《Moonlight Serenade》


 Meet at the Aisle

    The Aisle of Medellin is Cebu''s longest straight road. A seven-and-a-half-kilometer highway connecting Dayhagon and Curva in the heart of sugarcane fields owned by the Mangubat since the founding of Medellin until the present day. The green and glorious field is the crown of Don Sebastian Mangubat and Donya Belinda Sanchez-Mangubat. And their daughter, Jewel Laine, prefers the small nipa hut on the opposite side of the field.


    The peaceful atmosphere is something she appreciates about that location. From within the hut, she could see the green sugarcane field and the white road of the Aisle in the distance. But what she enjoys the most is that no one dares to interrupt her reading time.


    It''s an ideal location for her avid reader. Cool air, birds chirping, a peaceful setting -- "Miss Laine! Miss! Here are the books I''ve purchased!"


    She blinked and raised her head. She''d just finished praising the stillness of the ce when a loud maid shouted outside the hut. It felt like someone pped her in the face. Jewel groaned and stood. ''Never mind the noise,'' she reasoned. She stepped out of the small hut and frowned as she saw Dalya smile as the girl approached her. Dalya was carrying tworge bags, which she knew contained Pandayan and NBS books.


    "Can''t you shout, Dalya?" she grumbled as the maid ced the tworge bags in front of her. "And why are you throwing these bags on the ground when you could just bring them with you?"


    "But, senorita, Pedro told me that Don and Donya were in the mansion, and if they see me bringing these books there, they''ll burn me alive! You know how strict your parents are!" Did her maid just scold her?


    Jewel shook her head and crossed her arms across her chest. "Fine," she said, rolling her eyes. "ce it inside the hut, and where is Pedro?"


    Dalya made a pout. "He''s waiting for you on the Aisle, Miss."


    "All right, he''ll be hereter. There''s a box inside the hut; put these books in it and wrap them safely; someone will fetch youter; bring the box straight to my room; I''ll talk to Mama and Papa to give you enough time to deliver it." Dalya gave a sheepish grin. "Why are you embarrassed about these books, Miss? Doesn''t Donya prefer to see you reading?"


    "Dalya," Jewel said, raising her brow and narrowing her eyes at the maid.


    "Yes?"


    "Why do you ask? Do you still want your daily tip in addition to your sry?"


    Dalya''s eyes glowed. "I''d like a tip from my lovely Miss!" eximed the girl. "I was only kidding earlier, Miss. Don''t be too serious."


    She huffed and stuffed the phone into her pocket. She knelt and crammed the erotica book she had been reading earlier into the bag alongside the newly purchased books. "I''ll go. Keep an eye on these. Don''t tell anyone what kind of books are inside. Are we clear?"


    "Yes, Miss, I won''t let you down!"


    Jewel wore the summer hat that hung around her waist and the boots that were lying by the hut''s door. "Did he bring Francisko?" she inquired, smoothing her waist-length ck and wavy hair.


    "No, Pedro rented a motorcycle at the Aisle entrance, and he can''t bring Francisko into the city."


    Her brows furrowed. She finished smoothing her hair and turned to face Dalya. Her pupils constricted. "Do you think I didn''t know horses were prohibited in the city?"


    "Of course not, Miss. You know Pedro can''t bring Francisko, and I''m just reminding you," Dalya smiled.


    Jewel''s lips twitched as she walked past the maid, who was sweating profusely due to the scorching sun in the sky. "There''s a refreshment inside. Wait for Pedro," she said as she marched out into the sun. She heard Dalya yell, "Be careful, Miss!" but did not return the girl''s gaze.


    Dalya had been her maid since she was in elementary school. She was used to her maid''s attitude, but Dalya couldn''t keep her poisonous mouth shut all the time. Many people, including Ramos, hadined about Dalya''s domineering demeanor.


    The gardener recently expressed his displeasure. In front of the other gardeners, Dalya chastised the poor man. Her maid cursed, and Ramos silently epted Dalya''s hurtful words.


    Ramos is unable to harm Dalya because she is a woman and there is a city ordinance prohibiting men fromying their hands on women (hurting women). Nheless, Jewel dislikes people who are unable to control themselves.


    If Dalya couldn''t stop herself from hurting others, her maid might offend people she shouldn''t offend in the future. It appeared that she needed to discipline Dalya.


    Jewel took a few steps alone in the hot summer sun.


    Soon after, she noticed Pedro in the distance. He was conversing with a man wearing arge hemp hat. She could only see the stranger''s pointed nose and thin lips. But because the sun was so hot and she was sweating profusely, she put aside her curiosity and focused her attention on Pedro.


    She extended her hand to take the motor key from him. Jewel was only concerned with getting home as soon as possible in the hot summer sun.


    "But, miss," Pedro sighed and crinkled his nose. "First, we have to pay the fare, which is a thousand for a round trip."


    "Huh?" Jewel wrinkled her brow. "Are you serious?" she asked, drawing a breath as Pedro nodded. The hot breeze blew her hair away, and she clutched her summer hat to keep it from flying away. "Who pays a thousand for a trip?" Peter gestured with his forefinger to the man he had been speaking with earlier.


    Jewel turned to face the stranger. The wide smile on the man''s lips was the first thing that caught her eye.


    "He''s the owner of the motor, Senyorita. Two thousand for the entire Aisle trip, but I asked for half the price earlier to deliver the books first to the hut, and you will give the other half because the money you gave me earlier was not enough because the price of books went up," Pedro said, clearing his throat before looking away.


    Jewel shifted her gaze between the two men for a few seconds. She eventually fanned herself. "Why beating around the bush when you could just tell me earlier?" she grumbled as she took her purse from her pocket. She handed the stranger a thousand bills and said, "I''ll run the motor. You know who I am, right? Just get your motorter at my father''s mansion."


    The stranger lowered his gaze to Jewel''s hand. Pedro cleared his throat and reached for the bill before looking at her. "However, Miss --"


    She raised her brow when it was Pedro who received the bill, but she didn''t mind the strange expressions on the men''s faces. She took a deep breath. "I''m not going to ride with anyone."


    "Don Sebastian will be furious," Pedro worried.


    Jewel raised her hand and folded her arms across her chest. She locked her gaze on Pedro. "We wouldn''t have had any problems if you had just brought my horse, but Francisko is nowhere to be found, so don''t make things difficult." Pedro scratched his chin and turned to face the stranger. "Let me take you to the end of the aisle," the man who had been silent earlier said to her.


    She shook her head. "No," she said, holding out her hand to the man. "Give me the key. Don''t worry, I have a student permit here. You won''t be harmed if there''s a checkpoint ahead."


    After a few seconds of silence, the man sighed and took the key from his pocket. She expected him to ce the key in her outstretched palm, but he instead took her hand in his. Jewel arched her brow. She could feel the key between the man''s palm and hers.


    "Let go," she warned. However, the man simply smiled and tightened his grip on her hand, and drew her closer to the massive motor. Her heart beat faster. "Hey!" she eximed, but the man''s grip was firm.


    Was this the kind of yandere man she''d read about in books?


    She turned to face Pedro, but all she saw was a sheepish smile on his face. Hah! Aren''t Dalya and Pedro a good match? What''s the matter with her servants? If someone tried to kidnap her, would they just smile sheepishly? Her expression darkened. "Pedro!" she yelled, gritting her teeth. "Just stand there and smile!"Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    "All right, Miss. Have a safe trip!"


    What the heck is happening? He didn''t get sarcasm?


    Pedro''s carelessness irritated Jewel to the point of tears. "Ah! Just wait and see! I''ll tell father!" She turned her sharp gaze to the man who was dragging her. "Let go! Don''t you know who I am?"


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    The man grinned. "Everyone recognizes you, Jewel."


    "Then let go, because my father will not spare you!"


    Gideon approached her. He smiled and lifted her onto the motorcycle without saying anything. Her lips parted. "Hooligan!" she yelled as she attempted to jump off the motorcycle, but the man quickly stopped her.


    He chuckled before getting on the motorcycle and did not give her another chance to jump because the engine suddenly revved up. Jewel grabbed his shoulder.


    "Sir, let''s meet at the mansion!" Peter yelled from behind.


    Sir?


    Jewel''s pupils constricted. She knew it. Pedro would never allow someone untrustworthy to take her away. But... Who was this man?


    She had never met Gideon.


    The man''s presence was unfamiliar, and so was the perfume he was wearing. So she was certain he wasn''t from Medellin. And if the man was from Medellin, he didn''t live here because she knew almost all of the son-rich men in town but had never seen the rude man.


    On the straight Aisle, the motor picked up speed.


    The wind pped her across the face. A few strands of her hair fluttered freely to the front. Her eyes widened as she realized what was going on. They aren''t even wearing helmets!


    She raised her hand and ced it on her brow. Her hat was gone, and her face had darkened even more.


    The engine came to aplete stop. She screamed as her face nearly collided with the back of Gideon''s head. Fortunately, she was able to avoid it in time, and her face instead sank into his shoulder.


    "Don''t be such a reckless girl, Jewel," he said, grabbing her clinging hands and guiding them around his stomach. He even lightly tapped her hands.


    Jewel took a deep breath. It was her first time hugging a stranger, and she shivered in annoyance. She clenched her teeth. "You''re a jerk --"


    "Shh," he whispered. Gideon turned on the engine and revved it up. She had no choice but to wrap her arms around the man.


    "Prevention is better than cure. Have you heard of that saying, Jewel?" he asked gently, but it appeared to her that he was mocking her for her ignorance. Hah!


    She considered pushing this man aside and taking over the engine. Who cared if this conceited jerk fell on the Aisle''s dusty road?

 Plunged into the dark river

    "Hello?"


    She coughed and took a deep, long breath. "Haze?" she asked, looking out onto the balcony. "Have you returned home?" "Yes, and why did you call?"


    She sighed and decided to get out of bed. She went out to the balcony to have some fresh air. It was three in the morning and darkness was still around. The Mayor of Medellin''s lighthouse shone in the distance. Another deep breath. All she could hear were crickets hiding in the dark.


    "I had a dream," she whispered on the phone.


    "Well, that''s to be expected."


    "No, I mean, I had a strange dream."


    The other line burst outughing. "That''s... well, what''s your fantasy little girl?"


    She frowned. She thought of Hazel''s drunken face, grinning from ear to ear, in front of her. "Come on, Hazel. Stop spouting nonsense, okay? I need someone to talk to, then you''re like that?"


    Because of the usatory tone in her voice, Hazel fell silent. She took another deep breath before telling the story. "It''s strange."


    "What''s strange, Laine?"


    "I''ve dreamed of something," she sighed, whispering.


    "Dreamt? That word again? How can I help you if you can''t quit saying strange, dreamt, whatever?" Hazel said, annoyance evident in her voice.


    Jewel knew that Hazel was not in her right mind so she did not make a fuss about the girl''s tone and said, "I''ve dreamt of something."


    She closed her eyes tightly. She felt her cheeks burn red in embarrassment as she tried to make the right sentence to describe what she had seen in her dream. "Sex. I''ve dreamt of it." "Ah? That''s it, little girl?"


    "Come on, I''ve dreamt about someone having sex with me!"


    On the other end of the line,ughter erupted. She pped her forehead and frowned furiously. She still had to take the phone away because Hazel seemed to be on her side because of how loud theughter was. "What''s that, Laine?" Hazel asked, chuckling. "Are you serious? If yes, you need to get a guy right now!"


    She rolled her eyes. "Hazel!"


    Even though she couldn''t see her reflection in the mirror, she could tell how red her face was. It was her first time to dream such a lewd scene and she was ufortable. She had no one to talk to except for Hazel who was closer to her, and even though she almost choked on embarrassment, she had no choice but to vent out her weird feelings.


    "Oh?" Hazel teased.


    She pursed her lips. "I''m not the kind of girl who daydreams about it," she said to defend herself. Then she bit her bottom lip.


    The truth was that... sometimes she really daydreams of a guy but it was not explicit! And she was not out of her mind to admit it. She could not bear the shame of admitting her secret, even though Hazel was her friend. "Don''t worry, I think that''s normal. Tiara called mest night and said that she and her boyfriend are doing that in her dream. Hush now, little girl."


    Hazelughed, and it was clear that the girl had been to Furry, a bar in Bogo City. Jewel tried to ignore the small noiseing from the other end of the phone because it sounded like kissing.


    She cleared her throat. "I-I think so," she said, scrunching her nose. "Are you still --?"


    The girl on the other end of the phone cut her words off. "How does it feel, though?"


    "Feel?" Her eyes narrowed.


    Hazel chuckled. "Doing that with someone in your dream?"


    Jewel gulped and fanned her hot face. "I just feel... something wet down there," she said over the phone.


    "Is he attractive?"


    Jewel raised her brow. "I don''t believe so."Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    "Husky bedroom voice... Charming smile?" "No..."


    "I believe you''re looking for someone to satisfy you, Laine."


    "I think that guy is weird..." she recalled the man from her dream. She knew he had a face, but she couldn''t recall what it was like. His big arms and elegant physique were the only things she remembered. But recalling the man in her dream, she could not help but shiver. Her hair on the nape stood.


    She gulped.


    She exhaled deeply. "Haze? Go to your bed and sleep, I''ll hang up now."


    "Please greet the man of your dreams on my behalf," Hazel joked and chuckled.


    Jewel shook her head. That girl was drunk.


    Before returning to her room, she took another look at the gleaming lighthouse. She was startled when she noticed someone standing at the headboard of her bed out of the corner of her eye. When she turned around to look, she saw no


    one.


    Sheughed as her head shook. She must be hallucinating. Her hand reached for and closed the bathroom door.


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    She left the room and went down to the living room while it was still dark. She noticed a few maids cleaning the mansion. They smiled as they greeted her.


    "It''s still too early in the morning, Senyorita, and I didn''t see Sir Gideon leave the room, so he won''t be able to apany you outside."


    She only smiled at Aling Teresa. "I can do it. Don''t tell anyone I left early."


    "But it''s still dark outside, and it''s dangerous-"


    "Manang..." she said, smiling and motioning to the elderlydy. "I''m big enough to take care of myself. I can do it. One more thing, I won''t leave the hacienda. Just a quick walk through the woods. Promise." Aling Teresa smiled and apanied her to the mansion''s front door. "Take care, Miss."


    "I will, Manang," she said, turning around.


    She went straight to the stable and was correct in her suspicion that Peter was up and bathing the horses there. The man smiled at her and took a step forward.


    "Oh, Miss, the road is too dark. I can''t let you leave early."


    "I can do it."


    "Oh, Senyorita! Senyorito Gideon should be here, so I can make sure you get home safely when the sunes up."


    She fixed her gaze on Peter. "I''m not fooling around with you."


    He shook his head and scratched his chin. He then looked past her. "Sir, Senyorita is that stubborn, so it''s up to you."


    Her brow furrowed, and she retreated. She noticed Gideon. The man''s brows were knitted together as he looked at her. "What a brat. This early?" he mocked.


    Her fist tightened. She hadn''t gotten over the man''s sarcasm on the Aisle. She almost fell off the motor due to its high speed. And why was the haughty man awake?


    "Pedro!" she eximed. She quickly turned to face theattendant again, but that scumbag fled. While fleeing, that servant reminded them to be cautious on the dark road.


    Jewel clenched her teeth. She wanted to smack Peter in the face, but he wasn''t in sight. She realized at that point that the two men had agreed to corner her when she went for a run. Gideonughed from behind her and took a step closer to her. "You know you can''t ride alone, Jewel."


    Her lips formed a thin line. "I know what''s best for me. Don''t treat me like a child."


    "Then stop acting like one."


    "I''m not!"


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! Gideon was silent for a moment before asking. "Do you despise me?"


    "At least you''re aware!"


    "Why?"


    "It''s none of your concern."


    She entered the stable without saying anything. She picked up Francisko, strapped on a saddle, and rode away with the horse. She heard Gideon yell but did not respond. When Gideon followed on his favorite horse, Gina, she enhanced Fransisko''s speed.


    "Jewel!" he eximed.


    She kicked Fransisko in the shins. The horse took off faster.


    "Listen to me. You''re running in the wrong direction. Stop the horse!"


    But she didn''t pay attention. Her life in the mansion had been disrupted for a few days.


    She recalled her father''s smile when he saw Gideon. He stated that the n to unite the two powerful families in Medellin would be initiated sooner And she isn''t a moron for not knowing what binding it is.


    She tightened her grip on the reins and kicked the horse in the shins. Francis took off faster.


    On that fateful day, she realized her life was about to change, especially after learning that she would marry the Mayor''s only child, Gideon Manasseh Hernandez, the following summer.


    "Wait a minute-"


    Perhaps it''s toote to seek assistance. She went straight into the Medellin River''s dark and peaceful waters. Even her favorite Francisco was in danger. She quickly sped her hands to get back on the surface of thewater. She cursed in her head over and over. In the cold water, her muscles trembled and her chest tightened.


    She desperately searched the riverbank but couldn''t find it in the dark. She gradually became overwhelmed by fear. Which way should she swim?


    She pumped her fists and stomped her feet, and she screamed when an arm wrapped around her neck. As she raised her head to breathe, she was yanked back.


    She felt the ground behind her and realized she''d almost got drowned in the water. A hand gently patted her back to release the water that needed to be released.


    She was leaning helplessly against something hard and hot. She closed hereyes and took several deep breaths.


    "You, stubborn brat, will you listen to me next time?"


    Jewel opened hereyes, but all she saw was the silhouette of a man.

 A warm palm on her legs

    Gideon lifted her and climbed to the lower part of the cliff where Gina was staying as the sun rose in the east. Jewel looked around but couldn''t find Francisko. She took a deep breath and paused for a few moments before opening her mouth to inquire. "What happened Francisko?"


    "He got lost in the river. I''ll send someone to look for him when the sunes up. Can you stand?"


    She blinked and turned her gaze to the dark river, but there was no movement there. When she thought about what happened to Francisko, sadness crept into her chest.


    "Jewel," Gideon said once more.


    "Y-yes, I believe so."


    Gideon eased her down. As the chill traveled down her spine, she felt the dry and cold ground on her feet.


    She realized she had no shoes at that point. The man had taken her boots off earlier, and she didn''t have the strength to stop him at the time.


    Her heart was still pounding loudly in her chest, and she could still feel a slight tremble. The terror she felt had had such an impact on her that it made it difficult for her to breathe.


    Gideon suddenly removed his jacket in front of her. Her brow furrowed, and her face creased. She shifted her gaze to the side and tightly closed her eyes. "Don''t get naked in front of m-me!"


    She heard a faintugh from him. "Am I?" Gideon wondered.


    "Yes, you''re n-naked!" she eximed, biting her lower lip.


    "You can see for yourself."


    She inhaled deeply and slowly opened her eyes.


    She looked at Gideon and noticed he was wearing a shirt and had his arm crossed across his chest. The man''s lips curved into a small smile. His deep and enticing eyes were filled with amusement.


    She averted her gaze from him. As the dew passed over her wet skin, she hugged herself. Jewel inhaled deeply and rubbed her hands against her arms. She bit her lower lip to stop her teeth from chattering. "Can we please go home? It''s c- cold."


    They were standing in the shade of the gemelina tree, and she was watching the man hang his wet jacket on the tree''s low branch.


    He examined her from head to toe before lifting her on top of Gina.


    Her teeth seemed to chatter even more. The cold seeped through her skin, and she felt trapped in a freezer for hours.


    "Hang on tight, I''ll take you home," Gideon said.


    "But it''s c-cold up here," she grumbled, her voice shaking.


    He let out a long sigh. "Persist a little longer, Jewel."


    "And y-you don''t want to..." She paused and shut her mouth.; She took another deep breath but ended up sneezing. It was bitterly cold sitting on horseback, and she was having trouble breathing.


    She looked at Gideon, who was standing nearby, and wondered if he would ride with her and hug her to soothe the cold.


    She shook her head and blinked. ''And why would he do something like that?'' She mentally chastised herself. Gideon waspletely unaware that she was in pain.


    When Gideon spoke to the horse rather than to her, her face became even more perplexed. She sighed and turned her gaze forward.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    She could hear birds singing in the trees as dawn broke on the horizon. The chill was still biting into her muscles as she rode on horseback. Gideon was walking slightly ahead, holding the horse''s rein and guiding the horse in the right direction.


    Her bite has nearly bled her lip. The surroundings became colder as time passed.


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    Perhaps it was the dew caressing her still-wet clothes.


    In the cold, she could barely feel her fingers. Her legs and toes had also frozen. Cold tears streamed down her cheeks. She had shivered for the first time in the cold.


    She was now kicking herself for not listening to Gideon. What caused her to be so defiant? The more people try to stop her, the more courage she''ll have to do what is forbidden.


    Gideon blurted out, "Jewel."


    "Y-Yes?"


    "Are you all right up there?"


    "Well, Uhm... I-I''m dying?"


    When Gideon stopped the horse, her hope returned. She cracked a small smile. Finally, Gideon must have heard herint. She imagined Gideon climbing up and hugging her from behind to relieve her pain. She closed her eyes, pretending she didn''t mind if Gideon climbed up. ''He should beg,'' she thought. I won''t let him ride with me unless he begs!''


    A cold hand, however, gripped her leg. She was taken aback. She awoke dazed, looking down. Gideon was holding her leg and staring at her.


    She clenched her teeth and fixed her gaze on Gideon. Gideon tightened his grip on her leg when he noticed her teeth chattering. She swallowed hard. What Gideon did seemed to dry up her throat even more. Gideon took a deep breath and smiled. "Come down; I''ll catch you."


    Her lips drew apart. Did he ask her toe down? But what about the previous thing she imagined? She took a deep breath and kept her disappointment to herself. "W-Well, my l-legs won''t move?"


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! Gideon locked his gaze on her for a few seconds. "Stay still."


    She pouted as she averted her gaze. Fortunately, she didn''t say what was on her mind. She would have embarrassed herself in front of the Mayor''s son.


    Her face contorted in bewilderment. Was she turning into an attention seeker for Gideon? She puckered her lips. No. Her future husband ought to irritate her.


    Husband... Her heart raced wildly at the thought.


    She was brought back to reality when she felt Gideon rub both of his palms against her leg. Her eyes widened, but her mouth remained closed. She then took a deep breath and closed her eyes tightly.


    But she couldn''t help but be curious, and she looked down on the man who appeared to be rubbing her legs seriously. She watched as his hand moved up her smooth and cold leg, then down to the five toes on her left foot. Gideon even drew a circle on her skin, causing her cheek to turn bright red.


    ''What is he up to?'' she thought.


    She opened her mouth to ask him, but she quickly shut it when Gideon began singing an unfamiliar song.


    She fixed her gaze on Gideon''s face. As he hummed a song, he had a small smile on his lips.


    Jewel was dazed as her heartbeat quickened. Gideon''s grip on her leg loosened, and she sensed his tenderness. Even though she didn''t fully understand the song, it was pleasant to the ear, and she was drawn to listen more. Gideon raised his head, and their gazes met. He smiled. "Are you still cold?" he questioned.


    "Uh, not so much."


    He nodded and continued to rub her leg while singing. There was something in his voice Jewel couldn''t figure out.


    She was able to move her toes after feeling the heat from Gideon''s palms. Gideon, on the other hand, continued to hold her and touch her skin.

 Comfort in his arms

    Gideon''s voice was lovely. It was cold and deep. He may have been a vocalist in a band when he was younger, or he may havepeted in various singingpetitions. Regardless, she liked his voice. Jewel bit her lower lip to keep her mouth from specting. But as the song progressed, she was tempted to ask questions until she couldn''t anymore.


    She cut him off mid-song. "Wait, Gideon?"


    "Mmm?"


    "What exactly are you singing?"


    Gideon raised his head and sang the song''s bridge to her. Her face was twisted. "What is the title?" she inquired impatiently.


    Gideon shook his head and smiled. "Leave me astounded."


    "And by whom?" shakers."


    "Who is that?"


    Gideon shook his head. She scowled. When Gideon saw her contorted face, heughed and patted her leg. "Move your foot across," he said.


    Despite her confusion, she immediately obeyed. Gideon dashed to the other side.


    Gideon suddenly grabbed Jewel''s waist and yanked her off the horse. She was startled by the sudden movement. Gideonughed as he walked up to her and hugged her. "Are you still cold?" he inquired as he wrapped his arms around her.


    Her brow furrowed, and she bit her lower lip. She''d like to say that his hug was ineffective, but... Perhaps he''ll take her joke seriously and break free from the hug. She sighed and murmured, "Yes, but not too cold." She was taken aback when her teeth chattered again. What an embarrassment. She then remembered the earlier gnashing of her teeth as she stared at Gideon. She bit her lower lip hard as her cheeks turned bright red. Jewel snorted and cleared her mind of the scene. The cold faded gradually, especially as Gideon''s arms tightened around her and he stroked her back gently.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    "Are you all right now?" Gideon asked.


    She blinked. "What do you think?"


    He burst outughing. "Let''s stay like this for a while. I like your warmth," Gideon said, drawing a breath. "This ce is as cold as Mantalongon."


    His words made her brow furrow. "Isn''t Mantalongon in Dguete?"


    "Yeah."


    "Have you been there?"


    "Mmm."


    "Is that ce full of monkeys?"


    Gideon burst outughing. "What do you think, Jewel?"


    "Ah." Jewel pull her tongue out. "I just want to check whether you''re talking big or not."


    "Heh." Gideon flicked her nose. "What a naughty brat."


    Her pupils dted. "Don''t you dare flick my nose," she grumbled, holding her nose.


    Gideon simply smiled and stroked her hair. He said nothing. She was perplexed. Was what she said that offensive to him?


    She bit her lower lip. "Hey, you stopped talking. What''s up with the sudden silence?"


    "Do you want me to talk?" he asked, raising his brow.


    Jewel snorted and averted her gaze. "Don''t you dare! I don''t want to hear your voice!"


    "Lying through your teeth, eh?" Gideon chuckled.


    She pursed her lips when she felt him stroke her back again. "I-I''m not lying," she said quietly.


    "I see," he said, a faint smile appearing on the corner of his lips indicating that he did not believe her.


    Her cheeks turned bright red as a result. "Just s-stop talking!"


    Huh. She refused to acknowledge that Gideon was affecting her. Her heart couldn''t stop racing, and she was annoyed by it. What''s the matter with her? How could she be drawn to a man who was older than her? ''Oh, you shameless Jewel! ;Do you imagine yourself as a novel''s heroine?'' She chastised herself.


    She suddenly remembered her favorite novel. It was supposed to be out today. She wanted to go home right away, but the cold was too much for her, and she.... enjoyed being in Gideon''s arms. It was warm, and she felt safe. She sighed again, this time burying her face in Gideon''s chest. Gideon''s body rxed in response to her attempt. Because his skin was hot, his wet T-shirt was unnoticeable in her palm. Gideon''s warmth was moreforting. Sheughed to herself. Did the heroines she''d read feel the same way when their male leads hugged them? She bit her lower lip.


    ''What on earth am I thinking?'' she snapped.


    Suddenly, she remembered a bed scene from a book she was reading. Her brow creased. Something beneath her belly wanted toe out as she imagined the scene. And she was dripping wet. Her thoughts were interrupted when Gideon let go of her. "All right," he said.


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    For a brief moment, she was stunned. And sucked hard. It was as if a bucket of ice-cold water had been poured upon her. She remained rooted in ce, perplexed, stilled, and slightly hot... Someone stroked her cheek and looked at her. "Jewel, are you all right?"


    It was only then that she realized the sun had risen in the east, chasing the darkness away. Her father and mother''s faces appeared in her mind, and she tightly shut her eyes. She''s as good as dead meat.


    "My parents... they''ll scold me again," she worriedly said, and Gideon heard her. When he suddenlyughed, she looked at him, perplexed. "What''s funny?" she asked.


    Gideon smiled at her and kissed her on the cheek. "Is that what you''ve been thinking in thest few minutes? I thought something bad had happened to you. I''ll take care of it. Let''s go and you might get sick from the cold." "Minutes?" she asked, still perplexed.


    Gideon gave her a nod and motioned her forward. He took the reins of the horse tied to a tree. "Good girl," he said to Gina, smiling.


    But Jewel remained dazed. "What exactly do you mean by minutes?"


    Gideon took her hand in his and the two of them walked forward together. "I called you, but you seemed lost in your thoughts, and when I looked at you, you red at me," Gideonughed. "If a re could kill, I''d be dead." Her brow creased. She couldn''t recall looking at Gideon. She lightly massaged her nape.


    Gideon gave her a look. "Where is the pain?"


    "My shoulder hurts," sheined.


    "Come closer."


    She moved in closer to Gideon. His hand gripped her shoulder. The pain was instantly relieved. Gideon applied some pressure to that part.


    "Better?" he questioned.


    "Yeah, the pain has subsided."


    His brow creased, but he smiled at her. "Let''s get going."


    They walked for a few minutes before noticing a knight on horseback approaching them. The knight came to a halt a few meters ahead. He then climbed down and removed his hat to greet them.


    The man gave her a look. "Your father and mother are looking for you, Miss Laine," he said, turning to face Gideon. "Sir, your father called and said he was going to the Casa, and the Mayor will meet you there." Gideon gave a nod. Jewel took a look at the young people happily shouting in the distance. They were catching dragonflies.


    "Take Jewel back to the mansion, and I''ll go straight to the Casa," Gideon said.


    She shook her head as she looked at Gideon. "No."


    Gideon and the knight both turned to look at her, and she felt small in their gazes, but she kept her head held high.


    Gideon''s lip curled up. "Do you have anything to say, Jewel?"


    Her eyes narrowed at him. "You should change your shirt," she said, her voice firm. She used a voice technique to direct the maids, and she wasn''t sure if Gideon would be amused or offended. Gideon, on the other hand, nodded, a smile still on his lips. The knight, too, smiled and looked down. "Sir, shall I take Miss Laine... or will you?"


    "She''s on me," Gideon said, smiling.


    Jewel let out a sigh of relief. She didn''t want to make a scene in front of these men because she needed Gideon to protect her from her fatherter.


    Before mounting the horse, Gideon adjusted the saddle on Gina. He then extended his hand to her. "Give me your hand, Jewel."


    She turned to face the knight. He smiled at her and bowed slightly. "Be careful, Sir Gideon, Senyorita," he advised before mounting his horse and riding to the mansion.


    "Jewel."


    Her focus was drawn back to Gideon. "Do not address me as Jewel."


    "So, what do you want me to call you?"


    "Laine." She snorted.


    Gideonughed. "You don''t refer to yourself as a gem?" he teased.


    "Whatever," she muttered to herself as she stretched her hand to him. Gideon hoisted her up in the saddle, in front of him.


    "Are youfortable?" he asked.


    She gave a nod. "Yeah."


    Gideon started directing Gina to return to the mansion. When the fog passed between them, Jewel bit her lower lip.


    "It''s quite cold," Gideonmented.


    "I said so earlier. It''s bitterly cold."


    She was taken aback when he hugged her from behind and drew her in closer. A small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.


    She pressed her back against his chest. She took a deep breath and averted her gaze from the Sacadas. She noticed them murmuring to each other, smiling from ear to ear, and asionally looking at her and Gideon. She was aware that some gossip began circting when Gideon arrived at the mansion a few days ago.

 To please her future husband

    They were standing outside the Mansion, unable to enter because her father was waiting. Her father''s face was ashen when he saw her, wet like a chick without a hen, but Gideon caught Don Sebastian''s rage for her. "Don Sebastian, I''m the one apologizing for Jewel."


    Jewel braced herself for her father''s rage. She was taken aback when Don Sebastian smiled at Gideon. She was astounded.


    ''How unfair! He just smiled at Gideon. I couldn''t recall thest time he smiled at me!'' Jewel sighed and huffed angrily.


    "What did my unica hija do again, and she''s like a petty chick who got lost here in the mansion?" asked Don Sebastian. He turned to face her.


    He narrowed both eyes on her as he turned to face her. It caused her eyes to blur.


    Jewel lowered her gaze and crossed her arms across her chest. She let Gideon reason for her. He had already defended her at the outset, so she simply waited for the two men to reach an agreement and let her go. She was still shivering in the cold, and she bit her lip at times to keep from interfering with them.


    "She simply fell into the river," Gideon exined.


    Her father''s pupils dted. "Did my daughter fall into the river?" he eximed, his brow furrowed. He looked at her again, this time with a darker expression. "Jewel Laine! I told you not to go out in the dark! It''s three a. m. and you''re already in the woods? You''re ady, act like one!"


    Jewel bit her bottom lip in an attempt to control her emotions. She was aware of the ramifications. Gideon, she assumed, would protect her all the way.


    Gideon called her father, "Don Sebastian."


    Jewel let out a silent sigh as she kept her gaze fixed on the ground. She thought Gideon''s courage had fled, but she was mistaken.


    Don Sebastian turned to face Gideon. She, too, looked to the Mayor''s son. Her eyes were filled with gratitude. The memory of him rescuing her lingered in her mind.


    Gideon smiled, amused by her docile attitude, and nced at her before speaking. "Francisko has swept away in the river, and Pedro once told me that your daughter doesn''t ride a different horse; perhaps this is the only way for Jewel to stay at home."


    His words silenced all the gratitude in her heart. It was like pouring cold water on a hot lump of coal. She locked her gaze on Gideon, who was now staring at her father.


    A chill ran down her spine as Don Sebastian smiled from ear to ear. She was aware that her father was plotting something sinister at the time.


    "That made sense," her father said as he turned to face her again. "No one''s going to look for your Francisko anymore, Jewel. He could be out at sea right now. Go inside and dress in your room." "Dad -"


    "Obey my orders. Or would you prefer that I drag you upstairs?"


    She stormed inside the mansion, oblivious to the looks the housemaids gave her; she even saw Dalya motioning to her, but she was upset and fuming.


    She knew it would be a few years before she could receive another horse because other knights do not allow horses to be used in the stable, especially when they are being cared for a market. Francisko was the only one she had ridden in almost five years, but her horse was gone in one unfortunate event. She couldn''t me anyone else because it was all her fault.


    Dalya chased after her as she stepped up the stairs. "Those books, Miss --"


    "I''m not feeling well, Dalya."


    "However, Miss -"


    "I said shut up!" she yelled, stopping mid-sentence and stamping her foot in annoyance.


    Dalya fell silent and returned to the kitchen. Jewel exhaled a sigh. She noticed that some of the people standing on the stairwell wereughing. She recognized a few of them. They were Dalya''s adversaries, against whom the maid had foughtst month.


    "What are youughing about? Get back to work!" she yelled.


    "Yes, Miss!" The group dispersed in the blink of an eye. They fled the stairs one by one.


    When she passed by the hallway, the wind blew from the open balcony. Her heart was still pounding as she made her way to her room. She let out a sigh as she entered the medium-sized room and dashed into her bathroom. She took a sad and resentful bath. After about half an hour, she emerged.


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    When she turned her gaze to the bed, she was startled to see arge box lying there. When she realized what it was, her brow furrowed and her eyes lit up.


    She ran to hug the box and open it while wearing only a towel around her body. When she saw the various international and local erotica books, her heart leaped with joy. She took them one by one from the box and ced them on her bed. She kissed every physical book.


    Nobody can express how happy she was. Jewel appeared uneasy with what she perceived as happiness coursing through her like a wild river, and if she could just eat the books, she would have.


    She had nearly a hundred books on her bed when she finished thest one. She threw the empty box to the floor and grabbed her phone from the bedside table.


    She snapped a photo of those eye-catching books with enticing covers, then took a selfie with them. She logged into her social media ount and uploaded the photos to the group chat. She received a notification in less than three seconds. Hazel had responded to her message.


    [Hazel: Oh my goodness, Laine! You keep the books! That''s fantastic!]


    Another person joined the conversation.


    [Tiara: How cheap.]


    When she read Tiara''s remark, she made a funny face. Well, the girl did not reach the level of her erotica book addiction... yet.


    [Gabbi: Oh, sh*t! You should be able to save some! ]


    When her phone vibrated and a notification popped up saying Gabbi had replied to her message, she was taken aback. As she typed her response, she let out a chuckle.


    [Jewel: More books on the way!]


    Sheughed as she hung up the phone, but it rang, causing her to jump. She almost fell off the side of the bed where she was sitting.


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    As she answered the phone, a frown formed on her brow.


    "Have you seen Ara''s book?" Hazel''s enthusiastic voice silenced her irritation.


    Her eyes widened as she thought for a moment. She, too, squeaked with delight. "I haven''t seen it yet, but I''m going to check it out right away!"


    She quickly took out herptop and turned it on. While she waited for the website to load, she dashed into the walk-in closet and selected a green knee-length dress. She ran out of the closet and sat on the edge of the bed once she was dressed. Her hand reached for theptop, which she ced on herp.


    Her eyes sparkled as the screen disyed the website of her favorite author. She logged into her ount and read the most recent book release.


    It was only then that she realized she hadn''t turned off Hazel''s phone call. She examined the phone''s screen, but the call had long since ended. Her shoulders shrugged as she proceeded to Ara''s website.


    She chose Bundle 3 of the newly added bundles, with special dedication and a voucher for a 10% discount on future books. She used her E-Card to pay. She browsed the website afterpleting her order. When she saw a contentiousment, her brow furrowed. Her gaze was drawn to a toxic fan''s ount name, but she decided to dismiss it. She''s not that low-key to argue with some faceless men.


    She stood in front of the wall near the balcony, stretched her arms, and put herptop away. She pushed up against the wall, revealing a small door. Her foot moved forward into the secret door, and her hand reached for the switch, which turned on the fluorescentmp above the small and dusty room.


    There was light in the small room crammed with books. The bookshelf on the wall housed books she had purchased from five years ago to the present. Another bookshelf had been built to house her future books. Some of the books on the shelves had creased covers, while others had lost their color. However, she piled all of the damaged books inside.


    That room was constructed six years ago. When she was 13, she asked her mother for a library.


    Her mother had that study room built for her because she wanted to see her read. But when Jewel became bored with those monotonous and uncreative articles, she turned to Tagalog Romance Pocketbooks. Until she read a novel by Ara. It''s a sexy romance with numerous explicit bed scenes. That''s where her interest in erotica began.


    Gabbi''s im that she became an erotica addict may be true. But her reasoning is that ''it''s okay to read as long as her fantasies stay in the fictional world.''


    At neen, she was still a virgin with no experience. She thought those books would help her learn how to please her future husband.


    The thought of pleasing Gideon with her body made her snort.

 Another strange dream

    She left and returned to her room. Her hands took the books one at a time. She then ced each of them on the empty bookshelves until she reached thest one. She then ced the box in the corner alongside the books that had been inspected for damage.


    Her lips formed a wide smile. Her hand reached for the book she was reading. She went to bed and continued reading there.


    His smile is devilish, almost demonic. "It''s time," he eximed.


    He stood up and --


    Jewel yawned and set the book aside, feeling sleepy all of a sudden. She tried to rub her eyes to keep her consciousness from slipping away, but that didn''t stop the weight of her eyelids.


    Even before she closed her eyes, she noticed someone at the foot of her bed.


    She awoketer, out of breath. She sat up quickly and panted heavily. Her fist tightened as she remembered that strange dream. She then heard a ring. The constant ringing of her phone jolted her awake. She reached for it and answered the phone without looking to see who was calling. "Hello," she exhaled.


    "You won''t believe what I''m about to say."


    Hazel''s voice rang out to her. Her brow was creased with a frown. "What is it?" she asked, leaning back against the headboard. She closed her eyes and tried to remember her dream. It''s the same dream as before.


    But not in a room this time. They were out in the middle of nowhere. She was on the sand, and the man was on top of her. It was very dark. In the endless dark sky, stars twinkled. "Ara Toga agreed to be my friend!"


    Hazel''s loud cry jolted her out of her trance. She coughed a little, her cheeks turning red with embarrassment. While talking to her friend, she was recalling her lustful dream. "W-Well, that''s nice, but who is that?"


    On the other end, she heard augh. Her lips pressed together as her brow furrowed. As her mind wandered again in that dream, she took a deep breath to calm her troubled heart. That man had something in him.


    She shivered whenever she remembered how he held her in his arms, and she didn''t know why. Others may regard him as the literal man of her dreams, but she would rather have a man in real life than ponder a faceless man in her dreams. Hazel''sughter had ceased. "You don''t know Arach? That''s unfortunate, girl. She''s the most followed erotic author on Bokipad!"


    When she heard Hazel yelling from the other end of the line, she jolted out of her trance again. Her face was twisted. For Pete''s sake, she wasn''t deaf!


    Even though Hazel couldn''t see it, she put on a fake smile. "Is it Bokipad that you''ve --"


    Hazel interrupted her. "Oh, yes!" The youngdy squeaked. "You''re right, girl! Come on, I told you to install Bokipad on your phone. You''ll never regret it. There are millions of erotica in Bokipad. You don''t have to hoard all erotica in bookstores, girl. Leave it to the others!"


    As excitement entered her body, her lips formed an ''o.'' "Is it all erotica?"


    "No, there are good stories there. Almost all genres are represented in Bokipad, so it''s not just for erotica."


    She shook her head as her excitement faded. "However, I prefer physical books."


    "Of course, try it. You''ll eat your words."Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    She burst outughing. "Are you sure?"


    "Of course! I''m reading it right now."


    Her lips were pursed in a smile. She stood up and walked straight to the bathroom. "All right," she said, "I''ll take a bath first."


    "Go! Let me know when you''ve installed it."


    "Okay."


    She hung up the phone and ced it in the bathroom sink. She then took a shower and then washed her underwear. There was something there that appeared toe from her. She didn''t want Dalya to wash them. It''s humiliating. She emerged from the restroom and changed into a new dress. She sat up in bed and went to her phone''s app store. She found Bokipad and downloaded the app. She noticed it on her home screen a few minutester. She finally got into the app after creating an ount. Her upper lip twitched with a smile.


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    She perused hundreds of professional and amateur book covers. What Hazel had told her seemed to be true. There were numerous books to select from. She texted the girl.


    [To Hazel: Completed. Suggestions? ]


    After a few seconds, she received an iing call, which she promptly answered.


    "Hey! Isn''t it cool? I told you there are a lot of books in Bokipad."


    She sighed and rolled her eyes. "All right, what now? I''ve already saved some books in my library. Any rmendations?"


    "Hello, did you know Ara has a Bokipad ount? Check out her profile right now!"


    "What is her username?"


    Hazel answered her. A few minutester, the girl asked. "Did you find it?"


    "Yeah, I''m looking through her profile. Mmm... 32 works? Erotica?"


    "Oh yes! Happy long weekend, girl!" eximed Hazel.


    She smiled. "OK, I''ll read that --"


    A knock on her bedroom door startled her. She sat up in bed, her back straight.


    "Jewel Laine?" asked someone outside the door. It was her mother''s voice. "Please open this door."


    Her pupils dted. She quickly gathered all of the erotica books on the bed and stuffed them under the mattress. "Haze? You callter. Mom is here!" she said quietly.


    She didn''t wait for Hazel''s response and immediately disconnected the call, exited Bokipad, and set the phone down on the bedside table.


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! She took big steps to the door while fixing her hair and dress. She also smiled before opening the door. "Yes, Ma?" she greeted.


    When their gazes met, her mother''s brow furrowed. "Your father told me you fell into the river. Is that true?"


    She scratched the back of her neck to demonstrate her shyness in front of her mother. But she was taken aback when her mother eximed, "Don''t scratch your neck, Jewel Laine! Stand up straight!" She swallowed forcefully andplied.


    "Did you get that?"


    Jewel gave a nod. "Yes, Ma."


    "Who gave you permission to go out at three o''clock? Are you insane?"


    Her shoulders shook. "Sometimes...?"


    Her mother snorted and purposefully dragged her back into her room. Her pupils dted. The forbidden books may be found!


    When her mother shoved her inside the walk-in closet, she sighed in relief. She almost got busted!


    She turned to face her mother, who was perusing the dresses. "What''s the matter, Ma?" Jewel inquired, perplexed.


    "The Mayor is downstairs, and you must dress appropriately. They havee to ask for your hand in marriage."


    "W-what?" she wanted to argue, but the words were stuck in her throat.


    Her mother chose a blue dress for her and handed it to her. It had a simple yet elegant appearance.


    "I''ll send Dalya here. Prepare yourself. I''ll spank you if you look ragged in front of the Mayor. Don''t embarrass our family name. Hurry up and they''ve been waiting downstairs for a while."


    It was their second marriage proposal to her. A frown was gradually drawn on her face.

 The Mayor

    Mayor Calixto Olmedo Hernandez is feared by all. During his fifteen years in office, he was known as Medellin''s iron hand. Several ordinances were enacted in Medellin during the Mayor''s tenure. The ordinance prohibits assaulting women and sentences those caught illegally logging in any part of the municipality to prison.


    Those who vite the ordinance face imprisonment or fines, as well as sanitation for the entiremunity.


    So when she saw his solemn expression, her knees almost shook. When its sharp eyesnded on her, the color faded from her entire face.


    She was afraid of the Mayor because she had witnessed Gideon''s father''s rage at local news. She had refused to meet with the Mayor since then. Fortunately, the Mayor was not present when his spouse came to the mansion for the first time a month ago to ask her hand in marriage. She was given time to consider the offer, but the circumstances were unkind to her that summer, when she met Gideon on the Aisle and the Mayor stood in front of her for the second time. She clutched the hem of her gown. She realized she couldn''t get away from her impending doom in Gideon''s hands.


    "Very beautiful child; no surprise the beauty is talked about and admired in the municipality," the Mayor said, breaking her trance.


    She could hear her mother''s softughter. Jewel gulped.


    The lush and baritone voice of the Mayor contrasted the deep and cold voice of Gideon. She was not that skilled to hide her feelings but she tried hard to do so. It was as if she were being sentenced in court. She preferred to focus her attention on the fruits on the charcuterie board. She then tucked her fingers beneath the table.


    It was the worst feeling for her to be sitting at that long wooden table with just the five of them. She felt suffocated by tension and was terrified of Mayor Calixto. Even though her father and mother were sitting on either side of her, the fast beating in her heart did not stop. Gideon''s passing nces at her didn''t help either.


    "If you''d met Nilda a month ago, you wouldn''t have been surprised by her charm," Don Sebastian sipped from a cup of brewed and steaming corn coffee.


    "There''s a lot of work in the municipality," said the Mayor, sipping histte. He then ced the cup on the table and returned his gaze to her father. "I realized my son has been staying at your mansion for a few days, and I think the two children are doing better than I expected."


    Her father chuckled. "They are," he said, clearing his throat. "How is your wife doing?"


    Jewel heard the Mayor sigh softly. "She is still recovering in Mandaue, and we will leave for Man the next day to continue her treatment there, but my wife wants to speed up the marriage, so for the second time, I am here in ce of my good Nilda. The Hernandez family will take care of the wedding, reception, and other things. I have also prepared the district court, and tomorrow they can sign the marriage contract."


    She sneered inwardly at the Mayor''s words. ''Civil marriage, you say? But I''m only 19 years old. Aside from that, I don''t want to be tied down with an old man!'' she thought.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Jewel raised her eyes to the Mayor. The man also fixed his gaze on her. His stare was intense, so Jewel quickly looked down at the table and swallowed hard. Her body shook slightly as she realized what had happened. Mayor Calixtoughed at her actions. "You raised your daughter modestly; when I looked at her, she appeared to me to be a scared sheep!"


    Her blood began to flow to her cheek. She could hear Gideon and Don Sebastian''s weakughter. In the corner of her eye, she noticed her mother''s demure smile.


    "It''s not good for a woman to be too talkative," Donya Belinda, hermother, said. "I''m proud of Jewel, Mayor. She''s a very good child. She was delicate and grew up full of lessons from her bereaved grandmother."


    She would have been choked out of difort if she hadn''t been in front of them. She felt guilty at times, especially when her mother brags about how demure she was as a child. She wished she could scratch the back of her neck. Jewel had s And her body felt like it was on fire, especially when the Mayor smiled and stared at her. "Looks like I won''t be sorry. You know, Belinda, I can''t count the number of women who have proposed to my son.


    And Jewel is a lucky girl to have caught my attention." The Mayor turned to her father. "Aside from the wedding, I''d like you and Belinda to meet with me privately.


    I need to talk to you two about something. Allow the two children to spend time together."


    "I have a question first, Mayor," her father''s brow furrowed. "Is everything ready? I want to spend money for my unica hija''s wedding."


    "The wedding doesn''t end there, Sebastian," the Mayor said with a smile. "The marriage contract will take precedence, but they must marry before God. As previously discussed, the church wedding will still take ce next summer." "Hernandez appears to have nned everything for the wedding of the two toddlers," her father smiled.


    "I don''t want to go without my Nilda''s plea," Calixtoughed. "So, as much as possible, even if she''s not there, I''ll do what she wants."


    "Mayor, has my daughter''s dress for tomorrow''s event beenfinalized yet?"Her mother inquired.


    "Yes. My assistant will bring the clothes and jewelry for her and you to wear tomorrow. Nilda chose that, so I''d like to see Jewel in it as much as possible."


    "Why does it appear that all of your decisions revolve around your family, Mayor?" Her father jokingly asked, but she knew it wasn''t just a joke.

 First fight, persistent husband

    Jewel sat bored in her seat, as the three of themughed. Gideon remained silent as he sipped his cup and asionally nced at her.


    "Let it go, Sebastian. At the next wedding, I will delegate all decisions to your family," the Mayor said. "Have your questions been answered? I can''t stay long because there''s still work to be done in the municipality, but I''d like to speak with you two privately."


    Donya Belinda faced her. "Jewel, you''ll take care of Gideon. We''ll just talk to your prospective father-inw," she exined.


    The three stood up and exited the dining hall at the same time. Jewel sighed and leaned back in her chair, relieved. She shut her eyes. She appeared to have lost her cool after hearing what the Mayor and her parents had said. Her head ached as she considered the marriage contract she would sign the next day.


    But what could she possibly do? Shecked the courage to stand up to a Mayor and chastise her parents. She was certain that if those three discovered her hesitation to agree to the marriage, they would exile her to Mindanao with the man promised to her. That was the worst thing she avoided at all.


    ''No. It''s all right, Jewel. Breathe in, then exhale. When the school year resumes, you will not see any of them. ''You''ll be safe in your dorm,'' she reasoned, calming herself.


    She had her eyes closed for a few moments, but she felt someone staring at her face. She frowned as her gaze was drawn to Gideon''s dark orbs. When their gazes met, the man didn''t even blink. ''Annoying.''


    "Why are you staring?" she questioned, her tone hostile.


    "You''re too young to be my wife," said Gideon.


    His words pricked her ears, and she sat up straight in her chair. "I agree soe on, let''s cancel this engagement?" Her eyes twinkled with delight.


    Gideon''s lips twitched with a smile. "Uhuh. Too impulsive."


    "Excuse me?" she asked,ughing. "I''m not rash. In fact, Mr. Hernandez, I''ve been thinking about this for quite some time. You should know that I am a first-year college student. For Pete''s sake, just 19 years old." Her brow furrowed. "Sorry, but can you cancel this? I''m much too young for you. At my age, I have no intention of bing a pathetic wife. You should know this, but I am an outstanding student with straight A. What should my professor think of me? And what about my reputation in school? And my friends, they will surely avoid me! Do you know how it will affect my grades?"


    He smirked. "That''s too bad. I can help you in your study. You don''t need to be depended with others, when you can call your husband for help. And if your friends ignore you, then they are not true to you."


    Jewel''s lips twitched with a smile. "How can I? Since grade school, I am independent! I don''t need others to help me with my schooling. Also, did I just said that I am a straight A student? Now that I''m gonna be a wife, it would greatly affect my grades! Come to think If it, all my efforts would be a waste. Being a housewife..." Her face contorted when she imagined herself with a kid. "Arg! No! Not in a chance! I have my dreams to achieve and I still have to contribute something to this country after I graduated college!"


    Gideon''s lips curled up, amused by her effort to promote herself as a ''good student'' she is. "I will not harm you or cause you any trouble, Jewel. You can study and fool around." He chuckled, clearly toying with her ambitious look. "Bastard," she cussed under her breath.


    He flicked his tongue. "Just when I believe you''re a good student. Miss Mangubat, cursing is bad," he teased and grinned at her.


    Her body shook in suppressed anger. "Persistent bastard!"


    "I am," Gideon said, his even white teeth visible as he leaned in closer in her direction. "Please ept my apologies. I''m afraid I can''t grant your wish."


    She jumped to her feet and exited the dining hall. She entered the living room, carrying the hem of her long dress. Her gaze was drawn to Don Sebastian and Donya Belinda. "Mama! Papa! This isn''t going to work! I don''t want to marry this man!" she eximed. Desperate.


    She came to a halt beneath arge chandelier and looked around. Her father and mother were both absent. Where had they gone?


    Someone suddenly grabbed her arm and turned her around. Surprised, she let go of the dress''s hem and stepped on it. When she lost her bnce, she screamed.


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    Gideon grabbed her arm and yanked her back. He supported her with one arm while the other snaked around her. "Not only impulsive, but careless too," Gideon whispered, his voice low and amused. He was fixated on her. However, the stare was tinged with teasing. Gideon''s silly grin never left his lips.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    She quickly took his hand off her waist. She took a step back and inhaled deeply. "Exin to me, Mr. Hernandez, why you are so persistent."


    "I''m not persistent, Jewel."


    Her eyes rolled. "Come on, tell me why you''re here," Jewel said, her brow furrowed. "What makes you want to marry me?"


    But the man remained silent. Gideon''s gaze remained fixed on her. His lips opened to say something, but he quickly retracted and closed them.


    Jewel frowned, irritated, and walked away from Gideon. "If you don''t want to respond, that''s fine. I don''t really care ---"


    Gideon cut her words. "It''s my mother''s dying wish."


    Her foot stopped moving forward. Did she get it right? A death wish? Whose fault is it? Of his mother?


    Her brows came together.


    Gideon exhaled a sigh. "We first met on the day of her funeral."


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! Jewel turned slowly to face Gideon. The man was only a few meters away. His solemn gaze returned, the kind that dug deep into her. And he no longer had that crazy smile on his lips.


    Her voice trembled. "Are you j-joking?"


    Gideon raised his head. "The Mayor is just acting as if everything is fine. But the truth is that he is still unable to ept my mother''s death. A private funeral was held so that no one would inquire. I came from Mantalongon and was sent home just for her funeral," he said, averting his gaze. "I gave up my promise to the country''s sovereignty to marry you, Jewel. So please consider it."


    "You''re fulfilling a death wish?" She shook her head. "Mr. Hernandez, I understand. My heartfelt condolences on your loss. I don''t want to be insensitive.. but can''t you see how much that death wish is going to cost me? My freedom." She clenched her fist and clenched her jaw.


    Gideon looked at Jewel before he averted his gaze. His expression was solemn. "Think about it a hundred times. This marriage isn''t just about your freedom." He looked at her again. "Two families'' reputation and your parents'' feelings." She gave a blink. "They don''t even give a damn about my feelings."


    "Jewel."


    "Look, I''m not going to marry you. Marriage..." she said angrily, running her finger through her hair. "Please understand my side. I know what my life will be like after I marry you. I don''t want that. I have my own life. I have my dreams. I have a lot of things to chase on. And when I''m tied to you..." she swallowed and avoided Gideon''s gaze. "And I can''t do everything I want in life when I''m tied to you. You''ll cage me to death, and I don''t want that!"


    "I won''t imprison you, Jewel," Gideon said as he took a step closer but then stopped. He blinked and averted his gaze once more. "Thest thing I''ll do to my wife is put her in a cage. You''re not a bird, Jewel. You and I, as partners, should work equally. Being dominant is not my thing."


    Her eyes squinted. "Do you think you think I''ll believe you?" She snarled. She waited for him to speak up, but he just stood there in front of her, his gaze fixed on her. She sighed and looked down, defeated. "Why, why can''t you give up?" "You''ll know the reason soon and I''m rebuilding myself," Gideon said softly to her. "If you don''t want to be my wife, just submit to me as a woman. I want to be your good husband."

 Dont joke with a cranky girl

    "What? You don''t want to marry the Mayor''s son?''


    Jewel fixed her gaze on the monitor of herptop. She was inside her room, on a video call with three of her friends. She sighed, her lips pursed. "Yes. He informed me that he is twenty-nine years old. It''s fine if you''re 4 or 5 years older, but 10 years? That''s a decade difference, Tiara!"


    "You will only harm your reputation. That''s correct. Don''t get married to that old man! " Hazel chirped as she held a novel with a lewd cover in her hands. "If you marry that egotistic Mayor''s son, girl, you''ll be the town''s nextughingstock!" " Jewel''s lips curved into a smile, but she pouted when she remembered something. She returned her attention to the screen of her phone, where the video call was still in progress. "Egoistic? I didn''t describe him in that way. He''s actually quite good... and quite attractive."


    Hazel set down the novel and stared nkly at the screen. "Why are you defending that old man, Laine? I assumed you didn''t like him. "N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    "Uh..."


    There was a battle going on inside her. She did not want to marry him, but he was also not a bad choice. She knew Gideon was a good man after that dawn when he saved her. Jewel didn''t like it when her friends disrespected the man who had once saved her, so she shrugged and averted her gaze to theptop in front of her. "I''m more worried about Sheena," she said.


    "Oh," Hazel shrugged as she held her novel high on the screen, allowing them to clearly see the book cover of a man loaded up with eight abs - an exaggeration - which every girl thought was the perfect attraction for an erotic novel. "That old hag who likes to spread negativity," Hazel muttered.


    Jewel''s lips curled into a smirk and chuckled. "And you saw what happened when she tried to destroy me."


    "Of course. Sheena almost spit in your face." Tiara, who had been silent, burst outughing. "If it wasn''t for me, Laine, you''d be as dead as those freaking guys with no balls."


    "Should I thank you for ruining my dress so that Sheena could be the bad girl at the party?"


    Tiara''s pupils dted. "It was two years ago! Why are you bringing it up again? Do you have a grudge against me, Laine?"


    "No way," Hazel mumbled, her gaze fixed on the novel she was reading. "Laine isn''t like that.She had forgiven you for tearing her dress in the middle of the party just to tarnish Sheena''s reputation. Oh, I forgot to mention that the boys noticed Jewel''s lovely legs. Is that correct, Jewel?"


    Tiara drew a frown on her brow. "It isn''t my fault! Gabbi came up with the idea."


    Jewel exhaled a sigh. "This is about Gideon. Why are you ming each other?" "You med me as well," Tiara grumbled.


    Before she could say anything, Hazel mumbled, "Gideon? What a nice name."


    Before she could say anything, Hazel mumbled, "Gideon? What a lovely name."


    She pouted and shifted her gaze to her phone, which was propped up on a phone stand beside herptop. She fixed her gaze on the screen. Tiara was smiling at the camera like a girl who had just seen her crush, Hazel was reading an erotic book with no care in the world, and no one was present at Gabbi''s camera.


    "Where is Gabbi?" she asked.


    Tiara shook her head and leaned back. "Perhaps she''s rxing in her new bathroom?" The girl''s face suddenly brightened. "Wait, Hazel? That''s hot. Another erotica novel?"


    Jewel cast a nce at Hazel. Her friend had just finished the book and was about to start another. It had the same obscene cover as the first, with a girl wearing only a pair of undergarments. Hazel raised her head and smiled at them. "Don''t mess with a bookworm doing her job," the girl muttered and huffed.


    Tiara sighed and rolled her eyes. "Your addiction is causing my hair to stand on end. Pause for a moment. You can just carry on after we finish advising Laine on how to deal with an old bastard."


    "Come on,e on. Just marry that old and unattractive man!" Hazel said, her frustration palpable in her voice. "Hang out with him, and then sleep with him, Laine. That''s a good solution to your problem."


    No one could paint Jewel''s expression after hearing those words. She couldn''t believe what Hazel said. If marriage was like that, she would have lost her beauty by that age. No, she would never let that happen!


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    "Don''t believe what she says, Laine. When you say Gideon is a good-looking man, I know you''re telling the truth. You could consider marrying him. Age doesn''t really matter. Age gap seemed to be no problem at all in your favorite books," Tiara said.


    Hazel lifted the book she was holding and smiled slightly. "Perhaps you''ll like him. Remember in books? Older men have more sex appeal," Hazel said, her eyes narrowing. "By the way, is he that attractive? I''ve never seen the Mayor''s son." "That''s right! The Mayor is far too private. Even your engagement to his son was not covered in the local media. Is he that attractive that the Mayor is trying to hide his son''s face?" Tiara pondered.


    Jewel scoffed at the girls'' inquiries. "How dare you inquire about his appearance when you two are bullying me?"


    Hazel scratched her chin andughed dryly. "It''s only a joke. Of course, I''ll roast anyone who interrupts my reading. Laine, you should be the one who understands my situation out of the four of us. You''re the most devoted erotica fan in our group!"


    "Duh," she said, rolling her eyes. "Don''t use my hobby to defend yourself," she sighed, returning her gaze to theptop''s screen and punching something on the keyboard. "You know, girls... I''m not bothered either. Fine if my parents betrothed me to someone. But I''m hoping they just picked someone my age.


    "So you dislike Gideon?" Hazel inquired quietly.


    "1


    The girl appeared to be trying to console her. Jewel''s mood improved as a result of Hazel''s attention, but not enough to alleviate her anxiety about tomorrow''s event.


    She sighed and took a break from typing on herptop keyboard. "No, not at all. Gideon is fine. Careful. Respectful. Gentleman. And..." "And?"

 A chance to flee prison

    "He rescued me."


    "So, knight in shining armor? What''s the matter with him?"


    She frowned as she returned her attention to the phone''s screen. She noticed Hazel and Tiara looking at her with anticipation. Gabbi''s frown was also visible to her.


    She coughed and attempted to change the subject. "Gab, what''s up with that expression?" she asked.


    The youngdy sneered. "That stupid toilet bowl is messing with me again! Kuya is to me! He left his boxer brief in the bathroom, and it fell into the toilet bowl as I was pouring water on it! How do you unclog a stupid toilet bowl?!" Hazel burst outughing. "Suck it,dy."


    Jewel grinned as Gabbi''s expression darkened. "You''re the only one who can suck a stupid toilet bowl, and maybe you can suck the septic tank as well," Gabbi said.


