Hickeys

Despite giving her a fright of possible forced marriage because of the hickies she gave him, they still manage to finish their second round.

Exhausted and satiated, they fell asleep and it was before dawn that she starts to stir. Disoriented and pained, she tries to focus. Then, the memories of last night came rushing. And despite the discomfort she feels, a sleepy smile graces her lips. It was the best night of her life. A night she will never forget.

Taking a deep breath, her nostrils were filled with the masculine scent of the naked figure next to her. It's another new for her, experiencing waking up with a man. And she's liking it. She admit it or not, it brought warmth to her heart.

As much as she wanted to continue to be enveloped in his strong arms, she forces herself to wake up. She needs to leave.

Ever so slowly, she carefully removes the arms wrapped around her. And when she thought she was successful, she cautiously eases away from him to get off the bed.

"Where are you going?" His hoarse from sleep voice startled her together with the hand that abruptly grips her arm.

For a while, she froze on her spot before slowly turning to his side to find him still with closed eyes. But not long, they start to squint until it finally opens.

"Where are you going?" He asks again after getting no reply from her earlier.

But she was too immersed in staring at him to grasp his words. His bed hair and sleepy state are adorably cute. She hasn't thought she would find his disheveled look, fascinating.

Unlike last night, she doesn't feel the lust that burns her. This time, seeing him in such domesticity hits something different than just a need of the body.

"You want to use the bathroom?" He mumbles while rubbing away the sleep from his eyes.

"Ahm...yes. I will be taking a shower. It's almost morning, I need to go" Coming back to her senses, she quickly explains.

Her words made him pause what he was doing to thoughtfully stare at her. Seems to just have realized it was the end of the one night they shared.

"It's almost dawn. Cinderella needs to leave or she will turn into a pumpkin" she tries to joke at the complicated look in his eyes.

But it was a joke that even she doesn't find funny. She never expected that a one-night stand could be this complicated. She was not prepared that leaving could be difficult.

Even he was looking at her, unamused and at the same time deeply thoughtful.

"Yeah, just for a night. Right?" He scoffs while nodding, fully understanding what she meant.

"Yes, one night" Nodding, she tries to smile but her lips seem too heavy for a smile.

"How about the name" He added drily. Not expecting too much from her. She made it clear last night, but for no apparent reason, he brought it up again.

Taking a subtle deep breath, she slowly releases it with a sigh. Somehow knowing he already expects her response.

"That would just complicate things. Let's be a stranger to each other" Another laborious smile carves her lips.

"And if we happen to cross paths again, let's pretend we haven't met. That this night never happened between us" she added.

The more they talk the more her chest constricts heavily. Is this what she is supposed to feel after a rumble under the sheet? How could others survive every time they have a one-night stand? Or it is just her because it's her first?

Haywire thoughts are filling her head. A lot of questions she needs to answer. But she won't dare ask.

"Hah..."

She was pulled back to the present when she hears his sarcastic chuckle. And while staring at his piercing eyes, she gave him a soft smile. That's all she could muster.

It's been a moment of pure silence as they lock their gazes before she was pulled back into his arms. She was startled but she didn't resist. Whatever he plans to do, she's surprisingly looking forward to it.

"Then, let's have the last round" He mutters while snuggling her lips before claiming them.

And like a moth against the temptation of a flickering fire, she was enticed. She allowed him to ravish her body. But unlike the previous night, he is more gentle. Almost tender that's she's loving it.

Without losing fervor, their every move is unhurried. Seeming to be relishing every moment that they are together. If not for being a stranger, they could have mistaken their act for making love. For someone with experience, it is way far from the usual rumble of a one-night stand.

For the third time, he claims her. But this time it's somewhat cherishing gentleness, almost soulful. Both are aware of the invisible connection developed between them. But given their circumstance, they are desperately struggling to resist.

"Ahhn..." Her moans were muffled by his slow lingering kisses while they move in rhythm as one. Different from their previous ones.

