《Chasing After My Wife》


 Chapter 1 - A CHANCE ENCOUNTER

    NOTE: The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the authors. To the extent any real names of individuals, locations, or organizations are included in the book, they are used fictitiously and not intended to be taken otherwise.


    OTHER BOOOKS OF THE AUTHOR:


    She''s My Sleeping Pill (Ongoing)


    My Wild Little Kitten Is A Mafia Boss (Silver Prize Winner for WPC #201; Ongoing)


    Say You''ll Love Me Again (Ongoing; Slow burn)


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    Jillyanna placed the pot of white roses on a vacant space around her mother''s tomb. Everytime she visited her mom, she would bring a pot of flower for her and she paid a caretaker to help her groom the flowers when she''s not around.


    "Hey mom, your space looks like a mini garden now. I brought so much flowers for you these past years. Where shall I place the other bunch next time?" she murmured while standing in front of her mother''s grave.


    She was wearing a black baseball cap and a dark shade, covering her upper face. People who visited their loved ones tend to look at her.


    She was wearing a plain white off-shoulder blouse and a modest floral print maxi skirt that hid her long legs.


    "Cielo and I successfully launched the new branch of our cafe. I wanted to go abroad and take a short vacation but I feel like it''s hassle. Maybe I''d go two months from now." she continued to talk on her own, expressing her thoughts to her late mother.


    "By the way mom, Lucian found a new lead for your case and sooner or later, we will be able to catch the person who killed you. You don''t have to worry about me, I''m always careful. See, your little girl has grown up already." she skipped and turned around as if her mother could see her silly actions.


    People found her actions cute and adorable for someone who was already big. They could feel and see how much she loved her mother base on her temperament while talking to the grave.


    Her phone rang, showing Cielo''s name on the caller ID.


    "Yanna, dad wanted to know what time will you be home and mom was so excited she had prepared almost all your favorite food. Ugh, are they your parents or my parents? How come they like you so much?" Cielo''s series of complaints made her laugh so much.


    "They like me because I''m pretty and I''m smart." Jillyanna played along while removing some dried leaves on her mother''s tomb.


    "Shut up sister! I''m smarter than you. Anyway, come home soon or I''ll keep calling you within 10 minutes interval." Cielo threatened her knowing that she hates answering calls.


    "I know. I know. I''m almost done here. I''ll be there around 6:00 o''clock in the evening." she responded to her friend''s inquiry. Cielo told her some other things before finally ending the call.


    Jillyanna put her phone inside her bag before facing her mother again. She smiled faintly as she remembered some memories with her mom.


    "Mom, I won''t be staying long. I still have some things to do tonight. I''ll visit you again soon. I just hope that I can bring you some good news. Anyway, I''m going home now." Jillyanna turned on her heels and walked away from her mother''s grave after bidding her farewell.


    She walked towards the parking lot outside the memorial park to get her car. She stopped on her track when she found the man, who brushed past her, so familiar to her. The man paused for a while but he didn''t turned around or even gave her a glance.


    Jillyanna shrugged her shoulders thinking that she might''ve mistaken him for someone else. She continued to walk towards her Sedan Mercedes Benz E-class without looking back.


    She rummaged her bag to her keys when suddenly, she felt someone approaching her. She quickly took a side step to her left, turned around and held the hand of a woman who was holding a white handkerchief.


    The woman was caught off guard but she immediately took action and held Jillyanna''s other arm.


    Jillyanna twisted her arm to get out of her strong hold, pushing the woman away from her, almost slamming her on someone else''s car.


    "What do you want from me?" her scrutinizing ice-cold gaze should made people scram from fear. However, the woman in front of her was calm and collected while reaching a handkerchief to her.


    "You dropped this. I was inside the car so it took me time to get this back to you." the woman responded to her, checking her like an insect under a magnifying glass.


    Jillyanna took back the handkerchief and found her initials in it. "Thank you for giving this back to me. I''m sorry if I caused you pain. I''m just being careful." she made a deep bow to express her sincere apology.


    The woman waved her hand to drop the matter before giving her a faint smile. "It''s good to be aware of your surroundings. I''ll go ahead. Take care."


    The woman waved her hand and left in a hurry, leaving a statued Jillyanna who was embarrassed from mistaking a good Samaritan for a criminal.


    "Sigh. I can''t believe I did that again." Jillyanna put the handkerchief inside her bag before getting inside her car.


    She pushed the guilt at the back of her mind so she could concentrate in driving. She maneuvered the car out of the parking lot and drove back to Cielo''s house.


    Little did she know, someone took interest of her. Her appearance was so similar to the woman he had liked for so many years.


    A smirk formed on the man''s lips before walking away from the crowd. He pulled up the zipper of his black jacket and covered half of his face with the hood.


    Earlier when he approached her he was sure he would be able to get her, but an unknown woman spoiled his plan.


    The man gritted his teeth from anger as he walked out of the place.

 Chapter 2 - TRAVIS AND THE GANG 1

    Travis put down the bouquet of flowers that he brought to his mother''s tomb then walked towards another grave and placed another bouquet.


    "This is unusual. So many people visited this grave today." the caretaker commented as he walked away from the tomb after cleaning it.


    Travis didn''t hear his comment and just let the man go on his way. "Auntie, I''m here. I''m sorry I have to let you down. I''m still not able to find your daughter." He touched the epitaph where the name of a woman was engraved. Elizabeth Summer was written on it in beautiful calligraphy.


    "I promise I''ll find her, auntie. No matter what." he made a deep bow to the tombstone before going back to her mother''s tomb.


    It''s been nine years since his mother died. A year after her best friend''s death, she committed suicide due to depression and guilt. It was said that her best friend''s death, Elizabeth Summer, was a mistake. The target was actually his mother but that unfortunate night, Elizabeth borrowed her car to pick up her child. Thus, the crime happened leaving a little girl alone and leading his mother to death.


    Travis never gave up on the case. Both his mother and Elizabeth deserve justice. All these years, he had asked his men to investigate the matter and to locate the girl which his mother entrusted to him, but it was fruitless.


    "Mom, I''m here once again. I am still not able to find her. Her relatives said that she didn''t stay with them. I asked around but there was no news at all. Am I that incapable? I felt so useless. Finding her should''ve been easy but it''s been years without any progress." Travis mumbled helplessly in front of his mother''s tomb. He covered his face with both hands in frustrations.


    He spoke to his mom mentally. He just stood there doing nothing with an imposing manner which made people avoid him.


    He spent almost an hour at the cemetery before leaving the place with a guilty face. Everytime he visited the cemetery, he would go back in low spirit, guilt was eating his pride away.


    Savannah saw Travis walking towards her with a dark face. Hawk was following with a relax manner, making her roll her eyes at them. She just had a little fight earlier and she didn''t want to see someone with a bad mood.


    "What''s wrong boss? Bad mood? I have a good news though." she opened the door on the copilot seat after Travis seated himself at the backseat. Following, Hawk took his position as the driver and drove the car for them.


    "Say it." Travis leaned on the headrest and closed his eyes to calm his nerves but he was still in alert mode in case something would happen.


    Savannah turned her body to the side facing Hawk with a laptop sitting on her lap. She opened some document sent by her friend from the military affairs.


    "I asked someone to help us locate Ms. Summer''s daughter. She had collated all the woman from age 21-23 who lost their parents with the same name to her daughter. My friend included those that got married, too. We have less than a hundred prospect so it would be easier for us this time." Savannah reported before she handed him her laptop.


    He opened his eyes and reached for it to see the document himself. His face didn''t change or showed any expression but deep inside he was truly happy.


    Earlier he was sulking because he didn''t know where to find her, but now the news was sent directly to him.


    "Thanks Sav. We''ll ask some PI to check on these ladies." Travis returned the laptop to his secretary.


    Savannah acted as the secretary in his company but she was actually someone from military together with Hawk and his other two subordinates.


    They were working on some S-class syndicate cases and working under him was part of their cover.


    "Heh! I''m good at this. Good thing we found you or you would have to spend more years to locate her." Savannah said proudly which was true.


    Four years ago, they were on a mission to raid a mansion but they were ambushed before they even get there. Hawk, Savannah, Valkyrie and Brown narrowly escaped their demise. Savannah and Valkyrie were heavily wounded, carried on the back of their comrades.


    They walked and ran to different alleys so that they can escape from the people coming at them. An opened window came into view from a two-storey house.


    It was considered trespassing but nobody cared that time. All they wanted to do was to escape from the death''s grip. Hawk climbed the tree and jumped over the fence to get inside the house premises. He opened the gate slightly and allowed everyone to get inside.


    They sat on the ground, breathing heavily from all the running. Hawk tore a piece of his shirt and tied around Savannah''s thigh to stop the bleeding from the bullet wound. Brown was attending to Valkyrie.


    "Don''t you dare die on Val! I''ll stamp you to death making you a double dead meat if you die!" Brown was cursing him but he was busy tying some cloth on his wounds, too.


    "I have first a first aid kit here." a masculine voice resounded in their ears.


    Everyone stiffened for a moment but Hawk took action immediately and pointed a gun on the young man''s head.


    "Just to let you know, even if you''re soldiers, you''re trespassing in my property and pointed a gun at me. These are enough to strip you off your badge and be persecuted through military procedures." The man spoke in with a relax tone while tossing the medical box towards them.


    He did not wait for them to respond to him and immediately walked to a mini garden where multiple chairs were situated.


    "You might as well get inside if you don''t want your comrades to get infected." He was acting nonchalant towards their situation but he was helping them.


    "We apologize for sudden intrusion. We''ll head out immediately after tending to their wounds." Brown was a doctor so he was versed with medical and other stuff to aid his friends.


    "My name is Travis. And it''s not a problem with me but look at your woman. She''s pale. Are you sure she can make it back to your base? I can - sshh!" Travis halted whatever he wanted to say when he caught some people walking to the direction of his house using the CCTV cameras.

 Chapter 3 - TRAVIS AND THE GANG 2

    They watched the armed people through the monitors. It was almost midnight and the people inside his house had cleaned and dressed their wounds already.


    "What are you doing?!" Hawk whispered with a hint of worry.


    "Just stay here." Travis signaled them to stay low but Hawk and Brown didn''t listen to him at all. They held their guns and pointed it to the people at the gate, in case they would take aggressive actions to Travis.


    The doorbell rang thrice before Travis came out to answer them. His hair was disheveled and he was wearing a black robe which was tied around his waist.


    "Good evening gentlemen. Is there anything I can help you with?" his gaze and relax manner was actually intimidating to the people outside.


    A man with a tiger tattoo on his forearms walked up to him. He threw down the cigarette butt and stomp on it with his boots. "There was a gang that killed few of my men earlier. They escaped toward this area. By any chance, have you seen them or did anyone trespass here? They were highly skilled after all."


    "I did hear some commotions but it wasn''t from here. I would know if anyone''s trespassing my property. I have sensors placed around my house. If you want you can check the house. I don''t really want to involve myself in gang fights." Travis responded with an expressionless face. He gestured them to get inside but the man turned away instead.


    "It''s indeed best for you to stay away from any gang. If you find any suspicious people, you can contact this person." he threw a card and left.


    Travis watched them until they''re out of sight. He went back inside and found Hawk and Brown leaning on the sofa with a relieved faces.


    "Thank you so much for helping us. I''m Brown." Introduced the man with a silver hair. "This is Hawk, " he pointed to the man beside him who had a grim face. "the lady is Savannah and the other man is Valkyrie. We can only give you code names but not our personal information."


    "I don''t really care about your personal information. I just want to help." Travis sat on the couch facing them. "You can stay here until your friends are stable. You can leave after that."


    "Thank you." Hawk stated while looking at Savannah.


    ''They must be in relationship.'' That''s what Travis thought base on the expression of the guys while watching the woman.


    "How did you know we''re from the military?" Brown asked when they have relaxed from so much exhaustion.


    Travis looked at them carefully as if studying them. Then, he looked at Valkyrie who was sleeping on one of the couch. "My late grandpa was a General from the Eagles Detachment. He trained me with my shooting skills and I met him there." his index finger was pointing at Valkyrie.


    "Oh. Such coincidence!" Brown exclaimed but his face turned serious when he thought how they ended up on his house.


    Earlier, while running around Valkyrie was guiding him where to go as he carried him off on his back. Thinking about it, Brown was sure that Valkyrie was leading them to this man.


    "It''s late. Let''s take a rest. I''ll show towards your rooms." Travis stood up and helped Brown with Valkyrie. Hawk lifted Savannah with ease before following them to the second floor.


    He had them stay in the rooms opposite to each other, just right beside his room. Savannah was supposed to stay alone in a room but Hawk was worried when she would wake up in an unfamiliar place. In the end, he slept on the couch near the bed while Savannah had the bed all to herself.


    The next morning, the servants were shocked to see a lot of men in their master''s house. They were even asked to buy clothes for a woman. A woman! Their master didn''t like bringing people to this house, much more a woman!


    The head-servant brought the clothes for the girl. She walked to the second floor and found the woman lying on the bed with a handsome man beside her.


    "These are the clothes for the lady." she spoke in a low voice while handing him the clothes.


    "Thank you. I can help her change." Hawk responded, dismissing the servant right away.


    "Do you really have to scare them?" Savannah chuckled before sitting up straight. "I can manage on my own." she grabbed the clothes and limped her way to the bathroom.


    Hawk let her do what she wants knowing that she would flare up if he would oppose her.


    On the other hand, Valkyrie had a wide grin on his face, as if the incident last night was just a part of his dream.


    "I didn''t know you''d be here! I thought your cousin own this place. I''ve seen him multiple times go in and out of this place when I was scouting the drug den." his chattering was endless and he was obviously happy to see the man in front of him.


    "I own the place. My cousin would drop by when he got some time. Good thing I was here last night or you would''ve died." Travis responded before giving them some change of clothes.


    Brown found out that they were indeed familiar with each other. Travis even came in Valkyrie''s life before him. Even so, he didn''t feel bad at all.


    That''s how the five of them met and become friends.


    "Four years. Oh god! It''s been four years since you helped us. Two years in your company. Two years! It took us two years to find the little girl." she spoke in exasperated tone.


    Travis just laughed it off. "It doesn''t matter. As long as we find her, I''d be able to fulfill my promise."


    Savannah just smiled while Hawk kept silent as he listened to their conversation. He was focused on his surroundings and was driving carefully.


    "We have a lead but we are not sure yet which one of them is her." Hawk expressed his thoughts.


    Savannah pinched his thigh in frustration. "You spoiler! Don''t burst my bubbles of hope!" she glared at him but Hawk just chuckled at her expression.

 Chapter 4 - JILLYANNA MADRID?

    Jillyanna drove back to her house first to record herself. She had to finish the recording and do the post editing later that night so that it could be released the next day.


    She took a rest after two hours of recording before changing her clothes to visit Cielo''s family.


    She chose a pair of black jeans and white sweater, paired with white rubber shoes. She used a sling bag to put in her wallet, phone and keys.


    She put on her baseball cap and mask before grabbing the paper bags containing her gifts. She made sure that all windows and doors are locked as part of her safety precautions. Lucian had always reminded them of that ever since they were young.


    Jillyanna got into her car and drove off to Cielo''s family villa. She arrived just few minutes before six as she had promised. She parked her car in the garage and took out her gifts.


    "Yanna! You''re finally here!" Sky Abejuela-Madrid, Cielo''s mother, exclaimed excitedly after seeing her.


    "Good evening, auntie." Jillyanna greeted her with a warm hug. Sky held her hand and led her inside the house.


    "Yanyan! Yanyan is here!" Alex Madrid, Cielo''s father, came out from the kitchen and greeted her.


    "Hello uncle!" Jillyanna waved her hand to the man who was wiping his hands on his apron.


    Jillyanna felt warm inside her heart upon seeing the genuine smile of the people around her. Cielo saw this scene and smiled, too. "I''m really doubting my existence more and more."


    Cielo joked at them before hugging her tightly. "It''s been a month since I last saw you personally. If it wasn''t for the launching event, you wouldn''t even show your ugly face!"


    She complained at her but at the same time, she was really happy to see her best friend doing well.


    "I know. It was my fault. Don''t worry, I''d be staying here for few months before I''ll decide where to go. There''s something I really want to do." Jillyanna confided to her bestfriend knowing that Cielo knew what she was talking about.


    "You''re definitely crazy!" Cielo rubbed her head messily as she always do every time she think of something silly.


    "These are my gifts by the way. I don''t know if you''ll like them." Kaye handed them the paper bags which contained different kinds of items.


    Cielo opened the bag which had her name written on it and what came in to view made her eyes go wide.


    "Holy shit! I can''t believe this!" She squeal and screamed and hugged her best friend again and again. "It''s the Chanel Box Minaudiere Shoulder Bag! It''s the limited edition! How the hell did you get your hands to this?!"


    She still can''t believe her eyes. She turned the bag over and over to see it for herself. It was authentic!


    "I''m the best of all best friends. Of course I''d find a way for you. So make sure that our cafe will do great so I can get more money." Jillyanna responded to her with a wide grin on her face. She was happy to see Cielo happy.


    "You didn''t really have to do this. I still have so many bags that you gifted me. I don''t even know what to use. But I will take this. Hehe. Thank you so much! Mwah!" Cielo made a kissing gestured while hugging the bag to herself.


    Sky and Alex looked at their silly daughter before opening their own bag. Alex received a limited edition running shoes from Nike and several vitamins. Sky got a bracelet from Tiffany & Co. Plus different kinds of facial products.


    "You''re still the same. You spent your money on us again." Sky spoke with melancholic voice.


    "If I won''t spend it on you, to whom should I spend it. Auntie, you''ve taken care of me all these years. If it weren''t for you guys, I would''ve suffered from my relative''s hands. I knew why my mother hid me for so many years and I wouldn''t let them get their hands on my mother''s money. I can only express my gratitude through this. So just let me do it, okay?"


    Jillyanna''s respond made them teary-eyed. They knew how much she suffered and it was all due to her hardwork that she obtain what she has now. Sky hugged her and Cielo followed.


    "Let''s make a group hug!" Alex shouted childishly and hugged all of them.


    Since Jillyanna graduated from school, she busied herself to work and they seldomly see her in person. But that didn''t change their love and care for her.


    "Ahem. Ahem." An awkward cough made them turned towards the door.


    A handsome young man stood there with Jillyanna''s favorite red velvet cake.


    "Welcome home!" he greeted her with their usual fist bump routine.


    "You''re as handsome as ever, big bro." Jillyanna commented before taking the cake from his hand. "Thanks for this. Ah..Lucian, this is yours." she handed him a small paper bag which was quite heavy despite its size.


    "This dessert fairy is the same as always. Careful with cavities!" Lucian reminded her while checking out what was inside the bag.


    "I know. I''ll brush my teeth twice." Jillyanna responded with a pout.


    She went to the kitchen with Sky and placed the cake on the fridge. Alex continued cooking the last dish leaving only Cielo and Lucian at the living room.


    Lucian opened the bag carefully and was greeted with a small box. He took out the red and black box from the bag before placing the bag on the table.


    "God! This is too much!" Lucian commented while staring at the White Gold Nautilus watch from Patek Philippe.


    Jillyanna just came out in time to see his reaction. "I saw one interview during a case trial. You keep checking your phone for the time and I noticed that you didn''t have a watch."


    Lucian was dumbfounded to hear her reason. "Still little girl, this is expensive. You could have just bought something less in price." Lucian explained feeling guilty towards her gift since he only brought cake for her.


    "It''s not much compared to the hardwork you put into my mother''s case. This is the only way I can thank you guys." Jillyanna sat opposite them with a crossed legs.


    Cielo laughed while seeing her boyfriend''s guilty face. "Stop feeling guilty about it. She won''t change her mind. Just use that." she pinched his face before giving him a peck on his lips.


    "I even felt more guilty since we haven''t found the culprit yet." Lucian scratched the tip of nose awkwardly before hugging Cielo closer to him.


    "It''s fine. You are not just a police officer who helped me with my mother''s case. You''re a big brother who took care of me all these years. Just take it as a gift from your little sister."


    Lucian expressed his gratitude and accepted the gift from Jillyanna. It''s true that he''s a big brother to her since he was three years ahead of her and Cielo.


    That night, she had a lively dinner with them. They talked about various things, recalled of their past and joked with each other. She felt happy for having them in her life.


    After 9:00 o''clock in the evening, Jillyanna bid her farewell since she still had things to do.


    "You won''t really stay for the night? I even cleaned your room!" Cielo was sulking that she''s leaving once again.


    Jillyanna shrugged her shoulders from being helpless. "I have to edit the recording tonight. I''ll come home next monday. How about that? I''ll be staying here during weekdays."


    Cielo''s upset face turned into a smile. "You promised that! You better keep your promise!"


    "Yes. Yes. Yes. I promise. I''ll pack my things ahead of time and come back next week." Jillyanna hugged her bestfriend for few seconds before getting inside her car.


    "We''ll wait for you." Cielo yelled while she waved her hand, watching her car disappearing into the night.


    On the way home, Jillyanna stopped her car in front of a pharmacy and bought some coffee to keep her awake.


    She didn''t really stock her cupboard with coffee. She''d only buy it when she needed it the most. She paid for three canned coffee and walked out of the store.


    When Travis entered the store, his eyes went wide and shock was registered to his face. He walked around the store aisles but he couldn''t pinpoint her location. None of the people inside the store have the same body built as her.


    There was something on the woman at the cemetery that kept bugging him. And now, he was sure that she is or she was in the store before he came in.


    Jillyanna jogged back to her car when she caught sight of someone familiar to her. The woman looked at her and a smile formed on her lips.


    "It''s you." Savannah spoke and walked towards her.


    "Yeah. It''s me. Sorry again for what happened earlier." Jillyanna apologized once again. "Coffee?" she handed her a can to show her sincerity.


    "Just the answer to keep me awake. Thank you. You don''t have to feel guilty about it." Savannah received the coffee and opened it right in front of her.


    "I''m glad you''re fine. If you don''t mind, I have to go now. I still have some things to do." Jillyanna admitted since she was going to edit her recordings.


    "I''m Savannah." Savannah introduced herself to her with an outstretched hand.


    "I''m Jillyanna." Jillyanna took her hand and shook it gently. Savannah''s eyes lit up from hearing her name.


    "Jillyanna? Jillyanna..." she prolonged the sound of Jillyanna''s name in question.


    "Jillyanna Madrid." Jillyanna provided her complete name. The lights in Savannah''s eyes faded.


    "I see. I just found your name so familiar. Thanks for this coffee by the way." Savannah waved the coffee can in her hand.


    "No worries. I''ll go ahead now." Jillyanna got inside her car and sped away. She will be spending the night with her computer again.

 Chapter 5 - LETS GO CLUBBING!

    Just as Jillyanna''s car disappeared from Savannah''s sight, Travis appeared with a confused and unbelieving face.


    "What''s the matter boss? Were you able to find the thing you wanted to buy?" Savannah asked nonchalantly.


    "No. I just think I she was there." Travis murmured to himself but Savannah still caught his words.


    She took a sip of the coffee before responding. "You mean the girl at the cemetery?"


    "How did you know?" Travis asked with a raised brow.


    "Well, I just had a conversation with her earlier. She gave me this." Savannah raised the coffee to show it to him.


    Travis sighed before getting inside the car. Hawk had been waiting for them.


    "I just found her familiar." Travis commented when they''re all inside the car.


    Savannah turned to face him with an eager face but then she realized it wasn''t even possible. She hesitated for a moment but she still decided to tell him in the end.


    "Her name is Jillyanna. Jillyanna Madrid. I checked her hand and she doesn''t seem married. I mean, there were no ring marks on her fingers." Savannah reported her findings. "Base on my previous encounter with her, she doesn''t rely in men."


    "You''re the best assistant." Hawk interjected which earned him a glaring look from her.


    Travis just listened but the name wasn''t the same to the person he was looking for. "Just ask the PI to hurry their investigation."


    "Hai, wakarimashita!" Savannah responded in her native language which was Japanese meaning ''I understand".


    Travis closed his eyes while Savannah checked on some files. Hawk would sometimes talk to her to relieve her boredom.


    In less than an hour, they arrived at Beverly Hills were Travis owned a huge villa. It was just one of his many properties.


    ''Bang! Bang! Bang!''


    The sound of the opening and closing of car doors made the two people inside so happy.


    "We''re back!" Savannah announced their arrival as she removed her shoes and changed it to slippers.


    Even though they were acting as subordinates of Travis, once they''re outside the office and when there''s no clients or business meetings, they were just a group of friends.


    "Let''s all go to sleep. Let''s have a day off tomorrow and relax our brain and body. I''m so tired dealing with idiots everyday." Travis announced as he loosened his neck tie while walking upstairs - to his room.


    "Let''s go to clubs or bars? How about that?" Valkyrie suggested with an obvious mischief on his face.


    "I''ll go to sleep. Good night!" Brown left them with a sour face when Valkyrie wanted to go to a club.


    "You angered him again. We won''t be shock if one day he''ll overdose you with anesthesia." Hawk commented before walking Savannah to her room.


    "Good night Mr. Knight!" Savannah stated to Hawk.


    "Good night, princess." Hawk responded before placing a kiss on her forehead.


    It was their secret endearment. Well, a little known secret to everyone but nobody knew why Hawk was called Knight or why he would address Savannah as princess. Everybody thought it was just a nickname they gave to each other.


    The next day which was Sunday, Jillyanna was so tired after working all night. She scheduled the release of the recording at noon by sending it to Cielo.


    Cielo acknowledged that she got her message and made an alarm for it. Jillyanna went to her room after everything was settled and slept all the way until late in the afternoon.


    She checked her phone the moment she woke up and found several notifications that were congratulating her. She smiled before putting the phone back on her bedside table and was planning to go back to sleep.


    However, three consecutive knocks rang from the outside of her room.


    "Wake up sleepy head! You''ve been sleeping for a day! It''s time to celebrate another feat of success." Cielo''s voice came out with excitement.


    "I still want to sleep!" Jillyanna''s shout wasn''t clear to her friend since she''s curling herself under her thick blanket.


    "If you won''t dress up, I''ll barge in already!" Cielo responded while tapping her foot on the floor.


    She had access to her Jillyanna''s house since she was the one who supervise the cleaning while her friend was away, so it''s not a wonder how she got herself in.


    "Wait. I''ll put on some clothes!" Jillyanna stated while grabbing a large shirt from her closet. She''s the type of woman always sleep naked when she''s in her own house.


    "That habit of yours needs to be changed. When will you start sleeping with your clothes on?" Cielo asked while leaning her back on the wall beside her door. She had her arms crossed on her chest with a scowl forming on her face.


    Jillyanna opened the door with a helpless look at her best friend. "I don''t think it would be soon. I''m comfortable sleeping without my clothes on." She responded to her before leading her inside.


    Cielo gripped her shoulders and made her sit down on her bed. "The success of your recording calls for celebration. You spent so much effort for that."


    "Where are we going? I''m not in the mood to celebrate this time. I wanted to spend my time to look for a person which would match my qualifications."


    "Heh! You''re at it again. How about we find someone at the bar for you to hook up?" Cielo''s mischievous grin made Jillyanna laugh.


    "If Lucian hear how badly you influence me, he''d really confine you for a week."


    Cielo''s eyes rolled at her statement. "I am not a bad influence. I am such a good friend that I supported you with every decision. Since you wanted it, then go for it. I am not her to hinder your happiness. I am here to be your shoulders when you cannot get it."


    "Jeez! What''s with the drama?!" Jillyanna rubbed her arms as if goosebumps started to form all over her. "You''re being cheesy again."


    "Me being cheesy is normal. Anyway, get up and take a shower already. We''ll have dinner first before going to a bar." Cielo grabbed her to stand up and pushed her towards the bathroom. "Clean yourself thoroughly. You might meet your Mr. Right tonight." she added while laughing evilly.


    Jillyanna took a shower while preparing her bathtub. After a few minutes, she dipped herself in her scented warm bath and relaxed.


    "She never changed." Cielo murmured while sending a message to Lucian about their girl''s night out plan.


    When she met Jillyanna for the first time, she had asked her to sleep with her in her room. She asked her to take a bath while she watched some dramas on her laptop. Unknowingly, even after she finished one episode which was almost an hour, Jillyanna didn''t come out. That''s how she knew that her best friend would take fifteen minutes to brush her teeth and shower, then another forty-five minutes to soak herself in a scented warm bath.


    Indeed, after almost an hour, Jillyanna came out from the bathroom. She had a bathrobe tied around her body and a towel was wrapped around her head.


    "What do you think should I wear?" she asked Cielo who was busing texting her boyfriend.


    Cielo put down her phone and moved to Jillyanna''s closet to help her choose her clothes. She rummaged through her wardrobe and found a fiery red dress with a metallic ring as a collar.


    "You would look great in this and it fits the occasion." she handed the dress to Jillyanna while looking for a bag and shoes to pair with it.


    "You''re very troublesome." Jillyanna commented before looking for some undergarments to change.


    She dried her hair and tied them in a ponytail to showcase her small face and kissable collarbone.


    "Hurry up. Lucian booked a restaurant for us already but he won''t be coming. This is our night alone." Cielo winked at her while putting some facial cream on her face.


    "Sure sure. Let me put my lipstick on. I might find someone to put a stain on a collar." Jillyanna joked as well while drawing the red lipstick on her beautiful lips.


    "Everyone would think you''re a bitch and I''m the only one who knows you''re virgin." Cielo gave her a smug look while grabbing her bag and phone.


    "Isn''t that fun! Let''s enjoy ourselves tonight! Let''s hit the bars and the club!" Jillyanna punched her friend lightly before walking out of her room.

 Chapter 6 - AVIARY BAR

    Valkyrie managed to convince Brown to go clubbing that night. Not only that, their best friend who never associate himself with bars or clubs was going with them. Who else could it be? Of course it''s Travis.


    "Hey RV are you sure you''re coming with us? You hate flashing lights and noisy environment, don''t you?" Valkyrie asked Travis who was currently putting on his coat. Valkyrie would always call him RV, that''s the name he came up with when he was still training with the Eagles Detachment.


    Brown rolled his eyes at the silly man in front of him. "Why can''t he go? Travis needs to enjoy himself once in a while." Brown joined in the conversation while he put on some bluetooth earpiece as their tool for communication.


    It was true that Travis didn''t like noisy environment with colorful flashes of lights, but somehow he had the urged to let of some steam tonight and to be there when they needed him.


    "You don''t have to worry about me. I''ll be fine." Travis walked out of the mansion and went straight for his car in the garage.


    Brown and Valkyrie was following him to pick up their own vehicle as well.


    "Are you perhaps going to hit on a lady tonight? I can help you with that!" Valkyrie presented himself with so much enthusiasm without realizing the deadly glare Brown directed at him.


    Travis chuckled sensing the deathly vibe from their beloved doctor. "No thanks. If I were you, don''t hit on girls as well. That is if you still want to see the sun tomorrow morning."


    Travis got inside his car and closed the door right after saying those words. Valkyrie stood with a confused face. "What do you mean by that?!" He yelled at him even though Travis could hear him through the bluetooth.


    Savannah came out with a dazzling outfit. She wore a backless black dress which hugged her alluring body. A black silk gloves fit her hands like it was second to her skin. Underneath her dress was a military dagger and handgun.


    Hawk stood beside her wearing a black suit and a bow tie. Underneath his pants was a dagger, a handgun and a taser.


    "Why are you still asking him? He meant what he just said. Don''t hook up with anyone." Savannah glared at him before getting inside the Black SUV that Brown had started.


    "Alright. I will be on standby mode. I will not hook up with anyone. I''ll play perhaps or..."


    "No playing either." Hawk interrupted him before taking a glance at Brown who was driving for them.


    Savannah touched her earpiece and sent a message to Travis. "We''re on the move tonight. Make sure that you have open communication." Savannah reminded him which Travis acknowledged.


    "I understand. Make sure you all come back in one piece. If you think you''re outnumbered, don''t take the risk! I need you guys to be home before 3 o''clock tomorrow morning!" His firm voice and reminder resonated through their earpieces. Savannah sniffed to keep her tears from falling.


    "Yes. We''ll be home." Everyone responded in unison, getting themselves ready for the incoming battle.


    They have identified one of the big shots who trade with illegal firearms, thus a mission was given to eliminate him.


    As they have gathered from their monitoring result and intel, the man was going to a party that night with his friends.


    The hotel where the party was being held was close to Aviary Bar, a 10-minute distance if you walk.


    At the same time, the bar''s second floor had a complete view to the ballroom hall through the glass window. For a sniper, it was the best view.


    "I''ll be waiting inside the car. Remember, keep our communication open. If trouble arises, make sure to tell me right away." Brown reminded his friends before they set off.


    This mission wouldn''t be completed just by them. There were several military personnel on standby to help them if necessary.


    Travis had arrived at the bar earlier than them. He chose a corner to sit while listening to their conversation using his earpiece.


    "Alright. Let''s get moving!" Savannah announced before getting off the car. Brown dropped them off right in front of the hotel like a full time driver.


    Hawk held her hand and linked it his to make them look like a real couple. The person at the entrance of the ballroom stopped them to get their invitation.


    Savannah smiled and reached out the gold and black themed invitation card. The man checked the name on his list before letting them in.


    Hawk remained silent beside her but his eyes were already scanning the area for possible escape plan if something would happen to them.


    "Don''t worry. We''ll be home. You got my back, I got yours. We''re a team, remember?" Savannah whispered to him which made Hawk smile.


    They roamed around the place, had a conversation with some people like they are real businessman, they even let them know the current projects that Travis''s company have.


    Yes these people are having a party and they might be acquaintance with the man they are after, but they don''t do any illegal activities which was why Savannah shared some piece of news regarding Travis''s company.


    Few minutes later, the hall sunk into whispers as a man at his 40s entered the hall. He had some people around him, giving praises and currying favor which flattered the man.


    "That''s him, right? The man who rose to fame recently for hitting a jackpot? He''s cool." Savannah said with an amazed expression but her words were transmitted through her earpiece.


    A man beside her who talked to them regarding some proposals that he prepared for a vacant space in Venus Industrial Park, smirked sarcastically.


    "Yes. The man in the middle with a slightly long hair. That''s Sudein Blaze. They said he made a fortune through mining but I don''t believe that. Even mining would take some time. Anyway, I don''t wish to make enemy with anyone. I''ll go ahead." He waved his hand at them and left the hall. He didn''t even tried talking to anyone like what other people do.


    Savannah smiled beautifully before looking up to see Hawk''s gentle gaze. "Isn''t he admirable? I think Travis will have a nice cooperation with him."


    Hawk rubbed her head gently like a child. "You are amazing, too."


    "Stop flaunting your love. Not only did I hear you, I can even see you!" Valkyrie complained as he surveyed the whole room through his scope.


    Hawk and Savannah just laughed at him without saying anything. Savannah pulled out her phone as if she was checking on the time but she was actually sending a message to all military units.


    At the same time, while a mission was taking place in a hotel not far away from the Bar where Travis was, a group of women came in.


    Jillyanna and Cielo had taken their dinner before going to different bars. Even though they hopped from one bar to the other, Cielo and Jillyanna just drank some juice or light beers.


    "Yanna, I have asked Lucian to pick us up at 1 o''clock. We still have time so let''s hit the floor, alright?" Cielo tugged on her friend''s hand and led her to the dance floor.


    Cielo moved her body to the beat and rhythm of the music. Her hands were up high and her head was shaking from side to side. Jillyanna watched her dance while clapping her hands enthusiastically.


    At that moment, she decided to grab a drink that could make her drunk at the last minute before going home.


    She looked around to find a seat when a certain someone caught her attention. Jillyanna smiled even brighter.


    "My eyes found a target." Jillyanna whispered to Cielo which made the latter widened her eyes.


    "Oh god Jillyanna! Don''t do this! I was just kidding that I''d support you." Cielo held on to her hand tightly but she only winked at her before going off.


    "I''m serious with this matter. I''ll see you in a bit." Jillyanna walked her way to reach a certain corner despite some men trying to stop her.


    Travis caught on a certain scent and he raised his head to see a pretty lady walking towards him.


    "It''s you." Jillyanna greeted him first before taking a sit next to him.


    Travis raised his brow slowly. "Is that the new pick up line that ladies learned recently?"


    Jillyanna laughed lightly before taking a sip of her drink. "What can I do? I like you when I first saw you. I practiced this line as quickly as I can."


    Her voice was sultry and Travis was having fun talking to her. He wasn''t sure if she remembered him or if she was just hitting on him, nevertheless he enjoyed being with her.

 Chapter 7 - LETS GET A ROOM

    "Do you always go to places like this?" Travis asked while leaning his back on the couch. He put his right leg on top of his left as he made a slow swirl of his drink.


    He looked so captivating that Jillyanna couldn''t seem to look away. She stared right in to his eyes before answering, "Not fond of places like this. I can easily adapt to places though and my friend wanted to unwind tonight."


    Travis looked at the woman who was dancing wildly on the dance floor. "She seems having fun. I mean your friend." He was looking at Cielo before returning his gaze back at her.


    Jillyanna gained more courage with the help of her drinks. ''Tonight is the night to graduate from being a virgin!'' That''s what she thought to herself.


    "Don''t you like this kind of place? We can find a different location." Jillyanna moved even closer to him. Her scent drifted off to his nose making Travis even more drunk. She smelled sexy, sweet and a trap. She''s definitely a trap!


    Travis clenched his hand into fist to control himself. He turned his face away from her while listening to his friends'' conversation.


    When Jillyanna approached him earlier, he had turned the device mute but kept it on to make sure he''d know what''s going on.


    "I am not interested to hook up with women from bars or clubs." His voice was dripping cold making Jillyanna shiver in her place.


    She stood up with her drink before responding to him in a low voice. "Too bad. I failed. Well, this is my first time taking initiative for someone." She hadn''t taken even five steps yet when Travis pulled her back to sit on his lap.


    "What did you say just now?" Travis held her hands pinning her close to him.


    "It doesn''t matter. Since you don''t like me nothing''s going to work." Jillyanna tried getting off from his clasps but he was just so strong.


    Travis laughed lightly in the crook of her neck and shoulder. He leaned his head on her shoulder when he pulled her to him, breathing in her scent.


    "Who said I don''t like you? I said I''m not interested with women from bars and clubs. I didn''t say I''m not interested in YOU." He gave emphasis to last the word which made Jillyanna smiled cheekily.


    ''I am best at finding my victim!'' she was praising herself mentally with a smirk hanging on her lips. "What shall I do? I have changed my mind already."


    Jillyanna tried standing up once again but Travis held her tightly. "Can''t we really have fun tonight?" His breath was hot on her back making her blush.


    Even if she was being bold and brave earlier, she knew herself that she''s a virgin. "My choice of place or your choice?"


    "You choose." Travis let her stand but his hand was still on her waist making him look like a possessive boyfriend.


    Jillyanna smiled while looking up at him. Even though she''s tall compared to most women, Travis was still taller than her . Her head barely reached his nose.


    "I''ll pick a place then." her face was flushed and she was getting dizzy from the noise and alcohol she drank earlier.


    She turned on her GPS for Lucian and Cielo to locate her if something happens. She sent her friend a message that she found someone. She also informed Lucian to pick up Cielo in 10 minutes.


    All the while, Travis was looking at her fiddling with her phone. He had informed his friends that they don''t have to wait for him as well.


    "Seriously?! He hooked up with someone? I can''t believe this. I am more interested with the woman!" Valkyrie blabbered while keeping his scope trained on their target.


    Brown scoffed at him knowing that he wanted to play at the bar like everybody else. "You can go once the mission is over." Brown''s voice was lazy as he spoke. It wasn''t the usual tone which would be annoyed, irritated or upset whenever Valkyrie talks about women.


    Savannah and Hawk paused for a while before looking at each other. Even Valkyrie felt that something was wrong as well.


    "If you don''t want me to go, you can just say it. You don''t have to use that kind of tone on me." He spoke through his earpiece in agitation.


    Brown smiled but it didn''t reach his eyes at all. "Why should I do that? I''m not your mom. Do whatever you want as long as the mission is over. No one''s stopping you."


    Valkyrie felt a little lost with that remark. He wasn''t able to find anything in response to him.


    Travis chuckled while listening to their conversation. He knew why Brown did that. It''s time for Valkyrie to take action.


    He pulled the woman closer to him as they walked their way to the parking lot. He opened the car door for her like a real gentleman. Well, he''s a gentleman, okay? A gentleman with motive.


    Jillyanna gave him the name of the hotel which wasn''t far from the bar. Not long after they left, Lucian arrived to pick up his girlfriend.


    Cielo was chatting with the bartender when Lucian came. She was already drinking a warm juice to lessen the alcohol in her system.


    "Thank you for checking on her." Lucian spoke to the bartender with slight nod of his head.


    The bartender just smiled. He wasn''t just a normal bartender stationed at that bar. He was a policeman who''s doing undercover work to see who are dealing with drugs. He would monitor them and report, but he wasn''t allowed to take action. He''s more on intel to the police.


    Cielo waved her hand to the bartender before leaning her head on Lucian''s arms. "Am I a bad friend? I was just joking that I''d support her and now she''s really doing it!" She complained at him like a child who lost her toy.


    Lucian rubbed her head to calm her. "Jillyanna had always been willful. If she wanted it she would make sure to achieve her goal. It''s not in a bad way since she wouldn''t step on someone to boost herself. We knew what she wanted to get even when we were still children. All we can do is to support her. She knew what she''s doing."


    "But what if that guy is bad! What if something would happen to her? I will never forgive myself if something would really happen!" She stomp her feet on the ground from pent up frustrations. "God damn it!"


    Lucian couldn''t help but sigh. They couldn''t really stop their silly friend from doing it. "I am more worried for the guy. If he would do something other than what Yanna wanted him to do, he would be in trouble."


    This statement made Cielo laughed so hard. "I know right. Even if she looks harmless you would never know until you provoked her. Anyway, she gave me the address of the hotel. It isn''t far from here. How about we get our own room and wait for her?"


    Lucian flicked her forehead then rubbed it gently. "Don''t be so anxious, okay? Let''s trust Jillyanna in this. Aside from that, we''ll get signal if something does happen."


    "So let''s get a room and wait! I can''t help but feel guilty!" Cielo walked towards Lucian''s car.


    "You can tell me if you want to sleep with me. It''s not a problem." Lucian teased her which made her blush.


    "Shut up! We won''t be sleeping tonight. We will wait and see if she''d really be out at six." She fastened her own seatbelt and took a deep breath. She''s really afraid for her friend. For some reason, she felt that her friend would be cheated.


    Travis and Jillyanna arrived at the hotel within few minutes. Jillyanna checked in so that Lucian and Cielo would know which room she''s in if something would happen.


    Looking at the woman with calm actions, Travis found it very amusing. She was acting calm and compose but her hand was shaking when she was filling out the form.


    Travis received the room card from the receptionist. He held one of her hands and led her to the elevator area.


    "This is your idea. You better prepare yourself." He whispered beside her ear before giving it a gentle bite.


    Jillyanna''s eyes were wide in shock. She covered her ears with her free hand while giving him a deathly glare. Her face was bright red from being flustered.


    "I was just doing that. How much more can you take? Do you want to back out?" He really wanted to claim her and announced to the world that she belongs to him but if she would want to stop what they are doing, he would respect that decision as well.


    Needless to say, Jillyanna was brave and had made up her mind. She won''t back out just because of that little flirting act.


    "Oh? I won''t back out. You better make me happy tonight. I''m paying for this hotel after all."


    Her statement earned a cheerful laughter from him. He couldn''t even stop himself and pinched her face lightly. "Sure. You''re the boss."

 Chapter 8 - JILLYANNA DID IT!

    They arrived at their room after few minutes. Jillyanna gripped her bag tightly when Travis opened the door.


    The room was big with plenty of furnitures. They have their own refrigerator with some beers and water in it. There was an LED TV and cable and of course the king-sized bed.


    "Here we are." Travis whispered, startling her and her heart started beating wildly.


    ''I just made up my mind earlier but now I wanna go back!'' she was crying in her mind for such foolish action but she would never let him laugh at her.


    She could only endure and finish everything. Hopefully, something would really come out of this plan.


    "I''ll take a shower first." Travis went directly to the bathroom, leaving her standing in the middle of the room.


    Jillyanna placed her bag on the couch and took a cold beer from the ref. She needed something to boost her confidence. She''s normally confident in herself but this was something she''s doing for the first time.


    "He''s worth it. He matches with the qualifications. How would he look if he''s doing it?" Jillyanna was clearly in a cloud nine, dreaming of what would happen to them.


    Travis called out to her from the bathroom. "Sorry. I forgot to get a towel. Can you fetch one for me?"


    And since she wasn''t thinking straight, she pulled out a towel from the cupboard and went up to him.


    "Open the door a little. I''ll slid this in." she inhaled and exhaled slowly to calm her heart. She was still in the process of relaxing her nerves when a strong arms caught her and pulled her inside the bathroom.


    Travis pinned her arms right above her head. He was already wearing a bathrobe. "What were you thinking? Did you really think I would still need that towel?" His smile was full of mischief as he looked at her hotly from head-to-toe.


    Jillyanna looked around the bathroom and that''s when she found that the room was really huge. In one corner of the bathroom was a bathtub and next to it was a cupboard with bathrobes.


    ''How would I know? I didn''t see the bathroom alright?'' she was already scolding herself internally.


    Travis skimmed her face with intense gaze. He looked at her mouth, her nose, her brows and her eyes. There was something on that stubborn look in her eyes which was very familiar to him.


    "I''m getting cold." Jillyanna whispered softly while shivering under him.


    "Then let me keep you warm."


    Before she could even process his words, his cold lips touched her lips like a feather. It was cold yet it was making her face felt hot.


    At first, it was featherlight then he became intrusive. He nibbled on her lower lips softly. Then his tongue, slipped inside her mouth. He sucked on the tip of her tongue again and again making her lose her strength.


    He moved her hands and have it wrapped around his neck for her support. His other hand was holding her waist while the other skimmed over her thigh.


    Jillyanna let out a soft moan from the pleasure she felt. ''So this is how kissing feels. It''s making me itch for something else.'' she noted to herself.


    Travis unclasped the metal ring around her neck and pulled down her clothes, leaving her with only her undergarment. Since the dress was padded, when it was pulled down, her chest was completely exposed.


    Jillyanna hugged him abruptly to hide herself from his view. Her chest was pressing on him. "Don''t look at me. This is actually embarrassing." Her face was in deep shade of red from being shy.


    Travis had her hands wrapped around her waist to hold her steadily. She was shaking in his arms.


    "We can always stop, you know." Travis suggested but she only glared at him.


    "I''ve come this far from confessing my love to you. Don''t spoil it." Jillyanna responded even though she was trembling within his embrace.


    "If that''s the case, then..." Travis lifted her and brought her out of the room. Her legs were straddled around his waist. He kissed her shoulders, her collarbone, her neck, her jaw and traveled back to her lips.


    He didn''t put her down on the bed but he sat on it while she was on his lap. He didn''t stop kissing her as well as his hand didn''t stop touching her.


    He cupped her breast gently while kissing her. "I never thought sex would really be this good." Jillyanna murmured when his kisses traveled down and reached her chest.


    "This.isn''t.sex.yet.baby." He responded in between kisses. He pressed a gentle kiss on the swell of her right chest before sucking on her nipple.


    "God! This is too much!" Jillyanna mumbled while trying to stop her moans.


    "Let me hear you say my name. It'' s Travis." He put her down on the bed without pulling himself from the kiss.


    That night, in a city with so many pretty lights, one hotel was used as a love nest while another hotel was under monitor for a mission.


    Travis held up his end of the bargain. He provided her so much pleasure that she felt so tired and numb. After few rounds, she didn''t want to move already.


    There were condoms provided by the hotel but Jillyanna didn''t want him to use it. She insisted that it was a safe day for her. Even if it wasn''t a safe day, Travis was willing to have her as the mother of his children.


    He wiped her body with tissue before sleeping beside her peacefully.


    Cielo and Lucian was anxious about how Jillyanna was doing so they didn''t dare sleep at all. The plan of getting a room for themselves was rid off.


    They walked around the area, eat and chat while waiting for the time.


    On the other hotel, a commotion had erupted. It was a good thing that most of the guests had left already. Well, it''s past midnight so that''s expected.


    There were several body guards around Blaze so they couldn''t act willfully. Savannah walked towards them with her killer legs.


    "Hey handsome, do you have some lights?" He asked Blaze while showing a little swell of her chest.


    Hawk kept a poker face but he wanted to gouge the man''s eyes already.


    "Get a light for the young miss. I don''t have one with me." Blaze smiled at her while eyeing her cleavage.


    Savannah approached him happily and sat down on his lap. The next seconds were like a blur. Things happened so quickly that no one had time to react.


    Hawk shot the two body guard quickly. The two military personnel who dressed up as waiters came to help as well.


    "Drop your guns! We''ve got his head!" Hawk announced loudly which made everyone turned to Blaze.


    The lovely lady sitting on his lap had a dagger pointed on his throat and a red dot was aimed at his forehead.


    Nobody moved and the hall sunk into silence. The General who was commanding this mission came out. He handcuffed Blaze and covered his eyes with a black cloth.


    "Mission accomplished. Gather everyone who''a associated with this man." General Calhoun announced before turning towards them. "Thanks for your team''s hardwork."


    Hawk and Savannah just made a salute and left the battleground.


    "Now, I wonder how Travis is doing. Who could have hooked up with him? You don''t think he''s drugged, do you?" Savannah looked at Hawk for his opinion.


    "That won''t happen. If I must say, the woman should be someone he knew." Hawk stated which wasn''t far from truth, but that''s all from the surface of how things are going.

 Chapter 9 - RUNAWAY FIANCEE

    Even though she was tired and was in pain from the previous night''s activities, Jillyanna tried her best to get out of the bed.


    She noticed that Travis was hugging her waist from behind and his chest went up and down whenever he inhaled and exhaled to breath. Jillyanna held his hand carefully before pushing them away from her.


    ''Thanks God I didn''t wake him up.'' she sighed in her heart from the success of her escape. She climbed down from the bed with a glaring eyes.


    "I didn''t know it would be this painful!" she spat out the words in whisper, rubbing her waist and back in the process of grabbing her clothings one by one.


    She put on them as careful as she could to avoid waking him up. She picked up her bag and left the room like nothing happened. It was still five in the morning so she expected her best friend to be asleep. However, that wasn''t the case.


    She paid the hotel first for a full night and day of accommodation since she didn''t know when the guy would wake up.


    "Wasn''t it Travis Madrigal who came in with her? Why was she paying for their room?" the youngest receptionist asked in curiosity.


    "Well, we don''t really know what''s their relationship. Just go back to work. We''ll let him know later." the other woman responded before going back to her work.


    When Jillyanna successfully left the hotel and was out of sight, she stopped pretending being ''okay''. She wasn''t okay at all! Her body hurts so much that she wanted to tear that man apart!


    "That beast! How come he lasted that long?! Shouldn''t men be satisfied after letting it out?! Damn it!" Jillyanna was cursing while waiting for a taxi to pass.


    Lucian''s phone made a beeping sound twice. He checked on it and found that the red dot, indicating Jillyanna''s whereabout, was moving away from the hotel.


    "Darling, Jillyanna left the hotel already. Let''s pick her up." He motioned his girlfriend or wife rather, to stand. They were currently at the park, Cielo was swinging while Lucian was pushing the swing gently.


    Jillyanna stood under the waiting shed while waiting for a bus or taxi. She didn''t stop massaging her back to relieve herself from the pain.


    "Jillyanna!" Cielo waved her hand out of the window when she spotted her friend and Lucian stopped the car right in front of her so she could get inside.


    She was shocked at first to see them at that moment, then came the realization that she made them worry about her.


    "Don''t just stand there. Get inside. I know how painful it is." Cielo stated a matter of fact but it made her blush deeply.


    She smiled awkwardly at Lucian before sitting herself at the backseat. "This is kinda awkward, you know." She scratched the tip of her nose while looking out of the window, admiring the city lights which will be turned off in an hour or so as the morning come.


    "It doesn''t matter if you feel awkward. Lovers really do that." Lucian stated while driving the car to Jillyanna''s house.


    "That''s the reason why. You guys have the reason to do it because you are lovers. In my case, I just hooked up with a man I didn''t even know. But, it''s not the reason why I feel awkward." She looked down on her hand which she had been playing all this while out of nervousness. "I feel awkward that, after doing it with someone, somewhere, you had to pick me up and drive me home."


    Lucian and Cielo laughed at her while she felt agitated and embarrassed by herself. "Enough of that. We were worried about you. Even though you can defend yourself, you are still a woman. We don''t even know if that guy was good or bad." Cielo stated while reaching out her hand to hold it.


    "Thank you. But you know what, I can feel if someone is going to harm me or not and somehow that man seemed nice. Well, I got what I want. Hopefully, things would turn out great after this." Jillyanna responded with a light smile hanging on her lips.


    She was sent home first before Lucian brought Cielo to their apartment. Cielo and Lucian have been in a relationship since High School. Both family knew and they approved of their relationship as long as their grades won''t drop.


    Even Jillyanna, who wasn''t in relationship, was no exception at all. She had to keep her grades as promise to her late mother. It wasn''t a problem for her though, she''s always the top of her class.


    She''s the same age as Cielo but she was behind her with one level due to her mother''s death. She moved from one place to another since no one was actually willing to take care of her after finding out that they couldn''t get anything from her mother''s wealth.


    Cielo''s father was once her mother''s patient. They had nothing to pay for his hospital bills and was refused of the operation if they couldn''t pay at least half of the amount. Jillyanna''s mother paid for it and scheduled him for surgery.


    They knew she had a child since Jillyanna had visited her mother often times. Taking her in to their family was their way of repaying her kindness.


    When they graduated from University, Lucian asked for permission to register his marriage with Cielo at the Civil''s Affair''s Bureau. Both families agreed.


    The day after their wedding, Jillyanna left the country to go overseas and study further with the help of her mother''s friend. She''s a graduate of Business Management so handling business matters were easy for her. However, that''s not where her passion lies. So Cielo helped her run their business when she felt tired.


    Jillyanna slumped her tired body on the soft bed when she got home. It didn''t take long before she fell into a deep slumber without any worries.


    How Jillyanna felt was contrary to how Savannah felt at that same moment. She was so worried since it''s morning already and Travis wasn''t home yet.


    "Relax. Trust me, he will be fine. Did you forget that he was trained in the military, too before taking over his father''s business?" Brown asked with a raised eyebrow.


    He was getting dizzy already from seeing her walk back ''n forth in the living room. Savannah wasn''t listening at all and Hawk wasn''t convincing her either.


    Hawk knew that if he would tell her to stop, she''d flare up and they might end up fighting. He didn''t want that to happen.


    Valkyrie was eating some French fries that they got from a drive thru earlier while watching everyone doing their thing. He moved closer to Brown and handed him a burger.


    Brown didn''t take the food or even give him a glance. He stood up and walked to his room saying, "I''ll go to sleep. He''ll be back before noon for sure. You can keep waiting if you want." Then, his door was opened and slammed shut, leaving them in confuse state.


    Savannah switched her attention to Valkyrie, with her hands on her hips, eyes glaring and clear frustration reflecting her face.


    "Hey Matt! What did you do this time? Why is he mad at you again?" Savannah asked using a part of his name. Valkyrie knew that using his name indicates a serious matter at hand.


    "I don''t know. I...I didn''t even play last night. I was doing the mission alright...I don''t remember anything that could''ve upset him." He pulled his hair, feeling frustrated as well.


    Hawk stood up when he could no longer take what was happening. "I really suggest we all go to sleep. We need to cool down. I''m pretty sure Travis is fine."


    "Yeah let''s do that. I''ll go ahead." she walked away from them without waiting for Hawk.


    Valkyrie followed then came Hawk behind him. Rest was what they need after a long night.


    Back at the hotel...


    Travis woke up and found the empty space beside him. ''It''s cold.'' He thought.


    "She left over an hour ago." He whispered to himself while covering one of his eyes using the back of his hand.


    "I''ll find you for sure." He left out of the room and went to the reception to check on her details.


    The youngest maid who was left alone while the other went to get coffee for them, saw him walking towards her direction.


    "Sir, the room has been paid." she told him since she thought he would pay for the room.


    Travis leaned on the desk while his fingers were tapping on the surface with a distinct rhythm. "So my fiancee ran away again."


    His statement stunned the receptionist before smiling at him without saying anything. ''So that was his fiancee. This rich people really have mysterious relationship.'' That''s what she thought.


    "Sir Travis, is there anything you need?" the young receptionist asked when she saw that he wasn''t leaving.


    "Mind if I check where my fiancee is living? She''s been avoiding me lately. I want to give her a surprise." Travis responded with a complete lie, but the receptionist actually believed him.

 Chapter 10 - TRICKED ME? I STILL FOUND YOU!

    Travis took note of Jillyanna''s address and left. He went home directly to do some work and look into her information.


    Hawk heard the familiar sound of engine coming off from Travis'' car. He saw him walking towards the house with a faint smile on his lips. It''s clear as day that he had a good time.


    It wasn''t just Hawk who heard him arrived home. Everyone inside the house noticed his arrival. They felt a sudden surge of relief and decided to get back to bed and get more sleep.


    Sleeping was another benefit they got from working undercover in Travis'' company. When they were in military, they had to be always in high alert, making their time of sleep shorter compared to other people.


    "Good morning sir Travis!" the servants who saw him greeted him one by one. He just nod his head at them and walked directly to his study.


    Since he slept peacefully last night, he was energized and was able to do a lot of work. He checked on business proposals, reviewed the report from the marketing team, made conference call to different companies and asked his friend to check on his ''runaway fiancee''s'' address.


    He didn''t want to bother the men who just went through an ordeal last night so he asked Diego Sandoval, his friend and business partner to do some digging.


    Diego called later that afternoon to inform him of the result. "Are you planning to buy that land?" he asked him directly which made Travis confused.


    "What do you mean with buying that land? Isn''t it a residential area?" He asked while looking at the written address on his computer. He had done some initial investigation and he found out that it was residential address. So what exactly happened?


    Diego looked at the detailed report on his hand before answering his friend. "I have checked on it. Well, it was a residential area. It''s under the name of Anton Xavier. The neighboring residents mentioned that no one''s been living in that place for quite a while but a cute, short-haired woman would come by and bring in some cleaners to clean the yard and the house. We don''t know where this Anton Xavier as well and there are so many people with that name. Some people wanted to buy the house and lot. Why are you interested in this place?" Diego narrated his findings making Travis rubbed his temple.


    ''Yeah she''s cute but she''s definitely not short-haired woman.'' Travis thought to himself when he remembered the woman in his arms last night.


    "Is there any other description of the woman who often come to the house?" He asked Diego even though it won''t changed the fact that he was tricked.


    "Cute. Short-haired. About 5''4 in height. She''s..."


    "It''s fine. You don''t have to give me those details. She''s not the one." Travis cut him short and shrugged his shoulders. It wasn''t really her address.


    Diego talked to him about another things before hanging up the call. Travis was lost in thought after knowing that she provided wrong details.


    Part of Diego''s investigation wasn''t actually wrong. Yes, the house was under the name Anton Xavier but he gave it to his wife and child before leaving.


    Jillyanna''s mother didn''t bother changing the name of ownership but they stayed in that house until her mother died. Her mother''s best friend, Venus, another doctor from the same hospital she worked on, was the only one who would visit them during holidays or when they don''t have work.


    Venus and her husband, Thomas, were there when her mother died. She even wanted to adopt her but her mother''s relatives refused, thinking that they''d get a penny out of her.


    When she left, no one was staying at their old house. That''s until she was taken by Cielo''s family. Cielo would send someone to clean the place for her.


    If Travis dug even more, he would know that he was looking into the right information.


    Since it was Monday already, as promised, Jillyanna moved to Cielo''s family villa for a while. Cielo, who usually stayed in hers and Lucian''s apartment, also came home.


    "It''s been a while since we''ve come home." Cielo spoke while dragging her luggage inside the house.


    Cielo''s suitcase didn''t actually contain any clothes but her facial creams and other skin care products since she still have clothes in their house.


    Jillyanna brought several clothes to add in her collections inside her wardrobe plus her gadgets like laptop and tablet.


    "I miss this place." She whispered to herself while looking at her own room. Before, she shared a room for Cielo. Little by little, through small revenues and income, she helped them expand their house and get her own room.


    They refused her at first, but Jillyanna sulked and acted upset for a week. Thus, they accept her help to build the house.


    "Both of you keep your things. We''ll have a feast of seafood for dinner." Sky stated while helping her ''daughters'' with their suitcases.


    Lucian was on duty so he wasn''t able to help out, but he knew that Cielo was returning home since Jillyanna was coming as well.


    "Yay! Seafood! I love it!" Cielo exclaimed with sparkling eyes.


    "Thank you, auntie." Jillyanna responded with a wide smile.


    Her room was opposite to Cielo''s room so they''re very near and close to each other.


    While her life was peaceful, warm and full of happiness. The Internet had been in uproar since the time Cielo released the song for her.


    "My goddess released a new song! She''s slaying the top rankings again!"


    "Her voice was like a lullaby. I can''t help but get lost in thought."


    "Not only her voice is pretty, her eyes were so bright and beautiful!"


    "You can see the spirit in her eyes!"


    "I really wanted to see her face. I''ve been following her for so many years but I haven''t seen her face at all."


    "Person above, she kept her face hidden to get the mysterious vibe and to protect her privacy!"


    "But don''t you think she needs to be considerate of her fans. At least post a picture of yourself for once. I mean, it''s been six years since she started and not one picture was posted by her."


    "She must be ugly! That is why she''s covering her face!"


    "Hey! Who says she''s ugly?! Look at yourself first!"


    "Well, she''s irresponsible for not taking care of her fans!"


    "She''s not!"


    "She is!"


    People with opposing sides started arguing but the topic of their discussion was happily eating her food. Not bothering herself at all.


    After a few days of rest and lazying around, Jillyanna went out and visited the cafe with Cielo. Inside the Industrial Plaza premises, they have two branches of Summer Cafe which accumulated a total net profit of millions a year.


    Jillyanna was wearing a mini-skirt and a blue tank top, exposing her neck, long legs and white skin.


    "Boss?" one of the staff noticed her and her eyes went wide from shock. "Oh my gosh! Boss you''re back! How are you?"


    They started swarming around her like bees attracted to a flower. Jillyanna laughed and answered their inquiry while Cielo slipped out from the crowd to give them time and catch up a little.


    "I''m doing good. I''m back and would be dropping by sometimes. How are you guys?" Jillyanna returned the question at them.


    The staff chatted with her for a while before going back to their work when a new batch of customers came in.


    Jillyanna didn''t hinder them from their work. Cielo went inside the kitchen to check on the ingredients with the chef and the pastry maker.


    She chose a corner near the window to observe the people come and go around the area. While observing, she wrote some notes and lyrics on her tablet.


    "So this is actually where I''d find you. Must be work of destiny."


    Jillyanna raised up her head and found the person she didn''t expect to see.

 Chapter 11 - SUMMER CAFE CONVERSATION

    Her shock and amazement was obviously written on her face. It had been three days since their affair happened and, if she could make a choice, she wouldn''t want to see him again.


    "Why are you here?" Jillyanna asked while keeping her things away from his sight. She didn''t want him to know her identity as a singer.


    Travis sat down on the couch across her table as if they were really close friends. "I was passing by when I saw you from the outside. I thought it''d be nice to drop by and say ''Hi!''."


    Jillyanna rubbed her temple from a sudden dull ache. "Look. What we had was just a one night affair. You don''t have to worry about me clinging to you because it won''t happen. Let''s just forget that we actually done that. Hmm?"


    "I can''t do that." Travis put his elbow on the table while placing his chin on his palm. He looked at her straight in the eyes which made Jillyanna''s heart skip a beat.


    "What do you mean you can''t do that?" she glared at him but Travis only chuckled.


    "I can''t do that. I can''t forget that night. I am serious. I am interested in you."


    Jillyanna rolled her eyes at him after exhaling a long breath. She really couldn''t fathom what men were thinking. She just said she didn''t like dwelling on their past and here he goes saying he''s interested in her.


    "Travis. Travis, right?" Travis only raised his brow before Jillyanna continued. "I believe you''re a man with pride. I have pride, too. However, I bet you don''t want a woman who earns more than you. I earn millions per year. If it would hurt your ego, you better give up your idea of ''interest'' in me. And even if people considered me as rich, I don''t like hanging with rich people. So just leave me alone. Let''s save our time and avoid getting hurt."


    Travis just watched her talked in front of him. He didn''t say anything but her statements made him more curious about her.


    "I don''t mind having a rich girlfriend. I have my own money, too. I am not rich so you can hang out with me. I am just an ordinary man. And I honestly like you."


    Jillyanna frowned and was biting her lips from having heard his outburst. She never expected someone to actually rebutted her.


    "I can''t really promise you anything. Even though you are handsome things might not workout between us. I am always busy. I don''t have much time for my partner. It would definitely make you leave me. So why not leave me now and save yourself from disappointment. I am not really a girlfriend type." She tried to reason with him but Travis had set his mind to get her right off the bat from that fateful night.


    Jillyanna was so engrossed in talking to him that she wasn''t aware of the stares that people throw in their direction. Most women had hearts in their eyes and most men were envious of the person in front of her.


    The cafe staff wanted to know their relationship as well but that''s a private matter, so didn''t pry on their boss'' love life.


    One of the staff approached their table with a parfait to serve. "Miss Cielo told me to bring this for you. It''s a new creation of our chef and they wanted your opinion on this." the cafe staff placed the dessert and went back to work.


    "You know the owner of Summer Cafe?" Travis asked in interest. Knowing another layer of her secrets and identity, aroused a new level of interest within him.


    "My friend owns this. The one I was with at the bar. She run this place when she graduated from university. You can order if you want. I am not planning to share my food with you." She was really blunt with her statements.


    Travis looked at her quietly. He didn''t say anything until he stood up from his seat. "I will prove to you that I am serious in this matter."


    Jillyanna didn''t really care about him though she heard what he said, she thought that it wouldn''t change a thing. He would certainly give up on her sooner or later.


    And because she was focusing on her own thoughts and dessert, she wasn''t able to guard herself when he suddenly kissed her forehead.


    "I''m going back to work sweetheart." he spoke with a sexy voice that made everyone''s heart flutter.


    But that wasn''t the case with Jillyanna. She was so angry at him that she''d wanted to kick his eyes.


    "I hate you!" she gritted her teeth as she spoke her words. Her face felt so hot it could melt her ice cream.


    "How sad. I still love you even if you hate me. Beside, that was just a kiss. We''ve done things beyond that." The words he whispered made her fume from anger and embarrassment.


    "There''s no way things would workout between us. Go away or I''ll kick your ass and hang you upside-down!" she ate her dessert as quickly as she could without looking back at him.


    People looked at their interaction with envy.


    "The woman was beautiful and the man was handsome. They looked so good together." a teen-aged girl exclaimed with a twinkling eyes.


    "Her boyfriend was so sweet. Shouldn''t you act sweet with me, too?" another girl dissed her boyfriend beside her.


    "She said ''I hate you!'' but her boyfriend replied ''I still love you even if you hate me''. My god! How can they look so cute and adorable while arguing?" Another woman spoke to her friends.


    Jillyanna blushed even more from their statements. She wasn''t aware at all that they were paying attention to them. Their words embarrassed her since she knew Travis wasn''t her boyfriend at all.


    Cielo came out to check on her and caught on some of the words. She approached her friend who looked so grumpy while eating.


    "What''s the commotion all about? Why do you look like you''re about to kill someone?" Cielo sat on the couch that Travis used earlier.


    "Nothing. It''s someone I knew that came to annoy me. People misunderstood easily." Jillyanna answered while scooping another ice cream. "Good thing you gave me this or I would''ve flipped this table at him earlier."


    Cielo laughed at her friend who seemed normal to her for the first time. It was the first time she showed a change of emotions since her mother died.

 Chapter 12 - SENDING GIFTS

    "Eh? Why are you laughing at me?" Jillyanna asked with pout that made her look so cute.


    "I''ve never met anyone who can rile up your mood. It''s my first time seeing your face changed to different expressions. I wonder who this person is." Cielo teased her but Jillyanna did not give in to her. In any case, she wouldn''t be seeing that man in the future. Or that''s what she thought.


    However, destiny played cheerfully with their fate. Jillyanna didn''t visit the cafe the next day to avoid bumping into him, but that didn''t mean Travis would just stop.


    Cielo was checking on their food display when the wind chime made a sound indication of someone''s appearance. A delivery guy came with a bouquet of red roses.


    "Uhh excuse me? Flowers for Miss Jillyanna." The staff looked at each other since they knew that their boss don''t actually visit the cafe that often.


    Cielo saw their surprised faces and went up to the delivery guy. "I''m sorry to trouble you. Are you sure this is the address?"


    The man checked his note again to confirm. "Yes ma''am. Our client told us to send this here in Summer Cafe."


    "Fine. Jillyanna isn''t here at the moment. I''ll sign it up for her." Cielo reached out for the form and signed it before getting the flower.


    The man left in a hurry since he''s got other things to deliver as well.


    "My. My. This girl''s spring finally came. I wonder who the man is." Cielo whispered to herself. She had seen the note but there was no name written on the paper. Just an endearment that would surely flipped Jillyanna''s switch.


    "Miss Yan''s boyfriend is really sweet." whispered one of the staff who was working as the cashier.


    "I know right. Those red roses were still fresh. He''s rather meticulous for our boss. Just perfect." responded another staff who was cleaning the coffee maker.


    Cielo just smiled while listening to them. Since she didn''t have much to do, she decided to heed home earlier than usual.


    Jillyanna was scribbling on her notebook while listening to a music. She just released a new song and it stayed at the top for dew days already.


    Suddenly, a bouquet of flowers appeared in front of her face. It still had some dews in it and the cut on its stem clearly shows it was just picked less than an hour ago.


    "For me?" Her face lit up and she received the flowers to smell it. "You''re so sweet."


    "Oh? Giving you flowers is rather sweet, isn''t it?" Cielo raised her brow with a mischievous face.


    "Of course. I love flowers. I love red flowers." Jillyanna was hugging, smelling, and caressing the flowers when Cielo handed her a small paper.


    BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS TO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LADY -Boyfie


    Her mood turned a hundred-eighty degrees switch. She clinched her fist to crumpled the paper with a red face.


    "This devil! I should have known! He is really annoying!" She stomp off her feet on the floor and hurried to throw the flowers on the thrash can.


    "Such a waste. Don''t you like it?" Cielo was just watching her funnily from the sideline since it''s very rare to see Jillyanna getting flustered and mad. She didn''t even give a damn about those haters online, but this time she wasn''t able to control her emotions.


    Jillyanna stopped midair from throwing the flowers. She looked at her best friend with a puppy eyes. "Cielo, if I accept this flower, does that mean I like him?"


    "Nope. No one would know you accepted it. We can just say you threw it away if anybody would ask." Cielo answered her question to completely support her friend. She knew her heart would ache if such beautiful thing ended up in a trash.


    "Then I''ll take this."


    However, that surprise didn''t end there. Perhaps we could say, Travis didn''t plan to stop in surprising her.


    The next day, Cielo came back from work with Lucian holding a human-sized white teddy bear. Jillyanna was shocked to see such huge stuff toy inside their house.


    Even Sky was also amazed. "Wow! That''s really huge Lucian. Where did you buy that?"


    "This isn''t actually ours, Ma." Lucian spoke which gave Jillyanna a bad feeling. When she looked at Cielo, she saw an evil grin plastered in her face. Even Lucian was smirking at her.


    "Oh my goodness! This couldn''t be." Jillyanna was red from embarrassment. "Again?" She face-palmed herself internally.


    Cielo gave her another small piece of paper that contains some words. I AM NOT WITH YOU ALL THE TIME BUT YOU CAN HUG THIS WHENEVER YOU FEEL SAD AND LONELY -Boyfie


    Sky could tell what''s going on by just looking at their faces. Especially the teasing face her Cielo was wearing.


    "So our Jillyanna has a suitor? When could we possibly meet him?" Sky asked staring at the big bear.


    "That''s not happening. He won''t become my boyfriend. Ever." She throw the paper away in anger. But honestly, she felt a little sweet. ''Don''t let this small gestures fool you!''Jillyanna chanted to herself again and again.


    Lucian looked at her sulking face while still holding the bear. "You don''t like this? Shall I throw this out?"


    "No!" Jillyanna''s instant outburst earned a laughter from everyone. "It''s...it''s not like that...I mean...it''s cute and it''s also expensive...You also spent some energy bringing this...Let me put it in my room."


    Jillyanna took the bear away from Lucian and left in a hurry as if the bear didn''t weigh more than a feather.


    On the third day, Cielo came with a box of chocolates. They were in different shapes which made it cute. A note was also written on a piece of paper. SWEETS FOR THE SWEETEST GIRL I KNOW. - Boyfie


    Fourth day came and Cielo came home with heart-shaped pillow. THIS PILLOW MADE ME THINK OF YOU WHENEVER I GO TO SLEEP. I''M GIVING THIS TO YOU AND HOPE YOU''D THINK OF ME, TOO. -Boyfie. That was written in the paper that Cielo gave to her.


    "Enough! This is enough! I''ll beat him to death if ever he sent me another thing again!" Even though she said those words, she still accepted the gift.


    "Is it the same delivery shop that sends these things to the cafe?" Jillyanna asked Cielo while punching the pillow as if hitting it would make her hit Travis as well.


    Cielo put her bag on the couch before answering, "Yeah. I checked and they came on the same time each day."


    "Good. Very good. I''ll make sure to give him a beating tomorrow!" Jillyanna punched the pillow one more time before getting her tablet and search for the store name and their location.


    Cielo mentioned that the gifts were sent out everyday at three o''clock in the afternoon. The next day, she visited the store two hours before they would go out with deliveries.


    Just as expected, Travis came with another gift to be sent. When he entered the store, he was stunned to see her there, standing with her arms crossed on her chest.

 Chapter 13 - AGREEMENT

    "What are you doing here?" Travis asked in bewilderment. He never expected her to be there or more like, waiting for him to show up.


    Jillyanna snickered while glaring at him. "Shouldn''t I be asking you that? What do you think you''re doing? I''m not some kind of charity for you to send me things."


    Travis was silenced at her words. He never meant it that way. "I didn''t do it because you''re some charity case. I know you have money to buy those but I don''t know what to give you."


    "I already told you. It won''t work between us." Jillyanna stormed out of the store with Travis following behind her.


    The driver who saw Travis chasing after a pretty girl widened her eyes in surprise. Their master never showed any interest towards women, but now he was chasing after that girl.


    "Jillyanna, wait." Travis quickened his steps and held her by her arms.


    "How did you know my name?"


    "Didn''t you give it to me that night?"


    "Did I?" Jillyanna looked at him and sigh. "Anyway, let''s talk." Travis smiled upon hearing her take the initiative for conversation.


    Jillyanna went inside the nearest cafe to find a place where they could speak. She didn''t want to bring him at Summer Cafe knowing that many people would be eavesdropping.


    "This is for you." Travis handed to her the box that he was carrying since earlier.


    Jillyanna took it and placed it beside her. "Thank you. But, you didn''t really have to do this. I meant what I said before. Things won''t just work betweens us."


    "How do you know when you''re not giving it a try? Can you really not give me a chance?" He looked so sincere that Jillyanna started changing her mind.


    "I just don''t think it''s necessary." Jillyanna looked outside the window while speaking. "Nothing has ever worked and it would never change. I just don''t want to involve myself in any relationship."


    "I''m serious about you. This is my first time pursuing someone and I might look clumsy at it so you don''t have hopes for me. But I am serious. Really serious." Travis looked at her without blinking his eyes.


    Jillyanna watched him carefully. It won''t hurt to give him a chance knowing that''s she would never fall in love but she would be wasting his time that could''ve been used to pursue someone he really likes.


    "Let''s have two months. If things won''t change between us, let''s go on separate ways. Do you agree?" Jillyanna asked with so much difficulty. She didn''t want to involve herself with him but he would pester him if she won''t yield.


    Travis smiled and nodded his head. "I agree. In two months time, I''ll prove to you that I am worthy of your love." He winked at her which made Jillyanna chuckled.


    "Also, don''t demand time from me. I don''t have so much spare time. I''ll let you know if I have time to go on a date." Jillyanna added before picking up her things.


    ''I''ll make sure you''ll be mine after two months.'' Travis thought before standing up from his seat. "Why don''t we go and grab something to eat? Do you have time now or do you have something to do?"


    "I''m going off to work. Oh, another thing. Don''t pry on my work. Don''t try to have any P.I or whatever to follow me. If you have something in mind, just ask me directly."


    Travis scratched the tip of his nose while glancing at her then to her phone which she was holding.


    "What is it?" Jillyanna asked when she couldn''t take any more of his stares.


    "I...I don''t have your number." Travis answered while pointing towards her phone.


    "Give me your phone." Travis handed him his phone after unlocking it. Jillyanna added her contact information for him. "That''s my contact details."


    "Thanks. Shall I send you to work?"


    "No need. I''ll take a taxi there. Do whatever you''re supposed to do after this. I''ll go ahead." Jillyanna walked away and out of his sight.


    Travis chuckled as he made his way out of the shop. Hands on his coat pocket with a white shirt underneath, he looked really cool.


    Some people stared at him with shock, some were scared and some with dreamy eyes. But he didn''t bother himself at all. He ignored them as he walked towards the approaching car.


    His driver today was his regular driver since Hawk and his team had to go somewhere and investigate some matters of military affairs.


    If they were with him, they would be utterly shock. More than what his driver felt at that moment.


    "Where to master?" His driver, Wesley, asked while maneuvering the car on the road.


    "Let''s go back to the company." Travis responded before closing his eyes to rest for a while. A faint smile was still hanging on his lips which clearly showed he had a great time. A genuine smile that never showed up since his mother left.


    Jillyanna also returned home to think of her future plight. ''Isn''t that great? You could always ask him if things won''t go well?'' A side of her brain whispered. ''Right! You don''t have to find another guy! He''s right there!'' Another side responded.


    "That''s indeed true. I can always ask him if it''s not working. Heh! I got a stock of sperms right in front of me! Yay!" Jillyanna jumped on her bed in delight. She really had a brilliant brain cells.


    She was really happy since she didn''t have to worry that much. Aside from that, she had been planning to go on vacation after two months so she could execute her plans while waiting for that day to come.


    That night, Travis came home in haste. He packed some of his clothings and personal belonging. He was moving out.


    "RV, where are you going?" Valkyrie asked who just came back with Hawk and the others as well.


    "I''m going to live somewhere for the next two months. Within these two months, don''t come visit me. Or if you do, be there as a friend. I''m going to live a life of an ordinary guy."


    His response threw them in confuse states. They didn''t understand him at all.


    Earlier, when he reached the company, he asked the assistant secretary to find a house which costs no more than a million.


    "What''s this for sir?" the assistant secretary asked innocently while filtering the search results.


    "I''m going to rent it for two months. Show me the good ones later." Then he turned around and left, leaving his stunned assistant on her own imagination.

 Chapter 14 - MYSTERIOUS SENDER SAVES THE DAY

    Everyone inside the house was stunned at his words. They didn''t know what exactly to say or how to react in such situation.


    Savannah had a confused face and she seemed like she wanted to say something but she had a hard time forming her words.


    "This...this idea...are you sure about this? What exactly are you trying to do?" Savannah asked at last while watching Travis pull his suitcases downstairs.


    "I can''t tell you now. In any case, if I would really need your help, I will call you. However, while I am gone for this trip, take care of yourselves and make less contact with me. I don''t want to make a mistake and ruin this chance." Travis put his things inside an ordinary car. He can''t live extravagantly or else his target would know what''s going on.


    Savannah and the others looked at each other. They couldn''t understand him at all and since Travis had made a decision already, they can only support and wish him luck with whatever he was trying to accomplish.


    They watched him go away on his car with a face full of worry. Travis had been alone for so many years.


    When his mother died, he took over his father''s company because his father was too depressed over his mother''s death. His father closed himself off from anyone, including his son.


    "I hope he will be fine." Valkyrie stated while placing his arms casually on Brown''s shoulder. Brown looked at him then looked at his arms.


    "Get your hands off from me." Brown slapped away his hands which shocked Valkyrie a little. Then, he turned around and left without any words.


    Savannah could only shake her head helplessly as she walked back to the house. Hawk just stared at Valkyrie before following Savannah.


    "Hey! What''s the matter with you guys?" Valkyrie yelled at them but no one stopped to pay him attention. He was even more agitated since Brown won''t talk to him at all and he didn''t know what really upset him.


    Meanwhile...


    Cielo got home and found Jillyanna sitting on a couch at the living room.


    "So how did your confrontation go? Was he upset? Did he give up already?" Cielo inquired for a gossip without even changing her clothes first.


    Jillyanna laughed at her best friend''s behavior while thinking what to say. "I thought of giving him a chance."


    "Really?!" Cielo gasped with unbelieving eyes. She never thought her best friend would actually give someone a chance.


    Jillyanna put her tablet down and looked at her best friend carefully. "I am not doing this because I want to have a relationship. I''m doing this for myself. I mean you, you know the reason why I hooked up with him right? If the first time won''t work, I can ask him for another round and I don''t have to find a different man. I''m sure he would give in to me cause men would always think using the lower part of their anatomy."


    Cielo was dumbfounded with her words. She was right! It was unbelievable for Jillyanna to give someone a chance and it''s proven to be true.


    Jillyanna stood up from her seat. "You can say I am selfish in this matter. Yes, I am. I admit that because I don''t believe a man like him would actually took interest in me. And I don''t believe in love. It doesn''t exist in my world." Jillyanna left her best friend who sat there with a sad smile.


    Cielo knew how much Jillyanna suffered when her mother left. She had been waiting for the day that her father would look for her but it never happened.


    Her relatives were only after her money and they didn''t really consider her as a family. Jillyanna had been disappointed over and over again.


    Cielo''s family can be considered the closest one she has after her mother left, yet Cielo can still feel the wall between them and Jillyanna.


    Jillyanna had been respectful towards them for taking care of her. She never complained about their living condition and she always help them whenever she can but there was still an invisible gap between them.


    Cielo sighed while watching her best friend walked back to her room. "I really wish that someone would show you what true love is."


    In her room, Jillyanna took out the gift that Travis gave her that day. She sat beside the huge teddy bear and hugged it. "I really hope that you''d give up soon."


    After hugging the stuff toy she opened the box and saw a bracelet with a heart shaped stone and a red string as the lace.


    EVEN IF YOU DIDN''T LIKE MY PREVIOUS GIFTS, CAN YOU AT LEAST ACCEPT THIS. IT''S FINE IF YOU WON''T WEAR IT. -Boyfie


    Jillyanna crumpled the paper and threw it on the trash bin. She looked at the item once again before putting it back inside the box. She didn''t even touch it.


    The night quickly passed and the next day came. Travis checked his phone immediately but there was no message from her.


    "She''s really true to her words. I hope you''ll remember me and spare me some of your time." Travis whispered to himself before getting off from the bed.


    He had to go to the company and work while she''s not contacting him and he planned to shove his work for the next day if she would contact him. However, Travis waited for a whole week but nothing happened. There was no message or a single call.


    "She must have forgotten about me." Travis slumped back on his swivel chair like he had lost all hope.


    "What''s wrong with him. It''s been a week. He''s been checking his phone almost every second during meetings. Who''s he waiting for?" whispered one of the shareholders while glancing at him.


    ''Ding!''


    A single sound that made everyone turned their heads at him. They were watching his reactions.


    Travis quickly checked his phone but it was a message from Valkyrie stating that he would be going to a different city with Hawk for a scouting mission.


    The day was about to end and there was nothing at all from her. His face turned dark and he tossed his phone on the table carelessly.


    Everyone flinched from the sudden coldness. "Finish your report within two hours and submit it to me before six in the evening. I''ll be checking on it tonight."


    They were struck by a sudden lightning of his words. Two hours?! Was he joking?!


    "How did he become so evil? Who upset him?!" The department leaders wanted to cry for the sudden news. The shareholders could only give them an encouraging smile.


    ''Ding!''


    Everyone''s heart was in their throat while watching their boss take a glance on his phone.


    Travis blinked his eyes once. Then twice. He picked up his phone and rubbed his eyes.


    "Our boss was so cute while doing that. Who could it be?" the women inside the meeting room whispered to each other while waiting for any other announcements.


    A slow and beautiful smile appeared on his lips while reading the message from whoever it was. Everyone was stunned at his reaction. It was their first time seeing their boss smiled like that.


    Travis felt a dozen pair of eyes staring at him so he covered his face and coughed lightly. "I have something to do tonight. You can do your report and submit them before lunch break tomorrow."


    "Yes sir." Everyone answered with a relief. ''Whoever sent that message was their saviour.'' That''s what everybody thought.


    "Meeting is adjourned." Travis announced and left them in a hurry.


    "It must be a woman." an elderly shareholder spoke with a faint smile on his face.


    "I bet it is. It''s good for him." another man answered but they saw someone with a dark face still sitting on his chair even though the meeting was over.


    "Cheska is the only person he can love. He''s not allowed to have any affairs outside." The man stood up and left everyone in silence.


    They could only sigh for Travis.

 Chapter 15 - FIRST DATE

    Jillyanna had been reading the comments online about her and she was debating internally if she should at least post a picture once or if she should just ignore them.


    She had written a new song already within the past few days and she was working on the tune and accompaniment. Since she couldn''t really think of what exactly to do, Jillyanna decided to take a break.


    She saw the stuff toy sitting on her large bed and remembered Travis whom she had not seen the past few days.


    ''I am free now until ten in the evening. Would you like to have dinner together?'' That was the message she sent him, making Travis smiled while having a meeting.


    ''Where are we eating? Shall I pick you up?'' That was what Travis replied while changing his suit into a white t-shirt inside the adjacent room to his office. He removed his expensive watch and changed it to an ordinary one as well.


    When he came out of his office, they saw a different vibe coming off from their boss. He didn''t look cold and indifferent at all. He was like a teenager who was going out on his first date.


    They were right on the spot with the second part of the statement. He was going out on his first date.


    Jillyanna sent him the address of the restaurant and started preparing herself. She chose a plain white dress with red ribbon tied on her waist. She wore a low heeled sandal and picked a red LV sling bag to match her clothes.


    She put on a light make up before grabbing her things and went out of her room.


    "Are you going out?" Sky asked while wiping her hands off on her apron.


    "Yes. I will be eating dinner with some friends. I''ll be back before ten." Jillyanna responded just as the moment Lucian and Cielo return home for dinner.


    "Don''t forget to open your GPS." Lucian reminded her while patting her head gently.


    "I know. I have opened it already. You guys can eat. Don''t worry about me." Jillyanna gave Cielo a hug and left for dinner.


    Lucian and Sky looked at Cielo with a questioning gaze. "I don''t know where she''s going. She didn''t tell me about it." Cielo answered quickly even though she wasn''t asked directly.


    Sky led them both towards the dining room where Alex was arranging the table. Cielo helped her father while Lucian helped her mother-in-law to take out the dishes.


    "Jillyanna had her own plans. I am not upset that she didn''t tell me about it. But I hope she could really be happy in the future." Cielo spoke while pouring an orange juice in their glasses.


    Sky sighed heavily as she put down the platter of rice."She had been hurt deeply by the sudden loss of her mother. Her father didn''t come back for her and her relatives were only after her money. Jillyanna would have a hard time believing anyone. It even took us years before she opened up to us."


    Lucian rubbed his wife''s shoulder to calm her down. "Everything will be fine. Let''s just hope for the best."


    Alex sat on his chair after everything was arranged. "Let''s eat. Jillyanna will be upset hearing your words. Let''s just support her whenever she needs us. That''s the only thing we can do."


    That night, they had a tacit understanding regarding Jillyanna. As long as she''s not doing anything illegal, they would support her decision no matter what.


    Ganzani Bay was the restaurant that Jillyanna chose to have dinner with Travis. The restaurant serves Spanish delicacies and their paella was really good.


    Travis arrived first and was guided by one of the waitress to their reserved private booth. Since he was wearing a face mask, nobody recognized him which was a good thing for him. Jillyanna came in after few minutes.


    "She''s very young and beautiful." one of the male customers commented while looking at her with hot eyes.


    "She must be having dinner with someone." another man stated. Most of the male customers who were single looked at the direction she was going. The taken ones didn''t even glance at her because their girlfriends, fiancee or wives were glaring at them.


    Jillyanna ignored them and walked towards the private booth. She saw Travis sitting on one of the couch with a glass of water.


    "Can I get your order se?orito and se?orita?" the waitress asked with a pen and paper on her hand. Se?orito/Se?orita was a way to address a young miss and a young master in Spanish.


    Travis put down his menu book and turned to face her. "You can order our food."


    "Any allergies?" Jillyanna asked before making an order.


    "None." Travis answered directly without batting an eyelid.


    "We''ll get seafood paella, croquetas, albondigas, carrillada and two glasses of fresh pineapple juice." Jillyanna stated their orders one by one.


    "Anything for dessert se?orita?" the waitress asked just in case.


    "I don''t need one. How about you?" Jillyanna asked Travis.


    "I''m not fond of sweets." Travis answered with a smile.


    "Okay. I''ll be back within fifteen minutes with your order." The waitress left, leaving the both of them in silence.


    Jillyanna sat across his seat and was checking on her phone with any messages and sighed once again.


    "Are you having a problem with your work?" Travis asked softly while tapping the table with his slim fingers.


    Jillyanna nodded her head slowly with an aggrieved expression. "Sort of. It''s a little bit personal so I''m having a hard time dealing with it. How about you? How''s your day?"


    His eyes lit up when he sensed the curiosity in her voice. "It''s the same as always. I''m a bit bored with it but I need to do it. And I''m glad you have a spare time tonight."


    "I''m kind of lucky to have a break." She could decide her own break and make a schedule for herself but she wanted to prepare for the future of her child. Once she has one.


    "Don''t you like going to different places for a change of environment? I mean, you mentioned you''re rich, so I was thinking that you might be traveling often times."


    "I often travel to different places before. This year''s travel plan was put on hold due to some reasons." Jillyanna responded.


    "Do you like mountains, forests or seas?" Travis asked her.


    "Yup. Why do you ask?"


    "I have a place in mind that you might like." Travis stated just as their food arrived.


    They started eating while having conversation to know each other. They talked about the places they''ve been to and about the things that they hate the most.


    When they finished their dinner, it wasn''t even 8:30 in the evening yet. The night had gotten cold when they got out of the restaurant.


    "I''d like to show you my favorite place. Would you mind?" Honestly, he wasn''t the type of person who would ask permission to do something but for her, he would humble down himself to successfully get her.


    "I''m fine with it. Just so you know, don''t do anything foolish with me. I may look small compared to you, but I can disable you for a lifetime."


    "Haha. I know and I promise I won''t do anything against your will."


    "Fine. Let''s go." They went out for their car but Jillyanna stopped in her track and looked around her.


    "What''s the matter?" Travis asked her while looking around them as well.


    "Nothing." Jillyanna waved her hand to drop the matter. Internally, she had a feeling that someone had been stalking her. It wasn''t the first time either.


    Travis felt it, too. He thought that someone was spying on him. "Let''s go." He pulled her closer to him so that he can guard her if anything happens.

 Chapter 16 - MY HOUSE

    "What if we''ll just go by my car and I''ll send you back here after? If that''s okay with you." Travis spoke to her while half of his attention was around them for security. He can''t allow anyone to cause harm to her.


    Jillyanna nudged his waist using her elbow with a deathly glare. "Just make sure you send me home. Remember, we aren''t officially in a relationship."


    "Yes ma''am. I know. I won''t be fooling around." Travis responded with mischief towards her but he was actually serious with his words. If he said no, he would abide it for her even if he wanted to break it, he won''t. For her sake.


    He led Jillyanna towards the passenger''s seat and jogged his way towards the driver seat after making sure that no one can attack her.


    Jillyanna fastened her seatbelt and rummaged her bag for her phone. She sent a message to Cielo that she''s going somewhere for a while to relax a little.


    Travis drove the car out from the city for almost half an hour before they reached a suburb with much fresher air.


    When the car stopped, Jillyanna got down from the car, inhaling the fresh air, cooling her lungs.


    "This is amazing! I like it here." she mumbled with arms wide open, trying to take in so much air as she could.


    Travis watched her for a while with a smile on his lips. He took out a thick shawl and approached her. He put on the shawl around her neck to keep her warm.


    Jillyanna was startled at first and had her guard up against him. "That''s to keep you warm. What if you catch a cold?" Travis whispered upon sensing an alert mode from her.


    "Thank you." she whispered back, burying her face on the shawl to hide her blush. Aside from Lucian and Cielo''s family, no one really showed kindness to her after her mother''s death. Still, she felt that Travis must be doing it for show.


    "Let me show you the backyard. I am sure you''ll like it, too." Travis didn''t hold her hand but he walked on the same pace as her.


    "Where are we by the way?" Jillyanna asked while looking around the area.


    There''s a two storey house where they parked the car in front of it because there was no garage for the car. There were vines climbing on the walls with so many flowers. It was magical. The flowers and trees gave it a fantasy vibe.


    "This is my place. Well, I am renting the place." Travis scratched his head awkwardly. "It''s not expensive since it''s quite some distance from the city."


    "I see. Well, you got a good deal here." she responded as she observed the place. When they reached the back yard, Jillyanna was stunned with the view.


    "You like it?" Travis spoke though it was clear from her reaction that she likes the place.


    "I love this. Oh my god! This is amazing! Really amazing! The owner of this place got a nice view and the place was constructed beautifully. Wow!" she couldn''t help but blabber on him.


    "I''m glad you like it." Travis rubbed her head with glee. It wasn''t just Jillyanna who was shocked at his actions, Travis as well. He just acted without really thinking. "I''m sorry I messed up your hair." He combed her hair instead using his fingers.


    "It''s okay." Jillyanna whispered softly. She felt sleepy now that his fingers touched her scalp gently. It was like a massage for her. "Ah! Stop massaging my head!"Jillyanna snapped at him which made Travis thought she was upset before the next words rang to his ears, "You''re making me sleepy. How can I enjoy the view now?"


    Travis chuckled and stopped combing her hair. They stood side by side in silence while enjoying the view of the city lights. You could even see the sea with some ships littered on it.


    "I''ve always like this kind of place. It gives me comfort and helped me relax myself. Thank you for bringing me here." Jillyanna spoke before showing him her brightest smile. Whenever she smiles genuinely, her eyes would be smiling too.


    Travis pulled out something from his pocket, took her hand and placed it on her palm. It was a set of keys.


    "What''s this for?" she already had an idea of what he was thinking but she wanted to know directly from him.


    "If you feel sad or if you just want to see this view, you can visit this place anytime you want. This key is for the main entrance and this key is for the room with that balcony." He was pointing the room above them which has a balcony overlooking the view.


    "Aren''t you afraid I would rob you off?" she asked him with a raised brow.


    "What can a rich woman get from me? There''s nothing you can rob inside. You can rob my heart if you want." he responded with wide grin on his face, his finger was pointing at his chest.


    "Oh shut up! Two months. We promised." she rolled her eyes at him.


    "Yes ma''am. We''ll decide after two months."


    "But I can''t really accept these keys. We are in the process of getting to know each other. It isn''t right for me to enter your house." she placed the keys back on his hand.


    "Isn''t it part of getting to know each other? You would know what kind of person I am base on the place I''m living, right?" Travis put it back on her hand. They were basically tossing the keys back and forth between them.


    "You got a point." Jillyanna nodded her head before pocketing the keys.


    "Of course. I need to be intelligent to pursue an intelligent woman like you." Travis put his hand on his pocket.


    "Stop praising yourself." Jillyanna retorted but she had a smile on her face.


    "Would you like me to praise you instead?"


    "Cut it out."


    "You''re very beautiful tonight." Travis stated while looking at her face.


    Jillyanna was so embarrassed she wanted to dig a hole and bury herself. "Do you want a fight?" she acted mad to hide her blush from him.


    "We''re not officially in a relationship but we''d fight already?" Travis teased her again seeing how red her face was.


    Jillyanna could only face-palmed herself. Travis had ways to retort her statements but she didn''t hate him. She had fun with their conversation instead.


    Travis didn''t probe her of any personal questions. He would wait for her to open up to him. In any case, he''s got two months to spend time with her.


    "I have to go back. I still have things to prepare for tomorrow''s work." she spoke to him but her eyes were still on the view in front of her. Sad to say, she had to go home and leave the view behind her.


    "I''ll send you back. Let''s go?" Travis reached out his hand to her. And because she was still thinking of the view and the house, she didn''t mind placing her hand on his. They walked back to the front of the house where the car was parked.


    "You can always go back here, you know." Travis stated when she was still down even after reaching the car.


    "I will impose on you then. Thanks a lot." Jillyanna smiled and fasten her seatbelt. She would certainly go back when he''s not around.

 Chapter 17 - UNCLE THOMAS

    Travis drove the car back to Ganzani Bay so that Jillyanna can pick up her car and go home. He didn''t let her start the car yet until he finished his inspection to make sure that no one had touched her car or did something which would cause her harm.


    "Your car is good to go. Nobody rigged on it." Travis fasten her seatbelt for her like it was natural for him to do so.


    Jillyanna didn''t feel awkward of what he was doing but she leaned back to give him some space. "Thanks for checking it. I''ll go home now. I''ll text you if I have time. Take care on your way back." Jillyanna started the engine after Travis closed her door.


    "Send me a message once you get home for me to know you''re safe." Travis responded to her.


    "Okay. Bye now." Jillyanna waved her hand and started maneuvering the car out of the parking lot.


    Her eyes were focused on the road but a she was also checking if anyone was following her. She had been feeling that someone was stalking her lately.


    That encounter at the cemetery, she believed it wasn''t really Savannah.


    When she faced Savannah that time, even though she retaliated against her, there was no malice or any bad motive in her eyes. However, Jillyanna could feel that the person who was stalking her definitely want to harm her.


    Travis left the place once Jillyanna''s car was out of his sight. He looked up at the dark sky with stars sparkling like how Jillyanna''s eyes sparkle when she smiled.


    ''She''s really interesting. She''s the first woman to spark my interest for opposite sex.'' Travis thought as he drove his car back to the rented house.


    When Jillyanna got home, everyone was already asleep. She immediately took a shower and wrapped her body with a robe. She took out her phone and sent him a message as she promised.


    I GOT HOME SAFELY. THANKS FOR ACCOMPANYING ME TONIGHT. GOOD NIGHT.


    That was the text she sent to him which made Travis sat up straight on his bed. He was currently checking on some paperworks that he wasn''t able to finish that day when he received her message.


    A smile started to form on his lips while typing his reply. I AM GLAD YOU''RE SAFE. GOOD NIGHT.


    When Jillyanna received his response she was getting ready to sleep after finalizing her schedule for the next two days. But sometimes, even when you made plans, it''s bound to change.


    The next day, Jillyanna woke up early and started her morning exercise and combat training with Lucian who came to visit them. Lucian would train them at least twice or thrice a week to help them defend themselves.


    Sometimes, Jillyanna would go to the training camp with Lucian''s father or Lucian''s uncle to train with the police officers.


    "You''re becoming quick and swift with your actions. If Dad finds out you''re progressing rapidly, he would want to invite you as a training officer once again." Lucian commented while sparring with her.


    They''ve been fighting for almost an hour already. Cielo was the first one to engage in a fight while Jillyanna was doing some basic exercise. When they built the house, they made sure to have a huge room packed with exercise equipments.


    "If uncle is here, I will act clumsily." Jillyanna laughed at her comment since she knew that would surely irritate Lucian''s father. He didn''t like people acting weak when they''re strong but for Jillyanna and Cielo, he was very lenient towards them.


    "He won''t fall for it but he won''t be upset either. Anyway, this is the last round. I have to report to the office early today." Lucian responded while trying to get a jab on Jillyanna''s shoulder, but she was quick to avoid it and landed a punch on Lucian instead.


    "Fine. Let''s stop now. I want to leave earlier today as well. I have schedules piling up."


    "You plan for your own work, why don''t you put some day off once in a while." Cielo commented as she helped her take off her gloves and passed it to Lucian.


    "I did. Though most of my day off was also spent sleeping or reading notes." Jillyanna answered while wiping her sweat.


    "Fine. Fine. You did. Anyway, are you sure you''re coming with me?" Cielo asked her which she meant about going to Summer Cafe.


    "Yeah. I have it scheduled today. I''ll visit the cafe whenever I have time and see if there''s any adjustments to make." It''s not because Cielo wasn''t proficient with her work, but sometimes she felt that she let Cielo do everything on her own and she felt guilty about it.


    Cielo rubbed her head messily while speaking. "You don''t have to be guilty towards me or to feel worry towards the cafe. It''s ours. I am responsible for it as well."


    Lucian approached the two of them after returning all the things they used on their proper place.


    "Both of you are capable. I am sure the cafe won''t suffer." Lucian stated towards them. "In any case, let''s go out for breakfast so we can go to work after."


    They both nodded their heads and followed Lucian out of the room. They ate their breakfast cheerfully with Lucian who had so many actions stuff to say. It was never boring in their house unless she''s alone in her room.


    Jillyanna drove her car with Cielo since they''re going together to Summer Cafe. Lucian left for work as well since his father had called him to report before 9:00 o''clock in the morning.


    Jillyanna and Cielo arrived at the cafe which surprised many employees. Since Jillyanna came back, she had visited the cafe twice already. Before, she would only visit the cafe at least once every two months.


    "I forgot something in the car. Let me go back and get it." Jillyanna jogged her way back to the car. She almost reached her car when she saw a man clutching his chest.


    "Sir, are you okay?" she reached out to him and when the man turned to face her, the moment she saw his face she was utterly shocked and surprise. "My gosh uncle Thomas. It''s you. What''s going on?"


    Thomas gave her the key to his car which Jillyanna opened immediately. She found his medicine on the box and gave it to him.


    "I''m sorry you have to see me in this manner." Thomas mumbled after taking some pills.


    "Come on uncle. You should have called me. What if something happened to you? Didn''t I tell you to call me if you''re going somewhere without your son? Geez! As always, your son is irresponsible." Jillyanna scolded him and said some harsh words against his son, but she was gently holding him and brought him to the cafe.


    This was the man who cared for them when her father left. It was him and Venus who would visit them in their isolated house. It was them who comforted her when she was left alone in this world.


    This was the reason why she cared for him as well. After all, both of them were left behind by the person they loved the most.

 Chapter 18 - MATCH MAKE ?

    "Thank you sweetie." Thomas stated after sitting himself on one of the vacant couch. It was still morning so there weren''t that many people in the cafe.


    "Did you eat breakfast before leaving? Do you want to eat something? I can ask the chef to cook some spare ribs for you." Jillyanna was really worried for the man since he was driving alone.


    "I haven''t had breakfast yet." Thomas answered to her. He would never lie to her because that''s what she promised to her when she was still a child. That''s the reason why, even though she might feel betrayed, he still told her the truth behind her mother''s death.


    Jillyanna was a smart child and was able to tell what''s right from wrong and what''s lie from truth. She didn''t hold any grudge against them when he spoke to her about her mother''s death.


    "Where''s your son by the way? Why didn''t he left you a driver or someone who can accompany you outside. I really want to give him some beating." Jillyanna ranted to him but she had asked the staff to call the chef over.


    "Don''t misunderstood him okay? I left without telling him. I wanted to check and see how he''s doing. He''s been telling me he''s fine but I can''t guarantee that without knowing it myself. I even heard that someone was going to marry him. How is that possible? A girl was pursuing him? That''s ridiculous isn''t it? A man should chase the woman, not the other way around. My son is really good. Any woman would be lucky to marry him." Thomas was talking to her cheerfully as if he didn''t go through an ordeal earlier.


    If she was a second late. If she didn''t go back. If she didn''t see him. Her mind was full of ''what ifs'' and it made her more mad against his son. But she couldn''t say it anymore since the man in front of her cared so much for his son.


    ''That lucky bastard!'' Jillyanna mumbled mentally but she was smiling in front of him. Nobody knew what''s going on in her brain.


    She asked the chef to prepare a nutritious breakfast for Thomas and while waiting, he introduced him to Cielo.


    Cielo was once again surprised to see someone who could make Jillyanna show different expressions on her face. She approached them and sat beside Jillyanna on the couch.


    "Uncle, this is my friend Cielo. Cielo, this is uncle Thomas." She introduced them to each other and Cielo reached out her hand to shake his.


    "It''s nice to meet you sweetie. Thank you for taking care of this willful child. You must have a hard time." Thomas stated which made Jillyanna pout her lips.


    "Nice to meet you sir Thomas." Cielo responded before taking her hand back to her side.


    "Just call me uncle Thomas like Yanna does." Thomas responded with a smile.


    "I''m not willful. I didn''t give them a hard time, too. I am a very good child." Jillyanna interjected like a very obedient child making them laugh.


    "Whatever it is you say." Thomas laughed at her but he was truly happy that she''s doing fine.


    "Wait a minute. You said your son is working here in this place. Why didn''t you tell me? I could conveniently beat him up for you." Jillyanna spoke while one of her hand was closed in a fist, punching her open palm.


    "For that same reason. I didn''t tell you because I don''t want him beaten. Why are you so against him now? Before, you would always follow him around." Thomas commented which earned a ''tched'' from Jillyanna.


    "That was when I was a child. I didn''t know he would grow up to be irresponsible." Jillyanna rolled her eyes while cursing Thomas'' son mentally.


    "He is not. Don''t be so judgemental against him just because of what happened earlier." Thomas sighed knowing that it would be difficult to change her mind.


    Cielo on the other hand was curious who was the son they were talking about. These past few days, she met different men that could change Jillyanna''s mood and the one she hadn''t met yet was Thomas'' son.


    "Fine. Fine. He is not. Whatever it is you say." Thomas laughed at her once again after hearing her say the words he said to her.


    When his food was ready, he ate while Jillyanna talked to him about different things that she''s been doing. She told him about her trip to Europe which happened two months ago and her recent visit to her mother''s grave.


    "By the way uncle, are you going to visit the cemetery? I can go with you." Jillyanna presented herself knowing that the man would go out alone once again. She can''t let what happened earlier to be repeated.


    "I am planning to go there tomorrow and yes, I''d be happy if you can come along." Thomas answered while taking a sip of the corn crab soup.


    "I will pick you up tomorrow. Don''t drive by yourself." Jillyanna reminded him which he agreed since she would be upset if he won''t.


    They talked a lot and Jillyanna spent her time with him at the cafe. When he left after their lunch together, Jillyanna helped Cielo with the accounting. She paid for their meal as well to make sure that the account won''t be incorrect.


    The day quickly pass and tomorrow came. Thomas and Jillyanna agreed that they would visit the cemetery at 10:00 o''clock in the morning.


    At 9:30 in the morning, she arrived at the mansion that Thomas would use everytime he visits the city.


    "Good morning young miss." the head servant greeted her. She had seen Jillyanna when she was young and she had seen her visit their Master every time he would come. You can say that she was very familiar with her already.


    "Good morning Nanny Letty. Where''s uncle?" Jillyanna asked while walking her way to the living room.


    "He''s still in the study room to settle something with the young master." Nanny Letty responded before helping her with a glass of orange juice.


    "Oh? That''s a surprise. He''s home?" Jillyanna was itching to beat that bastard for leaving his father but Nanny Letty never thought that the young miss was actually planning to beat their young master.


    "No, he is not. They are having a video call." Nanny Letty responded before going back to her work which was a disappointment to her.


    Jillyanna looked around the place. It''s been a while since she last visited the mansion. It''s still the same as the one in her memory. The walls still have the large picture of Venus and Thomas. Their family picture was moved to Thomas'' room. There was no picture of the aloof young master since he always hated cameras.


    Jillyanna waited for a while until Thomas came down with scowl on his face. "What''s the matter uncle? Is he really getting married? You don''t like the woman?"


    Thomas sighed heavily before facing her. "I don''t really know what''s on his mind. He said it''s going to be a surprise and yes, he was really planning to get married. He would introduce me to the woman soon."


    "Shouldn''t you be happy for him?"


    "How can I? I was planning to matchmake you with him." Thomas dropped a bomb that collapsed her world.

 Chapter 19 - MISUNDERSTANDINGS

    "Heh! Eeeehh?" Jillyanna was wide-eyed upon realizing his words. "Don''t go that far uncle. It''s not funny. I don''t want to be in a relationship. There''s even this guy who''s pursuing me but I am pretty sure he''d give up after two months." Jillyanna murmured while picking up her bag from the couch.


    "Why are you giving him two months?" Thomas questioned her since for him, love can''t be measured with time.


    "That''s already the longest time I can give. Most men who tried pursuing me gave up within a month. Nobody reached two months. Am I not giving him a chance? I am so good, right?" Thomas knocked her forehead lightly for her nonsense.


    "In any case, you don''t have to marry him. I don''t have to match make you as well since he found someone he likes." Thomas walked out of the house and Jillyanna was following him.


    "Do you want to buy flowers and candles?" Jillyanna asked him after he took a seat and fasten his seatbelt.


    "No need. The driver would send some for us later. Let''s just go directly to the cemetery." Thomas answered her in which Jillyanna nodded her head.


    She drove her car to the cemetery just right in time for the people who went out for few days to come back to the mansion.


    Valkyrie sat down on the couch and closed his eyes for a while. Savannah placed her coat on the couch and sat as well with Hawk beside her.


    Brown was standing while watching the floor, then the couch. "Nanny Letty?" he called out to the head servant.


    "Yes sir. What''s the matter?" Nanny Letty came out from the kitchen who was preparing food for them after receiving a message from Travis.


    Brown looked at the house once again. He was very sensitive to scent and cleanliness of the house. Even if he''s a doctor, who deals with blood and other things, he was very particular when it comes to cleanliness.


    "Did someone come while we''re out?" Brown asked Nanny Letty. Hawk and the others looked at the woman as well. They needed to be careful whoever made contact to the people inside the house.


    "Yes. Master Thomas came yesterday and he left out this morning to visit the cemetery." Nanny Letty answered him.


    "I see. Thank you Nanny." Brown responded with a smile but when the woman turned around, his smile vanished.


    Hawk stood up and brought him to his room with Savannah and Valkyrie following them. "What is it?" Hawk asked Brown as soon as they got inside.


    "Someone was here. It wasn''t just Master Thomas. There''s a different scent and the floor had marks of something pointed like a high heeled shoes." Brown stated with a serious face.


    "We need to let the boss know. Do you think someone knew who we are and made contact with the residents here?" Valkyrie responded with worry.


    "Let''s not alert the boss yet. Let''s put on some cameras when the servants are not around. I''m pretty sure that person would come back." Savannah suggested which everyone agreed.


    After they ate their breakfast, when the servants had to go out for groceries, Valkyrie went out with them. Savannah worked on the trees and walls around the house. Brown and Hawk worked inside the house.


    At the same time...


    Jillyanna arrived at the cemetery with Thomas. She was wearing a huge hat and a dark glasses to cover her face from the sun''s rays.


    The driver that was sent to bring the flowers looked at her.


    "Why are you looking at my little girl?" Thomas inquired which made the driver turned towards him.


    "I''m sorry sir. I just thought she''s familiar." The old driver scratched his head from embarrassment.


    "Of course she''s familiar." Then Thomas left him after getting the flowers.


    ''What did Master mean?'' The driver tried thinking hard but he didn''t really get his point. He left immediately after sending the flower.


    Travis sent out two flowers since he knew his father would visit the other grave as well. If he was the one who sent the flowers that day, he could''ve seen her. The woman he''s been looking for and the woman he''s pursuing.


    Jillyanna said her piece of gratitude and placed the flowers on her mother''s grave.


    "Mom, uncle Thomas and I are visiting you and Auntie Venus. And you know what, I was so pissed off with his son! How come he grew up to be so irresponsible? Yesterday, uncle almost had a heart attack because there was no one beside him. Am I being judgemental? Of course I am! I am admitting that. I just don''t know what to feel. I can''t even vent on him because I don''t where he is. RV is just so unfair. Don''t you think so?" Jillyanna was once again ranting on her mother''s grave.


    Thomas on the other hand was just standing in front of his wife''s grave. He was speaking to her mentally. Men does that.


    After an hour, they left the cemetery since Jillyanna still have to deal with her social media account. She needed to settle some matters.


    She sent Thomas back to the mansion but she only dropped him off at the front gate. "Is it alright uncle? I''ll have to decline your invitation for lunch. I still have to work." Jillyanna made a sad face while talking to the man beside her.


    "Silly girl. It''s fine. We can have lunch next time. Be careful on your way home." He rubbed her head which messed up her hair. In that moment, Travis'' handsome face showed up in her brain.


    Jillyanna smiled while waiting for Thomas to go down. ''What''s wrong with my brain cells today? Are you guys hungry? I''ll eat peanuts once I get home. Stop flashing me his face.'' She was scolding herself for such trivial matter.


    When Thomas got down, four people from the house, stretched their neck up and down, side to side, just to get a glance of the person sending the master.


    "It''s a woman! I knew it!" Brown stated with a straight face.


    "Is Travis going to have a stepmom?" Savannah massaged her temple for that reckless thought.


    "I think I''ve seen her somewhere?" Hawk mumbled while trying to think why the woman was familiar.


    "Let''s go back. He''s coming." Valkyrie pulled them back to the living room as if nothing happened.


    Thomas got inside the house and found the four of them sitting on the couch. Savannah was flipping through magazines. Hawk and Valkyrie were playing chess and Brown was playing with his phone.


    "When did you guys arrive?" Thomas asked them like he was asking his own children. "You weren''t here when I came home yesterday."


    "We were sent out on a mission uncle." Savannah answered before standing up and giving Thomas a hug.


    "Where''s the driver? Why did you go out alone?" Hawk asked as if he was the guardian.


    Thomas sighed and sat down beside Valkyrie. "You''re nagging me just like her."


    "Her? Who?" Brown immediately turned his attention towards Thomas.


    "My supposed to be daughter-in-law. She was the one who sent me home. If you guys came back earlier, you could''ve met her. She''s really pretty, nice, capable and kind. I wanted her for my son but that man was getting married." It was their turn now to be surprised with Thomas'' answer.


    "RV is getting married? Why didn''t I know of this?" Valkyrie was stunned with the thought.


    "Is that why he left the house?" Savannah asked but nobody can answer her.


    "This is unbelievable! Who the hell is the girl? Is it the one he had a one-night stand?" Brown mumbled which had them turned their gaze at him.


    Thomas was also horrified. "He had a one-night stand?! And he was even planning to marry?! This bastard! I''ll make sure to cripple him!" he was so angry to death. Savannah helped him to calm down and brought a glass of water.


    One problem led to another giving them a headache and the person involved was still at the company waiting for someone''s message.

 Chapter 20 - BOSS IS SULKING

    Travis was sitting in front of the shareholders once again. It was another meeting but with the ESL company representatives who was planning to expand their land and use the lot located beside their building.


    They were not the only company who was vying for that piece of land. They were the third company who was proposing to Travis and the shareholders in that very same day.


    Travis would check his phone whenever a shareholder asked a question. The decision lies in him but he gave the power to the shareholders in asking relative questions. They are the people who would always count benefits even if it was the smallest portions.


    "Sigh. No text again." Travis murmured after letting out a heavy sigh.


    The shareholders thought that he didn''t like their ideas so they think of other important things to ask.


    "So if you were given this piece of land, when will the construction start? Do you have the layout of your building?" One of the shareholders asked.


    "Yes. We have it. I can show it to you." The ESL representative showed a picture on the screen. It was a nice design which maximize the usefulness of every space the land could offer.


    "How long will the construction last?" another question was raised.


    "We were planning to get this done within two years. We wanted to hire more people for man power during construction of this project." the representative answered.


    The assistant secretary noted some of the information since she was sure that their boss wasn''t listening. His attention was elsewhere.


    ''I miss her. Should I really not contact her? Just going to ask how she''s doing? Not fine?'' he was weighing down the pros and cons of him contacting her first. She mentioned before that she didn''t want someone who would demand time from her.


    Travis pinched his glabella from frustration. Everyone inside the meeting room tensed. Even the representative started to stutter when he saw his expression.


    "He''s at it again. Did he get into some lovers quarrel?" one of the shareholders whispered to the person beside him.


    "Keep it low. Suarez will flare up if he hears you." the man whispered back to him.


    "Hmp! Who does he think he is? His daughter can''t even entice our boss! He should stop dreaming!"


    They continued whispering while watching their CEO changed his facial expression from one to another.


    It was their second time to see him not focusing on their meeting. ''Good Lord, please let his woman contact him now or nothing will be accomplished today!'' That''s what the shareholders thought.


    They continued their meeting like Travis wasn''t there and the secretary sped up her typing to catch as much words as she could from the representatives.


    In Madrid''s family villa, Jillyanna was lying on her bed with her stomach. She was typing some words on her laptop which ignited her fans buried flame.


    "My goddess posted a picture!"


    "Wait! Why is this an eye only?"


    "Goddess YNA, you could actually send us a pair of eyes not just an eye."


    "There''s a caption. Please everybody stopped liking it. Read the caption or you will ruin our chance!" This comment made some fans stopped from typing. They all checked the caption that was placed above the picture.


    IF THIS PICTURE REACHED 100K LIKE AND COMMENTS WITHIN 2 DAYS, I WILL SEND YOU THE NEXT PUZZLE. NO MORE NO LESS. 100K LIKES AND COMMENTS.


    "What the! How are we supposed to do that. We cannot control anyone from liking and commenting on the picture!"


    "This needs discipline! We need to think of a way!"


    "Goodness! Our goddess is playing with us by sending us puzzles."


    "I have found a way! Right now, there are 23k likes and 16k comments. Everyone, within half an hour from now, those who haven''t commented yet and those who haven''t liked it yet, please do so. After half an hour stop liking and commenting it, so that we can count on the numbers!" This comment was liked by many and came first under the picture.


    Jillyanna was having a great time reading their comments. She had been thinking about the online fight between her fans and haters. It''s true that they''ve been following for a long time and she had never showed her face. Even during her launching event, she would always wear a mask to hide her face.


    Everyone respected her decision for hiding her face but now that her fans were being targeted, she felt guilty about it.


    "This is pretty fun." Jillyanna mumbled to herself while cropping her pictures to four parts." she was so happy and she felt energized to finish her next song. She was planning to release it once the whole picture was revealed.


    While she was reading the comments and watching the likes rapidly goes up and stagnated for a moment, her phone suddenly rang which startled her.


    She picked it up after a few seconds and saw the man''s name whom she never thought would call her.


    "What''s up? Are you okay?" Jillyanna asked with concern but her eyes were still on the computer and she was typing with one hand.


    "I am bored to death." Travis responded making the shareholders stop from what they were doing and looked at him sulking to someone on the phone.


    "Are you not doing anything?" Jillyanna asked as she lay down with her back on the bed.


    "I was doing something. But the higher ups were having a meeting and their ideas were great. I think I''m useless." Travis responded disregarding the stares he was receiving. He couldn''t help himself from contacting her so he dialed her number when they were on break.


    ''Who is this man sitting in front of us? Please return our boss!'' They wanted to cry for such unsightly action of their boss. Even if he wanted to sulk, can he at least do it when no one''s around?


    Jillyanna laughed on the other line while listening to him. "Come on. You are not useless. There should be something you can do. What are you doing by the way? Maybe I could help."


    "I am trying to make a decision with millions of money involved." Everyone present was shocked that their boss was discussing such matter with someone outside the company.


    "That''s rather difficult. When''s your day off by the way?" Jillyanna asked since she wanted to go somewhere and she thought of bringing him might give him some time to relax.


    "My day off? Oh let me check because it would change from time to time depending on the number of works I need to finish." That was a blatant lie that everyone inside the room knew. Then he turned to his assistant to check his upcoming schedules after covering the mouthpiece. "Forward all the things needed to be done within these three days. Remove my schedules for Saturday." Then he went to his phone once again. "I am available on Saturday. Is that okay?"


    "Yup. Saturday is fine. I''ll send you the place and time. For now, just do your best at work. You can send me text when you''re bored. Don''t call me during working hours. You might get caught and scolded."


    "Are you worried for me?" Travis asked cheekily at her but Jillyanna could only roll her eyes.


    "I am just stating facts. You go back to work now." Jillyanna was still typing a reply on some emails that was sent to her for some collaboration using her songs.


    "Alright. I''ll do my best."


    "Bye."


    "Goodbye." Travis put down his phone with a grin still hanging on his lips. "I need to work now. You guys go on extended break. Come back after an hour. Leave those documents with me. I will review it. Keep moving now."


    They all stood up and gave him their documented ideas on each proposals for the vacant lot. His assistant showed him the information she took note and some relevant ideas.


    They all got out of the meeting room after that. "Good thing that Suarez wasn''t there when he made that phone call." the secretary murmured to herself since she knew that the particular shareholder wanted to arrange the marriage of his daughter to their boss.


    "Our young man looked more human when he talks to that person or when he received a text from that person." an older shareholder commented.


    "You bet. He was like a devil robot before. Emotionless and cold." another person stated.


    "Who exactly is that?" Everybody wanted an answer to this question but nobody has an answer unless the devil himself would answer it.

 Chapter 21 - SUDDEN CRAVINGS

    Travis worked the whole day to make time for her on Saturday. Everytime he finished up a document, he would send her a message to give her an update.


    Jillyanna didn''t mind him sending messages to her since she''s got nothing to do as well. She had this thought in her mind that Travis will find her boring sooner or later, so she wasn''t the least bit worried.


    ''Ding!'' Jillyanna''s phone notified her of a new message.


    I MANAGED TO FINISH EVERYTHING. DO YOU WANT TO HAVE DINNER TOGETHER?


    It was a message from Travis who was still at the company, finalizing all the details for the next day''s work.


    NOT NOW. I HAVE SOMETHING TO DO. I''LL SEE YOU ON SATURDAY, OKAY?


    Jillyanna responded while pouring a glass of milk for herself before going back to her room. She had to finish her work to focus on herself for the upcoming days.


    No matter what, she had to fulfill her own wishes before leaving for States. That was her main goal for all the hassle she went through.


    Travis didn''t force her to have dinner with him because in truth, he had to meet someone for an important matter. He just asked her and in case she would agree, he could just postpone the planned private meeting that night.


    Travis changed his suit to a new one before leaving his office. He had asked his assistant earlier to a buy a bunch of pink roses for him to bring to the gathering.


    He arrived few minutes before the scheduled time to make a good impression. He looked so handsome on his suit and tie with a bouquet of pink roses in his arms.


    "Heh Ches! You look so pretty tonight. These flowers really suit you the best." Travis greeted the woman who sat with her parents at the reserved private booth.


    "You look handsome, too. How''s work?" Cheska greeted him back as she accepted the flowers from him.


    Travis disregard the stares thrown at him by Cheska''s father. Cheska didn''t really care as well since the dinner was very important for her.


    "You''re not telling my daughter who you were exchanging messages these past few days?" Mr. Albert Suarez eyed him before giving his daughter a warning glance.


    Cheska looked at him before looking down at her plate with nothing on it.They haven''t ordered their food yet so there was nothing that could distract her.


    "Actually...I know who it is. Travis didn''t keep it a secret from me." Cheska murmured just enough for her parents to hear. Her mother didn''t react at all since all the decision will be done by her father.


    "Alright. I''m glad that he''s letting you know. It''s okay to fool outside, just make sure you won''t bring any woman home." Mr. Suarez stated which made the remaining three people to look at each other''s eyes.


    ''What a horrible father! No wonder!'' Travis thought internally but he was all smile outside while getting his orders.


    The same thing for Cheska. She looked so relaxed outside but she wanted to scream to her father internally. She had known a long time ago that her marriage will be for convenience. Good thing Travis came to save her.


    The dinner went through just fine. Mr. Suarez looked so happy and was anticipating for the day of marriage to come.


    On the other hand, Jillyanna was busy with work and she had been feeling dizzy since afternoon.


    She called Cielo and asked her to bring her some chocolate cake on the way home.


    "You want to eat chocolate cake tonight? Aren''t you worried of so much carbs?" Cielo asked while driving her car to a cake shop. If she had known, she would''ve taken some from their cafe!


    Jillyanna just smiled while listening to her friend''s nagging on the other line. She really wanted to eat a cake. She felt that the dizziness would go away after she gets what she wants.


    "Drive safely. Don''t forget my cake! That''s for my baby!" Jillyanna joked at her best friend.


    "I know. Just wait for me at home." Cielo ended the call after her statement.


    When the call got ended Jillyanna sat down with a helpless smile. "Will she kill me if I tell her now that I don''t want a cake anymore but a mango graham shake instead? What to do now?"


    She was torn between calling Cielo again or not. She knew very well that Cielo would grill her from anger. In the end, she called Lucian to buy her a mango graham shake.


    When Cielo and Lucian met at the doorstep of the Madrid''s family home, Cielo took one of the shake from his hand.


    "You can only get one." Lucian reminded his wife which made Cielo frowned. Mango graham shake was her all time favorite and he actually told her to get just one!


    "Why are there so many of them if it''s not for me?" Cielo asked while pinching his waist in the process.


    "How about you ask your sister. She asked me to buy all these which I don''t think she could finish." Lucian answered as he walked inside the house and to the second floor of the mansion.


    "She asked me to buy a chocolate cake, too. Well, she always love sweets so it''s really not surprising." Cielo responded before knocking on Jillyanna''s door.


    Jillyanna opened her door wide and her face lit up when she saw her foods. "I love you guys. Thank you so much for these."


    She grabbed everything and place them on her table. Cielo and Lucian watched her eat in disbelief. She had a very large appetite on that day.


    It was their first time to see her eat so much sweets that Lucian and Cielo started to feel worried for any cavities and high sugar level.


    "What''s gotten in to you? Why do you eat so much today?" Cielo asked while returning some magazines that Jillyanna misplaced.


    "I don''t know. I felt a little dizzy earlier and I was really hungry. These foods strike my brain so I asked you guys to buy it." Jillyanna answered with a wide grin on her face. As expected, no one really believed that she was just hungry.

 Chapter 22 - GUILTY JILLYANNA

    It didn''t happen just once. The next day, Jillyanna called Cielo once again to buy her green mangoes and peaches. Nobody thought too much about it since Jillyanna has been a glutton ever since the day they met her.


    Cielo helped her peel the mangoes when she got home bringing the fruits with her. "These are sour. Are you jealous over someone?" Cielo asked as she peeled the second mango. Her mischievous smile wasn''t hidden at all.


    "What nonsense are you speaking of? Me? Jealous? I''d be dead if that happens. I just saw a video earlier and it made me want to eat some as well." Jillyanna responded before putting a slice of green mango in her mouth.


    Her face crunched up when the sour taste exploded in her mouth. But when she tasted a bit of sweetness, she liked it more. She ate a lot with a little bit of salt to pair with it.


    Cielo watched her eat alone since she wasn''t fond of green mangoes and peaches. "My god! I can''t believe you like that." Cielo stated before standing up to look for something she could eat.


    Her parents left for dinner so it was just the two of them before Lucian could get home. "By the way Jillyanna, did Lucian tell you that the Madrigals provided a new piece of evidence for your mother''s case?"


    This question made Jillyanna stopped eating. Her hand stopped midair and the expression on her face couldn''t be describe at all. She put down her hand and stared at it for a while.


    "Was it uncle Thomas who sent it?" Jillyanna asked but there was no joy in her eyes even if it was a good news.


    "I don''t know. He didn''t mention the name to me. Probably, it was him or it could be someone else." Cielo answered but she didn''t know why Jillyanna wasn''t happy at all. ''Isn''t she close to the Madrigals? Why does she look upset?'' Cielo thought to herself but she didn''t probe her best friend.


    Jillyanna stood up and took the plate of mangoes and peaches with her. "I''ll eat this in my room. I still have something to do."


    "Okay. Make sure to get some sleep. Don''t stay up too late." Cielo reminded her since she knew that what she told her would be bugging her off.


    Jillyanna only raised her hand with an ''Okay'' sign but she didn''t speak or turned around to face her. Cielo could only sigh on her own. She started preparing dinner for Lucian since it was almost time for him to come home.


    ''I should be happy, right? I should be happy that they are helping with the investigation. After all, Auntie Venus caused my mother''s death.'' Jillyanna spoke to herself mentally buy guilt was eating her away.


    The night after her mother''s burial, they spoke to her. Venus and Thomas Madrigal were the only people who stayed to comfort her, but the truth they spoke of crumbled her world. She would never forget that.


    "Sweetie, we are very sorry for your loss. I am very sorry. If it wasn''t because of me, she wouldn''t have died." Venus spoke to her which Jillyanna didn''t understand at that time. Her mind was closed off, still couldn''t accept the truth that her mother was gone.


    Venus continued speaking to her and among all the things she spoke, only one statement made Jillyanna react. "I am the target that night. The person they wanted to kill was me. If only I refused your mother but she was worried about you. I killed her. I am the cause of her death." Venus cried in front of her. She was grieving over her best friend''s death. Jillyanna didn''t really blame her openly, but deep within her, she started to hate her and she felt guilty about it.


    When Venus died after a year, she was delighted for a moment and it struck her how she became a devil that she never wanted to be. She didn''t visit the Madrigal for a long time due to her inner demons making her feel less human.


    Jillyanna grew up into a cold person and she started to despise the word love. The only love that was given to her was taken away from her at the very young age. Little by little, she was only surrounded by darkness. Only a little light kept her on track, the light brought by Cielo''s and Lucian''s family.


    How do you expect a young girl, abandoned by her father, to feel love? How do you expect a young girl, who was left by her mother, to feel love? How do you expect a young girl, who thought her mother''s friend cared for her but actually caused her death, to feel love?


    Love was just a fleeting feeling. You think it was there but the next second it was not. Love was something not meant for her. Love was something she''d never want herself to get involved. It was such a pain in the ass.


    Jillyanna was lying down with her back on her bed. Her right arm was covering her eyes, stopping the tears from falling. Guilt and grief were coating her heart, forming another layer to suffocate her, drown her and break her.


    "I''m sorry mom." Jillyanna cried her heart out the whole night. The fruits she brought with her were left untouched as she curled herself into a ball.


    Travis had been busy after that dinner he had with Cheska''s family. He had to make sure that there will be no pending tasks before he go on a date the next day with Jillyanna.


    He finished everything before 3:00 o''clock in the morning. He cleaned his study room and arranged everything before getting himself some sleep.


    Jillyanna was also able to sleep when the dawn was breaking. Nobody woke her up since they knew she would wake up early on her own if she had some things to do and she would wake up late if she slept late.


    At 12:30 in the afternoon, Jillyanna woke up and check her phone immediately. It was the day, she invited Travis to go out with her. She took a long breath before standing out to exhale all the negative stuff in her heart. She wanted to get a positive vibe for another day of work.


    She took a quick shower and brush her teeth. While dipping herself in the bathtub, she placed a cold face towel on her eyes to soothe it.

 Chapter 23 - AMUSEMENT PARK 1

    Jillyanna chose a white off-shoulder dress which was three inches above the knee. She paired it with a white sneakers and a white scarf was wrapped around her braid to give an accent to her hairstyle.


    She put on some lip gloss and face powder to freshen up her look.


    Her phone rang while she was preparing herself. Without checking who it was, she answered it directly, keeping it in between her face and shoulders.


    "Jillyanna speaking." she greeted the caller while fixing the things she needed to bring for her work.


    "Yna, this is Joven. We''re on our way to the amusement park. We''ll prepare everything for the video while waiting for you." Joven, her video editor and graphic designer, called her for their work.


    "Thanks J. I will be there in a few minutes." Jillyanna responded while placing all her stuff into a big handbag. She checked herself on the mirror for the last time before running out of the house. "I''ll be off to work! I''ll let you know if I can come back for dinner." she dashed out of the house to get in to the garage, leaving her message to the people sitting at the living room.


    "Be careful on the road!" Sky called out to her as a reminder.


    Jillyanna stepped on the accelerator and maneuvered the car to her destination. She was going to film a surprise for her fans. Many celebrities thought that she was heartless and that she didn''t really care about her fans. Since her debut anniversary was just around the corner, she''d release a song dedicated to her fans and the film was going to be at the amusement park.


    Jillyanna arrived not long after and the filming team, led by Joven, had prepared everything. They have an idea as to where the shooting will be held and the kind of set up that they wanted to get. It wasn''t much of a stress for Jillyanna at all.


    "We''ll start at the lake side." Joven informed her while taking a big hat for her. "I need you to stand there at the bridge. We''ll let the wind blows and you try to keep the hat in place. I''ll take as many pictures and videos as possible for us to choose. Your eyes must show the longing you have for someone."


    "Yes. Yes. I''ll do my best. Should I let down my hair?" Jillyanna asked while waiting for the make up artist to finish her look.


    "No need." Joven answered while aiming his camera at her to get a better angle.


    Jillyanna tried doing what Joven asked her to do and she managed to give him a satisfying result after five minutes. They continued their filming, this time Jillyanna was being filmed while walking around the park until she reached the ferris wheel area.


    "Mommy, look at her. She''s really pretty. She looks like a princess." a little girl whispered while pointing at Jillyanna, making her blushed from embarrassment.


    "Yes. Big sis is beautiful. You should start eating healthy food as well to become pretty like her." the mother responded with a smile while trying to get her child to eat a sweet corn.


    "Is she an actress? Is she filming?" a teen aged girl whispered to her friends.


    "She looked so familiar, specially her eyes. I feel like I''ve seen those eyes before." another young girl stated but they didn''t bother her since they saw the filming crew taking videos of her.


    Jillyanna just smiled at them and looked up at the high ferris wheel. Since she was a child, she wanted to ride the ferris wheel but her mother was scared of heights so it never happened.


    Suddenly, everything turned pitch black. A faint scent of mint drifted off to her nose. The scent was so familiar to her that she recognized him the moment he got closed to her.


    "Would you like to ride the ferris wheel with me?" Travis whispered beside her ear. His hot breath fanning the side of her face making her felt itchy to beat him instead.


    "I''d be happy if you stop covering my face." she answered softly. When Travis let go of her, she turned around to face him with her smiling eyes.


    "Cut!" Joven called out which made them realize that they were in a middle of filming. "I like that gaze. I like the interaction. It would really be great if we could use that video."


    "This is..." Travis was shocked and felt a little awkward for what happened. When he turned to face them, the director was even more shocked to know who it was.


    "Are you guys planning to have a date? Can you guys do it after filming?" Joven asked, not willing to postpone the film and not willing to make enemy with the devil as well.


    "Can I join this filming? What''s this for? I can be a handsome partner." Travis offered himself, making Jillyanna laugh.


    "It''s fine. We can do this. I didn''t know you''re here already." Jillyanna responded while walking towards the crew. "This Travis. He''s my..."


    "...soon to be husband." Travis interrupted her which made her turn to face him abruptly.


    "What husband are you talking about. Cut it out." Jillyanna rolled her eyes at him while trying to get back on track.


    "It doesn''t matter. Anyway, I can really work for you." Travis insisted to be part of her work.


    "I don''t have money to pay you." Jillyanna answered before getting two bottles of mineral water, giving him the extra one.


    "You can pay me with a dinner date. How about that?" he whispered just enough for her to listen.


    "Whatever."


    "Jillyanna, we could really use him. He''s got the quality we need in him. His body, vibe, expressions, everything!" Joven stated for her to understand his point.


    "I can agree to that. A dinner date is fine as well." Jillyanna retorted before checking her dress and her make up.


    "That''s it. Let''s get this done." Travis said excitedly but he had sent a message to Joven already.


    DON''T LET HER KNOW WHO I AM.

 Chapter 24 - AMUSEMENT PARK 2

    Joven nodded his head towards Travis to acknowledge the message when Jillyanna wasn''t looking at him. He pocketed his phone and instructed everyone to prepare for the next scene.


    "So what would be my role in this?" Travis asked while Jillyanna was having some touch up with the make up artist.


    Jillyanna had her eyes closed to prevent the powder in getting into her eyes but she still responded to him. "Just a regular date. No need for anything fancy or anything special."


    "So, you are an actress?" Travis asked again since he didn''t really know what''s her work. Jillyanna once told him that she didn''t want him to know what her work is.


    "I am not an actress. I am just doing something for some personal use and to help Joven earn money." Jillyanna stated which was half true and half lie.


    Joven who heard her words just smiled faintly. If Travis didn''t want her to know who he was, it was the same for Jillyanna. In any case, she had been predicting that Travis would get tired of her sooner or later.


    When everything was set, they resumed filming. This time, they started where they left off. Joven kept the last video where Travis popped out of nowhere giving a feeling of surprise.


    He invited her for a ferris wheel ride where a romantic scene will be taken once they reached the peak of its cycle.


    A cameraman came along with them to film. Joven was watching from the ground with his monitor. He was giving them instructions through their earpiece to get the right scene that he wanted.


    "Travis, you have to lean closer at her. Look directly into her eyes like you''re looking at the most precious woman in your life. Hold the side of her face with your hand and slowly, moved slowly towards her. Tilt your head a little so I can get an angle where it looked like you kissed her. That''s it!" His nonstop chatter made Travis feel a little nervous.


    He followed what was told and looked directly into Jillyanna''s eyes. Since it was a romantic scene, Jillyanna cooperated and looked at him as well. Her heart in her eyes and there was so much love in her. Travis was startled to see such naked emotions from her.


    When the best scene was taken, they heard Joven cutting the film and was waiting for them to get down.


    Jillyanna moved away from him as soon as she could and looked at the scenery around her. Travis was disappointed to see her movement. He actually thought she had fallen for him, but it was obviously an act for the film.


    "It''s nice here, isn''t it?" Jillyanna asked to no one in particular but Travis still answered her.


    "It is. When I was young, I would always ask my mother to come with me and play in an amusement park but it only happened a few times. She was always busy with work, almost no time for me. Why did you guys decided to film here?"


    "I want to come here. I haven''t been to amusement park, you know. This is my first time." Jillyanna stated before turning to face him with a smile. "I''m glad you like this kind of place."


    "If you want to come here again, you can just tell me. I''ll come with you." Travis responded before reaching out his hand to gently pat her head.


    "Thanks." she retorted but it was just a normal response with a normal facial expression. Travis was actually expecting that she would show some loving expression or something sweet or something special, but there was nothing at all.


    "Don''t forget my payment. You must have dinner with me." he reminded her just in case she''d forget due to her work.


    "I know. We''ll have dinner after this. Where do you want to eat?" Jillyanna asked him excitedly. Even if she''s the one treating him, she was still looking forward to the kind of foods she''ll get to eat for dinner. She didn''t know why but she''s been craving so much food lately.


    "I want some Chinese food." Travis responded to her. They talked about food for dinner while waiting for their turn to come down.


    ''Stop feeding me dog food! You can act lovey dovey when you''re home! Don''t make me a third wheel!'' The cameraman was expressionless at the side but internally he wanted to dig a hole and hide himself. It was a torture to stay with sweet couple.


    When they got down, Joven was so happy with the result and praised them. However, when he saw his cameraman, he was confused and surprised.


    "Hey, why the long face?" Joven asked the cameraman who got off the cable and walked to them.


    "I was eating dog food the whole time I was with them! It was so frustrating for a single to be with sweet couple." he lamented towards Joven who just laughed at him. Joven was bent from laughing and he could only pat his cameraman on the shoulder.


    "Good luck to you because we will be working with them until the film is over. Anyway, it''s just for today." Joven stated before going back to see his monitor.


    Jillyanna and Travis was resting for a bit on a bench under the flame tree when a loud guy approached them.


    "Travis! It''s you! Who is she?" Diego Sandoval, Travis'' best friend came over to talk to them.


    "She''s Jillyanna, my future wife." Travis introduced her to his friend which made Jillyanna pinched the space between her brows.


    "You don''t have to introduce me that way." Jillyanna retorted but Travis didn''t plan to give her a way out.


    "Well, Diego, this is Jillyanna. I am pursuing her and after two months we''ll see if it''s okay to get married." Travis stated once again which made Jillyanna glared at him.


    Diego watched their interaction and he couldn''t help but laugh. It was the first time for him to see Travis getting interested with opposite sex and he was more interested to know how it will turn out.

 Chapter 25 - AMUSEMENT PARK 3

    "It''s nice to meet you, Jillyanna. I''m Diego, his best friend." Diego introduced himself while reaching out his hand for a handshake.


    "It''s nice meeting you, too. Please just ignore his nonsense." Jillyanna took his hand for a handshake but she still threw a glaring glance towards Travis.


    Diego chuckled upon seeing her actions and he was already looking forward for his best friend''s future.


    "I won''t disturb your date anymore because my sister would be looking for me if I would take so much time. I''ll see you both next time." He waved his hand and ran away from them to buy food for his sister.


    When he was out of their sight, Jillyanna had her hands on her waist and one of her eyebrows was raised. "Why the hell did you tell them I''m your future wife?" It wasn''t just once but twice already.


    "Aren''t you?" Travis questioned her back.


    "I am not. It''s not going to happen." she turned her back on him to hide away her facial expressions.


    "Why? I still have so much time for me to prove that I deserve a chance and after two months we can also talk about marriage. I am serious about this. I am not pursuing you because I''m having fun or that I just want to have a girlfriend. I decided to pursue you with marriage in mind." Travis spoke softly but enough for her to hear and listen the words from his heart.


    "I agreed, yes. However, the two months that I gave you still stand. Don''t go telling people that I''m your future wife or whatnot. It would be ridiculous if that won''t actually happen."


    "Then why not make it happen? Don''t you have a little bit of special feelings for me?" Travis couldn''t help but blurt out what''s on his mind. He wanted to take back his words but it was too late.


    Jillyanna looked at him. No smile or any expression at all. She looked so cold and even her words were coated with ice.


    "I don''t. I don''t have any. I am not capable of feeling the emotions you were looking for. I have told you from the start that it''s a waste of time." there was no hint of warmness in her eyes at all.


    Travis was stunned with her answer. It never crossed his mind that she would hate him or that she won''t feel anything for him at all. He was really confident that she would fall for him. Most women would flock around him but it was the first time that someone didn''t like him.


    "I still have a month or so to pursue you. Maybe you''d change your mind. I am really serious with you." Travis stated with all sincerity he could muster.


    "Fine. Just tell me once you want to stop all these. You don''t need to finish the whole two months." Jillyanna responded to him. She couldn''t afford to fall in love and hurt herself over and over again.


    She was once asked by a junior in her university before who was working as a school journalist. Jillyanna was one of the top achievers in school and many people wanted to know what kind of life she has.


    The journalist asked her about her study habits that could help students and some beauty tips for ladies since she was also the No. 1 Campus Beauty for three consecutive years until she graduated.


    Aside from trivial questions, many people wanted to know how she''s doing with her love life. The journalist once asked her, "Have you fallen in love?"


    Jillyanna wanted to lie to her but she also realized that there''s nothing wrong to answer the question honestly. Anyway, they didn''t know who the guy was.


    "I did. I was stupid and young back then." she answered the question with an expressionless face.


    Cielo and Lucian who was watching her from the opposite table were also shocked. They didn''t know about it.


    "I believe it wasn''t a good relationship?" the journalist probed her which made Jillyanna nod her head.


    "It wasn''t really a relationship. More like a one-sided love. Though he knew about it for a long time. That doesn''t matter anymore now. We haven''t seen each other for a very long time." Jillyanna responded with a confident smile this time.


    "So Ms. Madrid, what''s love for you?"


    Jillyanna paused for a while to think of an answer. "Love for me? When I was young, when I first liked someone, I thought love was boundless. It can''t be measured with anything. You can''t base your love with the person''s status, look or intelligence. That''s what I thought. But now? For me, love is a waste of time. It''s a pain in the ass. It''s frustrating. It''s depressing and it''s not helpful at all. It will only cause a disturbance in your life!"


    The journalist faced her with a surprised expression. She didn''t expect to get a strong negative emotions towards love. Most people will go for romantic kind of words, atmosphere and vibe, but the woman that was being interviewed didn''t regard it that way.


    Jillyanna also noticed that the journalist was shocked with her answer so she tried to set things on the right track.


    "That''s what I think now. Who knows in the future I might change my mind? Just don''t expect it to be so soon." Jillyanna added with a chuckle before arranging her things.


    "Thank you so much Ms. Madrid. I wish that you''ll find your true love as well." the journalist bowed before keeping the recorder and left.


    Not long after, Lucian, Cielo and Jillyanna also went home. They didn''t ask her who the person she once liked. They would wait for her to tell them personally which never happened until now.


    Jillyanna''s mind returned to present and she decided to keep quiet. Travis didn''t bother her as well. He can take one step at a time towards her until she would learn how to love him. That''s his goal within the remaining one month and few days.

 Chapter 26 - IS SHE SICK?

    They continued filming until late afternoon. When they finished everything, Jillyanna and Travis decided to postpone the dinner and scheduled it the next day since they''ve been working almost the whole afternoon.


    "Should I release this for you or will you do it yourself?" Joven asked her when he was keeping his things to get home.


    "I can do it myself. Just let me know once it''s done." Jillyanna responded while helping him arrange his things.


    Travis went somewhere to take a phone call so he didn''t hear their conversation. He was being reprimanded by his father on the phone.


    "Stop this nonsense and come back soon! Your mother didn''t raise you to be irresponsible! Jillyanna was right! You are irresponsible!" Thomas scolded his son on the line. He was so frustrated over his matter that he hadn''t gotten any time to sleep these past few days.


    Travis was stunned for a moment before it sank in his brain. " You knew where she is? Why didn''t you tell me?"


    "I didn''t know where she is! It was her words against you a long time ago! Wasn''t it your fault that she hates you! You stupid brat!" Thomas was quick to deny her whereabout and grilled him with words once again.


    Since it had come to this, it would be better that they won''t see each other again. However, fate was working differently than how human brain works. He would''ve never anticipated the result he''d get in the coming days.


    Of course, that''s a story for another day.


    Travis let go of the matter and promised his father that he would go back home once everything was settled which was a month and some days more.


    Thomas ended the call in frustration. He could only sigh and apologize to his late wife regarding the growth of their child. It wasn''t easy for him and they had drifted apart since she left them over her death.


    When everyone was ready to go, Travis walked Jillyanna to the parking lot where her car was parked.


    "Thanks for today. I''ll let you know the place for tomorrow''s dinner." Jillyanna stated with a faint smile.


    "I''m glad I was able to help. I had a great time today." he responded to her as he stood in front of her with his hands on his pocket. He looked so still looked handsome and fresh even though they had been staying under the sun for the entire afternoon.


    "I''ll see you tomorrow. Bye." Jillyanna didn''t wait for him to reply and got into her car. She just waved her hand at him and left to go back home.


    Travis watched her left, a gentle smile appeared on his lips everytime she remembered her pretty face. He had seen different expressions across her face but she still looked beautiful even when she got angry at him the second time they met after their one-night affair.


    Jillyanna texted Cielo and her family that she won''t be coming home to their house. She went back to the old house instead to take a rest.


    She turned on the light when she entered the house. It was still the same when she left it. Cold and lonely.


    She placed her bag on the couch and got herself some rest. However, when she closed her eyes it was Travis who appeared in her mind.


    "Damn brain cells! Stop bugging me with his face!" Jillyanna cursed herself as she curled her body on the sofa to keep her warm. She stayed in that position for a few minutes before a growling sound came off from her stomach.


    She stood up and went to the kitchen to prepare some food. She stewed some fish and stir-fried some veggies. She even boiled some pork dumplings and prepared a bowl of noodles. There was even a lot of rice.


    "I do eat a lot but I never eat this many. Why am I such a glutton these past few days?" she whispered to herself while arranging her dished on the table. She would be eating alone once again.


    She finished all her food since she was really good with cooking. But she felt dizzy and weak right after she stood up to bring the dished to the kitchen sink.


    "I must be very tired. I''ll get plenty of rest tonight." she mumbled to herself as she forced herself to clean her plates. It didn''t take long before she started to vomit her food.She vomited until only a bile could be thrown out.


    "What''s going on with me? Am I sick?" she placed the back of her hand on her forehead but she didn''t feel hot. "Must be from working under the sun."


    She disregarded everything and continued cleaning. Right after returning her utensils, she took her bag and walked to her room. She took a hot bath and wrapped herself in a bathrobe.


    It was the day to post the second picture if the requirements for the last picture was met. She opened her laptop and checked her post.


    ''Very disciplined.'' she commented as she browsed thru comments. What she asked was what she got and she appreciated the fact that they followed her request.


    "I am so excited to see how our goddess look like." a comment with so many likes and replies caught her attention.


    "It''s been years. I am looking forward to see her. I hope this won''t disturb her privacy." another comment was placed which made her smile.


    It''s rare for people to care about the privacy of other people. Most people now a days, they would butt in and gossip about your damn business! Why don''t they just care about themselves?


    In any case, she had prepared herself for any disturbance when she decided to go public. She wanted to do something for her fans.


    No more no less, both comments and likes hit the mark that she required for the first picture. She then placed the next puzzle which made it 2 out of 4 with another caption.


    "I VISITED THE AMUSEMENT PARK FOR THE FIRST TIME TODAY. I ONLY NEED A 100K LIKES FOR THIS PICTURE BUT THE COMMENT MUST ALL BE ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE PLACE."

 Chapter 27 - ONLINE CELEBRITY

    The keyboard warriors, her fans and other online celebrities were all waiting for this update. Now, they got a pair of eyes from her. People of different walks in life who were still awake also joined in on the fun. It''s rare for them to talk about their favorite place with a celebrity.


    In just a few minutes, her post skyrocketed to thousands of likes and it was flooded with several comments and pictures from different people.


    After posting that, she decided to get some sleep and visit the shop the next day.


    Cielo and Lucian received a new notification of her post the day after. They were surprised to know that she was really planning to go public. They thought she was just kidding when she posted the first piece of her picture puzzle.


    "Do you think it''s good that she showed her face in public? Many people would soon find out her life. Her privacy will be exposed." Cielo stated over breakfast the next morning. Since her sister didn''t come home last night, their breakfast was a little lonely. She was also worried for her.


    A life of an entertainment persona was difficult once exposed to the public. As much as possible, they wanted to keep her safe.


    "It''s fine. She knew what she''s doing. If worse comes to worst, we can hire some bodyguards for her." Lucian responded while placing some rice on his wife''s plate.


    They didn''t dwell on the topic any longer. They knew that nobody can change her decision. They can only watch and support her, make sure she''s safe from behind the scene.


    Her post spread far and wide during the day when most people were awake. It almost reached the required number of likes but it soon stopped to make sure that it won''t exceed the numbers she wanted.


    "I like ferris wheel ride in an amusement park but still it''s kinda different to stop yourself from liking. I am so scared that we would exceed the required number and lose this chance in knowing her. :( " This comment earned the most number of likes and replies, making it the top from all the comments.


    "My favorite place is the Ocean Park. I love watching the marine animals and the different corals. However, my goddess, can you not make such difficult request. Many people wanted to like your picture but we were worried." this comes second from the top.


    "Person above, you are absolutely right. My friends haven''t like the pictures yet because they don''t want to be the reason for us exceeding the number of likes. Anyway, my favorite place is the Safari Adventure Park."


    "My favorite place is Disney Land. I''ve been there a couple of times already. >_< So excited to see her face. After so many years of waiting."


    They all wanted to see who YNA is. There had been so many speculations of her identity but no one would say who she is. When her account got verified, it was because she knew many directors and musicians. However, they won''t speak anything about her.


    One of those directors was Joven. He met her when she was still studying in university. She didn''t want to expose herself but she submitted a lyrics for a song writing competition that gained many fans.


    When he knew who she was, Joven was just one of the judges back then. He pursued the career to be a director and film music videos using her songs.


    When he found that she wanted to go public, he was really surprised and many people from the music industry supported her. They wanted those haters to see how pretty the woman they bashed.


    The online discussion didn''t die down. Many headlines appear about her going public but they couldn''t get an official statement from her since nobody would divulged her whereabouts.


    She was an internet celebrity, a mysterious one at that. She had been an online singer for so many years but her friends helped her keep her privacy which made her life stay peaceful.


    Jillyanna went to visit the cafe the next day before going to have a dinner with Travis.


    "I feel like I''ve seen these eyes before." one of the staff whispered as she stared at her phone.


    "How could that be possible?" another staff popped her bubbles and went off to work.


    "What are you guys watching?" Jillyanna showed up behind them, startling their employees. She laughed at their weird expressions from being surprised and scared. "You look so serious over a picture. What is it?"


    The staff who was holding her phone showed her the picture they were talking about. "Isn''t her eyes pretty. Boss, this girl is an online singer. I''ve been her fan for a long time and recently, she decided to post a picture of herself. These eyes are so familiar. I just can''t point out why and how they are familiar to me."


    Jillyanna raised her brow after watching the pair of eyes. It was her eyes that she posted the night before. "You might''ve met her somewhere." she stated before returning the phone back.


    "I think so, too. I''m 100% sure that my goddess is a beautiful lady. I wonder why she decided to reveal herself." The staff mumbled to herself but Jillyanna still caught on the words.


    It made her paused from walking away and faced her loyal fan. "Maybe she thought that her fans deserved to know what''s behind the camera."


    After leaving those words, Jillyanna turned around and walked towards Cielo''s little office room.


    It was because of her fans that she decided to reveal herself. She knew that many people would be poking their noses into her life but she had prepared herself.


    There was also another reason which she couldn''t say yet. It wasn''t the right time. For now, she could only be honest and show who she is behind her camera.


    Jillyanna was walking slowly towards Cielo''s office like a queen but she soon staggered and felt dizzy. Her world was getting blurry and it was spinning around her. Instinctively, she covered her head and stomach as she fell on the ground.


    "Boss!" Those were worried voices of their employees. Even Cielo came out running to see her.


    And that''s all she heard before the world turned dark and she lost her consciousness.

 Chapter 28 - DR. ELIEZER RIVERA

    Cielo was so worried she called their family doctor right away but before the doctor arrived, Jillyanna woke up.


    She looked around her and found herself in Cielo''s office.


    "Thanks God you''re awake! You gave me a fright there!" Cielo raved at her when she got inside with some hot chocolate for her.


    "I might be just hungry. I didn''t have breakfast this morning and I was working all day yesterday. I''m sorry for worrying you." Jillyanna responded before receiving the cup of hot chocolate from her.


    Cielo just rolled her yes and called in their chef. She knew how much of a glutton her sister is but she actually skipped a meal? She just couldb''t fathom her mind.


    The chef knocked on the door before coming in. He''s got different kinds of foods in a trolley, all of them were just freshly cooked for Jillyanna.


    "Here''s your food boss. Don''t skip a meal. It''s not good." Their chef stated before arranging the meals in front of her table.


    She''s got a platter of rice which wasn''t actually enough for her, a roasted chicken, spicy garlic shrimp, crab soup and freshly squeezed orange juice.


    "I love you Marky! You really know how much I can eat." Jillyanna was so delighted to see so much food for her.


    Mark, the chef, just smiled at her after a low bow and excused himself. Cielo just laughed as she watched her eat the food on the table. It''s fine if Jillyanna eats inside her office, they can clean it after.


    Jillyanna ate silently while Cielo continued her work. After a few mouthful of her food, their family doctor arrived with so much worry. Then, his face changed to different expressions and colors. It was a funny sight and Jillyanna paused herself from eating.


    "Yo! How are you doc?" Jillyanna greeted before shoving another spoonful of rice.


    "You little rascal! Shouldn''t I be the one asking you that! I was called here because you fainted! Do you know how worried I was? And here you are eating with so much food? Why are you such a glutton?!" Dr. Rivera expressed his dissatisfaction and worry for her. He had been taking care of her everytime she visited the hospital, which happened when he also visited his father.


    "Sorry El. I fainted, yes. But I recovered almost immediately. I was just hungry since I didn''t eat breakfast this morning and I was so exhausted from my work yesterday." Jillyanna propped her chin on her palm while talking but she didn''t stop eating using her other hand.


    "I don''t know what to do with you. Stop making me worry. Didn''t I tell you to eat three meals a day?" Dr. Eliezer Rivera reprimanded her again. He sat on the couch opposite to Jillyanna and placed her things on the other couch beside him.


    "Stop with your LQ. I am still here." Cielo spoke up from her table. She was all smile when she looked at them. Seeing El''s flustered face everytime he sees Jillyanna made Cielo bloomed in mischief.


    Everybody knew how much he likes Jillyanna ever since he met her. It''s been so many years but up until now, he couldn''t say his feelings.


    "I''m sorry Cielo. I forgot this is your office." Eliezer fixed his spectacles and apologized to her.


    "Yeah I know. You''ll forget everything once she''s in front of you." Cielo rolled her eyes while waving her hand at him.


    Eliezer''s eyes widened and he immediately looked at Jillyanna who was busy eating. ''Sigh. Good thing she''s busy eating.'' Eliezer thought and he glared at Cielo for slipping her tongue. Which by the way, Cielo intentionally did that to help them make some progress.


    Eliezer sat properly and faced her long time crush. "So, how are you feeling?"


    "I am perfectly fine. You should stop worrying about me. I can really take care of myself. It''s just today. Sorry for making you worry." Jillyanna responded before dropping her chopsticks and took another pair. "Come and eat with me." She gave the chopsticks to him.


    Eliezer raised his eyebrow with her sweet gesture. "Are you sure? You wanted to share your food? If I know, this isn''t enough for you."


    "Stop mocking me already. Just eat with me. It''s boring to eat alone and I''m sure Cielo has eaten. She can''t leave the house without eating her breakfast."


    Eliezer put on some plastic gloves, received the chopsticks and picked some shrimps before he peeled it for her.


    "You didn''t stay at the villa?" Eliezer asked as he placed some peeled shrimps on her plate.


    "I didn''t ask you to help me peel these, but thank you. I still appreciate it. You have to eat with me." She picked the wing part of the roasted chicken and gave it to him. "I stayed at the villa these past few days. I just felt like going back to the old house yesterday. I might stay there for few days to get some works done."


    "I see. Since you''re alone, make sure you have a stock of groceries to cook and eat. Don''t ever skip a meal again." he reminded her once again.


    "I know. By the way El, you are not young anymore and your dad had been sending you to blind dates. Haven''t you found someone?" Jillyanna asked indifferently while picking some garlic from her food.


    Cielo raised her head and watched how El would respond. She wanted to laugh out loud upon seeing his face.


    "What...what are you talking about? I am not in a hurry to get married. I am still young. I haven''t reached thirty yet." If Jillyanna wasn''t so focused in peeling her shrimps, she would''ve seen how red his face was.


    "I was just wondering. Make sure you introduce the woman to us if you ever find someone interested. We will help you evaluate her."


    "Alright." Eliezer shrugged his shoulders before putting a piece of shrimp in his mouth. ''Why can''t I say it? Damn it!'' he cursed himself internally for being a coward.

 Chapter 29 - CONFUSED AND UPSET

    Jillyanna and Eliezer finished their food after an hour of conversation. "You don''t really want me to check your health?" he asked her while helping her clean the table.


    "I''m really fine." Jillyanna waved her hand to drop the matter. "Thanks for reminding me about the groceries. I''m running out of stocks already."


    "Do you want me to help you shop? I''m free for the whole day." he volunteered himself which Cielo agreed almost instantly for the development of their relationship.


    "Right sis. Why not have him go with you? In that way, you can catch with the time you''re not around and he can look after you in case you''ll pass out again." Cielo spoke up from her desk while she typed replied on some inquiries for franchising.


    "If it''s fine with you, I can really accept such help. I need a lot for the house." Jillyanna commented before returning the utensils to the trolley.


    "That''s it then. I''ll come with you." Eliezer responded with a smile. He can only secretly like her since Jillyanna didn''t want to be in a relationship. He had known about it for a long time. It''s also the reason why he can''t tell her how he feels. He didn''t want to lose the friendship they had built for so many years. He didn''t want to take the risk.


    Jillyanna talked to Cielo for a while about some business expansion to different cities. Cielo also informed her about the franchising inquiries and sent her the details so that she can review it at home.


    "I''ll be staying at the old house for the time being. I''ll be back next week probably. I''ve got pending works and I''m trying to think of some serious matters. Don''t worry, I''ll visit you here. I''ll call you as well." Jillyanna kissed her sister''s cheek before leaving.


    "Make sure you eat on time." Cielo reminded her once again which made Jillyanna smile and nod her head.


    Eliezer had his driver leave the cafe earlier so that he can spend some alone time with her. "I''ll be troubling you for a lift."


    "What are you talking about? You are going to help me buy some groceries. It''s better that we go to a supermarket together." Jillyanna responded before opening her car. Eliezer hopped in on the passenger seat before placing his stuff at the back seat.


    "It''s a surprise that you are not out of the country this time." he opened up after closing the door. It''s known to their circle of friends that Jillyanna would spend most of her time studying cultures and business management all over the world. So it was a shock to them that she''s actually staying.


    Jillyanna drove the car out of the parking lot before answering him. "I''m just staying temporarily. I''ll have to go back to France after a few months. I got it delayed for some personal reasons."


    "Don''t you want to stay here?" he asked her with a little sadness in his voice. If she''s around, he''ll get more chances with her. But if she wasn''t, there''s little to no chance at all.


    Jillyanna glanced at him before giving him her beautiful smile. "Maybe 2 or 3 years from now. I''ll settle in here."


    Eliezer just smiled back at her. He could wait for her. He will wait for her until she''s ready to settle down.


    Not long after, they arrived at the largest supermarket in the area. Jillyanna took her bag and got out of the car. Eliezer followed right after her.


    "Oh my gosh! I totally forgot!" she exclaimed upon realizing the scheduled dinner with Travis.


    "Is it something so important?" Eliezer asked while getting a push cart for her groceries.


    "Not really but I might as well give him a call to postpone our appointment." Jillyanna rummaged her bag to look for her phone. She called Travis right away, but he wasn''t answering her.


    "Is there anything you''d like me to get while you''re on the phone? Fruits? Veggies?" Eliezer inquired at her.


    "I need fruits, veggies, milk, bread and some meat." Jillyanna responded. They walked from aisle to aisle to get the things they needed. After a few minutes, Jillyanna''s phone rang. Travis'' name was on the notification bar.


    "Sorry I was taking a shower." Travis spoke immediately which made Jillyanna raised her brow.


    "It''s fine. Can we move our dinner to one hour later? I still have some things to do."


    "Sure. We''ll have it by 9 o''clock tonight, then. Would you like me to pick you up? It''s late and you''re a woman after all."


    "No need. I can manage. See you tonight."


    "Yanna, do you like this or this?" Eliezer''s voice was still caught on the mouth piece when she was about to end the call.


    Travis who heard his voice was stunned for a moment. His blood was boiling and his gaze was dark. He was no longer in the mood for dinner.


    "She was with another man? And he was acting all sweet with her? How dare she!" Travis smashed his phone on the wall from so much anger.


    Thinking about her with another man made him go mad like an insane devil. He didn''t want anyone to get close to her.


    He sat on his bed with just a towel wrapped around his waist. He even prepared himself for the dinner that he was looking forward to.


    "Damn it!" he cursed himself and stood up to get a new phone from his drawer. "Am I doing the right thing? What if I actually find her? What am I going to do?"


    Travis started getting confused with his decision. He knew to himself that finding his auntie''s daughter should be the topmost priority, but now, he was afraid to see her. He was afraid that everything will change because of her.


    ''So this should be the last time then? It''s funny that she knew I wouldn''t last two months in pursuing her.'' Travis laughed mockingly to himself. He realized that he was indeed irresponsible. Maybe he found her interested because she''s got the same name as her.


    "I''m going crazy!" Travis slapped his face twice to wake himself from this nightmarish situation. He needed to think clearly.


    However, love is irrational. You cannot just think about it. You have to feel it. Even if you think about the consequences, the other party involved and other factors, that type love might still be wrong or maybe right. Nobody can tell. But the least you can do is to be honest.

 Chapter 30 - SECOND DINNER DATE

    Jillyanna, with the help of her friend and doctor, bought all the things she wanted. He helped her carry her things to the old house and helped her arrange it in her fridge and cupboard.


    "I''ll have to leave you alone after this. I still have two appointments for my shift." Eliezer stated while placing the meat they bought in the freezer. He had his sleeved rolled up to his elbows, exposing his lean and pale arms. He looked scholarly with his glasses on.


    Jillyanna made some orange juice for him and placed it on the table. "Thanks El. You helped me a lot. Let me treat you to dinner next time. I just hope nothing will come to disrupt my plans. I really hate it when things don''t go my way." She stated with a little bit of frustration as she tucked her hair behind her ear.


    "We knew that. I''m pretty sure you can pull things through. Just believe in yourself." Eliezer responded to her.


    Jillyanna sent him to the hospital since he didn''t bring his car. It was to avoid any inconvenience for him, too.


    "I''ll see you next time. Make sure to eat your meals on time. No skipping!" Eliezer reminded her making Jillyanna smile at him


    "I know. I know. It won''t happen again." she promised to reassure him.


    "I''ll go now. See you next time." he got off her car after bidding her goodbye. Jillyanna saw him talk to a pretty nurse before getting inside the hospital building.


    She left after a few minutes and went back home. She had to get ready for dinner with Travis. She didn''t want him to wait specially that she owed him big time.


    Jillyanna took a quick shower and soaked herself in her bathtub for almost half an hour. After that, she got out of the shower room without anything on. She''s always like that ever since since she was young. As long as she''s inside her room, she''ll wander around naked.


    She opened her wardrobe and pick a burgundy dress from ZARA with a slit sleeves which goes up to her shoulders. It was just three inches above her knees and has a low neckline, exposing just enough skin of her white chest. It didn''t expose her cleavage which was good enough for her.


    She paired it with a Silver Stilettos from Stuart Weitzman which she got for her birthday when she was 18 years old. To match with her dress, she chose a burgundy Hermes bag.


    She wanted to put some make up but she particularly hate them that night. She only wear bit of lip gloss and face powder.


    She made sure that everything that should be locked was locked and that her security alarm was working.


    She left her house and drove her car towards the restaurant that Travis booked for them. She arrived first but not long after, Travis also arrived in his white polo underneath his black suit.


    His long legs strode towards her and for some reason Jillyanna felt her heart skip a beat. She frowned at the thought but just pushed it at the back of her mind.


    "You look beautiful, tonight." Travis commented before taking his seat opposite her.


    "Just tonight?" Jillyanna joked before taking a look on the menu.


    "You''re always pretty but you look exceptional tonight." he reiterated with additional thoughts.


    "You don''t have to praise me. My mind won''t change just because of some flowery words. That won''t work on me." Jillyanna smiled at him but that smile didn''t reach her eyes.


    Travis didn''t know what to say. He was truthful to his words but it looked to him that she didn''t believe in his words at all.


    They started ordering their food for dinner and they talked about their daily life while waiting.


    "What were you doing earlier? When I received your call, I think you were in a market." Actually, he just made a conjecture after hearing a man asked for her opinion regarding some items.


    Jillyanna didn''t deny it at all. She had her chin on her palm and her elbows on the table. "I was buying groceries with my friend."


    Travis made an ''Oh'' sound upon hearing her answer. ''It''s really not good to judge things directly without knowing the truth.'' He thought to himself knowing that he lost his composure earlier.


    When their food arrived, they started eating quietly. They would talk occasionally but Jillyanna was more focused on her food. Travis chuckled when he saw her actions.


    "What are you laughing at?" Jillyanna glared at him before eating a piece of dumplings.


    "I didn''t know you could eat this much. You''re a bit petite for someone who could eat a lot." Travis answered while placing some Chinese braised chicken wings on her plate.


    Jillyanna chewed on her food and swallowed it before responding to him. "I can eat more than this. If you want to make me your girlfriend, you should prepare yourself. I am not like other women who would go hungry for a date. I need to eat a lot."


    Travis smiled at her. "With my savings, we can still live a lifetime with these much food."


    "It doesn''t really matter. I can feed myself." Jillyanna took back her words since it wasn''t good to give someone some hope and actually take it. She''d rather be honest to him about his chances.


    "You don''t really feel anything for me? Nothing for my sweetness? No points for my face? No points for being a gentleman?" Travis asked her one after the other. He placed his chopsticks down and waited for her answer.


    Jillyanna wasn''t angry or upset at all. She placed her chopsticks down and faced him. "I told you before, I don''t change my mind that easily. And besides, we don''t know much about each other. Honestly, I don''t like to involve myself in a relationship. I don''t think we need to continue this two months of trial." Jillyanna picked up her chopsticks and put some dumplings on her plate once again. She always like dumplings.


    "So I don''t really have a chance? Not a little bit?" Travis asked once again.


    "Why do you like me by the way? Is it because of my face, my body or my personality?"


    These questions struck him dumb. Why did he like her? How could he answer that?

 Chapter 31 - HONEST CONVERSATION

    Travis was silenced by her questions but Jillyanna didn''t care about it that much. She continued eating as if she didn''t put him on a hot seat.


    Travis clasped his hands together and placed it on the table just beside his plate. He looked at her seriously, devoid of emotions but his eyes were dark and penetrating. It made her feel like he was looking directly at her soul.


    After a few minutes of staring, he spoke to her. "Would you think I''m weird if I say it''s because of your name and scent?"


    Jillyanna was stunned with his answer. She never expected those words to come out of his mouth. But it was an honest statement.


    "So you like me because of my name? You have someone you like with the same name as mine?" She stated directly to the point.


    Many people said that she''s frank and straightforward - that''s actually true.She didn''t like those people who take some roundabout route when it comes to question and answer.


    "I had. It was a long time ago. I don''t even know where she is now. But I know that she hates me the most." Travis answered truthfully. He thought that it would be best to be honest. There''s no point in lying anyway.


    "So, you haven''t forgotten her which is why you like me. I don''t want to be a second option, Travis. Well, you''ve got a month to go if you want to continue. At the same time, my line is always open once you think it''s better to stop this." Jillyanna responded to him calmly. It''s been bugging him for a long time, the calmness she evoked when it comes to this topic. Sometimes, she''s emotionless.


    "Have you fallen in love?" Travis asked her directly. "Did someone hurt you in the past?"


    "Uh huh. I think he was just being honest with me. Though it hurts me so much, I take it as a lesson. But, there are some things that''s bound to change. That pain he gave me, it changed me to who I am now and I am happy with that. I don''t need to rely on anyone." Jillyanna was looking at him but Travis felt that she was so distant. There was pain in her eyes, fleeting emotions that he still caught in her eyes.


    ''That must be her first love. What a jerk!'' Travis cursed mentally but he kept a poker face to her.


    "I think we should bury things in the past. We need to think of the present and future. You and me. Maybe we could really be something wonderful. Why don''t you give it a try with me?"


    "After a month. That''s when we decide. That is if you can still hold on." Jillyanna chuckled and continued to eat once again.


    Travis also picked up his utensils once again and continued to eat as if their solemn and melodramatic conversation didn''t happen.


    It was another step for them. Well, for Travis it was another step for their relationship. He thought about so many things before meeting her. In the end, he decided to let go of his past and focus on his present.


    What''s bound to happen will happen. Nobody can predict the works of fate.


    When they finished their dinner, it was past 10 o''clock already. They got out of the restaurant and Travis walked her to her car.


    "You told me you like me for my name and scent. What''s this got to do my scent?" Jillyanna asked when they reached her car. Instead of opening the door, she leaned on the car hood beside him.


    Travis glanced at her then looked up at the sky before answering. "The first time I met you, I didn''t see your face but I caught a whiff of your scent. I don''t know if it''s your perfume or what but it gives me a familiar feeling that I can''t point out."


    "You are indeed weird." Jillyanna laughed faintly at him. Travis let out a low chuckle while taking a glance at her from time to time.


    "Thank you for having dinner with me." he spoke to her softly.


    "Thanks for helping me with my work." Jillyanna also expressed her gratitude to him.


    If possible, Travis want to stop the time and just stay with her but fate wasn''t really helping him.


    Jillyanna whipped her head abruptly and looked around her. Travis also felt that someone had been watching them.


    "Is something wrong?" Travis asked her to confirm his guess.


    "I just feel that someone''s been following me lately." Jillyanna confessed to him without any care.


    "How about I send you home? It''s better to be safe than sorry. I can''t have you take a risk with your life at stake." Travis suggested which was actually a good idea.


    Although, she didn''t want him to know where she live, she didn''t want to put her life at risk as well, specially that Lucian wasn''t allowing her to use a gun.


    "Sorry for troubling you." Jillyanna looked at him sincerely for the first time. She was really indebted to him again, this time with her life.


    "It''s not a problem. Let''s take my car. You can ask someone to drive the car back tomorrow." It wasn''t intentional and it wasn''t really what he wanted to do. However, he wanted to keep her safe.


    Travis put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to him. Jillyanna ducked her head a little to hide her face from everyone and Travis had his other arm cover her head. She didn''t mind it at all.


    He looked around them as they walked towards his car which was parked few meters from where her car was.


    Travis opened the door for her and let her slipped inside and took a seat. Jillyanna fastened her seatbelt while watching Travis walked towards the driver''s seat.


    "How long have you been stalked?" Travis asked when he got inside. He inserted his key and turned on the engine of his car.


    "Since I was in college, I felt someone had been following me. It stopped when I was out of the country. It happened again recently after I came back." Jillyanna answered truthfully. Even if it''s something private or personal to her, she didn''t mind telling him. She didn''t want to die, yet. Not yet.


    "Any enemies?" Travis asked again when they''re out on a highway. There were just few cars passing by since it''s already late at night.


    "I don''t remember anyone. I''m a good girl okay." Jillyanna rolled her eyes at him, but she was thankful that there''s someone beside her in this situation.


    "Alright, whatever it is you say. So, where should I send you?" Travis inquired when they need to choose a path of either right or left turn. Jillyanna gave him her address which made him frown.


    ''She''s mysterious.''

 Chapter 32 - HOSPITAL

    Jillyanna got out of the car after Travis made sure that no one had followed them. He raised his head and looked at the apartment complex in front of him.


    "You live here?" Travis asked since he knew that Jillyanna provided a different address to the hotel they went last time.


    Hearing his question, she turned her head and faced him. "Yes." It was a half truth and half lie. The whole building was owned by Cielo and Lucian. It had been two years since it was completely built as a gift from their parents.


    It wasn''t very high, just a five-storey building with four rooms on each floor. The rooms at the topmost floor were reserved for personal use and one of the rooms was for Jillyanna.


    She''d stay there when she wanted to which was a seldom thing to happen.


    Travis didn''t probe her even though he''s got so many things to ask. Like, why did she gave a different address at the hotel? Or why didn''t she want him to know her work before? And many more.


    "You can go inside. I will watch you from here to see you get there safely." Travis spoke to her. He put his hands on his pocket and leaned on his car while watching her.


    "Hn. I''ll go ahead. Thank you so much." she waved her hand at him, turned around and left. He watched her walk away from him, step by step, crashing his heart in the process and he didn''t know why. He unexpectedly got a bad feeling.


    When Jillyanna reached her floor, she moved closer to the glass railings and watched him from a far. He waved his hand while smiling at her. Jillyanna waved back before getting inside her room.


    Travis didn''t leave until Jillyanna was inside her apartment.


    The night quickly pass by without any disturbance.


    The next day, Jillyanna woke up feeling a bit nauseous. She got out of bed with quick movements and ran to her bathroom. She was retching in front of her vanity mirror, vomiting what was left in her stomach on the sink.


    After a few minutes, she was exhausted and feeling a bit dizzy. She let the water flow from the tap, draining away what she puked. She sat on the floor to regain her strength.


    "What''s wrong with me?" Jillyanna murmured before standing up again to look at her pale self, in the mirror.


    Worried about her physical health, she decided to go for a check up. She cancelled all her plans for that day and visited the hospital.


    She actually wanted to contact Eliezer but she didn''t want to be scolded once again so she dropped the idea.


    Alone, dizzy and weak, she pulled herself together and waited for her turn to be checked. She waited for almost half an hour before the nurse called her.


    "It''s your turn Ms. Madrid." the little nurse spoke to her and guided her inside the doctor''s consultation room.


    "Hi. I''m Dr. Aliya. Have a seat." It was a middle-aged woman, in her white coat with a stethoscope hanging around her neck. She smiled at her making Jillyanna smile as well.


    "Hello doc. Thank you for giving me time. I am really desperate to get myself checked." Jillyanna stated directly to the point.


    The doctor looked at her carefully. She was still a little pale despite putting some lip gloss. "What have you been feeling lately?"


    Jillyanna paused for a moment, thinking of the recent events when she fainted before recalling them to the doctor in front of her.


    "I''ve been feeling a little bit dizzy these past few days. I vomited and I even fainted one time. I''m not feeling any pain anywhere but I feel nauseous." she stated the things that she still remembered.


    "Any particular changes in your mood or eating habits?" Dr. Aliya asked her. Jillyanna didn''t know the connections but she still answered her.


    "I always eat a lot since I was young. Lately, I''ve been craving different kinds of fruits and food. I didn''t notice it but my friend did. I once liked minced garlic in my food or sauce but I''ve been picking them up from my food lately. I hate the smell of it and it made me want to vomit."


    Dr. Aliya smiled meaningfully at her but Jillyanna didn''t know why. She was confused and terrified that she might really be ill.


    Her mind had wandered to different scenarios about her sickness and even dying in a few days. She didn''t want it to happen at all. She still wanted to have a baby!


    ''Baby?'' Jillyanna repeated mentally to herself. Her eyes lit up but she controlled herself to remain calm. She didn''t want to get her hopes up with a false alarm.


    "Come closer." Dr. Aliya called to her and she did what she was told to do. She saw her checked her pulse and her smile widen. "I don''t think there''s something wrong with your body. How about you go for an ob-gyn?"


    "Ob-gyn? Don''t joke with me, doc." Even if Jillyanna was showing a surprise and disbelieving look, she was also anticipating internally.


    "I don''t want this to be a false alarm but I actually think you''re pregnant. Do you want me to introduce you to an ob-gyn?"


    "That''s great. I never thought about it but if I actually think about it, I have missed my period for this month." Jillyanna mumbled with so much happiness. Finally! Finally, she can stop her pretending game.


    Dr. Aliya escorted Jillyanna to a different floor to look for her ob-gyn. It didn''t take long before they found the person they were looking for.


    "Good morning Dr. Suarez." Dr. Aliya greeted the young female doctor who was helping a pregnant woman to take a seat on the bench at the lobby.


    "Dr. Aliya, what can I do for you?" Dr. Suarez greeted her back.


    She was a pretty doctor with a small face. Her fringe covered one of her dark and nicely shaped eyebrows. She was wearing a white turtle neck shirt and a black A-cut pencil skirt underneath her white coat. She was a little bit shorter compared to Jillyanna.


    "I have a patient that I want you to check. Is it okay?"


    "Sure. I don''t have any appointment now. Come inside." she gestured to Jillyanna the seat inside her consultation room.


    Dr. Aliya left her after making sure that she''s fine.


    After taking a seat on her swivel chair, Dr. Suarez asked her what she was feeling lately. Jillyanna recalled the things that she just talked to Dr. Aliya.


    Dr. Suarez checked her pulse and a slow but beautiful smile appeared on her face. "We''ll have to get you through several test to make sure everything''s correct. Please fill out this form." She gave Jillyanna a pen and paper, letting her write everything they needed on the blank provided.

 Chapter 33 - GOOD NEWS

    Jillyanna waited for an hour after all the physical check up and test she went through. She was currently chatting with the doctor since there was no other patient at the moment.


    "Where''s your husband by the way? Does he know that you''re here?" Dr. Suarez asked her while also typing some information on the hospital''s system for record keeping.


    Jillyanna shrugged her shoulders and sighed helplessly. "I never thought I''d be pregnant after doing it once but I was really really really hoping I would be. If the result is positive, I''ll surprise him at home."


    Her words seemed right but a smirk was hanging on her lips. She''d be crazy if she''ll let Travis know about her baby. That''s not on her plan.


    Lies. It was a lie. What she told the doctor was all craps and lies.


    After a little while, the nurse came in with a brown envelope. She handed it to the doctor with a beautiful smile.


    "Are you ready?" Dr. Suarez asked her before pulling the result out of the envelope. Jillyanna nodded her head. She was excited and nervous at the same time. "Congratulations Ms. Madrid! You''re 34 days pregnant!"


    Jillyanna was so happy that her plan was going smoothly. She reached out for the result and saw the positive mark and the number of days on the lower left.


    ''Well, come to think of it. So many things happened and it was pushed behind my mind that a month has passed. I totally forgot it!'' Jillyanna thought to herself internally.


    She smiled to the doctor and expressed her gratitude.


    "Now let''s talk about the check up you have to take in the coming months. Pregnancy should be taken seriously. Babies are angel that you have to carry for 9 months."


    "I know doc. However, I''m leaving for States. Can I just do this abroad?"


    "Yes. It''s fine. Wherever you are, as long as you go for a check up for your baby, that is fine."


    "That''s it then. Thank you so much doc. I''ll be leaving first." Jillyanna stood up and shook the doctors hand before going out.


    She was so happy that she didn''t know where to pit her happiness. Everything that she was thinking went out of her brain and all she can think of was her baby.


    She had been wanting to have her own child ever since she was in her teens. It didn''t matter to her if there''s no one by her side. She can take care of her baby and dedicate all her time for her baby.


    With all the baby thoughts in her mind, Jillyanna hummed while walking away from the doctor''s office.


    However, a certain someone was beyond shocked to see her go out from the ob-gyn department.


    Eliezer stood dumbstruck in one corner. He was on his way to get some food for lunch. The Obstetrics and gynecology department is located near the hospital canteen for the reason that pregnant women would be craving different kind of foods from time to time.


    He just got there when Jillyanna came out of Dr. Suarez''s office. His mind went blank seeing her happy face looked into the envelope. He forgot to call her out.


    Jillyanna made it back to her car without any delay. She opened the door and got inside, fastened her seatbelt and drove the car to the nearest bookstore in the area.


    "Hi. Where can I find the books for pregnancy?" Jillyanna asked the lady at the counter.


    "Shelves 13 and 14 on the right side of the aisle." the lady answered and went back to her work.


    Jillyanna walked slowly and looked around to find the aisle number. It was located at the middle area and there were several women with their husbands or partners looking for books with them.


    Jillyanna started looking for books, too. She picked up some books, read the title, flipped through pages and returned them. She did the same process over and over again for some books. Those that she thought were better and sensible were placed on her basket.


    For almost two hours of finding books, Jillyanna managed to get ten different books about taking care of pregnant women, what should be avoided and so on.


    Jillyanna paid for them and went back to her car. She felt dizzy from searching the books so she rested for a while inside her car.


    "I am so blessed. My braincells are amazing, too! My plan was flawless" Jillyanna praised herself while caressing her flat stomach.


    After resting herself, she turned on the engine and drove back to her own home. She carried the paper bag containing the books upstairs.


    Realizing that she had so many groceries at home and she needed to get rid of them before leaving, Jillyanna cooked a sumptuous meal for her late lunch since it''s almost 1 o''clock in the afternoon.


    She made a steak and stew some veggies for a balance meal. She placed some of the food in a plastic container and walked outside the house.


    There were several houses around Jillyanna''s home and they''ve been guarding her property ever since she left and until she returned. They knew she''d come back either to sell the house or to live in it.


    She''s thankful to them and everytime she''s back from her travel, she''d give them souvenirs or invite them to dinner.


    Jillyanna knocked on the first house that was the closest to hers. There lived an old couple at their 40s who helped her several times to do her gardening.


    "Hello Uncle Shan and Auntie Laure. I have some food for you." Jillyanna greeted them and handed the plastic containers.


    "Thank you so much, Jill." the couple expressed their gratitude and received the containers.


    "You''re welcome. I''ll be leaving first. Is Jenny in their house?" Jillyanna asked the last minute.


    "Yes. She''s home." Laure answered her question.


    "Thank you." She waved her hand and walked back to her house. She got another plastic containers for the two houses that''s just meters apart.


    She went to the left side of her house and walked for few minutes. She didn''t mind walking around the place since it wasn''t very hot. There were many trees, flowers and different kinds of plants around the area.


    Jillyanna arrived and she saw Jenny hanging her clothes to dry.


    "Sis! You''re here. Come inside." Jenny stopped her work and guided her inside her small house. She''s an orphan left by her mother and she refused to leave the house thinking that her mother would come and get her one day which was 3 years ago.


    "You can finish hanging your laundry. I''ll stay here." Jillyanna sat on the chair and rested for a while.


    The young girl walked out and was quick to hang her clothes so that she can accompany Jillyanna.


    "How''s your study?" Jillyanna asked her when she was done with her work. She wiped her hands to dry and walked to her side.


    "It''s fine. I''m doing good according to my teacher. Would you like to see my grades?" she suggested which Jillyanna just waved her hand.


    "It''s okay as long as you''re doing good. You need to study hard for your future. If you need anything else, informed Cielo immediately." she gave the little girl a gentle pat on her shoulder.


    "I will study hard and make you proud. Thank you for taking care of me when you didn''t have to."


    Jillyanna and Jenny talked for a while and she asked her to join her for lunch as well. Instead of eating the food she gave, she asked Jenny to give it to the neighbors and brought her back to her house.

 Chapter 34 - LEAVE? NOT LEAVE?

    Jillyanna booked a ticket for her flight next week after she had lunch with Jenny. She asked Jenny to take care of her mother''s plants when she''s away and she would give her an additional allowance.


    Jillyanna helped her because she can see herself in Jenny when she was left alone. She didn''t want a child to be alone in this time of needs.


    There''s no class yet so Jenny have so much time in her hands. Aside from studying in advance for the upcoming school year, she used her time to do some gardening behind her small house. So taking care of plants was actually her forte.


    When the night comes, Jillyanna checked her post which was the puzzle of her picture.


    "Goddess, please send us the next puzzle already >_<" a comment with a pleading sense made Jillyanna laugh.


    She clicked on the reply button and typed in a statement. "I will post it in a few minutes."


    In the mansion, a loud scream was heard from Valkyrie who was sitting on the porch with his phone.


    "What''s wrong with you? Are you really someone from the military?" Brown dissed him and walked back to the house.


    "Can''t I be happy just because I''m from the military?" Valkyrie responded with a raised eyebrows.


    "Alright. It''s fine. Stop arguing you two." Thomas calmed them down. Savannah and Hawk were sent to a mission leaving the two of them to rest for few days.


    They were checking on the drug den which was located near the fish port of the northern part of the city.


    The last two days was Valkyrie and Brown''s duty to watch over the port, disguised as buyers. This time was Savannah and Hawk''s turn to check. They didn''t act as buyers or anything, they just keep a night watch to the people around the area.


    While they were busy on their mission, the two fighting cat and dog was resting in the mansion. They haven''t made up yet. Brown was still giving Valkyrie a cold shoulder and Valkyrie didn''t know how to pacify him so in turn, he checked on his goddess who recently gave them puzzle pieces of her picture.


    Valkyrie couldn''t keep his cool anymore and went inside the mansion. He pocketed his phone and walked to Brown''s room.


    "Evan, let''s talk." Valkyrie called out Brown''s real name while knocking on his door.


    The door was opened and Brown showed up with a scowl on his face. "Don''t call my name! I hate it!"


    "Why do you hate it? It''s my father who gave it to you." Valkyrie didn''t even bother to ask permission and went inside the room himself uninvited.


    Brown didn''t mind either. He just closed the door behind him and walked towards the bed. He loosened up his shirt by unbuttoning two buttons from the top. He sat down on the bed before answering. "It''s exactly why I hate it. I hate it because it was your father who gave it to me."


    Valkyrie looked at him silently, his face not showing emotions. His eyes were dark and Brown couldn''t tell what he was thinking.


    Unexpectedly, Valkyrie strode towards him and pushed him to the bed. Both his legs were placed on the bed, holding both Brown''s hand above his head. He was trapped underneath him with no chance to escape.


    Brown was not as strong as Valkyrie. People won''t even believe that he''s someone from the military because of his small body. Most military men were buff and big, tall and muscular, but he wasn''t like them.


    Brown has a white skinned that turns pinkish under the sun. He didn''t have any muscles aside from his sexy abs. He even looked fragile with his big brown eyes and his lips were red.


    "You still have feelings for me." It wasn''t a question but a statement that came from Valkyrie''s mouth.


    "I don''t. Stop imagining things to boost your ego." Brown responded but he turned his head to avoid looking into his house.


    "Why did you stop?"


    "Go to hell! Stop asking me questions!"


    "You can''t stop." Valkyrie whispered before lowering his head.


    Valkyrie bit his exposed collarbone making Brown utter a curses. "Damn you! Go die!"


    "You''ll cry if I die."


    "Who the hell will cry for you?"


    "You."


    "Never."


    "Didn''t you cry when I was shot four years ago?"


    "Shut up!"


    Valkyrie laughed out loud before stepping down from the bed and walked out of the room without clarifying anything.


    "Matthew Anderson! You''re the most bastard of all bastards!" Brown mumbled to himself as he curled his body on the body. A tear fell from his eyes. That night, a decision was finally made in his mind.


    Jillyanna posted another puzzle piece of her picture. It was a picture of her smiling lips. The caption this time was an explosion to the music industry.


    I USED TO SING WITH MY OWN SONGS. I WROTE MY OWN LYRICS. IT WAS A FULFILLING JOURNEY AND I ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF IT. AT THE END OF THIS MONTH, A NEW SONG WILL BE RELEASED FOR ALL MY FANS WHO NEVER GAVE UP ON ME. I INCLUDED A TEASER HERE.


    A video was linked to the post and within a few minutes it was liked and shared thousands of time.


    "It''s a music video! My goddess made a music video for us! I can tell that it was her after comparing the eyes and lips!" this comment was liked by many people and there were several replies expressing their agreement.


    "I read the caption a couple of times and I have a feeling that our goddess is leaving. I must be wrong." this comment came second with hundreds of likes.


    Because of this statement, many people read the caption once again and thought of the same idea.


    Jillyanna was mentioned in comments and was tagged in posts regarding her caption but she didn''t answer them. Not yet. And she hadn''t made a decision to leave the industry permanently or just temporarily for her pregnancy.


    Cielo and Lucian looked in each other''s eyes confirming their thoughts when they received the notification of her new post.


    Cielo immediately dialed her sister''s number but nobody answered her. Lucian checked the location and they were relieved that she was just at home.


    It''s been like this for so many years. If Jillyanna can''t answer the call, they would check her location. That''s how protective they were for her.


    In her own home, after posting on her account, Jillyanna turned her phone to silent knowing that people who knew her would be asking her questions.


    She fell asleep as soon as she hit the pillow and cover herself with the thick quilt.

 Chapter 35 - TIME TO BID GOODBYE

    The next morning, Jillyanna woke up with a refreshing energy and full of vigor. Her dream had been answered so she was elated and optimistic with her life moreover, she didn''t need to see Travis anymore.


    Without any clothes on, she sat up straight, rolled out from her bed and went to the bathroom for a shower.


    After taking a shower which lasted for almost an hour, she walked to her wardrobe barefooted and naked with just a towel wrapped around her head to absorbed the water from her hair.


    Jillyanna donned a light pink dress with a long sleeves which had a slightly loose cuff. The skirt''s length was just right on her knees with red embroidered flowers giving her a youthful vibe.


    "It''s time to end all this. I might as well visit the place." she mumbled to herself while picking a flat shoes from her collections. "I''ll have to avoid heels and wedges for the next eight months." After a while, she picked up the white flat shoes to pair with her dress.


    She put on a light make up for a change, checked to see if all the the things were in her bag and went out for her day''s scheduled trip.


    Travis was currently working and had a lot of piled works from all departments that needed his approval and review when his phone rang.


    He picked it up and saw Jillyanna''s name on the screen. A smile appeared on his lips upon seeing her name.


    Many people would feel weird with their set up but Jillyanna would always be the one to call him first because that''s what she wanted. She didn''t want him to call her unless she allowed him to.


    Travis paused his work and picked his phone to answer it. "Hi my little wife. What can I do for you?"


    "You aren''t so shameless huh." Jillyanna responded with a straight face. Her eyes were focused on the road as she talked to him through her bluetooth earphone.


    Travis laughed and stood up from his swivel chair to stand at the floor to ceiling glass wall.


    "I told you before, I am pursuing you with marriage in mind."


    "Whatever." she rolled her eyes and made a left turn, going to a suburb road leading her to Travis'' house. "You''re working right now?"


    "Yeah. I''m in the office. Is there anything wrong?" his concerned knocked her heart but Jillyanna didn''t entertain such feeling.


    "Nothing. Just keep working. Sorry for disturbing you."


    "Not at all. I can talk to you all day."


    "Well, I don''t have time to talk to you all day. I''ll hang up now."


    Without waiting for his response, the call ended leaving a ''toot-toot'' sound in his ears. Travis looked down on his phone while shaking his head.


    He went back to his work as Jillyanna continued to drive in a different part of the city.


    Not long after, she arrived to his rented house. Somehow, she didn''t want anyone to know she was there so she parked the car far from his house.


    After making sure that her car won''t be spotted immediately, she walked back to the house for a good five minutes.


    She opened the gate with the bigger key and walked to the yard. She really like the house and the place but no matter how she likes it, she had to leave him.


    The flowers were taken care of despite his busy schedule. She entered the house using another key. It was the set of keys that Travis gave her during her first visit. She never thought she''d use the keys earlier than expected.


    Jillyanna observed the interior of the house. It was spotlessly cleaned and there was nothing out of place. Not a single of his or his family picture. The wall was painted white and most of the stuff were either white, gray or black.


    "It''s really a man''s place. It''s quite lonely though." she whispered to herself as she made her way up the stairs.


    She landed on the second floor and she found the room that Travis mentioned to her before. It was indeed the most beautiful part of the house. It has the amazing view of the sea and forest.


    Jillyanna took some pictures as souvenirs and was admiring the scenery when she heard a car approaching the place.


    ''Bang! Bang!'' it was the sound of the car doors being slammed close.


    Jillyanna leaned on the room door to listen for any movements and sounds. She heard the main door being opened by someone as the lock made a squeaky noise.


    "You''re actually planning that! You can''t be serious! How will you marry her?" It was Diego''s voice. She met him at the park few days ago while making a music video. That was why the voice was familiar to her.


    She didn''t hear any response from Travis for a minute but his laughter echoed inside house making her heart grow colder.


    "Did you really think I''d marry her? I just need her for something, okay? You don''t have to be so worried." Travis answered like it was the biggest joke he ever heard in his life.


    Jillyanna moved away from the door to stop herself from eavesdropping. She looked around the place to find an escape route.


    "I must be nuts for giving you a chance. Heh! How could he like someone like me? He was really good with acting. He should''ve worked as an actor instead."


    Not knowing why, Jillyanna found her vision becoming blurry. "My eyes stings for some reason. It must be because of the wind." she wiped her face and walked to the balcony of the room.


    She remembered that there was a gap between walls from the room she was in and the room beside it. There were vines and snaky plants climbing on the walls.


    Without any hesitation, Jillyanna left the set of keys on the bedside table and prepared herself. She wrapped her hands with face towels she found inside the room and climbed down from the balcony using the thick vines.


    "Time to say goodbye!" She muttered to herself and jumped off when she was just few inches above the ground.

 Chapter 36 - SEARCH THE TOWN FOR HER

    Travis forgot some important documents in his study so he decided to come back and get it. On his way, he found Diego and talked about his plans.


    Diego was never against his plans since he would benefit from it in the end, but he wanted to make sure that everything will go accordingly knowing that there''s another woman involved.


    After talking, Travis went to his study and got the document before he went back to his office to continue working.


    The day ended without any calls or messages from Jillyanna and he missed her more after talking to her.


    He removed his suit and was just wearing his white shirt with few opened buttons from the top.


    His muscled chest can be seen and it made him look so sexy. He was looking at the view from his floor. The city was gradually dotted with lights as the day turned to night.


    At the same time, Diego who just got home from work felt that he missed something. He knew that there was something very important that he forgot to tell Travis.


    His father saw him standing in the middle of the living room in a daze.


    "Dee? Are you okay?" his father called to him, bringing him back to reality.


    "Yes dad. I am fine. I was just thinking of something. Where''s mom?" Diego retorted as he walked to his room.


    "She''s on her way home. I''m cooking for dinner. Is there anything you like to eat?" In their home, it''s actually Diego''s father who cooked for them. His mother was a pharmacist who was working at the biggest Senyu Medical Center.


    "Anything you cook dad."


    "By the way, Cheska will be coming home with your mother." This statement made Diego stopped walking. His eyes lit up and he immediately ran to his room.


    "Right! Cheska! Good thing dad mentioned her." Right after entering his room, he locked it and walked to the shower room with his phone.


    He scrolled down through his contacts and found Travis'' number. He dialed and waited for a while but there was no one picking up the phone.


    This time of his call, Travis was in panic. He got home around 8 o''clock and found something wasn''t right in his house. It must be his instinct working but he felt it. He checked his room and his study immediately but it remained the same as he left it.


    He went to the other room and found some markings on the floor. There were several torn green leaves on the balcony and some parts of the plants were ruined.


    He was about to leave when something caught his eyes. It was the bunch of keys that sitting on top of the bedside drawer.


    His heart started pumping with unease. He couldn''t describe what he was feeling at all as different emotions started swarming his heart. One thing he could tell was fear. He was afraid that what he was thinking would come true.


    Blocking his thoughts, he ran out of the house without even bothering himself to lock it. He got inside his car and accelerated on the road.


    He went to the only place where he sent her home but was disappointed.


    "I''m sorry, sir. However, Ms. Jillyanna didn''t stay here that night. She left after an hour." the guard stated when he inquired about her.


    "You mean she isn''t going home here?" Travis asked with his heart in his throat. His emotions were choking him.


    "Nope. She stayed here whenever Ms. Cielo and Sir Lucian are here. But these past few days, they haven''t been home."


    "Do you know where they are living?" he still asked even though he was about to go mad. She was driving him crazy!


    "No sir."


    That''s it. His world crumbled down and he lost his calm. He punched the wall and left in silence, leaving the shocked guard at the apartment building.


    The moment he got inside his car, Diego''s call came but he didn''t want to answer him. He didn''t have time for him. He must find her immediately.


    He tried calling Jillyanna but it made his heart sank in a deep pit even more.


    "The number you are calling is out of coverage are. Please try your call later." It was the system operator.


    He dialed once again but the same voice came. He dialed it again and again but the same voice disappointed him. His fear was growing and his eyes were red from anger and fear.


    He drove back to Venus Industrial Plaza and parked his car right in front of the Summer Cafe''s main branch where he found Jillyanna before.


    The staff were busy serving customers when he came in. The cafe would be opened 24/7 and during the night it was the store manager who was responsible for the operation.


    "Good evening." Travis greeted one of the staff who was working as the cashier. Lucky for him, it was the stuff who saw him with Jillyanna before.


    "Are you looking for Ms. Jillyanna?" the cashier asked him with a smile. This gave Travis a new sense of hope.


    "Yes. Is she around?" Travis smiled back at her with the question.


    "Hmm not anymore. After she fainted last Sunday, she didn''t come here anymore." the cashier responded to him.


    ''Sunday? The day I had dinner with her? Why didn''t she tell me? Am I really unreliable?'' His mind formulated questions that nobody can answer but the woman he was looking for.


    "Do you know where she lives? The place I know that she used to stay mentioned that she moved." It was a lie. If a lie can help him get information he would do it but it was still pointless.


    "Nope. No one here knows where she and Miss Cielo lives. But we know that they live together." she responded to him before entertaining another customer.


    Travis left defeated. He was never this disappointed and afraid his whole life. The last time he was afraid was when the little girl he used to bully left him but it was not the same intensity.


    This time his heart was ripped open. His fear was beyond he could imagine. He had this feeling that if he let go of her, he will never find her in this lifetime.


    "Where the hell are you?" Travis gripped his hair from frustration while kicking the wheel of his car.


    This was the time when Diego''s fourth call came in.

 Chapter 37 - DIEGOS NEWS

    Travis finally picked up the phone lifelessly. His voice was lazy and exhausted which made Diego frown.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Diego asked him with a bit of concern but he immediately remembered the purpose of his call. "I have a good news for you."


    "What is it? I don''t have much time now. I still have to find her so hurry up." Travis retorted with annoyance and as he drove his car back to the rented house.


    "Who are you looking for? Jillyanna?"


    "Yes. She actually visited the house and left the keys. I just a bad feeling. I need to find her as soon as possible."


    "What the hell? How could that possibly be happening? I thought she''d come running to you and move your marriage earlier." Diego stated with disbelief which confused Travis.


    "What are you talking about?"


    Diego cleared his throat and told him what he found yesterday which he forgot to tell him due to many things going on. "This is what happened. I visited my mother yesterday at the Senyu Medical Center and I saw Jillyanna walking towards the hospital alone when I was about to leave."


    "Just get to the point." Travis insisted to save his time while driving to the places where he and Jillyanna went to.


    "I need to tell you the details. No more no less." Diego snapped at him before continuing, "So, I followed her. I saw her went inside a consultation room but not long after, the doctor accompanied her to a different department. I saw her talk with Cheska."


    "Cheska? Cheska Suarez? Ob-gyn? What was she doing there with her? Do they know each other?"


    Diego laughed at his questions. "I never thought losing her would make you dumb." He joked but still continued his story. "I went inside to Chesks''s office to confirm something..." he recalled what happened during his findings yesterday.


    He saw Jillyanna came out of the consultation room with an envelope and a sweet smile on her lips. It was a genuine happiness reflecting her face.


    When she was out of his sight, he stepped inside Cheska''s office which startled her a bit. "What are you doing here?" Cheska asked but her smile can''t hide her happiness.


    "Visiting you and mom." he walked around her desk and gave her a peck on her lips.


    "I''m glad to see you here. Have you eaten?" Cheska asked him softly. She was sitting on her swivel chair and Diego was leaning his hips on her desk facing her.


    "Just wondering if it was someone I know. Did someone named Jillyanna Madrid come for a check up?"


    Cheska was surprised that he knew one of her patients. Her surprise turned to doubts and she pinched his waist.


    "Why do you know her? She is not your woman right?" Cheska glared at him since everybody knew what a womanizer this person in front of her was. But it was not everyone who knew that those girls were paid to act as his woman for the sole purpose of hiding their relationship including Travis.


    Diego kissed her again to lighten up her mood before responding. "That was Travis''s woman."


    "Oh really? So Travis must be the father of her child. She''s a month pregnant and was planning to surprise him." Cheska said excitedly.


    "I see. I''ll keep it a secret, then."


    That was why Diego didn''t mention it to him until today. He thought Travis must have known after a day but he never heard anything from him which was weird. So, he decided to let him know tonight.


    "Diego, you are my best friend. I helped you and Cheska hide your relationship. Don''t you dare play bullshits with me." Travis was getting even more frustrated and angry. Blue veins popped out of his temple and his face was red from anger.


    "Do you think I''m crazy? I wouldn''t dare play a prank on you! Cheska would be coming here tonight. You can ask her if you want."


    "Thank you. I''ll go search for her."


    "Do you need my help?" Diego asked knowing that this was a crucial moment specially that Jillyanna was carrying his child.


    "I would really appreciate it." Travis responded. They discussed about their plan to locate her and ended the call after they finished talking.


    Left with no other choice, Travis called Brown to do a quick search and block her from leaving the country.


    Everyone was shocked when they received the news. Not only them, people that they had contacted to help them search for a single woman were surprised as well. They didn''t even do this when looking for his auntie''s daughter.


    It was so intense that even Thomas can''t understand why his son was doing it. He gave him a call and scold him but Travis didn''t listen to him at all. His mind has only one thought - find her and bring her home.


    Jillyanna didn''t know what''s going on and she was busy packing her things. She had finally decided to leave the country and stay away for good.


    The next day, Jillyanna distributed the groceries to her neighbors to avoid them getting spoiled since she had decided to leave as soon as possible. She didn''t want to keep the groceries knowing that she couldn''t finish them all in a few days.


    At the same time, in the Madrid''s family villa, a man and a woman came looking so elegant yet professional. The guard checked on them and found nothing dangerous so he called the house owner for permission.


    "Just let them in." Lucian was the one who answered since he was off duty that day. Alex was trimming the plants at the backyard so he didn''t know that someone visited them. Sky was out to buy groceries with Cielo.


    "Good day." Hawk greeted Lucian and showed him his certificate to let him know that they were law-abiding citizens.


    Lucian checked it and returned it to him. "Is there anything I can help you with?"


    It was Savannah who pulled out a sketch of Jillyanna and showed it to him. "We are looking for her."


    Lucian was stunned to see the drawing and he was nervous of what might be the crime his sister was involved in.


    Savannah smiled and took back the drawing. "I believe she isn''t here right now. Don''t worry, she isn''t involved in any crime."


    "So what is going on? What do you need her for?" Lucian stated calmly but he was deeply nervous for his sister-in-law.


    "Our friend wanted to find her. She''s pregnant with his child but she left without a trace."

 Chapter 38 - LEFT FOR PARIS

    Savannah dropped the bomb but the explosion didn''t cause any ripples in Lucian''s face. Instead he laughed and shook his head in disbelief and relief.


    Disbelief that she had actually achieved her plan with that one-night affair and relief that she wasn''t involved in any crime.


    He looked at them with a faint smile. "Honestly, Jillyanna hasn''t been home for a few days already. We tried contacting her but she wasn''t answering. She came back to her apartment last Sunday with a man but she went out after few hours."


    "You didn''t report her missing?" Hawk interrupted him.


    "Nope. We are sure that she''s fine." Lucian answered.


    "Do you know where she is?" Savannah asked him this time.


    "Nope. But let me tell you something. Any moment from now, my sister will be leaving the country. That''s something I know for certain."


    It was a truth and a lie. He knew where Jillyanna was currently staying but he wasn''t telling them. He knew Jillyanna was going to leave but base on his observation, she''s most likely to leave after a week.


    Savannah and Hawk was about to leave when Savannah turned around and asked her another question.


    "Is she the one who named the cafe?" Lucian knew what she meant but he denied the question.


    "Nope. My wife named the cafe. Jillyanna hates doing business." Another lie. Jillyanna named the cafe after her mother''s last name but there''s no way he would tell them that.


    For some reason, he felt that the issue about Jillyanna having a baby with their friend wasn''t that simple.


    He immediately called and informed her about what happened. "The man you hooked up with has connections."


    "I know. He works with a lot of people but I didn''t know I''d actually find such trouble. Anyway, thanks for covering up my existence." Jillyanna stuffed another bag with her clothes.


    "When are you planning to tell us? If they didn''t come today, we''d never find out." There was sadness in his voice but Jillyanna didn''t mind it.


    "I was planning to tell you guys before leaving. How would I know that they''d come and ruin my surprise?"


    "Surprise my ass! I know you''d never do that." Lucian chuckled and changed the subject. "Be careful around you. Make sure to always bring your phone no matter where you are."


    "I know. I know. I''ll be fine." Jillyanna answered to stop his nagging at her.


    They talked for quite a while with safety precautions and health measure. Jillyanna made sure to take note of everything and bring the books with her.


    Travis went back to work as usual but his priority was to find Jillyanna as soon as possible. He postponed all the meeting for upcoming projects until he found her.


    The investigation about his auntie''s daughter was going smoothly and the private investigator mentioned that they would be able to get all the result next week as the earliest. After all, they were investigating the background of more than a hundred of different women.


    Travis had someone stationed at the cafe to see if Jillyanna would come and report to him. He also asked Brown to send someone and check the apartment for him.


    He remembered the first address that Jillyanna left at the hotel and also asked someone to check over the place. He wasn''t leaving any place unturned.


    "Found her! Boss we found the car you describe and it matches the description and the plate number." a man wearing a white shirt and a baseball cap reported to Travis.


    He immediately asked for the address and was stunned to know that it was the first address that he knew, the place that Diego said it was owned by Mr. Anton Xavier.


    "Don''t leave the house and wait for me. Don''t let her go away." He ended the call and left his office immediately.


    The employees were surprised when they saw their boss running anxiously along the hallway to the elevator door.


    Meanwhile...


    Jillyanna was on her way back to her house after talking to Jenny about the house and the plants when she saw someone lurking around her house.


    She hid herself behind the bushes and observed the person. She saw him call someone and report his findings. Jillyanna kept her calm and waited for few more minutes.


    The man approached her car and check the plate number. She didn''t make any noise and walked around to an area where he couldn''t spot her. She wanted to alarm her neighbors but she saw four cars coming making her stop with her actions.


    "Holy crap!" she whispered a curse when she saw Travis came out of the car. And what was unexpected was the woman and the other man he was with.


    She would never forget Savannah whom she fought with at the cemetery. The other man, whom she didn''t know the name, was also with her during the night that they bumped at the pharmacy. He didn''t come out of the car but she clearly saw him observing her from the side mirror of the car.


    "They knew each other? What the hell? How did he figure out that I live here?" Jillyanna mumbled before walking back to Jenny''s house while hiding herself using the bushes.


    "Sis, why are you back?" Jenny asked upon seeing her.


    "I saw some people who wanted to take me and marry someone by force. They aren''t really bad guys but I don''t want to marry anyone. Can you help me tell them that I left already?" Jillyanna plead to the young girl. She knew Travis won''t lay a hand on the youth, that''s why she wanted her to go to her place.


    "I just need to let them know that you left, right?" Jenny clarified.


    "Yes."


    Jenny was running towards the house as if she was shocked to see someone trespassed the place.


    "What are you doing here?" she asked with her hands on her hips.


    "Do you know Jillyanna Madrid?" Travis asked directly at her. Jenny thought that the man in front of her was strikingly handsome and was a perfect match to Jillyanna but she didn''t give in.


    "I know her. However, she left this morning with her suitcases. I was entrusted to look after the house. Don''t trespass here." She had her arms wide open as if it would keep them away.


    "Do you perhaps know where she''s going?" Travis asked without any hope at all. Jenny felt sorry for him but she didn''t want to let Jillyanna down.


    "She didn''t tell me where she''s going but she mentioned to me that she''ll see Eiffel Tower soon. I think it''s in France." she looked so innocent that they never doubt her answers.


    Travis left immediately while giving orders to his men to see if Jillyanna really left for Paris.

 Chapter 39 - DISGUISES

    All airports were immediately informed about the situation and they dispatched personnels to check for anyone who has the same name and face as Jillyanna.


    Valkyrie had been running around to get in touched with different people and security people. He even asked one of their friends from the military to check information of Jillyanna Madrid.


    The night arrived and there was no news of Jillyanna leaving the country within that month. They felt a new rising hope and made sure that all places she frequently visited were guarded.


    Travis went home that night feeling down and depressed. He didn''t know why this was happening. She reminded him that she''d be willing to let go once he decided to give up on her. He didn''t even think about it but she gave up on him first.


    "Did she actually hook up with me for a baby?" Travis was flabbergasted with the sudden thought but he pushed it to the back of his mind. "That''s impossible. She isn''t that type of woman."


    On the other hand, Jillyanna asked Jenny to get her make up from her room so she could disguise herself.


    She put on a thick eyebrow and some freckles on her face. She curled up her hair and tied up some loose end using a pencil.


    "How do I look?" Jillyanna asked Jenny after finishing her new look.


    "You look different. I don''t think they''ll recognize it''s you." Jenny answered.


    When Travis left earlier, he asked someone to stay in the area and check if anyone would come back with the same body built as Jillyanna.


    Jenny didn''t mind and acted like a housekeeper. She stayed for a while and left to report the event to Jillyanna who was left in her house.


    Jillyanna walked back to her house with Jenny in the middle of the night. Under the canopies, beside the bushes and flowers, the two of them were walking using the light of the moon as their source of light.


    When they reached the house, they saw the man patrolling the area who spotted them as well. Jenny began with her acting skills alongside Jillyanna.


    "Big sis, Ms. Jillyanna told me about you. In the future, you have to let me know what you need so I can communicate with her cousin. Understood?" Jenny stated like she was the older one between them.


    The man, who Travis asked to guard the place, approached them in silence. "Good evening ladies." He greeted them.


    "Are you sure I''ll be staying here alone? How about you stay with me? This house looks creepy." Jillyanna responded to Jenny as if she was scared while looking at the house.


    Jenny turned to the man with a smile while rubbing Jillyanna''s back to calm her. "Hi." Jenny greeted back.


    "Who is this?" The man asked indicating Jillyanna in disguise.


    "This is Yna. She''s going to take care of the house and the plants with me." Jenny answered.


    "Little sis, just stay with me tonight. The house is very dark. Let''s call ma''am Cielo and let her know." Jillyanna gripped her hand as she plead for company.


    Jenny conceded to her request and called Cielo while opening the gate.


    "Don''t worry. I will be staying here for the next 2 days and 3 nights. I''ll be watching over this house." The man stated to comfort them. Jenny nodded her head slightly and slowly walked to the house with the ''scared Yna''.


    When they got inside her house, Jillyanna turned on the light and guided Jenny to the kitchen.


    "He''ll be staying here for quite a while. How will you escape?" Jenny asked full of worries for Jillyanna''s well-being.


    "It''s fine. I can go out through the back door with my stuff." Jillyanna responded to her. She and Jenny cooked for their late dinner using the remaining groceries inside her fridge.


    The next morning, Travis still haven''t heard any positive result. Nothing from Diego''s side or from his friends. Savannah had been positive that they''d know where she was within a day since she knew her name and face but reality let her down.


    If only Travis wasn''t stubborn. If only he told his father about his affairs. If only he asked for his help. Things would''ve been easier and faster. But there were no ifs in life. You don''t have any means to visit your past and make a change. You can only live with your present and think of its effect with your future.


    Meanwhile...


    Jillyanna and Jenny acted their scripted activity on that day.


    Jillyanna had her make up on as the ''housekeeper'' as well as Jenny who was helping her water the plants. They even gave a coffee and bread to the man who was guarding the area.


    Jillyanna observed him while cutting some dried leaves from the plants. She wasn''t doing any strenuous activity to keep her baby safe but she needed to keep her act as well.


    Jenny gained enough courage and asked the man some questions. "Aren''t you leaving since Ms. Jillyanna isn''t here? Aren''t you tired?"


    The man looked at the young girl before answering her. "I need to keep an eye in this house in case she gets back. She''s a very important person to our boss and we can''t let her go."


    "Who''s your boss? Is it the handsome man yesterday?"


    "Hn."


    Jenny didn''t probe him anymore. She went back inside the house and reported those small details to Jillyanna.


    The day came to an end and the night came. Jillyanna had her things prepared and was ready to leave.


    "Let''s hope it would work." Jillyanna grasped the girl''s hand and took her suitcases down the stairs.


    To avoid any suspicions, she turned off the light and walked towards the backdoor from the kitchen. It was hidden from any people''s sight from the front yard.


    Jenny helped Jillyanna with her suitcases as they crossed the yard to the old couple''s house. They knew what happened the day before and were willing to lend her some help.


    "Take care of yourself. We''ll let you know once it''s safe to go back." Mr. Shan spoke while leading them out of the area. He sent them to the waiting shed and waited for a taxi or bus.


    "Thank you so much. I''ll let Cielo check on you guys. If there''s anything you need, please let Jenny know." Jillyanna responded with a smile.


    She disguised herself as a middle aged woman this time. If anyone saw her, they wouldn''t know it was her at all.

 Chapter 40 - ON THE RUN

    Mr. Shan watched the two ladies board the taxi with the suitcases. Jenny accompanied Jillyanna to stay at the apartment for the next few days while waiting for her flight.


    Before they arrived the place, Jillyanna called Cielo. "You finally remembered me!" Cielo exclaimed in a shriek from the other line making Jillyanna winced and put the phone away from her ear.


    Jenny smiled listening to Cielo''s voice. Even if she wasn''t their relatives, they took care care of her when her mother abandoned her. It''s not that Jenny didn''t know what her mother did but she knew that her mother won''t be coming back to her. She saw her with a new man with a child and there was no space left for her.


    Jenny stayed in their old house because that''s the only place she knew she can stay. It was a blessing that Jillyanna found her when she went home for the first time after 4 years from the time her mother died.


    "I''m sorry I didn''t contact you. I ran into a very troublesome person and I need to leave immediately." Jillyanna admitted to her since there''s no benefit in lying.


    "Yeah. I''ve heard about it. Haha!" Cielo''s laughter echoed in Jillyanna''s ears. "I can''t believe you''d be so unlucky to have met him. I don''t think he''d let you go."


    "That doesn''t matter. I''ll go if I want to. I just have one favor from you."


    "What is it?" Cielo sat up straight from the couch to listen carefully. Everyone was sitting beside her to hear their conversation, too.


    Jillyanna took a deep breath and massaged her right temple. "I want to stay at your apartment these next few days. I can''t stay in my room since Travis knew where I''m staying. I''m certain that someone would be stationed there to give him a report. I want to use your room. Don''t come and visit me or else I''d be exposed. I''ll visit you at the cafe before leaving." she stated to her sister while looking outside the window.


    The night was dark but the city was bright with the street lamps and building lights. It was still crowded since many people were still strolling around the area.


    Cielo''s worried voice came in. "You know the password. Just make sure to lock the door and windows. I''d really want you to go home but someone had been patrolling the area in hope of seeing you here."


    "I know. I didn''t expect this either. The hell I care though. Anyway, I just arrived at the apartment. I''ll give you a call in the next few days."


    "Take care of yourself and your baby." Cielo reminded her before the call ended.


    Jillyanna paid for the fare and got out of the car. She immediately saw a man leaning on his car across the apartment building. He was smoking while his gaze was locked on a certain floor.


    Jillyanna didn''t dare risk her identity so she asked the guard to get her things while she got inside the building immediately.


    "Can I get an identity card?" the guard asked her after placing the suitcases on the floor.


    Jillyanna opened her wallet and took out a small I.D. The guard was surprised but he soon relaxed himself and acted like it was nothing.


    Jillyanna and Jenny went up to the topmost floor and opened Cielo''s and Lucian''s apartment.


    The man below who saw what happened didn''t think much about it. Travis told her the apartment number of his woman but the two ladies earlier went inside to a different room so it must not be them.


    Jillyanna had never been exhausted in her life as much as she felt right this instant. She never thought that she''d meet a very troublesome sperm donor. If she knew, she would never hook up with him.


    Jenny used the guest room and Jillyanna used the master''s bedroom. As she removed her make up, the words Travis spoke the day she visited the house rang in her mind.


    ''Did you really think I''d marry her? I just need her for something, okay? You don''t have to be so worried.''


    Jillyanna was shaking her head as if by doing so, she would be able to get rid of such thoughts.


    "See? Leaving him is the best decision cause I am pretty sure he would force me to get an abortion since he wasn''t really committed." she murmured to herself with her chin up and proud face while cleaning her face with a make up remover.


    For some reason, she felt a dull pain in her heart but she didn''t mind about it at all, thinking it was a heartburn.


    Jillyanna and Jenny were both tired so after eating their, once again, late dinner, they fell asleep almost immediately.


    It was the total opposite in Travis''s side. He has been so restless and depressed these past few days. It''s been four days since he found the keys in his rented house and the day he found out she was pregnant. Until this moment, he didn''t receive any good news.


    Dark circles were visible under his eyes. He wasn''t able to get some sleep knowing that she was planning to leave him. He can''t let that happen. He must find her.


    Two days later, a shocking news ignited Travis, making him lose his temper.


    "How the hell did it happen?" his voice raised a few decibels from so much anger. She escaped from their grasp. She was actually there in that old house but nobody knew and he didn''t doubt the young girl''s words either.


    "I''m sorry boss. The young girl came back with a nerd person last time and told me she was a house keeper. However, I only saw her twice. I checked these past few days but the house was quiet and there was no signs of life. That''s when I found the marks on the ground. It''s the wheels of a suitcase. I asked around and many people said that they saw someone with a suitcase but they didn''t know who it was or where the person came. She had disguised herself." The man recalled the things he knew and apologized.


    Travis punched the wall inside his office to vent his frustrations. Dots of blood started to form on his white knuckles but he didn''t bother wiping it.


    "Inform all airlines not to let a woman named Jillyanna Madrid, 22 years old, leave the country. Anyone who matches the description must go through a different security check!"

 Chapter 41 - GLIMPSE OF THE PAST I

    "RV! RV, wait up!" Jillyanna was panting as she tried her best to chase after Travis. She was just seven years old and Travis was twelve years old who came to visit them with his family.


    When they arrived, he was still smiling at them but when their parents left them alone, Travis was giving her a cold shoulder. He even ran off from their house, causing her to chase after him.


    "Stop following me!" Travis shouted back at her.


    Jillyanna had her head hung low, breathing in and out to fill her lungs with oxygen. She was running out of air but she held her ground.


    "Don''t just run off on your own. Your parents will be worried." she stated with her hand on her chest. A dull pain was pricking from the bottom of her heart.


    "It''s none of your business! Stop following me!" Travis yelled again like an unruly young master.


    "Why? Why do you have to shout at me?" she was still calm even after all his shouting but her face showed a confused expression.


    Travis grew angrier with her questions. His face was dark and both his hands were closed into a ball of fist.


    "Why? Because I hate you! I hate you and your mom! I hate you so much that it made me sick just looking at your face!" Those words were like lightning, striking Jillyanna where she stood.


    Her complexion was getting paler and she had a hard time breathing. "Don''t hate me please. You''re the only friend I have."


    "I am not your friend! Stop with your delusions! You like me, right? Ha! You''re crazy if you think I will like you! I won''t like a thief!"


    "I am not a thief!" she lost her control and shouted back at him. He was shocked at first but he still hurl hurtful words at her.


    "You''re a thief! You stole my mom and my mom''s time away from me! My mother rarely have days off but she would rather spend her time with you and your mom than me! You stole her away from me! I wish you and your mother would just disappear forever!"


    Right after throwing his words, he turned his back on her and ran off, leaving a pale Jillyanna in the middle of nowhere.


    Young Jillyanna was clutching her chest from pain. Her vision was becoming blurry and she can''t find her voice to call him.


    "Don''t...hate...me RV. Please...wait...for...me." Everything turned pitch black.


    Jillyanna opened her eyes staring straight at the ceiling in front of her. She looked around and realized she was still in Cielo''s and Lucian''s apartment.


    Her naked back was covered in cold sweat as well as her forehead was dotted with sweats and her heart was beating abnormally.


    "He hated me so much. He didn''t even show up during my mother''s funeral. All these years, where could he possibly be? I even asked Cielo to build a cafe in their plaza but I still haven''t seen him." Jillyanna murmured to herself. She couldn''t fall asleep so she put on some clothes and went outside to get something to drink.


    "Can''t sleep?" Jenny asked while typing something on her laptop.


    "I had a strange dream and can''t go back to sleep. What about you?" Jillyanna asked after getting a glass of milk.


    "I have to finish this supplementary lesson. Summer is almost over and classes will resume soon." Jenny answered her.


    "I see. Don''t stay up late. You need to get some sleep." she was about to return to her room when she remembered something. "Can you get inside my room tomorrow? I forgot something important."


    "You want me to leave you here alone?"


    "It''s not so far. It''s just next door."


    "Fine. What do you want me to get?"


    "It''s a gift box. I placed it inside my bedside drawer. There''s a bracelet inside the box. I want you to get it for me. If someone come, tell them that I asked you to live in my apartment."


    Jillyanna''s eyes were cold remembering the gift. It''s not really important but she wanted to return it before leaving.


    Jillyanna''s foresight was indeed credible. When Jenny came inside the room to locate the box, the man stationed by Travis sent in a report immediately.


    There were several gift boxes inside the bedside drawer with different jewelries in it. Jenny opened the boxes one by one to find the correct box.


    After half an hour, she found the right thing and was ready to go out. As expected by Jillyanna, someone came over with the security guards. Jenny hid the box in her coat pocket before opening the door.


    The same handsome man was standing in front of her with a doctor and someone wearing a camouflage. ''Are they really looking for big sis to get married? Not to arrest her?'' Jenny couldn''t help but asked herself mentally.


    Her face was showing annoyance but she was somehow excited to see how the man would reel in Jillyanna to his side. "Why are you showing up here this time?"


    "I''m sorry ma''am but they insist to get in here due to personal reasons and this man said he is Ms. Madrid''s fiancee." the chief of the security guards mentioned while pointing his hand towards Travis.


    "I don''t know what happened between you two but big sister Jillyanna left already." Jenny responded and she even let them inside to confirm that Jillyanna wasn''t around anymore.


    "My man told me someone came inside this room. I thought it''s her." Travis stated while looking at her. Jenny was certain that the man was observing her for any loopholes.


    "I am her scholar. I''ve been staying here whenever I have class. I would return to the old house to clean it from time to time with Ms. Cielo. I am entrusted to take care of both places in exchange for the school fees." Jenny was nonchalant with her answers.


    The chief of the security guards even confirmed it to the people who came. "Yes sir. This young lady was Ms. Jillyanna''s scholar. She''s living here whenever there''s class. However, during summer, she would always go back to her old home."


    A man wearing a baseball cap, white shirt and black pants interrupted them. He was the guy who was stationed to keep an eye with this building. "I saw you enter this building with a woman last night but you got inside the room over there."


    Jenny kept her calm but she rolled her eyes as if he was an idiot. " I came with Ms. Cielo last night. Sir Lucian asked me to accompany her since he''s working over time and it''s in my schedule to clean the apartment so I came."


    Everybody made an ''Oh'' sound thinking that she made sense. Only the security guards kept a straight face.

 Chapter 42 - BREWING TROUBLES I

    Travis felt something wasn''t right but he can''t pinpoint what it was. He gave the young girl a once-over-look before he turned around and left.


    "If you did something awful, if you hurt her, don''t expect her to forgive you." Jenny stated towards Travis''s lonely back. He stopped for a moment but he didn''t refute what she said, then he continued to walk away.


    Jenny breathed a sigh of relief from such troublesome person. "It was a great thing that big sister knew someone would come but I think that handsome man won''t believe me. What a troublesome fellow!"


    Unknown to her, Valkyrie placed a listening device on her and her words were transmitted directly to their ears. Travis scrunched his face after hearing what she said.


    Valkyrie and Brown looked at each other before looking towards Travis. "Your woman is a tough one." Brown stated with a faint chuckle just enough for them to hear.


    Travis didn''t say anything because he can''t recall anytime he upset her. Everything was just fine. That''s what he thought.


    They didn''t leave the place and just watched the apartment building from a far while listening to any noise on the other end. Jenny came out soon and went inside to the room next to Jillyanna''s.


    When Jenny pushed open the door, she saw Jillyanna with her index finger on her lips, indicating her to keep silent.


    Jenny nodded her head and walked towards Jillyanna with the box. She saw a paper with few words written on it placed on the coffee table. ''SPEAK LIKE YOU ARE TALKING TO CIELO.''


    "Ms. Jillyanna was right. Some men came in her room when I was about to go out. They said that the guy was Ms. Jillyanna''s fiancee. That''s ridiculous isn''t it?"


    "Right." Jillyanna kept her words short and simple while she checked Jenny''s clothes. She found a listening device on her back at the base of her neck. It must have been placed on her when she had her back on them.


    "Let me change my clothes. I am sweating from cleaning earlier. Sir Lucian should be here any moment." Jenny stated and removed her clothes. She had it placed on the bathroom and turned on the shower.


    Travis and his men can only hear the running water on the other end but it didn''t affect them at all.


    "That was a close call! I didn''t know they would do that!" Jenny exclaimed in a whisper while Jillyanna just pat her head to show it''s fine.


    After fifteen minutes, Jenny and Jillyanna came out of the bathroom. The running water earlier was actually placed on a pale and they used it to clean their dirty clothes in a washing machine.


    Later that afternoon, Lucian visited the apartment to see ''Cielo'' and Jenny. Lucian''s laughter can be heard faintly with the listening device.


    "I am having fun seeing your troubled face. Who would have thought he''d be looking for you? He must like you so much." Lucian joked while placing the packed food on the table that he brought from the mansion.


    "Don''t even wander on that area. He doesn''t like me. If I know, he''s looking for me to abort this child." her statement stunned the two people in front of her. They never expect her to think that way.


    "What do you mean by that?" Lucian asked with disbelief and horror reflecting his face.


    "Nothing. In any case, my mind won''t change. I''m leaving." Jillyanna stated with a firm determination. Lucian didn''t probe her and they started eating with Jenny. As they have promised, they would support her as long as she''s not committing anything illegal.