    "That''s enough," Jewel said quietly, returning to the keyboard. Hazel and Gabbi were not very good at ying jokes because they often took jokes personally, which resulted in a nasty fight. Gabbi was grumpy, and Hazel adored grumpiness. "Laine, what are you typing?" Tiara asked after some time.


    "Email... to John Prophet."


    Tiara raised a brow. "Who is that?"


    "I''m not sure. I recently learned that he interprets dreams. I''d like to know who that man is," she reasoned.


    "Man?" Hazel raised her head and asked.


    Jewel returned her attention to the phone and noticed Hazel frowning as the girl stared at the screen. "Yes. I''m asking him to interpret my dream. The man I said... uh, you know," she exined. Her cheeks began to flush slightly. Hazel parted her lips and jokingly covered her mouth. "Are you sure that''s Gideon?" "


    She raised a brow. "What exactly do you mean?" "


    Hazelughed, bringing the screen up to her face. "I think the man in your dreams is your fiance! You have no idea what he looks like, right?" Jewel nodded, and Hazel''s smile widened. "Right! Laine, marry him! After you''ve finished banging with him, you might remember the face of your dream man! Oh my goodness, girl! You''re living your dream! I''d get married right away if I were you!"


    Jewel''s face contorted, indicating that she disagreed with Hazel. "Haze, stop fantasizing. I don''t want to be tied down too soon. I still have a dream. I told you I''m leaving Mama and Papa''s mansion soon. If I marry him, I''ll be squandering my dream."


    "What?" Hazelughed. "He''ll take you away from your parents'' mansion!" "


    She averted her gaze from the camera. "I thought you didn''t want me to marry soon?" "


    Hazel''s bright smile filled the entire screen. "Of course, Laine. But can''t you see how hypocritical you are? Despite the fact that I insulted your man, you defended him. You don''t like it when I mock him. And you''ll tell me you don''t like him? Girl, grow up!"


    Jewel was taken aback by Hazel''s words. She like Gideon? What? How? When?


    "Oh, that expression you give... it''s confirmed! You have a thing for the Mayor''s son! So go ahead and marry him, and we''ll get this over with! I''ll volunteer if you don''t want to marry him. Deny your emotions if you want to, and I''ll steal your man," Hazel chirped, clutching the book once more.


    She made a face. "Try. Let''s see if you can''t pee in the presence of Mayor Calixto."


    Tiara and Gabbi burst outughing when Hazel put the book down and stared nkly at the screen. They were well aware that, of the four of them, Hazel was the most terrified of the Mayor.


    The girl was once caught viting a curfew and was chastised by the Mayor. Jewel was second in line because she had only seen the Mayor''s rage on the local news once.


    Hazel rolled her eyes. "I''m going to elope with him."


    "Hazel delikadesa, will you?" Tiara teased, chuckling. Hazel smiled once more. "Tell that to Laine, girl."


    The two of them both looked at her. Jewel scowled. "What?"


    Tiara snapped her fingers. "I challenge you, Laine. Read erotica in front of your mother!"


    Her eyes rolled. "As if it were that simple? Mama scares me more. If you only knew how she..." She stared at the three girls on the screen at the same time, mimicking how her mother red at her when angry. Her friendsughed and she grinned.


    "Oh. Too bad." Tiara shook her head, narrowing her sly eyes. "Then... I dare you to seduce Gideon." Tiara grinned. "Let''s see if he''s worth a shot."


    Jewel pursed her lips. "What are your ns?"


    "Seduce him. If he is big, then marry him!"


    She choked and coughed for a few times before she red at her friend who wasughing so hard!


    Jewel saw the sly smile on Gabbi''s lips. Uh, it''s a trap!


    Gabbi wrinkled her brows as she beamed at her. "I''ll show your mom that picture if you can''t do the end of our deal," she said as if giving her a favor.


    Her chest throbbed. There''s a bad feeling about how Gabbi and Tiara was making fun of her. She drew her face closer to the screen. "What? What picture?" "Wait," Gabbi said, "I''ll send it to your email."


    She quickly switched to herptop and refreshed her inbox. After a few seconds, Gabbi''s message arrived. Her pupils dted. "Gab! No way!"


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    "I''m quite serious, aren''t I?" Gabbi said with a gloating smile on her lips.


    It was the image she posted in their group chat. A selfie with the new erotica books from Dalya and Pedro''s delivery box.


    "Tiara! Take a look at Gabbi! She saved my photo!" She took up the phone and pressed it against theptop screen. She got augh from the girl.


    "I apologize. Gabbi thinks in a certain way. Just do it, Laine." Tiara pretended tofort her.


    She scowled. "I''m not interested in that."Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    "Haze? Do you still have Mrs. Mangubat''s email address?" Gabbi inquired, a mischievous smile on her face.


    "Ah, yes. I don''t delete emails. You know ~"


    "All right, send me -"


    Jewel jerked her head. "Wait a minute! Arg! Gab, you little jerk!"


    "Is that a challenge epted?"


    "Fine!" She shut her eyes. "How should I proceed?"


    "Sleep with him?"


    "That, too much. I don''t want to do it so no. A big no!"


    Gabbi shrugged her shoulders. "All right, all right. Send me a picture of you kissing him."


    She simplyughed. "Seems like a simple task, isn''t it? You''re having a great time. Be thankful that Mom won''t let mee to your house. Otherwise -"


    Gabbi stifled her words. "OK, fine. It''s fine if you can''t send it right away. However, there is a time limit. Until next summer''s wedding."


    Her brow furrowed. "A whole year?" "


    "Yes, a full year."


    "I''m confident I''ll send it before the end of this summer."


    Gabbi arched her brow. "Really?"


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! She pursed her lips. "I''ll be married by tomorrow. "Civil marriage."


    "What?!" Hazel yelled.


    "Oh," Tiara widened her eyes.


    "Howe you didn''t tell me, Laine? I should be there to prepare a lechon for you!" Gabbi yelled,ughing hard.


    Her lips twitched. Whyugh so hard? Is changing one''s surname funny?


    Jewel sighed and waved her hand in defeat. "It was a spur of the moment decision. Gideon said..." She paused in her speech. She remembered the Mayor''s wife''s funeral being held in private. It was bad if more people found out about it. "That... ?"


    Sh looked up at therge wall clock above the wall and said, "Nevermind. It''s past nine o''clock, girls. I need to get some sleep."


    "But wait, aren''t we supposed to be invited?" Tiara asked, raising a brow.


    She shook her head and shrugged. "It''s only a small gathering."


    "Oh," Hazel tilted her head to the side and cleared her throat. "Does that mean you''ll sleep in the same room as Gideon?"


    Hazel''s question sent shivers down her spine. She hadn''t considered that either. Furthermore, she had no intention of surrendering herself to the man. When she cast a nce at Hazel, she saw the innocent eyes in that beautiful face if not for that malicious smile on her lips. She grimaced.


    "Please send a photo of your husband lying naked on the bed, okay? I''ll wait for it. I promise," Hazel said, as she pout her lips to act cute in the camera.


    Jewel hurriedly pressed the video call''s end button. Her entire room returned to silence and she shivered while imaging Gideon lying on her bed, naked. Ah! She shook her head. ''What on earth am I thinking?'' she thought.


    She sighed and ced her phone andptop on the nightstand. She got out of bed and went to the balcony, where she stood for a few minutes.


    She took a deep breath and expelled all doubt from her mind. She''d already considered it and decided to go to court tomorrow to sign the marriage contract, after which she''d return to the mansion. She will not rebel against her parents. She will not betray the surname that her father and mother adore.


    Drawing a breath, she watched the moon shone at the distance. She wondered what Gideon was doing in the next room?


    Just as she peeked on the next balcony, she saw a man standing there. Under the moonlight, Gideon''s physique excluded a majestic aura that Jewel was left frozen on spot, specially when the man cast a nce on her way. "Why are you in daze? Go back inside or you might catch a cold," he said.


    She did not know how she responded but she saw herself walking back inside her room. Before she close the balcony''s sliding ss door, she heard Gideon''s faintugh.


    It seemed like the man was making fun of her again. Jewel''s face crumpled.

 The wedding

    "You may kiss the bride."


    She looked at Gideon. She smiled, leaned back, tiptoed, and smacked his lips with hers. Gideon''s eyes widened in surprise at what she had done, but Jewel didn''t care and instead grabbed both of his cheeks and wouldn''t let go until the camera shed.


    "The bride is excited, eh?" chuckled the civil officer. She let go and turned to face the officer, who wasughing.


    She would not do it if she had a choice. But the wager remained, and she couldn''t afford to lose.


    "Congrattions, Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez."


    People in the audience apuded. Gideon took her hand in his and they faced the crowd. She saw her father and mother both smiling at her. The Mayor was by their side.


    She could count the number of witnesses who came to the civil wedding on one hand. There were also some well-known figures, such as the Vice Mayor, the party''s president, Medellin''s business magnates, and others she was unfamiliar with. However, there were no media. It was exactly what she expected from the Mayor, and it was in her favor because she didn''t want anyone at the University to know she was married.


    She wanted to invite her friends, but her mother refused. But that''s fine. It didn''t matter because she had obtained evidence of the wager she had with them. And that''s why she came to the wedding.


    When she stood in front of him, the Mayor, he suddenly pulled her in for a hug. "Hello, daughter, and wee to the family."


    "Uhm... I''m happy, too," she said as he let go and stared at her. She wanted to flee his piercing stare, but the Mayor gripped her arm tightly. Her lips twitched in a smile, but she secretly winced. "Dad," Gideon said quietly to his father.


    The Mayor burst outughing and let her go. "I''m sorry; I was just thinking of my dear Nilda."


    She gave a slight nod. "I understand."


    He might have remembered his wife because of her outfit. The Mayor had mentioned that his wife had chosen her outfit for the day: a white dress withce sleeves and a skirt that falls below the knee Earrings, nes, bracelets, and rings with blue diamonds. She felt like a jewelry box with precious gems adorning it, and she tried hard not to take them off in front of the guests. All of these jewels made me feel ufortable.


    But does that imply... Gideon''s mother already knew she would marry her son and die before the wedding. Or was it the Mayor who chose them and just assumed his wife did it? She shook her head, clearing her mind of the question.


    The Mayor donated a house and lot, and her mother donated twenty acres ofnd to be named after Gideon. Her heart skipped a beat when her father handed her a car key.


    "I know you prefer the horse, but in exchange for Francisko, I bought a car, and I hope you like it, Jewel Laine," he said.


    "B-But..."


    "Do you have a problem?"


    "I don''t know how to drive."


    Her father was stunned for a few moments before bursting outughing. Her mother and the Mayor joined in theughter. Some people looked at them.


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    "Don''t worry, I''ll just give the car to my new son, Gideon."


    Gideon came closer. She sighed and stepped back slightly. Her mother approached her as she was about to walk away.


    "Jewel."


    "Yes?"


    Her mother smiled and gently stroked her cheeks. "Be good. You won''t understand what we''re doing right now, but there wille a time when you will understand why." "What do you want to say, MomContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    "Gideon is a good man, so your father and I chose him to be your husband," the woman sighed. You''ll eventually figure out how to deal with men like him. But I know Gideon will still take care of you even though you are not ready to do what a wife is predicted to do. Please don''t think we''re being cruel to you. We''re only concerned with what''s best for you, Jewel." Her mother smiled gently at her.


    Jewel blinked and shifted her gaze to the side. To be honest, she was worried about what would happen after she signed the marriage certificate. It was not her intention to marry at her age, and her previous experiences with love had not been pleasant. The immense pressure was gnawing at her, and the only thing keeping her sane was the prospect of escaping all of this when university days arrived. "Come back home next week, and I''ll present you to the Captain of the Santacruzan; your father and I discussed having you y Reyna Elena in the event." "Huh?" she asked, looking at her mother, who was smiling at her. When she thought about the parade, her brow furrowed. "I don''t want to, Mom."


    "Jewel Laine, you must have the experience of being Queen Elena. The maiden''s life is not the same as the married life."


    "But I can''t go because I''m a married girl and I''m too old for that," she exined, recalling that girls around the age of fifteen were more eligible for the event.


    "No, you are Mangubat''s most precious daughter; no one will judge you, and you are beautiful. As long as the girl is a virgin, she may enter!"


    Her lips twitched in a smile. Virgin? Will people believe in virginity if they find out a girl is married? What else, would Gideon not touch her until next week? Ah. That would be fantastic.


    She was upset, but her mother reprimanded her. Her head snapped to the side as she struggled to hear her mother''s reprimand through her other ear.


    She had no interest in dressing up. She also dislikes jewelry. Perhaps she was drawn to the cowboy hat, boots, and immortal ripped jeans she always wore when touring the entire hacienda because she grew up with horses and sugarcane. And for her, a long-sleeved shirt was more important than the long gowns that make her look awkward because she can''t move in them.


    ''Only once. Be patient, Jewel! You will not hear their reprimands in theing months, okay? Breathe... breathe and smile,'' she thought.


    It took them several hours of greeting and conversing with the visitors before her parents let them leave the Municipal Hall. When the fake smiles andughter wore off, she discovered her lips had be numb from the effort. It was all the fault of her ''political connections'' that she had to suffer for so long. They need to make more connections for their future children because both of their families are involved in politics and business. Otherwise, other people would regard her and Gideon''s family as unworthy of connection. It was all a tradition passed down through the generations, so even though it was exhausting, she needed to keep up with her husband, who had noticed her fatigue. He excused her from the guests and apanied her towards the exit.


    She was relieved that there was no need for a reception to avoid the media. It was also the reason they needed to talk for hours with the guests because once they left the hall, no one would see them again for the next few months. "You''re tired," Gideon said as he led her to the parking lot.


    Her brow furrowed. "Just keep moving," she hissed, looking around, trying to keep her face hidden from the crowd.


    He may have noticed her actions because he removed his coat and ced it on her head,pletely concealing her expression from the others. "Use it."

 Along the road

    Jewel exhaled a sigh of relief.


    A pick-up truck was parked in the corner of the parking lot, and Pedro was standing on its side, waving at them. "Senyorita, Senyorito! You two are truly on par when ites to beauty!" Gideon smiled as she shook her head, not responding to what her assistant said.


    Jewel jumped into the car without waiting for her husband. She didn''t want her University acquaintance or friend to see her in a wedding gown. They will undoubtedly inquire and may even discover that she is married. She intended to conceal her true civil status. Fortunately, the car''s windshield was tinted.


    After a few moments, Gideon boarded. He drove out of the Municipal Hall and onto the road that led to Dayhagon.


    The journey was peaceful. She opened the window to let in some fresh air. Because the car was in the Aisle, she didn''t have to worry about anyone seeing her. She examined the green sugarcanes. They shone brightly in the sunlight. Her lips formed a smile.


    She drew her head and hand out, feeling the cold air. As she closed her eyes, her smile widened on her lips. She remembered riding with Francisko and being able to freely tour the entire hacienda. This was also the type of fresh air that was blowing in her face.


    "Don''t stretch your arms too much, Jewel," Gideon cautioned, slowing the car down slightly.


    When she heard her husband''s voice, her fantasy came to an end. She smirked. "I know. Don''t scold me like a child, and stop calling my name in that tone; you sound like Dad."


    "I see, but you still need to hold on tight because if you fall, no one will catch you."


    She winced as her eyes blinked. "You don''t have control over my life, Hernandez. I''m not your subject."


    "I''m concerned about your well-being."


    "Even so, stopmanding me!"


    Gideon sighed and ceased speaking. For a few moments, they were surrounded by silence. When the car turned away from the Mansion, her eyes squinted. Before she could say anything, a hammer-like pain in her lower abdomen struck her. She flushed and bit her lower lip. What? She had forgotten it was her period!


    She took a long, deep breath. "What are we doing?" she inquired.


    "To our house."


    Her toes curled and her knuckles turned white as she endured the dull pain. "Huh?" she eximed, dazed.


    When he noticed how pale her face was, he frowned at her. "Are you all right?"


    "No!"


    ''This stupid period!'' she cursed in her head. ''Why today? I didn''t have any pads!''


    Jewel took several deep breaths, and Gideon noticed her shift in demeanor. He pulled over to the side of the road and looked over at Jewel, who was trembling in the passenger seat. Sweat beads formed on her brow. "Hey," he said, reaching out and grabbing her shoulder. "What''s the matter?"


    Gideon detected the scent of blood before Jewel could respond. His brow furrowed, and he turned Jewel around to examine her body.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    "H-Hey, stop moving me around like that!" she hissed. The more he twisted her, the more pain she felt.


    During her period, it was always like this. She would curl up in a corner to relieve the pain and never touch anything cold to relieve the pain. But she was in a car with a low temperature, which was causing her dysmenorrhea to surge like a madman.


    Gideon became aware of the blood stains on Jewel''s dress.The blood sttered on the passenger seat, but it didn''t matter. He immediately turned off the air cooler and elerated the car.


    "Do you have any pads?" he inquired.


    Jewel was taken aback and fixed her gaze on him. "What?"


    "I asked if you haveyour pads."


    She shook her head and gulped. This big man knew exactly what she needed during her period. Seriously? She gave him a suspicious look, which Gideon noticed. "What?" he asked. "Are you a sissy?"


    The car came to a halt. She might have hit her face on the dashboard if it hadn''t been for her seatbelt. "What''s up with the sudden stop?" she eximed.


    "Sorry."


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    The car passed through the Aisle and onto the highway. Gideon stopped at a convenience store to get some pads before he continued driving.


    Jewel tried to break the silence by bringing up a topic. She was afraid that if she didn''t distract herself, the pain in her lower abdomen would return. "Do you own a house?" "Yes."


    "Inheritance?"


    "No."


    "Loan?"


    Gideon burst outughing. "I owe nothing, Jewel."


    She smirked.


    One of his arms was propped up against the window sill, the other on the steering wheel. He had a small smile on his lips and looked at her from time to time to make sure she was okay.


    "So you have a job?" she asked again, her gaze shifting away from Gideon.


    He gave a nod. "I bought that house while I was still a Corporal Scout Ranger."


    "Ah?" Her brow furrowed as she searched for an excuse to bully her husband. She wasn''t looking for attention, but her period was making her do childish things. This could be due to a hormonal imbnce or rapid mood swings.


    "I''m not into older men," she warned, "so you see, if I can''t get anything good from you, I''ll pack my bags and go back to my father." "Even if you were in the military previously, but you are now unemployed, and I don''t like men who don''t contribute to society, and I despise it when my husband is still dependent on his parents."


    Gideon burst outughing. Jewel rolled her eyes and parted her lips. "I''m not making this up, Hernandez. Stopughing!"


    He stoppedughing, but Jewel could tell he was happy. "I will raise you and our child, and I will not sign the marriage contract if I cannot provide you with a single penny."


    Jewel averted her gaze as her cheeks turned bright red. What kind of shiver did his words cause... wife and child? He went overboard. She had no intention of surrendering herself to him.


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    ''Is he a green g?'' she asked herself. Although she liked red g male leads in the novels she read, she would never wish for a possessive and obsessive freak in real life because she did not want to live in a cage.


    She sighed and shook her head. "Will I be living in your house?"


    "You don''t want it?" Gideon asked, his tongue clicking. "Would you like to live under the bridge? Tell me, and I''ll drop you off," he joked.


    Her cheeks were flushed. "Rude. I''m just asking," she muttered to herself as she looked out the window. "You''re the old one here, but you love to tease me. You''re so childish."


    His lips formed a smile. The car approached an intersection. "I thought you youngdies liked funny men? I''m doing my best to pass for one."


    Gideonughed when he saw her disgusted expression. She sighed and rolled her eyes. "You''re not fit to perform as a clown. Stop fooling around."


    "As you please, wife."


    "Hmmph," she said, her gaze drawn to the pack of tampons Gideon had brought her. She was initially uneasy with him, but talking to him in this manner made her difort fade. She pondered... It wasn''t so bad being his wife.


    Her hand reached for her phone and dialed Dalya''s number. She was so preupied with her wedding that she forgot to tell her maid to pack some of her books as well. She nned to finish her newly brought books before the summer days ended next month because it is forbidden to bring such books inside the dormitory.


    Her call, however, did not reach Dalya''s phone. Her brow furrowed. What''s the deal with her? Dalya never turned her phone off.


    She pursed her lips and stowed her phone. "Before I forget, I didn''t bring my luggage.I''ll have to returnter," she exined. "No need. ;I told them to pack your belongings."


    "What?" she asked, wide-eyed. "What exactly did you say?"


    "Don''t worry, your belongings are on their way."


    Her brows furrowed. "No," she said, shaking her head. "You must stop them, or my maid will."


    Gideon gave her a quick nce but didn''t say anything else. She took a deep breath in. "Hey, I need to get home, so turn this car!"


    "Be obedient. They could have finished packing your belongings by now."


    His words made her feel cold on the inside. Her greatest fear was that the servants would discover her secret books. She has never let maids enter her room since she began collecting books. What if the maids tell her mother about her x- rated books?

 The portrait in his house

    Gideon''s house was hidden away in Cansanit, near Don Virgilio Gonzales at the end of a long penins. It''s a three-story white house with a blue roof. Arge gate rotates around the house''s perimeter. In the front, there is arge garage beneath an enclosed porch. On the side, near the small pond, there is even a patio.


    Because the gate was not automatic, Gideon led her to the small door. The man was the first to leave the pick-up outside the gate. The doorbell rang and a man in his mid-50s wearing a hat appeared. He smiled when he saw them. "Good day, Sir Manasseh. Is this your wife?"


    "Yes, Tang."


    The man smiled as he turned to face her. He lowered his hat and ced it on his chest while bowing in front of her. "Nice to meet you, Miss Jewel. I wish you a happy marriage with Sir Manasseh." She gave a sheepish smile. "Thanks..."


    "Pleasee in, Sir."


    The old man opened the door wide to let them in. She stepped in, inhaled the scent of roses, and sighed at the beautiful sight. The house was surrounded by flowers.


    "Are you in charge of the flowers?" she inquired the elderly gentleman. Gideon walked beside her as the old man followed them.


    "I am, Miss. Sir onlyes home once a week and I''m the sole housekeeper."


    "How''s I?igo?" Gideon suddenly asked.


    She heard the old man sighed. "He couldn''t stand the pain, Sir. He passed away one day and Iid him to rest in the backyard."


    "Thank you for looking after him, Tang."


    "It''s nothing, Sir."


    She opened her mouth to ask as they approached the main entrance "Who exactly is Inigo?"


    "A K9, mypanion during my service. When I retired, I adopted him."


    She nodded her head and followed her husband inside the huge house, but was stunned to see arge portrait of her face in the living room when she was still seventeen years old. "Who painted that?" she asked.


    She stood in front of the portrait, amazed at the fine strokes used. it was remarkable as the painter paid attention to the smallest detail that''s included throughout the painting. "Someone sent it to me. I''m not sure where it came from but there''s a letter on it, and it says Mi Amore."


    Her brow furrowed. "What made you ept that?"


    "It''s good."


    "Huh?" She turned to face Gideon. As he gazed at her portrait, the man smiled. "The portrait didn''t lie. You''re beautiful," he said and walked away. "Come on, I''ll show you around."


    Her eyes narrowed before running after him. "You shouldn''t have epted that thing," she whispered, embarrassed. It''s weird to know that her portrait was hanging freely in a stranger''s house for years.


    Tang bid goodbye before slipping into the kitchen door. She and Gideon ascended the grand spiral staircase and onto the third floor. There was a lot of bonsai, particrly snake nts, on every corner that gave a cool ambiance to the surroundings.


    Gideon just smiled and shook his head. "Exin why you don''t want to pack your belongings."


    She went silent. They came to a halt in front of a blue door.


    Gideon went inside after turning the lock. She followed, stepping inside.


    "I just don''t want to," she exined after a moment of silence.


    Gideon looked around the room before turning around to face her. "I don''t think so."


    She averted her gaze and frowned. Then, she drew her arms across her chest. "I have books that shouldn''t be seen."N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    "Hmm?"


    Jewel red at the man once more. "I''d like Dalya or Pedro to wrap the books, and not the other maids. They might alert Mom and Dad."


    Gideon gave a nod. "Why is that?"


    She took another step back and averted her gaze again. She didn''t want to say anything about her vices. Aside from the fact that shecks confidence, it''s also embarrassing. "Exin why, Jewel," Gideon urged.


    "I don''t dare."


    "You don''t want to say anything or admit anything?" he taunted.


    Her gaze returned to Gideon, brows furrowing. "What do you mean?" she asked.


    Gideon gave a bitter smile. "I heard you one night, on the balcony, calling your friend and talking about sex."


    Her heart skipped a beat. "W-What?"


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    Gideon''s expression was solemn. "I suppose... you''ve invited the enemy. Let go of whatever you''re concealing from me."


    She took a step back and turned away. "I''m not concealing anything." "Jewel."


    "I said I am not hiding anything!"


    She could hear him sigh. "You should let it go before it kills you," he said, resting his hand on her shoulder. She leaped in surprise. Gideon released her shoulder. "There isn''t a bathroom upstairs. My room is just beside yours, so if you need anything, knock on the door next to yours. I''ll let you tour around the room first." He was about to leave when he remembered something, so he faced Jewel again. "I recall you having a student permit, so why can''t you drive a car?" She looked away. "I don''t have a student permit. That was a lie, and I can''t drive. I can only ride a motorcycle."


    Gideon gave a curt nod. The man walked right past her and out of the room. She inhaled deeply and looked around inside.


    Blue was the dominant color. White bedsheets, pillows, and nkets. She fixed her gaze on the open balcony. The thin curtain was dancing by the wind. She approached it and parted the curtains.


    She looked out at the blue ocean, which was glistening in the sunlight. The air smelled salty and mossy. The gentle crash of the waves on the shore could be heard.


    The sight of kingfishers in the distance flying over the waves and soon descending under the water was what left her in awe.


    She took a slow step past the curtains and grabbed the balcony railing. Below, she saw the flower garden that surrounds the backyard and the high gate that extends to the second floor. Sand lies beyond the gate. Fine and white sand runs straight up to the paved shore, which she believes was a yacht harbor. In the distance, she noticed a yacht.


    She stopped appreciating the view when she heard a knock. After a few minutes, she went back inside and opened the door. She saw Tang and smiled at him.


    "Miss, Sir wants you to join him for a snack."


    Jewel shook her head. "Please inform him that I am still full."


    She felt bad seeing that man''s grin fade slightly. "Okay, Miss, call me if you need-"


    "Fine." She sighed, "I''ll go with you, Mang Tang."


    The elderly man''s face lit up and he bowed slightly in front of her. "I appreciate it very much, Miss Jewel."


    "Please call me Laine."


    "As you like, Miss Laine."


    She exited her room and followed the old man. As they descended the circr staircase, she heard his happy whistle.


    "Uhm... Mang Tang?" she called.


    The elderly gentlemanughed. "This, Miss Laine, Tang will do."


    "Alright... Kuya Tang?"


    Tang burst outughing. She gave a small smile and cleared her throat. "Is this Gideon''s house?" she inquired.


    Tang returned his gaze to the front. "I worked as a gardener at the Mayor''s mansion for two years before he brought me here to take care of this house."


    "Do you think I''ll be able tost as his wife?"


    Tang came to a halt as he reached the end of the stairs and waited for her. "The truth is that Sir was notorious, Miss Laine."


    "What?"


    The man grinned. "Sir was a bad boy who changed miraculously after what happened ten years ago."


    "Ten years?" she asked, her brow furrowed. "The time when there''s a virus outbreak in the country?"


    Tang sighed and nodded. "The country''s economy copsed and the Mayor and his good wife were struggling. Sir Manasseh was sent back to Medellin to help grow the city. Sir didn''t want to go home, but his mother''s condition worsened, and he couldn''t do anything but return. And it''s incredible... He lost interest in women all of a sudden."


    "What?" she eximed. "He has feelings for other women?"


    "Don''t be jealous, Miss Laine," the old man said with a smile. "Sir no longer has a woman."


    "Wait a minute, I''m not jealous."


    "As Medellin gradually regained its vitality, Sir Manasseh also returned to service. He returned to Dguete, iming to be looking for a woman. Ang was her name."


    "I don''t care about his women, Kuya Tang," she said, her brow furrowed. "Why are you saying this?"


    "I thought you want to know, Miss Laine. Jealousy is hard to control," the old man said with a smile.


    "I''m not jealous!" she eximed. "Come on, I''m starving."


    "Didn''t you say you were still full, Miss Laine?"


    Her expression darkened when Tangughed.

 Laughing together

    She saw a round table in the dining room. Gideon was sitting there, reading a devotional book. Jewel sat down in the opposite chair and she spotted Tang turned to the back door. "Where are you going, Brother Tang?" she asked.


    The old man smiled when he turned around to face her. "I''m gonna tend the garden first, Maam Laine. You and Sir Manasseh should talk a little more to improve your rtionship." As she cleared her throat, she looked at Gideon. She caught a glimpse of her husband''s smile. Jewel looked away, embarrassed.


    "Tang had cooked bananas and sweet potatoes," he said, pointing to the table.


    Her eyebrow twitched and her expression darkened. "I''m not going to eat that."


    Gideon''s brow rose. "As I expected of you, little princess."


    Jewel grimaced when Gideon emphasized the word ''princess'', but she just shrugged her shoulder and did not meet his eyes. Sure enough, the man asked. "What do you want to eat then? I''ll cook for you." "Really?" She narrowed her eyes. "I want fried ones."


    Gideon smiled. He got to his feet and went to the kitchen. The man didn''t return for a few minutes and Jewel was taken aback by his actions. She never thought that the stoic man would cook for her. She looked around and noticed the book that Gideon was reading earlier. Jewel reached out a hand and opened it.


    ~ The path to eternal life is long and winding. Many people do not, cannot, or will not follow that path. They have abandoned the salvation that leads to life. They are the ones who have hardened their hearts and turned their backs on the truth.


    They will never see life unless God permits them and they repent of their wickedness. Anyone who hears the word but does not obey is not counted worthy of God''s kingdom.~


    When she heard Gideon''s footsteps, she looked up. Jewel quickly closed the book and returned it to its original location. There was a small smile on Gideon''s lips as he walked closer to her while holding a te with fried banana dipped in flour. "This is called Maruya and is delectable," Gideon dered as he put the te on the table.


    "Do you mean it?"


    "You''ve never had a taste?"


    Her head shook. "I''ve seen it for sale at the university, but I''ve never had one to taste."


    Gideon''s grin grew wide. "Try it."


    She grabbed one but had to release it immediately due to heat. The searing pain on her fingertips made her frown. Gideon stifled augh. "Anything''s funny?" she asked, annoyance was evident in her voice.


    He just smirked. "I didn''tugh. Be careful, it''s hot," he said and gave her a fork.


    "You inform me at the right moment. Thank you!" she said and beamed at him with narrowed eyes. Of course, it''s not hard to notice the sarcasm in her voice.


    Gideon shook his head. "Being grumpy won''t make you pretty," he teased.


    "And being a jerk won''t make you handsome," she retorted.


    They caught each other''s gazes and theyughed together. After a heartlyugh, he reached the fork, dipped it in the te filled with maruya, and held it in front of Jewel''s lips. He even blew it to ensure that it''ll be cold to consume. Her pupils dted with his thoughfulness and silently opened her mouth. A sweet taste lingered in her tongue as soon as she took a bite.


    "Good, isn''t it?" Gideon teased.


    She made a face and continued eating while he sat opposite of her and watched as she took her fill. Jewel became conscious of his heated gaze. "Stop staring or I''ll gouge your eyes out," she warned. "So brutal," hemented and smirked.


    Just then, a whole afternoon passed by without much hurdle.


    After dark, she just went down to eat. Gideon tried to engage her in a conversation but it was her first day being a married girl so she declined his offer to stay.


    "Won''t you be lonely upstairs?" he asked.


    She bit her bottom lip. "Why would I be?"


    Gideon grinned and stood. He walked close to her while she stepped back until her back hit the wall. She red at him. "What are you doing?"


    Tang was long gone and nowhere in sight. Basically, it was only her and Gideon alone in the living room. Her heart beat fast when she caught mischief in his eyes. "S-Stop! Don''te any closer!"


    The obscure scenes inside Tiara''s phone that she saw during ss in their senior high years resurfaced in her mind. That girl told her that the video in her phone was a y that every married couples do. Of course, reading erotic novels made her understand what that video was all about.


    Would Gideon initiate that y?


    Her face paled. Although she was curious but she''s more nervous. She''s afraid of the pain that every heroine experienced during their first nights together with the hero.


    "Are you in pain?" Gideon asked and frowned while looking her pale face. "Tell me. I''ll soothe your pain away." He pulled her close and embraced her. His hand patted her back.


    Jewel calmed down at his gesture. She shook her head.


    Feeling that her trembling stopped, Gideon lifted her up and walked to the stairs. He climbed his way to Jewel''s room andid her in the soft mattress. He looked at the girl lying below him and caressed her soft cheeks. Jewel bit her lip and looked away. "Are you g-gonna..."


    "Hmm?"


    Her lips trembled. She red at him and pushed his naughty hand away. "I''m tired," she whispered and turned back.


    Gideon lost the warmth from his hand. He looked at the stubborn girl and sighed.


    It was not his intention to scare her away but the beauty his wife possessed could not be neglected. The first time that he saw her portrait, he was mesmerized to the point that he looked high and low for the girl who moved his frozen heart since Ang, his first love, left him for another man.


    He spent years before he finally caught the beauty that haunted his dreams for years yet it was not an easy feat, for he lost everything before he gained the woman he longed for.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

 Chaotic call from home

    Morning came and the sun was high in the sky when she opened her eyes. She felt tired yet blissful. It was due to her dream of lying in the arms of a man. His face was hidden but she could feel his overwhelming masculinity. Although she didn''t experience the thing that married couple do, she knew what it was because she often read it in explicit scenes of her favorite book.


    The man in her dream didn''t do thest step but lying in his arms stark naked was enough to color her cheeks early in the morning. She was confused why she dreamed that kind of dream. Maybe her mind was craving to read more erotica and the likes?


    She need to find more explicit books.


    Thinking of this, she hopped off the bed and took a bath. A few minutester, she''s humming a tune while making her way to the kitchen.


    "Good morning!" she greeted Gideon when she saw him sitting on the sofa reading the morning newspaper.


    He raised his head and looked at her. The corner of his lips curved upward. "Any good news?"


    She grinned and waved her hand. "Nothing particr. Just woke up in the sunlight." Jewel chuckled before she continued to the kitchen, humming her favorite tune.


    Although confused, Gideon didn''t ask and let her be. He put the newpaper he''s reading on the table and followed his wife to the kitchen. Jewel was checking the dishes Tang had prepared for the two of them when he entered. He cleared his throat. "Your things should arrive today."


    Jewel looked over her shoulder and smiled sweetly at him. "That''s good!" She giggled and sat on her chair.


    Gideon raised his brow when he saw her filling his te with foods. Some were not his favorite. He grimaced and reached for the spoon and filled Jewel''s te with light breakfast. "What are your ns for today?" he asked. Munching on her food, Jewel shrugged her shoulders. "I will wait for my things, I guess?"


    Even in her father''s house, she didn''t do much except reading her x-rated books. She had looked over the whole yard from her room''s balcony and seeing the well-taken flowers, Jewel decided to spend the rest of her vacation inside her room. There''s nothing she could do to help the Old Tang. That old man was more efficient than her.


    A smile spread on Gideon''s lips. "Then we''ll enjoy the sceneryter."


    "I don''t mind," she said.


    Suddenly, Old Tang entered the dining room. "Maam Laine, your things have arrived."


    She reached for the cupcake to eat her dessert but Gideon caught her hand. "Finish your breakfast first," he said.


    It was hard to argue with the master so Jewel continued eating. After awhile, she stood and walked hastily to the living room where a huge box was waiting for her. On the side, there were a few small boxes. She took a bite on the cupcake and munched. "Mang Tang, is this all?" she asked as she swallowed.


    The old man nodded. "A boy from your father''s mansion delivered these boxes." His brows met. "I think there''s something wrong with these boxes, Maam Laine. That boy was acting weird."


    "Oh?" She put the half-eaten cupcake on the center table and took a step close to the biggest box. "I think so too," she whispered and moved her finger through the rough edges.


    It was strange that they delivered a huge box. Usually her mother would use a suitcase to pack clothes, so why did they use a cheap box?


    "Deliver these to my room, Mang Tang."


    Jewel picked her cupcake and walked back to the dining room where Gideon was waiting for her. She smiled at her husband before she sat on her chair and sulked. He noticed her odd expression and asked. She shook her head.


    A strange feeling was creeping in her chest while looking at the huge box. There might be something bad happened in the mansion. Her hand reached for her phone and dialed Dalya''s number but the call''s couldn''t reach her servant''s phone. Jewel pursed her lips.


    "Stop worrying," Gideon said. "It''s not good for you."


    She sighed. "Can''t help it."


    He stared at her for a few seconds before he stood. "Follow me then," he ordered and walked to the back door.


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    She followed her husband. Minutester, she found herself outside. The wide sea in front of her was glistening under the soft rays of the morning sun. Her eyes closed to feel the cool breeze caressing her cheeks. A rare smile appeared on her lips.


    It was years ago when shest felt this feeling and she never thought that she longed for this peace, where there''s no worries and fears lingering inside her mind for a long time. Gideon bringing her outside proved to be the medicine to stop her mind from thinking of negative things.


    A hand stroked the back of her head. "When you''re confused, visit this ce."


    Jewel opened her eyes. She tilted her head and look up to him. The sun rays touched the tip of his nose while his lips curved into a thin smile. Eyes as gentle as water stared back at her.


    It was a perfect image that will stay in her mind for years, for in that moment, her heart beat fast. It was not due to anxiety, nor shock, nor fear.


    "Jewel, are you okay?" he asked and reached for the stray strands of her hair covering her pretty face. He tucked them behind her ear.


    Her cheeks burned bright as her eyes cast down. She side stepped to remove his hand that was leisurely stroking her silky hair. Jewel cleared her throat. "I-I''ll go back," she said.


    Without waiting for Gideon, she turned around and traversed the path they walked earlier. She need to walk away or else her heart could not keep up.


    HER EYES scanned the huge box that was standing in the middle of her room. Old Tang was efficient because this box appeared before her eyes when she entered. She was wondering what''s inside the box.


    It couldn''t be books because it was too big. It couldn''t be dresses because those were the content of the small boxes.


    Confused, she walked close to it while holding the sharp scissor and she cut it open. What appeared before her eyes made her flesh run cold and face pale.


    A bruised and dying woman was inside.


    Eyes swollen, cheeks red, and bloody lips. She was shivering and her breathe was weak. Her once neat clothes were died red and the nauseating smell of blood assaulted Jewel''s nose.


    Her knees went limp. She mmed on the floor while her eyes stared wide open on the woman who crawled out of the box. The woman''s ragged breathing entered her ears. Her vision blurred as tears brimmed at the corner of her eyes. "M-Miss..." the woman whispered.


    At that moment, she realized who that bloody woman was. "D-Dalya?" Jewel approached the woman. "W-what happened to you, D-Dalya?"


    The woman''s cheeks were wet with tears and she was having difficulty breathing. Trembling, she clung to her arm and wept. "Don S-Sebastian beat me, Miss. He saw those books in your room while the other maidservants packed your things. I-I admitted that I bought those books but don''t worry, M-Miss!" Dalya''s hold on her arm tightened. "He will never me you because.... because I took the fall. In fact, after the beating, he might forgive you. He''s not mad aspared yesterday, Miss!"


    Jewel felt her world stopped while hearing Dalya''s words. Her maidservant might think that Don Sebastian''s anger subsided after he beat her, but Jewel was clear about her father''s temper. His anger would never cease unless he punished her. Her body trembled along Dalya''s shivering.


    "W-Where''s Pedro?" she asked after a few minutes of silence.


    Before Dalya could answer, Jewel''s cellphone rang. She answered it and what came to her ear was wailing from the other side. Her body went stiff.


    "Miss Laine? Miss?!" someone called her name.


    "I-I''m listening. What happened?"


    "Miss Laine! Help! Please help us!" The maid wept.


    Even though she expected that something was happening in the mansion, she never imagined this chaotic call. "What''s going on?!" she asked, anxious.


    There was a few seconds of silence before the maid said, "Don S-Sebastian..."


    "What happened to father?"


    "Please help us, Senyorita! Don Sebastion will kill Pedro! Your father took a gun and is going to the ranch where Pedro is!" The woman cried harder. Jewel heard loud footsteps in the background. The maid was running fast. Her breathe was ragged as she continued, "Pedro helped Dalya escaped yesterday night and just this morning, Don Sebastian had known about this matter. Miss, please help him! We can''t do anything and Donya Belinda won''t help Pedro! Miss, only you can help him!"

 His help

    "Gideon," the first name she called after the maidservant''s words.


    She looked down on Dalya who was struggling to stay awake. Her heart could not stay calm but in front of her maidservant, she needed to appear strong because there''s no one other than her could the girl get the spirit to fight back. "Lay on the bed. I''ll let someone take care of your wounds."


    Jewel helped Dalya on the bed before she hastily strode to the door. She looked back at Dalya and her heart was disturb, it beat fast, before she went out. The bruises on girl''s body was not a joke. If she received it, she might notst tomorrow. Her lips pursed into a thin line. She was afraid that her father wouldn''t let this matter go.


    Closing her fists, she went down the stairs and looked for her husband. But Gideon was nowhere in sight. Where did he go? A cold sweat trickled down her back as she looked around, but she only caught sight of the old Tang tending on the seedlings of some nt.


    "Mang Tang, where''s Gideon?"


    The old man stopped what he''s doing and looked at her. "He''s in the garden, Maam."


    She told the old man about Dalya before her feet moved quickly to the back door and onto the garden. Fresh air greeted her but it was not time to enjoy them. She looked around but the huge expanse of the maze garden hindered her sight. "Gideon!" she called but no one answered. Her brows met.


    The maze garden was the first thing she noticed in the back garden when she stood at her room''s balcony yesterday. Gideon led her past that ce when they went to the seashore earlier, but it she didn''t think too much about it because they took a shortcut. Now, she was in the middle and she felt lost.


    She called her husband''s name for a few times before she heard him grunted somewhere. Her head turned to the direction where the noise came from and saw him holding a pail of water. Their eyes met and Jewel strode to him. "I-I need your help," she said.


    He put the pail on the table beside him and faced her. "Breathe." When Gideon reminded her, she felt her knees wobbled and he hastily caught her into his arms. "What happened?" he asked.


    Thinking of the x-rated books, she suddenly felt ashamed. But there''s no one she could ask help from except for him. She had no choice but to admit her vices in front of him. "I know that father won''t do anything reckless but I can''t just stand and do nothing. Pedro will suffer under my father''s hands."


    He was silent and Jewel was scared silly by his silence. She swallowed the lump in her throat. "P-Please help," she muttered under her breathe and casted her gaze down.


    Her body went stiff when he pulled her for a hug. "Alright," he assured.


    Jewel rxed in Gideon''s arms. She felt him moved, took out his phone from his pocket, and made a call. Her heart skipped a beat when she remembered something and held Gideon''s arm.


    He looked down on her. "What?" he asked.


    "My father might ask you to take me back to his mansion. Would you agree?"


    Gideon frowned and didn''t answer her question. Jewel was anxious but waited.


    "Father-inw," he greeted over the phone. "I have known what Jewel did and I''ll bear the consequences." A few seconds of silence before he sighed. "I know that my wife is mischevious but I won''t make any concession. She''ll stay in my house."


    Jewel held her breathe as she waited. After awhile, Gideon dropped the call and looked down on her. He sighed again and flicked her nose. "You little thing. You turned your father''s house upside down, huh?"


    She helplessly chuckled and pouted. "It''s not my fault. They won''t let me read those books so I had no choice but to hide them."


    Gideon raised his brow. "What makes you think I''ll tolerate your vices?"


    "Huh?" She stared at him dumbly. "You''ll restrict me too?"


    He smirked and pat her head. "Be good. I''ll fetch your helper and you should wait for your punishment."


    "What?" she asked, astonished.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    Gideon led her back inside the house and she found herself in the kitchen where Dalya was sitting and eating her fill. Old Tang had done his thing and he kindly prepared food for the poor maidservant.


    The old man didn''t ask who Dalya was and what happened but Jewel knew that he was observing the two of them. She felt ashamed and guilty all of the sudden.


    It was just the second day when she entered Gideon''s house but she already brought trouble to Gideon. But what else could she do? Even though she was born rich, she was a paper tiger. Without the support of her parents, she wouldn''tst in this society full of prejudice.


    "Miss, it''s good that you''re here. Sir Gideon takes good care of you," Dalya suddenly said.


    Her cheeks burned red when she recalled what happened earlier in the seashore. She pursed her lips. "Eat. You''re not allowed to talk," she reprimanded but Dalya smiled at her before she continued eating.


    Jewel sighed and turned to look at Old Tang who was putting delicacies in the table. "Old Tang, how''s Dalya''s injuries?"


    The old man shook his head. "I won''t lie to you, Maam Laine. The girl''s external injuries are beyond what this old man can treat. She might have internal injuries so it''s best to let her heal in a hospital." He sighed. "Even I was shocked seeing her injuries and I wonder how this girl survive such cruelty."


    A pang in her chest made her eyes watered, specially when guilt hit her hard. It was all her fault. She was the one who ordered Dalya and Pedro to buy those x-rated books but these two all took the consequences that was supposedly for her. She looked at Dalya who was oblivious to her worries and sighed. Jewel decided to be responsible for the two of them. But this small guilt was nothingpared to the horror she felt when she saw Pedro. Gideon''s face was dark when he entered the house. A young man was following him. What made Jewel''s face pale was the sight of Pedro.


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    Half of his face was reddish brown and the clothes he was wearing was tattered that it only covered his private part. The young man''s once shiny and glorious hair was burned into ashes and only a reddish baldness could be seen. "P-Pedro," she whispered while reaching out to the young man.


    Pedro respectfully side stepped and bowed his head to her. He grimaced in pain but didn''t mind it. "Greetings, Miss," he breathed.


    Before Jewel could utter another word, Gideon had pulled her to his side and dragged her outside the house. He faced her and cupped her face with his palms. "Jewel, that young man was burned alive by your father when I arrived." Her teeth chattered in fright. "T-Then... father, he''ll get me back?"


    Such cruelty. This meant that her father was mad and would definitely punish her. A cold sweat trickled her back as her body went stiff and cold in terror. Many people believed that her father was kind but she knew better. Her vision blurred as tears brimmed the corner of her eyes.


    Gideon pulled her into a hug. He frowned. "In the meantime, don''t y outside. Wait and I''ll settle this."


    She nodded and drew a breath. "Please bring Dalya and Pedro to hospital," she pleaded and looked up to him.


    He gazed gently at her and sighed. "In this small town your father controls the only private hospital and it won''t be good for the two of them. I will bring them to the city and let the specialist treat their wounds." Gideon''s finger brushed the stray strand of hair hanging on her face and tucked it behind her ear. "Do you want to visit the city?"

 Changes

    Medellin is located in the northenmost part of the province. The city, which Gideon invited her into, is located in the middle. People go to and fro in the morning and during nightime is when everything bes romantic as night life is what the city''s known for.


    The long drive made Jewel dizzy but Gideon''s there to alleviate her nausea by humming her a tone while she rested her head in his shoulder. Her husband hired someone to drive their SUV towards the south. Dalya and Pedro was at the back while she and Gideon was sitting in the middle.


    Old Tang remained in Medellin to take care of the house.


    It took hours before the car stopped. Jewel was too tired to even lift her head and asked Gideon to carry her into the hotel. The man had no choice but to follow his wife''s words.


    "Is the hospital far from here?" she asked after Gideon lowered her in the bed.


    "A ride or two."


    She looked at the doorstep where Dalya and Pedro were conversing with each other. "They can''t wait any longer," she reminded him. Gideon stared at her and smiled. He gently pat her head like a pet, and Jewel scowled at him. She pped his hand away. "Stop that!"


    His brow raised at what she did. "Not afraid eh?" he teased before he turned around.


    The sorrounding returned to its stillness after Gideon went out. Her lips twitched when she remembered his words. Not afraid? It might be true.


    After Gideon helped her, she grew depended on him. She was no longer afraid nor anxious of the uncertainty of her future with him. To be honest, she was starting to trust Gideon more and more.


    She spent the entire afternoon inside the hotel while Gideon drove Dalya and Pedro to the hospital. The sun was setting in the west when her husband returned carrying a big serving of lechon, a famous delicacy in the province. Her eyes shone as her mouth watered at the sight of the dish. Gideonughed as he prepared the table. He even bought rice in the form of pusu.


    After that dinner, Gideon brought Jewel to the highest tower near the hotel they were staying into. It had been a two days since Jewel entered Gideon''s house but a lot already happened. The Santacruzan might be a tricky part but Jewel decided to not go back in her father''s mansion this summer. She would rely on her husband''s influence in Cansanit until her vacation ended.


    Standing in the highest ce overlooking the city dazzling under the moon, Jewel could not help but to eximed. She was most familiar with the salty and cool breeze that was blowing past her face.


    Unexpectedly, the city lights stopped in the distance and the sea waves glistened under the moonlight. Such splendid view was enough to let Jewel rxed her tight muscle. It was only then she felt tired. Gideon held her in his arms. "Beautiful, isn''t it?" he whispered as they both looked at the marvelous scene ahead.


    She swallowed the lump in her throat. "I''ve been following their will. I neglected my happiness andfort just to follow their arrangements. But... why?"


    There was silence in between them and Jewel didn''t utter another word. It was Gideon who broke the silence. "The human heart is unpredictable."


    The corner of her lips curved. "Indeed," she whispered. "I guess you''re no different from them."


    "Why you think so?"


    She went silent. Thinking about what Gideon did earlier, it seemed like she was wrong. But her intuition was telling her that her husband was the same; someone who wanted to control her life.


    "If I crossed your bottom line one day, will you send me back?" she asked, whispering in the passing wind.


    "You should know the answer."


    She frowned at his vague answer. The thing that she feared the most was betrayal. It was not difficult to put her trust on her husband who was trying to build a good rtionship with her, but her previous experience made her reluctant topletely trust this man. There was still a thin wall in between them that Jewel feared to destroy.


    "Then, what is your bottom line, Gideon?" she asked suddenly.


    Gideon chuckled and put his arm around her shoulder. "Before I answer that, answer me first. Why are you drawing the line?"


    "Am I?" Her brow raised and nced at him.


    He flicked her nose and smiled. "Asking my bottom line, are you drawing a line between us?" Seeing her confused gaze, Gideon chuckled again. "If you''re afraid of crossing my bottom line, do you really think I''ll give you up?" He sighed when Jewel nodded. "Then you should know, my bottom line.... is you."N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    That dazzling smile made Jewel''s heart skipped a beat. She looked away as her cheeks burned hot. The asional caressing of the cold breeze on her cheek elevate their redness. Her lips quivered. "What are your ns for Dalya and Pedro?" he asked after awhile.


    Jewel recovered her calmness and sighed. "They can''t go back. My parents will hunt them down."


    "Speaking of your parents, they called earlier. They still want you to attend Santacruzan and hope you''ll go back next week."


    Next week. Of course, they need some days to restrain their anger. Her eyes casted low and she closed her fist tightly. It seemed like her parents were eager to push their goal. But going back? Sheughed bitterly. "Even though they know my vices, they still want to push their wishes," she whispered and gritted her teeth.


    Gideon nced at her. "You don''t want to attend?"


    "Attend?" she smiled bitterly. "They expect me to apologize and give up my vices. Is there anything astonishing for me to go back?"


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    She just wanted to be happy and reading those kind of books gave her pleasure and happiness. Thinking of this, she believed there''s nothing for her to apologize. Giving up her books was out of question.


    In Jewel''s eyes, there''s nothing wrong reading explicit scenes and fantasizing about them. All these years of being an erotic fanatic, she kept her passion a secret because she knew her parents wouldn''t approve of it.


    The innocent and modest heiress of Mangubat is addicted to erotica? What a scandal! She would be theughing stock of the town. Of course, it''s not that it''s forbidden but the conservative thinking of the people around the Hasyenda Mangubat would make the Mangubat''s reputation plummet down. If it''ll happen, her father wouldn''t let her go easily!


    "I expect you to apologize," Gideon said.


    Like a stone thrown into theke, his words created ripples in Jewel''s mind. She looked at her husband who was staring intently at her. "Y-You want me to go and apologize?"


    Her astonished gaze made Gideon darkened his expression. "If your parents are not tolerating your vices, I won''t tolerate it either."


    "Y-You..."


    Their gazes met for a few minutes before Jewel averted her gaze and stepped back. Gideon tried to hold her again but she shook her head. Her sharp gazended on his handsome face. Suddenly, herughter could be heard. "Gideon I thought you''re different from them, but no, you''re the same.... you''re all the same!"


    A glint shed in Gideon''s eyes before he looked away. "You certainly don''t understand what I''m saying but Jewel, it''ll only cost your soul."


    "Whatever!" She scorned at him. "I will not believe you!"


    "Don''t be too stubborn."


    She pursed her lips and crossed her arms. "You promised, you''ll never control me, but you''re asking me now to give up my vices? A promise is indeed tend to be broken. In the future..." She nced at him. "Don''t swear to me ever again, Gideon Manasseh."

 Fireflies in the maze garden

    After that night of confrontation, Jewel stayed in the hotel room and never once stepped out. A few days of medication made Dalya and Pedro''s injuries eased a liitle bit. But it was best to let them stay in the hospital. When Jewel knew of this matter, she urged him to send her back to Medellin.


    Gideon was helpless, but he obeyed his wife''s wishes.


    Now, traveling in the south coastal road up to the northenmost part of the province, Jewel was looking at the sea glistening under the moonlight. It was night. She didn''t let Gideon travel when the sun was up because she knew how heavy the traffic and hot it was during day. It seemed a good choice. The car wasn''t stuck in a heavy traffic in the city and now they''re out of the city and travelling on the wide road of other municipalities.


    She estimated that four hours had passed before she saw the wide Aisle of Medellin ahead. A smile tugged the corner of her lips. Jewel saw the tall and swaying sugarcanes at the side of the aisle and the sweet breeze brushed past her nose. She inhaled the unique scent of her hometown, the Medellin.


    Not long after, the car arrived at Cansanit and stopped in front of Gideon''s house. Jewel exhaled a breathe before hopping off the car. She made a way into the shining big house in the dark and didn''t wait for Gideon. The man shook his head and followed her behind.


    "Maam Laine, Sir Manasseh," Tang greeted them with a smile and let them in.


    As usual, she saw her big portrait when she stepped inside but she walked past that corner. She really didn''t care at all. Since Gideon wanted to show off her face to his visitor, she let him be. There''s a small difference of her face before and the present so at first nce, the people wouldn''t recognize that it was her face unless they knew her when she was a teenager.


    She entered her room and changed her clothes. Then she threw herself onto the soft mattress and stared at the ceiling. Her body was tired due to that long drive but her mind was still active and wouldn''t rest. She sighed.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    A knock echoed inside her room. "Jewel," Gideon called outside the door.


    Her lips twitched but she dragged her body off the bed and opened the door for him. "What do you want?" she asked.


    Gideon stared at her for a bit before he sighed. "Can''t sleep?" he asked. She tilted her head to the side and watched him smiled at her. She pursed her lips and crossed her arms across her chest. Gideon chuckled helplessly. "If you''re not tired, then let''s go out."


    "Where?"


    "I will take you to the garden."


    She rolled her eyes. "Is that all?" "And the seaside."


    Without further ado, she stepped out of the room and followed him out of the house. True to his words, he brought her to the maze garden and saw a lot of little lights that was moving in the air. Fireflies. Jewel blinked her eyes a few times, awe, as she watched the hundreds of fireflies in the maze garden.


    The little insects lighted up that part of the maze garden. Even though the big lights were off, those twinkling lights were enough for Jewel to see the ce. It was truly astonishing how Gideon used those little insects to give light to the maze garden.


    The cold air brushed past her and she was pulled out of her stupor. Her body shivered in the cold. Gideon might noticed her because he take off his cardigan and put it around her shoulder.


    "Thanks," she whispered and looked away. A suspicious redness appeared in her cheeks but she shook her head.


    No.


    She must draw a line between them. Determined, she put her sight back on the group of fireflies.


    After a few minutes of being astonished, Gideon took her out of the maze garden and onto the seashore behind the tall brick walls.


    "Your house is indeed... something," she said.


    It was out of her expectation that there''s a secret passageway inside the tall and thick brick walls. A little mechanism was pushed in order for that narrow door to appear. Last time, she didn''t pay attention that much but now, she realized that Gideon was using a secret passage to pass through.


    He chuckled. "It''s necessary to have one." Of course.


    They walked under the moonlight. The silence made Jewel sigh as she remembered what happened in the past few days. Dalya and Pedro was recovering much to her expectation, but it was impossible for them to go back to her father''s mansion. Where would she put that two?


    She sighed again. Only now does she realize that she has been rude and ungrateful to everything the two have done.


    It''s true that she acted immature and treated people without considering their feelings. She should change her attitude. But it''s hard to think of it, and way harder to do it. And she thought that it''s even impossible to do so.


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    The cold air kissed her cheek from time to time, but she didn''t shiver from the cold because of the cardigan Gideon had given her earlier. The noise of the pounding of the waves was not so far away. A little father and they arrived at the seashore.


    The two walked quietly. Jewel savored the feeling of peace brought by the waves crashed on the sandy shore and the cold air that passed between her and Gideon. Not long after, they reached the boulder. It''s the boulder that he saw from her room''s balcony. It was only a few meters from the yacht anchored on the shore. This was the first time she had seen the rock up close.


    To his surprise, Gideon leaped over therge rock. He squated and stretched his hand towards her. "Hold my hand," Gideon said and smiled.


    "Are you sure it''s safe?" she asked and pointed the rock Gideon was standing onto.


    He didn''t answer and the smile''s still lingered on his lips. Under the moonlight, he looked like an adonis that was inviting her. "Hold my hand and I''ll lift you up."


    She didn''t have a choice but to hand over her palm to him. He pulled her up immediately and her lips parted in shock. She felt Gideon''s arm wrap around her waist. He spun her around and lowered her to the top of the wide rock.


    A stray strand of her hair covered her face and Gideon tucked them behind her ears. "You''re beautiful," he whispered.


    She pursed her lips but the redness in her cheeks didn''t dissipate for a long time. Her eyes stared at the round moon above the peaceful waves in the distance.


    "Such marvelous sight," she whispered under her breathe.


    She walked at the end of the wide rock and sat down. Her legs hang on the air as she stared at the glistening sea waves under the moonlight. The salty breeze brushed past her. Jewel was not worried that she might fall because the rock''s height was only a few meters above the sand.


    Gideon sat beside her. "You said before that you were still studying," he asked suddenly.


    "Yeah, I''m taking a bachelor degree in college."


    "That''s good."


    They fell silent. The cold air blew between them again. She noticed out of the corner of her eye that Gideon took out a guitar from its case. Her brow raised when he tried to strum. She noticed the guitar case on his back while they were still in the maze garden but she didn''t ask. She was not interested to know but seeing him y made her heart jumped.


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    It was not known that she liked men who y guitars.


    "So you y guitars," she said.


    Gideon nodded. "It isn''t my first time to serenade under moonlight, but it feels good that I''m not alone tonight."


    "You''re doing it for years now?" she asked again, her eyes squinting. Serenade under the moonlight? Did he tried to serenade some girls?


    But he didn''t answer. Gideon nced at her then hummed softly. He sung a phrase and Jewel could only listen to his voice. Her heart skipped a beat and she could only closed her eyes to listen more. Gideon was really good at singing, just like that dawn when he sang her a song.


    Eventually he stopped for a moment and sighed. "I talked to your father yesterday."


    Her breath hitched for a moment. Remembering her father''s stern face, her face paled for a few minutes. "Are you gonna escort me back?" she asked and shivered when the cold air brushed past her again. But it was not clear whether she shivered because of the cold or because of the fear.


    "No." Gideon shook his head. "I told him I''ll take responsibility for your studies and he agreed."


    A sigh escaped from her lips. "That''s f-fine..."


    "I have seen your name on the list of Municipal schrs. As expected of my wife," he praised.


    Jewel looked away and bit her bottom lip. "I won''t attend the Santacruzan the next day. I hope you''ll tell my mother."


    There was a few moments of silence before Gideon said, "If that''s what you want."


    "Yeah..." She blinked and a soft smile appeared on her lips. "Thank you," she whispered as her cheeks burned hot in embarrassment.


    She wanted to draw a line between them and she clearly remembered her harsh words when she confronted him. But Jewel realized that it was hard to draw a line between her and Gideon, when she could only rely on him.

 The enrollment

    "Good morning," Gideon greeted when she walked in the kitchen.


    It was already five days after Dalya and Pedro came back from the city. Their injuries had healed but a few scabs could be seen around Pedro''s skin. It was hideous to look at when he first came back, but after a few days, it faded a lot. She let them rest a bit but both of them were restless and just earlier, she saw them busy arranging furnitures in the living room. Helpless, Jewel let them be.


    The sun was shining and some rays had entered the kitchen through the wide window not far from the back door. It was a fine day so she wore a white dress, a brown summer hat, and boots with heels.


    Gideon raised a brow when he saw her outfit and she smiled. "ns for today?" he asked.


    "I''m gonna go enroll!" A wide grin crept onto her lips.


    That''s right. She waited for this day toe where she could visit UDM again and enroll. After a few months of vacation, it was time for her to resume her school days and of course, live in her dorm where Gideon couldn''t possibly reach. Gideon''s lips twitched and he coughed, "Someone called thendline and introduced herself as Hazel."


    Jewel blinked a few times. Hazel called? "Uh, what did she say?"


    "Nothing."


    Her eyes narrowed and she frowned while taking the pandesal that was served on the table. "That girl has a big mouth. She won''t behave that easily," she said and took a bite.


    He nodded. "I see." And lowered the cup his holding. "She said nothing except screaming at the phone."


    Her lips twitched. "As expected," she whispered.


    Gideon chuckled. "I''ll drive you to UDM."


    "Then... thanks."


    "What about your friends?" he asked.


    Jewel shrugged her shoulders. "We''ll meet at UDM. I haven''t told them this house''s location."