With her arms wrapped around him, her hands move to explore his splendor. Seeming to memorize every firm muscle of his perfectly toned body. He feels great in her touch. While he did the same. His hands wander around her flawless nakedness.

As they pave the way toward their heaven, they pour everything into the unspoken language that only lovers know. They dance to unheard music. Their bodies knew their deepest yearning amidst the certainty of not meeting again.

It's just a one-night stand. They are supposed to just hook up and leave. But their impending parting seems arduous for her.

And it's been in her mind since she left the hotel. Leaving the stranger who has been a huge part of her unforgettable night.

No matter where her feet and her crazy brain would bring her, she will never forget the man who claimed her first.

"Thank you for a wonderful experience. Whoever you are" She whispers while blankly staring far away. The sun is already rising on the horizon and her flight is about to depart.

While the plane rises into the air, her heart continues to sink deeper into unexpected despair. The heaviness is overwhelming her and a tear fell down her cheeks. The realization struck her hard but she fervently shakes her head while massaging her constricted chest.

"Shit" She has to take several deep breaths to ease his laborious breath. The first time she got affected by leaving.

"Why should you be special?"

"No, you're nothing special" She kept on mumbling while taking deep breaths. Convincing herself everything is normal and she must go on with her plans.

"Clam down, Skye. You're just being trivial. Stop being sentimental" she added with closed eyes. She has a few hours before landing and with the exhaustion she feels right now, she plans to sleep. But her head is haywire.

Thankfully, exhaustion won. She unknowingly enters the pit of slumber while she's busy reminiscing her thoughts of last night.

All thoughts were pushed to the corner of her head the instant she disembarks. She needs to catch a cab or she will be late. It's her first day on the job and she doesn't want to create a not-so-good impression about tardiness. Thankfully, she decided to change her clothes at the airport before she took her flight earlier.

From the airport, she will go directly to work, and luckily, a lot of cabs were waiting outside of the arrival.

With unconscious tapping on the armrest of the vehicle, she fervently looks around the new territory. It was her first time being in the country and she feels like she did a great decision.

"This is what I envision it to be" She cheerfully whispers while watching the proud skyscrapers around the city. The most industrialized city she's been with.

"Wright Group of Companies is a massive factor in this country's success" she mumbles without expecting a response.

Several buildings, if not all, display the WGC emblem. An obvious reality that the city is ruled by the biggest conglomerate in the world.

"If one of the Wrights would pursue a seat in politics, they would surely dominate. The entire population loves them. But they are too busy for politics"

The driver who has been discreetly watching her fascination with the scenery around, speaks.

"Really? They are amazing" With wide eyes and a sweet smile, she raves in surprise.

"Tourist?" He amiably asks. They are used to tourists visiting the country, especially the main city.

"No, sir. I will be working at the WGC main office" Proudly, she announces.

"Wow, congratulations. Employees of WGC are well compensated. You're lucky" With a sincere smile, he salutes her.

"Thank you" she sweetly smiles before her eyes caught the tallest edifice among the skyscrapers she saw along the way.

"We are almost there" The driver gaily announces upon seeing her gaping at the towering structure ahead of them.

"Good luck with your job. Have a great day, madam" After stopping at the very front of the enormous building, he turned to look at her.

"Thank you" she just absent-mindedly mumbles while getting out of the vehicle. Indeed she was speechless about how magnificent the place is.

The photos on the web did not give justice to its true grandeur.

"This is it, Skye. This will be our playground for now" she whispers to herself while she looks up at the intimidating structure in front of her. She has to squint to see its top but the sun is too bright despite wearing sunglasses.

"I will be late" Realizing the bright ray of the sun, she was reminded of the time she needs to be at work.

"Shit, you can't be late, Skye" she mutters under her breath while taking long strides towards the building.

Not only her who is in a hurry. The lobby is full of well-dressed quickly pacing people. Everyone looks elegant in their business suit.

