

    If Not, You''re Dead


    THE NEXT day, her mom and aunt flew to California without telling her goodbye. They were already


    gone when she woke up. She hit her head. They had thought of everything. She was also not


    surprised to see Helios swimming in their pool.


    Helios said, "Good morning."


    ¡°You¡¯re early. You don¡¯t have work?¡± she inquired. She doesn''t want to see Helios naked as much


    as she can, but her eyes and body won''t let her.


    She grabbed the towel from the top of the lounge chair and held it out to Helios. ¡°Get up there. Let''s


    have some breakfast."


    He shouldn''t show his body just yet. She turned her head. She narrowed her eyes when she saw


    their two maids, who she thinks is about her age, peeking andughing. When they saw her, the


    two of them left.


    Helios grinned. It seems like Trinity doesn''t want other people to see his body.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my body is only yours,¡± he joked. Even though it''s true, all of him was for Zoe only.


    "Shut up! Get up there!¡± Zoe said, then sped off.


    When Helios saw what Zoe did, he shook his head. Every time he teased Zoe, it made himugh.


    The woman''s reaction was like nothing he had ever seen before. Since he didn''t want her to get


    mad at him, he decided to follow her.


    Zoe was thinking out loud as she walked into their house. People inside were wondering what was


    wrong with the woman.


    She called out to the babysitter, "Elena, is H awake?"


    "Not yet, ma''am."


    "How about Amanda and Beige?"


    "Senorita, they''re already in the dining room," Elena said.


    She said yes. She went upstairs to peek at her daughter because sometimes her daughter yed


    games with her nanny. For example, she would act like she was sleeping when her nanny was


    looking, but she would suddenly wake up when her mother was looking.


    She was right, too. When she walks into the house, humming softly, her daughter stands up andN?velDrama.Org content.


    raises her hand to be lifted.


    "Bad baby. You''re still young, but you know how to pull a prank, huh?"


    Then she picked her up. "Uh-huh... "Baby, daddy is in the house."


    "Da-da!" yelled the little girl.


    She was happy. "Yes, dada is here. So, let''s go downstairs and eat breakfast," she said with a


    smile.


    When she saw Helios at the end of the hall, she stopped walking. The man was smiling, which


    almost made her angry heart stop beating.


    ¡°Da-da!¡± When her daughter saw her father, she yelled.


    Helios got close to where they were very quickly. He walked up to the girl and said, "Good morning,


    my princess." She then gave the child right away.


    He asked H, "Are you hungry?"


    "Yes," said the little girl, and Helios looked surprised.


    Zoe found his reaction funny.


    He turned to face her. He asked, "When did she learn to say that?"


    "She builds and says different words every day. She''s not getting older, and she''ll be one soon," she


    said.


    He nodded, and they started down the stairs. Zoe was shocked by what she saw when they went


    into the dining room. Amanda isughing with one of their maids, Hilda, and their dog, Beige.


    "Wow, you look like you''re having fun!" she inquired.


    When they saw them, the three stopped. Helios helped her out of the chair. She thanked him when


    she looked at him. Helios was standing next to her, and his daughter was sitting on hisp.


    Zoe was looking at Amanda while Amanda was looking at Helios. When they got inside, her happy


    face turned into a sad one.


    She made her eyes more prominent. She doesn''t know why she thinks Amanda was jealous.


    Then, the butler told the maids to get their food ready.


    "It''s good that you''reing to breakfast with us, Amanda." She said it in a funny way.


    When her cousin smiled, she grimaced because she knew it was fake. The woman has something


    in mind.


    ¡°Am I not allowed to join?¡±


    "It''s strange, but that''s not what I mean. You just want to lock yourself in your room, you know? In


    any case, it''s great that you can join us now." She said that, and then she turned back to Helios and


    her daughter.


    She doesn''t want to see how her cousin reacts because she might lose her cool.


    She asked him, "What do you want to eat?"


    "Toast and jam," he said, pointing to the piece of bread and the strawberry.


    She smiled. "Are you on a diet?"


    "No," was his answer.


    ¡°Oh. Then why are you just going to eat¡ª"


    "Because I want to take you out," he cut off.


    What the man said made her eyes get bigger. She smiled. "What?" ¡°Seriously.¡± The young man


    nodded. "Why didn''t you tell me? Let''s go. Then let''s go outside and eat breakfast. And take a walk


    after a while,¡± she said happily.


    Helios stood up and reached for her hand. She held it as if he were holding her daughter in his


    hands. As they left the dining room, she had a big smile on her face. And it looked like her sister


    didn''t want the scene to happen because she saw her make a fist.


    They went back to his room so that he could get ready.


    "Hey, are you really going to do that? Or are you just going through with your n?" she asked.


    He asked with a smirk, "How did you know?"


    ¡°Jerk. I believed it to be true. What was the point of saying that?" she asked, shocked.


    "I will take you out, but I want to find out something at the same time."


    "About?"


    "I''m curious about what your cousin did. From what you''ve said, it sounds like she likes to change


    her mind. I heard the same thing from your aunt. Doesn''t she seem to be up to something?"


    She thought about it as well. Amanda seemed to have a strange quality about her.


    "So, what are you going to do?"


    "Come to my ce."


    "I thought we''d be eating outside. Why should we go to your house?" she asked confusedly.


    "No more questions. I''ve got a n. Don''t take a lot of things. You could find everything you needed


    in there."


    ¡°Wow. Are you sure you can convince us to live with you?"


    "You''ll only be married to one person, and that person is me. Right?¡±


    She got red in the face. Damn, he''s easily giving me chills, she thought.


    She just said "Heh!" and turned away because she didn''t want to show how she felt. She went to


    the bathroom to go to the bathroom.


    She didn''t take a bath yet because she nned to do it at Helios''s house. And when they were


    done, her cousin and her nephew left the dining room.


    When her cousin spoke, they stopped. "Has anyone who wants to eat outside not yet put on


    clothes?"


    Her left eyebrow went up. ¡°Yes, and it was me. Got a problem with that?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. What restaurant do you n to eat at?"


    When Helios spoke up, she was about to answer. "V Reseau Restaurant."


    ¡°Oh. Okay. Take care," Amanda said.


    She said, "Thanks," and then walked toward the main door.


    Amanda looked at her sister and smiled as she did so. "Beige, do something with Hilda. I need to do


    something upstairs." She looked at her son and told him to go up the stairs. Every step she took


    until she went into her room was hurried. She grabbed her phone off the table and called a number


    she hadn''t called in weeks.


    It rang, and the person on the other end of the line picked up right away.


    The angry man on the other line asked, "Where the hell have you been?"


    "I need to wind down. Anyway, don''t get mad. I want to give you something."


    "Fuck you! Last few weeks, you were brave enough to ignore my calls. When we meet, I''ll kill you!"


    The man was angry, but she didn''t care. "Good news! You can now carry out your n."


    "What? Why? Who are you to tell me what to do?!"


    "Zoe and her daughter went out, and Helios was with them. They will eat outdoors. To let you know


    that this is your chance to get through the. They are going to a restaurant called V Reseau."


    "Is that really so?"


    "Yes."


    "Make sure that the information you gave me is correct. If not, you''re dead!" The man made a


    threat, and the call ended.

 For The First Time

    For The First Time


    HELIOS¡¯S bodyguard opened the passenger seat; Zoe then entered. Helios handed over her


    daughter and turned to the driver''s seat. They look like a happy andplete family; the difference


    is that they still have many unsolved puzzles and problems. But they always believe that those


    things have an end.


    ¡°Why did you say that we¡¯ll eat at your restaurant? What¡¯s your n?¡± Zoe asked.


    Helios turned to her and grinned. ¡°It¡¯s bait. I¡¯m sure your sister already tips the information to her


    boss.¡±


    ¡°What? What if they will blow up your restaurant? You still have your employees there. How about


    the innocent people eating there?¡± shocked, flustered Zoe''s face. Yes, she understands Helios¡¯s


    n, but what if innocent people will get hurt because of it?


    "V Reseau was closed since yesterday," Helios answered, and she was expecting that.


    "You really have ns. Care to share it?" she asked.


    Helios started the car engine and turned the steering wheel to the right. "I don''t want you to be


    involved¡ªyes, you are already into this, but this is my fight. And I''m so eager to end this. I don¡¯t you


    to worry about it. Just focus on our daughter," he said.


    She heaved a deep sigh and kissed her daughter on the top of H¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Even if you¡¯re still nning about it, I¡¯m already worrying about the oue. And I can¡¯t stop


    myself not to worrying about you. I don¡¯t want to see you wounded. H is still young to lose a


    father.¡±


    Helios nced at her for a second as he returned his gaze to the road. ¡°Just trust me, babe.¡±


    She heaved a deep sigh again. ¡°Okay,¡± she surrendered. She knew that Helios had nned and


    didn¡¯t want to share it with her. She was thankful for the man¡¯s concern about them, but she couldn¡¯t


    stop herself not to overthinking the possibilities. Helios told her several times that he didn¡¯t want her


    to get involved in his fight, but she was already in if she came to think of it. She can¡¯t do anything


    but follow Helios¡ªit¡¯s the only possible way she would help the man. She wants their problems will


    come to an end so that they can be with him.


    She just nodded and didn¡¯t ask again. She adjusted the child¡¯s position and turned H in Helios¡¯s


    direction. ¡°Where is the baby going?¡± she asked childishly.


    Her daughter smiled and repeated the word da-da.


    ¡°H Selene Lincoln really adores you, huh?¡± she turned to Helios.


    Helios smiled. ¡°Because her daddy is good-looking,¡± Helios said proudly.


    Sheughed. ¡°Conceited jerk. And you have lots of women out there. Your daddy is a womanizer,


    Tris,¡± she said to her daughter.


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t say that. You¡¯re my only girl,¡± Helios said.


    She was thrilled but hid it. ¡°Crazy. A lot of women have been linked to you before. SNS talks about


    the famous Helios.¡±


    "God knows, it''s only you since then," he said, meaningfully which made her frown.


    "What?"


    "Nothing. We''re almost there," he said.


    ¡®What did he say? It was only me, since then? Has he loved me since we first met? Whoa. It seems


    like I have long hair,¡¯ she thought.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we going to your condo?¡±


    "Nope."


    ¡°Then where? Wait¡ªwe¡¯re entering an elite subdivision,¡± she said with astonishment in her eyes.


    "Your husband-to-be is awesome rich. Are you still wondering?"


    She winced. ¡°You¡¯re so boastful.¡±


    Helios justughed and never spoke again until they reached their destination.


    ¡­


    The moment Zoe saw the house, she couldn''t stop herself not to be mesmerized by the view she


    was seeing right now.


    ¡°You owned it?¡± she pointed to the house outside.


    ¡°It¡¯s ours,¡± replied Helios sparingly. He turned around and opened the door for her. Helios took Tris


    from here, and as she climbed down, she turned around and scrutinized the surrounding.


    She could not believe what Helios said. It seems like she wants to cry. She can¡¯t understand Helios.


    She was grateful because she could feel that the man sincerely loved them. But despite all theContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    excitement she feels, she can¡¯t stop herself from worrying, and nervousness always fills in as she


    diverts her though to the recent happenings. She¡¯s afraid that they may lose Helios¡ªbut she knows


    that she was just overthinking.


    Two vehicles followed them, and all upants were armed. You can see that there¡¯s danger lurking


    in them at any time.


    Helios told her toe inside while he was holding their child and the young girl was busy looking


    around her new surroundings.


    ¡°Is it beautiful, baby?¡± asked Helios. The little girl confusedly looked at him. It seemed like she


    couldn¡¯t understand what he was saying.


    They were greeted by three maids whom she estimated were in their mid-fifties. From the outside,


    where there is the magnificent circr driveway with a fountain in the middle, to here inside


    screams luxury. Helios seemed to have thought and prepared for everything.