    THE University of Medellin was built horizontally on the map of Tindog. It was located in the far eastern part of Medellin and was surrounded by water because it stood on the part of the sea that''s lined withnd. A famous Tindog Brigde connected thend proper and artificial ind of the Municipality.


    The whole ind was imed by the University so there were almost all the necessary facilities for the nearly three thousand poption of enrolleesst year. And Jewel estimated that the number will double because the University will be opened for the entire province, not just for Medellin.


    It will be more spacious and more buildings will be built for the widespread reception of freshmen and transferees. It was good development, if not for that rule --- those whoe to enroll should walked into campus.


    Her eyes narrowed as she watched the cars lined up in the wide space in front of the gate. It was the space that serves as the parking lot, where tall pirs were standing at either side to support the huge gateway. "Jewel," Gideon called.


    She blinked as she walked beside him. The sun was hot and her skin was already red. She didn''t expect she would walk around the campus, if she had known, she would wear more hidden dress to hide her skin. Last year, those cars were allowed in so she didn''t have to walk under the sun.


    Her eyebrows met as she stopped in front of the guard.


    "UDM graduate?" he questioned.


    Jewel nodded as she showed herst year''s ID card. The guard let her in and she walked straight to the covered pathwalk that stretched throughout the campus.


    A man walked beside her and when she nced at him, she stopped in her tracks. He also stopped and looked over his shoulder. "Jewel?" he said, a smile was on his lips.


    "What are you doing here?" Her eyebrows met. "How did you get in?"


    Gideon shrugged his shoulders and looked around the facade of the Administrative building and Dracos fountain in front. "Through the gate," he teased. When her eyes narrowed, Gideonughed. "I have my business to do," he said. "Why did the guard let you in?"


    "It''s not for you to find out, Jewel. Now go. Your friends might be waiting for you."


    She nodded. "I''ll be there at the registrar. Let''s just meet in the carter. I''ll look for my friends."


    "Take care."


    The corner of her lips curved up. "You better be careful lest you''ll lost your way. UDM is huge and not for you to wander around," she said, gloating. Then she turned and walked away.


    Gideon watched the retreating figure of Jewel. A smile was in his eyes as he smirked.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Jewel arrived in the intersection of the covered pathwalk and fountain. She entered the entrance of the Administrative building, turning on the east wing.


    Looking around, a lot of students were walking in the hallway. Some were familiar and some were new, while some stopped when she met them.


    "Isn''t that Jewel Laine?"


    "The heiress of Mangubat?"


    "Uh yes! She is! I thought she was going to transfer? Simeon is transferring it seems."


    "No. He enrolled here."


    She heard the hushed whispers of the two women before she turned at the end of the hallway. A smile made its way to her lips when her eyes caught the sight of Hazel. She''s with Tiara and Gabbi. Those three were carrying milkshakes. And upon seeing it, her face crumpled.


    "Laine! Oh, you look pretty!" Hazel praised when they met in the hallway.


    She smiled and fanned her face with her hand. "That''s usual," she said and chuckled. "It''s so hot! I didn''t know management''s going to let us walk through the campus."


    Tiaraughed. "Duh, aren''t you used to it? The pathwalk between the buildings isn''t covered."


    "That''s different. There are a lot of trees in the path of the SHS department, but you''ll never see trees in the pathwalk near campus gate," Jewel eximed.


    Before the two girls could extort her, Gabbi asked. "Who drove you here?"


    Her lips twitched. It''s not only Hazel who was interested meeting Gideon, but also her cold blooded friend Gabbi.


    Hazelughed. The girl even pointed at her while grinning widely. "Your husband," she stated.


    Her forehead creased. "What?"


    The threeughed in front of him.


    "It''s your husband who delivered you here. You''re blooming in the wrong way!" Hazel teased.


    "Omg, really Haze?" Tiaraughed and waved her hand in the air. "I''m sorry about that, Laine. We''re just talking about your husband earlier." Tiara stared at her. "But, well... did your husband deliver you, Laine?" Jewel sighed. She never intended to let them know but seeing their eager gazes, she could not deny it. Her forefinger pressed against her lips. "I don''t want the others know that I''m married," she warned. Tiara''s eyes widened and she grinned widely. "A secret marriage, I see."


    "Come on," Jewel urged. "Where''s your assigned room?" she asked.


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    "On E-Lib. Admin''s sixth floor. The three of us are done, so we''ll just apany you," Hazel said.


    "Wait. Whatst name will you use, Laine?" Tiara asked.


    It was said that marriage would not only change a maiden''s life but also her surname. In this country, every woman would take the surname of their husband. Mangubat would cease to be herst name and Hernandez would take its ce. Jewel Laine Mangubat - Hernandez.


    "You don''t have to worry about this. I''ll deal with it," she said and clenched her fist. She totally forgot about that but she hoped the process is notplicated.


    "Will the Registrar be okay when you use your maiden''s name?" Tiara asked.


    She looked at Tiara. "If they don''t want to, I''ll just drag him there."


    "He?" The girl''s brow raised. "You mean he''s here?" Tiara asked again.


    Jewel pursed her lips. Hazel smirked, leaned over, folded her arms, and stared at her. "Won''t you introduce us to your husband, Laine?" she asked while grinning widely at her.


    She only felt her cheeks burned hot and looked away. "No. I won''t let him wander around the campus."


    Thinking of Gideon running around the campus made her frown. She felt bad and she just wanted him to go home and never appear in the campus, least all girls would run after him. His good looks was enough to rival Simoen, her ex- boyfriend, and currently the most followed guy in the campus.


    Jewel caught a sight of the girl she dreaded to face close.


    "It''s Sheena," Hazel whispered and stood straight.


    The four of them stood as they watch the girl walk in their direction. Sheena was looking down on her phone while walking. Jewel drew a breathe and clenched her fist. She didn''t want to meet Sheena and felt relieved when the girl turned into the other hallway. That girl didn''t see them.


    "I thought she was going to transfer?" Hazel asked, puzzled.


    Tiara snorted. "I thought so too."


    "Maybe because of Simeon," Gabbi suddenly uttered.


    Jewel looked at Gabbi. "Simoen?"


    The girl nodded. "Saavedra." And creased her forehead. Gabbi looked at her. "You''re not updated on social media?"


    "I deactivated my ount," she said helplessly and Gabbi shook her head.


    "Laine!" Hazel stared at her. "You know what Sheena wants. That girl won''t stop pestering you unless..." Hazel''s eyes looked down and grabbed her hand, lifting it up. The girl pointed on the wedding ring on her finger. "You''ll let Simeon know you''re married."

 First day

    The days passed quickly and she didn''t realize the school days was about to start. By nightfall, her suitcase was ready. She also informed Gideon that she was leaving early the next day. His kind of smile was intriguing but she didn''t mind it. And as the car passed through the Aisle and the town of Tindog, a sweet smile never left her lips. She was already excited. Atst, she''ll return to UDM.


    The car stopped in front of the gate. She took a deep breath and quickly got out of the car. She smiled and looked up at therge arch on which the famous University of Medellin was engraved.


    The driver''s seat door opened and closed. "Jewel," Gideon called.


    "Right. No need to help me. I''ll lift it up myself," she happily approached the second cabin and pulled out the suitcase and a backpack. She hurried back to the front of the car and looked at the gate. "You seem excited," Gideonmented, folding his arms.


    Jewel nced at the corner of her eye and her lips curved into a smile. "I''ll be moving to my dorm, why won''t I suppress my excitement?"


    Gideon frowned at her remarks. "You can always stay in our house."


    "No need." She chuckled and stared at the majestic university in front of her. "I like my dorm more than your house," she whispered.


    Gideon''s two eyebrows met but did not say a word.


    She smiled, tightened her grip on the suitcase, and started walking towards the gate. She didn''t forget to look over her shoulder and raised her hand. "See you in ten months!"


    Some students entered the gate with her. She waited a few minutes before entering and walked towards the left pathwalk of the Administrative building.


    It was only seven in the morning so the path to the girl''s dormitory was not too crowded. She walked passed between the College of Engineering and the College of Education. She continued to traverse the path between the College of Forestry and the College of Arts and Sciences which are both just adjacent to the previous departments. The never changing College of Technology stood not far away. Before reaching the girl''s dormitory, she passed through the Domesticated Forest.


    A man who seemed like a security guard opened the gate for her. "ID?" he asked. Jewel showed her ID card. He nodded. "UDM graduate. Same room." And he grimaced looking at her. "Next time Miss, please just wear it to avoid trouble." She wrinkled her nose and smiled sheepishly at him. "I''ll keep that in mind. Thank you."


    Entering the building, she pulled the suitcase in and onto the third floor. She even noticed out of the corner of her eye the boy''s dormitory next to her dorm. The two buildings were simply separated by a gate between them. And there on the third floor, where her room was located, had a short cemented brigde that connects the third floor of both buildings. But there was a small gate so that no one can easily cross the bridge.


    She stood in front of her room and looked at the other side of the brigde where the boy''s dormitory was. No one was around the hallway of the other building. Her brow raised as she entered her room. It''s been a few months since shest smelled the scent of freshly picked tulips. It was the natural scent of her dorm because she requested the dorm mistress to clean her room during summer.


    She opened the cab. Three sets of uniforms hung there. That was part of the schrship she got. She took one and got dressed. A smile stered on her lips as she stared herself in the full-length mirror. ''s, why so pretty?'' she eximed in her mind and grinned.


    Since she entered UDM in her Senior High years, she was ranked as the most beautiful girl in her grade. Now at college, she would be the most beautiful girl in her department. Jewel was proud of that title. Shebed her long hair and tied it into a ponytail. A hand reached for her backpack and she walked out of her room, locking it with keys. The school bell rang. She ran.


    "Laine!"


    Her feet stopped and she turned around to see Tiara. Just as she waved her hand, two doors opened near her room and she saw Hazel and Gabbi. "Let''s go!" She motioned for three and ran first.


    "What the ---!" Tiara yelled.


    "Wait, Laine!"


    Three fast footsteps rang behind her. A smirk formed on her lips as she quickened her steps. Hazelint yet again behind her. Jewel chuckled.


    It was one of their habits -- to run on the first day of school. This habit first started at Senior High when the four of them was given punishment on the first day because of tardiness. Not a good experience. Since then, they would always run when the bell rings.


    They had met a few girls in the hallway, and like them, they were also running. Her lips twitched. The dorm mistress would be frighten to see them running like it was theirst day. One should know that girl''s dormitory was known for order and silence.


    "I''ll bet," Gabbi gasped. "I''mte for Organic Chem."


    She slowed down when she reached the first floor and the three girls immediately caught up with her. Then they walked side by side out of the building.


    "I''mte too. I''m sure of it," said Tiara. "Goodbye to my cost ounting good records."


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    "It''s not our fault," Hazel said angrily, huffing in annoyance. "We always run every morning, not just on the first day. If they just give us a transport? The Marine is still on other side of the map." The girl gritted her teeth. "It''s not just men who enrolled in that program!"Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    She smirked at Hazel''s words. "Who asked you to be a marine student?"


    Hazel rolled her eyes. "Did I know that the Marine building is on the edge of the world? Hello, I was informedte. Tsk. Men are luckier to pass by that building."


    The Marine building where Hazel should study was nearer to the boy''s dorm than the girl''s dormitory. It was one of the grievance that Hazel wouldin to them from time to time.


    "Then, ask your boyfie to swap program with you," Tiara said, sarcasm was evident in her voice.


    Hazel blinked and snorted. Silence descended between them until they walked out of the dorm''s gate. When they passed the gate, Hazel bid her goodbye.


    Just as she walk forward, someone grabbed her arm and pushed her aside. She gasped and nced at the girl who stood before her.


    Arrogant look, smart eyes, and malicious smirk on the lips. Sheena, her nemesis, was blocking her path.


    Jewel stood straight. "Move aside," she ordered.


    Sheena raised a brow and looked at her from head to toe. "You''re blocking my way, idiot."


    Her fist clenched hard. What did she want?


    "Laine!" Gabbi and Tiara stood beside her and stared angrily at the girl who was clearly looking for trouble.


    Gabbi snorted. "Why? Are you looking for a beating?" she asked and moved her head from side to side. She even clenched and unclenched her fist.


    Sheena frowned and rolled her eyes before walking past them. "Loser," she whispered to Jewel when she past by her.


    Jewel drew a breathe and walked forward. Gabbi and Tiara followed her and silence hovered between them for a few minutes.


    "Why you didn''t fight back?" Tiara asked, raising a brow and looking around. "Don''t tell me you''ll endure again?"


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 00005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! "No." Jewel frowned. "I don''t want trouble on the first day."


    "Tsk. If I''m not running after time, I will beat Sheena''s face until she admit her mistake!" Gabbi yelled and punched the air.


    She chuckled and shook her head. There''s still a lot of time to teach Sheena a lesson.


    Tiara said goodbye to them when they passed the College of Technology. Gabbi and Jewel said goodbye to each other when they reached the gap between the College of Engineering and the College of Education. "Bye. You''ll be fine on the first day," Gabbi said and grinned. "Unless you encounter that scumbag, right?"


    Jewel waved her hand. "Don''t fight with your boy ssmates on the first day. Remember, a girl is always gentle and elegant."


    Gabbi rolled her eyes before turning around and entering the Education building. Jewel just shook her head before she entered the Engineering building and climbed the stairs.


    But she saw Sheena sitting on the top of the staircase with her circle of friends. Jewel eyes darkened and she turned. That girl was definitely waiting for her at the top but she didn''t like to have anything to do with Sheena.


    She used the elevator but unexpectedly, she saw a girl of her age inside. She remembered that the girl was one of her blockmates. "Jewel Laine, it''s good to see you here! I thought you''ll transfer after what happened between you and Simoen." She pursed her lips and stood beside the girl. There were a lot of students who rushed inside before the door closed.


    "Now that it happened, what are your ns for Sheena? You won''t eat the grievance between you two, right?" the girl asked again.


    Jewel''s head throbbed as she looked sideways. "Why are you asking?" she asked impatiently.


    "Oh, I''m just curious. After that incident, your reputation took a blow. Many students believe that you''ll transfer because of shame and that Sheena''s the winner between you two."


    Her lips pursed into a thin line. "Sheena is just a small fly. Why should I care about her?"


    "You should!" the girl urged. "You should care because Simoen is back. And you''ll meet each otherter in ss. Are you ready to face the boy who caused you to lose face, Laine?"

 He is here

    Simoen Saavedra was the least person she expected to meet on the first day of school. After what happened between them, she didn''t want to associate herself to that guy ever again. Specially when Sheena''s around the corner, waiting for the opportunity to attack her when she''s not looking.


    But having Simoen in her ss, what kind of luck was that?


    "Jasmine," she called the girl who was walking beside her. "Where did you get that news?"


    "You didn''t know that it''s a well-known fact in our department?"


    She closed her eyes and drew a breathe again. After some time, she opened her eyes and said, "In your tone, it''s possible that everyone in our department know but no one told me?" Her brow raised. "If I had known he''s back, I''ll rather take an online ss."


    "Err..." Jasmine smiled sheepishly. "I don''t know why no one told you about that news."


    Was it possible that she''s too busy during summer to care about thetest news in her department? Nevertheless, it''s good that Jasmine told her this piece of news or she could not imagine how she''ll reactter when they met.


    They quietly entered the room, and Jewel saw Professor Malkov on the tform, gazing at her with anger in his eyes. She stiffened but said nothing and led Jasmine to sit on the two vacant chairs in front. The professor''s gaze grew darker on her.


    ''What? I didn''t do anything wrong!'' she eximed in her mind.


    "In all the sses I managed," the Professor said with gloomy eyes. "This block is the most rude! It''s nine o''clock but only ten students? Where are the other twenty students, Miss Mangubat?"


    She blinked her eyes and pointed to herself. "Are you asking me, Prof?" she helplessly smiled. "I don''t know."


    "You don''t know? What else do you know than causing trouble, Miss Mangubat?"


    Jewel''s body stiffened at the professor''s words. Did he just reprimand her in front of ss?Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    "Prof --"


    He cut her words. "You attend University to learn and not to flirt! Chasing after a guy, are you not ashamed of inflicting harm to your father''s reputation, Miss Mangubat?" "I did not ---"


    But he still cut her words. "Or are you proud being an heiress of Aisle? Miss Mangubat, nothing is certain in this world. There are people you shouldn''t touch and there are ces that you should behave. This University won''t tolerate your malicious actions, Miss Mangubat!"


    Jewel''s gaze darkened. Before she could utter another world, Jasmine talked back to the professor. "Sir, it''s not Jewel''s intention to cause harm to Mister Mangubat''s reputation nor she intend to flirt with men. You should watch out for your words. Jewel is not someone who you could provoke."


    Professor Malkov''s face stiffened. A few secondster, his gaze darkened and red at Jewel. "What a good daughter of Mangubat. My eyes has opened today!"


    Jewel''s heart skipped a beat and a few beads of sweat appeared on her forehead. She didn''t know where her professor''s anger came from nor she know how it escted to this point, but seeing his dark gaze, she knew that it was not good. "Prof, it''s not what you think. I''m not that kind of girl," she said, anxious.


    Someone suddenly stepped in and stood beside her. "Prof, it''s not good to seek trouble with your student. Please think it through."


    Her face paled when she recognized that voice. When she looked at the man who stood beside her, her eyes widen and lips quivered. "S-Simoen," she whispered. Simoen turned sideways and their eyes met. Before the man could utter a word, the bell rang. It was time for the second subject and time for them to move out.


    "Jewel Laine, let''s go. They are running outside!" Jasmine said and pulled her towards the door.


    But when she reached the door, someone bumped into her making her fall behind. She screamed in shock and closed her eyes to wait for the impact. But nothing happened. When she opened her eyes, she came face to face with a boy she was familiar with. "My precious jewel, are you okay?" the boy asked and shed a smile.


    She realized that Joseph was holding her while she was clinging onto him. A suspicious redness appeared on her cheeks and she immediately pushed him back.


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    "I''m fine," she said and tidied her clothes.


    Jasmine was silent on her side. When she nced at the girl, she saw her staring at Joseph. She raised a brow. What''s this girl doing?


    She shook her head and threw that thought at the back of her mind. For now, she needed to follow her ssmates into the Agriculture building where the second subject session should be held. Jasmine followed her after a while. Jewel thought that neither of the two, Joseph nor Simoen, would pester her but she''s wrong. Joseph walked beside her and talked to her. She frowned and didn''t answer Joseph''s probing questions. Her footsteps fastened and eventually, she ran ahead of him.


    "Precious jewel, wait for me!" Joseph yelled in the hallway.


    Fortunately, there''s less students gathering in the hallway or else Jewel could not lift her head due to shame.


    One should know that gossip is faster than the news. Not long after, Jewel once again became everyone''s gossip. The news of Joseph chasing after her made everyone specte that she had another fling after Simoen Saavedra.


    In the meantime, Jewel slowed down when she arrived outside of the building. She drew a handerchief and wiped the small beads of sweat on her forehead. It was exhrating to see students wearingboratory gowns on the first floor. She knew that they were chemical enginering students and it''s one of the most respected departments in their college.


    "Jewel Laine, you ran so fast!" Jasmine gasped and stopped beside her, panting heavily. "You''re like a cheetah!"


    Her lips twitched when she noticed some of the students ncing her way. She sighed and walked ahead. "Shut up and don''t embarass me," she reproached Jasmine.


    "Fine, fine..." the girl said and waved her hand.


    It didn''t take long for her blockmates to catch up with her. They were surprised by her speed and sheughed it off. Growing up running in the Aisle didn''t make her a delicatedy.


    Together with her blockmates, they entered the passage between the Education and Administrative building. They passed in front of the covered court which was behind the Administrative. She noticed some athletes warming up. Some of them waved at Simoen. She looked away. Right. Simoen''s an athlete.


    They walked straight for a few more minutes until she saw the College of Marine in front. On its side was the College of Agriculture. They walked in and Joseph was about to walk up the stairs but Jasmineined. "I don''t want to climbed up to the 7th floor."


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    Because they were at the back of the building, she could see the sea glistening under the sun. She suddenly remembered the balcony in her room. And the man who owns that house. "Come on, Jewel Laine!" Jasmine called.


    She was about to step inside but she remembered something. "You go first. I forgot to get my COR."


    "What?!" The elevator closed.


    Jewel shook her head and walked away. Her COR wss inside her locker, and the locker room was in the specialized building. Fortunately, the building''s not far from where her second ss was. "Professor Khalil Bremas," she read the professor''s name. "He''s the next subject." Jewel sighed and ran again.


    She hurried back to the Agri building and waited a few more minutes before using the elevator and reaching the 7th floor. She paused in front of the room and adjusted herself before knocking. After a few minutes, the closed door opened. "I''m sorry I''mte --"


    Someone cut her words. "No need to exin. Come in."


    When she heard that voice, her body stiffened. She looked up to the man who was smiling gently at her. It was right to take back her words about Simoen being the least person she expected to see, because the man in front of her was none other than her husband.


    "Miss, pleasee in," he repeated and turned around.


    Waking up from her stupor, she nodded absentmindedly. "O-Okay." And turned in a corner and found herself a chair. She did not notice how Simoen''s eyes drifted to her face and stared at her in a daze when she sat beside him. All Jewel could think of was Gideon''s appearance in the University.


    How? When? Why was he standing in front of her ss?

 Center of gossip

    "Mr. Saavedra, don''te to ss if you''re not willing to listen."


    Those words made Simoen''s lips twitched as he looked ahead. "Sorry," he said.


    Gideon nodded in satisfaction and stole a nce at his wife who was in a daze. He secretly chuckled but when his sight caught Simoen, his gaze darkened. Only a day but Jewel''s already involved in a nasty gossip? Good. Very good. It was his first time being a professor at UDM so he didn''t know what things Jewel did in the previous years. Just earlier, he heard nasty gossip about his wife and the two boys -- Simoen and Joseph.


    His sharp gazended on Joseph who was frowning while staring at the white board. That boy was no threat but it''s irritating to hear those gossips. Nevertheless, it''s not good to threaten his student. He might as well see what these two were up to.


    While Gideon was contemting how to deal with his wife''s pursuers, Jewel was sitting in cold sweat. She now realized that she sat beside Simoen who was constantly gazing at her. And she knew that Gideon noticed how that boy stole nces on her way. It''s not good. Why would that bastard kept on looking at her?


    "Stop staring," she hissed under her breath.


    Simoen grunted while looking ahead but said nothing. Jewel drew a breathe and focused her attention in front where Gideon was standing. She felt a century had passed before she heard the bell rang. Without waiting for anyone, she ran outside.


    Some of her blockmates thought it was because of Simoen who was looking at her the whole ss that''s why Jewel didn''t wait for anyone, but there were some who was unhappy because they thought Jewel think highly of herself to associate with them.


    Amidst the confusion and misunderstanding, a smile blossomed on Gideon''s lips and he nced meaningfully at Jewel''s retreating figure. It was entertaining to see his wife''s acting like she didn''t know him and fleeing before he could invite her after ss.


    "THAT OLD man!" Jewel cussed under her breath and gritted her teeth. "He''s here to haunt me. It''s not enough that he wants to control my life and now he followed me in UDM? What the heck is he thinking?!"


    It was said that she loved to stay in dormitory to avoid the people who control her life like her strict parents, yet it turned out that her good husband''s a professor. Note, a professor in one of her sses. Great. Just great.


    She mmed the door of her room and ran to the bed, throwing herself onto the soft mattress. Staring at the ceiling, her mind reyed the scene where Gideon asked her why she chose the course. Why did she take Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering?


    To be honest, her parents didn''t want her to take BSABE. She bit her lip when she remembered how disappointed her father''s face was.


    She sighed and shook her head. Even though she knew that her parents were against, she resisted their wishes. And even her father warned her to cut her allowance and wouldn''t spend any cent in her study if she still pursue that course. This pushed her to take a schrship.


    She asked Tiara for help to be included in the list of municipal schrship takers of Medellin. Tiara''s father was a captain in a vige in Dayhagon and had ess to the Municipal Schrship Department, so she sought help. Jewel secretly took the schrship examination with the help of Dalya and Pedro. And finally, she was one of the lucky ones to pass the exam.


    She had no ns initially to disclose the acquired schrship but much to her dismay, the Municipal bulletin posted the list of whose who passed.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    It was not long after that her father knew of this news. He was furious and Jewel knew why. Aside for being disobedient, it''s embarrassing for a heiress like her to take any schrship when everyone knew that her family had the money to sustain her studies. It''s like pping her father''s face for being stingy.


    So her father nned to void the schrship grant but the Mayor disagreed. The municipality will be questioned if they void a schrship without valid reasons and the Mayor didn''t want any unnecessary troubles. Moreover, Jewel was of legal age and has the right to decide what to do with the schrship.


    Her parents did nothing in the end.


    Maybe her disobedience was the reason why her father hastily cut her allowance after she married Gideon. This was a kind of punishment intended for her.


    A pang hit her chest upon that realization.


    She was grateful that Gideon was there to take the responsibility to spend money for her studies.


    A sigh escaped from her lips. Even though she''s thankful, it was not a reason for her to let him mess up her college life in UDM.


    Someone knocked outside the door. Jewel got out of the bed and opened it. She saw Hazel who was grinning widely. "Girl, are you carrying anything today?" the girl asked.


    She frowned. "What?"


    Hazel rolled her eyes. "You know... books?"


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    She startled but frowned when she remember that her parents had known of her x-rated books, and they burned all her collections even pushing Pedro into the fire. Her fists clenched hard.


    Her father didn''t want to let outsiders know what happened inside the mansion so of course, he''ll shut everyone''s mouth up so it''s not surprising that Hazel didn''t know about this matter. Even though they were friends, there were still things that she didn''t share with them. She smiled. "I didn''t bring any. The inspection this year is tighter."


    "That''s true," Hazel said sadly but grinning widely at her. "But I managed to smuggle over 20 books. Do you want to borrow?"


    Her eyes twinkled in delight. "I need 3."


    "Gotya! Wait for me!" Hazel hurried into the next door. Jewel waited a few minutes before the girl showed up again carrying a paper box. "Come on, get it inside and don''t be caught by the dorm''s mistress!" Jewel shook her head and chuckled. "Thanks," she said.


    "I''ll send it back after I read it."


    Hazel waved her hand. "No problem!"


    She went inside the room andid down on the bed. Her focuse was on the book for several hours before she heard a knock on the door again. Jewel hid the book under the pillow.


    "Yes, mistress?" she asked when she opened the door and saw the dorm''s mistress standing outside with a dark face.


    The woman snorted. "Miss Mangubat, there''s an orientation going on in the function hall. Why are you still here?"


    She frowned. "No one told me to go to the function hall. And... it''s dark outside."


    The mistress''s eyebrows rose and pointed a finger to the side. When she looked there, she saw her three friends. They all looked away with a guilty look.


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    "I asked Hazel to tell you. I thought you had already been told," the mistress said, annoyance was in her voice.


    She pursed her lips and smiled helplessly. "I forgot, Miss. Are wete? It''s dark and the orientation might ending soon ---"


    "The orientation''s about the recent revision on student services as well as in conduct and discipline. Your credentials will not be released if you are not there." The mistress raised a brow. "You won''te?" she said and stared at her. "We''ll go, Miss. Thank you," she said.


    THE FUNCTION Hall is in the UDM Specialized building centered by the covered court in the front, the College of Arts and Sciences on the right, the College of Agriculture on the left, and the vacant building in the rear. It is in the center of UDM so they still have to walk a few minutes from the dormitory which is at the back of the University.


    "It''s just me or there''s something interesting in UDM this day," Tiara said.


    Hazel nodded. "There''s something really interesting. Girls, there''s a rumor in my block that there''s a handsome professor in Agri. He''s new and not married yet." Jewel frowned. "Who?"


    Hazel grinned and nced at her. "He handles Soil Science and Intro to AB Engineering. Isn''t BSABE your course, Laine? You haven''t seen that handsome prof yet?"


    Jewel was startled. They seemed to refer Gideon. Her husband was the only new professor in Agri. She frowned. This was what she expected--- Gideon''s bing the new topic for girls.


    She forgot that she''s also the center of gossip on the first day of school which Gideon was also thinking about. Both of them became famous in UDM. One because of nasty gossip and the other was pushed into the spotlight next to Simoen. Jewel almostughed when she remembered what she said to him on the morning. ''See you in ten months!''


    Seriously?


    She pursed her lips in annoyance when she remembered Gideon''s strange smile during the enrollment. So this was what he meant by that smile?!

 In the lab

    Nothing special about that day but she noticed the strange atmosphere in the University. She was not sure what''s going on but her guts told her that some high rank persona will visit soon.


    Jewel scooped up potato chips and nced at the students below. She was on the 4th floor of the Engineering building and was facing the terrace. It was her vacant time and she didn''t want to hang out in the canteen. Sheena must have been there.


    Someone cleared their throat behind her. "Laine," a familiar voice called.


    Her finger with a pinched chip stopped hovering in the air. A man walked and stood beside her. She nced at him and saw Simoen staring at the ground as well. She looked away. "What do you want?" Simoen took a deep breath. He smiled softly and shook his head. "I just want to say sorry for giving you false hopes."


    She was taken aback. "Huh?"


    "I''m sorry for that incidentst year. I know nothing about that engagement and what Sheena did to you. I''m really sorry, Laine."


    Jewel put away the chips she was holding and pursed her lips into a thin line. "So?"


    She saw out of the corner of her eye Simoen turning to face her. "Laine, I want to restore our rtionship."


    She snickered. "What did you say?"


    "Laine, look. I came back to UDM for you. I had canceled the engagement and talked with Sheena. She agreed. So, we can be together again, Laine. We can continue the rtionship we had." Her head slowly turned to face Simoen. She stared at him for few minutes before smirking. "But I don''t want to."


    "What?" Simoen was taken aback and looked at her in the eye. "Are you being serious, Laine?"


    "Saavedra," she called and Simoen fell silent. "I don''t want to entangle myself with you again. What we had is in the past. It''s not my hobby to eat again the rice I spit out."


    There was awkwardness between them and Simoen closed and unclosed his fist. "I understand," he whispered and sighed. "But I don''t want to be a stranger to you, Laine. Can we be friends?" Jewel smiled. "No."


    Simoen froze. "No? Why?"


    "It''s not my thing to befriend my ex. Just a regr blockmate and we''ll be fine. I will not treat you as a stranger."


    "Laine ..." Simoen gritted his teeth but held himself back. "Is there someone new?"


    A soft smile appeared on her lips as she silently stroked the finger on which her wedding ring was once ced. She put the wedding ring away to hide her true civil status.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    When she didn''t answer, Simoen took a deep breathe. "I hope we can still bring back what we had lost, Laine." "Don''t hope, it''s impossible."


    Those cold words made Simoen dumbfounded. He didn''t expect Jewel to have her cold and unfeeling side. His mind wandered back on times when Jewel would cling to him and call him ''dear'' but now, it was all gone. The sudden lost of her affection made his heart ached. He watched Jewel''s retreating figure in sadness.


    On the other hand, Jewel was happily strolling inside the flower garden near the Domesticated Forest. Her three girl friends were still busy in their respective sses. And in a University like UDM, there was only a small percentage chance that she''ll meet them with how wide the campus and dense the student poption was. So she decided to only meet them during break time.


    Her eyes looked down on her wristwatch. It''s time for her to go back. She sighed and walked out of the garden. Jewel didn''t notice the eyes in the darkness following her steps.


    Suddenly, someone took hold of her wrist and turned her around. She sucked in breathe and looked at the man who was holding her. It''s Joseph. He smiled and let go of her wrist. "Will you attend the varsity gameter?" Her brow raised. "Why should I?"


    Josephughed and scratched the back of his head. "Jasmine will attend too."


    "Oh." The corner of her lips curved up. "So you are saying I need to follow Jasmine?"


    He fell silent as awkwardness hovered around the air. Jewel shook her head and walked ahead.


    She returned to Engineering building to attend Physics for Engineers.


    As usual, she caught Simoen staring at her. She ignored him and focused on the lesson until the subject was over. Her feet moved out of the room before anyone else and some of her blockmates was unhappy. "She''s really thinking highly of herself," one of her blockmatesined while moving out of the ssroom.


    Jasmine nced at the girl and grunted. "Jewel has a reason why she didn''t wait for us. You should not me her," she reasoned out.


    More dissatisfaction from the girls arose while the boys were indifferent. Jasmine rolled her eyes.


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away!


    Jewel used the elevator and walked out of the Engineering building. The next subject would be Chemistry and they will do aboratory experiment. She stood in front of theboratory door, taking a deep breath, she entered. Jewel saw the Chemistry Professor inspecting someboratory paraphernalia.


    "Good day, Prof."


    The Chemistry Laboratory of the Education building was small. It was just one of the branches of the main chemistryb in the Science and Technology building, located in the SHS department area behind the woods opposite the College of Technology.


    "Where are your blockmates?" the prof asked.


    Her lips twitched. "They''re following me behind, Prof."


    "We''ll just wait for them and please, haveboratory gowns and some protective gears outside. Wear appropriate clothing before entering theboratory, Miss."


    "I understand. I''m sorry, Prof," she said and quickly left theb.


    She searched the stockroom outside. There''s a separate door outside where theb gears were stored. After wearing appropriate gear, she went out and tied her hair into a ponytail.


    "Hmmp! This princess jewel is really shameless," someone whispered, but because the hallway was silent, Jewel heard it clearly.


    Her eyes locked on a girl at the back of the group approaching her and her brow raised.


    Joseph grunted and turned to the girl. "If you nder Jewel again, I''ll cut your tongue!" he warned. Even Simoen expressed his agreement to Joseph''s words.


    The girl''s face paled and she looked away. Jewel didn''t say anything and just motioned the block president to remind him of wearing appropriate clothing before she entered theb.


    After three hours, Jewel walked out of theb with dark expression with burning red cheeks. She could feel the gazes of her blockmates on her back and she walked faster. Her lips pursed into a thin line.


    This started when she almost mixed the Zinc in the beaker containing the diluted HCL during their experiment earlier.


    Simoen grabbed her hand holding the zinc. "Don''t."


    Her eyes darted to Simoen as he took the small piece of Zinc from her palm. Looking from afar, they looked like flirting with each other.


    "What''s happening to the two of you there, Mr. Saavedra and Miss Mangubat? Were are still in ss. Save your things outside," the Professor scolded.


    Jewel''s face flushed in embarrassment and side stepped to avoid Simoen, but the man was really trying to create an ambiguous atmosphere with her because he kept on moving closer to her. She knew that her blockmates were watching her and Simoen''s vague interaction but she could do nothing but to shot him a re. It''s forbidden to make a scene inside theboratory.


    "Laine!" Simoen called her but she did not stop and used the stair instead of the elevator.


    Fortunately, Joseph dragged Simoen back when theter wanted to follow her. "Man, don''t push it. Jewel might want to be alone after what you''ve done earlier," Joseph sneered.


    She was thankful to Joseph who came to her rescue. Jewel sighed but stopped when someone blocked her path.


    When she looked up, she saw Gideon''s face. There''s a smile hanging on his lips but his stare were cold. Jewel stepped past him but almost tripped herself if not for Gideon who hastily caught her arm.


    She gulped hard as her heart could not stop beating so fast. A cold sweat trickled down her back and she smiled sheepishly at him. "What do you want, Sir?" Gideon chuckled and helped her stand on her feet. "Is it hard to greet your husband?"


    Boom.


    Jewel pped his hand away and red at him. "Don''t do dare go around telling others that you''re my husband!" she yelled in a hushed manner.


    "Oh?" He moved his face close to her and Jewel stiffened. Gideon smirked. "Someone told me that my wife is fooling around. I want to check whether it''s true..."


    "Gideon!" she hissed and looked around to check anyone but saw nothing. Her tense muscles rxed and she squinted her eyes on him. "I''ll exinter, okay? This is not the right ce to talk about those useless rumors.... please?"


    When Gideon noticed how nervous Jewel was, he sighed and patted her head. "Alright. If you need anything, just send me a message. I''ll be there." He smiled and looked down on her bare fingers. "You''re not wearing your ring."


    Jewel looked on her ring finger and blushed. "Of course, I don''t want anyone to know that I''m married at this age. What do you expect?" Her eyes darted on his bare hand. "And you didn''t wear your ring too. You dare to persecute me?" She snorted and rolled her eyes.


    There was a lingering emotion in Gideon''s eyes.


    She was startled when Gideon took hold of her hand and pushed a simple ring on her finger. "W-What are you doing? I said I won''t wear a ring. Take it back!"


    Her heart skipped a beat when Gideon kissed the back of her hand and looked at her straight in the eye. "Wear this ring for me, Jewel..."


    His hoarse voice tickled her heart.

 In the rooftop

    Gideon pushed an infinity gold ring on her ring finger in the day of their wedding. Jewel raised the hand where the gold ring lies. As she stared at it, she noticed a small, glowing object where the two lines met. It''s a white diamond. She frowned, removed the ring, and put it back to the drawer of the study table. When she looked at her other hand, a small and simpler ring was there. She didn''t know why Gideon wanted her to wear that ring when he himself didn''t wear


    one.


    Even though confused, Jewel put the simple ring on her middle finger and let it be. While lying on the bed, her mind wandered back to Gideon''s face.


    She didn''t want anyone to discover her secret.


    Hernandez is her presentst name. She just asked the officer to let her use Hernandez for the forms but Mangubat in ss. But the director didn''t agree so she looked for Gideon during the enrollment and dragged him inside the director''s office. Then she didn''t know what the end of the conversation between the two was. Gideon did not tell her anything.


    She used Mangubat and no one questioned so she just continued. Jewel was d to hide her true civil status but when she found out that Gideon was her Professor, she was stunned.


    The man''s former work of being an army was far from being a professor. He didn''t tell her anything about his current work. She had only know him for a month, and they had been married for only a few weeks.


    A sigh escaped from her lips as she blinked her eyes. She couldn''t sleep and it might be because of the girl''s yelling during the varsity''s practice game, when she went to court to watch Joseph''s game out of courtesy.


    Suddenly there was a knock on the door. She got up quickly and opened the knock. It was Hazel, wearing a hood and shades.


    The girl smiled broadly. "We''re going somewhere."


    "Where?" She folded her arms and peeked into the hallway for a moment. "The curfew is near. Mrs. Catmon''s rounds will start soon."


    "It''s not ten PM yet. Come on, Laine. It''s boring to stay indoors."


    "Fine." She turned around and took the hood off the hanging clip.


    Hazel smiled. "Bring your phone too," she suggested.


    Jewel stuffed the phone in her pocket before leaving and closing the door. "Let''s go."


    She was surprised when Hazel brought her towards the short cemented brigde that connected the girls and boys dormitory.


    "Hazel I think it''s not ---"


    "Shhh... The two are there on the rooftop of the boy''s dorm." Hazel grinned.


    "What?!"


    "Lower your voice, Laine, or we might get caught."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    She rolled her eyes. "Why in the boys'' rooftop?"


    Hazel opened the gate and led her into the boy''s territory. "Isn''t it exciting to do what''s forbidden?"


    "How did you open that gate?" she asked sharply and looked around the hallway of the boy''s dormitory. Fortunately, all the doors were closed.


    "We''re not the only ones smuggling," Hazel replied.


    "What?" "Shhh..."


    Jewel took a deep breath and gently patted her chest. Damn really. Mrs. Catmon will kill them when the dorm''s mistress knows what they''re doing. Even though it''s not good but since her friends were there so she had no choice but to follow Hazel.


    "It''s safer here," the girl whispered and headed straight for the stairs to climbed up.


    She followed and they went straight up to the rooftop. She just breathed a sigh of relief when Hazel opened the rooftop door.


    "Come on, Laine!" Hazel called and ran.


    Jewel followed suit. The cold and salty air kissed her face. She stopped at the railroad where the other two girls -- Tiara and Gabbi --- were surveying the sea in the distance.


    "So beautiful!" Tiara shouted.


    She took a deep breath and wiped the sweat that had umted on her forehead. Her heart was still beating fast after she ran.


    "Come on, let''s take a picture!" Hazel suggested.


    The three took pictures but she remained staring at the ocean. The water reflected the round moon in the sky and was sparkling because of the waves.


    She remembered Gideon, the full moon, the beating of the waves on the sandy shore, and the beautiful voice that sang that night. Suddenly she wanted to hear Gideon''s voice again. She shook her head and slightly patted her cheeks. Her eyes traveled to the three Marine, Agriculture, and Fishery buildings just along the shore.


    "Look, that Night Shift of Engineering," Tiara pointed out.


    She turned her sight to the other side of the UDM. The Engineering building glowed in the dark and there were some students walking in the hallway.


    "CpE," Gabbi said. "Ah, no way. It looks Chemical, wearingb gowns."


    "Are you sure?" Tiara asked. "My vision is blurry. Besides, I can only see shadows."


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away!


    "Laine," Hazel called suddenly.


    She turned to her. "What?"


    "Lend me your phone."


    "Why?" she asked and took the phone out of her pocket, handing it out to the girl.


    "Still reading eBooks?"


    Jewel shrugged her shoulders. "Sometimes. I prefer physical books though."


    "Whatever." Hazel grinned jokingly. "I have a new rmendation. Read it."


    "Sure. You save it in the library."


    Gabbi suddenly chirped in. "Take a picture! We''ll be back in the dorm. It''s nine forty-five already."


    They took a picture for a while beforeing down.


    "All right. Read that Laine, okay?" said Hazel.


    She shrugged. "I said I''ll read it."


    Jewel was early that day so the Professor gave her a pat on the shoulder. Her blockmates were surprised and some were teasing her with Simoen who was quiet next to her. Her lips kept twitching and her face darkened.


    She wanted to run towards the next subject but remembered Gideon was waiting there. A sigh escaped from her lips. She would rather suffer the teasing of blockmates than to face her husband.


    She was afraid that someone will find out that she''s somehow rted to Gideon.


    After ss, she and her blockmates walked together towards Gideon''s ssroom. As usual, Jasmine pulled her to the front. But surprisingly, Simoen also sit beside her. She wanted to sit somewhere else but Gideon started the discussion. And the longer she stayed in that room, the more her chest throbbed. She could feel Simoen''s gaze on her. Gideon''s asional nce at her did not help either.


    She clenched her fist. Her ass was itching to move out and because of it, she failed to focus on the lesson.


    She was stunned when Gideon announced a quiz. Her limbs went cold. What would she answer when she didn''t even know what her block was reporting. Her brows met and fingers toyed with the ballpen. And as expected, she got a low score.


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! "4 out of 20?" Gideon stared at her in amazement. "Stay after ss, Miss Mangubat."


    Jewel leaned back and folded her arms. She could feel the gaze of her ssmate and she rolled her eyes. Why? It wasn''t her fault. She was only distracted in ss because of the two who kept staring at her way. IT WAS PAST five o''clock when she knocked on the door of Gideon''s ssroom. A few more seconds passed before it opened. The fresh face of her husband came into view and invited her inside.


    Fresh air caressed her face as she stepped in. Some windows were open and the rays of the setting sun prated them. Just now she also noticed there were nts in every corner of the room. "What are we going to talk about? Is it about my score? Sorry for that. I''m going to do self study," she said.


    Jewel stood in front of the desk and folded her arms. Her eyes stayed at him as he sat on the swivel chair behind the professor''s desk. He yed with the personalized pen.


    "Who''s Simoen Saavedra?"


    She blinked. "Blockmate."


    "Your ex?" Gideon looked up and their eyes met.


    Jewel''s lips twitch. "Hardly."


    Gideon just smirked and brought out a picture from under the desk. "Looks like your parents don''t know about this yet. Do you have any ns to increase the vition to go up for written reprimand?"


    She looked at the picture and smirked. "I''m not stupid. It only happened once. And it was an ident."


    Gideon nodded. "Given that it was an ident... But three footage of kissing is not an ident."


    "Hey, ording to the rules, any misconduct that discrediting and dishonoring the name of the University. I was just counseled because I identally kissed Simoen on the stage during an activity. But that three pictures were taken in private locations."


    "Go on," Gideon whispered.


    She turned her gaze away. "But he''s the one who doesn''t want to stop so that''s why the admin took us to the office. And I''m grateful it''s just a counsel and we''re not being asked to domunity service."


    Gideon stared at her for a few minutes before he cleared his throat. "You may leave."


    She blinked. "That''s all?"


    Gideon leaned back and crossed his arms. "I''ve got what I want to know. Or do you want to stay a little longer?" Gideon smiled at her. "This room is too spacious for the two of us."


    Jewel''s chest throbbed with his kind of smile. She immediately shook her head. "No. I just find it weird. Anyway, I''m leaving."


    She walked quickly out of the room. But Gideon''s warm gaze behind her did not escape her senses.


    She left without even looking at her husband, taking several deep breaths to calm her strong heartbeat.

 Late night talk

    She yed with the pen before writing on paper. Jewel listened to the professor and recorded important details. They discussed about tree crop production which kinda interest her. "We like to cut the leaf of the nt and we know it''s bad."


    The professor moved the power point to the next slide. An animated picture of photosynthesis shed in therge screen.


    "No human is capable of making food from the heat of the sun. And still no machinery can mimic itsplex process. The function of green leaves is to convert light energy into food energy. So the leaves of nts should not be toyed with." The Professor even showed pictures of tree farms, rolling hills, cogonal hillsides, and forested hillsides.


    The Professor looked at the ss and smiled. "We will visit the specialized area of Forestry students next week. It is just behind the Engineering and Forestry buildings. You are ABE students so you have probably seen the 100 squared meter Domesticated Forest from your course building? But we will know more about that forest next time.


    For now, I want you to realize first the importance of trees in coping up to climate change, utilizing economic growth, and improving agricultural sector of our country.


    The Professor opened something. "It is way too early but I want to give your final project. This project was approved by the Director, so I am confident that we can utilize all necessary facilities."


    The Professor looked up and nced at them one by one. "By Friday, we will visit the Municipal Nursery. The Bureau of nt Industry has not yet responded so we will first get seeds from the municipality, which we will use for your project. We will call this project... A Seed to Care."N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    "Professor," Simoen called.


    The female Professor smiled at Simoen. "Yes?"


    "Where do we nt those?"


    "Good question." The Professor grinned. "The purpose of this project is not only to increase the number of local trees but for you, to apply your learnings in Nursery Cultivation. You will grow your seeds here in University. And after three months, which in that time is your final examination, I will check your seedlings if you have taken good care of them.


    And after that, we will ask the consent of the dean to let you go outside the University for awhile. Seedlings will be nted in your houses. Although we should have grown in the summer to nt this month when the rainy season begins, but the point here is how are you going to grow your own seedlings."


    "That''s a good project." Simeon smiled.


    "Yes, definitely Mr. Saavedra. Back to our lesson, we will discuss food crops and fruit trees. By second semester, we will move to Principle of Soil Science."


    "Wait, Prof," she called and raised her hand. "Why outside Univ? Why don''t we nt it here instead?"


    The Professor smiled at her. "That''s the first thing I thought but I realize that we can help themunity more when you nt your seedlings outside."


    The Professor turned the book to the next page and grouped them for a group discussion.


    JEWEL TURNED over on the bed but she kept on thinking about the project. She wondered what seed should she get. It should be better if it''s easy to grow and not too sensitive in the soil acidity of Medellin.


    Her hand reached for the phone and called Hazel''s number but the ringing was cut off. Even Tiara was out of reach. She sighed when Gabbi''s number rang.


    "Oh? What are you up to?" She heard the girl yawned on the other line. "Laine, it''s eleven o''clock. Toote for an evening talk and don''t forget we''re still early tomorrow."


    "No. It''ll be fast. I only have a question."


    "What?"


    "What should I nt for the final project? Do you have any suggestions?"


    A few seconds passed before Gabbi answered. "Banana? Watermelon? Okra?"


    Jewel was stunned and helplesslyughed. "Banana propagation is not seed. Also, watermelon and okra are not trees."


    Gabbi snorted. "So why are you calling me? You know that I''m not an agriculture student. Did you just call me to mock myck of intelligence in your field?"


    "Uh." Jewel was speechless. Right. Why did she call Gabbi when that girl''s not even an agriculture student?


    Gabbi knew nothing about agriculture. Jewel sighed and shook her head. "Sorry," she whispered over the phone.


    She heard a sigh from the other line. "How about Tiara and Hazel? Have you asked them?"


    "I can''t reach their phones."


    Gabbi yawned. "Your parents. I''m sure they know since they have the Aisle."


    "Uh, y-yeah. They know." She sighed. Of course her father know and would surely give her a good advice, but ever since the incident of confiscating her x-rated books and burning them down, Jewel didn''t have the courage to face them. "Or your husband? Isn''t he older than you and love horses?" Gabbi chuckled. "Go on, ask that husband of yours, Laine. You should not call me if it''s unnecessary, ''kay?" And the call ended.


    "You ---" Jewel pursed her lips in annoyance.


    Gabbi had a foul mouth and would regard her musings as unnecessary. So in the past years, she didn''t have a one-to-one talk with that girl. Gabbi''s just too cold-blooded for her who loves to talk about small things. Jewel had no choice but to call Gideon''s number. Well, she''s not sleepy yet so she impulsively called her husband.


    "Jewel," Gideon''s greeted. His voice was hoarse. Too manly. Her cheeks burned red as she imagined Gideon''s deep gaze on her. "Jewel?" the man called again when she didn''t answer.


    "I know you''re listening. Is there a problem?" Still, she didn''t answer. Jewel just wanted to hear his voice and it lulled her to sleep. She closed her eyes while Gideon continued speaking. "I need to get up early tomorrow, Jewel." She raised her hand and put it above her chest. Her heart was beating so fast and strong.


    "I know you''re doing well, but don''t stress yourself too much. It ain''t good for your body. And knowing your records wiith this Simoen, I''m considering your transfer to other University."


    Her eyes opened abruptly. "What? Transfer? No. You can''t transfer me just like that?"


    The other line went silent. She waited for him to say something but he remained silent. Jewel sat up. "Gideon!" she called but no one answered. "Gideon Manasseh, will you speak up? I know you''re listening!"


    Suddenly, she heard a buzz from the phone. When she looked at the screen, the call had ended. Gideon cut her off!


    She drew a breathe when the phone vibrated. Jewel opened Gideon''s text message and smoke came out of her nose upon reading it.


    Gideon: Wife, you''re naughty. Rest well and see you tomorrow.

 Chasing under the rain

    It was dark at five o''clock in the afternoon. Probably because of the iing Low Pressure Area that''s now in the southeastern part of Samar. The LPA is expected to appear in the PAR over the weekend ording to News. A few minutester, heavy rain fell. It hit hard but Jewel didn''t budge. She resolutely walked under the heavy rain and gusty wind, holding her umbre''s handle tightly.


    Thunder roared and lightning shone in the sky. Her body shivered in cold and fear but she swallowed and continued to stride.


    She went to the faculty office to see Gideon but the faculty staff said the man was not there. So it''s most likely that Gideon''s in the Agriculture building.


    Jewel sighed and entered the building. Closing the umbre, she hang it on the umbre section at the side of the entrance. Her hands hugged her body as she walked to the elevator.


    She quietly walked down the hallway on the seventh floor and saw a few students walking to and fro. Perhaps they were eager to return in the dorm since it''s raining harder than usual.


    Her feet stopped at the front of a closed door and knocked. She waited but no one opened. Jewel squinted her eyes as she turned the doorknob. A click was heard before the door opened. "Gideon?" she called and walked in. It''s dark. The window was closed and no one was there. She should know. Gideon was not here that''s why it was quiet and without light. Closing the door, she turned on the side switch. The interior of the ssroom lit up. Her eyes roamed around and she smelled a mixture of Gideon''s perfume and ink. She looked at the whiteboard.


    A lot was written there. Agricultural machineries, organic and inorganic fertilizers, all about agriculture. Her eyes looked down. Looked like he couldn''t talk to Gideon today.


    Just as she turned around to get out, the door suddenly opened. Gideon walked in. His polo shirt was wet and rainwater from the tip of his hair was still dripping on his forehead and cheeks. When he looked up, their eyes met. "Jewel?" A deep and cold voice echoed inside the ssroom.


    It wasst night when shest heard Gideon''s voice. She averted her eyes and did not utter a word. She saw out of the corner of her eye how Gideon step closer to her. He wiped his face. "Why are you here?" he asked.


    Gideon passed her by. He turned the professor''s desk behind her and took out a folder underneath. He also took out a water-proof envelope and ced the folder there.


    "We need to talk," she said and stood in front of Gideon. The man said nothing so she continued speaking. "Are you still considering a certificate to transfer for me? You know you can''t do that. My college admission is already stated in the UDM contract. And I''m starting a new life here."


    She looked at Gideon''s face and noticed it was pale. She blinked as he turned to face her and stepped close. He stopped in front of her.


    Gideon reached for the hair that had escaped to her face and tucked it behind her ear. She could feel the cold in his palm. "For you, Jewel ... I can," Gideon whispered.


    She frowned. "W-What---"


    "If you''re not behaving well, wife." Gideon raised the corner of his lips and then brought his face close to hers. "The security provided footage of you and your friends sneaking into the men''s dorm. If you think you can hide everything from me, think again Jewel."Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Her feet backed away quickly. "What are you ---"


    "Don''t ever think of lying to your husband."


    It took her seconds before she regained her calm and smirked. "So, what if I did it with my friends?" Her eyes met his sharp gaze. "What will you do?"


    She was surprised when Gideon moved closer to her. Her eyes widened as he kissed the corner of her lips. Her hand quickly pushed his body away. "Gideon!" she warned.


    "You must be punished for breaking rules, Jewel."


    She backed away. "W-What? Punishment?"


    Gideon stood up straight. "But let''s deal it next time. For now, I want you to fix your things ---"


    "Listen, Gideon Manasseh. You won''t transfer me. That''s final."


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away!


    "What''s this? Being brat again, Jewel?" Gideon frowned.


    Her two eyebrows met. "I''m not being a brat. It''s you who can''t honor his word!"


    "I don''t trust that Saavedra. You should know that I''m just looking after your safety."


    "I can deal with him." Her eyes stared at him, not even blinking for a second. "I can deal with my ex. Okay? So don''t bother to transfer me. I can''t handle another adjustment after I''ve married you, Gideon."


    Gideon looked at her lips. He smiled softly then avoided her gaze. "Are you regretting being married to me, Jewel?" he asked.


    Jewel was dumbfounded by the question. What was her husband thinking? She looked away. "What kind of question is that?" she whispered then tried to walked passed by him.


    Gideon quickly grabbed her arm. "I am asking you." And slightly tighten his hold on her arm. "Answer me and I''ll let you stay in this University."


    She looked at her husband who was staring intently at her. "What shall I answer, Gideon?"


    "I want to know," he whispered.


    Jewel grabbed his hand holding her arm. "It hurt," sheined. He quickly let go of her arm so she looked up at him. Their eyes met. Gideon''s gaze was gentle and Jewel held her breath. "You know the answer, Gideon." Her feet quickly turned around and she left the ssroom, running to the stairs while holding her chest. Her heart was beating fast.


    It was the same feeling when she was with Simoen two years ago. But it''s not the exact feeling because now, there''s difference. The pulse''s stronger than before. She was feeling electrified when Gideon was just around and her body would shiver from that feeling.


    Her footsteps came into a halt when someone hugged her from behind. Jewel drew a breathe.


    "Jewel," Gideon whispered, chanting her name. He brought his mouth close to her ear. "I can''t read your mind, but I ask you to stop seeing your friends. They''re bad influence to you. You will only suffer with them."


    Her face darkens and she untied the arm wrapped around her waist. She faced Gideon. "Are you asking me to ---"


    He nodded. Jewel clenched her fist and pped Gideon in no time. Her husband''s face turned to the left. She could still feel the pain in her palm because of the strength she used to p him. "Will you stop controlling my life?" "How many times do I have to remind you, Jewel? I''m not controlling you."


    "But it seems like you want to control me, my life!"


    "No ---"


    "It''s the way I see things, Gideon!" Jewel screamed.


    There was silenced between them. Gideon''s shoulders moved up and down as he suppressed his emotions. "Stop seeing your friends and I''ll let you stay here in this University!"


    "Gideon!" she shouted, frustrated. "They''re my friends!"


    "They are not good friends, Jewel."


    "No." She shook his head, biting her lips. "No!"


    Gideon frowned. "Jewel Laine Hernandez."


    "Arg! I don''t want to see you again! I hate you!" She burst into tears, annoyed. She bit her lip and continued running down the hallway and down the stairs. "Jewel!"


    Her tears flowed even more. When she looked over her shoulder, she saw Gideon chasing after her.

 His smile

    She yelled. "Shut up! Stop chasing me!"


    Jewel sobbed and her eyes dimmed down the stairs. Her steps sped down the descent when she heard Gideon''s footsteps behind her.


    Going down to the 6th floor someone called Gideon. Jewel continued running down the stairs until she reached the first floor. She stopped breathlessly and looked back. Gideon was not there. That man was probably still on the 6th floor and talking to the woman who called him.


    Somehow, she breathe a sigh of relief and hastily wiped her wet cheek and frowned as she walked to the entrance.


    "Jewel Laine," someone called from behind.


    Her footsteps halted as she held her breath. When she turned her head back and looked at the elevator, she saw Gideon exiting from the its doors. His face was dark as he advanced to her direction.


    "Stop running, Jewel Laine. Don''t make me chase you."


    Her eyes widened and without hesitation ran out of the Agriculture building. She heard Gideon''s warning behind but she just ran faster. She didn''t want to talk to him, nor see his face again after her outburst at the seventh floor.


    Darkness had covered the sorroundings outside and it was raining heavily. Only building lights and momentary lightning provide ambient light. She turned down the road back to the dorm. Even under the rain she could hear Gideon''s voice. She must be delusional. It''s impossible for him to catch up to her at this----


    "Stop running, will you?"


    She gasped as a force turned her around and leaned over to hug her. Jewel struggled away but the arms wrapped around her were too strong.


    Gideon was breathing fast. "Don''t run. I can outrun you."


    Jewel stopped her futile efforts to break free form his arms and justughed humorlessly. "I thought you don''t want to chase me?" She smirked, eyes full of coldness from the rain and from the heart. "The man who can''t keep his word," she mocked.


    "I can''t let you run under the rain."


    "Can I? I can handle myself so stop chasing me." She angrily pped his hard chest. "You can''t keep me from doing what I want."


    His arms tightened around her. Jewel screamed when he lifted her and threw her over his shoulder like a sack of rice. She caught the hem of his polo shirt as the man ran toward the vacant building.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    "Put me down!" she yelled.


    But Gideon just kept running towards the vacant building.


    "Gideon, put me down!"


    The man entered the vacant building and lowered her onto the broken sofa in the hallway. Her eyes darted up and looked up at him sharply. "I really hate you."


    Gideon was taken aback and smiled helplessly. "You can hate me but I''m still your husband, Jewel."


    He took off the polo and squeezed the water out before wrapping it around her shoulder. She was about to remove it when Gideon spoke. "Put that on. I don''t want you to get sick."


    Jewel looked away and folded her arms. "I still hate you."


    Gideon stopped talking and got something out of his pocket. A phone. He walked away before he brought the phone beside his ear. Gideon looked at her for a moment before talking to the phone.


    ''Making a call and moving away so I can''t hear what they''re talking about? Fine, I don''t care,'' she thought.


    After the call, Gideon didn''t move close to her. It made Jewel''s mode worser than earlier. Even so, she was more assured when Gideon''s not around because the pounding in her chest just got stronger whenever that man approached her. And she didn''t like that.


    Jewel was startled when lightning shed and the sky roared. It was as if arge rock had rolled up on top so she wrapped her hands around her to console herself.


    She stood up when she saw someone approaching the vacant building. That person ran to get into the building immediately.


    "Elise," Gideon called to the woman who entered the building.


    The female Professor looked at Gideon. "Hey, Hernandez. I just brought an umbre and a raincoat. Seriously, the length of the lightning is unusual you think? It almost reached the ground." The woman turned to her. "Is this your student?" Gideon nodded. "Take her first."


    "O-Okay, all right. But we should hurry." The woman handed the raincoat to Jewel which she immediately epted. "You haven''t forgotten the deadline, Hernandez?" "No."


    "Good. The head admin is supposed to be angry again."


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    Jewel heard Gideon''sugh as she put on the raincoat. "There''s nothing new, isn''t it?" Gideon said.


    Elise grinned. "That''s it. You''ve stolen the subject of ABE. You know someone is watching it in Block 1."


    Gideon nodded. She noticed in the corner of her eye how he turned his head to the side. "And you know why, Elise. She''s my wife."


    "I know. But who is your wife there? I can''t ess the Registrar and Khalil doesn''t want to tell me. s, that''s Bremas. It''s a good thing he''s just watching from a distance."


    Jewel swallowed the lump in her throat and simply turned to Gideon. Their eyes met and she quickly averted her gaze. She knew she was what the two were talking about. Gideon chuckled. "You''re looking at her."


    "Huh?"


    "Her. My student. She''s freezing. All right, take her back ande back to pick me up. I''ll be waiting for you here."


    Elise smiled broadly. "Don''t forget. You owe one to me. Then..." The woman turned her gaze to her. "What''s your name, Miss?"


    She smiled wryly. "J-Jewel."


    "Agriculture?"


    "BSABE," she said.


    The Professor''s eyes widened and for a moment she red at Gideon, before facing her again. "What''s your section?" "B1."


    The Professor sighed. "BSABE B1?" Elise looked at Gideon. "You did not say anything and you let me gossip!"


    Jewel heard Gideon''sugh. "Doesn''t matter. All right, Elise. I still have a deadline to meet."


    "You''re already wet. Why don''t you just run to the faculty, huh?" Elise asked, opening the big umbre again.


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    "I''m bothering you so I want to apany you back to the Adminter."


    Elise averted her eyes. "O-Okay, you said, eh."


    Elise turned to Jewel and led her under arge umbre. "We have to run. Even though it''s inductive, I still don''t trust the manufacturer," the woman reminded.


    Jewel nodded. "I understand."


    Elise counted. Even before they ran out of the vacant building, she turned to Gideon and their eyes met.


    Her husband smiled at her, waved his hand slightly, and mouthed, "Good night, Jewel."