Good thing she chooses to wear nude-colored tailored pants paired with her white chiffon long-sleeve top with the same color inner camisole. Only a classic diamond earring adorns her ears and a white strap watch is around her wrist. Her two inches stiletto sling-back pumps the same color as her pants, finish her elegant attire.

Glancing at her watch, it's still fifteen minutes before clock-in but everyone including her doesn't want to dally.

Clutching her white Lou Lou bag, she joins the pool of hastening employees toward the elevators. It's quite packed but she managed to find a spot.

Standing in front of the doors, she entertain herself by watching the number display when she noticed an unobtrusive commotion on her right side.

"One of the heirs has arrived"

"I really can't get enough of these brothers. They are such perfection"

"Gorgeous like their parents"

"Who arrived? We are lucky to see one of them this early in the morning"

"The third heir, I think. Those are his security"

"COO Xander Wright is always the charming one, unlike Sir Alek and CEO Lucas. The two older brothers are so dangerously intimidating. I'm scared to even look at them when I happen to meet them here"

Curious to see the topic of discussion among the employees, she tries to stretch her neck to skim the crowd. Searching for the person they are talking about. And indeed, a group of several men in black suits are rounding a prominent figure.

"Yes, it's COO Xander Voulker Wright" someone confirms in a hushed voice.

"He is so handsome"

"Are those kiss marks on his neck?" With pure shock, someone raves in contained enthusiasm.

"What? Let me see" Tiptoeing and trying to be discreet, some of the women made a ruckus of stretching their necks to have a peek.

"Shit, Mr. Xander Wright is covered with hickeys" someone also exclaims in hosted voice.

"What an audacious woman to have left her marks on Mr. Wright"

"Is he in a relationship?"

"I don't think so. He doesn't relationships"

Murmurs started to whir around, but Skye's focus was not on them. It's on the imposing figure whose face she will never forget.

Looking at the man whose eyes were concealed by expensive sunglasses, her entire body went cold. If he was aware of the murmurs around him, he shows no hint. But he slightly turned toward the noise and where she was standing.

Abruptly, she turns away, afraid he might spot her. She hides as much as she can from the people beside her. She just can't believe her misfortune of being in one place with him.

Did she just spend the night with one of the heirs of the Wright Group of Companies?

Because the man standing several feet away from her was the man who claimed her innocence. And the one she gave hickeys.

Xander Voulker Wright.

****tbc****

The Man She Cannot Forget

Glancing for the second time, she got her confirmation. Her body went numb as she gapes at the man in disbelief until he disappeared inside the elevator. The one that ordinary employees were not allowed.

Even after the door closes, her eyes are still glued in his direction.

What should she do?

But before she could find an answer, she was pushed towards the open elevator. So as not to fall, she goes with the flow.

The entire ride has been a conflicting battle for her haywire thoughts. She wanted to flee but her feet are too weak to even take a step. Until she reaches her floor.

With slow unsure steps, she went out. But unlike the others who kept their hastened pace, she went to the corner to lean on the wall. She needs to compose herself before facing anyone.

"This is a huge building, there's no way we will easily bump into each other. Or I could try to avoid him" she whispers, trying to convince herself to stay calm.

"I can't mess this up. I want this job" She frustratedly continues while taking deep breaths.

She can't still compromise in her mind that her one-night stand was her future employer. How can she face him in case they will have the chance to meet? Will he remember her? Maybe or maybe not.

As the clock-in is nearing, she tries to take a step toward where she was instructed to proceed. She needs to report to her superior, so she set aside her predicament and straightens her back.

"You can do this, Skye. It's not like he will be your immediate boss. You have a long way before you could even step on the same floor as him" Making up her mind, she firmly mumbles. Unbothered by the peculiar looks she got from the passersby seeing her talking to herself.

After gaining some self-confidence, she walks the hallway until she reached her destination. She looks around and sees several employees have already occupied their spots. Some spare her a curious glance while others remain unconcerned.

"Good morning, I'm Skye Monticello. The new employee"

With a polite smile, she approaches someone to introduce herself and shows her the employee pass she got from the lobby.