    This was her dream house, and her dad knew about it. ¡°Seriously? This is for us?¡± she asked as


    she talked about the ce. But she realized her carelessness and wanted to take back what she


    had just said.


    "This is my dream house!" she eximed.


    Helios chuckled. ¡°I asked your mother.¡±


    She could no longer hide the thrill and happiness she felt. Overwhelmed, she nted a soft kiss on


    Helios¡¯s lips. It was just a quick kiss, but why does she want more?¡±


    Helios was caught in surprise. ¡°Wow, I didn¡¯t expect that,¡± he said and smiled.


    ¡°Expect the unexpected,¡± she said. ¡®I can do more than that,¡¯ she wants to add. Damn her flirtation.


    ¡°It¡¯s too early to say thank you because you haven¡¯t married me yet, but I want you to know that I¡¯m


    grateful and happy. This means too much to our daughter and to me. I want to ask you about


    everything, but I know this isn''t the right time yet. I''m happy and thankful. Thank you," she said as


    she hugged Helios and her daughter.


    Helios kissed the top of her head. ¡°I love you,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°I love you,¡± she finally replied. And it¡¯s her first-time answering Helios¡¯s love confession.


    ¡­


    On the other side, a man is shouting at his men because of their sluggishness. The time he said


    was notplied with. And his friend doesn¡¯t arrive yet.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t he there yet?¡± he asked in a negative way.


    ¡°Not yet, boss.¡±


    ¡°Bullshit! He might not think to double-cross me, and I might be able to kill him.¡±


    Soon a yellow Lamborghini was parked in front of him¡ªthe man he was referring to was the one


    riding it.


    "Sorry, man, traffic.¡±


    Since the man seemed to have a mental problem, he cocked the handgun and shot the ground, and


    the neer was surprised.


    "Man! What''s your problem?!" he shouted.


    ¡°Dammit, Gunner! You have made me wait for ages! What time is it?! Get your ass inside the car,¡±


    the manmanded and pointed at the yellow car.


    ¡°Men move!¡± the man shouted, and the armed men followed.


    Driving swiftly, they reached their destination.


    ¡°There¡¯s no one inside,¡± shouted the boss. He looked around. ¡°Gunner! Search the perimeter.


    ¡°Damn that bitch! I was right the whole time!¡±


    He pulled his hair when his men confirmed that the whole ce was empty. Annoyed, he grabbed


    the grenadeuncher and recklessly detonated the V Reseau. The building was made of durable


    materials, and the weapon he used did minor damage¡ªwhich made him even more annoyed.


    Out of rage, he was preupied and didn¡¯t see Helios¡¯s mening in their direction and started


    firing.


    Helios men use high-powered guns¡ªwith just one shot, you are dead. Some were shot on their


    side before they could finally recover from the shock. They then exchanged gunfire.


    Gunner quickly goes into his bulletproof car. He opened the passenger seat, ¡°get in!¡± he shouted at


    their boss.


    Their boss immediately got in and closed the car door. Alejandro quickly drives the vehicle away


    from the V Reseau and leaves their colleagues.


    Their boss knocked his head while he cussed because of frustration. Alejandro just shook his head;


    his friend seems like losing his insanity.


    If only he knew how insane the boss was, he would not have taken sides with it. He shouldn¡¯t betray


    his faithfulpanions. Alejandro heaved a deep sigh. He just wished that Helios would forgive him


    for what he did.

 Youre Tight

    You''re Tight


    ZOE WATCHES how Helios puts their daughter to sleep. All the emotions she had seen in the


    man''s eyes were genuine. She knew that Helios really loved her and their daughter. Despite all the


    challenges they''ve been through, Helios shows her how he truly feels. She can''t question his


    feelings for her anymore. If he asks her for marriage, she won¡¯t hesitate to say yes.


    She smiled when the man sessfullyid their daughter on her new bed. They¡¯re in Helios¡¯s room,


    which happens to be the master¡¯s bedroom. There¡¯s a room built for their child, but she¡¯s still


    breastfeeding H, so she can¡¯t let her child alone inside the room.


    Helios turned to her and went closer.


    ¡°You may take a shower if you want to,¡± he said.


    She let out a soft chuckle. ¡°How about you?¡±


    Helios smirked. ¡°Is that an invite?¡±


    Her eyes widened when she realized what he meant. ¡°Crazy,¡± she uttered and stood up. ¡°Do I have


    dresses here? Undies¡­ brassiere?¡±


    Helios pointed to the walk-in closet next to the bathroom.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± she said and walked away. She went inside and was amazed at how spacious and


    beautiful it was. The kinds of stuff in there were allplete. Even women¡¯s footwears were there.


    She lifted the brown wedge and took a peek at its size, and she was quite astonished because it


    was the size of her foot.


    She wanted to search and scrutinize everything inside the closet, but she was sleepy and badly


    wanted to take a shower.


    Helios was still on the bed when she got out, sitting on the edge. Both hands were resting on his


    back, and his feet were apart. Her eyesnded on the bulge between his thighs. She gulped. The


    beast was awakened. When their eyes met, Helios grinned.


    She just rolled her eyes. She turned around and went to the bathroom. She then put her things


    beside the counter. And when she saw that she didn¡¯t close the door, she went closer to it, and she


    was about to close it when suddenly a force stopped her.


    Her eyes widened. ¡°Helios,¡± she said, surprised.


    The man pushed the door, and she was taken aback a little. Helios stepped inside as his eyes were


    fixed on hers. She then red at him.


    "What? I think I need a cold shower too."


    ¡°Wait for me to finish first,¡± she said softly. ¡°Watch over H.¡±


    The man smiled. He walked closer to her. She stepped back and looked up just inches between


    them.


    "Let''s conserve water by taking a shower together," he said.


    ¡°You¡¯re just going to peek at my body. Get out,¡± she said and pushed the man, but it seemed like he


    was hard as a wall and never moved from where he was.


    Suddenly, Helios takes a grip on her hands. He put it on his shoulder and let her envelop his nape.


    She gasped when the man pulled her closer.


    With him towering over her, his mint breath touches his forehead. He lowered down his face,


    slowly... until their lips met. At first, they kissed gently, butter, with all the hunger, the eagerness,


    the chances they wasted, the lust, the desire, their kisses went wild.


    Helios left hand slowly traveled from her neck to her shoulder¡­ until he found her mounds. He


    slowly massages her left pile as his other hand grip her waist. Helios moves forward, and she steps


    backward until she back touches the cold tiled wall. Helios lowered his hand without breaking the


    kiss until he found her thigh. He caresses it and slowly sprawls until he feels her most precious one.


    Helios¡¯s kisses went down to her neck. She looked up and moaned because of the tickle and


    pleasure she felt in each kiss and caress of Helios.


    She won¡¯t deny that she liked what Helios was doing to her body. They were longing for each other


    touch. The familiar warmth began to rose up to her body.


    ¡°You¡¯re still beautiful,¡± said Helios in a hoarse voice and kissed her lips again.


    The moment their body collided, warmth filled in. Helios¡¯s hand traveled all over her body¡ª


    massaging her mound down to her precious jewel.


    Without breaking the kiss, Helios''s right hand slowly sprawls in front. She moaned when he slid his


    one finger inside her core.


    Helios¡¯s kiss went to his ear. He lifted her and seated her on the countertop. She moaned again as


    Helios¡¯s mouth recklessly covered her left tip.


    He¡¯s sipping, sucking, biting it, and it gives chills to her body. She shivered when he twirled his


    tongue on her tips as his fingers were inside her core¡ªforging back and forth. She arched her body.


    "Oh, Helios," she moaned.


    Helios moved his attention to her other pile while his finger yed at her jewel.


    His tongue slowly swirled down to her stomach, leaving soft kisses before it reached her core. She


    moaned loudly when Helios started to savor her peanut, and his tongue went inside her core.


    She clung to Helios¡¯s hair as her mouth let out a soft and restrained growl.


    When she was tired of doing it, he then stood up straight and looked at her. Her gaze dropped to


    the man¡¯s furious shaft. It was still the same sword as before. It''s still firm and proud ever since¡ªbig


    and long. Who would have thought that she handled it a long time ago¡ªwhen they first met inside


    the bar, that she gave in to a stranger?


    "Like what you see," he said. She won''t deny it. She nodded.


    "I can''t promise you that I''ll be gentle," he said. And the tip of his penis touches her mound, which


    gives a shiver in her body.


    She nodded and bit her lower lip.


    Helios smiled and suddenly inserted his shaft inside her. She gasped, and it seemed like something


    was torn again.


    "Damn! You''re right."


    She grabbed Helios¡¯s arm as he adjusted his size over her. He¡¯s still thrusting but slowly.


    Zoe grabbed Helios¡¯s arm as he adjusted his shaft over her and pounded slowly.


    She tapped his shoulders, giving a sign that he must move faster. Because the slower he was, the


    more painful it was. Helios got what she wanted and started to thrust quickly¡­ hard.


    The bathroom was filled with their moans, the sound of their colliding body, and their heavy breath


    as they reached their own climax.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

 Beat Him Up

    Beat Him Up


    GRANT¡¯S car seemed to be on fire because of its speed on the way to his twin brother''s condo.


    ¡°Dude, slow down. You might bring us to an ident,¡±ined Ali.


    Grant did not answer and quickly turned the vehicle into the location of his brother¡¯s condo.


    ¡°That fucktard was getting on my nerves. Shitty traitor!¡± he eximed with annoyance.


    When he parked his car, he quickly went inside the building.


    Ali ran to catch up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a hurry. You might regret what you can do.¡±


    ¡°That asshole deserves to die,¡± he said.


    ¡°Helios order, just teach him a lesson and find out what is his reason and their ns¡ª"


    ¡°My eyesight is getting dark, and I can¡¯t promise that I will leave that man unscratched.¡±


    Ali shook his head in disbelief. Grant stepped outside it when the elevator opened and walked


    towards his twin brother¡¯s unit, followed by Ali.


    Grant almost broke the doorbell of the unit due to his violent pressing. His right hand pulled the gun


    from behind and hooked it up.


    ¡°Dude, find out everything first before you make something you might regret in the end,¡± Ali


    reminded again.


    When Gunner saw his twin brother¡¯s face outside his unit, he began to worry. But he knew it would


    happen, so he didn¡¯t hesitate to open the door.


    His hunch was correct when his brother pointed the gun at his forehead and shouted at him.


    ¡°Damn it! So, you¡¯re the traitor in the group, huh!¡± he shouted and pressed the gun into his


    forehead.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± were the words that came from Gunner¡¯s mouth.


    Grant punched his twin, and his face turned to the left.


    He deserves it.


    Grant let go of the gun he was holding and quivered and punched his twin in the face again.


    He gave him another blow to the stomach and knocked him out. While Ali remained on the side,


    watching him.


    ¡°That¡¯s why Helios threatened and kept an eye on me because of you. Bullshit, Gun! Bullshit! What


    the hell is your problem?! Why do you have to do that?¡± he asked at the top of his lungs.


    Gunner just shook his head, and because of that, his brother punched him again.


    He doesn¡¯t want to betray the organization, but his friend has a personal issue. So, he sided with


    him because he was his best friend. He doesn¡¯t want to leave him, especially now that it seems like


    the man has a mental disorder. And he believes that he could bring his friend back to normal.


    Gunner believes that his friend was just blinded by envy and the desire for revenge.


    ¡°Answer me!¡± Grant shouted, but his twin remained silent.


    Grant kept on knocking him until his body wanted to give up. On the other hand, Ali sees that Grant


    seems to be out of control, so he hesitates to take him away from Gunner.


    ¡°Stop it, already, Grant!¡± shouted Ali.


    Ali was able to keep Grant away, but they couldn¡¯t stop Gunner from losing his consciousness. Ali


    wiped his palm into his face and felt annoyed because of Grant.


    Ali told him to control himself and not get blinded by his anger, but Grant didn¡¯t listen. As a doctor,


    he immediately examined Gunner¡ªhe was still breathing.


