《THE BILLIONAIRE'S DESIRE》


 CHAPTER 1

    CHAPTER 1


    She raised her voice in disbelief at the contents of the solicitor''s reading of her father''s final will.


    There is no possibility that what her father requested of her waswful for her to receive her rightful


    fortune. For God''s sake, she was the only daughter!


    "You heard what I said, hija. It was stipted in the will; have a look." Attorney Jaime rcosa


    presented Danie the scene in which she was adamantly opposed to believing.


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    "However, that was ludicrous! At this pace, how am I to find a man?" She screamed, losing her


    composure totally regardless of whether Paloma was present when the solicitor informed her that


    she could only ess her fortune if she had a kid before her age exceeded the dates on a


    calendar. She turned thirty-two months ago, which means she only has ten months left to follow her


    father''s demands! However, regardless of how she views it, it was really ludicrous and insane!


    They ced her father''s body to restst week. Gregory Reyes was still a youthful man at the age


    of sixty-five, but he died as a result of a cardiac issue.


    Because her father adored her, she believed it was imusible that he would coerce her into doing


    anything she disliked - unless he was bullied! Indeed, he let her to do whatever she pleased and


    never questioned her decision to shun men or fall in love. Her eyes were darting at her stepmother,


    who sat across from her.


    Danie vividly recalled her Aunt Erlinda going insane when the guy she loved deceived her and


    shemitted herself as a result. Furthermore, she couldn''t forget how her mother got irascible and


    angry against her when Gregory was unable of reciprocating her affection.


    Danie made amitment to herself in high school that she would never fall in love or let any


    man to grow too close to her. Danie was certain that males were capable of duping any woman,


    and she was determined not to fall prey to love.


    Ignore her father''s money! She could live without her inheritance, but there was something, or


    rather someone, she would rather not have. Paloma, her stepmother, sat coyly on the chair


    opposite hers, listening to her scream. The bitch must be overjoyed that she would receive


    everything that belongs to her family in 10 months. Over her dposing body! She could never


    let Paloma win... ever!


    Paloma grinned as Danie struggled to maintain her sat position due to her rage. She had been


    living with the girl for twenty years and yet could not consider her a mother. When Danie scowled


    at her, Paloma responded with a look of her own, and their boiling eyes erupted into all-outbat.


    She made every effort to capture Danie''s heart, but Gregory''s daughter was too obstinate to


    ept her, and Paloma was forced to battle. Gregory saw them as equals, but Danie saw them


    differently.


    "So, how much time do you have remaining?" Paloma mocked Danie immediately after the


    solicitor left.


    "Why are you concerned? You must be thrilled to obtain everything! But... I will not permit you." She


    stated as she elegantly departed her father''s library, which was where the will was read.


    Paloma pursued her and attempted to apprehend the small creature. "However, E, who would be


    interested in you when you look like that?" She scrutinized the woman from head to toe, mocked


    her looks, and observed Danie clench her fist and grind her teeth.


    She had the audacity to look down on her! While she loved men''s attire over women''s, she was still


    100 % female on the inside, and she would know how to charm a man...certainly. "Would you like to


    wager?"


    "Sure. The winner takes it all," Paloma firmly said.


    Danie consented to Paloma''s terms, but once inside the confines of her chamber, she became


    concerned. What if she fails? She walked back and forth, searching for solutions as to how she


    might win this fight against her cruel stepmother, and every second was critical!


    However, she was hot-blooded and adamant about winning...by any means necessary! Her father


    had taught her to never back down from a struggle in life, and he was wise to imnt that belief in


    her.


    Thest will stipted that she must provide an heir before reaching the age of thirty-one, and the


    solicitor made no mention of her marrying. Surely, she could devise a means of obtaining a kid,


    correct?


    Danie took her notepad and pen and began jotting down characteristics she desired in a partner.


    To begin, he must be educated and incredibly gorgeous, as she does not want her child to appear


    unattractive.


    Her list was full after an hour. However, she found that the list was dominated by physical


    characteristics rather than character traits or attitudes. In general, she wanted someone who is


    stunning and skilled in bed, since she intended to do it just once. The male does not have to be


    wealthy. He merely needs to look beautiful and have a physique to die for. She chuckled as she


    pictured herself facing her dream man and shuddered at the prospect of bing lost in his gaze.


    She may try looking online, but inte dating is fraught with fraudsters, and she could be wasting


    her time. Her final alternative was to walk into the vast unknown in search of him. However, where


    would she travel?


    She enumerated all the tourism hotspots in Cebu, beginning with Bantayan Ind. She had read


    several positive reports about the ind and desired to experience it for herself.


    She resided in the town of Oslob, which has recently gained fame for its whale sharks, or


    butanding, and she calcted that the journey to the famed ind would take at least ten hours in a


    private car. Then another ind - Mpascua Ind - was added to her list. Danie, on the other


    hand, enjoyed the inds since they frequently provide a romantic atmosphere. Indeed, there is


    another ind close. Sumilon Ind is reachable by boat from Oslob, although she may choose to


    put itst on her list.


    She was not a social person, and she seldom took vacations due to her intense emphasis on her


    profession. It was also exhausting and time-consuming to be the executor of her father''s estates.


    Danie desired to relive a childhood experience of being taken to Disnend and Universal


    Studios by her parents. On her list, she listed the international tourism destination. Or perhaps she


    would enjoy herself first before wreaking havoc on herself. At that very time, she booked her travel


    to Hong Kong. She had to do it alone, since she didn''t want anyone, particrly her evil stepmother,


    to find out where she was heading.

 CHAPTER 2

    CHAPTER 2


    Her most recent international travel took ce when she was ten years old and her mother was still


    living. However, Danie did not like the event. Her parents intended to spend her birthday at


    Disnend, but they quarreled the entire day, and she ended up sobbing and unhappy in her room.


    However, instead of reminiscing about a sad past, she took a cab from the airport to her hotel,


    checked in, and paid the room''s security deposit. She walked towards the elevator that would take


    her to the neenth level, where her room was located, a minuteter.


    She disliked elevators after viewing a number of Asian horror films in which a ghost or supernatural


    figure appeared in the lift. She attempted to regain herposure as the elevator filled with visitors.


    She overheard their chats and was relieved that there was other Filipinos present. However, on the


    fifteenth level, everyone except her and a guy wearing a face mask departed the elevator.


    She was apprehensive and fearful. When the lift doors opened, she instantly exited and headed


    quickly to her room. As Danie turned around, the man pursued her, which scared her. She


    clutched the card key hard in her palm and raced towards the door. She felt secure only while she


    was within the room.


    The man who followed her may have been a visitor as well, as his room was likewise on the


    neenth floor. If he intended to hurt her, she would already be dead, correct? Feeling brave


    enough to explore alone, she changed into a morefortable attire for the winter. Then, se paid a


    visit to the restaurant close to the front desk and ordered her supper despite the fact that it was still


    early.


    She was then on her way out!


    Danie returned to the hotel after two hours of wandering and exploring. She was exhausted. She


    was already nodding off when she heard faint noisesing from the other room. Although the


    hotel''s soundproofing may be inadequate, she might bear it. It''s simply that her neighbour''s sounds


    seemed as though they were having a good time. It would be impolite to disturb them, so she


    switched on the television and began searching for something interesting to watch. However,


    regardless of the volume level on the television, she could still hear them... and it''s simply


    excessive!


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    She contacted the front desk and demanded to speak with her neighbour. Finally, after ten attempts,


    someone picked up the phone. It was a man with a well-modted, pleasant-to-listen-to voice.


    However, she was enraged and did not call to praise him. "Are you capable of muting your voice


    while having sex?" Without further ado, she informed him that she had the authority to report him to


    the front desk for producing a public disturbance.


    When she was fed up, she decided to call the front desk and requested that her call would be


    connected to the room beside hers.


    "Take care of your own business, sweetheart." The man responded, which enraged Danie even


    more.


    "How did you say that?" She yelled.


    "Why don''t you join us if you''re bored?"


    She hung up, fearful that she might lose control of hershing tongue. Was she hearing correctly?


    Did he extend an invitation to her to join him? That bastard''s nerve! Danie was enraged as she


    returned to her bed and attempted to sleep.


    Danie awokete the following morning, irritable and unmotivated to see any of the country''s


    tourist attractions. She walked to the restroom, quickly showered, and then made her way down to


    the restaurant for breakfast. To be honest, she was famished!


    It was a breakfast buffet, and all she needed to do was pick whatever she wanted to eat. She


    scooped up some rice, chicken curry, and ced an order for an omelette. Then she sought out a


    table that was somewhat apart from the rest of the guests. Before she dug into her lunch, she took


    a quick look around to see if there were any familiar faces. However, the majority of guests that ate


    breakfast were Chinese and Indians. There were just a few people whose country she couldn''t


    discern, such as the man dining alone and situated one table away from her.


    She locked her gaze on the man from head to toe. To be honest, he did look fantastic and quite


    beautiful. The man was tall and slender, with his long hair pulled back at his temple in an untidy


    bun. She despised guys with long hair because they were untidy, but she could forgive him for it,


    and his blue eyes were an added plus. Tanplexionbined with blue eyes creates super-


    hotness. What nationality may he be? She was perplexed!


    She was caught looking at him once more! She shifted her focus to the steaming coffee and sipped


    it as quickly as she could. It was scorching, and she scalded her tongue! Danie swore loudly, and


    the guy chuckled as if he had heard her. Alternatively, she simply assumed.


    She then dropped her eyes and concentrated solely on her eating. Danie returned to her room


    after breakfast to catch up on some sleep. Mr Blue Eyes approached her while she waited for the


    elevator, and he smiled at her. They were the only ones ascending, and she was delighted at the


    prospect of being confined in a tight area.


    "Hello," he greeted.


    Danie nearly copsed to the floor as he grinned at her. How did an angele across her? "Hi. I


    apologize if you caught me earlier gazing," she said, and he nodded.


    However, they were joined by a seductive woman who wasn''t afraid to show the man how much she


    admired him. Thedy inched closer to Mr Blue Eyes with her alluring body, and the bastard


    appeared to like it, and both of them left the elevator on the eighteenth level.


    Danie was dissatisfied thatdies flirted in in daylight! It was her first time showing interest in


    the opposite sex, but it was doomed from the start. When she returned to her hotel room, she


    examined herself in front of the mirror. It was difficult to believe, yet her appearance was far from


    alluring or sensual. She exhaled heavily and covered herself from head to toe as she headed to


    bed.


    However, she rose from her bed a few minutester and opted to buy new attire at the second-floor


    department store. She need a good outfit, but all she had in her suitcase were cks and simple


    shirts. Who knows when she''ll meet the ideal man in Hong Kong? Mr Blue Eyes was undoubtedly


    considered for the position...but she despised someone who flirted with random strangers.


    Marcus needed to exit on the eighteenth floor to avoid Danie suspecting him. He simply took the


    stairs up one story. He waited until the woman was already in her room before rushing into his. He


    made a mistake by following her to the elevator immediately following breakfast. He couldn''t take


    the chance of being identified!


    The second woman came in useful in reversing his mistake. What if he introduced himself to the


    woman as a potential suitor? That way, he would be visible to her lovely eyes and it would be


    simpler for him to do his duties. However, fate has other ns for Marcus.


    "Hey, are you going anywhere?" Marcus waited for the appropriate moment to approach the woman


    waiting for the third-floor elevator. He only hoped she wouldn''t recognize his voice. He hadn''t seen a


    woman in a long time, and when an acquaintance from his younger years flirted with him, he didn''t


    resist and let her into his apartment. He was unaware that the person of the adjacent room would


    have the audacity to summon him and instruct him to speak quietly.


    Marcus was intrigued by Danie and desired to learn more about her as a person, not as a


    detective. Yes, he was taken aback when she calledst night, and Danie''sint was really


    impolite. He assumed her to be an intelligent woman, yet her callousness and rudeness were


    beyond hisprehension. So what if she overheard him having sex with a woman? Wasn''t she


    supposed to remain silent and oblivious to them?


    She stared at the man who attempted to arouse her. "How are you doing, where is your girlfriend?"


    Danie inquired since he appeared to be alone and flirting with her.


    "Oh, by the way, I''m still single...and avable! May I have your name, Miss Lovely?" He was aware


    that flirting with his subject was not part of his work description, but he couldn''t stop himself when


    Danie appeared too fresh and attractive in the morning.


    "Danie, and yours, if that''s all right?" She realized Mr Blue Eyes was a good talker, and she


    wondered whetherdies wouldn''t fall for him with those abilities.


    "Marcus Madrigal," he said, suddenly regretting having given the woman his true name.


    Danie smiled at Marcus and offered her hand. "However, it was a pleasure meeting you, Mr


    Madrigal," she stated.


    "Ah, Dani, just call me Marcus." He was back, calling her Dani when they were not in close


    proximity.


    She grew uneasy when he addressed her as Dani. Nobody addressed her as such. At home, she


    went by the name E, which she despised because it was too feminine; she preferred Dani, or was


    it because of him?

 CHAPTER 3

    CHAPTER 3


    Danie intended to just enjoy her trip, but after meeting him, she had to rethink her ns. She had


    an inspired notion for how Marcus Madrigal may be of assistance to her. Anyway, the man was a flirt


    and enjoyed dawdling, so he would not object to being exploited in that manner. She thought that


    everyone had a cost, and she would go to any length to obtain him.


    "Hmmm, Marcus is a good fit for you. You have the appearance of an ancient diator, and I admire


    your eyes. They are blue and soulful," she asserted emphatically, without concern about the


    qualities that a respectabledy should possess.


    Marcus was unsurprised by her candour. To be honest, he''d be surprised if she imed to be


    someone she wasn''t. "You''re direct and honest...which I like," he responded, but the woman''s deft


    manner of speaking scared him.


    "I am aware. As a result, I believed we were now buddies." She started following their handshake.


    "If you require apanion here, contact me." She handed him her calling card and offered him a


    beautiful smile. Danie believed she saw him make a facial expression as she handed him her


    card but opted to disregard it.


    Marcus was taken aback by her conduct. Not only was the woman direct, but also arrogant! Was


    she simply looking down on him? She acted too grandiose for his own good when she handed him


    her business card. "I have no need for a buddy, Dani. However, I can always wee ady into


    my bed," he said, and Marcus noticed Danie''s eyes glistening with wrath. He was aware that she


    was insane, but he regretted having introduced himself to his customer. He was forced to adjust it


    by keeping a safe distance from the woman.


    She was well aware that he was a buffoon, but who cares? She needed just his body and the sperm


    he could inject into her womb! "I see; I''ll see you then."


    She avoided looking him in the eye and remained silent inside the elevator. To be honest, she was


    upset by his recent statement that he didn''t require apanion but was always willing to wee


    ady into his bed. She feltpelled to tell him the truth in order to reim her pride. "On which


    floor?" She dared to inquire when she discovered he had forgotten to punch his floor number, and


    she was naturally inquisitive.


    "Neen," he said.


    Danie clutched the railing, as she felt herself copsing with excitement. When she observed his


    troubled look, another thought urred to her. "Oh no," she said, massaging her brow and


    tightening her grip on the handle. She gradually slumped her body into his muscr hands,


    admiring herself for being such a wonderful performer.


    "Are you all okay, Danie?" Marcus rushed to her aid and caught her just as she was about to fall


    to the floor. When she failed to respond, he was forced to carry her outside and into her room.


    Marcus rummaged in her bag outside her hotel room door, looking for the card key.


    Danie was perplexed as to how Marcus was able to determine her specific room number prior to


    discovering the card key. Could he be a next-door neighbor or the resident of the room just across


    from hers? Regardless, the moment had not yete to ask him those questions. The critical point


    was that her strategy had worked...exceptionally brilliantly.


    Marcus positioned the woman on bed, then massaged her fingers and lightly pressed on the tender


    ce between her thumb and index finger. He discovered that it was an effective method for


    Danie to regain consciousness.


    Because the manner he squeezed and massaged the area between her two fingers had be


    unpleasant, she chose to reawaken and stirred in bed.


    "At longst, you''re awake. How are you feeling?" Marcus enquired.


    "I am quite OK, thank you." She responded.


    "Good," Marcus stood and moved towards the door to go out.


    Danie was unhappy because her n included ws. She sprang from her bed and walked


    towards him before he could turn the doorknob to open it. "I was unable to express my gratitude,"


    she remarked as she stopped him from leaving.


    "It''s all right. By the way, I had no idea you can act pretty well." Marcus remarked. He was not so


    naive when she began acting strangely on the elevator.


    Danie''s eyes widened in panic. Thus, he was aware and yet remained silent and unresponsive.


    What would be her next course of action? n A has failed, and she will never again have the


    opportunity to be this close to him!


    She examined his hands with care, and before he could open the door, she rushed quickly and


    smacked him with a bottle of wine. There should never be another blunder, so she made certain to


    strike him hard.


    Marcus fell to the ground, and she masked her cry. She knelt and pressed a finger across his nose


    to determine whether he was still breathing. What she did previously was dangerous, and it could


    have killed someone! After confirming that he was still alive, she pushed mightily to get his strong


    frame into her bed. She made progress gradually, and once he was on the bed, she searched for


    something she could use to restrain him.


    "I''m sorry," she said softly in his ear. She then rummaged through her suitcase for anything she


    might use to immobilize him.


    She was relieved when she discovered the shrink wrap on her bag. There were oddities in the


    airport, such as someone slipping an illicit substance or a gunshot into another passenger''s


    suitcase. As a precaution, she purchased a shrink wrap to secure her baggage yesterday. While this


    may sound absurd, several tourists managed quite well.


    Danie covered Marcus'' body in shrink wrap from shoulder to toes, much like she would a food


    item she wished to preserve in the refrigerator. He appeared to be rather amusing, and it would be a


    waste not to photograph him in shrink wrap. The camera snapped numerous times, and she only


    stopped shooting pictures when she realized she was squandering her important time on trivial


    matters.


    "I''m really sorry but I hope you will cooperate," she whispered.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

 CHAPTER 4

    CHAPTER 4


    As soon as he discovered what thedy had done to his body, he eximed that he looked like a


    mummy, wrapped in white stic and unable to move. Then he recalled the moment when


    something unexpected struck him. "What do you require of me? "Dani! What have you done with


    me?" Marcus'' jaw was clenched and his teeth were gritted as he awaited her response.


    "Make me pregnant," Danie responded.


    "W-What?" When he heard her response, his voice exploded within the hotel room. However, she


    may be kidding. "You''re joking," he said.


    "Do I appear to be joking? Certainly not," she asserted.


    Marcus came to the conclusion that Danie Reyes was insane. What a waste; the woman was


    stunning and seductive, as well as intelligent. "There is no reason to tie me up this way if all you


    wanted to do was have sex with me. I can make it more enjoyable for you, darling, so, untie me


    now!" He directed and attempted to persuade her.


    "I''m not looking for a nice experience, Marcus." She responded. "I like you and you appear to be the


    ideal father for my child," she continued.


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    No, it appeared as though he had no means of escaping from the insane woman. When he lost


    Arianna, he considered getting a vasectomy to avoid having children again, but the notion was


    forgotten when he moved to Hacienda Vsquez, and he now regretted not having one. What if


    Danie forced herself on him, resulting in pregnancy? He would bepelled to perform


    something he despised.


    "You''re rather lovely, Dani. I''m sure other men in this building will want to have you." He stated this


    in the expectation that she would release him. "You don''t have to go this low," he attempted to


    convince her, but upon looking into her eyes, he saw desperation, dread, and misery.


    "An admirable attempt, Marcus, however, my mind is made up when I chose you," Danie


    responded.


    Marcus was confronted with the truth that nothing was more hazardous than a maddy at that


    moment. "You cannot treat me this way! I''ve got job to do, and-"


    "How much is it?" She cut him off in the midst of his exnation. "Put a price on it, Mr. Madrigal."


    "I am not in need of your funds, Dani! Allow me to depart and I will quickly forget about this


    urrence!"


    "I''m sorry," she remarked as she removed the pet cone from his neck because it appeared to be


    causing him difort. "Behave, or I''ll reattach this to your neck!" She admonished him.


    Marcus showed no fear in the face of her warning regarding the pet cone. "I''m not sure why you''re


    being forced to do this, Dani." His voice was quiet, like that of a father exining something to his


    daughter.


    "Will you just shut your mouth?" She shouted at him as she unzipped and took down her trousers.


    Her blouse then fell to the floor. Danie hesitated to undress while his gaze was fixed on her, but


    she told herself that now is not the time to be timid. "Now, remain still and do not move." She


    commanded, despite the fact that the shrink wrap would make it impossible for the guy to move


    freely.


    His eyes widened as she carefully removed her underpants, and she did it without hesitation.


    Marcus was fearful that the woman may have a sexually transmitted disease due to her experience.


    He was a tough person, he reminded himself again as he searched for a way out of Danie''s


    clutches.


    Danie shook her head as Marcus struggled to release himself from the shrink wrap. "Stop


    moving!" She shouted at him.


    "No! You should be the one to be reasonable! Let me go right now!" Marcus reacted as he noticed


    the scissor in her palm was heading straight for his peak.


    She sliced a hole near his zipper with the scissor. It was sufficient for her to unzip his pants and


    expose his manhood. When his erection sprung up from his boxers, she shrieked. Marcus was


    unquestionably a sex bomb!


    He averted his gaze when Danie began to touch him. It was delicate, and he despised himself for


    reacting to her touch. Or should he im that he has replied to her suggestion of coercing


    him...even earlier?


    "You are disrespectful...and self-centred!" He med her as thedy abruptly ascended to the


    heights of his erect manhood.


    For a moment, she was confused about whether to let him go or not, but as she nced towards


    his massive erection, she panicked. "I- I don''t know what to do," she admitted the truth.


    "Then, untie me, and it will be easier. Let''s do it the right way," he answered.


    She was sceptical about his statement but she decided to trust him. Slowly, she untied him,


    unwrapped him, and set him free. However, before he has the time to move away from her, she


    positioned herself on top of him.


    He gasped in surprise, but it was toote! His body reacted differently at their close proximity. "What


    are you doing?"


    She was frightened by the friction she created while moving around him and chastised herself for


    loving the sensation of his manhood pressing against her clitoris.


    Danie sat on top of his manhood and attempted to bury the abrasive muscle within her, but it


    would not pass. She attempted once more and failed. Her forehead was drenched in sweat as she


    continued to walk.


    Marcus smiled discreetly when he understood Danie was not an experience seeker. ording to


    her movement, she was a novice or perhaps a first-timer. When he heard her curse loudly, he knew


    she was frustrated. While he may be excited, he would never assist her.


    Never!


    However, she continued to rub herself against his erection, and for heavens sake, he was hardly a


    saint! Danie''s bare figure was even more stunning when she sat on him. Marcus chastised


    himself for his admiration of her unappreciated beauty. Danie appeared oblivious of her beauty,


    which made her even more appealing to him. However, it muste to an end! Marcus attempted


    to divert his attention away from his thoughts by visualizing the horses and cows at Hacienda


    Vsquez.


    Marcus felt her eyes were just captivating, and that was the worst mistake he had ever made.


    Danie''s eyes were so expressive and lively that when he gazed, he was immediately immersed in


    their depth.


    Marcus attempted to shift his attention and thoughts for the second time, but it was toote. He was


    immediately taken with the woman''s attractiveness, and his body reacted to her little and uncertain


    motions.


    The silky flesh rubbing against the tip of his manhood was already moist, and Marcus was well


    aware that the woman would eventually seed in taking himpletely.


    "No!" He protested when the woman used her hand to guide his erection inside her, and then, he


    cautioned her. Marcus observed her gorgeous eyes widen as her body was pierced by anguish. As


    she scolded him for his size, a single tear ran down her face. "Are you all right?" He inquired, to


    which the woman replied with another curse.


    "I was not advised that it is really painful!"

 CHAPTER 5

    CHAPTER 5


    She slung daggers at Marcus for having the audacity to inquire about her well-being. Naturally, she


    was not fine! She would never be normal again unless the strange item that connected their bodies


    was removed from her. She moaned in agony as she attempted to move and extricate herself from


    Marcus.


    "This is going to kill me! Shit, this is going to kill me!"


    For the nth time, she cursed him, and she cursed her ignorance about the agonizing process of


    fusing two bodies. However, why did individuals appear to appreciate it while it was unbearably


    painful?


    "Didn''t I warn you?" Marcus arched his brows as he locked his gaze on her.


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    Danie wanted to weep for a minute and was terrified to move away from him. She had the


    sensation that her body was being split in half! "You should have informed me of your size!" She


    ultimately med the wrapped man, and Marcus burst outughing.


    "Are you serious, Dani?" You expected me to warn you about it? You are an improbabledy!"


    Marcus was enraged and frustrated.


    He was upset with himself since he wasn''t sure how much longer he could stand being buried inside


    her body and unable to move. If he decided to be a savage, it would be traumatizing for her, which


    enraged him. Why would he care about her first encounter when it was the woman who desired it in


    the first ce?


    Danie supported herself by cing her hands on his chest. Her lower body was numb from


    inactivity for an extended period of time, and she want to alter her posture.


    As she dropped her body towards his chest, both of herrge breasts dangled in front of his gaze,


    and he was enticed to taste her softness. He closed his eyes as Danie began to slide away from


    him, raising her buttocks. Marcus considered this as he fought his need and lust from taking over


    his sanity.


    She gradually lifted her bottom away from him, but returned to her old position when it became too


    ufortable. Then she attempted again and again, until she realized his eyelids were closed


    firmly.


    He did his best to contain it, but her small up and down motions gave him so much pleasure that he


    felt expanded while within her body. Danie must have felt it as well, since it was written all over


    her face.


    She no longer felt the ache, and something more pleasant and pleasant took its ce. It was hot


    and ticklish. To be honest, she preferred the new sensation, and she finally understood why men


    would murder for a woman.


    "Oh, now I like it." She stated, oblivious to the fact that her actions had wreaked havoc on the man.


    He was not a hypocrite, and denying that he loved herpany was the height of hypocrisy. As it


    had already urred, the least he could do was appreciate the moment and disregard the


    implications.


    Danie''s motions got more daring, and she rocked her body against his in a rhythmic pattern that


    caused Marcus to lose control and he was unable to stop his body from seeking relief. He moaned


    in the manner of a wounded tiger, relieved and satiated. Marcus moved his body and matched her


    every movement till she found her own pleasure when his seed was imnted within her womb.


    She was taken aback as she felt the hot liquid coursing through her. While Danie relished the


    historic moment of her first orgasm, she felt she had seeded in her endeavor to conceive.


    However, when she tried to detach herself from him, he didn''t let her. She narrowed her eyes at the


    man, but he just chuckled in response.


    "Now, it''s my turn," he announced, and before she knew it, their position has changed, and he was


    on top of her.


    In the end, she got what she wanted. She lost her virtue, and if she would be luckier, then, she


    would give birth soon! She should be happy but she couldn''t be happy. She felt there was


    something wrong, and she did something wrong just to fulfill something in a stupid testament.


    Following the wonderful moment, she felt sad for thedies, since the procedure of childbirth was so


    cruel and barbarous. While it was true that she felt something pleasant in between, it was


    insufficient topensate for her lost virtue, and once the act was through, she was at a loss for


    what to do next.


    However, what if she failed to conceive on her first attempt? Was she to ask Marcus to do it again,


    or would any male suffice?


    As his manhood shrunk in size, she had little difficulty separating herself from him. Prior to going to


    the bathroom to wash, her eyes were stuck to his regr size and determined that it did not appear


    as threatening when she was weary. Following her self-cleansing, she fetched a damp towel and


    wiped him.


    "Did you have a good time?" He inquired, and her cheeks suddenly became crimson red.


    "Yes, thank you," she replied.


    "Can I go now?"


    "Of course," she said as she re-dressed and collected her checkbook to sign a cheque. "This is a


    cashier''s check, Marcus. Utilize it wisely," she advised him.


    "I don''t need your money!" Marcus yelled!

 CHAPTER 6

    CHAPTER 6


    She was awakened from her profound slumber at three o''clock in the afternoon. She was hungry


    and went to the kitchen to get something to eat, but she lost her appetite when she saw the nasty


    witch!


    "We need to speak, E," Paloma exined.


    Danie lifted her eyebrows at Paloma as she sat in her chair. "As far as I am concerned, there is


    nothing to discuss." She refused to be referred to as Mama or Mother. She despised Paloma ever


    since she became a member of her family.


    "Do you recall what was written in Greg''s final will and testament?" Her purpose was not to anger


    Danie, but her apathypelled her to be a cruel stepmother.


    "That I would receive nothing until I have a child? You are aware that this is ludicrous, Madam."


    "Indeed, that was ridiculous. However, our arrangement was not," she reminded her of the wager


    they made that day.


    Danie gave an impolite grin. "Well, see," she responded confidently, but on the heart, she prayed


    Marcus was strong enough to make her pregnant in only one attempt.


    Otherwise...


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Pardon me, Miss Paloma, Miss Danie, but Attorney rcosa was in the living room and he


    indicated that it was essential." Patty, one of the domestic staff, alerted bothdies of the solicitor''s


    arrival.


    "Please direct him to the library; we''ll meet him there." Paloma was the first to recover from the


    shock of the solicitor''s unexpected arrival after the will had already been read.


    Danie was intrigued by the solicitor''s surprise visit and decided to apany Paloma to the


    library.


    "It''s wonderful to see both of you," Attorney Jaime rcosa greeted the woman who had just


    arrived in Greg''s library to join him.


    "Likewise, Attorney. How about you? How have you been?" Danie inquired of the elderly


    gentleman who was seated in her father''s enormous swivel chair.


    "Please have a seat," he requested.


    "Is there a problem, attorney?" Paloma was taken aback by his facial expression, which indicated


    that something was wrong.


    "I''d want to begin by apologizing to you, E dear. It''s unpleasant to admit, but I made an error


    when I read Greg''s final will and testament." He proceeded to exin, and both women nodded.


    "Mistake? What do you mean?" Danie inquired evasively.


    "I neglected to read your father''s amended will a few weeks before he died," he said.


    "Hmm, attorney, why don''t you read it now?" Danie crossed her legs as she awaited the solicitor''s


    reading to begin.


    She prayed for Paloma''s soul as the attorney began reciting her father''s final will and testament.


    She was well aware that the woman will erupt in wrath and may attempt suicide as a result of her


    defeat.


    However, there were no significant revisions to the will. Paloma nevertheless received what she


    deserved, and Danie was enraged. She desired to question as to what had be of Gregory''s


    condition that she must fulfill before inheriting anything, but refrained.


    However, it still took her breath away that the most desired home on a remote beach with the


    greatest seaview in Oslob was suddenly hers. Her father adored the lovely and wispy Paloma


    Murillo, which caused her to wonder that the home would be handed on to his second wife.


    "He was very wealthy, attorney!" Danie responded to the fact that her trust fund included a


    whopping fifty million dors.


    "E, he is a prudent investor."


    "However, what became of the condition specified in his original testament?" Either the solicitor


    neglected to say it or she did not hear it previously.


    "Greg was joking at the time," he said, smiling as he recalled his friend''s expression that day.


    "Meaning?" Danie pressed him on his assertion that her father was joking at the time.


    "That is, you are not required to have a child to receive anything. With regards to the cash, you now


    haveplete ess to it," he continued, handing her a passbook.


    However, Danie couldn''t care less about the amount of money in her passbook. She was deaf to


    everything and could only think of the rash mistake she had taken in Hong Kong with Marcus


    Madrigal. Not only was it irresponsible, but it was aplete nightmare!


    "Are you all okay, E?" Paloma inquired when she observed her pallor.


    "I am OK," she said. However, she may be OK despite having lost her virginity to Marcus and the


    possibility of being pregnant soon!


    When attorney Jaime rcosapleted his work as Gregory''s solicitor, he waved farewell. "I''m


    only a phone call away,dies, if you need me."


    Paloma nodded, but her gaze remained fixed on E. Her maternal instincts alerted her to the fact


    that something was wrong with Danie. "Is there something wrong?" she said in the tone of a


    mother speaking to her children.


    Danie''s standard reaction to Paloma''s enquiry was "none of your business," and she stormed out


    of the library to be alone.


    Paloma choked back her cries as she watched Danie go away. She had been patient with her for


    twenty years, but Greg''s daughter was still refusing to ept her. Karma was a scumbag, and she


    got exactly what she deserved for abandoning her own child in favour of E. Perhaps it''s time for


    her to return to her own family.