    Her eyes darted to the front again and together, she and Elise ran under the rain. But Gideon''s smile never left her mind.


    It was the same smile he showed under the moonlight.


    She suddenly remembered that night, where Gideon had sung under the moon. She could see how his eyes twinkled, and how the serious man inside the ssroom smiled softly.


    Jewel couldn''t understand why but as she was running under the rain, her heart was beating fast. She almost could not catch her breath because of that. What did Gideon do to her? Why was her heart beating so fast? Jewel frowned as she put a palm on her chest, above her beating heart.


    Her mind came back to reality when a sudden thunder and lightning struck the area not far from where she was striding. There was a sudden light around and she jumped in panic. "You alright?" Elise asked, whispering.


    She smiled softly at the Professor then headed off. They continued to run in the rain. When she reached the dormitory, she bid goodbye to the female Professor before she ran upstairs.


    When she entered the room, she quickly took a bath and got dressed. But until sheid down on the bed, Gideon''s small smile never left her mind. Jewel bit her lower lip then closed her eyes. She forced herself to sleep. But that smile never left her even in her wildest dreams.

 Three girls keeping secret

    Sunday. The thunderstormst night had passed and the woods opposite the College of Technology were still full of dew. Jewel walked quietly in front of Treesury - a small woond that serves as the entrance to the former SHS Department Area. She would have liked to go inside to visit the part of UDM where she studied Senior High, but she saw the gate closed in the middle of the small woods.


    So she just went straight back to the dormitory. But just a few stepster she halted when she saw Tiara, Gabbi, and Hazel. The threeughed as they ran towards her direction. What''s even more surprising was that Simoen''s behind them. Her three friends stopped in front of her in surprise. Tiara suddenly pulled her to the side. "Are you and Simoen ..." she trailed off.


    "No," Jewel shook her head.


    "No?"


    "Yeah. Why is he following your group?" she asked and nced at Simoen for a moment.


    Tiara folded her arms. "He just followed us."


    "Laine," Hazel called. "Let''s go? It''s almost 6 AM."


    "The canteen''s open?" she asked, raising a brow, and walked ahead.


    She first walked between Technology, Arts and Sciences, and towards the specialized building where the canteen''s located. The three girls as well as Simoen followed suit.


    "It''s been five-thirty. Where were you? We looked for you in the dorm but you weren''t there," Hazel said.


    "Yeah, we''ve seen Saavedra and he''s so persistent. He''s been following us around since gate 2," Tiara chirped in.


    "Really?" Raising a brow, she looked over her shoulder.


    Simoen was there. He was wearing a jersey and had an earphone on both ears. He''s listening to music while following them. When he noticed her gaze, he removed one of the earplugs and asked, "Laine?" Jewel halted her steps and faced him. "Are you following us?"


    The man smiled and shook his head. "I n to go eat at canteen. It just happen that we''re heeding the same direction."


    She raised an eyebrow and gestured ahead, but he remained in ce. Her forehead creased and he spoke. "Go on, you first."


    Simoen sighed. "Can I ..." And looked away, embarrased. "Can Ie with you?"


    "What are you? Grade schooler?" she mocked.


    "Laine," Tiara called suddenly. "We''re actually okay with that idea. Aren''t you girls?"


    Gabbi nodded as Hazel shrugged. Her eyes narrowed. She assumed that these three girls didn''t want Simoen to follow them, but what was this? Has the wind changed direction and she didn''t notice? "Besides, we nned of going to the gym after breakfast. It''s the Sky Dragons'' game today. And you know Hazel''s boyfie is a rookie. We, as a support, we need to watch his game," Tiara added. "So I was excluded in your initial ns?" she asked, grimacing.


    Hazel nodded. "You left early."


    "You could''ve called me." Jewel rolled her eyes.


    Hazel grinned jokingly. "It''s actually a surprise, but okay... Sorry."


    She drew a breathe and narrowed her eyes at Simoen before continuing to walk. Hazel jogged next to her. "You know Simoen still likes you?" the girl asked. "Yeah."


    "What about Sheena?"


    "Sheena?" Sheughed. "It''s not like we''ll be together again. I just rejected his advances."


    "Oh, really?"


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    Jewel looked at Hazel. The girl''s smile was strange. She cleared her throat and whispered, "You know I''m married."


    "Oh, of course." Hazel''s strange smile disappeared. "So, how are you and your husband?" the girl whispered back.


    "We''re okay."


    "More than okay?"


    She thought for a moment and concluded that she had no problem with Gideon. Even though they argued yesterday, but seeing his gentle smile before she went back to her dorm made her think that they had already reconciled. Jewel shrugged her shoulders. "I think so."


    A small smile appeared at the corner of her lips before she entered the Specialized building. The canteen''s on the first floor, the locker room''s on the second floor, while the function hall''s on the 7th floor.


    Less than half the poption was inside so she can move freely. Jewel quickly queued up to order her food and to left the canteen immediately. She was sure that in a few minutes the canteen would be full again, and she had been avoiding someone like Sheena, especially now that she and Simoen were at the same table.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    His asional gaze on her didn''t help either. Even when she was eating, she clearly felt Simoen''s gaze on her face and she could hardly move the food.


    She was take aback when Tiara spoke. "Hey boy, let our friend eat."


    Jewel secretlyughed and breathed a sigh of relief when Simoen''s gaze disappeared from her and went to Tiara. The man smiled. "If you want, I''ll feed her myself."


    Tiara''s eyes widened and Jewel looked at Simoen''s smiling face. Even before she could speak, someone stood by her side and cleared a throat. Jewel looked up at the man standing next to her, and the five others behind him.


    The man squinted his eyes. "Who''s Jewel Mangubat?"


    "Why?" she asked.


    "Sep invites you to watch the game. 8 AM sharp."


    Her eyebrow raised. "Sep?"


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    "Raven Joseph Av. BSABE 1-B1. He said you guys are blockmates. You don''t know him?"


    She blinked and looked at her three friends and at Simoen who was staring at her. Jewel cleared a throat. "I''m busy."


    The men looked at each other, nodded, and shook their head withughter. "Oh, Miss, that can''t be."


    She frowned. "I don''t have spare time to watch his game." Jewel reached for her ss and sipped the mango juice. "Ry my message to him"


    The men shrugged and left one by one. She looked at Tiara as the girlughed. "What''s funny?" she asked.


    Tiara chuckled once again. "Haven''t you noticed? That''s Euler. The guy who stood at your side."


    Her eyebrow rose. "Euler? Who''s that?"


    Hazel and Gabbiughed. Tiara frowned and rolled her eyes. "My ex-boyfriend?"


    Hazel and Gabbi were suddenly taken aback.


    "No way," Hazel said.


    "Ex? Aren''t you guys on cool off?" Gabbi asked.


    Jewel frowned as she leaned back. "What''s this boyfriend thing? Why no one told me? Are you guys hiding secrets now?"


    Tiara sighed. "Actually, we didn''t hide it to you. You know I have a boyfie, don''t you? Then we had a fightst month. So we decided to cool off. We didn''t tell you because you were in such a happy asionst summer... you know, something to do with marriag---"


    "Okay, I got it," she interrupted. Jewel knew Tiara''s talking about her marriagest summer. Her eyes narrowed. "You didn''t even introduce your boyfriend."


    Tiaraughed wryly and looked around. The girl raised her hand to hide the lips from Simoen who''s sitting across them before whispering. "Do we really have to talk girl''s stuff in front of... Simoen Castler Saavedra?"


    Jewel looked at Simoen. Even her three friends looked at the man. Simoenugh dryly and averted his gaze. "I think I''m good. See you around, girls. And Laine..." Simoen smiled at her. "It''s nice to have you back."

 Inside the gym

    He stood up and walked away from the table where they were sitting at. They stared at the man until he disappeared from their sight. Jewel gasped when Tiara screamed for a moment. "What''s that, Jewel? I thought you and that man is over? You clearly saw Simoen''s fascination towards you. He still wants you!"


    Jewel grimaced as she secretly looked around. "I''ve told you, I have no interest in him anymore. And please, don''t yell. Everyone is looking at us."


    Hazelughed. "You''re still not used to it? Anyway, did you notice how sweet Simoen''s tone was when he told you ''it''s nice to have you back'', Laine? Those gentle gaze and that soft smile, girl, that man''s head over heels on you! Sheesh, such a sweet man... too bad, he''s too good for you."


    "What? I don''t deserve a good man?" she huffed.


    "Well..." Hazel trailed off and let her tongue out at her. "You''re too beautiful for him. Right, Tiara?"Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Tiara rolled her eyes. "Simoen is good looking enough. But his eyesight is not good. He didn''t notice Sheena''s admiration towards him. Even I wondered what''s inside his head to pursue Laine who''s a married girl already."


    "But he didn''t know Laine''s status, right?" Gabbi chirped in, munching fries and sipping her mango juice.


    They went silent for a moment before Jewel looked at Tiara. "Why you didn''t introduce Euler to me?"


    Tiara looked down and toyed with the straw of her strawberry juice. "I met him in March. He''s a nice guy so we decided to change our rtionship status at April. But we''ve broken up in thest week of May, so you didn''t catch up with him." "Ah, a summer love, I guess?" she whispered, lips twitching.


    She know that Tiara had been into rtionship after rtionships, and she could not do anything about that. Jewel''s not her mother to reprimand the girl of changing boyfriends like she''s changing clothes.


    "You''re done with him?" Hazel asked.


    Tiara nodded.


    "Euler seems to have moved on as well," Gabbi said.


    Jewel shook her head. If Gabbi''s words are true, then it''s no surprise that Tiara was having her time changing her boyfriends when the guys are also not into a serious rtionship. She nced at Hazel. "How about you, Haze? Who is this boyfriend of yours? I''ve never met him."


    Hazelughed and waved her hand. "We''re like switches, on and off, so I didn''t introduce him to you. But he''s a novice yer of Sky Dragons." Hazel grinned. "I''ve told Tiara and Gabbi once but they seem to have forgotten." "Right!" Tiara chirped. "Yeah, I remember his name. It''s ... Bebn?"


    Hazelughed. "Bebelon."


    "Just like Beberon? What a weird name, huh?" Gabbi.


    Hazel''s eyebrows met as she sighed. "It''s actually Emerson Bailon Labrusca. Bebelon because he''s my Baby-Bailon."


    Tiara and Gabbiughed as Jewel just smiled. She turned to Gabbi. "How about you, Gabbi? Do you have a boyfriend?"


    Smiling, Gabbi turned to her. "My brother has three mouths to feed. Do you think he''ll let me find a guy to f*ck? Also, I love chemical forms more than men who can''t even pass my standard." The girl shook her head. "You don''t seem to know me, Laine. "


    Jewelugh dryly. Her friends were still talking but she was out of their topic. Her eyes lingered on the three girls while smiling.


    Only now did she notice that even though they had been friends for more than two years, she did not fully know them. Jewel realized that she have many secrets that she kept from them and she knew that there were secrets that these three girls kept from her.


    She could not help but to ask herself whether they were really friends, or they''re justpanions that they couldn''t trust with their secrets?


    JOSEPH, SIMOEN, Euler, and Hazel''s boyfriend Emerson were members of UDM varsity called Sky Dragons. The speaker announced that there will be an intercampuspetition next month and SD willpete against the University of Cebu varsity.


    She let a sigh of relief because Simoen would be busy and would surely lose time to mess up with her. She had been enduring his not so hidden advances when she kept seeing him around the campus. Jewel''s not happy with what he''s doing. Everyone was eager to watch a show between her, Sheena, and Simoen. It made her sick because they didn''t know what Simoen did to her after they were called to Guidancest year, and everytime her blockmates tease her with that man, she was struggling to keep her mouth shut about her true civil status. She was tempted to let everyone knew that Gideon''s her husband. But she kept her calm.


    Specially when Gideon''s around the campus and was watching her every move. If her husband knew what happened between her and Simoenst year, she could not imagine what her husband would do to avenge her.


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    Repeating the mistake and bringing up the past were exhausting.


    But in the meantime, Simoen''s nce at her everytime he shot the ball rmed her.


    "A sharp 3 points shot from Saavedra!"


    The girl''s cheer echoed inside the gym. Jewel gulped hard when Simoen looked at her direction again for the fifth time, and the girls in front of her fell silent before looking over their shoulder. "The heiress of Aisle, Jewel Mangubat," one of the girls whispered.


    "I thought they broke up? Why Simoen''s still giving his attention to her?"


    "Maybe it''s just a farce and the truth was they didn''t really broke up?"


    The whispers of those girls were washed away by Hazel''s loud cheer. "Wooh! Go Bebelon!" The girl was already standing to her left and was purely screaming for the red-haired guy who was Simoen''s teammate. Jewel breathed. At least Hazel''s there to distract the whispers of people around her. And this is one of the reasons why she didn''t like the crowd, she would definitely be the center of gossip.


    Tiara remained silent sitting on her right while eating pop-corn. Gabbi had an earphone plugged into her ear while ying mobile games.


    She reached for Hazel''s arm and gave it a squeeze. "Haze, I''ll go first."


    "Ha? What? It''s noisy, I can''t hear you!"


    "I''ll go first -- -"


    But her words were cut short when the announcer announced, "3 points shot from Labrusca!"


    "Woaah!" Hazel yelled once again.


    Jewel shook her head. Taking a deep breath, she stood and descended from the bleacher''s third stage and went straight out of the covered court.


    She just breathed a sigh of relief when she felt the fresh air outside while making her way back to the dormitory. But she halted her steps when a cold hand gripped her arm. "Laine."


    Her eyes widened and she immediately turned to the man who was the reason why she leave the gym early. "What are you doing ---" She gritted her teeth and pped his hand away. "You still have a game." Simoen took a deep breath and simply wiped the sweat off his forehead. "Where are you going? I''ll walk you there."


    Jewel folded her arms and sneered. "No need."


    Simoen stared at her for awhile and sighed. "Is it about earlier inside the gym? I''m sorry. I just got used to it. I''ve been doing that for thest two years."


    Sheughed. "Then quit it. We''re over, Saavedra."


    "But Laine," Simoen uttered with difficulty. "I still love you."


    Jewel squinted her eyes. "No. You don''t. You can''t love, Simoen. You just can''t. And I''m telling you... the wound you caused is still fresh. It''s all because of you. So please, don''te near me. You''re freaking me out!" She turned around and quickly ran away.


    "Laine, baby please... I''m sorry, I didn''t mean it!"


    Annoyed, she wiped the tears from her cheeks. No. She wouldn''t cry again for that jerk. Two years was enough for her to wake up.

 The portrait

    The next day.


    Gideon was not in his ssroom when they walked in. They had been waiting for a while but no Professor came in. If she hadn''t stopped John Drail from going to and fro the ssroom, her blockmates would have really left.


    She was reading erotica novel that Hazel rmended to her in an online reading app. A lot has happened these past few days and it was only now that she remembered the reading app in her phone due to boredom. Although she preferred physical books, but having portable novels seemed not too bad. In fact, she was smiling from time to time while facing her phone, making her seatmate wonder if she''s gone crazy due workload.


    Jewel rolled her eyes and looked over the ss secretary when the girl suddenly yelled, "Omg! Sorry, guys. I forgot to remind you all that Prof Gideon won''t being to ss and he''s given us three activities!"


    There was silence and everyone looked at Madeline, the ss secretary who''s smiling wryly at them.


    "Why you didn''t say, Mad?"


    "Well, I thought it''s free time. Tss."


    She sighed and hid the phone in the backpack. Jewel looked at Madeline, raising a brow. "He texted you? Did he told you why he was absent?" she asked, grumbling.


    It should not be that her husband didn''t tell her in advance? She''s only one-text away yet she found out the news from other people''s mouth? He''s such a rascal!


    Madeline raised both of her hands. "Err... yes. He told me that the faculty will be having one week seminar so those three activities are expected to be submitted by next week."


    There''s another round of grumble from the ss, yet Jewel was frowning not because of the rush deadline but because Gideon preferred to tell Madeline than her.


    She closed her fist and huffed. A sour feeling surge from her chest making her mood worse. Jewel shook her head and decided to ignore that bad feeling in her heart.


    AS USUAL, she walked down the stairs alone after ss. Jewel left the ssroom early and no one stopped her. Simoen was not in ss and even Joseph, that prankster who always call her precious jewel. Her lips twitched and she sighed. It was good that no one bothered her but the silence made her feel iplete, like there''s something missing.


    Jewel silently walked inside the Treesury and into the gate inside the small woond leading to the flower garden. The sun was ring hot but the huge branches and leaves of the trees shaded her from the scorning weather.


    Behind the four-storey Science and Technology building was the flower garden that her batchmate madest year. Opposite the building was the SHS building which has now been converted into a library,puterboratory, and nursery of seedlings exclusive for Forestry and Agricuture students.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Not far from the flower garden is another gate separating the former SHS Department Area and Domesticated Forest that her block will visit on Thursday.


    Jewel took a selfie with the full bloom honeysuckle and roses before she sat down on the bench and resumed her erotic romance novel. Earlier at ss, she already decided to finish her current book so she could read another tomorrow. But seemed like it''s impossible when the rm she set for her afternoon ss rang.


    She didn''t notice how fast time went by.


    A cool breeze blew past her as she walked her way back to Engineering building, but she didn''t notice the pair of eyes following her every step.


    Her lips curved into a smile when she was walking towards the dormitory. She finished reading the current novel while waiting for her afternoon ss professor, whom she didn''t see even his shadow in the ssroom. She''s d because she could read another book tonight.


    She hummed a tune.


    "You''re quite happy."


    Jewel stopped in her tracks and looked at Joseph who was sweating profusely. He stood beside her and dribbled the ball he''s holding. "Any goodnews?" he asked, grinning from ear to ear. She red at him. "Don''t startle me, can''t you?"


    Joseph just shed his infamous smile. "Ah. You don''t even notice the tail-like Saavedra. He''s been following you even before I called you."


    "Huh?" She looked back but she didn''t see Simoen. Her eyebrows met. "Can you stop it? I hate liars." And looked at him from head to toe. "You''re annoying."


    He just shrugged his shoulders and chuckled. "I''m not. Look ahead and you''ll see."


    Jewel turned her head at the front and she met Simoen''s deep gaze. Her eyes widened in suprise and she tried to take a step past him but he immediately caught her wrist. "Laine, let''s talk." She pped his hand away. "We finished talking yesterday."


    "Laine ---"


    Simoen tried to grab her wrist again but Joseph blocked him. "Dude, have some respect for the girl."


    Simoen gave Joseph a threatening re. "I''m not talking to you. Move."


    Chuckling, Joseph looked over his shoulder and nced at her. "Your boyfriend sucks, huh?"


    Jewel grimaced. Rolling her eyes, she red at Simoen. "I told you, we''re over, Saavedra. Don''te near me again. And you!" Her forefinger pointed to Joseph. "Get away! Both of you are annoying as flies!"


    She walked past the two and quickened her steps. Suddenly, a hand grabbed her arm and turned her around. When she looked, it''s Simoen. Not again. "What do you ---"


    He cut her words. "I have something for you," he said.


    Her eyebrows met when he pulled out a small, square object wrapped in a gift wrapper.


    "I created itst summer and only now I dared to give it to you. In fact, it''s just a replica of what I first made for our first monthsary, but it disappeared so I failed to give it to you. I hope..." Simoen swallowed the lump in his throat. "Forgive me, Laine. And believe me that I still love you, Mi Amore."


    Even though she didn''t want to, but in order to make Simoen stop chasing her to the dorm, she reluctantly epted the thing before she walked away. But shooing away one jerk didn''t mean shooing the other annoying bug. Joseph leaned over her and whistled. "Your boyfriend Saavedra suddenly disappeared earlier in practice. When he came back, he ran ten rounds in court as per coach''s punishment."


    She raised a brow. "Am I asking, Av?"


    Joseph whistled. "No."


    Jewel shook his head and continued to step back into the dorm. She ignored the eyes that had been staring at her since the two boys blocked her path earlier. For all she knew, she and Simoen would be the content of the entertainment section in the next release of the school paper. And there''s nothing new there.


    Her feet stopped when she reached the gate one and looked at Joseph. The man smiled and said goodbye. He walked to gate two, just a few steps away from gate one, and entered the boy''s dormitory.


    Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Sheena. Her grip on Simoen''s gift tighten. She knew that girl saw the scene between her and Simoen earlier. Her steps quickened when she entered the gate one, secretly smirking at Sheena''s sour expression.


    Entering her room, she heaved a sigh of relief. It was clear that she didn''t want to get entangle with Simoen again but Sheena was still ming her. A sigh escaped from her lips again.


    She looked down on the gift and opened it. She frowned and put the portrait on her bed, slowly tracing its edges with her finger.


    It was her face when she was still seventeen. Looking down, she saw a signature below.


    "Mi Amore..." she whispered.


    Like a switch, her mind recalled the portrait of her face in Gideon''s house. It was the exact replica of that huge portrait and there''s no way that she''d got it wrong when the signature showed it all. "Simoen, are you the one who drew that portrait?" she asked, pondering in wonder.

 Sheena is here

    It''s not her attitude to just specte things so she called Simoen using his old phone number. Even though they were over, Jewel still remember small things about him like this.


    The call was picked up after the fourth ring. "Jewel," Simoen greeted.


    She blinked, realizing that Simoen kept her phone number as well. Jewel cleared her throat. "Busy?" she asked.


    "A little." There was a small silence between them before Simoen continued, "Do you need anything?"


    Suddenly, Jewel felt awkward and decided to just talk to him tomorrow. And now, she was facing him with awkward silence hovering above them. She thought it was more awkward thanst night. Jewel averted her gaze.


    Simoen smiled and ran his hand through his hair. "I need to attend varsity practiceter. But did you like what I gave you?" he asked.


    She stared at him while ying the hem of her uniform. "Don''t expect that I''ll forget what you''ve done. I invited you here to ask you something."


    Simoen stared at her longer than usual and leaned against the wall of the Science and Technology building. They were currently standing close to the flower garden and she picked this ce to meet him because it''s quiet and nobody would be there to enjoy the show between the two of them.


    Jewel drew a breathe and asked, "Had you drawn something bigger than you gave me the other day?"


    "Haven''t I told you, Laine? Two years ago, I drew a portrait of you but it went missing."N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    "Two years ago," she whispered. "And it''s missing? What happened?"


    Simoen sighed and wondered why Jewel kept on asking about that portrait, but he decided to keep all his questions to himself and answered her. "It''s long gone, Laine. I drew that portrait for five months. I put it here in the flower garden to surprise you, but I saw you dancing with Av."


    Her brows met and she looked at him in surprise. "What do you mean?"


    Simoenughed and his eyes looked at her deeply. "Grade 11, on the night of our Christmas party, our first monthsary. I looked for you in the function hall but you weren''t there. I even went to the Admin building but I didn''t see even a shadow of you." Simoen closed his eyes and raised the corner of his lip. "I never thought that I''ll see you with him, dancing under moonlight." He opened his eyes to meet her surprise and confuse gaze. "I want to know why you were with him, Mi Amore."


    "You saw u-us?" she whispered in disbelief and she stepped back. Jewel remembered that embarrasing scene under the moonlight with Joseph that she tried hard to forget. She shook her head. "I was drunk. I didn''t know it was J-Joseph whom I danced with."


    Simoen nodded, not believing her words. "You''re drunk? I see." And heughed.


    "I was forced to d-drink." Jewel swallowed hard. She should not feel scared but remembering what happened between her and Joseph, it was more than humiliation. The stake was high now that her husband was in the same University as her. What if Gideon will know what happened in that night?


    Jewel regretted her impulsiveness when she was younger and naive. Only at this time did she reap what she sow back then.


    "Oh yeah? You''re forced to drink." Simoen sighed helplessly.


    She averted her eyes and changed the subject. "That incident was the reason why you came home for Christmas break."


    "Mmm..." Simoen was serious. "I forgot the portrait I left in the flower garden. When I came back, it was gone. I couldn''t find it. It might have rotted in the trash."


    The portrait in Gideon''s house came to her mind but even though she was sure it came from Simoen, she deliberately hid the information from him. She wanted to let him taste regret.


    She said goodbye and promptly turned around to leave but Simoen held her wrist. "You haven''t answered my question, Laine. Why did you dance with him instead of me?"


    Jewel took her wrist back and red at him. "You want to know the reason? Heh. In your dream!"


    "Laine, please..." He pulled her closer and wrapped his arm around her waist. "I missed you so much, baby."


    Her heartbeat quickened, making her barely able to breathe. She took a few deep breaths before staring intently into Simoen''s eyes. "Let me go, Saavedra. Or are nning to continue what you did to me inside this same domesticated forest? Don''t you dare!" she hissed.


    Simoen was stunned. His grip on her waist loosened slightly. "Laine, I never wanted to hurt ---"


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away!


    "Well, well... what a scene there, babe," a sudden feminine voice interrupted Simoen.


    Jewel''s eyes widened as she turned around to face Sheena. She''s been trying her best to avoid Sheena in the campus ground but it was out of her expectation to meet her when she''s confronting Simoen. Of all the time she was striding in the campus ground, why now?


    It was an awkward silence. Jewel immediately walked out of Simoen''s arms and stood few meters away from him. She cleared her throat and said, "I''ll leave ---"


    But Simoen cut her words. "No. You''re not leaving Laine." And he tried to reach for her hand.


    Sheenaughed. "Come on, babe. Don''t be cheap. Let her run away else you''ll scare her to death!" And the girl grinned from ear to ear, but her eyes were full of coldness.


    "We''re done, Sheena. Stop following us around," Simoen said as he nced at Sheena.


    Sheena sighed and waved her ws in the air "Am I following you two? Hehe. Why don''t you tell her how you stalked her since the first day? You think I didn''t know what you were doing, Simoen Castler?" Sheena shook her head. "Oh no, babe. If you''re her stalker, then I''m your stalker too. And I want to tell you how I want to rip your face, Saavedra!"


    Simoen red at her. "Sheena, we''ve talked about this."


    The girl burst outughing. "Yeah? And you assume that I agreed, yes? That''s what you''ve said to that girl, aye?" Sheughed as she wiped the tears from her cheeks. "You know how I hate to say that I am also a prisoner of that stupid engagement, Castler! You think you''re the only one having a hard time, huh? You selfish beast!"


    "I already canceled our engagement. I don''t owe you any responsibility anymore, Sheena Mae Marquez!"


    "You''re just thinking about that, Saavedra! Your father will kill you if he sees you with someone else! And you also know that my father will kill me if I don''t marry you! Are you that desperate to even bother a married woman?!" Sheena''s words shocked her. Not because of the revtion that both were imprisoned in the engagement, but because of what she heard in the girl''sst sentence.


    Even Simoen was stunned. She felt his hand slip away from hers and Jewel gulped hard as nervousness was slowly eating her inside.


    "What did you say?" Simoen asked, bewildered.


    Sheenaughed and folded her arms against her chest. "You don''t know that Mangubat isn''t single anymore, do you? Heh. Both of you are idiots! You''re blind to the fact that you can''t have her!"


    Jewel''s heartbeat quickened even more. She turned to run away but Simoen caught her. "Where are you going, Laine?"


    "I still have ss. Release me, Saavedra!"


    "I won''t until you deny it. Deny it, Laine. Deny that you have a husband!"


    A few moments of silence before Jewel said, "I''m married."


    "No, baby. You''re not married. You are mine! You can''t marry someone!"


    She looked at Simoen. "I''m married, Saavedra. So please, let me go!" Taking a deep breathe, she continued. "I have no intention of telling you but for the peace of my life, I admit it. It''s not your fault. It''s my decision to marry my husband." "No, no...." Simoen shook his head. "Laine ---"


    "Let me go! Heck, I''m so tired, Simoen!" Her vision blurred as tears brimmed her eyes. "Whenever I see your face, I always remember that day. I never get a chance to heal myself because you''re not giving me space!"


    "L-Laine ..." Simoen''s lips parted and the arm that wrapped around her lost its strength. "What have I done to you, Laine?" he whispered and his vision also blurred as tears brimmed his eyes.


    She took that opportunity to get out of his reach and ran out of Treesury.


    Jewel has already admitted her secret. The two she hated and avoided the most already know that she''s married. She will just wait until the news spread tomorrow and she wouldn''t be too suprise when she''ll be famous again throughout UDM. But...


    Her feet halted. If Sheena already knew she was married, why didn''t she spread it? And from whom did she find out her secret?


    She closed her eyes, annoyed. Did anyone tell her? But who?


    Who wants to ruin her reputation at the university? She tried to think of which of her opponents knew she was married, but no matter how hard she tried to think, it was still fruitless. Only her friends and Gideon knew and it''s impossible that one of them told Sheena.

 Fight with her

    "Is Prof Gideon still not here, Prof Elise?" Jewel asked the woman whom she met one stormy night.


    Elise shook her head softly. "Uh, yes. He texted me yesterday that he was still stranded in Mandaue. I heard on the radio this morning that the underground canal in a part of Conscion gave up. It flooded. The authorities are still repairing it." The woman sighed. "Don''t worry. Maybeter or tomorrow, Gideon will be back, little girl."


    "Little girl?"


    Eliseughed and shook her head. "I''m sorry, I''m sorry. All right, lunch break ising to an end."


    She nodded and immediately left the faculty, went down the stairs, and took big steps out of the Administrative building.


    Last week Gideon was gone to the city. It''s a week and a day now that he''s missing. She was hoping for Gideon to appear in the campus because she''s been dealing with anxiety attacks whenever she meet Simoen or Sheena in the hallway. She''s just thankful and the news that she''s married has not spread yet. Jewel was not sure if it was a good sign or not.


    Fortunately since yesterday, Simoen has been busier on the court. Two members of the Sky Dragons had an ident when they visited the Domesticated Forest on Thursday. Two blocks from different courses visited the forest at the same time, and because the two Sky Dragons members were climbing the trees to impress their blockmates, they fell from the top of the tree at the same time.


    The varsity is more focused on practicing especially as the intercampuspetition is approaching but the point guard and the center of the Sky Dragons are still recovering. "Miss!" someone called her.


    Jewel looked at the man approaching her. "Yes, Sir?"N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    He stopped in front of her and wiped the sweaty forehead. "Please give this to Coach Bremas of Sky Dragons." And it gave her the expanded folder.


    "Coach Bremas?" she whispered.


    Her eyebrows met. Bremas. Where did she hear that surname?


    She nced at her wristwatch and she had only a few minutes before the first subject in the afternoon. Jewel ran to the side, slipping between the Education and Admin building.


    Her feet stood in front of therge covered court and greeted the man at the entrance before asking. "Is Coach Bremas there?"


    "Yes, Miss. You can see him right away inside. Whoever is shouting, that''s him."


    "Ah, thank you."


    She immediately went inside. The sound of shoes and in-dribble balls was picked by her ears. The sorrounding also smelt of sweat and men''s perfume.


    "What is it, Av? Focus! Well, Saavedra! Don''t overwhelm Av! You two focus! You''re on the same team. What''s going on with you, huh?!"


    Sky Dragons gather in the distance. She took a deep breath before running towards them.


    "Av, I said cooperate. Why don''t you cooperate? Don''tpete with Saavedra! All I need is a brain! Brain! Did you get it?!"


    Jewel stopped a span from behind a man. Tall, red hair, and Labrusca printed on the back. She reached her hand out and patted his arm. The man looked over his shoulder and frowned at her. "Is that Coach Bremas?" she asked softly.


    The man squinted his eyes before he faced the front and shouted. "Someone''s looking for you, Coach!"


    The crowd of yers went silent. She saw the sour faced Coach in the middle and it seemed that she visited at a bad timing.


    "Who is it, Labrusca?!" yelled the coach.


    Jewel flinched at the loud cry. The man, who she remembered was Hazel''s boyfriend, gestured her to move forward. She did.


    She approached the man sitting in the middle of the group of yers. In her small physique, she almost couldn''t breathe as she walk past the tall, bulky bodies of Sky Dragons. "Coach, someone asked me to hand this to you," she said. Coach Bremas'' eyes narrowed as he stared at her. Then he held his mustache. "Jewel Laine Mangubat?" he asked.


    She nodded. The coach smiled then reached for the folder Jewel was handing. She was shocked when he took hold of her hand and caressed it secretly. "Thank you, Iha. Sit here next to me first. Watch them y, and let''s see if you have a suggestion."


    Her face lost color and she tried to withdraw her hand. "I still have my ss, Coach."


    The manughed. "It''s okay ---"


    "Laine," a familiar voice interrupted what the coach was saying.


    She looked at the man who suddenly stood beside her.


    "Who let you in here?" Simoen asked. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her away from Coach. "Didn''t I tell you you''re not allowed to visit the gym without a game?" "Simoen -"


    "Hey, what are you doing here, Jewel?" A new voice interrupted her. She was startled to see Joseph stood next to her and put his arm around her. "Beautiful girls are not allowed to be here," he said with a smile but gritted his teeth. Joseph and Simoen looked at each other. Thetter let go of her wrist and sighed when Joseph suddenly pushed her away from the court. "You''re done with your job, right? Come on, I''ll walk you out."


    She chased after his long strides and it was making her frown because she almost couldn''t keep up with him. "Wait, stop! Slow down!" she hissed.


    "A... no." Joseph grinned at her.


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away!


    "What! ---"


    "You know, Jewel, you shouldn''t go inside." He released his grip on her when they reached the entrance of the covered court. "That Coach? It''s Khalil Bremas. Did you know the rumors..." Joseph moved his mouth near her ear. "He likes virgin the most."


    Her eyes narrowed. "It''s obvious." She nced at him. "I''m leaving."


    Joseph raised his hand and blocked her path. "Wait a minute, precious Jewel."


    "What?" she asked, annoyed.


    "No thank you?" Her lips pursed into a thin line, and Joseph''s smile widened. "Ah... you''re wee," he teased.


    Her face turned sour. "Tch!" And she ran away.


    "Alright. Take care, my precious jewel!" Joseph yelled after her.


    Jewel shivered while remembering Khalil Bremas. He''s really scary. Even with his appearance, the man''s rudeness was remarkable.


    ''Looks can be deceiving, really.''


    She stopped breathlessly as she reached the Engineering building. She was about to enter when a hand held her wrist to stop her. Turning around, she saw Sheena.


    "So," the girl trailed off. "You''ve met my Uncle."


    Her brow raised. "What are you talking about?"


    "Did you enjoy how my fiance defended you, Mangubat?"


    Her brows met. "I have my ss --"


    "I already told you, Mangubat! Stay away from my fiance!" Sheena yelled.


    Few stares from students nearby made her flustered. Jewel closed her eyes and took a deep breathe. "What is your problem?" Her fist clenched and she looked at her badly.


    "My problem is you! I already told Simoen about your civil status so why can''t you stay away from him?!"


    "I?" She justughed. "I don''t have ns to restore our rtionship so quit this nonsense!"


    She turned around but Sheena quickly grabbed her arm. "No! We''re not done yet!"


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! Jewel flung her arm and red at Sheena. "What? Stop pestering me!"


    "I''m not pestering you. You''re pestering us! You messed up my life more! You don''t know how I hate you!"


    Her fist clenched hard and turned around but Sheena violently grabbed her hair, pulling her back.


    "Ah! Release me, Marquez. What the heck!"


    "Stay away from him! Stay away!" Like a madman, Sheena was yelling in front of the building.


    Jewel reached for Sheena''s hair and pulled it for revenge. She pushed the girl on the ground, pping Sheena hard on the face while the girl kept on pulling every strand of her hair away from her scalp. It seemed like the girl didn''t have n to let go.


    A searing pain and numbness enveloped her head. She gritted her teeth in annoyance and also grabbed Sheena''s hair. Her fingers felt full because of the hair strands that she sessfully pulled away from Sheena''s scalp. "You freak!" Sheena cried.


    "Can''t you see? Saavedra''s the one who''s like a leech to me. You should confront that guy and not me!" Jewel huffed.


    She screamed when she felt Sheena''s palm pped her cheek. Jewel was about to take her revenge by pping back the girl when strong arms wrapped around her and lifted her away from Sheena. "Miss, that''s enough," begged the man who lifted her.


    She gritted her teeth as she watch Sheena''s fellow Mechanical Engineering student help that girll up. The hateful girl red at him.


    "Pre, for guidance," said one of the two men who stopped their fight.


    "Ge, do it."


    Her eyes widened as the man behind her lifted her up like a newlywed.


    "Put me down!" she screamed.


    The man was taken aback and lowered her to the ground. "Can you walk?"


    "I can!" Jewel angrily shook the torn uniform and red at the man. "I can walk," she dered.


    "You said so," he said and nced at hispanion who has been attending Sheena''s injuries. "Come on, dude. Coach will scold us again."


    The two men ran away. Jewel frowned at the patrolling guard who walked close to them. Her gaze shifted to him and Sheena. The man gestured them to follow him.

 Gideon returns

    She slowly ran her finger through the silky, ck hair. Her scalp ached and her cheek was swollen from the force of Sheena''s p earlier. Jewel guess they just the same. She could see from the seat the red mark of her palm print on the girl''s cheeks.


    "You!" Sheena yelled. "You can''t get away with this! I still have an exam in Physics!"


    "Ms. Marquez, lower your voice a little okay? I''m still calling your parents."


    Jewel and Sheena looked at the Guidance Counselor at the same time.


    "You shouldn''t call my parents!" Sheena''s hysteria.


    Jewel''s face paled. "They shouldn''t be here, Mrs. Policarpio. You shouldn''t call them," she pleaded, holding her breath.


    If Sheena''s parents were being sent to UDM, they will probably call her parents as well. She did not want her Mama and Papa to visit UDM because they would definitely drag her back home to the Mansion. Jewel hadn''t talked to them yet after finding out that her vices.


    The old woman smiled. "Don''t worry, Mrs. Hernandez. I''ve called your husband."


    Her lips parted and her pale cheeks went hot. "Mrs. Hernandez?" she whispered, bewildered.


    Mrs. Policarpio raised a brow. "Aren''t you already married to Calixto''s son?"


    "Y-Yes, but how did you know, Mrs. Policarpio?"


    Sheenaughed. "See? Simoen and I aren''t the only ones who know you''re married. You should prepare for the day when everyone in this University know it too!"


    "It''s a secret civil marriage between the two powerful families in Medellin, Ms. Marquez. You must never disclose this information to anyone here at the University. If, by chance, the entire University finds out, you are the one to me for spreading it," the woman warned.


    Sheena nodded. "Of course, I''m not stupid. That''s why I didn''t spread it, right? Even if I know it since first day."


    Her eyes darted to Sheena. "How did you know?" she asked.


    Sheena grinned. "Really? You don''t know how? How stupid."


    "Ms. Marquez, you''re in the office. Watch your words!"


    Sheena frowned and folded her arms. "My family is one of the primary sponsors for the church wedding. But since they held a civil wedding, my dad was invited. And tell me if you still don''t get it so I will make you remember the deep-eyed man whom you''ve talked in that event."


    Jewel was silent. Her forehead creased but she couldn''t remember the man that Sheena''s talking about. It might be because she was not optimistic at that time and she easily threw in the back of her mind the information that Gideon told her while introducing her to handful of important guests.


    "I didn''t ---"


    Suddenly the door opened and it spat Gideon in. Jewel''s heartbeat jumped in surprise. It had been days since hest saw him and she admit, she miss her husband.


    His eyes roamed around and when their gazes met, he took big strides towards her.


    He looked at Mrs. Policarpio when the woman talked. "Okay, girls. I know you''ve read and memorized the campus rules and regtions. You''re adults and you know which ones are right or wrong. Go to the clinic first while I call and wait for your parents."


    Sheena frowned as she stood up and nced at Gideon and her. Jewel also stood and was about to walk to the door when Gideon grabbed her wrist.


    "Jewel will stay," her husband said.


    Sheena looked down at their intertwined hands. She raised a brow at Jewel before walking out of the office. Jewel''s cold sweat trickled down her back. That girl''s gaze had another meaning but she didn''t understand what that girl meant by that look. "What is this, Manasseh?" asked the guidance counselor while stealing nces at their hands sped together.


    Jewel''s cheeks burned red in embarrassment and she took back her hand before sitting on the opposite chair where Sheena was sitting earlier. Gideon took her former seat and made himself at home. Her lips twitched a little and she looked away.


    "Your wife had a fight before, Senyor Gideon. I called you because you are the one responsible for what Mrs. Hernandez does here at the University."


    Gideon looked at her for a moment. Jewel quickly averted her gaze and folded her arms, sulking. He sighed. "I apologize, Aunt. I have been too busy in these past weeks and I neglected my wife. This won''t happen again." And he smiled. Her brow raised but she kept her stoic expression when Mrs. Policarpio looked at her direction. The old woman sighed. "I remember you were the one I gave advice tost year. And Ms. Marquez has also visited once because of a minor vition." She turned to Gideon again. "I''ll pass it up to the Committee --"


    "Auntie, it''ll be a mess," Gideon said. "I''ll talk to my wife, then I''ll talk to Analisa."


    For a few seconds Mrs. Polycarpio stared at Gideon. "Son, it''s impossible to know that you and Jewel Laine are married. It will be a big scandal at the University if everyone knows especially when she''s your student." [A/n: She called Gideon ''son'' as old woman''s endearment towards younger men]


    "I know, Aunt."


    "I still have to pass it up to the Committee. The fight between the two was not just verbal. It was a physical offense. You saw your wife, beaten up. And we don''t know if there is an internal bleeding or not." The old woman opened a folder. "Someone has toe for Ms. Marquez, she will sign a written reprimand. There is no problem with Jewel Laine because you are here. They also have to undergomunity service. The Discipline Committee will decide where to ce the two."


    "I understand, Aunt." Gideon turned to Jewel. "I''ll take her to the clinic first. We''ll be right back," he said while staring at her.


    Gideon pulled her out of the guidance office. She flung his hand holding hers as they walked down the hallway and out of the Administative building, towards the specialized building. They went up to the fifth floor. They were silent to each other. asionally, she grimaced whenever she caressed the swollen cheek.


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away!


    Gideon led her inside. A nurse in the practitioner ward approached them. She was even surprised to see Gideon behind her.


    "Oh, Deon, you''ve visited," the nurse greeted and smiled from ear to ear.


    Gideon smiled at the nurse. "Nice to see you again, Julie. My student had a fight. Can you take a look at her injuries?"


    The nurse''s smile widened. "Of course." And she turned to her. "Come on, Miss."


    Jewel raised an eyebrow and nced at Gideon before following the nurse. She felt Gideon following her behind.


    The nurse took her to the part of the clinic where the clinical bed was separated by a green curtain.


    "Your cheek looks so swollen, Miss." The nurse sat her on the first vacant bed. The woman brought her face close to her cheek to take a closer look before walking away. "Deon, her skin is so thin. She''s not used to being pped." She looked at Gideon standing at the foot of the bed. "Just treat her, Julie."


    The nurseughed. "You''re still the same. Until now, you''re very impatient."


    Gideon sighed. "All right, we''ll talk again some timeter."


    "You still haven''t changed, Deon." The nurse swallowed the lump in her throat and averted her gaze. "I''ll just get the medicine. I''ll be back."


    The nurse quickly passed Gideon and returned to the ward. Jewel folded her arms and looked at her husband badly. Just a few weeks ago, a woman named Elise was buzzing around this man, and now, a medicine practitioner''s showing her interest to Gideon. Seriously, her husband''s like a flower being sorrounded by noisy bees.


    Jewel rolled her eyes. "If you''re going to fight me, please, save it for tomorrow. My head hurts."


    "Who started the fight?" he asked, folding his arms on his chest.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.

 Sheenas reason

    She blinked and frowned. "Huh. It''s Sheena."


    "I see. It''s good to know that it wasn''t you who started the fight."


    Her eyes widened. "Are you really satisfied?" She looked at him, bewildered. "Seeing me like this doesn''t bother you? What kind of husband are you?"


    Gideon smiled softly and approached her. He put his hand on the top of her head but the gesture annoyed her.


    "I didn''t say anything like that. I am happy to know that my wife is not a warfreak student. Just often get involve in troubles," Gideon said.


    She smirked and rolled her eyes. "Sheena is the only one who hates me. If I am given a chance, I won''t fight with her. I don''t want to waste my time with that mad girl!"


    Gideon nodded and squinted his eyes. "And why would she hate you?"


    Before she could answer, she saw the nurse approaching them. Jewel kept her mouth shut.


    "Deon, are you fighting my patient?" Nurse Julie asked.


    Gideon frowned. "No."


    The nurseughed softly. "Okay." And she turned to her. "Drink this first, Miss. When you''re sleepy, you can sleep. Don''t worry, there are only two patients now including you." The nurse turned to Gideon again. "And you, you can go back to faculty. I''ll take care of my patient, Deon."


    "It''s okay. We haven''t finished talking yet," Gideon said.


    The nurse looked at her and Gideon. "Deon, she needs to rest---"


    "Julie." Gideon ced his hand on the nurse''s shoulder. "She''s my student and responsibility."


    "D-Deon ..."


    Gideon smiled while Jewel''s gaze had already darkened at the sweet scene in front of her. Why would women want to grab her husband''s attention without minding that she, his wife, is in front? Such desperate losers!


    Her breathe hitched when Nurse Julie caressed Gideon''s cheek before walking away.


    "Is the show over, Mr. Deon?" She asked sarcastically.


    Gideon folded his arms again. "Who is this Marquez?"


    Jewel squinted her eyes. "Who is this Nurse Julie?"


    There was a sudden pause before Gideon answered. "My ex-girlfriend."


    "So honest. I never thought that you like to flirt with other women in front of your wife, Mr. Hernandez."


    Gideon''s brows met. "Don''t change the subject, Jewel. Speak who is this Marquez."


    Jewel gritted her teeth and looked away. This man was too stuborn and cold! "She''s nothing," she said between gritted teeth.


    "Jewel."


    She pursed her lips into a thin line. "I don''t know why she keeps on insisting that I should stay away from Simoen. I have no ns to restore my rtionship with Saavedra!"


    "Is she jealous?"


    "Of course!" Else, why would that girl hate her so much?


    "She knows that you''re married."


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away!Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Jewel''s heart skipped a beat and she looked at Gideon. "How did you know?"


    The corner of his lip rose. "That girl''s gaze was profound and she was listening to us in the next bed."


    Her eyes widened and quickly pulled back the green curtain on the side of the bed, separating her from the other chamber.


    "Sheena!" she eximed.


    Sheena was sitting leisurely on the bed and when their gazes met, the girl grinned. "Hello there, checkmate." Sheughed. "Andst, I caught you admitting your secret. So, your husband is just another Professor." The girl turned to Gideon. "Hi there, Professor."


    "Your cheeks are burning red," Gideonmented.


    Sheena blinked. "Oh, yeah. It still hurts. But I''m okay, thank you."


    Jewel folded her arms and leaned forward. "Now you know who my husband is, can you stop pestering me? If you like, you can eat Simoen so you don''t have apetitor. That''s what you want, isn''t it? Grabbing things that aren''t yours." "Jewel," Gideon called, reprimanding her for saying rude words.


    She felt even worse. Jewel did not want Gideon to reprimand her else she''ll be embarrassed in front of her mortal enemy.


    Sheenaughed. "Simoen was mine in the first ce. He''s only been with you for almost two years, but we''ve been betrothed since childhood. I really don''t care if it''s you whom he cherishes or any other b*tch want to covet him."


    The smile disappeared from the girl''s lips. "But everything changed when my Tito Khalil entered this University. When he found out that you and Simoen were dating, he threatened me. So even if I don''t like that Simoen Castler Saavedra, I need to make sure you don''t stay together. And I seeded in parting you two apart. And you''re right, he should be beaten for being your tail. "


    But that''s okay, at least for now. What bothers me the most is..." Sheena''s eyes narrowed as she smiled. "If you truly love Simoen, why is it easy for you to let him go? I want to know why, Jewel Laine Mangubat-Hernandez." Sheena thenughed.


    She was about to get up and escape, but Gideon grabbed her by the shoulder. Jewel bit her lips. She really didn''t want to bring up the past between her and Simoen in front of Gideon, but Sheena''s too hateful and now, Gideon was blocking her path.


    "Miss Marquez, I want to do some business with you," Gideon suddenly said.


    Sheena frowned. "What is it, Professor?"


    Gideon smiled. "Seems like your parents are strict. What if, your Tito Khalil will represent them in the office, as I also want to talk with him."


    Sheena''s face suddenly lost color and averted her gaze. "N-No. He''s even worse than Dad."


    "Do you want your parents to visit the office, Ms. Marquez?"


    Sheena''s fist clenched. "No... No." The girl suddenly turned to Jewel and pointed at her. "It''s all your fault! You can''t do anything else but ruin my life!" Annoyed, Sheena wiped away the tears that suddenly flowed down on her cheeks. Jewel was stunned. "But you''ve started the fight," she whispered.


    "No! It''s not me, it''s on you! If you hadn''t flirted with Simoen, if you hadn''t been too flirty! This will never happen!"


    "Miss Marquez, watch your words," Gideon warned.


    Sheena burst outughing. "There. That''s the only thing she''s good at." She turned violently at her direction. "Many people are defending you! All of them! That''s why you''re impulsive! You''re not afraid to make mistakes because someone will get the consequences of your actions! You never experience being obligated and responsible! A princess as they say! Huh! A good for nothing princess! "


    Jewel just stared at Sheena. She did not know what to feel. She stayed there, still and speechless. If Sheena only knew what she was going through, would she still be able to say those words? But... what if she''s right?


    Her eyes darted at the entrance of the clinic when she heard footsteps. She saw Simoen. He''s sweaty and breathless from running. The boy quickly approached her.


    "Laine, are you okay?" he asked. He was about to touch her but she avoided his hand. "Laine, baby..."


    "I already told you, we''re over. Do you understand my words, Simoen? There''s Sheena!" Her finger pointed at the girl sitting on the bed. "Sheena is your fiancee! Stop bothering me!"


    Simoen looked at Sheena. Jewel saw the shock in his eyes. "Marquez? Why are you here?" When he saw the bruises and palm prints on Jewel''s cheeks, he seemed to understand the problem. His expression became serious. "Did you look for trouble with Laine again, Marquez?"


    Sheenaughed, eyes full of coldness. She stood up and walked towards the door. "Fine! Get Tito Khalil! The Princess Jewel is just too precious! I''m afraid, I can''t offend her!" Sheena sarcastically yelled.

 In the forest

    They went to the office. She was with Gideon and Sheena was apanied by Prof Khalil appearing as a guardian. They exined for several hours in front of the Prefect and because they clearly vited the rules, the Prefect still punished them. She sighed and took a bite on a poor bread.


    "So you''ll be with Sheena for two weeks?" Hazel asked.


    She sighed. Hazel immediately reached for the mango juice. Jewel took a deep breath. "You make it sound ridiculous," she said.


    "Ridiculous?" Hazel turned to the other two. "Girls, is there anything funny?"


    Tiara shook her head slowly. "None but Laine, howe? Simoen didn''t even defend you? You know, he''s the reason why you and Sheena fought, right?" Gabbi nodded in agreement with what Tiara had said. "I thought he loves you, Laine?"


    Jewel looked away, embarrassed. "He''s worried."


    "Just worried?" Hazel asked. "He should have talked to the guidance or maybe Sheena''s parents to forgive you," she added.


    She shrugged her shoulders. "I also don''t want to receive help from him."


    Gabbi smiled. "Ahya... Laine can be so proud, huh?"


    Tiaraughed. "If I were you, I would have epted his help. He is so strong in the office. You forgot that he is the nephew of the campus director." "My husband was there."


    "And he didn''t get you out of trouble?" Tiara asked.


    Jewel sighed. "He tried."


    "At least, tried. But admit it, you regret it," Hazel teased, brows raising up and down while looking at her.


    Jewel grimaced and chuckled. "Of course." Her brows met. "He''s different. He''s not like the male protagonists in the novels..."


    Gabbiughed. "A male who''s willing to die for you? Laine, you are too naive to believe that all males are like that, except Saavedra of course."


    She sighed. "I know but I''m wondering. Ever since Gideon disappeared into the city and came back, he''s changed. You know, there''s something wrong with him."


    "Changed? Your husband has changed?" Hazel tsked. "Men are really untrustworthy."


    She looked at Hazel for a few seconds, not able to refute the girl''s words.


    "So, what''s wrong with him?" Tiara asked, eyebrow was raised.


    She stared at the ss of mango juice. "I can''t name it. But there''s something different in him and it bothers me."


    HOW MANY sighs would she take to speed up time? Her sweat was dripping and her skin was red as she swept under the tall trees.


    "Come on, stop giving me mess!" she yelled, pointing a finger on the tree.


    Jewel closed her eyes as the wind got stronger. The tree branch shook and some dry leaves fell from above. Her frustration raised above the clouds as she angrily ran her hand over the messy hair. And there, she will begin her work again! "What a face, Mangubat," Sheenaughed. The girl fixed her loose hair and tied it into a ponytail. "And can you stop cursing, princess? I can''t stand hearing curses, you know." She folded her arms. "Stay away. This is my area."


    Sheena shrugged. "I''m done with today''s work." Sheena''s eyes swept across the area full of dry leaves. She chuckled. "That''s a lot of work, Mangubat." She shed a sweet smile.


    Jewel red at her smiling face. Sheena even teased her, waving a hand to her direction, before running towards the gate of the Domesticated Forest. She drew a breathe and sat down on the wide rock, wiping her sweaty forehead. Her foot kicked the lying broom stick away.


    The sun was about to set but she was still under a tree. She was given an area inside the Domesticated Forest to sweep every day after ss. The problem was she didn''t sweep in all her life, so she hadn''t cleaned yet even a small part of her area since she started.


    "Well, this job''s too hard! The leaves always fall. How can I finish that?" she grumbled. She burst into tears of annoyance.


    "Speed up your sweeping so you can get ahead of the falling dry leaves," a voice answered her from behind.


    Jewel stood up and immediately turned around. She saw Simoen. His arms were folded against his chest while leaning against the nearby tree. She squinted her eyes and wiped her wet cheeks. "Why are you here? Are you still stalking me?" she asked and averted her gaze.


    She saw out of the corner of her eye Simoen''s smile. "Not really. I enjoyed watching you. You look helpless ... and disoriented. Not the typical heiress I always see around the campus," hemented. The corner of his lips twitched as if holding back augh.


    Jewel rolled her eyes. "You''re free tough!"


    Simoen just shook his head and walked closer to her. He picked up the broom stick and held it to her. She''s confused about what he''s holding, and was surprised when Simoen grabbed her hand holding the broom. She was about to withdraw her hand when he spoke. "Rx. I don''t bite," he whispered andughed.


    Her expression darkened. "What are you doing?"


    "I''m teaching you how to sweep properly."


    Jewel rolled her eyes. "You don''t have to."


    "Hmm... My service is free, Laine. Just let me," he whispered near her ear.


    Simoen guided her. Slowly. Until she gets the right timing to sweep. A smile appeared on her lips and did it better than before. She could see how the dry leaves would gather somewhere -- something she hadn''t done since she started sweeping earlier.


    She stood straight and looked at Simoen. "Where did you learn it?" she asked.


    It was surprising to know that he knows how to do it since like her, Simoen also grew up with a golden spoon in his mouth.


    "My nanny. I was curious so learned from her," he answered.


    "Do you know any other work?"


    Simoen smiled. "nting crops. That''s the family business. But livestock and poultry are more interesting to me."


    "Oh, so why take this course?"N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Simoen looked down at the small mountain of dry leaves. "Because I want to be with you, Laine," he whispered.


    Her lips parted and she averted her gaze. "I thought you''re done with that nonsense."


    Simoen sighed. "I''ve tried, Laine. But I can''t. I can''t get this feeling out of me. I still longs for you."


    "Simoen," she warned.


    But the man stepped forward, approaching her. "I long to touch you again. To feel your lips on mine... Baby, it''s still you."


    She took a step back. "I think I need to go."


    Jewel turned around but was stopped striding ahead when Simoen hugged her from behind. "Laine, why are you so away? You love me, don''t you? Then fight for me, Laine. I''m so hurt by what you''re doing to me." "L-Let me go. Simoen, let me go. Now!"


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    Her eyes widened as his embrace tightened. She struggled but Simoen was too strong.


    "Let me go! You''re harassing me!" she yelled.


    "I can''t, Laine! Why can''t you understand that I can''t let you go? I''ll die without you, Laine!"


    A lone tear escaped from her eyes.


    "Laine," Simoen uttered with difficulty. He buried his face on her neck. "Baby, believe me. I still love you dearly. Every time I see you, I have more and more hope that we will get together again. That we will also return to what we were before." "You''re crazy. You know that I''m married." She looked up and took a few deep breaths. "You have Sheena."


    Her body went stiff when she felt hot liquid pouring on her shoulder. Simoen was crying. "You''re the one I love, Laine. I can''t live without you."


    "Can''t live? Oh please, that''s not true."


    She gathered all her strength to struggle and escape. A sigh escaped from her lips as Simoen backed away. Jewel then ran fast but she screamed when Simoen caught her and locked her in his arms.


    "No! I don''t care if you''re married. I don''t care if Sheena''s here. It''s just you, Laine. You''re the only one I want!" Simoen yelled right at her ear.


    She trembled at the strength of his voice. "Let me go, heck!" She kicked him. When she escaped, she quickly ran to the gate but before she could reach it she tripped on a stone and fell down, facing the ground. Simoen kneeled beside her. He reached for her hair, caressing it softly. "Why, Laine? Don''t you love me? I thought your ''I love you'' was true back then? But why you didn''t fight your love!"


    Jewel pushed her body up and sat. Her hand raised and pped Simoen hard on his cheek. His face turned to left. She gasped and pped him again on the other cheek. She was about to p him again but he immediately grabbed her wrist. "You can''t p your lover''s face again, Mi Amore."


    Jewelughed, tears trailing down her cheeks. "You''re asking why? Why I let you go that easy?!" She took a deep breath and red at Simoen. "You tried to rape me, bastard!"


    Simoen grabbed her other hand when she tried to hit him again, locking both of her wrist on the cold ground. "You wanted that, Laine! I just gave you what you want!" She bit her lip as her tears brimmed her eyes again. "I never... ever want that, S-Simoen. I never ask you to rape me!"


    "But I didn''t do it, Laine. I stopped midway... So please, let''s fix this."


    Jewel justughed. "Why? Did you expect me to act like nothing happened?!" She sobbed. "The pain willst a lifetime, Simoen! And you can''t take it away from m-me!"

 Calling him

    Simoen stopped what he was doing and stared at her. She sobbed while looking away. Simoen opened his mouth to say something but a force lifted the man and threw him away. Jewel heard a familiar voice. "Keep your hands off my wife."


    The voice was almost inaudible but she still heard it due to the forest''s silence. When she looked at Simoen, she saw the man lying a few meters away from her.


    She looked up to the man who had thrown Simoen and saw Gideon who was frowning hard. Jewel bit her lip and tears welled up in her eyes. "Gideon," she whispered his name.


    Her husband attended to her and helped her to stand on her feet. But because she''s weak, she couldn''t stand well. Gideon lifted her up and quietly left the area.


    He insisted to visit the clinic but Jewel stopped him from doing so. She wouldn''t go see Nurse Julie flirting with her husband, but Gideon was persistent. Jewel had no choice but to force him in letting her down as she wanted to walk her way towards the dorm. Gideon also had no choice but to obey and walk her back.


    However, the dorm guard stopped him before he could enter the dormitory ground. Jewel argued with the guard. Atst, the guard let her husband enter provided that Gideon would write his name on the entry log. Soon they reached the hallway where her room was. She saw Tiara at the distance. The girl''s eyes widened when she saw her dishelved. "Laine?!"


    Jewel smiled softly at Tiara and faced Gideon. She bowed slightly. "Thanks for walking me back, Professor."


    Gideon kept staring at her and then nodded. "Are you sure you don''t want to visit the clinic?"


    She shook her head. "I''m fine. There are no external injuries... I don''t want to see Nurse Julie," she whispered thest sentence.


    "Julie..." Gideon whispered and nodded, understanding what Jewel meant. "Then I''ll go." He even nced at the three girls standing behind her before turning around and walking away.


    She sighed. Of course, Gideon understood. He''s not numb enough to not notice that Nurse Julie and her weren''t on good terms.


    "Laine! Laine? Did you jump on a cliff? Or dive in a muddy pod? Laine, you look so pathetic!" said Tiara.


    Jewel shook her head. She was not in the mood to talk to the three. Also, she wanted to call Gideon. Jewe; knew he had a n in mind. Maybe, Simoen will be suspended or worst he will be transferred to another University. "What happened to you, Laine? Your uniform is dirty. You should see yourself in a mirror," Hazel said.


    Gabbi nodded. "Tell us, did that male Prof molested you?"


    She looked at it. Tiara and Hazel were also silent. Suddenly, Hazel''s eyes widened and she covered her mouth. "I remember! He''s the new Professor of Agriculture! Laine, don''t tell me ---"


    "Girls, stop. I want to be alone," she saidnguidly. Her eyes darted at the three friends before she entered her room. Shezily walked to the bed and threw her body on it.


    It''s been... months. She don''t want to remember but things are getting out of hand.


    She buried her face in the pillow and cried out. Tears began to stream down her cheeks and she swallowed several times. The pain was still there. She thought she had forgotten the pain in her heart. But it was just hidden. It was like a trunk she had put in the depths of her memory, and just needed a poke before bad memories she had tried to ignore woulde back rushing in her mind.


    Jewel sobbed.


    If only she could die... If only she could.


    Her hand slowly reached the cellphone from the backpack. She made a few sighs to calm her emotion and control her voice. Her finger pressed the call button.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    Someone answered the call on the second ring. "Jewel," her husband greeted.


    A smile softly appeared on her lips. "H-Hey."


    "I''m driving."


    "S-Shall I end the call?"


    "No." She heard him sigh. "I''m gonna visit the Municipality."


    "Oh?" Her brows met slightly. "Why?"


    "I want to talk with Dad... To cut your schrship."


    She was awaken by his words. "G-Gideon, n-no. You don''t have to."


    "Trust me. I''m doing this for your good, Jewel."


    "But I can''t lose my schrship, you know that," she whispered. "I''ll be okay, I promise."