    Ali told Grant to pick his brother up and rush him to the hospital.


    ¡­


    ZOE CURSED under her breath when the scenest night kept on reying inside her mind. Did


    they really do it?


    Of course, they did.


    Damn!


    Why did she give in immediately? What if¡­ What if she gets pregnant again? Things aren¡¯t stable


    yet. But it was already done, and she couldn¡¯t undo it.


    ¡°Babe,e down!¡± shouted Helios outside the bathroom.


    ¡®Fucking endearment, I¡¯m thrilled,¡¯ she thought.


    ¡°You go first. I¡¯ll just take a quick shower,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Okay, please hurry up. We¡¯ll wait for you downstairs,¡± he said.


    She didn¡¯t answer it and just quickly took a shower so that she could catch up.


    When she came down, Helios was busy feeding their daughter. A genuine smile flustered on her


    face.


    Who would''ve taught that Helios could be a father figure? He can be so gentle and caring. His


    actions were so tangible. It seems like he doesn''t hide a monster inside him. But even if he hides


    his monstrousness, she will ept him wholeheartedly; that''s what love can do.


    She will ept whoever he is. She loves him and can apany him in any fight, even if her life


    will be at stake. Fear was ranging inside her, but her love for him was more dominant than it.


    The moment she knew about Helios being involved in a mafia¡ªwhich she knew that it''s dangerous,


    she epter everything.


    She approached her daughter and kissed the child on her cheek. She then went closer to Helios


    and kissed him on the cheek, but he nudged himself and faced her. Thus her lipsnded on his lips.


    She lightly pped his arm and shook her head. Her heart thumps fast, and even the maids can¡¯t


    stop themselves from smiling¡ªthey seem to love what they see.


    Suddenly, she thought of mischief. Instead of sitting next to him, she turned to the other side. She


    was about to pull the chair when Helios dropped the spoon he was holding. It wasn¡¯t loud, but it was


    enough to show how annoyed he seemed because of what she did. She wants to burst into


    laughter, but she holds it.


    She was about to grab the bowl of rice when Helios spoke.


    "You don''t like it when I get angry, baby," he said with his deep and demandingly voice.


    She gulped. Why does she seem to think differently about Helios¡¯s threat?


    ¡°Geez, just shut up and feed our daughter. You have an appointment, right?¡±


    Helios mentionedst night that he had important things to do with his friends. And she doesn¡¯t


    know who these friends he¡¯s talking about. Maybe it was Calyx or Ali or Bill?


    "Come and sit beside me. Don''t make me repeat things that I''ve just said."


    Helios seemed annoyed. She then stood up and sat beside him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever sleep beside me, get it?¡± she whispered. If he got luckyst night, she would ensure that


    he would not do it again. Not until he will ask for her hand and marry her. ¡°And oh¡­ take us home


    later after your business outside. My mom and aunt already arrived home,¡± she said.


    She was about to pick up the rice bowl when Helios picked it up and put some on her te. Helios


    asked her what dish she wanted. She then pointed to the ham and egg. Helios then immediately


    took it and put some on her te.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. Why did you put that much on my te?¡± she said, seeming pissed. ¡°Are you that


    mad?¡±


    ¡°No. I just noticed that you¡¯re losing weight.¡±


    What?


    Her?


    Losing weight?


    Her body shape and kilos were all right. She¡¯s not fat nor thin.


    She rolled her eyes and began eating her dish.


    ¡°Da-da, pyay (y),¡± said the young girl who happened to watch them.


    Helios¡¯s eyes widened. She thenughed at his reaction.


    He must get used to their child¡¯s speech. H isn''t getting younger. Later on, she will walk and run.


    And she hopes when H reaches that stage, all things must be done... must be cleared off. No


    more problems¡ªwell, we can''t tell there were no problems at all because it¡¯s always been there


    since then.


    We''ll just say, no more conflicts or secrets.


    Just like what H Selene wanted, Helios yed with her first before saying goodbye to them and


    leaving.


    She wanted to ask the guy where he''s been to. Who will be with him¡ªbut she remains silent and


    just give the man a kiss and a hug.


    She called home and told her mother that they would be staying in their house¡ªthe one Helios


    built. She didn¡¯t hear anyints from her mother¡ªbecause she was in favor of Helios as her


    future husband. And they always tell her that they will be safe when they are with Helios.


    It seems like her mother also understands who Helios really is. Her mom knew Helios''s father¡ª


    what kind of person he is, and for sure¡­ she knew his secrets too.


    Zoe hopes to get things better when Helios already finds the problem behind all the shits.N?velDrama.Org content.

 All The Best

    All The Best


    IT WAS six in the afternoon when her friend Cindy called, saying they would visit their goddaughter.


    However, H didn¡¯t get baptized yet. She ns to, but she wants things to be fixed first before her


    daughter is baptized.


    ording to her friend, Cindy, she will bring her new friend. The news gives her excitement. She


    was happy that Cindy had started to grow her circle.


    Whoever Cindy¡¯s friend will be her friend too.


    Well, she understands why Cindy seldom visits them. She is so damn busy with her new


    environment.


    She then let their maids prepare food for them.


    Cindy told her that she wanted Adobo and Creamy macaroni.


    Zoe knew why. Cindy and her cooking skills¡­ suck.


    Cindy is not into cooking or cleaning. She has never been a wife figure¡ªwhich she always teased


    her. Well, that friend of hers seems not to have the n to marry.


    Cindy was so immersive at her work right now. And she doesn¡¯t know if Cindy was having some hot


    steamy night with other men¡­ or to Calyx?


    She did it a long time ago. And she doesn¡¯t know if it happened again with the same guy whom her


    friend loathes¡­ named, Calyx¡ªone of Helios¡¯s friends.


    But sexes in an unexpected way. If you want it, then try it. But if not, then don¡¯t.


    ¡°Oh. My. Gosh, Zoe!¡± Cindy eximed. ¡°Your house is pretty damn huge, and¡­ and every corner


    shows elegance!¡± she added, who seemed like a one-year-old girl. As if she had never seen a


    beautiful and huge house. ¡°And look,¡± she pointed to the guards behind them, ¡°¡­you have too


    many men in a ck suits!¡± she uttered, exaggeratingly.


    Cindy then received a rebuke from her new friend Sam. ¡°You¡¯re like an ignorant,¡± said Sam.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± Leained.


    Sam approached Zoe and shook their hands. ¡°Good day, I¡¯m Samantha, but you can call me Sam,¡±


    she said and smiled.


    ¡°It was nice to meet you, Sam.¡±


    ¡°Mi-mi,¡± the little girl shouted as she kept on wiggling from their maid named Bea.


    Bea then slowly lifted down H and helped the child walk closer to them.


    They¡¯ve been practicing her daughter walking, and H can take three to five steps, and the young


    girl will just sit down and ask for help.


    They parted from the embrace, and Cindy quickly went closer to H and carried her.


    ¡°Kiss, mama, baby,¡± said Cindy.


    ¡°Mama?¡± asked Sam.


    Cindy then looked at Sam, ¡°yeah. Is there a problem with that?¡± she asked, arching her left brow.


    Zoe just shook her head because of Cindy¡¯s attitude.


    ¡°Say, ma-ma Cindy, baby,¡± Cindy said to Zoe¡¯s daughter. But the young girl just giggled and pped


    her friend¡¯s face.


    ¡°Seems like she doesn¡¯t want to call you, ma-ma,¡± Sam said and chuckled.


    Cindy red at Sam and turned her gaze to Zoe¡¯s daughter again.


    "So, Sam... How are you? Is everything fine?" Cindy suddenly asked out of the blue as they walked


    towards the living room. They were seated on the sofa and started to chat. And Zoe busied herself


    with her daughter and began to y with H¡¯s toys.


    "As usual, business is business. We can''t avoid conflicts, struggles¡ªespecially to the finances."


    "That''s why I hate business¡ªbut intend to take the rted course. How about your love life? Are


    you still single?" Cindy asked.


    Samughed, ¡°Yeah, I am,¡± she answered.


    ¡°Zoe¡­ get married first, okay?¡± Cindy turned to Zoe.


    ¡°Then you¡¯re next?¡± Zoe said.


    ¡°No way!¡± said Cindy and walked toward Zoe. She held H.


    Zoe just shook her head. ¡°Okay, since twilight is near¡ª¡±


    ¡°Twilight? Why not use night instead?¡±ined Cindy.


    ¡°Whatever. You¡¯re going to have dinner here, huh? Let¡¯s just wait for Helios.¡±


    Mentioning Helios¡¯s name, she gained teased by Cindy. She brings back their memories, where she


    said she would no longer be vulnerable when ites to Helios, but she just chewed her words


    way back then.


    "He''s so sincere with all his actions. His love for me, for us, was genuine. And I don''t want to doubt


    his feelings again. I just want to give the almost faded love a new beginning... a new start. For us,


    for the future of our daughter," she replied.


    Sam whistled. Cindyughed.


    ¡°I can hear ringing bells,¡± said Cindy.


    She smiled. ¡°Me too,¡± Sam said. The two then suddenly screamed as they found it heart-warming.


    They''re both happy for Zoe. And they love to see those hearts in Zoe¡¯s eyes, twinkling like she was


    the luckiest person to find a new life beside Helios.


    ¡®All the best'' is their only wish for her.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

 Hes Lucky

    He''s Lucky


    IT WAS ten o¡¯clock in the evening when Helios got home. Zoe¡¯s friend is still in the house, and both


    decided to do a sleepover. H Selene was already asleep upstairs. She¡¯s with their maid named


    Bea.


    Helios went home not alone. He¡¯s with this guy named Ali, together with Grant and Calyx. She


    smiled when she saw the reaction of her friend, Cindy.


    Cindy spits the water she¡¯s drinking when she sees Calyx.


    They were busy watching when the men arrived. Cindy is at the edge where she back faces the


    main door¡ªshe didn¡¯t expect the arrival of Calyx.


    Helios approached her and kissed her on the forehead. ¡°Where¡¯s H?¡± he asked.


    She was about to answer when Cindy and Sam started to tease her. They¡¯ve repeatedly been


    saying the words, ¡®long table¡¯. At the same time, Helios''spanions began to whistle.


    She shook her head and smiled. Then she looked at Helios again. ¡°She¡¯s already asleep. What took


    you so long?¡±


    Helios sat down beside her, and he put his arm around her. He leaned the back of his head on the


    headrest of the sofa he was sitting on and closed his eyes.


    She looked at him. she likes their position, but that was not the feeling that mattered for now, as she


    sees Helios tired.


    She nced at Helios¡¯s colleagues. She frowned and smiled when she saw what Calyx just did.


    The guy sat down at the sofa''s armrest where Cindy¡¯s sitting, and she almostughed when Cindy


    seems not at ease.


    While Grant and Ali were seated on the carpeted floor, it didn¡¯t escape from her eyes the sudden


    movement of Sam¡¯s eyes toward the man.


    ¡®Hmmm¡­ maybe she likes him,¡¯ she thought.


    Zoe then turned back to Helios. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re okay?¡± she asked. She touched Helios¡¯s


    forehead with her palms. Helios reached for it and intertwined their fingers. He opened his eyes and


    looked at her.


    Helios brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her palm. Now, she can¡¯t hide her burning


    cheeks. Helios grinned at her reaction.


    She nced at the people around them and sighed when she saw that they were all busy.


    ¡°C-Can we talk?¡±


    Helios frowned, ¡°about what?¡± he asked and sat adequately, hands still intertwined.


    ¡°If possible, let¡¯s just talk up¡­ upstairs,¡± she pleaded.


    She wanted to say something and ask him questions too. She can¡¯t hold the feelings she¡¯s been


    trying to forget and hide everything she knew. She tried to talk to Helios about the fear that had


    been bothering her for so long. And she knew only Helios could answer the questions lingering


    inside her mind, and Helios was the only one she could trust and who could take away her fears.