    Danie, on the other hand, has taken a ce in her heart, and she couldn''t abandon her,


    especially given Gregory''s recent death. The only reason she desiredplete control over their


    riches was to punish her. Paloma felt certain that Danie would achieve a great deal without her


    money. She was deep in thinking about how to win Danie''s heart when her phone rang.


    "When are youing home, Ma? I''m missing you."


    "I''m sorry, Lilian. Greg recently died, and I am unable to leave Danie alone," she stated, but her


    daughter shouted and refused to listen, then hung up. Lilian was very justified in being enraged with


    her. That was exactly what any daughter would do!

 CHAPTER 7

    CHAPTER 7


    Danie was not ecstatic about her pregnancy. She had not yet taken a pregnancy test, but she was


    aware of her body and the signals. Her nose had grown hypersensitive to odours, and she felt the


    want to vomit the next morning. Her appetite had shifted as well, and she was no longer interested


    in eating her favourites. Recently, she has preferred foods that are oil-free, such as vegetable soups


    with a higher proportion of leafy greens.


    She was repulsed by the odours of meat, seafood, and fragrances. What was frightening was that


    she looked forward to seeing Paloma''s face each day. Could humans undergo dramatic changes?


    They were simr to a mouse and a cat a few weeks earlier. Indeed, she grabbed a picture frame


    from Paloma and transported it to her room.


    If she was aware that pregnancy was not easy, she should have avoided attempting to retain what


    was hers and instead let Paloma triumph. She was rash, and she got exactly what she deserved.


    She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she was surprised by Patty''s words. "What?" Sheshed


    out at Patty.


    "Someone was searching for you, but your mother is refusing to allow him in. She stated that his


    identification needed to be verified by you," Patty responded.


    "What''s his name?" She was not expecting anyone to pay her a visit.


    "Your mother pressed me for time, and as a result, I neglected to take his name," she said


    ufortably. Danie''s face conveyed her displeasure at her intrusion. "However, he appeared to


    be a foreigner; his eyes were blue, and he was very tall." Patty persisted.


    When Patty mentioned his blue eyes, only one person immediately sprang to mind. However, that


    could not be him. Perhaps a lost tourist? She thanked Patty and examined her reflection in the


    mirror. Given the humidity outdoors, she chose a cotton and flowery summer dress.


    Danie pulled her long hair back into a ponytail, powdered her face, and of course, applied lip


    colour to conceal her pallor. Paloma approached the man as he was conversing.


    "Who is looking for?" She enquired.


    "Hello, Dani," Marcus said as he extended his hand to meet her, and what followed waspletely


    unexpected.


    Danie lost unconscious, and he was forced to bring her inside, followed by the woman who


    introduced herself as Paloma. Marcus considered the possibility that she was acting once more.


    However, Paloma worried and immediately directed thedy she dubbed Patty to get a doctor.


    "There is no reason for a doctor," he said, preventing Patty from leaving.


    "Who are you to make such a statement?" Paloma scolded Marcus for interfering with their family


    business.


    "My name is Marcus Madrigal, Ma''am, and I''m worried that your daughter is pregnant with my


    child."


    "Danie?" Paloma burst outughing at the most amusing joke she had ever heard in her entire


    life. "You''re joking," she said.


    "Let''s wait and see whether she believes me," Marcus challenged Paloma, who continued to deny


    Danie''s pregnancy.


    "However, that is impossible! Who would have the audacity to do such a thing to her? She had not


    had a boyfriend since she was born!" Paloma maintained that Danie could not be pregnant.


    When he observed Dani had recovered consciousness and stirred, he approached her and


    inquired. "Are you okay, Dani?"


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Danie remained silent and pretended infirmity, but Paloma was quick to respond to the man''s


    inquiry.


    "E, what is he referring to when he says you''re pregnant?" Paloma inquired and awaited


    Danie''s response.


    Danie closed her eyes and refused to speak about it, but her stepmother persisted in her


    inquiries. "What difference does it make if I am?" Paloma''s eyes widened in amazement as she


    answered with a question.


    "If you are, you arepelled to marry the bastard who conceived you." Paloma announced,


    ring at Marcus Madrigal.


    Marcus did not flinch in the face of Paloma''s gaze, but he was taken aback by Danie''sughter.


    "Is there anything amusing?"


    "Don''t you think Paloma is being amusing? Are you marrying me because I''m pregnant? Incredible!"


    She reasoned with Paloma, but the elderdy mmed the table in rage.


    "Right. Marriage is not the sole option. We can just terminate the pregnancy," Marcus proposed,


    and he came dangerously close to losing his hearing as bothdies cursed at him.


    The prospect of marriage was startling, but when Marcus proposed abortion, she nearly sprung


    from her seat and attacked him. Danie found Paloma''s response amusing, considering her


    stepmother, who usually appeared royal and appropriate, had cursed Marcus.


    "You have the audacity to say that!" Paloma yelled at the man who was sittingfortably in their


    sofa. She was enraged when the bastard rmended aborting Danie''s pregnancy instead of


    declining her marriage proposal.


    "I''m not ready," he admitted.


    "Marcus, my child will be fine without you. Simply leave now or my mother will shoot you with her


    shotgun," she said, but the guy remained seated and unafraid to look them in the eyes.


    "Are you going to let him go? E, are you insane? Once he walks out the door, he will never return,


    and you will be permanently damaged!" Paloma objected to Danie''s easy departure of the


    bastard. Certainly not!


    "Please, Ma, leave us alone." Danie pleaded with Paloma to leave them alone, as she desired to


    speak quietly with Marcus.


    Paloma walked away from the hostile pair, her mind upied with devising a strategy for rescuing


    Greg''s daughter from shame. She knew she would do the right thing as her mother, and she was


    certain Gregory would agree if he was still alive.


    "All right, great, but please make a choice, sweetheart." Danie regarded her as a mother for the


    first time, which was gratifying.


    "I understand why you were anxious to conceive, Dani." Marcus stated immediately upon their


    arrival alone in the living room. "Are you serious about this?"


    "I am not quite as callous as you, Marcus. You are correct; I am no longer required to have children,


    but how can you expect me to murder her even before she is not yet born? Please go now or I will


    call the cops," she said. How could he possibly be so inconsiderate toward their unborn child?


    Whatever her motive for being pregnant, she would never terminate the child.


    "I will not leave until you agree to my idea!" As with you, I am entitled to do anything I choose with


    your pregnancy! Now, I''m admonishing you to abort!" He urged her to terminate the pregnancy.


    Danie was astounded by his obstinacy. "I''m telling you for the nth time that abortion is not an


    option. Now, either leave or go to HELL!" Sheshed out at him. Her tolerance has worn thin as a


    result of his refusal to listen.


    "Please, Dani..." he pleaded.


    She was emotionally spent from her battle for her unborn child''s right to life and sight. "Please....just


    leave."

 CHAPTER 8

    CHAPTER 8


    Marcus fell silent for a few period and simply gazed at the woman who was too stubborn to


    terminate her pregnancy. To be sure, she might be an excellent mother for their child...


    "Are you finished at this point?" Paloma entered the living room, carrying a tray of refreshments with


    her. She approached the quarreling couple and presented them with a ss of the cold beverage


    she had prepared herself in the kitchen. "You must be thirsty, judging by the noisesing from the


    kitchen," she added, intending to embarrass them.


    They were both adults, so howe they couldn''tmunicate in a polite manner? After a few


    minutes, the Tylenol she had added with their beverages began to take action. Marcus and Danie


    both fell asleep. Paloma sneered at them and sat across from them, her legs crossed.


    "You tainted the beverage!" Marcus expressed his dissatisfaction when he thought something was


    amiss with his body. He was drowsy despite the fact that he had had enough sleep the night before,


    and who would feel sleepy immediately after sipping a cold juice?


    Paloma pursed her lips but remained silent. She remained silent and only observed. She may be


    incorrect, but sometimes a person must take a risk in order to aplish a goal.


    Danie casted a nce towards Paloma to ascertain Marcus'' assertion regarding the lethal drink,


    but her stepmother only grinned, indicating that the guy was correct. She was demoralized to learn


    that Paloma was so nasty as to murder her.


    "Isn''t this the ideal crime? Marcus will be used as a scapegoat for my assassination!" She shouted


    at the elderdy and aimed daggers at her, but Paloma simply lifted her brows and sat there,


    undoubtedly anticipating them right in front of her eyes. "You are heinous!"


    "Perhaps I am. In any case, there is only one way to withstand the poison. Get married immediately


    or I shall withhold the antidote!" Paloma responded.


    Marcus was aware of how Danie acquired her erratic conduct in Hong Kong. As mother, as


    daughter. "You''ve lost your mind!" Marcus became enraged at Danie''s mother. "All right, I''m going


    to marry her!" He needed to make a decision that would temporarily preserve his life.


    "Marcus, you are wise." Paloma stated as she summoned the mayor, who was awaiting her signal.


    The Judge was opposed to the hasty marriage, and Paloma had to use some of her sleeve cards to


    persuade him. Following the ceremony, the paper work may begin.


    Danie was taken aback when she saw her godfather approach the living room, his face contrite


    towards her.


    "Greetings, E. I understand your reluctance to allow this man to marry anotherdy. He''s rather


    handsome, in any case; let''s proceed with the ceremony now."


    Danie pinched her brow at his words, but he proceeded with the ceremony and five minutester,


    they were proimed husband and wife. Marcus kissed her lips as Paloma photographed the


    incident to prove that a wedding took transpired within their home. It happened so quickly that her


    thoughts was still somece else.


    "I''m delighted for you, E. Are you pleased that he has be yours?" Edwin inquired about her


    goddaughter following the ceremony. He desired to join them in celebrating, but Paloma informed


    him that Danie desired to be alone with her new spouse. "Look after E, Marcus. "I wish you all


    a happily ever after," he remarked as he said his farewells to everyone.


    "Edwin, hold on," Paloma pleaded with Gregory''s buddy, thanking him for being present at the


    appropriate time.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    "Perfect. Tell everyone we''re going on a trip, Patty!" Paloma announced following Edwin''s


    departure. She had previously reserved numerous amodations on Sumilon Ind. "In fifteen


    minutes, we''re going," she continued, and Patty rushed up to alert everyone. "E, you remain here


    with Marcus while I take care of everyone," she added.


    "You...are you going to abandon me? Are you with him?" Danie was taken aback by what Paloma


    had said. How could she have blind faith in Marcus? He may be an assassin or a thief who simply


    waited for the right moment to attack.


    "You are now a wedded pair!" Paloma stated before entering her bedroom to get her belongings for


    the trip.


    She understood why her father admired Paloma. Thedy was fiery, intelligent, and possessed an


    independent mind. "Wait a minute; where is the antidote?" She inquired as to when Paloma would


    return with her backpack and was prepared to depart. After what happened, she nearly forgot about


    it.


    "Sorry, there is no antidote," Paloma responded and shifted her gaze away from her.


    "Did you mislead us? How audacious are you? Mom!" She yelled at thedy in frustration. When


    she nced at Marcus, his face was pale and he was most likely afraid of dying. Who wouldn''t?


    "E, there is no poison. It''s simply a sleeping tablet, and the dosage was incorrect. Consider him;


    he''s simply sleepy!" She stated as her hips moved away from them.

 CHAPTER 9

    CHAPTER 9


    He should have seen it sooner, but in her defense, Dani''s acting was excellent, and she learned it


    from Paloma. Bothdies conned him, and he fell for it for the second time! "Nice acting," he stated.


    "What are you referring to? That I desired your marriage? My God, you''re insane to believe that!"


    How could he use her of acting just to obtain a marriage. "Let''s cancel it," she said as she


    walked towards the kitchen for a snack.


    Marcus couldn''t find his phone as his tiredness subsided, despite the fact that it had been in his


    pocket before the wedding. He walked over to the telephone, intending to contact Samuel, but when


    he picked it up, there was no dial tone. He cursed, "Fuck." Was he intending to take up residence in


    her home like a prisoner? He could not permit such a thing. Over his dead body!


    Marcus made his way to the main door, but it was securely locked from the outside. Indeed, not just


    the entrance, but also the windows. When he surveyed the whole area, he discovered that


    everything was secured from the outside. He was irritated when he couldn''t discover a way out of


    Danie''s house or life.


    "Would you kindly sit?" Danie was astonished to find him in the kitchen, but she opted to ignore


    him, despite the fact that his continual pacing made her dizzy.


    "Tell me, Dani, is there a secret entrance in the basement that would allow me to escape?" Marcus


    inquired of her when his intellect was unable to provide an answer.


    "Just wait a day or two till they return from their trip," she remarked calmly, stuffing her teeth with the


    homemade watermelon sd. "Have a seat if you''re hungry." He was invited by her. If you are not


    hungry, please proceed upstairs. You may select from the avable guest amodations." She


    notified him.


    She desired that he spend the night in their guestroom? She was just remarkable! She had imposed


    herself on him and now she did not wish for him to enter her chamber. "I would want to express my


    gratitude for your hospitality, Mrs. Madrigal. You cannot, however,pel me to sleep in one of your


    bedrooms. Now that I am your spouse, it is only natural that we shall share a room." He couldn''t


    trust Danie just yet, and who knew what was going on in her tiny mind? He should keep an eye


    on her!


    "How lovely. However, you are not permitted to sleep in my room!" Was he insane? Danie came


    dangerously close to falling out of her chair when he offered sleeping in the room she was in.


    "I will reim what is mine now that we are married!" His voice resounded across the entire kitchen,


    almost frightening Danie. Almost, since she approached him with a lethal gaze.


    "Such as what?" she inquired.


    "Wedding night. That is the very least you can do, Dani, after wrecking my life." He spoke such


    remarks as calmly as a sea without a storm.


    Danie arched her brows and locked her gaze on his. "You have to be insane." To be sure, if he


    want to die sooner, he was wee to join her tonight.


    "I must be, and it''s all your fault...wench!" Marcus responded.


    Danie felt Marcus was kidding, but when nightfall arrived, he utilized his might to gain ess to


    her bedroom. She could see himfortably seated in the couch, enjoying a television show, from


    her resting posture. The light was dimmed so he wouldn''t see she was looking at him.


    He abruptly stripped naked in front of her eyes, shocking her. Although anything had urred


    between them in Hong Kong, she paid little attention to his physique and the situation had changed.


    Was he intending to use her in the same way she exploited him in Hong Kong? Was he about to


    inflict his vengeance on her? She murmured, ''Oh no,'' and wrapped herself in theforter.


    When Marcus noticed her gazing, he decided to put on a show for her and stripped down to his


    underwear. Marcus grinned at the woman who dared to try her techniques to get him on bed. She


    covered herself with a duvet. He approached Danie, teasing her even more. "I''m going to shower


    now; would you want to join me?" By the way, could you please procure a towel for me, darling


    wife?"


    Her nostrils red as the guy delighted in taunting her with his nakedness. "Please obtain it on your


    own. I''m too exhausted to get up," she lied.


    "Hmm, I''m considering taking a showerter and sleeping now." He stated as he attempted to lie


    beside Danie.


    Danie sprang from her bed and rushed to the cab to retrieve a clean towel for him. "Here,"


    she said, handing him the towel.


    Marcusughed as he walked to the restroom. Things have only gotten better and more exciting


    with Danie. Who would have guessed she was so pure and adorable? "Bring it on, Dani. Join


    me," he invited her to join him in the shower for the second time before entering the bathroom.


    "Thank you, but no thank you. In fact, I bathed just once a week, and asionally only once a


    month. "I don''t much enjoy washing myself, you know," she said. To be sure, it was the man who


    began first. He want war? Fine!This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

 CHAPTER 10

    CHAPTER 10


    When he noticed Danie''s position in the bed''s centre, he cursed. How was she able to sleep


    quietly with her arms and legs spread wide apart to the point of upying the entire bed? The


    woman made no attempt to change into something more suitable for sleeping, such as pyjamas or


    nighties. She went to bed wearing the same flowered gown she wore when he came this morning.


    It''s revolting! And she snored as well! His gaze then locked on something dark...in her underarms.


    He moved away, closing his eyes. He''d never share a bed with Danie. No surprise she needed to


    go a great length to find someone like him. However, she might purchase underarm whitening with


    the money she has in her bank ount, or perhaps she was simply not fond of grooming herself.


    Marcus was ustomed to sleeping nude, but he covered himselfpletely tonight. He would


    never let his wife see his nude figure again in order to avoid being her target once more.


    Meanwhile, Danie tittered as she observed Marcus''s eyes narrowing in response to the sight of


    her ck underarms. He must have been one of those who found it repulsive. However, he was


    justified in hinting that he would sleep with her on her! The audacity! It was simple to apply ck


    eye shadow to her underarm, and she made certain it was visible to him. The man was amusing to


    see as he attempted to conceal his endearing figure from her eyes. Danie shifted her position


    before to ceasing to snore.


    She was scheduled to discuss it tomorrow, but she just couldn''t wait. She was eager to see whether


    he had a wife waiting for him... Then their marriage would be null and invalid.


    "Are you still awake, Marcus?"


    He found it difficult to sleep in a room with ady around. Danie was still a woman...and his wife,


    despite her ck underarms and seldom washing. "Yes, but why?" he said.


    When Danie heard him talk, she rose from her bed and approached him. "I''m simply curious as to


    whether you have a wife," she inquired.


    "Of course," he said, but wondered why she felt the need to approach him in order to ask her foolish


    question. Was she unaware that they got married the previous morning?


    When she heard his response, a fresh hope rose within her heart. Yes! She was relieved she hadn''t


    waited until the next day to approach him. "In such case, we are not required to annul our


    marriage." As she stated.


    "Howe not?" He sat up straight when she discussed postponing the annulment she mentioned


    following the marriage.


    "You said that you have a wife; thus, our marriage was null and void from the start!" Her voice was


    excited as she envisioned Paloma''s response upon hearing it.


    "It is you...stupid!" He rolled his eyelids and resumed his sleeping posture.


    Danie felt disappointed because she had be thrilled for no reason! "It''s inconvenient to sleep


    on the sofa," she said, and was ready to offer him the guest room adjacent to hers, but the man was


    not interested in hearing it.


    "I''m OK." He responded and motioned with his hand for them to leave him alone.


    Danie brought her feet back to the bed with a nod. She was not afraid of Marcus since she


    recognized him as a decent man. No, she should put him out of her mind! She closed her eyes and


    drifted off to sleep.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    However, Marcus remained there in her dreams even when she slept. Or perhaps she should refer


    to it as a nightmare! She massaged her eyes and regarded the timepiece. It was around five a.m.


    She got enough sleep if she counted the hours, but why was she still tired?


    She rose from bed and discovered that the sofa was vacant. Marcus, where are you? She listened


    to see whether he was in the bathroom but heard nothing. It was far too quiet. Or perhaps he


    discovered a method to get away from her. That is admirable, and she wished him sess in his


    quest.


    Danie down the stairs and made her way to the kitchen to cook breakfast. She was in the mood


    for champorado, a type of chocte porridge. Glutinous rice, chocte bars, milk, and sugar were


    the primaryponents of Champorado. She was on her way to the kitchen when she detected the


    aroma of garlic. She continued walking and there was her spouse in front of the stove. She


    approached him and promptly extinguished the mes.


    "Are you blind to the fact that I''m cooking?" Marcus was enraged when she abruptly shut off the fire


    while he was in the midst of making breakfast. His wife didn''t prepare anythingst night and forced


    him to eat simply bread, and he was already famished. He was saut??ing garlic and onions in a


    pan in preparation for the corned beef omelet he desired. Rice had already been cooked in the rice


    cooker, and a cup of ck coffee was also prepared.


    "I despise anything garlicky. If you truly want that corned beef, simply heat it on the stovetop; it will


    be ready to eat." She informed him.


    "You''re exaggerating, Dani. If you''re not a fan of the stench, then leave. Return to your room and


    catch up on some sleep." He responded, but quickly regretted what he had said. The woman must


    havee to the kitchen for the same reason she did: she was hungry and pregnant. When


    Marcus approached Danie and took her to the dining table, she refused to return to her room and


    began preparing the ingredients for her porridge.


    "Hey, asshole, put me down!"


    He sat her in one of the dining chairs and informed her that she would have to wait while he made


    their meal. "Do not fear; I am capable of preparing the porridge!" He returned to the stove and


    switched it on when the woman nodded.


    As a result, she disliked the smell of garlic, and glowered her eyes at him.


    Marcus grinned as an idea shed across his mind. It was the first time he became so enamored


    with saut??ing the garlic and onions that he overdone the spices and had to discard them. He


    then peeled another onion and garlic head. He was so taken with teasing the woman with the garlic


    fragrance that he was taken aback when Danie dashed to the restroom and vomited up.


    "Are you all right?" While the woman continued to retch with her saliva, he felt horrible for her. He


    retrieved a cup from the cupboard, filled it with hot water, and handed it to Danie. "Here, have a


    drink." He stated as he softly rubbed her back while she remained bowed on the toilet.


    "Thank you," she said, happy for the hot water but knowing that Marcus had prepared another


    combination of spices specifically to punish her. She was going to make him pay...soon.


    "I believe you''d be wise to take a bath now. Dani, you stink." He made light of her foul stench, but a


    shower would make her feel better and more refreshed. "Leave immediately while I prepare," he


    directed.


    She rolled her eyes at him. If he disliked her odour, he could just cover his nose! "However, I am not


    scheduled to take a bath today. That will be next week, and I don''t want to jeopardize my health


    over something as trivial as your dislike for my body odour." She responded, and she almost


    laughed out so loud upon seeing his reaction.

 CHAPTER 11

    CHAPTER 11


    She shouted at the man who insisted on eating with her but couldn''t wait for her meal to be finished.


    Every minute, he tried her patience, and she could feel her anger boiling up inside her. However, he


    must have probably noticed the way she red at him.


    "Your fury is vicious, Dani, but we need to discuss... about our predicament." His tone was grim, as


    was his expression. This morning, he had been considering how to be candid with the woman about


    his current situation, and how to get their marriage dissolved as soon as possible.


    "If you have been previously married, Marcus, we will not have an issue. If you''re concerned about


    the annulment expense, I''ll cover it," she offered to cover any costs associated with their annulment.


    "I''m still in love with Veronica, and living with you would be forbidden," he revealed of his first wife.


    To be honest, she hadn''t anticipated it, even if he was really gorgeous. "What is her name?


    Veronica?"


    "Yes. My first wife is Veronica," he said.


    Danie set thedle down on the counter and confronted him. "You previously stated that you are


    not married, but now Veronica is your wife?" She was enraged at his deception! However, she


    should be relieved that he is married, correct? "Therefore, our marriage must be dered null and


    invalid! Marcus, if you can find a way out of here, you are free to leave. I may just inform Paloma


    that you have been taken by an extraterrestrial," she replied, and Marcus chuckled. She was not


    being amused when she mentioned the extraterrestrial, so how could he haveughed?


    "I was previously married. That is, she is no longer alive. It''s a lengthy story, but I still love her," he


    stated to put their differences to rest.


    How devoted! However, some individuals are. "I see," she responded.


    "I told you about it so you wouldn''t suppose I was about to fall in love with you." Marcus feared that


    the woman might develop affections for him while he was a guest in her home.


    What exactly did he say? What makes him think she''d fall in love with him? Amazing! His


    imagination was quite remarkable and vivid. "Are you sure?" Danie shook her head, unable to


    believe what she was hearing.


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    "I apologize if I offended you, but as you know, somedies fall quickly, especially when...we are


    alone." Marcus had no idea why he enjoyed tormenting Danie until her nostrils red and her


    blood began to boil. "You were already smitten with me in Hong Kong, Dani. Thus, it would be only


    a matter of time until that attraction developed into something more...like love." He continued to


    annoy her until her eyes were on fire and she shed him with daggers.


    "Correction. Marcus, I was not drawn to you. You just have everything I was seeking for in a man to


    be the father of my kid," she imed. To be honest, she was still taken by his looks. It was a


    foregone conclusion that she would fawn over him based on his eyes alone. She made no notice of


    his wavy hair, which seemed as though the wind was always messing with it. And his lips - gosh,


    they were unbelievably kissable, and she wished she could chew on them endlessly.


    "You''re a liar," he stated. He proceeded to tell her that it was imusible that she was not physically


    attracted to him. Marcus felt she looked gorgeous as her cheeks grew crimson.


    "I hope you''re not so impolite as to remind me," she said.


    "I am ountable! I''m sorry, but can''t we simply be friends? After all, if we work together, we can


    solve our problem. Are you not of the same opinion, Dani?" If they became friends, he would have


    an easy time seducing the woman.


    Danie considered it before opening her mouth to respond. "Yeah, why not?" If remaining


    courteous with him might help her escape the mess she had made, she would give it a go. "We


    must cooperate, Marcus." She extended her hand to him in exchange for a handshake, which he


    epted. Danie felt something send shivers down her spine as soon as their hands touched, and


    she promptly withdrew her hand from the handshake.


    "Do not tell me you will miss me, Dani." Marcus noticed a gleam of grief in her eyes, but she may


    have lied about beingfortable with his tearing a section of her house down. That, indeed, must


    be it! He would, however, appreciate Danie telling him she will miss his presence in the house,


    even if it is a lie.


    "That is never going to happen, Marcus." She responded defiantly. To be honest, her tone was


    rather guarded, but she would never forget him.


    "I was only stating," Marcus exined.


    "Whatever," Danie said, wishing the guy would stop speaking to her as he washed the dishes;


    otherwise, she would be ustomed to his voice, which she disliked.


    After their agreement to be civil with each other or be friends, they conversed, teased,ughed, and


    relished each other''s presence. Marcus obtained her consent to demolish a portion of her home.


    She assumed he would flee as soon as he discovered a way out of her house, but he did not. He


    assured her that he would keep herpany until Paloma and the other members of the household


    returned from their excursion.


    "Hello, lovely," he said to Danie as she approached him.


    "Greetings, handsome. What''s going on?" She adored his sense of humour; in fact, she adored him


    in every way. She began to like him throughout their week together, but she couldn''t tell him or he


    would mock her. He had already told her not to fall for him, and she stated categorically that she


    would never fall for him. Was a woman''s heart always so easily duped? His modest act to care for


    her was deemed precious and something worth to thank for.


    If she could assess her present emotions for Marcus, she could im that around 80% of her heart


    no longer belongs to her. Marcus received it for free! Even if the man became the most repulsive


    person on the, she would still choose him. He was nice, attentive, andpassionate. He


    may appear like a badass but his heart was pure gold and he was a gentleman in every way. There


    was never a moment when he tried to take advantage of his position as her husband, buttely, she


    hoped that he would do anything like...insisting on sleep with her. As days slipped by, Danie


    fought to disguise her actual feelings for Marcus. She couldn''t be impulsive or it would terrify him.


    "Where are you going, Dani?" He asked her. Her baby bump was still not evident, and he wanted to


    see it before he would depart. The other day he phoned Samuel to help him with annulment


    documents and his pal was more than pleased to aid him. Yesterday, he received the mail that


    included the paperwork. He was meant to be excited in filling in the papers because it would be the


    beginning of setting himself free, but he didn''t understand why he didn''t feel like filling it quite yet.


    "I''m going to the garden, handsome." She needed to cut some flowers from the garden to be utilized


    in all of the flower vases within the home. Herte mother had ingrained in her head that a house


    should have fresh flowers every day.


    "Can I go with you?" He asked.


    Danie''s thinking stopped as he said abouting with her to the garden, and her heart skipped a


    beat when Marcus smiled at her. "Why not?" She agreed. Her heartbeat was excessively loud and


    she usually ascribed it to her erratic emotional swings rather than epting her feelings towards


    Marcus.


    "I didn''t know that you''re like gardening," he chatted to her as they headed towards...


    A greenhouse? He was perplexed but elected to keep his mouth quiet.


    "It was my mum who enjoyed gardening. When she died, it would be a waste if her garden will be


    neglected," she said.


    "What''s inside the greenhouse, Dani? Vegetables?" Marcus couldn''t help himself from asking.


    Everyone who saw their greenhouse concluded that they cultivated vegetables inside, but s, they


    were mistaken. Inside the greenhouse was a variety of different types of flowers, many were


    imported varieties notably the roses and orchids.


    "Just wait till you go inside, Marcus." Then, she opened the doorway towards the greenhouse and


    she heard how the man gasped as he saw the beautiful flowers.


    Marcus hadn''t seen something like that before! The flowers were extremely beautiful...just like


    Danie. "Amazing! So you areing to cut some of the flowers?" What else might be done within


    a greenhouse full of flowers? He pondered.


    "Yeah," she answered to his query.


    Marcus took in the wonderful vista of the flower garden. He may state that it was his first time to


    witness an assortment colors of roses and he was only familiar with red and white roses, like the


    ones sold in a flower store. He recently learnt that there were a lot more like cream,vender,


    peach, orange, pink, salmon pink, and yellow. "I''m speechless!" He said.


    "I know. Everyone who has set foot inside told me the same thing," she informed him.


    Marcus frowned at Danie as she remarked about everyone stepping foot inside the greenhouse.


    Was there another man with him who was inside the greenhouse? "I thought this location is special,


    then why do you permit just anybody to enter inside?" He questioned her in an irritated tone.

 CHAPTER 12

    CHAPTER 12


    "They were not just anyone, they were my buddies, Marcus." She responded, butter on, she


    understood that she didn''t have to exin. "So, if you were about to send me some flowers, you


    best not do it!" She jested as the flowers within the greenhouse were nicer than those at the flower


    store, and when it came to flower arranging, she was an expert.


    "I''m pleased that I don''t have a n to present you some flowers," Marcus lied since he had been


    thinking of taking her on a date, with a bouquet of flowers and choctes beforeing back to


    Hacienda Vsquez.


    "Good," she said but deep down, she was aching. Even though she had a greenhouse full of bright


    and gorgeous flowers, she would be pleased if he would offer her a bouquet. She went up to the


    line of yellow roses and cut a dozen of it. It''s the hue of sunshine, optimism and pleasure. It also


    symbolizes enthusiasm, optimism, enlightenment and loyalty. But yellow also denotes cowardice


    and deception. Exactly like her recent circumstances. She was a coward for being unable to tell him


    the truth, and she continued to fool herself into believing that she would be alright without him.


    "Is there a problem, Dani?" Marcus inquired as the woman fell quiet. As she put the flowers in a


    flower vase, her eyes were sorrowful, and he wished he could console her.


    "It''s insignificant, Marcus. "I was simply thinking about my father," she imed. "How is the


    annulment proceeding?" She trusted him to begin the processing immediately, knowing that she


    couldn''t remain in this state indefinitely and that the most effective defence was offensive. That is


    just what she did.


    "Do not be concerned, Dani. I got the paperwork yesterday, and as a result, I may need to ask you


    to sign itter." The forms had not beenpleted yet, but he may have to do so quicklyter. The


    woman was correct; the sooner the better, and it benefited them both.


    Danie gave a nod. "Just remember meter," she responded, avoiding eye contact with Marcus


    and concentrating on the floral arrangement.


    "What''s the rush, Dani, to cancel the marriage?" It irked his pride that the woman had lost interest in


    him.


    "This ismon, Marcus. We both recognize that the marriage was improper and was imposed on


    you. Don''t worry; I''ll be a nice mother to our kid, and I''ll asionally send you photographs of her."


    Danie congratted herself on her bravery and wisdom.


    "You''re correct. You have no sentiments for me, and I am simrly indifferent. It would be unjust if


    we continued to live as husband and wife despite ourck of love for one another." He agreed with


    her to save his dignity. To begin, he should not have liked her. He should have relied on his sense


    that the woman would only bring future problems!


    Danie felt as if her heart had been ripped into small bits when he proimed that he has no


    affections for her or anyone else. She anticipated it and was prepared. However, why was it still


    excruciatingly painful? Her hands were cold and trembling and lumps formed in her throat, which


    she struggled to swallow. She worked hard not to weep.


    "Is there any way to speed the process?" She inquired after gathering her emotions.


    "I''ll see to it, Dani." He despised her for continuing to discuss their annulment.


    "Hmmm, about your child, please refrain from sending me images until a paternity test has been


    established."


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    The audacity!


    She was unable to proceed with the floral arrangement due to her anger. Mugsy, the nickname she


    gave her unborn kid, and her unborn child would be better off without Marcus.


    "No issue," she falsely stated. She regrly lied to Marcus. It would never be her fault if the guy


    refused to embrace his role as Mugsy''s father, and she would never humiliate herself by pleading


    with him.


