***4 YEARS LATER**
I did my internship as a MedTech student in the Philippines, continuing my life in this new place.
I had expected it would be hard, but no. It took a bit of time to adjust, learn the language, getting accustomed to it. the culture and the people.
But the people made it easier for me. They were too kind and comforting for me.
I feel like I am finally in the right place. for the first time in my life. As if this was made for me.
I would often visit Mom and slowly I made her get accustomed to me. She hated me in the past, but since I was persistent, she’s not making tantrums with me anymore. She’s improving.
“Mom, look, I have some medals! And a diploma! Your dream, Mom!” I said proudly.
She gasped, smiling at me and hugging me, “You’re finally a doctor?”
I chuckled, “No, I just finished step 1, but I am getting there!”
She nodded, “I'll cook you something delicious. Wait here.”
“oh, I have to go back mI’lli’ll promise to return when I finish my business there.”
I then left her and returned to school. I graduated with Latin honors. And since I took a scholarship, I have had the chance to meet with my sponsor. The past years were too serene for me, with no one to mind my business.
There were around ten of us who passed the scholarship with flying honors.
And I had never felt so proud of myself.
To achieve something that neither my father nor my sister had to know.
Finally, I could feel the tears rolling down my cheek.
According to the scholarship conditions, we have to also return and work for the company of our sponsor.
“Ms. Uy. You can enter now.”
I nodded and entered the office. I am excited to work, but at the same time nervous about how this will go.
I was surprised to see how I am seeing him again.
The same man as he stared back at me with those blue eyes, seducing me again.
“Saphira Ziara Bernadez Uy.” He said, his voice becoming deeper and much more mature now. “Long time no see. How are you?”
Staring at his eyes, it felt like it was just yesterday since I last saw him.
He promised to leave me and return when I am ready. Looks like he was serious when he said that.
And when he said ready, did he mean that once I finished my degree? Sponsoring my studies while pretending to leave and showing up to me after four years?
I stood up, gritting my teeth. My heart was beating out of my chest from nervousness and anger to see him again, and I wanted to leave this place again.
“I’ll leave now. Since I finished meeting my sponsor..” I was about to walk away when he spoke again.
“You need to work under my hospital. did you read it. that in the terms and conditions?”
I gasped, “I’m surprised you are still alive, Mr. Venesian.” I said sarcastically. And couldn't help but notice him not in a wheelchair now…
“You can..stand now…”
He smirked, “Surprise, I made sure to go into physical therapy and with the help of technology, my foot is improving now….but I still couldn't run.” He tried to explain, “I promised to return once everything is ready. And you are ready. it’s. time to take back what’s mine.”
I scoffed, “Yours?” I don’t remember being his. I hate how he is now. Claiming me as his as if a toy.
“Marry me. Again. Be with me, please.”
I halted, looking back at him to see if he was joking.
His blue eyes pierced through my soul, watching my expression.
I gasped, but I tried to remain calm.
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me right. Marry me.”
I blinked, suddenly reminded of his twin. “You said you are not like your twins. Yet here you are, demanding to marry me. Again. Wow, I thought you changed!”
“My father needs an heir from me.”
I raised my eyebrows, “Then choose another woman. Not me. That is none of my business now.”
“You signed that contract.”
“But it was invalid. I am still-“
“The divorce Matheo.”
I rolled my eyes, “It’s not that simple.” I am still trying to save money to acquire my legal team and hire my private lawyers…
“Did he say he didn't want to? I’ll threaten my twin then.” He said, “I love you, after all these years, Saphira. You don’t know how much I have been holding back when I knew you stayed here…”
“I don’t. I didn't miss you.” I yelled.
He sighed, as I left.
***
Since I just graduated and med school is expensive, I have to take a pause and save up. I couldn’t find any vacant job that related to my degree so I didn’t have a choice but to take a temporary job.
“Saphira! Someone’s calling you.” called the company’s receptionist, Sam, as soon as I sat down by my desk to work. “And delivered rare black roses.”
I raised my eyebrows. “Huh? That must be some prank callers. You know those kinds of calls, Sam.”
A playful smirk played on her lips, “It says he’s from your husband.”
I blinked, husband? I instantly stood up, looked around if someone heard her, and covered her mouth to stop her from saying more. I dragged her to the company’s women’s bathroom and finally removed my hand from her mouth.
I said, “Tell me what he said more.”
She shrugged, “I don’t know…but all I know was he’s your husband…Saph, I honestly didn’t know you would be married first…you should announce it to our whole colleagues!”
“No, and no. Sam, please, can you keep it a secret between us? I promise to treat you to a meal.”
She nodded, “But what about the black roses?” She asked.
“Just dispose of it.”
“But it’s all over the entrance of the office now, with your name and photo.”
I swear I was never shocked like that in my whole life. I want to faint. “What?”
I instantly ran outside the bathroom, took the elevator, and went to the entrance to see it. Yes, black roses are everywhere. With my name and lovely film.
My phone instantly rang and an unknown phone number flashed on the screen.
I wanted to dismiss it and I closed my eyes, pressing the answer button. “Hello, did you miss me?”
Damn. Why do these triplets keep on appearing? I thought it would be Matheo as he’s the only one who is still valid to be my husband on that damn marriage certificate.
But instead, it was Theon. “Where are you, Saphira?”
“I’m busy.” I simply responded, wanting it to end so badly.
“Did you receive my black roses?” His teasing voice asked, and I could judge that he was smirking.
“Yes, can you stop being petty now and remove this,” I said firmly, “And why black roses? Are you saying you want me to die?”
“No, I want you to tell the whole world that I'm your husband. Why are you even shy about it?” He answered. “Just live with me and leave this damn place.”
I rolled my eyes, “The world doesn't revolve around you.”
“It does.” He answered, “I’m outside your company now. If you don’t appear in 10 seconds, I’ll march there.”
This company is Venesian’s competition. I purposely applied here so they won't follow me. He knows it would cause a major uproar in the media world, and yet he wants to test me like this.
I sighed, ending the call. I don’t have time for this. This is my life from now on. This is the life I have to live.
A text then came from Theon.
“So you chose trouble? Saphira Kim Bernadez Wu, you’ll soon give in to me.”
I rolled my eyes and with a daring voice, said, “Then give me your company. I will agree once you do that.”
“Deal.” He said, and I was only kidding and mocking him, i didn’t expected him to be that serious.