"Oh, yes, yes. We are waiting for you. I'm Carmie, by the way. I should be introducing you around but we will be tremendously busy today, so we will do it tomorrow" Carmie speaks fast but she has an amicable aura she likes.

"I don't mind, Miss Carmie. Please tell me what I could do to help" Smiling, she appeased the pretty woman.

"There's a stockholder meeting and we need to prepare these documents" Holding a folder, Carmie raises it to show her. But before she could respond, everyone including her turned to the commotion at the door.

"The boss has arrived and all are talking about the kiss marks around his neck"

One employee arrives and announces while trying to catch her breath. She seems to have run the entire hallway just to tell the news.

"What? Really? Have you seen them?"

"Is he in a relationship?"

"I don't think so. He doesn't do relationships"

"All the Wright family members will be at the meeting. Madame Alexzia would surely make a fuss of the marks"

"They would surely hunt whoever is that woman. Sir Xander is very strict with his sexual relationships, and having those marks is something his family would surely consider serious"

Everyone is so busy with their discussion that no one noticed Skye who immediately gone stiff at the mention of the incident.

"And he is in a foul mood this morning, so better do your job or we will all be in trouble" another woman enters with a serious expression. She looks around the entire room before her gaze stopped at Skye.

The previous boisterous atmosphere instantly tense after the entrance of the woman.

"This is the new employee?"

Skye immediately straightens on her feet whilst the scrutinizing gaze of the woman.

"Yes, Madame. Hello, I'm Skye Monticello. Good morning" she quickly introduces herself but the woman just turns away without acknowledging her greetings.

"Mr. Wright needs the document now" Opening her palm to Carmie, she raised a brow while waiting.

"Here, Nathalie" Hurriedly, Carmie handed her the folders on her table.

"Prepare the other documents that Mr. Wright might need later. And make sure to orient the new employee. I don't want her messing around" She haughtily announces before turning away to leave, bringing the folders with her.

"She always acts like she is above every one of us" Carmie softly mumbles while leering at the leaving figure of Nathalie.

"She's acting like Sir Xander's executive assistant. But just like all of us, she's just one of the secretaries" another one whispers beside them.

"She looks pissed"

"Of course, she will be. Sir Xander arrived with hickeys and surely, jealousy is eating her soul" Someone whispers with a chuckle.

Amidst all the hushed uproar among the staff, Skye remains stupefied. She has been listening and the more she hears them the more she becomes apprehensive.

"I will introduce you to Sir Xander tomorrow. You're cute and charming. Surely he will be interested to know you. And the Human Resource Department is high praise for your credentials and interview. You can easily outshine Nathalie" Carmie suddenly turns to tell her. If she is teasing, Skye can no longer differentiate. She is too immersed in her thoughts to mind other things.

"Huh?" Surprised by the sudden attention not only from Carmie, she gapes while looking so baffled.

"I will bring you to Sir Xander's office tomorrow to introduce you to him. He needs to meet the new addition to his team" Carmie repeated upon seeing her perplexity.

"Huh? Why?" She whispers while dreading the answer.

"Because you're one of Sir Xander's secretaries" Though perplexed by her odd behavior, Carmie patiently explains.

Hearing the dreadful truth, her blood seems to be drained with the way she pales. Her feet wavered but she grabs the edge of the table to support her weight.

"Hey, what's wrong? You look pale" Carmie rushes to her side to check on her. Even the others are worriedly watching.

"Ahm...I haven't had breakfast before coming here" Although it's the truth, it's not the reason for her predicament.

"There's a pantry over there, come. Let's see what you can have for you" Carmie volunteers while holding her arm. And as not to raise suspicion, she let her help her.

While in the pantry, Carmie prepares a cup of coffee after bringing out a slice of pie front the fridge. But food is the least she needs right now. She feels numb and conflicted.

If she will be Xander Wright's secretary, everything will be a lot more complicated. Yes, he is special. But will it be enough? Mixing business with pleasure is not in her plan. She can't work with him after their passionate rumble. That would be immensely awkward. Under any circumstance, she's not ready to face him again, more so as her boss.