    When she consented to the paternity test, Marcus grinned. While he was the first to have her, it was


    insufficient to presume that he was the one who had her. "At the very least, we agree on a few


    points. Therefore, may I assist you with the flowers?" He inquired when he observed Danie had


    ceased her activity.


    "I am capable, Marcus. If you like to assist, please proceed outdoors and y with Sky." She


    congratted herself once more on learning the art of concealing her genuine emotions. She has


    ceased to be honest to herself as a result of Marcus, and has developed into a liar.


    "Sky?" Marcus had nothing against the Great Dane, but how could he ignore the fact that Danie


    used to treat her like a dog in Hong Kong? He could still see himself with a pet cone and a leash


    around his neck till today.


    She observed Marcus paused before responding, and she surmised that he might not want to y


    with her dog. "Ignore if you''re not in the mood to y with Sky," she remarked as she resumed the


    flower arrangement.


    "I''m about to leave...to y with your dog." Marcus responded and exited the greenhouse in search


    of the Great Dane.

 CHAPTER 13

    CHAPTER 13


    Danie shifted her position when she heard him call. "Marcus, why have you returned?" She lied


    for the nth time. She sensed the man''s presence as he entered the greenhouse and waited. She


    was aware of why he returned...and it was to say goodbye. He is permanently departing.


    "I''m leaving," he said quietly. He should flee quickly or risk having his heart stolen by Danie.


    "When?" Her mouth was tugged away from the inquiry, yet she desired to know.


    "As soon as they return," he was referring to Paloma and the housekeeping workers who had gone


    on a trip.


    She nodded, and it pleased her that Marcus would remain until she was alone. "Then on that day,


    we''ll host a farewell party," she exined.


    "You''ve got to be joking, Dani! There will be no need for a departure party." For what purpose? He


    simply needs to depart in peace.


    "I am adamant," she stated. But the reality was, she couldn''t tell them that nothing had changed in


    the week they had been alone in the home. They remained strangers who werepelled to marry.


    However, she would spend some quality time with him before he leaves... permanently.


    She returned to the house following the floral arrangement and was astonished to see everyone in


    the living room...except Paloma. "You''re back," she murmured to Patty. She wished they had


    postponed their arrival at that point.


    "It appears as though you''re not overjoyed to see us, Miss E." Although Patty was the one who


    observed it, the rest of the crew concurred.


    "Silly. Of course, I''m overjoyed to see you again. Indeed, you are precisely on time. Hmm, I''d want


    you to create something delectable for lunch and serve arge quantity." She directed Patty to


    make advantage of her culinary abilities.


    "What asion do you have, Miss E?" Patty was inquiring.


    "My spouse was going for the Marines," she fabricated an ount about Marcus being recruited to


    join the Marines. The tale included loopholes, but who cares?


    "How quickly?"


    "Regrettably, yes. Where is my mum, by the way?" Danie questioned when her stepmother was


    unable to be seen.


    "She stated that she intends to meet her daughter," Patty responded.


    Danie gave a nod. "I understand. Patty, I need to obtain something from the vineyard. Therefore, I


    trust you to arrange everything, all right?"


    "Indeed, Miss." Patty responded before informing everyone that their vacation hade to an end.


    Once everyone had left toplete their assigned tasks, she gazed at Marcus and refused to


    absorb the fact that he would leave in the afternoon.


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    "Hey, would you mind apanying me to the orchard?" She invited him to assist her in collecting


    fruits for use in making fresh juices. Grapes, oranges, pomelo, and lemons grow in her father''s


    orchard.


    "What are our ns for the orchard?" Marcus enquired when he noticed that she was concealing


    something and was unable to look him in the eyes.


    "Simply to obtain some fruits." I''d like to have fresh orange juice and grapes for lunch." She


    responded.


    Marcus nodded and motioned for the woman to proceed, indicating that he would follow. "How


    many oranges do you think you''re going to need for the juice?" He inquired as to their destination.


    "Perhaps a basket," she said, indicating the location of the basket.


    "All right," he said, selecting some ripe oranges and cing them in the basket. After more than


    twenty oranges, he offered to carry the basket of fruits.


    "Permit me to take you to the vineyard." She dragged him to the vineyard, clutching one of his


    hands.


    "For what purpose?" Marcus believed Danie was up to something, else she would not have


    dragged him anywhere.


    "What else is there?" She pursed her lips when Marcus came to a halt and asked her a trivial


    inquiry. If he is not going, she has no recourse. She continued walking, eluding him.


    "Would you kindly slow down?"


    "No, you walk more quickly. Or has aging slowed you down?" She admonished him for his sluggish


    walk.


    "Thirty something is hardly an advanced age, Dani. I''m still young," he responded.


    "Excellent, my arse." Danie relished discussing Marcus''s advanced years, since Marcus


    appeared to be rather sensitive about it.


    "Are you aware of that? A man will easily fall in love with you, Dani. You are lovely and caring."


    What transpired? Why did he be unexpectedly emotional...and candid? He realized what he


    had said much toote.


    "I have my doubts, because if you are saying the truth, why are you incapable of loving me?"


    Finally, the words were out, and she had no intention of informing him that she was joking.


    "I''m sorry," he expressed regret.

 CHAPTER 14

    CHAPTER 14


    Danie was unaware that his apology was more painful to hear, but she was still able to smile at


    him due to her acting ability. "It''s all right. I didn''t intend to fall in love with you Marcus; it simply


    happened, and I''m hoping you''ll forget what I revealed today." She took a big breath as the truth


    was revealed.


    "Be kind with yourself, Dani. You are still youthful and attractive." Marcus assuaged the woman''s


    fears by assuring her that she would be OK. Danie was candid and truthful with him, and her


    sassiness was one of the reasons he granted her ess to his locked and guarded heart. If only he


    were capable of loving once again...


    "Shall we return now?" She inquired when their basket was also brimming with grapes and it was


    about time for lunch. They were too silent as they went back towards the home, with just the sound


    of their breathing audible. To be sure, life has never been fair.


    They were almost at the vineyard gate when Marcus wrapped his arms around her from behind, so


    tightly that her ribs ached. She remained still and simply let him to hold her. Nobody dared to talk,


    and she desired to remain in that posture for an extended period of time. She''s going to miss him,


    she''s going to miss him.


    "May I have my farewell kiss?" Marcus said softly into her ear. Indeed, he desired to do so while


    they were within the greenhouse, but he held himself. Marcus would be content with a single kiss.


    She awaited her affirmative response but remained mute. What followed was uncharacteristic of a


    lady like Danie. She pushed his arms away from her waist and confronted him.


    "Is it only a kiss?" That is far too weak," she stated emphatically as she kissed him passionately on


    the lips. "Are you willing to make love to me, Marcus?" "How about right now, right here?" She


    inquired urgently as she began to undress.


    "Are you insane?" Marcus screamed his voice at Danie, who began disrobing in broad daylight


    and in the midst of her father''s vineyard.


    "Please? "I simply want to know what authentic lovemaking feels like," she responded. "Giving birth


    is really difficult, and I believe I deserve to enjoy the act of lovemaking as well, don''t you agree?"


    When the man did not respond, she was left with no choice. "Please?" She pleaded with him to


    comply with her demands. Indeed, he was correct when she stated that she was insane. However,


    she desired a memory that wouldst a lifetime. "There will be no ties attached," she assured.


    Danie shrieked as Marcus touched her breasts abruptly. It was so abrupt that she was taken


    aback when his calloused hand slid into her blouse as he kissed her lips. The way he kissed her


    was forceful and uncharacteristic of him, yet it awoke her senses.


    He desired to intimidate her, to get her to withdraw her offer of unrestricted sexual rtions with


    him. What was she contemting? Her brows furrowed as he attempted to take down her


    underpants with one of his hands. "This is what you desired, Dani." When the woman attempted to


    stop his hand, he reminded her.


    The man was correct, and it was she who proposed the entire thing, but in the midst of his


    harshness, she considered backing down, but then heard the cloth tearing. Her eyes widened and


    she attempted to grab her undergarment away from him. "Was it absolutely necessary?" She was


    referring to her panties breaking when he could just pull it down.


    Danie was humiliated when Marcus smelled her shredded pantyhose and then stuffed them into


    the pocket of his pants. He remained silent in response to her inquiry and proceeded to assault her


    with his heated lips. Danie had little prior experience with kissing, but she quickly shown her


    ability to pick it up. Within a minute, she mimicked his actions and reacted to him like a seasoned


    lady. If Marcus sucked on her lower lip, she would reciprocate.


    Marcus became absorbed in her kiss and stroked his manhood all over her. He inhaled deeply as


    Danie attempted to reach for and unzip his trousers. Due to her unskilled hands, he aided her in


    undressing him and then undressed her. Her garments began to fall off one by one, and she looked


    stunning in her bare figure. The sweet gasps emanating from her mouth fueled his raging need, and


    he desired to take her immediately. However, he restrained himself because he desired that their


    farewell union be beneficial to her.


    Marcus traced kisses from her neck down to her breast and into the v-part below her belly button,


    then kissed her while kneeling on the ground without warning her. Danie arched her back as she


    drew support from his wavy hair. "Marcus, please..e to a halt." She pleaded with him when her


    body could no longer bear the weight. Her knees were weak, and she was on the verge of


    copsing.


    "What?" How could he possiblye to a halt? He looked at the woman who was being too harsh


    to him.


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    "Let''s go over there; there''s a shed." It''s a little garden shed that her father made for Paloma; it''s


    outfitted with a couch bed and a coffee table.


    As a result, she want to visit the shed. He assumed she desired to return home, leaving him eager


    and brimming with desire. "Then let us depart." He then escorted the woman to the shed. He


    continued kissing Danie as he walked towards the nipa and bamboo building. He was already


    possessed by passion, and there is no way in hell he would refrain from acting on his urge.


    Marcus pulled the pink door open a few momentster. The shed waspact, but well-organized,


    and a huge couch bed awaited them in the corner...inviting them. He pushed Danie into the couch


    bed and instantly followed her. He pushed the woman''s knees wide as he upied his tongue with


    her stimted nipples. Marcus readied her for his incursion by preparing her aperture with one of


    his fingers.


    "Please assist me." She pleaded with him to take action against the sensation that had taken over


    her entire existence.


    As soon as Danie pleaded, his breathing became more rough and he listened to her. "You''re


    driving me insane, Daniel!" He stated before that he had prated her with his hardness.


    "Ouch...," Danie whimpered as hepletely engulfed her body. He was abrasive and enormous,


    and it was still unsettling for her. Marcus, on the other hand, was a brilliant lover who did everything


    possible to distract her from her difort, and he was an expert at multitasking.


    Marcus'' mouth absorbed her faint moans as he glided in and out of her body without letting go of


    her lips. "Please, faster," she requested, and Marcusplied.


    Marcus made no attempt to remove his hardness prior to ejacting, as the woman was already


    pregnant.


    Danie believed it was finished, but Marcus got hard again after a few seconds. It''s unsurprising


    that she became pregnant after only one effort! He was very sexually active and powerful! When he


    resumed moving in and out of her body for the second round, they quickly found their release. Her


    body was spent, but Marcus pleaded for another round of lovemaking, and she sumbed.


    Danie considered pleading with him to remain after the intense action that stole their breath away.


    "Remember, there are no strings attached?" Marcus stated as he observed Danie hadpsed into


    silence and was immersed in her thoughts.


    "I have not forgotten, Marcus." She responded and was going to reintroduce herself when she


    realized she couldn''t find her clothing. "What happened to my clothes?" She inquired when she was


    unable to locate the outfit she was wearing today.


    His eyes widen as he realizes he has neglected to carry their clothing to the shed. They had


    previously stripped nude before to deciding to transfer. "I believe I left them there," he said,


    indicating the location of the near miss.


    "Ah, God. What are our options now?" She was unable to leave the house without wearing


    anything.


    Marcus was in a precarious position, attempting to recover their clothing while nude. "We''ll go


    together," he said; after all, the vineyard is deserted. Nobody would notice them if they were strolling


    nude.


    "How am I to know?" You should be the one to retrieve them; after all, you were the one who


    neglected to bring them here!" She snarled at the man, who was still undecided about whether to go


    now orter.


    Marcus was unsure, but time was ticking away and he wanted to return to Hacienda Vsquez as


    soon as possible. "All right, OK, I''ll do it!" He stated when he waspelled to do so.

 CHAPTER 15

    CHAPTER 15


    "Will you return on Miss E''s due date, Sir Marcus?" Patty was inquisitive.


    Marcus was at a loss for a response to Patty''s query and sought Danie for assistance. Why did


    she inform them that his absence would be brief? "In fact, I am not-"


    Danie cleared her throat in an attempt to suffocate Marcus. Whatever he was about to say had to


    be kept silent in front of her workers. "He will not be present on the day of my due date, Patty. His


    commander would dispatch him to Syria tobat ISIS," she responded to Patty''s inquiry on his


    behalf. However, she was unable to inform them that her rtionship with Marcus had ended!


    "Syria? Syria is scary," Patty stated. "Do not let him go, Miss E."


    "I am powerless, Patty. He is a soldier, and it is his responsibility to battle terrorists. In any case, if


    Marcus meets an ident while fighting, his corpse will be covered in a g," she stated without


    looking at Marcus.


    While it was true that a soldier''s corpse would bear a g, this was not anything to joke about.


    Marcus desired to reprimand the woman but did not like to shame her in public.


    "Do not be rmed, Patty; I am unbeatable!" Marcus stated as he scooped a portion of valenciana


    onto his te.


    "Good. Patty answered to his words, "Your child will require you."


    Patty''s remarks struck him hard, and he was at a loss for words. He had been cornered. As with a


    tiger cornered by a hunter in the wild, he had nowhere to go or hide. "Mmm, delectable!" He


    complimented Patty''s cuisine after stuffing the patatim into his mouth.


    Danie ignored Patty''s chat with Marcus and concentrated on her food. She was famished


    following their exploits in the shed and wanted to replenish her energies. She examined her


    wristwatch with a concerned expression on her face. "I''m sorry you loved Patty''s cuisine, Marcus,


    but you''re going to bete. Proceed immediately; I''ll just ask Patty to pack some for you; don''t forget


    to share it with your coworkers." She felt having a goodbye lunch was a wonderful idea, but she


    found it difficult to sit next to him.


    Marcus was aware of what she was attempting, but he ignored her and proceeded to gorge on the


    delectable food on the table. "Calm down, Dani. I just have a few hours remaining." He responded,


    earning her re. He was perplexed as to why she behaved differently when she was before


    pleasant and enticing. "How did you get it on your neck?" When he asked her to check on her neck,


    he purposefully raised his voice. The others got inquisitive, which made Danie feel uneasy.


    "It''s only a kiss mark," Patty observed Danie''s neck.


    Marcus grinned as he concentrated on eating, but Danie stung him with daggers for humiliating


    her. He mused, "Good riddance." However, after a little moment, he hoped he could stay with her...a


    little longer. His request was not realized, as Danie sent him out with a dignified farewell


    immediately following lunch.


    Danie let go of the sobs she had been keeping in as soon as Marcus left. She was neither a robot


    nor a superhero. She was a mere human who feigned that everything was OK, that she was not in


    pain, and that she would not miss him. Marcus made no attempt to return her gaze as he stood


    near his car.


    Her vision blurred as tears streamed down her cheeks, and the next thing she noticed were the


    terrible cramps and excruciating back ache that seemed to crush her body. She was scared about


    miscarrying, but battling through the agony was extremely tough.


    "Have a nice day, Miss E!" Patty rushed up when she saw her boss in pain, and E cried for aid


    when she dropped to the ground. E was carried to the car and taken to the hospital by the driver,


    who arrived running. "Peter, hurry up!" She directed Peter to drive more quickly.


    "We are already moving quickly, Patty." Peter responded. They were already in the hospital three


    minutester, and their boss was escorted to the emergency department.


    Patty prayed for the safety of E''s pregnancy. E understood that being overly emotional or


    depressed was bad for her baby, but she couldn''t stop herself when her husband was forced to


    depart for Syria to fight terrorists.


    Patty was advised by the doctor that Danie need additional attention while pregnant. "She does


    not need to be stressed, Patty. "Follow me to the office so I may provide her vitamins," she


    instructed Patty to do.


    Doctor Arbiol was a family friend, and Patty was relieved she was on duty at the district hospital


    where Danie had been admitted. "I appreciate it, physician. Her spouse went for Syria this


    afternoon, which may exin why she was stressed out," she said to the doctor who was eager to


    listen.


    "Iprehend," Doc Arbiol said. "Just keep an eye on E and make certain she is not engaging in


    any strenuous activity. It may have been devastating for her baby, especially during her first


    trimester." She rified.


    "I appreciate your assistance, Doctor. Do not be concerned about Miss E; I will look after her."


    Patty responded and then smiled at the female doctor as she exited.


    "Patty, please do not notify Paloma of my situation." Danie was adamant about not interfering with


    her mother''s bonding time with Lilian. Earlier, while being aided by the doctor, she was able to hear


    her child''s heartbeat and couldn''t stop herself from crying. She regretted what urred when sheThis is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    was on the verge of miscarrying. She made a pledge to herself that she would never again


    compromise her child''s health. Mugsy should take precedence above anything else!


    "What transpired, E?" Were you disappointed that he had left?" Patty was inquiring.


    "Yes, but I''m OK. "Do not be concerned," she reassured Patty, who appeared overly concerned


    about her condition.


    Paloma phoned the following morning to inquire about her, and she falsely stated that everything


    was well. She was not yet fully recovered. She was still in pain as a result of Marcus, but she


    couldn''t express it publicly for fear of embarrassment.


    Danie couldn''t think about it now, but it was evident that Paloma''s daughter detested her. "How


    did you feel, Thalia, when you delivered your son?" Thalia was a rtive of Patty''s and was in


    charge of housekeeping. She was a single mother who had to give up her job at the hotel in order to


    spend more time with little Nicko.


    "You''ll be OK, Miss E." Thalia responded. "Allow yourself a limited amount of soft drinks and cool


    water." She continued and exined to Danie that it would be simpler to deliver the baby if he or


    she was not excessivelyrge.


    "How about doing a caesarian section?" She pondered doing a c-section as part of her birth n.


    Thalia gave a nod. "Of course, that is an option, but personally, I would like standard delivery.


    Although it was unpleasant, the healing period was brief. You''re ready to depart in less than two


    weeks. Simply see your physician on the birth n, Miss E." Thalia rified. "Also, avoid


    excessive stress and simply be joyful."


    How is she to be happy when her heart has not yet moved on? Although it had been a few weeks


    after he departed, she still couldn''t get him from her mind. At times, she questioned if he was doing


    well. She would be tempted to call him if she knew his phone number.


    Danie was saddened that Marcus made no attempt to call or even pay her a visit. He was aware


    of her address and telephone number. The man must be revelling in his newly acquired fortune as a


    result of marrying her.


    Prior to the wedding ceremony, there was no prenuptial agreement. Even Paloma, who was


    notorious for her attention to detail, had forgotten about it. Marcus would legally inherit half of her


    assets, which she didn''t mind. When she signed the paperwork, she instructed him to coordinate


    the process with her attorney.


    "Sky!" Danie''s story began when Sky leapt on her. She used to do it when she was a puppy, but


    she was no longer a puppy and was far heavier than she was.


    Thalia was frightened to watch Danie nearly fall and snap at the dog. "I propose that Sky be


    ced in a cage, Miss E."


    Thalia was barked at by the great dane, as if she knew what they were talking about. "Go on,


    Thalia; I will look after Sky." She stated when Sky began growling at Thalia. Since Marcus''s


    departure, her bond with Sky has be deeper. She could bepletely candid with Sky without


    fear of being criticized.

 CHAPTER 16

    CHAPTER 16


    "What is the matter, Miss E?" Patty massaged her eyes immediately upon hearing E shout her


    name. When Patty noticed her caressing her back while she continued to grimace in agony, she


    decided Mugsy''s time hade to see the outside world. "Rx and take a deep breath," Patty


    said. Danie''s room had an inte, and Patty promptly phoned Peter''s room and notified him to


    prepare for the hospital visit.


    Patty aided Danie in going down the stairs when everyone was up and waiting enthusiastically for


    them. Patty could tell by their expressions that they were also looking forward to seeing Mugsy.


    Danie desired to unwind, but the contractions persisted. It was too terrible to endure, but she


    reminded herself that other women had survived childbirth with noplications. Everything would


    be OK between her and Mugsy, she reasoned as she carefully approached the automobile.


    If others could do it, then she could as well, and she should be strong for Mugsy! Danie climbed


    into the car, her head held high, with a renewed sense of resolve and confidence. Patty broke a


    fresh egg and instructed her to take it in one gulp while in the car. ording to legend, she


    despised everything that was raw, but when she was in agony, she would try everything to alleviate


    her, and Patty felt that the fresh egg may assist her in the birth.


    Doctor Arbiol was prepared when they arrived at the hospital, and despite the excellent doctor''s


    assurances that she would be well, she remained concerned and fearful. She wished Marcus had


    been present during the procedure to hold her hand and murmur sweet nothings to ease the agony


    of childbirth.


    Otherdies said that it waspletely painless; they must be kidding! Danie was just coping


    with the difort when the contractions became unbearable, and she began to question her


    ability to survive. The anguish returned with a vengeance, and every muscle in her body stiffened.


    It''s the sensation of constipation multiplied by a thousand or more; that''s howbor felt. She was too


    fatigued and unable to concentrate at the time. Danie asked the doctor if she might sleep as she


    awaited the baby''s natural birth, but the doctor answered no. She must remain awake to ensure that


    progress is made, otherwise the child''s life will be jeopardized while still inside her.


    When her water broke, she believed the ordeal was nearly over! However, she was forced to


    endure another round of severe contractions before Doctor Arbiol pronounced that she was


    completely dted and the baby had sunk to afortable position in her pelvis. Low enough that


    pushing the kid out took only approximately five minutes!


    Danie felt relieved and delight pour over her entire body when she heard Mugsy''s first scream.


    The bliss of motherhood! The sensation was wonderful, and she was on the verge of tears as she


    held her baby for the first time.


    "Mugsy..." she murmured. Seeing her for the first time was the most beautiful feeling she had ever


    had, and the ecstasy prated deep into her soul, taking her breath away.


    "I''m delighted for you, E. You have a stunning daughter that is just like you." Doctor Arbiol


    congratted the new mother, who broke down in tears. Her father would be overjoyed to see his


    one and only daughter be a mother...if he were still alive and well. "What are your ns for


    your child''s name, E?" She enquired.


    "I am Ariana Jade," she said.


    Danie was permitted to return home three dayster to breastfeed her daughter in the privacy of


    her own house. As it was family tradition to baptize newborns before they reached the age of one


    month, she was busy arranging for AJ''s first function.


    N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    However, the church was quite rigorous and required that parents be married before they could


    baptize her child. As in, what the devil? Then she realized that not everyone was aware of her


    annulment, and she was able to present the secretary with a certificate of marriage. She assumed it


    had been arranged, but the wretched secretary insisted on a religious wedding.


    "My spouse is still in Syria, Ma''am, but we are nning a Christian wedding for when he returns,"


    she lied,pounding her faults, but she had no alternative!


    Danie felt relieved when the woman trusted her fabrications. Once the baptism date was


    determined, she desired to go dress shopping for AJ, but her body was still hurting. Finally, inte


    buying proved to be really beneficial. She was finished in a matter of clicks and simply had to wait


    for the delivery from Rainbow Tots. She entrusted the food services, d??cor, and photographer to


    Thalia and concentrated on breastfeeding her kid.


    Typically, Danie would take her kid outside for some fresh air in the afternoon. When a vehicle


    parked outside the fence, AJ was in a stroller and they went around the yard. She wasn''t expecting


    anyone, and she became apprehensive and eager as she assumed it was Marcus who had arrived.


    "Ma!" Her eyes widened as she watched Paloma exit the car, followed by another woman...with a


    kid in her arms. Danie opened the gate, smiled at the arrivals, and locked her gaze on the young


    woman, and was taken aback when she recognized her. "Lilian?" She inquired, and the woman


    responded with a nod. "It''s wonderful to see you!"


    Lilian was taken aback when she was greeted by thedy she despises the most. While driving to


    the city, she fantasized about the worst-case scenario for her first meeting with Danie. "I


    appreciate it... I had no idea you were that sweet." As she stated.


    "Little Lil, people change. Sorry, is it eptable to address you like that?" Danie apologized for


    her familiarity with Lilian when they first met.


    "Certainly, provided I may also refer to you as E." Lilian smiled and presented Danie to her


    daughter. The second woman was taken aback when she learned she was pregnant.


    "So you''ve recently given birth to Vanessa?" What a coincidence, as I am also expecting my AJ."


    They were giddy with excitement about their new duty as mothers.

 CHAPTER 17

    CHAPTER 17


    Danie''s roomcked a crib for AJ. Rather than that, there were two beds that, when united, could


    amodate at least five people. She simply wanted additional sleeping space for herself and AJ.


    Afortable nursing chair was beside the window that viewed the seaside for her breastfeeding


    session with AJ. It was far toofy, and the scenery was spectacr, so there was no reason why


    her kid would not fall asleep sucking at her breasts for sustenance.


    Every time she is alone, she cannot help but think of the man who was once her everything. Though


    she had promised AJ that she would focus exclusively on her, she couldn''t help herself. Moving on


    was simple to say...


    While AJ was sleeping, she asked Patty to take over her daughter so she could check on Lilian, but


    when she found Lilian breastfeeding her infant in the living room, she opted not to bother her and


    returned upstairs undetected.


    She grew depressed when she passed their living room upstairs on her route to her bedroom. It''s


    where she used to watch television shows with Marcus, and, unlike the downstairs living space, it


    was cosier and more suited to long chats with family and friends. It included a t-screen television,


    a home theatre system, a video gaming console, and a media yer. Additionally, it features arge


    couch that seats two people and is ideal for lovers and couples. The six-seater sofa was likewise


    built to her father''s specifications.


    "Would you mind if I gave you a dime for your thought?" Lilian was on her way to her room when


    she noticed Danie standing near the second-floor living room.


    "Lilian! "I apologize; I was unaware you had arrived," she apologized. Lilian is probably on her way


    to her bedroom tofort her sleeping daughter. "Why are you refusing to enter my room?" Lilian


    was invited.


    "However, Vanessa was asleep, and I''m sure AJ was as well," Lilian refused her invitation out of


    consideration for Danie.


    "I insist," she stated in response to Lilian''s refusal.


    Lilian arched her brows and followed Danie to her chamber. To be sure, the woman possessed a


    strong personality and a keen sense of self-interest. When she eventually entered Danie''s


    bedroom, she was taken aback by its spaciousness. Although the united beds took up half of the


    living area, there was still plenty of room for virtually everything. "I heard your spouse went to Syria


    tobat terrorists," she exined, recounting the horrors she had heard from the workers.


    "Yes, wasn''t he a gentleman?" That is, not everyone is eager to be deployed abroad to fight," She


    spoke as though she were ecstatic about Marcus.


    "I concur," Lilian stated.


    Daniemented that being a single mother was not an easy assignment. Paloma proposed hiring


    a babysitter for AJ, but she was adamant about caring for her kid herself. Call it insecurities or what


    have you, but she didn''t want AJ to grow up with a nanny. AJ and Vanessa normally yed outside


    throughout the day and afterwards watched chuchu tv. While the children were upied, the moms


    could chat about males.


    "Will your spouse return home before AJ turns one?" Paloma questioned as they stood outside


    watching the children y.


    Danie was taken aback by Paloma''s question. She was supposed to tell her stepmother of the


    annulment but utterly forgot. Lilian was the only one who was aware of the truth about her and


    Marcus. "I''m not certain, Ma, but I''m hoping he can make it." Lilian cleared her throat as she


    listened to their chat.


    "Since he was not there at your child''s baptism, he should be present on her first birthday. Danie


    was scolded by Paloma, "I''m advising you to call him." She was already upset with Lilian, who has


    refused to reveal Vanessa''s father''s name, and Danie''s husband, who has not visited their home


    since he left for Syria.


    "I''ll make an attempt to contact himter, Ma." She lied in order for Paloma to go on to the next


    question, if there is one.


    "How about you, Lilian?"


    Lilian pursed her lips when Paloma''s gaze shifted to her and she stared at Danie. "And how about


    you, Ma?" She was curious as to what Paloma had had for lunch to be so inquisitive.


    "I''m referring to Vanessa''s father." "Could you just tell me who the bastard was?" Her sixtieth


    birthday was approaching, and all she desired was to witness her two daughters marry blissfully.


    "If you want me tomit a crime, I will assist you in locating him," Lilian responded cynically,


    further infuriating Paloma.


    "However, what is your strategy now?" You''re going to marry another man who is unrted to


    Vanessa?" Paloma took a defensive stance and kept lecturing Lilian on her future ns.


    "Ma, please give Lilian time to sort out her feelings for the man," Danie pleaded in an attempt to


    save Lilian from the firing squad.


    "Did you not learn anything from your ordeal, Lilian?" Yes, I was content with another guy who was


    not your father, but the rtionship was iplete since I am unable to bring you to live with us. "IN?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    was afraid Greg might do something awful to you while I was gone," Paloma stated as to why she


    refused to let Lilian live with them.


    Danie listened to Paloma''s speech but was taken aback to learn that the woman was fearful of


    her father abusing her loved child. "How are you able to say that, Ma?" Daniemented, "My


    father was a decent man." How could Paloma have anticipated something like this happening to


    Lilian?


    "Pardon me, E; I was just attempting to protect her. You''ve seen the news reports of stepfathers


    who were spiteful against their stepdaughter. "I hope this makes sense," Paloma stated.


    Danie nodded, knowing that as a mother, she would do all possible to safeguard AJ. However,


    her father Gregory would never rape another woman''s daughter if he had his own. She cast a


    nce towards Lilian, feeling empathy for the other woman. It must be excruciating for Lilian to miss


    her mother on a daily basis!


    "If that is the case, then I do not require the presence of a guy in my life!" Danie and Lilian both


    made derations.


    Paloma shook her head incredulously as she walked away from them and into her car to go


    shopping. She''d be in desperate need of a new gown for her forting birthday! Communicating


    with Danie and Lilian was simr to speaking with a friend on messenger, except that the


    messages you wrote were only viewed by Danie and Lilian.


    Patty handed Danie a box from an unknown source the day following her tense conversation with


    Paloma and Lilian. When the box came, they were all in the living room. She was delighted to


    receive it since she was anticipating a delivery from Rainbow Tots.


    "Stop!" Paloma yelled before Danie could cut the tapes that were around the box. They had no


    idea who sent the package, so what if it contained a bomb? It might be her age, but Paloma has


    recently developed paranoia.


    "You''re being very emotional, Ma." "Perhaps this is AJ''s new dress that I purchased online,"


    Danie said, opening the package.


    "Common sense dictates that it is better to be safe than sorry." E, please bring the gift outside


    and we''ll open it together. "Patty, you look after the children," Paloma said as the three of them


    stepped outside to inspect the package.


    Danie raised her eyebrows but carried the package outside as Paloma directed. She gently


    opened the wrapper with a cutter. "Oh my God!" she said upon discovering the urn inside the


    present.


    "Is that a vase for flowers?" "I didn''t realize you had a suitor," Paloma pinched her brow, "but he


    should have sent some flowers, not just a vase." Paloma expressed her point of view.


    Danie removed the urn from the box and showed it to the others; she then discovered that it


    included a card and read it aloud. "He is no longer alive!" She informed everyone that Marcus had


    died and that the urn contained his ashes following his cremation.


    "What? How did you be a widow at the age of thirty-one?" Paloma burst outughing when


    she learned of Marcus'' death and admonished Danie about picking a military as a partner.


    Danie was at a loss for what to do if she burst into tears at the tragic news. She sent a silent gaze


    at Lilian and begged for her assistance, but the foolishdy shook her shoulders. She then


    copsed.


    "E!" Paloma shrieked as Danie fell. She must be devastated to learn that her spouse perished


    battling terrorists in Syria. She cried out for assistance, and Peter rushed over to assist her in


    carrying Danie inside the home.


    Danie had been out for around two minutes, and when she awoke, she was bewildered. "What


    transpired?" She enquired.


    "I''m sorry for your loss, E, but could you please be strong for AJ?" Paloma broke the dreadful


    news gradually and advised her stepdaughter to be strong for AJ''s sake.


    "He has departed, Ma." Danie''s eyes were wet and she cried gently as she processed the


    dreadful news about her spouse.