    She heard the car engine turned off and Gideon mmed his hand on the steering wheel. Gideon was silent for a few minutes before he speak again. "I can''t just stand here doing nothing. I am your husband. I should be the one protecting you."


    Jewel closed her eyes. "Gideon, listen. You''ve been a good husband to me. This thing? Please, let me clean my mess."


    "That Saavedra will never leave you. We both know that, Jewel."


    "I know." She sighed. "I can handle this."


    "If I hadn''t looked for you, he might have done something to you. I trust you, Jewel. But not that boy."


    "Gideon..."


    The car''s engine came back to life. Jewel pursed her lips. Gideon seemed determined to do what he wanted to do. "Gideon please ..."


    But Gideon remained silent. She knew he was just listening so sheid down on the bed again and took a deep breath. "You want to know who he is, right? Two years ago, I met Simoen."


    Her vision was blurred. "He courted me for months, and after five months, we became official. I was happy to be with him. Sweet and gentleman he was. He''s popr back then so girls were coveting him, including Sheena. She said that she don''t like Simoen but I know that it wasn''t true. She likes him, so she tried to keep us apart.


    "Grade 12. December. A year and a month when he tried to have me. I don''t know why. It happened after our Christmas party. We were alone in flower garden and we kissed. If Joseph hadn''t appeared yet, he would''ve seeded. And I went home for days, without saying goodbye to him. After the Christmas break, Sheena announced that she and Simoen were engaged. At that time, I have a reason to break up with him. And we didn''t talk for three months until we graduated. Last summer, I went back to my old life. Just this June, he wants us to be back." She justughed. "I can''t just forget how devastating it was. To know that injustice is everywhere."


    "What do you mean, Jewel?"


    She blinked and covered her mouth so that a sob wouldn''t escape.


    "Tell me," Gideon whispered.


    "I''m done telling you about Saavedra."


    "You''re not telling me everything."


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    "Yes. I am your husband. You can trust me."


    "But it is hard to trust anyone, especially for a guy like you. Even if you''re my husband, but our marriage was just a piece of paper. Gideon, I can''t trust you everything."


    They fell silent. Both listen to each other''s breathing. Jewel got up and slowly took off her uniform while listening to the faint hum of the car engine on the other line. She stood in front of the study table and opened the drawer. She picked up theb and gentlybed the messy hair.


    She was stunned when Gideon suddenly asked. "How can I gain your trust, Jewel?"


    Her heartbeat quickened. She swallowed and looked down. "Love m ---" She closed her eyes firmly. "J-Just stay your distance and I''ll be o-okay..."


    "Why would I withdraw myself from you?"


    She smiled wryly and stared into the whole body mirror on the side. "I don''t like to appear pathetic in front of others."


    "I never perceived you as weak."


    "I know you didn''t. It''s just me, Gideon."


    She stared into the mirror and a strained smile shed. Jewel watched the slow trail of tears on her cheeks. "I don''t need help. I overcame the pain, Gideon. And I know that I can do it again."


    The next day, she locked herself in the dorm. She only came out when she was hungry but all she did all day was read erotic romance novels in the reading app and consume all five new borrowed tagalog erotica from Hazel. She just begged her three friends not to disturb her, and they seemed to know she had a problem so they brought drinks and snacks in the afternoon.


    She just didn''t expect Gideon to knock on her dorm in that night. He had no smile. He was wearing a cardigan and white shirt underneath, paired with a pair of denim pants.


    Jewel frowned. "What are you doing ---"


    "Pack your things. I will bring you back home."


    Her eyes stared into his serious gaze. Gideon was determined to bring her back.

 Drunken night

    Standing in front of the familiar house brought back her memories from a few months ago. "Take this."


    She looked at what Gideon had handed out and frowned. "What''s that for?"


    "Don''t starve yourself. I removed the dormitory and other facilities fee from the schrship grant. You have to pay for other facilities as well as the canteen. Use this card."


    Jewel epted the credit card and tucked it in her pant''s pocket. Stepping forward, she walked in front of the car.


    "Let''s get inside." Gideon walked in the gate first.


    She chased after him and grabbed the sleeve of his polo. "Hey," she called, whispering.


    The man looked over his shoulder, looking down on her. "What is it?"


    "I-I..." she sighed. "I want to say thank you."


    Gideon reached for her cheek and gently stroked it. "Don''t mention it." He smiled and guided her into the house.


    JEWEL THREW her body on the bed and smiled softly while staring at the ceiling. The light in her room was off and only the lighting from the hallway illuminated the entire room. A small celebration ensued, and she did not expect Dalya to smuggle wine to the table.


    It turned out that while Jewel was away, Dalya had learnt about wine business from Tang who was once a wine seller beforeing into Gideon family''s ancestral house as a gardener. He taught the poor girl what qualities a wine should possess before a wine seller could market his products onto the public. And Tang brought several bottles of wine just to teach Dalya.


    That''s why Dalya pulled a bottle of wine to present her acquired knowledge to Jewel, but Jewel misunderstood the girl and immediately consumed the wine before Dalya could stop her.


    Fortunately, Gideon and Tang temporarily left while she was left with Dalya and Pedro at the dinner table. Thest time she drank alcohol was in her senior high years and seeing the bottle, she didn''t hesitate to have a taste.


    But she underestimated her alcohol tolerance and what Dalya brought to the table was one of the top tier local beverages that was famous for being too strong. She drunk faster than a blink of an eye and before the two could stop her, Jewel had drunk half the bottle of alcohol.


    Pedro immediately took her upstairs and onto her room, hoping that she could sleep before Gideon and Tang found out her state. But she was not sleepy and her mind kept on thinking about the bed scenes she had read this afternoon.


    Jewel chuckled, cheeks burning red. She didn''t need sleep but an entire room full of erotica!


    "Dalyaaaa!" she yelled. But nobody came to her. Jewel frowned, annoyed. She pulled aside the strand of hair covering her face. "Dalyaaa! Come here! Now!"


    Then she slowly sat on the bed. She frowned when her room spun around. Jewel closed her eyes as bile rose from her stomach. She held her breathe and shouted. "Dalyaaa! Where are you! Hurry! Come here!" "Dalyaaa!"


    Some fast footsteps could be heard approaching her room. Dalya entered her slightly opened room, beads of sweat formed in her forehead. The girl was anxious as she approach Jewel.


    Jewel looked at the girl, frowning. "Why are you so slow? I''ve been calling you for how many time---"


    "Shh... Miss, we''ll be damned here." Dalya stared at her. "You''re so drunk, Miss."


    "Ah?" Sheughed. "Who told you to bring me a drink then? But I''ll forgive you this time because your wine''s too sweet!"N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    "Senyorita," Dalya hushed. "Can you lower your voice, Senyorita? Senyor Gideon is down there. We''ll be doomed if he learn about this."


    Jewelughed again, grinning from ear to ear. "I don''t care! All right, here." She pulled out the credit card from her pant''s pocket and handed it out to Dalya. Her brows met when she saw Dalya spinning around her. "What''s that?! Why are you spinning, huh?"


    "Eh, senyorita?" Even Dalya was confused with Jewel''s bbering.


    Jewel shook her head. "Alright, alright. Here! You buy books at NBS and at Pandayan. Buy all their books. Pick the one with the beautiful covers. The woman in a bikini or maybe the topless man... whatever! Just make sure it''s erotica. Use that card. Empty it or not, I don''t care! Just buy me an entire room of erotica. Do you hear me?"


    "Uh..." Dalya looked on the card in her hand. "But M-Miss..."


    "No! No..." She shook her head. "No buts! I''m not drunk. I know what I''m doing so trust me in this." Jewel squinted her eyes while staring at Dalya. "Oh, I can still see that mole on the side of your lips, eh." Sheughed. "It''s like a raisin exposed to the sun." Dalya scratched her nape. "Miss ---"


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    "Dalya, leave us," a sudden voice interrupted her.


    Dalya''s eyes widened as she turned around to see Gideon standing at the doorway. On the other hand, Jewel''s eyes narrowed as she nced at the man.


    "I''m sorry, Senyorito. It''s my fault! I was the one who brought the wine and caused Senyorita to get drunk!"


    Gideon nodded. "Pedro said so. You can leave now. I''ll take care of my wife."


    Dalya looked at Jewel anxiously for a moment before hurried out. Jewel brows met and yelled again. "Dalya, don''t forget, okay? My books should be here in the room when I wake up. I want a huge number of erotica books! Buy all stocks in the bookstores ---"


    "Jewel enough," Gideon said.


    She frowned at him, clearly displeased. "What are you doing here? Don''t you have any manners? Dalya and I are still talking but you interrupted us!"


    He walked closer to the bed. "Don''t drink alcohol next time. Are we clear?"


    "Oh, here we are again old man." Jewel grinned. "Did I tell you to meddle with my affairs? Also, I have a high alcohol tolerance. I''m not drunk." Gideon''s eyes darkened. "I am your husband, Jewel."


    "So what?" Jewel raised her finger and brought it to her lips. "You''re my husband in paper only. We even didn''t sleep together yet so why should I listen to you?" Slowly, she crawled towards him who was standing beside the bed. Jewel grinned at him. "A pity for such a handsome face, right? You wouldn''t sleep with your wife."


    Gideon squinted his eyes and leaned over, closing the gap between them. He brought his lips near her ear and whispered. "Are you seducing your husband, Jewel?" He chuckled and caressed her face.


    Jewel blinked her eyes and reached out a hand to hold Gideon''s face. It was her first time holding him in this ambiguous situation and it was making her heart beat faster than usual. "Sleep with me," she whispered.


    "Do you know what you are asking, wife?" asked Gideon, smiling slightly.


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! Jewel''s lips curved into a smile. "Of course."


    "Unfortunately, I don''t sleep with drunk woman."


    Jewel was dumbfounded when Gideon stood straight and stepped back, away from her reach. Her brows met and she pouted. "You bastard," she cussed. "At least give me a kiss!"


    "I don''t kiss bad lips, wife," Gideon teased, chuckling at Jewel''s cute expression. "Wait here," he said before walking towards the cab.


    He rummaged through Jewel''s clothes while thetter waited for him. Not long after, he put a pajama on the bed and lifted Jewel onto the bathroom. She drew a breathe when Gideon put her down on the bathtub filled with water. It was when her mind returned to its sharpness and she hastily looked up to see Gideon looking down at her.


    "W-What are you doing here?!" she asked and crossed her arms around her chest. She still had her clothes and she breathe a sigh of relief.


    "Awake now?" he asked, lips curving into a smile.


    Jewel looked away, but she immediately stood and ran towards the sink, throwing up what she had eaten in that night. Gideon''s hand pat her back. After a few minutes, she weakly leaned against the wall and looked at her husband who was busy cleaning her mess.


    "H-Hey," she called. "I can do it."


    But Gideon didn''t seem to hear her words. After cleaning her mess, he lifted her back to the tub and put her down. He even helped her taking a bath and it was so awkward that Jewel''s cheeks was burning red even after Gideon sat her down in front of the vanity mirror,bing her wet hair.


    She cleared her throat when she felt her strength came back. "I can manage," she said.


    "Let me."


    Jewel had no choice but to let him blow dry her hair. She pursed her lips. "What happened earlier?" she asked.


    "You don''t remember?"


    She shook her head. "Just some shes but I couldn''t recall them clearly."


    There was silence before Gideon leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. "You asked for this," he whispered before walking out of her room.

 The party

    She put her index finger to her lips to silence Dalya. Secretly smirking, she motioned the girl to run towards her room. Dalya nodded and did what she instructed.


    "You have to get up tomorrow early else you''ll lose the Municipal schrship. You don''t want that to happen, do you Jewel? Jewel, are you listening?"


    She turned back to Gideon and nodded quickly. "Of course, I''m listening. I''m not deaf." Andughed wryly.


    Gideon''s eyes squinted at her. "You''re pale. Are you sick?"


    "No! Of course not! What are you talking about? Don''t overthink!" And sheughed. Jewel simply wiped the sweat from her forehead. "So, are you done? I need to go back to my room. You know... my friends and I will have a chat." Gideon''s brows met. "I thought you cut off ties with them?"


    Her eyes widened and she smiled. "Of course, I''ll have to say goodbye to them. It''s part of parting etiquette isn''t it? Last statement before goodbye?"


    He sighed. "Alright. At three o''clock, get dressed. We''re going somewhereter."


    Jewel nodded. "Aye, I like that." She showed her teeth, grinning, and blinked.


    "Something''s wrong with you," hemented before turning around and walking down the stairs.


    She took a deep breath and ran back to her room. "Dalya?" she called carefully.


    "Miss," Dalya said. "The books are under the bed," the girl whispered.


    The smile on her lips widened. "That''s my girl! All right, have you gotten your tip from the change?"


    "Yes, Miss."


    "Good. Hmm, have you applied pest control as I asked you to do?"


    "Yes, Senyorita. I''m sure rats can''t ruin your books. Besides, it looks like there are no pests in this house. It''s clean, Senyorita. There''s almost no dust and I haven''t seen a cockroach yet."


    "That''s fine. All right, you can go out now."


    "Thank you, Miss." Dalya came out smiling and Jewel quickly closed the door and locked it.


    She ran to the bed and peeked underneath. There are ten new and thick books. She started reading two books from the shelves.


    Jewel was tossing around her bed everytime an explicit bed scenes were mentioned and muffled screams could be heard from outside her room. Since everyone on the mansion was busy, no one paid attention to the girl who was drowning in her pleasure.


    At three o''clock, she stopped and sighed when a knock was heard in the door. It was Dalya who was checking up on her and she shooed the maid away. But after sometime, she heard another knock and it was from her husband. He reminded her to get dress and so she hopped off the bed and ran to the bathroom.


    She was ready, dressed in an elegant blue nightgown with a little make up on the face when Gideon knocked on her door again. When she opened the door, she saw him in his format suit. A scent filled her nostrils as she stared at her handsome husband. Jewel blinked a few times, finding it hard to tear her eyes away from him.


    Gideon cleared his throat and smiled at her. "You," he whispered, chuckling, and flicked her nose with his finger.


    Jewel came back to her senses as her cheeks burned red in embarrassment. She quickly looked away. "W-What?"


    He shook his head and lead her out of the house and opening the car''s passenger door for her. She sat inside while Gideon walked in front and opened the driver''s door, hopping in. He drove the car out of Cansanit. "You didn''t tell me where we were going," she said after awhile.


    "You never asked."


    Her lips twitched. Of course, she didn''t ask earlier because her mind was filled with the newly bought books. Jewel sighed and looked outside the window.


    "Am I wearing a good dress for that event?" she asked instead.


    Gideon nced at her through the rearview mirror and the corner of his lips tugged up. "It suits you well." After sometime, Gideon added. "I''ll attend another seminar next week. I expect you to behave well in University, Jewel." "Okay, no worries. I''ll be very very behave then."


    "Also stay away from Saaved---"


    "I know. I''ll stay away from Simoen."


    "You don''t have the same course with the three girls. So I assume you can''t ---"


    "Okay, I understand. I won''t hang out with them."


    "Jewel."Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    "Yes?"


    Gideon nced at her for a moment before turning his attention back on the road. "Make sure you understand my words."


    "Sure, sure!"


    But Gideon''s face darkened at her reply. He was reminding Jewel out of goodwill but his wife was acting like a brat again, cutting his words and replying in a sarcastic tone. He was not happy.


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    On the other hand, Jewel didn''t notice Gideon''s dark mood because she kept on reying the scenes she had read earlier. She was at the climax of the story when Gideon interrupted her reading and it''s making her frustrated not to know what happened next.


    The car was filled with silence as the two of them were busy in their thoughts. Until the car stopped in front of a grand hotel.


    Jewel hopped off first and looked up at the tall building. Surely, the organizer of this party''s wise to spend money. Taking a deep breathe, she walked close to her husband who was silent since earlier. She wondered why but her thoughts was distracted when she saw a woman hurriedly walked towards them when they entered the hotel.


    "Gideon!" the woman greeted, smiling from ear to ear.


    Jewel''s brows met when she heard the woman''s tone. After Elise and Julie, another woman popped out of nowhere, ready to flirt with her husband. She sneered and secretly pinched Gideon''s arm. Gideon looked down on her but she didn''t meet his gaze and just stared intently at the woman.


    "Analisa," Gideon greeted the woman.


    ''Ah, so this is Analisa?'' she thought. She once heard the woman''s name when Gideon talked with the guidance counselor.


    The woman grinned and looked at Jewel. "This is...?"


    "This is my..." Gideon looked at Jewel before turning his attention back to Analisa. "Mypanion for tonight."


    Jewel''s body stiffened like a bucket of ice poured on her upon hearing Gideon''s words. She looked up at him, bewildered, but Gideon seemed didn''t see her stiff expression. Analisa clearly read her surprise and the woman smiled sweetly. "Ah, yourpanion, I see. The party hasn''t started yet, let''s go in?"


    Gideon lead Jewel inside the hotel, following behind Analisa who was walking in front with her hips swaying everytime she took a step. She bit her lip and stayed silent. It was hard to admit that she''s disappointed with Gideon''s words but she could not refute her husband in front of other visitors.


    She almost couldn''t held her emotion right when she saw Elise and Julie inside the party''s venue. It was when she realized that Gideon''s attending a reunion part with his batchmate in UDM. And she was his ''date'' for that night.


    But when Elise was explicitly flirting with her husband, she could not control her jealousy and finally sshed wine in Elise''s face.


    Suddenly, the venue went silent and all eyes stared at the mess she made. Jewel looked at Gideon who was staring wide-eyed at Elise, surpised at what she had done to his ''colleague''.

 The truth behind the portrait

    It was eleven o''clock in the evening when they came home from the gathering. She felt even worse because of what happened at that party. It was as if she fled in a trance as she watched her husband talking to another woman. But it seemed that Gideon didn''t even notice the woman''s flirting and he still talked with a smile.


    Was he dumb or numb?


    She sniffed. "I''m tired," she reasoned and quickly opened the gate, walking into the main entrance of the house. Gideon just followed her and kept asking her questions.


    "Can you stop asking?" she looked over her shoulder and red at him. "I said I''m tired. There''s nothing wrong with being tired, right?"


    "Not after you''ve made a scene with Elise."


    "So what?" Her eyebrows rose. "So what if that friend of yours is stealing your time? So what if that Professor Elise is hugging you more like a bestfriend? As if I care, Hernandez." "That''s what I''m asking, Jewel. You shouldn''t have sshed wine in Elise''s face. You''re being scandalous."


    "Am I?" She smirked and frowned. "She made a scene first. She embarrassed me, Gideon. Don''t tell me you still don''t care if I get embarrassed? I''m your wife!"


    There was silence between them. Her eyes narrowed at him and challenged him through her stare. For a few minutes, their gazes met and Gideon sighed. "Don''t be jealous. I''m not seeing Elise."


    Sheughed and folded her arms. "Excuse me? I''m not jealous. You shouldn''t have taken me to that gathering. I would love to stay in my room all night. And look ..." She showed him her wristwatch. "It''s past eleven. I still have ss tomorrow." Gideon nodded and averted his gaze. "Go to your room. Don''t take a bath thiste. Just change your clothes."


    Her lips twitched. Why would everyone remind her what to do? She knew it and she''s not a kid anymore! Jewel huffed as she walked inside the mansion.


    She saw Tang sitting on the sofa and reading a magazine. The old man looked up and greeted her. "Where is Sir, Maam Laine?" he asked.


    Her forefinger pointed at the back and continued walking. She stopped when she caught sight of therge portrait hanging on the wall and remembered Simoen, the artist. "Mang Tang?" she called.


    She heard his footsteps approaching from behind her. "Why, Ma''am Laine?"


    Her finger pointed to the portrait. "Where did you get this from?"


    But instead of Tang''s voice, it was Gideon''s voice who answered her question. "Someone sent it here." Her husband stood by her side. "You shouldn''t waste time. Go upstairs."


    She pursed her lips into a thin line. "Can you just wait for a second, okay?" Frowning, she stared at the portrait. "I''m just wondering where it came from." Jewel turned to Tang. "I didn''t ask you again, Mang Tang. You''ve said that you''re the one who''ve first seen this portrait?"


    The old man nodded. "It''s been two years, Maam Laine. Five months after Sir Manasseh bought the house, he took me from the Mayor''s mansion. At Christmas that year, my friend, the baranggay captain in Dayhagon, invited me to stop by his house. There was a little party held in his house especially on Christmas day when his daughter who was studying at UDM just came home. Then, I saw this portrait outside the house. It looks like ---" "Wait," she interrupted, frowning. "Baranggay captain of Dayhagon?"


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    Tang nodded. "Captain Roma, Maam Laine."


    "Roma?" Her eyes widened. "Danilo Roma Selestales?"


    Tang smiled. "He is, Maam Laine." The old man took a deep breath and frowned again. "That picture was outside the house, and it looked like it was going to be thrown away so I talked to Roma. But he said his daughter had brought it. I asked his daughter Reina to give it to me as a disy here at Sir Manasseh''s house."


    Tangughed for a moment. "Because of his livelihood, you know, Maam... most of the uniform men are not particr for interior design. Captain Roma''s daughter is kind and easy to talk to. She gave it to me without asking why. But I couldn''t go back here in Cansanit because Roma''s wife suddenly gave birth. So Rome asked me to stay in his house for few weeks. And in order to have a little gift for Sir Manasseh, I just let someone deliver the picture in Cansanit as well as the letter attached to the back of the picture."


    "B-But..." Jewel drew a breathe. "Why did you send it here, Mang Tang?" she asked under her breathe.


    "Eh, I didn''t know that the object in the picture was a real face. I thought it was an ancient beautiful woman or maybe, an actress whom I don''t know. I was a little surprised when I first saw you. But I''ve been told by Sir Manasseh for a long time that the girl in the portrait is real. It''s me who didn''t believe his words." And the old man chuckled.


    But Jewel was silent as she remembered Simoen''s face as he handed over the small replica of the portrait. He said he lost his first drawing so he failed to give it to him. Now, she learnt what happened.


    Someone took the big portrait during Christmas party. And the next day, Simoen went back home and forgot to take the portrait he left in the flower garden. When he returned to the flower garden, he didn''t find anything and just thought that someone had thrown it away.


    She bit her lip. "So that''s what happened," she whispered and sighed. "I''ll go upstairs," she said and climbed upstairs.


    Dalya and Pedro were walking down the stairs and they met in the middle of the spiral staircase.


    "Miss? Have you eaten yet?" Dalya asked.


    She nodded and continued her way to the top. Her two eyebrows met and she was breathing fast. She already knew who took it, and she wondered why of all the people... she, her trusted friend, stole the portrait intended for her. Jewel just went straight to bed. She picked up the book from underneath and left thempshade on. She wanted to read first to relieve the tension in her body.


    Biting her lip, she read the explicit scene in the book. Her breathing quickened and when that scene was over she closed the book. She covered herself with a nket and pleasured herself while imagining the scene inside the book. She has been doing that every night since Simoen almost raped her. It was kind of addiction and only that action would put her to sleep fast. The nightmare also subsided when she did it. She''ll slept very soundly. She found haven in mast*rbation.


    Chasing her breath, she removed the nket and stared at the ceiling. Beads of sweat formed in her forehead as her heart was beating fast after that vigorous exercise with herself.


    Closing her eyes, a smile shed in her lips.


    "You are here, I''ve been waiting for you... dear wife," a voice sounded in her dreams.


    Yes, she''s been dreaming about a faceless man these past few weeks. Doing stuffs with him that every maiden would blush upon seeing them. But Jewel enjoyed thepany of the man who always offer her food, after having a hot intercourse with her.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.

 Severing ties

    The next day, she entered the University. It''s refreshing since she''s not used to pass by the UDM campus gate on a regr school day. Jewel realized that she had been enjoying the privilege of dorm for almost two years. But, it''s not too bad. At least, she won''t meet Sheena early in the morning. She wasn''t sure that she wouldn''t be able to meet Simoen in the College of Engineering though. They are in the same department after all. The more she worries, the more she will definitely meet the two.


    Just like that, she kept on thinking ns to avoid the two. Shifting course next semester? Hah. She won''t shift. She likes BSABE and even struggled to get a Municipal Schrship to enroll in such a course. "Miss!"


    And also a ball was sent flying her way and hit her arm. "Oh! Aray ko!"


    Her lips parted as she gently touched the bruised arm. Jewel bit her lip and red at a volleyball yer running towards her direction. She took a deep breath and looked up in the sky so as not to cry in pain.


    "Miss, I''m sorry. My friend just hit the ball too hard." He picked up the ball that stopped at Jewel''s feet. "It must hurt you big time." And he looked apologetic to her. "It came to a stop when it hit you. That means... The force that your body exerted is equal to the force of the ball. And knowing my teammate is a guy, and the force we exerted to the ball is high, if it was 100 Newton, an equivalent amount was ----"


    "Stop right there!" she yelled. "I don''t need your exnation, geek. Just help me pick my bag and bring me to infirmary!"


    "Thank you for understanding, Miss." He picked up her shoulder bag and led her forward. "I''m Bernard, a BS Physics student. How about you?"


    She turned her head away. "Geek," she whispered under her breathe, which Bernard heard due to stillness of the ce.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Bernard smiled wryly. "Not really. Just few of us. And we understand that people misunderstood us sometimes. Actually, I''m mastering the lessons that''s why I speak a lot of jargons. Sorry if I appear geek but I''m not really a geek." She simply ran her finger through the hair. "You should know how to approach people without driving them nuts." And faked a smile before saying goodbye to him.


    "Wait, I thought we''ll go to the infirmary?"


    "I''m okay. No need to worry. You should go continue your game."


    She''s not repulsive to Bernard and she would dly visit the clinic, but she suddenly remembered Nurse Julie. Yes, she still held prejudice against the nurse for flirting with her husband. And she didn''t feel like it to visit and see that woman''s face.


    Jewel crossed between the Education and Administrative building and went straight to Engineering building. Because her arm was still slightly sore, she lost her fondness for stairs and decided to use the elevator instead. Fortunately, she did not meet Sheena. She was gone for another week, and she knew that girl would only tease her.


    But there''s still a person she didn''t want to see. She meet Simoen on the first subject who were ncing asionally at her direction. But he couldn''t get close else he''ll report him immediately.


    Her blockmates noticed Simoen''s behavior as usual. He had one jokingly said that they didn''t care if they were meddling in his private life. Simoen smiled when their blockmates fell silent and went back to what they were doing before. Easy as one to three.


    Lunchtime. Jewel went to the canteen. She just didn''t expect to see Hazel eating alone at their favorite spot. She queued up and ordered foods before approaching Hazel who only ordered a sachet of juice. "Hazel," she greeted.


    The girl looked up. Hazel squinted her eyes at her before looking down again and yed with the straw. Jewel sat down and crossed her fingers. "Alone? Where are the two?" she asked. "I don''t know."


    Her brow raised. "Come on, spill. You didn''t call when I was gone for one week. Even if I can''t hear a sorry from you, I''ll forgive you. So... what''s the matter this time?" "Just... gone."


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    "Gone?"


    Hazel met her gaze. "Can''t you see, Laine? Tiara and Gabbi are gone."


    "I can''t understand you."


    "When you left the dorm, they left too. And we don''t have the same course, so I can''t find them. I can''t contact them. No replies in the GC. When I asked their blockmates, they said that Gabbi is present, as well as Tiara. So I didn''t bother to look for them in this huge campus."


    "Why? Why you''d stopped looking for them?"


    "You still don''t get it, Laine? They don''t show up because they don''t want to show up. And I don''t have time to look for them. I''m busy!"


    She stared at Hazel. Tears welled up in Hazel''s eyes. "You miss them," she said.


    "Of course! They''re my friends!"


    "And mine too... right? They''re my friends too," she whispered.


    Hazel wiped her wet cheek. "Y-Yes."


    "But I didn''t know them."


    "What are you talking, Laine? You know them. Silly."


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    She justughed. "It''s only you, Haze. That I can run whenever I''m sad, worried, or... confuse. I don''t remember opening up to Tiara or even Gabbi. I feel so indifferent towards them." She toyed with her soda.


    "You must be kidding me, Laine. We''re friends!"


    She smiled softly. "I just... think of it. You know, you''re the bridge. You connects us, Hazel. The three of you are true to each other that I sometimes feel outcasted." "Don''t say that."


    "But it''s true." She sighed. "Maybe, my husband is right. I should put an end to this friendship."


    "L-Laine ..."


    "Goodbye. This friendship is over, Hazel. Let''s see each other as strangers once again."


    "No, no. Laine! You can''t do this to me!"


    She smiled sadly. "Find a circle of friends far more better than we had, Hazel."


    "N-No." Tears brimmed in Hazel''s eyes. "The three of you are the best that I''ve got, Laine. And now, you''re the only one left. Please... don''t leave me."


    Jewel bit her lip. "You can find another. A friend that you can trust all your secrets and can give you back the trust you gave."


    She quickly turned around and walked away from the canteen. She heard Hazel''s cries but she didn''t look back. Swallowing a few times, she held her tears and went straight to the Agriculture Building, to the seventh floor where Gideon''s ssroom was.


    Jewel had severed their friendship and she wanted Gideon to see how she felt right now. She wanted to make her husband see what she''s done was not easy, to feel guilty and take back what he had asked of her!

 Paperbags of sweet scent

    She did not expect to see Gabbi as she entered the Education building. The girl also stopped when she saw her, but continued walking ahead as if she had not seen her. Jewel didn''t know what she did wrong, why Gabbi''s avoiding her. But maybe... Hazel already texted Gabbi about what she said this lunch break.


    Her lips pursed into a line. She hadn''t been able to see Gideon during lunch break because he wasn''t in his ssroom. And she remembered that her husband had a ss this morning so she was determined to look for him, believing that Gideon didn''t go out of the campus.


    Nheless, she continued to step into the building. She followed the whole B1 and she has high confidence because Simoen''s not there.


    Coach Bremas excused him before lunch break. And that''s why Joseph wasn''t present since first subject because he went straight to the gym. Tomorrow the entire varsity will leave for a two weeks intercampuspetition in Cebu City. She waited a few hours before the ss on that subject ended. It''s past five o''clock and it looks like Gideon has been waiting outside the University gate for a while but she decide to visit the girl''s dormitory first.


    Only now did she remember what she had nted in the little pot. Jewel didn''t take itst week because her n was to visit it in the dorm every day.


    But now, it''s no longer possible. She didn''t want to see Hazel so she would just take her pot and take care of it at Gideon''s house.


    Jewel quietly traveled down the hallway towards the end. The small pot was just on the side of the door. She no longer had the key to the dorm, so she put it outside so that her friends could water it.


    But she was stunned to see that the soil on the pot was dry and hard. Clearly, no one watered her seed for several days or even a week!


    She took a deep breath. Jewel wanted to knock on Hazel''s door to confront the girl but her pride prevailed. Her hand picked it up and took a heavy step back to where she came from.


    She thought she''ll see the sprout but dry ground? Most likely, the sprout beneath it was dead. Her eyebrows met and she huffed.


    "You''re upset again, Jewel" Gideonmented. He opened the passenger door for her.


    Jewel quickly went to the back of the pick-up and ced the small pot there before hopping in the passenger seat and sitting down neatly. Gideon turned to the front and sat in the driver''s seat. "What is it this time?" he asked. She folded her arms. "My seed is dead."


    "That thing is yours?"


    Jewel nodded. "That''s my project. It should''ve sprouted by now. I did left it for one week in the hands of the three girls but look, the soil is very dry and most likely no one watered it for a week now."


    "And you''re ming them?"


    "Of course! I asked them to take care of it but they didn''t do it!"


    Gideon shook his head and drove the car past the Tindog bridge. "Maybe the girls were busy."


    Jewel became even more upset. "I asked them, which means I imparted a responsibility to them. They should atleast keep the soil moist!"


    "Did you ask if they were okay with it?"


    She was stunned and remembered the afternoon when Gideon knocked on his dorm. Jewel packed her things and then put the pot outside her dorm. She followed Gideon without letting her three friends knew and just texted them that she''ll left the dormitory and she''ll left her seed project in their care.


    The three girls didn''t reply so she assumed it was okay for them to take care of it. She bit her lip and shook his head. "Not s-sure."


    "Just mitigate on what you''ve lost," Gideon said.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    She folded her arms and looked outside the window. "How?" she asked, annoyance was evident in her voice. She already ept the fact that Gideon''s always against her, and that he didn''t care about her feelings. He didn''t even know how to soothe her resentment.


    Gideon stepped on the gas and the car sped off. They slowed down as they passed a fruit vendor on the side of the road. Gideon lowered the window and asked the fruit vendor. "How much?" he asked while pointing something. "What kind of fruit do you like?" the vendor asked.


    Gideon turned to her. "What do you want to eat?"


    "Uh, anything that can be eaten," she replied without even looking at the fruit stand. She kept her gaze outside the passenger seat window, the other side of the stall.


    "Alright, stay here. I''ll be back," said Gideon.


    He opened the driver''s door and got out. She heard the door close softly but she still kept looking out the window, not moving an inch. Jewel waited for few minutes before the door to the second cabin opened and she heard the noise of a paperbag.


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    "Brother, it''s two-thousand!" the vendor cried.


    The door of the second cabin closed, and a few minutester the driver''s seat door opened. Gideon re-entered before turning on the engine and driving the car. Jewel had no ns to speak out, but she could not kept her silence with the sweet scent of ripe mangoes hovering around.


    "Mangoes?" she whispered.


    Gideon nced at her for a moment. "I don''t know what fruit you like so I bought it all. Take a look."


    Her eyes narrowed before reaching for the tworge paper bags at the backseat. There was a variety of fruits in it and she could smell the mixture of the different sweet scentsing from the paper bags.


    "What type of soil did you choose for your seed?" Gideon asked suddenly.


    She shrugged. "Nothing. I just tooknd in the flower garden."


    Gideon raised a bro w"You should chose your soil well. You''re growing seedlings, not an old tree."


    Jewel huffed. "There''s no buffalo there for me to get their waste, is there?"


    Gideonughed and shook his head. "We''ll visit the Aisle to get rich soil ---"


    "Hey, don''t." She averted her gaze. "I haven''t talked to Papa yet after what happened."


    "You should talk to them, Jewel. You''re their only daughter."


    "I know. But give me more time. I don''t want to face them, not at this time."


    Gideon nodded and turned the steering wheel, turning the car toward Curva. "Don Sebastian talked to mest night. They want you back to Mansion."


    "Have you agreed to hi---"


    "No. You''re my wife. You must be under my provision."


    Jewel heaved a sigh of relief and leaned back. "Thank you. I''m not ready to lock myself in that prison again."


    "Prison, huh?" The corner of Gideon''s lips rose.


    "They''ll lock me up in that mansion and control my life like they used to be. So... I don''t want to go back, yet. And..." She nced at him. "If you could promise me that you''ll never let my Papa take a hold of me again, I will behave and obey yoir words."


    But Gideon didn''t utter another word. Jewel sighed and didn''t speak again in the whole trip. To be honest, she had no idea where Gideon would take her but she was confident that Gideon would not leave her behind.


    The sun had sunk in the west. Darkness and artificial lights were starting to take over the surroundings. The car''s headlight was also lit.


    "We''ll stop at McDonald''s before we go back to Cansanit," Gideon announced.


    "McDonald''s? Cansanit?" Her brows met. "Tell me, are we really going somewhere or not?"


    There was a small smile on Gideon''s lips. "You guess."


    "There you go again!" she eximed. "So this whole drive is nonsense? Come on, you better tell me the truth."


    Gideon tugged the corner of his lips upwards and softly hummed. "I just want to spend some time with you. That''s all."


    Raising a brow, her lips curved into a smile. She leaned softly at his direction, grinning from ear to ear. "So..." Jewel smiled broadly as she yed circles with the strand of her hair while staring at Gideon. "Is this the right time you''ll admit that I am finally not a headache to you?"


    Jewel just watched how a smile shed on Gideon''s lips. "I''m starting to think that this version of you is better than the previous one," he said.


    She bit her lip and leaned back. "You ttered me, old man." Andughed. "Just drive, silly."


    Jewel shook her head and smiled. Only now did she see the good qualities in Gideon. And she never regretted agreeing to sign a marriage contract and be tied to a man very different from her type. Maybe, Gideon was even better than her ideal man.


    She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She did not notice the look in Gideon''s eyes as he nced at her.

 Betrayed

    She and Gideon had a good rtionship. She has learned to understand his unique way of disciplining her and even if he does not tell her directly, she sees her husband taking care of her. After all, that man is not vocal in how he feels. And because of that, she often misunderstand him.


    But at that moment, she tries to remove Gideon''s face from her mind to talk seriously with Tiara. The girl stares at her and is silent since a few minutes earlier. Tiara Reina Selestales is her full name, the daughter of Captain Roma of Dayhagon. Beautiful and smart. Her former friend. Now, she looks at her as if they were strangers who have not known each other.


    What''s worst is that Sheena''s standing beside Tiara, grinning at her from ear to ear.


    Jewel ignored Sheena and faced her former friend. "Tiara, can we talk?" she asked.


    Sheena shook her head. "Mangubat, she''s not Tiara anymore. She''s Reina. Don''t you know that?"


    "I''m not talking to you," she warned Sheena. She was serious and stared at Tiara. "I know what you''ve done two years ago. That''s why I''m here."


    "Hazel texted me. I know you already cut your ties with her. That''s good," Tiara said.


    She justughed. "I know it do good to you. You''re the first to cut ties, wasn''t you? Or was it Gabbi?"


    Tiara blinked. "Why do you care? Just keep your distance from me and we''re good, Jewel Laine Mangubat."


    "I will keep my distance, if we can talk right now."


    Tiara''s brows met and she looked down at her wristwatch. "Fine. I have my vacant time now."


    "Reina!" Sheena protested.


    Tiara turned her sharp re to Sheena. "Mae, I''ll do it fast. You should go, you still have an exam today."


    Sheena red at Jewel before marching away outside the Domesticated Forest. Jewel simpley moved the strand of hair that covered her face and tucked it behind her ear. Her hand let go of the broomstick she was holding and sat down on a wide rock under the tree.


    "Why did you do that?" she asked.


    Tiara folded her arms. "That?"


    "Simoen made a portrait of me. He nned to give it in our first monthsary. So, why have you stole it?"


    Tiara was stunned for a few seconds before averting her gaze. "I don''t know what you''re saying."


    "Will you stop lying? I know now the truth. Tang told me."


    "Tang?" Tiaraughed. "And who''s that? Come on, you''re making stories, aren''t you?"


    "Am not!" She took a deep breath. What''s Tang''s real name?


    Her lips pursed into a line. She did not know.


    Jewel just sighed. "You''d stole it. And tomorrow that night, you came back to your house in Dayhagon with the portrait. Your father threw a party and you put it outside while you''re having fun inside your house. Later, a man approached you, to ask for the portrait. And you gave it to him. That is the truth right, Reina?"


    Tiara backed away. "H-How did you..." Then she retrieved her calm, inhaling deeply, Tiara shook her head. "It doesn''t matter. The portrait is gone. And that man is gone now." Sheughed. "You can''t use me of something without an evidence, Jewel Laine."


    She shrugged her shoulders and snatched the cellphone out from the pocket of her pencil cut skirt. "The truth is... I have. I''m so sorry, Reina. I''ve got an evidence for you."


    She showed her selfie while Tang was in the background together with therge portrait. She smirked broadly in the picture and was obviously happy, the opposite of Tiara''s face that was in the verge of crying.


    "No! That''s edited!" cried Tiara.


    "I haven''t seen the portrait so why would I bother myself making edited photos if I don''t know what it looks like? And how do I know that there was a portrait for me if this picture is not true?" Tiara had no answer. Jewelughed.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    "Do you know what you vited in the rules and regtions of UDM?" She blinked and grinned. "You''re right, Reina. You have stole a good and marvelous portrait from the nephew of the campus director. A two weeks suspension plus a goodmunity service from the Discipline Committee. And we don''t know if Saavedra would beg to add anythin for your punishment, knowing that he is so strong in the office, right?"


    Cold sweat formed in Tiara''s forehead. After a while, the girlughed again. "Well, I don''t have the painting. You have it!"


    She nodded and smiled. "Right. Because you gave it to Mr. Tang. So, basically, he owned it now? But then you, Reina ..." Jewel chuckled. "You don''t have the permission to get it! Nor having the right to take it away from this University!" "Shameless b*tch!"


    Jewel blinked. "Don''t cuss at me. You''re the one who made it to yourself. So, now, can we talk the reason why you did it?"


    Tiara''s face was already red in annoyance. "I said I didn''t do it!"


    She angrily unscrewed the recording pen from the pocket of her upper uniform. "You''ll tell me the reason or I''ll submit it to guidance office? You choose!"


    Tiara''s eyes widened. She had quite admitted Jewel''s usation earlier and it would raise the suspicion of the guidance. Her lips parted and her hands trembled.


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away!


    Sheughed. "Choose faster. Time is ticking!"


    "You!" Tiara cried. "I thought you''re a role model but look at you, threatening me. What do you think you''re doing, Laine?!"


    "I never said that I''m a good student. Why?" Jewel grinned. "Did you forget what I''ve told you?" And red at Tiara with eyes full of resentment. "Never ever backstab me, you b*tch!"


    She took a step ahead and pped Tiara''s face. Tiara fell to the ground. She heard her moan in pain but she was deaf to the girl''s cries. "You thought I wouldn''t know? You''re really good at hiding things, aren''t you?" She raised her feet to kick the girl but decided against it at thest minute. She pulled herself together in annoyance. "You told my parents!"


    "I didn''t do anything!" Tiaramented.


    Jewel bit her lip and she faced the tree. hitting its trunk. "I already talked to my Dad! He said you were the one who told him about my addiction to erotica!"


    "No... N-No..."


    "No? Stop lying will you! I''m tired of all nonsense! Just tell me the truth!"


    Tiara burst outughing. "Yes, it was me! Are you happy now, Laine?!"


    She closed her eyes and took a deep breathe. The real reason why she was here to confront Tiara was not because of the portrait for she really didn''t care if it was from Simoen or not. Jewel looked for Tiara because it was Tiara''s doing why her parents knew of her vices that resulted for the burning of all her books in the mansion.


    Jewel first thought that it was just an ident why her parents found her books but when she talked to her fatherst night over the phone to reconcile with him, he told her that it was Tiara who informed them about her vices.


    "Why, Tiara? Why did you betray me?!" "Because I want you out of this University!"


    Her heart skipped a beat. "Y-You... what?"


    Tiara looked her up in tears. "I love Simoen, Laine. But he never paid me attention because of you!" She wiped her wet cheek in annoyance. "That''s why I told your parents because I want you out of this University! I assumed that if they''ll know, they will be more strict on you or even home-schooled you. So I can get rid of you and Simoen will be free from you, Jewel Laine!"


    She shook her head. "You don''t know what you''re saying, Tiara."


    "I know. I tried to suppress it but I can''t! I love him, Laine."


    "Stop saying that you love that jerk! You don''t even know what love is!"


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away!


    She stilled for a moment. The words she uttered were familiar but she could not remember where and when she heard them.


    Jewel red at Tiara before turning around and walking out of the Domesticated Forest. But she was stopped by the girl''s scream.


    "Why, Laine? Do you know what love is?" Tiaraughed. "Or do you still love Simoen despite being a married woman? You never really learned your lesson that night, do you?" That night?


    Jewel''s brows met. What was she saying?


    Tiara huffed. "I thought you''re wise enough to let him go after he tried to rape you, Laine."


    Jewel quickly turned around to face Tiara who was now smiling.


    "W-What?" she whispered.


    "Flower garden, right?" Tiaraughed again. "I''ve seen it with my two eyes. You were struggling underneath him. Pleading. Asking for him to let you go. But guess what? He listened afterward. You really must be something. A drug that causes him to lose his consciousness. What are your secrets, Jewel Laine?"


    Her lips parted and pointed a finger to Tiara in disbelief. "You were t-there?"


    "Of course. You don''t expect me to watch, right? I need to follow him though. And oh, I happened to know the secret between you, Simoen, the Campus Director, the Guidance Counselor, and the Discipline Committee." Tiara''s smile widened. "It''s impossible that there''s no CCTV cameras in the flower garden and no gossip spread about what happened, right?" Tiara shook her head. "Even that so-called b*tch Sheena know not even a single detail of that night. Such a pity for a girl who dered herself stalker of Simoen."


    Jewel''s tears flowed one after another. Her body trembled. She averted her gaze so that Tiara would not notice how she affected her that much. "So what if you know that secret? I''m sure... you can''t disclose it," she whispered to console herself. Tiara grinned. "Who told you I''ll disclose that secret? I''m not so stupid. The Director will chase me out of this University." Tiara shook her head. "Have you forgotten the other secret you have, Laine?"


    She frowned. "What do you mean?"


    "You''re married."


    Her eyes widened. Jewel''s lips pursed into a line and clenched her fist hard.


    If that secret were to spread, it would not be just her reputation at the university that would be affected. Even Gideon could not escape judgment. It was no secret that student and teacher rtionship''s against the ethical code of a teaching personnel. Although there is now prohibiting that rtionship, the reputation of the two families would plummet down. They might as well just get a divorce.


    Her brows met. She didn''t want to divorce Gideon!

 Bad reputation

    "Don''t mess with me! It''s not just Mangubat you''re going to face if you''ll disclose it, Tiara," she warned and quickly left the Domesticated Forest. Tiara didn''t stop her, much to her relief.


    She didn''t know if Tiara would really do her threat on her, but there was only one thing she had to do and that''s to look at Tiara''s next steps. She would first see if the girl would spread about her marriage with Gideon. She didn''t believe Tiara would do that without regards to consequences. Not only her father would chase Tiara, but also the Hernandez and the University.


    It was the reason why she didn''t tell Gideon about Tiara''s threat on her. She also hid the recording pen and did not inform the Guidance office, in the hope that no secret would spread in the campus. But she was too fool and naive to believe her wishes more than reality, because the next day, she was greeted with hostile and ridiculing stares from the students around her.


    She had a hunch at that time what''s happening so her heart beat faster. Did Tiara really spread her secret? "She''s married, dude."


    "s. I n to court her after Simoen but married? Tsk. I don''t like to share my woman with others, bro."


    She looked at the two men talking as if she was not there. They nced at her and one of them even smirk at her.


    Jewel continued walking forward, body trembling and her chest was tightening. She also felt worse and her bile rising at the degree of malicious stares she received from others. She restrained herself. No. She had to find a ce where no one was. Her body couldn''t stand their stares any longer.


    "That heiress, Jewel, is not a virgin anymore, girl."


    "Oh, Simoen Saavedra will be mad when he finds out."


    "The good thing is Saavedra''s in the city and not right here else we''ll enjoy a good show."


    "You''re right. A pity that we''ll miss out the show."


    Jewel quickly entered the Engineering building. Some look at her but eventually return to what they were doing. Fortunately, most of them were busy and had no time for gossip so she didn''t hear anything ridiculous inside the building. Good. Gradually, the tremors in her body subsided. She quickly climbed the stairs and ran to the first ssroom.


    "Miss?"


    She looked at the man with the eyesses and the others staring at her.


    "Do you have something to say? We''re going to start," the man asked.


    "S-Start?"


    The man''s brows met and he looked at her from head to toe. "You''re not familiar. Are you a Civil Engineering student, Miss?"


    She shook her head quickly andughed slightly. "N-No. I think I''m lost. I''ll go. Bye!"


    Everyone inside looked at her in surprise so she quickly left. She shuddered as she ran down the hallway to the ssroom of the first subject. She stepped inside, panting, and sat down weakly in the first seat.


    "Do you want water?" someone asked her.


    Jewel nodded and epted Jasmine''s offer. "T-Thanks..."


    "You know, if I didn''t know you, I would believe the website article."


    "Article?" she asked in surprise.


    "Yup. Here." Jasmine handed a phone to her. "It was featured the UDM Website, and it''s written...


    [ Jewel Laine Mangubat is married. She tries to seduce Simoen and quarrel with Ms. Sheena --- the fiancee of Mr. Saavedra. The little girl is doing a thing with the boy that''s why Ms. Sheena is seen with Ms. Tiara --- Jewel''s ex -friend. And Ms. Selestales know this thing so she ended the friendship with Jewel. Rumors said that she slept with older man and her parents had no choice but to marry her off so they could hide this from everyone''s eyes and ears. Pitiful girl but running around and sleeping with old man but still flirting with Mr. Simoen and other boys... this type of girl doesn''t deserve sympathy!]


    I really don''t know what''s going on and why that person is insulting you. I already filed aint in the office about this, but ording to them, they are still looking for the IP Address of the device used. Miraculously, the data was suddenly lost," Jasmine said.


    She averted her gaze. Suddenly tears brimmed her eyes and she looked up and took a few deep breaths.


    "The whole ss is with you, Jewel. Don''t worry. We don''t believe the article. We''ve known you since grade eleven so we will never believe the allegations being thrown at you," Jasmine said.


    She was shocked when someone grabbed her shoulder. Looking at him, John Drail. He smiled at her. "Joseph isn''t here to make fun of you but when hees back, he''ll definitely beat up the culprit."


    She smiled as her vision blurred. "Thank you."


    The two consoled her. Until the whole ss expressed their support to her. She justughed at their awkwardness but inwardly she was grateful. She did not know that this is how her blockmates treat her, even though she does not bond with them because she''s not the type who likes to socialize with other people. She was used to being alone in the room and only reading books that is why she is ufortable talking for long period of time with other people other than her three friends.


    "I promise guys, I''ll be kinder to you all," she said.


    "Oh, don''t you dare, Jewel. We''re more used to aloof Jewel Laine. Aren''t we guys?" Madelineughed.


    Theyughed. Just stopped when someone cleared a throat. It''s Professor Malkov. "So, what''s happening here?" the professor asked.


    "Nothing, Prof. Just a group hug," smiled John Drail. He even winked at her which made herugh.


    But sitting on the canteen didn''t improve her condition. She could hardly breathe in the eyes of the students. This was how she felt when Sheena and her had a scandal in the canteen back then.


    It''s true that history repeats itself. She looked down. As soon as she entered the canteen, she felt the strange looks of the students on her. She even saw some of them whispering to the groups while staring at her. Eventually they get amused. She knew they were talking about her. Her fist clenched. Her heartbeat is speeding up again. She didn''t like the look of judgment being thrown at her. Why? Why does she can''t get rid of those looks? The same kind of looks they give her when everyone found out that she has a rtionship with Simoen even though the man has already a fiancee.


    Jewel quickly put away all her belongings and hurried out of the canteen. She saw Sheena and Tiaraing in her way so she re-entered in the canteen and decided to use the backdoor that leads to the storeroom. The canteen keeper scolded her but she persevered until she got out of the warehouse.


    She took a deep breath and looked up at the Agriculture building in front of her. Atst, she was brought out to the this side of the specialized. How amusing. A brokenugh escaped from her lips as tears brimmed her eyes. Her feet took a step forward and she saw herself standing in front of the elevator.


    She repeatedly pressed the elevator button.


    "Come on ... C-Come on," she whispered, voice trembling. She could feel the ridiculous stares of the students behind her and she could hear their whispers as if deliberately speaking louder just so she could hear them talk about her behind her back.


    "Shameless girl. Married even before she graduated. Didn''t her parents tell her to prioritize her study first before flirting with men?"


    "If I were her, I will hide in my marital home. Even if you study hard, but can you stay in the Unversity that long? One day, she''ll surely leave because she needs to hide her big belly from prying eyes. Hayst, what a pity for such a beautiful girl like her."


    "Right. What''s the use of studying hard when you can''t really contribute to society when all you have to do at home is to spread your legs for a man? I bet, she can''t finish her schooling due to being pregnant this early." "Imagining myself in her shoes, I really can''t believe that she still has the guts to appear here. So thick-skinned!"Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Jewel''s face paled hearing all of those whispers behind her. The elevator was still in 5th floor and she could not stand those whispers anymore. Without a choice, she ran towards the stairs and climb her way up to the seventh floor. She sobbed, gasping hard upon reaching the seventh floor. Dark spots appeared in her vision and she felt dizzy from theck of air as she was holding her breathe everytime she encounter students ncing at her.


    Even with difficulty, she forced herself to walk. Her knees were shaking and her eyes were squinting. She repeatedly whispered the name of the person she thought could help her, the only person she trusted the most. "G-Gideon," her voice trailed off.


    Pressing a hand on the wall, she knocked softly on the door of his ssroom. She waited but the longer it was, the stronger her anxiety attacked her. When the door opened, Jewel''s tense body loosened and she fell on Gideon''s arms. "Jewel!" he called.


    He lifted her body up and Jewel felt herself floating. She opened her eyes only to see Gideon''s worried gaze. A soft smile tugged the corner of her lips.


    "Who did this to you?" he asked in a low tone.


    It was the first time she saw Gideon''s anger and she felt a little itchy in her heart.

 A visit in the University

    The whole University is in turmoil. Ordinary students don''t feel it but the Administrative Building feel the tension. Everyone with ess to the offices is tense. Even all the student leaders did not bother to pass the paperworks. Mayor Calixto, Don Sebastian and Donya Belinda came. The leaders of two most powerful families that holds great power in politics and business, Hernandez and Mangubat, visits UDM. And it is because of the recent chaos in the campus. Don and Donya are angry but they still keep their calm, holding back the strong emotions they feel for this whole ordeal. The Mayor''s eyes were calm but asionally squinting at the woman sitting behind the table. Rosalinda smiled wryly. "Mr. And Mrs. Mangubat, we don''t ---"


    "Is there no proper policy within the University making my daughter fell ill within the campus?" Donya''s sarcastic question cut the Counselor''s words.


    "Tell me the truth what happened to my unica hija," Don Sebastian said with a gritted teeth and smiled meaningfully at thedy. "I don''t ept unbelievable lies, Rosalinda Hernandez-Policarpio."


    Thedy smiled and looked to Mayor Calixto for help. Thetter shook his head. "Gideon told me about Jewel Laine''s Community Service. Don''t you know she''s not allowed to get tired, Rosalinda?"


    "Kuya ---" [A/n: Kuya, an endearment of younger siblings to an older brother]


    "Call me Calixto. I''m talking to you as the father of Gideon Manasseh who is the wife of the woman now lying in the hospital."


    Thedy sighed and could not look directly at Calixto. "Mr. Calixto, there is nothing in the records of the University about Mrs. Hernandez''s medical condition. She is also guilty for disobeying the University''s rule that''s why I passed the case to the Prefect office who gave Mrs. Hernandez the sanction."


    Don Sebastian''s brows met. "What''s wrong? How could Jewel Laine disobey the rule if I raised her to be obedient and fearful of authority?"


    "Mr. Mangubat, Ms. Marquez and your daughter had a fight. She and Ms. Marquez were beating each other up. It was a physical offense so I had to follow the University''s protocol."


    "Beaten..." Don''s forehead furrowed even more and blushed in anger. "Who beat up my daughter? I didn''t raise her to be beaten by others!"


    "Mr. Mangubat, calm down..." thedy whispered. "It was Ms. Marquez because ---"


    "Give me a full name!" Don Sebastian blurted out in anger.


    "Sheena Mae Marquez," thedy said narrowly. "I found out the two were fighting because of Mr. Saavedra ---"


    "Name!"


    "Simoen Castler Saavedra." Thedy took a deep breath with nervousness. "There''s something about the three... Love triangle ----"


    "Who says she can flirt? She''s married!" Don Sebastian''s shoulders moved up and down, face was red due to anger. "Sebastian," Donya called. "I think --"Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    "Don''t talk," the Don whispered to his wife. Taking a deep breathe, he spoke calmly. "Tell me everything that happened from the beginning. And don''t make the mistake of lying because I can destroy your beloved University, Rosalinda," he warned.


    Thedy''s eyes widened and nodded. She told everyone about Jewel''s first entry into guidance that was due to an idental kiss, three footage of the kissing in the private part of the University, her fight with Sheena, and the current gossip due to the article posted on the UDM website.


    Don''s eyes narrowed and he groaned. "Did the University take no steps?"


    "There is an action from us, Mr. Mangubat."


    "So the two didn''t receive heavy punishment?" Donya Belinda couldn''t hold back hereelf and asked.


    "Ah..." The Counselor was speechless. There was indeed no heavy sanction enforced on both Sheena and Simoen because the campus director was thetter''s uncle.


    "I won''t allow it," Don Sebastian huffed. "Marquez and that Saavedra should to be punished for hurting my unica hija!"


    The Mayor sighed. "We have a policy to follow, Sebastian. Ms. Marquez has already been given the appropriate punishment, and..." The Mayor frowned and turned to Rosalinda again. "Was there a punishment given to Mr. Saavedra?" Thedy shook her head. "During the idental kiss, I gave them counsel. It was just an oral reprimand. But the second time Mrs. Hernandez came here, Mr. Saavedra had nothing to do with the trouble so he was not included in Community Service."


    Don Sebastian took a deep breath. "He has to answer to me!"


    "Sebastian," the Mayor called. "Byw, if there is noint, there is nowsuit. If there is no evidence, the case will be dismissed. And if it is proven to be irrelevant, it cannot be implicated in the mess. I am here as Gideon''s father but that doesn''t mean I forgot to follow thew and system. I hope you understand."


    Don Sebastian and Mayor Calixto looked at each other. Don sighed and looked at his wife. "I will not let the name of the two ns be tarnished."


    "Don''t worry, Sebastian. Whoever spread that article, he can''t run from thew," the Mayor finally said. He held out his hand to Don to shake his hand. "My son has neglected his wife too much. I will give all the rights to you and you can hope that this will never happen again."


    Don Sebastian smiled meaningfully and epted the Mayor''s handshake. Thetter smiled. The two already knew what to do.


    JEWEL FROWNED in the light. She opened her eyes and the first thing she saw was white ceiling. She could not feel her body at all that seemed to be floating in the air. Suddenly, Gideon''s face appeared before her eyes. She stared at him, blinking for few times.


    "Rx. You''re safe," he whispered.


    She closed her eyes and tried to move her finger. She still could not open her mouth to speak and she felt disheartened.


    "Be calm, Jewel. You''ll feel better soon," Gideon assured. She heard him sigh. "You were still unconscious yesterday so I took you to the hospital. I also called the Mayor and your parents. They went to the University to find out what happened to you. What really happened, Jewel?"


    Jewel blinked.


    Gideon continued. "I heard rumors while you were at the clinic. They already know that you''re married." He stared at her for a few moments before speaking again. "Your father is sorting out this mess and I hope everything is fine by the time you get back to University."


    "I''ve also checked my mails. Someone posted an article about you." Gideon squinted his eyes. "Don''t worry, I won''t let that person get away with this."


    Gideon moved his lips near her ear and kissed her earlobe. He whispered softly, "Close your eyes. I''ll be there when you wake up."


    Gradually her whole consciousness fell into darkness.


    Jewel wake up in a familiar room, familiar smell, and familiar scene where sunlight prates the window. If she''s correct, she must be in her room in her dad''s mansion. How did she get here?


    She ran a finger through the hair. Everything is familiar to her; the noise of the aircon every time she wakes up in the morning, the moan of the wind outside the balcony, and the song of the birds in the woods.


    It''s true. She finally returned to the mansion. Jewel closed her eyes tightly and thought how she ended up here when a knock interrupted her thoughts. Her lips parted when she recognized the person who walked in. "M-Mother?"


    Donya Belinda smiled. "Get dressed. It''s past seven and you''ll bete for ss. Hurry up, Jewel Laine. You don''t want to miss your ss, do you?"


    The door closed again. She swallowed and blinked. Her mother seemed not upset with her vices and she even smiled widely at her. Jewel looked down on her fingers.


    Was she really married off to someone? Did she really take the desired course? Did she really live in a house in Cansanit?


    Was Gideon Manasseh Hernandez real? Or was it a dream afterall?


    Her eyes caught the sight of a gold ring on her ring finger. Taking a deep breathe, she raised her hand to take a closer look onto it. So it was true that she was married off to the Mayor''s son.


    But... howe she''s back to her dad''s mansion? Didn''t Gideon promised that he''ll be there when she wake up and that he''ll never let her go?


    Did he break his promise?

 Missing him

    "It''s been a week, Laine."


    Her brows met and she looked around, hoping to see the Professor named Gideon. After that incident, he no longer entered the ss. She did not see the man even in the administration building or in the agriculture building. It was as if he had disappeared like a bubble. She could not understand why.


    "Laine."


    Her head snapped back to Jasmine and sighed. "Sorry? What is it again?"


    "You''re not listening, eh. Who are you looking for?"


    She averted her eyes and sighed again. "Gideon."


    "Gideon?" Jasmine''s forehead creased. "Well, there are many Gideons in the country. But I know one. Professor Gideon. Is he the one you''re looking for, Laine?"


    She blinked, grinning and smiling. "Yes. Where is he now?"


    "Oh, I''m sorry. He resigned three dayster after you were rushed to the hospital. He didn''t say goodbye to us so I can''t tell you the reason."


    "Resigned?" she blurted out. Jasmine nodded. Jewel swallowed. "That''s why he wasn''t in ss earlier?"


    Jasmine nodded immediately. "Partly yes. There''s a new Professor to rece him. Professor Isagani at BSABE. I don''t know who''s in the other department." "But why same room?"


    "Prof Isagani said that the position left by Prof Gideon was vacant so he chose it."


    Jewel looked down and sighed again. Jasmine thenughed. "Hey, you''re serious. That''s a few sighs ah." She smiled meaningfully. "Do you miss Prof Gideon?" "Who wouldn''t?"


    Jasmine took a deep breath and patted her shoulder. "Same feeling. He''s probably the only handsome Professor I''ve ever met."


    She sniffed and toyed with the straw of mango juice. It''s not just his beauty that she''s looking for. She is truly looking for her husband. The feeling is strange when he is not around.


    SHE WAS still holding the phone but she didn''t have the courage to call. Sh did not know why she was looking for him and she had no excuse to call her husband.


    Jewel sighed and decided to just enter the ssroom. The whole ss was there and rejoicing because everyone passed the midterm examst week.


    She is probably the only one who can''t rte because she was absent during the examination week. Then, she has to go to the Admin building to take a special test. She presented her Medical Certificate to the Dean of Engineering so she was allowed to take the exam as an alternative.