"Excuse me" Suddenly, she stands up and turns toward the door.

"Hey, where are you going? Your coffee is ready" Carmie stops her midstep.

"Ahm, I need fresh air" She just mumbled before striding outside. And without looking at anyone, she rushes out of the door. Leaving everyone, curious while following her departing figure.

Thankfully, the elevator was empty. No one would see her on the verge of breaking down.

"You've messed up, Skye"

"You've messed up big time" She keeps mumbling while calming her shaggy breath.

"Why should it be him?" Clasping her chest, she continues to talk to herself. While watching the number go down, she struggles to calm herself.

And the instant the elevator door opens, she rushed outside with a bowed head. Unbothered by the people she almost bumped into. The sound of the hasty step of her heels echoed in the now-empty lobby. She only slowed down when she reaches outside.

It was surprisingly a relief when she was on the sidewalk. She seems to have acquired freedom from the constricted thoughts bothering her earlier.

Without thinking much, she hailed a cab. She stiffly sits inside the vehicle while she remains motionless, hearing nothing even the query of the driver.

"Madame?"

She got a whiff of his voice, bringing her to the present.

"Where will I bring you?" He added after seeing her look at him.

"Airport" She briefly said.

After her terse reply, everything came in a blur. One moment she was inside the moving vehicle and the next thing she realized, she was already in the airport, blankly staring at the flight board at the departure. Her head is still empty and she doesn't know what to do next. She wasn't ready for the surprise she had earlier so she hasn't planned her next move.

"What's the earliest flight we have here?" She whispers to herself while scanning the list. After a long moment of contemplation and pondering, she comes to terms with herself.

"Let's try Asia" She mumbles after huffing her breath. It's not even two hours after she arrived in the country but here she is, already leaving.

Glancing at the busy street across the building, she was tempted to hail a cab and go back. But her feet are too heavy to move.

Making up her mind, she looks away and walks to the counter to book her chosen flight. Not long, it was completed.

Staring at her plane ticket and passport, she heaves several deep sighs. And for the last time, she glances at the road leading to where she came from. Her heart is in grief for losing her supposed dream job.

She has been looking forward to being part of the WGC and to live in the city she had been dreaming of exploring. But because she is a coward, she is fleeing.

"Goodbye for now" she whispers while staring at the massive billboard showing the advertisement of the Wright Group of Companies.

Her longing gaze stares at the particular figure in the family portrait of the Wright family.

"I will be back. Yes, I will" she whispers like a promise despite its uncertainty.

With sure steps, she walks away, carrying her only possession, her Lou Lou bag, and all the memories of the man she will never forget.

****tbc****

The Wright Heir

It's been a couple of months and she had settled down in a decent size apartment. Just a few blocks away from her work.

Finding a job is not a difficult task for her. With her exemplary credentials, any company would certainly hire her.

She has a usual morning, she wakes up early, did her little workout, took a shower, and prepared her breakfast. But aside from what she normally does, she did one exception earlier. And although she has been convincing herself it's unnecessary, her gut feeling won.

"Shit"

Closing her eyes, she gently rubs her face while heaving a deep sigh. Still hoping it's just a dream.

"This should be a dream" She frustratedly whispers while massaging her nape. And before opening her eyes, she takes a very deep breath to calm her nerves.

But no matter how many times she closes and opens her eyes, she was still met with the same outcome.

"Two lines" She weakly whispers. Hopeless that it will still change after the nth time she checks it.

"Why now?"

Sobs rock her shoulders while slumped on her bathroom floor. She has no strength to stand up.

"You're so cruel to me, Mr. Fate" With tears already brimming her eyes, she buries her face in her bended knee as she hugs herself.

Though she can never forget what happened a couple of months ago she was taken aback by its consequences. It's been a week she has been convincing herself she was wrong with her suspicion but the result said otherwise.

She is bearing the fruit of the one night she spent with Xander Wright.

