"Just find an obstetrician out there. But my advice as a friend is to stick to conventional methods because you're both young and healthy. If you're confident in your fertility, it won't take long to get pregnant," Stefanie said, half mockingly. "Besides, intimacy can enhance emotions, not only between husband and wife but also between parents and the baby." She continued, directing her words specifically to Adaline. I saw Adaline's face turn red from Stefanie's straightforward explanation, and strangely enough, I felt fondness for the woman who was now my wife.Adaline didn't respond to Stefanie's remarks. My petite wife seemed unsure of what to say, and I didn't have any other words to counter Stefanie. My high school friend turned to me and said, "Come on, Al. Act like a real man. Well, unless you can't 'rise' in front of your wife, then maybe I can help." He continued with a mocking tone."Damn it!" The curse slipped out of my mouth unintentionally. I turned and saw a surprised lo

Adaline wanted to ask, but when she was about to knock on his door, she hesitated and chose to continue to the kitchen. Besides not wanting to disturb Altezza, she also didn't want to come off as intrusive, and Adaline had to realize her position that she wasn't Altezza's real wife, but just a surrogate mother figure for him.Adaline opened the big fridge door. She was surprised to find it almost empty except for frozen instant food and canned goods. Adaline bit her lip in confusion. Luckily, there was a loaf of bread that seemed to be fresh on the nightstand. Alright, even though she didn't know whether Altezza was used to having breakfast or not, Adaline would still make breakfast for the two of them with the available ingredients.Adaline eventually decided to make scrambled eggs with fried sausages and toasted bread in a pan. The scent of butter from the bread and the distinct aroma of eggs made Altezza emerge from his hiding place."Wah wah wah, Mrs. Quirino. What's that lovely s

"Y-yes," Adaline nervously replied. Their faces were too close, barely an inch apart, making Adaline feel awkward. "Are you alright? Your body is hot.""I don't feel well, everything aches," he answered softly. Adaline tried to get up, but Altezza stopped her. "Where are you going?" he asked softly."To get medicine. Is there a medical box here?""In the kitchen cabinet," Altezza replied.His arm, which had previously hugged Adaline, released her, and quickly Adaline got out of bed and went to the kitchen.The digital clock on the kitchen counter showed two in the morning. Adaline opened each cabinet until she found the medical box she was looking for. At least she hoped there was a fever reducer in there. Then she filled a large glass with warm water and took it back to the bedroom."Here's some paracetamol. Drink up," Adaline opened the packaging and handed it to Altezza, who accepted it and drank almost half the glass. "Do you want to change your clothes? Yours are wet," Altezza no

Altezza POVI gaze at Adaline with a whirlwind of emotions. Surprised, impressed, and annoyed all at once. Even the surprise I felt at her beauty earlier hasn't faded yet, and now? What other trials must I endure?How could that shy girl look so extraordinary standing on stage with her mesmerizing voice that captivates me, my family, and even the guests? Her aura just radiates. After her first lyric, she seemed to forget everything around her. As if her world is there, on that stage. And that's what makes me angry.No. This time I'll be more selfish. More selfish. I refuse to be sidelined again. Especially by obsession.No! Adaline is only mine. I won't trade her for anything. And by God, if a single word comes out of her lips saying she wants to be a star, then I'll use a hundred, a thousand, even a million ways to silence her.Adaline is back in her seat. I deliberately keep quiet about it. Childish, indeed. But I want her to know that I don't like what she did earlier. Even though

Adaline looked at her husband nervously. "I... I..." She felt like crying from embarrassment. Especially when she saw Altezza standing up and taking off the robe he was wearing, Adaline could only look up silently. Altezza must be disappointed and will leave her. She screamed in her heart. But that thought didn't prove true. Because Altezza instead reached behind Adaline's knees and swiftly lifted her up, causing Adaline to scream instantly. "S-Sir..?" Adaline screamed, reflexively hugging Altezza's neck tightly. Altezza carried Adaline and placed her on the bed. "S-Sir..?" Adaline called out again, but Altezza ignored her call, instead kneeling in front of Adaline's feet. He looked up, his face smiling gently. "Is this really your first time?" He asked with a mischievous smile that only made Adaline feel embarrassed and nervous. Adaline nodded her head. Altezza stood on both knees and approached Adaline, spreading her legs wide enough for him to stand between them and closing the