I've committed numerous wrongdoings in my lifetime, and amidst all of that, I've been able to acknowledge them to myself and those I've wronged. It's given me a sense of peace and a stable conscience.
However, I feel this sin, this secret, might now be my undoing. For reasons unknown, I sense that even though everything that happened that night was accidental, I am truly to blame. I should know what transpired on that fateful night.
And now, I find myself trapped in his arms. It's just that simple, and I can't do anything about it.
Love
Don't dress too formally. Casual attire will suffice.
I smiled as I read that text from Ares once more. I couldn't help but smile whenever he texted. Aside from
Unknown NumberI'll see you again, my wife.I frowned upon reading that. I chose not to reply and instead glanced at Elena, who was engrossed in her phone. It was our lunch break, and she was accompanying me since Ares couldn't make it due to an important commitment."Do you know how much an annulment costs?""Holy shit!"Both Elena and I were taken aback by her exclamation. I saw her defeated expression on her phone screen, which made me laugh."What? What annulment?" she asked in shock. "I lost. Tsk!" she added, sounding disappointed, leaving me perplexed.I bit my lower lip and recalled what the mysterious man had
I felt dizzy as I sensed something cold against my forehead. Slowly, I opened my eyes and saw a woman's face in front of me, causing my brow to furrow. She was gently wiping my forehead with a cold, wet towel, adding to my surprise. Where was I? What had happened?"You're finally awake," she said, offering me a smile.I gradually sat up and glanced around. This wasn't my room. The entire space was neat and tranquil. The decor was sleek, mostly black with hints of gray. The appliances and furniture looked luxurious, even the bed I was on. The ambiance, too, hinted at wealth. Clearly, this was a residence of affluent people."How are you feeling? Your body temperature is still low. You need plenty of rest," she continued.I turned my attention back to her as she spoke. She
I stayed in that room for a few more hours until the door slammed again, and I quickly sat down. I thought it was that man again, but it was Elena who rushed into the room and hugged me."Oh my god, Ana! I thought something happened to you!" She exclaimed, looking at me."What the fuck!" She winced as she saw my cheek. I hadn't seen my reflection yet, but from her reaction, I knew it was really bad."What happened? Why? Damn it, Ana! Why did you get beaten up again?" She said hysterically, not knowing what to do.I grabbed her arm and forced a smile. "Ares... can I borrow your cell phone—”"Ares is also unreachable. I would've brought him here, but he left the office right when you suddenly disappeared. I can't ev
"Agatha is in the hospital. Someone beat her on her way home from university."The first thought that crossed my mind when Ares shared Agatha's condition was, "How did he know?" But that thought swiftly disappeared as I arrived at the hospital with Elena. Even she was curious about how Ares found out so quickly and where he had come from.But even as the girlfriend, I didn't have the answer. Furthermore, why would someone beat Agatha? From what I knew, she was one of the most feared and high-ranking students at her university. This was the first time such an incident had happened to her. Was she being bullied?"Are you okay? You've been quite silent. What room is it?" Elena asked, but I was lost in my thoughts.
"Don't be so selfish, Anastacia! Can't you see your sister's condition?" Mama scolded, and I turned to her, feeling a mix of frustration and helplessness.I noticed Agatha looking at us and immediately turned my attention to Ares. I couldn't comprehend what was happening, and I felt like I didn't belong in that moment.I bit my lower lip and fought back tears."I'm not selfish," I surrendered and quickly turned my back on them, leaving the room. Elena followed me.As we left, we saw Matthew with a big black eye and a swollen lip. He didn't notice us, so Elena and I exchanged glances before heading out.I remained silent throughout the journey to Elena's condo, lost in thought. Once we arrived, I sat on the sofa and covered my
"Have you talked yet?" Elena asked me as soon as we got out of the building. I just looked at her and shook my head.After a short conversation earlier that ended in a misunderstanding, I never saw him again. I didn't even realize he had left his office. I tried calling him, but he wasn't answering.Then I also remembered that maybe that's why he didn't answer my call—he thought I was using Elena's cellphone. I still couldn't gather the courage to go home. Especially given today's situation."Didn't he say goodbye to you? I saw him leave earlier, seeming in a hurry," I heard Elena say again as we walked towards the parking lot.I just shrugged and quietly continued walking. Even the truth was bothering my mind. Before, the uneasiness would last only a few seconds e
"How are you? When do you plan to head home?" I inquired, and she responded with a smirk."I can head home today, Ana. Why not try apologizing to mom and going back to our place to get updated," she casually remarked.I nodded and brushed off her suggestion. Despite wanting to apologize and return home, my pride held me back, especially at this moment. It felt like they were against me, and I was at a loss about what to do."Where are you staying?" Ares asked me, chuckling as I looked at him."I thought you had no interest in asking that," I said bitterly, turning my gaze away. I noticed a frown forming on his forehead."I'm staying at Elena's place and came here to get my bruise checked. Just in case you're curious," I menti
As I glanced at my cell phone again, I saw the last message from that man.Unknown NumberText me once you get home. Please. Be safe.I bit my lower lip and realized I was typing a reply while my hands shook.To Unknown NumberThank you very much, Apollo.After sending it, I left that house completely. I hailed another taxi and headed to Elena's condo. My heavy heart added to the weight of my luggage.The rain was falling heavily again, darkening the sky. I no longer knew what to prioritize, whether it was Ares or my family. I felt utterly alone at that momen