    After eating, Jenny was disguised as Cielo and Jillyanna was disguised as Jenny. She had been good with her disguises since middle school as part of her training taught by Lucian''s father and uncle. She never expected that she would be using it outside her undercover work.


    Lucian drove Jenny back to Jillyanna''s old home and Jillyanna waited for a taxi to go to her school. As expected, Travis and his men followed Lucian''s car.


    A smile crept up on Jillyanna''s face as she watched two cars followed Lucian. The taxi driver sent her to the school''s entrance and she hopped in to a bus that would send her to Venus Industrial Plaza.


    Cielo was surprised to see her inside their cafe. Jillyanna mentioned that she''d visit her but she didn''t expect her to visit this soon. Looks like she was pressed for time.


    She led her to a corner where they can talk. Even though she was dressed as Jenny, Cielo can tell from her faint scent that it was Jillyanna in front of her.


    "Yanna! Hey! Your wish finally came true." Cielo, Jillyanna''s best friend nudged at her softly using her elbow. The smile plastered on her face couldn''t deny the happiness she felt for her friend.


    "I''m super happy Cielo. I''m going to have a baby soon." Jillyanna clapped her hands in her excitement as she told her best friend about the news of her having a baby. She''s been praying for it and finally, God answered her prayer.


    Cielo couldn''t help but shake her head at her friend''s silly action. She knew how much Jillyanna wanted to have a child of her own and she was really happy for her.


    On the other hand, Travis realized what was wrong when they entered the place because Lucian didn''t drop off Jillyanna on her house but at Jenny''s small house.


    "Go back to the city! Go back to the apartment! Check anyone that would get inside the Madrid''s family mansion and Summer cafe. Someone that''s very close to the owners." Travis''s voice rang out full of anxiousness.


    Valkyrie and Brown was also giving orders after hearing him. They never thought that Lucian would actually act as a bait to lure them out.


    "They really love her. I don''t think they''ll give her to you that easily." Brown commented while driving the Rolls-Royce back to the plaza.


    Travis had a gut feeling that Jillyanna would either go back to the Madrid''s family mansion or back to Summer cafe.

 Chapter 43 - BREWING TROUBLES II

    "I can''t believe you really went ahead and executed your plan." Cielo responded to her friend who was busy rubbing her hands on her not-so-bulging tummy.


    "I have to. Wasn''t I brilliant? I love my brain cells so much." Jillyanna boasted her intelligence, but little did she know, her intelligence would be challenged.


    They ate and talked for almost two hours in Summer Cafe. Cielo had to check the accounting at 4:00 o''clock in the afternoon, so Jillyanna decided to leave, not wanting to disrupt Cielo''s working schedule.


    "You don''t really want me to send you home?" Cielo asked her friend once again, worried that she''d be tired from driving and specially now that there is a baby in her small tummy.


    "I''ll be fine. I''ll give you a call once I''m home." Jillyanna reassured her, not realizing the oncoming headache she''d be facing.


    After talking some sense to her friend so she could calm down, Jillyanna picked up her bag that was placed on the chair beside her. Cielo went inside the backroom to continue working, leaving her on her own to grab a cab.


    "Goodbye boss." some employees who saw her leaving bid her farewell.


    "Bye everyone!" Jillyanna waved her right hand at them since she was holding her bag on the left. She gently pushed the glass door of the cafe with a beautiful smile hanging on her lips.


    She walked gracefully, her black-skinny jeans hugging her legs tightly. Her loose white shirt was lifted by the wind, exposing a bit of her jade-white skin. She was wearing a white rubber shoes after deciding that heels and wedges should be put away during pregnancy. She wasn''t very tall like those Miss Universe, but her height was still acceptable for a model.


    The waiting area for buses and cabs were located near the ESL building which was across the street. It would not take her five minutes to reach the place.


    However, at this moment, when she was about to cross the street, a series of expensive cars stopped in front of her.


    Jillyanna raised one of her eyebrows after seeing the men in black suit got off the cars. Somehow, she had a bad feeling a about them. They walked and scattered in different places but she noticed that they were actually surrounding her.


    "What the heck!" Jillyanna cursed under her breath scanning the area with obvious gaze. Her instinct was telling her to run and escape but she couldn''t because of the baby!


    Jillyanna''s face paled when she saw the man coming out from the most expensive Rolls-Royce. His face was as handsome as she last remembered which was just a week ago, but his dark eyes were cold and penetrating. Dark circles didn''t make him less handsome at all.


    ''Was he so busy chasing after me that he couldn''t sleep? Getting rid of this baby and me must be a priority.'' Jillyanna''s eyes turned cold in an instant after that cold-blooded thought flashed across her mind.


    His lips pulled up into a devilish smile, making her heart faltered in its beat. "Why don''t you return with me my sweet wife?" his voice was husky and low as he beckoned her to come closer.


    Jillyanna remained stationary on her place. "I''m not your wife sweetheart. You''ve mistaken me for someone else." Jillyanna played along but her eyes were scanning the area for any escape route. A plan was forming in her brain already.


    "You''re not? Then give me back my sperm."


    Jillyanna choked on his words. He was so calm and relax as if the words he said weren''t vulgar at all.


    She did promise him to be his wife if things go right but she didn''t want to get married at all. She just went along with him to execute her plan. But, she did steal his sperm and it''s a month old.


    Left with no choice, Jillyanna turned around without any hesitation and ran, but it wasn''t even ten steps yet when her face was drained with colors.


    She clutched her stomach in pain. Her bag fell on the ground since she could no longer take it.


    Travis looked at her pale face in horror. His long strides brought him to her in a few seconds. He put one of his hands behind her knees and the other was supporting her back. If it wasn''t because of his men spotting her talking to Cielo, he would never be able to find her.


    "Get her bag and go to the nearest hospital immediately." he commanded his men and carried her off to his car. He didn''t place her on the seat but was hugging her carefully.


    Jillyanna buried her face on his chest while clutching on her stomach, which was why Travis didn''t see the smile spreading on her face.


    "You''ll be fine. You''ll be fine." Jillyanna heard his soft whispers as if he was praying to make her feel better.


    She was feeling a bit guilty with her act, now that she could see how scared he was. ''It doesn''t matter. It would be easier for me to escape at the hospital.'' she pushed the guilt away and continued to plan for her escape.


    Travis wanted to fly directly to the hospital so that the doctors could check her immediately. It was never his intention to scare her off. He just wanted her to come home with him. He wanted to apologize but the words got stuck on his throat.


    "I''m fine." Jillyanna spoke to ease his tension and to ease her guilt as well. She would never dare imagine that this guy would be worried for her.


    ''Don''t let him fool you! You knew he''s not serious with this relationship bullsh*ts!'' she reminded herself before closing her eyes from exhaustion.


    Honestly, she was tired and exhausted from all the running and thinking of escape plan. Her braincells were tired. ''I''ll wait until we''re in the hospital. Heh! I''d never let you harm my child.'' she mocked him internally even though she was encase in a warm embrace.


    Travis had his heart in his throat. His heart was beating so fast from so much anxiety. "Drive faster Matt! I''ll go insane if something happens to her!"


    "Relax Travis! I''m already past the speed limit! We''ll arrive in a few minutes to the nearest hospital." Valkyrie answered but his forehead was also dotted with sweats. Everybody was anxious seeing Jillyanna''s pale face.

 Chapter 44 - ESCAPE PLAN A? FAILED!

    Jillyanna had her eyes closed but she was still conscious and alert of whatever might happen to her.


    "Doc, please do a full body check on her. No matter how much it would cost." It was Travis who spoke with worry. A nurse was putting an IV drip on her and someone was also checking her pulse.


    "Yes sir. Please sign this incase something happens we have your permission." This statement made Jillyanna open her wide in fear.


    "I''m fine. Give me that paper. I am not related to that man so he can''t decide my fate. My life is my business." Her words stunned everyone inside the room. She was already sitting on her bed with her hand reaching out to the doctor.


    Travis made an eye contact with her but Jillyanna remained stationary and cold. The doctor was confused and was hesitating for a moment but she still handed her the paper in the end.


    Jillyanna read what was written to make sure that nothing''s wrong. She would never put herself at risk, specially her baby.


    After signing it, she underwent several tests to make sure she''s fine. Travis accompanied her silently all throughout the tests and would sometimes ask the doctor what should be avoided in the future.


    "She needs to rest for now. You can discharge her tomorrow morning." the doctor stated after reading the test results to them.


    Both Jillyanna and her baby were safe which was expected since it was just an acting. Jillyanna just rolled her eyes when nobody was watching her.


    "Thanks a lot doc." Travis sent the doctor out leaving Jillyanna on her bed, lying still while watching the birds chirp outside her room.


    When she was sent to different examination rooms, Jillyanna was observing her surroundings. She found out that her room was located on the third floor of the hospital which would be a bit difficult to jump off from where she was.


    Travis came back with a sullen look and tired eyes but there was also relief and happiness flashing across his eyes from finding her.


    "How are you feeling?" he asked her upon entering the room. He grabbed the chair and placed it beside her bed before he sat down.


    Jillyanna stared at him but there was no emotions in her eyes. "I want to keep this baby."


    "I want you to keep the baby as well." he moved closer to her and hold her hand with his. "Where were you these past few days? I couldn''t find you anywhere."


    "I was busy with some things." Lie. It was a lie again and Travis knew but he can''t bring himself to expose her lies. He just smiled and kissed the back of her hand.


    Jillyanna was uncomfortable with his actions, so she tried taking back her hand but he was holding her tightly.


    "I''ll go out and buy you something to eat. Is there anything you want?" Travis asked her with so much concern.


    "I''m fine with anything." Jillyanna responded with a smile. It wasn''t because he was concern of her but because he was going out. "I am indeed hungry."


    "Just take a rest. I''ll be back as soon as possible."


    "Okay."


    Jillyanna was like an obedient wife but her brain was working non-stop to formulate a plan.


    When Travis left, he asked his men to stay outside her room and guard her. Jillyanna heard him gave orders but it didn''t matter to her. She pulled the curtains together and closed off anyone from seeing her bed.


    She tied her bedsheets together plus the curtains on the window to form a long rope of cloth.


    She threw it down the building window as if she came down using it. Then she opened the bathroom door and hid herself behind it.


    Ten minutes later, the men stationed outside the room thought it was strange that it was very quiet inside the room. They knocked a couple of times but no one answered.


    Another knock came but Jillyanna remained quiet behind the bathroom door. She heard the door being pushed open and scattered footsteps came in.


    "Oh mother of god! She escaped!" The first man to enter cursed upon seeing the rope of cloth outside the window.


    "Alpha to Bravo and Charlie, young madam escape! Search the area and make sure to bring her back!" the second man reported to everyone using his earpiece. Travis heard the news, too.


    He just got outside his car with the foods he bought when he received the news. He ran as fast as he could to go back to her room. His men were searching everywhere to find Jillyanna but he still went back to where she was.


    He didn''t open the door to her room instead, he waited outside with a calm face. He knew that she couldn''t possibly be jumping off such high place because of the baby.


    If there''s anything that he believed in her, it was the truth in her eyes when she mentioned to him that she wanted to keep the baby.


    A little while later, there were faint noises coming off from the bathroom. Travis didn''t move but remained silent outside the room.


    "What a bunch of fools! Did they really think I would jump off from this height?" Jillyanna mumbled to herself while checking her clothes for the last time.


    Travis who heard her statement while standing outside let out a soft laugh. ''Indeed. My wife is a tough woman.'' He thought to himself after recalling what Brown said earlier.


    Jillyanna walked out of the room in a relax and carefree manner, confident that everyone was gone somewhere to find her.


    "My men were fools. I''m glad I am not." This declaration made her stopped from her tracks and slowly, she turned to face Travis who was leaning on the door with a take out food in his hand.


    "Why are you here?" she soon realized that her question was the most stupid question she ever uttered in front of him. Nonetheless, Travis answered her patiently.


    "I heard you were gone. I was afraid and rushed back here. That''s when I realized you can''t possibly be jumping off from a high place so I return back to your room."


    Helpless from being exposed, Jillyanna went back inside her room and acted like she didn''t know what he was talking about. "Your men were idiots. I didn''t escape. I was just inside the bathroom."


    "I see. It was their fault for being idiots then." Lies. Even though he knew she was lying, he didn''t say anything to her. He didn''t get mad at her but his heart was cold and fear coated his heart in another layer.


    He will never allow her to escape. Not now that he found her.

 Chapter 45 - BACK TO THE RENTED HOUSE

    Travis had been restless for a whole week trying to find her, no decent work was done and many projects were pending while waiting for his approval. This night, he was able to relax from exhaustion. His tired eyes with dark circles underneath made Jillyanna felt a bit pity on him.


    She was lying on her hospital bed while Travis sat on the chair beside her bed. His hand was still holding hers as he lay his head on her bed. His eyes were closed but Jillyanna was still awake trying to think of a different escape plan.


    "You have to stop pursuing me. We can''t be together." Jillyanna whispered to him while giving him a sad look even though he can''t hear what she said.


    She tried getting back her hand but Travis woke up with a bit of panic, clear in his eyes. "Are you okay?" He asked her even though he was still sleepy.


    "I am fine. It''s just...my...my hand was a bit numb." Travis smiled awkwardly but he didn''t release her hand at all.


    "Can you promise me that you won''t escape? I would really go insane if I lose you again." Travis was really sincere with his words but Jillyanna would always remember the words he uttered to Diego the last time she visited his house.


    She forcefully took back her hand and rubbed her wrist to relieve it from being numb. "You don''t really have to pretend with me. Do you need anything from me? I''m willing to help you as long as you will allow me to keep the baby. I won''t tell anyone who the father is. Your future wife won''t know about this."


    Travis was dumb speechless from her words. His voice was dripping cold when he responded to her. "I want you to be my wife, will you help me fulfill it? You can keep the baby as well."


    "We can''t do that. I can''t promise you a marriage out of convenience. I am not that type of person. Anything but marriage."


    "Why?" He sat up straight, staring directly into her hazel nut eyes.


    "I know you don''t like me. Are you perhaps after my child?"


    "My feelings aren''t for you to decide whether it''s true or not. With or without the child, I would look for you even if I have to travel around the globe."


    Jillyanna was surprised to hear his conviction but she didn''t say anything. She just smiled helplessly at him before turning her back on him. Whatever lie he''s spouting, Jillyanna knew the truth - Travis didn''t like her.


    Travis watched her lonely back. He remembered what Jenny said to him at the apartment. ''Did I really do something that hurt her without my knowledge? Is it because I am always busy? Is it because of what we talked during our dinner last week? Is she upset that I liked someone with the same name as her? I don''t really know.''


    He covered her with the blanket properly and remained silent. Valkyrie sent his laptop earlier so he can do work while staying with her. He pulled up his laptop and tried working as much as he can while watching her sleep.


    The next day, Travis processed her paper works to discharge her from the hospital. Many women were shock from the news after seeing his name on the guardian portion. A name that made people admire and fear at the same time was actually with someone pregnant.


    "It couldn''t be his wife, right?" a nurse whispered while placing the paper works inside the drawer.


    "Who knows? Rich people would sometimes marry in secret." another nurse answered.


    "She''s a very lucky woman."


    "I am so excited for their baby."


    "I want to see the woman."


    People were intrigued to know who the woman was but Jillyanna didn''t care at all. They thought she was lucky but Jillyanna thought otherwise.


    For her, meeting Travis was the unluckiest time of her life.


    Savannah came with Hawk, bringing her a change of clothes. A sweet smile was hanging on her lips when she got inside.


    "It''s nice to see you again. I never thought you''re the woman that Travis hid away from us." Savannah stated while giving Travis side glance with a raised eyebrow.


    "I am not the woman you think of. I have no relationship to your friend." Jillyanna responded before reaching out for the clothes that Savannah gave.


    Travis just shrugged his shoulder before going out of the room with Hawk. "Did you offend your woman? Is it just my imagination or does she hate you?" Hawk asked Travis when they''re out.


    "I don''t know why but I also think she hates me." Travis admitted not just to Hawk but to himself as well. He had his hands inside his trouser''s pocket while leaning his back on the wall.


    "You need to pacify her. I can see that she''s not someone who depends on anyone and there''s a high chance that she would escape once again."


    "I know. I have asked Valkyrie to strengthen the security in my rented house."


    "You''re still going to stay in that house?" Hawk was in disbelief. It would be better and safer to stay in the mansion but he wanted to stay in that rented house? That was really unexpected from someone like Travis who live extravagantly. For the woman, he was willing to live a humble yet secure life.


    After a while, Jillyanna came out with Savannah following behind her. Travis took her bag from her and they walked out of the building like a normal couple. She was rather calm while walking in the middle of the group but her brain was working like a computer, counting the number of cars and the people who was asked to keep guard.


    "We''re going back to my house." Travis pulled her back from her reverie.


    "This can be considered kidnapping." she stated clearly but he didn''t flinched or show any change in emotions. "Can I go back to my apartment instead?"


    "Nope. You can file a complaint against me but I will just tell them that you are my fiancee with a child."


    ''Shameless! So shameless! Well, I can still escape from his house though.'' Jillyanna thought. Travis mistook her silence into agreement so he just brought her back to his rented house with several cars following them.

 Chapter 46 - ESCAPE PLAN B? FAILED! NOW IN DANGER

    Jillyanna arrived at the place where she visited just a week ago. Her feelings were complicated but one thing was sure. Travis won''t harm her for a moment. It''s possible that he wanted to get her child before getting rid of her, so Jillyanna wanted to escape before that happens.


    Travis followed her to the room with the best view, the same room that Jillyanna entered before. "Travis, why don''t you just give up on us? I can''t really see myself being with you."


    "What about our child?"


    "What about MY child?" she gave emphasis to ownership to put a stake on her claim, "My child will grow up with me."


    "You don''t want me to father our child?" Travis asked with a dull pain pricking his heart. He couldn''t imagine a life without her.


    "I''m sorry. It''s just...Things right now are messy. Can we talk tomorrow? I am tired. I want to be alone and think this through." she sat on the bed with tired and confused expression.


    ''I am just as good as you in acting!'' Jillyanna commented in her heart. She had her mind fixed with the idea that Travis was just acting.


    Left with no other choice, Travis left her alone inside her room. He went back to work after leaving Savannah with her. He can''t afford to let her go.


    "Whatever she wants, as long as it''s good, just ask someone to get it for her. If she wants to go somewhere, make sure to accompany her. Make sure to put someone patrol the area below her balcony, that''s where she escaped last time." Savannah smiled while listening to him give instructions. It was clear as day how much Travis likes the woman.


    Too bad, Jillyanna wasn''t willing to open her heart for him.


    Jillyanna watched several men come and go while patrolling the area. She felt an oncoming headache from trying to find a chance in escaping once again.


    Suddenly, an idea popped out of her mind. She flashed her beautiful smile and walked out of the room with her bag.


    Savannah was sitting on the couch while typing something on her laptop. She was a pretty woman with a Japanese or Chinese beauty in her. At one glance, you would think she''s just an ordinary girl but after sparring with her over a month ago, Jillyanna knew that she''s someone strong and might be a cop working undercover.


    "Hi." Jillyanna greeted her softly.


    "Hello. Do you need anything?" Savannah retorted back in question as well.


    "I was just wondering if I can go out? I don''t think Travis would just let me go after what happened. Originally, I was supposed to visit my mother at the cemetery today. Can you come and go with me?" Her voice was soft and Savannah could see the sincere pleas in her eyes. How can she say no to a pregnant woman?


    "Do you need to prepare or something? Or we can head out now?"


    "Let''s go now while the day is bright." Jillyanna responded with her smile. Savannah smiled, too and walked her out of the house.


    She asked for two more people to come out with them. Jillyanna didn''t mind it and was happy because she can execute her escape plan at the cemetery.


    They stopped in front of a flower shop and bought a bouquet of red flowers which was her mother''s favorite.


    "I want some alone time with my mother. Can you stop a few meters away from me?" Jillyanna requested which also made sense so Savannah stopped in front of Venus'' grave. It''s about ten meters away from where Jillyanna was going and she can still see Jillyanna from where she stood.


    "That grave looks a bit familiar." Savannah mumbled to herself while watching Jillyanna from afar but she didn''t dare approach her as per request.


    Jillyanna was observing the flow of visitors while trying to formulate an escape route in her mind.


    "Mom, sorry if I''m a bit distracted today. I''m a bit upset and busy at the same time. However, Cielo mentioned that Lucian received a new evidence regarding your case. Do you think it''s RV who sent it? Or was it Uncle Thomas? You know what mom..."


    Jillyanna talked to her late mother for few minutes. When she saw a big wave of people coming in, she lowered her head and hid in the middle of the crowd.


    Savannah''s heart lurched in her throat. She couldn''t spot Jillyanna at all within the crowd. "Watched out for anyone who would exit from the gate! I lost sight of the young madam! Repeat, watched out for anyone who would exit from the gate! I lost sight of the young madam!"


    Savannah was getting more anxious as she called out for Jillyanna''s name! Her voice was getting hoarser after few minutes of calling.


    The men waiting outside were also getting nervous. They already asked for a back up to look for Jillyanna but there was no result yet.


    In her disappearance, she caused quite a stir within the people''s heart. Travis heard the news as well and threw a tantrum inside his office.


    Documents and pen were scattered on the floor. His name plate was broken and shards of glasses had some blood stains from his fist.


    "The boss was angry! He is definitely angry this time!" one of the employees who saw some shards of glasses coming out on the slit of the door whispered to his colleagues.


    "Something must have happened to the young madam. I heard him gave orders to find his wife immediately. Our boss is actually married? I didn''t expect that!" another employee answered him.


    "Are you sure you heard it right? You might be mistaken!" another one warned but also joined their conversation.


    "I am right. It wasn''t just once. This past week, I heard the boss mentioned about finding his wife almost everytime he answered a call." the woman answered again.


    When the door opened, everybody dispersed from the circle and went back to work as their boss with bleeding hands walked out of his office.


    At the cemetery, Savannah was still running around when she found a single shoe on the ground. It was what Jillyanna wore when they left the house.


    Her face was drained with colors when a thought flashed across her mind. With trembling hands, she pulled out her phone and called Travis directly.


    "RV, I think Jillyanna didn''t escape. I think she was kidnapped."

 Chapter 47 - KIDNAPPED

    His world went blank upon hearing such news. He knew Savannah won''t play a prank on him. Everybody knew how severe it would be if Jillyanna was used to play a joke on him.


    "What makes you say so?" he asked calmly on the phone. He needed to remain calm. He can''t lose his focus or Jillyanna would really be in danger. She needed him this time.


    "She was just standing in front of a grave. Many people came and was swarming her way. That''s when I lost sight of her. I checked and asked the guards at the entrance and exits but they didn''t see anyone with my description. Just now, I found her shoe. I knew it''s hers. I am certain that someone took her away." she wanted to cry for Travis and Jillyanna.


    Specially Jillyanna, she was pregnant for heaven''s sake! She must be really scared right now.


    Travis on the other hand, he asked the vice-chairman, Diego''s father, to take over the company while he''s gone. Saving Jillyanna was his utmost priority right now. He just found her and now she''s in trouble once again.


    "Ask everyone to check where she is! Give me Lucian''s number, I need to talk to him." Travis stated before ending the call.


    Diego also received the news so he went to his friend''s office as soon as possible. When the elevator opened, he saw Travis standing in front with his father.


    "Travis, I''m coming with you." Diego spoke after giving his father a glance. He didn''t even bother himself to go out from the elevator, but he waited for him inside.


    "I''d really appreciate it. Thank you." Travis responded and get inside the elevator after leaving instructions to Mr. Sandoval and his secretary. His face was gloomy but his voice remained calm.


    Jillyanna regained her consciousness but it was dark everywhere. She moved her hands and feet, found that she wasn''t actually tied but was blind folded.


    ''My kidnapper was another idiot.'' she thought to herself and removed the cloth from covering her eyes.


    What she saw was a very unexpected place. It wasn''t an abandoned warehouse or an old place that she usually saw in movies, but a very clean and big house.


    She was just sitting on a couch in a living room. It was silent around her and there was no signs of life aside from her.


    She stood up from the couch and observed the area. The living room was clean and the furnitures were neatly arranged. There were small frames on the shelves so she picked it up.


    Shock and horror flashed across her face as she covered her mouth to stop any noise from coming out.


    She was trembling from fear with what she found. She felt dizzy and wanted to vomit but she was afraid to make any sound.


    She was still focus on watching the pictures when she caught a glimpse of someone behind her through the glass frames. Her heart accelerated and her back was covered in cold sweats. She couldn''t get herself to turn around and face the person behind her. She remained silent as if she didn''t notice anything.


    "How are you?" she acted startled and had her hand on her chest before turning around.


    A handsome face of a man was right in front of her. His eyes were blazing as he stared at her eyes directly. It wasn''t a look you would expect from a kidnapper.


    "I''m fine. Why did you take me here? Are you kidnapping me for ransom?" she asked him like it was a normal conversation between friends. She looked at him for a while before looking around the area with a relaxed and calm manner once again but her heart almost popped out of her chest from anxiety and fear.


    The man just stood in the same place while watching her walk around the place. He was observing her and he loved the way she moved her hands and waist. He likes her red lips, just like someone he knew from before. Unfortunately, that woman died.


    "Do you think I need money?" he asked her back which made Jillyanna even more scared but she remained calm.


    "If you don''t want money, are you after my life then?" This time she stopped from observing the place and faced him.


    The man didn''t approach her, instead he went to a couch and sat there while watching her. He looked neat just like the place he was in. His rather prim and proper for someone who kidnap a woman or someone who killed.


    "I don''t like you getting a baby. I want you to abort it." Cold and deep. That was the impression that Jillyanna got from his voice.


    "Having a baby is none of your business." she snapped at him but he didn''t get mad or yell back at her.


    He looked so innocent while sitting in front of her and she was unperturbed with his request. Truth be told, she wanted to wring his neck.


    "Do you love the father of your child?" he asked her which made Jillyanna frowned.


    She couldn''t understand the connection but she still answered him to buy some time. "I don''t love him." clear and firm without any hesitation. Lucian and Cielo must have known what''s happened to her so she wasn''t that worried.


    "Since you don''t love him, why keep the child? You must get rid of it before I do."


    "I want to keep this child even if I hate the person."


    "Then, I can give you one. Wouldn''t that be great?"


    Their exchange of words made her speechless. It''s never fun to talk to a psychopath. They would make you want to bang your own head or blow theirs with a gun.


    "Who are you?" Jillyanna had switched to a serious face and sat on the couch that she used to sit before removing the blindfold.


    "You should have known me a long time ago. Didn''t you read my name or recognize my face?" This declaration and mocking question confirmed Jillyanna''s guess. Her intuition was telling her to escape but she knew it''s futile to run from a place you don''t know where the location is.


    She rummaged her bag and found that her phone was nowhere to be found. When she turned to look at him again, a sinister smile was hanging on his lips.


    A shiver ran down her spine as she watched him getting closer and closer to her.

 Chapter 48 - GLIMPSE OF THE PAST II

    "She can''t be considered missing if it''s not 24 hours yet after her disappearance! You know that Lucian!" Chief Quinn yelled at him as he slammed his record book on the table. His face was red from anger but Lucian didn''t listen to him at all.


    "I will hold you accountable if something happens to her! Don''t send me to any mission until I find my sister!" Lucian turned around and left, slamming the door shut in the process.


    Many officers heard their argument and didn''t know which side to take. They knew Lucian was protective of that little girl as it was Cielo''s sister. He even made a special and customized tracking device for her which would send an alert if her phone can''t sense her pulse within 5 meters.


    This noon, during their lunch break, his phone made a beeping sound and Jillyanna''s name appeared with an alert. Lucian was shocked silly since it was the first time it happened. They cannot take any chances to risk her life.


    Nobody can understand his feelings during the night 3 years ago. Cielo with tear-streaked eyes was begging him to find Jillyanna but they couldn''t report her missing because it wasn''t 24 hours yet.


    It''s normal for some people to lose communication from time to time but in Jillyanna''s case, she would always give Cielo a call or a text message within 3 hours interval. However, that day, Cielo didn''t get any message or call from her for over half a day which made her worry.


    He should''ve believed in women''s instinct when it comes to sensing danger because when 24 hours hit the mark, they started looking for her but it was almost, too late.


    Any seconds later, she would''ve dropped off from a seventh storey building. She was working on a project that time and was on her way back home, there''s no abnormality to her tracking device and nobody thought she''d be in such state when they found her.


    Jillyanna''s face was a mess, her body was full of bruises and wounds and her eyes were black and blue. She was tied to a pole on the rooftop and the pole''s base was loose and rusty. If they didn''t come on time, if they didn''t catch her, she would''ve fallen to the ground with the pole.


    Many people knew that she finished a degree in Business Management and that''s why she and Cielo worked together with their business. Only, Cielo and Lucian knew that she also studied criminology.


    She would sometimes follow suspicious people and report it to Lucian''s father which made them proud of her.


    That incident almost broke up Cielo and Lucian''s engagement. If not because of Jillyanna trying to pacify the both of them, they wouldn''t get married at all.


    Thinking about the past, not only Lucian was gloomy and worried but also the other officers who knew Jillyanna''s identity as a fellow cop.


    Lucian was about to go out of the North District Police Station when several cars came stopping in front of the building. Men in black suits came out and formed a protective barrier before a black Rolls-Royce car.


    Travis Madrigal came out with a cold and menacing face. His eyes were dark and it''s clear that he wasn''t in a good mood at all. Soon, Diego Sandoval came out with the same dark face as Travis.


    He walked towards him which made Lucian frown. He didn''t have much time to deal with him at all. His annoyed face was clear and he was about to ignore him when Travis spoke.


    "I need your help to find my wife, Mr. Seville." His voice was so cold like frost but there was seriousness and sincere plea that Lucian couldn''t ignore.


    Diego can''t help but snickered to this statement. Travis was getting more and more shameless while calling Jillyanna his wife. The woman didn''t want to get involved with him at all. She even tried to escape several times. It''s really a laughing matter but Diego also knew how much Travis loves that woman.


    Lucian closed the car door that he just opened. He turned towards Travis with an ''I''m sorry'' look he could muster. "Mr. Madrigal, I am thankful for your assistance in getting evidence for the case of your mother and Elizabeth Summer, but I can''t help you right now. Please ask someone else in the station. My little sister is in serious trouble and I need to find her immediately. I am really sorry."


    "It''s because your sister is in trouble that I am asking you this." Travis responded which stunned the other officers who heard him. The underlying meaning was very clear to them.


    "Cough! Cough! Cough!" Lucian tried clearing his throat after choking on his own saliva. Such news wasn''t easy to accept. How the hell did it happen? "We don''t have much time. Follow me so we can talk at home."


    If what Travis said was true, then Jillyanna was indeed in troublesome situation. Of all people she could hook up with, why did it have to be Travis? The person that she hated the most. Didn''t she know? Did he know?


    Lucian''s mind was full of question but he stayed clear-headed as he drove his car back to the Madrid''s mansion. Sky and Alex were surprised to see so many expensive cars outside their house following behind Lucian.


    "What''s going on?" Sky asked when she saw several men walked inside their house and some stayed outside to guard.


    "It''s a long story mom but one thing is for sure, Yanna is in danger." Lucian answered before leading the men to a small monitoring room in the basement. Sky collapsed from shock and Alex asked someone to help him carry his wife to the couch. Someone from the men, provided first aid assistance and she regained her consciousness.


    Cielo, who didn''t go to work that day, heard the commotion outside her room so she came out to check out.


    "What happened mom?" she asked her mother who was now crying.


    "Cielo, Yanna is in danger. Lucian and some men were inside the monitoring room to find her. What if it will happen again? What if someone''s trying to kill her again?" Her sobbing was so loud that Alex didn''t know how to stop her.


    Cielo''s facial expression changed and she ran as fast as she could to the monitoring room. Lucian was hovering the mouse to some areas and zoomed them in to see what''s going on. She saw a man standing behind him with a serious face. She couldn''t see his face clearly at first but when he turned around to see who came in, Cielo was dumbstruck!


    "What are you doing here Mr. Madrigal?" she couldn''t help but asked him while walking towards Lucian''s side. Her eyes were scanning him up and down which was obvious to everyone.


    "I am asking help to find my wife. It''s indeed the right place." Cielo looked towards Lucian to understand what he meant but her husband just shrugged his shoulders helplessly.


    ''WHAT THE HELL''S GOING ON?!'' Cielo exclaimed internally to vent out her confusion.

 Chapter 49 - WORKING TOGETHER TO FIND HER

    The monitoring room had six large computers with a single keyboard and mouse. There were two red dots on the screen. One was inside the mansion, which was Cielo''s and the other one was somewhere outside the city which was Jillyanna''s.


    "Savannah told me that several people rushed towards Jillyanna at the cemetery. When she looked for her, she was no where to be found. There''s only her left shoe on the ground which made her think she was kidnapped." Travis summarized the events to them so that they would get an idea as to what initially happened.


    "I received an alert during lunch break but we cannot report her as missing if it''s not beyond the 24-hour mark. I believe her phone was thrown away." as he spoke to them, he enlarged the area where the signal stopped.


    It was a vast forest outside the city which would lead them to suburban place called Independencia. There were few inhabitants in that place but most of them were well-known people in politics and medicine. It was a second-tier class when it comes to societal hierarchy after the businessmen in the city.


    "You have to find her as soon as possible! You can''t let anything to happen to her again!" Cielo warned Lucian with a glare and a pinch on his waist.


    "I know. I promise. I will make sure to get her on time." Lucian answered while getting ready to find Jillyanna after marking the places that she''s probably in.


    "Wait, this place seems familiar." Lucian mentioned while trying to think of a clue or link to the place but there was none.


    Travis who remained silent while watching the monitors spoke to them, "Did something happen to her in the past?" He wasn''t looking at them but his gaze was fixed on the red dot that kept on blinking.


    Lucian recalled to him what happened 3 years ago which was the reason why they made this monitoring room and placed a special tracking device on her.


    It''s not because they didn''t trust Jillyanna''s capability but because Jillyanna would ruin everything that they have if she''s gone. They can''t afford to lose her. She''s their missing link that keeps them intact, without her, their world will start to crumble.


    Jillyanna wasn''t weak either. She''s strong and smart woman so they knew they''d be able to find her soon with a little bit of time from her side.


    "We still have one chance to find her." Travis spoke with a little bit of hope, but thinking how much she hates him, his hope was depleting like a balloon being pricked with needle.


    Lucian and Cielo looked at him with questioning gaze. So he continued speaking, "The last gift I gave her has a tracking device. Just like what you put on her phone, that device will activate once she placed it on her wrist using her pulse. However, it had been silent for weeks now. I don''t think she''ll wear it in such situation."


    "Was it the red-strapped bracelet?" Cielo asked with a bit of hope as well. Travis nodded his head and right after that, Cielo ran to Jillyanna''s room to check if she left it or if she brought it with her.


    "None!" she whispered to herself after checking her bedside drawer. "None." she mumbled again after finding that her favorite bag was no where to be found. She pulled out her phone and called Jenny who was currently cooking at home.


    "Hi sister Cielo, do you need something?" Jenny greeted her after turning off the stove.


    "Where are you now? Can you check Jillyanna''s house? I need you to find a bracelet? It has a red strapped and heart shaped stone." Cielo stated quickly while running back to the basement.


    Jenny was silent for a moment while trying to form her words. After a while, her soft and confused voice came through the phone''s speaker, "Big sis asked me last time to get it in her apartment. She told me that she''s going to return it to the owner. Is there a problem with it?"


    "You mean it''s with her?"


    "Well yeah. That''s if she didn''t leave her bag."


    "Okay. Thank you so much for your help." Cielo hang up and approached Travis. "Can you ask Savannah if Jillyanna was bringing a bag with her?"


    Travis didn''t wait for more details. He contacted Savannah right in front of them to ask about Jillyanna''s bag. It was confirmed that she did bring her bag but they haven''t found it which was a great news!


    "Let''s go the location of the tracking device for now. If we find more clues, it would take us less time to go wherever she is right now." Travis stated and Lucian agreed immediately. It''s better if they have more men than him looking for her alone.


    Travis dispatched his men to check on all the possible areas near the marked signal to find Jillyanna. Brown and Valkyrie led their men to a different place, Savannah and Hawk had their own area to check and Travis came with Lucian.


    They first visited the forest to find where the phone was thrown out. Lucian and Travis had some gloves on while looking for the phone. Some police officers who were supposedly on day off, came to help him as well.


    Soon, many onlookers and passersby stopped to see what''s going on. They were curious to see what happened and dismayed when they saw them getting a phone back.


    "What''s the matter with police officers now? Dispatching so many people for a phone?" complained one of the men who stopped from cycling to look over them.


    "It should be a piece of evidence! Why else would they try their best to find it." another man exclaimed which was actually right.


    The crowd started dispersing from the place. A black van stopped and a handsome man came down and walked towards them.


    "Mr. Police officer, what''s going on here?" he asked with curiosity while looking attentively to the cellphone inside the sealed plastic bag.


    Lucian turned to him before answering. "A woman was kidnapped and the tracking device stopped here. We found her phone but we don''t know where she is yet."


    "That''s really sad. I hope she''s fine." he stated with an innocent face.


    "We all hope, too." Lucian responded to him. The man asked few more questions before leaving, promising to report any suspicious activity in the area.


    When he got inside his car, his eyes were cold and a sinister smile formed on his lips.

 Chapter 50 - STALKER

    NOTE: The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the authors. To the extent any real names of individuals, locations, or organizations are included in the book, they are used fictitiously and not intended to be taken otherwise.


    "Elizabeth! Oh! Elizabeth! Why must you go in her place? Why did you use her car? Why? Can''t you see how lonely I am now? I miss your smiles, your cheerful laughter, your frowns, your frustrations and your other expressions. Ouch! My heart is breaking in pieces again! This happens everytime I think of you, my Elizabeth!" He was lying on his bed with one of his hands covering his eyes. You can''t really see any expressions on his face or in his eyes. He was like a robot having his monologue.


    The man looked neat and handsome. He''s rather young for his 40-year-old self, more like early thirties with his younger-looking face.


    On his bedside table was a picture of him and two other women. One of the women was crossed with a marker but you can still see her smile with only the lips showing.


    It was a picture of their college days, the happiest time and the saddest time of his life.


    "You must have seen your daughter, right?" slowly, a sweet smile appeared on his lips and a glint of joy flashed across his eyes. "She has grown into a beautiful woman. She looks exactly like you when you were young. Beautiful and carefree! I shouldn''t let anyone taint her like what happened to you!" he abruptly sat up on his bed and his joy turned into malice.


    He started following Jillyanna when she was in middle school but he would just stand from a far, looking at the beautiful young girl. Sometimes, she would walk home by herself or with Cielo and Lucian.


    One time, he approached Jillyanna. "Hello little girl. Do you remember me?" he asked Jillyanna who looked at him before shaking her head. "You forgot me already? That''s fine." he smiled at her and rubbed the top of her head which made her flinch a bit.


    "Hey! Who are you? What are you doing?" It was the little boy named Lucian. He was more of a brother to Jillyanna so he didn''t put his guard on him.


    Jillyanna ran and hid behind Lucian as if her knight came to save her. "Bro, he touched my head. I didn''t think he is bad cause he looks familiar to me."


    "Familiar? Is he one of your stinking relatives?" Lucian asked in anger but his gaze never left from the man in front of him. He knew that Jillyanna wasn''t loved by her relatives - just her money.


    "I don''t know. I might be mistaken." Jillyanna''s soft and small voice came from behind him. Lucian was even looking more fierce than ever while watching the man cautiously.


    Suddenly, the man in front of him chuckled faintly. "You don''t have to be so ferocious. I am not a bad person. You can call a police if you want."


    This statement made Lucian lower his defense. A criminal won''t ask for a police so definitely, the man in front of him wasn''t a bad person.


    "Just stop approaching our little Yanna. I will call a police next time." Lucian said before leaving, holding Jillyanna closed to him to protect her. They still have to wait for the other girl named Cielo.


    "Oh my! What a soft hair she got. It feels just like yours whenever I got to touch it during our hugs." the man whispered while his eyes followed the back of a little girl.


    After so many years, he witnessed how beautiful Jillyanna grew up and over the years, his love and care for her increased.


    When she left the country after graduating, he was devastated. The woman she protected in the shadows left without knowing him.


    "My Elizabeth, why did you leave me again? Will you be coming back? I want to hug you just like in the past. Oh! Elizabeth! My Elizabeth! Stop breaking my heart!" His cries echoed through the whole house. The sound could make anyone feel pity for him. Soon, his cries turn to maniacal laughters. Then, he kissed the photo of a woman, from the younger version to the current one.


    "You belong to me, body and soul!" It took him almost half an hour to kiss a dozen of stacked photos. "Your lips must be sweet. How wonderful!" He licked his lips and put down the last picture before taking a different picture. It was a bigger size of the ones on his bedside table.


    He stabbed the woman on the left side with a kitchen knife that he kept under his pillow. "It was all your fault! I lost her because of you! It was all your fault! Your fault! You bitch! Just die!" He stabbed it more than ten times when realization hit her. "Oh, you died already. Did you feel guilty and just resort to suicide? You should feel guilty!" He stabbed it twice more and threw it on the ground.


    The mess inside his room was opposite to how the house and other parts of the house looked. It was the only place littered with so many pictures, broken frames, knives and ruined pillows.


    The man stared at the wedding photo. It was him and Elizabeth having their wedding. Their smiles were contagious and anyone who would see it would smile, too.


    The picture was placed on the wall facing his bed. It was a very large size, occupying half of the wall and on its side were smaller photos with different poses but same wedding theme.


    "I will wait for you." he whispered with a faint smile.


    Even though he knew that she left, he would always visit the house and check if she''s home. Everyday, he would sit on a cobble stone few meters away from the house. He would only leave the place after half an hour.


    This became a habit and he was never tired of doing it.


    After a year of doing it, he was elated from so much happiness. The woman he was looking for was finally home.


    He remembered the texture of her hair and the sweetness of her smile. "I want to hear her cry when she''s under me. Ain''t that exciting? Ahh, those eyes must only look at me. Elizabeth! My dear Elizabeth! Come and see me."


    He was watching her from his car while she watered the plants on the garden. His hand moved faster and faster until hot and white stuff came out.


    "Next time, I will come and get you."

 Chapter 51 - IN THE CABIN

    Jillyanna closed her eyes and waited for the man to attack her but he stopped approaching her when he was just few inches away from her.


    He was so closed, so close that she can feel his hot breath fanning her face. When Jillyanna opened her eyes, he was looking at her intently, observing her like an insect under a microscope.


    Her heart started beating fast and she felt a little dizzy. They were having a staring contest and no one was willing to stop. Truth be told, Jillyanna was really afraid of him but she can''t show it to him or he will use it against her. She remained firm and calm under his scrutinizing gaze.


    "Let me tell you something." It was a whisper. Words that almost flew with the wind from being uttered softly. He didn''t move away from her or even move his eyes away from her. "Your mother was killed by Venus."


    Calm and collected. That''s how he looked like as he spoke those words to her. It took a minute before it registered to Jillyanna what he meant. Her expressions changed and her coldness started to creep around her heart.


    "I know that. If it wasn''t because of her, my mother wouldn''t have died." Jillyanna responded with frost biting her words. The man in front of her chuckled softly before getting away from her.


    He sat beside her so Jillyanna moved a little to give herself some space just in case he would attack her. He didn''t speak for a while. The house sank into a deafening silence where only their faint breathing could be heard.


    Jillyanna kept checking her bag to see if there''s anything she can use against him but there was none. Helpless, she behaved herself while thinking for a way to escape. Even if it''s a little chance, she would find that chance and make use of it.


    "Are you missing RV? You liked him a lot, don''t you?" His words were knives to her heart. RV was an existence that she wished to erase in her life, the person she wanted to forget so badly.


    "Don''t speak that name to me! I despise that person to the deepest part of my bones!" Anger, embarrassment, pain and all other negative emotions were fogging her ability to think clearly.


    Even if she would oftentimes mentioned his name to Thomas, there were no expressions in her eyes at all. His name was just like any other words in a dictionary. There was no special meaning to it.


    "Whatever they told you about your mother''s death was wrong."


    "It doesn''t matter. Lucian would find out the truth soon."


    "Why do you want to get a baby?"


    "Because I want to. I don''t want to be alone when I grow old."


    "Your cafe was named after your mom, right?"


    "Yeah."


    ''It''s not easy talking to a psychopath. One topic to another and you have to be very careful with what you say. Make sure not to flip a switch. Aaahh! I am going crazy!'' Jillyanna was murmuring mentally to herself while keeping a straight face in front of him.


    He was still speaking something when a loud ''bang!'' came from the main door. A man with a slightly long blonde hair came in. He looked decent when you first look at him but there were hidden malicious intent on his eyes.


    He gave Jillyanna a look before a grin spread across his face. He licked his lips with an obvious perverted gaze.


    "Did you get the tools?" the person beside Jillyanna asked to the new comer.


    "I did. You should be very careful by the way, there were policemen around the area who found her phone." He was nonchalant when speaking but he actually threw a disgusted smirk on her. "Keep your slut hidden!" He stated before going out of the house once again.


    If Jillyanna was afraid of the person in front of her right now, she was more afraid of the person who just left. There was something in him that tells her he was trouble. A very big trouble.


    "Don''t mind him. Follow me." He beckoned her to go with him so Jillyanna didn''t think of doing anything to provoke the man.


    One, the blonde person just walked out of the house and might come back. Second, she didn''t know the traps that were laid for her. Third, there were knives everywhere in the house. One wrong move and a sharp knife will be thrown at her.


    She would never risk her child! Left with no other safe choice, she grabbed her bag and followed him.


    They walked for a while until they were outside the house. What she saw was a vast forest with different kinds of plants, birds chirping, butterflies flying here and there and some wild rabbits hopping from one place to another. It''s the kind of place that she likes visiting but would probably becomes her burial mound.


    After a few minutes of walking, she saw a small cabin in the middle of the forest. Fear started licking her skin but she stayed vigilant around her.


    The man in front of her pulled out a set of keys from his pant''s pocket. He opened the cabin and turned on the lights before gesturing her to come inside.


    Jillyanna looked around the place once more. For a brave woman like her, she felt that the place was a little creepy.


    The man pushed her a little to get her inside before closing the door behind them. The room was neat and smelled of woods and earth.


    There was a single bed with pillows and blankets, a table, a chair and a small bathroom on the corner.


    A single window was found above the headboard of the bed which would fit a 5-year-old child. Not a single chance she could use it to escape.


    ''What have I done to go through with this?'' Jillyanna complained internally, weeping for her misfortune after trying her best to run away.


    "You cannot escape from here." the man spoke to her after seeing that she had been observing the place.


    Jillyanna winced from being discovered but she didn''t show it on her face. "I know I can''t fit on that window and the door would always be tightly shut. You wouldn''t leave me dying from hunger, right?" It was a question with a hint of mischief but she really wanted to know because dying from hunger was the last thing she expected from him.


    The man laughed loudly while looking at her. "I wouldn''t hunger you sweetheart. I need you to be energized before the operation."


    "What do you mean?" she asked with an expressionless face but her heart was hammering in her chest like crazy.


    "I''m a doctor, remember? I do surgical operations." His eyes were cold and malicious but he was smiling at her which was even scarier. Then he turned around and left her behind without saying another thing.

 Chapter 52 - CONVERSATION WITH LUCIAN

    Travis got inside back to his car with Lucian. With a gloves on his hands, Lucian opened Jillyanna''s phone to see if there''s any messages or anything that they can use as a clue.


    "I never thought her contact list would be this few." Valkyrie stated who was watching them from the backseat.


    Lucian just smiled before opening her social media accounts and skimmed through her inbox again. "Wait!" Valkyrie reached out his hands and stopped Lucian from scrolling.


    Travis threw a questioning gaze on him which made Valkyrie smiled awkwardly.


    "I just saw something. I have been following an Internet idol and I thought that the posts on this account look like hers." Valkyrie scratched the tip of his nose before sitting back.


    Travis didn''t even show a change of expression while listening. He said, "Be good or someone might kick you out." Which he meant was Brown who was scowling at the backseat just beside Valkyrie.


    Lucian looked at Valkyrie before showing the content directly at him. "Is this the goddess you mentioned?" On the screen was a picture of YNA exposing half of face. She was wearing a black mask with feathers and silver glitters on it which covered half of her face, showing only her sexy red lips.


    Valkyrie''s eyes were wide open. "You must be kidding me! This is her account? Not a fan''s account?"


    "It''s up to you to believe it or not. Anyway, let''s finish this up." Lucian logged off and opened another social media account. Valkyrie was still in a daze but he didn''t believe him completely.


    He opened all her accounts in front of them but it was fruitless. There were no clues that they can use at all.


    "I''m bothered with something." Travis spoke in a low but serious tone. Lucian looked up with a raised eyebrow to question him before Travis continued. "Why do you know all her accounts? Why do you have her passwords?"


    "Oh this? Don''t be jealous." Lucian chuckled before putting the phone back to a sealed plastic bag.


    "I am not jealous." Travis denied which earned another faint laughter from Lucian and Valkyrie.


    "When she was still in college, she received several messages from people she didn''t know. Some were jealous girls who wanted her to stay away from their boy friends but she never had any close friends aside from me and Cielo. There were some other people who would check her social media accounts and would send her nasty pictures and rude messages. Cielo was so worried that she made a report to my dad. To avoid worrying us, she gave us all her account and passwords." Lucian shared to them which made Travis even more jealous. His eyes were dark and his face was expressionless. There''s no way for anyone to tell what he was thinking or what he was feeling at that moment.


    "Isn''t that invading her privacy?" Brown retorted, something Travis wanted to ask, but he didn''t want to offend the man who''s most likely a family to Jillyanna,so he kept quiet. He was really thankful to Brown.


    Lucian was in charge of driving the car back to the office but for some reason, something was telling him to drive to the next town. He turned on the car before answering Brown''s question.


    "We once told her that there''s no need to give us her password but she insisted. She didn''t mind us opening her social media account if it''s the only way to stop worrying about her. But my wife would never stop worrying that''s why we installed a different tracking device on her phone."


    Travis was just listening on the sideline while Brown and Valkyrie asked the questions for him. Such good friends! That''s what Lucian thought about the two men with them.


    "Did you grow up with the two girls?" Valkyrie asked while giving Travis a glance.


    Lucian didn''t mind answering them since the man beside him would probably become a family soon. "I grew up with Cielo since I was young. Jillyanna and Cielo are of the same age."


    "They''re twins?" Brown inquired with disbelief. "They don''t look identical at all."


    Lucian laughed while driving. He even looked at Travis for a second before answering. "They are not twins at all. Jillyanna was brought home by Uncle and Auntie on Cielo''s 13th birthday. Her story isn''t something for me to tell so I can only share this information to you."


    "Why didn''t she tell Travis that she''s pregnant?" This question made everyone become silent. Valkyrie didn''t mean to throw such question but he was really curious as to ''why?''


    Lucian had her eyes focused on the road while thinking how to answer the question without hurting the man''s pride. He''s a man, too and he has pride as well.


    "Jillyanna doesn''t like relying to anyone and she didn''t like getting herself into a relationship. I believe she told you about this."


    "She did." Travis responded. He remembered the times Jillyanna put emphasis to the point where she didn''t want to get into a relationship and that pierced his heart. "Why did she give me a chance if she didn''t want to?"


    "Do you really want me to answer that question?" Lucian retorted back at him.


    "She doesn''t keep any secrets from you?" Brown asked.


    "She doesn''t keep any secrets from us. All her silly ideas were known to us all. Her future plans were all discussed to us. Even her death."


    "What do you mean?" Valkyrie was the one asking this time.


    "Many people were eyeing for her riches." Lucian answered shortly.


    "Oh."


    "Oh."


    Brown and Valkyrie made an ''oh'' sound while nodding their heads. ''Travis will really have a hard time with her. She can''t be fooled with money." That''s what they thought.


    "Do you really like my little sister?" Lucian asked Travis before parking the car in front of a convenience store.


    "I like her. I am interested in her. I want her to be with me forever." Travis answered honestly. Even if they thought he was being corny, they couldn''t deny the look of sincerity in his eyes.


    Lucian sighed before speaking. "She''s not a relative by blood but we all cared for like a real family. She had been hurt so badly in the past which made her promised to never love again. We all wanted her to be happy and if you can do that we will give you all our support. However, if you hurt her, you will never see her again or your child. Not even a shadow."


    "I will promise to treasure her." Travis stated with utmost sincerity.


    "Well, this is just my part. It''s still up to my sister if she''s willing to be with you." Lucian spoke with a faint laughter. He didn''t wait for Travis to respond, opened the car door and went out.


    He looked around the area and saw a street address. A cold shiver ran down his spine when a thought sank in.


    "This is the place that Jillyanna''s mom visited often in the past! Shit! She''s in grave danger! Fu**!"

 Chapter 53 - GLIMPSE OF THE PAST III

    "Hi! What''s your name?" Jillyanna asked the little boy who was sulking at the front porch of their house. He was taller than her by few inches and his dark eyes were kind of sad and lonely. She had been watching him from her room but after few hours, the little was still sitting on the same spot. He wasn''t even listening to his mother''s call.


    The little boy looked at her before looking away, gazing into the horizon like a mature guy. He seemed to be thinking of something. Jillyanna didn''t disturb him but she chose to sit on one of the couch near him.


    "My name''s RV." a soft whisper came out from him.


    "Huh?" Jillyanna asked with a confused gaze since she wasn''t able to hear the words he spoke clearly.


    "Everybody calls me RV. How about you?" This time he was looking at her while waiting for her answer.


    "I''m Jill. Are you auntie Venus'' son?" her big eyes were full of curiosity to this new visitor. It was the first time he visited their house after all.


    Travis took out a small candy from his pocket and gave it to her. "I am her son. Can you be my friend?"


    "What''s a friend?" This question stunned the little boy but Jillyanna took the candy nevertheless before going back to her seat.


    "You don''t have friends?" Travis jumped down on the rail that he was sitting and approached her.


    "I don''t know what''s a friend. I think I have none." she was innocent, cute and sweet everytime he answered his question. Travis didn''t know what to say at all.


    "Let me tell you something. A friend is a person you play with, talk to, share your toys or your food, help you in times of needs and someone who would accompany you when you feel lonely." Travis explained patiently to her while Jillyanna listened to him attentively.


    "Oh! I get what you mean. So my mother is my friend. She plays with me, talks to me and helps me everytime I need something."


    Travis was beyond speechless. He never thought that this small little girl in front of him didn''t have many friends.


    "You don''t go to school? You don''t go out?" Travis asked successively while taking a seat beside her. He was really curious in her life as a child.


    "I often go out with my mother. I study as well."


    "So you have friends at school, right?"


    "Huh? What''s a school?"


    "You don''t know what a school is? Where do you study then?" For Travis, it was hilarious! He had to go to different classes since young and here''s a person who don''t even know what school is. He thought that she was very carefree and spoiled by her parents.


    "I will show you where I study. Follow me inside." Jillyanna walked back to the house with her small feet. She walked slowly like she was afraid of making sounds. She had to stop for a while and drink water time to time.


    Now that Travis had observed the place carefully, he found out that there were pitcher of water and a glass almost every corner of the house.


    "Why are there so many water everywhere?" Travis couldn''t help but ask her.


    Jillyanna finished drinking her water before answering. "I get so thirsty easily. I need to drink lots of water."


    "Where are our parents by the way?"


    "They''re cooking in the kitchen. Would you like to see them first?"


    "Nope."


    "Okay. Follow me." They continued walking to a corner with two doors. Jillyanna opened the one on the left and got inside.


    There were so many books and toys arranged neatly on different shelves, a tablet and laptop was sitting on a table with a study lamp. There were different coloring materials and canvas and different school supplies. It was like a book/toy store instead.


    "This is where you study?" Travis asked with disbelief. How can she study alone? It''s boring. That''s what Travis thought while looking around the place.


    "I study here with my mom. Sometimes, it would be at the hos -...Sometimes, a teacher would come and teach me." she didn''t really know why the little boy kept asking her questions but she felt happy that someone was talking to her.


    "What about the other room?" Travis asked while indicating the door beside her study room.


    "That''s my room. Father arranged the place so that it would be closer for me."


    "Where''s your father?"


    "I don''t know."


    Travis was a sensitive person so he stopped inquiring about her father after seeing her pitiful expression. They sat on the floor while Jillyanna took out a coloring book to play with.


    "I think I remember why I don''t have friends." Jillyanna opened up while picking a red coloring pencil to use for the sketched roses.


    "You don''t really have to tell me, you know. I can be your friend if you want."


    "Is that so? You will still be my friend even if I don''t have a father?"


    "You, having no father has got nothing to do with me, being your friend. How''s that related?" Travis stated with a questioning look as he helped her erase some colors that were out of the lines.


    "There was a time that I tried to play with other children. They all yelled at me and told me that I don''t have a father so they won''t play with me. After that, I hate going outside the house."


    "Don''t worry I will be your only friend. You don''t have to look for anyone else." RV gave her a gentle pat on her head.


    When Jillyanna looked up, it was a different place. RV was standing not far from her. His face was full of anger while staring at her.


    "RV, RV wait up!" she was panting as she tried her best to chase after him.


    "Stop following me!" he shouted back at her which made her flinched from being shock.


    A dull pain started pricking her heart as she breathed heavily to fill her lungs with oxygen.


    "Don''t just run off on your own. Your parents will be worried." she was clutching her chest from the sudden pain but she remained standing.


    "It''s none of your business!"


    "Why do you have to shout at me?"


    "Why? Because I hate you! I hate you and your mom! I hate it so much that it made me sick just looking at your face!"


    "Don''t hate me please. You''re the only friend I have."


    "I am not your friend. I won''t like you! I won''t like a thief! I wish you and your mother would just disappear forever!"


    A tear fell in her eyes. His words were cold and painful. Jillyanna felt a cold hands on her face. She furrowed her brows and opened her eyes.


    "What are you doing?" Her nightmare was pushed to the back of her mind after realizing her situation.


    Both her hands were tied to the bed''s pole. Her back was covered with cold sweat as well as her forehead.


    Beside her was the man who came inside the house to report something earlier. It was him who looked at her with heated eyes.


    ''RV, I''m scared.''

 Chapter 54 - AT THE BRINK OF DEATH

    "No wonder he likes you so much. Your skin is flawless and soft. It''s like a solid milk. I like running my finger on it." While speaking the man touched her ankle, her legs, her thigh and her stomach. He was half naked with just his trousers on.


    Jillyanna struggled to break free from the knots which was tied around her hands but it was fruitless. Tears started forming in her eyes, blurring her vision.


    "Please let me go. I have a baby. Don''t do this to me please." she didn''t bother with her pride anymore. If begging would help her, she''d do it.


    "I''m sorry." He kept his hands aways from her and untied the cloth which he used to tie her hands.


    He held her hands firmly before kissing her wrist. Jillyanna''s eyes widened with fear. The person in front of her looks even more scary. Lust and joy were flashing across her eyes while staring at her face.


    He licked her wrist before kissing her fingers one by one. "Did you really think I would free you? I''m not the type of person who would waste his food."


    Jillyanna yanked down her hand and threw a punch on his face. He didn''t expect it at all so he was thrown on the side while covering her swollen face.


    She tried freeing her other hand as fast as she could. She jumped out of the bed and ran to the door.


    "Gotcha!" He was hugging her waist and dragging her back to the bed.


    "Help! Help me! Please help me! Please help me! Help!" she shouted as loud as she could while thrashing under him.


    He groaned in pain when she kicked his thigh but he didn''t listen the force he used to hold her down.


    ''Baby please stay with me! I will get us out of here! Please be strong inside me.'' she didn''t know if it was useful or what. It''s the only way she could think of to communicate with her child.


    Left with no choice, Jillyanna raised her head and bit his shoulder.


    "Aaaaarrggghhh!" His shout was loud and blood started dripping off on his shoulder. Jillyanna tasted his blood so she spat it out.


    ''SLAP!'' it was so strong that her ear was ringing from pain. She felt dizzy for a moment but she fought for her life after a few seconds.


    She punched his face, his neck and his chest but he remained straddling her. His legs were on both sides of her thighs, locking her from escaping.


    ''Pak!'' he gave her another slap. "Stop struggling. Be still."


    ''Why did this happen to me? All I wanted is to have my own child and leave. Why?'' She shouted internally. Tears fell on the bedsheet. Her heart was broken and she was afraid.


    She was ready to accept her death when the door was slung open. The man in front of her wasn''t even given the chance to turn his head when a bullet hit him on his head.


    Blood. Blood were all over her face as she watched the man slowly falling on the side of the bed.


    Jillyanna was happy and shock. She was finally saved!


    She raised her head to see her savior but she was disappointed.


    "Won''t you thank me?"


    "Isn''t it your fault that this happen? You left your man to keep watch on me. Didn''t you know he''s a pervert." Jillyanna was back to normal. It''s not that she wasn''t afraid of this person who abducted her, but she knew he wouldn''t be able to hurt her.


    "I''m sorry. It was wrong of me to give him the key." He walked inside and stepped on the body like it wasn''t there at all.


    "I''m glad you know it''s wrong. When will you leave the country? I have my flight booked already but you came and kidnapped me." she was rolling her eyes at him before sitting up straight to calm herself.


    "Go and take a bath while I bury this man."


    "Okay."


    Their conversation wasn''t like a normal victim or suspect at all. Jillyanna went inside the bathroom after getting a change of clothes.


    The man went out while dragging the dead person behind. He dug a hole at the back of the cabin and bury him without an ounce of pity.


    After half an hour, he came back with foods and drinks for her. That''s when Jillyanna realized that she slept the whole day inside the cabin.


    "Have some food and drink your vitamins."


    "Thank you."


    She grabbed her spoon and fork to start eating. She was really hungry from all the events that''s happening to her. Her exhaustion wasn''t just about her physical well-being but also her mentality and emotional well-being.


    "Why did you get pregnant with someone else?" There wasn''t judgement in his eyes but pain and sadness were evident and clear. "I waited for you. I endured so much for you."


    Jillyanna stopped from eating and put down her utensils. She looked at him in the eyes like she was staring directly to his soul.


    "Who are you looking at right now?" she didn''t evade her eyes while looking at his brown ones.


    "What are you talking about Elizabeth. Of course I''m looking at you." His voice were joyful and he looked really happy while watching her eat.


    "Do I really look like her?"


    "You are her!"


    "Stop hurting yourself. You should let go of the past. Don''t be like me. Don''t imprison yourself." Jillyanna stated before reaching out the glass of milk to drink.


    It was delicious and soothing to her throat which was now hoarse from shouting.


    "Is this how it would end?" He spoke with so much pain. He looked at the ceiling to stop the tears from falling.


    "Hey Enzo, why is this happening to us?"


    Lorenzo was stunned to hear his name coming from her. He was caught off guard with such event. Never in his wildest dream did he imagine to hear someone utter his name with pain and longing.


    "Don''t say my name. I don''t want to hear it from you." His tears fell and he sobbed in front of her. ''What''s pride? What''s love? What''s pain? What''s all these things I am feeling? What are the things I care? Why did this happen?''


    His sobbing made Jillyanna cried as well. She could totally understand how he''s feeling because she had seen her mother cried many times in the past while calling out his name.


    He was rather pitiful in his state. His sobbing was heartbreaking to hear. She couldn''t help but reach out to pat his back.

 Chapter 55 - ELIZABETHS PAST I

    "No father! Please! Don''t marry me off to someone else! I''m begging you." Elizabeth had her knees on the ground, tears rolling down on her face, trying to change his father''s decision.


    "Eliz! Stop acting foolish! You will marry Anton whether you like it or not! What''s so good about that doctor? What do you see in him? I''m telling you, if I see you with him, I will break his legs in front of you! Dare me!" Elizabeth''s father was fuming with anger. He would never allow her child to associate with those poor beings!


    Elizabeth cried and cried that her eyes were swollen, to the point that she could barely see the people in front of her.


    Her siblings snickered while ignoring her. Nobody likes her in that house. All they wanted was profit and wealth.


    She locked herself in her room for several days. It was summer. The summer that she planned to spend time with him. The summer that should have been memorable for her.


    "Why? Why are you doing this to me?" she screamed and yelled inside her room. Throwing things on the wall, breaking her mirror. It was a mess. So messy that you wouldn''t find a spot to stand without stepping on to shards of glass.


    No one answered her. No one came to help her. No one cared what she''s feeling.


    She pulled out her phone and called the number that she had memorized a long time ago. It rang twice before a cheerful voice came through.


    "My Summer! I just got off the plane with my seniors. Do you want to meet up?" It was Lorenzo Diaz. The man she fell in love with ever since she was in high school. He belonged to the middle class society but her parents considered him poor. He was smart and was taken under a senior director in Sanyu Medical Hospital even when he was still a college student. She''s very proud of him.


    Elizabeth was silenced for quite a while. She was weeping and sobbing quietly so that he wouldn''t find out anything amiss.


    She cleared her throat and coughed a few times before speaking. "I really wanted to but I have a cold right now."


    "Where are you right now? Are you in the dormitory? I will drop by to see you." His concern was evident in his voice. It''s always like this. Everytime she got herself in trouble, it was him who would always show up and save her. He was the only one who cared for her together with her best friend Venus.


    "I am at home right now. Thank you so much for your concern. I will be fine after drinking meds and a night''s rest." She sniffed and wiped the tears from her face. It''s heart breaking. Hearing his voice was heart breaking. She couldn''t bring herself to tell him what''s going on. She didn''t want him become crippled because of her.


    "I am glad there would be someone to take care of you. I wish I could actually see you." Enzo smiled while looking up at the clear blue sky. "I missed you so much."


    "I love you Enzo. You will always be the one I will love for the rest of my life." Eliz stated with so much pain. Her chest was aching while she spoke those words. She will never like anyone else in this lifetime.


    "I love you, too My Summer. In this lifetime and the next, I will always love you." He even made a kiss sound on his phone which made her chuckle.


    They talked for a while about his trip and her current research. She was having the best time of her life. The last summer that she was able to talk to him.


    When the call ended, her tears came streaming down her face once again. "Enzo, I only love you. I don''t want to see you in difficult state because of me. I will protect you from my father. Enzo, will you forgive me?" she was weeping quietly on her bed. She was in so much pain but nobody cared.


    After a week, the wedding was held under her father''s supervision. Friends and relatives came to celebrate the wedding. She didn''t even know the person she was marrying. The hell she care though!


    Her wedding vow was written by her mother and she just have to read it in front of everyone. She did as she was told and finished the ceremony.


    She didn''t tell Venus about it because she knew she would storm in and argue with her father. She didn''t want her father to hurt her best friend.


    "So you also love someone else?" Anton Xavier asked her when they were alone together.


    "I do. Do you have one?" she asked him back while removing her gloves.


    "I have. She left the country after finding out that I would be married to someone else." His sadness and pain were just the same as hers.


    "I haven''t told him. He would rush here and confront my father and my father would surely cripple him if not kill him. I wanted to protect him."


    "Let''s run away. Let''s live somewhere that no one knows." It was Anton''s idea.


    He bought a house somewhere near the suburb with so many trees and plants around it. He knew that Elizabeth likes taking care of plants. He knew that she loves red roses the most.


    "How about we make a garden. I can help you plant while you go to work." He stated while unpacking their things.


    "But you also have work."


    "I can manage my time. Beside, I can work at home but you will always be on the call since you are having on-the-job training. It''s more convenient for me."


    "Thank you. I will help you plant everytime I get some free time."


    "Hn." They continued unpacking their things and arranged accordingly.


    It was also a week after that Lorenzo heard the news. It wasn''t just him but Venus was also shocked to find out. She knew how much Elizabeth loves her boyfriend.


    "How did this happened?" she mumbled to herself after receiving the message from her boyfriend Thomas, who helped her investigate why she hasn''t come back to the hospital yet. It turned out she was on a leave due to wedding.

 Chapter 56 - ELIZABETHS PAST II

    Elizabeth moved to a different hospital to continue her internship. It was to avoid Enzo as well since there were some men following her to report back to his father. She can''t put him in danger.


    She didn''t talk to Venus about it as well. She faced her problems on her own.


    "How''s your transfer procedure?" Anton asked her when she came back with some of her belongings put inside a cardboard box. He took it from her and gave her a glass of water.


    "It was fine. I will start working the day after tomorrow. How''s work?" she conversed with him while removing her coat before placing it on the coat rack.


    "It''s fine. I finished most of the things I scheduled for today. What would you like for dinner?"


    "Anything you cook. I am not picky."


    "Okay. You take a shower first while I cook. Dinner will be ready in half an hour."


    She went to her room and take a shower while Anton went to the kitchen and cook their dinner.


    Time pass by quickly and in the blink of an eye, a month had passed after their wedding.


    Elizabeth and Anton became friends while avoiding her family at the same time. They were still considered young for a marriage couple. Of course they are! Anton was just a 23-year-old man and Elizabeth just turned 18 years old two months before their marriage.


    "How can he marry me off at such a young age?" she thought while digging a spot on the ground for her sunflowers.


    "What are you thinking about?" Anton flicked her forehead since she had been distracted for a while now. "You''ve been digging for few minutes already. I don''t think your sunflowers would still come out of it."


    "Oh. It''s indeed deep." Elizabeth scratched her nose with a little awkwardness. Some dirts were on her face which made her look cute and silly somehow.


    Anton scooted over to her and wiped the dirt off her face using his handkerchief. Her heart beat fast and her face was flushed from embarrassment.


    She didn''t care about it though. Since she married him, she would respect him. She may not love him like how much she loved Enzo but, she will treat him as a friend.


    "Anton?" she called out while he was wiping her face.


    "What is it?"


    "Why did you agree to marry me?" It was a simple question yet so difficult to answer. For a moment, she expected something from him.


    He didn''t speak for a while. He just stared at her before taking the gardening tools and pulled her to stand.


    The sun was up high already and he didn''t want her to stay too long under the sun. He walked her back to the porch then, he returned the tools inside the shed at the back yard.


    When he came back, Elizabeth was sitting on the rattan chair while watching the bright blue sky.


    "Did your parents tell you anything?" Anton asked after a seat beside her.


    "They didn''t. They didn''t speak to me about this wedding. I was just told I have to get married. For them, reasons don''t matter. I don''t matter to them. All that matter is profits and connections. I am actually glad you brought me here, away from them." she smiled at him but a glint of sadness flashed across her eyes.


    Anton shifted his gaze from her to the garden that they made. There were different kinds of flowers and some of them were in full bloom.


    "I feel like I am the bad guy here." Anton joked while looking at the flowers. "Are you regretting that you marry me?"


    "Not really. I know that I won''t end up with Enzo. My father would do everything he can to separate me from him. I don''t want anything bad to happen to him. Even if it wasn''t you, I would be married off to someone else. I am glad it''s you because you always take care of me." This time her smile was genuine which made Anton feel guilty. He robbed her off from her happiness and tied her down in a marriage of convenience.


    "I was left with no other choice. I had to accept this marriage whether I like it or not. If I had known you love someone, I would oppose it with everything I have."


    "I''m glad you didn''t. I would have ended marrying some old geezers or anyone with horrible characters. You actually saved me from them."


    "If ever you want to be free, just tell me. I can always set you free."


    "Enough already. Let''s stop talking about the past. It''s depressing." Elizabeth laughed and stood up. "Time to cook breakfast. I am in charge today so just relax and wait for me."


    Anton chuckled but didn''t say anything. When she left, his gaze landed on the man few meters away from their house. She didn''t notice him, but Anton had seen the man many times over the past weeks.


    They lived their life harmoniously. Elizabeth would go to work during the day and Anton would work at home while watching over the house. They didn''t hire any servants so they have to do the chores themselves. He wouldn''t go to his office unless there were emergencies that needed his presence.


    Day after day, they live like a real couple. They don''t fight or argue. He was very understanding of her.


    Half a year had passed from the time they got married. She still haven''t seen her family and she didn''t have any plan to do so in the future.


    "I''ll be off now." Elizabeth grabbed her keys and bag. It was still early but she had to leave as soon as possible to prepare her presentation.


    "Here''s your lunch." Anton took out a bento box from the kitchen. He had been doing it ever since she started working. "Good luck with your presentation. I will wait for you here." He kissed the top of her head which made her blush.


    "See you." she ran off to the garage and got inside her car. She has to be early to avoid the overflowing traffic in the city.


    "I am glad it was him that my father chose." Elizabeth thought while driving the car.

 Chapter 57 - ELIZABETHS PAST III

    That night, she was running happily towards him when she got home.


    "Aahhhhh!" she was beaming with so much happiness and joy as she screamed with her bag and folders.


    "What happened?" Anton came out from the kitchen while wiping his hands on his apron.


    "Anton I made it." she ran directly to him like a cute little puppy waiting for his praises.


    "I am so proud of you. I knew you can do it." Anton gave her head a gentle pat while a smiling at her. There was pride in his eyes while looking at her.


    "I was so nervous I ended up eating the bento before my presentation." she sulked at him before placing her things on the coffee table and slouched on the sofa.


    "So what did you eat for lunch?" Anton asked with a frown.


    "I didn''t eat anything. I was so used to your cooking that the food at the cafeteria tasted horrible to me. It''s your fault."


    "Why didn''t you tell me? I could have sent you some if that''s the case."


    "You''re busy. It''s fine. I am done with this and I can have some off. Oh, my research will be completed with the American Research Institution. Right after graduating, I will have to process some documents to continue my research overseas."


    "You will leave me?"


    "Who said I am leaving you? You are coming with me. Who will cook for me if you''re here?" Elizabeth answered without an ounce of bashfulness. She was used to him now so joking with him was a common thing.


    "Alright. Let''s talk about that when the time comes. For now, let''s celebrate your success. In two months time, you will graduate from college. You are so young and yet you''ll be a college graduate after two months."


    "It''s because your wife is smart." she retorted before picking up her things. "I''ll keep my things first and take a shower."


    "Hn."


    Just like that, things turned in different ways. Celebration shouldn''t really have alcohols. It''s way too dangerous for everyone specially someone who can''t hold out their alcohol that much.


    That night, Elizabeth drunk quite a few glass of champagne. She never knew it would taste good. She lost count of the times she took a gulp and now she was feeling dizzy.


    "It''s so hot in here. Didn''t we turn on the air conditioner?" she asked him while fanning herself.


    Anton just watched her across the table. His eyes were dark and he looked restless. He stood up and reached out for her hand.


    "You have to help me get back to my bed. I am feeling dizzy." she mumbled while leaning her weight on him.


    She felt soft and supple to his touch. Anton lifted her and carried her to his bed. Elizabeth felt the soft cotton mattress and felt comfortable. "You should sleep, too."


    "You want me to sleep with you?" he was controlling himself but the woman in front of her was stripping away that little control he got.


    "What was so wrong with it. Am I not your wife?"


    "You won''t blame me for this? Even if you will blame me, I can''t undo what''s about to happen." Anton''s voice was low and guttural. He was trying to suppress his desires but she wasn''t helping him at all.


    When Elizabeth had better and clearer vision, she kneeled on the bed and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her cold lips touched his. It was featherlight and Anton thought he was just imagining it.


    He didn''t make any move. He stood in the same place with his hands holding her waist. Elizabeth pecked a kiss on his lips once again.


    "I won''t regret this even if you blame me tomorrow." He stated before kissing her back.


    His kisses were gentle and he held her in his arms with so much care. He kissed her lips, down to the side of her jaws and to her neck.


    Feeling his touch and kisses, she couldn''t help but moaned. Such sexy sound made Anton do more.


    He kissed her one last time on her shoulder before taking off her shirt. She felt a little cold, but when he kissed her again, her temperature increased a few degrees. She felt like she was getting fever.


    "I can''t anymore. This is too much. It''s so hot." she complained to him but she had arched her body to give him better access.


    "It''s just the beginning darling." he kissed her lips once again before moving her kisses to her collarbone down to her chest.


    He unclasped her bra and her soft breast was bare in front of him. He bit the side of her chest before licking it.


    One of his hands was playing with one of her nipples while his mouth sucked and kissed on the other.


    He laid her down the bed gently. Her hair was strewn every where, looking like a goddess out to seduce him and he was seduced.


    He lowered his kisses even more and stopped right at the hem of her shorts. Without waiting for another second, he removed it together with her underwear.


    He stared at her for a while. Her face was flushed and her lashes were wet from tears of pleasure.


    He removed his clothings and hovered right above her. "I don''t have a condom." he whispered to her.


    "That doesn''t matter." He chuckled faintly after hearing this. He wasb''t sure if she understand what she said but she was right, it doesn''t matter.


    He rubbed her nub while kissing her once again. He slipped a finger to loosen her which made her cry in pleasure. He thrust his finger inside her core, letting her spasm underneath him.


    One became two and she was so hot she didn''t know what to do. All she could think of was Anton''s smile whenever he saw her coming home.


    That night they found warmth in each other''s arms. The stars and the moon were the only witness of how he gave his body and soul to her.

 Chapter 58 - ELIZABETHS PAST IV

    The next day, Elizabeth woke up next to Anton. His hands were wrapped around her waist and his chin was rested at the top of her head.


    He felt warm to her touch and she cuddled closer to him to feel comfort. In actual fact, she knew what she did last night.


    It''s not that she had forgotten Enzo but, she learned to accept the fact that they will never be together.


    One, she didn''t want her father to cripple him. Two, she didn''t want him to give up his dreams for her. Three, Anton had been kind and caring towards her.


    She may not love him as much as she loved Enzo but, she would dedicate her entire life for him.


    "Good morning." Anton kissed her forehead when he felt her movement towards him. His smile was genuine as he pulled her closer to him.


    "Good morning." she greeted back, burying her face on his chest. "Do we still have groceries for next week? I am free today so we can go out and buy some stuff."


    "Are you sure?" There was laughter in his voice but she didn''t know what he was laughing about. She frowned while looking at him but Anton just gave her a peck on her lips before climbing down from bed.


    He went to the bathroom and prepared a hot bath even though he cleaned her last night, he didn''t want her to feel uncomfortable.


    Elizabeth felt a bit sticky as well so she wanted to take a bath. She rolled on her side of the bed and took her robe. However, when she stood up, her eyes went wide.


    "Anton!" she yelled at him while cursing with some gibberish words. "It hurts you monkey!" She was rubbing her waist and tailbone when Anton came out from the bathroom. A towel was hung low on his waist while an evil grin was plastered on his face.


    "Now, I am sure we can''t go out today." he walked towards her and carried her off to the bathroom. He removed the bathrobe before placing her inside the tub.


    "It''s better now. I won''t do it again with you! It hurts like hell!" she glared at him before pinching his exposed waist.


    "I tried to be gentle last night."


    "Shut up! Go back to your room and get dressed!" she threw her bathrobe at him but Anton didn''t care and just caught the robe.


    "I''ll come back and get you. Don''t move around. I don''t want you slipping on the wet floor."


    "I know. Just go already."


    Anton kissed her one last time before going out. He didn''t close the door and Elizabeth didn''t mind it either.


    Something unplanned had changed their life. Instead of applying to American Research Institute, Elizabeth postponed her plan.


    "You didn''t have protection that night." It wasn''t a question but a statement. She had been feeling dizzy lately and she always wanted to sleep. It was her senior professor who told her to undergo pregnancy test and it came out positive.


    "I''m sorry. It was selfish of me." Anton responded when they were inside his car. She looked outside the window and didn''t speak for while. "I''m sorry."


    "Stop saying sorry. What do you have to be sorry for? Don''t you dare tell me you don''t want this to happen!" she threw a sharp glance at him while caressing her flat stomach.


    "Of course I want you to bare me a child but I didn''t expect it to happen this soon. It''s my fault for doing it without protection but I am not regretting it."


    "You''re shameless!"


    And that''s how Jillyanna came to the world. But happiness doesn''t last forever. When Jillyanna was born, she was diagnosed with congenital heart disease. Elizabeth was so heart broken for her child.


    Left with no choice, she contacted her best friend after a very long time.


    Venus just got out of the operation room when she received a call from Elizabeth. It was such a long time since the last time she saw her and she didn''t expect her call at all.


    She was so happy and excited to receive the call. She answered it immediately and they both agreed to meet during weekend.


    Elizabeth introduced her to Anton and Jillyanna which made Venus smile. She was happy that she married the right guy.


    It''s not that she didn''t like Enzo but she felt something''s off whenever she looked at his eyes. She couldn''t pinpoint it though so she never mentioned it to her friend. It was a good thing that she met Anton.


    "I am glad to finally meet you. My wife talked about you multiple times and she regretted it that she can''t contact you due to some personal matters." Anton stated which showed how much he cared for his wife.


    "Thank you for taking care of her. I am glad she married a good man." Venus responded before scooting over to the baby''s crib. "She''s beautiful."


    "Why didn''t you bring Travis? Don''t tell me Thomas sent him to another class?" Elizabeth inquired.


    "You know how perfectionist that man is! I really want to kick him out of the house." Venus retorted with fuming anger but she still smiled in the end while watching the baby girl.


    Elizabeth saw the questioning gaze her husband threw at her while giving Venus a side glance. She understood what he meant, "Venus looks young but she''s actually older than me."


    "Hey! Watch your words young lady. I am not old." Venus argued with her but Elizabeth just rolled her eyes.


    "Venus stopped studying when she had Travis. She only came back to school when her son was already three years old. Now, her son is already five. It''s up to you to guess her age."


    "Well, she looked young so number doesn''t really matter. I won''t let you have wrinkles, too. I will work hard for you." Anton winked at her which made her laugh.


    "I know and I am confident you''ll fulfill your promise." she responded to him while leaving Venus check her baby.


    All that matters to them was the wellness of their child. They have completely forgotten her family who was after their money.

 Chapter 59 - ELIZABETHS PAST V

    Though Elizabeth wanted to get a different opinion when it comes to her daughter''s condition, she knew it was most likely impossible.


    She brought Venus to her study and left Anton to take care of the baby. They had to discuss this matter since they were both doctors.


    "You have to be extra careful around her. You can''t let her cry for too long. As much as we wanted her to get treated, we have to wait. You can''t have her undergo operation in a very young age." Venus commented before taking a seat next to her best friend.


    "I know full well what you mean. I just hope she''d be strong for me and for Anton."


    "You didn''t regret marrying him?" Venus asked. She just wanted to know how she''s doing as a wife and mother.


    "At first, I was. I felt so broken hearted with the fact that I was forced to marry someone I don''t even know. Ever since the day we got married until now, Anton never blamed me or fight with me. He spoiled me so much that I felt so guilty for being so inconsiderate sometimes." she was cheerful when she spoke so Venus felt the love she emitted.


    "I am happy for you. God must have his own plans. Don''t worry too much." Venus squeezed her hands gently.


    "Have you seen Enzo? How''s he doing?" she inquired. It must be because of her guilt that she wanted to know his status.


    "Speaking of, didn''t you talk to him since you got married? You should actually talk to him. There should be closure between you two." Venus advised but honestly, she''d rather have them not meet again. She always felt restless when it comes to Enzo.


    "I actually felt guilty towards him. However, it''s better to keep him safe. I don''t want him to die because of me. I don''t think I can live with that burden."


    "If that''s the case, you can just avoid him. He knew you got married so I don''t think he''d do something reckless against you. He must be sensible with that smart brain he got."


    "I know. I just hope he''s fine."


    Though, that''s what she said, Elizabeth felt really bad. She think she was being irresponsible and her guilt was suffocating her.


    There were times that she would dream of him. His eyes were soulless and he looked so messed up. He didn''t look like a living person. He walked towards her while reaching his hands. She couldn''t move. She stood on her place while watching him come nearer.


    When he was just a foot away from her, a smile appeared on his lips. He was somewhat mocking her with his gaze full of contempt.


    ''Your love was a lie! You spoke of your love but you marry someone else! You are nothing but a tool for convenience! You''re a coward! Why didn''t you fight for me? Why?'' His words echoed in her ears but she couldn''t move. He wrapped his hands around her neck and strangled her.


    Elizabeth tried prying his fingers open but she couldn''t. She was having a hard time breathing.


    ''Stop it. Stop it. Enzo." she tapped his arms but he didn''t budge at all.


    "Stop it! Enzo!" she called out loud and woke up from her nightmare. She was covered with cold sweats and she was panting heavily.


    "Are you alright? I''ve been trying to wake you up." Anton was looking at her with worry but she didn''t tell him what she dreamed of.


    "Let''s just go back to sleep. I''m fine." she waved her hand and turned her back on him. Anton pulled her closer and she didn''t mind but her tears started falling on her pillow.


    She felt so guilty and sad. She didn''t know why it was happening to her but she couldn''t let her husband know. She didn''t want him to think that she wasn''t over her ex-boyfriend yet.


    It didn''t just happen once but it happened multiple times. Anton didn''t force her to say anything but she felt his sadness. There were times that he would go on business trip and wouldn''t contact her at all.


    She was really confused and she felt lost with what''s happening to her life.


    Until she decided to see for herself how Enzo was doing. Everytime she would dream of him, she would visit his place and watch him from afar. Once she made sure that everything''s fine, she would go back home.


    It was once a week, to once a month, to every two months and until she started feeling calm and normal.


    When Jillyanna was five years old, she felt something''s wrong. It was then that she realized Anton would often come home late. Sometimes, he would just stay in his office. They rarely talk and spend time together.


    Jillyanna didn''t have much time with her father and she often stayed at the hospital. Her father would visit her sometimes when her mother wasn''t around.


    She''s always happy whenever her father came to visit her.


    "Daddy, you don''t look well. You''re so thin already. Jill is bigger than you." the little girl stated while comparing her arms to her father.


    Anton just smiled while rubbing her head. "Daddy needs to work for you and mommy. She can''t have wrinkles so you should be a good girl."


    "I am always a good girl." she argued back.


    "I know. Daddy loves you and mommy. I will always be by your side no matter what happened." Anton kissed her forehead before leaving her to the nurse.


    He needed to leave before his wife could go back.


    Many people said that promises were meant to be broken. Many people don''t believe in that but it still happen.


    The promise Anton gave was never fulfilled.


    Elizabeth just got home with her daughter when she found an envelope on the table. She opened it and check the content.


    Her tears fell and she sobbed like a child she could no longer keep her composure. She broke down in front of her child. Jillyanna didn''t know what''s wrong but she felt sad for her mother.


    "Don''t cry mommy. Daddy said you can''t have wrinkles. Stop crying already." Jillyanna wiped her tears so she stopped crying in front of her.


    She helped her go to bed before she went to their room. Anton''s things were still in place but there was no warmth in her room already. It was cold and gloomy.


    I DON''T WANT TO TIE YOU DOWN FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. I WANT YOU TO LIVE A HAPPY LIFE. IF YOU STILL LOVE HIM, GO AFTER HIM. I HAVE INCLUDED THE DIVORCE PAPER INSIDE. YOU CAN SIGN IT AND SEND IT TO MY OFFICE ADDRESS. I WANT TO SET YOU FREE. YOU CAN SEND JILLYANNA TO ME IF HE DOESN''T LIKE MY CHILD. YOU KNOW ELIZABETH, I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED YOU.


    That''s what written on the paper she found inside the envelope together with the divorce papers. It was his penmanship.

 Chapter 60 - ELIZABETHS PAST VI

    Pain. So much pain. She could hardly breath from sobbing. She had to keep her voice low in order not to disturb her daughter.


    "Why are you doing this to me? Why didn''t you wait for me? Why didn''t you trust me? Why is this happening to us?!" she mumbled to herself. She punched her pillow and threw it on the floor. Her heart was breaking into millions of pieces. She had tried calling him but his phone was turned off. She couldn''t leave the house because her child was sickly.


    This was what Jillyanna saw. She didn''t make any noise but her tears were falling while she watched her mother cried. She sat on the wall outside her door so that she won''t see her.


    "Enzo, is this really the best for us! I left you and now my husband left me, too. Is this what they called karma? Was it so bad to sacrifice myself for you? Couldn''t I be happy? I just want us to be happy. Why? Why is this happening? Why won''t anyone give me an answer?!" she was overwhelmed with pain and anger that she flung the bedside lamp on the floor. It was a complete mess.


    Jillyanna didn''t move or confront her mother. When she felt a sudden pain in her chest, she went downstairs and pour herself a glass of water.


    She knew who Enzo was. Her mother would sometimes bring her to a place and watch a man from afar. However, whenever she saw him smile to someone, Jillyanna felt uncomfortable so she would hurry her mom to leave the place. She had heard her auntie Venus spoke of that man and describe him, so she was certain it was that person.


    She maybe sickly and small but she got a powerful braincells. That''s what her father would always tell her.


    The next day, her mother brought her to the city. She had a large and dark glasses covering half of her face. Jillyanna was wearing a small cap to cover her from the sun''s rays.


    The guard greeted her as well as the staff. "Good morning madam."


    "Morning." Elizabeth greeted back at them. Since she was wearing glasses, no one could see her expressionless eyes.


    She pressed the elevator button to the topmost floor. After few minutes, she arrived at his office. She had been to his office even before so the staffs knew her already.


    "Excuse me madam. Are you here for the boss?" his secretary asked her awkwardly.


    "Yes. Why?"


    "Well, boss left last night for a business trip." his secretary answered.


    Elizabeth feign ignorance and scratched her nose. "Oh shoot! I thought the activity was today. I completely forgot. I was so excited for it."


    "I will inform boss that you came here."


    "That''s fine."


    She left as soon as she could while holding her tears from falling. She was glad that no one knew about their situation which made it easy for her to find an excuse.


    "Mommy?" Jillyanna couldn''t contain her thoughts anymore and called her mom.


    Elizabeth put her inside the car first before going to the driver''s seat. "Yes, sweetheart?"


    "No. It''s nothing. I forgot it already." Honestly, she wanted to know when her father would come back home but she shut her mouth.


    Base on her mother''s action, it''s most likely that she will grow up without her father anymore. She wanted to cry with the thought but she can''t. She must stay strong for her mother.


    "Mommy?" she called out again.


    "Yes sweetie?" her mother was always patient to her. She didn''t turn on the engine yet, no plan to leave the place as of the moment.


    "Mommy, who is Enzo? Didn''t you love father?" Even though she knew who Enzo was, she wanted to confirm it with her mom.


    "Enzo was a special person in the past. However, I only love your daddy. Will you be in the world if I don''t love your dad?"


    "I knew it. Daddy is the number one in your heart."


    "Of course silly girl." she reached out her hand and rubbed her head.


    "We will wait for your daddy to return."


    They waited for a week, a month, a year until so much time passed that Jillyanna turned twelve years old already.


    She still believed that her father would come back to them. She never stopped believing in him.


    Elizabeth would always clean his things even though no one was going to use it. She would sleep later during the night to wait for him but Anton never came home.


    One time, a person came with some documents in his hand. It was the deed of the house and lot. Jillyanna listened at the side while her mother spoke to the man.


    "I won''t change the name. I want Anton''s name on the document. I want to be reminded that what I have belongs to him." her mother stated and returned the papers back to him.


    He looked towards Jillyanna but she shook her head. "I want my father''s name on it. In any case, no one can take the house and lot from us since he was legally married to my mom and the will said it should be changed to our name. As long as it won''t be changed to someone else, this will remain our house."


    The man was shock that she knew a lot but it was also great to keep things safe. He didn''t spend so much time with them and left the house. He gave them the documents and Elizabeth placed it on his vault together with the divorce papers.


    Jillyanna could clearly see her mother''s wrinkles. She looked older compared to some people of her age. She had been so stressed out over her missing father but she won''t say a thing.


    She waited and waited and waited and waited. She waited for years but he never came. Until the moment she closed her eyes, all she could think of was her husband, Anton Xavier.

 Chapter 61 - THE GIFT

    "My mom sacrificed herself for you. She made sure that you will live even if she has to suffer. She never wanted to hurt but most of all, she never wanted to see you fail just because of her. Is this really what you want? Do you really want to fail her?" Jillyanna spoke in a melancholic tone. It was her mother that caused her to be in this situation so she had to use her mother to get herself out of the predicament.


    Enzo was still weeping beside her. He looked so broken and devastated. His hair was disheveled and his clothes were wrinkled.


    Honestly, she twisted some of her words to make him feel guilty. Enzo''s mindset was somehow stuck in the past. His mind would lean on between the past and present. He would sometimes see her as her mother or as Jillyanna.


    She placed her bet on her mother. She knew that he would not make a move against her if she talks about her mom.


    "She didn''t really have to sacrifice herself. I could have proven to her father that I am worthy. Why didn''t she tell me?" Enzo questioned her with so much pain. There was regret in his eyes and self loathing. "Why was I poor? Why?"


    Jillyanna couldn''t bring herself to answer him. She didn''t know why her mother didn''t wait for him or why he was born poor. How could she answer that?


    "I am not hungry anymore. Would you like to talk?" she suggested as she crawled to the other end of the bed, to protect herself in case he would change his mind and harm her.


    Enzo didn''t move or look at her. He stayed where he was and wiped his tears.


    "Do you think your mother ever thought of talking to me? Did she even want to see me?" Even though he wiped his tears, new ones kept on falling on his face.


    "She did. Actually, she would often visit your neighborhood and would watch you from afar. There were nights she would cry while calling out your name. When I was young, I was wondering why she would wanted to watch you from somewhere. Now that I think about it, she may have been guilty for leaving you."


    "I''m sorry." He looked so helpless and so pitiful.


    "You don''t have to say sorry. My mom would be glad since you came to protect me." Jillyanna stated with a smile. ''Sorry mom, I have to use you for my protection.'' she apologized mentally to her late mother.


    Since she didn''t have anything to do, she rummaged on her bag and found the rest of her things aside from her phone.


    "I threw your phone."


    "I see. Well, I don''t think there would be enough batter with that if you didn''t throw it." she responded while still looking inside her bag.


    She found the gift box that she asked Jenny to get from her apartment. It was the one that Travis gave her. She planned to return it but it looks like it wouldn''t happen soon.


    "I once gave your mom a gift. It took me three months to save for that just so I could give something on her birthday." Enzo stated while reminiscing about the past.


    "Was it the silver bracelet with EL carvings?"


    "Yeah. She kept it?" There was a bit of joy on his voice but his smile was faint.


    "She kept it. Even when she didn''t wear it, she would always bring it with her." It was a half lie statement.


    She saw her mother kept it inside the box and place it on her bedside table but, she never wear it. The only jewelry she ever remembered her mother wore was the necklace that her father gave.


    When her mother died, she was holding on to that necklace tightly. Sad to say, her father never knew how important he was to her mother.


    "I am happy to know that."


    "Would you like to get it. You can keep it as memento. After all my mother really loved you." she made sure to use the past form of love. If her mother is still alive, she will only love her father for the rest of her life. So past should remain in the past.


    Enzo didn''t speak regarding the bracelet anymore. He was sitting silently while fiddling on his fingers.


    Jillyanna took out the bracelet from the box and looked at it for a while. ''You''re the only one I have now. I can actually give you to my child in the future.'' she noted mentally as she caressed the jewelry in her hand.


    Since she still needed to wait for Enzo to change his mind, she decided to wear the bracelet.


    "I am sleepy now. Will you let me sleep for a while? That idiot man you had really disturbed my sleep." she complained to him. She arranged her pillows and went under the thick quilt to sleep.


    Even though Enzo''s emotions were not stable, he won''t hurt her. The reason was his guilt for her mother. He won''t do anything to her and most likely, she would be sent back to her house tomorrow.


    Enzo didn''t mind that she''s going to sleep. He cleaned the table and brought out the dishes on a tray. After making sure everything''s alright, he went out and locked the cabin behind him.


    Jillyanna was fine being left alone. She held on to the bracelet and closed her eyes to sleep.


    Without anyone''s notice, the heart shaped pendant on the bracelet blinked twice with a very faint light.


    On the other end of the city, several police officers got ready for a possible battle. They had been checking the neighborhood for any suspicious activity but there was none.


    They asked some civilians if they noticed something but there was none. They felt a bit hopeless until Travis got a notification on his phone.


    PULSE ACTIVATED. LOCATION DETECTED. BREATHING AND HEART RATE ARE NORMAL. TRACKING DEVICE WILL NOW CHANGE TO SLEEP MODE.


    It was the robotic report he had been waiting for over a month now. He never expected it would come in handy. A smile was formed on his lips.


    "What''s so funny?" Valkyrie asked after seeing his expression.


    "She''s wearing my gift right now. Prepare your men Lucian. I know where she is already." Travis spoke to Lucian through his earphone.

 Chapter 62 - RESCUING JILLYANNA I

    Travis put on his vest while waiting for Brown to lock on Jillyanna''s location. Brown''s fingers danced across the keyboard after connecting Travis'' phone on his laptop.


    The red dot was no longer blinking which means the owner was not in danger.


    "She''s even calm while she''s in this predicament. I salute to this woman." Valkyrie stated as he watched the laptop''s screen.


    "That means she knew who abducted her and she knew that person won''t harm her." Brown responded before zooming in the location that he found.


    "Who could it be? Lucian said it should be someone dangerous. That person isn''t your rival, right?" Valkyrie joked at Travis which earned him a glaring look.


    Valkyrie just laughed at him but he still turned serious when they found where exactly she was.


    "She''s in the middle of the forest? Are you sure it''s a forest?" Travis questioned with a frown. ''How could she keep calm in the middle of a forest?'' he asked mentally to himself.


    "Well, that''s what we have here. Unless the device is worn by a different person. But what would a person do in the middle of the night in this forest? Unless they were held hostage or kidnapped, right?" It was Brown who responded to his questions.


    Without waiting for another second, be it Jillyanna or not, they have to find that person. How could she possibly have Jillyanna''s belonging? Travis wanted an answer as soon as possible.


    "Lucian, she''s in the middle of the forest in the northern part of this city. It''s a vast forest and there were few houses near it. The nearest house was one kilometer away from it. Disperse your men to different sides and be careful of traps. We don''t know what surprises we''ll face in this forest." Travis was calm and collected but in truth, his heart was beating fast.


    He was afraid that it''s he''s too late. He''s afraid that he would lose her. He didn''t know why but thinking that she''d be gone left a deep hollow in his heart. He felt like he lost her before and losing her the second time would put an end to everything. He didn''t want that to happen.


    He got out from the car and moved with stealth as he glide to the dark alley following behind him was Valkyrie and Brown. Brown had some of his first aid kit just in case Jillyanna was wounded.


    After few minutes of walking, stopping and observing, they reached the huge mansion at outskirts of the forest. It''s architectural design was really nice and there were many red roses planted in the garden. It''s like the scene from Beauty and the Beast.


    Enzo just got home from the cabin and his heart was still in a mess. He felt so guilty and broken. He never intended to hurt her. He only wanted to see Elizabeth look at him with love once again, but the person he got didn''t.


    She looked like his love from the past but her actions, her voice and her words, they don''t belong to the person he was looking for.


    "She''s Jillyanna. Remember the child Venus mentioned? It''s her. She''s Elizabeth''s daughter, not Elizabeth. C''mon! Get your act together and free her!" he spoke to himself with so much anger.


    "Do you think Elizabeth will forgive me?" he asked with a sad voice, in the verge of tears.


    "If you knew she wouldn''t forgive you, why didn''t you stop yourself? You''re an idiot!" his other self responded, angering him as well.


    "Didn''t I exist because you''re a coward? If you took a step, if you went to look for her, if you aren''t so weak that needed her protection, do you think she''d sacrifice herself for you! You are so dedicated to your research that you would often forget her! Did she complain? She didn''t! You''re the stupid and coward! Don''t blame me! I am not existing in this world anymore!" he shouted at him, making him realize his mistakes and flaws.


    The house sank in deafening silence that Enzo felt a deep void in his mind and heart. He blinked his eyes twice trying to hold back his tears. He never felt so hopeless and useless until this time.


    He looked at his hands. The hands that he used to do his research had killed someone, forced someone to do his bid, abducted someone who was special to his love and almost cause her demise.


    He stood up with his hunched back, he walked to his room and removed all pictures that were related to her except the picture that was taken back in college. He put them all together in a garbage bag and brought it to the backyard.


    There''s a big barrel there with a heap of ashes which showed he burned a lot of things in there. He put the garbage bag inside and pour a small amount of gasoline before throwing a lighted match, igniting it to flame.


    "I am sorry Eliz. I am deeply sorry. I almost hurt your daughter. I am really sorry." he mumbled while looking at the yellow-red flame.


    Travis with Valkyrie and Brown, saw a man throwing something on a big barrel. They waited for a few minutes before they saw him moved towards the forest.


    Valkyrie moved quickly and took out some of the things that weren''t burned yet. There pictures, stuff toys and jewelries. He picked a picture and looked at it.


    "Who is it?" Brown asked beside him. Travis was watching the man to make sure not to lose sight of him.


    "The picture was crossed out and the other half was burnt. Can''t see who this is. Let''s follow him." Valkyrie moved and tapped Travis'' shoulder as they jogged through the forest.


    It was dark in the middle of the forest. The only light they can use was the faint light of the moon. They could still see the shadows leading them to the middle of the forest and that man didn''t seem to have known that he was being followed.

 Chapter 63 - RESCUING JILLYANNA II

    Jillyanna was sleeping peacefully inside the cabin without knowing the commotion she caused to the outside world.


    Since she became pregnant she had been craving a lot of sleep which she was grateful for having a cabin in this forest. She was able to relax herself now that the pervert man is dead.


    It hasn''t been three hours since she fell asleep but she heard faint footsteps running around the cabin.


    She didn''t open her eyes but she remained vigilant if in case someone''s coming to hurt her and her baby again.


    ''Creak!''


    It was the sound of her door being opened. She opened her eyes and looked at the person walking towards her.


    "It''s you. Are we leaving? Which country are you planning to go?" Jillyanna asked Enzo as she sat on her bed.


    "We are not leaving. You heard them, right?" Enzo stated before sitting on the edge of her bed. He had a smile on his face, something that made Jillyanna smile as well.


    She was successful! She was able to communicate to the real him. The person who kept loving her mother despite his circumstances.


    "Enzo, do you know who killed my mother? We talked about this before and you told me that what I know was a lie. I want to bring justice to my mother." Jillyanna stated which earned a sigh from him.


    "If you can find -"


    "Put your hands up behind your head! Now!" It was Valkyrie who came in with a gun pointing at Enzo. His sudden intrusion cut off the statement that Enzo wanted to say.


    Jillyanna was shocked to see them, specially the man standing at the door - Travis.


    "What''s going on?" Jillyanna asked in panic as she tried to reach for Enzo and hid him behind her. Enzo was even sad to see how she tried to protect him, the person who kidnapped her.


    This action caused made Travis felt angry. He had been so worried for her and instead of running to his arms, she chose to protect her abductor!


    "My wife, what are you doing?" Travis questioned her with a raised brow. Brown and Valkyrie snickered at his statement but he didn''t care at all. Jillyanna even rolled her eyes.


    "Alright. Don''t scare him with your guns. I was just talking to him." she responded with her arms wide open as if to block anyone from approaching him behind her.


    Enzo tapped her shoulder making her turned to look at him. "You don''t have to do this. I am willing to come to the station for causing you harm. It''s my way to atone for my sins. If it has to be a death penalty, I am willing to accept such punishment."


    "What the hell are you talking about? You won''t have a death penalty hanging above your head. My mom wouldn''t be happy to see you in that situation."


    Jillyanna snapped at him. Even though he kidnapped her, he never harm her in any way. "You saved me, remember?"


    "Enough, Jillyanna. I will be fine." Since the time he abducted her, it was the first time he mentioned her name.


    He pushed her slightly out of his way which was just in time for Lucian to come in with a handcuff.


    "We found a dead man buried behind this house. He died not long ago. Will you come clean with us in jail?" Lucian stated while cuffing both his hands behind his back.


    Jillyanna came to him and asked, "How did you know about the dead person? He didn''t kill him on purpose. He had to kill him or I would be dead! That person wanted to rape me! Enzo saved me from that man!"


    She didn''t really want to save Enzo but she didn''t want him to have a death penalty as punishment as well.


    A while ago, when Travis and his friends followed him, they thought he didn''t notice but few meters before the cabin, he stopped.


    "Will you give me a few moments to talk to her?" Enzo asked without turning his head to look at them. He didn''t enter the house though instead, he walked to the backyard where Lucian and his men just got out of the bushes they were hiding from.


    They were stunned and raised their guns, pointing them at him. He didn''t blink or flinched, like he knew all along that they would find him sooner or later.


    He moved towards the freshly dug soil and pointed his hand on it. "I killed a man few hours ago. I buried him there. I will get inside the house first and don''t do anything reckless or someone might get killed."


    Lucian believed his words so he asked his men to find ways to dig the soil. Enzo moved back towards the front yard where Travis was standing still.


    "Just give me a minute. I won''t harm her so don''t worry." He opened the door and walked inside. They waited for few minutes but he didn''t come out so Valkyrie rushed inside with his gun.


    Travis came to her side and hugged her. Jillyanna hugged her back since she could feel the tension he was feeling at the moment. His heart was beating so fast she could feel it underneath her hands.


    "I am so glad you are safe. I was really scared. Savannah was crying when you were gone. She was so afraid something happened to you and the baby." he spoke softly in her ears, half of his face was buried in between her shoulder and neck.


    "Sorry." that''s all she could say. Lucian was looking at them so she smiled awkwardly. How would she explain their position right now? Lucian must have known already who the father of her child is. Really awkward.


    When Travis calmed down, he ushered Jillyanna back to his car. Brown was all set with his equipments to check on her.


    She looked back to the cabin where a yellow tape was being used to cordon the place. It was a messy sight compared to the first time she arrived there.


    When she turned around to face Travis, she saw his face getting closer to her. His lips were just few inches away from her which made her trembled in her place.


    ''What the hell is he trying to do?!''

 Chapter 64 - BROWN LIED

    Jillyanna''s eyes widened when his lips touched her face, he looked like he wanted to say something but he slowly closed his eyes and leaned on her.


    "Travis?" she called out to him softly as she pat his back but there was no response, only his faint breathing was audible in her ears.


    She turned her head from side to side to see anyone who can help her. Brown, who saw what happened outside the car, was startled. He immediately got out and helped her.


    "Thank you for helping me." Jillyanna whispered to him since she didn''t want to wake up someone who looked so exhausted. Brown placed Travis at the back seat carefully.


    "You have to get inside, too. We will all be damned if he wakes up and couldn''t find you." Brown stated, gesturing her to get inside and sit next to Travis, where some devices were set up.


    "I am sorry for causing you trouble." she responded before getting inside herself. When she was seated, Brown started checking on her to make sure she''s fine. "You''re a doctor?"


    "Yes." A simple answer to her question. He checked on her pulse, checked her neck, arms and legs if there were any wounds or bruises, good thing to see, she''s perfectly fine. "It''s surprising that your abductor didn''t hurt you. He didn''t even contact anyone for ransom."


    Hearing his side comment, Jillyanna looked towards the tip of Enzo''s mansion, located not too far from them. "He couldn''t hurt me because I am the daughter of the woman he loved. He doesn''t need money as well."


    "That makes sense." he nodded his head indicating his agreement.


    Jillyanna was still looking outside the car when she saw Lucian walking towards their car once again. She wound down the car window to see him.


    "Bro, can''t I go home with you? I think I would be fine at home. You know what I mean?" she was pleading him with her eyes but he ignored her.


    "Looks like you''re fine. As I''ve said, we will visit you tomorrow. For the meantime, you have to rest properly. Going home with me, as much as I want to, you will only be bombarded with questions. Staying with him will ensure your safety." Lucian answered her.


    "Bro, make sure that he will be fine. If you need a statement from me, I am willing to go." she commented which earned a confused look from Brown but he didn''t say anything.


    "I will inform you about this case tomorrow morning. You guys go on ahead. I will take care of this matter. Don''t worry."


    "Okay. Sorry for causing you trouble." she looked down and upset but she couldn''t really help it. Who would''ve known that she will be abducted when all she wanted to do was escape from Travis?


    After few more minutes of conversation,Valkyrie started the car. He has been silent all this time as he observed Brown on the mirror.


    After their encounter in his room, they didn''t get the chance to talk and Brown didn''t like talking to him as well. He didn''t even look at him.


    Valkyrie sighed internally as he continued to drive the car. Brown was sitting beside him but was looking outside. Jillyanna was fiddling on her seatbelt while throwing some glances to the three men with her.


    "Uhhh excuse me." Jillyanna called to them with hesitation.


    "Yes?"


    "Yes?"


    Valkyrie and Brown answered together. Brown looked at her while Valkyrie just gave her a glance through the rearview mirror.


    "I think this isn''t the road to his house. I''m quite familiar with it." she informed since both men looked distracted with each other''s presence which she found funny at the same time.


    Brown was stunned as well as Valkyrie but they didn''t show it on their faces. "We will be meeting with Savannah for a while. She was instructed to buy some foods since we haven''t had our dinner yet. I apologize for not letting you know."


    "Oh it''s fine. Do you mind if I sleep for a while?" she questioned them but she was already closing her eyes without waiting for their answer.


    When she wasn''t looking at them, Brown pulled out his phone and sent Savannah a message.


    SAVY, WE NEED YOUR HELP. PLEASE BUY LOTS OF FOODS AND LET''S MEET UP AT THIS ADDRESS. DON''T ASK US ANY QUESTIONS. WE''LL BE THERE IN 15 MINUTES.


    Attached to the message was an address for their meeting. It was because, they didn''t know where Travis rented the new house. He mentioned it before but they neglected that information, thinking it won''t matter in the future. Now, they regretted doing so.


    They could only find a way to get into that address without alerting the woman who was sleeping soundly next to Travis.


    Fifteen minutes later, Valkyrie stopped the car on a parking area where Savannah and Hawk were waiting.


    Hawk got out of the car with Savanna beside him. Brown was the one who met with them since someone needed to stay to keep watch of the two sleeping figures in the car.


    "Where''s Jillyanna? Is she safe?" Savannah asked immediately as soon as she was within hearing distance from Brown.


    "She''s fine. No wounds or bruises. She''s sleeping with Travis inside the car." Brown answered her with a faint smile.


    "That''s good to know. I have the food with me. So what''s the matter?" she asked again. Hawk was just standing beside her quietly.


    "Can you give us the address to the rented house? Looks like Jillyanna didn''t know who he is yet. She told us to go back to the rented house and we don''t know the address. We lied to her, that''s why we have to meet you." Brown responded while scratching the back of his awkwardly.


    "That''s fine. I''ll send you the address and we''ll be following you behind. Just check your phone. I want to see Jillyanna as well."


    After sending the address, Savannah and Hawk went back to their car. Brown jogged back to their own car as well and showed the address to Valkyrie without speaking to him.


    They all went back to the rented house of Travis which was the place Jillyanna knew.

 Chapter 65 - HIS FEARS

    Both Jillyanna and Travis were still sleeping when they reached the house so Hawk had to carry her while Valkyrie and Brown helped Travis.


    Since no one really know what''s the status of their relationship, they decided to put them in the same room.


    Jillyanna felt her body sink on to the soft bed and thought something was wrong. She immediately opened her eyes and saw Savannah at the end of the bed trying to cover her with the soft quilt.


    "This isn''t my room." she stated that made everyone turned their heads to look at her. "I don''t sleep in the same room with this man." she clarified before standing up and walked out of the room.


    The four people looked at each other before looking towards the sleeping Travis. ''Your wife doesn''t like sleeping with you.'' They commented mentally before going out of the room as well.


    They saw Jillyanna walked to another room and closed the door.


    The house sank into dead silence with just their breathing circulating within the huge space.


    "I am really hungry. Now that they''re both safe, let''s eat and restore our energy. My stomach had been grumbling since morning." It was Brown who broke the silence while walking down the staircase.


    Savannah had placed all the food she bought in the kitchen so they helped themselves to replenish their lost energy.


    The next morning, Jillyanna was the first to wake up among them. Well, everyone was exhausted from finding her and she was just resting and eating inside the cabin. She wasn''t really that tired so she got up and walked towards Travis'' room.


    Now that it''s morning, she can clearly see the dark circles below his eyes. He looked wasted and stubbles were visibly growing. Instinctively, she rubbed the bracelet she was wearing since last night.


    "Sorry." she whispered before going out, closing the door behind her and walked to the backyard - her favorite place.


    The wind was blowing her hair and it smelled fresh compared to the dusty air in the city. Birds chirping and some butterflies were every where. It was a rather nice morning for someone who experienced o many things from the past few days.


    She sat on the bench while watching the view in front of her. The far sea was clear and there were boats and ships littered on it. Around her were different kinds of trees and flowers. The pot she broke last time when she escaped was already replaced.


    "Baby, even though I wanted to give this to you, we don''t really own this bracelet. I will just give you something else in the future. Let me return this thing, okay?" she spoke in a hushed voice while caressing her flat stomach.


    She looked at the bracelet once more before taking it off and placed it on her lap. There was a faint shining light and she thought it was just because of the sun light so she ignored it.


    At the same time, Travis was awoken from an alarm.


    NO PULSE DETECTED. NO PULSE DETECTED. NO PULSE DETECTED.


    It was the robotic voice of the device attached to Jillyanna''s bracelet. His phone was blaring the alarm again and again.


    His heart beats so fast he was suffocating. His eyes were red as he run to her room but she wasn''t there. The bed was fixed neatly and there was no signs of movements or any noise.


    "Where''s Jillyanna?!" he shouted which made everyone open their doors and looked at him with perplexed gaze. They all went to her room and found it empty.


    "Wait." Savannah went inside the room and opened the drapes covering the floor-to-ceiling glass window. They blinked their eyes twice before seeing someone sitting on a bench at the backyard.


    Her head was down and she was looking at something in her lap while caressing her stomach. It was Jillyanna.


    Travis didn''t bother changing his slippers and ran to the backyard. He ran as fast as he could and found her still sitting in the same place.


    Jillyanna heard the quick footsteps so she looked back to see who it was. "Morning." she stood up and greeted him but he didn''t have any intention of slowing down.


    Travis was still jogging towards her with unreadable expression. He hugged her tightly and buried his head in between her neck and shoulder. His breathing in and out quickly and his heart was beating so fast.


    All he wanted to do was to find her immediately. He didn''t want to lose sight of her or not know where she is or what she''s doing.


    "Don''t go anywhere without letting me know. Don''t take off the bracelet. Don''t leave me." He spoke to her as he encased her in a warm embrace.


    "Can''t...breath...So...tight..." she tapped his shoulder repeatedly which made him release her. She pushed him away and gasped for breath. Guilt and pain flashed across his eyes but she didn''t care. ''How far can he go in this pretending game? Ha! He''s no different from him.'' she thought while giving him a glance.


    Travis was standing beside her not knowing what to do. He was gaping as if he wanted to say something but nothing came out of his mouth.


    "Let''s go back inside. It''s getting hot in here. What would you like for breakfast?" he opened up to her and led her back inside, watching over her steps to make sure she won''t fall.


    "Anything except for stewed fish." she answered him without looking back.


    "Jill?" he called out which stopped her on her tracks. She immediately turned to face him, anger and resentment were clear in her eyes.


    "Don''t call me that name or I will really hate you and I won''t talk to you ever again." she snapped at him, clenching her hands into fist as she tried controlling her herself.


    Since she''s pregnant, Travis thought she was being moody like any other pregnant women he saw before. Therefore, he concede to her every little demand.


    "Sorry honey."


    "Shut up!"


    "I''ll keep quiet darling."


    "You better be."


    "Wifey, don''t leave me again."


    "Stop calling me wifey."


    "Don''t leave me again." He was serious this time. He pulled her closer and pried open her clenched fist which was holding the bracelet.


    When he successfully got the bracelet, he raised her left hand and helped her wear it. "Don''t ever take this off. It''s my assurance to know you''re doing well. Once this is taken off, I will get an alarm. You know wifey, I am really afraid. I am afraid I will lose you. I can''t handle that cause I have fallen in love with you."

 Chapter 66 - BREAKFAST WITH THEM

    ''Love? Ha! Don''t make me laugh!'' Jillyanna snickered mentally towards his words. ''Didn''t you say weeks ago that you''re not taking me seriously? Did you really think I didn''t know? What a dumbass!''


    Internally, she had been scolding him but she kept a happy face in front of him. After all, it was because of his gift that they were able to find her that soon.


    Realizing this fact, she felt a sudden headache. How will she escape now that a device was attached to this bracelet?


    "Let''s just get inside. I felt dizzy." she told him without responding to his feelings or confession.


    Travis felt disappointed but it was way better than rejecting him right there and then. He will just prove to her that his love wasn''t just some kind of fleeting emotions. He will prove to her that he''s being serious.


    Of course, Jillyanna didn''t know what he''s thinking at all. She thought he would just give up on her if she won''t respond to his love since she once told him that it won''t work between them.


    When they got inside, the four people were looking at them with different gazes.


    "These are my best friends. The doctor who helped you is Evan a.k.a Brown. The driver and the one who pointed his gun at Enzo is Matthew a.k.a Valkyrie. That bulky guy standing at the window watching his girl is Schniezel a.k.a Hawk and the lady is Taira a.k.a Savannah. Due to special circumstances you have to call them with their pseudo name. Don''t utter their real name or you''ll be in trouble. I''m letting you know their real name because you''re special. So everyone, I''d like to formally introduce to you Jillyanna Madrid, my wife - Aaahhww!" he exclaimed after receiving a pinch from her on his waist.


    "Stop introducing me as your wife! How many times should we talk about this?" she rolled her eyes at him before smiling to the four people. "I''m glad to meet you. Thanks for saving me. Well, I know I would be able to go back sooner or later though. Still, thank you." she bowed deeply at them which made Savannah flustered.


    "You don''t have to bow. It was my fault that it happened to you." Savannah stated with a guilty-looking face.


    Jillyanna smiled awkwardly in return, "I was actually planning to escape that day. It was unfortunate that Enzo caught me."


    "So honest." Valkyrie commented with a faint laughter before throwing a pitiful glance to Travis, obviously mocking him.


    "It''s nice to meet you Jillyanna." Hawk stated simply with a nod. Brown just smiled at her since they had a bit of chitchat last night.


    "I cooked a simple breakfast. If there''s anything that you like just let me know. Pregnant women tend to be picky so I could understand." Savannah commented before leading her to the kitchen.


    Jillyanna was shocked to see the ''simple'' breakfast she mentioned. In front of her were different kinds of food and fruits. There was a glass of milk for her, too. All foods were cooked with her pregnancy taken into account.


    "I am really famished. I won''t be shy at all." she spoke without any shame at all and started eating her food. Even if she''s not pregnant, she''s always a glutton.


    "I hope you like it."


    "I love it. It''s delicious." she murmured while slowly chewing her food.


    Travis just looked at her tenderly before sitting beside her. He would sometimes put some food on her plate and refill her glass of milk. Brown and Valkyrie weren''t talking at all. On the other hand, Savannah and Hawk were minding themselves.


    "Are you guys going to scout that place again?" Travis asked the four people around the table.


    "Brown and Valkyrie will check on it tonight." Hawk responded to his inquiry.


    "Go home and take a rest. Let me know once you''re about to go out." Travis commented.


    "I will." Brown spoke this time before shoving another mouthful of food in his mouth.


    Jillyanna was shifting her gaze from Brown to Valkyrie and vise versa. She was really having fun watching them. Even though they were silent, she could tell that something''s brewing between them.


    "Are you going to work today?" Jillyanna asked Travis after drinking the glass of milk.


    "Nope. I will take a leave of absence today." he answered skillfully to avoid arousing her suspicion. She didn''t like hanging out with rich people so he couldn''t tell her his real identity yet. He will tell her the truth once he could see a small chance of them being together.


    "You must be aware that Cielo and Lucian will be coming over."


    "Yeah. They will be here before noon." Travis responded.


    "Okay. I''m full now. I''ll take my leave first." she stood up and was about to go upstairs when she remembered something. She returned back to the table and looked at him. "I need to barrow a phone."


    Without any hesitation, Travis gave her his phone. She uttered her thanks and walked back to her room.


    "Your future wife isn''t someone you could win with sweet talks. She isn''t someone who loves money. She didn''t like getting into a relationship. She didn''t look like someone who would be dependent to someone else. She''s brave and smart. She''s rich and kind. She''s almost perfect. I don''t think you''ll win her easily." It was Valkyrie who stated that which made Travis'' face darkened.


    It''s not because he was hurt or insulted with what he said but because it was the truth. He spoke facts base on his observation and he felt it, too.


    Before he was a little bit happy because she seemed to give him a chance to get closer to her but now, she seemed to close off her world. She''s putting walls between them and he didn''t know how to break it. Yes, they still talk but she was emotionless.

 Chapter 67 - VALKYRIE BELIEVES HER NOW

    Jillyanna went inside her room and closed the door behind her. She opened his phone and saw his wallpaper.


    "What the heck! How did he get this picture?" It was taken at the amusement park. However, she could clearly remember that he didn''t bring his phone with him.


    ''Oh? He got this from the production team? Should I commend him for being smart or should I scold him?'' she thought to herself.


    "Well, it doesn''t matter. That music video will be released soon." she mumbled while glancing around to find a better place.


    She closed the drapes slightly, just letting some light come in through the gap. She lie down on her bed, her back facing the door and half of her face were covered with the shadow. Some shadows of the plants that went through the gap made an alluring effect on her.


    She took a picture of herself and uploaded it online.


    AFTER BEING IN THE DARK FOR SO LONG, A SMALL AMOUNT OF LIGHT CAN GIVE YOU BACK YOUR HOPE.


    It was the caption of the picture she uploaded. They couldn''t really make out of her face since half of it was covered with a shadow and half had a sun''s rays.


    The could clearly see other parts of her body though.


    "Ahhhh! My goddess just woke up and hadn''t got out of her bed." someone commented on her picture.


    "Her collarbone is so damn sexy!" another comment was posted.


    "Those shadows, I want to be them. I want to cover her. >.<"


    "What happened to my goddess? Who bullied you?"


    "I hope you''re alright. You are my inspiration and I am worried if something happened to you."


    "My goddess YNA, you can talk to us if you need a shoulder."


    "Goddess, I will be your light if you marry me."


    "Goddess, don''t marry the person above. You can marry me."


    "Marry me goddess."


    "No. Marry me."


    It hasn''t been an hour and her post was liked thousands of times, shared by many and comments were flooding her account.


    Reading them made her a laugh a little bit and somehow, it helped her calm her nerves. She logged out from her social media account and went outside to return the phone.


    She was walking downstairs when she saw them looking weirdly at her. Valkyrie was even looking at her from head-to-toe before looking back to the phone he was holding. Savannah had a surprised look and Brown was grinning sheepishly. Hawk kept an indifferent face while Travis had a proud look plastered on his face.


    "Here''s your phone. Thank you." she murmured before going to the kitchen to get a glass of water.


    Even though she had her back on them, she could feel that they were still looking at her.


    "Look, just tell me what''s the matter. You''re all looking weirdly at me." she snapped at them which made them blush from embarrassment.


    Valkyrie coughed to clear his throat before speaking. "Goddess YNA, I''m glad to meet you in person."


    ''Eehh?'' she yelled internally with disbelief. Who would have thought that there was a fan among his friends.


    "Haha. So you''re my fan. Nice to meet you." Jillyanna responded with an awkward smile.


    "I didn''t believe Lucian when he showed me your account yesterday. I thought it was impossible but now you''re standing in front of me. I am really a fan of yours." Valkyrie added with a smile.


    "Thank you for supporting me."


    "Not at all. We all like to listen to your songs." he answered before helping her pour a glass of water.He was genuinely happy to see his goddess.


    Jillyanna felt happy as well. Sooner or later, her identity would be revealed so it was a good thing to get an experience before that day.


    "Why are you exposing your identity by the way?" Savannah asked with curiosity since she was so famous and people would start to invade her privacy. It''s troublesome for a pregnant woman.


    Jillyanna sighed before answering her. "I will stop my singing career which is why I am exposing myself. It''s no use hiding from my fans. I will continue writing songs though."


    "That makes sense. It''s good to focus on your pregnancy." Savannah commented to her statement.


    "Yeah. That reason, too." Jillyanna added. All the time she was talking, she didn''t even threw a glance towards Travis.


    He didn''t ask anything about her pregnancy or why she didn''t tell him about it. She was glad at first but now she found it annoying! ''Doesn''t he like this baby?'' she asked herself which made her more frustrated.


    "Whatever." she mumbled.


    "Huh?" Valkyrie turned to look at her in question but she just shook her head.


    "By the way, don''t tell anyone that you know me personally." Jillyanna reminded everyone which made them nod their head. Even if she didn''t tell them, they didn''t have the intention to do so. They must protect her at all cost or a certain devil will throw a tantrum.


    "I still can''t believe this. Well, it''s better that it turned out to be you. Right, Evan?" Valkyrie spoke and glanced towards Brown.


    "What the hell does it have to do with me?" Brown glared at him before playing with his phone again.


    Jillyanna just laughed upon seeing this scene. Yes, she might be a girl, a woman but she like watching a man interacting with another man close to them.


    When she was in college, she would buy manga or novels featuring boys love. Cielo was even shocked at first but she adapted to it soon.


    It''s not that she had some fetish or weird hobby but she just found it cute when they interact. Just like Brown glaring at Valkyrie or Valkyrie teasing Brown. It''s refreshing in her eyes.


    "I think I will change my career." Jillyanna expressed her thought which made everyone turned their heads to look at her.


    "Change your career to a full-time wife. That would be more suitable for you." Travis commented while giving her a sexy wink.


    "Oh shut up. I want to be a writer." Jillyanna rolled her eyes at him.


    "A writer?" Savannah asked with a surprise look.


    "Yes. I want to write a story about you two." her finger was pointing between Valkyrie and Brown.


    Looking at how serious she was, Brown turned all red from embarrassment and fled while Valkyrie laughed out loud and gave her a thumbs up.

 Chapter 68 - YOU CAN TRUST HIM

    At around 10 o''clock in the morning, Lucian and Cielo arrived at the rented house. They all looked at each other and looked back to the house. A smile suddenly spread on their faces.


    ''Jillyanna will be shocked to know the man she hooked up with.'' That''s what they thought.


    Cielo once met Thomas Madrigal but she didn''t know that Travis was actually his son. In Lucian''s case, he knew that Travis was a multi-millionnaire and was helping them with the investigation of Elizabeth''s murder case. He had wanted to let each other know of their identities but he thought it would be best to let them forget their past.


    Who would expect that they would still meet? Who would have known that they would even have a baby soon? It was all so sudden that everyone was caught by surprise.


    Lucian took out their gift and followed Cielo to the house. They haven''t even knocked the door when it was opened by a bulky man with a woman standing beside him.


    "Hi! We meet again." It was Savannah who spoke while the man gestured them to get inside.


    "Yeah. This is my wife. She was the one who named the cafe. Her name is Cielo." Lucian stated which made Cielo frown. She didn''t name the cafe! It was Jillyanna. What is he talking about?


    But Cielo didn''t say anything. She smiled and shook hands with them. "Nice to meet you. Thank you for looking after my sister."


    "Not at all. Travis loves her so much. We need to keep her safe as much as possible." Savannah responded which made Cielo smile as well.


    "Travis is in the study right now. Jillyanna is in her room. Please follow me." Savannah led them to the second floor while Hawk followed them behind.


    Savannah was about to knock Jillyanna''s room when Cielo stopped her. She knew that even if she''s in someone else''s house, her habit won''t change.


    "Yanna, I''m giving you 5 minutes." was all Cielo said which earned a questioning look from Savannah and Hawk but she didn''t explain.


    Soon, they heard someone clattering something inside. They could faintly make out of a shadow walking back and forth under the door slit.


    Five minutes later, the door was opened by Jillyanna in a fresh set of clothes. Savannah and Hawk looked at each other with indescribable expression.


    "Come in." she gestured them to get inside but only Lucian and Cielo came in. Savannah and Hawk turned around and left them alone.


    "I miss you so much. I was so worried about what happened. I am glad that your man helped us." Cielo stated while hugging her tightly. "I am so glad you''re safe."


    "Sorry for worrying you." Jillyanna whispered with a guilty look.


    "Yanna, do you know the father of your baby?" Lucian asked.


    "His name is Travis. Why?" she asked him in return.


    "Nothing. I am glad it''s him. I know and I am confident he can protect you."


    "Why are you speaking so kindly about him?" Cielo also asked Lucian. They all know that Lucian was overprotective to the both of them and he would never send Jillyanna to someone they didn''t know for a long time.


    "I had a long conversation with Lorenzo Diaz last night. There were some information he was holding back and would only talk to you about it." Lucian responded to them. "Do you know anything about the research your mom was doing?"


    "Yes. Why?"


    "It''s something very important and it''s a new lead but he wanted to talk to you first." Lucian added.


    "You know what Bro, he never intended to harm me. He only wanted to do the things he wasn''t able to do for my mother. I felt sorry for him but I am still glad that my mother married my father." Jillyanna stated with a sad face. No matter how she think of the event, her parents and Enzo didn''t get the happy ending that they deserve.


    "Speaking of, I found something related to your father. If you are ready to know about it, just tell me. I wouldn''t want you to go through many shocking news or extreme emotions. We will be worried about you and your baby." Lucian informed her again. Even though she hated her father for leaving her and her mom, she still wanted to know the truth why he left.


    However, she wasn''t ready to face him yet. She released a heavy sigh and lied down on her bed with her arms spread open.


    "Yanna, do you want to come home or do you want to stay here a bit longer? I mean, why don''t you give Travis a chance? Wouldn''t it be better if your child grows up with a complete family? Cielo suggested which gained an agreement from Lucian.


    Jillyanna laughed dryly and with a mocking tone she said, "He won''t be happy with this child. If I can''t escape soon, I would be forced to abort this baby."


    Travis stopped reaching for the door knob. His hand was shaking from her words. ''Just how much do you hate staying with me? You will even abort our baby? Great! Just great! I will never give you the chance to leave me or hurt our child.''


    Instead of going inside, he turned around and went back to his study room where Valkyrie was waiting for him.


    On the other hand, Cielo and Lucian was in disbelief. They knew Jillyanna was being pessimistic, she wouldn''t trust anyone when it comes to love at all.


    And they knew that Travis was being sincere to her, why can''t she see it?


    "I don''t think Travis would hate your child." Cielo mumbled while caressing her face like she was her small sister.


    "He will never do that. Enzo even told me that Travis is the only one who can protect you." Lucian commented while trying to recall their conversation. "He said that Travis is the only one you can trust outside the family. You can''t trust any doctors that would approach you in the future. If anyone would come asking about your mother''s research, only Travis can keep you safe and answer your questions."


    This stunned her and made her so confuse with what''s happening. Who exactly is Travis? Even if she has the power to investigate him, it wasn''t her nature to pry on someone''s life. Unless he would tell her personally. Which was why, until now, she only knew his name.

 Chapter 69 - DRESSING YOU UP IS NOT BULLYING

    "Then, I will visit him today. I have so many questions for him, too. I can do the interrogation for you." Jillyanna stated with a grin spreading across her face. Cielo smiled at her as well for being so energetic when it comes to cases.


    Even after what happened to her during her undercover assignment, the light in her eyes for justice never fade.


    "Alright. Let''s go over after lunch. I booked a restaurant already for us. Would you like to bring Travis with you?" Lucian responded with slight smirk on his lips. Most likely, she would refuse. ''Let''s see how will this turn out.'' he thought.


    "Let me talk to him for a sec." Even if she hates staying with him, she didn''t want to see that worried look on his face. It made her feel guilty.


    They all walked out of her room. Jillyanna went to the study while Lucian and Cielo walked downstairs and waited for her at the living room.


    "Have some snacks." It was Savannah who brought some juice and pastries for them. "She''s talking with Travis?"


    "Yes. We''ll have to bring her to the station and talk to Mr. Diaz." Lucian answered politely.


    While they were talking, Jillyanna was standing at the door, in front of the study room. She could hear someone speaking so she knew someone''s inside. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door.


    "Come in." Valkyrie was the one who opened the door for her. Travis was sitting on his chair, facing a laptop with a stern looking face.


    "What is it?" Travis asked her without looking at her face. He was still upset with her words and he didn''t want to see her at the moment. He was sulking!


    Jillyanna felt annoyed with his treatment and she really wanted to punch his face. ''This jerk!'' she cursed mentally but she kept a straight face in front of him.


    "I''m leaving with Lucian and Cielo."


    Travis stopped typing on his laptop. His eyes were dark and there was something in him that she couldn''t express. The room turned quiet and still. She felt suffocated for the sudden silence.


    Valkyrie and Brown left them alone in the room. ''It would''ve been better if they are here!'' she exclaimed internally for being left behind with just the devil in front of her.


    "What do you mean you''re leaving?" he asked her in a soft voice but it was cold and contain a clear warning.


    Jillyanna rolled her eyes and turned around so that she wouldn''t be facing him. "I am leaving with them. I need to go to the police station."


    A warm embrace engulfed her from behind. His strong arms were hugging him and his head was placed on her shoulder. "I will go with you."


    She slapped his hand away but he tightened it around her instead. "Don''t tighten your arms around me or I will kill you if something happens to my baby."


    "I''m sorry. But I am not placing my arms on your stomach. I wouldn''t want something to happen to ''our'' baby." He gave emphasis to the word our since Jillyanna kept using my or mine. And truthfully, his arms were right under her breast, not on her stomach.


    "Whatever. Just let me go." she stated while trying to push away his head from her shoulder.


    Travis stood up straight and held her left hand. "Let''s put on something to warm you. I can''t have you catch a cold outside." He pulled her gently and walked her back to her room.


    "What the heck! I can prepare for myself. Stop dragging me!" she pinched his hand but he didn''t budge at all.


    "You''re using the wrong word, wifey. I am not dragging you. I am walking you back to your room." he spoke to her which made her more irritated.


    "I don''t care about the word I''m using. AND I AM NOT YOUR WIFE! Stop acting on your own you dumbass!" she yelled at him but he wasn''t listening at all.


    Lucian and Cielo who saw what was happening had smiles on their faces. "Someone could finally tie her down and stop her from being willful." Lucian commented while watching the two interact on the second floor.


    "Perhaps it''s good that she met him. I don''t really like the fact that she keep going out of the country but she''s really stubborn." Cielo also stated while watching them. It has always been her dream to see different kind of expressions on Jillyanna''s face.


    She didn''t like watching her smile forcefully or keep a straight face. She didn''t want a robot sister. She wanted a human being. And Travis turned that robot into human.


    Left with no choice, Jillyanna followed Travis back to her room. She just stood in the middle of her room as she watched him walk towards her closet.


    She was wearing a black drawstring shorts and a white shirt which wasn''t suitable to go out. It wasn''t really that cold during the day but when the clock strikes two in the afternoon, the weather changes. It would turn very cold until the next morning.


    Travis looked for a jeans and a turtleneck blouse. He also picked a long thick coat for her. He chose a flat shoes and a beanie. All the clothes inside her closet were bought by Savannah after he gave her measurements.


    "Change into these clothes." he put all of them on her bed without any embarrassment at all.


    "Can you go out for a while?" she asked slightly not knowing what to do in front of him. She was fidgeting in her place.


    Travis walked towards her and without warning, he took off her clothes which made her scream. "What the hell are you doing? I''ll get dress on my own. Stop it!" she smacked his arms but he didn''t stop at all.


    Travis threw the shirt on the floor and helped her wear the blouse. She was blushing from being flustered. Her face, neck and ears were all red. He smiled when she wasn''t looking at him.


    He lifted her hand and put on the blouse. "What''s there to be shy? I have seen you naked before."


    "Shut up! You idiot!" she smacked his chest this time but he just laughed at her.


    He dropped on his knees and pulled down her shorts. "You shouldn''t bend your body so much. It''s not good for our baby." He pulled the jeans he chose earlier. "Get on this."


    Jillyanna was so embarrass that her face could bleed from so much redness. "My baby isn''t that big yet. I can actually just dress for myself. Stop bullying me."


    "Dressing you up is not bullying. It''s me being sweet and loving." Travis answered before pulling up the jeans for her.


    In actual fact, he was having a hard time as well. Looking at her body, feeling her soft skin, seeing her flushed face and hearing her ragged breathing, he had to control himself, too.

 Chapter 70 - SHE CANT BE PREDICTED

    Once he finished dressing her up, he picked the large coat and hold it for her. It was still a little bit warm outside so it''s fine if she won''t wear it yet.


    "Let''s go." without any warning he kissed her forehead which made her so angry she didn''t know what to do.


    "Stop doing what you like! I am not your wife and I will not be your wife! You said it yourself so don''t play dumb with me!" she spoke slowly with her gritted teeth. She really wanted to kick this man but her life was saved by him so she was indebted to him.


    Travis could see that she was really angry this time. There was pain in her eyes mixed with flames of anger. "What do you mean I said it myself?"


    "Nevermind." she turned around and walked out of her room first. Her hand was still shaking from anger. She was enrage! She was fuming! She really wanted to hit a punching bag!


    She looked behind her and Travis was following her with the coat. He was looking down on his foot which made him look so pitiful.


    "Whatever." Jillyanna mumbled and continued walking down the stairs.


    Lucian and Cielo were also talking with Savannah and Hawk when the came down.


    "Where are Valkyrie and Brown?" Jillyanna asked when she couldn''t find the two men.


    "They went home. They had to go somewhere later so they left first." Savannah answered.


    "Since it''s just us. Why don''t we go out and eat altogether." Cielo invited them with a hopeful gaze. Savannah looked towards Travis and waited for his reply.


    "That''s fine with me." Travis commented which made Lucian and Cielo smile. However, Jillyanna was throwing him a look containing daggers that could slice up his throat.


    "It''s decided. We booked a restaurant already. Let''s go." Cielo walked out first followed by Jillyanna and Savannah. Hawk was standing beside Savannah silently.


    Lucian and Travis was behind the group giving them a chance to talk.


    "What did you do to my sister? Why was she looking so angry at you?" Lucian inquired at him. Since it''s Travis and he could tell that he''s being sincere, he would vote for this man to be with Jillyanna forever. But then again, that is if Jillyanna would accept him.


    Travis let out a heavy sigh and looked towards Jillyanna. "I just help her dress up."


    "Oh. Only you can do that." Lucian stated with faint laughter.


    "Of course it''s only me. I will be her husband in the future."


    "You are shameless, aren''t you?"


    "What''s there to be shameful?"


    "But Travis, you''ll have a hard time winning her." Lucian stated with a helpless expression. No matter how hard they try to make her happy, no matter how rich they are, she still hadn''t let go of her past.


    It was another reason why she could understand Lorenzo Diaz. She could see herself in him. The woman who was imprison to her past. The woman who couldn''t find the truth yet. The woman who felt abandoned by her relatives and family.


    "I am sincere with my feelings." Travis stated with a serious face. Lucian was being protective of her and he needed to prove to him that his love was real.


    "I am not saying you''re not. I am just saying, if you really want to get close to her, you need to help her find answers to her questions and you have to protect her at all cost."


    "That''s given already. I will not let anything to happen to her."


    "Thank you."


    It was just a short talk but it helped Travis realize how difficult the road to get her would be. She must have gone through a lot in the past.


    Jillyanna was talking with the other women so she didn''t know she was the topic between the two men.


    Cielo wanted her to get inside the car but she wanted to help her and Travis, too. If what Lucian said was true, they could entrust Jillyanna''s safety to him.


    "I want to eat a bucket of chicken wings. Let''s stop by in one of the KFC stores." she stated with a straight face.


    They all smiled at her. Even though she argued with Travis, she started to rely on him.


    "Okay. I''ll get a bucket for you. Get inside the car." Travis opened the door for her and helped her fasten her seatbelt. She leaned on her back to avoid him but she could still feel his hot breath on her skin.


    Travis kept a poker face and walked to the driver''s seat to drive the car.


    Lucian and Cielo drove out first followed by Travis and Jillyanna, following behind them was the car used by Hawk and Savannah.


    As promised, they stopped at the nearest KFC store and Travis bought her a bucket of chicken wings and water.


    "You can''t have soft drinks." Travis said while uncapping the bottle of water for her.


    "Okay." Jillyanna said obediently like a child. "Do you want some?" she held a piece of chicken in front of him.


    Travis looked at her and looked back to the meat in front of him. He took a bite and chewed on it slowly while driving. He thought Jillyanna would put it back on the bucket but contrary to his expectation, she actually took a bite on the same piece.


    "What are you looking at? It''s not like I haven''t kissed you before. Duh!" she rolled her eyes and continued eating. ''If you can be shameless, I can too.'' Jillyanna noted mentally. Travis chuckled and let her do what she wants.


    Sometimes she would eat first and gave him the rest before giving her the water. One bucket contained eight pieces of chicken which they finished before arriving at the restaurant that they booked.


    In the end, Jillyanna got sick of chicken meat and avoided it during their lunch. She only eat the shrimps that Travis peeled for her.


    "Hey Travis, do you know Lorenzo Diaz?" Jillyanna asked with a scrutinizing gaze. She would know if he lies.


    "I don''t know. However, I found him familiar. But I don''t really know him personally. Why?" Travis asked her in return after giving her a vague answer.


    "Nothing." Jillyanna continued eating the peeled shrimps on her plate and she would sometimes place some food on his plate in return.


    That''s how pregnant woman is. Their mood can''t be predicted at all.

 Chapter 71 - SHE VISITS ENZO

    Enzo was sitting on his bunk bed when a police officer called him to inform that Jillyanna had arrived to visit him.


    Even though he was in jail, it didn''t diminish his handsomeness. He was really handsome to begin with and now that he was back to his normal self, he looked fresh and livelier.


    "I will be coming inside with you when you talk to him." Lucian told Jillyanna when they saw the man being escorted to one of the interrogation rooms.


    Travis was still holding her long coat and was standing beside her silently. Enzo looked at him then shifted his eyes to Jillyanna before getting himself inside the room.


    "I will be waiting in the lobby. If there''s anything, just call me." Travis whispered beside her ear, making her blush and annoyed.


    She rubbed her ear irritatedly while glaring at him. "Just go already. My brother is here so it''s fine."


    "I love you." he winked at her playfully before leaving her.


    "I hate you!" she shouted at him angrily making Lucian laugh out loud while watching them.


    Jillyanna felt so frustrated with his actions. She knew all along that he was just playing with her and hearing those sweet words irked her so much.


    "Alright. Stop being angry now. We need to get inside already." Lucian held her back gently and ushered her to the interrogation room where Enzo was sitting elegantly. He didn''t look like a prisoner at all.


    "Hi Enzo. How are you?" Jillyanna greeted, handed him a paper bag and sat on the chair across him. "I brought you some things you can use. Did they treat you well?"


    "Yup. It''s fine here. I''m really sorry for what happened." he looked so guilty and in pain whenever he looked at her.


    "It''s okay. I forgive you. Lucian told me that you have some things you want to tell me?" She immediately asked him the purpose of her visit.


    "Do you know about your mother''s research?" Enzo asked her in a whisper. Lucian and the other police officers listening from the outside could barely hear their conversation.


    Jillyanna was silent for a moment before she answered him. "If it''s about her undergraduate research, I know about that."


    "Yes, that research. Many doctors and researchers wanted to get their hands on that. Venus son was used as a hostage for her to get the research from your mom. When she refused, they removed the brake of her car. That night, your mother borrowed her friend''s car and died. Indirectly, Venus caused her death. That''s the reason why I blamed her so much. That''s why her pictures with us were all crossed out. But Jillyanna, if there''s anyone you can trust outside your family, it''s your husband."


    "What husband are you talking about? He''s not my husband. He''s the sperm donor." Jillyanna denied Travis immediately.


    Lucian chuckled hearing her statement while the other men outside were all laughing.


    "How could she say those words? It was a good thing that her husband isn''t here." one of the officers said.


    "Looked like our rich Mr. Madrigal is having a hard time with his wife." another officer stated.


    Inside the interrogation room, Enzo was also chuckling. "Silly girl. Of all the things I said, that''s the only thing that caught your attention?"


    "It''s not like that. Whenever I hear someone say he''s my husband or I''m his wife, it became a reflex already to deny it. Because he is not and will never be my husband."


    "I cannot tell you why you can trust him, you''ll find out soon. However, what I said is true. No matter what happened in the future, if you don''t want your family implicated, you can always run to him."


    "Anyway, stop talking about that idiot. Do you know who the researchers are who wanted to get my mother''s research?" she changed the topic because her blood was boiling once again after learning that she could actually trust him.


    She didn''t want to trust him and she will never trust him. Who could trust someone who was just playing with you?


    "There''s a researcher from American Research Institute, a professor from her university, and a senior doctor from Senyu Medical Center. You should not trust anyone who will claim to be your mother''s friend. She only had Venus and I." Enzo responded to her, still calm and collected.


    "They won''t find her research. That I can assure." Jillyanna stated with a firm look in her face. "I burnt her research papers when she died. They can find the ashes if they want."


    "Smart girl. In any case, your brother can start looking into these three areas to lock down the suspect. I believe it will be difficult though."


    "That''s fine. I am glad you provided us new leads. I will get into this matter." Lucian commented on the side.


    "By the way, I just found this a bit interesting." Enzo leaned on the chair and looked at her with a grin on his lips. "Over the course of 10 years, have you seen Thomas Madrigal?"


    Jillyanna frowned but she still answered him. "Yes. I''ve been in contact with him."


    "How about his son?" Enzo raised his eyebrow and she could see joy and playful interest dancing in his eyes.


    "Why would I contact that idiot? He could vanish for all I care! I hate him so much I''d really want to kick him to death when I see him. Argh! Just remembering his little face makes me angry!" she clenched her hands into fist and slam it on the table, startling Lucian in the process. She looked so agitated which wasn''t good for her.


    "So you don''t how RV looks like now? You don''t know where he is?" Enzo asked again with a faint laughter in his voice.


    "I don''t really care about him. I stopped caring about him after what happened. Since we''re all done here, I''ll go ahead. Take care of yourself." Jillyanna didn''t wait for him to respond and left the room.


    Everyone who heard her was confused aside from Lucian, of course. Now he realized why she didn''t know anything about Travis. She knew him with a different name and she didn''t even bother to investigate him because of her hate.


    "Sis, your love life will be very interesting." Lucian mumbled before following her outside the room.

 Chapter 72 - CONFRONTING TRAVIS

    Jillyanna stormed out of the cell room and walked towards the lobby where Travis was talking with Hawk.


    "Why the long face? What happened?" Travis inquired, pulling her to his side and helped her wear the coat. The temperature was starting to drop and she needed to keep her body warm.


    "I just heard someone''s name. Shit! It''s irritating me!" she cursed right in front of him and she didn''t care at all.


    "Calm down. You don''t have to get angry." Travis rubbed her back but she looked at him with scrutiny.


    "Hey Travis, who exactly are you?" Jillyanna asked him without any expressions.


    Hawk and Savannah felt the tension in the air and they wanted to calm her down but Travis sent them a hand signal not to do anything. Lucian saw it as well so he just held Cielo in his arms.


    "What do you mean who I am?" Travis played dumb and looked directly at her eyes.


    "Don''t play dumb with me! Lucian had been protecting me all these years and he just told me I can trust you beside him. Cielo would never force me to get married or involve myself in a relationship before but now, she thought things would be different if it''s you. You said that you don''t know Lorenzo Diaz, but he just insisted to me that I should trust you. So who exactly are you? How did you get them to say good things about you? Ha! It''s funny that they didn''t hear your words. I should have recorded those and let them hear it." she was gritting her teeth to keep herself from shouting at him. She really wanted to tell them the truth but whenever she remembered his words, her nose stings and she wanted to cry.


    Travis could see that she was really angry at him. Her eyes were red and her nose as well. She looked like she was about to cry. Travis hugged her instead and patted her back. Jillyanna tried to get out from his embrace but he hugged her tightly.


    "I''m sorry if I didn''t tell you anything. I have my reasons, too. But my feelings for you are true." he whispered in her ears but Jillyanna was even angrier.


    "I don''t care with what they see in you. I will never come to trust your words. I will never believe you." Jillyanna murmured on his chest just enough for him to hears.


    Travis was hurt. He didn''t know why she refused to believe him and it seemed like she heard something from him.


    "I will prove to you that I am sincere." Travis stated, his heart broken but still determined to get her for his life.


    Jillyanna pushed him away when he let down of his guard. "There''s no need to prove anything. I am going back home. I am going back to my own house."


    Travis became alert and went after her. He would never let her go. No matter what happens. She can hate him but he would never let her abort their child. That''s the only link he has to tie her to him.


    "I''ll send you back to your house. I can''t let anything happen to you." Travis mentioned while she was walking ahead of him.


    Even though she didn''t trust him, Travis smiled when he saw her got inside his car. ''I''ll take things slow.'' he noted mentally and followed her.


    Savannah sighed and looked back to Cielo. "Your sister is a brave woman. I am glad she''s with Travis."


    "I am glad Travis is with her, too." Cielo responded with a smile. She turned to look at her husband and asked, "She didn''t hate us for telling him to trust Travis, right?"


    Lucian was silent and just smiled at her. He didn''t know as well. There''s a chance that she would.


    Hawk, who had been silent this whole time, looked at them. "She didn''t hate you. She was just agitated to learn that people were asking her to trust Travis. She didn''t know anything about him and that made her insecure. Nonetheless, we will take care of her and keep her safe. We don''t want our efforts to go down the drain if Travis lose her."


    "Let''s follow them." Savannah said and pulled Hawk back to the car.


    "Can you bring Cielo with you? I got new leads from Enzo about the case I''m working on so I will be staying here." Lucian asked for a favor.


    "Sure. Let''s go Cielo." she linked her arms with her and pulled her to their car.


    Hawk smiled after seeing her smile. It was always his mission to keep her safe. Maybe she didn''t know but he made a promise to himself that he would never let anything to happen to her - his life.


    On the other hand, Jillyanna was silent during the whole time. After realizing her sudden outburst, she felt embarrassed that she wanted to hide.


    "Are you okay now?" Travis asked her while keeping his eyes focused on the road in front of him.


    "Hn." Jillyanna responded.


    "I will ask my friends to check on Lorenzo Diaz. I don''t really know him personally but I will find out why he insisted you to trust me."


    "Hn."


    "I will tell you everything about me soon. I just needed to finish things up."


    "Hn."


    "Can you trust me until then?"


    "Hn." she answered immediately but when his words sank in she rolled her eyes. "I will trust you once you tell me things about yourself."


    "Just give me a month. I will settle everything in my end and I will properly introduce myself." Travis spoked in a low voice, soothing her nerves while focusing himself to drive.


    "Let''s have a proper talk once I get home." Jillyanna stated with a serious face.


    "Whenever you say that, I get nervous." Travis retorted with a chuckle.


    "Whatever." she rolled her eyes and turned her back on him. She needed to escape as soon as possible.

 Chapter 73 - UNINVITED VISIT, LOOKING FOR RESEARCH

    Jillyanna arrived in her own house together with Travis. She immediately got out of the car and walked ahead of him.


    Travis was following behind her with curiosity in his gaze. When he first arrived at this place, when he was looking for her, he didn''t observe the kind of environment she was in. Now that he looked around closely, he found it so familiar.


    Jillyanna turned around and found him staring at the swing under the mango tree. It was her swing when she was still a child. It was built by her father so she never removed it.


    "What are you looking at?" she asked the obvious just to bring him back to the present.


    "Your house looks familiar to me. Has this been renovated?" Travis walked to her side while asking her.


    "Nope." she simply answered him before opening the door in the main entrance. "I don''t want this to be renovated. It looks old but it''s sturdy and can last for the next five generations."


    "So you will be staying here? You are not coming home with me?" Travis asked her, tailing her wherever she went.


    She checked her windows and the backdoor before coming upstairs. After making sure that nothing was changed, she went to the study room.


    Jillyanna''s eyes dimmed when she saw the books on the table was neatly arranged. "Someone came here."


    "How do you know?" he was confused while seeing nothing''s wrong with the room. It''s not messy and in fact, things were arranged and the floor was cleaned.


    She walked to the study table and picked up a ruler. She measured the distance of the piled books from the edge to where it was placed.


    "I placed these book 15 inches from the right edge of my table. It''s less than 10 inches from the edge now. Aside from that, I didn''t put this book together with them but now it''s all piled up. Someone came here." she concluded with a smiled but her eyes were dark and turbulent.


    "It''s not safe here." he stated. "Let''s go home for now. I will ask help from someone to keep guard of your place." he added while checking the place for any dangerous things.


    "Let me go somewhere first. I just need to check on someone." she walked outside and Travis locked the study room for her.


    "Aren''t you worried that something might''ve been taken from the study?"


    "Nope. There''s nothing important in the study. All my parents belongings were moved to my room in Cielo''s house."


    "You''re really smart. I never thought you''d think way ahead of the people chasing after your mother''s research." he commented with a smile as he gave her head a gentle pat. Jillyanna didn''t budge or snap at him. She was occupied with something else.


    Travis just followed her and would sometimes spoke about his observation on the area. They walked to the right side of the house and he found a narrow path in there with footpaths to step on.


    They walked for a minute and arrived at the small house. It was silent but the door was left open.


    "Mr. Shan? Uncle Shan?" she called out softly when she was at the door.


    Mr. Shan and his wife were looking pale but when they saw Jillyanna, their eyes were back to life and the color in their face came out.


    "Oh dear! Oh my Jillyanna. We are so glad you are fine. We were so worried about you." Mrs. Shan hugged her immediately and Jillyanna did the same.


    "I''m sorry for causing trouble. Something came up so I wasn''t able to leave. Do you know what happened in my house?" she asked, letting her know the purpose of this visit.


    "It was last night. I was getting stuff from Jenny''s house when I saw a group of men drove to your place. I thought they were acquaintance of yours, but they were armed. They even point their guns at me when they saw me watching them. I ran as fast as I could and they didn''t bother themselves following me." Mr. Shan narrated to her what happened. Jillyanna sighed hearing this news.


    "Yanna, will you be coming home? I don''t intend to intrude in your life or your decisions but, how about you stay in you sister''s place or in your apartment? I think those people will come and visit your house again. It would be dangerous for you." Mrs. Shan suggested, thinking for her safety specially the baby that she''s carrying in her stomach.


    "I''ll think of something. Is Jenny alright? I looked at her house when I walked here and it''s closed." she mentioned to them while shifting her gaze to the other small house not far from Mr. Shan''s place. When she looked back at them, Mr. Shan was staring at Travis.


    "Jenny''s fine. She left yesterday afternoon to process her enrollment. She''d be back tonight." Mrs. Shan responded to ber inquiry.


    "That''s good to know." she mumbled while preparing to leave. She didn''t really want to introduce Travis to them but Mr. Shan held her back.


    "This man looked familiar. Who is he Yanna?" Mr. Shan asked and his gaze never left Travis'' face.


    Even Travis felt something''s wrong with the man. Whenever Jillyanna wasn''t looking at him, he would stare directly at him as if he was looking towards his soul.


    "This is Travis. He''s...he''s a friend." she introduced him to the couple. "Travis, this is uncle Enrico Shan and his wife Auntie Lulu. They helped me take care of the house when I am not around."


    "Thanks for helping out Jillyanna. I am glad to meet you." Travis shook his hands with them and said some pleasantries but he still stood beside her right after.


    "I think I will be out for quite sometimes. If there''s anything you need, just tell Jenny about it. You don''t have to clean the house or anything, just help me with the flowers. Those are very important to me."


    "No problem sweetheart. You take care of yourself, too." Mrs. Shan stated.


    They talked for few more minutes before Travis and Jillyanna turned around and left. It was then that Cielo, Savannah and Hawk arrived.

 Chapter 74 - INVITED HIM TO STAY

    Cielo had her hands on her waist while glaring at Jillyanna in her room. "Don''t you dare go telling me you want to stay in the apartment alone! There were so many people who are after your wealth and your mother''s research. Do you really want me to die from so much worries? Trust me Yanna, staying with Travis is our best gamble. I don''t what happened and why you couldn''t fully trust him. However, trust me in trusting him. Lucian mentioned that there were people checking around our house, they might be waiting for you."


    Jillyanna was sitting on her bed with a grin on her lips. Cielo looked at her and found out that she''s thinking of something naughty again!


    "If I can''t stay alone, then how about you guys move here or how about Travis just move here? Why should I be the one moving to his place. That was just a rented place. Wouldn''t it be great if he can save his money and just stay here with me? Hmp! I am not leaving this house again. Let those people come! Let them be disappointed!" she smirked in her place with an evil thoughts running around her braincells.


    "How about you share your thoughts with your future husband?" Cielo teased her but she only rolled her eyes while chuckling at her statement.


    "I''ll talk to him about this. Let me find him." she walked out of her room with Cielo following behind her. Savannah was doing something on her laptop again and Hawk was beside her.


    She walked out of the house and found Travis sitting alone on the porch. An image of her memory overlapped with what she''s seeing in front of her and she hates it.


    "Don''t sit on my porch." she told him angrily and kick his legs lightly.


    "Why not? It''s comfortable here." Travis retorted with a smile but his eyes were not looking straight at he. He seemed like he was thinking about his past as well.


    Jillyanna let out a heavy breath and walked to the couch available before speaking. " No matter what, don''t sit on that porch. Just do as I say or I will really hate you for the rest of my life."


    "Fine. I will not be sitting here. So how''s your talk with your sister?" he inquire as he moved to sit beside her on the couch.


    Jillyanna looked at the flowers on the garden, at the swing, at the mango tree, at the porch and the picture hanging on the walls inside her house. Things that she couldn''t leave which was the reason why she would have to go back time to time even when she''s abroad. She needed to see this sight.


    "Travis, I am planning to stay here. I realized that I''ve been so busy my whole life that I neglected what was left to me. This time, I will be staying here. My sister wanted me to stay with you but I don''t want to. How about you guys stay here with me instead?" She raised her thoughts to him but Travis was silent and was just looking at her. This annoyed her and she flipped out. "It doesn''t matter if you will or will not agree. I am staying here. You can do whatever you want. You can leave as well but I am telling you, I am not going back with you."


    She stood up and left him alone. He didn''t even tried to stop her which irritated her the most. ''I hate this bastard so much!'' she yelled internally at him.


    "Let''s leave." Jillyanna heard him spoke these words. She didn''t turn around to face him or anything. She slammed the door close and stripped her clothes to sleep.


    "What was that all about? What did you do?" Cielo asked Travis with a helpless tone.


    "Don''t tell her yet but I''m moving here. She thought I will be leaving. Well, I will have to leave to get my stuff. No matter what, I will stay here with her even if she will kick me out, I will not go. It''s her who invited me anyway." Travis admitted with a sly smile.


    "Just help me pack my stuff. I will be staying here to watch over her." Savannah told Hawk. "It''s not much, maybe yours and my things will just fit one suitcase."


    "Okay. Be careful here. If any intruders came, make sure to contact me as soon as possible." Hawk responded before turning around and left. Cielo who watched their interaction was fed with fluffy hearts.


    "Bye Savy, see you later." Travis bid farewell and left them.


    Cielo and Savannah looked at each other''s eyes and burst into laughters. "Can''t believe he would fall head over heels with her." Savannah commented before going back to work.


    "Hopefully, he won''t give up on her. Jillyanna, would be very difficult to handle sometimes. She had been independent since young, even when she got us." Cielo retorted her opinion as well.


    Savannah was still sorting out information but the results were still negative. "By the way, I meant to ask her long ago, how did she end up with your family?"


    Cielo was informed by Lucian that Hawk and Savannah might be investigating Jillyanna''s past so they had to be wary of them.


    Cielo just smiled upon recalling what happened in the past. "I was turning 13 years old that day. Before my birthday came, my parents asked me if I want to have a sister. Of course I wanted to. I was alone every time Lucian wasn''t around so I needed someone to play with or to talk to. That''s when they brought Jillyanna back."


    "Do you know where she''s from?" Savannah inquired.


    "Nope. My parents won''t say anything and Jillyanna won''t tell us her past."


    "You owned the Summer Cafe?"


    "Not just me. Jillyanna and I owned it. Whe have equal shares but I am in charge of the business since she''s always busy. She''s in charge of the concept or events for the cafe." Cielo told her what can be said and kept some things a secret.


    "Why did you name it Summer Cafe? It sounds nice so I am curious." Savannah acted like she was just getting to know her and Jillyanna but in fact, she was asking for Jillyanna''s real identity.


    Cielo chuckled at her question. "You might think it''s silly. There''s no special meaning or reason to it. We just named it Summer Cafe because we started planning about this business when we were having our last summer vacation as university students."


    True it was during summer that they planned this but, Jillyanna named it Summer after her mother''s last name.

 Chapter 75 - CAUGHT A FEVER

    Travis and Hawk left them and Jillyanna was still inside her room. She didn''t even go out to eat snacks in the afternoon which she always do before.


    Just around six in the evening, Travis and Hawk came back with so many things. They even bought groceries which they had neglected since there were still stuff inside Jillyanna''s cupboard and refrigerator.


    "I will show you the guest rooms. We don''t have many rooms here. We only have three rooms available which would be enough for you." Cielo spoke as she helped them get their things inside. Even if they were guests, they were actually asking favor from them so wanted to help in a little way.


    "It''s fine. We''ll be sharing rooms. Valkyrie and Brown will be coming over after their mission so they needed to have a room." Travis responded to her as he followed with his things.


    "I will be sharing room with Savannah so it''s fine." Hawk stated with a calm and collected face. Savannah was blushing from embarrassment beside him.


    "That''s good to know. Travis can use one of the rooms and you guys can use the other. We''ll reserve the other room for your two friends." Cielo suggested which gained agreement from all three.


    Travis and Hawk were going up and down to bring their things upstairs as well as Brown and Valkyrie''s things.


    When they finished arranging their stuff, Cielo and Savannah were done preparing their dinner as well.


    "Cielo, what are those rooms over there?" Savannah inquired. She was looking behind the bookshelves were two locked doors can be seen.


    "Jillyanna put those bookshelves to keep anyone from barging into that room. You have a very keen eyes. No one would actually notice that." Cielo answered while scooping the soup for Jillyanna into the bowl.


    "Well, it was Travis who saw it first. So I am just asking." Savannah commented.


    "Don''t let Jillyanna hear that you are curios about that room. She''d flare up and tell them not to bring up this topic. You must not get inside that room. She once told me that you can wander around the house, get into the rooms except these two doors. These must not be opened aside from her. She would always go back even when she''s out of the country just to clean these rooms."


    "So it''s very important to her."


    "It is. Anyway, let me call them out. We have to eat." Cielo removed her apron and ran towards Jillyanna''s room.


    She knocked on the door but there was no answer. ''This woman.''she mumbled mentally before knocking once again. "I am giving you 5 minutes. Use whatever you can."


    After giving her an ultimatum, she went to knock on Travis door to invite him for dinner as well as hawk on the other side.


    When five minutes was up, she went back to Jillyanna''s room and opened the door knob. "Yanna, dinner is ready." she woke her up but she didn''t budge and she was clutching her blanket tightly.


    Cielo frowned since she didn''t turn on the air conditioner but she was feeling cold. "Yanna?" she placed her hand on her forehead which made her gasps. "Oh my! Yanna you''re having a fever."


    Cielo was worried and immediately looked for clothes she can wear. Travis, who heard Cielo''s words when he passed by, came inside her room.


    "What happened?" he asked and checked her temperature while Cielo looked for clothes.


    "As you can see, she''s having a fever. I will be calling the family doctor. You don''t have to worry. Let me dress her up first." she put the clothes on the bed. "Can you go out first?"


    Travis picked up the clothes and without saying anything, she dressed her up on his own. "I helped her change before. It''s nothing new to me. You can have dinner first. I will take care of her."


    "Are you sure?" Cielo asked hesitantly because Jillyanna would surely flare when she sees him.


    "I need to earn points from her right? Taking care could make her fall in love with me." Travis joked at her, making Cielo smile.


    "Alright. I will send your food here." Cielo left him in Jillyanna''s room to take care of her.


    She contacted Eliezer as soon as possible to let him know about Jillyanna''s condition. After letting him know, she went to the kitchen to get food for Travis.


    "Where are they?" Savannah asked.


    "Travis is taking care of Jillyanna. She''s having a high fever. I will bring their food upstairs." Cielo answered her.


    Meanwhile, Travis couldn''t find any basin on Jillyanna''s bathroom so he used the smallest pale there and put water on it. He looked for alcohol and mixed it with water.


    He found several medicines on her first aid kit so he ran out of her room and fetched a glass of water before running back to her room.


    She was unconscious and wouldn''t respond to his call. Travis put on the table on his mouth and drank some water. He pinched her jaw to open up her mouth and gave her what was on his mouth.


    Jillyanna gulped the water and her brows crunched up lightly but she didn''t wake up. Travis dipped the face towel in the water and wiped her face, her neck, her arms, her stomach and her legs.


    "I hate you." Jillyanna murmured. Travis was stunned at first but he still smiled helplessly at her.


    After half and hour, Cielo came inside with a tray of food and a man behind her.


    "Eat first while the doctor check on her." she placed the food on the bedside table which was closer to Travis.


    "Thank you." he said but he was still looking at Jillyanna. He didn''t even care about the doctor.


    Eliezer who saw the man was stunned. Aside from her family, he was the only man close to Jillyanna but now, someone was there watching over her.


    "Who is he?" he asked Cielo who have her a guilty look. She was guilty because she was supporting him all this time but now, she thought Travis could protect and Eliezer can''t.


    "This is Travis. He is Jillyanna''s future husband, the father of her child." she introduced. "This is our family doctor, Eliezer Rivera."

 Chapter 76 - MOVING TO HER ROOM I

    Eliezer was surprised and disappointed at the same time. He was surprised to find out that she''s indeed pregnant and disappointed to himself for being a coward. He never got the strength and courage to tell her how he feels towards her.


    "It''s good that you gave her medicine. She might have caught a cold outside or she was over exhausted which caused her fever. Just let her drink another medicine after five hours. I don''t find any abnormalities with her vitals so there''s no need to worry." Eliezer stated after checking Jillyanna. "Make sure that you don''t stress her out and make sure that she eats healthy foods" he added to remind them.


    "Thank you Eli." Cielo responded and helped him with his things. "I am always grateful for being there when we need you."


    "That''s my job." Eliezer stated with a faint smile but the pain in his eyes had not subsided.


    As a man, Travis knew that look. He even remembered his voice. He was the man Jillyanna was with when buying groceries.


    "Thank you for always helping her out and the last time when you helped her with groceries. Thank you very much." Travis commented with a sincere look. That made Cielo look back to him in surprise. She didn''t know that he''d been monitoring Jillyanna but, how come he didn''t come to her aid when she fainted?


    Eliezer and Travis looked at each other''s eyes as if they were sizing up each other. Cielo didn''t care though. As long as Jillyanna''s fine, they can stare with each other''s forever.


    Eliezer didn''t respond to Travis but he nodded his head faintly to acknowledge his statement.


    "I''ll go ahead. Have a good night." Eliezer picked up his things and left the room with Cielo following behind him.


    "I''ll send you out." Cielo spoke out when he glanced at him. Eliezer smiled and didn''t say anything.


    Travis, who was left inside the room, helped Jillyanna sleep comfortably. He turned on the air conditioner to give out a little coolness in her room but he made sure that she''s covered with her thick blanket.


    He needed to take care of her. He didn''t like any other man taking care of her whenever she got a fever.


    "I love you Jillyanna. Please realize that I am sincere with my feelings for you." he whispered while holding one of her hands in his. He kept kissing the back of her hand and caressed it. "Please be alright soon."


    The night passed and Travis fell asleep beside her bed, still holding her hands with his. Jillyanna woke up and saw his face first thing in the morning.


    His hair was a little disheveled, stubbles had grown a bit on his jaw and the dark circles under his hand were still cleared.


    "If you stop pretending you won''t be tired." Jillyanna mumbled to herself while looking at him. She tried getting her hand back slowly but her movement still woke him up.


    "Are you okay? Are you feeling dizzy? Do you need water?" Travis asked her consecutively in his groggy state.


    Jillyanna wanted to laugh at him but she kept a straight face and pulled her hand. "I am fine. I don''t need anything. However, I wanted to know why you are here."


    "Didn''t you invite me to stay here? I moved here last night. I brought my friends with me since they can be a bodyguard." Travis admitted to her and helped her sit up on her bed when she was struggling to do so.


    "Oh? I thought you left and would not be coming back. That made me really happy." she told him with a sarcastic face.


    "I left to get my things. Didn''t you see that Savannah stayed here with you?" Travis asked with a grin hanging on his lips. Teasing her was his new-found hobby.


    Jillyanna rolled her eyes and turned her face away from him. "I don''t really care. As long as I get to stay here, nothing else mattered."


    "Stop sulking already wifey. Sorry I didn''t tell you last night." Travis teased her again with a serious face this time and Jillyanna got so annoyed, she wanted to punch him.


    "I am not sulking you idiot!" she cursed at him and threw a pillow on his face.


    "Then why are you angry at me? I should be the one angry at you. I was so careful yesterday, wrapping you up with thick clothes to avoid getting cold but, you slept yesterday with your wet hair. Cielo might''ve not noticed it but I did. Why aren''t you being careful?" he reprimanded her making her feel guilty in the process. That''s the purpose, he wanted her to realize his care for her.


    "My fault. Sorry." Jillyanna responded but she wasn''t looking at him.


    Travis moved closer to her and held her chin, made her look at him and said, "It''s your fault, yes."


    "I hate you. Shouldn''t you be pampering me since I am sick?" she burst out as she slapped his hand away.


    Travis kissed her forehead and moved away, leaving a blushing Jillyanna on her bed. "I''m at fault for leaving you alone as well. You, getting sick scared me. I don''t want this to happen again."


    "This won''t happen again. I won''t inconvenience you next time." she retorted and slid back under the blanket to cover herself and to hide her face. She was really irritated at him.


    Travis smiled and come closer again, sitting on her bed and caressed her hair. "I thought of something to make it more convenient for you and me. I can take care of you and I won''t have to worry about you."


    "What are you thinking?" she inquired and flipped to her other side so she can face him.


    "I''m thinking of moving here."


    "You''re here already."


    "Nope. What I mean is moving here in your room."


    This shocked and scared Jillyanna at the same time. She couldn''t allow anyone to sleep beside her when she sleeps naked. Naked! For god''s sake!


    "NO. NO. NO. It''s a big NO! I can''t have anyone sleep with me." she refused immediately while pinching his thigh right in front of her.


    "Why not? We slept together already. I''ve seen your body many times. So why not?" his shamelessness was on par with hers. She couldn''t find anything to refute.


    "Whatever." she turned her back on him again and slid into the covers.


    Travis kissed her head and left the room to cook her something. "I''ll send your breakfast in a while." he stated when he was about to close the door. Jillyanna didn''t answer.

 Chapter 77 - MOVING TO HER ROOM II

    After half an hour, Travis came back with a glass of milk and a rice porridge for her. It smelled so good that she immediately got out of her blanket to look at him.


    "You like it?" Travis asked which made her blush from embarrassment.


    "It smells good." she admitted and sat up on her bed. Travis didn''t forget to place a pillow on her back to make her comfortable.


    He sat on her bed in front of her and fed her the food he brought spoonful after spoonful.


    "Yanna, I''m giving you five minutes." Cielo''s voice can be heard outside her room but she soon realized that she was dressed up by Travis last night.


    "Come in." It was Travis who answered since Jillyanna was still chewing her food.


    Cielo and Lucian was quite surprised to see their little sister being fed. Ever since she was young, she would always do her best to eat her own food even when she''s sick. This was the first time she let someone to feed her.


    "Mom made you some soup. You can heat this up later. They will be visiting you tomorrow by the way." Cielo placed the thermos on her bed side table.


    "I was worried when I found out you''re sick. Looks like you''re fine though." Lucian commented but his words came out as a tease instead.


    "I am tired. Really tired. Well, isn''t it great to be taken care of sometimes? I''ll just grab this opportunity." Jillyanna also made a sarcastic remark.


    "We won''t take so much of your time. I still have to go to the station and Cielo needed to check the cafe." Lucian informed her.


    "Take care. Let me know if something comes up." she responded to them.


    Travis just watched them silently and would feed her when she''s not speaking. When she finished the whole bowl of porridge, he placed it back on the tray, handed her the glass of milk and waited for her to finish it.


    "Thank you so much for taking care of our sister Travis." Lucian expressed his gratitude to the man.


    "It''s my responsibility. I can''t hand her to anyone else." Travis retorted before taking back the empty glass. He also got the thermos to bring it back to the kitchen for later.


    When Travis was gone, Cielo approached her with a teasing grin. "You guys look so sweet just like a newly wed couple."


    "Geez! That''s a horrible thought you have." Jillyanna pushed her off of her bed and slid back under the cover.


    "We are just glad you found someone like him. Anyway, we''ll be leaving now. You take care of yourself and make sure to behave. No escaping this time." Cielo reminded her and kissed her cheeks.


    "This is for real this time. We''re going out now." Lucian said with a faint chuckle.


    "Fine. Go away you two. Take care." Jillyanna responded with a smile.


    Cielo and Lucian left after their short visit. She was left alone in her room for a while which made her feel a little lonely.


    A little later after they left, Travis came back with some of his belongings and his evil grin hanging on his lips.


    "You''re serious?" Jillyanna asked in surprise as she eyed his things.


    "Yeah. I''ll make space of myself here." he got inside and opened his wardrobe and place his things on the space available. "I think we should get a new cabinet for me." he commented while arranging his things.


    "You can''t be serious!" Jillyanna exclaimed and tried stopping him but she felt dizzy moving around.


    "I am serious sweetheart. I''ll be staying here with you."


    "My goodness! You''re shameless! You can buy your own cabinet for all I care!" she yelled at him and sat back on her bed. She felt so tired and irritated at him.


    Travis didn''t refute her or anything. He just continued moving his things back and forth from his room to hers.


    When the sun was completely shining, Savannah and Hawk saw him got out of his room with his things.


    "Where are you going?" Savannah asked with worry. She thought she was leaving them.


    "I am moving to her room." Travis answered and continued walking.


    "Oh. I see." she murmured and continued walking down the stairs to go to the kitchen and prepare their breakfast.


    It was at this time that Brown and Valkyrie came back with their tired and exhausted faces. Valkyrie had a deep cut on one of his arms which was already stitched up by Brown.


    "How did you get that?" Savannah asked with worry. With these boys around her, she can''t be relaxed at all.


    "We tried to escape when some ruffians tried attacking us." Valkyrie answered. Truth is, he got it when someone tried attacking Brown with a knife and he used himself to shield him.


    "Be careful next time. I''m making breakfast. Anything you like?" Savannah reminded them and inquired at the same time.


    "Anything that you cook is fine. Where''s Travis?" Brown was the one talking this time.


    "He''s moving." Hawk said since Savannah left already.


    "Moving? To where?" Valkyrie and Brown asked at the same time.


    "Moving to his woman''s room." Hawk answered before following Savannah to the kitchen.


    "Oh." That''s all they can say with the situation.


    At 9 o''clock in the morning, Travis finished moving his things to Jillyanna''s room. He arranged everything, including her stuff, to make space for his things.


    "From now on, I will be going back home to this house." Travis looked at her and said this.


    "It''s fine if you won''t" Jillyanna responded.


    Internally, she kept reminding herself not to fall in love. ''I really need to find a new way to escape.'' she noted mentally while looking at the scenery outside her window.


    "What are you thinking about?" Travis asked looking at her solemn face.


    "I am thinking how to chase you away!" she snapped at him but Travis just laughed it off.


    "My wife, you can''t chase me away. I have decided to stick myself on you." Travis retorted to her statement and sat on her bed to face her.


    He was about to say something when his phone rang. It was Diego who was calling.

 Chapter 78 - GO OVERSEAS

    He was a bit irritated but since it was his friend who called him, something must have happened for him to disturb him.


    "Let me answer this call first." Travis didn''t even tried stepping out from the room but he answered the call right in front of her. He turned on the speaker as well so she could hear the content of their conversation.


    "I''m sorry to disturb you, Bro. Something came up and I needed your opinion on this matter." Diego mentioned immediately. He knew that Travis hated people who would take a roundabout way.


    "Just speak." Travis stated calmly. Jillyanna on the other hand was rolling her eyes at him. It almost became a habit now every time she''s annoyed with him.


    "I don''t need to hear your conversation. Go away!" she shooed him away with her hands. Travis didn''t listen to her, held her hands and continued listening to Diego.


    Diego was stunned to hear a woman''s voice at first but he was still relieve that she''s fine. He knew how stress Travis was these past few days trying to find Jillyanna. It was a good thing that he finally found her and was staying together.


    "This is about the construction of the La Vida Resort overseas. There was an accident on the site and one of the people managing the construction spread a rumor of us making them overwork. Will you be flying overseas or should I go there to check on it?" Diego informed him the summary of what transpired.


    "I will be looking into it personally. We all knew that they were aiming for me. Don''t involve yourself on this matter." Travis responded with a serious face. It''s his business and even if Diego was willing to help him, he can''t just rely on him forever, specially that the other party was targeting him.


    "How about Jillyanna?" Diego inquired since it hasn''t been that long that he found her.


    "I am fine. You can drag him overseas." Jillyanna commented upon hearing Diego''s question. "You can let him stay there for how long you want. I won''t mind."


    "That I can''t do." Diego laughed on the other end of the line when he got her answer. "I am pretty sure he would want to go back home as soon as he can."


    "It''s up to you guys." she stated and stood up to go to the bathroom without waiting for any response.


    Travis continued talking to Diego but his eyes were focused on the bathroom door. He really wanted to bring her with him but he didn''t want to put her life in danger as well.


    "When will you leave?" Diego asked him when he was quiet for a minute.


    Travis thought of it and he decided to end it as soon as possible. "Coordinate with my secretary. I need to leave to night. The earlier, the better."


    Diego said few more words before ending the call. Jillyanna got out of the bathroom as well and climbed back to her bed. She was still feeling a bit dizzy.


    "I''m leaving tonight." Travis informed her.


    "Okay." she answered nonchalantly, not showing any sign of concern at all.


    Travis took a deep breath and looked at her eyes directly. "I might be staying there for a week or more. Would you like to come with me?"


    Jillyanna snickered and flicked his forehead lightly. "Why would I go with you? You can leave when you want to. I don''t really care."


    Travis caught her hand and held it. "You won''t miss me?"


    "No." a simple and cold-hearted answer.


    "I will miss you." Travis expressed before kissing the back of her hand.


    "It''s not my problem." she retorted and pulled her hand back.


    "I don''t want to leave you."


    "It''s fine if you would. I don''t really care."


    "I''m thinking of bringing you with me."


    "I''m all good staying here."


    "When will you trust me?"


    "When will you stop pestering me?"


    This stopped Travis from saying anything. He was hurt and confused at the same time. He didn''t know what''s stopping her from liking him or trusting him when he was being sincere to her.


    He stood up and turned his back on her. He needed to figure out a way to get in to her heart. He needed to know how he can win her.


    "I will be going out for a while." he said and left her inside her room.


    Jillyanna just raised her brows and twitched her red nose. Whenever she remembered his words, it really stung her nose and caused a dull ache in her heart.


    ''I have known all along that no one truly likes me. Still it hurts to hear it directly from his mouth.'' she stated mentally while trying to hold back her tears.


    "Jill, be strong. Guard your heart and don''t fall in love with his words and actions. You must leave as soon as possible." she mumbled to herself while staring at the ceiling. She blinked twice to stop herself from crying.


    While she was lost in her thoughts, three consecutive knocks brought her back to reality.


    "Get in." she called to the person at the door.


    "Hi. How are you?" It was Savannah who was holding a plater of fruits for her.


    "I''m feeling better Savannah. Thanks for your concern." she replied to her with a smile.


    "I am really sorry for not keeping you safe when you were under my monitoring. I neglected my duty which caused you to be in danger. I am glad you are fine." Savannah apologized and wanted to give her a deep bow but Jillyanna stopped her immediately.


    "It wasn''t really your fault." she scratched her nose awkwardly. "You don''t have to apologize. Instead I should be thankful that you guys looked for me."


    "Of course we will. Travis caused a huge chaos because you were abducted. If something happened to you, he would certainly cause havoc." Savannah responded with a faint smile this time. "Please bare with Travis."


    "I can''t promise you that." Jillyanna said without any expressions.


    "Can you give him a chance?"


    "I did but he ruined it. I am tired. Let''s talk some other time." Jillyanna dismissed their conversation and slid back under her blanket.


    She hated it when people think he was being serious with her but he was actually just toying her. Diego knew it as well but he still played along.


    "Such good actors! It''s a waste that they''re not working in an entertainment industry." Jillyanna mocked in a whisper.

 Chapter 79 - ARGUED AND LEFT

    As planned, Travis had a scheduled flight that night. He needed to deal with his problem as soon as possible so he could spend more time with Jillyanna.


    "Are you feeling better?" Travis asked while packing his personal things inside a single suitcase.


    "I''d be totally fine once you left." Jillyanna answered with a sarcastic smile in her lips.


    Travis put down his things and walked to her bed where Jillyanna was sitting with a glass of water. "Can you pretend to be sweet sometimes? You don''t have to be so honest, you know."


    "Sad to say, I wasn''t raised to lie. I am not like you who''s good in pretending." she responded with a cold gaze before placing the glass on her bed side table.


    Travis sighed and turned around to finish packing his things. "Do you have to hate me so much?"


    "I do." she was swaying her feet back and forth while watching him pack "It would''ve been better if we didn''t meet."


    "Then who was it that hooked up with me?" Travis snapped at her which made Jillyanna frowned.


    Her eyes were dark and her face was red as she tried to contain her anger. "I didn''t ask you to find me. That was supposed to be a one night affair! I didn''t ask you to come to me. Is it my fault? How many times did I tell you to stop? Don''t you dare come and snap at me! I didn''t tell you to do anything!"


    "You and the baby are my responsibility." Travis spoke in a soft voice, trying to calm down.


    "I never asked you to take responsibility! I don''t want to be anyone''s responsibility! If I wanted to, I would''ve been calling you, clinging to you, asking you to father my child!" she yelled at him, not able to contain her anger anymore.


    Travis pulled her and hugged her tight. "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean it to come out as a negative statement. I''m sorry. I''m really sorry." he whispered and kissed the top of her head again and again.


    Jillyanna didn''t move in his arms. She was breathing in and out to calm down. She had been reminded not to feel any extreme emotions or she will be dead. Now, she got so angry she really wanted to kick him.


    "I am really sorry." Travis spoke again but she still remained silent.


    When she had calmed down, she pushed him away and walked out of her room. "Don''t follow me."


    Travis who wanted to chase after her, stopped on his track and watched her left. They both needed space.


    "What happened?" Savannah came and asked Travis about the commotion.


    "Just a small argument." he answered, heaving a sigh and sat on her bed.


    "RV, don''t stress her so much. It''s not good for her and the baby. You should be indulgent to her not to argue with her." she reminded him and left to find Jillyanna.


    They couldn''t find her inside the house but Valkyrie who was at the porch didn''t notice her come out of the house.


    Jillyanna was actually staying in her parents'' room. She didn''t want to see anyone at the moment so she was hiding there.


    After half an hour, Travis came knocking on the door. It was also the only place he knew that she''d be staying.


    "Wifey, I''m really sorry." he mumbled outside the door. "It''s my fault. I''m sorry."


    Jillyanna didn''t speak. She covered herself with a very thick blanket to muffled the noise.


    "I will be leaving now." Travis mentioned. He waited for another second. Seconds turned to minutes but there was no response from her at all.


    Jillyanna had climbed down from the bed and saw his shadow from the slit of the door but she didn''t open it.


    When Travis was about to leave, a faint voice from the room can be heard. "Take care of yourself."


    "Can I see you before I leave?" he asked tentatively.


    After a minute of silence, the door was opened slowly. Travis pushed it open and hugged her. Inhaling her scent and kissed her forehead.


    "Valkyrie will be asking some of his friends to guard you and keep you safe. During these days that I am not around, don''t go out alone." he reminded her.


    "Just go already. No need to add more people. I trust Savannah." she responded since she got a plan on her head already.


    Travis didn''t know what she''s thinking and thought that they have made up already. She can''t let anyone know about her plan. Not Cielo or Lucian either.


    Travis kissed her forehead for the last time before pulling his suitcase and left with Hawk, who would drive him to the airport.


    Jillyanna went to the living room as soon as he left and dialed a number using the home telephone.


    After the second ring, Sky''s voice rang from the other end of the line. "Yanna, how are you?"


    "I am doing fine. I was told that you would be visiting tomorrow?" she confirmed with them to make sure that her plan would be going well.


    Sky admitted that they will be visiting in the morning to see her. "I just remembered that I would be going somewhere tomorrow. I won''t be home."


    "Then, we''ll visit you some other time. Make sure that you take care of yourself." Sky reminded her. They talked for a while more before Jillyanna ended the call.


    Savannah and Brown just watched her from the living room. They could tell that she''s planning something base on the look in her eyes.


    Jillyanna dialed another number and this time, she looked excited while talking. "Uncle, it''s me."


    "Yanna! It''s been a while since you called using this number. How are you?" It was Thomas Madrigal who answered the phone.


    "Can I visit you tomorrow, uncle? I need your help." Jillyanna admitted. There''s no point in lying to him. He''s the last hope she got who could help her escape the country.


    "Of course. It''s not everyday that you would ask a favor from me. I am still in the mansion so you can come here anytime you want." Thomas responded from the other end of the line.


    "Alright. I''ll be there before lunch." Jillyanna stated excitedly. She said few more courteous words before hanging up.


    Savannah and Brown looked at each other before shifting their eyes at her. Jillyanna looked so happy and relieved under their watch and monitoring.

 Chapter 80 - ANNOYED AND FRUSTRATED

    The next day, Jillyanna woke up with a smile hanging on her lips. She didn''t have to see Travis for the next few days so she got enough time to think for her escape plan C.


    She arranged her bed and walk to the bathroom to get herself ready. She found their toothbrushes placed side by side on the shelf inside the bathroom.


    "Just because you donated this sperm doesn''t mean I have to believe your lies. What an idiot!" she murmured before getting her own toothbrush.


    As usual, her bathing time took almost an hour again. She always love soaking on warm bath ever since she was small. "Baby, don''t give mommy a hard time during pregnancy, okay? It''s just you and me and no one else. Don''t even ask about that sperm donor, he''ll get rid of us once he''s done using us. I don''t know how will he use us though. But of course, mommy won''t allow that to happen."


    It was also her new found habit to talk to her child when she''s alone. It was said that mothers should always communicate with their babies, that''s what she''s doing.


    ''Knock. Knock. Knock.'' it was coming from the outside of her door.


    She put on her bathrobe and opened the door to see Savannah holding a tray of food for her.


    "I prepared this for you." Savannah said with a smile and handed her the tray.


    Jillyanna felt awkward getting her food done by someone else. She scratched the tip of her nose before getting it. "Savannah, you don''t have to prepare my breakfast. I can manage on my own."


    "Travis entrusted you to us. You are pregnant as well so you shouldn''t be moving too much. Preparing food is just a piece of cake. Hawk and Brown helped me, too since Valkyrie is busy installing cameras around the house."


    "I...In...Installing cameras?" she was utterly shocked with this information. ''How will I leave then?'' she noted mentally in frustration.


    Savannah just stated what has been going but she didn''t realize that Jillyanna had gone silent from being upset.


    "We need you to be safe all the time. Any moment, those people who are after your mother''s research might come in. We have to be prepared all the time." Savannah responded to her. She nodded her head in agreement but she was thinking differently.


    Since she couldn''t escape from their watch, then she''ll just bring them with her. Anyway, she wasn''t able to finalize her escape route yet.


    "I''ll be going out in a while. I''m visiting a friend." she informed her as she placed the tray on her bed side table.


    "Brown and I will come with you. Hawk and Valkyrie will stay to watch over the house." Savannah acknowledged. "Is there anything else you need?"


    "None. Thank you."


    Savannah left her alone after that. She looked at the food and sighed helplessly. Ever since she met Travis, her life was in shambles. She couldn''t even trust Cielo and Lucian now. She felt that Travis would know of her plans if she tells Cielo and Lucian.


    "I''m going to go crazy! I only wanted to have a child! It would have been a good bonus if he truly cared about me but, he doesn''t! This is so frustrating! He is so annoying!" she tugged her hair from pent up frustrations and laid on her bed with her wet hair.


    She stared at the ceiling and closed her eyes but a smiling Travis flashed across her mind. "What the hell? I didn''t tell you to think of him! My braincells, don''t go against me!" she mumbled to herself. "Well, whatever."


    She sat up on her bed and ate her breakfast. After eating she chose a white skinny jeans, a pink off-shoulder blouse and a white shoes. She kept her heels and wedge already after finding out that she''s pregnant. She''s left with sneakers and flat shoes.


    ''Knock. Knock. Knock.''


    "Again?" she muttered to herself while rolling her eyes. Still, she opened the door with a smile but her smile faltered when she saw the phone being handed to her with Travis'' name on it.


    "He is looking for you." Savannah simply stated and gave her the phone.


    She took it and Savannah closed the door for her upon leaving the room.


    "What do you want? Shouldn''t you be sleeping this time?" she glanced on the small clock on her table. "It should be past ten in the evening already in New York."


    "I miss you." Travis spoke in a low voice while massaging his temple from so many things in mind.


    "Too bad cause I don''t." she replied to him. She had the phone on the other hand while getting a sling bag from her drawer.


    She could hear him sigh on the other end of the line, making her feel a little guilty. He had been busy looking for her these past weeks and the company he was working on had problem while he was gone. He might even get scolded once he got back.


    Jillyanna stopped from getting her bag and sat down on the couch instead. "Get some sleep when you can. Money shouldn''t be your priority."


    "I am so happy to hear that you are concern about me." he teased her which flipped her mood instantly but she didn''t yell or curse at him because there''s no need to - she turned off the phone.


    The phone rang again with his name flashing across the screen. "I heard that you''re visiting someone." Travis stated when she answered it.


    "Yeah." she responded shortly, devoid of emotions.


    "You are not thinking of escaping from me, right?" he asked with another sigh. Jillyanna was silent since he hit the mark. "I''m telling you, I may not be a powerful person or I don''t hold the world in my palm but, I''ve got friends and acquaintances who would be willing to help me in finding you. I won''t let you escape again."


    "You are so annoying." she responded with her gritted teeth. "Can I punch you when you get home? I am so frustrated right now." Nonetheless, she still calmed her heart.


    Travis chuckled at her. "I''ll let you punch me anytime you want as long as you stay."


    "Whatever. I''m going out already. Take care of yourself." she ended the call without waiting for his response. With her bag and Savannah''s phone, she walked out of her room, annoyance reflecting on her face. She handed the phone to Savannah saying, "Your friend is so annoying! He''s getting on my nerves! My god!"

 Chapter 81 - THEY FOUND OUT

    "We''re leaving." Brown spoke and followed Jillyanna out of the house.


    "Be extra careful." Valkyrie reminded him but Brown didn''t respond or even turned back to look at him.


    "Stop teasing him. You know exactly how he feels. If you can''t respond to that, it''s better if you tell him the honest truth." Savannah commented before leaving the house with Hawk following behind her.


    "Don''t turn off your device. I need to know where you are all the time." Hawk reminded her which made her smile.


    "I have turned it on already. I am leaving now." Savannah waved her hand at him and ran to the car that Brown drove out.


    She opened the door to the front seat and got in. Jillyanna was still sulking at the back from the call with Travis earlier.


    "Where are we going?" Brown asked her when they got out of the gate.


    "We''re going to Hacienda de Amore." Jillyanna answered while looking at the scenery outside the car.


    Savannah frowned upon hearing the place. It sounded familiar to her and she was sure she had been there.


    Brown used the navigator to find the place. After half an hour, when they drove to a very familiar place, he looked towards Savannah who happened to be looking at him as well.


    "You''re visiting someone in this place?" Savannah asked Jillyanna when she couldn''t contain her curiosity. Brown stopped the car in front of the gate. They couldn''t let her know that they knew the place.


    Jillyanna looked at them and nodded her head. "Someone very close to me is currently staying in this mansion. Wait here for a while." she stepped out of the car and walked to the gate.


    The security guard opened the gate immediately and greeted her. "Good morning young madam."


    "Good morning." she replied to him. "Can you let them in? I might take a while inside."


    "Of course. Let me talk to them." The guard walked to the car and knocked on the window. Savannah put on her glasses and a deep red lipstick. She messed up her hair before opening the window, just enough for the man to see her and talk. "Young madam wants you to drive the car inside."


    "We''re fine here. We''ll wait." she answered. Brown was looking on the opposite side so that the guard can''t identify him.


    Savannah closed the window again and removed her disguise while calling Hawk.


    "What''s the matter? Why are you at the mansion?" Hawk was confused while staring at the laptop screen in front of him.


    "Investigate Jillyanna immediately. Her background and everything." Savannah responded.


    "Why?"


    "Just do it. Never mind. I will ask Uncle Thomas directly. Don''t let Travis know of this yet." Savannah ended the call but not her locator.


    "Could it be her?" Brown asked in surprise.


    "We can''t be sure yet." Savannah commented.


    On the other hand, Jillyanna just got inside the mansion and Thomas was sitting on the couch at the living room.


    "Good morning Uncle!" she greeted and hugged him.


    "My dear Jillyanna. I am so glad you are here. I am so bored since everyone left."


    "RV isn''t here again? Why did he keep on leaving you alone?! Is it so important to earn money that he will disregard you?"


    "My my. You are judging him again. He needed to earn for his family. He got someone pregnant and I felt bad for the woman so I''m letting him work."


    "Ha! Your son uncle is really awesome! Getting someone pregnant without marrying her? Is he planning to abandon her in the future? Well, that''s how he is, so I won''t be wondering." she snickered and made a sarcastic remark.


    Thomas sighed and looked at her helplessly. "Can you forgive him of what happened already? He was young back then and didn''t know how stupid he was yet."


    "I don''t really hate him and sure, I''ll forgive him. However, I really needed your help this time. I will treat this as a debt in my whole life."


    "What is it?" Thomas asked. He will do anything to patch up the relationship between her and his son.


    Even if he can''t match make them, he wanted them to become friends at least.


    Jillyanna sat closer to him and held his hand. "Uncle, I need to fly back to Europe tonight or tomorrow night but I can''t use the regular planes. You have a private plane right?"


    Thomas frowned and was thinking what to do but in the end, he told her he can''t. "RV, flew out of the country and he used the private plane.


    "That''s too bad. I''ll just think of another way." she responded and her mind was working with other escape routes already.


    "Why are you leaving for Europe by the way? Aren''t you staying here for -"


    ''Ring. Ring. Ring.'' his phone interrupted his question and Savannah''s name was reflected on the screen.


    "Let me answer this first."


    "Go ahead uncle."


    Thomas walked to the back garden and answered the call.


    "Uncle, do you know Jillyanna?" Savannah''s question came right after he answered it.


    Even though he was confused, he still answered her questions.


    "Yes. She''s Elizabeth''s daughter. Don''t tell me you haven''t found her yet?" he laughed at their incompetency.


    "We found her. She''s inside the mansion right?" Savannah retorted to him, ignoring his laughters.


    "Does Travis know?" he inquired.


    "He doesn''t. Is she asking you to help her escape?" they all knew she wanted to escape from Travis so it''s not difficult to guess it. "You must not help her."


    "And why not?"


    "Because if you do that uncle, it will be chaotic and you won''t be able to see your grandchild."


    "What does my grandchild has to do with Jillyanna?" he asked in confusion. "Explain this to me Savy."


    "Jillyanna is carrying your grandchild. She''s the woman that Travis has been chasing and the same woman he impregnated. But she wanted to escape. She didn''t want to stay with Travis. They don''t know each other''s identity yet."


    This information was like a lightning strike, sending bolts to his nerves and like a thunder shaking his heart.


    "You must be kidding me." Thomas murmured and fainted on the spot.

 Chapter 82 - EXPOSED IDENTITIES

    The gardener who was watering the plants saw his master collapse. He ran to his side and called for help.


    Out of nowhere, Brown came and carried the old man back to the house. Jillyanna who saw him carrying Thomas was shocked and scared at the same time.


    "What happened to him?" she asked and followed them upstairs. "Why do you know where his room is?" she asked when she observed him walking on the aisle.


    Brown didn''t say anything and just focused on aiding the man. The room was complete with apparatus and he immediately proceed with the CPR. After seeing him breathing faintly, he hooked up the monitors and other things on Thomas.


    Jillyanna sat beside the bed and was holding Thomas''s hand with hers. "Uncle, please be alright. I will forgive RV for you. I won''t hate him anymore. Just be okay. If you won''t wake up, I will hate him for the rest of my life."


    Brown was just listening on the side while making sure that Thomas is fine. He can now confirm that the woman they were looking for was her.


    "He''s fine now." Brown stated and gently pat her shoulder.


    "How did you know where he was?" she inquired. She won''t let go of the fact that something was amiss with him.


    "I got inside to ask for water."


    "Why were you at the back garden?"


    "The guard told me to go from there since you were talking with him."


    "Why do you know which room is his?"


    "The gardener told me."


    "Why do you how to use these things?"


    "I''m a doctor. Remember?"


    Jillyanna gave up her interrogation and just stared at him. She didn''t believe him at all.


    Actually, Brown wasn''t lying at all. When Savannah decided to contact Thomas, he went out to get inside the house. He knew how weak Thomas'' heart was so he wanted to be there when he''s taking call with Savannah.


    The gardener and the guard knew him and he had been staying in that mansion for 2 years already. He knew where to go from which location.


    "Can I ask you something?" Brown looked directly at her eyes and asked.


    "Ask whatever you want." she said nonchalantly while leaning on the chair.


    "Why do you always want to escape? Don''t you want your child to have a father? I didn''t mean this in a negative way, I just think that he''d be lonely. I grew up without my parents so I kinda know how it feels  to have no one." he expressed with a faint smile.


    Jillyanna sighed and caressed her stomach. "I don''t trust anyone."


    "Can''t you trust him?"


    "After what I''ve heard, I don''t think I can still trust him. There are things that he would show you and make you believe in him. However, behind closed doors, he has plans to use you and dispose whenever he wants."


    "Is that really how you see him?"


    "Yes."


    She didn''t even doubt or stutter with her answers. She heard it with her own ears after all.


    "I''ll go out for a while. Call me if something came up." Brown stated and left.


    Jillyanna was left alone with the sleeping Thomas. She used the couch and slept on it since she was feeling sleepy as well.


    Time passed quickly and she woke up when a series of footsteps can be heard stomping on the floor.


    It was dark outside when she looked at the window and it was drizzling, too. She sat up on the couch just in time for a man to come in.


    Her eyes go wide as well as the person who just came in. Surprised, joy, pain and relief were suffocating Travis when he saw her.


    "Son?" It was Thomas who called out to him when he woke up from the noise outside his door.


    Jillyanna couldn''t describe her feelings at all. She was feeling cold, feeling betrayed, angry, mocked and all the other negative emotions.


    ''Travis and RV is just the same person? Such a dumb bloke! I should have investigated him!'' she cursed herself and just looked at him without saying anything.


    Travis wanted to say something but he was worried about his father as well so he walked to him.


    Jillyanna also walked towards Thomas and bowed deeply. "Thank you for taking care of me all these years. I am glad you are doing fine. I have to go out now."


    She didn''t wait for anyone''s response and walked out of the room.


    "Jill." Travis called out but she turned to look at him with a fiery gaze.


    "Don''t you dare follow me! Take a step and I''ll jump off from this floor. Dare me RV!" she had a defiant look on her face which stopped him on his track.


    She opened the door and saw Savannah and Brown leaning on the wall. "I am glad I never trusted anyone." she said before slamming the door close behind her.


    Even after saying those words, the pain in her heart can''t be dulled out. It was so intense she wanted to rip her chest open.


    When she got out, she threw the bracelet that he gave to her and ran out to hail a taxi. Raindrops fell on her face, tears were pooling in her eyes, her vision was blurry as she walked under the rain.


    She got on the taxi when it stopped in front of her just as Travis came out of the gate with her bracelet!


    "Damn it!" he cursed and kicked the gate in front of him. Brown came out with his car and Travis got in, all wet from head-to-toe.


    "Follow the taxi." Travis spoke in agitation.


    "No need. Base on the locator I placed on her, she''s on her way back to her house." Brown responded. Savannah was left to take care of Thomas since he hasn''t fully recovered. It was her fault, too.


    "When did you place the locator on her?"


    "We found out her identity when we came here. Base on her personality, once she knew who you are, she would run away for sure. I placed the device when I was patting her shoulder this morning."


    "I''m going to go crazy if I lose her!"

 Chapter 83 - CONFRONTATION WITH THEIR PAST I

    Jillyanna came back to her house, all wet from head to toe. She didn''t bother taking of her shoes and just stormed in directly.


    "Oh shit! You just recovered from your fever and you''re drenched!" Valkyrie exclaimed and was about to get a towel when Jillyanna stopped him.


    "No need. I am fine." she turned around and walked as fast as she could back to her room. Valkyrie and Hawk looked at each other when they heard her slamming the door closed.


    Hawk didn''t ask or expressed his opinion but took out a mop from the storage room and cleaned the foot marks on the floor.


    Not long after, Travis came in with a dark face, all wet from head to toe just like Jillyanna. He kicked his shoes out of the way and ran barefooted to her room.


    ''Knock. Knock. Knock.''


    No response. He knocked again but it was still quiet.


    "Jill, let''s talk please. Let me explain."


    "Stop calling me that name! I don''t know you! Get out of my house! Bring your friends with you and don''t let me see you again!" she shouted back at him from the inside.


    "Wifey, I''m sorry but we really need to talk." he called out again. "You can punch me! You can kick me! You can do anything! Just open the door wifey!"


    "My god! You''re annoying! Stop calling me names! There''s nothing to be discussed between us! Can''t you just leave me alone? I''ve been living peacefully all these years! Why must you ruin it?"


    Pain. Betrayal. Regret. Frustration. Annoyance. Travis could clearly make out these emotions from her voice. He can clearly hear her sobbing.


    He sat on the floor and leaned his back on her door.


    Silence. A deafening silence enveloped the house. You could only hear the ''piti-pat-piti-pat'' of raindrops whenever it touches the roof, the plants and the ground.


    Brown was drinking a hot choco that was given by Valkyrie. Hawk was also cooking food for them to eat.


    "Sorry, we had to leave Savannah back at the mansion." Brown said while blowing his hot drink.


    Hawk didn''t turn his head to look at him but he still responded while chopping the onions. "It''s fine. She informed me what happened so I expected her to be staying there."


    Brown just nodded his head. Valkyrie stood up and patted his head. "I''ll get a towel for you. Wait for me here."


    He jogged up the stairs and found Travis sitting on the floor, outside of Jillyanna''s room. He didn''t say anything and just continued walking to his room.


    When he got out, he brought a sweatpants, shirts and towels. He gave Travis a shirt and a towel to wipe his hair and body.


    He went back to the kitchen and gave Brown the clothes to change.


    Travis removed his wet t-shirt and wiped his body with the towel before changing with the shirt given by Valkyrie then rubbed his hair with the towel.


    "Wifey, I am not leaving here. You can kick me out, I''ll go back. You can punch me, I''ll let you. If you won''t come out, it''s fine. Can you just listen to me?" He spoke in a low voice, so faint that Jillyanna could barely hear him. Still, she was able to hear what he was saying.


    "Years ago, we parted our ways with pain and hatred. I can understand if you won''t forgive me cause I also think the same way. What I did was horrible, I almost caused your death. When you were sent abroad for operation, I was left with guilt. All these years, I lived with guilt. I was so guilty and ashamed for what happened so I didn''t dare show my face in front of you. When my mother died, she asked me to find you and take care of you. Maybe because of what happened, my father kept your whereabouts from me." He spoke outside the room while Jillyanna was sobbing inside.


    She had been trying to calm her heart but her tears won''t stop flowing out of her eyes. "I hate you for what you did. I still hate you until now. You knew you''re the first friend I had yet you broke me apart. Did you really think it wasn''t painful? You cursed me and my mom! Now my mother''s gone! You know what, I was happy when your mother died after a year. But that happiness didn''t even last a minute. Do I really have to suffer so much?"


    "I''m sorry. I didn''t really mean it that way. I was jealous, yes. However, I didn''t really want your mom to be gone. I''m sorry."


    "What can your sorry do? Can it bring her back to life? And oh, Enzo mentioned before, if it wasn''t because of you, she wouldn''t have died." she stated with a heavy heart. Even if she wanted to deny it, even if she wanted to forgive him, she would always be reminded of her mother''s death.


    "Jill, I didn''t know about this."


    "Stop calling me Jill! I don''t like it!" she snapped at him, making him fall into silence. "Did you just go along with my plans because you knew me from the start?"


    "No." Travis answered immediately. It''s the most crucial question that needed to be justified. He turned to face the door and spoke. "I didn''t know it was you. At first, I did approach you because you have the same name. However, when the information I got didn''t point out to you, I stopped thinking about you as the past Jillyanna. I started seeing you as you are now. I even promised to myself not to involve with the past. I didn''t know that you''d be the same person."


    "Travis, don''t you think it''s best that we should just go on separate ways?" she asked in a soft voice. Honestly, she''s been reliant on him these past few days but she was just too hurt.


    "Wifey, don''t do this please. What you''re asking me is something I can''t do. I can let you vent your anger, just don''t leave me again."


    What use is pride? It''s not useful at all when the person you love wanted to throw you away. If he needed to beg, he will beg her to stay.

 Chapter 84 - CONFRONTATION WITH THEIR PAST II

    Jillyanna kept on crying with blanket wrapped around her. She sniffed and sneeze but she didn''t care. The mattress was already wet since she didn''t dry her hair.


    She was shivering from cold and she felt so dizzy already but she wanted to hear him talk. She''s got so many things to ask and she had to know the answers now before asking him to leave or before leaving him.


    "Wifey, I know that my sorry can''t do anything. I can''t bring your mother to life, I can''t change our past. But, we can still mend our present, right?" Travis spoke again from the outside. Jillyanna''s tears never ceased from falling and her vision was getting blurry already.


    "I don''t think so. The pain of the past still flashes across my mind. I was ready to forgive you as long as we don''t see each other. But now? I don''t know. I don''t know what to do."


    "I know it won''t be easy but will you really give up on us? Will you not give me a chance? You gave me two months to prove myself to you. I still have few days to go before two months would be over. Wifey, can we talk this out? Can we have a proper conversation? I''m begging you."


    Even though he spoke softly to her, the men in the kitchen could hear him clearly. They have been training themselves to hear even the slightest movement around them or a faint conversation few meters away from them.


    Travis talking to Jillyanna was so clear to them. They didn''t speak or say anything but Brown smiled with a tear in his eyes.


    He knew how much Travis suffered from his guilt. When he decided to look for her, his guilt was eating him away and he had been dreaming of her when she fainted. He dreamed of it countless of times that he had to go through a psychiatric consultation.


    It was beyond their expectation that they would meet this way. Even with their help, they didn''t know where she had been all these years. They couldn''t find any information of her.


    Brown looked down on his cup in silence. He always envy those brave people who would give up their pride for someone they love. He could even do it but the person he chose to give up his pride for was just playing around with him.


    "What are you thinking?" Valkyrie asked him but he just smiled faintly.


    "Nothing."


    Yes nothing. From now on, he would live his life as if they were just normal acquaintance. In any case, his days with him were already numbered.


    Upstairs, Jillyanna didn''t open the door and Travis was still sitting on the same place.


    "I don''t want to continue the two months I gave you. There''s no point in doing so." Jillyanna responded before taking a tissue to sneeze. "Beside that, you hate me don''t you? If I remember correctly, you labeled me a thief. And I guess I was. I stole your parents'' time from you. I stole their attention from you. I was once told that kids don''t lie and even if they said you didn''t mean it, I think that was really how you felt towards me. You hate me. It wasn''t just your guilt that stopped you from seeing me but, it was your hatred as well." He could lie all he wants, she can find ways to prove the truth in front of him.


    What she said was the truth. Travis didn''t spoke for a while. He was stunned with the words she said.


    Indeed, he was guilty for what happened and he really hated her from taking his parents'' time. He was sent to different classes locally and abroad. When he got home, he was looking forwards to spending time with them but they would always leave and look for Jillyanna and her mother.


    At first, he was happy that he became friends with her but he soon realized that his parents really likes her. His like turned to hate and that''s how he hurt her.


    "I was wrong. I''m sorry. I did hate you in the past but Jill, I am really sincere with how I feel this time. We can''t bury the past because that''s what make us of who we are today but, can''t we start over?" he choked on his emotions that was pooling on his throat. His eyes were red and tears were burning the corner of his eyes.


    "You told me you won''t like me. You told me you won''t like a thief like me. I can still remember your words clearly. Travis, I don''t really hate you instead I hate myself more for taking your parents'' time. If I didn''t have a heart disease, would it have been different? My mother only contacted your mom because of me. If I didn''t have CHD, my mother wouldn''t have the need to contact your mom. Your mother wouldn''t have to visit us. Your mother wouldn''t have to spend time with us. You wouldn''t be left alone. You wouldn''t have to come and meet me and you would not hate me. I''d rather not have met you in the past. If I can go back, I would not go out of my room and meet you. I guess it was actually my fault. It''s funny that I put the blame on you when it was really all because of me. But I won''t apologize." When she really thought of it, everything started when she was born.


    Everything changed when she was born. Her parents would never be apart if she didn''t exist. Her existence caused death and pain to the people around her.


    Realizing all these, her heart''s beat faltered. It was so painful that she was having a hard time breathing.


    She clutched her chest and was heaving to get oxygen.


    "Don''t panic. Calm down." she controlled herself to stop crying and breathed in and out.


    She was focused on calming herself when she felt a warm liquid coming out from her. She touched her thighs and turned on the lamp to see what it was.


    Blood. Her face paled, fear and shock was reflecting on her face.


    "Travis...Travis...help me..." she murmured as she looked at her hand. "Travis help me!" she cried out in fear and checked her bed. Blood. It was stained with so much blood.

 Chapter 85 - BLEEDING I

    "Jillyanna what happened?" Panic was evident in Travis'' voice as he slammed his fist on the door. "Open the door please."


    "I can''t. You have to help me. I''m bleeding!" her cry was so clear to his ear this time. She was scared and in panic just like him. "Calm down Jillyanna. Calm down. Don''t panic. That''s what doctors said on the book. Don''t panic. Think calmly." she whispered to herself while breathing in and out but her mind was in jumbled mess.


    The three men at the kitchen heard him shouting so they came up immediately. Hawk used a tiny pin to fiddle on the door knob so they can open it.


    "Someone prepare the car. I need to send her to the hospital. Contact Cheska now." Travis spoke with clear agitation on his voice. His hands were shaking and he was scared. This was the second time he felt such cold and scary feeling.


    The first time was when he found out she has CHD and caused her to faint. And now, he caused her bleeding.


    "I''ll drive." It was Valkyrie who volunteered since Brown just got home and needed to rest.


    Jillyanna couldn''t think of anything. She kept wiping the blood on her thighs with the blanket on her bed. She no longer cared about the mess and dirt she made.


    "Baby, please hang in there. If you leave me, I will really kick your daddy until he''s crippled. I will never forgive him. Please don''t go. Please don''t leave me. My child, please stay with me." It didn''t matter if her baby can''t hear her but she still talked and murmured despite the tears and blurry vision.


    Hawk, Travis and Brown were still trying to open the knob. Left with no choice, with all his strength and energy, using the full force of his body, Travis slammed his upper body on the door. He kicked it as hard as he can multiple times until he was feeling numb from the soreness and pain.


    The hinges broke and the door was blown opened towards her room. He ran to her and saw her bleeding on bed. He wrapped her up with the blanket and carried her off, walk down the stairs and got into the car that Valkyrie had prepared.


    "Travis, I can''t live without the baby. If something happens to our child, I will never forgive you." she stated while clutching her stomach, as if by doing so, she can stop the bleeding.


    "Shh. It will be alright. Our baby will be safe. Just hang in there. Will be at the hospital in no time." he murmured, kissing her forehead and face which was the only part of her body that was shown.


    She really wanted to calm down but her tears won''t stop from falling every time she thinks of the possibility that she''d lose her baby.


    "I have called Cheska but she was currently out of the city for a seminar. She helped us contact the emergency and there are doctors awaiting us." Valkyrie informed them as he continued to drive on the road. His driving over the speed limit already and would be penalize once caught. In any case, they''ve got valid reason for doing so.


    Jillyanna was sobbing silently in Travis arms. She was talking to her child mentally and didn''t care about Travis kissing her face or her forehead.


    About ten minutes later, Valkyrie stopped the car in front of the emergency area of Senyu Medical Center. Travis came out with Jillyanna still wrapped up using the blanket.


    Two doctors and three nurses came to their aid with a stretcher to place Jillyanna on.


    "What happened to the patient?" The doctor asked immediately while helping him with Jillyanna.


    He placed her carefully on the bed and they started pushing the stretcher to the emergency room. "She had excessive bleeding. She''s pregnant and we''re worried she''ll have miscarriage. Please save my wife and my child." Travis responded to the doctor.


    "Alright. Please stay outside. We''ll do our best to save both of them." The senior doctor commented and went inside the room, closing the door behind, leaving Travis and Valkyrie at the corridor.


    Travis was pacing back and forth in front of the emergency room. He was worried, scared and helpless at the same time. He was happy that she acknowledged him as the father of her child when she said ''our child'' earlier but, if something happens to the baby, he will definitely lose her.


    "I know you are worried about her but, can you please take a seat? I''m getting dizzy with you pacing back and forth." Valkyrie commented with a heavy sigh.


    Travis did as he was told and sat on the bench beside Valkyrie.


    "Matt, I can''t forgive myself if something happens to her. I have done so many hurtful things to her already. I caused her so much pain but I can''t let her go. Not now. Not ever. I have regretted what I have done in the past and losing her this time would make me go crazy! I can''t lose her!"


    Matt gently patted his shoulder to send his comfort. "The road you chose to take won''t be easy just how I chose to go with Brown when my father disagreed with this. Don''t give up on her. This is the second chance that was given to you. We will always be here to watch your back and support you."


    Travis was silent with his eyes closed. His hair was a mess and his shirt was a little wet from the rain earlier. He hadn''t changed his pants yet.


    Valkyrie took out his phone and called Hawk to send a change of clothes for Travis.


    While he was taking a call, one of the doctors came out with a clipboard and sheets of paper.


    "Please sign this consent form. We will try as much as we could to save both the mother and child but there''s still a chance that you''d lose your baby. Please understand that she had an excessive bleeding."


    A tear fell on the sheet when Travis was filling out the consent form. The thought of losing the child gripped his heart. It was his and Jillyanna''s baby, the life that''s keeping them together.


    "Please do your best to save them. I''m willing to pay no matter the cost is." he begged the doctor on his knees which shocked both Valkyrie and the other two nurses who just came out from a different emergency room.

 Chapter 86 - BLEEDING II

    "What could be happening in that emergency room? A man would only be on their knees if it was someone or something very important." one of the nurses whispered to her co-worker as they walked on the corridor, back to their station.


    The doctor who was getting the consent form was shocked to see his name on the sheet. He helped him stand up from the ground and talk to him.


    "I am just letting you know of the possibility Mr. Madrigal. Still, we will do our best to save your wife and child. Please excuse me." The doctor went back to the emergency room, leaving Travis and Valkyrie again.


    Hawk and Brown cleaned up the mess that was left with their worried faces. "I hope she and the baby will make it." Brown spoke with a solemn face while looking at the blood stains on the mattress cover.


    "With that amount of bleeding, will it cause a miscarriage?" Hawk asked him since Brown was a doctor and knew a lot about the medical field.


    "Not all bleeding will cause miscarriage. However, Jillyanna''s baby was still a month old and she had been through a lot of physical and emotional stress lately." Brown responded while removing the sheet cover and placed it in the basket he brought from the laundry area downstairs.


    Hawk was sweeping off the floor to make sure that there''s no more debris left when his phone rang. It was Valkyrie who''s calling him.


    "Val? How is she?" he asked directly when he answered the call.


    "She''s still inside the emergency room. Can you bring Travis a change of clothes and food? He hadn''t changed his clothes since earlier and he hadn''t taken any food as well. We don''t need additional person to be admitted. If this man collapse from exhaustion, it''s another problem." Valkyrie was still composed as he said these words but his heavy sigh at the end still betrayed his worry.


    "I''ll be there as soon as I can. Give me the hospital location and the floor you are in." Hawk responded and ended the call to wait for the text message.


    Brown who had been listening on the side, helped him get some clothes and put it in a paper bag that he found on the lowest shelf of the cabinet.


    "You can bring these clothes for Travis. I''ll continue the cleaning so you can go." Brown commented and handed him the bag.


    Hawk smiled and patted his shoulder. "Take a rest after cleaning the room. Just soak the cover in the washing machine with the detergent. I''ll clean it myself when I get back. That''s too heavy for you."


    "Thank you. I''ll do as you said. Take care on your way there."


    Hawk left with the food and clothes while Brown stayed to continue cleaning.


    Not long after making that call, two traffic officers came and talked to Valkyrie regarding his speed limit.


    "I''m sorry officers. Someone had a very serious bleeding and we can''t wait for any ambulance to come over." Valkyrie apologized and showed them his certificate and badge which shut the officers.


    "I see. We''ll go on our way. Thank you for giving us your statement."


    Just like that. They came like lightning and left with the same speed.


    After half an hour, Hawk came with two paper bags. One was containing some clothes and the other one has food in it.


    "Did you contact her family?" Hawk asked them when he saw that no one from the Madrid''s family came to the hospital. He sat on the bench and placed the bags between him and Travis.


    Travis sighed helplessly as he rubbed his face with his hands. "I completely forgot about contacting them. I didn''t have my phone with me, too. God! I feel horrible and useless."


    "Stop blaming yourself. I will contact them for you instead. Go and find a bathroom to change your clothes before you catch a cold. We don''t want you getting a fever when she needed you the most. Hurry up."


    Travis took the bag that has clothes in it and looked for a comfort room to change. He didn''t take so much time and came out as soon as he can.


    Hawk was making a call this time with Cielo while Valkyrie was calling Diego overseas to check on his work.


    When Travis left to go back home after his dad collapse, Diego flew to New York and took over his work which was why, Travis didn''t really worry about the situation.


    Still, they didn''t want his business to close or have any problem, so they would always help him no matter where and when.


    "Once you''re done with the issue overseas, you can go back here. Travis, wouldn''t want you to stay there alone." Valkyrie reminded Diego. "Also, if you can check with your girlfriend, please let her know that we need her help."


    Diego nodded his head even though Valkyrie couldn''t really see him. "I''ll be back as soon as I can and Cheska will be there early in the morning."


    They talked few minutes more before Valkyrie ended the call. Travis was sitting back on the bench with a fresh set of clothes.


    "Cielo and her family is coming over. You better prepare yourself for explanation." Hawk stated without looking at Travis.


    Travis didn''t say anything and just sat there in silence, waiting for the doctors to finish their work.


    Another half an hour passed, just as the doctor was pushing the stretcher out, Cielo and her family came running.


    "How is she?" Sky asked as soon as she saw Jillyanna on the stretcher, lying with her eyes closed and pale face. They were pushing the stretcher to a VIP room, chosen by Travis when signing the form, while watching over her recovery.


    The doctor looked at Jillyanna''s family then to Travis. "The patient is fine. She did lose a lot of blood but she made it. Any seconds later would have really caused hers and the baby''s death. It was a good thing that you came here immediately. Your wife and your baby are both safe now. However, you must not let her do any strenuous work or cause her emotions to change time to time. Her physical and emotional well-being should be your top priority."


    "Thank you so much doc." Travis bowed deeply to show his gratitude.


    "Thank you."


    "Thank you."


    Cielo and her mother said together with a bow. The all watched Jillyanna being transferred to a VIP room located on the same floor.


    "Care to explain what happened?" Cielo asked Travis when Jillyanna was successfully transferred to her own room.

 Chapter 87 - BLEEDING III

    "We had a bit of an argument." Travis answered simply. He didn''t want to go over what happened because it only caused him to feel more guilty. It was a good news that nothing happened to the baby.


    Lucian pulled his wife close to him while watching Jillyanna''s face. "Thank you for taking care of her. Whatever transpired is a problem between you and my sister. We will not intervene or meddle with your issues."


    "I''m sorry I broke your trust. It was really unexpected and I didn''t know this would happen." Travis responded to Lucian. His face was full of worry and guilt. He looked so exhausted and haggard, too.


    "Is this about you being a Madrigal?" Lucian asked him nonchalantly. Travis looked at him with a scrutinizing eyes. "We didn''t know it was you at first. We knew of a person who hurt her in the past but we didn''t know it was you until I received the piece of evidence you gave."


    "Why didn''t you tell her about me?" Travis asked. There was no judgement or blame on his words. He was merely curious as to why Lucian didn''t speak anything to him or to him.


    A sigh escaped Lucian''s lips. He sat on the couch found in the room with Cielo beside him. He can''t let her go or she will confront Travis again.


    "I wanted to tell her but it is not my right to do so. Aside from that, I didn''t think she''d want to know you. And on top of that, we didn''t know you''re the person she''d hook up with. If I knew, I would have stopped her." Lucian responded.


    "So many things have happened. I still have many things to explain. I am just letting you know, I am not giving up on her."


    Sky and Cielo just looked at him. Lucian smiled as he squeezed his wife''s hand. Alex just rubbed his wife''s shoulder as he listened to Travis.


    "We are entrusting her to your care. We''ll go back for now and please contact us when she''s awake." Sky stated with a faint smile.


    They wanted to stay there and watched over Jillyanna but, it would be awkward specially that an unresolved problem was brewing between their daughter and him.


    "Do your best." Alex whispered to Travis when he passed beside him. Travis was stunned at first but he still smiled at the man who acted as Jillyanna''s father all these years.


    "I will be going back as well. Contact us when there''s something you need. Don''t forget to eat." Hawk reminded him before going out.


    "I''ll process the hospital procedure for you before going home. Just stay with your wife here." Valkyrie informed him and followed Hawk out of the room.


    The room sank into a deafening silence when everyone left. He pulled a chair close to her bed and sat on it. He reached out his hand to hold hers and kissed it again and again.


    "I am so glad you and our baby are safe. I was so scared. I was scared of losing you and our child. I am really sorry. I''m sorry." Tears started falling down his face as he whispered these words to her. He kept kissing the back of her hand, pale and warm.


    "RV." her voice was faint but he heard it clearly.


    "Jillyanna?" he called out to her but she didn''t open her eyes. She was frowning instead and a tear fell from the side of her eyes to her pillow.


    "RV. Don''t hate me please. You''re the only friend I have." she murmured while shaking her head from side-to-side.


    Travis was feeling more guilty with what he did back then. He hurt her so much that she''s even having a nightmare because of it.


    He stood up to wipe her tears and kissed her forehead. "I don''t hate you Jill. I like you. I love you. I will take care of you. I don''t hate you so you don''t have to cry."


    Jillyanna held his hands tightly and stopped crying.


    Travis just watched her sleep on the bed. He felt so dizzy and tired already so he leaned his head on the bed, his left hand still holding her right hand and his other hand was placed on her stomach, like hugging her halfway.


    Jillyanna woke up at dawn and saw Travis sleeping with his head on her bed and his body on his chair.


    He was still holding her hand. "I woke up to this sight not long ago and now it happened again." she whispered to herself when she remembered waking up from a high fever and it was Travis who took care of her.


    She didn''t make any noise or move since she didn''t want to wake him up. She just stared at the ceiling and sometimes to his face.


    After an hour of silence, she felt a little numb from lying on the bed. She tried moving slowly to her side but he still woke up.


    "You''re awake. How are you feeling?" he asked her while helping her to sit on the bed. He placed a pillow on her back as cushion and pushed the button to lift the headboard.


    Jillyanna just watched her do whatever he wanted to do. When she was sitting up and was looking at him, she felt a little guilty and annoyed at the same time.


    "I''m okay, I think. I don''t feel dizzy or anything. Why don''t you sleep on the couch instead. I won''t be running away anyway." she suggested so that he would leave her alone.


    "You are not hungry or thirsty?" he inquired to make sure she''s fine.


    Jillyanna just rolled her eyes at him. "I''m okay. I don''t feel hungry or thirsty. I just feel annoyed while looking at you."


    "I''m sorry." Travis apologized immediately since he didn''t know what else he can do.


    Jillyanna sighed and pointed out the couch which was located few feet away from the right side of her bed.


    "Just go to sleep over there. We''re both tired and need some rest. Go over there and sleep." she commanded him which made Travis smiled. "What''s so funny?" she glared at him but Travis didn''t care at all.


    He stood up and walked to her side. "I''ll be sleeping over there my wife. Call me if you need anything. Good night." He kissed her gently and moved to the couch as soon as he can before she could pinch him.


    "You''ve stolen few kisses from me already!"

 Chapter 88 - PEACE, LOVE AND FLIRT I

    Even if she wanted to argue with him, she learned her lesson not to get so emotional or she''ll lose her baby.


    "Call me if you need anything, okay?" Travis reminded her once more.


    "I know. I know." she responded but she also moved slowly to her side so that she can go back to sleep again.


    Becoming a pregnant woman made her crave more sleeping time than usual. She get so tired easily and she wanted to sleep all day long.


    "Good night wifey."


    "Good night."


    Travis smiled at her before closing his eyes to sleep. Something good came after such unfortunate event. If it was before, she would have spit fire on him just because he''s called her ''wifey''. Now, she''s tolerating him.


    Jillyanna didn''t bother with him anymore. She must be hating him but she''s not someone who won''t feel guilty.


    These past days, whenever she sees the dark circles under his eyes, she would feel guilty and annoyed at the same time.


    She tried erasing every unpleasant things in mind before she closed her eyes, to sleep once again.


    The next time she woke up, the sun was shining bright and someone was talking outside her room.


    The door was opened a little and she could see a woman, who''s voice was familiar to her, scolding someone.


    "You should know that pregnancy is very delicate! You can''t let her feel so much negative emotions. Don''t argue with her! You should indulge your wife! These little things should be known to you! Even if you didn''t expect to be a father this soon, you should''ve researched at least when you found out!"


    It was the woman who kept on talking, not letting the person butt in. She seemed really angry to the person in front of her.


    "I''ll be careful next time."


    She raised one of her eyebrows when she heard Travis'' voice. She can''t be mistaken but, she didn''t call for him or make any noise.


    "You should be! I heard she tried running away from you before. If you don''t want her to run away again, you should treat her better. No secret as well. Surprises, specially a negative one, aren''t good for her." The woman spoke again with clear concern for Jillyanna.


    When the woman turned around, she happened to see Jillyanna who was looking at her as well.


    "Your wife''s awake!" she tap Travis'' shoulder lightly and opened the door to get inside.


    Jillyanna smiled when she saw who it was. It was the doctor who helped her with the check up before.


    "It''s nice to see you again doc." Jillyanna greeted with a warm smile, knowing that Travis was scolded by her earlier.


    "Well, I''m not happy to see you here! I am so mad that you are in this situation because of this man!" Cheska stated with her eyes glaring at Travis. "It''s a good thing that you''re safe now."


    "Thank you for your concern." Jillyanna responded with a faint smile.


    "Since you''ve checked her already and she''s fine. You can go away now. Just visit her when she''s fully recovered." It was Travis who spoke while pushing Cheska out of the room.


    "So rude." she commented though she still left them alone.


    Jillyanna was just sitting on her bed while Travis was fidgeting in front of her. "Do you want to eat something?"


    "I just want to have milk and corn crab soup. Have you eaten?" Jillyanna responded to him.


    Travis moved closer to her, heart racing in case she''d flipped her own switch and get mad at him. "I haven''t. I was waiting for you to wake up. I''ll get someone to send us food here. Do you want to go to the bathroom?"


    "Hn." she nodded her head slowly with hesitation. However, she really need his help for the mean time since she was feeling dizzy and week. "You can walk me to the bathroom and I can do the rest."


    It was a simple request but it made him so happy that she''s depending on him. "Our baby is safe but the doctor said that you mustn''t move around so much for the mean time until you fully recovered."