    Lilian was at a loss for words, and Paloma was concerned about Danie. She was still in her


    twenties and had already been widowed at the age of thirty-one.


    Paloma volunteered to arrange for the burial in the family mausoleum, which was built to allow both


    conventional and cremation burials. Danie insisted on keeping her husband''s remains in her


    bedroom, but Paloma protested, arguing that all remains, whether Marcus'' or another family


    member''s, should be ced to rest in a final resting ce.


    The next day, her husband''s ashes were moved to the tomb, where they would rest in peace. For


    identification purposes, his name was etched on the vase, and a picture frame containing his


    photograph was put next to the urn.


    Lilian approached Danie surreptitiously while Paloma was upied with something else. "I''m


    speechless! You submitted Vanessa''s DNA for the paternity test first, and we''re currently preparing


    for his burial. "What are your ns for the future, E?" She enquired.


    "It''s time to celebrate!" Danie spoke in hushed tones to Lilian. When the moment was perfect, she


    would apany her daughter to the tomb to pay her respects to her deceased father. The


    strategy was wless from the start. She would take care of AJ entirely on her own and would


    defend her daughter with everything she had. Marcus, how about you? He could as well go to hell


    and never return! She silently prayed that their paths would never cross again...ever!


    "You''re insane!" Lilian stated, and Danie responded with a chuckle. "But then, mother''s birthday is


    coming, so don''t you think it''s a perfect asion to celebrate?"


    "Hmmm, sounds a good idea," Danie agreed.


    Initially, the idea of holding the party in a nice hotel appealed to her, but she quickly realized that


    she is already a senior citizen and that going a considerable distance would weary both her and


    some of the visitors.


    Danie was relieved when Paloma changed the location of her party since travelling with a


    newborn was exhausting and AJ was a bit overweight for her age. However, it was to be a one-


    week celebration with a variety of events taking ce on their estate.


    Lilian was in charge of transportation and amodation set up for their visitors who were not from


    Oslob, whilst Danie was in charge of decorating and flower arrangement. It was less arduous


    than Lilian''s duty because she did not have to coordinate her efforts with others. The remaining


    chores required to guarantee a wless celebration of their mother''s birthday were outsourced to


    other staff members and the organizer. While their nner was capable of handling all-party


    logistics, she and Lilian offered to assist in order to make it more memorable for their mother.


    Paloma''s visitors werergely her friends, with a total of more than twenty confirmed attendees.


    Couples might share a room, while singles would be separated by gender. The east wing was


    designated fordies, while the west wing was designated for guys.


    "May I have a minute, E?" Lilian made her way to Danie''s greenhouse, where she was


    arranging flowers for the celebration. Previously, she was perplexed about how to greet guests who


    were single but apanied by an escort.


    Danie began the floral arrangement early in the morning, as the celebration was scheduled for


    tomorrow. "It is, but what is it?" Danie enquired.


    "I''m not sure where to ce Mr Marcus''s escort," Lilian exined.


    Danie''s attention was sparked upon hearing the name and she wanted to ask Lilian for more


    information, but then she remembered herself that there were possibly more than a thousand


    people in the nation named Marcus. "Married?"


    "Nope, I''m not married. To be fair, I enjoy the sound of his name. Do you believe Marcus Edward


    was an alien?" Lilian sought Danie''s advice.


    Lilian took offence at Danie''s failure tough at her joke. "Whatever. How are you going to snub


    my joke? Anyway, returning to the room assignment, do you believe his escort would object if they


    were unable to share?"


    "I believe not! That is against our stringent policy, Lil. Only married couples are permitted to share a


    room. Is that all you wish to inquire of me?" Danie wished she could punish her stepsister for her


    misbehaviour. Lilian was well aware that she was allergic to anyone named Marcus and yet she


    came to seek her advice.


    Lilian rushed out before Danie could express her rage. Indeed, she has another unwee


    guest. His name was virtually identical to that of the guy who had deceived her, or perhaps her


    imagination was running wild. Alexander and Alexis? No, they were two distinct individuals. Lilian


    shook her head in an attempt to clear her mind. She was OK throughout thest few months and


    made a concerted effort to move on.


    "Hey, is there a problem?" Paloma inquired when she observed Lilian was so absorbed in her


    thoughts that she missed her daughter''s approach.


    When she heard her mother''s voice, she was taken aback. "I''m all right. Are you on your way


    somewhere?" When Lilian noticed the vehicle key on her left hand, she queried.


    "Yeah, just around the corner." Paloma responded. "By the way, has Alexander verified his


    impending arrival?" Although he confirmed his impending arrival in an email a few weeks earlier,


    she desired confirmation.


    Lilian checked the guest list to see whether there was another Alexander and discovered that there


    was just one. Alexander Ortega was on the list, and he shared Alexis'' surname. Suddenly, her heart


    began to race. "Are you referring to Alexander Ortega?"


    "Yes, and I want you to give him the house''srgest guest room." Paloma gave themand.


    Lilian wrinkled her eyes when Paloma instructed her to assign Alexander thergest guest room,


    imagining the worst-case scenario. Could this Alexander have been Paloma''s boyfriend? "E is not


    going to agree, Ma." The room in issue was Marcus Madrigal''s when he was at home, and no one


    had dared to open or clean it until now. Following the burial, Danie reced the urn with another


    vase of simr hue and reintroduced his ashes to the space he previously upied.


    "Do not worry; I will speak with her before to leaving." Paloma was certain Danie would grant her


    birthday request and proceeded to the greenhouse where she was employed.


    Paloma, Gregory''s wife, avoided frequent visits to the greenhouse since they reminded her of the


    lady who had stolen Gregory from her. When they were still dating in college, her connection with


    Gregory was kept a secret. Her family was not wealthy, and his parents arranged for him to marry


    Danie''s mother. Gregory defied his parents'' wishes and abandoned her, and on the night of his


    wedding, she was drained by sadness and slept with a total stranger she met at a bar, and Lilian


    saw the world nine monthster.


    That was why she was unhappy with Lilian for not disclosing Vanessa''s paternity; she was scared


    that her daughter had made the same mistake she had made years ago and had slept with a


    stranger as well. She slowly entered the greenhouse''s entrance and noticed Danie tending to the


    flowers. "E," she addressed her.


    "Are you sure, Ma?" Danie raised her eyes to find Paloma approaching her. Her stepmother''s visit


    to the greenhouse was unexpected. As far as she could recall, she had never sought to be in her


    mother''s favourite location.


    "I am expecting a very important guest tomorrow and would want to amodate him in the room


    that yourte husband upied," she informed her.


    Danie blinked numerous times, not wanting to say yes but also not wanting to annoy her VIP


    tomorrow. "Certainly, but do not move the furniture. "Simply get it cleaned," she directed.


    "Thank you, my love; I''ll see youter." Paloma was relieved when Danie epted since it


    indicated that she had moved on from the death of her husband.

 CHAPTER 18

    CHAPTER 18


    Following supper, the males adjourned to the billiards room, while thedies opted for the music


    room''s karaoke session. Danie casually exited the music room on her way to check on AJ.


    Although Patty was in the room to keep an eye on AJ, she feltpelled to personally check on


    her. She was dressed in a lethal ck ninja suit with a crimson belt. While she was previously in the


    dining hall, she spotted the man who kept sneaking nces at her. Put an end to your thoughts


    about that man, she chided herself. She attempted to ignore him, but how could she when the man


    continued to give her an up and down nce, making her feel uneasy in her position. She was


    mildly tempted to flirt with her partner ninja for the night, despite the fact that his eyes were


    also...blue.


    Danie was on the verge of entering her bedroom when she encountered him in the corridor. What


    did he intend to do in the main house? Unless...


    "Pardon me. "Are you Mr. Ortega?" she inquired.


    "Yes?"


    His voice seemed simr to Marcus''s, but the guy had been gone for more than two years, and who


    knows whether she was dreaming things, and she should also notice that the man responded when


    she addressed him as Mr. Ortega. "Did you like your stay in the guest room?" She desired to hear


    from him on his satisfaction with his amodations or his desire to transfer. She instructed


    Paloma not to alter anything in the room, but when she returned, it had already been altered.


    Additionally, Paloma allocated an exclusive attendant to that guestroom, leading Lilian to believe


    Paloma was having an affair with Mr. Ortega.


    "Certainly, thank you. So, how are you doing?" Marcus grinned upon learning that the ninja was


    indeed Danie. He deduced that it would be enjoyable.


    What was the matter with her? Why did she sumb to that man''s hypnosis? "Of course," she said,


    though she wasn''t sure she''d make it until midnight. Her body had be ustomed to


    remainingte.


    Danie took a step towards Lilian''s room after checking on AJ. The mom was unable to attend the


    meal due to her daughter''s uncontroble weeping. "Lilian," she said as she knocked on the door.


    When Lilian allowed her in, sheplimented the geisha, "You''re lovely."


    Danie was convinced that the geisha outfit would be a better fit for her than Lilian''s. "What if we


    rece our costumester for photographing?" She made an offer.


    "Does it indicate my costume is superior to yours?" Lilian was adamant about not exchanging


    costumes with Danie. "Come on, let''s get going." She stated as the photographing would begin in


    a moment.


    When they arrived at the Zen garden, they found themselves gathered around a made-up stage


    with a backdrop of Japanese art. The photographing has begun sooner than anticipated.


    Paloma stood in front of the young guy with the camera in hand, doing her best to ensure the


    photographer captured her finest appearance for the night. Paloma was followed by sumo wrestlers


    who appeared to be in a battle, and then by a couple dressed as samurai warriors. The same is true


    for the other visitors.


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    When the photographer called her name to be the next in line, she felt frightened and uneasy, since


    she was unustomed to having her photographs taken in public. She had to remind herself that


    Paloma''s guest would be unable to identify her due to her ninja mask. She had already stepped


    onto the stage when the photographer summoned a spectator to join her. Danie''s eyes widened


    as Mr. Ortega joined her, but she decided to give the picture session her all because it was a one-


    time event.


    "Now, for yourst photograph, you must pose as if you''re a couple preparing to kiss." The


    photographer gave the instructions.


    "Kiss, kiss, kiss!" the mob chanted incessantly, and she feltpelled to join in. She reminded


    herself that she was doing this for pleasure.


    "All right, in one...two..." the photographer instructed the ninja pair to wait for his signal before their


    lips touched.


    Danie became worried as Mr. Ortega removed her mask and then the mask he was wearing, and


    her eyes widened when she recognized the guy. It was none other than her ex-husband, Marcus


    Madrigal, but it was toote to deny him with the audience roaring them on.


    "Three!"


    They heard the camera snap, but her brain was not operating properly as their lips connected, and


    the man continued to move forward long after the shot was taken. She required pinching the man''s


    side in order for him to quit humiliating her. Marcus reced their mask after the kiss before they


    descended off the tform... holding hands and vanishing into one of the garden''s dark corners.


    "How did you get here?" Danie inquired as to when they would be unheard. "Did you crash my


    mother''s birthday party?"


    "I was invited by Paloma, Dani." He replied, but the woman found it difficult. He then tightened his


    teeth as he recalled one of the reasons he came here: "Who was the other man?"


    She was perplexed since she hadn''t seen anyone since the celebration started. "What are you


    referring to?" Danie enquired.


    "You are Mugsy''s father,dy!" Marcus raged at Danie for feigning ignorance when he inquired


    about the identity of the man with whom she had slept apart from him.


    Danie smiled at his request, iming that he had no authority to inquire. "I don''t believe it is your


    business to find out," she said, "and you should have declined the invitation even if you received it."


    Danie mentally jotted down a note to speak with Lilianter. Her stepsister was in charge of guest


    supervision, and she was unaware that her ex-husband had been invited.


    Paloma''s decision to invite Marcus was perplexing, and she despised it. She believed she had


    made it quite obvious that thedy should refrain from interfering with her love life! "Did youe


    here using Mr. Ortega''s identity?" Danie questioned him as she recalled meeting him earlier in the


    corridor.


    Marcus chuckled at Danie''s irrationality. "I informed you that I was invited...and Ortega was


    present."


    Mr. Ortega remained an enigma to her, and she desired to learn more about his rtionship with


    Paloma. Was he a boyfriend or a casual acquaintance? Lilian, too, was suspicious! "Speak the truth


    to me, Marcus. What was your friend''s connection with my stepmother?"


    Marcus narrowed his brows as he realized why Danie wanted to know and that he should warn


    Ortega about Paloma''s daughter''s erroneous character evaluation. "Paloma was a client of his," he


    said.


    "Client? What then is his business?" She persisted in her inquiries.


    "Dani, it was a detective agency." He responded, but he refrained from going into detail at the


    moment. Danie did not need to know everything, but she was a wisedy, and before he could


    voice another untruth, Danie gazed at him as if she already knew. "What?" Suddenly, he felt


    uneasy with her look.


    "Are you sure you''re not working for Ortega?" Danie inquired, but she was certain that their


    rtionship extended beyond that of colleagues, and she discovered that they were also friends.


    Marcus gave a nod. "It was a part-time gig, Dani. I work full-time at Hacienda Vsquez as a


    farmhand." He was rarely verbose about what he did for a living and so on.


    What is a farmhand? Danie could only envision him looking wonderful with a cowboy hat. "I''m


    sure your side job provides you with enough money to travel," she remarked without blinking her


    eyes. Even in the dark, she would detect any attempt by Marcus to fabricate or embellish his


    ount.


    His mouth remained mped shut. Any erroneous word would increase her suspicions about his


    identity.


    "What? Are you sure you''re not going to tell me I was your job in Hong Kong?" When the man


    declined to respond to her statement, she dared to inquire.


    Danie was bing increasingly frightening as the minute went, and he was on the spot. If he


    were aware of the implications of his previous game, he would never attempt it. He believed he had


    the upper hand, but it turns out he was mistaken! "Paloma was afraid you might do anything


    unusual," he informed her.


    "Like procuring a man to conceive me?"


    "Perhaps," he shrugged.


    "Ortega must have forgotten to advise you not tobine business and pleasure," she replied,


    attempting to contain her emotions. She was enraged and dissatisfied. She had believed that they


    were thrown together by fate, but she was only a job for Marcus, and the darn man wanted to flirt


    with her!


    "He did, but you want my presence." Marcus reminded Danie of the few times the woman had


    attempted to gain his attention.


    "And I forced myself into you," she concluded the statement Marcus was unable to continue without


    upsetting her. He nodded, and she gave a sour chuckle. To be honest, she hoped he would return


    to her, but following his recent revtion, she realized she had wasted a lot of time waiting.


    "However, you are not permitted to stay here, and I hope I do not see you again in the morning."


    She stated as she shifted her gaze away from him.


    "I''m leaving when the celebration is finished!" Marcus chose not to shrink in the face of the cruel


    woman. One incorrect move and he would resemble Samuel!


    "All right, then, when they identify you, im to be a ghost!" Everything would be OK if he could


    remain invisible to the servants, her stepsister, and Paloma.


    "I understand why you''re not pleased to see me, but Paloma will be disappointed if I bring Ortega."


    Marcus utilized information gleaned from workers to determine that Ortega was a VIP for Paloma''s


    birthday.


    "That is extortion!" When the man spoke Ortega''s name, she screamed.


    "Perhaps, but allow me to make one point, Dani." He stated as he drew closer to her, "You look


    stunning today," he murmured as he blew hot air into her ears.

 CHAPTER 19

    CHAPTER 19


    "Why, what is the matter?" Danie discovered Lilian having fun with Paloma''s hairdresser. Jessie


    was homosexual, yet he preferred to dress up as a ninja for dinner.


    "Marcus is here; why didn''t you inform me of his invitation?" Lilian was challenged regarding the


    guest list.


    She recalled everyone''s name on the list for many days while it was with her, and she was certain


    Danie''s ex-husband was not invited. "Are you sure you believe him?" Perhaps the gentleman was


    brazen enough to crash her mother''s birthday party!


    "He informed me that he and his buddy, Mr Ortega, had been invited." Danie was aware of Lilian''s


    interest in Mr Ortega as a result of the man''s dubious rtionship with Paloma.


    Lilian felt terrible for Danie, and now that they were sisters, she would do whatever to assist her


    with the charade she began. "Don''t worry; I''lle up with something, all right?" Danie was


    reassured.


    "I appreciate it, Lil. "I''m perplexed and terrified that they''ll discover he''s still alive," she exined.


    "Rx, E. Everything will be OK," Lilian assured herself as she excused herself to speak with


    Jessie, who was also the event''s nner.


    Next the photo shoot, Jessie went on to say that everyone wearing the ninja costume would remain


    in it for the remainder of the event and that a new set of costumes will be issued the following


    morning.


    When Danie heard the announcement, she wanted to reprimand Lilian for wearing the ninja outfit.


    She was, nevertheless, thankful for Lilian''s assistance, despite the fact that herfort was


    jeopardized. She surveyed the crowd for Marcus, and when their gazes locked, she averted her


    gaze and feigned not to see him.


    "Are you looking for me?" Marcus snuck away after catching her searching for him and found a way


    to be with her without startling anybody, including Ortega, who was getting intimate with one of


    Paloma''s guests.


    Danie was taken aback when she heard him talk too loudly near her ears. "Of course not," she


    stated categorically in response to his assertion that she was seeking for him. "I just wanted to


    ensure that you wouldn''t create any disruption on Paloma''s birthday." As she stated.


    N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    "I will not. But I don''t see why you''re so upset by my presence, when we''re not the first couple to


    break up, and this was simply a marriage for your convenience," he underlined the word "your"


    before convenience to convey to the woman that he was the victim, not her.


    "Because they werepletely unaware of the annulment!" She spoke the truth to him.


    "I see. "Hmmm, so they won''tin if I spend the night in your room," he taunted her. Danie


    was fearful that her deception would be discovered and he would exploit it.


    "Indeed you will! In any case, your presence will no longer be an issue. Jessie stated, "You must


    wear the outfit the entire time you are here." She reminded him about the promation made


    following the photo shoot.


    "How long until?" He inquired, since the garment was scratchy and very tight.


    As a result, he did not hear the announcement. To be sure, she would be more than happy to inform


    him. "Until the celebration is finished," she stated emphatically.


    He couldn''t believe Danie had ensured that no one would ever see his face while he was present.


    He walked away angry and fled before he could do anything they would regretter. He''d prefer


    sleep than squander his time guzzling drinks or ying pool. Danie had destroyed his mood.


    "It''s still too early for Marcus to sleep," Ortega replied when he spotted him. "How about you join


    us?"


    "I''m exhausted, Ortega. You''ve got your key, correct?" Marcus intended to bolt the doorter


    because he feared Danie mightmit murder. Her burning eyesmunicated to him that she


    was enraged to see him.


    "Thank you, but I''ll see youter in Suzette''s room." Ortega said that he was going to be bedded


    tonight by the lovely brte with whom he had been intimate since supper.


    "Ortega, kindly pause." Marcus approached Ortega after he had ceased walking. "I''m hoping you


    don''tmit any scandalous acts tonight. Respect your elders, friend." He said it gently, but Ortega


    was well acquainted with him, and it was enough to dampen his enthusiasm for the woman named


    Suzette.


    Ortega was in a nasty mood following Marcus''s instruction to respect Paloma''s house, and he was


    perplexed as to why he cared so much about it. They were only visitors, and he had no right to


    reprimand him. He desired rebellion but reconsidered. Marcus is a man who would prefer behave


    than risk his head.


    His head hung down as he descended the stairs to the gaming room, where the majority of the guys


    were wasting time before retiring for the night, when ady dressed in a geisha costume dashed


    towards him. She was in such a rush that she missed him, but he picked up on the scent of her


    perfume and it was oddly familiar to his senses. He came to a halt in the middle of the steps and


    gazed in her direction. Could it be that the woman, like him, was a VIP guest?


    Something about the geisha drew his interest, and he returned upstairs and attempted to track her


    down, but he was unsessful. He wasn''t even aware of the sound of a neighboring door closing.


    Was she a specter? He trembled at the prospect of the home being pursued and decided, like


    Marcus, to simply sleep.


    As he proceeded down the corridor to his room, the light bulb flickered on and off, creating an


    unearthly atmosphere. Ortega desired to flee, but what if he was seen? He would be a


    laughingstock in his field of business if it was revealed that he was afraid of ghosts. He was nearly


    there when he caught a peek of the geisha''s skirt and then heard her chuckle. Her voice sounded


    as smooth as cotton, or as if she came from beneath the earth. "Marcus!" he yelled out as he


    attempted to open the door.

 CHAPTER 20

    CHAPTER 20


    Paloma reminded Lilian in the morning to personally advise her VIP visitor about the brunch ce.


    Lilian agreed, and at six a.m., she was standing outside Ortega''s guestroom, ready to knock. She


    knocked repeatedly till she heard someone approaching to open door for her. "Howdy, Mister-"


    Lilian was taken aback when she saw the man who opened the door. He was not just gorgeous, but


    exceptionally good-looking, overflowing with masculinity and sex appeal, and the way his deep blue


    eyes peered at her entered her whole existence.


    "How are you this morning?" Marcus had never seen the woman before.


    She replied, "Lilian Murillo."


    Marcus nodded in response to Lilian''s introduction. Danie has made no reference to a stepsister


    during his brief stay at their house. He was self-conscious about his appearance and it upset him to


    have nearly identical results from women, but Lilian was unique and astonishing. To shut her mouth,


    he needed to touch her jaw. "Let''s seal this before an insect gets in," he taunted her with a smirk.


    Lilian was humiliated that Danie''s ex-husband had to force her to close her lips. What if she has


    some tooth decay? Oh, how revolting! "Is that you, Mr. Ortega?" She inquired even though she was


    already familiar with his name.


    "Nope. Marcus is my name, and Ortega was still showering. "Was Paloma on the lookout for him?"


    he inquired.


    "It''s a matter of breakfast. My mother requested that I personally tell him of the location. Breakfast


    will be provided on the beach; please bring your swimsuit."


    "I thought ninjas were not permitted to alter," he confirmed, despite Danie''s ability to lie.


    "Of course, that continues to be sessful. Simply advise Mr. Ortega of our conversation and we''ll


    meet againter." Rather than returning to her room, Lilian took a detour to meet Danie. She


    would not be perplexed as to how the man became her target. She knocked on her door but


    received no response, implying that Danie had gone to the beach earlier.


    She phoned her mother''s telephone and said that Mr. Ortega was still in the shower and she


    couldn''t speak with him directly, but her mother demanded that she return to check on their VIP.


    "However, Ma, I have already notified his roommate of the ce and other pertinent information."


    She made aint.


    "What if the gentleman was illiterate, Lilian?" "Common, return there and inform him yourself,"


    Paloma directed.


    She waspelled to return just to appease the birthday celebrant. She knocked and, unlike


    previously, the door was quickly opened. If she was taken aback by Marcus''s appearance, seeing


    Mr. Ortega in person was startling. She was taken away by the man standing by the entrance with


    nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. "You!" She swung her index finger at him.


    "Lian," Ortega muttered when he saw her again. He wasn''t expecting to encounter Lilian at


    Paloma''s party, of all locations where their paths may cross again.


    "My mother wanted to ensure that you would be present for breakfast," she said, walking away


    before she could copse in front of him. Since he dumped her like trash, she couldn''t stop thinking


    about him, and she despised herself for it.


    "Wait, Lilian!" Ortega signalled for the woman who was walking quickly but did not nce back. As


    he returned inside to prepare for breakfast, he bit his bottom lip.


    "What is the matter?" Marcus observed Ortega''s eyes were vacant and mncholy. Earlier, the


    gentleman was perfectly fine! He shook his head and turned his gaze away from the grumpy guy.


    "I spotted her," Ortega deres as they board the car that would transport them to the shore.


    Marcus pinched his brow, perplexed by Ortega''s mumblings. "Who?" he inquired.


    Ortega said, "Lilian."


    "Ah, so you''ve also met Paloma''s daughter." Are you sure you''re not interested in her? "How about


    you, Suzette?" Marcus enquired in response to Ortega''s mention of Lilian.


    "In the morning, she looked lovely and fresh," Ortega added.


    Marcus wished they had gotten at their destination sooner since Ortega had devolved into a


    chatterbox and everything was about Lilian. "We''ve arrived," he stated as the automobile came to a


    halt.


    The beach was lively and colourful thanks to the event''s outdoor dining setupsplete with


    umbres, cabanas, and chaise loungers. Marcus approached Danie as soon as he spotted her.


    "Good morning," he greeted her, but Danie responded simply by raising her brows, which did not


    deter him. He still smiled at her, as if she had said something lovely. "Were you able to get a nice


    night''s sleep?" He inquired since he had not received any. Danie had been on his mind the entire


    night, and he was relieved that he had to wear the mask to conceal his worn look.


    She arrived early to ensure that the buffet was properly set up before their guests arrived. A


    selection of American, Continental, and Filipino breakfast options were put up on the beachfront,


    and visitors were encouraged to bring their swimsuits in case they wished to cool off between or


    after meals. "Are you blind to the fact that I''m upied?" She snarled at Marcus, who appeared to


    take pleasure in taunting her since he arrived. "If you''re hungry, go ahead and get anything you


    want, but just keep away from me." She admonished him.


    "When did you be so spiteful, Dani?" Do you wish for Paloma to be suspicious of us? "You


    should be courteous to all of her guests," he reminded the woman of proper party behavior.


    Marcus had a point. If their dispute continued, Paloma would quickly think that something was


    wrong, and Danie did not want her stepmother to discover that she lied about his death. "Do not


    be naive, Marcus." She reacted to what appeared to be a threat in his inquiry.


    "It is you, Dani, who are childish. However, I understand why you have been unable to go forward


    until now. Generally, it takes some time for the majority of women to move on from a previous


    rtionship." He dered the fact, despite the fact that it was a below-the-belt attack.


    What is the matter with him? Who hasn''t progressed? Her? Naturally, this is not true! "That is true


    for the majority of women, but not for me, Marcus. You have been obliterated from my existence,


    and do not delude yourself into believing that you are significant to me; you are not." She shrugged


    and pouted her lips before delivering the most lethal statement she could think of. "Besides, we


    merely had sex, which is something that everyone does nowadays." She desired for him to


    understand that whatever transpired between them was routine and unremarkable.


    Marcus tightened his teeth and red his nostrils in response to her implication that their union was


    meaningless to her. He couldn''t yell at her with the entrance of some visitors, so he stepped closer


    to her body and murmured, "You screamed for my name when I took you...in the shed." He


    reminded her of this, and she reddened.


    The audacity of him to bring up that incident! She was remorseful for every minute of it! She


    assumed it would be a pleasant recollection, but it was not. It simply troubled her, tormented her,


    and kept her up at night. "You know, I may be faking it." She learned online that some women can


    feign orgasm and their boyfriend will never discover it.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    "I knew it was genuine," he exined as he walked away with a te of food in hand.

 CHAPTER 21

    CHAPTER 21


    She had been terrified since she awoke that the man would do something undesirable to her.


    Danie locked her gaze on his back as he made his way to an empty table to have his breakfast.


    Ortega joined him shortly afterwards, and she overheard themughing. Were they referring to her?


    She ought to learn! Danie retrieved a te and filled it with her preferred breakfast before joining


    them.


    "May I join you, gentlemen?" She gave Ortega a lovely grin but frowned at Marcus. There is no


    other opportune moment for her to interrogate Ortega about his rtionship with her stepmother.


    Ortega was immediately aware of the woman who had joined them. Danie Reyes was Marcus


    Madrigal''s first employment assignment. Paloma''s email photo does not do credit to her genuine


    appearance. Danie was more beautiful in reality than in the photograph, and he wondered if


    Marcus wasn''t drawn to her due to their proximity. "Certainly, Miss Reyes," he said professionally,


    "I''m sure you''re already familiar with my acquaintance here." He was your guardian in Hong Kong,"


    he stated, oblivious to Marcus''s scowling countenance.


    Danie confirmed that Marcus was speaking the truth regarding his part-time job at a detective


    agency. "Indeed, he just informed me about thatst night." She responded.


    "I see," he murmured, his eyes darting through the crowd in search of someone.


    "Are you on the lookout for anyone?" Danie inquired after observing Ortega''s constant gaze on


    the multitude of visitors.


    "I didn''t notice Lian; isn''t she supposed to be here for breakfast?" Ortega posed the question in such


    a manner that they would be unaware of his rtionship with Lilian.


    "Lian?" She was unfamiliar with the surname and furrowed her brow.


    "He was referring to Lilian, Dani." Marcus feltpelled to notify Danie of Ortega''s fascination


    with Lilian.


    Danie sent a warning nce at Ortega. "Do not even consider it! Lilian is not a frivolous woman


    with whom you may waste your time while you are here!"


    Marcusughed as Danie reprimanded Ortega. Ortega''s look was priceless, and it would have


    been wonderful if he could show it to Samuel and their other friends.


    "Miss Reyes, I have no intention of ying with your sister." Ortega responded.


    Danie was so preupied with glowering Marcus that she missed Ortega''s departure to meet


    Lilian, who had just arrived on the beach. "How did he get there?" She inquired as to when Ortega


    would depart.


    "Over there," Marcus said, indicating Danie as the location of Ortega.


    She followed his finger and noticed Lilian being prevented from leaving by Ortega. "Is he normally


    this way?" She was inquiring.


    "In the manner of what?" He inquired when he was unable toprehend her inquiry.


    "He''s a womanizer," Danie muttered, grimacing at the prospect of Lilian being his prey.


    "I concur, but leave them alone. "I''m certain Lilian was unmarried," he said. "By the way, the


    weather is ideal for swimming. Marcus rose to his feet to obtain further food, but Danie stopped


    him. "What?"


    "You are not permitted to swim!" She admonished him.


    "However, why not?" He inquired and continued walking towards the buffet table till he developed


    an appetite.


    "Well, if you truly desired to swim, you may do so. Simply do not remove your costume!" She


    admonished him.


    N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    "I''m sure I''ll be excused if I tell everyone I''m your spouse," he joked, aware that Danie was


    enraged.


    "What are you doing, Marcus?" She yielded when confronted by the man who delighted in seeing


    her worked up.


    "Why are you not concentrating on your daughter, Dani?" Simply leave me alone," Marcus said,


    jerking her hand away from him to obtain more food.


    Danie was taken aback when Marcus approached the buffet table. She was daydreaming when


    she heard her daughter''s voice and turned to see Patty and AJ. "Why did you bring her here,


    Patty?" As she picked up her daughter and kissed her chubby cheeks, she bit her lip. She made it


    quite in to Pattyst night that the youngster was not to be seen by the guests...particrly the


    man who had just departed.


    "Miss E, she will not stop weeping." Patty was terrified that she would disobey.


    "Iprehend. Are you famished? Simply assist yourself, Patty. "I''m going to take AJ back to the


    house," she announced, sprinting back to the house before Marcus saw her daughter.


    "How are you, Miss E? Have you already consumed your breakfast?" Patty inquired. She had


    eaten with AJ at home and was still full.


    "I am finished, Patty. "Do not worry," she reassured the woman who was concerned about herck


    of food. Danie rushed up to the house before Marcus caught a glimpse of her with AJ.


    When he returned to the table, Danie was already gone. He was eating alone when Ortega came


    in a foul mood. "I bet that she turned you down," Marcus said while referring to Lilian''s refusal to


    ept Ortega''s charm.


    "She did, but she won''t be able to hide from me," Ortega stated. "So, why did your hot mother


    depart in a rush like she was scared?" He was arguing with Lilian when he noticed Danie carry


    her daughter and fled the shore in a hurry, and without looking back.


    "Was her daughter here?" He has not seen a youngster previously. "Ortega, she was never mine,"


    he replied, correcting his friend''s belief that he was romantically involved with Danie.


    "Ah, but I believe she was interested in you, and I believe you feel the same way." He''d been


    observing Marcus since they arrived on the beach, and he watched how he fixed his gaze on the


    woman, and his eyes spoke volumes. "Was she yesterday night''s ninja?" Ortega overheard Marcus


    conversing with a female ninjast night in the garden following their epic kiss during the photo


    session.


    "Yes," he said. Only Samuel was aware of his rtionship with Danie, and Ortega waspletely


    unaware. "However, when did you begin to gossip?" He enquired.


    "Just now," he stated, his interest sparked byst night''s reading of the vase''s etched name. He was


    willing to wager that there was more to the narrative that Marcus decided not to share with him. He


    was meant to inform Marcus before heading to the beach, but he got diverted once again by Lilian.