    Helios nodded and turned to his friends. ¡°The house has many guestrooms. Just pick one. We need


    to go upstairs and talk about an important matter,¡± he said.


    ¡°Talk? Are you sure it was just a talk?¡± his friend named Ali asked him, teasing him.


    ¡°Helios, don¡¯t make H a baby brother or sister yet. Get married first, before you do that,¡± said


    Grant.


    She almost hid behind Helios out of embarrassment. Why do they keep saying things out of the


    blue? It¡¯s just a joke, but it can¡¯t take away my naughty mind to think of something X-rated, she


    thought.


    Helios didn¡¯t reply and just pulled her upstairs.


    ¡°It should be a boy too?¡± said the voice¡ªwhom she knew it came from Calyx.


    ¡°Why do you seem to be only the one who¡¯s different from your circle of friends?¡± she asked.


    Helios stopped and nced at her, frowning.


    ¡°I mean, you¡¯re this serious type of a guy. While they¡ª"


    ¡°I thought, you were going to say something. Do you want us to talk about them, then? Or do you


    want us to do what they were suggesting, hmmm¡­?¡± he said in a deep husky voice.


    ¡°Heh!¡± was the only word she could tell, and she walked ahead of him, going straight to Helios¡¯s


    office.


    The corner of Helios¡¯s lip rose as he watched Zoe walk away.


    ¡°She¡¯s gorgeous with her burning cheeks, and I¡¯m falling so deeply in love with her,¡± he whispered.


    Helios nced at his watch as he twitched the knob of his office. It¡¯s already ten-twenty-one in the


    evening.


    When he finally entered, he looked around the room. He can¡¯t see Zoe.


    "Babe?" he began to call, but no one replied.


    "Baby, where are you? Zoe?" he called. He walked straight to thefort room, and there, he heard


    a sudden flush from the toilet.


    Zoe''s eyes widened when she saw Helios right in front of the door.


    "Are you going to pee?" she asked and smiled.


    ¡°No,¡± he answered sparingly and walked towards the leather sofa and sat.


    Zoe followed him and seated him in his opposite direction. Helios frowned as if he didn¡¯t like what


    she did.


    "Really?" he said, almost whispering.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Helios didn''t reply. He heaved a deep sigh and intertwined his fingers while resting his elbows at the


    top of his knee. "Now... we talk¡ªyou talk," he said.


    She gulped and sat properly.


    ¡°I¡­ I want to tell you something,¡± she started. Helios remained to frown. She closes her eyes and


    opens them again as she¡¯s trying to calm herself. Is she going to talk about what he saw?


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± asked Helios gently.


    She didn''t want to lie, so she nodded.


    "Tell me."


    ¡°Thest time we went to do the¡­ the grocery, I saw Bill from afar, eyeing us.¡±


    There was a brief silence between them when she said it. Helios¡¯s clenched fist didn¡¯t escape her


    sight.


    ¡°I know, he¡¯s your friend¡ª"


    "Who says we''re friends?" he cut in. His face became firm. She saw sudden anger in his eyes.


    ¡°What else did you see?¡± he asked.


    "While the esctor was going down, I saw him in the corner, wearing a ck coat and denim.


    Suddenly..." her hands started to tremble. And she doesn''t know why. "Suddenly, he-he raises¡ª¡±


    Helios stood up and went closer to her. He kneeled with his left knee in front of her. He grabbed her


    hand and pressed it gently. Helios is giving herfort through his touch. Suddenly, a tear fell from


    her eyes, ¡°H-Helios, I¡¯m scared. It seems like¡­ he wasn¡¯t to kill me.¡±


    Helios caresses her cheek. ¡°No one can harm you, baby. Trust me.¡±


    And that, she began to shed tears. She hugged Helios. Helios hugged her back and caressed her


    back. Continuously saying that ¡®no one can harm her.¡¯


    When her burden was lessened, she let go of the man¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Helios? Why does Bill seem to want to hurt me? It¡¯s confusing me, Helios,¡± she


    said and didn¡¯t take off her eyes off Helios. ¡°You are so secretive, Helios. You want me to trust you,


    but you can¡¯t trust me,¡± she said in a weakening voice.


    Helios heaved a deep sigh and stood up. She looked up at him.


    "I don''t know. He has the same position as me. We used to be friends way back then. I don''t know


    what happened... what''s his reason. I don''t know why he badly wants to kill me. And as much as I


    want to tell you everything, the time isn''t right. The situation isn''t nice. I don''t want you to overthink


    ¡ª¡±


    "You don''t want me to overthink? Seriously, Helios?" She stood up. "With all the thoughts ying


    inside my mind, do you think I can stop myself from overthinking?" She massages her temple.


    "Helios, if you can''t tell me about it¡ª¡±


    ¡°Even I, I don¡¯t know his reasons. So, I need to find it out first before telling you everything. I¡¯m not


    nning to keep you hanging. I¡¯ll answer everything, Zoe. I want to answer all your questions, but I


    also don¡¯t know where to start. It would be best if you weren¡¯t involved with it. I don¡¯t want our


    daughter to be put at risk. Baby, this is my fight¡ªYes, you¡¯re in it, but I want to fix it myself. I want


    you to trust me. Trust me, Zoe. I promise to give you a normal life. A life you wished to be.¡±


    ¡°But your life isn¡¯t normal. I epted it, Helios. I know loving you will put my life at risk because of


    your work. And I also know that you will face death when you desire to get away from your group. I


    don¡¯t want you to die. It would be best if you didn¡¯t leave us because I need you. Our daughter


    needs you. So even though I¡¯m afraid of what might happen, I¡¯m gambling my life with it, Helios. I¡¯m


    willing to take the risk if it means being with you, even if it¡¯s the only way for me to have you¡ªto be


    with you. Don¡¯t leave your group, Helios.¡±


    "Where did you hear that?"


    ¡°There are no such things as normal life, Helios. I didn¡¯t wish to have a perfect life. Everything has


    ws. And no matter how risky it is, I will y my card. It¡¯s because I love you¡­ and I trust you.¡±


    A tear fell from Helios¡¯s left eye. She crossed their short distance and caressed Helios¡¯s face. ¡°I love


    you, Helios. If risking defined my love for you, I¡¯m willing to gamble my life¡ª"


    She didn¡¯t finish what she would say when Helios imed her lips. All she could do was respond


    with a kiss.


    The scenested for seconds. Helios cupped her face and gave her one more quick kiss on her


    lips.


    "I love you so much, Zoe. Thank you, baby," he said and kissed her again.


    He''s so damn lucky to have Zoe in his life. His almost fucked up life is getting more colorful than it


    was.N?velDrama.Org content.

 Kidnapped

    Kidnapped


    THE NEXT day, Helios and his friends leave early. Cindy and Sam decided then that they would


    stay for a while.


    ¡°You didn¡¯te downst night, huh, Zoe? What did you do inside the room?¡± asked Cindy,


    carrying her daughter. After bathing her daughter and dressing her, Cindy immediately took the little


    girl.


    ¡°Yeah. You left us with those jerks downstairs,¡± Samined while busy tying her shoces.


    Zoe was delighted that Sam could get along and erased the awkwardness.


    Zoe just shook her head and returned things to her daughter¡¯s bag. ¡°We just talked,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Really? Just talking¡­ no touching?¡± asked Cindy.


    She rolled her eyes and shook her head.


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s why there are hickeys on the top of your left chest and neck?¡± asked Sam and grinned.


    ¡°Oh. My. Gosh! Is that hickeys?¡± uttered Cindy andughed along with Sam.


    At that time, she wants to be swallowed by the ground. When she finished, she acted as if she was


    not affected by the teasing from her friends.


    ¡°We will be going or not?¡± she asked.


    Cindy smiled and began to sing. ¡°Sex, baby, let¡¯s talk about you and me. Let¡¯s talk about all¡ª"


    ¡°Can you stop it? Please? You just sang once, but it¡¯s out of tune,¡± said Zoe and started walking.


    She closed her eyes for a while when she heard theughter of her friends.


    She was about to get out when her daughter suddenly called her, ¡°Mimi,¡± said the little girl. She then


    turned to her, and the little girl spread her arms, approaching her.


    Cindy then went closer to her and gave H to her. She felt annoyed when Cindy let out a


    meaningful smirk on her face.


    She just raised an eyebrow and took the child, and walked downstairs.


    Her friends invited her to take a walk at Sam¡¯s new resort in Phdelphia suddenly, and she didn¡¯t


    personally ask Helios¡¯s permission, but her friends told her to call Helios or send a message.


    She would take Bea with her so that her child would still have someone with her. Even if she and


    her friends were there, it would be different when Bea was there as the child¡¯s assigned personal


    nanny. And one more thing, she also wanted to take the girl for a walk.


    Bea has only been working with Helios for a month. She is still young¡ªtwenty-two years old, and


    came from a province. Because of poverty, Bea went to the city and took chances applying for jobs.


    Bea was patient and kind while with her daughter¡ªa hardworking girl who she thinks can be


    trusted.


    She¡¯s beenfortable with her even if they only stayed for a few days¡ªthey already get along.


    But she noticed something with the girl the other day. It seems like something is bothering her¡­ like


    something is frightening. Sometimes she heard her crying while talking on the telephone. Yesterday,


    Bea didn¡¯t even utter a word, which surprised her because Bea was naturally talkative and


    optimistic.


    But she just ignored it. It may be just a family problem or something.


    ¡°Bea, everything all right?¡± she asked as she was pertaining about their things.


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am,¡± replied the girl.


    She nodded and addressed the head of Helios¡¯s bodyguards. They don¡¯t want her to go out of the


    mansion, especially since Helios didn¡¯t know about it. She then told the man to call Helios, but the


    latter¡¯s phone couldn¡¯t be reached.


    So, to calm the man down, she told him that they would bring four bodyguards with them. And the


    leader of the security team didn¡¯t allow it again. The man told him to add more and even suggested


    that they should have two convoys¡ªone in front and one at the back.


    She disagreed because that would only grab attention. What is she? The firstdy of the state?


    ¡°I¡¯ll bring four. It¡¯s final,¡± said Zoe and went inside the van. Helios owned the car. They decided to


    ride in one car, so her friends left at the mansion.


    ording to Sam, the trip to Phdelphia took two hours, so they brought something to eat. Her


    friends told her just to lie over and eat inside a restaurant, but she disagreed. It will just be a waste


    of time if they do a stopover.


    After giving her child milk, she then put her to sleep.


    She was about to reach for the bag that had fallen when Sam suddenly spoke, ¡°where are we


    going? This is not the right way!¡±


    Zoe frowned. ¡°W-What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the way to our¡ª¡± Sam didn¡¯t finish what she said when someone pulled a gun and aimed


    it at them.


    ¡°One wrong move. I pull the trigger and shoot your friend.¡±


    Zoe¡¯s chest quivered as the gun''s muzzle was pointed at her.


    ¡°B-Bea, what¡­ what¡¯s the meaning of this?¡± she managed to ask.


    Bea didn¡¯t reply and just smiled. It was not the same Bea she used to know.


    "Poor Helios, he doesn''t expect his gem to be banished."


    ¡®That voice,¡¯ she thought.


    She was startled when she recognized the voice.


    ¡°Bill,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Hi there, Zoe,¡± he said and looked at her from the rearview mirror. He lowered his sses and


    grinned.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?!¡± said Cindy and Sam in unison.


    Zoe just cried because of the realization that they had been kidnapped, and his enemy had


    outsmarted Helios. And a thought came across her mind. How did Bill get into Helios¡¯s territory?Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

 Unknown Call

    Unknown Call


    HELIOS went out early to visit Grant¡¯s twin brother, but those guards outside Gunner¡¯s room were


    already dead when they arrived. They didn¡¯t see any gunshots because all his men were drugged to


    death, and Gunner was missing.


    ¡°Damn that, Bill!¡± Grant murmured as he punched the wall.