    She didn''t say anything to him in response. In fact, she was feeling guilty for what happened. It wasn''t really his fault but she didn''t have anyone to vent her anger on. Well, he was partially at fault just the same as her but, she shouldn''t have blamed everything on him.


    Thinking about these things, Jillyanna felt annoyed again and she really wanted to kick him. "You''re annoying, you know."


    "Why? What did I do this time?" Travis asked with so much confusion reflecting on his face. He was just taking care of her and yet he was still labeled as annoying.


    "Nothing. I just feel annoyed sometimes whenever I look at you or when I think of you."


    "So you''re also thinking of me?" he teased her with a grin on his face, reflecting the joy in his eyes.


    "It wasn''t a positive thought so stop dreaming."


    She reached the bathroom door and Travis opened it for her. "I''ll wait for you here."


    The room she was in was a VIP room and as expected, the bathroom was also of luxury. You wouldn''t think that you''re in a hospital at all instead, you''d think you''re on a hotel for vacation or some sort of relaxation.


    Jillyanna didn''t take that long. She went out after five minutes and saw Cheska talking to Travis again when she opened the door.


    ''You said you''d wait for me. Liar!'' she yelled mentally at him but her face didn''t change in expression.


    Travis saw her walk out so he ran to her as soon as he can but when he''s about to hold her for support, she slapped his hands.


    "Don''t touch me. Go and talk to her. I don''t need your help." she said with a gritted teeth as she walked back to her bed slowly on her own.


    Travis still insisted to help her even if she would slap his hands all the time. "You don''t have to be jealous of her." he whispered just enough for her to hear.


    She turned to look at him with her fiery gaze and pinched his face. "Don''t imagine things, okay? I''m not jealous."

 Chapter 89 - PEACE, LOVE AND FLIRT II

    "Hey! Introduce me formally to your wife." Cheska stated which brought their attention back to her. She was holding a paper bag which she placed on the table not far from Jillyanna''s bed.


    "I thought you knew each other. I don''t need to introduce you. Go away." Travis responded to her while waving his hand to the direction of the door.


    "Why are you so rude?" Cheska glared at him and walked towards Jillyanna instead. "Hi. I''m Cheska Suarez. I was the doctor who checked you last time and I am Travis'' friend."


    Jillyanna looked at her without saying anything then shifted her eyes to Travis, still in silence. After looking at them, she got under the blanket and refused to see them.


    ''What the fudge! It''s because of her that I wasn''t able to escape! Did she expect me to become friendly with her? I can''t face her right now. I really want to punch her or slap her. I might not be able to control myself! I hate her!'' she cursed mentally as she curled herself into a ball under the blanket.


    "Jill, come out. You''ll suffocate yourself. What''s wrong?" Travis tried getting the blanket from her but she held it tightly.


    "If you forcefully remove this, my nails will be damaged!" her voice was muffled but Travis could hear it clearly which made him smile.


    "I take it that you don''t like this doctor?" he asked but Jillyanna didn''t respond. "Silence means yes. I''ll throw her out now."


    Cheska was surprised to see such interaction between them and she wasn''t able to react when Travis pushed her out of the room again.


    "Why do you guys hate me so much? I was just being nice." Cheska pouted and sulked outside with her arms crossed on her chest.


    Travis sighed with a helpless expression. "She must have figured out the reason why I knew about her pregnancy. That''s why I kept pushing you out."


    "But it would be better that she knew the truth earlier. Besides, I didn''t mean to spoil her plans!" Cheska explained sadly. She really wanted to see Travis happy but it looked like she ruined it. "Another thing, you better tell her about us in the business world. I don''t want her to hate me even more."


    While they were talking outside, Jillyanna removed the blanket from her and heard what they were talking about. ''It''s not my fault that this place isn''t soundproofed.'' she commented but still listened to them.


    "Who cares if they''re friends? She ruined everything the moment she told him of my pregnancy. How did she know that it was Travis though? It shouldn''t reflect on my blood, right?" she murmured to herself while thinking. ''It''s impossible. There''s something missing.'' she added mentally.


    She was so focused on her thought that she had forgotten about them and she didn''t notice that Travis was back, sitting on the chair beside her bed.


    "What are you thinking?" he asked while snapping his fingers in front of her, bringing her back to the present.


    "How did you know about my pregnancy?" she questioned him. Her eyes were clear and there was encouragement reflecting in it - encouragement to tell her the truth.


    Travis sighed before reaching for her hand and hold it in his. "Don''t blame them, okay. They didn''t know that we were just starting a relationship."


    ''We are not starting a relationship!'' she wanted to tell him this but she didn''t want to interrupt him.


    Travis continued speaking. "In the business world, she''s known as my ''fiance''. Many people believed in that and many people knew that it''s part of a plan to bust someone. I wanted to tell you this in advance."


    "I don''t really care if you have a girlfriend or a fiance. It doesn''t matter to me." Jillyanna finally interrupted him because she was annoyed and upset that there were people who believed Cheska to be his fiance.


    "It matters to me." Travis responded to her while kissing the back of her hand.


    "Whatever. Continue."


    Travis raised her hand and placed it on his face. "Cheska is Diego''s girlfriend. Her mother knew but her stepfather does not. Diego was the one who found out about your pregnancy and the one who told me about it."


    "Oh? So Diego was the one who ruined my plan? That idiot!" she pulled her hand away and glared at him. "I hate your friend."


    "Don''t hate them, okay? They only thought of my sake and they didn''t know about your plan." Travis spoke to her softly like he was coaxing a child to make up with her friend.


    Jillyanna just crossed her hands on her chest with a stern expression. Maybe she won''t hate them but that would only happen if she gets amnesia - forgetting about her ruined escape plans.


    "Are you still thinking of leaving me?" Travis inquired when she had gone silent again.


    "Of course."


    "Why?"


    "Why, you say? Let me ask you this. I guess it''s something that should be cleared between us. What are you going to use me for?" There''s no way to escape this issue so she might as well clear out everything between them before she leaves him.


    Travis frowned and confused as to what she was talking about. "What use? I''m not using you for anything. Oh, I can use you as my brilliant wife to ward off other women from approaching me."


    "I am serious here. One more lie and I won''t believe you anymore." she warned him that made him stare at her in silence.


    "I don''t understand what you are talking about. What exactly are you asking me?"


    "I''m asking you. Why did you continue to approach me even after I said NO? Why did you send me gifts? What are you planning to use me? Don''t you dare lie to me cause I heard you say it yourself."


    "I told you I love you. I have never been interested in anyone except the past YOU, the present YOU and the future YOU."


    "Did you really think I''d marry her? I just need her for something, okay? You don''t have to be so worried." she responded using the same words that he used that day. "Who else are you referring to? Unless, there''s another woman involved."


    These statements shut him up from saying anything. He didn''t know if he should be happy while watching her frustrated expression or should he feel bad that she knew his secret before he could confess to her.

 Chapter 90 - PEACE, LOVE AND FLIRT III

    Travis opened his mouth to say something but he didn''t where to start. He sighed and stood up to get the paper bag brought by Cheska and gave it to her. There''s warm milk and soup.


    "You eat while I talk. You and the baby need food. You can''t eat heavy meal for today as per instruction." Travis started and opened the lid of the insulated bowl containing the soup.


    "I won''t eat anything from that doctor." she was being childish this time but, so what? She didn''t want to have anything to do with that doctor.


    Travis smiled as he stirred the soup with a spoon. "I asked her to buy this earlier so you can eat something while we wait for Hawk and Brown. Technically, this is from me. I just asked her to ran an errand for me."


    "Fine."


    She sat on her bed with her back leaning on the headboard. Travis was also sitting on her bed, not so close to her, just enough so he could feed her.


    "I am serious in pursuing you, not because of our child, not because you have the same name as jill, well you are her so that doesn''t matter anymore but because it''s you. It can be said that you are the third woman who''s very important to me. My mother, Jill of the past and Jill today." His voice would sometimes tremble and shake. Jillyanna just listened to him carefully, opening her mouth time to time whenever Travis fed her the soup.


    Travis opened the warm milk and gave it to her before continuing. "In the business world, there are people who wanted you to go down. Right now, I am dealing with Cheska''s stepfather. We never wanted this to happen but they didn''t like the fact that he wanted to marry his daughter off to someone unknown and he didn''t like Diego since his father is his rival. I pretended to be her boyfriend."


    "Why does it have to be you?" Jillyanna asked with a raised eyebrow. Her annoyance was showing on her face again.


    He chuckled and reached out his hand to rub her head gently. "You don''t really have to be jealous you know. We are just friends."


    "Who said I''m jealous? I am just asking! Stop imagining things." she rolled her eyes at him and drank the milk. ''Really! So annoying!'' she added mentally while watching him over the rim of her glass of milk.


    Travis waited for her to finish drinking. When she put down the glass, a mustache of milk was forming on her upper lip. Travis used his thumb to clean it which made Jillyanna stiffened on her place.


    He licked his thumb to clean it since there''s no tissue around. "Sweet."


    Jillyanna was in a daze looking at him. When he looked at her, she shifted his gaze away and pretended not seeing anything but her face was so red and she was feeling hot.


    "Continue with your story." she reminded him without looking at him. When he fed her, she would only look at the food, not his face. Travis didn''t tease her this time else, she might flare up.


    And because she wasn''t looking at him, she didn''t know that Travis had a gentle smile while watching her eat. "It wasn''t you that I mean on our conversation. It was Cheska. Her father isn''t letting his guard down yet so we''re planning to make a fake engagement ceremony. However, Diego disagreed to that because of you. He thought you''d be angry and would leave me."


    Jillyanna raised his head and looked directly at his eyes. Sincerity and love can be seen clearly in his gaze but she refused to acknowledge it. "Are you still planning to continue that fake ceremony with her?" she asked, her face devoid of emotions, making Travis unable to tell what she''s thinking.


    "I won''t. I''ll think of a different plan to stop her father and I will stop this pretend game as well." he responded as he got closer to her and whispered. "I''ll do all these if you stay with me. If you leave, I''ll continue to pretend as her boyfriend."


    "It''s okay if you won''t stop." she stated and put the glass down on the table. "I''m not hungry anymore."


    "Do you still hate me?" he still asked even though he knew the answer.


    Jillyanna took a long breath and let it out. "I still hate you. Maybe not much just a little bit. And, I want to say thank you for looking for me and for taking care of me. I am sorry for causing you trouble as well. I''ll think of a way to repay you in the future."


    "Hey stop it. It feels like you''re planning to escape again. Let me tell you, I am not letting you go. You can hate me, you can punch me, kick me or anything you want but you are not allowed to leave me. Your family entrusted you to me. Understand?" Even though she felt confused why he suddenly got mad she still nodded her head.


    "Wait! Why am I being entrusted to you? I can perfectly take care of myself." she snapped at him when she realized what he just said.


    "It''s because..." he prolonged his statement while leaning closer to her, "...I am Travis Madrigal, your future husband." he stole a kiss from her forehead again and moved away as quick as he can.


    Jillyanna rubbed her forehead as she glared at him. "You are so hateful!"


    "I''m sweet. I''m caring. I''m thoughtful. And I love you." These might be the reasons why they entrusted you to me.


    "No. You must have put some spells in them." she retorted with a helpless expression since there''s no way she could ask her second family for help now.


    "If only I have spells. I would put them on you so you wouldn''t think of leaving me again." Travis commented while throwing the disposable utensils she used.


    "Do you think I will like you if you''re doing this to me? I want my freedom."


    "Isn''t it better to have someone beside you compared to doing everything you can on your own?"


    Jillyanna kept quiet upon hearing this. Indeed, she had been doing her best to repay her second family for taking care of her. She wanted to earn for them and she didn''t want to cause trouble for them.


    These past weeks, all she brought them was trouble or worry. Lucian had to constantly monitor her after the incident two years ago. Cielo had to check her accounts for any threatening messages or blackmails. They were not able to relax because of her.


    Jillyanna felt a little upset but she still tried her best to feel calm. "Okay. I''ll stay with you. No matter where I go, you should be with me. I don''t want anyone else as substitute. I won''t trust anyone else but you. So you better not shatter my trust this time."

 Chapter 91 - PEACE, LOVE AND FLIRT IV

    "You were saying something?" Even though he heard her clearly, he still pretended not to hear it. "I didn''t hear it clearly."


    "My god! You''re annoying! I don''t want to say it again." she slid under her blanket and turned her back on him.


    Travis decided to tease her again. He didn''t tease her earlier when he caught her watching him since she was eating but this time, he can.


    He walked to her bed and sat on the side where there''s enough space for him. He tugged on the blanket lightly but she refused to budge. "Come on. How am I supposed to respond without hearing it?" he asked her.


    "It doesn''t matter. It''s your problem that you''re deaf." she retorted without looking back.


    Since she won''t say anything, Travis thought of something naughty again.He moved her hair that''s covering her face and kissed her.


    "What are you doing?!" Jillyanna turned to face him and yelled. "Stop it."


    "You won''t tell me what you said?" he inquired with a teasing grin but Jillyanna still refused and rolled her eyes on him.


    "I don''t want to repeat it." she murmured helplessly.


    He kissed her face again and then her nose. "I''ll keep doing this until you say it again."


    Jillyanna punched his waist but she didn''t put so much force since she''s not allowed to do that because of her pregnancy. "I hate you."


    "That''s not what you said." he kissed her forehead again.


    "What the hell! Fine! I''ll say it. Stop taking advantage of me!" she tried pushing him away but he didn''t move an inch. "I said I will stay with you. No matter where I go, you should be with me. I don''t want anyone else as substitute. I won''t trust anyone else but you. So you better not shatter my trust this time. Got it?"


    "I got it." he leaned closer to steal a kiss again but Jillyanna was quick this time, covering her face with her hands.


    Travis kissed both her hands and left her side. When she felt that the bed was no longer occupied, she moved her hands to her sides. She saw Travis checking his coat and saw him picked up his phone.


    "I''ll check on the information desk first if there''s anything we can do to discharge you earlier. Staying in a hospital for a long time isn''t good for you. I won''t be long." he approached her again and since she had her guard up, she covered her face instantly.


    Travis laughed out loud upon seeing her cute reaction. "I''m going out so you can use my phone if you want to contact someone or post something on your account."


    Jillyanna moved his hands away to take his phone. Just as she reached her hands, Travis leaned and stole a kiss on her forehead again.


    "So hateful." she commented helplessly. She couldn''t do anything with this new found hobby he acquired. "Go away!" she pushed him lightly after getting her phone.


    Travis walked out of the room in satisfaction. This was the kind of morning he was looking forward to. He saw Hawk and Brown leaning on the wall outside Jillyanna''s room with the nurses passing to and fro with hearts in their eyes.


    "Since when have you been standing here?" Travis asked them in worry. Though they''re men from the military, it''s not really nice to keep standing. It''s exhausting, too.


    "We arrived the moment you were acting all shameless just to steal kisses from her." Brown answered while shaking his head at him. "Where did you get such shameless personality?"


    "From you." Travis answered while knocking Brown''s forehead lightly.


    "Hey! I''m not like that. I am very modest." Brown said while rubbing his forehead.


    "Have you eaten?" Travis asked again to make sure they''re alright before he left.


    "We''ve eaten." Hawk answered calmly.


    Travis nodded his head and thought for a while. "Hawk can you stay with Jillyanna? I am going to the information desk for a while. I''ll be bringing Brown with me."


    "Okay." Hawk agreed immediately and went inside the room to place the things he brought and to see Jillyanna as well.


    Brown followed Travis to the information desk. "Why didn''t you let me stay?" Brown inquired. It''s not that he was upset he wasn''t chosen to stay with Jillyanna but he just wanted to know why.


    Travis just continued walking as he answered him. "Even though she said she was willing to stay with me, she might escape once again. Hawk had been staying at home for a while with Savannah so he''s not that exhausted. However, you on the other hand, you are exhausted both physically, emotionally and mentally. She can escape from you easily."


    "I''m not that weak." Brown whispered to himself. He wasn''t convinced with his statement either. "RV, regarding what I said, it would be after this current mission."


    "Have you talked to Valkyrie about it?"


    "There''s no need to." he answered full of sadness. Travis wanted to say something else but they have arrived at the information desk already.


    Meanwhile, Jillyanna and Hawk were doing their own thing in silence. Hawk was talking to Savannah and Jillyanna was checking her account.


    There were so many comments on her account from the last picture she posted and it had been shared millions of times already.


    "Tomorrow is the day to see our Queen." she read one comments with thousands of likes and replies.


    "I am so excited to see your goddess YNA! I''ve been waiting for this <3."


    "She even made a music video for her fans. I am so happy to listen to it."


    "I am sure that she''s beautiful." it was posted by one of the song writers she knew.


    Jillyanna read all the comments while waiting for Travis. Other singers and song writers who followed her joined in on the fun as well. Even though some of them knew how she looked like in person.


    "I am so proud of my wifey." It was left by someone with a username I_amHerHusband. There were so many likes and replies under this comment as well but Jillyanna felt something amiss.


    Jillyanna sat up straight and opened up the profile of that person. It''s a picture of her and Travis at the park but it was only showing their back. He was only following her as well.


    "Seriously? How possessive can he be?"

 Chapter 92 - PEACE, LOVE AND FLIRT V

    Jillyanna smiled evilly while watching his profile. She didn''t exit from his profile and open a new tab instead so she can easily go back to that later.


    "Hawk, how''s uncle Thomas? Is he doing okay?" she asked the man who was sitting on the couch.


    Hawk looked at her with a calm face. "He''s doing good. Savannah''s taking care of him in the mansion. However, he didn''t know that you were sent here last night."


    She nodded her head as she listened to him. "That''s alright. It''s not good if I add to his stress. Thank you for taking care of him when Travis was busy with his business."


    "It''s the only way we know to repay their kindness." Hawk stated as a matter of fact before fiddling with his phone again.


    Jillyanna didn''t say anything after that. It''s all good for her to know that Thomas was doing fine. She got tired of browsing thru the net so she called Cielo instead.


    "Hello? Who is this?" Cielo''s cautious voice rang out from the other line.


    "When will you visit me?" she asked her directly that stunned Cielo.


    "Yanna? Oh my gosh you''re awake now! I''ll let mom and dad know. We''ll go together there. Do you need something? I can bring it over for you." Her joyful voice resounded on the earpiece of the phone. She can finally feel relief from worrying her.


    "Can you get my suitcase from the apartment? I was supposed to leave with it but I decided to stay." she murmured to the phone, shy from the fact that Hawk could hear her but she didn''t want to leave the room without Travis.


    "Sure. I''ll get it for you. Anything else?" Cielo asked again.


    "That''s all. I''ll wait for you guys here." she ended the call and placed the phone on the table beside her bed.


    Not long after she called her, Travis came back with Brown. Her eyes instantly lit up and she picked up the phone instantly.


    "Come here for a while." she called out to Travis while waving the phone in front of him.


    "I didn''t put any password on it." Travis mumbled in confusion.


    "Of course I know. I''m not stupid. Just come here! Or are you afraid I''d smack this on your face?" she raised her eyebrow when he didn''t move at all. "I won''t really smack this on your face. I just want to ask you something."


    Travis walked towards her and sat on the space that she left for him. She opened his phone and went back to the tab that was showing his profile. She looked at him to see his reaction but he remained pokerface.


    "This is yours." It was a statement that Travis didn''t deny at all.


    "Hn. I made it after the shoot we took." Travis responded to her. "I asked Joven about it."


    "How did you know about Joven?" she was even more intrigued of him now. ''Do you really know so many people when you do business?'' she asked mentally to herself.


    "Aside from taking over my father''s business, I also owned an entertainment industry. Joven is one of our best music directors. It might not be a big business but we have the best people and resources." He admitted to her without holding back.


    "No way. You''re kidding me right?" she asked him in bewilderment. "This is embarrassing."


    "What''s embarrassing?" Travis asked her in confusion. There was nothing to be embarrassed about what he said.


    Jillyanna felt annoyed from her own embarrassment. She once told him that she earns millions every year and that she doesn''t like hanging out with rich people. Look what happened now?


    She opened her own profile once again and followed his account. "Don''t change your username." she quickly stated it and handed him the phone.


    "I know why you''re embarrassed. I just remembered. You mentioned about your earnings be---"


    Jillyanna covered his mouth immediately, muffling his voice. "Shut the fuck up!" she whispered with gritted teeth while looking towards Hawk and Brown. Good thing they were busy with their calls. "You don''t want me to leave right? Don''t mention it ever again."


    She released her hands and moved away from him. She was so embarrassed from boasting her wealth just to ward him off before.


    "Alright. I won''t say it again." he agreed with her and moved away from her bed cause if he won''t, he might steal a kiss from her again.


    He walked towards Brown and Hawk who were still talking on the phone. "Stop pretending you''re on a call. Even if you do, you still heard our conversation."


    This made Jillyanna blushed from being so exposed. She picked up one of her pillows and threw it at him. It landed on his back and Travis picked it up to return it back to her.


    He walked back to her and placed the pillow behind her so she could lean on it. "Don''t be naughty or I''ll punish you in front of them."


    This made Jillyanna kept silent and behaved. She just looked at him as he walked back to his friends. She didn''t dare look at them with her flustered face.


    They talked about different things that only the three of them could understand. She was even confused and irritated that she was like an outsider to them but she knew it was confidential that''s why they''re using codes during conversation.


    She was so bored to death and she didn''t know what she can do to relieve her boredom. She walked to the window of her room and watched the garden outside where many patients were taking their morning walk.


    "I want to go out." she whispered to herself but when she looked back to the three men, they were still busy talking and Brown was typing something on his phone, showing it to Travis from time to time.


    After an hour, there was a knock on the door that made all four of them to turn their heads. Travis opened it and saw a doctor, unfamiliar to them, looking at Jillyanna.


    "It''s been a while my niece." he said with a smile on his lips but his eyes were emotionless, like the eyes of a dead fish.

 Chapter 93 - FAMILY ?

    Travis looked at her with worry. Brown and Hawk were on alert mode as well. Knowing how important Jillyanna to Travis is, both men can''t allow anything to happen to her.


    There was recognition in Jillyanna''s eyes but she feigned ignorance in front of the man. She even looked confused and wondering who he was.


    "Excuse me but, I think you''ve mistaken my wife for someone else." Travis commented as he walked towards Jillyanna to protect her just in case the man was actually dangerous.


    "I see. I''m sorry for barging in. She looked similar to my younger sister who died due to an accident." The doctor said but Jillyanna didn''t say anything at all. She moved closer to Travis and held the hem of his shirt.


    "I am sorry doc. However, my parents aren''t dead yet. In fact they will be visiting me in a few hours." she could only pray that this doctor will leave before her family arrives.


    "Is that so? I''m sorry for bothering you. I will leave then." the doctor walked out with his head hanging low. Without him knowing, Brown noticed the smirk on his lips.


    Jillyanna took a long breath and released it. "I know who''s after my mother''s research now. Too bad, they cannot have it."


    "Don''t think too much about it. I will not allow them to get close to you no matter what." Travis responded to her, pulling her in his arms, giving her a warm hug. "He was really a family then?"


    Jillyanna pushed him a little and walked back to her bed with a faint but cold laughter. "Don''t make me laugh. What family are you talking about? They are nothing but a blood link. I don''t recognize anyone from my mother''s side as a family."


    "How about your father?" Travis asked. He was curious as well since she mentioned that she doesn''t have a father.


    Jillyanna fiddled with her fingers as she tried recalling her past memories. Brown and Hawk didn''t want to pry on her private life but they needed to know it in case Travis would ask them to investigate the whereabout of her father. Jillyanna didn''t mind either. It''s in the past and there''s nothing she can do about it.


    "My father''s name is Anton Xavier. As far as I can remember, he never argued with my mother. He was very indulgent and would always plant my mother''s favorite flowers. He didn''t want my mother to get wrinkles and would always put my mom''s well-being first before his. He was a very loving man. I don''t know for what reason but he suddenly disappeared. We waited for him. My mother waited for him. In the end, he never came and my mother was gone. I still don''t know where he is and I am not ready to find out yet."


    "Won''t it be better that you know the truth about his disappearance earlier than later?" Brown asked which earned a smile from Jillyanna.


    "I really want to know but not now. I don''t think my heart can take whatever news I get. I don''t know anyone from my father''s side. But my father, even if he left me alone, I still consider him as a family because he really took care of us." Jillyanna responded with a smile. "Stop with this drama already. It''s not good. Anyway, you guys should go home and prepare if you''re going somewhere. No need to worry about me."


    "We are indeed planning to leave. Do you need something? We can bring it back for you." Hawk asked her with concern.


    Jillyanna waved her hand in front of her. "No need. You brought so much for us already and I will be discharged soon."


    Hawk and Brown didn''t stay for long since Travis gave them a mission. It has to be done before she gets home and before he goes back to work.


    Travis and Jillyanna was left alone again. "You have not eaten since yesterday." she said to Travis who was busy arranging her bed. "You have to eat. How will you take care of me if you are so weak?"


    "I will eat after this. By the way, I was told that you can be discharged tomorrow morning. Valkyrie had asked someone to fix the door at home already so it is safe to go back." he responded while folding the blanket for her.


    "Okay." she nodded her head and walked to the couch so she can sit properly. "You said you owned an entertainment industry, which one are you managing everyday? The plaza or the entertainment?"


    She didn''t know what else to talk so she asked those questions which was also a way for her to get to know him.


    Travis finished his task before walking to sit beside her. "I visited J Entertainment sometimes since I entrusted Diego to manage it. Most of times, I manage the plaza. Do you want to sign with our company? You will definitely become famous."


    "Do I need that? I''ve got millions of people following me already. Joining your company is like robbing off someone with their resources. I don''t like that." she answered him with a calm and collected expression.


    "Right. You don''t need it. You earn millions already." He chuckled while saying this, receiving a deathly glare from her. "I am so excited for your music video."


    "I am too. I hope my fans will like it." she smiled genuinely this time and the joy was reflecting in her eyes.


    Travis finally found a thing that could make her smile. "Do you really have to stop singing? Your fans will be sad. I am even following you."


    Jillyanna thought for a while about it. "I decided. I will stop singing for a while but I won''t stop posting. How about I make vlogs and post it? Won''t it be fun?"


    "That''s a brilliant idea. They would still be able to interact with you." Travis agreed happily. Whatever she says, it goes. No argument needed. He will just stay with her to support her.


    "You think so? I know that my braincells are amazing. That''s what my father would always tell me." she praised herself and awarded Travis a beautiful smile, showing her dimple on her left cheek. "Our baby will be smart for sure. I''m smart and so are you. Oh my! I am so excited with my future endeavor." she squealed with so much happiness that she didn''t mind the pronouns she used.

 Chapter 94 - THIRD VISIT

    They talked about several things which focused on her career and her baby. Travis would often input his idea to support her no matter what she was planning to do as long as she wasn''t thinking of leaving again.


    "How about we get a nanny or a cleaner? You can''t move so much around plus everyone at home has to leave sometimes for work. It''s best if we have a nanny to help us clean the house." Travis suggested since she wasn''t allowed to do exhausting work.


    "Up to you. I don''t know anyone so it''s your task to find someone." Jillyanna agreed with a cheeky smile.


    Travis couldn''t help but pinched his face lightly. "Yes madam. I will find one for you."


    Jillyanna slapped his hands away and rubbed her face. "Stop pinching my face. It''s my asset."


    Travis caressed the red mark on her face which was from his fingers. "Sorry. I won''t do it again." Then he kissed the mark that he left.


    "Stop kissing me as well! You''ve been stealing kisses from me since last night." she grumbled and turned her back on him. "You''re so annoying."


    Travis chuckled and hugged her from the bag. "Sorry."


    "You keep on saying sorry but you are not really sorry, are you?" she exclaimed as she flicked his forehead.


    She sulked in his arms and Travis kept on coaxing her. Even though she''s sulking, Travis was happy because she''s showing her silly side to him and she''s starting to open up to him. It won''t be that long that she''ll accept him. Well, that''s what he thought.


    Half an hour later, Cielo with her family came. She also brought her suitcase inside with her. Travis took the suitcase and placed it beside her bed, just in case she needed something from it, it would be easier to reach it.


    "How are you?"


    "How are you?"


    Sky and Cielo asked at the same time which made her laugh faintly. "You look so worried. I am fine already."


    "Who wouldn''t be worried?" Cielo retorted with helpless sigh. "We thought you lost your baby. It''s good that your baby is fine."


    "Have you eaten?" Sky asked again after seeing that she''s still a little pale.


    "I have. Travis fed me earlier but I can''t eat a lot yet. I will be eating again in a few hours." Jillyanna admitted with a smile. This made Cielo and Sky feel relieved. Cielo looked at Travis and mouthed a ''Thank you'' to him which Travis acknowledged with a nod.


    "Are you planning to live with her?" Alex asked Travis in a voice that can only be heard between them. He was standing at the window with Travis, looking at the garden and few people walking outside.


    "She doesn''t want to leave her house now so I can only live with her there." Travis answered. As a matter of fact, he''s already living there.


    Alex nodded his head as if his answer was within his expectation. "Don''t hurt her. Don''t keep any secrets with her. In our family, we are very open to what the other is thinking. That''s why we know how she planned to get a baby and to leave after. We just didn''t expect it won''t go as her plan."


    "Do you believe in destiny Mr. Madrid?" Travis asked with a smile.


    "Just call me Alex. And yes, I believe in destiny. Everything happens for a reason and I am glad that she found someone like you."


    "I am glad that I found her again." Travis said as he glanced back to his wife. They weren''t married yet but he''s firm with his decision to marry no one but her.


    Jillyanna''s doctor came with Cheska following behind. Jillyanna sighed helplessly looking at this doctor who checked her the first time she came to the hospital. If she knew, she would have flown to Europe first before getting her check up over there.


    "Hi." Cheska greeted her.


    "You''re so persistent." Travis commented which confused everyone except Cheska and Jillyanna.


    "Alright. I don''t know what''s going on here but I need to check my patient." The senior doctor spoke, throwing deathly glares to Travis and Cheska.


    Cheska grinned at the doctor but when she looked at Travis, she rolled her eyes at him - ignoring him.


    Jillyanna was just looking at their interaction and she felt so annoyed again. "Can you go out for a while? I don''t like watching you two. Go out now."


    Travis didn''t do as she said instead, he walked towards her and held her hand to comfort her. "Sorry. I''ll throw her out later. Let''s focus on your check up first, hm?"


    Jillyanna didn''t say anything and just let him do what he wants. Cheska smiled while looking at them, not noticing the look that Cielo and Sky were throwing at her.


    When the doctor finished taking her vitals, she scheduled her for a series of test in the afternoon.


    "Make sure to let her eat healthy food. Don''t tire her out so much." The doctor reminded them once again. "Make sure to come on time for your tests later."


    "Thanks doc." Jillyanna uttered with a smile.


    "Thank you doc. Please bring Cheska with you. My wife doesn''t want to see her." Travis commented which made Cheska widened her eyes.


    "How can you be so rude? This is the third time you''re throwing me out." she stomped her feet and went to Jillyanna. "I''m really sorry. I didn''t really know. If you want to leave this man, I will help you. Don''t hate me, okay?"


    "What the hell are you talking about? I will really kick your ass." Travis exclaimed nervously as he threw glances on Jillyanna''s face who remained calm.


    "Will you really help me leave?"


    The world stand still. The room sank into a deafening silence and no one made a sound. Cheska was surprised with the sudden question. Travis'' heart was on his throat and he couldn''t help but choke on his tears that''s about to drop.


    "See? You don''t really want to help me leave your friend. I''m a bit upset that you ruined my plan but I don''t really hate you as a person. Travis told me about you already." she looked at Travis whose nose and eyes were red. "What''s wrong with you? Didn''t I tell you that I''m staying?"

 Chapter 95 - OUR PEACEFUL TIME TOGETHER

    Song used:  Never Thought That I Could Love - Dan Hill


    Travis just laughed awkwardly and kissed her head. "Don''t scare me like that."


    "Who told you to be such a coward? I was just asking a question." Jillyanna poked his chest with a raised eyebrow.


    Cheska also sighed a breath of relief. She stood up straight and looked at Travis. "You should thank me that she ended up staying. Anyway, I won''t show my face in front of you guys. I''m just happy that she''s fine. I''ll take my leave now."


    The senior doctor left with Cheska following behind. Jillyanna wanted to say something since Cheska looked a bit sad. Even though her plan was spoiled, it wasn''t really the doctor''s fault. She opened her mouth and closed it again.


    "Who was that?" Cielo asked with a frown.


    "That''s Dr. Cheska Suarez. She''s a friend of Travis. By the way, I haven''t seen Eli. He didn''t come and visit me?"


    It was just an innocent question. Before, even if she only catch a cold, if Eliezer found out, he would always come over to check on her. However, this time he didn''t come at all.


    Cielo looked at her face before shifting her gaze to Travis. "He must be busy."


    "Oh right. He''s a doctor too." Jillyanna said and smiled.


    "We won''t take so much of your time. You have to rest since you''ll be doing a lot of tests later. We''ll visit your house tomorrow." Sky commented while taking a look at her watch.


    Jillyanna just nodded her head at them. They reminded her and Travis about several things before they finally left. Travis sent them out and came back to accompany her.


    "Are you sleepy?" he asked when he caught her yawning.


    "Hn."


    "Just go to sleep."


    "Don''t go out, okay?" Jillyanna told him while opening the blanket and slid under it.


    Travis walked to her side and grabbed the chair so he can sit on it. He reached out to hold one of her hands with his.


    "You tell me a story." Jillyanna stated in her soft voice.


    "I don''t know any story. How about I sing for you?"


    "Okay."


    He cleared his throat, with a soft and sensual voice, he sang a song with a slow version of it.


    "Can I touch you?


    I can''t believe that you are real


    How did I ever find you?


    You are the dream that saved my life


    You are the reason I survived


    Baby


    I never thought that I could love


    Someone as much as I love you


    I know it''s crazy but it''s true


    I never thought I could need


    Someone as much as I need you


    I love you"


    He stopped singing when she fell asleep, breathing in and out faintly. He rose up from her seat and kissed her forehead.


    Since she''s sleeping, he contacted his secretary to send him a laptop so that he can work while she rests.


    "Hospital?! What are you doing there bo--bo..what happened?" She wanted to say ''boss'' but there were many people who were looking at her.


    "I''m fine. I am just taking care of my wife. Send me my laptop so I can work here." Travis responded to her.


    When the call ended, the secretary was confused. "How did he get himself a wife? Is he in a mental hospital? Is boss retarded?"


    Mr. Sandoval, Diego''s father, came to him, "His wife is in the hospital?" he murmured softly.


    "His wife? Boss really has a wife?" the secretary asked in a whisper.


    "Shh." Mr. Sandoval gestured him to stay silent. The secretary nodded his head and went to his boss'' office, grab his laptop, walked out, locked the office and drove to the hospital which was sent to her in a text message.


    It didn''t take so much time for the secretary to find the hospital room. She was so worried when she was told to go to the hospital.


    She knocked on the door thrice before opening it. Travis was currently heating some food to eat.


    "Good day Boss. I''m here with your laptop." she placed the bag containing his gadgets on the couch.


    She glanced at the woman sleeping on the hospital bed. She was really pretty even though she looked a little pale. "How''s your wife?"


    "She''s doing good. She''ll be discharged tomorrow so I can go back to work as well. Just leave my things there." Travis responded.


    "Okay boss. Just let me know if you need something else. I''ll take my leave now." His secretary left with a relieved look. ''Thank God my boss isn''t dreaming! He''s really got a wife!'' He thought and sighed.


    Travis took out his food from the microwave and placed it on the table in front of the couch. He also placed his laptop on the table. Working as he eat while Jillyanna sleeps.


    Time passed quickly and Jillyanna woke up after two hours of sleep. Travis was still working and he looked handsome with a serious face. ''Has he been this handsome ever since?'' she thought while watching him.


    She didn''t make any noise even though she''s awake but Travis felt someone watching him so he raised his head.


    "Did I wake you up?" he asked as he stood up, leaving his work undone.


    "Nope. I woke up from hunger. What are you eating?" she glanced at his plate with some cold food left on it.


    "You can''t it those kinds of food. Hawk had sent some porridge for you. Just endure it for a couple of days, I''ll cook for you once you''re fully recovered." Travis stated while rubbing her head gently.


    "It''s a promise?"


    "Yes. I promise." he kissed her forehead and walked her to the couch. "Just wait a moment here. I''ll heat the porridge for you." he went to the table and picked up the thermos that Hawk brought earlier.


    Jillyanna saw the things on his laptop but she didn''t bother with it. "Can I use your phone?" she asked him since she didn''t have her own phone yet.


    "Go ahead. It''s not locked anyway." Travis responded while pouring the porridge on a bowl.

 Chapter 96 - STICK TOGETHER

    After several tests and plenty of rest, Jillyanna was finally discharged the next day. Sky and Cielo waited for her in her house. Lucian still needed to do some investigation regarding her mother''s death. With the help of Enzo, they finally narrowed the list of people who wanted to get her mother''s research but it wasn''t enough. Far from enough.


    Alex stayed at home since he wasn''t feeling well and didn''t want to affect Jillyanna who just came out from the hospital.


    "We''re finally going home." Jillyanna stretched her arms wide to inhale some fresh air and feel it on her skin.


    Travis was pulling her suitcase while following her out. He guided her towards his car at the parking lot and put her things in the trunk.


    "What time will your music video be released?" Travis asked them when they''re both inside the car.


    "It should be during lunch time. Let''s watch it once we''re home." Jillyanna suggested which made Travis smile.


    "Sure."


    "But don''t you have work?" she asked him after realizing how many company and business he''s handling.


    Travis rubbed her head gently. "It''s fine. It''s not that long. I can do my work whenever I want."


    "If you say so."


    She didn''t really want to bother him but since he said that it''s okay, then she''ll just go with it.


    Travis drove his car under normal speed limit this time and reached their home after half an hour.


    Jillyanna got out of the car immediately and checked her father''s garden. The flowers were in full bloom and they looked so beautiful. ''Mom, Daddy''s love for you blooms again. I hope you''re happy to see these.'' she spoke mentally while caressing the flowers.


    Travis took out her things and went inside the house to place it on their room. "Don''t stay too long outside." he reminded her as he changed his shoes to indoor slippers.


    Jillyanna came over as soon as she heard him. Travis helped her change her shoes to slippers since she wasn''t allowed to bend so much for a month.


    "Welcome home." It was Cielo and Sky who greeted her and Travis. Jillyanna kissed them on the cheeks and followed them to the living room.


    "Welcome back Jillyanna." It was Brown who came out from the kitchen with his apron still tied on his body. Hawk and Valkyrie was behind him who just nodded at her.


    "Thank you." she smiled at them faintly when she saw them. "I''m a bit tired. I didn''t know being pregnant would make you crave for sleep." she murmured and sat on the couch.


    "It''s fine. You can take as much sleep as you want. After a month, you should start doing some light exercise but make sure to ask help from your doctor." Sky responded to her since she''s also a mother.


    "I will let Travis know about it." she retorted. After resting for a while she stood up again. "I''ll go to my room first. If you need anything, just let me know. I''m feeling sleepy again."


    Everyone looked at her with a helpless expression but she didn''t care as well. She walked up the stairs and went inside her room. Travis was almost done arranging her things in the closet.


    Her laptop and ipad were placed on the bedside table together with his phone. She took her laptop and sat on her bed before opening it.


    "What are you doing? Shouldn''t you be resting?" Travis asked her, zipping up her suitcase and placed it on the lowest part of the closet where the other suitcases were located.


    Jillyanna looked at him then looked back at her laptop. "We''ll watch our music video right?"


    "There''s still two hours before that."


    "Fine. I''ll sleep for a while. Wake me up when it''s noon already." she didn''t close her laptop but she put it aside for now.


    As promised, Travis let her sleep for a while. Whenever she''s resting, he would also continue to do his work. He checked the documents that were sent to him, saved the ones that he liked and marked with a red color the ones that he didn''t like.


    After two hours, he was able to finish the documents that was sent to him for that day. He kept his laptop and checked on the sleeping woman.


    It''s quarter to 12 in the afternoon and the music video will be released soon but he didn''t want to disturb her sleep.


    Risking his life on the line, he tucked her messy hair behind her ear and kissed her face. "Wifey, your music video will be released soon." he whispered close to her ear.


    Jillyanna stirred and rubbed her ears but she didn''t wake up. She turned to her other side and faced her back on him.


    Travis placed his hand on her tummy and rubbed her stomach. "Wifey, wake up."


    Jillyanna felt a little warm on her stomach, so comfortable, making her want to snuggle close to it. "Huh?" she opened her eyes wide and looked at her stomach. "What are you doing?"


    "I''m waking you up." he''s looking so innocent but Jillyanna knew how naughty he could be.


    "That was effective." she moved his hands away and rubbed her eyes. "Is it time already?"


    "Almost time. Let''s go down and eat first." Travis suggested to her. "We can watch it after eating."


    "Okay." she obediently followed him since it was for her best as well. "When will you go back to work?"


    "I''m planning to go back tomorrow."


    "What about me?" she asked while pointing to herself. If she wasn''t pregnant she won''t ever rely on him but now, there''s a baby that she wanted to protect.


    "You will be coming with me. Didn''t you say that we''ll stick together? Wherever I go, you''ll be with me. Wherever you go, I''ll be with you." Travis responded to her with a smile. "I won''t let anyone take you away."


    "Of course. Since you wanted me to stay, you have to put up with me. I told you before, I''m not easy to get along with."


    "Who cares? I love you so it doesn''t matter. I will keep you safe even if it will cost me my life."


    She blushed and her heart skipped a beat but she kept herself calm "Thank you." she responded to his sweet statement.


    "Shouldn''t it be ''I love you, too'' ?"


    "Stop dreaming." she rolled her eyes and walked out of their room with Travis following behind her.

 Chapter 97 - THE MUSIC VIDEO I

    Song used: A THOUSAND YEARS - Christina Perri


    When the both of them went down for lunch, they saw Thomas and Savannah who came from Hacienda de Amore. No one spoke of what happened. No one brought up the past events to avoid spoiling their time together.


    Jillyanna was taken care of Travis all the time to make sure that she only ate what was allowed. Even though she''s a glutton and wanted so much, she obediently ate what was given to her.


    The talked about her singing career and about her baby which made her really happy. It showed that they really cared about her. Thomas even scolded Travis multiple times but he would turn all smiled when he looked to his future daughter-in-law.


    "By the way, Jillyanna was supposed to release a music video today, right?" Valkyrie asked out of nowhere since it just popped out of his mind. They had been so worried and busy the past days that he totally forgot about it.


    Everyone turned their head towards her and Jillyanna just smiled happily. "Hn. I was planning to watch it with Travis. It won''t take long so if you want to watch, you can do it after lunch."


    "I''ll make everyone envious if they know I am an acquaintance of their goddess. Hahaha." Valkyrie laughed out loud while wiggling his eyebrows. Brown on the other side didn''t speak anything to anyone. He was just eating silently beside Hawk.


    They talked about her new music video and the participation of Travis about it. They were so thrilled since Travis never appeared on news or any entertainment magazines or television shows. When it talks about Madrigal, it''s either it was Venus before or Thomas. No one showed the photo of their son.


    "The world will really be shocked about this. I''ll eat fast. I wanna see it now." Valkyrie hurriedly shoved the food in his mouth and drank his water.


    "Don''t be unfair. Let''s watch it together!" Savannah slapped his back to stop him.


    "Fine. Fine." Valkyrie sat down again and continued talking to them since he no longer wants to eat. He was just so excited.


    Jillyanna and Travis on the other hand were just calm as usual. They didn''t show so much excitement regarding the video since they were the one in it but Travis was really nervous. It was his first time to allow someone film him for almost twelve hours.


    "Are you full already?" Travis asked Jillyanna when she was wiping her mouth with tissues. She just nodded her head since she still had some food in her mouth. "I''ll bring the laptop down that we can watch it in the living room."


    "Hn." she agreed before drinking her glass of water.


    This morning, before she was discharged, the doctor prescribed her with so many vitamins for her and the baby''s development. He had to take it daily which was a bit struggle for her. She hates tablets or capsules. Travis had to let it melt with water before she drinks it.


    After everyone ate their lunch, Savannah and Cielo volunteered to wash the utensils since Valkyrie, Brown and Hawk were the one who cooked their food.


    Travis went up to their room to get his laptop and cellphone while Jillyanna stayed with the others in the living room.


    "I''m glad it''s you Jillyanna. I know he''s been looking for you but after what happened that day, I also wanted to keep you away from him. I never thought you''d actually meet again." Thomas sighed while looking at the sole picture of her in the living room.


    She kept her parents'' photos in her own little room behind the bookshelves which was why people think her parents didn''t have a good relationship.


    It doesn''t matter to her though because in her memories, she had happy and loving parents.


    Jillyanna just smiled towards Thomas. She didn''t know what to say and she had not completely accepted Travis yet. She only chose to trust him because there''s no one else she can trust.


    They didn''t dwell on that sad topic since Travis and Valkyrie finished setting up the laptop and the T.V in the living room. They were so excited even though it was just a music video. Well, for the record, it was the first music video that she showed her face and it was the first time that Travis allowed himself to be shown in the public.


    Jillyanna logged in to her account and found that the count down had started. There were few seconds left.


    5, 4, 3, 2, 1, It started with a bunch of pictures where it showed only half of her face while she spoke on the background.


    "HELLO EVERYONE! THIS IS YNA! IT''S BEEN SIX YEARS SINCE I STARTED SINGING MY OWN WRITTEN SONGS AND NEVER ONCE DID I EVER SHOW MY FACE. TODAY, I MADE A SPECIAL SONG DEDICATED TO ALL MY FANS AND I INCLUDED SOME SNIPPETS OF HOW I WAS DOING DURING THESE SIX YEARS. I HOPE YOU''LL LIKE THIS EVERYONE. LOVE LOTS!"


    After her introduction, a video of her writing her first song in a library was shown. She didn''t notice the video at first and when she raised her head, her beautiful smile appeared. She looked so young and vibrant with her long black hair.


    "Heart beats fast


    Colors and promises


    How to be brave


    How can I love when I''m afraid to fall


    But watching you stand alone


    All of my doubt, suddenly goes away somehow"


    From the young girl at the university, it was changed to a young girl walking with her headphones, listening to her own music with a smile.


    Then a video of young people buying her CDs were shown. There were so many of them and they didn''t know that someone was taking their smiling faces while getting a CD one after another.


    "One step closer"


    A video of her setting up her own room to prepare her recordings appear. She was just wearing a long t-shirt that reaches her knees and a drawstring pants. She still looked cute and adorable with her messy hair. She was trying to stop the person who was taking her videos.


    "I have died everyday waiting for you


    Darling, don''t be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years


    I''ll love you for a thousand more"


    Another video of her, holding a doll while swinging on her hammock, looking at the flowers her father planted. When she noticed a video was taken, she turned to face on the other side and wiped her tears before smiling back at the camera.

 Chapter 98 - THE MUSIC VIDEO II

    "Time stands still


    Beauty in all she is


    I will be brave


    I will not let anything, take away


    What''s standing in front of me


    Every breath, every hour has come to this"


    It was another video of her who was studying Mathematics with diligence and concentration and using time lapse, she was standing in front of a cafe for a ribbon cutting.


    "One step closer."


    A video of an airplane was shown and it brought them to a scene in the airport wherein Jillyanna came back from States. She had a large sunglasses on and a hat but when she saw her family waiting for her, she took them off and ran towards them with clear joy on her face.


    "I have died everyday, waiting for you


    Darling, don''t be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years


    I''ll love you for a thousand more"


    It was a video of her doing her make up and went to an amusement park. A man was checking his watch and when he raised his head, he saw Jillyanna walking with a shy smile towards him. It was none other than Travis.


    Somehow Jillyanna felt that the song was interpreted wrong. She didn''t know what went wrong but it looked good.


    "Uuhh why does it feel like I''m showing them my boyfriend. It didn''t feel right." she murmured which was enough for everyone to hear. They all looked at her and smile.


    "I think it was better." Cielo responded, her sly smile was clear to everyone.


    Jillyanna frowned and watched the video again. "It feels like a love song." she grumbled again which earned a fit of laughter from everyone. "It shouldn''t be a love song."


    "Come on. It doesn''t matter. What matters is the happiness of your fans. Look at this." Travis showed her the number of views on her song using his account.


    "Wow!" Cielo exclaimed when she also saw it. It reached millions of views within just few minutes and it was still rising. The number of comments were so many that it will take Jillyanna a couple of days to read them.


    Jillyanna was so happy while watching how many people liked her song. There were so many mentions from friends who congratulated her and there so many people who were shock to know who exactly she is.


    "My gosh! She''s my boss! This singer is actually my boss! I worked in her cafe and I''ve seen her thousands of times. I never thought she''s the singer I love so much!" This comment was liked by many and the replies were rising as well. So many people were envious of her and there were some who were asking which cafe she was working on. They were even asking if they were still hiring.


    "The video earlier that showed a group of people buying CDs, I was one of them. I am so happy to be part of this. My goddess! I love you so much!" this was like by his friends as well. Other people who was also captured in the video replied to his comment expressing the same sentiments.


    "I can''t believe this! I''ve been listening to my classmate''s song for six years. It''s been so long since I last saw her and she had always been aloof in nature. Who would have thought she''d become an Internet idol." Jillyanna opened the profile and saw a picture of her former classmate in middle school.


    Even if she didn''t get along with everyone or hangout with them, she still remembered them clearly.


    "Did you notice this guy?" attached was a profile pic of Travis who commented her photo before. "I noticed that his picture was taken at the same amusement park this video was taken. He was even wearing the same clothes as the guy and our goddess was with him. He didn''t follow anyone but our goddess."


    This comment intrigued everyone. Jillyanna smiled evilly as she looked at Travis. "Good luck!"


    Just right after she said those words, before Travis could ask what she meant, his phone beeped multiple times. He turned it silent and looked at the woman beside him. "You''re the meaning of trouble."


    "What can I do? You made an account with such bold profile picture and username. Deal with it." she laughed at him faintly before watching the last part of the video. It showed the people behind the scenes who always helped her. Cielo and Lucian was even there as well as the crew who always helped her make animations and music video.


    "Congratulations Jillyanna!" Savannah greeted and threw a smile at her.


    "Congratulations sis!" Cielo hugged her from so much happiness. Everyone congratulated her and the laptop even crashed for a minute due to so much messages and notifications.


    Travis looked at his account again and felt a sudden headache. Jillyanna was laughing in schadenfreude while watching him. "Can I take a look?" she asked even though Travis gave her full permission to use his phone however she wanted it.


    "Oh my god! Our boss allowed someone to film him!"


    "Boss didn''t like his pictures on tabloids or magazines!"


    "Who exactly is this pretty singer?"


    "Our boss looked so in love in the video."


    "Boss, are you introducing us our future madam."


    "I am a fan of goddess YNA and she totally matched my boss."


    These comments were posted on his timeline together with the video. Jillyanna didn''t know of them but looking at their IDs, she could say that they were well-known people. They had verified accounts and started following Travis.


    Within half an hour, his followers rose up to millions and many of them were from the entertainment industry.


    "You better get used to this." Jillyanna commented while reading the comments on her videos and sometimes on his account.


    "Now that everyone knows who you are, aren''t you afraid that your privacy will be disturb?" Travis asked her with worry. It''s always difficult for people in entertainment industry to live their life because of the paparazzi and reporters who always flock around them.


    "I trust you to keep me safe." she smiled meaningfully at him. Now that everything has been exposed, she will not hold back.


    "Okay." he said calmly like it wasn''t a big problem at all.

 Chapter 99 - HE WAS PLANNING TO SHOW OFF

    It was a shock and surprise to everyone when they finally finished the video. To those who knew her, who often see her, they were utterly surprise to know that she was the goddess they were looking up to.


    "My gosh! She''s a silent type of woman during our university days. She''s kinda nerd and timid but she often laugh and smile with her closest friends."


    "I once saw these two people in a cafe. That time, I was so envious with their interaction. It was very clear that the guy loves this woman so much." This comment made Jillyanna cringe in her seat.


    ''What the hell is this person talking about? This person must be blind?'' she exclaimed to herself while scrolling down quickly so that Travis won''t see it but he still did.


    "See? Even people can see my love for you." he whispered close to her ears, making Jillyanna blush and threw a deathly glare at him.


    She continued reading the comments, ignoring him and his teasing. She refreshed the page and was surprised to see his followers. It was almost the same number as hers.


    "How come there are so many people following you? Didn''t you keep behind close doors?" she asked him with a raised eyebrow.


    "I don''t know. Maybe they just followed me because I showed up on your music video." Travis shrugged his shoulders. It wasn''t his fault, alright?


    "Whatever. I''ll take a rest first. My eyes are hurting from staring at your phone. I''ll read the comments later." she returned his phone to him and stood up. "Guys, I''ll leave you here for a while. I want to take a rest."


    "Go ahead."


    "Alright."


    "Just let us know if there''s something you need."


    They all agreed and nodded their heads to her. Jillyanna walked away with Travis following behind her, holding the his laptop and phone.


    "I''ll continue my work while you rest." Travis told her when they got back to their room.


    "Why don''t you do it in the study room?" she inquired. Ever since they got back, he would always work in their room.


    Travis placed his things on the bedside drawer and sat on the bed beside her. "If I stay in the study room, I won''t be able to answer you if you have questions. I won''t be able to tend to you if you need anything. Beside, my work is just simple. All I need is my laptop."


    "You''re making sense. Okay. You go to work now. If you want to go to the study just tell me. I''m not disable you know. I can still do some things on my own." she informed him before getting under the new duvet. Brown had cleaned the place for them when she was sent to the hospital so she didn''t have any worries.


    Thinking about what happened and how much they cared for her, she felt a little guilty. She even said something hurtful to them.


    "What are you thinking?" Travis asked her when he found that she was in a daze with a sad face.


    "Nothing. Don''t mind me." she turned her back on him and closed her eyes but, she was so bothered and couldn''t sleep. She turned to face him again and watched him work.


    Travis raised his head again and looked at her. "Can''t sleep?"


    She nodded her head in silence. "Can I see your work? Maybe I''d get tired looking at it."


    "Come here."


    She slid out of her bed and came to sit beside him. He was currently typing some suggestions on a document while encircling some things he didn''t like.


    "Is this a project for the plaza?" she inquired though she wasn''t really interested in it.


    "Hn. There are several projects that we are planning for this year. How about you? What are your plans?"


    "Because of your friend, everything was ruined." she muttered to herself but Travis still heard it.


    "Hey don''t be mean."


    "Hahaha. Look at you getting all agitated. I was just stating a fact. Anyway, I don''t have any plans for now. I''ll rely on you." she was laughing at him when he looked so scared with her statement.


    "That''s more like it. I told Savannah about us getting a nanny or a cleaner and she''s working on it. Before the end of the week, we''ll have someone to help us at home."


    Even though they were talking, Travis was still working while Jillyanna leaned on the couch.


    "What time will you go to the company tomorrow? I mean I don''t like waking up so early. You''re not leaving me, right?"


    Travis looked at her and stole a kiss on her nose, "We''ll go there when you''re awake."


    They talked about different things, mostly about her, the baby and her work. "Now that we have exposed ourselves, you don''t mind me showing off to you right?" he asked her out of nowhere.


    "Show off? I don''t care. Even if I have little money, it can still last me several lifetimes." she rolled her eyes at him, misunderstanding his meaning.


    Travis chuckled and pulled her for a hug. "I won''t boast my riches to you, just a little bit of my connections."


    "Whatever."


    "You won''t be bothered if I get several body guards for us, right? Many people are after your wealth and your mother''s research. It''s not safe. At the same time, my friends need to leave time to time for a mission so we needed someone to guard the house and guard you."


    Jillyanna just nodded her head in agreement. If it''s for the safety of her and the baby, why not? She''d gladly accept his help.


    Travis told her about some of the plans he thought these past few days and asked for her opinion. In the end, it was all agreed by her.


    It wasn''t even half an hour since she sat beside him and he fell asleep in his arms. Travis kissed her forehead and carried her off back to their bed so that she can sleep peacefully.


    "No matter what, I will not let you go. Just trust me." he stole another kiss on her nose and left her side to continue working, ignoring all the notifications, mentions and messages on his account.

 Chapter 100 - START OF SOMETHING NEW

    Jillyanna and Travis was starting to get used to their living arrangement. They don''t argue as much as before and Jillyanna learned to listen to him since he''s always putting her well-being first before his.


    The outside world was their complete opposite. The news of Travis Madrigal taking part of a music video spread far and wide. Many businessmen were questioning the authenticity of news since they knew him as a person who would shut down a company if his picture was shown in public.


    Now, it wasn''t just a picture but a music video together with an Internet idol. Diego had anticipated this to happen since he saw them doing this music video weeks ago. He just didn''t know it would be so intense.


    Wynwyn de Leon, the head of their PR department was having a headache. She was currently sitting in Diego''s office, massaging her temples from the stress.


    "I know this is sudden but I trust you to solve this issue. You can call Travis directly as well. In any case, he isn''t planning to hide this fact." Diego stated as a matter of fact to the beautiful woman in front of him.


    "You guys should have told me at least. I am so bombarded with questions from our artists and from the directors. They should have gone to you." she complained whatever she had on her mind. "Since when did you guys start keeping a secret from me?"


    "We are not really planning to keep this a secret from you. Ask Travis everything. I guarantee that he will tell you the details that I can''t." Diego responded to her with a sympathizing smile. He totally understand what she''s feeling since he was also shock with this progress.


    Wynwyn stood up and from her seat. "I''ll go and ask him today."


    "No. Not today." Diego called out to stop her. "His wife just got out of the hospital. You can ask them tomorrow since he''ll be coming over for the monthly meeting."


    "I see. Then, I''ll wait for tomorrow then." she walked out of the room and went back to her office.


    Wynwyn was Diego''s classmate in one of his subjects during college. She was very good when it comes to communication and public speaking. When Travis established the J Entertainment, Diego asked her to become the head of PR department.


    She was also the first one to get married out of the three of them but still wanted to focus on her career. Her husband was one of the shareholders so they got along so well.


    The next day, as previously planned, Jillyanna and Travis will go to the company together. He woke up earlier than her so he came down to the kitchen and prepared her breakfast.


    When he finished cooking, he let it cool down and started preparing for the day''s work. It wasn''t until 9 o''clock in the morning that Jillyanna woke up.


    For the first time, she was wearing clothes while sleeping in her own room. Travis just got finished taking a shower when she woke up.


    "Good morning wifey." he walked towards her and stole his morning kiss.


    "Morning." Jillyanna responded and walked to the bathroom, still half awake and half asleep.


    Travis was worried for her. He followed her inside the bathroom and prepared her bath for her. "Don''t take too long in the bath tub. It''s not good for you. You can only spend 15 minutes at most." he reminded her since he had noticed that she loves soaking in the tub for almost an hour.


    Jillyanna nodded her head and started taking of her clothes. Travis walked out and closed the door behind him.


    As agreed, she only stayed for 15 minutes and Travis came knocking on the bathroom door. "I''m done. Just wait a moment." Jillyanna called out who was already full of energy. She came out with just her bathrobe tied around her.


    Travis beckoned her to come to him so that he can dry her hair. Her clothes were already prepared and he put them all on the bed.


    "Why do you know so much about fashion? You picked my clothes and matched them." Jillyanna commented as she sat on the chair in front of her vanity mirror.


    "My mother likes styling her clothes. She bought so many fashion magazines both for men and women. I learned it from her." Travis answered her while drying her hair with a blow dryer.


    Jillyanna didn''t say another thing after that and just waited for him to finish his task. After 10 minutes, her hair was almost dry so she started dressing up.


    "Can you go out for a while?" she asked him hesitantly. Even if something had happened to them, she was still shy and embarrassed in front of him.


    "What''s so wrong about me staying here? I have seen you naked several times."


    Jillyanna turned instantly red upon hearing him. "It''s still embarrassing."


    "Do you want to get dressed on your own or do you want me to dress you up?"


    "There''s not even a proper choice!" she stomped her feet on the ground and sat on the bed. "Just give me time to adjust, okay?"


    He just wanted to tease her a little so he conceded to her when she''s looking helpless. "Fine. Come down as soon as you''re done. I''ll be at the kitchen."


    Jillyanna nodded her head and watched him leave the room with his laptop and cellphone. She made sure to lock the door before stripping of her robe and get dressed as fast as she can.


    She opened her closet to get a bag even though there''s nothing important for her to bring.


    When she came down for breakfast, she was in disbelief. There were several men stationed outside her house and some of them were even installing security alarms and more cameras to ensure her safety.


    "Good morning madam." Two woman in their forties greeted her with Savannah.


    "They will be the one who will take care of the house while you guys are gone." Savannah introduced. "This is Auntie Fei" she motioned the woman with shoulder- length hair, "and Auntie Sisi." the woman who kept her hair in tidy bun.


    "Hello nice to meet you." Jillyanna greeted them warmly and reached out to shake their hands. "Just call me Jillyanna or Yanna."


    Travis came out from the kitchen with a smile to her. "Are you satisfied?"


    "Hn. Very satisfied." she responded to him before taking the last step down the stairs.


    "Are you guys leaving soon?" Savannah asked them since they were all dressed up.


    "We''ll leave after breakfast." Travis commented.


    "Okay. Enjoy your meal. I''ll talk to these people for orientation first." Savannah left them alone. Travis held Jillyanna''s hand gently and pulled her to the kitchen where her breakfast had been prepared.

 Chapter 101 - J ENTERTAINMENT I

    Travis just ate a piece of bread and drank his black coffee while Jillyanna ate her mushroom and chicken soup. She drank her milk and vitamins after eating.


    "Shall we go?" Travis asked her when she was no longer doing anything. She drank another mouthful of water before standing up.


    "Is it really fine that I''m tagging along?" she hesitated and stopped walking. Travis looked at her with a raised brow. "I know that we''ve talked about this but...it''s..."


    "No buts Jill. We''ve talked about this, yes. I''d rather have you wherever I can see you than take my eyes off of you." he stated calmly before reaching for her hand. He held it with enough force to make sure that she won''t escape from him.


    Jillyanna stopped struggling and just followed him towards the car. Four pairs of men in black, got inside on their own car. Two drove out first before Jillyanna and Travis. Then, another two followed behind them.


    "I can feel your wealth now. Still, It won''t blind me. I have my own money as well." she commented while glancing at him from time to time.


    Travis didn''t know whether to laugh or cry with her statement. Somehow, he''s happy that she grew up as a brave, beautiful and independent woman. However, he also wanted her to rely on him from time to time.


    "Where are we going today?" she inquired him after they drove for a while already. They were already outside the city and was heading to the capital.


    The place they lived was like a mini city but there''s also the capital city where you can see tall building every where.


    "I just realized that today is the monthly meeting for J Entertainment. We''ll be heading there today." he smiled faintly at her since he forgot to inform her about this trip beforehand.


    Jillyanna nodded her head again and looked outside the window where the sceneries started to change.


    Earlier, she could still see a lot of trees and plants at the roadside, this time it turned to more stores and buildings.


    "Will it take long? I want to look around this place." she muttered to him while taking a glance from her left to right.


    Travis loved watching the expressions flashing across her face. There''s curiosity and wonder in her eyes.


    She had been to many places already but she never looked at the place for more than a minute. For her, she would only do her work no matter where she was. There''s no time for vacation.


    "We can stay for a few more days." as he promised, he will give her anything she wants, indulging her was one of his favorite things to do.


    Jillyanna looked at him in surprise and smile. "Are you sure I''m not hindering you?"


    "You are not a hinder or a bother to me. Let''s take it as a short vacation."


    "Okay. I''m definitely fine with it." she agreed instantly with a bright smile, showing her left dimple again.


    Travis drove for almost an hour before they reached a very twin building which was connected with a sky bridge in the middle. It''s like a mini Petronas Tower of Malaysia since it''s smaller compared to it and the design was quite similar to it.


    "Wow! This is your building?" she exclaimed while looking at the picturesque in front of her. "If you''re planning to park the car in the building''s basement, don''t do it. Park it somewhere else where I can see the place."


    Travis chuckled while watching her. She was in awe that she can''t stop praising the place. "That''s a really nice design. You must have spent so much for this."


    She looked around again while Travis looked for a parking space. "That tilted cube over there is a work of art. I salute to the people who made this."


    When Travis finally parked the car, she got out on her own and walked to him. "I must be imagining things but don''t you think that the cube looks like the toy I have at home?"


    Travis pulled her close and rubbed her head gently. "It''s based on your toy."


    "Really? That''s awesome!" she exclaimed while fixing her hair into a ponytail right in front of him.


    The sun was bright but it wasn''t very hot since there were white and fluffy clouds hovering above them.


    Two men were left to stay and guard the car and the remaining six dispersed to different areas but were still monitoring them and the people around them.


    Jillyanna and Travis walked some distance from the building but she was enjoying the scenery. The place that Travis built was really one of a kind. There were so many plants and trees around the building.


    He was holding her hand as they got inside the premises. She behaved herself and walked closer to him, ignoring the stares that they received from all direction.


    "Oh my gosh! That''s my goddess YNA! She''s here." one of the employees whispered to her co-worker with joy and excitement.


    "Is she going to sign a contract here?" an artist questioned with her raised eyebrow.


    "I don''t think so." another person responded to her. "It''s more like she''s showing her claim towards the boss."


    Different words and speculations were coming out from their mouth but Jillyanna didn''t care about it and just walked with Travis.


    "Your artists don''t look friendly with each other." she commented in a whisper to him.


    "They don''t look friendly to new comers. There were were instances in the past were spies came in as an artist scouted by talent managers. In the end, they only came here to get resources and left when they got famous. Of course, we dealt with them as soon as we can. Because of that, our artists here started to become vigilant against a new comer. They might be thinking you''re signing here." he answered her patiently just in time for them to arrive at the elevator door. Travis pressed the 22nd floor when they got in. "However, they are very intact and close with everybody here. I don''t tolerate people with nasty attitude."


    "I have a nasty attitude." Jillyanna stated with a daring look.


    Travis kissed her head with a smile. "You are feisty. Not nasty."

 Chapter 102 - J ENTERTAINMENT II

    ''Ding!''


    The elevator door opened and what Jillyanna saw was Diego''s smiling face.


    "Heh! I finally found you." there was an evil glint flashing across her eyes. She still wasn''t over about her plan being ruined because of him. She turned to Travis with an expectant look. "Can I punch him? I won''t hate him after a single punch."


    "Hn. Go ahead."


    "Hey what''s this all about?" Diego shifted his gaze between the two of them. ''Why am I getting a punch?'' he thought to himself but didn''t get any answer. There were other people who looked at them as well.


    "Don''t worry Mr. Sandoval, I won''t exert any force because it''s not good for my baby." she smiled at him but Diego felt a tingle on his scalp. He''s got a bad feeling about her not exerting any force.


    Before he could react and ran, a strong punch on his gut made him staggered back a few steps. He looked at Jillyanna with a shock face.


    "Thanks to you my plans were all ruined." Jillyanna stated before looking back to Travis. "I just used a little force. It won''t hurt his intestines."


    "Good job." Travis praised her before taking her hand to see if it was bruised or anything. "Not painful?"


    "Not at all. He''s got no muscles." Jillyanna responded as if what she did was just a normal thing.


    Diego, who was the victim, couldn''t understand the two of them. "Just what the hell is going on?" he asked in frustration and surprise.


    "Ask your girlfriend when you get back."


    They left him after saying those words and walked towards a locked office. Travis had his thumb and index fingers scanned before the door was unlocked.


    Diego was still stunned and wondering about what happened. He couldn''t believe that he, the number one supporter, will get a punch from the woman herself.


    "Hey Dee, what exactly did you do? She looked really angry at you." Wynwyn asked him with a judging tone that seemed it was his fault for getting punched.


    "I don''t know. I have to ask Cheska later." he fixed his ties and suit as if nothing happens. However when he moved, he felt a sudden pain on his side where the punch landed. Disregarding the presence of everyone, he pulled up his clothes and saw a blue-violet marks.


    "Oh my! That was a really strong punch." one of the employees who saw what happened commented.


    "Boss Diego looked really fine after the punch. Looks like the effect was delayed." another person stated.


    "Damn it! Just what exactly did I do?" Diego cursed and walked away from them to confront the two.


    ''That''s what we want to know.'' Everybody thought the same as they watched their vice-chairman walked towards their CEO''s office, holding his right side.


    Travis was giving Jillyanna a tour of his office and the adjacent room where he used to sleep when working overtime.


    "Our disparity is increasing everyday." she said helplessly, sitting on his bed while looking around the room.


    The room was very simple. It had a black and white motif. The big bed was at the center with a bedside drawer. There was a monochrome painting hanging on the wall to the right side. On the left side of the room, there was a wardrobe where few clothings can be found and a floor to ceiling mirror.


    Travis was observing her while she observed the place around her. He suddenly pulled out his wallet and took a card from it.


    "Here." Jillyanna turned to face him and saw his hand holding a black card.


    "What''s this for? I have my own money, okay? I don''t need your money." she pushed his card back but Travis took her bag instead and put the card inside.


    "Your money is for our child. My money is for us. I will continue to work hard for our family." he whispered with sincerity in his eyes. When he saw Jillyanna was stunned and fear started creeping up her face, he felt a pang of pain in his chest. "Jill, let''s have our own family. You and me plus our baby."


    "Wait. Let me think about this." she tried pulling her hands while laughing her ass of awkwardly.


    "This is not a laughing matter." Travis stated and looked at her eyes directly. Jillyanna shifted her gaze to her side so she can avoid his look.


    She couldn''t say anything to him. Yes she trusted him but that doesn''t mean she''s ready to have a family with him. How can she explain it?


    "You are still planning to leave, aren''t you?" This made her look at him. Pain, sadness, regret and frustration were evident in his voice. She opened her mouth but she didn''t know what to say so she closed it again. "Just tell me whatever you have in mind."


    Jillyanna slapped his hand away. "Why do you look so agitated? I wasn''t even saying anything."


    "That''s because you''re not saying anything which made me think I''m right. You are still planning to leave me." He sat down on his bed, rubbing his face roughly with his hands out of frustration.


    Jillyanna walked in his direction and stood in front of him. For the first time, she reached out her hand and caressed his hair gently.


    "I trust you. I chose to trust you. But Travis, I am not ready to form a family with you yet. Can you give me some time?" she mumbled with hesitations. ''What if you actually found someone you like after all these shits happening around me? What if you are wrong with your feelings for me? What will I do then?'' she added mentally in pain.


    Travis pulled her and hugged her waist, burying one side of his face on her tummy. "I will wait for you. Just don''t think of leaving me."


    "Okay." she responded in her soft voice. Perhaps, things have changed this time but a stone heart takes time to melt. "Don''t keep any secrets with me. That''s all I ask."


    "Hn. I promise."

 Chapter 103 - J ENTERTAINMENT III

    Jillyanna and Travis came out after a while just in time for Diego to come knocking on his door. He looked sullen and depressed as he sat on the couch.


    "I got bruises." he said, pulling the hem of his shirt and pointed on the blue-violet marks.


    Jillyanna rolled her eyes as if he was making some nonsense. "Which one do you want, a bruise with no internal bleeding or internal bleeding without any bruises?" she told him with a mocking face.


    "You found a little devil for a wife." Diego told Travis with a helpless expression. He couldn''t understand what he saw in her.


    Travis clasped his hands on the table and looked at his friend. "It''s your fault that you got hit. Still I''m thankful for what you did. I''ll treat you to a lunch later. Pick a restaurant."


    "I don''t know why I got hit but since you''re treating me to a lunch, I''m definitely fine with it." Diego stated and started scrolling his phone to find the best seafood restaurant.


    Jillyanna snickered at him for being so easy to bribe with food. "What time will you guys have a meeting?"


    "We''ll have a meeting at 1 o''clock in the afternoon. Why?" Travis responded to her.


    "I want to go to the sky bridge." she commented even though she knew that he had to do some work and preparation for the meeting. "You can have someone accompany me if you still have something to do."


    "I''ll get Wynwyn to go with you." he was about to call her when she came knocking. "Speak of the devil and here she is."


    Wynwyn had her hands on her hips, throwing a deathly glare at him before shifting her gaze to Jillyanna. "Hi goddess YNA. OMG! I really want to scream from joy." she moved slowly towards her with stars dancing in her eyes.


    Jillyanna was giggling while watching her. It was clear that the woman was her fan but because of Travis, she was controlling herself. They all knew how possessive he can be.


    "Stop ogling at my wife. If you want to say something, just say it." he stated with his chin on his hand, checking something on his computer.


    With his permission, Wynwyn immediately became energetic and sat beside Jillyanna. "You are so pretty in person. Your face is so small. Aahh I am so envious of your skin." some women will be jealous and would take it negatively. However, Wynwyn really loves watching beauties. She maybe envious but she didn''t take it to heart because she''s also pretty.


    "If you''re pregnant you glow from inside-out." Diego commented while watching the two of them in front of him.


    Wynwyn was stunned and started shifting her gaze down to her stomach. Flat. It''s flat. "You''re pregnant?"


    "Yes." Jillyanna answered her. It''s obvious that base on their interaction, the woman named Wynwyn, was a close friend to Travis and Diego, and possible to Cheska, too.


    "Who got you pregnant?" she asked, not believing them.


    Both Jillyanna and Diego pointed their hands towards Travis.


    Wynwyn rolled her eyes again and snickered at Travis. "Why did you get my goddess pregnant?"


    "I actually wanted a baby." Jillyanna saved Travis from Wynwyn''s question. It wasn''t really his fault because she was the one who approached him in the first place.


    Wynwyn didn''t say anything anymore since she had confirmed the relationship between the two. She wasn''t going to let anyone disturb their family.


    "By the way, can you give my wife a tour around the company? I still have things to do and she wanted to look around." Travis told her the task that he wanted her to complete before lunch.


    Wynwyn changed her mood again and looked to Jillyanna. "It''s my pleasure."


    Both of them walked out of the room, leaving the men on their own since they still have one and half hour before lunch.


    The news of their Madam Boss coming to see the company had spread far and wide. There were many people who wanted to know who she was and some wanted to confirm if it was the same goddess YNA they admired.


    Wynwyn brought Jillyanna first to different floors where people had their photo shoots. "This floor is used by actors and actresses who wanted to have indoor photoshoot."


    "You''ve got so many artists here." Jillyanna said while watching them from the outside of the room. When people saw her, they would greet her politely and some were even asking for her autograph. She didn''t mind them at all but Wynwyn would always remind them of the time and promised them that she''d be back again some other time.


    "How about you sign with us?" Wynwyn stated out of nowhere.


    "That''s what Travis asked as well but I don''t want to take the resources that should be given to his artists. I am fine with what I''m doing now."


    "Right. You''re so famous already." Wynwyn agreed and led her to different floors one after the other.


    When they finished touring the first building she brought her to the sky bridge where many people took their breaks and gaze over the horizon.


    "It''s so nice in here." Jillyanna whispered as she leaned on the glass and watched the people walking below them.


    "Did you know that this building was built because of his friend?" Wynwyn asked thinking that Jillyanna knew about the story behind J Entertainment.


    "I don''t know. Can you tell me?"


    "Well, he once said that his little friend likes playing with building blocks and often built a twin tower with a bridge and a tilted cube would always stay beside the first building. That''s how he came up with this. He even named this entertainment after her. Jill Entertainment. J Entertainment. He said that even if he won''t be able to see her again, he wanted to name this after her."


    Jillyanna laughed dryly at the story. She turned her back on Wynwyn and wiped her tears quickly.


    "I am that woman. I''m Jill."

 Chapter 104 - J ENTERTAINMENT IV

    Surprise was obvious on Wynwyn''s face. She couldn''t believe it. ''Well come to think of it, I have been calling her goddess YNA all this time.'' she noted mentally to herself.


    "I am Jillyanna Summer Xavier but now I go with Jillyanna Madrid." she reached her hand upon formally introducing herself.


    Wynwyn reached it and gave it a gentle shake. "Wynwyn de Leon. Nice to meet you."


    "What''s your work here by the way?" Jillyanna inquired since she looked carefree.


    Wynwyn smiled at her before answering. "I am the head of the Public Relations Department. I trained people to handle PR for our artists and sometimes I do it myself. Like the issue between you and Travis regarding the video, I was scheduled to have a press conference, tomorrow."


    "Isn''t that tiring?"


    "Sometimes it is but you get to enjoy it along the way. And people respected us so much because of Travis. They won''t just spread rumors unless we are the one saying those."


    Jillyanna nodded her head while listening to her talk. She asked her questions about different things which Wynwyn answered patiently.


    "By the way, will you be coming here again?" Wynwyn asked her since this was the first time Travis brought her to the company. She didn''t know how long they''ve been in a relationship and she just got pregnant as well.


    Jillyanna looked outside the glass again before answering. "Yeah. Wherever I go, he needs to be there. Wherever he goes, I need to be there. That''s what we promised. Things are a little bit complicated but we are trying to live our life normally."


    "Don''t worry. Travis is a very capable person. He''s just not my type."


    "You are not my type either." Travis popped out of nowhere and stood beside Jillyanna.


    "Can''t you tell it not in front of me?" Wynwyn said with a glare.


    Jillyanna just laughed at them while they bicker like children. Travis came to find her because it''s almost time for lunch.


    "Bring your husband and come with us." Travis told Wynwyn which delighted the woman. He called her husband immediately and told him about the lunch with Travis.


    Jillyanna was the one getting surprised this time. "She''s married?" she asked Travis who was leading her out of the bridge.


    "Yup. She''s married for 3 years now."


    "She looks so young." she whispered while taking a glance to Wynwyn who was still smiling, talking to her husband on the phone.


    "She''s not as young as you." Travis whispered to her ears which made her blush from head to toe.


    "Shut up."


    "But my wife is the best and the most capable. A famous singer for 6 years already, owned several branches of Summer Cafe, gifted a house to her family even before graduating and now you''re having my child. Not everyone can have my child. It can only be you." he teased her again but Jillyanna didn''t say anything. The redness on her face hadn''t dissipated and she felt her face getting hotter.


    She remembered Wynwyn''s story and decided to give him a taste of his own medicine. "Of course I''m capable. At a young age, I built a twin tower with a sky bridge and a tilted cube. My friend couldn''t even forget me and decided to make my buildings real. He even named the company after me. That''s a how capable I am."


    She smiled sweetly at him after saying these words. Travis was stunned at first but seeing that she wasn''t angry or upset about it, he felt happy deep inside.


    "Indeed my wife is very capable. I couldn''t forget about her after all these years. Destiny really favored me. I didn''t even have to do anything and you were brought back to me."


    ''Eh? Why isn''t he ashamed at all?! This guy is really shameless.''


    Jillyanna sighed and walked away from him. She needed to calm herself or she might kick him to death.


    Travis was laughing behind her, watching her red nape. "She''s really easy to tease."


    Wynwyn who was watching the two of them, smiled before showing Travis the picture she took. "Are you keeping your relationship a secret or are you going public?"


    "Public."


    "Can I share this picture then?" she showed him the photo she got with Jillyanna''s red blushing face while Travis smiled at her.


    It could be hinted that he was saying something sweet or embarrassing, making the Jillyanna blush.


    "Go ahead."


    And with that, J Entertainment caused another commotion. She uploaded the picture using her account and tagged both Jillyanna and Travis.


    A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN AND A HANDSOME MAN IS A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN. LETTING YOU IN FOR A SWEET SECRET. J ENTERTAINMENT IS NAMED AFTER OUR GODDESS "YNA" JILLYANNA.


    Then attached to it was the photo she just took. She didn''t dwell on it so much and jogged after Travis and Jillyanna so they could eat their lunch together.


    Diego was already waiting for them. Since their car was parked a bit far, they used the car that was kept at the basement.


    Wynwyn came with her husband and Diego drove alone. When she got inside, she noticed that Travis kept smiling and would often check his phone. He''s never done that before.


    "What are you laughing about?" she inquired from him. Travis didn''t say anything. He handed the phone directly at her, showing the page of his account.


    "You look so adorable in this picture." he stated while driving.


    Jillyanna didn''t know what to say. Birds of a feather flock together. ''Wynwyn is really their friend''. That''s what she thought.


    She read some comments and her face that just returned to normal, blushed again. "Just you wait."


    She opened her account and made a comment. "He is bullying me." This was liked by many and replies were increasing seconds after seconds.


    ''Why do I feel like feeding the single dogs?'' she commented to herself and laughed faintly. Travis saw her smiling face and was happy as well.


    This is what they say, "When your wife is happy, all problems will go away."

 Chapter 105 - SEAFOOD FEAST

    Diego chose Fiesta Resto, a family owned restaurant that offers seafood dishes. You can even choose to dine for unlimited meal sets.


    It was a three storey restaurants and the VIPs were located on the third floor. Jillyanna salivate when she saw the big king crabs and lobsters placed on a platter.


    "I want to eat these today." Jillyanna whispered to Travis, throwing glances on the seafoods.


    Travis chuckled as he nod his head to her request. One of the waiters guided them to their reserved booth. It wasn''t big but it could cater eight people per table. In their case, they only occupy five seats.


    Travis didn''t order unlimited meal sets for her but he ordered almost all the dishes they offered for her to try.


    "I''m not suppose to eat a lot. That''s too much." Jillyanna complained to him. If she wasn''t pregnant, she would welcome such sumptuous meal. However, the doctor reminded her not to eat so much or the baby will grow big and she''ll have a problem during delivery.


    Travis rubbed her head gently. "Don''t be silly. We''ll help you with other dishes. You can try each of them if you like."


    She beamed happily at him. "Okay. I will eat one for each dishes."


    The waiter informed them of their waiting time which would take quarter an hour before leaving. Jillyanna took out Travis'' phone which she kept inside her bag before coming out of the car.


    "I want to have my own phone." she stated while scrolling down on her account''s notifications. She turned to Travis and handed the phone back to him.


    "Let''s buy one tomorrow." he responded to her happily. "We''ll buy a new camera for your videos as well."


    "Right. I can practice tomorrow. I think it will be fun." She even held his hand while looking directly on his eyes. It was reflecting a happy image of her.


    Wynwyn snapped at the two of them which made them turn to look at her. "Don''t be so focus in your own little world. A lonely heart won''t be able to take it."


    It was a statement for Diego who was the only one without a partner since Cheska was still working.


    "I didn''t even bother you guys. Why do you have to rub my sore spots?" Diego complained without looking at them. He hated it when he was the only one who didn''t have a partner at this moment.


    Jillyanna giggled as she listened to him. He was sulking like a child at the end of the table.


    "Oh by the way Travis, is it fine that we''ll shop tomorrow while Wynwyn have a press conference? I''m a bit bothered by it." Jillyanna informed him since she found out that his friend will be cleaning his mess. It wasn''t a good idea for her.


    "Don''t worry about it Jillyanna. My wife is an experienced PR. She can handle whatever is thrown at her." Zachary de Leon, Wynwyn''s husband, stated when he saw her worry reflecting on her face.


    He knew that a pregnant woman should not worry about anything. It will greatly affect the baby she''s carrying.


    "How about you ignore it? Let them think whatever they want. You don''t have to work on it." Travis also stated. It didn''t really matter to him. In any case, they knew what exactly their relationship is.


    "I go with Travis." Jillyanna said with a sigh of relief. It was a good thing that he understood her.


    "Then let it be Wyn. Don''t worry about it. You should relax sometimes. See? They''re going to have kids already and you don''t have one yet." Diego echoed in agreement but he only received a glare from her.


    "Don''t mind me not having a baby. You should mind how you can marry your girlfriend whose father didn''t like you." she stated  back at him with a mocking smile.


    Diego put his hands on his chest, clutching his clothes as if he was deeply hurt. "Don''t be so honest, okay? You''re hurting me."


    "Whatever Dee. You should really think about it. I''m sure Mr. Suarez is flaring up now because of the rumors around Travis." Wynwyn commented with worry this time.


    They''ve been friends since university days and she knew their relationship. She also knew the number of punches he got when Mr. Suarez found out his relationship with Cheska. That was why, Travis had to act like a couple but it was never mentioned to anyone that Travis was her boyfriend. Somehow, people just made their speculations and they did not correct it either.


    The gloomy atmosphere didn''t last long since their food arrived already. Their eyes lit up when they saw the different dishes being placed on the table, leaving no space at all.


    "Just ring the bell if you want another servings of your unlimited meal sir." The waiter reminded Diego and Zachary before leaving with the trolley.


    "Wow! Even though I''ve eaten seafoods multiple times, it still light up my mood whenever I have it on a dining table." Wynwyn commented with sparkling eyes. It wasn''t any less from Jillyanna''s. Seafood was really her happiness but she also didn''t like spending her money recklessly because she was saving for her baby.


    Now that Travis was treating them to a seafood, she wouldn''t dare refuse. Her eyes were scanning on the dishes since she didn''t know what to eat first.


    While she was still dwelling on what food to eat, Travis already peeled several tiger shrimps and placed it on her plate.


    "Don''t worry about what you want to eat. Just eat the ones I put on your plate." Travis whispered and stole a kiss on her temple.


    She wanted to argue with him for stealing another kiss but, when she saw the shrimps on her plate, she just swallowed her words and started eating.


    ''Crack! Crack!''


    The sounds of shells cracking from the king crabs that Diego and Zachary ate echoed in the room.


    "The meat is really sweet and juicy." Diego commented in delight as he chewed on a king crab''s meat. Zachary nodded his head in agreement while placing some of the meat on Wynwyn''s plate.


    Jillyanna picked one of the shrimps and raised her fork towards Travis. "You need to eat as well." She tried acting nonchalant about it but her face still turned red from her shyness.

 Chapter 106 - SHE COMPROMISED

    ***NOTE***


    Hi everyone. I hope you are all doing fine. I have successfully reached over a 100 chapters and I am grateful that I have so many readers out there.


    I was just thinking that, if my work reached 1 MILLION views on or before OCTOBER 4, I will update a regular number of 4 Chapters per day from October 5 onwards.


    Thank you so much for always supporting my work. Please keep voting because I have prepared another surprise as well.


    ***END OF NOTE***


    Travis wanted to tease her again but seeing her trying her best to accommodate him, he gave up and just acted natural in front of her.


    "Hn" he chewed on the food while she also ate on her own silently. "Thank you. It taste good." he stated after swallowing down the food. Even when he was chewing his hands were busy picking food for her.


    He placed some scallops on her plate and she would also fed him when he didn''t have anything on his mouth.


    Diego smiled while watching them. He knew how hard it was for Travis to gain the trust of Jillyanna and she even tried fleeing away from him.


    ''Fleeing? Ruined her plan? Did I ruin her plan to escape from Travis? Is that the reason why she punched me?'' Thinking about what happened, Diego choked on his food. He poured a glass of water and drank it immediately.


    Jillyanna even gave him a tissue which he also received. "Are you okay?" she asked when she returned back to her seat.


    "You are such a glutton which is why you choke on your food. No one will take it from you so you can slowly eat it." Wynwyn commented but she was still rubbing his back even though she was complaining.


    Hearing her statement, Jillyanna grimaced from the word ''glutton''. What Diego ate wasn''t even half of how much she can take. ''What would her comment be if she knew that her goddess YNA is also a glutton?''


    Jillyanna smiled faintly at her own thought. Diego was still trying to calm his nerves while looking at her. When he finally calmed down, he stopped eating for a while.


    "I found the reason why you gave me a punch earlier." he stated with mixed emotions. He didn''t know if he should laugh or cry for what happened.


    "I''m glad you finally realized." Jillyanna responded without looking at him since she was eyeing on a squid rings.


    Diego sighed helpless as he picked up his spoon and fork again. "You are indeed a match, not by heaven but a match of evilness." he turned to Travis and complained. "How can you let your wife punch me? You should actually be thankful to me."


    "Isn''t that the reason why we are here?" Jillyanna reminded him before shoving a piece of squid ring in her mouth. She didn''t forget to give Travis one of the squid rings as well.


    "I can''t believe this." Diego stated with another heavy sigh.


    Jillyanna turned to Travis and spoke as if the person she was talking about wasn''t there. "How did you even become friends with him? I honestly thought he''s someone smart because you are smart. Now that I talked to him, I found him becoming dumber after time passed."


    "Will you please think that I am still here?" Diego sulked because no one sided him. He started eating his food again and pressed the bell for another servings.


    "Stop sulking already. It''s not like you are dumb forever. I am sure Travis finds you smart." Jillyanna retorted, dissing Travis on the process.


    "It''s because of his intelligence that you are here. So Diego is smart." Travis responded with a smile. It was very obvious why she was including him. She was still upset over the fact that she wasn''t able to escape.


    Wynwyn raised her hand and tried stopping them. "Don''t talk. Just don''t talk about what happened. We are having a meal so we should enjoy our food."


    Jillyanna made a gesture to zip her mouth and focused on eating. Travis didn''t really care. Whatever makes her happy, he''ll allow her to do it but he''s still a grateful man so he won''t allow her to punch Diego next time.


    "What else do you want?" Travis asked even though there was still a pile of food on her plate. He was about to pick another dish when she stopped him.


    "It''s enough." she held his hand to stop him from getting another dish. "Let''s just finish this."


    From start to end, Travis didn''t use his utensils to eat. Whatever Jillyanna ate, she would give him the second piece until they finished the food.


    "I''ll wash my hands for a while." he told her before standing up to go to the sink. They have their own washing area inside the room so they don''t need to go out.


    Jillyanna didn''t really dirty her hands but she still wanted to wash them so she followed behind him.


    "Did you enjoy your meal?" Travis asked when he saw her standing behind him.


    "Yup. I''m so happy to eat this much. Thank you." she responded to him happily as she caressed her tummy.


    Travis moved away from the sink so she could wash her hands but Jillyanna didn''t expect him to take another action.


    She just opened the tap when Travis caressed her stomach. "Baby, even if your mommy eats a lot, don''t grow too big okay? Don''t give mommy a hard time." he spoke softly as if talking loudly would disturb the baby.


    Jillyanna stiffened her back and looked at him with a flustered face. "Don''t do that."


    "Why not? Isn''t it suggested by many to communicate with your child even if he/she is still inside the stomach?" Travis asked innocently even though he knew why she didn''t want him to do it.


    Jillyanna opened her mouth but couldn''t find anything to refute him. In the end, she just told him the truth. "I''m feeling a bit awkward and I am not used to it."


    "Then, you should get used to this starting today. What if my child would think that I don''t love him or her?"


    "I can speak to our baby about it." she retorted still not agreeing to him.


    "But it''s different when it''s the father who''s speaking." Travis reasoned out which rendered her speechless for a moment.


    "Fine. I''ll try to get used to it. Just don''t expect it to be so soon." she compromised to his request since it''s the only way for her.


    Travis smiled and pulled her close for a hug. "Thank you for trying. I know I am asking so much from you and I am grateful that you''re trying to meet my requests."


    Jillyanna hugged him back and leaned her head on his chest. "I''ve decided that we will be in this togeher. Just give me time, okay? Just let me get used to this arrangement that we have."


    "Hn. I promised that I will wait for you." Travis kissed the top of her head while hugging her.


    "Aiiyyoo! Look at you two! Can you separate for a while?" Diego commented with an envious expression. Even though he was not single, he was being fed with dog food because his girlfriend wasn''t around.


    ''I''ll definitely fight for Cheska this time. It''s time to stop relying on Travis.'' he noted to himself mentally before washing his hands.

 Chapter 107 - COMPANY MEETING I

    After their lunch, they all went back to the company for the scheduled meeting. They only have few minutes left but he didn''t worry about it since he prepared everything before they went out for lunch.


    "Are you bringing her inside the meeting room? That''s a stressful environment, you know?" Diego mentioned to them when he came up with his laptop.


    Jillyanna was sitting on the couch while playing with Travis'' phone. "I can handle it."


    "Aigoo! You wanted to much to escape from him but now, you can''t even bare to be separated. Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Love indeed is a strange thing." Diego was clearly making fun of her but Jillyanna just rolled her eyes.


    She was checking on her accounts and Diego kept annoying her. "It''s a strange thing alright? At least, I can be with Travis openly. How about you? Cheska had to pretend as a couple with someone else just to protect you. Are you even a man?"


    "Why are you guys so mean to me? I''m thinking of a way too, okay? Stop hitting my sore spots." Diego complained with a sad face.


    Even though he kept making fun of his situation, he knew he needed to do something about it. Only that, he needed to keep in mind the effect of his actions towards the business of his best friend.


    Jillyanna saw him in a daze so she snapped her fingers in front of Diego''s face. "Don''t think of complicated things. You just have to fight for her and stake your claim. Travis will find another way to solve his business."


    Diego smiled upon hearing her words. He was glad that Travis found an honest woman. She didn''t sugar coat her words and didn''t like hiding from anyone.


    Travis stood up from his seat and picked up his laptop. He approached them and interrupted their conversation because it was time for the meeting. "Stop your chitchat for a while and let''s go to the meeting room."


    Diego and Jillyanna stood up at the same time. Diego came out first followed by the sweet couple. Travis was holding her hands, showing the people around who she belongs to.


    When they got inside the meeting room, there were several shareholders awaiting them already. Zachary was also present with Wynwyn who needed to send in some reports regarding their signed artists.


    Travis placed his laptop on the table and led Jillyanna to a couch behind his chair. "You can sit here or if you want, you can sit beside me."


    Jillyanna shook her head in refusal. "I am fine here."


    "Okay. If you feel sleepy just let me know." Travis reminded her and placed a kiss on her forehead before turning around to sit on his chair.


    Diego was seated on his right side who kept smiling like an idiot. He was delighted to see the shocked and surprised faces of everyone inside the room.


    "Let''s begin the meeting." Travis stated and everyone opened their laptop which contained the outline of the meeting and some statistical data.


    Aside from Diego, Zachary and Wynwyn, everyone couldn''t focus on the meeting because of their curiosity.


    They couldn''t help but wander their gazes back to Jillyanna''s direction, who remained calm and focus on the phone she was holding.


    "Stop looking at my wife. What will I do if she ran away because of your obvious stares? Focus on the meeting." Travis snapped at them which made everyone looked away from Jillyanna. Travis turned to Wynwyn and asked her to start the presentation of her monthly report.


    After his declaration, everyone calmed down and focused on their agenda. They only wanted to confirm the rumors and Travis just dropped the bomb right in front of them. He wasn''t really low key with his relationship.


    Jillyanna would raise her head from time to time so that she can see what''s going on. She wasn''t really interested in their meeting but she wanted to know how he''s doing in a meeting room.


    Half an hour passed since the meeting started and she didn''t hear any argument from anyone. She had always expected that a meeting of a big company would end up in a heated arguments because of disagreements and opposing opinions but, her imagination didn''t happen.


    She found Travis typing something on his laptop again and sent it. Not even three seconds passed, she received a message from him on his phone. She opened it and saw a string of words.


    "This monthly meeting is boring." that was what he sent her. Jillyanna smiled and typed to reply him.


    "Fighting! You chose this so do your job. I will be right behind you."


    "Yeah. You are right behind me."


    Reading their conversation she felt a little funny. Her statement turned out to be a little silly since she was literally sitting behind him but she knew that he got what she meant.


    The meeting continued and she felt a little sleepy already when the clock strikes at 3 o''clock in the afternoon.


    She stood up from her seat and walked to him. Everybody stopped whatever they were doing and looked at her.


    "I want to get some milk. Do you want me to bring you coffee?" Jillyanna asked him in a whisper but since it was silent in the room, everybody heard her.


    ''We want coffee, too.'' they all cried out to her mentally but their faces remained calm. To everyone, the monthly meeting is the most important yet the most boring meeting as well. It all made them feel sleepy.


    Travis nodded her head in agreement. "Ask someone to carry it over here. Don''t scald your hands." he reminded.


    Jillyanna nodded her head and made an ''OK'' sign with her hand before getting out of the meeting room.


    "Boss madam, do you need anything?" it was one of the men that was following them all day long. He was assigned to guard the door of the meeting room just in case Jillyanna or Travis needed anything.


    Jillyanna nodded her head and asked him to follow her. In the same floor, there''s a spacious pantry where employees often take their breaks.

 Chapter 108 - COMPANY MEETING II

    There''s a freshly brewed coffee and it was still steaming hot. She picked up a brown tray that she found from one of the cupboards, placed fourteen saucers and fourteen cups on it.


    "Boss Madam, let me pour the coffee. It will be bad if you get a scald from it." the bodyguard stated and helped her.


    Jillyanna didn''t argue with him and decided to find teaspoon for each coffee. She placed two sachets of coffee creamer on the saucer since she didn''t know if they like it black or creamy.


    "What''s your name?" Jillyanna asked the man who''s helping her.


    "Just call me Top, young madam." he answered her while pouring the coffee.


    Jillyanna nodded her head to acknowledge him. "Thanks for helping me Top. Just carry these and give to the shareholders. It looked to me that they will sleep anytime soon in that boring meeting. I''ll bring the one for Travis."


    "Yes young madam." he uttered and continued what he was doing.


    Jillyanna found it a bit funny because his way of calling her changed time to time but the word ''madam'' remained. She just smiled at him and prepared the coffee for Travis.


    She didn''t want him to drink a black coffee since it''s troublesome if he can''t sleep at night. She looked for a powdered milk and make a milk foam out of it to substitute it for a creamer.


    She asked Top to pour a half cup of coffee and placed it on a saucer. With the milk foam she had on one hand, she tried making her own latte for Travis. She''s not a master of making latte and could only make the simplest heart design.


    After making his latte, she prepared her own warm milk since she didn''t want to drink fresh milk.


    Top just waited for her to make sure that she won''t have a hard time bringing her glass of milk and latte for Travis.


    Top walked first so that he can open the door for her. Everyone''s eyes lit up when they saw a tray of coffee cups.


    "I was really about to sleep. Even though we are talking about money, I still feel sleepy." one of the shareholders stated. Some people nodded their heads in agreement and some just smiled.


    Jillyanna walked to Travis and placed the latte in front of him. "No black coffee for you. It''s troublesome if you can''t sleep at night."


    Travis looked at her and smiled cheekily. "Right. We need to wake up early tomorrow so I should sleep and not cause you any trouble."


    Some paused midair from drinking their coffee and some stopped stirring it after putting the creamer. What he was trying to imply was as clear as day!


    Her blush crept from her neck to her face. She was so embarrassed with what he said even though they were not really doing anything.


    "Stop spouting nonsense!" she whispered, still flustered from everyone''s attention. "I will really kick your ass if you spout nonsense again."


    Travis just chuckled and raised his hand to surrender. Since there was no table for Jillyanna to place her glass if she sits on the couch, she pulled up another swivel chair and sat beside Travis instead.


    "Are you almost done?" she inquired after seeing the marked agenda on a document opened on his laptop.


    Travis drank his latter before answering. "Yup. Two more bullets and we''re done."


    She read the documents because something caught her interest. "What if you make a reality show?" she asked Travis after reading the last agenda. "I checked your programs before and there was no reality show ever made."


    Travis noted that on his laptop. "Like what kind of reality show?" he asked her since it was a good idea and the might even get a huge profit if it was planned accordingly.


    Instead of continuing their meeting they all turned their ears on her. For shareholders, the most important thing is for them to earn money.


    Jillyanna paused for a while to think of a good program. "How about a program that involves missions for your artists? I mean, you have plenty of artists who are inactive due to some circumstances. You can involve them so that they can earn for their family, too. You can also try making a program where your artists do some babysitting for a week so that they would know how parents feel when they take care of their child."


    These were just suggestions out of nowhere but Jillyanna would soon receive plenty of grateful messages for what she did today. On a whim, she didn''t know how many people she helped out just because of these suggestions. Well, that''s a story for later.


    "That sounds plausible. Do you think our artists will agree to it?" one of the shareholders voiced out his worry.


    He was right, they have to check on their artists to see who would be available. There were many things to consider so they kept it for now and would talk about it some other times.


    Jillyanna didn''t mind though. She knew how difficult it is to prepare for a new program and it takes a lot of time for planning.


    "I''ll think of a way to make it." Travis whispered to her.


    "I prefer the first suggestion I made. It can help a lot." she whispered back.


    Travis nodded his head and typed what she wants on his laptop. "You are amazing."


    "Of course I am." she stated with a proud face, praising herself happily.


    Diego couldn''t help but make a dry cough to get their attention. Jillyanna looked at him with a raised brow. "What? Are you jealous?" If she wants, she can be bold and shameless, too.


    Diego smirked and glanced at everyone. "Stop acting like we don''t exist, okay? We are still in the office." he retorted back at her.


    She didn''t say anything back to him but she turned towards Travis instead. "Your friend is jealous and was still making excuses to involve everyone."


    Travis patted her head gently with a faint laughter. "I agree. I agree."


    Looking at them, everyone felt a little bad for Diego because he was the target of their bullying.

 Chapter 109 - DOG FOOD AGAIN I

    "You lied!" Jillyanna stated when the meeting was adjourned. She was facing Diego with her hands on her hips this time. Diego looked back at her with a questioning look. "You told me it would only last an hour."


    Diego laughed out loud at her statement. "Sorry. I didn''t know you''d believe what I said."


    "Well not exactly because I didn''t stay in his office. If I stayed and he was out for such a long time, I would really shave your head bald." she threatened him before going out first, followed by Travis.


    "A pregnant woman is always moody and I guess she chose you as a target for her to vent her negative emotions." Wynwyn murmured when she passed beside Diego.


    Zachary placed his hand on Diego''s shoulder and gave him a pat. "Good luck Dee."


    He sighed helplessly with the situation he was in. ''She must be really angry that I told Travis about her pregnancy.'' This was the realization that hits the perfect mark.


    He followed everyone out and went back to his office to call Cheska. He needed her to soothe his battered heart.


    "That meeting was so tiring and boring. Will I be witnessing this kind of meeting every month?" she complained to Travis when they got back to his office.


    "Yup. Once a month, we''ll have this boring meeting. Once a week, I will be coming here to check on some things and talk to the managers. I think you''ll enjoy the meeting for Venus Plaza projects." he answered her before placing his things on his table.


    "I''m looking forward to that." she stated with her sparkling eyes. "Are we going home now? I just want to take a rest already. It''s almost six in the evening." she had been yawning since earlier but she didn''t want to sleep alone inside his office so she endured it until the meeting was over.


    "Hn. We''ll go home now. Just give me a moment." He opened the lowest drawer and pulled a laptop case. He put the laptop inside and returned it inside the drawer. He''s got confidential documents and files so everything should be kept properly.


    He picked up his keys and walked towards her. "Let''s go."


    Jillyanna held his hands and walked out of the room. She liked watching the city lights so they walked back again to his car that was parked some distance from the building.


    "You really chose the best area. No wonder many people admire you for your capabilities." she spoke softly while looking around the place which was dotted with lights since it was getting dark already.


    "I don''t need their admiration. I just need yours." he retorted, making her blush again. He loves watching her going all red from his teasing. He loves her smile and he loves her when she''s sulking. He loves everything about her.


    "Ahh!" she exclaimed when she realized something.


    Travis looked at her worriedly and asked, "What happened?"


    Jillyanna scratched her nose awkwardly and leaned closer to him. Her gaze was shifting from left to right. "I don''t have clothes for tonight and tomorrow."


    He pulled her close and hugged her tightly. "How can you be so cute?" he whispered while kissing her nose again and again in front of his car.


    Jillyanna didn''t know what to do with him. She gave him a foot and now he''s taking a mile of advantage on her.


    "Stop kissing me. We''re still outside." she murmured while covering his mouth with her hand to stop him from kissing her again.


    Travis removed her hand so he can speak to her. His eyes were twinkling with mischief and Jillyanna felt an oncoming headache. "I can''t kiss you outside? Then, can I kiss you when we''re inside?"


    "Shut up. Let''s just leave already. Who knows, there might be people in one of these parked cars and are watching us. It''s embarrassing."


    She wasn''t wrong at all. In a car opposite theirs, someone was able to take a video of them from the moment they walked to their car and including the kissing of her nose.


    The Internet world exploded again with another commotion. In one day, they were fed twice with a dog food.


    The person who captured the video was one of Jillyanna''s fans. She posted it online with a caption that melts the young hearts of everyone.


    THE CITY LIGHTS SHOWED THE MOST SINCERE AND LOVING EYES. @I_amHerHusband. @goddess_YNA, I JUST WANT EVERYONE TO BE FED SO I''M SHARING THIS. LOVE YOU BOTH.


    This post garnered thousands of likes and comment in just half an hour. Several artists from J Entertainment had followed her already and they knew where exactly the video was taken.


    "OMG! Even if I can''t hear the words they were saying, the video speaks his sincerity and her cute side." this was the top comment that many people agreed and replied.


    TheaMiller(v): "I saw her in our company today. She was just so beautiful! I even got her signature ^_^."


    It was a comment from an artist who was having a photoshoot when Jillyanna had a tour. She even attached a picture of her autograph.


    "I saw them eating in a restaurant earlier too. I really want to know their relationship. Just a confirmation is enough."


    "Person above, you don''t have to ask. The videos and photos can show it."


    Dee_4_Diego (v): "This couple bullied me for the whole day! @goddess_YNA, I will show you my revenge in the future.


    prettyyWyn_wyn (v): "Don''t even think about it @Dee_4_Diego. You can''t win."


    Since there were many artists and verified accounts who commented on the video, people was somehow convinced that something was brewing between the two.


    The subject of discussion? They were still busy looking for clothes that she can wear from a grand clothing line.


    "Let''s just get something that I can wear tomorrow. I am so tired already." Jillyanna stated while trying to mix and match the different clothes that Travis handed her.


    "Just get everything. We''ll be back here from time to time so it''s better that you have clothes at home." Travis responded. In the end, they bought everything that he chose for her.

 Chapter 110 - DOG FOOD AGAIN II

    When Travis wasn''t watching her, instead of paying the clothes using his black card, she pulled out her own card and paid the items as quick as possible.


    The moment Travis showed up beside her, she had returned the card in her wallet already.


    "Did you pay these already?" Travis asked her while checking his phone. There was no notification from his bank.


    Jillyanna could only face-palmed herself because of her stupidity. ''Why didn''t I think about the notification?'' she exclaimed internally while looking around the store, avoiding his direct gaze.


    "You didn''t use my card, do you?" he asked again with his scrutinizing gaze. There''s no way for his bank not to send him a notification if his card was used.


    Jillyanna sighed helplessly and turned to face him. "I didn''t use it because...because..." she couldn''t think of any reason.


    "Because of what?"


    "Because you will be paying for my things tomorrow. Oh, that''s right. You will be shopping with me tomorrow." Jillyanna tried her best to sound natural while giving her reason.


    Travis knew that she was just making excuses but he didn''t press her more. He will wait for her to get used to their arrangement because he promised to give her time.


    After buying her clothes, Travis brought her home to Peachwood Pavillion. It was still located in the same city but it was a bit far from the noisy environment. It was grand and most of the residence there were billionaires.


    "Don''t show off your wealth in front of me." Jillyanna commented with a pout after seeing the huge mansion that they will be staying.


    Travis laughed again because of her cute little antics. He walked out first and Jillyanna followed without waiting for him to open the door. He decided to grab the shopping bags for her and led her inside the house.


    "This is where we will stay every time we go here." Travis mentioned to her after opening the door.


    "When did you have this house?" she asked while looking around. It looked bare and lonely.


    "I bought this when we celebrated the first anniversary of J Entertainment." Travis answered her. "What do you want for dinner?" he asked.


    She was busy looking at the pictures on the shelf. To her surprise, he still have the picture of them when they were young. "I''m still full from the lunch. Milk and fruits would be fine." She didn''t even look at him when she answered so she didn''t know that he was already standing right behind him.


    "What caught your interest?" Travis asked, which startled her a little.


    "Don''t stand behind me! You''ll scare me." she complained, giving him a light punch on his chest.


    Travis caught her hand and kissed her knuckles. "Sorry. I was just jealous that something else caught your attention."


    "You''re jealous of yourself? Hahaha" she laughed out loud while taking the picture frame with her other hand. "I was looking at this." she showed it to him and Travis finally smiled. "You''re so silly."


    He just looked at the picture and helped her return it. Still holding her hand, he led her to the kitchen so that she can chose the fruits she wanted to eat.


    Travis didn''t bother giving her a tour that night since they will be staying for quite a while. She will have more time to check the house.


    He prepared the hot bath for her and chose a large white shirt and drawstring pants for her to use because he needed to wash the clothes they bought first. It wasn''t good to let her use them without cleaning them first.


    "I''ll help you with the clothes." Jillyanna offered to help but Travis pushed her back to their room.


    "Just clean yourself already and take a rest. I won''t take long here."


    "Okay."


    She didn''t insist anymore but she didn''t sleep either. She waited for him to finish washing the clothes. He didn''t really cleaned everything. He just prioritize the ones that Jillyanna chose to wear for the following day.


    After an hour Travis, came back with her dried clothes and set them inside the wardrobe. "Why aren''t you sleeping yet?"


    "I waited for you."


    "You don''t really have to wait for me. Though I am happy, we still need to prioritize your health and the baby."


    "Just this once." Then she slid under the thick blanket to get some sleep. She''s really uncomfortable sleeping with some clothes on but she didn''t want to sleep naked beside him as well. Along the way, her lifestyle was changed drastically and she''s trying her best to get used to it.


    The next morning, she woke up around nine. She turned to her other side and felt the cold bed. The alarm rang in her mind and she sat up instantly. She looked around her, trying to recognize the place. It took her almost a minute to realize where she was.


    "Travis?" she called out his name while walking down the stairs. She heard some noise and followed it, leading her to Travis who was cooking in the kitchen.


    "You''re awake. How''s your sleep?" Travis approached her, apron still tied around his waist, looking so handsome in front of her. He kissed her forehead and poured him a glass of water.


    "I had a good sleep but I woke up agitated." she told him the truth before taking a drink. "Don''t leave the bed if I am not awake yet, specially if I am in unfamiliar place."


    "Are you in love with me now that you can''t bare to wake up without me beside you?" he teased, giving her a sexy wink but Jillyanna just rolled her eyes at him.


    "Don''t be too full of yourself. I''m telling you this because I tend to run away from a place that is not familiar to me." she told him while avoiding his eyes.


    It was just an excuse. She just didn''t want to admit that she was starting to become dependent on him.

 Chapter 111 - DOG FOOD AGAIN III

    After having their meal, as planned, they left the house for a tour and to buy her a new phone. Jillyanna wanted to try doing vlogs as well so she''s using his phone to film.


    In fact, Travis had extra phones but he likes the idea of her using his phone or him buying a phone for her.


    She started taking videos of her and Travis along the way and sometimes, shifting the video to the scenery outside.


    "This is actually fun! In this way, my fans would not feel sad that I''m not going to sing for a while." she spoke after pausing the video recording.


    Travis nodded his head in agreement because he himself didn''t want her to stop singing. It was obvious that singing makes her happy and he wanted her to be happy all the time.


    "Do you still not want to see Cheska?" Travis asked while driving to one of the biggest shopping malls in the city.


    "Why are you asking me this?" she was frowning and her eyes looked sullen.


    "I just thought of making her your personal doctor. It''s better if we know the doctor who''s checking on you. Remember what Enzo said? Some doctors working in Senyu Medical Center are your enemies."


    He was making sense. Jillyanna thought for a while and agreed with him. "I understand your point. However, won''t it be better to ask her after my first trimester? I want to see who are the ones interested in my identity. We have one who found me already."


    "Right. I''ll ask my men to investigate on that doctor." Travis answered her. He parked his car at the basement parking lot and asked two of his men to stay and guard it.


    Top and the others were surrounding them from different places, just enough distance for them to assist if anything happens.


    They immediately went to the gadgets department and chose a new phone for Jillyanna. "You were using an iphone before, right? Let''s just get the latest model from the same brand."


    "Okay." Jillyanna nodded and checked on the displays to find which one could catch her attention.


    The attendant was also very helpful and she answered all her questions regarding the phones she took a liking.


    Jillyanna turned to Travis who was taking a video of her. "Should I just get the iphone 11 pro max? I''ll be using your card this time and it''s expensive."


    "What are you talking about? Just get it. That card won''t run out of money." he told her after placing the recording on pause. They can just edit it later to make things look wonderful even after all the pauses they made.


    When she finished checking its feature using the displayed model, she bought the same model using his black card. Travis smiled seeing his card being swiped.


    "What about a camera for your video taking?" Travis asked her.


    "No need. I can do it with my phone." she stated while waiting for the attendant to finish the transaction. When the attendant came back, she was holding a clear white phone case and a marker.


    "Goddess YNA, can I get your autograph? I want to make it my phone cover." the attendant stated while giving her the shopping bag containing her phone.


    "Sure." Jillyanna took the case and marker to write her signature and some quotes in it. "Thank you for following and for supporting me." she added before giving the things back.


    "I really love your songs. I am so happy to have you here." the attendant replied.


    "Thanks a lot. I hope you''ll get many customers today." she retorted with a smile. And just like a blessing, the girl received many customers asking her which phone Jillyanna bought because they''re buying the same thing. Not many can afford of the item, so they chose the same phone cover Jillyanna bought instead.


    Travis was having a wonderful time beside her, taking her videos and capturing her smiles. "Where should we go next?" he inquired since they don''t really have proper itinerary for the day.


    Jillyanna thought for a while and grabbed his hand, leading him to the department store for men''s clothing.


    "Your clothes were always monochrome and I am so bored looking at them. Let''s try new colors for you." While saying this, her hands didn''t stop moving from picking suits and shirt that she liked. "You change to these. I will wait here."


    In the end, they spent two hours for Travis to finish everything she chose for him. Jillyanna set aside the ones that looks great on him and returned the ones that didn''t, which was 5 out of 23 items she picked.


    She paid it using his card again and asked the attendant to hand them to their body guards so that they can bring it back to the car.


    Since she was becoming more famous, there were severals sales attendant and shoppers who asked for her autograph.


    When it was almost 1 o''clock in the afternoon, she felt hungry. "Travis, where shall we eat? I don''t know any place to eat here."


    "Don''t worry, I booked a restaurant already for lunch. Let''s go?" he stretched his hand towards her and Jillyanna reached for it. Hand in hand, they looked for the restaurant that he booked.


    "They look so good together! I want to follow them all day." one of the shoppers commented while taking pictures of their back, walking away from the department store.


    "She bought so many things for Mr. Madrigal but I haven''t heard that they''re married." it was from an attendant who got an autograph from her. "I hope Mr. Madrigal won''t play the feelings of my goddess." she added with concern.


    Different opinions from different people were expressed but Jillyanna and Travis didn''t really care about such things. They will do whatever they want that can make them happy.


    "I am tired already and I felt a little dizzy, too. Let''s just go home after this." Jillyanna stated while massaging her temples.


    Travis pulled her closer and rubbed his head. "We''ll go home after eating."

 Chapter 112 - THE PRESS CONFERENCE

    Since she wasn''t feeling well, they went home after their lunch. Travis was worried for her but Jillyanna didn''t want to go to the hospital because she''s really tired.


    "I just need to rest and I''ll be fine. Don''t worry." Jillyanna reassured him since he didn''t look convinced of her words. "Don''t go anywhere when I''m sleeping."


    "Hn. I''ll be right beside you." he answered her and sped up the car to reach home immediately. He instructed his men to bring their shopping bags inside and walked Jillyanna to their room.


    He prepared the hot bath for her while she removed her clothings. "Just get in the bath. I''ll look for your sleeping clothes." Travis called out to her from the bathroom.


    Jillyanna obeyed and get in as soon as she can. The warm water comforted her and she started to relax in the tub. "I want to stay in the bath tub forever."


    "Don''t be silly. You only have 15 minutes." Travis reminded her. He went inside the glass-covered shower room and took a cold bath for himself.


    She may or may not know but, everytime he''s seen her naked or when she''s very close to him, it will turn him on immediately. He had been controlling himself all this time because he can''t touch her. He promised not to touch her again if she didn''t love him with all her being - body, heart and soul.


    After 15 minutes, Travis went out of the shower room with his bathrobe. When he checked on her, she was sleeping with her head leaning on the side of the tub.


    He picked her up immediately, with so much difficulty, he put on her robe for her before bringing her out to place her on their bed.


    He took a towel and placed it under her head before drying her hair that got wet during her bath. "How can you sleep that fast?" he murmured to himself while blowing her hair dry.


    When he was done, he climbed down the bed and chose the night dress for her. He knew that she was uncomfortable wearing clothes whenever she sleeps but, God have mercy on him, if she won''t put any clothes on, he''d be dead.


    When they bought her clothes, he also chose few night dresses for her. He picked up the black silk dress and a black underwear; and helped her wear it.


    "I just took a shower and looks like I have to do it again." he stated while making sure she''s comfortable with her clothes.


    After dressing her up, he went back to the shower and took a bath again. He put on his pajamas when he was done and slid under the blanket to stay beside her.


    Feeling the warmth beside her, Jillyanna curled up close to him and sleep comfortably. Travis pulled her even closer, placed her head on his arm and hugged her waist.


    ''Just calm down Travis.'' he whispered to himself mentally before drifting off to sleep.


    Meanwhile, Wynwyn was told not to make any press conference but since she had released the schedule online already, it would be bad for their image if she would just cancel it.


    Reporters kept coming to get some news about the rumors. Wynwyn came out and spoke with her calm and collected voice. "Good afternoon everyone! I am Wynwyn, the head of PR Department. Today, we will answer all your questions regarding the rumor. You only have 30 minutes to ask me, so use your time wisely."


    It''s always like that. Short but direct to the point. They don''t make any roundabout speech. That''s J Entertainment for you.


    When they got a go signal, reporters started raising their hands to ask a question. Wynwyn picked a lady from the front and their guard gave her the microphone.


    "We all wanted to know the truth, is the person on the music video of the Internet Idol named Goddess YNA, really Mr. Travis Madrigal?"


    Wynwyn leaned on the microphone with a smile. "Yes. That is our boss."


    They raised their hands again to ask a follow up question. Wynwyn chose a man with a blonde hair from the middle lane.


    "To follow up with that statement, are they in a relationship?"


    Wynwyn kept her smile intact an answered them again. "My boss is still chasing after her."


    "You mentioned in your post that this company was built for her, do they know each other for a long time already?"


    "Yes. My boss named this entertainment for her. They knew each other since they were kids but they got separated due to some circumstances." she responded to them confidently.


    The press conference continued like a heated battle to know the truth behind the sudden appearance of Mr. Madrigal in a music video.


    But as previously mentioned, they only have 30 minutes to ask their questions. Even if they still wanted to ask more, Wynwyn already left after 30 minutes.


    "Oh my gosh! I want to know more about their relationship." one of the reporters sighed with a content smile.


    "You''re a fan of them?" a middle aged man asked the young female reporter.


    "Yes." she answered shortly with a smile.


    "My daughter is a fan of them, too. As for me, I am just doing my job but I like her song as well." the middle aged man stated before leaving.


    It weren''t just the reporters who wanted to know more. The netizens wanted to know as well.


    Because they went out today, several photos of them that were taken at the mall, circulated in the Internet world.


    "She looks so pretty whenever she smiles at him!" a comment was posted under the photo of Jillyanna talking to Travis at the gadget store.


    "Look at her picking clothes for him! She''s really sweet." it was another photo of them when they were choosing clothes for Travis.


    "Every day! Everyday I am fed with dog foods!" another fan commented with a broken heart emoji.


    "If you watched the press conference, you''d be really become broken hearted." a replied was posted under the comment above.


    "I was distracted with their sweet moments! What happened to the press conference?"


    With that, Jillyanna and Travis became the hot topic again. They even shut the famous stars and some were even thankful because the focus was no longer them.


    It was so difficult for them to be followed with paparazzi everyday.

 Chapter 113 - DISCUSSION IN THE KITCHEN

    The world was in heated discussion but their subjects were still on the bed. It was quarter to five in the afternoon already but Jillyanna was still sleeping.


    Travis woke up earlier already but he promised not to go anywhere until she wakes up. "Who would''ve thought you''d be this clingy to me?" he whispered, kissing her head gently, caressing her smooth hair that were sprawled on the pillow.


    Jillyanna moved closer to him and hugged his waist. "Stop moving around. I am still sleepy."


    Travis had known that pregnant women tend to get sleepy time to time. He searched it when she was sleeping at the hospital and he found many other things.


    He just hugged her contentedly as she went back to sleep. When it was almost six in the evening, he woke her up with his kisses.


    "Wake up my dear wife. It''s not good to sleep for so long." he kissed her forehead while caressing her face.


    Jillyanna stirred from her sleep and turned to her other side, facing her back on him. "I don''t want to get up."


    "You will get fat if you keep on sleeping."


    "I don''t care!"


    "Our baby needs to eat dinner."


    This made her open her eyes and turned to face him. "Don''t cook a lot so I can go back to rest immediately, okay?"


    "Hn. What do you want?"


    "I want pork chop and fish fillet and a bowl of noodles. No rice." she told him while counting with her fingers.


    "Not a lot huh." he teased her which made her blush.


    "Do you want to cook or not?" Jillyanna asked her to hide her embarrassment.


    Travis chuckled and leaned closer, kissing her nose this time. "I will cook for you and the baby. Are you going down with me or just stay here?"


    "I''m going down." Jillyanna climbed down from the bed and look for her slippers. "Huh? My slippers are still in the bathroom?" she murmured while getting her slippers back.


    Travis heard her and chuckled faintly. "You slept in the tub so I had to carry you out. I left your slippers there."


    ''I slept? Carry me out?'' she was blown away with these thoughts and when she realized who dressed her again, her face was so red that any moment a blood could actually seeped out.


    "What''s wrong?" Travis asked her when she turned silent and won''t raise her head at all. He saw her red neck and ears so he realized that she was blushing again. "I see. You realized that I dressed you up?"


    "Can you not say it?!" she snapped at him before storming out of the room, leaving a happy Travis who was throwing a fit of laughter.


    Jillyanna went to the kitchen and poured a glass of water to drink. She also grabbed an apple before going to the living room.


    "Do you want to check the video we took earlier?" Travis asked as he handed the phone to her.


    "I''ll check it when we get back to our house." she responded to him in refusal. She didn''t have a laptop with her to edit her video and she didn''t want to see it yet.


    "Alright. I''ll start cooking now. Just let me know if you need anything." Travis kissed her head again before leaving.


    "You''re becoming a kiss addict now." she stated in her soft voice, just enough for him to hear.


    "I don''t mind. It''s because I''m addicted to you." he retorted making her blush again, an expression that he wanted to see often.


    He went to the kitchen and picked the ingredients from the refrigerator and started washing them.


    Jillyanna followed him with the empty glass after few minutes. She placed it on the table and borrowed his phone.


    She checked her account first and found that the topic online was still them. She saw different pictures of them today. There was a photo of their backs, their faces, their hands linked together and many other angles.


    "Don''t they know about you and Cheska?" Jillyanna asked after looking at the pictures.


    Travis stopped chopping the onions and turned to face her. "Some tried making a rumor about it but Diego suppressed those magazines and news company. Nobody gave a statement either and Wynwyn didn''t bother clarifying it because of the business matter."


    "So, I am the first person to appear beside you?" she asked in disbelief. Almost all the people rich people she knew were playboys. Which was one of the reasons why she didn''t entertain wealthy suitors. She thought Travis wasn''t and even gave him a chance. "It was really my mistake." she mumbled helplessly.


    "What mistake are you talking about?" Travis inquired because he felt that he was involve in this mistake she mentioned.


    Jillyanna put down his phone and looked at him. "The mistake of giving you a chance. Remember when I said I hate hanging out with rich people? I honestly thought you''re just an average person. You didn''t even wear any expensive clothings that time. Now, I realized I was fooled and trapped."


    "I''m sorry. I didn''t really mean to hide anything from you." Travis spoke with a guilty expression. He knew that it was indeed a bad idea but he can''t help it. He wanted to be by her side and he can only do that by acting as an average person.


    "Forget it. It''s not like we can change it." she waved her hand in dismissal. She looked through the pictures again and found a comment that were disliked by many people.


    "You can be happy as you want now. It won''t last long anyway."


    She was so bothered by it and that she saved the post in her account. "I''ll get my own phone to set it up." she walked as fast as she could to get her phone which was left in the living room, together with the other shopping bags.


    She needed it to check on her account and make a report to Lucian.

 Chapter 114 - JILLYANNA WAS HATED

    ***


    DON''T FORGET TO VOTE, LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS AND REVIEWS, AND SHARE THIS BOOK WITH YOUR FRIENDS. HAPPY READING EVERYONE!


    **


    Jillyanna set up her phone as soon as she can but she eventually realized that she didn''t have a sim card.


    "What the heck!" she cursed to herself, placing her hand down and went back to Travis. "Let''s go back home tomorrow, shall we?"


    "Why are you rushing now?" Travis asked her who was still busy cooking.


    Jillyanna sat down on the chair with both hers and his phone in her hand. "I need to get my sim card back from the old phone."


    "Why not ask Lucian to send it here through delivery?"


    "I just want to go home. You''re done with your business anyway. Let''s just go home for now. We''re coming back next time so it''s fine." she couldn''t tell him about her issue yet. She could be mistaken so she wanted to deal it by herself.


    She connected the phone through WiFi and sent Lucian a message with the post and comment she saved.


    It wasn''t even half an hour since she saw that post and there were more posts coming out.


    "Don''t know where she got the courage to hook up with Mr. Madrigal but she''s a home wrecker!"


    "Oh! I heard it from my dad! Mr. Madrigal is engaged to someone and she ruined it."


    "Is that true? I don''t think so. I''ve never seen Travis Madrigal with any women before."


    "It''s because his friends and everyone from entertainment industry covered it up."


    "Your goddess must have a great bed skills for him to abandon his fiance."


    "How many rounds can she actually give him?"


    Their comments and posts were getting nastier and malicious. It even involves some sexual terms, making her look like a bitch and a home wrecker.


    She was so furious this time. She didn''t care about how people viewed her before but this time, she''s pregnant and she didn''t want her baby to be affected like this when he/she grows up.


    Jillyanna breathed in and out to calm herself just in time for her to receive Lucian''s reply. Since Travis was busy cooking, he didn''t notice any abnormalities from her.


    "Did you tell Travis about this?" Lucian simply asked her.


    Jillyanna looked guiltily at the back of the person in front of her. "I didn''t want to let him know."


    "Alright. I''ll take a look on this later. By the way, regarding your mother''s case, it looked like that her family was involved in the crime." Lucian informed her of the update.


    Jillyanna had this feeling before so it was no longer new to her. "I don''t care about her family. My mother has no one beside me and my father! Do whatever you want before I do what I want."


    "Hey Yanna! Don''t even dare stain your hands with their blood! I''ll work on this." Lucian warned her again. Because they knew, the incident 2 years ago when she almost died, it was also the doing of her relatives. They just couldn''t find any evidence against them.


    Travis turned to look at her but she only smiled as if nothing happened. "I''m almost done here."


    "Okay." she obediently nodded her head and checked her account again. If possible, she didn''t want to return his phone to him. ''What a bad timing! Of all times, you specially posted these when I have my own phone now.'' she exclaimed mentally while keeping a straight face in front of him.


    Travis didn''t bother and continued cooking but he already noticed something. She smiled at him but that smile didn''t reach her eyes. ''Something''s wrong.'' he noted while cooking. He didn''t want to get his phone back as of now because she might notice that he knew something. He decided to play along.


    "I don''t believe her to be like this! Stop labeling her with names! I won''t trust anyone except my goddess and Mr. Madrigal."


    "It''s just a fiance. Not a wife! They are not married yet! Travis can still fall in love to our goddess! What the hell are you talking about! Labeling her with a ''home wrecker'' is just wrong! You must be a mistress yourself!"


    "I agree! It''s not like Travis is married to someone."


    "Don''t just make your own speculations, you fame whore! I''m telling you, my goddess is not a home wrecker!"


    Amidst this issue, Jillyanna''s true fans stood on her side and fought for her. They won''t let anyone sully her name. Jillyanna felt her nose stings from so much emotions. She was really thankful for these people. It''s because of them that she continued to give her best.


    "I''ll go upstairs." she spoke and walked out of the kitchen to go back to her room. She needed to wash her face or else, he will knew.


    Travis turned around and didn''t see his phone. "Come back quickly. I am done here already." he reminded her while setting the table for dinner.


    Jillyanna brought their phones with her and turned his phone to silent because Diego kept calling him. He must have seen the posts online and wanted to tell Travis about it.


    When she came back, she didn''t bring their phones with her. Travis noticed it but didn''t ask either.


    "I made a seafood noodles for you." Travis mentioned before placing the bowl of noodles in front of her.


    "This smells good." she stated while eyeing the noodles with her sparkling eyes. When it comes to food, it''s easy to make her smile.


    Travis placed the sweetened fish fillet he made as well as the barbecue flavored pork chop in front of her.


    He also made his own servings so that they''re eating the same food. "What time should we leave tomorrow?" he inquired while waiting for the noodles to cool down a little.


    "Morning. We need to go home as soon as possible. I miss my house." she responded nonchalantly.


    He didn''t miss the pronoun she used. She had been using our house or our home these past few days but now, she''s back to using ''my''.


    "I miss our house, too." Travis replied, emphasizing on the ''our'' part. Jillyanna just smiled cheekily at him like it was nothing.

 Chapter 115 - THE HOME WRECKER

    She ate her food calmly like nothing was bothering her. Travis on the other hand was bothered by her silence.


    Online, people of opposing sides were discussing the issue heatedly. At first, Jillyanna''s fans were still fighting for her but they, as well, turned silent went when a picture of Travis an Cheska resurfaced.


    "These are the pictures I got before and I published this for only an hour before Mr. Sandoval suppressed our company to closure. J Entertainment would bully us if they don''t want their stinky secrets out. Well, it doesn''t matter now."


    Attached to this post were series of pictures of Cheska and Travis. There was a picture of them in a banquet, their arms linked together. Another picture was taken from the airport where Travis and Diego sent Cheska off. There was also a picture of them having dinner with Cheska''s family. So many pictures that people started to believe the issue already.


    Jillyanna, the home wrecker. This was the new hot topic that everyone was talking about.


    "Lucian, what are these? They are talking badly of your sister!" his fellow officers were all looking at him to know what''s going on. Jillyanna wasn''t just a singer to them or a normal sister-in-law of Lucian, she''s their comrade.


    Lucian took a long breath and let it out. "I am checking on these accounts right now. I needed to talk to Travis but my sister isn''t talking to him. She''s holding his phone as well so he can''t answer my call. There are only two possibilities, either this is the doing of Jillyanna''s rival or this is the doing of Madrigal''s rival."


    "Let us help with the investigation, too. I''ll have Officer Nik check on the accounts that were causing a fuss." one of the officers stated.


    "That would be a great help. Thank you." Lucian responded before going back to work.


    It weren''t just them who was worrying for her. Cielo had been pacing back and forth in her room while thinking what to do. She had been calling Travis but he won''t answer, which means it was Jillyanna who was holding his phone. Travis would always answer her call because she was deemed important to Jillyanna but now, her calls were rejected.


    "Yanna, what am I suppose to do here?" she murmured to herself with a helpless expression. She sat down on her bed and started thinking again. She remained bothered by it until Lucian came home.


    J Entertainment was in chaos as well. Diego was so furious that he flipped the documents on his table. His secretary flinched and didn''t say anything.


    Wynwyn was also in his room to discuss this matter.


    "Can you stop throwing the documents! Your secretary had been arranging this! It''s not an easy task!" Wynwyn yelled at him and helped the secretary pick up the scattered papers.


    "Damn that old man! It must be his doing!" Diego cursed loudly, not really caring that he was badmouthing his future father-in-law.


    Wynwyn sighed, giving the papers to the secretary and returned back to her seat. "Only you and Cheska can clear this out."


    "Travis isn''t answering my calls either." he commented, looking at the city lights outside the building.


    It''s night time already and they were supposed to go home but, it looked like they''re going to work their brains overtime.


    "Jillyanna is holding his phone which is why Travis can''t answer. He might not know about what''s going on." Wynwyn responded to him.


    "Shall we go to his house?" Diego proposed.


    Wynwyn rolled her eyes in his idiotic idea. "Jillyanna is pregnant. Are you saying we''ll go and disturb a pregnant woman? Do you want Travis to kick our ass?"


    "I''ll go back home tonight. I''ll talk to Cheska about this." Diego decided on the spot and picked up his coat and keys.


    Wynwyn also followed him out and went back to her office where her husband was waiting for her.


    "So? What did he say?" Zach asked, picked up her coat and helped her wear it.


    "Travis didn''t know yet. Jillyanna is currently using his phone and won''t answer anyone''s call. Diego is going back home to talk to Cheska about this."


    "Jillyanna must be thinking of some ways. As a famous personality, she must have experienced these kind of things. She knew how to deal with this which is why she didn''t let Travis know." Zach expressed his opinion which hit the bull''s eye.


    They all went home and tried to find a way to deal the issue. Wynwyn turned to her account and released a statement as well.


    prettyWyn_wyn (v): Whatever speculations you are making, the truth will be revealed soon.


    Zachary_Love_Wyn (v): I''ve seen how much he loves her. She''s the first woman he introduced to us as well. I won''t believe anyone but our CEO and his woman.


    Other artists started to express their opinions as well to support Jillyanna and Travis. They would never let anyone bully someone from J Entertainment. Not their boss or the boss''s woman.


    Cheska also found the news and she never expected to be involved in such an issue. She felt a sudden headache and wanted to smack someone.


    "Hey doc, I didn''t know you are Mr. Madrigal''s fiance." joked one of her assistant nurse who was cleaning the materials before going home.


    Cheska glared at her. "I am not his fiance! My goodness! Who the hell made this report?" she vented her frustration and slammed her hand on her table.


    "Why don''t you say anything doc? You can post a statement online, you know." her nurse informed her.


    "I need to talk to Diego and Travis about this! Much to say, Jillyanna is pregnant. She can''t be stressed for this kind of issues. I am so hating this!"


    "Yeah. I felt bad for her. She''s labeled as ''home wrecker'' now." her assistant responded.


    In the end, they couldn''t do anything because they don''t know who caused it yet. They needed a countermeasure that would sweep everyone with a net and not let them go.


    Jillyanna finished eating her food and helped Travis to wash the plates. They lived their life peacefully.

 Chapter 116 - WONT TELL ME? THEN, ILL KISS YOU.

    Officer Nik, an IT specialist who works on the same team as Lucian found several loopholes on the network system when he investigated the posts.


    He went to Lucian and and informed him of his findings. "The account owners were not the one who posted the reports online. When I checked the I.P address, there was a loophole and I found that the accounts were hacked and was used by someone else to post something. Three posts were of the same case. The ones that posted several pictures was done by a reporter who lost his job after J Entertainment suppressed them."


    Lucian nodded his head as acknowledgement. "Find where these people are and bring them here for questioning."


    They all moved and started locating the account holder using the IP address that Officer Nik found.


    On the other hand, Jillyanna was in a huge problem. Travis wanted to use his phone and he might check his social media account. It would be very troublesome because he was mentioned several times due to the issue online.


    ''He''ll find out!'' she screamed internally and looked at him. "Why...why do you want your phone?"


    "Because it''s my phone?" Travis retorted with a faint chuckle.


    Jillyanna was embarrassed with that fact. Indeed, why was she not letting him use his own phone?


    She scratched the tip of her nose and shifted her gaze from left to right. She could not look at him directly. "You see...I...I am still using it. Just use this later okay. I will let you know if someone important calls you. Just...Just let me use this for now."


    Travis took a step forward to see his phone. Jillyanna put it behind her back and took a step backward. "Why won''t you let me see it?" he took another step in front of her.


    Jillyanna gulped and took a step back. "There''s nothing important in here. I just want to check my account."


    "But you have your own phone already." Travis answered while taking another step.


    Jillyanna bumped on the edge of the bed and sat. "Wait. Let me explain." she spoke hurriedly. Fear and anxiety showed up in her eyes.


    Travis stopped few inches from her and spoke. "You''re hiding something from me. You didn''t book any flight out of the country, did you?"


    "I did not." she answered almost automatically. She can''t blame him if his thought would lean on the side of her escape plan. He must be holding a grudge of her multiple attempt to escape.


    Travis leaned closer at her and stared at her eyes. "Then, tell me what''s bothering you all this time."


    Jillyanna sealed her lips and didn''t say anything. ''Why must you make things difficult for me?!'' she yelled internally but she kept a straight face in front of him.


    Travis leaned even closer. "You won''t tell me?" His face was few inches away from hers and his hot breath fanned her face, making her blush again.


    Jillyanna didn''t move, firmed with her decision to keep things to herself for now. She didn''t want to rely on him too much that she won''t be able to live her life when he''s not around. What will she do if he found someone better and leave her? As much as possible, she wanted to do things without his help.


    Not receiving any response from her, Travis gathered all his courage and stole a kiss on her lips. "Speak."


    Jillyanna was shocked with what he did. Her blush crept up from her neck to her face and ears.


    "You''re an idiot!" she smacked his chest and hid her upper body under the blanket. She didn''t forget to hide his phone with her.


    Her pinkish-white feet were still exposed in front of him. His gaze turned dark and he couldn''t help but tease her again. He kissed the back of her legs which made her curl her body.


    "Stop it!" her voice was muffled because she was still under the blanket. She kept thrashing her legs but Travis held it and kissed the back of her knees. His kisses were traveling up to the back of her thighs.


    "I said stop it!" she removed the blanket that covers her and glared at him. Her teary and bright eyes looked so enticing that he wanted to tease her more.


    Travis hovered above her and asked again. "What are you hiding from me?"


    "Nothing." she lied again. Her flushed face and strewn hair was giving him a hard this time.


    Travis kissed her again, not a peck this time. His tongue invaded her mouth, not giving her time to react.


    Her wide and teary eyes were pretty sight for him. Jillyanna didn''t want to let go of the phones and she was feeling dizzy from the intensity of his kiss. Using her other free hand, she pinched his waist to stop him.


    Travis stopped and looked at her. "Will you tell me now?"


    "You''re so annoying! How can you kiss me out of nowhere?" she complained, crawling out of his arms and went to her side of the bed.


    Travis climbed up the bed and slid under the blanket beside her. "I''m sorry I went over the line." he hugged her from behind and let her use his arms as her pillow.


    "Something''s poking my back." she commented calmly but her face turned another deep shade of red.


    Travis chuckled and caressed her hair. "Don''t mind it. It will calm down in a while. Just don''t move."


    Jillyanna didn''t know what to say. She had never seen someone so aroused because of her. She kept quiet and didn''t move in her place, still holding the phones in her hand.


    "Don''t do it again." Jillyanna spoke after few minutes.


    Travis raised one of his eyebrow. "What do you mean?" he asked even though he knew what she''s talking about.


    "Don''t kiss me again." she spoke softly before moving away from him. "I don''t like you doing that to me. It''s scaring me."


    Travis suddenly felt alarmed. ''This isn''t good.''

 Chapter 117 - HER PAINFUL THOUGHTS

    Travis moved closer to her but Jillyanna didn''t want to face him right now. With the issues going on, with her vague relationship to him, with all the embarrassing incidents, she felt so horrible and ridiculous right now.


    "Hey Jill! What''s wrong?" Travis asked her worriedly.


    "Nothing. I am just not in the mood for your jokes right now." she replied to him, clutching the phones tightly in her hand.


    "I am not joking with you. What can I do for you to believe me?" Travis was also feeling helpless. He thought they had settled this matter already but it looked like she was still insecure over some matters.


    Jillyanna didn''t speak and cried silently. What they have right now scared her the most. She didn''t want to get used to his presence at all. She didn''t want to be dependent on him. She didn''t want to rely on him.


    However, everything changed in just a few days and that scared her so much.


    "Travis, I think it''s really wrong that we''re together." she spoke softly, trying not to sniff else he''d find out that''s she''s crying.


    "Don''t joke with me Jill! What''s really bothering you? We promised not to keep any secrets, right? Why are you changing your mind again? What have I done?"


    Hearing these series of questions, she felt guiltier than ever. Maybe he didn''t do anything wrong. Maybe, she''s the problem, the burden of this relationship.


    Travis pulled her back and hugged her tightly. "Jill, don''t go please."


    "Shouldn''t I be the one saying that?" she whispered in his chest. "I have a record of people leaving my side and you are one of them. My father left me. You left me. My mother left me. Auntie Venus left me. And you can do the same thing again." her tears flowed freely since she could no longer hide her pain.


    Travis felt so angry with his past self. He never thought he''d cause so much pain in her. "I''m sorry."


    "Say Travis, what will I do? What will I do if I get used to your presence and you suddenly leave? What will I do if you keep showing me your kindness and you''ll find someone else better than me? What will I do if everything turns out to be just a game? Didn''t you play my feelings before? You once told me that you won''t fall in love with me. So what''s the difference now? It''s impossible for someone to love the person they hated the most."


    Travis choked on his tears. He didn''t know what to say at all. Hearing her say those words, realizing what he did, all these things made him want o go back to the past and knock his past self.


    "Jill, I''m sorry. I''m telling you I''m not playing with you. I didn''t hate you either. In fact, I was looking forward to the weekends because I''ll be able to see you. I just felt a little jealous with the time you spent with my parents. When I found out the reason why, I was so guilty about it. That''s why I left. I thought you''d never want to see me again. I''m sorry. I''m really sorry." Travis kept apologizing but she didn''t stop crying.


    She was so hurt. The memory of him shouting at her, haunted her for years. And now she''s letting the same person fool her.


    "Jill, I won''t ever leave you. So please don''t leave me." he plead her again.


    "Travis, I will take this risk. I will give us another chance. This time it''s for real. However, if you will betray me again, I will kill everyone in your family until no one can bear the surname Madrigal!" she warned him.


    Some people might think she''s a nice young lady. Some might say she''s kind. Some might say she''s got good characters. Cielo might say that her sister is brave and independent.


    However, she''s got one little secret that only Lucian found out. He found it accidentally and she didn''t explain anything. Lucian didn''t ask anything either.


    "Don''t stain your hands with their bloods." That was a secret code that only the two of them knew.


    Travis kissed her head again and again to comfort her. Jillyanna moved closer and hug his waist. She stopped talking and just closed her eyes.


    She''s tired. She had been having a hard time breathing since earlier and controlling her emotions was taking a toll on her.


    "I''m sleepy." she murmured on his chest.


    "Just sleep. I will be right here. I won''t go anywhere until you''re awake." Travis responded to her, caressing her face and hair.


    Jillyanna felt relieved and relaxed after letting out what''s in her mind. It didn''t take long for her to sleep, forgetting the phones that was left on her side of the bed.


    Travis picked up their phones, placed hers on the bedside drawer near him and opened his phone. There was no missed calls or messages.


    "She erased them?" he murmured before opening an app that stored deleted messages and deleted calls.


    Most of the calls were from Diego and Cielo. There were text messages from Wynwyn and Cheska. Some business partners sent him emails, too.


    All of them were asking him to do the same thing - to check his social media account.


    Travis didn''t open his account since Jillyanna''s acount wasn''t logged out. He used it instead to check on the posts that she was mentioned hundreds of times.


    After checking everything, he logged out her account and use his own. Same posts were tagged to him and many people didn''t stop to fight for Jillyanna''s innocence.


    His account had been verified few days ago with the help of several well-known artists, so many people started following him.


    I_amHerHusband (v): So these posts are the reasons why my wife is bothered today. Just pray that nothing happens to her and our baby because I will surely pay a visit if something happens.


    Under his caption were screen shots of the posts that attracted many netizens online.


    To those who ruined Jillyanna''s name, the warning was a clear sign hanging on their neck.


    To those who supported her, the surprise caption left them speechless for a while.

 Chapter 118 - TIME TO COME CLEAN I

    The next morning, Jillyanna woke up in his arms. She raised her head and saw his sleeping face close to hers. It was the first time for her to look closely at him after several years.


    She kissed his chin lightly and hugged him closer. Little did she know, Travis was already awake since earlier and just closed his eyes for a moment.


    When he caught her staring at him, he didn''t do anything but a smile crept up on his face when she kissed him quickly.


    He wanted to tease her again but she just experience a troublesome situation so he held back for today and just lie down quietly beside her.


    After another half an hour, he completely opened his eyes and kissed her. "Good morning."


    "Morning." Jillyanna greeted back with a lovely smile.


    Travis climbed down the bed first and walked to the bathroom. As a habit now, he prepared her a warm bath and a set of clothes.


    "Take bath now so we can leave early." he commented to her who was still lazying on the bed.


    Jillyanna sighed and got up. "There''s an ongoing issue online." she admitted to him since he had been asking her what was the thing she was hiding from him.


    "Hn." he responded simply to her.


    "You knew?" Jillyanna asked in surprise.


    Travis kissed her head, ushering her to the bathroom at the same time. "I checked my phone after you fell asleep."


    "I see."


    She didn''t get mad or showed him joy. Her face was still expressionless as she stripped off her clothes. She entered the shower room to clean her body first before entering the bath tub. Even though he had seen her body multiple times, he still looked away as courtesy.


    After she took a shower, Travis stripped off his clothes and took his time for bathing. They spent almost half an hour before getting out to dress up.


    "What do you want for breakfast?" Travis asked her while looking for a shirt to wear. Jillyanna had her clothes prepared so she didn''t have to worry.


    "Nothing in particular." she answered while putting on the clothes.


    Travis chose a white-blue patterned maxi skirt for her and a white off-shoulder blouse. Looking at her clothes, she helped him pick a shirt that would match hers.


    "Let me choose your clothes for you." she skimmed through different clothes and found a white long-sleeves with a blue embroidered dragon pattern on the back. She picked up a dark blue jeans to pair with it.


    "It matches your clothes." Travis commented while getting the clothes from her.


    "That''s why I chose it. Hurry up and get dressed. I''m hungry."


    She didn''t have to put on any make up on her face. However, she made sure to put some sunblock cream.


    With her sling bag, she walked down the stairs first and went to the kitchen. She had to drink her vitamins already.


    Travis followed her not long after. He made her a sandwich and apple juice to eat.


    "Don''t check your phone today. Check it tomorrow." Travis reminded her.


    Jillyanna frowned while chewing her food. She planned on checking the situation online after eating but it seemed like she had to pass it.


    "Okay." she agreed after swallowing her sandwich. "Let''s go to Cielo''s house this time?" she asked. She wanted to spend time with them after all the things that happened to her. She missed talking to Cielo as well.


    Travis saw the expectation in her eyes so he agreed. It''s also good for her to be distracted while he do the things he needed to do.


    After making sure that everything''s fine, Jillyanna and Travis traveled back home.


    Early in the morning, Diego prepared to visit Cheska in the hospital. He arrived last night but he was too tired and just collapsed on his bed. In the end, he had to deal with the issue, early in the morning.


    He called Cheska beforehand and agreed to make a statement in order to clean Jillyanna''s reputation and to repay Travis for his kindness.


    Diego arrived at the hospital around 10 o''clock with a bouquet of flowers and a gift. Cheska was currently on break since there was no appointment that time.


    ''Knock! Knock! Knock!''


    Cheska''s assistant nurse opened the door and Diego''s smiling face came into view.


    "Aaahhhww! So sweet! Why won''t you make your relationship public already? Now the issue is already ridiculous." the assistant commented with a helpless face.


    "That''s why I''m here." Diego stated and approached Cheska. "Are you ready for this? We''re up against your stepdad."


    "The hell I care about him. My real father won''t do this to me." Cheska responded, her cheeky smile made Diego chuckled. He kissed her forehead as he gave the flowers to her.


    They chatted for awhile about their statement and how they should deliver it. In the end, they decided to do it during a meal.


    Cheska booked a private booth in a restaurant nearby so that they can proceed as planned. They wanted to invite Travis and Jillyanna but, the latter was pregnant so they dismissed the idea.


    Lunch break came, Diego and Cheska were seen by several people going out together. There were some doctors,her classmates during university, who gave out a pity sigh for her.


    Diego set up the camera while waiting for their food. Cheska breathed in and out to calm herself. After such a long time of keeping their relationship, they finally got the chance to make it public.


    Diego smiled and gave her head a gentle pat. "It''s our turn to help Travis this time."


    "Yeah. We owe him a lot." Cheska agreed. "Do you think Travis will make a move? I saw his post last night."


    Diego didn''t say anything. If it was before, Travis wouldn''t do anything, letting the issue come and go. It was always Diego who cleaned up his issues.


    However, it''s different this time. He''s got a woman and baby he wanted to protect.

 Chapter 119 - TIME TO COME CLEAN II

    When their food arrived, they started eating and do the the live stream video, answering the questions that many people wanted to ask.


    "Hey Dee, people are making issues of me and Travis. I felt ridiculous and ashamed." Cheska made the intro and eat her food.


    The ordered several meat dishes and vegetables for lunch. It was also to help them take their time while live streaming.


    "I did see that. I called Travis multiple times but he didn''t answered. I guess his wife was punishing him at home." Diego responded with a faint smile.


    "Hey! To the viewers, I am not Mr. Madrigal''s fiance. Don''t match me up with someone just because I didn''t show you my real fiance." Cheska expressed her opinion to the increasing viewers. Many comments were flooding the screen. Shock, surprise, excitement and apologies were expressed through the virtual room.


    Cheska saw a question on her phone when she checked it. "How many years have we been together?" she raised her brow as she read the question.


    Diego fed her with a sweet and sour fish fillet before answering the question. "We''ve known each other since we were kids. We were classmates from primary to high school. We started dating during summer before we became freshmen university students. She officially became my girlfriend when we were in our second year as university students. We graduated 5 years ago. You can do the calculation."


    This statement made the young viewers screamed in happiness and some were awed for such a long lasting relationship. Cheska just kept on eating to hide her blush from the camera.


    "Why did you wait for the issue to come before making your relationship known to everyone?"


    Another question popped up. This time, it was Cheska who answered.


    "Due to personal issues, we couldn''t make our relationship public. Travis, is a dear friend to us. He''s helped us many times and we didn''t expect that his kindness will be used by some evil people against him. He has a woman who''s very special to him and she''s also important to us. She''s known as goddess YNA in the online world, the great singer and a beautiful woman. To us, she''s just a normal woman who wanted to live her life. So, please stop spreading rumors about her. She didn''t ruin anyone''s relationship. In fact, she''s helping us solidify our relationship."


    "Why isn''t Mr. Madrigal giving his statement?"


    Diego picked up a spicy chicken wings and gave it to Cheska. He drank his juice and turned to the camera. "Travis didn''t like making public statements. As of now, I am pretty sure he''s still coaxing his wife."


    Different opinions surfaced on the Internet world. Many people cheered for them and many people apologized to Jillyanna.


    "I am glad that they''re finally free. I''ve been supporting them since university years and their sweetness never ceased." This was a post from one of Cheska''s classmates.


    "I still have pictures of them when they were young until they grew up." Attached to this post were pictures of different timelines. It was actually Diego''s younger cousin-sister who uploaded the pictures but, the pictures were from his father who kept it in an album.


    This confession made people happy aside from a certain someone. He threw all the documents on his study table from so much anger. He wanted to tear down Travis and his family. He wanted him to suffer just like how much he suffered from the hands of his father - Thomas Madrigal.


    He clenched his face from so much anger but soon calmed down and fixed his clothes. He came out of his room and visited his mother''s room.


    "Mom?" he called but no one answered him. He opened the door slowly and as usual, his mother was still lying on the bed.


    Apparatus were attached to the body, pale and thin, almost a skeleton. The heart was beating steady but there was still no sign of awakening.


    "I promised to avenge you and dad. I promise mom." he kissed her hand and left the room. The coldness from his eyes dissipated and a warm smile formed on his lips.


    Driving his sports car, he drove back to Venus Plaza to attend a meeting.


    Jillyanna and Travis was watching the live stream that Cheska and Diego held. He was thankful that they clarified this matter but the root of this wasn''t cleaned up yet. He needed to know who the person that''s adding gas to this fire.


    "Cheska is really nice." Jillyanna commented while eating some fruits that Sky prepared for her.


    "Didn''t you hate her?"


    "Nope. I didn''t hate her. I just felt irritated when she was so close to you." she admitted nonchalantly to him.


    "So you were jealous of her?" Travis teased her again.


    Jillyanna threw a light punch on his arms and stood up. "I''m not jealous, you idiot." she picked up her phone and dialed Jenny''s number. "Just stay there. I''m calling Jenny." she reminded Travis while waiting for the girl to pick up her phone.


    After few rings, Jenny''s lively voice rang out. "Sis Yanna, how are you?"


    "I''m fine. How about you? Are you still in the university or are you home?" she asked her. Ever since they met, she had treated Jenny as her little sister because she saw herself in her.


    "I''m home right now. Why?" Jenny asked.


    "Go to my house and asked them for groceries that can last a day. Give them to Mr. Shan. After that, come and find me in the main house. Let''s have lunch together."


    "Okay. I''ll see you later. Mwaaah!" Jenny ended the call with so much happiness and started changing her clothes.


    She went to her house and found Auntie Fei and Auntie Sisi cleaning the living room. "You must be Jenny?"


    "Yes, I am."


    "Come in. We prepared the groceries for you. You can check if it lacks anything." The short-haired woman said. "You can call me Auntie Fei."


    "Just call me Auntie Sisi." The woman with a tidy bun introduced.


    "Nice to meet you." Jenny smiled and picked up the groceries for the grandpa Shan and grandma Shan. "I''ll see you next time." she waved her hand at them.

 Chapter 120 - TRAVIS IS TAKING ACTION SECRETLY

    While Jillyanna was making a phone call, Travis also sent a quick message to Valkyrie.


    "Find out everything regarding this issue."


    That was a simple text but Valkyrie got it. Everything means every little details involved and it doesn''t matter who are the people involved.


    Jillyanna came back after a few minutes and sat beside him. "When will your friends finish their task?"


    "Why?"


    "Nothing." she answered and continued watching the live stream. It was coming to an end since Cheska and Diego were already saying their closing and farewell remarks.


    "Yo! Travis and Yanna, if you''re watching this, we really apologize for causing you trouble." Diego stated and made a deep bow. Jillyanna felt annoyed watching him bow so she turned off the laptop.


    After few minutes, Jenny and Cielo met at the gate of the mansion. Cielo drove her car first followed by Jenny.


    "Sister Cielo! I''ve come to visit." Jenny greeted and brought out a basket of fruits.


    "Just how many times do I have to tell you that you don''t have to bring anything when you come here?" Cielo asked with a questioning gaze, eyeing the basket of fruits.


    Jenny scratched her face awkwardly, looking so silly with a grin on her lips. "I would feel awkward if I don''t bring anything."


    "Awkward huh!" Cielo snickered. "Let''s see how awkward you will be when Jillyanna scolds you. Come here. You''re so stubborn just like her."


    They got inside together and found Jillyanna lying on the sofa by herself. "You''re here!" Jillyanna exclaimed and sat up straight. When she saw Jenny following behind Cielo silently, she felt a little strange.


    "What''s going on between you two? Did you guys fight?" She inquired and walked towards them.


    Cielo stepped aside to give her a full of view of Jenny. Jenny smiled faintly but she was avoiding her fiery eyes.


    "Do you want me to adopt you formally?" Jillyanna asked. She was a bit upset and sad for her.


    Jenny looked at her with a shock. "Huh? No! You don''t have to adopt me." She answered quickly, shaking her head from side to side.


    "Then why are you bringing that?" Jillyanna pointed her finger towards the basket that Jenny was holding. "Didn''t I tell you that you don''t need to bring anything here? Or at the apartment? Or at the old house? It seems like I''m a stranger to you."


    Jenny felt guilty and walked towards her. "I''m sorry big sis. I just felt a little awkward coming here without bringing anything. I''ve been depending on you, too. I just don''t know what else I can do."


    Jillyanna sighed upon seeing her teary eyes. "Don''t do this again. Get used to this. Or else, I will put you in my family registry."


    "I promise. I will try to get used to this." Jenny said as quick as she can to pacify her.


    Travis came out from the kitchen with some sliced bunny apples for Jillyanna. "What happened here?"


    "Just a little sister quarrel." Jillyanna said and walked back to the couch. Cielo was covering her mouth while chuckling.


    She came to Jenny''s side and knocked her forehead. "I told you already but you won''t listen. Let''s put that in the kitchen."


    They walked to the kitchen where Alex and Sky cooked for their lunch. When Sky turned around she saw Jenny holding a fruit basket.


    Seeing her frown and quivering mouth Jenny put her hand forward to stop her from speaking. "Auntie, don''t scold me. I was scolded by sis Yanna already. I won''t do this again."


    "Hn. I''ll zip my mouth. There''s should be no next time." Sky reminded her. Jenny just nodded her head and placed the basket on the table.


    "If you want to repay her for helping you all these years, make sure to do well in your studies. She''s not asking so much from you. She just want you to have your own degree so you can be independent in the future. Don''t feel bad about this. That''s just how Jillyanna is." Cielo stated with comforting gaze. Jenny was one of the reason why Jillyanna was working hard. She didn''t want the girl to suffer like her.


    "I know. Somehow, I just felt a little awkward. I mean, you''re all nice to me and I don''t have anything to give in return."


    "Your grades. As long as you pass and as long as you''re having fun with the course you''re taking. She''s letting you do what you want, so make sure you do well on it. You don''t have to be so excellent, just enough to find a good job in the future. Don''t worry, we''ve got your back."


    "Thank you." Jenny gave Cielo a hug for all the gratitude she owed them.


    Meanwhile, Valkyrie finished everything that he needed to do but found a deadend at the last step. He tried again and again but found no loopholes.


    "What the heck?!" he cursed silently, fingers crossing on his laptop keyboard, tapping in a rhythm that makes Brown sleepy.


    "Just forward him everything that you found." Brown mentioned, covered his mouth while yawning and turned to his other side to get some sleep.


    "Have you prepared yourself? Valkyrie whispered beside him.


    "I have."


    "Let''s go all out tonight, shall we?" Valkyrie remarked again which irked him.


    "Don''t make it sound so dirty!" he threw a pillow which landed directly on Valkyrie''s face. "Stop smiling! It irritates me!"


    Valkyrie picked up the pillow and put it beside him. He closed the laptop and put it on the bedside table, near the lampshade.


    "I just noticed..." Valkyrie moved closer to Brown and hover above him, putting his hands on each side of the person underneath him. "...ever since we came back from the last mission, you''re so cold to me. What exactly is your problem? Didn''t you like me?"


    "I told you already. I''m over you." He pushed Valkyrie away but he wouldn''t budge. "Get away from me."

 Chapter 121 - BROWNS REGRET

    Valkyrie''s eyes darkened from rage. ''Over me? As if I''d let you to that.'' He added mentally while holding his gaze steady at Brown.


    "Matt, let''s just forget that I ever confessed to you, okay? That way, we can still maintain the relationship that we have." Brown spoke.


    His guilt was written all over his face. He was taken by Valkyrie''s father out of kindness but, what did he do to repay his kindness? He made a move on his son.


    "Don''t decide things for me! Do you think it''s easy to forget? It''s because of you that I become like this!" Valkyrie stated through gritted teeth. He didn''t mean to blame him but he was so angry that he couldn''t think properly.


    Brown didn''t speak. He looked away from him, holding his tears back from flowing. "I''m sorry."


    "Stop saying sorry! Your sorry can''t change anything." Valkyrie finally got away from him and stormed out of the room, leaving Brown who was crying silently alone.


    It was because of that little mistake that he couldn''t face him directly now. Both of them were already sent to the military when he got the courage to confess to him. He was not exactly courageous, he made himself drunk and went to Valkyrie''s room.


    "Hey Brown, why are you here?" Valkyrie asked though his vision was blurry, he was still able to hear the concern in his voice.


    He didn''t stop from walking until he reached his bed. "I have something to tell you."


    "You stinky brat! Why are you drunk? Who told you to drink?" Valkyrie looked for a wash cloth and basin but before he could move, Brown pulled him back to his bed.


    "I like you. I like you since the first time I met you." That''s it. And all hell''s gone wild.


    He didn''t know why he let him do it, lay his hands on him but, when the next morning arrived, Valkyrie didn''t talk to him. His face was alway expressionless.


    Many thought that they had a fight but for Brown it was more than a fight. Then after few months, they were sent on a mission which brought them to Travis. It was the first time he talked to him after four months. It was like he had an amnesia and forgot what happened. He was elated for a moment there.


    However, when they went back after that mission, Valkyrie was back to his cold and aloof self.


    That time, he promised not to get close to him. He wanted to stay away as far as he could. Their captain wasn''t helping though, she always sent them to missions, together with Savannah and Hawk.


    Brown curled his body while thinking about the past. It was all his fault. Now that a new chance was given for him to right his wrong, he grabbed onto it.


    "Just tonight. Just let me end everything tonight." He murmured to himself while wiping his tears away.


    His phone rang from the bedside table, seeing the familiar string of numbers, he picked it up to answer. "Brown." Just an introduction to his name.


    "What time?" the woman on the other line asked.


    "Just be on standby. Mission will commence at 00:00 midnight. I will be there right after."


    "Okay. Keep your ass safe doc. I need you for this critical mission."


    "Sure. I will do my best Cap. even if it will cost my life." He''s ready to die. He always wanted to die but he''s got three people supporting his back during their missions.


    "I don''t need your life. If it goes wrong, you have to escape. Don''t die in that mission."


    "Understood."


    They talked for another few minutes about the mission and what he needed to do. He won''t be going there as a military but just a simple doctor.


    He put down his phone after the call ended and pack some personal stuff. He needed to bring his medical stuff wherever he goes, this time wasn''t any different.


    Valkyrie, on the other hand, was still angry. With nothing to vent his anger out, he started planting flowers on Jillyanna''s garden. He already knew that Jillyanna''s mother liked flowers so he planted some to distract himself.


    After an hour, when he calmed down, he took out his phone and called Travis to let him know about his findings.


    "RV?" he asked since he didn''t know if it was Jillyanna or Travis who''s holding the phone. And he was right! Jillyanna was using it.


    "Travis, Val is calling you." he heard her say and after a few seconds Travis came to talk to him.


    "Hi Val. You got everything already?" Travis asked, sitting beside Jillyanna who was busy editing her video with the help of Cielo and Jenny.


    "I don''t think your enemy this time is an easy target. The accounts that were used to post the issue online were hacked by someone. I checked on the IP address and they were from the outside of the country. Aside from the reporter, because he really used his account to post that issue."


    "I''ll give them a visit later. Thanks for your help Val. Did you send me the details?"


    "Yes. I sent it already."


    "Thanks." Travis stated. "Make sure to prepare properly for the mission tonight. If things go wrong, escape!"


    "That''s not what a military should do." Valkyrie responded while laughing.


    "There''s still a chance to bust them in the future. However, second chance of life is rare."


    "I know. We''ll be careful."


    "Good. I''ll hang up now. I''ll check on the report you sent."


    Travis ended the call and turned to Jillyanna. "Can I barrow the monitoring room at the basement?"


    Jillyanna nodded her head. "Go ahead. Call me if you need something."


    "Okay." He kissed her forehead and left for the monitoring room.


    Diego and Cheska cleared their names but the main root have to be plucked before it grows another branch or leaves. He can''t let Jillyanna suffer again because of him.

 Chapter 122 - HIS INVESTIGATION

    Travis did his own investigation regarding the issue. He found the numbers of those account owners and called them each.


    The first account that posted a warning was owned by a middle schooler named Elaine and she seemed to stutter a lot. Maybe out of nervousness?


    "What happened to your account these past few days?" He asked directly without introducing himself.


    "Who...who...m-might you..b-be?" the young girl asked.


    "Travis Madrigal."


    "S-sir. I didn''t d-do..any...anything. These p-past few...few days..I..I could not log..log in to m-my account." she said with so much difficulty. She was so scared that she could not talk properly.


    Travis massaged his throbbing temples before speaking. "Don''t be nervous. I know it is not you which is why I am asking what happened. Calm down."


    The girl took a deep breath and spoke again. "At first, I was still able to log in but I can''t control it. My cursor moved even if I didn''t do anything. Then, it turned to complete blank screen. I just knew about the issue because of my friends. Until now, I couldn''t log in again. Are you going to punish me?"


    "Nope. It wasn''t your fault. Just make sure you won''t store any personal or financial information in your social media account. It would be difficult if it gets hacked again."


    "Thank you sir."


    The call ended and next on the list was a university student. Travis also got his number so he called him immediately. The first call was directed to voicemail so he had to dial it again. Thankfully, the man answered the second call.


    "Who is this?"


    "Mr. Anjo, this is Travis Madrigal. Perhaps, you knew me already."


    "Thank god you called Mr. Madrigal. I didn''t know how else to apologize." The man said after breathing out a sigh of relief.


    "Why are you going to apologize to me?" Travis asked even though he knew why.


    "Three days ago, someone wanted to buy my gaming account. When I proceed to negotiating with him, my social media account will no longer respond. There was no error or anything. After few minutes, I am able to use it again and continued as usual but my buyer no longer wanted to buy my gaming account. Later on, a post under my account was trending online, when I saw it I don''t recognize it at all. One of my friends told me that my account was probably hacked. I don''t really know what happened. I''m sorry Mr. Madrigal. I didn''t want to put your wife in such stressful situation."


    Travis sighed and marked X on his name. "It''s okay. I just wanted to know what happened. Thanks for your help."


    Base on his investigation, only the reporter posted the issue on his own volition. He might as well give him a personal visit.


    He finished his task first before clearing up the history of his actions and put the monitors back to normal.


    After an hour, Travis came out and sat beside Jillyanna again. "I have to go somewhere."


    "You''re leaving me here?" she asked with a stern face. Her hands stopped from moving and she just looked at him.


    Travis wanted to laugh at her cuteness but he knew he''d get a punch so he stopped himself.


    "You''re safe here. I won''t take so much time. Probably just and hour or two."


    She still didn''t say anything and just looked at him. "Don''t look at me like that Jill. I promise I won''t take long."


    Still no response. She turned away from him but there was no agreement.


    Jenny also had the urged to laugh. Who would have thought that Jillyanna could be childish, too.


    Cielo looked at him and mouthed ''bring her with you'' which he followed.


    He really wanted to laugh. He coughed to clear his throat and spoke again. "Jill, do you want to go with me instead?"


    Jillyanna smiled, saved her work before closing her laptop. "Let''s go. Do I need to change or anything?"


    "Just put on your coat." he stated while grabbing the coat for her. He helped her wear it and ruffled her hair. "My silly wife. You can just tell me if you want to go with me."


    "Didn''t we promise that? Did you forget?" Jillyanna questioned him, getting irritated again.


    "We did. I just thought you might want to stay here for a while." Travis reasoned out.


    "Promise is a promise. Don''t break it or I will break you."


    "Sorry." Travis kissed her forehead and led her out. "We''re going out for a while."


    "Take care." Cielo and Jenny called out.


    "Come back quickly." Sky reminded them from the kitchen.


    Jillyanna got inside the car and fasten her seatbelt. Travis drove out of the mansion and made their way towards north.


    "Where are we going?" Jillyanna asked since she had no idea about his plan.


    "We are visiting someone today." Travis stated, his face serious and his voice was dripping cold.


    Jillyanna felt a bad premonition about this but she wanted to know who''s the person he wanted to visit.


    After half an hour of travel, they stopped in front of an apartment building that looked old.


    They came up to the third floor and that''s when Jillyanna realized what he''s up to.


    "Travis, are you going to punish him?"


    "Him? You mean the reporter? How did you know about him?" Travis asked successively.


    "I had Lucian investigated the matter online. Officer Nik helped me trace the people and he is the only one who made the post on his own volition. Earlier, I just received an update regarding him. His daughter is currently diagnosed with leukemia and they needed money for treatment. His wife left him and there''s no one to help them. He confessed that he received money from someone to post a news about you or me. He''s actually not here. He''s at the prison right now."


    Travis felt a little cold in his heart. The thought of her crying last night and how she turned to ask help from someone instead of him, made him feel incompetent.

 Chapter 123 - IN DANGER I

    Jillyanna felt that something was bothering him so she hugged his waist. "Did I say something wrong?" She asked, looking into his clear and steady eyes.


    Travis sighed, hugged her back and leaned his chin on her shoulder. "Rely on me please? Don''t rely on someone else. I''m feeling useless right now."


    "Hey! You''re not useless. I just didn''t tell you about it." Jillyanna tried comforting him.


    "It''s because I am not reliable so you didn''t tell me."


    She felt even more helpless with him this time. She never thought he was unreliable.


    "I will rely on you from now on." This was the only words she could say. Travis hugged her for a while before leaving the apartment building.


    "Let me call Lucian and ask if he''s still there." Jillyanna mentioned and looked for her phone which she realized, it was left at home.


    She had been used to using his phone that she''s forgot her own phone now. Travis just chuckled faintly and gave her his phone.


    Lucian answered immediately. "Lucian speaking."


    "Bro! It''s me Yanna. Is Mr. Tamo still around?" Andrei Tamo was the name of the reporter who posted the pictures of Travis and Cheska.


    "We sent him to the hospital for now. His child needs to undergo operation today. We''re keeping an eye on him in case the perpetrator contacts him again."


    "That''s good to know. We''ll visit him at the hospital instead. Thanks bro!"


    "Take care of yourself." Lucian ended the call and Jillyanna told Travis to drive the car to Sione General Hospital where Mr. Tamo''s child was taking the operation.


    It didn''t take long for them to find the hospital. Jillyanna came out after Travis parked the car.


    Andrei Tamo was sitting on a bench outside the operating room, his face haggard and he looked so thin and emaciated.


    Two police officers, dressed as normal civilians, were sent to guard him. They nodded to Jillyanna when they saw her. After all, Jillyanna was the youngest and prettiest cop in their department.


    "Mr. Tamo?" Jillyanna called softly, afraid of startling the man.


    He raised her haid slowly, eyes restless and unfocused. It took him several seconds before registration reflected on his face. He looked at Jillyanna then shifted his gaze to Travis.


    Without saying anything, he pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and gave it to Jillyanna. It had a string of numbers in it.


    "What is this?" Jillyanna asked because she had really know idea why she was given so many numbers.


    Andrei Tamo looked at her. "These are the numbers who kept calling me to make an issue online. I started receiving calls with the same purpose over a month ago."


    "How''s your daughter?" Jillyanna asked to change the subject of conversation.


    "She''s fighting." He turned to Travis and made a deep bow. "I''m really sorry Mr. Madrigal. I didn''t have any other choice. I couldn''t just let my daughter die."


    "My wife is pregnant. She was so upset that she cried all night and to think she just recovered from excessive bleeding. You could''ve killed my wife and baby with your post. Didn''t you know that words are deadly weapons?"


    Hearing his words, Jillyanna raised her eyebrow. ''So shameless. How could he put the blame on someone else?''


    It was effective though. The reporter was feeling guilty all about it. "I''m really sorry."


    "It''s fine. Don''t worry about it." Jillyanna waved her hand to dismiss the issue. "Just take care of your daughter. She needed you the most. Make sure to call me when she''s awake. It''s a must." She gave him her card and before they left.


    One of the police officer came to his side. "Mr. Tamo, make sure you call her when your daughter wakes up. It''s the only chance you have to change your and your daughter''s life."


    Mr. Tamo held on to the card and cried. He never thought that he would be given another chance.


    Jillyanna gave Travis the piece of paper she received from Andrei Tamo. "Let''s check the coordinates of these phone numbers. It seemed to me that this is a number from a telephone booth."


    "I agree with you. Let''s go back home. It''s getting cold now." Travis held her hand as they walked back to their car which was parked not far from the entrance.


    Suddenly, a loud boom resounded and many civilians and nurses ran back inside the hospital building from panic.


    Jillyanna had been feeling that something bad will happen all this time, walking out of the building, they saw their car on fire.


    "Looks like someone is really holding a grudge on us. Did you really not have any affairs outside?" Jillyanna asked him jokingly.


    Travis looked at her and laugh. "Looks like your rivals are making moves." He responded to her joke but they both knew who''s enemy they were facing - his enemy.


    "Oh? Should I make a move and break them myself?" Her words sounded funny but the evil glint reflecting in her eyes spoke her true feelings.


    Travis pulled her closer and covered her eyes with his hands. "Don''t look at it."


    "I''m starting to think that your world is dangerous." Jillyanna said before taking off his hand from her eyes and focus her gaze on his face. "But this danger is far from what I have experienced."


    "Jill, no matter what happened, I won''t let go of you." He whispered again. He needed to reassure her because his life wasn''t a peaceful one.


    "I know." Jillyanna stole a kiss on his face and walked towards the policemen who just arrived, leaving a statued Travis standing at the entrance.


    Jillyanna just gave her name and the other police officers knew who she is. She didn''t say any other words and let Travis handle everything because she was feeling dizzy again.


    Travis came to her side and supported her back. "Officers, I own the car. However, I don''t know who rigged it. Maybe we can ask the hospital for their CCTV footage."


    "That''s what we''re planning to do. I''ll ask one of my men to send you back home first and do the questioning later. We''ll retrieve some information from here." The head of the team informed them.


    "Thank you." Travis gave a respectful salute and guided Jillyanna to the prepared police car and left the scene.

 Chapter 124 - IN DANGER II

    Travis and Jillyanna was sent home by one of the police officers. "I should always bring the body guards wherever we go next time." Travis mentioned while helping her out of the car.


    "That sounds like a good plan." Jillyanna responded.


    They were not completely out of the car yet when a rain of bullets hit the car. Jillyanna and Travis immediately took cover. The police officer crawled his way out on the opposite side.


    "What the heck was that?!" The officer exclaimed while looking at them, his gun ready to open fire if he gets the chance. Good thing there was no civilian around.


    "This is the life of a businessman." Travis simply stated.


    Jillyanna checked Travis for any wounds and she felt relaxed when there''s nothing. The police officer also checked on them because they were his responsibility if anything happens to them.


    The gun firing stopped after a minute and peace enveloped the place again. People started coming out of their abode and checked what happened.


    "My gosh! It''s Jillyanna! Why were they attacked?" One of their neighbors walked towards her and checked her. "Honey, are you alright?"


    "Yes Auntie Lily. I am fine." Jillyanna smiled at the woman to reassure her.


    "Get inside of your house now. It''s safe if you''re inside." The old lady said and gestured her hand towards the Madrid''s home.


    Cielo came out running as well. She heard the firing outside so she checked the monitors, only to find out Jillyanna and Travis were being targeted, together with the police officer.


    "Are you guys alright?" Cielo asked while turning Jillyanna around to see if she was hurt. She did the same thing with Travis and the police officer. "Good thing you guys are alright. That was scary."


    "It was." Jillyanna agreed and checked the car. "The car looks horrible now."


    "It''s fine as long as no one''s hurt." The officer responded and pulled out his phone at the same time.


    He needed to make a report and cordon the place as well while waiting.


    Travis called for his men and asked to guard the place while leading the officer inside. They needed to talk about a lot of things.


    Jillyanna was so tired already so she went inside her room with Travis following behind her.


    Cielo gave some drinks to the officer while waiting for Travis. "Just give them a moment. My sister is currently pregnant and we''re all worried about her, specially Travis."


    "It''s fine Mrs. Seville." The officer stated and smiled at her. Cielo blushed because not everyone would address her as Mrs. Seville. And if she hears anyone saying Lucian''s last name, it would make her blush.


    Travis came down after a few minutes. He needed to make sure that Jillyanna''s fine before going down. Jenny was also staying in her room in case she needed something.


    "I am really sorry officer that you''d have to be involved in this matter." Travis spoke while walking towards him. "We still don''t know who is the perpetrator though."


    "Do you know anyone who''s holding a grudge on you?" The officer asked.


    "I knew a lot them officer but I don''t know which one." Travis responded calmly. Even if he knew, he''ll capture them by himself before turning them to jail.


    "How about your wife? Does she have anyone who''s going against her?" The officer asked again.


    "Nope. Not that I know of. She was only drag into this mess because of me."


    "What were you doing at the hospital?"


    "We visited someone, who''s daughter was undergoing a surgery."


    Travis didn''t show any loopholes with his answer. He had to do all he can to see who''s disturbing them before asking help from the police.


    The officer asked him several questions and Travis cooperated as usual. When the other officers came over, including Lucian who saw the news online, they asked few more questions before letting him go.


    Travis went back inside Jillyanna''s room to accompany her. Jenny came out with her books and went to the study room to give them space.


    Travis used Jillyanna''s laptop and connected his phone. He ran an app that was usually used by the military and input the phone numbers that Andrei Tamo gave them.


    Jillyanna was right. The numbers came from a telephone booth and there were twelve numbers, corresponding to twelve booths.


    Travis checked each of them and listed their coordinates. He opened a map on another tab and marked the area where the booths were located.


    After all the research and markings, he found that the area was around a subdivision near Genesis District.


    He composed an email and sent it to his secretary. When the secretary received it, he was confused at first but, he still did what was asked of him.


    He went to the HR office of Venus Plaza Industry and asked them to send him a lists of all people living in Genesis District.


    After that he called Diego''s assistant to ask help in retrieving a list of all people who lives in the same area, regardless of their position.


    After an hour, he received the lists of people living in the same area. The secretary forwarded everything to him as soon as possible.


    When Travis got the lists, he checked each of them, separating males from females.


    He worked on it by himself since his friends will be busy for tonight''s mission. He didn''t want to disturb them anymore.


    After separating the list by sex, he started filtering them by age to narrow down their target''s identity.


    As per description given by Andrei Tamo, the person who kept calling him was a man. Even if the person was using a voice changer, it was still a man.


    With the way the person wanted to ruin him, it couldn''t be his artist. He trusted his artists and they all respected him because he was fair to everyone. It could only be someone from a slightly higher status. It couldn''t be someone from J Entertainment as well. So he disregarded the list from the entertainment and focused on the plaza.


    "Bingo!"

 Chapter 125 - SWEET ANGER

    Song mentioned: LOVESICK GIRLS - BLACKPINK


    ***WATCH IT MINNA! IT''S ACTUALLY NICE ***


    He saved the final result of his investigations and closed the laptop. She has been so stressed out lately making Travis felt guilty for her.


    "I''ll never let anyone separate us." He murmured, caressing her hair before putting the laptop on the table.


    He made several calls to people who owed him a favor and asked to help him investigate four people who were living in Genesis District.


    In just an hour, the famous private investigation agency, deploy 20 of their most talented P.I., hired by different people but were tasked to investigate the same four people.


    If you love someone, you would do your best to keep them safe and not let them suffer. You wouldn''t want to see them cry. You wouldn''t want to see them upset. You would do your best to give them all the best in the world.


    Maybe for some, their love is different. However, for Travis, that''s how much he loves her.


    After making phone calls, he went back to her side and helped her finish the editing process of her video that she was planning to release the next day.


    When it was almost six in the evening, Jillyanna woke up with so much energy. She looked around her room but didn''t find the person she was looking for.


    She changed her clothes and walked out. "Travis?" She called his name while walking down the stairs.


    He heard her from the kitchen so he came out with his apron on. "Hi. Do you want some water or milk?"


    "I want water." she walked towards her. "I didn''t see you in my room."


    "I thought you would be fine since this is your own house." Travis responded with a faint smile.


    For some people, he looked arrogant and cold. To his business partners, he was smart and mighty. To other women, he was handsome but aloof. To his friends, he was kind and reliable.


    In front of Jillyanna, he showed his real colors. He was the most annoying, the sweetest, the most reliable, the smartest, the silliest, the pervert and the person who valued her the most.


    Jillyanna hugged him even though he was covered with flour powder. He was actually learning to bake from Sky so he can make simple pastries for her.


    "Why are you becoming sweet today? Are you okay?" Travis asked, hugging her back.


    "I''m not being sweet. I am actually very angry and I am doing this to stop myself from punching you."


    "Okay. You can be angry at me." Travis responded with a smile. Even if it was just a reason, he would let her do whatever she wants.


    This was the scenario that Cielo saw when she came down. "Oh? I didn''t know my sister would be like this when she''s angry." She teased Jillyanna but the person she''s teasing didn''t budge at all.


    Jillyanna hugged him tightly. "I don''t care of what you''ll think. Just let me be angry just this time, okay?" she whispered in his arms.


    "Hn." He agreed and ignored Cielo.


    Cielo didn''t tease her again. It was good to see that she''s starting to accept him and his life.


    "By the way, BLACKPINK released another song today." Cielo mentioned in passing as she went to the kitchen to grab some fruits.


    "I knew and I missed it." Jillyanna murmured again. After few minutes of hugging him, she let him go "I''ll go get my phone" and she went back to her room so she could get her phone.


    Travis just watched her with a smiling face. Cielo saw him and decided to tease him instead. "Isn''t it nice if she''s always angry at you?"


    "Yeah but it''s fine if she''s sweet, too."


    Actually they were referring to Jillyanna''s opposite attitude. When she''s being sweet, she''s going to scold you and yell at you. When she''s saying she''s mad, she''ll act sweet and coy.


    Or sometimes, it''s just as she says. When she''s angry, she''s really angry. When''s sweet, she''s really going to act sweetly.


    Some people say that women are hard to understand but, in actual truth, they just want their partner to pamper them and value them.


    Jillyanna came out with her phone and sat on a couch in the living room. She searched through YT and found the new released song of her favorite k-pop girl group.


    "What are you watching?" Lucian asked, who just came home from reporting the event that happened earlier.


    "I''m watching BLACKPINK." Jillyanna answered cheerfully.


    "Oh. It''s that girl group again." He made a perfunctory remark and left to find his wife. "Where''s Cielo?"


    "In the kitchen."


    She focused herself in watching the music video again and sang the song together with them.


    "Enjoying yourself?" Travis asked from behind her. He had already removed the apron and his hands were washed clean.


    "I am. Aren''t they pretty?" She showed to him the video she''s watching. "I really really like them."


    "They sang really nicely. I know the owner of their company, too. Do you want to meet them?"


    "Perhaps some other time. I will focus on my career first and my baby." she stated eagerly.


    She continued watching the video and replayed it multiple times.


    "But we were born to be alone." She repeated the lyrics. "If I didn''t meet anyone after my mother left me, I would probably agree with this. However, I have all of you now. I hope these four ladies will find the person who will value them, too."


    "You really care about them." Travis commented, kissing the back of her left hand.


    "Of course. When you like someone, you want to wish them to be happy." She responded, her smile genuine and her eyes glittering with happiness.


    After watching it several time, she closed the video and turned to face him. "Did you check the numbers that Mr. Tamo gave us?"


    "Hn. I currently asked some people to help me investigate the people in my lists. Don''t worry about it. We will get the result soon."


    "Okay. Thanks for working on it."


    "Thank you for believing that I can." Travis kissed her hand again.

 Chapter 126 - DRUG RAID I

    The night grew darker and the city lights were getting brighter. Travis stood at her window, staring into space, sighing in restlessness.


    "You''ve been sighing for a while now. I understand that you''re worried but you have to trust them." Jillyanna spoke to him.


    Right now, he looked so worried and stressed. Not only because of his enemy but because his friends will be raiding another drug house and port.


    Supposedly, they were to stay at the mansion but Jillyanna wanted to go home. It''s not because she missed her home but because he knew Travis was worried for his friends.


    When they came home, Savannah and the others were done preparing and was about to leave. They still had to join the briefing and further preparation with the whole troop.


    Travis didn''t stop. He could only wish for them to succeed. He really wanted to tell Valkyrie what''s going on with Brown but it will be a distraction so, he stopped himself from spilling the beans.


    The troop will be divided into two. One team will be sent to raid the drug house where all high drug lords will meet. Another team will be sent to a port where the drugs were unloaded.


    Major General Calhoun brought them together for a meeting. "Brown and Valkyrie will lead team A to raid the house since they were familiar of its topography from continuous monitoring. Savannah and Hawk will be leading team B to raid the port. Don''t storm in blindly. Again team, even if people say we''re half dead in military, I still don''t want anyone dying in my group. Go and get yourself ready."


    "Yes sir!" They all made a salute and left following their team leads.


    Savannah brought out a huge map of the port. There were markings as to where they can find the drugs and the dense population of goons that they were going to face.


    Hawk started the briefing of their mission. Major General Calhoun checked on them before giving them devices that would monitor everyone''s position.


    The same thing went for Brown and Valkyrie''s team. It was Valkyrie who''s briefing the team and giving instructions.


    Brown had been silent since they left Jillyanna''s house. They were not talking, like how it was years ago. The team felt the weird atmosphere as well but they didn''t dwell on it since they''re going to do an important mission.


    Major General Calhoun made sure that medical personnels were around to provide first aid if anyone''s hurt.


    His team was the object of admiration from anyone in the military. Unknown, was a code to name them. They were composed of different people from different teams, brought to his camp for special training. They were tasked to take S-class missions, the most difficult task of all missions. Still, his team has the lowest death rate. For the past five years, he only lost two men due to an accident during mission.


    From then on, he promised to make sure that no one dies in his team. Their trainings were thrice the difficulty compared to the regular training. Which was the reason why Savannah and the others found it quite relaxing with Travis.


    Before the mission started a woman in her black boots, black tight jeans, black hoodie that covers half of her face, showing only her red lips came.


    "You finally got an agreement from him?" Major General Calhoun asked. "Did you inform your cousin about this? You know how much he treasures his friends."


    The girl chewed her bubble gum while twirling her hair with her index finger. "He knew already."


    "You''ve been eyeing him ever since. Make sure to keep him safe." He reminded her.


    The woman smiled and raised her head, looking at the man opposite her. "Don''t worry uncle, I''m here to protect him."


    She left after saying her piece and walked towards the tent where her goal was having a meeting. No one noticed her at all. She was just like a shadow, keeping her place in the dark.


    After the short briefing, everyone started to move and disperse to their raid location.


    Maybe not everyone knew she was there but Brown had been fully aware of her presence.


    ''Didn''t I tell her to be on standby? Why is she following me?'' his lips twitched at the thought. If only he didn''t want to keep this a secret, he would''ve kicked her already.


    They continued to move silently to the drug house, crawling on the ground to keep themselves low.


    ''Huh? Where the hell is she?'' Brown noted while looking around. He couldn''t sense her presence at all. Using his scope, he looked around the area, only to find the dead bodies and a shadow leaping from one place to another.


    "Damn it! We''ll move to phase 2. No need to continue staying here." Brown whispered, delivering his words through the earpiece. He sense the people looking at his direction, through gritted teeth, he stood up and said, "They guards are dead."


    Even if they didn''t know how it happened, Valkyrie was starting to suspect him. He kept looking towards him but Brown ignored him.


    They continued their mission as usual. True with his words, they all found the dead bodies of the guard.


    The place was a mess. They continued walking and found a hall where people gathered together. It wasn''t clear though if they were still sane.


    It wasn''t what was known to them. "How did this happen?" one of the men asked in surprise.


    Men and women, lying on the floor sleeping quietly. Only the young dancers, clearly a product of human trafficking, were left. They were scared from what was happening around them.


    To their shock, a beautiful woman appeared in front of their captain. "I couldn''t wait. Shall we go now?"


    Brown knocked her head casually. "Didn''t I tell you to be on standby?"


    "But that would be boring! Shouldn''t you be thanking me? I saved your time." She didn''t wait for anyone to react and grabbed his hand to leave the place.


    When Valkyrie snapped out from being surprised and shocked, Brown was already taken by the woman.


    "Wait! Lieutenant Colonel, wait!" He called out to them.


    A dagger slid past him, wounding his face lightly. "Don''t you dare follow us!" She warned him and dragged Brown out of the place.

 Chapter 127 - DRUG RAID II

    The mission went smoothly after getting some help from their Lieutenant Colonel.


    However, it wasn''t the same with Hawk and Savannah''s side.


    They didn''t expect that along with the new batch of goods (drugs, women and children), there will be additional security measures.


    "This is a live wired fence. We needed to get past this before getting into the imported cargoes." Savannah stated. She put down her bag and pulled out an anti-shock cutter.


    She cut a huge hole for them to get inside the perimeters. "I''ll sneak into the monitoring room in that small house. Wait for my signal here."


    "Do your best captain, we got your back." It was one of the snipers who sneaked to high places with full view. When they got inside, five snipers looked for a place that the could hide.


    Savannah trusted her men just how much she trusted Hawk to watch her back. She stealthily walked, crawled, jogged and sneaked her way to the monitoring house.


    There were four guards roaming around the small house so it wasn''t a tough fight. However, they got monitors in them that would indicate their death.


    "Heck! They knew we''re here. Get ready to launch an attack." Savannah stated and charged towards the monitoring room. There were two men awaiting her but she dealt with them immediately.


    "Snipers, take those that were monitoring from the top of the cargoes." Savannah instructed. One by one, the people on top stopped breathing.


    Hawk led the remaining soldiers and charge on the battlefield.


    ''Bang!'' one of the soldiers got shot on his leg. A man with an evil smile appeared right before them. Registration reflected on his eyes upon seeing the person he shot. "Luiz?" Disbelief were as clear as day on his face. Still, he reloaded his gun and shot again but he didn''t hit his target. He looked at his chest and found a dark liquid seeping through his clothes.


    "Damn it!" he cursed and clutched his chest. "I can''t die yet! No!" he pulled the trigger again but no bullet came out. Empty! Just like his gun, his eyes stared at them with regret and emptiness.


    "How did he become like this?" the soldier who got shot asked to no one in particular. He was still surprise. His brain wasn''t processing everything clearly.


    "You knew him, L?" They asked.


    With his bleeding legs, the soldier walked towards the dead man. He opened his jacket and found the necklace he once gave him. "Why?" Tears started coming out of his eyes. "Why did you become like this? Why?"


    They never expected that a reunion could happen in such a way. The other soldiers looked down in sympathy before leaving to continue their mission.


    The other soldiers left to rescue the women and children inside the cargo, others were securing the large amount of drugs. Leaving him with the dead body and snipers guarding his lonely back from afar.


    He could still remember the promise they made together when they were young. The sun was shining brightly, faces were red from the sunburn as they played on the beach from morning ''til noon.


    "Haru! Let''s become stronger together. Let''s protect our grandpa." Luiz, stated with a smile.


    "Okay. I will become strong to protect the family." Haru answered. The next day, Luiz gave him a necklace with a thin silver plate engraved with their names.


    They both lost their parents and were raised by their grandfathers. However, Haru''s grandfather died when he was in high school. After that, he left and they never met again.


    He''s got so many questions. He''s got so many things to tell him. He had imagined the way they would meet again but, this kind of meeting wasn''t what he imagined at all.


    L or Luiz, took the necklace and kept it. When the other soldiers came back to clean up the mess, he already calmed down.


    Hawk came to his side and gave his shoulder a gentle pat. It wasn''t a big thing but it was a great comfort for him.


    "Thanks Captain. I''m fine." He murmured and smiled at him. Hawk just nodded and left him alone to give him space.


    Even if he said he was fine, Hawk knew that it wasn''t something you can overcome after few minutes. He knew how painful it is to lost someone dear to you.


    The women and children were sent to a hospital for medical treatment and consultations. The dead were sent to mortuary for identification. Those that they captured alive were sent to jail.


    L was still holding on to the necklace. He really wanted to stop crying but every time he remembered his smiling face from years ago and the empty eyes from earlier, his tears won''t just stop falling.


    "Did I choose the right path?" He murmured while looking at his hands. Earlier, he almost killed him but he was statued in his place when he saw his face. "Is this really right?"


    "We make our own choices. You may have the same goal but there are different ways to achieve a goal. Don''t blame yourself L. It was his choice not your choice for him." Savannah responded from behind him. He clenched his face and tears continued dropping on the ground.


    Savannah supported him as he walk towards the waiting medical personnel to treat his leg. She left him with the doctor and went back to the military truck.


    Hawk approached her after making sure that everything''s fine. "I heard Lieutenant Colonel Avery took Brown with her."


    "So she finally gained agreement. She''s been delaying her mission because of him." Savannah responded with faint laughter.


    "Valkyrie is angry."


    "He didn''t know? Brown didn''t tell him?"


    "Looks like it."


    Savannah felt an impending headache. She knew it would be difficult to talk to Valkyrie after this.


    Indeed, Valkyrie was seething with anger. "You knew it from the beginning, right?" He was asking Major General Calhoun.


    "I didn''t know Brown wouldn''t tell you. We''ve always been under impression that there''s no secret between you."


    "Damn it!" He cursed, punching the table which they used to lay the map earlier. A hole appeared on the table but the general didn''t mind at all.


    "We were informed about this over a month ago." Major General Calhoun stated.


    "Why didn''t he tell me?! Why?"

 Chapter 128 - LIEUTENANT COLONEL AVERY I

    "I don''t really understand why you like that guy." Lieutenant Colonel Avery was driving her car like a bird in the sky, fast and free. "He didn''t even try to fight me for you. Why did you even like him?"


    Brown just sat beside her, looking down on his hands. "Can we not talk about him? I''ve been trying my best to forget him. You''re not helping me at all."


    "Fine. Fine. I won''t speak about him." she responded in a bored tone. She''s not like what everyone thought of her - fierce and cold. She was more like an elder sister to Brown.


    "I never thought you would really postpone your mission this time." Brown commented to change their topic. "Is it so difficult?"


    "For me, yes. They needed someone who''s a genius in medical field and I am not. If I can just kill my way, I would certainly do it. But there are civilians and I don''t want to involve them so I needed you to infiltrate the place first."


    "Dr. Anderson isn''t available until now?"


    "That old man is busy with his research. He said that he will no longer involve himself in fighting. He was so annoying!"


    Brown laughed at her. Hid uneasiness was cleared away and he felt calm now. He no longer care. This would be his only chance to right his wrong.


    He read the information in his hand. He scrolled through the files and stopped on a picture of a man. ''Why is he here?''


    "Lieutenant Colonel, is this man working in this hospital I''m infiltrating?"


    "Ahh?" she turned her head to see the picture for a while. "Yeah. He is one of the children who''s making the experiments. He is also the man who''s giving us the tips."


    "What do you mean?" Brown questioned again. It was because, the man in the picture was the same person who barged in to Jillyanna''s room when she was hospitalized not long ago.


    Avery slowed down the speed of her car and parked it on the side of the road so she can explain the matter to him. "This person is our source. I didn''t know what happened but he started giving us information."


    "I don''t think I''m fit to do this work." Brown said at the same time he wanted to do it for Jillyanna and Travis.


    Avery squinted her eyes and looked at him. "What''s keeping you from doing this?"


    "I met this man already."


    "When and where?" Avery asked immediately. She had been waiting for him to do this and now he''s refusing. This wasn''t just fair!


    Brown didn''t know that he just messed her thoughts. "I saw him in Senyu Medical Center. It''s a bit complicated. Anyway, let me do this."


    "Tell me the story while I''m driving." Avery responded and started driving again.


    Brown looked at the picture again before speaking. "Your cousin found the woman he had been looking for."


    "That''s great! When was it?"


    "When we had our mission at the hotel. Just last week, she was sent to the hospital and this man came, claiming to be her family. What we know about her is that her mother died because someone was after her research. We speculated that her family must be behind all this. However, there wasn''t any evidence to prove it."


    "I felt sorry for my cousin''s wife."


    "I know. I will think of another way to infiltrate the place." Brown whispered. If things go well, he''ll be able to bring justice to Jillyanna''s and Travis'' mother.


    Avery continued driving through the darkest night while talking to him to relieve their boredom.


    They arrived at her rented apartment near the building which she was monitoring. She had been staying there for half a year already and no one noticed any abnormalities from her activities.


    She gave him the other room so he could take a rest while she was pulling all night to shop for his disguise.


    She bought contact lenses for him and hair dye to change his hair color. She ordered several clothes for him and many other things before sleeping.


    The next morning, Brown woke up and looked for something to eat. He made some buttered toast and scrambled eggs.


    After an hour, Avery woke up and came out. She saw him drinking coffee with a newspaper in one of his hand. Just as she walked to the kitchen, the doorbell rang and the monitor showed a man with a big box.


    She ran out and opened the door for him, signed the ipad to confirm delivery and brought the box inside.


    "What are those?" Brown inquired while watching her open the package excitedly.


    "These things will be for your disguise."


    "I see." He put down the newspaper and walked towards her. He found some clothes, toiletries, hair color and many other things.


    "Let''s color your hair later."


    "Okay."


    Avery was actually a very nice person. She just didn''t show it to anyone just like before. Because being betrayed once will make you put your defenses up.


    It was different with Brown though. Brown wasn''t some manly man. She''s got feminine heart just like her. He was also very keen and discerning.


    However, it was because of his keen observation and discerning eyes that led him to commit a mistake.


    He thought Valkyrie wouldn''t feel disgusted with him if he confessed. With his observation results, he thought that Valkyrie wouldn''t hate him. But it wasn''t the case.


    The cruel reality thrashed his expectations.


    She wasn''t a Lieutenant Colonel yet when she first saw Brown with defeated look. He was sitting under a flame tree alone, looking into the distance with regret swimming in his eyes.


    "I was betrayed once, you know." She opened up to him. He didn''t turn to see her or spoke a word. She continued, "I guess you''ve heard it already."


    "Major Avery, thrown out by her fiance of four years after finding him having an affair with her best friend." Brown stated. "I''ve heard of it."


    "Pitiful, right?" she mocked herself with a sarcastic laughter.


    Brown looked at her with his deep set eyes. He smiled and rub her head like she was his junior where in fact, it was the opposite.


    "You are not pitiful. The pitiful ones are those people who betrayed you. They couldn''t see your worth and value. Don''t lower yourself, show them that your life is better now without any toxic like them."

 Chapter 129 - LIEUTENANT COLONEL AVERY II

    From that day onwards, whenever a training commence, they would see her having a close combat with Brown. If it was their vacant time, they would see them talking under the flame tree, laughing the worries of the world away from them.


    "You don''t have to train him so hard, you know." Major General Calhoun spoke to her one time.


    "Why not? I don''t see anything wrong with what I''m doing. He needed to protect himself. He can''t just trust his life to anyone."


    "Oi! Oi! That''s too much. Just because it happened to you, doesn''t mean it will happen to everyone else."


    "Right. It might not happen to everyone but it already happened to him. I am taking care of him as a brother. I won''t let him put his life in the hands of others." She made a respectful salute and left with a stern face.


    She looked for Brown and found him talking to his teammates. They were Savannah and Hawk. There was something in the air around them that made her felt assured and safe. She thought of making exceptions this time.


    She did her own investigation and found their real identity. Savannah was often called princess by Hawk and everyone thought it was just an endearment. Unknown to them, Savannah or Taira Azumi was the fifth princess of Japan.


    To avoid getting tangled with the fight for power, her mother declared her dead with a different person''s body. She was then sent abroad and raised under the Schniezel Knight''s family a.k.a Hawk.


    Avery felt it was time to test them if she could actually leave Brown to the team. She asked Major General Calhoun to send them to different missions together. She just didn''t expect that Valkyrie would be coming with them.


    "Why did you send Valkyrie with them? I only wanted the three of them." She confronted Major General Calhoun in his office. She was so angry she wanted to kick him. "Explain this to me uncle."


    "I didn''t want him to go but he insisted. He even came to my office to personally add him."


    "You could''ve said no."


    "Why do you hate him so much? Did he do anything to you?"


    "Nope! He just looked like a scum making me hate him so much." She said through gritted teeth.


    "Stop judging people." Major General Calhoun responded. "He isn''t like your fiance at all."


    "How did you know? Did you think people will come and tell you that ''Hey, I''m a scum.''? Of course they won''t. Don''t let them fool you."


    "Stop it Winter! I trust my men! Don''t drag them down because of your hate." His voice rose, surprising her. This was the first time he scolded her.


    "Whatever." She rolled her eyes and left without saluting to him.


    He could only sigh to himself. He couldn''t blame her either. She was in love. She was promised a marriage of happiness. She stayed loyal to him. She trusted him. She gave her heart to him.


    When the world fell apart, she didn''t even know where to start picking her heart. She even almost lost her life.


    A month later, almost everyone knew about their break up and no one came to comfort her. They all thought she''s strong and tough, forgetting the fact that she''s a human, a woman, who would also felt pain in her heart.


    Except for Travis. When he learned about what happened, he searched for her. He looked for her for almost two days until he found her drowning in alcohol. If it wasn''t for his connection, she would''ve died from alcohol poisoning.


    Travis brought her home and took care of her. When he was training at the military, it was her who took care of him. Now, it was his turn to do the same task.


    He let her sleep and cooked some hangover soup for her. When she woke up, it felt like a new world was opened to her. She felt like everything was clear in front of her. A smile formed in her lips.


    "Right. I''m tough." She murmured and went out of her room. Despite the headache, she faced Travis with a smile.


    "Are you okay?" Travis asked in worry.


    "I''m perfectly fine." She sat down on a chair and faced him. "I am not kind, you know."


    "I know. What took you so long to realize?" He agreed with her sarcastic remarks.


    "Hey RV, I just remembered. I am actually the reason for his business to grow up. Shouldn''t I be the reason for it to fall? You know what I mean?"


    "Will you be happy after ruining them?"


    "At least, it can compensate the pain I felt these past few days."


    "Okay."


    As simple as that. The next two days, her fiance lost all his assets and money. His company declared bankruptcy and nobody dared helping him.


    She only snickered and left to go back to the camp. ''In this world, I can be selfish. Since I couldn''t kill, I will just ruin him.'' That''s what she thought.


    Now, she felt extremely happy after she overcame such hurdle in life. Even if it was difficult for her to trust anyone, it''s good enough that she''s got few people on her side.


    They continued checking what''s inside the box and arranged them on the coffee table.


    "I brought different hair colors. Which one do you like?"


    "Why don''t we just put that aside for now? Your food has been cold since earlier." Brown reminded her and eyed the food that he covered on the table.


    "Ooppss. Hahaha. I will eat now." She ran back to the dining table and heated her food.


    Looking at her cheerfulness, Brown knew that she''s moved on from what happened years ago.


    "When can I do the same thing?" He whispered to himself. "If only I could change the past. I wouldn''t dare do such thing."


    Avery looked at him staring into space, looking sad and regretful. She knew exactly that look. She had been there after all.


    Forgetting someone you once loved is really difficult.

 Chapter 130 - VALKYRIES THOUGHTS I

    Valkyrie was in a foul mood when they got home early in the morning. He didn''t talk to anyone at all.


    "Hey! Valkyrie, can we talk this out?" Savannah called out, walking briskly to catch up with him. "Tsutumatte Kudasai Anderson!" she spoke in a hurry which was in her native language meaning ''please wait''.


    Valkyrie turned around to face her. His face was blank and his eyes were lifeless. "Let me take a rest. I''m exhausted."


    That''s it. He walked to his room and closed the door in front of them. Savannah could only sigh in her heart. Even so, he still tried to be slow and gentle as much as he could to avoid disturbing Jillyanna.


    He opened the closet and found that Brown''s personal belongings were gone. Only a few shirts and pants were left. "Ha! Love? That''s how feeble your love is? You couldn''t even fight back and just left."


    He was mocking him silently but his tears were welling up in his eyes. ''Why didn''t anyone tell me about this?'' he thought to himself but he couldn''t come up with an answer.


    He rummaged through his things to find any clue that could tell him where he''s going to find Brown but, just like those criminals they were catching, Brown didn''t leave any trace.


    Later on, Travis came knocking on his door. It was almost noon and Jillyanna just woke so he got the chance to visit him.


    "It''s time for lunch." Travis told him from the outside of his room.


    "I''m not hungry." he responded without even bothering to open the door.


    This went on for almost three days and everyone started worrying for him. The only assurance they have that he''s still alive was his bored answer.


    Savannah could no longer take his sulking so she went to his room. Travis and Hawk followed behind her just in case Valkyrie would lose his mind.


    Jillyanna just waited in the living room since it wasn''t her business to butt in to their personal issues.


    With the master key from Jillyanna, Savannah opened the door without knocking. They saw him slouching in a couch with a beer in his hand.


    "What the fuck are you doing? Don''t die in here! Go somewhere else if you really want to die." Savannah yelled and slapped his face to sober him up.


    Valkyrie looked at her before shifting his gaze to Hawk and Travis. He laughed mockingly and raised his hand which was holding the beer. "You knew! All of you knew. But nobody told me! Why?!" He stood up to rush at them with his anger but he slumped on the floor from being dizzy.


    He picked himself up and staggered his way to the bed. He didn''t care about them at all. "Did you know that your cousin was going to take him?"


    This question was directed at Travis but he didn''t flinched from his anger at all. "I knew he was going to leave and I knew it was Winter who''s taking him."


    "Why didn''t you tell me?"


    "Why don''t you ask yourself? Why didn''t Brown tell you?" Hawk spoke with his baritone voice. This stunned Valkyrie and made him speechless.


    "Isn''t it your fault that he left? Did you not notice how much he suffered just by looking at you? Didn''t you see how broken he was since years ago? Heh! Valkyrie, I never thought you''d be so cruel to the person who valued you the most. You shouldn''t have led him to believe that you actually care when you don''t! Just stop pretending already!" Savannah yelled at him. Her pent up anger and frustration just burst out.


    Valkyrie shook his head from side to side. "You don''t know anything. Don''t judge me because you don''t know anything."


    "Yeah. We don''t know anything! Brown didn''t know anything! Isn''t that the reason why he left?" Savannah asked one last time and left him to reflect on his own.


    "Give it some thought. Face yourself." Hawk commented and followed Savannah out of the room.


    Travis could only shrug his shoulders at him. "Come out and eat when you''ve sobered up." He closed the door behind him when he got out.


    Only Valkyrie can solve his issue. They had been reminding him constantly ever since they were at the military camp not to fool around Brown if he didn''t have the same feelings as the person. What did he do? He worsened it.


    Valkyrie was lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling with his blurry vision. The smiling Brown, the upset Brown, the angry Brown, the kind Brown, from the younger Brown until the current him, they were all flashing across his mind.


    He couldn''t stop his tears from falling. Ever since he was young, he knew his gender preference. However, since his father was a military doctor he acted like some manly kids out there.


    When Brown arrived, he was skinny and emaciated but his eyes were cheerful and lovely. Dr. Anderson, a military doctor decided to adopt him, giving Valkyrie some company. Though he was adopted, he was only given a different name because Brown wanted to keep his mother''s last name.


    Since then, Valkyrie was becoming livelier to have a little brother. But, it didn''t last long. As they grew older, when Valkyrie finally bloomed, he kept having weird dreams of him at night and sometimes woke from it with a hard on.


    He started feeling guilty about him and started putting some distance between them. Since Brown was born intelligent and smart, he was able to catch up with his father even though he didn''t go to formal school before.


    Valkyrie thought that he won''t be able to spend time with him anymore and that made him feel a little bit happy. After all, he was guilty from using him as his model while releasing some steam.


    One day, Dr. Anderson told Valkyrie that Brown will be doing homeschool and while the teacher wasn''t around it was his duty to teach him.


    This sweet punishment to him lasted for almost 5 years before Brown was able to practice medicine under his father''s tutelage. When he turned 22 years old, Valkyrie decided to join the military, leaving Brown at home.

 Chapter 131 - VALKYRIES THOUGHTS II

    A year had passed since he joined the military. Sometimes from the strenuous trainings, he would completely forget him but during the night, his body was still as honest as ever.


    He was also confuses to himself. Before, he would be looking at the handsome men with heart in his eyes. After Brown came to his life, he lost interest in them and only had him in his eyes.


    One day, they were having a combat mission. Even if they were not using any real weapons, the pain from punches and kicks were real. Everyone will get sprains and bruises all over their body and he wasn''t excluded in that.


    After his match, he had a light bruise in his arms and was told to get a treatment for it. Out of the blue, the person who''s checking on the soldiers was the person who never stopped appearing in his dreams.


    "How the hell did you get here?" Valkyrie asked with surprise lacing his voice. He was happy and upset at the same time. How could he not be upset? He had been avoiding him and now he just came in front of him.


    Brown didn''t know what was going on in his head so he just smiled brightly at him. "Dr. Anderson wanted me to practice my fighting skills and if possible go on missions as well. Being a doctor is just a secondary option. It is for me to treat my injured comrades."


    "That old man. Isn''t it enough that I''m here? Why did he have to send you, too?" He closed his eyes out of helplessness, sighing at his dilemma before sitting on a chair.


    Brown rolled up his sleeves, exposing his bruises from the combat earlier. "It''s exactly because of you that I''m here." He whispered while treating him gently. "Press this cold compress on the bruise."


    Valkyrie just watched him go ''bout his things and treat him. "How long have you been here?"


    "I just arrived today."


    It wasn''t what he was expecting but Valkyrie accepted the fact that he needed to endure every passing night.


    Until that fateful night. A flustered and drunk Brown came knocking into his room. He was hiccuping but he tried to focus his eyes on him.


    Valkyrie felt a strong pull of gravity. He wanted so much to push him away but he couldn''t look away from his teary eyes.


    "I like you." Brown stated and wrapped his arms around his neck. No other words just a simple ''I like you.'' and he didn''t know who he was talking about.


    ''He must be mistaking me for someone else.'' Valkyrie thought and tried removing his arms from his neck. The thought of Brown liking someone made the beast inside him growl.


    Brown was stubborn though. He wouldn''t let go of him and instead, leaned closer to him. ''Just this once.'' Valkyrie noted mentally and stole a kiss.


    His cold lips met him and it was a bit sweet and tangy. It was just supposedly just once but it became twice and thrice until he lost count.


    Brown didn''t fight him or resist him. He was moaning and panting from so much pleasure. He didn''t even know how they ended in such situation but he remembered clearly every step he took when the next morning came.


    Valkyrie was ashamed. He was guilty and ashame from taking advantage of him. Brown was younger than him and innocent. He shouldn''t have let himself succumb to lust and pleasure.


    He was also afraid that Brown would be disgusted of him. He was afraid that their relationship will change. He was afraid that he will leave if he knew what he did.


    So Valkyrie, with his coward heart, left his room first without waiting for Brown to wake up. He decided to put a distance between them. He promised not to bring up that night with him or even talk to him.


    When they met, Brown didn''t speak to him either. He only look at him with so much regret in his eyes. Valkyrie''s heart was broken.


    ''He remembered! He remembered what I did! What am I going to do? Should I talk to him? Will he even talk to me?'' He was already in a state of panic and for a moment there, he admitted to himself that he was a dumb and foolish.


    This continued for a long time and his guilt was eating his heart away until Major Avery came to the picture.


    It wasn''t known to everyone but they started hanging out together. She would always practice with Brown and teach him many things.


    This made Valkyrie put his guard up. He didn''t want anyone to steal away the person he likes. He was his.


    When Major General Calhoun sent Savannah, Hawk and Brown to a mission, Valkyrie was restless. "What if something happened to him? I haven''t talked to him yet! No. No. No. This can''t be happening." He was pacing back ''n forth inside his dorm room from restlessness.


    In the end, he went to the Major General''s office and asked him to include on the mission. It took him half an hour to actually convince him and gained agreement.


    At first he was happy because he can protect him. Even if Brown was angry, he wanted to protect him, the only way he knew to atone for his sins.


    When the mission day came, he was ready to engage in a conversation with him but his cowardice acted. He couldn''t face him after all.


    It wasn''t just that night. He tried to reach out to him many times before but he couldn''t. If it wasn''t because of Travis, they might still not be speaking to each other.


    But speaking casually and speaking what''s inside your heart were different things.


    Valkyrie put his arms over his eyes to cover half of his face. "Didn''t I tell you I don''t want you to go? Why didn''t you get my hints? Would I even kiss you if I hate you? In fact, I must be the only one feeling this way. You were just playing with me, right?" Valkyrie murmured to himself. "I even fought with my father because of you. Did you even understand my feelings?"

 Chapter 132 - TALK WITH VALKYRIE

    Valkyrie realized all his shortcomings. In fact, it was his cowardice that kept him from facing the truth.


    Brown stayed beside from the beginning despite what happened. It was him who''s got a problem. Not the other way around.


    He immediately stood up from his bed and took a cold shower. Beers wouldn''t really make him drunk. He''d just feel dizzy but after a rest, he''ll gain his vigor once again.


    He walked out of his room and went downstairs to get some food. Seeing Jillyanna sitting on the sofa alone with her phone, he apologized.


    "I''m sorry for causing inconvenience to you."


    Jillyanna turned towards him and smiled. "Not at all."


    "Where are they?" Valkyrie asked when he noticed that no one''s around.


    "Travis is currently cleaning my small rooms. Savannah and Hawk went out to buy some stuff."


    "I see. I''ll get something to eat. Do you want anything?"


    "Nope. Just take care of yourself."


    Valkyrie nodded and left to eat. Even though the house was quiet, it has a warm atmosphere. Unlike before, it was like a beautiful haunted house. Cold and lifeless.


    After a while later, Travis came out from Jillyanna''s little rooms with the cleaning materials. She was supposed to do the cleaning because it was her personal belonging that contained sentimental values but, Travis stopped her and suggested himself to do it instead.


    "Are you done?" Jillyanna asked while walking towards her little rooms. She saw how neatly everything was arranged and how tidy the picture frames were. A smile formed on her lips. "Thank you."


    "Do I have a prize?" Travis threw a wink at her which made her laugh.


    "Thanks again." She kissed his face and walked with a red face. Even if they''ve been staying together for a while now, she still got embarrassed when it comes to some certain things like kissing him.


    Travis just smiled while watching her go back to the couch. He closed the rooms and returned the cleaning materials to the storage room behind the kitchen.


    Just as he was about to go back inside, his phone rang. He fished it out from his pocket and answered it.


    "Travis speaking." he announced and waited for the other person to speak.


    "Mr. Madrigal, we''ve finished the investigation and the result will be sent tomorrow morning."


    "Can you tell your men to send it at around 10 o''clock? I won''t be free until that time." It was because Jillyanna usually wakes up at 9 o''clock and he needed to stay beside her.


    "Okay Mr. Madrigal." That''s it and the call ended. Travis put his phone back in his pocket and went back inside the house.


    Valkyrie just finished eating and was walking back to his room when Travis stopped him.


    "Let''s talk for a while." Travis said and gestured him to get inside the study room before facing Jillyanna. "Do you want to stay here or would you like to stay in the study room?"


    Knowing it''s something personal to Valkyrie, Jillyanna refused him. "I''m fine here. Just go ahead and talk to him."


    "Okay. I''ll be right back." Travis kissed her forehead and jogged upstairs. He went to the study room where Valkyrie was sitting on a windowsill.


    "I hope you''ve understood your situation now." Travis spoke as he walk to the huge study table. He pulled out a laptop and opened it.


    Valkyrie was still looking up at the dark sky which was glittered with stars. His face looked sad and regretful but he remained silent.


    When the laptop was completely turned on, displaying different applications, Travis connected his phone and typed different codes. Multiple dialog box popped out and he sorted them out, downloading some things and saved it on a separated hard drive.


    After a minute, Travis disconnected his phone. "Come here. I''ll show you something."


    That''s when Valkyrie finally moved and went to him. On a computer screen was a red blinking dot.


    "What''s this?" Valkyrie asked. He checked the map and it was very far from Jillyanna''s house. It would probably take him a day to drive there.


    "Brown." Travis answered.


    "Huh?" Valkyrie was still confused since his attention was elsewhere.


    "I said this is where you can find Brown. The red dot is from the device I placed on his watch. As long as he won''t throw the watch I gave him, you will be able to find him."


    "Since when did you place that tracking device?"


    "Since his birthday. I didn''t activate it until now."


    Valkyrie checked the map again. "Thank you. I''ll go and find him."


    "Nope. Not now." Travis stopped him. It would be difficult for him if his cousin would slaughter this man. "Let him stay there for a week. After a week, you can go and find him. Give him some space for a while."


    "What if something will happen to him within a week?"


    "Nothing will happen to him. He''s with my cousin and Brown is important to her. She will never let anything bad to befall on him."


    This statement alerted Valkyrie instead. Since they were in the military camp, his cousin would always find Brown and he found it really weird. ''No. It can''t be.''


    He looked at Travis with a complicated gaze. Knowing what he was thinking, Travis couldn''t help himself from laughing.


    "Don''t even lean to that idea you have. My cousin only find Brown as a younger brother that needed protection from you. She didn''t like him in any romantic way." Travis told him, still laughing.


    Even though Valkyrie was upset, Travis was right. They both needed time to think. It was already a relief that his cousin didn''t see Brown romantically. He just nodded and went out after saving the map on his phone.


    Travis followed him out as well to check on Jillyanna, only to find her watching some other guy.


    She was browsing through different pictures and edited them with. She looked so happy while doing it, making Travis felt jealous.

 Chapter 133 - HIS BIRTHDAY

    She was so focused with what she was doing that she didn''t notice him standing behind her.


    She selected four pictures from her gallery and made a short slide show. She placed some notes on each picture that she chose.


    I WISH AND PRAY THAT MORE BLESSING WILL COME YOUR WAY.


    This was the first note that she made for the first picture of the guy. The man she was looking at looked really handsome. He''s got manly features and the mole on his lower lip was really attractive. He was holding a rose while smiling to the camera.


    STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE


    This was the note for the second picture. The man was wearing a black Chinese costume with some red highlights and red ribbon on his ponytail tied hair. He was holding a flute to his lips with his eyes closed. He looked ethereal.


    I HOPE TO SEE MORE OF YOUR PROJECTS


    This was the third note and this time, the man was on a stage, wearing a black suit. He was holding a microphone, looked like he was on a press conference or something.


    HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR XIAO ZHAN!


    The last note for the last picture. The man was just wearing a plain blue shirt under a cherry blossom tree. His hair was a bit messy because of the wind but his smile was really cheerful.


    All this time, watching her from beginning to end, Travis didn''t know what to do. He wanted to walk out at the same time, he wanted to know who the person was.


    While browsing through the gallery earlier, Travis found the man to be so familiar. He was sure that he''s from the entertainment industry.


    Left with no choice, he sat beside her as if he didn''t know what she had been doing all this time. Jillyanna didn''t hide what she was busy with. In fact, she showed it directly to him.


    "Isn''t he handsome?" She said while showing him the pictures. "I like him a lot as an actor." She made sure to add the word ''actor'' to avoid making him jealous but it was ineffective.


    Travis didn''t smile or comment at all. He just stared at her with his poker face. Jillyanna knew why he was sulking but what can she do? She truly admired Xiao Zhan as an actor.


    "I don''t see this guy in any romantic way. I just found him so amazing with hi acting skills. Moreover, he played the character of Wei Wuxian. I love that novel so much and I like the way he gave life to the character I admired."


    Even if Travis didn''t say anything, she talked and talked to let him know why she liked the person. She told him how she came across with the novel, why she started watching anime and lastly the drama itself that the Chinese actor played as the male lead.


    "I watched his other dramas before I knew he''s playing the character of Wei Wuxian. He''s really an amazing person. His cheerful smiles cheered me up when I felt down, too."


    Travis just listened to her speak about the man. He didn''t interrupt her or get angry at her. He would be unreasonable if he does that.


    "Have you seen him personally?" Travis asked after a long time of being silent.


    "I saw him one time as a fan. He''s really nice." Jillyanna answered honestly. "But you don''t have to be jealous of him."


    "Who said I''m jealous?" Travis raised his brow and snickered.


    "Oh? You''re not. That''s good then." Jillyanna continued what she was doing. She had explained to him and talked to him about Xiao Zhan but it seemed like her worry was unwarranted.


    She added a soft music as the background of her slide show and put on some stickers and gifs to give it a cute and silly touch.


    Travis didn''t expect that she would just ignore him again. Looking at the time, it was already past 8 o''clock and usually she''s already lying on her bed.


    "Aren''t you going to sleep yet?" Travis asked her.


    Jillyanna saved her work before responding to him. "Just a little longer. I want to post this in my account. You can go to sleep first if you''re already sleepy."


    Travis was dumbfounded again. He didn''t know that she''s willing to sacrifice her sleep just to post a picture of someone else on her timeline.


    When he was being quiet beside her, Jillyanna put down her phone and looked at him. He was also staring at him with those dark and mesmerizing eyes. She let out a heavy sigh and held the side of his face with her small and delicate hands.


    "Are you mad at me? Why are you silent?" She asked softly.


    Travis hugged her waist and leaned closer at him. "Why do you have to look at his pictures?" He asked her back with a sulking face.


    Jillyanna just chuckled faintly and kissed his face. "Don''t be jealous. I promise this is the last time."


    "I am still not happy."


    She looked around her and checked if there''s anyone else. When she found that nobody''s around, she kissed his lips quickly and covered her face right after.


    Travis laughed out loud with her cute little gestures. He could see her blush from her neck to her ears and face. He really wanted to tease her but since he got his prize already, he just hugged her quietly.


    This was the situation that Hawk and Savannah found when they came home. Jillyanna was still covering her red face from her embarrassment.


    "What happened to her? Did you make her cry?" Savannah asked in worry.


    Travis shrugged his shoulder and was looking so innocent. "I didn''t do anything. She stole a kiss from me and got embarrassed for doing so."


    "Shut up." Jillyanna stopped covering her face and covered his mouth instead. "Say another word and I won''t let you sleep in my room." She spoke which made Savannah smile.


    Day after day, their relationship was getting better. Travis promised that he won''t say another word. He wasn''t a fool to exchange the night with her for teasing her. He still wanted to sleep beside her.


    When he was behaving beside her, Jillyanna opened her social media account to post the slide show she made.


    SOMEONE''S JEALOUS SO, THIS WILL BE THE LAST TIME I''M CELEBRATING YOUR BIRTHDAY. HAPPY BIRTHDAY XIAO ZHAN!

 Chapter 134 - HOUSE EXTENSION

    The next day, the sun shone brightly giving their room a warm feeling. Jillyanna had been awake since earlier and to her surprise, Travis was still asleep. Usually, it was her who wakes up late.


    Knowing that he had been busy since he started living together with her, she just let him sleep for a little more. She just watched his sleeping face which looked so harmless.


    ''How did we even end up together? I couldn''t remember at all.'' She thought and dismissed the idea as well. She no longer wanted to think of the past. As much as possible, she wanted to move forward in her life together with the baby and him.


    Half an hour passed and Travis wasn''t awake yet and she''s already hungry. She didn''t want wake him up as well. Torn between getting up or wait for him, Jillyanna sighed and slowly removed his hands from her waist.


    This move made Travis open his eyes in alert. "Where are you going?" he asked with restless eyes. He was obviously still sleepy but forced himself to get up.


    In Jillyanna''s eyes, the man looked cute and adorable. She hugged his waist again and slumped down on their bed. "I''ve been awake since half an hour ago and I am getting hungry. I thought of getting some food while you sleep."


    Travis didn''t know what to say. He was indeed sleeping peacefully beside her. "I''m sorry. I''ll get up now."


    "You can sleep if you want. I''ll be back after eating." Jillyanna told him so that he can rest a little bit more.


    Travis kissed her forehead as he rubbed her head. "It''s fine. I have to work today as well."


    "Work? You mean we''re going to Venus Plaza? We''ve never gone out since the incident at home."


    "Yup. We will be going to Venus Plaza in the afternoon. I just need to check on some people."


    "Okay." Jillyanna nodded her head obediently. She knew exactly what Travis meant about checking someone. ''He must''ve caught the person already.'' She noted mentally to herself.


    They both got up, washed their faces and brushed their teeth. They went down together after but Jillyanna stopped midway and was holding on to his hand tightly.


    "What''s wrong?" Travis inquired in worry. She was just closing her eyes without saying anything.


    When she opened it again, she smiled. "I got dizzy for a moment. I am fine now."


    "Are you sure? Why don''t we go to the doctor?" he was massaging her temples for her with anxious face.


    "This is normal during pregnancy. I am really fine. Don''t worry." she reassured him to let the matter go.


    "O-okay." he reluctantly agreed and continued to walk to the kitchen.


    Auntie Fei was the one assigned for cooking today and she just finished making a nutritious porridge for her. There was a plate of sliced fruits as well as a glass of milk.


    For Travis, he just ate whatever the others ate. He wasn''t picky at all and she trusted the women that Savannah picked.


    "Auntie Fei, do you have a family? If you want to visit them, just tell me okay? I will give you a day off." Jillyanna opened up since she knew how difficult it is to be away from the people you love.


    The woman turned around to face her with a sad smile. "Thank you so much for the offer Ma''am Jillyanna but Sisi and I don''t have a family. Our parents died when we were still in high school due to a fire."


    "I''m sorry to hear about that." Jillyanna spoke in a low voice. It wasn''t her intention to open and old wound.


    Auntie Fei just waved her hand in dismissal. "It''s fine. It is not a big issue."


    Jillyanna nodded her head and continued eating. She wanted to ask why she didn''t get married but she dismissed her idea since it was a bit sensitive topic already.


    Travis was reading a newspaper when an idea popped out of his head. "Wifey, why don''t we make an extension of the house?"


    "Why are you suddenly thinking about that?" she inquired since they never talk about this topic before.


    Travis put down the newspaper and faced her directly. I was just thinking that we''d have to build a room for our baby. We also need to get rooms for the body guards. There''s also a guest room for dad in case he visits us. Jenny, too. She no longer have a family and you''ve always wanted to make her live with you. I guess she was being considerate to us since there''s not enough space for the whole family and friends."


    Jillyanna realized this too and she knew he''s got a point. She always wanted to make an extension of the house but she''s afraid that the garden will be ruined during construction.


    "I actually agree with your idea. We can make an extension on the left wing but during construction, the garden shouldn''t be damaged. You''ve got to think a way how to do that."


    "No problem. Leave it to me. When do you want this to be started?"


    "It is up to you." Since it was his plan then she''d leave everything to him.


    "We''ll have it start next week and while the construction is on going, we''ll stay in the hacienda."


    "Okay."


    Travis immediately took action. She watched him make phone calls after phone calls while she continued to eat.


    When they finished eating, they walked to the living room and he made another phone call again. This time, his face no longer hold the excitement about the house. His face turned serious and there was a dangerous glint in his eyes.


    Jillyanna wondered what happened but she didn''t inquire until the phone call ended. Be it bad or good, she wanted to know what it was all about.


    "What happened? You look like you want to kill someone." Jillyanna joked to lighten up his mood.


    He sat down beside her and took hold of her hand to kiss her knuckles. "Looks like the problem I have is a bit complicated. Anyway, we will know the details soon. Some private investigators will be coming over to report."


    Jillyanna leaned on his shoulder to rest her head. "It''s fine. Everything will be alright."

 Chapter 135 - ENEMY IDENTIFIED

    As expected, around 10 o''clock in the morning, several private investigators came to their house to discuss their investigation result.


    They were led to the study room for discussion and Auntie Fei served them tea.


    "The person that most likely hold a grudge against you is Mr. Martin Guevarra. Among the four people on the list he''s the only one who has some hacking skills." One of the investigators said.


    "His father committed suicide when he was exposed to have stolen almost a million of funds from the company. It was your father Thomas who found out." another investigator added.


    "His mother was so shock and traumatized that she collapsed in their house. She was hospitalized for a few months but she never woke up. Now, she''s being kept at home with all the monitors and apparatus attached to her." another investigator mentioned.


    "However, we don''t have any evidence to use against him. The traces of his hacking activity were all erased."


    Travis was just listening to them talk. Since it had come to this, he might as well talk to his father about this.


    The investigators added few more details and passed him their detailed report for reference. Travis expressed his gratefulness to them and send them out. He was just about to close the door when one of the investigators came back.


    He was looking at Jillyanna with an excited face. "Mr. Madrigal, is it okay to get an autograph from your wife? My daughter really likes her and it''s her birthday soon. I want to give it as a present."


    Before Travis could answer Jillyanna already agreed to him. After all, he was one of the men who helped them solve their problem. "How old is your daughter?" she asked him.


    "She''s turning 16 on the 29th of this month." he answered her.


    "Okay. Can you wait a little bit in the living room? I''ll just get something." Jillyanna mentioned to the man which he obediently followed.


    Travis followed behind her as they walk down the stairs. She went to her little room and took out a small stuff toy that was given to her by one of the nurses when she was young.


    There were some art materials in her cabinet so she made a simple card to attach to it. Travis helped her cut out some cute little shapes to stick to it for design.


    "THIS IS MY STRENGTH WHEN I WAS WEAK. HOLD ON TO THIS AND DON''T GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! from goddess YNA.


    She didn''t have anything to wrap the gift so she just gave it to the father directly. "Thank you for helping us with the investigation. Here''s my little token for your daughter."