    She smiled and she remembered Gideon''s words that she needed to find a way to solve her problem. So she asked Don Sebastian to get her a Medical Certificate as an evidence and reason why she was absentst week.


    Hey, only now did she understand why Gideon said that. Admittedly, not at all times that someone will share her problem. Not at all times that someone will fix the mess she made.


    Of course, she has nothing to hold on to now because she is under the authority of her parents. They are strict and always stressed that she must be perfect. Okay. She will be patient now. When she returns to Gideon''s house, she will no longer be captured by those high ss rules.


    Her husband was her only hope of getting out of the cage. Gideon was really the only person she can always ask for help. And she''s confident that he will never let her down. She knew it.


    Jewel just need a good reason. One reason that she could use to visit him... her eyes squinted when she remembered something. Her lips parted and she screamed happily. "I knew it!" "Jewel Laine? Are you okay?"


    Her head snapped happily to her blockmates and nodded. "I''m okay. More than okay!"


    Then looked down at her wristwatch. There''s one more hour before ss dismissal. When the bell rang, she hurried out of the ssroom and went to the restroom.


    Looking around, she saw no students. She entered thest cubicle and pulled out the phone, searched the contacts for Gideon''s name and was about to press the call button but she hesitated. After awhile, she closed her eyes and bit her lip.


    ''You must be brave,'' she thought.


    She then pressed the call button with her eyes closed. She opened her eyes when someone answered from the other line.


    "Jewel," Gideon whispered on the phone.


    Jewel''s body went stiff. "H-hi?"


    "How are you?"


    "I-I''m good." She nodded even though he couldn''t see her. "How about y-you?"


    "You''re stuttering. Are you sure you''re okay?"


    "Y-Yes. Of c-course." How could she not stutter when her uneven breathe could not keep up with her fast heart beat?


    Jewel took two deep breaths. "I''m fine... really."


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    "Good. Why have you called? Do you need anything?"


    Gradually, she squinted her eyes. "What''s with that tone?" she asked. "You''re talking as if nothing happened." Gideon did not speak again. Jewel gritted her teeth. "Talk to me," she said.


    "I''m sorry for what happened, wife." She heard him sigh. "I can''t take care of you, Jewel."


    "What are you s-saying?"


    "Let''s live in separate ---"


    "Stop." She sighed, clenching her other fist hard. "I want to talk with you... in person"


    There was another silence from the other line and it''s making her irritated. Jewel snorted and hummed. "I''ll dine in your housete and I''ll take my seed project."


    "Are you sure you want to visit?"


    "What? Got a problem with that?" she huffed.


    "I''m not in Cansanit today," Gideon reasoned after a few seconds.


    Jewel frowned. "Is that a problem? Then just go home for dinner tonight!"


    She heard Gideon''s chuckling. "I''m currently in Oslob. Just... visit tomorrow?"


    She squinted her eyes again while staring at the cubicle''s door. "Don''t you dare, Hernandez. I''m going to visit your houseter. No more excuses. Or I''ll secretly sneak tonight and travel to Oslob by myself to find you. I''m sure you don''t want that."


    "Oh. Thest time you travelled past the city, you almost couldn''t get up due to extreme dizziness. Then, shall I wait for you here in Oslob?"


    She could almost imagine Gideon''s smirk on his lips. Jewel hissed, but her heart started to beat fast again as a sweet pang covered it. Talking to Gideon with this atmosphere helped her anxiety to calm down. She thought that Gideon wanted to cut ties with her but she''s wrong.


    "Juste back home. I want to see you again," she whispered over the phone.


    "Alright. I''ming home, wife."


    A soft smile tugged the corner of her lips but sheughed when she remembered that Oslob was in south Cebu and travelling to Medellin at the farthest north of the province would take almost four hours. How could Gideon travel so fast when heavy traffic is expected in the city?


    Jewel put her phone back on her pocket and walked out of the cubicle. There, she saw three girls having retouch of their make-ups. They simultaneously looked at her when and the three of them chuckled.


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    "Girls, someone must be having sweet call with her husband, right?" one of them asked the other two.


    "I see. So sweet..."mented the second girl and the three of them chuckled again, certainly ridiculing Jewel.


    Jewel immediately walked out of the bathroom and she felt a handful of hostile stares thrown at her direction. She even heard a few whispers.


    After her parents visited the campus, the gossip about her had calmed down but it didn''t mean that she''ll bepletely free from discrimination and ridicule of other students, specially those girls who were secretly having crushes on both Simoen and Joseph.


    But Jewel decided to ignore it all.


    Since it was almost four in the afternoon, she went directly into the parking lot where her family driver was waiting.


    The ride was just quiet. She folded her arms and looked outside the window and pouted. She suddenly missed the smell of Gideon''s car.


    "Maam, too much traffic. We might take a long time," the driver said suddenly.


    "It''s alright. By the way, take a turn to Cansanit --"


    "Maam, it''s my job to take you to Don Sebastian''s Mansion."


    Her eyes narrowed in annoyance and quickly grabbed her phone out of her pocket to call her father.


    "Pa," she greeted. [A/n: Pa, short term for ''Papa'']


    "Jewel? Isn''t the driver there to fetch you?"


    "Yes. He''s here but I''m going to Cansanit."


    "Why all of the sudden you want to visit your ipetent husband?"


    Jewel was speechless for a moment. Until now, her father held resentment towards Gideon because of what happened to her. Maybe it was the reason why her father insisted to bring her back. She sighed. "I''m going to get a project at Gideon''s house. I have to submit it this week. I really need it now."


    "Is that so? All right. But before half past six, you must be here at the Mansion. Are we clear?"


    Looking at her wristwatch, she nodded and said yes before ending the call.


    "Maam, which part of the Cansanit?" the driver asked. It seemed like he understood that Don Sebastian gave his permission.


    A smile tugged the corner of her lips as she looked outside the window, and onto the setting sun. "On the Penins... near Don Virgilio."N?velDrama.Org ? content.

 His apology

    It was getting dark when they reached Gideon''s house. She immediately got out of the car and took big steps towards the gate. Jewel rang the doorbell and looked up at the glowing house. It was too quiet. Was there someone inside? If there''s none, why almost all lights were turned on?


    She breathed a sigh of relief when the main door opened. Tang came out and when he saw her, he quickened his steps towards her.


    "Maam Laine! Who''s with you? Are you alone when you came here?" he asked as he opened the gate.


    "I have a driver with me, Mang Tang. He''s in the car. Has Gideon arrived?"


    The old man shook his head and gestured for her to follow. Jewel immediatelyplied. Tang answered, "Sir Manasseh is in Oslob, Maam."


    "But he told me that he''ll be home tonight."


    "Is that so? Maybe he''s still traveling, Maam. Oslob is too far from Medellin."


    She shrugged her shoulders and looked down at her wristwatch. She still had time to wait for him. "Then I''ll take my seed project first, Mang Tang. Where is it?"


    "Ah..." Tang nodded his head, realizing her reason for the visit and pointed a finher upstairs. "It''s in the teresa, Ma''am."


    Jewel raised a brow. "Oh? Did you take care of it, Mang Tang?"


    Tang shook his head and smiled. "Sir Manasseh took care of it. He watered it every day, and I noticed that he likes to be alone in the teresa with it. It''s quite confusing since he doesn''t like to stay in the teresa."


    "I see." She sat down on the sofa. "I''ll just wait for him here." And maybe just snatch her seed when she''s about to go backter.


    Tang turned on the television and switched the channel to HBO. "I''ll just make you some juice, Maam Laine."


    "Okay. Thank you."


    Tang smiled before going to the kitchen. Jewel leaned back on the sofa and watched a movie. Since then, she was engrossed in what she was watching when her phone rang. She grabbed it and answered the call. Tang approached her right at that moment and ced the juice on the center table for her to consume.


    "Hello," she greeted.


    "Maam, let me just remind you that your curfew ising up."Jewel heard the driver''s voice.


    Her forehead furrowed and she looked down at her wristwatch once again. It''s past six-fifteen in the evening. Her eyes widened. "Y-yeah. Thanks for reminding me."


    "Okay, Maam." And the call ended.


    Jewel bit her lip and almost lost her temper. When she saw the mango juice she took it and drank it straight away. "Slow down, Maam," Tang, who was standing nearby, reminded her.


    She dropped the empty ss back on the table. "Still Gideon''s not here, Mang Tang?"


    The old man nodded his head. She took a deep breath and quickly searched for Gideon''s name in the contacts. The call rang for three times before someone answered it. She clenched her fist and stood up. "Where are you? I''ve been waiting for you at your house for a while!"


    She heard Gideon''s chuckle that made the corner of her mouth twitch. What the heck. Was heughing at her? Gideon cleared his throat. "Turn around, wife."


    Jewel obeyed and saw Gideon at the doorway. The phone was pressed against his ear and he was staring right at her. Her husband smiled when their gazes met. "Did I make you wait for too long?" he asked.


    She ended the call and put down the phone. "I have my curfew. And I only got 15 minutes to spare. Why are you so slow?" she grumbled and huffed.


    Gideon froze for a moment. "I got stuck in a heavy traffic." He walked over to her, and passed by her seat and sat on the sofa opposite her.


    Jewel folded her arms. "I wouldn''t freak out like this if I didn''t." She red at Gideon who just smiled upon sitting on the opposite sofa, exhausted from the long trip.


    She suddenly felt sorry for her husband. She knew Oslob was too far from Medellin. Gideon surely sat on the driver''s seat for a few hours and couldn''t even stop over. "What brought you here, Jewel?" Gideon asked. He leaned back and folded his arms, staring at her.


    She blinked and her cheeks went red. Jewel averted her gaze because she couldn''t meet his deep gaze. "Gonna take the p-pot."


    Gideon nodded and called Tang. "Get the pot on teresa, Tang."


    "All right, sir."


    Gideon turned to her again. "I didn''t tell Tang to prepare dinner for you. I''ll prepare you a dinner next time you''ll visit."


    Jewel sighed. "It''s okay. I won''t stay longer than necessary either. But..." She stole a nce at him. "I want to ask you."


    "Speak."


    She snorted and frowned. "I want to know what happened during that week. And why did you... resign?" Jewel kept her gaze on the ornamental nt in the corner of the living room. She heard him sigh. "Your parents haven''t told you?"


    "We''re not close, I mean... I''m not close to them. So, I didn''t ask. They didn''t open up either so Papa and Mama didn''t tell me anything."


    Gideon thought for a moment before speaking. "You were unconscious for six days. Jewel, you shouldn''t let stress eat you up."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "You always remind me of that thing."


    "It''s because when you''re stressed, Jewel, there is a high chance of panic attack. You were once diagnosed with hyperventtion syndrome that''s why your parents don''t want you to work hard in the field." "And...?"


    Gideon sat straight. "That is one of the reasons why your parents don''t want you to be an AB Engineer."


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! Jewel raised a brow. "So... why didn''t you stop me from the course I took?"


    "I want you to study the course you like, wife. College is like a battlefield and when you didn''t like the path you choose, it''s easy for you to feel disheartened and gave up. I don''t you to feel burdened, and I did promise your parents that I will protect their daughter. And I believed I could do so but... I failed."


    She looked up at Gideon. He averted his gaze and it made her eyes widened in surprise. It was the first time she saw Gideon''s embarrassed look. There''s a little sweet pang in her chest knowing that he has this side also.


    Jewel looked down to hide the small smile ying on her lips. "So you let Papa bring me back again? So you''re thinking that you''ve failed your promise and you''re not worthy to keep your wife? And a coward you are that you resigned from your work as my Professor. Am I right, Gideon?"


    Gideon parted his lips but no words came out. There was silence between them before he broke it first. "Think whatever you want, Jewel. But this is for your own good and safety. The whole UDM knows about your civil status and the culprit is still on loose. I can''t bear to see you lose consciousness again."


    "Oh..." She bit her lips. "But isn''t it because of their gossip and ridicule that I passed out? It has nothing to do with you so why did you left me alone in the campus?"


    "Jewel..."


    A lone tear escaped from her eyes and she hastily wiped it away. "When I came back to UDM, I was hoping that I could see you. B-But you left even without saying goodbye to me, leaving me alone to endure their ridicule." "I''m sorry, Jewel."


    Her fist clenched hard. "You know... I only gathered my courage to enter UDM again after I was made aughing stock because I wanted to see you, Gideon. But you''re not there. How rude." She snickered and met his gaze. "I thought you''ll keep your promise?"


    Gideon didn''t answer her.


    She pursed her lips as tears brimmed her eyes. "I have only you to depend on, husband. Why did you left without informing me? You even let my Dad to take me away. Just tell me if I am worthless in your eyes and I will leave for your heart''s content!"


    "Jewel... I''m..." Gideon sighed and closed his eyes. He took a deep breathe before he opened his eyes again and stared at her. "It''s for the best, Jewel. I hope you understand."

 Youre not worthless

    Jewel stared at him, waiting for him to speak again but only silence answered her. She sighed and averted her gaze. "It''s fine if you see me as worthless." "Jewel, you''re not worthless."


    "If I''m not, then why are you avoiding me? Why did you give me away just like that? If I am a burden to you, then we can have a divorce... if that''s what you like," she said, whispering thest sentence. "Do you want to?" he asked.


    Jewel stared at him, lips parting in disbelief. She burst into tears as she bit her trembling lip. She kept on cursing him as she covered her face with her palms, sobbing louder.


    Gideon did not say a word again until she calmed down. She raised her head only to meet his mncholic gaze. "Jewel, I''m sorry. Your husband is just too weak and is not good enough for you."


    "I never ask for a perfect husband, Gideon," she said, sadness was evident in her voice. "I only ask for someone whom I can trust and run to, someone who will never betray me and ept me for who I am." Jewel stared at him. "In this world, you''re the only person I won''t run away from, and I hope I am the same to you, Gideon."


    Gideon stood and walked close to her. Jewel raised her head and stared at him who stood in front. Bending his knees, he kissed her forehead. "My wife, I will not abandon you."


    A soft smile appeared on Jewel''s lips as she closed her eyes to feel the warmth in her forehead. Gideon hugged her and she hugged him back, burying her face on the crook of his neck.


    She likes his warmth. It''sforting and giving her a sense of security no one has ever done in her life. This is her husband, her man, her own.


    "Would you like to go back to UDM again and let me live in this house?" she asked suddenly.


    She felt Gideon''s body stiffened. Jewel frowned. Just like her, Gideon has his insecurities too and she understand it, but what she didn''t like is the fact that it''s hard to change her husband''s decision.


    "No. I can''t. The culprit is still on loose and another issue might spread if I''ll keep my job in UDM. It''s not good for your reputation. And you need to stay in your father''s mansion until this crisis has toe to an end. It''s to protect you from malicious gossip in the high society."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "But they know that I''m married," she reasoned out. "Why should I keep on living with my parents?"


    "Jewel, you need to understand that your family has enemies too and they might use this issue against you and your parents."


    "Why? We can just fight them off! We have your father''s power in politics and my parents'' influence in business. This is enough to stop them from throwing malicious stones against us!"


    Gideon tugged the corner of his lips up. "A proud tree in the forest will attract strong winds and adversities. We can''t fight them off forever because powers and influence will weaken over time, Jewel."


    Jewel took a deep breathe and shook Gideon''s hand away. "You''re just being coward." Frowning, she looked around and didn''t saw her pot. She was sure that Tang hadn''t retrieved it yet from the teresa. Jewel stood. "I will go. Nevermind the pot. y with it if you like!" she huffed..


    "Wife, what''s this? Where are you going?" Gideon asked, confused.


    Just a minute ago, they were still talking smoothly. But howe Jewel''s throwing tantrums again? Where did he go wrong?


    "Where? Of course my Dad''s mansion! You won''t let me live in your house, right?"


    "Just bear with it for awhile. I''ll get you back when this crisis'' over," Gideon assured her.


    "Bah! Retrieve me when crisis is over? Gideon, do you think of me like a broken doll that you could give and get whenever you like? Hah. Forget what I said earlier. You''re a pathetic fool! I regret being your wife!"


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    Jewel huffed and turned, walked out of the house, but Gideon quickly grabbed her arm and turned her around to face him. He gripped both her shoulders carefully and stared into her eyes. "Are you lying?" he asked.


    "Of course not. Why should I?" She tried to shook his hand away but his grip on her was tight. She frowned and red at him. "Let go!" she warned.


    Gideon''s expression softened. His mouth opened and closed as if he had something to say but eventually closed his mouth and averted his gaze. "I know it when you lie. I can see you through, Jewel. Don''t lie in front of your husband." Jewel pursed her lips in annoyance and didn''t speak again. Gideon sighed. "I''ll escort you outside," he offered.


    She red at him, eyes were red as she was holding back her tears. "A wooden freak!" she yelled.


    "What?"


    Jewel felt her blood boil in anger. "You really couldn''t read between the lines or are you just ignoring it? You''re annoying! Get away!"


    She pushed him away and ran towards the entrance. But before she could take a step outside, her feet stopped and she clutched her chest. Jewel gasped, panting for air as her chest tightened. Her knees hit the floor and her vision blurred. "Jewel!" Gideon cried.


    He quickly knelt opposite her and raised her head.


    "Tang, that paper bag!"


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! Jewel closed her eyes. She felt Gideon''s grip on her hand. He intertwined their fingers and squeezed her hand.


    A few more secondster she felt a paper bag ced on her mouth. She inhaled and exhaled deeply while holding up the paper bag.


    She did that for a few minutes, until the tightening of her chest gradually loosened. When she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Gideon''s worried eyes. She averted her gaze, frowning hard. "Shall I call the hospital, Sir?" Tang asked.


    "Feeling better?" Gideon asked her.


    She nodded weakly and averted her eyes. Jewel tried to stand up but her leg shook so she almost fell face first. Gideon quickly caught her up, watching her every move.


    "I want to go h-home," she said, voice was still weak and a little hoarse.


    "Stay. Let me take care of you," Gideon said.


    Jewel''s heart beat faster and she frowned even more. She couldn''t help but to steal nces at her husband who was beside her and helping her to stand in her feet. She sighed. "Y-you''re too close," she reminded her. She might as well get another panick attack everytime Gideon''s doing stuffs that makes her heart flutter.

 His confession

    She could feel Gideon squeezing her hand. Smiling softly, she inhaled the evening breeze. Jewel looked up at the sky and stared at the full moon. The evening breeze passed them slowly, caressing her bare cheek. "The moon shines bright tonight," Gideon whispered.


    Jewel looked at Gideon standing beside her. He was also looking up at the moon and had a small smile on hiss lips. Jewel just gaze at him, breathless.


    "A perfect night for a moonlight serenade, isn''t it?" he said. Gideon looked down at her and then smiled softly. "Do you mind if I sing a song?"


    She shook her head. "No." Raising a brow, she smirked. "Just make sure that song isn''t for other women like Elise."


    "Silly." Gideon chuckled. "Still jealous? I told you, I''m not seeing Elise."


    Jewel averted her gaze. "I don''t believe you." Then she withdrew her hand from his hold and folded her arms in her chest, looking at the ocean glowing under the moonlight. ''The ce is just magnificent,'' she thought.


    She was surprised when Gideon stood behind her and hugged her. Her heart beat quickened again and it''s making her lose her breathe. Everytime Gideon cling on her, her heart always skip a beat... then it will pump faster. Faster and faster. "Breathe, Jewel," Gideon whispered in her ear.


    Jewel did what he said. Taking a deep breath, she tapped his arm wrapped around her waist. "Do you want to kill your wife? Don''t do that again, okay? You always make me breathless, Gideon!"


    Heughed. "I didn''t do anything to make you fall hard, Jewel." He brought his lips close to her ear. "But don''t be sad, you always steal my breath too, wife."


    Blood rushed to her face and her cheeks burned red, embarrassed. Jewel bit her lips to keep herself from giggling. She didn''t expect Gideon to have this sweet side of him.


    Gideon kissed the side of her temple. She was surprised by what he did and took a step forward and was stopped by the balcony''s railings. Gideonughed and pulled her back again in her arms. Jewel closed her eyes, biting her lip, and leaning her back against Gideon''s chest.


    She wished for the night to pass by slowly, with her and Gideon both standing on the balcony. Gideon hugging her from behind and both staring at the full moon in the night sky.


    Gideon''s arms around her tightened and he whispered to her ear again. "I''ve fallen in love with you, my wife..."


    There was a sweet pain in her heart. Jewel bit her lip as she felt electrified from the bottom of her heart down to her core.


    "Are you telling the truth?" she asked in a whisper.


    Gideon turned her around, facing her to him. He smiled at her. There was a glow of happiness in his eyes that she have never seen before. "I don''t remember being this happy while confessing to someone." Gideon tucked the strand of hair behind her ear. "The first time I''ve seen your face in that portrait, there''s this hint of familiarity deep within me, Jewel. And I vowed from that day forward that I will find the girl in the portrait." Jewel blinked. "You truly found me."


    He nodded, a soft smile ying in his lips. "I will never regret being bounded to you in this lifetime, Jewel Laine."


    She swallowed the lump in her throat and casted her eyes down. "About earlier... I''m sorry."


    "Don''t mention it. I understand why you''ve said those things."


    "But..." She closed her fist tight. "I was too harsh. I mean, I''m being impulsive and that was so stupid of me. I didn''t mean to ---"


    "Jewel."


    She came back to her senses and looked up at Gideon. He smiled at her. There was a little yful smile on his lips that made Jewel blushed in embarrassment. She just admitted that she''s stupid.


    "I mean I was overwhelmed by your words and that ---"


    "You don''t need to defend yourself, Jewel. I don''t need your reasons."


    She sighed, giving up. If Gideon don''t want her exnation, then she will not force her excuses. But there is something that she should open up to him.


    "To be honest, I''m not really allowed to visit Cansanit. I just reasoned out the seed project so Papa would agree. But I was allowed to visit in one condition... I must go back before my curfew." She bit her lip again. "But it was past eight in the evening. Papa will get angry ---"


    "I already ordered Tang to let your father know, Jewel. I already sent the driver home."


    "Huh? When?"


    "After we ate our dinner."


    She was stunned. So that''s the reason why the driver didn''t interrupt them when she was invited to go up with Gideon.


    Jewel watched the moon in the distance. It was bright that it stars paled inparison of its brightness.


    "Papa agreed?" she asked suddenly.


    "He should. I''m your husband."


    She chuckled. "Oh. He sees things the way he wants. He''s unlikely to just agree without any benefits. You know his character."


    "Don''t overthink."


    "So... will you take me again? Can I stay here for good?" she asked.


    She wanted to stay at Gideon''s house not because she wanted to run away from her parents again, but because the mansion''s too silent and she was just feeling lonely staying there without her x-rated books. Also, Dalya and Pedro were no longer there so she was left with no one else she could talk about her passion for erotica.


    She also ended her friendship with the three girls and now she''s left with her servants only. But she does not regret it because she knows that Dalya and Peter are true to her. She would never experience betrayal from the two of them. "I''ll ask your father tomorrow."


    She gasped. "So I''ll sleep in my room tonight?"


    "That should be the case."


    She sighed in relief. But there''s no certainty of what will await her tomorrow.


    Jewel did not want to get separated from Gideon so she preferred them to stay on the balcony, with only the two of them. She was afraid that when she woke up tomorrow, she would realize that all of this were just a dream. "Can we stay here all night?" she asked.


    Gideon chuckled. "Aren''t you feeling cold?"


    "No." She smiled. "You keep me warm."


    "We can''t stay awake until dawn, Jewel."


    Jewel pursed her lips. Of course, she knew it. Even if she deny it, she was getting sleepy while standing on the balcony. But she fought it. Then, a sudden thought appeared in her mind. "I want to sleep beside you," Jewel said.


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    Gideonughed again. "We can''t sleep in the same bed."


    Jewel raised a brow. "Are you afraid of doing what a married couple should do at night?" she teased.


    "Hmm?" Gideon brought his lips close to her ear. "What should a married couple do at night, Jewel?"


    It was Jewel''s turn to be speechless as her mind imagine the scene. Gideonughed when he noticed her burning cheeks.


    "Stopughing!" she hissed and rolled her eyes.


    Gideon stared at her, smirking. "I thought you want to talk about it?"


    Jewel turned her face away. She could feel her ears burned red. It was shameful for her, as a girl, to just simply talk about sex with a man even though Gideon is her husband. It was a norm in her hometown that a girl should maintain her elegant and pure mind. And talking about that thing, Jewel could not stand the embarrassment any longer.


    "We just sleep. N-Not that thing you''re thinking!" she said.


    Gideon justughed. "Don''t ask anyone to sleep with you other than me, Jewel."


    "It''s just your pervert thoughts! There''s no malice in my question. You''re making things up! Hmmp!"


    "Oh? Didn''t you ask me if I''m too coward to do that ''thing'' with my wife?" Gideon asked, lips curving into a smile.


    "Y-You!" Jewel turned her face away again.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    Of course, she was the one who started the topic but she didn''t want to admit it!


    Seeing that she won''t admit it, Gideon just shook his head. "Alright." Chuckling, he started to sing an unfamiliar song.


    Jewel was surprised that Gideon still had the mood to sing a song after she''s having a little tantrum. She sighed and leanedfortably against Gideon''s chest. She listened carefully to his song.


    Her husband''s voice is deep with coldness yet sharp. But the emotion is faintly there, and it makes her heart skip a beat.


    But she''s not too dumb to not notice the changes in his emotion. There''s a hint of hurt, disappointment, and apology in his voice.


    When Gideon ended the song, both of them fell silent. The crashing of the sea waves on the shore and the crickets in the woond nearby broke the deafening silence.


    There was no doubt that Gideon was singing out pain and loneliness, and Jewel couldn''t understand the reason why. When she asked him, he just smiled and kissed her forehead.

 Secrets unfold

    It was an awkward morning. When she woke up, the gray ceiling of the room was the first thing she saw. There was a wide study table on the side, a gray cupboard, and someone standing at the foot of the bed who was folding his arm across his chest and looking at her with a serious gaze. It was Gideon. Jewel was stunned.


    She quickly grab the nket to cover naked body but someone pulled at the nketpletely exposing herself to him. Jewel widened her eyes and pulled the nket back and Gideon let her. He frowned while looking at the faint red marks on her wrist.


    Jewel hid her arm at her back and smiled wryly at him. "It''s just an ordinary mark. I always got this every morning. Don''t worry. Uhm, why are you here in my room?"


    She averted her gaze. She was not used to talking to someone without washing her face. What if there''s something on her face?


    Gideon put his hands in his pockets. "We have something to talk about."


    She nced at Gideon. His hair was slightly wet and he was wearing a shirt and pants. Looks like her husband just finished taking a bath.


    Jewel smiled. "Okay. Let me freshen up." She then scratched softly her chin, averting his gaze. "Could you please go outside my room? I''ll just take a shower."


    Of course, she couldn''t get out of the bed because she''s naked. On the other hand, Gideon was confused why Jewel was sleeping naked in his bed. But he had never slept with her so he didn''t know if sleeping naked was his wife''s habit. Even so, he felt hot watching his wife on his bed with only a nket covering her body.


    Jewel looked around. "By the way, this room is lit. You didn''t tell me that you''ve changed the design of my room. But not bad."


    "This is my room," Gideon said.


    "Huh?"


    "You insisted to sleep in my room. So we change roomsst night."


    Jewel blinked her eyes as her cheeks started to burn bright red. So, she''s naked in Gideon''s bed? She averted her gaze. "Well, your room is not bad. And I''m sure you slept soundly in my roomst night, right? Because I slept well in your bed." She smiled awkwardly.


    Gideon didn''t answer her and just turned around. "Go take a bath," he said before walking out of the room.


    Though confused by his attitude, Jewel nodded andplied with what he said. She entered the bathroom with a frown. What''s the problem with him early in the morning?


    Jewel shook her head and started to take a bath, recalling the reason why she slept so wellst night. She smelt the natural scent, perfume, andundry soap on Gideon''s bed sheet, making her rx.


    She quickly finished the bath and reached for the robe hanging on the side of the door, wearing it. Jewel walked out of the bathroom while humming a song.


    "Oh shocks, Gideon!" she eximed when she saw him sitting at the foot of the bed. "I thought you''ll wait outside?"


    He raised his head and frowned as his gaze hovered over her. Jewel crossed her arms against her chest and raised a brow at him. Gideon cleared his throat. "I gtot you a dress," he said pointing on the white dress lying on the bed. "Let''s just talk downstairs," he added and walked out of the room.


    "Wait!" she eximed, roaming her eyes around the room. Gideon halted but did not look back at her much to her relied. "Your room doesn''t have hidden cameras, right?"


    "Silly. Just wear your dress ande outside."


    Jewel grabbed the dress, smiling from ear to ear. Even though she didn''t see his face, she knew Gideon was smiling as he said that. And she''s happy that she made Gideon smile.


    She happily wore the dress Gideon has prepared. Whether he has a hidden camera or not, she doesn''t care. After all, only her husband can see the footage if there is any.


    Jewel ran out of the room and down the stairs. The smile on her lips was wide.


    But the smile gradually faded from her lips when she noticed something strange at the entrance of the house. Her breathe hitched and she quickly climbed down the stairs and approached therge boxes at the door. Her eyes widened, covering her mouth. All her erotica books were inside the box!


    "I thought you''re done reading those stuffs, Jewel. What have I told you? Stop reading those kind of books. Yet, here they are at your front, ready for disposal."


    "W-What? Disposal?" She quickly turned to the source of the voice. It was Gideon who was standing a few steps away. She swallowed the lump in her throat. "H-How did you find them?"


    "You guess, wife. Under the bed is not really a good ce to hide those lustful things."


    "What will you do to my b-books?" Her hand trembled nervously. She never thought that Gideon will someday find her books. He didn''t prepare for that.


    "Burn them."


    Her hands trembled even more so she hid them behind her. "N-No. Don''t do that."


    "And why would I follow you, Jewel, when you can''t even follow your husband''s words?"


    Tears brimmed her eyes.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    She has grown fond reading those kind of books. In fact, reading erotica has became a part of her life. And she feels her day isn''tplete if she can''t read even a single x-rated book. Heck, she''ll die if Gideon burns them! "No," she shook her head, looking at Gideon with pleading eyes. "You can''t burn them. I won''t let you do that!"


    Gideon frowned even more as he stood there. Jewel gritted her teeth and her gaze sharpen towards her husband. Erotica''s her life! Those lustful books makes her happy. Why do people like Gideon wouldn''t understand that? "Jewel," Gideon warned.


    She growled, hissed. She looked dangerous with her gaze. "Don''t touch my books. Never ever touch my books. Understand?"


    Gideon stared at her deeply. "What''s with that look, Jewel?"


    That''s where Jewel''s patience snapped. She stood up straight and then frowned at Gideon. "Don''t touch them!" she yelled then picked up therge box.


    Her feet made its way to the staircase, marching to the top of the stairs while carrying therge and heavy book. Even though it was a bit difficult, she was still able to carry it. She rd and hissed at Gideon when she passed by him. She should know that her husband will find her books. But she was too blinded by the thrillst night that she forgot that her newly bought x-rated books were hidden inside her room.

 Secrets unfold part two

    She continued to climb up the stairs and didn''t intent to listen to Gideon''s calling on her name. Gideon couldn''t force her. Didn''t he confess that he loves her? He should give her what she wants!


    "Jewel," Gideon''s voice was loud. That was a warning, yet Jewel didn''t listen.


    "Jewel Laine Hernandez!" She''s now sure that Gideon is mad. She quickened her pace up the stairs but the weight of the box slowed her down.


    "Bring that box here or else I''ll punish you!"


    Punishment? She bit her lip and smiled bitterly. "What punishment? You''ll force me to sleep with you?"


    "Jewel Laine!" Gideon is really mad.


    She ran up the rest of the stairs, taking fast steps to reach her room sooner. Jewel dropped the box in front of the door.


    "I''ll lock you here, babies. I''ll read you next time," she whispered then turned the doorknob but it''s locked.


    She tried again but nothing happened. Jewel''s body stiffened when she realized something. Her room''s lock and she didn''t have the key!


    Jewel angrily ruffled her own hair and hissed again in annoyance. "Gideon Manasseh! I really hate you!" she yelled.


    She took big steps down the stairs, frowning when she saw Gideon also looking at her like he was waiting for her to get back to him. Jewel gritted her teeth and red at Gideon. When she finally stepped on the first floor, her fist clenched and approached her frowning husband. She tried to p him but he dodge it.


    He caught her hand. Gideon''s eyes narrowed. "You tried to p me, wife?"


    "I hate you! Give me the key of my room!"


    Gideon chuckled without homour. "You think I''ll let you store that lustful things in my house?"


    Jewel swallowed hard. She was at a lost of words and she looked away. She forgot that Gideon was the master of this house. Annoyed, she withdrew her hand and ran up the stairs again. Climbing up, she marched into her room and picked up the box, carrying it down the stairs. She frowned because of the its weight.


    Where are Dalya and Pedro? The two must be the ones who''ll carry this heavy this box and not her! They are her servants for pete''s sake! Her eyes narrowed as she went down the stairs. When she''ll see the two so would definitely punish them! "Put that down, Jewel," Gideonmanded when she finally climbed down the stairs. But she didn''t listen.


    She continued to step closer to the main entrance, but when she passed Gideon, her husband took the box from her and violently dropped it on the floor. "No!" she yelled.


    "Tang,e get this thing," Gideon ordered.


    Jewel heard the approaching steps from behind her. "Sir," it''s Tang''s voice.


    "Burn these things outside ---"


    She cut Gideon''s words. "No!" And was about to pick up the box again but Gideon quickly hugged her from behind. "No! Don''t burn my babies!" she shouted.


    "Jewel enough!" Gideon roared. "You''ve gone too far. Let Tang do his work."


    "No!" Her vision blurred with tears brimming her eyes. "Don''t burn them! Don''t burn them!"


    "Miss!" she heard a voice from the kitchen. She looked over. From the kitchen door, she saw Dalya came out. The girl rushed closer to them. Next to the girl was the silent Pedro. "Senyorito, it''s really my fault. Don''t punish Senyorita!" Dalya cried.


    "Go back to the kitchen," Gideon ordered.


    "Senyorito ---"


    Pedro interrupted what Dalya was going to say. "Don''t test Senyor Gideon''s patience," he whispered and led Dalya back to the kitchen.


    Jewel was even more upset. She removed Gideon''s arm from her waist and faced her husband. She raised her hand and gave him two ps on both cheeks. "I hate you!" She punched his chest. "You heartless jerk!"


    Gideon grabbed both of her hands and brought his face close to hers. "Last night you said that you love me, and now you hate me?" Gideon shook his head. "You don''t really know what love is, Jewel. You''re impulsive and emotion-driven." "Whatever!" she shouted in his face. "Don''t ever use me of what youck, Gideon! You''re hurting your wife and you call this love? Huh! You''re a liar!"


    Gideon clenched his jaw. He let go of her hands and burst outughing. "I don''t know what to do with you anymore, Jewel. Go, do what you want. I already warned you but you didn''t listen."


    "I don''t need your warning!" She wiped her tear-stained cheek while ring hatefully at him. "You and my parents are the same! Those books are my life! Why? Why you all want to stop me from doing what I want?!! Why?! I just wanted to be happy! Those books make me happy! Is it hard to understand it? JUST TELL ME WHY!"


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! Gideon smiled bitterly at her. "I didn''t want to look for your books, Jewel. But I was forced to do so when I heard something from youst night!"


    Jewel''s tears continued rolling down her cheeks, sobbing loudly. Herck of words pushed Gideon to continue. "Jewel, you were moaning loudlyst night. I heard it over your room''s balcony. Wife, that sexual nightmares will ruin you! I warned you but you didn''t listen!"


    Jewel shook her head, not believing Gideon''s words. Gideon sighed and gestured for Tang to lower the box.


    "Eat your breakfast first, Jewel. I''ll drive you back to your dad''s mansion. If you want to bring along those lustful books, then bring that box. There is no ce for those things in this house."


    Gideon''s words pierced her heart. Those words sound rejection to her ears.


    She bit her lips. She could not understand why when she woke up, she and Gideon had came to this point. Wasst night just a dream? Why did his attitude change? Didn''t he say it loves her? But why? What on earth just happened overnight to change Gideon''s attitude towards her?


    She sluggishly served rice on her own te and snorted. Her vision was blurring due to brimming tears and with a little push, those tears she had been holding back would drip.


    Tang looked at her as he put another dish on the table. The old man looked at Gideon sitting far away, but thetter was busy eating. Tang secrely sighed.


    He could not understand why the two had a conflict with each other. He saw Jewel pped Gideon and knew Gideon was holding back for Jewel''s sake. But Jewel didn''t see that, closing all her rational judgement.


    Tang knew that the couple had shorings in each other but he was just a housekeeper and he had no right to interfere in the lives of the two. But he secretly prayed that both Gideon and Jewel would wake up and be responsible for every action.


    Because he noticed that both of them didn''t trust each other.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

 To the office

    She did not have the courage to bring a box of erotica to the mansion. Even against her will, she agreed to burn all the books. She didn''t have any container for them. There was no ce for erotica in her dad''s mansion nor in Gideon''s house. And it hurt a lot. Her babies were rejected and she felt like being rejected also by both parties.


    She really loves those books and yet she is now outside Gideon''s house, watching a box of erotica being eaten by fire.


    Jewel was in tears. She didn''t quite think Gideon would disagree with her. That jerk was the cause of this mess! But she didn''t have the power to dominate him!


    It was as if his confession to herst night was not true. Jewel looked at Gideon who was at the entrance of the house and was talking to Tang. Dalya and Pedro were not outside. Her fists clenched. That controlling beast!


    Tang entered the house while Gideon walked towards her. It asionally looked at those erotica''s being engulfed by fire. He stopped in front of her and smiled. "Let''s go?" he asked.


    There was an intense emotion inside Jewel. Suddenly, she pped her husband''s face that it turned red in an instant. Blood dripped down from his wounded lips. Gideon closed his eyes and Jewel backed away. What have she done?


    Gideon touched the cracked bloody lip and wiped away the blood. He slowly looked at her and smiled sarcastically. "That hurts, wife."


    Her eyes rolled. She also did not know what went into her mind and she pped Gideon hard. Maybe she was just too infuriated with him so she couldn''t help herself. But Gideon deserved it!Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    She consoled herself and huffed. Jewel didn''t n to apologize because she wanted Gideon to apologize first for burning her books. She rolled her eyes. "You deserve it, jerk."


    Gideon snatched a handkerchief from his pants pocket and wiped the blood from his lips. "You changed," he whispered before he passed her by.


    She was stunned. Did Gideon just passed by her? He didn''t even bother to say sorry? That man was really worthless!


    Jewel reluctantly followed Gideon to the car. She sucked in her breathe when Gideon didn''t even bother to open the passenger door for her like he used to! Her husband was overdoing it!


    She sat down in the passenger seat and closed the door, folding her arms. She pursed her lips into a thin line. The car immediately ran out of the house and onto the highway.


    Jewel waited a few minutes but Gideon was still silent. In the past, everytime that she''s quiet, her husband will notice it and will ask her why she''s not talking. But now, it''s different. She kept her mouth shut for hours but Gideon didn''t even ask if she was okay or what the problem was.


    Even when she got out of the car, Gideon remained silent. He didn''t even say goodbye and just drove the car away and out of the mansion.


    Jewel was bbergasted by Gideon''s cold attitude.


    Her mood grew even heavier and she entered the mansion with a frown on her face. The servants did not dare to ask what her problem was. Her parents didn''t ask either.


    From that day on, her life returned to normal --- the kind of life without Gideon, the quiet one. The only difference was that it''s more quiet now because Dalya and Pedro were gone and her three friends: Hazel, Gabbi, and Tiara had cut their firendship with her.


    At the University, the rumor didn''tpletely disappeared but they were now controlled. Whenever she passed by, some eyes followed her but she couldn''t hear any of them deliberately whispering against her. Maybe it''s because the director announced that anyone who nders other students would be punished as per the University''s protocol with heavy sanctions even expulsion depends on the severability of the incident.


    And that day was just an ordinary day for Jewel. Passing and forgetting what happened in that day afterwards. Every gesture and ce were just the same as yesterday, whether by home or in University, just the same. "Miss Mangubat?" someone called her.


    She stopped walking and caught her wild strands of hair as the wind passed by. She turned around to face him and saw a Professor who''s unfamiliar to her. She smiled. "Yes?"


    He smiled too and held out his hand in front of her. "I''m Professor Isagani. I''ve been waiting for you for a while."


    "Uh, nice meeting you, Professor. But why are you waiting for me?"


    "The Dean called me. Said he wanted you to go to the Director''s office today. You also exempted for all the assignments and ss activities today."


    She blinked and casted her eyes down. "Okay," she said. The Professor smiled and gestured for her to follow. Sheplied.


    The Professor stopped as they stood opposite the door. He turned to her. "You came in first, Miss."


    She nodded and went inside. Jewel was greeted by the cold air blown by the air-cooler above the door and the fragrant smell of fresh honeysuckle and tulips.


    She suddenly remembered the flowers in the yard of Gideon''s house. Shaking her head, she dismissed the thought. She shouldn''t be thinking about that man. She looked around inside.


    There was a blurry ss wall in front of her, looking like the divider of that room. There were two open doors on either side. She turned to the left.


    Passing the ss door, she first saw the man in his mid-40s sitting behind arge wooden table. On its desk was a namete bearing Mikael Hubes Saavedra. Her fist clenched. His nephew was the man who almost raped her. Opposite therge table was a girl who has her back turned to her. She was wearing a uniform for the students, and her body shape was familiar to her.


    "Miss Jewel Laine Mangubat-Hernandez," the Director greeted cheerfully.


    She almost jumped at the Director''s sudden greeting. She looked at the man again and quickly averted her gaze. Jewel should greet him back, but she couldn''t find the words to say.


    When the Director noticed that she did not greet him, he nodded and smiled at her. "Please have a sit. We have a lot of things to discuss and I hope your parents will pardon our University." ''Pardon the University? What does this mean?'' she thought.


    She stepped forward and sat in the chair opposite the girl the Director was talking to. When she looked at the girl, her eyes widened. "Jasmine?" Her brow raised.


    Jasmine averted her gaze. She wanted to ask why the girl was in the office, when she heard footsteps approaching her direction. She nced at the source of the footsteps. It was Gabbi. Jewel frowned. "What are you doing here?"

 To the office part two

    Gabbi sat down next to Jasmine and folded her arms. She did not answer her question.


    The Director smiled wryly. "Miss Mangubat, we are deeply sorry for the issue brought by that article."


    "So this is all about that," she whispered.


    The Director nodded. "We have found the culprit. We already discussed this with your parents but I still have to summon them. They will be here ---" The Director stopped speaking when resounding footsteps were heard throughout the room. The divider door spat in her parents. The Director stood. "It''s nice to have you here, Mr. and Mrs. Mangubat."


    Her father nodded while her mother did not greet back. They sat down on either side of her. The Director just smiled and sat down on his chair.


    A woman then entered. It was the Guidance Counselor of her Department, Mrs. Policarpio. She sat next to Jasmine and Jewel understood the woman was her blockmate''s guardian. When she looked at Gabbi, she was just folding her arms with no one sitting beside acting as a guardian.


    Jewel frowned. Where was Gabbi''s older brother? And why were the two called to the office with her and her parents?


    The Director sped his hands together. "Since all involved persons are here, I''ll exin what happened.


    Our intel have said that there was a breaching of University''s records, and the system was hacked at the midnight of July 2. It was a newly built virus so the maintenance hadn''t noticed.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    If it weren''t because of that article, they won''t find out that unauthorized body has override the whole system. After the IT retrieved the system, all data of the hacker including the IP address of the device used were gone. Our intel had a hard time to retrieve the lost data. It wasn''t until Isagani noticed something."


    Isagani? Isn''t that the name of the Professor who reced Gideon?


    The Director continued. "One of his students forgot a note under a desk. It was the University''s Administrative password." "Password?" she asked in surprise.


    The director nodded. "Yes. That password was used to override the system. And we found out that one of the most trusted intel in this University had put the virus in ourputers. Mr. Caliwag..." The Director sighed. "Ms. Gabbiana Caliwag is the sister of Mr. Lineus Caliwag, the top intel of UDM and the person who put the virus in ourputer. The note was found in Ms. Jasmine Policarpio''s desk.


    And upon retracing this case, we found out that Ms. Caliwag is the one who hacked the system and Ms. Policarpio''s role is to get an administrative password from her mother... Mrs. Rosalinda Hernandez-Policarpio. "


    Jewel threw a nce at Gabbi and Jasmine. Gabbiana Caliwag was Gabbi''s full name while Jasmine Policarpio was Jasmine''splete name.


    Her brows met and she shook her head. "But I can''t understand. How could a BSED Science student and BSABE do this?" she whispered.


    "When Mr. Isagani reported the note, it was also the time when the intel had retrieved the lost data and using GPS, they have located the address at Ms. Caliwag''s house."


    There was a moment of silence in the office before her father took a sip. "What punishment will be given to children?" Don Sebastian asked. "I don''t want a petty suspension suspended, Hubes. I want to expel the two children."


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away!


    "Mister Mangubat ---"


    Don Sebastian''s gaze deepened. "It''s not just University policy that the two vited. A cybercrime happened and stole a password. In fact, I want to file a series ofwsuits against the two girls who tarnished Jewel Laine''s name." "Mr. Sebastian Mangubat," Jasmine tearfully promised. "I''m sorry. I''m very sorry, Sir. It''s okay for me to be suspended or expelled but don''t sue me. I admit that I stole confidential files from Mama''s desk but I regret what happened." Jasmine sniffed and looked at her. "J-Jewel... I''m sorry..."


    Her forehead creased at what Jasmine said. She just admitted that she did it. But... Of all people, why it has to be Jasmine?


    She thought it was Tiara who spread her secret. That''s also the reason why she kept quiet and didn''t pursue the perpetrator because she also didn''t want Tiara to get suspended since they both had a past with each other.


    Jewel was about to say something when her father spoke up. "You should have thought the result of your audacity, child. You fought with a Mangubat and not a single person who ran their mouth into a Mangubat could get away without being severely punished!" her father shouted.


    He then looked at the Guidance Counselor who was just quietly next to Jasmine who was trembking in fear. "And you, Rosalinda. You don''t know what shame your daughter has brought to your family! That girl is a growing thief! There is a saying that a bad fruit is not far from its branch! I don''t want to think badly of Policarpio family, but your daughter hasmitted a great crime! Don''t embarrass the Hernandez. Get away from Medellin if you don''t want me to sue your daughter!"


    "I-I''ll do that, Mister Mangubat. I hope you''ll forgive me. I failed to raise my daughter so she did that thing."


    Jewel took a deep breathe. She had never seen her father blush from the restraint of anger. His fist was still clenched and he was trembling with difficulty to notsh out.


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away!


    "You," her mother, Donya Belinda, suddenly said. The Donya looked up and down at Gabbi who was still bowing her head down, not meeting the hot gaze from her parents nor everyone present in the room.


    Jewel wanted to enter but his mother grabbed her hand and squeezed hard. It''s like telling her not to interfere.


    Jewel could have done nothing but keep quiet. Because if she gets involved in the conversation she can really get a taste of her dad''s wrath. She didn''t want to test their patience, especially since she had no one to share the burden with in case her father decided to cut her schooling.


    "Bad child! Who were your parents and why were you left to do evil? I''m sure they were bad people because you grew up bad!" her mother scolded Gabbi.


    Her parents didn''t know Gabbi nor Hazel and Tiara because she didn''t introduce them to her parents. That''s why Gabbi received bad words from her mother.


    "Ma," she called and nced at Gabbi. She noticed that Gabbi''s fists were clenched as she bowed down. "She''s my friend. She won''t do that. There must be misunderstanding here," she finally defended.


    Donyaughed. "What are you thinking, Jewel Laine? All the evidences are clear in the sunlight. They all point to that girl! If that''s really your friend, she shouldn''t have done the thing that would tarnish your name! "


    "M-Ma..."


    "Your mom''s right, Jewel!" Jasmine suddenly said. "I requested Gabbi to hack the school system so I could ess UDM website and publish the post. I paid her to do that. I begged her and she agreed, Jewel. That means that Gabbi wants to do it! So the me is not just on me! Gabbi still has the greatest responsibility since she''s the one who hacked the system and not me! Besides, if she''s your friend, she shouldn''t agree to do that in the first ce!

 To the office part three

    Jewel''s brows met. Jasmine sounded desperate. What if Gabbi was just a victim of a set-up and was just framed? What if Jasmine just fabricated the story? Gabbi still didn''t speak so there''s probably a reason why Jasmine was so desperate to make her believe her words.


    "And you expect me to believe your usation, Jasmine?" Her eyes narrowed.


    Jasmine swallowed hard and shifted her gaze from her and to her parents. "Y-Yes! Haven''t you severed your rtionship? She''s no longer your friend! One more thing, we''re ssmates since grade eleven so you know if I''m telling the truth!" Sheughed wryly. "We''re only ssmates, not bestfriends. How will I know if you''re telling the truth?"


    Jasmine''s body stiffened. "J-Jewel Laine ..."


    She folded her arms and nced at Gabbi. Still the girl''s not saying a thing so there must be something wrong here. "How did you meet Gabbi?"


    Jasmine swallowed the lump in her throat, trying her best to calm her breathing. "He''s my grade school ssmate. I know his older brother as an inte hacker. T-Then... I paid him to do that." Jasmine looked down. "Again, I''m sorry, Laine. Umm, I was just emotional. I have a crush on Joseph." Jasmine''s cheek blushed so she turned her face to the side. "A-And he''s always talking about you so I can''t stand it anymore. I spread what I learned from Gabbi."


    Crap. usation again. She sighed. "Information from Gabbi? Why? You''re her friend so she told you about my secret?"


    Jasmine nodded slowly. "We''re not really good friends. Just casual." Then she breathe deeply. "I saw you and Gabbi, with the two other girls one night. You sneaked into the boy''s Dormitory then came back to Girl''s Dormitory withughing gestures. Then I concluded that they are your friends because you don''tugh and smile like that when we are with you who are your blockmates " She averted her gaze again. "So I approached Gabbi and asked about your secrets, in exchange for my silence about what you did that night. And because Gabbi didn''t want to have an issue so she told your secrets that she knew."


    "Why do you keep on ussing Gabbi?" she asked annoyed.


    "Because that''s the truth, Jewel Laine! Yes, I just love Joseph so I did it, to ruin you and let him know you can''t be his girlfriend anymore!" Jasmine bit her lip. "But ask your Gabbi! Ask her what are her motives why she worked with me, if she''s your friend!"


    Jewel blinked and looked at Gabbi''s behavior. The girl was still bowing her head so she couldn''t see what her reaction was. She sighed. "What are these usations, Gab?" she asked.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    But Gabbi remained tight and unmoved. She gasped when her father suddenly hit the table next to Gabbi. "Answer Jewel''s question! If you don''t want to talk, I''ll throw you in jail!"


    "Mister Mangubat," the Director begged. "Please understand my student. She doesn''t have a guardian here so it''s heavier and harder for her to talk about all the usations about her. Please be gentle with her, Mister Mangubat." "Sir," Gabbi replied. Jewel looked at her former friend. Gabbi''s fist was still clenched and her head was still hanging low. "I did all that. Jasmine''s usation is true."


    "See? I told you!" Jasmine''s hysteria. The Guidance Counselor immediately silenced her.


    Gabbi looked up. Her eyes were red from holding back the tears. Their gazes met and Jewel went stiff. Gabbi smiled bitterly. "I did all that to protect my name and I like to tarnish Jewel''s name."


    She was stunned. "W-What?"


    "That! Your true color hase out! You''re a bad child! It''s true that bad parents raised you!" her mother yelled.


    Gabbi moaned and averted her eyes from Jewel. "You have no right to judge my parents. Even if you are rich you still have no right!"


    "No respect to the elderly!" her father scolded, yelling.


    Jasmine gasped at the scream and she covered her ears. Jewel held her father''s arm to calm him down. "Pa," she called.


    Gabbi''s shoulders went up and down. Looking down on the floor, she continued. "You have everything I dreamed of, Jewel." Gabbi nodded andughed. "You already have it all, e. So I can''t understand why you''re still looking forfort. If you hadn''t just been so selfish, you wouldn''t have experienced what''s happening now."


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    "W-What do you mean, Gab?"


    Gabbi''s tears flowed. "I''m not rich, Jewel. My parents died leaving only a house and debts. My older brother took care of all my needs." She sniffed and wiped the tear from her cheek. "I walked to the University every day during our Senior High because I only received an allowance from Kuya once in a while. Almost all of his money was spent on tuition and debt repayment. We had nothing, Jewel. But I put up with all that! I dressed well and studied well so that I could get a position as a schr of the town. With this, Kuya will no longer have to struggle to work at this University!"


    Gabbi looked sharply at the Director. "Because of the contract he signed when he worked here, I can''t transfer to the state University. This University is so greedy for money that I promised myself one day I will enter the school records to stop your University from extorting money from us! But Kuya is very smart. He stopped me! I almost got the evidence when he stopped me!"


    "Miss Caliwag!" Director warned. "You really should be jailed for what you did!"


    "Yes!" Gabbi stood up. "I know I''m going to be imprisoned! Because you''re really going to imprison me, guilty or not! You''re going to put me in jail in exchange for Kuya!" Gabbiughed as tears poured down her cheeks. "I''m the one you''re going to throw away because you can''t lock up Kuya''s corpse! It''s worthless!"


    Jewel''s heart stopped beating at Gabbi''s words. Her older brother is dead? But how? When? Gabbi didn''t tell ---


    "And you!" Gabbi pointed a finger at Jewel. "You have a lot of secrets I know, Laine." "W-What are you talking about?"


    "Are you still denying it?" Gabbiughed again. Annoyed, she pulled herself together. "You thought I wouldn''t know what your secret was?" Gabbi snatched her phone from her pocket, and showed something to him. Jewel''s brow met when she saw pure darkness, then the video suddenly lighted up. Her eyes widened when she saw herself and Joseph kissing. Later, Joseph gradually undressed her. That''s where the video was cut off. "Because of this video that''s why Jasmine is detemined to ruin you." Gabbi smiled. "But do you know where it came from? Hehe. From Hazel''s phone."


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    The whole room was so quiet that she could almost hear her own breathing. She froze in her seat. Jewel didn''t want to look at her parents sitting on either side of her because she was afraid to see their reacrion upon seeing the video. Jewel swallowed the lump in her throat. "T-That''s not me," she denied.


    "Really, Jewel?" Gabbiughed. "Why don''t you ask Hazel if it''s true or not? If my future is ruined, I''ll ruin yours too." Gabbi grinned again. "We''re friends, aren''t we? If I get hurt, you should sympathize too! I''m not the only one who should be responsible now! You, him, them, all of us should be sympathetic. That''s our promise to one another so grab your end of the rope!"


    She stood up and pped Gabbi. The girl''s face turned to the side. "How dare you," she said with gritted teeth. "You call us friends? You can ruin your friend, Gabbi! You''re not a good friend!"


    "Why?" Gabbi burst outughing. "Did I say I''m a good friend, Jewel? You too, huh? Are you a good friend? Eh, you don''t care about the people around you! You only think of yourself!" "Shut up!" she shouted.


    "It''s true! You''re only thinking about yourself! You imed a schrship even though you know your family doesn''t have a problem with money! You didn''t consider that someone might need your ce on the Municipal Schrs list more than you! You didn''t even think about other people''s feelings! Your only concern is yourself!" Gabbi stared at her sharply. "Of the four of us, only Hazel became my friend. Remember that!"


    Jewel took a deep breath. "Likewise. I didn''t consider you as a friend either!"


    Gabbi sat down and hung her head low again. Jewel slowly sat too in her chair and averted her gaze. Her father suddenly said, "Hubes, I want to make sure. Call that Hazel."


    "Pa." Her eyes widened. Hazel couldn''t possibly betray her like Tiara and Gabbi. She shook her head. "It''s not necessary ---"


    "I want to make sure that what''s in the video is not true. Hazel as well as that guy in the video, I want them here, Hubes."


    Jewel held her breathe.

 Waking up naked

    Hazel and Joseph entered the Director''s office at the same time. Jewel looked away, averting her gaze from the two. Joseph had returned to ss the other day from the intercampuspetition in Cebu City. She heard UDM took second ce in the Regional and held a celebration partyst night at the function hall. She did not attend even though she was invited.


    "Good morning, D-Director," Hazel greeted.


    Joseph smiled. "Good morning, Sir." He looked at her and her parents. The smile disappeared from his lips and restrained himself. "Good morning, Jewel."


    But she did greet Joseph back, not when her father was throwing daggers at him through sharp res.


    The Director let the the two be seated in the visitorir opposite the table. "Do you know why you''re here?" he asked.


    Hazel shook her head. "No."


    Joseph just shrugged. "We have a ss today, Sir, when suddenly your office called for us."


    "Miss Hazel and Mister Joseph, I have a video to show you and you exin afterwards." The Director showed the video from Gabb''s phone. Later, he handed back the phone to Gabbi and cleared a throat. "Miss Gabbiana uses you, Miss Hazel, as the one who captured that video. And you, Mister Joseph, we all saw what you did in that video."


    Hazel blinked and Joseph''s forehead furrowed. No words came out from the mouths of the two. Her father''s patience was exhausted and he shouted again to threaten the two.


    Hazel gave up first. Her hands were shaking from the fright. "Mister M-Mangubat..." Hazel nced at Gabbi, and her gaze traveled towards her. Jewel saw how Hazel tried to calm herself down. "T-That''s not true. That video didn''te from me."


    "Hazel!" Gabbi shrieked. "Do not lie!"


    Hazel averted her gaze and casted her eyes down on the floor. "I''m not the one who captured that video. I''m not the one so why are you using me, Gabbi?"


    "Because I got that video from you!" Gabbi''s two eyebrows met. "When I borrowed your cellphone, I saw it in the recycler. I passed it on my phone! If you don''t want to believe Laine, get her phone! If I''m telling the truth, you''ll see the video in the recycler but if you don''t see anything, kill me!"


    "Gabbi!" she warned. That word was not good. But Gabbi just folded her arms and averted her eyes.


    "Do it, Miss Hazel. Please hand your phone to us," said the Director.


    Hazel stood and handed the cellphone to the Director. She told him the password and the phone was immediately unlocked. The Director handed the phone to Gabbi. "Retrieve the said video," hemanded.


    Gabbi epted it and looked at the phone for a few minutes. Later, it turned the screen on them. "This. I got the file again. Marine is her course so maybe she didn''t know her phone had a built-in recycler program. I just wanted to know what Hazel''s old files were so I looked at the contents of that. And I saw the video."


    Hazel blinked but didn''t say a word. Jewel rested her eyes on the phone''s screen and her lips pursed into a line. It''s the same video. She faced Hazel who was now hanging her head low due to shame.


    Her fists clenched. She could feel her heart beating faster with anger. She pointed a finger at Hazel.


    "Freaking b*tch! You''ve been hiding the evidence for a long time, Hazel?" Her teeth pressed hard. "What on earth am I doing with these years? Why did I make friends with you three! Tiara, Gabbi, and you, Hazel! You''re all the same! Freaking liars, betrayers!"


    "No! I-I was just scared, L-Laine," Hazel reasoned out.


    Jewel turned her sharp re at Joseph and pointed a finger on him. "This man tried to do some things on me yet you didn''t help? You were there, taking a video of that shameful scene without doing anything? What are you? A freaking audience?!"


    Joseph looked up at her. "We were drunk that night, precious Jewel. You know that."


    Jewel''s face crumpled at what Joseph called her. Precious jewel? Did he have no shame at all?! What the heck is he thinking calling her pet names in front of her dad?!


    The good thing was that her father didn''t give attention to the pet name. He clenched his fist. "Drunk?" Don Sebastion groaned. "How did Jewel get drunk inside the University?"


    The Director frowned. "Mister Mangubat ---"


    "Shameless!" Don Sebastian yelled. "Your University is so careless, Hubes. A disgrace to the whole of Medellin!"


    The Director sighed and looked badly at Joseph. "Alcohol is forbidden inside the University, Mister Joseph. What drunk ---"


    "There were smuggled wines at the Christmas party, Sir. The juice and wine were identally exchanged so Jewel and I got drunk," Joseph said.


    "And you didn''t report it to the office?!" the Director eximed. His aura darkened and the man''s eyes zed over. He sighed and looked at her father again. "Mister Mangubat, I will make sure no more alcohol will be smuggled inside the campus."


    Her father suddenlyughed. "The University''s negligence is very clear. I wouldn''t be surprised if there were thieves, liars, and abusers studying in it."


    The Director''s fist clenched, embarrassed. He didn''t refute her father''s libel and just looked at the other people present in the room. "Miss Jasmine, from now on you will be expelled from the University. The University will sue Miss Gabbiana. Miss Hazel and Mister Joseph will be suspended for two months." The Director looked at her. "And Miss Jewel, the University is giving you the opportunity to choose between shifting course or special online ss. The University is deeply sorry for the troubles you''ve encountered while staying in our premises."


    "I ..." She swallowed and took a deep breath. She gave Hazel and Gabbi a nce before turning back to the Director. "I don''t want to shift course. I want to take an online ss first."


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    Don Sebastian looked at her. "It''s better if you move to the AgriBusiness course ---"


    "My decision is firm, Dad," she interrupted. "Let me decide for myself. Just for once, I will decide for myself first."


    Her father''s face darkened. He didn''t like her interrupting what he was saying but her mother suddenly speak. "Let it go, Sebastian. You''ve thrown a few arguments at your daughter but she''s determined to continue with her dream course. There''s nothing we can do if she really loves that course."


    Her father''s eyes narrowed, sighed, and nodded. Jewel secretly smiled. But when she turned her gaze to thepanions in that room, the smile faded from her lips.


    She looked at Hazel. The girl was trembling and the sweaty hand smeared on the skirt of the uniform. Joseph hummed and could not look at her, clenching and unclenching his fist.


    Meanwhile, Jasmine was crying quietly as she bent her head down, and the Guidance Counselor next to her had no reaction. But she noticed that thetter was ying with her hand as if she was restless in the chair.


    And Gabbi... was dumbfounded while staring at the floor. Gabbi''s lips were slightly pale and she kept on clenching her fist. Jewel swallowed hard and looked away. She didn''t want to see how pitiful her old friends were, even if they had done something to her.