    Ali approached him and touched his left shoulder. ¡°Calm down, Grant. Don¡¯t let your rage eat you.¡±


    ¡°How the shits I can calm down? He took Gun¡ªhe took my brother!¡±


    Helios then let Ali calm his cousin. He massages his temple. Bill is getting on his nerves.


    ¡°He already found out that we knew his n and Gunner¡¯s betrayal! And I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll kill Gun! That


    psychopath will think that Gunner talked about his ns to us. Fuck!¡±


    "We need to go back," said Helios.


    "Where to?" asked Calyx.


    ¡°At home,¡± Helios replied and twitched the doorknob, and went out of the room. He pulled out his


    cell phone and called someone to remove the corpses inside the room before the police could see


    them.


    When he hung up, his phone rang again. He frowned when a familiar name appeared on his phone


    screen.


    *Mrs. Levine*


    "Mom," he started.


    ¡°Helios¡­ have you seen Amanda? She¡¯s with Beige. They went outst night, and they didn¡¯t get


    back here until now.¡± There¡¯s a tone of concern in the olddy¡¯s voice.


    ¡°No. Why did they leave? Didn¡¯t they tell you where they should go?¡±


    He heard Aunt Millie¡¯s voice on the other line, and it seemed like she was crying.


    ¡°No. We went out yesterday, and we left them here. The guards said they got inside a car with her


    son. They didn¡¯t ask permission to get out. Even to the butler.¡±


    "Have you checked the surveince cameras?"


    "Yes. And there is something you need to see. Can... can youe over, son?"


    "In a minute, mom," he replied.


    He dropped the call and walked fast. His friends then followed his pace.


    He hopped in his auto and started the engine. In a hurry, he then maneuvered the car away from


    the hospital.


    When they arrived at the mansion she bought for Zoe¡¯s family, Mrs. Levine was outside,forting


    her friend.


    They were restless because they were worried about their grandson. Amanda has never left the


    mansion since she got back. Without her saying goodbye, there¡¯s something suspicious about it.


    And what was scary was what they saw on the Closed-Circuit Television.


    Mrs. Levine guided them inside the control room. The man in the suit immediately showed the


    surveince camera footage surrounding the area.


    Helios frowned when he saw the car, tailing the car where Amanda was, it was a few meters away


    from the girl¡¯s car.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a few days since that car lurked around the mansion,¡± said Mrs. Levine.


    The man then showed the camera footage of the past few days. Mrs. Levine went closer and


    pressed something. The video stopped, and Helios was stunned.


    ¡°And this man¡ª"


    Mrs. Levine didn¡¯t finish what he would say when Helios suddenly cursed and left the control room.


    Calyx then chased Helios.


    "Dude, what''s the rush?"


    Helios opened the door of his car and got in. Before he closed the door, he spoke, ¡°I have a bad


    feeling about this. We need to go back to my house,¡± he said and closed the door.


    He drives the car swiftly. He took his phone and dialed Zoe¡¯s number, but it couldn¡¯t be reached. He


    tightened his grip on the steering wheel and tried to dial Bea¡¯s number, but it was still the same¡ªhe


    couldn¡¯t be reached. So, he called theirndline. It rang for seconds before someone answered it.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Zoe?¡±


    ¡°Sir, they left, together with her friends¡ª¡± He ended the call and cursed under his breath.


    The next thing he did was call us¡ªthe head of his bodyguards¡¯. He wears his earpiece.


    "us! Where''s Zoe?"


    "Gone out, Sir¡ª¡±


    ¡°Damn it! Why did you let them go outside the house?!¡± he shouted and ended the call.


    The gate opened when he was near his mansion, and he entered. He stopped in front of the big


    wooden door and quickly climbed down.


    He was ignited with anger when he approached us. Because of rage, he threw a punch at the


    guy¡¯s face.


    ¡°Fuck it, us! Fuck it!¡± he cussed. He was going to throw more punches when Calyx pulled him


    away.


    ¡°What the hell, dude? If you kill us now, will Zoe show up? Damn it! Calm down and think!¡± said


    Calyx.


    Silence prevailed, and all he could hear was his heavy breathing. And the silence crashed when his


    phone rang.


    An unknown number shed on the screen.


    ¡°How are you, Lincoln?¡± asked the voice on the other line.


    "Fuck you, Bill! Where''s Zoe and my daughter!"


    The man on the other lineughed. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Helios¡¯s nails sunk into his palm because of his tight grip. "Don''t you every a finger on them, Bill?"


    ¡°My, my, my¡­ Come on, Helios, feel my wrath. I¡¯ll give you until seven o¡¯clock to show you. If you


    want to see your beautiful wife-to-be and lovely daughter¡ª"


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch my daughter!¡± said a woman''s voice on the other line.


    ¡°Chill, baby. I won¡¯t hurt her¡­ if you allow me to touch you¡ª"


    ¡°Fuck it, Bill! Don¡¯t touch what is mine!¡± Helios growled. His breathing became heavy.


    The man on the other lineughed demonically.


    ¡°Follow what I¡¯ve just said, Helios. 7 pm sharp. Don¡¯t ever try to report this to the police. You might


    not be able to find your woman and your daughter alive,¡± said Bill andughed again.


    Loud cries can be heard on the other line.


    ¡°Where can I find you?¡± asked Helios.


    Bill snorted. ¡°Show me how smart you are, lover boy. Track us, Helios. If you don¡¯t arrive at exactly


    seven o¡¯clock¡­ the whole building will explode. And, Helios, each of them has a bomb, hugging


    their bodies¡ªeven your daughter. So, quick and track as down¡­ if you can,¡± said Bill and ended


    the call.


    Helios fell to his knees because of frustration. He feels like he¡¯s a useless jerk. He didn¡¯t see it


    coming. He was so at ease that he could protect Zoe and their daughter.


    He didn¡¯t think that the man he was dealing with was a total lunatic.


    ¡°Start tracking the call,¡± he said, almost whispering. He is weakening.


    Hispanion inside obeyed and began the search. Calyx picked up his cell phone that had fallen


    from his grip and handed it to us.


    They started to find the caller''s location, but they found nothing. The number has no longer existed.


    Helios stood up and went outside. He climbed upstairs and entered the room beside his office.


    Different types of guns weed him. The room is a man cave. A luxurious gun room man cave. It


    is equipped with expensive and high-end items. There are wooden cabs, sofas, wall d¨¦cor,


    chandeliers, floor mats, decorations, pictures, shot sses, liquor dispensers, and pool tables. His


    man cave is full of tactical guns, rifles, knives, explosives, and many more.


    He is always ready for a battle. He was born for it. But things became different when he started to


    fall in love. He''s a human, too, and even if his heart is hard like metal, there''s still someone who can


    melt it and make him feel like he was the luckiest man alive.


    That¡¯s why he¡¯s nothing letting the chance he can to achieve the happiness he dreamt of. He


    pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. Trying to calm himself. If he acted rashly, he


    might not be able to save them. So, he better need to calm himself and think.N?velDrama.Org content.

 The Bracelet

    The Bracelet


    ¡°I¡¯m begging, Bill. Please, let us go. And please, let me hold my daughter,¡± Zoe pleaded.


    Her heart was almost broken because of the constant crying of her daughter, who Bea was holding.


    They give her milk in the bottle, but her daughter is still dependent on her¡ªshe¡¯s breastfeeding the


    child.


    How cruel will they be?


    ¡°B-Bea, please, let me hold my daughter! Let me go!¡± Her voice was cracked, trying to hold back


    her tears. ¡°Let me go¡­ let me go,¡± she said, almost whispering.


    Bill justughed while he could see her suffering. What a demon!


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Feel my wrath, Zoe¡ªHelios¡¯s kryptonite that can serve to be the source of his death,¡±


    he said and devilishlyughed along with her daughter¡¯s loud cries.


    ¡°L-Let me hold my daughter¡­¡± she said weakly. She felt dory for her daughter, who won¡¯t stop


    crying.


    She doesn¡¯t know where they are. They were immediately blindfolded when they saw the driver on


    their way to Batangas. When those demons removed their blindfolds, they saw tall trees. The


    vehicle also took several hours to arrive there.


    Next was the explosion of Helios¡¯s men who were with them. It seems like they nned everything.


    She med herself, too, because she was drifting off the fun of going out and hanging with her


    friends. She also trusted Bea. And she was stupid because she didn¡¯t even look at their driver


    before leaving Helios¡¯s mansion.


    They entered the old and seemingly abandoned building in the middle of nowhere. All they could do


    was cry as they entered and tied them up. They even make them wear a vest with explosives. And


    even her innocent daughter has to wear the vest. Bill was rude, heartless, psychopathic, and


    demonic.


    The abandoned building has many rooms, and her two friends are in another room. She and her


    daughter have left at the entrance of the building¡­ sitting in a steel chair, hand-tied back, and


    wearing a vest with a bomb. The timer isn¡¯t activated yet. And they don¡¯t know when it will be


    activated. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Bill also has a lot of numbers of men. For that reason, he is also a Caporegime of the mafia¡ªthe


    same mafia where Helios is. And he chooses to be the traitor to their organization.


    ¡°Bullshit, Bea!¡± he growled at the woman, ¡°shut her up. Otherwise, I will nt a bullet in your temple


    ¡ª¡±


    ¡°Why are you doing this?!¡± she shouted. Bill approaches her and pulls a chair. It created an eerie


    noise. Bill sat down in front of her with a demonic grin flustered on his lips.


    ¡°I thought you and Helios were allies. You used to, and you should be!¡± She didn¡¯t know where she


    got the courage to ask the man and find out his reason. ¡°You should be their ally, but what are you


    doing?¡±


    Bill justughed, and suddenly his face became serious.


    Crazy!


    ¡°The world of the mafia is chaotic. You don¡¯t know who your allies are. You don¡¯t know what will


    happen the next day. They can¡ªI can kill you any time. We kill hundreds to prove our worth. We kill


    to get our own goal¡ªtheir own goal. We¡¯re just a puppet, Zoe. Even Helios used to be a puppet, but


    it became different. It seems like he¡¯s no longer an enved person like me but became our leader.


    He surpassed me. He left me. And the big Boss seems to like Helios the most, and worsees to


    worst, as the time passes, I found out something¡­ something that breaks me piece by¡­ piece¡ª


    and you know nothing!¡± he growled and aimed the gun at her. She gasped in astonishment.


    ¡°Bang!¡± he said andughed again. ¡°Don¡¯t ask anymore because you can¡¯t get anything from me.


    Let¡¯s wait for your beloved. Let¡¯s see if he can save you¡­ all by himself,¡± said Bill. He stood up and


    walked away.


    She was left failing because of it¡­ of everything. It seems like Bill was blinded with envy, rage, and


    revenge.


    ¡­


    Helios¡¯s team can¡¯t still track Zoe¡¯s locations. They even used the NASA satellites, which are


    illegal... to find where they are. Ali started to lose hope. They had the best trackers, yet why? It


    seems like the psychopath Bill is one hell of an intelligent foe.


    ¡°We should get back up. Let¡¯s ask for help from the Big Boss, Helios,¡± Grant suggested.


    ¡°No,¡± he said stubbornly.


    Grant pulled his hair because of Helios¡¯s stubbornness. They¡¯ve been convincing the man for a


    couple of hours, but he still refuses.


    ¡°You know the Boss can help us. You¡¯re important to the org, Helios. He¡¯ll help us,¡± said Grant.


    ¡°I doubt that. I broke his rule. I fell in love,¡± he replied. The Big Boss is much crueler than his father.


    ¡°Trust me, Helios¡­ he will help us. So, call him, and we¡¯re going to continue searching,¡± Alessandro


    looked at his watch, ¡°We still have two hours and thirty minutes. You better hurry,¡± said Ali.


    He heaved a deep sigh. His friends have a point, and there¡¯s no harm in trying. He was about to dial


    the number when his mind hit a thought. He cursed.


    ¡°The bracelet!¡± he shouted.