    "Thank you so much Mrs. Madrigal. I am sure she''d be very happy to receive this."


    "I hope so." she smiled genuinely. The man bid farewell and walked out of their house with a happy face.


    "Who gave you that stuff toy?" Travis asked cause he knew that all things inside the little rooms have great sentimental value to her.


    "That was given by one of the nurses who took care of me." she turned towards him and smile. "Shouldn''t we prepare to visit your company? I am planning to visit the cafe as well."


    "Alright. You take a bath first. I''ll just make a short phone call." Jillyanna agreed and went upstairs to prepare herself.


    She chose a fitting black sleeveless, a printed white off-shoulders with a puff up long sleeves and a black skirt that was 3 inches above the knee.


    Since she wasn''t allowed to wear high heels or wedges, she chose a flat chelsea boots to pair with it. She put everything on her bed before going to the bathroom for a shower.


    She didn''t spend so much time in the bathroom anymore to avoid catching cold. After half an hour, she went out with just a robe wrapped around her body.


    When Travis got inside, she was just about to take off her robe. Her white shoulder were exposed in front of her and his body felt hot.


    He quickly went inside the bathroom to take care of himself before she noticed it. However, Jillyanna was worried seeing him acting weird.


    "Travis, are you alright?" she called out to him.


    "I''m fine. Just get dressed already. You might catch a cold." he responded to her. He always feel guilty whenever he''s got a reaction in front of her. On the bright side, he was happy because it was just her that he''s get a hard on. He didn''t feel anything towards other women.


    "Don''t take too long. I''ll prepare your clothes." she responded to him and went to continue dressing up. She wore the sleeveless first and then the off-shoulders to top it off. Next was the skirt.


    When she finished putting on her clothes, she wrapped her hair with a towel and opened the cabinet again to find clothes for him.


    After Travis took a shower, he put on the clothes she chose for him without any questions. She was currently drying her hair in front of the vanity mirror.


    ''How did he get such a nice body? He could actually work as a model.'' she noted mentally while watching him at the mirror''s reflection.


    Travis felt someone watching him while he put on the shirt so he raised his head only to find Jillyanna dropping her head low.


    She could act like nothing happened but her neck and ears won''t lie thought. She was blushing from head to toe after getting caught peeking on him.


    Travis smiled and walked towards her. "I saw that."


    "Huh? What are you talking about?" she feigned ignorance even though she knew what he meant. She would never admit it even if she was caught red-handed.


    Travis leaned closer and kissed her lips. It wasn''t just a normal kiss like he used to do. It was the same kiss that he gave her during the night of their affair.

 Chapter 136 - HE IS FLIRTING AGAIN

    His tongue snaked into her mouth, sweeping through her palates and gums. It was a bit itchy and warm. She didn''t want to respond to him at all or else she''d embarrass herself. It was a great thing she was sitting on a chair or she would''ve fallen already.


    Travis stopped what he was doing and look at her. She was gasping for breath from that intense kiss. "You''re tired with just that? You didn''t even respond to my kisses. I was like kissing a piece of wood."


    Jillyanna kicked his leg and rolled her eyes. "Who the hell told you to kiss me? FYI, it''s up to me to respond or not. My brain is still intact so I wouldn''t do such embarrassing act."


    "Really?" Travis stole a peck on his lips again. "Sweet." He even licked his lips in front of her.


    "You damn old pervert! Get away from me." She kicked him again but Travis just took hold of her leg.


    "I was the one who kissed you so why would you be embarrassed?"


    "Stop talking already." she glared at him and pulled her leg back. Travis put her leg down and just stared at her with his devilish grin. ''I''m having a bad feeling about this.''


    And she was right. Travis leaned closer to her again which made her cover her mouth automatically. He kissed the places which she didn''t cover at all. He kissed her forehead, her face, her nose, her eyes and her ears.


    Jillyanna couldn''t take it any longer and held his head to stop him. "Just stop already." She told him with her red face and teary eyes. She was feeling weird with his kisses and it was scaring her.


    Travis stopped and just hugged her. "Sorry. Whenever I started teasing you, I couldn''t just get myself to stop. I don''t know why." Travis whispered while caressing her hair.


    Jillyanna didn''t say anything. She was busy calming her heart which had been beating crazily since he caught her peeking at him.


    After a while, Travis helped her finish drying her hair which he interrupted earlier. He also dried his hair after her with one hand since Jillyanna was rolling his sleeves for him. "When you dress up like that, it''s really difficult for me not to tease you." He commented with a grin plastered on his lips.


    "Wipe off that grin." she murmured with a flustered face again.


    It was already past noon when they finished flirting. "I''ll eat with Cielo in the cafe. Would you like to come or would you go directly to the office?"


    "I''ll just go directly to the office. You can bring me something to eat if that''s fine." Travis responded to her as they walk towards the garage where his other car was parked.


    Travis dropped her off not far from the cafe since there was no available parking space around. "I''m leaving three of the bodyguards with you. Make sure to call me if anything happens."


    "Hn. I will." she opened her sling bag and looked for her white baseball cap and dark shades. Before going out of the car, she leaned on him and kissed his lips quickly. "I''m going now. See you."


    Travis wasn''t able to react at all. He was caught off-guard with that sudden move. Jillyanna had already walked a few steps from the car. He opened the window and stuck out his head. "Wifey, I love you."


    His shout made a lot of people look towards them. Jillyanna walked back to him and have his shoulder a little smack. "What are you doing? Many people will recognize you now."


    "Who cares about them?" Travis stated nonchalantly. His smile didn''t fade at all.


    "Just go already. I will be there in an hour." she said and pushed his head back inside the car.


    "Give me another kiss and I''ll go."


    "How about another punch?" Jillyanna threatened him but she still kissed his forehead which stunned him. "Just go already. People are looking at us."


    "I will leave once you''re inside the cafe." He looked around the area and saw his men who were on guard.


    "Okay." She nodded her head, turned around and walked to the cafe''s direction. She would sometimes look back at him, who would only wave his hand with a smile on his lips.


    Jillyanna went inside the cafe with Top following behind her. He was one of the men that Travis trusted to keep her safe.


    He sat in a corner where he can see everyone while Jillyanna walked directly to the back office.


    When you look at them, they were just like some other normal employees. No one would ever think that they were body guards.


    "Hi Lily." Jillyanna greeted her employee who didn''t recognize her at all. The young woman just smiled at her like how she greeted other customer.


    "Good afternoon ma''am. How can I help?" she responded to Jillyanna.


    Jillyanna removed her cap and glasses which made the young lady gasped in surprise. "Is Cielo still busy inside?"


    "Yes boss. She hadn''t eaten her lunch yet." Lily answered her.


    "I see. Can you help me a little. I have friends outside. I don''t know what they like so can you get their orders for me." Jillyanna described Top and his friends for Lily.


    After a while the young lady came out with a pad of paper and pen. She approached Top first and told him about Jillyanna''s request. She also went outside and informed them the same thing.


    Meanwhile, Cielo was filing some documents with the store manager. "I''ll eat in a bit." she mentioned without even looking to the person.


    Jillyanna closed her laptop since it was auto-saved anyway. Her stern looking face was so close to Cielo. "Yanna, why are you here?" She asked and immediately stopped working.


    "I''m thinking of closing down the cafe." she said with her poker face. Both Cielo and the store manager where shock.


    "What?" They asked her with a slight anger, frustration and sadness.


    "I didn''t build this store to kill you guys from exhaustion and hunger. How many times did I tell you that no one''s allowed to skip their meals?"


    This rendered the manager and Cielo to become speechless. They let out a sigh and apologized. "Let''s eat together. I told Travis that I''d be eating here."

 Chapter 137 - VISITING THE HEADQUARTER

    Cielo asked their chef to cook something for them and let the manager take her lunch as well.


    "You will be visiting Travis?" Cielo asked her while picking a piece of meat.


    "We came here together but he needed to deal with something. On the other hand, I wanted to visit you and everyone so I had him dropped me off."


    "I am glad you guys are getting along well." she commented. "Too bad for El." she murmured.


    "Ha?" Jillyanna inquired what she was mumbling about.


    Cielo immediately changed the subject of their conversation. "I was saying that you finally found someone to spend your life with."


    "Hn. I''m happy." she answered happily. Her eyes were twinkling with happiness as well.


    They talked about different stuff but it all ended with Cielo teasing her. "Did you guys kiss after that one night affair? Did you guys to do it again?"


    Jillyanna had always been frank and bitchy with her mouth but they both knew she was still a virgin before Travis took her. Now that she had done it, she was so embarrassed to even think about it. Specially that they just kissed earlier.


    "Alright I''ll stop teasing you cause even if you won''t say a thing, it''s clear that you guys did it or perhaps kissed."


    "You said you''d stop teasing me!" Jillyanna complained with a red face. She felt so hot and her heart would beat so fast every time she hears Travis'' name.


    Cielo was laughing at her troubled face. She knew it wasn''t easy for her to accept Travis but she''s trying her best to live the life she has right now.


    Jillyanna finished eating her food and took a rest for a while. "By the way, starting next week, I will be staying in his house."


    "Why? What happened?"


    "He''s planning to make an extension of the house for Jenny and for the guards. It was a hassle if they don''t have a place to stay specially that they''re on shifting hours and day.


    "I see. That''s good to know." Cielo agreed to her and was nodding her head. "How about you guys stay at home instead?" she offered since it was also Jillyanna''s house.


    Jillyanna thought about it for awhile. Honestly, she wanted to stay in the Madrid''s mansion but she didn''t want to be selfish to Travis. She''s pretty sure that Thomas wanted to spend time with his son, too.


    Jillyanna refused it and promised to visit them whenever she''s got some free time. "When will you release the video by the way? Haven''t you finished editing that?"


    Jillyanna remembered the video she and Travis took back when they visited the J Entertainment. "Travis helped me finish the process. I was just so tired and occupied this past few days that I actually forgot it."


    "Send it to me. I will help you upload it." Cielo offered. It was no longer new to her. Jillyanna had been forgetful or sometimes too tired to work. Cielo would always help her do her pending task or remind her to do it.


    "Just open my account. I have not changed the password. I saved it in my drive."


    "Alright. Are you going out now? Do you want me to send you there?" Cielo asked her when she saw Jillyanna picked up her bag.


    "No, you don''t have to. I''ll be fine. It isn''t far from here." Jillyanna refused her. She knew how busy Cielo is and she didn''t want to impose on her again.


    Seeing her go out, Chef Marky brought out the insulated 3-layered lunch box that she prepared for Mr. Madrigal.


    "Thanks Marky." Jillyanna accepted the box which was placed in a hello kitty bag.


    "Welcome boss. Take care of yourself." He added and went back to his work.


    Jillyanna went out of the cafe with Top following behind her. She''s got her cap and glasses on so no one recognized her. With the three body guards surrounding her, people didn''t try approaching her.


    She got inside the car that Top was driving and the other two got inside a different car to follow them.


    "Just drop me off in front of the building. I don''t want to go down the basement. It''s scary." Jillyanna mentioned to Top which the latter nodded his head obediently. He gave orders to the other two and drove the car for no longer five minutes.


    "We''re here young madam." Top spoke softly and parked the car. One of the men following them opened the car door for her.


    "Thank you so much." Jillyanna smiled and walked towards the entrance. Nobody could recognize her but since the personal guards assigned to Travis were following her, people knew she''s someone important.


    "Young madam, let''s go this way. Sir Travis has his own lift." Top told her and guided her towards a different elevator.


    People stretched their neck to see who she was but they could only see her fair neck and red lips.


    "Who was that? She looks so young." one of the employees whispered upon seeing her.


    His colleague smack his head lightly to bring him back to earth. "It doesn''t matter who that woman is. What matter is for you to finish your work."


    They all went back to work and just waited for some news from their co-workers. Surely, those people assigned to work in the same floor as their president would give them news.


    Jillyanna came out of the elevator with the guards following her. Most workers on the floor were men, just few women.


    She knocked on the door and called out to him. "Travis?" her soft voice was like a music to their ears. They were even more curious to know she was. They wanted to know if she was really the famous Internet idol.


    Travis opened the door for her with a smile. "I''m glad that you''re finally here. How''s your visit?" He took her in and closed the door leaving the people disappointed because they were not able to see her face.


    Jillyanna gave him the lunch that was prepared for him. "Eat first before you work again."


    She put down her bag on the couch, removed her glasses and cap. Her beautiful face was clearly seen by the people outside from the glass partition.


    "Our boss is really lucky." a male employee stated. "They gods really favored him."

 Chapter 138 - TAKING THE SPOTLIGHT I

    "Oh my gosh! Look at her face! It''s so small and pretty. She looks prettier in real life!" Exclaimed one of the female employees who was shredding some documents and saw Jillyanna took off her glasses.


    "It''s a waste that she only showed her face now after six years. To think she''s this pretty since she was young." Another female commented.


    "I want to get a girlfriend like boss." A younger man said while pouting. This made his colleagues chuckled at him.


    "She''s the only one in the world and boss got her. So lucky!"


    "I know right."


    "If you guys want to get a girlfriend, be like boss. You need to be attentive and caring. Don''t just think with your lower anatomy." A girl said with a snicker and flipped hair.


    "If you want to get a boyfriend, be like the young madam. You have to be pretty." A man retorted to her statement.


    "What did you say?!" The young woman and the young man started bickering back and forth. It was like a normal scene to them so they didn''t really bother them.


    "Do you think boss will allow us to get her signature? I am really a fan of hers. What should I do? I just can''t calm my heart."


    "I don''t care if boss won''t allow it. Having their pictures together, looking so good side by side, captured with my phone is more than enough."


    Many of them secretly took pictures of Jillyanna and Travis. Both men and women expressed their opinions in a positive way.


    Travis opened the lunch box which contained different kind of foods. "My wife really cares about me."


    Jillyanna flicked his forehead while giggling. "If I won''t care, then who will? Beside, I just told the chef what I want him to put. I didn''t cook it myself."


    "It''s fine." Travis picked up the spoon and fork so he could start eating. "You won''t eat with me?" He teased her knowing she could eat a lot.


    Jillyanna just glared at him for his teasing. "I''m no longer hungry."


    "Are you sure?"


    "Shut up. I don''t want to grow big. I''m getting bigger with the baby already."


    "That''s fine. I will still love you even if you grow bigger."


    "No way!" She refused him and looked away. However, the food was really enticing her. ''Gluttony is not good.'' She repeated the same mantra mentally while Travis ate beside her.


    Outside the office room, the employees would look at them from time to time. They had so many pictures taken already and some posted it in their timelines.


    LADY BOSS VISITED US TODAY.


    Accompanied this caption was a picture of Jillyanna who was sitting beside Travis. She was glaring at him and Travis was smiling playfully. One could imply that he was teasing her.


    OUR PRETTY LADY BOSS BROUGHT HIM LUNCH


    This was a picture of Travis who eating already while Jillyanna played with her phone.


    OUR CUTE BOSS HAS FALLEN IN LOVE


    It was a collage of different pictures of Travis and Jillyanna from the same room. Travis showing different expressions that no one knows of.


    Jillyanna and Travis weren''t oblivious to what was going on outside the office room. Jillyanna was actually checking her account and there were several posts that she and Travis was tagged. She blushed looking at their own pictures and covered her red face.


    "What happened?" Travis asked her with concern. He put down his spoon and fork and stopped eating. "Why are you covering your face?"


    Jillyanna gave him her phone directly so he could see it for himself. Even though he had noticed that his employees were taking pictures earlier, he didn''t know that they posted it since he wasn''t looking at his phone.


    Travis laughed out loud and kissed the back of her hand which was covering her face. "You look so cute in these pictures. I should commend my employees."


    "Stop it. Just eat your food."


    Travis returned her phone to her and kissed her head again, despite the fact that his employees were watching them with hearts in their eyes.


    He continued eating his food with a smile. "Open your mouth." He told her. His got a sliced beef steak on his fork and raised it to her mouth.


    Jillyanna wanted to refuse but the smell of the food was so tempting. In the end, she still ate the food with him.


    Travis didn''t stop feeding her at all. Her cheeks were already bulging from so much food. Looking at her bashful face and glaring eyes, Travis was tempted to take a picture himself.


    He picked up his phone and snapped a picture of her quickly. Jillyanna wanted to speak but she was still chewing her food, she kicked his leg under the table instead.


    I_amHerHusband (v): My cute little hamster is glaring at me.


    He didn''t tag her name but it was clear as day who the woman he was posting in his timeline.


    This post garnered thousands of likes and comments in just a few minutes. Many shippers were supporting them and many male fans were sending a crying emoji that their goddess YNA was taken already.


    "I thought I''m going to marry her. I even saved up my allowance to get a picture with her." A male fan took a picture of a piggy bank and attached it to his comment.


    "I can only say congratulations to Mr. Madrigal for winning her heart."


    "A powerful man deserves her. Only he can protect a goddess."


    "Even if I want to disagree with the person above, my conscience says you''re right."


    Travis was so happy with the comments he got. He really wants to flaunt his love around the world.


    It wasn''t just his post that shocked the netizens. After half an hour of his post, Jillyanna''s account posted their video together when they visited the entertainment company a week ago.


    This video showed their normal get up and life. No extravagant cars or body guards. Just the two of them enjoying their shopping spree.

 Chapter 139 - TAKING THE SPOTLIGHT II

    Travis finished the food and cleaned the table where they ate. Jillyanna was so full and she wanted to kick him again for feeding him so much.


    "I won''t bring you food next time." She murmured just enough for him to hear.


    Travis laughed again upon hearing her. Since he started seeing her from that one night affair, he lost count of the times that he laugh because of her. She''s giving him life and he treasured it so much. He never knew what love would be like but her presence alone is love itself.


    "I love you." He responded to her which caught Jillyanna off-guard. She started blushing again and didn''t dare meet his eyes.


    "You said it earlier." she fiddled with her fingers while trying to calm her heart. "You don''t have to say it again."


    "I can say it again and again. I love you Jill."


    "Ahh! Stop it." she covered her ears from hearing him. Her heart had been beating like crazy that her chest hurts. She needed to calm down. It''s a must.


    Travis didn''t tease her anymore. He knew when to advance and when to retreat. Just by looking at her, he knew that she''d flip her switch any moment.


    "Alright. I won''t say it again." He sat beside her again and kissed her forehead. "Let''s have a tour?"


    Jillyanna finally let down her hands and looked at him. She was still blushing but her heart was already calm.


    "Show me the man who was looking for a beating." She told him bravely and even folded her sleeves to show her prowess.


    "You don''t have to beat him. Don''t waste your energy on him." Travis fixed her sleeves for her and held one of her hands with his. "Let''s go?"


    "Okay." Jillyanna followed him out obediently. They stopped in front of his office room and found several pairs of eyes looking at them.


    She steeled herself and acted carefree like how she used to in the club but her neck started getting redder again up to her face and ears.


    "Why are you easily embarrassed? You didn''t even cower during our first night." Travis whispered to her that made her felt so hot from embarrassment.


    "You told me you won''t tease me again!" She stomped on his foot and glared at him.


    "Did I?"


    "Yes you did."


    "Oh."


    "Don''t ''Oh'' me! You''re so hateful!" she didn''t care about the people watching them at all and stomped his foot lightly again.


    She knew her boots could really hurt so she minimized her strength. Travis didn''t let her hand go at all, he even kissed her knuckles.


    "Okay. I won''t do it again." He stated with a serious face but Jillyanna could hear the laughter in his voice.


    Travis turned to a handful of employees who stayed in the same floor as him. All of them were tasked to process all the reports from different departments.


    Including the three employees who went out, there were only twelve people who stayed in the same floor as Travis. They played the big roles in the development of the plaza next to the shareholders.


    "Everyone, I would like you to meet my wife Jillyanna." Travis introduced her to them. They greeted her politely since she''s the young madam.


    "You''re married already boss? How did that happen?" One of his male employees joked at him since they all know that Travis hated hanging out with women.


    "How it happened doesn''t matter." Travis responded nonchalantly.


    "Boss when you said the word ''wife'', Ms. Jillyanna didn''t look happy. Did you force her boss?" A female employee with her spectacles ask. She even raised one of her eye brow to their boss.


    Jillyanna even gave her a thumbs up that made everyone laugh. "You have a sharp eyes."


    "Hey! Why are you agreeing with her?" Travis sulked beside her like a kid.


    "Why not? She was right all along. Didn''t you just start calling me your wife out of nowhere?"


    "The mother of my child should be my wife. Am I wrong?" Travis retorted back at her which rendered her speechless for awhile.


    "You''re not fair!" She smack his chest this time. It wasn''t good for her to exert force with her lower body.


    Travis turned to his employees again. "Don''t mind my wife. She''s moody because of her pregnancy."


    "She''s really pregnant? Oh my! Congrats boss!"


    "That''s a good news!"


    "Congratulations boss!"


    "Congratulations young madam!"


    "Is your baby a boy or a girl?"


    Jillyanna just smiled all throughout their greetings. She never expected that Travis would share them the news. "We don''t know the gender yet."


    "What do you want boss? A girl or a boy?" One of his employees asked him.


    Travis thought for awhile and Jillyanna was waiting for his answer, too. "Gender doesn''t matter to me as long as both my wife and child are healthy."


    "Admit it boss, you just came out to flaunt your love life in front of us right?" The youngest employee who was arguing with the young man earlier asked.


    Travis laughed and wiggled his eyebrows. "Of course. I just want you guys to be jealous."


    "You''re so heartless boss."


    "I am. After all, my wife took my heart away already." Travis answered like a love-struck teenager.


    "Geez! Stop dragging me along with your silly antics. I didn''t want to flaunt our relationship at all."


    "You didn''t want to? A lot of people are watching our video now." Travis retorted back at her.


    Because of his statement, they all took out their phone, including Jillyanna, they watched the video that was posted in her account.


    "You are indeed a perfect match." One of the male employees said.


    "Of course we are." Travis agreed happily.


    "Boss, can you stop feeding us dog food? My heart won''t be able to take it."


    "Miss Jillyanna, please don''t be so sweet."


    "Ha? When was I sweet to him?" Jillyanna denied immediately.


    "When? Every single time miss? Even when you were upset looked sweet."


    Jillyanna couldn''t help but burst into a fit of laughter. She never expected this comments to be spoken outwardly in front of her.


    Jillyanna bowed deeply in front of everyone which shocked them. "Thank you so much for supporting me all these years and for helping Travis. I am really grateful to all of you."


    "Oh? What is this? It''s lively here." The voice was gruff and old. Mocking and sarcastic.

 Chapter 140 - TAKING THE SPOTLIGHT III

    NOTE: The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the authors. To the extent any real names of individuals, locations, or organizations are included in the book, they are used fictitiously and not intended to be taken otherwise.


    Jillyanna stood up straight fixed her clothes, smiled at the employees before facing the new comer.


    The man looked older perhaps the same age as Thomas. He''s got a stern look on his face and he looked at Jillyanna up and down as if assessing her.


    Her forehead throbbed and her hand was itching for a fight. It was the look that she hated the most.


    With her chin up and confidence, she stared back at the man. "I don''t mean to be rude to an elder like you but, staring at me like that is also rude. Don''t think because you''re older than me that you can just look at me mockingly."


    "Oh feisty!" he laughed sarcastically at her as if she was nothing but a joke. He turned to everyone with his cold eyes. "Is this the woman who will stay beside our President to lead us?"


    "As if I want a subordinate like you." Jillyanna retorted back at him. She will never let anyone look down on her.


    "Choosing the woman I want to spend my life with has nothing to do with you." Travis commented with his cold and chilling voice. "Are you disappointed that you can''t win against your daughter? Don''t vent your anger on my wife."


    "Is this Cheska''s stepfather?" Jillyanna asked Travis when realization hits her. "I wonder how suffocated that girl was to have a father like you."


    "Don''t you dare judge me!" the man yelled at her in anger.


    "I can say the same thing to you. Don''t judge me!" Jillyanna said coldly. "Don''t mess with me." She turned to Travis and scolded him. "Why are you letting in some flies in your company?! It''s annoying."


    Travis couldn''t help but praise her in his heart. She''s brave and didn''t cower at all. She''s honest and confident, too.


    "Sorry." Travis could only say that. He didn''t want to expose his plan in front of everyone. Disposing his enemies will just be a matter of time. If it was before, he won''t bother himself in dealing them. But now, he''s got so many people to protect.


    Loving her means loving everyone that she loves. All the important people and all the important things. He needed to protect those that she cares about.


    Mr. Sandoval felt even more angry that he was being ignored. No one stand on his side and he felt embarrassed. Without a word, he left the place and went home.


    "Such a mood spoiler! I don''t want a tour anymore!" Jillyanna turned around and went back inside his office room. Travis could only shrug his shoulders and follow her inside.


    Whispers of admiration buzzed inside the floor. They couldn''t believe that she''d become fierce and exude a domineering aura in just a few seconds.


    "She''s not just a nobody or just a plain Internet idol. She''s a woman born from an aristocratic family."


    "I believe so. In just a few seconds, she was like a different person."


    "That old man! I''m pretty sure he''s angry because his daughter came out and honestly announced her relationship publicly."


    "I second that."


    "Now, our lady boss is upset."


    "Sir Travis can coax her for sure."


    "Yeah."


    They all talked about what happened while they continued to work. The only person who''s uneasy was the secretary.


    She didn''t know what else to do. She already finished her task but was told not to disturb them. She could only sigh to herself.


    Looking around to the other employees, she decided to help them so that they can finish their task as soon as possible.


    Jillyanna was still sulking inside his office and wanted to find a way to vent her anger. She really hated it when someone looks down on her.


    Travis had changed the window setting already and it had become tainted. They can see the people outside but the people outside can''t see them.


    He hold her up on her waist and let her sat on his lap still hugging her. "Are you still upset?"


    "Hn." she answered honestly.


    "I''ll make sure to deal with them in a month."


    "Okay."


    Even though it was him who was talking to her, he could still feel the coldness from her voice. "Don''t be angry. It''s not good for our baby."


    Jillyanna threw him a side glance before shifting her gaze away. When she could no longer hold her anger, she leaned closer at him and bit his shoulder.


    He could only endure the pain and let her do it. After few seconds, she stopped biting his shoulder and stared at him.


    "I''m sorry. I really need to vent my anger. I am not allowed to keep it in." she told him honestly while holding his face with both her hand. "Sorry." she kissed his lips quickly and hugged his neck, leaning her head on his shoulder.


    Travis sighed and rubbed her back to comfort her. "It''s fine. I''m fine. Don''t be angry anymore."


    "Hn."


    After a while, she moved away from him and walked out. "Just wait here." Everyone looked at her in surprise because she was like acting like a child who did something wrong. "Uhh. Do you guys have an ice here?"


    "Ice?" they asked her again to see if they heard her right.


    "Yes. Ice and if possible, a cold compress pack."


    The secretary who heard her came up to her side. "Come this way young madam." She''s got the feeling why she needed a cold compress but she didn''t ask.


    Jillyanna followed her into a mini kitchen. It was neat and complete with appliances. She opened the freezer and found some ice cubes. She received the compress pack and put the ice inside. She brought it back to Travis and helped him.


    "Turn off the AC for a while so you won''t get cold. Strip off your shirt so you can press this on the bite."


    "You won''t help me?" Travis asked with a pained look to make her feel guilty and it was successful.


    Jillyanna unbuttoned his shirt and pressed the cold compress gently. Every time he flinched, her facial expression would change and she was already about to cry.


    Travis hugged her waist again and leaned his head on her shoulder. "Don''t worry about me. It doesn''t hurt at all."


    Jillyanna knew he was lying. She knew he only said those words to comfort her. A tear fell on her face and dropped on Travis'' arm.

 Chapter 141 - SHE FELT GUILTY

    Travis felt the drop of her tears on his arm. "Hey! Why are you crying?" He wiped her tears away with his thumbs.


    "It''s because I hurt you." Jillyanna mumbled between sobs. "Even when you said you are fine, I know you are not. My teeth mark caused some bruises."


    Travis wanted to laugh at her silly remarks but she looked so sad over the small bruise on his shoulder so he stopped himself.


    He hugged her again and rubbed her back to comfort her. "It does hurt a bit. But it''s okay now after you put the compress."


    "I''m sorry." she whispered again. She just felt so guilty with what she did but she couldn''t help it. Before, it was her arms that she would bit but now, looking at him made her want to bit him.


    "Shh. No need to apologize." Travis tried his best to calm her. "I am really fine."


    It wasn''t until half an hour had passed that Jillyanna finally calmed down. She even fell asleep in his arms so he had to transfer her to his adjacent room.


    He let her sleep in his room and went back outside to continue working. He called his secretary to give her a different task which was to check the Finance Department who handled the salary of their employees. To be specific, it was to monitor Mr. Guevarra who worked in that department.


    "So I''ll be staying in that department? For how long?" His secretary asked.


    "Just for a week. I''ll have Savannah cover your work here while you check on the person."


    "Okay. Got it boss." She was about to turn around and left when she remembered something. "Boss, is your wife alright? She felt so bothered earlier when we looked for the cold compress."


    "My wife is fine. I was the one who got hurt so she went out to find a cold compress."


    "I see. Anyway, no matter how much you flaunt your love in front of me, it has no effect. I''m married after all." She said between faint laughters and left him alone.


    Travis just made a ''tched'' sound and brought his laptop, documents and phone back to his room. Jillyanna would be in panic if he''s not around when she wakes up so he needed to stay beside her.


    On the other hand, inside the Sandoval''s mansion, Cheska was having a fight with her stepfather. After she made public of her relationship, she didn''t go home. Instead, she stayed in her apartment for a couple of days.


    Now that she''s back, she was ready to face his anger but she didn''t expect that he actually created a scene in front of Jillyanna.


    "What was that all about? One of my friends who worked there told me what happened? Dad! How many times do I have to tell you stop messing with Travis?" Cheska yelled in anger. "I don''t want to be married for some business purposes."


    "Cheska you don''t understand. What we have now -"


    "No dad. You don''t understand me at all. I''ve been obedient all these years. I don''t need riches that don''t belong to me. I''m happy with Diego and I am happy with my work. Let''s be contended with what we have."


    Mr. Sandoval wasn''t able to retort her at all. He stood in front of her in silence.


    "Dad, can you at least give Diego a chance? I don''t want anyone else but him."


    "Fine. Do whatever you want. I don''t care anymore." Mr. Sandoval left his daughter and walked towards his room.


    Cheska slumped down on the couch and sighed. She felt a lot better now that she expressed how she truly feels. Her mother approached her and gave her head a gentle pat.


    "Just give your father time."


    "Hn." Cheska agreed with her mother.


    The intense argument was the opposite to the atmosphere in Travis'' office room. Jillyanna was still asleep and Travis was still working.


    Only the sound of her breathing and the typing sound on the keyboard can be heard. Travis would sometimes steal kisses from her before going back to what he was doing.


    When she woke up, the sun was about to set and the city was started to glitter with different color of lights. People were packing their things to go home and some were just leaving their homes for work.


    "Are you done working?" Jillyanna asked him since he was still signing some documents.


    "Not yet but I can do this tomorrow. Shall we go home now?"


    "Hn. Let''s go home." She picked up her bag and walked towards him.


    Travis closed his laptop and arrange the documents before going out of the room with her. He placed his things on his table and turned off the lights.


    "Let''s go home everyone." Travis told his employees who was still doing some things.


    "Yes boss. We''ll be done in a while."


    "Just a little bit boss."


    "Logging off now."


    Travis didn''t really want his employees to work overtime. As much as possible, he want them to finish their work on time so that they can go home and rest.


    Jillyanna smiled to everyone and left with Travis. Top was actually just sitting on a couch near the reception area while waiting for them.


    "Good evening boss and young madam."


    "Good evening." Jillyanna and Travis greeted him back. The three of them entered the elevator and left the building.


    When they got home, Savannah was helping Auntie Fei cook since she felt bored. Auntie Sisi was watering the plants. Hawk and Valkyrie was checking on the cameras and were adding another batch of thermal sensors.


    "Val, can you check if Jenny''s around? I''ve been calling her since earlier and she wasn''t answering." Jillyanna told him.


    "Sure. Would you like me to bring her here if she''s around?"


    "That would be great. Thanks a lot."


    Valkyrie left immediately and jogged towards Jenny''s house. Even though she was told to live with Jillyanna, she insisted to stay in that small house.


    Valkyrie stopped in his track when he saw a dark liquid on the ground. He touched it with his index finger and smelled it.


    "Shit! It''s blood."

 Chapter 142 - JUST A BIT OF MISUNDERSTANDING

    Valkyrie''s heart faltered in its beat. He knew how important to Jillyanna the young girl was. They couldn''t let anything happen to her.


    "Jenny!" He put his hands around his mouth and called out her name. At the same time he was trying to open the door of her house forcefully.


    ''Bang!'' he kicked the door when he couldn''t open it.


    "What happened here?!" A shocked voice of a woman coming from the outside stopped Valkyrie. He went back on his track and found her standing in front of her house. "Sir Valkyrie? What are you doing in my house?"


    "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" he asked anxiously or he''d be dead in the hands of Jillyanna.


    Jenny was confused but she still nodded her head. "I heard someone calling my name from here so I came back. I went to grandpa Shan''s house to cook the chicken."


    "Chi-chicken?" Realization hits him and relief surged through his veins. "Thanks god! I thought it was your blood." he was pointing at the dark liquid on the ground.


    "Oh that. I was planning to butcher it inside but I''m afraid to mess up my kitchen so I did it here. It was a wild chicken that grandpa Shan got." she beamed happily at him. For her, Valkyrie was like a reliable big brother just like Travis and everybody else in Jillyanna''s house. "What brings you here by the way? And you broke my door."


    "I''m sorry to have damaged your house. I thought something happened to you. Jillyanna had been calling you earlier but no one picked up so she asked me to check on you. She also wanted you to go back there with me."


    "I actually left my phone here." Jenny said and went inside her house. She couldn''t help but sigh with the mess she caused. She couldn''t really blame Valkyrie because of the misunderstanding. It was her fault for leaving such bloody scene in front of her house.


    Valkyrie waited for her to come out. When she came back, he tried putting back the door by tying it with ropes just for the sake of closing it.


    "I''ll have someone fix that later." Valkyrie stated while scratching his head awkwardly.


    "No need. I''m planning to move out from this house." Jenny responded without any expressions at all.


    They walked together back to Jillyanna''s house where she received an earful of scoldings. "I told you to always bring your phone. I was really anxious when you weren''t answering. What if something happened to you?"


    "I''m sorry sis. I won''t do it again. I was in a hurry and I forgot it." she said with a guilty face. She owe Jillyanna a lot and she shouldn''t add more stress which was the reason why she finally decided to move out of the house.


    "I don''t really know what to do with you. I''ve always told you to move with me. Jen, let''s be honest here. Your mother won''t be coming to see you. How many years has it been? Did she even show her shadow? No! I know she''s your mother and I''ve no right to judge her. What I want to do is for you to have a good life instead. If she comes back then good. If she won''t, just live your life as usual."


    "Sis, stop hitting my sore spots. I have decided to move out already. I will be staying in the apartment while studying and I''ll come to the Madrid''s mansion during holiday and weekend."


    Actually what Jillyanna said to her was right and she wasn''t mad at all. She was even happy that she truly cared for her. "I can''t stay here because the rooms are occupied." she whispered which was enough for the two of them to hear.


    "I understand. By the way, I won''t be staying here in a month or two. I''ll lend you my credit card to buy groceries for grandpa Shan." Jillyanna handed the credit card to her which Jenny was already used to. "When you have things to buy, just buy it."


    "What about you?" If it was before, she can just return the card after buying the things she needed but now, she''ll be away for a month or two.


    Jillyanna turned to Travis who was busy reading some documents. The three of them were in the study room to save Jenny''s face from scolding. It looked as if he wasn''t paying attention to them but he was actually listening to her voice.


    Jillyanna approached him with an evil grin. "I remembered someone telling me not to worry about money. I remembered the black card in my wallet, too. So it''s fine."


    "Oh? So you will use my card now?" Travis teased her again.


    "Why not? It''s got money in it and you gave it to me."


    Even though she said that, she''s actually thrifty. She didn''t like spending money over nonsense things.


    Jenny smiled as she watched them. She never thought that one day, her big sister will meet a man who could change her. ''Should I tell her about my suitor?'' she asked herself mentally but dismissed the idea as well. ''It was just a suitor not a boyfriend yet.''


    Seeing that she''s busy with Travis, she didn''t stay any longer and left the two of them in silence.


    "I''m going to start over with my life. I won''t think about my mother anymore. I will just live and spend time with the people who truly cares about me." she murmured to herself as she went down the stairs. She saw Auntie Sisi and followed her to the kitchen. "Auntie Sisi, is there anything that I can help?"


    "It''s fine Ms. Jenny. We''re almost done here."


    "Just call me Jen or Jenny auntie. No need to add miss before my name."


    "If you say so. Just take a rest in the living room. We''ll call you out for dinner in a few minutes."


    "Can I arrange the table instead?" she insisted to help them since it would be easier and would make her comfortable.


    "Okay. Go ahead."


    And just that, the misunderstanding of Jenny''s welfare was solve. Valkyrie apologized to her again over dinner for ruining her door.

 Chapter 143 - MORNING CHECK UP

    The next morning, Jillyanna and Travis woke up earlier than usual. It was the day for her check up and she needed to be on time for the appointment in case there are some tests that she needed to take.


    "What do you want to eat?" Travis asked her while changing his clothes.


    "2 boiled eggs, fruits and a glass of milk."


    "Okay. I''ll go down first to prepare your food. Will you be fine here?"


    "Hn. I''ll be done in a bit."


    Travis closed the door behind him and went down to the kitchen so he can prepare her breakfast. He also made a sandwich for himself to eat.


    Back in their room, Jillyanna chose a simple black shirt and jeans for her outfit which matches the same shirt that Travis wore. She picked up her rubber shoes and socks before sitting on the bed to wear them.


    Her hair was dried by Travis earlier when she came out from the bathroom so that she won''t get tired from raising her hands. She combed her long hair and formed a braid from the top to bottom. She rolled it at the back of her head and put some pins to hold it up. She placed some hair accessories and made sure that her fringes were in place.


    Even with just a simple shirt, she still look elegant and beautiful. She put on some sunscreen cream and lipbalm before going out to find Travis.


    "Do you have to be so beautiful for a check up?" Travis asked her when she arrived at the kitchen.


    She rolled her eyes at him and sat on the chair opposite him. "Excuse me. I am beautiful as always."


    "I agree." Travis commented and placed her food in front of her. "Are you sure you only need that?"


    "I don''t want to scare the doctor. She might see my tummy full of food instead of a baby."


    Travis laughed at her remark before he started eating. "Let''s just stay at home for today after your check up."


    "How about your work?"


    "I''ll have Savannah pick up my things from the office."


    "Okay. I don''t mind staying at home." She finished eating her food and drank the glass of milk.


    Savannah came down to get a glass of water and saw them. "You guys are going out?"


    "We''ll have to go to the hospital for her check up." Travis answered. "Savy, can you get my things later in the office. I''m planning to work on them at home."


    "Sure. I''ll get it before lunch." Savannah responded positively.


    "Thank you."


    Jillyanna just smiled at her since she didn''t have anything to say. After they ate their breakfast, Travis prepared the car that they''ll be using.


    There will be four body guards who will be coming with them today. Travis had assigned the others to check on different people and to make sure that they''re all safe.


    He had to make sure that his father and the people at the mansion are safe which was why he assigned his elite guards to act as the driver, gardener and security chief.


    One was following Jenny secretly and the other one was following on Cielo. Since Lucian had to go to work, it would be difficult to monitor his wife. He wanted to make them feel at ease when they''re out of their houses.


    Some of the guards were having their day off which was why she could only bring four with them and left the other four in Jillyanna''s house.


    Soon, they arrived at Senyu Medical Center. The doctor who checked on her was the same doctor that examined her during her excessive bleeding.


    "Good morning Dr. Chua." Jillyanna greeted the woman who opened the door for her.


    "Morning doc." Travis also greeted her.


    "Morning Travis. Hi Jillyanna. How are you?"


    "I am doing good doc." Jillyanna respondes happily.


    "It''s good to have a a good and caring husband, specially during pregnancy, isn''t it?"


    "He isn''t my husband." Jillyanna stated which stunned the doctor. Somehow, Travis got a bad feeling about this. "He''s the sperm donor."


    Travis just smiled evilly at her and the doctor smiled awkwardly, shifting her gaze between the couple.


    "Don''t mind her doc. My wife didn''t want to call me husband yet." Travis stated.


    "Sigh. Young couple these days." The doctor was shaking her head as she walked back to her seat. Jillyanna and Travis sat on the chair in front of her table. "Don''t stress your wife or else she''ll never call you husband."


    "Yes doc. I''ll remember that." Travis acknowledged her and put his hand around Jillyanna''s waist.


    Jillyanna knew exactly why he was doing that. In fact, she was just teasing him. Since they met, he was fond of teasing her. This time, she wanted to do the same thing to him.


    The doctor let her undergo some test to check on the baby. She had an ultrasound which made her so happy to see the form of her little child.


    "Your child is very healthy though we can''t identify the gender yet, we can already see ita form." The doctor moved the device on her stomach and pointed on the monitor. "This is your baby''s head. Look at how small and cute this little fella is."


    Travis looked at Jillyanna who was holding his hand before looking at the monitor. She looked so happy while staring at the little life reflected in the monitor.


    "You have to make sure that she eats healthy food. She can also start doing light exercises to help her during labor." The doctor advised them. "Make sure that she takes her vitamins on time."


    "Noted doc." Travis and Jillyanna voice out at the same time.


    The doctor wiped away the jelly liquid on her tummy and let her fixed her clothes. "Congratulations the both of you. Be careful always okay."


    "Yes doc."


    The doctor left them for awhile since Jillyanna was still fixing herself.


    "I''ll punish you later." Travis whispered close to her ear which made her blush. "You need to learn your lesson."


    "I won''t do it again hubby."

 Chapter 144 - PUNISHMENT I

    "Heh! I won''t compromise this time." Travis told her and went out first. Jillyanna was following behind him with her head hung low. She regretted teasing him.


    "Are you alright?" The doctor asked her.


    "Yes doc. I''m doing fine." she smiled faintly and didn''t dare look at Travis. "Thank you for taking care of me."


    "No worries Jillyanna. I have written down the exercises that you can do and the schedule for your next check up." The doctor handed her and envelope which contained some notes and picture of her ultrasound.


    The whole check up process took them almost an hour but Jillyanna didn''t feel tired at all. Travis and her walked out of the room and just so happen that they bump on Eliezer.


    "Hi Eli!" Jillyanna greeted him cheerfully, oblivious to what the man feels inside.


    Eliezer was surprised to see her but when he realized which clinic she was coming out from, his heart turned cold.


    He smiled faintly at her without bothering himself with Travis. He hated the man for stealing the woman he likes the most.


    "How''s your baby?" he asked with so much difficulty. Thinking about her having a baby of a different man, gripped his heart.


    Jillyanna grinned at him. Obviously she was happy. "My baby is healthy. How are you? I haven''t seen you in a while."


    "I''m doing good."


    "By the way, this is -"


    "I know him. Cielo introduced him to me." Eliezer cut her off from introducing Travis. This made her feel the tension between men.


    "I see. It''s good to see you by the way. We''ll have to leave now. Bye." she quickly bid farewell since she didn''t like the atmosphere.


    Eliezer just waved his hand and watched them go out from the hospital.


    Jillyanna was holding Travis tightly as they walk on the corridor towards the exit. "I feel like he''s changed."


    "People change." Travis told her.


    "Right." she snorted at him but still held his hand.


    "Just because you''re holding my hand doesn''t mean I''ll let you off the hook. You will still be punished at home."


    "I hate you."


    "I love you."


    "Shut up."


    They didn''t talk much when they were in the car, driving back to their house. Jillyanna was thinking how to pacify him at home while Travis was thinking how to punish him at home.


    He didn''t want to go overboard and just wanted to tease her. He likes teasing her. Her blushing face and teary eyes looked so beautiful. ''I''m going crazy with this woman.'' he thought to himself as he continued to drive.


    When they reached home, Jillyanna didn''t get inside immediately. She stayed in the living room and played with her phone.


    "How''s your check up?" Savannah asked her who was about to go out and get the things that Travis asked her. Hawk was following behind her as usual.


    Jillyanna showed her the ultrasound picture and reiterated what the doctor said. She was so cheerful as she talk that Hawk, who''s always quiet, actually smiled and praised her.


    "You''re a good mother for taking care of yourself and the baby." Hawk said and returned the picture to her.


    "Thank you." Jillyanna stated happily.


    Savannah talked to her for awhile before they left to go to the company. Jillyanna was left alone again and her heart was beating like crazy.


    ''I hate this! It was supposedly my victory. How did it flip like this?'' she thought and pouted while sulking.


    Travis had gone back to their room and was just waiting for her. He knew that she was going to be staying out for a while.


    After an hour, Jillyanna finally went back to her room so she could change her clothes. Just as she opened the door slowly, someone pulled her hand and closed the door behind her.


    Travis pushed her lightly on the wall, his hands trapping her shoulders from moving. "Is this what they call ''kabedon''?" she joked and tried pushing his hand away. "I''m not in the mood to play with you."


    Travis couldn''t stand her getting upset so she acted upset and tired in front of him. However, he didn''t budge at all.


    "Travis." Jillyanna called out his name softly but there''s a hint of warning in her voice.


    Travis leaned closer and whispered. "Am I just really a sperm donor?"


    Jillyanna sighed. "Yes you are. Stop messing with me."


    "You called me hubby earlier."


    "That was earlier to stop you from doing this."


    "You''re not serious."


    "How can you be shameless? We aren''t married yet. You can''t just declare me as your wife. Who knows, you might just go and leave since there''s no paper binding us. I am just saving myself from the pain."


    "Let''s get married then."


    "Shut up! I don''t want to marry you." Jillyanna pushed her hand away but he wasn''t moving at all. Travis kept quiet and was thinking for a while.


    "Hey Jill. You won''t abort this child right? You are happy with our baby, right?"


    "Of course I will not! Do you think I''m crazy? I worked so hard for this baby just so you know!"


    "If I remember correctly, I was the one working hard that night. You slept on me, remember?"


    "Why are you so hateful? Don''t make me remember that night."


    "Why not? That was both our first time."


    "Just shut up."


    "Make me shut up."


    "Whatever." She was just about to push him again when Travis took both her hands and held it above her head.


    His warm breath fanned her face and his cold lips touched hers. She was staring at his face and her heart was beating faster again.


    ''I hate this! I just calmed down and now my heart is running wild again!''


    He slipped his tongue inside her mouth which sent tingles from her head to toe. Her head was spinning and she was running out of breath.


    A moan escape from her which made Travis smile. "This is your punishment."

 Chapter 145 - PUNISHMENT II

    She was gasping for air when Travis spoke. It wasn''t even five seconds yet and she was kissed again.


    His kisses reminded her of their first night and it''s making her blush so much. It was just something that she couldn''t forget.


    His warm touch from that night still lingered in her mind and was kept out to be just a beautiful memory. However, he was reigniting her body again.


    And for the first time, without her noticing, perhaps due to pleasure, she responded to his kisses.


    She could feel his lips stretched into smile while kissing her. Their tongue intertwined and a thin sliver of saliva even dripped in the corner of her lips.


    Travis stopped kissing her and licked the side of her lips sexily. Jillyanna was still getting the hang of it and was trying to calm her heart. Her braincells were a mess, too.


    She was staring at him in a daze, making Travis want to attack her again. He carried her off and brought her back on their bed.


    Her hair was untangled already and strewn on the pillow. She didn''t say anything and so was he.


    He kissed her again. His kisses went from her lips down to the side of her jaw and to the base of her neck. He bit her lightly causing her to moan and licked it to sooth her from pain.


    Jillyanna''s hands were free now so she held on to him to gain some strength. Her strength and sanity was slipping from her and she needed to feel his warmth.


    Travis pulled up her clothes and kissed her neck down to the side of breast. His hands were fondling her chest and buds.


    A sexy moan escaped from her again and she was losing her grip. It was just too much for her and she wasn''t use to it.


    "Travis?" she called out his name softly.


    "Hn?" Even though he answered her, his kisses were still trailing down to her navel.


    "Let''s stop. I''m feeling so hot right now. I think I''ll suffocate from this feeling."


    Travis stopped from what he was doing and raised his head to look at her. Lust and love swirled in his eyes and she was shock to see it.


    She even caught a glance of his anatomy waking up underneath his jeans. She blushed again and covered her eyes with the back of her hand.


    "I am not used to this. This us just too much. And we need to think of the baby." she spoke in between sighs and heavy breathing.


    Travis licked her areola which made her flinch and removed her arm in surprise. "I just said it''s too much."


    "Wouldn''t it be better if you''ll get used to this?"


    "Not this time. We''ve got a baby coming up." Jillyanna told him and reached for her shirt.


    "You don''t have to wear that shirt. Let''s take a bath so you can change to comfortable clothes." Travis helped her stand and sent her in the bathroom. "Will you be showering or stay in the bath tub?"


    "Shower."


    "Let''s shower together."


    Jillyanna turned to face him with an alarm ringing in her head. "You won''t do anything to me?"


    "Nope."


    "Promise?"


    "I won''t promise."


    Jillyanna frowned and looked at his lower body. It was still lively and she could feel the danger already.


    "I''ll take the tub instead." she changed her mind as quickly as she can but Travis was quicker.


    He pulled her inside the shower glass with him and opened the tap.


    "Gosh it''s cold!" Jillyanna exclaimed and leaned closer to him for warmth.


    "Sorry. I''ve been used to it and it was like a reflex already." Travis admitted while adjusting the temperature for the shower.


    "You always use this cold shower?" Jillyanna inquired in disbelief.


    "And whose fault is it?"


    "Huh? Why do I feel like you''re blaming me?"


    "Because I always get this hard when I''m next to you." He took one of Jillyanna''s hands and let her feel him.


    She was blushing so much that a blood could actually drop from her face. She was feeling so hot and weird that she tried taking her hand back.


    "How...How could you get it hard like that?"


    "Looking at you make me like this."


    "Don''t joke with me. It''s not my fault." She stayed as far away as she could from him while saying so.


    Travis stepped forward towards her everytime she took a step back. He held her chin up and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.


    "You''re my addiction and I tried so hard to stop. But how can I do that when you''re actually by my side?"


    "How a-about I go..go out first?"


    "No need. Just help me a bit." He kissed her again while his hands were trailing all over her body, sending flames and igniting her.


    Travis helped her unbutton her jeans and she stepped out of it when he was done. "I won''t penetrate you. I just need you to give me a hand." He whispered with his breath getting more laborious done before. He felt like all his blood was pooling in just one part of his anatomy and it was pulsating.


    Jillyanna didn''t know what to do. Again, Travis was her first and so she''s got no experience in dealing with this kind of things.


    Travis had removed his clothings already, both of them were standing naked in front of each other. She was shifting her gaze away from him because she was embarrassed with what''s happening to them.


    "It''s no use being shy. We''ve done more than this already." Travis teased her again.


    "I know. It''s just...it''s just..just..new to me." her voice was getting softer and softer as she spoke and ended in a whisper.


    "I''m prepared to spend the rest of my life with you and I will only do this with you. No one else but you."


    "You have to be patient with me in this matter." Jillyanna whispered again.


    "Then let me teach you lesson 1." Travis voiced out and kissed her again. He''ll never get tired of kissing her. So the punishment turned to a lesson.

 Chapter 146 - PRACTICAL LESSON NO. 1

    Jillyanna was blushing from head to toe once again. Her whole body looked so red and her hand felt so hot when it touches his member.


    "Is..i-it really o-okay to..to do this?" she asked in trembling voice. Aside from the coldness that she felt earlier from the shower, the idea of doing something inside the shower room sent a series of shivers on her spine.


    Travis was holding his control tightly so that he won''t go beyond what he promised her. His ragged breathing was a sign that he was already feeling pleasure just from her touch.


    "It''s fine.. sweetheart. You need..to..to get out of your comfort... zone sometimes." He spoke to her in between moans which Jillyanna acknowledged as a success.


    He guided her hand to move up and down slowly. Jillyanna gasped when she felt it grow in size and it was throbbing in her hands.


    "Does it really grow this big? How did it even fit me? This is just absurd." she murmured just for the two of them to hear. She was stroking him slowly with enough force just as he told her.


    "Do you want to know how it would fit?" Travis teased her which earned a glare from her.


    "You promised that you won''t."


    "I was just kidding." He put his one hand behind her head and pulled her closer for a kiss. His tongue danced in tango with hers. "Can you do it a little bit faster?"


    Jillyanna did what was told and stroke him a little faster. Travis held her tightly and kissed the base of her neck. He sucked on it to leave a kiss mark which she wasn''t aware of. He trailed down his kisses, leaving kiss marks every where to stake his claim.


    "I''m..I''m..a-almost there sweetheart. Just a little bit..more." his eyes were in a daze and the feeling of pleasure was evident on his face. "I''m going to come." Just as he finished his word, he let everything out.


    "It''s...it''s sticky." Jillyanna commented while looking at the semen on her hands and some where on her stomach and legs. "I''ll shower first."


    "Sorry. I''ll clean it for you." Travis responded but his blissful face was clear as day to her.


    She stood under the shower to rinse the sticky stuff off of her body. Travis pour some liquid soap on a sponge and helped her wash so that she didn''t have to bend.


    Jillyanna was focusing on her bath when she noticed something awakening again. "My goodness Travis!"


    "Sorry. I just can''t stop myself whenever I look at you." He admitted to her while he bathe her. "I promise I won''t do anything so rest assured."


    In the end, the usual half hour bath time turned to more than an hour. Her hands felt so tired from doing it since he couldn''t be sated even after she helped him thrice.


    "I can''t believe you''d be that lively." she commented while looking for her a large shirt to wear.


    "I''ve been hungry for so many years. I was fed only once. What do you expect from me?"


    "Shut up! I won''t help you anymore! I am so tired and to think it''s just noon time." she found a t-shirt and her underwear so she put it on.


    "Let me dry your hair since your hands are tired." Travis offered but it came out like a tease instead.


    Jillyanna finished changing her clothes and handed him the hair dryer. "Make it quick cause I wanna sleep for a while. Just for a while. I need to recover my energy."


    "I was just using your hands and you''re this tired? We really need to boost your stamina? I don''t want you to faint when we do the exact thing."


    "Who said I''m letting you do it? In your dreams!" she rolled her eyes at him and sat on the edge of the bed so he can start drying her hair.


    When her hair got dried already, she went to the couch where she placed her bag and took out her phone. She passed by her vanity mirror and noticed something.


    "What''s this?" she sat on a chair in front of the mirror and flipped her hair to the other side so she can see her neck. "What the...what.." she checked her neck, her collarbone and she lifted her shirt only to find countless kiss marks.


    Travis saw her checking her body and found his traces. "The look lovely on you."


    "You beast! I can''t believe you''d leave these many hickeys on me." she wasn''t really complaining. It was just so unexpected.


    The time she accepted him in her life, she already prepared herself for these kind of things. However, imagination and reality were two different things. She never thought he''d be so thirsty and hungry for it.


    "That''s not many. It''s very few."


    "More than one is many. Well, whatever. What''s done is done." she gave up reasoning things out with him.


    Travis approached her and hugged her from behind. He had changed his clothes already and his warmth comforted her.


    "I know that many things have happened in the past and we are just reunited two months ago. Jill, I don''t have any desires for other women. I was even so guilty when I liked you the first time because I thought I was betraying the past Jillyanna I knew when I was a child. Now, I am just so happy that the person I have liked for so many years is the same person that I like now."


    "Why didn''t you come back and find me?" Jillyanna asked him. It''s rare for them to talk like this so it''s best that she''d grab the opportunity.


    "I was so guilty back then regarding what happened to you. It was my nightmare and I thought you''d never want to see me again after that."


    Jillyanna turned around to face him and hugged him back while leaning her head on his chest. "I didn''t really hate you but it did left a big hole in my heart. It was the reason why I couldn''t really trust anyone. I was afraid they''ll do they same thing that you did back then."


    "I''m really sorry Jill."


    "It''s fine. We''re through that phase in our life."

 Chapter 147 - HIS LOVE FOR THE LITTLE HAMSTER

    Travis kissed the top of her head lovingly. To the woman in his arms, he''ll never get tired of showing his love for her. He will indulge her and give all the best things in the world.


    "Thank you." He whispered to her.


    Jillyanna raised her head and looked at him. "What are you thanking me for?"


    "For the life that you showed me. Thank you for forgiving me, for giving me another chance, for trying your best to keep the life we created together. All that I have now is thanks to you."


    "Stop saying those sweet words. I don''t want ants crawling here and biting us." She remarked and pinch his waist lightly.


    "Thank you for doing your best in the shower room." He added with the side of his lips lifted into a smile.


    "Sometimes, I''d rather have you keep your mouth shut for the whole day." Jillyanna pushed him away but Travis pulled her back and hold her up by her waist.


    Out of being shock, she hugged him around his neck and had her legs wrapped around his waist. "What are you planning to do?" she asked with a slight alarm in her voice. She just got out of her predicament from the bathroom and now he was doing this. Her head was ringing all her alarm system.


    Travis laughed out loud and bit her collarbone through her shirt. She gasped at the sting he caused her but she didn''t want to let go of her arms from him.


    "I am not going to do anything. I am putting you to bed since you wanted to take a rest."


    "Okay."


    Travis walked towards the bed while carrying her. He placed her down gently and covered her with the quilt.


    "You won''t eat lunch?" he asked.


    "I''ll eat after a rest. Wake me up after two hours."


    "I''ll be working in the study room. Will you be fine here?" Travis asked her softly.


    "Hn. I feel safe inside this house. No need to worry about me."


    Travis pinched her face lightly and left her alone to rest because if he won''t leave, he doubt it if she can rest.


    Savannah had been waiting for him to come down. Hawk and her came back for quite some time already but she found from Auntie Sisi that the pair hadn''t come down yet. Of course, as a friend, she would want them to spend time together.


    "I got your documents and other stuff from the company. I put them on your table in the study room." Savannah said. "Where''s Jillyanna? I heard she didn''t eat yet?"


    Travis sat on the couch opposite her in the living room. "She''s wanted to rest first. She''ll eat after two hours."


    "I see." she nodded and didn''t say any other words.


    Valkyrie arrived from sending Jenny to the apartment. He and the other body guard helped her to move out of her old house. They sent some of her things to the apartment and the other was sent to the Madrid''s mansion.


    "Is Jenny done moving her things?" Savannah inquired when she saw him.


    "Yes. I left the other guard to follow her around in order to keep her safe." Valkyrie replied.


    "That''s good to know." Travis commented, opened up his phone and handed it to him.


    Valkyrie was confused but he still accepted the phone and looked at the message. It was sent from ''Dearest Winter'', obviously was his cousin Lieutenant Colonel Avery.


    "He''s doing well with me and he''s improving day by day." Attached to her message was a picture of Brown who was drinking water after an intense training. His body glistened with sweat but he still look feminine since he didn''t build up any muscles.


    Valkyrie returned the phone to Travis after a few minutes. "Thank you."


    "It''s the least I can do. When you get the chance, make sure to clear your misunderstandings." Travis told him before standing up and head towards the study room. He''s got a little more than an hour to work before his little hamster wakes up.


    "Don''t worry. Brown will surely understand." Savannah told him. Hawk only gave him a gentle pat on his back as comfort.


    They all went back to their work after a short chitchat. Inside Savannah and Hawk''s room, they''ve got a huge monitor which was given by Travis for them to check on the surveillance that they left on their next target place.


    Valkyrie and Brown''s room has a monitor as well to keep track on the people that Travis and Jillyanna valued the most.


    The reason why they have it in different rooms was to make sure that the monitoring won''t be mixed up. They can''t put the TV in Jillyanna''s room because she''s pregnant and radiation wasn''t good for the baby.


    Travis need to focus on his business as well, so they didn''t want him to be distracted because of the moving red dots or because of the hell-of-place which was their next target - den of sexually abused women.


    There were many reports of missing young women and none of them were able to find them. Some were declared dead and it was found after autopsy that the cause of death was rape and physical abuse.


    In a year, there were hundreds of victims in the same area which made them realize that their suspect is just within the same place.


    It just so happen that a farmer heard some screams when he was plowing his fields one day. He wanted to go and check on them but he was also afraid to find what was going on.


    After three days of sleepless nights, he decided to follow the sound and check what''s going on. It was then that he saw a man came out from a cave and throw a sack on the river.


    His dear life was slipping away from him but he tried his best to run away from the place. He needed to let the authorities know.

 Chapter 148 - WHO CONFESSED FIRST

    The farmer told the police about what he saw. However, when they came to check on the place, there wasn''t a cave at all.


    Confused and scared as he was, the farmer didn''t meddle on such matter anymore. Even if he wanted to help, no one believed him and they couldn''t find the place either.


    He thought everything would just stop there but he was wrong. Screams and cries of agony assaulted his ears. He wanted to help them but he didn''t know who to reach.


    It was a month after the farmer told the police of what he witnessed that Major General Calhoun''s intel found this issue. His team don''t just deal with military affairs. They also helped the police solve some cases that they couldn''t handle.


    Savannah was the one who contacted the farmer and talked about the case. He swear with his life that he wasn''t telling a lie. Savannah believed him as well because there''s no way for a farmer who''s abundant in different crops to lie regarding this matter.


    Hawk scouted the place for two days while leaving some small cameras around the area. So far, after a week of monitoring, there was no positive result.


    This was the next case that was given to them after that drug raid. Even if they wanted to take a short vacation, lives were at stake and Savannah didn''t like people to suffer just like how she suffered back then.


    "I haven''t seen any changes in the place. Let me check on Travis if he needed any help with his documents. Call me if you notice something." Savannah tapped Hawk''s shoulder before leaving.


    Hawk just watched her back before turning his head again to the huge screen. There were 12 cameras on the target location and one of them was placed not far from the farmer''s house to keep him safe.


    Travis signed some documents that got his approval while he set aside those that he think was good but needs adjustment.


    Savannah knocked on the door before coming inside. "Do you need help with those?"


    "No but thanks. I''m okay with all these. How''s your investigation going?"


    "Still stuck without any leads. Hawk and I will check on the place again tomorrow."


    "Be careful this time. I personally think that you''re against a psychopathic killer this time."


    "I agree on that point. I wonder why they can''t find the place."


    "You mean the police?"


    "Yes. The farmer led them to the place where he saw the guy throwing a sack that was found with a dead body later on. However, they couldn''t find any cave."


    "It''s either he covered the cave, the place was different or he''s using something to trick your eyes."


    "That''s my hunch as well which is why I wanted to check the place personally."


    "I''ll ask uncle to give you guys a week of vacation after this mission." He knew how tired their work is and he didn''t want them to die from exhaustion.


    "That would be great. Calhoun is just so stingy with time." Savannah snickered while thinking about the old man.


    She talked to Travis about some things and got some useful information to resolve this case. "Why didn''t you pursue the military affairs? You''d be very great just like your cousin."


    "It''s not what I like."


    "I see. Well, thanks for your help. Here I was thinking I could help you but it''s actually the other way around." Savannah chuckled as she left the study room. "Don''t forget to wake her up." she reminded him just before closing the door.


    Travis checked his watch and found that it was more than two hours already since Jillyanna slept. He arranged the documents as fast as he could and closed his laptop before going back to their room.


    He opened the door slowly and found her sleeping soundly on their bed. He kissed her face while calling her name.


    "Jill wake up."


    "Still sleepy." she murmured and slid under the blanket, covering her whole body.


    "My dear wife, you have not taken your lunch and the baby is hungry."


    This statement was very effective to her and she tried her best to open her eyes. How long did I sleep?"


    "Two hours and few minutes." He pulled her up to help her sit on the bed. "Come on. You need to eat."


    "I know. I''m awake."


    "What do you want to eat?" Travis asked her while helping her stand so she can wash her face in the bathroom.


    Getting inside the bathroom made her remember what was done earlier and she felt embarrassed about it. She washed her face with cold water to wake her up completely before brushing her teeth.


    "I want to eat pork chop and sweet corn."


    "What''s with that combination?"


    "I don''t know. I just want to eat it."


    "Alright. I''ll have someone buy some sweet corns if we don''t have one."


    "Yay! You''re the best." Jillyanna ran to him and kissed his face quickly before going out of the room.


    Travis was left statued on his place from what she did. She wasn''t like other lovers who would often express how she feels but in her own little ways, she''ll make him feel that he''s someone important to her.


    He just smiled and came out of the room to follow her in the kitchen. She was already sitting on a chair, munching some sliced apples and oranges.


    "My little hamster sure likes to stun me with her charms." Travis commented when he appeared.


    "Of course. I need my charm so you won''t go."


    "I won''t go anywhere."


    "I know. I''m just reminding you."


    "Silly." he rubbed her head, messing up her hair but she didn''t mind it. "I have always remembered it. I love you Jill."


    "Thanks." she replied casually.


    "Why won''t you say you love me, too?" Travis asked her while opening the refrigerator.


    "I told you already but you didn''t accept it."


    "When? I didn''t hear you say that."


    "Trust me I did and I won''t say it again least I get rejected."


    "I didn''t reject you."


    "You did and don''t make me recall it or you will be sleeping outside tonight." Jillyanna glared at him and spoke through gritted teeth.


    ''This dumb bloke! How could he say that I didn''t tell him?! Wasn''t I the first who confessed to him?!'' she added mentally in annoyance.

 Chapter 149 - THE CAUSE OF DEATH

    Their whole day was spent by staying at home. Jillyanna did a lot of things around the house to calm herself. She was still annoyed with him.


    She planted different kinds of flowers on the garden to distract herself. She didn''t really want to get upset over some petty matters but she couldn''t help it.


    Everytime she remembered the first time she confessed to him, it would make her blood boil. She knew what''s love and what''s not but because of his rejection, she didn''t dare fall in love again.


    Who would''ve thought that she would still fall for him in the end? She was so annoyed that she fell in love to the same person even after a decade!


    "I hate you Travis!" she yelled at the top of her lungs even though the man she was yelling at was squatting down beside her.


    Travis just laughed at her and continued planting the roses. "I thought you love me."


    "You''re imagining things again." she snorted and moved away from him. "I hate you."


    "It''s fine if you hate me as long as I can still sleep beside you."


    "Who said you''re sleeping with me tonight? Go find a place to sleep. Don''t come near me tonight."


    He put down the shovel and pot before facing her. "I''m sorry if I rejected you in the past. I must be foolish back then even though I like you even before."


    "I told you not to make me recall it! Why are you so hateful?" Jillyanna stood up and kicked him lightly.


    Travis liked their simple and natural interactions a lot. He didn''t have to pretend in front of her and so was she. They just do whatever they want to do as long as they don''t hurt anyone.


    "Let''s visit our parents?" Travis suggested which vanished her annoyance. She looked at the flowers that her mother loves and nodded her head.


    "Let''s visit them now. We still have time before the cemetery closes." Jillyanna stated. It''s not because she forgot her mother but because she didn''t want to tell her that she got herself pregnant by the person who caused her death.


    She was still guilty over it and she didn''t know what to do. She couldn''t blame Travis as well since he was also one of the victims because of some research.


    She had told everyone that she had disposed it but she can''t bring herself to ruin something that her mother dedicated her life to. She still have the soft copy of that research that everyone''s after.


    "Alright. Let me finish this first. You can go ahead and clean yourself and get changed. I won''t take long." Travis responded to her.


    Jillyanna agreed and went inside the house. She had decided that today, in front of their parent''s grave, she''ll ask him of the things that she wanted to know.


    One hour before the cemetery closes, Jillyanna and Travis arrived with the body guards following them from different distances.


    Jillyanna brought some freshly cut flowers from the garden and placed them on her mother''s and his mother''s tomb.


    "Let''s separate for now. I want to get some alone time with my mother." She told him which Travis obeyed.


    They spent ten minutes with their parents before Jillyanna approached him with a faint smile.


    "Travis?" Jillyanna called out his name softly. "Can I ask you something?"


    "Hn."


    "Were you kidnapped before?"


    Travis stiffened his back and he felt a little afraid answering her question. He''s got a bad feeling as to where this question would lead them.


    Still, he preferred to answer her with all honesty. " Yes. I was kidnapped before."


    "Did you know why you were kidnapped?"


    "I know. I heard them called my parents to hand in a research."


    "Was the car accident; really an accident? Or did your mother do something?"


    "It wasn''t my mother who did something but it wasn''t an accident either."


    "Why do you know a lot?"


    Travis looked at her and Jillyanna didn''t waver as well. She stared back at him. "Do you really want to know why?"


    "Hn. Before we came here, I wanted to know what exactly happened."


    They couldn''t move forward if they were still chained to the past. She really wanted to let go her burdens and start over. If things will be solved immediately, she''ll be left with the issue involving her father.


    Travis let go a heavy sigh before looking up at the darkening sky. "I was kidnapped and held for over a week. All their conversations were still etched in my mind. I was scared at that time. I was scared when I heard them that they''d kidnap you, too if my mother won''t follow them. She couldn''t betray your mother and she couldn''t sacrifice you and me for just a research."


    "Why didn''t she tell my mother?" Jillyanna asked.


    "My mother was being monitored. There was a nurse who would always stay beside her to keep her in check. One day, they told my mother to let auntie Elizabeth drive our car and pick you up from school. My mother didn''t want to but they slashed my back with a knife."


    "What? They wounded you?" She asked in surprise and guilt was spreading over her face.


    "You might''ve not notice it since I undergo surgery and it''s on my back which you haven''t seen yet." He added to tease her. "Anyway, after hearing my scream, my mom was scared silly and didn''t think straight. She let Auntie Elizabeth drive the car to pick you up. She didn''t know that the car was rigged."


    "Why did your mother committed suicide?" She knew it was a sensitive topic but she needed to know.


    "Because after a year of your mother''s death, she received a message."


    "What did it say?" Her anxiousness was lacing her voice.


    "I tested you if you''re my daughter''s true friend. I didn''t know you''d just give up her life from a mere threat - that''s what it said."


    All the remaining colors on her face were drained after hearing such horror. All this while, she was right all along. It was her mother''s family who caused her death.

 Chapter 150 - SHE DIDNT FORGET

    Jillyanna wiped the single tear which fell from her eyes down to her face. She never knew that knowing the cold truth would hurt so much.


    "Is that all you wanted to know?" Travis asked her without taking a step towards her. Right now, he didn''t know how Jillyanna felt towards him. For all he know, she could be angry and despising him already.


    Jillyanna asked him the last two questions that she wanted to ask. "Have you been investigating their death and sent Lucian your evidence? Did you know that I was somehow related to them?"


    "Nope. I didn''t know that you were related to him. When I gave them the investigation results, I would always ask my secretary to send it with my name written on it for them to know that it came from a reliable source."


    "Thank you for clarifying this matter to me. I am glad that I finally got the answers."


    "Are you angry?" Travis inquired tentatively.


    Jillyanna sighed and took the first step to get close to him. She linked her arms with his and smiled at him. "I am happy that my questions finally found its answers and the burdens I''ve been carrying were lifted. I''m only angry to my mother''s parents."


    "They''re a tough opponent. Until now, I couldn''t find a solid evidence against them." he commented knowing that she''d set her sail towards her maternal relatives to find evidence.


    Jillyanna nodded her head in agreement. "Though indeed. Two years ago, I almost died because of them yet there''s no evidence to point things on them."


    "Don''t worry, after the last mission of Savannah and everyone else, I will ask them to come and help us with this matter."


    "That would be great." Jillyanna uttered softly with a smile. She held on to his hand tightly and looked at him. "Our mothers must be happy now that we have met again."


    "They surely are." Travis agreed and held her waist.


    They bid farewell to their parents and left the cemetery just few hours before they would close the place.


    Her heart was now lighter than usual and she no longer hold any resentments to him and his family after her mother died. She fully accepted the truth that he was also a victim on this matter.


    ''I swear I''ll strip you off naked in public! Ruining your life isn''t even enough to compensate my mother''s life.'' she noted mentally while keeping a straight face.


    ''I''ll make sure to get all evidence against them. I''ll make sure they suffer to compensate the years of her loneliness.'' Travis mentally stated with a smile hanging on his lips.


    They went back home in silence. They had different thoughts bouncing off their braincells but one thing was similar - it was to compensate their love ones.


    When they got home, Jillyanna didn''t have much of an appetite so she only ate a few spoonful of food before dismissing herself.


    "I''m full already. I''ll go up first." she mentioned to everyone at the table after wiping off her mouth with the napkin.


    "Have a good rest." Savannah responded. Even if she wanted to know what happened to her, she didn''t want to intrude in her private life too much.


    Travis let her go first so that she''ll have time to think about things. She may have accepted the facts earlier but he knew that she was still digesting the information.


    Jillyanna pulled out her phone and sent Lucian a message to focus their investigation on her maternal relatives.


    "Why are you insisting on them? I thought you gave up that idea already." Lucian scolded her knowing what danger she had been through two years ago.


    "A week ago, someone came to me and claimed me to be his niece. Someone showed up to my house and scanned all nooks and crannies of my place to find something. Earlier, Travis confessed to me that her mother received a text before she died. It was from my mother''s father. I don''t know why but I believe I am on the right track in finding the truth.


    "Well, it''s a mess up explanation you have there but I believe you and your man. I will have someone check on them."


    "Thanks bro. I''ll try my best to help as well."


    "Just focus on your health and your baby. Don''t worry, within a month I will solve this case no matter what, specially that we have some leads already."


    "Alright. I''ll leave it in your care." Jillyanna stated with calm manner which showed how much she trusted the man.


    They talked about other things for awhile before he ended the call to continue working.


    After an hour, Travis came to their room so that he can talk to her and hear what exactly she''s feeling towards him. As a loving and caring husband, he couldn''t allow any unsettled issues between them.


    She was already lying on the bed, curled body under the blanket which made her look even smaller.


    "Jill?" he called out to her name softly in case she''s asleep.


    She stirred for a moment and let her head popped out a little so she could see him. "Get your pillows and blanket. Sleep outside tonight."


    This stunned him and stopped him on his tracks. He couldn''t digest the words at all. "What do you mean?"


    "I already told you earlier not to make me remember the time I confessed and got rejected, yet you did it over and over again. So, sleep outside."


    "Hey wifey, you''re joking right?"


    "I''m not." she snorted.


    Travis could feel the on coming headache and had himself massaged his temples. Jillyanna didn''t even bother and just ignored him.


    "Wifey, are you upset because of what we talked in the cemetery?"


    "Nope. I am upset about the confession talk. So go out already or I will throw you out myself."


    His shamelessness made him grin and jumped on the bed to sleep beside her. He hugged her with the blanket which was wrapped around her body like a lumpia wrapper.


    "I love my wife the most." he whispered softly to her.

 Chapter 151 - NOT REALLY UPSET

    "You can''t buy me with your sweet words! Just give up on that." Jillyanna snickered with her muffled voice under the blanket.


    "Wifey, it''s cold to sleep outside." he played the pitiful card but Jillyanna just turned her back on him.


    "Wifey, it isn''t good for a man to sleep outside. Shouldn''t a wife keep her husband from going out?"


    "I''m not your wife."


    "Wifey, don''t get mad at me. I promise I won''t talk about it."


    No response again.


    "Wifey, I won''t tease you again."


    Still no response.


    "Jill I know I promised not to talk about it again but honestly, I clearly remembered the time you confessed. You may hate me for saying this even after telling me not to talk about it but I''d rather have things cleared up between us instead of sleeping with anger." he paused for awhile to see any response from her but she remained quiet. "Jill, I was really happy when you told me you like me but jealousy clouded over my judgement. I''m sorry."


    He talked again and again but there was still no response from her. Travis pulled her close and removed the blanket from her face.


    All this time, he was talking to her but she was already sound asleep. For the first time, she slept early than her usual bedtime routine.


    Travis smiled and kissed her forehead as he hugged her to sleep. Since she didn''t insist on throwing him out, it means that she''s alright with him sleeping beside her.


    The time ticked quickly and the next morning came. Travis was still hugging her and she was sleeping in his arms, head leaning on his chest and one of her hand was hugging his waist.


    The morning light shone brightly and lit up their room. Jillyanna felt the warmth spreading to her and she slowly opened her eyes.


    She kissed his jaw and lightly and moved away from him but Travis pulled her back in his arms.


    "So you didn''t sleep outside huh! How shameless!" Jillyanna snickered but didn''t really wish him to actually sleep outside.


    "I don''t mind acting shameless around you." Travis kissed her face and hugged her tightly.


    Jillyanna didn''t say a thing and just let him cuddle her. ''It''s actually good waking up beside the person you love.'' She noted mentally and hugged him back.


    They cuddled a little bit more before she decided to finally get up and do some light exercise after washing her face.


    Her baby was no longer at risk and the doctor gave her some set of exercises that she can do at home. She still got her yoga mat so she was able to do some stretching.


    "Don''t overdo it." Travis reminded her.


    She just nodded her head and continued her exercise. She only spent half an hour before stopping to rest.


    ''Knock! Knock! Knock!''


    Jillyanna looked towards Travis and signaled him to open the door. As the good husband, he followed her command and opened the door to see Savannah and Hawk standing outside.


    "You guys are leaving now." Travis asked them.


    "Hn. We''ll have to check the place today." Savannah answered.


    "Be careful on your mission. Don''t forget to bring the communication device. I need to know you''re both safe on the other side."


    "We prepared it already. Thank you. We''ll head out now." Hawk responded in his full baritone voice.


    "Come home as soon as possible." Jillyanna called out to them which made Savannah smile.


    "We will." Savannah replied before turning around and left with Hawk following behind her like a knight.


    Travis was planning to meet the architect who would build the extension of the house as well as the interior designer and other relevant people for a meeting that day.


    "Are we going to Venus Plaza today even though it''s weekend?" Jillyanna asked him when he told her to dress herself up.


    "Yes we are. However, it''s not for work. We will be meeting the people who will help us construct the extension on Tuesday next week."


    "That''s quick!" she uttered in surprise and excitement.


    "It''s normal. Anyway, after this meeting, we will visit Dad and stay there for dinner before coming back here."


    "Sure sure." Jillyanna agreed enthusiastically. "Can I film this and share this with my fans?" she asked him.


    "Go ahead." Travis indulged her with her request.


    Last time, she uploaded the video of her and Travis, many people went wild and supported them. Some people still bashed her or sometimes bash Travis. It was already a normal occurrence and she didn''t mind it at all.


    As long as she can make her fans happy by watching her do what she''s up to, that''s what matters for her.


    She made sure to bring her camera and started filming from her room. She introduced their plans for the whole day and even captured Travis who was busy checking for her coat.


    "Let''s just grab some food on the way to the office." Jillyanna suggested as she wear the shoes that he picked for her.


    "That''s fine with me. Any cravings for today?"


    "None. I''m fine with simple meals."


    They went downstairs together, holding each other''s hands just like every other couple in the world. Travis was also holding her bag for her they walk towards the garage.


    "Let''s use my car?" Jillyanna suggested since his cars were very high profile and she didn''t want anything to happen to them just like what happened back at the hospital.


    "I don''t mind it. Give me your keys." Travis asked her and handed her bag to her.


    Jillyanna opened her bag and pulled out a car key from it''s small pouches. She gave it to Travis and let him open the door for her.


    He leaned close to her and fastened her seatbelt for her. Even though he had done it several times, Jillyanna''s heart would still skip a beat when he came so close to her.


    Without saying a thing, he stole another kiss from her.

 Chapter 152 - 23 YEARS AGO, ENZOS LOVE

    Jillyanna and Travis were happily leaving their life despite the danger that''s lurking behind them. They trusted each other and they also gave their trust to the people around them.


    Meanwhile, Lorenzo Diaz met his lawyer. He didn''t want to bail out for what he had done. He wanted to repent for his mistakes and face Elizabeth on the other side one day.


    "Mr. Diaz, is this all that you wanted to do? I mean, base on what happened, you were only suppose to stay here for a year. What will you do when you come then?" The lawyer asked with worry. As far as he know, they could''ve won the case but his client didn''t want that to happen.


    "I am fine. I''ll think about it when the time comes. Just keep what I have asked of you." he said to the man in front of him.


    After a few weeks of staying inside the jail, his temperament changed a lot. He''s rather calm and collected with what happened to him.


    The lawyer stood up and gave him a gentle pat on his shoulder. "If you need anything else just let me know." Then he left him alone sitting on the bench.


    Lorenzo stood up after a few minutes and went back to his room with the police officer escorting him. He sat on his bunk bed and stared blankly into space.


    Everything happened so fast that he didn''t know how things turned out this way. It was like a nightmare that he wanted so much to escape but he couldn''t wake himself up.


    23 years ago...


    "Did you know that Elizabeth''s family are well-known? Even though she''s not favored within her family, she''s rich and she would most-likely be married to someone of the same status as her." Venus told him one time when they grabbed some food from the cafeteria for lunch.


    "Do you think her parents will like me?" Lorenzo asked Venus who''s in the same department as him.


    "I am not really sure. If you really want to be with her, you should start saving." Venus told him, laughing softly like she was just kidding him.


    Either she was joking or not, Lorenzo thought of it almost everyday. In the end, he decided to take up different part-time jobs during his free time to save some money.


    He worked as a waiter in a cafe. He learned bartending in order to get the job at the bar. He worked as a tutor. Sometimes, he would work as a construction worker when a project needed a lot of man power. He did everything he could.


    "Hey man! You''ve been sleeping in the class for the past weeks now. If you aren''t smart, the prof would''ve kicked you out already." His classmate told him when they walked to their research lab.


    "I had to do some part-time jobs." he responded honestly in a muffled voice as he covered his mouth to yawn.


    "Didn''t you get a 100% scholarship? You even get allowance every semester. Why are you working like a carabao?"


    "You wouldn''t understand even if I tell you." Lorenzo mocked him before entering the laboratory.


    His eyes found the woman who owned his heart so he walked up to her. "Need help?" He asked Elizabeth who was busy checking on her dish.


    "No thanks. I''m doing fine." she answered while observing her experiment. "By the way, do you have time this Saturday?"


    "I''m sorry but I have work on that day." Lorenzo answered guiltily.


    "It''s fine. It''s nothing important." Elizabeth said and continued working. "Don''t work too much. You look so pale like dead already."


    "Hn. I won''t. I''ll stop when I have enough savings."


    They talked for a while before he walked to his station and started working on his experiment. He knew what''s going to happen on Saturday but he wanted to surprise her so he lied earlier.


    Saturday came and Elizabeth was upset. She didn''t contact him and he didn''t contact her either. The day passed by quickly and it was around nine in the evening that he finished his works. He bought her a gift and a cake before visiting her in the girls'' dormitory.


    He asked her roommate if she was still awake and they replied positively to him. Their curfew starts at 10 o''clock so he only got less than an hour to celebrate her birthday with her.


    Elizabeth came down to the dorm''s lobby and found him. "What are you doing here?"


    "Happy birthday." Lorenzo greeted him and handed the cake and gift to her.


    Her tears started falling on her face from different emotions. She was really upset and now she''s happy. "I hate you. I thought you forgot my birthday. I didn''t even go home because I wanted to celebrate it with you."


    Lorenzo put down the cake and pulled her in his arms for a hug. "Sorry I upset you. I really have to work today but I didn''t forget your birthday. I even get you a present ahead of time. Here."


    Elizabeth opened it and found a bracelet with their initials engraved on the silver plate. "I love it. Thank you so much."


    "You''re welcome." He hugged her again to at least support himself. He was a bit dizzy and his vision was getting blurry. "It''s almost curfew time. I need to get back to the dorm. You go back inside now."


    "Hn. Take care on your way there."  Elizabeth kissed his face and waved her hand to bid farewell.


    He was really thankful that the lights on the lobby were a bit dim and she didn''t notice anything wrong with him.


    With staggering body, he forced himself to walk back to his dorm. He would sometimes find a place to sit so he could take a rest and calm himself.


    He knocked on the door of his dorm room and just as his roommate opened it for him, he fell on the floor unconscious.


    "Hey Enzo! Enzo are you okay?" his roommate dragged him inside the room. "Working your ass off like this, you''ll end up dead in no time." He scolded even though the person couldn''t argue back.


    He helped him lie on his bed and put on a wet cloth on his forehead. He was having a fever already but he was still forcing himself.


    The next day, he acted like nothing happened and still continued working. "I need few more money to pay the downpayment and another payment for the monthly installment." Lorenzo sighed while looking at his savings book.


    His parents died when he was in highschool but he didn''t know anyone who''s related to his parents so he could only work on his own. Good thing was that, there was a teacher who needed a student assistant. He applied for it and started working. When he became a university student, he got a scholarship so he didn''t need to worry plus there was an allowance. However, he met Elizabeth. To fit within her world, he started working again.


    "How about we go on a date this weekend?" Elizabeth asked him one afternoon after their class.


    "Sure. I don''t have to cover a shift on that day. We can go after seven in the evening." Lorenzo responded. "I need to go somewhere in the afternoon."


    "Okay. I''ll send the address to you and wait." Elizabeth said excitedly. "It''s been a while since we had our last date."


    "I think it was two months ago." Lorenzo said guiltily as he scratched the tip of his nose. Since he started working, the time they spent together was so little.


    "It''s fine." Elizabeth answered. "Just don''t overwork yourself." She really wanted to know why he''s wanted so much money when he''s got enough from his scholarship but she just couldn''t bring herself to ask him.


    The day of their date came and they chose to watch a movie. In the end, Lorenzo fell asleep halfway from so much exhaustion. He didn''t tell her yet, but he was busy checking on the thing he wanted to buy for her. He had to travel to different places to get the suitable one that he likes for her.


    It wasn''t just that single time. Everytime they went for a date, he would either end up sleeping on her or they would just cancel it because he couldn''t come.


    Elizabeth never blamed him. She was very understanding and would always remind him to take care of himself specially that he works a lot. She would sometimes bring him lunch or buy medicine for him.


    It lasted until they were halfway through their senior year. Lorenzo had to leave for United States with his mentor regarding some research. Before leaving, he was told that the surprise was fully complete and he can check on it any time.


    "I''ll be back in two weeks time. I''ll check on it when I get back." Lorenzo told the agent over the phone. He had been working so hard for it. He didn''t want anyone to tell him that he''s living off of her because she''s rich. He wanted to show them that he can do everything for the person he loves.


    While he was away, Elizabeth was locked up on her room. She didn''t tell him the reason and she didn''t contact him during his research training as well. He thought everything was going on the right direction.


    But reality and expectations were two different things. He was so worked up with his surprise that he didn''t notice her sad tone. He thought she was just missing him.


    When he came back, he called her again. He was planning to take a rest before visiting her and bring her to the place where he bought the surprise. She answered on his first call but on the next day, she had turned off her phone.


    He went to work where they were having their internship and looked for Venus. "Venus, do you know what happened to Elizabeth? She''s not answering my calls."


    "I was about to ask you the same things. I haven''t heard anything from her."


    "That''s weird, she still answered my call yesterday. Can you tell me her address? I wanted to know how she''s doing."


    "Sure. Just give me a minutes." she walked back to her station and looked for a piece of paper. She wrote down her address and gave the paper to him. "I am not sure if she''s there but, this is their home."


    "Thanks a lot. I''ll check on her later." Though he was worried, he was still a little relieved that he knew where to find her.


    After his internship, he bought some fruits as a gift for his sudden visit. They let him inside the house but it was as clear as day that they didn''t want to see him there.


    "Elizabeth isn''t home. You may go now." It was her father who spoke rudely at him.


    "If I may ask, do you know where she is? I mean, I have to talk to her. I don''t have any ill-intentions towards your daughter. I just need to give her something."


    "Your love isn''t needed in this family. You better break up with her or I''ll break you." Her father warned him and nobody stopped him at all. They were even snickering at him like he was an idiot in front of them.


    Lorenzo knew that he couldn''t force himself so he went home to think for a different way. His surprise was currently postponed since he couldn''t get a hold of Elizabeth.


    A week passed and there was still no words from her. He couldn''t get any glimpse of her in their house so he started to believe that she wasn''t there. He asked some of her acquaintances if they knew where she was but nobody knew. Even Venus didn''t know what''s going on. She wasn''t even allowed to contact anyone from Elizabeth''s household.


    She started thinking differently and her worry intensified each day. She was getting anxious since she didn''t know what''s happening on her end.


    One day, like lightning striking cold to people''s hearts, the news of Elizabeth being married off to a businessman spread like wildfire. Lorenzo and Venus were stunned with the news as well. They just couldn''t believe it.


    She called her father as soon as possible and found out the truth. They weren''t informed about such event until the wedding day itself. It was a shotgun wedding and many thought that Elizabeth was pregnant.


    Lorenzo wanted to hear the news directly from his girlfriend but she wasn''t answering his calls. His world started to crumble and his heart was breaking apart.


    His head was hanging low when he arrived to the place where his surprise was waiting for him. It took him three years to finally bought it and almost all of his savings were invested in it.


    "You are of no use to me now." He murmured while staring at the 2-storey house that he bought. "I worked so hard for you, to fit in your world, to give you the best in the world. In the end, I got nothing at all."


    He cried his heart out. When his parents died, he wasn''t this hurt because he knew that they would leave due to an illness. He was prepared at that time. Now, with her sudden disappearance, his heart wasn''t prepared at all. He was still expecting that everything was fine but in reality, she already abandoned him.


    "I must be just a past time while she awaits for her marriage. She wasn''t really serious with this relationship. No wonder, she didn''t get mad at me when I slept during our date. No wonder she didn''t really care if I won''t show up. I am so pathetic. This life is so pathetic!" he mocked himself again and again while laughing sarcastically.


    "I was such a fool. How did I even end up like this? Was I wrong to love her? Everything that we had, was it all a lie? Didn''t I deserve someone who can truly love me and stay with me? Why? Why did I even work tirelessly for this house? Why did I sacrifice my sleeping hours to work? What was all these for?! Ha?! Why did Iove you?! Why did it have to be you?!"


    His shouts and cries echoed inside the house. He was so heartbroken that he didn''t care about the expensive things he bought. He threw them all out and broke everything that''s within his sight.


    The house was a complete mess. It was a contrast to how elegant it looked when he first came. "I hate all of you! I hate you!" He shouted with his hoarse voice while throwing their pictures on the ground.


    Thinking all about this, Lorenzo couldn''t stop his tears from falling. He knew he still love her after all these years and it hurts him everytime he remembered that she was married to someone else.


    "If I knew, I wouldn''t want to feel love." Enzo whispered as he wiped off the tears from his face. "After 23 years, I still couldn''t forget her."

 Chapter 153 - HOUSE EXTENSION MEETING I

    "You thief! Stop stealing kisses from me!" Jillyanna scolded him with her eyes glaring fiercely at him.


    "If I asked for permission, will you even allow me?"


    "No!" she answered almost automatically that made Travis laugh faintly. She felt a little guilty regarding such matter but she needed to keep her sanity intact.


    She noticed that everytime he stole a kiss from her, her heart would skip a beat and she''d feel a little hot after.


    However, when his quick kisses turned to a French kiss, she noticed that her heart would beat so fats that it sometimes hurt her chest. She would feel weak on her knees and she couldn''t think properly. It was a little alarming for her.


    Travis drove the car out of her house and head towards his company which wasn''t very far. They went for a drive-thru and bought some burgers to eat.


    She turned on her camera and aimed at Travis who was busy ordering their food.


    "As you can see everyone, he''s buying food for our breakfast. Usually, we would eat before leaving the house but we are in a hurry this time so we can only grab some drive-thru food." Jillyanna commented before placing the camera in front of her so that it can get a wide view with the both of them.


    Travis received their orders and paid for it. "I only got her chicken sandwich because she''s not allowed to eat so much." he stated while glancing to the camera with the food in his hands.


    "I''ll eat a lot after giving birth." Jillyanna responded with an evil laughter. She looked so cute when she did silly things and actions in front of the camera.


    Travis would share some silly things about her that her fans didn''t know of which oftentimes received a deathly glare from her.


    "I hate this man so much." she whispered to the camera while covering the side of her mouth to avoid him from hearing her.


    "Thank you so much for liking my first video everyone. I wasn''t able to read all your comments because I had to deal with some personal affairs in my end. Nevertheless, I can feel your love and support everytime you click on the heart."


    "We''re here already." Travis announced which caught her attention. "Let me tell you something everyone. My wife doesn''t like getting off of the car at the basement. She hates the atmosphere of basements."


    Jillyanna flicked his forehead and scolded him. "How could you share that? They''re probably thinking that I am a coward."


    "Of course you are not. You are brave." Travis responded with a sneaky grin.


    "I know what you''re thinking, you monkey! You better stop it!" she said through gritted teeth. "Let''s go already."


    Jillyanna came out of the car and walked ahead of him to the company. "Let''s leave that annoying fly!"


    Even though she said that, she still stopped in front of the entrance and waited for him.


    "I thought you''re leaving me behind?" Travis asked her which irked her again.


    "You really want me to leave you?" Jillyanna asked which hinted double meanings to him.


    "Of course not. We promised that we''ll stick together no matter what."


    "Right which is why I stopped and waited for you."


    They were bickering back and forth but they still walked side by side. Jillyanna put down the camera for a while.


    "Where will we have our lunch today?" she asked him with her pretty smile. "I like to eat spicy ramen."


    "Then let''s have ramen later."


    "Really?"


    "Hn."


    They were not in front of the camera but their interaction remained the same. They could be sweet at times and sour next. They would throw sweet words, silly jokes and sometimes argue.


    "Good morning sir. Good morning ma''am!" greeted the receptionist at the top floor of the building.


    "Morning. Are they all here?" Travis asked directly with his authoritative voice, clearly starting his role as the CEO of the company.


    "Yes sir. Everyone arrived few minutes ago. I let them wait in meeting room no.4." answered the woman.


    "Thanks."


    Travis led Jillyanna inside and walked directly to the meeting room where different people in different walks of life were gathered together.


    Some greeted him as Mr. Madrigal, some called him sir and some called him boss. Jillyanna was either called young madam or madam boss.


    She told him that she''s going to film a little bit about the meeting before they would actually start the actual discussion. Travis let her do it and after a full 3 minutes, she ended the video.


    "Is that all?" Travis asked her.


    "Hn. I can''t divulge to the fans what the house would look like. I''ll show it to the on my third video instead." Jillyanna answered smartly. She wanted to give them a house tour but that can wait until the construction for the extension is done.


    "Okay." he gave her head a gentle pat while she put away her camera. Then, he turned to the people in the meeting room. " Let''s start the discussion regarding the construction. I''d like to see first the blueprint of the house."


    A man with his rectangular spectacles walked towards them and handed the design. Travis opened it and checked the layout carefully.


    "We''re going to have bunk beds in one of the rooms?" Jillyanna asked when she saw the design.


    "Yup. It''s for the body guards who doesn''t want to go home or didn''t have much time to go home."


    "I see." she continued checking the layout and found the room for their baby. "Are we going to design this room? We don''t even know the gender yet."


    "We''ll have the room built first and leave the interior design later." Travis answered her.


    They both checked the design and Jillyanna would often ask questions. Travis was there to answer all her ''Why''s?'' since it was his idea to build the extension.


    They handed back the blueprint to the man before calling on the next person.

 Chapter 154 - HOUSE EXTENSION MEETING II

    One after the other, Travis called on everyone to show their proposals with their respective purpose regarding the construction.


    "Let''s take a break and have lunch everyone." Travis announced and wrapped up their meeting for now.


    Jillyanna was standing beside him with so much eagerness to eat spicy ramen again. "I want two bowls this time."


    "We aren''t even dare yet. Let''a check the size of their servings before deciding."


    "You are right." Jillyanna beamed at him her sweet smile.


    Travis frowned and stopped walking. He looked at her carefully and sighed. "You''ve been smiling at me. Do you need anything or did you do something bad?"


    Jillyanna stopped smiling and came closer to him. "Is it weird that I am smiling at you?" she asked.


    "Hn. It is." Travis answered. "If you do it for a long time, it is weird."


    "Why?"


    "Because the wife I know would always frown at me."


    "But wife sometimes act sweet with their husband right?" Jillyanna retorted with a pout. She didn''t really have any hidden intentions behind her smiles. She just wanted to be a little sweeter around him which would always end up in a frown as well because he would ruin her mood.


    Travis looked at her directly in her eyes. Jillyanna felt even more embarrassed with his direct gaze now.


    "What? Why are you looking at me like that? What''s wrong?"


    "You just called yourself my wife." Travis teased her. "Does it mean you accepted me as your husband already?"


    "You''re getting the wrong idea. I didn''t say I''m your wife." Jillyanna responded and walked away from him. "Hurry up! I''m hungry."


    Travis followed her silently with a smile. Jillyanna waited for him and they went down together.


    Travis brought her to the nearest ramen store for lunch. Flipping through the menu, Jillyanna found that they served big bowls of ramen. So instead of getting two, she only got one.


    "Jill, I want us to be a family and I want our child to bare my last name." Travis stated while waiting for their orders.


    Jillyanna''s eyes go wide and she raised her eyebrows in question. "What are you trying to say?"


    "What I''m trying to say is that, I want us to get married." he told her in serious tone.


    Jillyanna looked left and right to see if anyone was listening to them. When no one heard what he said, she leaned closer to him and whispered. "Marriage is not a joke Travis. You should think about it carefully. And our country doesn''t allow divorce so make sure you think about."


    "I''ve been thinking about this for quite sometime now. I want us to get married."


    Jillyanna''s heart faltered in its beat and her lips no longer show the sweet smile she had earlier. "Travis, this..this is very sudden for me. I..I honestly need to think about this?"


    "You are not thinking of running away from me, are you?"


    "No!" she answered with firm conviction. "I''m not thinking of that."


    "As long as you''re not running away, I''ll wait until you want to get married. I hope it''s before you give birth."


    "Hn. I''ll think about it." She was really glad that Travis understood her. He didn''t force him to do things his way and he would always ask her permission except the kissing part. There was no permission to it.


    Their food arrived and they started eating their ramen. "How''s uncle Thomas by the way? We haven''t visited him after ''that'' incident."


    "Dad is doing fine and he wanted us to visit him sometimes which was the reason why I suggested to stay in our place during construction."


    "Shall I prepare our things once we get home?" Jillyanna asked with great enthusiasm. She''s excited staying over in his place for a change of environment.


    Travis nodded his head in agreement. Seeing her happy with the plan, Travis was happy too. He couldn''t ask for more as long as he''s with her.


    They finished eating their food and went back to the company to continue the discussion. Travis made it known to everyone that this house extension was a very important project.


    Meanwhile, Hawk and Savannah found the place that they were looking for. It took them three hours to find the place that the farmer found.


    The reason why no one found the place was because it was hidden through a reflection. The cave''s entrance was covered with artificial vines with small broken mirrors that reflected the surroundings.


    Because of it, the place looked ordinary to their eyes and their was no cave on sight. If not for Travis, mentioning the possibility of it being hidden, they wouldn''t have thought about it.


    They wanted to get inside the cave but they didn''t know the hidden traps that''s awaiting them. In the end, Hawk added another camera that was facing the cave directly.


    "I couldn''t find any foot prints here or anything that we can use." Savannah uttered in dismay.


    "Not now but soon." Hawk responded with confidence. "Let''s go home for now. It''s a good lead already that we found the place. Let''s try to investigate the victims this time."


    "Hn."


    They retraced their tracks to go down the mountain, leaving no footprints behind. They still need to go to the police station and retrieve as much information regarding the case.


    "Let''s ask if they found any similarities between the victims for us to figure out his next target." Savannah commented.


    "Are we going to use a bait?" Hawk asked.


    "That''s the second option. I wanted to get this thing done so we can go on vacation already."


    "Where do you want to go?" Hawk asked her when they talk about vacation.


    "No idea yet. How about you? Do you have any place you want to go?" Savannah asked him back.


    Hawk looked at her, pulled her close and kissed her head. "Wherever you are is where I go. I have promise to always stay with you and I have no intention of backing out."

 Chapter 155 - CATCHING A CRIMINAL I

    Travis and Jillyanna wasn''t around at home due to the meeting. Valkyrie was busy shifting between two rooms to check on the monitors. Hawk and Savannah left the place and went to the station to get some information.


    Between the gaps of shifting from the two rooms, Valkyrie didn''t notice anything at first. He decided to focus on the monitor in Savannah and Hawk''s room since there were body guards around who can help him check if there''s any intruders in Jillyanna''s house.


    He rewind everything from the time they left and fast forwarded everything to check for any changes. He even caught the two checking the place and finding the cave.


    When they left, a man arrived alone. He was wearing a black hoodie that covered his whole body and a black gloves for each of his hands. Since he was looking down, the hoodie covered his whole face, making anyone unable to see him.


    He stopped in front of the cave that Savannah and Hawk found earlier as if he noticed anyone was watching him. He looked around the place but his eyes were covered with a black mask.


    He went inside the place and came out after around five minutes with a sack on his shoulders.


    Valkyrie had his heart in his throat as he watched the scene. He would want to call Savannah and Hawk to check on the place again but it would be too late this time.


    While watching the footage earlier, he tried deducing the appearance of the man to make a profile for him.


    On the other hand, Savannah and Hawk got a copy of the initial investigation and report from the police department. It was stored in a flash drive for them to bring it conveniently without anyone''s notice. It was the chief superintendent who gave them permission to make sure that they catch the criminal.


    "We have noticed that these young women, were all from A university. They were all excellent in academic and sports. Some were pretty average and some were really beautiful. Their ages were between 17 years old to 19 years old." That''s what the chief said. "Such a waste for these young talents to die in such horrible ways."


    "Do you have a profile of the criminal?" Savannah asked him.


    "Yes. I included that on the report. You can check everything when you get back to your camp. If there''s anything you still need, just give me a call."


    The chief thought that they are staying in the military camp and Savannah didn''t correct him on that. She just allowed him to think that way. There''s no use involving Travis and Jillyanna on this matter.


    After a brief talk with the chief superintendent, Savannah and Hawk decided to go home and check on the report they got. They also need to compare the details between the one they got from the chief and the one they got from the intel.


    It was already afternoon when Savannah and Hawk came back. She was tossing the flash drive in her hands, playing at it like it wasn''t containing an important documents.


    Hawk opened the door to their room and found Valkyrie busy jotting down information while watching the monitor from time to time.


    "Welcome back." he stated without looking at them.


    "Did you find any information?" Hawk asked as he removed his coat and put it on a rack with Savannah following him.


    "I did. Come and see this." He beckoned them to come closer and pointed his finger on camera 3 and camera 13 which they just installed earlier. These were the camera that catches the full view of the person.


    "He came?!" Savannah exclaimed in anger after seeing the time of his arrival. It showed that it was half an hour after they left the place that the person came.


    "Don''t worry Savy, we''ll catch him later." Valkyrie told her to comfort her a little bit. "Here''s what I found." Valkyrie gave them the paper which showed his computation.


    Hawk pulled out his laptop from the bedside drawer and attached the flash drive that they got. They wanted to do some cross matching with what Travis found.


    "Base on my computation, using the light and time plus the angle that this person was captured by the camera, the criminal is probably between 172-175 cm in height." he stated while rewinding the camera again to the time he caught sight of the person. "Look at this." he pointed at the face. "Even if this person hid its face, this is not a face of a man. The suspect we are looking at is a woman not a man."


    "What?!" both Hawk and Savannah were shock at this revelation. They never thought it that way.


    "This person could have undergone a surgery to get a man''s anatomy. Which is why she was able to rape them. She could have tried to make friends with these victims since she was still a woman in appearance." Hawk added after getting over his surprise.


    "This person was wearing gloves but if you see this..." Valkyrie pointed on the right hand and zoomed in the video. "...the right ring finger could be broken or the person no longer have it." The person on the video raised her hand to remove the vines but the ring finger was still down and the glove for that finger was moving from side to side.


    "You''re amazing Val." Savannah told him and gently pat his shoulder. "Let''s check on the documents here to find any other clue."


    Hawk opened the files and found the same deduction from the intel and the police department except the part that the suspect was actually a woman.


    "Since the victims are from the same school, it can be said that the suspect is either a student, a teacher, a blue-collar or someone who just abduct the students on their way home after checking their profiles."


    "Let''s check on the roads that these students usually take." Savannah suggested which the all agreed.

 Chapter 156 - CATCHING A CRIMINAL II

    Hawk pulled out a huge map of the city that they got from the precinct. Using the red pins, he marked the places that the victims used to live.


    Valkyrie checked on the roads and check if there were cameras that they can probably hack and get a footage.


    While doing so, Valkyrie also played the monitors in its usual speed only to find new comers.


    "Oh no." Valkyrie said with a sad face. "Looks like we''ve got a den of wolves."


    Both Savannah and Hawk looked at the monitors as well. "I thought we are just dealing with a single woman." Savanna sighed and slouched in her chair, dispirited.


    "Is this some sort of ritual? Why are they wearing mask? They shouldn''t have known that we already put cameras around the area, right?" Savannah added.


    "I know what we can do now." Valkyrie stated while looking at Savannah with an evil grin.


    "I won''t allow you to do that Val." Hawk told him with a clear warning.


    "We will still resort to using a bait in the end. Savannah looked younger than 20-year-old woman. She can enroll at the place and act like the super intelligent and most talented woman. Making the people hooked up with her beauty. No one is better than her. Aside from that, she can protect herself while acting docile in front of everyone."


    "I agree!" Savannah volunteered herself directly. "Instead of worrying about the life of an innocent woman, why shouldn''t I do it?"


    Hawk looked at her grimly and she couldn''t help but make a ''zipping mouth'' signal to shut up. She looked at Valkyrie but in the end, they still have to wait from Hawk to make a decision.


    "Taira, this isn''t just a game. Your life will be at stake. I know you''re capable but I will still worry. Do you understand where my thoughts are coming from?" Hawk spoke to her using her real name. He sounded confused and distraught as to what he wanted to do. Her safety was the topmost priority in his life and sending her to a den of wolves was the most difficult thing to do.


    "I know you''ll be worried which is why I''m going to prepare myself thoroughly. I don''t want us to be in trouble and as much as possible, I don''t want any other victims to die in their hands."


    "Let''s think of a safety plan to assure me." Hawk told the both of them which made Valkyrie smile. He can totally understand Hawk since he was that overprotective to Brown himself. The only difference between their relationship was that Hawk and Savannah had complete solid trust while he and Brown had a feeble trust built in silly actions and cowardice.


    Valkyrie showed them some accessories that Savannah can use during difficult times. There was a necklace with a sharp sword pendant. There was a pair of earrings with a metal ball that can be used for throwing. A long belt which can be used to hit someone or hang them or strangle them. Valkyrie also showed her a bracelet of thin dagger which can be straightened and use to stab someone. There was also a boots that can store some daggers and guns with its internal compartments.


    "These things are just some items which you can use to defend yourself while waiting for us. You are skillful as a close combat fighter as well so you can perfectly use them." Valkyrie stated. "Of course, your communication device will be with you at all times. We need to think of a short communication code to deliver messages."


    With this arrangement, Hawk finally agreed and the three of them started thinking of a short communication messages.


    "Wait, aren''t you going to check on Brown next week?" Savannah asked Valkyrie.


    Valkyrie looked at her before looking towards Hawk. "I wanted to but I decided to postpone it until our mission is over. I trust that our Lieutenant Colonel will keep him safe at all times."


    They didn''t comment on it but gave him an encouraging smile instead.


    They continued listing some messages and codes to correspond it. They didn''t know when the suspect will strike on Savannah so they needed to be prepared at all times.


    "We''ll commence our plan on Monday. I''ll contact A University to coordinate this plan with the head office." Hawk told the both of them.


    "Sure. Let''s go ahead and do that." Valkyrie agreed.


    "I can''t wait any longer so let''s do this as soon as possible." Savannah responded.


    They hack the university information and got the contact info as well as the address of the school owner and the head of administration.


    The didn''t wait further and contacted the person-in-charge as soon as possible. The sooner the better it will be for them.


    "Good day sir. Can we talk to you about the situation of your school? This is regarding the ongoing case involving the students of your university. I am here to offer my help." Hawk stated as soon as possible. Out of the three of them, Hawk was the most straight forward.


    "You should at least explain a little. The man would be scared silly." Savannah stated with a laugh.


    The man they contacted was still speechless on the other line. He was afraid and a little stunned from being contacted directly.


    "Are you for real? Are you really going to help us?" the man asked profusely. He was eager to get some help specially that their school''s reputation has been ruined.


    "Will you be fine to meet us tonight? You can choose the place that you''re comfortable with. We are tasked to solve this as soon as possible." Hawk told him his opinion.


    "Alright. I''ll send you the address." The man ended the call and sent him an address through text message. He also contacted his body guards to make sure that he''ll be safe in this meeting.


    "Let''s go and get this started." Valkyrie commented as he jogged back to his room to get his coat.

 Chapter 157 - CATCHING A CRIMINAL III

    The three of them left the house using Savannah''s car and it was Hawk who drove them.


    Mr. Revamonte who owned the school told them to meet up at The Mango which was a dessert factory near A University. He also contacted the head of school administration, Mr. Mercader.


    "Good evening gentlemen." Savannah greeted them when she saw the two people sitting on table.


    They looked pretty ordinary with just plain clothes but Savannah noticed that there were three body guards who sat not far away from them.


    "Good evening milady." Mr. Revamonte greeted her back. "Good evening sire!" he greeted Hawk and Valkyrie who was following Savannah.


    The three of them knew how these men looked like because they had hacked the school information earlier.


    "You must be the one who called me earlier?" Mr. Revamonte asked them.


    "Yes. I was the one who contacted you. Just call me Hawk. This guy is Valkyrie and this woman is Savannah. We are from special forces who deals with matters concerning big cases that the police wasn''t able to handle." Hawk stated as a matter of fact and sat on the chair opposite them without waiting for invitation.


    Savannah and Valkyrie followed and sat on the chair next to him. "We are here to ask for a favor."


    "What is it?" Mr. Mercader asked.


    Savannah leaned closer to them to make sure that only the five of them can hear what she''s about to say.


    "I want you to boost my image. I want you to spread a news that an excellent student will be transferring this Monday. We want to bait the criminal to act this week." Savannah told him.


    "Who''s the transferee?" Mr. Revamonte asked.


    "I am." Savannah presented herself. "I will be the transferee. One of my friends would want to work as a janitor or a security guard to ensure my safety."


    "Is that all that we needed to do?" Mr. Mercader clarified.


    "Yes. But please don''t tell that it''s a mission. That''s all we need." Valkyrie told them.


    "No problem. We will make sure to seal our lips tightly." Mr. Revamonte stated.


    They have been worried about the school''s reputation. As one of the top universities in the country, being assaulted with issue like the increasing death rate of their female students, damaged their school.


    Not only the school was affected but also the mental health of their students. Everyone was worried of what tomorrow might bring. They were worried that they would be the next victim.


    "Thank you so much for offering us your help." Mr. Mercader and Mr. Revamonted bowed deeply with gratitude. In this on going chaos, many people avoided them which truly made them felt a bit depress.


    "Say your thanks when we catch the criminal. Anyway, that''s all for now." Hawk nodded at them and stood up to leave.


    "We''re counting on you to give her some good words. She''s really smart and talented." Valkyrie added before standing up and followed Hawk and Savannah outside.


    Both of the men felt a little relief upon receiving this timely help. They never expected that the higher authorities would involve themselves in this matter.


    Valkyrie called someone to send those items they checked overnight so that Savannah can practice the next day.


    So far, things were going well and was sailing to the right direction. They could only hope that they would catch the criminal soon.


    Meanwhile...


    "Dad, we will be staying here next week." Travis told him over dinner. Jillyanna was currently sitting beside him, busy eating her food.


    "Really?" Thomas asked in surprise. He didn''t expect that they''d be surprising him this much. He actually thought that his son forgot him and wanted to focus on Jillyanna.


    Honestly, he never felt that his son disregarded him and that''s the reason why he kept telling Jillyanna before that she''s misunderstanding Travis. When he took over the company, he made sure that several security personnel will stay with him to ensure his safety. When he started getting heart attack, he made sure that his room is equipped with all necessary things for first aid.


    His son actually cared for him. Seeing him happy with Jillyanna and ready to build his own family, he was elated and ready to follow his wife as well.


    "Yes. Her house will be under construction for a while so we needed to stay here." Travis stated.


    "Is that alright uncle?" Jillyanna asked since he didn''t agree yet. ''Fine or not, it doesn''t matter. I''m only doing this for Travis.'' Jillyanna thought internally.


    Thomas chuckled and nodded his head. "You can stay here as long as you want. I don''t mind."


    "We''ll just use my room and we''ll probably move on Monday." Travis retorted. "But we won''t stay often at home."


    "What do you mean?" Thomas asked in dismay. He was looking forward to spending time with Jillyanna but now, he had to rethink it.


    "Uncle, I know I''ve been to this house and I know all the people here. However, I don''t want to stay at home. As much as possible, I''d like to go where Travis go." Jillyanna answered to save Travis from getting a scold. She knew his temper and most likely, he will scold Travis for bringing her around to different places.


    Thomas could only sigh and continue eating his food. "Make sure to take care of yourself. If you feel tired, you don''t really have to follow him. If he will bully you, let me know and I''ll skin him alive." Thomas told her before sending a warning glare towards his son.


    "Thanks uncle." Jillyanna commented with a smile before shifting her gaze to Travis. "Take care of me or else, uncle will skin you alive."


    "He won''t get a chance to." Travis retorted while giving her some fruits.


    "That''s what I thought. You love me after all." Jillyanna shamelessly declared in front of him and Thomas. It just showed who''s domineering between them.


    Travis could only chuckle and kissed her temple. "Hn. I love you." He whispered back to her.

 Chapter 158 - CATCHING A CRIMINAL IV

    NOTE: I AM REALLY SORRY EVERYONE. I WAS HAVING SOME GLITCHES IN MY END AND MY CHAPTERS WEREN''T RELEASED CORRECTLY. I HAD TO SORT OUT MY CHAPTERS MANUALLY USING THE NOTES IN MY NOTEBOOK.


    I HOPE YOU CAN FORGIVE ME FOR THIS MISTAKE. THANK YOU. ***


    ***


    A military personnel sent the things Valkyrie asked in the middle of the night. The man didn''t stay for long. He just left right after sending the things that was asked of him.


    Valkyrie didn''t invite him over tea as well. They have more important things to do than having a tea party.


    Savannah and Hawk weren''t sleeping as well. They have been checking the monitors while waiting for the things to arrive. When Valkyrie knocked on the door, Savannah happily opened it and saw a duffel bag.


    "I thought it would be just accessories." she stated while eyeing the bag.


    "I don''t know what''s inside either. Let''s check on it." Valkyrie responded. He unzipped the bag and found several things with a note inside it.


    WE ADDED SOME THINGS THAT MIGHT BE OF HELP. -Calhoun


    "Oh. It''s our Major General who prepared this things." Savannah said after reading the note. She set it aside and picked up the items one by one.


    The earing was placed on a separate small box. The stud was really heavy and Savannah felt it would be a nice thing to throw at someone''s forehead.


    The necklace was also placed on a different box. When she held the pendant, it was like a real sword - just a mini version of it. She even tried putting it on and she could feel the weight hanging over her neck.


    Next, she pulled out the unique belt. It was like a silver thin rope when you look at it with a unique dragon buckle as a design. However, when you touched it, you can feel the rough surface that can wound someone if you hit them.


    "These things are so cool? Why didn''t let us use these before?" Savannah couldn''t help but ask.


    "What I''ve heard it that, it was our Lieutenant Colonel who asked someone to design these stuff. She was supposed to use this on her mission but she felt that someone needed it the most which is a great thing. Even if we fought together against her, we wouldn''t win." Valkyrie responded while pulling out a white button-up blouse.


    "Jesus! How the hell did she come up with these ideas?!" Valkyrie exclaimed when he saw that the buttons on the bouse were real gun bullets. He couldn''t just get it how the process worked.


    Savannah took the blouse and touched the buttons. She rummaged through the bag and found a small gun that would fit enough in the boots that she found earlier.


    "She''s really a genius." Hawk stated in awe. Somehow, he felt a little confidence in this mission after getting the stuff for Savannah.


    There were three different color of blouse with different embroidery but the buttons were all real bullets.


    She also found a ring that looks ordinary to her eyes. When she pulled it our from the case, a note fell on her lap.


    "PRESS THE LITTLE BLACK STUD TO OPEN IT AND PRESS THE LITTLE BLUE STUD TO CLOSE IT."


    Savannah didn''t know what it was for but when she followed the instructions, a very thin metal showed up. She didn''t even know how it ended being locked up but it was so cool for her. She took out a small stack of used papers and sliced on it.


    "Cool!" Savannah said with clear admiration. The stack of papers were cut in half and a scratch mark was left on the floor. "These things are just amazing. I''ll practice using these tomorrow."


    "Alright. Let''s check the remaining items tomorrow. For now, let''s take a rest." Hawk added.


    "Sure. Good night to the both of you." Valkyrie responded before leaving their room.


    At the same time...


    "I can''t sleep." Jillyanna murmured while facing Travis. His hand was holding her waist and his chin was resting on her head. "Tell me a story or sing a song again."


    "Do you want to hear the things I did after I left?" Travis asked her. He was very sleepy already but he didn''t want to sleep when she''s still awake and uncomfortable.


    Jillyanna heard his sleepy voice so she just refused it. "Just tell me about it on another day. I think I''m getting sleepy now." she stated a lie. She knew how much effort he was putting up for her sake and it made her felt guilty knowing that he still need to take care of her.


    "Are you sure? If you can''t really sleep, just tell me." Travis told her before placing a gentle kiss on her head.


    "Thank you." Jillyanna raised her head and whispered. "Thank you so much." she kissed his jaw and snuggled closer to him. "I love you, Travis."


    Her last words made him open his eyes fully and he pushed her a little so that he can see her face. Jillyanna was clearly startled but she just stared back directly at him.


    "Did I hear it clearly? Was I dreaming or did you really say it?" he asked her with slightly shaken voice.


    "I think you''re dreaming cause I didn''t say anything." Jillyanna lied again because she was too embarrass to admit it.


    "I see. I found it unbelievable myself." Travis commented before pulling her back in his arms. "Sorry if I startled you."


    "Hn."


    She couldn''t bring herself to say another word so she just hugged him back to sleep. She didn''t know how long she stayed awake but she was able to calm herself and sleep beside him.


    "Can you find your father for me?" A very familiar voice echoed in her mind. "I want to know if he''s doing fine."


    Jillyanna crunched up her brows and she started crying while asleep.


    "Mom. Don''t go please." she murmured which made Travis woke up beside her. The sun wasn''t up yet and he could hear her sniffing beside him.


    "Mommy. Daddy. Dad don''t go!" Jillyanna shouted and reached our her arms as if to stop them from leaving.


    Watching her crying in her sleep pained him so much. He knew that Jillyanna blamed him and his mother when Elizabeth died. In all honesty, he was to blame as well.


    He took hold of her hands and kissed her knuckles. "Jill, I''m here. I''ll take care of you."

 Chapter 159 - A SECRET

    NOTE: Hi everyone! I have finished sorting my notes and chapters already today. I am really sorry for the mistakes I made these past few days.


    Here''s what happened, Chapter 150 and 152 were the same. The original chapter is 150. So I have edited 152 and input Enzo''s story which was supposedly release on the later part of this novel.


    If you have paid for the 152, you can go back and check that it''s a different chapter now. Thank you so much for understanding.


    I can only input 2 chaps today because of the error. Tomorrow, I will make up for this mistake and release 7 chapters.


    Thank you for understanding ^_^!


    ***


    Jillyanna woke up from her nightmare. Her back was drenched with her cold sweat. Travis was holding her hand and relief flashed across his eyes when she woke up.


    "I''m here Jill. I''m here. Don''t worry, we''ll find your father soon." Travis spoke to her softly trying to calm her down.


    Her eyes were restless and she couldn''t seem to focus on him. She was breathing heavily and he could feel her heart pounding in her chest when she leaned her back on him.


    "Don''t go anywhere." Jillyanna told him while trying to catch her breath.


    "I won''t go anywhere. However, you need to change your clothes cause your back is drenched with sweat."


    "Get me a new dress." she asked him which he followed immediately. She sat on their bed while waiting for him to get a new night dress for her.


    He picked up his large shirt instead and helped her wear it instead of her silk night dress. She didn''t refuse his choice and just wore the shirt he gave her.


    "Travis?" she called out his name as she put on the shirt over her head.


    "Hn."


    "Just stay with me. Don''t go anywhere. Don''t leave my sight."


    "Even if I want to sweetheart, I am sure that there are times you wouldn''t want to see me."


    "I know what you mean. Don''t even go on that area or I will really kick you out." she threatened him just as her head popped out from the shirt''s head hole.


    "Jill?" It was his turn to call out his name.


    "What is it?"


    "I will love you and our baby for the rest of my life."


    She stared at him for awhile before rolling her eyes on him. "Thanks for comforting me. I am fine now. Let''s go back to sleep."


    For the first time, she pulled him to sleep beside her. She even used his arms as her pillow and hugged his waist. "I am upset so let me do this for now." She easily made an excuse which Travis didn''t try to refute at all.


    He hugged her back and caressed her hair to sooth her nerves. "Do you want to find your father?"


    "Not now. Probably after giving birth. I don''t want to add any more stress during pregnancy."


    "Alright. Whenever you''re ready, we can always find him."


    "Thank you." she told him again even though she said these words before they slept. "Thank you for finding me and for not giving up on me."


    Travis kissed her forehead again like he usually does. Jillyanna had gotten used to it and she was no longer shy around him except during intense activities like the French kiss and the scene in the shower room.


    "Let''s go back to sleep." she stole a kiss on his jaw and snuggled closer to him.


    Travis was getting used to her sweet and cold personality now. In fact, she was only cold to him when they sometimes bring up the past. Most of the time, she''s sweet, shy, cute and adorable in his eyes.


    Travis held her in his arms and they both let go of their worries to get back to sleep. A smile was still plastered on Jillyanna''s face when she closed her eyes to sleep.


    The next day, Savannah was busy practicing her accessories at the back garden. She used woods and stones as her target while she''s trying to get used to the grip of her accessories.


    "Tomorrow is the day that we start this plan. We don''t know when the criminals will strike so we should always be prepared." Valkyrie spoke while picking up the next item she needed to use.


    "I''ll ask Major General to send us few men while we checked on suspects. Everyone should be on standby during Savannah''s time in the university." Hawk added.


    "I agree to that." Travis spoke from the door to the back garden. Jillyanna was following behind him with a glass of milk on her hand. "You should ensure Savannah''s safety."


    "That''s for sure RV." Valkyrie responded to him. He noticed Jillyanna was rather pale than usual so he expressed his worry. "Are you alright Jillyanna? You look a bit pale today."


    "I was having a nightmare and I wasn''t able to sleep properly. But I am fine. Don''t worry about me." Jillyanna responded to him with a smile.


    "Are you guys going out today?" Savannah asked after picking up the things she threw earlier. She put them back on the box so that she can clean them afterwards.


    Jillyanna eyed Travis if he''s got any plans but he only shook his head. "Well, Travis got no plan for today but I have. I want to go shopping." Jillyanna announced happily with a wide grin on her face.


    Savannah hesitated for a moment but ask her anyway. "Can I go with you? I need to buy a few things, too and I need your opinion on this matter."


    "Sure. How about we leave after lunch?" Jillyanna mentioned.


    "Okay." Savannah agreed. Since the women made the plan already, they couldn''t do anything else but compromise.


    Jillyanna noticed Savannah looking towards Hawk earlier so this shopping must have something to do with him. Before, she had a hunch with what''s going on between Valkyrie and Brown. It goes the same with Savannah and Hawk, too. She felt that there was something different between them.


    No matter how curious she was, she wouldn''t pry over someone''s privacy so she just kept her mouth shut and watched at the sideline with Travis.


    "Wait!" Jillyanna walked over to the box that contained different things. "Where did you guys get these?" she asked the three of them who were using the accessories earlier.


    "These things were sent to us last night for Savannah''s safety tool during the mission." Valkyrie answered.


    "Who owned these?" she asked them again.


    "Lieutenant Colonel Winter Avery owned these." Hawk answered directly.


    "Oh. I see." she responded like it was nothing at all. Within just a split second, nobody noticed the fear and coldness that reflected in her eyes.

 Chapter 160 - UNEASY

    "Let me clean these stuff first." Savannah smiled happily upon receiving affirmation from Jillyanna. She gestured Hawk to bring the box upstairs and hopped happily beside him as they go back to their room.


    Jillyanna stood rooted on the ground with indescribable feeling. She didn''t know what to say. Fear started coating her heart and she was feeling suffocated. She didn''t even noticed that she stopped herself from breathing.


    "Jill? What''s wrong?" Travis asked her when he saw her red face. He raised her chin and that''s when she gasped for air to fill in her lungs. "Why were you holding your breath? Are you crazy?" he scolded her though he was hugging her close from so much worry.


    "I am not crazy." She retorted back at him, hoping to comfort him a little. Valkyrie who was watching them just sighed helplessly before he left.


    "What upsets you? You were just talking about going to the mall and now you''re like this." Travis spoke, pushed her a little so he could see her eyes. "Don''t do it again." He added as he led her back inside the house.


    She just nodded her head and followed him inside. However, her mind was occupied with something else. She wasn''t even listening to Travis.


    "Are you still with me?" Travis tugged her arm slowly to bring her back to reality. She''s been zoning out of space again.


    "Sorry. I''m a bit distracted." Jillyanna stated. "I want to eat fried chicken."


    "All this while, you were thinking about food?" Travis asked in disbelief. He was blabbering non-stop earlier and here she was thinking about a fried chicken.


    Even if Jillyanna was accused she didn''t correct him either. She let him think that she was just thinking about food.


    "Wait here a bit. I''ll cook food for you." Travis told her and left a gentle kiss on her temple before leaving for the kitchen. Somehow she''s feeling guilty again.


    When Travis was no longer around, she pulled out her phone and contacted someone whom she didn''t talk for few months now.


    "Little lass! You''ve called how are you?" A woman''s beautiful voice echoed from the other line. Jillyanna had to move the phone away because her ear was ringing from the high pitched greetings.


    "I''m doing fine. How about you? Did you gave your things to someone?" Jillyanna asked the thing that''s been bothering her.


    "I''m fine and nope. I didn''t give it but I lent it to your sister. Most of the things were hers. They needed it for a mission starting tomorrow." The woman answered.


    "By any chance, do you -"


    "I sliced up some apples for you." Travis spoke as he placed the plate on the coffee table. "Just let me know if you need something."


    "Sure. Thanks." Jillyanna responded with a faint smile. Her heart was beating so fast and her mind was a mess because she didn''t know how much he heard from the conversation. ''I didn''t say anything wrong so it should be fine.'' She noted mentally while trying to calm herself.


    Travis noticed that she placed her phone on her back when he came. Her expression was quite different, too. "Are you keeping a secret from me?" He inquired, staring straight into her eyes.


    "You''ll find out soon." Jillyanna mumbled with a pout. She needed to think how to erase his suspicions. "Let me take this phone call first. I need to ask Cielo something."


    Travis didn''t force her to say something. He nodded his head and went back to the kitchen. Even though they got some helpers, he still like cooking for her and spoil her.


    When he arrived at the kitchen, he called Cielo but the line was busy. He looked at the woman in the living room who''s busy talking and thought that she was indeed talking to her sister. It''s not that he didn''t trust her but, he just didn''t want her to suffer with things alone like what she did before. He also checked the social media and found no bad news about her. He finally felt relieved and continued cooking food for her.


    Jillyanna checked her phone and found that it wasn''t disconnected yet. "Sorry. I had to deal with urgent matter in my end."


    "Are you married now?" asked the woman.


    "Not yet. We''re planning to." she answered honestly.


    The woman smiled on the other end even though Jillyanna couldn''t see it. She was happy that two of her students became great figures. "Have you tried contacting your sister these past few months?"


    "I''m planning to. I''ll give her a call after this." Jillyanna mentioned. If she didn''t see the items Savannah used today, she wouldn''t even think of calling them. "She must be busy but I''ll reach out to her."


    "That would be great. She''ll be happy to hear from you." The woman answered.


    "Teacher, the things you lent, is in my house." Jillyanna dropped the bomb that she''s been holding. The woman whom she called teacher was silent for a moment. "I saw it."


    "I see. Are you okay?"


    "I''m a bit bothered by it and my hands are itching to hold them up."


    "You silly little rascal." The woman chuckled. "Does your boyfriend know?"


    "Nope. Not yet. I''m planning to tell him when I get the opportunity."


    "That''s good. It would be better if it''s coming from you. Let him understand."


    "If he won''t understand and he''ll leave, I''ll just lock him up."


    The woman burst into a fit of laughter. It''s been a while since Jillyanna made a silly remark with her. "I''m glad you''re living a good life."


    "Thank you teacher." Jillyanna spoke softly. "I''ll visit you with Winter next time."


    "I''ll wait for your return."


    Jillyanna finally ended the call. A little bit happy that she was able to talk to her but she was also worried.


    She knew that Winter was a Lieutenant Colonel but she didn''t know that the people inside her house were actually her subordinates.


    Planning to tell your secrets and acting your plan are two different things. Right now, she''s really scared. She''s scared that he''ll reject her again because of her secrets.

 Chapter 161 - LITTLE SECRETS

    It was really a blessing in disguise that Cielo wasn''t able to answer Travis when he called. Her excuse sounded real.


    Only she knew what an ordeal she''s been going through. She stood up and sat on the opposite couch so that she''d see Travis if he''ll ever come out. She didn''t want to be taken aback like earlier.


    She dialed another string of numbers but she didn''t call it. She was still hesitant and a bit worried. She really can''t stop herself from worrying.


    He took a long breath and let it out before pressing the call button. She waited for her to pick up but the phone just kept on ringing. She hung up and dialed it again but there was no one.


    "She must be busy." She murmured while she dialed the call. She let it ring and waited for the voicemail box. When she reached it, she left her a message for Winter to call her back when she''s available.


    After an hour, Savannah finished cleaning the items and Jillyanna was also done eating. The both of them had changed their clothes and were ready to go out.


    "I''ll just stay here since Travis and the other four guards will be coming with you." Hawk told Savannah when they were outside the house. "Be extra careful."


    "Hn. Take care of the house while we''re gone." Savannah responded before leaving a kiss on his cheeks. "I''ll go now."


    She left instantly and ran to the car that Travis and Jillyanna will be using. She sat on the backseat silently.


    "Are you getting familiar with the things earlier?" Jillyanna asked. "You''re going on a mission starting tomorrow, right?" she added.


    "Yes. I hope it will be quick." Savannah answered. Jillyanna smiled at her and shifted her eyes to Savannah''s phone that she was holding.


    She pulled out her phone and sent her a message. Travis didn''t know what transpired but he was sure that the two of them were sending secret messages.


    When they reached the mall, Jillyanna grabbed Savannah''s hand and led her to men''s clothing department.


    "Wifey, are you sure you''re holding the hand of the right person?" Travis sulked when she just ran off with Savannah, neglecting him all of a sudden.


    He watched them check on clothes and other things. Savannah would sometimes show something to her on the phone before grabbing another clothes.


    To make up for her lies earlier, Jillyanna was going to buy a gift for him. Savannah was also buying a gift for Hawk and some dresses for herself. She needed those to match up her accessories.


    Savannah bought a shirt and shoes for Hawk. She included a shirt for Valkyrie, too. After that, the two of them looked for watches.


    Jillyanna bought a watch for Travis and another one for herself to match with his.


    "You can engrave the name of the person on the back of the watch ma''am. Would you like me to put on the name of the receiver?" the sales attendant informed her.


    "Hn. For the men''s watch, please write this word. For the woman, please write this." Jillyanna told her and gave the piece of paper back to the lady.


    "You''re staking your claim already. Why don''t you marry him instead?" Savannah asked in a whisper. "I can tell that you love him and he loves you. What''s stopping you from taking the step?"


    "I''ll let him know when I''m ready." Jillyanna stated. She wasn''t completely free yet. She''s got so many secrets and she didn''t know how to start saying it.


    Travis was taking a phone call so he didn''t know that Jillyanna bought something for him. He didn''t receive notifications from his bank so he thought that she just accompanied Savannah to buy something.


    In actual truth, Jillyanna used her spare card when paying for the items which was why he didn''t receive any notifications.


    When they finished buying the things, it was Savannah who was holding the shopping bag containing the watches.


    "You didn''t buy anything?" Travis asked her when they got back to the car.


    "Nope. I didn''t find anything interesting. I just helped Savannah with the things she needed." Jillyanna stated.


    Travis just nodded his head and focused on driving. His eyes were on the road so he didn''t see the exchanged of secretive smiles between Jillyanna and Savannah.


    They didn''t spend too much time in the mall. They were gone for two hours and came back as soon as possible. "Come and meet me at the backyard with your accessories after half an hour. Don''t let anyone know." Jillyanna whispered to Savannah before walking towards Travis.


    Savannah stopped on her track and watched her disappearing back. She was confused why she wanted to see her accessories but she still did it anyway.


    "You''re back." Hawk uttered when he saw her with several shopping bags. "What are these?" he asked.


    "Ooppss! No peeking. I am going out for a while. I want to practice using the accessories again. Don''t come out this time. I''ll give you a surprise when I get back."


    "Okay." Hawk responded obediently. He''s got complete trust in her so he''s got nothing to worry.


    Savannah picked up the box which wasn''t really heavy and came down towards the backyard.


    On the other hand, Jillyanna was having a problem with Travis. He wasn''t letting her go if she''s not going to kiss him. Not just the usual peck but a French kiss!


    "This is your punishment for ignoring me earlier." Travis stated with a sad face. "You were always with Savannah and you didn''t even buy anything for me."


    "Can we do this when I get back? I promise I''ll give you what you want."


    "Okay."


    ''Eeh? He agreed?'' Jillyanna frowned for a moment. She didn''t really think he''d agree.


    "You can do whatever you want to do now. Don''t forget your promise. I''ll be staying in the study room." Travis even pushed her out of the door.


    He was really confusing her.

 Chapter 162 - MASTER JILLYANNA

    If Jillyanna knew that her words will be her downfall later that night, she wouldn''t have said that promise.


    Not wanting him to change his mind, Jillyanna went to the backyard as soon as she can. She found Savannah laying down the things on the table.


    "Do you like these?" Savannah asked her with the thought that Jillyanna might''ve taken fancy to the accessories.


    "Hn. They''re beautiful. Can you show me how you use this?" Jillyanna inquired. It was for her to know if Savannah will be fine using the things that was lent to her.


    "These are not mere accessories." Savannah told her bluntly in case she misunderstood something.


    "I know. Go ahead and show me." Her tone suggested no refusal so Savannah just followed her and chose the belt that can be changed into a whip.


    She put on some cans on the ground and some where on the fence. It was her model for target. She''s not really familiar in using a whip but she wanted to do her best in order to ensure her safety.


    With full force and determination, Savannah raised her arm and whipped on the cans and the woods as if her life depends on it.


    It took her a full five minutes to take down all the ''targets''. She wasn''t even sweating and a satisfied smile hang on her lips.


    "Not bad." Jillyanna stated while clapping her hands. "Give me that and place the targets back. I''ll show you something."


    For some reason, Savannah had confidence in Jillyanna. When they first met, she fought with her when Jillyanna thought she''s got ill intentions towards her.


    That time, she was able to grasp her strength and she was most likely on par with their Lieutenant Colonel Avery. She''s got quick reflexes and her eyes never left her enemy.


    She put the cans and woods back to their designated places after giving Jillyanna the belt. "Should I set the timer, too?" She asked her.


    "That''s fine with me." Jillyanna responded.


    She didn''t use much force because of her pregnancy and she didn''t move around that much. She only took a few steps around her to get on the right angle before hitting on the ''target''.


    Savannah was dumbstruck and she couldn''t take her off of her. Jillyanna was very fluid in her action and she didn''t even hit the same target twice. She was very fast, too.


    Savannah was in a daze momentarily. She felt like a student who saw her master do an awesome feat.


    "What''s my time?" Jillyanna asked her which brought her back to earth. Savannah quickly checked her phone and was shocked once again.


    "Master, your time is 1 minute and 28 seconds." Savannah told her with a grinning face.


    "I''ve become slower this time." Jillyanna murmured but since Savannah had a good sense of hearing, she was still able to hear it.


    "I understand Master. You''re pregnant after all." Savannah placate her again.


    "Stop messing around. Stop with the master thing as well." Jillyanna gave the whip back to her. "Pick up the things and put them back on their places." She commanded her.


    Savannah followed her immediately. Her eyes were sparkling in astonishment. She really admire strong women. Her favorite was their Lieutenant Colonel but it seemed like, it will be changed soon.


    Jillyanna was watching her pick up the things and while Savannah was busy, she checked the things on the table.


    ''I really miss using these stuff.'' She thought to herself while picking up the accessories one after the other.


    "Master, I''m done putting them back." Savannah called out to her.


    "What did you just call me?" she squinted her eyes as if she was scrutinizing Savannah in front of her.


    Savannah just chuckled at her. "Alright. I''ll stop it. So what now?"


    Jillyanna approached her and helped her wear the belt. "When you go to the university tomorrow and for the next few days, always wear a jeans or shorts or skirts with belt halters." Jillyanna stated. "When you wear the belt, tie it like this so that it''s easy for you to take it."


    She showed Savannah how to tie the belt-like-whip and showed her different stances and techniques to use it. She even taught her how to strike her enemies with less amount of movements.


    "When your enemies are in front of you and are standing side by side, don''t strike vertically. You need to strike them horizontally so that you can take them in one go."


    Savannah listened to her attentively and followed her instructions. She was taught from the very basic of using such item.


    Savannah practiced from pulling the belt to striking her enemies again and again. When she reached 3 minutes and few seconds from start to end, Jillyanna gave her a pass.


    "How about you try using the necklace?" Jillyanna suggested. It was Winter''s favorite item among everything on the table.


    "Should I call Hawk to be my sparring partner?" Savannah asked hesitantly.


    "No need. I''ll be your partner. The criminals may not be as good as me but they should be skillful as well. You shouldn''t look down on your enemies." Jillyanna uttered with confidence. "Don''t go easy on me. If you can corner me, I''ll give you a pass."


    Savannah was excited that she''d get to fight with her again but when she realized that she''s pregnant, her facial expression turned to disappointment.


    "I trust your skills and I am grateful for your lesson but I don''t want to risk you and your child anymore. I''ll call Hawk instead. Just watch me fight and correct me later. How about that?"


    "Okay. I''ll just watch then. Go and call him. You can call Valkyrie, too." Jillyanna suggested.


    "Sure." Savannah ran back to the room upstairs to call the two men who can spar with her.


    With her running back inside, the three men scampered around the room like little squirrels, afraid of getting caught by a human.

 Chapter 163 - TRAVIS KNEW

    Travis didn''t know why she was in a hurry to go out but since she promised that she will do anything he wants later, he compromised.


    ''Why shouldn''t I compromise? That''s actually a great bargain.'' He thought to himself and laughed cheerfully while turning on his laptop to work.


    Hawk on the other hand was very obedient and didn''t peek on the bags. He watched the monitor attentively and jot down notes when he saw something worth taking.


    He was also looking for a tourist spot that they can go after this mission. Travis was always true to his word and he never break his promise to them and their vacation was always granted when it was him who asked for it.


    Though they don''t get missions everyday, when they actually receive one, it would also be very difficult and dangerous.


    Both men were happily doing their own work since the women were busy outside. If it wasn''t for Valkyrie, they wouldn''t even know what was happening at the backyard.


    Valkyrie was taking a bath since there were guards staying at home. He was confident that they would be able to take down any intruders in the house so he took his time bathing.


    He knew that Travis and the others came back already so there''s nothing to worry about. He wanted to relax his brain once in a while.


    When he got out of the shower room, he just glanced at the monitor where he found Savannah practicing the whip. She was getting better at it. That''s what he thought.


    He ignored them for awhile and pulled out a shirt to change. After a few minutes, he was also done changing his clothes just as the same time that Savannah finished hitting her target.


    He sat on the couch in front of the monitor and watched what was happening. To his surprise, Jillyanna took over Savannah''s place.


    While Savannah arranged the cans and woods, Valkyrie called Travis and Hawk to come to his room. They were confused with his intention but they came anyway.


    "You are just in time! Look at this!" Valkyrie urged them to come over to the couch and watched the two ladies.


    On the monitor, Jillyanna was feeling the handle of her whip by tossing it up and down. She adjusted her position and checked the items.


    They didn''t know what Savannah said but Jillyanna nodded with a smile at her. "Most likely, Savannah was setting a timer." Hawk noted.


    "Probably." Travis and Valkyrie agreed at the same time.


    In a split seconds, Jillyanna moved like a bird. Fluid and carefree with her quick reflexes. She finished the task four times faster than Savannah.


    Even if they couldn''t hear what they were talking about, they could see the admiration reflecting in Savannah''s face. She was even spacing out while watching her.


    "Your woman is really something." Valkyrie commented and gave Travis a gentle pat on his back.


    "If I were you, I wouldn''t anger her." Hawk added.


    "Did you know that she can do this?" Valkyrie asked.


    Travis was really surprised to see Jillyanna''s movement. He knew that she worked as an undercover cop but he never thought she''d be skillful to this extent.


    She''s a mystery that he couldn''t figure out. Even if he wanted to know her past, no one would be able to tell him. He didn''t even know that she''s undercover cop. If it wasn''t for the kidnapping incident last time, he would still be in the dark.


    "I am lucky to have a fighter." Travis commented with a proud expression. "No wonder she didn''t really fought with Enzo when she was kidnapped. She knew Lorenzo wouldn''t hurt her and if he ever does, she can win the fight."


    "Stop flaunting your love! Go away!" Valkyrie pushed him off the couch and continued watching the two women on the monitor.


    Currently, Jillyanna was teaching Savannah how to use the whip. She even showed her how to tie it around her waist which showed how much she cared for her and wanted to ensure her safety.


    Savannah looked so happy while doing her task. She would sometimes ask her questions and Jillyanna would either nod her head or show her what exactly needs to be done.


    "She was faster than Savannah. I was watching Savannah earlier and she finished the task for over five minutes. That''s without tying the belt. I just can''t believe she''s hiding her skills." Valkyrie spoke again in disbelief. People say that quotation "To see is to believe." But even when he saw it with his own eyes, he still couldn''t believe it.


    After some time, Jillyanna smile and gave Savannah a thumbs up. They saw how much Savannah improved in a very short amount of time.


    She approached Jillyanna and the latter gave her the necklace. They talked for a moment and suddenly, Savannah''s facial expression turned guilty and sad.


    "Oh shit!" Travis commented and waited for Jillyanna''s response, when she spoke Travis immediately ran. "Savannah will be coming up. They''ll find out that we watched them."


    "Huh?" Before the two of them can react, they indeed saw Savannah running back inside the house.


    Hawk immediately went back to his room and pretended to be watching the monitor. Travis had been gone to the study room. He was able to read mouth movement so he was able to tell what the two of them were talking at the backyard.


    Valkyrie didn''t really know what was going on but he went along with them and pretended that he was busy with some documents.


    When Savannah came knocking to their rooms, they were looking so innocent and busy. However, with her observant eyes, she was able to tell that they were hiding something.


    "You watched us, didn''t you?" she asked Hawk. She wasn''t really angry and she didn''t care. She''s happy right now and she didn''t want to ruin her mood. "Don''t tell Travis about it."


    There''s no need to tell him though. Because he knew.

 Chapter 164 - SHES EXPOSING HERSELF I

    NOTE: I wasn''t able to keep my promise again ????. I was only able to update four chaps yesterday because I wasn''t satisfied with the one''s I previously made to update


    Today, I am going to have a mass release of the chapters that I am able to edit. I hope you guys will like these.


    Thank you so much for the never-ending support ????.


    **


    **


    **


    Hawk didn''t say anything to Savannah. In any case, Jillyanna will find out the truth later. It''s the business between husband and wife. No one else can settle their issue but themselves.


    He followed her out of the room and knocked on Valkyrie''s door. It was opened immediately and that''s when realization sank in her brain. She could only face-palm herself for her negligence.


    "You guys were watching us here including Travis." Savannah laid the matter.


    "Yes."


    "We did."


    Valkyrie and Hawk answered together. There''s no point lying to Savannah now since she already found out.


    "I don''t think Jillyanna knew that there''s a CCTV in the backyard. Don''t let her find out that you watched or else...Well, you wouldn''t want to know what she can do." Savannah warned them before turning around her heels and left.


    The two men looked at each other and decided to shut their mouth. It wasn''t because they''re afraid but because they didn''t want to involve themselves in someone else''s business.


    They went to the backyard garden and found Jillyanna sitting on a chair while fiddling with her phone. Valkyrie approached her stealthily and was just about to put his hand on her shoulder''s when Jillyanna held it and twisted his hand.


    "Aaahh! Ouch! Ouch!" Valkyrie yelped and tried getting back his hand. "How can you be so strong?"


    "Why are you sneaking up on me?" Jillyanna asked him back after letting go of him. "Don''t sneak up on me like that again."


    "I wasn''t sneaking up on you. You were just so busy with your phone that you didn''t notice us." Valkyrie made a plausible excuse that Jillyanna can accept.


    "Oh sorry about that." she told him with a straight face before turning to Savannah. "Go ahead and start."


    "Okie dokie." Savannah smiled happily as she picked up on the necklace. "I just need to corner them right?"


    "Hn."


    And with that, Savannah explained to Hawk and Valkyrie the thing that they''re about to do. They soon engaged on a fight and Savannah was giving her all for her life.


    The two men didn''t go easy on her either but they didn''t attack her. They only go on defense since it wouldn''t be good for her to start a class with bruises.


    It wasn''t even ten minutes when Jillyanna called out to her and gave her instruction. "Don''t just focus on using the sword pendant. You''ve got a lace, too. It is there with purpose. Also..." she took the necklace from her and pressed on the red button which was found on the sword hilt. "...this can change the lace into something lethal. I don''t recommend you to use it now but you can use this later."


    "I never knew it can be used like this." Savannah exclaimed happily for discovering a new thing. She touched the lace and she could feel the sharp-like-scales protruding from it. "This is really cool."


    "Alright. Quit admiring that. Go back to your practice." Jillyanna pushed her back on the lawn so that she can practice again.


    As a matter of fact, she knew that there were CCTV cameras around the house. She even caught a glimpse of the camera placed on a tree-branch which captured all her actions earlier.


    She didn''t know how to tell Travis about her secrets so she could only show it to him slowly. She wasn''t sure if he''s watching though.


    Savannah kept on practicing until nightfall. She didn''t get a pass from Jillyanna which disappointed her. She really wanted to use the accessories to its fullest.


    "Have you decided on a place to stay or are you going to go back here while doing the mission." Jillyanna asked the three of them. She was acting like a mafia boss in front of them, cool, arrogant-looking and wealthy. But she wasn''t a mafia boss, of course.


    "We rented a Japanese style house 1 kilometer away from the university. It''s the best area to place the bait. We''ll be staying with her in that house." Hawk answered her.


    "Give me the address later. I''ll come and visit you guys to teach her some things at night. Her safety is the most important matter in this mission." Jillyanna commented before leaving. She had to talk to Travis about this.


    When she was about to go, her phone rang. She stopped for awhile and checked the caller. A smile formed on her lips before she answered it, disregarding the fact that she was still within hearing distance from the three people.


    "Hey Winter! How are you?" Jillyanna greeted her which irked the other woman.


    "Don''t Winter me you rascal! I''m older than you." Winter Avery retorted back at her. "How are you?"


    "I''m doing perfectly fine. Haven''t you watched me on the social media recently?" Jillyanna asked her even though she knew how much Winter hates social media.


    Among all the students, she''s the richest of them all but she''s also the one who lacks interest in gadgets the most. For her, it''s more than enough if she can call and send a message.


    "Do you want to be beaten? Even if I love you, I wouldn''t watch your issues and rumors in social media." Winter responded with a heavy sigh. "You''re making me hate you."


    Jillyanna laughed at her. "I love you sis but even if I love you, I''m still upset."


    "Why? What did I do to upset you? Is that why you were calling me earlier?"


    "You lent my necklace and whip." Jillyanna admitted.


    "Did teacher tell you? Sigh. That damn old fox still favored you even after you left. Teacher should-"


    "She didn''t tell me." Jillyanna interrupted her. "It''s in my house."


    "Wait! What?! How did it end up in your house?!" Winter was slightly panicking right now. Her voice was trembling and she started to feel the cold sweats running down her spine. "Summer I didn''t know about this. I lent it to my uncle for his subordinates. Are you alright? Did something happen when you saw it?"

 Chapter 165 - SHES EXPOSING HERSELF II

    "I''m fine. Nothing happened. However, my hands were itching so much and I ended up using it earlier." Jillyanna admitted. "Actually, four of your subordinates has been staying with me for a while now. However, the other one was taken for another mission." she commented to see if Winter knew them since she was confident in lending their things.


    Winter''s smile dropped and so was the atmosphere in her room. She just got back from scouting the area again and from visiting Brown as well. Whenever, she''s on a mission, she didn''t like answering calls which was the reason Jillyanna couldn''t get through her.


    "So the things are in your house because the Savannah is there. Hawk and Valkyrie, too." Winter stated.


    "That''s right." Jillyanna answered her nonchalantly.


    "Now that you mention it. I heard from Brown that Travis got a girlfriend named Jillyanna. I never expected it to be you." Her voice no longer held any warmth for her sister. She was enraged with the thought that she ended up with her cousin.


    "Sis, you sounded a bit cold to your little sister." Jillyanna joked at her but she was already feeling anxious with the way Winter spoke.


    "Jillyanna, you don''t intend to use my cousin as your stepping stone for revenge, do you?" Winter''s voice was dripping cold and she used her first name.


    Jillyanna knew what it means when she''s called by her first name. It''s a clear warning sign not to do something against anyone important to Winter because she''ll fight with you until the last drop of your blood.


    "Tell me Avery, is that really how you view me all these years?" she couldn''t help herself but feel disappointed. She thought Winter would understand her since she was betrayed, too. But she was mistaken.


    "That''s not what I mean...No.."


    "Right. I remember. I used one of our sisters before and she ended up dead. How did I even forget that! Stupid me!" Jillyanna was mocking herself already. Memories of the past started resurfacing in her mind and she couldn''t stop her tears from falling.


    "Summer, I didn''t mean...I''m sorry..Sum-"


    Jillyanna ended the call and turned off her phone. She didn''t know how things have happened in the past. But she saw a woman lying on the ground with blood all over her. She was shot on her chest, stomach and on her thighs.


    ''How did I forget it? Do I have amnesia?'' Jillyanna asked herself while trying to calm down. She couldn''t be feeling too much emotion because of the baby. She had to calm herself.


    Winter called Travis as soon as she can. She didn''t know the situation but she knew it wasn''t good. It was never her intention to make her remember of the past. They even worked hard for her so that she can forget what happened.


    "Winter? What''s up." Travis greeted her. It was very rare for his cousin to call him first.


    "I heard you got yourself a girlfriend." she responded. She couldn''t let him know that she knew who the woman is.


    Travis chuckled and stopped what he was doing. "Brown must''ve told you about her. She''s pretty amazing. Her name is Jillyanna Madrid."


    "Madrid?" Winter asked in confusion. She was about to believe that Jillyanna truly liked her cousin but it looked like she was just fooling around.


    "Hn. I''ll introduce her to you soon."


    "Did you investigate her?"


    "I did."


    "Did you find anything weird?"


    "Nope. She''s just who she is. I knew her since I was young."


    "How sure are you that you knew her?" Winter asked again. She didn''t know how to tell him the truth. She didn''t want him to feel betrayed and she didn''t want to agitate Jillyanna even more.


    When Jillyanna gets angry or when she''s agitated or frustrated or whatever negative emotions she''s feeling, she''s a difficult opponent. Winter would fight her to the last drop of blood but she''s not confident she''d win against her.


    "Why are you interested with my girlfriend? You are not swinging that way, right?" Travis joked at her which earned him an earful of curses.


    "Check on your girlfriend. Bye!" she ended the call and tried contacting their teacher. She''s the only one who can help Jillyanna right now. The problem was, would Jillyanna accept help from them again?


    Travis also realized that Jillyanna had been out of his sight for a while now. He walked out of the study room and saw Jillyanna coming upstairs.


    "Why were you crying? Did they bully you?" Travis asked her while wiping her tears away.


    The three people who heard his question snickered at him. "Who would dare bully your wife?!" Savannah commented while rolling her eyes.


    "Such a wife-doting-husband. He''s the only one who can tame her." Valkyrie added.


    "Is she from a different detachment? How did she know our Lieutenant Colonel?" Hawk asked which made the three of them ponder over it.


    Savannah investigated Jillyanna before and there was no connection between her and Winter Avery but she was starting to doubt the result of her investigation. "There are so many Winters in this world. It couldn''t possibly be our leader."


    "How did she know how to use these things then? Didn''t these come from Lt. Col. Avery?" Valkyrie added into the bucket list of questions.


    "Don''t ask me! I don''t know the answer either." Savannah stomped on her feet and left the two of them. She needed to prepare all the things she needed before the mission starts tomorrow.


    Travis brought Jillyanna back to their room and let her sit on the bed. "What made you cry?"


    "Nothing. I just remembered some things here and there and I couldn''t help myself but cry." she lied again. "By the way, I''ll visit Savannah tomorrow after class."


    "I''ll come with you." Travis volunteered.


    "No it''s fine. You don''t have to follow me around. You have to work for our baby, remember? Just give me the bracelet that has the tracking device."


    "Are you sure? I''m not confident leaving you alone." Even though he knew how capable she was, he still want to pamper and take care of her like a porcelain doll.

 Chapter 166 - SWEETS AND SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE I

    After taking their dinner, Savannah placed her things on the car''s trunk one by one. Hawk was also helping her as well as Valkyrie.


    "Will you really be attending classes?" Jillyanna asked.


    "Nope. I won''t. The head of the school administration asked someone to lend me their books. I will only be staying their to observe the people. I will be home by nine in the evening." Savannah answered.


    "That late?" Jillyanna exclaimed.


    "Hn."


    "Then how will you practice?"


    "We can still practice like usual. My work isn''t very tiring and I can sleep until ten in the morning."


    "Okay. I''ll come over then. Take care of yourself." she told Savannah. When Savannah leaned closer to her for a hug, Jillyanna whispered. "Take care of the necklace and the whip. It''s mine."


    Savannah was stunned and looked at her with wide eyes. When she saw Jillyanna winked at her, she smiled and nodded her head.


    They didn''t take too much time to load up the things on the car. After half an hour, the three of them left with two of the body guards following them.


    Travis pulled her back inside the house and led her upstairs. "You didn''t forget your promise, did you?"


    Jillyanna blushed at the thought of her initiating a French kiss. She kissed him before but it was just a quick kiss like a feather caressing his lips. Nothing more. How will she do a French kiss? In the first place, she didn''t know how to kiss!


    "You''re making fun of me. You knew I don''t know how to kiss but you still want me to do it!" she complained to him when they got inside their room.


    Travis looked at her with an obvious evil grin. "Who said I want you to kiss me?"


    "Oh you don''t? Great! Let me take a bath already because I am so tired." Jillyanna escaped as soon as she can and went directly to her bathroom.


    "Taking a bath is good too." Travis stated while following her.


    Jillyanna stopped on her track and looked back at him. "I want to take a bath alone. Who knows, you might do something again."


    "I don''t want to do anything with you in the bathroom today. I prefer our bed." Travis answered.


    Somehow, his smile sent down a shiver on her spine. She knew exactly what that look on his face means. He''s up to no good again.


    "I thought I wouldn''t have to kiss you." she stomped on her foot and complained. "Why are you turning on your words."


    "Wifey, you are the one who''s turning back on your words. You promised that you will do whatever I want tonight." Travis approached her and pulled her on her waist.


    "I did but you said I don''t have to kiss you."


    "I changed my mind. I want something else."


    "You arrogant monkey! I know you''re planning something again." Jillyanna smacked him on his chest since she couldn''t get away from him.


    Honestly, if she really wanted to hurt him and escape, she could''ve done it before. She had the skills and strength to do it but she never did. She tolerated him with whatever evil thoughts he got just to give their relationship a chance.


    Travis lifted her and carried her off to the bathroom. "Put me down." she yelled at him but Travis didn''t listen at all.


    When they reached the shower room, she just had her feet touched the cold floor when he kissed her. It wasn''t just a quick kiss but the French kiss that he wanted.


    "I thought..you don''t..want me... kissing you." Jillyanna uttered in between kisses.


    Travis trailed down his kisses from her mouth to the side of her jaw and to the base of her neck. "I didn''t want you to initiate the kiss but that doesn''t mean I won''t do it."


    "This is really unfair. I was...Ah!" she yelped in pain when Travis nibbled a spot on her neck. When he licked it, she couldn''t stop herself from moaning.


    "It''s time for your lesson no.2." Travis stated while unbuttoning her shirt. He didn''t stop kissing her and his hands didn''t stop touching her, leaving small flames on her skin.


    "You said you won''t do anything with me in the shower room." Jillyanna complained weakly again when she found her voice. "My knees are trembling."


    Travis stopped what he was doing and looked directly in her eyes. "Let''s take a shower." He pulled her close to him and stood under the shower head.


    She was still blushing and her body was feeling so hot. She didn''t even feel the coldness of the water when it touches her skin. Travis washed her body with her soap and he also did the same with himself.


    When they finished taking a bath, Jillyanna went out first of the shower and looked for her bathrobe. "You won''t need it." Travis was standing behind her back.


    "I''m cold." Jillyanna stated.


    "Then I''ll make you feel hot." Travis answered before raising her chin for another round of kiss. Jillyanna was getting used to it already and she didn''t mind doing so.


    His tongue danced with hers and Jillyanna tasted sweet that Travis couldn''t just get enough of her. He put his head on the back of her head and tilted it to get the right angle. Her sexy moans enticed him even more and her manhood was getting excited, too.


    "I''m..getting...weak." Jillyanna mumbled because her knees were about to give out from so much pleasure.


    Travis didn''t let it happen because he grabbed her butt and lifted her up. Jillyanna was surprise with the sudden action so she straddled her legs around his waist and wrapped her arms around his neck. She didn''t want to fall!


    From the bathroom to their bedroom, Travis carried her but he didn''t stop kissing her. He was so full of energy and she didn''t know where he got all that.


    He didn''t even put her down! He sat on the bed with Jillyanna straddling him and giving in to his kisses.


    "I can feel you poking me." Jillyanna mentioned with a red face.

 Chapter 167 - SWEETS AND SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE II

    Travis chuckled and licked her earlobe. "Whose fault is that?"


    "You started all these." Jillyanna murmured, feeling aggrieved with his accusation.


    "Alright. It''s my fault. Do you like it?" Travis asked her playfully. Seeing her shy and blushing, he had the urged to tease her again.


    Jillyanna covered his eyes so that he couldn''t see her. "Don''t ask me that! You beast!"


    Travis removed her hand and kissed the back of it. He kissed the inner side of her wrist and her palm. "I want to do these things with you. Only you and no one else."


    Jillyanna didn''t know how to retort his statement. What else can she say? She kissed Travis on his forehead like he usually does for her which stunned him.


    "Hey! I feel it grow bigger!" Jillyanna exclaimed at him. She didn''t do anything and it grow in size.


    "I couldn''t help it if my wife is very attractive. Everything you do is very attractive. I don''t even want to show you in public anymore. Many men would be looking at you and it made me feel uncomfortable." Without giving her a warning, he moved his lower body that made Jillyanna gasped in shock.


    "Stop it! Don''t move!" Jillyanna held on to his neck because she couldn''t keep up with her feelings. It was crushing down on her, coursing throughout her whole body and stopped at her core.


    "You''re so warm already." Travis commented while fondling one of her breast. She caressed and pinch one of her nipples making Jillyanna moaned from so much pleasure. "Does it feel good?"


    "I don''t know." Jillyanna murmured. She couldn''t think straight anymore cause her brain was taken over by the sweet sensation she''s feeling.


    "How about this?" Travis asked as he kissed her neck, down to her collarbone and to her chest. He continued to fondle her while he licked the other side.


    "This is just too much." Jillyanna complained again. When they did it the first time, Travis had done this to her as well but the sensation wasn''t the same. She felt that it was more intense tonight.


    His laughter rang in their room. She didn''t know if it was because she wasn''t thinking straight or because of the pleasure she''s feeling but his laughter sounded beautiful in her ears.


    "Are you a sadist? Why are you delighted with my suffering? You''re a bully!" Jillyanna smacked his chest when she had calm down from the pleasure.


    "I am not a bully. I just like watching you when you feel good because of me." Travis stated with laughters in his voice. It was really clear how happy he was with her.


    "I''m not doing this anymore!" Jillyanna tried getting off from him but Travis held her still. "I want to sleep."


    "If you sleep now and I am not relieved yet, I might do something while you''re sleeping."


    "You must be kidding me!"


    "I am not." Travis hugged her and leaned his head on her chest. "Let''s just stay like this for awhile." He murmured.


    "Alright. What do you want me to do to help you? Just once and I am going to sleep after." Jillyanna compromised. ''It''s the least I can do before everything ends.'' She noted mentally and kissed his face.


    "I won''t penetrate you. Just lend me your mouth." Travis responded that shocked her to the core.


    She blinked her eyes once, then twice and multiple times to let his words sink. She flicked his forehead and pushed him on the bed. "Where the hell did you learn all these? Aren''t you a virgin before meeting me?"


    "I was but that doesn''t mean I didn''t use the resources available. I studied them. I didn''t even know they''d come in handy during our first night." he replied shamelessly to her. The corner of his mouth was lifted into a smile that made him even more handsome.


    Jillyanna wanted to give in to him but since he was teasing her since earlier, she wanted to do the same thing to him. "Just stay where you are." Jillyanna commanded him before turning her back on him. She was looking for something in her bedside drawer.


    Looking at her naked back, Travis pushed his body up and kissed her spine. "What the...ah!" she hated it when her body responded to him and her moans just escape whenever they wanted.


    Travis kissed her nape down to the base of her back. His kissed were sending sparks to her nerves and she felt so weak again. ''I''ve always been strong. How come I always become this weak when we do these kind of things?''


    "I won''t help you if you won''t stop." Jillyanna threatened him which was very effective. Travis stopped what he was doing and lay down on the bed. "Put this on." she tossed him a blind fold that she usually use when she sleeps during the day.


    "What''s this for?" Travis asked. "Oh I know. You''re going to blindfold me and then you''re going to sleep."


    Jillyanna choked on her saliva with what he said. She did have that intention but she never expected him to anticipate that.


    "I won''t give you the chance." Travis pulled her and she was now lying on top of him while he watched her blushing face. "We''ve done this a lot of times but you still blush and shy away from me."


    "I am not a shameless monkey like you." she retorted back at him.


    He laughed again before kissing her. "You promise to help me."


    "If you will put on the blind fold, I will do it. I won''t sleep on you." She promised again. Her heart was beating so fast because she didn''t know what to do.


    "Alright." Travis put on the cloth and let her do what she wants. He could feel her gliding on top of his body down to his lower anatomy.


    "L-Let... me.. know if... if I''m doing it right." Jillyanna spoke nervously. When she touched him, she felt him grow in size in her palm. "Damn it!" she cursed with her trembling voice.

 Chapter 168 - SWEETS AND SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE III

    Travis restrained himself from laughing when she was cursing softly. He could feel her warm breath on his manhood and he couldn''t stop himself from getting hard.


    His guttural moan escaped from him and he wanted so much to see her. Jillyanna was watching him in case he would take off the blind fold. She didn''t want him to see her doing this kind of thing.


    She tentatively licked the tip of his manhood making him jerked a bit. She licked it again to see his reaction. ''I think I''m doing the right thing.'' Jillyanna thought to herself.


    She licked the tip down to its base and she felt that it got hotter. She used one of her hands to feel him while she sucked on the head.


    "God! Jillyanna you''re making me crazy." Travis commented when he could no longer take it. He was breathing heavily as he refrain himself from shoving his manhood on inside her mouth. He didn''t want to force himself on him. He wanted her to get comfortable and familiar with this kind of acts.


    "Shut up or I''ll bite you." Jillyanna snapped at him. Internally, she was happy that she was doing it right and she got that reaction from him.


    His moans and heavy breathing made her smile. ''If I suck this whole thing, would it even fit?'' Jillyanna thought while licking him. She opened her mouth and tried what she thought.


    "Ah shit!" Travis cussed and removed the blind fold. Jillyanna was moving her head up and down on him with her flushed face. "Jill stop. I''m coming."


    Before Jillyanna could move away, he released himself from the shackle of lust. Jillyanna frowned at him and slapped his thighs. Some splattered on her chest, on her face and most of them were in her mouth.


    "It taste bitter! I hate you!" Jillyanna complained while smacking his stomach. "You should''ve warned me first when you''re almost there not when you''re just milliseconds away."


    "Sorry." Travis wiped her face and chest with tissue as well as her hands. When there were still some residue left, he just carried her back to the shower room. "You take a warm shower first. I''ll clean up our mess."


    He went back to their bed and changed the bed sheet, the blanket as well as the pillows. They got all wet and messy from their night activity. He put them in the laundry basket before taking a shower with her.


    "You took off the blind fold." Jillyanna sulked when she realized that Travis was watching her earlier.


    "Did you know that if you blind fold someone, there senses will be heightened? That''s what you did to me."


    She didn''t say anything and just continued washing her body. When she caught a glance of a certain part which was still full of energy, she blushed and hurried her actions.


    "I told you that I will only do it once. You take care of it yourself now. I''m going to sleep." As soon as she finished taking a shower, she left him immediately.


    She even heard him laugh from behind her but she just ignored him. She couldn''t find her bathrobe anywhere so she pulled out a new one from the wardrobe.


    When she saw her reflection on the mirror, she couldn''t help but blush again. His marks were clear and weren''t hidden at all. "Sigh. He''s got so much energy left and I am all spent."


    She wore the bathrobe and looked for a shirt to wear while Travis was still taking care of himself inside the bathroom. After wearing a fresh set of clothes, she dried her hair.


    Her hands were really tired and she wanted to close her eyes already. She put on a towel on her pillow and left a note on his bedside drawer before going to sleep.


    When Travis came out she was already sound a sleep. The smile on his face never left and the happiness he''s feeling swelled up from the bottom of his heart.


    He noticed the towel on her pillow and the note on his drawer. MAKE SURE TO DRY MY HAIR. I DON''T WANT A HEADACHE TOMORROW. Those were the words written on the paper. Travis didn''t know whether to laugh or cry. Just by reading the note, he could hear the demand from her voice.


    He placed the note back on the drawer and pick up the hair dryer from its cabinet. He dried her hair from the roots to the tips to make sure that she won''t get a headache tomorrow.


    He removed the wet towel and changed her pillow with his so that she can sleep comfortably. He dried off his own hair and put on a new drawstring pants before sleeping beside her.


    Jillyanna snuggled closer to him and hugged his waist. "I want to quit." she murmured with her eyes closed.


    "Quit from what?"


    "Music industry. I don''t want to show my face anymore." she whispered while finding the best spot in his arms to lean her head.


    "Why?" he asked her softly again. He kissed her head and caressed her hair while listening to her.


    "Because I don''t want you to feel uncomfortable." she admitted to him. "You said that you don''t like it when men looked at me and might be thinking something about me. So I am quitting."


    "You don''t really have to. Don''t make decision because of me. Decide for yourself. I can endure everything for you."


    "Hn." she responded and went back to sleep. Travis didn''t know that she would actually do it for his sake just because he made a passing remark about men who might be fantasizing her.


    In the middle of the night, when Travis was sound asleep, Jillyanna woke up from her sleep. ''Step by step, I''m taking the risk of giving everything to you. What will I do if you will reject me again? I don''t really know how else I will survive if that happens.''

 Chapter 169 - CONFESSION OF SECRETS I

    She watched him sleep while she thought of different way to confess to him. She wanted him to know everything about her. There''s no point in building a relationship with hidden secrets.


    ''If you won''t accept me, I''ll just run away.'' Jillyanna noted mentally. ''It was my initial plan and you stopped me. If things go wrong, I can always escape.''


    ''Alright. Let''s start by making you feel comfortable.'' she nodded her head to herself as if that was the best idea.


    She picked up her phone from the bedside drawer and logged in to her social media account. She took a deep breath before typing what she wanted to say.


    I AM GRATEFUL TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED ME ALL THESE YEARS. I AM THANKFUL THAT YOU FOUGHT FOR ME WHEN I HAVE NO ONE ELSE. I AM SO HAPPY THAT I''VE BEEN ABLE TO EXPRESS MY EMOTIONS THROUGH SONGS.


    HOWEVER, ALL JOURNEYS WILL STILL COME TO AN END. AND MY JOURNEY AS A SINGER AND COMPOSER WILL END TODAY. I JUST WANT TO LIVE MY LIFE AWAY FROM THE PUBLIC''S EYES. I JUST WANT TO GIVE MY CHILD A NORMAL LIFE.


    THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ACCOMPANYING ME FOR THE PAST YEARS. I AM SO GLAD THAT I''VE BECOME PART OF YOUR LIFE. I WISH YOU GUYS ALL THE BEST IN LIFE.


    THIS IS YOUR GODDESS YNA, SIGNING OFF.


    It was posted in the middle of the night so not many knew about it. Those people who read the post thought it was just a prank. They bombarded her post with comments and it was reposted multiple times. Travis was even mentioned a couple of times but Jillyanna no longer responded.


    She turned her phone into silent mode and put it back on the table. She slid under the blanket and hugged Travis back to sleep. ''It is up to fate now.'' she thought silently and bask in the comfort of his warmth.


    The next morning, Travis woke up first. He slid out of the bed to pack their things since they will be staying in his place this time. Most of the things were Jillyanna''s personal belongings since he''s got clothes back in his house.


    While folding her clothes, he received a phone call. He didn''t want to make some noise so he went out for awhile to answer it.


    "Why is she quitting?" It was Diego who called him so early in the morning.


    "Who''s quitting?" Travis asked him back.


    "Jillyanna. She posted it in her timeline that she''s quitting. What happened to her?"


    "She did? I thought she was sleep talking last night. She did say that she''ll quit." Travis admitted.


    "I see. Do you need Wynwyn to do some PR for this?"


    "I''ll ask Jillyanna when she wakes up."


    "Alright. I thought something happened to her again. You guys take care of yourself."


    "Thanks." Travis ended the call and went back inside the room. He found Jillyanna sitting on their bed while looking outside the window. "How''s your sleep?" he kissed her face and sat beside her.


    "I''m fine." she answered meekly. "Someone called you?"


    "Diego called about your post. Do you want Wynwyn to make a statement for you?"


    "No need. I am just an Internet idol. People will forget me over time."


    "Are you happy that you quit?" Travis inquired since she was staring into space again.


    Jillyanna didn''t answer his question. She played with her fingers and took a long breath before speaking. "I''ve got secrets to tell you."


    "Hn? Go ahead. I''m listening." he encouraged her.


    "I am not what you think I am. While wo-" she was interrupted with a phone call. She glanced at her phone and found a familiar number. Her face paled and she started panicking. "Let me answer this first."


    She walked out of the room and went to her old little room. She found her small chair and sat on it. "Summer speaking."


    "Winter told me that you regained your memories." It was her teacher. "How did you remember it?"


    "I just remembered it."


    "Summer, what happened back then wasn''t your fault. It was her own volition to help you. She wanted you to get justice for your mother."


    "I know. I am not blaming anyone." Sorry and regret won''t bring someone back to life. "I won''t blame myself either."


    "Winter wanted to talk to you." Her teacher said. "She''s beside me."


    "I don''t want to talk to her. I don''t want to hear any accusations anymore. She can keep her opinion to herself. I don''t need it." Jillyanna responded in anger. She thought that they''d be a happy family since she''s a cousin of Travis. She didn''t know that things would turn out this way.


    "You should at least talk to her. Hear her out before you judge her."


    "Did she hear me out? She judged me without even hearing my side! Why should I give her that privilege?"


    "Jillyanna. Listen -"


    "I''m busy. I don''t have time for chitchat and I am taking back my things. You don''t have the right to lend my things without my permission."


    "I''m sorry okay!" It was Winter who yelled at her. "Why won''t you listen?!"


    "That''s not how a person should apologize." Jillyanna answered before ending the call. She was so angry and frustrated. She can''t believe she was yelled at! Travis didn''t even do that to her.


    Winter slumped back on her seat. She was dispirited and helpless. "I don''t think I can  get her forgiveness." she tossed the phone on the table and sighed.


    "No matter how you think and turn the world, you are at fault this time. Not only did you judge her once but twice. It''s a good thing you didn''t tell your cousin. Apologize to her properly." Their teacher told her. "Don''t agitate her. She''s pregnant."


    "Aren''t you hurt with her words?" Winter asked. The phone call was on loud speaker earlier so she heard everything Jillyanna said.


    "A little bit. However, we can''t blame her at all."


    "You just favored her the most." Winter said with a chuckle before leaving.

 Chapter 170 - CONFESSION OF SECRETS II

    Jillyanna went back to her room and found Travis zipping up the second suitcase full of her things. Her anger subsided and she walked towards him.


    "I don''t need so much clothes." she stated while placing the phone back to her drawer.


    Travis had his back on her as he arranged her things. When he turned around to face her, Jillyanna hugged him and hid her face on his chest. "What upsets you this time?" he asked her softly, hugging her back to comfort her.


    "You promised to stay with me right?" she asked in a muffled voice.


    "Hn. I will stay with you."


    "Will you really stay with me?"


    "What''s this about? It seems like you''re preparing yourself to run away again." Travis lifted her head so that he can look at her eyes. "I don''t know how else I can prove it to you but I am true to my words. I won''t leave you again. No matter what your secrets are, I''ll gladly accept it because that is who you are."


    "Then what if I tell you that I killed an innocent girl when I just hit the legal age." she dropped the first revelation with a trembling voice. She even shifted her eyes away from him because she was afraid to see judgement in them.


    Travis was processing her words while watching her. She didn''t look like she was joking. She was trembling in his arms and she was trying to hold back her tears.


    "How could you kill someone?" Travis asked in disbelief. He knew she''s strong and worked as an undercover cop but he won''t believe that she killed someone. She will never do it. "I don''t believe you."


    "Why won''t you believe me?" Jillyanna asked him. He looked a bit troubled when he looked at her so Jillyanna voided looking at him. She was staring down on her feet. "I pushed her to her death."


    Travis sighed and led her to the sofa. "Would you please elaborate what happened?" he sat on the sofa and let Jillyanna sat on his lap so that he can hug her.


    At this moment, all he can do was to hug her and listen to her. She needed comfort and someone who can understand what she went through.


    Jillyanna leaned on his chest and started talking. "When I was sixteen, I joined a secret organization. It was that time that I studied advance criminology while taking the business management. Business was just a cover to my trips overseas. My family thought that I left the country to study. I would be gone for a week sometimes a month."


    "You must be really smart because they allowed you to leave even when you have classes." Travis commented to ease her discomfort. He knew how much courage she needed to tell him these things and he didn''t want to judge her outrightly.


    Jillyanna smiled faintly upon hearing his words. "Probably. I have been able to learn things quickly. I was only held back because I stopped studying after my mother died. When I got adopted, they enrolled me to the same school where Cielo and Lucian studied. I don''t want to compete in the same level as Cielo so I refused to go for an advance class. And because I always perfect my scores during exams, the teachers allowed me to leave the country for whatever reasons I have."


    "You were not a good student. Don''t let our child learn that." Travis told her which made her laugh in his arms. He was happy that she''s feeling better, too.


    "I think so, too. I often ditch my classes before. If it were not for my remarkable grades, I would''ve been kicked out already. Anyway, I joined the organization to find justice for my mother. It was more like, I was trained to assassinate someone. Back then, I figured some information that led me to my mother''s family. It took me two years to get my hands on that piece of information. One day, one of the girls in the organization approached me."


    **


    "Hey Summer! Why are you here alone?"


    Jillyanna stuffed the piece of paper back in her pocket. She was standing at the koi fish pond while reading the information when someone approached her.


    "Lyka it''s you. I am just checking on something. Why are you here?" she asked back.


    "I want to get some fresh air." she stated as she sat on the cold wooden floor. "Why did you join this organization by the way?"


    "For my mother."


    "You''re an orphan, too? I also lost my parents when I was in high school. My father was shot when he was on his way home and my mother was stabbed multiple times leading to her death. The police couldn''t find anything or they just didn''t want to deal with it, so I''m taking this matter with my own hands."


    "Why? Do you know who killed them?" Jillyanna asked.


    "I do. A week before my parents died, my father prepared everything for us to leave the country. He was scared and would panic even the slightest noise we make. He mentioned four names everyday who would come and kill him which was the reason we needed to leave. I thought he was going crazy and was having paranoia. I never thought that my ignorance will kill them both." Lyka sounded mournful when she spoke but her eyes had an evil glint and her face looked cold.


    "If I am given the chance to find out who killed my mother, I will take preparation immediately. If the authorities won''t do it then I will do it myself, too. There''s no point allowing scums to continue living. Don''t you think so?" Jillyanna responded. She got her information already and she''s planning to prepare herself.


    Lyka smiled at her. "I agree with what you said. There''s no point in letting them live."


    "Don''t think too much about it. That''s just my negative emotions rushing in. Live your life and make your own family. It''s another way to console your parents'' soul."

 Chapter 171 - CONFESSION OF SECRETS III

    Jillyanna never thought that Lyka would put her words into actions. They were just getting along fine. She would share her foods with her knowing that Jillyanna was a glutton. She would lend her some of her favorite books and sometimes, she would bring her to sceneries that would warm your heart.


    The last time they talked, Lyka brought her in the forest at the back of their training building. In the middle of the forest, there was a high waterfall and a fresh water lake glimmered under the sun.


    "This place is great." Jillyanna commented as she looked around. Birds chirping and rabbits hopping, the place was just like a paradise.


    "It''s a great thing that our place is situated here in this mountainous area and not in the city." Lyka responded. "If I die, I want to be buried somewhere here."


    "What are you talking about? Don''t follow your parents yet. Have you lived your life to the fullest?" Jillyanna spoke while staring into space. "Even though my parents left me, I don''t want to leave this world yet. I still want to have a baby."


    Lyka burst into a fit of laughter when she heard the last statement from Jillyanna. "Are you high? You don''t want to get married but you wanted to have a baby? How will you do that? Hook up with someone, let him bang you and run?"


    "Yup. If I can get a baby that way, why not? I don''t want a husband."


    "Stop being ridiculous!" Lyka laughed at her again. She''s envious with Jillyanna''s mindset because no matter how she try to be optimistic, her heart was already dead.


    Jillyanna didn''t know that it would be their last time talking to each other. She was awoken by Winter from her room and was told to change her clothes.


    She didn''t know why but she''s got a bad feeling already. Some of her other sisters were crying in the hall, some were throwing deathly glares at her and some were emotionless.


    "What''s going on? Where are you bringing me?" Jillyanna asked in confusion. It was raining hard and Winter didn''t even let her get an umbrella. She let her inside the car and drove somewhere. The place wasn''t far from where they stayed so they reached it in no time.


    A crowd encircled a certain spot and several policemen were looking down and sad. Jillyanna tried to mix with the crowd and soon found herself in front of a dead body.


    "Lyka? Lyka? Is that you?" she blinked her eyes a couple of times to get a clear view. She was doubting her vision because of the rain.


    "Do you know the victim?" one of the police officers asked.


    "Why the hell are you still asking me?! It''s been raining hard and yet you didn''t get her out of this place! How can you let her body get soiled with dirt!" Jillyanna burst in anger which stunned the police officers. Even the crowd took a few steps away from her. "Get lost if you can''t do anything!"


    She cried so hard and wanted to get close to the dead body. The police tried restraining her together with Winter who was worried that she might flipped her switch.


    "Ma''am you can''t approach her now. You will damage the available evidence." the officer stated.


    "Are you an idiot?! What else can you get from her! Just take her away already!" Jillyanna shouted at them. Right on time, the ambulance came which was very very late. "No wonder she couldn''t trust the authorities. You''re inhumane and beast." She hurled them insulting words which the officers didn''t care.


    "Just let her be. We know how difficult it is to accept someone''a death." one of the police officers said.


    After they put Lyka on a the ambulance to send her to the morgue, Jillyanna and Winter went home. Winter left her phone number to them in case there are questions they needed to ask.


    Jillyanna went to her room and locked it. She didn''t want to see anyone right now. Not even her teacher. They were all mourning for the death of Lyka.


    "It was her who told Lyka to do it! How dare she act like innocent."


    "If she didn''t say her opinion, Lyka wouldn''t do it."


    "It was her who pushed her to death."


    "What a cold and heartless woman."


    Jillyanna heard their whispers loud and clear. Whenever she go out to take a shower, to eat, to practice, everyone will watch her with their accusing eyes.


    She was even called to the station to help with the investigation. "There''s no need to investigate if you can''t do anything. Don''t waste my time."


    "You don''t want us to get justice for her?" the officer asked. It was so surprising that the girl wasn''t demanding justice for the dead.


    Jillyanna snickered and looked at the officer interrogating who was interrogating her. "Didn''t you guys cause her death?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "Few years back, her father was shot on his way home and her mother was stabbed to death. She asked for justice but you just brushed the case away. So, she took the matter in her hands because of your incompetency. She was ready to die just to get justice for her parents. She was suited to do your job than you do. All of you here are useless."


    The officer wasn''t able to respond. He was overwhelmed with her coldness and anger. "Check your files and maybe you can find something else. Don''t bother me anymore if you can''t even do your work."


    Jillyanna was sent home after half an hour. She didn''t speak to anyone but she would still practice in their hall. She had broken several dummies already from so much force but she didn''t stop. She vent her anger and regrets on them.


    Everyone even started to worry because she was no longer in her usual self. Winter even fought with her to exhaust her but in the end it was Winter who was wounded and bruised.

 Chapter 172 - CONFESSION OF SECRETS IV

    "Would you like to fight with me?" It was their teacher who asked from the crowd. She had been sitting on the mat like usual. Her face was devoid of emotions and her eyes were close like always.


    "I''d be glad." Jillyanna responded.


    Her teacher didn''t fought with her like they usually do. Her reflexes were even quicker this time. Jillyanna went all out but her teacher was a sly little fox.


    Jillyanna thought that her teacher will attack her with bare hands. She never expected any powders will be involve making her lost her consciousness.


    When she woke up, everything was back to normal.


    **


    "No wonder my cousin called and asked about the identity of my wife. It turns out that you know each other." Travis spoke after she narrated the event.


    "Hn. I know her. So far, that''s what I have remembered. I don''t know if there''s anything that I miss." Jillyanna spoke almost a whisper.


    "Are you afraid that Winter will talk to me first about you?"


    "Hn. She was angry when she found out that you''re the man I''m staying with. She was worried that something will happen to you as well."


    "She must''ve forgotten that I trained in the military, too. I may not be an officer but I have the same strength as Hawk. Nothing will ever happen to me. I am more worried about you."


    "Huh? What about me?" Jillyanna asked in confusion.


    "Because your beauty attract danger." he stated and stole a kiss on her lips. "I am not going to leave you just because of this. So what if you joined them? I don''t care. My cousin won''t matter in our relationship. She''s not the one who''s going to live with you, it''s me."


    Relief surged throughout her body and the tears she had been holding back, they burst out like a stream of water from a dam. She had been restless since yesterday and she didn''t know how to start saying everything.


    She was afraid to see rejection and accusation in his eyes. She was afraid that he would leave her. She was afraid that he would turn his back on her.


    "Sshh. Stop crying already. It''s okay. I am glad that took a step to tell me these things." Travis gently pat her back as she continued to cry in his arms. "I chose you and that includes your past and future. I don''t want anyone else but you. I will accept everything you are. No more and no less."


    "Thank you." Jillyanna mumbled. "Thank you for putting up with me, for understanding me and for everything. I was really scared that you would leave. I was even planning to run away again or lock you up. Whatever works better is fine." she added in symphony between her sobs and hiccups.


    "I like the last option. I will gladly come along if you will lock me up." Travis responded amidst his chuckles. "I''m happy that you''re starting to open up with me. I feel like I''m one step ahead of your family."


    "Lucian knew about this first." Jillyanna told him, bursting his bubbles.


    "He knew?"


    "Not the whole story. He only knew about the organization because he caught me."


    "Is that why you stopped?"


    "Hn. He didn''t want me to taint my hands with blood. That''s also the reason why my mother''s case was opened up again."


    "You must have a hard time. I''m sorry that I wasn''t there when you needed someone."


    "I''m sorry, too." she apologized.


    "Why are you apologizing to me? You didn''t do anything wrong." Travis asked. He was the one getting confused this time.


    "I am apologizing for what you went through because of the research. In the end, we both lost our mother. That research was really one of a kind."


    "No wonder many people was after it. Why don''t you sell it?"


    "I have a different plan for it. Anyway, that''s all I can say for now. If I remember something important, I''ll let you know."


    "Sure. Are you okay now?"


    "Hn. I''m fine now."


    She stood up and helped him pack up her things. She made sure to bring her gadgets with her and her remaining vitamins. "What do you want to eat?"


    Travis laughed when she heard her question. It was always him who asked her that question but now, she was asking him the same thing.


    "Auntie Fei cooked our food already since she knew we''re leaving today. How about you cook our lunch later?"


    "Alright. Sounds good to me." Jillyanna agreed. "I''ll take a bath first."


    "Go ahead. I''ll bring these things down first." Travis answered as he pulled her suitcases downstairs.


    ''She suffered a lot. Why didn''t Dad know about this?'' Travis thought while bringing her things outside. Her crying face and heart broken expression gripped his heart whenever he remembered it.


    Jillyanna was staring into space inside the shower room. She felt tired now after letting out all her negative emotions. ''It is still morning and I am exhausted already.'' she exclaimed mentally to herself. ''I am glad everything turned out well.''


    ''Knock! Knock!'' Travis knocked the glass of the shower room.


    "Don''t stay too long in the shower or you''ll catch a cold." he called out to her from the outside. If that heart breaking confession didn''t happen, he would''ve been teasing her already.


    "I''m almost done." Jillyanna snapped out of her reverie and responded. She could see his shadow inside the bathroom which was heading to the bath tub. "Are you going to take a bath?"


    "Hn. I''ll take the bath tub for now. Unless, you want me to join you?"


    "Come on. Give me a break. I am so tired." Jillyanna answered him. Even though he couldn''t see her, Travis can imagine her, rolling her eyes already.


    "How about we invite your family over to my house?" Travis asked her. "It would be better for them to know where you are in case they wanted to visit you."


    "Travis."


    "Hn?"


    "I love you."

 Chapter 173 - 8 LETTERS 3 WORDS

    After uttering those words in almost a whisper, Jillyanna blushed and covered her mouth. She finished her bath in a hurry so that she can leave quickly.


    She just opened the glass door of the shower room and what greeted her was a devilish grin of a certain someone with his manhood awakened once again.


    "Can you..can you at least c-cover yourself?" she yelled at him with her trembling voice. She was even stuttering from being nervous around him this time.


    "Do I still have to? It''s not like you''ve seen me naked for the first time." Travis retorted and blocked her path to exit. "You said something earlier. What was it again?"


    "I didn''t say anything. You must be imagining things again." She had to try her best not to shift her eyes. She had exerted so much effort to keep a straight but her blush wouldn''t just cooperate.


    "You''re blushing from head-to-toe. Are you embarrassed again?" he leaned closer to her and whispered. "If you won''t say it, I''ll kiss you." he kissed the base of her ear which tickled her so much.


    "Do you want me to tell Uncle that you''re bullying me?"


    "He would want to know how I bully you. Will you tell him?" his kisses trailed down to her neck causing her to shiver.


    "I''ll say it. I''ll say it." She held his shoulders to keep him still and looked directly in his eyes. "I..uhh...I want to take a bath with you."


    "You''re not being honest. How should I punish you? Let me see." He took hold of her hand and kissed her inner wrist without leaving her gaze from her.


    "I love you." she said it all of a sudden that rendered him speechless once again.


    His eyes darkened and Jillyanna noticed that something was twitching in front of her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.


    "Can you stop being a pervert in front of me? I hate it when you''ve got so much energy. And stop staring at me. I did say -"


    Her next word was interrupted with the sudden kiss. She could feel the fast beat of his heart beneath her palm. She could feel his trembling hands which was wrapped around her waist.


    "I have been...waiting...for you...to say...those words..again." Travis murmured in the middle of their kiss. Her moans echoed through the shower room which intensified his kisses.


    Jillyanna was running out of breath. ''I really need to work on my stamina. I can''t believe I am this weak already.'' she thought to herself while responding to his kisses.


    Travis stopped kissing her and just stared directly at her dark brown eyes. He just couldn''t get enough of her. She''s like a sweet drugs that he couldn''t stop asking for more.


    "I love you so much Jill." he responded and kissed the tip of her nose. "I love you and our baby."


    "I know you love me but..."


    "But...But what?"


    "But I''d be happier if you take a shower now and put on some clothes right after."


    "Don''t you feel anything when you''re looking at me?" Travis asked her. His eyes were scanning her face to see every detail of her reaction.


    Facing this question, Jillyanna shifted her gaze to her left and right. She was shuffling her feet on the floor as well since she didn''t know how to say what she''s feeling.


    "Right now, I feel like hitting you." Jillyanna uttered. "I want to hit you because I don''t like what I am feeling right now."


    "Is it a bad feeling or a good feeling?" Travis started teasing her again. If she didn''t say those words, he wouldn''t be teasing her now.


    "I don''t know. I am feeling weird right now so don''t ask me. Take bath already so we can go." she kissed him quickly and leave him alone.


    Travis could only shake his head while watching her leave. Even if he wanted to make love to her, the mood wasn''t right. She just went through and ordeal earlier and she was emotionally unstable so he refrain himself from taking advantage of her.


    "I love you Jill!" he shouted from the bathroom making her blush.


    "Shut up!" she responded and closed the door behind her. She didn''t want to see his shadow which would be reflecting something that he''s doing something on his own.


    She found the clothes that Travis chose for her on the bed including her bra and underwear. Her blush hadn''t subsided yet and now her body was increasing in temperature.


    "How did I end up loving you again? Or maybe I didn''t stop loving you all these years." she murmured to herself while putting on her clothes.


    After wearing her clothes, she looked at herself on the mirror. "This idiot! When will these marks fade? He put a new one today. So possessive." She can''t even hide it because he didn''t choose a turtle neck shirt. She didn''t like putting make up as well so she can only use her hair to cover it up.


    "Why cover it? You look sexy with my kiss marks." Travis commented when he came out from the bathroom and saw her checking the hickeys he left.


    "Come her for a bit." Jillyanna beckoned him to come closer. "Sit on the couch." she ordered him again when he''s closer.


    Travis didn''t know what she was trying to do but he likes watching her giving him instructions. He liked to watch her domineering figure in front of him.


    He sat on the couch as she instructed and waited for her next instruction. He saw Jillyanna walked closer to him and his heart couldn''t stop itself from beating faster. She''s had a mischievous smile on her lips and her eyes sparkled with glee.


    She straddled him on the couch which caught him off-guard. "Wha-...Hmm." he didn''t see it coming and his moan escaped.


    Jillyanna nipped the base of his fair neck for a few seconds, looked at it and felt satisfied with the mark she left. "Fair enough." she held his face with her both hands and kissed her nose. "I love you Travis."

 Chapter 174 - A UNIVERSITY I

    "I love you Jill. I love you to the moon and back." Travis responded and kissed the tip of her nose again. "Do you still want to go to the mansion?"


    "Yup." Jillyanna answered cheerfully.


    "Then, I suggest that you get off from me for now because I haven''t put any clothes yet. You don''t want us to be late, do you?"


    That''s when Jillyanna realized how perverted her soon-to-be husband was. She can''t believe she''s thinking of marrying this person. Not wanting to keep her thoughts to herself, she let Travis know about it.


    "You know what, I sometimes think that I''m making a mistake." Jillyanna uttered while she stood up on her feet and adjusted his robe before something else can be seen. "You must have put something in my food lately. How come I love you more and more when you''re this perverted?"


    "My dear wife, I am only perverted towards you. What can I do? You always mess up my thoughts when you smile, when you laugh, when you pout, when you''re flustered, when you''re-"


    Jillyanna covered his mouth to stop him from saying anything. "Enough. I''ve heard enough." Her neck was getting redder again and so were her ears.


    Travis let out a throaty chuckle and reached over to remove her hand from him. "We''ll really be late if you continue to look at me like that."


    "Whatever. I''m going down now. Hurry up and put on your clothes." She pulled her hand from him and left the room in a hurry. When she closed the door behind her, her blush crept up to her face. ''I need to put some distance a little or that beast might just devour me.''


    She went down the stairs and walked to the kitchen to drink her vitamins. Their food was all ready so she started eating. "Auntie Fei, during the construction, you will have to cook lunch for the workers and at 3 o''clock in the afternoon, you will have to prepare their snacks. You can let them use the back garden. I''ll let the guards know so that they can set up the tables and chairs. Travis will be coming to check the progress from time to time. If you needed something, don''t hesitate to call me, okay?"


    "Yes Jillyanna. You take care of yourself always."


    "Thank you Auntie Fei. I''ll trouble you to let Auntie Sisi know."


    "Hn. I''ll let her know when she''s back from the grocery store. By the way, should we also give supply to Mr. Shan?"


    "No need. Jenny is tasked to do that." Jillyanna answered her. "If they needed urgent help though like emergencies, I''d be grateful if you can help them."


    "Alright. No problem."


    While she gave instructions and reminders, Travis was leaning on the kitchen door, watching her smile, chuckle, pout, lost in thought and her different facial expressions. ''I am thankful that we are given a chance to fix our broken relationship. I will never waste this second chance to hold you.''


    Jillyanna noticed someone watching her. When she turned around, she saw Travis smiling at her. "What are you standing there for? Eat already. The food is getting cold."


    "Nope. My food is very hot." he stated while looking at her with his dark eyes, glazed with merriment upon seeing his reaction.


    Jillyanna could only roll her eyes and ignored his teasing. She picked up his plate for him and placed it beside hers.


    Auntie Fei who heard his statement let out a faint laugh. She left the two lovebirds and continued doing her task.


    "Why didn''t you eat in the dining area?" Travis asked and sat beside her.


    "I missed eating here. I always eat here when I am alone. I don''t like using the dining table." Jillyanna stated a matter of fact. "It''s my way of reliving the past with my mama and papa."


    "Are you missing them now?"


    "I miss them everyday. I think I''ll find my father soon. I just realized that waiting for another 7 or 8 months won''t change anything."


    "Let me know when you''d like to find them. I''ll help you out."


    "Thank you." They talked while she placed food on his plate. Travis didn''t refuse her care at all since it was very rare for her to show her caring and sweet side. "Eat now so we can leave."


    Meanwhile...


    "Are you ready?" Valkyrie asked Savannah who was putting her small backpack behind her. She had some books on her hands too.


    "I''m all ready. I just hope this will end soon so that we can go on vacation and for you to find Brown."


    "Stay vigilant all the time." Hawk reminded her. "I''ll keep an eye with your trackers."


    "Such a worrywart. I will be fine. Don''t worry. I''ll come home around nine tonight." Savannah responded. She kissed his face and left the house. She couldn''t leave the house with someone so she had to do everything on her own once she''s out of the house.


    "Take the bus." Valkyrie spoke through her earpiece.


    Savannah walked just like all the students but people kept staring at her. She looked so pretty and harmless. No one would even think that she''s a special task force officer.


    She smiled politely to everyone who looked her way. She didn''t look snobbish at all.


    "Are you going to A University?" a young lady with a vibrant burgundy hair asked Savannah. She had the same lanyard as her.


    "Yes. I am a transferee. It is my first day today." Savannah responded with a faint smile.


    "I''m Kath. What''s your name?"


    "Savy."


    "Which department do you belong Savy? Your lanyard has a different color than everyone in the school."


    "Actually, I taking classes for my missed subjects. They belong to different departments and the admin didn''t know where to put me."


    "Poor you. Anyway, I live around this area. If you want, we can go to school everyday."


    "Thanks Kath. I''d be very happy to have someone walk with me to the campus."

 Chapter 175 - A UNIVERSITY II

    Savannah made friends with Kath who''s also studying in A University. She was fun to talk with and she was very considerate to a new student like her.


    "What time do you usually go home?" Kath asked her when they got inside the bus.


    "Since I am taking special class, I will have to stay late in school. I''ll be going home around 9 o''clock in the evening." Savannah answered.


    "Aren''t you scared? Lately, there have been cases of our fellow students getting killed somewhere. I usually go home before six."


    "That''s fine. Someone will be picking me up from school when it''s time to go home." Savannah lied. No one will be picking her up and she had to observe the place and students all day. Everything was just a cover but she couldn''t tell her new found friend.


    When they reached the campus, many students were looking towards her way. Given her age of twenty-five, Savannah didn''t look old at all. In fact, she was the no.1 beauty in their whole military camp.


    Even though she''s strong, she didn''t have any muscle at all. She looked rather fair and petite with her equal body proportions. She had added some red and purple highlights on her blonde hair. She looked pretty and cool at the same time.


    Her shorts highlighted her long legs and the belt was really eye catching. Her blouse was tied just few inches above her navel showing her skin.


    Mr. Mercader, the person they talked to last time so her and smiled. "It''s good that you finally realized to continue your study."


    "Morning sir. Thank you so much for giving me another chance." Savannah acted together with him and sounded like she made a mistake before.


    "That''s alright. Hurry up and go to your class. Stop attracting the bees." He meant the boys who kept looking at her.


    "I don''t mind attracting them. I''m a worthy attraction anyway." she retorted with a faint laugh. She saw one student staring at her and she playfully wink at him.


    "Do you want to finish your study or do you want me to drop you out?" Mr. Mercader threatened which made her pout. With ''tched'' sound, she left the old man and looked for her building.


    "I will be taking my first subject in Finance Building. See you around." she told Kath.


    "See you." the young girl waved her hand as she walked to the other building.


    Savannah looked around the campus, noting the structure, the entrance and exits, the number of floors and everything around her.


    "This is such a nice place." she commented. To other people, she seemed like someone admiring the place with a beautiful smile hanging on her lips.


    "What are you doing here?" A loud and manly voice rang from behind her, startling her and made her drop her books. "Sorry if I startle you."


    "I''m fine. I''m fine. Don''t worry about it." Savannah smiled and picked up her things. The man helped her too and it made things quicker.


    "Do you have a class here?" the person asked with a friendly smile. He looked neat with his white shirt and blue jeans.


    "I am a new student here and I am looking for my room." Savanna stated while showing the man her study load.


    "Oh? So you are the the new student. Everyone''s talking about a beautiful student with a highlights on her blonde hair."


    Savannah tried her best to blush instead of throwing a punch. She never liked wearing short and sexy clothings in front of everyone. Her attire was already taking a toll on her emotions and there blazing stares made her want to kick them. For the sake of her mission, she had to keep a smile and cool facade.


    "I didn''t know that there are people who are talking about me." she said with an embarrassed expression. " Uhh..Can..can you show me where the room is?"


    "Sure. Come this way." the man guided her to the third floor of the building and walked her to a lecture room with some students sitting already.


    "Are you the new student?" the professor asked. Savannah nodded her head and walked inside awkwardly. "I was informed that an excellent student will be taking my class. Looks like you got lost on your way here."


    "I''m sorry prof. The campus has changed from the last time I studied here." she made an excuse which made everyone laugh. They all know she was lying because the campus hasn''t changed at all since 10 years ago. She turned around to thank the man who sent her but he was nowhere to be found.


    "Quit your excuse and introduce yourself." The professor scolded her but she only chuckled which made the boys swoon for her.


    "Hi everyone. My name is Savy Knight. Nice to meet you. I will be joining this class from now on. Let''s all get along."


    Savannah fit in her class immediately. She sat near the window and observed the class. Sometimes, she would look outside to observe the campus.


    With her head bowed down, scribbling some information on her notebook, she looked really diligent with her study.


    "Savy, where''s your next class?" a guy who approached her and asked. They just finish their lecture and Savannah hid her notes slowly like there''s nothing in it.


    "My next class will be in Science Department." Savannah said with a smile. "Do you know where I can find it?"


    "Hn. Let me send you there." the man offered and waited for her at the door.


    "Hey Savy, careful with the number of boys. I don''t want someone to knock them off before we can finish this mission." It was Valkyrie who spoke thru her earpiece.


    "Help me pacify him. I am not doing anything." Savannah replied while looking at her phone.


    "Did you say something?" the man who came from the same class as her asked.


    "Nope. I was reading a text message from my friend." Savannah responded with a smile. She was still busy with her phone when somebody passed by her.

 Chapter 176 - A UNIVERSITY III

    Savannah turned around abruptly to see who bumped her but the person didn''t even stop to apologize. She just let it go but she etched the disappearing back deeply in her mind.


    "Are you alright?" her classmate asked her.


    "I''m fine. No worries." She put her phone on her back pocket and continued walking with her classmate. "Will you be taking the same subject as me for the next class?"


    "Nope. I will be taking a different class and the department will be next to the Science building." the man answered. "I''m David, by the way."


    "Thanks for helping me out David." she replied coyly beside him. The man just smiled at her and didn''t say anything.


    "Why did you come back to school now that there are murders and kidnapping cases involving our school?" he asked her again.


    Savannah just snickered arrogantly at him. "Why not? It''s not like I''ll be the next victim. I will be picked up from school when it''s time to go home. I really have to finish my course or the headmaster will no longer give me another chance."


    "You know the headmaster?"


    "Uh huh. He is sort of an uncle to me." Savannah lied with a straight face. However, the man beside her just chuckled at her. She stopped for a moment and observed him. ''My cover couldn''t have been blown right?'' she thought to herself worriedly.


    The man tried his best to stop laughing and leaned closer to her. She pushed his chest a little to put a little bit of distance between them. "I know why you''re here. No need to lie with me."


    "What the?!" Without a warning, Savannah had one of her hands at the back of his neck. To other students who were watching them, it looked she was flirting with the guy, only the guy knew how painful his neck was. "Don''t mess up with me. Who are you?"


    "I am same as you. Can we talk nicely?" the man named David tried to compromise. Savannah let him go and even fixed the collar of his polo shirt. They looked good together but a certain someone kept reminding her to avoid hooking up with other men - it was Valkyrie. He could hear all the words they exchange and so was Hawk.


    "Savy, dark clouds are hovering his face. I am starting to regret agreeing to this decision." Valkyrie spouted nonsense again while throwing glances at Hawk.


    Savannah sighed and chose to ignore him. David showed her a message on his phone to go over the library to talk. She followed him silently under the obvious stares of jealousy from both men and women.


    When they arrived at the library, Savannah picked up some random books as well as David. They chose to sit in a corner where they can see the whole student in side the library.


    "I saw you one time with Lucian''s sister-in-law." David opened up when they sat on their chosen seat.


    "You mean Jillyanna?"


    "Hn. I think it was the time after she was kidnapped."


    "You are sharp." Savannah commented.


    "How did you know about ''it''? They both knew that the ''it'' they were talking about was her cover.


    "I was just wondering why Jillyanna''s friend would be here in this campus knowing that everything''s messy."


    "Right. I am sure the criminals know why I am here, too." Savannah mocked herself. "But that doesn''t matter. I will be fine. I will catch them soon. Why are you handling this by the way? It had been sent to our hands already."


    "Intel."


    "I see. Thanks for your help with the information."


    "No problem." David smiled sweetly to the woman who passed by their table.


    "Have you noticed someone suspicious in this campus?" she asked him while flipping through the books.


    "I have someone I''m keeping my eyes on."


    "Who?"


    "The person who bumped with you earlier."


    Savannah smiled and nodded her head. "I was rather suspicious of him too." she agreed. "That person reeked of blood and other things."


    "Right. However, I have a hunch that there are several suspects."


    "There are. We''ve seen them come and go their hiding place but we can''t act yet. We needed to remove them from their roots." Savannah stated.


    "One of my teammates said that one of the suspects may be a girl with one of her fingers crippled or cut out."


    "Really? I saw one of the chef in the cafeteria with one of her fingers missing. She looked really pretty though."


    "My teammate said that she should be pretty. I''ll take a look at her later. Bring me to the cafeteria, will you?"


    "Sure no problem." David agreed to her immediately.


    "Don''t fall in love with me. I''m taken." Savannah stated which stunned the person opposite her.


    He was clearly taken aback but there''s no way she''d take her words back. It was the only way she knew to pacify someone who had been listening to their conversation since earlier.


    "Don''t worry, I don''t plan on cheating with my girlfriend as well." He responded as he reached his hand over and messed up her hair. "Let your guy know that I am not planning to steal you."


    They discussed different things while observing the people around them. They also ate their lunch together for her to see the lady in the cafeteria.


    "I''ll treat you since you don''t have your student card yet." David said and brought her over to order their food.


    David whispered to her while he pointed at the menu but his words were describing the beautiful lady who was serving the food behind the glass panel.


    Savannah confirmed that her hand was indeed missing a finger but they couldn''t judge her without any solid proof.


    David took the tray containing their food and led her to a vacant table. Students were watching them and Savannah showed them her sweet smile. She needed to look friendly and arrogant at the same time. That''s what Valkyrie told her. ''And how exactly should I do that?!'' she exclaimed mentally while taking her share of food.

 Chapter 177 - THE JEALOUS MR. KNIGHT

    Night came and Savannah''s first day in A University turned out to be a worthy trip. She met someone who helped her and she got some valuable information, too.


    She kept her notes secured and went home when it was quarter to nine in the evening.


    "You''re the new student, right?" someone asked Savannah which made her turned around to see who it was. She immediately hid her surprise and went back to her friendly mode.


    "You''re the lady at the cafeteria!" Savannah exclaimed. "Do you always go home this late?"


    "Hn. We still have to clean up the cafeteria before we can leave." The woman answered. "Where do you live? I can drop you off if you want. My driver will be here in few minutes."


    Savannah waved her hand in front of her to refuse such offer. "No need. I am fine. My house isn''t far from here and I can still take the bus."


    "Alright. If you say so. Be careful on your way home." The cafeteria lady said before walking away from her. A black car was waiting for her few meters from where they stood.


    When the car drove away, Savannah started walking towards the bus stop. It never escaped from her observation that the car stopped not far from the waiting area.


    "Young miss, I found the one you wanted. I brought her to your secret place already." The driver stated while watching the woman from the rearview mirror.


    "Let''s keep her for awhile. I found a new target." She responded. Her eyes were watching Savannah who was waiting for the bus. "Isn''t she lovely? I like her friendly yet arrogant attitude. I like to watch her eyes glaze with ecstasy."


    "When shall I get her?" The driver asked after seeing Savannah. "She does look great and her body is well-proportioned." Even in the presence of his boss, he didn''t hide the hard on that Savannah caused.


    "Let''s observe for a while. I want her in a week. Follow her for now." She commanded which the man followed immediately.


    Savannah boarded the bus and chose to sit at the back corner where she can observe the car. She acted like a lonely woman, leaning on the window with a sad expression but her eyes were scanning the cars which followed them behind.


    When she got down at her stop, she walked slowly while observing the high and low places. She looked so innocent and men kept watching her like she''s some kind of eye candy.


    When she reached home, she found Jillyanna sitting on the couch with the accessories placed on the coffee table.


    "How''s your day?" Jillyanna asked her when she entered the house.


    "I got several information. I''ll go over with Valkyrie and Hawk later." She responded while scanning the room to find the two men. "Where are they?"


    "Valkyrie is currently pacifying your man. Who would''ve thought that he''d be this jealous?"


    "That idiot. I even told him to take care of you when you get here." Savannah responded as she placed her bag and books on the table. "I''ll change for a while so you can teach me."


    "Sure."


    Savannah went to her room and changed to a comfortable set of clothings. She didn''t even bother to find Hawk and started her combat practice with Jillyanna.


    "Travis really allowed you to come over alone? That is really unexpected!" Savannah exclaimed while hitting her dummy targets with a sling shot as a temporary medium instead of her earrings.


    "I have to sacrifice myself a bit to get his agreement. And I am not alone, I was sent her by the driver and he will come and get me when it''s time to leave."


    "Travis is really strict when it comes to your safety. I hope you don''t find it suffocating."


    "Nope. Not at all." Jillyanna replied with a faint smile. "In fact, I am glad to receive so much care from him."


    "That''s good to know." Savannah commented. She swing her arms around and took down her targets one after the other. "Until what time will you be here?" She asked Jillyanna who was looking for a different item to use.


    "I can only stay until ten."


    "I see. I''ll come home earlier tomorrow." Savannah promised since she didn''t want to inconvenience Jillyanna at all, given that she''s pregnant.


    Jillyanna didn''t say anything at this point and just watched her practice to see if there''s anything she needed to adjust. Savannah was rather diligent with her practice routine. She wanted to save the victims without anyone worrying for her which was the reason she agreed to this practice.


    As promised to Travis, she left the rented Japanese-style house at ten in the evening and went home.


    "How are they? Did they get anything relevant to the case?" Travis asked her when she got home. He was currently checking some documents while he waited for her.


    Jillyanna walked to him and kissed his left cheek as she sat down beside him. "Savannah got a lot of information and was going to discuss it with Valkyrie and Hawk. It was a great thing that she bumped into David."


    "Who''s that?"


    "He''s a cop working in the same station as Lucian. Most of the time, he works undercover and provide intel to us."


    "And Hawk didn''t get mad about that?" Travis asked with incredulous expression. He knew that Hawk was easy to get jealous and he was right.


    In the same moment that they are speaking, Savannah was trying her best to coax the man beside her. She didn''t really expect that he would get jealous and to top it all, he refused to speak to her.


    "You can''t be serious! There''s nothing to be jealous of. You should at least be happy that I used your last name when I introduced myself." Savannah stated in frustration.


    "Can you not see him tomorrow?" Hawk asked her. He really tried his best to think that it was just for the mission but his heart won''t just stop from feeling sour. He can''t stop himself from getting jealous.

 Chapter 178 - NEXT VICTIM

    Savannah didn''t want to see him upset so she promised not to see David again. The next day, whenever David came to speak to her, she would eventually cover her eyes.


    "What happened? Why are you covering your eyes?" David asked her in confusion while scratching his head awkwardly.


    "My boyfriend didn''t want me to see you." Savannah replied which made Valkyrie laughed out loud. Savannah could only grimaced from his loud voice through her earpiece.


    David was stunned as well when he got her response from her. That was really unexpected. Even the students who happened to hear their conversations couldn''t help but let out a faint chuckle.


    Hawk, who heard the exchange of words didn''t know what to say either. He never expected that she''d do that at all. He was expecting her to avoid the man, not to talk with her eyes covered with her hands.


    "I presume your boyfriend got jealous. It''s fine. I totally understand. However, I''ve got a bad news. I am not sure if you heard it already." David spoke while taking a seat beside her. They were currently waiting for the professor to come.


    Savannah''s face changed. "I am not sure if we are thinking about the same thing but, I did hear some bad news."


    When she was waiting for Lyka at the bus stop, she heard news of another student who was reported missing. However, the police couldn''t file a missing person yet because of the 24-hour protocol.


    "I heard that the victim this time lives nearby. Her parents always know that she''d come home around six in the evening. Last night, she didn''t come home and her friends didn''t know where she is either." David supplied the information in a whisper. And because he was leaning close to her ear, Hawk and Valkyrie heard him, too.


    Savannah turned pale when she remembered something. She waited for Lyka this morning but it had been two buses that passed by already, still there was not a shadow of the cheerful girl.


    She also remembered that she would always go home around six in the evening due to the recent incidents. Cold sweats started to drip on her back down to her spine. She removed her hands from her eyes and spoke slowly.


    "Is the victim named Lyka?" Savannah asked with trembling voice. Hawk and Valkyrie knew who she meant. It was the very first person she made friends at the bus stop yesterday.


    David nodded his head slowly to confirm her guess. "It''s Lyka Alvarez."


    Savannah closed her eyes tightly this time. Her breathing was heavy and she looked rather pale. Her complexion made her classmates worried but she refused their suggestion to take a rest.


    "I should have walked her home last night. She even invited me out of worry. My god! How can this happen?"


    "We should do our best to find the culprit. There''s still hope for her. She wasn''t declared dead so it''s possible that she was just held somewhere."


    "But there was nothing when my friends checked the monitors. They didn''t see anyone come to the cave."


    "Are you sure they''re hiding in that cave? Have you checked the inside if there was really anything special in there?"


    "No we didn''t. We don''t know what were the traps awaiting us. I don''t want my team to go there blindly." Savannah responded to him.


    "This is just hunch, but I think the cave is just a ploy. I mean no one would want to have sex inside a dark cave, don''t you think so?" David asked without censoring his words at all.


    Good thing that everyone was busy with their own chitchats and no one was paying attention to them now.


    Savannah tried to think of any other possibilities but her brain wouldn''t just work due to her worry for her friend. "By the way, I don''t think the cafeteria lady is a simple person. She boarded an expensive car last night and the way she walk expressed her status in society. I believe she''s from a known family in this area." Savannah stated after awhile of thinking.


    "I checked her background before. She''s from a rich family and she was given a house as her 18th birthday gift. Her parents are divorced and the only one who took care of her is their butler slash driver." David informed her while looking around the room to see if anyone''s eavesdropping. "Come to think of it, the house that was given to her was located near that reported cave."


    "Are you sure?" Savannah asked in disbelief. They really overlooked that matter. They were so focused with the farmer''s testimony. They didn''t check the other houses that were near the location.


    Hawk and Valkyrie started working at home. They made several phone calls to connect with their team and check the houses near the mountain. They needed to move as soon as possible before another body floats in the river.


    "Good morning everyone." The professor came in with his laptop and book. At the same time, Jillyanna caught a whiff of certain smell. David looked at her as well and looked outside the room but no one passed by.


    "The smell of blood is really thick. Only people who works in a battlefield can identify that smell." Savannah stated while jotting down the notes from the discussion as if she was really listening.


    Meanwhile...


    "Young miss, how about we change target for the meantime?" The driver asked when he sent the lady to the university. "Here''s what I found last night when I came to fetch your toy." He showed a picture from his phone and the woman lifted her lips into a beautiful smile.


    "No wonder we understand each other. When you see her again, get her. No need to wait for another day. Ugghh! I can''t wait to put my hands on her." She moaned shamelessly as if she was doing someone. She licked her lips as she watched the woman in the picture for one last time. "I want her as soon as possible."


    "Sure sure. I''ll grant your wish." The driver dropped her off at the back entrance and left.

 Chapter 179 - WINTER CAME HOME

    The woman fixed her work uniform and walked towards the gate where she met a handsome man.


    "How have you been?" She asked the man who only shrugged his shoulders. "Don''t worry, we''ll be able to have a feast soon. I found a very amazing target. God! Just thinking about her make me wet."


    "Just call me when everything''s ready. I still have a class." The man responded with a poker face.


    "Sure. Have a great day prof." The woman stated with a wink and left. It''s almost lunch break and her shift will start soon so she ran towards the cafeteria.


    The handsome man just looked at her and chuckle. He pushed his glasses on the bridge of his nose and walked towards the Finance building.


    He and the other men depended on the lady to find their target since she worked at the cafeteria and she can see many students from different departments. However, this time he found a target that made his blood boil from so much excitement.


    Yesterday, when he bumped into her, the smoothness of her skin graced his starving soul. Her smell made him crave for more but she was always with a guy so he couldn''t make a move on his own.


    ''It''s fine. I will have the right time to strike.'' He thought to himself as he walked on the corridor. He saw her talking to the same guy again but she didn''t look happy. In fact, she looked angry.


    ''That''s right. Be angry and I can give you comfort later.'' he noted mentally and walked together with his fellow professor who was going to hold a lecture with her class.


    On that same day, Winter decided to talk personally with Jillyanna. She didn''t want any misunderstanding between them, specially that they will be family in the future.


    She called Travis to let him know she''s coming to visit them. Travis didn''t refuse her. As much as possible he want his soon-to-be wife and cousin in good terms. He didn''t want their friendship to be broken just because they both worry about his opinion.


    Just before lunch, Winter arrived and saw Thomas watching a movie in the living room. "Hi Uncle! I am home."


    "Winter! Darling dear, how are you? Welcome home." Thomas greeted her back with obvious happiness.


    Winter gave him a warm hug and handed her gifts. "I''m sorry I only come home today. Life in the military has been busy. I can even only stay for a day because I am not done with the mission yet."


    Thomas kept smiling while guiding her to sit. "It''s fine. Don''t worry about it. When you''re done, come and visit us again. Travis will be getting married soon."


    "Really? He didn''t tell me anything. Doesn''t he want me to attend his wedding?" She joked at her uncle while looking around the house. "This place didn''t change at all."


    "It has change." Thomas corrected her. "There''s warmth and life to this place now."


    Jillyanna and Travis heard the commotion outside. They went down together to find Thomas talking to Winter. Travis was expressionless and was observing Jillyanna''s reaction. As expected, she didn''t like seeing his cousin. She turned her heels and walked back to their room without saying anything.


    Travis followed her to see if she''s alright. She wasn''t saying anything which got him worried. "Jill, do you still hate her?"


    "What I feel doesn''t matter." she uttered softly without turning back to look at him. "Talk to your cousin. I''ll be leaving in a moment."


    "Where are you going?" Travis asked in a panic with alarms ringing at the back of his mind.


    "To a place where I won''t see her. Don''t worry, I am not going to leave you. I just want to think for awhile." she assured him.


    "I''ll ask someone to drive the car for you."


    "That''s fine."


    They went downstairs together and found Winter eating some fruits. She raised her head and saw the two of them.


    She was about to call her when Jillyanna turned to face Travis and kissed his face. "I''m going to leave now. I''ll call you later."


    "Take care of yourself. If you get yourself in trouble, make sure to call me as soon as possible." Travis reminded her. She just nodded her head and walked out of the house.


    "Wait! Jillyanna! Wait a minute!" Winter called out to her but she continued to walk without looking back.


    Winter moved quickly and ran after her. She held on to her hand when she caught up with her. "What''s wrong with you? I came here to talk with you."


    "I''ve got nothing to say to you. Let me go." Jillyanna responded while pulling back her hand.


    "Did you tell him everything?" Winter asked which stopped Jillyanna''s actions. "Did you talk to him already? If you really care about my cousin, I don''t want you to keep any secrets from him."


    Jillyanna looked towards Travis who was watching them from the porch. She pulled her hand again and left.


    "I''ll wait for you to come home." Winter stated as she watched Jillyanna leave. She had two different goals today. One, she wanted to apologize. Second, she wanted to let her know of her forgotten memories - the past that they hid from her. She didn''t want Jillyanna to be in the dark of her life.


    Jillyanna was distracted for the whole afternoon. She went to visit Hawk and Valkyrie so she could use her things for a while. She needed to vent her frustrations.


    "Savannah will be home around eight tonight." Hawk informed her. "Please teach her everything you can for her safety."


    "Are you making a move?" Jillyanna asked while she wore the necklace around her neck. The cool metal calmed her mind a little.


    "We''ve got clues already, tomorrow we will search the cave and the houses near the location."


    "Did something happen?"


    "Her friend at the university was kidnapped last night." It was Valkyrie who answered, showing her a photo of a woman on the laptop.

 Chapter 180 - SHES DISTRACTED

    "Ehh?" Jillyanna widened her eyes in shock. She stared at the picture with disbelief in her eyes. "I just saw her last night. She was eating ramen in a convenience store when I passed by her on my way here."


    "We can''t really predict what fate would bring us." Valkyrie stated. His face was devoid of emotions but his eyes spoke the sadness he felt for the victim.


    Jillyanna felt bad as well. She would have never thought that the young lady would be the next victim. "I''ll come out for awhile. I need a breather."


    "Hn. Don''t wander around." Valkyrie reminded her before continuing his work. Major General Calhoun already sent some of his men to observe the houses near the mountain. They couldn''t let anything escape under their observation.


    Jillyanna looked at the dummy targets which Savannah used for practice. The night was young and she didn''t want to go home yet. She didn''t want to see Winter at home. She didn''t want to talk to her.


    ''Is there anything else that I forgot to tell Travis?'' she thought to herself while trying to remember any useful information within her brain.


    "This is really frustrating! She could''ve just called me and tell me everything! There''s no need to come and find me." she murmured to herself. She took out her phone and went outside the gate.


    She was holding on to her necklace while staring at the string of numbers. "Should I call her or not?" She mumbled again. She felt so nervous. "What if she spoke to Travis about me?"


    She was still brooding over the choice of calling Winter or not. She was very distracted and her anxiety was rising.


    "I hate-mmfhm" she lost her strength and her vision turned black. ''What the heck?!'' that''s what she thought before she succumbed to drowsiness.


    As promised, Savannah went home earlier than yesterday. She wanted to practice more with Jillyanna''s supervision and to give Hawk and Valkyrie the notes she got.


    "Where''s Jillyanna?" Valkyrie asked her when she arrived. Savannah looked at him in confusion.


    "I didn''t see her. Did she arrive already? She might be in my room." Savannah spoke and handed her bag to him which contained her notebooks.


    "I didn''t see her in your room. She went out earlier to get some air after knowing the news. She had been acting really strange."


    "Did she tell you if she''s going home?" Valkyrie asked Hawk this time who came out to greet Savannah.


    "Okaeri nasai." Hawk greeted her before facing Valkyrie. "She didn''t tell me that she''s going home."


    "Are you sure? She didn''t say anything?" Savannah suddenly felt afraid. She felt like she had a deja vu. It was because of her that Jillyanna was kidnapped before and she felt guilty once again.


    "She must be home. I realized that she was wearing the same bracelet that Travis gave her before. If she''s missing, Travis would call us already." Valkyrie mentioned.


    "I see." Hawk nodded.


    However, Savannah didn''t feel at ease at all. In the end, she decided to give Travis a call.


    "RV, is Jillyanna home?" She asked him, almost a whisper because she was afraid to know the truth.


    Travis didn''t answer her but he opened his laptop immediately. He was trying to locate her but there was no response. The alarm didn''t go off so it means that she''s alive but, he didn''t know where she was.


    "I can''t find her. The alarm is still intact but I couldn''t get a signal from her. She was still at your place when the signal was jammed." Travis told them. His voice was dripping cold and Savannah could feel his rising anger.


    "I didn''t see her when I came home so I thought that she didn''t arrive yet." Savannah stated, her voice was trembling from fear and anxiety. She would never forgive herself if something happen to Jillyanna.


    Travis closed his eyes to clear his mind but all he could see was the anxious face of Jillyanna when she left home. He was certain that she was hiding something from him again.


    "I don''t care about that mission you are tasked to do, find her and bring her back home." Travis stated before he ended the call. He contacted Lucian first to check if he knew something but there was none. Cielo didn''t get a call from Jillyanna either. Her parents didn''t know anything as well.


    "What exactly happened?" Diego asked who came to find him after receiving his call. Cheska was also gasping for breath behind him.


    Winter heard the commotion so she came down to see what''s going on. "Hey Dee, how are you?" She greeted Diego.


    When Diego saw her, he snickered playfully. "Was Jillyanna jealous of her that''s why she left?"


    Winter''s smile faltered and she flicked his forehead. "Careful with what you''re saying."


    "Jillyanna didn''t leave. She promised that she won''t leave me and I believe her." Travis stated with a solemn face. They couldn''t tell what he was thinking but they knew he''s worried.


    "Why? What happened to Jillyanna?" Winter asked them.


    "She''s missing. I can''t find any signal of her."


    "Who''s the last person with her?" Winter asked. She had her phone ready to call someone.


    "Hawk and Valkyrie." Travis stated. He was also sending information to all his men to find her. There was only a single sentence on his message -''Do everything you can to find her.''


    Winter called Savannah immediately and asked if Jillyanna brought something with her from any of the accessories.


    "Yes. Hawk said that she took the necklace. She was supposed to practice with it." Savannah answered immediately.


    "Got it. Thanks." Winter put down her phone and ran back to her room. She pulled out her laptop that hasn''t been used for a long time and plugged it on the available outlet.


    Travis really wanted to blame her cousin for showing earlier which cause Jillyanna to be distracted but seeing how anxious she was to find her friend, he couldn''t find the strength to scold her.

 Chapter 181 - SINISTER

    "I don''t think you''ll be able to find her. Wherever she is right now, the signal is jammed?" Travis told his cousin who was decoding something.


    "I know. Jamming device doesn''t matter. As long as she has that necklace, I''d be able to find her." Winter stated and took out a box from her suitcase that she brought home. "I was supposed to let her know first before she can tell you but I guess you''ll find out sooner or later."


    She took out a whistle and blew it once before putting it on the table. "What''s that for? We are having a serious matter and here you are, playing with a whistle." Diego complained incredulously but Winter just ignored him.


    She was busy typing something on her laptop and several dialog box popped up with so many codes running. Suddenly, they saw a video of a bloody scene playing on the laptop.


    "Prepare your men Travis before it is too late." Winter ordered him and ran downstairs to find her car.


    "What exactly was that?" Diego asked again.


    "No time to explain. Hurry up!" Winter yelled at them and got into her car. Her teacher was away from them and there''s no one else who can help Jillyanna but them.


    Few hours ago...


    Jillyanna woke up from being unconscious but she didn''t open her eyes yet. She heard noises every where and there were several men who were talking to each other.


    "Isn''t she pretty? Young miss will really be happy to see her."


    "When I held her earlier, her skin was really soft and smooth."


    "I can''t wait to taste her."


    "Why don''t you get one from the previous harvest? Young miss said we can touch them except for this and the one yesterday."


    "She hadn''t touched her yet?"


    "Nope. She wanted this girl first."


    "But I think something''s wrong. When I was carrying her earlier, I noticed that her tummy was bit big. I think she''s pregnant."


    "So what if she''s pregnant?"


    "Right. It doesn''t matter."


    Jillyanna felt the anger rising from the very bottom of her heart. She opened her eyes and coldness flickered within. She wasn''t tied but she still felt a little dizzy and weak from the drug.


    She looked around her and found that she was put inside a huge room with several cells. She had her own single cell with a single bed. She found that there were other women aside from her.


    "Bingo!" she whispered to herself. "You actually mess up with me. Poor you."


    Her memories flashed at the back of her mind and a sinister smile escaped from her lips. She stood up and walked to touch the cell bar.


    "Hey! You awake. How ya feelin?" asked one of the men with a tiger tattoo on his forearm.


    Jillyanna smiled sweetly at him. "I''m perfectly fine. Why am I here?"


    "We will be having a feast later. You will be the main course." Another man answered as he licked his lips.


    Jillyanna unbuttoned the two top buttons of her blouse to expose her collarbone. "It''s a bit hot here. Can you give me a fan at least?"


    One of the men looked for a fan and gave it to her. Jillyanna thanked him and went back to her bed. She completely removed her blouse, leaving only her black sexy bra.


    She fanned herself while evoking lust from them. Lust will cloud their judgement and she wanted them to lose themselves.


    "You said there''s a feast and I am the main course, don''t I have to dress beautifully?"


    "Nope you''re more beautiful when you don''t have a dress." One of the men answered.


    There were a total of eight of them inside the room. She also noticed that they didn''t carry any guns but on the table were different sizes of knives.


    "Do we really have to wait for your mistress? Is this a brothel?" Jillyanna asked as if she''s really innocent. "I worked at a brothel before I got pregnant. Do you want me to service you?"


    The men stared at her with lustful eyes. She licked her lower lips and stared at their growing manhood. ''Disgusting!'' she thought to herself but she forced herself to smile.


    "Oh my. What a pervert you are. I can only take 1 as minimum and three maximum." Jillyanna stated with provoking gaze.


    "I can''t wait for the young miss. Can''t we try her a little bit?" The man who gave her the fan asked.


    "I wanna give ''er a try." Another man stated."The butler is currently picking up the young miss. How about we give her a try? She''s very willing since she''s experienced in this area."


    "I agree. We can keep it a secret and just clean her thoroughly. Don''t come inside her, too."


    "Okay."


    "Okay."