 CHAPTER 22

    CHAPTER 22


    Marcus believed Ortega was joking when he carried the vase to him. "I am unconcerned about the


    vase, Ortega. Simply restore it to its proper location," he directed, handing it back to Ortega.


    "Are you certain? Even if it was inscribed with your name?" ''Inquire'' he said.


    Marcus recalled Danie''s fondness for flower arrangements and bouquets, and the vase may be


    one of hers. "However?" Marcus answered to Ortega''s blundering inquiry.


    "Are you not curious as to what is contained within the vase?" When Marcus continued to ignore


    him, he posed another inquiry.


    "Why are you withholding information from me?" He could tell the man was already aware of its


    substance yet desired to engage in yful interaction with him. Ortega may be immature and fun at


    times.


    "I thought that was strange, so I questioned Patty about it, and she informed me that it was


    Danie''s husband''s remains." He thought it amusing that the woman''s spouse, Marcus Madrigal,


    was also a Marcus Madrigal. It may be simply coincidence, or Marcus could have lied about the


    events that urred between him and Danie in Hong Kong.


    Danie remarried immediately following his departure? Ha! That woman was extraordinary! "It


    must be heartbreaking for her to lose her husband so young." He continued to overlook the vase, he


    stated.


    "I concur, all the more so because the soldier died battling terrorists overseas." Ortega stated and


    walked over to the vase''s original location.


    "Wait!" Marcus intervened to prevent Ortega from reinstalling the vase. "How was he killed?" He


    desired confirmation that he had heard Ortega right.


    "He died fighting terrorists in Syria," Ortega repeated the information he received from Patty, but


    was taken aback when Marcus abruptly grabbed the vase and read the engraved letters - I will hold


    you in my heart until I can hold you again in heaven.


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Marcus was at a loss for words after reading the carved inscriptions on the vase and discovering


    that they included his name. How could she bury him alive? His generally easy and pleasant


    demeanor gradually shifted, and his face distorted in a fit of rage! Why, the woman was deserving of


    a hard thrashing! When he stormed out of the guest room and into Danie''s room, his nostrils


    red and his heart was about to erupt.


    He knocked several times before the door was opened, and he entered without waiting to be


    invited. "We need to speak," he stated, motioning the woman to take a seat beside him on the sofa.


    "How dare you, Marcus, barge in here? "Exit!" She disobeyed hismand to sit beside him on the


    sofa and stood in front of him.


    When she told him to go, his eyes narrowed. "And you dare to convince everyone that I died!"


    Inside the room, his voice erupted like thunder, startling AJ awake.


    Danie frowned at the man for daring to raise his voice in the presence of a sleeping infant!


    "Sshhhh, it''s all right, you can go back to sleep now." She murmured to AJ, pleading with her to


    return to sleep.


    Marcus immediately regretted raising his words and followed Danie towards the bed, peering into


    the child''s face. He couldn''t believe it at first, but the likeness was striking! Danie''s daughter and


    Ariana, his daughter, resembled peas in a pod, and still thedy dared to lie about her kid''s


    paternity! He couldn''t have been wrong because the youngster looked just like him when he was a


    toddler, as evidenced by photographs in their family book. "She''s mine," he murmured, but Danie


    clearly heard him.


    When she heard him speak behind her, she was taken aback. Marcus discovered her deception,


    and Danie was at a loss on how to handle the matter. She felt sick to her stomach at the prospect


    of him discovering everything. "Marcus..." she was at a loss for words and terrified by the way he


    stared at her. It was surreal, as she anticipated him pping her face.


    If he weren''t so desperate to feel her again, he''d desire a confrontation regardless of whether a kid


    was sleeping in the room, but he was already wanting to feel her again. "Later," his response was


    brief, but he ensured that it sent the exact message he desired before grabbing her and pulling her


    towards his body. "I''ve missed you," he whispered in her ear.


    "Follow me," she whispered as Marcus released her from his encircling grasp. She couldn''t wait for


    another chance to tell him what she wanted to say, and a confrontation between them was long


    overdue.


    Marcus followed Danie and discovered a connecting door between her bedroom and their


    daughter''s yroom hidden beneath the wardrobe. Having their daughter''s yhouse near by was


    a smart idea. He noticed a coffee table in the yroom, which was probably for the monitoring


    adults, and Danie sat in one of the chairs. "So you fabricated my demise?" He inquired


    immediately upon taking a seat opposite her. They were both grown adults capable of resolving


    their differences on their own. Marcus was upset, but he was prepared to listen to the woman''s


    justification for lying, but the woman refused to talk and only scowled at him. "Answer me!" he cried


    out.


    "Because it was the only way they would avoid questioning me about you!" Marcus, no one cares


    about the dead anymore." Finally, she was able to answer to his query and speak. She made a


    concerted effort not to weep throughout their confrontation, but tears began to form around her eyes


    and would soon fall.


    "I''m not sure why you had to fabricate my death when you could just tell them that we''re no longer


    together, that it was a false marriage for your convenience." Marcus was perplexed by the absurdity


    of it, and he couldn''t care less if she was teary-eyed!


    Danie closed her eyes and let her tears to stream down her cheeks before responding. "Because


    it hurts!" she stated inly, "Because it hurts like hell when you abandon me!"


    Marcus was taken aback by Danie''s revtion, which made him speechless for a brief while.


    There was no reason for the woman to be in pain until.... "Did you care about me?" He was curious


    as to whether the woman had feelings for him, as she had not expressed them previously while he


    was with her.


    It was a terrible question she didn''t want to answer, but the moment hade to inform him. "I did,


    and I was hoping you felt the same way... yet, you departed." She desired to be free of the anguish


    of the past once and for all.


    If thedy had been upfront about her sentiments from the start, there was a possibility that their


    ending might have been different; nheless, he was also conflicted at the time and divided


    between falling in love again and betraying Veronica''s memories. Danie may have detected his


    indifference since she was a wisedy who required protection from more grief.


    He was ready to fall in love again, but when he received the paternity test results, he was enraged


    with Danie. He began meeting women to see whether he was capable of trying again, and then


    Alicia entered his life, and thedy fell in love with him. "I had the same sentiments, Dani." Finally,


    he acknowledged his emotions.


    "What are you referring to?" Danie was even more perplexed by the confrontation''s course.


    "During my time here, I was drawn to your personality because you were self-aware, decisive, and


    visionary. You''re intelligent and powerful, and I admired that about you, but I was afraid to love


    again without recognizing I was already in love with you," he admitted. "I needed to depart to check


    that my sentiments were genuine and not a result of our proximity," he continued.


    "But you never returned; you must have recognized your sentiments were illusory," she concluded


    his statement.


    "You are incorrect. I''ve never stopped thinking about you since that day, and whether you believe it


    or not, I still do." His body ached with relief after confessing his actual thoughts to Danie, and he


    prayed she would give him another chance to demonstrate how much he adored her.


    Danie closed her palm and clenched it into a lethal fist, then stared him in the eye, daring him to


    repeat the words that had destroyed her heart and dashed her expectations of a ''happily ever after''


    narrative. She couldn''t listen to him any longer, and she didn''t wait for him to sweet talk his way


    once again. She delivered her hardest uppercut to the man''s head, and because it came so quickly


    and unexpectedly, the man was unable to avoid her strike and fell. She murmured as she observed


    himying on the floor, "Good for him."


    "What was the purpose of that?" He was taken aback and did not anticipate it from her. He rose to


    his feet and confronted the woman who had changed into an amazon warrior.


    Danie''s cheeks flushed as she became increasingly outraged and furious with him. "How is that?


    That is for deception, bastard! Did you truly imagine I would fall for your deceptions?"


    Who lied? Him? Marcus grinned and stated, "Dani, I am not a liar."


    "Please halt." She had never been so enraged at the guy, and she desired to murder him, but the


    cost was too high, and she despised being a criminal. She considered tying the man to a table or


    bed, unzipping his trousers, and pulling every hair she could find. Alternatively, she may scrape his


    skin and apply vinegar to it while he was chained to a tree and surrounded by ants. The concepts


    were alluring, but she would want assistance to carry them off!


    "I understand if you are skeptical, but this is the truth, and I adore you." He attempted to exin, but


    the woman was already deaf and was unresponsive.


    She had had enough of his shenanigans. She kicked him in the crotch with all her power. "I''m a


    busy woman; don''t bother me!"


    It was excruciatingly terrible, and Marcus writhed in agony, pleading for Danie''s assistance, but


    the steddy simply walked away without feeling guilty. While he endured his alone in the


    yroom, he fantasized about his future with Danie. Is he destined to be an abusive


    husband? That was worse than Samuel''s treatment of Jessica!


    Marcus rose to his feet and returned to the guest room he shared with Ortega. His roommate had


    vanished, and only God knew where he had gone. He removed his outfit and changed into a pair of


    blue surf shorts. He was well aware that Danie would be enraged if she discovered he had


    broken the rules, but he couldn''t care less! He was ready to go when he decided to bring the mask


    along.


    He observed Danie and their daughter swimming from a distance. He could hear the toddler


    squeal with glee each time the wave struck her face. The apple of his eye glowed in her swimming


    suit. He dove beneath the surface of the water to avoid being observed by the woman before he


    had a chance to speak with her. "Hello," he grinned as he stepped out of the water, startling the


    females.


    "How did you get here?" She knew Marcus even with the mask on.


    "Of course, swimming." He responded. "How are you, baby girl?"


    "Ariana Jade," the youngster said timidly, but that was sufficient for Marcus. He cast a suspicious


    nce towards Danie, but the woman ignored him. Fate must have yed a few pranks on him.


    If that was not a sign of blessing, he was at a loss for words. "Hello Ariana, please say hello to


    Daddy!" He stated as he smiled at the youngdy.


    Danie regarded Marcus with contempt. "Do you never learn how to use your brain properly?"


    What if someone is listening?" She got up AJ and prepared to leave, furious.


    "I am her father." He stated.


    Danie chuckled at his remark. "Marcus, when did you be her father?" Did you forget that you


    want abortion for this child?" She casually reminded him how he had begged with her to terminate


    her pregnancy because he was not yet prepared to be a parent, and now he imed to be. The


    audacity!


    "You despise me. Now I understand why you handed me the forged paternity test papers for our


    daughter." Was she afraid he might kidnap their daughter? Marcus was certain that when he noticed


    how she gripped her hand and gazed at nothingness, he had caught her lying...for the second time!


    Danie averted her gaze, though, realizing that she hadmitted no wrong. She had no regrets


    about whatever she had done in the past, because it was what she desired at the time. "However,


    what if the documents were forgeries?" Nothing will alter in our rtionship, Marcus."


    "We''ll see," Marcus threatened Danie with an empty threat. He had no intention of publicizing the


    matter, but hoped that the woman would concede that he has some im over Ariana.


    "Ah, you must be confident now that you have the resources necessary to challenge me in court. Or


    perhaps you simply wish to request more? Marcus, was the sum you got following the annulment


    insufficient?" Danie felt Marcus was fighting for their daughter when, in fact, he intended to bleed


    her for money.


    Marcus blinked numerous times as the woman spoke to him as if he were an opportunist wanting


    her money. It was the first time he had been treated as dirt, and he was not pleased! On the other


    hand, the woman was unaware of her husband''s wealth. Her attorney must not have notified her


    that the 50% of her asset that he was meant to get had been restored to her ount. For the love


    of God, he did not ept it! "Excuse me? Why don''t you contact your attorney and inquire whether


    or not I epted it?"


    She had no way of knowing if he was speaking the truth, but it made no difference. Nheless,


    she would not allow him to serve as AJ''s father regardless of the circumstances. Marcus would


    quickly understand that it would have been better if he had taken her money. "Do you believe it will


    alter our rtionship in any way?" "You''re insane if you believe that," she muttered, turning away as


    Marcus touched her arm. She winced, as it was a bit ufortable.

 CHAPTER 23

    CHAPTER 23


    "May I take her in my arms?" He redirected his focus to Ariana in order to avoid being devoured by


    rage.


    "Certainly, but be cautious with her, as she is a little heavier." She informed Marcus prior to giving


    birth to their daughter.


    It was his first time, and he wanted to hug her close, but he knew he needed to be cautious not to


    crush her delicate bones, as she was a delicate little angel. He gloated over AJ''s dimpled chin.


    When he smiled, the child smiled back, which was the most wonderful sensation, then his daughter


    reached for his nose and inserted her little finger into one of his nostrils, then into one of his ears,


    before inserting that finger into his mouth. "Eww, you''re so disgusting!" He reacted and attempted to


    reunite Danie with her kid.


    "Pa-pa?"


    Danie couldn''t believe what she was hearing! She felt cheated when her daughter''s first word was


    PAPA rather than MAMA but was overjoyed when AJ began to speak. "Did you happen to hear it?"


    Marcus was ovee with emotion and delight, and he silently told AJ that he would be the


    greatest Daddy he could be. "Indeed, baby. "Papa is here," he said as he fiercely held his daughter.


    He was just sad that he was not present on the day she was born and throughout her childhood.


    Marcus practically took over when it came to teaching AJ how to swim like a pro, and Danie


    wasn''t expecting Marcus to be so kind since he was too tough and difficult to deal with. AJ was


    having a good time in the water, and she hated to be a downer, but that was sufficient for the day.


    "What are your ns?" He inquired as to when Danie stole AJ away from him.


    "I''m on my way home, Marcus." She was less abrasive with him than she had been previously, and


    was more respectful in her interactions with him.


    "I will apany you," he urged.


    Danie declined his offer, but the man persisted on going regardless of the consequences.


    However, he was intelligent enough to wear his mask even without the rest of the suit. "It''ll be


    problematic if anyone sees you with me," she exined.


    "You''re being paranoid for no reason, Dani." He reassured her and volunteered to carry AJ for the


    remainder of their stroll. When she was in her father''s arms, the youngster squealed with


    happiness. "However, I questioned how you could hold her constantly since she was so heavy."


    "I''m ustomed to her stature, Marcus." She kept her response brief since she didn''t want to go


    into depth because it would appear as though they were rekindling their friendship.


    "I observe. Her weight must be one of the reasons you are so seductive," heplemented her


    figure, which rendered her unconscious. Danie repositioned the robe over the swimming suit she


    was wearing, and Marcus found her vanity amusing and endearing.


    She had not anticipated his carrying the infant up to their bedroom. "I appreciate your assistance,"


    she replied as she opened the door.


    "May I enter?" He desired to spend more time with her kid and to visit her more frequently.


    "Howe?" she inquired.


    "I''d like to watch you nursing my child," he stated inly.


    "Marcus!" Danie flushed at the prospect of the scene Marcus alluded to.


    "You''re simply being impure, Dani. Breastfeeding is a natural process," he reassured her.


    "Are we getting near now?" You act as though we are in close proximity! Perhaps you''ve forgotten


    how you broke my heart?" Danie saw a difference once she was no longer angry with him.


    "Perhaps you''ve forgotten what you did to me as well?" Without me, you will be without a lovely


    daughter." He reciprocated by reminding Danie of her error.


    "Fine!" She epted and allowed him to enter. Once entering the room, she requested Marcus''s


    assistance in watching their daughter while she changed her clothing. She then escorted her


    daughter to the nursing station she had established beside the window. She thought that providing


    her kid with afortable nursing station would go a long way toward providing her daughter with


    much-needed rxation and bonding time. Danie gazed at Marcus before allowing AJ to lick on


    her breast.


    "Go ahead," he responded when Danie hesitated to feed their infant while he was present, and


    then he witnessed his daughter take arge mouthful of Danie''s breast and begin sucking for


    milk. He was hardly a sex-crazed pervert, but seeing Danie nursing their daughter sparked his


    interest. Alternatively, it might be that his affections for thedy were always present.


    Typically, her daughter would fall asleep while nursing. Danie transferred AJ to their bed after


    ensuring she was deep sleeping. "Are you still here?" She inquired of the man who was snoozing in


    his seat.


    "I awaited your arrival. However, Dani, don''t you believe it would be better for AJ if he slept in the


    crib?" Yes, her bed was enormous given the room''s configuration of two queen-sized beds, but a kid


    must remain in the crib for safety reasons. asionally, adults move a lot while sleeping, putting


    the youngster in risk.


    "I''mfortable when she sleeps alongside me; why are you so concerned?" She became upset


    with his nosiness.


    "But the crib is safer," he insisted.


    "Wait a minute, Marcus. Is it possible that I did not make myself clear? You have no right to criticize


    my daughter''s upbringing. You know, you''re rather amusing. Who do you believe yourself to be?"


    She became enraged when he insisted on the location of her child''s crib.


    "I apologize if I offended you, Dani; it was only a suggestion!" He had no intention of raising her


    blood pressure at a time when they had just begun to be cordial and nice, but he seeded. The


    woman waspletely taken aback by his idea.


    "Suggestion? To be honest, it did not sound like one. If you truly care about our kid, simply let us to


    live our lives as usual and make no suggestions, understand? Now, exit!" She walked up to the door


    and pushed it open for him.


    "But Dani, we discussed this previously; as her father, I have every right to ensure that she was in a


    secure setting!" Did she truly believe he would abstain from defending his rights? She was


    mistaken, for he was determined to reim his family regardless of the cost.


    "There you are again, doing the ''correct'' thing. However, I am stating that a dead man cannot im


    his right, Marcus. I''m sure you are aware of this." Danie was astounded by Marcus''s obstinacy.


    Marcus gritted his teeth as he prepared to answer. "If that is the case, you have left me with no


    choice."


    "What are you referring to?" Danie could hear her heart racing as Marcus vowed to take action


    over his position.


    "I assumed you were intelligent," he replied as he opened the door.


    "Wait! Put on your mask!" She reminded him, but the man had already exited, and the next thing


    she heard in the corridor was a loud scream. She rushed outside to find her stepmother


    inconsble and shouting about a ghost. When she realizes what has urred, her eyes widen.


    That wretched man! He truly put her patience to the test! "Would you kindly calm down, Ma?"


    "E, I saw a ghost. How am I to regain myposure?" Her yelling roused the rest of the


    upants of the house, and they all rushed to see what was happening.


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Is there a ghost in the morning?" Usually, Ma, they arrive at night." Danie made light of the


    situation, but Paloma maintained that the ghost had even smiled at her.


    "Believe me when I say I saw him. Marcus was already dead and cremated when I saw him emerge


    from Danie''s chamber!" She informed the other guests, but it appeared as though nobody


    believed her and denied the possibility that she had been drinking. How could she be inebriated in


    the morning after only having coffee?


    He heard the hubbub outside but made no attempt to get outdoors. He grinned at the prospect of


    Danie being concerned that someone had seen him. Marcus donned one of his vintage t-shirts


    with a good pair of blue jeans and exited the corridor only after the corridor waspletely empty.


    Everyone had assembled in the main area following Paloma''s uproar upstairs. Danie instantly


    confronted him on the stairwell, ring at him.


    "I despise you!" She pped his knees, but the man brushed it off and walked downstairs.


    Marcus wrapped his arms around her waist and said, "No, you do not. Because you''re still in love


    with me," he replied, his grip on her waist tightening.


    Paloma yelled aloud for the second time, but as Marcus began to exin, she approached the guy


    and squeezed his flesh. "My God, you''re still alive!"


    "Hello, mother inw; it''s been a while." He was joking in his greeting to Paloma.


    "Wee home, Marcus! What transpired? Paloma continued, "We were informed that you


    perished in Syria."


    Danie looked at Marcus, a tacit warning not to divulge her secret in front of everyone, and she


    didn''t stop to pinch his side to ensure he didn''t do something humiliating.


    "It was someone else who died and I was fortunate," he said sinctly, yet everyone was relieved


    to find him alive and well.


    "Then let us rejoice!" Paloma made the announcement. "E, you should have informed me that he


    was returning; why did you withhold information?" Paloma reprimanded her stepdaughter but then


    retracted it. "I apologize; I forgot that you must have want some quality time with your spouse prior


    to informing us."


    Danie was shocked when Paloma and the rest of the room believed she had purposefully hidden


    Marcus in her room in order to spend some quality time with him. "Correct. We haven''t seen each


    other in much too long, and you can imagine how startled I am to see him again." She lied, but she


    noticed Marcus smiling, which enraged her even more. "That concludes our discussion, gentlemen.


    I apologize, Ma, for your prior fear. It was intended to be a surprise," she grinned as she became


    adept at concocting another fabrication to bolster her im. "I apologize for interfering with the


    celebrations, but please pardon us." She grabbed him and dragged him upstairs with her. He began


    this, but she would bring it to a stop!


    They were cheered on by her family and Paloma''s visitors, who were undoubtedly thinking she was


    going to perform that thing with him! She was mortified when they imagined she kept the man in her


    room. "Are you content now?" You obtained what you want!" She yelled at him, oblivious to the fact


    that her kid was nearby asleep.


    "I was powerless, Dani!" He reasoned his way out.


    "That is not the case. You could have walked away, but you didn''t!" She yelled at Marcus for being


    obstinate, and she was enraged.

 CHAPTER 24

    CHAPTER 24


    Danie simply clenched her teeth at the man''s actions. Marcus was clearly enjoying her misery!


    "How did you get here? You''ve convinced them that we''ve reconciled!" When they were alone


    upstairs, she reprimanded him.


    "Is it really that difficult, Dani?" Marcus addressed her directly with the question he had been


    meaning to ask her since the garden picture session.


    She tightened her teeth as she considered her alternatives before yelling loudly and clearly enough


    for everyone in the house to hear. "Exit!" She shouted again, and Paloma dashed to her side.


    "E, what is the matter? Why can''t you simply forgive him? It was the fault of his captain!" Paloma


    dashed to his rescue. She could understand E''s rage, but it was entirely her husband''s fault! If


    anybody should ept me, it should be themander who sent them the wrong person''s


    ashes.


    "Please, Ma, leave us alone. "I''d want to speak with him alone," she stated, dismissing her


    stepmother for intervening to protect the guy who stood in front of her callously and without


    remorse.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "All well, but I''m hoping you''ll be sensible and give him another opportunity this time. I understand


    it''s difficult, dear, but he''s still alive," she didn''t understand why Danie struggled to let it go. She


    should feel relieved Marcus was returned in one piece!


    "Reasonable? How am I to remain reasonable after catching him cheating on me?" Another


    fabrication was necessary to conceal another, and she couldn''t care less if she went to Hell.


    Marcus made a sneering remark about the woman''s inventiveness. He believed he had trapped her,


    but she escaped unscathed! When he met Paloma''s gaze, the celebrant threw daggers at him, and


    how could he ever win against two cruel women? He pressed his lips together and listened to


    Paloma''s speech, while Danie grinned in the corner. "I''m sorry," he said, and it was the worst


    mistake he had ever made, and he chastised himself for apologizing.


    Danie announced, "I want an annulment," which surprised Paloma more than Marcus.


    "E! Are you delusory? How did youe to be so critical of AJ''s father? Perhaps he was enticed


    by another warm body while you were unavable. "Common E, don''t hurry this annulment thing,"


    Paloma pleaded with Danie to reconsider annulling her marriage.


    "I want to be alone," she murmured, and Paloma abruptly ceased speaking. "And you, Mr. Madrigal,


    I require your immediate departure!"


    "Please, Dani," he pleaded.


    "If you want me and AJ, Marcus, there is no way around it. "Take it or leave it," she stated


    emphatically. Although the man has be the father of her daughter, they were not in a


    rtionship prior to this. If Marcus was prepared to ept the courtship challenge, he may earn


    another chance to show himself.


    "Iprehend," he stated. He could see why the woman was passionate about taking him back,


    and she was correct that he desired to take the shortest route to her heart. "Inform me as to what I


    should do initially," he enquired.


    "If you have no idea, it is pointless. So, when are you departing?" The man might just be


    overwhelmed by the fact that he is the father of her kid, which is why he announced his desire to re-


    enter her life...once again. No, she was not going to allow that!


    "At ater time," he said. Ortega would be shocked to learn that their vacations had been


    shortened, but he has no option.


    "All right," she responded, dismissing him.


    Danie was unhappy to learn that Marcus and Ortega had really abandoned their property. She


    believed he would not depart, but she was mistaken! The strain may have been too much for him to


    bear, and he chose to simply...vanish from her sight!


    She waited days for him to return, but Marcus never did. Even his shadow was nowhere to be seen,


    and she reasoned that it was for the best that they would never see each other again.


    "Hey, why are you taking this so seriously?" Lilian followed her sister beside the swimming pool,


    who was daydreaming. Danie has been acting strangely since she discovered AJ''s father was


    missing. To be honest, she was relieved that Ortega had also gone before he could dig out


    information regarding her daughter, Vanessa''s, identity.


    "He''s gone...and maybe permanently." Lilian''s query elicited a response from Danie.


    Lilian squinted her eyes, perplexed. "I assumed you desired his removal," she stated.


    "Yes, but I anticipated his remaining." She was ustomed to candor, but with Marcus, she


    gradually devolved into a stupid ass.


    "You advised him to go yet expected him to remain? That is quite perplexing, E." Lilian made the


    statement.


    "I am aware, but I am unable to tell him the truth, Lil. How are you going to expect me to be candid


    about my emotions for him? I wished, though, that he would insist on remaining by my side."


    Danie, too, was perplexed by her actions.


    "E, Marcus is not a fortune teller." Lilian brought up her stepsister''s recollection.


    "And how about Ortega?" Was he a soothsayer?" She responded Lilian''s query.


    "My position is unique inparison to yours, E. Ortega is not as interested in me as Marcus


    was," she responded.


    If she was stupid, Lilian was even more so. How could she have missed the way Ortega regarded


    her? "Is that correct? However, the way he stared at you, never mind." Danie brushed off the


    subject and rose.


    "What are your ns?" Lilian inquired.


    Danie said, "I have to see AJ," and walked away, leaving Lilian speechless. She was at a loss on


    how to handle Marcus, but regretted she hadn''t told him to go. It was unjust to pine for him when the


    man made no indication that he was drawn to her and all he said was about their daughter. She


    inhaled deeply as she ascended the stairs to her bedroom.


    Rather of returning to her bedroom, where AJ was sleeping with Patty, Danie entered the


    guestroom Marcus and Ortega had upied during the celebration. She examined the room, her


    eyes widening as she noticed Marcus''s t-shirt from their previous altercation. She snatched up the


    garment and clutched it close to her chest, sniffing the aroma that lingered in the cloth. It reeked of


    Marcus! Danie tucked the t-shirt inside the inside of her blouse before venturing outside.

 CHAPTER 25

    CHAPTER 25


    Lilian suggested they should go somewhere else to rx, and de-stress. So, without any further


    ado, they decided to travel. As always, unnned vacation was the best, and as soon as they their


    home, Danie was excited to redeem herself, the old version of herself, before meeting a man


    named Marcus.


    Fortunately, Paloma offered to supervise their kids!


    It took them a day to arrive at their destination, but it was worth it. The ce was refreshing, but


    they decided to rx for an entire night before exploring the entire resort, and the nearby tourist


    attractions in the whole province.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Danie was overstuffed and drowsy, so as soon as she returned to her room, she threw herself


    onto the bed and put her phone''s headset into it, where she listened to her favorite music. When


    Lilian returned, her eyelids were closed but she was not quite sleeping. After Patty and Thalia


    returned home with their children, Danie chose to share a room with Lilian to cement their


    sisterhood.


    When Lilian secured the door and perched on the side of the bed, she heard the click of the handle.


    "Are you not tired?" When Lilian stayed sitting after a few seconds, she inquired with her eyes


    closed.


    "Dani...," Marcus murmured her name, and Danie sat up straight when she realized it wasn''t


    Lilian who had entered the room but... him!


    "Marcus! How did you get here?" Danie inquired, and it urred to her that Gerald''s concerns


    may be justified. Was Marcus the one who orchestrated everything to keep her alone? Alternatively,


    was it Lilian?


    "I told you you were mine," he said as he pinned her to the bed. If necessary, he would use force to


    educate her!


    Danie guffawed.


    Why do males frequently express themselves in this manner? As though they owned the woman? "I


    have no recollection of my family selling me to you, Marcus." She answered with a caustic remark.


    "You do not own me, Marcus, nor will you ever!" She continued.


    "You have no option, Dani, or your daughter will never see you again!" He made a threat against


    her. Marcus was well aware that using their daughter to conquer her intransigence was hical,


    but he had no alternative and it was the only solution Ortega could think of. Patty and Thalia,


    together with AJ and Vanessa, were probably already at Ortega''s apartment. Samuel and Jessica


    were on their side and were willing to assist them. Indeed, the helicopter wouldnd on Samuel''s


    property, and they would be whisked away by automobile. It would have been ideal if they could


    have stayed on the farm, but there was Alicia, and Samuel was concerned that Alicia may harm the


    children.


    Danie blinked many times and quickly phoned Paloma''s number to double-check. When Paloma


    answered her call, she responded, "Hello Ma?"


    "Oh E, what brought you here? Are you on your way home now? "I already miss my


    grandchildren," Paloma said, and Danie trembled with rage at the sound of her stepmother''s


    voice.


    Danie examined Marcus, and his casual demeanor indicated that he was speaking the truth.


    "Where has AJ gone?" She inquired, her eyes teary. Anger and fury welled up within her, and she


    wished she could w the man''s eyes for stealing her daughter. How did he even aplish that


    feat? "This morning, it wasn''t my stepmother who contacted us; it was one of your cohorts, correct?


    What are you looking for, Marcus? Is it financial? "How much is it?" She spoke incessantly as she


    became concerned for AJ and Vanessa. What would Lilian do if she knew the truth about their


    children''s disappearance?


    He''d had enough of her using him of being a gold-digging thug. He had not felt the need to gloat


    about his money for the previous decade, but now he felt it was vital toe out and inform her of


    his true position. "I am not impoverished, Dani." As he stated.


    Danie arched one of her brows in response to his assertion that he was not impoverished. "I


    couldn''t care less! Simply deliver my daughter to me!" She was incensed that Marcus could be so


    vicious and crafty.


    "AJ and I wille as a bundle, Dani." He stated.


    "You''re insane! Is everything for you a game? My foot, my package!" It was heinous that he would


    be attached to their child, the child he had never wanted in the first ce!


    "No, but I''ve never felt this desperate before." He replied to her inquiry.


    "Is it a matter of sex?" Are you pining for another encounter with me?" There could never have been


    another reason he persisted on being with her. She would never trust him if he imed to love her;


    it would be too unbelievable to believe! Danie rose to her feet, wriggled free of Marcus, and


    began undressing. "Take me now," she pleaded with Marcus to approach and possess her.


    Marcus was incensed that thedy would reduce his intentions for her to nothing more than sex.


    "How are you?" When she began undressing, he shouted and approached her. "Reattach this!" He


    directed and attempted to assist her in reattaching her garment.


    "No! Let us proceed! If it isn''t money, I''m sure it''s sex," she pleaded with the man to ept her offer.


    If she were Marcus, she would chose money over body. She jerked his hand away from her


    garment, tearing the other sleeve in the process, and she gasped in astonishment.


    Danie''s gaze was ferocious, yet Marcus did not tremble. "If you''re going to offer to have sex with


    me in exchange for AJ''s return, you''d better do your best to pique my interest." Marcus stated


    without hinting that the woman was ipetent. It was more of a problem for Danie to refrain


    from saying things that were out of character for her. "Calm down, Dani; do you believe I''m going to


    injure my own daughter?"


    Yes, he was not that type of man, and she had no reason to fear that he would do something


    heinous to AJ or Vanessa. What concerned her was the fact that he was alone in her room. With her


    previous assertiveness, she wasn''t certain Marcus wouldn''t attempt anything amusing with her. It


    was reverse psychology on her part when she persisted on having sex with him, knowing well well


    that the man was incredibly charming and would go to great lengths to entice her. Rather than


    appreciating her aggression, Marcus mocked her abilities to captivate him. Hah! The audacity!


    Marcus considered how impossible women were as Danie stared at him after he declined her


    invitation to have his way with her. If he had forced himself on her, he would have been a bastard,


    but when he refused, she continued firing eyesers at him! "If you''re drowsy, go to bed," he said.


    "How am I to sleep with you still here?" Kindly leave me alone," she said.


    "You should be ustomed to sleeping with me, Dani, since I am not leaving." He informed


    her of his intention to constantly be at her side.


    "What? That is improbable! Lilian and I share this room!" She cried out.


    "Do you mean that if Lilian isn''t there, you''re going to sleep with me?" Marcus made a sarcastic


    remark, and Danie frowned at him.


    "Put an end to your word-bending, Marcus. Leave immediately before my sister returns from her


    stroll outside," she instructed him to leave her alone and out of her sight.