    Ali frowned, and the rest of their men stopped. They gave a confused look to Helios.


    ¡°The bracelet¡ª¡±


    ¡°What about the bracelet?¡± asked Grant.


    ¡°I gave my daughter a bracelet with a tracker on it, and if we can¡¯t locate any of their phones, we


    can track the bracelet. Zoe never removed it from our daughter¡¯s hand. We¡­ we can use it. Quick!¡±


    he said, with so much hope in his eyes.


    A few minutester, they had already tracked their location. Helios wiped his palm on his face and


    smiled wryly. ¡®Damn it, I almost lose hope,¡¯ he thought.


    ¡°But I¡¯m serious, dude. You must call the Boss. Going there all by yourself is not a joke. Knowing


    that Bill has a mental disorder. Don¡¯t let someone like him outsmart the mighty Ferron,¡± said Ali.


    Helios heaved a deep sigh again and told them that they had to n quite fast. They almost took


    thirty minutes on the given time. Good thing that they all have a good schemer. Just like what Bill


    instructed, Helios will show off alone.


    ¡°No matter what happens, you know what to do,¡± he said and maneuvered his car towards their


    location.


    The location is kilometers away from them, so he needs to drive as fast as possible. Plus, the ce


    is located at the top of the mountains.


    ¡­


    ¡°Hi, Amanda, long time no sex¡ªI mean see,¡± said Bill, demonically to the girl whom Gunner was


    holding.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do this, B, please,¡± Amanda pleaded.


    Bill went closer to her and touched her hair, he then pulled it forcefully, and Amanda looked up¡ª


    closing her eyes because of the pain she felt on her scalp caused by the man¡¯s tight grip. ¡°You know


    what, I gave you time¡­ lots of time to do what I tell you. What did you do? You hid and betrayed


    me!¡± he shouted.


    Amanda shook her head.


    Zoe was shocked when she saw Bill punch her cousin in the abdomen. She wanted to shout but


    had a gag in her mouth. Her eyes were full of tears. Her daughter fell asleep because the little girl


    seemed tired of crying. It¡¯s been hours passed since they arrived. Bill also pped her several


    times. But she endured the pain. Her eyes were pleading as she looked at Bea, who was just


    silently watching what the man was doing. Sometimes the girl avoided her gaze and just turned


    around.


    How did Bea do that to her? Why did she betray them? She trusted her.


    Zoe thought that she was an angel who could not bring any harm. Helios should have thoroughly


    researched the girl¡¯s background. She was crying while looking at the neers.


    Gunner, you punk!


    He was holding Amanda. At the same time, the other one was holding her nephew. The young boy


    keeps on wiggling out of the man¡¯s grip and crying.


    She hates it when she sees innocent kids suffering at the hands of those ruthless people.


    The scene breaks her heart. Even though she loathes her sister, they still run the same blood. She¡¯s


    only human and can forgive. Beige is still her nephew, no matter what. They all have resemnces!


    ¡°Mommy!¡± shouted Beige while trying to let go of the grip. ¡°Mommy! Stay away from my mommy!¡±


    he screamed and cried out loud.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± shouted the man back to the child and pped the young boy.


    Zoe kept wiggling¡­ trying to escape, but she knew she couldn¡¯t. She almost lifted the chair but still


    ¡ªshe was tied tightly, and there was no hope that she could remove it. She was hurting herself.


    ¡°N-No, please. Don¡¯t¡­ don¡¯t hurt my son,¡± Amanda pleaded. The woman is trembling because of


    the pain she¡¯s trying to endure caused by Bill¡¯s punches.


    Billughed. ¡°Son? Son of a Lincoln. He must die,¡± he said and turned to the man behind him. ¡°Put


    vests on them,¡± he said and let go of his grip on Amanda. Thetter slipped down but was quickly


    supported by Gunner.


    ¡°And you, Gunner, be thankful that you¡¯re my friend,¡± said Bill and turned his back away from them.


    ¡°Get a chair, tie that woman and her child,¡± said Bill, and his men followed.


    The men then tied Amanda to a chair meters away from Zoe. The young Beige was also ced


    opposite his mother.


    ¡°I¡¯m s-sorry, Zoe. I¡­ I¡¯m so sorry,¡± said Amanda in a hoarse voice.


    Zoe nodded a few times to show that it was okay. That she already forgives her. These were


    Amanda¡¯sst words before the man gagged her.


    Soon¡­ a ck car entered the building. Helios climbs down from there.


    Zoe cried again when she saw him. And she caught the man¡¯s attention. Helios clenched his fists


    and shouted Bill¡¯s name, ¡°Bill!¡±

 Saving His Family

    Saving His Family


    BILL came out from an old room andughed as he pointed a gun at Helios.


    ¡°Hello, Helios,¡± he said demonically.


    The man stopped a few meters from where Helios was. ¡°So, Helios¡­ let¡¯s start some convo, shall


    we? How are you, my brother?¡± asked Bill as the muzzle of the gun still aimed at Helios.


    On the other hand, Helios remained calm that even if he wanted to blow Bill¡¯s head off, he couldn¡¯t


    because his loved ones were inside.


    ¡°I¡¯m not your brother,¡± he replied emphatically.


    The manughed. He put down his gun, and his men pointed theirs at Helios.


    Zoe wiggles and tries to speak even though Helios can¡¯t understand them. Helios nced at her,


    and pity registered in the young man¡¯s eyes. And his heart pounded fast when he saw his daughter


    lying on a wooden table, sleeping as Bea patted her.


    ¡°Do you like what you see, Helios?¡± asked Bill.


    Helios turned to Bill. ¡°No. Let¡¯s end this. Let them go, and you can have me. I¡¯m the only one you


    need, right?¡± he said and gritted his teeth.


    Bill let out a devilishugh. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m a fool? We¡¯re still going to talk, Helios! Don¡¯t you want


    to know why I wanted to kill you¡­ as well as the important people around you?¡±


    ¡°Tell me.¡±


    ¡°I want this quick as possible. So, you fucking listen to me¡ª¡±


    ¡°Go straight to your point,¡± he cut in.


    ¡°Let me tell you a story¡ª¡±


    ¡°I thought it should be quick. Why tell me a story then? It took us hours if you start to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± the man pointed his gun at Helios. ¡°Shut the fuck up! I can¡¯t start the fuck up when you¡¯re


    interfering!¡± Bill shouted in annoyance.


    Helios let out a smirk. Okay, he will buy time first. He raised his hands, ¡°chill, continue.¡±


    ¡°Your father and my mother were best of friends, way back in college. And your damn mother came


    into the picture and tried to snatch away my mother¡¯s best friend,¡± Bill started, making him frown.


    ¡°My mother loves your dad. Intimate things happened to them. But your good-to-be-true father left


    my mom and married your mother. And your father doesn¡¯t know that I exist¡ªdo you get me,


    Helios?


    He did not answer.


    ¡°Because of your parents, my mother fell into a depression that she tried to take her own life. She


    almost died when I was just five. And it¡¯s because of that fucking love. It was too hard for her when


    your dad left her. She brought the pain for years, until one day when I was ten, she hanged herself.


    She always had this suicidal instinct, thanks to your fucking parents. And I live alone in the dark!¡±


    ¡°Where did you hear that story?¡± asked Helios.


    Bill smirked, ¡°your uncle told me.¡±


    Helios frowned, and suddenly, a man holding a cane approached Bill¡¯s side.


    Helios¡¯s eyes widened. How?


    ¡°Long time no see Helios. Surprise!¡± said the old man.


    ¡°Uncle Lucio,¡± he whispered. ¡°I thought¡ª¡±


    ¡°You thought that I died that day when your mother died?¡± The old man shook his head. ¡°Poor you.


    Here I am, alive and kicking.¡±


    ¡°Now, Helios, ask your uncle about the indecency your parents did to us.¡±


    Helios¡¯s fists remained clenched as he stared at the old man.


    ¡°So, you let me marry my sister? Chloe, your sister, was also my sibling¡ª¡±


    ¡°Of course not!¡±


    Helios wanted tough at Bill¡¯s nonsense words. Guess he¡¯s getting insane.


    ¡°Your reason Bill is too shallow. My mom has long been my daddy¡¯s fianc¨¦. They were childhood


    sweethearts. Howe he loved someone else who happens to be your mother? Are you sure all


    the stories you¡¯ve heard were true?¡±


    ¡°Shut up! It¡¯s all true! And you! You always get everything. Even the boss likes you the most. It¡¯s just


    always been you!¡± shouted Bill.


    In the mafia organization, they called the ruler¡ªthe highest rank the big boss.


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy,¡± said Helios.


    ¡°No!¡± said Bill and fired his gun. The bullet then grazed Helios¡¯s left arm. Zoe sobbed loudly. His


    daughter just woke up, and the little girl started to cry. The gunshot wound to his arm was just a


    scrape. He held his arm and felt the red, sticky, hot liquid from there.


    ¡°You came to this point because of the false information you¡¯ve heard from others,¡± he looked in his


    uncle¡¯s direction before turning back to Bill. ¡°Your envy started to eat you. I did nothing to you. If


    ever I had, you should¡¯ve approached me. It would be best if you had tackled things with me. We


    used to be friends. You¡¯re my co-captain. We had the same position. You¡¯re also rich. I didn¡¯t treat


    you poorly. I treat you as my true friend. Your hatred builds because of your belief that it¡¯s because


    someone has been wronged, others deserve to suffer or be punished¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± yelled Bill and fired his gun again at him, but this time, the bullet aimed in Helios¡¯s


    direction was immediately dodged by a long, shiny, and sharp katana.


    Assassin.


    A man in a ck suit was holding a katana and intercepted and dodged the bullet from Bill¡¯s gun.


    Soon, itsrades quarreled and surrounded the ce.


    ¡°Surrender now, and I promise you won¡¯t get hurt,¡± said Helios.


    Bill was already trembling in fear, but he stood still. He raised the phone he was holding and waved


    it in the air. ¡°If I¡¯m going to die, why not drag your beloveds with me?¡± he said. Bill was about to


    press the phone button when Helios immediately picked up his gun in his holster and shot Bill¡¯s


    hand. The phone fell to the ground. The sound of the fired gun was the signal for the mafia


    assassins to attack¡ªit¡¯s all part of the n.


    People inside could not move anymore as the assassins pointed their sharp katanas at them. Helios


    walks closer to Zoe. He caresses the woman¡¯s face.


    ¡°You¡¯re safe now,¡± he stated.


    He untied the woman and removed the cloth gag in her mouth. And Zoe immediately ran to her


    daughter, who was still crying. She then carried the little girl to calm her down.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

 His Downfall

    His Downfall


    ¡°WHAT a cute family?!¡± shouted Bill andughed. ¡°Do you think things will be easy just like that? I¡¯m


    not a fool, Helios. If I die, I will drag you down. And I¡¯m going to take this building down. Now, let¡¯s


    y, finding the bombs,¡± he said and grinned.


    ¡°Helios...¡±


    Helios kissed Zoe on her forehead, ¡°Everything¡¯s going to be fine. Let¡¯s get you out,¡± he said. ¡°Don¡¯t


    let them escape. Take all of them out of this building!¡±


    They were about to leave when Amanda screamed. Her sister¡¯s attention was on Beige.


    Helios turned to them.


    ¡°Sir, the bomb in him is activated,¡± one of the assassins said.


    ¡°I told you. I¡¯m not a fool, Helios!¡± shouted Bill, who the two men were holding.


    Her eyes widened as she trembled because of fear. The timer is only one minute and twenty


    seconds. Her eyes were enveloped by tears again, as she was afraid of what she was seeing. But


    Helios led her out. Her chest was heavy as she left the ce.


    ¡°Helios, where¡¯s Sam and Cindy,¡± she asked between her sobs.


    ¡°Grant took care of them,¡± he answered. ¡°Stay here, and I will get back to get Amanda,¡± said Helios,


    but she stopped him.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s dangerous¡ª¡±


    ¡°All bombs were defused!¡± shouted Ali, holding a shotgun on his right shoulder. His left hand was in


    his left pocket while he walked closer to them.