    Jewel sighed. "Honestly, I''m angry with the four of them but maybe they don''t need to be punished severely." She looked at Gabbi and Hazel then quickly averted her gaze. "I''m okay with this closure. I mean, I''m satisfied to know their secrets. Actually, I''ve been away from them before so maybe there''s no need for punishment ---"


    "I''m sorry Miss Mangubat but I can''t promise that," the Director said. "There is evidence that the four vited thew of the University so they must be punished. This is in ordance with the University''s rules and regtions."


    Jewel lowered her gaze. She knew it and she couldn''t help feeling sad. She knew Gabbi. The girl studies hard in order to graduate, and because of what happened she can no longer reach the dream. Hazel, on the other hand, did not know how her parents would react, especially since the two-month suspension was a big loss.


    Even though they were at fault, she still felt sorry for the four of them.


    "T-Thank you, Mister Mangubat. Thank you, D-Director," Jasmine said. She''s grateful because there''s nowsuit.


    The three used remained silent and averted their eyes.


    Suddenly, Jewel sat straight when she remembered her Municipal schrship!


    The schrship contract includes that she must maintain a good reputation at the University. And she clearly did not follow what was written in the contract and vited its provision. The circumstance really does not favor her. How could she continue her studies now that Gideon''s not here to help her?


    She still uses the credit card provided by Gideon within the University. Her mother didn''t give her any allowance except for a penny to buy lunch in fear that she''ll just use the excess money to buy those x-rated books.


    Jewel sighed. Maybe it was a wise decision to keep Gideon''s credit card a secret else, she could not possibly have any pocket money she could use if she wanted to buy things aside from lunch.


    She secretly smiled. She was thankful to Gideon because if he didn''t give her a credit card, she might be begging at the University. It would be a great shame if she''ll owe money from her ssmate. Maybe she need to tell Gideon that she''ll lose her schrship, so that he would not be too surprised by the amount of the credit that would be paid by the end of the month. Sadly, she worked hard to get the schrship but in just one issue, all''s gone.


    But what worries her more was her confrontation with Gideon. The p she gave him was strong and it was embarrassing to contact him now. She regretted her impulsiveness.


    After the office scene that afternoon Jewel sat in the backseat of the car. Her Dad was currently driving and her mother was sitting in the passenger seat. They were traveling home to the mansion. She was exhausted. Her head hurt and she wanted to sleep. But drowsiness did not visit her. Even with her eyes closed, her brain was still active and it''s preventing her to sleep. Jewel was thinking about the present and future possibilities.


    Later, her thoughts turned to Gideon. What excuse would shee up to talk to the man again? She could think of nothing.


    They were on their way home when Gideon''s face was in her mind, and even after dinner and before going to bed, she was still thinking of her husband.


    Grabbing her phone, she opened the reading app and read some explicit scenes to rx her mind.


    And it seemed like she had seeded because she felt her body gone hot by all the hot scenes depicted on the novel. Jewel did that ''thing'' again, pleasuring herself to her heart''s content.


    At midnight, when everyone in the mansion were asleep, Jewel opened her eyes. She was sweating and her body was trembling. From pain? No.


    She had dreamt of that faceless man again and she remembered it clearly. He was doing that ''thing'' with her and even if she begged him to stop, he wouldn''t. Pinning her hand above her head, the man continued what he was doing and when Jewel was in the verge of dying out of pleasure, it was when she woke up.


    Jewel sat and touched her numb chest. She was shocked to know that she''s naked. It was not the first time that she woke up naked but what made her heart tremble in fear was the red marks in every part of her skin.


    From her neck to her chest, to her navel, and to her thighs. Even her n*pples were red as if someone sucked them hard!


    Jewel shivered and she hugged her naked body, looking around her dark room.

 Dreaming again

    Warning: Theme and Language.


    She was sweaty while sitting on the bed. She looked down at herself and closed her eyes. Still the same, naked. Jewel looked up at the wall clock and saw that it''s already three o''clock in the morning. ''And it''s still the same dream. Sex with the same man,'' she thought.


    But the dream this time was something strange.


    She already remembered the man''s thin and red lips, as well as the goofy grin that never faded throughout the scene of her dream. Her hand clutched her bare and sweaty chest, catching her breath. Her wrists hurt as if someone was holding them tightly. Her scalp ached as if someone had pulled her hair. And she''s not surprise to see the light red marks on her arm and chest.


    Jewel swallowed hard. Her hair stood on end and her chest tightened as her mind tried to remember the man in the dream. She remembered his grin clearly as if it was not a dream and she can still feel his warm kiss on her neck. She bit her lower lip.


    At first it was okay for her to let the mane and share bodies with her because it was just a dream and she thought she wouldn''t lose anything, but as time went by, her dreams became even more strange. It was like bing true in the real world and she was no longer happy.


    The man in her dream was terrifying.


    She pped her cheek gently. "You''re awake, Jewel. You''re awake now," she reminded herself and quickly got up from the bed.


    Jewel ran to the bathroom and immediately turned on the shower. She cursed when cold water poured out from the shower head and sighed as she bnced the temperature. After she took a bath, she walked in the closet and got dressed. She left the room and ran down the stairs.


    She didn''t want to stay in the room because she felt as if someone was staring at her all the time. For a week after she woke up naked and full of bruises, she could feel the eyes following her inside the room. That''s why everytime she woke up from the dream, she would immediately take a bath and run out of the room.


    Jewel doesn''t believe in ghosts but she doesn''t know why there is such a feeling in her room. She didn''t tell her parents because she didn''t like to share them her feelings and thoughts. Dalya and Pedro doesn''t use cellphones since when they were evicted from the mansion, and she doesn''t have friends to talk to ever since she cut ties with the three girls.


    She is left with nothing but herself alone.


    And... Jewel gets hurt every time she thinks she has no one to lean on when she needs someone to talk to. Everyone close to her then, left her and betrayed her.


    This was perhaps thepensation for her selfish behavior. Back then, she loved her own happiness more and didn''t care about the people around her. And she is now paying for her selfishness. Everyone has left her.


    Her vision blurred as tears brimmed her eyes but she blinked quickly to keep her tears from falling. She would not cry. No. Never!


    "You''re early, Senyorita! Good morning!"


    Jewel jumped back in shock and clutched her chest, heaving. She turned and saw the old maid, smiling at her. Her brows met and she red at her. "Don''t startle me again!"


    The old maid just shrugged and her smile never left her lips. "I''m sorry, Senyorita. Are you going to have coffee today?"


    "Y-Yes." Jewel swallowed then quickly went to the kitchen. The old maid just followed her. "The brewed one and give me some creamer also," she added.


    "I''ve noticed sincest week that you''ve been waking up so early. You''re also very nervous. You still drink coffee a lot. Senyorita, you probably know that too much coffee is bad for your health."


    "I know. I don''t need your words, Manang."


    The old maid sighed and went to the kitchen counter. Jewel walked to the dining chair and lowered herself. She wondered if she had a deadline today.


    "Here''s your coffee, Senyorita." The old maid set the cup of coffee and creamer down on the table. "Andeng bought mangoes. The mangoes are from Mantalongon and can only be eaten early to avoid spoge. Do you want to taste them? They must be sweet."


    Her head tilted up to look up to her. Suddenly, the idea of A Seed to Care project came to her mind. Now''s the deadline! She pped her forehead. Why did she forget the project?


    She had told Gideon that she would not get back her pot from his house. She would have ntedst week if she hadn''t forgot it. What would she submit now on to her Professor?


    "Is there a problem?" the old maid asked when she noticed Jewel''s changing expression.


    Jewel looked at the old maid and sighed. "Nevermind." She averted her gaze. "Senyorita."


    Her hand reached for the creamer and poured some in the coffee mug. "Why, Manang?"


    "Later, I''ll let Augustine wrap your things up."


    Jewel raised an eyebrow and sipped on her coffee. "I''m being kicked out?" she joked then grinned.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


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    The old maidughed. "Not like that. But Donya ordered me to wrap some of your belongings because your husband will take you again, Senyorita."


    "Gideon?" she asked in surprise. The old maid nodded so sheughed. "What did he think of me? A doll? After handing out, I''ll just take it back just like that?"


    "Are you mad at your husband, Senyorita?"


    "Yes." Her two eyebrows met. Butter her expression softened. "He''s angry because I pped him." "You two fought?"


    Jewel frowned again and looked at the old maid. "Why are you asking so many questions, Manang?"


    The old maid just smiled and didn''t say another word. Jewel sighed and then lowered herself again. She was bored in the kitchen but she didn''t want to go back to the room, afraid to feel that creepy feeling of being watched by someone all the time. She might go backter ---


    "Senyorita, who held your wrist? Did someone mistreat you?"


    Jewel sat up straight and looked down where the old maid was looking at. The sleeve of her dress went up so she could see the red mark on her wrist. She quickly hid her hands under the table. Her heartbeat quickened. She had calmed down after running away from her room, but because the old maid saw the marks on her wrist, she trembled with nervousness again. But the old maid should not know what''s happening to her.


    Else, her parents would know about those strange kiss marks on her body and they would be mad again --- more mad than finding out her x-rated books --- because it''s a taboo for a married woman to have sex with a man not her husband.

 Dreaming again part two

    "It''s nothing," she denied.


    "Who did that ---"


    "I said it''s nothing, Manang."


    "Iha ---"


    "Shut up!" she yelled, frowning hard.


    Jewel sprang to her feet and ran back into her room. She bit her lip as her heartbeat quickened. She stopped first in the hallway and took a deep breath, before resuming her walk to the room and entering it, mming the door shut. Her body trembled with fear. No one should know her secret. No one!


    She quickly went to bed and sat on the bed side. Her hand reached for the cellphone under thempshade then opened the reading app.


    It''s still three in the morning so she still had a lot of time to spend reading erotica. The online one-on-one ss session will beginter that day. Jewel smiled, a kind of smile simr to the smile of the man in her dream.


    But she didn''t see nor notice it because she was so focused on reading a bedscene. A few minutes of reading erotica stories before she covered herself with a nket, and did the ''thing'' again.


    After that, Jewel felt satisfied and happy. She could no longer feel the fear because lust prevailed. She indulged in erotica for a few more hours until her rm clock rang.


    It''s seven in the morning. Her online ss'' about to start. Her face crumpled in annoyance, ming why time was so fast!


    S*** T! S*** T!


    She cursed several times. She was naked again and shivering in the cold of her room. Jewel took a few deep breaths and reached for the cellphone under thempshade on the bedside table.


    Three o''clock in the morning. She has been waking up at this hour for a week now, and not surprised that she''s still naked, sweaty, and gasping for breath.


    Her teeth pressed hard and her sharp eyes roamed around her room. It''s not good anymore! Something strange was happening. At first, she was tolerant because of her wet dreams, but she knew too well that she could not wake up in this state every day.


    Her eyes looked down at her stomach that was full of kiss marks and she was even more angry. She might be drugged by someone and that someone does nasty things on her body while she''s fast asleep!


    Else, what could exin those marks? Clearly it was kiss marks made by someone because it''s impossible for her to lust over her own body and do nasty things on herself!


    She got up quickly, took a bath, and got dressed. Jewel left the room and went down to the kitchen. As usual, she sat there and sip her coffee prepared by the maid.


    Today the micro-cam she secretly bought at an online store arrived. She ordered Augustinast night to take it from the gate of the mansion. Money was no longer a problem because she had already paid for the purchase online as well as the shipping fee using Gideon''s credit card.


    She did not notice the old maid approaching her. The woman cleared her throat. "Senyorita, don''t you still have any ns to talk to your husband? He called yesterday, saying he''ll be here on Saturday if you still don''te back before that day."


    She put down the cup. "It''s up to him."


    "Senyorita ---"


    "I don''t know Manang what his problem is. We fought. I thought he''s done with me?"


    "You''re his wife so he can''t let you go that easy. You''ll also have to be patient if he has any shorings but Senyorita, you should talk to Gideon so you two can get along. In your old days, you will only have him to apany you." She just sniffed and then sipped her coffee again. "Just don''t pack my things again. I don''t want to go back to Gideon''s house now."


    "Jewel ---"


    "Even if Mama instructed you to do so. Your effort will only be wasted when you do that."


    "But we can''t disobey Donya."


    She sighed. "Just... don''t force me to leave this house."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    The old maid did not agree. But when lunch came, they met her mother at the dinning table. Even though she didn''t want to eat with her mom, she couldn''t do anything, especially when she called her.


    Her father was not present because he was taking care of the sugarcane field on the Aisle. She heard that the harvest time is fast approaching and the Sacadas are busy tending the fields in preparation of the harvest.


    Jewel sat on the table, stiffed. But eventually she calmed her senses. She ate well, especially when her favorite dish was prepared on the table. She was busy eating for a while when her mother spoke. "Jewel, go back to your husband." She coughed when she felt rice stucked on her throat. Jewel hummed and grabbed the ss of water, gulping it down. "W-What did you say, Ma?"


    Donya sighed. "Go home to Gideon."


    "Why?"


    Donya Belinda lowered the spoon and fork and folded her arms. "Do you know why I agreed to marry you off to the Mayor''s son?"


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    Jewel swallowed at her mother''s serious tone. Never before had it spoken so seriously in front of her. Before, she would always scold her, always seeing her mistakes, so she always yell upon talking to her. But now, it was as if she were talking to someone else.


    Jewel shook her head. "I don''t know."


    "Listen, Jewel." Donya sighed. "Your father and I know about Simoen Saavedra."


    She was stunned. "W-What?"


    "Rosalinda said everything you did at the University. I''m sure you thought we wouldn''t know your nonsense at UDM, but ever since you stepped a foot in high school we already knew all of your activities at the University." Jewel averted her eyes. "Umm..." She couldn''t say a word.


    Was that the reason why they didn''t ask her what''s happening to her in the University? s, she''s been too naive to think that her parents didn''t care that''s why she did nasty and unreasonable things at school. Hah. She''s too stupid, really. "Jewel, it wasn''t because of Simoen Saavedra that we married you off to the mayor''s son." Donya sighed again. "The truth of the matter is that there is a deeper reason. It goes deeper than the reputation of our n." "What do you mean, Ma?"


    Donya stared seriously into her eyes. "It''s been ten years since the ident on the Aisle. Nida''s car crashed into a pole erected beside the Aisle, and since then she has not been able to stand nor walk. Because of that incident, Jewel..." Donya swallowed hard. "The Hernandez n forcibly took the Aisle''snd title."


    Jewel blinked as her body stiffened in surprise. She didn''t know about it. Her parents never told her anything. "They took thend title, Ma..."


    "Your father doesn''t want to sell the title but our livelihood has been affected due to the country''s declining economy. If he didn''t sell it, all the helpers and Sacada will surely lose their jobs." "That means..."


    Her mother nodded. "We don''t have thend title of Aisle anymore. It''s in the hands of the Hernandez, Jewel. So when the Mayor was looking for a woman to be married off to his son, Gideon Manasseh, we sent your photos to the Hernandez mansion without hesitation, in hope that their family will choose you."

 Dreaming again part three

    "Why, Ma?" Jewel swallowed hard, not believing what her mother had said. "We can take thend title back from them. And we have been nting and reaping harvests on Aisle for ten years so it''s possible to take it back when they let us use the Aisle for ten years!"


    "That''s because your father asked the Mayor. The Hernandez already has a lot ofnd so they let us nt and harvest in Aisle. But that doesn''t mean they will allow us forever. So your father and I had nned to marry you off to the Mayor''s son to make sure that our n will not lose ownership..." Her mother smiled softly. "For the sake of the next generation of our n, Jewel."


    "Maybe we can buy the Aisle again!"


    Donya Belinda shook her head. "You can only buy a title if the current owner sells it, Jewel. We can''t take it back until the Hernandez decides to sell, but how long should we wait for it? We don''t want to pass on to you and your children the weight of the Aisle''s responsibility."


    "But you married me off to Gideon. Didn''t you also pass on the responsibility?"


    "We did it for you. We know Gideon is a good man and he will take care of you. This Simoen Saavedra has a bad reputation outside the University, so even though he is from a well-known Saavedra n, he''s not qualified to be our son-inw.


    "


    Jewel smiled wryly at what her mother said. She also didn''t want Simoen to be her husband either, because she could not afford to live on the same roof with that man. "But why did you ask me to go back to Gideon?"


    "Because I want you to be a responsible wife, Jewel." The mother smiled softly at her. "We locked you in this mansion for several years so I know you don''t really know the real world yet. I want you to be free from the cage we are holding you in. Besides, he called yesterday to say he wants to take you again. Your father''s heart is not hardened to not agree with his son-inw''s request."


    Her hand reached for the ss of juice and gulped it down. She put it back on the table. "Why is this so sudden, Ma?" she asked. "I mean, after my confinement in the hospital, Papa didn''t allow me to live there at Gideon''s house. So, why? Why... Papa''s decision suddenly changed?"


    "Because Gideon said he loves you, Jewel. So we want you to go back to your husband to cultivate your feelings to him."


    Jewel frowned and looked away. She''s notfortable sharing these things with her mother and she could feel her cheeks burned red in embarrassment. She fell silent.


    But to be honest, she didn''t fully believe Gideon''s words. That man was a liar.


    After lunch, she locked herself in the room. She didn''t have any virtual ss that day so she was able to read erotica freely on her favorite reading app.


    A few minutester there was a knock on the door. She opened the door and saw Augustina. "This is the shipment I retrievedst night, Miss."


    Jewel smiled and dly epted the small parcel, locking the door.


    She quickly installed the micro-cam ording to the instructions written on the box where it was ced. Then she went back to reading. The night came and she finished her dinner when she suddenly remembered checking the camera footage.


    Jewel turned on theputer connected to the micro-cam. She smiled. All set. The camera shot was well ced. Suddenly a notification popped up on the side of the monitor. She received a new email. Upon opening it, she found the sender''s name was Prophetic John.


    Her brows met. Prophetic John? Wasn''t it the man whom she emailed back then to interpret her wet dreams?


    ...


    Miss JLM,


    I''m sorry for ate reply. I''ve been receiving a lot of messagestely. So, let''s interpret your dreams.


    I will be frank to you, dear. That man in your dreams is your night husband. Night husband is a spiritual husband. They take the look or face of someone familiar to you, and they wille into you - to have sex with you. Be very careful. This night husband is a demonic presence. The pleasure it brings is false. This will be your downfall if you let this pleasure consume you inside out.


    You need deliverance. You need to be free from that bondage or everything will be toote for you.


    This is a spiritual battle and you can''t do anything about it unless you plead the blood of Jesus. I pray that you ovee this battle through Jesus Christ.


    And do not ever watch nor read pornographic movies or books. Or anything that invites sexual masturbation. Because if you are tainted, the enemy can easily enter and destroy your life.


    Remember, the enemy (devil)es to steal, kill, and destroy. The enemy will steal that fire you have for the Lord and kill it instantly. When he seed, he''ll destroy you not just spiritually but physically and mentally too.


    Be delivered from this addiction and repent by reading the Word of God and turning away from sins.


    God bless you.


    - Prophetic John.


    Jewel''s forehead creased and she deleted the email. Nonsense. That email''s message was not true.


    Upon browsing her email inbox, she saw her Professor''s email for A Seed to Care Project. She grinned.


    In fact, she just took a beautiful seedling in the garden then put it in the pot and made a video. Then she got rid of it and she was d she immediately got a mark for the project. She replied thankfully to the Professor and turned off theputer.


    As usual, she read erotica and fell asleep after doing her usual routine.


    A few hours passed when she woke up. It''s three o''clock in the morning. Naked, sweaty, and gasping for breath. But this time, she was no longer in bed.


    She woke up lying on the cold floor!


    Her body trembled with fear and quickly ran to the bathroom, took a shower, and got dressed. Then, she sat in front of theputer and searched for the file that contained the micro-cam footage. She believed that someone must have moved her to the floor because she''s never been a sleepwalker!


    Biting her lip, she waited for the video to y. Jewel should not be nervous to see the flootage, nor tremble in fear upon seeing it because now, she could uncpver the person who''s ying pranks on her. Putting those eye-catching red marks all over her white skin, Jewel would make sure that person who''s ying with her body will pay! Afterall, she''s a Mangubat!


    She smiled as the footage began to roll on the monitor. The first footage was taken around midnight.


    Her eyebrows met as she waited. She saw herself sound asleep in bed. There''s nothing strange so he pressed the forward button.


    Suddenly, her body stiffened as her breathe hitched. Her eyes widened and her lips parted. She could clearly see herself in the footage.


    At first, there was nothing strange. But at one o''clock in the morning, she slowly sat up from lying on the bed.


    Jewel''s eyes narrowed as she stared at the monitor, forwarding it, and gaped in disbelief! She was sitting on the bed for thirty minutes!


    What she did was not normal! Who would sit in bed for more than thirty minutes and not even move nor speak?


    What''s more, she didn''t even know she was sitting on the bed! And while looking at the screen, Jewel could clearly see that her eyes were closed while doing that.


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! That means... She''s sleeping while sitting on that bed!


    What on earth''s happening to her?!


    With paled face, she looked at the time below the footage. It was two o''clock in the morning.


    "Jewel," she whispered. "Go back to bed!" she hissed, scolding herself for being a weird person on the footage.


    But the Jewel in the video did not do what she said. Instead, the woman in the footage got up and walked to the foot of the bed while her eyes were closed. Her mouth gaped in shock. She''s sleep walking? No! She''s not a sleepwalker? She stood at the foot of the bed for few more minutes. Later, her eyes widened again when she saw herself undressing in the footage.


    "Bi*t*h," she whispered harshly. "What are you doing, Jewel!" And uttered an annoyaged grumble.


    She sighed as the ''her'' in the video wasying naked on the floor and even spread her legs in front of the camera.


    Jewel''s cheeks burned hot with embarrassment again, and even pped herself. Her thougts are interrupted when she suddenly moaned in the footage!


    Her mouth gaped in shock, blinking. She''s like a b*tch while moaning in that video!


    But what made her hair stood in her nape was the fact that various parts of her body gradually develop red marks. And she''s not mistaken.


    Those red marks were kiss marks!


    And who made those marks on her body when there''s no one in the video but herself only?


    It was exactly three o''clock when she woke up in the footage. Scared, trembling, and hugging herself.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    There''s something in her room! Moving out was the only option!

 To Gideons house

    She gave ast look for the mansion she grew up to before entering the pick-up. All her belongings were in the back of the car and the car stereo was ringing loudly. In fact, her ears were almost shattered by the noise but she remained silent and stared out the window.


    The driver nced at her in the rearview but did not waste his saliva to ask if she was okay. That''s better. Jewel was not in the mood to speak. A part of her wanted to go back to the mansion but there was also part of her who wanted to go back to Gideon''s house. She was confused.


    The part that wanted to go back to Gideon''s house was partly afraid of what she found out earlier. And the part that wanted to go back to the mansion''s the part that''s ashamed of what she found out -- the truth of those strange red marks on her skin.


    She was confused, didn''t know if she regret that she put on the camera or be relieved because she knew no one''s raping her every night?


    The volume of the music lowered. "Maam, same house in Cansanit?" the driver asked.


    Jewel nodded.


    The driver contemted for a moment and asked, "Your husband didn''te to fetch you, Maam Laine?"


    She just closed her eyes. But eventually opened them, afraid that if she''ll fall asleep, she would undress in the backseat giving the driver a heart attack.


    "Maam," the driver called again.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    She frowned. Why was he so noisy? Jewel sighed and answered without emotion. "He''s busy."


    A few more minutes and they reached Gideon''s house. She stepped out of the car and saw the driver putting down her suitcase on the ground.


    "I''m leaving, Maam."


    She just nodded and watched the vehicle run back to where they came from. When the car disappeared from her sight, she only felt the scorching heat of the sun on her skin.


    Jewel immediately rang the doorbell. She waited for a few minutes before Dalya came out of the main gate.


    The woman smiled at her. "Miss!"


    Her finger pointed onto her other belongings lying on the side of the road. "Please just bring it inside," she said before pulling the suitcase and passing by the woman. She stepped straight into the yard.


    But Jewel don''t know the reason why when she stepped into the main door, she suddenly fell down. Her bodyid down on the cold tiled floor.


    "Miss Jewel!" it was Pedro''s voice.


    She felt her body rose from the floor and was carried onto the air,ying her down on a soft thing. Jewel opened her eyes and the ceiling was the first thing she saw. She''s in the living room. Pedro must hadid her down on the sofa.


    "She fell down. I don''t know the reason," Pedro confessed.


    "You failed to catch her? What if she hit her head on the floor? Pedro, you worthless thing!" Dalya yelled.


    Jewel closed her eyes tightly. Her vision was spinning and bile''s rising up, as if someone had dug into her stomach. She covered her mouth to avoid vomiting on the floor.


    "Miss," Dalya said worriedly. "Sir Gideon isn''t here yet. He''ll be hometer. What did you eat earlier Miss that you fall?"


    She took a deep breath and slowly sat up. Dalya helped her. "The weather is too hot. Umm. Did you get my things in?" she asked, changing the topic as she looked away.


    Jewel also didn''t know the reason why she fell. Maybe she''s fatigue? But she didn''t work too hard while staying in her dad''s mansion so it''s not that reasonable. "Yes, Miss."


    "Good. Just help me bring them in my room ---"


    "That, Miss..." Dalya bit her lower lip. "Sir doesn''t want to open your room anymore. I don''t know where the key is so until now your room is still closed."


    Her eyes squinted. "What? And where will I sleep?"


    "In Sir Gideon''s room, Miss. He instructed us, to tell you''ll sleep there from now on so he can watch over you."


    Jewel gulped, hard. And slightly coughed. Pedro quickly ran to the kitchen to get a ss of water. "Here, Miss." He handed the ss to her.


    She epted it and took a sip, then she returned her gaze to the two. "He''s kidding, right?"


    "That''s what he told us this morning," Dalya said.


    She sighed. If her husband invited herst time, she would actually agree to sleep in Gideon''s room. But because she found out her habits of undressing herself while asleep, she was hesitant to ept the offer. What if he''ll find out her secret? It''s embarrassing by any chance!


    But she was no longer in the Mansion. Maybe she won''t undress while sleeping?


    "Miss?" called Dalya.


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    Jewel blinked then shook her head. "No. Call Tang." She stood up and stepped up the stairs. "Get the key ---"


    And she did not know what happened then. A few hourster, she woke up in a familiar room with gray ceiling.


    What''s unfortunate was that she did not wake up in bed. She woke up lying on the cold floor of Gideon''s room. Jewel sat up and held onto her aching shoulder. But she was stunned when she saw herself naked and her clothes where missing. Again!


    Jewel was afraid to look at her body. She hastily crossed her arms against her chest to cover herself and looked around.


    It was getting dark inside the room and quiet. When she looked at the balcony, she noticed behind the thin curtain the setting sun. By chance it was close to six o''clock at night.


    She had to get dressed before anyone could see her naked. Jewel got up quickly and searched the bed for her dress but saw nothing.


    Where did her dress go?


    And while she was looking for the dress, the door of the room suddenly opened. When her head snapped to the door, the light of the room lit up. Jewel closed her eyes in the sudden light.


    "Jewel Laine!" Gideon eximed when he saw her naked. He immediately closed the door of the room.


    Jewel quickly took the nket off the bed and covered her body. Her shoulders went up and down as she tried to catch her fast breathing.


    "W-What did you see?" She swallowed and averted her eyes from Gideon who was still staring at her in shock. "What did you see!" she repeated.


    He blinked. A faint redness colored both of his ears. "You''re... naked."


    She rolled her eyes and pointed to the door. "Go out. Out!"


    "What did you do, Jewel?" Gideon''s eyes widened. "What are you searching and why are you naked in my room?"


    She took a deep breath. "It''s your fault! You didn''t give me the key of my room! So bear with it!" Jewel adjusted the tightness of the nket on her body and bit her lower lip. ''Sh*t!'' she cussed in her mind.


    Why didn''t he open her room? If her room had been open and she had slept there before, Gideon would certainly not caught her in such a state.


    And did she know that as far as Gideon''s house, bad luck would follow her? Her face turned sour with annoyance. Looks like she needs to tie herself to the bed.


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    She heard Gideon''s footsteps approaching in her direction. Her body stiffened, and breathed a sigh of relief when he picked something up at the foot of the bed.


    Gideon stood neatly and showed her a dress. "Is this what you''re searching for?"


    Her eyes widened as she looked at it. "Y-Yeah." She stepped closer and took the dress from Gideon''s hand. "L-Leave. I''ll get dressed."


    But Gideon just folded his arms and closed his eyes. "Not necessary."


    "Excuse me, you''re not leaving?" she asked, annoyed.


    "No. Just wear that right in front of me. I want to make sure you''re not doing foolish things."


    "I rather stay in this state than undressing in front of you!" Her two eyebrows met. "You''re crazy."


    Gideon opened his eyes and just raised an eyebrow. He sat at the foot of the bed nad took off his shoes and socks. "There''s nothing to worry about, Jewel. I''ve seen your body but I''m not in the mood, wife."


    "You jerk!" She took the pillow with her free hand and threw it at Gideon. Her cheeks burned hot at what he was saying. "I can''t believe you!"


    But he justughed in response. After he took off his pair of shoes and socks, he smiled and looked at her. "I''ll leave after an hour. You sleep early tonight."


    Jewel was stunned, frowning. "Y-You won''t sleep here?"


    "No." Gideon''s smile widened, teasing her. "I will attend some sort of... conference." He stood up and suddenly took off his T-Shirt. Jewel looked away. "I''lle back after two days. If you need something, just ask Tang. Call me if there''s an emergency."


    She sighed. She had just returned to his house but he''ll be gone for a few days. Even though she''s annoyed with him from time to time, she couldn''t hide that she will miss her husband even though he reprimanded her and she pped him hard before.


    Jewel closed her eyes firmly. Gideon seemed not someone whose hobby is to condemn because she heard nothing from Gideon. It was as if there was no shouting nor pping happened between the two of them before. They''re back to being a couple. At least that''s what she thought.


    "Okay," she whispered and sighed softly.


    He walked over to the cab next to her, then took a polo shirt, put it on, and turned to her. He stared at her face for a few seconds while buttoning the polo, grinning. "I''m d you''re back."


    After buttoning his polo shirt, he walked out the door. "If you don''t have ns to change your clothes, might as well don''t walk outside of this room. I''ve married a decent woman, Jewel. Don''t make me mad at your nakedness." Her cheeks flushed as she red at him. "Are you insulting me?"

 His journey

    It was way too early in the morning. The sun had not yet risen but Gideon''s spirit was wide awake. He was sitting in a hotel lobby while leaning on his back and facing his cellphone, typing a text message for Jewel. ''Good morning, Jewel. Do you want to taste dried mangoes? I''ll buy you some.''


    That''s what he wanted to send to the woman but he couldn''t press the send button. He just stared at the letters like an idiot.


    He is currently in a private hotel somewhere in Bogo City, just kilometers away from Medellin, at the hotel he spent the night. This is where he and Ang''s older brother Arnel met, and this is where he ns to leave the car. Arnel insisted that they should take a bus. And he agreed. After all, they were going to a getaway conference. It would be better if he will took off some of hisforts for better experience.


    When he heard Arnel''s voice, he put the cellphone in his pocket, stood up, and slung his backpack into his back. He no longer sent Jewel the text message.


    A man in his mid-40s approached him. Gideon smiled. "Good morning. What took you so long, Arnel?"


    "Good morning, Gid. There''s only so much left for the people here." The man pointed to therge entrance of the hotel. "Let''s go? The bus has been waiting for a while."


    "All right." They walked to the door together. He cleared his throat. "How about your sister Ang? Is sheing?" he asked.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    "No. There''s an event underway in Mantalongon. Free preaching at the public audi there, Gid. She said we''re all invited."


    Gideon smiled. "I''m going."


    Arnel looked at him for a moment before he asked, "I heard you are married. You wedded a girl through civil marriagest summer, right?"


    The cold air blew as they left the building. Gideon looked at the dark sorrounding. The sun had not yet risen in the east. A man approached them and he handed the car key and continued to step onto the waiting bus outside the hotel. "Yes."


    Arnel smiled, clearly teasing him. "Shall I expect your wife with you?"


    Gideon halted his steps for a moment and chuckled. "Then should I expect you to Mantalongon?"


    Arnel sighed and Gideon already knew that he was not sure he could attend the gathering in Mantalongon. The man had been busy these past few years and he had a lot of responsibilities in Bogo.


    The man grinned and shrugged his shoulders. "If God''s willing, Gid." Then he looked around. "Bring your wife as well. Ang wants to meet your wife, Gid."


    He chuckled, grinning as he got on the bus. "If Jewel''s free then I''ll take her with me," he joked. Of course, it''s within his n to bring Jewel with him in Mantalongon even without Arnel''s persuassion. Gideon sat on the side of the window while Arnel sat next to Aisle. Gideon adjusted the backpack at his feet and leaned back. He took a deep breath.


    "Do you have no ns to return to service?" Arnel asked.


    Gideon nodded. "I want to focus on Medellin. I also served in the country for thirteen years and during that time, I didn''t even see it change. When Jewel finishes school, I n to build a church in Medellin." Arnel tapped his shoulder and smiled teasingly. "You married a student, Gid? Why, that''s child abuse pre."


    Heughed. That was also the joke of his Pastor when he told him he would marry a neen-year-old college student. But the good man did not protest when he told him that Jewel was a believer.


    He casted his gaze down and sighed. In fact, he didn''t know if Jewel was really a believer. Her parents belong to a Christian denomination so he assumed that his wife also acknowledges the God he acknowledges. But in recent months he couldn''t seem to tell if his wife is really a believer.


    She has a lot of bad habits and does many things that a God -fearing person should not do. And from what he sees, Jewel doesn''t seem to know God.


    "It''s still three hours before the bus reaches San Fernando, Gid. Might as well sleep first. You look tired. Have you been sleeping these days?" Arnel asked, teasing.


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    Heughed. "What happened to the strict doctor of Mantalongon?"


    Arnel, on the other hand,ughed. And then lean back, raising his arms behind his head. "A lot has happened, Gid. A lot," he said meaningfully then closed his eyes. "I''ll sleep first. The sun''s still hiding. The conductor will wake us up when we arrive at the central bus terminal of San Fernando."


    Gideon nced out the window. There was not yet any sign of the sun rising in the sky. The asional breeze blowing into the bus window was also freezing cold, but he was ustomed to this kind of cold because of his former work in the army.


    He took a deep breath and smiled softly. He could no longer remember hisst visit without worrying any problems. Now that he''s going to join the group again, he wants to go for a visit with carefree mind, not minding any problems along the way. The truth was he''s tired and wanted to unwind in a quiet ce.


    He leaned his back on the seat and closed his eyes.


    Gideon woke up when someone poked him. Looking to the side he saw Arnel''s smiling face. "You''re sleeping well, Gid."


    He looked around. It''s bright. He could clearly see the light gray ceiling of the bus and the brown seats. It''s also noisy from inside and outside of the bus. When he looked out the window, he realized the bus was parked in the center of San Fernando.


    He was surprised at the big change in the town center. Thest time he visited, there was no huge buildings where people go to buy fishes. There was no building of arge fast food chain in the country upying almost half of the Makapagal building, the first building built in the center. He hadn''t visited in a few years and the ce he once went to with Ang had changed drastically that he almost could not believe it.


    Gideon frowned and he looked away. Why did he suddenly think of Ang?


    "Come on," Arnel said and stood first, stepping out of the bus.

 His journey part two

    He slung the backpack on his back and followed Arnel down the bus. The sunlight kissed his cheek.


    "Analisa''s house is near Pocion Market. She offered to take us to the camp," Arnel said.


    "I see."


    Arnel turned to him for a moment. "Ang told me you''ve already talked to Analisa."


    "Yes." He clutched the backpack in the back and looked around. "We''ve settled. There''s no fight between Analisa and I."


    "No fight?" Arnelughed. "You just told me you got along. And the woman was hurt. You gave her false hope."


    Gideon nodded. sighing. "My fault."


    "Well you know, Gid." He gestured for him to follow. Gideon walked after him. "She was your girlfriend but you got married without letting her know. Pitifuldy. She did hope you''ll return to Mantalongon after few months." "I''ve already apologized to Analisa." He sighed. "Let''s not talk about that."


    Arnel just shrugged his shoulders and fell silent. Gideon suddenly felt sad for Analisa and Jewel.


    He didn''t let Analisa know he was getting married, nor did he tell Jewel that he had a girlfriend when they got married.


    He knew his life''s a mess right now. So he''s looking forward to attend a conference to be enlightened.


    It''s been a few weeks since hest seen Jewel and even though he really wanted to serve her but he couldn''t. He should fix himself. At time as this, he needed renewal.


    He used to think that when he got married he would be whole. At least, that''s what his father told him. And he understood his point well.


    He was raised in the belief that a woman wouldplete a man. When he was still young, that saying made sense to him. That''s why he became a womanizer.


    He found happiness in having flings and making the bed as his yground. Well, at least for a while. Those nasty things gave him satisfaction for just an hour. And he will find another girl, another ything, while expecting this new one will give him more satisfaction than thest one.


    And for years he lived like a beast, a monster in bed. He was insatiable. Sex and girls were his life. But there was still missing. He tried to find it in sex but he couldn''t find it in bed.


    Then there came to his life. It was Ang. Ang''s beliefs changed him but that didn''tst long. When Ang and Sean got married, he went astray again because Ang went busy with her new life.


    He was left alone in the battlefield. Days, weeks, and years of fighting alone and somehow... the enemy seeded to kill his joy. He failed and he lost his joy. And the shallow in his heart came back against time he felt that.


    So when his father proposed for an arranged marriage with the Mangubat, he agreed. He thought that having a wife might fill that shallow in his heart but he was wrong.


    Jewel was the most untamed girl he had ever met. He was with many women but his wife didn''t even reach his standard.


    Gideon shook his head and smiled. Even though Jewel was not his standard, but he still loves her.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    --- more deeper and lonelier than the


    He looked up and saw an apartment type building just on the side of therge Public Dry Market building. Arnel pointed to what he was looking at. "Analisa''s room is on the third floor. She just moved inst week." "Did you ask the reason?"


    "Ah, someone tried to rape her."


    His steps halted and frowned at Arnel. "What?"


    "Don''t worry, I helped her. She''s moved here so no one will be curious so don''t ask her any more questions." Arnel smiled. "Your ex is sadistic so don''t be too stubborn, Gid."


    He looked at the third floor of the building and his fist clenched. He kept his mouth shut as they approached Analisa''s lodgings.


    They stopped in front of a door on the third floor. Arnel knocked. A few more minutes before someone opened the door and he saw the face of the woman he had not seen for several months.


    She smiled at them. "Wait for awhile!" she said then closed the door again.


    They waited again for few minutes. When the door opened again, he saw that Analisa was already dressed. There''s also a backpack attached to the back. "Let''s go!" then she passed by him and walked down the stairs first. Arnel looked at the woman but Analisa didn''t even look at him. The man just shrugged it off and followed the woman.


    Analisa took them to a resthouse that was near the seashore. The outside of the gate was full of cars. The sun was not so high in the sky. He hadn''t eaten breakfast yet so his stomach felt empty.


    "Our group will be here. The others are at a beach resort on the other side of Sitio." For the first time, Analisa looked at Gideon. "Come, I know you haven''t eaten your breakfast." She first stepped in the gate of the resthouse. Gideon looked at Arnel as he tapped him on the shoulder. "She still knows, Gid. s, it doesn''t look like Analisa hasn''t moved on with you yet."


    He kept his mouth shut and followed the woman. He put the backpack on the sofa in the living room and went to the kitchen. There, he saw Analisa busy putting the dishes on the table. She heated thesagna in the microwave oven and served it on the table.


    "They''re swimming at the beach that''s why you can''t see anyone here," Analisa said. "There''s onlysagna in the fridge so I''ve heated it up."


    He smiled and sat down at the table. "Thank you." But Analisa did not respond. She kept staring at him so he cleared his throat. "Is there a problem?"


    The woman averted her gaze. "J-Just..." Analisa casted her gaze down and sighed. "Just eat."


    "I know when something is bothering you. Tell me."


    "I''m thinking, Gideon ..." She looked at him again. "Why did you choose Jewel over your girlfriend? You said that you want to have a wife but why did you choose her and not me?" "Ana, we ---"


    "Please..." She blinked and wiped the tears that suddenly dripped from her eyes. "Don''t say my name in that way."


    He stared at the woman for a few minutes and lost his hunger in his mind. He stared at her in awe. They had talked about it before. She even told him that she forgave him for not telling the truth. But it never ured to him that Analisa will ask... why.


    He saw out of the corner of his eye that Arnel was passing by, taking a ss, and sipping his water. He looked between the two of them before finally leaving the kitchen. That gave Gideon enough time to think for an answer. He sighed. "It was a paper marriage, Ana."


    The womanughed. "I could be your wife but you choose another woman." She nodded and swallowed the lump in her throat. "It hurt a lot because I was loyal to you, Gideon. I never entertained another guy. It was only you but you set me aside." "I''m sorry."


    His eyes widened in surprise when Analisa cried. Gideon stood but she raised her hand to stop him from approaching. "N-No, I''m okay." She drew a breathe. "Just eat. I know you''re starving. If you need something, find me at the terrace." Then she took huge steps to leave the kitchen.


    Gideon''s jaw clenched and he sat on his chair again. He quietly ate thesagna Analisa had prepared for him. But his conscience was not at peace.


    He''s at fault with Analisa and he wound not deny that. Gideon needed to fill the gap between him and the woman.


    He quickly finished thesagna and hastily washed the dishes before turning to the terrace in hope that he could talk to Analisa again, but he stopped in his tracks when he saw Arnel hugging the woman.


    Gideon looked away and returned to the living room. Sitting on the sofa, he thought about the things he did to Analisa while they were still together. He sighed. In fact, it was not the first time he remember his ex-girlfriend because one of his colleague was also named Analisa.


    It was just facing Analisa threw him off guard specially when she tried to bring up the past. Having a wife, he no longer thought of other women and he had no ns to cheat on his wife. It''s unfair for Jewel.

 Preach

    Note: Chapter 45 contains preaching about sins (Biblical representation).


    ~


    The night was cold and the moon was round in the sky. They are currently sitting around a bonfire just on the edge of the sea shore. There were almost ten of them sitting around the big bonfire, smiling andughing. Someone even sang a song that was familiar to Gideon.


    A smile tugged the corner of his lips. How many years did hest attended such asion? The peace, the genuine smile and happiness, the honesty, the warm embrace... these were one of the things that he missed.


    His head snapped on Analisa''s direction, and saw the woman smiled andughed as she stared at the bonfire. Arnel was next to her telling a story. Gideon''s lips curved into a smile. He''s happy that Analisa can smile despite their conversation earlier this morning.


    "Do you think Analisa''s pretty?" the man seating beside him asked.


    Gideon looked sideways. "You like her?"


    "She''s not bad."


    He looked at Analisa who was happily chatting with Arnel. They looked good together and Gideon sighed in relief. "Analisa is a good woman," hemented and averted his gaze.


    A few minutes after the happy chattering the group fell silent. Zion Victor Desmantes, the speaker of the gathering cleared his throat.


    "How''s life?" the man asked and smiled.


    The woman next to Gideon raised her hand. "The Lord blesses my life, Brother Zion."


    "Thanks be to Him." Zion looked at each of them until his gaze stopped at him. "Gideon, you haven''t attended in months. How''s life?" he asked.


    Gideon smiled. "Still under God''s grace, Victor."


    Zion nodded. "Indeed, we are justified by grace alone."


    They first sang some praise hymns and then prayed. Gideon was silent as he listened to Zion''s prayer. It was full of love, gratefulness, and hope. So much different from his own that''s full of constant self-me and selfishness. Then they all shouted together, "Amen!"


    Gideon smiled softly. With the busy life in the city and restlessness in his soul, this is a good way to unwind. Far from everything that hinders his inner peace. It was almost ten years ago when he felt this kind of peace, it was the time when Ang first entered his life.


    He fell in love with the woman because she introduced him to this life, but after she married Sean, all good things in his life shattered. He came back to his old life but because he knew the truth and was ashamed to let his brothers and sisters knew of his guilt ofing back to his old vices, he continued his vices in secret.


    But upon seeing his wife reading those lustful books... Gideon was more ashamed of himself. He professed that he lives his life without any vices, but God knows his darkest secret.


    He had been carrying this guilt all these years and Gideon want to end it all.


    "What do you want us to talk under moonlight?" Zion asked.


    "Temptation, Brother Zion. I want to know how a temptation leads to sin," said the woman who spoke earlier.


    He looked up onto the night sky full of stars. That''s also what he wanted their group to talk about. He''s been in a constant battle with temptation. He also wants to know why many are addicted to sin even though people know that they aremitting sin.


    "ording to Pastor David, temptation is not an event but it is a process."


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    All eyes are fixed on Zion. He listened intently. And even though the sea waves crashed behind him loudly he focused his attention on what the group leader was saying.


    "You were tempted before you''ve sinned. Howe you did that sin on Friday night? It''s because you didn''t change channelst Monday. You didn''t delete the picturest Tuesday. On Wednesday, you keep on reading the same contents you''ve seenst Monday. On Thursday, you didn''t skip that advertisement ... And finally, you''ve sinned on Friday. As simple as it is... a process."


    "Kuya Zion, it''s like this. If you apply logic, then it just feeding your flesh. Small deeds that will lead to sin," a woman said in amazement.


    Zion nodded. "ording to 1 John 2:16, For all that is in the world --- the lust of flesh, the lust of eyes, and the pride of life --- is not of the Father but is of the world.


    This means that all sin falls into these natures: lust of flesh, lust of eyes, pride of life. Whatever sin that is, it always falls into that three. "


    "That''s it, brother!" said a man. "That''s what I read in the Bible. Only now do I understand."


    "Praise God for His wisdom, brother."


    "How can you rte it to the first temptation, Kuya Zion?"


    "First temptation?" Zion smiled. "In Genesis 3: 1-6, we read there that the serpent tempted Eve. On verse 6, there it was written,


    The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her."N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Zion continued. "Here we see the three roots of sin. Lust of eyes was in ''the tree is beautiful.'' Lust of flesh was in ''the fruit looks delicious.'' Pride of life was in ''the woman wanted the wisdom it would give her.''


    You see, the devil knows how to lure people into a state of weakness. Even in the first temptation, the enemy targeted human desires for humans to fall into sin.


    Don''t be surprised that these three were used by the enemy to tempt Jesus in the wilderness. We can read that in Matthew chapter four.


    First, Satan tempted Jesus, being hungry, to make the stone as bread, and that was the lust of flesh. Secondly, Jesus was tempted to throw himself down from a high ce as Satan present Him the scripture saying that the angels of God will minister to Him, and that was the pride of life. Lastly, Satan showed all the nations to Jesus and promised to give it to Him if He will worship him, and that was the lust of eyes.


    All those temptations were overcame by Jesus by rebuking the enemy using the Word of God. And it was written, Jesus was tempted yet without sin. This means that being tempted is not sinning but failing into temptation will lead into sin. As Jesus taught us to pray like this, ''lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil one.'' and not ''help me when I get into the temptation.'' So we must NOT put ourselves into the ce of temptation, but we must run away from temptation.


    But at present, we put ourselves into temptation. We ourselves are stepping closer to temptation hoping that God will help us when we get troubled by it."


    Gideon smiled at what Zion said. Of course, he understood it so well that he was ashamed. He could not deny Zion''s words because it''s true. Some of their colleaguesughed.


    "If you are an alcoholic, don''t go to bars where there''s a lot of liquors or attend parties when you know that there will be a lot of drinking there. Or if you are a porn addict, don''t go to websites where there are a lot of lustful contents. Why would you cry out to God saying, ''God, the enemy is tempting me! Help me get out of it!'', When in the first ce it''s you who put yourself right in the face of temptation?


    You remember in 1 Corinthians 10:13,... No temptation has overtaken you that''s notmon to others. And God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.


    Surely, there are temptations that wille into your way to test your faith. And the Lord is so good that He will not let you fall into temptation that you cannot ovee.


    But a lot of times, we put ourselves in temptations that we cannot ovee, so many of us fall into sin.


    And when you sinned, you will feel shame and guilt. Shame and guilt will be burdens to you... too heavy on your shoulders. You start to feel restlessness.


    You feel frustrated by the fact that you promised God you will not do that sin again, but you still find yourself doing the same sin again and again. And you start to distance yourself from God, thinking of the shame and guilt. You will no longer do fellowship with other believers, feeling afraid of the light, because the light exposes sin."

 Preach part two

    Gideon felt cold sweat trickled down his back as he continued listening to Zion. He felt stuffed, guilty, and ashamed. All of his words sounded exactly for him who was hiding his vices from the public.


    "Gid," Arnel called in a whisper but because he had good hearing due to military training, he still heard him.


    He looked sideways and their gazes met. Arnel gestured to Analisa and it took him a few moments before he understood what the man was saying.


    They both secretly looked at Analisa and Gideon immediately averted his gaze.


    He remembered that Analisa was a sex ve of some rich business tycoon in Cebu. But after he saved her from an operation in Talisay and met Christ, she changed her life.


    But Analisa confessed that she felt shame and guilt that''s why she can not fully approach the throne of grace with confidence. He had prayed for her, and he hope now that Analisa do not have the same mindset she had years ago. The irony of it all, it was he who needs prayers to ovee his vices.


    "Sin always attaches to human nature so we must learn how to subject the flesh." Zion took a deep breath and looked at them one by one again. "Because flesh doesn''te and go, but strengthens and weakens.


    The temptation is there to strengthen the flesh, that''s why it is a process. It slowly builds up in a slow process. Think of this example.


    You were once delivered from porn-addiction. Days and weeks passed after deliverance, you are living peacefully.


    But on Monday, you saw a show with a naked body. Instead of switching channels, you continue watching that show thinking that it will not affect your spiritual life.


    On Tuesday, you were on a streaming site and suddenly a beautiful woman wearing only a piece of clothing appeared in the advertisement. You kept watching with the same mindset... ''it has no effect on your spiritual life.'' Wednesday, you heard music with obscene lyrics. Instead of turning off or moving on, you continue listening because you are entertained by the beat of the song.


    On Thursday, you read a story full of obscene things. Let''s say the scene is full of sex but you continue reading instead of putting the book down. Because you still think that such book will probably have no effect on your spiritual life. But when Fridayes, you always remember the obscene scene in the book you read and the video and advertisement you saw the day before. You suddenly feel a sexual urge.


    So you went to porn-site to watch pornographic videos. You even looked for other obscene books full of sex and read them in full. If you can''t fight the urge, then you''ll pleasure yourself.


    It''s toote when you realize you''re back to what you used to do. You have done the sin you promised yourself and God that you will never do again.


    And then you realize, what was written in the Bible is true. ''A dog turns back to what he has thrown up.'' And, ''A pig that has been washed goes back to roll in the mud.''


    Temptation is building up the strength of your flesh to caught you off guard in times of weakness. You should stop the growing of your flesh by not putting yourself in the ce of temptation."


    The group fell silent and Gideon sighed in secret. Truth to be told, he knew all of these yet he couldn''t stop himself from doing his vices. He is addicted, just like Jewel, that''s why he''s strict to his wife because whenever he saw her being addicted to erotica, he could see himself in her. And he hated it. He hated everything about him.


    He sighed again as he thought about Jewel''s condition. Gideon knew that Jewel fell into sexual nightmares because she has been reading books full of lustful contents. His wife was tempted by those books.


    Gideon looked up when Zion took a firewood and threw it into the bonfire. The fire grew big and a little sparks flew into air.


    "See how the fire increases when I throw the wood into it. In the same way is your condition.


    The wood is what you consume. What you consume will strengthen something inside of you.


    If you are a porn-addict and you always go to obscene sites, you are only strengthening your flesh. On the other hand, if you regrly read the Bible or listen to music that draws you closer to God, it will strengthen your spirituality." Gideon cleared his throat. "But why do people fall into sin when they know that sin is not good?"


    "Because of the pleasure it brings," Zion replied. "Sin inclines into human nature. And you know what the human nature is.


    The nature of human is selfishness. And sin was born from selfishness. The nature of sin? The lust of eyes and flesh, and the pride of life? These three became the root of sin because it is loving yourself more than loving God and others. It''s your self-love. Self-gratification. Self-glorification. Self. All of that pertains to yourself. You. That''s why sin is pleasurable because all of that inclines to your own selfishness.


    Example are when you feel happy when someone throws false usations to someone you hate, you love to see your enemies suffer, you want to have what others have, you seek praises and attention from others. All of these human desires and many other human desires will lead you to sin."


    Gideon averted his gaze. "So Paul writes we are crucified with Christ."


    "Yes." Zion smiled. "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Gtians 2:20) Crucified with Christ means putting an end to all of your ambitions, dreams, goals, desires, and everything about you to walk in the path of holiness." "Amen to that."


    "In order for us to avoid temptation and eventually avoid sin, we need to be in the presence of God.


    When we are in the presence of God, we start to love what God loves and hate what God hates. Demons, temptations, and other things will not stand a chance if we are in the presence of God. All fades into the background, and our focus is to please and love God.


    For believers who have fallen into sin again, there is still hope for them. It was written in 1 John 1: 9, that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.


    If you have sinned, don''t run away from God. Instead, run towards Him and humbly ask for forgiveness. He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from unrighteousness.


    Do not distance yourself from God if you have sinned, because doing so will only push you into sinning more against Him, and shame with guilt will just choke you to death.


    Did you realize that when you are in shame and guilt, it is easy for you to fall into temptation? It is easy for you to give into the lust of flesh and eyes and pride?


    That''s why in times like that, you should remember that you are forgiven after your humble and repentant confession. Even if you feel you''re not forgiven, believe that you are forgiven. Because if you let shame and guilt to control your life, you are weak to all temptations.


    Your mind will think like this... I''ve sinned and dirty, so why bother fighting with this one?


    But if you believe that you are clean, that you are forgiven, that you are a child of God ... Your mind will think that I''m clean and I am a child of God. I will not let this temptation win.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    In other words, having a clean conscience will keep you from giving into temptation. Because temptation is also a challenge of your identity so you should know who you are and what is your identity in Christ. "


    "To sum up, brother, what should we do?" a man, who was silent since earlier, asked.


    "Read the Bible. Seek God in His Words. If you''re desperate to seek Him, you will find Him. It was written, seek and you shall find. (Luke 11: 9-10).


    If you say it didn''t work on you, then you''re not truly seeking God. Because if you seek God with all your heart, you will definitely find Him. Let God be true but every man a liar."


    "Indeed," Gideon whispered. "If you will read His Word everyday and desperate to find Him, you will find Him. He is not a man that should lie, so if He said that you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart, then He will honor His words. You will certainly find God."


    "Have you found Him, Gideon?" Zion asked. "Have you truly found Him?"


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    Gideon was stunned for a few seconds by the question. He could not answer. He just smiled. "Excuse me," he said goodbye and walked away from the group.


    Zion followed him by his gaze, with a profound meaning in his eyes. And his story continued.


    While he was walking away, he heard their voices andughter. His feet stepped onto the long shore and was getting farther and farther away. And this is what he wanted. The farther, the better.


    The cold, salty breeze passed by him. He halted his steps and looked up at the moon shining in the night sky. It''s round and bright. The seawater glistened beneath it.


    He smiled softly and drew a breathe. He pulled out the cellphone from his pocket and opened the gallery.


    "I have found you years ago, God." His eyes watered. "And I knew who you are. I know You''re holy. And because You''re holy, I can''t get close to You. You know what I''m doing in secret."


    He swallowed the lump in his throat and opened the secret gallery. There, hundreds of photos of naked women are being disyed in the screen. Yes, he was addicted to these lustful pictures that he could not do anything but be ashamed while facing his brothers and sisters in Christ.


    He tightened his grip on the cellphone and whispered, "I am living in a lie, in hypocrisy. It is I who should repent. I''m sorry, God."


    He recalled the verses he had read in his devotional. For years, reading those verses were like reading a math problem to him. Dull and boring.


    During devotionals, he simply read them like academic textbooks that are of no interest to him. He was not moved by those verses. He was not convicted either.


    But now, while memorizing them in his mind, there is this small pain in his chest. There is heaviness in his heart as he keeps on memorizing the verses while knowing that he is a hypocrite.


    He suddenly fell to his knees as tears fell from his eyes. Gideon sobbed. "I''m sorry. I''m sorry..."


    His fist clenched as he looked beyond the sea. Then, he threw the cellphone in, making the water sshed. His phone immediately submerged into the depths of the sea.


    Run away from temptation as what Zion said. So he is now running away from the small stone that bes his stumbling block for years.

 Her strange behavior

    Warning: Language might be disturbing to some readers. Please beware.


    ~


    The house was silent as his footsteps echoed in the living room. After the gathering, Gideon drove back to Mantalongon with a light heart. He hadpletely let go of his vices and while thinking of what he did to his wife and all of those quarrels, he felt guilty. The truth? He had no right to condemn Jewel when he himself was also addicted to x-rated materials.


    "I don''t know what happened, Sir. But Senyorita locked herself inside the room."


    Gideon turned his gaze to Dalya who was walking beside him. The maid was in tears and could not look directly at his eyes. He cleared his throat. "In my room?"


    The woman nodded. Gideon put the backpack on the sofa and he looked up at the top of stairs. "Get our lunch ready. I''m going to see her," he said.


    "Ah, Sir..." Dalya bit her bottom lip. "She was in your room sincest night. She didn''t eat dinner and I don''t know why Senyorita is m-moaning."


    "Moaning?" His two eyebrows met. "You didn''t use the key to open the room?"


    Dalya shook her head. "She doesn''t want to, Sir. Senyorita was furious when we opened the roomst night."


    "I see. I''ll take care of her, Dalya."N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    "All right, Sir..." Dalya sighed.


    Gideon took big stride towards the staircase and went upstairs. He took the key to his room out of his pocket. He stood in front of the door and knocked. "Jewel," he called. But no one answered. Sighing, he inserted the key into the keyhole and turned the doorknob. He heard a click. "Jewel," he called as he entered the room.


    He was shocked when he saw Jewel on the floor. Sitting, naked, and looking badly at him. Gideon sucked his breathe and immediately closed the door of the room to hide his wife''s nakedness. "Jewel," he breathe, clenching his jaw. "What do you think you''re doing? Stand up and get dressed."


    But she stared at him for a few seconds, then slowly smiled. "Gideon!" Jewel called, grinning widely.


    His wife stood up and ran to hug him. He quickly ced his right hand at her back and rested his left hand on the door jamb.


    "I''m d you''re back!" Jewel eximed as she hugged him tightly.


    Gideon curled the corner of his lips up. "You haven''t eaten your dinner and breakfast. What are you thinking? It''s not okay to skip meals."


    But Jewel didn''t answer him and instead nudged her nose onto the crook of his neck. "Husband, I like your scent!" She giggled.


    Gideonughed. He pulled away from her hug and stared into his wife''s eyes. His forehead furrowed. He could see clearly the lust disyed in Jewel''s eyes. Sighing, he tucked the stray strand of hair behind her ears. "Go, take a bath and dress up, wife."


    But Jewel just rolled her eyes and clung tightly to his neck. His wife tiptoed and kissed him on his lips.


    He was caught off guard by Jewel''s action.


    She smiled. "I want to kiss you. I''ll take a bathter, okay?"


    And Gideon was still speechless when she put her lips onto his cold lips again. He was stunned. He could smell a faint scent of alcohol from her and he knew she''s tipsy. Did she get drunk again?


    He knew because Jewel''s not like this. He had known his wife for too long and he knew that she''s not a kiss maniac. He gently pushed Jewel away, but her arms sped tightly around his torso. She brought her body closer to him and he could do nothing but to hold her waist.


    "Jewel ---"


    Suddenly, Jewel loosened the arms around him and pushed him away. Gideon''s back pressed against the wall and his lips parted at the force of the woman''s push. "Jewel what are you ---"


    Jewel stalked closer to him and kissed him again like there''s no tomorrow. Gideon grabbed her waist to steady her feet. "Jewel," he called again. His lips pursed into a thin line. "Wife, we''re not doing this. Don''t act as a whore, you''re not one." His words prompted Jewel to stop. But it didn''tst long because she took a deep breath and stepped closer to him. He raised his hand to stop her naughty hand but she pped his hand away and grabbed off his polo shirt.


    Gideon heard the buttons fall on the floor. Jewel grinned when she saw his bare chest and abs. His expression darkened. "Wife, go back to your senses!"


    A smile spread across Jewel''s lips and she backed away, as Gideon slowly advanced. She shrugged her shoulders. "I want to have sex with you. Problem with that?"


    Gideon''s expression softened and he sighed. "It''s not the right time, Jewel. You''re still young. These words... you are only saying this because you''re confused. Now be a good girl and let me hold you."


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    Jewel giggled and she threw her body on the bed. He stood at the foot of the bed and folded his arms.


    His wife is naked under his gaze. Although he is not in the mood to do bed activities, but seeing the bare body of his wife made his mouth dry. He averted his gaze and cleared a throat. Then shook his head. Stepping closer to the cab, he opened it and reached for the towel hanging on the side. He tried to turn around but was stopped when two soft arms wrapped around his torso. "Let''s do it. I''m ready, Gideon."


    His body stiffened. He could smell the faint natural scent of a maiden in Jewel''s body. And it''s making him hard to breathe.


    Gideon clenched his jaw, turned around, and held Jewel''s shoulder to face her up to him. His wife''s eyes were red, and there were faint red marks all over her skin. He squinted his eyes while his gaze roamed around her body. "What are these red marks, Jewel? They seem to be love bites. Are you hiding a lover from me?" he asked while looking straight in her eyes.


    "Oh...." Jewel shook her head. "I don''t know, either."


    Gideon''s face darkened. He believed Jewel would not cheat on him, but seeing those red marks, it felt like someone had pped him in the cheek. He realized that Jewel might be thinking of getting a man to sleep with when he, her husband, couldn''t do his job.


    "What did you dost night?" he asked.


    Jewel casted her gaze down onto his abdomen. "I..." Jewel bit her lips and touched his hard abdomen, feeling the fine muscles. "I just read something," she whispered.