    "I''m sure Ortega will forbid your sister from returning here," Marcus stated.


    "Was Ortega also present?" You''re all in this together, aren''t you? Unbelievable!" Danie was taken


    aback when she discovered Ortega was still on the loose and possibly bothering Lilian as well.


    "How do you intend to proceed?" She inquired after she realized Marcus has the upper hand.


    "By seducing you into loving me again," he imed.

 CHAPTER 26

    CHAPTER 26


    He had no intention of pissing Danie off, but it just so happened that he was on her bad side


    throughout the remainder of their rtionship.


    "Don''t worry, Samuel will arrange an airtaxi for tomorrow morning, okay?" Marcus reassured her


    that she would see her daughter the next day, as they would follow her to Oslob quickly.


    She wasn''t sure whether what he said would alleviate her concerns. "Inform me, Marcus. Was it


    your idea to take the children away?" she queried, although he hoped not, lest she be very


    disappointed.


    It was all Ortega''s idea. Danie was already prejudiced against him, and it would only serve to


    further iste them, but there were times when he needed to be selfish. "No, that was Alexander''s


    suggestion."


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    "You''re a liar," she stated.


    "I am saying the truth, Daniel." He exined and pleaded with the woman to pay attention to him.


    "Do you feelpelled to ask me out as a result of our daughter?" Out of context, she ventured to


    ask him the one question that had been guing her since he reappeared in her life. It was


    customary for men to be courteous to the women with whom they had children, and Marcus was no


    exception. "You always tell me you want me back, but are you prepared this time?" She only wanted


    to make certain the danger of returning him was worth it, as dealing with a broken heart was not


    simple. He couldn''t me her for being dubious of his attempts, which felt shallow and out of


    character for Danie. To be really candid, her feelings for the man were unchanged. She just


    pushed herself to forget about him, like he desired. He abandoned her since he was not yet ready


    and it appeared as though his heart belonged to someone. As a Reyes, it was not in her nature to


    ept anything less than what she earned!


    "May we discuss it over food?" When his stomach began to growl, he inquired. He was famished,


    and he was trapped inside the hotel room with Danie.


    She nced at the wall clock, which indicated that it had already beyond their supper hour. "Oh, all


    right." She consented, despite the fact that she was also famished. Her entire afternoon was spent


    pouting and being angry inside her room.


    "Would you want to visit the next resort''s BBQ station?" The location he specified was in Dumaluan


    Resort, directly across from Bohol Beach Club.


    She agreed because she like BBQ and everything cooked. Because the weather was presumably


    cool outside, she donned a sweatshirt over her blouse. The loose pullover hoodie in silky fake fur


    with a kangaroo pocket provided the ideal amount of warmth for her hands. "I''m ready, let''s go," she


    remarked, taking the purse containing her money.


    They went side by side along the beach toward the Dumaluan Resort''s BBQ station. Although the


    distance was not great, the time they would spend walking would be considerable if they remained


    in silence. Marcus stepped closer to Danie and held one of her hands in his. "I''ve always wanted


    to walk with you," he remarked.


    Danie was relieved that it was already dark; otherwise, Marcus would have seen how her cheeks


    flushed when he spoke such a thing. It was their first time walking together, and it felt fantastic. His


    large and rough hand encircled her, keeping her warm andfortable. "Isn''t it odd that this is the


    first time we''re walking together?" she inquired.


    "You are correct, and to believe we already had a child." He replied. His extensive experience with


    women had prepared him for Danie''s abrupt shifts in behavior, but then again, difficult women


    were always the greatest to date. Danie has always been a half-goddess, half-witch since he met


    her. If he had a tender heart, her frigid treatment of him would have pushed him in the opposite


    direction.


    "So, can you now respond to my question?" Were you under duress as a result of AJ?" She


    enquired.


    "I''m not going to call it pressure, Dani; I''m going to call it want. I want you back and I regret


    abandoning you previously. I was foolish to disregard your heart. Right now, I want you to fall in love


    with me again," he said.


    "I never stopped loving you; I simply kept it concealed to avoid missing you every day." She told him


    the truth since it was pointless to take him for a ride when both of them were grownups. "However,


    the real question is this: Do you love me?" She didn''t hesitate to ask him the most vital question she


    desired, since she would never ept anything less than what she deserved!


    "It had been much too long since I had been in love with anotherdy. I''m not sure if the feelings I


    have for you right now qualify as love, but I miss you every day. I dream of you every night and


    haven''t stopped thinking about you since the day I left." It was a lengthy confession, and by the time


    Danie could respond, they had already arrived at their destination.


    There were a lot of tourists queuing at the barbecue station, so Marcus first sought for an empty


    seat for Danie to sit at before ordering their food. He ced an order for grilled belly, grilled squid,


    grilled fish, and a rice dish. He chose two bottles of Coca-C for their beverages. He was unsure


    whether Danie would eat isaw, or grilled chicken intestine, so he ordered at least 10 sticks. "Are


    you alone, Miss?" He smirked as he returned to their table, Danie looking distantly.


    She raised her eyes to see who was asking and rolled her eyes when she saw it was simply


    Marcus. "Alone but not lonely," she joked. She didn''t anticipate him knowing some of the clich??d


    pick-up lines at his age.


    Danie, as always, was humorous and astute. He sat down as they awaited the arrival of their


    supper. "So, will you give me an opportunity to demonstrate my worth?" He pursued his unresolved


    promation of love.


    "Howe not? You are honest enough, but first tell me who the other woman is." There was


    anotherdy associated with him at the time, and that woman was the reason Marcus was unable to


    love her.


    Marcus shook his head incredulously in response to Danie''s statement. How did thedy


    transform from a lover to a calcting investigator? "Veronica is her name," he said.


    "I see; then where has she gone?" While she waited for Marcus to respond, she kept eye contact


    with him. Danie watched the man blinking his eyes numerous times before opening and closing


    his mouth to speak. Who was this woman Marcus was having difficulty letting go of? It must have


    been a heartbreaking break-up if he still found it difficult to speak about her. "It''s all right; you''re not


    required to respond." When he hesitated to inform her, she stated.


    "She''s...deceased," she''s he responded.


    When Danie heard his remark, her eyes widened. "How did you say that?" She now felt horrible


    for secretly cursing Veronica in her brain. She desired to inquire as to how she died but was unable


    to do so after peering into his eyes. He seemed unhappy and distressed, and discussing his


    deceased lover must have been too much for him. "I apologize," she stated.


    "Do not be; it urred far too long ago." He continued.


    "How much longer?" she inquired.


    "More than a decade," he said.


    It urred almost a decade ago, yet he was still in grief for that woman. Danie was aware that


    her feelings were improper, yet she became envious of the deceased woman. How could he still


    love her when she was gone? "You must have loved her a much," she remarked.


    "I do, and I continue to do." Marcus responded without hesitation or regard for his date''s sentiments.


    "So you still love her," she remarked in a tone that begged him to exin why he desired to be with


    her when it was obvious that he preferred Veronica. What difference does it make if the woman was


    already deceased? It is preferable to have a living adversary than a dead adversary! How could she


    compete against ady who was already dead? She kept a safe distance from him as they walked


    back to the motel. "You don''t have to walk me up to the hotel," she eventually stated when Marcus


    failed to mention returning to his hotel.

 CHAPTER 27

    CHAPTER 27


    Marcus was taken aback when Danie demonstrated her indifference once more. He was certain


    they were getting along well at dinner, and she evenughed when he told her a dumb joke. "Is


    there a problem?" he inquired.


    "I''m alright," Danie stated with a nod of her head. To be really candid, she was not well and her


    heart was not doing properly. She was in agony on the inside, but she couldn''t tell him how she


    genuinely felt without appearing sad.


    When they arrived at the hotel, Danie didn''t bother to say him a proper farewell; instead, she


    walked to the elevator and hit the button to ascend. She needed to retreat to her room quickly


    before allowing anyone to see her cry.


    Marcus made no attempt topel himself and just headed to the front desk. "Is there a room on


    the same floor as my wife avable?" The receptionist regarded him as if he had sprouted horns in


    his head. "A lover''s dispute," he continued, and the woman in charge nodded in agreement. It


    wasn''t difficult to think he and Danie were simply having a lover''s quarrel, since they left together


    to eat outside and returned together.


    Marcus struck gold when the room next to Danie became avable. He smiled as he walked to


    the elevator with the card key in his hand. There was something bothering her, and he would allow


    her sufficient time to gather her feelings. Later in the evening, just as the clock struck twelve, he


    would knock on her door with a midnight snack. He had already directed the in-charge to send


    Danie''s favourite snack five minutes before the clock struck twelve.


    He was exhausted, but he dared not close his eyes, regardless of howfy his bed was. He


    rushed up to open the door when someone knocked. "Thank you," he responded, generously


    tipping the man for bringing his particr order. He returned to his room to inspect his look before


    appearing in front of her.


    Marcus was already outside her hotel room three minutes before midnight. He had already knocked


    numerous times and she had not opened the door. Was she already asleep? He should not have


    waited till midnight and immediately followed her, he chided himself.


    He was going to return to his room when the sound of a door opening caught his attention. Marcus


    rehearsed his best grin and weed Danie as she opened the door. "Special delivery for a


    special woman," he remarked, not waiting for her to wee him in, but he was taken aback by the


    shambles within. "How did you get here?" When he noticed the stic wrappers of junk foods on


    the floor, he questioned her. She made no attempt to discard them.


    "Ignore it; else, why are you here?" Isn''t it the middle of the night?" She enquired.


    "I packed some snacks for you, Dani." He responded, but it appeared as though the woman would


    not require the meal he had brought. Given the quantity of stic wrappers on the floor, she has


    consumed a substantial amount of food.


    "I appreciate that, Marcus, but you did not have to." She responded, but inquired as to the kind of


    the meal he brought in. When she realized it was one of her favorites, her eyes became wide with


    joy. "Would you like some?" She inquired as she began scooping ice cream from the container. It''s


    double dutch and has been her favorite for years, but how did he find out about it?


    Marcus nodded and sat next her, epting the dish of ice cream. "Would you mind telling me


    what''s going on with you?" He sought to know what had previously soured her attitude.


    After consuming a taste of the chilly ice cream, her heart softened somewhat. "I believe... I simply


    disliked the notion that you have anotherdy in your heart."


    "I apologize," he stated.


    She would have rather that he had informed her that he had forgotten about that woman. He didn''t,


    and he even expressed regret. "I''m not sure what I''m going to do with you, Marcus. A part of me


    desired to give you another opportunity, but the other half was fearful of being wounded."


    "I understand, Dani, but perhaps we can take it day by day." He made a suggestion.


    "How?" She was perplexed by his proposal.


    "First and foremost, you will let me to remain here till dawn." He opted to be sufficiently daring and


    awaited her reaction.


    Danieughed, as it was rather amusing. "You''re doing well, Marcus. Is that your strategy for


    seducing that woman?"


    "I wish you would refrain from speaking to Veronica in that manner, Dani. If you are envious, simply


    inform me. You are not required to offend her," he admonished her with a low voice that conveyed


    the same message.


    Yes, she was envious, and he should have made an attempt to console her! Rather than that,


    Marcus chastised her for offending that woman? The audacity! She arched one of her brows and


    directed him toward the door. "Leave! If you believe I''ve offended that woman, you''d better leave me


    alone!"


    "Would you kindly be reasonable?" Why are you so difficult to deal with?" He became irritated with


    Danie''s behavior since it was too juvenile for someone in her early thirties!


    "How did you learn to deal with me? Was Ipelled to bring you here? That I did not!" She


    shouted at him and pushed the ice cream bowl to the side of the table. She walked over to the door


    and held it open for him. "Please excuse me," she replied as she waited for him to rise from his


    seat.


    He didn''t want to do it at the time, but the impossibledy forced him to. Marcus grumbled and


    grabbed Danie by the waist as he headed towards the door. He locked the door behind him with


    his long legs and carried the woman into the bed. "Stop it!" he reprimanded her as thedy


    continued to scrape his face. She grew ferocious, and nothing could stop her unless he intervened.


    Marcus sank his head into hers and took hold of her mouth.


    She didn''t listen to him since she was in a state of terror when he pinned her onto the bed. It


    happened so quickly that she was unable to respond and became excessively aware of her


    heartbeat. When his mouth proceeded to ravish and dominate her, she inhaled deeply into him. As


    his fingers began to caress the flesh on her neck, she shivered in anticipation. Danie felt nervous


    and eager, as if it were her first time being kissed by a guy. Until her mind ceased to operate


    normally and her body took over. She got receptive to his touch and lost interest. It was as if her


    world had shattered, and all she wanted to do was be with him.


    "I want you," he muttered into her ears, and she responded with a simple nod. Marcus began by


    undressing her, his lips moving down towards the hollow area between her cleavages.


    Danie felt the chill of the airconditioning unit as Marcus peeled her of her gown. She was


    completely exposed to his gaze, and she felt a bit intimidated by his ability to see everything. "May


    we dim the lights?" She made the request.


    "No, simply leave it turned on. "I''d like to watch you when we''re making love," he said.


    What he said sparked a new wave of excitement in her core, and she resolved to be wild, if only for


    the night. "Then I''d want to see you as well." She stated, and began unzipping his pants, then


    pulling them down with her feet.


    Danie grabbed theforter and hid behind it while both of them were nude. Marcus followed


    suit, and they were both wrapped in a lovely and warm quilt. She was unaware that their bodies


    were bing even warm beneath the quilted and fluffier nket. The friction caused as their


    bodies came into contact intensified their excitement, and they began to touch.


    Danie was first timid, but there was no time for shyness once she was nude and a naked man


    was on top of her. She nted her eyes for a brief moment to admire his muscr form before he


    moved his mouth to lick and tease her nipples. "Marcus..." she murmured as the thrill he generated


    became too much to bear. She arched her body towards him, signaling to Marcus that she was


    enamored with what he was doing.


    He softly teased both of her nipples and then sucked on her breast as if she were a baby in need of


    milk. He drew circles on her bigger breasts with his tongue before licking the flesh on her t belly.


    Before iming her, he licked every inch of her flesh.


    "Does that make you feel better?" He inquired and came to a halt. He was aware that Danie had


    been without a man for an extended period of time and that he may be herst, and he didn''t want


    to hurt her in the process. When he heard her quiet whimpers and groans, he desired to move as


    quickly as possible in order to satiate his hunger...but he couldn''t be greedy just yet.


    Danie was adamant that she would not answer his question, but he appeared to pause for it


    before concluding what he had begun. "Y-yes...," she said.


    "Good. I want you to have pleasure in this, Dani." He stated this as he lowered one of his fingers to


    her clitoris and rubbed it while remaining inside her. His fingers'' rhythm mirrored the movement of


    his manhood as he drove into her.


    Danie inhaled deeply as Marcus pushed her to deeper heights of pleasure. Her muscles were


    strained to the point of being unbearable, and she yelled for his name as she realized she was


    almost there. "Faster...," she pleaded, not wanting to miss the sensation of obtaining it.


    Marcus was more than willing toply with her desire, thrusting himself into her with rapid and


    deep movements. He continued until her ws sank into the flesh of his back and everything in his


    body became numb except for the hardness buried deep within her. The experience was so


    incredible that he was unable to concentrate on anything else. The physical pleasure was too much


    for his brain to bear, and it briefly shut down, leaving him to continue pushing and pulling on her.


    The build-up had be excruciating, and he wanted to find his release, so he thrust his sperm


    into her with one deep thrust. His eyes were closed as he relished the most pleasurable sensation


    of his life, whichsted only a few minutes before he returned to earth and slumped on her.


    Danie attempted to regain herposure while bearing the weight of his body. He was hefty, but


    she didn''t mind...at least for a few moments. Later, she needed to push him away in order to


    breathe freely. "You''re so heavy, God!" she said.


    "Who am I?" "You appeared to be fine with my weight a little while ago," he mocked her, and her


    cheeks flushed with shame.


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    "I despise you," she said, turning away from him.


    Marcus grinned at her juvenile conduct following his taunt and removal of the covering that


    concealed her nakedness.


    She attempted to cling to theforter that encased her body, but Marcus was far too powerful,


    and she had no hope. Danie stared at him, as Marcus smiled and gazed at her lustfully. "You''re


    cruel!" She screamed as she attempted to wrest theforter from him in order to cover herself.


    "You''re stunning, Dani. Why do you feel the need to shield yourself from my gaze?" Marcus did not


    blink his eyes as he gazed at the woman who was self-conscious about her nakedness.


    "I am not shy, but I am chilly," she said.


    Marcus felt terrible, but he refused to give her theforter to keep warm. Rather than that, he


    approached her and wrapped his body around hers. "Are you still cold?" he murmured the question


    and Danie trembled. He ran his palm across her skin, just as they do in movies, to add to her


    warmth.


    Danie attempted to shove him away, but his body remained immobile by not even one inch. How


    could she to think rationally with his erection pressing against her buttocks? She desired to alter her


    posture in order to escape his erection, but this would just draw his attention to her predicament.


    She remained on her side while Marcus closely hugged her. Later on, she felt as though he was


    attempting to rub his abrasiveness on her. "Wait a minute, what are you up to?" She inquired as to


    when she sensed it on her dampness.


    Marcus stroked her breasts and proceeded to rub himself inside her while they remained on their


    side. As Danie moved her behind in an attempt to knock him down, he used one of his legs to


    split hers and then tilted his body before entering her.


    When he was within Danie, she gasped for oxygen. "Marcus...," she sobbed as he began to move


    in and out of her body, and it wasn''t long until she felt it again and it seemed as if there had been a


    massive explosion inside her body, and she cried, "Yes!"


    She was still at the top of the roller coaster and expected the sensations of falling when Marcus


    escorted her to the top one more time. "Oh God," she shouted as she felt her stomach drop as he


    carried her to greater heights.


    Her legs swayed and her body ached from his snatching. It was now beyond twelve o''clock and she


    felt as though shecked the stamina to keep her eyes open.


    "I''m fortunate that you''re mine, Dani." He proimed just before allowing her to sleep.


    She desired to inform him that she was not a member of any organization, but she was too drowsy


    to talk and simply nodded her head.


    "Goodnight, sweetheart." Before he closed his eyes alongside her, he kissed her forehead.


    She awoke alone in the morning, and Danie was not pleased that she missed him. She shouldn''t


    feel that way, but as soon as she opened her eyes, she couldn''t stop thinking about him. How did he


    get there? She was upset that she had not seen him first thing in the morning following their nice


    exchangest night.


    "How about breakfast in bed?" Marcus grinned as he noticed Danie was already up. "Ohh," his


    eyes widened as the sheet that covered her came down, exposing her to him once more. Herrge


    breasts stood straight up as though greeting him.


    Danie was taken aback to discover him standing at the entrance with a meal tray, and she found


    herself unable to shield herself from his intense looks. "You abandoned me," she charged him with


    a re in her eyes.


    "I promise, Dani, you were still asleep when I opened the door to order supper." He exined, but


    wait a minute; was she furious because she didn''t want him to leave her sight? Marcus grinned as


    he approached her. "You''re the most gorgeousdy I''ve ever seen in the morning," he said as she


    awoke. Despite the fact that her hair was aplete disaster in the morning, she looked lovely and


    enticing.


    "More lovely than Veronica?" She inquired politely, without demeanour toward the other woman.


    Marcus was in a pickle early in the morning, unsure how to respond without offending either of


    them. "You''re both quite lovely in your own way. Dani, please do not be juvenile about this." He


    pleaded with Danie to refrain from makingparisons to his deceased wife.

 CHAPTER 28

    CHAPTER 28


    The following morning, Danie was surprised to see Lilian waiting for her. She smiled at her sister


    but at the same time, she felt guiltier for doing what she promised she wouldn''t do...especially with


    her ex-husband. "Hi, Lil," she greeted Lilian.


    "Good morning, E. Did Marcus spend the night here?" She questioned immediately upon seeing


    her, and when E''s cheeks flushed, she knew! "However, the airtaxi scheduled for us by


    Alexander''s acquaintance will arrive in thirty minutes. "Are you apanying us or not?"


    Danie was taken aback when Lilian casually inquired about Marcus, as if he were often present.


    "Of course I''m returning home, but Lil, I gave Marcus another opportunity." She informed Lilian


    about her true rtionship with Marcus.


    "I''m sure you''re giving him more than a chance," Lilian replied with a grin toward Danie. She had


    always known that Danie retained some affections for Marcus, despite her best efforts to


    suppress them. It was evident in her eyes whenever she spoke his name.


    "Is it self-evident?" Danie abruptly became aware of her looks. What if Alexander was also aware


    of what urredst night between her and Marcus? "What has be of Alexander?" She


    enquired.


    "Oh, he''s outside waiting. He said, "Where is your ex-husband, Marcus?" Lilian made a joke about


    Marcus to Danie, and both women giggled.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Dani and Lilian both came to a halt in theirughter as Marcus emerged from the restroom with


    only a towel concealing his asset. Lilian locked her gaze on Danie, her eyes widening as she


    noticed E''s hair was also damp. "Wait, you were just getting out of the shower, correct?" She


    inquired in such hushed tones that Marcus would be unable to hear them.


    Danie nodded and pleaded with Lilian to keep her tongue shut. "There will be insufficient time if


    you take a shower." She told Lilian that they needed to hurry up and gather their belongings.


    "Marcus will assist me in packing our belongings; simply proceed to the front desk to check out."


    She directed her to proceed.


    They boarded the airtaxi and were already in Oslob an hourter. Peter was already waiting to pick


    them up at the tourist drop-off spot.


    They were already inside Danie''s property a few secondster, and Paloma was waiting outside


    with both hands on her hips. When Lilian discovered Marcus and Alexander had returned home with


    them, she determined that her mother was insane. "Howdy, Ma." As soon as she stepped out of the


    car, she kissed her cheek. Danie followed suit, but Paloma disregarded them, her eyes shing


    with wrath.


    "We need to speak privately!" Paloma reprimanded her daughters. She took a step forward and


    approached the gazebo beside the koi pond. "Have you gone insane?" She screamed. Bothdies


    made the severe error of forgiving guys who cheated and manipted their emotions! What


    became of their pride?


    "Permit me to exin, Ma."


    Lilian attempted to dissuade her mother from continuing with her lecture, which was likely to take an


    hour.


    "Alexander and I have agreed that he would act as Vanessa''s nanny until I am able to forgive him.


    "He will also serve as my personal assistant," she informed Paloma of her deal with Alexander.


    "And you believe you''re going to get away with it?" Eventually, your feelings for the man will


    resurface, so how are you going to deal with that, Lil? And you, E, had previously stated that you


    could never forgive him. What happened?" Her stress level has increased as a result of her girls''


    inability to regte their hearts.


    "Marcus seems honest Ma, but don''t be too concerned; I''m going to guard my heart this time,"


    Danie swore.


    "Identical here, Ma." Lilian concurred with Danie''s statement.


    "Whatever you do, just be careful with your hearts and avoiding to me in tears," Paloma


    advised Lilian and Danie. Bothdies were mature enough to manage their rtionships on their


    own, and because they refused to listen to her in the first ce, she let it slip and allowed them do


    whatever they pleased with their partners.

 CHAPTER 29

    CHAPTER 29


    Paloma''s warning was scary, however, Danie believed there was nothing to worry about. She believed his words, his promises, and everything that


    he said. When she decided to give him another chance, she also decided not to be biased with him, and she also promised to cooperate. As some


    people said, it would take two to tango, and so, her cooperation was needed to make their rtionship work.


    Danie inquired when Marcus instructed her to apany him outdoors. After lunch, AJ needed to nap, and everyone else was taking siestas as


    was customary.


    "We need to speak," he stated.


    She agreed since they had a lot to talk, particrly since they were already in Oslob. "You stated that we must speak, yet why are you silent?" She


    inquired as to why the man remained silent as they walked down the slope to their private beach


    "I''m not sure we''re headed in the correct direction," Marcus responded.


    When he said that, her heart sank. "What are you referring to?¡± A part of her desired to know why he said it, while another part desired to disregard


    hisment and continue going


    "I was going to take you to the vineyard, but it appears as though we''re heading to the beach instead.¡± He answered, but was taken aback by the


    woman''s smack on his arm. "Why?"


    She was naive to believe Marcus stated it in reference to their current circumstances. "Is it the vineyard?¡± Why?"


    "While that location was unsuitable for dating, it was memorable for me. Do you realize I couldn''t stop thinking about your face while we made love


    there?" He grinned as he recalled how the woman responded to his kiss and touch, and even thinking it gave him an erection


    "Eww! However, I couldn''t forget about you either, particrly when you raced nude to collect our clothing. Wasn''t it the most amusing experience


    you''ve ever had?¡± She burst outughing when she recalled the amusing situation in the field. Now that she had left everything to chance, she had


    less concerns. If she and Marcus were destined to be together, she would be the happiest person on the. Otherwise, she would be content


    because she would try all possible to make it work. She intends to work with the man who desired to provide AJ with aplete family.


    "That, as well," he added to herughing, and their voices mixed perfectly with the background singing birds. He was so thrilled holding her hand as


    they strolled towards their goal that she forgot about Alicia Ramirez.


    It was high tide, and the waves beckoned them in for a swim. "Would you like to swim?" He inquired when he observed she was unable to pull her


    gaze away from the water.


    "I wish I could, but my clothing are not suitable for swimming,¡± she said.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    "Dani, this is a private beach. Nobody would look down on you for swimming in your pants,¡± he persuaded her. He was aware that she looked nice in


    bikinis, but he wished Danie would refrain from exposing too much skin for everyone to see. Only he should be permitted to observe her in a


    seductive bikini.


    "You are correct," she acknowledged as she moved toward the ocean. Marcus quickly followed, and they were soon chuckling in the water, enjoying


    one other''s presence. Even though the sun was still high in the sky, they continued to disregard it.


    The weather then abruptly altered. Without unexpectedly, the sky darkened and it appeared as though it would rain at any moment. "Let''s go home


    now,¡± she urged as the skies darkened, but Marcus refused to go.


    "Why should you be concerned about the rain when you''re already wet?" he said


    The waves then grewrger and stronger, to the point that Danie came dangerously close to drowning as they collided with her face. If she had not


    been quick enough to grasp him, something awful may have urred, but her breasts were mashed against his arm, and Marcus gazed at her with


    hunger in his eyes.


    ¡°What-," she couldn''tplete her


    response when Marcus


    unexpected kissed her lips. His


    command aver her mouth caused - ¡°N


    her to adhe and yearn for more.


    When Marcus brought his mouth¡¯


    do worto her neck and nippedrer


    flesh Danie arched her back.


    ¡°Shhh Marcus," she sobb¨¦d as one


    of his hands caressed her breast.


    Even when submerged, she could


    feel how hot they became.


    "Let''s go to the gazebo," he whispered, and when she agreed, Marcus took her in his strong arms and continued kissing her as they walked towards


    the gazebo with white curtains. He licked on her lips and bit her softly.


    "What if we are seen?¡± She was fearful of being discovered while making love in public and attempted to stop him as he began to undress her.


    "Shhh, just take a deep breath, all right?¡±


    He reassured her as he dropped the curtains to protect them from intruders. then proceeded undressing her. It wasn''t the first time he''d seen her


    naked, but he was as entranced as ever by her beauty. Marcus grinned at Danie prior to entering her, and once within, he remained motionless for


    a few seconds, waiting for her to feelfortable with his invasion.


    Danie was perplexed when he


    remained stationary and took the


    initiative to rub\her hips against his


    erection; thetrhe took the lead and


    she coulcarily close her eyes and -~


    relish th¨¦-pleasure he allowed hetto


    feel. "Marcus, "she clutched hira:


    firrayas she sensed he was


    spe¨¦ding up. At that point, -she


    close to open her eyes and see him


    while they made love. "More..." her


    head spun as something began to


    build up in the lowest portion of her


    belly and she realized she was on


    the verge of finding her release.


    "Dani..." he yelled her name as he felt the symptoms of his own release and pushed into her faster and faster until he couldn''t stap it from flowing


    into her body. She shook with delight at the climax that poured over her entire existence simultaneously with Marcus''s sperm discharge.


    Their clothing was drenched from


    earlier swimming, yet they were


    orced to rewvear hem. Because it


    was still raining outside, they


    decided I to remain in the gazebo ?


    until the I rain stopped. She rested her


    heaton his shoulder while they


    ist¨¦ned to the sound of raindrops on


    the gazebo''s roof. "How fs It that


    being together in the rain is romantic


    in films?" She enquired.


    ?


    i


    "Isn''t that the case?¡± Marcus found it ramantic to spend the day indoors with Danie as if they were on a lovely pic on a wet day.


    "I''m not sure,¡± she said, but she could never tell if it was romantic while she was shivering and felt ufortable in the chilly weather.


    ¡°Let me do something to make you appreciate rainy days," he muttered, and the sound of their groaning and pantingbined perfectly with the


    sound of the rain falling on the ground.

 CHAPTER 30

    CHAPTER 30


    With Marcus and Danie, everything went smoothly. They never quarrelled about anything and were overjoyed to be together; nheless, Marcus


    was required to return to Hacienda Vsquez to legally quit his employment.


    The vige of Oslob has grown in poprity as a result of the whale sharks, and he discussed with Danie a prospective business endeavour that


    would cater to the influx of tourists. They might form a partnership in which he would cover all construction costs and Danie would allow him to


    utilize their beach and vineyard. It was still an idea that needed to be properly studied when he resigned from the farm


    "You are wee to apany me to the farm, and I will present you to my buddy and his wife," Marcus urged Danie to apany him


    I''d love to, but perhaps another time.¡± She declined, believing that his acquaintances would be surprised to see her and that she did not wish to


    impose on his job. "How about extending your stay here and returning there next week?" She was already ustomed to his presence, and it would


    feel strange and lonely without him.


    "I wish I could, but I can no longer postpone my resignation; at the very least, now that the farm is not in peak season, it will be simpler for Samuel to


    find a sessor." "I''m going to miss you, Dani.¡± he said. As a result, I will make every effort to return as soon as possible,¡± he pledged. Inwardly, he


    was relieved that Danie would not apany him back to the farm, since he feared Samuel may idently leak information about the fifty million


    at stake in their game, and there was also Alicia.


    "Do you believe you can finish in a week?" She enquired.


    "Certainly! Additionally, Samuel employs arge number of farmhands at Hacienda Vsquez. Are you certain you will not apany me?¡± He


    checked twice in case she changed her mind.


    "I am certain. You stated that you would return in a week.¡± she reminded him to hurry his agricultural business. "Marcus, I''m going to miss you so


    much.¡± Even if they were in a public area, she said and held him passionately. She was no longer concerned because she would be unable to see


    him for several days.


    ¡°Identical here," he murmured into her ear. "If only this thing does not need to be resalved, I will not abandon you.¡± He stated, but when Alexander


    and Lilian approached, he waved. "Ortega," he weed his friend, who was shouldering Vanessa. He had no idea what was going on between


    Lilian and Alexander, but the man appeared to be perpetually sleep deprived, as seen by his eyebags.


    "Marcus, Lilian informed me that you''re returning to the farm. ¡°Are you leaving today?" Alexander enquired.


    Marcus nodded and asked Lilian for permission to talk alone with Ortega. When she consented, the males withdrew to find a private space to


    converse.


    "How are you and Alexander doing?¡± Danie inquired of Lilian immediately upon their separation. It''s imusible that nothing was going on between


    them when Lilian came dangerously close to breaking her neck in an attempt to capture a glimpse of the man who fled with Marcus. "You''re still in


    lave with him," she said, which elicited a strong response from Lilian.


    "No, I''m not, and it''s never going to happen!" She raised her voice as she stated her case, and Danie¡¯s smile only served to make her sound less


    believable. However, she would never again let her heart to fall for that man!


    Danie smiled at Lilian''s forcefulment about Alexander Ortega, but to be fair to the guy, he appeared to be a kind man, and she could tell he


    loved Lilian with all his heart; otherwise, he would not have stayed just to serve Lilian. "There is no such thing as a never, Lil. Consider me: for the


    second time, I''m over over heels in love with Marcus, and you know what? "Love is sweeter the second time around.¡± Danie teased Lilian so


    relentlessly that she missed Marcus''s presence.


    "Could it be that we are destined to be together?¡± Marcus interjected himself into their discussion, and Danie frowned at him.