    ¡°No¡­ how?¡± Bill said softly. But he also knew the answer. He knows how innovative the team is. He


    knows that nothing is impossible with the help of the mafia boss. But heughs loudly, ¡°as expected.


    But the bomb attached to your son, Lincoln, will explode. And you can¡¯t do anything about it. It¡¯s a


    kind of bomb that has multiple wires that are all connected in one line. If you cut any of it¡ªboom!¡±


    he gestured a st in his hand. ¡°It¡¯s a newly formted bomb. So, how¡¯s that?¡±


    Heliosughed. ¡°Anyway, he¡¯s your son,¡± he said.


    ¡°No!¡± Bill shouted.


    Amanda couldn¡¯t hold her rage, and she shouted, ¡°He¡¯s your son, Bill. Beige is your son!¡± Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°No! I don¡¯t have a child! You¡¯re all going to die! That child is going to die!¡± Bill shouted.


    Amanda burst into tears as she hugged her son, who kept crying too.


    At that moment, Helios can¡¯t find the old Bill. All they can see is a Bill who is eaten by his hatred.


    He¡¯s not the friend he used to be. His mind was hindered. The information he said is untrue. They¡¯re


    not brothers by blood. And it never crossed his mind that his uncle Lucio was alive. All he thought


    was that he was already dead when his mother died in that incident, but it turns out that the old man


    was the one who ruined his friend¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Use a fogger.¡±


    The neer grabbed everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°The Boss,¡± Helios whispered.


    The man was wearing ck pants and a ck T-shirt tucked into his ck leather jacket. His ck


    hat covered his face, and only his mouth was visible. The man¡¯s aura is unusual because it gives


    goosebumps.


    ¡°Bill Crase, I hereby sentenced you to death¡ª¡± Bill suddenly grabbed the gun strapped to the side


    of the man holding him. Things happened fast, and almost everyone inside didn¡¯t expect what he


    did.


    He quickly pulled the trigger, and Helios fell off the ground... and blood started to flow down from the


    back of his head.


    ¡°No!¡± Zoe screamed.


    Everyone was shocked by what happened. The boss didn¡¯t think twice as he pulled the trigger and


    shot Bill. Thetter then fell off the ground, breathless.


    ¡­


    There¡¯s no bloody war happened, but the fall of Helios gives a thousand stabs to everyone¡¯s chest.


    All of them were saved, but Helios is inside the ER, fighting between living and death. A moment


    ago, he was smiling at Zoe and her daughter, stating everything would be fine, and now, he¡¯s there,


    and Zoe doesn¡¯t know if he can survive.


    After waiting for almost an hour, the doctor announced, ¡°The patient is in aa.¡±


    It¡¯s a shot in the head, and based on research, only five percent survive gunshot wounds in the


    head. When a bullet hits the body, all its energy is transferred to the body tissue, causing damage.


    The heavier the bullet and the faster it moves, the more damage it can potentially cause. And Helios


    was hit not in the body but his head, and it¡¯s more difficult to predict.


    Thinking that the skull is a closed box that cradles the brain. There isn¡¯t much room for movement in


    the brain or swelling in the skull. If the bullets enter the head and bounce around, the permanent


    cavity-the bullet track may be significant, but the damage from the temporary cavity that forms is


    even worse. There is no room for the brain to move, and the shock waves often cause irreversible


    damage.


    The thought of it slowly kills Zoe¡¯s heart.


    How could God possibly break you by trying to get the people you love? But it¡¯s all part of our life,


    and she can¡¯t me God.


    God has nothing to do with the wrongdoings of people. It¡¯s on the people. Bill let himself be dictated


    to and fed up with false information. And the aftermath tries to take a life from her precious. She


    knew that God had ns, and now, he was the only one she could hold to. She¡¯s praying and


    hoping that Helios will choose life over death... because they need him.


    After that day, The Rojas family and Helios¡¯s friends decided to bring Helios to California for better


    medication.


    She¡¯s not losing hope... miracle happens.


    She has faith.


    She believes that¡­ with God, nothing is impossible.

 He Didnt Make It

    He Didn''t Make It


    ZOE¡¯S POV


    SIX MONTHS.


    Six months had passed swiftly, but Helios was still not waking up. There¡¯s still no progress. And I


    almost wanted to give up, but I knew he was trying to fight. He¡¯s trying toe back for me¡­ for


    us. And every single thought of losing him almost tears me apart.


    How many medications have been injected into him? I lost count.


    I pray every day, especially when I¡¯m on his side, holding his hand, pressing it, and talking to him. I


    know there¡¯s still hope. And I believe a miracle could exist.


    Our daughter turned one about a month ago. We celebrated it inside his room, trying to lighten the


    atmosphere that day, but even if we tried hard, we all knew we couldn¡¯t. We can¡¯t be happy, seeing


    Helios lying on this hospital bed, apparatuses plunged into some parts of his body and sleeping so


    sound that it gives a false rm¡ªthat he will let go at any moment.


    Damn it! May God forgives me. Many people out there wanted to take themselves for useless


    things. Why should it be him? Why does Helios need to suffer?


    Yes, we are all sinners. Helios maybe kill hundreds or thousands of men, but can¡¯t he have another


    chance to live and make things up the second time?


    ¡°Zoe, sweetie,¡± said mom while she sat down beside me, ¡°you should take some rest. If Helios sees


    you¡­ like this, I¡¯m sure she will get mad.¡± I can see the streak of extreme concern in her eyes.


    I shook my head, ¡°I¡¯m fine, mom. If he wakes up, I¡­ I,¡± my voice almost broke, ¡°I want him to see


    me first. I¡­ I,¡± tears fell. I can¡¯t hold them back. I couldn¡¯t stop the pain that kept on throbbing inside


    me. ¡°I want to hold his hand until he wakes up,¡± I said. My voice is weakening.


    My mother taps and caresses my left shoulder as she hugs me from the side. ¡°Sweetie, we all know


    that you don¡¯t want to leave him, but your child will be affected. It would be best if you took care of


    your body too. You¡¯re pregnant, Zoe, and I don¡¯t want that something might happen to you too.¡±


    The thought of me being pregnant, I almost wanted to get hysterical, but I couldn¡¯t. Yes, I¡¯m


    pregnant. When things happened between Helios and me in the shower room, it happens that bears


    another blessing. My baby bump is getting bigger each day. I will already be giving birth to another


    angel in just two months. But Helios still enjoys sleeping and lying in the white hospital bed.


    Will he still wake up?


    ¡°Please, sweetie, listen to your doctor. Helios won¡¯t like what you were doing to yourself,¡± said mom.


    That makes me cry more.


    I hugged Helios and cried. ¡°You¡¯re being unfair, Helios. You¡¯ve been resting for months. Isn¡¯t that


    enough? Are you stillcking in sleep that you need to rest this long? I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m already having a


    hard time, Helios. But I don¡¯t want to give up. I don¡¯t want to give up on you. Because I know you¡¯ll


    come back to us. Please¡­ please, babe,e back to us. I wanted you to hold my hand when I¡¯m


    giving birth to our second child.¡± The white nket got wet because of the insatiable flow of my


    tears. I tightened my grip on his hand and kissed it. ¡°Helios,e back to me, please,¡± I muttered


    weakly.


    Mom stood up andforted me. ¡°He¡¯lle back. He must. So, fix yourself. He cane back,


    Zoe, so please, you need to go home and take a rest. H wants to see you badly. Don¡¯t you feel


    sorry for your daughter, who is always looking for you because she can¡¯t get in here because of the


    pandemic? You¡¯re pregnant, sweetie. I hope you will know how to take care of the child inside your


    womb. Just take some rest, then you cane back here again. I will look for Helios in the


    meantime,¡± she said and touched my cheeks. Her eyes were pleading.


    I wiped away my tears with the sleeve of my thick cotton jacket and nodded.


    Mom was right. Besides, the room was guarded by men, and it was an order from their big boss.


    That boss they¡¯re calling remained a mystery to me. I have never seen his face. But I heard his


    voice a couple of times¡ªemotionless and terrifying. And whenever he pays a visit to Helios, the


    lights must be off.


    Like how can he see things in the dark?


    I concluded that he loves darkness.


    Mysterious.


    But we are grateful because there¡¯s still kindness growing in him. He helped us. ording to Ali, it¡¯s


    how he values his members. And Helios is one of the captains of his organization¡ªhe holds royalty


    and deserves all the best treatment. Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    I got home quickly because there was no traffic. L. A is one of the best countries globally and has


    the best when ites to transportation. The roads are wide, and limited exposure is avable as


    the pandemic urs.


    As soon as I got out of the car, my daughter approached me swiftly.


    ¡°Mommy,¡± she shouted.


    I smiled. My daughter is growing so fast. Beside her is my best friend, Cindy.


    Cindy presented to watch over H while I was in the hospital. So as Sam. But Sam is a busy


    woman. Thus, Cindy needs to take part.


    Ali, Grant, and even his twin brother Gunner they¡¯re the ones who apany me to the hospital.


    But I didn¡¯t see them this day. It seems like they were busy as their boss gave them missions¡ªduty


    calls.


    Maybe if Helios were awake, he would probably be with them.


    ¡°Have you eaten yet, Zoe?¡± Cindy asked. She sat in the chair opposite me and looked at me


    intently.


    I closed my eyes and leaned my head on the sofa''s armrest. I¡¯m toozy to climb upstairs, and I


    guess I will be sleeping here. I¡¯ll take some rest and get back to the hospital.


    ¡°Hey, have you eaten?¡± she asked again.


    I nodded, ¡°yes, I¡¯ll just take a nap.¡±


    She didn¡¯t answer, and I only heard her heavy sigh.


    ¡°I¡¯m the one who¡¯s having a hard time with you, Zoe. You move. You act like you were not


    pregnant.¡±


    ¡°Mommy, can I sweep too?¡±


    I suddenly opened my eyes when I heard my daughter¡¯s voice. Damn. I almost forgot about her. I


    smiled at her. ¡°Come here,¡± I said and moved a little bit so she couldy beside me. I caged her.


    She touched my tummy, which made me gasp.


    ¡°My yiy byothey is sweeping too, mommy?¡± she asked innocently.


    I smiled again, and Cindyughed. ¡°Yes, baby, and we don¡¯t know yet if it¡¯s a boy or a girl,¡± said


    Cindy.


    I still haven¡¯t had an ultrasound, even though my OB rmended it several times. I shook my


    head and hugged her.


    Then I let myself be drowned in darkness. But noise from the outside interrupted it. I got up quickly.


    ¡°What was that?¡± I asked.


    Cindy shrugged her shoulders and started to walk through the main door. I carried my daughter and


    followed Cindy.


    Ali¡¯s unpaintable face shed at them.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening? Why do you seem in a hurry?¡± I asked.


    Next to him was Grant, who wiped his palm on his face. I looked for his twin, but I couldn¡¯t find him.


    Is something terrible happened again? But Bill is already dead.


    ¡°Zoe, promise us you won¡¯t cry if you hear the news,¡± said Ali.


    I frowned. What is he saying?


    ¡°Promise us.¡± It¡¯s Grant.


    I smiled wryly. ¡°What is it all about?¡±


    ¡°Ugly duckling, please take H from Zoe. She seems to be having a hard time. Her bump is too


    big,¡± Calyx cut in as he arrived.


    Cindy was annoyed, but she still obeyed the man¡¯smand. When she got it, she looked at the


    man and red. Calyx just grinned, and it didn¡¯t escape my sight.


    Do they intend to flirt in front of us?


    ¡°What are you trying to say, Ali¡­ Grant?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, okay?¡± asked Ali.


    I frowned again. But I just nodded so he could say it.


    ¡°Zoe, Helios is,¡± he started, his Adam¡¯s apple moving as he gulped. I remained to frown and put my


    hands on my hips. My back hurts a bit because of the weight of my baby.