    With unanimous decision, they wanted to give Jillyanna a try. Jillyanna could see the terror in the eyes of other students and some where looking dull and lifeless.


    ''I won''t let you have your way again.'' Jillyanna noted and walked to the bar with greedy expression.


    "What a greedy slut! The man who opened the cell commented. "Now that I look closely at you, your whole body is marked. What a bitch!"


    Jillyanna acted embarrassed in front of them. "Are we doing it or not?" she asked coyly while trying to remove her necklace.


    "Can you do it two at a time? We needed to hurry before our mistress come home."


    "Sure. Who wants to take my bra off?" She asked as she moved to a different corner to draw them away the table of knives.


    The man who gave her the fan and the person who greeted her when she woke up approached her first. Their pants were down and Jillyanna cursed mentally while she tried to keep her act.


    ''Travis, come and save me. This is disgusting.'' She prayed internally. When the man came to touch her, Jillyanna smiled and waved her hand.


    A shrill cry gave them goosebumps and blood were splattered every where.

 Chapter 182 - SHES A DEVIL

    With just a wave of her hand, the man cried out from so much pain. He was now holding his wounded forearm which was was leaking blood everywhere.


    "You shit! You little shit!" the man cursed her as he stepped back, his manhood still dangling like in front of her looking so disgusting.


    Everyone was taken aback with the sudden assault from her. The other men grabbed their weapons and approached her slowly.


    "Geez! I didn''t really want to do this. Who was it that said my baby doesn''t matter?" she asked the men who were now bent in killing her.


    Nobody answered her so she looked at the women inside the cell. A girl lying on the floor with bruises on her shoulders pointed at one of the man who had piercings on his left air.


    "It''s you?" Jillyanna approached the man quickly and stabbed him with her necklace''s pendant without waiting for an answer. "Twice for you because my child just reached two months." Jillyanna stabbed him a second time when the man wasn''t able to react from being stunned.


    She slashed his wrist and took the knife from him before it could fall. With the sudden violent attack from one of their ''harvests'', the men were stunned beyond disbelief. With such small body, she had so much strength and she wasn''t lacking in skills.


    "You die!" another man shouted and tried attacking from behind her.


    Jillyanna pressed the small button on the pendant''s hilt and hit the man with the lace. She hit him on his face, blood gushing out on the wound she inflicted. Since the man removed his shirt earlier, she hit him on his chest again and again that his flesh were for them to see.


    "Arrgghh!" the man groaned in pain and curled his body on the floor. He was making a mess with his blood on the white and pristine tiles.


    "You''re a monster!" another man shouted at her. "It will be my honor to kill a devil like you."


    Jillyanna turned around to face the person who was actually the one who gave her the fan. She snickered to mock him. "You? Kill me? Come and try." Without a warning she threw the knife she snatched from one of the men towards him, hitting his shoulders and making him lose his balance.


    She didn''t wait for the man to stand up, getting the remaining knives on the table, she threw them one by one at him like he''s a dart board. She hit his other shoulders that made man shout and curse in pain. She hit his thighs and forearms before cutting off his manhood.


    His cry made everyone flinch from fear. The remaining four people didn''t know what else to do. Looking at the sprawled men, tainted with blood and full of wounds, they looked at her with obvious fear.


    There''s storm in her eyes and her sinister smile made them shiver. Jillyanna turned to face the trembling men. One of them even peed his pants from being scared.


    "Disgusting!" Jillyanna uttered with bone-chilling coldness. Even the first three who attacked her, she didn''t forget slashing their manhood from their body. "Such dirty creatures can''t be allowed to live."


    One of the men ran towards the door, before he could even open it, Jillyanna picked the knife from the man''s shoulder who''s lying on the floor and threw it towards the escapee. She hit the back of his knees making him stumble and fall.


    "I can''t kill you because I''ll be charged with murder. I can only wound you here and there." she simply stated which widened the eyes of the criminals.


    "We''re as good as dead." another man whispered but Jillyanna heard what he said.


    "I am glad you know it." she smiled at him sweetly but to them, her smile was the last thing they''d want to see.


    Suddenly, she heard a car engine not far from where they are. She noticed the fear in the women''s eyes and they even curled their body at the farthest corner of their cell room.


    Jillyanna didn''t wait for anyone to make a moved. She whipped the remaining three people with her necklace and slash their arms and thighs with knives. She was so quick that the men wasn''t able to respond at all.


    Seeing that they could no longer make a move, she went out of the room and waited for the new comers to show up.


    "Are you excited young miss?" it was a voice of a man, perhaps in his late thirties.


    A woman giggled and cheerfully answered him. "Of course I am. I wasn''t able to sleep because I can''t get her image out of my mind."


    "You''re such a pervert." another voice, different from the man earlier, spoke up to respond to her.


    They walked past the corner where Jillyanna hid and continued down the hallway towards the room she came out earlier.


    She followed them stealthily and waited for them to open the door. The man with glasses, who looked rather handsome, seemed to notice something because he turned around and observed the surroundings.


    When the door was opened, the three of them were stunned from the shock. There was so much blood all around and all the men were writhing in pain on the ground. Their manhood were piled on the table like some delicacy.


    Jillyanna crouched low and kicked the three of them inside the room. The older man reacted quickly and pulled out his gun.


    "Oh? You actually have a gun? This is really unexpected." Jillyanna murmured. Even so, her eyes sparkled and showed how delighted she was. "Do you know how to use it? Your hands are trembling." she mocked the man again. "You can shoot me now. If you won''t, there''s no second chance."


    With his trembling hands, he pulled the trigger of the gun and shoot her.


    Jillyanna laughed evilly at him. Her laughters sounded like a call from hell and they were having goosebumps all over their skin. "I''m sorry but you missed."

 Chapter 183 - WEAK MASTERMIND

    She didn''t allow him to make a second shot. With the knife in her hand, she hit his forearms making the man released his grip from the gun.


    Jillyanna took it and shot his thighs as well the man with the glasses. She can''t let them stand or walk around. She turned to the woman who was pale in contrast to the bloody scene.


    "How are you?" Jillyanna asked the woman as if it was the most natural thing to do between a criminal and the victim. "Are you excited?" she touched her face with cold knife and smiled sweetly at her. "I''m having fun and I like you to join me." she whispered close to her ears before wounding her face with the knife.


    "Please stop." the woman cried while covering her wounded face. "Please don''t kill me."


    "Did you stop when your victims asked you to?" Jillyanna asked before inflicting another wound. This time on her fair arms. "Did you keep them alive when they wanted to?" she wounded her again in her thighs. "Did you even guilty when you see their parents hugging their daughter''s dead body?" Jillyanna asked these questions and each question will correspond to a wound.


    The woman groaned in so much pain. Her tears fell on the cold floor but Jillyanna didn''t feel any pity for her at all. "What a weak criminal you are."


    She turned towards the two man lying on the cold floor. Without any words of warning, she stomped her foot on their thighs that she shot earlier.


    "Aarrggh! Stop it!" the older man shouted at the top of his lungs. He wanted to punch Jillyanna''s legs but Jillyanna beat him to it. Whenever she would reach out to punch her, she would removed her foot from him and stomped on him again when he''s let his guard down. She did it at least ten times until the man fainted from the pain.


    She saw the woman that Valkyrie showed her in one of the cells. Her eyes were wide in shock and fear. Her lips trembled and she was about to cry.


    "Professor Liam, are you involved in this horrible crime?" she asked with her small voice, choking from the emotions welling up in her heart.


    The man didn''t answer but he lifted the corner of his lips into a smile. There was no warmth in his eyes and he didn''t look like he regretted what he has done.


    Jillyanna lifted the corner of her mouth as well but her smile was like a signal for an impending doom. She raised her hand with the necklace and stabbed the man on his forearms. "So, you are a professor? I feel sorry for the students who look up to you."


    The man didn''t say anything and he didn''t flinch from pain. Jillyanna sighed and stood up. "You don''t have to act you know. Looks like you''ve got some damaged nerves."


    The man looked at her in surprise. He stood up from the ground as if he wasn''t shot or stabbed at all. "How do you know?"


    "Your eyes said it all." Jillyanna replied nonchalantly to him. She''s got blood in different parts of her body but she didn''t mind at all. "You''re difficult person to deal with."


    The man didn''t say anything and sat on the chair available around. He was the only person among all the enemies that remained standing because of a nerve damage. He couldn''t feel pain.


    "You''re taking revenge on your students because of what happened to you. Is it their fault?" Jillyanna uttered after a few seconds of silence. "It is a waste that you turned like this."


    "You know nothing." the man retorted.


    "Of course I don''t know anything. It''s not like we are friends. Duhh? Do you think I''m stupid like you?" she mocked the person in front of her like he was some kind of idiot.


    Lyka was still crying on her cell upon knowing that her professor was involved in this crime. She looked like she had something else to say but she was afraid to confirm it.


    "You killed the victims." she stated without any expression. "And you throw them at the river."


    The man didn''t deny it at all. He just sat there watching Jillyanna talk on her own. Jillyanna didn''t want to continue their conversation either. She walked around him a couple of times while looking at the mess she made. "This bunch of fools. Did they really think someone would offer herself to them?"


    She kept mocking them and kicked them which made them groan in pain again. When the man didn''t turn his head, with the back of the gun, Jillyanna hit his head to make him lose his consciousness.


    "What a mess." she uttered while looking for the keys to the cell. She opened each of the cell and wrapped the women with blankets to cover their shivering body.


    "Are you guys scared of me?" she asked them because she was afraid that she caused more trauma to the students.


    They all shook their heads and clutched the blankets tightly. Their shoulders trembled and they started sobbing in front of her.


    "Alright. Just cry it. Just let it go. You''re all safe now." she comforted them and hugged them one by one. "I am glad that you hold on to your life. It''s okay. Everything will be okay once we get out." she patted their head gently and smiled at them.


    No matter what she do, they still cried so much in front of her. They cried from so much relief and from the fact that they would be able to escape from the terror and trauma.


    They stopped crying when they heard several footsteps from the outside. Jillyanna knew they weren''t enemies but the students with her didn''t. They all hid behind her back, trembling from fear of what was coming to them.


    She heard different room being opened and cries of fear and shock. "There are other girls aside from us?" she asked the women and they all nodded their heads.

 Chapter 184 - CRIES OF RELIEF

    Jillyanna sat still and waited for anyone to open their door. The students behind her were all scared but they have stopped from crying loudly. Some were still hiccupping from crying and some were weeping silently.


    A loud bang made them all flinched and hid their heads under the blanket. Jillyanna felt a surge of relief upon seeing the person who came. Her tears started falling as she stood up and walked towards him.


    The students popped their heads out and watched her walk while sobbing. They couldn''t believe to see her cry after she almost killed everyone in the room.


    Travis saw how messy the room was. Several bodies were lying on the floor with their own blood and a pile of disgusting anatomy was on the table.


    He scanned the room and found her consoling the students but when she saw him, her tears started falling to the ground.


    Travis walked towards her and hugged her tightly. She was saying some inaudible words on his chest and her body felt cold under his palm.


    "I''m here. I''m here. Don''t worry." he rubbed her back but she didn''t stop from crying at all. He noticed the students were looking at them with disbelief in their eyes. ''Their view of you must have crumbled now.'' he thought to himself while kissing the top of her head and patting her back.


    He removed his coat and let her wear it to give her some warmth. "I am glad you are okay."


    "I had to be brave. I had to act strong and brave but I was really scared." she mumbled in symphony to her hiccups and sobs. "I heard them say that I will be the next victim. That got me really scared."


    Travis sighed and just hugged her tightly. After a minute, she pushed him a little and escaped from his embrace. She went back to the students and talked to them.


    "Let''s go out now. Your parents must be waiting for you." she stated in her soft voice and sweet smile. In front of them, she was the most brave and beautiful person. In front of the man, she was just like them, scared and a victim herself.


    Another group of people swarmed inside the room making the students took a step back and hide behind her.


    They looked at the scene and looked towards Jillyanna. It was a bloody battle but they couldn''t really associate everything to the small woman like her. If it wasn''t for the video that Winter showed, they would never believe that she caused it. They would most likely think that the men fought with each other instead.


    "They are from the authorities. They are helping us to get out of here." Jillyanna told the students and they all walked out of the room.


    "Reporting sir." a man in his camouflage arrived with Hawk and Valkyrie. "The cave was actually built to connect with this house. There wasn''t anything wrong with the cave but most likely, they used it as a passage to throw the dead bodies out."


    While the officer spoke, Hawk and Valkyrie came to Jillyanna. "Are you okay? I''m sorry for not noticing that you were gone outside." Valkyrie stated with apologetic tone.


    "It''s fine. I am fine." Jillyanna responded. "Where''s Savannah?" she asked.


    "She''s with the students right now. She''s trying to comfort them after such an ordeal." Hawk answered her.


    "That''s good to know. I didn''t expect that it wouldn''t even take a week to bust them and I didn''t expect myself to be involved in this."


    After making sure that she''s fine, they all went back to work. Travis was still standing beside her and was watching her intently. "Is there a problem?" Jillyanna asked.


    "I was wondering where the cool and amazing woman run off to and left me with a crybaby."


    Jillyanna stood agape at his words. She started blushing and decided to hide her face by looking down at her feet which was also covered with blood.


    "They are not dead yet." an officer said after checking the pulse of the criminals lying on the floor.


    "This guy looks intact." another officer said while checking on the professor.


    "That person can''t feel pain so I didn''t waste my energy fighting with him." Jillyanna commented before going out of the room with Travis, leaving the officers stunned with her words.


    When they got out of the house, she saw several police cars and police officers. There people from special tasked force as well. In the middle of the crowd, she saw Winter who was talking to an older man with his camouflage.


    The students were handed some hot chocolate to keep them warm while the officers wrap up their work.


    "Let''s send them to the station first and call their parents. We can just interview them tomorrow." one of the officers said.


    "I agree to that. They must be very exhausted and traumatized. They needed their family to stabilize their emotions."


    After the discussion, they sent several students to the station and called for their parents. In less than half an hour, the station was full of heart warming reunion between parents and daughters.


    "Thank you so much. Thank you so much." One of the parents kept bowing her head to the officers. The student grabbed her hand and led her mother to Jillyanna who was sitting at the lobby.


    "She''s the one who saved us ma. She fought all of the criminals." The student corrected her mother which put the officers in an awkward position.


    Jillyanna waved her hands in front of her to refuse such acknowledgement. "I didn''t want to die so I fought. You don''t have to sound like I am a hero."


    "But you are." the student insisted. "If you didn''t fight them off, we would have ended like the other students." her tears started streaming down again and her mother panicked. Even the officers felt so sad and guilty for her.


    If only they believed the farmer. If only they checked the place thoroughly. If only they checked the houses. But there''s no ifs in life. What''s done is done. They cannot bring back the life of those students that they were not able to save.

 Chapter 185 - HOME AT LAST

    After a few minutes of waiting, Jillyanna was called to the interrogation room. Supposedly, she will be interrogated the next day but Travis wanted her to take a rest without anyone disturbing her.


    "Are you okay?" the female officer tasked to do the questioning asked her. "You really attract trouble." she joked making Jillyanna shrug her shoulders.


    "I don''t like this either. I just wanted to live my life peacefully but troubles always find me."


    "It''a good that you''re fine or else, Lucian will wreck havoc in this station. He did that when you were kidnapped last time."


    "He''s very protective of me since I don''t have a family. Cielo and Lucian acted more of a parents to me when I have none."


    "That I can agree."


    The officer opened her laptop and recording device. Another officer sat at the corner to watch over them.


    "Shall we start? I don''t want you to stay up late specially that you have a baby." the officer stated.


    "Thank you. We can start now." Jillyanna responded.


    "How did you end up at the crime scene?" the officer started.


    "I visited a friend earlier in the afternoon and while waiting for her to come home, I went outside to make a phone call. I was a bit distracted due to some issues and I didn''t notice anyone behind to attack me. When I gained back my consciousness, I was already in that place."


    "Why did you attack them?"


    "That was out of self defense. They were about to attack me and I didn''t have a choice. If I want to live, I have to fight. I didn''t kill them because I don''t want to be charged with murder even if it was just a self defense."


    "What tools did you use to attack them?"


    "I used the same tools they have. I took it from their hands. I also used my necklace because I don''t have any other things to use."


    "Did any of the students help you to attack them?"


    "Nope. I did everything on my own."


    "Alright. That''s everything I have to ask you. We''ll deal with this matter and call you if there''s anything we need.


    "Thank you." Jillyanna stood up and walked out of the room. She saw Travis and Lucian outside, waiting for her to come out. "Bro, you''re here."


    "Hn. I just finished my job and came here. I wasn''t allowed to talk to you before your interrogation." Lucian checked her from head to toe and found no problem. "I''m glad that you''re fine."


    "Hn. I was really brave." she stated with a smile. "Where''s Cielo?"


    "They''re at home." Travis answered her. "They were worried for you and waited at home."


    "I see. Then, Bro I will go home first."


    "Hn. Take care of yourself. Tell Cielo to come home when you see her."


    After a long night, Jillyanna finally relaxed her nerves and leaned her head on Travis'' chest when they got inside his car. It didn''t take long for her to fall asleep in his arms.


    "Let''s go home." Travis told his driver and hugged Jillyanna tightly. He caressed her hair softly and kissed her forehead. "If something happened to you, I don''t really know what I would do." he whispered to her even though she can''t hear him.


    "Travis...I''m scared." she talked in her sleep with a pale looking face. Her expression gripped his heart that it hurts to even breath.


    "Jill I''m sorry I wasn''t able to protect you. I''m sorry." he mumbled as he kissed the top of her head. A tear fell from the corner of his eyes but he wiped it immediately. "I''m really sorry."


    They reached home in the same position since they left the station. The driver opened the car immediately and Travis got down with the sleeping Jillyanna in his arms.


    "Thanks God you''re back." Sky exclaimed upon seeing the two of them. She noticed that Jillyanna was sleeping so she lowered her voice. "Is she okay?"


    "Yes, she''s fine. For now, she needed to take a rest." Travis answered. "You can use the guest rooms while waiting for her to wake up."


    "Huh? A no need. We''ll go home for now. It''s enough to know that she''s perfectly fine." Cielo responded to him. Alex just stood in the corner with Thomas after confirming that Jillyanna is fine.


    "Okay. Please visit her again tomorrow." Travis compromised.


    "Hn. See you guys tomorrow." Cielo waved her hand and bid farewell. "Uncle Thomas, we''re leaving for now. We''ll come back tomorrow since Jillyanna needs to rest."


    "Okay. You guys take care of yourself. We''ll be waiting for you to come back." Thomas responded. He sent them out as courtesy and went back to find Travis. "I don''t want her in danger again. Clear up all your enemies before they do something to her."


    "I''m working on it Dad." Travis answered. Left with nothing to say, Thomas left them so that they can take a rest.


    Travis went inside the bathroom and prepared a warm bath for her. He peeled of her clothes and picked her up from the bed. He gently placed her on the tub which made her moan from the pleasing warmth.


    Travis ignored the awakened part of his body and continued to clean her. He put on a good amount of soap on the sponge and scrub her body to get rid of the blood. Since she was asleep, he had to work slowly in order for him no to awake her.


    He rinsed her body and wrapped her with the bathrobe to keep her dry. Jillyanna woke up a bit dizzy from what was going on. "Don''t put around me, I feel uncomfortable."


    "You have to keep yourself warm." Travis didn''t know if she was sleep talking or if she was really awake but he responded to her anyway.


    He carried her out and let her sit on the couch in their room. He changed the bed sheets, pillows and blanket before letting her use the bed again.


    "Don''t go."

 Chapter 186 - GETTING RID OF BAD IMAGES

    "Don''t go." Jillyanna repeated while holding on to the hem of his shirt. Her eyes were restless and she was still a little pale.


    "I will just put these on the laundry basket. I''ll be right back." Travis told her softly to make her understand but she tightened her grip instead.


    Seeing her feeling insecure again, Travis gave up and left the sheets on the floor. Since she wasn''t letting go of him, he had to crawl on the bed on top of her. His shirt was wet from bathing her so he needed to get rid of it.


    Jillyanna just watched him undressing himself in front of her. "I can''t get rid of the image." she murmured to herself that made Travis looked at her.


    "Are you still scared?"


    "A little bit." she admitted honestly. "I was really scared when one of them was about to touch me."


    Travis tilted her face so that she''d be facing him. He kissed her lips gently like a butterfly fluttering over her lips. "Are you still scared?"


    "I am completely fine when I am with you." Jillyanna uttered with a smile. "I don''t want to think about it anymore. Let''s go to sleep."


    "I haven''t dressed you up yet." Travis told her since she was still wrapped with the bathrobe. "I don''t want you to catch a cold."


    "It''s fine. I always sleep naked before."


    "Can you at least consider my feelings?" Travis murmured with a helpless sigh.


    "I am being considerate, am I not?" Jillyanna argued with him. "You put a robe on me already, so it''s fine."


    "A robe can be removed easily with my hands."


    "Didn''t you removed my clothes easily, too? There is no difference." she retorted back. "Stop talking and let me sleep already."


    "Are you punishing me?" Travis asked again. He took a deep breath and sigh. His eyes were dark with lust and concern.


    She kissed his nose and smiled cheekily at him. "I am punishing you because you took so long to find me. If my judgement was clouded over by my anger, I could''ve killed them."


    "I am sorry." Travis spoke with a guilty face. Jillyanna smiled and hugged his waist. "I really hate it when you get yourself in trouble."


    "What can I do? Trouble always find their way to me." Jillyanna pouted and pinched his waist.


    "Ow. That hurts." Travis exclaimed and slapped her butt.


    "Hey! I pinched your waist, not your butt!" she retorted at him. Her face started to change in color and her eyes looked cheerful. "I really gave my all to live for you. I was worried that you''d become a wreck if I leave."


    "I''m glad to hear that but I would be more than happy and glad if you won''t get into trouble again." Travis responded back to her. "I don''t want you to get hurt."


    Jillyanna bit his chin this time before licking it. "Why are you being naughty?" Travis asked while trying to hold on to his sanity.


    "I''m comforting myself, can''t you see? I was almost assaulted earlier and remembering it makes me feel disgusted. I can only forget it when I do this with you."


    "Do what with me?" Travis inquired with a raised brow. His eyes held joy this time and the corner of his lips was raised in to a smile.


    "Kissing you, flirting with you and feeling your warmth." Jillyanna answered him.


    "That''s all?"


    "Yes. Should there be anything else?" she asked innocently but Travis groped her butt cheek making her eyes go wide. "This wasn''t in my list."


    "It is in mine. I guess my list would be longer than yours. How about we do what''s in my list?"


    "No thanks." Jillyanna refused and turned her back on him. She wasn''t prepared yet. ''I only wanted to flirt a little!'' she yelled mentally while closing her eyes to get rid of the disturbing images.


    Travis slipped his hand under her robe and felt her warm thigh. Jillyanna stiffened and turned to face him again. Her face was flushed and her breathing were in quick succession. "I only touched your thighs."


    "I know. So can you get your hands off?" Jillyanna pushed him a little but he touched her core instead. She trembled under his touch and was trying to stop him. "I am not going to flirt with you again. I''ll put on my clothes now. I''m giving up." she murmured between heavy breathings.


    "Honey, you have to take responsibility. I told you to dress up but you chose to flirt. Isn''t it your fault?" Travis whispered before licking his earlobe.


    "I''m sorry. I won''t do it again." Jillyanna stated while trying to hold back her moans.


    However, Travis didn''t listen to her pleas. He didn''t move his hand on hers, just pressing her mound a little with his hand. "I think this is the best way to get rid of the horrible images."


    "I got rid of them already. No need. There''s no need." Jillyanna made an excuse. She slapped herself mentally for actually making the first move to flirt with him. And now, she''s doomed.


    "I don''t think so. I saw you frown." Travis murmured. He lifted her chin and kissed her lips again. His kisses sent down a warm feeling in her heart and she couldn''t help but crave for more.


    Travis leaned over her to get the angle he wants and Jillyanna used this chance to wrap her arms around her neck. His kisses held heated fervor and she felt the same. She couldn''t even think properly anymore.


    His hands moved to untie her robe and she could feel him touching her all over her body. His touched sent electric sparks to her nerves and she wanted it more and more.


    "Wait..Travis..I." she couldn''t finish what she''s about to say at all. She was losing her mind and she forgot what she''s about to say.


    "I won''t wait this time." Travis stated while looking at her with his dark eyes, full of love and desire.

 Chapter 187 - DOING IT WITH YOU

    Jillyanna couldn''t find words to say. She was still under the spell of pleasure and her braincells were all melting.


    Travis kissed her jaw down to her neck and collarbone. He left his marks everywhere and he got even more excited when a moan finally escaped from her.


    Jillyanna heard herself and covered her face with a pillow. ''Doing this in his house is embarrassing.'' she thought to herself without any plan of removing the pillow from her face.


    She heard Travis chuckle but she didn''t dare look at him. To her surprise, Travis removed the pillow and watched her. "You''re really beautiful with my marks. I am so lucky to have you."


    "Shut up." Jillyanna snapped at him when she finally found her voice. As expected, Travis didn''t listen to her at all.


    He leaned closer to her and kissed her again. "My room is sound proof. All of the rooms here are soundproof. You don''t have to cover your mouth."


    Jillyanna nodded her head in agreement. "Huh? Did I just nod my head?" she asked loudly which made Travis burst into a fit of laughter again.


    "My dear wife, you just agreed." He kissed her again and his hands started moving to places where he wanted to touch her. He left her mouth and moved to her chest. He kissed his areola before sucking his pink nipple while his other hand gave attention to the other side.


    Jillyanna arced her body and didn''t stop herself from making a sound much to the delight of the man atop her. Travis moved his mouth to the other side and sucked it again.


    "Let''s stop this. I''m fine already." Jillyanna spoke with much difficulty. She was trying to sort our her messy brain but after few seconds they''ll be messy again.


    "Nope. We better finish what you started." Travis told her and moved over to her lower body while kissing his way down to her stomach and belly button.


    He kissed his inner thighs, bit them to get a cry of pleasure from her before licking them. He wanted her to feel good from everything he does and get rid of any unpleasant memories she got from earlier.


    "Travis, this is already too much. I am perfectly fine." Jillyanna whispered, out of breath from the tingling sensations she felt.


    Without a warning or even a reply to her, Travis licked her core which made her widened her eyes from shock. Her moans and cry escaped free from her while she twisted her body to get out of his grip.


    He held her still while his tongue licked her and stabbed her hole, sending her to the verge of ecstasy. Her lashes were wet with tears from the bliss of pleasure and her eyes were dark with desire, matching his with heated passion.


    Juices came out from her and he didn''t mind licking them. "Sweet." Travis commented before moving up to her again. With his finger inside her, he licked on of her nipples as he moved his finger in and out.


    Jillyanna held on to his neck because she didn''t know where else to get some strength. She wanted him to stop but her body was really becoming weirder everytime they do this kind of activity. She felt her body increased in temperature and she felt like she was having a fever.


    Travis thrust his finger while sucking her nipple. His eyes never looked away from her face and he liked seeing her eyes ablaze because of him. He put on another finger to stretch her a little while kissing her everywhere he wanted.


    "I can''t think properly. Stop it for awhile." she spoke with her trembling voice while staring at his eyes directly.


    "You don''t have to think. Just leave your body in my care." Travis commented which didn''t make sense to her at all.


    "I don''t want to do this when my mind is blank." Jillyanna retorted when she was able to relax a bit after Travis stopped.


    "Then think of me. Look at me. Just me within your eyes, heart, soul and body."


    This stunned her but Travis didn''t give her time to react before he put another finger. "If I stretch you like this, it would be easy to put it in."


    She never noticed that Travis had removed his pants already and he was on top of her -naked. Blush started creeping up her face and ears when she remembered their first night together.


    She started feeling embarrassed again so she covered her eyes to avoid seeing him. "I told you to look at me." Travis removed her hands and tilted her chin to look at him. She shifted her gaze somewhere because she saw something poking on her stomach.


    "There''s no use covering your eyes. In your mind, the memories of our first night will remain." Travis spoke again while putting a pillow under her back.


    ''So damn right!'' Jillyanna exclaimed mentally. She removed her hands from her eyes and stared directly at him. "If it hurts, even if it''s a little bit, I won''t let you do it again." Jillyanna threatened him.


    "I won''t hurt you I promise." Travis stated as he position himself over her. Slowly, he pushed himself inside her and Jillyanna wrapped her legs around his waist.


    "Damn you!" she exclaimed and threw a pillow on his face. "It hurts!" she stated while clutching the bedsheet beside her.


    Travis just laughed and leaned over to kiss her. She needed time to adjust to his size so he didn''t move immediately.


    While they were kissing, she felt him grow inside her. She could feel herself being stretched. "Why is it still growing!"


    "That''s what you do to me." Travis answered before starting to move himself inside her. "Does it still hurt?"


    "A bit." Jillyanna answered honestly and bit his lips to stop herself from moaning again.


    "You can let your voice out. I want to hear you calling my name." Travis spoke softly to her while he moved from slowly inside her.

 Chapter 188 - NEEDS TO WORK ON HER STAMINA

    Jillyanna couldn''t stop herself from feeling the pleasure. No matter how hard she tried to moan, her body wasn''t cooperating with her at all.


    "Travis..wait..I''m feeling weird again." Jillyanna murmured while trying to catch her breath.


    "Don''t clamp on me sweetheart. You''re getting tight. I might just come." Travis whispered on her ears but Jillyanna couldn''t help it at all. If he was feeling it, so was she.


    Travis moved in and out of her. Form slow and shallow strokes to a fast and harder moves. While doing so, he was pressing on her mound which made Jillyanna tightened her walls around him. "You are so warm inside."


    "Travis..I''m.." before she could finish what she was about to say, she orgasmed and washed him inside her. After a few seconds, he let out a blissful groan and release everything inside her.


    Jillyanna was gasping for air and Travis could feel the tremor within her body. He leaned on her and kissed her again while still inside her body. He didn''t want to leave her warmth yet.


    It was just a minute of rest when Travis pulled her up and let her take on him while sitting on top of him.


    "It''s so deep." Jillyanna moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck. She needed something to support her.


    He moved her up and down on him slowly which made her bit on his shoulders again. "I thought you are done." she murmured between her gasps and moans.


    "I can''t be satisfied with just that. I held on to my control for months but you crumbled them down. So take responsibility of what you''ve done." Travis responded with throaty moans and groans while pushing her down on him.


    "It''s not safe to do this." Jillyanna told him but he only chuckled heartily.


    "The doctor said it''s fine."


    "She did?" Jillyanna pushed his chest a little so she could see his face but when she moved, he''d hit her sweet spot and she''d end up moaning again.


    "She did. I asked her." Travis admitted shamelessly. "After a rest, they baby is fine and strong which was thanks to my care. I asked what are the things you needed to avoid and she gave me a list. And she told me secretly about safe sex."


    "Oh my god! I can''t believe you. Ah. Ah." Jillyanna held on to him while Travis moved faster inside her again.


    "You can ask her."


    "I''m not shameless like you."


    "Then just believe me." Travis told her and moved even faster and deeper within her.


    "Travis."


    "Hn."


    "Don''t come inside me."


    "Why?"


    "I''m all sticky now."


    "That doesn''t matter."


    He moved again and again, and with one last push, both of them were sent to the highest part of heaven. Jillyanna leaned her head on his shoulder as she let him rock his body slowly.


    She felt him grow bigger again and her eyes went wide from surprise. "How can you be this energetic! I''m spent already." She complained to him but Travis didn''t give her a chance to go this time.


    He put her back to bed and flipped her, having her lie on her stomach with her back facing him. He pulled her butt up and she was now on all four in front of him.


    "Last." he uttered before putting it again.


    "I hate you. I am tired already. I wanna sleep." she tried moving away but Travis held her still by holding her waist.


    "You promised to take responsibility of me."


    "But I can''t take it anymore. This is just to much for my first time."


    "This isn''t your first time sweetheart."


    "This is my first time making love to you. That night affair doesn''t count." Jillyanna complained again.


    Travis stopped moving but she felt him throb inside her. "Why are you saying this now? Do you still want me to stop or not?"


    "What does my word has to do with you stopping or not? Ah..Wait..Ah."


    "It made me even more excited."


    "Shit! I don''t want this anymore. I am not full of energy as you are."


    "I''ll look for an exercise coach next time. We need to build your stamina."


    "I don''t need to build my stamina. You are just too greedy."


    Travis chuckled as he moved faster inside her again. Jillyanna was bombarded with so much pleasure even though she felt tired. She climaxed with him again and Travis laid beside her with a happy expression.


    "I love you Jill." he whispered and kissed her forehead.


    "I love you, too." Jillyanna whispered back before closing her eyes. ''Flirting with him was the most stupid thing I did.'' That was her last thought before she gave herself to the pull of sleep.


    She felt Travis moving her and wiping her body but she no longer have the energy to open her eyes. She let him clean her up and waited for him to finish.


    When she felt the bed sank on his weight, she snuggled closer to his warmth and hugged his waist. "I''m not scared anymore." she whispered to him with her eyes closed.


    Travis kissed her nose then her forehead, his eyes glazed with happiness and bliss. "I am glad I could chase your fears away."


    Jillyanna slept peacefully that night with Travis beside her, and woke up very late the next day. It was already 2 o''clock in the afternoon when she woke up and found no sign of Travis beside her.


    "Travis?" she called out and panic started creeping in her heart. "Travis?" she put on her slippers but when she stood up, her waist hurts so much. Her tears started falling and she felt scared again.


    Travis came inside with a tray of food and saw her crying on their bed. He placed the tray on the table immediately and ran to her. "What''s wrong? What happened?" he asked her worriedly.


    Jillyanna hugged him on his waist and cried. "You promised to stay beside me until I''m awake but you were not here when I woke up. And my waist hurts so much, I couldn''t stand to find you." she complained whatever she felt wasn''t right in front of him.

 Chapter 189 - KNOCKING THE PESSIMIST

    Travis didn''t know whether to laugh or cry in this situation. ''Nobody told me she''d be this clingy.'' He thought and chuckled internally while trying to comfort her.


    "I''m sorry. I thought you''d be fine here since this is my house. Dad told me you''ve been here a couple of times when I we haven''t met. I didn''t expect you''d be afraid." He spoke to her softly while gently patting her back. "I won''t do it again."


    Jillyanna was still hiccuping while hugging him. She just didn''t know why she''s being emotional and she sometimes hated herself for it. She was unreasonably sensitive and Travis never argued with her.


    "Am I being unreasonable? Am I just too sensitive? Am I becoming a burden to you?" She asked him consecutively as she wiped her face on his shirt.


    Travis held on to her shoulders and leaned over her so that they''d be eye-level with each other. "Jill, it''s normal that you are being sensitive due to pregnancy. It''s normal to be scared specially with the event yesterday. It''s normal if you''d be angry that I wasn''t here. No matter what you do, don''t ever think you''re a burden to me. We''re in this together and I will be with you every step of the way. I will understand you no matter how unreasonable you may sound to yourself."


    With his words, Jillyanna cried a bit more. She was just so happy hearing his words. She didn''t even know that they''d come this far after all the escape plan she made.


    "I am sorry for causing you trouble again. I didn''t really mean to get myself involved in this mess." She responded to him between hiccups and sobs.


    "I know. It wasn''t your fault. Don''t worry about it. I am not upset. In fact, I am proud that you helped the students." He whispered to her while he continued to rub her back. "Let me help you take a bath since I caused your pain."


    Hearing his last statement, her sobbing stopped and she started to blush again. The sound of their flesh touching each other, his naked body in front of her, his sweet lingering kiss and all the things he did were as clear as day in front of her. It did erase the bad memories of her kidnapping but it made her feel embarrassed in front of him.


    "I''ll take care of myself. You might do something again and I might end up in bed for a week." Jillyanna retorted with her flustered face.


    Travis laughed faintly seeing her bashful expression which made her throw a fierce glare at him instead. "No need to be shy. I won''t do anything today. I know when to stop and be considerate."


    "Just make sure that you won''t do anything to me at all or I''ll never let you do it ever again."


    "I promise. I will wait until you recover." Travis responded to her with a huge grin on his face. The horrified look on her face threw him into another fit of laughter.


    "Stop making fun of me! You are such a bully."


    "Alright. I will stop bullying you now. I''ll just bully you next time when your waist and legs aren''t sore anymore."


    Jillyanna couldn''t take his teasing anymore and slid under the bed again. With her aching waist and thighs, she groaned in pain and bit her lips. Her lashes were wet from the tears she was trying to hold back. She just stopped crying and she didn''t want to cry again.


    Travis removes the blanket from her and carried her off to the bathroom. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around his neck and rubbed her face on his chest. "Warm."


    "Of course I am and if you keep on doing that, I''ll be hot in no time." Travis told her, stopping her from making another movement. "By the way, your family is currently in the living room."


    "Okay. I''ll come and see them after eating. I''m famished." Jillyanna told him while he removed her clothings and placed her under the shower head.


    He changed the water temperature and started bathing her. She only lifted her arms once to let him scrub her body and nothing more. She was like a baby who was taken care of properly by her parent.


    "I asked Savannah to buy me some aroma oil for a massage. Check which scent you like the best and I''ll give you a massage later." Travis spoke while putting a shampoo on his palm to wash her hair.


    "Why do I need a massage?" Jillyanna asked with her eyes closed, afraid that bubbles would reached her eyes and sting. "Oh, you mean for my back and waist." She added when she realized the reason why.


    "Hn. We need to take care of your waist and back specially that you are pregnant." Travis admitted before rinsing her hair. He didn''t mind that he was getting wet with the water and cold started seeping on his skin as long as Jillyanna was fine and she get to take a bath and wash the sticky feeling from her body.


    "Travis?"


    "Hn?"


    "I just realize that you''re taking care of me everyday but I didn''t do anything to repay you. I even caused you trouble from time to time. Don''t you think I''m bothersome?"


    "Here you go again. Why are you so pessimistic? The choice of staying with me is the best payment you can give. If you leave me, that''s what I''ll say as bothersome."


    "You don''t regret the choice you made?"


    "Why should I? I regretted the times I lost because of what I did in the past and I won''t let it happen again."


    "You are so nice that I''m thinking I don''t deserve you. Sometimes, I- ahw! Why did you knock my head?" She glared at him while rubbing her forehead.


    "I am only nice to those people I care about. Stop thinking of negative things, it will affect the baby." He turned off the shower and grabbed her bathrobe for her. "And Jill, I love you and the our baby. Now and forever, that fact won''t change."

 Chapter 190 - HER HONEST THOUGHTS I

    Jillyanna kissed his face and tied the robe around her waist. "Carry me back to the bed room." She demanded which pulled Travis back to Earth after getting stunned from her kiss.


    He put one of his hands behind her knees and the other was on her back to support her spine. "You really know how when to surprise me." He commented while bringing her back to their bedroom.


    "I am just expressing my gratitude." Jillyanna responded and smiled sweetly at him.


    He put her down on the bed and looked for a change of clothes. He checked her clothes one after another and found her silk shirt and shorts for sleeping. "We are not going anywhere today so, just wear this at home. It would be comfortable on your skin."


    "Okay. I''ve got no problem with that." She took the clothes from him. "Can you get the aroma oils for me to check?"


    "I''ll dress you up first. It would be painful if you bend yourself." Travis stated and asked her to hand the clothes back to him.


    Jillyanna didn''t bother getting embarrassed this time since there''s no way he''d gave her a way out. She handed the clothes back to him and just watched him as he dressed her.


    "How about I''ll just call your family here? I don''t want you to move around." He stated while putting on her shorts. He tried his best to control himself before he would do anything to her.


    Jillyanna saw how he endured the ordeal of dressing her. A smile escaped her lips but she shifted her gaze when he looked at her.


    "Call them after you take a shower." Jillyanna responded knowing that a certain part of him was awaken. "I''ll feed myself, just bring me the food here."


    "Hn. I''ll do that." Travis wrapped a dry towel around her head to dry let the water seep on it. "I''ll dry your hair once I am done."


    "Sure sure."


    He brought the tray of food to her and make sure that everything she needed was within reach. He went inside the bathroom again and took care of himself before taking a shower.


    When he was done, he put on his clothes and dried his hair. He walked towards her and dried her hair as well. "I''ll let them know you''re awake now."


    "Okay."


    She watched him left the room as she continued to eat her food. She didn''t need him to feed her since her arms were perfectly fine.


    After a short while, Travis came back with her foster parents, Cielo and Jenny.


    "You ditched your class?" Jillyanna asked Jenny which the young woman denied by shaking her head from left to right.


    "I took a leave for today. Yesterday, I was so worried when I heard what happened but I was having my preliminary exam and I couldn''t leave because I know you''d be mad if I fail."


    "Sorry for worrying you. I am fine now so you have to go back to school tomorrow, okay?" Jillyanna reassured Jenny with a smile.


    Cielo took a chair and sat beside her bed. "Are you injured?"


    "Nope but my body aches. However, Travis is taking care of me so there''s no need to worry." Jillyanna answered.


    Cielo looked at her, mischief was obvious in her eyes. She leaned closer and whispered. "Is that the reason why you can''t get up? The last time this happened to you was when he took care of you in a hotel."


    Jillyanna pinched her sister''s face and stretched her face forcefully into a smile. "Don''t be so dirty. I am not like you."


    "If you say so. But you don''t have to look so red when nothing happened."


    "Shut up already." Jillyanna murmured and at the same time, she was glaring at her.


    "This is the real Jillyanna. She''s indeed fine." Cielo announced to everyone with a faint laugh.


    Sky knocked her daughter''s forehead and pushed her aside. "You are causing her stress. Don''t show your face for a while."


    "How can you say that to me mom?" Cielo argued and tried fitting herself between her mother and Jillyanna.


    "I can say it because you''re up to no good." Sky told her daughter before turning her attention to Jillyanna. "Are you really alright?"


    "Hn. I''m okay mom. Nothing to worry. Travis and his friends came on time to rescue us. The criminals didn''t get the chance to hurt me either." Jillyanna spoke cheerfully to reassure them that she''s fine.


    "Of course they won''t have a chance." Cielo murmured to herself. Travis heard her though, but he didn''t say anything.


    After Jillyanna finished eating her food, Travis handed her vitamins to her before taking the tray with the empty plates.


    "You catch up with your family while I make a phone call outside. Call me if you need anything." Travis reminded her before excusing himself.


    When he left, Alex who was sitting on the couch, approached Jillyanna with a smile. "I am sure that your mother is happy to see someone who cares for you and who is going to stay by your side for always."


    "I think so, too Dad. He really takes good care of me. I don''t even know how to respond to his love." Jillyanna uttered knowing that Travis was just right outside the door, listening to their conversations. She noticed that when he left, he didn''t really shut the door and there''s a small gap for their voice to go out.


    "Have you ever thought of marrying him? You''ve been telling us before that you don''t want to get married." Sky asked her knowing how fixated Jillyanna was about staying single for the rest of her life. They weren''t sure if things have changed or if she was still planning to leave the country.


    Travis didn''t hear any response for a few seconds. He remained standing on his place and leaned closer on the door. He wanted to know her honest thoughts regarding the topic of marriage.

 Chapter 191 - HER HONEST THOUGHTS II

    "I don''t know. I am not sure if I want to get married yet." Hearing her words, Travis felt like he was poured with a bucket of ice-cold water.


    However, he can''t blame her, too. She had been through a lot. She was just starting to open up to him and she promised to give it a serious thought. He also promised to wait for her and that he won''t rush her at all. Travis walked away and went inside the study room.


    Jillyanna saw that his shadow was gone. A rising panic started to take over her reasoning. She didn''t want him to misunderstood anything. She wasn''t done talking yet.


    A tear fell on her hand and it felt cold. She removed the blanket from her body and tried standing up.


    "Jillyanna? What happened? What''s wrong?" Sky and Cielo started to panic while watching her.


    Jenny was also worried and tried to stop her. "You don''t look well. What happened?"


    Jillyanna continued to cry silently while enduring the pain on her waist and back. She walked slowly towards the door with her tears falling on the cold floor. She needed to clarify some things for him. ''Why didn''t you let me finish my words? Why did you leave?''


    She gritted her teeth from the pain and walked out of her room. "Where are you going?" Cielo held her shoulders and asked her.


    Jillyanna didn''t bother herself to stop. All she wanted to do now was to find Travis and talk to him.


    Travis heard the commotion outside the study room so he went out to find what was going on.


    Jillyanna was crying again while walking towards him. Watching her walk while enduring the pain gripped his heart. With his long strides, he walked to her and carried her in his arms. He brought her back to their room and put her on the bed.


    "Don''t put me down." She demanded making Travis paused from putting her. He sat on the bed and let her sit on his lap.


    "What happened? Why are you crying again?" Travis asked in distress while wiping her face. She was just fine when he left and now she was crying again.


    "It''s your fault." Jillyanna mumbled between sobs. "You left without hearing me!"


    Travis felt that it would be a long talk. Good thing, her family was considerate and left them alone to give them space.


    "What have I done to make you cry?" He was rubbing her back to comfort her.


    "You were listening outside but you didn''t listen until the end. You left. I don''t know how much you heard from me. I don''t want you to misunderstand me."


    "I''m sorry. I thought it wasn''t right to eavesdrop with your conversation." Travis reasoned out to her.


    Jillyanna stopped crying and she wiped her face with the back of her hand. "I wanted you to hear my thoughts."


    Travis sighed from his distress and helplessness towards her. "Would you like to have an honest conversation with me right now?"


    Jillyanna nodded her head, hugged his neck and lean her head on his shoulder. "I want you to know that I am thinking seriously about your proposal. Even if it wasn''t a grand proposal like what I saw in TV, it was still a proposal with your sincerity." She mumbled towards him while Travis rubbed her back.


    "I am not rushing you. I promised I would wait."


    "But while you wait, I am getting anxious. Yes I need time to think this through but I''m afraid that while I''m thinking, you''ll change your mind and dump me."


    "What am I suppose to do for you to stop thinking those things? Am I really that untrustworthy?"


    "It''s not you, okay? It''s me! I just won''t believe that someone will love me after knowing everything. Up until now, I still can''t believe that you are back. I always thought this is just a dream and I don''t want to wake up from this. Do you know how many nights I wanted to stay awake just because I didn''t want to see you, to see my mom and everyone leaving me behind?"


    Travis choked on the lump of emotions. He didn''t know how hurt she was when she was left alone. He didn''t know what she went through after she was sent to different relatives. He didn''t know how many times she acted strong and fine so that she won''t cause any inconvenience to her new family.


    She had no one to lean on when she needed someone. She had no one to express her complaints. She was always insecure and she had been stepping on eggshells, afraid to make mistakes and be left behind again. She always do her best to repay those who were kind to her. She was afraid that she''d be alone again.


    "Jillyanna Summer Xavier, when I was 10 years old, you were the only girl I like. As I grow up, I never forget you and I promised not to love someone else. At 27, you appeared again. Without knowing who you really are, you make me fall in love again. In this life time, I will only love that 5 year-old little girl in my memory and the growing 22 year-old version of her. That''s the only promise I have. Marrying me or not, it won''t change my love for you. Even if you want to escape, I won''t let you go."


    "You will only love me? What about our child?" She asked with her wide eyes.


    "You and the baby is a package. She''s part of you and me."


    "I always feel insecure. I am unreasonable sometimes. I cry easily. I kept getting into troubles. I don''t have a career now. I might grow fat during pregnancy and I might look ugly. You still won''t give up on me?" She stopped sobbing already but was still hiccuping.


    "I won''t."


    "Are you sure? You won''t really betray me? You won''t leave me?" she asked between hiccups.


    "I won''t."


    "Then, let''s get married."

 Chapter 192 - LETS GET MARRIED

    Travis thought he heard her wrong. He put his hands on her shoulders and pushed her a little so he can see her face.


    "What did you say?" he inquired with a confused and disbelieving expression.


    Jillyanna held his face with both her hands. She didn''t try to look away this time. "Let''s get married."


    "Are you sure?" Travis asked again. He felt like it was really unbelievable for her to say those words.


    Jillyanna started to get nervous upon seeing his reaction. It wasn''t the face of someone happy to hear a positive answer for a proposal. Her heart turned cold and she put down her hands.


    "Let me go." She uttered coldly which confused Travis even more. She slapped his hands away from her shoulder and tried to stand on her own.


    She gritted her teeth to endure the pain on her back and waist. Travis tried holding hear to steady her balance but she swat his hands away. "Don''t touch me."


    "What has gotten to you? You just agreed to marry me seconds ago but you are angry now." Travis spoke in agitation.


    "You don''t look happy when I agreed to marry you! Just stop pretending already! What exactly is it that you want from me?!" Jillyanna yelled at him with tears in her eyes. "Your words were different but your eyes showed nothing of joy or happiness. You were just forcing yourself because of this child, right?"


    Travis closed his eyes to calm himself. He wanted to get angry at her for judging him but he found no reason to. In fact she was right. It wasn''t happiness that he felt when she agreed. He was confused and in disbelief.


    "I wasn''t happy because I thought I heard you wrong. One moment, I heard you said that you haven''t thought of marrying me. That you needed time. And here you go dropping me a surprise. I wasn''t sure if I was just hearing things. If I became happy and found out that you didn''t say it, wouldn''t I be disappointing myself? Just like you, I have things I worry about. I am worried that while I''m waiting, you''d think I don''t deserve a chance and would suddenly leave. Do you know how scared I am to close my eyes when I am beside you? I am also afraid that you are no longer beside me when I wake up, which was the reason I always wake up before you. In this relationship Jill, you are not the only one who is afraid."


    Jillyanna sat back on their bed and slid under the blanket. Her back hurts so much already and she could no longer take it. Her nose twitched and she felt like crying again.


    Travis watched her and sighed heavily. Even though she''s mad and would cry easily, she''s easy to pacify as well as long as she felt your sincerity.


    "Jill, are you really marrying me? You aren''t joking are you?" Travis asked her which she nodded her head to confirm. Travis slid under the blanket with her and hugged her waist.


    "Sorry for judging you." Jillyanna murmured while wiping her tears away. "Sorry for being emotional. Sorry for being over sensitive."


    "I already told you that it''s fine and I understand. No need to apologize." Travis whispered to her while kissing her head.


    "Do you want to register our marriage first?" Jillyanna turned on her other side and faced him. "Wedding needs planning but registration can be done any day."


    Travis smiled and kissed her forehead again. "Let''s register our marriage once you recover. Now, take a rest because you''ve been hurting your waist and back."


    "Sorry."


    "I said you don''t have to apologize to me. Just be good to yourself."


    "Can you tell me a story to sleep?" Jillyanna mumbled on his chest. She snuggled closer to him to get some warmth.


    "I don''t have any stories. I''ll just sing you to sleep."


    "Okay."


    Travis started singing a soft love song for her. It didn''t even take ten minutes and she fell asleep already. "Sorry for causing you to feel insecure. I will do my best to keep you happy and safe." He murmured to the sleeping woman in his arms.


    He slid out of the bed to talk to her family, real quick. He needed to get back to his room before she''d wake up and cry again.


    "Where''s Jillyanna?" Sky asked Travis immediately when he got down.


    "She''s sleeping. She got tired and fell asleep." Travis answered her. "I will be calling you mother from now on." He stated shamelessly which shocked everyone inside the room.


    "What do you mean?" Sky and Alex asked him at the same time. Cielo on the other hand was grinning from ear to ear. Jenny felt relieved and happy at the same time. Thomas smiled like it was within his expectations. After all, he had been trying his best to match them, though it didn''t work at first.


    Travis recalled to them the events chronologically to make sure that he wasn''t missing anything.


    "We will register our marriage when she recovers. I will formally ask her hand for marriage when she''s perfectly fine before getting a sealed certificate." he told them with a faint smile. "For now, I will focus on her recovery."


    "Well, it is a great news. We will wait for her to recover and let''s discuss this marriage again." Alex stated with genuine happiness.


    "I am so looking forward to this. I will tell Lucian once I get back." Cielo commented cheerfully.


    "Thank you so much for taking care of her. I am glad that you didn''t give up on her." Jenny uttered before bowing deeply in front of Travis.


    "No need to bow before me. I am thankful that you kept her company. You can focus on your studies now. Make her proud of you." Travis responded. "You should be calling me big brother now."


    "Hn. I will do my best." Jenny answered with a smile.


    Travis looked towards the second floor before looking back to them. "I have to go back inside."


    "Go ahead. I know she''ll find you the moment she opens her eyes. I have witnessed that already. No need to flaunt it again." Cielo waved her hand to let him go.


    ''That one night affair was very fruitful. Not only she got herself a baby that she wanted but a husband who will take care and love her, too.'' Cielo thought while chuckling faintly to herself.

 Chapter 193 - HACIENDA TOUR I

    Soon, it was Saturday. Jillyanna ended up resting for three days due to Travis'' insistence. He would bath her, feed her, change her clothes, tie her hair, carry her to wherever she wanted to go around the house.


    Every afternoon, he would give her a massage to relieve her from the pain on her back, thighs and waist. He was very attentive to every little detail of her needs.


    Just like this day, he was bathing her again like a young child who needs attentive care.


    "I told you I''m fine already. Why are you such a worrywart?" Jillyanna poked his shoulders while speaking under the shower head.


    "Nope you are not. When you tried standing up earlier, you wobbled." Travis retorted to her which made her roll her eyes in ridicule.


    "Seriously? I wobbled because my legs were numb from not doing anything. Everyone else would feel the same." She told him, trying to sound reasonable and helpless at the same time.


    "You mentioned few days ago that you won''t involve yourself in trouble. In my part, I am afraid that you''ll find trouble wherever you go."


    "Look, I am not going somewhere far. I just want to look around the hacienda again." Jillyanna responded with hopeful eyes. "Can I?"


    Travis looked at her without even blinking. Jillyanna shrugged her shoulders and looked down on her feet. "Are you really really really okay? You don''t feel any pain at all?" he asked her, concern and worry were evident on his voice and she felt guilty for worrying him so much.


    "I am really fine. I can walk and do work on my own. You took care of me these past three days and I am doing good now. What am I going to do to prove it?"


    "Can we do another round of our night affair?"


    Jillyanna widened her eyes and started feeling embarrassed again. "We can''t do that. I don''t want to stay in bed for the next three days again."


    "I was just joking." Travis responded to her with merriment in his eyes. "I''ll walk with you to look around the hacienda after breakfast."


    "Thank you." Jillyanna smiled from ear to ear upon hearing his agreement. She even wore the bathrobe by herself and walk out without him carrying her again. It was to prove that she was really doing good.


    Travis just watched her walk with a smile on his face. He knew she was already fine but he just like to pamper her and take care of her which was why he insisted her to rest for three days.


    After dressing herself and putting on her sunscreen, she waited for Travis to finish taking his shower. Since the time she announced her resignation from being an online singer and idol, Jillyanna stopped going online. Most of the time, she''ll be reading e-books about parenting and pregnancy. Travis would do the same when he''s not working.


    When he was all set and ready, they went out to have their breakfast. Thomas was reading the newspaper while drinking his coffee.


    "Morning Uncle." Jillyanna greeted him and sat on the chair next to Travis. She noticed that Thomas was throwing her an inquisitive look and that''s when she realized her mistake. "Sorry Dad. I was used to calling you uncle before."


    Thomas smiled at her before drinking his cup of coffee. "That''s fine. You''ll get used to this knew way of calling me soon. By the way, when will you register your marriage? We still have to formally asked your parents."


    "How about Monday?" Travis asked Jillyanna while putting on some rice on her plate.


    "Monday to register or Monday to ask them?" she clarified.


    "We can ask them in the morning and register our marriage in the afternoon." he responded.


    "Sounds like a good plan to me. I am fine with that." she commented before she started eating her food. "I am so happy to finally eat rice again."


    "We''ll have rice for breakfast since it is the most important meal of the day. During lunch and dinner, I''ll figure out some recipes with less fats and carbo." Travis informed her.


    Jillyanna just nodded her head in agreement. She knew that he will always look after the best things for her so she won''t have to worry.


    "Do you want to hold a little celebration for your marriage registration? We can have a little banquet for friends and families." Thomas suggested to them since they never spoke about it.


    "Why not? Let''s do that then." Travis agreed without any hesitations.


    "Hn. Leave it to me. I''ll prepare a banquet here at home. We''ll have it at around seven in the evening."


    "Thank you unc - Thank you Dad." She corrected immediately, making Travis and Thomas smile happily with her response.


    After their breakfast, true to his words, Travis brought Jillyanna around the hacienda which was one kilometer away from the mansion.


    He parked his car near the large barn house and helped her out. "Just the same as I last remembered it." She commented to herself while looking around the place.


    "Oh! It''s still here!" She exclaimed and walked towards the swing which was attached to a branch of a mango tree. "I never expected that this would still be here until now. This tree has grown so big."


    "You''ve been here before?" Travis asked her because she never mentioned it to him.


    She nodded her head, eyes brimming with cheerfulness as she looked above her. "Your father made this for me when I first visited this place."


    "He made this for you? I thought this was made by the workers for their children." Travis told her of what he thought. "He didn''t even make one for me when I was young."


    "Stop being jealous. He made this for me to cheer me up." She sat on the swing which was newly painted by the workers.


    "Good morning ma''am Jillyanna. Welcome back! Morning sir Travis." a middle aged woman greeted them.


    "Good morning auntie Vergie." She greeted back to the lady.

 Chapter 194 - HACIENDA TOUR II

    After greeting them politely, the woman went back to her work. Travis looked at Jillyanna in bewilderment.


    "How many times have you been here for them to actually recognize you?" Travis asked.


    "Hn. It''s countless. Auntie Vergie and Uncle Danny were the ones who helped me every time I ran away from home."


    "Why didn''t I know of this?"


    "It''s because, I will only come here if you are not around. Over the years, Dad formed a habit of bringing me here when you are abroad or staying somewhere."


    He stood in front of her with shock written all over his face. He just couldn''t'' believe that his father did it. He had been looking for her and his father tried hiding her away.


    "Don''t be mad with your father. He must have not told you about this because he didn''t want us to feel awkward. Aside from that, during those years, my anger because of you was at its highest peak. If we met, I would only become angrier."


    "That sounds true." Travis agreed and sighed. "I am glad that we found each other now that we are sensible and mature."


    "Right." She stood up from the swing''s seat and walked towards a different tree. "I have something to show you." She walked around the tree, looking up and down to find something.


    "What is it?"


    "Here. Look over here." She pointed on some wordings which was almost not visible in his eyes. Moss covered the carved letters and the writings were small.


    "What''s this?"


    She tried recalling the written words from her memories. "I guess it was a choice to meet you in the future or not." She uttered with a faint chuckle. "Back then, I was very conflicted. There were times I wanted to see because I''ve got no one to play with or to talk to. However, most of the times, I''d rather not see you. These are the marks I made."


    Travis could see that there were more marks on the "NOT" portion. "It doesn''t matter anymore. In the end, we still found each other."


    "Hn. Counting it was rather useless when I think about it now." She agreed to him and walked to a different area where an orchard of oranges can be found. "I always like it here. I was even wondering why you can''t stay put in this place when it is really beautiful."


    "My mom was the one who managed this place before. She was the one who picked up these street people and helped them by working here. When she was gone, I found no reason to come here."


    "I see. Sorry to hear that."


    "It''s fine."


    "Have you guys ever thought of giving this land to the farmers?"


    "Nope. This land won''t be enough for them. What my mother did is for them to work, save and buy their own land and house. You may not know this but the standard share here is 80/20. The 80% will be theirs and the 20% will be ours for maintenance."


    "You guys are so generous." Jillyanna commented after knowing such information. No wonder that the people here are very loyal and workaholic.


    "We are not a big family and we don''t need millions of money everyday. If you have something to give and share, then why not share it. At the same time, I need to work hard. Maybe not for ourselves but for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the future."


    Jillyanna smiled while listening to him. Everyday, he will take care of her before going to work in his study. Everyday, he''s working with their future in mind.


    "I am really glad I gave us a chance to make this relationship work." She stated before giving him a hug. "I am glad my escape plans didn''t work."


    "I am glad I didn''t give up on you." Travis whispered back to her as he kissed the top of her head.


    "Aigoo! I shouldn''t have gone here. Now, I''m being blinded by this love." Savannah commented while covering her eyes.


    "You''re here! How are you?" Jillyanna asked them since she had not seen them these past few days after that incident.


    "We were not the one who engaged in fighting. We should be asking that question to you." Valkyrie retorted and Savannah just nodded her head in agreement.


    "I am fine. No sweat." Jillyanna answered with arrogance in her voice.


    "Then why didn''t you come out for three days?" Savannah inquired with a raised brow.


    Jillyanna shifted her gaze and smiled awkwardly while scratching the tip of her nose. "That was a different story. Haha." She turned to face Travis and glared at him. "It''s your fault." She whispered through greeted teeth.


    "Did you guys receive the email?" Travis asked them as he snaked his fingers with hers and intertwined them.


    "Hn. We got the email. Thank you." Hawk answered. "We''re planning to leave tomorrow."


    "Tomorrow? Can you do it on Tuesday instead?" Jillyanna knew that they''ll be gone for a month to go on vacation. "We are planning to register our marriage on Monday and have a little celebration."


    The three of them stood in surprise with her news. They didn''t see it coming.


    "Oh my gosh! This isn''t a joke right?" Savannah exclaimed and jumped to her side. "You really agreed to marry him?"


    "Hn." Jillyanna replied with perfunctory remark.


    "I am so happy for you RV! This is great! Alright, we will leave on Tuesday. That''s it. It''s decided." She stated cheerfully without any space for arguments.


    "By the way, Lieutenant Colonel Avery wanted me to give you this and put it back on your necklace." Hawk handed her a small mechanical bee which captured the video of her fight and led the way to that house.


    "Thanks." Jillyanna replied to him. "For the second time, she saved me again." Jillyanna murmured before placing the mechanical bee inside the small compartment of her pendant.


    ''I should really talk to her properly.'' she thought to herself with a deep sigh.

 Chapter 195 - HOW TO CONFESS? I

    "Let me give her a call first." Jillyanna excused herself to make a phone call.


    "Are you sure? You''re going to talk to her?" Travis asked in hesitation. The last she talked with his cousin caused her to become distracted, leading to her kidnapping again. He didn''t want that to happen a second time around.


    Jillyanna squeezed his hand gently. "I''ll be fine. Sooner or later, I will have to face her and settle whatever misunderstanding we have." She added as she dialed a string of familiar numbers.


    "Alright. I''ll wait here." Travis let go of her hand and watched her walk away from them. He was glad that she''s trying to reach out to his cousin. Moreover, they will become family soon and he didn''t want any internal enmity between his family.


    "It''s a good thing that she''s starting to rely on you despite her strength and skills." Savannah mentioned as she watched Jillyanna leave from where they stood.


    "Her external strength and bravery was her defense mechanism. She had always been fighting alone. However, from the time I stayed with her, I found how fragile she is. I am afraid that I''ll break her without knowing. I''ve always been careful not to hurt her again." Travis answered. His eyes held the most sincere gaze and honest love for the woman he chose to give his heart.


    "You don''t have to be very cautious around her to the point she''d think you are wary of her. Just be honest. You have to tell her what is in your mind. You have to discuss things with her. Don''t let her thinks that you stole her freedom." Hawk interjected in their conversation.


    "You really know a lot." Valkyrie retorted with a devious smile while shifting his gaze to Savannah. "She gave you a hard time, didn''t she?"


    "What the hell are you talking about?" Savannah kicked him but Valkyrie blocked it with his hands immediately. "We argue sometimes but I didn''t give him a hard time."


    "Chill. I was just kidding. Why are you so hot-headed? Is your grand aunt visiting you today?" Valkyrie teased her again but Savannah stopped and just rolled her eyes.


    "If I know, you are just envious. You''ve been with him for years! For heaven''s sake! Years and still there is no progress. Compared to Travis and Jillyanna, you are so slow and dumb." Savannah poked his sore spot with a mocking smile.


    "I was just joking! Why are you being mean?!" Valkyrie retorted while clutching his chest as if he was really hurt. Well, he was hurt but what she said was a fact. He can''t deny those claims.


    "Stop bullying him already. Let''s understand that he''s missing a certain someone while watching sweet couples around him." Travis added with a straight face.


    Valkyrie couldn''t help but snickered at their mocking and ridicules. "Just you wait. I won''t be single soon."


    "I''m wishing you luck." Hawk spoke in serious tone that Valkyrie didn''t know if he was joking or if he was really serious with his wish for him.


    "Hn. I wish you luck. I bet that even after Jillyanna and Travis hold their wedding, you won''t be able to make up with your guy yet." Savannah added.


    "Are you guys really wishing me to succeed or to fail?" Valkyrie glared at them. He looked around the place and went to pick some oranges. "I''m honestly afraid, you know."


    "What are you afraid of?" It was Jillyanna who asked her after making a phone call. "Did something happen?"


    "Are you done with your call? That quick?" Travis asked with a doubtful expression.


    "She''ll be coming tomorrow morning with Brown. We''ll talk personally tomorrow." Jillyanna responded, her expression was one of anticipation and nervous.


    Valkyrie''s facial expression was mirroring Jillyanna. He was anticipating for a certain someone to come and nervous at the same time.


    "Jillyanna, can I talk to you real-quick?" Valkyrie voiced out which made the three people to raise their eyebrows.


    "Sure sure." Jillyanna looked at him with cheerful eyes as if she knew that he would be asking help from her. "Let''s talk over there."


    "Why are you guys keeping a secret?! Hey!" Savannah yelled at them but Valkyrie just raised his middle finger at them.


    Travis just chuckled. "Looks like he found a new ally." he stated.


    "Are we that unreliable in his eyes?" Savannah sulked as if she was abandoned forever.


    "Nope but we always spoil his plans and tease him." Hawk admitted which made Savannah and Travis to grin. They don''t have anything to refute to that statement.


    When Jillyanna and Valkyrie were far enough to hold a secret conversation, she turned to Valkyrie with an inquisitive look.


    Valkyrie scratched the back of his neck while looking from left to right. He didn''t know where to start.


    "Looking at a big guy who''s being shy in front of me is rather funny and cute. However, I don''t think a certain someone would want you to show that expression to anyone else." Jillyanna started, holding back her laughter from seeing his awkward expression.


    "I like Evan."


    "Uh huh. I can see that."


    "Is it that obvious?"


    "It became obvious when he left. When he was still with us, you were cold and uncaring. It seemed to me that you were only toying with his feelings."


    "Can''t you not be so honest? I know my shortcomings already."


    "I don''t want to lie. If you want to make it up to him, I have to be honest." Jillyanna said firmly. ''I really want to make a story of them. Ahhh! I can''t wait to see Brown''s expression again. I want to tease him!'' She screamed internally but she remained poker face in front of him.


    "I need your help. I need him back." Valkyrie spoke his thoughts. "I want to tell him everything but I am not sure if he would listen to me. I need to have a plan. If you were to write our story, how do you want me to confess?"

 Chapter 196 - HOW TO CONFESS? II

    Jillyanna didn''t expect this question though. She thought that he would just express whatever his thoughts were and asked for suggestions or advice but, she didn''t expect for him to ask her about confession plans.


    Her confession to Travis was not planned out and Travis didn''t plan anything as well, everything just came out naturally and that''s where they ended up now.


    "Are you planning to talk to him tomorrow?" She asked him while thinking of confession plans. She never thought of confession plans, just the escape plans from before.


    "I want to talk to him. However, I am worried that he won''t come. I mean, surely he''s a friend to us but what if he really hates me and won''t show up?"


    "Uhhh I don''t have any retort to that." Jillyanna found a bench to sit and comfortably sat there. "Let''s say he would come tomorrow, knowing that he''s mad at you, he may not want to see you. In that case, you can leave a letter in his room and express your thoughts clearly. Do you have any idea of his likes?"


    "He likes me." Valkyrie shamelessly answered.


    "No wonder you are friends with Travis. Birds of the same feather flock together." Jillyanna commented which confused the man in front of her but she didn''t plan to clarify it with him. "Other than you, what other things he likes?"


    "Oh, he likes sweets and shoes. Most of the time, he''d buy shoes and eat sweets." Valkyrie stated quickly. "He loves chocolates the most."


    "Alright. Make him chocolates tonight, write a letter and leave it in his room tomorrow before they arrive. I''ll ask Winter to do that." Jillyanna nodded to herself, liking her own idea. "But, let''s not forget the chance that he won''t come."


    "Right. That''s my worry." Valkyrie shrugged his shoulders looking so sad and depressed.


    "If he won''t show up, this is the plan. I will ask Winter of the time that Brown will come home or leave the house. Surely, she knows that because she is the one who brought them in that place. Once we know of the time, you can visit him there and bring him back to attend the celebration. Of course, you need to bring him some presents to appease him."


    "I forgot to tell you." Valkyrie scratched the tip of his nose awkwardly. "Winter hates me so I don''t think she''ll help me."


    Jillyanna blinked her eyes not just once but multiple times. It was the most important information yet he didn''t say that first.


    She knew how much Winter hates men. And when she hates them, no matter how much you plea, she won''t change her mind.


    "This is indeed difficult. Winter cares so much about Brown because she felt that they are the same. Even if I would ask her, I don''t think she would agree but, I will still try." Jillyanna admitted helplessly. "Wait, didn''t Travis showed you where he is now?"


    "He did."


    "Why don''t you find him directly without informing Winter? But she might kill you if we do that." she negated her own idea. If Travis would allow, she will settle it with a quick spar. However, she might not die in Winter''s hand but Travis would make sure she won''t step out of the house again. She promised him not to cause anymore trouble after all.


    "My problem is a difficult situation, right?" Valkyrie asked before sitting down beside her. Without him knowing, Jillyanna opened the recorder of her phone and put it in her lap upside-down.


    "Why didn''t you tell him about your feelings by the way? I mean, you are aware of his feelings for you. So why?"


    "I was scared. I was scared that he would change his mind. I know there''s something wrong with me since I was young but I hid it because of my father. I don''t want to disappoint him. However, Evan came into our lives and changed everything. Dad cares for him and I don''t want to taint him. You know that love for same sex is feeble right and not everyone can accept that. I don''t want anyone to judge him. I don''t want people to ridicule him. I don''t want people to feel disgusted of him. I just want him to live a normal life."


    "That''s what you want but are you certain that he likes it? You shouldn''t decide what''s best for him. He is an adult like you. He knows the consequences that you guys will face." Jillyanna responded to him. "I really like watching you two interact. Yes, it is true that not everyone is very open to that kind of relationship. What can they do? It is your life. Live it." She added.


    "You really are a good advisor." Valkyrie reached over and messed up her hair. "I am a little bit relieved."


    "Are you sure that you like Evan?" Jillyanna asked once more.


    "Would I even let him kiss me if I don''t?" Valkyrie asked her back which made Jillyanna open her eyes wide.


    "Really?" her eyes were sparkling with happiness and excitement. "When and where?"


    "Why should I tell you?"


    "Because I might use it as a reference for my book." Jillyanna answered shamelessly.


    "No wonder you are a perfect match for Travis." He told her with a faint laughter. "He kissed me once but I kissed him many times. Don''t ask the specific. He doesn''t even know the times that I did it."


    "Ahh!" she screamed with her hands covering her mouth to muffle her voice. "You thief. Good thing you didn''t eat him."


    "I won''t eat him until everything''s clear." Valkyrie answered her.


    "We are talking about the same type of eating right?"


    "We are."


    "I will try my best to persuade Winter. You try your best persuade Brown when you get the chance."


    "Hn. I''ll search for things that he likes."


    "Recall the times you secretly kissed him and give him the same number of flowers. I bet he won''t expect it."


    "Is this what you learned in school?"


    "Nope. I always ditch my class and go somewhere and I always end up watching BL." Jillyanna stated cheerfully.


    "Why didn''t I know of this?"


    This question and the owner of the voice made her stiffened her back. Because the bench was facing the pond, she had her back turned towards Travis and his friends. She didn''t know he was already standing behind them!

 Chapter 197 - SWEETNESS OVERLOAD

    Jillyanna feigned innocence in front of him and pouted her lips while blinking her eyes multiple times.


    "Didn''t I tell you that I ditched my class before?" she asked as she stood up from her seat and walked up to him. She wrapped her hands around his waist and looked up to see his face. "I''m pretty sure I did, didn''t I?"


    Travis hugged her back and leaned closer so that he can touch the tips of her nose with his. "You did but, you didn''t tell me it was to read or watch BL. If I remember correctly, you ditched your class because you went abroad."


    Jillyanna tried to recall everything and she realized that he was right, she didn''t tell him that part. "Well, now you know. That''s another secret of me that you need to accept."


    "I accepted that a long time ago." Travis responded with a knowing smile. He kissed the tip of her nose and her forehead. "You once said that you want to write a book about Valkyrie and Brown. Back then, I realized that my wife has a weird hobby but it''s fine with me."


    "Tsk! Acting sweet and lovey-dovey right in front of me. Can you spare me with that dog food?" Valkyrie commented while walking away from them. "I''m out of here. Make sure to come back for lunch. Don''t make out in the barn." He added with his voice laced with laughters.


    "Hey! Watch your mouth or I won''t help you!" Jillyanna shouted back at him. "You jealous donkey!"


    Travis couldn''t stop himself anymore and burst into a fit of laughters. "Why do you have a weird way of naming someone?"


    "Since I found out that I''m pregnant, I change my way of cursing. I don''t want my baby to learn something bad from me, okay?"


    "I love you Jill."


    "Ah stupid! Don''t say it out of nowhere!" her face was dyed in red from hearing him professing his love suddenly.


    Travis laughed again and held her in his arms. "I am just happy that we can live like this." He intertwined his fingers with hers and kissed her knuckles. "I am glad that we''ve come to this."


    At times like this, Jillyanna would always find herself at loss for words. She stood up on her toes and gave him a quick kiss on his lips. "This is how I can express my love for you that I can''t seem to find the words to describe it."


    "I''m more than happy to receive this love." Travis responded to her before leading her back to the car. "It''s getting hotter now. Let''s visit the hacienda next time. Let''s go back for now so that you can take a rest."


    "Okay." she nodded her head as she said this and walked beside him. "When will you go back to the company? I mean, you haven''t caught the man yet right?"


    "My secretary is monitoring him. At the same time, the vice-president is doing his job well so I can take my time and probably go back on Tuesday."


    "Is that why Savannah and Hawk always leave the house?"


    "Hn. Savannah attends to all the meetings in my behalf and Hawk won''t allow her to go there alone. Yesterday was her last day to work before vacation."


    "I am glad that they can finally rest without thinking of any difficult missions." Jillyanna uttered beside him with relief.


    They kept walking towards the car as they spoke. Hawk and Savannah left earlier when she was speaking with Valkyrie since they needed to reschedule their vacation.


    Their afternoon went by as usual with Travis working inside the study room and her sitting beside him while thinking of projects for his entertainment company.


    It had been her way of relieving herself from stress. She would work beside him for him. She would think of different projects and discuss it with him so that they can share it during the next monthly meeting.


    Night came and Valkyrie was busy making chocolates in the kitchen. He searched for recipes online and tried doing it on his own. He didn''t even join them for dinner because he wanted to finish it.


    "Jillyanna, can you give them a taste?" He asked her when she came to the kitchen to get some fruits. She just ate earlier but she was craving so much. Travis told her to eat some fruits when that happens to avoid eating more carbs. She wanted to give birth through normal delivery and to do that, Travis monitored her food so that the baby won''t grow so big that might lead her to having a cesarean section.


    She picked up a halfmoon-shaped chocolate and ate half of it. She let it melt on her tongue and savor the sweetness of milk and the slight bitterness of cocoa.


    "Wow! I love this. It''s really good!" she exclaimed happily with her eyes sparkling from the taste. "Can I have another one?" she asked him cheekily with her index finger in front of him indicating she wanted a second piece.


    "Nope. Travis will kill me if I let you eat so much sweets tonight." he refused her which made her look down and feel dejected. "No worries, I''ll set aside some for you." She looked up to him again with cheerful expression.


    "You are the best." Jillyanna stated with her wide smile.


    "Don''t say those words again if you still want me to live." he responded to her in a joking tone. His voice even have a taint of chuckles and laughters. He looked for a clear glass with cover which they usually put the candies and chocolates. He put the chocolates inside and put it inside the refrigerator to avoid melting them.


    "I hope everything will turn out good for you." Jillyanna commented before leaving him in the kitchen. She brought a glass of water, an orange and the half piece of the chocolate she ate.


    Travis was still facing his laptop when she opened the door to the study room. "What took you so long?" he asked without even lifting his head.


    She put down the orange and glass of water on the table before she walked towards him. With her other hand, she pulled one of his hands away from the laptop and sat on his lap.


    "Open your mouth." she told him and when he opened his mouth she put in the remaining chocolate she ate earlier. "It is good, right."

 Chapter 198 - CHASING AFTER HIM

    "How many did you eat?" Travis asked her while waiting for the chocolate to melt in his mouth.


    "I ate the other half of that. Even if I want to eat another piece, Valkyrie won''t let me." she admitted to him before climbing down his lap but Travis held her still on her waist.


    "Just stay put while I work."


    "Your legs will feel numb if I do that." Jillyanna responded with a pout. "I don''t want you to think that I am heavy."


    "Who said you''re heavy? If not for your pregnancy, I would really feed you to gain some weights." spoke to her, care and love were evident in his voice and eyes. She could see his sincerity being laid out in front of her.


    "You really know how to talk." she responded with her blushing face and leaned her head on his chest. "Do you think Valkyrie will succeed?"


    "Hn. It may take him a month or two but he will get him."


    "Month or two? That long? Brown is that stubborn? I can''t believe it with that angelic face of his."


    "Just like you, he went through a lot. Accepting a relationship with Val might be more difficult for him. He wouldn''t want to feel guilty for betraying his master."


    "Master?"


    "Hn. Valkyrie''s father is his master. He was adopted to their family when he was young."


    "I feel sad for them." Jillyanna stated while forming circles on his chest with her fingers. She covered her mouth when she yawned and closed her eyes. "I''m sleepy."


    "Alright. Let''s go to sleep now." he closed his laptop and carried her back to their room. "How unusual for you to sleep this early." Travis kissed the space between her eyes and laid her on their bed. "Good night sweetheart."


    "Hmm." Jillyanna hugged his waist and leaned even closer. "Don''t go anywhere."


    "I''m not going anywhere." he whispered as he slid under the blanket beside her and covered her body with the thick quilt. He soon closed his eyes and gave in to the pull of sleep with the warmth of her love and body.


    When morning came, Jillyanna woke up earlier than Travis. It was another morning for her to just stare and look at his sleeping face. She didn''t get a chance to do this often because it was usually Travis who woke up first between them.


    The sun was shining brightly outside and the wind was blowing the curtain lightly. ''I am so lucky to have you but you are so unlucky to have me.'' she thought to herself with a pouty lips. ''What can I do for this guy?'' she asked herself internally.


    An idea suddenly popped out of her mind and she smiled brightly while looking at him. ''I can at least do that for him. But I can''t shop today since Winter and Brown will be coming over. Oh! I can just ask them to come with me instead.''


    With these thoughts, she already made a plan to shop with Winter. She can''t bring Travis with her because she wanted to surprise him.


    More than an hour had passed before Travis stirred in his sleep and opened his eyes slowly. "Morning sweetheart." he murmured while trying to blink away his sleepiness.


    "Morning." she responded before placing a quick kiss on his lips. "I woke up first today. Did I make you feel tired from all the walking yesterday."


    "Nope. I just feel comfortable sleeping with you and today is Sunday so I think you''d sleep more."


    "I am just so excited to see Brown and Winter. By the way, I am planning to shop today."


    "What time are we leaving?"


    "Not we. Just me. You have work to do and I don''t want to take your time today. However, I want Winter and Savannah to come with me."


    "I can stop my work today. I mean, it is Sunday for us to spend time together." Travis retorted back at her.


    "Did you forget something? Tomorrow, we will be coming back to the villa and face my family."


    "Right! Thanks for reminding me. I''ll think of the things to prepare." Travis kissed her forehead before removing the blanket off of his body. "Is there anything that they like in particular?"


    "Nope. They would appreciate it if you won''t buy expensive things. They always scold me when I buy expensive things for them."


    "I understand. I''ll ask Dad for advice. Are you sure you don''t want me to accompany you?"


    "Hn. It''s fine."


    They both climbed down from the bed and started their day by taking a bath first. When they got down for breakfast, Valkyrie was pacing back and forth in the leaving room.


    "What''s the matter?" Jillyanna asked him. Before Valkyrie could answer him, Winter came out from the kitchen and ran to her.


    "Summer!" she called out to her and hugged her. "I am glad that you finally wanted to talk to me."


    Jillyanna stared at her before shifting her gaze to Valkyrie. "Where''s Brown?"


    "Brown is in their room. He hadn''t come out since earlier and he won''t open the door either." Winter answered her question. "It took me so long to convince him to come here."


    "Why don''t you check up on him Val?" Jillyanna spoke while giving him a cheerful wink. "Go and take him out here."


    With her words of encouragement, Valkyrie ran upstairs and knocked on their room. When Brown came earlier, he was kicked out of their room before he locked it. Good thing he always have the key with him.


    Without even knocking on the door, he opened it with his key. On the bed was Brown eating the chocolates. On his foot were shred of papers which was from his letter.


    "You are eating it."


    "Obviously. I can die from diabetes with these chocolates. If this is your way of slowly getting rid of me, I welcome you to do this. At least it won''t be painful." Brown responded to him before putting another piece of chocolates.


    Valkyrie took it away from him and put it on the table. "I don''t want you to die and I am not slowly getting rid of you."


    "Whatever."

 Chapter 199 - HIS FAVORITES

    Brown stood up from his bed and walked towards the door. "If you want to play with me, I welcome you and your game."


    "Hey wait! I''m not playing with you." Valkyrie managed to grab his elbow and spun him around to face him. "Let''s talk."


    "I''ve got nothing to say." Brown answered with a deadpan expression, soulless eyes and cold voice. "Let go of me."


    "You have none? Well, I have a lot so hear me out."


    "I don''t have time to listen to your nonsense. Let me go. Your grip is hurting me."


    Like he caught his fingers on fire, Valkyrie let go of him immediately. Brown took this moment to leave the room immediately.


    "Damn it!" Valkyrie kicked the foot of the bed from frustrations. Seeing the scattered pieces of papers, he picked them up one by one and threw them inside the bin. "How else can I earn your trust again?" he whispered to himself.


    When Brown left, a sad smile appeared on his lips. "Am I such an easy target for him to bully? Did he really think I would still believe him?" he murmured as he walked down the stairs. He saw Jillyanna and Travis talking to Winter in the living room.


    "Where''s Valkyrie?" Jillyanna asked him when she saw him coming down.


    "He is probably picking up some shredded papers. Oh by the way, I have something to show you later." Brown told Jillyanna with a smile. This time it is a genuine smile.


    ''Shredded papers? That must be his letter. He failed.'' Jillyanna thought. She immediately acted normal and led them to the kitchen. "I''ll call him for breakfast."


    "I''ll do it. Don''t tire yourself." Travis spoke and walk back upstairs. "Don''t wait for us. You can start eating."


    "Where is Uncle by the way? I haven''t seen him since I came earlier." Winter stated as they walk. Savannah and Hawk were in the kitchen helping the cook to serve the food.


    "He went to the farm early morning. He said he''ll be back for lunch." It was Savannah who answered her question. "Where''s Val?"


    "Upstairs with Travis." Jillyanna stated. Remembering the chocolates, Jillyanna opened the refrigerator and found her share of the chocolates. "Do you guys want some?"


    "Nope. I don''t like sweets." Savannah stated.


    "No but thanks." Winter replied to her.


    Jillyanna looked towards Hawk and he also shook his head to refuse her offer. She picked up two pieces and gave Brown the other piece. She didn''t know if he tasted the ones that Valkyrie gave him but she wanted them to make up already.


    "This is home-made and special. If I wasn''t pregnant, that person would surely refuse to give me some of these." she didn''t wait for him to respond and sat on her chair before putting the chocolate inside her mouth.


    "Shouldn''t that be for dessert?" Winter asked with fascination that she can eat without worries.


    "I need to eat it before Travis comes back." she admitted knowing that Travis was already standing behind her.


    "So you are sneaking to eat chocolates behind my back?" Travis asked which didn''t startle her at all.


    "I am not eating chocolates behind you. Can''t you that I''m in front. Duhh!"


    Her response made everyone laugh out loud and was drowning the tension away. "You cheeky woman. How many did you eat?" Travis inquired again.


    "Just one piece. I gave one to Brown. It was his in the first place. Someone stayed so late to make those."


    Valkyrie could only face-palm himself internally. When he looked towards Brown, he ate the chocolate without saying anything. Relief washed over him and he started eating.


    "I will be shopping for something later. Savy, is it fine for you to come with me. And Winter, too." Jillyanna opened up to them while putting some food on Travis'' plate. She did it so naturally that Travis didn''t notice anything from her.


    "I want to bring Brown with me." Winter stated which made Brown turned his head towards her. Savannah choked on her food upon hearing her and Hawk gave her water to drink.


    "Travis needs help for something. Only men can help though and it will also serve as a practice in case you decide to get married, too." she replied quickly to make sure that Brown will spend time with Valkyrie for the whole day.


    Savannah was just about to pick another food when she realized something. "Aren''t these foods Brown''s favorite?"


    "No wonder he''s eating heartily." Winter commented before shoving another spoonful of food in her mouth.


    Brown didn''t say anything and just ate his food. He didn''t know what game Valkyrie was playing but he didn''t care anymore. He will never allow him to toy with his feelings again.


    "I''m done. Call me when you need me. I''ll take a rest." Brown wiped his mouth with the napkin and drank a glass of water before leaving them.


    Valkyrie put down his spoon and fork with a heavy sigh. He even asked the cook to prepare his favorite foods today but he was still mad at him.


    Without saying anything, he stopped eating and chase after him. Just as Jillyanna said, he needed to clear their misunderstanding no matter what happened.


    "Evan wait up!" Valkyrie called out to him but Brown didn''t show any sign of stopping. "I really need to talk to you."


    "What is it? You are damn annoying me!" Brown snapped at him which surprised Valkyrie. It was his first time to hear Brown raise his voice against him.


    "I want to say sorry." Valkyrie walked to him but Brown started walking away again. Good thing, he was going back to their room. "Can you at least hear me speak?"


    Brown turned around abruptly and faced him; and Valkyrie locked the door behind him to make sure that their loud voice won''t disturb anyone.


    "You can speak whatever you want but don''t expect me to believe you." Brown stated coldly to him. ''It was really a mistake to fall in love with this person.'' he added mentally while keeping his poker face.

 Chapter 200 - KISSED HIM AGAIN

    "How have you been doing?" Valkyrie asked him before taking a seat on a couch near the glass window.


    "I believe that''s not what you wanted to say." Brown retorted as he sat on the bed, facing him leisurely with his feet hanging at the side of the bed. "Don''t beat around the bush. I don''t have much time."


    "I am sorry. Sorry for everything that I''ve done to you. I am sorry for running away from you. Sorry for ignoring how you feel. Sorry for not communicating with you. Sorry for messing up your life. Sorry for not listening to you. I''m sorry for all the offensive words I said." His words contain sincerity and apologetic tone.


    Looking at him, Brown sighed and handed him the letter that was ''supposedly'' torn to shred already. Valkyrie was surprised to see the intact paper from him which contained all his love and apologies.


    "Why are handing this back to me?" he asked with a frown while staring at the paper in front of him.


    "Because I realized that you are right all along. That night was my mistake. I did it intentionally. Ignoring me is just a natural response and I am not angry about that." He leaned on the windowsill with the letter in his hand. "It will bring disgrace to your family. Your father will be disappointed to both you and me. I don''t want to betray him. Aside from that, I don''t want anyone to judge you for my selfishness. I don''t want to give you a chance to break my heart too. Toying with my feelings multiple times is more than enough."


    "I wasn''t playing with you. I just didn''t know how to express how I feel. I never said I hate you. I-"


    "You didn''t say you like me either." Brown interrupted him. "Is it really nice to make fun of my feelings?"


    "Evan, it was never my intention to play with you. I never played with your feelings. I didn''t talk to you about that night because I was afraid you''d feel disgusted towards me."


    "Anyway, there''s no use talking about this anymore. Let''s just pretend that nothing happened. We''ve done that before so I am sure we can still do that." Brown told him with a faint smile. "Let''s do our best to make sure that your Dad won''t be disappointed."


    "Why do you have to give a damn about what other people would say?!" Valkyrie snapped that made the younger man flinched in front of him. "Why can''t we just think about ourselves? Just you and me."


    "I''ll be happy if your father is happy. I''ll die guilty if I end up having relationship with you."


    "I understand where you''re coming from but if Dad agrees, will you give me a second chance? I am not planning to run away from you again and I don''t have a plan to let you go either."


    "No."


    "Why not?" Valkyrie could feel his heart breaking into pieces already. "I know I was wrong. Can''t I have the chance to make it right?"


    Brown stopped leaning on the wall and faced him directly. His face was livid with anger and he was blushing from trying to control his frustrations. "I am not selfish like you. Do you even know what you are talking about? Your father will despise me for tainting you! And you will leave me for those big-boobs-big-butt women!" He yelled at him loudly. "Don''t even say you don''t like women because they are what occupies your attention! I don''t need to risk my heart with the facts laid right in front of me! Did you really think I am stupid because I am younger than you?" He had a mocking smile on his lips and his eyes were spitting fire. If his gaze could cut a person, Valkyrie would be dead already.


    Instead of getting upset, Valkyrie was amused with his words. "How I wish I can get my money back from paying those women." He stated lazily while looking at him. "I don''t think your stupid and I am not looking down on you because you are younger. And even if you won''t believe it, I will still say it. I don''t like women. It''s not that I hate them but I can''t imagine myself having a relationship with them."


    "Such a liar. You even liked Jillyanna even though you don''t know her at first." Brown retorted. His anger wasn''t subsiding at all.


    "It wasn''t her that I like but her song. Of course, when I saw her, I started to like her as a friend."


    "Liar! You even spend a night with a woman outside!"


    "Oh yeah! I ended staying outside because a certain someone kicked me out. I wasn''t with a random woman though. I was with Savannah that time too."


    "Liar! Liar! Liar! Stop lying! I will never believe your words!" Brown shouted at him before throwing the crumpled letter on his face. "I won''t let you fool me again!"


    "I am not lying to you." Valkyrie responded while picking up the letter that fell on the floor, all crumpled from Brown''s grip. "I never had any relationship ever since."


    "What a stubborn person you are." He snickered at him before turning to have him face his back. "It is too late to say all these. I gave up on you a long time ago."


    An ice-cold water was splashed on Valkyrie''s soul. He felt so dejected after hearing his words. What can he say about that?


    He sat there in silence with a messed up mind. After almost five minutes, he spoke again. "Then I''ll just make you fall in love with me again."


    "Huh! Don''t make me laugh. You will just be wasting your time. I suggest that you stop such foolishness."


    "If I can make you love me again, even if it''s a little chance, I''ll do it. When that time comes, can you tell me your honest feelings?"


    "Whatever." Brown waved his hand and walked towards his bed. "I don''t care about what you will do."


    Valkyrie stood up from his couch and walked towards him with an evil grin on his face.


    Before Brown could react, he pushed him down on his bed and trapped him with his arms and legs. "One last thing, I am not straight ever since I was young and I confirmed it when you came into my life." Valkyrie stated before placing a feather-light kiss on Brown''s lips, shocking him at his wits end.

 Chapter 201 - SHOPPING FOR A SURPRISE

    "What the fuck are you doing?!" Brown yelled at him with seething anger. He looked so wrong and his lashes were wet with tears that he was trying to hold back since earlier.


    Valkyrie made sure that he won''t get a punch by pinning Brown''s arms with his above his head. He straddled him on his waist to prevent getting a kick from him. Despite Brown''s feminine appearance, he was really strong and skillful.


    "I am sealing our promise with a kiss." Valkyrie stated with a cheerful smiled which angered Brown even more.


    "I didn''t promise you anything! You idiotic bastard, don''t put words in my mouth." he thrashed beneath him but Valkyrie wasn''t letting go of him.


    "You agreed with my plan."


    "I didn''t agree to it. I told you to just do whatever you want!"


    "That''s the same thing as giving me permission." Valkyrie retorted like he was right all along.


    Brown felt helpless and sighed. He couldn''t fathom his way of thinking at all and that made him want to kick Valkyrie so much. "Can I punch you for once? I really need to release my pent up anger."


    "If you won''t hit my face, I''d allow you to."


    "Hn. Not your face." Brown compromised without any hesitations.


    Valkyrie stopped hovering over him and climbed down from the bed. He reached out his hand and pulled Brown up to stand in front of him. "Go ahead. Punch me however you want."


    Brown slightly nodded his head and swing his arms in circling motion to get the force he needed. Without a warning, he punch Valkyrie on his stomach. Valkyrie even closed his eyes and waited for his fist to land on him but when it did, there was no force at all. It didn''t hurt, not a little bit.


    "Why didn''t you punch me?" Valkyrie asked in confusion. "You can vent your anger on me, you know."


    Brown took a step back and put his hand back to his side. He clenched-unclenched it while looking so lost and fragile. "I''m not a heartless person like you."


    Valkyrie sighed heavily and walked towards him. He took hold of Brown''s hand and hit his own chest with it. "I''m heartless. That''s enough reason for you to hit me. You don''t have to feel guilty about it. C''mon. Hit me!" As he said so, he kept hitting his chest with Brown''s hand which had no force or strength at all.


    Brown pulled back his hand abruptly from Valkyrie and turned around to avoid seeing him. "I don''t want to hit you."


    "You love me after all." Valkyrie stated with faint chuckles behind him.


    "Who said I love you? Can you fix your brain?" Brown retorted back with a poker face this time. "Stop with your nonsense!"


    They continued to argue inside their room, forgetting the time and the people awaiting for them outside.


    "Those might still be fighting now. Anyway, we''ll leave early for shopping." Jillyanna told Travis and Hawk.


    "Hn. Take care of yourself. Come home as soon as possible." Travis responded to her before kissing her forehead.


    They were currently standing at the garage and was waiting for Winter to come down. She will be the one who''s going to drive the car with the other body guards following behind them.


    "What''s taking you so long?" Jillyanna asked Winter when she saw her jogging her way towards them. "Why are you dressing up? Are you meeting someone?"


    "Nope." Winter looked away to avoid Jillyanna''s eyes. "I just want to look pretty."


    "Oh? No other reason at all?" Travis asked with a knowing smile. If he counted it correctly, his friend should be on his way to Hacienda de Amore by this time.


    "Shut up! Let''s go already." Winter walked towards the driver''s side and opened the car door. Savannah chose to sit in front and Jillyanna was at the backseat.


    "Make sure to fasten your seatbelt." Travis reminded the three of them before closing the door of the backseat.


    Winter drove the car out of the mansion and head to the city malls. "What are we looking for today?"


    "I want to buy cotton yarn, crochet hook, stitch markers and tapestry weedle." Jillyanna answered happily. "I want to make a warm jacket for him during my free time."


    "Are you planning to give this as a surprise?" Savannah asked while turning her body to the side so that she can face Jillyanna at the back. "Is that why you didn''t bring him with us?"


    "Hn. Do you think he will like it? It is getting colder now and I don''t want him to get cold." Jillyanna commented. Her concern and worry was clearly shown in her eyes.


    "No matter what you give him, if it is from you, he will like it." Savannah stated.


    "I agree. He will cherish whatever you''ll give him." Winter commented while driving. "So let''s go to Mi Familia. They sell lots of yarns and crochet materials."


    And with that, they agreed to find the place that Winter recommended. She wasn''t lying at all. When they arrived at the place, Jillyanna was amazed with place. Since her father left, it was the first time she thought of making crochet again.


    Back when she was still young, her past time was to make crochets with the help of his father. He would teach her patterns and designs whenever he wasn''t busy. But when he left, Jillyanna stopped doing it and put away her things.


    "I miss this smell of the yarns." Jillyanna uttered with her eyes closed. Winter and Savannah just smiled as they watched her feel the scent of the yarns.


    Winter looked for an attendant and asked where the section for cotton yarn was. The attendant guided them to a different aisle which made Jillyanna''s eyes brightened even more.


    She looked for a royal blue, white and maroon cotton yarn, bought several rolls of them to make sure that it would be sufficient. She also bought the other materials for crochet making.

 Chapter 202 - BRIGADIER GENERAL ARRIVES

    On the other hand, Travis called his father who was at the hacienda to get some advice. He needed to leave the house later to buy things as well.


    "Dad, what things should I buy for Jillyanna''s parents? I don''t have any idea at all." Travis admitted on his call to his father. "This is rather difficult than what I have imagined."


    "Imagination and reality are different. Get your ass up and go to the mall. Buy her mother some skin care products and vitamins. Her father loves wine so look for the best wine to gift. For her sister, I heard that she likes bags. For her brother-in-law, he doesn''t like anything particular. I''ll send you a list of groceries to buy later. We''ll prepare some food for them."


    "How do you know all these?" Travis asked in bewilderment.


    "I asked someone to investigate them. You were so busy and didn''t have time to do this so I am helping you. In return, make sure you take care of Jillyanna." Thomas told his son who was still surprised on the other line.


    It took him few minutes to react to what his father said. "Thanks Dad. It is a big help. I''ll leave now. Make sure to come back and eat during lunch."


    "Hn." Thomas ended the call and thought of the ingredients that they needed. He typed everything on his phone and sent it to Travis.


    Travis and his friends went out without any bodyguards this time. They can take care of themselves so there was no need to bring one.


    "Let''s stop by the station first. I need to pick up someone." Travis told them which the other three men agreed.


    "Did you tell Winter that he is coming today?" Hawk asked Travis. Even though he was talking, his eyes were on the cars that was following them.


    "I didn''t. I want to surprise her at least." Travis answered with an evil grin on his lips. Mischief was obvious in his dark but bright eyes.


    Valkyrie chuckled at the back upon hearing them. "Yes, she will be surprised and you will be dead."


    "It is not who I think it is, right?" Brown asked. His eyes were wide open from the shock when he realized who they were talking about.


    "It is him." Valkyrie answered him who was sitting right beside him.


    They reached the train station after half an hour and Travis called the man to find out his location. It took him three rings before the phone was picked up.


    "Where are you now?" Travis asked the man when his call connected.


    "I just got out from the train. I''m heading towards the exit now." the other man answered.


    "Good. We just got here. You''ll find a cafe across the street from the exit gate and you will find a black SUV van."


    "You are using your cheap car to pick me up?"


    "Hn. I have other errands to do so you better show up now or there will be no cheap car to pick you."


    "Same as always. You haven''t changed. Alright, I see you guys now."


    The call ended and Travis saw the person crossing the pedestrian lane when the traffic light changed to stop. Travis opened his car door and helped the man put away his things inside the trunk.


    After tossing all his things, they got inside the car and drove towards the largest mall. "I am glad you could make it."


    "Of course. I won''t let any chance of seeing Winter slip through my hands."


    Valkyrie whistled playfully beside Brown. "I can''t believe that our Brigadier General will fall into the river of love."


    They all laugh at this remark that Valkyrie made. Brown on the other hand was rolling his eyes at the man beside him. "You are speaking for yourself, too. Idiot!" he whispered to himself.


    However, since Valkyrie was paying attention to him, he heard what Brown said. "The river I fell into has a strong current and I am drowning."


    "Then just drown and go die!" Brown snapped back at him. Before he can turn his face away, Valkyrie held on to his chin and placed a kiss on his lips.


    "Get away from me!" he whispered through gritted teeth with flares dancing in his eyes.


    "Stop flirting in front of me or I will throw you out." the Brigadier General warned them which Valkyrie only snorted at.


    Brown felt even more resentful because he was wronged. "I told you to stop fooling around!"


    "Hn. I''ll stop." Valkyrie compromised but his eyes were saying that he won''t.


    They argued back and forth and the other three men could only sigh and shrug their shoulders. Travis parked the car at the open parking lot which became a habit already. Jillyanna hates basement parking lot and he got used to using the open space because of her.


    "Get your hands off of me!" Brown shouted at Valkyrie when they got out. Other people looked at them but Valkyrie didn''t flinch from his shout at all.


    He placed his hand on Brown''s shoulders and walked inside the mall leisurely. "I think we should get used to this." he whispered close to his ears. Brown felt his face become hot and bit Valkyrie''s arm which was on his shoulder.


    "I don''t need to get used to this!" he retorted back after biting his arm. He could see his teeth marks and it was wet because of his saliva so he wiped it with the hem of his sleeves.


    Valkyrie just let him do whatever he was doing but he never let his hand go. He didn''t want to see him running away from him.


    "Gosh! These guys looked so cute together. My heart is beating so fast from seeing them." it was a girl who was shopping books with her friends.


    "Who do you think is the bottom?" one of her friends ask. "I go for the taller one. He looked rather submissive in front of the other guy."


    "I chose the shorter one. Taller guys are indulgent to their lovers outside their nest but when it comes to sex, they are domineering."


    "I don''t care which one is the top or bottom. The most important thing is that they look good together."

 Chapter 203 - WINTER RAN AWAY

    Their conversation made Valkyrie smile happily but it was irking Brown so much that he wanted to kick the person beside him.


    "Did you hear that? We look good together. That''s what they said!" Valkyrie exclaimed happily while they followed the other three men.


    "Shut up! I heard it and there''s no way I''m the bottom! I will never allow that to happen." Brown stomped on Valkyrie''s foot and flung his arm away from his shoulder.


    Valkyrie was thrown into a fit of laughter that attracted many shoppers. He was walking like a model while following Brown who catch up with Hawk.


    They went inside the LV shop to buy Cielo a bag first. Hawk also looked around to buy Savannah a gift. The five of them were looking for the best bag.


    "Should I buy a gift for Dad, too when I come out of the closet?" Valkyrie asked Brown which the latter just ignored. "I need to ask him to formally give you to me."


    "Are you an idiot?! I am not his child. Why are you asking him for my hand?" Brown flicked Valkyrie''s forehead to wake him up.


    "Even if that''s the case, we still have to let him know."


    "What "we"? I never agree to your plan in the first place."


    Valkyrie didn''t speak anything anymore. He was thinking how to tell his father about his sexual orientation and what gift to give him in exchange for Brown.


    Travis called Jillyanna earlier to know if they were done shopping. Since they were all out to shop, he decided to meet up with her and ask for help.


    They were already on their way to the mall where Travis and the other were located. Jillyanna was so happy with her things and she made sure to pack the things nicely to make sure that Travis won''t see the things she bought.


    "Savy, you still have the watches that I bought for Travis right?" Jillyanna uttered after sometime when Travis ended the call.


    "Hn. I have it in my room. I''ll give it to you later."


    "Thanks. I''ll give it to him once we get back."


    "You really made a thorough preparation for this surprise." Winter commented while driving. "Did he tell you where we can meet them?"


    "They just finished buying Cielo''s gift. They were heading to the winery. I''ll send him a message once we arrive." Jillyanna answered.


    They talked about several things on the way to the mall. Winter also apologized for their misunderstandings and told Jillyanna why she misunderstood her. They didn''t mind that Savannah was around since she''s already a family to them.


    When they arrived at the mall, Savannah came out first and waited for the two of them. She just couldn''t believe that Jillyanna went through a lot and remained brave and strong. No wonder Travis said that she''s fragile inside and tend to get insecure easily. Nonetheless, she''s happy that they found happiness in each other''s arms.


    Travis told Jillyanna that they were still inside the winery shop so Jillyanna led them to where they are.


    "I''ll go to the comfort room first." Winter stated right before the entrance of the shop.


    "Okay. We''ll wait for you here before going to the other stores." Savannah replied to her.


    "No need. Don''t wait for me. Just let me know where you are going. I will -"


    "Winter!" Someone called to her and she felt like someone sent her an electric shock.


    "I''m going bye!" she ran in a hurry and was soon out of their sight.


    "What happened? She looked like she saw a ghost." Jillyanna mentioned before going inside the store and find Travis.


    "It wasn''t a ghost but she did see someone." Savannah commented and that''s when Jillyanna realized that a man was looking at them.


    "What are you looking at?" Jillyanna snapped at him because he was staring at her without even blinking.


    "You are that woman who fought the criminals in the video." he stated while watching her walk towards Travis. "You guys know each other?"


    "I''m his wife." Jillyanna declared that surprised Travis the most. She turned to Travis and asked, "Who is he?"


    "This is one of my close friends in the military. This is Gabriel Colton. He is a Brigadier General." Travis answered her. "This is my wife, Jillyanna Madrid." he introduced them to each other.


    "Nice to meet you." Gabriel reached over his hand and Jillyanna took it for a handshake. "May I ask where Winter was going?"


    "Oh! You were the one who called her name." Jillyanna mumbled under her breath. "She went to the comfort room."


    "Looks like she escaped." Travis chuckled before putting down the wine he was holding. His phone was vibrating on his pocket so he pulled it out. "Speak of the devil." He answered it and Winter''s loud yell made him push the phone away from his ear for a while.


    "Damn you RV! Are you really my cousin? Why is he here?! I will kill you once we get home. I don''t want to see him!"


    "He is my visitor, not yours. Besides, why are you getting mad? The person didn''t do anything to you. Come back here already."


    "No! I am not coming back! Tell Jillyanna that I''m off. I am going home now! I''ll leave the car and take a taxi!"


    "Seriously? Gabriel wanted to see you by the way."


    "He saw me already! There''s no need to see me again! I hate you!"


    The call ended and Travis felt like his ears had gone numb from all the shouting. "She went home."


    Savannah laughed so hard upon knowing that Winter went home. She expected it already when she saw that their Brigadier General was around.


    "Are you staying with us?" Savannah asked Gabriel cheerfully. Seeing Winter getting flustered was such a funny thing to see since she was always fierce and cold towards her officers and teams.


    "Hn. I will be staying in the mansion." Gabriel confirmed.


    "Great. We will have a great time for sure."

 Chapter 204 - ROOTING FOR GABRIEL

    After getting all the things they needed for the gifts as well as the bags of groceries, the seven of them returned home with the body guards following behind them.


    "I am so excited to see Lieutenant Colonel''s reaction." Valkyrie stated before he continued humming Jillyanna''s song. "It''s payback for always hindering me and Evan. Hahaha" he laughed so hard that Brown elbowed him on his side.


    "I never expected that after years, she would still have the same reaction when she saw Gabriel." Hawk commented while driving. Since Winter left, he was assigned to drive the SUV and with him was Brown, Valkyrie and Savannah.


    "It is more like a reflex to her." Savannah stated. Her grin was wide that you could tell she has really happy with Winter''s schadenfreude.


    Brown didn''t speak anything about Winter. He didn''t know what her relationship with their Brigadier General and he didn''t want her to get hurt again. He had listened to the whole story of her lover''s betrayal and he didn''t want that to happen to her the second time. However, he could see that Gabriel was serious in pursuing her. It had been years but he never stopped.


    Meanwhile...


    "I didn''t know Winter has a man." Jillyanna commented to no one in particular but she glanced at Gabriel who was sitting at the back while fiddling on his phone. "I don''t think you were the one who betrayed her though." This time, it was directed to Gabriel.


    "Of course it wasn''t me. I will never hurt Winter no matter what." Gabriel replied. "Although she forgot our promise and fall in love to someone else." this last statement was said in a whisper and Jillyanna didn''t hear it clearly. She didn''t clarify it as well since it wasn''t her business.


    "Hubby, what time will we leave tomorrow?" Jillyanna asked Travis who was driving their car back to the mansion.


    Because of what she called him, his mind received a shock and he stepped on the brake accidentally, stopping their car abruptly on the road. It was a good thing that they were no longer in the city or he would''ve caused and accident.


    "Why did you brake suddenly? What''s the matter?" Jillyanna asked looking at his face before looking outside the car to see if they hit someone. "I don''t see any problem."


    "The problem is here." Travis took hold of her left hand and placed it on his chest. "I received a shock and had to stop."


    "What shock are you talking about?" Jillyanna was so confused and she was frowning, feeling the beat of his heart.


    "What did you call me earlier?" Travis asked her.


    "Hubby?"


    "That shocked me." Travis responded with a smile before driving the car again.


    "Geez! Stop flirting in front of me." Gabriel commented to the two of them. Jillyanna just looked at him and grinned mischievously.


    Instead of taking her hand away from Travis, she pulled his right hand and intertwined their fingers, placing it in between their seats, right in front of Gabriel.


    "Hubby, let''s leave around 10 o''clock tomorrow morning." Jillyanna commented. She made sure that she sounded flirty and looked adorable at the same time. It was to make the other man feel jealous because he was single.


    "Hn. Let''s leave at that time. However, I''ll wake up early to prepare the things." Travis replied to her with a sweet smile.


    "Prepare it inside the room. You know you can''t leave me if I am not awake yet."


    "I know. I''ll bring everything upstairs later. Do you have anything to do in the afternoon?"


    "Hn. I''ll be spending time with Savannah. There''s something I needed to do with her."


    "It is really difficult to be a third wheel." Gabriel commented which made Jillyanna laugh so hard. "I really need to work hard."


    "I wish you luck with Winter." she told him cheerfully. Of course, she wanted Winter to be happy. Travis trusted Gabriel and she trusted whatever choice Travis made.


    When they all got home, Thomas was just walking down the stairs to supervise their lunch. "Gabriel! It is nice to see you. I am glad you could make it."


    "Hi uncle. How are you doing? I heard you had a heart attack recently." Gabriel asked while observing the man in front of him.


    "I am doing fine. I was so surprised and happy that time. No need to worry now. I am taking care of myself properly to see my grandchild." Thomas replied happily as he led him to the couch.


    Gabriel looked at Travis before shifting his gaze to Jillyanna. "You are pregnant?"


    "Yup."


    "How long?"


    "2 months now."


    "You are pregnant and you fought?! I don''t know what to say." Gabriel blinked his eyes while watching her with awe. "I can''t believe it. You look so nimble in the video. Winter even said that you were slower compared to your usual form. Now I know. You are pregnant."


    "I am amazing, right?" Jillyanna asked with a grin on her face but she sounded nonchalant instead of happy.


    "It won''t happen again." Travis stated beside Jillyanna.


    Savannah went to the kitchen to check their lunch and found everything was almost set. "Lunch is ready. Let''s all eat so that you can talk after." she called out to them.


    They were having their lunch happily when Gabriel noticed an empty seat and a certain someone was missing.


    "Where''s Winter?" she asked the house servant who passed by him.


    "Ms. Winter brought her food upstairs because she needed to do something."


    Gabriel just nodded his head and continued eating. He was worries that she skipped lunch because of him but knowing that she brought food upstairs, his worry was washed away.


    "Good luck with Winter Gab. I''m rooting for you." Thomas stated which made Gabriel raises his head and looked at the man. "She may have forgotten but my place doesn''t. Use this opportunity to bring back the cheerful Winter."


    "Thank you uncle."

 Chapter 205 - HELPING GABRIEL I

    Winter stayed inside her room ever since she arrived from the mall. She even cooked her own food for lunch and brought it upstairs. She''s got no intention of coming out at all.


    It was past noon already and everyone was done eating but she didn''t show up herself at all. Honestly, she didn''t like eating inside her bedroom but she didn''t want to see Gabriel and now, her empty dishes made her frown and irritated.


    She picked up her phone and called Jillyanna downstairs to send a helper to get her plates.


    "Winter, are you alright?" Jillyanna asked when she received her call. They were staying in the living room having discussion for the next day''s events when she called.


    "I am fine but can you send a helper to my room to get my plates."


    "Sure. I''ll send someone over." Jillyanna had a mischievous smile on her lips before she ended the call. She turned to Gabriel with that cheeky and knowing smile of hers. "Check what she''s doing. Bring a helper so that she can open the door for you."


    Gabriel nodded his head and gave her a respectful salute. "Thanks for helping me out."


    "No worries." Jillyanna gave her phone to Travis since he didn''t want her to keep touching things with radiation.


    Gabriel went to the kitchen and asked a helper to come with him. His things were placed on the guest rooms already and everything had been prepared for him. That was why, he focused his time to Winter and her family.


    ''Knock! Knock! Knock!'' The helper knocked Winter''s door to get her empty plates.


    "Who is it?" Winter called out before opening the door.


    "Miss Winter, I am sent here by Miss Jillyanna to get your plates." The helper said while waiting for the door to open. Gabriel was standing on the side, waiting for Winter to open the door.


    Upon hearing the answer Winter opened the door and reached her hands out with the empty dishes on a tray. She was just about to close it when a foot showed up and stopped the door.


    "Ah! Why the heck are you here?!" she yelled at him but Gabriel wasn''t the least bit bothered with her furious gaze. "Get your foot out or I will really break it."


    "Do it cause I won''t leave." Gabriel stubbornly looked at her, determination and concern swirled in his eyes. "People wanted me to bring back the Winter we knew. I want to fulfill their wishes."


    "Don''t bother." Even if she didn''t want to see him, she didn''t have any reason to hurt him as well so she kept the door open, to avoid breaking his foot. "I am perfectly fine being me right now."


    Gabriel went inside her uninvited. He had been to her room many times and nothing has changed. "Are you planning to stay here the whole time just because I arrived?" He didn''t close the door behind him to give her a little bit of security.


    "So what?"


    "Come with me and walk at the farm."


    "No. I am tired."


    "I''ll carry you off on my back."


    "I am not disabled."


    "I want to show you something."


    "I don''t want to see anything with you."


    They argued back and forth like how they used to when they were younger and that always give her a sense of familiarity. She couldn''t point out why though but, she always feel that way whenever she argued with him. She felt that this happened to them in the past.


    "Lieutenant Colonel Avery, I want you to walk with me at the farm." Gabriel insisted which made her grit her teeth from anger.


    "Don''t order me around. I am not in the camp and you are not in your territory."


    "In that case, shall I make your knees weak so I could carry you in my arms? My kisses work the best whenever this happened." He took a step forward to get closer to her.


    Avery felt alarmed at his statement. Indeed, in the past, whenever she won''t follow his order, he will kiss her until she''s running out of breath, wobbling knees and messed up braincells. He would then carry her in his arms and go to different places where he claimed she would like. However, she hates those places because she always get a headache. After those painful experience, she refused to go to the places he wanted to show her.


    Another reason was because, he wasn''t doing it cause he cared for her. He was doing it because people wanted him to do it and he wanted to fulfill their wishes. He wanted to repay the Madrigal and Avery family for helping him in the past. For him, she was just a task.


    "Don''t do it. Don''t do anything, I''ll come with you." Winter agreed and walked past him towards the door. She didn''t even wait for him and walked out of the house, ignoring the people in the living room.


    "Where are you guys going?" Jillyanna asked Gabriel when he came down.


    "Sight seeing." was his short reply as he ran out of the house to chase Winter who was already out of his sight.


    "Well, we can only rely on him. If Winter remembers everything, I am pretty sure things will brighten up for her. Let''s just trust Gabriel to do what he can." Thomas commented before standing up to go back to his room. "I''ll rest for a while."


    Now that they were left on their own, Jillyanna looked at Savannah which was a signal for them to leave the men.


    "I''ll go upstairs with Savannah." Jillyanna informed Travis. "I''ll come and find you after two hours. Don''t leave the house."


    "Hn." Travis replied to her.


    Savannah and Jillyanna walked upstairs to start their project. Supposedly, Jillyanna was the only one who wanted to make it but Savannah wanted to try and give Hawk a warm sweater. Thus, the two of them started their secret project which was making a crochet of warm sweater for their men.

 Chapter 206 - HELPING GABRIEL II

    Winter walked briskly towards the farm without waiting for Gabriel at all. It wasn''t an issue to Gabriel though because he easily caught up with her.


    "Don''t walk so fast or you''ll get tired soon." Gabriel commented who was already walking leisurely with his long strides beside her. "I can carry you if that happens though."


    "I am perfectly fine. I am not weak so shut your mouth." Winter snapped at him without even throwing him a glance.


    Soon, they reached the farm that the Avery family owned which was now given to Travis after his mother passed away.


    After what happened to her relationship, Winter refused to see her parents or her siblings. It was them who introduced that man to her when she was merely 15 years old, young and foolish, easy to please and couldn''t tell what''s truth from lies.


    "When was the last you''ve visited this farm?" Gabriel asked her when they passed by the huge barn. There were different kinds of animals, different fruit trees and crops that the farmers tend to everyday.


    "I hate this place." she murmured with her eyes closed. "After that accident with Travis, I never set my foot here." she recalled how hard they tried to escape from those kidnappers.


    That night was the longest night of her life. Travis gnashing his teeth from so much pain with his large wound on his back, bleeding excessively and he was sweating. She was limping beside him as they ran away from their pursuers.


    In the end, due to her slow movement, they caught up with them. With a swing of a bat, she was hit at the back of her head, slipping from her consciousness. The next thing she knew was that they were in the hospital but she could no longer remember anything of her past aside from that traumatic experience. Since then, she promised to get stronger and protect her cousin.


    "Winter? Winter, are you listening to me?" Gabriel was shaking her shoulders, snapping her out of her trance. "What''s wrong?"


    "Don''t touch me." Winter swatted her hands away from her shoulders. She walked towards the apple orchard and sat under one of the apple trees. She frowned and looked at the tree again. "I''m having a deja vu." she whispered to herself, ignoring the man who was still standing not far from her.


    "Have you ever thought that this farm holds most of your memories? The ones you''ve completely forgotten."


    "I don''t care. Maybe losing my memories was a good thing. I don''t want to recall anything of my past." She answered him firmly. She''s determined to bury her past behind her no matter what happens.


    On the other hand, Jillyanna was shocked from the news she learned from Savannah.


    "I didn''t know it happened! Travis didn''t tell me about this." Jillyanna exclaimed while making a pattern for her crochet.


    Savannah took a deep breath and sighed heavily. "I thought he told you about this since he told you about the kidnapping incident. Sorry for telling you without his permission."


    "It''s fine. I''ll ask him about it later. I''m pretty sure he''s got his reasons for not telling me." Jillyanna just shrugged her shoulders before she continued drawing her pattern. Even though she said it, she couldn''t help but feel guilty towards Winter.


    Perhaps, it was fate that they met and became friends. She would''ve never thought that she was with Travis during that incident.


    As promised, she stopped working with her crochet after two hours. She got the watches she bought from Savannah and let her keep their materials.


    She was looking for Travis to talk to him about the incident when Winter stormed inside the room. She was rather pale compared to the time she left and she refused Gabriel''s help as well to carry her back to her room.


    "Just stay away from me. I''m begging you." Winter plead which stopped Gabriel on his track. Despite her strength and skills in combat and missions, she was still a woman who''s weak in front of him.


    Gabriel didn''t press her and just watched her leave from his sight. He saw Jillyanna who was watching them from the second floor with a questioning gaze thrown at him.


    Gabriel just shrugged his shoulders and went to the kitchen to get something to drink for Winter. Jillyanna knew he wouldn''t just ignore her friend so she continued to look for Travis.


    She found him in the study room with several photo album. "You look worried." she stated while walking towards him. "I heard about Winter. I have deduced that she lost her memories with what Dad said earlier. However, I didn''t expect her to be involved in that incident."


    "Let''s talk inside our room. I''ll give these albums to Gabriel first." Travis replied to her and picked up the album. When they got out of the study room, Gabriel was on his way to Winter''s bedroom. "Gabriel, I have something for you." he handed him the albums which contained pictures of him and Winter when they were kids.


    "I don''t think she can handle another stimuli this time. I''ll keep it and show this to her next time. Thanks."


    "We should be the one thanking you for helping us." Travis commented before turning his back and walked with Jillyanna towards their room.


    Just as he opened the door, Gabriel called out to him. "I am not doing this for you or for her family. I am doing this for me and for herself. I never thought of her as a task."


    Travis smiled and looked at his friend. "I''ve known that since we were kids. No need to explain anything to me. Everything was spoken through your eyes."


    Knowing that he got their support, Gabriel went to find Winter in her room. He wanted to make her realize that she did the right choice by cutting off her marriage, that what happened to her relationship had a purpose. He was only worried of one thing, that was for her to find out that everything was a set up.

 Chapter 207 - WINTERS INVOLVEMENT

    Gabriel knocked on Winter''s door but she didn''t open it. He expected that to happen so he wasn''t the least bit surprise at all.


    "Winter open the door. You know it is easy for me to rig this or I can just kick it. Which one do you want me to do?" He called out to her even though he knew that she wouldn''t be able to hear him clearly. All of the rooms inside the mansion were customized to be soundproofed except for the maid''s quarter and their bodyguards'' room.


    Winter heard his muffled voice outside and she knew that he was up to no good again. She already had a hunch that he was either going to kick the door or rig it. It happened many times in the past that she had to change her door multiple times because of him.


    Still looking pale, she opened the door and found him raising his foot to kick it. She massaged her temple upon seeing this sight and felt an oncoming headache. "Don''t you dare kick my door here!"


    "Eat something warm. You look pale and unsightly." he commented while getting inside her room uninvited. He was holding a tray with a warm chicken soup inside for her. "If your head still hurts, drink this medicine." he handed her a piece of tablet for pain reliever.


    "What are you trying to do now?" Winter asked him without leaving the place where she stood. She didn''t close the door either to make sure that she can escape if he will make a move against her.


    Gabriel smiled at her before walking out of the room. "I am just sending your food here. I''ll get the empty bowls later. Make sure to eat it."


    For the first time in history, he left without a fuss which surprised the hell out of Winter. She had prepared herself to battle it out with him if he will do something again but her expectation didn''t happen.


    "Yes. I''ll eat it. You can go out now. Thanks." She pushed him out of her room as quickly as possible before he would change his mind.


    Gabriel was laughing internally as he watched her expression. Distracted with her, he didn''t notice that a picture fell from the album that he was holding. "I''ll come back later."


    Winter didn''t answer and just closed the door in front of him. She was ecstatic to see him leave her without her saying anything rude to him. It was really a great surprise.


    She walked towards the rows of cabinet where Gabriel placed the tray. She was about to pick it up when she saw a photo on the floor. She picked the picture first before picking the tray and went to her mini lounge to eat.


    In the other room, Travis and Jillyanna talked about the incident without leaving any information behind. She needed to know the truth or she won''t be able to face Winter again.


    "I was kidnapped with Winter. Most of the time, they would inflict pain on me. Winter was just caught up with me since we came home together that time." He sounded melancholic as he looked back into the past. His eyes held a dismal expression and he was staring into space. "The night your mother died was also the same night that we tried to escape. She sprained her ankle when we were running, slowing her down and so our pursuers caught us. They were about to him me with a bat since I was their main target but Winter protected me."


    "How did you guys escape?" Jillyanna was confused since their kidnappers caught them and it was just the two of them. Unless...


    "It is just as you thought." Travis admitted, expressionless face and cold voice made him look like a merciless devil. "It was the first time I killed."


    Jillyanna was speechless. She didn''t know of this. She didn''t know that she hated the man without knowing anything. Her heart ache for him and she didn''t know what to say. Her tears started falling down her face and she wiped it with the back of her hand.


    "So what happened next?" Jillyanna inquired to make sure that she knew everything even if it was painful to hear.


    Travis looked at her and wiped her wet lashes with his thumb. "Sorry for making you cry again."


    "I am fine." Jillyanna laughed awkwardly to hide her pain. "Go on."


    Travis held her hands with his and continued speaking. "I had to kill them or we will be dead. They weren''t armed, I guess it was because they were confident we won''t fight back. I used the same baseball bat to beat them. I called my mother after that but she wasn''t able to respond. We were then rescued by my father. That night was the longest night of my life. Due to the fact that we were kidnapped, I was deemed innocent and that my actions were of self-defense."


    "So now, you are all asking Gabriel to make her remember her past?"


    "Hn. Gabriel is the only person who can do that since they spent most of their times together when they were kids. And we all know he can make her happy."


    "Why didn''t you ask his help before? Why now?"


    "Because this is the second time Winter came here ever since that accident. She came home because of you and I am thankful for that." Travis kissed the back of her hand before he continued to talk. "Winter hated the farm so much and we don''t know why."


    "Do you think I can help her? I mean, maybe she''d remember if I say something. My mother was involved in this matter after all." Jillyanna commented.


    "You can give it a try. You don''t have to feel guilty if it won''t work." Travis nodded her head. "I hope she''ll remember something though. Even if it is just a little bit.


    While they were talking about Winter''s involvement in that kidnapping incident, the subject of their conversation was knocking furiously on Gabriel''s door.


    "Gab! Open this door! We need to talk right now! Open this goddamn door!" She kicked it and knocked on it but when it was opened, she blushed from what she saw and throw a punch on his chest. "Put on your damn clothes!"

 Chapter 208 - WANTED TO CLARIFY BUT CANT

    "You are so adamant in making me open the door and I didn''t get to put on my clothes." Gabriel stated with his raised brow. "Shouldn''t that be your fault?" He was standing right in front of her, half-naked with just a towel wrapped around his waist.


    "You knew someone was on the door. You should''ve at least put on some clothes!" she yelled at him before turning around to avoid seeing him. "Put on some clothes now. I need to talk to you." she calmly stated while trying to ease her beating heart. ''I''m worried that the towel would fell.'' she added mentally before covering her hot face.


    She heard him walking around the room, shuffling through his bag and putting on his clothes. She didn''t turn around until she was told to do so.


    "I''m done." Gabriel said while wiping his hair with another dry towel. "What is it that bring your feet voluntarily here?"


    She stood a few feet from him and handed him the picture. Compared to her previous stubborn and hate towards him, she was being shy and docile right now while showing him their photo.


    "How did you get this? I didn''t show you the photos earlier." Gabriel spoke before reaching out to get the picture from her.


    Winter remained calm and compose despite all the confusions and questions in her mind. "Did we know each other prior to our meeting in the military camp?"


    "Hn." was his simple answer. He walked towards his bedside drawer and slid the picture inside. "Is there anything else?"


    "Nothing. Nevermind. I was just shocked to see your photo with me. Thanks for confirming." she smiled faintly at him, a smile that didn''t reach her eyes. "That''s all I have to ask." She turned on her back and walk away. ''I told you! You shouldn''t expect anything at all!'' she yelled internally to herself. ''You promised not to fall in love again. You better keep your promise and distance yourself.''


    She was having an inner monologue as she walked out of the room. Gabriel wanted to chase after her but he didn''t know if she had remembered anything. Base on her reaction, it was a complete surprise to see a picture with the both of them but there was no recognition in her eyes. She didn''t remember him.


    Winter came back to her room with a disappointed expression. She was expecting him to say something about their past now that she saw a picture of them but his reaction wasn''t what she expected at all.


    She could still remember the day she met him in the military camp during her first day of enlistment. He was shock that she was there but she didn''t know him at all. She didn''t know what he did but he became friendly of her and started bringing her to places that she hated the most. When she got her heart broken, he would always check on her if she was still fine, monitoring her until she felt so frustrated of him and left, drinking herself to death. If Travis didn''t come at that time, she would''ve died from alcohol poisoning already.


    When she found out his identity and connection to the Avery family, she despised him so much and started avoiding him. Whenever she saw him, she would automatically find a way to escape.


    There were times that she ended up in his arms and she hated him so much for that. She hated him for kissing her when he didn''t love her at all. She hated him for taking care of her because she was a task he needed to care. She hated him for forcing her to remember her past when all it would bring her would be agony and pain.


    "I don''t want to remember anyone. I don''t want to remember the broken promise." she murmured to herself as she sat on the cold floor with her back leaned against the door.


    "I hate everyone." she whispered, slowly closing her eyes and slept on the cold floor.


    The next moment when she opened her eyes, she saw Gabriel standing at the foot of her bed while talking to a handsome doctor. ''Oh god! It''s Brown.'' she commented mentally and face-palmed herself.


    "What are you guys doing in my room?" she asked them which brought their attention to her.


    "See? She''s doing fine. She was just exhausted." Brown told Gabriel which made Winter raised her eyebrows.


    "C''mon. Of course I am fine. Hurry up and get out of my room already. I want to sleep." she spoke softly before curling her body on the bed to comfort herself. ''You will be fine. No worries.''


    "Alright. I''ll go out now." Brown left her room in a hurry. He still needed to talk to Jillyanna about his mission.


    Leaving the two of them alone, he knocked on the door of Travis and Jillyanna''s room. Travis opened the door and let him in.


    "I have something to show you." Brown spoke while pulling out his phone. He scrolled through his gallery and found several pictures that she wanted to show her. "Here. Take a look."


    Jillyanna took his phone and looked at the photos with Travis. "How did you get pictures of these people. I''ve heard that they haven''t been home per my sources."


    "They are the ones I am investigating right now. It was said that they are having illegal human experiments." Brown answered her which widened Jillyanna''s eyes.


    "Oh god! That must be the reason why they were so bent on getting my mother''s research." Jillyanna stated while looking at the pictures. It was her mother''s family who was working on a laboratory with different body organs.


    "How did you get to work in there?" Travis asked Brown.


    "They were looking for a doctor. However, I don''t have access to the whole buildings since I am a newbie. I am still under monitoring and close observation. I was only able to come back because it is weekend."


    "Be careful always." Jillyanna told him while returning his phone back to him. "They are ruthless and merciless."

 Chapter 209 - NIGHT BEFORE MARRIAGE

    After a long day, they finally got to rest and prepare themselves for the next day''s event. Jillyanna was sitting on their bed while waiting for Travis to come out of the shower room.


    She prepared the watches in advance and places the one for Travis on his bedside drawer. He soon came out with his bathrobe on while wiping his hair with a dry towel.


    "Here''s your clothes." Jillyanna handed him his clothes to change before getting the hair dryer. "After putting on your clothes, you sit on the bed so I can dry your hair."


    "Wait." Travis walked towards his side of the bed and took the small black box. "Is this for me?" he asked Jillyanna who just came to his side.


    "Hn. Open it."


    With her confirmation, Travis opened the box to see a watch in it. It was black with silver outlines. It was waterproof and most of all, it has her name engraved on it.


    "You were already planning to stake your claim before agreeing this marriage huh." Travis teased her while putting on the watch on his left wrist.


    "I was even thinking of locking you away." Jillyanna admitted with a grin on her face, clearly happy that he likes her gift. "Come here. Let me dry your hair for you."


    "Why are you being nice to me? You are not planning to escape again, right?"


    "Of course I am and I am planning to bring you with me this time." Her words melted his heart. He had been waiting to hear these from her, indirectly sweet and warm from her love.


    Instead of drying his hair, Travis picked her up and sat on the bed. Instinctively, Jillyanna wrapped her arms around his neck and straddled her legs on his waist.


    "I am so happy for us. If possible, I want to skip the hours and make it Monday already." he spoke before kissing the tip of her nose, making her giggle from his words.


    "I want to skip the time, too." she admitted before placing a kiss on his forehead like how he does everyday to her. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you and with the baby."


    "Likewise sweetheart. I don''t want any other woman aside from you." Travis mentioned lovingly to her. She could see his naked love and sincerity in his eyes that warmed her heart.


    Without giving him a warning, she leaned closer to him and initiated a kiss. Her gentle kisses turned wild and wet and their tongue danced like it had never been. Travis supported the back of her head and tilted it a little to get the best angle he wanted.


    It was a kiss full of passion and love. A way for her to communicate when she''s lost for words. "I love you Travis." she mumbled after an intense kiss. She looked at him directly in his eyes, hands holding both sides of his face as she spoke. "You are the only man for me. No matter what happens, even when you think you''re unlucky to marry me, I will never leave your side."


    "Darling, can we do it?" he teased her even though he knew she would refused.


    "Nope." Jillyanna answered immediately knowing what he meant. "We are getting married tomorrow and I have to stand with you."


    "Then how about after marriage. We can have a mini honeymoon, right?


    "Nope. You spent our honeymoon already four days ago." Jillyanna refused and laugh at the same time. "If only you could see your face right now." she kissed his lips again before reaching her hand to the hair dryer which she placed on his bed side drawer.


    Travis supported her waist and back while she get the hair dryer. Still in his arms, she started drying his hair slowly.


    "I can''t have a second honeymoon?" Travis asked her again, his hopeful eyes made Jillyanna rolled her eyes at him.


    "Second honeymoon it is." she agreed to him since he''ll be her husband anyway. "Just once and you take care of yourself in the next round."


    "My wife is so mean." Travis chuckled at his words. "She won''t help me at all. She didn''t know that it is painful if it is not taken care of properly."


    "Stop spouting nonsense. It could only be once or none."


    "Okay." he obediently nodded his head cause he knew that whenever they do it, once would end up thrice.


    Jillyanna didn''t know what he was thinking but she didn''t mind at all. She knew he wasn''t thinking about anything good.


    That night, the two of them slept peacefully. Jillyanna was snuggling in his arms like always with her hands hugging his waist. Travis always like their sleeping position and when she was sleeping on her side of the bed, he would always pull her and let her sleep in his embrace. Feeling her warm and soft body assured him of her existence beside him.


    In the other room where Brown and Valkyrie stayed, they were still awake and Brown was glaring at Valkyrie.


    "Go sleep on your bed! Why do you have to fit yourself here on my bed?" he was flailing his right arm on Valkyrie''s back but he didn''t budge at all.


    Valkyrie had his arms wrapped around nicely on Brown''s waist. He even pulled him a little higher so that he can bury his face on his flat chest. He didn''t mind receiving his punches as long as he get the chance to sleep with him.


    Brown got tired and his hands were getting numb, too. He stopped punching him and sighed heavily at the top of Valkyrie''s head.


    "I want to sleep." Brown whispered to him.


    "Then sleep. I will stay here beside you."


    "I don''t need you to do this. Go back to your bed and sleep."


    "I need this." Valkyrie held on to him stubbornly. He will never let this chance go.


    Left with no other choice, Brown let him do whatever he wanted to do. He won''t suffer any loss anyway. ''Dr. Anderson, I am really sorry for liking your son.'' he apologized mentally to the busy man working in the military hospital.

 Chapter 210 - MEETING HER PARENTS FORMALLY

    The next morning, everyone woke up early due to their excitement. Even though they were not the one getting married, they were excited for Travis.


    Who would expect that he would reunite with his childhood sweetheart in such a way? Hooking up the first night they saw each other and having a baby along the way. Chasing after her, rescuing her and through all the ups and downs, they still ended up together.


    "I am so excited for Jillyanna." Savannah exclaimed while they prepare the food that they would bring. Since it was a family event, they wanted to prepare the things themselves, giving the helpers a day off.


    "I know right. I wish they would hold a wedding soon. I have always wanted to organize a wedding and Travis told me before that he won''t get married. Good thing she came back to his life." Winter chatted while slicing up the vegetable that Savannah needed.


    "Good morning Winter." Gabriel greeted her in the kitchen when he came to get a glass of water.


    "My morning was good but it was ruined because of you! Stay away from me." she stabbed the chopping board in front of her but Gabriel didn''t listen to her at all.


    He even walked to her side and leaned on the table to see her face. "Weren''t you docile and shy when I took care of you last night? Why are you attacking me again?"


    Winter started to blush from embarrassment. She never wanted anyone to know that he was taking care of her and he just spilled it!


    "Shut up! I didn''t tell you to do it." she looked at him defiantly and snickered. "I would rather die than ask for your help."


    "I see. Alright. I will stop pestering you now." Gabriel left after saying his words and didn''t show up in front of her again.


    Savannah and Brown who were watching and listening to their interaction didn''t say anything. They looked at each other before they continued to cook as if nothing happened in front of them.


    Jillyanna dressed up and wore the same watch that Travis have. She made sure that their outfit would also complement with each other.


    "Are you nervous?" Jillyanna asked him while fixing his neck tie for him in front the mirror.


    "A little bit." Travis admitted to her. "I feel like this is too good to be true."


    "Me too. I can still remember the days that I tried to escape from you and all I can do now is laugh at it." she chuckled towards her statement. She straightened his clothes and let him see himself in the mirror. "We look good together."


    "We are." he was about to kiss her when Jillyanna placed her hand on his mouth to stop him.


    "If you kiss me now, I don''t think we will make it in time." she stated while removing her hand from him.


    "Just a peck." he replied and stole a kiss the same time before she could react. "Very quick."


    She looked at him and he did the same. With their foolish gestures and childish actions, they couldn''t help it but laugh at each other.


    "You are so adorable."


    "You are handsome."


    Saying sweet words, complimenting each other, this became a habit to them already. A new way of expressing their love.


    Around 10 o''clock in the morning, everything was all set and ready. Travis chose his Porsche 911 GT2 RS car for today. His other sports car was burned in front of the hospital when they visited the reporter.


    Gabriel drove another car from the garage and Thomas together with Brown and Valkyrie was riding with him. Brown had a frown on his face but Valkyrie''s smile was as bright as the day.


    Winter used her own car without anyone accompanying her. She''d rather be alone, she''s used to it already. Hawk and Savannah used another car and followed them out.


    Several body guards were following them to ensure their safety even though they were capable of protecting themselves.


    After half an hour of driving, the parade of luxury cars stopped in front of the Madrid''s family villa. They waited for the gate to open and drove inside.


    Diego and Cheska came together as well after Travis invited him and Jillyanna agreer with him. Wynwyn and Zachary also arrived to show their support. They also brought some gifts for Jillyanna''s family.


    "Thanks for coming." Jillyanna looked at them with her sincere smile. Her hands were trembling at her side from being nervous. Even though she knew it would be successful, she couldn''t stop herself from getting nervous.


    Travis intertwined their fingers and went inside the house with his gifts for them. Cielo was the first person to see them and greeted them happily before taking her sister away from them.


    Cielo brought her to the basement where they usually do their workouts. "How are you? Are you nervous?" she asked her sister who nodded her head slowly. "That''s fine. I was very nervous when I got married too."


    Jillyanna looked down on her feet and rubbed her arms as if she was cold. "How do I put it? It''s not the nervous of getting rejected or nervous of facing our parents. It is something else."


    "What do you mean?"


    "I don''t know. I feel like something bad will happen."


    Cielo flicked her forehead to calm her. "Silly. What else could happen here? Everyone has approved of your marriage already. It is just a formality process to meet our parents."


    "I know. Let''s go back to them. Travis might be fidgeting on his seat already." Jillyanna commented before going back to the living room.


    Everyone was sitting comfortably and Travis was smiling genuinely at his parents. Her anxiety was washed away and she soon relaxed herself.


    "Yanna, where is Cielo? She didn''t even call us and took you away." Sky stated while looking for her other daughter. "We are talking about you. Come and join us here already."


    Jillyanna sat beside Travis and took hold of his hand. "What are you guys talking about?"

 Chapter 211 - WEDDING PLANS

    The gifts were places on the coffee table and Sky didn''t bother opening them. She knew it would be expensive even if they would say it was not.


    In any case, she was happy that Jillyanna finally found a man whom she was willing to spend the rest of her life. It was another way to repay Elizabeth for her kindness towards Alex - making sure that her only child was happy and living a good life.


    "We were talking about your choice of wedding date." Sky told her, eyes held so much joy and happiness for her.


    Jillyanna looked towards Travis to ask for his opinion. "What day and what month? Do you have anything in mind?"


    "In my opinion we can have it 2 months from now so that your tummy isn''t big yet or we can do it three months after you give birth. I don''t want to stress you over this matter."


    "Then let''s have it two months from now." she agreed immediately without any hesitation. "Wait." she halted her words and looked at her parents. "You mean you agreed that I will get married?"


    "Hn. There''s no need to reject this marriage. We accepted this long time ago and we were just waiting for this formalities." Alex answered her question. Lucian chuckled seeing his sister''s bewildered expression.


    "Oh. Okay. Thanks for agreeing." she responded and let out a sigh of relief. Travis couldn''t help but smile at her reaction. She even made sure that they agreed to marry him.


    "Since you are planning to get married in two months, I''ll ask several wedding planners to help us." Cielo interjected before sitting down beside her husband. Lucian put his arm around his waist and hugged her lightly.


    "Since Jillyanna is pregnant it won''t be good to keep her busy. I can help with the preparation." Winter volunteered herself cheerfully.


    "Thank you Miss Avery." Sky responded with a smile.


    "Just call me Winter. No need to be formal. We''ll become family after all."


    Brown came to her side and whispered something which made her look dejected.


    "Winter, you still have an important matter at hand. It''s fine if you can''t help. Just make sure you attend the wedding day." Jillyanna rescued her knowing that her friend was still in the middle of a mission with Brown.


    "Right. I''ll take a step back this time." she mumbled sadly and looked down on her hand.


    Brown rubbed her back to comfort her. On the other hand, Valkyrie was very attentive to this meeting. He was even noting some tips on his phone.


    "What are you doing?" Brown asked him in a whisper, keeping his face straight like he wasn''t talking to him at all.


    Valkyrie showed him his phone, particularly the notes he was typing down. "I need to learn in order to successfully win my father and get your hands for marriage." He was speaking so close to his ear that he could feel his lips caressing his earlobe everytime he opened and closed his mouth.


    Brown turned his face abruptly to throw insults at him but because he was so close, when he faced him, their lips touched which sent him an electric shock. He immediately covered his mouth and took a step back.


    Cielo saw it and giggled beside Lucian. Hearing her faint laughter, Brown was so embarrassed that he wanted to dig a hole and bury himself.


    Valkyrie knew that Cielo was looking at them since she came back from the basement. He placed his index finger on his lips and throw a playful wink at her.


    Cielo smiled and nodded her head while making a zipping sign of her lips to indicate that she''s keeping it a secret. Nonetheless, Brown was still flustered with what happened.


    Gabriel was also paying attention to the meeting. He can learn from it and use it once it was his turn to get married. He looked at Winter who was talking with Savannah but she never throw a glance at him.


    Gabriel listened to the discussion once again while observing Winter from his peripheral vision. He always wanted to see her smile but whenever she''s with him, she always frown and glare at him. There was never a day that she smiled genuinely at him ever since they met in the military camp.


    Jillyanna''s parents and Thomas talked about the wedding plan and the budget for wedding which was nulled by Travis. "Don''t worry about the budget. It is not an issue."


    "But we should at least contribute even if it is a a little bit compared to your wealth." Alex insisted and handed him a card that contained their dowry.


    "Dad, I am not looking down on your wealth. However, Jillyanna and I talked about this before already. My money is for her and her money is for our child. How about you save it for your grandchild?" Travis tried to refuse without coming off to be rude or arrogant.


    "Okay. If you say so. When the time comes that our grandchild is born, don''t refuse this little money."


    "Hn. I will certainly accept that for the baby." Travis compromised with them. They talked about several things and had lunch together. Even during lunch, their discussion didn''t stop.


    "Is Jenny coming tonight?" Jillyanna asked her family since Jenny was still having a class when she informed her about her marriage registration.


    "Yup. She said she''ll come right after her class." Cielo responded while putting some food on her plate.


    Jillyanna just nodded her head and ate the food that Travis placed on her plate. There was no rice at all, most of the food she had were seafood and meat.


    "I want to have rice." she complained to him while looking on his plate which had rice on it.


    "Just a cup of rice no more than that."


    "Hn. 1 cup is fine." she smiled happily at him. "I don''t really get big that easily."


    "I am not worried about you getting big. I am worried that you won''t be able to give birth through normal delivery. You don''t like to get a C-section, right?" he spoke to her while placing a scoop of rice on her plate.


    "When I give birth, make sure to let me eat a lot." she put a spoonful of food on her mouth and chewed it happily.


    "Of course." he answered with a mischievous grin. He leaned closer at her and whispered, "After all, we can burn out whatever you eat during our night exercise."


    Jillyanna choked on her food and glared at her with her teary eyes. She was even kicking his legs under the table. Travis gave her a glass of water, rubbing her back to calm her at the same time, holding his laughters in control.

 Chapter 212 - CALM BEFORE THE STORM

    During lunch, they left their things in the living room. Travis had placed his phone and wallet on Jillyanna''s bag because he didn''t want her to be exposed in too much radiation from gadgets.


    They didn''t know that his secretary had been calling him multiple times. It was an important matter but she didn''t know where her boss was.


    She was still working at the Finance Department as her boss instructed her to do so in order to observe Mr. Guevarra. Today was just like any other day. There was no abnormalities in the target''s action. That was until lunch break.


    "I heard the boss is getting his marriage registration today. Mr. Sandoval wanted to come but he''s got work to do so he sent his son over." one of the secretaries who came to eat in their private cafeteria chatted.


    "Really? OMG! I am so happy for them. They looked so good together and I do think it is time to register their marriage specially that our young madam has a baby." replied the other employee.


    It wasn''t just them who was talking about it. Other employees who heard of the news were happy and expressed their well wishes, except for a certain someone.


    He was eating alone and didn''t like talking to anyone. Travis'' secretary observed him for a long time while eating her food. When he was done eating, he placed his empty dishes on a tray and placed it on the counter for washing.


    She followed him immediately even though she didn''t finish her food yet. She saw him walk to a corner and pulled out his phone. She hid behind a wall to listen to him.


    "I heard he is getting married. Wait at the Office of Marriage Affairs and do your work. I don''t care if you cripple him. The most important thing is for the woman to die. He should know the pain of losing someone."


    The secretary heard every single word he said and she started having a goosebump. She left the place immediately and started calling Travis. She called him again and again but no one picked up.


    Unknown to her, the man had caught up with her. Since it was lunch break no one was around because they were taking their lunch. He strike the back of her head with his strong arms, making her lose her consciousness.


    He dragged him into the storage room where no one usually go unless it was time to clean the glass windows of the building which would happen next month. By that time, they''d only find a corpse inside. He even taped her mouth, tied her hands at her back and tied her legs together to make sure that she couldn''t make any noise.


    He looked around the place and found no one was around. He didn''t find any CCTV cameras as well so he was confident with his work. A sinister smile crept on his lips before he went back to work like nothing happened.


    "Where is Ms. Eva? She isn''t back yet?" one of the employees asked when she came back from lunch.


    "She isn''t back yet. Maybe boss asked needed her to process something." another employee answered.


    "But her bag is still here."


    "It''s fine. She always bring her phone with her so boss can contact her." They ignored their worries and continued to work. Soon, Mr. Guevarra came back and continued working too with glee.


    At three in the afternoon, Travis and Jillyanna went to the Office of Marriage Affairs to register their marriage without checking their phones at all. Whenever they were together, there was no need for gadgets.


    Registering for marriage wasn''t a long process. You just have to sign documents and a lawyer will sign and testify to your marriage before officially putting a seal on your certificate.


    "There is a wedding photo boutique beside the office building. Shall we get a set of pictures before we have our official wedding?" Jillyanna suggested since she wanted to have a remembrance for this day.


    "Sounds like a plan. Let''s go?" Travis reached out for her hand. Jillyanna took it and laced their fingers as they walk out of the building.


    "It was Mr. Madrigal right? I wasn''t seeing anything?" an office woman whispered to her colleague.


    "Yes, that is him. The woman is Miss Jillyanna Madrid. They just got their marriage certificate."


    "I envy them so much. I hope their baby is girl and as adorable and pretty as her."


    "They look so good together. It does not matter as long the baby is healthy."


    People whispered and wished them luck and blessings as they watched them leave the building.


    Jillyanna opened the sliding door and went inside the average wedding photo boutique. "Good afternoon, do you also lend some wedding attires here?" Jillyanna asked to an attendant.


    "Yes ma''am. We have different suits and wedding gowns. Let me show you the way." a young lady informed them and led them all the way to the back off the place. There were rows of wedding gowns with their prices as well as different suits.


    Jillyanna chose a gown with a sheer style of sleeves and a multi-layer dress. It was fitting to her waist and the gems embedded on the dress were sparkling like real diamonds when the light hits it. She looked for a suit that would look good together with it and gave it to Travis.


    A make up artist and hairstylist was waiting for them on a different room to help them. When she saw Jillyanna she didn''t touch her face at all. There was no need to do her make up when she''s already beautiful. She chose to work on her hair and sweep it up high on top of Jillyanna''s head with a stunning twists and curls. She left some loose strands to fall out from her head to frame her face in absolute perfection.


    "I like it. Thank you." Jillyanna expressed her gratitude before going out to meet Travis.


    "The most gorgeous bride I have ever seen." Travis commented while looking at her from head to toe.


    "Stop staring at me and let''s take a photo." she smiled at him cheerfully before linking her arm with his. They walked to another room with different backdrop and chose the garden theme.


    When they finished taking their shots, they chose the sizes and paid the down payment. However, Jillyanna''s hands tremble and she felt nervous again.


    "Let''s have someone pick us up?" she asked Travis who was paying for their photos. "I feel very nervous today."


    "Trust your instincts ma''am." the cashier told her when she heard what Jillyanna said.

 Chapter 213 - THE COLD JILLYANNA

    "Okay. Let me call Hawk to pick us up." Travis agreed to reassure her. He was holding Jillyanna''s bag so he pulled out his phone from her bag which worried him.


    In his notification was several missed calls from his secretary. "Let me call my secretary first. Looks like she''s got an urgent matter."


    "Go ahead." Her anxiety was so high that she felt suffocated from breathing hard. She was looking left and right to see if there''s anyone who will most likely attack them.


    The both of them walked out of the photo studio while Travis was trying to reach his secretary. He was dialing her number thrice but no one answered him.


    "This is bad." he cursed beside her before dialing someone else''s number. "Find my secretary right now." that''s all he said and called someone else again.


    They were crossing the road to get back to their car when Jillyanna saw a car speeding up towards them. "Travis!"


    It happened so quick that her braincells weren''t able to process the details of the event. Travis threw his phone and pulled her in his arms. His right hand was protecting her head and his left hand was holding her waist to protect the baby.


    He launched his body to the side of the road, acting as a cushion to protect Jillyanna when they landed. They bodyguards didn''t expect it to happen and they were all shock.


    Jillyanna was shock to the point that she couldn''t hear anything around her. She raised her head to see if Travis was fine but all she could see was blood.


    "Travis?" she called out to them. She didn''t even want to move because she saw afraid to worsen his state. "Travis, please open up your eyes. I''m scared."


    No matter how many times she called he didn''t answer her. Jillyanna started crying in his arms while trying to pull her body away from him. That''s the time she saw his actual situation.


    An ambulance arrived and they put Travis on a stretcher as well as Jillyanna. The bodyguards picked up her bag and Travis'' phone before following them to the hospital.


    The four of the bodyguards called different people simultaneously to inform them of what happened. Thomas almost had a heart attack again but it was a good thing that Brown was there.


    "Instead of a celebration, am I getting a funeral?" Thomas questioned himself with a shaking voice.


    "Travis will be fine uncle. He will be fine." Brown comforted the old man beside him. Instead of a celebration, they all went to the hospital to see how they were doing.


    Travis was still inside the operation room while Jillyanna went through different tests to make sure that she and the baby was fine.


    "I can only pray and hope that your husband will be fine. He protected you so well that you only got scratches here and there. No serious injury or wound. The baby is also doing fine." The doctor who checked on her stated with a faint smile.


    Jillyanna started crying and held on to the doctor''s hands. "Please ask them to do their best. Money is not an issue. I just want my husband to survive."


    "I understand. Don''t cry or the baby will also be unhappy. As doctors we love to see our patients survive too."


    Jillyanna stopped crying and wiped her face with the tissue that the doctor gave her. Since there wasn''t anything worrisome in her situation, she didn''t stay long and got herself discharged with the help of the bodyguards.


    She also got her bag and the bodyguards guided her to where Travis was having his operation. Not long after she arrived, their family came with sorrowful expressions.


    Jillyanna didn''t say anything to them. She didn''t look at them either. She was fiddling with Travis'' phone since it was still working. There was just a small crack at the top but it was still doable. She saw the several missed calls from his secretary and if she remembered correctly, it looked like to her that it was an urgent matter like what Travis said.


    She dialed the number again but it will just ring and ring without anyone answering her call. She also found the number that Travis called earlier and dialed it again.


    "Sir, we haven''t found secretary Eva. But we are sure that she''s still within the premises of our company. The people in the Finance Department said that she hasn''t come back since lunch yet." The man on the other side talk and talk and Jillyanna just listened to him. She didn''t cut him off until he was done talking.


    "Look at the CCTV and the place that she was before she got lost from the camera''s sight. Find her at the places that doesn''t have cameras. You only have three hours to find her before I fire you. Do your job and find his secretary."


    The man on the other line stiffened from the sudden coldness of her voice. He was a fan and he heard her voice many times through her singing but he didn''t expect that it can be this cold as well.


    "Yes ma''am. We will find her right away." The man ended the call and turned to his colleagues. "Looks like something happened to our boss. We have three hours to find secretary Eva or you know the consequence already."


    They all moved quickly and looked for secretary Eva from every nook and cranny of the building. One man was stationed at the monitoring room to find her last location and relay it to the other men.


    "Oh my gosh! This couldn''t be." Winter walked to Jillyanna and tried comforting her.


    "Don''t touch me." her bone-chilling cold voice stopped Winter from rubbing her back. Her eyes held no warmth and it looked dull and lifeless.


    Using her own phone, she contacted someone under their full observation. They wanted to comfort her but they felt a huge wall stopping them from taking a step. The woman in front of them wasn''t the Jillyanna they knew.


    Lucian had seen this expression though. It was when he found her preparing herself to assassinate someone. "Jillyanna! I am telling you to stop it." Lucian yelled at his sister-in-law.


    "Who are you to tell me what to do?" Jillyanna raised her chin and was looking down at all of them. "You can''t even do anything for him." She turned to her phone and just in time for someone to pick up her call. "Deal with him as soon as possible. I sent you the details a long time ago. When you''re done, bring him over to Lucian."


    If she didn''t have Travis to protect, she would just kill everyone and get herself jailed but she won''t. She want to live a good life with him.

 Chapter 214 - BACK TO HER OLD SELF

    After two hours of operation, the doctor finally came out with a deep sigh. "I believe you are all family members here. Anyway, the operation was a success. One of his leg was dislocated but no broken bones. His arms had a huge wound so we stitched it. The main problem was his head. It hit something sturdy and he''s got wound on his head and a little blood clot. If things go well, he might wake up in a few days or in aa week but there is a chance that he''ll have amnesia. We''ll have to observe him from time to time."


    Jillyanna didn''t say anything. She only waited for Travis to come out of the operation room. When she saw him out on a bed to be transferred to a VIP room, her heart broke into pieces and she was choking in her emotions.


    She followed him inside his room to check on him. Everyone was there, too but they kept a good distance from Jillyanna. Thomas was the only one who were able to approach Travis since he was his son.


    "Jillyanna, are you and the baby alright?" Thomas asked the question that everyone wanted to know.


    "Yes. We are doing fine. Travis protected us." Jillyanna answered without looking at him. Her eyes were focused to the man lying on his hospital bed.


    She was holding on to his hand when Travis'' phone rang. She picked it up from her bag and answered it.


    "We found secretary Eva young madam. She was currently being sent to the hospital due to the lack of oxygen in her body."


    "Which hospital are you sending her?"


    "We are heading our way to Senyu Medical Center."


    "Don''t leave her until she wakes up. Don''t let anyone visit her aside from her family. Tell me which room she is once everything''s fine."


    "Yes young madam."


    Jillyanna turned to Thomas after her phone call. "Do you recall anyone whose last name is Guevarra, Dad?"


    Thomas tried his best to remember anyone with that last name. "I remember a Guevarra who worked for me before. He stole millions from me though. Why are you asking?"


    "Was this issue clarified before? Did his son knew what his father did? Because he is blaming you over his father''s suicide." Even though she was talking to Thomas, her coldness didn''t fade at all.


    "You mean he caused this?"


    "Exactly."


    "How sure are you?"


    "101% sure." Jillyanna firmly answered him. Thomas felt a dizzy from this news. He would never thought that his past will bring trouble to his son. He didn''t even punished that person''s family for what he had done and here he was, his son lying on a hospital bed with no guarantee that he will be fine.


    His phone started ringing incessantly and he felt an oncoming headache already. With staggering body, he walked to the window and answered the call. After one call, another call came. For almost half an hour, he was answering calls and explained what happened to them.


    In Jillyanna''s view, the man looked older than what he looked like this morning. She felt sorry for him as well. This happened to his one and only son because of her.


    Everyone around her were like decorations in the room. She didn''t bother to talk to them at all. Her focus was on Travis and her father-in-law. She owed them her and the baby''s life.


    "Dad, do you mind if I take over the company?"


    Thomas lifted his head and looked at her before shifting his gaze to his son. "Don''t worry about it, I''ll take care of it."


    "How about your health? What will I tell to my husband if something happens to you?"


    "Then what will I tell to my son if something happens to you and the baby?"


    "Nothing will happen to me. This time, I am not going to hold back anything."


    She managed to convince Thomas and had him agreed for her to join the meeting the next day.


    She received a message and a faint smile hung on her lips. "Lucian, I want you to handle Mr. Guevarra''s case. You don''t want me to deal with him, right? My friends will be sending him over to you."


    Lucian was dumbstruck with her information. ''Just how many connections does she have to deal with this matter in quick succession?'' He thought to himself before nodding his head. "Are you really fine?"


    "Hn. Don''t worry about me." she confirmed to him. Lucian left the place and went back to the station to see her ''friends'' who will be bringing the suspect to them.


    It was already night time and they were all anxious and worried for her. Since Travis came out of the operation room, she worked non-stop. She took calls from time to time and reviewed some project proposals for the meeting.


    Cielo walked up to her from the couch and poked her shoulders. She was still a bit afraid of the Jillyanna right now but when she think about it, she was still her sister who''s putting up her defense wall.


    "What do you want to eat? Your baby needs nutrition and Travis will be worried if you don''t eat." Cielo spoke to her in a soft to make sure that she won''t be agitated.


    "Chicken so--. No need, Auntie Fei is on her way to bring me food. You guys should go home and rest."


    "How about you?" Winter asked her. "Do you intend to stay here?"


    "Yes. So those that have missions can go now. Those who needed to go on vacation can go as well."


    "Heh! Are you going to do it again? Teacher will be so happy to see you in this state. She will be so happy to erase your memories again." Winter threatened her but Jillyanna laughed in a sarcastic tone.


    "You should know me better. Nothing works twice on me unless I''m letting it happened. Get your ass off from here and deal with your mission. If you can''t finish it, I''ll do it myself."


    Winter took a step back. She knew there''s no point in talking to her when she set her mind on to some things. When their teacher conducted a hypnosis on her, they made sure she would forget her cold and ruthless behavior. They didn''t know it would come back to her at this moment.


    "Let''s go Brown. We need to work faster." Winter dragged Brown out of the room and walked as fast as she can.


    When the person she was holding didn''t speak, she turned around to see him only to find Gabriel behind her. "Why are you following me?"


    "You dragged me here." He answered while scratching his nape awkwardly. "You won''t let go of my hand?"


    Winter let him go immediately. She was planning to go back when she saw Brown running towards them with Valkyrie following behind.

 Chapter 215 - COMPANIONSHIP

    Winter pinched the space between her eyebrows to stop herself from cursing. "Why are you with him?" she asked Brown while pointing her hand towards Valkyrie.


    "I am taking him back. It won''t be good to his reputation to live in the same house with you." Valkyrie answered which made Winter roll her eyes at him.


    "Do whatever you want. Just don''t get in the way of our mission." she gave in already since she was tired of arguing. "Don''t tire Brown as well. I need him with more energy."


    Brown blushed at her words but he didn''t say anything. He was still worried about his mission. He knew Jillyanna would do what she said and he didn''t want that to happen.


    "As for you Mr. Colton, you can do whatever you want now. Sorry for dragging you here." After saying her piece, she walked away in a hurry to leave the hospital. ''I hope Jillyanna won''t do anything against the law this time.'' she prayed mentally while looking for her car in the parking lot.


    "Jillyanna will have a long night." Valkyrie commented when he saw a group of policemen with officer David who worked with Savannah before. "I hope she''ll be alright."


    "She will be fine. She''s capable and smart. She was just holding back herself because she had Travis to rely on. Now that her pillar is bedridden, she will go all out and I am afraid, she won''t stop until Travis wakes up." Brown commented beside him while waiting for Winter to get her car.


    "Please take care of Winter during your mission. I will be leaving for another military affairs tomorrow so I couldn''t accompany her." Gabriel stated behind them. He looked sad and dejected but he was still concern about the woman who refused to remember him.


    "Gabriel, are you going to Pantar for the negotiation?" Valkyrie asked in worry. Seeing the man nod his head, he can''t help but feel a little bit sad for him. "You didn''t have a choice, do you? I heard that no one escaped from that place."


    Gabriel didn''t say anything since Winter already arrived in front of them. "Bye Winter! See you again." he smiled sweetly at her making Winter snickered at him.


    "I hate your smile the most." With that being said, she drove the car out of his sight. "What an idiot!"


    Brown and Valkyrie just looked at each other and kept quiet. ''You are the idiot Lieutenant Colonel.'' That''s what they have in mind.


    Back in the hospital, Jillyanna was asked several questions regarding the accident by the police officers. David was the one who questioned her since he knew Jillyanna.


    "Can you give us the details of the car?" David asked her since she mentioned about the car that tried to hit them.


    "It was a gray Toyota Camry Solara. The plate number is 4XF*****." Jillyanna recalled what she saw to them.


    "This car is familiar. Wasn''t this reported to be stolen?" One of the officers commented while noting down her answers.


    "Were you able to see the driver?" David asked her again.


    Jillyanna pulled out her phone and showed a picture to them. "This is the man I saw from the car."


    "Oh! Isn''t this the man that Lucian was interrogating? So this was planned?" Another officer stated.


    David can see the stress in her eyed already so he didn''t take long. He asked all relevant questions and left with the other officers to deal with this matter.


    Auntie Fei came with Jillyanna''s clothes and food. "I didn''t know what you want to eat so I just made whatever was on the note made by Travis."


    "Thanks Auntie Fei. This is more than enough." Jillyanna responded to the lady. "Take care of the house while I''m gone. Just let Jenny or Cielo know if you needed something."


    "Okay. Take care of yourself. I''ll come again tomorrow morning with your food and vitamins." Auntie Fei left the room since she was entrusted to take care of the house. Knowing how stressful the accident to Jillyanna, she didn''t want to add to her worry.


    Jillyanna looked at the remaining people inside the room. "Aren''t you leaving to rest? We have a long day and you need to rest."


    "We will be back tomorrow. Take care of yourself." Sky spoke to her and left the room followed by Cielo and Alex.


    "I''ll come and pick you up tomorrow after lunch." Thomas said and left since Gabriel was waiting for him outside to drive him home.


    Savannah and Hawk also went out to cancel their vacation plan. They felt that it wasn''t right to go on vacation when Travis was still unconscious.


    Left with no one around her, Jillyanna burst into tears while holding Travis'' hand. She was so heartbroken that she didn''t know what else to do.


    "Travis, open your eyes soon. Please come back to me. You said you won''t leave me again. Are you breaking your promise right after marrying me?" she sobbed beside him from so much pain. "Travis, I am so scared. You have to wake up soon."


    The people outside the room wept for her too. She stood cold and collected in front of them but behind close doors, she was frail and heart broken.


    Cielo cried and cried as she walked out of the hospital building. She was so happy that her sister found the man who was willing to accept her past and spend the rest of his life with her. However, fate was really cruel. They just got married and he''s in a brink of death.


    Savannah was sobbing in Hawk''s arms as well. She knew how painful it is to lose someone and Jillyanna lost three people in the past. Seeing Travis now must be so difficult for her.


    Jillyanna shed tears until there''s nothing left to cry. "Baby, let''s be strong together. Daddy needs us the most. Daddy protected us so we need to take care of him. You mustn''t let go of me." she spoke to the life inside her stomach as if it could understand her.


    Savannah went back inside the room which startled Jillyanna. "Why are you still here?" Jillyanna asked her at the same time she was wiping her face with the back of her hand.


    "You may be strong and independent but I know you needed someone right now."

 Chapter 216 - THE NEW CEO

    Savannah stayed with her and prepared her food while she took a shower. Hawk was also with them to stand guard even though there were several body guards outside.


    She just finished her shower when a call came through Travis'' phone. It was from the person who was guarding the secretary.


    "Young madam, secretary Eva just woke up. The doctor said that she''s fine." The man opened up to her immediately.


    "Alright. I''ll be there right away." Jillyanna stated before ending the call. She dried her hair with a towel and took her wallet. "Savy, can you come with me for a while?"


    "Eat first before you go out. You missed your dinner time already." Savanna insisted so she sat on the chair and eat her food without any argument.


    After eating, she stood up again to leave but Savannah told her to rest for another ten minutes. "Savy, are you making me angry?"


    "Of course not. I won''t dare to. However, I don''t want you to get a stomachache." Savannah answered while throwing the disposable utensils inside the bin.


    "How about we walk slowly towards secretary Eva''s room? Very slow." she emphasized the slow word to convince him but Savannah didn''t budge at all. "Fine. 10 minutes it is."


    She waited for ten minutes while watching Travis. She was watching him if he would frown from pain or if he would move his fingers but there was none until ten minutes was over.


    Hawk was left to watch over him as they went to visit the secretary. It was a good thing that she didn''t die and that there wasn''t any injury on her. However, she still looked pale.


    "Hi Eva! How are you?" Savannah asked when she saw her the secretary.


    "Were you hurt anywhere?" Jillyanna asked with concern knowing that this little woman was dragged into their matter.


    "Not at all madam. I am glad you are doing fine. Where''s sir Travis? It''s rare of him to let you go alone here." Eva commented with a smile.


    "They must have not spoken to you about it. Travis is currently in this hospital, too." Jillyanna sighed heavily and took a chair to sit beside her bed. "What were you calling him for? Before the accident, he noticed several missed calls from you. He was trying to reach you by phone but it won''t go through."


    "I am sorry I was too late. Mr. Guevarra asked someone to kill you in front of the Office of Marriage Affairs and to cripple sir Travis. I tried calling him to warn him but he wasn''t picking up his phone. The next moment I know is that, I was already lying inside the storage room."


    "I''m sorry for dragging you into this issue Eva. I am glad you are fine or Travis would feel guilty if something happens to you. In any case, take this opportunity to go on vacation. Savannah will be dealing with the company affairs with me." Jillyanna told her. Eva just nodded her head knowing that she caused trouble to her boss. "This will be a paid leave. Once everything is fine, Travis will contact you again to resume your job."


    She said that Travis will contact her but she didn''t even know when he will wake up or if he will really wake up.


    Savannah reached out her hand and ruffled Eva''s hair. "Don''t worry too much. Everything will be fine. Your responsibility is to take care of your health and your family for now. Leave everything to me."


    "Hn. I''ll make sure to come back with full health and vigor." Eva promised to them.


    Jillyanna didn''t take so much of her time and left to go back to Travis. They all needed rest and she still have an oncoming battle the next day. She needed to prepare her mind and her strength.


    The next day, Auntie Fei sent her another set of clothes for work and for hospital use when she gets back. There was also another batch of food for everyone to eat. Before leaving, Savannah took care of Eva''s discharge procedure to make sure that she''s doing fine.


    "Are you ready?" Thomas asked her who came to pick her up.


    "Hn. I am ready."


    "Shall we go now?" Thomas asked her again since she wasn''t showing any signs to leave the side of her husband.


    Jillyanna leaned over and kissed his pale and parched lips. "Don''t leave me. I''ll be back as soon as possible." she whispered to him even though she wasn''t sure if he could hear her or not.


    Cielo and Sky arrived to keep watch of Travis while they''re gone. Hawk was also staying over. Jenny couldn''t come because of her studies.


    With Savannah as her acting secretary she was determined to clean up his empire before he wakes up. Many people knew of her as an online singer but few people knew that she''s a business woman, a smart one at that. Though she was lazy and let Cielo manage their business, all the ideas and strategies came from her.


    "It''s time to do the cleaning." Jillyanna commented while walking with confidence and air of aristocracy. She may not be born with golden spoon but she was raised by different people and learned different things - all to her advantage and knowledge.


    Jillyanna didn''t show her usual cheerful and lovely smile towards them. She walked in between Thomas and Savannah with cold and ruthless aura. Her eyes were the coldest eyes they''ve ever seen and they shivered from fear.


    "Start the meeting in 10 minutes. I am introducing the new CEO who will take over this company." Thomas spoke to Diego''s father who called them if they have arrived already.


    "The new CEO?" Everyone had this question in mind but they didn''t know who it would be.


    The meeting room was fully packed and everyone was ready to see who their new CEO would be. Thomas came in with Jillyanna and Savannah. He sat on the side and Savannah sat at the back of the CEO''s chair.


    Under everyone''s gaze, with her beautiful face and sexy body, Jillyanna sat down on the seat that held the highest status - their CEO. "Let''s begin this meeting."

 Chapter 217 - CLEANING HIS EMPIRE I

    Everyone was beyond shocked from what they saw. They knew Jillyanna because she had been all over the platforms of social media and recently she just resigned from being a singer. Not even in their dreams did they imagine her to be their next CEO.


    "What the hell is this woman doing here?!" one of the shareholders cursed while pointing at her. He turned to Thomas with glaring eyes and disbelief. "You want me to be under this woman?! Are you kidding me? I will never follow this girl who knows nothing but singing! Change her or I will pull out my shares!"


    "Go ahead and pull out your shares. I don''t intend to work with you." Jillyanna replied to him in her most boring tone. She knew who the man was, after all she did a lot of diggings yesterday for her plan to clean up Travis'' empire.


    "Hmp! What an obnoxious woman! I am leaving this meeting room!" he snickered at her with a kick on his chair. "This company will fail in the hands of this woman." he commented to everyone inside the room.


    "Either I fail or not is no longer your business. Get out now." Jillyanna had her chin on her palm while sizing the man up and down. "Why are you still standing there?"


    Embarrassed and angered by her words the man left without any words. It didn''t affect Jillyanna and she still sat calmly on her seat with same cold expression.


    "Just because you got married doesn''t mean you can walk freely on us! I don''t want to work in this company anymore! Thomas, I am really disappointed in you right now." another man left with rude words towards her but Jillyanna remained stationary on her seat.


    "It''s really a bad choice this time. I had been intending to leave a long time ago but Travis made me stay, if it isn''t your son, then I''m leaving." another shareholder left with his assistant following him.


    "How about you Mr. Suarez? We don''t get along personally so I bet you don''t want to work with me?" Jillyanna pointed out Cheska''s father. Even though Cheska and her had fixed their relationship, her father hadn''t apologized to her yet.


    Mr. Suarez looked at her and sighed deeply. "I apologized for my rude behavior towards you. I talked with Cheska and things were clarified. I don''t intend to make things difficult for you at the expanse of my business."


    "Looks like you are sensible." she turned to face everyone and looked at them. "Who still want to leave?" She was asking them like it was the simplest question in the world. "Think about it carefully cause you will be dealing with me until my husband wakes up."


    After five minutes, the shareholders remained seated and was observing her. She didn''t mind their scrutinizing gaze at all. Another five minutes passed and no one stood up from their seat.


    "Savy, send these files to Officer Lucian. These are for the people who left -my parting gift." These words were like a bucket of ice-cold water splashed on to them, making them shiver from her coldness and ruthless behavior.


    Savannah worked immediately and sent the files to Lucian''s work e-mail address. She knew how much Jillyanna worked on these files just to clean up her husband''s company.


    Out of twelve shareholders excluding the CEO, only nine people remained after the three people pulled out their shares.


    "Oh my god! This woman is cruel! She didn''t even give them a way out." a woman among the shareholders spoke.


    "I am glad I stayed. I can''t imagine myself being..oh my gosh! I just can''t believe it." another woman responded to her.


    "I didn''t know she''s this cold." Mr. Suarez commented.


    "It was a good thing you apologized to her." Mr. Sandoval whispered to his future relative. After all, Cheska and Diego had been in a relationship for a long time already.


    Jillyanna opened her laptop which was the laptop that Travis always use. "I have checked some project proposals that Travis haven''t worked on yet. I''d like you to check it and if you have any questions, feel free to ask."


    At her words, Savannah sent them the files since she got all their e-mails from working with Travis for a long time already.


    "These are good choices." Mr. Sandoval stated while browsing through the files that Savannah sent. "However, if we go for these projects, we better look for another shareholder who can invest funds for these."


    "That is not an issue." Jillyanna stated plainly that stunned everyone. "A new shareholder will attend the meeting next week."


    "If that''s the case, let''s discuss the first project proposal." Mr. Sandoval responded.


    They started talking about the project proposals like nothing happened at all. Everytime a project was approved after a thorough discussion, Savannah will call the company who proposed it to further discuss the details for cooperation and contract signing. They managed to finish two projects before lunch and all of them went out for a break.


    "What do you want to eat?" Thomas asked Jillyanna when they were out of the meeting room.


    "Don''t worry about me Dad. Auntie Fei sent me food earlier already. I don''t dare eat anything outside without Travis." Jillyanna responded as they walked towards the CEO''s office.


    Thomas nodded his head happily and smiled at her. "You are doing great. I am so proud of you. I''m sure Travis will be happy, too."


    Her throat constricted from pain whenever she remembered her husband lying on a hospital bed. Her lashes were wet with tears while she tried to stop them from falling.


    "Don''t worry. Everything will be fine. Just hang in there." Thomas rubbed her back to comfort her.


    "Thanks Dad. I will be fine. How about you go home and take a rest? I can manage it here. Don''t tire yourself so much."


    "Are you sure you''ll be fine?"


    "Hn. I have Savannah here with me." Jillyanna replied with a faint smile.


    "Alright. I''ll visit the hospital in a while before going home. If you have any questions, call me anytime." Jillyanna just nodded her head in agreement.

 Chapter 218 - CLEANING HIS EMPIRE II

    When Thomas left, Jillyanna and Savannah ate their lunch that Auntie Fei brought earlier. It was her main task now to bring her meals wherever Jillyanna was.


    "Will you respond to the news about the accident?" Savannah asked her as they continued to eat.


    "I will leave that to Wynwyn. She''s better in that field. She''ll be visiting the hospital later to talk about it." She forced herself to eat even though she didn''t have an appetite. She didn''t want anyone to worry about her knowing that they were still worried about Travis.


    Savannah nodded her head in agreement. "Shall I send the other files to Lucian as well?"


    "Hn. I intend to clean this place from top to bottom. Those who worked under the influence of the three shareholders who left must be fired immediately. I don''t want to wait for their retaliation. As early as now, I''ll cut off all their malicious tentacles." Jillyanna stated coldly as she gripped on her chopsticks tightly. ''I''ll make sure everyone pays what they owe.'' she added mentally before she started eating again.


    Savannah didn''t say another word. All she can do was to support Jillyanna and make sure that she and the baby were safe.


    Diego, Zachary and Wynwyn on the other hand were stunned from the news. They were currently taking their lunch at J Entertainment when Diego''s secretary came running towards them.


    "This girl..I don''t know what to say. She is not afraid of these people at all." Diego commented while watching the news on the tablet that his assistant gave him.


    It showed that three shareholders of the Venus Plaza were arrested for embezzlement, bribery, selling of company properties, abusing their secretaries, marital affairs and other cases. It wasn''t mentioned who sent the information to the police but to them, it was clear as day as to who sent it.


    "I hope she''s not pushing herself too much." Wynwyn commented while watching the news on her phone. "I didn''t know she knew how to manage a business though."


    "You didn''t know? The Summer cafe that you always visit when you have a free time is owned by Jillyanna." Diego informed her nonchalantly like it wasn''t a big deal at all. "She owned four branches already. They just opened a new one last month. Due to her pregnancy and things with Travis, Cielo was the one who attend the opening ceremony."


    "You are not kidding me are you?" Wynwyn asked her in disbelief. She thought that Jillyanna was just an ordinary singer.


    "I am not. Her wealth wasn''t just from her business and singing career. She has millions of money from her mother. We don''t know about her father yet. We can''t get any information about him. And there''s a research of her mother that many people want to get their hands on." Diego let them know a little bit of Jillyanna''s wealth. He, himself, wasn''t sure just how much Jillyanna has. She was a still a mystery to him and only Travis knew her real status.


    "Why do you know so much about her?" Zachary asked after listening for a long time.


    "Travis asked me to investigate her before when she ran away. Haha. That day was the first time I saw him panic. That was very refreshing in my eyes." Diego laughed out loud, remembering that day made him laugh so hard.


    "Well, let''s continue to eat and finish our business so that we can leave early today." Wynwyn uttered before putting her phone down and continued eating.


    After lunch, Jillyanna went back to the meeting room to continue her business agenda. Her expression was cold as always and they never saw her smile even when they talked about funny things. She was like a machine in front of them.


    The whole afternoon was spent on their meeting while people outside the office were a mess. Many police officers came and their HR department, Finance Department, Marketing Department and all other departments were investigated.


    "Madam, there are police officers downstairs. They are investigating all the departments." one of the employees from HR came to inform Jillyanna who was still in the middle of the meeting.


    Jillyanna just raised her eyebrow and waved her hand to dismiss it. "Let them be. I called for them."


    The employee paled and the room turned to a deathly silence. They all looked at Jillyanna like a horrible monster. She didn''t just cover anyone but she was willing to send them all to jail.


    "Is she crazy?! How can she do this?" Mrs. Ching the highest shareholder among the three women whispered. "If this continue, we will lost our reputation."


    "No, you are wrong." Mr. Suarez interrupted the woman. "She''s doing this to clean up the place. After what happened to Travis, she couldn''t trust anyone. I am pretty sure we all know who caused the accident. It was someone who worked in this place. She just can''t anyone like him continue to work."


    "But these people have family!" Mr. Sony argued back for the sake of the employees.


    Jillyanna glanced at him with a fiery gaze that could burn anyone if a flame came out from it. "Travis has a family, too. Did they think about us when they tried to run over me and my child? Did they think about what will happen to this company? Not only will the innocent be implicated but everything that has connection to this company will be ruined! Did you think about that? So don''t speak about family to me! Say another word and I''ll make sure you''ll come along with them."


    Her anger silenced everyone inside the room. The employee who came to report trembled and slumped on the floor. He was one of the people who got bribed and he was sure that he''ll be sent to jail.


    "We are all dead. I shouldn''t have done it in the first place." he whispered to himself in his weak voice. He felt so regretful but he couldn''t do anything because the evidence will be found out soon.

 Chapter 219 - CLEANING HIS EMPIRE III

    After two hours of commotion, Lucian came to the meeting room to inform her about their investigations. She handed Jillyanna a flash drive and left right after.


    Almost hundreds of employees were escorted to jail for further interrogation and investigation. This event was like a tornado swiping the media and all industries. It was because Travis has a lot of connections and they always wait for any new things from him that could benefit them. The reason why Jillyanna wasn''t bombarded with reporters was also because of his connection.


    However, they came over to J Entertainment official website since they knew it would always be Wynwyn who handles such matter.


    Those people that sent spies over to Venus Plaza had cold sweat running down their spine. They didn''t expect that the new CEO would be ruthless and would pull everyone who abused the company resources.


    It was the first time that the police department was so crowded. They didn''t know where to put the people they arrested and there were family members who came to check the employees, too.


    Amidst the messy environment, a certain someone excused himself to use the comfort room. Ever since he was caught, he refused to talk and kept denying his involvement with the accident.


    When no one was watching him, above the comfort room was an air duct that connects to all the air conditioner of the office building, he used it to escape and leave the chaotic scene. It was none other than Mr. Guevarra.


    When David noticed that he wasn''t back from the comfort room, it was already too late. He was gone from the station and out to the crowded city.


    "Shit! Shit! Shit!" David cursed and looked for Lucian immediately. He also asked Officer Nik to put a wanted notification online about the escapee. "Lucian, Mr. Guevarra escaped!"


    "What?! How? When?" Lucian immediately asked someone to check on their CCTV monitor. The last time they saw him was when he got inside the comfort room. "Coordinate with the other stations and release the notice immediately. I will inform Jillyanna in case he''ll come after her."


    Jillyanna was still inside the meeting room and they were almost done with the last project when a call from Lucian came through.


    Lucian told her about the news and reminded her to be careful. "Heh. What a brave soul!" her tone was clear sarcasm and they felt their scalp tingle when they saw her smile coldly. "He actually escaped? Nice! Looks like I''ve been very lenient."


    ''Lenient? You call that lenient?!'' Everyone wanted to ask her this question but they remained silent. They didn''t want to get involve in her clean up drive at all.


    Jillyanna ended the call and called Hawk who was at the hospital watching over Travis with Jillyanna''s mother.


    "Don''t let anyone come near Travis until I get back. Check his doctor and check all the materials they are carrying before letting them in." Jillyanna informed Hawk as soon as possible. "Hn..Yes..That''s a fact...Alright..."


    They didn''t know what happened but looking at her scary face, it must be serious and that involved Travis.


    Jillyanna finished her phone call and returned her attention back to the meeting. "Let''s finish this last project so we can take a rest. Perhaps some of you would want to save your people." She added sarcastically that no one wanted to answer at all.


    Because of what happened, it was the first time that the company was so quite like they were mourning over their co-workers. They all worked silently but you could still here whispers here and there.


    "It is really not a good thing to anger a kind and good person. Just look at our new CEO, she was still cute and cheerful when she came with sir Travis last time. But now, she was so cold that I can''t seem to find the old her."


    "I can understand her though. She just got married after all the hardships they faced together and now sir Travis is at the hospital right after they register their marriage. I think anyone who goes through such event will be cold like her."


    "True. She has to fight back for sir Travis and for herself and the baby. If she won''t do anything, they will just target her."


    "What she did was also a good thing. Who would''ve thought that we have many unscrupulous people here. We worked diligently and they were just accepting bribes and sold company properties. I wonder why sir Travis didn''t do anything about it."


    "He must have thought about their families which was why he didn''t do anything to them. Opposite to him, Madam just experienced a horrible thing and that person worked in this company. Even Miss Eva was almost sent to her death. It would be difficult for her to trust the employees here."


    "I felt sad for her. However, I am a bit worried. Does she know how to run a business?"


    "Let''s just wait and see. I know she won''t do anything that would crumble the company down to the gravel."


    Employees talk about many things about the situation of the company but Jillyanna didn''t care about their opinion.


    After the last proposal, she left the meeting room immediately while calling her mother that she will be back at the hospital soon. Savannah was following behind her while observing their surroundings.


    "Will she be alright? I heard that she''s staying at the hospital." Mr. Sandoval murmured but the other still caught his words.


    "Even if she''s cold and merciless, I hope she will be fine." Mr. Albert replied to Diego''s father. "Why don''t you inquire your son how Travis is doing?"


    "Jillyanna isn''t allowing anyone to get near her husband. She''s putting up her walls against everyone."


    They could only sigh deeply for her as they watched her disappearing back at the hallway. They felt sad for the employees who lost their job but they also understood her point. No matter how they turn the world, her decision was right.

 Chapter 220 - NOT REMOVING THE LIFE SUPPORT

    Jillyanna went back to the hospital immediately after the meeting. She found Wynwyn and Diego standing outside, talking to Hawk about some things she didn''t care about.


    "Was there any changes to his condition?" Jillyanna asked Hawk as she placed her bag on the couch. She washed her hands and arms before walking towards her husband.


    "Nothing has changed. The doctors wanted to talk to you about his condition." Hawk answered her.


    Jillyanna sighed and sat on the chair beside his bed. She took hold of his hand and kissed it again and again. "Hubby, I cleaned up your messy empire earlier. Didn''t you know that many people stained your place? If I didn''t clean it, you''ll drowned in death. Hey! You have to wake up soon cause I don''t like to deal with your business. It was such a hassle. You know I hate doing business, right? I love to be lazy but here I am working for you." Jillyanna mumbled to him even though he couldn''t hear her. "Wake up soon, okay? If you won''t wake up I will leave you."


    She smiled at your own threat because she knew she couldn''t do it to him. She loves him so much that she couldn''t bare to part with him.


    Everyone gave her space and just waited for her outside the VIP room. No matter how much they wanted to see Travis, they could only watch him through the small glass panel on the door.


    Jillyanna was very protective of him and she was having a hard time trusting anyone. She knew they were his friends but she didn''t know them thoroughly. The only people she trusted were those who stayed with her for over a month already like Savannah and Hawk.


    After almost fifteen minutes of talking to unconscious Travis, Jillyanna decided to go out and face everyone but they could no longer find the life and cheerfulness in her eyes.


    "Are you alright?" Wynwyn asked her when she came out of the room.


    "Hn. I am fine. So have you prepared the details for your press conference? I won''t say anything about this matter cause I know you are better in this matter." Jillyanna replied, sitting on the bench in front of the VIP room.


    "I sent it to your email already." Wynwyn answered her.


    "Oh sorry. I haven''t checked my own email. Anyway, I won''t touch the entertainment company." Jillyanna informed them and turned to Diego. "Travis trusted you to take care of that company. If anything happens to it while he asleep, I''ll kick your ass even if you are friends."


    Diego flicked her forehead lightly which in turn Jillyanna kicked his leg. "I am not going to ruin something we''ve built with so much difficulty. I won''t give you the chance to kick my ass either." Diego stated with a smile to her. He knew she was just concern of the things that belong to Travis that was why he wasn''t a bit upset with her words.


    "I am giving you five minutes to see for yourself how Travis is. After five minutes you have to go out and go home to take a rest."


    Diego and Wynwyn didn''t wait for her to finish and went inside the room in a hurry. They saw how pale he was and how many wounds he got. His arm had some stitches and he was bruised on different parts of his body. The most worrisome was the gauze bandage that was wrapped around his head. He looked emaciated.


    "Cheska told me that if a patient does not wake up or response to a stimuli, the patient will be declared under coma." Diego whispered to Wynwyn.


    "Do you think Travis will be under coma?"


    "I hope he won''t but it would most likely happen."


    "I can only pray for his recovery."


    They were whispering to each other to make sure that Jillyanna wouldn''t hear them. After five minutes, the two of them went out of the room.


    "Let me know if you want to add or remove something from the email I sent you. I''ll work on it before the press conference tomorrow." Wynwyn reminded Jillyanna when they were outside once again.


    "I''ll check on it later." Jillyanna responded.


    "Take care of yourself. If you need anything, just let us know." Diego told her before they left her with Hawk and Savannah.


    Her mother left early to go home so Jillyanna didn''t get to see her when she came back. She wasn''t worried though since a bodyguard sent her home.


    It wasn''t 7 o''clock yet so Jillyanna decided to see the doctor first before eating dinner. "Hawk, Savy, I''ll talk to the doctor for awhile. I''ll leave Travis in your care. I''ll be back as soon as possible."


    "Sure. Come back as soon as you can." Savannah reminded while watching her fetch her bag from the couch.


    The doctor''s office wasn''t very far, just five minutes away from Travis office if you walk slowly. The sound of her shoes stomping lightly on the floor echoed the beat of her heart. She was nervous and scared to know what was really the condition of her husband but she had to face it. There''s no other way but to face the truth.


    She knocked on the door and waited for anyone''s response. The assistant nurse opened the door for her with a faint smile. "Come in."


    "Good evening." Jillyanna greeted them but they could tell from her expression that she didn''t have a good evening at all.


    The doctor didn''t beat around the bush knowing it would only build her anxiety. He told Jillyanna the truth about Travis and the chances of his survival. Her tears started falling down but she wiped it off with the back of her hand immediately.


    "I''m really sorry to tell you this Mrs. Madrigal. Nevertheless, we still continue to monitor him. We will not give up on him."


    "Hn. I understand doc but as early as now, I''m telling you that I don''t have any plan to remove the life support. No matter how long it will take for him to wake up, I will wait for him." She stated firmly, hot tears streaming down her face, her heart broken but she will remain strong for him and for their baby. She knew that he will keep his promise to her. She believed him.

 Chapter 221 - WONT HOLD BACK I

    Jillyanna went back to his room and didn''t say anything to anyone. She just approached his sleeping face and felt it with the back of her hands.


    "Warm. This feeling, as long as this exist I won''t let you go." Her tears fell on his bed again. "Travis, I won''t give up on you so don''t give up on us, okay? I will wait no matter how long it will take. I don''t care how much money we will spend as long as I get to see you again." she sat on the chair beside him and hugged his waist lightly. "You promised you''ll stay with me. You said you won''t break it."


    Watching her cry in front of Travis made Savannah cry, too. She had witnessed their ups and downs and she knew how long Travis was looking for her. She knew how much effort Jillyanna exerted just to start trusting him and to open up her heart again.


    ''God, how can you be so cruel?'' Savannah questioned mentally while wiping her tears. She went out of the room to find Hawk and gave Jillyanna some space, too.


    "I can guess what the doctor said." Hawk commented when Savannah sat beside him on the bench. "When they checked him earlier, I was watching them do their tests. I noticed their disappointed look that they tried to hide. I also found that there was no response from Travis with the different stimuli they prepared for him."


    "Perhaps they won''t declare it yet and would wait for few days more but I am sure Jillyanna knew about what will happened already." Savannah sniffed and hiccuped from crying earlier.


    The bodyguards also felt guilty about what happened. It was their job to protect their employer but they didn''t do it. They felt useless. "Shall we resign from this job?" one of the bodyguards asked his colleagues.


    "I wanted to but I want to do it once our boss is fine." answered another man.


    "I agree with you. What we can do now is to make sure that nothing happens to the young madam."


    They all discussed it and decided to stay. They will think about resignation once Travis fine but for now, they will make sure to guard his room.


    When no one was around, Jillyanna pulled out her phone and called someone. "Sorry I had to disturb you yesterday. I didn''t really want to involve you in this matter but you are the only person I know who can help me."


    "It''s fine. How''s your husband?" the man on the other line asked. His voice was gentle like the summer breeze swinging the flowers to dance but there was still a tinge of childishness in it.


    "He is not fine. Anyway, when will you come back here? You sent Rylie and Jackie yesterday like lightning to deal with the man but he escaped earlier." Jillyanna complained like a child who lost to someone but won''t just forget it.


    In fact, between her and the man she was talking to, Jillyanna was older than him by four years. The women she mentioned namely Rylie and Jackie were younger to her by three years - they''re twins.


    The man sighed on the phone which was very clear to Jillyanna''s ear. "I will locate him for you. Rylie and Jackie are still within the city so they can help you again. If he will escape again, I will not help you anymore."


    "He can''t escape. I will take care of him." Jillyanna responded, the corner of her lips pulled into a smile but her eyes look cold.


    "I will be back next week by the way." The man stated which made Jillyanna smile genuinely this time. "I really hate your troublesome life."


    "I''ll see you next week." Jillyanna responded happily. If she was alone, she can perfectly protect herself. However, since she wasn''t allowed to move recklessly, she needed someone she can really trust to protect the people she cared about.


    She found the food that Savannah prepared for her on the table. She ate it while watching Travis on his bed but there were no changes at all.


    After eating, she threw the disposable items and cleaned the table. Savannah came back inside and saw what she was doing.


    "Why didn''t you call me? I can clean this for you. Don''t tire yourself so much. Go and take a rest." Savannah spoke to her and grabbed the tissue from her hand.


    "Savy, I appreciate that you''ve been helping me but you don''t really have to do this. You can still go and spend your vacation time."


    "I don''t feel like going on a trip with Travis lying down here. I''d better stay and make sure that you are doing fine."


    "Thank you." Jillyanna smiled faintly at her. "By the way, I will be going out for a while to meet with my friends. I will be back in less than two hours."


    "Should I come with you or Hawk?"


    "No need. I will be fine and trust me Savy, nothing will ever happen to me again." she picked up her coat, phone and wallet before heading out.


    Hawk stood up when he saw her walking out of the room. "It''s night time. Where are you going?"


    "I am meeting with my friends. Don''t worry about me. Please take care of Travis." she was just about to go when she turned back again. "Don''t let anyone follow me."


    The bodyguards who wanted to follow her stopped on their tracks. They were embarrassed and guilty at the same time but they couldn''t do anything.


    "Hn. Be extra careful. I know you can easily defend yourself. I''m just reminding you to be vigilant all the time." Hawk told her like a big brother does to his younger sister.


    Jillyanna received a text message and a smile crept on her face but it never reached her eyes. ''It''s payback time.'' she thought to herself. "Thanks Hawk. I won''t hold myself back this time." And with that she left the place alone.

 Chapter 222 - WONT HOLD BACK II

    Jillyanna hailed a taxi and gave the address to the driver who sent her to a suburb place where few people were wandering outside their house.


    Jillyanna saw Jackie leaning on a lamp post, her hair was a fiery red that gave contrast to her pale skin. Her white skirt flowing freely as the night wind blew it. She looked ethereal like an angel but she''s a devil in disguise.


    "Beautiful as ever." Jillyanna commented. "I am glad that you are here, Jackie."


    The woman was stunned for a while but she still snapped out of it and looked at Jillyanna. "How did you know it''s me Jackie and not Rylie?"


    "It is my secret." Jillyanna smiled at the young girl. "Anyway, I owe you this one."


    The girl named Jackie rolled her eyes. It was a habit that she got from Jillyanna when they were together in States. "Mistress, you should know better we owe you a lot. We owe you our life. Doing this is just a small thing."


    Jillyanna reached out her hand and ruffled the girl''s hair. "I promised that I''ll let you guys have a normal life but in the end, I still involve you in my matter."


    Jackie sighed and led Jillyanna to a dark alley. They walked for a few minutes and reached an outdated building far from the other houses. Jillyanna looked around to make sure that no ones around.


    "He''s inside. Don''t worry about anyone stumbling this place. I''ll be guarding here outside." Jackie found a small broken chair and sat on it, keeping her balance using her feet.


    Jillyanna threw her a glance before going inside the building which was dark and messy. The only light she had was from the moon light that got in through the windows and holes of the building.


    At the end of the corridor was a spacious room with a single chair in the middle. A blind folded man was sitting on the chair with his hands tied at the back of the chair he was sitting. His mouth was gagged with a white towel to keep himself from shouting.


    "Mistress! I miss you so much! I never thought we''d be reunited again!" the young lady jumped to her side and hugged her tightly. "I''ve always wanted to follow you but he won''t allow me."


    Jillyanna put on a mask over her mouth to muffle her voice. She ruffled the girl''s hair like how she did to Jackie. "You''ve grown. I am glad you stayed with him."


    The girl smiled cheerfully at her before handing out a set of tools. There were knives, pliers and other things wrapped on a cloth that she gave to Jillyanna. "I knew you''d come here empty-handed so I prepared this for you." she stated before hiding herself into the dark shadows.


    Jillyanna received it and walked closer to the man. She displayed the tools on the floor in front of him and took the blind fold off from his head. She also removed the cloth from his mouth so he can talk.


    "Who the hell are you!" Mr. Guevarra shouted and thrashed on his seat but he can''t get out from the shackle of the rope that was tied around him and on his hands. "I didn''t do anything so let me go!"


    "You didn''t? Are you sure? You are not guilty of anything?" Jillyanna asked in a muffled voice but was still clear enough for him to make out her words.


    Mr. Guevarra was silent when she asked these question. Jillyanna didn''t care though and picked up the knife on the floor. Horror and panic in his eyes didn''t stop Jillyanna from doing what she intended to do. She slit his jeans and cut through his skin in one swift motion.


    "Motherfuxker! You b*tch!" he cursed Jillyanna right in front of her. She didn''t flinch from his curses instead, she slit another wound on his thighs. He groaned from pain and his face was red from frustration and anger.


    "You didn''t do anything? Nothing to be guilty about?" Jillyanna asked him again. "If you will confess now, I will stop what I am doing."


    His lips trembled from pain and fear. He didn''t know who''s kidnapping him and he couldn''t tell from the voice either. Jillyanna removed the gag from him so he can speak. "I..I didn''t..Ahh!" he screamed when Jillyanna punch his wounds.


    "Deny it again and I will punching you until you die! No one would care though. I can just bury you around here and no one can find you." Blood coated her hand and some were splattered on her face but she didn''t care.


    Mr. Guevarra cried and started speaking. "I did something horrible. I know it was wrong but I can''t help feeling angry. His father killed my father."


    "Thomas killed your father?" Jillyanna clarified since everything was being recorded in her phone.


    The man sniffed while trying to block the pain from the wounds. "He didn''t kill my father directly but he caused his death."


    "Is it because your father stole the company''s money to pay his gambling debt?"


    "Hn. Thomas caught my father and because of that, my father jumped off the building to kill himself."


    "How did that become Thomas fault?" Jillyanna punch his stomach with less force since she can''t exert so much force due to pregnancy. "You almost killed someone because you are foolish. People lost their job because of your actions. You locked secretary Eva in the storage room, right?"


    "Yes. She was calling Travis to expose me so I had to kill her." Mr. Guevarra admitted everything.


    "Too bad she didn''t die." Jillyanna told him. "She told the police of the things she knew. Adding this evidence, you will be imprisoned for life."


    "And you will be imprisoned for this, too!" Mr. Guevarra shouted and laughed hysterically at her. He will bring down everyone with him specially that there was a 50/50 chances of Travis surviving and dying.


    Jillyanna scoffed at him before striking his neck. "There''s no evidence that I am here." she stated before walking away from the room.


    "Yes mistress." Rylie answered and came out from the shadows again.

 Chapter 223 - WONT HOLD BACK III

    "I don''t need this." she deleted the recording from her phone when she got out from the building. Jackie was still sitting on the same broken chair while tossing a stone up and down on her hand.


    "Are we going through with the plan?" Jackie asked Jillyanna and tossed the stone away from her.


    "Hn. I''ll leave it to you. Once you''re done, come and find me at the hospital." Jillyanna answered. "You don''t have to kill him. I don''t want you to stain your hands with his blood."


    "Alright. No killing then." Jackie mumbled before going back inside the old building. Jillyanna started walking back to the dark alley so that she can go back to her apartment and wash herself before going back to the hospital.


    Half an hour after she left, a commotion erupted in the same dark alley that she passed by.


    "Help! Help me! Help me!" a shout from a girl made the wandering people check what was going on. They found a man hovering over a girl who was thrashing underneath him.


    "Bastard, let her go!" a middle-aged man hurled Mr. Guevarra away from Rylie who was shivering from shock and fear. He punched him again and again and found that he was unconscious. "What a scum!"


    "Are you alright?" a woman from the crowd helped her stand and helped her put a jacket around her.


    Rylie kept herself quiet, crying silently while shaking her head back and forth in the arms of the woman.


    The men picked Mr. Guevarra harshly and brought him over to the open road. Someone had called the police already and they came to rescue the situation as soon as possible.


    "What a good actress my twin is." Jackie commented who was watching from afar. She had to follow them from a long distance to make sure that her sister will be alright. Even though she knew Rylie can protect herself, she still won''t take her life for granted.


    The police officers took Mr. Guevarra and Rylie to the station but they couldn''t get anything from her since she kept crying.


    "The child must have been traumatized. Don''t ask her so much. In any case, we saw how the man tried to assault her. She tried her best to defend herself and that was probably the reason why the man got cuts all over him." It was the woman who helped Rylie earlier. She came with them when she saw that the young girl was still shaking from fear.


    While talking, another police officer came to them and borrowed the computer. "It is that man, the one who escaped this afternoon."


    "Call Officer Seville right now and inform him that we caught the escapee." the officer informed his colleague before looking back to Rylie. "Don''t worry dear, we will seek justice for you and since you are a minor, we won''t have a public trial for this case."


    Rylie nodded her head faintly and slowly stopped herself from crying. She answered their questions in a weak voice and told him how she wounded the man to defend herself.


    After an hour of interrogation, Rylie was sent back to her apartment where her ''big sister'' was crying from distress from not finding her. The officer who accompanied her was happy to see them being reunited once again.


    "Be extra careful next time. Don''t go out alone at night." the officer reminded them.


    "Thank you officer." Rylie responded to him and turned to the lady who helped her. "Thank you auntie."


    "No worries. You take a rest now. We will take our leave as well." the officer and the lady left them in front of an empty apartment room.


    Rylie and Jackie watched them leave and when they were out of their sight already, the both of them smiled to each other.


    "You are always the best in acting." Jackie commented to her twin sister.


    "Of course, mistress had been training me in this field for years. I don''t want her effort to be wasted." Rylie answered back. She removed the fake skin she was using and put it inside her bag.


    The two of them left and went to find the hospital that Jillyanna was staying.


    Jillyanna got back to the hospital around 10 o''clock in the evening. She didn''t bother explaining to Hawk and Savannah why she stayed out longer than expected. They didn''t ask her, too.


    She sat beside Travis and hugged his waist again. "I miss you." she murmured to him while leaning her head on his bed. "I went out and took care of something for you." she whispered even though he can''t hear anything. "I love you Travis."


    "We took care of it already." Jackie said as she walked inside the room with Rylie.


    Hawk and Savannah were stunned to find someone walking freely without their notice. The men outside were all lying on the floor and they didn''t even hear anything.


    "Who are you?" Savannah asked them in fear. For the first time in her life, she felt afraid and it was towards the young girls in front of her.


    Jillyanna walked towards them and introduced the two women to Hawk and Savannah. "This girl is Jackie and this one is Rylie." she introduced them from her left to the right.


    "How do you identify who''s who? They both look the same." Savannah commented, shifting her gaze between the young girls.


    "It is my secret. Anyway, even though this girls look young and harmless, I suggest that you don''t look for a fight with them." she looked at the women beside her before looking back to Savannah and Hawk. "This woman is Savannah and this man is Hawk."


    Jackie turned towards Jillyanna and whispered. "Are you intending to let them know about all your secrets?"


    "I don''t have a choice. I will do anything for my husband so it doesn''t matter if they knew another secret from me." Jillyanna answered without blinking her eyes at all. "I forgot to tell Travis though."

 Chapter 224 - FATE BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER I

    Jillyanna found Riley and Jackie when she visited States for the first time when she was still a student. It was to join the secret organization so she could enhance her skills and strength.


    Wandering to the city, she saw these two girls doing a great job in a pick-pocket operation. One of them was talking to the victim with a cheerful smile to distract them. The other one was the one who get the money or wallet from the victim.


    It was too bad that on that certain day, they met Jillyanna. She didn''t expose the kids though but she helped them instead. She bought them food to eat but the shorter girl insisted that they''d bring it home.


    Jillyanna went to their home to make sure that the little girls won''t be bullied or be robbed off of their groceries. That''s when she found where the home they were talking about.


    It was an alley with lots of stray cats and dogs. There were trash bins everywhere and the smell almost made her puke.


    "This is where you live?" Jillyanna asked them the most hilarious question she''d ever asked.


    The taller girl looked at her and glared. "I am thankful for the food you bought for us but please don''t make a light comment regarding our situation. We didn''t want this to happen either but nobody cared for us."


    "I am sorry. I didn''t mean it that way.I was just shocked." Jillyanna rubbed the girl''s head which was sticky from dirt and sweat. ''They needed to take a bath.'' she thought to herself while wiping her hand at the back of her jeans.


    At the end of the alley was a rundown tent made of tarpaulin and cartoons. Inside the tent was a young boy playing with a broken keyboard.


    "You don''t have parents?" Jillyanna asked them again while placing the bags of groceries down on the ground.


    "Nope. We just found each other and started living together here. Shein is intelligent but he''s got a little bit of a problem." The taller girl answered Jillyanna''s question.


    "Shein, we are back. We have lots of food for you." the shorter girl told the young boy.


    That was when she realized what the problem was. Shein looked like to be of the same age as the girls but he acted childish.


    "By the way, I am Jackie. This little girl is my twin sister Riley. Our parents died recently so we run away from home before our relatives get us and sold us somewhere. At least, we are still together here even if life is difficult."


    Jillyanna was deeply touch with her sentiments. Among the three children, it was clear that Jackie acted at the oldest, reliable sister. She took care of the two children like how a mother should.


    "Do you want to leave this place? I can help you. I am not going to sell you either. I want to give you home." Jillyanna offered with a faint smile.


    Jackie looked at her and nodded her head. "If you will sell us, I will tell the police officers."


    "I know. You are a good and kind so big sister will help you. By the way, my name is Jillyanna Summer Xavier. Nice to meet you." Jillyanna introduced herself and crouched low to pat her head gently.


    The three kids took their belongings which was a handful of clothes and the broken keyboard that the little guy won''t throw at all. She hailed a taxi and brought them home to her apartment. She helped them take a bath and change their clothes to her large shirts since she didn''t have clothes that would fit them.


    "How old are you by the way?" Jillyanna asked them when she was preparing for their meal. She was chopping onion and garlic in the mini kitchen while the kids watch a cartoon series in the living room not far from her.


    "I am 13 years old as well as Riley. Shein is 12 years old but we guess that his mindset is still stuck in between 5 to 7 years old." Jackie answered and jumped down the couch to watch her in the kitchen. "Are you living alone?"


    "Hn. I am currently on a tour and I have to go back home next week. Don''t worry, I won''t let you leave the house. You can stay here while I''m gone."


    "Who will pay for this place? I know this cost a lot but we don''t have money to pay for your house." Jackie reasoned with her.


    "I paid this place for a year of stay. I will be gone for 2 weeks to take my exam and I will be back to check on you. How about I teach you how to cook? In that case, when I am not around, you can still eat here. You don''t need to leave this place."


    Jackie nodded her head cheerfully and watched Jillyanna cook. She listened to her instructions carefully and made sure to follow her steps. After an hour, she finally finished cooking their meals.


    She watched them eat happily in front of her. "Big sister, how old are you?" Riley asked Jillyanna who was munching an apple.


    "I am 16 years old."


    "You are so young and rich. Why are you alone here?" Riley asked her again. Knowing that she was just asking curiously, Jillyanna didn''t mind it.


    "My father left me and my mom when I was 5 years old. My mother died when I was 12 years old. My foster parents are not with me but they take care of me when I am home."


    "You have family? You should not leave your family, you know. If they are kind and good, don''t leave them." Riley stated innocently.


    It was clear to Jillyanna that the kids were intelligent and has manners. Sad to say, fate was cruel and selfish to them.


    "I am not leaving them. I had to work and make money for them. When you are big, you can also work and make money. For now, just stay inside this room."


    She glanced at the clock hanging on the wall at the living room and found that it was time to go back. "I have to go somewhere now and will have to go back tonight. Make sure you lock the door when you sleep."


    "Take care." Shein spoke softly which stunned the three girls. "Don''t take drugs." Now this made them laugh. He thought that Jillyanna was dealing with drugs since she was leaving and will be staying out late that night.

 Chapter 225 - FATE BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER II

    For a month, Jillyanna had to go between home and the secret organization in order to practice and take care of the kids.


    Watching them gain a little bit of weight and height, she started to teach them some basic informations. It turned out that the only Riley and Jackie got the chance to study. Shein was never sent to school.


    Everytime Jillyanna would leave the house to go back home, she would ask someone to babysit them for at least 2 weeks while she''s gone.


    This kind of set up lasted for a year. The kids she picked up grew up and started to act like how other kids of the same age did. Except for Shein. Jillyanna looked for a doctor who can help them understand the guy and facilitate his learning.


    Shein wasn''t really interested with other things aside from computers and numbers. In the end, the teacher that Jillyanna hired focused on Information Technology, from basics to difficult level.


    When she''s not busy, she would teach them some basic self defense actions. Contrary to her expectation, Rylie and Jackie took interest to martial arts. She thought they would be like other girls who loves to look pretty, not like her who was bent on taking revenge.


    "I am not teaching you about these techniques to bully other kids. This is to protect yourself." Jillyanna reminded them almost all the time they commence their short training.


    "We want to learn because we want to protect you and Shein. In the future, you won''t have to worry about us." Riley answered in a cheerful manner. She had a wooden dagger on her hand while taking a stance in front of Jillyanna.


    She didn''t just teach them how to fight but she thought them etiquette, table manners, how to dress up according to occasions, acting skills and other things that can be used to their advantage.


    This had become her routine. Train them before breakfast, go to her own practice in the organization and then go back home during night time. She would sometimes spent a week overseas, sometimes a month and the longest had been two months when one of her ''sisters'' was killed.


    She stayed in the organization for two months without contacting anyone. When she got home, the kids were all worried for her. That was also the day that Winter found out the kids that Jillyanna was keeping. However, she didn''t know how skillful the kids were. She didn''t ask the specific of their existence since it was obvious that the kids were orphans.


    "Sorry for not coming home. I had some issues that needed to be settled." Jillyanna told them but Jackie just looked at her without saying anything.


    "I thought you left us already." Riley mumbled, fidgeting on her place while playing with her thumbs in front of her.


    Shein was also looking at her as if he was observing every little detail of her facial expressions.


    "I am really sorry. At the same time, during this kind of situation, you need to grow up and take care of yourself." Jillyanna spoke to them in a gentle tone. "I won''t be staying forever, you know."


    "No! You are my only mistress. The mistress of this house and the only person I am following." Riley argued back, afraid that she would really leave them.


    Jillyanna couldn''t help but sigh deeply in her heart. She reached out to them and spoke calmly. "Once I turn 18 years old, I will finally become your guardian. That will be another year from now. Do you want to get a new name?"


    "I want to keep my first name and get a new last name." It was Shein who answered her first. "Riley and Jackie gave me this name so I want to keep it."


    "Alright. How about you use my mother''s last name. At the same time, anyone with the same surname aside from the three of you isn''t considered family. You can''t trust anyone but yourselves." Jillyanna told them since her mother''s relatives were still out there.


    The three of them agreed and Jillyanna kept that promise when she turned 18 years old. Still a secret, she asked help from Winter to register their names.


    She also decided to leave the organization and focus on helping Cielo with their business plan. Nevertheless, she kept her communication open for the kids she left overseas.


    "When we turn 18 years old, we will follow you and find a good job near you. We don''t want to stay in a place without you." Jackie commented one time when she was calling them via facetime.


    "You have to wait for Shein to turn 18 years old. For now, learn as much as you can from your teachers. Don''t look for fight. Protect each other and don''t leave your younger brother alone." Jillyanna reminded them like a mother.


    Under her protection and care, these three kids grew up with sharp skills and intelligence. Shein, still shy from others, became a hacker. He was the one who gave information to Jillyanna when she couldn''t find any lead during her work as an undercover cop. Riley and Jackie became good in combat fighting and acting. They stayed with Shein to protect him but would go in and out of the country to see her.


    Jillyanna promised to let them live a normal life but in the end, she was the one to break it and asked for favor again.


    Back at the hospital, Riley and Jackie ate their late dinner while Jillyanna made a phone call. Hawk and Savannah took a rest already since someone was taking care of Travis this time.


    "Hn. Both of them is with me in the hospital. Since you''re alone at home, make sure to lock all the doors and windows. Don''t let anyone in." Jillyanna reminded the boy over the phone.


    "Sis, I have grown already but I am still glad that you keep reminding me that. Anyway, come and pick me up next week. I''ll send you my flight details tomorrow." Shein responded to her still sounding like a child despite his age.


    "Hn. Take care of yourself."

 Chapter 226 - ICU

    Early morning of the next day, as she prepared herself for another battle at the company, Jillyanna received a phone call from Lucian. She already knew what it would be about but she still picked it up.


    "Bro?" she inquired while closing the buttons of her blouse in side the bathroom.


    Lucian didn''t take his time and told her the news immediately. "We caught him last night. It so happened that he caused a ruckus and the townsfolk helped us capture him."


    "That''s good." Jillyanna stated, nonchalant and bored. She sounded like it wasn''t a good news to her at all which made Lucian''s doubt increase.


    "Yanna, he seemed out of himself but he confessed to his crimes. I just want to know though, did you involve yourself in capturing him?" Lucian asked her directly knowing that Jillyanna would still hear his doubts in his voice.


    "I would have killed him if I really want to involve myself. Do you think I''d give him a chance after what happened to Travis? At the same time, you once told me not to kill anyone." She was playing with her words. Lucian would, of course, believe her lies. In their eyes, even though she''s cold and ruthless, they still think that she''s good and kind.


    In actual truth, Jillyanna was indeed involved but she didn''t want to kill anyone anymore. She didn''t want to taint his name and didn''t want to let his child feel the rush of excitement from killing the people you hate the most.


    She had stopped being merciless. As much as possible, she would avoid getting blood on her hands.


    "I believe what you said. Given your strength and skills, it is easy for you to kill him. I''m glad you didn''t. Anyway, he confessed already so that''s what matters the most." Lucian spoke on the other line just at the same time that Jillyanna finished changing her outfit. "You will be busy again today. Make sure to eat on time." He reminded her before ending the phone call.


    Jillyanna didn''t say anything. She knew they were worried about her but she didn''t have a choice.


    When she got out of the room, Auntie Fei arrived with her food as well as additional food for the two young girls. Jillyanna told her about them so that she can prepare their meals, too.


    "Mistress, are you only eating that small amount of food?" Riley asked her after seeing that Jillyanna only have a toasted bread, egg, bacon, cucumber, ham, milk and chicken-mushroom soup in front of her. There were plenty of vitamin bottles, too.


    Jillyanna nodded her head to indicate agreement since she was still chewing her food. She swallowed it after few seconds before answering her with words. "I am not allowed to eat a lot during pregnancy or my baby will grow big. I want my child to have the average weight so I can give birth through normal delivery. I don''t like to get a C-section. So, I can only eat this much. Oh! At the same time, stop calling me mistress already. You can always call me big sis like you did in the past."


    "Okay." Riley agreed without any hesitation. Whatever she wanted to call Jillyanna didn''t matter as long as she got the chance to see her and ensure her safety.


    "Are we staying here to look after your husband or are we coming to the company with you?" Jackie asked Jillyanna before eating the hotdog on her plate.


    "You are coming with me to the company." Jillyanna answered her. "Hawk and other guards will be staying over. Also my mother will come later."


    "Wow! We will finally see your family." Riley exclaimed cheerfully since she had been so excited to see the kind of people that took care of Jillyanna.


    While they were taking their breakfast, Savannah and Hawk came over with a new clothes for the girls.


    "I thought that you might need this." Savannah handed them the clothes that she placed inside the paper bags.


    "Thanks a lot!" Riley responded to her cheerfully and received the bags. Jackie just bowed to her silently to express her gratitude.


    The two of them went inside the bathroom to change their clothes.


    "Now I know how to point who is who. Jackie didn''t say much but Riley looked so energetic." Savannah stated while walking towards the couch and sat on it.


    Jillyanna chuckled at her observation. "Don''t let their acts get into you. Riley can act cheerful whenever she wants and so is Jackie. If they act cheerful together or if they stayed silent together, you wouldn''t know."


    "You are so great Jillyanna. You are not just wealthy but you care about others, too." Savannah responded to her with a sweet smile. "I''m sure Travis would be very proud of you."


    As if on cue to her words, Travis'' monitor sounded in consecutive beeping and he was convulsing on his bed.


    "Travis! Travis? Call the doctor immediately!" Jillyanna shouted and was already panicking, she didn''t know what to do. Her tears started falling again with the thought of losing him.


    The doctors came immediately and checked on him. They asked Jillyanna to go out first and asked someone to calm her specially that she had a baby in her.


    "Please do your best to save him. I''m begging you doc. I''ll pay no matter how much it will cost me." Jillyanna cried so much as she clutched on the doctor''s white gown.


    "We will do our best Mrs. Madrigal." The doctor told her and went back inside to see what was going on. Travis had two doctors and three nurse to make sure that he will be properly treated.


    To everyone''s disappointment, Travis was sent to the Intensive Care Unit for monitoring. He had to undergo another tests before they will declare him as patient under comatose.


    Seeing what was happening to her husband, Jillyanna''s face paled and she fainted in Savannah''s warm arms.

 Chapter 227 - INTRODUCING THE TWINS

    When Jillyanna woke up, it was already past noon and she saw a lot of people with solemn faces inside the room.


    "Thanks god you are awake now." It was Cielo who was sitting on a chair beside her bed. She was looking at Jillyanna in worry but there was a faint smile on her lips.


    Jillyanna didn''t speak to anyone. She closed her eyes again and turned her back on them, crying her heart out silently.


    Her trembling shoulders, her constant sniffing and hiccups made everyone felt a pang in their chest.


    Everything happened so fast. It was just three days ago that they were having so much fun talking about marriage and wedding. They were still happily taking their photos after their marriage got registered. In just a blink of an eye, everything was turned upside-down just because of a single action in the past. And to think, they were not at fault.


    "Are there any urgent company matters?" Jillyanna asked after almost half and hour of silence.


    "Nothing urgent." Savannah answered her. "Take a rest and we will face our battle tomorrow."


    Jillyanna didn''t speak again. She was still contemplating what to say. "Collate the number of employees that lost their job and include their job titles. We will conduct a job interview next week when Shein is back." she responded to Savannah after almost five minutes of keeping herself quiet.


    "Sure. I''ll inform the HR immediately." Savannah went out of the room and contacted someone from the company.


    Diego and Wynwyn came over to see her and Travis, too after hearing the news from Cheska. Wynwyn held a press conference before noon and told the public about the accident. She also asked everyone to refrain from going after the young madam due to her pregnancy.


    "I can only wish for miracle and let Travis wake up already." Wynwyn murmured and Diego nodded his head to agree with her.


    Before checking on Jillyanna, they checked on Travis in the ICU first, though they can only watch him from the outside through the glass window. Many tubes and monitors were attached to him and he looked ghastly pale.


    Jillyanna moved on her bed and sat up straight while wiping her face with a tissue. "I am fine now. No need to worry about me. You can all go back to your work or at home and take a rest."


    Thomas who had been silent the whole time approached her. "Jill, I know you want to do everything you can for my son but I am worried for you and the baby. How about we let someone else manage the company for now?" he suggested which Jillyanna refused almost immediately.


    "No dad. I won''t entrust his company to other people. As for J Entertainment, Diego and Wynwyn had been managing the company hand-in-hand with Travis for years. I don''t have any doubts with them and I have seen the people there. As for Venus Plaza, it is a very large company and moles were living off of your hardwork. I can''t let that happen again."


    Thomas sighed helplessly and squeezed her hand gently. "If that''s what you think is best, do that. Just make sure to properly rest and don''t overwork." He then turned to Savannah who just came back from making a phone call. "Savy, starting today, all meetings and appointments should not go beyond 5 o''clock in the afternoon. Once it''s half and hour before five, wrap up everything for the day."


    "Yes uncle. I''ve been moving the meeting to earlier schedules." Savannah responded politely.


    "I will leave for now." Thomas commented and walked out of the room with the body guards circling around him.


    Sky and Alex were there too. "I am glad you are fine. How about I stay here with you?" Sky volunteered herself even though she knew Jillyanna would refuse her.


    "Mom, I am fine. I was just shocked and afraid earlier. I won''t be around here most of the time but I would greatly appreciate it if you can stay here to check on Travis from time-to-time for me."


    "Hn. I''ll come here during the day, everyday, to check on him. Don''t worry. Your dad can stay at home and take care of the house." Sky responded with a smile.


    "Isn''t it wrong? Shouldn''t the wife be staying at home?" Alex asked which earned him a pinch on his waist. "Ouch! I was just asking." he complained to his wife but his antics just made everyone relax, including Jillyanna.


    "By the way..." she called out everyone''s attention since she had noticed that they kept glancing over the twins. "These two ladies are my sisters. This is Riley." she introduced Riley first who was sitting on the couch near the window. "This is Jackie." she introduced Jackie who was leaning on the wall.


    "When did you get yourself a twin sisters?" Cielo frowned and asked her.


    "I found them when I was 16 years old. The first time I went abroad." Jillyanna responded to Cielo as she beckoned the twin with her finger to stand beside her bed. "You wanted to meet my family, right? So let me introduce my family to you. My real parents are gone as I have told you and these people are my family now." She started of with Cielo and included Travis'' friends since they will be acquainted from now on. "The man who left earlier was Travis'' father named Thomas."


    "Wow! You know a lot of people." Riley pointed out with her eyes wide open in surprise. "You said about J Entertainment and Diego and Wynwyn earlier. Are they the same persons?" She was pointing at Diego and Wynwyn who was sitting on the couch.


    "Yup. They are. You can apply in their company if you want." Jillyanna responded to her which delighted the young girl. "I''ll show you some pictures for those that aren''t here. Well, you know Winter already so I won''t include her." She chose Brown first and Valkyrie.


    "You must be very happy watching this two." Jackie commented since they knew how much Jillyanna liked to read BL mangas and BL anime.


    "At first, it was fun. Now, they are fighting so I don''t like it. Hopefully, they''ll make up soon. This taller guy is Valkyrie and this one Brown." she skipped to other photos and found Jenny. "This one is my other sister named Jenny. She''s still at school so you''ll see her in the future." She skipped to another picture and found Gabriel.


    "Wait! I knew this guy!" Riley exclaimed and worry started clouding her face. "If I am not mistaken, this is Gabriel Colton. A general or something."


    "You knew Gabriel? How did you know him?" It was Savannah who was asking her now. "You are not having an affair with him, aren''t you?"


    "What?! You think I''m crazy! I will never like anyone from the military. I have..I have someone I like." Riley shouted and stuttered with a blush.


    "We know." Jackie and Jillyanna replied to her at the same time. They both giggled since they knew who the person she likes.


    "Anyway, I know that general because someone looked into your military records and whatsoever you call that. He is probably in Pantar now."


    ''Boom!'' she dropped the bomb.

 Chapter 228 - STABILIZED

    ''Did I say something wrong?'' Riley asked herself as she watched Savannah and Hawk became worried. ''I just answered their question so it doesn''t matter.'' she hurriedly dismissed her idea and talked to Jillyanna again.


    "Sis, can I really apply for the entertainment company?" Riley asked her again. "Is that really possible?"


    "It is possible but I don''t know if they will hire you." Jillyanna scoffed at her with a faint smile. She started to forget her worry but time-to-time she''ll remember Travis and worry again.


    Wynwyn approached Riley and gave her calling card. "If you are not joking and if you really want to join us, I am willing to be your personal manager."


    "Heh! You just know she''d be a potential star which is why you wanted her." Diego commented on the side making Wynwyn kicked his leg.


    Riley accepted the card and checked the address and the phone number. "It''s far." she whispered to herself but Jillyanna read the words on his lips and smiled.


    "It is far but you will definitely like it there. Travis and I would also visit the place sometimes." If Riley would want to work in an entertainment industry, she would never stop her. She wanted them to grow up and use their wings to fly not to clip their wings and let them rooted on the ground.


    "How about you Jackie?" Riley asked her sister who was standing beside her. "Won''t you come with me?"


    "I am not a good actress like you and I hate acting." Jackie waved her hand dismissively. "I hate anything that has to do with entertainment."


    Riley and Wynwyn started discussing what works will there be for her if she joined J Entertainment. Diego also left to find Cheska who was still working.


    "Should we let Winter know?" Savannah asked Hawk who was sitting beside her. "Well, I think it is fine if we don''t. She didn''t have any relationship with him after all and she refused to remember anything from her past."


    "Hn. Let''s keep it a secret. If Gabriel wanted her to know, he would''ve told her before they parted their ways." Hawk replied to her.


    So the discussion ended and they decided to keep it a secret. If Gabriel didn''t want her to know, then there''s no need to say anything.


    "You didn''t introduce Lucian to them?" Cielo asked Jillyanna while picking up her bag.


    "No need. They knew who Lucian is from the cases he handled." Jillyanna stated to her sister. "Don''t forget the meeting next week." she reminded Cielo which the latter nodded her head.


    Sky and Alex left the room too since they wanted to give her space. They didn''t want to disturb her rest anymore.


    "Call me whenever you are ready." Wynwyn told Riley before leaving as well. "Take care Jill. Your entertainment will be looking forward to see you and Travis again."


    "Thanks for all your help Wyn." Jillyanna responded to her.


    "No worries. Have a plenty of rest." Wynwyn waved her hand and left them.


    "I''ll stand guard outside Travis room again." Hawk volunteered and left. He was always silent and would seldom speak to other people.


    "Hn. Let me know if anything happens." Jillyanna told him before he went out of the room.


    Now only the four girls were left. Jillyanna climbed down from her hospital bed and went to the comfort room to wash her face.


    Days had passed and Jillyanna continued to work as the new CEO while Travis continued to sleep in the ICU. He was put under close monitoring since he had been convulsing multiple times. His face was gaunt and he looked terribly pale.


    She was already accustomed to living in the hospital just to be with him. A week had passed before he was sent back to his VIP room after his condition stabilized.


    Jillyanna came back with a bouquet of fresh flowers in her arms from the same shop that he bought the flowers for her before.


    She kissed his emaciated face before arranging the flowers in a vase. "Darling, do you remember these flowers? I remember you bought these for me before. I threw it at first but I realized it would be a waste to throw a beautiful gift. So I ended keeping your first bouquet of flowers for me."


    She kept on talking to him while placing each flower inside the vase carefully. After which, she went to the bathroom and put a good amount of water to keep them alive for few more days.


    "Honey, I will be meeting Shein tomorrow. You really have to wake up soon so you could see the people I care about. I''ve been telling you my dark past but you should also see the bright side." She spoke to him like he could hear her.


    This had been her new routine now. She would kiss him goodbye in the morning before going to work and when she came back, she will talk to him about different things.


    During weekends, she will spend her whole day with him, wiping him clean and continue her crochet when she didn''t have anything to do.


    Riley decided to participate in a new shampoo advertisement with the help of Wynwyn. It was really a shock to everyone that the head of their PR department will take someone under her wings.


    "Will Riley come to pick him up?" Jackie asked Jillyanna while she removed her coat and placed it on the couch.


    "Tomorrow is the shoot for the advertisement so I don''t think she can. You can visit her though. I''m sure she''ll be happy."


    Savannah came in with some food for Hawk and Jackie. "I didn''t buy anything for you." she told Jillyanna with apologetic look.


    Jillyanna just smiled at her while waving her hand. "It is fine. Auntie Sisi is on her way already and Travis won''t allow me to eat the food outside."


    "I have posted the notice by the way for the job hiring. Will you be there during interview?" Savannah asked her while placing the food on the table.


    "Of course. I will be checking who will dare to send a mole over the company." Jillyanna snickered and a cold glint flickered in her eyes.

 Chapter 229 - SHEIN

    When the sun shone brightly in the next morning, Jillyanna squinted her eyes as she sat on her own bed, trying to get herself to wake up completely.


    She stretched her body for a minute before walking towards Travis. "Morning sweetheart. It''s new day and you are still asleep." she kissed his pale face quickly and took hold of his hand. "I''ll be working in a while again. It would be great if you are awake when I get back." she kissed the back of his hand while keeping her eyes on him. "I''ll wait for you no matter how long it would take."


    She was still talking to him when Sky arrived to look after Travis in behalf of her. "Go and get ready for work. I will take care of Travis for you." Sky told her, placing some food containers inside the mini refrigerator.


    Jillyanna brought her change of clothes and other toiletries inside the bathroom to take a shower and prepare for work. She had been staying in the hospital for almost 2 weeks now but she didn''t mind it at all. As much as possible, she wanted to be at his side most of the time.


    Jackie stayed in her house during the night after sending her back to the hospital. The same goes for Savannah and Hawk. She didn''t have any issue about the night watch since Top was taking guard outside during the night together with other body guards. Whenever a doctor or a nurse would come, he would wake her up so that she can check the personnel on her own. Among all the guards, he was the one that earned Jillyanna''s trust.


    "Good morning auntie Sky." Savannah greeted Jillyanna''s foster mother when she arrived. Hawk was following behind her and slightly bowed his head as his form of greeting.


    "Good morning. Have you guys eaten? I brought some food here." Sky asked and offered them breakfast at the same time.


    "Thank you auntie but we ate before coming here." Savannah answered her with a smile, refusing her offer politely. "Is Jillyanna taking a bath?"


    "Hn. She''ll be done in a few minutes."


    They chatted about different things while waiting for Jillyanna to come out. Hawk would sometimes say some words but most of the time he was silent.


    Just as Jillyanna finished taking her bath and was changing her clothes, Jackie arrived with the food that Auntie Sisi and Auntie Fei prepared. She had been living in Jillyanna''s house during her stay. She and Riley refused to leave her side so Riley was traveling everyday between Jillyanna''s place and J Entertainment.


    When Jillyanna was all set and ready, she came out of the bathroom to dry her hair. "Shein will arrived at 9 o''clock this morning. We will pick him up first before going to the company." She mentioned to them to make sure that there won''t be any wasted time.


    Jackie and Savannah nodded their head. While Savannah was working as a secretary for her, Jackie was working like an all-around supervisor who checked all departments'' activities.


    Jillyanna prepared herself quietly, walking to and fro to get her things, eating slowly without a word while keeping an eye on Travis.