    "Are you going to propose to marry me?" She joked, but Marcus took a serious tone, and as he nodded, her eyes widened in surprise. "Are you


    certain?" she inquired


    "Yes, I am embarrassed that I am unable to call you right now.¡± He discussed his intended proposal to Danie with Ortega, but as was customary. he


    was discovered by her.


    "It makes no difference since I am wearing the grin you give me,¡± she knew it was corny but it was the truth.


    Danie deserved nothing less than the finest as ady who gave her husband a second opportunity to be happy and to be a father to their lovely kid.


    He will soon inform her of his first family. "I appreciate your understanding, Dani.¡±


    Marcus drove away from lunch to the city in her car, but he returned a few minutester, and she worried what was wrong. She inquired as to why he


    returned


    "I already miss you,¡± Marcus murmured as he hugged her.


    "Ah, that''s quite ttering, inded," Danie remarked, pinching a skin on his arm.


    He chuckled when he was apprehended and inquired, "Have you seen a ck wallet?¡± He found his wallet was missing while at the petrol station.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "I''m not sure, but allow me to check upstairs.¡± she said, sprinting up the stairwell.


    She searched every drawer and


    corner in her bedroom but was


    unable to logate his wallet. She


    stopped stating and walked over tox


    the doortto go, but not before =


    scanning the entire room one more,


    whichis when she discovered


    something dark beneath thebed.


    "Gotcha!" She cried out and knelt to


    get it. It must have slipped from his


    pocket during their previous sexual


    encounter.


    Danie was not meant to open the object in her hand since it was not hers, but she sumbed to temptation and rationalized her actions by


    persuading herself that she owed it to her sanity.


    Whoever stated that what you don¡¯t know won''t damage you may have been correct or incorrect, but after snooping on his wallet, she immediately


    regretted it


    If she had refrained from checking


    on it, she woud have been unaware


    that he was married. When he stated


    it previously, she either didn''t believe


    him or was in denial at the time. She


    clenched her jaw as she lockecher


    gazeon the family photograph. How


    maeh of his background didshe


    ffBricate? She felt taken advantage


    of and deceived! For a little period,


    Danie was immobile and simply


    let her tears fall from her eyes.


    Dani..." he yelled her name, but the


    woman was oblivious. Marcus only


    azed at thewvoman who stood still


    as tears steamed from her eyes,


    nd he wished Danie had S


    screamed and yelled at him, butshe


    did. She simply sobbed sh lently,


    whieh made it much more agonizing


    fG? him to witness. He approached


    Danie and tightly held her. "I''m


    very sorry.¡¯ He continuously


    murmured his sorry into her ears.


    ?


    ~¡°


    NS


    SS


    mM

 CHAPTER 31

    CHAPTER 31


    Danie heard him well, yet she was at a loss for words. She was still in excruciating pain and was on the verge of copsing if she opened her lips to


    speak. ¡°You lied to me," she stated after gathering all her bravery and power for a few moments.


    "I''m sorry I didn''t inform you immediately. As you can see, I''m awaiting the appropriate moment." He exined, but she shook her head as if


    disagreeing with him. He should have told her everything about his first family, but he made the mistake of assuming Veronica was his deceased


    girlfriend.


    "When is the appropriate moment, Marcus?" She inquired in a tone that said he was a liar from the start. She refused to ept that the same


    individual had been let to do harm a second time. It was quite offensive that she allowed him to injure her again! She yanked herself free from his


    tight hold angrily. ¡°Tell me, was your deration of love for me also a lie?"


    "I never lied to you, Dani, about my emotions for you. Indeed, I intend to¡±


    He attempted to exin but was cut off before he could continue when she smacked him extremely hard. He was anticipating another p following


    the first one, as it was her custom to smack both of his faces when she was enraged, but she didn''t do so this time. The agony of being stuck in the


    crotch by a flying groin kick was enough to cause him to copse. His stomach churned so violently that he feltpelled to vomit. "Dani...," he


    pleaded for her assistance. If thedy continued to kick him in the crotch, he wasn''t sure he''d be able to conceive another child in the future, because


    this wasn¡¯t the first time Danie had done so.


    "You''re so opportunistic, Marcus! Leave and never show your face to me again!" Her entire body trembled with rage, and she wished she could w


    his eyes and slit his eyeballs.


    "Dani, please allow me to exin." As he stated.


    "Exit! Immediately!" She screamed so loudly that her voice may have been heard below.


    "They died,¡± he said in hushed tones that sounded like a whisper.


    "Who is no longer alive?" She enquired


    "My first wife and Ariana, our daughter." He kept it brief to spare Danie the gory details of how Veronica and Ariana perished as a result of the


    atrocity.


    ¡®I apologize." When she nced at


    him, the wordscame out naturally.


    His eyes tol¨¦her all she needed to.


    know abeut whether or not he was


    speaking¡¯ the truth, and she could¡±


    sense he was still in sorrow from


    osinig them. She was not a callous


    individual who understood.when to


    be reasonable. Danie approached


    arcus and hugged him.


    Marcus deduced from Danie''s


    reactions thatshe had assumed the


    worst-case.stenario. "You are now a


    part of mylife, Dari. ¡°It''s youand ~~


    AJ," he stated. Yes, it was ~


    unexpected when he discovered


    Dani¨¦''s kid was also n


    Antana, but more than the.¡±


    astonishment, he was grateful for


    the coincidence, or could it have


    been fate?


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Danie smiled when Marcus reassured her, as that was just what she required of him. "I hope this does not offend you, but how did they die?" she


    inquired.


    "They were assassinated...right before my eyes." he tightened his teeth as he recalled that day. There were times when time could never cure a


    wound, and this was one of them.


    Murdered? My God, how terrible it must have been for the mom and her daughter! Her blood became cold towards the killer, who was callous and


    uncaring. "When?" It was perplexing that someone could murder an innocent youngster!


    "It happened on her first birthday,¡± he said with a slight break in his voice. Marcus clenched his teeth as images of their deaths rushed through his


    mind. They were so pleased one minute and then so unhappy and anguished the next!

 CHAPTER 32

    CHAPTER 32


    When Marcus returned to the farm, Danie reinforced the security around their home. fearful that someone evil enough to harm them might get


    entrance to their estate. No, she could not endanger her family¡¯s safety, particrly her daughter''s. Alexander tried to assuage her fears by


    requesting that some of his men stay watch 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


    CCTV cameras were also ced to watch any intruders attempting to get entrance to their residence. Additionally, all roads leading to their residence


    were equipped withctv. Alexander Ortega was meticulous when it came to security matters, and Danie adored his services. Apart from the


    closed-circuit television cameras used to monitor usage, there were trained personnel dressed in civilian attire ced across the property, and they fit


    in well with the surroundings and the residents.


    Danie''s primary concern was the safety of everyone, and she couldn''t care less if Ortega''s services came at a steep price. He offered to do it for


    free, but she insisted on payment due to the fact that it was hispany. Alexander also changed all of their door locks with a mechanism simr to


    the one used by the majority of Koreans. To summarize, Alexander transformed their home into a smart home.


    Paloma stood outside her bedroom, knowing that her mother would chastise her about the odd guys on their property. She had previously told


    everything to Paloma, but the elderly woman was extremely traditional and believed in everyone''s kindness, and she believed that paying someone to


    look over them was excessive. She hesitated at first, but after contemting Paloma''s sentiments, Danie opened the door.


    "What has brought you here, Ma?" She inquired immediately upon Paloma''s entrance.


    "E, at my age, I don''t believe I require a bodyguard. I mean, I''m already old, so who in their right mind would want to harm an elderly woman?"


    Paloma attempted to persuade Danie to release the security assigned to her. Since yesterday, she was unable to leave her apartment without the


    big man assigned to her, and she despised him!


    "We have previously discussed it, Ma, and it is non-negotiable. Have you not been watching the news recently? There were more criminals than


    previously, so this is only a precautionary measure." She rified.


    "Be truthful to me, E. Have you received a threat of death?" Paloma couldn''t think of an exnation for her recent obsession with their protection


    unless someone was threatening their life.


    "At the present, there are none, but whe knows?" Danie was not dismissive of the notion that someone was destined to detest them or had already


    done so. "I hope this is the only time we discuss it, Ma." She made it quite obvious to Paloma that her decision would remain unchanged!


    Paloma finally sumbed to Danie¡¯s obstinacy and epted her fate of being observed by the big guy. "All right, fine.¡± In answer to Danie''s


    warning, she stated. "By the way, is there an attractive bodyguard on the team?¡± She assumed that if the man was gorgeous, she would be able to


    withstand the inconvenience of someone continually following her about.


    "I''m not certain, but I''ll inquire with Alexanderter.¡± Danie responded, but as she looked at Paloma, she recalled something she had been yearning


    to know previously. "Ma, do you not recall Lilian''s father''s face?"


    Paloma was taken aback by Danie''s query but was at a loss for an appropriate response without upsetting Gregory. It was surprising! Danie''s


    father was her first and genuine love, but Lilian''s father was someone she couldn''t forget despite the passage of time. Although she was dating


    Gregory, they did not engage in pre-marital sex, she ultimately yielded to a total stranger she met at a pub. "I do." she said, and her mind drifted back


    to that night when a lovely guy attempted to console her while she sulked at the pub over Gregory''s loss.


    "Do you have no intention of looking for him?¡± Danie inquired since she was aware of Lilian¡¯s desire to see her father, if only for a little moment


    She never considered looking for that man! She stopped thinking about him once she gave birth to Lilian, and after she reconciled with Gregory, that


    guy had no ce in her heart or thoughts. "I''ll consider it,¡± she responded.


    ¡°All well, then, I''ll see youter.¡± Danie stood there watching her mother leave, and when she found herself alone again. she thought of Marcus. If


    only his phone had not been switched off, she would not have been concerned about him! His phone had been unreachable since the previous day,


    and she was terrified that something had happened to him. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she missed Au¡¯s voice crying out to her, and


    she noticed the kid was awake only when she began tugging at her clothing.


    Then, Danie had difficulty sleeping the night before his anticipated arrival. Her pulse was thumping like a drum with anticipation of seeing him


    again. It was nearly 12 a.m. when she waspelled to close her eyes and sleep


    She was nearly lost in forgetfulness when her phone rang. and despite her sleepiness, she answered. "Yes?"


    "Can you guess who?"


    Her drowsiness vanished instantaneously, and she got up to speak with the caller. ¡°What have you been doing?" I was unable to contact you for


    several days,¡± she inquired.


    Danie was forthright and candid, which were two characteristics Marcus admired about her. He never had to guess since she constantly


    communicated whether she was pleased, sad, or furious. "Would you be able to do something for me, sweetheart?¡± He directed Danie to go to the


    massive acacia tree near the greenhouse and retrieve something he had mest likely dropped. He reasoned that the woman would be hesitant to


    leave her room because it was alreadyte, but he was proven wrong when he spotted her approaching him in her pyjamas.


    She had no clue what Marcus had fallen beside the acacia tree, but it appeared to be significant to him, and she didn''t hesitate to seek for it. She


    surveyed the area with a shlight in her hand and discovered...him! She refused to trust what her eyes were telling her and concluded that she was


    most likely dreaming


    "Hello, Dani," he said.


    She was persuaded it was Marcus only after hearing him talk. "I believed I was dreaming!" She shouted, pinching her flesh for confirmation.


    Even in the dim light, he could see her eyes gleaming as she realized he had arrived on time. He truly missed her! Marcus snatched her up and


    imprisoned her in his grip in one fast action. "I''m very sorry,¡± he murmured into her ears.


    "I miss you as well," she replied, and


    Danie was aware that he desired


    more than akiss, as his hands


    began toslide inside her pajamas ->


    For goodness sake, they were inan


    open location, and who knew ifthe


    cctythat Alexander had installed


    may film them as they attempted to


    make out. She should have stopped


    him, but instead let his hands to


    roam freely within her garments.


    Because the woman was dressed in


    her nightgown, she was not wearing


    a bra, and his*ands were more than


    appy to cupher breasts and .


    squeeze and rub them. When he <


    kissed her ips, Danie sighed >


    ently Her faint whimpers fueled his


    fervent need to take her there


    immediately. As he bent aver to


    suck on her breast and t¨¦ased her


    nipples, his blood was on fire.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    arcus shivered with excitement as


    he dropped her pajama to get


    ess to his homebase.


    a


    ?


    He was engulfed by desire and need, but his hearing remained sharp, and when he heard some faint footfall approaching, he paused to caress


    Danie and listened intently. Marcus motioned Danie to be silent and assisted her in putting on her pajamas


    When Marcus began to act as though someone was observing them or lurking around, Danie became scared. They kept their respiration under


    control as they awaited the probable visitor.


    When he attempted to disarm the invader and utilized the shlight to determine who it was, his body was nimble and quick. "Simon?" Marcus was


    taken aback when he discovered he knew the man. Simon was a young investigator he met at Ortega''s agency and he liked him, but if Simon came


    to harm Danie, he would not hesitate to murder him!


    Simon was taken aback by the abrupt onught and was easily ovee. He was embarrassed by his error, but when the stranger shouted his


    name, he used his shlight to identify the stranger who disarmed him. "Are you Marcus Madrigal?" Simon was even more taken aback when he


    discovered he knew the man. "I had no idea you were with us," he said.


    ¡°How do you define ¡®with us''?" Who is with you?" Marcus explored to ascertain the source of his perplexity.


    "In fact, the majority of the squad."


    He respondeckand then became


    aware of a little movement behind


    the man. H¨¦ couldn''t see the woman


    he was searching for behind =


    Marcus,and he wondered what''she


    wasdoing outdoors. He was-tozing


    offvhen a control room op¨¦rator


    informed him that Dani had


    exited her bedroom with a shlight.


    ¡°Are you Miss Reyes?" He called to


    confirm, but she did not respond.


    Danie refused to notice her bodyguara¡¯s presence and secretly begged that Marcus would dismiss him so they could continue their work in peace.


    Marcus observed Danie be uneasy in Simon¡¯s presence and surmised that she must have been afraid. "Did youe here in response to


    Danie''s death?" He inquired, and when Simon nodded, he gave the young guy a scowl. "Why?"


    "Because, Marcus, I am her bodyguard.¡± He responded


    "I see, but I''ll defend her now that I''m here." Marcus stated. Simon was a decent man, but when it came to Danie, he couldn''t trust anyone, much


    less someone as gorgeous as Simon! "Return immediately," he instructed Simon to leave them alone.


    "I figured he''d insist on remaining," Danie stated when Simon disappeared from their view.


    Marcus thought that it would be better if they simply followed Simon and returned home, as he had a lot of unanswered issues. ¡°Would you like to


    describe how Simon became your bodyguard?" As they walked back towards the house, he inquired.


    ¡°It was unremarkable, Marcus. I only wanted to ensure our safety in here.¡± She reacted.


    "Please, Dani, be candid with me. Have you recently received any death threats?" He was concerned that Alicia had not made hollow threats in


    response to his rification of their supposed rtionship status.


    "None exist. When I hired Ortega''s men to defend us, both you and Paloma believed the same thing.¡± As she stated.


    "Who are Ortega''s men?" How many are there?" Then he recalled Simon informing him that the majority of the squad was present.


    "I believe twenty." She responded casually.


    Marcus noted that the home had transformed into a modern-day reproduction of Alexander''s residence in Guadalupe as they walked through the


    main door.


    They proceeded directly to her bedroom, and Marcus promptly instructed Patty that she needed to return to her room. He kissed her sleeping baby


    again before confronting Danie.


    "What do you think, Sweetheart, about creating a sister or a brother for AJ?" Danie''s cheeks flushed as he joked.


    "Then strip down to your underwear so we can begin,¡± she dared him, and Marcus dly epted.

 CHAPTER 33

    CHAPTER 33


    Ortega informed everyone at breakfast that he and Lilian would be gone for a day or two and that Thalia should look after Vanessa in the interim.


    Danie and Marcus concurred.


    The recently reunited couple must have felt overwhelmed by the agents in the property and desired a calm, romantic setting


    Lilian and Alexander departed the farm just before noon.


    "At longst, it''s just you and me." Marcus remarked.


    "As well as at least twenty security guards.¡± Danie said


    "I''m already here, Dani; why do you require them to defend this location?¡± Marcus despised the fact that the house was crammed with Ortega''s men


    in every nook and cranny, and he despised Simon for faithfully doing his duties!


    ¡°Itis for our own protection. "Wait a minute, do you have a beef with them?" Danie yelled at Marcus since she was well aware that Marcus would


    always find something wrong with her bodyguard.


    "I want us to be alone, but Simon has been with you the entire time!" He was enraged at the appearance of Simon.


    "He was only going about his business!¡± She yelled at Marcus for being unreasonable in his treatment of Simon.


    "He knew I could protect you better than he could, yet why does he keep reappearing?¡± He questioned Simon''s timing whenever he and Danie


    were bing affectionate.


    Danie made a sarcastic remark about Marcus. ¡°Are you envious?"


    Was he resentful? Indeed, he was envious of Simon! The man was younger and more attractive than he was. Simon was extremely personable and


    possessed an uncanny ability to make Danieugh uncontrobly. "I am not envious of that gentleman, Dari. I''m only stating the apparent reality


    that Simon was no longer required!"


    "All right, fine. You were acquainted with their supervisor. "Go to him and tell him to reassign Simon," she added. If Marcus had just told him the truth


    about his jealousy of Simon, she would not have insisted on having the security near by. He was simply too obstinate at times!


    ¡°All right, I''m going now." Marcus responded sternly, but on the inside, he was overjoyed that Simon would be out of Danie''s sight, and he had the


    ideal employment for him.


    Danie waited in the living room for Marcus to arrive so they could depart together. She needed to go to the office today to sign some paperwork for


    the renewal ofpany permits, as well as to check her boyfriend''s business n. His idea to turn their private beach into a public beach and build a


    high-end resort was put in paper, and she needed to verify its practicality. "Oh, it''spleted?" When Marcus returned in less than 10 minutes, she


    inquired.


    "Yes, let''s proceed to your office immediately." He stated as they proceeded towards the garage. holding the woman''s hand.


    "Do you agree that I should enroll AJ in a nursery school next month?" She would be too busy supervising the building, if ever, to teach AJ the


    fundamentals.


    Marcus reasoned that while AJ was at school, he would have Danie all to himself, which was not a terrible n at all. "Yes. I''m sure Patty would


    wee the opportunity to join her on a daily basis." As he stated.


    "That is correct." She returned her response. They were heading to the office when she noticed Gerald crossing the street. "Isn''t that correct.


    Gerald?" She directed her finger in the direction of Gerald.


    Marcus slowed the car to examine, clenching his jaw when he recognized Danie''s bestfriend¡¯s style. "No, Gerald was not there. They simply...had


    the same appearance." He responded.


    "I believe that is him: please halt the vehicle for a while." She gave themand.


    Marcus was unresponsive and sped away. much to Danie''s consternation. "Dani, you''re going to bete." As he stated.


    "Aren''t you adorable when you act childishly, my love?¡± Danie teased the man for being simultaneously charming and jealous. For goodness sake.


    they were no longer teens, and yet he was still intimidated by someone else''s presence. Simon came first, followed by Gerald.


    He made no response and continued driving until he reached the two-story structure that housed the Reyes¡¯ real estate firm. He stopped the car and


    then opened the door to allow Danie to exit; he then followed her into the building.


    "Are you not returning home?" Danie enquired. Their arrangement was that he would drive her to work and thene home to check on her


    greenhouse.


    "At ater time," he said. "It would be beneficial if I were present when you reviewed the paperwork,¡± he continued.


    ¡°Oh, all right, if you say so." Her office window overlooked the famed Sumilon Ind. It was just a few minutes by boat, and she thought it would be


    nice if she and Marcus could spend the night on the ind alone. "By the way, where do you believe Paloma is now staying?" The woman was


    obstinate in her opposition to Lilian''s reconciliation with Alexander and departed from their home.


    "I''m not sure. I''m very perplexed by her attitude; after all, she and Alexander were once extremely close." Marcus returned thepliment.


    "I agree, and I''m wondering whether Alexander did anything awful to Paloma." Danie stated as she began her task.


    Her father''s firm did not require more workers because it required just minimum paperwork. A secretary or an office assistant was sufficient to help


    her, but as the resort''s building progressed, she may have to engage extrabor, with the remainder allocated to their contractors.


    "Hmm Marcus, whe will be our project''s target market?" Danie inquired when she was unable to locate it in the proposal.


    "Those who can afford, Dani.¡± Although it would be a high-end resort. Marcus did not want to restrict their services to the wealthy. The middle ss


    and the impoverished may stail avail for as long as they could afford it. There have been cases where the impoverished gained ess to monies and


    used them to indulge themselves.


    "I see," she replied, although she would have appreciated Marcus borating on the exact segment of their target market. However, the man was


    competent and she trusted him at the time. ¡°All right, let''s go on to step one; we''ll choose a contractor for the job."


    "I am acquainted with someone.¡± he said


    They discussed almost everything about her new business venture, but at the end of the day, Marcus has never had the opportunity to spend


    significant time with Danie since he arrived. She was perpetually busy and, on most instances, she put their daughter and Vanessa first. He wished


    Lilian would return sooner!


    However, there was an ancient proverb that warned that you should be careful what you wish for or you may receive it. He had barely returned from


    Danie''s office when Lilian, Alexander, and an uninvited guest came.


    At first, he believed his mind was ying tricks on him, but as he rubbed his eyes, he saw Philip Madrigal was still alive and well! "What are you doing


    here, Pa?¡± enquired he.


    "Is it the proper way to meet the man who allowed you to see the world?" Philip chastised his kid for having forgotten his manners.


    Marcus was forced to admit his father, Lilian, and Alexander into the house. The couple immediately began searching for their missing daughter. ¡°How


    did you learn about Alexander and Lilian?" she inquired.


    "That is how it urred, Marcus. If I


    did not insist OA apanying


    them, I woulthave no way of


    knowing yaur location," Philip stated:


    When Alexander informed him that


    Marcys was in Oslob, a town inthe


    south; he was skeptical, at least until


    he-arrived at Oslob, a half-drive day''s


    away. His elderly body was


    exhausted and he desired rest, but


    his son appeared to be angry to see


    him.


    Marcus had a suspicion that there was more to his father''s narrative, but he refrained from pressing the topic. "Excuse me for a moment," he


    murmured, as he needed to notify Danie about his unwanted guest. "Are you thirsty?¡± Marcus inquired of his father following his conversation with


    Danie.


    "Do you have a spouse?" Philip wondered because his son''s face was soft when he spoke on the phone with someone.


    "She remains my girlfriend," he responded.


    "Girlfriend? And you''ve already made your home here? I have to speak with the girl''s parents!¡± Philip yelled, imagining that his son had be a


    freeloader on the family of his fianc@@e.


    "I would appreciate it if you would refrain from interfering with my personal affairs, Pa." Marcus didn''t want someone like Philip interfering in his


    romance with Danie, even if the man was his father. He was still awaiting the proper moment, and he didn''t want the woman to believe he was


    being pressed by his father.


    "Don''t you believe it''s past time for me to intervene?¡± Consider yourself! You''re a shambles!" Philip lowered his gaze to Marcus.


    "If you have nothing constructive to say, then say nothing.¡± Marcus said, and was shocked as a sneaker sailed through the air, calling out Danie''s


    name before colliding with his face.


    "That is not the proper way tomunicate with your father, Marcus!" Danie rescued Philip from Marcus¡¯ verbal abuse. When Marcus phoned, he


    simply stated the unwanted guest; however, Lilian also called to inform her that Marcus'' father was in the home, and upon her arrival, she instantly


    thought that the elderly gentleman conversing with her boyfriend was Philip Madrigal.


    "I merely advised him not to intrude in my private life!" Marcus attempted to exin. but the woman only sneered at him and dismissed him.


    "Why don''t you simply assist Simon in caring for Sky?" Because the guy felt insecure about Simon, he assigned the young man to look after her dog,


    Sky.


    Marcus sat on the sofa and listened in while Danie spoke with his father. He desired to caution her against being too close to Philip, as his father


    was not a saint!


    "Would you kindly provide some refreshments?" Danie directed Marcus to get to the kitchen and prepare something for herself and Philip.


    Marcus was enraged, yet he was


    compelled to obtain something for


    his father. Nosthe elderly gentleman


    was not permitted to remain more


    than two days! He would just allow


    him to r¨¦coup his lost energy fromyY


    traveliag, and then he would request


    Tyler''s assistance in locating-his


    fatker! What was Tyler''s reasoning


    fSP allowing the elderly guy to travel?


    arcus immediately called Tyler''s


    phone and reprimanded him. "Come


    here and bring him home," he


    directed Tyler to do. He sent Tyler


    the address and denied him the


    opportunity to say no.


    He returned to the living room, bringing a tray of drinks with him. Marcus offered Danie a ss of chilled pineapple juice as his father drank coffee.


    "I appreciate it, my darling. Excuse me, sir; I''m checking up on my kid. Marcus will walk you to your room,¡± Danie stepped aside to allow them some


    privacy.


    "I enjoy herpany," Philip stated


    "She''s taken,¡± Marcus responded,


    and both guys burst outughing at


    their shared cheesy joke. There was


    no animosit#between them when I


    he elected''o leave their house ¡°


    followinga session of ~¡ª


    life-threatening conditions caused


    by his lifestly. They just do see


    each other very much, and-both


    guys preferred alone. "Sotell me


    why you''re here," he inquired as to


    the true reason for his father''s


    presence in Oslob, as there was no


    way it was due to him!


    "It is due to Sharon. "I have a feeling she is nearby," Philip said.


    "I anticipated it! You''ve been fascinated with that woman for far too long! Perhaps it is time for you to give up on her," Marcus pleaded with his father


    to forget about the woman he had met only once.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    "Are you sure you can forget about Danie, son?¡± Philip inquired.


    "That is a different tale, Pa.¡± There is no simrity between Danie and the woman named Sharon whe had a one-night affair with his obstinate


    father and couldn''t understand why he was so captivated with the woman when it was obvious she wasn''t interested in him!


    "I am aware, yet I am hopeful that I will see her before I die." Philip returned thepliment


    Marcus was troubled by the prospect of his father dying, and hisment served as a wake-up call. "Do you have any information on how to locate


    this woman?"


    "Do not be concerned: I have already retained Ortega''s services to assist me in locating her. ¡°From what I''ve heard, he¡¯s the finest," Philip stated


    "Indeed, he is.¡±

 CHAPTER 34

    CHAPTER 34


    Lilian and Alexander did not appear at supper, and Danie became concerned. Paloma was overjoyed when she joined them. Later, she would


    inquire of her stepmother about Lilian and Alexander''s current circumstances. When they were so in love, it was difficult to believe they were siblings.


    "Ma, I didn¡¯t officially introduce you to my future father inw," Danie said after they hadpleted their supper and were left with only mango floats


    for dessert.


    "Yes, Marcus, you bring him here. Paloma said, "Invite your father over.¡±


    Marcus and Danie exchanged puzzled looks because they felt Paloma was already aware of Philip''s existence when she invited him to join her


    meeting with Lilian and Alexander.


    Philip, on the other hand, was perplexed. Didn''t he already introduce himself to the woman? Her blood pressure really increased following the


    introduction. He cleared his throat and announced his presence as they debated him, but Edwin arrived before he could say anything to Paloma, and


    Paloma invited the guy to join them for desserts.


    "Gerald and his girlfriends came to visit with me,¡± Edwin exined.


    "Is Gerald dating anyone?¡± Danie delighted as she learned that her buddy had finally made himself essible on the market.


    Marcus grimaced at Danie for being overjoyed that the guy hade to visit. despite the fact that he was apanied by a girlfriend. ¡°However,


    where have they gone?¡± He enquired.


    "They were simply ying with Sky in the living room," Edwin said.


    "Thank you, Tito: we''re going there right now.¡±


    He went behind Danie as they made their way to the living room, where Gerald was waiting. "You appear ecstatic that he''s here," Marcus observed


    "Certainly. Itis not every day that he pays me a visit," she responded.


    His nostrils rose as he verified Danie''s delight at Gerald''s arrival and glowered at her, but his scowls melted away as he came face to face with the


    woman Gerald had brought in. ¡°Alicia?¡± How did she learn he was in Oslob?


    Alica smiled warmly at Marcus and walked up to him to properly wee him with a kiss! Following the kiss, she smiled triumphantly.


    Danie''s eyes widened in surprise upon witnessing such event in front of her! She looked around to check if she was only imagining things. but the


    people around them had the same reaction as hers. When Marcus freed himself from the other woman''s clutches, she red at him.


    No questions asked. She turned around and walked away.


    Marcus followed and he kept on exining, but she was not an idiot! Danie was skeptical when Marcus informed him that he was not dating Alicia


    Nody in her right mind would kiss someone she met for the first time, and she was far from blind! She noticed as Alicia clutched Marcus to her


    chest as though she was in desperate need of her! "Do you believe I''m a fool?¡± She yelled and scratched the man''s face!


    ¡°Dani, put an end to this!" Marcus attempted to evade Danie''s strikes, but Danie transformed herself into an amazon warrior.


    "So, tell me who she is?¡± How did you be acquainted with her? Did you maintain contact with her in order for her to be aware of your


    whereabouts?¡± Her mind was still racing with questions, and she desired to ask him everything! She was so enraged that she felt as if her heart


    would explode or she would burst into tears at any minute! However, before she allowed her tears to flow, she would obtain all of the information she


    could from Mareus.


    "All well, but may we discuss it privately?¡± He suggested to Danie that they go inside their room for further privacy. Quarreling in the living room


    would just provide fodder for staff rumor, and Ortega''s men may be watching right now!


    "Follow me," she murmured as she took a step forward.


    Danie smacked Marcus and even kicked his knees as soon as they entered the seclusion of their chamber. She vowed she would refrain from


    kicking his crotch, but the temptation to kick him remained, and she instead targeted his knees. "Tell me now," she pleaded.


    "She also worked on the farm with which I was assisting. "We were simply coworkers," he stated.


    ¡°Coworkers do not kiss, Marcus." She brought up a point that the man had almost certainly overlooked in his attempt to rescue himself.


    "I was oblivious to her kiss earlier!" He reasoned, but Danie''s angry eyes remained fixed on him, as if he were a criminal under investigation.


    "However, she kissed you? You have failed to adequately exin it to me!" Danie was bing irritated as she snapped at Marcus.


    "I''m not sure! I truly have no idea, Dani. I''ve already made it obvious to her that our rtionship is finished and that she should refrain from showing


    herself to me again.¡± Danie was enraged when he blurted out the partial truth regarding Alicia. Sne was much angrier!


    "So you''re admitting that she was your ex-girlfriend?" She enquired


    "She was not, she was not. We did not have a connection in the manner in which I described it previously," he responded.


    "Howe you told her to stay away if you had no rtionship with her?¡± I''m not sure I get your point. You are a deceiver!" She used him of lying


    once more.


    Marcus sighed deeply as he considered a better way to convey it to Danie in a way that would not insult her. "The woman waspletely fixated


    on me, Dani. She enticed me into doing it with her, but it urred far too recently, when I left here. "At the time, you were still pregnant,¡± he said.


    To be sure, she could contemte it, but what about the times he returned to the farm to discuss his resignation with his employer? "I couldn''t contact


    your phone for three days after you returned to the farm to tender your resignation. What transpired? Did you spend any quality time with her as I


    waited for you in vain?" She yelled at Marcus and resumed her assault on him.


    The farm was frantic at the time, and he didn''t have time to charge his phone. He was frequently exhausted when he returned home after working


    long hours, but how could he exin this to her? Without a certain, the woman would not trust him if he told her he was simply busy!


    "Please save me from murdering you and simply go. Marcus, get out of my sight!" She motioned for him to depart and shifted her gaze away from


    him


    ot at all, Dani. If you listen to me,


    ou will know that Alicia was only


    ttempting to-separate us. Are you


    going to givetit to her? The joy of


    SS ara


    knowing she seeded in ripping >>


    S apart?¡± He attempted to persuade


    her, bat she did not turn back to:


    speak with him. She maintained her


    position against the wall, and the


    n¨¦xt thing he knew, her shoulders


    were moving like if she were


    weeping! He approached her and


    embraced her from behind. ''


    apologize for making you weep," he


    said.


    oO <


    Cc


    When Marcus attempted to console her, Danie lost control of her emotions and they streamed freely from her eyes. She attempted to speak in


    between sobbing, but no words came out of her lips.


    Marcus allowed her to cry for a time and continued to console her. "You know how much I adore you, Dani." As he stated.


    "She will attempt to separate you from me." she exined after a few minutes of sobbing.