    ¡°Is he awake?¡± Hope lit my eyes.


    Ali shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Zoe, but Helios didn¡¯t make it.¡±


    At that moment, my world copsed. It took me seconds before it registered in my mind. ¡°N-No,¡± I


    whispered.


    My vision is getting blurry because of the tears.


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t believe you! Take¡­ take me to him.¡± I started to walk and stopped in front of the car.


    And a man immediately opened it for me.

 The Prank

    The Prank


    ZOE¡¯S POV


    When we got inside the hospital, and inside Helios¡¯s room, I fell on the floor, crying incessantly.


    They were all inside Helios¡¯s room. Helios is already covered with a white nket. The apparatuses


    are also gone.


    I no longer knew who had pulled me up and led me near him.


    He gave up!


    He didn''t fight for me... for us.


    God never answered my prayers.


    Why?


    Why do I have to feel this agony?


    Why do I have to experience this epic romance? I thought things like this would just be in a movie.


    I immediately hugged his corpse.


    Corpse?


    No. I didn¡¯t know what to feel as I hugged his body. Why didn¡¯t he fight for me¡­ for us? Why did he


    let this happen? Did he not miss us? He promised me. He¡¯s a fighter, but why?


    ¡°Why?! I screamed. ¡°Why did you leave us? Why did you let go?! You promised that you were going


    to marry me. You¡¯re being unfair! You¡¯re leaving me alone again while I deliver our child. I want¡­ I


    also wanted to you¡ª"


    ¡°Zoe, calm down. Breathe, sweetie. Slowly¡­ Something might happen to your baby¡ª"


    ¡°Mommy, why?¡± I roomed my eyes inside. I don¡¯t care how I look. All of them were holding red


    roses. I nced at mom, and she had one in her hand. She reached it out to me, ¡°¡ªeverything


    happens for a reason. No matter how hard life is, life must go on. Helios will always be there for


    you¡­ watching you¡­ and loving you. I want you to be happy, sweetie,¡± she said and held the


    rose to me.


    I cried again. Damn, it hurts.


    She stepped aside, and Aunt Millie went closer to me. She¡¯s also here, and he was holding a rose


    too. She hugged me and slowly tapped my back, and loosened the hug.


    "Zoe, sweety... I know it is hard to forget a boy who added so many meaningful moments to your


    life, but if things are not working anymore, you should start to ept them. We don''t know how long


    it will be. Maybe, it is for some time or maybe forever. And I know Helios is always with you. I love


    you, my dear, and it¡¯s too hard to let you go,¡± she paused. I frowned. "I mean, Helios will never


    leave you and still love you until the end. I love you, and we always will," he said and gave me the


    rose he was holding.


    He hugged me again and walked beside my mom. Cindy followed. Even though I was crying, I


    managed to raise an eyebrow. ¡°Where¡¯s my daughter?¡± I asked.


    ¡°My friend. My best enemy, so as my bestpanion, I know that you¡¯re already having a hard


    time. I know that you¡¯re hurting, and it¡¯s too much. But I wanted to tell you that I¡¯m always here for


    you. You can chat, and you can call me anytime you want. Even if I¡¯m at the peak of pleasure to


    someone¡ª¡± I beat her. I¡¯m already grieving, and she¡¯s dragging nonsense things. ¡°What? I¡¯m telling


    the truth. No matter what I do, I can stop it for you. So, cheer up, gorgeous. Remember that better


    things happen at the right time, in the right ce¡ªer¡­ it can also happen in a wrong time and


    ce like this.¡± I frowned again. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t frown. Do you want your baby to be ugly and never


    inherit her momma Cindy¡¯s beauty?¡± she joked. Our colleagues insideughed. Cindy shook her


    head. ¡°I always want the best for you. So,¡± she handed me the rose, ¡°Be happy, my friend,¡± she said


    and hugged me. She let go and stood beside aunt Millie.


    My forehead wrinkled. Wondering about what¡¯s going in. Aren¡¯t they supposed to say condolences?


    Next was Grant. He¡¯s holding two roses, and he gave them to me. ¡°The other one is from Sam. She


    can¡¯t make it.¡± He scratched the back of his head. Seems ashamed. Did he blush? ¡°We also wish


    you the best. I volunteer myself to be a godfather of any of your kids,¡± he said and smiled.


    Confused, I just nodded.


    Grant stood beside Cindy. Next was Ali. ¡°I thought there was no hope. But damn!¡± he shook his


    head, ¡°he¡¯s something and even made a way to have you.¡±


    What is he saying, again?


    ¡°Best wishes,¡± he said and smiled. He gave me the rose and stood beside Grant.


    Best wishes? Can¡¯t they see that I¡¯m mourning? What kind of circle of friends do I have? Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Next was Grant¡¯s twin brother.


    ¡°I hope you will forgive me. And I wish you the best,¡± he said and smiled. The dimple o his left cheek


    appeared. Even if I¡¯m mourning, I manage to smile because of his dimples.


    ¡°Hi, Zoe,¡± Calyx greeted. ¡°For you, from that jerk¡ªah, never mind¡ª"


    ¡°Can you pleasepose yourself, stupid?!¡± Cindy shouted at him.


    Calyx pinched the bridge of his nose. ¡°After you get married, I will marry my stalker,¡± he joked, but it


    didn¡¯t escape my sight when Cindy blushed.


    What¡¯s going on between them?


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s this gimmick of yours all about, but you can all see that I¡¯m mourning because


    of the death of my beloved. If this is your way offorting me, thank you. But it¡¯s painful¡ª¡± I didn¡¯t


    finish my words when the door suddenly opened, and my daughter went in.


    She ran to me. ¡°Mommy, mommy,¡± she said while she tugged the hem of my dress. ¡°I saw daddy,


    and he¡¯s with me,¡± she said, making me cry even more. It¡¯s probably Helios''s soul that she saw.


    With one hand, I lifted her while the roses were in my other hand, ¡°Baby, daddy¡¯s gone.¡±


    ¡°No. Daddy is away,¡± she insisted, and she got down. She ran out. I walked to follow her. And I


    gasped. My heart started to thump fast because of what I saw.

 Finale: She Finally Said Yes

    Finale: She Finally Said Yes


    ¡°Life is ironic. It takes depression to know happiness. It takes stress to understand calm. It takes


    absence to value presence.¡±


    ***


    ZOE¡¯S POV


    Standing in the hallway, in front of the open door¡­ is Helios. He was holding our daughter¡¯s hand.


    Is my third eye open as well? I did the sign of a cross and closed my eyes. Lord, God, I may badly


    want to see him, but this shocked me. I opened my eyes, and he was still there.


    I also heard the seemingly suppressedughter of those with me inside.


    He smiled at me, which made my heart thumps so fast that I could even overhear it. Astonishment


    registered on my face. Confused¡­


    What is this?


    "Mommy, daddy!" H shouted.


    I looked down at the bouquet of roses that he was holding. It has assorted colors.


    What¡¯s going on? I turned my gaze to my parents to find an answer. But they just nodded.


    I backed away when Helios started to walk inward. Our daughter was still next to him, smiling.


    Helios¡¯s face remains calm as he slowly walks toward me.


    He stopped a few inches away from me.


    "Baby," his soft voice almost feels so unreal.


    I shook my head. My vision started to blur again. My heart pound-fast, and it brought pain into my


    chest. I didn''t know what was happening, and I hated this feeling. Why does it seem like he was


    real? That he was not gone? That he doesn¡¯t leave me.


    "I want to tell you about this man, a little secret of him not so long ago, way back in your college


    days," he started. "I have a twin brother, but he was already dead years ago. He was your first¡ª¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Helios smiled. ¡°I know I¡¯m such a jerk. I don¡¯t want to dig into the past anymore. I am so sorry. I


    know it¡¯s not enough. Knowing this truth, you can leave me¡ª¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? I don¡¯t care about the past. I don¡¯t even think about it. All I ever


    wanted is for you to wake up!¡±


    This moment... our moment... it seems like we''re the only ones who existed. With all his revtions,


    my almost broken heart because of the taught that he had already left me... slowly mended and


    been brought to its original shape.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s so foolish. But I¡¯m truly, deeply, madly in love with you. That day, when something


    happened between you and my brother, I followed you. I meant everything. I swear to God, I tried to


    stop myself not touching you. Not to own you that day, but your presence didn¡¯t stop me from doing


    it, and God knows how I regretted it so bad that I needed to kneel right in front of your mother,


    asking her forgiveness that I took her precious daughter¡ª"


    ¡°It¡¯s true, sweetie. But I never get mad at him because I started to trust him after hearing all about


    how true his love for you is. I started to entrust you to him,¡± said Mom.


    ¡°Mom¡­¡± is all I can utter. ¡°Helios.¡± And quickly crossed our distance. I hugged him and cried out


    love.


    He hugged me back, but that didn''t stop him from continuing his words. "And I promise to myself


    that I will always take care of and love you," he loosened the hug, kneeled, and lifted his head, and


    the shadow of fulfillment filled his eyes. I gasped because of the sudden thought that came to my


    mind. Tears started to fall down my cheeks. I can''t believe that this is happening.


    Helios smiled as he held the bouquet of roses. "This bouquet of roses, behind each color, gives the


    meaning of my undying love for you. Red roses are often considered the universal symbol of love.


    This red rose conveys my deep affection, such as desire or longing for you." He pointed to the red


    rose and remained to kneel.


    ¡°Pink roses suggest gentleness, But I can¡¯t promise to be gentle to you¡­ in bed.¡± I hit him on the


    shoulder. She¡¯s pointing out different things again. Those with us inside alsoughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m pregnant, Helios.¡±


    "I know, baby, I know," he said and kissed my tummy. "Pink roses also serve as a token of


    admiration for you. Me, admiring every bit of your endless beauty."


    That made me blush.


    "They say purple roses are often associated with royalty and splendor and were often given toContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    queens and kings. But I said these suits us... you are my queen, and I am your king. And I want you


    to know that you are exceptional."


    Tears glow as it flows into my cheeks. It seems to no end. It looks like I am going to faint because of


    astonishment. I can¡¯t process it all.


    "This rose," he pointed to the orange rose, "indicates enthusiasm and passion. They almost have


    the same meaning as the red rose. It also conveys romance... but not as valuable as the red rose.


    Andstly¡­¡± I looked at the white rose that stood at the center of the other roses, ¡°the white rose.


    White has always been a symbol of purity, innocence, and in some cases, chastity, and for roses, it


    is no exception. But you''re not innocent anymore, because I took it from you," he let out a soft


    chuckle. "For that reason, white roses are often given at weddings," he pulled something at the


    center of the rose, and it surprised me. It''s a promise ring! ¡°I promised to marry you, and here I am,


    kneeling in front of you, wanting to ask for your assurance to be with me for the rest of your life.¡± He


    smiled at me. "Zoe Levine, are you willing to be my wife, even if I have a difficult life? Do you still


    want to be with me?"


    ¡°Yes, Helios. It¡¯s a yes!¡± I said happily.


    His tears fell as he put the ring on my finger. He stood up and hugged me tightly before pressing his


    lips into mine.


    We then receive praise and renewed apuse from those with us inside.


    To have hope is to want an oue that makes our life better somehow. It can help us make a


    tough present and eventually improve our lives because envisioning a better future motivates us to


    take steps in life and make it happen.


    Who would have thought that the almost-failed ending we have would turn into an unexpectedly


    magical and memorable one?


    Realizing that our life is ordered by learning how to love as God loves has profoundly impacted the


    way we approach things. The world would have us believe that life has no purpose and that our


    existence was a universal anomaly or even an ident. Thus, we disagree. We know and believe


    that our lives have a sense and are on a journey. As we progress, we learn more and more about


    how to love as we are prepared, with all the people of God, to spend eternity with He who loved us


    into existence.


    May God always be on our side as we open a new chapter of our life.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!