    "Darling, I''m off to work now. Don''t do anything that would scare me, okay? I''ll come back as soon as my work is done." she kissed his cheeks and forehead before heading out. "Mom, I''m leaving Travis to your care."


    Sky just nodded her head as she sat on the couch to watch over their patient.


    Jillyanna, Savannah and Jackie got into their waiting car and had the driver sent them to the airport first. It wasn''t a long ride and Shein wasn''t their yet. They waited for few more minutes before Jillyanna got a call.


    "Sis, I just arrived. Are you here already?" Shein asked on the other line cheerfully. It was obvious that he was happy and excited to be with her.


    "Hn. We have arrived. Jackie will come and find you. I can''t go out of the car." Jillyanna answered at the same, she was giving signal to Jackie that he arrived already. Jackie went out and looked for their younger brother.


    "I don''t see her." Shein mumbled on the phone as he looked around the place to find Jackie. After making a 360¡ã turn, he found Jackie right in front of him. "God! Don''t scare me!" he shouted with his hands on his chest, clearly shocked from her sudden appearance.


    That was why he wanted to find her first because she would always sneak around him, giving him a shock that he thought he would have a heart attack.


    "I believe she found you already. I''ll end the call now." Jillyanna stated knowing that the man would still diss Jackie for shocking him.


    Another five minutes passed before a panting Shein and Jackie got inside the car as quick as they can. "Those girls are crazy! How could they think of you as an actor? Surely, that was just a reason to get close to you."


    "I don''t care about them. Where''s Riley?" Shein asked immediately when he didn''t see her inside the car.


    "Looking for her as soon as you got in when you''ve been with her all your life. Won''t you look for me?" Jillyanna teased the young man who was blushing from his neck up to his face and ear.


    Shein still smiled and reached over her seat to give Jillyanna a warm hug. "I am glad you remained strong." he patted her back gently like how she did to him in the past.


    His words made Jillyanna cry and pour her grievances in his arms. "Hn. I have to. For the sake of my baby and everyone."


    "Sis is really admirable. Stop crying already because you look ugly." This earned him a pinch on his face from Jillyanna.


    "Who do you think made me cry? And you dare tell me I am ugly?!" Jillyanna pinched his face and stretched it in front of her. She started to smile already.


    "Aahh! Oww! It hurts! I won''t say you are ugly anymore. I won''t say it even if it is true. Aahh! Ouchie! Ow." he massaged his face when Jillyanna let go of him and went back to his seat. "You''re a meanie, sis."

 Chapter 230 - SHEIN X RILEY

    Jillyanna and Savannah went back to the company first before Shein and Jackie went to J Entertainment to find Riley. He was making a fuss earlier just to see her even though Jillyanna already planned that to happen, she still likes teasing him.


    "Ehh? Miss Riley? Why are you still here? Aren''t you suppose to have a shoot?" It was the chief security guard who asked her when she came inside with Shein beside him. "Who is this young man?"


    Jackie really wanted to roll her eyes at him but she kept a straight face to stop herself. Shein didn''t shut his mouth though.


    "Chief, this ugly hag beside me isn''t Riley." Shein told the man which stunned the person. As quick as he said those words, he quickly step out of Jackie''s attack range before she could give him a kick or a punch.


    Jackie finally rolled her eyes and it was towards Shein. Since they were still at the entrance, many artists saw them and was surprised.


    "Hey! Whose artist are you?" a woman asked Shein with a cheerful smile and a her heart was obviously in her eyes.


    Shein just looked at the woman in front of him before whispering under his breath. "Don''t come near me. I don''t like your scent."


    The woman was stunned but she didn''t get mad since no one heard what he said. She knew that people have different preference so she didn''t take it the hard way. At least he was polite to not let anyone know of his opinion.


    "So honest." she commented before leaving his side in silence.


    "Come on Jackie! I came here to find Riley! I didn''t come here to be an art piece which everyone was ogling to see." Shein had his arms crossed over his chest while following Jackie to the lobby.


    "He is looking for the new artist." whispered one of the girls who saw them.


    "The other girl looked like Riley. She''s probably her twin sister."


    "Yeah. But she looked scary than Riley."


    "The guy is just so handsome. I think he is a foreigner."


    "His blue eyes are beautiful."


    Murmurs were everywhere due to Shein and Jackie''s arrival. The security chief didn''t do anything to them since they were not causing any disturbance but he was curious of them, too.


    Not long after, Wynwyn came down with her phone on her ears while glancing around. "I found them already. Hn...Sure..Yup. Bye." She put down her phone and walked to them. "Jackie! It''s been a while." she greeted Jackie first before looking towards Shein with sparkling eyes.


    "Just so you know, I am here for Riley. I have no plans of becoming an artist or whatsoever in your industry." Shein''s sharp and honest words disappointed Wynwyn so much.


    "Alright. I am contented with Riley already. Come with me." Wynwyn brought them up to where Riley was taking her photoshoot and video shoot for the new shampoo advertisement.


    Everyone just watched their disappearing back before another batch of whispers and gossips occured.


    Riley was currently changing her attire into a light pink dress that was three inches above her knee. A make up artist and a hair stylist was already awaiting for her once she''s done. There are three of them in this shoot before they head out for an outdoor shooting.


    ''Knock! Knock! Knock!''


    "Come in." Riley called out thinking that it would be one of the staff she''s working with. She was done dressing up and was currently putting away her regular clothes.


    "I missed this scent the most." Riley stiffened her back when she heard that voice. "Shein!" she exclaimed happily and ran into his warm embrace.


    "I didn''t know you''d visit me. Nobody told me!" she sulked and complained but when she raised her head to see him, she was still smiling happily. A genuine smile that can''t be given to anyone else but to the people she considered family.


    "Then it is a good surprise." Shein responded to her. Even though Riley was a year older than him, he was still taller than her by few inches. Given her younger looking face and short stature, Shein was always mistaken to be older than her.


    "I still have to do a photo shoot. Can you wait up for me? Once I am done we can have lunch together." Riley asked him, purring in his arms like a cat would.


    In fact between the two of them, it was Shein who grew up late with his mental health. He was made aware of this by his doctor and it was always Riley who was beside him to tell him what shouldn''t be or should be done in certain times.


    Riley was the one who never gave up on him and picked him up when no one wanted him. Riley was the one who helped him and took care of him. Although Jackie was also there, she was more like a big sister to him next to Jillyanna.


    When he finally made it over the years of studying, socializing with normal people and with the help of the doctor hired by Jillyanna, he finally gained confidence.


    Riley on the other hand became a good actress. She would never let anyone know her true feelings aside from him. She would tell him all the things she did and didn''t like. When he was around, she wouldn''t keep things to herself. Riley would always be in her honest form when she''s with him.


    "Go ahead. Jackie and I will be watching you." Shein responded to her before letting her go. "I''ll go out first to have a talk with your manager."


    "Hn. I''ll be there in a few minutes."


    When Shein left, Riley closed the door and smiled from ear to ear like an idiot. There feelings wasn''t a secret either. When Shein was starting to learn how to live like a normal person, he made a promise. ''I will do anything for you and learn it the hard way so I can stay by your side forever.''


    Those warm words were still running in her brain and kept her going.

 Chapter 231 - GRADUALLY ACCEPTING

    Their sweet atmosphere was opposite to the atmosphere in Winter''s rented apartment. When they got back after the accident, Valkyrie insisted to stay with Brown.


    Winter, being the sensitive person, she knew that everyone was rooting for Valkyrie and Brown. She didn''t want to be the evil Queen who was separating the lovers so she left and moved to a different place.


    "You are still here?" Brown asked Valkyrie when he got back from the 4 that he was monitoring.


    "For a week now, I am telling you that I won''t go anywhere." Valkyrie responded firmly. He was currently making dinner for the two of them. Even though Brown wanted him to go, they would still end up eating together.


    "I really suggest that you leave. I am here for a mission and I don''t want you to get involve. You are on vacation leave, am I right?"


    "Yup. That is why I am here to take care of you during my one month vacation."


    "You are hopeless. What else should I do to make you stop?"


    "Tell me that you like me."


    Instead of saying anything, Brown left him and went inside his room to change clothes. Valkyrie just smiled, happy that he didn''t deny or agree. For him, it was still a chance that he can take.


    Every night, Brown would lock his door to keep a certain someone out of his room. Every morning, he would still wake up with the person in his arms. "Get off me already. I need to work." he removed Valkyrie''s hand from his waist and slid out of his bed. "And stop coming to my room."


    "If you can win me in a fight, I will stop." Valkyrie told him making him even more frustrated. He was asking the impossible!


    Brown decided to just ignore him and went to the bathroom to take a shower. He''s got less than a month before Jillyanna would take over their mission and kill everyone. He didn''t want that to happen so he needed to work as fast as he can.


    Valkyrie went out of the room and started preparing their breakfast before Brown finished his shower. He made him a fried rice and prepared some beacons and eggs for him. After that, he made a bento for his lunch.


    "Aren''t you tired of doing this?" Brown asked him when he came out with a new set of clothes and a towel slung over his neck.


    "Nope. If it is for you, I wouldn''t be tired." Valkyrie answered shamelessly in front of him. "How about you? Aren''t you tired of running away from me?"


    "Not really. If I can really run away from you, I will consider it an achievement." Brown answered him honestly. After all, he had been preparing himself to stay as far as he can from him. Sad to say, Valkyrie ruined all his plan.


    Valkyrie wanted to say something but a phone call interrupted his thoughts. It was his father calling him. "Hey Dad! What''s up?"


    Brown stiffened when he heard him talking to his father. He was looking at Valkyrie, face paled and devoid of expressions.


    "Why didn''t you come home when you are on vacation? Are you forgetting your home? Where''s Evan?" Dr. Anderson asked him consecutively without any room for breathing.


    "I am on vacation but Evan is not. He is still on a mission and I am with him right now to accompany him. I- "


    ''Toot! Toot! Toot!'' the call ended and no matter how many times he called his father again, no one answered it. "He turned off his phone." His nonchalant behavior was opposite to how Brown felt.


    He was horrified! He felt horrible for cohabiting with his son. He felt guilty. With trembling hands, he wiped the towel on his head to dry his hair. His actions were faster than usual.


    "Why aren''t you saying anything?" Valkyrie asked him when they ate their breakfast together. Brown was still silent and he shoved spoonful of food on his mouth from time to time. "Are you angry that I told Dad about us staying together?" Still there was no response. Valkyrie put down his spoon and fork while watching Brown eat in front of him silently.


    Until he finished eating his food, there was no word from him. He cleaned his dishes and wiped his hands under the watchful gaze of Valkyrie.


    ''Oh? You won''t talk to me? Let''s see.'' he was talking to himself as he stride towards Brown''s room where he saw him preparing his bag for work. Without any warning, he caught hold of Brown''s shoulders, turned him around to face him before burying his face at the base of his neck and nibbled his tender skin.


    "Fuxk you Matt! Nggh! Get...away..from me..." his words slurred at the end from the pain and pleasure he was feeling. He could feel the heat rushing from his foot to his face, some were pooling at the certain part that he never wanted to wake up. ''I hate my body so much.'' he thought to herself while wiping the tears that were hanging on his lashes.


    Valkyrie pushed him a little to see his work. Satisfied, a smile appeared on his lips. "That is your punishment for not talking to me."


    Brown just watched him with unreadable expressions before picking up his bag and left the apartment for work. Valkyrie was still rooted in the same place before he realized what mistake he committed.


    "Damn it! Idiot! What have I done?!" he cursed himself repeatedly.


    Even though they didn''t exchange any words when he left, Brown didn''t forget to take the bento that Valkyrie prepared for him because he didn''t want to faint from hunger and he didn''t want to eat the food prepared in the laboratory.


    ''What an idiot!'' he mocked himself while walking towards the laboratory building. ''I don''t know what else to do. Well, his father might come knocking to take him back. It would be great if he would. Even if I miss these moments, I won''t drag him down with me.''

 Chapter 232 - COMING OUT I

    "Good morning doc." another scientist greeted Brown when he came in to put away his bag, only bringing his phone with him inside his lab coat.


    "Morning." Brown spoke softly since he wasn''t in the mood to talk to anyone.


    "Hey doc, do you want to cover that?" the woman was pointing at her own neck while eyeing the same spot on Brown. "I have a concealer."


    "It is fine." Brown answered before leaving the locker''s area to head inside his laboratory to conduct test on subjects that weren''t taken back by any family members.


    He was just about to press his I.D badge on the sensor to gain access when his phone vibrated inside his lab coat. He picked it up and found several messages from unknown contact.


    -Please help me get a justice for my sister. I don''t want her daughter to experience the same pain as her.-


    -I can give you access to the basement laboratory for one day. Find a chance to sneak inside.-


    -You are my only hope.-


    Brown tried calling the number but it was already out of reach. ''Just who the hell is this person?'' Brown wanted to ask this question to anyone but he knew he can''t do that.


    At the same time, Jillyanna received an email. The same, exact, e-mail address who sent her clues about her mother''s death, leading her to almost die two years ago.


    -I hope you are fine. I am glad to see you are doing fine. Don''t look into your mother''s case anymore. I don''t want to see you suffer while I stay hidden in the shadows. I found someone to look into it already.-


    Jillyanna''s eyes dimmed and she sighed deeply to release all the negativity inside her. She somehow knew who it was but she could only assume. She wasn''t sure. The last time she saw the person personally was when she denied her identity.


    Jillyanna didn''t delete the e-mail so that she could show it to Shein when she got back. The problem was, would he go back to Jillyanna now that he found Riley? It would be a 50/50 chance.


    She sent a text message to Brown to remind him to take care of himself as well as a message to Valkyrie to make sure that they were both doing fine.


    Brown already gave up contacting the source of information and got inside the laboratory. Inside was a man, whom he saw at the hospital last time. He was arranging some flask with different colors of liquid in it.


    He started to do his work without disturbing the man. He took note of his findings and showed it to him without saying anything. For some reason, they could still understand what the other was thinking when it comes to experiment.


    Whenever Brown got a vacant time, he would chat with the other scientist to get information about their experiments but no one said a word regarding the experiment in the basement.


    The day ended without any valuable information aside from the text he received earlier. When he got the message from Jillyanna, he started to feel guilty towards her. She had to think about Travis, about her baby, about the company, about her family and the people who''s after her mother''s research. She had so many things to think about but she still worry about him.


    With his head bowed down, clutching on the strap of his bag, Brown went out of the building with other scientists who''s going home as well.


    "You are finally out." Valkyrie spoke which brought him back to reality. "What are you thinking?" He linked their hands together like it was the most natural thing to do.


    People stared at them. Some were shocked, some were amazed with their bravery, some teased them and some were just expressionless. Brown tried getting his hand back but Valkyrie held him firmly.


    "Isn''t it time that we should get used to this?" Valkyrie whispered, his hot breath warm on his cheeks. "Do you really want to throw what we have?"


    Brown felt puzzled and confused. His walls started to crumble but he didn''t say anything. He just allowed Valkyrie to hold his hand and led him back to the apartment they were staying.


    "Hey doc! Why didn''t you tell us that your boyfriend is this hot? Are you afraid someone will steal him?" It was the same woman who offered her concealer this morning.


    "I don''t think doc''s boyfriend will show interest in someone else. He even left his mark." another woman teased in order to ease Brown''s discomfort.


    Valkyrie smiled and nodded his head. "You are right. I won''t be seduced with anyone because I can''t get it up if it isn''t him."


    These made the women blush from his bluntness but they still giggled and smiled towards Brown. "Doc, your boyfriend is very possessive."


    Brown continued to smile throughout their conversation even though he wanted to kick Valkyrie beside him. When they reached the main road, his colleagues were going towards the opposite direction so they bid farewell cheerfully.


    "Your colleagues are very supportive. Are they involved with the expirement you are investigating?" Valkyrie whispered since they were still outside and anyone might hear them.


    "Why are you asking that?"


    "Because I thought you might not want them to be sent to jail or to die in Jillyanna''s hands. Those were the only choices and you know that."


    "They aren''t involved. By the way, why did you show up in my workplace? Did you forget that you did something this morning?"


    "I don''t dare forget which is why I am picking you up to make up for it?"


    "Are you saying that you are just picking me up to make up for what you did?"


    "No. That''s not it. I really wanted to pick you up everyday but I don''t want to upset you."


    "And you think today I''m - " to his horror, a man with almost the same face as Valkyrie was standing in front of their apartment room. "Dr. Anderson."

 Chapter 233 - WHO IS YOUR SON?

    Valkyrie and Brown were glued on the ground. Brown''s hand that Valkyrie was holding started to tremble and he could feel the cold sweat on it.


    "Dad." Valkyrie called out to his father. There was the slightest fear, anxiety and surprise in his voice. He pulled Brown close to him and let him stand behind him.


    "Here you are. Evan!" Dr. Anderson used Brown''s real name this time.


    When he said his name, Brown thought that his soul flew out of his body, summoned by the devil who was walking towards him. Every step he took was like a bag of sand being placed on his chest, heavy and it was making him breath heavily.


    For the very first time in his life, he feared Dr. Anderson, the man who took him in and cared for him when his parents didn''t.


    Brown saw Dr. Anderson threw a deathly glare at Valkyrie and pushed Valkyrie away to see him stand in front of him.


    "Evan, did he do anything to you? Did he force you to live with him? Did he do anything against your will?" Dr. Anderson asked him while holding his shoulders, shaking him lightly in each question he uttered.


    Brown''s face paled and he didn''t know what Dr. Anderson was saying. He seemed to not hear him and he was getting dizzy. He thought it would be okay to face him now than later but, he was still unprepared and his back was wet from cold sweat.


    "Evan? Evan?" Dr. Anderson called in urgency, snapping him back to reality. When he couldn''t get any answer from Brown, he turned to Valkyrie and scolded him. "What the hell did you do to him? Why isn''t he answering me? You must have done something against his will?! This is why I don''t want you stay alone with him! Where''s Winter?"


    Brown was really confused. He thought Dr. Anderson was making a mistake so he chose to speak up for Valkyrie''s sake. "Dr. Anderson, are you mistaking for something? Shouldn''t you be asking those questions to your son? Why are you more concern about me?"


    "It is because HE IS my son that is why I am asking you. I know him too well and I couldn''t let you stay with this sly fox. I am worried that he would force himself on you." Dr. Anderson answered him patiently before giving Valkyrie another piercing glare. If his glares can cut someone, his son would be a pile of meat already.


    "Aren''t you worried that I might be the one forcing him to stay with me, doing something against his will and coercing him to live with me?" Brown asked him the same question that he asked earlier. He was really confused with what was going on.


    Dr. Anderson looked at him for a full minute before sighing deeply. "Looks like I was worried for nothing." he mumbled softly that both Brown and Valkyrie looked at him in confusion. "Don''t ask me anything anymore. I know my son since years ago but I didn''t know you have the same feeling as well."


    "Wait Dad. You are not here to take me away?" Valkyrie asked in surprise but his grin was already spreading from ear to ear.


    Dr. Anderson knocked his son''s forehead lightly. "I am here to take Evan, not you."


    "Who is really your son? Me or Evan?" Valkyrie had his arms cross on his chest while asking his father.


    "Evan. You are the adopted one so behave yourself." Dr. Anderson joked with him which lightened the atmosphere. "Aren''t you going to invite me in? Do you want me to freeze here to death and take Evan away?"


    Brown smiled for the first time after seeing the man in front of him. His anxiety was gone and he could only feel the warmth of a parent that he never once have until he came to pick him up.


    "Let''s get inside. It''s getting dark and cold already." Brown led him in and since he didn''t turn back to see the two people behind him, he didn''t see them sizing up one another. Not how a father and son would really act during reunion.


    Brown would never forget the day he met the man who changed his life. He was an orphan and most of his time was spent on medical books inside the orphanage''s library. He was really interested in human anatomy and he tried to learn as much as he can from the book.


    Sadly, the orphanage caught fire due to some unknown reason. At that time, he was still inside the library and the fire wasn''t that big. He took off his shirt and tied both ends of his sleeve and put the medical books inside. He put as much as he can carry and went out of the orphanage.


    Dr. Anderson saw the burning place when he was going home. Seeing the children and nuns crying and running around, he went to them and help. It was at that time that he saw Even hugging the pile of books inside a shirt, calm and collected like the things happening around him had nothing to do with him.


    Dr. Anderson attended to those wounded children and nuns to make sure that their wound won''t get infected. He always bring his first aid kit bag with him full of medical stuff. When Brown saw what were the things inside, he approached Dr. Anderson, dragging the books behind him.


    "Can I use your antibiotic ointment and your gauze and your scissors and your scotch tape?" Evan asked him in his soft voice while looking at the things inside Dr. Anderson''s bag.


    He gave him what he needed and just turned back to attending the other children. Ambulance and firefighters came to their rescue after few minutes as well.


    Young Evan approached the librarian who always teach him many things whenever he was in the library. "Sister, I will help you with your wound." Evan spoke to the old librarian, still dragging the shirt with books behind him.

 Chapter 234 - YOUNG EVAN

    The nun smiled faintly. She didn''t know that even under her long dress, young Evan would still know she was wounded.


    "Can you look after these books? I will get some wet cloth." he told the nun, his big brown eyes held his worry and concern for both the books and the nun.


    "Hn. I will be staying here with the books."


    Evan ran towards the side of the orphanage which wasn''t caught by the fire. There were blankets and towels which they hang that morning so he got one of them and cut it into strips.


    He also found a small pale and he put a tap water on it from the garden hose he found. He brought everything back and wiped the wound with the wet cloth.


    It wasn''t a deep wound but it was long; and since the librarian caught it from a sharp broken wood there were some small splinters on the wound.


    Evan ran back to Dr. Anderson''s side once again. "Do you have tweezers? Can I borrow it as well?"


    Dr. Anderson caught interest of him and gave one of his tweezers. Evan took it and ran back to the wounded nun. After cleaning the wound, he removed the small debris and cleaned it again to make sure that nothing was left. He put the ointment and wrapped the wound with the gauze to make sure that it won''t be infected.


    "Do you want to become a doctor?" Dr. Anderson asked Evan when he was done dressing the wound. Evan looked up to him and returned the things he borrowed.


    "Thank you for letting me use your things but I cannot become a doctor. I am an orphan and I don''t have money to go to school." Young Evan answered with his clear and big brown eyes.


    "How about you come with me? I will take you home with me and study under my care?"


    The nun as well Evan looked at him in surprise. They were both speechless and amazed at him. It was the nun who snapped back to reality first and stood up abruptly.


    "Are you sure doc? Are you really going to take him in? This child has a lot of potential and I believe he''d become a great doctor. We just didn''t have enough funds to send him to school."


    "If he is willing, I would be happy. My own son didn''t want to become a doctor and I need someone who I can pass my knowledge on." Dr. Anderson answered.


    The nun was happy to hear him say those words and immediately agreed to help them process their papers to legally adopt Evan. She want him to find his worth and become a good doctor. It would be bad if they turned his offer down.


    Dr. Anderson brought him home and changed his last name to his. He introduced him to Matthew, his son, and enrolled him to school. Since he started late, he was taken to specialize school to finish all the basic years before he can join the middle school. Whenever he studied at home, Matthew was asked to tutor him.


    At first, they were getting along. They would talk about different things but they would never speak about anything related to medical field because Matthew didn''t like it.


    But one time...


    "Why do you hate becoming a doctor? That is a wonderful job and you can help many people." Evan told him one time when he was studying his notes for biology class.


    Matthew was lying down on the couch, his right arm was placed under his head as a pillow and the other hand was placed over his eyes to cover them.


    "I just don''t like it. Doctors spend most of their times with their patients or with their research. In the end, they would forget or ignore their family."


    "Is it the medical field you hated or is it your parents?"


    Matthew didn''t answer his question instead, he removed his hand from covering his eyes and reached over to Evan''s head, messing it with a smile on his lips.


    "Once you become a doctor, don''t forget about me." Those were his words before things changed between them.


    Not long after, Matthew argued with his father and stopped going to school. He left home and joined the military when he just reached the legal age. Evan didn''t know what was the reason though.


    And that fateful encounter led them to where he was after a decade of hardwork and perseverance. However, guilt was starting to chew his heart when he fell in love to Dr. Anderson''s one and only son.


    "Why are you spacing out?" Valkyrie asked Brown when he didn''t return after getting a cup of tea for Dr. Anderson. He was still standing near at the kitchen sink, looking lost and confused.


    Brown turned his head and faced him with a faint smile. "I just remembered the past." He picked up a tea cup from the cupboard and poured the freshly brewed tea on it. "I''ll give this to your father."


    An idea suddenly popped out of Valkyrie''s mind that made him smile. Since his father came to see them, he will just grab the opportunity. He went inside his own room and took out the watch he bought over a week ago.


    "Evan, can you leave us for a while?" Valkyrie asked him when he got back with a gift.


    Brown raised his eyebrow towards him but he still left and went inside his room. Whatever it is that they want to talk about, it has nothing to do with him.


    Dr. Anderson just watched the two men in front of him. He was sure about his son''s preference but he couldn''t be sure of how Evan was feeling. Since he liked Brown like his own child, he wouldn''t allow anyone to compromise his life - not even his own son could.


    When Brown left the two of them, Valkyrie sat on the couch opposite his father. He placed the gift on the table and pushed it lightly. "That''s my gift."

 Chapter 235 - WORRIED FOR NOTHING

    Jillyanna was about to go home when she remembered the recording she secretly took when she was with Valkyrie. She didn''t know how the two of them were doing and she wasn''t sure if their relationship had any progress.


    Still, she thought it would help so she sent the recording to Brown before packing up and went out of her office with Savannah.


    Jackie and Shein hadn''t come back from J Entertainment yet and she didn''t want to interrupt their little reunion.


    "Do you think Brown and Valkyrie will patch their relationship?" Savannah asked her when they were inside the elevator. "I really want them to be happy. It was really obvious that they like each other so why bother hiding what you feel? Don''t you agree with me?"


    Jillyanna nodded her head and smiled. "I certainly agree with you. At the same time, we can''t really hurry them. First, Brown was deeply hurt and was concern about how others would judge them. Second, Brown was worried about Dr. Anderson. He didn''t want to repay his kindness with betrayal. All we can do is support them and let them trust the process."


    Savanna also smiled after hearing her words. Jillyanna was right. All they can do was to support their friends and help them realize that they would back them up even when people chastised them and judge there relationship.


    Brown received a message from Jillyanna with a voice recording attached to it. Thinking that it was something confidential, he took out his airpods and played the recording.


    A voice that was so familiar to him since he was young resonated from his ears to his heart. It was the same voice who kept pestering him everyday and would throw a fuss whenever he refused to let him sleep beside him.


    -My problem is a difficult situation, right?- He was asking the person he was talking to, clearly it was Jillyanna since she was the one who sent him the voice recording.


    -Why didn''t you tell him about your feelings by the way? I mean, you are aware of his feelings for you. So why?-


    She didn''t sound like anyone prying over someone''s secret but she was more concerned for the relationship between the two men. Since the first time she met them, Jillyanna was the first to voice out her support. Perhaps it was to make herself feel happy in the presence of a live BL but still, her support didn''t dwindle.


    There was a few seconds of silence before he heard Valkyrie''s soft and worried voice again. He sounded so distant and Brown felt the pain in his words.


    -I was scared. I was scared that he would change his mind. I know there''s something wrong with me since I was young but I hid it because of my father. I don''t want to disappoint him. However, Evan came into our lives and changed everything. Dad cares for him and I don''t want to taint him. You know that love for same sex is feeble right and not everyone can accept that. I don''t want anyone to judge him. I don''t want people to ridicule him. I don''t want people to feel disgusted of him. I just want him to live a normal life.-


    Brown gave a hollow laugh while listening to his words. He blinked his eyes, trying to blink his tears away that hang on to his lashes.


    -That''s what you want but are you certain that he likes it. You shouldn''t decide what''s best for him. He is an adult like you. He knows the consequences that you guys will face. I really like watching you two interact. Yes, it is true that not everyone is very open to that kind of relationship. What can they do? It is your life. Live it.-


    These words stunned Brown the most. Despite the circumstances that Jillyanna faced before and after meeting Travis, she still remained the same. She didn''t abandon anyone and she didn''t care about anyone''s opinion as long as the people she cared about were happy and safe. Sadly, Travis wasn''t safe at the moment that he was listening to the audio.


    -You really are a good advisor. I am a little bit relieved.- Indeed, Brown could her the deep sigh and relief in his voice.


    -Are you sure you like Evan?-


    This time, there wasn''t a pause at all. Valkyrie answered almost immediately after her question. - Would I even let him kiss me if I don''t?-


    -Really?- there was surprise, eagerness and teasing tone in Jillyanna''s question. -When and where?"


    -Why should I tell you?-


    -Because I might use it as a reference for my book.- Brown remembered the first time they formally introduced themselves. She once told them that she wanted to write a book about the two of them.


    -No wonder you are a perfect match for Travis. He kissed me once but I kissed him many times. Don''t ask the specific. He doesn''t even know the times that I did it.-


    Brown was dumb speechless. He unconsciously touched his lips and he felt numb and hot. ''How the hell did he do it that I didn''t even realized he did it already?'' he asked himself, not getting the answer he was looking for though and he would never asked him this question.


    -You thief. Good thing you didn''t eat him.-


    -I won''t eat him until everything is clear.-


    -We are talking about the same type of eating right?-


    -We are.-


    -I will try my best to persuade Winter. You try your best to persuade Brown when you get the chance.-


    -Hn. I will search for things that he likes.-


    -Recall the times you secretly kissed him and give him the same number of flowers. I bet he won''t expect it.-


    -Is this what you learned in school?-


    -Nope. I always ditch my class and go somewhere and I always end up watching BL.-


    -Why didn''t I know of this?- It was Travis who interrupted their conversation. The recording ended their and Brown couldn''t help stop laughing on his bed.


    "This woman. You never knew when she will throw her silly antics at you and make you laugh. I hope she''s doing fine." Brown put down his phone and buried his face on his pillow. ''Come to think of it. There were a bunch of flowers inside the room that day. Don''t tell me he kissed me secretly many times in the past? Oh god! I was worried for nothing!''

 Chapter 236 - HER WEAK COUNTENANCE

    Jillyanna, together with Savannah went back to the hospital. Like always, Travis was still lying on his hospital bed, pale face with tubes connected to his body.


    "Hi Honey! I''m back! Looks like you still want to continue sleeping. Aren''t you scared I am going to run away with our baby?" she started talking to him while putting her bag away and went to the comfort room to wash her hands. She came out of the room and saw Sky preparing to leave. "Thank you for taking care of him, mom."


    "No worries. I am glad I can help you lessen your worry." Sky said, smiling faintly at her before taking a deep sigh. "The doctors still couldn''t get any response from him. They also asked if you are willing to take him home and let him recuperate at home."


    Jillyanna thought about it for a while before refusing such opinion. Brown was currently having a mission. He couldn''t attend to Travis. Eliezer was also out of the country for a seminar. Her house was under construction and wasn''t suitable place for patient. His mansion was far from the city and if urgent things happen, she was afraid it would be to long to wait for an emergency response. She won''t compromise his well-being at all.


    "I won''t bring him home. I''ll stay here and let the doctors continue to observe." Jillyanna responded firmly. Everyone wanted her to give up already but Jillyanna believed he would wake up. Miracles happen and she will wait for that miracle, too.


    She watched her foster mother go and sat on the chair beside Travis'' bed. Savannah and Hawk was also standing at the foot of his bed.


    "Will Jackie be coming home tonight? Should we wait for her before going home?" Savannah asked since there wasn''t any update of them since this morning.


    "Don''t worry about them. You can go ahead first." Jillyanna didn''t even turn her head to face them when she spoke. Her eyes were focused on Travis to make sure that she won''t miss a single movement from him.


    "Take care of yourself. Top will be guarding outside now. Let him know if you need anything." Hawk spoke to her before walking out of the room with Savannah.


    Now that she was all alone with him again, Jillyanna couldn''t help but cry silently. ''Until when are you planning to sleep here?'' she asked him silently, wiping off the tears on her face with the back of her hand. ''Everyday, I''m living in fear that you will be gone while I''m working outside.''


    "Travis, can you please wake up soon? I''m begging you to wake up soon." her silent weeping, tremblings shoulders and mournful whispers stopped the twins and Shein at the door.


    The three of them decided to go back together since they have something they wanted to discuss with Jillyanna. Seeing her weak countenance, their hearts ached for her.


    In their memory, Jillyanna was always strong, smart and brave. Even when she almost died two years ago, she didn''t utter a single cry for help. She remained emotionless and cold. Shein had to locate her using the last signal he caught from her phone and looked for her whereabouts through different street CCTVs. It took him an hour to find her hanging on top of a building, clothes fluttering in the wind and bruises were clear in his naked eyes.


    That time, he sent her location to Lucian''s phone. He knew the man because Jillyanna would often talk about her foster family to them.


    However, the Jillyanna they were looking at were different from what they imagined her to be from her past self. Right now, she was just a normal wife who''s in so much grief and sorrow for her husband.


    Shein walked towards her and gently patted her back. "I know you are sad for him but you have to stop crying. Do you want the baby to look ugly like you?"


    Jillyanna abruptly turned her head and pinched his waist lightly. "I don''t need you to say the second sentence." she rolled her eyes at him before wiping her tears with the tissue he handed.


    "But I need to say it for you. Babies are delicate creatures and your baby is no different. What mothers feel will affect the baby''s development. If you keep on crying, sulking and stressing yourself over this matter which you can''t really do anything about, your baby will become ugly."


    Jillyanna couldn''t help herself from bursting into a fit of laughter. Ever since she found them, Shein was always the type who says something sensible but always come out like a joke. Even Riley and Jackie were chuckling on the side.


    "Thank you Shein." she told the young man before looking towards the girls. "I am glad you are all safe. The three of you go home for now since we will busy tomorrow."


    "Uh.."Riley wanted to say something but she didn''t know how to start it. Jillyanna just looked at her and waited for her to say her words. "Uhh..we just thought that, we want to have our own house." Jillyanna raised her eyebrows in question. "I mean, we want to stay in your house but the construction for your house extension isn''t done yet. There''s not enough room for us."


    Jillyanna understood their point which was why she arranged everything beforehand. "Hn. I already rented a house where you guys can stay. You can move there tomorrow but for now, you girls will stay with Savannah and Shein will stay with Hawk. They already know this arrangement."


    "Thank you so much." Jackie spoke with a soft voice.


    "It''s fine. Once the house is completely done, you can move back in. I specifically asked Travis to have 2 extra rooms for you, though I didn''t tell him the reason before." She regretted not telling him. She actually wanted to surprise him of the kids she brought up but she didn''t have the chance and now his life was slipping away right before her.

 Chapter 237 - PROPOSAL OR NOT?

    Meanwhile...


    Brown was still lying on his bed. He didn''t know what the father and son were talking about and Valkyrie didn''t come to see him at all even though hours had passed already.


    Upset and worried at the same time, Brown buried his face on the soft pillow and went to sleep with an empty stomach.


    He didn''t know how long he fell asleep but when he woke up, there was still no sign of Valkyrie. Usually, he would sleep beside him even if he refused but now, the side of his bed was uncomfortably cold.


    Brown sat up on his bed and looked for his indoor slippers. "Huh? Didn''t I wear my slippers when I got inside?" he asked himself, looking around for his slippers before checking under the bed - there was none. "Weird."


    Even though he thought it was weird, he didn''t think much about it. He found his phone on his drawer and turned it on. It showed 9:32 pm. "So I fell asleep for more than 2 hours. He didn''t even wake me up to eat. Or maybe his father brought him back." He kept muttering to himself as he walked to the bathroom to wash himself and change his clothes since he was still using the same clothes he used for work earlier.


    When he got out, Valkyrie was sitting on his bed while flipping through a magazine. "Why are you still here?" Brown asked.


    He was completely puzzled as to why he hadn''t left yet. He was already expecting to see him gone from his life but here he was, staring back at him with lustful eyes.


    Brown didn''t bother himself to talk to him anymore and looked for dry towel to wipe his hair. Valkyrie was still unmoving beside him.


    "If you have nothing to say, go out already and leave me in peace." Brown spoke to him. He even started to doubt himself if he was really listening to an audio earlier where Valkyrie confessed his feelings because the person in front of him right now seemed different.


    He opened his phone again and looked for the audio that Jillyanna sent. ''It is here. Did I distort the message and made up my own?'' he thought to himself and decided to listen once again.


    "What are you doing?" Valkyrie finally spoke after 24 years of being silent. He watched Brown fiddled with his phone and refused to see him eye to eye.


    "Can''t you see what I''m doing? Are you blind now?" Brown asked him sarcastically before putting the airpods on his ear. However, Valkyrie took it from him. "F*ck! What''s the matter with you?"


    "Aren''t you wondering what I told my father?" Valkyrie asked him with intense gaze. He was rather bold now because he wasn''t hiding his desires at all.


    Brown snatched his airpods from him and returned them on its case. "I don''t really care what you guys were talking."


    "I gave him a gift." Valkyrie stated, not shifting his gaze away from him at all. "I asked him to hand you for marriage."


    Brown''s jaw dropped and his eyes were wide open from shock. If he wasn''t on the bed with him, his phone could''ve fallen on the floor. "Marriage? Are f*cking kidding me? How do you plan to marry me? We are registered as siblings! For Pete''s sake."


    "We are registered but we are not siblings by blood! Get a grip already! I won''t let you hold me in your arms if I was thinking of you merely as siblings. Can''t you really give us a chance? I may not be able to marry you but I want to spend the rest of my life with you."


    Brown was dumbfounded. He didn''t know what else to say. He was already expecting him to leave and yet, they were arguing about marriage.


    Brown took a long and deep breath before letting out a heavy sigh. "Do you even understand yourself? You will be subject for humiliation and judgement if you stay with me."


    "I can say the same thing you. People will start to judge you if you are with me. However, I don''t really care about everyone else''s opinion. Our friends and family are all okay and they accept our relationship." Valkyrie spoke to him softly this time. He reached forward and held his hands with his. "Father knew about me long ago. That is why he was more worried of you. With a long time of persuasion, he agreed with me given that I will take care of you and never leave your side. I was even wondering if he was really my dad or your dad because he was threatening to debone me if I bully you."


    Brown was still unresponsive. He was trying to digest all the words that Valkyrie spoke to him. He was sorting out his emotions and responses.


    "So Evan, can you give us a chance? I''m taking a step forward towards you. Will you take a step and accept me?" Valkyrie was so serious as if he was really proposing to him. Actually, the reason why he didn''t come inside his room was because he was practicing his lines.


    He took a sneak peek on him and found he was sleeping so he went in and brought his slippers outside for him to go out when he''s awake. Despite his effort, Brown had no intention to go out at all and so, he decided to come inside to find him.


    "Taking a step means giving you another chance to break my heart. Let me think about this." Brown pulled back his hands from his tight hold and went out of the room to eat.


    What he saw in front of him surprised him so much. It wasn''t a fancy dinner in a restaurants or hotels but it was still a romantic set up. ''Was he so busy with this that he didn''t come to see me earlier? I didn''t even hear any noise when he prepared these.''


    Valkyrie was standing behind him, ready to block him if he chose to leave. Contrary to his expectation, Brown turned his head to see him and smiled. "My stomache''s been rumbling since earlier. Can I eat?"


    Valkyrie finally felt relieved and ushered him to seat on the chair. "Hm. Let''s have dinner."

 Chapter 238 - JOB HIRING

    Savannah managed the order of the applicants while Shein will be checking their background to make sure that no spies will enter the company.


    Jillyanna and three other site directors together with the Head of HR Department will be the one to conduct the interview.


    When the clock hits 8 o''clock in the morning, the job interview commence. There were more than a hundreds of applicants but they all work efficiently.


    Each group of applicants will be composed of three and will get inside together. They will give Shein a copy of their resume or profile to check their qualification before Jillyanna and her group will conduct the interview.


    "Ms. Ferraren, I can see that you are still working for J Group. So, why are you here?" Shein asked one of the women who came in for the first batch of interview.


    He wasn''t judging her but there was no warmth in his voice when he asked the question. His eyes were penetrating as if he was seeing her very soul.


    "I...uhh.." The woman was perspiring and beads of sweat can be seen on her forehead. "They...I..." she couldn''t get her thoughts together and she was looking pale.


    "You can go out now." Shein dismissed her by waving his hand lightly. He gave Jillyanna a hand signal to proceed with the interview for the remaining two people.


    Savannah came and ushered the woman out while keeping her application forms and resume. She called for the next batch and took their resumes from them so that Shein can check their background in advance.


    "What qualifications do you have for us to take you in this company?" Jillyanna asked the woman who looked rather plain and simple but there was this vibe and look in her eyes that showed she wasn''t just a novice in her field.


    "I may not have any good achievements from my previous work but it wasn''t because I lack skills. I have experienced the ups and downs of my job and I learned a lot which I can certainly apply in this company. If given a chance, I will prove to you that hiring me is worth a try. You can fire me after a month if you can''t see any progress." the woman answered without blinking her eyes at all. She didn''t shy away from the question and she was confident in herself.


    Shein dug up their information and he saw how many projects were given to her and came out successful. However, all the credits were given to their department head.


    Jillyanna looked at her and looked at the other four people beside her. "No need to ask her questions, I am hiring her."


    The site directors and the head of HR department were surprised. They didn''t even get the chance to ask any question and when they looked at the resume, there wasn''t anything worthy.


    "Are you sure about this?" the head of HR department asked hesitantly. He was starting to worry for the company now.


    "Hn." was Jillyanna''s short and simple answer.


    Without them knowing, Shein gave Jillyanna a hand signal which only the two of them knew.


    The interview went on and they only got a break for lunch before continuing the hiring process. Out of the hundreds of applicants Jillyanna only hired twenty-three of them before ending the interview at 4:30 in the afternoon.


    Shein sent them a uniform message for the job orientation the next day. "I can''t believe there are so many groups who are after your company. Your husband is really a difficult opponent for keeping his empire standing tall and mighty after all these years." Shein commented while packing his things away.


    Jillyanna smiled at his compliment, proud and happy for Travis. "I hope he will wake up soon."


    "You really hate managing a business huh." Savannah stated while helping Jillyanna keep her things.


    "Why do you think I gave Cielo the authority for all our business? Even if I am smart in this field, I don''t like to exhaust my braincells." Jillyanna responded to her.


    They all went out to go back go the hospital and saw Jackie waiting for them at the lobby. "We will be moving out today so we can''t accompany you to the hospital." Jackie stated when they were about to get inside their cars.


    "Sure. Let me know once you''ve settled down." Jillyanna replied with a faint smile. She got inside the car with Savannah and drove off to the hospital.


    Jackie and Shein were sent to their new rented house by the guards and the driver that Jillyanna arranged for them. Riley also came with Wynwyn after her work in J Entertainment.


    "Thank you for your hardwork." Wynwyn spoke to Riley when they arrived right in front of the new house.


    "Thanks big sis. I will see you tomorrow." Riley responded before closing the car door.


    Jackie already packed her things for her and brought it to make sure that her sister won''t have any problem.


    "Welcome back." Shein greeted Riley when she got home.


    "How was your work today?" Jackie asked.


    "It''s fine. We finished all the necessary things for the advertisement today. I also got a new contract for a jewelry."


    They talked about how their day went while arranging their things. Shein talked about the job interview while Jackie talked about the things she observed in the company.


    "So starting tomorrow, you are tasked to observe the new employees?" Shein asked Jackie while they arranged the appliances that Jillyanna bought for them.


    "Hn. Sis can''t trust anyone right now aside from us. I want to lighten up her burden so I will make sure to check the employees during their probation period." Jackie answered with a deep sigh. She felt deeply sorry for Jillyanna to be working so hard even though she was pregnant at the same time, she was proud of her for being strong despite what happened, though she will cry alone sometimes beside Travis.

 Chapter 239 - HE IS BACK

    Jillyanna arrived back to the hospital just like usual. She put down her things on the couch and washed her hands before sitting on the chair beside Travis.


    "I hired new employees today." Jillyanna mumbled while holding his hand with hers. She could already feel his thin body beneath her warm touch. "I am a bit tired for today but I am still happy that I am able to help you in a little way. Will you be proud of me?"


    Many doctors were proud of her undying love. For some, they will give up after a week of no response from their love ones. However, for Jillyanna, she didn''t show any sign of surrender. Everyday, she was fighting for them. She took care of her health and her baby; and make sure to talk to Travis about many things.


    Everyday, before going to sleep, she will always wipe his body with alcohol. She will then change his hospital gown to make him feel refreshed, even though Travis won''t feel it.


    ''Knock! Knock! Knock!''


    Jillyanna turned her head and found Eliezer standing at the door while Top checked on him to make sure he wasn''t bringing anything harmful.


    Eliezer didn''t mind the spot check since he knew how cautious Jillyanna when it comes to her husband. "Can I get inside?" he asked her to show respect for her security measure.


    "You are back! Come in." Jillyanna kissed Travis before going to the couch to receive her guest. "How are you?"


    "I am good." Eli replied to her. His smile was genuine but there was a little bit of sadness in his voice. "I heard about what happened from Cielo but I was out of the country. I just got back this morning and found out that you went to work. How are you?"


    "Still fighting for my family." Jillyanna responded in her soft voice. "A little bit sad but I am fighter so I am doing fine."


    "That is good to know. I was worried when I heard the news. At the same time, I am glad that you finally found the man who you truly loves you." He was really true to his words and wishes but deep inside, there was a slight pang in his heart.


    He knew her since they were kids. He liked her since they were kids. He cherished her since they were kids. He looked for her when she left. He waited for her and longed for her. In the end, it was still a one-sided love. His love for her was something that can''t be forgotten easily and he wasn''t sure if he can even love again.


    Jillyanna took a breath and released a sigh. "If I knew it would be like this, I would have told him my feelings much earlier. I would have agreed to his proposal much earlier. I would never try to escape from him." she looked at Eliezer''s eyes directly with turbulent emotions. "Eli, I regretted it that I took my time and had him wait for me. I regretted it that I didn''t react on time. I regretted it it that I didn''t take care of myself and had him use his body to shield me." She controlled herself and made sure that her tears won''t fall in front of him.


    Eliezer reached out his hands, trembling yet warm, and gently ruffled her hair. "I can only imagine how difficult it is for you. I have never been to your situation but I can tell the pain you''ve been through. Jill, there is no use crying over spilled milk. Just keep moving forward. We are all here for you."


    "Thanks Eli. Your words lifted my mood a bit." Jillyanna smiled genuinely this time. She shifted her gaze and looked towards Travis. "That man is the only person I will ever love in my life."


    Eliezer just watched her eyes full of love for the man lying on the hospital bed. Though it hurts, Eliezer still smiled at her.


    He only stayed for an hour since he had to go home and rest as well. Jillyanna sent him out before taking a rest too.


    On the other hand...


    "Any update?" Valkyrie asked Brown as they sat on the couch beside each other. "You looked worried."


    Brown leaned his head on the back of the couch and covered his eyes with his arms to block the blinding light of the fluorescent light.


    "I received another text from the mysterious helper today telling me that I will get access tomorrow on the secret lab. I am bit afraid that something might happen." Brown stated with his eyes closed, his frown obvious and his lips were set on a straight line.


    Valkyrie understood his worry since this was a mission that could involve Jillyanna as well. Silently, he grabbed Brown''s waist with both hands and lifted him up before placing him on his lap.


    Brown didn''t refuse or argue with him but he was shifting his eyes from different things as long as he can avoid Valkyrie''s gaze.


    "I will be on standby if anything happens, make sure to call me. Don''t do anything reckless." Valkyrie reminded him before placing a gentle peck on Brown''s lips. "I will rescue you as soon as I can."


    Brown was drowning on his own emotions, getting redder every seconds that passed by while he was sitting on Valkyrie''s lap.


    Brown leaned closer and placed his head on the crook of Valkyrie''s shoulder and neck. ''He smells so good.'' he thought to himself while inhaling his scent silently. "Are you really okay with me?" He asked.


    Valkyrie felt the hot breath on his neck, igniting the flame within him but he remained sane while feeling the warmth of Brown''s body pressed against him.


    "I am more than okay with you. I don''t need anyone else but you." Valkyrie whispered softly while wrapping his arms around Brown''s waist. "Please keep in mind that I have never loved anyone but you and only you. Now and Forever."


    "I think I am willing to give us a chance but Matt, if you ever break my heart again, I will never let you see me. Not even my shadow." Brown admitted, still leaning on him with his eyes closed and blushing face.

 Chapter 240 - SNEAKING IN

    NOTE: The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the authors. To the extent any real names of individuals, locations, or organizations are included in the book, they are used fictitiously and not intended to be taken otherwise.


    Brown woke up early to prepare his things for work. Valkyrie was helping him out by placing a mini camera on his pen and necktie.


    The day to see what''s in the basement had finally come. He will be given one whole day of access to get inside the laboratory and it would be up to him how to get himself out without being found out.


    Yesterday, before he slept, he received a blue print of the whole basement. The camera locations were all highlighted since he needed time to avoid them.


    "I''ll call Lieutenant Colonel to ask if she found someone to hack the system for me. Even if I am skillful, I am not good with computer programming and I don''t want to risk my life from being seen." Brown mentioned, holding his phone while dialing Winter''s number right beside Valkyrie.


    Valkyrie didn''t say much but he informed Jillyanna about the mission today. He also reminded her to be careful since Travis won''t be around to protect him, though he knew Jillyanna could kill someone in a second if she really wanted to. She was not someone who grew up with all pampering and care. She was someone who was trained more than what the military trained them to be.


    "Lieutenant Colonel, I will be accessing the laboratory around 10 to 12 in the morning. As I can see in the information that was sent to me, not many people will come to the lab around this time. I want your people to hack the system half an hour before the time."


    "Not a problem. If a problem arises, make sure to go out as fast as you can. Your life is more important than this mission." Winter told him from the other line since she didn''t want to lose a friend over a mission.


    After breakfast, Valkyrie sent Brown to work, under the envious gaze of everyone, he kissed his forehead and bid farewell. However, he didn''t really go home.


    Meters away across the laboratory building, Valkyrie went inside to one of the cafes with best views to make sure that he can respond to Brown if needed. He ordered a black coffee and fiddled on his phone as if he was busy. In fact, he was watching the environment around Brown through the mini cameras he placed on his pen and necktie.


    "Morning doc! You look energetic today." It was the same woman who teased them the other day when they walked on their way home.


    Brown didn''t say anything but he must have smiled because the woman teased him again or perhaps he signaled her something that he didn''t want Valkyrie to know.


    Just like any other day, Brown started his work. When he received a signal that their IT specialist was almost done hacking the lab system, Brown walked towards the elevator area to go down the basement.


    "Be careful." It was Valkyrie who whispered through his earpiece since he knew the time that Brown will commence his mission to sneak in.


    As projected and mentioned on the message he received, there were a couple of people who came in and out of the laboratory in the basement. There was no one who guards the place as well.


    Brown made a silent prayer and tapped in bis badge, no alarming sound occured and the sliding metal door opened up for him.


    There were three people inside and they didn''t even looked at him as if they all knew that only people with access given to then can get inside the place.


    Valkyrie gasped at the scene he saw through the cameras. There were so many vertical containers with yellow bubbling liquids in it. Not only that, there were humans inside the container. Brown walked as if he wasn''t flustered or surprised with what he saw. He checked on the computers and tried to see if there''s anything he can find.


    The message he got yesterday included a username and password so he put input the information and got access to one of the computers inside. What he found sent goosebumps all over him.


    There was a list of children''s name varying in ages as well as adults. There were even pictures of them so Brown copied everything on his small flash drive that Winter gave him on his first day of taking this mission.


    As he scrolled through the files, he found that the human bodies inside the huge containers were still alive when they came in this laboratory. Some of them were even doctors of the same building.


    "Oh my god! What kind of hell is this place that I came in to?" he murmured to himself while looking around the place and guarding the computer at the same time.


    "Did you check patient bay 37? He had his operation yesterday and he was given the new artificial organ." one of the doctors inside the lab asked his colleague who was looking through some information on a folder.


    "It was a failure. He died at dawn." Cold and emotionless. The person answered as if they weren''t talking about life at all.


    The other woman who was with them sighed deeply. "If only they can get their hands on Elizabeth''s research. Her research was presented during her senior year in college and many believed her theories and researched. It wasn''t even an abstract information because she had experimented her own child with it and now her daughter is alive and kicking."


    Brown was stupefied with the information he got. Even Valkyrie was shocked to hear such news. It was beyond their expectation and they were even more worried for Jillyanna if she would know.


    This conversation made Brown looked into the humans inside the containers again. He felt sad for the family who lost them and for the poor souls of the owner.


    "I heard that her child burned the research papers but they don''t believe her. I even heard that she got married but the higher ups asked someone to run over them. Unfortunately, it was only her husband who was currently in critical condition. She''s doing well." It was the man who answered again who was still checking some information.


    Brown didn''t know what he was looking for but he had been spending so much time on that single folder with a bunch of clipped papers.


    "Do you think someone''s been helping her behind our back?" the woman who asked about the patient earlier spoke up with a curious look.


    "I don''t think the Summers are crazy." the man laughed faintly. "The child may have the same middle name as them but they weren''t blood related. Elizabeth was just an orphan when she was taken by them. Eliminating her and her child wouldn''t cause even a ripple of conscience from the old man."


    "What a cunning and cold-blooded person." the youngest woman who was working with them spoke up.


    "Don''t speak badly of yourself." the man snickered as he put down the folder he was holding.


    "I am not speaking for myself." the youngest woman retorted with a frown.


    "Cold-blooded person describe all of us who worked on this experiment. Don''t even think you can come clean just because you didn''t do any surgery on those dead children and adults. Contributing your ideas is already causing their death."


    Even if it was harsh for the woman, Brown agreed to the man''s words. You may not have tainted your hands with their blood but your ideas and intelligence already caused their death.


    The three scientists kept on talking about the failed experiment as well as Elizabeth''s research. Brown got so much from their conversation while waiting for his download to be completed.


    "Let''s not tell Jillyanna about this." Valkyrie whispered on his earpiece before sipping the coffee he ordered. It was already his second order of coffee and Brown already spent an hour inside the lab.


    "Even if we won''t tell her, she would know." Brown mumbled softly while removing the flash drive.


    "You should''ve asked the IT specialist to hack their computers, you know. It would''ve been easier for you and it won''t take time." Valkyrie informed him.


    "I did ask them. I sent Winter a message when I got here but she said that they couldn''t get past through the security system of the computers. They have tried it before. That is why she gave me a flash drive ahead of time."


    "Hey! What are you doing?!" Brown felt like his soul left his body in an instant. He was just logging off the computer he used after erasing all traces of what he browsed. He didn''t know anyone might see him.


    Valkyrie heard the gruff voice as well and he felt so nervous for Brown. "Just keep calm. Act naturally as if you are really part of them." He comforted him but he, himself, was sweating profusely from anxiety. "Use your medical knowledge and the information you got." He murmured again on his earpiece.

 Chapter 241 - BUSTED

    When Brown turned his head to face the person, he didn''t find him in front of him instead, he was walking towards the three chatting doctors and scolded them.


    "Everyone is busy and people died everyday because we haven''t perfected the research! And here you are chatting your time away! You are not paid to just chat here! Get back to work!" the man who looked quite old but still had strength in his voice, yelled at those three yapping scientist.


    He looked so angry that veins were bulging on his forehead and his face was red while his arm holding a folder shook from anger.


    Brown ignored them and started doing his ''work'' while checking on the folder he found beside the computer. However, there wasn''t any important information on that folder at all. It was just the printed list of patients that died and will probably die if the police and military won''t take action immediately.


    When everyone became busy again and some people started pouring in, Brown wrapped up everything and stretched his body out as if he was tired from all the ''work'' he did.


    He was looking down on his watch when he passed by a female doctor. "I''ll get some coffee." It was just a perfunctory remark to let them know that he will be going out. The female doctor nodded her head and continued working without even bothering herself to see who the person was.


    Brown walked out of the room nonchalantly with a big yawn. Valkyrie was still monitoring his surrounding through the cameras. When a group of people walked towards Brown, Valkyrie called him on his phone so that he could hide his face by looking down to get his phone.


    "Yes?" Brown asked like it wasn''t a big deal.


    "Are you going to file an absent leave?" Valkyrie asked.


    "Nope. I have different plans."


    "I see...."


    They kept their conversation going until Brown returned to his original laboratory to finish the day''s work.


    "Open all the files of the employees here." A middle-aged man stormed inside the computer and monitoring room. "Check the footage of all cameras in the basement and near the elevators."


    The IT team didn''t know why he was acting strange but they still followed his instructions. "Sir, what exactly are we looking for?" one of the IT specialists asked the man.


    The man didn''t answer the question but started scrolling through the files of all the employees they have in the building. After half an hour of scrolling the files, he couldn''t find the man.


    "Damn it!" the man slammed his fist on the computer table leaving a small dent on it. "Make sure to check all the camera footage of this building from this morning. I need to find that man!"


    They extracted the videos taken from this morning and played them all together in slow motion to spot a certain person.


    "Help me find a man with purplish-white hair that reaches his nape. He has a striking tear mole and he''s tall. He is..."


    "Is this him?" one of the IT specialists pointed at the screen where he paused the video at the time that Brown got off the elevator.


    "Yes! That''s him!" the man exclaimed and a sinister smile started spreading on his lips. "Find this man''s whereabouts and let me know as soon as possible.


    The IT specialist started working after they realized what happened. Their security was breached and the man got inside the secret laboratory. They were busted!


    Their hands danced over the keyboard but they still had difficulties in looking through his file. They found his information not from the doctor''s files but from the files of the employees working at the cafeteria. His information was also encrypted and it was a difficult encryption to break.


    "F*ck! This only means that someone from our side betrayed us and let this man in!" one of the specialists commented while trying to break the encryption.


    "It doesn''t matter. Those who chose to betray us didn''t have a happy ending." another man responded to him. "It won''t be long for this man to die."


    They spent almost half an hour to get the right encryption but when the folder was opened, there wasn''t anything inside it aside from the words ''What a bunch of fools.''


    The IT specialists were so stressed out from their findings. Nevertheless, they continued working by hacking the cameras from the surrounding places of the building.


    The middle-aged man was also fuming from anger and started calling his father. "Father, I need your trained troops. It''s to kill or get killed now. Someone breached through our system and got inside the secret lab in the basement."


    The person on the other line must have shouted or yelled at him because the man put his phone away from his ears. "I will take action immediately once I knew where this person is. Let your people wait for my signal."


    He put down his phone and watched the specialists work in locating down the person''s place.


    Brown sent all the information he got to Winter and Lucian. Lucian was the one handling the murder case of Jillyanna''s mother so he needed to know about it, too.


    As soon as Lucian got the information, he applied for a search warrant and arrest immediately. However, he waited and waited for almost three hours but there was no response even though it was clear as day from the recordings that the people inside the lab were criminals.


    "Why aren''t the higher ups giving as a go signal? This is inhumane! We need to bust them now or they will escape! If they won''t approve my application for search warrant and arrest, I will let the public know of this information right now." Lucian threatened their department chief who was already getting paled from so much pressure.


    "Don''t do anything reckless Lucian! My family is in their hands. If I will make a hasty decision now, my wife and daughter will be killed!" Their department chief blurted the truth in front of Lucian and the other officers that he trusted. "Let''s plan this accordingly, okay?"

 Chapter 242 - RESCUE PLAN

    Lucian felt a throbbing headache on his temple so he sat down on the couch available in the chief''s office. He could only wish and pray that Jillyanna wouldn''t know anything about this.


    Officer Nik also started to worry for their chief''s family. When your own family gets involved, it wouldn''t be easy to make a decision.


    Officer David, who worked with Savannah in previous case where Jillyanna got involved through kidnapping, also felt a little bit helpless in this matter.


    Brown left work earlier than any day. During the previous days that he worked, he would always leave with the others, half an hour after their off time. However, today he left on time and asked Valkyrie to come and pick him up as soon as possible.


    When he got down, Valkyrie was already waiting with a taxi beside him. "Why bother taking a taxi?" Brown asked but he still got inside as soon as he can.


    "The sooner we get home the better." Valkyrie answered him before giving the address to the driver. They didn''t even take five minutes and they reached their apartment already.


    Valkyrie paid their fare without waiting for the change and got out of the car to chase after Brown. Their apartment room was located on the second floor of the two-storey building which would take them a minute or two to reach from the gate.


    Brown threw a single shoe at the backyard of the apartment building as well as a pen that was similar to the ones he usually used at the laboratory.


    Earlier, around 3pm, he received a message to go home as soon as the clock hits the log out time. The security and the higher ups knew that he breached through their system and they were already hunting him. They knew where he stayed, too.


    Valkyrie wanted to just go away as soon as they can but they can''t leave some of their personal things in the apartment. Thus, they came back to get them.


    Valkyrie left a mini camera on the window facing the front gate and another camera facing the inside of the house.


    Brown put all his things inside a duffel bag together with Valkyrie''s belongings. The two of them went to the comfort room with Valkyrie holding a foldable metal stairs that they got from their neighbor last night with an excuse that they were going to fix their bulb.


    Valkyrie climbed up first and removed a certain wooden tile from the ceiling so that they can hide on the attic-like space. Brown reached the duffel bag before getting himself in. They took the foldable metal stairs inside as well before putting the wooden tile back to its place, closing the ceiling off.


    "I can''t breath." Brown whispered since they were in a closed space with darkness around them.


    "Wait a moment." Valkyrie crawled off to somewhere and removed two roof tiles to let some air and light inside the space they were in.


    Brown finally breathed in and out to keep himself calm. He was sending a message to Lucian about the search warrant and arrest application but Lucian replied a sad emoji before sending another text.


    "Our chief''s family are being held hostage by the higher ups." Lucian told him the truth. Brown didn''t reply to his message instead, he contacted Jillyanna immediately.


    "I got all the evidence needed to bring justice for your mother. However, Lucian can''t get the search and arrest warrant because their higher ups won''t allow it. Their chief''s family is also being held hostage."


    Jillyanna received the message just as she was about to get inside the car with Savannah. "Let''s all head back to the hospital right now."


    Jackie and Shein looked at each other and gave a knowing smile to each other. They were both certain that they would be humiliating people or busting their asses to their grave.


    Jillyanna replied to Brown when she got inside. "I''ll take care of it. Make sure that both of you will come back alive." she reminded them before keeping her phone inside her bag.


    When they all got back to the hospital, Jillyanna just kissed Travis and started working immediately. It''s time to bring justice for her mother as well as for Venus.


    Her face was emotionless but her eyes were sparkling with merriment. She had been waiting for this day to come and finally, it came to grace her life with light and hope for her mother and mother-in-law.


    "Yanna, what''s up?" Lucian asked her. She called him as soon as she sat down while Shein opened his laptop to work.


    "Does chief know where his family is being held right now?" Jillyanna asked immediately without beating around the bushes.


    Lucian gasped upon hearing her and started shaking his head. ''There''s no use keeping a secret from her.'' he thought before taking a deep sigh. "They are still at home waiting for chief to make a decision. People were guarding them to make sure that they won''t escape."


    "Are the higher ups the same people two years ago?" Jillyanna asked him again.


    "They are."


    "Alright thanks. Wait for my signal and apply for a new search and arrest warrant." Jillyanna ended the call and gave Shein an address. "Look into the number of people guarding this place."


    Savannah and Hawk were dumbfounded on the side. They didn''t know if they should be happy that she helped Brown and Winter finish their task or if they should be worried that she''s involving herself. Perhaps, they felt both.


    After a minute, Shein got a blue print of the house as well as the infrared signal of the men guarding the place.


    "Give me a copy so I can formulate a plan." she opened her own laptop.


    "Do you need help?" Hawk asked Jillyanna who didn''t bother them at all.


    "Hn. I''d greatly appreciate if you guys can help."


    Hawk and Savannah approached her and took a seat on the other couch. "You can leave the rescue mission to us. Savannah and I have been doing it for quite sometime now." Hawk mentioned to her.


    "That''s a great help. There will be four people who will come. You and Savannah plus the twins. You can kill these bastard if you want. I''ll take care of the mess."


    Savannah and Hawk shivered down from the cold look in her eyes. They have seen many cold-blooded people in their years in military but Jillyanna was in a whole new different level. It was as if, the lady they met months ago was just a manifestation of their imagination.

 Chapter 243 - EXPOSING THEIR TRUE COLORS

    While Hawk, Savannah and Jackie discussed their rescue plan, Jillyanna and Shein was also digging up dirts on the the police officials.


    "Are we doing all these for everyone?" Shein asked Jillyanna while looking at the information he got being displayed on his computer.


    "Hn. Everyone no more no less. Those that didn''t approve of the search and arrest warrant should get a taste of hell before they go there." Jillyanna commented ruthlessly. "These people didn''t care about the lives of others. Why care about them?"


    "I understand your point sis. Should I really publish the articles we made under this person''s name?" Shein asked again because he didn''t know why they had to publish the articles under that name. He wasn''t even a famous reporter.


    Jillyanna looked at the name at the bottom part. "Yes, publish it under his name. His child just got out of the hospital but he didn''t have a job and money to sustain their needs. His wife left as well. This is my way of helping him."


    It was the same reporter who Mr. Guevarra threatened in the past. Jillyanna received his call last week that his daughter was finally discharged and he expressed his gratitude for her. He didn''t ask for more help but Jillyanna wanted to help for the sake of his child.


    Shein uploaded all the information under the reporter''s name including the videos and photos he got. This news include seven officials of the police force who disagreed to release a search and arrest warrant.


    The news became a hot topic online and several police departments received calls only to be cursed and spat by the citizens.


    "What kind of police are you? Allowing criminals to bribe you and let them go! You have no conscience! You are no human! You are animals!" one of the caller expressed his anger.


    "No wonder. No wonder I couldn''t get myself to trust the police force! Every time I see someone wearing a police uniform, my instinct would always tell me to avoid monsters. Such disappointment." a woman called and stated such statement with sarcasm.


    Lucian noticed that the phones kept ringing and his colleagues had a gloomy faces on them. "What happened?"


    "Our higher ups got exposed of their evil deeds. Citizens are calling us just to curse and spat their frustrations and anger. I wonder who did this? They actually have guts to do such thing."


    Lucian didn''t need to know who did it. He knew exactly who did such thing and now he was worried for her.


    Many people were scolding the police officials online. They were the angry mob that would pressure everyone. Jillyanna didn''t even include the illegal experiments on the lab that the higher ups kept on hiding. He didn''t want to waste Brown''s effort.


    "I can''t believe I am seeing this! I just can''t believe this." a netizen commented on the video he watched where an innocent person was framed and tortured to be the scapegoat of a rich criminal. It was even caught in the camera when the real criminal bribed the police official with lots of money.


    "Let''s not generalize this matter. True, these officials are inhuman but there are also real people out there who worked their best to protect us."


    "I agree with you but for these officials, if they won''t get a death penalty, I will cursed all the officers in the police department. They don''t deserve to live!"


    "Right. Other workers were working their ass off and here they are receiving bribes and not paying their tax."


    "Pig! These officials are pigs!"


    "Oh god! He even abused his wife to the point she got crazy!"


    Different opinions for different officials rose up. They didn''t even dare to go out of their offices, afraid that they would drown in spits or the mob might stomped all over them to death.


    "Shit! Whoever is doing this will pay!" one of the officials involved in bribery cursed in a whisper. His office was a mess after he threw all the things on his table.


    "I''ll make sure you rot in jail! Don''t you ever show your face in front of me! You''re a monster! I don''t need the likes of you to father my child! You''re a pig!" another official received this call from his wife. Instead of being comforted, she yelled at him and wanted to divorce.


    There was just no way out for them. The videos and photos were all irrefutable. There faces were cleared and several big names in IT industry vouched that the pictures and videos weren''t edited at all.


    The news was hyped and after an our, it became the number 1 most search online. In just an hour, the news caused chaos and many officers felt ashamed for their higher ups.


    The regional director immediately called for a meeting and ordered to arrest the involve officials before they can make a run for their escape. If they wouldn''t do it, the citizens will never be appeased specially to the family of those innocent people that were sent in jail after being tortured. Some even died.


    Jillyanna snickered and gave a faint laugh. "You guys can all go out now for your rescue mission. Kill everyone who''s taking them hostage."


    Hawk and Savannah didn''t really mind killing people but they were worried about Jackie and Riley who will be joining them. Jackie sensed their worry so she just smiled.


    "Don''t worry about me. I don''t really kill but I have other ways." Jackie informed them. If those criminals knew what she was thinking, they would pray for their death instead.


    The three of them left and waited for Riley downstairs so that they could just explain the plan on their way fo the chief''s mansion.


    Jillyanna called Lucian after they left. "Send the application right now. There shouldn''t be any problem." Just that simple statement but Lucian didn''t know that the request will be sent directly to the regional director instead.

 Chapter 244 - ARRESTED

    The Police Regional Director was still massaging his forehead from the troubles his subordinates made when he received a request for search and arrest warrant.


    At first he was confused but when he read the content, all the colors of his face were drained and he aged a couple more years in an instant from the stress.


    He couldn''t even remember how those scumbags became leaders. He didn''t know in which aspect they made a mistake to let those monsters lead several departments. All he could do was to thank god for keeping the other officers pure and dedicated to their work.


    Without any hesitation, the regional director approved the request for search and arrest warrant.


    Lucian and the other officers were even stupefied when the received the file because it was sent directly from the regional director''s e-mail.


    "Did you send it to him?" The chief asked with a horrified expression. His family wasn''t safe yet and Lucian already took action.


    Lucian frowned and opened his computer. "I don''t remember sending this to the regional director." he murmured to himself, still confused with what was going on.


    He couldn''t get an answer to himself but Jillyanna soon gave him one. "I sent the letter directly to the regional director''s email. Tell chief not to worry because his family is safe now. Take action immediately because or those people will escape." This was what contained her message.


    Lucian informed their chief who heaved a sigh of relief after how many hours. They formed their troops immediately and drove towards the laboratory that Brown monitored.


    While the world was in chaos, Brown and Valkyrie were almost holding their breath when they saw the people in black mask barged in to their room. The both of them were watching their movements through Valkyrie''s phone.


    "None in this room." one of the masked men announced who came our from Valkyrie''s room.


    "No one here either." the man was from Brown''s room.


    A person came running towards them and spoke about the shoes found at the backyard. The buff person, who seemed like the leader, called someone and asked them to check the items in the backyard.


    "Positive. It seemed like they escape from the backyard."


    "Search all nooks and cranny of this city. They shouldn''t have gone far yet." announced the buff man.


    They all rushed outside which gave Brown a momentary relief because the buff man still stood in their living room. He spun himself around to observe the place. His eyes landed on the comfort room''s direction.


    Brown''s breathing hitched and he felt suffocated again. "What are you afraid of? I am here to protect you." Valkyrie whispered beside him and planted a light kiss on his temple.


    Brown didn''t say anything. They watched the man got inside the bathroom but there was no one inside. Disappointed, the man left and jogged out of the place.


    Valkyrie observed the place through the camera for a moment before they decided to go out. They remained in the bathroom floor, avoiding to go out of the place in case those people were still around and were just waiting for their shadow to come.


    Brown received a message from Lucian and Winter that they will now commence their search and arrest warrant mission. The policemen will detain those criminals while the special task force will detain the big wigs. They couldn''t just let them stay in ordinary jails knowing the crime they committed. It would be troublesome if they escaped again.


    The black men arrived with their guns and knives, strolling around the area to protect the people inside. It was this scene that Winter saw when she arrived with her troops.


    She didn''t even got the chance to speak when the masked men opened fire. Left with no choice, Winter took cover behind her car and opened fire when she got the chance. She opened the trunk and got her sword.


    The scene in front of her was so chaotic that it gave her excitement and thrill. Removing her sword from its scabbard, Winter launched an attack, slicing the enemies in their wrist and thighs to disable them.


    As usual, her fluid movements struck the men out of their wits from being mesmerized. She let out a laugh of disdain before getting rid of their arms from their bodies.


    A shrill of cry from pain echoed around the place but no one dared to come out. Lucian and his colleagues also arrived at the place but all they could see were bodies, lying on the ground, tainted with blood as they groaned in pain.


    "God! What a mess? Who dared open fire when we didn''t even arrive yet?" It was officer Nik who was standing beside Lucian. He was covering his nose to block the stench of blood wafting in the air.


    When they got inside the building, there were few people inside and all of them were kneeling in fear. A sexy woman with her black crop top was standing in front of them, brandishing her sword like it wasn''t anything harmful.


    "You are so late!" She rolled her eyes and turned around to face Lucian and his men.


    "Winter? Why are you here? What''s with that outfit?" Lucian asked her consecutively with a raised brow.


    "I am from the military, remember?" she scoffed at him even though he was Jillyanna''s family. "Come and arrest these people already."


    The Chairman fainted on the spot and his son carried him to the ambulance. Even so, they were both handcuffed and attached to the hospital bed. They won''t be able to escape. Officer Nik accompanied them together with another police officer.


    Men and women, they were all arrested and sent to the station for questioning. All evidences were obtained and the laboratory was documented as proof. There were still children alive inside and some adults were thin and dying, still they helped them out and brought them to the hospital for recovery.


    The last doctor who seemed younger than anyone else approached Lucian with his hands being cuffed behind him.


    "Can I see my niece one last time?" that was his only request.

 Chapter 245 - THE REASON OF HER DEATH I

    Jillyanna received the news from Lucian and she couldn''t help herself from rolling her eyes when she heard about Winter.


    Same as always, she would dress up sexily before attacking her prey. It had always been like that since years ago. She wanted to mesmerize her targets before killing them. At least this time, she just wounded them and not taking their life.


    The chief''s wife and the chief''s daughter were brought back to the hospital for treatment. They got bruises and small wounds when they tried fighting off with the people who held them hostage.


    Jackie guarded them while waiting for the chief to come over and visit his family. Riley took a rest inside the room, using the couch while waiting for her turn to stand guard. They will take turn every two hours.


    "Why don''t you come and sit inside here?" the wife called for Jackie.


    "It''s fine ma''am. We need to make sure that no one can harm you here." Jackie responded with a straight face. She would make sure that nothing happens to them in order to put Jillyanna at ease.


    After two hours, it was Riley''s turn to stand guard outside the room. It wasn''t until early in the morning did the chief finally got the chance to visit his family in the hospital. They thanked both women but the chief didn''t know who they were so he just bowed deeply to express his gratitude.


    Jillyanna had asked Savannah to clear out her schedule that day in order for all of them to take a rest. They all had a long night and they weren''t able to rest properly yet.


    "Let''s all get back to work on Monday." Jillyanna sent everyone a message before falling asleep on the expandable couch.


    She left a note for her mother knowing that she would come to visit and to take care of Travis. She didn''t get to sleep until Lucian told him that everything was successful. Therefore, she was so tired she could barely opened her eyes while texting them earlier.


    Sky saw her note and smiled faintly. She brought some food for her and Auntie Sisi also arrived with other foods that she could eat.


    Jillyanna slept until past noon. When she woke up she immediately looked for food and drank her vitamins. She took a shower and changed her clothes since she needed to go somewhere.


    "Mom, please take care of Travis while I''m not around. I just to deal with some things." Jillyanna spoke slowly to her mother while combing her hair into a ponytail.


    "Sure. Take care of yourself."


    Jillyanna didn''t take long and kissed Travis before going out. She will be visiting the person who asked Lucian to see her. She didn''t know who the person was but he claimed to be her mother''s family.


    After half an hour of driving, Jillyanna arrived at the city''s police station. Officer Nik and Officer David smiled happily and nodded their head as a way to greet her.


    Jillyanna smiled and waved her hand cheerfully if she didn''t cause the chaos last night. She found Lucian talking to other officer about something so she waited for them to finish their discussion.


    She didn''t wait for long. "How are you?" Lucian approached her and greeted her while looking at her from head to toe then vice versa.


    "I am doing fine bro." she replied. "So who is this person who wanted to see me?"


    "You''ll find out soon. Follow me." Lucian led her to the interrogation rooms and stopped at the farthest room they have on the left wing of the station. "He wanted to tell you everything he knew."


    Jillyanna just nodded her head and went inside the room. "You wanted to see me?" The man lifted his head and that was when Jillyanna found him so familiar. "We met in Senyu Medical Center." she stated after recognizing him.


    "Hn. You didn''t believe me that I am a relative but you are right we are not related by blood." The man spoke to her with clear eyes. "You can ask the questions that they wan''t to ask. For you, I will answer everything."


    "Why are you doing this for me?" Jillyanna asked him. She was really curious and she didn''t even know this man personally.


    "Well, let''s just say, I trusted your skills so I approached you. I gave you hints and clues to unveil the reason of your mother''s death. Sad to say they found out that someone was tipping you. Good thing, they didn''t know it was me. I am doing this not just for you but for my sister."


    Jillyanna looked at him without a change in expression. She still looked cold in front of everyone. "I don''t need to ask you. Just say everything."


    The man smiled and nodded his head. "My name is Simon Summer. The youngest of all siblings. Elizabeth was the only person who cares for me since I am always sickly. For me, she wanted to become a doctor. For me she wanted to develop an artificial heart to help me."


    "Wait..artificial heart?" Jillyanna asked with her eyes wide open from the shock. "Could it...be..the one I have?"


    "Hn." he replied without any sadness or worry. In fact, there was a smile on his face. "When she gave birth to you, they found out that you have CHD. She worked on her research as fast as she can with the help of her best friend Venus. I believe you were five years old when she perfected it. However, your father left and up until this point we don''t know where he is. We couldn''t touch his wealth and riches because they were all meant for you. Dad was very angry and ordered someone to give her a hard time. If she won''t give the money she should at least give the research. My sister was so stubborn and refused to give anything."


    Jillyanna couldn''t believe what she heard. This was way too different from what she expected.

 Chapter 246 - THE REASON OF HER DEATH II

    She didn''t know what to think or what to say. She never knew that the heart she had been using to keep living was not really meant for her. She felt horrible and astounded with the truth.


    Simon continued to talk about her mother and the reason behind the research. "Dad is aging and he couldn''t accept that he would die. He still wanted to live. That is why, when he heard about your mother''s research, he did everything he can to get his hands on it. He asked someone to kidnap Venus'' son and tortured him. It was already a bonus for him that Winter came with Travis, who is now suffering from amnesia. It didn''t end there. When Venus couldn''t fulfill his wishes, he decided to just end your mother''s life. I don''t have much power back then. I know that I will be dispose as well if they knew I betrayed them. I waited for years and then I met you. You resembled so much of Elizabeth and I had someone investigate you as soon as possible."


    "What about Travis? From what I obtained, your father asked someone to do it, too." Jillyanna didn''t as much as flinch with her question. There wasn''t any sadness or any emotions that showed in her face. No one knew what she was really thinking up to this point.


    Simon leaned on the back of his chair and sighed deeply. "It wasn''t my father who did it but my eldest brother. He was so angry that he couldn''t get the research and even found out that you burned everything. From the pressure of everyone, he looked for someone who held a deep grudge against the Madrigal. That''s how he found Mr. Guevarra. He was feeding him lies and asked him to do things for his own benefit. Most likely it was to take revenge on you. I didn''t know about this until last week. If I had known, I would''ve warned you."


    "I am glad that you guys are not related to my mother. She would be so sad if she knew that it was her own family who planned her murder. It is such a good thing that she isn''t blood related to you at all. I''ve been wondering why she wouldn''t tell me about anyone in her family, it turns out that there''s no need to introduce me to a bunch of scoundrels." She couldn''t help but threw sarcasms in front of the man.


    True, he helped them a lot if times for the sake of her mother but Jillyanna couldn''t trust anyone in his family. She always had a hard time trusting anyone. It was even difficult to trust Travis at first, how much more for a family who planned to kills her mother.


    Seeing her cold demeanor, Simon smiled and reached out to touch her hands and held on to it tightly. Jillyanna didn''t took her hand away but she didn''t say anything either.


    "I am not going to ask for your forgiveness, after all the mess I had put you through in the past. I won''t even ask you to lighten my punishment because I am indeed involved in this crime because I didn''t say anything to the authorities. Not saying anything even though I knew everything was wrong will consider me as an accomplice. Jillyanna, I only have one request. Please tell my sister that I am really sorry for being weak. Tell my sister that I am sorry for not finding her when I knew what was happening. All I need is acknowledgement that I am still a brother to her." For a man to cry, he must be in indescribable pain.


    Ever since Jillyanna came inside the room, it was at this point that she felt pity for the man. She took the heart that was meant for him. Her sister died because of a research that was created for him. His family was ruined. Everything was ruined for him.


    At least for Jillyanna, she found people who cared for her and family who loves her. However for Simon, he''s got no one. The only sister who cared for him was already gone.


    Every drop of his tears was like a nail being hammered on her chest. It was painful and numbing. Jillyanna couldn''t help herself and cried as well. She wept for her mother, for Simon, for Travis who got involved in this mess, for Venus and for herself.


    The cause of all these events was just a mere research that her mother poured her time to complete. A research that was suppose to save lives but it took many.


    "Uncle..." Jillyanna called out to him softly. "Thank you for enduring everything for the sake of getting justice for my mother. Thank you for letting me know everything."


    Simon cried so hard after she called him with respect. He didn''t dare imagine that she would call him uncle but she did. He was so happy and didn''t feel regret about his ruined family at all. Well, everything was ruined the day his sister was married of to Anton. Even though it wasn''t what her sister wanted, he was happy that she lived a happy life until Anton was gone.


    "By the way, do you know that you would have to get a real heart when you reach 23 years old?" Simon asked her the most concerning thing.


    Jillyanna nodded her head hesitantly as she wiped her tears using the back of her hand.. She knew this would be a problem but she still went ahead with her plan of getting a baby.


    "You will reach 23 years old four months from now. What about your baby?"


    "My baby will live." The simplest answer she could give.


    Simon stopped asking her anything that was private. Jillyanna then asked him the questions that the police wanted to know. He even refused to get a lawyer for himself. As he said, he wanted to let everyone know the inhumane experiment his family conducted. He won''t be kind to save their butts. He lost his sister and there''s no one else to save.

 Chapter 247 - HER EXISTENCE IS HAPPINESS

    Jillyanna was inside the interrogation room for an hour before everything was settled. Simon didn''t say anything more after all the revelations and was escorted back to his cell. He was placed on a separate cell because the police officers were afraid that the other criminals will do something to him.


    Lucian who heard everything from start to end felt different emotions for the little sister he got in front of him.


    Ever since Jillyanna came, Cielo was never lonely and she would always smile and was more open to her emotions because she had a sister she can talk to. Lucian wasn''t asking for anything huge but to see Cielo happy and Jillyanna granted that wish for him.


    Her existence brought happiness to their life but that person went through a lot without them knowing. She struggled to fit in to their life, afraid that she would be abandoned again. She did her best to earn money because she thought that was the way to repay the kindness of the Madrid family.


    Jillyanna had always been beautiful and she looked timid and harmless. He didn''t even know she''s someone cold and cruel until that time he discovered her secrets. From then on, she didn''t hide anything from him, there''s no point of doing it.


    Looking at her right now, brought so much memories to him. She looked similar to the woman in his mind at the same time different.


    Lucian approached her and ruffled her hair a little. He had a smile on his lips, the kind of smile that comforts a broken soul.


    "I am so proud of you. You are the bravest person I know who doesn''t cower when facing a giant enemies. I am sure your mother will be so happy for you." Lucian uttered softly. He wanted to ask her something else but he was afraid that it would trigger her to feel bad.


    For him, getting pregnant knowing that she had to get an operation sounded selfish. They didn''t know about this news and they didn''t know how to respond to this. ''Looks like I have to talk to Eliezer.'' Lucian thought to himself.


    Jillyanna smiled back to him and took his hand away from his head while looking intently in his eyes. "I hope you won''t say anything about my heart condition."


    "Huh? but.."


    "No buts. I am looking for a way to deal with this. I don''t want to worry anyone else so please keep this a secret for me."


    "Yanna, don''t you think you are being irresponsible? If you want to find a way, why can''t we? Why are you taking the chance way from us when we can actually help you? How about Travis? Did you tell him? Don''t you think it would be better if you let us know?"


    The questions didn''t render her speechless but his tone and emotions did. Jillyanna felt guilty with her decision. She knew they cared for her but she didn''t want them to worry as well.


    "Just give me time. I will let you guys know about this. Give me a month of time." she informed Lucian with a pleading look which made him give in to her request. "Thanks bro."


    She didn''t take much time and left the station. She was planning to visit the cemetery and talk to her mother again.


    Meanwhile...


    "What happened here? Does it mean we no longer have a job? How about our last pay?" many people had the same questions running around their mind upon arriving at the building.


    It wasn''t so messy anymore like the past night but blood and different weapons were lying on the ground. Several police officers and personnel from the special task force were checking the place. They also cordoned the area to stop any civilians from coming in.


    Overnight, hundreds of employees lost their jobs. They didn''t know anything until noon of the same day when the latest news was released and the content was mostly about the laboratory that they were working.


    "I can''t believe this! We were actually working for these scums and monsters!" exclaimed the young woman who once offered Brown her concealer.


    "Goodness gracious! What kind of horrible being did we look up to?"


    "I guess the other research and experiments were just a cover for these horrible experiments."


    "And the children! They used living children and adult! This is really inhumane!"


    "The deserve a death punishment."


    "Yes they will be sentenced to death except for one person."


    "There is an exception?"


    The subject circled around the punishment and the exception but it wasn''t mention in the news who was the person who got away from death penalty. Even so, he will be sentenced to a three years of imprisonment since he wasn''t really directly involved in the murders, kidnapping and experiments.


    Jillyanna didn''t need to ask who the person was cause she knew who exactly it was since there was no one else who helped her and Brown aside from Simon.


    Jillyanna asked the driver to send her to the cemetery first before they head back to the hospital. This time, she visited the grave of her mother and mother-in-law with joy in her heart. It was the joy of serving them the justice they deserved after a decade had passed.


    She prayed for their souls to rest in peace and she told her mother silently about the concern of her little brother. She wanted her mother to know that in her so-called family, someone really cared for her.


    She also prayed that they would guide Travis back to her and not bring him with them. She insisted that it wasn''t his time yet. "Please give him back to me. Our baby and I need him. Don''t take him away from me." Jillyanna murmured solemnly with her hands clasped together. "I will really be a good wife for him. I won''t bully him and I won''t give him a hard time. Just give him back to me."


    Jillyanna had been worried for Travis and for the company that she often forget about the matter of her heart. Nevertheless, she was happy that she could help him maintain his prestige. He was the most important person to her.

 Chapter 248 - BROWN AND VALKYRIE ARE BACK

    For how many years, the burden in her heart that she had been carrying was finally lifted. She could finally live her life with less worry and trouble.


    Jillyanna stayed silent all throughout the travel time on her way back to the hospital. Her mind was preoccupied with thoughts about her heart surgery which will happen in the next few months.


    "How was it? Did everything go according to plan?" Shein asked her who came to visit Jillyanna alone. Riley and Jackie were still resting since they stayed awake the previous night.


    Jillyanna approached the younger man,putting one of her hands on his shoulder while the other was messing up with his soft hair. "Thanks for helping me. I know I could really count on you. I should have asked you to do this years ago."


    "Oh c''mon sis. If you asked me to do this years ago, we would still be stuck with no leads. I am not that great few years back." Shein honestly responded which made Jillyanna smile even more. For someone with great computer skills, Shein wasn''t someone arrogant and boastful. He would never claim himself as no.1 even though he topped the World Hacker''s Organization, this was something Jillyanna knew but she never asked them to do anything for her before. She just wanted them to live a normal life - a promise that she broke.


    "Alright. If you say you are not, then you are not." Jillyanna took one slice of the apple and went back to sit on the couch where her mother was sitting. "Did something happen while I was gone? Did the doctor bring any good news?"


    Sky looked at her daughter before shaking her head which Jillyanna didn''t really mind. "It''s fine. He will wake up soon. Maybe not today but perhaps tomorrow or the next day."


    Jillyanna didn''t dwell on it but she will wait no matter how long it will take her. "I won''t be going to work, so you can go home and rest mom. You''ve been taking care of him for me these past weeks and I am grateful for that. However, you need to take care of the man at home, too."


    For someone who has two married daughters, Sky would always blush when they would talk about Alex. It was clearly seen in her eyes just how much she loves her husband. "Stop talking nonsense. He can perfectly take care of himself."


    "But his hands will be tired." Jillyanna commented while taking out her laptop so she can do some work in the hospital.


    Sky wanted to say something to her daughter but the door swung open, Brown and Valkyrie were standing there, looking at Jillyanna happily.


    "I did it!" Brown exclaimed and ran towards Jillyanna to give her a hug. "I am glad you didn''t have to do anything in that matter. I don''t want to be questioned by Travis once he is awake." He then turned to Sky, "Hello Auntie." Sky just smiled at him.


    Shein knew exactly what he was talking about so he popped Brown''s bubbles. "What do you mean she didn''t have to do anything? Didn''t you know that she exposed many police officials because they won''t approve the search and arrest warrant? She had to ask Hawk, Savannah and the twins to rescue the chief''s family from being hostage. She was the one who sent the letter to the regional director''s office. So, how come it was considered nothing?"


    Brown''s jaw dropped and his eyes were bulging from shock. If possible, his eye balls would have come out from his eye socket. It was truly surprising to him. He took a step away from Jillyanna to put some distance between them.


    ''Cough! Cough! Cough!'' he coughed exaggeratedly as if to expel the awkwardness. "I didn''t know that. Sigh! What should I do if ever Travis will ask?"


    "Don''t say anything because he won''t ask." Jillyanna answered him with a smile. "I am glad that both of you are fine. You should go home for now to take a rest."


    "Hn. We will come and visit you guys some other time." Valkyrie stated, pulling Brown out of the room so that they could go back to the mansion.


    "I will head out as well." Sky informed Jillyanna, taking her bag and phone with her.


    "Bye mom! Take good care of Daddy." she reminded her mother which earned her a glare. "Hahahaha!" she could only laugh at the departing of her blushing mother.


    "You will be working?" Shein asked her, done with the apples and were now eating them while looking outside the window.


    "I have to work to make sure that he won''t be overwhelmed with task once he''s back to normal." Jillyanna uttered while going through the pending tasks she had.


    Shein watched her and his heart ached for her. ''How far can you go for the man you love?'' He asked mentally. Not everyone was like Jillyanna who would fight desperately even if the chances were very small. She just don''t know how to give up easily.


    "Sis, aren''t you hurting yourself? Do you really think that Travis will wake up? There''s not even a single response from the different stimuli the doctor conducted. Aren''t you being selfish to him?" Shein asked her calmly, stopping Jillyanna from opening a file but it didn''t take long before she resumed working.


    "I don''t care if I am being selfish. I don''t care if I am hurting myself. If some patients woke up after months to years from being coma, why not give my husband a chance? I don''t care about the hospital fees as long as I can get him back."


    Shein nodded his head, expressing his understanding. If the situation was reversed and it was Riley who would be lying on the hospital bed, he would be doing the same thing, too.


    "Oh! Who were those guys by the way?" Shein changed the topic to lighten up the gloomy atmosphere.


    "The person who hugged me was Evan a.k.a Brown. The other one was Matthew a.k.a Valkyrie. Just call them by their codename because of some confidential matter."


    "They depicted your preferred novels - BL." Shein really knew her. Hearing the word BL made Jillyanna smiled foolishly. Her worries were gone just what Shein wants.

 Chapter 249 - NEW ENEMIES

    After the storm, her world was back in peace, or that''s what she thought. Two weeks had passed since Travis got hospitalized and since she worked as the acting CEO. She thought people learned their lesson already but there were some that didn''t.


    She was sitting in her office room with Savannah and Shein who had the same gloomy expression as her. Jackie came as well upon reading the issue online.


    Last Friday, when she went back to the hospital from visiting Simon and her parents, she continued to work. She found a proposal from the city council to build a government-owned apartment which will be used by students or by workers. The location was the largest portion of vacant land belonging to the Venus Plaza.


    Upon review, Jillyanna found many loopholes on the project. It will just be a waste to start doing a project which will end up in a drainage. Most of the project money will just be pocketed by the city council and she hated those kinds of people.


    She refused the proposal after half an hour of review without bothering herself to contact the city council personally. She would never accept bribes even if you were the president of the nation. She would not waste the money of those workers who paid their taxes.


    When the city council found out from the council secretary that the proposal was rejected, they were fuming with rage. How can they not? They can''t pocket anything if the project won''t go through.


    And because of that, they dug up several issues of Jillyanna. They posted several pictures of her with different men. The funny thing was, the men on the pictures with her were Valkyrie, Brown, Hawk and Lucian.


    "Why didn''t they include me? I''m a man in your life, too!" Shein sulked on the side while reading the news from Savannah''s laptop.


    "Indeed. They were wrong." Savannah tried to comfort the young man beside her. "Do you want to deal with them?"


    "Why not?" Shein smiled like nothing happened and took out his own laptop. "Can I really do this?" he asked Jillyanna who was sitting across them with Jackie.


    Jillyanna was thinking what to do when her phone rang. She signaled everyone to keep quiet first before answering her phone.


    "Hello?"


    "Mrs. Madrigal, do you like my little gifts to you?" asked the man on the other line. "It was so easy getting your pictures. And I tell you, those were not edited."


    "Of course it is not." Jillyanna answered him with a faint laugh. "How could it be edited when I am spending so much time with those men. And one more thing, you forgot one man."


    "You! You bitch!"


    "I''m a bitch. So what? Me being a bitch doesn''t concern you."


    "Oh! You must have slept your way to get Travis. Are you that good in bed? Heh! You must be."


    "Even if I am good in bed, you will never know." Jillyanna snickered coldly.


    The man was fuming with rage and ended the call abruptly. She didn''t care what others would think but she won''t let them trample her name.


    "Release the news about the city council''s proposal being rejected." Jillyanna told Shein which made the little guy so happy. "Let''s wait for their response after that."


    Shein''s fingers danced over the keyboard as he typed the news article that he is going to publish. "Will it still be under Mr. Tamo''s name?"


    "Hn. Write it under his name." Jillyanna replied nonchalantly.


    Shein wrote the article and published it to different websites again under the name of Andrei Tamo. Last time, the reporter was so shocked that his bank account received a lot of money from different tabloids and news online. When he checked what happened, he immediately called Jillyanna. He didn''t know she would do that for him. He thought she was just joking when she said that you will be famous again.


    Andrei felt like he was just depending on her and he didn''t like the idea. While thinking what to do, another news explode and it was still written under his name.


    He called Jillyanna immediately to discuss the matter. "Mrs. Madrigal?"


    "Yes?" Jillyanna replied shortly.


    "I am grateful for the help you gave but I don''t want to depend on you. I want to work for our own money." Andrei stopped and waited for her response.


    Jillyanna scoffed and sneered. "You want to work? Of course you have to work but who will take care of your daughter? You will look for a nanny? Instead of paying a nanny, why don''t you just take care of your child? I am not really doing this because of you but your name made my plans more convenient. I just happen to need a reporter and your name is available. Don''t be so bothered with the money you earn, it''s a payment for helping me."


    Andrei understood what she meant. She was exposing people using his name as a reporter and sold the news to different sites. She was fighting for herself and for her love ones while helping him in the process.


    "Thank you so much Mrs. Madrigal."


    "No big deal. Take care of your daughter. Bye."


    When the call ended, Andrei looked at his daughter who was watching a movie in the living room. She finally regained her strength and could walk on her own slowly. She also understood the fact that her mother left but, she didn''t really care about it. Her mother didn''t care about them. She only cared about the money that her father earned.


    "Papa, are we really going to stay here from now on?" his daughter asked all of a sudden while keeping her eyes on the TV.


    "Yes sweetie. This is our house now." Andrei answered her. He still had some money left after the hospitalization of his child. He sold all of his other properties and saved up the money. He bought a small house which was enough for the two of them and moved out of their dilapidated apartment. Jillyanna was really a blessing to them.

 Chapter 250 - STRIKE BACK

    Thomas also called Jillyanna to check on her. The same with Cielo and Sky, every body else was worried.


    Not long after their call, they also read the news which made them smile for her. She would never miss to retaliate.


    CITY COUNCIL MAKING ISSUES AFTER THEIR PROPOSAL GOT REJECTED


    CITY COUNCIL''S PROPOSAL IS A WASTE OF FUNDS


    CEO OF VENUS PLAZA HATES BRIBERY


    CEO GOT ISSUES AFTER REJECTING A PROPOSAL FROM THE CITY COUNCIL


    These were the subjects that circled around Jillyanna and the city councils. Who cares about being targeted? She would strike back no matter how cornered she will be.


    "It was really funny to read the news about the CEO. The other man involved was her brother-in-law, the other guy was her secretary''s boyfriend. The other two were not even interested in women. And there is one missing." It was Jackie who posted a comment with a laughing emoji.


    "So they proposed a wasteful project and got rejected? To take revenge, the made issued of her? What a bunch of scoundrels!"


    "No wonder the city officials have big houses and several cars. They were using the funds we paid for our taxes!"


    "The city officials are corrupt! They never thought of how hard we work just to earn for a living and pay those hellish amount of taxes!"


    "I agree and to make matters worse, they drag a woman down with them just because they couldn''t get her to agree with their scam project!"


    "I feel bad for the CEO. She was even made issues with. And what I found, those men were actually a relative to her. Hahaha. If you want to get news of her affair, you should have valid proof." This was a comment from Savannah.


    Savannah and Jackie were using a codename to leave the comments. Shein helped them hide their real IP addresses with a fake one.


    Riley saw what was happening online and post a comment. "The missing man must be sulking now. He always claimed to be the most important younger brother but he is missing."


    Riley didn''t bother hiding her identity. She used her own social media account with the label under J Entertainment.


    "Ahhh! Riley spoke! She is standing on the side of the CEO. It''s not really a surprise since J Entertainment belong to the same CEO as the Venus Plaza. Still, my Angel spoke!"


    "Riley didn''t cower and hid. She''s really brave."


    "Wait! Riley said that the missing person must be sulking and that he always claimed to be the most important younger brother! She knew knew them?!"


    "Right! Does she know?"


    "I want to know who is the missing man among the people involve with issues online." Riley saw this comment and her mouth twitched to say something but she stopped herself.


    Jillyanna didn''t delete her account in social media but she stopped posting anything. When she saw Riley''s post or comment about the issue, she left a comment on it.


    "He was indeed sulking beside me right now."


    This caused an uproar in the social media world. It was the first post or comment she left after she resigned from being a singer.


    Her issue about the different men she was involved with was soon forgotten. However, the city council was sent to a rollercoaster ride. They were still laughing and smiling at her defeat earlier but now, they were all under investigation.


    "Damn that woman! I''ll make sure to deal with her once everything''s cleared!" the City Mayor gritted his teeth as he got inside the police car.


    Since Lucian was involved on the issues on line, he wasn''t allowed to handle the matter. Nevertheless, they couldn''t escape the law this time. Jillyanna had her claws hovering over them, ready to snatch their carefree life away from them.


    Shein was able to find the original pictures after hacking several computers in the city council''s office. He didn''t wait for too long and posted another information online.


    "Don''t distort the truth. These are the original pictures." He posted all pictures online where in Jillyanna was with different people at the same she was with those men.


    "So this is the truth. She wasn''t alone with them. There were other girls and Mr. Madrigal was even on her other side holding her hand."


    "Oh. She was strolling with her husband and other couple in this picture."


    "I can''t believe that the city council is composed of pigs and fools."


    "It was just right that she rejected the proposal."


    "Serves them right to rot in jail!"


    "Don''t let them out! If anyone from the city council goes out, I will never, ever again, trust the police force."


    Shein was happy to see their reactions and their comments. He was delighted to know that people weren''t swayed by the officials.


    "Is that it? Will we add another thing?" Shein inquired, beaming with a smile from the result of his work.


    "Dig up all their secrets and save it. We might be able to use them later." Jillyanna informed him before she continued working on her own laptop.


    "Looks like everythig''s fine. I''ll go back to check on the trainees now." Jackie stood up and left the three of them inside the office. Her task was to watch over the new hired employees.


    Inside the office room, only the sound of their fingers tapping the keyboard can be heard. They were all busy and didn''t have time to bother about the outside world.


    When Jackie left, Jillyanna closed the files that she opened earlier. Since Savannah and Shein were sitting across from her, they didn''t know what she was doing. They still thought she was working but she was actually looking for the doctor who helped her mother with the heart transplant few years ago.


    She needed to talk to him to make sure that there won''t be any complications during the operation or if it would be possible for her to get the operation after giving birth.

 Chapter 251 - THE PROSECUTOR IS PROSECUTED

    The officers-in-charge of the city council''s case couldn''t find anything. They were all going to a public trial yet they seemed to be all clean. If this went on, the council will be deemed not guilty.


    "Just how the hell did they hide their dirts? I don''t believer they are innocent." Officer Nik murmured while browsing through the council''s computers.


    Lucian wasn''t in-charge of the case so he didn''t know about their worries until they went back to the office in the evening. They were distraught and exhausted from the wasteful time of investigation.


    He brought a cup of coffee for everyone before sitting his but on the edge of his table with the tray on his hand. "I know someone who can help us break through the case."


    "Who?" Officer David asked immediately since they were talking about the person who can possibly help them.


    "I can''t tell you his name because someone will get really really mad at me. I can ask him to come here though. Whatever he''d tell you, you have to follow." Lucian told them since he was the last hope of the public.


    He pulled out his phone and called Jillyanna who just arrived at the hospital from the company. Shein and Jackie weren''t with her since they went home to their rented house.


    "Yes bro? What''s the matter?"


    "Can I borrow your younger brother? Our team couldn''t find anything against the city council and we needed someone who can dig up information. I know your brother can do it." Lucian told her the purpose of his call without wasting her time.


    "He did it already. I''ll give him a call to send the information over to officer Nik." Jillyanna admitted since she asked Shein to dig up their dirts two days ago. Time flew past but they didn''t get anything useful at all.


    Lucian wasn''t surprise anymore. More or less, he already expected that she would take action specially that the company was involved in this matter. She would never allow anyone to taint the empire that Travis built.


    It wasn''t even ten minutes yet after he ended the call with Jillyanna when Officer Nik received an email.


    "Make use of my gifts. You are very welcome." It was a short message from Shein and after that were several files and information he got from the council''s computers.


    "What the heck! How did he get his hands on these files? I couldn''t even find these!" Officer Nik was their IT specialist but seeing the result of someone''s work in front of him made him even more excited. "This is the first time I''ve seen someone work so meticulously."


    "I know right. He will be 18 years old tomorrow." Lucian informed him which shocked everyone in the room. "It is never good to mess up with her." Lucian murmured before taking his coat from the coat rack. "I''m heading home now! Make use of those information so you can get great bonus this month."


    The other officers started working and used the information they found from the files that Shein sent. They were still amazed with the news that it was sent from an 18-years old boy.


    "I really want to meet this guy. Who could it be?" Officer Nik mumbled while typing some information and have it printed. They also sent a copy of the documents directly to the prosecutor''s e-mail address for review.


    Little did they know, the prosecutor was also a friend of the officials and received bribe to make sure that his findings will be invalidate by the defendants attorney. He wasn''t really doing his job.


    When he received the documents sent by the police officers, he just went through it and deleted the file. Without him knowing, his computer screen were monitored by Shein at home. He knew exactly what the man was doing.


    Just like Jillyanna, he would never allow the scums and vile creatures to live. They don''t deserve their life.


    After two hours of monitoring and screen record, Shein saved the video and sent the file to the judge who was assigned to the case.


    In the middle of the night, while working, the judge was fuming with anger. It wasn''t just that file, he received evidence of bribery of the prosecutor from Shein as well. There were several video footage and pictures showing the prosecutor''s face as well as the previous suspects that they worked on.


    "Bastard! Evil! Inhuman!" the judge cursed as much as he can while clutching his chest. He was old already and had grown from serving justice. All along, he thought he gave the right verdict but he was just played with. The innocents didn''t get the justice they deserved!


    The next morning, Nik received news that the prosecutor had been changed and he was asked to give the copy of files to the newly-appointed prosecutor.


    They didn''t ask for more information and just their job. Nik sent the files and continued with his work, getting some little naps from time to time to restore his energy. They had been working non-stop and they were all tired.


    They had to escort the city council officers during the public trial as well which will happen in the next three hours. Tired and exhausted, they dragged their body up which was only sustained with caffeine from coffee.


    They rode with a bus and went to the court building for the trial with more than a dozen of city council officers. When they got inside the place, that''s when they found out why the prosecutor was dismissed. It was his turn to be prosecuted. Although he was a separate entity, he was dragged down by the criminals he tried to protect.


    "This world is messed up." Officer David whispered while watching the criminals in front of him. "Do you think it''s the same person who exposed the prosecutor?"


    "Most likely." Officer Nik responded while keeping an eye to everyone. It was their job to bring order to the court.

 Chapter 252 - THROUGH BACK DOOR?

    With Jillyanna and Shein working together, it would not take a week to wipe their carefree lives. They would give you a chace to strike back and that chance will be used against you with twice the revenge.


    People had come to know that it would be foolish to clash with Jillyanna or with her friends and family. She wouldn''t show any mercy at all. They cheerful and harmless girl was gone. They could no longer find traces of the goddess that they have been supporting all these years. Nevertheless, they showed understanding. After all, she was having a hard time keeping her enemies at bay and taking care of her husband.


    However, foolish people will always be foolish if they won''t experience the real deal. There were people who just don''t learn the lesson from other''s experience and that they needed to deal with it personally.


    Riley went out to get some coffee for her and Wynwyn. They were currently having a photoshoot outdoor for the jewelry advertisement that she got. Wynwyn helped her a lot but the other artists didn''t envy her at all. They have equal resources but Riley was just starting and she needed help. Unlike the other artists and managers, they could hunt for jobs but Riley didn''t know that and Wynwyn was taking every step for Riley to learn.


    "Hey! I heard that the new artist from J Entertainment got in through back door." whispered a girl who was eating her strawberry cake.


    "Huh! Those without talents would really do that." the other girl replied.


    Riley had her back facing them as she ordered so they didn''t know she was there. When she got her coffee, she took a glance at the girls and remembered their faces. ''Huh, let''s see who''s got no talent.'' She snickered mentally before leaving the cafe. She noted their facial features so she can ask Wynwyn for their identities later.


    The cafe wasn''t very far from the park they were having their photoshoot. Everyone was still taking a break before they would resume with their work.


    "Oh! Riley, why didn''t you tell us you want to get some coffee? We could''ve bought it for you." one of the cameramen spoke to her upon seeing her flushed face from too much heat under the sun.


    Riley smiled sweetly as she walked back to her tent where Wynwyn was waiting. "Thank you for your concern I will let you know next time."


    Wynwyn heard their conversation, stopped typing on her laptop and raised her head to look at her. "Do you want to get an assistant?"


    "Nope. What''s the assistant for when I can do things myself? I am not even a big name in this industry so why get an assistant." she placed one iced coffee on the table for Wynwyn and took a paper and pencil.


    Wynwyn didn''t bother her since she was busy doodling to relax herself. After some time, she noticed that she drew two women on the paper.


    "Do you know these people?" Riley asked before sipping her coffee. She showed Wynwyn her drawing to let her see the faces clearly. Even though it was just drawn with a pen, the features were very distinct and it was so clear that you can guess their identities immediately - that is if you know them.


    "These are the artist from Zircon. They aren''t really big shots but they''re well-known as well. Why do you ask?"


    "Nothing. Is Zircon a friend company or our competitor?"


    "Our competitor. Travis and the owner of Zircon don''t get along ever since we started. We had a hard time because of them as well. Good thing that Travis found a way to get the company off from its shackles."


    "I see. What are their names?"


    "This girl with a chinky eyes is Erica and the other girl with a large eyes is Hana. "


    Wynwyn didn''t know why Riley took interests of these girls but she didn''t ask her either. She let her take a few more minutes of rest before they start working again.


    In a short amount of time, Riley got what she wanted. She then asked Shein to find out the upcoming jobs of the two girls. She would make sure that they will never get any job opportunities again.


    If Jillyanna was merciless, what do you expect from the people she trained. In fact, they weren''t really that bad but they just don''t let people bully them. If you allow them to bully you once, they would do it twice and thrice until you''d lost count to the times you get bullied. If you don''t want that to happen, protect yourself.


    Shein saved all information that he got for Riley. He didn''t even spent half an hour to get all of them.


    "What''s keeping you busy? I thought you want to take a break." Jillyanna asked him with a sly smile. "Riley." She answered her own question.


    "Sis?"


    "Hn?"


    "Do you think she''s having a hard time with her work? I know that working in an entertainment industry can be tiring and your peers will even plot something against you. They would ruin each other and compete for resources. I''m worried for her."


    Jillyanna sighed and reached out to pat his back gently. "No need to worry. Riley can perfectly take care of herself. If she needs help, then we will help her. At the same time, J Entertainment is like a close-knitted family. They protect each other and they don''t compete with each other, they compete with their enemies."


    "Earlier, she sent me a message to look into someone. She even asked me to check their upcoming jobs."


    "Ask her when she gets home. I''m pretty sure she has reasons. She''s not a bully but, if she''s wrongfully accused of doing something she didn''t, she will strike back."


    "I just wish she won''t have a hard time with her new work."


    "Believe in your girl, she''s not a weakling." Jillyanna smiled teasingly at the man in front of her.

 Chapter 253 - SECRET KISSES AND HUGS

    Riley got home, tired and exhausted from taking photo shoots and short videos the whole day. Well, they had to take breaks from time to time when the sun gets too hot because they didn''t want to ruin her beauty from too much heat.


    "You are just too beautiful to be put under the blazing sun." the director told her every time she turned pink.


    Riley didn''t like it though. She didn''t want to be a hindrance during work and as much as possible she wanted to work smoothly with everyone.


    "What''s with your face? Had a rough day?" Jackie asked her when she entered the living room. She threw her bag on the other couch and sat beside her twin sister.


    She hugged her sister''s waist, stopping her from reading whatever was on her tablet. "Everyone was so nice to me that I am feeling guilty." she mumbled to her sister in a helpless tone. "We had to take several breaks today because they didn''t want to put me for too long under the sun. Even though they put it nicely in front of me, I felt like I was a hindrance to them."


    Jackie caressed her sister''s hair while giving her advice. "Maybe they really mean it. Your beauty and talent is your key to success. If they would ruin you, they would just be wasting an opportunity to see a phoenix rising from the ashes."


    "Stop speaking nonsense to me. Anyway, I will continue to work hard." she cheered herself and stood up from the couch. "Where''s Shein?"


    "In his room. He said he wanted to get something for you." Jackie informed her little sister. This time, she was feeling like she was invading a love nest. ''It''s never easy to play the third wheel.'' She mentally added while watching her sister go.


    Riley took a shower first and changed her clothes before going to Shein''s room. She knocked on his door thrice before the man opened the door for her.


    "Did you find the things I asked you?" she asked him immediately without entering his room. She just stood outside with her hands on her back, like a sneaky little girl who was hiding something from him.


    Shein laughed faintly before pulling her inside his room and locked the door behind him. "Why were you standing there like an idiot?"


    "If it was before, I will never have an issue coming to your room. However, you and I are both adults now. It is improper to stay in one room with just the both of us." Riley explained her thoughts since she didn''t want him to misunderstand her.


    Shein pulled her into his warm embrace and placed a light kiss on her head. "I understand your point. We have to be careful with your image as well. No worries, I won''t do this again."


    "Huh?"


    "What ''huh?"


    "What are you not doing again? You won''t hug me again? You won''t kiss me again?" Riley asked in panic because it seemed to her that they were going to have a cool off.


    It was Shein who was utterly confused this time. "No, that''s not what I mean."


    "Never mind." Riley rolled her eyes. "Just give me the result of the things I asked you."


    "Riri, are you angry? It''s not really what I mean."


    "If you say that it is not, then it is not. I believe you so you don''t have to explain." She knew how difficult it was for Shein to express his thoughts and she didn''t want to give him a hard time. She held his face with both her hands and looked at him in the eyes. "When the time comes, I''ll tell the whole world that you are mine and mine alone."


    "I didn''t know you are this possessive." Shein teased her before placing another kiss on the tip of her nose.


    "What can I do? I am selfish and I don''t want anyone to have unnecessary thoughts toward you."


    "Hn. I''m all yours. I think Jackie and Big Sis know about us though."


    "We can''t really hide anything from them. It''s fine, they''re family." Riley dismissed anything negative out of her mind. For now, she wants to spend time with him.


    "Regarding the things you asked..." he led her to his study table and opened the laptop. "...this is the things I found."


    "Yay! Thanks a lot." Riley checked each file and the corner of her lips was lifted into an evil smile. She would make sure to teach them a lesson.


    "Do you want to compete with those women? What exactly happened for you to do this?"


    "They talk behind my back and said I have no talent. So, I will show them who''s got talent and who don''t."


    "Ohhh...Then, go ahead. We will wait and see with the result. It''s not like they got the role yet. Anyone can have them so why can''t you?"


    "Absolutely! Just as I thought." Riley smiled cheerfully at him. "You and I are really meant to be."


    She sent Wynwyn the information she got and told her that she wanted to give it a try. It was for an action movie and she wanted to audition for the second-female lead.


    "Alright. Since we are done with the advertisement for the jewelry, you can spend your time to prepare for the audition." Wynwyn replied to her e-mail.


    The movie will be set abroad and most of the times it involves gun and swords. You should be nimble to move around and must have skills when it comes to shooting and fencing. "This is for me."


    It could be said that hearing those words from the girls which caused her to look into the works they were after was a blessing in disguise. But, that''s a story for later.


    Jillyanna on the other hand finally found the right schedule to fit her flight. She needed to deal with her personal issue as soon as possible. She didn''t want Travis to worry once he finds out her condition.


    "I hope everything will turn out fine." Jillyanna sighed to herself while watching the sleeping face of her husband. "I hope you will wake up soon."


    She stood up and left her seat to eat her dinner and she didn''t notice the slightest movement of his index finger at all.

 Chapter 254 - HER PENT-UP JEALOUSY

    It wasn''t just Jillyanna who was worried for her health. The person who knew her secret, Lucian, was also worried. He even started searching online as to what should be done and what should not be done for a person with CHD or those with artificial heart organ.


    However, when it came to artificial heart, there was no relative information since there wasn''t anyone who got an artificial heart transplant. Which goes to say, Jillyanna was the first person to get an artificial heart transplanted inside her body.


    "You''ve been looking through different sites and books about artificial heart and CHD, what happened?" Cielo asked him in worry when she saw the opened websites on his laptop.


    It had been several days since he had been acting strangely in front of them. When they talked about matters of the heart, he would keep silent and stare into space. She was starting to worry that he might have a problem with his heart.


    "I''m sorry for worrying you. I am just curious about this." Lucian lied to her again. He had lied to her multiple times in order for Jillyanna''s secret to remain safe. They knew that Cielo was the most worrywart person among them and if she knew, she would be flipping the whole house from rage.


    Cielo just looked at him for a moment before standing up and looked outside the window which led to the back garden. They were currently staying in their apartment to accompany Jenny who was still studying. They would go back to the mansion during weekends to accompany their parents.


    "Will you always lie to me to help Jillyanna keep her secret?" Cielo asked in monotonous voice. Flat and emotionless.


    Lucian was dumbfounded with her question. He didn''t know if she knew or if she was trying to sound him out in order for him to reveal the truth. Nonetheless, he kept his mouth shut.


    "We knew that Jillyanna has a heart disease. That is why we got Eliezer as the family doctor since he knew Jillyanna ever since they were kids. We knew she had a surgery years ago."


    "I''m sorry for lying to you but you know I''m not a person who breaks a promise. I promised to her that I won''t tell anyone until she gets the courage to speak to us after a month." Lucian spoke to his wife in apologetic tone.


    "And you promised that you would never lie to me!" Cielo exclaimed which stunned the both of them. It was the first time after two years that she raised her voice again. "You told me you won''t lie to me. Why did you break your promise?" Her tears fell and she wiped it abruptly with her hands. "It''s not okay to break your promise to her but it is fine if you break your promise to me. Is that it?"


    She was never this jealous over Jillyanna''s presence. It was fine for her that her parents love Jillyanna given the fact that Elizabeth saved her father and that Jillyanna was orphaned. It was fine to her that Jillyanna got more recognition given that she was really smarter than her. It was fine to her that Jillyanna was skillful than her, prettier than her and more filial than her. It was fine! But it wasn''t fine to her that Lucian gave Jillyanna more importance than her. She hated it! She hated herself for feeling it. She never wanted to be jealous of her own sister.


    "I''m really sorry. I didn''t mean this to happen. It''s just, she''s got so much burden already and I don''t want us to be an additional burden for her. If she knew we are worrying for her, she will act as if she''s fine. I didn''t mean to lie to you. I''m really sorry."


    Lucian approached his crying wife but Cielo just glared at him. "Don''t come near me." Lucian disregarded her warning and still walked to her. "I said don''t come near me!" she shouted angrily. "I hate you! I hate all of you! I hate you so much! You lied to me again and again!"


    Her tears didn''t stop falling and she didn''t stop throwing punches on his chest either. Lucian let her vent her anger, enduring the pain as she landed her fist on his chest. "Why must you lie to me? Am I really that untrustworthy? Am I really unreliable? Why?"


    Lucian hugged her when she stopped throwing punches on him. He hugged her tightly, feeling her pain and anger. "I''m sorry. I''m really sorry. Cielo, I''m sorry."


    In symphony with her hiccups and sobs, she asked him the most ridiculous question he''s ever heard. "Do you want to get a divorce?"


    "What?" his eyes were wide open as he stared at her in agape. "What are you talking about?"


    "Maybe you are tired of me and that is why you find it okay to lie to me." she wiped her tears with the back of her hands. "First lie, second lie, third, fourth...you''ve lied to me and I''ve lost count already. Perhaps you are tired of me since we''ve been together for how many years. Perhaps I am not really that important to you. Lucian, I don''t want to be lied. If you can''t even do that, why waste your time with me."


    "I...I...oh my god!" he couldn''t stop himself from pulling his own hair. "I didn''t really want to do it. Do you know how guilty I am everytime I look at you? I wanted to tell you the truth. I never wanted to lie to you."


    Cielo didn''t look at him at all. It was difficult for her to believe him again. Her brain were full of what ifs and she didn''t know which way to go. She didn''t want to face anyone anymore.


    "Cielo, I am really sorry. I won''t do it ever again. Even if the truth is painful, I will let you know immediately. Let''s not talk about divorce, okay? I don''t want to spend my life with anyone else but you."


    Seeing her standing still with no sign of forgiving him, he went out of the room and walked towards the kitchen. In the next seconds, he was back with a knife in his hands.


    "I can dig my heart out for you. Do you want it?"

 Chapter 255 - MY WIFE

    Cielo was horrified to see him back with a knife. She immediately stopped crying as she stood in front of him with a shocked expression.


    "I don''t know how else I can prove my love to you." Lucian spoke softly. He didn''t want to resort to this act but he couldn''t think of anything.


    "Go ahead and dig it." Cielo responded coldly at him but her hands were trembling from fear. ''Don''t do it.'' she prayed silently while she watched him lift the knife to his chest. She just wanted to see how far can he go.


    Without removing his shirt, Lucian smiled faintly at her with a sad eyes. "Make sure to take care of it." He stabbed himself on his chest lightly, just enough to let some blood soaked on his shirt.


    "Don''t do it!" her tears started falling once again. "I don''t want you to do it. I just thought you were bluffing." she took a step towards him, step by step until she reached where he was. "I''m sorry for acting all jealous. I''m sorry for doubting your love. I''m sorry for asking you to divorce. I''m sorry for asking you to dig out your heart. I''m really sorry."


    Lucian put down the knife on the drawer beside him and pulled her into a hug. "It''s fine to get jealous sometimes but you don''t have to be jealous of your own sister. I won''t lie to you ever again. And please, please, don''t ever ask about divorce with me. I will really dig my heart if that happens."


    Cielo just hugged him back while nodding her head to whatever he said. Now that she realized what happened, she felt annoyed and guilty.


    When both of them calmed down, they talked about Jillyanna''s condition while she cleaned his small yet deep wound for him.


    Then, both of them started looking out for information and the chances of survival after second surgery.


    After two hours of research, she started to feel drowsy and she kept yawning so, they decided to stop.


    "Recently, your moods would just flip suddenly. Are you having a hard time in the cafe?" Lucian asked her while they lie on their bed. He was hugging her, while she used his arm as her pillow, making sure to avoid the wound small wound on his chest.


    "Not really but sometimes I get annoyed with the smallest or tiniest details or mistake around me." she admitted to him with, feeling guilty once again. "I''m really sorry."


    "It''s fine. No need to apologize. I made a mistake, too."


    "Let''s visit Jillyanna tomorrow night. I have something to tell her."


    "Hn. No problem. Let''s visit her around six in the evening. She should be at the hospital at that time."


    "Is she planning to live there?"


    "Probably, she won''t even let anyone touch her husband. The doctors had to go through full inspections. That''s how cautious she is for Travis."


    "Do you think he will wake up?"


    "I don''t know. Some patients woke up after a week of being comatose. Some took a month or several months. Some would even stay in coma for years. Maybe he would make it back. Let''s just hope he would."


    "Hn. I hope he would."


    The two of them slept the night, burying the unpleasant memory of their fight. They said that couples would often fight and argue but in their case, it was the first time they fought. An intense one, too.


    Jillyanna on the other hand was in panic once again. She was just about to sleep when she heard the beeping sound of his monitor. It was slow at first and it became quicker as time went by. The doctors were also running when they heard the sound and inspected him immediately.


    ''Travis don''t scare me. Please wake up soon.'' she prayed mentally while watching the doctors do their job. She watched every tools they used to make sure that there wasn''t anything harmful.


    She was pacing back and forth while waiting for them to finish their job. Her drowsiness was thrown away somewhere and she wasn''t feeling sleepy at all.


    The doctor looked at Jillyanna and shook his head. "No changes but still, we will be on look out in case any changes would occur."


    "Thanks doc. I believe that he will wake up soon as well. No worries." Jillyanna uttered since it was within her expectations.


    "You are very strong Mrs. Madrigal. Please be very careful of your health."


    "Thanks doc." Jillyanna smiled faintly and led them out before closing the door. She strutted back towards Travis and watched his face, his wounded arms and legs, and his wrapped head.


    "I love you hubby." she whispered before placing a light kiss on his face. He was getting thinner every single day and Jillyanna was worried for him. "I will have to get a surgery soon. Won''t you wake up to see me? I might not make it out alive."


    She spoke to him until midnight. She talked about different things since she wasn''t sleepy. She talked about the recent events about their parents'' death. She talked about the city council''s issue. She talked about Shein and the twins. She talked about his father, Thomas. She talked about Savannah and Hawk. She told him about Valkyrie and Brown. She spoke endlessly to him.


    "Sigh. It would be better for you to see them once again. You''re missing out so much by sleeping here. Our baby is also growing and you are not here to talk to our child."


    When it was past 1 o''clock in the morning, Jillyanna started to get sleepy once again. She covered her mouth when she yawned while stretching her legs.


    "Hubby, I am going to sleep now. Always remember that I love you now and forever. I won''t give up on you so fight for your life as well. Our baby and I will be waiting for you." Jillyanna whispered, caressing his emaciated cheek.


    She turned around and walked towards her sleeping area to get some rest. She needed to rest to get some work done tomorrow.


    In the middle of the night, when she was asleep, a weak voice called out to her. "My wife."

 Chapter 256 - IT IS NOT AN IMAGINATION

    Travis saw her sleeping on the couch. He wanted to call her but he can''t seem to find his voice. He felt so weak and even lifting his hand took a toll on him. He didn''t even get the chance to look at her for a long time and he fell unconscious again.


    Jillyanna was sound asleep from exhaustion and didn''t notice his weak movements or his weak call. She slept until the sun was brightly illuminating the world outside. The cool breeze blew the curtains, swinging it to and fro and the birds started chirping, calling their friends and families to join them.


    But Jillyanna''s eyes wasn''t on them. She couldn''t seem to hear anything and she felt numb. Her eyes were straight on Travis'' hand which was already limply hanging on the side of his hospital bed.


    She immediately checked her monitor to see if there was anything abnormal but everything''s fine. "Top? Top come inside." she called for the chief of the security who guarded the place at night. Even if Hawk and Savannah was already there, he would not leave until he wakes up to make sure that he won''t miss any questions from her.


    Top opened the door and saw the panic-stricken face of Jillyanna. "Yes young madam?"


    "Last night, after I went to sleep, did anyone come inside to see Travis?"


    "No, madam. No one came to visit him."


    "Really?" she was still unsure but she felt something was amiss. "Alright, you can go home now. Take good care of yourself and have a plenty of rest."


    "Yes young madam. I''ll head out now. Take care." Top bowed his head and walked out of the room, leaving the confused Jillyanna by herself.


    "It''s impossible. I clearly remembered that I put his hand on his tummy." she mumbled softly to herself in disbelief. Still doubting, she placed a gentle kiss on his face and went back to fold the expandable couch. Just as she was roaming around to prepare herself for work, she caught sight of the mini camera she placed under the TV.


    "Oh right! I placed a cam to see Travis but I haven''t been checking on it lately since mom kept watch on him." she stopped whatever she was planning on doing and pulled out her laptop. She looked for the video recordings and used a time-lapse to see what happened after she fell asleep.


    She watched the video intently and ignored everyone who came inside. She knew no one can get inside without passing through Hawk''s inspection, so she felt safe.


    "What are you watching?" It was Shein who came to find her before going to work. It had been more than a week since he worked with Jillyanna but he would always come to see her first before going to work.


    "I''m watching my husband." she replied, almost a whisper because she was so focused on the video.


    Shein was about to ask her another thing when he saw Jillyanna''s eyes widened. She looked like she saw a ghost or something. "What happened?!" Shein asked in worry and came to sit beside her so he could watch it, too.


    Savannah and Hawk were also alarmed to see her reaction specially that she mentioned she was watching Travis.


    Jillyanna replayed the video and allowed Shein to watch it with her. In the recording, she clearly saw the moment Travis opened his eyes. He seemed to be saying something but they couldn''t hear his voice. And he lifted his hand as if to reach Jillyanna who was sleeping not far from him. It was less than a minute footage and if there wasn''t a video, you would think that everything was just made of your imagination.


    "Oh my god! Call the doctor immediately." Shein told Savannah who ran out of the door as soon as she heard him. "That was...oh god! We aren''t imagining things, right?"


    "That is my concern, too. They might think I''m going crazy from being worried all day and that I am starting to imagine things." Jillyanna slouched on the couch and felt helpless."But we both watched it, and you saw it. It wasn''t just me. Sigh, I don''t want to get any false hope."


    "Let''s wait and see what the doctor can find." Shein rubbed her hair messily to comfort her. "Don''t be upset, I don''t want an ugly niece or nephew."


    "My baby won''t be ugly." Jillyanna made a rebuttal and watched the video again. Not long after the doctors came and walked up to her.


    "We didn''t get any signal in our station. Did something happen?" The lead doctor asked Jillyanna while the other doctors and nurse checked Travis to make sure that he was fine.


    "Can you watch this for me?" Jillyanna gave him the laptop which displayed the emaciated figure of the once fit and good-looking man. She pressed the play button and let the doctor watched it, who had a smile on his lips when the video ended. "It is not my imagination, right?"


    "It is not Mrs. Madrigal. This is a good sign for his recovery. Some patients would just wake up instantly as if they were just having a long dream. Some patients would take their time and would wake up for certain amount of time before falling unconscious again. Your husband is the latter case. His body is coping with the damage and adjusting to his recovery. He will wake up and fall unconscious several times. As time goes by, he will have longer conscious time and will recover soon."


    A tear fell on the cold floor after relief washed over her anxiety. It was a tear of joy. Her persistent attitude rewarded her with happiness that only Travis can give. She was so happy with the good news.


    "Thanks doc. Thank you for helping us." Jillyanna smiled at the doctor while wiping her tears away.


    "No problem Mrs. Madrigal. We will have another stimuli test later and we will let you know of the result when you get back from work."


    After reassuring her that Travis was safe, the doctors and nurses left with big smiles.

 Chapter 257 - WHO ELSE DO YOU LOVE?

    Instead of going to work, Jillyanna stayed in the hospital to make sure that she''s around if ever Travis wakes up again.


    "I postponed all the work schedule for today." Savannah informed her after sending an email to the people who they will be meeting for appointments. "Travis is really taking his time but it''s good as long as he wakes up."


    "I will give him an earful once he is fully recovered. How dare him for making me wait." Jillyanna sneered while whispering to Savannah.


    "Right. Go ahead and do that to teach him a lesson." Savannah agreed without any hesitations at all.


    Watching them whispering non-sense made Shein smile for his sister. He was glad that she was finally relieved and genuinely happy after a month of suffering from the accident.


    "Since we are not going to work, can I go and see Riley?" Shein asked Jillyanna who was watching the video of Travis again. It was the fifth time she watched it.


    "Isn''t she going to audition for a movie?" Jillyanna asked without lifting her head to see her younger brother.


    "She will. It would be in three days and she''s at home reading scripts and practicing lines. I intended to help her." Shein answered innocently but upon realizing that they will be alone, his blush started to creep up from his neck to his face and ears.


    "Young man, you won''t be helping her but you will distract her. Do you think she will continue to practice with you around?"


    "Right. I get your point."


    "Of course you do. Hehe." Jillyanna''s teasing grin was very obvious that he was blushing even more.


    "I am not like that."


    "What? Did I say anything about you?" Jillyanna feigned innocence and watched the video again.


    "Stop teasing your brother." Savannah nudge her elbows but Jillyanna didn''t even bother to listen.


    One whole day passed and there wasn''t anything new. Travis was still sleeping!


    They kept it a secret between them since they don''t want to give false hope to other people but once he would recover fully, she will tell everyone about it.


    "Don''t you want to see me anymore?" Jillyanna turned grumpy as she sat on the chair beside his bed. When the doctor did another set of test, there was a faint and slight response from Travis. Little it may be, it was still a good hope. However, Jillyanna was sulking because she didn''t get to see his eyes on that day.


    "Fine! Sleep all you want and wake up when you want. I don''t mind as long as you won''t forget me. That''s the scary part of your recovery, you know. If you dare forget me, I will cripple you myself."


    She threatened him and didn''t hide her mood swings at all. She was really upset that she didn''t work and didn''t see him wake up as well.


    "Well, what''s one more day compared to one month. I will wait for you. So hubby, take your time and recover soon."


    Shein and Savannah shook their heads while watching her flip from one mood to another. She looked so foolish talking to sleeping man but she looked cute and adorable whenever she smiles to the person she loves.


    "It''s night time!" Shein exclaimed happily and put his laptop back to his bag. For the whole day, he was only playing computer games and he''s never been this bored in his life. When the clock strikes 5:30 in the afternoon, he was finally elated. "I feel a little guilty for Jackie because she worked and I didn''t. To repay my guilty conscience, I am going home to cook for the twins."


    "Aish! You only want to see Riley! Stop making an excuse." Jillyanna rolled her eyes on him but her lips were smiling. "I don''t want the twins to die from food poisoning so go out and have dinner together instead."


    "Is my cooking that bad? Riley said it wasn''t."


    "Of course she didn''t want to deflate your happiness but it was really bad. Your cooking was my nightmare." Jillyanna told him her opinion without sparing him any mercy. She was brutally honest with it.


    "Hey! How can you be so heartless?!" Shein was pouting from frustration. He couldn''t believe that his sister would put it that way. "It was my first time to cook and I put so much effort in it."


    "I know but it was really unpalatable." Jillyanna added another strike on his sore spots. "So, if I were you, don''t cook."


    "Don''t be so honest with your opinion. That really hurts my pride." Shein sulked on the side while hugging his laptop bag. He felt so wronged after getting that honest evaluation after how many years.


    "We all have things we''re good and bad at. In your case, you are good in computers but bad in cooking." Jillyanna explained to him her side. She didn''t want him to think that he was good in cooking when he was not. What if he will cook for someone else and got a really worse evaluation? Wouldn''t be more painful than getting it from her? "And don''t be so upset, I''m telling you the truth because I love you, okay?"


    "Who else do you love?" The tone sounded so painful and was holding so much regret. It was the voice that she hadn''t heard for so long and she missed it so bad.


    She thought she was hearing things but when she looked at Travis, he was watching her intently.


    All three of them were surprised and shocked. Even Hawk opened the door to check on them because they suddenly turned silent when they were so boisterous not long ago.


    What he saw was really unexpectedly surprising. Travis was looking at Jillyanna like no one else exist in his line of vision.


    "Who..are.." he fell asleep again when he wanted to ask her something. He seemed confused and was thinking about something because there was a frown on his face.


    "I''m so dead." Jillyanna uttered softly before placing a kiss on his frown. "Don''t sleep immediately next time. Let me explain, hn?"


    "I love you, too Sis." Shein chuckled knowing that she was put in a predicament.


    "Shut up! Go away already you little rascal!"


    Shein bid farewell to Savannah and left the room still smiling like an idiot.

 Chapter 258 - EXPOSING HER SISTER

    "Stop sulking over it. Just make sure to explain everything once he is fully recovered." Savannah spoke softly to her. She knew it could cause a misunderstanding between the couple and she was worried that Travis won''t want to wake up again. But she didn''t say it to Jillyanna. She didn''t want burden her up with another painful thought.


    At the same time, she also believed that Travis won''t judge his wife without knowing the truth. Only their faith and love for each other could help them overcome this tricky situation.


    "He was really awake?" Hawk asked Savannah to assure himself. "It wasn''t my imagination?"


    "He did wake up. Anyway, Auntie Fei will be bringing her food for dinner again so I''ll buy food for us."


    "Okay. Be extra careful."


    "Yes sir!"


    Savannah just reached the door when Jillyanna called to her. "Can you buy me lollipops or any sweet candies?"


    "Sure. Any preferred flavors?" Savannah asked her.


    "None."


    "Alright." She left out of the room to grab food for dinner.


    Cielo and Lucian came after few minutes that Savannah left. They were looking guilty and upset over something.


    "Why are you guys looking like that? Are you really visiting me with those faces?"


    They didn''t answer her question but Cielo turned towards Lucian. "Can you step out for a while? I want to talk to her alone."


    "What''s this all about? Why are you being sneaky in front of me?" Still no one answered her. She lifted her hand and had her fingers touch-and-open together like it was talking to her. "Let me talk to myself then."


    Cielo walked up to her slowly as if she was so hard to approach. She started to feel something wrong when she looked at her eyes - Cielo was avoiding her gaze.


    "After all these years, are you feeling guilty now? You shouldn''t be because you have the right to be upset or get jealous."


    "What?" Cielo was dumbfounded with the things Jillyanna was saying. "Huh? Uhh..Huh? How did you know?"


    Jillyanna sighed and stood up from her seat before walking towards the couch with Cielo following behind her.


    "Sit down and let''s talk. I can''t believe I had to wait for a decade before you would talk to me about this." Jillyanna was so laid back with their topic since she knew it all along. She was wanted to hear it directly from Cielo.


    "Have I been acting like a fool around you all these years?" Cielo asked, shaking from anxiety and fear. She knew that everything will be changed after this conversation.


    "Not really. You were just being honest. Who wouldn''t be upset if you were being compared to a nobody in your family? Why would you be jealous when they paid more attention to a nobody in your family instead of you? Why wouldn''t you get mad when your husband lied to you because a nobody told him to do so? Why wouldn''t you be jealous when people often say a nobody is smarter than you? I know all along that you were upset of my existence and it made you feel jealous. Over time, you started to accept the fact that you can''t really get rid of me in your life and we became best of friends. However, two years ago, I started to see the same look of jealousy in your eyes. I guess it was when you found out that Lucian kept another secret from you because of me. Then, another secret was added and another layer and another, until it was towering and you didn''t know if you could trust him again. You blamed me for that."


    Cielo felt like her whole body became numb, like she was stripped naked in front of her. All along, she was exposed yet Jillyanna didn''t say anything. She continued to act like there wasn''t anything wrong. She continued to live her life like how she wanted it. Jillyanna never once blame her when she failed their business at some point. She didn''t utter a single harsh words to her.


    Cielo cried on her seat from being exposed by the person she''s jealous of. "I''m sorry. I didn''t really want to feel this way but I can''t help it. I''m really sorry Yanna."


    "Nope. You don''t have to be sorry. In fact, I am thankful that you finally found yourself some courage and talk to me about this."


    "Aren''t you angry that I blame you and that I was jealous of you?"


    "Why should I be angry? It is true that I took your parents from you. It is true that Lucian lied to you because of me. So, I don''t have the right to get angry."


    Cielo cried even more. She was so useless and foolish for harboring such evil thoughts against Jillyanna when she actually got no one beside her. Jillyanna was all alone and she didn''t even tell them that she found kids overseas and make them her siblings.


    ''Did she find the siblings she was looking for in them, that she couldn''t find from me? Is that why the seemed rather closer compared to me? Was I really unreliable? She even found Jenny. She must have really wanted a sibling but I didn''t give it to her.'' Her thoughts were adding fuel to her pain and she couldn''t stop herself from crying.


    "Stop crying and don''t feel bad about it. It''s really nothing to me." Jillyanna tried comforting her but that was the only thing she could say.


    "I''m sorry."


    "I forgive you already a long time ago so stop crying and wipe your tears and snots. Geez! You''re messy!" Jillyanna exclaimed and teased her while handing the tissue to her.


    "Did you eat dinner already?" Cielo asked her to change their topic. "Maybe we could eat together."


    "Thanks for the offer but I can''t. Auntie Fei will be here soon with my food. Travis didn''t want me to eat anything else but those dishes."


    "I see. Then, I will see you again next time. Come home when you have time as well."


    "Sure. I''ll take a rain check." Jillyanna watched Cielo go out of the room. A faint smile formed in her lips.


    "Jillyanna?" Cielo''s head was popping at the door. "You are not a nobody. You are my sister. Bye now."

 Chapter 259 - RILEYS AUDITION

    After the second time that Travis woke up in short span of time, he didn''t gain consciousness again. It''s been three days and Jillyanna skipped work for three days as well to make sure the she sees him. But there was no Travis calling her or Travis opening his eyes to see her.


    "Are you really upset because of what happened?" Jillyanna spoke to him once again. "I will go home for now to display our wedding photos. It arrived yesterday and I wanted to put it myself. Are you really not going to see me?" There was no response. Jillyanna felt hopeless once again and decided to give up. "Alright. I won''t be back until evening."


    She grabbed her things from the couch and walked out of the room without giving him a goodbye kiss. She was really upset because she didn''t get herself a chance to explain or answer his question. ''What if he will take it against me? He won''t be unreasonable, right?'' She kept these thoughts to herself as she went out of the hospital with several body guards following her.


    Around 10 o''clock in the morning, Riley was dressed in a long and elegant black dress. There was a slit on the other side of thigh down to her foot which showed her long and white legs. She was wearing a black gloves and her hair was tied up high in a messy bun, yet she looked alluring and beautiful.


    "Is she here for the audition? Why is she wearing such elegant dress? This isn''t a ball you know?"


    "I know right? How can you move if they asked you to fight for a scene with that dress?"


    "She''s new yet she''s arrogant!"


    "Hmp! This is just for a second-female lead role but she won''t get it."


    "Isn''t that the new artist from J Entertainment?"


    "The one who got through back door?"


    "Must be good in bed."


    Riley ignored their chattering as if they didn''t exist in his world. Right now, she was busy texting with someone who went to work with Jackie. Even though Jillyanna skipped her duty as the CEO, Jackie and Shein didn''t want to do the same. They wanted to check and guard the empire while the emperor and empress were away.


    "Do your best! Don''t disappoint your mentor." Shein sent her a message which made her smile. He was clearly talking about Jillyanna, the only person who taught them how to act, in case they needed it to escape from some hoodlums. Kidnapping was very rampant and Jillyanna didn''t want them to fall victims in such situation. Therefore, she taught them all sort of things and that includes acting.


    "I will win this for sure." she replied confidently with a smile. She looked so beautiful that even the assistant, who came out to announce the procedure, was stunned to see her.


    Wynwyn picked up the number for her and went back to sit beside her. "You''re no.15."


    "Okay." Riley responded before putting away her phone. "By the way Miss Wyn, aren''t you the head of PR Department?"


    "Yes, I am. What about it?"


    "Why didn''t I see you doing your job?"


    Wynwyn''s jaw dropped at her silly question. It could really be seen how innocent she was with regards to the industry she''s working.


    "Silly girl. That is why it is called a department because there are other people like me who will protect the image of our artists and company. I will only do it if the case is rather difficult and if it is about the CEO and Jillyanna. And now, for you as well. At the same time, our artists aren''t troublesome people. They knew how to behave and fight when needed."


    "I see. I''m glad I made the right choice." Riley muttered to herself before looking in front of her where people gossiped and talked behind the backs of other artists.


    It wasn''t even ten minutes yet and there were seven people who got rejected and kicked out of the audition room. They could even hear the angry shouts of the director, making them more nervous and anxious.


    "Are you nervous?" Wynwyn asked Riley who kept looking at her phone but no message came.


    "I am not nervous. He can shout all he wants, it is not me who will lose my voice anyway."


    "Correct. Just stay calm and proceed. You don''t have to be upset if you get rejected."


    "I won''t be rejected."


    "You have such confidence? Don''t come crying to me then if they will shatter your dream."


    Riley just rolled her eyes and prepared herself. She stood up from her seat and walked towards the door just in time for no.14 to come out with gloomy face.


    The assistant of the director saw Riley and asked for her number. Riley handed to her the small piece of paper with no.15. The assistant led her inside the room and everyone turned silent.


    Riley walked like an elegant aristocrat who was ready for a ball but her eyes and smile were cold that they felt a shiver ran down from their spine to their toes.


    "Name please?" The director snapped out of his reverie first and asked her the most basic question.


    "Riley Summer."


    "Summer? How are you related to those Summers that got jailed not long ago?"


    "I don''t know. I am an orphan and I don''t know anyone with same surname as me until I came to this city."


    "I know this is rather personal but we don''t want to work with someone who''s related to criminals." The director told her with calm demeanor and Riley looked at him with same expression.


    "I''ve got no problem with that. I am not tied to them anyway."


    "Alright then. If you say so. I will believe your words and will hold you accountable if you are lying."


    "Sure. I don''t mind."


    Her calm and collected countenance won the director and the other big shots who came to watch the audition.


    "Proceed and make me say wow."

 Chapter 260 - DIDNT GET THE ROLE

    Even though she was auditioning as the second-female lead, the character has a very big role since she''d grow up with the male lead, female lead and the second-male lead.


    They were all trained to become an assassin and spies against their neighboring countries and the most heart-breaking scene was when Riley''s character killed everyone inside the ball.


    "Heh! You all plotted against me from the very beginning, didn''t you?" Riley swirled her hand in front if her as if she was holding a wine glass. "You sent me to take the most difficult missions. You sent me to take lives. You sent me knowing the traps are awaiting for me to die. You sent me alone thinking I''d die for sure. Surprising that I''m alive isn''t it?" Her words were called and her hollow laughters gave goosebumps to their skins.


    "Did you really think I''m easy to kill? Who do you think raised me and taught me secretly? Did you really think I''m a weakling?" Her eyes were turning red as she was about to cry. "For this country I risked my life! But what did I get? Nothing! You all betrayed me! You are all liars!"


    Her shouts and yells startled everyone inside the room. Her emotions were so overwhelming and the hatred in her eyes were apparent. It seemed real.


    "Go get two stunt fighters and let''s see if she has basic fighting skills." the director murmured and didn''t stop Riley from her acting.


    The assistant asked the two stunt fighters who stayed in the back room with their props like knives and toy guns.


    Riley saw the two men and her smile was even more devilish. She didn''t even give them time to react when she ran with her heels towards them and slid through the gap between men. With her free hands, she knocked of their knees, making them kneel on the floor.


    The other man was quick to move and rolled over to the other side. Riley didn''t stop and attack him again. The man who exchanged blows with her was shocked. Her strength wasn''t fake!


    "God! You''re a fighter!" the man commented while attacking her with a knife.


    "I know." With a last move, Riley swung her legs and gave him a round kick, hitting the man on his chest, falling on the floor with his back.


    The director was speechless so he just stood up and clapped his hands. The other was doing the same thing and that''s when Riley realized that her audition was over.


    "Oh gosh! That was a nice fight!" she exclaimed happily and reached out her hand to help the man stand back up. "I haven''t fought for a long time."


    The man was stupefied once again. He could only smile at her and leave the room so that they can continue their matters.


    "Why do you want to join this movie by the way?" It was the writer who asked Riley, her eyes were sparkling with glee and she looked really happy as if she found a rare gem.


    "Because it is an action movie. I always want to be part of an action movie or series because I think I belong in that area."


    "I can see that in you." the director agreed. "I didn''t even expect to see that you can fight well in that dress. That was really amazing."


    "Thank you. I didn''t expect to receive high praises either." Riley scratched the tips of her nose awkwardly. "This is my first official acting after all and hearing praises from you made me think that my sister was lying to me. Hahaha"


    "Your sister?"


    "Yup. She said that my acting is very poor. Anyway, am I rejected or am I accepted." Riley asked nervously with an awkward smile.


    The director sighed deeply which made everyone turn their head towards him. "I''m sorry Ms. Summer but you are rejected for this role."


    Riley clicked her tongue before nodding her head. "That''s alright. Failing once doesn''t mean I will fail forever. Thank you for your time." She bowed at them which made the director smile. He just wanted to see her reaction if she gets rejected, as expected, she didn''t make a fuss over it.


    "Anyway, Ms. Summer, I am indeed rejecting your audition for this role. How about you play the female lead instead?"


    "Huh?"


    "Huh?"


    Riley and everyone had the same reaction to his words. ''Female lead?'' she tried processing his words again and again. "You want me to play the female lead?"


    "Yes."


    "Aren''t you afraid that you won''t earn anything because of me?"


    "I''m afraid that I have to make more action movies to keep your time occupied with my work."


    Riley smiled happily as she nodded her head. "I will do my best for this movie." She bowed her head once again and left the room.


    "Her sister called her acting poor? I can''t believe her sister would do that."


    "Maybe her sister is really good in acting."


    "Probably."


    They couldn''t help but discuss among themselves their opinions towards Riley''s audition.


    When Riley got out, she sighed and walked towards her manager. "I didn''t get the role." She spoke flatly and took her purse to send Shein a message.


    "That''s fine." Wynwyn gently pat her back and led her out of the audition hall, to get back to their car.


    When they got inside the car, Shein''s call came and his loud voice could be heard faintly on the other end of the line.


    "Really? You got the female-lead instead? That''s great! Sis would be so happy to hear that." Shein happily chatted with her on the phone.


    "Of course. I am so glad I joined this movie. I''m looking forward to the action scene."


    "I knew it. That''s really what you are after. Congrats again! I''ll get back to work for now. I''ll see you tonight "


    "See you." When the call ended, Riley saw a stern-looking Wynwyn beside her. "What''s the matter?"


    "Why didn''t you tell me you got accepted for the female-lead instead?"


    "Because I have to let the most important person know about it first before I tell you. So there you go, I am going to play the female-lead."


    Wynwyn flicked Riley''s forehead before starting the car to drive away from the place.

 Chapter 261 - STIRRING UP RUMORS

    Wynwyn never expected that she''d have a someone so good yet so troublesome as her first artist. She didn''t know what to do anymore. Riley had to let her boyfriend know about everything before telling her. ''Shouldn''t the manager know it first before the boyfriend?'' she asked herself internally but couldn''t find an answer.


    Riley was also staying silent on beside her while looking outside the window. Her reflection wasn''t clear but you could tell that she was thinking about something.


    "What''s the matter? You don''t seem happy to play the female lead."


    "I am happy but I want to keep this a secret for a little while."


    "Why?"


    "Because I haven''t taken my revenge yet. This is just the first step and I still have a long way to go."


    Wynwyn didn''t understand what she meant. She didn''t even know that her artists attracted maggots and flies. "Why didn''t you tell me about your enemies?"


    "I don''t really have enemies. I just decided that I have to fight for my resources against the competitors. If other artists audition for the project I won''t do anything."


    Wynwyn just nodded her head while already planning what are the current projects that the artists weren''t taking. Small or big budget, she will take them for Riley as long as they are from a decent team and company.


    As Riley expected, it wasn''t even an hour yet after she left and her name was already making noise online.


    ''Dress elegantly for an action movie? Is she here to audition or to join a ball?'' Attached to the caption was a photo of Riley''s back, walking towards the exit of the audition hall. She hasn''t made a name for herself yet, now she was being targeted by small and large flies.


    ''She looked pretty but her arrogant and snobbish attitude won''t bring here anywhere good''


    ''Don''t expect anything from an artist who got in through backdoor.''


    ''Who told her to compete for a large scale movie?''


    ''Acting so big and high yet didn''t get the role. What a disappointment.''


    ''Her manager is PR, don''t their managers accept her so she''s taken care by their PR?''


    ''She''s the best example of an empty flower base.''


    ''No need to drop names, we clearly know who she is base on the picture.''


    Everyone present in that audition hall knew who the girl was. Some made fun of her but some stayed silent because they didn''t want to be involve in such scheme - bullying the weak.


    Riley didn''t say anything but Jackie and Shein were already taking action to see the identities of the commentators as well as the person who was responsible for taking photos. Who told them to belittle her? They didn''t even know anything about her at all.


    Riley saw the issue from her social media account but she remained silent. When they reached J Entertainment, other artists who saw them would look at her with sympathy and sadness before shifting their gaze to their mobile phones.


    Their stares and melancholic faces didn''t escape Wynwyn''s observation. She stopped on her track and turned around to look at everyone.


    "What''s your problem? Why are you looking at Riley like you are mourning for her?" She had her arms crossed on her chest, her eyebrow was raised and she had a cold eyes glaring at them.


    One of the artists who was holding her phone stepped out to save everyone from her intense gaze. "Sorry Miss Wyn. We just felt bad about the rumor going on line regarding Riley." She showed her phone which displayed the post that''s trending on line.


    Wynwyn looked at Riley, because obviously, she knew about it yet she kept it from her. "Why didn''t you tell me about this?"


    "Is there a need? Don''t bother yourself to deal with those scums." Riley replied in nonchalance with a sneer on her lips. "Do I still have something to do this afternoon?"


    "I got a message..Let''s talk in my office." Wynwyn returned the phone to its owner. "Thank you for your concern but you don''t have to worry about this girl."


    Both of them left after she said those words. Their reactions confused the staff and artists present in that moment. ''Shouldn''t Miss Wyn deal with a PR to clear Riley''s name? Why wasn''t she angry? Why was Riley still smiling?'' These questions were something they really wanted to ask but their subject has long gone from their sights.


    "The director himself sent me a message that his assistant will come over after the audition to discuss the contract. He needed to leave to discuss cooperation with the male-lead and the second-male lead." Wynwyn informed Riley about it.


    "Okay."


    "Are you still thinking about the rumor?"


    "Nope. I''m thinking about what to eat for dinner. Shein asked me too pick out a restaurant and we will have a little celebration for my new role."


    Wynwyn closed her eyes and released a deep sigh. Her patience was being tested by her artist. "How could you still think about food with your issue online?"


    "Just because I have rumors flying everywhere doesn''t mean I would hunger myself. Why should I bother myself with them? They don''t deserve my attention and time. I''d rather spend time with my family."


    "I am glad to see your attitude." Wynwyn smiled and gently patted Riley''s head. "Let''s find a French restaurant to celebrate your new role. It''s my treat."


    "Yay! That''s great! Let me call Shein"


    Wynwyn could only face-palm herself. Not a single day had passed without her mentioning Shein''s name. ''Well, I was just like her when I started dating my Zach. Speak of the devil.'' She was just thinking about her husband and he came with pastries and juice.


    "Are you guys alright?" he asked Wynwyn and Riley. Riley just nodded her head with a thumbs up while talking to her boyfriend again.


    Wynwyn also smiled to her husband. "We are doing great and we have a surprise for you later." she smiled cheekily before biting on the cookies he brought for them.

 Chapter 262 - NO ONE BY HIS SIDE

    Jillyanna returned to her house and saw the progress of the extension that Travis proposed to her. Some of the rooms were already done and the interior designers were busy looking for furnitures and other stuff.


    "Good morning Mrs. Madrigal." greeted one of the workers who saw her come home. Jillyanna just smiled faintly to return the greeting. She''s hasn''t been home since the accident and most of the time it was Hawk or Savannah who checked the progress of the construction.


    Jillyanna saw the garden, blooming with flowers of different kinds. Butterflies were hovering over them and the fragrance of the flowers gave the air a sweet scent. "I miss this home." she uttered to herself while walking over to the flowers that the nannies took care of.


    "Jillyanna! You are back!" It was Valkyrie who saw her standing in the garden. "Come inside. It''s dusty here because of the construction."


    Jillyanna nodded her head and went inside her house. "Where are the pictures?"


    "Oh, we placed it on your bed upstairs." Valkyrie answered her as they walk back inside the house.


    "Will you stay for lunch?" Brown asked who came out from the kitchen with an apple in his hand.


    "Yes. I''ll go back to the hospital in the evening."


    "Why is that? Did something happened?" Valkyrie asked her upon seeing the sad look on her face.


    "Nothing. I just have something to do here."


    "I see." Both Brown and Valkyrie nodded their heads but they didn''t believe her. Something must have really happened!


    "I''ll leave you guys alone. I still need to see the pictures." Jillyanna turned around and went upstairs without waiting for their reply. She got inside her room and locked it, locking herself from the outside world.


    She saw the frames lying on her bed but she couldn''t bring herself to open them. They kept reminding her of how Travis sacrificed himself to save her, almost losing his life in the process. She didn''t want to see them for now. She didn''t want to be reminded of how incapable she was.


    She carried the frames one by one and placed them on the floor, beside her vanity mirror. She placed a soft cushion on the side to stop it from falling or from sliding off the floor.


    When she stood up, she saw herself on the mirror and the small bump of her stomach. "My child, you are turning three months old and yet your father isn''t waking up to see us. Is he still upset because of what I said to Shein? Is he taking his revenge on me? Whatever."


    Jillyanna dispelled all her negative thoughts regarding Travis. She took her bathroom that she hadn''t used for a long time and took a warm bath. She enjoyed her time inside her bath tub and cleaned herself thoroughly.


    Little did she know, Travis woke up from his slumber. He looked around him to process what was going on again. There was no one inside the room but he found several things on the couch, on the small table and a little closet with women''s clothes in it.


    ''So I am really in the hospital.'' he thought to himself while shifting his gaze outside the window. He could see that it was almost noon time. He didn''t make any sound or move on his place. He remained stationary while trying to fight off his sleepiness again.


    ''I am so weak. I couldn''t even stay awake for a long time.'' he mentally added to himself, waiting for someone to come. But there''s no one.


    Travis still wanted to stay awake but his eyelids were so heavy he couldn''t seem to open them. By then, he heard a someone who was using a bathroom but he can''t wake himself up. He fell unconscious again without seeing anyone this time.


    Jillyanna brought her laptop with her but she didn''t open it. She didn''t want to be disappointed and she didn''t want to be distracted. She wanted to give herself a piece of mind to think clearly of her situation.


    She came out of the bathroom with her bath robe on and a towel was wrapped around her head to absorb the remaining water off from her hair.


    "Should I really go abroad or ask the doctor to come over? If I go there, everyone will be worried and pretty sure, they would think I''ll escape from him. If I ask the doctor to come over, they would know about my condition and make a fuss out of it." She sighed deeply before lying on her bed with her arms spread wide open. She was staring into space again with her empty mind.


    Her phone rang, startling her and pulling her back into reality. She walked to the couch and opened her bag to find an unknown number calling her.


    She answered the phone and a gruff voice of an old man came to speak to her. "Ms. Xavier, I heard you asked for my contact information from the hospital. When I heard your name, I asked them to give me your contact details instead. If I remember correctly, you are Elizabeth''s daughter, right?"


    "Is this Dr. Sweden?"


    "Yes, it''s me. Do you have time now to talk with me?"


    "Yes doc. I''ve been wanting to talk to you for a long time."


    "What is it that you need me for?" Dr. Sweden asked on the other line. He was holding Jillyanna''s information from over a decade already, waiting for her to find him.


    Jillyanna took a long breath and released it abruptly to calm her beating heart. She needed to prepare herself mentally for this. "Doc, I want to know if I can have the operation after giving birth? I was once told to get a surgery on my 23rd birthday and it''s few months from now. But I cannot risk my child. I want to keep my baby and I can still hold on until I give birth to my child." Jillyanna was so nervous that she spoke in a hurry and wasn''t sure if the doctor got his point.

 Chapter 263 - HER ACTING SKILLS

    Dr. Sweden gave a long and deep sigh for the woman whom he treated like his own grand daughter. She was always cheerful and didn''t care about her life and death.


    "Jill, there is something you need to know about your condition."


    "Go ahead doctor." Jillyanna listened to the gruff yet gentle voice on the other side of the phone. However, no matter how gentle the person was, when they delivered a bad news, it won''t change. It will remain a bad news.


    "Do you understand what I am saying?" Dr. Sweden asked her when she remained silent. He knew it wasn''t anything good but she needed to know the truth.


    Jillyanna wiped the lone tear which escaped from her tears ducts before answering him. "I understand doc. At the same time, I''m willing to do it. I can still endure this little prickly pain. Not a big deal at all."


    "Are you really sure? By that time, we can''t even guarantee your safety."


    "I am sure. I will give it a shot if that is the only way."


    "In the mean time, take care of yourself. Make sure to eat healthy foods and drink lost of water and --"


    "Doc, you reminded me these information when I was young and I remember them clearly. It helped me grow to what I am now. But this time, can I ask you a favor?"


    "What is it?"


    "Please keep this a secret. No one should know about my condition. If time permits and my husband would find out, don''t let him know anything. I can''t add more burden to him."


    "You are just like your father." Dr. Sweden commented before he could stop himself. When he realized what he said, it was already too late.


    His statement struck Jillyanna to the core. She didn''t expect to find something else aside from her condition. "You know my father?"


    "Not really. An acquaintance of mine knew him."


    "Knew?" she was particularly confused with the verb he used. "Doesn''t your acquaintance know him now?"


    "Of course he...wait! You don''t know anything about your father yet?"


    "I didn''t look for him after my mother died. I waited for him to look for me, thinking he might still have a little conscience for leaving us all of a sudden." she answered sarcastically which stunned the doctor.


    "Are you blaming him?"


    "Who else should I blame? He ran away? He left me and my mom. Even when my mother died, he didn''t come to see us. Is it wrong of me to blame him?"


    "But he can no longer go back to you." Dr. Sweden had a hard time telling her the information. He was so confused why she didn''t know anything about her father. "With your condition right now, do you want to know the truth?"


    "I don''t have a choice, do I? If I won''t face this, I don''t think I''ll have another chance." Jillyanna bravely admitted to herself. Before, she would refuse to find her father but now, she wanted to know everything before it''s too late.


    "I''ll contact the attorney for you. He will tell you everything about your father." Dr. Sweden informed her since he couldn''t bring himself to talk such depressing topic.


    "Alright. I''ll wait for the attorney to contact me." Jillyanna agreed immediately. It would be best for her to prepare herself in case his father got a new family and replaced them.


    She ended the call and dressed herself up before she caught herself a cold. She dried her hair and went to out to the kitchen to get some fruits to eat.


    Brown and Valkyrie were out of sight so she went back to her room again and read books about parenting.


    "I will not give up for you sweetheart so hang onto mommy, okay? We are in this together so let''s be strong. Don''t let go of mommy no matter what." she spoke to her child while caressing her small baby bump. "We are going through difficult times right now but it''s fine. I will keep you safe no matter what."


    She stayed in her room until it was time for lunch. She ate with Valkyrie and Brown to lighten up her mood. Seeing them together made her smile happily, forgetting all the bad news she received. Even if she remembered them, she will just push them at the back of her mind.


    There''s nothing she can do about it. She will just be stressed out and her baby will be affected. She didn''t want that to happen. As much as possible, she wanted to cheer herself up.


    "By they way, aren''t you guys going for a trip or something? You still have few days of vacatio left before you will resume your work." Jillyanna asked the two of them who was sitting across her.


    "Not in the mood for vacation. Probably, after Travis recovers, we can have a vacation." Brown stated while reaching out for the shrimp.


    "That would be great. I''m looking forward to that as well." Jillyanna responded happily. "I hope he''ll wake up soon." she smiled brightly at them.


    Valkyrie and Brown were finally relieved to see her doing fine. She seemed doing much better compared to herself when she arrived earlier.


    Where did Riley learned her acting skills? Of course they wouldn''t know anything. If Jillyanna wanted you to see that she''s sad over something she will show it but if she wanted to hide anything, you will never know what she''s feeling. You won''t find any trace of her acting at all.


    Acting fine had been her specialty since she was young. She honed her skills from the time she was being adopted by her relatives to the time she joined the Madrid. It was the perfect skill she has. Cielo didn''t even know that she was just acting all these years. If she didn''t admit to Jillyanna, she wouldn''t know that she was exposed a long time ago.


    Jillyanna''s acting would never betray her. How else did she survive all these years? She just needed to act and everything will be fine.

 Chapter 264 - THE LAWYER CAME

    That afternoon, Jillyanna was inside the study room, checking the research that her mother did few years back. She held on to her mother''s belonging when she died. She scanned all her research papers and placed it on a tiny pikachu designed flash drive. After that she deleted all the files and burned all the papers. The only remaining paper she didn''t burn was their marriage certificate and the unsigned divorce papers.


    Nobody thought that the keychain she always bring wherever she went was the answer to their non-stop harassment and chasing.


    "They were all idiots!" Jillyanna commented while reading the details of the research. Even though she''s smart, she hates physics and math. She skimmed through the files and removed the drive when she was done. She deleted all her traces like how Shein taught her. She also told Shein to hack her laptop to make sure that nothing remains of the project.


    "Sis, we will have a little celebration later for Riley''s new project. Do you want to come?" Shein asked her through a phone call since he was busy checking her laptop from afar.


    "You guys enjoy. I have things to do later." Jillyanna refused his offer for dinner. "Ask Riley to drop by the hospital tomorrow morning. I have something for her."


    "Okay. I''ll let her know." Jillyanna could her the sounds of keyboards being pressed and her smile was spreading from ear to ear. "Sis, everything''s fine. Nothing''s left regarding the research. Are you really going to hold on to that forever?"


    "Nope. I am just waiting for someone. If ever she chose to take the same field as my mom, I''ll give this to her."


    "Jenny?"


    "Yes. She will be entering college soon and she once told me that she wanted to be a heart surgeon. If she hasn''t change her mind, I''ll give this to her. If not, I''ll sell this research."


    "That''s a good idea. I hope Jenny will proceed though. It will be a big help to her."


    "Right. I agree."


    "Anyway sis, I have to go look for Jackie now. We still have to take care of your empire. Bye now." Shein ended the call since he had to deal with some matter that Jackie asked him to find. It was for a variety show that Riley wanted to take part in before the filming of her movie starts.


    Jillyanna was all alone again in her the study room. She played with her phone to pass the time because she didn''t want to go back to the hospital yet.


    Not long after the call ended, Jillyanna received an e-mail from the attorney that Dr. Sweden mentioned. It was attorney Lewis who handled his father''s affairs.


    The last time Jillyanna visited her father''s company was when the time her mother looked for him. After that, she never stepped foot in that building. She wouldn''t even spare it a single glance whenever she passed by it.


    The attorney was asking her if she could make time for him that afternoon. Without any hesitation, Jillyanna told him to come over to her house to discuss whatever issue her father has.


    "Is he guilty that he wouldn''t even face me directly?" Jillyanna mumbled while typing her reply to the man. "Now I remember, this attorney was the one who gave us the house transfer documents. Why didn''t he tell us anything back then? He could''ve just told us everything. Duhh!" She rolled her eyes at the thought while waiting for his reply. When she got his response, Jillyanna closed her laptop and brought it back to her room.


    She was lying on her bed again to relax her nerves, got nothing else to do so she decided to check on Travis, even if it means she would be disappointed.


    Contrary to her expectation, Travis woke up around 11 o''clock. She watched him the moment he opened his eyes and the frown he''s got while looking around. He wasn''t saying anything and he didn''t move around. He was just moving his head from left to right then back to left.


    Jillyanna looked at the time and found that he was conscious for almost five minutes. However, in that five minutes he didn''t even mention her name or looked for her. He remained silent while observing the place he was in.


    Jillyanna couldn''t stop herself from crying. She was getting more worried every single day that had passed. Not once did she hear him call her name. And looking at his expression, he looked like a lost child, confused and worried.


    Jillyanna watched it over and over again even though there wasn''t any changes. It was still the same silent Travis.


    Jillyanna fast-forwarded the time but there was no other moment of his conscious state. He had been sleeping all the way until at the moment she was checking the current time.


    "I''ll check it again tonight." Jillyanna murmured before closing her laptop once again. This time, she finally placed it inside her bag.


    She''s left with nothing to do again so she went outside and walked towards the kitchen to drink a glass of milk. She went to the back garden and saw Auntie Fei cutting some dead leave from the flower plants.


    "Jillyanna, don''t come out. It''s very dusty and it is not good for your health." Auntie Fei told her and ushered her back to the house. "Stay inside. Call me if you need anything but don''t come out."


    Jillyanna just smiled at the kind woman and behaved herself. She was just about to go upstairs when she spotted a man who came down from a black car.


    Jillyanna looked at the old man who was looking at her house. She decided to see him personally in case he needed something.


    "Are you Ms. Jillyanna?" the man asked while looking at her from head to toe. "You''ve grown."


    "Are you the lawyer?"


    "Yes."


    "Oh! Come in. I didn''t recognize you." Jillyanna led him inside with a shaking hand. She was trying to relax earlier but now she''s getting nervous again.

 Chapter 265 - HER FATHERS LOVE I

    Jillyanna called Auntie Sisi to prepare some refreshments for Atty. Lewis before she brought him inside the study room.


    Brown saw the man following behind Jillyanna and his head were ringing the alarm bells. "This is bad news." He muttered to himself but Valkyrie heard him clearly who was standing behind him.


    "What''s bad news?" he asked him since he didn''t get to see the man who entered the study room with Jillyanna.


    Brown turned to face him, worried and undecided as to what he should do next. "Remember the time that Travis asked us to investigate Jillyanna''s father, we found his connection to Atty. Lewis right?"


    "Uh huh. What about it?"


    "That Atty. Lewis is currently inside Jillyanna''s study room. She can''t be agitated now. Her emotions shouldn''t be stirred so much or she will die! Do you understand what I''m saying?!"


    "Oh god! What should we do?" Valkyrie was starting to sweat coldly, too. "If she finds out about her father, she..oh god! This is making me crazy."


    Brown bit his lower lips while thinking for a way. As friends, they also wanted her to know the truth about her father but she has a baby and her heart was no longer in good condition. Just thinking about it made the shiver from fear.


    "I think..I think Jillyanna is a strong woman. She must be prepared to face the truth now." Brown stated in hesitation. Yes, she was strong but he didn''t know if she can handle the information that she''s about to find.


    While they were still hesitating, Jillyanna was already sitting on the couch across the lawyer who she had never seen after so many years.


    "So tell me, what do you know about my father?" Jillyanna asked without beating around the bushes. She couldn''t waste so much time in this matter so she asked him immediately.


    "Let me tell you a story instead. This will tell you everything you want to know." Atty. Lewis suggested while pushing his glasses back to keep it in place on the bridge of his nose. Despite his old age, you can clearly see his handsome features when he was young. He was very meticulous and organized as well. You can''t even see a single crease on his suit.


    "Go ahead. I''m listening." Jillyanna leaned on the back of her seat and paid attention to the information that the lawyer provided.


    "A long time ago..." Atty. Lewis started like how other people tell a story about fairytale. The only difference was, he wasn''t going to tell her a fairytale.


    Anton Xavier and Elizabeth Morris grew up in the same orphanage. They were children who were thrown away by their parents, picked up by the good Samaritans and were brought to the orphanage to be taken care of.


    When they were young, Elizabeth showed interest in Science and Mathematics. She spent most of her time inside the mini library with Anton sleeping beside her.


    "Anton. Anton." she called out to the sleeping boy by her side who was snoring away the time they had. "Anton wake up. It''s almost night time."


    "Hmmm. Five more minutes." Anton murmured in his sleep so Elizabeth waited for another five minutes.


    When the time was up, she pinched his face to wake him up completely. "Wake up now! The library is closing already!"


    "Ahh! Ahhw! Ouch!" he exclaimed exaggeratedly to make her feel guilty. "That hurts."


    "If you know it hurts, wake up when I call you." Elizabeth argued back at him while carrying the books back to the place where she got them.


    "Let me carry that for you." Anton took the pile of books and carried it to the shelves were Science and Mathematics can be found. "You really enjoyed these things, don''t you?"


    "Oh Anton! You don''t know how interesting these things are but I am glad you keep me companied even though I am boring."


    "You are not boring." Anton told her while he returned the books one after the other. "In my opinion, you are very different from the other girls here. You are lovely."


    "Shut up! You are speaking nonsense again." Elizabeth poked his side with her index finger. "By the way, sister Ani will give me a bunch of stems tomorrow, help me plant it, okay?"


    "Sure. I''ll help you make a beautiful garden. I''ll help you plant all the roses that you like." Anton answered her happily before placing the last book on the shelf. "Let''s go back. Sister Ani will be worried."


    "It''s your fault." Elizabeth stated as they go out of the library. The sky was getting dark and the red-orange rays of the setting sun made the sky a beautiful sight. "Beautiful, isn''t it?


    Elizabeth was staring up at the sky as she asked the question while Anton was staring at her. "Beautiful indeed."


    Elizabeth just smiled at his confirmation but she didn''t know that Anton had a different meaning to his answer. Nevertheless, they didn''t dwell on it.


    As they said, happiness wouldn''t last for long. When Elizabeth turned ten years old, Mrs. Summer who gives donation to the orphanage spotted her planting a bunch of rose stems on the ground with a young boy.


    Then and there, she decided to adopt her. And she didn''t make a mistake in choosing her. The little girl showed interest in Science and Mathematics.


    Anton was left in orphanage with no other friends. Most of his time was spent in the little garden that he and Elizabeth made. He would pull out the weeds, water the plants, removed the dead leaves, fertilize them and so on. He waited for her to come back and it took him a year of waiting before he saw her again. Just as he last remembered, she was still the same beautiful girl in his memory. The lovely Elizabeth who loves to read about life and organisms.


    "Hey! Liza, it''s been a long time." Anton called out to the girl who was standing in front of the garden they made. He was cheerfully smiling as he came running towards her.


    Elizabeth turned her head and found a boy who seemed to be the same age as her. "Who are you?"

 Chapter 266 - HER FATHERS LOVE II

    Anton stopped dead on his track upon hearing her question. He thought she was just bluffing him but when he saw how innocent she looked, he felt a deep pain in his heart.


    "I see. It''s fine. I have mistaken you for someone else." Anton scratched the back of his neck as he stepped back away from her. "I''m sorry." He turned around and left a confused Elizabeth.


    "Wait! Wait up!" Elizabeth ran after him. "Can I ask you something?!" Elizabeth yelled at him since Anton wasn''t stopping at all. "I said wait up!" Her shout made Anton stop but he didn''t face her.


    "What is it?"


    "I..uhh..I felt so happy when I saw the garden. Who made it?"


    Anton wanted so much to yell at her and make her remember who planted it. He didn''t know what happened to her but it was something he wasn''t happy about.


    Anton turned around and smiled at her. "I planted those with a girl I like. Sad to say, she''s no longer here. She left."


    "Why did she leave?"


    "I don''t know. What about you? Why are you here?" Anton asked her the question that he wanted to get an answer. He wanted to know why she was there when she didn''t remember them at all.


    Elizabeth looked down on her feet while fiddling with her fingers. "I..I don''t know. I was supposed to go to school when I saw this place. I ditched my class and came here."


    Anton blinked his eyes at her. He just can''t believe she would ditch her class when it was her who loves to study. It was just unbelievable to him.


    "I didn''t know you are the type of student who ditch her class. Anyway, since you are here, let me show you something." Anton reached out his hand to hold her happily and led her to the backyard where a big mango tree can be found.


    "Wow!" Elizabeth exclaimed with what she found. There was a swing tied in one of the horizontal branches of the mango tree. On the fence, that serves as boundary for the orphanage, were many different vines with beautiful flowers. There were different kinds of plants in the backyard and different kinds of roses where also placed on another plot of land. "I love this place." Elizabeth stated happily before she sat on the swing. "Did you make this place, too?"


    "Hn. When we were young, my friend would always asked me to help her plant the flowers. The mango tree has been here a long time ago but this place was all grass and nobody liked to come here. This was our secret garden."


    "Your friend and I are similar in some ways. I love to plant as well but my mother doesn''t want me to plant anything. She even threw my little pot of roses." Elizabeth complained to him like how she did in the past.


    Anton ached for her but he couldn''t do anything either. He didn''t even know why she forgot them. "What does your parents do? Do they work?"


    "My mother is a scientist and my two elder brothers are doctors. My elder sister is also taking medicine. My youngest brother Simon is still in elementary. My father has a business."


    "What about you?"


    "They want me to study medicine in the future as well."


    "Is that what you want?"


    "Nope. I don''t want anything. I just want to find the man in my dreams and ran away to a far place."


    "A man in your dreams?" Anton couldn''t help himself from getting jealous. He didn''t expect her to fall in love with someone already.


    Elizabeth blushed and nodded her head lightly. "That''s in the future but who knows. I don''t even know if I can still live in the future so I will live in the moment and make most of it."


    "Why do you want to run away from your home? Don''t you like it there?"


    "I don''t like it there. I don''t belong in that place. I can see it in their eyes every time they look at me. Only my youngest brother Simon cared about me."


    Innocent and young as he was, Anton knew that Elizabeth was suffering in the hands of her foster family. He just didn''t know the extent of her suffering.


    "I will study hard and find you in the future. I''ll take you away and I''ll bring you to a far place. I will plant flowers for you and I will take care of you. So don''t be sad."


    Hearing his oath, Elizabeth couldn''t help herself but chuckled at him. "Are you sure? You hate to study and you often sleep in the library. How can you make money for me?"


    Before she could realize what she was saying, a woman with a stern-looking face came to find her. "Elizabeth, why did you ditch your class again?" Her voice sounded gentle and caring but her eyes were spitting fire.


    Elizabeth was afraid but she didn''t show it to anyone. "I''m sorry mother. I forgot the time. Let me get my bag." She approached Anton who was holding her bag for her. "What''s your name?" she asked in a whisper.


    "Anton. My name is Anton Xavier."


    "Grow up quickly and find me Anton. My name is Elizabeth Summer." she whispered her name before waving her hand to bid goodbye.


    Anton remained stationary in his place while his tears fell on the ground as he watched her go. He could even see the red hand marks that covered her wrist from being pulled by her mother.


    Sister Ani who saw what happened felt so sad for them. She had watched them grew up together, ate together, planted the flowers together, watered the plants together, laughed and cried together. She watched them being separated a year ago and now again. It was so painful for her to watch.


    "Sister Ani, I want to study." Anton mumbled while wiping his tears away. "I want to grow up quickly to get her back. Sister Ani, please help me." Anton begged her helplessly with tears hanging on his lashes. He was devastated yet he remained strong.


    Sister Ani smiled and nodded her head. "Well study for a month with all the basics. If you pass the test, I will enroll you to a school to get a placement test and accelerate."


    "Okay."


    An innocent promise brought by pain and love led him to the pinnacle of shoe industry.

 Chapter 267 - HER FATHERS LOVE III

    Anton burned the midnight oil for one whole month in addition to his regular study session with Sister Ani. He worked his fingers to the bone to ace the test that she gave him.


    There''s no room for failure because his time was limited. He didn''t stop for an average result. He aimed high and to get great results. Everyday, he would chant his promise before going to sleep and after he wakes up.


    At the same time, he waited if ever she showed up again. He wanted to show her the things he achieved for her. It took him only three years to reach the right level of education that matches his age.


    At the very young age, he started working as a teacher''s assistant to get an additional allowance. Sometimes, he would make a flower arrangement using the plants in the orphanage and sold it to make more money. Sister Ani let him do whatever he wanted as long as his grades won''t drop.


    Aside from studying during the weekdays, Anton would go to a free livelihood trainings and learned so much from them. He learned to make bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. From the small money he earned, he bought some materials and would make accessories during the night. He would sell it to his classmates and to his teachers to make profit. He did all these when he was in high school.


    He didn''t shy away from anyone. Everyday, he would chant his promise to keep him going and take another step for the future.


    When he was in college he took a business course to enhance his knowledge when it comes to business. It was also during college when he learned how to make shoes. He gave it a try and bought several materials. He had to make everything manually because he didn''t have any machines that could help him.


    Everyday he would go to class with wounds all over his hands from cutting, stitching, waxing, trimming and all the other processes. He didn''t mind the pain and for the sake of finding her again.


    The first pair of shoes he made was a low heeled shoes for his finance teacher. He only asked her if she was willing to help him and the teacher agreed since it could her her student. When Anton brought the shoes, she didn''t even believed that he made it himself. It perfectly fits her feet and the materials were soft to her skin. It didn''t cause her to get blisters.


    "Can I get this for $200?" his teacher asked which shocked him causing him to be speechless. "No? How about $250?"


    "Ahh no..I mean..isn''t that too expensive for the shoes I made?" Anton scratched his head awkwardly. The price was more than enough for him to buy another set of material for three pairs of shoes.


    "$250 then. I don''t want anyone else to get this. Give me your bank account to I can transfer the money." his teacher stated which was another dilemma for him.


    "I..uuhh.. I don''t have a bank account professor."


    "You don''t have? So how should I pay? Cash?" Ahhh wait! Do you have class after this?"


    "No prof."


    "Great! Let''s go to the bank and open your account. How can you run your business without a bank account?"


    Anton didn''t expect it at all. The middle-aged teacher who looked strict was actually a nice person. He was even afraid to talk to her at first but seeing her having blisters because of her shoes, he gave it a try.


    His teacher helped him with the process and deposited the $200 directly to his account. "Thank you so much professor. It''s really a big help to me."


    "No problem. At the same time, you need to get a lot of man power in the future."


    "Why?"


    "Why? Because after today, you will get lots of orders."


    "Whoa! I hope it will be true." Anton laughed cheerfully at his comment. He was happy that he got to make someone happy because of the shoes he made.


    When they got back to the university, the professor walked elegantly with her new beautiful shoes. Her colleagues were curious and eyed her shoes with a drool.


    "That''s very lovely! Where did you get that? Did you receive another gift from your son?" asked another professor to her.


    "Nope but I bought this with my son''s money. Isn''t this pretty?"


    "It is. How much is this? Which brand?"


    "Uhh. $500 from Xavier''s."


    "$500? That''s very cheap for such amazing shoes!"


    "I know right! I was really shocked! I''ll buy again next time when my son sends me another pocket money."


    "Bring us with you if you will go. We don''t know where this Xavier''s is."


    "The owner of Xavier is studying in this university. You don''t know?"


    "Xavier...Xavier..Xavier.." the teachers were thinking who she meant when their eyes went wide. "Anton Xavier?!"


    "Yup. He made this for me. He asked for my measurement a week ago because he saw me getting blisters with my shoes and he customized this for me."


    "Oh god! That handsome student can actually make an amazing shoes?!"


    "Yup. That''s his business."


    "I''ll go ask him to make one for me."


    "Me too."


    And with that short conversation, Anton got a bunch of customers which mostly came from the business faculty.


    Students were even wondering why he was popular to the teachers. They only realized it when he came with boxes of shoes.


    "He is selling shoes?" asked one of the students who saw him walking on the campus ground with a pile of boxes in on his arms.


    "Do you need help?" it was the cleaning staff who asked since he saw him bringing five boxes of shoes.


    "No but thank you. I can handle this much." Anton refused politely and brought the boxes to the faculty. Some girls followed him secretly to see what he was up to. It would be bad if he was bribing the staff with shoes in order to pass.


    "Maybe he is really selling them?" one of the girls asked giving Anton the benefit of the doubt.


    "To see is to believe. So let us observe." the other girl stated which was actually making sense.

 Chapter 268 - HER FATHERS LOVE IV

    Anton were greeted by the teachers happily. They were all excited to see the shoes that they''ve been waiting for a week.


    Anton put them on the vacant table and checked the lists. "I only have the shoes for professor Chen, professor Libria, professor Gil, professor Mia and professor Tonia. The other shoes will be sent next week since the materials I wanted to use for those shoes just got delivered yesterday. I didn''t have time to make them."


    "Oh it''s fine. We can wait." the other professor who wasn''t called smiled happily. They knew how perfectionist he was when it comes to the materials. He would even note the condition of their feet and put the type of leather for it.


    The five professors who got their shoes opened the boxes immediately. Their eyes were shining like diamonds when they saw the shoes. The texture of the leather felt so good and you can see how sturdy the materials were.


    "Let me wear it." Professor Chen happily took out the shoes and wore it in front of everyone. She walked down the aisle like a fashion model with her new shoes. "I love this. Oh my! Are you sure this is just for $500? I feel guilty with the cheap price for such an amazing shoes."


    Anton was in disbelief again. ''Are my shoes that amazing? How come it''s $500?'' He couldn''t help but glance towards professor Linda who bought the first pair of shoes.


    She only gave her a playful wink without feeling guilty at all. She doubled the price of her shoes to them.


    "$500 is fine. It''s more than enough." Anton stated with a blush from getting embarrassed. In just a week, the price of his shoes increased drastically.


    "Then I''ll make it $525 to give you a tip." Professor Chen insisted. "Give me your bank account so I can transfer the money."


    "Me, too." Professor Libria took out her phone and paid. The same went for the other teachers. In the end, he earned so much and he didn''t know what to do.


    "What are you doing?" The two girls were startled to see one of the professors standing behind them. "Do you want buy shoes from him as well?"


    "He is really selling shoes?" the girl with a short hair asked in surprise.


    "Yup. She customized shoes for the teachers in this faculty and the said that the shoes he made were very amazing and the quality far exceeds those that they saw in the mall. It is very cheap as well."


    "Cheap? How much is cheap?"


    "$500. If you want to buy, you can go and talk to him. They said that women have good eyes for shoes so it''s better for you to see it yourself." The professor opened the office door and let them in. "Anton, these girls wanted to see the shoes you sell."


    "Oh. I..uh..I gave them to the professors already." Anton admitted while scratching the back of his neck.


    Professor Chen opened her box to let them see. "Come in. Look at this. This is the pair of shoes he customized for me."


    The girls walked slowly to see the shoes and when they saw it, they were dumbstruck. The design was simple but it was the materials and the durability of the item that surprised the. There was a small embroidered golden butterfly on the side that made it look elegant.


    The other professors opened their boxes as well for the students to see. Each of the shoes differed in designs but there was always a small embroidered golden butterfly on the shoes.


    "Is this your trademark?" The student with a long hair asked.


    "Hn. It''s a way for me to remind myself of a promise." Anton answered honestly which surprised the teachers. They didn''t know there was a sentimental meaning to the small golden butterfly.


    "Can I get one, too?" the student asked again.


    "Sure."


    That was the starting point of his business. After a year of selling shoes in the university, he bought a 300 square meters of land to build a small factory building.


    Another year had passed and he registered his business and got all the necessary permits. On the third year, he bought an extension of 300 square meters again and hired more people for labors. He personally taught them how to make the shoes and told them the types of materials and their uses.


    On his graduation day, a small store contacted him to ask him if they could display his shoes and get some interest over the price.


    His business was booming day by day and year after year. Two years after he graduated, Mr. Summer took interest in him. He wanted to make cooperation with him.


    Anton smiled happily. He didn''t even need to find her because her family was the one looking for her.


    "Mr. Xavier, I can see that you are a wise businessman. It would be great to cooperate with you. This is my proposal." Mr. Summer placed a folder in front of him but Anton didn''t bother himself to read it.


    "I only have one condition to accept your project. You have a daughter, right? I want you to marry her off to me."


    A father who never loved her daughter even once agreed immediately. "Consider it done Mr. Xavier. When do you want to hold the wedding?"


    "In a month." He wanted to deal with it as soon as possible. He wanted to steal her away from his family.


    "Alright. Let''s sign the contract after the wedding."


    "Sure. I''ll keep this contract and proposal with me as a copy." Anton took the folder immediately and gave it to his secretary. He only needed Elizabeth so he had to make sure that the contract won''t be revised.


    Mr. Summer didn''t say anything and left with a happy smile. Getting a huge reward by just marrying his daughter wasn''t a big deal.


    That was the time that the 23-year-old Anton married the 18-year-old Elizabeth. When they were kids, Elizabeth thought they were of the same age because he was small compared to other children of his age. He didn''t correct her as well. And there''s no point correcting her because he will be back to square one in getting to know her.

 Chapter 269 - UNFULFILLED WISHES

    While waiting for the wedding, Anton was busy looking into Elizabeth''s past. He wanted to know why she didn''t remember and why she never visited him again after the last time she was dragged home.


    During investigation it was at this point that he met Atty. Lewis. He was being targeted by some goons because of a case that he won against their leader. Anton found him lying on a pool of blood and he even thought that he was already dead.


    He brought him to the hospital as soon as he can. Fortunately, he wasn''t hit in any vital organs so he was able to keep his life.


    Because of his help Atty. Lewis repaid his kindness by becoming his personal lawyer as well as his private investigator. He continued the investigation for Anton and that''s how he met Dr. Sweden. It was also doctor Sweden who dug up information about Elizabeth since he didn''t know he would become her mentor in the later years.


    Base on the result of investigation, Elizabeth suffered insomnia when she was young and she would often walk in her sleep to go to the garden and find her friend.


    Mrs. Summer didn''t like the idea that she kept remembering her past because it will be a disgrace to their lineage. She didn''t want anyone to know that the most intelligent person in her family was an orphan.


    Because of that, she brought Elizabeth overseas and asked someone to conduct hypnosis on her. It was to lock her memories of the past and introduce a new one to her.


    Year after year, Elizabeth was brought to the hospital where Dr. Sweden worked to get her hypnosis done. They only stopped doing that after five years when she started studying diligently for her brother Simon who had a heart disease.


    However, there was no clue how to undo her hypnosis and the doctor she was seeing before died already. Anton didn''t have a clue.


    Instead of a month, he moved the wedding in a week. Anton only wanted to keep his promise to her but she had forgotten about him. She even fell in love with someone else.


    Nevertheless, he chose to be selfish. He forced her family to marry her off and he took her away from everyone.


    The only good side that happened in that marriage was when Elizabeth started to trust him and learned to love him. He was so happy and started forgetting the fact that he took her away from the person she really loved.


    Soon, Jillyanna was born. She was an angel to them and the proof of their love. However, she was sickly and most of the time, she was in the hospital for proper observation and recovery. Anton felt depressed and sad for his child. He looked for a heart donor that would be compatible for her. He was willing to pay any amount as long as she lives.


    He started to lose hope but fate wasn''t that bad to them. As if their daughter could understand their feelings, she was very cooperative and didn''t cry that often. Her rehabilitation was also getting better.


    Anton and Elizabeth were very happy for their child. They were able to bring her home and live peacefully. They were just a happy family of three. Until Venus came to visit them.


    Anton was happy to see her happy with her friend. She had been so busy with her job and their baby that she never thought of her social life. It was a good change that she contacted her best friend.


    She was talking with Venus about Jillyanna''s condition but their conversation stirred to a wrong direction and ended to her past with Enzo.


    Those conversations brought nightmares to Elizabeth but Anton didn''t know what to do. She wouldn''t tell him anything and he didn''t want to force her either. He waited for her to talk. He waited and waited but she never said anything to him.


    There were times that he would follow her out and found her watching a man from afar for few minutes before leaving.


    She had done it multiple times and seeing her burden, Anton kept his own secret from her. If she can keep such shallow thing a secret then he can do it, too.


    He would often leave for business trips and he wouldn''t contact her. They rarely spent time together but Anton would secretly visit Jillyanna in the hospital whenever his wife went to work, bringing Jillyanna with her. He would bring her toys and foods for her and he would play with her for a while.


    When Jillyanna was five years old, things turned worse and Anton didn''t have much choice. He knew how selfish he was when he took her away from the person she really loved. All these years, he thought that he was doing enough but in her heart, he wasn''t the one that was occupying it. He could still remember her words clearly, ''I don''t want anything bad to happen to him.''


    For him, she was willing to sacrifice herself just to make sure that the man she loves would live a good life. For him, her happiness don''t matter.


    Anton didn''t have much time left, he needed to divorce her so she could still marry the person she wanted the most in her life. It took him five years to realize just how selfish his actions were.


    All the hardwork he made was fruitless. All the sleepless nights, all the wounds, all the skipped meals and all the humiliation were nothing but an excuse. "I did keep my promise but that doesn''t mean it had to be done this way. I could''ve just bought her freedom and let her live with the person she loves. I could''ve just forgotten everything. Why did I have to suffer all these? Why did we end up this way? She never once remembered me and I foolishly believed she would love me."


    Anton cried on his hospital bed. He had been lying on the same bed for two months with only his lawyer by his side. He wanted so much to see his wife and daughter. He wanted to hug them one last time. He wanted to see their smiles. He wanted to hear them laugh. But he was afraid to see regret in Elizabeth''s eyes.


    He sent her the divorce paper a long time ago but he didn''t get it back. He was coughing blood and he looked so pallid and thin. Atty. Lewis couldn''t stop himself from crying. The man who was so strong years ago, the man who cared so much for his family, the man who couldn''t even bare to see his wife hurting, gave the last deep and heavy sigh in his life.


    Then and there, he left the world from a terminal lung cancer. He couldn''t even tell his wife about the promise they once have. He couldn''t even show her how much he suffered just to fulfill his promise to her.


    Just because he thought he was being selfish. He died with so much regret and he didn''t dare forgive himself from the grave mistake he made.


    ''If only I could hear you say, "Wake up, Anton!" '' That was Anton''s last and unfulfilled wish.

 Chapter 270 - HIS GRAVE

    Never in her wildest dream did Jillyanna ever thought of her father as a sickly person. She did remember her father visiting her at the the hospital but he didn''t look sickly to her.


    He was still the same young man in her eyes. He was the same strong father she had. He was never fragile in her mind. She could still remember the times he would carry her on his back. She could still remember the times that he would cook for them, plant the flowers for her mother, tie her hair, bath her and sing her to sleep.


    Her judgement was wrong. It was the worst mistake that she ever made in her life. She thought he left them because of a woman. She never thought that he was sick.


    Jillyanna''s tears kept on falling without a sign of stopping at all. She was aching for her parents. She was in pain for them. Learning the truth was so painful that she thought she would rather die, too.


    Her mother never knew how much her husband loved her. Her father never knew how much his wife loved him. They didn''t know because they didn''t say it. They didn''t communicate. They chose to judge the situation according to their own opinion without asking the person involved.


    They both made sacrifices but, what for? It was meaningless.


    Jillyanna sobbed on her seat while clutching her chest. The stabbing pain was suffocating her and her throat was constricting from the onslaught of emotions.


    "I''m really sorry to tell you all these." Atty. Lewis, gave her a glass of water that he found on her work table. "Drink your water."


    Jillyanna reached out her trembling hand to get the water. She hiccuped and cried silently for her parents.


    "Where did you bury my father?" Jillyanna asked Atty. Lewis after drinking the glass of water. She put the glass back on the table and wiped her tears with the tissue she found under the coffee table.


    She tried to calm her heart but whenever she remembered the story, her tears would just fall on their own. The pain she was feeling wasn''t subsiding at all.


    Atty. Lewis stood up and looked towards the big Mango tree found in the front yard where a swing was tied to it. He sighed deeply to control his own emotions. Telling Jillyanna the story was taking a toll on him as well. He never wanted to relive the memories of his employer. The pain was just too raw and overwhelming. It was breaking his heart, too.


    "When your father died, I had his body cremated so I can bring it back. When you and your mother left the house to go to the hospital, I had him buried under that Mango tree."


    "So all along, my father was with us?"


    "Hn."


    "Then, why didn''t you tell us? Why did you wait this long? You should''ve told us and my mother wouldn''t have died in pain and regret! Did you do it on purpose to take revenge for my father?" She didn''t want to ask it that way but she didn''t know who to blame.


    Should she blame her mother for keeping a secret so she can''t hurt her husband? Should she blame her father for leaving without informing them? Should she blame herself for thinking too much? Should she blame the doctor who conduct the hypnosis? No she couldn''t. She didn''t know who to blame.


    Atty. Lewis understood her frustration for knowing so much information. "I''m really sorry Miss Jillyanna. When I came to give you the house, I expected you to know the truth. After all, the Summers knew about this. They got their share of the business profit. I thought they told you about this? It''s due to my ignorance that you missed such important information. I''m really sorry." Atty. Lewis made a deep bow in front of her, bending his spine to let her know his sincere apology.


    "Summer. Ohh. So it''s them! I thought they didn''t know? Simon told me he didn''t know." This time, there was no trace of a sad and grieving woman. An unknown emotion flickered in her eyes and Atty. Lewis couldn''t read anything on her face but he could feel the coldness in her voice.


    "I believe Mr. Simon didn''t know anything. I found out that the Summer didn''t like the youngest child as well as Miss Elizabeth. I guess, they didn''t inform him about this. He is very close to Elizabeth and they might be taking precaution in case he would say anything to her."


    Jillyanna leaned back on the couch again. She didn''t say anything a faint smile formed on her lips. "Thank you Atty. Lewis for telling me this information. Thank you for taking care of my father when we couldn''t do it for him."


    "No problem Miss Jillyanna. At the same time, I have something else to give you." He pulled out an envelope and gave it to her. It was the will and testament of her father.


    "I don''t deserve these funds Atty. Lewis. I don''t think I can accept this, how about you give this to the orphanage who helped him instead?"


    "I don''t think that''s the best idea Miss Jillyanna. Anton kept thinking about you and your mother before he left. He specifically wrote this testament for you and your mom. Since your mother is gone, you will have all these. Are you really going to refuse the things that your father wanted you to have?"


    "It''s...I..can I receive this and give it to someone else?"


    "Are you giving away your father''s gift?"


    "Ahh!" Jillyanna screamed in frustration before taking the envelope. "I''ll receive it. I''ll accept it. So what am I gonna do now?"


    "You will be the next President of Xavier''s shoes. The Vice-President has been waiting for you."


    "What? I hate doing business! I am even just temporarily filling in for Travis. Do I really have to do that?"


    "Yes."


    "Can you give me a month? I have so many things in mind right now. I''ll think about it and contact you when the time comes to let you know about my decision."


    "That''s it then. Do you still have other questions?"


    "No. I have known enough. I don''t think I can take any bad news anymore."


    "Alright. I will take my leave now if you don''t have any questions. Call me if you need anything."


    "Okay." Jillyanna led the man out with her swollen eyes. She saw her black shades on a shelf at the living room so she took it and wore it to cover her eyes. "Wait."


    "What is it Miss Jillyanna?" Atty. Lewis asked her just as they arrived at the front porch.


    "Can you show me where exactly is the location of my father?"


    Atty. Lewis nodded his head and walked her towards the Mango tree where her swing was tied to. "I buried him here. See this mark?" Jillyanna found a small size carved letter A on the bark of the tree. "I left this here to remember him."


    "Thanks again Atty. Lewis. I owe you a lot. I''ll make sure to repay you in the future." It was Jillyanna''s turn to bow deeply in front of him.


    "The best repayment you can give is to take over your father''s business."


    "I will still think about it."


    "I''ll wait for your answer. I''ll go ahead now."


    Jillyanna just waved her hand as she watched the man leave the house. Her heart was heavy from so much pain and her nose twitched again as her tears threatened to fall on her face.


    "Dad, I love you. Mom and I love you. She loved you so much. She waited for you." Jillyanna murmured while her tears fell on the ground. "Dad, I''m sorry. I''m really sorry."


    "Jillyanna? Are you okay?" Brown was standing not far from her making her wipe her tears and act like nothing happened.


    "Yes I am fine."


    Brown didn''t insist in knowing the truth but he picked a white rose from the garden and placed at the roots of the Mango tree, right under the carved letter A.


    "He loves you and your mom." Brown spoke to her with a melancholic voice. Honestly, he just wanted to find an excuse to see her up close. He needed to check her nails and lips to know if she''s suffering from her heart. "It''s getting cold." He draped his coat on her shoulders to keep her from getting cold.


    "Thanks." Jillyanna smiled faintly but Brown knew she was still sad for her parents.


    Of course she was sad but only Jillyanna knew about the things she was planning inside her mind. ''You guys separated my parents again and again. I''ve never wanted to kill but I guess there''s no helping it.''


    Many people mistook her for being a harmless person but only few people knew how evil she was. Some of those people didn''t even see the rising sun again.

 Chapter 271 - OATH TO HER PARENTS

    That night, Jillyanna didn''t go back to the hospital. She holed up herself in her tiny little room behind the bookshelves.


    After Travis cleaned that room, it was the first time that she''s staying over for comfort. She was lying on the couch with her curled up body, holding on to the first teddy bear that her parents gave her.


    Jillyanna''s tears fell again while looking at the tiny place she used to stay to avoid tiring herself in using the stairs. It was the same place that she spent most of her time with her parents.


    She played with them, talked to them, paint with them, drew with them and a whole lot more. She did so many things with her parents and remembering those, made her realized how much they loved her.


    When you''re jealous, perhaps you won''t see anything other than jealousy. All those times that her mother showed her love for his father, her father must have thought that she was just doing it because it was her responsibility as his wife.


    "Mom, did you really love daddy? Why didn''t he see it from you?" Jillyanna murmured while clutching on to her chest.


    "Both of you are selfish and foolish. You didn''t try to patch up the holes in your relationship and now, see what happened? You both died with regrets and you both left me all alone."


    Jillyanna let out all the pain she had been carrying all these years. She let them know how she struggled all alone because no one accepted her since they couldn''t get the money from her. They beat her, locked her up and sometimes they wouldn''t let her eat.


    Jillyanna never complained such things before. She didn''t care so much about it. She just wanted to wait for her father to come back and pick her up but there was no one.


    She looked up and saw the wedding photo of her parents that she didn''t like at all. Unlike Travis and her who was so happy to have a wedding, her parents looked like they were mourning over something. They didn''t look happy at all. Seeing their expression would let you know that they were forced to have the wedding and Jillyanna hates it.


    She wiped her tears away and shifted her gaze to avoid looking at the picture. She was just lying down quietly while remembering the things that happened to his father.


    "Am I becoming selfish, too by not telling Travis of my condition? Am I walking on the same path that my parents did?" she whispered to herself while thinking about Travis whom she left at the hospital under her mother''s care. "But I can''t tell Travis now, he is still recovering and giving him a shock might really kill him."


    She closed her eyes tightly and released a heavy and quick sigh. She sat up on the couch she was lying from and looked at her parents. "I won''t become like you. I won''t be selfish. I won''t keep a secret from him anymore and I won''t give him a hard time. I will love him until my last breath and I am not regretting that I married such a wonderful man."


    She spoke her oath in front of her parents and even sneered at them. She realized so many things because of her parents and she wanted to apply it to her own relationship. Her parents loved each other but they lack communication and trust. His father was bound by jealousy and regret for taking her away. Her mother was clueless and thoughtlessly kept a secret without knowing that she was being followed.


    Venus would always tell her before that her mother was the most careless person she ever knew. She didn''t have any sense of danger and she just let herself do whatever she wanted to do. She easily lost her focus from the things around her when she was doing her job. It was also the reason why she didn''t notice that Anton was suffering.


    After some time, Jillyanna smiled genuinely in front of her parents'' picture. "Thanks to you, I don''t have to work myself to the bone. I don''t have to work hard and lose focus on the people around me. Thanks for you hardwork, mom and dad."


    Her sweet smile turned to an evil grin and her eyes were cold with danger. "I will give you a sweet surprise." Jillyanna returned her teddy bear on its shelf and tied her hair up into a high pony tail. She wiped her face and wore her glasses again to avoid letting the other people see her swollen eyes.


    She met Valkyrie at the foot of the stairs holding a cold compress on his hands. "For you."


    "Thank you Val." she received the cold compress and walked upstairs to her room. ''Time to wrap my surprise.'' Jillyanna thought happily while leaving Valkyrie behind.


    "She''s really strong, isn''t she?" Brown asked him while watching Jillyanna go up to her room. "Other people would have collapsed and break down from so much news but she didn''t."


    "Jillyanna learned so much on her own from being alone. Her experiences made her of who she is today and she had been expecting the worst thing from her mother''s death and from her father''s sudden abandonment. Knowing it wasn''t that worst as she has imagined gave her a bit of relief that is why she remained strong and unbreakable."


    Jillyanna went back to her room while pressing the cold compress on her eyes to keep it from swelling even more. She had her phone on her hand, calling someone that she hadn''t called for a long time after the accident.


    "Teacher, can I buy the Pain from you? No matter how much it would cost, I want to buy it from you." The woman on the other line was shocked to hear the word Pain from her. She didn''t even greet her and she was asking for that stuff immediately.


    "Same as always, straigth-forward and direct to the point. Summer, I don''t want to sell it to you."


    "Who do you want to sell it to?"


    "No one. If anyone can defeat me, I''ll give this to her."


    "Sure. Expect it from your best student."

 Chapter 272 - BACK TO STATES

    Jillyanna booked the earliest flight to N and packed her personal stuff in a small suitcase. She changed her clothes to a tight-fit and elastic black leggings, a black sleeveless and a large overcoat. She picked up the small gift on her table and put it inside her coat before going out of the room in a hurry.


    "Where are you going? It''s dinner time." Brown asked her since she was walking quickly to the front door with her suitcase.


    "I''m going back to the hospital."


    "Come and eat first. Auntie Fei and I cooked a lot of foods for you." Brown insisted her to have dinner in order to find out why she was in a hurry.


    She only have 3 hours until the next flight and she still had to stop by the hospital to see Travis. She didn''t have much time.


    "Sorry Evan but I really have to go this time. I''ll grab a bite on the way. I''ll come back as soon as I am done with my business." Without waiting for his reply, Jillyanna pulled her suitcase and walked out of the house. She looked towards the Mango tree and smiled cheerfully. "Guide me Dad." she murmured to herself before placing her things inside the car and drove out of the mansion.


    Brown called Hawk and Savannah immediately to let them know about the situation. Even if it was Jillyanna''s private matter, they were all worried for her given that she has a heart disease. It would really be troublesome if something happens to her.


    "I''ll let you know once I see her." Hawk told him before ending the call. After almost half an hour of waiting, Jillyanna showed up with her striking appearance. Some even thought that she was an artists who was having a shooting or was filming in the hospital. But she didn''t care about all them.


    "What''s with the outfit? Are you going somewhere?" Savannah asked her while looking at her from head to toe. She just got back from work to find out that Jillyanna hadn''t come back since she left that morning.


    "Hn. I have some business matter to attend to. Please take care of the company while I''m gone. You can rely on Mr. Sandoval if you need anything. You won''t be able to call me during my absence so don''t bother contacting me." She was walking towards Travis as she talked to Savannah. "Don''t worry too much."


    "Are you going there alone?" Savannah asked in worry.


    "Hn."


    "How about you bring one of us?" Savannah suggested because she can''t dispel the worry she''s feeling in her heart.


    "I''ll be fine Savy. Don''t worry about me. Oh! Please give this to Riley tomorrow when she visits the hospital" she looked at her watch and found that she only have two hours left. She leaned closer to Travis and kissed his face. "Don''t forget about me."


    She looked at him one last time, caressing the face that she came to love over time before she finally left the place.


    Jillyanna arrived at the airport just in time for the announcement to go on board. She walked quickly to catch her flight which she successfully dead.


    "You almost missed your flight." the person who was sitting next to her was none other than her opposite season, Winter Avery.


    "She called you." Jillyanna stated devoid of emotions.


    "She did. I had to arrange my flight as quickly as I can and requested to change my seat in order to sit beside you. Ain''t I a good friend?"


    "Hn. You are."


    "Tsk! You''re not even showing the least bit of sincerity with that poker face of yours." Winter snickered before she continued reading on the magazine she found. "How''s my cousin?"


    "He''s fine. Gradually recovering."


    "Since he is recovering, why are you going back to States? Did you tell anyone where you are heading to?"


    "Nope. No one knew where I''m going to. Don''t let them know as well. I don''t want them to worry."


    "Are you that confident to win over our master? In case you have forgotten, I''m reminding you that you are pregnant."


    "I have not forgotten that."


    They didn''t talk much and Jillyanna chose to sleep to recover her strength since she will have to fight with her teacher.


    After few hours of flight, the plane finally landed and Jillyanna, together with Winter, boarded on to the taxi to reach their destination.


    "I can only bring you up to here. You have to go up the mountain by foot." the driver spoke to they alighted his car.


    "No worries. Thanks for sending us here." Jillyanna paid their fare with a genuine smile. When the taxi left, the two of them were standing at the foot of the mountain.


    Jillyanna pulled her suitcase which wasn''t really heavy and started walking. She was excited with the thought of seeing the place she loved. It was the place that she was able to be her own self, no pretending and no secrets.


    As they walked, Jillyanna sensed the welcoming of her master. A knife flew past her face and got stuck on the tree at the road side but Jillyanna didn''t even flinched or blink. She just walked leisurely with her suitcase.


    Winter didn''t bother as well. When they felt a strong gust of wind on their left, they would move to their right. If it was on their right side, they would move to their left. They seemed like someone who was just walking her dog at the park.


    After few minutes of walking and greetings, they finally reached the place where a Japanese-European style buildings and training ground appeared. It was the same magnificent place that she last remembered.


    In the middle of the training ground, their master was standing with a smile. It''s always a wonder for Jillyanna how nimble, smart and strong her teacher was when she was actually blind. Despite her condition, she was the reason why Jillyanna became such a kind and strong person.

 Chapter 273 - THE FIGHT BETWEEN THE TEACHER AND STUDENT

    Jillyanna and Winter were ushered to their rooms personally by their teacher. She walked right beside them like she wasn''t blind at all. In fact, she knew every nook and cranny like she knew the back of her hands. In her territory, nothing can escape her senses.


    "Are you really going to fight me for it?" their teacher asked Jillyanna before she let them inside their room. She stood at the door with her eyes closed, feeling the surroundings around her.


    "I need it and I know how to fight." Jillyanna answered without any slight hesitation. "I''ll see you during the night practice."


    "Okay." Their teacher left without any further question.


    They weren''t the type of people who would catch up with their acquaintances or friends. If you meet them for a purpose, you don''t have to play games or pretend. State your purpose and do your best to fulfill it.


    Winter and Jillyanna went inside and unpack their few things. Jillyanna changed her clothes to a comfortable sleeping dress and took a rest. As much as possible, she would like to get the amount of energy she needed and sleep was the right answer to that.


    "How about I fight for you instead?" Winter suggested to her since she couldn''t bare to see her friend getting beaten, specially that she''s pregnant and many people were depending on her.


    Jillyanna stirred on her bed and refused her offer. "This is my fight so you don''t have to involve yourself. However, I''d greatly appreciate it if you can take care of me to get rid of my bruises later."


    "What a bum. You should''ve brought Brown instead of me."


    "Outsiders aren''t allowed her. Don''t you remember?"


    Winter just sighed and laid back on her bed as well. She was staring up at the ceiling before she closed her eyes after few minutes. "Go to sleep now. You will have a long fight later."


    During dinner, Jillyanna ate a small amount of food so that it won''t burden and won''t hurt her stomach later. She didn''t drink so much water as well.


    "I never knew you''re this well-behave." their teacher approached them with a bottle of wine. "Let''s have a drink."


    "I have a fight with you later and I am pregnant so I can''t have that." Jillyanna refused her teacher bluntly which made other women looked at her. In fact, only Winter and Jillyanna can be so casual with their teacher.


    "Alright. I won''t let you have one."


    "Teacher?" Jillyanna called.


    "What is it?"


    "During our fight, can you not attack my stomach and waist? You can attack me wherever you want except for this two parts of my body."


    "Sure. I''m not that heartless."


    Winter drank a bit of wine with her teacher while Jillyanna sat in between them, inhaling the sweet scent of the alcohol as they drink.


    When the clock struck nine in the evening, everyone was ready for their night practice. They sat on the puzzle mats while waiting for their teacher. To their surprise, Jillyanna came in black shorts and tight fit black jacket. She wore black gloves in her hands and a black boots in her feet.


    "Is she really going to fight with our master?" whispered one of the women there.


    "That''s what I heard."


    "She looks cool."


    "Beautiful as well. She has a nice figure too."


    Their whispers were circling over the topic of her figure, her face, and a bet whether she wins or not.


    "I don''t think she''ll win."


    "Me too. Our master is really great and I don''t think her student surpassed her knowing that she left three years ago."


    "Perhaps she practiced in seclusion."


    "That''s impossible."


    They kept chatting since their master wasn''t around yet. They didn''t wait for too long thought because their master came with Winter following behind her.


    Jillyanna took a deep breath to steady herself. She needed to win this fight in order to properly take her revenge. Hurting her parents over and over again made her so angry. She wanted them to feel the pain as well until they would decide to end their life from misery.


    She stood up and took position on the left side of the training mat while her teacher stood on the right side. "If you can hit me once, I''ll take it as a lose." Her teacher told her knowing that Jillyanna''s skills deteriorated due to her pregnancy. Even before that, she refused to practice and she left the place to go home.


    "Okay. I''ll do my best."


    Without letting the audience wait any further, Jillyanna charged towards her teacher with her clenched fist. As expected, her teacher didn''t go easy on her at all. Their exchanged of blows hurt her so much but she endured the pain.


    She couldn''t force herself a strong kick for the sake of her baby so she can only use her fist for both offense and defense


    Her teacher threw a quick punch on her face and she evaded it just in the neck of time before it cause her to get bruises. She felt the strong gust of wind from the punch and she knew that she won''t win the fight if she can''t think of something.


    Jillyanna took a step back to think of something and her teacher gave her the luxury of time. A minute after, she thought of the thing that was used to her few years ago. She might not he able to execute it properly but she still had the chance.


    Jillyanna positioned herself again and sighed deeply. She charged towards her teacher once again. They exchange another strong blows, leaving bruises in her skin. True to her words, her teacher didn''t attack her back, waist and stomach.


    Jillyanna faked an attack. She put so much force on her right-hand punch and when her teacher tried to fend it off, her strong legs swept off side-wardly and pulled down her teacher on her back. She can only do it once so she gave her might with that attack.

 Chapter 274 - SHE WON BUT...

    When her teacher fell, Jillyanna didn''t give her another second to move. She immediately sat on her teacher''s stomach with a victorious smile.


    Her fist was placed on her teacher''s chest who was lying still with her eyes closed. "If I throw a punch on this place, I could break your chest cavity, pop your heart and leave you dead. However, you are not my enemy so I don''t need to do it."


    Her teacher smiled at her words and opened her eyes. There, Jillyanna saw the most beautiful eyes she''d ever seen in her entire life. It was bluish-green with a brown specks on her eye ring.


    Jillyanna blinked her eyes and leaned closer to see it clearly. "What are you looking at?" Her teacher asked which made Jillyanna realize that she was being rude.


    "Teacher..y-you..you aren''t blind?" she whispered hesitantly knowing her question was rather sensitive but she couldn''t really stop herself because that was the first time she saw her open her beautiful eyes.


    "I''m not."


    "Then why did you keep closing your eyes? It''s such a beautiful pair of eyes yet you chose to hide it."


    "It''s for the same reason that I chose to hide it. Many people wanted me to die so they could get my eyes. They''ve envied such colors for its rarity but for me, it''s a curse." she pushed herself up using her elbows but Jillyanna didn''t have any intention of getting up yet. "Sigh. Until when are you going to sit on top of me?"


    "Until you declare my victory."


    "Fine. You won. Get off me now so we can get you treated and get the things you wanted." she closed her eyes again, not letting anyone see her eyes.


    Jillyanna get off from her and helped her stand by pulling her hand. "What a boring fight! Ever since you guys spar from years ago until now, this is the most boring fight." Winter exclaimed, rolling her eyes in the process while she took a step towards them.


    For her it was boring because she had seen them fought hundred of time since years ago. For the other girls, it was amazing because that was the first time they watched an intense fight between a student and their teacher.


    "Why did you end it so quickly? I was just getting excited and poof! It''s over!" Winter complained to the both of them when the other audience just kept quite.


    "My dear Winter, in case you have forgotten, I''m reminding you that I am pregnant. I can''t take it for too long for the sake of my baby." Jillyanna spoke which silenced the entire hall before it erupted with whispers and murmurs.


    "She''s pregnant?! Oh my goodness! She''s definitely crazy for executing that move which might put her child in danger."


    "If that was how she fought because of her pregnancy, how did she fight before?"


    "No wonder she only made a single kick during the entire duration of their fight. She wasn''t being careless but careful instead."


    "Now I know why she asked our teacher not to hit her stomach and waist. It''s for her baby."


    "If I remember correctly, she''s Jillyanna the best student of our teacher who left this place years ago."


    "Oh! She''s that woman in the picture frame which was displayed in our meeting hall."


    "She''s amazing."


    Jillyanna received high praises from the ladies but they didn''t know how much she suffered. After that fight, Jillyanna went back inside the room where she and Winter stayed.


    When she removed her jacket, her arms were bruised and there were faint bruises on her thighs as well. "Ooppsie..Looks like we''ll stay here for a bit more." she joked to herself while checking her body.


    Not long after, their teacher came in with different kinds of herbs. She placed them on the drawer and checked Jillyanna herself.


    "Looks bad." she commented before asking her to lie on the bed with her back. "I''ve got new herbal oil which is good for bruises. It should heal you within three days."


    "Teacher, you told me that your eyes is a curse. What do you mean by that?" Jillyanna asked the question that she wanted to ask earlier.


    "As I''ve said, many people wanted to get these eyes from me. They don''t care if they had to kill me or if they can buy my eyes as long as they could get their hands on these. They killed my parents because they were an obstruction to their plan. They killed my older siblings because they hid me away from anyone. Because of my eyes, I lost everyone who''s dear to me."


    "I''m sorry to hear that. I didn''t mean to bring back the sad memories but I was just curious why you acted as if you were blind." Jillyanna apologized while allowing the woman to rub the oil on her arms and thighs.


    Winter just listened to their conversation, keeping her opinion to herself. She didn''t know either that their teacher can actually see. In Jillyanna''s point of view, it was really beautiful but now, their teacher closed her eyes again and Winter didn''t get the chance to see it.


    "Teacher, I''m curious too. Can I see your eyes?" Winter asked her when she was done helping Jillyanna with her bruises.


    She opened her eyes and let Winter see it for herself. "It''s indeed pretty." Winter commented, clearly mesmerized by the beautiful eyes but she didn''t envy them. She didn''t want to possess such beauty and be killed because of it.


    Back at the hospital, it was around 6 o''clock in the morning when Travis opened his eyes but the only person inside the room was a man who was typing something on his laptop.,


    "Who are you?" his raspy voice could be heard barely but Valkyrie who came to guard him the night before was still startled.


    "Travis? You''re awake?" Valkyrie immediately pressed the button on his bedside to call the doctor since it was his first time to see him awake. "Are you feeling dizzy or hurting anywhere?"


    He was worried for him but the man was staring blankly towards him.

 Chapter 275 - YOU CHOSE TO FORGET HIM

    Travis heard several doctors coming to his aid. He let them do whatever they needed to do but he was on guard against all them.


    "Can you raise your hand?" The doctor asked him which Travis did. He raised his hands up and down. "Can you move your legs slowly from side to side? Can you move your toes? Can you blink your eyes? Can open your mouth? Can you.."


    The doctor asked so many things while looking at Travis'' wounds and the movement of his eyes. He was observing the expression on his face which was blank and cold most of the time.


    "This is the first time you''ve woken up this long. You might still feel some pain in your head, arms and legs due to your heavy injuries. Nonetheless, you are doing perfectly fine." The doctor told him after all the necessary check up he performed. He looked around the room and found that Jillyanna wasn''t around. "The most important thing now is to check if you have forgotten anyone. First, what''s your name?"


    Travis frowned but he still chose to answer him. "Travis Madrigal, 27, owned Venus Plaza and J Entertainment. No parents."


    "Uhh..well, the last thing is a bit wrong. You still have your father."


    "What''s my father''s name?"


    "Thomas Madrigal." answered the doctor. "Do you remember getting married?"


    Travis just looked at the doctor with a blank expression once again.


    Valkyrie who witnessed everything called everyone to get in touch with Jillyanna but even Shein couldn''t find her. They didn''t know where she exactly went but the twins and Shein got a feeling to where she was.


    The three of them boarded the car which came to pick them up and visited the hospital around 8 o''clock in the morning. Savannah and everyone were also present including Jillyanna''s family.


    While they were smiling from being relieved, Jillyanna was sulking because of her bruises. She needed to get back as soon as possible because Travis could wake up anytime again. She wanted to be there for him and talk to him.


    "Thinking about your husband again?" Winter asked who was reading an astrological book that she found somewhere.


    "Who should I think if not my husband? You should think of Gabriel as well. You don''t even try yourself to remember him."


    "I remember him." Winter stated softly which came out almost a whisper from her lips. "I remember the boy who promised to grow up and join the army to protect me. I remember the boy who would always carry me on his back when I don''t feel like walking. I remember the boy who carved our names on the tree bark. I remember the boy who would often argue with Travis just because Travis won''t let me play with his violin; in the end I played it and broke a string. I remember everything about him during the mission in the laboratory. But Jill, I won''t tell him."


    Listening to her, Jillyanna rolled her eyes and scoffed. "Even if you want to tell him, you won''t get the chance."


    "What do you mean?" Winter put down the book and looked at her friend who was lying on the bed, covered in bruises.


    The lingering scent of the herbs and oils used to her Jillyanna wafted to her nose but Winter felt slightly uncomfortable on her seat.


    Jillyanna looked up at the ceiling before opening her mouth to speak again. "He left. I found out about this on the day that the twins came at the hospital. They actually knew Gabriel a long time ago. Riley told me that he would often follow you around without you knowing. He even called Travis for you when you get drunk from being heart broken."


    "Why didn''t I know of this?" Winter asked the question mostly to herself because she was ignorant and foolish.


    "Why would he tell you? He wanted to keep his promise to you - the promise of protection. Even if he would tell you, you won''t believe him. You forgot him right? When he brought you to several places you refused him because you will only remember your ex-fiancee."


    "You don''t have to make me feel guilty than I already am." Winter joked but deep inside her guilt was eating her heart already. "I can''t help it, I didn''t mean to lose my memory, okay?"


    "I know but you could''ve tried yourself to remember. Perhaps, there were unpleasant things that would hurt you but it was also painful to the person that you chose not to remember him. Anyway, there''s no point telling you these."


    "Hey! What exactly is going on? Why did you tell me that I won''t get the chance to tell him how I feel?!"


    "Because it''s too late. He went to Pantar."


    Winter, just like her name, her heart was coated with so much snow and cold wind. She stood statued to the ground with the news she got. "Pantar? You''re kidding me! Anyone who went there in the past died! It''s basically a suicide! The anti-government groups won''t let them escape!"


    "That''s the exact reason why you won''t get a chance? Didn''t you go back to the base? Why didn''t you know about this?"


    Winter cursed herself over and over again for what happened. She chose to forget the person who truly cared about her. He was trying his best to make her remember him but she refused to do so. Now she did remember him but he''s nowhere near her and the chance of him returning alive was very slim.


    She picked up her bags and other belongings to go back to the base. "I''ll go back now since you already get what you need. I''ll visit Travis some other times."


    Jillyanna didn''t say anything, just watching her pack her things and go out of the room. "Chances are; he''s mutilated or he''s dead. It''s impossible to escape such place unless someone from the enemy camp helps you leave." Jillyanna murmured even though her friend could no longer hear her.


    In Jillyanna''s perspective, Gabriel accepted the mission because he knew that no one needed him anymore. And a person with that kind of thinking isn''t afraid to die.

 Chapter 276 - CHILDISH ARGUMENTS

    Winter went out of the room to find their teacher who was actually drinking tea inside the secluded pavilion at the back garden.


    "You''re leaving?" her teacher asked her calmly as if she expected it to happen.


    "Hn. I''ve got things to do and Jillyanna''s fine now."


    "Have a safe trip."


    Winter didn''t wait any second longer and ran down the mountain to find a vehicle to board. She knew she still needed to walk a little farther to find the bus stop.


    She slung her bag on her back and jogged for a few minutes. She finally found the bus stop but there wasn''t anyone who''s waiting there except herself.


    The night wind was cold, breezing past her face and blowing her hair away. She was feeling guilty again. Now that she''s alone, the guilt intensified and she felt so horrible.


    Memories flashed across her mind. A young girl and boy carving their names on a tree bark to seal their promise.


    "When I grow big, I will protect you with my life. I won''t let anything to happen to you." Gabriel told her while he placed his left hand on his chest, looking so serious with his oath.


    "When I grow up, I won''t marry anyone else but you. If anyone steals you from me, I will tear them apart." Winter responded while looking at the boy with a smile. "You better not like someone else."


    Another memory was when she argued with Travis and Gabriel came to her rescue.


    "RV, you don''t have to be so cold towards your cousin just because she broke a string of your violin. No matter how precious that thing is, you can buy another violin if it''s broken but you can''t buy another cousin if she''s broken."


    "I don''t want a cousin! I just wan''t Jill!"


    "Jill this and Jill that! We don''t even know her. If you don''t want your cousin, then I''ll take her away."


    Gabriel carried her on his back and they went to the farm, escaping from Travis and their mistake. They spent so much time together, planting mango trees and catching the chickens. They even rode on a horse with the help of the farmers.


    So much for the happy memories, Winter remembered the time she woke in the hospital with Travis on the other bed.


    She saw a boy who was sleeping on the couch, exhausted and tired obviously. Probably feeling that someone was looking at him, he opened his eyes and looked back to her.


    "Are you okay?" he asked her in so much worry but her question rendered him speechless.


    "Who are you? Are guarding us here?"


    Remembering her first question when she woke up Winter felt a tight grip in her heart. It was so tight that she had a hard time breathing.


    ''How did he feel when I asked him that question? How did he feel that I chose to forget him along with the unpleasant memories? How did her feel that I refused to remember him over and over again? How did he feel that I loved someone else after making that promise to him? Was he sad? Was he regretful? Did he resent me? Did he feel bad about it?''


    She''s got so many questions but not a single answer came. No one knew the answer aside from the man who finally chose to give up his life.


    Her tears started falling from the surge of pain and guilt. She stood under the waiting shed, silently crying her heart out in the middle of the night.


    Not long after, the bus came and Winter boarded on it immediately. She needed to get back to the military base as quickly as she can.


    Her phone rang and Brown''s name was flashing on her phone screen. She wiped her tears away before answering the call.


    "Winter, do you have any idea where Jillyanna is?" he asked without any further nuances.


    "Hn. We were together just a while ago. I''m on my way to the military camp and Jillyanna will be home after three days."


    "Three days?!" Brown exclaimed in surprise because he thought she''d be gone for just a day or two but, after three days? He didn''t know she could endure that much without seeing Travis.


    On the side, Travis was observing everyone in the room. They were all unfamiliar to him except for Savannah, Hawk and Shein, whom he saw when he woke up before.


    Even though Travis had recovered from the accident, they all had a solemn faces because he forget all of them. He didn''t even look for Jillyanna or mentioned her. They were all worried.


    Brown returned inside the room, finding everyone''s eyes on him since he was the one who luckily got in touch with Winter. "Positive. Jillyanna and Winter were together earlier but she said she''ll have to go back to the military camp and Jillyanna will be back after three days."


    "Who''s Winter?" Travis asked Brown who just came back.


    "Winter is your cousin." Brown answered. ''Weird. Why isn''t he asking about Jillyanna?'' Brown asked himself mentally while throwing glances towards Travis.


    "Where is my phone?" Travis asked again after a few seconds. He looked so bored while talking to them and he didn''t find anyone interesting at all. However, he can sense the danger from them at the same time he knew they were kind because they took care of him and they didn''t stress him out with questions.


    Savannah pinched the space between her eyebrows with this question. Ever since the accident happened, Jillyanna always bring Travis'' phone with her no matter where she goes.


    "Jillyanna currently have your phone. You''ll get it when she''s back."


    "I see. Can I have a laptop?"


    Shein who always bring his laptop with him offered the gadget to Travis. "You can borrow mine."


    "I don''t want to borrow anything from you." Travis spoke to him coldly which surprised everyone except Savannah. She knew exactly why he was holding a grudge over him.


    "Then don''t. No one here brought a laptop except me. Even if I know where my sister is, I won''t tell you."


    "I didn''t know she has a brother." Travis sneered.


    "I didn''t even know that she has a stubborn husband who likes to sulk." Shein argued back, disregarding the fact that he was arguing to a patient who was actually older than him.

 Chapter 277 - THE REUNION

    Everyday, everyone would visit Travis to make sure that he is really doing fine. They have been doing the same thing for three days but there wasn''t even a shadow of the woman he was waiting for.


    Until night fell, Jillyanna who just recovered from bruises arrived at the airport. News of Travis recovering from the accident was all over the big screens. Jillyanna knew long ago that he recovered fine but she can''t just go back with bruises or she would be an additional worry to him.


    Her joy couldn''t be hidden behind the shadows of her bull cap. She strolled out of the airport but many people still saw her familiar figure.


    "Is that our goddess YNA?"


    "I guess. It looks like her."


    "It can''t be her. Her husband is currently at the hospital and I doubt it if she would go on a trip alone."


    "Makes sense."


    Just like that, murmurs and gossips fade away. They didn''t bother her but they couldn''t rest their minds either from the leaving figure.


    Jillyanna boarded a taxi when she got out and called Shein after. She knew her brother would be at the hospital because he would protect the person who''s important to her.


    At the hospital, Shein was sitting on the couch with his leg crossed over the other. He looked poised and comfortable in his position while Riley played on her phone beside him.


    Suddenly, his phone rang and his sister''s name was displayed on the screen. He picked it up immediately without bothering to hide whatever conversation they will have.


    "Hey sis! Where are you?! Come back immediately because your husband is bullying me." Shein grumbled and complained, not bothered with the stares that everyone threw at him.


    Jillyanna on the other side chuckled in his childish actions. She knew that it would most likely be the other way around. Shein was no longer the child who would keep quiet when everyone bullies him. He knew how to retaliate now.


    "Don''t bully my husband too much. He is still recovering. If you bully him, you will lose the most important brother place in my heart."


    "I knew I''m the no.1 in your heart." Shein glanced at Travis with a grin to see how he would react but Travis remained still on his bed, not caring about his provoking words.


    When the call ended, Shein stood up on his seat and went out. "Where is my wife?" Travis called out to him.


    "Why should I tell you? Didn''t you say you don''t want anything from me? Tsk!"


    Riley who heard their conversation rolled her eyes. Even if Shein was her boyfriend, she couldn''t allow her big brother to be stressed out.


    "Big bro,.." Riley called Travis with a smile. "Sis is on her way already. She asked Shein earlier how are you doing but this idiot wanted to tease you. I''m sorry on his behalf." Riley bowed her head in front of Travis which shocked everyone of them. They knew how important these children to Jillyanna and it seemed like they were bullying them even though it''s the other way around.


    Shein looked back in shock for what Riley did and he felt guilty that she has to apologize because of his bullying. He went inside and grabbed Riley''s hand. "Don''t apologize to him."


    Riley glared at him but he remained emotionless. ''Sigh. This childish idiot would really get in my nerves sometimes. But I still love you no matter what.''


    "Why are you looking at me like that? What are you thinking?" Shein asked, this time his voice contained sadness and worry.


    "I''m thinking of throwing you out of the window." Riley smiled but her eyes were spitting fire. She then turned to Travis once again. "Big bro, we will go out first to pick our sister."


    "Okay. Be careful. If something happens, save yourself and just leave that idiot beside you."


    Everyone in the room remained silent. They were happy to see him fine but they couldn''t help themselves to stop their stifled laughters.