She has been feeling peculiar for weeks now and no matter how she cast aside her qualm, it's quite persistent. So she took the test earlier.

And now, she is staring at the two vivid lines on the kit, yielding positive. She was not convinced with the first one so she took another. A different test kit. But like the first one, the screen is screaming with the word Pregnant.

She is pregnant and no matter how hard she denies it, she knows in her heart she is. Even her body is telling her that another heartbeat is beating inside her.

She's ready for the new chapter of her life, for new adventures and explorations. And whatever happened months ago, she is ready to move on. But this happened.

She takes her time crying until her sobs become chuckles. A tearful chuckle. It's a crazy rough ride for her sanity. But having Xander Wright's child inside her gave her unexplainable joy and fear.

She fears the unknown but at the same time fascinates her. The thrill of discovering and quelling uncertainty is what excites her tedious life. The adventures, regardless of how impossible are the main reason why she left her farm life. Despite her love and respect for her family and ancestors, she chooses to chase her dream and left the kind of life their forefather has bestowed on them.

Yes, she's young to be a mother but she will strive to be the best for her unborn. She will tread a different path together with her child.

Gently, she caresses her still-flat stomach. Her heart is filled with overwhelming mixed emotions. Fear, uncertainty, excitement, and happiness.

"Mama's here my little one" With fat tears streaming down her cheeks, she whispers while smiling.

"Mama will take care of you" she added while curled on the floor. Hugging herself while crying.

She cries for the wonderful gift fate has given her. She cries because she would be alone in this plight and it would not be easy. She cries from the uncertainty that her unborn might not know its father. She cries because of the unfathomable happiness she feels in her heart. But most of all she cries because she will be a mother.

And indeed pregnancy was not an easy plight. Especially if you're alone.

Her morning sickness started and she has no one to comfort her. Loneliness slaughters her sanity and no one is there to calm her. Insecurity is eating her confidence and no one is there to hug or assure her.

However, she endures. She surpasses all the hardships. Even the curiosity of people who talk behind her back.

She walks confidently with her huge baby bump without minding the hushed murmurs following her. She just wants to work to earn her living and whatever people are saying doesn't affect her.

She chooses not to be affected. After all, she has no plans of staying. Once she gives birth to her son, she will leave again. She will start anew where no one knows about her and her son's existence.

"You're going home now, Skye?" Lily, her colleague who somehow becomes close to her, asks when she saw her stand up and pick up her bag.

They still have ten minutes until clock out. And seeing her prepare to leave is quite odd. She has been so dedicated with work that she never left early except for days when she's not feeling well.

"Yes, I'll be going first, Lily" She smiles while wearing her coat.

"Can't you wait a little more, I will just finish this and we could leave together. Let's grab some dinner" Lily turns her chair to face her.

"I can wait but this little fellow here, cannot" Pointing at her bump, she chuckles.

"What do you mean?" Suddenly worried, Lily's eyes widen.

"I think, my little buddy will be coming out soon. Very soon" Still calm despite the nagging pain she had endured the whole day, she smiles.

"Skye is about to give birth!" Abruptly, Lily stands up and announces to everyone in the room.

Every one of her colleagues knew she is living alone. And despite her constant refusal for their help they had been trying to assist her in any way they can.

"We need to bring you to the hospital" Lily exclaims while collecting her stuff.

"I'll drive you there. Where's your key?" Adrian, another of her friend came closer with an open palm. Asking for her car key.

"I'll be fine. I can still drive myself to the hospital. Just finish your work first. Then you can visit me later" As usual, she refuses.

"Are you for real?" Aghast, Lily incredulously raves while she just chuckles.

"You're about to give birth, Skye. It's fine to be calm, but you're acting way too calm. It's kinda bothering" Josie interjected, incredulous.

"But I'm really fine. It's still not that painful" she explains with a smile. Which is true. She is sure she could even drive herself to the hospital.

Whilst their argument, Adrian grabs her car key and Lily takes hold of her arm. So she has no choice but to let them bring her to the car. And she was thankful they insist.