    "Are you going to allow her?" He enquired.


    ¡°Certainly not!" She returned her


    response. Danie has now realized


    that sending Viarcus away was the


    wrong choic@and that she should


    not give Alicia he satisfaction of .


    knowingdthey broke up because of


    her. However, this was her first


    encounter with anotherdy. in-his


    li e,and she was at a loss fer what


    tendo! If Marcus were not: weak


    enough to sumb to her beautiful


    appearance, she would not have this


    problem! Still, she was enraged at


    him, and the guy had not yet


    e


    OThis is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ~


    xined why he had not been out


    ¡ê


    reach for three days upon his


    return to the property.


    "I appreciate it, Dani. I know you are a reasonabledy who will not allow anybody else to stand in our way,¡± he stated


    "You are correct; in addition to being sensible, I am not forgetful, and I recall you haven''t yet exined why I couldn''t contact you for three days!" She


    bowed her head and crossed her arms while she interrogated the man, who evidently assumed he could evade her probe.


    "I didn''t have time to charge my phone." he said truthfully, but the woman''s raised eyebrows indicated she did not trust him. "I am being truthful


    Dani."


    "Okay." she said.


    Following their altercation, Marcus escorted Danie to the greenhouse, a private area where she could quiet her furious desire to w his eyes. ¡°Are


    you confident in my ability to cope with Alicia?¡± He inquired before they sat at a bench designed specifically for floral arranging near her desk.


    "To be really candid, I''m not sure I trust you with it. Perhaps you should allow me to manage your affair.¡± she said.


    He shivered at the prospect of Danie addressing or questioning Alicia. "Or perhaps we could choose a wedding date to prevent Alicia from stealing


    me away from you,¡± he said.


    "Do you believe a wedding ceremony will deter her? If I were in her ce, no ceremony could prevent me from taking what is mine, and in some


    ways, she and I are so simr!" She reacted.


    He was not pleased with her reaction. Since he requested her hand in marriage and she replied yes, there had been no date established, and he


    began to wonder what was preventing the woman from establishing one. "Howe Dani?¡± He enquired.


    When perplexity began to mount in her, a single line of wrinkle emerged on her forehead. "What is the reason? Marcus, I don''t understand." As she


    stated.


    "Why are you still on the fence about marrying me?" I have repeatedly demonstrated my worth to you, and yet every time we discuss our wedding


    you will find a way to avoid it." He was upset and angered by her continual rejection, despite the fact that she had initially epted his marriage


    proposal!


    "You are aware that this is not the


    case, Marcus, Do we have to hurry?


    That is, we ac¨¦: OK, we are content,


    and we do not require any ceremony


    to prove ¡ét! She was adamant. She


    was aware that Marcus was the-one


    who-thight bring her happiness for


    ther¨¦mainder of her years, but they


    had previously been married and no


    one was aware of their annulment.


    Everyone except Lilian still regarded


    her as Marcus Madrigal''swful


    wife!


    "You are correct; there is no ceremony to certify our happiness together, but Dani, I want to be certain that no other guy can have you! You are solely


    mine, and I want to legalize it!" Marcus was adamant. He was certain in her love for him as well, then Gerald showed there, and the dang man inly


    liked hisdy!


    Danie grinned and hugged Marcus. "I have already be yours, Marcus." "My body and heart are exclusively yours, now and forever,¡± she said,


    looking him in the eye.


    His knees buckled for the nth time at her promation of love. Since he met her, it had always been this way. He was rendered weak in the knees by


    the woman, and he was perpetually lost in the depths of her gaze. "I love you,¡± he said, lowering his mouth to take hers


    Danie allowed his mouth to rule hers and closed her eyes to taste his kisses¡¯ deliciousness. "I love you as well,¡± she answered as soon as his


    mouth released hers.

 CHAPTER 35

    CHAPTER 35


    CHAPTER 35


    "Howdy, Alicia.¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Alicia''s joy vanished instantly when she realized it wasn''t Marcus...but his girlfriend. ¡°Danie...." she clinched her teeth as she said the name of the


    woman.


    Marcus was convinced she would never discover he had neglected to erase their discussion from his inbox. She simply excused herself from her


    family''s beach activities and dashed to the inn where his mistress was staying. "By the way, you look fantastic,¡± Danie arched her brow as she


    examined the woman from head to toe and invited herself inside.


    Alicia shut the door behind Danie and followed the woman inside, who seemed confident enough to take a seat. "So you acknowledge that I am


    more attractive than you," she answered


    Danie shrugged her shoulders and motioned the other woman to sit, since it was causing her neck difort to always look up at her whenever


    she spoke. "Why don''t you take a seat?"


    Alicia examined Danie''s face, unsure if she was upset or outraged. Her expression was imprable, and she sat as if she owned the room.


    "Whatever you wish to convey to me, may you do so now?"


    "Do you want me to say ¡®Leave him alone''?" Danie made a concerted effort to maintain herposure while Marcus was still on his way. She want


    to observe his subsequent response!


    "Of course not!" Alicia chuckled. Danie, you are not the sort to beg."


    "You''re correct. If you''re curious, I don¡¯t hunt individuals; I rece them, and I''m not opposed to sharing my old toys with those in need.¡± She was


    aware that referring to Marcus as a toy was cruel, but she had no option.


    When Danie intimated that Alicia was a loser and less fortunate, Alicia clinched her fist and gritted her teeth. "You have the audacity!" She pped


    her guest across the face for gazing down at her.


    "How dare you meddle with my life!¡± Danie retaliated.


    "Do you truly believe he adores you?¡± You''re hallucinating! Do you believe he will remain if you do not have children? I don''t believe so. Keep in mind


    that we were once coworkers and...lovers." Alicia suggested that she was more familiar with Marcus than anybody else. When she revealed to


    Danie that she and Marcus had been lovers in the past, she was pleased to see her eyelids flutter open and blink a single tear.


    "You''re fixated on him!" Danie used Alicia of being preupied with her lover, which elicited a giggle from the other women.


    "Who wouldn''t. given his prowess in bed?" I was giddy with anticipation just thinking about it. Danie, you are only an ex-wife. It''s not good to cling to


    him for the sake of your daughter,¡± Alicia added, implying that Marcus was coerced into remaining in the rtionship for the sake of their kid


    "I''m aware that this is unhealthy, Alicia, and that''s why I''m here to inform you that attempting to take him away was rash and desperate.¡± Danie


    proposed that Alicia be the one to relinquish control. "Do not injure yourself further by attempting to make him like you. You stated that you were


    coworkers; so, if he was interested in you, do you believe he would search for another woman? To seek for someone who is simr to me?"


    Alicia was enraged by Danie''s tone, which treated her as if she were a piece of trash! "Bitch!"


    Danie only smiled at the woman, her cheeks flushed with rage. "I was about to give you a terrible look, Alicia, but I see you already had one." Keep


    in mind that you will never win a fight with me."


    She despised Danie''s intelligence! She despised Danie¡¯s ability to fight more effectively with harsh and nastyments. She despised thedy


    in every way and cursed, "Go to hell, Danie!"


    "I intend to. Who will take my ce on the throne if I am not present? I''ll see you in hell, Alicia." Danie returned thepliment.


    Before she could think of a caustic response, she noticed someone standing outside her door and wondered who it was. Wasn''t that KZ? Alicia


    approached the door to open it...and her eyes widened at the sight of him. She attempted to tell Marcus that someone else was there, but he


    persisted on entering, or perhaps he was scared that an acquaintance would see him in the inn''s room


    "Greetings, my dear," Danie greeted the visitor, who was taken aback to discover her sitting quietly in one of the seats. "Surprise!" She joked, but


    her eyes shed daggers at the guy in whom she had ced her faith but who had deceived her!


    "Dani, it is not as you believe." Marcus attempted to exin that he was not seeing Alicia for any other reason than to assist her, but Danie would


    not listen, and the way she looked at him - meant the end.


    Danie did not speak a single word in front of Marcus, Alicia noted. She must be enraged at having witnessed her lover visiting another woman...in a


    separate room! Danie must have chosen to die immediately! "I was afraid you wouldn''te." Alicia remarked as she drew closer to Marcus and


    kissed him on the lips, even if Danie was watching with two rounded eyes.


    Marcus attempted to eject Alicia, but it was toote. Danie had already made the worst-case scenario, and Alicia added gasoline to the fire. ¡°Speak


    the truth to her, Alicia!¡¯ Marcus demanded that Alicia disclose the truth, but she simply shook her head


    "I apologize, Marcus. I want to keep


    this a secret till the rest of my days,


    but I felt bad for your partner. "She


    deserved toe aware of our NS


    connectigi; Alicia said, as if it would


    benefit Danie if she were aware of


    the affair. She''d just understoed that


    if sh¨¦ couldnt have him, Danie


    couldn''t either. Marcus weuld


    eventually find himself alone, and


    she would just wait for the moment


    when he would seek her


    constion.


    ¡°You''re damned, Alicia! Why are you torturing me?¡± Marcus cursed Alicia for her vindictiveness and maniption! How could she have kissed him


    without Danie noticing? "Are you insane?" his loud voice resonated throughout the room, and he was at a loss for words with Danie as she


    observed another kiss from Alicia. Damn!


    "If you''re finished, let''s head home."


    When she informed him that they


    were returningyiome, her voice was


    low and quiet: "By the way, Alicia,


    good attempt. Let us depart, my =


    darling." Banie reasoned that ~


    Alicia would be pleased to see her


    and-Marcus fighting, and therefore


    she would refrain from givit ing it to


    the insanedy. Daniebegan


    ring at Marcus once she was


    outside the inn. "You agree that I


    was cool earlier?¡± She inquired of


    him prior to getting into the


    automobile.


    ~


    Marcus was saddened to discover


    Danie was enly acting on the


    inside! He believed he had been


    pardoned, burt it turned out that nee


    was incdtrect. Danie scowled ~


    daggerS-at him, and he was forced


    to cli into the automobile He had


    berrowed from Paloma in order to


    attend the inn. If only he fad a


    hunch that Danie was already


    there, he would never show up by


    ident! You''re the devil, Alicia!


    f


    Danie fought back her emotions for as long as she could and waited until she was alone in her bedroom before crying. How dare he toy with her


    emotions!


    She wiped her eyes as she turned around to face him as she heard his footsteps. "How are you dressed?" She interrogated him about the piece of


    sportswear he was wearing over his jeans. He resembled someone who had recently lost his mind. "Are you delusory?"


    Marcus lowered his gaze to his groin protector, which sportsmen typically wear before a fight, and stated, "I know you''re upset, therefore I need to


    defend myself." He was aware of how powerfully she might kick him in a fit of rage, and he didn¡¯t want to jeopardize his capacity to reproduce new


    children.


    "Are you trying to be humorous or what?" Danie said, raising her eyebrows. This time, Marcus, I don''t have time to be aggressive. All I ask of you is


    that you...leave.¡±


    "No, I will not abandon you. "Here," he said, removing his groin guard, "just kick me as hard as you can, Dani." Alternatively, you may smack my face


    or do whatever else that would make you feel better. Simply do not tell me to leave you, as I am incapable of doing so and do not wish to.¡±


    "You lied to me!" Danie grinned and shouted. Marcus, you told me she was meaningless to you, but you went there.¡±


    "I''m very sorry that you were forced to find that. However, it was not as you believe. She just requested a loan from me after being evicted from


    Gerald''s home." Marcus rified.


    "What do you think of the kiss, Marcus?" Her heart ached once again as she thought about how Alicia pushed herself into her guy and Marcus did


    nothing to stop her! She was outraged that he had allowed Alicia to kiss him for the second time. If everything he told her was urate, why did she


    have the impression that Marcus withheld information from her?


    "It is meaningless, Dani. "Didn''t you notice that I didn''t kiss her?¡± Marcus enquired.


    "I am not blind Marcus, and I noticed how your lips were pressed together," she said. "If you do not wish to leave the home, be delicate enough to


    remain in one of the guest rooms, and do not show your face to me again!" She wrned him as she removed all of his clothing from their closet and


    ced them in a suitcase. "Take this."


    Marcus sighed as he stepped outside with the suitcase. Danie remained enraged, and no matter how many times he attempted to exin his side,


    thatdy would not listen. His head hung down, and he was disappointed that he had missed Alexander heading towards him in the corridor.


    "Where are you going, Marcus?"


    Alexander enquired


    "Hello, Ortega. Hmm, I''ll spend some time in the guestroom.¡± Marcus said and kept walking towards the guest room he frequently used when she


    was enraged with him.

 CHAPTER 36

    CHAPTER 36


    Danie inhaled deeply as she sought sce from the small human beingying in her bed. "Aj." she cried out her daughter''s name, and then she


    lost control of her tears.


    She sat with her daughter for hours, waiting for AJ to awaken. She desired to convey to her daughter the agony of witnessing the most valuable guy


    in her life kiss another woman. Danie wanted to empty her heart of the weight of betrayal in order to go on, and she didn¡¯t want to burden Lilian with


    her issues.


    "Mama..."


    Danie smiled at her daughter and replied, "Hello, my love," as scon as she heard Aj''s little voice.


    "Are you hungry, Chuckie?¡±


    Danie agreed and walked over to their room''s mini-fridge to retrieve a box of her chocte drink, which she handed to AJ. She was delighted that


    her kid was already familiar with the procedure for inserting the drinking straw into the box. "Slowly," she instructed


    "Papa?"


    AJ and Marcus had been close since Marcus''s return to their lives, and Danie wasn''t sure how to deal with her daughter if Marcus was ever to


    leave their lives for good. "I''m sorry, my dear,¡± she said, but AJ would never understand. The small child simply proceeded to sip the chocte


    beverage from a box. Is AJ going to be disappointed with her in the future if she is unable to provide her with aplete family? Would she be furious


    with her for refusing to forgive her father''s adultery? Her mind was racing with questions, many of which were linked to the man in their guestroom.


    "Papa is leaving shortly to work abroad,¡± she lied. For the second time, she concocted another narrative regarding Marcus, but she was less certain


    this time. given Philip Madrigal''s presence in the home.


    "All OK," AJ responded. "y?"


    Danie desired to remain in their bedroom because she was concerned she and Marcus might cross paths in themon areas and she was


    averse to speaking with him. She grew enraged every time the sight inside the inn shed back into her memory. She could not, however, deny AJ of


    his urge to y with Vanessa. "Later," Danie stated as she walked over to her closet and changed into white shorts and a pink top.


    "Dani..." Marcus rose immediately upon hearing the sound of the door opening.


    Danie stared at Marcus as he approached her porch. "Didn''t I warn you to leave?¡±


    ¡°Papa!¡± AJ shouted, her voice brimming with joy, reaching for her father''s hand.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Baby...." his daughter shouted with glee as he lifted her little frame into the air and quickly caught her.


    She was furious, but she couldn''t reject her daughter''s request to be carried by Marcus. and so she yielded, although her eyes continued to send


    daggers in his direction. "Do not attempt to use our daughter," she advised him before they walked outside to y.


    Lilian and Alexander were already on


    the yground with their daughter,


    Vanessa, whemthey arrived. They


    exchanged gteetings before


    allowing their children to y =


    independently. Danie saw that


    Lilian nad reverted to normalcyand


    thatier stepsister appearto be


    ple eased, as seen by her eyes, She


    deduced that somethi ng-positive


    had urred between Lilian and


    Alexander and she began to


    investigate what was wrong with


    her, why she couldn''t be happy


    indefinitely!


    She grimaced at the guy beside her, and she prayed Marcus would leave, away from her house and forever from her life. She was fed up with it!


    Perhaps her love rtionship was doomed from the start. or she was being punished for acting contrary to the man''s wishes. She and AJ would be


    very content without him, in fact.


    e attempted to attract the


    woman''s attention with his index


    inger, and when she stared at him


    ith glowering eyes, he panicked.


    ¡®Doesn''t our daughter look lovely?"


    e attempted to strike up a 5


    conversation with Danie, but allhe


    receivec- were her frigid shoulders


    and ck of eye contact. Marcus


    went an inch closer to her, ahd when


    she still refused to recognize his


    presence, he attempted a wicked


    technique he had learned as a child.


    He extended his hand and pressed


    his finger on the woman''s cheeks,


    then shouted her name ina


    distressed tone. As he imagined her


    response when he poked her face,


    he smiled; nevertheless, Danie


    continued to ignore him and did not


    spare him a nce.


    to


    =


    Danie remained immersed in her thoughts, imagining life without him. She despised being alone, but it was unavoidable. Marcus deceived her by


    entertaining Alicia, and she was incapable of forgiving him. "I still despise you,¡± she yelled at Marcus as she walked away from him and took a seat on


    another bench.


    Marcus pursued Danie and addressed her by name. "Please, Danie. Hear me out," he pleaded, oblivious to the fact that the other couple''s


    attention had shifted to them


    "All you have to do is get lost,


    Marcus." Danie said


    monotonously and continued


    walking awaytrom him. "Why don''t


    you simply xisit Alicia?" I''m sure she


    could make you happy than I could,


    ¡°she contin ued, but when she tured


    to ogkat him, he had stopped¡¯


    fo lowing her, and Marcus was


    assisting AJ in standing. Hei


    daughter must have fall¨¦nA while


    Vanessa was ying. Marcus was


    considerate andpassionate, but


    she couldn''t shake the image of him


    with Alicia from her mind. She


    regarded his back with forlorn eyes,


    but her determination remained the


    same!

 CHAPTER 37

    CHAPTER 37


    "E, sweetheart. What is the matter with you? You stared at Marcus as if you wanted to murder him," Paloma observed and said, oblivious to


    Danie''s embarrassment at their presence


    Danie was unprepared for her stepmother to draw her attention to her observation. It was humiliating and ufortable, all the more so when all


    eyes were on her and waiting for her reaction. She cast a nce towards Marcus, but he averted his gaze. leaving her to exin on her own. ¡°He


    cheated on me," she stated inly, her chin up as she told them the truth.


    Everyone''s focus was drawn to Marcus, and he was at a loss for how to describe it in a way that they wouldprehend. He was taken aback by her


    candour, but how could she have disclosed their personal troubles to the entire world? He sought moral support from his father, but Philip Madrigal


    red at him already, and he realized he was doomed. Alexander''s face was nk, and Marcus was unsure whether his buddy sympathized with


    him. "That is not urate," he said with the truth that he was aware of. What is the matter with everyone? The way they stared at him was unsettling


    and Marcus tightened his teeth before directing his gaze at Danie and interrogating her with his eyes.


    Philip sprang to his feet and beat the table vigorously. Everyone at the dinner table was taken aback by his actions, but he couldn''t be sympathetic


    toward his son if Danie was speaking the truth. "Is that true, Marcus?" He looked him in the eyes as he inquired, and everyone else did the same.


    Marcus had the sensation of being an insect being investigated in aboratory. Danie and the others had already formed an opinion, which he


    could see in their eyes. They regarded him as if he were a bastard! He became enraged about being unfairly judged and grinned. "You are exactly


    like them, Pa. You will inquire, but you will not trust me, since no one has ever believed in me!" He stated this with his gaze fixed on Danie and then


    rushed out of the room.


    "Marcus! What in the world do you believe you''re doing? Return here immediately!" Philip screamed, but Marcus turned away without looking back


    and proceeded on his journey. "I believe he was speaking the truth," Philip stated as he seated. Even though he was not always with his son, he was


    always aware of whether he was lying or stating the truth


    Danie locked her gaze on the ground as Marcus walked away from them, and she dared not call his name. It was unusual for him to walk away


    from an argument, and she was taken aback when he did. "I''m sorry," she whispered quietly as she walked away from the dining table, taking AJ with


    her. She felt terrible that the wonderful moment after Lilian''s announcement of her marriage preparations with Alexander had been marred by her.


    Danie dragged her feet toward the swing beside the swimming pool after entrusting Patty with her kid. She was perplexed and guilty following


    Philip''s announcement that Marcus could be speaking the truth. However, that kiss has been with her ever since. It proceeded to hound her, torment


    her, and mock her in the most humiliating manner possible! She raised her eyes to the sky, searching for clues to how she would cope with Marcus,


    but there were none! She inhaled deeply and sighed for the umpteenth time.


    "Would you mind if I gave you a dime for your thoughts?¡±


    Danie was taken aback when Lilian materialized in front of her. "Lil, congrattions on your engagement to Alexander, and please ept my


    apologies for spoiling the mood."


    Lilian sat near Danie and inquired, "Howe you said Marcus cheated on you?" She was taken aback by Danie''s previous disclosure, and


    Alexander, too, reluctant to believe Marcus had cheated on Danie.


    Danie tried not to recollect Marcus¡¯ kisses with Alicia, but they shed through her memory and tears began to stream down her cheeks as she


    began to retell the narrative of her breakup with Marcus in between sobs. "The night you tried suicide, Gerald arrived here with a woman, and it


    turned out that she had previously worked on the same farm as Marcus, and Lil, she kissed him! Then they conspired to reconvene behind my back! I


    wish I had listened to my intuition and simply stayed at the resort that time. I was present when thatdy kissed him again; I witnessed their lips


    lacking together, and Marcus had the audacity to deny it! ¡°Can you fathom that?¡±


    "I''m sorry, E. What anguish you must have suffered! I''m very sorry for asking you to go over it again.¡± Lilian apologized for inquiring as to what had


    urred.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    "It''s all right. Indeed, I''m not sure what to believe anymore." Danie sighed and awaited Lilian''s response.


    "Converse with him, E. Perhaps he has an exnation. Please try to listen to him and never forget how much you love him," Lilian cautioned


    Danie to exercise caution when dealing with Marcus, as it would be a shame to lose him when they appeared to be a match made in heaven.


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Danie answered, her heart trembling. "However, when is the wedding?" She shifted the subject by inquiring about Lilian''s wedding date.


    Lilian''s eyes widened as Danie disclosed her impending engagement to Alexander. ¡°Immediately. It will be a small ceremony with close family


    members." Her mother insisted on avish wedding for her, but she politely declined, preferring to celebrate the most momentous day of her life with


    family and close friends only.


    "Why not go all out? It''s a once-in-a-lifetime urrence, Lil." Danie pleaded with Lilian to make her wedding magnificent.


    "Are you also of the opinion that this is a good idea?" Lilian said, "I dislike being worried up about regtions and wedding preparations. However, we


    shouldn''t be discussing about my wedding right now. You have something to do, E."


    ¡°About what?"


    ¡°About Marcus," Lilian replied


    For a moment, she was silent, and then she opened her mouth to speak. "I will talk to him in the morning. Now is not the right time,¡± she rified.


    "Okay, it''s up to you, but please settle your differences as soon as possible, alright?¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Lil," Danie said.


    As soon as Lilian returned to her


    room, she contemted whether to


    talk to him or not. She wanted to


    settle it with fh, but her pride


    prevented tevin he end, Danie


    regretted¡®her decision to dy = =>


    comprorhising and speaking with>


    Marcys until morning. If only she


    hadn''t been reluctant with her


    choice immediately fo lowing her


    arid Lilian''s talk on the swing. If she


    weren''t so full of pride, she may still


    be able to see him. Numerous


    U


    what-if scenarios raced through her


    mind, and if she didn''t let go of her


    emotions, she felt as if she would


    explode at any moment. However, it


    proved to be more difficult said than


    done!


    Danie lost her temper and sat on the floor, releasing her grief and sadness after discovering Marcus was no longer in the guest room. His luggage


    was also missing, which could only mean one thing: he had vanished!


    "What is wrong, E?" Lilian and Alexander were snuggling in the living room when they heard Danie scream from the second level. She instantly


    hurried towards the stairs, where she discovered Danie on the floor directly in front of Marcus''s guest room


    "Marcus has vanished. He abandoned me!¡± Danie eximed as she saw Marcus''s message


    Lilian felt sorry for Danie, who was


    staring into space as if she''d lost


    everything..She was familiar with the


    sensation Having juste a


    dange ¡®ously close tolosing >


    Alexander, she nearly killed herself!


    "''mSorry, E. Have you attempted


    to-Contact him? Perhaps this is a


    hoax!" Lilian in order to h¨¦lp Danie


    rx and calm down.


    Danie''s nands trembled, like if she


    were lost in the street, as she


    retrieved the phone from the pocket


    of her shorts and dialled his phone


    number. "It just Keeps ringing," she


    said, raisingyher eyes to Lilianas \


    though herstepsister understood


    why Marcus had not picked up his


    phoney She attempted repeatedly till


    the:time came for her daug#ter''s


    breakfast and she was fofced to


    give up. "Could you ask Alexander if


    he has any information on my


    boyfriend''s whereabouts?" She


    asked Lilian that Alexander enquires


    about Marcus since she had no clue


    where Marcus would go. She had


    just discovered that, despite the fact


    that they shared a house, she knew


    just his name and the location of his


    previous employment.


    "Certainly, I shall do soter. Lilian responded, "Go get AJ and then we''ll have breakfast together,¡± as she proceeded to collect her daughter as well.

 CHAPTER 38

    CHAPTER 38


    CHAPTER 38 (Finale)


    "Did Alexander inform you about Marcus?¡± She attempted to dupe Lilian in case the woman learned information about her ex-boyfriend through


    Alexander.


    "He did not. I assumed you had lost interest in Marcus, E." Lilian taunted Danie in response to the woman''s inquiry regarding Marcus


    "That is correct, but I''m curious as to whether he inquired about our daughter." Danie reasoned and attempted to persuade, but she wasn''t sure


    Lilian was convinced by her response.


    "I''m sure his phone number hasn''t changed; why don''t you contact him?"


    Lilian chastised Danie for failing to contact the guy she had desired since her return from Hacienda Vsquez. She shook her head in


    astonishment that pride had the potential to destroy more rtionships than the third party.


    "Never!" She declined categorically, stating that she would never sacrifice her pride for the sake of love. Danie purposefully concealed information


    regarding the game of chance she gave to Marcus in order to avoid listening to another lecture. Paloma had previously preached to her about


    Marcus''s return to Hacienda Vsquez during Lilian and Alexander''s wedding


    ¡°You know what, E? It''s just your pride that''s keeping you from calling him, so if you want to be happy, it won''t hurt to humble yourself a little.¡± Lilian


    urged E to tone down her arrogance and be more appreciative of the things that may bring her happiness.


    "At the very least, trying suicide for a man did not cross my mind." Danie spoke arrogantly, and as Lilian abruptly rose and exited the room, Danie


    realized her error and followed Lilian outside. "Lil, I apologize if I offended you.¡± She summoned Lilian. who ran in and returned to her bedroom


    Lilian was outraged when Danie described the episode in which she attempted suicide after believing she would lose Alexander. How could


    Danie be so callous about the matter? ¡°E, stop!" She admonished Danie not to follow her any longer and frowned at her stepsister as she


    entered the room


    In the morning, she woke up with a heavy heart. She terribly missed him, but he just went away without saying goodbye to her. Yes, she made a


    mistake when she said those harsh words to him, but it was because of her anger. Nevertheless, if he wanted to leave her or to sever their ties, he


    should man up and talked to him.


    However, it also dawned on her mind, that maybe she was being difficult to him. Then, she panicked at the thought of losing him forever. No, she


    couldn''t allow that to happen! As soon as she realized that she couldn''t live without him, she immediately retrieved her phone, and tried to contact him


    again.


    Marcus, where are you?


    She kept on dialing his phone number but she couldn''t reach him. Danie took a deep breath before she decided to send him a message. It was a


    lang one, and the words she typed came from the deepest part of her heart. For the first time, she admitted that she couldn''t live without him, and she


    needed him. She had to confess everything through a text message, and while typing the message, tears welled up in her eyes. She had no idea why


    she got so emotional, but perhaps, it was because of lowering her pride for the sake of saving her rtionship with Marcus.


    After sending the message, she wiped the tears from her eyes and proceeded to the bathroom to take a shower before AJ would wake up, but while


    showering, she recalled those moments where she was mean to him. He tried his best to keep their rtionship but she had a huge trust issue at


    everything, and it ruined her only chance to find happiness in love


    When she got out of the bathroom, she was too stunned to speak to see him on their bed. Then, she snorted over her silly imaginations. There''s no


    way he would be in their bedroom, and there''s no way he would smile at her like that. She shook her head to dismiss her wild imagination, and


    proceeded to the wardrobe to get something to wear.


    "Stop right there."


    For a moment, she was dumbfounded when she imagined hearing his voice. Once again, she shook her head for being silly, and med herself for


    lasing the man who truly cared for her. As she opened the door to her wardrobe, someone grabbed her wrist.


    "I said, stop," he whispered.


    She shivered at the thought of going crazy because of a man, but then, she was tempted to turn around to check if she was really hallucinating.


    "Marcus?"


    He just smiled and said, "Hi baby.¡±


    "My God! It''s really you! Where have you been?¡± She inquired, and then, she suddenly throw herself into him. "I miss you so much!"


    "I know. I receive your message, so that''s why I''m here," he replied.


    "W-what?" She narrowed her eyes while waiting for his response. "Hold on, are you saying that all these times. you never left the property?¡± It was


    just a question to confirm her suspicion but the bastard just grinned at her, as if nothing has happened


    "No, and Lilian helped me to hide from you." he answered with the truth. "Hey, what''s wrong?¡±


    "Y-you are cruel,¡± she said in a shaky voice. "I thought I''m going to lose you forever,¡± she added, but then he hugged her immediately, and his tight


    embrace provided a greatfort to her broken heart.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Baby, I promised to love you forever, didn''t I? So, what makes you think I''m going to leave just because of a misunderstanding? I just distanced


    myself from you, to make you realize about my worth," he exined, but then, he must have said something wrong again, because her eyes were


    zing with anger.


    "To test how I really felt about you, right?"


    "Hmmm sort of, but the main reason is, to make youe inte terms about your trust issue. You have to trust me baby, do you think you can do that


    from now?"


    She just nodded her head in response


    "Good girl. Now get dressed, so we can have breakfast together," he ordered before letting her go from a tight embrace. "What''s with the long face?¡±


    He asked.


    "Hmmm I just thought that, you know, I thought we are going to do it," she stuttered with her words.


    "Do what?"


    ¡®Oh nothing," she just said to stop


    him from prabing any further. Then


    she proceeded to get something te>


    wear. Sinee, she didn''t have to gosto


    work, she decided to puton


    somethingfortable suctnas a


    cotton short and white blouse.


    When she heard Au''s giggles. she knew that Marcus disturbed their daughter''s sleep, but instead of getting worked up, she just smiled. As she


    sauntered towards them, she couldn''t contain the happiness she felt inside her heart.


    "Morning. Mommy!" Marcus tried to be yful, and adjusted his voice to make it sound like a toddler, and AJ giggled even more, as she copied him to


    greet her mother.


    When she heard it, Danie wanted


    to roll her eyes at him, but their


    daughterwas watching, so she just?


    smiled ahd said nothing. She went


    closecto them and pinched the¡±


    chubby cheeks of the child. ¡°Gutie!


    It bath time," she announced.


    "You can do itter, baby. For now, we have to go downstairs, as they are waiting for breakfast," he stated.


    "Oh, okay,¡± she agreed, and then she just took afortable outfit for her baby. Marcus helped her to changed Au''s clothing. "By the way, where did


    you sleep?"


    "There," he replied while pointing to the connecting room.


    "Are you fucking serious?¡± She raised her voice in disbelief that he was right below her nose and she didn''t notice!


    "Yes. Starting tonight, you will no longer cry in your sleep, baby. I promise you that," he said.


    "No, I didn''t How dare you use me of something I didn''t do," she reacted to his statement about crying during asleep.


    "You can deny it but I have an evidence,¡± he said then he showed a video file to her.


    ¡°Disgusting.¡± she said, and this time, she couldn''t help but roll her eyes.


    "Of course notXYou were cute," he


    winked afterSaying it and she made


    ne


    a face. "Anyway, let''s go," he C


    changecMthe topic before ruining Her


    mood-Marcus carried their daughter


    on their way out, and she was y the


    one to open the door.


    ?


    "Oh God!" She eximed upon seeing a huge flower bouquet just outside their bedroom. Then, she looked at him with so much love in her eyes.


    "I know you have a greenhouse full of roses but I also know you will love this bouquet. It''s a token of my love, and my appreciation for loving me too.¡±


    "Oh, Marcus, why are you so sweet to me?"


    Marcus furrowed his forehead and asked, "Why not? I love you so much, and I care about you."


    "So, will you marry me?" She asked the question, and he became speechless, and his reaction was speechless!


    "YES!"


    nonnnnnt end of the story----


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!