    Ever since he woke up, he didn''t ask anyone''s help. He wouldn''t initiate a conversation but he would always pick on Shein. It feels like they have enmity with each other even though they didn''t know each other in the past.


    Only Savannah and Shein knew why he was picking on Shein. It was because Jillyanna told him ''I love you'' when he woke up one time.


    Before they could even go out, Jillyanna came in with her suitcase.


    "That was fast! Did you grab the car and drove it yourself?" Shein asked while checking her for injury or bruises.


    "I didn''t but I did ask the driver to drive to the maximum limit." Jillyanna answered before walking towards Travis.


    On his bed, he still looked emaciated but she can see the life swirling in his eyes. Jillyanna walked slowly towards him. "I heard that you''ve forgotten everyone here. Did you forget about me, too?"


    Her stinging nose twitched as she tried to stop herself from crying. Her hands were shaking and she didn''t dare step closer to him. She might flip his bed if he dared to forget her.


    Travis looked at her eyes, her nose, her lips and her whole face before he shifted his gaze to her stomach. He opened his arms for a hug and Jillyanna threw herself over with tears falling on her face.


    "I''m glad I successfully protected you and our baby. I am happy that you are doing fine. I was really worried when you''re not here."


    Jillyanna kept crying on his arms. She lost the words she wanted to say and she only wanted to feel his warmth through his hug.


    "I''m sorry if I worried you." Travis mumbled while caressing her hair.


    "I''m glad you didn''t forget me." Jillyanna finally spoke after sometime. "I was scared when I heard that you couldn''t remember everyone here."


    "I couldn''t forget you because you keep on crying in my dreams."

 Chapter 278 - COULDNT THINK OF ANYONE BUT HER

    "Am I such a crybaby in your dreams? I thought I''m a strong woman who''s capable and smart." Jillyanna murmured while trying to get off from his embrace. She didn''t want to cause his discomfort.


    "Don''t move. Just stay still. I''ve been deprived of your warmth for a month so, let me do this."


    He hugged her even tighter. If he could put her inside his pocket or stick her on his body, he would''ve done it a long time ago.


    Savannah brought a chair to Jillyanna so that she could sit beside him.


    "How about we all take our dinner? My treat." Thomas offered which everybody agreed. In fact, they only wanted to leave the two of them alone.


    One by one as they left, the crowded room once again returned to a quiet place. Only her hiccups and light sob can be heard.


    "I''m sorry for the trouble that Shein caused you." Jillyanna opened up knowing that he would be asking her about the issue few days ago.


    "Not at all. Even though he often threw silly jokes at me, he would always help me when I needed it. I knew he was only teasing me since I couldn''t remember everyone."


    "Thank you for understanding him. He is a very nice kid and he helped me a lot to secure your empire."


    "Hn. I did hear that you started working as a CEO."


    "Even if I don''t want to, I don''t want to let anyone manage your business." Jillyanna sat on the teacher but her hands were still wrapped on his waist. "I waited for you and I am so happy that I did."


    "Did I give you a hard time?"


    "At first, it was indeed difficult. I trusted you my life and you promised that you won''t leave me yet, you got caught in this accident because of me."


    Travis reached his hand and caressed her face with his thumb. "I''m sorry it took me so long to recover."


    Jillyanna smiled and held his hand which was touching her face. The warmth from his touch gave her so much hope in life. "Even if I have to wait for years, I will wait for you. I never thought of giving up."


    Travis leaned closer and kissed her forehead. "I couldn''t sleep forever when I know that you are waiting for me. You know, I only see you in my dreams and no one else. I can only hear your voice and no one else."


    "Did the doctor say anything about your memory loss?"


    "Hn. He said that this isn''t permanent but he didn''t know when will my memories return. He suggested that I go to places that I spent most of my times."


    "Then, I''ll take you to different places. I''ll help you remember everyone. They are all good and you''ve been friends with them for a long time. It would be sad if you couldn''t remember them."


    "I''ll go wherever you go." Travis stated with determination in his eyes. Jillyanna laughed so hard with his words. It was the same words that she told him when she chose to give their relationship a chance. At that time, she was also hospitalized from bleeding.


    "I love you Travis." She murmured, kissing the back of his hands again and again.


    "I love you, too Jill. You and our baby." He could see that she''s tired from her travel so Travis suggested for her to sleep. "Give yourself a rest. Don''t worry, I won''t be going anywhere."


    "Okay. I''m honestly tired. Wake me up if you need anything okay?"


    "Okay."


    Jillyanna took a quick shower and changed her clothes. Then, she arranged her own bed so she could sleep.


    "Make sure to call me if you need something. Don''t move to much." She reminded him before giving him a light kiss on his lips. "Good night."


    "Hn. Good night."


    Even though he agreed to her, Travis didn''t wake her up. How could he? He knew she was tired and worried for him. He wanted her to rest for her physical and emotional stability.


    Travis sat on his bed while watching his sleeping wife. His dreams resurfaced which made him feel guilty. ''Perhaps it was the reason why I couldn''t forget you. The more I tried to bury our unpleasant memories, the more they tried to escape from the back of my mind.'' Travis thought to himself.


    When he said that he was dreaming of her, the dreams he saw were actual memories of her.


    He saw her crying, clutching her chest while she tried to catch up to him and when he turned around, she was lying on the ground with a pale face. It played in his mind again and again but he couldn''t seem to save her.


    He dreamed of it for several times until he finally caught her in his arms. And that was the time he woke up for the first time.


    The next dream that he saw was when Jillyanna bled from the stress he caused. It played again and again until he finally opened the door before her bleeding could start. And that was the second time he woke up.


    Every time that he woke up, it was because of his fear from losing her. His guilty conscience and his fear saved him and woke him up.


    The doctor told him that his subconscious must have focused on Jillyanna after he protected her. His subconscious mind couldn''t be put at rest because he wasn''t sure if his wife was okay. That was why he couldn''t think of anyone else but her.


    The doctor also informed him how brave his wife all these time while waiting for him. He told him all the good things about Jillyanna which made Travis so happy.


    "Treasure your wife just like how much she treasured you. It''s hard to find such lovely and kind woman." The doctor reminded him before he left.


    Travis clearly remembered this and he would make sure to protect her. Even if it would cost his life.


    While he was lost in his thought, Jillyanna moved in her sleep and exposed her arm in front of him when her sleeves slid up.


    Travis frowned and sat up straight. He wasn''t allowed to move so much yet but this time, he disobeyed the reminder because of the faint bruise he saw in her arm.

 Chapter 279 - FLIRTING ONCE AGAIN

    While watching her sleeping face, he also fell asleep facing her. Even when he was sleeping, his frown was visible and it was obvious that he had something in mind that kept him from sleeping peacefully.


    Jillyanna woke up early but she didn''t want to work so she contacted Savannah to handle the company affairs for her.


    She walked towards Travis and placed a light kiss on his face before walking to the bathroom to wash her face.


    "I need to deal with them quickly." she murmured to herself while brushing her teeth.


    "Jill?" Travis called her name when he couldn''t find her inside the room. She heard him from the bathroom so she went out with her brush in her mouth.


    She raised her index finger to signal him for another minute then she went back inside the bathroom to rinse her mouth and wash her face.


    After a minute, she came out while dabbing a towel on her face. "Good morning! Do you need anything?" She placed the towel on her shoulder as she sat on the side of his bed.


    Travis looked at her for a while before he shifted his gaze on her arms. "Don''t you have anything important to tell me?"


    "I love you." Jillyanna smiled sweetly as she uttered the words. "That''s the most important."


    "Don''t play words with me. I know you love me but that is not what I mean. Show me your arms."


    Jillyanna stilled for a moment with his words. With no other choice, she rolled her long sleeves and showed him her bruised arms.


    Travis pressed one of the bruises while watching her face for any reactions. Jillyanna remained poker face while waiting for his judgement.


    "Does it hurt?"


    "Nope."


    "Where''d you get these?" His face was covered with worry and he couldn''t help but feel guilty once again for her. She was fighting for them yet he was lying on the bed, taking his time to wake up. "I''m sorry for leaving you alone."


    Jillyanna took hold of his hand, caressing it as she spoke to him. "Don''t be sorry for me. I am well and healthy because of you. These bruises are due to my personal reasons. Do you remember about our mothers?" Travis shook his head when he couldn''t remember anything about his mom. Jillyanna continued despite his memory loss. "Our parents died because of a research. My father died when I was 7, if I counted it correctly and my mother died when I was 12. A year after that, your mother died. Four days ago, I found the whole truth of this mess so I went abroad to get something from my teacher. Expectedly, I had to defeat her in a fight. She went easy on me because I am pregnant. Nonetheless, I still got bruises. She helped me heal for few days that was the reason why I couldn''t get back. I don''t want anyone to worry about me."


    "Are you going to avenge your parents'' death? It won''t change a thing even if you do that."


    "It doesn''t matter if it won''t change anything. I''d be contented to know that they would suffer."


    "And how will you do it?"


    Jillyanna thought for awhile since she couldn''t leave Travis now, she needed someone to do it for her.


    "I''ll figure out a way. In any case, I won''t kill them. Just give them a bit of pain every three hours of the day."


    Travis didn''t know why but he felt that she has changed in such a short time. ''Or perhaps, she just didn''t show her real self in front of me before.'' Travis thought to himself while watching his wife talk.


    "Are you allowed to eat already? Or did they just feed you liquid things for your stomach?" Jillyanna changed their subject of conversation to lighten up the mood.


    "I''m allowed to eat soups and porridge for the first week to make sure that I don''t upset my stomach."


    "Great! Let me call Auntie Fei so that she can cook for us."


    And with that, Jillyanna was able to evade all the pending questions that Travis wanted to ask. For now, she wanted him to focus on his recovery, not with her personal affairs.


    Seeing how uncomfortable she was with their topic, Travis let her go for the time being.


    Jillyanna called Auntie Fei for their food and then she also sent a text to Lucian and Jackie to ask for help. She did it in front of him while still holding his hand with her other free hand.


    "I didn''t know you''d be this clingy. You always wanted to leave me before and I still remember how much I tried to stop you." Travis spoke while tucking several strands of hair behind her ear. "I''m glad I did."


    "I''m glad you did." Jillyanna kissed his hands and smiled at him. "And get used to my clingy attitude because you won''t be able to get rid of me."


    Travis smiled and leaned over to kiss her forehead. "I don''t mind you being clingy cause I love that side of you. And I love you."


    "Sweet talks again. Focus on your recovery. Stop flirting with me."


    "Aren''t you the one who started it?"


    "Me? I didn''t even start yet. How can you accuse me of such thing. I''m the most behave wife in the world." She stated with a mischievous grin on her lips. She let go of his hands and leaned closer to him.


    Her index finger trailed from his lips down to his neck and chest. "Say hubby, if I flirt with you in this condition, will I be considered a bad wife?"


    Looking at his flirty behavior in front of him, Travis closed his eyes to hide the swirls of emotions in his eyes. When he opened his eyelids once again, his eyes were dazzling with joy from her teasing.


    "I don''t mind you flirting with me either. I can take a life time of flirting." Travis met her halfway and pulled her to him before taking over her lips.


    He nibbled her lower lips, tasting her sweetness from her mouth. She leaned closer to him to make sure that he won''t strain his body.


    Their tongue danced in tango and even if she was running out of breath, she didn''t want to stop. She missed him so much.


    "Ahemm! Ahemm! I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to..."

 Chapter 280 - BE YOUR SHELTER; BE YOUR KNIGHT

    Jillyanna stilled and pulled back from her husband. Her blushing face was so obvious that made Travis tease her again.


    "What? Are you embarrassed for flirting with me?" Travis asked with a raised eyebrow.


    Jillyanna sneered at him even with her flushed face. She stood up from the side of his bed with mischief dancing in her eyes.


    "Why should I? Flirting with you is the best way to waste away my time." She turned around and smiled at the doctor who came inside to check on Travis. "When can we go home doc? It''s inconvenient to flirt in a hospital room."


    Even if she was embarrassed, she wouldn''t let him win without a fight. Little did she know, Travis was also blushing behind her.


    He had his hand covered his gaping mouth while shifting his gaze to his side. ''How did my wife become this bold? She even learned to retaliate.'' Travis thought to himself while trying to calm his nerves.


    His ears were in deep shade of red from his blush and his heart was beating so fast everytime he remembered her kiss.


    Watching them throw love and sweets in the air, the doctor wanted to go home and find his wife, too. He was just jealous with them.


    "Ahemm!" He cleared his throat before he faced the two of them. "It showed in his lab results that he has no problem with his wounds and head injury. However, due to the trauma caused to his brain, he will have to suffer from memory loss. For now, we could only advice you to take things slowly. Don''t force yourself to remember your past. Just take it easy. Tomorrow, it is your schedule to permanently remove the bandage wrapped around your head."


    "It''s fine doc. I trust my wife to help me with this matter. Rest assured that I will be fine. If I can''t remember them then, I''ll just make new memories with them." Travis responded with a faint smile.


    "I like your attitude. I wish and hope that you will gain back what you lost." The doctor stated before leaving the two of them. It would be bad to his heart to see so much love when he''s away from his own wife.


    Jillyanna was so happy to hear his recovery status and the possibility that he will be discharged soon. She couldn''t contain her happiness so she ran back to him and kissed his face again.


    "We can finally go home soon!" she exclaimed happily beside him while holding his hand. "I can''t wait to show you our house. It''s almost done and the rooms you picked for our baby is really amazing."


    Travis could feel her happiness and he was happy too. Finally, he can get rid of himself as her burden. He hated it that she had to suffer because of his absence. He hated himself so much but now he got another chance to help her, be her shield and armor, be her light and shelter and be the person who would keep her safe no matter what happens.


    "What are you thinking?" Jillyanna asked when he didn''t speak, looking so serious and deep in thought.


    Travis pulled his hands from her hold and held both sides of her face. He looked directly in her eyes, letting her see his soul and his love for her.


    "Jill, I know I''ve said this for how many times already but I am still sorry for leaving you. I''m sorry for being a burden to you. I''m sorry for worrying you. But if given a choice, I would still choose to save you and our baby in exchange for my life. Jill, I will be your shelter and knight. I will keep you safe from all the dangers in the world. I will fight for you and our baby. I know I would worry you but I also know you would do the same for me. I love you so much that I don''t want you to get yourself hurt. If possible, I want to build a tower and lock you up to avoid yourself from getting hurt but that is not the kind of love that I want to give you. I want to give you freedom to do things you like. I want to support you in everything that you do. I want to be always there for you. So I am apologizing for being a burden in this one month."


    Jillyanna''s tears fell, landing on his hand which was cold and painful to his heart. "I never thought of you as a burden. I don''t you to apologize. I just want you to recover. In fact, you''re both a strength and weakness to me, but never a burden." Her vision was blurry from her tears but she just couldn''t help it.


    When he was unconscious, she was the only one he could think of. Now that he''s conscious, she was still the only person in his mind.


    "I wonder what I did in my past life to get a husband like you. I''m such a lucky woman yet you''re unlucky to get me. Hahaha." Jillyanna blurted out to keep things at bay. She didn''t want to get so emotional and she didn''t want to stress him.


    Travis can see how she''s trying to be brave in front of him, just to make sure that he won''t worry.


    This time, Travis sat on his bed and pulled her for a warm hug. He patted her back like how he did it when they were young.


    "My wife is such a wonderful person. I am not unlucky at all. She''s brave and strong. She''s beautiful and smart. She''s kind and helpful. She''s great in whatever she does and she wasn''t someone who mind about status and riches. My wife is amazing."


    Jillyanna blinked her tears away because they threatened to fall again. "Thank you for not giving up." That''s all she said while she was wrapping her arms on her waist and buried her face on the crook of his neck and shoulders.


    "Early in the morning and you two are flirting already?" It was Shein who came with Riley and Jackie. He was holding a basket of fruits as he strolled inside.


    Jillyanna rolled her eyes before pulling away from Travis. She fixed his hospital gown before she placed a quick and light kiss on his lips.


    "I hate your hospital room." She murmured which was enough for the two of them to hear.

 Chapter 281 - THE ANGRY RILEY

    Jillyanna introduced the twin to Travis as well as Shein who loves to irritate Travis so much.


    "Sis, thank you for the gift you gave me few days ago." Riley spoke while showing the necklace the she received from Jillyanna.


    "You''re welcome. Do your best at work." Jillyanna informed her before taking Jackie on the side. "I have an important matter to talk with Jackie so we''ll go out in a bit.


    Travis nodded his head and watched her go out with Jackie following behind her.


    "What is the matter?" Jackie asked her immediately when they were out. She received a message from Jillyanna and she was wondering why she needed help from her.


    Jillyanna led her to the bench outside the room and took a seat. "I need your help to infiltrate the regional jail where the Summers are staying. I asked Lucian for help and he said that he can help you to apply as a helper for the cook there."


    Jackie nodded her head in understanding. "I don''t mind being the chef. Is there anything you want me to put on their food?" She guessed it right since Jillyanna wanted her to a be a chef there.


    "I''ll give it to you later. You put it in their food except for uncle Simon. Make sure that while you''re there, see to it that he is doing fine."


    "Sure. No big deal. How long do you want me to stay there? After all, I''d have to keep working and supervise the new employee you hired."


    "You''ll stay there for just a month. After that, you can leave the place. As for the new employees, I''ll just ask Travis'' secretary to come back to work and supervise them."


    "Okay. I''ll make sure to do it and keep Mr. Simon safe."


    Jillyanna smiled and reached over to pat her head gently. "Don''t worry, you won''t be killing them. The drug you are going to use isn''t for killing. I don''t want to burden you with guilt."


    "I''m not worried because I know you won''t send us to kill. You don''t want us to take away someone''s life." Jackie responded with a faint yet genuine smile. All these years, Jillyanna never told them to kill someone. If a person bothers her, they would only scare them and expose their evil sides. But she never asked them to kill anyone.


    Few minutes after they talked, Savannah and Hawk came with the food that Auntie Fei cooked. Following behind them was Brown and Valkyrie.


    "Good morning guys." Savannah greeted them as she placed the thermos with hot soup on the table. "Hi Travis, how are you today?"


    "I''m doing good. Thanks for asking." Travis responded her. "But I would be much better if you take this kid away." The person he meant was Shein who was crossing his arms on his chest. He had a defiant and stubborn look on his face as he glared at him.


    Riley who witnessed their banters earlier couldn''t stop from shaking her head helplessly. A 27-year-old patient and an 18-year-old boy, arguing like children in front of her was such a headache.


    She didn''t know why Shein likes to pester Travis and why Travis hated Shein. It was a mystery that she couldn''t unveil.


    "Did you hear that sis? He wanted to get rid of me! He wanted to get rid of your sweet little brother!" Shein exclaimed exaggeratedly with his eyes wide open from shock.


    Jillyanna flicked his forehead lightly to make him behave. "Stop acting childish already. I know you only wanted to know if he''s really okay and I assure you that he is fine. You don''t have to worry about me being sad and lonely anymore."


    "Tsk! You''re no fun." Shein rubbed his forehead and walked towards the couch without saying another word.


    Riley sat beside him and comforted her boyfriend. "As you can see, he is really fine. I think he will be discharged soon. So stop worrying and spouting non-sense, okay?"


    "Whatever."


    "Don''t you dare ''whatever'' me when I''m the one talking!" Riley got mad and raised her voice which made everyone look at them.


    "I''m sorry. It was just a slip of my tongue." Shein apologized immediately knowing that it would be hard to coax her whenever she get angry. Even Jillyanna didn''t want to anger her because she won''t forget it and she won''t talk to you for days, weeks or even months!


    "It wasn''t a slip of the tongue! You were clearly not listening to me! You even sneered when you said ''whatever''! How can you say it''s a slip of the tongue? I hate you!"


    Then and there, the peaceful morning was gone. Riley walked out of the hospital room without bidding farewell.


    "I''m dead. I''m so dead." Shein murmured to himself while picking up his bag to follow her. "Sis, I won''t be coming to work for the time being until I make up with her."


    "Endure her beating." Jackie rooted for him while she handed his backpack that he was about to pick.


    "Good luck!" Travis grinned at him which frustrates Shein so much. "Win her over again in a week and I have a prize for you."


    "Shut up! I''ll make sure go get back to you. Hmp!" Shein ran out of the room with his bag and chased after his girlfriend.


    When he got out, she was nowhere in sight and she wouldn''t answer his calls. He sent her apology messages but there wasn''t any reply.


    He went back home to their rented house and found that she wasn''t there either. He contacted Wynwyn and got confirmation that she was in J Entertainment.


    "Is that little girl really scary?" Travis asked no one in particular; just a passing remark. But he didn''t expect to get a nod from all the people inside the room.


    "She''s really strong and knew how to act. Her twin Jackie is strong and good with business as well. You haven''t seen them fought but if you get the chance, you would be surprise." Valkyrie commented with high praises.


    "What is so surprising about that? They learned from the best teacher and I know that teacher very well." Travis grinned while looking at Jillyanna who was scratching his nose awkwardly.

 Chapter 282 - REGIONAL JAIL I

    After Jillyanna and Travis ate their breakfast, she helped him change into another set of hospital gown and wiped his body with a warm water with alcohol mixed in it.


    "I want to go to the bathroom." Travis mumbled while she was wiping his right arm.


    "Okay. Wait a moment." Jillyanna put away the small basin and face towel on the table before she helped him stand.


    "I can take care of him if it''s okay with you." Valkyrie offered knowing that she''s a woman and a pregnant one, too.


    Jillyanna smiled and politely refused his offer. "I''m fine. I can take care of him." Jillyanna spoke before she placed her arm around his back and slung his other hand on his shoulder.


    "Just take a slow step. It would be bad if you move abruptly." She reminded Travis as he got down from the bed. "Don''t put too much weight on your left leg. You had a serious injury when you saved me."


    Travis kept nodding his head and took a slow step beside her. Step by step, with her strong support, he reached the bathroom and let himself enjoy the bliss of ridding toxins of his body through urination.


    Jillyanna was looking away while he was doing his thing to hide her blushing face. Once he was done, he leaned on the sink and washed his hands before going back to his bed.


    "I''m really a burden, ain''t I?" Travis questioned in whisper as they walked back to the bed.


    "Not at all. I''m actually relieved that I''m the one nursing you. It helps me relax my mind knowing that you are fine beside me."


    "Thank you for taking care of me." Travis mumbled as he sat on his bed.


    This became a daily routine for Jillyanna. She stopped coming to work and all the company affairs were taken cared of Thomas and Savannah. Hawk accompanied them wherever they go while Jackie successfully infiltrated the jail where the Summers were staying.


    Valkyrie and Brown helped her take care of Travis and sometimes, friends and family came to visit them.


    She would feed him, change his clothes, wipe his body, take him to walk for a minute or two in the morning and in the afternoon.


    In just a week, Travis could already walk on his own to the bathroom and feed himself. The bandages were removed a long time ago and he didn''t seem like someone who''s comatose for a month.


    He was gradually remembering everyone as well. The first person he remembered apart from Jillyanna was Gabriel who wasn''t even around.


    For some reason, he just talked about Gabriel who often argued with him because of a woman. He couldn''t make out her face but Jillyanna knew it was Winter.


    Sadly, they didn''t even know the situation in Pantar. Gabriel didn''t have a family who would worry about him but he''s got friends.


    Moreover, Jillyanna was worried because he looked like he lost his hope before he left for that mission. Now that Winter remembered him, he''s not around to talk to her.


    "Do you think Gabriel will come back to us?" Jillyanna asked Travis with no particular reason.


    "Probably." Travis answered simply. In his mind, he believed that he''d come back but he knew it won''t be a happy reunion. He just got a feeling that it would be messy and painful.


    "Anyway, it is good enough that you are starting to remember everyone. They''ve been your friends for a long time and they helped you a lot of times. They took care of you and me. So, I want you to remember them in time.


    Travis nodded his head while looking at the scenery outside his room. He was currently sitting on his bed with Jillyanna beside him. Valkyrie and Brown were sitting on the couch, monitoring the company surroundings to provide aid to Savannah and Hawk.


    On the other hand, Jackie started working as an assistant chef in the regional jail. Only Lucian knew of her true background.


    However, they were very cautious against the warden who was actually very young, keen and observant.


    Since she arrived, he had been checking the kitchen to observe her which irritate Jackie so much. She had been working for a week yet she wasn''t able to take action. The only achievement she made was making sure that Simon was healthy and safe.


    "Lost in thought?" the young warden asked Jackie who was cutting tomatoes for dish that the chef was preparing.


    She ignored him and continued working.


    He wasn''t the least bit upset with her attitude. In fact, he was curious why she was there. Many people could disguise themselves perfectly and if she wasn''t facing him, her disguise would''ve been perfect. Sad to say, nothing can escape his observation.


    Jackie didn''t know that she was exposed long ago. She just focused on her task and forget that someone in front of her exist.


    "I don''t know what you are here for but I won''t let you go if you do something unlawful." The young warden spoke with clear warning in his voice.


    Jackie stopped cutting the tomatoes and put down the knife. She closed her eyes to calm herself before opening them again. "I might really do something unlawful if you keep bothering me. Go away! I have work to do. I don''t want a fly pestering over me."


    From the time she arrived, it was the first time that she raised her voice and act cold against him.


    "Feisty." He commented with a sweet smile before he walked out of the kitchen. His action boiled her blood and for the first time in history, she wanted to punch someone to death because of his smile.


    "Looks like I''ll have to do it fast." She murmured to herself before she continued working.


    During her first week, she familiarized herself with the place and the surroundings. She observed the people and their habits. Just like her twin, she has a great memory. She observed the Summers and Simon who was often left alone. His family regarded him as traitor when they found the truth after the investigation.


    They hated him so much and he was often found sitting in a corner eating by himself. Sometimes the warden would accompany him to eat but his eyes would always go astray and find Jackie behind the counter.

 Chapter 283 - REGIONAL JAIL II

    Just like this time, when Jackie and everyone in the kitchen finished cooking, they placed all the food in the counter behind the glass to make sure that everyone would be able so see the food that they''re getting.


    When it was time to eat, all prisoners will be guided towards the dining hall and some of them were chatting with their climates but, Simon would walk quietly towards a corner and away from the crowd.


    The first day that she arrived, she looked for Simon to see if he''s doing fine. When she found him, she would always look in his direction. That''s when the warden noticed this simple yet intentional observation of someone.


    As usual, this time wasn''t an exception. Simon sat on his usual seat, facing his back to Jackie but she didn''t mind it as long as she could see him.


    Vincent Ruiz, the young warden, caught her watching the man again. He walked towards Simon and sat opposite him.


    Simon just greeted him and behaved himself in front of the warden. He didn''t want to make enemy with the person who can help him inside with so many people who wanted him dead.


    "Simon, do you know that woman behind the counter?" Vincent asked him while he placed his hand on his palm.


    Simon looked over and saw Jackie preparing the utensils. "Nope. I haven''t seen her before. Why?"


    "I just noticed that she had been watching you since she arrived her a week ago."


    "She did? That''s weird. I don''t really know her." Simon told him the truth and he believed him because he knew that Simon was a decent and honest person. He even exposed his family because he knew that they were wrong. "I''ll take her for questioning later. I''d like you to come as well. I don''t want to put your life in danger if she''s someone dangerous.


    He actually pinpointed the truth but he made a slight mistake. She wasn''t dangerous to Simon at all.


    Jackie could feel someone observing her but she didn''t bother herself to look who it was. She knew a certain someone who would observed her bluntly without any shame.


    The day ended and she was still unable to do her task. She sighed deeply while leaning on the back of the kitchen chair. She looked up at the ceiling and closed her eyes from the stressful environment.


    "Tired?"


    She knew who owned that voice and his voice alone can irk her. She opened her eyes and found him watching over her.


    "Can you stop showing yourself here? Why don''t you place a dozen of CCTV cameras here if you are that suspicious of me?"


    "I don''t want to spend money recklessly when I can use my feet and eyes to come over."


    Jackie didn''t say anything. She wasn''t sure yet but she figured that he knew her already. It would be troublesome if he caught her in the act knowing that he would just pop out of nowhere and show his face in the kitchen.


    ''''Once you are done here, come over to my office. I have questions to ask you."


    "Why not ask me here?"


    "Someone will be there to accompany us."


    After telling his purpose of visit, he left the room and went back to his office. Jackie could already feel the incoming headache but she didn''t have a choice but to go over.


    "Looks like you caught his interest." The head chef stated with a smile. "I''ve never seen him step foot in this kitchen for god-knows-how-many-years already."


    "He is suspicious of me. He was more like looking at a criminal than looking at a woman." Jackie opposed the chef''s statement while she removed her apron. "I''ll go visit his office for questioning. I''ll leave first."


    "Hn. Don''t be afraid of him. He''s actually kind." The chef reminded her which Jackie ignored.


    ''Kind? Who? Him? I doubt that.'' she questioned and sneered mentally to herself.


    She knew where his office was and the officers roaming around where respectful of her. She didn''t know why he was very suspicious of her.


    She was just about to knock on the door when she heard the voice inside telling her to get in.


    She opened it and saw Simon sitting on the couch with the warden sitting opposite him.


    "So what''s this all about?" Jackie asked without bothering herself to sit. She just stood at the door in case she needed to escape.


    "I just noticed that since you arrived here, you''ve watching Simon Summer from the kitchen counter. Do you know him?" Vincent asked Jackie, at the same time he was watching her facial expression.


    To his dismay, Jackie just rolled her eyes on him. "I know him. I saw him on TV. Does it bother you that much?"


    "Not really. I was just worried that you are plotting something against him."


    "If there''s anyone I want to plot against, it would be you. Do you even know how annoying your actions are? If you know something, just tell me directly. Don''t play a fool in front of me."


    Not only Vincent but Simon was also shocked with her fearless behavior. She didn''t care about anyone''s status and she wasn''t the least bit affected of him at all.


    Vincent took several pictures from his drawer and showed it to her. Simon was surprised once again to see a twin caught by the camera.


    "Which one are you?" Vincent asked.


    "Why don''t you guess? Anyway, I''m just here to make sure that Mr. Simon is safe and sound."


    "Who hired you?"


    "Do you think I''m an idiot?" Jackie rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms on her chest. "No matter who my employer is, you didn''t need to know them."


    Vincent sighed and took the pictures to keep them in his drawer. "I suggest that you leave this place. In any case, nothing will happen to Simon. If your sole purpose is to keep him safe, then I can do that for you."


    "Sure. I''ll leave right now." Jackie turned around immediately since there''s no point to continue with her task when she''s exposed.


    "Wait! You will leave right now?" Vincent was dumbfounded with her reply. He thought that she would insist to stay since he didn''t really expose her. He didn''t even know why she was there. He just chose to believe that she was there to keep Simon safe.


    Jackie raised her eyebrow in question. But Vincent didn''t know what else to say.


    "Can you stay a bit?"

 Chapter 284 - REGIONAL JAIL III

    "What?! If you want to say something, speak properly." Jackie was clearly pissed off from getting herself exposed. She couldn''t believe that she would fail her sister in this very important task.


    Simon chuckled while watching the two of them. From beginning to end, he was just watching them interact. No matter how much he looked at the girl in front of him, he didn''t find her familiar at all.


    Simon stood up to leave. "I''m glad that your employer wanted to keep me safe. Please tell your employer that I am grateful for his/her concern."


    "Sure." Jackie nodded her head and walked out of the office without listening to Vincent anymore. She would only fool herself if she continue to deny her identity when he clearly knew it.


    Simon turned towards the young warden and sighed. "I can see that you really like her. Would you let her go without letting her know your feelings? Don''t regret your decision today." He left after saying those words.


    Vincent was left alone in deep thought. Even if he liked her, he just couldn''t allow himself to compromise the life of the prisoners. Yes they were put in jail because they committed a huge sin but, that doesn''t mean anyone can take someone''s life.


    And looking at Jackie, his alarm were ringing in his mind. She was the epitome of danger and he can''t help getting suspicious specially that he saw her once with her twin sister. No matter what disguise she''ll use, he would be able to recognize her by just looking at her eyes.


    He pressed an intercom button and told the chef to stop Jackie from leaving. The chef and all other kitchen staff have their separate quarters but they were put together in the same building which was why the chef can easily find them.


    Jackie was done packing her things when their head chef came knocking on her door.


    "The warden told me that you can''t go out now. It''s getting dark outside and we are situated away from the city. It would be difficult for you to get a ride."


    "The dark night won''t bother me. Why should I listen to him? He just told me to leave not long ago and when I fixed my mind on something, I don''t easily change it."


    "He said that he''s sorry for bothering you."


    "His sorry won''t change my mind." Jackie slung her bag on her shoulder and put on her rubber shoes. She was holding her phone and called Shein to come over and pick her up.


    For the first time, she failed her mission.


    Jackie walked out of her room with the head chef following behind her. Other staff were looking at her with curious gazes as well.


    "What happened? Why is she leaving?"


    "Did she make a mistake?"


    "I heard from the people inside that she cooked delicious food. Where is she going now?"


    "Did she argue with the warden?"


    "Dis she turn him down?"


    Different speculations were thrown at her disappearing figure but she never once looked back on the building.


    She dialed Shein''s number again and he only get to answer her after her third call. "If you want to win over my sister, come and pick me up in this...this..where the hell is this place?!"


    It took her few minutes to realize that she didn''t know her exact location. "Just track my location cause I don''t know where the heck I am right now."


    "You''re going back this late? Did you fail?"


    "Hn. I failed big time but I did see Simon and he was healthy and safe."


    "I am not bringing my laptop right now and I am still coaxing your sister. Give me five minutes. I''ll borrow a laptop from Diego."


    "Alright. Make it fast. I''m getting frustrated and annoyed already."


    Jackie talked while she walked farther and farther from the place. Vincent saw her walk out of the vicinity earlier and came out to follow her. He didn''t know what to comment with her statement.


    "Are you really leaving?" he asked her which didn''t surprise Jackie at all. She knew that someone had been following her.


    "So what if I''m leaving? Anyway, you promised to keep Simon safe so I''m holding you responsible with your words."


    "Can''t you stay a bit longer?"


    "What for?" Jackie stifled a mocking laugh at him. "You knew who I am. You keep bothering me because you know something. Well, it''s good that you are being suspicious because you were able to keep them safe. So, can you leave me alone now? I honestly don''t want to see you right now."


    "Why?"


    "Are you crazy? Why are you asking me why? Isn''t it obvious? I hate you. I hate it when I''m being stared at with judgement in their eyes and you are that kind of person. I hate the way you look at me. I hate it so much that I wanted to gouge your eyes."


    Her outburst stunned him so much and he was at loss for words. He never thought that, that''s how she viewed him. He was indeed suspicious of her but the main reason he often came to the kitchen was because he wanted to see her.


    Vincent didn''t say anything for a long time. He just followed her wherever she went to protect her. He no longer stopped her because the more he stopped her, the more she''d wanted to leave.


    "I''m sorry if I come off rude in front of you. I was indeed suspicious because I''ve seen you before and I..I can..uhh how should I say this? I..can still remember your scent. You think I''m weird right?"


    Jackie looked at him with her cold eyes. Her lips were pressed into a straight line and she looked even more pissed off now.


    "I''m telling you the truth. Even if you are in a crowd, I''d be able to tell which one are you. I can even distinguish you from your twin. I saw you during the public trial and I saw you talk with Lucian before. I...think..I like you."


    "I''m not interested in getting myself in a troublesome relationship. I don''t believe in love and I certainly don''t want to involve myself with an old man like you. Hmp!"

 Chapter 285 - NO HAPPY ENDING

    "Who did you say is old? Me? I''m just 24 years old!" Vincent argued back, trying to defend himself from the accusation about his age.


    "You''re 5 years older than me." Jackie informed him which stunned Vincent to the core of his being.


    He was often told that he was the youngest warden in the whole city and the smartest one at that. Now, that he fell in love, the woman was telling him that he''s old. Older than 5 years!


    "Can you not give emphasis to the gap of our age?" Vincent found a rock and sat on it while watching Jackie few meters away from him. "I''m not really that old, am I?"


    "You..you are. so get lost and stop hanging around with me. You''ll make me look old, too."


    Vincent was deeply hurt with her words. It was the first time that he likes someone and he only ruined his chance because he annoyed her.


    "I see. I''m sorry once again for annoying you." Vincent stood up from his seat and walked towards her but Jackie turned her back on him and ignored him.


    What she didn''t expect was a warm coat placed over her shoulders to keep her warm. "I''ll go back now. I won''t bother you anymore." Vincent turned around and left her alone with his coat draped over Jackie''s shoulders.


    "I don''t need your coat! Get back here and take this with you!" Jackie yelled, her voice echoed in the darkness, disturbing the fireflies and the crickets. No matter how angry she was, Vincent didn''t listen to her and kept on walking. "Did I hurt him? Well, whatever! I won''t see him again anyway."


    Jackie waited for Shein in the middle of the night with just the bright moon illuminating her lone figure. She clutched on to the coat when the wind blew and caressed her face. It was cold.


    "He is an idiot." Jackie murmured to herself while looking up at the moon above her. "Please guide him back to the building."


    After another ten minutes, Shein came with Lucian to pick her up. "Aren''t you cold? Why didn''t you wait for us in the building?" Shein was worried for her knowing that she''d easily catch a cold. Despite her strength and agility, Jackie actually has a weak immune system. That was why Jillyanna don''t want to give her so much work. That was why she was only tasked to supervise the new employees. She can''t fight for too long either because she''ll have an over fatigue after two hours of fighting.


    "It''s a long story." Jackie stated before she got inside the car.


    Several meters from where they stood, Vincent was watching her talk to Lucian and Shein. He was hiding behind a big tree to see her off safely. "If you turn around, I''ll give myself a second chance to pursue you." he whispered to himself. To his disappointment, Jackie didn''t look back at all. She boarded the car immediately.


    When Vincent walked away from the big tree where he was hiding, Jackie turned back just in time to see a lone figure walking back to the vicinity. His back looked lonely and distraught.


    "A criminal and an officer, they won''t have a happy ending." Jackie murmured to herself, holding on to the coat that was giving her warmth in this cold world.


    "You''re saying something?" Shein asked upon seeing the faint movement of her lips and the sad expression on her face.


    "I was saying that you are so late! I waited for quite awhile and mosquitoes bit me that I''m blotted already!"


    Shein covered his ears from the earful he got from Jackie. "Sorry. I was a bit busy in my end, too."


    Jackie shut her herself and stared outside the window. She didn''t speak until they arrived at the rented house. "Thank you for sending us home Officer Seville." Jackie bowed deeply to express her gratitude.


    "No worries. I''m glad you are safe. Let me talk to Vincent once again. I know how important this is to Jillyanna so I want to help you guys, too."


    "No, but thanks. I can handle this matter by myself. Don''t worry about this."


    "Alright. If you need help, just let me know. I''ll leave now." Lucian drove his car and left the two of them. When they got home, Riley was waiting for them in the living room.


    "Sis, are you alright? Did something happen? Why didn''t you tell me?" Riley asked her in worry but she didn''t even glance towards her boyfriend. She was still upset.


    Jackie gently pat her sister''s head. "I''m fine. Sorry for worrying you. I just failed my mission this time but I''ll take action again after two days."


    "But, how will you enter the place?"


    "Just like how I entered different places before." Jackie replied. "Leave me alone for awhile. I need to think about this."


    "Okay." Riley reluctantly agreed as she watched her twin sister leave to get inside her room. When she sat on the couch again, Shein sat beside her as well.


    "I picked up Jackie."


    "Wasn''t it your job to find our track? What''s surprising about that?"


    "Riri, are you still angry? I''m really sorry. I didn''t really mean to answer you that way." Shein looked sincere with his apology but Riley''s heart wasn''t a quick-melt cheese. She won''t change her heart that quickly.


    She rolled her eyes and stood up to leave as well. She didn''t want to see him or think about him for the time being because she''d be pissed off.


    "Leave me alone. Reflect on your mistake and don''t talk to me for a week." Riley stated and left.


    Shein smiled at her silly request. Don''t talk for a week? If he would really do that, she won''t talk to him for a year perhaps. When she said don''t, it was the exact opposite. When she said do it, then you shouldn''t do it. In several circumstances, after how many years of being together, Shein knew what kind of person his girlfriend was.


    Just like any other woman, she liked to be coaxed as well. Sadly, it would really take a long time before they''d make up. In fact, he could count in one hand the times that they fought. And whenever that happened, they won''t talk for weeks and even a month.


    "Riri, I will still love you no matter how sulky you are." Shein yelled, not sure if she heard him.


    "Shut up, idiot!"

 Chapter 286 - STROLLING IN THE GARDEN

    The next day, early in the morning, Jillyanna received a call from Jackie about what happened. She didn''t mind about it and let Jackie do whatever she wanted to do to accomplish the task. She wasn''t really pressuring her about it because she knew that Jackie will always find a way.


    "My wife, I want to walk in the garden." Travis spoke softly while watching the garden outside the window.


    Jillyanna knew that he''s gotten bored inside the room so she accompanied him outside, pushing his wheelchair slowly to get into the elevator.


    "Are you bringing me to your house or to my house tomorrow?" Travis asked Jillyanna. He will be discharged tomorrow and he was worried about the inconvenience he''d cause to other people.


    "I''m bringing you to my house - our house. In that way, I can perfectly take care of you and you will see familiar faces every day."


    "I see. Won''t I be a bother?"


    "Think about being a bother once more and I will leave you here."


    "Sorry. I just don''t want to impose on anyone."


    "I know. Which is why I''m going to take care of you. Dad, will take care of the company with Savannah and Hawk. Valkyrie will be watching over them for added security. Brown will be taking care of you with me. My siblings will be taking care of my personal affairs. Thinking about it, we don''t have many things to worry about."


    They chatted on their way down and Jillyanna spent her time reassuring him. When the arrived on the ground floor, they met Eliezer who was on his way to start his shift.


    "How are you both?" Eliezer asked in relax manner. He didn''t look at Jillyanna for a long time because a certain someone was observing him carefully.


    "I''m fine. My wife has been taking care of me. Thank you for asking." Travis answered in straight-forward manner.


    "That''s good to know. I''ll head up now. See you around."


    "Bye Eli. Have a great shift." Jillyanna greeted him at the same time, waving her hand as he pushed Travis towards the direction of the garden.


    "You seemed really close to that doctor." Travis spoke in a low voice, trying not to sound jealous in front of her.


    Jillyanna stopped pushing his wheelchair in front of a koi fish pond. She at on the bench beside him and watched the fishes swam happily.


    "Eli is our family doctor. He is a good friend of mine since I was young. His father is also a doctor and they took care of me whenever I got hospitalized. When my parents left, my foster parents contacted them whenever I got sick. That''s hot they stayed in contact with me."


    "I see. He seemed really nice. Does he have anyone he likes? He seemed to be a lady''s man to me."


    "You are right. He''s got so many girls around him but I''ve never heard of him dating anyone. He''s been single for years now. His father was even pushing him to get married. But Eli is still young so I understand why he didn''t want to settle down yet. Or perhaps, he hadn''t met the right girl for him."


    Travis smiled upon hearing the truth from her. He knew when someone was lying to him but Jillyanna never did. Whatever questions he asked, she would always tell him the truth.


    "Can I kiss you?"


    "Huh?" Jillyanna didn''t see this coming. "What''s with this sudden request?"


    "Nothing particular. I just want to kiss you."


    "Then why are you asking permission?"


    "Shouldn''t I ask then?"


    "I don''t know." Jillyanna started blush with the direction of their conversation. Whenever they talk, Travis would always find a way and they would end up kissing.


    The difference this time was that, they were outside his room. People were passing by and she was getting embarrassed.


    Seeing her flushed face, Travis chuckled on his seat. He took hold of her hand and just watched his surrounding. "Should we make a koi fish pond in the garden? Just a small one to give a little fantastic vibe in it. They said that koi fishes are signs of good luck, too."


    "I think it''s fine. We have a huge space at home anyway. Do you want to take a walk around?"


    "Won''t you get tired?"


    "Nope. I''ll follow you with the wheelchair so that you can sit immediately whenever you get tired."


    "Okay. I''ll take a walk for about 15 minutes then we''ll get back inside to eat breakfast." Travis stood up from his seat and walk slowly around the fish pond. Sometimes, he would pick a flower that he found pretty and gave it to Jillyanna.


    "When I get back my strength, I''ll plant many flowers for you again."


    "Thanks in advance. I''ll take care of them properly."


    "You don''t have to. I''ll take care of them for you." He placed a pink rose on her hand and kissed her forehead. "You only have to take care of yourself and our baby."


    "And you. I''ll take care of you."


    "The sweetest and caring wife in the world is Jillyanna Madrigal. And I''m the lucky man she married."


    "Stop spouting nonsense." Jillyanna laughed faintly while placing the flower inside her coat pocket.


    Some couples like them were strolling in the hospital garden, too. They could see how much Jillyanna loved her husband and just how much effort her husband put to recover his strength.


    There were old couples who enjoyed watching their interactions, too. Even doctors could see the fast recovery of Travis because of Jillyanna.


    "Love can do miracles. When we lost hope because he was unresponsive, she remained strong and stubborn. She didn''t give up and took care of him." The old doctor assigned to Travis commented as he looked down at the garden and saw the couple.


    "She would often cry silently beside him but she would face everyone with a smile. Mr. Madrigal is very lucky to marry such a good wife."


    "Lucky indeed."


    As they talk about them, time was up and Travis sat back on his wheelchair. Jillyanna pushed him towards the huge tree and rested for awhile.


    Unexpectedly, she kissed Travis on his temple which really surprised him. "Uh..that..that was for working hard this morning." Jillyanna stated shyly.


    "That''s all?"


    "What a greedy husband you are." she spoke in a joking manner but she still leaned closer and placed a light kiss on his lips. "I love you."

 Chapter 287 - REMEMBERING HIS FRIENDS

    Jillyanna brought Travis back to his room. Many doctors congratulated him on his recovery whenever they see him. They all heard about Travis and for doctors, it was their happiness to know that a patient survives after such an ordeal.


    "Would you like to take a half bath or would you like to eat first?" Jillyanna asked him when they got inside.


    Thomas was there together with Savannah and Hawk. They were waiting for them to come back before they''d go to the company.


    "Good morning dad." Jillyanna greeted Thomas while she pour a glass of water for Travis.


    "Good morning father." Travis greeted Thomas as well but it sounded impolite and disrespectful. Jillyanna looked at him weirdly so he changed his greeting. "Good morning dad. Have you eaten?" This time, Jillyanna smiled and kissed his head.


    Thomas was deeply touched that his son was trying his best to cope with his current situation. Jillyanna was helping him too which made it less awkward whenever they visit him.


    "I have eaten already. We brought you food so you should eat as well. We just drop by before going to the company."


    "You take good care of yourself. Mom is gone so you should be extra careful of your health."


    "You remembered your mother?" Thomas asked in surprise because it was another step to recover his lost memory. However, Travis disappointed him.


    "I don''t remember her but Jill has been telling me about you and her. She would always tell me a story pertaining to everyone. That''s how I know. I remembered Gabriel though."


    This time Savannah and Hawk looked at him before they both shifted their eyes to Jillyanna who only shrugged her shoulders.


    "How did you remember him?" Savannah asked because it was weird of him to remember someone without any stimuli.


    Travis thought about it for awhile. "I don''t really know. He just popped out of my mind. I remembered that he argued with me because of a little girl. He was really young back then. I wonder how he looked right now."


    They sadly sighed for his memory. The person he remembered was the young Gabriel. He still don''t remember the current Gabriel.


    "That''s a good progress. You will eventually remember us. Just take your time." Hawk spoke to him with a faint smile. Even if some people would say he looked cold and ruthless, to everyone he cared about, he was the kindest person and friend they could have.


    "I''ll try my best. Did you bring the photo albums?" Travis asked them in which Savannah nodded happily. She went to the couch and picked a paper bag which contained several photo albums. "Thank you Savy."


    "Huh? What did you just call me?" Everyone was stunned and happy at the same time. Valkyrie and Brown who just came heard him, too.


    "Did you just call her Savy?" Valkyrie asked who was still standing at the door with his eyes wide open.


    "Don''t just stand at the door." Brown pushed him in and walked towards Jillyanna. "I cut some flowers from the garden."


    "It''s fine. Thank you for taking care of them." Jillyanna whispered.


    Travis who was put under the spotlight was confused. "Didn''t I always call you Savy? I think I remembered calling you Savy. Did I remember it wrong?"


    Savannah cried and threw herself in his arms. "Aahhh! I''m so happy you remember me. You are the one who named me Savy after my codename Savannah. You always call me Savy. I am so happy." she cried from so much joy that even Jillyanna wiped the tears that fell on her face.


    Travis didn''t know how to react. A woman was in his arms while his wife was crying not far from him. He was utterly confused as to what he should do.


    In the end, he still pushed her a little away from him. "Don''t throw yourself at me. I''m only interested in my wife. I don''t want anyone else but my wife."


    These words made everyone burst into a fit of laughter. They couldn''t believe that he would misunderstood her action that way.


    "We knew you''re only interested in your wife. I was just really happy that you remembered me." Savannah stated while wiping her tears happily.


    "I don''t particularly remember everything about you. I just thought that I have always called someone Savy and your name is Savannah so it must be you."


    "That is still a good progress." Brown commented while he arranged the flowers in the vase. "It''s a relief that you remember something so important to Savannah."


    "I agree with Brown. But then again, don''t take it too hard." Valkyrie stated with a faint smile.


    "Tsk! You will only agree with everything he''d say." Savannah snickered at him while Hawk handed her a handkerchief.


    Jillyanna was smiling happily at them while she prepared the food that they will be eating. "By the way, Travis will be discharged tomorrow at 10 o''clock in the morning. I''ll be taking him back in our house. Will it be fine with you dad?"


    "Hn. It''s fine with me. I''ll just come over to visit you both." Thomas responded to her.


    Travis watched everyone interact and found something interesting. He noticed it since the first time the two visited him together. They often argued back and forth but there was something in their eyes that says something else.


    Travis looked between Valkyrie and Brown, then he looked down and smiled. This time he remembered the two of them clearly. It was so clear that he was the one who cried.


    "What happened?" Jillyanna panicked and walked to his side. "Why are you crying? What happened to you? Are you in pain? Are you getting dizzy?"


    Travis shook his head and hugged her despite the fact that everyone was watching them. "I''m just so happy I don''t know know how to contain it."


    "Oh..Then just be happy. Either you laugh or cry, I''ll be by your side." Jillyanna whispered while she pat his back gently.


    "I remember Val and Brown. Everything about them..."

 Chapter 288 - LOOKING THROUGH ALBUMS

    Jillyanna blinked her eyes and looked at him before she looked at Valkyrie and Brown who were also staring back at her.


    "What''s the matter? Why are you looking at us?" Brown asked in worry because he couldn''t read what Jillyanna was feeling that time.


    Jillyanna finally smiled but she still turned back to Travis and kissed both his cheeks. "Were you shocked that they''re together now?"


    "Nope. I expected it already but I didn''t expect that it would be in such a short time." Travis admitted which made everyone happy once again.


    Valkyrie and Brown were elated to hear the news but they kept their happiness because they noticed that Thomas was looking sad.


    Not only them, Jillyanna noticed it too. "Alright, don''t tire my husband so much. It''s early in the morning and we''re all getting emotional." Jillyanna spoked with a smile. "Dad, once Travis gets discharged we''ll come visit the hacienda, too. He spent most of his time there so he would be able recover plenty of memories. Let''s all look forward to that."


    "Sure. Come and visit me sometime." He looked at his wrist watch and sighed. "I''d have to go now. We still have plenty of things to do today."


    "Okay. See you tomorrow." Jillyanna led them out and watched them go. The only remaining people was her and Travis, together with Valkyrie and Brown.


    "Did you guys eat already? Why don''t you eat with us?" Jillyanna offered while she took a spoon and fork for Travis.


    "We ate before we left. You guys take your time. Don''t mind us." Brown refused politely and walked towards the couch with Valkyrie.


    Travis was quiet while he slowly ate his food. "I think I disappointed my father. I remembered my friends first instead of him."


    Jillyanna put down her spoon and looked at him. "Actually, what I remembered is that you didn''t really spend so much time with your father. When you were young, he sent you to different classes to be an excellent man. You only spent time with him during weekend and that''s even in my house. As you grew up, you were becoming distant to him. Still he took care of you when your mother left. Sadly, his health was getting worse which was the reason you asked Evan to take care of him when he''s home. When I was really angry and upset because of you, he will always defend you in front of me. At the same time, we can''t force you to remember your father. We''re depending on the circumstances and the places for you to recover your memories."


    Travis nodded his head in understanding. If he had a choice, he would want to remember his father, too but he''d have to suffer from headache and dizziness. He didn''t want to worry his wife so he was depending on whatever memory that popped in his mind.


    They ate their breakfast in silence and sometimes they would talk if something popped in his mind.


    After they ate, Travis took a half bath and changed his hospital gown. He can''t wet his head yet because the wound hadn''t healed yet and the doctor reminded him not to get it wet.


    "Do you want to take a look at the album?" Jillyanna asked him when he came out of the bathroom.


    "Sure. I''d be happy to know more things about me." Travis responded to her and sat on his bed with the album. Jillyanna took a chair and sat beside his bed.


    Brown and Valkyrie would often steal glances at the couple in front of them and they would smile secretly to each other.


    "I didn''t expect he''d remember us today." Brown whispered as he leaned his back on the couch.


    "Neither did I."


    "Do you think Uncle is upset?"


    "Probably. Who wouldn''t be upset if your son remember someone else instead of you, his father? At the same time, I think uncle would understand him. The situation is out of our control after all." Valkyrie stated his opinion while he took hold of Brown''s hand and intertwined their fingers.


    "And what do you think you''re doing?"


    "I''m holding you. Dad told me to never let you go or I will regret it for the rest of my life." Valkyrie shamelessly admitted which didn''t escape Jillyanna''s hearing.


    "You and Valkyrie are so alike." she whispered to Travis with faint smile. "You act shameless whenever you want."


    Travis chuckled at her statement as he shifted his gaze towards the pair. One was grinning mischievously while the other was glaring sharply.


    "Indeed. But I am only acting this way towards you. Just like how Matthew acted the same way towards Evan."


    "Tsk! You''re even admitting it now." Jillyanna rolled her eyes at him. She opened the album to different pages but all she could see were pictures of them when they were young. "I don''t think there''s a need to see these pictures." She closed the album and placed it on the side.


    "Why don''t you want to see it?"


    "I just don''t want to." Even if she forgave him already, even if she''s married to him, and even if she loves him more than anyone else, she still didn''t want to remember her childhood. As much as possible, she wanted to forget them. She didn''t have any good memories with it.


    "Your father left you and died without letting you know. Your mother died unexpectedly when you were 12 years old. And I hurt you when you were five. I left you and you collapsed. I said so many hurtful words. Is that why you didn''t want to see them?"


    "Hn."


    "I see. Then, I won''t see them. Let''s take a look with the other albums." Travis suggested and Jillyanna took a new photo album. This time there were pictures of him, together with Gabriel and Winter. "I remember this. But I couldn''t remember the current Gabriel."


    "It''s fine we will get to it soon." Jillyanna smiled and flipped a new page. They looked at each page of all the albums but Travis didn''t remember anything. "We''ll check on them tomorrow. I heard that your cousin is coming back in a week. It would be better if you could talk to her in person."


    "Wifey, don''t I have a prize for taking a bath on my own?" Hearing this question, both Brown and Valkyrie wanted to laugh so hard. They couldn''t believe that a childish Travis existed.


    Jillyanna didn''t mind though. She wanted to spoil him in whatever way possible. She leaned closer at him and held both his face before she placed a light kiss on his lips. "That''s your prize."

 Chapter 289 - A HORRIBLE MEMORY

    As scheduled, Travis was discharged the next day. It was Valkyrie and Brown who picked them up and brought them home.


    The house was decorated nicely to celebrate his recovery. Jillyanna''s family was there as well as the twins and Shein. The Sandovals were there too and Cheska came along with them. Zachary and Wynwyn were also there to welcome him home.


    It was a very lively atmosphere and everyone was happy to see him home. Jillyanna was even startled to see a huge wedding photo of them in the living room. She clearly remembered that she kept it beside her vanity mirror.


    "Auntie Fei, who placed it there?" Jillyanna asked their helper who came to bring a glass of water for her.


    "Miss Cielo asked sir Lucian to do it. She visited yesterday to clean your room and found it." Auntie Fei answered her and handed the water. "Did you drink your vitamins this morning?"


    "Yes Auntie. Thank you for always reminding me with a note."


    "No worries sweetheart." The kind woman exited and walked towards the kitchen.


    Travis was surrounded with so many people and he was looking around to find Jillyanna for help.


    "Are you looking for your wife? How come you are very dependent on her?" Diego asked. As far as he remember, Travis didn''t like to depend on someone.


    "Why can''t I depend on her? She''s my wife." Travis answered bluntly without caring about their opinions.


    "We didn''t get to celebrate your wedding so we prepared a little sort of post celebration for your wedding and for your recovery." Wynwyn stated with a cheerful smile even though Travis couldn''t remember her yet.


    "Thank you. I''m glad that my wife found friends like you."


    "Pfft!" Jillyanna was watching him from the porch while he interacted with everyone and she couldn''t stop herself from spitting the water she just drank. ''They are your friends for Pete''s sake.'' she mentally noted while she pat her chest.


    Wynwyn and Diego could only sigh deeply. The three of them were together for years, yet he couldn''t remember anything about them.


    Travis sensed the awkward atmosphere around him but he couldn''t which word did he use to offend anyone.


    Seeing his bothered expression, Jillyanna came to his side and spoke to him. "Diego and Wynwyn are your friends. You''ve been together since college and the three of you started J Entertainment. Diego is the Vice- President who''s helping you run the business whenever you are not around. Wynwyn is the head of the PE Department and recently, she took in my sister and became her personal manager. Cheska is Diego''s fiance. You are also good friends with her and helped them hide their relationship. Zachary is Wynwyn''s husband. He is a shareholder in J Entertainment and also a good friend of yours. I became friends with them because of you. Do you get what I mean?"


    Travis listened to her attentively and realized his mistake. He immediately apologized to them and told them about his amnesia.


    "We totally understand your situation." Cheska stated in a low voice. "Just take your time. You will eventually remember us."


    "I agree. We will wait for you to remember us." Zach chimed in to lighten the atmosphere.


    "Thank you." Travis responded with a smile. Jillyanna pushed his wheelchair and stopped in the living room. "I remember that picture." He was looking at the large wedding photos of them. "You were the most beautiful bride I''ve ever seen in my life."


    Cielo was preparing the food with Savannah and Sky at the kitchen. When she came out to arrange the table, she found Travis and Jillyanna looking at their wedding photo. "Beautiful isn''t it?"


    "Yes. She''s beautiful." Travis nodded his head with a smile. "Thank you so much Cielo."


    "You''re welcome. Focus on your recovery so we could attend your grand wedding." Cielo responded cheerfully. She knew that Travis don''t remember her but, Jillyanna talked about her family and Travis kept them in mind.


    "Are you tired? Do you want to take a rest for awhile?" Jillyanna asked when she noticed that he was looking pale. His back was damp with a cold sweat. "Travis, speak to me. What are you feeling right now?" she asked him anxiously when he remained quiet.


    Travis took hold of her hands and kissed the back of it. "Don''t worry about me. I just remembered something..something really sad." Travis admitted. "I remembered several people were chasing after me and my cousin. They wanted to kill us and my cousin was hit at the back of her head. And I killed them. I saw blood in my hands. I was holding on to a bat and I beat them into pulps."


    Jillyanna knew exactly which memory he was talking about. It was the time they were kidnapped because of her mother. She closed her eyes and hugged him tightly.


    "I''m sorry. I''m sorry that you had to experience it. You didn''t kill them on purpose. You had to do it for your cousin''s sake. You were only defending yourself. I''m sorry." Jillyanna couldn''t stop herself from crying. She rubbed his back to comfort him but she felt a warm liquid seeping on her clothes.


    She thought Travis was crying again and it worried her. She moved him a little to see his face but what she saw startled her. Travis had a nosebleed and he was unconscious.


    "Travis?" she called out his name but he didn''t respond at all.


    Brown noticed what happened and ran towards them. "What''s going on?" he asked Jillyanna while he took his wrist to feel his pulse.


    "He said he remembered something painful. I was just talking to him and he just suddenly fell unconscious." Jillyanna answered him while she wiped her tears. Everyone noticed it too and started to calm her.


    "I don''t see anything wrong with him. If I may say, the memories must have been a shock to him. It could be something horrible that happened in the past. Let''s take him upstairs so he could rest first."


    Hawk carried Travis on his back and brought him to their room while Jillyanna and Brown were following behind them.

 Chapter 290 - I NEED TO CALM THIS

    "How is he?" Thomas asked Brown when he came down from Jillyanna''s room. He was very worried for his son just like everyone else in the room.


    "Don''t worry uncle, RV is fine. He just remembered something shocking to him. We just need him to rest in their room.


    Everyone sighed with relief upon hearing them. If they were worried that much, how much more did Jillyanna felt?


    Jillyanna was lying on the bed beside Travis. She was holding his hand while she looked at his sleeping face.


    When it was time for lunch, she went down and ate with everyone. It would be disrespectful to just leave them on their own when they came over to celebrate Travis'' recovery.


    "Are you sure it''s fine for you to come down? He might wake up soon." Wynwyn asked Jillyanna who was eating slowly with her food.


    "It''s fine. I would know if he''s awake so it is not a problem." she looked at everyone in front of her and smiled faintly. "Thank you so much for coming. It''s really a big help for Travis."


    "No problem Jill. Just let us know if you need some help." Diego responded to her.


    "Correct. Travis is our friend and it''s our time to help him now." Wynwyn stated as she threw a playful wink towards Jillyanna.


    They continued to eat and chat around the table like nothing happened. They didn''t want to worry so much because it would only add pressure to Jillyanna. They wanted her to feel comfortable and have less worry in her mind.


    While they ate, Jillyanna received a call and a smile spread on her lips. "I''m in the kitchen right now, do you want me to bring something for you?"


    Everyone turned towards her and kept silent to listen in to their conversation. It was clear that she was talking to Travis.


    "He''s awake?!" Cheska exclaimed happily. She clasped her hands together and she was really relieved. Everyone else were happy, too.


    Jillyanna listened to whatever Travis said before she ended the call. "Excuse me for awhile. I''ll have to get back to my husband first." She left her food and went inside the kitchen to get a glass of water before she walked back inside her room.


    "How are you feeling?" Jillyanna asked while handing him the glass of water. Travis was currently sitting on their bed while looking at his phone.


    "I''m fine. I finally understood the memories I got earlier."


    "I see. Don''t worry, I''ll be here whenever you remember unpleasant or pleasant things."


    "Weren''t you eating downstairs? You could''ve just come when you''re done eating." Travis told her after gulping down the water.


    "I can always change my food but I can''t change my husband." This statement stunned him and a blush started to creep up on his face. He didn''t know that men could feel that way but, Travis would always feel his heart racing with Jillyanna around him.


    "Wifey, I just recovered from the shock and here you are, throwing sweet words that might give me a heart attack."


    Jillyanna raised her eyebrow in question but her smile was from ear to ear and her eyes were sparkling like a dark sky littered with stars at night.


    She was standing at the side of the bed, just a few inches away from him. With her sassy smile plastered on her face, Travis reached out his hand and pulled her down on the bed. He flipped her over and let her lie while he was hovering above her.


    "Aren''t you tired? What game are you playing this time?" Jillyanna just looked at him without any intention of spoiling his plans because she missed this side of him.


    Travis looked at her with a wolf''s smile. He was up to something mischievous again. "I just miss doing this with you."


    "Oh? What else do you miss?"


    "This.." he kissed the tip of her nose which made Jillyanna smile. "and these.." he kissed both her eyes and her eyebrows. "this one, too.." he kissed her forehead before he looked at her again. "I miss kissing you like this." He lowered his head once again, closing the gap between their lips and placed a light kiss on it.


    Jillyanna wrapped her arms hands around his neck with a flush face. "I miss not just our kisses but everything about you."


    Her words added fuel to what Travis already felt and he kissed her again. It wasn''t just a light kiss this time, it was a kiss worth of one month''s time.


    He nibbled on her lower lips, danced with her tongue; telling her how much he loves her with just a kiss. Her lovely moans enticed him to do more but he knew his limit and it frustrated him.


    After few minutes, Travis stopped and looked at her while gasping for air. "I hate this when I''m out of stamina."


    Jillyanna chuckled beneath him at his words. For the first time, it was him who was running out of breath. "You can do it again when you recovered your strength. I won''t be running away, anyway."


    Travis pulled back from her and laid his body beside her. His hand was caressing her small baby bump while he looked at her. "I love you Jill. Heart, body and soul - I''m giving it all to you."


    "I''ll take care of it. I won''t let anyone hurt it. Not anymore. There won''t be a second time of that accident."


    Travis trembled to feel that intense hatred coming off from her. He knew that she''s strong and good with combat skills but he didn''t know as to what extent her capability was.


    Jillyanna closed her eyes and snuggled close to him. "Don''t you want to come out? Everyone''s here for you. Why don''t we eat together with them?"


    "Just give me a minute. It would be bad to let them see me like this." Jillyanna was confused with what he was talking about. She didn''t see anything wrong with him.


    Watching her confused state, Travis took hold of her free hand and placed it on a certain part of his body which was awakened from their kiss. "I need to calm it first."

 Chapter 291 - FELL ON HER OWN TRAP

    Jillyanna blushed again and she hid her face on his chest. She pulled back her hand and throw a light punch on him. "How can you calm it when you just placed my hand on it?" She mumbled on his chest which made Travis laugh so hard.


    It was fun to tease her with these kind of activities. Sometimes, he could see how brave she was to deal with his personal matters but most of the time, she would just blush and be shy about it.


    "How come you are still shy when it come to this? We''ve done it several times already."


    "What several times? We''ve done it twice only." she argued back at him but something flashed across her mind. "Well, perhaps it was several times cause you''ve done several round the last time."


    "Hahaha." Travis laughed so hard beside her. He really loved to tease her. Her cute little actions and her expressions were bringing joy to his life.


    Even when they were young, he liked to watch her smiles, her pouts, her glares and her shy gestures. If it wasn''t for his jealousy, they would''ve been together from the start. "I wish I could turn back the time. I would go back to the past and give my young self a little knock on his head."


    "Don''t think about it. There''s no point thinking about it cause it''s futile."


    "I know. It''s just that, I can''t stop myself from regretting over that matter."


    "I''m here, okay. Travis I''m here. The past don''t matter since we still end up together. Stop thinking about it. I don''t want you to feel bad about yourself. Think about the present me, not the past me."


    Travis pulled Jillyanna even closer and hugged her tightly. He kissed the top of her head again and again to express his agreement. Jillyanna hugged him back, inhaling his scent that always calm her mind.


    After half an hour, Jillyanna finally came down with Travis. He walked step by step with Jillyanna beside him. Valkyrie was quick to act and waited at the bottom of the stairs in case he''d trip up and fell, he would be there to instantly catch him. They can''t let him get hurt again.


    Jillyanna fully understood his action and she smiled to Valkyrie for being considerate towards Travis. Everyone watched him walk slowly towards the dining area where everyone was having their desserts.


    "It''s good to see that you are recovering quickly." Sky stated while she placed a new set of cutleries beside Jillyanna''s seat around the table.


    "Thanks mom. I don''t want to burden my wife anymore so I''m trying my best."


    "Don''t take it too hard. In any case, we are all here to help you."


    "Hn. I''ll keep that in mind." Travis sat on the chair beside Jillyanna, looked at the food in front of him before shifting his gaze to Jillyanna''s food. "You''re still eating the food recipes I made when there''s these so much food?"


    "The doctor told us that I can''t eat so much which is why you made different recipes for me. I love them and it''s nutritious."


    Travis smiled and pat her head gently. "My wife is really obedient. I''ll give you a prize later."


    Jillyanna grinned evilly and leaned closer to him as she whispered, "Work on your stamina first before giving me a prize, hn?"


    "You have a point. I''ll do that then. When the time comes, you can''t say no."


    Jillyanna realized her mistake and the trap she made herself. ''Ahhhh I won''t last long with this beast.'' she screamed internally while watching Travis reached for a corn crab soup.


    "Can I get my prize tonight? You don''t have to work on it."


    "Nope. There''s no taking back what I said." Jillyanna could only gulp her saliva from being nervous. She didn''t expect to fall for her own trap.


    Nobody knew what they were talking about except them. Nevertheless, everyone''s happy to see their normal and sweet interactions.


    Jillyanna would place light food on Travis plate to make sure that he won''t have to move around so much. They chatted with everyone about what they do everyday and what places they usually go with Travis. Jillyanna was planning to bring him around the city to make him familiarize with the place again.


    While they talk cheerfully, Jackie suddenly stood up on her seat. Her face obviously showed the frustration that she felt while holding her phone.


    "Excuse me. I have to make a phone call." she bowed deeply to apologize and walked out of the dining area. She went to the back garden while dialing a certain number.


    "You''ve called? Is there any problem?" Vincent asked in his usual cheerful manner that he never showed in front of Jackie while she was there.


    Everytime they met, he was always serious and looked suspicious of her. He never smiled genuinely at her when she was working as a chef in the regional jail.


    "Stop bothering me." Jackie stated coldly at him. Her frosty voice could freeze anyone but Vincent didn''t falter at all.


    "Isn''t it your mission to make sure that Simon is doing fine? I took over your task so I''m sending you pictures and video to assure you that I''m doing my job properly."


    Jackie pressed her left temple to stop herself from cursing him. "If you''re trying to hit on me by using Simon, just stop it. It won''t work on me."


    "Can''t we be friends?" Vincent grasped on to the last straw that he got. "I want to start over with you."


    "Use your words properly. There''s nothing to start over between us. And to tell you the truth, the nature of your job is my worst enemy. You get what I mean?"


    Vincent took a deep sigh and put down the pen he was using to sign some documents. "I don''t believe you. I know you are only using that reason to push me away."


    "Heh! You won''t believe me, then don''t. You''ll see it with your own two eyes anyway."


    Jackie ended the call and went back inside with a decision in mind. "I''ll make a move tonight."

 Chapter 292 - POISONING THE SUMMERS

    Their celebration lasted until around six in the evening. They didn''t want to take so much time from the couple knowing that they just got home to their love nest.


    Savannah helped Auntie Fei and Auntie Sisi cleaned the house while Valkyrie arranged everything back to where they belong.


    They all worked in sync to lessen Jillyanna''s worry. While they worked, Jillyanna went out of the house and picked a pot of a red rose. She placed it under the mango tree where the carved letter A was placed.


    "Dad, I''m home. I brought your son-in-law here. Well, you probably know him already. I am no longer alone Daddy. I finally found true friends and I have Travis and our baby, too. Please watch over us with Mom and Auntie Venus." she bowed her head with her clasped hands and silently talked to her father.


    Travis just watched her from the porch of their house since Jillyanna refrained him from going out. "Come inside already. It''s getting cold." he called to Jillyanna who was still staring at the starless sky.


    Jillyanna turned on her heels and walked back inside their house. She pushed his wheelchair until the bottom of the stairs and they just walked side by side up to their room.


    Brown followed them and brought the wheelchair inside their room before leaving once again to give them space. Jillyanna prepared a warm bath for both of them while Travis waited on their bed.


    "Are your bruises fine now that you''re willing to bath with me?" Travis asked her in worry.


    "It''s fine a long time ago. I just stopped myself from taking a bath with you because I don''t want to end up in bed for couple of days."


    Travis chuckled at her statement. When the warm bath was ready, he undress himself and get inside the tub first. Jillyanna followed him with her flushed face. "Don''t look at me."


    "Why can''t I look at my wife?"


    "Because your eyes will always betray how you feel."


    "It''s fine. I''m showing this exclusively to you."


    "Tsk!"


    Whatever they were talking about, only the two of them know. They held so much understanding for each other after all the things they went through.


    Many people said that time isn''t the only way to measure your love for each other but also the adversities that you both went through together.


    Jillyanna leaned the back of her head on his chest and closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his body coursing to her. "I miss this. Bathing with you in peace is relaxing."


    Travis was caressing her baby bump with his chin on top of her head. "I miss all the things I do with you."


    "I can feel that." Jillyanna murmured as she stilled in her place. She didn''t want to move because a certain lively creature was poking her back.


    "It''s fine. I won''t do anything to you." Travis stifled his laughter while feeling the fast beat of her heart.


    True to his words, they just spent their time cuddling in the bath tub. They didn''t stay long since Travis didn''t want her to catch a cold. Even under his current condition, he still think about her.


    Around nine in the evening, the two of them were lying on their bed while remembering their recent activities. They also talked about their plans for the coming days to help Travis remember things.


    While the night was getting late, some people were going home to sleep and some were just about to start their work. Jackie belonged to the latter group.


    She slid into the dark alleys and suburbs to get into the regional jail. She didn''t take the usual routes used by vehicles because there were cameras along the street that she needed to avoid.


    It took her two hours to get into the place that she left not long ago. Just like the night when she left, the surrounding place was still dark. The lights were only stationed starting from the borderline. It would be very difficult for her to get inside if she didn''t study the place before but, she did. It''s just a piece of cake.


    Jackie walked around the place and reached the backyard where not many guards were stationed. There wasn''t anything in the backyard but the vegetables that the prisoners personally grew.


    Jackie climbed up the wall and landed on the ground right beside the newly-grown lettuce plant. Jackie walked calmly and went inside the staff building. No one was around and the building was silent, only her footsteps could be heard.


    She took a uniform that was newly washed and wore it. She could only be happy and thankful that the Summers were placed on the same floor. That means, she didn''t have to roam around that much.


    "It''s time to put and end to your foolishness." Jackie murmured as she walked towards the kitchen. Inside the basket were sandwiches that would usually be given to the prisoners in the morning. She took all of them and went to the third floor where the Summers were placed. The police officer who was assigned to watch over them fell asleep and didn''t notice Jackie who walked past him.


    Jackie injected small amount of the liquid through the wrapper that Jillyanna gave her. Jillyanna didn''t tell her the effect but she reassured her that it was something that can''t kill anyone unless the person would kill himself.


    She placed the rigged sandwiches on the table table which was within her reach. It was purposely placed near the bar for the kitchen staff to give their snacks easily.


    Everyone thought that it was fine. They didn''t notice anything unusual at all. Jackie didn''t take much of her time. She handed everyone their sandwiches and leave. She even purposely left her hair clip as a souvenir for Vincent.


    "Let''s see what you can do."


    With an evil smirk, she left the place with her head held high in victorious glee.

 Chapter 293 - THE CLUE

    Vincent just got back from a meeting with the district supervisor and he was a little exhausted. He wanted to talk to Jackie but she shut her phone off.


    Just as he was about to sleep, he caught a silhouette walking in the kitchen and back to the kitchen staff''s building. Vincent had a bad feeling and went out again.


    He wasn''t sure why but his throat was constricted from so much anxiety. He jogged on his way to the kitchen and found no one. He followed the shadow and walked towards the other building. Still, no one in sight.


    Vincent went back to the kitchen and found everything in place. ''What am I missing?'' he thought to himself as he walked back to his room where the monitors were placed. Actually, he got himself his own monitors to personally see what''s going on. At the same time, they have a huge control room where two police officers were tasked to check the abnormal activities through camera lenses.


    Vincent couldn''t pinpoint what was really wrong so he called the control room to check the cameras back to the past one hour.


    The police officers immediately worked on his request and checked each camera. After half an hour, they reported back to him a negative result.


    "How come? I''m sure I saw someone." Vincent pinched the space between his eyebrows while he checked the monitors himself. He didn''t know how it happened but he couldn''t find anyone from the camera recordings either. He even started to think that he was just imagining things.


    In reality, he wasn''t really imagining things. Even if he was tired, what he saw was Jackie''s shadow. It was the last recording that Shein had to erase.


    Jackie asked Shein to hack into the regional jail''s system to help her cover her tracks. Everytime she appeared in a camera, Shein was right behind her, removing all traces.


    When Vincent caught the shadow of someone, Shein was also on it, deleting her existence. It would have been perfect if Jackie didn''t purposely leave her hair clip.


    She dared to do it because she knew she can escape from it and she just want to see how Vincent would react.


    Early morning of the next day, everyone got up and ate their bread and drank the water given to them before they head to take a shower. At first, nothing was wrong with anyone. They chatted, do their morning exercise, watered their plants, toiled the garden and do many activities.


    It wasn''t until 10 o''clock in the morning that Mr. Summer, the head of the family, felt an intense pain in his body. He fell on the ground and curled his body like a shrimp.


    He was sweating coldly from the pain and they didn''t know how to help him. The doctors and nurses assigned to the regional jail came to his rescue immediately and brought him to the clinic.


    It wasn''t even five minutes yet when they got another call of the same situation. Minutes after minutes, all the Summers were inside the clinic. Some were crying from the excruciating pain they felt. Some were gritting their teeth to hold back their curses.


    The pain wasn''t just superficial. It was bone-deep and they all felt that they were being broken into pieces.


    The doctors diagnosed them but they couldn''t find anything unusual from them. There wasn''t any sign of food poisoning or any external factors that could''ve hurt them.


    Vincent heard about the news and immediately went up to them. He saw all the Summers involved in illegal human experiments except for one, Simon.


    Vincent went out of the clinic and started to find Simon who was actually digging a soil near his lettuce plant.


    "What are you doing?" Vincent asked which raised an eyebrow from other prisoners.


    Simon just looked at him before he continued doing his task. "I''m told to plant a lettuce so I''m planting another batch."


    "Oh..it''s not..I mean..are you alright? Are you feeling any pain like your family."


    Simon shook his head. "I don''t feel anything and I don''t have family. Don''t associate me with them."


    "Do you happen to know if there''s disease that can cause so much pain?"


    "I don''t. And if they feel pain, that''s a very light punishment for what they did to everyone."


    Vincent stopped asking him since Simon didn''t have much of an information. In truth, Simon wasn''t planning to plant a new batch of lettuce but he did so as an excuse.


    When he arrived that morning to check his garden, he noticed the light footprint beside his plant and a long strand of hair and a crystal button. He didn''t know who owned it but he knew that person wasn''t from the place because everyone in the place had their hair cut short. The only person he saw with a long hair was Jackie but he wasn''t sure if it was Jackie who came to punish them. He dug the footprint to mess with it and buried the items on the ground.


    Vincent was still feeling restless from what happened. He was very sure that someone infiltrated their place and did something. However, he couldn''t get his hands on any evidence. He couldn''t say that the Summers were acting either because he could see the pain in their eyes and the helpless expressions.


    Vincent walked for god-knows-how-long and ended up in the kitchen again. He looked at the place once again. All the kitchen staff were there except for the woman that he was missing.


    "Who sent the sandwiches this morning?" Vincent asked.


    Two of the staff raised their hands to answer him. "I brought the sandwiches from the 1st to the second floor."


    "I brought them water and I found that the sandwiches for the third floor were already given." the other person answered.


    "Who brought the ones to the third floor?" Vincent asked once again but the staff only looked at each other before they all shook their heads.


    Vincent walked out and run towards the third floor immediately. He checked all nooks and cranny of the place to find any clues.


    Unfortunately, the clue he found was something he couldn''t show to anyone. "She really came." Vincent murmured with a sad expression while he kept the hair clip inside his coat pocket.

 Chapter 294 - MESSING WITH HIM

    When Jackie arrived home, she found that she''s missing one button of her black jacket and it could''ve been left at the jail or somewhere on the way.


    As part of her cautious behavior, she changed her clothes and threw it on the trash bin. She didn''t need anyone to find those clothes or know it was her.


    The hair clip that she left was just a clue to mess up with Vincent.


    "You''re throwing those clothes out?" Riley asked from the living room. She was reading the script once again and Shein was just right beside her checking on the jail''s system to make sure that no other clue can be seen that could be traced back to Jackie.


    "I am just being cautious."


    "Oh? Is that why you left your hair clip on purpose?"


    "I just want to mess with someone." Jackie had always been serious since they were young. It was a seldom occasion to see her smile but now, Riley and Shein could see the joy in her eyes.


    They watched Jackie go out of the house to throw the trash bag. ''Did she find someone she likes?'' This is the question that Shein and Riley wanted to ask but they didn''t dare to.


    The next morning, the three of them sat in front of Shein''s laptop to watch what will happen. They haven''t sleep for the whole night because they wanted to know what their eldest sister, Jillyanna was up to.


    "Oh they start eating the sandwiches.." Riley commented as they watched everything unfold.


    One minute. One hour. Two hours...They waited for hours and nothing happened. Jackie started preparing their breakfast while the two remained seated on the couch.


    When she couldn''t take it anymore, Riley closed her eyes and leaned her head on Shein''s shoulder to sleep.


    Shein carried her back to her bed instead so that she can sleep comfortably. He didn''t want her to get a stiff neck because she''d throw a fit again if that happens.


    Jackie continued cooking since nothing happened yet. Shein drank his third cup of coffee and continued watching camera records through his laptop.


    Around 10 o''clock in the morning, Riley got up to drink a glass of water. It was at this time that she caught something on the laptop screen.


    "What''s happening to them?" she asked her sister and Shein who was watching the videos.


    "I''m not really sure but it looks to me that they were in so much pain." Shein answered his girlfriend while zooming in the camera record to get a clear views.


    They watched the Summers being carried to the clinic with soulless eyes. They were sweating and gritting their teeth. Some of them even cried.


    ''So that''s what she wanted. She didn''t want me to kill them but feel the intense pain while living. Will this be repetitive?'' Jackie thought to herself.


    Instead of doing her mission for a month, she ended it earlier than planned. She immediately informed Jillyanna about what happened and asked what she had in mind as well.


    "Yes. That poison I asked you to give them will act again tomorrow morning. It will act every single day until they will take their life themselves." Jillyanna answered calmly like she was answering a school test.


    "Will the doctors know that it was because of the poison?"


    "Nope. They won''t be able to detect anything."


    "I see. Well, I''m glad I helped you. You don''t have to worry about Simon, I made sure that he''s safe and he will continue to be safe."


    "Thanks Jackie."


    "Am I going back to work tomorrow?"


    "I don''t think so. Dad and everyone is currently taking care of the company. In exchange, I''d have to travel to places that Travis went to before. Would you like to come with us instead? You can take it as a vacation, too."


    "I''m good with it." Jackie responded almost immediately. She wanted to relax herself too.


    While she was thinking about her vacation, Vincent was thinking about her at the same time. He was worried, suspicious and sad for her. He didn''t know what he can do to make her believe that he was being honest of his feelings.


    "Is she testing me?" Vincent murmured to himself while holding on to the hair clip. He flipped it on his hand over and over again but he couldn''t think of anything to say.


    He was also very sure that she owned the clip because no one in the jail wore a hair clip aside from her.


    From morning ''til night, all he could think was her. The Summers went through a full body check up but there wasn''t any findings.


    The next day, it happened again. All the Summers except Simon were writhing in pain. They didn''t know what was going on and the doctors couldn''t find anything either.


    This continued for a week and this left a huge hole in Vincent''s career. The higher ups were curious with what was happening because the report they received didn''t say anything. It looked to them that the Summers were just pretending to be sick because the doctors couldn''t diagnose their illness.


    Vincent decided to finally contact Jackie and asked her personally about his conjectures. He didn''t really want to accuse her but after she arrived and left the regional jail, everything changed.


    Jackie agreed to meet him in a cafe across the restaurant that Jillyanna and Travis went. It was noon time and they were all hungry from looking around the city.


    "You''re not eating with us?" Travis asked upon seeing Jackie leave.


    "I have to step out for awhile big bro. I''m meeting with a friend in that cafe over there." Jackie informed him since Jillyanna went to the comfort room first.


    "Alright. I''ll tell your sister about it. Make sure to come as soon as you can. We won''t leave her until you''re back."


    "Okay. I''ll be back soon." Jackie ran for the door and walked across the street to the cafe that they agreed to meet.

 Chapter 295 - STANDING ON THE OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE LAW

    When Jackie arrived, she saw Vincent sitting on the couch at the window. He''s holding on to the hair clip that she left which made her raise her eyebrow.


    She didn''t greet him or even smile at him as she sat on the couch across him. "What are meeting me for?"


    Vincent showed the hair clip in front of her. "Can you tell me why it was on the third floor?"


    "Didn''t I visit the third floor on my first day? I must''ve left it there." Jackie answered in nonchalance, not caring about the whirlpool of emotions she saw in his eyes.


    "I saw you wearing this when you cooked and when you left."


    "I have several clips like that. Losing one isn''t an issue."


    "Is that so?"


    "If I may say, I did something on the third floor, will you catch me?" Jackie dared him which stunned the man in front of her. She didn''t really want to mess with him but she wanted him to stop whatever feeling he has at the moment.


    Vincent leaned his back on the couch and watched her intently. "What have you done?"


    "Nothing. I just gave them the taste of their own medicine."


    "Why do you hate them so much? As far as I remembered, you have the same last name as them."


    "I do but I am not related to them. Hating them is none of your business and I don''t think I''m wrong to hate monsters and demons, am I?"


    Vincent took a deep breath and sighed. He was still clutching on the hair clip which belongs to the woman in front of him.


    "Aren''t you returning that clip to me?" Jackie asked him with her chin placed on her palm. She was watching him, etching his expressions deeply in her mind. ''I fell for the wrong person.'' she sighed and slapped her face mentally to wake herself up.


    "I found this so this is mine." Vincent immediately put the hair clip inside his coat before she can take it.


    "Oh? I didn''t know you have this kind of hobby. Do you want me to give you another pair?" Jackie teased him with a wide evil grin plastered on her face.


    Vincent didn''t react to her words but he kept watching her. "Let''s eat something. I don''t want you to get hungry because of me."


    Jackie smiled but she still refused his offer. "I am not here to have lunch with you." she stood up from her seat and sighed. "Even if you use my hair clip as evidence, even if you bring this matter to the court, even if you know that it''s me; you won''t be able to put me in jail. We''re standing on the opposite side of the law but you will never be able to catch me. I suggest that you forget me instead. I''m not really saying that you like me but just in case, you better guard your heart. There is no such thing as happy ending for us."


    Vincent was stunned to hear the words coming from her. She was indirectly admitting her faults to him but then again, there wasn''t anything they could find to point at her, except for the hair clip that he will never give to anyone.


    Jackie left the cafe and ran across the street to the restaurant. He saw her got inside the place and ordered food with two other people.


    "This is the second time that she dump me." Vincent laughed faintly while calling the waiter to get him something.


    He took out the hair clip that he placed on his pocket and clipped it on his neck tie. It was a nice accessory to his plain neck tie.


    "I won''t lose you no matter what." Vincent murmured while watching her from afar.


    In the restaurant, Jillyanna and Travis were slowly eating their food while waiting for Jackie. Earlier, when Jackie left, Travis told her where her sister went.


    Since the cafe that Jackie went had a clear glass, the same goes for the restaurant they were in. Jillyanna took out her phone and took a picture of Jackie with the man.


    "I see. There''s nothing to worry about. It''s Vincent Ruiz, the young warden of the regional city jail." Jillyanna mumbled and deleted the picture.


    "You know that person?" Travis asked while peeling some shrimps for his wife.


    "Uh huh. He worked with Lucian once before he became a warden. I''ve met him before and he also attended Lucian and Cielo''s small wedding celebration."


    "How old is he now?"


    "He is probably 24 or 25. I''m not sure."


    "And your sister is 19 years old."


    "What exactly are you trying to do? Are you match-making them?"


    "I don''t need to do that. If the person is meant for you, there''s no need to match make."


    Jillyanna smiled to his answer before she continued to eat her food. Not long after, Jackie came in and ordered her own food as well.


    "Jackie?"


    "Yes?" Jackie looked at Jillyanna when she heard her calling for her name.


    "I was just wondering. Do you want to be a cop? I mean you are very good in all your missions and in business, too. However, I just thought that it would be better if you apply it for the betterment of our country."


    Jackie frowned but there was a little joy in her heart, too. "I don''t think I''ll be a good cop. Aside from that, I didn''t study to become one of them."


    "It''s never too late to try. Well, that is if you want to become a cop." Jillyanna stated in relax manner. She didn''t want to pressure her but from the looks of it, Jackie won''t give herself a chance to love because of her works.


    Even if Jillyanna wasn''t a pro when it comes to love advice or anything about love, she knew some hints and clues.


    For example, if Vincent called her just for the sole of business purpose, he could''ve asked her to come to his office. Anything related to the regional jail is a confidential matter yet, he asked her to meet him in a cafe.


    Cafe and restaurants are usual places that couples go or blind dates happened. At the same time, when Jackie left, he didn''t leave immediately. Instead, he bought food for him and ate on his own while throwing glances towards their direction.


    Jillyanna didn''t want her sister to live alone for the rest of her life and Vincent might be a change to it. Of course, it still depends on Jackie''s decision. It''s a step she needed to take herself.

 Chapter 296 - INSIDE THE CAMPUS

    After lunch, Jillyanna brought Travis to the university that he, Diego, Cheska and Wynwyn attended before. It was another way to remember his close friends.


    "So this is where I attended university with them?" Travis asked Jillyanna while walking on the campus ground with Jackie.


    Jillyanna asked permission from the headmaster prior to their visit that afternoon. As one of the excellent students they have, the headmaster allowed them to help Travis get his memories back.


    Jillyanna nodded his head and looked around the place. "Diego told me there''s a huge bulletin here with your name on it after you got an award. Let''s see."


    They strolled in the campus and found the huge bulletin. Indeed, his name was still hanging on the wall even after so many years. It was an award after he aced his dissertation about some business strategy.


    "Too bad we didn''t share the same university." Travis commented while looking at his name on the bulleting board. "We could''ve been a campus sweetheart."


    "Hahaha. Where''s your imagination going to?" Jillyanna chuckled on his side while holding his hand. "If we share the same university, we wouldn''t meet often. Remember I like skipping classes."


    "That I can agree."


    Jillyanna turned around and found Jackie watching a group of students who were studying together. Even if she said she wasn''t envious of them, Jillyanna knew that the twins and Shein lack this kind of social relationship.


    Suddenly, a young girl, probably a freshman, walked towards Jackie with a shy and nervous smile.


    "Are you Riley Summer?" the girl asked while clutching her phone and magazine.


    Jackie shook her head to deny her question. "I am her twin sister Jackie. My sister Riley is currently at home practicing her lines."


    "Ahh! Really?! Can I have a picture of you then?"


    "Sorry. I don''t want to be used as substitute of my sister." Jackie refused the girl''s suggestion.


    "Okay. I understand." The girl walked away and went back to her friends. They didn''t know what they talked but they all looked disappointed.


    Realizing that it might affect her sister''s image, Jackie walked up to them and apologized once again.


    "I''m really sorry that you can''t take picture of me. However, if you really want to see her, I can arrange a meeting for you."


    "Really?!" Everyone gasped in surprise and immediately took out their phones. "Can we get your number?"


    Jackie was again put in a difficult position. She didn''t want anyone to get her contact info and specially not the people who likes her sister. She didn''t want her to think that she''s taking away her fans.


    Jillyanna came to her rescue with Travis beside her. "I''m sorry but my sister isn''t allowed to give her contact info. However, you can check Riley''s account tomorrow morning around 10 o''clock. I''ll ask her to post her whereabout."


    The students just nodded their head in agreement. Travis felt tired from walking so they looked for a place to take a rest.


    "What if those students aren''t fans? What if they''ll do something nasty to Riley?" Travis asked what worried him the whole time.


    "They can try it if they no longer want their life." Jillyanna smiled which never reached her eyes. They can touch anyone they want but never the people important to her.


    Jackie was just listening to them while she watch the students walk to and fro in front of her. Jillyanna always warm her heart and Jackie was thankful that they met her.


    That was the reason why she never refused Jillyanna''s requests. For her, it was the only way she can repay the kindness that was shown to her.


    Jackie''s mind wander to the man she just met during lunch. When she first saw him in his office, she hated him. It wasn''t really that hate she felt for an enemy but more like she hated the fact that she didn''t have what he got.


    No one knows, not even her sister, that she wanted to join the police force or the military since she was young. But she got the opposite of her wish. She became an enemy to the very dream she wanted.


    Watching the young warden gave her a complicated emotions. She liked him because of how serious he was with his work, how he excellent he was and how observant he was. At the same time she hated him. She was jealous of him. She''s annoyed and frustrated.


    ''Should I give it a try?'' Jackie asked herself mentally. She thought about Jillyanna''s suggestion earlier. She wasn''t sure how Jillyanna knew about her passion when it comes to the law but it was still a good advice.


    While she was lost in thought, Jillyanna and Travis were lost in their own world, too.


    Jillyanna was still holding his hand, intertwining their fingers together while she leaned her head on his shoulder.


    "I salute to your endurance all these years." Jillyanna commented while watching the student walk in front of them.


    They didn''t notice Jillyanna and Travis because of their disguises. In fact, the attention was all given to Jackie who everyone thought was Riley. It was a good distraction, too.


    "What do you mean endurance?" Travis asked.


    "I mean you didn''t get a girlfriend all these years until we met again. Some men would give up already and find someone else."


    "That is why, you have to treasure me. I am the only person who can wait for you." Travis grinned at her in which Jillyanna rolled her eyes.


    "I treasured you alright. That should be out of the question already."


    "You treasured me? Then, give me a kiss."


    "...." Jillyanna was dumbfounded with his request once again. "How did we even end up in this conversation again?!"


    Her exasperation was evident and Travis enjoyed every expression that filled her face. "Don''t I have a prize for coming here?"


    "Shouldn''t I be the one getting the price for being patient, loving, caring and kind?" Jillyanna retorted back which made Travis smile.


    "Sure."


    Before she could react to what he said, Travis grab the notebook of the student who passed in front of them. At the same time, he leaned closer and kissed Jillyanna while covering their faces with the notebook he got.


    "Sweet."

 Chapter 297 - HE IS DEAD

    The loud screams and shrieks of the students were making Jillyanna go deaf on her seat. She didn''t expect it, much less from everyone.


    His action was swift and fluid, making him look like an actor filming a movie or series. The students had their hearts in their hearts while watching the two of them.


    In Jillyanna''s case, she was blushing from embarassment. She leaned closer to him and buried her face on his chest. She didn''t want to see anyone right now. She didn''t want to show her face.


    "You''re not fair at all." Jillyanna mumbled on his chest, her warm breath tickling him and his heart.


    "You asked me for a prize and I gave you one. Why am I still unfair?" Travis retorted with his natural shameless face. If someone asked what''s shameless, Jillyanna would let that person see Travis. He''s the meaning of shameless.


    "You could actually give it at home? You don''t need to flaunt our relationship with everyone. Don''t you pity the singles here?"


    Everyone was speechless this time. They thought she''s say something touching or sweet. Who would''ve thought that she would attack the audience.


    Travis chuckled at her statement and hugged her tightly. Many students took out their camera and took pictures of them being sweet and lovey-dovey in front of them.


    Students from different departments gathered together and watched the couple interact with each other.


    "Are they filming?"


    "Who''s the actor and actress?"


    "From which entertainment?"


    "What''s this filming for? Which movie or series?"


    "The woman looked familiar. Isn''t that goddess YNA?"


    "It''s her?"


    "Are you sure?"


    Murmurs and whispers erupted on the ground. Students were shoving to see who were the people that caught their attention. Some professors even came to see what was going on.


    Seeing the chaos that they caused, Travis stood up and returned the book to the student. "Thank you." He simply stated and pulled Jillyanna up. "Let''s go?"


    "Hn." Jillyanna was still looking at her feet on the ground to hide her face.


    Travis knew it was time to stop his teasing and save her face. He hugged her tightly and they walked back to their car in slow steps. Jackie was following right behind them with a helpless smile.


    She admired Travis so much. She was happy that Jillyanna found the right man for her. The man who accepted her flaws and her imperfections. The man who understood her the most. The man who loved the people that she cared for. The man who''s willing to give up his life for her.


    ''She''s kind and because of that, she''s blessed. I''m glad that he made it back for her and their baby.'' Jackie thought while watching the couple in front of her.


    Jillyanna turned around and saw Jackie with a faint smile. "Don''t hurry yourself. We are not having a race." Jillyanna stated which stopped Jackie in her track.


    She looked at her sister who understood her the most. For Jackie, Jillyanna was more like a twin than Riley. Riley could tell what Jackie was feeling from her facial expressions. But Jillyanna could tell what she was thinking from every little details. She was very observant and it seemed like she can see through your disguise.


    "I''m fine sis. I was just thinking about your suggestion earlier." Jackie stated in a soft voice. "I thought of giving it a shot but I''m also a bit reluctant."


    Travis looked at Jackie before shifting his gaze to his wife. "There''s always a way if you want to do it. Anything is possible as long as you won''t give up."


    "You think so?" Jackie asked hesitantly knowing that she did so many things in the past.


    While they chat, they reached their car as well. Travis opened the door and let Jillyanna in. Jackie sat on the front seat with the driver beside her.


    "Take me as an example." Travis commented after he took a seat beside his wife. " Many things happened between me and your sister. Yet we are here together because we chose to fight for it and didn''t give up."


    "Hn. I''ll keep that in mind. I''ll think about your suggestions." Jackie responded with a smile.


    Seeing that she wasn''t comfortable with the topic, Jillyanna and Travis stopped talking about it.


    "By the way, I''ll have to go for check up tomorrow. You will have to see your therapist too. Shall we leave in the morning?" Jillyanna asked Travis beside her.


    "It''s up to you." Travis stated, allowing her to make decision for them. Jillyanna just nodded her head while holding his hand.


    "Why don''t we go to -"


    Jillyanna was interrupted with her ringing phone. She pulled it out from her bag and saw Winter''s name on the screen.


    "Let me answer your cousin." Jillyanna told Travis before she pressed the answer button.


    What greeted her was Winter''s sobs and hiccups. "Jill...I lost him..I lost him..."


    "Huh? What are you talking about?" Jillyanna asked her since she couldn''t understand what her friend was talking.


    Winter cried loudly, Travis could even hear her sorrowful cries and hiccups. Memories flashed through his mind like a recording.


    Winter was crying when she broke his violin and Gabriel came to her rescue. Winter was crying because she felt tired but Travis won''t piggyback her so, Gabriel came to her rescue. Winter was crying after they got kidnapped. Winter cried because she can''t remember anything. Winter cried because she broke her heart and Gabriel called him to rescue her.


    Travis snatched her phone and talked to his cousin. "Who did you lose? Where''s Gabriel?"


    Hearing his voice asking about Gabriel, Winter cried even more. "He''s gone."


    These two words were like a bucket of cold water being poured at them. Jillyanna was shocked from the news. "


    The man who was outstanding and strong is gone?" she couldn''t believe it. Travis couldn''t believe. No one could believe it.


    "If I don''t see his body, I won''t believe he''s dead." Travis stated coldly before giving back the phone to Jillyanna.

 Chapter 298 - GABRIEL

    Winter wanted to think the same way her cousin does. But she can''t. Whenever she heard the news about what happened, she couldn''t just get it out of her mind.


    After staying with Jillyanna for few days in States, Winter left ahead of time so that she can go back to the military camp.


    She immediately asked Major General Calhoun about Gabriel but he only gave her a sad sigh. A week after Gabriel went to Pantar, they lost connection to the troops. They couldn''t get in touch with them and couldn''t track their traces.


    They knew that this could happen. They knew it would be impossible to make peace with the anti-government but, they still risk their lives if there''s even one percent chance.


    "You must be kidding me...impossible.." Winter was shocked with the news. She immediately ran to the control to see for herself what really happened. "What exactly happened?"


    "Lieutenant Colonel, the troop that was sent to Pantar was ambushed. We still heard several gunshots from our men and one by one after that, we lost signal of them. Their...Their trackers..are attached to their heartbeat." the commanding specialist answered her with a sad smile.


    "Do something! Don''t just give up! They might still be alive!" Winter shouted in hysteria with the thought of Gabriel''s death. Everyone was stunned with her loud shout because it was the first time they saw her lost her composure.


    Even when she was betrayed by her fiancee and best friend before, she never showed her weak countenance to anyone. She remained valiant in their minds. This time, however, she looked like a child who lost her precious belonging.


    Their IT specialist, no matter how hard they try, they couldn''t get a signal from the team. Her tears fell and she was having a hard time to breath. Her throat constricted and her thoughts were messy. She couldn''t think straight.


    "What happened to Lieutenant Colonel Avery? Why is she crying? Did something happen?" one of the military officers asked Major General Calhoun.


    Maj.Gen. Calhoun shook his head slowly. He didn''t know what happened either. He looked at Winter for a long time before realization hits him.


    "Jesus! Winter, did you remember him?" Maj.Gen. Calhoun asked in utter surprise. He knew the relationship of Gabriel to the Madrigal and to the Avery families. He just didn''t know that she remembered him. "When? How? Oh god! This is tragic!"


    Winter couldn''t hear anyone anymore. She blocked off her mind and all her senses from her surroundings.


    After few days, there wasn''t anything new. Days became weeks and Winter was becoming colder each day. She went back to train the new listed armies just to keep her mind occupied. At night, she''d cry from sorrow and pain. She''d pray that a good news would come and greet her in the morning but there was nothing.


    Winter decided to give a call to Jillyanna because she''s the only person who can understand her. She didn''t expect to hear Travis on the line.


    "Lord, I know I''ve done so many stupid things and I am very sorry for that. I''m willing to pay anything, even my life, just as long as you bring him back to me." Winter whispered her prayer with her eyes closed. "I''m willing to wait."


    It was at this moment that she understood how Jillyanna felt when Travis was under comatose.


    Two weeks, she waited for him for two weeks.


    One month, he was tied on the wooden plank, both hands and feet were tied and his body was full of wounds. The wooden plank which was brown in color was now tainted with dried dark- red blood


    ''It''s better to die in here.'' Gabriel thought with dull eyes. He had been praying that they would just kill him but he was disappointed every day.


    The would inflict pain on him but they didn''t hit his vital organs. It was more like they were toying him to enjoy themselves.


    Gabriel heard the sound of the door being opened. Evil laughters echoed in the room, numbing his heart and mind.


    "You''re awake? Good! Let''s have fun again." the leader of the group was a man with a tiger tattoo. He never showed his face when he came to visit him but Gabriel could hear the happiness in his voice.


    Gabriel didn''t speak. He just waited for the man to make a move. There wasn''t anything to fight for after all. He lost her a long time ago to a man who didn''t deserve her. He, on the other hand, was living in an illusion that she''d remember him but he knew all along that it won''t happen.


    "Let''s play a riddle game, yes?"


    Gabriel didn''t speak.


    "Why are you not answering me?!" the man stabbed Gabriel on his foot with a fork. Blood seeped out and dirtied the wooden table. "Answer me!" Another stab was given to Gabriel on his other foot.


    Gabriel groaned in pain but he remained silent. His forehead was covered in cold sweat and his tied hands were trembling.


    "You''re no fun to play with." the man stated with a mocking voice. "Oh! I have a good idea." He went to the door and called someone to come over. "Bring me the young girl of Obeso."


    Gabriel''s eyes widened. He clearly knew what he was trying to do. He tried his best to free himself but it was futile.


    Just as he struggled, a young girl, about fifteen or sixteen years old came inside. She was dressed in thin white dress, making her shiver from cold. She looked at Gabriel with pleading eyes, clearly asking for help.


    "Let''s have fun." The man spoke with clear malicious intent. He grabbed on to the girls hand and kissed her neck. "I''d enjoy myself in front of you." He mocked Gabriel while kissing the crying little girl.


    "H-help me.." the girl whimpered while looking at Gabriel. Her knees and hands were trembling as she plead for help. "I don''t want to die."


    "Shut up!" the man slapped the young girl from anger. Even when she''s already down on the floor, he didn''t stopped. He kicked her stomach, slapped her face and punched her on the gut.


    He touched the wounded lips of the girl, tainting his fingers with her blood before he licked it. "This is better. Want to have a try?" he kicked the young girl once again while he watched Gabriel.


    "I''d rather die."

 Chapter 299 - GABRIEL AND THE LITTLE GIRL

    Gabriel didn''t waver at all. He''s been weak and exhausted from the torture but he can''t give up yet when someone was hurting because of him.


    "You won''t? Hm?" The man walked to Travis with glaring eyes. "You won''t?!" With a single and swift moved, he wounded Gabriel on his thigh with a knife.


    Gabriel''s clothes were now soaked again with fresh blood. The pungent smell lingered in the room since there wasn''t any ventilation. Gabriel endured the pain once again. He can''t die yet, not until the girl got out safely.


    "Alright. I won''t force you then." The man turned around and walked to the young girl. His every step was akin to a devil who''s going to take someone''s life right in front of his eyes.


    "Stop! Stop it! You bastard! Don''t touch her!" Gabriel shouted at the top of his lungs but the man just smiled at him evilly.


    He yanked the little girl up on her feet and tore her clothes away. His eyes were cold with lust while she looked at her tender body.


    The young girl tried to break free from his grip by biting his wrist. When he loosened his hold, she ran as fast as she can towards the door.


    The man didn''t chase her but his laughters gave away what he had in mind.


    Just as Gabriel thought, the door was locked and there was no way out for them aside from the window which was few feet up from the wall.


    The young girl slid down on the floor, her sobs and hiccups were mixed together making Gabriel feel remorseful for being weak at the moment.


    "Come on sweetie. Don''t be afraid. I won''t kill you...yet..not yet." The man''s lustful gaze made her shiver from fear. Her goosebumps were forming and her lips were trembling.


    Even if she wanted to scream, no one will come to save her. She was bound to die.


    Seeing her helpless and hopeless expression, the man smiled triumphantly. When he pulled her up again, she didn''t fight him.


    "That''s it sweet heart. Come to me. Let me do you." He was coaxing her with lust and Gabriel was watching with a heavy heart. The young girl clutched her fist tightly.


    He took off his mask, showing his scarred face before he took off his clothes. His lewd and perverted gaze, scared her so much but she didn''t show it on her face.


    Gabriel tried as hard as he could to break free from the ties around his wrists but it was just difficult. His hands were turning numb from the pain and his thighs were weakening him. He lost so much blood in the course of time and he was getting dizzy already.


    With one last struggle, Gabriel gave it his all and broke free from the shackles. He didn''t make too much noise in case he''d get his attention.


    Before Gabriel could even do something, the man groaned and fell on the floor. He was holding on to his neck and Gabriel could see blood seeping out.


    "That''s for my father." The girl stood naked with two rusty nails in her hand. She walked to the man and stabbed his hand again and again. "That''s for my mother and for my younger brother."


    When the man was about to shout for help, the little girl, kicked his mouth thrice. Blood and teeth splattered on the floor, surprising Gabriel so much. The weak and bullied girl can no longer be seen.


    She picked up her clothes and shoved the bundled cloth on his mouth to stop his screams. She picked the knife that he used to cut Gabriel''s thighs and cut him, too. "This is for my friends." Then she chopped off his fingers one by one. "This is for my neighbors." Each wounds she gave had reasons. She didn''t just do it for fun. Since he didn''t have any clothes on, it was easy to cut his thing.


    Gabriel was reminded of Jillyanna''s fight when she was kidnapped. She cut the man''s important anatomy the same way as the little girl did.


    If the nails weren''t rusty, if he wasn''t hit on his neck, the man would fight her. However, the unexpected attack was really painful in addition to the nail rust which was tainting his blood and skin.


    "This is for all the woman you violated." The little girl held the part she cut and showed it in front of him. He thrashed in front of her but she punch his gut again. Whatever she received from the man earlier, she returned it multiple times.


    The little girl removed the gag and shoved the part she cut into his mouth, never giving him the chance to speak or to scream.


    "This is for all the soldiers you killed." The little girl cut him multiple times that Gabriel didn''t know the exact number.


    He wanted to stop the girl but when he took a step, he fell flat on the ground. He forgot to remove the bind on his feet.


    The little girl turned around and saw Gabriel who was trying to get back on his feet.


    She walked to him with the knife and cut the rope that was used to tie around his feet. Gabriel closed his eyes to avoid looking at her.


    "Can you still walk?" she asked upon seeing his pale and emaciated form.


    "I can." Gabriel tried to stand and his blood flowed again which was sticky to his skin. "Can you find if there are any clothes in those cabinets?" Gabriel pointed on to the rows of cabinets inside the house he was in.


    The little girl followed his request and looked for clothes. Gabriel sat on the ground while trying to calm his mind. He blocked off the pain and pushed it at the back of his mind.


    Right now, their main goal was to escape from the place. He needed to get out with the little girl. He can''t allow her to die after she saves him and herself.


    "Here you go." The girl handed him several clothes and she put a large shirt on her body as well. She found a short inside and wore it, too.


    When Gabriel was about to change, she immediately turned around to give him privacy. "Let me know once you''re done so I can help you with the wound."


    "Hn."


    Gabriel just finished changing his clothes when someone from the outside called for their boss. "Shit. We have to get out of her." Gabriel just wiped his blood and tied some clothes over his wounds to stop the bleeding.


    "Boss?"


    "Hmm..Yes..Yes..Ahh." Gabriel acted near the door while he put some bandages on his foot. "Ahh wait.."


    Even though their situation wasn''t looking good, the little girl who was watching him wanted to laugh at him. He looked so funny with his acting.


    "Okay Boss, the news can wait. Take care of yourself first."


    Gabriel leaned on the door and heard their footsteps fading away. He looked at the ''boss'' that they were looking for - dead on the floor.


    "We have to go now." He whispered to the girl who just nodded her head in silence.

 Chapter 300 - DO OR DIE

    Since the door was also locked from the outside, Gabriel and the little girl had to climb the window as their way of escape.


    Working together, the pushed the cabinets and bed towards the wall where the window was located. They piled it up together until it could reach the window and they both climbed on it.


    "Be careful when you get down. Don''t make any noise." Gabriel whispered to the little girl beside him. He held on to her hands and helped her get down on the other side of the wall.


    After she descended, he also jumped from the window to the ground full of grass. Even though it wasn''t that really high, because of his wounds, Gabriel was in worse shape after jumping down. His wounds reopened and blood were oozing out.


    "Are you okay?" the little girl asked him in worry when she noticed that his wounds were reopened.


    "I''m fine. Let''s make a move now before they noticed that we''re gone."


    "Okay."


    With limping figure, Gabriel and the little girl walked to the forest at the back of the house. It was getting dark now after the sun sets and they were worried because they don''t know what''s in the forest.


    "Do you still have the knife with you?" Gabriel asked when they reached the forest which was even darker due to the absence of light. The trees and canopies were huge which will block the lights from the camp and the moon. "Let me borrow it and stay close to me."


    "Are we not going to save my friends? My friends are still inside the camp. I''m afraid that something will happen to them." the little girl paused on her step and looked at Gabriel while handing the knife she took earlier.


    Gabriel sighed and gently rubbed her hair. "I know you are worried. I feel the same because they also took two of my friends. I don''t know what they will do. If we can escape from here, I can call for help. If we can''t escape we will all die here."


    Understanding his words, the little girl nodded her head and started walking beside him again. They kept walking without knowing where to go. Their goal was just to ran away from the place and find someone who can help them.


    "What''s your name by the way?" Gabriel asked the little girl who saved the both of them.


    "My name is Annie. And you?"


    "My name is Gabriel."


    "Soldiers must have known that this place is dangerous and that there are many anti-government groups here. Why did you still come?"


    "We were supposed to make peace with the group and to stop this endless fighting. We risked our life for that one percent chance. In the end, it was still impossible."


    "When you said earlier that you have two friends with you, is it the man with an anchor tattoo and the man with purplish blue hair?"


    "Yes. Have you seen them?"


    The little girl kept quiet in hesitation. She remembered that Gabriel will send help because of his friends but, his friends were dead already. She was worried that he won''t send anyone to help her friends anymore.


    As they walked, Gabriel found a huge rock where they can take a seat and rest for a while. Annie was sitting beside him. Her knees were bent and she placed her chin on her knee cap.


    "You didn''t answer my question, did you see my friends?" Gabriel asked her again in his softest voice to make sure that the girl won''t be afraid of him.


    Annie stared directly in to his eyes and cried. "Will you still send help if I tell you that your friends are dead? Will you still save my friends? They''re innocent. Our families were killed and even if I escape, without anyone to help them, they will be killed. Please brother Gabriel, please send help for my friends."


    Gabriel seemed like he was struck by a lightning. He thought that his friends were still alive since he was the only one inside the ''torture'' house. ''I''m being foolish. In that place, no soldier can leave with their life. In my case, I did manage to escape but I''m barely holding on to my dear life.'' Gabriel thought while he blink his tears away. Out of 35 soldiers, he''s the only one who manage to survive. "Thirty-five." He whispered softly with his shaking voice.


    He looked at Annie who was still sobbing beside him from worry. "I will send help. Let''s make sure to get out of here first."


    They started walking again. Even though they spent an hour of walking, they only covered a little space between them and the camp. Gabriel was walking slowly because of his wounds and he was getting dizzier every second that passed.


    "Find them! Find those bastards who killed our boss and kill them!" The words were loud and clear making Annie shiver from fear.


    Gabriel shook his head to clear his mind. He can''t die yet when someone was hoping for them to survive. He can''t let her effort become wasted.


    He walked faster than usual, disregarding the pain that he felt from his wounds. They walked deeper into the forest without knowing the direction.


    "Can you swim?" Gabriel asked Annie who was walking beside him.


    "I can."


    "Good. This is a do or die situation now. I heard the sound of a water not far from here, let''s make a jump for it."


    "Okay."


    In Annie''s mind, her goal was to survive and look for help and she knew that sticking with Gabriel will help her.


    They jogged towards the sound of the waterfall, blood staining the leaves and insects were biting them from everywhere as they make their way.


    When they reached the waterfall, Gabriel was more than thankful that they don''t need to jump from a very high place, just a few feet.


    "Our goal is to swim forward to that rock over there. We can use that to hide from them." Gabriel told Annie who was looking at the water in front of them. "Don''t be scared. We will make it out of here."


    With Gabriel''s signal, the both of them jump on to the water.

 Chapter 301 - CRITICAL LEVEL

    Jillyanna asked Shein for help regarding Gabriel''s whereabout but even with his skills, he couldn''t find anything useful, too.


    "I''m really sorry sis. I can''t get anything from him. There must be a jamming device from the place and I don''t think Gabriel has the same accessories as you." Shein spoke to Jillyanna while showing his laptop.


    When they got home from their trip around the city, Jillyanna called Shein immediately for help. However, it was still fruitless.


    "Let''s just hope and pray that he''s really fine." Jillyanna stated with a deep sigh. She knew Travis was worried for his cousin and for his friend.


    "Why did she have to realize it when it''s too late?" Jillyanna whispered to herself thinking about Winter.


    Little did they know, in the darkest night, Gabriel was still fighting for his life.


    Annie and him swam towards the huge boulder on the other side of the river. It can be used as cover from their pursuers and can be used as an anchor to save themselves from getting washed over down the stream.


    Because of the water, his opened wounds let out a huge amount of blood. He was getting paler and he couldn''t hold on to his life anymore.


    Gabriel closed his eyes from the exhaustion. His eyelids were becoming heavier and all he could hear were the echoes of gunshots. No matter how hard he try to open his eyes, he can''t.


    Annie covered Gabriel''s body when their pursuers blindly shot the water and the place around it. Thankfully, he wasn''t hit anywhere.


    "They must be gone somewhere. If they jump down the water, that soldier will die from blood loss."


    "I know right. Fighting for their life yet it will still be taken. Hahaha"


    They laughed maniacally which made Annie looked towards Gabriel. She grimaced from the pain on her shoulder but she still helped him get his body out of the water.


    She pulled him, both of them covered in blood but she didn''t care. She leaned close to his chest and listened to his heartbeat. "He is still alive."


    With all her might and strength, Annie pulled Gabriel by putting her hands around his underarm and dragged him away from the river.


    Their blood was leaving a trail and she was sure that when the morning comes, their pursuers would know if they would still want to find them by then.


    "Big brother! Big brother wake up! You can''t die." Annie mumbled while dragging Gabriel to wherever she thought was safe, away from their pursuers.


    "Who are you?" Annie stilled on her track and didn''t dare turn around. Her trembling hands were covered with blood and a deep bullet wound on her shoulder was numbing her. She was afraid that it was one of their pursuers. "Answer me! Who the hell are you?!"


    ''Eh? If they are our pursuers, he must have known us, right?'' Annie gambled on this question and slowly turned her head around.


    Her eyes widened in surprise just like the man who was looking at her. Her tears fell on the ground and she started to sob from relief.


    "Annie, how did you get out? Where''s everyone? Who''s this man? How are you?" The barrage of questions made her cry even more.


    She was just so happy that she met a man whom she knew. "Uncle, help him. You have to help him."


    The man looked at Gabriel before shifting his gaze back to the little girl. Both of them were wounded but the man was in critical condition.


    "We have to get out of here quickly." He picked Gabriel up and carried him on his back while Annie ran alongside him.


    They ran for a few minutes down the mountain and found several cars with armed civilians. Annie was frightened upon seeing them and her first reaction was to shield Gabriel with her small body.


    "What are you doing Annie?" one of the men asked which made Annie focused her eyes on him. Then she looked around and found familiar faces.


    "Where did you guys go when our village was under attack? Why did you let everyone die? Why?!" her shaking voice was akin to a large hammer hitting them on their chest.


    They were supposed to gather and meet the soldiers to make peace and stop the fights. Before they could even meet them, the soldiers were ambushed. When they got back to their village to report, it was set on fire and dead bodies were just lying everywhere.


    Their village wasn''t big and they knew everyone leaving in which place, which was the reason that they noticed some young girls were missing.


    They asked help from other villages and spied on the other groups. Mattias was just about to spy on the camp where Annie and Gabriel was held when he bump into them.


    "Sorry Annie. We came back late." one of the men spoke in sorrow. "I know it''s unforgivable but we will fight even if it will cost our life."


    Annie sat at the back of the car with Gabriel leaning on her. "Bring him to the hospital. He''s one of the soldiers who came to make peace with us." she told them which stunned the men around her.


    Mattias asked their driver to hurry up and drive the car to the nearest hospital. Gabriel was their remaining hope to bring peace to their place now.


    Annie was also sent to the emergency room to undergo operation in removing the bullet that hit her right shoulder earlier.


    In her case, there wasn''t anything critical. However, Gabriel was in dangerous level. His breathing was faint and so was his heartbeat. He lost so much blood and his wounds were infected.


    The doctor came out and looked towards Annie and Mattias. Only the two of them came to avoid scaring the staff with their guns.


    "I''m sorry to inform you that the patient is in critical condition. We may be able to save his life but we will have to amputate his left leg. His wounds are infected and it''s corroding his bones, too."


    Annie was shocked and she cried again. It was so sad for a man with great attributes and kind heart to lose his leg just like that.

 Chapter 302 - FELL IN LINE OF DUTY

    Gabriel was unconscious for two days and during this time, Annie was the only one who took care of him. She stayed beside him, worried that someone will come and attack him while he was unconscious.


    Gabriel could sense someone moving in the same space as him. He slowly opened his eyes and found Annie walking to and fro at the foot of his bed.


    "What are you spacing about?" Gabriel asked in his hoarse and weak voice.


    "Thank goodness you''re awake." Annie walked to his side and looked at him. "Are you feeling dizzy? Should I call the doctor?"


    "I''m fine." Gabriel was about to move his body when he noticed a hollow space. He sat up on his bed immediately and touched his lower body. "I lost it. Hahaha. In the end I still lost it."


    Annie cried while watching him laugh hysterically. She knew he was sad knowing that his leg was cut off. She was sad for him.


    Gabriel looked at the sobbing Annie beside him. "Hey Annie, why did I have to lose it?"


    "I''m sorry. I''m sorry." Annie bowed his head deeply in apology. She did it multiple times to atone for her mistake. If it wasn''t for her, he wouldn''t lose so much blood, he wouldn''t get his wounds infected. He wouldn''t lose his leg. Annie regretted her incapable self so much.


    Gabriel reached out his hand and messily rubbed the girl''s head. "Don''t worry about it. You saved me back there. It wasn''t your fault." He might be sad for losing a leg but that wouldn''t stop him from doing his duty.


    Annie stopped crying and sat on the chair beside his bed. "Are you hungry? Are you thirsty?"


    "Hn. I''m thirsty." Gabriel admitted. "Can you get me a glass of water? And can you call the doctor as well?"


    Annie nodded her head immediately. She poured him a glass of water using her left hand since her right shoulder wasn''t healed yet. Gabriel noticed it, too.


    "Did you hurt your right hand?"


    "A little bit. It''s treated already and the doctor said that it will heal in a few days." she handed him the glass of water before she walked out of the room. "I''ll be right back with the doctor."


    Gabriel was looked at his right leg and thought about his missing foot. Back in the ''torture'' house, he was ready to give up his life but since Annie saved him, he didn''t want to waste the fight and effort she exerted.


    ''I guess I''ll just have to inform Calhoun about this. No one else need to know about my situation aside from him. He needed to send help, too.'' Gabriel made up his mind while he waited for Annie and the doctor.


    It didn''t take five minutes before Annie came back. The doctor was following closely behind her.


    "How are you?" the doctor asked Gabriel.


    "A little bit sad about my leg but I am doing fine."


    "I''m really sorry to have cut off your leg. It was the only way to save your life and body. Your little sister was begging us to save you as well."


    ''Little sister?'' Gabriel asked himself while he looked at Annie. "My sister was scared when she found out what happened."


    "Hn. That''s normal. In our place, fighting became a norm already. We always wanted to make peace but it always failed. I heard that soldiers came to negotiate but they were ambushed. I think the government will think of a way to wipe us out soon."


    "That won''t happen." Gabriel stated in serious voice. Annie believed in him because he was one of those soldiers, the only one who survived.


    "I hope so. " the doctor sighed and checked his vitals. "Later, I''ll ask someone to bring you some broth to eat. Don''t eat to much food yet."


    "Uhhmm..doc, can I borrow your phone? I need to make a call." Gabriel asked hesitantly.


    "Sure." the doctor gave him his phone before he continued checking on him. Annie knew that it was an important call so she asked the doctor to leave with her, using an excuse that she needed to get the food for Gabriel. "I''ll accompany your sister to get the food. I''ll be just get my phone when I get back."


    "Thanks doc."


    Gabriel waited for them to leave his room before he called Calhoun.


    Inside the military camp, in his office, Major General Calhoun was having a headache. Thirty-five of his men died for stupid negotiations. Their families were mourning and he was still having a hard time in taking their bodies back. He wasn''t even sure if their bodies can still be found.


    He was raking his brain for different ways but he was afraid to send his men to retrieve the bodies. He didn''t want anymore casualties in his men. Even if they were not under his special force, they were still part of the military. That included Gabriel.


    Gabriel may not have family of his own but, there''s the Avery and Madrigal family who kept nagging him to find his body. Most specially, there''s Winter who refused to rest despite the dangerous missions she took one after another.


    "This is making me crazy!" Major General Calhoun felt so helpless this time. Just as he was about to leave his office, his personal phone rang with a string of unfamiliar number.


    Back in the hospital, Gabriel waited for Calhoun to pick up his call. "This is Major General Calhoun of Special Task Force." Gabriel heard the strength in his voice as well as the worry and sorrow that accompanied it.


    "This is Brigadier General Colton."


    Calhoun was shocked beyond belief that he was talking to the person who was deemed dead. "Gabriel! God! Where are you? What happened? We couldn''t get in touch with you at all."


    Gabriel took a deep breath and released it. "Gabriel fell in line of duty. Together with his comrades, he died in the hands of the enemies. His body couldn''t be found. You can make this story, right?"

 Chapter 303 - GIVING UP HIS LOVE

    Major General Calhoun was speechless upon hearing his words. He couldn''t understand why he wanted to be announced dead when he was talking with him right this moment.


    "Gabriel, what exactly happened?" Major General Calhoun asked in calm manner. He wouldn''t just agree to what he wants without knowing the facts.


    "Out of thirty-five, I''m the sole survivor. Though I''m able to keep my life, I lost a leg. You don''t need a disable person in the military, right? Aside from that, the union who wanted to make peace with us wasn''t the same group who ambushed us."


    Major General Calhoun sat on his chair once again and rubbed his face. "Why can''t you just go back here?"


    "I''ll help you recover the bodies of the fallen but you have to announce me dead." Gabriel insisted, not giving him the answer that he wanted.


    Holding on to the last straw of hope, Major General Calhoun spoke. "Winter remembered you. She''s been waiting for you."


    Gabriel smiled sadly at his words. "It''s better if she won''t see me ever again. I will only bring misery to her. It would be best that she''d know I''m dead."


    "Are you really sure about this?"


    "More than a hundred percent sure. I''ll talk to you again later. Don''t let anyone know that I called you." Gabriel ended the call when the doctor and Annie came back. "Thank you doc." Gabriel handed him the phone back.


    "No problem. If you feel any pain or discomfort, let me know as soon as possible."


    The doctor left them and Gabriel looked at the little girl who was preparing his food. "Did you study before you were taken?"


    "Nope. I stopped when I reached freshman. The school that I went to was attacked and many of the students and teachers died. I stopped coming to school after that but I read books at home. Sadly, it was burned down."


    "Where will you stay after going out from this hospital?" Gabriel asked her again.


    "Some of the elders from my village came to rescue us. They will be speaking to you later. If things go well, I''ll be staying in the other village."


    Gabriel nodded his head in understanding. He receives the bowl of chicken broth that Annie handed him.


    Later in the afternoon, the people that Annie talked about came. They told him that they were the anti-government union who wanted to seek peace. The people who oppose to their objective were the same group who ambushed Gabriel and his friends.


    In short, they have a mutual enemy.


    Gabriel told him about his plan in retrieving the bodies and to rescue the other hostages as well. They didn''t hesitate at all and agreed with him.


    Just like that, Gabriel got the consensus he needed before he called Calhoun once again. This time, he used Mattias'' phone, the person who rescued them.


    Major General Calhoun''s hands were tied together in this hopeless and regretful situation. He didn''t want to announce him dead but if he would refuse, Gabriel won''t help him recover the bodies.


    In the end, he gave in to the most beneficial option for him.


    He called for his men immediately and assembled a new troop. This time, their mission was to get the dead bodies.


    "I want to take part in this." Winter spoke with resolute determination. She wanted to confirm herself that Gabriel was dead or alive.


    "You can''t. You haven''t had any rest these days. I don''t want to put you in trouble." Major General Calhoun refused. It would be troublesome if she saw Gabriel there.


    "But Uncle.."


    "When I said no, it is a no! Don''t disobey me!"


    The room sank into a dead silence after his loud shout. It was the very first time that he raised his voice against Winter.


    Winter sat on her seat with a sullen expression. "Then tell me, how did you get the information as to where we can get the bodies and the location for the rescue mission."


    Major General Calhoun wanted to throw his niece out this time. He was already in a tight situation and yet she was asking him difficult questions. Well, he didn''t expect her to give up right away. He knew that Winter would find ways on her own.


    "Gabriel saved a little girl from the enemy. He helped her escape with a letter and his dog tag. Sad to say, the little girl saw Gabriel being shot multiple times before he fell on the cliff with a surging water beneath it. I didn''t want to believe it either but I received the letter and had it examined. It was indeed Gabriel''s penmanship. The little girl called my personal phone to ask for help in locating her saviour because her uncle can''t find him. With the on going trifle, they didn''t have much time to find him either."


    Major General Calhoun presented the letter through projection. It was clear to everyone what the letter said as well as the dog tag of their Brigadier General.


    Winter cried in disbelief. She can''t accept it. She won''t accept it. Just like what Travis said, he won''t believe unless he sees his dead body in front of him.


    "I don''t understand why Lieutenant Colonel cries. Doesn''t she hate Brigadier General Colton?"


    "I know. Maybe they have a love-hate relationship."


    "What I know is that they were really friends. Her cousin Travis, was a very close friend to sir Colton."


    "That must be the reason of her grief."


    Amidst this whispers and murmurs, only Calhoun knew the truth and it hurts him to see her in pain once again.


    "I''m sorry Winter." Calhoun mumbled while watching the woman cried.


    Winter was in pain of losing him while Gabriel was in pain knowing that she remembered him. As much as possible, he''d avoid himself in becoming a burden.


    "I''m sorry Winter but I''d have to give up this time. I hope you''ll find happiness in the future once again."

 Chapter 304 - MONITORING GABRIEL

    Three days later, after retrieving all the dead bodies, Major General Calhoun announced Gabriel''s death. Before his men came back, he asked them to sweep through the place and ''find'' Gabriel''s body.


    Sadly, there wasn''t any positive news. They searched for one whole day with Mattias and Annie who volunteered to come with them but it was fruitless.


    "Thank you so much for your help. We will raise this to the government and asked them to send some men to help you maintain peace and order." one of the military officer spoke to Mattias before he looked at Annie. "Thank you for sending us the message."


    Annie nodded her head with a sad expression. The officer thought that she was sad because they couldn''t find Gabriel who saved her. He didn''t know that she was sad because Gabriel chose to give up his life as a soldier.


    The Avery and Madrigal family mourned over Gabriel''s death. Calhoun was feeling guilty and he couldn''t face them properly. He wanted to tell them the truth but he remembered Gabriel''s words, ''I don''t want to be a burden.''


    Almost everyone believed Gabriel''s death but not Travis. He won''t believe that Gabriel will die that easily. Aside from that, the letter that Calhoun showed him gave away to many speculations in his mind.


    First, the letter was neat and wasn''t crumpled at all. When you''re on the run, you would clutch on to that letter to secure it. There should be creases on it. Second, the letter was very detailed. If you are running for your life, you won''t write so many things on the paper. It should be short and concise. Third, it was very unlikely for Gabriel to leave Calhoun''s number on the letter. The mission was confidential and their contact information was very crucial in some cases because an enemy might get a hold of it. He should''ve put a number which wasn''t from the military.


    Travis didn''t believe such excuse. Perhaps, if Calhoun didn''t show him the letter, he would believe, too.


    "Their rooms are already finished, when will the twins and Shein move here?" Travis asked Jillyanna who was preparing his change of clothes.


    "I can ask them to move here now. I wanted to wait until you are stable but if you are fine with them being here, I''ll ask them to move as soon as possible."


    "It would be better. I need Shein''s help too as well as Valkyrie and Brown."


    "Do you have something in mind?"


    "Gabriel is not dead."


    Jillyanna sighed and approached him. "Let''s think of a way to locate him."


    "I know of a way already."


    Jillyanna nodded her head and called Shein and Jackie right away. Riley left for her film already which was still a secret from everyone. Only Jackie and Shein remained.


    Since they didn''t have many belongings, Jackie and Shein didn''t have any problems in moving out.


    Due to Gabriel''s incident, no one went to work. Thomas stayed in his hacienda, spending his time with the fruit trees that Gabriel planted before. Winter took missions after missions, slaying her enemies without any regards with their life.


    Valkyrie checked on to the military files and found Gabriel''s data with the note about his death. Even though he received and honorary plaque, it was useless for the dead.


    Brown was lying on his back while he was staring at the ceiling. "Do you really believe that he died?"


    "What makes you think that he isn''t?" Valkyrie asked him while continued to type something on his laptop.


    "I just thought that he wasn''t someone who would just give up. Winter was his life and I doubt that he''d just give up."


    "Without any proof we can assume that he is alive but we shouldn''t hold on to it tightly. It would be painful if his death is really true."


    When Jackie and Shein arrived, Savannah and Hawk helped them bring their things inside. "You are finally living here?" Savannah asked.


    "Hn. Eldest sister called us since our rooms are already finished and Big brother has questions, too." Shein responded in polite manner.


    "That''s good to know." Hawk stated while he carried the heavy bags.


    When they finally settled in, Travis called everyone to the study room for an important meeting.


    "I know that we are going through some bad news and it''s rather painful to think about it. I am not here to give you false hope but I personally think that Gabriel is still alive." Travis told them and explained why he believed so.


    "I knew it. I can''t believe that he''s dead too." Brown spoke beside Valkyrie.


    "This is where I need your help." Travis clasped his hand together and leaned on his table. "I need you guys to look into all the CCTV cameras in Pantar. I want you to look back to a week ago until the present. Check the hospitals and check the banks."


    "Huh? Why do you have to check the banks? Savannah asked in confusion.


    "Because he would most likely withdraw funds from his bank account. Check into his bank account and track every movement of his money." Travis answered in relax manner. "We need to check on Major General Calhoun, too. He would probably contact him from time to time."


    Jillyanna mentally clapped her hands for her man. Who else would think that way aside from him? Gabriel must''ve not anticipated the possibility that Calhoun would show the letter to Travis. ''Bingo! You can''t hide yourself Gab.'' Jillyanna thought happily to herself.


    Shein immediately checked all the banks in Pantar and monitored if Gabriel''s account will be activated there.


    Valkyrie checked on the hospitals and Hawk checked on the cameras. The study room became a monitoring room in less than an hour after everyone worked together.


    "Why do you think he wanted to be announced dead?" Jillyanna asked Travis since he knew his best friend more than her.


    "Because of my cousin, Winter." he responded helplessly. If he would think back, he was part of the reason why everything happened now.

 Chapter 305 - THEIR BELIEF AND REASON

    After two weeks of staying in the hospital, Gabriel was discharged and the bills were paid by Mattias. Since he helped them negotiate and protect their place, Mattias was willing to take him in and help him.


    Since the village that Annie lived was burned down, the survivors moved to the neighboring village to live, that includes Gabriel now.


    "Big brother, will you be fine here? We haven''t settled down yet so we will have to suffer under harsh conditions for the mean time." Annie informed him as she walked on his side while Mattias pushed his wheelchair.


    Gabriel smiled faintly and rubbed her head. "Don''t worry about me. I can take care of myself. And this is better compared to the camp."


    Annie nodded her head in agreement. In truth, that wasn''t really the question she wanted to ask. She really wanted to tell him to go back and not fake his death but she swallowed the words before it could leave her mouth.


    It wasn''t a very large village but Gabriel could hear the cheerful laughters of children as they ran on the road, chasing each other as they played. Their smiles were contagious and Gabriel couldn''t help but spread his lips into a genuine smile as well.


    "These children are the reasons why we fight. We didn''t want them to suffer but we also realized that we caused their sufferings. Which was the reason why we wanted to seek peace and order with the government. Sadly, our village was burned down before we can make a move." Mattias stated while he watch the children play.


    "We''ll protect these children." Gabriel responded with firm resolution. Since he decided to stay, then he might as well do his best to protect these people who''s helping him.


    Mattias brought him to a house with a single bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. It wasn''t a very big space but it was enough for a single man like him.


    "The village chief told me to let you stay here." He pointed his index finger to the house beside the one that Gabriel will be staying. "That house over there is where Annie and I will stay. If you need anything, just call Annie. I will be out most of the time to patrol and guard the village so Annie will stay to help you."


    Gabriel thanked the man before he took his crutches and walked inside. "I''ll be resting for now so you don''t have to worry about me."


    "Okay. We''ll leave now." Annie responded and went out with Mattias, closing the door behind her. "Will he be fine Uncle?"


    "He will be fine." Mattias resolutely answered.


    On the other hand...


    Travis and Jillyanna were both busy. They postponed their planned trips to locate Gabriel first. Since she was only staying at home, she helped Thomas with the company affairs while Travis recuperate.


    As the days went by, he was becoming more and more handsome in her eyes. He gained back his weight and he started doing some exercises to work on his muscles. It was very seldom of him to get dizzy and he was recovering his memories a little bit each day.


    "Don''t overwork yourself." Jillyanna mentioned while she was typing something on the computer. Travis just got back from their mini-gym and directly looked for her in the study room.


    "I can say the same thing for you. When I left you were busy and when I get back, you are still busy." Travis complained as he walked towards her and stand behind. "Aren''t you tired?" he asked while he kissed her temple.


    "I''m fine. It''s not like I walked to god-knows-where. I''m just sitting here this whole time." Jillyanna responded, tilting her head to look up to him and kissed his chin. "Take a rest before taking a shower."


    "Yes milady." Travis bowed with his hand on his chest as if he was bowing to a queen. Basically, Jillyanna was his queen.


    Amused to his actions, Jillyanna just chuckled and watched him. He straightened his body once again and walked out of the study room to get back to their room.


    After a few minutes, the door was opened once again. This time it was Shein and Valkyrie who came in.


    "Morning sis!" Shein greeted.


    "Morning Jill." Valkyrie added.


    "Morning." Jillyanna responded to them. They stayed up late last night again to check on Gabriel which was the reason why the woke up late this morning.


    "Did something happen while we''re gone?" Shein asked her while he turned on his computers.


    "Nothing in particular." Jillyanna mumbled, keeping her eyes on the screen. Suddenly, she paused whatever she was doing and looked at them. "Did you guys know who the little girl that Gabriel saved?"


    "I don''t know." Shein answered almost immediately.


    "I don''t know either but if there''s a record of her in the military files, I can find it." Valkyrie stated. "Why do you ask?" he added.


    Jillyanna frowned and thought how to say her words. She looked at the large TV inside the room with so many CCTV footage on the screen.


    "I was just thinking that, the little girl was the only person that Gabriel trusted in Pantar. He even gave his dog tag to her. If he, let''s say, if he faked his death, most likely the little girl is helping him. If we can find that little girl, perhaps we can find where Gabriel is, too."


    "Bravo!" Shein clapped his hands in amazement. "I never thought of that. I just do whatever big bro asked me to do. I didn''t even think about the little girl."


    "In that case, I''ll check on the military files. It''s impossible if they didn''t have any data of her." Valkyrie just said that but he was soon got disappointed. There wasn''t any information of the little girl!


    Shein tried it and he couldn''t find anything either. He was met with a dead end.


    "I guess our hunch about him being alive is right." Jillyanna stated before she continued working.


    Outside the study room, Winter who was just about to knock the door was dumbfounded.

 Chapter 306 - FOOLISHLY IN LOVE MEN

    "Winter?" Travis asked in surprise to see his cousin standing in front of the study room. They didn''t even know that she''s back. "Did you just arrive here?"


    Winter turned to face Travis with tears falling on the floor. Each drop was akin a to knife, cutting Travis'' heart from the guilt he felt for his cousin and for Gabriel.


    "RV, I..h-heard..them. t-tal..talk." her hiccups and sobs were mixed together making her words difficult to understand.


    Not waiting for her to finish the things she wanted to say, Travis opened the door to the study room and brought her inside.


    Jillyanna, Valkyrie and Shein were speechless and wide-eyed. ''How much of our conversation did she hear?!'' This was the question that they wanted to ask her but they remained quiet and still.


    "Didn''t I tell you take a rest and have a shower?" Jillyanna finally spoke and she was dissing Travis this time. She looked so stern with her raised eyebrow and sharp glare but Travis wasn''t affected at all.


    He walked towards his wife and handed her the phone. "I was just about to take a shower when Dad called. He said that he needed to talk to you about something. Give him a call back." He kissed her head once again and left.


    Winter was sitting on the couch in front of Valkyrie and Shein. Her eyes were swollen and she looked visibly tired and exhausted.


    "Do you want to take a rest first? Seeing you right now makes me want to whack your head and make you fell unconscious. You looked like a walking ghost, so pale and thin." Jillyanna saved her work before she closed her laptop and walked towards Winter. "Did you hear us talk about Gab?"


    Winter nodded her head as she wiped her tears with the tissue that Valkyrie gave her. "I heard you say that he might be alive."


    "We aren''t ..VERY sure yet. We have our speculations and that is why we wanted to look into it." Jillyanna informed her.


    Actually, they didn''t want Winter to know what they have been doing. First, she just experienced the pain of losing someone. Second, they didn''t want to give her false hope and shatter it themselves. That would be so heartbreaking.


    Without even waiting for her to respond, Jillyanna''s hand moved quickly and she hit Winter at the back of her neck. "Sorry. I''ll make sure to explain everything once you wake up."


    Valkyrie carried Winter to the guest room and asked Brown to check on her. They were all worried for the current Winter. They could clearly see how thin she got, her eye bags were so dark and her cheeks were sunken like that of a ghost. She didn''t look like the usual fierce and valiant Lieutenant Colonel they knew.


    "She wasn''t even like this when her fiancee betrayed her." Valkyrie commented. "Anyway, you just stay here and look after her. We will take care of the search."


    "Sure sure." Brown agreed with a smile. In any case, he''s the only man that Winter trusted aside from Gabriel and Travis. ''Am I even a man in her eyes? I think she sees me as a woman? Right?'' Brown mocked himself with the thought.


    Jillyanna, together with Shein and Valkyrie, continued to work in the study room. Since they couldn''t find any data about the little girl from the military files, Shein decided to hack Major General Calhoun''s computer instead. It was their last option.


    "What secrets could this General have? His computer''s security was tighter than that of the whole military base." Shein stated while his fingers flew across the keyboard to break the security measures.


    Jillyanna just finished talking to her father-in-law about Travis. He wanted them to visit him during weekends. If it was Travis he talked to, he would definitely say NO. So, when it came to things like this, he would rather talk to Jillyanna instead of his son.


    Travis came back, fresh from the shower and his hair was still dripping wet, droplets of water fell on the towel that hang around his neck.


    "Didn''t I tell you to always dry your hair after a bath? Do you want to catch a cold?" Jillyanna scolded and glared at him. She stood up from her swivel chair and walked towards him. She didn''t say another sentence, just held on to his hand and drag him back to their bedroom.


    Since she was walking before him, Jillyanna didn''t see the wide grin on Travis'' face. Only Shein and Valkyrie saw how much he enjoyed being taken cared of by his wife.


    "Man in love would really become foolish." Valkyrie stated before he looked at Shein who was also looking at him.


    "Don''t speak ill about yourself." Shein responded before he continued to work. "I didn''t even say anything."


    "Right." Valkyrie murmured helplessly. He realized that everyone inside the house were foolishly in love, except for Jackie, that diamond-hearted woman.


    Jenny was out of the question because she was still young and student. "Wait, how old are twins again?" Valkyrie asked Shein beside him.


    "They''re 19 years old. Why?"


    "19?! 19?! Are you sure they''re 19 years old? How come I think she''s very mature. It''s not about her appearance but more like the vibe she gave off and the look in her eyes."


    Shein chuckled upon seeing his funny reaction. Many people wouldn''t believe that Riley and Jackie were twins because Jackie looked so mature. And yes, she didn''t look old but her eyes could tell that she''s been through a lot.


    "Before big sister Jillyanna came, Jackie was like a mother to us. She took care of both me and Riley. She protected us and fought with other kids for our sake. She encountered different kinds of people and different kinds of situations. That is why, she looked mature compared to Riley who loves to act."


    "Have you and Riley make up already?" This question made Shein smile helplessly.

 Chapter 307 - HER WORRIES

    Travis was following silently behind his beloved wife with a joyful smile. He wasn''t able to wipe off his smile yet when Jillyanna turned around abruptly to face him.


    "Stop smiling like a sly wolf." Jillyanna poked his waist twice from getting fooled again. "Sit on the bed so I can dry your hair."


    Travis obediently followed her instruction and sat on their huge bed. He wiped his hair with the towel while waiting for Jillyanna.


    "You could''ve brought the hair dryer with you when you went to the study room." she stated while she climbed up on to their bed where Travis sat.


    "I''ll keep that in mind." Travis turned to face her and hugged her waist. Since he was sitting and Jillyanna was kneeling, she was a bit taller than him. He inhaled her intoxicating scent and got himself lost with her touch.


    She was gently combing his hair and drying it at the same time. She didn''t even care about him hugging her waist. She was just spoiling him too much.


    "I want us to stay like this forever." Travis mumbled on her bosom where he buried his face.


    "Even if we want it, we can''t. We have to think for our baby''s future." Jillyanna responded rationally to his statement.


    "My savings can last us few lifetimes. Can''t we just be like this for a month before I get back to work?"


    Jillyanna kissed the top of his head and smiled. "I will always stay with you. We can cuddle when we want. We can have a late night talk, we can do what we want together. In exchange, you have to let me share your work."


    "No, I disagree." Travis looked up and locked his eyes with hers. "I don''t want to share my work with you once I start working again. During my coma, you worked hard despite being pregnant. I don''t want that to happen again."


    "Fine. I won''t work but you still have to let me come with you."


    "Of course. Didn''t we promise that we''d stick together?"


    Jillyanna smiled and cupped his cheeks. "I''m glad you remember it." She lowered her head and gave him a light kiss on his lips. "Don''t you ever leave me alone."


    "Hn. I won''t." Travis hugged her again while she continued to dry his hair.


    ''I''m really selfish to ask this from him. I don''t even know if I can make it after giving birth.'' Jillyanna thought sadly to herself. It was another problem for her.


    She didn''t tell Travis about her heart condition yet. For one, he might insist of getting a heart transplant. If that happens, the baby should be aborted; even if they won''t, the baby will die because of her medication. And Jillyanna can''t do it. She doesn''t have the courage to let go of the life inside her. Aside from this reason, Travis just recovered and she didn''t want to trouble him.


    As much as she could, she''ll control herself and eat healthy foods. She had been through a lot and she knew that her heart was giving up on her. ''Six more months. Please let me live for another six months. Let me give birth to my child first. Don''t give up yet.''


    Jillyanna clutched her chest when she felt a dull pain. She tried calming herself once again before Travis could find out.


    "I''m getting tired. I want to sleep." Jillyanna mumbled before she turned off the hair dryer. "Let me rest for a while, okay?"


    Travis simply smiled and tucked her in under the soft blanket. He picked the hair dryer and unplugged it before he returned it to its cabinet.


    Jillyanna''s frown didn''t disappear even when she lie down. "Are you alright?" Travis asked her upon seeing her pale complexion.


    "I''m fine. You know that I''ve always been like this after getting pregnant." Jillyanna answered him. She patted the space beside her and gestured him to lie down next to her. "Stay with me for awhile."


    Travis didn''t need to be told twice. He immediately slid his body under the blanket and pulled his wife closer. He put his arm under his head and let her use him as a pillow.


    Jillyanna snuggled closer to him, feeling his warm body with hers while she wrapped her arms on his waist. "I asked them to find the little girl that Gabriel saved." she informed her of the speculations she thought earlier.


    "That''s good to know. It would be great if we look into all the possibilities." Travis responded while he caressed her soft hair. "I hope we can find him soon. I don''t think Winter will ever be fine after this."


    "Right." Jillyanna''s perfunctory answer was the last word she uttered before she fell asleep. She was just too tired and exhausted from calming her nerves. The dull ache in her heart didn''t even dissipate.


    Travis looked at his wife in his arms. He knew that something''s really wrong with her. She might think that he didn''t know but he noticed it multiple times that she would clutch her heart with a deep frown on her face. Sometimes, she would even blink away the tears in her eyes to hide the pain she felt.


    "Didn''t you get a heart transplant?" Travis whispered while he tucked the strands of stray hairs behind her ears. "Is there any complication? Why aren''t you telling me?"


    Since he couldn''t get any answer from his sleeping wife, Travis just kissed her forehead again and again. He decided that he''d ask Brown to examine her secretly.


    Jillyanna found herself lying on a hospital bed. Above her was a blinding light and beside her were several apparatus for operation. She could see several faceless people around her; some were holding her and a certain someone was holding a thing like a small vacuum.


    "Operation to abort the baby will now commence."


    Jillyanna didn''t know who said it but the doctor moved and inserted the vacuum-like thing inside her.


    "No! Stop it! No! Don''t take my baby! Stop it!" In her dream, she was thrashing on the operating table while several people held her tightly. "If you kill my baby, I will kill everyone in your family! From the oldest to the youngest. I''ll never leave anyone alive!" Jillyanna shouted at the top of her lungs but the doctor didn''t listen to her at all.


    "Stop it! Please. I''m begging you."


    She was covered in cold sweat while she cried in her sleep. Travis was already in panic while he tried to wake her up. It wasn''t even night time and yet she was having a nightmare.


    "Jill, no one will take away our baby. I won''t let anyone harm you. Jill wake up." Travis called out to her several times but she would just frown as if she was in so much pain. "Jill, wake up."

 Chapter 308 - LEVEL OF SWEETNESS I

    Jillyanna opened her eyes slowly and the first thing she saw was the panic-stricken face of Travis. He looked so anxious while he was holding her hand.


    "Are you alright? What were you dreaming?" Travis asked her while he wiped away her tears and sweat.


    Jillyanna sobbed from relief when she finally realized it was just a dream. It was so realistic that she can still feel the horror of such inhuman actions.


    "No matter what happens to me, you can''t let anyone take our baby. Don''t you dare let my baby die."


    Travis didn''t know what exactly she dreamed of but he was sure that it has something to do with their unborn child because she mentioned about their baby in her sleep.


    "I protected you and the baby before, and I will do it no matter how many times I have to. I won''t let anyone harm you and our child. Rest assured."


    Instead of getting a relaxing sleep, Jillyanna was greeted with a nightmare and she didn''t want to sleep anymore. After changing her clothes, she just snuggled in Travis'' warmth to calm herself.


    "Are you fine now?" Travis asked her again in which she nodded this time. "Let''s go out and eat lunch or do you want to eat here instead?"


    "Are my eyes swollen?" she asked since she didn''t want anyone to worry about her.


    "Even if your eyes are swollen, you are still the most beautiful girl in my eyes. What other people think don''t matter."


    Jillyanna smile because of his words. He really knew how to sweet-talk with her. "Let me stay like this for another ten minutes."


    "Alright. I shall spoil my wife and comfort her." Travis hugged her and caressed her back to calm her. They were lying on their bed in the comfort of silence, with only their breathing and beating heart can be heard.


    "I dreamed that I was lying on a hospital bed. Well, it was more like an operating table. I saw several people holding me down as they prepared to abort my baby. I was scared. Even though I threatened them, they didn''t listen to me." Jillyanna opened up and told him what she dreamed of. "If it would really happen, I will really kill everyone in their family. I will not let anyone live."


    Travis released a deep sigh and kissed the top of her head again. "I won''t let that happen."


    "Really?"


    "Hn. I will save the baby no matter what."


    "I will hold you accountable with your words. I will really get mad at you if something happens to the baby. I will leave you and never come back."


    "Are you threatening me sweetheart?"


    "Why? Are you threatened?" Jillyanna retorted with a defiant smile.


    "Very threatened. Only my wife can threaten my with such thing."


    Jillyanna was finally in a good mood after their conversation. She trusted Travis to keep his words and she didn''t have the slightest doubt in him.


    After ten minutes, Jillyanna and Travis came out of their room to eat lunch. Winter was still unconscious and everyone else had their fill already. Only the two of them hadn''t eaten yet.


    Auntie Sisi came to the kitchen to assist them. "No need Auntie. We''ll be fine on our own."


    "Okay. Just call me if you need anything." Auntie Sisi came silently and left silently.


    "What do you want to eat?" Travis asked Jillyanna as he opened the refrigerator and cupboards to find some ingredients.


    "I''m craving for vegetable salad right now."


    "Anything else?"


    "Hmm..I want.." she was thinking what to eat when he walked towards her.


    "Me? Do you want me?" Travis offered himself with a playful wink.


    "Yes, I want you." Jillyanna responded cheekily. "But I don''t want you right now, perhaps after dinner? I''d probably need a dessert by then."


    Travis laughed and kissed her cheeks. "My wife knows how to play with words now. I remember that I owe you a prize and I''ve been working so hard to get my energy and stamina back. I think I can serve you tonight. What do you think?"


    "Haha." Jillyanna laughed awkwardly while she scratch the tip of her nose. "I think I''m fine without dessert tonight. I don''t want to get a diabetes from too much sweet."


    "I think you are right. It would be bad to have sweets at night when you are just about to sleep. How about I serve you now? In that case, you still have the whole afternoon to work out."


    "Work out? More or less I won''t have time to do that. I''d be staying in bed for days if I let you serve me." Jillyanna was starting to blush with their conversation. This was something she couldn''t really understand. No matter what topic or subject they talked about, they would still end up in this kind of conversation.


    Travis moved closer and hugged her from behind. "So you don''t need dessert? Just that vegetable salad?"


    "Hn."


    "Really?" he kissed her nape which made Jillyanna clutched the hem of her shirt. "You don''t want me as dessert?"


    "Too much sweet is dangerous." she stated while controlling her urges to respond to his kisses.


    "How about a light sweetness?"


    "How light?"


    "Like this.." Travis didn''t say anything more and just kissed her. He tilted her head and claimed her mouth that he always wanted to kiss. When he said always, it means always. Every second of every minute of everyday. He just wanted to lie on their bed and kiss her.


    His kisses trailed down from her mouth to the side of her jaw and to the base of her neck. She controlled herself not to let out her voice but her moans still escaped.


    Travis smiled with the reaction he got from her. He nipped on to her delicate skin and left his mark. "So, how''s the light sweetness?" he asked her with mischief clear and visible in his eyes.


    "Not too bad." she answered. Her flushed face and hazy eyes were delights in Travis'' eyes. He loved seeing her like this and of course, only him can see such beautiful expression.


    "Can you stay in the living room while I prepare our food?" Travis asked her with a deep sigh. Before she could respond, he added, "I might skip lunch and just eat you up."


    Jillyanna didn''t need to be told twice. She fled as soon as she can to the living room with her phone.

 Chapter 309 - LEVEL OF SWEETNESS II

    Perhaps, because of exhaustion and over fatigue, Winter didn''t wake up until the sun sunk in the west. She slept very peacefully and Brown stayed with her all the time in case she''d wake up.


    She slowly opened her eyes and found herself lying on a soft bed. Her vision was a bit blurry and she could see someone sitting on the couch not far from her.


    "Gabriel." she murmured the name of the person that she missed so much. If she had known this would happen, she would''ve forced herself to remember him. She would''ve listened to him and go to the places that they spent time together. If only. But ifs don''t exist in life. There''s no room for regret. You should always be responsible to the choices you make.


    Brown heard her whisper and felt bad for her. "Winter, you''re awake. How are you feeling?"


    Winter realized that it wasn''t Gabriel but Brown who was sitting on the couch. ''Right, Gabriel is gone.'' she thought to herself and her tears started to escape from her tear ducts again.


    Brown didn''t say anything. He didn''t really have any idea how to comfort someone. "Uhh..how should I say this.." he mumbled under his breath while giving her a tissue. "Uhh..sh*t! Can you wipe your tears and come with me? Oh wait, take a shower and change clothes first. I will wait for you outside. There''s something important you need to know."


    While he guarded her outside the room, Shein nad Valkyrie were elated for the first time since they took up this task. On the screen, they saw the little girl with an uncle, went inside the shopping mall and bought several clothes and undergarments from the men''s wear.


    "That''s the little girl from Calhoun''s computer! Quick check the surveillance and see where they will go after shopping." Valkyrie hurried Shein while he watched the monitor.


    Shein checked all the possible routes with CCTV cameras but most of them were broken. "WTF! Most of the cameras are useless!" He hacked into another camera and got a glimpse of the little girl walking into an alley, leading them to a suburb. Then, they lost her.


    Shein slammed his fist on the table from frustration. They were so close to find him but they lost the child because of the insufficient cameras. "Wait! Didn''t the military send some people to control peace and order in Pantar?"


    "They did. Hundreds of soldiers were dispatched to assist the villagers and the city." Valkyrie responded to him. "Are you planning to ask them to install cameras?"


    "No need. If Gabriel is indeed alive he won''t allow that. Let''s just follow what we have and patiently wait. I am pretty sure he''d make a mistake soon."


    Jillyanna knocked on the door to call their attention. "It''s time for dinner."


    "Okay."


    "Be there."


    Shein and Valkyrie turned off their computers and walked out of the room for dinner. Hawk and Savannah arrived as well with some documents in hand. Jackie was no where to be found but Jenny, was there.


    "Where''s that diamond-hearted girl-Jackie?" Valkyrie asked Savannah when he passed by her.


    "She said that she''ll stop by the Police Academy. She''ll be here soon."


    Jillyanna knew why she stopped there but she didn''t make a fuss over it. In fact, she found someone that needed a knock on her head.


    "You finally have time to come home, huh?" Jillyanna flicked Jenny''s forehead. "How come you lost weight? Is school really stressful."


    Jenny rubbed her forehead and nodded her head. "I''ve got so many projects to do but I''m fine. It''s just, I tend to forget to eat my food."


    "That''s not good. You have to eat your meals on time. No matter how many projects you have to finish, your meals should come first." Travis added to what Jillyanna said.


    "I''ll keep that in mind." Jenny nodded her head and smiled at them. She would never disobey them knowing that they cared for her.


    Not long after, Winter came down as well with Brown. She still looked so haggard in their eyes.


    Travis pulled out his phone and dialed Jackie''s number. "Where are you? We''re about to have dinner."


    Hearing his voice, Jackie knew that her sister was worried which was the reason why Travis called her. "I''m on my way big bro. I''ll be there in five minutes."


    Travis ended the call and signaled Jillyanna that her sister will be home in five minutes. Since it wasn''t a long wait time, they all went to the kitchen while waiting for her.


    "Put your hands away! Where do you think you''re touching me?!" Brown glared at Valkyrie while he swat his hands away.


    "Do you even need to ask? Can''t you feel that I''m touching your waist?" Valkyrie teased him since he found it fun to look at his expressions. Feathers of the same feather flock together. And who''s the friend? Travis.


    Brown''s gaze were spitting fireballs and if it could toast Valkyrie, he''d be a roasted human already. "Isn''t it your fault?!"


    This exchange of words made everyone looked at them. How else would you interpret their words?


    Seeing the mischievous and teasing gazes, Brown waved his hands in front of him. "It''s not what you think it is."


    "What do you think we have in mind?" Jillyanna teased them before taking a seat.


    Brown blushed even though it wasn''t really what happened. "I don''t know what you guys are thinking...but..but I''m telling you..it''s not something indecent."


    "Oh?" Savannah and Jenny both expressed at the same time. Jenny might be young but she knew what was going on inside the house.


    "So why are you blushing?" Hawk added to the teasing crowd.


    Since he can''t do anything to them, Brown turned to Valkyrie and stomped on his foot. "It''s your fault! Really your fault."


    "I didn''t say it was yours. And don''t stomp on my foot." Valkyrie retorted.


    "Would you rather have me stomp on your precious anatomy?! Ahh! This is crazy!"

 Chapter 310 - LATE NIGHT TALK

    Jackie arrived and heard Brown''s words. "If you do that, you will be the one to suffer after dinner."


    "Diamon-hearted-Jackie is home! You are indeed wise." Valkyrie commented while he took a seat. "What were you doing in Police Academy?"


    "Nothing. Just wanted to see some..some new sceneries." Jackie''s poor excuse this time made them raised their eyebrows. It was obvious that she wanted to say ''someone''.


    Because of this, Jillyanna whispered something to Travis and borrowed his phone. She got used to using his phone already that she would sometimes leave her cellphone in their room.


    -Bro, did Vincent come to the Police Academy today?- She sent this text to Lucian, who most-likely knew about this matter. It was also because of him that Jackie found someone that she likes and envy at the same time.


    -Yes. He had a lecture this afternoon. I believe he just left the academy few minutes ago. Do you need anything from him?- This was Lucian''s reply.


    -No. I was just curious. Come home soon and find my sister. She''d be lonely if you keep working and forget her.-


    -How can that happen? I always go home early now. Your sister is right next to me.-


    -That''s good. Then enjoy your time with her.-


    Jillyanna returned the phone to Travis and started eating. Brown and Valkyrie watched her eat and found it stressful. To make sure that she''s eating healthy food, she usually dig herself with veggies. They knew why she was doing it but they felt frustrated in her behalf.


    "Are you fine with that food?" Valkyrie asked Jillyanna since she was the only goat-eating-grass in the group.


    "Yup. But if I get bored with this, I''ll look for another food recipe." Jillyanna answered him before putting a slice of tomato in her mouth.


    Seeing the distress on their faces, Travis knew that he needed to take action immediately. "Let''s have a late night talk tonight." he whispered close to her ears and kissed her temple after.


    "Just a talk?" Jillyanna was having doubts with this late night talk.


    "Hn. I have to tell you something very important."


    "Okay." Jillyanna agreed before eating a piece of cucumber. She didn''t really mind eating veggies everyday but they were all making a big fuss out of it.


    After dinner, Savannah and Hawk sent Jenny back to the apartment since she still have a class the next day. Winter had been silent the whole time but she would forcefully smile if she caught someone was looking at her.


    "Come to the study room with me." Brown told Winter as they walked upstairs. Winter just nodded her head obediently. It was really out of her character! How come she''s very obedient? Brown wanted to ask this question to someone but everyone was walking far ahead of them.


    Jackie didn''t want to join their conversation so she stayed in the kitchen and helped Auntie Fei to clean the dishes and utensils.


    Jillyanna wanted to sit on her swivel chair but Travis beat her to it. "I want to sit here." she sulked in front of him since he took away her seat.


    "Then sit here." Travis pulled her down and let her sat on his lap. He hugged her from behind and caressed her little baby bump. "Just stay like this."


    Left with no other choice, Jillyanna could only roll her eyes and leaned her head on his chest. Since he offered it, why not take advantage of it.


    Winter sat on the couch beside Shein but her eyes wandered to the huge screen and several computers on the table. "What happened to your study room?"


    "Explain this to your cousin. This is your whole idea after all." Jillyanna tugged his sleeves as she spoke.


    Travis nodded her head and placed his chin on his wife''s head. "We don''t believe that Gabriel died. We..." He explained everything to Winter but he also reminded her not to cling with so much hope. It was just their speculation and they didn''t know where Gabriel was.


    Winter''s tears fell but she immediately wiped them away. "Thank you RV."


    "No need to thank me. I''m part of the cause that this happen."


    While they talk, Jillyanna doze off to sleep in his arms, avoiding the late night talk with Travis. Or that''s what she thought.


    Seeing her sleeping face, Travis carried her out of the study room and brought her to their bedroom. When he put her down, she stirred for a moment and her hand was feeling the other side of the bed. When she couldn''t find his warmth, she immediately opened her eyes to find him.


    "Travis?" she called out his name and Travis came out from the bathroom. "I..I dozed off. Are we still going to have a late night talk?"


    "If you are sleepy, we can talk tomorrow morning. It''s fine."


    "I am not sleepy anymore."


    Travis slid under the blanket and pulled her close. "How''s your heart condition?"


    Jillyanna blinked her eyes multiple times while looking at him. "Why are you asking this?"


    "Didn''t we promise that we won''t keep a secret?"


    Jillyanna winced from guilt and avoided looking at his eyes. She turned her back on him but she held his hand to keep her emotions from going haywire.


    "I didn''t mean to keep this from you because I know you''d be worried. I was looking for some ways to deal with this matter." Jillyanna admitted her faults to him. "Are you angry?"


    Travis released a deep sigh and hugged her tightly. He kissed her shoulders twice in attempt to comfort her. "I am not angry. I am worried. What if something serious will happen to you? What am I gonna do?"


    Jillyanna turned to face him once again. Her turbulent eyes silenced Travis because he knew she was holding his words against him. He made a promise.


    "If that really happens and our baby has the chance of survival, you know exactly what to do."

 Chapter 311 - NO WONDER SHE LIKES BL

    "Why are you giving me this heavy responsibility?" Travis complained while hugging her.


    Jillyanna reached out her hand and caressed his face. ''He''s got stubbles again.'' she thought to herself. She really liked the feeling of his stubbles under her palm. "It is not a heavy responsibility. Come to think of it, I''ve lived my life for 23 years. My chance of survival is very slim. Of course, we know that the doctors would do their best to save me but if worse comes to worst, you have to choose our baby. You have to let her live and experience what we have in life. Don''t take the chance away from her."


    "What about you? What about me?" This time his tears were out of control. For a man to cry, it must be unbearable to him.


    "I''m sorry that I''m letting you make this decision. However, that won''t happen soon. I am taking care of myself to make sure that nothing will happen to me until I give birth. I talked to my doctor before and he told me that I can have a surgery after giving birth. I''m fighting for that chance."


    Travis didn''t say anything anymore. If he was in pain for her, how much pain was she feeling for herself, for the baby and for him? If it was difficult for him, how difficult it would be for her to carry a child for nine months but wasn''t even sure if she can see her baby?


    Travis wanted to curse the heavens. He wanted to scream and shout the agony of losing her. If he would really lose her, how will he live his life after that. He didn''t even want to think about it.


    "Let''s get some sleep for now. We''ll visit the hospital tomorrow for a check up." Travis spoke with shaky voice. He pulled her even closer and rested his face on top of her head.


    The next morning, Jillyanna and Travis woke up earlier than usual. Travis dressed her warmly and cooked her food to make sure that she would be able to eat delicious and healthy food.


    "Why are you up so early? Are you guys leaving?" Brown who woke up to get a glass of water saw the two of them in the kitchen.


    "We will go to the hospital." Jillyanna answered him since Travis was busy cooking.


    "Hospital?" The groggy feeling he had earlier instantly disappear. "Why are you visiting the hospital again? Didn''t you just visit the hospital for his physical therapy and for your ultrasound?"


    "My heart." Jillyanna pointed on the left side of her chest. "He knows it."


    Brown placed the glass of water on the table and shifted his gaze to the both of them. "Would you like me to come with you? I am not a surgeon or a heart specialist but I can check the medications and help you with other things when it comes to health."


    "Are you sure? Your back or waist doesn''t hurt anymore?" Travis asked him with cheeky grin.


    "Stop teasing me! Nothing really happened." Brown reasoned out and defended himself.


    "Nothing happened but something will happen if you leave without informing Val."


    "I''ll inform him now. I''ll tell him so you guys wait for me. I''ll drive the car for you."


    "Alright. I''ll prepare your breakfast as well. What do you want?" Travis called out to him since he was already running back to his room.


    "Sandwich is fine." Brown yelled from the second floor before turning left and got inside their room. Valkyrie was leaning on the headboard while waiting for him. "I''ll be going to the hospital with Travis and Jillyanna."


    "Why what happened to them?" Valkyrie sat up from his position and watched Brown rummaged their wardrobe to get some clothes.


    "Travis knew about Jillyanna''s condition so they''ll leave for a check up."


    "I see. If you go out, what about me?"


    "You will stay here. Guard Winter to make sure she won''t leave and go to Pantar. You can ask her to help you with the monitoring so that she''ll have something to do and not think about stupid things."


    "You expect me to do that? She hates me, okay? Are you sending me to my death?" Valkyrie argued back, feeling wronged and abandoned.


    Brown didn''t answer him but he went directly to the bathroom to take a quick shower, leaving Valkyrie stupefied with the thought of talking to Winter.


    When Brown came out again, he was already dressed in a fresh set of clothes while drying his hair. Valkyrie took the hair dryer and helped him with it.


    "Do I really have to talk to her? How about I let Shein do it?" Valkyrie opened up again to refuse the task that was given to him.


    When his hair wasn''t that wet anymore, Brown picked up his long coat and wore it. "If you can keep her occupied and not leave the house, I''ll let you do whatever you want tonight."


    "Deal." Valkyrie answered immediately. If that''s the prize, why not?


    Brown left the room but after a few steps, he turned back and walked towards him. He placed a light kiss on his lips before leaving him stunned again.


    "Take care of the house while we''re gone." Brown reminded him as he descended down the stairs.


    Valkyrie touched his lips in a daze. It was the first time that Brown took the initiative to kiss him and he was so elated he wasn''t able to react immediately.


    "He kissed me?! He kissed me! He did!" He was mumbling these words when Jackie came out of her room and saw him standing with a day dreaming expression.


    "Go back inside your room if you still want to dream about him." Jackie''s words pulled him back to reality.


    "Ahh! Diamond-hearted-Jackie! It''s you!"


    "What about me?"


    "Nothing. You should get yourself a boyfriend to know the feeling of a kiss." Valkyrie left her these words before closing the door behind.


    Jackie could only shake her head helplessly. ''No wonder my sister likes BL. They indeed look cute.''

 Chapter 312 - ENROLLED HERSELF

    Winter woke up few minutes after Jillyanna, Travis and Brown left. It was still nine in the morning so some of them were still sleeping like Shein.


    He didn''t have to get up early since Riley wasn''t around. He didn''t have a princess to serve and the queen Jillyanna only needed her king.


    When Valkyrie came down to get his morning coffee, he met Winter in the living room, reading some magazines. He coughed twice to clear his throat before speaking.


    "Li..Lieutenant Colonel, did you eat breakfast already?" Even if he''s a man, he''s really afraid of Winter because she was stronger and skillful than him and she hates men who take advantage of Brown''s feminine feature, specifically, she hates Valkyrie.


    Winter didn''t say anything which left him standing awkwardly. Since he couldn''t persuade her to talk then he''ll just ignore him. ''It doesn''t matter if she won''t talk. My task is to just keep her home.'' He added mentally before leaving her alone on her own.


    Shein came down and saw Winter as well. "Hi Winter! Did you sleep well last night?" Shein''s cheerful greeting was met with silence. ''This is really awkward!'' he exclaimed mentally but knowing that she was still grieving and sad over Gabriel''s situation, he didn''t disturb her anymore.


    In fact, Winter wasn''t really ignoring them. She was just spacing out with the news regarding Gabriel. She was thinking of ways as to how she can leave and find him. She didn''t notice Valkyrie and Shein talking to her either.


    With her scrambled thoughts and upset heart, she went to the kitchen to get something sweet. "Morning everyone." she greeted Valkyrie and Shein who looked at each other in surprise.


    "Good morning." Both men greeted her back.


    "Where''s everyone else? The house seemed quiet." She commented while looking inside the two refrigerator for any desserts.


    "Jackie is still in her room. She''s preparing to go somewhere. Hawk and Savannah left early to fetch Thomas and go to the company. Travis, Jillyanna and Brown went to the hospital for a check up." Valkyrie enumerated the events to her. "By the way, we will be tracking the whereabouts of Gabriel, can you help us with some of the task? Brown left so we needed someone to fill in his position."


    "Sure. I thought you wouldn''t ask for my help." Winter responded happily. If she didn''t know where to find him, it would be a waste to just go in Pantar blindly. She decided to find his location first before she''ll leave to look for him.


    As they talk, Jackie came down with a brown envelope containing some documents that she needed. She went to the kitchen first to get breakfast.


    "Diamond-hearted-Jackie, come and eat breakfast before you leave." Valkyrie told her, gesturing her to sit on a vacant chair.


    "Are you really doing this?" Shein asked Jackie which left the other two people confused. They didn''t know what Shein meant at all.


    Jackie just nodded her head in silence, scooping some fried rice on her plate, picking a roll of omelette and hotdog. "I''ve always wanted to do this and I''m glad I get this chance."


    "When will you start?" Shein asked again leaving Winter and Valkyrie out of the conversation.


    "I''ll be starting next week. I''ll join the qualifications'' training before classes start next semester."


    "Did you tell Riley?"


    "I spoke to her last night."


    Shein didn''t ask anymore. Perhaps she''s taking a dangerous profession, but at the very least, it''s decent. They just continued to eat in silence.


    Jackie finished her breakfast as soon as she can. She went back to her room and brushed her teeth before coming down again. "I''m leaving now. Take care of the house."


    "Take care of yourself." Winter reminded her while watching the youngster jogged out of the house. She spun around and looked at the two men behind her. "It''s time to do our job."


    The three of them went inside the study room and started tracking Gabriel again. Checking all possible areas that he could be staying.


    Jackie drover her car to the Police Academy and met Lucian at the gate. He will be helping her with the procedure to get herself into the academy.


    "Are you sure with your decision?" Lucian asked her while they walked to the administration''s office.


    "Hn. I won''t regret this decision no matter what."


    "Would you like to stay in the dorm or would you like to commute everyday?"


    "I''ll be staying in the dorm."


    "Good luck with the training. Once the three months time of training is over, you will have an examination before you can join the class. Do your best!" Lucian encouraged her which made Jackie smile. She was glad that someone was there to cheer for her.


    Lucian and Jackie went all through the procedure and she handed her documents for validation. Everything went smoothly and she was finally given her dorm card as well as her badge ID before the day ended.


    "Thank you so much for coming with me here brother Lucian. Since it''s almost night time, would you like to have dinner before going home? We can fetch sister Cielo as well."


    "Hn. That would be great. Let me call her so that she could wrap up her work."


    And just like that, Jackie entered the Police Academy. She wasn''t worried about bumping with Vincent in the school campus at all. First, she''s still a trainee. Second, Vincent only gave lectures to regular students. Third, she will never show up her face on the same ground as him.


    ''Why am I even doing this foolish thing?!'' Jackie questioned herself in mockery. ''I''m doing this for myself. I''m not doing this for a man. I''m definitely doing this for myself! Definitely!''


    She walked briskly towards the parking lot when she bumped on to someone. "What the he..heck.." she slowed down her speech when she gaze into the most familiar eyes. "What the heck is your problem?! Don''t touch me!" she slapped the hands that were holding her waist and walked away. ''Good Lord, why did he show up in front of me?''


    Vincent could only smile while watching the woman walk away from him. "You showed up again in my life. I''ll never let you go no matter what happens."

 Chapter 313 - HER HEART

    Travis and Brown were sighing the whole time since they left the hospital. Both of them worried and their minds were already working as to what they can do to help Jillyanna.


    Hearing another sigh from them, Jillyanna rolled her eyes and glared to both men. "Can you stop sighing already? It''s not like your sighs can change anything, right?"


    "Aren''t you worried?" Travis asked her. His eyes were holding so much emotions keeping Jillyanna hooked in silence.


    She took a deep breath and shifted her gaze to the view outside the car. Building and cars were getting sparse as they drove back to their house. Trees and flowers were showing more and more which were lovely in her eyes.


    "Worrying over this matter won''t do me any good. Worrying will affect my baby. I''ve been worried for a long time already and I decided to let fate do its work."


    She clearly remembered what the doctor said earlier. "We can put you on the list for a heart transplant but there are over 20 patients that came before you. Our policy is ''first come, first serve'' basis no matter how rich you are. Besides, why did you even get yourself pregnant when you knew that this would happen?"


    Jillyanna didn''t answer the doctor''s question. She didn''t know why either. All that she knew was to get a baby for herself and live her life as a mother. She always wanted to become a mother.


    "What if we find ourself a heart donor, will she get the operation earlier?" Travis asked in which both the doctor and Brown shook their heads. "Why?"


    "If she gets an operation, the baby will die. Either we abort the baby or you will kill the baby with the medications." the doctor honestly told them the truth of the consequence.


    Travis slumped on the back of his seat with helpless gaze. Jillyanna felt a pang in her heart when she saw him like this.


    "If I can still hold on, after giving birth, I can still get a heart transplant, right?" Jillyanna asked even though she knew it was possible.


    "Yes you can, given that there is a heart ready for you during that time."


    Although there was a little hope, Jillyanna didn''t want to cling on to that hope to avoid disappointing herself.


    Travis watched his wife stare into space. Even though she said that she wasn''t worried, it was clear as day on her face that she was worried like them.


    "We''ll figure out a way." Brown spoke to pull them back together. Jillyanna wasn''t even dead but the atmosphere was so heavy like they were mourning.


    "Hn. We''ll definitely find a way. If not now, then I''ll hold on until I give birth to my precious baby." Jillyanna smiled cheerfully which squeezed Travis'' heart even more.


    He hugged her in his arms since he''s got no other way to comfort her. "I''ll find a way. I''ll make sure that you live." Travis whispered while kissing the top of her head.


    "I know." Jillyanna buried her face on his chest, inhaling his scent to calm her mind and heart. She didn''t want to think about any negative things. She just want to think about the man beside her right now.


    When they got home, Valkyrie greeted them with a cheeky grin. Jillyanna and Travis looked at each other before looking towards Brown whose mouth was twitching.


    It was obvious that he wanted to smack Valkyrie on his face. He face-palmed himself and walked towards him. "Did you do what I asked you to do?"


    "Yup. Winter is currently in the study room with Shein." Valkyrie answered happily, eager to receive his prize after dinner. "How about we skip dinner and you give me my prize?" he whispered close to Brown''s ear which earned him a light punch on his gut.


    "Don''t mess with me." Brown glared at him before looking at Jillyanna and Travis who was sitting in the living room. He let another sigh escape his mouth before going up stairs. "Come with me."


    Even though it was Brown taking the initiative to hold him, Valkyrie wasn''t happy at all. By looking the their faces, he knew something bad happened or that Jillyanna''s condition was worse than expected.


    Valkyrie didn''t have the mood to tease him anymore. He followed him silently and closed the door of their room behind him. "Is it getting worse?" He asked which Brown just nodded while he took off his coat. "How long does she have?"


    "We didn''t ask. We didn''t want to know. However, one thing is for sure. If Jillyanna won''t get a heart transplant, she''ll die."


    Valkyrie sat on their bed with a sigh. He''s the third person to sigh in this matter. "I''ll call dad. Since you know about medical stuff, it would be best that you talk to him."


    "Me? Seriously? Are f*cking kidding me?!" Brown threw a fuss over such easy task. Well, it wasn''t easy for him. Since Valkyrie talked to his father about their relationship, Brown never called Dr. Anderson again. He''d rather die than talk to him. It''s scary!


    Looking at his horrified expression, Valkyrie was amused and chuckling. He never saw him so flustered until now. "Is it so difficult to talk to our father? Before he became your in-law, he was your foster father and you were even so close to him. Why are you afraid now?"


    "You''re really asking me this question? Do you want me to hack you to death?" Brown glared at him from frustration. Even if someone pays him to talk to Dr. Anderson, he''ll never do it.


    "If you will talk to him, I''ll let you off with our deal this morning." Valkyrie added but Brown remained statued on his ground. "Oh? So you''d rather do it than talk to our father?"


    "Shut up, you idiotic monkey!" Brown yelled at him and stormed out of the room. He didn''t have the courage to talk to Dr. Anderson yet. "Why did it even come to this? Dr. Anderson is scary when he''s angry. What if he''ll skin me alive?" he murmured to himself while sulking at the foot of their door.

 Chapter 314 - OFFICE ROMANCE I

    Even Dr. Anderson couldn''t do anything with regards to Jillyanna''s condition. He can only promise to find a heart donor for her but he can''t create a miraculous surgery.


    Time quickly flash and one month just passed by with so many worries and stress. They still didn''t find Gabriel and Winter was losing her patience already. Anytime soon, she''ll really board with a plane and drop herself in Pantar to find Gabriel.


    Jackie started her training and her plans were all shattered. Every single day, she bumped into Vincent whenever she''s on break and she had the urge to break his leg so they won''t see each other again.


    She hated it when her heart skipped a beat everytime she sees him. She hated it when some other women flocked around him like some kind of celebrity. She hated it when she think that she''s jealous! For god''s sake, I''m not jealous! This was the mantra that she''d tell herself everytime she felt something stirring in her heart.


    Riley was still overseas to continue filming. She had only gone home once and flew back to Europe again. Shein wanted to come with her but with the situation at hand, he didn''t want to leave his task which Riley understood.


    Jenny had come to see her a few times since she was getting busy in school. Cielo spent her time managing their cafe and Lucian busied himself in his office with all the paperworks and cases going on.


    In this one month, many things happened. Travis fully recovered his physical health but he still forgot some things. Nevertheless, remembering his family and friends was the best thing that happened.


    He started going back to work with Jillyanna after the promise they made of ''sticking together''. This time, his father Thomas could finally relax himself.


    "These are the projects that gained approval from your father and the board. You''ll have to check on them and see if there''s any changes you want to make." Savannah handed him a bunch of documents which made Travis twitch his mouth. It wasn''t until that time did he realize how tiring his work is.


    "Thanks Savy, I''ll check on them." Travis took one folder and flipped several pages to see the information. "Is there any news from Calhoun''s side?"


    "Nope. There wasn''t any abnormalities with his routine but he insist that Winter should stay at home for several days since there wasn''t any serious matter at hand. He didn''t even send us to new mission this time."


    "Those are the abnormalities." Travis pointed at her from the words she said. "Before, no matter how small an issue was, he''d send you guys to deal with it. Now, he insists that Winter should take a rest and he isn''t giving you any missions. He must be hiding something."


    Savannah understood what he meant and nodded her head. She immediately sent a message to Valkyrie and informed him about Calhoun. They knew that they were invading his privacy but it''s very important that they find Gabriel soon before Winter lost her mind.


    Jillyanna rose to her feet from the couch she was sitting. She picked up some documents on his table, went back to her seat and worked on it.


    "Let''s finish half of this before going home. You are not allowed to bring unfinished work at home." she reminded Travis about their agreement.


    "Yes madam. I won''t." He started working with his part while Savannah assisted Jillyanna with hers.


    The atmosphere was harmonious even with Savannah being the third wheel. Travis stole a glance at his wife to see if she''s uncomfortable. When he''s not looking at her, Jillyanna would glance at him to appreciate the seriously - handsome man working on his table.


    Noticing these silly actions, Savannah felt a throbbing pain in her temples. She couldn''t help but roll her eyes and sigh. "I''m going out to find Hawk. I''m leaving you guys alone." She went out and locked the door in the process.


    Travis stood up from his seat and went to her side. He sat on the space beside her, pulled her up and let her sit on the space between his legs. He swept her hair that covered her neck and placed them on her shoulder.


    His gentle and short kisses made Jillyanna shiver down her spine. The electrifying sensations were making her mind go blank.


    "What are you doing?" Jillyanna asked while she tried to focus on her work at hand.


    "I''m motivating you, of course." He placed another kiss on her nape, leaving a small kiss mark before kissing the underside of her ear which was Jillyanna''s weakness.


    She closed her eyes to pull back herself before she lost her mind from the pleasures that he''s giving her. "My dear husband, we are currently in your office."


    "I see. I shall continue this at home."


    "You''re hopeless. How come you can still think about doing this when you''re not even done with your work?"


    "Who''s fault is it?" Travis threw the blame at her, making her roll her eyes and gave a light smack on his hand.


    She wasn''t able to respond to him yet when he carried her off abruptly to the adjacent room. Jillyanna''s heart skipped a beat when a sudden thought flash across her mind. ''Are we having an office romance?''


    "What are you thinking?" Travis asked her upon seeing her bashful expression. Even though he asked, he wasn''t really waiting for her answer. He placed her slowly on the bed while claiming her mouth like a hungry butterfly sucking a flower nectar.


    Jillyanna''s moan escaped from her which excited her husband even more. His hands were touching her wherever he wanted to, sending sparks and flames everywhere.


    Since Jillyanna was wearing a blouse, it was easy for him to slip his hands inside and cupped her chest. He moved her bra upwards and played with her nipples, teasing them while he continued to kiss her.


    "This..why..why are we having an office romance?"

 Chapter 315 - OFFICE ROMANCE II

    "Isn''t it fun?" Travis teased her with this question. It was obvious that he was having fun with their actions. He pulled her blouse up to expose her chest. With his other hand teasing her nipple, he sucked on the other, licking and leaving a small mark on the side.


    "How the hell did we even end up like this?" Jillyanna complained because she can''t seem to remember any statement or actions that could lead them into such pleasurable event.


    "No particular reason why. We''re doing it because we are husband and wife." Travis shamelessly used this excuse to her.


    Jillyanna covered her mouth to avoid her voice from coming out. Feeling his kisses traveling down to his stomach, Jillyanna could feel something trickling down her thighs.


    Travis didn''t stop his kisses from going lower to the place where he can connect with her. Jillyanna squirmed under him with her eyes close.


    "Don''t bite your hand. No one can hear you from this room so you can let out your voice as much as you want." Travis told her while his hand slipped inside her long skirt. "I don''t want to remove your skirt."


    "Then don''t." Jillyanna answered with hazy eyes. Her chest was moving up and down while she tried to catch up with her normal breathing.


    "But it will get messy. They might knew what we''ve been doing because of your skirt." In the end, he still remove his skirt and underwear all together.


    Travis sank to the heaven being laid in front of him. He hadn''t done it for quite awhile now and he didn''t want to hurt her again.


    He put one finger in to test her entrance which was wet from the foreplay he did while his tongue licked her nub, sending her into an oblivion of ecstasy.


    Jillyanna was getting dizzy from the pleasure of his touch and kisses which added fuel to the flame she''s feeling. Her body was getting hotter and she wanted him so much than before.


    "Ahh..Ahh.hubby, that''s enough. I..hmm. can''t take anything more than this." Jillyanna called out to him but Travis only smiled at her.


    One finger became two, stretching her wide, preparing her body for him. He slid in and out which made Jillyanna took the pillow beside her and covered her face as she let out a cry of bliss.


    Her body was twitching and Travis could feel the throbbing within her while juices overflowed on his fingers which he hadn''t removed from her yet.


    Jillyanna had remove the pillow from her face and flung it on the space beside her. She laid in front of him like a sweet delicacy awaiting him to devour her. Her ragged breathing, her misty eyes and her scent were fuels to Travis'' craving at the moment.


    He leaned closer to her and kissed her forehead. "Can I do it today?" Even if he really wanted to do it, he still wanted to get her consent even if she''s his wife.


    Jillyanna wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his chin. She loved kissing his chin, feeling his stubbles and seeing his face up close.


    "Go ahead. I''m your wife anyway." Jillyanna consented to him. If she''ll be gone after few months, she can at least do this small thing for him. That''s what she thought while she put a genuine smile on her lips.


    Travis spread her legs wide, pressing his thick and pulsating member at her wet entrance. Slowly, he pushed himself inside her, humming himself from the pleasing sensation enveloping his member.


    Jillyanna closed her eyes from the intrusion, not because it was painful but because it felt so good for her.


    Travis moved in a slow rhythm, watching her every expression that flashed across her face. He leaned over her and kissed the base of her neck. "Does it feel good?" He asked while kissing his way down to her collarbone.


    "Hmm." Jillyanna answered with a moan when he reached her best spot again. "Nngg..Ahh..wait.."


    Travis'' slow movement earlier became a little faster. What''s more, he was sucking her nipples, playing her clit and thrusting in and out of her; all of these were building her pleasure to its highest peak.


    Jillyanna couldn''t take it anymore and let go of herself from this bliss. She was throbbing around him, clasping him tightly while she wrapped her arms around his neck for support.


    "I''m not yet there sweetheart. Please bare with me a little." Travis whispered while he moved slowly again.


    "Huh? Didn''t you just release it with me? I felt it."


    "I did..but.." as he spoke, Jillyanna could feel his member growing inside her again. "I can''t satisfy myself with just one round."


    "You have to take care of me if I end up bed ridden again." she mumbled while caressing his face in front of her.


    Taking it as her agreement, Travis flipped her over and placed a bunch of soft pillow under her stomach. This time, he took her from behind.


    In this position, Jillyanna had the advantage of burying her face when she''s about to let out her voice or when her moans were escaping from her.


    Travis was thrusting inside her, sending her to the edge of dizziness before pulling her back again. Even though she just came earlier, Jillyanna couldn''t stop herself from coming with him once again.


    She hadn''t caught up with her breathing yet when Travis pulled her up and let her sit on top of him.


    "What''s with this?" Jillyanna asked in embarrassment when she was looking down on him from her position.


    "I''m letting you take in-charge." Travis answered. In contrast to her expression, he was very calm but her teasing smile made her want to smack him.


    "In-charge huh? You sure?" Jillyanna build up her courage while she moved slowly on top of him.


    With this new-found domineering side of her, their office romance lasted for few hours. Travis let her do what she wants while enjoying himself with her.


    When it was time to go home, Travis had to carry Jillyanna on their way down from his office to the parking lot because her knees were weak and trembling whenever she stand.

 Chapter 316 - SLEEPING NAKED ONCE AGAIN I

    "What happened to her?" Brown asked when he saw Travis carrying Jillyanna in his arms. Hearing his question, Jillyanna buried her face on Travis'' chest and clutched on his shirt.


    "She''s tired and fell asleep." Travis lied with a straight face before ascending on the stairs to their room. He sat on the couch still holding her in his warm arms. "Sorry I exhausted your strength."


    "Don''t worry. I''ll be fine after awhile."


    But this didn''t happen at all. When it was time to have dinner, she had to stay in bed and wait for Travis to get food for her. Even on the next day, they had to miss out their check up and work because she can''t stand straight from her sore waist and thighs.


    What she wanted to avoid still happened. She was taken cared of for three days by Travis at home but she didn''t make a fuss out of it.


    "Can you stand now?" Travis asked her when it was her time to take a bath. Jillyanna nodded her in acknowledgement, standing on her own two feet to show him.


    She took her time bathing while thinking how she can avoid getting a sore waist after their love making. Travis even learned how to massage because of her. "Sigh. I don''t really have any control in this matter." she mumbled to herself while playing with the bubbles in her bath tub.


    Since they were absent for three days, Travis had to ask Savannah to bring his work at home which Jillyanna didn''t refute anymore.


    As the two of them spend their time together, a commotion erupted in the study room. Shein immediately hacked on to the system and while Valkyrie checked the neighboring cameras on the screen.


    Someone withdrew a large sum of money from Gabriel''s bank account. They just needed to see the person to find where Gabriel was staying. Even though a month had passed with fruitless result, they didn''t give up at all.


    "It''s the uncle who always go out with the little girl!" Shein exclaimed which made Valkyrie and Winter turned towards him.


    "Are you sure?" Winter asked him since she wasn''t familiar with the man.


    "I''m 100% sure with this." Shein answered firmly while pulling out all the previous footages where the man showed up with the young girl. "It''s him."


    Valkyrie followed the routes which the man was taking and still, it ended in an alley to the suburbs. "I think, Gabriel is with them. I guess 99% of it as the truth of this matter."


    Winter slumped on her chair while watching what was displayed on the TV screen. Even though she was watching it, her eyes weren''t focused and she was thinking how to get to Pantar without anyone knowing.


    "I''ll go and talk to Travis." Valkyrie stated. He rose to his feet and walked out of the room to find Travis.


    ''Knock! Knock! Knock!''


    Travis opened the door and found Valkyrie standing in front of their room with a huge smile hanging on his lips. "What is it?"


    "How do you want us to deal with Gabriel?"


    "Find him with Winter since she''s the only one who can bring him back."


    "Got it. I''ll make the necessary preparations. Can we use your private plane?"


    "Hn. That''s fine."


    "Great!" Valkyrie jogged back to the study room when he got the confirmation he needed.


    "They found him?" Jillyanna asked when she came out of the bathroom with just a robe tied around her waist.


    Seeing her pinkish-white skin, fresh from the shower, Travis had to sigh to himself in order to control his urges. "They will be leaving in two days, probably. I''m pretty sure that Winter will jump right off if we will delay the plan."


    "I see. I hope he is doing fine." Jillyanna muttered under her breath while picking up the hair dryer from the drawer. The way she looked right now was tickling Travis to do something again.


    "You are punishing me, aren''t you?" He took the hair dryer from her and let her sit in front of her vanity mirror. "Don''t look so sexy and seductive when you just came out of the bathroom. I''ll be in serious trouble if that happens."


    "Can''t you solve your trouble?"


    "I can''t but you can."


    "I definitely won''t help you if I end up in bed for 3 days again."


    Travis combed her hair with a sly smile on his lips. "Did you know that, if you do it frequently, it won''t hurt anymore?"


    "I was blind. Really blind." Jillyanna snickered while watching him through the mirror''s reflection. Lust flickered in his eyes but he didn''t do anything to her. "I didn''t know I married a wolf in sheep''s clothing."


    "Even if you''re regretting it, you won''t be able to do anything about it now."


    "Who said I''m regretting it? I fell in love with this wolf since I was young."


    Travis grinned upon hearing her response. ''Pursuing this woman is the best thing I''ve ever done in my life.'' Travis thought to himself. "This wolf will keep the queen safe."


    "Tsk! Spouting sweet nonsense again."


    Travis stopped what he was doing and looked at her in the mirror. "I guess it''s best if you dress yourself up first. I''m worried that you''d have to spend another time in the bath."


    Jillyanna knew what she can do to him which made her courageous to tease him this time. She tilted her head and looked at him with her dark yet bright eyes.


    "Why should I dress up? Did you know that I don''t really dress up whenever I went to sleep? Yet, this past 5 months, I''d have to endure the stuffy feelings of clothes to sleep beside you." She looked so wrong with her statement and she even let the robe slipped off down from her shoulders while fanning herself with her hand.


    "Then don''t wear anything when you go to sleep."


    "Hm. Sure." Jillyanna agreed which made Travis raise an eyebrow.


    Later that night, Jillyanna indeed slept naked beside him which was the most torturous night of his life.

 Chapter 317 - SLEEPING NAKED ONCE AGAIN II

    At the same time, in the other room, Brown whimpered as he tried to stop himself from making loud noises. He didn''t want the whole house to know what they were doing at night.


    "Why are you holding your voice? I had this room modified during construction. It''s soundproof." Valkyrie told him while rubbing their lower part together.


    "I can''t guarantee that...Hmm.." Brown retorted before biting his lower lip as his moan escaped.


    Valkyrie''s hand moved faster and faster until a hot white release coated his fingers. Brown wrapped his arms around Valkyrie''s neck to support himself after losing himself in the pleasure and ecstacy.


    They were sitting on their bed, facing each other naked with their lively members. He was still gasping for breath when he felt a long and slender finger slipped inside his hole.


    "Matt..wait a sec..hmm..don''t..ahh..wait.." he still wanted to tell him something but he forgot what it was after Valkyrie hit the tingling spots inside him.


    Valkyrie slipped another finger to stretch him a bit. With his wet and moist entrance, Valkyrie didn''t have a hard time thrusting his fingers in and out.


    "Do you think you can take me in now?" Valkyrie asked him sincerely while preparing his entrance but Brown firmly shook his head.


    "It''s huge and thick..Hmm..I think I''d ...ahh..hmm. die with a weapon like that." his broken statements were hard to understand but Valkyrie knew what he meant.


    He inserted another finger which made Brown gasped in surprise. There are three fingers inside him! Brown straddled his legs around Valkyrie''s waist, feeling the electrifying pleasure all over his body.


    Valkyrie removed his fingers and he felt empty and cold in his hole. Before he could even complain, a thick and warm member slipped inside him


    Valkyrie hummed in satisfaction after pushing all of him, down to the very hilt of his sword. He lifted Brown up and down over him which burned the two of them.


    Brown could feel him all the way to his stomach and his spots were rubbed and nudged softly with the thick member inside him.


    "Can I go a little faster?" Valkyrie whispered while kissing the base of his neck, leaving kiss marks wherever he kissed him.


    "Don''t. I''ll lose my mind if you do that."


    Even though he refused, Valkyrie still laid him on the bed, rubbing Brown''s precious member while he continued to kiss him and bang him.


    The sound of flesh slapping together with the wet sound of their union made Brown blush profusely. He can''t deny the fact that he likes it a lot.


    But the like he felt suddenly turned to a worry. They have done it several times and he let Valkyrie released everything inside but there was no sign of satiating him. In fact, he was still hard and was even growing!


    The next day, Jillyanna woke up happily. It''s been a long time since she slept comfortably without the stuffy feeling of any clothes on her body.


    She smiled sheepishly and wrapped her arms around Travis even more. Her chest was pressing on to him which made Travis sigh. If he knew she''d really do it, he would never tell her to sleep naked. Last night alone, he had to take a cold shower thrice in order to put off the flame in his body.


    "Did you sleep well?" he asked Jillyanna while caressing her hair, pressing a kiss on top of her head as he suppressed his burning body once again.


    "Yup. I feel like a bird out of its cage. I missed this feeling. How about you?" she giggled gingerly while watching his lips twitch. Looking at his complexion, Jillyanna was sure that he didn''t get a good night sleep.


    "I regret what I said yesterday. Can you dress up once again?"


    "Nope. I just got my freedom and you''re taking it away again? That''s not fair."


    "Fine. It''s my fault."


    "Better." Jillyanna clung to him happily with the success of her plan. It''s not everyday that she got a chance to tease him so she''ll do it for several days before dressing herself to sleep once again. "I love you hubby." she murmured while placing a light kiss on his chin.


    Travis didn''t expect her to say those words early in the morning, when his body was at its liveliest moment.


    Jillyanna felt something poking on her lower body but she ignored with a mischievous grin. "It''s time for our check up today. I''m excited to know the gender of our child!" she exclaimed happily and sat up on their bed. "Get up already and let''s take a shower." she urged him but Travis stayed lying on the bed.


    "Give me five minutes."


    Jillyanna smiled cheekily and leaned on top of his body. "Let''s stay like this for five minutes." Her whole body was pressing on him which added fuel to the already burning sensation within him.


    Travis wrapped her arms around her waist while kissing her cheeks. "I''m certain that you are punishing me for the three days that you stayed in bed."


    "Hm? Why should I do that to you? I won''t punish you even if I ended in bed for one month."


    "Really?"


    "Hn. Really. I won''t."


    "Then how about we try it to see if you won''t really punish me." He kissed her eyes and her nose while keeping his gaze at her, etching every angle and expression in his memory.


    Jillyanna kissed his lips before getting off from him. "Five minutes'' up. We have to prepare now." When she turned her back on him, she smile from ear to ear. She was delighted to get back at him for all the teasing he''s done to her.


    Travis stared the ceiling, feeling empty when she get off and walked straight to the shower room. "I''ll just let her have her ways this next few days." He climbed down from the bed and chose the clothes for the both of them before he went inside the bathroom after her.


    Around 9 o''clock in the morning, Jillyanna and Travis visited the hospital once again. This time, it was Valkyrie who drove the car since Brown wasn''t able to get up early or most-likely, didn''t have the strength to get up after their love making last night.

 Chapter 318 - ITS A BABY BOY

    Jillyanna went to have a her heart condition checked first. It had been taken into consideration that every month, before she went to have a check up for her baby, she''d have to get her heart checked first.


    Jillyanna didn''t mind tedious process and waiting time as long as Travis was beside her.


    "Your baby bump is growing. Have you asked what your baby''s gender is?" Dr. Alison, her heart doctor, asked Jillyanna while checking on her ECG.


    "I''ll have an ultrasound later after this." Jillyanna answered happily.


    "You are so young yet I can see how much you wanted to have this baby. Women at your age, most of them looked after their career first before family." Dr. Alison commented while getting the ECH result read.


    "We have our own reasons." Jillyanna responded since she didn''t want to judge anyone with their decision.


    Dr. Alison nodded in agreement before she showed the ECG to Jillyanna. "Your heart condition is getting worse at the same time, I can see that you took care of yourself perfectly. This heart condition right now is perfect to undergo surgery."


    "Thanks doc. I''ll keep in mind to take care of myself. I can still hold on until I give birth." Jillyanna reassured the doctor instead of the doctor reassuring her.


    "Alright. As much as possible, avoid anything that can give a negative impact to your heart. Control your emotions and don''t get too stress or upset."


    "Got it doc." Jillyanna nodded her head happily.


    When she got out, Travis was waiting for her right outside the doctor''s office. Jillyanna stopped him from going inside this time since he''s such a worrywart.


    "How was it?" Travis asked immediately when he saw her coming out.


    "Dr. Alison told me that I''d have to avoid getting upset, sad or frustrated. She also said that my heart is good for surgery, of course, I had to refuse and wait until after giving birth."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of you and the baby." Travis kissed her right cheek while taking her hand and intertwined them as they walked towards the OB ward.


    "I wanna go shopping!" Jillyanna said excitedly. Our baby''s room is still empty since we didn''t know the gender yet. After the check up, let''s shop alright?" she said excitedly, her eyes sparkling with merriment as she spun her head to see Travis watching her with love in his eyes.


    "Hn. Let''s do whatever you wanted to do." Travis indulged her whims again without any hesitations.


    After a few minutes of walking, Jillyanna and Travis arrived at the OB ward. Jillyanna found her obgyne immediately and went inside her office which also has a small laboratory inside.


    "You look so happy. Are you excited?" her doctor asked while preparing her documents and lab machines.


    Jillyanna just nodded her head while holding on to Travis for moral support. Travis gently squeezed her hand to remind her that he''ll be there all throughout the process.


    "Come in here. Let''s get this done so you can take a rest at home." The doctor gestured her to come over to her small laboratory room. She asked Jillyanna to lie on the inclined bed with Travis sitting on the chair beside it.


    She pushed her blouse up, just under breast before putting on some cold gel. Jillyanna shivered from cold but she didn''t mind it. After awhile, her doctor placed an object over her stomach, moving it around to see her baby.


    "Look at this blessing, he''s very healthy inside you." The doctor commented while letting them know of her gender. "A healthy baby boy."


    "It''s a boy?! Oh my..I''m so excited to see him grow." Jillyanna exclaimed, tear-eyed, while she looked at the baby on the monitor.


    The doctor moved it around again, showing the head, the other limbs as well as the developing brain.


    "I can''t wait to spoil him." Jillyanna mumbled while Travis wiped the gel off from her stomach. "I wonder who will he take his beauty from?"


    "It should take from you. You''re carrying it after all." Travis responded. Even if he wanted their child to take after him, he wouldn''t tell her that.


    "It doesn''t matter as long as he''s healthy." she mumbled while climbing down from the bed. The doctor developed a photograph of their baby and handed it to Jillyanna.


    "Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Madrigal. I am so happy for your healthy baby boy."


    "Thanks doc. I''m glad that you''re here to always guide us and advice us." Travis responded to her.


    "No big deal. It''s part of my job." the doctor stated.


    "Bye, doc. Thank you for today." Jillyanna waved her hand, following after Travis who opened the office door already.


    "It''s a baby boy! I have a baby boy!" she wanted to scream from the joy she felt but since she was still in the hospital, she can only whisper these words happily beside Travis.


    "Since we''re going out to shop, do you have anything in mind?" Travis reminded her since it would be bad if they would just grab whatever they want without knowing its purpose.


    "Can you give me my phone so I can search for something?" Wherever they go, at home or outside their house, Travis was assigned to bring her bag for her or keep her phone with him to minimize her contact with radiation.


    "Let''s do it when we''re back inside the car." Travis informed her since he didn''t want her to trip over.


    "Okay."


    As they walked hand in hand, Jillyanna was already thinking of the things that he wanted to buy for her baby. She''s not going to buy a lot of things since she still have her things when she was a child. Her baby can still use them in the future.


    "Don''t just think about our baby, I''m also here beside you." Travis murmured in jealousy. "You still have to think about me too."


    "Of course my big wolf. I won''t ever forget you." Jillyanna pulled his hand and kissed his knuckles. "I love you."

 Chapter 319 - HARMONIOUS COUPLE

    Contented with her response, Travis was walking happily beside her towards their car. Valkyrie was having a call when they arrived and it was very obvious who he was talking to since no one can affect him so much except the man who was staying at home with the sore waist.


    Valkyrie opened the car door while listening to whatever Brown said. They didn''t know what they were talking about but Valkyrie was grinning cheekily in front of them.


    "Where to?" Valkyrie mouthed to Travis without any signs of putting his phone away.


    "Largest mall." Travis responded to him.


    Valkyrie nodded his head in acknowledgement and drove out of the parking lot while giving Brown a perfunctory answer to whatever he said.


    "I never knew he''d be like this after settling down everything with Evan." Jillyanna whispered to Travis beside her. "He''s crazy in love."


    "I can relate to him." Travis murmured with his usual sly smile. "I am crazy for you." He said this in a husky voice, eyes baring his love for her and his face showed his gentlest expression.


    Jillyanna didn''t have a way to refute to his words and she didn''t want to tease him either. Speechless beyond recovery, she just hugged him and buried his face on the crook of his neck and shoulder.


    "Jill, why did you insist on having a baby despite your condition?" Travis asked her the same question that Dr. Alison asked her before. She didn''t answer it back then but now, Travis wanted to know the reason, too.


    "Despite knowing the risk, I want to have my own child. Before, it doesn''t even matter who the father is. I had planned to run away, never come back and just raise the child on my own. Back then, all I can think of was to have my own baby. I want to become a mother. How would I know that I''d end up with you instead? My plans were ruined and now, I can''t even separate myself from you."


    "You don''t have any regrets with all these things that happened to us?"


    "Nope. I don''t have room for regrets." She responded firmly.


    Travis hugged her waist and kissed her forehead. "I won''t let you regret anything either. I will always cherish you, love you and take care of you."


    "I know that and I don''t doubt your love." Jillyanna whispered beside his ear. "For you and for our baby, I will fight for my dear life."


    They ignored Valkyrie for the rest of the ride since he was busy talking with Brown. Same went for Valkyrie, he ignored the love birds at the back seat because he was a third wheel at the moment.


    When they arrived at the mall, Jillyanna and Travis dispersed all the negativity in mind. They walked hand in hand while looking around to find the children''s department.


    Since she didn''t get to check her phone in the car, she just thought of the most important thing to buy. Other things can wait for later when she gives birth to her baby boy.


    "What do you think about the white and green motif?" she informed Travis when they arrived at the children''s department store. "I don''t like blue, it''s too common."


    "Alright. Let''s have it your way. If we can''t find anything that you like, we can have it customized and ask for an interior designer to help us."


    Like a hen pecking some grains, Jillyanna nodded her head several time with so much joy reflecting on her face. She checked the items happily and looked for the things that she thought should be a priority.


    "Travis, look at this." Jillyanna showed him a crib with green posts and white cotton beds. The edges were rubberized and the walls of the crib were cotton as well to avoid hurting the baby. "Isn''t this perfect?"


    "Hn. I like it. During the first few months, we can put this in our room so that I can look after him as soon as possible. Then, we can transfer this to his room once he''s old enough."


    "Right! Our thoughts are in sync. What else should we buy? Oh! We need pillows and blankets for him, too."


    From one thing to another, Jillyanna looked for different items happily. She''d grab Travis from time to time and show him the things she likes. They look so happy looking for things that some staff got envious of them.


    Other couples would bicker back and forth as they chose the things they wanted but Travis and Jillyanna was so harmonious, buying things in consideration of their baby. Travis didn''t want to argue with her as well, if she likes it then he''ll pay for it.


    "Is this all you want to buy for now?" Travis asked her when they were in front of the cashier, ready to pay for the items they chose.


    "Yup. That''s all for now. We''ll get back here if I find something missing." Jillyanna answered while her eyes still roam around the place.


    Travis turned to the cashier and handed his credit card to pay for the items. "How about baby clothes?"


    "Hmm..we''ll have to wait. For now, let''s make do with the infants'' clothes. We''ll just buy another batch of clothes once he grow bigger."


    "I see. Then, let''s stick with your plan." Travis agreed even though his heart hurts when he thought of the possibility that she won''t be there to buy clothes again.


    Even though she acted strong and fine in front of him, he can''t erase the worry in his mind. Her past image when she fell on the ground unconscious still haunted him. He didn''t want to lose her.


    Sensing that he''s gone silent, Jillyanna turned her face to look at him. "What are you thinking with that awful face?"


    "Nothing. I''m just worried about you."


    Jillyanna sighed and took hold of his hand. "Don''t worry about me. We''ll get through it." she comforted him knowing that he''s thinking about her heart again.


    When everything was settled, Travis got his card back and gave the staff the address where they should deliver the items.

 Chapter 320 - JACKIE FOUND HERSELF AN ENEMY

    Since they went out to shop, the three of them ended eating lunch outside. Travis was very careful in choosing a restaurant for Jillyanna''s sake. He didn''t want to compromise her health specially that she has a baby and a fragile heart.


    "It''s been awhile since we had our last meal outside." Jillyanna mumbled when Travis helped her seat on the chair.


    Travis chose a Chinese restaurant since Jillyanna wanted to eat some dumplings. Since they didn''t have anything to do after shopping, they decided to enjoy their lunch together instead.


    "We''d like to have a double hotpot, shrimp with vermicelli and garlic, three servings of dumplings, spring rolls and fried rice." Travis informed the attendant since Jillyanna and Valkyrie was busy chatting with each other.


    "I''ll get your food ready sir." the attendant left with his paper and sent it to their chef in the kitchen.


    "Maybe you''d find better ideas through manga." Jillyanna told Valkyrie while scrolling on his phone screen. "This one, I''ve read it when I was still in college. It has a great content."


    "Do you still have your copy of this?"


    "I left all my manga in my apartment. If you want, we can stop there later and get those books."


    "Are you sure?"


    "Hn. Just make sure you return them to me because those are my treasured items."


    Listening to their conversation, Travis felt a sudden pain on his temple. He didn''t know what to say. A woman like her was actually telling Valkyrie what to do in a homo relationship. It''s really weird!


    "Why are you the one advising him? Don''t forget that you are a woman." Travis told her with a glare. "Let him explore this field on his own. He chose this himself anyway."


    "Hey RV! Don''t be so mean." Jillyanna retorted. "Since I know...well, since I''ve read some things about this, I should just let him know. Why should they waste the best resources they have?"


    "Correct. Since I''ve got a walking encyclopedia in this matter, why not ask." Valkyrie chided in making Travis sigh helplessly.


    After ten minutes, all their orders were placed on the table. Valkyrie prepared the base for their hotpot and waited for it to boil.


    They talked about different things while Jillyanna started eating the dumplings that she craved so much.


    Meanwhile, someone was having a bad mood for lunch.


    "So, you''re the trainee that our young warden took a fancy?" one of the female students who had a crush on Vincent came to face Jackie.


    She never thought that she''d experience this ridiculous plot but, right in front of her was a jealous woman with her obsequious followers.


    She''d seen this girl multiple times whenever Vincent showed up. She''s in her second year in the Police Academy and other students didn''t want to cross paths with her since she had powerful backing.


    Jackie put down her spoon and fork before she looked at the woman. She crossed her arms over her chest while looking at her with disdain. "I don''t get what you''re saying."


    "Playing dumb, aren''t we?" the girl snickered but Jackie wasn''t affected at all.


    "It''s not ''we'', it''s just you. Don''t include me in your circle." Jackie retorted before pushing the plate away from her. She lost her appetite while looking to the woman.


    Some students who heard Jackie''s statement stifled their laughters. It was the first time that the princess in Police Academy found someone who wasn''t afraid of talking back to her.


    "You! ..you.."


    "Hm? What about me? Are you so stupid that you don''t even know how to talk now?" Jackie taunted her. In any case, it was clear that she didn''t start this mess and it was captured by the cameras installed in the cafeteria.


    The woman was fuming with anger from embarrassment. When Jackie stood up to walk away from the place, she reached out her hand to grab Jackie''s hair.


    To her surprise, Jackie spun around immediately and threw an icy glare on her. "Don''t you dare touch my hair with your filthy hands."


    The woman that everyone called a ''princess'' because of her haughty attitude, step back from Jackie''s vengeful eyes and fell on the floor with her butt.


    Embarrassment, fear and anger reflected in her eyes for few seconds while she watched Jackie leave the cafeteria.


    Later that afternoon, Jackie went back to her dorm only to find Vincent leaning on a metal pole at the waiting shed.


    She didn''t say anything and just ignored him as if he didn''t exist.


    "Jackie wait!" Vincent called out to her but she refused to stop or even throw a look at him. "I heard that Jessie fell on the floor because of you."


    ''Oh? First name basis?'' she thought mockingly while keeping a straight face in front of him. She stopped on her track and looked at him. "So what if she fell? I can make her fall however I want. If you are so worried of your little girlfriend, tell her to stop showing her face in front of me. I found her so annoying and disgusting."


    Right after saying her piece, she turned around and walked away from him. She didn''t wait for him to respond or say anything as she climbed up the stairs to her room on the third floor.


    Vincent stood outside on the same spot while waiting for the light on her dorm room to be turned on. He waited but it didn''t light at all.


    "Sigh. She must be really angry now. Did I make the wrong approach again?" Vincent asked himself as he go back to his parked car. He thought that Jackie was upset because she didn''t turn on the light. He didn''t know that she was already held captive in a different room.


    "Looking so brazen and haughty. Look at you now, can you fight?" The academy ''princess'' was holding a whip on her hand while eyeing Jackie from head to toe. "You should have known not to mess with me."


    "Tsk!" Jackie snickered without saying a word.

 Chapter 321 - BEATEN JACKIE

    The next day, Jackie got several points deducted from her records. She didn''t show up in her training classes and the other students informed the professor that Jackie wasn''t inside her dorm room either.


    They tried calling her but since her phone was dead-out-of-battery, they couldn''t get in touch with her.


    The ''princess'' came to school with her followers like nothing happened. She even smiled to the other students who came across her.


    Last night, she tortured Jackie to the point that she was unconscious. She whipped her back and punched her gut multiple times. She even left a bruise on her face. She was so happy that she got her revenge.


    At the same time, Shein worked his hands quickly and took all the recordings from the school, from the time of planning until the time that Jackie fell ''unconscious''.


    "I can''t believe she''s willing to go through this trouble just to eliminate her enemies. Diamond-hearted-Jackie is really something." Valkyrie murmured while watching Shein worked through different cameras.


    "That''s how courageous she is." Shein responded to Valkyrie. "By the way, everything''s prepared for you and Winter. You can leave for Pantar tonight."


    "Thanks Shein."


    "Welcome."


    During lunch, the students in Police Academy didn''t know that a crime was already committed inside one of the dorm room. Yes, it wasn''t a heavy crime like murder but a crime is a crime no matter how you flip the world back and forth.


    Officer Nik received a report about an anomaly in Police Academy so he immediately told Lucian about it.


    They watched several footages and found the victim to be extremely familiar. "F*ck! That''s Jackie! How the hell did this happen?! I''m so dead! Jillyanna will kill me!" Lucian cursed several times while fishing his phone out to call the academy.


    He asked Nik to save all the videos and asked him to come with him to the Police Academy. They didn''t use the siren in case that they would alert the suspect.


    "Officer Seville speaking. Where''s Jackie Summer?!" Lucian asked immediately when the call went through. His loud and booming voice startled the school secretary who picked up the phone.


    "Let me check today''s file." the secretary logged in to the academy''s daily attendance which the professors used to mark the students with their presence and absence. "Officer, it showed in our file that she''s absent today."


    "Tell the Academy headmaster, if something happened to that woman, the school will be ruined."


    He cut the call and drove as fast as he could. The secretary was so scared with the seriousness of his tone. She immediately informed the headmaster who was currently out of the country.


    "What are you still calling me for? Ask someone to find where Ms. Summer is."


    The secretary felt so wronged for being yelled at multiple times in the spun of thirty minutes. She wasn''t even at fault in this matter.


    She went to the broadcasting studio to make an announcement. "Calling Ms. Jackie Summer, please come to the administration''s office. Calling Ms. Jackie Summer, please come to the administration''s office. If anyone sees Ms. Summer, please inform her to come to the administration''s office. Thank you." The secretary left it at that but there wasn''t any shadow of Jackie showing up.


    Lucian and Nik didn''t wait for anyone to come and greet them. They walked towards the women''s dormitory and got inside which made the students gasped in surprise.


    Men weren''t allowed to wander in the women''s dormitory!


    "Officers, may I know what''s the issue? Men aren''t allowed in this dorm." The female security officer said.


    "Someone''s life is in danger." Lucian said while letting Nik play the footage to know which room Jackie was taken. Students were curious to know what they were up to so they followed behind them while waiting to see which room they will stop.


    They were scared and breathless at the same time. They didn''t know what was happening and they were afraid to be involve in something illegal.


    With everyone watching, Nik found the room that he was looking for. "Do you have a key to this room?" he asked the female security.


    "I have. Let me get it first." The security officer ran back to her small office and took a ring of keys with each corresponding room number on it.


    Lucian and Nik waited for the guard to come back. Students began whispering about what was happening. Someone wanted to inform ''princess'' with the commotion but it was already, too late.


    Vincent was already talking to her happily without showing the sinister look in his eyes. Lucian knew several women who was chasing after him. When he saw the footage, he knew that Vincent caused it. He asked him to take care of the suspect while he look for Jackie.


    When the guard came back, Lucian opened the door slowly. He turned on the light and found Jackie lying on her own blood. Large wounds were visible to everyone''s which made them gasp in horror.


    "Oh god! How did she end up in this state?!" one of the students whispered in shock.


    "No wonder she wasn''t present during training. Who can still get up from this hideous wounds."


    "Her points were even deducted." someone pitied her since it wasn''t her fault to be absent yet her points suffered.


    "Such a jealous woman! She actually did this?! In side the school''s premises." Nobody needs to ask who did it. There''s only one owner of that room and the only person who held a grudge against Jackie.


    "Horrible. So horrible."


    Whispers erupted everywhere as the students look at Jackie. She was still ''unconscious'' when Lucian put on his coat over her and carried her to their police car outside. When they got inside, he sent a text message to Vincent.


    "Bring her to the station."


    Simple and straight to the point. Vincent smiled upon seeing the message. "Can you come with me? I''d like to visit my friend at the station."


    "Sure." The woman agreed readily, sending herself to hell.

 Chapter 322 - UNEXPECTED MEETING

    Jackie was sent to the hospital to get her wounds treated. After an hour of pretending to be unconscious, she opened her eyes and looked around the room.


    She could hear Lucian talking to someone outside her hospital room. "I guess, this has settled everything?" she questioned herself with a sly smile. "Acting is really not my forte. It''s tiring!" she mumbled helplessly as she looked over her visible wounds and bruises.


    "Thanks god you''re awake." Lucian exclaimed with relief when he got inside the room to find her awake at the moment. "How are you feeling?"


    "I''m perfectly fine." Jackie answered honestly since she didn''t want to lie to someone important to Jillyanna. "Did someone deal with the school princess already?"


    "Hm. Vincent escorted her to jail."


    "Vincent? Why was he there? Wasn''t he suppose to stay and do his work in the regional city jail?"


    "Well, he was partly involved in this matter. We found out that she planned these things all along out of jealousy against you. I don''t know who sent those videos to us but the Academy is under investigation now."


    "It was Shein who sent it." Jackie told him the truth. "I knew someone was plotting something against me but I don''t know who. I asked Shein to monitor the school in case something happens to me."


    "How did you end up in that state though? From what I know, you are a fighter."


    "I am but I don''t want to use my skills against helpless shrimps. I tried so hard to get into this school and I don''t want anyone messing with me."


    Lucian didn''t know whether to laugh or cry at her foolishness. She could''ve fought to avoid herself beaten to her current state but she acted like someone helpless in front of everyone.


    The school princess was actually the daughter of the neighboring city''s mayor. She was spoiled since she was young and she always got her way with everything.


    She had bullied so many students and other people in the past but being a mayor''s daughter, her mess were covered up like they didn''t exist.


    Vincent was sitting in front of her with his legs crossed in relaxing yet imposing manner. Veronica, the school princess, was getting paler as the time went by. Officer Nik had her watch the recordings that he received in the morning. Even though it was clear as day that she was the perpetrator, they still have to go through protocol and procedures.


    "Vincent, why exactly did you bring me here?" Veronica asked with a pale complexion. Her voice was soft and almost-like a whisper yet she didn''t deny the videos in front of her.


    "My friend here, Nik, wanted to see you and me." Vincent answered which was actually the truth. They wanted to see them but she omitted the reason why they wanted to.


    Veronica clenched her hands into a lump of fist. She was trembling with anger but she held herself together and looked defiant. "The reason why he wanted to see us is because of this video, right? Are you all accusing me that I did this?"


    "You have the right to remain silent and wait for your lawyer. However, we have to let you stay here while we investigate this matter." Nik told her while documenting the details of this crime.


    Vincent just watched her on the sideline, no intention of helping and no intention of speaking for her.


    He rose to his feet and made a respectful bow towards Nik. "I''ll have to visit Jackie in the hospital and go back to work. Let me know the result of this investigation soon."


    "Sure. Send my regards to Jackie." Nik stated while keeping an eye to the woman in front of them.


    For the first time in her life, she felt helpless over something she did herself. She never expected that Jackie was close to the well-known officers in the city. She didn''t know anything about her and still committed a grievance mistake.


    Vincent left the police station and drove his car to the hospital were Jackie was admitted. Before he arrived, Jillyanna, Travis and Shein came over to check on her. Even though they knew she was alright, they couldn''t just overlook this matter.


    "I knew you''re silly but you don''t have to be silly to this extent. You should have fought her. Why did you let her touch? You have so many ways to deal with her without getting these bruises and wounds." Jillyanna reprimanded with indignant expression.


    "Sis, I made up my mind not to use my strength against my fellow students. Besides, I let her do it intentionally. I''m not a masochist to enjoy a beating you know." Jackie responded with a poker face.


    "Riley would be angry if she knows this." Shein stated beside her. "I''m only allowing you to do this once. Don''t ever let this happen to you again."


    "Hn. I''ll make sure...to..who''s there?" Jackie''s eyes strayed towards the door when she heard someone stopped his/her track in front of her room.


    Vincent who was just about to knock the door stopped nervously but when he heard her voice, he built up his courage and opened the door, only to find several pairs of eyes looking at him.


    "Uh..Hi!" he greeted them with a faint smile, anxious and nervous at the same time. "I''m Vincent Ruiz, uh..Jackie''s friend."


    "Friend?" Travis asked with inquiring gaze.


    "Uh..yeah." He wasn''t even sure if he can call himself her friend but he didn''t know what his relationship to her either. "This is for you." Vincent handed her a bouquet of flowers, his back sweating coldly and he even felt his hands tremble.


    He wasn''t even this nervous when he took the National Exam or when he faced an enemy before but now, he felt like digging a hole and hide.


    He knew Jillyanna, the sister-in-law of Lucian and the co-owner of Summer Cafe as well as the Internet idol. He knew Travis Madrigal, the one and only heir to all the businesses that the Madrigal owned. Lucian was his friend and a well-known police officer. Her twin sister, Riley, was an actress.


    Meeting these people as part of her circle, he was so anxious that they wouldn''t like him.


    ''Why is your family made of these big shots?!'' Vincent wanted to cry at this thought right this moment.

 Chapter 323 - BROWNIE POINTS

    Seeing his anxious face which was way different to how cool and compose he was before, Jackie rolled her eyes and sigh.


    She raised her finger and beckoned him to come closer. Vincent stood beside her nervously while everyone looked at him.


    "This is Jillyanna, my eldest sister. This is Travis, her husband and our brother-in-law. This is Shein, my sister''s boyfriend and a very close friend. You know Lucian already so I don''t need to introduce him." Jackie introduced everyone to him. "This is Vincent, my friend."


    "Nice to meet you." Shein greeted the man who was standing beside Jackie.


    "It''s been a long time. It''s good to see that you''re doing well." Jillyanna remarked with a smile. Travis just nodded at him while Lucian was grinning from ear to ear.


    Vincent was just about to relax himself amidst this crowd when someone came in.


    "Diamond-hearted-Jackie, how are you?" It was none other than Valkyrie. No one called her that name aside from her.


    Brown and Winter was lagging behind him with same worried expression. "How did you even end up in this mess?" Brown asked her while checking her bruises.


    "Sorry if I worried you." Jackie mumbled while giving Shein the flowers that Vincent brought for her. At the same time, Shein was getting a headache with all the people coming to visit her.


    As part of his job, he knew the people from the military as well since they would sometimes send people in regional city jail. Recently, the personnel who handled the Summer case was Brown and Valkyrie. Winter, was the famous Lieutenant Colonel, in the military camp. Therefore, he knew all of them. In fact, he knew that two other people were missing.


    "So, you knew them too?" Vincent asked Jackie while keeping his expression cool and compose. Deep inside, he was already trembling. His heart was giving away already.


    Jackie looked at him and nodded her head. "They''re my friends and family."


    This simple answer shook his body from the tip of his hair down to his toes. He knew that Jackie wasn''t simple but he didn''t know it would be to this extent.


    "I''m glad to see that you''re doing okay now. I asked the school to file a leave for your while the investigation is ongoing and while you recuperate." Vincent stated with a faint smile this time. "I''m sorry to implicate you in my personal matter."


    "No worries." Jackie waved her hand to dismissed such topic.


    Her room was getting crowded as they visited them. While they talk to each other, Valkyrie suddenly raised his eyebrow while keeping an eye with Vincent.


    "Why are you looking at him?!" Brown elbowed him with furious expression. "Don''t you dare cheat on me!" he whispered with gritted teeth beside him.


    Valkyrie kissed Brown''s temple when no one was watching them. "He is not my type. What I''m looking at isn''t really him but his necktie. Look at the clip." He urged Brown to look towards the necktie as if they discovered something that should be kept as secret.


    Jackie noticed their secret gazes and realized what was wrong. She threw a deathly glare towards Vincent which surprised the latter. He didn''t even know why she was glaring at him.


    "Did I do something wrong?" Vincent asked her in worry. "Did I say something offensive?"


    "You didn''t say anything wrong but your outfit is..is..your necktie.."


    "Oh this?" Vincent cut her off and held on to his necktie. "Don''t even think of getting this back, it''s my keepsake."


    Now that he mentioned it, everyone turned their gazes on his necktie. Their eyes flickered with mischief and tease. This time, Jackie was the one who thought of digging a hole to hide herself.


    He just make things complicated. When she left her hair clip, she didn''t think of the possibilities that everyone would misunderstand her because of it. Now, she wanted to turn back time and take her hair clip back.


    "Looks like we are invading someone''s nest. We''ll leave for now to give you two some time." Jillyanna commented, without waiting for Jackie''s response, they left.


    "We''ll be leaving tonight for Pantar. Take care of yourself while we are not around." Winter mentioned in passing since she was the last to go out.


    Jackie watched everyone go out of her room, leaving her and Vincent alone. "Aren''t you leaving, too?" she asked without batting an eyelid. She didn''t care if he''d stay or leave, it didn''t matter to her.


    Vincent sat on the chair next to her bed where Shein sat earlier. "I''ll be leaving in awhile. Can''t I spend a little more time with you?"


    "Can''t."


    "So heartless. I even went out my way to capture your enemy."


    "Who''s fault is it that I got caught in this mess?" Jackie retorted back at him. "You should keep your women away from me. They''re annoying me like flies."


    "Hn. I''ll swat this flies for you."


    For some reason, she felt her cheeks became hotter with his answer. Her heart skipped a beat and then it accelerated like she was hyperventilating.


    "Uhhmm..Thanks for visiting me, anyway." Jackie uttered with flush face. "Thank you for helping Lucian as well."


    "Am I earning some brownie points now?" Vincent teased her even though he knew that Jackie wasn''t ready to be in a relationship. Time wasn''t an issue to him, he can wait until she''s ready to be in love with him.


    Unexpectedly, Jackie nodded her head in hesitation before shaking it vigorously. "You got all your points deducted with my hair clip." she whispered in her soft voice without looking at him.


    Vincent laughed cheerfully from her statement. After all the anxiety he went through just few minutes ago, her answer was like a cold, refreshing water that quenched his thirst.


    "I''ll work harder to gain more points from you." Vincent smiled sweetly. "I''ll wait for you." he added in the gentlest way possible.


    Since she didn''t know what to say, Jackie could only nod her head in response.

 Chapter 324 - TEACHER GABRIEL

    Jillyanna and everyone else went home after visiting Jackie and found that she was fine. Aside from that, they wanted to give them space and let them develop their feelings for each other. It wasn''t that difficult to know that something was brewing between them, okay?


    However, instead of going home to Jillyanna''s house, they went to the hacienda where a private plane was situated at the back of the barn house.


    "Hi Dad." Jillyanna greeted with Travis following behind her.


    "Hello sweetheart. I''m glad you found time to visit this old man again." Thomas responded, giving her a light hug before turning to his son. "How have you been? I heard that you were absent from work this past few days."


    Jillyanna blushed from his question knowing full-well why they were absent. Travis just shrugged his shoulders and sigh. "Jillyanna wasn''t feeling well so I had to take care of her."


    "Good good. Your wife should be the most important above all things." Thomas stated. "By the way, the plane is ready if you want to use it."


    "Thanks uncle." Valkyrie responded with a smile. "We''ll be leaving right after dinner tonight."


    "Winter dear, are you really alright to go to Pantar?" Thomas turned to Winter who was being silently among them. Unlike before when she was full of energy and likes to chatter, the Winter now was silent and still aching.


    Winter looked down on her shoes, lost in thought. "Aside from you here, I only have Gabriel. The person who never gave up on me despite all the troubles I caused him."


    Everyone looked at her with different expressions. They didn''t know what was going inside her mind but for sure, it was something not out of happiness.


    "Will Vincent stay in the hospital and take care of Jackie? I mean, we just left her there alone." Shein mentioned which diverted their attention.


    "Oh right! We just left her and we don''t even know if Mr. Ruiz will leave. He''s got work to do as well, right?" Brown added which gave them another problem now.