    Gideon just watched how she yed with the fine hairs on his bare chest. He averted his gaze and reached for Jewel, patting her head as he was taller than her. Then he grabbed her hand and pulled her to the bathroom. "Gideon!" her protest.


    He opened the cold shower and pulled Jewel to stand right under it.


    "Ah!" she cried. "Gideon, you beast! It''s cold!" Jewel gasped and red at him.


    He tugged the corner of his lips and pulled her close to his body and leaned for a hug. The water fell also into his body making him wet. "You''re not thinking straight so I had to wake you up," he reasoned.


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    Jewel pushed him away, still ring hatefully at him. "Heartless beast!"


    "I''m sorry, wife." He sighed and kissed her cheek. "Finish your shower and dress up. We''ll have our lunch."


    He clearly felt Jewel stiffened. When he looked at her, he saw her cheeks burning red. And it made him smile a little. His wife''s so cute.


    "You''re really annoying!" she yelled and turned her face away.


    "Alright." He chuckled. "Pack your thingster. I''ll bring you to Mantalongon tomorrow."


    Jewel just scoffed but she was watching Gideon in the corner of her eye when the man exited the bathroom.


    MANTALONGON is one of the ces often visited by adventurous tourists. The town will lead to Sergio Osme?a Peak --- the highest elevation of Cebu. Because it stood higher above sea water than its neighboring towns, the temperature is cold all year round. This made the town known as the summer capital of Cebu and Cebu''s version of Baguio as what they says.


    The pick-up car stopped at a sizeable house. Some were paved and some were not, but what caught her attention was the vast plot next to it.


    Gideon stepped out of the car, she followed. Fresh air blew into her and she enjoyed the sweet scent of roses and mangoes carried by the wind. Then she checked her white dress and summer hat for any wrinkles.


    Jewel nced at Gideon who was looking up at the house. Her forehead creased. She did not know what Gideon''s n was. The man just took her to Mantalongon without saying any reason.


    "I still have my ss," she said. The wind blew again and her hand caught the summer hat lying on her head, preventing it from flying away. "I can''t stay here for too long."


    "I know." He nced at her. "We''re here for deliverance."


    She frowned. "Deliverance?"


    A harsh wind blew again and lifted the hem of her white dress. She hastily lowered the hem, holding into it, but because she let go of the hat on her head, it was blown away by the wind. Jewel cussed under her breathe. She watched the summer hat fly in the air and into the woods nearby. Her eyes squinted.

 Her strange behavior part two

    "We''re still not on good terms so don''t start a fight," she hissed at him.


    Gideon sighed. "That''s too much, I know. But Jewel, you did that to yourself."


    "I just want to sleep with you yet you used me of being a whore? How dare you!"


    "I didn''t. You misunderstand my words."


    Jewel''s face crumpled at him but before she could refute him, a woman came out of the house. It was inappropriate to argue with her husband in front of other people so she shut her mouth up.


    The woman has a reddish brown hair and hazelnut colored eyes. She waved at them and took a big step towards the small gate of the house, separating them from the house.


    "Gideon, I''m d to see you!" the woman grinned happily when she came out of the gate and hugged her husband.


    Jewel''s heart skipped a beat. Who is this woman hanging around Gideon? First, Elise. Second, Julie. And who is this third one?


    "Ang," Gideon greeted with a smile.


    Jewel blinked as she watched the two of them hugging each other in front of her. She could not help but tighten her fist and cast her gaze down. Her tears brimmed in her eyes but she tried hard to keep it from falling her cheeks.


    It was an arranged marriage after all. They were not in love and there''s no feelings attached between them. But of all those months living with him, Jewel found herself seeing Gideon in a different light. She was attracted to his gentleness and protective nature.


    But why... he often neglect her feelings? It hurt so much watching her husband being too close with other women when they weren''t even reach that point of closeness yet. "My wife is with me, Ang."


    Jewel eyes widened and looked up. What? Did he profess that she''s his wife? The woman named Ang let go and turned to her. Jewel averted her gaze. Ang was stunned for a few seconds before she smiled and looked back at Gideon. "This is your wife?" she asked, smiling gently.


    Gideon nodded. "This is my wife Jewel Laine. I married herst summer."


    "Ah." Ang nodded then looked at her, waving her hand and smiling at her. "It''s nice to meet you, Jewel Laine. I''m Ang, Gideon''s churchmate. I heard a lot about you from him."


    Gideon''s ears went red and he cleared his throat. Angughed when she realized that Gideon''s embarrassed. "Alright. I need to talk with you, Gideon."


    He nced at her for a moment before nodding to Ang. The woman smiled again and nced at her. "You go inside first, Jewel. My husband Sean''s there. He''ll take care of you first. I need to talk with Gideon."


    There''s a pang in her chest. Maybe she''s jealous of the woman named Ang seeing that she''s close to her husband. Jewel once wished that she and Gideon will open up their feelings with each other to bridge the gap between them. But whatever she''ll do, it seemed like Gideon''s just too far to reach.


    She took a deep breath and smiled wryly. "Okay," she said then silently went inside.


    Jewel even heard what Ang said. "You don''t feel it? There''s something wrong with your wife."


    Her fist clenched. She didn''t want to leave her husband to that woman but she didn''t want to get embarrassed in front of Ang if she insist her will. The truth, she doesn''t like Ang. She doesn''t like that woman! "Miss?" someone called her.


    She looked to the front. There was a man standing there. He is standing with confidence and has an elegant physique.


    Jewel then realized she was just standing at the entrance of the house without moving in. She swallowed and asked, "Are you Sean?"


    He nodded. "Are you with Gideon?"


    "Yes." She smirked. "Ang is outside talking with him," she said with a slight provocation in her voice.


    Sean went still for a second before he cleared his throat and smiled. "Come inside first."


    Jewel took a step inside and noticed that there were only a few furnitures avable. She sat down on the bamboo chair and looked around. "I''m Jewel," she said as she asionally looked outside the door, hoping to see Gideon entering the house. "Would you like a drink?" Sean asked.


    "Uh, just mango juice."


    "All right." He turned around and went to kitchen. Few moments passed and he returned with a ss of juice. "Here it is, Miss."


    Jewel epted what he handed to her and gulped it down her throat. She was thirsty and having a mango juice in this fine weather was not so bad. Her gaze turned at Sean who was staring straight at her. She put the ss on the center table and cleared her throat. "Why?" she asked.


    "Have you done something wrong, Jewel?"


    Her eyebrows rose. "What do you mean?"


    "You feel different," he said.


    "Different?"


    He nodded. "Let me guess, you''re an unbeliever."


    "Unbeliever?"


    "You don''t believe in the gospel of Christ."


    Jewel went silent. That was a signal for Sean to continue. "You don''t have the Holy Spirit in you so you are vulnerable to any demonic attacks."


    "Demonic attacks?" she mimicked. She frowned, raising a brow. The email of Prophetic John suddenly shed in her mind. Jewel chuckled. "Excuse me, I''m not here for that."N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    "You are not, but your husband is."


    She was about to refute when Ang and Gideon entered the house. Thetter''s face turned serious as Ang smiled upon seeing Sean. "Have you eaten lunch?" Ang asked Sean. "Not yet." Sean looked at Gideon. "Nice to see you again, bro." The he shook hands with her husband.


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! There were some pleasantries before Ang went to the kitchen to prepare lunch. Sean followed his wife.


    Jewel quickly stood up and approached Gideon. "I''m hungry," she whispered to him.


    Gideon nodded and led her to the kitchen. Jewel looked at him and cleared her throat. "By the way, what did you two talked about?" she asked.


    "It''s nothing."


    "I don''t believe you," she said, pursing her lips into a thin line. "And I''m jealous."


    Gideon looked down at her for a moment before looking ahead. "You shouldn''t be. Ang is married."


    "But did you see how she looked at you? That woman''s cunning. She''s going to snatch you from me."


    "Stop thinking that ridiculous idea. You''re not living in your fictional world, Jewel. Besides, Ang is not that kind of woman," Gideon said, rebuking her words.


    Jewel took a deep breathe. "See?" She frowned. "She gained your favor!"


    "Jewel enough," Gideon said. "Don''t be a brat again."


    Her face became livid and she clenched her fist. "Is it because Ang is your first love that''s why you''re defending her? Is that so, Gideon?"


    He halted and Jewel also stopped in her tracks. Gideon frowned and looked at her straight in the eye. "Where did you get that idea?"


    "Tang told me!" Jewel bit her lip and she averted her gaze. "So I indulged in erotica the other night because Tang told me that you still love Ang! That''s why you can''t love me. And you brought me here for what? To make me realize you''ll never love me? Is that so, Gideon Manasseh?!"


    She huffed and averted her gaze again. Jewel couldn''t meet his eyes specially when she could see the shock written in his face. But when she looked at him in the corner of her eye, she realize that Gideon was not staring at her in shock. He was staring behind her. Jewel frowned and looked over her shoulder.


    There, she saw Ang and Sean. And the woman seems to have heard everything she said.

 The province-like place

    Note: Chapter 47 contains Biblical reference.


    ~~~


    "Ang," Gideon called.


    Jewel could feel her cheeks burned hot in embarrassment. Although she really wanted to confront her husband, but not in front of other people specially Ang.


    She swallowed the lump in her throat and folded her arms. She now lost her appetite. All she wanted to do now was to get out of the house. Jewel could not afford to eat with the woman in front of her.


    So she cleared her throat. "I''m going out. I''m not hungry anymore." Then she turned around, heading for the main door.


    Jewel quietly went out the door and walked to the garden she had noticed earlier. The wind blew again and she let the strands of her hair to y freely in the air. The breeze was fresh, much to her liking. So unlike in the city which was sultry and dusty.


    Sitting in the shade of a tree in the middle of the garden, she sighed while remembering what Gideon had done and what she had said earlier. The truth of the matter was that Tang never said that Gideon''s first love was Ang. All the steward said was that Gideon liked Ang back then. But her imagination was so naughty that she believed Gideon''s first love was the woman she met earlier.


    And by the look on Gideon''s face earlier, she knew that she hit a spot. Her assumption might be true. Gideon would not have been so surprised if what she assumed was not true.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Her back leaned on the tree and she roamed her eyes around. The ce was a typical province. There were many trees and the greenery were everywhere. Her favorite was the coconut trees at the distant swaying gently in the breeze. Jewel sighed. She no longer care if the white dress she was wearing will get dirty. Her heart was so heavy that she just wanted to cry. But there''s no tears in her eyes. She was tired of crying.


    She took another deep breath and closed her eyes and didn''t realize that she had fallen asleep.


    Jewel woke up when she felt a gaze on her face. Someone was staring at her. When she opened her eyes, she first saw Gideon''s face. Jewel frowned. "You''re staring to much."


    He didn''t refute her but just lifted a bag of fruit. "Eat first. Tomorrow, we''ll go to the public audi."


    Jewel looked at the fruit then cast a nce at him before taking it from his hand. "What are we gonna do there?"


    Gideon sat beside her and smiled. "To listen."


    "Of what?" she asked and averted her gaze.


    This was the problem with Gideon. After their argument, he would smile like nothing happened between them. The only time her husband lost his cool was when they argued about the box of erotica hidden under her bed. "Gospel."


    "Gospel?" She raised a brow as she bit the apple.


    Gideon nodded. "You still believe in God, Jewel?"


    She chuckled and averted her eyes. Jewel did not answer. The truth was, she''s not religious. But she knew that God existed, yet she did not pray nor read what people called the Bible.


    Moreover, she did not want to hear anything about God. She didn''t know why, but there''s something in her that avoided things that have to do with God. Jewel''s been avoiding God since she started reading erotica. "Jewel," Gideon called her when he noticed that her attention was not in him.


    She bit the apple again. "What?"


    "I haven''t seen you praying. Do you believe in God?"


    "I know that there is One out there," she said indifferently.


    Gideon sighed. "You know that there is God. But do you believe in Him?"


    She looked at Gideon and squinted her eyes. "I know that there is God, so basically, I believe in Him. Are you happy now?"


    "Knowing there is God is different from believing in Him. If you believe in God, then why do you keep on sinning against Him? If you believe in God, you shouldn''t go around cing yourself in front of temptation that will lead you to sin." Jewel''s face became serious. "What''s with that tone, Gideon?"


    Gideon sighed. "When I married you, I thought you''re a believer. Only now I realize that you are not, Jewel."


    "So you regret it now?" she asked in a whisper.


    The wind blew past them and strands of her hair flew in the air. She casted her gaze down and sighed. "What''s the gospel?" she asked.


    Gideon looked beyond the forest. "The gospel is the burial, death and resurrection of Christ." He sat straight and looked up at the blue sky. There weren''t too many clouds. Only one that was slowly moving in one direction. Jewel looked up as well. The sun''s rays did not hit her eyes directly because of the huge branches that were full of thick leaves.


    Gideon sighed. "People know that there is God, but most are godless."


    She nced at him. "What do you mean by that?"


    "We know that there is God, but we don''t recognize Him. If the definition of believe is to know that there is God then people aren''t truly save because believing is not only knowing God, but following Him."


    "Following?" A smile tugged the corner of her lips. She smirked. Her interest was aroused by what Gideon said. "Well, how could people follow God if He is unseen? Like, how can you follow Him if you can''t see Him? What you''ve said is impossible."


    "That''s why God, in His eternal presence, came down from heaven to experience the life of a human being."


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    "Hmm... You''re saying Jesus?" she asked and Gideon nodded. Jewel thought for a second, then smiled. "I heard about Him."


    "I''m d to know that," Gideon said and smiled back. "Jesus was here to demonstrate the love of God, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. All His doings were recorded in the Bible and we should follow His example to live righteously."


    "But... isn''t it a bit sad? You are obliged to follow rules in order to enter heaven," she said.


    The smile on Gideon''s lips remained. "When you love what you do, you''ll never feel it''s an obligation but fulfillment and joy."


    "Love?" Jewel nced at him again. "Do you love being restrained by rules?"


    Gideon raised his hand and patted her head. "When you ept Jesus, you''ll love Him more than yourself. You''ll feel joy and fulfillment that exceeds our understanding. Jewel, you can''t put into words the joy you''ll feel when you are in His presence. That''s why following His example... loving God with all our heart, mind, and soul.. and loving our neighbor as ourself, is not an obligation but a way to express our gratitude towards Him who saved us. It will never be burden because the willingness to follow thosemandmentses from within... ites from the heart."


    Jewel frowned at what Gideon said. "It''s hard to believe someone whom you haven''t seen yet. So howe you believe in Jesus if you haven''t seen Him?" Jewel looked at Gideon.


    Gideon smiled. "I don''t need to see Jesus to believe in Him, Jewel. I just need to feel His presence."


    She frowned and averted her gaze. "Presence? Like a ghost?"


    "No." Gideon shook his head. "More than that feeling..." Gideon turned his head to the front and looked up at the blue sky. "His presence is like... a wind." "A wind?"


    "Do you feel the wind?" he asked.


    She nodded. "Yes?"


    "Do you know where ites from?"


    Jewel thought for awhile, and then shook her head. "I don''t. But I can feel it moves around me."


    "Do you see the wind?"


    "Of course not!" She chuckled at his silly question.


    The corner of Gideon''s lips curled up. "God''s presence is like that of a wind. You don''t know where ite from, and you don''t even see it... but you feel it." "Oh, an emotion?"


    "No. The presence of God is brought by His Spirit, so faith is not an emotion-driven event."


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    "It has to do with faith?"


    Gideon looked at her. "Yes."


    "What? I don''t understand you."


    "You don''t understand because only the spiritual understand this truth. But I tell you this... faith is not an emotion. Faithes when you hear the Word the God. Then the Holy Spirit touches your spirit, and this will lead you to believe His Word. You''ll feel conviction in your soul, and you''ll be a new person."


    "Touches my spirit?" She was even more confused. What does this mean? "That''s ..." Jewel''s face flushed. "I don''t understand!"


    Gideon softly smiled at her and tapped her shoulder. "I pray to God that you will someday see His glory. If you''ll see His glory and if you''ll feel His presence... Jewel, it will turn your life upside down. You will never be the same person again." Jewel averted her gaze and stared at the lonely white cloud in the blue expanse of the sky above. A new person?


    She pursed her lips.


    NIGHTFALL came and Jewel was standing in the garden. Darkness started to cover the ce and the afternoon breeze was colder than earlier. Jewel sighed for the nth times. She did not know what to do.


    She had listened to Gideon''s teaching earlier but seeing him clearly smiling happily around Ang, she could not help but to question his stance. He said that he''s not seeing Ang but why was he showing that he hadn''t moved on with that woman? Jewel was jealous.


    In this unfamiliar ce, all she could do was to stand there as if waiting for someone. She felt small all of the sudden and didn''t notice that she was walking ahead with no clear direction in her mind. She had entered the dark forest nearby the vige.


    Suddenly, her foot stumbled upon a sharp stone. She gasped and protected her face from the fall.


    "Ow!" Jewel grimaced and looked around.


    All she could see was the full moon hanging above the night sky. Her body shivered in the cold. It was no secret that forests in the province have their coldness seeping around when the sun had set.


    Her teeth chattered not from the cold, but of terror when she heard wolves howling at the distant. She didn''t expect that there were creatures lurking around the forest because the ce was silent during the day. Gideon also didn''t warn her about the dangers of this forest.


    Jewel gritted her teeth. She felt helpless but no one was around to help her. So without wasting time, she stood and walked back to where she came from. But the track felt like forever, there''s no sign of stopping anytime soon. She bit her lip, regretting her foolishnes and scolding herself for being too affected by Gideon''s actions.


    She should ept it that Gideon didn''t feel anything for her, and that his heart only belong to Ang. She should not hope for the impossible.

 Those nightmares

    As darkness scattered in her sorrounding, Jewel find it hard to follow her way back. She has been walking for hours yet there''s no end of this creepy tracks. It''s been hours and the noise of the crickets was getting louder in every second, making her ears ache. Her heart was trembling nonstop since she turned around to leave.


    Jewel halted in her tracks when she heard frantic footsteps approaching her. It didn''t sound like a human being, rather it was a nocturnal animal lurking in the shadows. Her breathe faltered as she looked around.


    Then a pair of red eyes peeped from the shadows. Jewel screamed as she stumbled and fell on her butt. She winced and looked hastily to the creature. It was an enormous wolf and didn''t look friendly at all. The creature stalked towards her and she could not help but to gulp hard as cold sweat trickled her back.


    "D-Don''t eat me," she whispered under her shaking breathe, but the wolf didn''t understand her words and continued taking a step towards her.


    She stood and ran away. The wolf chased after her with burning gaze of a predator chasing after his prey. Jewel just ran without any care in the world and she didn''t notice that she was running away from the exit.


    "Ah!" she screamed when she slipped on a cliff. She hastily grabbed the tree branch by the cliff.


    Her breathe quickened as she looked at the never ending darkness below. Jewel gulped hard and tightened her hold on the branch. But her hand started to get sweat and her hold on the thin branch was slipping away. Her lips trembled and her face''s as pale as a sheet of paper.


    "Jewel!"


    Her eyes widened as she heard a familiar voice calling out her name. Her vision blurred as she yelled in reply, "I''m here!"


    Gideon quickened his steps and stopped by the cliff. He looked down. The translucent moonlight shone on his wife who was hanging by a thin branch. He could feel his body shivered in fright. "H-hold on!" he yelled and reached his hand out. Jewel tried to grab his hand but her other hand lost its grip on the thin branch. Her breathe halted and her eyes widened. "Gideon!" she called in panic.


    Gideon could see how things moved slowly as Jewel lost her grip on the branch. Without thinking he reached for her hand, grateful because he caught her hand in time. "I''ll pull you up," he said, clenching his jaw to control his trembling voice. Just a secondte and he would see her falling to her death. Gideon couldn''t imagine the consequence if he had not been looking for her in the forest.


    Earlier, Jewel suddenly went missing. Even Ang and Sean didn''t see the girl and he immediately knew that Jewel''s being reckless again. So he searched the area carefully but didn''t find even a shadow of his wife. The only ce left was the small forest nearby.


    At first he was skeptical because he believed Jewel knew how dangerous the forest is during night time, but considering how reckless his wife could be sometimes when her rationality''s clouded by strong emotion, Gideon didn''t hesitate to enter and search the forest.


    And he was right when he saw Jewel hanging by the cliff. He could not imagine the consequence would be if he entered a secondte. He sighed as he easily pulled Jewel up.


    Before Gideon could utter a word, Jewel pulled him for a hug. His body went stiff.


    "Y-You! I thought... I thought..." Jewel mumbled.


    Gideon listened to her mumbling while patting her back to soothe her trembling body. "I know, I''m sorry. I waste," he whispered.


    They stayed in that position for few minutes before Jewel let him go. She looked up to him and pouted. "It''s your fault!"


    "Why?"


    Jewel looked away and folded her arms in front, huffing. "You ignored me for that Ang," she whispered under her breath.


    "I didn''t," he denied and sighed. "You are only imagining things, Jewel." He drew a breathe again and closed his eyes. "Don''t do that again. Don''t make me worry again, wife. You understand?"


    Even though she still felt aggrieved, but Jewel nodded. Of course she knew what she did was dangerous and she vowed herself that she would think before acting up. Afterall, it was her choice that put her in that dangerous situation. They walked their way back home in silence. Jewel was thinking of what awaits her back in Ang''s home. As much as possible, she didn''t want to see Ang and Sean as of the moment.


    Jewel grabbed the hem of Gideon''s cloth and tugged it back. Her husband stopped and looked over his shoulder. "What''s the matter?" he asked.


    She bit her lip and averted her gaze. "I don''t want to go back... yet."


    It took Gideon a few seconds before he understood what she meant. He entertwined their fingers and led her forward. "Let''s stay in our house then."


    So she found herself standing outside a small house. It was shining in the darkness. Jewel remembered Gideon''s house in Medellin. Just like the small house, it would shine in the darknes also.


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    "Sir Manasseh!" someone called from behind.


    Jewel saw a woman smiling from ear to ear while striding towards them. The woman opened the small gate and bowed slightly at them. "I received your notice earlier and I''ve cleaned the house for you and your wife, Sir." "Thank you, Rosa."


    Gideon led her inside the house while Jewel was left wondering what the woman had said. ncing at Gideon, she realized that her husband had no n to stay at Ang''s house for the night. Jewel casted her gaze down. She misunderstood him again.


    Just like Gideon''s house in Medellin, the furnitures were simple, fewer, and elegant. A faint aroma of coffee hovered above the air and Jewel rxed her tense shoulders. "Where''s my room?" she asked.


    "Aren''t you hungry?"


    Because of his question, Jewel stomach suddenly grumbled and she looked away. A knowing smile appeared on Gideon''s lips. She knew he was making fun of her again.


    Gideon led her to the kitchen and they ate dinner in silence. It might be because of tiredness and the near death experience that Jewel suddenly felt her head spinning. Her vision went ck.


    When she opened her eyes again, it was morning. The birds were chirping on the tree branch nearby and the morning breeze were freezing cold. Even though her body was hidden under theforter, but it was not enough to lessen the cold. In fact, she''s not bothered by the cold because she had been living with air cooler in her Dad''s mansion. What made her woke up was the intense stare from someone.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    A strange man was standing at the foot of the bed. Jewel sat up and crawled towards the headboard, away from the man. "W-Who are you?!" she asked, frantic.


    The man didn''t answer and just crawled towards her with a wicked grin hanging on his lips. Jewel screamed at the top of her lungs, jolting her awake. Her chest heaved as beads of sweat formed in her forehead and trickled down her chin. Her eyes roamed the silent room and drew a breathe upon realizing that she''s alone. Just as her shoulder rxed, she heard knocks on the door.


    "Jewel! Open up!" It was Gideon''s voice. He might heard her scream and she didn''t me him for being worried.


    She got out of the bed and walked to the door, twisting the doorknob and opening it up. Her husband was standing outside. He searched her body carefully before staring straight into her eyes. "What happened? I heard your scream. Did someone intrude in your room?" he asked and stepped in.


    Jewel''s lips pursed into a thin line. "Nothing. I just had a nightmare," she said.


    It was indeed a nightmare, but a little different from what she had before. The dream was about her and the strange man doing that ''thing'' again in her bed. But the man was brutal and even if she begged, he would not listen. He kept on doing bad things on her body, making her scream in fright and pain. It was not pleasurable at all rather it was all pain.


    Her body shivered in terror and she clearly remembered the pain he caused her. She could still feel how the manshed her body out that blood dripped on to the white sheet of the bed. Thest thing she remembered was the man holding a bloodied whip, intending to whip her again for thest time.


    Gideon noticed the small tremor of her body and he pulled her in for a hug, thinking that Jewel was still afraid of the event that happened earlier at the cliff. "Don''t be afraid, I''m here."


    Jewel wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight, breath still a little shaky.


    She hoped that she wouldn''t dream that nightmare again but her little wish wasn''t given at all. After an hour, she slept again but she dreamt of the man -- a continuation of what she had dreamt before.


    Jewel screamed, jolting awake the people sleeping the house again. This time, Gideon decided to stay with her.


    "Are you sure?" she asked, voice a little hoarse and sleepy.


    "You''ve been disturbed by what happened earlier. I''ll stay here with you to watch over you," he promised and smiled at her.


    Jewel stared at him longer than usual before averting her gaze. She felt guilty all of the sudden. Gideon was thinking she''s frightened by the events earlier yet the real cause of her nightmare was the strange man in her dreams. And she knew it has someting to do with her vices.


    She closed her eyes and drifted to sleep. But while closing her eyes, she didn''t notice how Gideon stared at her.


    In her dream, she met the man. He was back to being sweet and considerate of her and they did that ''thing'' again and again. She forgot that Gideon was still inside her room, watching her as she moan in response of the pleasure the man in her dreams was giving her.

 Coming clean

    Jewel opened her eyes and the first thing she saw was Gideon''s face above hers. Her body went stiff for a moment before she sat up and moved away from him. "What are you d-doing?" she asked and averted her gaze. But she gasped when she noticed that she''s naked!


    She hastily covered her bare chest and red at Gideon. "What did you d-do? Did something happened between us?"


    But he didn''t say anything and just handed a robe to her. Jewel epted it and put it on while checking her body. But aside from few red marks, she felt no pain. She was confused. Did she undress herself again during sleep? Jewel nced at Gideon who was looking at her. She swallowed hard and tried to get off the the bed. But Gideon reached for her and pulled her back, pinning her body below him. She gasped as she stared at him wide-eyed. "W-What?" "You are moaning in your sleep. Did you dream of that thing again, wife?" he asked.


    Her lips parted but no words came out of her mouth. She could feel the heat rushing to her cheeks and she averted her gaze, flustered. "I d-don''t understand what you''re saying! And why are you looking at me like I''ve done a very bad thing?" She red at him and squinted her eyes. "It''s normal to have wet dreams at my age!"


    He raised a brow and leaned his face close to hers. Jewel closed her eyes and her heart skipped a beat. Would he kiss her?


    Gideon whispered in her ear. "You''re moaning my name so I have the right to question you."


    Her eyes widened as she stared at his smirking face, clearly enjoying the look of embarrassment in her face. Jewel huffed and rolled her eyes to deny his amusement. "Get off me! Go away!" she yelled and pushed his heavy body aside. Gideonid on the bed beside her and stared at the ceiling. "You were having wet dreams since I''ve married you, wife. I remembered you calling your friend about it on the balcony of your dad''s mansion."


    Jewel''s mind wandered back on that night, when she called Hazel after her first time having wet dreams. Right. She remembered seeing Gideon standing in the next balcony and when she arrived at his house in Cansanit, he confronted her about it.


    She sighed. Such as long time ago but it felt ages. When she first learned about her arranged marriage, she hated Gideon for disturbing her quiet life. But after months of being with him, she knew that her parent''s decision to marry her off the mayor''s son was not entirely wrong.


    "Yes," she whispered.


    "Are you having that dream every night?" he asked, ncing at her.


    Jewel bit her lower lip and cleared her throat. It was embarrassing to talk about her wet dreams in front of him, but Gideon had a calm voice and it''s giving her an illusion that he''s serious and wouldn''t tease nor condemn her for it. She grew courage to answer him. "N-No. I didn''t have wet dreams when I don''t read my books."


    "You''re saying you only dream of that ''thing'' when you read those books before you sleep?"


    "Yes."


    Gideon was silent for a moment before he said, "So the problem lies in those books..."


    Jewel nced at him before she sighed. "I think it''s not. These days, I have not read any x-rated books but I still dream of that man." When she saw a small smile forming at the corner of his lips, she cleared her throat again. "And he don''t have the same face as yours! Stop believing that I''m calling your name while having those dreams!"


    He chuckled at her words and Jewel was even more ashamed. She looked away, pouting.


    "Alright, I won''t tease you anymore," he promised. "But I think you need to stop being addicted to those books, wife."


    "It''s what you always say to me and you''ve even threatened me!''


    Gideon sighed and reached for the tip of her locks, ying it with his fingers. "I''m sorry, I was rude to you. But I am also at fault. I should have talked with you rather than being angry for not obeying my words beforehand." Jewel went silent for a moment before she spoke again, "I''m d youe clean to me now."


    "It''s because I am just like you, Jewel." Gideon looked at the opened window where the sun was slowly rising in the east. "I am also addicted to those lustful materials, wife. I have been reprimanding you for giving up your x-rated books but I forgot that I am also hiding those nude photos in my phone. It''s unfair to you. And I am not being honest to God."


    Jewel also looked at the window and the soft rays of the sun entered the room. "So... you are also addicted to lustful materials, huh? And you have the guts to share to me the word of God and force me to give up my vices?"


    Gideon went silent for a moment and Jewel could feel his shame. She bit her lip and looked at his direction, pulling his closed fist and forcing it to open. She intertwined their fingers and brought their sped hands close to her heart. "It''s okay, Gideon. I understand. You don''t have to be ashamed in front of me," she said and smiled a little at him.


    He stared at her. Different emotions shed in Gideon''s eyes before he reached for her face and kissed her forehead, whispereing. "I love you, Jewel."


    Her heart skipped a beat.


    AFTER A POWERFUL preach, the Pastor smiled at the audience. Jewel was currently sitting at the front row of the monoblock chairs prepared by the team. Gideon was sitting beside her and she was still speechless after the Pastor summarized who''s Jesus in every chapter of the Bible.


    "Praise to the resurrected King! The King of kings, the Lord of lords! There is no other name under heaven given among men that which we must be saved! Only JESUS!"


    She lowered her gaze.


    An upbeat music began to y apanied by a tone unfamiliar to her.


    The people raised their hands. Jewel wondered what they were doing. She looked at Gideon standing by her side. He was also doing what others was doing.


    Why do people keep on raising their hands on the air?


    Her eyebrows rose, feeling ufortable inside the auditorious as time went by. The people''s voice singing a song and hearing the lyrics, Jewel couldn''t describe her feelings. She wanted to leave but the ce was crowded and it was hard to pass by the people so she waited until the people finished singing.


    She even heard Gideon''s voice singing with the crowd.


    Jewel frowned and covered her ears, closing her eyes tight. She didn''t know why but her knees became weak, trembling.


    She opened her eyes again and came face to face with Sean who was singing on the high-rise tform above. The man''s eyes were closed as he sang. Suddenly, her stomach turned. She opened her mouth and started to vomit, but nothing came out of her mouth. Jewel held her stomach and continued that act of vomiting when nothing came out of her mouth.


    She was like that for few minutes until her knee finally gave up. Her butt sat on the monoblock chair, breathless. What was that?


    She''s certain that something happened to her. She felt something lifted up, something came out of her.


    The song ended.


    Sean descended from the elevated tform, and a man she was not familiar with climbed up there. As people sat on their chairs, the man introduced himself.


    "Isn''t it nice to see new faces in our gathering? Praise the Lord for giving us the opportunity to share the Word with neers today." The man looked at her and smiled. Jewel averted her gaze as she felt her cheeks burned red in embarrassment. The man continued. "I''m Pastor Berion. Of those who attended thest event, you already know me. And for those who are new to this event, wee and I pray that the Lord will grant you wisdom to understand the topic we''ll discuss today."


    Large letters appeared on the wall projected by the equipment prepared by the team. Sexual Immorality was written in bold letters and Jewel was a little famir with it.


    "Sexual Immorality. Why is the church so silent when ites to this matter?"


    The Pastor looked around until his eyes found Jewel again. She didn''t know if the man smiled at her or grinned.


    "Silent because people are too conservative, frowning every time they talk about it? Don''t you know that many people fall into sexual sin because the church doesn''t warn and reprimand people about it?"


    "Immorality. ording to the dictionary, being evil, wrong, hical, unclean. So if the word sexual is put to immorality, it means wrong and unclean sexual acts. What are these?


    They are (1) sex outside marriage, (2) homosexuality, (3) adultery, (4) bestiality, (5) incest, (6) obscene words, obscene acts, indecent and unclean sexual acts.


    There are a lot of sexual immorality that people don''t know. This list is so far the most obvious one and are widely spread around the world."


    Sexual immorality is thest bullet of the dark kingdom, and the church is greatly affected and wounded by this sin. The adversary is sowing immorality throughout thend."


    The Pastor looked at each one of them. "These lustful materials are pulling you away from God. It makes a believer think that he/she''s unclean and it makes an unbeliever indulge in the pleasure of flesh until their time on earth is done, having no time to ready oneself to face God after death.


    And no, we can''t save ourselves from the price of sin. Only Jesus can save us.


    Because he had already paid the consequence of sin (death) when he died on the cross and after he rose from the dead and ascend to heaven, he wille back again to this world to judge every living thing -- believer or not -- and cast the demons in the pit of hell.


    So while we are waiting for His return, we must be firm in the faith. Because the enemy of Jesus is here on earth and is currently sowing sin.


    The devil makes sin a culture so many are deceived.


    But remember that there is power in the name of Jesus.


    Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.


    Lament and mourn and weep! Let yourughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4: 7-10)


    If you believe that Jesus paid the price of your sin by dying on the cross, then confess your sins to Him who rose from the dead and is seated on the right hand of the Father. And repent!


    A true repentance is seen in how a believer change his/her ways after a heartfelt confession. And true faith is seen in the believer''s good works because remember: a faith without good work is dead. Salvation is free. And salvation belongs to Jesus Christ.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    Repent for the Kingdom of God hase near you!


    Jewel drew a breathe as her body shivered. She didn''t know what''s going on but her heart was beating hard non-stop. Biting her lip, she lowered her head and for the first time, uttered His name in a whisper.

 New beginning

    Jewel is curious. There is something in her heart that urges her to read the Bible. She swallowed the lump in her throat and wiped her sweaty hand.


    The preaching had just finished and Gideon was on the edge of the high tform of the public audi. He was talking to Ang and Sean and minutes had passed yet they were still talking, not a sign that it''ll end soon. Jewel pursed her lips into a thin line and looked away.


    She watched as people talked in the corner,ughing with each other. They were full of genuine smile that was rare to her. Because she grew up within the elite circle, Jewel was taught to hide her true feelings and cover it up with a smile that she had practiced in her younger years.


    In the world she''s living, it was impossible to know the true feelings of people towards her. And it was the reason why she never told Tiara, Gabbi, and Hazel all her darkest secrets even though they were ''friends'' since Senior High. True to her hunch, they betrayed her.


    It was easy for her to ept their betrayal because in the first ce, she never hope for them to be with her through difficult times. She never really consider them to be her trusted aide whenever she faces difficulties so she shrugged her shoulders and moved on after knowing what they did to her.


    But it was different story when ites to Gideon. At first, she hated him but she soon learned to love him. And she was hurt when Gideon broke his promise and sent her back to her Dad''s mansion. She felt used and betrayed that''s why she deliberately went to Cansanit to ask for his exnation even if it''s not her nature to chase after people for that mere reason.


    And knowing Gideon and Ang''s past, she lost her cool and let her emotion took control of her. She let her jealousy to eat her up, not realizing that Gideon was into her.


    After all, she hated it when she didn''t have the control over the situation, and Gideon was hard to read and control. It made her feel awful and fearful that one day, he''ll leave her for another woman. Jewel couldn''t imagine her life without him. "Jewel?" someone called her name.


    She looked at Gideon who stood in front of her. The soft rays of the afternoon sun kissed the side of his face, making him looked ethereal. Jewel was at lost of words.


    "Wife, why are you staring like that?" he asked, chuckling. Clearly amused by her nk look.


    Jewel averted her gaze and cleared her throat. "I''m waiting for an hour here," she said and huffed.


    She was surprise to see Ang and Sean in the corner of her eye, walking towards her direction. Jewel stood and faced the two. Her eyes widened when Ang smiled at her and pulled her for a hug. A, wait. What happened?


    Her eyes snapped at Gideon who shrugged his shoulders and still smiling.


    "I''m d that you are safe. We''re worried when you went missingst night." Ang released her and sighed. "Gideon told us that you were in the forest. Thank God that you''re safe!"


    The corner of her lips twitched into a smile. "Thanks. I will not do it again," she promised.


    Ang looked at Gideon. "You should take care of her and don''t let her wander in the forest again."


    "Aye, maam," Gideon joked.


    A faint smile appeared on Jewel''s lips. She looked at Sean who was also staring at her. She cleared her throat. "What is it, b-brother?" she asked.


    The word brother was strange in her lips. Sean shook his head, smiling faintly. "I believe that you are a believer now. Wee to the family of God, Jewel."


    Her smile widened and she looked at the tform when the worship team started to y instruments.


    She was surprised when Ang invited her for a dance. Jewelughed and joined in the fun. In that very same ce, at that very same time... Jewelughed and smiled free. She has never felt this kind of freedom in her life.


    A joy that she couldn''t exin... her heart couldn''t contain it! She sang after the worship team.


    Is this what Gideon told her? The presence of God will give a kind of joy and fulfillment that surpass understanding.


    Well, she''s now sure. This experience will really turn her life upside down. Jewel will not be the same girl she were once before.


    After dancing in the public audi, Ang invited her and Gideon to a river below Mantalongon.


    It was a ce she had never seen before. Trees were growing by the riverbank and the water flowed gently. The slight noise made by the water passing through the rocks was soothing in the ear.


    "This ce is beautiful," she said in amazement.


    Ang smiled. "It''s just a part of the Dguete River. This is where we baptized people."


    "Baptized?" she asked in surprise.


    Looking around the ce, she inhaled the fresh air when cold breeze blew past her. The water rushed into the rocky and shallow part of the river. The passing wind was slightly strong, making the branches of the tree by the riverbank dance. "Yes, water baptism."


    She frowned. "Is it important?"


    "It is your deration that you will follow Christ." Ang nced at her and smiled again. "Are you willing to follow Him?"


    Taking a deep breathe, she nodded. "I am."


    Ang guided her to a deeper part of the river.


    Her muscles was tense and sometimes stiffened in the cold water but her body eventually got used to it. Her lips curled into a smile as she followed Ang into the deep waters. Sean and Gideon was following behind her. Ang halted and so was she. Jewel looked across the river where the other side was full of rocks covered in moss. Beyond the riverbank was the thick forest full of tall and sturdy trees.


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away!


    "I brought her extra clothes," Gideon suddenly said when he stopped behind her.


    She looked over her shoulder to nce at her husband, waving a hand at him. She also saw Sean standing not far from him.


    Then Sean started baptizing her in the water. She fully submerged into the river, feeling the cold water wrapped around her body as ifforting her. Then few secondster, she rose from the waters. "Haah!" she breathed deeply and opened her eyes. She first saw Gideon smiling at her.


    "Wee to God''s family, Jewel!" Ang said and pped her hands, smiling.


    She smiled andughed, pping her hand as well. She walked to the woman and hugged her, shook hands with Sean, and finally hugged Gideon.


    "Congrats, wife," he whispered into her ear.


    "Thank you."


    He brought out a water-proof digital camera and focused its lens on them. The she heard a click.


    "We''re going first, Gideon, Jewel. We''re still going to Pastor Berion," Sean said their goodbyes.


    Gideon lowered the camera and nodded to Sean.


    Jewel bit her lip when Gideon approached her. The water was up to her shoulder but because Gideon was taller, the water in the river was only up to his chest.


    She saw the smile on his lips and she swallowed. "Aboutst night, I---"


    Gideon cut her words when he grabbed her and kissed her on the lips. Jewel hastily grabbed him by the shoulder and blinked her eyes.


    After a few minutes, Gideon released her and rubbed both her cheeks. "I love you," he whispered.


    Jewel held her breath as she stared into Gideon''s eyes. There was gentleness in his eyes and his smile was true. It was not the first time he confessed his feelings to her but it felt like her time had stopped and all she could do but to stare at him wide-eyed.


    "Breathe, Jewel."


    She did as she was told and pped Gideon on the shoulder. "There you go again, making me breathless!" she pouted and huffed.


    Heughed and turned her around, hugging her from behind. Jewel''s heart skipped a beat when she heard Gideon singing the song that she danced earlier.


    She put her hand on Gideon''s hand and together they watched the setting sun in the west, while soaking in the cold waters of the Dguete River.


    THEY HAD dinner at Ang and Sean''s house. There were a lot of foods prepared on the table. And some were actually her favorites so she was ncing at Gideon from time to time.


    He should have told Ang her favorite dish. Actually, she was thankful that Ang preapared her favorite dish but she didn''t want to disturb the woman because of these little things. After all, she didn''t have a problem eating what''s prepared on the table.


    "You doesn''t like the dish?" Ang asked when she noticed Jewel not picking up foods.


    Jewel shook her head. "It''s not that. I do like them."


    "Then why aren''t you eating?"


    "I have disturbed you. You don''t have to cook all of these," she said, voice a little shy.


    Angughed then pointed a finger at Gideon. "Actually, it was Gideon who cooked these foods. I only cooked the rice."


    "Huh?" Jewel''s eyes snapped at Gideon who was sitting beside her and busy putting foods on her te. Jewel smiled wryly. "Thanks for the food," she whispered.


    "Don''t thank your husband, Jewel," he whispered back.


    Her cheeks burned red when she noticed Ang looking at them with a teasing smile on her lips. She lowered her gaze and eat the foods that Gideon put on her te. The smile on Ang''s lips did not disappear even when they stood outside of the house, preparing to leave.


    "Be careful on the trip," Ang said and bid her goodbye.


    Jewel smiled. "Thank you."Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Sean waved goodbye at her and Gideon. Both she and her husband got in the car and Gideon drove it out of Mantalongon.


    "Can you drive?" she asked when she noticed the tiredness on his face. "We can book a hotel nearby for the night," she suggested.


    "I''m okay, Jewel."


    "Are you sure?"


    He nodded and smiled as if he remembered something. "You once made me drive from Oslob to Medellin in hours. I''m good in this long drive," he said, teasing her. Jewel immediately looked away as she also remembered how she acted as a brat when she instructed him to do it. "I''m sorry," she whispered.


    Gideon justughed and reached for her hand resting on her thigh, sping their hands together.

 Sweet kiss under the moonlight

    It waste at night but the car was still running on the coastal road north of Cebu. The ride was quiet and the chilly evening breeze was blowing gently inside the open car''s window. Full moon was hanging proudly at the night sky illuminating the road ahead, helping the car''s headlight provide ambient light.


    They passed through Argao, Naga, Mandaue, and stopped briefly in Liloan to a drive thru fast food chain that was still open before continuing north to Bogo. Opening the food package, Jewel nced at Gideon who was silent since earlier. "Do you want to eat?" she asked.


    Gideon shook his head, smiling at her when he nced brieftly at the rearview mirror to meet her gaze. "Just eat," he said.


    She went silent. Jewel could see the tiredness in his eyes yet he was focused on the road ahead. Her lips pursed into a thin line. She felt guilty all of a sudden while staring at the food. How could she have the guts to eat when Gideon was not eating?Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    She gritted her teeth and put the food package on the container, putting it on the dashboard. Gideon saw what she did and his brow raised, "You are not eating anymore?"


    Jewel shook her head. "I''ll eatter." Sighing, she looked around the dashboard. "Did you bring a Bible? I want to read."


    Gideon nced at her for a moment. "In the glovepartment," he said and looked at the road ahead again.


    She opened the small hinged door on the dashboard and she saw a pocketbook size New Testament. Jewel looked at her husband for a moment before taking the small book and opening it up, reading from the book of Matthew. She was engrossed in what she''s reading when she noticed the car suddenly halted. Jewel looked up and saw that they stopped at a cliff overlooking the big full moon ahead. She blinked in confusion and decided to step out of the car when she noticed Gideon was missing in the driver''s seat, putting the small book back in the glovepartment.


    Jewel saw him standing near the cliff and she hastily walked towards him and stood beside her husband. "Where are we?" she asked.


    She could see in the distance the round and bright moon. At the bottom of the cliff where they were standing was the peaceful sea. asionally, the waves pounded on the rock formations lying below the cliff. Gideon walked back to the pick-up and she watched him as he reached for the guitar case at the second cabin. Then he walked towards her. "Care for moonlight serenade?" he asked, smiling at her.


    Jewel blinked at him. It has been months since thest time they did a moonlight serenade in Medellin. And standing in that strange ce overlooking the full moon was the perfect ce for such an activity. He looked around the ce and pointed a finger on a vacant bench nearby, just under the big tree. "There," he said and led her to sit on the bench.


    Jewel looked up at the bright moon again. Stars were overshadowed by its brightness and the night sky was clear of clouds. The chilly air was also soothing in the skin.


    The wind blew gently on her face. She could even smell the moss and the salty breeze of the evening air from the vast ocean in front of them.


    Jewel smiled. Sitting in that ce brought a nostalgic feeling to her, and because of it, she couldn''t help but to think of the things she had done before.


    "Come to think of it," she whispered. "I wasted my time over these years. I should have do good rather than acting as a spoiled brat."


    "That''s okay. Those experiences will be your testimony," Gideon said.


    She looked at him again. "What do you mean?"


    "Your testimony," Gideon smiled, adjusting the guitar on hisp as he nced sideway at her. "... will change lives the moment people know who you were when you were still ignorant of Christ''s grace." ''Change lives? Is that even impossible?'' she thought but didn''t voice it out.


    She stared at Gideon and then cleared her throat, asking. "You have a testimony too, Gideon?"


    He was silent for a moment before he spoke again, "I had told you before that I am addicted to lustful materials too. I was a hypocrite, Jewel. Preaching the gospel yet hiding my sins in private, aren''t that shameful?" he said and snickered. Jewel was at lost of words. She couldn''t rte to him because unlike him, she was not a believer and didn''t know the truth before. It was hard to find words tofort him because she didn''t know what to say. Sighing, she looked beyond the horizon.


    She could hear the crickets in the forest nearby and the asional gust of wind as well as the crashing waves below the cliff. Suddenly, music echoed in the air when Gideon plucked the strings of the guitar.


    Jewel heard his voice again and it''s making her heart beat faster.


    "For by faith, we believe that what is seen has been made by what is unseen," Gideon whispered. "Blessed are those who have not seen yet still believe."


    She lowered her gaze. So that is faith means. She smiled and sighed again. Jewel could not affirm that her faith is as deep as other believers present in audi, but she knew that she somehow believe the gospel, and it might be as little as a mustard seed. But it was enough for now.


    As Gideon continued to plucked on the guitar strings, Jewel closed her eyes and listened. Peace. What she felt was peace, unending peace that she couldn''t exin. Her heartbeat quickened not because of Gideon''s voice nor because of the knowledge that he was beside her.


    There was much deeper than that of an emotion. As she listened to the lyrics, she suddenly remembered what happened back then at the Domesticated Forest in UDM, where Simoen tried to force himself on her.


    She always me him for what happened back then, putting all the me on the man who molested her. Sure, Simoen was at fault but it didn''t change the fact that she had something to do with it, a responsibility that she was trying hard to deny.


    The reason why Simoen tried to force himself on her was her doing, she instigated him to do it. She was obsessed with what she was reading that she asked him to do it with her, and when she saw how obscene and fearful it was, she freaked out, hating Simoen for trying to force himself to her.


    It was only Simoen who knew that she was not that ''clean'' princess because she had her dark fantasies too. Even Gideon''s knowledge is limited only to her sexual nightmares, believing that she was only a victim. When in fact, she loved her wet dreams and often daydream of men doing ''that'' thing to her.


    Jewel bit her lip and nced at Gideon who was still singing while his eyes were closed. She felt guilty for not telling him all her secrets, but thinking of confessing all her dark fantasies to him, she felt ashamed.


    Then she remembered his secrets that he confessed to her and s, she felt confident to tell him. "Gideon," she called after his song.


    He opened his eyes and nced at her. A small smile was ying on the corner of his lips. "Mmm..."


    Jewel blinked when she felt her cheeks burned red. Gideon was as gorgeous as ever. Her husband, her man. She casted her gaze down and a soft smile appeared on her lips.


    Right. She was his and he was hers. Why should she shy away from her husband? Didn''t she tell him that in this world, he''s the only person she would never run away from?


    "I need to tell you something," she said, ying with the hem of her dress and looking over the bright moon on the horizon.


    Then she slowly confessed to him the things she had done with Simoen, all their sensual acts, and all her dark fantasies. She didn''t hide even a bit and just told him without stopping, fearing that when she stopped talking, she couldn''t continue telling him all those nasty doings.


    After the long talk, she drew a breathe. Jewel''s heart became light after her confession. It didn''t matter if Gideon would condemn her for it but what''s important, she felt free.


    She held those secrets for months that her conscience couldn''t bear it anymore. And she''s thankful that Gideon was with her to listen.


    When she nced at him, she saw him looking over the moon with a nk expression. Suddenly, Jewel felt disheartened. Of course, Gideon would be disappointed with her.


    As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.org is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! "I''m sorry," he said.


    Jewel blinked and looked at him again, confused. "What?"


    "I didn''t let you trust me so you kept those secrets hidden from me. If only I was morepassionate to you, maybe you''ve told me your secrets earlier."


    She was left dumbfounded by what he said for she didn''t expect him to apologize. Her vision suddenly became blurry as tears brimmed in her eyes. A gentle smile slowly made its way to her lips as she reached for him and bury her face on his neck, crying silently.


    "Thank you for not condemning me," she whispered.


    Gideon raised a hand and rested it in her head, patting her. "Who am I to condemn you? I have my fair share of sins also, Jewel."


    Jewel chuckled at his humour. She raised her head and smiled at him.


    In the gentle breeze, under the soft moonlight, Gideon leaned and kissed her. Her heart pounded as she closed her eyes. As his lips moved, Jewel felt bliss she had never felt before.


    It must be like in the fairytale or in the books she had read, where the female lead was being kissed by the hero. She felt butterflies in her stomach and she couldn''t help but to tremble, not of fright but of anticipation.


    Gideon must felt her trembling because his lips curved into a smile before cupping her face and deepened the kiss. Jewel couldn''t take it all and she almost fainted because ofck of air making Gideon stopped what he was doing.


    He released her and caressed her face. "You should learn how to breathe while we kiss. I don''t want my wife to faint on me."


    Jewel''s cheeks flushed and she panted hard. "Hmmp!" She looked away in embarrassment.


    Gideon pulled her for a hug as he chuckled, amused by Jewel''s funny expression. "Alright. I''ll teach you how," he whispered in her ear and held her nape, kissing her again.


    Jewel wrapped her arms around his nape and closed her eyes, enjoying her husband''s kiss.


    She had never wish for a moment like this but maybe God had shown His mercy on her, bringing her close to the truth and giving her a reliable husband like Gideon. She was more than grateful.


    Gazing at the bright moon, her heart leaped in gratefulness for the One who had given her everything she could ask for. If she''s given a chance to go back in the past, she would not change anything because she had found what her heart was longing for.


    THE END.

 Four years ago

    4 years ago.


    The road on the Aisle was narrow and long. Tall and green sugarcanes stretched through the horizon that it''s beyond one''s sight. It was the scene that always fascinate her as well as the fresh air in the fields.


    It was twelve noon and the sun was high in the sky when Jewel secretly sneaked out of the mansion. A wide smile was hanging on her lips as she made her way through the Aisle, her favorite ce.


    Dalya must have been busy thinking what excuse to utter in front of her Dad. Well, it didn''t matter for she was now outside, enjoying the feel of sugarcanes in her skin and the sweet smell of the ntation hovering above the air. "Good day, Senyorita!"


    A Sacada greeted her when she walked past the couple who was busy preparing for theing harvest. She smiled and waved at them before she happily stride in the Aisle.


    Humming a tone, she tried to look beyond the tall sugarcanes but she couldn''t see it at all. She huffed and continued striding happily under the sun.


    "Senyorita Laine! It''s hot outside. You should rest in the hut and let the sun go down before visiting the Aisle!" A maid shouted while running after her.


    Jewel''s cheeks burned red out of embarrasssment when she noticed the gaze of the Sacadas on her. Her eyebrows met and she rolled her eyes. Turning around, she scoffed at the maid. "Who told you to follow me?"


    "It was Dalya, Miss." The maid lowered her head as she panted. "It''s dangerous to walk by the Aisle and she wants me to apany you."


    "Oh." She raised a brow. "That girl made an arrangement? Is she your employer now?"


    The maid''s face paled and she hastily lowered her gaze. "No, Miss! You are my mistress!"


    The corner of her lips curled up and she folded her arms in front. "So what are you doing her? Go back!"


    Without thinking twice, the maid turned around and hastily left. Jewel felt truimph as she watched the poor girl running back to the mansion. She knew that the maid was not Dalya''s friend nor Dalya''sckey because that maid was from the former mayordoma, the head of the mansion''s housekeepers.


    That old woman was a nasty person she had ever met in her entire life. It was not a secret that the old woman was so fond of her father that she volunteered to be a housemaid. At first, her grandfather tried to bribe the old woman to flee her father''s life yet she was not moved by money.


    And to protect the family''s reputation when the old woman dered to end her life if she could not enter the house, her grandfather didn''t have a choice but to ept the old woman into the mansion, bringing her in as a maid. Over the years, her father and the old woman didn''t have a good rtionship. But when her mother came into her father''s life, the old woman was often seen ring at her mother. When she was born, it was the old woman who volunteered to take care of her, but when her mother knew that the old woman was trying to teach her bad manners, her mother decided to drag that old woman out of the mansion.


    Now, that old woman was sitting as one of the respectivedies in the elite circle after inheriting an old man''s wealth. It turned out that the old woman was a leech, sucking the wealth of a dying old man after being thrown away by her mother. It was only recently that her mother discovered that the old woman was bribing their housemaids as spies in the mansion. Her mother had cleaned the spies out but there were some who stayed hidden.


    Jewel dialed a number. "Hello, fire this maid," she said and told the other line about the maid who followed her earlier, before she shook her head and continued walking towards the Aisle. "Senyorita, here!" A Sacada called, waving a hand at her.


    Jewel didn''t hesitate and walked towards the hut where a group of Sacadas were staying. It was really hot when the sun was up in the sky. She frowned as beads of sweat formed in her forehead. A trail of sweat trickled down her cheek. She could feel her back became wet, sweating a lot.


    A table full of foods was there in the center of the hut. "It''s good that you are here, Senyorita. We''ve prepared a lot of mango juice for you!" the man acting as the leader joked.


    Jewel smirked. "At least you know," she said, epting the ss of juice handed by a young man.


    The man scratched his nape andughed wryly. "We''re sorry about the other day, Senyorita. Don Sebastian had warned us to take care of you when you''re here in the Aisle."


    Her lips crooked and she looked beyond the tall sugarcanes gently swaying in the afternoon breeze.


    After the little refreshment, Jewel decided to explore the Aisle once again when the sun hid behind the clouds. She also warned the Sacadas not to follow her and they agreed. Why would they disagree when she almost lost her life the other day after a Sacada almost hit her with a bolo knife?


    That incident was a secret between her and the Sacadas so most of them were obedient to her. And it was to Jewel''s liking. Having their loyalty means she could spy on the old woman''s people lurking inside the mansion.


    A gentle afternoon breeze blew past her, making strands of her hair danced wildly. The sugarcanes beside the Aisle swayed in the rhythm.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Jewel spread her arms wide as she danced in the wind, turning her body, hair swaying after the breeze.


    What a peaceful feeling to dance with the wind!


    She closed her eyes as her lips curled into a smile, and she failed to notice that she was spinning forward until she hit a sturdy object. Jewel gasped as she felt her body fell backward only to be caught by two strong arms, pulling her back to her feet.


    Jewel put her hand on her chest as she gasped in relief, looking up to the man who stood in her way. Her eyes squinted when the sun shone from behind the clouds, casting its strong rays straight to her face.


    She couldn''t picture out the man''s face clearly due to sun''s rays but she could see those dark orbs hiding under the big hat. Jewel was stunned. It was her first time to see a bottomless pit inside a man''s eyes, threatening to drown her in it. "Are you hurt, Miss?" the man asked when he noticed her stunned expression and looked at her from head to toe, checking her body out.


    It was also the moment that Jewel realized how his arms were wrapped in her waist to steady her in her feet. A blush appeared on her cheeks as she looked away and stepped back, looking away.


    "You could have avoided me earlier," she used.


    "I''m sorry," the man said, curling the corner of his lips up. "But you are also at fault, dancing wildly in the Aisle where you could dance in a more appropriate ce."


    "Excuse me? Are you ming me?!" she asked, raising a brow.


    The man shook his head and clicked a tongue before saying, "Next time, don''t go around dancing on the Aisle. The road is still narrow and you might fall on the sugarcane field. My friend''s office has not yet released the budget for widening the road."


    Jewel squinted her eyes at him but she was curious to what he said. "Widening the passage?"


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    The man smiled and she saw a glimpse of his evenly white teeth. "Yes."


    "Are you drunk? This is a private field owned by the Mangubat. Who are you to decide what to do with the Aisle?!"


    "Are you certain the Mangubat own this field?"


    Jewel could feel her blood rushing to her cheeks as the heat of the afternoon sun prated her skin. But no, she wouldn''t back down now that someone was insulting the field her n had acquired since in the old days. "I know who own the Aisle and it''s not you nor the local government!"


    She was surprised when the man suddenly chuckled. "Why are you so angry? Are you rted to the Mangubat?" he asked.


    Jewel went silent. It''s dangerous to let someone, a stranger, to know who she was specially when no one was around. She cleared her throat. "No. I am just a Sacada of this field!"


    "Oh? I never met a Sacada as beautiful as you, Miss."


    Her heart pounded hard as she heard his words. Pursing her lips into a thin line, she looked away and folded her arms in front. "At least you admit it!"


    The manughed and shook his head. "Where are you going to? I''ll walk you there. It''s too dangerous for a beauty to wander under these sugarcanes." "Going home," she lied.


    "Hmm... Is that so? I''ll walk you then."


    Her brows met. "No thanks! I know my way."


    "Are you sure? I heard a girl was raped under these tall sugarcanesst week. It''s the reason why the local government decided to widen the passage and build lights to lessen the possibility of it happening again."


    Jewel blinked. She didn''t know if he was telling the truth but she once heard that a notorious criminal who often rape women at the next municipality was seen around Medellinst month. Her father often warned her not to wander in the Aisle because it''s hard to know if someone with evil mind was hiding in the bushes, away from the naked eyes.


    She also noticed that her father deployed a number of knights around the Aisle. Maybe it''s to safeguard the area? But the news about that rape incidentst week was not publicised in the local news.


    And Jewel understood that it was to protect the Mangubat''s interest. She frowned. She didn''t believe him but she couldn''t possibly let that criminal catch her if the stranger was telling the truth. So she agreed and they quietly walked forward. They were silent for few moments before the man spoke. "We have been talking a lot but I still haven''t asked your name, Miss."


    "Why? Is it mandatory to know my name?" she retorted, huffing.


    The man chuckled. "Then, just call me Gideon."


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    Until then, they walked quietly along the long and narrow passage of the Aisle. Side by side and both following in each other''s footsteps. The wind blew and Gideon''s hat flew away with it. His thick ck hair and eyebrows showed up under the sun.


    Jewel happened to see how his face unfold and it made her speechless for a moment. She never expected him to be this handsome. But to her dismay, the man seemed older than her and she was not interested in older men. She cleared a throat. "Your hat ---"


    "Don''t bother, Miss."


    "Ah... Okay." She shrugged her shoulders and looked to the front, where the hut was. The Sacadas earlier had gone to work so no one was there. s, she came back to this ce.


    A sigh escaped from her lips and turned to Gideon. "Just walk me there in the intersection. Someone will pick me upter."


    Gideon nced at her for a second before turning his attention back in front. "Alright."


    When they stopped in the hut, Gideon was still around. Jewel raised a brow. "So... don''t you have anything to do?" she asked.


    "Ah." He looked down on his wristwatch and shed a smile at her when he raised his head. "I almost forgot. I should go to Municipal Hall to check UDM."


    "UDM?" She looked at him. "Is UDM good?"


    "That depends on you, Miss."


    Depends on her? She contemted for a second. She was nning to study in UDM when she reached Senior High as people always praise that said University when ites to facilities and teaching. Knowing that the man was from UDM, she was quite interested.


    Standing in the shade of the hut, she watched as the wind blew softly the strands of Gideon''s hair. It also blew her long locks and she tucked her hair behind her ear. "Thanks for apanying me. You can continue to where you intended to." "No need to mention." He looked around to survey the area. "Are you sure you''re okay being alone in the middle of these tall sugarcanes?"


    "Of course." Jewel blinked and pointed a finger on the side where the Sacadas where staying but because of the sugarcanes, the ce was hidden in sight. "I have my co-workers there," she reasoned, not forgetting her ''identity'' she mentioned earlier.


    Gideon smiled. "Okay. Work hard and don''t disappoint your employer," he said, clearly teasing her ''identity'' as Sacada. It was clear that Gideon didn''t buy her lie earlier.


    Jewel pursed her lips and looked away, folding her arms again in front.


    "Alright. I''ll go first, Miss. Be careful."


    Squinting her eyes, she watched as Gideon walked farther and farther away. She wondered if they will meet again in the future? If so, she''ll remember his sarcastic remarks and make him pay for insulting her that morning.


    And a few yearster, as the sun was ring hot in the sky and the green sugarcanes on either side of the Aisle danced freely in the gentle breeze, Gideon and Jewel crossed paths again.


    But they no longer remember their first meeting and their silent promises at the exact ce and exact time, of that exact day four years ago.


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