The pain is getting intense and she might put herself and her baby in danger if she insisted to go alone.

Birthing has always been scary for soon-to-be mothers, but Skye was never scared. She has been ready for whatever pain she will encounter ever since she discovered she was expecting.

After a couple of hours of rest, she is now ready to face the world with a sleeping baby boy already in her loving arms.

"Xander Nicolo Monticello" she whispers while caressing her son's still wrinkled face.

"It's just you and me little buddy. But it's fine, we can do this" With a tearful smile, she continues. She is alone with her newborn as she requested.

Indeed, she has no one. But she doesn't mind. It's her choice and she will make it through.

She is enjoying her quiet time with her son when her phone sounded, receiving a call. Carefully, she answers after taking a deep breath.

"Hello, Papa" Her voice is hoarse, and almost trembles after hearing the familiar person from the other line.

"How are you my Cielo?"

"Uhm, I'm great. I'm busy with work lately" She replies while trying to contain from bursting to cry after hearing her father.

"Your mama told me you can't go home for the holidays?"

"Uhm, yes papa. I'm new to the company and I only got short days to spend the holiday" Despite the tears streaming down her face, she tries not to quiver.

"We could visit you, instead" Her father suggested.

"No, Papa." She suddenly exclaims.

"What I mean... I'm always on the field. I cannot spend time with you. I will try to go home once I got a long vacation leave" she readily explains, afraid her papa would hint at something.

"You okay, my Cielo? You sound distressed. You go home if that company is giving you a headache. You don't need to work" Worry laces her father's voice like her mother's when they talk the other day.

"I'm great, Papa. And my company is treating me well. Don't worry. I'm just so happy to hear your voice, I can't help crying. I miss you so much" It was not a lie. Hearing her parent's voices always bring tears, especially now that she becomes a mother without their knowledge.

Her tearful eyes tenderly watch her sleeping baby in her arms. If only she could tell him about her newborn. But it's still not the time. She promised to be someone they could be proud of. And that's what she will strive for despite her unexpected pregnancy.

"I will come home soon. Please stay healthy. Don't exhaust yourself too much working on the farm" she makes her voice chirpy as she used to.

She is a mess for crying but she never wanted her parents to know her struggle. Whatever choices she made together with all the consequences, it's all for her to deal with alone.

"Please come home if you can my little Cielo. We all miss you" her father's quivering voice adds to the anguish and guilt she feels.

"I will papa. And for a thousandth time, I'm no longer little. I'm a grown-up woman now" Pouting, she whines but she only got a chuckle from her father.

"You will always be our little Cielo. No debate about that" he insisted, making her playfully groan.

"I love you, Papa. I miss you" chuckling, she said instead of arguing with him.

"Go home soon, please. It's been a year since you've been away from home" His voice quivers. She knows her father is also controlling his tears.

"I will, Papa. I got to go. Please take care. Bye," she hung up after hearing her father's farewell.

After talking to her father, she snuggles her face close to her baby. Filling her lungs with his scent while she whimpers her sobs.

It's been a roller coaster of emotions since she got pregnant. The journey is quite rough but she made it through. And she is now holding her mistake but the greatest gift life could offer her.

"I'm sorry, my little dove. Mama can't show you to anyone yet. Please forgive me" she bitterly whispers while showering him with tender kisses. The little man would slightly squirm before going back to sleep again.

Guilt has been consuming her conscience for not being able to bring him home to her family. But keeping him a secret is the best way she has right now.

She's miles away that even her family doesn't know where she is. But she knows she can't hide for long. She needs to regain her strength so she could face her new life with her son.

Staring at her sleeping angel, she took a very deep breath. How could she deny the truth?

"The Wright blood is so superior. As early as your birth, it's evident you bear your father's genes" she whispers while caressing his tiny prominent nose.

"We need to be as far as we can from all the Wrights, my little dove" she added despite the heaviness in her chest.

"No one must know you are a Wright heir"

****tbc****