    "What happened to your sister?" Thomas asked Jillyanna.


    "She''s hospitalized due to a small incident in the academy." Jillyanna answered without letting him know the details.


    "I''ll just stay with her and bring some food to her later. I won''t be going to Pantar anyway." Brown volunteered himself. "Aside from that, I''m a doctor so I can take care of her."


    "I agree. I wanted to stay with her but I needed to monitor Valkyrie and Winter at home." Shein stated which was true.


    "It''s settled then. Dad, we''ll use your kitchen to cook food for dinner." Travis mentioned while holding Jillyanna close to him.


    Thomas only nodded her head in silence while watching the young ones in front of him.


    Valkyrie and Winter went to check the plane as well as their baggages. They made sure that everything''s fine for their flight.


    Shein contacted Lucian and Nik to know how the investigation was going.


    Brown helped Jillyanna and Travis in the kitchen to prepare the ingredients needed to dinner. He also sent a message to Hawk and Savannah to come to the hacienda after work.


    Only Thomas stayed in his room to relax and enjoy his alone time. He was contented to know that everyone was safe and intact inside his house.


    "Vien..our son is happy now. He finally found the woman whom he treasured and who also treasured him. Vien, thank you for guiding him always. I know I wasn''t a good father to him and I let him suffer since he was young. I am glad that you''re there to make up for the lack of attention I gave him." Thomas murmured while looking at the picture of his wife, Venus.


    When Venus was still alive, she would always argue with him for sending Travis to different places to attend different classes. He wanted to raise his child perfectly to the point that he''s cold and emotionless. He was more like a robot who kept going to achieve the things that Thomas set for him.


    Only Jillyanna brought color to his life. When he was young, he would always look forward to every weekends since he can visit the little girl. He didn''t know what happened back then but Travis refused to come and visit her again.


    Still, fate work their ways to let them met again. And now, they finally got married with a baby coming along in their life.


    On the other hand, Gabriel was busy teaching Annie and the other kids. Since he couldn''t do farming or fishing, he wanted to help the villagers in some other way. Thus, he ventured the path of teaching.


    He taught them Mathematics, Science and English everyday from one in the afternoon until six in the evening. He also taught other children to read and to write since some of them never had the chance to attend school.


    His daily life in the village became meaningful to him. This time, he finally washed away the regret he had in his life for staying and letting everyone knew that he was dead.


    "Brother Gabriel, uncle asked me to give you this. We cooked this for today''s dinner." Annie came in with three lunch boxes and placed them on the table. There was a box of rice, stir-fried vegetables and fried fish.


    "Thanks Annie. Do we still have enough groceries for the next two weeks?" Gabriel asked her while taking the spoon and fork.


    "Hn. We have a lot; and the other uncles and aunties gave us vegetables and fishes after you helped their children to study."


    "I see. Next time, I''ll teach you how to make a small vegetable garden for our consumption. I don''t want you guys to keep going to the main city when enemies are still lurking around."


    "Got it." Annie stated without the slightest hesitations. "I''ll ask uncle to make a garden yard for me." she added with clear excitement in her eyes.

 Chapter 325 - TEACHER GABRIEL II

    That night Winter and Valkyrie set off for Pantar to find and to bring Gabriel back home. Even if they didn''t get along that well, Valkyrie didn''t say anything for the sake of helping Travis accomplish his wish.


    Winter sat on the co-pilot seat while looking below ground to see the night view of the city. The different colors of lights at night gave life to the bustling city.


    "Are you ready to face him?" Valkyrie asked her while maneuvering the private plane out of the city''s border.


    "I''m actually nervous and worried. Would he be happy to see me? Would he come along with us? I don''t know and knowing the answer''s a bit scary." Winter mumbled while watching him pressed on different buttons.


    Valkyrie just smiled at her without saying a word. He didn''t what to say either. With what happened between them, Valkyrie couldn''t say if Gabriel would be fine after seeing her.


    Since they were traveling by plane, it only took them an hour before they arrived at the airport where Shein made an arrangement for them. Since they were from the military, they just have to show their badge and no one will stop them.


    "We have arrived. We will be starting our recovery mission tomorrow." Valkyrie told Shein who called them as soon as they landed. He was monitoring them back at Jillyanna''s house when they came home after dinner.


    "That''s good to know. Let''s all have a rest so we can have an early start tomorrow morning." Shein responded on the other line.


    "Hn. Thanks for your assistance."


    "No problem."


    Shein and Valkyrie didn''t talk much. Winter was also talking with Travis behind him to make let him know that they were all safe and sound.


    They immediately found the hotel that Shein booked and presented their IDs for policy and procedure compliance.


    When they got inside their own booked rooms, Valkyrie called Brown who was currently at the hospital, looking after Jackie.


    "I guess you have arrived?" Brown greeted him with a question while helping Jackie check her IV drip.


    "Hn. We just landed and arrived in the hotel that Shein booked for us. What are you doing now?"


    "Waiting for the doctor to come over and replace Jackie''s IV drip."


    "I see. We will be both busy now." Valkyrie uttered almost a whisper. "Get as much sleep as you can while I''m away. When I get back, I''ll claim my reward from you." Valkyrie teased him, switching Brown''s buttons.


    "Shut up! Focus on your task!"


    "Of course I will. How can I get my reward without accomplishing my task?"


    "You''re hopeless."


    "I''m hopeful with you."


    Brown rolled his eyes and huffed a deep sigh. ''This guy really knows how to irk me.'' he thought to himself. "Then, take a rest now."


    "Good night Evan." Valkyrie whispered gently with a silly look on his face. Not only that, his message was accompanied with a kiss sound on the phone screen.


    Brown blushed with this sudden sweetness he got from him. "Good night Matt." He said it in his normal voice and ended the call immediately. However, he send Valkyrie a text message. "Take care of yourself cause I will be checking your whole body when you get back. If you get a single wound, I''ll shave off your head."


    There was threat to his message but you can still sense his care for him. Valkyrie who received his message smiled happily. He knew why Brown sent it instead of saying it, Jackie was obviously present.


    Brown put away his phone and went to Jackie''s side. She was awake and was staring at him with obvious tease for quite a while now.


    "The doctor will be here any minute to change your drip. It will be the last one since you''re out of critical zone. Still, you have to rest for few more days due to the wound you obtained."


    Jackie just nodded her head and looked at the time on the wall clock just above the door frame. It was almost nine in the evening which made her smile faintly.


    Not long after, Vincent came with an insulated box of chicken and mushroom soup. He greeted Brown politely, not just because he was a family to Jackie but also because he was from the military and a bit older than him.


    "Why don''t you take a rest instead? You still have work tomorrow." Jackie spoke to him without moving an inch. Her body was still aching, specially the wounds on her back.


    Brown excused himself and went out to buy some snacks, giving them time to talk.


    "I''ll be taking my day off tomorrow. My junior will be taking over my place for the mean time." Vincent answered, his smile was bright as if he got a new lease in life.


    His smile was like a warm honey, coating Jackie''s heart with sweetness and comfort. She was extremely thankful that she didn''t shoo him away this time.


    Meanwhile, Gabriel couldn''t sleep in his humble abode. He felt extremely anxious at the moment and he couldn''t seem to find the sleep that he wanted.


    He stared at the space in front of him and let his mind wander, losing himself in deep thoughts and wonders.


    "I shall teach my students some survival techniques." Gabriel murmured to himself. "Oh! I need to buy a laptop tomorrow." He added which wasn''t really the thing he wanted to think about.


    He has been denying himself and his past. He evaded the thought of Winter and buried every memory of her at the back of his mind. However, during this time, whenever he''s alone, her smile, her pouts, her upset expressions, etc., they all came, invading his thoughts and sanity.


    "Winter. Winter Avery." He whispered her name twice. There was melancholy and longing in his voice but he didn''t dwell so much on it. "I wish we didn''t meet at all."


    He really wanted to tell her this but he just couldn''t bring himself to do it.

 Chapter 326 - TEACHER GABRIEL III

    Gabriel didn''t know when he fell asleep but when he woke up, he felt like his head was splitting in half.


    He tried getting up from his bed, dizzy and weak, still he managed to sat up straight. He looked towards his bedside table and found his empty water pitcher.


    "I must have stayed so late last night." Gabriel murmured. Even though he was trained to be almost always awake all the time, his body gradually adapt to his current living environment. He had been sleeping early and waking up early these past several days.


    Last night was the second time he had been so anxious to the point of getting a headache.


    ''Knock! Knock! Knock!


    The gentle rapping on the door whenever Annie knocks, pulled Gabriel back to his reality. With his crutches, he stood up from the bed and helped himself sit on to his wheelchair. He made his way to the small living room and to the front door.


    Even though he had told Annie that she can come and go all the time in his house, she insist on paying respect by not invading his privacy directly. She would always knock and wait for him to open the door or wait for him to tell her to come inside.


    "Good morning brother Gabriel." Annie greeted him with a basket full of food again. "I came earlier but you didn''t wake up no matter how many times I called you so I decided to wait until this time to come and visit again."


    "Thanks Annie. I slept late last night so I was still catching up with my sleep. Come inside." Gabriel opened the door widely and gestured her to come in.


    Annie came in and put down the basket on his small dining table. He set the plates and other utensils before opening the lid of four boxes this time.


    She brought him a box of fried rice, scrambled eggs and bacon, braised eggplant, and a corn and crab soup. There was a small thermos with a hot black coffee in it which she poured on his mug.


    "Have a seat and eat your breakfast. It''s late already and the students will be here soon." Annie stated as a matter of fact. After making sure that everything was set perfectly, she went to the living room and watched a TV series. She would wait for him to finish his food and bring the empty dishes with her to wash them.


    "Annie, is your uncle still around?" Gabriel asked while taking a sip of the black coffee that he likes the most.


    "Hn. He''s preparing to leave. He said that he''ll be buying some medical supplies. Do you want me to call him?"


    "Yes please. I want him to buy me something."


    Annie didn''t need to be told twice, she immediately ran out of the house and called her uncle from the neighboring house across the one that Gabriel was staying.


    Mattias came as soon as he was called. "What is it?"


    "Can you buy me a laptop and several boxes of school supplies?"


    "Sure. What school supplies do you need?"


    Gabriel pulled out his phone that Mattias bought and sent a list of different items to him. "Also, can you buy these things in a store outside this city? I''m afraid that some men from the military would track the movement of my funds. I don''t want them to know that I am still alive."


    "Got it. Anything else?"


    "That''s it for now."


    Mattias nodded his head and went out of the house. "Take care of Gabriel while I''m away. Don''t let the other kids stress him so much." He reminded his niece.


    As expected, Annie nodded her head.


    The thing that Gabriel was worried about already happened during the first time he asked Mattias to withdraw some money from his account.


    Unknown to them, Valkyrie and Winter had been prepared to make a move. They hid and waited at the alleyway which Annie and her uncle used several times.


    When Valkyrie arrived at the place, there wasn''t any cameras indeed. The place beyond the alley was desolate and lonely. They didn''t have any idea that it was only taken as a short cut to come back to the village which was situation in the middle of mountain area with thick forests and vegetation.


    Shein was monitoring Pantar and other cities that was surrounding it. It was also the reason why it took them so much time to find Gabriel.


    Valkyrie and Winter waited but there was no sign of anyone using that route in the alley. Several hours passed and soon, the clock strikes noon.


    "So, they won''t be using this path today? We can''t really give up this place since we didn''t have any leads." Valkyrie commented while looking around the area. As much as they wanted to find the place through other military officers, they couldn''t do it.


    Why? Because they weren''t told to come to Pantar! Calhoun wanted them to stay at home and relax but they disobeyed him. If someone knew they were there, Calhoun would know as well.


    Just as Shein was about to leave and go to the comfort room, a red dot blinked rapidly outside Pantar. It was indication of someone using Gabriel''s funds.


    "Wait for my instructions, someone is using Gabriel''s funds." Shein stated which alerted Valkyrie and Winter. They didn''t know where the person exited since they didn''t see anyone came out of the alley. They were highly suspicious of this activity.


    "It''s the man with the little girl!" Shein exclaimed while zooming in the face of the person on the camera. He went out of the bank with the newly withdrawn money. "He''s walking to a shopping mall. I''ll send you the address so go find a cab to take you there."


    Winter and Valkyrie moved immediately out of the corner they were hiding. Valkyrie hailed a taxi and Winter got herself inside as soon as the taxi stopped in front of them.


    Winter received the text message from Shein and showed it to the driver. Since the place wasn''t overly populated, there wasn''t any traffic jams.


    They arrived at the mall that Shein told them and got inside. With Shein''s assistance, it didn''t take them long to find the man at the electronics'' shop, buying a laptop.

 Chapter 327 - PAINFUL MEETING

    They followed the man closely while they acted as if they were buying some things, too. They watched him bought the latest brand of a laptop with complete accessories. After making sure that everything''s fine with the gadget, he moved on to another shop.


    "What other school supplies does he need?" Valkyrie asked Winter while walking slowly, keeping an eye to the man in front of then who was walking to school and business supplies department.


    There were so many items and Winter picked a stationary as if they were really going to buy it. "I think this will suit him better." she state, her eyes darting from every corner to check on the man who was busy checking on his phone.


    "He hates this kind of colors." Valkyrie commented. "Let''s go over there, I think he will like these art materials."


    Mattias couldn''t just pinpoint what was wrong with him, but something''s telling him that he was being followed. Though he didn''t want to accuse anyone, specially that they were just coincidentally buying things on the same place.


    ''I must be over thinking.'' Mattias thought and continued buying the things that Gabriel asked him to buy. He didn''t linger for too long. After buying the materials, he left immediately to buy the medical supplies that they needed.


    Winter and Valkyrie didn''t follow him out immediately. They let Shein monitor him while they took another route to meet the man at the parking lot.


    Mattias went to the largest pharmacy in the city and made sure to buy Gabriel''s medications first before buying other medical supplies. Gabriel told him that the cost don''t matter but Mattias didn''t want to abuse someone''s help at all.


    Winter and Valkyrie took a cab and let the driver follow Mattias with enough distance to make sure that the latter won''t find out that they were tailing him.


    Mattias took around two hours to buy all the things that was asked of him before he went back to the village.


    His two other friends who came along to buy things with him also felt something was bound to happen.


    "Is it just me or are we being followed?" their driver asked while looking at the side mirrors.


    "I feel the same." the responded while watching the taxi follow them. On the next curb, Winter asked the taxi driver to stop driving.


    Mattias and his friends thought that they were just being paranoid and no one was really following them. They didn''t know that Valkyrie and Winter just took a different cab to use before tailing them again.


    After an hour of driving, they arrived at the foot of the mountain with a little bit difficult terrain. If you are not familiar with the place, you''d be stuck in there.


    Winter and Valkyrie asked the driver to drop then off and decided to just travel by foot. They followed the marks left by the car tires and went deeper to the forest.


    They saw the car stopped not far from them and the three men unloaded their things immediately. Some of their comrades came to help as well.


    "Is it Gabriel who asked you to buy these?" one of the men asked Mattias who just nodded his head. "He''s really serious when it comes to the children."


    "I admire his strength and bravery. At the same time I feel pity for him. He''s got no one to go back which is why he stayed here." another man stated while carrying the boxes.


    Behind the huge rock and heavy bushes, Winter cried silently while listening to them. She was so happy to know that he was alive but hearing them say those words, that he didn''t have anyone, she felt so sad and guilty.


    When she lost her memory, he was there to help her recover them. When she had her heart broken, he was there, following her wherever she went to make sure that she was safe. No matter how many times she pushed him away, he would never flinch before. He would always cling on her like a leech, annoy her and pester her. Yet now, he chose to give up on her.


    Winter weeped like a child who lost her toy. She didn''t care if Valkyrie was watching this weak side of her. All she wanted to do was to find him and get him back.


    "If he won''t come back, what will you do?" Valkyrie asked her while keeping an eye to several man who unloaded the things that they bought earlier.


    "I will ask Calhoun to station me here." Winter answered without any hesitations. If that''s the last thing she can do to stay with him, she''s willing to spend it in this place as long as they''re together.


    She wiped her tears away with the back of her hand, breathed in and out deeply while patting her butt to get off some dirts that clung to her.


    Meanwhile, Gabriel was sitting under the lush and lovely green willow tree which was facing the clean and clear river.


    Children were surrounding him as they wrote their observation with the sceneries around them. The children who just started to read and write, were writing the names of the different things they just find.


    "Teacher Gabriel, look at this, did I write this correctly?" A little girl around eight years old came forward to show Travis what she wrote. She was the youngest of them all and she was just starting to learn the alphabet and numbers. Therefore, it was expected to get mistakes here and there.


    "Hn. That is correct. You''ve done well." Gabriel praised the little girl which earned him a lovely smile.


    "Thank you teacher Gabriel." the little girl responded and went back to her location to continued writing.


    Light footsteps can be heard, without turning back to see who it was, Gabriel knew that Mattias was back.


    "Did you get everything?" Gabriel asked him while keeping an eye to the children.


    "I did. We placed everything in your house. I bought your medications, too."


    "Thank you Mattias."


    "No, I should be the one thanking you. You''ve done so much for us already and we couldn''t even repay your kindness." Mattias was a very humble man and he admired Gabriel so much for being their strong pillar. "I''ll leave you with the children for now. If you need anything else, just let Annie know or call me."


    "Hn."


    Annie was sitting down on the small chair beside Gabriel and she was drawing the children who were doing their own task, the scenery as the background and that includes Gabriel.


    "Brother Gabriel, you seemed to like children a lot? Don''t you want to go back and get married?" Annie asked out of nowhere since she felt that Gabriel was really lonely.


    "You''re asking nonsense things again." Gabriel rubbed her head with mirth in his eyes, yet when he looked down, a single tear fell on his lap. "No one will love a cripple man like me. I would become a burden to them."


    "I really didn''t want to ask this but I can feel that you are lonely here. Don''t you have family or a girlfriend or wife?" Annie still asked while drawing the river this time.


    "I lost my parents when I was still young. My bestfriend''s parents took me in and raised me. I also wanted to tell them that I am still alive but, what use do I have? I will only hinder them. I will only add to their problem. So I decided to stay. As for the woman I wanted to marry, she had forgotten me a long time ago. She also refused to remember me, so I decided to stop being delusional. I really think that I made the right decision for staying here."


    Annie didn''t answer him or speak anything as she was looking at the woman who was crying not far from them. Her Uncle Mattias and another man were following few steps behind her.


    "Are you really giving up on me?" Winter''s hoarse and pained voice startled everyone. The students were looking at her and Gabriel was so stiff he didn''t even want to move his neck to turn around and see him. "You..y-you really want to stay here?" Her throat constricted and she choked on her sob.


    Annie was old enough to know about relationships which was the reason she can converse with Gabriel like an adult. Seeing Winter right now, messy hair and dirty jeans, sad and pained expressions, she knew that her brother Gabriel has a girlfriend.


    Gabriel took several deep breaths before maneuvering his wheelchair to turned around and see her. Valkyrie was also there, few steps behind her with Mattias. "Why are you here?" he asked in wonder. ''She looked so thin and messy.'' Gabriel thought to himself.


    Winter couldn''t tell what he was thinking or what his expression was because her vision was getting blurry with tears. "I come to bring you back home."


    Seeing the situation, Annie signaled the other children to follow her and leave the scene.


    "I don''t have a home. I have a house but not a home. It was long forgotten." Gabriel retorted. "You don''t have to waste your time her, go back to where you should be."


    When they came to find him, they were spotted by Mattias and his friends. They asked them several questions which later on confirmed that they were from the military.


    Valkyrie had to lie earlier about Winter and Gabriel''s relationship in order to let the man expose the truth. Thus, Mattias told them about what happened to Gabriel on their way to find him.


    Winter steeled her heart and approached him. "Gabriel, I remembered you. I went to look for you and found that you left. I..I''m sorry. I know I''ve done so many ridiculous things. I..I hurt you..I..I''m sorry. I''m really sorry for forgetting you and for refusing to remember you."


    Gabriel just looked at Winter with aching heart. There''s no turning back now. He didn''t want to become a burden to her.


    "You remember me? Well, it''s too late. I decided to give up on you before I took the mission here in Pantar. I just realized how much time I''ve wasted on you. I realized that I could''ve looked for someone else and forget. Now, I''ve wasted that chance as well." His voice was full of mockery that both Mattias and Valkyrie flinched. In the end, the both of them left the arguing man and woman alone.


    Winter''s pieces of broken heart were split again. It was broken into tiny bits of pieces that she didn''t know if she could still put them back together.


    "I see. I''m sorry if I wasted your time." Winter whispered with a smile while she wiped her tears off her face. "I''m really sorry for bothering you here." No matter how much she tried to wipe her tears, new ones will come out and stream down again. "I really thought I could still start over with you but I am wrong. I will respect your decision. Please take care of yourself, then."


    She gathered all her courage before she came and she decided that she would bring him back no matter what. But, hearing the painful truth from his mouth, her courage crumbled into pieces just like her heart.


    Winter turned around and ran away from him. She was so foolish to believe so much in herself. ''How could I think that he will still love me after all the times I pushed him away? Ahh! I am such a bloke!''


    Valkyrie and Mattias were staying in Gabriel''s veranda thinking that they would make up and go back together. However, when Gabriel came back he was all alone.


    "Where''s Winter?" Valkyrie asked in worry when he saw him alone.


    "She left earlier." Gabriel answered indifferently.


    Valkyrie took a deep breath and sighed. "I can''t blame you for what you did. I won''t blame you for giving up on her as well. I just thought that, at least, you should give her a chance. She hadn''t been well since she found out that you accepted the mission here in Pantar. She even refused to believe that you are dead. For the sake of finding you, she risked being punished by Calhoun. I know I am not in the position to say this but, I think you were so harsh to her just now. You don''t even know what she went through just to find you. Well, there''s no point in telling you this now since you chose to give up on her. Take care of yourself then." Valkyrie made a respectful salute before turning his heels and left them.

 Chapter 328 - IN THE BRINK OF DEATH

    He had not walked far yet when his phone rang incessantly. It was Shein who was calling him.


    "Where''s Winter?!" He asked as soon as Valkyrie picked up the phone. "Where is she?!"


    "She left after talking to Gabriel." Valkyrie answered slowly. "What''s the matter?"


    "Find her immediately! Brother-in-law is seething with anger right now. Winter''s signal got cut off! I cannot track her!" Shein spoke in a hurried tone while taking a glance towards Travis who was sitting in front of the computers.


    "What the f*ck! I''ll look for her now. If you get a signal of her, let me know as soon as you can." Valkyrie didn''t wait for Shein to respond and ended the call.


    "Matthew, what happened?" Gabriel called out to him since he found that Valkyrie was looking agitated and worried.


    Valkyrie turned towards him while pocketing his phone back. "We lost track of Winter. Her signal was cut off."


    Gabriel raised the corner of his lips into a sneer. "Is this part of your act to make me look for her?"


    His question stunned Valkyrie on his place. For the first time, he had the urge to hit his leader''s face and trample him. He felt pity for Winter now. She went through a lot but the man she love just think it was an act.


    "Whether she''s acting or she''s dead, it is no longer your business." Valkyrie didn''t waste his time anymore and ran out of the village.


    "Follow him and see what''s going on." Gabriel told Mattias which the man followed without hesitation.


    Valkyrie curled his hands at the side of his mouth, forming a big O before shouting as loud as he can. "Winter!" He didn''t care anymore if the other military stationed in Pantar would know about their visit. All he wanted to do was to find her. "Winter! Where are you?"


    Mattias was following behind him while looking around the place. As he observed, he could tell that Valkyrie wasn''t acting at all. The worry and concern on his face were real.


    "Winter! I know it''s been hard on you but we can''t do anything if he won''t come home. Just show yourself already! Your cousin is very angry right now." Valkyrie continued to yell, not sure if she was still within the vicinity.


    Earlier, he traced back the route they used to come over. However, he couldn''t find any footprints of her. Thus, he concluded that she''s still within the vicinity and probably in the forest area.


    "She should still be within the vicinity." Mattias stated to at least give a little relief to Valkyrie. "The people stationed at the border didn''t see anyone come out."


    Valkyrie didn''t speak and continued to walk aimlessly, deeper into the forest. "Winter!" He called again.


    "Matt! Help me!" Winter responded with clear fright in her voice. She even called him with her real name. "Matt, I''m here! Please help me."


    Valkyrie traced the source of the voice and found Winter hanging for her dear life on a cliff. Her clothes were torn and and she got a long gash of wound on her neck. She looked messy when she talked to Gabriel earlier and now she looked even messier.


    "Matt, help me." Her trembling voice were pouring ice water on Valkyrie''s heart.


    "Hang on. God! Winter, please hang on." Valkyrie looked around to find a way to get her up.


    Winter was holding on to a protruding root of a tree on the cliff-side. Below her feet was probably a hundred meter high ravine and a strong current of river was awaiting for her to fall.


    Her hands were losing strength and her grip was getting loose. "Don''t look down! I''ll get you up." Valkyrie reminded her while getting a long thick vine from the forest. Even though he''s a man, he felt scared for her. Any moment now, she might lose her consciousness due to blood loss or she might loose her grip and fall. Either way, death was awaiting for her.


    Mattias helped Valkyrie in tying the long and thick vines around his waist. They did it a couple of times to ensure his safety. Mattias circled a large tree with the vines several times before tying the other end around his waist.


    After making sure that it was safe, Valkyrie walked towards Winter. He held on to her waist and pulled her up slowly on to the high ground. Mattias pulled both of them up to a safe distance.


    Valkyrie was panting heavily and he got few wounds on his arms and his face. ''Sh*t! Evan told me not to get any wounds and here I am.'' He could only weep mentally while thinking of his prize being taken away.


    Winter was still in a daze, lying on the ground. She couldn''t even lift her hand anymore from so much exhaustion. "Let''s go home." she mumbled softly, a single tear fell on the side of her cheeks while she kept her gaze straight on the thick leaves over her.


    "Hn. We''ll go home." Valkyrie responded to her. He helped her stand on her feet but, before she could do it, she fell unconscious.


    Mattias felt sad for the woman but he couldn''t make the last decision on this matter. It was hers and Gabriel''s issue after all.


    "Why don''t you bring her back to the village first so we can administer first aid to her?" Mattias asked Valkyrie while looking at the pale woman whom he carried now on his back.


    "It''s fine. We will just go back to the city." Valkyrie turned around and retraced their tracks to get out of the forest.


    "If you let her wounds wait another time, she might get an infection." Mattias stated once again. This time, Valkyrie stopped and nodded his head. "Come this way."


    Valkyrie followed the man out of the forest and they walked back to the village. This time, Mattias asked the village head to take them for the mean time since he didn''t know if Gabriel would want to take them in.

 Chapter 329 - FIRST PROPER CONVERSATION

    The village chief didn''t ask anything since he trusted Mattias. He asked his daughter to provide first aid, clean Winter and dress her up with clean clothes.


    Valkyrie was waiting outside the room where Winter was currently sleeping. He was calling Shein at the moment to inform that they found her.


    "I''m glad she''s okay. I was so scared earlier when brother-in-law slammed his fist on the table. That was my first time seeing him get mad." Shein murmured on the other end of the line. Relief and joy were surging from the bottom of his heart as he talk to Valkyrie.


    "I''ll let you know when she''s awake. I''ll keep her safe." Valkyrie stated to reassure everyone at home.


    The village chief''s daughter came out after almost an hour of tending to Winter. Mattias also came back with a change of clothes for him.


    "Thank you for helping us." Valkyrie spoke while receiving the clothes from him.


    "No problem. I only acted according to Gabriel''s order."


    Valkyrie scoffed at this response but he didn''t say anything else. Mattias left him on his own after sending the clothes and walked directly to Gabriel''s house.


    "So, what did you find?" Gabriel asked indifferently, his back facing Mattias while he was arranging the school supplies in front of him.


    "I found that the woman who came earlier was hanging on to her life at the cliff-side. She''s got wounds all over head and the largest was the one on her neck."


    "What did you say? She almost died?!" Gabriel was so horrified this time. His heart lurched on to his throat and it was painful.


    "Hn."


    "Where is she now?"


    "She''s currently unconscious in the village chief''s house. Her friend is currently guarding her."


    "Why didn''t you bring them here?"


    "Uh...with...with your anger earlier..I thought you wouldn''t want to see them."


    Gabriel was dumbfounded at this point. ''Right. I pushed her away so everyone would think that I don''t want to see her.'' Gabriel thought sadly. Her crying image flashed in his mind but he immediately buried it at the back.


    "That''s fine. Just check on them and let me know." Gabriel commented before going back to his current chore.


    Mattias sat on the wooden chair in the small living room and helped Gabriel with the school supplies.


    "I am not in the position to say this but, are you really giving up on her? Won''t you regret your decision?"


    Gabriel didn''t say anything. In fact, when he watched her ran away earlier, he wanted to call her name and stop her. However, he didn''t want to tie the lovely Winter to a cripple like him. "She deserves someone better."


    "Was she looking for someone better? If she was, she could''ve just accepted the news of your death but she didn''t. How long has it been since you were announced dead? Yet, she didn''t believe it and continued to look for you." Mattias took a deep breath and sigh. "In the end, your decision will prevail. Just think about it carefully."


    Winter didn''t wake up until it was midnight. The place was so quiet and she was alone in her room. "Where am I? This is not my hotel room." She mumbled to herself while looking at her surroundings. There was a single light bulb on the ceiling and a tray of food on the small bed side table.


    Winter sat up on her bed and found that the covered foods were still warm. "It hasn''t been long since it was placed here."


    She continued to observe the place and when she abruptly turn her neck, she realized that she had a deep and long wound earlier.


    "I am the unluckiest person in the world." She murmured before taking a bite on the food beside her. "If this is poisoned, it doesn''t matter if I die." She no longer cared. She ate everything and emptied the plates.


    After eating, she couldn''t get back to sleep anymore. She went out of her room and found a small living room where Valkyrie was sleeping.


    "You''re awake!" Valkyrie exclaimed in whisper upon seeing Winter walked outside her room. "Are you okay? Are you feeling dizzy or pain anywhere?"


    "I''m fine. Thank you for coming to my aid." Winter answered him while looking around the place again. "Why are we here? Where is this?"


    "This is the village chief''s house."


    "When can we leave?" Winter asked without any expression on her face. She''s back to being a robot again.


    "Once you''re healed we can go back."


    "Can''t we just go back tomorrow?"


    "We can''t. I''ve got wounds all over me from getting you up earlier. Brown will kill me if he sees these."


    "Oh. I see." She didn''t say anything anymore and just sat in silence on the chair opposite him.


    "Do you want to take a walk?" Seeing her lonely face, Valkyrie couldn''t help but ask. He didn''t want to bore her in silence to avoid any negative thoughts lingering in her mind. "I checked this place earlier and I found that there were nice places here."


    "Let''s just stay here. I don''t want to see any part of this place anymore." Winter answered softly. "Val, how did you get Evan back? How did you win his trust after what happened?"


    Valkyrie just stared at the ceiling, his arms where at the back of his head, using them as a substitute for pillows. "I just clung on to him. I stuck myself on to him like a sticky leech. I did everything, anything that could help me stay beside him."


    Winter chuckled at his answer. "That''s very expected of you. I bet he was annoyed as hell."


    "He was. He would kick me everyday and throw daggers at me. But I learned to endure. After all, I was the one who hurt him."


    "I wish I can be like you." Winter murmured. "I built up all my courage before coming here. I decided to bring him home no matter what it takes. But, after hearing directly from him that he gave up on me already, my courage crumbled."


    "Why won''t you fight for it?"


    "What''s the use of fighting for something if the other person gave up already? It''s futile." Winter answered him with a pained smile.

 Chapter 330 - PACIFYING TRAVIS

    Back at home, Jillyanna was pacifying Travis to cool down from his anger and worry. He did calm down, but he was burning from the way his wife pacify him.


    "Jill, ahh..c-can I ..hmm..take off ..hmm..aahh..the b-blindfold?" Travis asked his wife in his hoarse and struggling voice.


    "Nope you can''t." Jillyanna stated while licking him up and down. Whenever, she did this kind of service to his husband, she''d blindfold Travis to avoid showing her embarrassment.


    "Sweetheart...you are...hmm..torturing me." His gruff voice and moans made Jillyanna smile. She liked knowing that she can get this reaction from him.


    She kissed the tip of his thick shaft before shoving it inside her mouth without hesitations. She could feel him throbbing and growing inside her mouth and she was happy that she can at least do this for him.


    When Travis couldn''t hold on anymore, he took off the blindfold from his eyes and watched her bobbing her head up and down.


    Her lashes fanned her cheeks and her eyes were hazy. She looked so sexy while doing it and Travis couldn''t help but gulp down his urge to shove himself deeper.


    "Wait stop." Travis wanted to pull himself away from her but Jillyanna was holding his waist. In the end, he released everything inside her mouth.


    Jillyanna pulled herself away from her with obvious complain written on her face. "Your reminder was late again."


    "Sorry honey." Travis pulled a roll of tissue from the bedside drawer and wiped her face and the side of her mouth. "Spit it out."


    "What can I spit? I already swallowed it." Jillyanna mumbled helplessly while crawling on top of him. "Are you okay, now?"


    "I''m perfectly fine. I am so fine that I think I can go for a couple rounds." Travis teased her while kissing the tip of her nose.


    Jillyanna smiled at him and kissed his lips. Even though they had done it multiple times, she would really feel shy sometimes. "I can allow you to do it once." she murmured in between kisses.


    "Once is fine." Travis responded while slipping himself inside her folds. Jillyanna trembled on top of him when he stroke his shaft on her best spots. "Does it feel uncomfortable?"


    "Nope. It feels good." Jillyanna whispered while holding her moans from escaping. "Yes..there..ah..hmm."


    Travis kissed her again while he thrust himself in and out. His hands were playing with her chest while their tongues danced together.


    "My wife is becoming naughty."


    "Where do you think I learned it?"


    "Of course from your shameless husband." Travis chuckled at his own answer. "Do you like it here?"


    "Hn."


    Travis flipped their bodies and now he was hovering over her. Jillyanna''s face was flushed and her hair was in disarray, strewn all over her pillow.


    His movements became a little faster and she could feel him grow within in her again. "Ahh! Don''t clamp on me darling. I''ll burst in no time." Travis stated while he thrust in her.


    "That''s fine." Jillyanna mumbled in daze. She wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him even closer, down to his hilt.


    Jillyanna was being pushed at the highest peak with every stroke he made. The pleasure was building her up and she felt herself about to shatter with him. Her mind didn''t have anything else inside aside from Travis. She was so occupied with him both mentally and physically.


    "Sweetheart, I''m letting it out." Travis mumbled over her.


    "Go ahead."


    With a few more thrusts, Travis released himself inside her without pulling himself out. He hugged her and kissed her again and again like a bee sucking out the honey from her.


    After letting everything out, he pulled out himself and climbed down from their bed. He carried her off to the shower and bath with her.


    "Are you feeling any pain?" Travis asked her while he turned on the shower head over them.


    "Nope. I''m fine just a little sleepy." Jillyanna answered honestly with a yawn.


    "We''ll go to sleep after this." Travis soaped her body and scrubbed off the remnants of their activity in a gentle manner.


    "Travis, about our wedding..I agree to move it to next month."


    "Really?" Travis stopped scrubbing and looked at her. "Are you sure about this?"


    "Hn. It would best since my stomach isn''t that big yet." Jillyanna uttered with a faint smile. In truth, she was worried that she won''t have the time to have the grand wedding. She didn''t even know if she can still last after giving birth. So she decided, to make most of her remaining time.


    "I''ll let my dad know." Travis responded with a genuine smile of happiness.


    "I''ll tell Sky and Alex, too."


    After taking a shower, Travis let her sit on the couch first so he could change the bed sheets, pillows and blankets. After tidying up their bed, he went to Jillyanna who was still drying her hair. Travis took over and helped her dry it so she can go to sleep.


    Just like in the past days, Jillyanna still chose to sleep naked beside him. For tonight, he got a reward for himself after what happened to Winter but the coming days will be difficult again. She will lie down by his side without letting him do anything. What a torture!


    "Good night love." Travis kissed Jillyanna''s forehead when they finally laid their bodies on the soft bed.


    "Good night my shameless husband." Jillyanna giggled while she hugged him close to her. She wanted to feel his warmth and inhale the familiar scent of him.


    Travis caressed her back, placing his chin on top of her head before closing his eyes to take a rest.


    "I love you so much Travis. Always remember that." Jillyanna whispered softly before drifting off to sleep.


    Travis opened her eyes and watched her sleeping face. He heard it loud and clear, and even without her reminder, he would always remember her love for him.


    "I love you too, Jill."

 Chapter 331 - FELL IN THE RIVER

    After talking to Valkyrie for few hours, she felt quite bored lying on the wooden sofa and her body ached so much for the uncomfortable hardness of the material.


    "Get some sleep here. I''ll go out for a while." Winter told Valkyrie as she rose to her feet and walked towards the door leading to the outside of the house.


    "You are not planning to run away, are you?" Valkyrie asked her since he wasn''t sure he can handle Winter if she planned to do so. In fact, he wasn''t planning to leave the village not because of his light wounds but because he was still hoping that Gabriel and her could still fix their issue.


    "I''m not. I just want to get some fresh air and think about things." Winter stated before opening the door and walked out of the house, closing the door gently behind her.


    She looked around the place. Though, it was night time and only few numbers of lamp posts existed, the light of the full moon gave beauty to the village that she didn''t see when she came earlier that day. The stars dotted the night and it was so beautiful to see it without the skies or the tall buildings obstructing her view.


    "It''s quiet and beautiful here." Winter whispered as she walked on the cobble stone path leading her to different places.


    The houses weren''t purely made of bricks or cement. Only the flooring were made of cement and the walls about two feet from the ground were made of bricks. The rest of the parts of the house were made of shiny mahogany woods and woven bamboo. It was typical for a village that was situated away from the city.


    There were many garden of vegetables and the place was abundant of fruit trees. The wind breeze was cool and refreshing.


    Walking silently at night, Winter had fun observing the place. Even though it was deep in to the night, there were few men keeping watch of the village. They were patrolling the grounds when they saw Winter strolling her way aimlessly.


    "Good evening ma''am. Are you lost?" one of the night watchmen asked Winter politely.


    "Ah. No, I''m not. I really wanted to go out and get some fresh air." Winter explained awkwardly to the man while scratching her head, her faint smile hanging on her lips.


    "I see. I''m sorry I cut you off from wandering." the man bowed lightly and left her alone.


    Winter continued walking and finally arrived to the place she wanted to be. It was under the willow tree. The same tree that she found where Gabriel was.


    She sat on the ground, leaned her back on the tree trunk and picked some small stones to throw in the silently flowing river.


    ''How should I be clingy?'' Winter thought while looking at the moon being reflected on the river. When she threw a stone into it, the water rippled yet it was still beautiful in her eyes. ''Nature is really beautiful yet we humans slowly destroyed it.''


    The coldness of the wind breeze didn''t bother her at all. She like it when it touches her face and her skin. She felt alive whenever the wind kissed her.


    ''Should I cook for him and pester him everyday? Should I help him with the children? What should I do to cling on to him?''


    She thought of different things but she felt it was shameless to do it. She didn''t even have the courage to see him again.


    "I really think I should just leave." Winter whispered in to the night. "I don''t matter to him anyway. If I do, he wouldn''t have done this right? But I don''t even know why he is doing this? Perhaps he really hated me. Haha How foolish of me to come here." Winter stood up and walked to the river bank. She threw another small stone and watched the surface rippled again.


    The river was so clear that she can see small fishes swimming in it. She squatted on the ground and watched the fishes swam prettily.


    "Winter!" She was just about to stand and move away from the river bank when someone called her name. Startled and frightened from the sudden shout, Winter lost her balance and the ground beneath her feet gave way.


    She still managed to see Gabriel on his wheelchair who tried standing up to reach for her before she fell on the cold water.


    ''Haha. I''m going crazy. I''m even starting to see things now. Why would he come and see me at night? That was utterly ridiculous.'' Winter thought full of mockery while she let her body sank deeper.


    The river wasn''t deep for a swimmer like her. The only thing she was thankful for was that the current wasn''t strong or else, even if she was a swimmer, she could have died.


    When she felt the riverbed on her feet, she used all her strength and kicked her legs so she can swim upwards. Her limbs were getting numb from the coldness of the water and she felt the throbbing of her wounds.


    When she came out of the water surface, there were many people standing near Gabriel. She shivered when the cool wind blew her skin. She wasn''t seeing things, Gabriel was really there.


    "How long are you going to stay in there? Are you that foolish to swim in the middle of the night, and a cold water at that?" Gabriel asked indifferently while looking at her. She couldn''t see his face clearly but she could tell from his voice that he hated her presence.


    Winter took a deep breath, disregarding the pain she felt in her heart, she climbed up on the riverbank with the help of some people. She was thankful that her hair was dripping wet as well as her face, that way, no one could tell that she was crying.


    She didn''t say anything and turned around to leave them, still shivering from cold. She let her tears fall silently as she walked away from them. ''I told you! It''s better to leave him. Can''t you feel the disgust and hate in every word he said?!'' Winter mentally screamed and yelled towards herself.

 Chapter 332 - SENSE OF HEARING

    She was so engrossed with her mocking thoughts that she didn''t hear Gabriel calling her name.


    "Winter wait!" Gabriel called out but Winter kept on walking. Although she was walking slowly, Gabriel was still having a hard time with his wheelchair. "F*ck this woman!" Gabriel cursed and stop chasing after her. "Can you help me grab her and make her stop?" Gabriel asked the night watchmen who had not walked away yet.


    Not waiting for him to say it twice, the jogged towards Winter and caught her.


    Winter was so startled that she didn''t have the time to wipe her tears or school her face. ''This is embarrassing!'' She shouted to herself internally once again. "What are you doing?! Let go of me!" If they weren''t part of this village, she would have kicked them to get away.


    "Gabriel was calling for you." One of the men who caught her spoke.


    "If you want to say something, just say it directly! What are you mumbling about?!" She was so angry that she couldn''t stop herself from yelling at them.


    The two men who caught her looked at each other like something nerve-wracking happened. They didn''t say anything though but they helped her turn around and face Gabriel.


    Her anger had not subsided yet. She was so upset and angry that he mocked her earlier about swimming in the river when in fact, it was because of him that she fell.


    "Aren''t you done mocking me?! Go ahead and do it in one go so I can leave peacefully." she pulled her arms abruptly and freed herself from their hold. She couldn''t care less about the coldness anymore. She didn''t even care that she looked so messy with her blood soaking into her clothes. Her wounds were reopened but she didn''t care about the pain. It was nothing compared to the sounds of her heart being broken into tiny bits of pieces.


    "Come with me. You look horrible with your dirty clothes and messy hair." Gabriel responded after looking at her.


    "What are you mumbling about in front of me?! If you want to say something just say it! I don''t need you to whisper." Winter snapped at him which stunned Gabriel and the other two men.


    Gabriel frowned for a while but his lips suddenly raised into a sneer and his eyes glint with coldness.


    "Is this another part of your act? Refusing to listen so I could chase after you?" Gabriel snickered while eyeing her up and down. "Don''t waste your effort, I won''t fall for these tricks."


    Winter rolled her eyes and turned to leave. "Since you don''t have anything to say, I''m leaving."


    She looked around to find the village chief''s house where she was told to stay for few days with Valkyrie. She didn''t look back to see if Gabriel was still there. She just wanted to leave and at try to fix her heart again.


    On the other hand, Gabriel just watched her walk away. He clenched his hands into fists and maneuvered his wheelchair to turn around and went back to his house.


    "I messed up again." Gabriel murmured to himself. "I didn''t really want to say those words. I really just want to tend to her wounds." He sighed to himself while covering his face with his hands. "I''ll apologize tomorrow." With that goal set in his mind, Gabriel went to his bed to get some sleep.


    Meanwhile, Winter walked back to the village chief''s house in silence. Valkyrie woke up when she came in which made her smile faintly, one that didn''t reach her eyes.


    "I was enticed by the clear river and took a short time to swim with the fish. Don''t worry about me, I''m fine. I''ll take care of my wounds."


    Valkyrie didn''t get the chance to speak as he watched her go back inside her room. She was clearly lying to him.


    Winter undress herself and saw her wounds and bruises from the incident at the cliff-side. "How unlucky! I almost died from falling at the cliff-side and now I fell in the river. Maybe I''m not really a match for him so heavens are punishing me."


    She rummaged through the drawers and found some anti-biotic cream and some gauze. She took a second bath in the small comfort room and cleaned her wounds before applying the cream.


    Everytime she thought of something to mend their relationship, he would just crash it with his mockery. After the heart-breaking mockery she received earlier, Winter cried herself to sleep.


    Early in the morning, Gabriel went to visit her and Valkyrie as he planned to apologize to her. Since she was so persistent to bring him back, he decided to give their relationship a chance. And to achieve that, he needed to apologize first.


    "What brings you here? Are you here to see Winter?" Valkyrie asked happily while leading him inside. The village chief and his family were already awake and were having their morning coffee while some of them prepared their breakfast.


    "I''m indeed here to see Winter. Is she still sleeping?"


    "Hn. She came back late last night after having a short swim with the fishes."


    Gabriel winced at the response he received. It was clearly him who said those mocking words to her.


    "If you want, I can send you to her room so you can wait for her to wake up there." Valkyrie suggested, throwing a playful wink at him.


    "Nope. I will wait for her here." Gabriel responded and went to the village chief to talk about their village security.


    Not long after, they heard a crashing sounds from Winter''s room. Worried about her, Valkyrie ran and knocked on her door. "Winter? Winter, are you okay?" No one answered him. "Winter what happened?" Still a silent response.


    Left with no choice, with his close eyes, Valkyrie opened the door and prayed that Winter won''t kick him from getting inside her room without permission.


    When he opened his eyes, Winter''s phone was broken on the floor and she was crying in a corner like a child.


    "I...I..can''t hear anymore..."

 Chapter 333 - GOING HOME

    She was so focused with her heart and her thoughts last night that she didn''t notice this problem.


    Now that she realized everything, pieces came into place and she remembered she didn''t even hear her own voice last night. The thing she heard were her thoughts but not her loud yells and screams.


    With this realization in mind, she pulled out her phone from the drawer and raised the volume to the highest level. She picked up a song after song but she couldn''t hear them. She turned on the faucet but she couldn''t hear the sound of the running water. She opened the window in her room and closed it loudly but there wasn''t any noise that she could hear. It was awfully quiet and she was losing her mind.


    "Ahhhh!" Winter screamed and threw her phone on the ground. "This can''t be! How could this be?!" she mumbled to herself, curling her body on the floor in one of the corners in her room. She can''t hear her own voice. "I can''t hear anymore."


    She can see Valkyrie standing in front of her, mumbling something that she couldn''t understand. Her tears fell on the cold floor without any signs of stopping. ''Why am I so unlucky?! Why?! I just want to love?! I just want to get him back?! I just want to start over?! Why is this happening to me?!''


    She was kidnapped accidentally with Travis when she was young. She lost her memory of the person that she should have loved from the start. She fell in love with a jerk! She had her heart broken from treachery of her best friend and fiance. She refused to remember her past. Now that she did, the person gave up on her, faked his death and refused to come with her. She fell on the cliff-side, almost meeting with the angel of death. She fell in the river, mocked with the person she loved himself. Then, she lost her sense of hearing.


    Valkyrie was at a loss for words. Gabriel came in behind him with surprise in his face. "What happened here?"


    "I don''t know. She''s saying that she can''t hear anymore."


    Gabriel was dumbstruck with this news. Last night, he mocked her again and again but she said that he was just mumbling in front of her. He even said hurtful words at her. Gabriel didn''t know if he should be thankful or sad about this. She didn''t hear anything that he said.


    Winter kept crying in the corner of her room. The valiant, beautiful and strong Lieutenant Colonel couldn''t be seen anymore. What they got in front of them was a weak and miserable Winter Avery.


    "I want to go home. I want to leave this place now. Val, let''s go home." Winter begged with her tears gathering like a puddle on the floor.


    Gabriel''s throat constricted from the mixed emotions he felt for her. His conscience was telling him that he was at fault. If he didn''t push her away, she wouldn''t fall on the cliff, she wouldn''t be wounded and she wouldn''t be in this misery. He remembered Valkyrie''s words. All that happened to Winter now, it all all started after he took the mission in Pantar and faked his death.


    Valkyrie approached Winter and pulled her up. "Let''s go home." Even though Winter made him keep his hands off from Brown before, he knew that she did it out of concern for Brown. She was so kind that she didn''t want Brown to experience the pain she went through. Valkyrie really pitied her at this point. She was so unlucky!


    "Can I come.. home with you?" Gabriel asked Valkyrie, gulping down the emotions that blocked his throat.


    Valkyrie just nodded his head. He carried Winter on his back and walked out of the room. "I''m sorry for causing this mess but we have to go now. Thank you for your hospitality."


    He didn''t wait for their response and left. "Take this as compensation and payment to repair any damage." Gabriel handed them a bunch of money without counting it. They were so shocked that they reacted late.


    "No Gabriel. We don''t need this." The village chief hurried to follow him but Gabriel just smiled at him.


    Mattias who heard about the commotion came and found him on his wheelchair as he tried to make it back to his house. "What happened?" He asked Gabriel and helped him push his wheelchair.


    "It''s a long story. I don''t have time to explain either. I will be going back with them Mattias. I''m leaving the children to your care. Annie will be a good tutor to them as well. She can have my laptop from now on. Let her manage whatever supplies left in my house."


    "I''m glad you are finally willing to get back what you deserve. Don''t worry about us here, we will protect what we have."


    "I trust you to do that. Anyway, I need your help one last time. I need you to drive us back to the city."


    "No problem."


    Valkyrie waited for them with Winter behind him, still weeping silently at her current condition. "How can you be this unlucky?" He murmured to himself while watching Gabriel and Mattias come to them.


    When Winter saw them, she felt another pang in her heart. "Why are you here? You don''t have to send us yourself. We can manage on our own." She said this towards Gabriel.


    Her loud voice made Valkyrie covered his ears since he was the one closest to her.


    There''s no point in responding to her since she couldn''t hear him anyway, thus Gabriel stayed silent.


    Valkyrie didn''t say anything either and just helped her get into the car that Mattias will be using. Gabriel sat on the back seat with her while Valkyrie sat on the front seat together with Mattias.


    "Where are we going?" Mattias asked Valkyrie.


    "Send us directly to the airport. We''re going home now."


    Mattias just nodded his head and drove the car. The ride was so silent with only Winter''s soft hiccups and sniffs can be heard. She didn''t even look towards Gabriel, not a stolen glance during the whole time.

 Chapter 334 - DEAF AND DISABLED

    From the moment they left Pantar until they arrived in hacienda de Amore, Winter didn''t speak or look at Gabriel. She was lost in her thoughts and she even tripped several times. Even so, she didn''t spare a glance to anyone. She would just rise up again and dust herself like nothing happened.


    Valkyrie helped Gabriel with his wheelchair and everytime they''d see Winter tripped, Gabriel would automatically reach his hand but he was also helpless because of his missing leg.


    Looking at them, Valkyrie couldn''t help but shake his head. ''One is deaf and the other is disabled, should I say they''re perfect match?''


    When Valkyrie called Shein that they''re coming home with Gabriel, he didn''t say anything about their condition. He want them to find it out for themselves.


    Travis and Jillyanna were waiting at the mansion together with Thomas and everyone else. It was about noon when they arrived so they prepared a feast to welcome them.


    Everyone was ecstatic to see them again, specially Gabriel who faked his death. However, their smiles froze upon seeing a messy Winter.


    Her eyes were dull and she didn''t seem happy to be home. Her eyes were swollen, her neck had a long wound, her arms got bruises and small wounds. She looked horrible! She didn''t even greet them.


    Gabriel was following behind her and the atmosphere turned solemn. He was missing his other leg and he didn''t look happy to come home either.


    Only Valkyrie, the moment he saw Brown, his eyes lit up and he immediately come forward to hug him. "I''m home."


    Brown smiled at him and gave him a gentle pat on his head like a child who did something good. "I''m glad you''re safe but...what happened to them?"


    With this question, all eyes turned towards Valkyrie. He was just about to answer him when Winter tripped again and bumped on to a table with a porcelain vase. The crash made everyone flinch and cover their ears.


    Savannah immediately walked to Winter who just stood like it was nothing. She walked towards the kitchen and when she came back, she was already bringing a dustpan and a broom. The servants were horrified!


    "Miss Winter, let me do it." the servant tried stopping Winter but since she couldn''t hear the words, she continued cleaning her mess. After cleaning, she gave it to the servant before going up to her room. She was like a robot!


    "Valkyrie, you better explain this now." Jillyanna looked at him with inquiring eyes. Her legs were tapping on the floor indicating that she was losing her patience.


    "Gabriel, you rest first. Just talk to Winter after she get herself some rest." Valkyrie informed him which Gabriel nodded.


    Hawk didn''t ask anything about his condition but he helped him up to his room, the room he used ever since he was young.


    When the two involved parties left, Valkyrie took a deep breath and released it. "The doctor had to cut Gabriel''s leg due to infection. He was tortured and mutilated when he was captured. The other two men who was captured with him were also killed. Among the 35 soldiers, he was the only one who managed to escape after Annie helped him. You can ask Gabriel for the whole details if you want. That''s all I know about him."


    "What about Winter? Why did she look like her life was sucked out of her?" Travis asked out of concern for his cousin.


    "Winter can no longer hear us."


    This short answer was like a lightning striking them on the spot. Jillyanna gasped and covered her mouth from shock. Travis just blinked his eyes as if he heard it wrong. Thomas just sighed and massaged his temples.


    "Are you for real or are you making fun of us?" Savannah squinted her eyes to look intimidating but Valkyrie only shrugged his shoulders.


    "I''m telling you the truth. I don''t know how or when it happened since we were still talking last night before she left to get some fresh air. When she came back, she was soaking wet and she looked messy. I couldn''t even say anything before she went back to her room. This morning, she was crying because she couldn''t hear anything." Valkyrie confessed what he knew to them.


    "What else happened before she lost her sense of hearing?" Brown asked him. His doctor instinct was telling him that something caused this. It could be a psychological defense that Winter developed without her knowledge.


    Valkyrie summarized the events to them like he was telling them a story. He told them how they found Gabriel, how Gabriel pushed her away, how Winter lost her tracker and ended up on the cliff and other things.


    "Base on my medical knowledge, what happened to Winter is like a psychological defense. She refused to listen about Gabriel''s death. She refused to listen to what everyone said about him. Whatever Gabriel said to her, that triggered everything." Brown mentioned which made everyone even sadder. "She''ll only regain her sense of hearing when she''s willing to listen to him."


    "If that''s the only cure, we''ll have to wait for years." Valkyrie retorted. "Because she completely gave up on him."


    Listening to this news, Jillyanna felt a dull ache on her temples. "Don''t worry about Winter, she''ll be fine."


    "Hn. I''m sure she will." Savannah agreed but her face still had a solemn look.


    Instead of celebrating that Gabriel came back, the atmosphere felt like they were mourning instead.


    Nonetheless, everyone still acted normally. Savannah brought some food for Winter and Valkyrie did the same thing for Gabriel.


    "Let''s stay here for the mean time. I want to help Winter." Jillyanna whispered to Travis while they ate.


    "Sure. I don''t mind that." Travis agreed immediately. Whatever his wife says, it goes. He will never disagree with her. "Will you still be coming with me to work tomorrow or will you stay here with her?"


    "Can I stay here? I''m sure you can still do your best. I know anyway that you will keep me in your mind and heart." Jillyanna responded cheekily.


    "My wife knows me best."


    "Of course." Jillyanna kissed his cheeks and continued to eat.

 Chapter 335 - RED ROSES

    As they had agreed, Jillyanna and Travis stayed at the hacienda to help Winter and Gabriel. Since Savannah and Hawk had to accompany Travis to work, they stayed as well.


    Only Brown, Valkyrie and Shein left to go back to Jillyanna''s house.


    When next morning came, Jillyanna woke up early and prepared the clothes that Travis will use.


    "You don''t really have to do this. You can still sleep and wake up later." Travis spoke to her after taking a bath and changing his clothes. Jillyanna was currently helping him with his neck tie.


    "This is the least I could do for you since I can''t come with you to the office."


    Travis reached out to her and wrapped his hand around his waist. "Take care of yourself. We have helpers here so you don''t have to move around so much. Call me if you need anything."


    "Hn. I''ll make sure to do that."


    They hugged each other for a while before breakfast was served. Starting that day, they rarely spend time together but Travis didn''t cease to surprise her at all.


    During lunch break, she received a huge bouquet of red roses from him.


    -To my dearest wife, these flowers can''t even compare to you but the color of them made me remember your flushed cheeks. I miss you.


    "What''s gotten into him?" Jillyanna asked with a raised brow but her heart was beating like crazy and she couldn''t help herself from smiling happily.


    "Travis sent that?" Winter asked Jillyanna without assurance that she heard her but Jillyanna nodded her head. "I bet he missed you so much now that you are staying at home." Jillyanna nodded again and showed her the small piece of paper.


    Winter couldn''t help but smile at the silly yet heart warming words from his cousin. She was really happy for Jillyanna and for having a friend like her.


    Jillyanna took out her phone and typed something. "Do you want to bake? I want to eat sweets."


    "Travis will kick me if he found out that you eat sweets again." Winter refused knowing how cautious Travis was with Jillyanna''s pregnancy.


    Jillyanna typed again. "Just a little bit."


    "Fine."


    Winter stood up and walked to the kitchen with Jillyanna following behind her, still giggling and smelling the flowers she got.


    While Avery prepared the ingredients for chocolate chip cookies, Jillyanna arranged the flowers in a vase and placed it on the center table.


    "So lovely." she mumbled happily before calling Travis. It didn''t take long before he picked it up and answered.


    "Did you get the flowers?"


    "Hn. I love it. Thank you."


    "I''m glad you like it. I feel like courting you everyday."


    "You''re making fun of me again. Anyway, have you eaten?"


    "Savannah, Hawk and I are having lunch right now. How about you?"


    "Done! I''m making sweets with Winter. I''m eating just a little bit of sweets."


    "You don''t need to eat sweets, you are sweet enough."


    Savannah coughed profusely hearing such remark from him. Even Jillyanna laughed at this but she was also blushing.


    "I know. You wouldn''t eat me if I am not." Jillyanna teased him which made Travis chuckle.


    "Even if you aren''t sweet, I will still do the same."


    She didn''t know why but, talking to him like this was even sweeter and romantic for her. Since they got back together, it was very seldom that she and Travis were far from each other. Almost all the time, she was right beside him.


    "Your shamelessness never changed. Finish your lunch now, I''ll go back to Winter and helped her."


    "Okay. Call me if anything comes up."


    "Hn. Love you."


    "I love you too Jill."


    This had become a habit already. There''s not a single day that passed without these words being said. Anyone would be envious just like Savannah who was currently glaring at Hawk.


    "Did I do something wrong?" Hawk asked in wonder. He was just eating peacefully beside her but she earned a glare from her.


    Savannah rolled her eyes and continued eating. ''Why is my boyfriend so dense? How did we even end up together?!'' Savannah questioned herself but she couldn''t find the answer either.


    Back at the mansion, Winter was busy mixing the ingredients when Gabriel went down with the help of Uncle Wesley who was actually the driver of Thomas. Since Thomas didn''t usually go out, he didn''t have much work. Thus, he decided to help Gabriel instead.


    Gabriel went to the kitchen and found Jillyanna and Winter there, happily making something.


    Winter noticed him and just threw a glance before going back to pressing the dough without saying anything.


    "What are you making?" Gabriel asked Jillyanna as Wesley pushed his wheelchair near the dining table.


    "We are making chocolate chip cookies. Do you need anything?" Jillyanna answered and questioned him as well.


    "Oh I''m fine. I just wanted to come out."


    "I see. Do you want to go to the hacienda later? Winter and I were planning to go there and share these cookies."


    "Would that be fine? I certainly want to go."


    Jillyanna looked back to Winter who didn''t hear anything they talked about before shifting her eyes to Gabriel.


    "Gabriel, this is the time for you to make up your mind. Either you stay with her or leave her, we will respect your decision but you have to decide now. Your existence is both a wound and a cure to her so you need to choose where you stand."


    Gabriel looked at Jillyanna and smile. He could see that she genuinely cared for Winter and was thinking about her being.


    "I understand your worry Jill. Actually, the moment I set foot here again, I have decided to stay with her. I''ll do my best to fix our relationship and start over again."


    "I''m glad to know that."


    "By the way..." Gabriel was looking at the beautiful flowers on the table. "I didn''t see these flowers in the garden, is this grown at the hacienda?"


    "Nope. Travis gave it to me." Jillyanna answered with obvious bashful expression.

 Chapter 336 - NOT PITY BUT APPLAUSE

    Around 2 o''clock in the afternoon, Winter and Jillyanna finished baking lots of cookies. They wanted to bring some juice as well but they realized that there were more fruits in the hacienda compared to the ones they have inside the refrigerator.


    "Would you like to take the car, Miss Jillyanna? Travis would be worried if you walk from here to the hacienda." Uncle Wesley mentioned once they were all ready to go.


    "Okay. Let''s take the car then." Jillyanna agreed since she didn''t want to put anyone in difficult spots.


    Wesley helped Gabriel first and placed his wheelchair at the back of the car. Since he was seating at the back seat, Winter sat at the front seat to avoid, leaving Jillyanna with no other choice but to sit beside him.


    "She''s still a bit mad. Just understand her, okay?" Jillyanna whispered to Gabriel who just smiled faintly.


    The farm of the hacienda wasn''t very far from the mansion. They didn''t even take ten minutes before they arrived.


    Thomas was with the farmers, sitting under the huge mango tree where the Jillyanna''s swing was tied. Some children where playing on the swing and some were running around cheerfully, chasing one after another.


    Whenever Thomas wasn''t at home, he would be either in the cemetery visiting Venus and Elizabeth or at the farm talking to the farmers.


    "Oh! You guys are here." Thomas happily waved his hand at them. "Bored at home?"


    "Kind of." Gabriel answered while nodding to everyone in greeting. "They wanted to come here so I''m tagging along."


    "That''s good. Don''t stay in your room all the time it''s boring."


    Winter was unhappily pushing his wheelchair since Uncle Wesley had to carry the containers with the cookies. She can''t let Jillyanna push the wheelchair or carry the containers. She can''t carry the containers as well because she has no sense of balance now. In the end, she was left with Gabriel.


    Jillyanna received a text message and showed it to her and Gabriel. It was about Calhoun who''s coming over tomorrow with Dr. Anderson to check both of them.


    ''Oh? Speaking of Dr. Anderson, someone''s still not ready to see him right?'' Jillyanna''s mischief showed on her eyes again. It''s been a long time since she teased Brown, thought that long time wasn''t even two weeks ago.


    They will be coming in the morning to make sure that all tests will be conducted thoroughly so Jillyanna contacted Brown and told him to come over tomorrow with Valkyrie and Shein.


    "What are you grinning about?" Winter asked Jillyanna since she was happily typing on her phone.


    "I want to surprise someone." Jillyanna answered. It took her a minute to realize that Winter didn''t hear her so she typed her answer on the phone.


    Everyone was busy eating and Auntie Vergie even made an orange juice for them on the spot. There were so many oranges in the farm.


    "Who made these? These are really delicious." One of the farmers stated while taking another bite of cookies.


    "It isn''t too sweet, just enough to make you crave."


    "I want more." The kids were so happy and they were obviously enjoying the cookies.


    "Winter made them." Jillyanna answered happily and typed their comments for Winter to see.


    Thomas already informed everyone so that they won''t make any careless remark around Gabriel and Winter, though Winter won''t hear it, he still wanted everyone to be sensitive with the situation.


    Winter was so happy that they liked her cookies and thanked them sweetly. She didn''t care about being the one to push the wheelchair of Gabriel anymore.


    "Where do you want to go?" Winter asked Gabriel which surprised him so much. He didn''t expect that she would be the one to ask him that question.


    Gabriel typed on his phone quickly and showed it to her. Winter just looked at it and nodded her head before looking back to Jillyanna. "Do you want to come with us?"


    Jillyanna shook her head with a smile. "Just go. Enjoy your time together."


    Winter was able to read her lips for the first two words but she couldn''t for the last statement. Still she was told to go so she left while pushing Gabriel on his wheelchair.


    "Sigh. Both are outstanding but fate was really cruel to them." Uncle Danilo, the husband of Auntie Vergie said.


    "They will be fine. Let''s put our trust in them and support them along the way." Jillyanna spoke which lifted everyone''s mood.


    She didn''t want anyone to feel pity towards Gabriel and Winter. For her, they were so brave to still face everyone despite their current circumstances. If it was someone else, they could have fallen in to a depress state or weak mentality. Some would even commit suicide because they couldn''t accept these kind of things to happen to them but Gabriel and Winter were different. They still face their life battles head on. They don''t deserve pity. They deserve a round of applause.


    Winter brought Gabriel to the apple tree that Gabriel planted when he was young. The marks of their names were still clear on the trunk.


    "Would you like to practice reading lips so you would understand without anyone typing or writing it for you?" Gabriel typed this question and let her see it.


    "Why are you asking?"


    "I just thought of helping you while you can''t hear yet. It''s my way of apologizing as well since I caused you so much pain. I want to make up for it." After typing, he showed it to her again.


    Winter looked at him for a while before shaking her head. "I don''t need your help. You don''t have to apologize either. Whatever your decision is none of my concern."


    "I want to stay with you." Gabriel typed this and let her read it. Sincerity was visible in his eyes as he waited for her answer.


    Winter didn''t respond to this. It wasn''t a question that needed her answer and she didn''t have any objections either.


    In the end, she carelessly spoke. "You can stay. You can leave. Do whatever you want. It doesn''t matter."

 Chapter 337 - TEASING BROWN

    Brown brought the sunflower seedlings that Jillyanna asked him to bring. He received a message from her yesterday that she wanted to have breakfast with them together.


    As a good friend and a doctor at that, he didn''t want to agitate or refuse her knowing how bad her heart condition.


    Valkyrie and Shein also came with two little succulent that she asked them to bring. The plants were just an excuse to make them come over as well as the breakfast. In reality, she just want to tease Brown. If Brown knew this, he would be so angry to even spat a mouthful of blood.


    It''s Saturday so Travis and everyone else didn''t have to go to work. She rise up early and prepared their change of clothes as usual.


    "Can''t we sleep for a while? I want to hug you for a little longer. I really really really miss you." Travis mumbled while still sprawling on the bed. He was looking at her rummaging through their clothes to find something to wear.


    "You can hug me all you want later but now, we have to get up."


    "Why are we rising so early?"


    "It''s not early anymore my dear husband. It''s almost eight in the morning. Calhoun and Dr. Anderson will be here any minute from now."


    "What that got to do with us?" Travis sulked and complain since it has nothing to do with him why Calhoun and Anderson would come.


    Jillyanna hang the clothes she chose on the side of the wardrobe and climbed back to the bed. "Rise up already." She placed a gentle kiss on his lips and nipped his lower lip gently before pulling away. "I''m planning to have a good time today. And, we will have breakfast together with everyone."


    Travis slid one of his hands under her blouse and caressed her baby bump. "What exactly is it your planning?"


    "You''ll find out if you come down with me." Jillyanna stated, amused at her own plan.


    They took a shower together but Travis was still unhappy because he didn''t get to spend a long time with her.


    When they came out, everyone was present and was waiting for them at the dining table. Jillyanna''s eyes spotted Brown immediately.


    ''Why am I feeling a chill with her gaze?'' Brown thought but he quickly throw it at the back of his mind. If he trusted his instinct, he could have saved himself.


    "Sis, I placed the succulent at the back garden. Brown also placed the sunflowers seedlings there." Shein informed her in case she forgot.


    "Thank you. I needed something to do while I''m here." Jillyanna responded happily. "By the way, Riley told me that she''s coming home next week but Jackie''s bruises weren''t gone yet. She''d be mad if she finds out what happened."


    "That''s what I''m worried about." Shein mumbled.


    "No need to worry about her. Jackie''s bruises will probably be gone already but her wounds aren''t. If Riley wants to meet her, you can just use the excuse of school matters." Brown suggested. "But, we will be lying to her."


    "If she finds out, let it be. Let her know the truth." Travis spoke which made everyone sigh. In the end, they had to prepare to see an angry Riley.


    As they ate, Jillyanna noticed that Winter was silently eating her food and would sometimes place some other dishes on Gabriel''s plate. In her mind, there''s no point in hating him. It will be just a waste of energy and time for her.


    Since he wanted to stay, might as well live together harmoniously.


    Their breakfast wasn''t quiet but it can still be considered peaceful since no one was holding a grudge against anyone.


    Winter and Gabriel might not have the same relationship as before but they were working on fixing what was broken between them. If they couldn''t be lovers, they could still be friends.


    Jillyanna placed a pork cutlet on Travis'' plate with a smile. "Let''s go on a date."


    Travis paused his fork midair and looked towards his wife. Not just him, everyone was surprised and looked at her.


    Jillyanna felt the questioning gaze of everyone so she raised her chin and threw a look of defiance. "What''s so surprising about me dating my husband? If you are envious, go on a date as well."


    Travis could only chuckle at her response and fed her with his food. "Hn. Let''s go on a date."


    Brown''s mouth twitched and he rolled his eyes like how Jillyanna usually does. "I guess we were called to come over so we can eat dog food."


    Valkyrie grinned beside him and took hold of his hand. "Let''s have a date, too?"


    "Are you--" Brown was just about scold him when his eyes caught someone. Not even waiting for anyone to notice, he slid off his chair and hide under the table. ''What the f*ck is Dr. Anderson doing here?! Why didn''t anyone let me know?!'' He cursed silently under the table.


    Valkyrie was surprised with what happened as well. He was happy that his father came but someone was missing. He looked under the table and found Brown sitting with grievances.


    Jillyanna was holding herself to throw a fit of laughter. She didn''t expect that Brown would react that way and it was fun to see it.


    "Where''s Brown?" Dr. Anderson immediately asked without even looking for his own son!


    Brown who heard his name didn''t make a single peep under the table. He was turning himself mute.


    Jillyanna didn''t cooperate though. She messed up with him and divulged his whereabout. "Brown, didn''t you find it yet? It''s fine. Just let the cleaners look for it later."


    Everyone : ???


    How come they didn''t know that Brown was looking for something? However, Valkyrie and Travis knew.


    Jillyanna was clearly teasing Brown! She was doing it on purpose!


    Brown came out of the table with a serious face. "I''ll look for it again." He looked so natural but his eyes were throwing fireballs at Jillyanna who just smiled cheekily at him.

 Chapter 338 - DR. ANDERSON IS MAKING A FUSS

    Jillyanna just looked at him as if she didn''t do anything but Travis shielded her from Brown''s angry stares.


    "Evan! I''m glad you are doing fine. I was really worried that Matthew won''t keep his words. I am even prepare to skin him alive." Dr. Anderson chattered cheerfully and came to Brown''s side. "You look well and good."


    Thomas who knew about their arrival couldn''t help but shake his head. ''He never changed.'' That''s what he thought as he look towards Dr. Anderson who was happy to see his son-in-law instead of his own son.


    "Cough..cough.." Thomas coughed awkwardly to get their attention. Dr. Anderson looked at him, upset and resentful. "You can catch up with your sons later. Have you guys eaten? Why don''t you join us?"


    "Great! I''d love to." He turned towards Valkyrie and ordered him. "Go get me some plates, spoon and fork, as well as a glass of water."


    "And why should I do that?" Valkyrie retorted, clearly unwilling to do what was asked.


    "Because I am your father."


    "So you are finally acknowledging me as your son?!"


    "Nope. I''m just saying I''m your father."


    "Then that''s why I''m your son."


    "Whatever. Go away and get me the utensils." Dr. Anderson didn''t give his son a chance to refuse at all.


    When Valkyrie stood up and left, Dr. Anderson immediately moved Valkyrie''s plates to the side and sat beside Brown.


    Jillyanna couldn''t help but whisper. "Dr. Anderson resembles much of a father to you." She told Travis which of course reached Thomas. "He looks rather shameless like you and Dad isn''t even shameless as you. Haha"


    Instead of getting upset, Thomas smiled helpless at her comment.


    "Who said my father isn''t shameless? He is shameless towards my mother just like how shameless I am towards you." Travis whispered back to her and took the chance to bit his earlobe.


    Calhoun who was watching on the side couldn''t help but think, ''Am I the only normal person here?''


    Usually, when they get together, they will prepare their foods instead of the helpers. Just like this breakfast, Savannah and Hawk was preparing them when Valkyrie arrived, he lent them a hand to make it quicker.


    It would be better to eat the food that the people close to you cook. Why? Because it''s full of love.


    Valkyrie gave Calhoun a set of utensils as well as his father who now took his place beside Brown.


    "I didn''t get the chance to speak to you last time because he threw me out of the house. Whenever I call, he''d turn off his cellphone. Do you know how worried I am?" Dr. Anderson blabbered his mouth beside Brown. "If something happens to you, I would really kick him and remove him from the family register."


    ''Is Matthew your son or is it Evan?'' Everyone wanted to ask the question that Matthew had been keeping this whole time. It felt like he was the adopted and Evan was the legitimate son.


    It doesn''t matter to him though. What''s important to him was that his father cares and accepted Brown and their relationship.


    Brown didn''t know what to do. Since acknowledging his relationship with Valkyrie, this was the first that he''s speaking to Dr. Anderson.


    He looked towards Jillyanna again who clearly know about this and purposely asked him to come over.


    "Why are you looking at me again? I didn''t do anything." Jillyanna automatically defended herself.


    "Really?" Brown inquired with a creepy smile, like he was going to take her soul if ever she''s caught lying.


    Travis cleared his throat and saved his wife. "I forgot to tell everyone that Dr. Anderson and Major General Calhoun would be coming over. I thought it didn''t matter since you aren''t the patients they''re visiting."


    Brown knew that Travis was covering for his wife but he couldn''t do anything about it anymore. It happened already so he might as well face it.


    "I''m sorry for causing you troubles father. We were so busy these past few days and Valkyrie had to leave for Pantar." Brown apologized softly but he didn''t expect that Dr. Anderson would take it the wrong way.


    "Valkyrie left you and went to Pantar?! When?! Why?!" Even though he knew why, he still pretended to be angry to his own son.


    "Ha? Ahh ehh? No Dad. He went there because I told him to accompany Winter and take back Gabriel. He didn''t really leave me." Brown explained profusely to help Valkyrie. He knew that if he won''t talk it out, Valkyrie would be so dead of his father.


    "That''s enough already. Don''t scare him." Calhoun told Dr. Anderson after a while of teasing Brown.


    To Brown''s relief, Dr. Anderson did stop and looked towards Winter who didn''t say anything. "Sigh. It''s indeed true. No matter how much I make a fuss, she didn''t even look at this way." Dr. Anderson spoke sadly.


    All this while, he was intentionally making loud noises but Winter just looked at him once with blank expression. She really couldn''t hear them.


    After he made a fuss, they continued to eat their breakfast which for the first time took an hour before they slowly stood up and left the dining table one by one.


    "What should we do for our date?" Travis asked Jillyanna who was walking beside him.


    "Secret. I''ll plan it to surprise you." Jillyanna smiled at him while holding his hand.


    "You were really enjoying your breakfast." Brown commented who was walking behind him. The scowl on his face couldn''t be hidden at all.


    "Of course. It''s been a long time since I last ate a pork cutlet." Jillyanna responded happily.


    Brown couldn''t do anything but sigh. "You really are a perfect match."


    "Of course. I wouldn''t deny that." Jillyanna didn''t bother hiding her happiness at all. She was really having fun watching Brown getting all flustered earlier. "Dr. Anderson really cares for you. No need to worry about your relationship with Valkyrie."


    "Tsk! I don''t need you to tell me that." Brown was still sulking when he left. When Valkyrie passed by them, he gave a thumbs up to Jillyanna.

 Chapter 339 - EXTENDED VACATION

    Calhoun was no doubt worried about his soldier''s condition. The mission in Pantar was the third that he lost his men and more than handful at that.


    Not only that, a man considered as family, Gabriel Colton, lost his leg. Winter Avery lost her sense of hearing. This was just too much for him.


    When he agreed to Gabriel in faking his death, he didn''t really know to what extent his problem was but, looking at him right now made him feel so guilty in sending him to Pantar.


    "For Gabriel''s part, we can have a prosthetic leg replace for the missing limb if you want. Of course, we no longer ask you to serve in the field but you can still work in the base to be a strategist and support the team." Dr. Anderson spoke while examining his wound. "But the last decision will be coming from Calhoun and you. That is just my opinion on this matter."


    Winter was sitting on the side watching them in silence. She didn''t know what they were talking about but looking at the expression on their faces, it certainly wasn''t good.


    She watch Dr. Anderson wrapped a new gauze around Gabriel''s wound while Gabriel remained silent, listening to what Calhoun was saying.


    After tending to Gabriel, Dr. Anderson came to Winter''s side.


    "Sigh. This woman sure has it hard." Dr. Anderson mumbled while looking helplessly at her.


    "Hey doc, are you badmouthing me?" Winter grinned evilly at him even though he knew Dr. Anderson wasn''t that type of person.


    In the whole military compound under Calhoun''s team, Dr. Anderson was the calmest and sensible person -only if nothing happens to Brown and Valkyrie. It''s known to everyone how important these two to him. Everyone would even say that Brown was more important to Dr. Anderson because they could understand each other when it comes to medical field. Only few people know what Dr. Anderson looked like when he got angry.


    For example, when Valkyrie took his first mission, a bullet scraped his thigh making him unable to move, letting Brown carried him all the way to Travis'' mansion. When Dr. Anderson heard about this he was so angry that he took over the mission and killed everyone inside the drug den.


    That was the first time Avery saw him got angry. From then on, they would make sure that Valkyrie came home unscathed or Dr. Anderson will take over their job, leaving them no merit.


    After that incident as well, Dr. Anderson stopped taking mission and decided to focus himself on his medical projects. No matter how many times they try to persuade him, he wouldn''t just do it.


    "When did you notice that you lost your sense of hearing?" Dr. Anderson wrote this question so she can read it instead.


    "Yesterday morning." Winter answered softly.


    "Did you get yourself checked?"


    "Nope. It doesn''t matter to me if I can hear or not."


    Dr. Anderson sighed and looked towards Gabriel. "Did you guys fight?"


    Gabriel nodded his head faintly, admitting his fault. "I said something to her when she arrived. She fell on a cliff. When night came, I said something awful again and made her fall in the cold river."


    "You''re horrible! Did you know how depressed she was when you fake your death? I even had to put her on a vacation leave just to make sure that she won''t let herself die from over fatigue." Calhoun scolded Gabriel which made Winter raise her eyebrow.


    "Uncle, why are you shouting at him?" Winter asked with a face full of confusion.


    "How do you know I''m shouting at him?" Calhoun answer her question with a question.


    "Is it so difficult to figure out? You were just sitting silently after talking to him earlier. Now, your face is really red and your veins are popping from anger."


    "You woman! I''m angry in your behalf!" Calhoun scolded her which didn''t affect Winter at all. She couldn''t hear remember?


    Dr. Anderson just listened to their banters while he inserted a small tube on Winter''s ears. He checked on a small monitor and found that her eardrums were fine.


    Thus, he came with the same conclusion as Brown. It was a psychological defense after all the trauma she experienced. He explained everything to them so that they would understand her situation.


    "So, there is still a chance that she can hear just like what Brown said." Shein asked since he was there watching and listening to them with everyone else.


    "Yes. But that depends on her willingness. In this matter, only Gabriel can help her since he caused this to happen." Dr. Anderson answered bluntly with out sparing Gabriel from his honest evaluation.


    "In this case, I''d really have to extend her vacation until she''s fully recovered. As for you Gabriel, I will lift your record in the system and put you on vacation as well to help Winter. Let''s talk about your work once everything''s settled." Calhoun informed him. "I''ll talk to the higher ups about your current condition."


    "Okay." Gabriel murmured his answer unhappily.


    "How about you Winter, should I let your parents know?" Calhoun turn to Winter but didn''t get a response. With a helpless sigh, he wrote his question on the same paper that Dr. Anderson used.


    Winter read it and her face turned cold. Since she broke up with her fiance, she didn''t have a good relationship with her family, which was the reason that she''d come home to the hacienda instead of her own home.


    "No need to let them know. It''s enough that Uncle Thomas and RV know about me." Winter responded before she stood up and left everyone.


    "Does she hate her family?" Shein asked curiously.


    "You aren''t so subtle, are you?" Savannah chuckled at Shein''s honest thoughts.


    "Sorry. The words came out before I could stop myself." Shein apologized and bowed his head to everyone.


    Dr. Anderson laughed at him since it was rare to find someone so honest with his thoughts.


    Honest? Shein can be honest and blunt when he wanted to. However, he could become a scheming evil when his family was hurt, too.

 Chapter 340 - PLANNING THEIR DATE

    NOTE: The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the authors. To the extent any real names of individuals, locations, or organizations are included in the book, they are used fictitiously and not intended to be taken otherwise.


    When Dr. Anderson and Calhoun left, Gabriel went back to his room as well with the help of Hawk.


    Valkyrie, Brown and Shein planted her sunflower seedlings at the back garden for her. The succulents were brought upstairs and placed on the window sill in the study room.


    "Where should we go tonight?" Jillyanna asked herself while searching on her phone for things that can be done on a date. "Well, let''s book a movie ticket first. I think romantic movie will suit us but it would be awkward if there are scenes that I couldn''t handle. How about horror?"


    When Travis came to find her in the study room, she was still busy thinking for their date. "You haven''t made up your mind?"


    "Not yet."


    "How about you leave this to me?"


    "No way! I want to plan this date." Jillyanna refused almost instantly when she heard the question. "It''s very seldom that I get to plan this kind of thing."


    "Alright. If you say so. I won''t disturb you then." Travis walked to the shelves and looked for a parenting book before sitting on the couch next to Jillyanna.


    "I have an idea! Hahaha" Jillyanna giggled and mischief was written big and bold on her face again.


    She looked for a romantic movie with some s*x scene and booked two tickets for Valkyrie and Brown. She also booked a French restaurant for them with additional note - make it romantic dinner.


    As a way to say ''thank you'' to Hawk and Savannah, she also booked a romantic movie with a little mature content for them. Additionally, she looked for a Western restaurant again to book their dinner night.


    "Poor Shein, she won''t have a date tonight." Jillyanna mumbled while looking at the bookings she made. "I''ll just give him something later."


    "Brown and Shein left to visit Jackie. If you are planning something, inform him ahead of time." Travis stated while listening to her mumbling beside him.


    "I can just plan this with Valkyrie. I''m pretty sure he would agree with me." Jillyanna responded confidently.


    Travis didn''t say anything anymore and just let her do what she wants. Tired from sitting, she wanted to lie down but Travis was sitting on the other end of the couch.


    She took the throw pillow and placed it on his lap. "Don''t move around." She reminded him and laid her head on the pillow on his lap.


    "Are you tired?" Travis asked while caressing her hair.


    "A little."


    "If you get sleepy, just sleep."


    "Okay." Jillyanna answered but she was still busy looking for a restaurant with a nice view. "Do you mind driving tonight to another city? I found a restaurant that I really like there."


    "Sure. Let''s go there."


    "Okay. Let me check if I can book our dinner." Jillyanna arranged everything and and looked at the time to make sure that it won''t clash. It doesn''t matter to her if they''ll go back late as long as she get to spend time with him.


    She prepared his gift already and Savannah kept it for her. It took her a long time to finish the warm turtleneck sweater that she crocheted. Finally, she can give it to him.


    "We''ll leave at six this evening." Jillyanna informed Travis. "We still have time so let me rest my eyes for a while."


    Travis faintly chuckled with her statement. It was another way of telling him that she''d be sleeping.


    Travis leaned his head down and kissed the tip of her nose. "What time should I wake you up?"


    "Four."


    "Okay madam. Understood."


    Travis raised her legs and placed it on top of the coffee table. His other hand was holding her waist to help her stay in place and avoid falling on the cold floor.


    After half and hour, Travis took her phone from her hand and checked the bookings. When he was standing outside the study room, he heard earlier that they were going to watch a horror movie.


    And to confirm it, there were two tickets booked for a horror movie indeed. How can he let that happen? He scrolled through the movie lists and found a movie with almost the same content as the one she booked for Brown and Valkyrie.


    "I''m sorry for teasing you tonight sweetheart." Travis whispered as the corner of his lips raised into a devilish smile. The shameless and sly wolf was planning to tease his queen again. "It''s been a while since I last teased her. Hopefully, she won''t get mad that I spoil her plans."


    Jillyanna was sound asleep and didn''t know that Travis changed the movie she booked. She didn''t want to watch a romantic movie with her wolf but she didn''t know that the wolf was scheming right beside her.


    At four o'' clock, Travis woke Jillyanna up so that they can prepare for their date. When she was asleep earlier, he already sent a message to Hawk and to Valkyrie, for them to inform their partners that they will go on a date. He sent them the details of the booking which made the two men blushed.


    Valkyrie was able to change his mood quickly though. His smile widened and his eyes sparkle with merriment. He could already imagine Brown''s reaction with the movie. "Jillyanna really know how to tease him." He murmured while he sent a ''thank you'' to Jillyanna since Travis used Jillyanna''s phone to send them a message.


    Hawk on the other hand didn''t know how to tell Savanna about the movie. In the end, he just told her that they will have a date later that night without telling her the specifics.


    "Are you completely awake now?" Travis asked Jillyanna while she stared at him.


    She sat up on the couch, still groggy and dizzy from too much sleep. Instead of moving away, she took away his book and placed it on the table. She didn''t bother removing the pillow from his lap and sat on it, wrapping her arms around his neck as she buried her face on the crook of his shoulder and neck.


    "Let''s stay like this for a while." Jillyanna mumbled. Her warm breath sent little sparks on his neck, traveling down and pooled on his manhood. Good thing that she was sitting on the throw pillow or else, she would feel something poking on her.


    "What''s wrong?" Travis asked while he placed his hands around his waist. "Did you have a nightmare?"


    "No. I just want to spend more time with you." Jillyanna told him in a very soft voice. She seemed sulking yet sad and in pain. Even if she won''t say it, she must have dreamed of something bad


    Travis just rubbed her back and didn''t pry with questions anymore. "No worries. I will always be here for you."


    "I don''t have doubt on that..."

 Chapter 341 - GOING ON A DATE I

    Half an hour past four, Jillyanna and Travis finally went back to their room so that they can prepare for their dinner.


    Jillyanna didn''t want it to become formal and stuffy dinner so she chose a cute set of clothes but still warm and comfortable for her.


    She chose a loose white jacket with a black outline of a bunny print in front. The jacket itself had a golden chain which looks like an attached necklace. She paired her jacket with a black skirt which was two inches above her knees and a black stocking at that. She didn''t want to wear high heels so she chose a black ankle boots that has a hidden two inches wedge inside.


    She tied her hair into a high ponytail and placed a red silk ribbon as an accessory. She looked younger and cuter with her get up.


    "Do I look fine in these?" Jillyanna asked Travis as she turned around for him to see.


    "You look beautiful even without clothes." Travis teased which made Jillyanna puff her cheeks and pout her lips.


    "You are awful. I dress myself for you and yet you don''t appreciate it." she crossed her arms in front of her chest, giving him a cold shoulder.


    Travis smiled and walked towards her. He placed his hands around her waist and pulled her closer. "I appreciate it. No matter what type of clothes you wear, you are still more beautiful than the clothes."


    "You really know how to use your words properly." Jillyanna rolled her eyes and kissed his chin. "And when are you planning to put on your clothes?"


    "When my wife is putting it on me." Travis answered cheekily knowing that Jillyanna won''t do it. She knew well enough that she was can seduce him even if it was just dressing him which was why she wouldn''t do it.


    Jillyanna swatted his hands away from her waist and pulled herself few steps away from him. "I''ll go talk to Gabriel and Winter. Dress yourself and I''ll come back to check on you."


    Travis didn''t move or answer her. He just looked at her without any intention of moving. Left with no choice, Jillyanna came to him and placed a light kiss on his lips. "Be good so that we can have our date, hn?" she whispered with a trace of threat.


    "Okay."


    Travis chuckled while he changed his clothes which Jillyanna chose for him.


    On the other hand, Jillyanna went to Gabriel so that she could inform him that they will be going out.


    "I''ll leave Winter in your hands. In any case, Shein will stay here for the mean time. If you need anything, just let him know." Jillyanna spoke to him like they were friends for a long time.


    She really cares for Travis'' friends since Travis cares for them. The only time that she hated his friends was when Diego and Cheska spoiled her plan to run away.


    Now, she could only be thankful for what they did. If it weren''t for them, she wouldn''t give Travis a chance and she wouldn''t find this happiness as well.


    "Enjoy your date. Don''t worry about us here." Gabriel responded which brought Jillyanna back to reality. They talked for few minutes more before she left and went to Winter''s room.


    Actually, she wanted Winter and Gabriel to go on a date, too. However, they haven''t fixed their relationship and she didn''t want to force them either. As much as possible, she wanted them to spend time together and heal their hearts, little by little, along the way.


    Jillyanna opened Winter''s door slowly to see if she was around. She found her at the window, taking care of a pot of rose that Brown gave her earlier that morning when they planted the sunflower seedlings at the back.


    She didn''t moved directly to her to avoid startling Winter. She waited for her to notice of her presence instead.


    Winter sense someone coming in so she spun around and saw Jillyanna, dressed up cutely, standing in the middle of her room.


    "You are going somewhere?" she asked her as she put down the scissors that she used to cut the dried leaves of the plant.


    Jillyanna nodded her head and showed her a message that she typed earlier. "Travis and I will go out. The same goes for Hawk, Savannah, Valkyrie and Brown. If you need something, just ask Shein since he will be staying here for the meantime while we''re gone. You can send him a message to let him know."


    After reading it, Winter smiled and nodded her head in acknowledgement. "Don''t worry about me. I will be fine here. Go and enjoy your date."


    Jillyanna patted Winter''s head gently like a good child and smiled at her, even though Winter was actually few years older than her.


    She showed her few more messages before she finally felt relieved. She went out of her room and found Travis standing on the hallway with her bag.


    "Are you settled now?" he asked her while handing her the cute fluffy sling bag.


    "Hn. I''m happy." she opened her bag and saw his wallet but there were no traces of their phones since he''s carrying it for her.


    Both of them went down to the living room and saw Shein talking to someone on his laptop. Who else could it be? No one else but Riley!


    "Sis! I miss you so much!" Riley exclaimed when she caught sight of Jillyanna standing behind her boyfriend. "You look so cute today? Are you going somewhere? Going on a date? Ahh! I wanna go on a date too. Hey! Shein, let''s go on a date when I get back, okay?" She was so cheerful and lovely making Jillyanna smile happily.


    "Come back soon." Jillyanna responded to her. "When you''re back, I''ll have Shein spend all his time with you."


    "That''s a promise. I''ll remember this." Riley turned to Travis and spoke. "Big bro, you must also keep this promise. Both of you should ont let Shein work when I get home."


    Travis just smiled and nodded his head. "I promise."

 Chapter 342 - GOING ON A DATE II

    Travis already informed his father that they were going out so he didn''t need to worry. After talking to Riley, Travis went out first to give few reminders to the guards and to the helpers. They will be leaving Gabriel and Winter so they need to be extra careful and quick to help if needed.


    Jillyanna waited for him to finish giving instructions to everyone. ''I must be really good in my past life to end up with a husband like him.'' Jillyanna thought to herself while watching him from a distance.


    After settling everything, Travis walked to her with a handsome smile. "Shall we go?"


    "Sure." Jillyanna walked beside him to the garage and got into the car that Travis chose. They wanted to be low-key so Travis just chose the Mercedes Benz which was the cheapest of his collections.


    "I wish we can always go out like this." Travis spoke as he drove the car out of the mansion''s gate.


    "We can spend the weekend for ourselves. Do you have any plan tomorrow?" Jillyanna asked him since she also wanted to spend more time with him.


    Travis nodded his head. "I''m going somewhere tomorrow with Diego."


    "That''s fine. We can go out again next Saturday." Jillyanna retorted cheerfully. Travis smiled meaningfully at her. She didn''t have any idea what was on his mind and he didn''t want to tell her either.


    "By the way, now that we know the gender of our baby, shouldn''t we think about his name?" Travis opened up to her since Jillyanna''s tummy was getting bigger already. It will turn five months after one week!


    "What do you have in mind?" Jillyanna answered his question with a question. She wanted to give his baby a two-word name, one from him and one from her.


    "I like the name Raizel." Travis commented. "No particular reason but I like how it sounds.


    "Then the baby will be named Raizel Xavier."


    Travis glanced at her with a questioning look since she used her father''s last name to name their baby.


    "As a sign of respect for taking care of me all these years, I don''t want to change my last name. I will keep the Madrid. As for the Summer, I''ve got the twins and Shein to carry on with that and there''s uncle Simon, too. As for my father, I want his last name to be remembered, so I''m giving it to our baby."


    Travis fully understood her sentiment. Even though she''s got millions of inheritance from her father, she didn''t want to take everything for granted. Though, nothing really changed even if she wouldn''t change her last name. What''s meant for her will always be hers.


    "Have you contacted Atty. Lewis? He is still waiting for your decision." Travis asked her since they have come to this point of talking about her father which would include what belonged to him.


    "I''m planning to talk to him on Tuesday." Jillyanna answered her. Sooner or later, she would have to make a decision and she didn''t want to burden Atty. Lewis anymore.


    "No matter what your decision is, I will be fine." Travis took hold of her hand and squeezed it. "Even without your inheritance, I can fully provide for us." Travis spoke gently, raising her hand and kissed the back of it. "I will keep our family intact."


    Jillyanna smiled lovingly at him, knowing that she can fully trust his words. With their warm and long conversation, it didn''t take long for them to arrive at the city that Jillyanna wanted to go.


    The city that they were living were also bustling with so much crowd even at night but Jillyanna could feel that the city she visited had twice the number of people.


    Travis found a parking lot not far from the mall that the two of them were going. He looked at the place before looking at his watch.


    "We still have an hour before the movie starts. Would you like to walk around?" Travis asked her before they came out of the car.


    "Sure." Jillyanna already planned something in her mind before she came out. She didn''t wait for Travis to open tha car door since she could do it herself.


    Travis held her hand and placed it inside his coat pocket to keep it warm. "It''s been a while since I last visited this place."


    "Did you invest something here as well?" Jillyanna asked since most of the time Travis would only travel due to work. However, he actually shook his head.


    "I have a college classmate who''s very well-known here. If city B is my turf, City A belongs to him. He owns a chain of hotels and restaurants plus several malls."


    "Really?! That''s awesome. Are you close with him?"


    "Not really close. I can say that we keep each other at arm''s length, though we don''t really compete with one another. I left him on his own accord and he does the same to me. He didn''t like involving in my business and I feel the same way towards his business. I can say that we have respect for each other."


    "Well, that''s better I guess. As long as he doesn''t make a move against us, I think we can live in harmony."


    "You are right." Travis and Jillyanna walked around the street and observed the people coming to and fro.


    Just in time, when they reached the city time square, a huge and booming flowers of firework lighten up the sky.


    Everyone stopped and looked up to watch the fireworks display. It looked so lovely and the reflection made Jillyanna''s eyes sparkle.


    Instead of watching the fireworks, Travis was watching her reaction. He suddenly pulled her even closer and tilted her head.


    For a moment, the only thing that Jillyanna saw was a silhouette of someone looming over her. Then, came a light kiss on her lips which made her heart skip a beat and sent fluttering wings of butterflies on her stomach.


    Travis nibbled her lower lip for a few seconds before letting her go with a satisfied smile. "I got hungry while looking at you."

 Chapter 343 - GOING ON A DATE III

    When she realized what transpired in that few seconds, Jillyanna''s face turned incredibly hot. She was blushing not just because she was caught off-guard but because many people saw them kissing!


    Embarrassed and still dizzy from what happened, she pulled the lapel of his coat and buried her face on his chest - hiding from everyone''s gaze.


    Travis chuckled and hugged her while the fireworks continued to glow up in the sky.


    "Oh my god! This couple is just so sweet!" among the crowd, many people caught them on camera and posted it on the social media. This post contain a picture of Travis from his side angle watching Jillyanna while Jillyanna watched the fireworks. It was clear as day that he really loves the woman!


    "I want to get myself a boyfriend and go on a date like them." another person posted the same picture but in a different angle. She was standing right behind them and she watch the couple while she was being fed with dog food.


    "I wasn''t even hungry but I was being fed with dog food." The post contain a picture of Travis kissing Jillyanna this time.


    Since many people posted several pictures of the same couple, Travis and Jillyanna went viral without them knowing anything.


    "Ahhh! It''s been a long time since I got a glimpse of my goddess YNA! She''s still beautiful as ever!" a commenter placed this reply on the post of Jillyanna and Travis kissing.


    "Her baby bump is getting bigger and clearer, but she remained sexy and pretty."


    "Mr. Madrigal really loves his wife."


    "Whenever I see a post about them, it''s full of dog food."


    "Person above, it''s good that you only see what is on the post. Think about the person who took them, they were being fed every single seconds."


    "I always like to watch them. I am glad someone posted these pictures."


    They became a hot topic in just a few seconds but the two people involved were still caught up in their own little world.


    When Jillyanna calmed down, she raised her head and looked at her with clear eyes. "I should really be careful with you around, you idiot. Don''t kiss me in public."


    "Why not? It''s would be better that they knew who you belong to." Travis answered her.


    "They don''t need to know. What matters is that, I know that I belong to you and you belong to me." Jillyanna whispered.


    Her words brought warmth to his heart and he felt so blessed to have her in his arms. No words can describe how he felt towards her right now. He could only hug her and let her feel his love for her.


    As they enjoyed their moment together, a shout rang that disturbed everyone.


    "Help! Block that man! He''s taking my bag away!"


    Jillyanna saw a man running towards them with a black handbag and a woman chasing after him with so much difficulty because of her pencil cut skirt.


    "Get out of my way!" the man was holding a knife and was waving it from side to side, to make everyone move aside.


    Travis pulled Jillyanna behind him to keep her safe from the man. Unknowingly, she already took off her boots behind him.


    When the man passed by them, Jillyanna took a throwing stance and threw the boots, hitting the man really hard at the back of his head.


    The man stumbled from the sudden attack and fell on the ground. Other men immediately took the chance to restrain him and returned the back to the lady who was panting hard from chasing him.


    Everyone saw what Jillyanna did and was really dumbstruck to see how gutsy she was to throw her shoes.


    The lady picked up the ankle boots and returned it to Jillyanna. "Thank you so much for helping me."


    Jillyanna wore the boots again like nothing happened. "I''m glad that you are fine."


    The lady bowed to her again and ran since she still had to work.


    "So much happened for this date." Jillyanna muttered under her breath. "Let''s go back. The movie will start in half an hour."


    "Okay."


    They didn''t talk about what she did but that doesn''t mean people won''t. In the end, the posts in social media about them increased in number without the two people knowing at all.


    When they reached the ticket booth, Travis asked Jillyanna to buy their snacks while he went to get the ticket.


    "I got one BBQ flavored pop corn, one soda and two bottles of water." Jillyanna showed him the things she bought happily.


    Travis just smiled and took the drinks from her so that she won''t have to carry it. His smile carried a little expression of mischief which Jillyanna didn''t notice at all.


    They got inside the cinema and sat at the last row of seats which confused Jillyanna. "I don''t remember choosing the seats here when I booked the tickets."


    "But that''s the one on the ticket. I read it again and again to make sure." Travis responded, feigning ignorance towards his wife.


    Jillyanna didn''t know that the movie was replaced since she didn''t check her phone after waking up. Until now, Travis had both phones with him. When Travis got the tickets, he didn''t show it to her so she really have no idea that she fell on his trap.


    Jillyanna ignored and forget the issue of the seat plan since the movie was about to start. She sat silently and excitedly beside him while Travis grinned evilly.


    Many people reviewed that the horror movie she chose was really scary and she wanted to see if it was true. When the title was about to appear, Travis spoke to catch her attention.


    "Don''t just randomly throw your shoes next time." He didn''t really want to see it but he needed to distract her so that she wouldn''t see the title of the movie.


    "Hn. I will not do it again." Jillyanna promised him without the slightest idea that Travis was planning to tease her.

 Chapter 344 - RUINED DATE I

    Jillyanna turned her attention back to the movie and waited for the scary scenes. Minutes after minutes, she waited for a part where she''d hear the screams of everyone but there was none.


    The characters don''t look familiar to her either. As time went by, she was getting more confused and she was already doubting herself if she booked the wrong ticket.


    She turned to look at the man beside him who was focused on the movie playing in front of them.


    Suddenly, Jillyanna felt her heart beating like crazy and it was painful. She thought that her heart will burst out.


    And the movie confirmed what she had in mind. A rather handsome man appeared behind the woman and pushed her on the bed. He walked towards her and climbed up, hovering his body over her.


    Jillyanna blinked her eyes several times to dispel her shock. She watched as the man pressed his body on the woman, kissing her lips and moving down to her neck and her chest.


    ''My god! I didn''t book a ticket to watch a p*rn!'' Jillyanna screamed loudly in her mind. It never occur to her that Travis was the one who changed it.


    Travis watched the different expressions flashing on her face. Confused, surprised, embarrassed, nervous, anxious and at loss. She was so shock when he stripped off the woman''s clothes. She felt that her throat had gone dry but Travis had the drinks and she didn''t want to face him right now!


    ''Good Lord, I didn''t really want to watch this movie. It was horror! I clearly remembered it was horror movie that I booked.'' She wanted to cry on the spot or hide herself from his eyes.


    "Are you okay?" Travis asked her even though he could see the blush on her face. The light of the screen made it clear for him to see the expression on her face and the redness of her complexion.


    Jillyanna gulped her saliva and nodded her head. "Uh..I..I think I need to go to the bathroom."


    She didn''t even wait for Travis to respond and she stood up from her seat to go out for toilet break.


    "Damn it! This is crazy! How did we end up watching that movie?!" She mumbled as she walk to the bathroom, fanning herself with her right hand. She felt hot and she didn''t know what to do. "What will he think now?! He will tease me after this! I knew it! Karma hits me back."


    She just realized that what she planned to Brown happened to her and she didn''t have the mood to continue watching the movie now. She hated it that her plan backfired to her.


    She leaned on the sink and splashed her face with cold water. Since she didn''t put any make up, it wasn''t a problem to wash her face.


    On the other hand, Travis was grinning from ear to ear while he continued to watch the movie. It doesn''t really affect him but he enjoyed watching Jillyanna getting all flustered and nervous.


    Since it was their date, Jillyanna still returned to the cinema with a gloomy face. She sat beside him and ate the popcorn. She didn''t care about the movie anymore.


    On the screen, it was still showing the love making of the actor and actress but she already lost interest on it. Well, she wasn''t interested in it to begin with.


    "You don''t like this movie?" Travis asked.


    "I hate this." she said with a sigh.


    "Then, why did you book it?" Travis inquired shamelessly even though he was the one who booked it.


    Jillyanna remained silent while eating the pop corn. She didn''t even share it with him. She was so upset that her date was ruined because of the stupid movie.


    The movie ended but she still remained silent. She didn''t even understand half of the movie and she didn''t know how it ended. Since she came back, was only thinking of going out but Travis stayed there, oblivious to her discomfort.


    He actually know she was uncomfortable with the movie but he intentionally stayed there.


    "Let''s have dinner." Travis spoke which brought her out of her reverie. She just looked at him and nodded. "I checked the restaurant you booked and it''s not from here. Would you like to walk or go by car?"


    "Anything''s fine." Jillyanna whispered. Thus, Travis held her hand and walked her to the direction of Sky Rise tower.


    Instead of a romantic date, the atmosphere between them turned gloomy and Jillyanna refused to talk to him.


    Even during dinner, she couldn''t appreciate the view that she was looking for. The Sky Rise Tower was really tall and imposing. On the highest floor was a restaurant with a glass window which overlooked the city below. She always like these kind of views but now, she didn''t have the mood to enjoy it much less enjoy the food.


    After dinner, Travis couldn''t keep it anymore. As they strolled on the streets, he suddenly stopped and looked at her. "I''m sorry."


    Jillyanna looked at him with confused gaze. "Huh? Why are you apologizing to me?"


    Travis avoided her eyes and looked on the roadside. "Because I changed the movie that you wanted to watch."


    There was no response from Jillyanna after that. She stood stationary on her place but her tears fell on the ground one after the other.


    "I was really looking forward to this date with you but you ruined it."


    Travis panicked when he saw her crying. "I''m sorry. I only wanted to tease you a little. I''m sorry I didn''t realize I''ve done it overboard."


    Many people might think she was being unreasonable but for her, it was something she was really looking forward to. She wanted to watch the horror movie and she wanted to watch it with him. She didn''t need to watch any romantic movie since he was romantic enough for her. She only wanted to do the things she haven''t done in her life. She wanted him to be part of the experience since her time was limited. It would''ve been the first horror movie she''d watch in her life but he ruined it.


    "I''m really sorry Jill."

 Chapter 345 - RUINED DATE II

    Jillyanna wiped her tears and glared at him. "I really hate you this time."


    "I''m really sorry. I know--"


    "Hey RV! It''s really you." A woman in silver tube dress walked towards them. "I was wondering who was the man dumping a woman again. Still cold as ever, you have never changed."


    She walked so casually that made Jillyanna raised her brow. "Have you asked a doctor to check your ears? Where and when did he dump me?" Jillyanna asked defiantly, her eyes clearly looking down on her since she was few inches taller. "Watch your words."


    "Oh? You''re rather stubborn, aren''t you? If a man dump you, you should stay away and know your place. I''m Lyla, his college classmate." The woman talked back to Jillyanna which added to her annoyance.


    Many people gathered around to watch over them who''s making a racket in the middle of the street.


    When the woman tried to reach for Travis'' hands, Jillyanna reacted immediately and pulled him towards her.


    "You loose woman! Be careful where you lay your hands. If it''s not yours, keep your hands away!" Jillyanna scolded her bluntly which made everyone gasped and whispered. "Just because a couple gets into argument doesn''t mean a man needs a mistress. And I''m telling you, if I see your face again, I''ll make sure you won''t see the sun in the next morning."


    "What a brave mistress!"


    "Women like her are really disgusting."


    "She even dare to lecture someone." Many had the same idea about Lyla. You couldn''t blame them though. She walked like a slut and talk like a bitch.


    The woman took a step back upon seeing Jillyanna''s threatening manner. "Hey Travis, looks like you found a rather aggressive woman." She still made a comment even after what Jillyanna said.


    Travis chuckled and put his hands around Jillyanna''s waist. "She has the right to be aggressive towards women like you. She''s my wife after all. And my wife doesn''t let anyone touch what belongs to her."


    The woman stomped on her feet and left the place, pale and angry after the embarrassment she received.


    "Who the hell was that?! Are you really making me angry now?!" Jillyanna turned towards him and throw a strong punch on his stomach.


    Travis just groaned and leaned on her for support. Even if she will beat him black and blue, he won''t resist after what he did to ruin their date. "I''m really sorry."


    "Stop saying sorry!"


    "But you haven''t forgiven me yet." Travis mumbled on her shoulder.


    "Fine. I forgive you but you better explain who that woman is."


    When the pain was gone, Travis stood up straight and kissed her forehead. "Let''s find a place to sit first."


    When they left, people started to disperse as well.


    Jillyanna and Travis walked around like no one bothered them earlier. She finally calmed herself and walked along side him silently.


    "Lyla was a college classmate. She didn''t finish her course though. She once like me but I dump her. I dumped everyone who expressed their so-called love. That''s it. I don''t what happened to her after she stopped going to school."


    Jillyanna raised her eyebrow and looked at him. "That''s all?"


    "Hn. That''s all. I didn''t really know anything about her."


    The city was still lively and many people passed by them. Some were merely going out, some were going to work and some were on their way home.


    "Don''t you dare let anyone touch you. Your friends don''t even do that." Jillyanna warned him which made him smile.


    "I promise I won''t let that happen."


    "And wipe that smile off your face. I am still unhappy after you ruined the date I planned."


    Travis sighed since he knew he was wrong this time. "Would you like to see another movie? Let me make it up to you."


    "No need. I''m tired already."


    "Then let''s find a hotel." came Travis'' quick answer which earned him another glare from Jillyanna. "My dear wife, we''ve been strolling in this place for quite sometime. Do you think it''s still early? It''s almost 11 o''clock in the evening. I''m a bit sleepy too."


    Jillyanna knew it''s dangerous to drive in his state and he would never allow her to drive so she reluctantly agreed in looking for a hotel.


    Travis knew exactly where to find one so she didn''t worry at all. He led her to the reception of Clover Hotel where they found the lady who was chasing the snatcher earlier.


    "Oh it''s you. How are you?" Jillyanna greeted the pretty receptionist who seemed shy.


    "I''m fine. Thank you again for helping me get my bag earlier. Are you staying here tonight?" the lady asked Jillyanna.


    "Do you still have an available room?"


    "Yes we do." she immediately showed Jillyanna the types of room they got.


    "Just get us the biggest single room." Travis interrupted them to make it easier. Jillyanna handed his credit card while she fill in the information.


    After making settling everything, Jillyanna received the access card and left with Travis.


    "So you really did get in trouble earlier." A man suddenly appeared behind the two receptionists which really startled them.


    "I''m really sorry Manager Dan. I will make sure to come on time during my next shifts." Cayenne apologized softly.


    "Sir, can''t you let this go for once? It''s Cayenne''s first day of work after all." the other receptionist came to rescue her new co-worker.


    The manager was about to agree when Stefan arrived with his secretary. "Agreeing to work in this hour and city, you should be aware of the danger. It''s not our fault that you are not being careful."


    Cayenne just lowered her head and stayed silent. It was indeed her fault so she didn''t say anything at all.


    Stefan just looked at her and left. It was none of his concern. In his mind, one should be responsible for their life when they''re outside work. He''s only responsible for them during working hours.

 Chapter 346 - IN CLOVER HOTEL I

    Jillyanna opened the door to their room, got inside and she remembered the first time she did it with Travis was also in a hotel. The sudden flashback made Jillyanna blush and she couldn''t any words to say.


    "Why are you just standing there?" Travis raised his eyebrow and looked at her with questioning gaze.


    Jillyanna walked towards the closet to find a bathrobe that she can use. "I''ll take a shower ALONE." She gave emphasis to the last word which indicates the point that she didn''t want to bath with him.


    This made Travis sad and upset. If he had known that they''d end up like this, he would never change that stupid horror movie into a foolish romance.


    He was really regretting what he did.


    Since he couldn''t bath with her, Travis pulled out his phone and searched for the nearest department store that can deliver them a change of clothes.


    He bought a silk shorts and blouse for her, a drawstring pants and white shirt for him in addition to the t-shirts and jeans for tomorrow. He didn''t even get embarrass and bought their underwear too.


    When Jillyanna got out, Travis came inside to take a bath as well. They had been walking for hours earlier, so it was given that they would really want to freshen up.


    However, Travis had something in mind. He was unsure though if Jillyanna would allow it. Nevertheless, he''d try to do it and see for himself.


    While he was taking a bath, a knock on the door made Jillyanna raised her eyebrow. "Who could it be?" she whispered to herself as she walked towards the door and checked the monitor.


    The man was holding several paper bags making Jillyanna turn towards the rushing sound of water from the bathroom. "Travis? Did you order something?" she called to him without opening the door at all. She would never be careless to open without knowing anything.


    "Yes. I ordered some clothes. It should be here any moment." Travis responded in a little bit muffled voice from the shower.


    Jillyanna opened the door and smiled at the delivery man. "Is this for Travis Madrigal?"


    "Yes ma''am. Can you please sign here?" the man handed her a pen and a clipboard with papers to sign. Jillyanna gave it back to him and reached for the bags.


    "Thank you so much for your service." Jillyanna closed the door as soon as the man turned around to leave.


    Travis also came out of the shower with just a robe tied around him. He checked on the clothes and found that they have dry-cleaned them. "Good."


    "When did you order these?" Jillyanna asked. She squinted her eyes and a look of accusation was really reflecting on her face and she didn''t bother to hide it at all. "Did you really plan to ruin our date and then have us end up here?!"


    If not for her baby, she would really kick him really hard.


    Travis pulled her arm and pressed his body close to hers. "I didn''t really plan to ruin our date and I ordered these clothes when you were taking a shower."


    "Really? Swear to god and you will die if you are telling a lie?" Jillyanna looked at him, still doubting his words.


    "I swear to god that I''d die if I''m telling a lie." Travis reiterated what she said while he kept his eyes lock on hers. "We''ve been walking for quite a long time and I know you''d be uncomfortable to sleep with those clothes."


    "Who said I''ll sleep with any clothes on?" Jillyanna smiled cheekily at him which lit up the eyes of a hungry shameless wolf.


    The wolf didn''t want any second to pass and immediately pound on her Queen. He kissed Jillyanna on her lips, intruding her mouth with his tongue and danced with her.


    His kisses sent tingling sensations down to her core, making her crave for more. Travis took a step forward while Jillyanna took a step back. When the back of her knees bumped on the bed, Travis held her head with his left hand and continued to kiss her. He placed his right hand on the bed as he laid her down gently without breaking their kiss at all.


    Jillyanna felt a little dizzy with his intense kisses and she was running out of breath. She couldn''t keep up with him at all and she felt her knees wobble for a sec so she wrapped her arms around his neck to find support.


    When she was completely lying on the bed, Travis pulled gave themselves a little space for breathing but his hands started wander on her body.


    "I want ro relive our first night affair." Travis whispered to her while he cupped her left breast.


    "We can''t anymore." Jillyanna responded, still in a daze and panting to give oxygen to her heart and lungs.


    "Why not?"


    "Because this time, we are no longer strangers. You are my husband and I''m your wife."


    "Then let''s just make a different version tonight." Travis shameless grinned on top of her.


    Before Jillyanna could digest what he said, Travis lowered his head and kissed her again. This time, his kisses moved down to the side of her jaw, to her neck, to her cleavage and down to her belly button.


    Her moans escaped and traveled to all corners of the room. Her breathing was shaky and she clutched on to the bedsheets for support.


    She was still fine with his kissed but her brain short-circuited when Travis kissed her inner thigh and nipped it. He even left several hickey to mark her again.


    Every single time that they do it, the overwhelming pleasure would blank her mind with only Travis remaining inside.


    Travis dedicated his time to make her feel good and for her to crave more of him. From her inner thigh, his kisses were going upward this time and ended on her core.


    Jillyanna picked the fluffy pillow, covered her face and let out a muffled cry of pleasure. Even when her juice flowed out, Travis didn''t stop and continued to suck on her, lapping on her sweet fluids and stabbing her insides with his warm tongue.

 Chapter 347 - IN CLOVER HOTEL II

    When Travis stopped, Jillyanna removed the pillow away from her face and gasped for air. She really thought she would die.


    "Are you okay?" Travis asked her and kissed her forehead which was covered in sweat. "Did I overdo it?"


    Jillyanna closed her eyes and hugged his waist while shaking her slowly. "Just go a bit slow. My brain can''t keep up with you and it was just overwhelming."


    Travis chuckled faintly while he placed another kiss on the tip of her nose this time. "Are you sure you want me to go slow?"


    She was thinking of a different thing but Travis had a different ideas as well. When he asked the question, Jillyanna nodded her head. A mischievous smile appeared on his face which Jillyanna didn''t see.


    He positioned himself between her legs, pushed his whole length inside and hummed in satisfaction. He looked at Jillyanna who opened her eyes and leaned over to get another kiss from her.


    While he drowned himself with her kisses, he moved himself in and out of her slowly. It was so slow that Jillyanna couldn''t help but whimper every time he stroke her good spot in a prolonged motion.


    Travis stopped kissing her and dipped his head even lower. He claimed on her right chest and sucked on her nipples while he cupped the other.


    "Stop..hmm..stop it..god.." she mumbled incoherently under him. "I can''t...ahh..no..wait.."


    No matter what she wanted to say, she couldn''t get herself to finish them in one sentence. Travis moved a little faster this time with strained moans and satisfying sighs.


    He thrust himself in and out of her, stroking her, sending shivers and coating himself with her warm fluids.


    "Don''t..tighten around..me sweetheart.. I.." Travis placed his hand on both side of her head and thrust himself even faster.


    Jillyanna reached out her arms and wrapped it around his neck before she let out a blissful moan.


    Travis let everything out and felt the warm and thick release coating him as well. He pull himself out from her and drop himself to her side.


    Taking position behind her, he let Jillyanna face her back on him as he raised one of her legs and inserted himself again.


    "When will you be satisfied with one round?" Jillyanna asked him while feeling him inside her.


    "That will never happen with you around." Travis whispered beside as he shoved himself in and out again.


    He deliberately moved in slow motion to build her up again. "I think this position is quite comfortable." he spoke softly like his lower body wasn''t doing anything naughty.


    "Without my consent, you can''t do this." Jillyanna warned him since it would be bad if they would do this everyday. She will die from so much pleasure and exhaustion.


    While thrusting inside her, his hand was massaging her chest and he was kissing her nape and the base of her ear.


    "Oh god! It feels really good inside you." Travis mumbled and he moved a little faster again. "Your getting warmer."


    "I wonder..hmm..who..ahh..who..caused..hmm.. it.." she retorted it back at him between moans and gasps.


    Travis didn''t say anything anymore and just let himself get lost in her warmth. He let out another release just as the same time as Jillyanna.


    "Enough. I''m tired now." Jillyanna complained. Her eyelids were getting heavier and she couldn''t take another round anymore.


    "Good night my wife." Travis whispered and placed a gentle kiss on top of her head. Even if he wanted to do it again, he would need to take care of it himself.


    He opened the bedside drawer and found several rolls of newly packed tissue. There was a pack of wet wipes too. The management really knows the ''other'' purpose of their hotel.


    Travis cleaned Jillyanna with a tissue first before cleaning her with wet wipes, then tissue again. He also removed the bedsheet slowly beneath her to make sure that she won''t feel sticky anywhere.


    He helped her put on the silk shorts and the silk blouse before he finally went to the shower room and took care of himself.


    After getting off once again, he took a cold shower to calm down the heat inside him. Jillyanna just took a half bath earlier so her hair wasn''t wet. As for Travis, he really took a shower and was drying his hair while he watch her wife sleep on the large bed.


    He walked to the couch where he put her bag earlier and pulled out his phone once again. It was past midnight already.


    He walked to the balcony overlooking the view of the city and called Diego.


    A groggy voice answered his call with a muffled sound of yawn. "What is it that makes you call in this ungodly hour?" Diego asked while taking a glance of Cheska who was sleeping soundly beside him.


    Since Mr. Suarez allowed their relationship, Cheska moved from her apartment to Diego''s personally-owned villa. It wasn''t as big as Jillyanna''s or Travis'' but it was decent and good enough for the two of them.


    Travis took a glance at Jillyanna before responding to him. "Can you and Cheska handle the preparation later? We are currently in city A and I am sure she won''t wake up early tomorrow. We''d probably arrived in the afternoon depending on the time she''d wake up."


    "I''ve got no problem with that. I''ll send you the progress tomorrow before lunch."


    "Thanks Dee. I owe you another one again."


    "No worries. I''m glad I can be of help. Is there anything else you need?"


    "Nothing else. Go back to sleep now."


    "Alright. Bye for now." Diego ended the call and went back to lie beside Cheska.


    Travis also finished drying his head and he put his phone on the bedside drawer instead of returning it inside her bag. After that, he slid under the thick duvet and pulled his wife closer to him.


    "Sweet dreams my love." he whispered softly before he closed his eyes, drifting off to sleep as well.

 Chapter 348 - NORMAL NIGHT

    If Travis and Jillyanna had a sweet yet steamy night together after that little argument, it was completely opposite between Valkyrie and Brown.


    If Jillyanna wasn''t a friend, he would''ve cursed her to death already. "How dare she book a movie like that?! Didn''t she get enough teasing me this morning?!" Brown mumbled angrily with only his head showing under the tight bundle of the blanket.


    After they watch the movie, he knew Valkyrie would mess up with him. Unlike Jillyanna, he didn''t mind watching it and he even ate with gusto during dinner. However, he was very cautious right after that.


    When the got home, he immediately took a shower and locked the door to keep Valkyrie from getting inside. After taking a shower, he went out and let Valkyrie took a bath.


    Valkyrie didn''t know what was going on in his head but he didn''t really mind as long as Brown wasn''t angry with the set up that Jillyanna made.


    To his surprise though, when he got out, Brown was wrapped with a blanket like a cocoon. The only thing that he showed was his cute and adorable little face.


    "What''s happening? Are you cold?" Valkyrie asked with nonchalance while he look for a change of clothes.


    "Hm. I''m very cold." Brown lied through his teeth with a straight face. "Get your own blanket later. Don''t share with me."


    Valkyrie just smiled and nodded his head but he didn''t do what was told. Instead of getting a blanket, he laid beside him instead and slept.


    "Huh? Really? He wasn''t going to mess up with me? Did he finally become reasonable?" Brown whispered to himself, throwing glances towards the sleeping man beside him.


    After an hour, he was feeling stuffy and hot under the tight blanket and started to squirm his way out.


    Since he was busy freeing himself, he didn''t notice that Valkyrie was watching him with a sly smile. He wasn''t sleeping at all!


    After a few minutes of struggle, Brown finally escaped and freed himself from the cocoon of blanket that he made.


    He put his left arm under his head and stared at the ceiling. Suddenly, goosebumps started to form on his arms and he felt someone was watching him.


    Valkyrie watched Brown turned his head and looked at him in utter shock. His mouth quivered as if he just realized that it was a big mistake to come out of his blanket shell.


    "Why do you look so afraid?" Valkyrie asked without shifting his gaze at all. He was so focused on him and decided to tease him a little.


    "Haha. I''m not afraid! Just a little surprise to see that you are awake. I thought you were sleeping." Brown retorted in defense with an awkward laugh that he could barely muster.


    Valkyrie decided to lay his right hand on Brown''s waist making him become stiff and tense all of a sudden.


    "Matt..I.."


    "Shh. Just sleep. I won''t do anything tonight." Valkyrie knew when to stop before Brown would truly hates him. Their relationship is very fragile and one wrong move will ruin everything. Valkyrie learned when to advance and when to retreat.


    Brown finally relaxed and calmed his nerves. "We still have to leave early tomorrow and I don''t want a sore waist so please bare with me, okay?"


    Valkyrie just pulled him close to him and hugged him to sleep. Not long after, Brown also drifted off to sleep, safe and warm in Valkyrie''s arms.


    In Savannah and Hawk''s case, they were rather familiar to these kinds of things so it wasn''t really knew or embarrassing to them.


    "Let''s just do it once tonight. We still have to leave tomorrow." Savannah reminded Hawk to make sure that they would be able to get enough sleep before going somewhere.


    "Okay. Just once." Hawk agreed without hesitation and gave himself to her.


    The sound of flesh hitting each other with the wet noises of their body fluids echoed in the whole room. The panting and moans excited both of them.


    When they both reached the highest peak of pleasure, they also let themselves go and release everything.


    Hawk pulled himself and went to the bathroom to throw his condom and clean himself. When he came out, he brought a wet wipes and tissue to clean Savannah who refused to get up from bed.


    When the sun rises in the east, birds sang sweetly and the wind was blowing gently this time. Everyone in the hacienda woke up excitedly and prepared themselves.


    "Jillyanna and Travis didn''t come home last night." Valkyrie told everyone just in time for Savannah to receive a message from Diego.


    "Diego said that they are currently in city A and that there wasn''t any specific time as to when they''d get back. So we have to help with the preparation." Savannah informed them and pocketed her phone again.


    "Oh it''s fine. Shall we bring uncle Thomas now or just go back home later to pick him up?" Shein asked them which was indeed and important matter.


    "What do you think uncle?" Brown asked the old man who was sitting on the couch.


    "I really want to come with you but I would only hinder the preparation. I will be fine to stay here and just come and pick me up when you''re done." Thomas replied with a deep sigh and sad look.


    "Then, I will stay here with uncle." Brown volunteered himself since he was the doctor. If anything happens, he can provide immediate assistance.


    "Okay. It''s decided now. Let''s go and just grab a breakfast on the way." Savannah waved her hand to everyone, gesturing them to go out of the house with her.


    They used the black van where the materials were placed since there were only four of them. Hawk was the one who drive with Savannah on the front seat. Valkyrie and Shein sat at the back silently.


    "Do you think Jillyanna knew?" Savanna asked them and a little bit worried.


    "I doubt that." Shein answered with a faint chuckle.

 Chapter 349 - WHATS IN STORE FOR JILLYANNA

    Cielo, together with Lucian and her family, they left early as well. They were just going to grab some food on the way and eat it when they reached their destination.


    "I couldn''t really contain my joy whenever I think of Jillyanna finding her own happiness." Cielo commented while looking at her parents. "Imagine the things she went through in a very young age and all the hardships she recently experienced. I am really happy for her."


    "We all are but I''m still a little worried." Sky murmured.


    "Sigh. Stop worrying. Travis will make sure to keep her and the baby safe." Alex told his wife and gently squeezed her hand.


    "Dad is right mom. Travis has a lot of connections and he can provide Jillyanna''s needs when she needed it. All we can do is pray that she''d continue to hold on." Lucian added.


    They all knew about Jillyanna''s heart condition and they were looking for help through different websites and applied for a heart donor. Nonetheless, whenever they were facing her, they would only show their smiles and love because Jillyanna hated it when people worries for her.


    When they arrived at the junction were several restaurants, cafes and fast-foods lining up, Lucian parked the car and went out with Cielo to buy their breakfast.


    It was the same thing with Savannah and her group. They bought food along the way and just planned to eat it when they arrived at the place.


    The first to arrive by car was Cielo and her company since their house wasn''t very far from where they were going.


    "Sis! You''re finally here." Jenny came out with gloves and small shovel in her hand.


    "You''re very early. When did you arrive?" Cielo asked her after she closed the car door.


    "I came last night to send groceries over to grandpa and grandma Shan and I decided to stay since I don''t have projects or assignments left."


    "Jillyanna would be happy to see you here. Did you eat breakfast already? We bought some food." Cielo responded while shifting her eyes to Lucian who was holding several plastic bags.


    "I ate with Auntie Fei and Auntie Sisi. Go inside already. I''ll just plant something while the sun isn''t too hot yet."


    "Don''t stay out for too long. Jillyanna will be mad if you get sunburns." Sky reminded the energetic Jenny.


    "Yes auntie." Jenny nodded and went to the garden so that she can transfer some plants to the base of the mango tree where Anton''s remains were buried.


    She didn''t know who the person that was being buried there, however, she noticed that several plants were being placed on that area when it was actually bare last time. It could only mean that someone important to Jillyanna was buried there.


    Thus, Jenny decided to put several plants on it and clean up the garden as well.


    Not long after when she started planting, Savannah came with her friends as well.


    "Yo! Little Jenny! We brought some food. Let''s get inside and eat." Valkyrie informed her happily with plastic bags in his hands.


    "I ate already. Why don''t you get inside and share eat with Cielo? They just arrived as well."


    "I see. Then, we''ll eat first. Don''t stay too long under the sun." Valkyrie reminded her.


    Shein just smiled since he wasn''t really familiar with Jenny. He knew that she was one of Jillyanna''s "adopted" sibling like him and the twins. However, Jenny didn''t want her last name to be changed. She was younger than him as well, so basically, she was a younger sister to him and the twins.


    Savannah went back to the car and pulled something from the dashboard compartment. She walked to Jenny and put it on her head. "Thanks for taking care of her plants but you have to take care of yourself. You don''t want her to scold you, right?"


    "Thank you Savy." Jenny whispered her thanks and continued to plant.


    The four people went inside and greeted Jillyanna''s family as they sat around the table and ate together.


    Jenny didn''t really mind being left alone on her own. She found several seedlings of sunflowers so she transferred some to the place around the mango tree and near the swing. She also cut a stem of different roses and planted them on Anton''s grave.


    "A." she mumbled when she saw the carved letter A. "I don''t believe in ghost and I don''t need to see you to believe it either. Whoever you are that is being buried here, I can see that you are important to my big sister Jillyanna. Don''t hurt them, okay?"


    Jenny mumbled as she planted different kinds of flowers in Anton''s grave. Then, she watered the plants and removed some weeds that grew under them.


    For an hour, Jenny spent her time with the garden that she missed so much. She had been taking care of the plants when there was no one else at home. However, they took in two helpers who tended the house and the garden. Sometime, Jillyanna and Travis would take care of the plants themselves. Other times, there''s Valkyrie, Shein or Brown who would take care of the garden. And Jenny doesn''t have much time as well because of her school.


    When she finished the things that she needed to do, another car came to stop in front of the gate and two people came who were unfamiliar to Jenny.


    "May I know who are you looking for?" Jenny asked them politely.


    "Hi. I''m Diego Sandoval and this is my girlfriend Cheska Suarez. We are Travis'' friends." Diego introduced themselves since Jenny didn''t know who they were and they didn''t know Jenny as well.


    "I''m Jenny. Jillyanna''s sister. Come inside." Jenny opened the gate and let them in. She walked ahead of them and went directly to the kitchen. "Two people came." Jenny told everyone who were eating before she left to return the things in the shed at the backyard.

 Chapter 350 - DECORATING THE BACKYARD

    "Oh it''s Diego and Cheska. Come inside. Did you guys eat already? We still have food here." Savannah ushered them in to the living room.


    "We ate before coming here. Did you guys have the materials?" Diego responded in which Valkyrie and Savannah nodded their head. "Great! Shall we start?"


    "Sure sure." Everyone responded and went out of the house in different directions. The men went out to get the supplies in the car while the women went out to the back garden to check where they could start their set up.


    "Since Jillyanna loves sakura tree, we bought artificial ones and we can probably set it up first." Savannah informed Cielo, Sky and Jenny.


    "It will be full moon tonight. Why don''t we put on some small light bulbs instead of the huge lamp? Don''t you think it''s better?" Jenny asked their opinion which made the women looked at her differently.


    "Have you been reading some mangas? How did you know these kinds of things?" Cielo teased the young woman making Jenny roll her eyes.


    "It''s not difficult to figure out." Jenny stated which was a clear insult to Cielo. "Sometimes, you need to think of other things. Don''t just keep thinking about your husband."


    "Hey! You little brat! Where did you learn that?" Cielo slung her hand on Jenny''s shoulder and tickled her waist.


    "Wait. Stop! Stop it sis! I will die!"


    "Then you''ll die laughing."


    The atmosphere was really cheerful around them and Savannah was thankful that she met human like them. Being in the military, all she had was the negativity of the world. Bloodbath everywhere and she had killed thousands of people if not hundreds.


    "Jillyanna is really lucky to meet all of you." Savannah commented while watching them interact.


    "She''s lucky to meet you too. Someone could finally understand her when it comes to justice and fights." Sky retorted which made Savannah smiled.


    When the men came back with different size of boxes, Jenny was teary-eyed from all the tickles she got from Cielo.


    "Alright. Let''s get this started." Cielo cheerfully said and picked the artificial sakura tree.


    They weren''t worried about the sun since they were setting up the event at the back of the house where the shadow of the tall house covered them.


    They placed the artificial trees in different areas while Jenny and Valkyrie put on the small lights around the tree to give it a great view at night.


    They rented a catering service which would be responsible for the tables and chairs. As for the food, they would always cook for themselves.


    Long silk ribbons were tied between trees to give it an ambiance of gifting someone. When the catering service finished setting up the tables and chairs, it was already noon.


    The sun was high up in the sky, so they took this time to rest and eat their lunch. Seeing how busy they were, Auntie Fei and Auntie Sisi cooked delicious meal for their lunch break.


    "Jillyanna would be very surprise later." Auntie Fei commented while looking at the view in the backyard.


    Diego took a picture of it and sent it to Travis. "It''s noon already. We''re almost done here. Is Jillyanna awake?"


    Seeing that it was Diego who sent him a message, Travis opened the message, replied and deleted it.


    "Are we leaving now?" Jillyanna asked him when she got out of the shower and dried her hair. "By the way, you told me earlier that it is your college classmate who owns this hotel. Did you tell him about what happened to one of his employees?"


    Travis nodded his head. "I did and he told me that he knew. However, I don''t want to interfere with how he deal with his employees."


    "That''s fine. I just find it sad that her salary will be deducted for something she didn''t have any control."


    Travis walked towards her and took the hair dryer so that he can dry her hair for her. "This is also out of your control. Let''s just hope that what happened last night won''t happen again."


    "Hn."


    Jillyanna couldn''t stop herself for worrying about that woman though. She seemed young but when Jillyanna received the paper and pen last night to fill in the hotel form, she saw the thick callus of the girl''s hands. Life must have been very difficult for her.


    "You are worrying about her again." Travis spoke behind her.


    "I can''t help it."


    "You really have a soft heart."


    And since she couldn''t rest her heart, Jillyanna asked the daytime manager to hand in a letter to Cayenne before they checked out from the hotel.


    The manager bowed his head and places the letter on his chest pocket for him to find it easier when Cayenne arrived.


    There was still a long day and the preparation wasn''t done yet. Instead of going home, Travis decided to visit J Entertainment to pass their time.


    "It''s been a while since we last came here together." Jillyanna uttered when Travis parked the car.


    "I agree. Today, I have some matters that needed to be discusses immediately. Would you like to look around?"


    "Hn. It''s fine with me."


    While they had a stop over at J Entertainment, at 2 o''clock, Jackie arrived in Jillyanna''s house with Vincent. They soon resume their task and continued decorating the backyard.


    They put on a small ramp as a stage and draped a long pink and white curtains to make it look cute and pretty.


    There were glittering letters of love and their names were written as well. A projector was placed on the side since they will be showing different video clips and pictures of Jillyanna and Travis later.


    There were big scented candles inside a glass which Jenny placed on the side of each artificial tree. They will be using it as well as the small series lights to illuminate the place later.


    With the help of everyone, it didn''t take long for them to finish decorating the backyard and make it look romantic.


    "This is perfect!" Cielo murmured to praise their work. "It''s really lovely."


    "Of course it is." Jenny retorted before going back inside the house.


    "Time to cook! Alright everyone, let''s discuss the food that we''ll eat." Sky led them all inside and they went back to the kitchen to think of the dishes they would make.

 Chapter 351 - MILK TEA

    Jillyanna ate in the office with Travis before he left to talk to Zachary. However, it''s been more than an hour and he had not come back or even sent someone to check on her.


    Bored from being alone, she opened her phone and played for a while. After how many times she died in the game, there was still no Travis who came to see her.


    "Did he really just leave me alone here?!" Jillyanna questioned in disbelief. "He didn''t even check on me?! What if I died here?! Who will come to rescue me?! That idiot."


    Little did she know was that Travis was currently in the monitoring room and was just watching her while he waited for the time to pass.


    "Are you really letting her wait there? Look at her talking to herself." Zachary motioned his hand to the monitor. "She''s probably cursing you already."


    "Yup. She is cursing me." Travis admitted since he can read through the movement of her lips.


    "How brave of you." Zach commented with a helpless shake of his head. "I think you can bring her out now. Just think of other excuses or I''m afraid she''d beat you black and blue."


    "I know. Anyway, I''ll leave Wynwyn and Riley in your care. Make sure to bring them home on time." Travis reminded him before he left the monitoring room and went back to his office.


    Jillyanna was currently lying on the couch and she didn''t even look at him when he came inside.


    "Let''s go somewhere before heading home first." Travis spoke to her but Jillyanna didn''t move at all. "Jill?"


    "I''m tired."


    "Oh..I was planning to buy you some sweets since I took sometime to come back."


    "So you know you were taking sometime out there. You could''ve at least messaged me." Jillyanna said angrily while she put her phone inside her bag and gave it to her.


    "I''m sorry." Travis responded softly. He needed to look sincere or his wife will never forgive him.


    "Fine. Fine. Let''s go." Jillyanna walked out of the door ahead of him which made her unable to see the spreading smile on his face.


    Many people greeted them and Jillyanna just smiled politely as they walked back to the car.


    "What do you want?" Travis asked her as they walk hand in hand on the street.


    "Let''s find a milk tea shop. I want to have a macha cheesecake."


    "That''s all?"


    "Hn."


    Travis nodded his head and opened the car door for her before he walked to the driver''s seat. "Search for a shop nearby. I''ll drive us there."


    She did as she was told and looked for a milk tea shop. Not far from where they were, a famous milk tea shop was located with so many choices to pick.


    It only took Travis fifteen minutes to reach the place and there was still a long time before evening came.


    "There''s a lot of people here. There''s even a long line." Travis commented but deep inside he was hoping that Jillyanna would insist to buy the milk tea in that shop.


    And his prayer was answered. "Since there''s a long line, that means this shop is really good. I can wait."


    "Alright. I''ll find a parking space and you just wait here in the car while I buy the milk tea for you."


    "Yay! I love you hubby." she even gave him a flirty wink and a flying kiss making Travis laugh at her.


    He looked at his watch and took his phone with him in case she would want something else. Travis fell in line and many people looked at him in shock.


    Most of the people who were buying the milk tea were employees of J Entertainment and they know Travis. Even those that weren''t from J Entertainment knew him too.


    "Sir Travis, would you like to buy first?" one of the people lining up asked Travis but he refused the offer politely.


    "My wife isn''t replying yet so I''m willing to wait in line."


    The young man nodded his head and waited silently while women from different walks of life began to crowd the place.


    When it was his turn, the clock just barely passed four o''clock which was enough time for him.


    "What would you like sir?" the sales attendant asked Travis politely.


    "I''d like to have a macha cheesecake, a taro cream cheese no pearl and a winter melon with pearl. All three in large size." Travis gave his order even though Jillyanna only wanted the macha.


    When he got his orders, it was still quarter an hour after four o-clock. Travis opened the taro cream cheese and drank from it. From the torn cover, Travis put something and went back to the car.


    "You bought a lot." Jillyanna said while looking at the plastic bag.


    "I thought you might want to try the other flavors. I tried the taro cream cheese and it''s fine."


    "Really? Can I have some?"


    Travis didn''t hesitate and gave her the taro that he just drank earlier. Jillyanna was really clueless to what was awaiting for her at all.


    "Yeah. It''s good. You really know what to choose." She gave him back the milk tea and took the macha from the plastic and inserted the straw in it. "This is the best. I really like it." Jillyanna sipped through the straw and chewed on the pearl.


    "Let''s go home now." Travis told her and drove out of the parking lot. He didn''t drink from the taro again and continued to driver. "I was thinking of going out for dinner to make up for the ruined date last night. Do you have any cravings?"


    Jillyanna sipped again before answering him. "Anything''s fine. I don''t really mind." She was about to take another sip when she felt her eyelids were getting heavier. "R..V.."


    "Yes?" Travis continued to drive without looking at her. Whe he turned around to face her, the macha milk tea fell on the floor and her head was hanging low. "Jill?" He called to her but there was no answer. Travis slowed down and parked the car on the roadside to check on her.

 Chapter 352 - SECOND DEBUT?

    When Jillyanna opened her eyes, it was so dark all around her that she couldn''t think properly as to where she was right now. She clearly know that her eyes were open but she couldn''t see anything.


    That''s when she realized she was actually blind folded. ''What the heck?! Why am I being blind folded?!''


    She immediately take off the blind fold since her hands were not tied and that''s when she found out that she was back at home, lying on the couch in the living room.


    "Travis?" she called his name but there was no answer. She sat up from the couch and walked towards the side of the door to find the light switch.


    The light was so bright that she had to cover her eyes for the time being so that she can slowly adjust to the brightness.


    It was awfully quiet that she started to feel afraid. "Travis? Where are you?" Jillyanna called out again but only the echoes of her voice responded to her. She went upstairs and looked at their room but there was no sign of him. She went to the study room and there was no single soul.


    "If I knew who the hell did this to me I will really skin him alive and season his meat before feeding him to the dog." Jillyanna spoke angrily and at the same time with fear. She couldn''t find him and she started to feel unease.


    "Auntie Fei? Auntie Sisi?" Jillyanna called the helper instead since she knew that they should be home. No one answered her so Jillyanna went to the kitchen, still no one. Her last resort was to check the rooms at the back which was the maid''s quarter and the guard''s quarter.


    Jillyanna''s steps were getting quicker as she walked towards the backyard. When she opened the door...


    "What the...what''s going on here?" she was so shocked to find that her friends and family were at the backyard, chilling themselves and watching a movie.."Wait! Is that me?!" on the projector was really her.


    Still in a daze and disbelief, Jillyanna flicked her forehead really hard which was really painful.


    "Does it hurt?"


    She jumped out of fright when she heard Travis spoke behind her. "What''s going on? And where did you go? I didn''t find you in our room and in the study room."


    "I was staying in Valkyrie''s room to check on you through the monitor."


    "What''s the meaning of all these?" She really didn''t have any idea and she couldn''t think of any occasion as well.


    "Let''s go there so that you''ll know." Travis took her hand and walked to the garden with her. The ambiance was really nice and it felt romantic. She looked at the people around and she could only see them smiling at her.


    Then, she caught sight of Riley and Wynwyn. "Eh?? Shouldn''t you guys be home next week?!" Jillyanna asked them in surprise.


    "Change of plans." Wynwyn winked at her which really confused Jillyanna.


    "Is someone celebrating their birthday? Why is it in my backyard? I am really confused." Jillyanna voiced out her inner thoughts and held on to his hand tightly. "Is someone playing a prank on me?"


    "This is not a prank sweetheart. Let''s just wait and see." Travis rubbed her arms gently to keep her calm. There was a thick blanket on the next chair which was specifically placed there by Cielo for Jillyanna.


    Travis took it and wrapped it around her to keep her warm. The video on the projector continued to show and sometimes they would laugh because of Jillyanna''s silly yet adorable actions. There were still videos of her when she was a baby with her mother and father. Thomas kept all of them safely. She never thought that she''d see them once again before dying.


    The videos would change between Jillyanna and Travis with the young versions of them and to the current them. It was simple viewing of their childhood and adulthood but it really sent so much warmth and joy to her.


    Suddenly, she felt Travis getting tense beside her. "Are you okay? You look..uh.nervous?"


    "Yeah. I''m a little nervous."


    "Hehe. Are you nervous that people would see how shameless you are?" Jillyanna whispered close to him making Travis smile and relax beside her.


    "How would they know I''m shameless when I only show it to you?" Travis retorted to her. Jillyanna just smiled and didn''t say anything anymore.


    After the whole video and slide of pictures, Savannah went in front of everyone and spoke. "For four years, me and my friends were looking for Jillyanna because of Travis. We didn''t even know that fate already helped them keep in contact, without knowing it. Seeing them living happily together now, we could only wish and hope that it will last forever. I''m so glad you came into our life Jill." Savannah gave her a stalk of flower and went back to her seat.


    "Uh..am I having a second debut?" Jillyanna couldn''t help but ask.


    Everyone laughed at her statement but nobody denied or confirmed it so she didn''t really know. Next person who stood up was Cielo who was beaming with smile while wiping the tears off her face.


    "Sis, I''m really happy that you were sent to my life as a gift on my 13th birthday. Even though you''ve been through a lot, you still remained strong. Though, I hated it when you smile even though you were not fine. Recently, we fought because of some stupid misunderstandings but still, you didn''t blame me. You never once put any blame on me. And you know, I am so glad that Diego and Cheska ruined your plan. Isn''t it great now? Not only did you get a baby that you always dreamed of but you also got a husband who cares for you and love you so much. I am so happy for you. Please continue to stay healthy. I still want you to be my child''s godmother. I love you sis."


    With the all the words that Cielo said, only the second from the last statement remained in Jillyanna''s head. Her eyes and mouth were wide open from shock. "Oh my gosh! Congratulations! But your baby will still call my child big brother in the future. I''m way ahead of you."


    "This silly girl. I am not competing with you." Cielo gave her another stalk of flower too.


    "I know you are not. I''m jus really happy." She received the flower and giggled beside Travis. "This is really nice. I didn''t have this when I turned eighteen but I still get to experience it."


    Travis chuckled at his wife. ''She is really thinking that it is a second debut celebration.'' Travis thought without any intention of correcting her.


    Then Jackie and Riley stood up together in front of everyone. They were both beautiful with identical faces and height, but if not because of the different clothes they wore, nobody would be able to tell which one is which aside from Jillyanna, Travis, Shein and Vincent.


    "Sis, you know we always tell you this but I just couldn''t thank you enough for all the things you''ve done. You were the first person who helped us without even asking as to repay you. And because we became so dependent on you, we no longer wanted to leave. So sis, please continue to put up with me." Riley expressed her honest thoughts which was really different from how everyone viewed her as an actress. "But of course, I will work hard to bring money to the company."


    Jillyanna burst out laughing at her. "You never change. Don''t worry, if you turn troublesome, I''ll just beat you up." Jillyanna responded to Riley.


    "As for me, I will study hard and bring honor to our family. So sis, you have to stay healthy and live a long life to watch me achieve my goals." Jackie said and smiled.


    "I know you can do it." Jillyanna winked at her and smiled. "Someone will help you achieve it."


    Jackie felt her face grew hot with Jillyanna''s response and she couldn''t help her eyes to wander and land on a certain someone who was watching her.


    Riley who noticed this exchange of gazes did not let her twin sister go unscathed from teasing. "Is spring season very near?"


    "Shut up!" Jackie gave her flower to Jillyanna and Riley also followed her. After that, they returned to their seat but Jackie didn''t look towards Vincent anymore even though they were sitting beside each other.


    "Are you okay?" Vincent asked out of concern. He knew her wounds weren''t fully healed so he thought she was silently enduring the pain.


    "Don''t worry about me. I am fine." Jackie answered softly without lifting her head at all. She''s afraid that she was blushing and he might see it. ''That would be embarrassing!'' Jackie yelled silently to her heart without anyone knowing but herself.

 Chapter 353 - FORMAL ENGAGEMENT

    The event continued and this time a shy Cheska went in front of them. "Personally, I would not consider us close friends specially with what happened between us. And I would not say sorry about your ruined plan either. I just want to thank you that you stayed beside Travis. I can see how happy he is right now with you and I can tell that you are happy, too. So I guess, what I did in the past was right."


    "You did a great job!" Travis happily gave her a thumbs up with her statement.


    Jillyanna could shake her head helplessly and smile to Cheska. "Jillyanna, thank you so much for bringing happiness to him." Cheska gave her a flower and returned to her seat.


    Then Jenny stood up and gave her a flower and a letter before going back to her seat. Everyone was silent but Jillyanna only squinted her eyes while looking at the young girl.


    "You tend the garden this morning again." Jenny flinched when she heard this statement and she didn''t know where to hide. "I''ll let you off this time." Jenny released a sigh of relief on her seat.


    "I told you she will be mad." Cielo scolded the girl beside her. "Did you stay too long under the sun? You knew she didn''t want you to damage your skin over those flowers."


    "I only stayed for an hour or was it an hour and half? But I know it wasn''t more than two ours." Jenny justified herself without listening to Wynwyn''s message anymore. "Will she scold me later?"


    "Probably."


    Jenny just wanted to tend the garden early in the morning since she wanted to help with the preparation but now, she would be scolded again. Jillyanna always reminded her to deal with the garden in the after when the sun is not too hot but she always love watching the flowers bloom in the morning.


    Jenny was lost in her thought that she didn''t hear what Wynwyn said or what Sky said after Wynwyn or that Winter only gave a letter like her. She was worried!


    In Winter''s case, she gave her a flower and a letter since she couldn''t hear and she was avoiding herself to stand out. It would be embarrassing if someone would ask her a question and she wouldn''t hear it, that would leave the person in awkward position and she didn''t want that to happen during this important event.


    After everyone gave their flowers Jillyanna stood in front of them with a genuine smile hanging on her lips. "I''m really happy with this surprise but may I ask why I didn''t receive 18 roses?"


    Travis raised his eyebrow and spoke. "Why would you receive 18 roses? Are you 18?"


    "Nope. I should be 23 in three months."


    "See? It isn''t even your birthday." Travis retorted which made Jillyanna wonder what was really going on.


    "So this isn''t a second debut? So why am I getting flowers?"


    "Because I want you to know that these people truly cares for you." Travis quickly answered her without blinking.


    "Then why is it only the girls? What are the boys doing here then?" Travis knew exactly what she meant and their silly banter made him feel even more nervous.


    "Do you think I''d let other men give you flowers?"


    "Then why didn''t you give me one?" Jillyanna asked. Her eyes were clearly telling that she was confused and she still didn''t know what was bound to happen.


    Travis closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, he smiled at her and stood up to face her.


    "My dear wife, nobody said you are having a second debut tonight. Also, I am not just giving you flowers but I''m giving you all of these." Travis gestured his hand to the whole venue and to all the people who came to support them.


    "So what is this all about?" Jillyanna questioned him again and this time, Travis finally answered her.


    And his answer shocked her silly that she was dumbfounded and speechless. In front of her, Travis, bent down and stand on one knee.


    Jillyanna blinked her eyes and she even raised her left hand to see that her wedding ring was still there.


    Everyone laughed at Jillyanna''s adorable reaction. She was indeed clueless of this event.


    "I wasn''t able to court you formally due to several reasons. When we talked about the wedding few months ago, I didn''t even get the chance to do this and we just hurried to register our marriage. Then, I was in coma. You suffered so much in my behalf and I felt so guilty about it. Now, even though we are legally husband and wife, I will still court you everyday." Travis cleared his throat because his emotions were choking him and he couldn''t let his voice out. "My dear wife, this is an event that I don''t want you to miss in your life. And since we are going to hold a grand wedding next month, I would like to take this chance to properly propose to you. Jillyanna Summer Xavier Madrid Madrigal, will you marry me?"


    Jillyanna had long been crying since he started his first sentence. She was so overwhelmed with emotions that she couldn''t keep her tears to herself. They just flowed out of her tear-ducts and fell on the ground.


    She had no idea that he was planning all these. They''ve been so busy with work, with personal matter, with the issue of Gabriel and Winter, there''s just so many things that happened around them but he still managed to surprise her like this.


    "You don''t really have to do this, you know. Even without this grand proposal or formal proposal or whatever you call this, I''d still marry you." Jillyanna wiped her tears away and helped Travis stand. "And it''s really silly. I''m your wife already but you still asked me that question. If I said no, will you divorce me?"


    "How can that happen? You can only say yes to me." Travis was back to his shameless self again. He put on the engagement ring on her finger and kissed his wife. "I love you so much Jill."


    "I love you too Travis." Jillyanna hugged him and smiled happily. "Thank you everyone for making this happen."


    "When it''s our time to get married, you'' have to prepare a grand proposal like this too." Riley shouted making everyone laugh.


    "Get married? You are still nineteen for heaven''s sake!" Jackie scolded her sister and looked at Shein. "Are you guys planning to get married?"


    "Not yet. She isn''t even twenty-five yet." Shein immediately responded to make things clear.


    Jackie looked at Riley and knocked her head but Riley just smiled at her sister.


    "If I''d take it seriously, I''d be preparing a lot." Jillyanna commented while looking at everyone around the garden since most of them were about to get married.


    The atmosphere was really cheerful and there was no disturbance from any media personnel. Jillyanna liked it so much.


    Unknown to everyone, while they were happily having a celebration, a news was already brewing in social media about Jillyanna being ill-mannered and publicly shaming someone in city A.

 Chapter 354 - SLANDERING JILLYANNA

    Even though Jillyanna was no longer a celebrity, she could still be considered a public figure since many people still remembered her.


    Both fans and haters didn''t even unfollow her inactive account, hoping that she would, someday, post something and show it to them.


    And for one, she was a wife to a well-known businessman in city B who owned multiple land areas and companies. Two, she''s a sister to Riley Summer. What the other would do will reflect to the other person. So in this issue, not only Jillyanna, but Riley was implicated too.


    "What a two-faced person! Acting all sweet and coy but she''s actually ill-mannered."


    "Hey! Person above! You don''t even know the whole story and you are spouting rubbish already! My goddess YNA isn''t that type of person!"


    "Goddess YNA! Goddess YNA! She''s not even pretty. And look at her getting big like a pig! Sooner or later, Travis will leave her!"


    "You''re the pig! You are just too insecure that you can''t recognize what''s beautiful!"


    "Riley must be like her too. She looked harmless outside, kind and cheerful but we don''t even know how she got into the entertainment circle."


    "Watch your words! Why are you dragging our Riley into this?!"


    "Right! There wasn''t an audition or anything but she got into J Entertainment."


    "That''s not even a question of she got in. Isn''t it obvious? Travis owned the company. Jillyanna is his wife. Riley is Jillyanna''s sister. How else would she get in? Duh!"


    "How shameless! We (other artists) were working so hard but she only got in because of her connection."


    "You are just envious because you don''t have connections like her! You are the shameless for slandering someone!


    In social media, everytime someone would badmouth Jillyanna and Riley, their fans would come out and refute those words. However, as time went by, the flame rose and the fans were getting burned because Riley and Jillyanna weren''t saying anything.


    How will they know?! They were busy with the celebration and they turned their phones into silent mode.


    Some managers were calling Wynwyn but her phone was in her bag and she was busy chatting with everyone.


    Diego and Zach were the same. They were drinking wine and was talking to Valkyrie about something. Since they were in a gathering, they turned their phone in silence too. Business can wait!


    It wasn''t until midnight, when everyone was preparing to go home did they check their phones and was shocked about the missed calls.


    "Why am I getting these many missed calls?" Diego murmured before returning one of the calls of his secretary.


    "Boss! Do you know what happened to Ms. Jillyanna and sir Travis?!"


    "Calm down. Why are you yelling at me? I''m still at their house. Why?" Diego asked his assistant in a calm manner.


    "Boss, the madam is being slandered in the Internet right now. Miss Riley got implicated too."


    "Okay. Let me check it first. Thanks for letting me know." Diego ended the call and turned around. Before he could even say anything, almost everyone was watching a video on their phones already.


    Jillyanna didn''t have the slightest reaction at all. She remained poker face while watching the video of her scandalous attitude and ill-manner.


    The video was actually cut. The version that was showed was when Jillyanna slandered the woman and threatened her in front of everyone. The reason why she did it was omitted. Therefore, everyone would really judge her badly because of the video.


    Riley on the other hand was fuming in anger. It was very rare for her to get angry like this but when she does, it wouldn''t be good.


    "Riley, will you please calm down?" Jackie whispered to her twin sister since she was shaking from anger beside her. "Big sis isn''t even angry with this issue."


    Getting that scolded by her twin, Riley smiled immediately. "Who said I''m angry? I''m per-fect-ly fine."


    ''Yeah, you are not angry. You are VERY ANGRY.'' That''s what everyone thought when they looked at her cold smile and turbulent eyes.


    "I''ll do the PR later. For now, let me sort this issue first and kindly tell me the whole version to this." Wynwyn informed them who was massaging her temple due to headache both from the wine and the issue.


    "There''s no need. Don''t say anything or respond to this. It will only fan the flames and make it bigger." Jillyanna told Wynwyn not wanting her to stress herself.


    "But sis, they are slandering you!" Riley countered with grievances. What she hated the most was that the people she cared about were being targeted by fools.


    Jillyanna sighed and stood up from the chair. "They can slander me all they want. I don''t care anyway. Eventually, the truth will come out to light. Now, it''s past midnight let''s go to sleep. We''ll send the invitation for the wedding next week."


    Since the host already wanted to rest, of course everyone wouldn''t make it hard for her. Perhaps, Jillyanna didn''t want to do anything about it to avoid stress but the people who cared for her were stressing themselves as to how they can help her.


    For example, the shameless husband had been quiet for a while now since he watched the video. But Jillyanna knew what he was thinking already.


    "Don''t find her behind my back." Jillyanna spoke to Travis when they got inside their room. "I know what you are thinking but you don''t really have to do anything."


    Travis sat on the bed and patted the space beside him for her to sit. "Can''t I do something for you?" He asked Jillyanna when she sat down.


    "Of course you can. You''ve been doing everything for me. However, let''s not waste our energy and time on this. People who knew the truth will come out and help."


    "If you say so, then I''ll leave it alone." He stood up again and went to the bathroom. "I''ll prepare your bath so just stay there."


    "Yes sir!" Jillyanna grinned and made a respectful salute to him like a soldier.

 Chapter 355 - RILEYS REVENGE I

    Riley had four days of vacation this time before she''ll go out of the country again to finish her movie.


    Instead of going on a vacation, she was busy nagging Shein to do something for her. Even though Jillyanna told him that she can just stay silent, she can''t really put herself at rest.


    Jackie went back to the school dormitory with Vincent since she will have to go to school the next day. She was already allowed to join the training but she was excused to do the vigorous training until her wounds were fully healed.


    "How can we leave for our date if you won''t do something?" Riley asked Shein with her arms crossed on her chest. "Come on Shein, just this once. And don''t tell Big Sis about this."


    Shein just looked at her before going back to sleep. He didn''t want to disobey Jillyanna but he didn''t want to anger his girlfriend as well. He didn''t really know what to do at this point.


    "Look, even if I get the CCTV footage, it won''t be of help since people can''t hear the words from them." Shein spoke helpless to her girlfriend who had been nagging him for over an hour already.


    "Who the heck told you that I want the CCTV footage? I am not dumb okay? I want you to look into some people''s account."


    "That''s invading of privacy." Shein said in a boring tone.


    "Really?! Really?! You are telling me this useless excuse now?! Are you really making me angry?!"


    "Aren''t you angry already?" Shein returned a question as he got out of bed. If not for the sound-proofing of the room, everyone inside Jillyanna''s house would have awoken from Riley''s yelling since earlier.


    Riley didn''t speak again and went to sit on the couch at the window.


    "So what do you want me to do with their accounts?" Shein asked while turning on his computers that Travis bought for him after they moved to the house. It was a thank you gift and belated birthday gift to him.


    Riley gave him a list of names who left nasty comments in the issue. She was indeed angry to make her go through this length.


    "For this account, check her pictures." Riley told Shein while she opened her own phone to leave a comment.


    Shein hacked the account and checked on the private albums. Then he sent several pictures to Riley.


    With a dummy account that she created long ago, Riley retaliated happily. "If Jillyanna is a pig, what are you?" This was the caption and below her comment was a series of pictures that she got from Shein. The girl wasn''t really that ugly but she''s got some weight. Saying something awful to someone when you yourself looks like what you said, wasn''t it disgusting?


    Before you speak, think about it first. Don''t let your insecurities turned to jealousy and make you become a bad person by slandering someone.


    Knowing Riley, Shein also opened the video that was posted in the social network system. He looked into the newest comments and found Riley''s reply. He immediately hid her IP address and erase her traces.


    "Next account please." Riley told Shein which the latter found it a little awkward. He didn''t get anything useful in the account and private albums so he hacked the computer itself and found several things that turned him silent.


    "This account is from a well-known B-list actress." Shein said softly.


    "So? Even if she''s an A-list or whatever list, I won''t spare her." Riley said and checked on the computer. When she saw what was in there, she blushed instantly. "No videos, just pictures. Oh wait! Give me that videos."


    "Are you really a girl? Why aren''t you embarrassed to watch it? And to think I''m here!" Shein knocked her head and took the mouse from her hand.


    "Who told you I''m going to watch it. I''m sending it over to someone so he can make money. He can sold it to an enemy or to the owner herself. Who told this woman to be a slut anyway?"


    Riley didn''t care about anyone except Jillyanna and her family. Why? Because it was Jillyanna who saved them from this scum society. You can call her ruthless. You can say she''s evil. Can you blame her? The society didn''t even think of them as human when they were children. Only Jillyanna cared for them.


    "You have Mr. Andrei Tamo''s number right?" Riley asked Shein while she carefully prepared her gift for him. Shein didn''t say anything and just gave the number.


    "It''s really scary when you get angry." Shein commented while looking through the other accounts.


    "They should be-friend me cause I know how to treasure real friends. If I''m an enemy, I certainly know how to dispose them, too." Riley smiled and contacted Mr. Tamo right in front of him. "Morning Mr. Tamo, this is Riley Summer. I''m Jillyanna''s sister."


    Andrei Tamo just finished preparing breakfast for his daughter when he received a call from an unknown number.


    "Yes Ms. Summer, what can I do for you?" Andrei asked nervously since he didn''t want to mess up with anyone from Jillyanna''s family anymore.


    "Don''t be afraid Mr. Tamo. I''m calling you to send over a gift. However, I realize that it would be better if I don''t hand it over to you since you have a daughter. Just check your bank account instead."


    Riley indeed thought it would be dangerous for Mr. Tamo to deal with the videos and the people involved so she changed her plans immediately.


    Mr. Tamo was confused with what Riley said but he just let it be. The last thing he wanted to do in his life was to make enemies with anyone from Jillyanna''s family. They were scarier than anyone in the world yet the kindest as well.


    After all, he received so much help from them and all he was asked to do was to take care of his daughter, never leave her alone no matter what. That was what Jillyanna told him before.

 Chapter 356 - RILEYS REVENGE II

    "Let''s put on hold the other accounts for now. Let me deal with this person first." Riley told Shein and smiled happily. "This is kinda exciting. I wonder how much I could get for this videos."


    Shein watched her scroll through it and lists the names of the people involved in the scandal. "That''s unscrupulous, you know."


    "And who told them to start this? If they didn''t join hands to slander my sister, would I even do this? It''s their fault. They should have kept their hands off from their phones or keyboards if they didn''t want this to happen."


    Even though she told him that she wouldn''t watch it, she had to check the people''s faces so she opened the videos and ended it when she knew who the people were.


    "Look into these list of names and give me their email addresses." Riley told Shein which he followed immediately.


    It didn''t even take him a long time to get their email addresses. While he looked for them, Riley would get the email and send the video to the people involved in the scandal. "Call me or I will release this video in an hour. This is my number xxxx-xxxxx-xx."


    "Wow! I can''t believe these men were doing this. In front, they looked so loving to their wives but behind their back, they were having this affair." Riley expressed her opinion before he looked towards Shein. "So little guy, don''t mess around with me in the future."


    "I would never do that." Shein replied firmly to her statement. He would never mess with Jillyanna''s little demons.


    Not long after, Riley received a call from the first person she sent an email too. "What do you want?" The man stated calmly while holding his anger internally. If he knew who this wretch that''s messing with him, he would really kill her with thousand cuts. But will he know her? That''s impossible!


    The number that Jillyanna gave to them was connected to a voice changer app that she usually used even before she became an artist. That way, her victims would never know that they did it.


    "I want you to send me $20,000 USD and I will never show this video in social media."


    "Give me your bank account." the man said without further ado. It only means that the video was really him and he knew it wasn''t a photoshop or edited.


    Riley sent him an overseas bank account that Shein set up before. "I''ll wait for the money to reflect in my bank. When that happens, you will not become a hot topic online."


    "Can I trust your words?" The man asked Riley.


    "Of course. As long as you won''t mess up with me. You can trust me." Riley ended the call with a smile.


    "That''s a miracle! You only asked for that little amount?" Shein was in disbelief because Riley would always extort large amount of money before she became an artist. She only stopped it when Jillyanna found out and got scolded.


    Riley snorted and raised her eyebrow. "I only need a little amount so that they can still have something to give to their wives."


    "I thought you won''t post it."


    "Right. I won''t post it online but I didn''t say I wouldn''t show it to their wives. I can''t let these women be fooled by these scums."


    Another call came and another but Riley only asked for the same amount of money. Same condition and same process. No more no less. The last person was the woman herself.


    "You bastard! What do you want?!" Rina Bernard the B-list actress on the video shouted angrily that made Riley pushed the phone away from her ears.


    "Miss Bernard, I only want $100,000 USD."


    Shein scoffed at this amount. ''Didn''t she say that she only need a little amount? Why is it multiplied by five?'' He couldn''t help but think and faintly chuckled.


    "What?! Are you sick?!" Rina shouted at her once again.


    "I''m not. How about you? Didn''t you contact any STD from all that f*cking?" Her words were blunt and vulgar, and she didn''t show any expressions at all when she said this. She was rather calm and compose.


    Shein never once saw this kind of Riley. Whenever she got mad at him, she would only refused to speak and avoid him. Sometimes she would yell and beat him.


    However, the Riley in front of him made him feel fear for the first time since they young.


    The woman on the other line shut her mouth for a while after that response she got from Riley. In the end, she still gave in to her.


    Riley told her the bank number, same condition and same process before she ended the call.


    "Let me guess why the money was multiplied." Shein spoke to at least lighten the atmosphere.


    "Why?"


    "Because she didn''t have a family. She didn''t have anyone to give her money to. At the same time, she''d have to retire. She needed money to pay the breach of contract and to start her life over."


    "My boyfriend is such a genius!" Riley approached him and kissed his right cheek. "Guess how I know that Jackie was injured."


    This time, Shein''s smile faltered and he kept his mouth shut. He shifted his gaze from her to the couch to avoid looking at her.


    "I won''t guess it. How did you know?" Shein asked her instead.


    Riley sat on his bed and swayed her legs back and forth. "Hmm..last night when she stood up, the man beside her immediately put his hand on her back. When we were standing, Jackie''s back was a little hunched. Ever since we were young, Jackie would always stand tall and proud. Last night, there were even beads of sweat on her forehead. So I concluded she was in pain. What happened to her?"


    "She let herself get beaten to put someone in jail and to have all the cats out of the bag."


    "When?"


    "Two weeks ago."


    "So, what''s the punishment?"


    "The girl will be imprison for 15 years since she had done it several times and the victims came forward to testify of these crimes. Her father was also punished for a lifetime imprisonment after all the illegal actions he did in the past years."


    "So I don''t need to do anything else?" Riley asked him in which Shein nodded his head.


    "Lucian and I took care of it so you don''t have to worry about it. Brown also sent her medicine and ointment for her wounds. It''s almost healed but the bigger wounds would still take time."


    There''s no point in hiding these things from her so Shein just admitted everything.

 Chapter 357 - RILEYS REVENGE III

    Note: Das Veilchen is actually a song made by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe


    (Because I like Mozart and I love the color violet, I just randomly named a restaurant after this. ^_^)


    After spending her time with all those fools, Riley planned to go out with Shein. In the afternoon, they went to the Ocean Park and enjoyed herself with the little time she had with Shein. Tired from strolling, they had an early dinner in Das Veilchen. Then, they watched a movie before going home.


    The next day, she went to shop with him and bought several things for Jillyanna''s baby. She also bought some scar removal ointment for her sister and a watch for Shein.


    "Let''s visit Jackie in the afternoon. She told me that she''s excused for the afternoon training." Riley told Shein while they were eating an ice cream.


    "Why don''t we visit her during lunch break so that we can have lunch with her?" Shein suggested making Riley nod her head.


    "Hey, that girl looks familiar. She looks like Riley." one of the young ladies who passed by them whispered to her friends.


    "Are you serious? Riley would never stroll in a mall without her manager or body guard." retorted one of her friends.


    "Oh right. You have a point. Maybe she just looked a little like her." She said a little because she only saw Riley''s lower face due to the baseball cap and the dark shades.


    If they really watched her closely, they would have been able to confirm that their guess of her identity was right.


    Anyway, as they planned, they visited Jackie in her university and ate lunch in a nearby restaurant.


    "Here. Ointment and scar removal cream for your wounds." Riley handed her a shopping bag containing several boxes and bottles.


    Jackie didn''t need to know how her twin found out so she only said her thanks to her. "You''re leaving in a few days again?"


    "Hn. I still have one more month before the movie finished filming. After that, I will go back and have a press conference."


    "Take care over there. Don''t get yourself bullied."


    "You are funny sis. Who the hell would bully me?"


    "I agree. Those who will bully her will end up begging for their life." Shein commented in agreement to Riley''s statement.


    "Don''t abuse anyone with your skills and talent." Jackie reminded her which really widened Riley''s eyes.


    She reached her hand, placed it on Jackie''s shoulders and shook her lightly. "Who the hell are you? Please return my sister. I - ahmp..nmh..hng"


    Jackie shoved another piece of meat on Riley''s mouth. "Shut up and eat. You silly girl."


    Riley just crossed her arms on her chest and chewed on her food. Watching them interact happily made Shein smile on the side.


    Two days later, before she left the country, Shein received a notification from the bank that the money were all ready sent and was ready for any use or withdrawal.


    Shein told Riley about this and the immediately sent the money to Mr. Tamo''s bank account for their daily use, specially that her daughter needed medical maintenance.


    Her flight was in the evening so during the afternoon, she left with Shein and found a cafe near the airport.


    Ten minutes after they came inside, an elegant lady came in and asked for the reserved table. The cafe attendant led the woman to where Riley was.


    "Good afternoon." The woman greeted Riley and sat on the opposite chair. "I''m Mrs. Bai."


    Riley raised her head and take off her mask but she didn''t remove her dark glasses and Shein was right beside her playing with his phone.


    "Madam Bai, are you aware as to where your husband go when he is not at home?" Riley asked with her chin placed on the heel of her palm.


    "What do you mean? Did you actually call me to ruin my husband''s name?!" The woman asked angrily but Riley didn''t flinch from her anger at all.


    "You can say that I''m destroying your relationship but for me, I''m giving you a chance to get yourself out from hell." Riley opened her phone and pushed it to the woman. "No matter how angry you are, please don''t throw my phone. My sister bought it for me." Riley kindly reminded the woman.


    With trembling hands, the woman took the phone and watched four videos that Riley prepared for him. One was in a car, one in the office, one in a hotel and one in the girl''s apartment.


    Madam Bai covered her mouth and tears started falling on her cheeks.


    "While you were taking care of the house and your kids, someone else was taking care of your husband. Madam Bai, I don''t want to post this online because I know you would become a laughing stock too for being fooled. I don''t want that to happen to you. So, I''m giving these videos and you can do whatever you want with them. For example, you can throw a divorce or you can file a lawsuit for adultery. You can get money and you can start over with your kids. It would really be a pity for the kids to grow up with a scumbag father. I know it would be difficult and it all depends on you."


    "Why are you doing this? Why are you helping me?"


    "Why? Because I''m a woman too. Why must a woman endure these kinds of adulterous affair? Why must a woman gave in to the abuse of their partners? Women are humans too? They have the right to live happily. A woman''s life shouldn''t let her world revolve around her husband. She should have dignity and courage. You have kids already. Why don''t you focus your love to your kids? Why waste your love to your foolish husband? Well, anyway, I''m letting you deal with it. The choice is yours to make."


    After a few minutes, when the woman finally calmed down, she asked Riley to send over the files and left.


    Another woman came in, and the same thing happened. She told them the things that needed to be said and let them release their emotions.


    These happened to all six wives of the six scumbags who had an affair with Rina. Even the cafe attendant was curious as to what these women do at that single reserved booth. They all came in with high and aristocratic vibes but when they left, they looked down and some were even crying.


    It took Riley three hours to finish talking to all of them and she felt so bad for them. "I really pity these virtuous wives who were just being fooled by their husbands."


    "Aren''t you breaking their marriage?" Shein asked in hesitation.


    "I am not. It will be their decision to break it or leave it as it is. I only gave them the means to break it but it will still be their choice. Why would you stay in a toxic relationship? When you know you are being fooled, why will you stay? Because of love? That''s not love. I call it foolishness."


    Shein just smiled and gently patted her head. "I hope they will get the courage to start anew. Or at least, I hope their husbands would stop this and learn to truly love their wives."


    "We can only hope." Riley murmured as she leaned her head on his shoulder. Closing her eyes to sleep for a while.

 Chapter 358 - ACTIVATED

    The next day, news of six businessmen getting divorced with their wives spread like a wildfire in the business circle.


    Those that didn''t know what caused the sudden divorce were shocked since they thought these people were loving to each other.


    When they went out together, they look so harmonious and sweet with their children, yet they just break their marriage for no apparent reason.


    "I wonder why Madam Bai divorced her husband." one of the socialite women gossiped with her friends during their foot spa and massage.


    "There must be something that she couldn''t tolerate anymore." answered one of her friends.


    "But isn''t it weird that six ladies divorced their husbands at the same time. Not only that, these people actually knew each other."


    "Well, who knows? These men must have done something. Let''s not name it."


    They were the talk of the town and gradually Jillyanna''s issue was going down. However, people can''t just let it go and even wanted to pull Jillyanna down with them.


    For example, Lyla. She was currently sitting on her bed, naked with a laptop while going through these information.


    "Let''s see how will you handle this bitch." she murmured before posting something again on her wall. Since she''s not a celebrity or a from a high ranking status, people won''t think that she was just destroying her image. Instead, people would think that she''s really a victim in this matter and was just sympathizing with the other victims.


    "Because someone can''t endure her name being slandered, she destroyed people''s relationship to cover her scandal. Rich people are so disgusting. Just because they have money they can ruine whoever they want. J is disgusting."


    Even if she won''t mention the name, people knew who exactly she was talking about. There wasn''t anyone aside from Jillyanna with a name starting with J, that was recently issued for being ill-mannered and with a scandalous behavior.


    Now, people thought that it was Jillyanna who caused these people to get divorced. They thought that she ruined someone''s marriage to cover up herself.


    When Travis saw this post going viral with Jillyanna''s name being tagged on it, he clenched his fist and broke the pen that he was holding. He really wanted to find this woman and snap her neck in an instant.


    "For the scheduled meeting this afternoon, inform them that we will have an online discussion instead. I''m going home for now." Travis told Savannah and picked up his coat before going out of his office.


    Savannah followed him out while calling the secretaries of those appointed businessmen to inform them about the changes with their meeting.


    On the other hand, Jillyanna knew about this news since she was deliberately waiting for her prey to make another move. She even activated her account.


    "Oh my god! My goddess YNA activated her account!"


    "What the! I am not seeing things, am I?"


    "Goddess YNA is really back?! She''s finally back!"


    "Oh my goddess! They have trampled on your name. Please let them know the truth of this event!"


    "Goddess YNA, please don''t go away anymore."


    Jillyanna received so many notifications, messages and tags when she went online. But she didn''t care about those anymore. She was no longer the Internet idol. Now, she''s just a normal housewife who wanted to surf online.


    Jillyanna took a screenshot of the post and sent it to Shein who was lying alone on his bed back at their house.


    "Find everything you can of this woman. I don''t need anything good, just the bad ones."


    Shein''s eyes lit up and the corner of his mouth was lifted into a smile. "Aye Aye sister!" he sent this reply and immediately start his work of digging which he was best at.


    Travis came home just in time for lunch and found Jillyanna eating with Gabriel and Winter.


    "I''m home." He announced his arrival and kissed her cheeks.


    "You don''t have any appointment in the afternoon?" Jillyanna asked him in surprise. She didn''t expect him to be back so early.


    "I have but I decided to have an online discussion instead."


    "I see. Go wash your hands so you can eat with us. Where''s Savannah and Hawk?" Jillyanna looked back but she didn''t see these two people with him.


    "We''re here." Savannah stated and came in from the back door with Hawk.


    "What are you guys doing there? Come inside already. Wash your hands so we can eat together."


    "Is Dad in the farm again?" Travis asked her after washing his hands.


    "Hn. You know how much he loves your mom so he wanted to take care of her belongings."


    "I just hope he won''t overdo it.."


    Gabriel was busy putting food on Winter''s plate so he just nodded at Travis when he came home. They all ate their lunch and talked about many things.


    Winter could sometimes understand the words they said through lip reading but most of the time, she had to ask Gabriel to type it for her.


    "By the way, you opened your account again?" Savannah asked Jillyanna in the middle of eating. They all created an account to become her followers but she deactivated her social media account so they stopped opening theirs.


    Who would''ve thought that they''d get a notification that she opened and activated her account again. And she chose to do it in the middle of her hot issues. How daring.


    Jillyanna grinned widely and nodded her head. "I just wanted to surf a little and see how famous I am."


    Travis put down his cutleries and wiped his mouth with the napkin. "Did you read the latest post about you?"


    "Uh huh. She''s rather bold to post something like that. Was she always like this? I mean, was she an attention-seeker even before?"


    "My wife, how would I know that? I only remember her after dumping her." Travis answered which stunned the three people who can hear.


    All along, Jillyanna got caught in someone''s jealousy because of Travis? It wasn''t just because of that issue in city A?

 Chapter 359 - THE QUEENS MOVE

    After taking their lunch, Travis changed into a casual clothes to continue working.


    "I''ll be in the study room to do some work. If you need anything, just call me, okay?" he kissed the top of her head while caressing her hair.


    "Okay. I''ll come and find you if I get bored, too." she answered softly while scrolling through the list of movie in her laptop.


    Travis left her on her own and went to the study room. When he left, Jillyanna closed the window of the movies and opened the information that Shein sent her.


    Lyla Terazas a business major student who stopped going to school after failing one of the subjects.


    Instead of going back home, she left city B and went to city A. She worked as a waitress in one of the famous club and got known by some big wigs.


    Aside from servicing them with drinks, she also serviced them with her body after drinking. She earned a lot and bought her own apartment. But she didn''t stop doing her ''job''.


    Shein was very short with his description yet he provided so many evidences to her.


    There were so many videos of her and Jillyanna didn''t know where to start. In the end, she asked Shein to distribute the videos in different p*rn sites and she posted two videos using her dummy accounts.


    "Before you slander someone, you shouldn''t hook up with my boyfriend first! How does my boyfriend taste? Did you get enough of him, you whore?!" Jillyanna didn''t even know who the man was yet he claimed to be his girlfriend. "If anyone wants to book her, this is the b*tch''s number."


    It didn''t take long before the video went viral and became the feast to every man''s eyes. ''Isn''t this what you like? Then go have all the men look at you? Show them your true colors.'' Jillyanna thought with an evil smile on her face. ''You want to destroy me? Screw you! You won''t be able to do it even after several lifetimes.''


    Lyla received so many calls but they were all unknown numbers, she decided to just ignore them. After an hour, she finally couldn''t take it anymore and answered one of the calls.


    "Yes?" one snappy question came out of her mouth.


    "Is this Lyla?" the man on the other end asked her.


    "Yes speaking."


    "Oh god bro it is her!" The man told someone from the other line.


    "Go ask if she''s available and if she can do 3P." Lyla heard it clearly and her eyes turned wide in shock. She immediately ended the call from fear.


    No one called her personally on her phone without going through the bar''s procedure. In short, they weren''t customer from the bar. "How the hell did they get my number?!"


    When her phone rang again, she was so startled that she threw it on the bed. But when she saw the name on the screen, she picked it up once again.


    "Hey Jigs! How did people get hold of my number?! I got several calls from unknown people asking me crude questions?!" Lyla asked the bar''s manager angrily but the man only scoffed on the other line.


    "Are you really asking me that? If you weren''t an idiot and made sure that there weren''t any cameras around you, no one would see you getting banged by someone. The whole world is now watching you getting orgies, doing 3P and whatever service you offered to these men."


    "W-what...what are you talking about? What do you mean?" she suddenly felt scared and her legs wobbled below her. The man who had been sleeping beside her earlier was awoken from her loud voice a while ago.


    "Why are you being loud?" The man snapped at her but she couldn''t care about anyone anymore. Even though she''s been doing this kind of ''job'', at least no one knew that she was doing it. Now, the moment she''d go out, people would see her and know what kind of person she is.


    To confirm the words of the manager, Lyla opened her computer and searched for her name. She thought that it was only few videos, but when she saw the result, her scalp went numb and her complexion turned pale.


    "My parents...my parents would know..." without bothering about the man who was staring at her, Lyla called her older brother immediately.


    At first call, no one answered. She tried to call again and this time, it went through but she felt so ashamed to even speak.


    "Oh god Lyla! What have you done?! You even made me jerked off with your videos. You''ve grown into a beautiful lady now."


    "Bro...w-what...what are you...what are you doing?" her voice was trembling and she couldn''t help herself but stutter.


    "Doing what exactly is in your mind. Do you want me to keep this a secret to our parents?"


    "Yes bro. Take our parents away and go somewhere that no one knows you. I''ll send the money so you can start over."


    "Oh my sweet sister! Sure. I''ll help you keep it a secret just don''t forget the money, alright?"


    Lyla agreed and sent the money to him and her brother did keep his words and move to a different city with their parents.


    She deleted her social media account and changed her sim card to stop the people from calling her.


    She wasn''t really afraid of going out of her apartment since no one knew of her in the apartment building. Whenever she left for work before, she would always wear a disguise to keep people from identifying who she was. But now, she didn''t even want to take a single step outside her door.


    "So people know what your true nature is now?" The man asked with a cigarette between his fingers. "Since you''re doing it, why not make it a business. You''ll earn and enjoy yourself. Don''t tell me you''re planning to become a good girl after all these sh*ts you''ve done?"


    After thinking about what happened, that''s when she realized how wrong she was. Jillyanna told her once that she won''t let her see the sun in the next morning. And it happens. She didn''t want to open her windows anymore. She didn''t want to step out of her room. She just want to hide herself away from the judgemental gazes of everyone.

 Chapter 360 - THE TRUTH

    If she makes a move against someone, she won''t let that person have a leeway in life. She only wanted to live normally yet they came and barged in, ruining her mood.


    Jillyanna knew that she was being mean against a woman but was it her who told Lyla to become who she is now? Was it her who told her not to study and fail get a failing grades? Was it her who told her to work in a bar? Was it her who told her to service these scumbags? Nope. She didn''t ask her to do all these.


    What happened to her was all due to her own actions. If she didn''t mess up with Jillyanna, she wouldn''t end up this way.


    "I can''t believe that she claimed to be a victim of being publicly shamed."


    "Is Jillyanna was ill-mannered to say those words to her in public, then what do you call her who opened her legs with these different men?"


    "Ahhhhh! I can''t believe I sided with a slut! ????.."


    "Don''t worry, we didn''t know the truth behind it which was why we judged it the wrong way."


    "Next time, whenever it involves Jillyanna, I won''t say a thing."


    "Hahaha ????! I am so happy I fought for my goddess YNA! I will always believe in her."


    "Even if Jillyanna won''t speak, other people will. For example me! I got a video of the whole event last Saturday in city A. However, I got so busy with school and stuff so I forgot. I didn''t know someone would be so low as to make her own version. Now, I''m posting the long video of this fight in city A. Go and watch it."


    It was a fifteen-minute long video and at first, it was still showing the cityscape, the time square and other beautiful places.


    "Huh? Why are you apologizing to me?" It was Jillyanna who looked at Travis with confused face. The person taking the video was few steps away from them so the voice can still be heard.


    "Because I changed the movie that you wanted to watch." Travis answered apologetically.


    "I was really looking forwards to this date but you ruined it!" Jillyanna retorted and you can clearly hear the grievances from her voice.


    "I''m sorry. I only wanted to tease you a little. I''m sorry I didn''t realize I''ve done it overboard."


    Soon many people came to watch so the person taking the video also moved closer. This time, the people caught in the camera were clear and they could see Jillyanna crying in front of a panic-stricken Travis.


    "I''m sorry Jill."


    "I really hate you this time." she was wiping her tears away while glaring at him.


    "I''m really sorry. I know--"


    "Hey RV! It''s really you. I was wondering who was the man dumping a woman again. Still cold as ever, you have never changed." It was Lyla who came in to view with her flirty attitude.


    "Have you asked a doctor to check your ears? Where and when did he dump me? Watch your words."


    "Oh? You''re rather stubborn, aren''t you? If a man dump you, you should stay away and know your place. I''m Lyla, his college classmate."


    Then they saw the woman walked to Travis but Jillyanna pulled Travis immediately and put him behind her.


    "You loose woman! Be careful where you lay your hands. If it''s not yours, keep your hands away! Just because a couple gets into argument doesn''t mean a man needs a mistress. I''m telling you, if I see your face again, I''ll make sure you won''t see the sun in the next morning."


    This whole video showed the beginning of the fight until the very end which made it clear that Jillyanna didn''t act carelessly in public.


    "Oh my gosh! Jillyanna is so silly. Hahaha she really cried because her husband changed the movie."


    "What kind of movie could it be for her to bawl her eyes like that?"


    "Aaahhhh I''m curious as to what Travis changed the movie into. @I_amHerHusband, what did you watch?????"


    "@I_amHerHusband, why did you change the movie? Look at our goddess crying because of what you did."


    "You have to make her smile. @I_amHerHusband, you have to comfort our @goddess_YNA. She just went through a lot."


    "Jillyanna was never wrong. I really like how she said her words."


    "Well, it was true. Look at how Lyla is now."


    "And did you guys forget the part that she said she was a former classmate of @I_amHerHusband? This needs clarification for our goddess!"


    While he was in the study room, Travis kept getting notification of his social media account but he chose to ignore it since he was in the middle of a meeting. If it was Jillyanna who messaged him, even if he''s in a meeting, he will leave the meeting and find her.


    After an hour of online meeting, Travis opened his phone to see what was going on in the social network that made him received so many notification.


    He found the video that was posted earlier and opened it. "I see. Someone cleared her name already." Travis murmured and didn''t finish watching the video since he knew what exactly happened.


    A smile formed on his lips as he type something on his account. "We went on a date and she booked a horror movie. When she fell asleep, I changed it to a romantic movie instead. And your @goddess_YNA cried. ????. P.S. I don''t remember a classmate named Lyla."


    He immediately denied Lyla in public. Jillyanna know who she was already and there''s no need to let the public know of this complicated matter. What''s important is, his wife knows and his wife understands.


    After posting something on his account, Travis went back to their room to see how Jillyanna would react to his post.


    However, what greeted him was her beautiful sleeping face. The laptop was still opened but she was already lying on the bed, sound asleep. Travis picked up the laptop to close it but what he saw made him raised his eyebrow instead.


    He didn''t make any sound and closed the laptop before climbing on the bed to lie down beside her.


    Feeling his warmth, Jillyanna moved closer and snuggled to sleep in his arms.

 Chapter 361 - SELL HER SHARE

    Jillyanna woke up to the sound of papers being flipped open and she saw Travis reading something while cuddling her in his arms.


    "Did I wake you up?" Travis asked as he put down the documents on the bed side drawer.


    "Nope. I woke up on my own." Jillyanna answered him with a smile. "Still working even in our room? Didn''t you go to the study room earlier?"


    "I did but I missed my wife so I came back and found you sleeping."


    "I got tired dealing with your former classmate so I fell asleep." Jillyanna didn''t move in her place at all. Instead, he hugged him tight and kissed his chin. "I didn''t want you to worry so I deal with it already. You''ve got so much on your plate already and I don''t want to add to your worries." Jillyanna added knowing that Travis might''ve seen the news online.


    "My dear wife, if I can''t worry about you then who will? We promised that we''ll deal with everything together, right?"


    "Uh huh. That is why, you deal with the business and I will deal with the other problems." Jillyanna smiled cheerfully at him.


    "I don''t really know what to do with you." Travis murmured while kissing the top of her head. "You postponed your meeting with Atty. Lewis once again. When will you meet the old man?"


    "I will be meeting with him and the board of directors tomorrow morning." she looked up at him with firm and resolute gaze. "I will sell my shares to you."


    "Huh? Why?" Travis was really surprised with her words. That''s her inheritance from her father and she was just going to sell it? Travis couldn''t think of a reason why she would do that.


    Jillyanna stayed silent for a while and left his side to sit on the bed in front of him. "I have decided on it. I can actually transfer all my shares to you but I want to earn a little extra to donate to the orphanage that my parents grew up. Selling it is just a front to transfer it to your name. You have to buy it. You SHOULD buy it."


    "Why do you want to sell it to me? You can actually manage...wait...this...you don''t mean to leave all these with me alone, right?"


    Jillyanna bit her lower lip, shifting her gaze to avoid looking at him. "Let''s be realistic here. I really wanted to manage my father''s business but I have to take consideration of my health. Travis, you know that the operation is a 50-50 chance of survival. I can only prepare for the worst case. And since everything will be inherited by our child in the future anyway, why not just let you handle it. I know I can trust you when it comes to business and I''m pretty sure the company will do even better under your management. In that case if I won''t surv-"


    "Stop." Travis cut her off and took hold of her hands. "Stop talking about you not going to survive the operation. Jill, don''t leave me please. I''m begging you. Please survive for me and for our baby."


    Jillyanna suddenly felt guilty seeing him so devastated with just the thought of her being gone for good. She smiled at him and caressed his right cheek. "I will do my best. For you and for our baby. But you still have to buy my share. If I would really survive, I don''t want to stress myself with business issues."


    "Hn. I will buy it. How much will it cost?" Travis immediately agreed with her condition. Even if she didn''t say it, he would want to manage the business for her but he didn''t plan on buying her shares. Now that she insisted him to do so, then he might as well just do it for her.


    "Let''s talk to Atty. Lewis about that tomorrow." Jillyanna waved her hand in dismissal and changed the topic. "I''m hungry. Did anyone cook food already?"


    "Hn. Savannah and Hawk are currently cooking our dinner."


    "I see. I''ll go out for a while." She didn''t even wait for him ro response as she opened the door and left to find Winter.


    When she opened her room, she didn''t see her inside, not even inside the bathroom. She went out and closed the door behind her before going down to the kitchen.


    "Savy, have you seen Winter?" Jillyanna asked Savannah who was washing some vegetables.


    "She should be in Gabriel''s room." Winter informed her making Jillyanna create an "Oh" sound.


    "Alright. I won''t disturb them, then. Do you need help here? Can I help?" Jillyanna leaned closer to what Hawk was making that smelled so good.


    Her stomach grumbled which made Savannah and Hawk laughed at her. "Come over and sit here. I''ll make you a sandwich." Savannah told her while getting a bread and some other things inside the refrigerator.


    "Thanks Savy." Jillyanna sat on the bar stool and watched the the couple do their work in front of her. "By the way, this is just a random question. Since Calhoun didn''t give you a mission, why don''t you take this time to go home instead?"


    Hmmm, I don''t have a family anymore. Schniezel and his family brought me in. However, we are not allowed to come back until...we..we bring them. a good news." Savannah answered with a little hesitation at the end of her statement.


    "Good news? Like? Getting married or have a baby?" She inquired in a surprise tone. She didn''t expect it to be the case but Savannah nodded her head and she was blushing from head to toe.


    Jillyanna smiled and looked at Savannah. "When you guys want to get married, let me know so I can help as well."


    "We''re still thinking about it." Savannah murmured sadly.


    On the other hand, Hawk didn''t really mind their conversation. He didn''t butt in or expressed his opinion on this topic so Savannah felt a little dejected.


    Jillyanna wanted to scold Hawk for disregarding this matter but she wasn''t in the position to do so. However, she was indeed planning to talk to him to know if he was really serious about Savannah.


    If she finds out that he was just playing with her, she will really beat him to death.

 Chapter 362 - THE NEW PRESIDENT

    Because of Jillyanna''s appointment with Atty. Lewis, Savannah cleared Travis'' schedule so that she can accompany his wife.


    Since she was five years old, it was her first time to set foot in the company that her father founded.


    "Oh my gosh! Is Jillyanna our President''s daughter? I''ve seen her once but she was very young back then." one of the middle aged women whispered to her colleagues.


    "I guess so. It was announced that the new President will come today and Atty. Lewis even meet with her personally." responded one of the employees.


    "Would it fine? Won''t the directors disapprove of her? After all, she never once visited this place in these past years."


    "Who knows?" shrugged one of the employees. "As long as I get my pay, I don''t care who''s going to own the President''s seat."


    "You are right."


    Jillyanna walked with Travis beside her while Savannah and Hawk were following behind them.


    "It''s a rather big company." Travis murmured next to her ears which made Jillyanna smile proudly.


    Atty. Lewis led them to the top floor where the board of directors were waiting for them. "Please come in." Atty. Lewis opened the office door and gestured them to get inside.


    "Good morning." Jillyanna greeted them politely since they could be considered her seniors.


    "Good morning Madam President." they greeted her back which put her in an awkward position. She didn''t want to become their president at all.


    "I..uh..regarding the presidential matter. I am here to clarify this." Jillyanna took a seat and faced them bravely. "I will be selling my share to my husband and let him manage the company."


    For a moment, the room sank into a deafening silence before a middle aged woman asked her a question.


    "Darling dear, why are you selling away your father''s company? Isn''t it to harsh to your late father?" the woman asked politely but her words were indeed something that Jillyanna had been thinking for a long time.


    "I am not being harsh in selling the company. In fact, I am being extra careful. If you have heard of me before, I am a child with CHD. Any moment, I''d be gone and I want someone who will manage the company for me. Currently, I am five months old pregnant and in the future, my child would also inherit this company. So, why not have my husband take care of this business matter for me? I don''t want to stress myself and I don''t want the company to suffer either. So selling my shares to him would be the best choice."


    Someone raised his hand and asked Jillyanna the same question that Travis asked her. "Why don''t you just transfer the share to your husband''s name?"


    "I need money to give to the orphanage where my parents grew up."


    "After giving this money, will stop supporting the orphanage?" someone asked again from the directors.


    "Nope. Before coming here, I asked Atty. Lewis to make a draft for me. Since I have fifty-eight percent of the shares, the excess of three percent will be given to the orphanage. My husband will take care of that. And the next generation will do the same."


    "Aren''t you being hard to your future generation of heir and heiress?"


    "Nope. It''s just right that they learn to share what they have." Jillyanna answered positively. "There''s no need to be selfish. You can''t bring your money when you die so might as well share it when you can and help those that are in need."


    "You are just like your father." the middle-age woman spoke again. "I am Linda Miran, the Vice-President."


    "Oh..are you the same professor Linda who bought my father''s first shoes?" Jillyanna asked the woman happily.


    "Yes. That''s me. Looking at you makes me remember my kind and industrious student. Your father was awfully kind that I''d have to remind him how to do his business in order to make profit. In the end, he made the Vice-President."


    "Thank you so much for taking care of my father." Jillyanna mumbled at the woman before she turned to face everyone. "So here today, I am introducing to you the new President, Travis Madrigal."


    Everyone gave him a round of applause and Travis made a deep bow in front of them. "This company is very important to Jillyanna and I am thankful that you keep the company intact all these years. I''d like to thank Atty. Lewis for finding my wife and for letting her know of her father''s information. I will do my best in managing this company and not let down everyone."


    "We trust your words Mr. Madrigal. How else can you build your own J Entertainment and manage a big Venus Plaza if not with your intelligence? We know that you will help us do better." Atty. Lewis spoke with utmost respect for the younger man.


    Everyone felt the same towards him. He''s young yet he was able to build her own J Entertainment, manage the Venus Plaza and the hacienda that his mother left. He was really remarkable so they didn''t question Jillyanna''s decision anymore.


    After that meeting, Travis and Jillyanna went inside Anton''s office to sign the sell of share of agreement with Atty. Lewis supervising them.


    Savannah was asked by Vice-President Linda to stay behind so that they can discuss their welcoming party for the new president. Savannah must be there since she knew all the upcoming schedule of Travis.


    "When will you visit the orphanage?" Atty. Lewis asked them after signing the contract.


    "We''ll visit them this afternoon so that we can send the money over as well." Jillyanna answered him.


    "I see. That''s good to know. But don''t tire yourself so much. Dr. Sweden told me that you need to be in good condition for the operation in the future." Atty. Lewis stated.


    "Thank you Atty. I will always take care of myself. Plus my husband always take care of me so I don''t really have a problem." Jillyanna didn''t forget in brown nosing her husband who was sitting beside her.


    Travis could only chuckle at her statement and smile at Atty. Lewis.

 Chapter 363 - COLLAPSED

    As part of their plan, Travis, Jillyanna, Hawk and Savannah went to the orphanage led by Atty. Lewis.


    During the past years, it was Atty. Lewis who kept on checking with the orphanage''s matters and dealt with it.


    "Sister Ani is the current head of the orphanage but she''s rather old now and is very frail so she doesn''t go out that much." Atty. Lewis informed them.


    "Didn''t they find someone younger to help the head in managing the orphanage?" Savannah asked while looking around at the place. It was actually a walking distance from Xavier''s Shoe Company and Factory.


    The orphanage had a high fence that helped block anyone from intruding and to protect the children as well from the passing vehicles.


    When they arrived at the gate, a guard came to open the gate for them to get inside. "Good afternoon Atty. Lewis. Good afternoon everyone." the guard greeted them before closing the gate behind them.


    "Good afternoon." Jillyanna and Savannah greeted him back while the men just nodded their heads.


    Kids were playing around at the front yard, some were reading books, some were eating, some were planting and some were just sitting, watching everyone play.


    There were nuns and social workers around to facilitate the children as well so they didn''t have to worry that much.


    "I can see that the orphanage is doing well." Jillyanna spoke while looking at the big house in front of them.


    "Thanks to your father, these children are having a good time now. Even though they were abandoned before, at least here, they were all taken care of." Atty. Lewis responded to her as they walked inside the huge house.


    Compared to the outside, the indoor was very quiet and you can see few children loitering around.


    "Why is it so quiet here?" Savanna inquired.


    "Some children are having class so no one''s allowed to make some noise inside the hall. Let me show you.." Atty. Lewis turned left on the next corridor and showed them a room full of children. "This is the classroom for those who are learning the basics. If you pass the exam after three months, you will move to the next classroom where you will study for another four months and take the exam after. Once you pass that, the orphanage will enroll you to take a placement class and go to regular school like what your father did."


    "How about the kids outside?" Travis asked before closing the door so that they won''t disturb the students.


    "The children outside had their class in the morning. They learn how to read, count and write. They will also have an exam after five months before they can join the class we visited earlier." Atty. Lewis gave them a tour of the large house instead. "We have a library here. We have the huge garden that your parents loved the most. We have a clinic with basic medical supplies. We have a music and art room. Like there are several things that kids can do here."


    "Don''t the children get the chance to be adopted after quite sometime?" Hawk asked for the first time since they arrived.


    "After what happened to Jillyanna''s mother, sister Ani became strict when it comes to adoption. She has many requirements that foster parents should abide before they can adopt a child." Atty. Lewis responded. "She''d rather have them stay here than be abused by their family. And children don''t mind staying here. Some would even cry when they get adopted because they don''t want to leave this place."


    Jillyanna totally understand how a child would feel. After all, she had been passed around by her relatives when they couldn''t get a penny out of her. The people who sincerely took care of her were even strangers.


    As they toured around the house, Jillyanna paused and looked around with a sad expression. "Has this house always been like this?" she asked not sure if she wanted to know another thing regarding her parents.


    "Hn. It''s renovated to make the space bigger but the design remained the same. Oh? Did you notice?" Atty. Lewis looked at her sadly. "In hope for your mother to remember her past, your father built your house with the exact replica of the orphanage."


    Savannah, Hawk and Travis looked at Jillyanna with same sad expression. They didn''t know what to say to her. Travis could only pull her close and comfort her with a hug.


    "It''s alright. Your parents must have met already in heaven. Don''t be sad anymore. You have to take care of your heart."


    "I just can''t help it. My father did so much for my mother but she never once remembered him."


    "Didn''t your mother love the present him at that time. She didn''t dwell on her past and still loved your father."


    Somehow, Travis had a point. Yes, her mother didn''t remember her past or the promise that she once have with her father but she truly loved her father during their years of marriage. She waited for him. Even when she died, she was clutching on to the necklace that her father gave.


    "What is this depressing atmosphere?" an old and gruff voice asked them from the other end of the corridor on the second floor.


    An old lady with silver hair and long ash-gray gown came to them. She has a necklace with a cross pendant and when she saw Jillyanna her eyes went wide open.


    "Oh Liza! You''re here! Anton would be very happy to see you? How are you?" the old lady looked at her from head to toe while holding her hands. "You''ve grown. Did you see Anton? Oh Where''s Anton? Anton?! Anton?!" she started calling for her father which made Jillyanna become sad even more.


    But before Jillyanna could react, Atty. Lewis came between them. "Anton left to make shoes for Liza, remember Sister Ani? He''ll be home tomorrow."


    Atty. Lewis talked softly to the old woman while waiting for the nurse to come and get the head nun.


    "I''m sorry for causing you trouble Atty. Lewis." the nurse came and gook the old lady from him. "Come here Sister Ani. Sir Anton and Miss Elizabeth will be home tomorrow." the young nurse urged Sister Elizabeth and brought her back to her room.


    "That''s sister Ani?" Savannah asked who snapped out first from being surprise.


    "Hn. A year ago, she started looking for Anton and Elizabeth. So I had her checked and found out that she has schizophrenia. Instead of putting her in a mental hospital, I just hired a nurse for her and let her stay where she''s comfortable at." Atty. Lewis answered Savannah''s question. "And she might have really thought of you as your mother. Elizabeth and Anton were her favorite kids for being kind and respectful. Losing them must have been very difficult for her."


    "Poor lady." Savannah murmured before letting out a deep sigh.


    Knowing all these, plus the truth about her parents'' past, Jillyanna felt a twinge of pain on her chest and before she could tell Travis, she collapsed on the spot.


    Travis was horrified and shocked to see her faint. "Jill, please hang in there. Jill please." He murmured next to her ear while he carried her down the stairs.


    "Send her to the clinic first. I''ll call the attending doctor to perform basic aid for CHD." Atty. Lewis guided them back to where the clinic was while calling the doctor.


    Good thing that the doctor was actually in the clinic and not on the second floor. Travis laid Jillyanna on the bed and the doctor attached the necessary equipments to her. He performed basic CPR and checked her pulse.


    "Call the nurse upstairs to press the oxygen for me." the doctor ordered and urgency was evident on his voice.


    "I can do that while waiting for the nurse." Travis volunteered since he had done it several times in the past for his father.


    The doctor handed him the oxygen pump and taught him what to do while he did the CPR. When the nurse came, Travis continued to do his task without giving a glance to the nurse. They did it for over three minutes and Travis was covered with cold sweat on his back before Jillyanna began to breath normally.


    Her vital signs were back to normal and they all breathed a sigh of relief. ''That was scary! God! It was scary.'' Travis thought to himself while he wiped the sweat off of his forehead before looking at his pale wife on the bed.

 Chapter 364 - SHE MISSED AN IMPORTANT PART

    When Jillyanna woke up, Travis was sitting on a chair beside her bed. She looked around and found herself in a familiar clinic that they just toured a while ago.


    "Did..d-did I just collapsed?!" she asked Travis in surprise and seeing the concern and worry on his face confirmed her guess.


    "From now on, everything will be handled by me. You are not allowed to deal with any affairs if it is not concerning your health. You will have to take a rest until you give birth." Travis stated in a calm yet determined manner. He would never let it happen again. He never liked the idea of seeing her collapse in the blink of an eye.


    "Don''t give me an ultimatum. I am perfectly fine." Jillyanna refuted knowing that she wouldn''t be able to endure staying at home and doing nothing. "I''m sorry for making you worry."


    Travis looked at her, his eyes restless and he couldn''t seem to get her pale face out of his mind. "Jill, please let me take care of you. You don''t know how scary it was for me when you suddenly collapsed. I thought you''d leave me for sure."


    Jillyanna put her index finger on his lips to stop him from talking. "I know how you feel. Didn''t it happen to you not long ago? Didn''t you lie in bed for a whole month? I know it''s scary but I''d be bored to death if I won''t do anything."


    Indeed, Jillyanna was right. It was just few months back that he was bed-ridden with no assurance of making it back to the present. She must have been scared at that time.


    Since he couldn''t refute what she just said, Travis thought of other things that would make Jillyanna stay at home and rest herself.


    "Let''s go home first. Hawk drove the car in front of the orphanage and is waiting for us." He helped Jillyanna stand on her feet and held her shoulder and waist to keep her steady. "Are you feeling dizzy?"


    "No. I am fine now." Jillyanna assured him and smile. When she saw Travis still frowning, she stopped walking and looked at him. "I am really fine. Stop frowning already."


    "I just can''t help it." Travis sighed and without letting her know what he was about to do, he bent over and placed his one hand behind her knees and the other on her back. He carried her off to the car outside, awaiting them.


    Jillyanna just wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled her face on his chest. His warmth and masculine scent were really comforting her.


    Travis was about to put her down on the back seat when she tightened her hold on him. "Oh? My dear wife is actually being sweet today. You don''t want me to put you down?" Jillyanna shook her head faintly making Travis chuckled this time.


    He carefully went inside the car with Jillyanna still in his arms.


    "Wow! That big brother carried the big sister. He is very strong." one of the kids who were playing outside saw them and exclaimed.


    "The big sister was not feeling well that is why the big brother carried her." the young social worker explained to the child who was still looking at the car.


    "If my brothers and sisters get sick, I will also carry them. I''m super extra very strong." the young child stated and was even showing his tender arms.


    The social worker just smiled and rubbed the boy''s small head.


    On the other hand, Atty. Lewis was gave Travis few reminders before he would officially take over the company on Monday. After talking for a few minutes, he watched the car go with a relieved heart. He could finally relax his brain and heart knowing that the company was now in good hands.


    Inside the car, Jillyanna didn''t mind Savannah and Hawk at all as she was still snuggling in her husband''s warm arms.


    "Now that I think about it clearly, I agree to taking a rest." Jillyanna murmured in his arms while looking up at him.


    Travis was gently caressing her hair and tucking in those that came to her face behind her ear. "But? I can sense that there is a ''but'' after your statement."


    "But I''ll go back home to our house."


    "What about Winter?"


    "She''s having a good start with Gabriel now. If she''s willing to come with me, I''ll bring her home. If she wanted to stay, then Gabriel will be the one to take care of him."


    "Alright. As long as you take a rest and stay at home, I don''t really mind. I don''t want you to accompany me to the office. It''s stressful to see so much work on my desk and I know you would want to help me. So just be good this time and stay at home, okay?"


    Even if she didn''t want to, Jillyanna still nodded her head and agreed to his condition. "I have something to give you. I always forget it so please remind me once we get home." she whispered which was enough for him to hear.


    "What could it be? I''m quite excited." Travis murmured under his breath before kissing her eyes, her eyebrows and her nose.


    Jillyanna giggled and covered his mouth with her hand. "It tickles."


    "Really? I don''t think so." Travis retorted as Jillyanna sat up straight on his lap.


    "It does. Let me do it to you in return." Jillyanna held his face and stared directly into his eyes. "Thank you for taking care of me." she states before kissing his right eye. "Thank you for taking care of the people who are important to me." she added before kissing his left eye. "Thank you for taking over my father''s company." this corresponds to a kiss on his right eyebrow. "Thank you for understanding me." she kissed his left eyebrow as she said these words. "Thank you for always being there for me." she kissed the tip of his nose as she mentioned this to him with utmost sincerity and gratitude. "I love you Travis." she kissed his forehead before smiling happily at him. "I will always stay with you until death do us part." she kissed her favorite spot which was his chin.


    Travis raised his eyebrow but Jillyanna was just blinking her eyes at him. "Didn''t you miss another part? Where''s my kiss on the lips?"


    Jillyanna scratched her face awkwardly and grinned at him. "I ran out of words to say."


    "Then why did you kiss my chin instead of my lips?" Travis sulked while holding her steady on her waist.


    "Because I like kissing your chin and your jaw. Beside, I''m afraid that you wouldn''t stop if I start kissing you. So, I might as well just behave myself and avoid your lips."


    Travis really didn''t know whether to laugh or cry at her silly response. In the end, he just stole a light kiss on her lips.

 Chapter 365 - HER GIFT

    Hawk focused himself in driving while Savannah looked outside the window. They were the poor souls that weren''t spared with this lovey-dovey couple.


    They were so sweet that Savannah was afraid they would be drowned from an onslaught of the ants.


    Not long after, they all came home and Jillyanna went to find Winter immediately. She was going to tell her about her plans.


    Checking in her room, she found her missing again so she went to Gabriel''s room instead.


    ''Knock! Knock! Knock!''


    "Come in." came Gabriel''s voice in response to her knocking.


    Jillyanna opened the door and found Winter sitting in front of Gabriel. "Did I disturb you two?"


    "Not at all." Gabriel waved his hand in front of him. "We were just practicing how to read lips movements so that Winter can understand what others are talking about."


    "Oh! That''s great. That would be very helpful. I don''t have to worry about her then."


    "What do you mean?" Gabriel asked Jillyanna while Winter just looked at them with her confused face and blinking eyes.


    Jillyanna sat on the bed space beside Winter and typed something on her phone while she spoke. "I''m going back home tomorrow due to some personal matter. I was thinking of bringing Winter with so that she''ll have someone to accompany her."


    She looked at Winter and showed the words she typed to her. Winter looked at Jillyanna before looking at the phone and shifted her gaze to Gabriel.


    "I am fine here. Beside, Travis wouldn''t want you to be stressed given that you are pregnant and your heart is fragile. In any case, Gabriel is helping me so I don''t mind staying here." Winter stated with a smile. "Take care of yourself and my nephew, okay? Don''t think about the negative things."


    Jillyanna was also relieved to see her friend doing fine so she just nodded her head. "In that case, I''m leaving her to your care Gabriel. This is your best chance to get back with her. Grab this opportunity and don''t let it go."


    Even though Jillyanna was younger than them, she was always sensible when it comes to this matter. She always practical and realistic, too.


    After talking for a few more minutes, Jillyanna went back to their room and found Travis sitting on the couch with a magazine in his hand.


    "Were you able to talk to her?" Travis asked as he put down the magazine under the coffee table.


    "Yes. Winter is currently learning how to read lips with Gabriel and she wanted to stay here which was good. In that way, they''d have more time together."


    "Right...so...what did you want to give me?" He didn''t forget to remind her at all.


    Jillyanna opened the wardrobe and looked for a box that she placed on the lower cabinet together with the belts.


    "This is for you." Jillyanna handed him a blue-gift-wrapped box which was quite light despite its big size.


    "Thanks." Travis kissed her forehead and opened the box to see what was inside it. What he uncovered was actually a knitted sweater and a knitted turtleneck jacket. "Wow! It''s soft and warm. Where did you buy this?"


    Travis checked the turtleneck jacket and he even tried it out in front of her. It fits really well and the color really matches his temperament.


    "You like it?" Jillyanna asked him while looking at him check the things she gave him.


    "I love it. Thanks Jill. I will always treasure the things you give me."


    "I''m glad it turned out good and you like it."


    "So you really made this for me? Those crochet materials I found in your small room at home, it was really yours?" Travis inquired and his cheerful and surprised voice made Jillyanna smile proudly to herself.


    "My father taught me how to do crochet. And when you were hospitalized, I was able to finish these items. I was even worried that you''d never wake up and I wouldn''t get the chance to give this to you."


    Travis walked towards her and gave her a warm hug. "I''m glad I woke up and received this from you. Thank you so much."


    "You''re welcome." Jillyanna hugged him back and leaned the side of her face on his chest. ''If only I can do this with you forever.'' Jillyanna thought to herself without letting Travis know what was really going on in her mind.


    Even though she wanted to survive, she couldn''t erase the fact that her heart was failing her every single day that passed. She could the painful prick in her chest but she would always endure it.


    If she would tell him, Travis would worry and she didn''t want that. Four months to go and she can finally gave birth. That''s all she needed. She just need to endure for another four months before getting an operation. And the operation would be a 50-50 chance of survival. She didn''t want to build so much hope for him and shatter it herself when the time finally comes.


    "Why are you being quiet? It''s scaring me." Travis mumbled softly as he leaned his head on her shoulder. He hugged her even tighter and caressed her back. "Don''t think about anything. Just make sure to take a rest and eat healthy food always. I will take care of any problem for you."


    Jillyanna nodded her head in silence. After a few minutes, she pushed him a little and break off from his hug. "It''s almost Christmas. Can you allow me to go shopping for the kids at the orphanage instead? I will have to buy things for our house, too."


    "Let''s do that next week." Travis promised. "I know you''ll get bored doing nothing so I''ll think of some things that you can do without stressing yourself a lot."


    "But you will be working in the office while I''m at home, right?"


    "Yes. I''ll be at the office but I will come home during lunch to eat with you."


    "Really?" Jillyanna asked happily knowing that she''d be able to eat three meals a day with him.


    Nothing can compare to the happiness of sharing your food with the person you love.

 Chapter 366 - IT HURTS

    Later that night, when they had their dinner, Jillyanna informed everyone that they''d be going home to take a rest.


    The news saddened Thomas because he wouldn''t hear the laughters of his son and daughter-in-law for the time being. At the same time, he fully understood why she had to go back home so he didn''t stop them from leaving.


    Since they''d be visiting him in the hacienda from time to time, Jillyanna and Travis didn''t pack their clothes back. They just left it in the wardrobe for future use.


    Early in the morning, just when the sun greeted them, silently taking in the morning dew, Jillyanna woke up first and found herself lying on Travis'' arms once again.


    She just watched him silently, hugging him close and leaned her head on his chest. The freaking pain in her chest made her frown and she silently endure it while taking a deep breath to calm herself.


    She learned not to panic when it comes to this issue since the more she panic the more she ran out of oxygen. The ticking of the clock was so slow and she closed her eyes and slowly released her shaking breath.


    Feeling that the pain had subsided, Jillyanna opened her eyes again and looked up to see Travis staring at her.


    "Did I wake you up?" she asked him and tried to smile but Travis only frowned looked at her coldly even more. "What''s wrong?"


    Instead of answering her, Travis threw her a question as well. "How long will you endure it in silence? When were you planning to tell me that it''s getting worse? Do you just really want me to watch you faint, collapse or even die?!"


    Jillyanna bit her lips and looked down to avoid seeing his fiery glares. "It wasn''t really that painful. Just a tiny prick of pain." Jillyanna tried to reason out with him.


    "It''s not painful? Do you even know how pale you are? And don''t forget you''re lying in my arms. I can feel the scold sweat on your back. Your forehead is covered with sweat as well." When Jillyanna tried to open her mouth again, Travis cut her off before she can say anything. "Don''t even try to reason that it''s hot because the AC is giving me chills." Though he exaggerated it, it was indeed true that the room temperature was cold and it wouldn''t cause you to sweat.


    Jillyanna wanted to open her mouth to say something but she closed it again. With her mouth going open and closed, she was like a fish that was looking for food.


    Frustrated that she couldn''t find anything to refute, she pulled herself up and sat up on their bed. "Fine. It hurts. It''s f*cking painful! But what can you do about this?! What else can I do aside from enduring the pain? Do you want me to take the medication and get my child affected? Do you want me to get abortion so I can go for the surgery? Tell me." Her tears fell on her face and she wiped it abruptly. "I don''t have any other choice but to endure this pain if I want to keep our baby safe. So please, just let me swallow this pain. Stop worrying about me."


    Travis pulled her back and hugged her beside him. "Jill, I just can''t really help it. Seeing you in pain, watching you faint, looking at your pale face and feeling your cold sweat, these things are making me feel useless. Sometimes, I tend to question myself as to what I can do to ease your pain. Sometimes, I''ll ask of what is my purpose in meeting you again. Can you understand how I feel? I feel so useless beside you."


    Jillyanna stayed silent for quite a while. Her warm tears fell on his arms so he wiped it off with his thumb. "You are not useless. In fact, you help me so much that all I need to worry is myself. You should never feel that way." Jillyanna whispered to him in between hiccups.


    "Stop crying. We''ll get through this. If it''s really really painful, you must tell me so that we can have you checked in the hospital. I won''t let anything to happen to you and our baby."


    "But you have to keep your promise, okay?" Jillyanna reached out her hand and gently touched his face. "If worse comes to worst, you will be choosing the baby over me."


    Travis closed his eyes over this thought once again before he faintly nodded his head in agreement.


    "Let''s get up. We''ll have to leave after breakfast." Jillyanna wiped her tears and pushed herself up again.


    Travis did the same thing, stretched for a few times before entering the bathroom to prepare her warm bath in the tub.


    Jillyanna stood up in front of her vanity mirror and looked at her baby bump, warmth spreading in her heart and eyes.


    She walked to the wardrobe right after appreciating her growing baby and chose their clothes for that day.


    While they were preparing to come home, Valkyrie, Brown, Savannah and Hawk received a new mission this time.


    They will have to check on a motor parts warehouse in city D which people believed to be a drug den.


    Since the warehouse was built, drug users in city D increased and people claimed that the owner of the warehouse never let anyone make delivery during day time.


    All deliveries will always happen in the middle of the night and boxes of different parts will be hauled out of the cargo or big trucks. However, people never see anyone bought any motor parts from them yet their business were getting bigger.


    Savannah deleted the message that Calhoun sent her and walked to Hawk. "We''ll have to inform Travis ahead of time so that he can make adjustments."


    "Let''s talk to him when we get back home." Hawk responded as he packed some of their personal equipments.

 Chapter 367 - ELIS VISIT

    In the blink of an eye, a month had passed and Jillyanna had been coming in and out of the hospital like how she used to when she was still a child.


    Travis decided to do all his work at home and just leave the house for important meetings. The welcoming party that was supposedly held for him by the Xavier''s was also postponed due to Jillyanna''s condition.


    Her child was now six months old and as the time went by, her heart was getting more frail. Even Dr. Eliezer Rivera who hadn''t showed up, paid her a visit.


    "Looking at you in this situation brings back old memories." Eli murmured while peeling an apple for her. He was sitting on a chair beside her hospital bed, still wearing his lab gown. "Will you be discharged soon? How many times have you been sent here? I thought you are resting at home?"


    "I was. I didn''t do any strenuous works. Travis didn''t make me do house chores or anything. I just make myself busy by knitting some mittens and socks for my baby. You know how bored I was? It really sucks doing nothing."


    "It doesn''t matter if it sucks. What matter is that you are alive. Think about your husband if you will be gone. He had been waiting for you all his life, searching for you and now that he found you, you will just leave him? How about your baby? Do you know that a mother''s love is a huge impact to a growing child?" Eli laid in front of her the facts that she had been trying to push at the back of her mind.


    "Thanks for being blunt Eli."


    "Hey! Is that even a compliment?!" Eliezer exclaimed but he still handed her the apple that he just peeled and sliced.


    "You need to get well soon. Your wedding had been pushed off again. When will I see you in a wedding gown?"


    "Instead of worrying about me Dr. Rivera, why don''t you find yourself a girlfriend? Even if my wedding was being pushed off, at least I have registered my marriage with the person I love. How about you? When will I see your girlfriend?"


    ''You really know how to rub my sore spot.'' Eli thought and sighed before standing up. "If you want to see my girlfriend, get well soon. I''ll introduce her to you when you''re doing better."


    Jillyanna chuckled as she chewed on the apple she got from him. "As if you have a girlfriend. You don''t even know how to court a woman. Hahaha, if you won''t make a move, she will be snatched away from you."


    "She was snatched away already." Eli murmured.


    "What did you say?"


    "It''s nothing." Eli smiled and waved his hand at her. "I''ll get back to work now. Be good and listen to your husband."


    "Thanks Eli. Come and visit me at home when you have time." Jillyanna called out to him as the man, whom she treated as a family, left her hospital room.


    Travis was just listening to their conversation outside her room and when Eli came out, he just nodded at him.


    "Take care of her." Eli whispered and gave Travis a gentle pat on his shoulder before walking away.


    When the door slid open again, Jillyanna looked up and saw Travis walking to her. "How did you know Dr. Rivera?" Travis asked her even though he knew how. He just wanted to hear the words directly from her.


    Jillyanna bit on the last slice of apple before answering him. "Eli''s father is a close junior doctor to my mom. When I was young, going in and out of the hospital, Eli would always visit his father and would drop by my room to see me as well. We just became friends as the time went by. When I was taken by my relatives, they wanted to take me back but Eli''s mother didn''t like the idea of raising someone else''s child. When they heard that Cielo''s parents were looking for me, they helped them with the custody process. Thus, we still keep in touch with each other. Eli became a physician and became our family doctor. Well...are..are you, by any chance, are you jealous of him?" Jillyanna asked hesitantly after telling him the short story.


    Travis faintly nodded his head. "I was really jealous of him at first. Now, I just feel respect."


    "Will I be discharged tomorrow?" Jillyanna changed the topic since she was so excited to go home. In just one month, she had been admitted to the hospital for five times already and she hated it.


    Travis looked away and stared at the blue sky that can be seen outside her room''s window. "Jill, I don''t want you to be discharged."


    Jillyanna didn''t get angry or upset. There must be a reason why. She stayed silent and waited for him to continue speaking.


    "In this one month, you''ve fainted several times even though you weren''t doing anything stressful. It only shows how fragile your constitution is. If I take you home, there''s a chance of you having a relapse. Instead of going back and forth between the hospital and our house, I''ve decided to let you stay here."


    Jillyanna looked down on her hands and found that the tip of her fingers were turning purplish in color, which means to say that her body was lacking oxygen.


    "If you think that it''s the right choice, then I''ll go with it. Three months will pass in just a blink of an eye." Jillyanna agreed but her voice still sounded sad and regretful.


    "You are not angry with me for making this decision without consulting you?"


    "If I get angry, will you change your mind?"


    "Nope."


    "So there''s no point in getting angry." Jillyanna chuckled and reached out her hands to lightly pinch his cheeks. "I understand why you are doing this, so don''t be sad."


    Travis pulled her close and hugged her gently. "We will get through this. I know we''ll get through this together."


    Jillyanna didn''t say anything but she hugged him back tightly.


    For her, no one can say anything about the future. Even if she believe they would, it was never an assurance. ''Lord, please let me live a little longer with him.'' she silently prayed, hoping it will be answered.

 Chapter 368 - SILENT PRAYER

    During dinner, Riley who came back from work to prepare for her movie conference, visited Jillyanna with Shein. They brought food for her and Travis who kept her company all this time.


    "How are you doing?" Riley asked her while placing the food on the table. Travis made sure that they''d get a spacious room for her since they would be practically living in the hospital for the next three months and probably after giving birth as well.


    Jillyanna, as honest as ever, told Riley how bored she was. "Next time, when you come and visit me, bring me my two succulent plants that I placed on the window sill in the study room. I need something to get rid of my boredom."


    "Alright. We''ll bring it next time." Riley answered with a smile. "Anything else you want us to bring?"


    "My laptop and my phone." Jillyanna whispered to Riley but Travis still heard what she said.


    "No laptop or phone for you honey." Travis mentioned as he wrap up his work. "We talked about this already."


    "Fine. Fine." Jillyanna waved her hand and gestured him to come over. "Let''s eat already. I still have to drink my vitamins after this."


    Shein didn''t talk much but he arranged all the files that Travis left on his table. Since Savannah and the other three men left for a mission, he acted as his temporary secretary. The original secretary that Travis had was now working to manage the new hires and still got the same amount of high pay from when she worked as the President''s secretary.


    Jillyanna scooped a crab soup and put it on his bowl before scooping another for herself. "Can you buy me a sketch pad and coloring materials tomorrow. I really need something to get rid of my boredom."


    "Okay."


    "Can you buy me a set of and embroidery materials too?"


    "Okay."


    "Can I go shopping?"


    "No."


    "Tsk! I still have to buy the things for the kids at the orphanage." Jillyanna complained before shoving a mouthful of rice in her mouth.


    "Let''s buy it next week if the doctor says you''re doing better." Travis mentioned while getting another side dish for her. "So you better behave and rest."


    "Aye Aye Captain." Jillyanna made a salute at him and grinned.


    Having simple meal, talking to him and laughing together with him made her felt so happy. She wouldn''t ask for more but to at least stay longer with him like this.


    Shein and Riley sat on the couch while watching them eat. "Don''t you think sister looked rather pale compared to when we visited her yesterday?" Riley asked Shein in a whispered.


    "Don''t let her know you are worrying for her because it will upset her. She didn''t want to bother anyone." Shein responded to his girlfriend while playing on his mobile phone.


    "Is there even anything we can do to help her?" Riley whispered again in worry.


    "You have to do your best in your work. Show her that she made the right choice of helping us. That''s what you can do for her." Shein replied.


    They remained seated on the couch without bothering Jillyanna and Travis in their dinner. Before they left home, they ate supper first so that they won''t be disturbing the love birds.


    After a while, Jillyanna turned to Riley and asked about her work. "When will you have your press conference?"


    "Three days from now. It will be held in the ballroom hall of J Entertainment at ten in the morning." Riley answered with a smile. "Will you watch me?"


    "How long will it take?" Jillyanna asked her and perhaps she can borrow the laptop that Travis was using.


    "It will take about 2 hours." Riley responded. If you can''t watch it, it is fine. You don''t have to stress yourself over that matter."


    Jillyanna nodded her head and shifted her gaze to Travis. "Can I borrow your laptop for 2 hours on that day?"


    "Sure."


    "Really?"


    "Yes. I promised and just for two hours."


    Jillyanna beamed happily at him. As much as possible she wanted to see Riley become successful in what she does. She wanted to see her achieve the goals that she set for herself. She wanted to see her become famous in the entertainment industry.


    "What are you thinking? Eat your food. It''s getting cold." Travis flicked her forehead to bring her back to reality.


    Jillyanna pouted her lips. "Come closer for a sec." Jillyanna beckoned him with her index finger.


    Travis didn''t know what she had in mind but he still leaned closer. Jillyanna covered his eyes with her hand and gave him a gentle peck on his lips. "Love you."


    Travis stiffened and took hold of her hand and removed it away from his face. "What''s with the sudden sweetness?"


    "Hehe nothing. I just want to give you a reward. That''s all for now since we can''t do anything extreme." Jillyanna teased him knowing that he had been enduring for this whole month and was taking care of himself using his hands.


    Travis reached his hand and messily rubbed her hair. "Don''t tease me. My poor heart and body has been suffering already."


    Jillyanna chuckled and continued to eat her food.


    After eating, Shein and Riley took the empty food containers and walked out.


    "Jackie will be the one to visit you tomorrow." Riley reminded Jillyanna before sliding the door shut behind them. "I wish and pray that Jillyanna can give birth soon and get herself an operation. I really hate seeing her like this."


    "I know what you mean. Let''s just pray that she''ll get better." Shein responded in an attempt to comfort his girlfriend.


    Inside the hospital room, Travis cuddled with Jillyanna after their dinner. "Let''s stay like this for a while." He was sitting on a couch near the window while Jillyanna sat on his lap. "I only have one simple wish and that is to stay with you."


    "I''ll do my best to grant it." Jillyanna whispered in his arms. She can only try and do her best to live, hoping that her heart will not fail her now. ''Just a little longer. Let me stay with him a little longer.''

 Chapter 369 - NAUGHTY JILLYANNA

    As he promised her, Travis went out to buy her thick sketch pad and coloring materials the next morning. He also bought a set of embroidery materials and another type of small succulent plants.


    Right now, Jillyanna had turned her hospital room into something more lively. She even pasted some notes on the wall to remind her of the pending task.


    And the one that she was looking forward to was to go shopping for christmas gifts. Travis came back with a bunch of things while Cielo and Lucian was following behind him.


    "I''m back sweetheart." Travis announced his arrival and gave her a kiss on her forehead before walking towards his desk.


    "Did you guys shop together?" Jillyanna exclaimed in surprise but Cielo''s answer dashed out on her thoughts.


    "We met Travis downstairs when were on our way up. How are you? I brought you a chicken and mushroom soup which mother cooked for you." Cielo stated while she placed the thermos on the table. "Last time, we were visiting Travis. Now, we are visiting you. I wonder when we''ll stop visiting someone in the hospital.?"


    "Sorry about that." Jillyanna pursed her lips after talking but when she saw the things that Travis bought, her eyes lit up and she immediately got out of bed. "Oh my! This is great! Thanks hubby." Jillyanna took out the items one by one and set it on her bed space.


    "Looks like you found a new way to relieve your boredom." Lucian commented as he checked the items on her bed.


    "Travis didn''t want me to work and I can''t use my phone and laptop either, so I''d have to make do with these."


    Cielo shifted her gaze from Jillyanna to her brother-in-law who was busy setting up his desk to start working.


    "I''m glad to see that you are doing fine. Your wedding has been postponed again and I felt so stress about it." Cielo complained. "I wanted to see you in your wedding dress."


    "Hahaha that''s what Eli told me yesterday."


    "Eli came to visit you? That''s great. I haven''t seen him in a while now."


    Lucian sat on the couch and let his wife and Jillyanna talk for a while. Travis didn''t bother them either and just continued to do his work. Shein was the one who stayed in his office and would regularly sent him mails. If there''s anything that needed his signature, Shein will come and deliver the documents to him in the evening.


    "Did you get yourself checked? How''s your baby?" Jillyanna asked Cielo since her sister announced last month that she was pregnant.


    "The baby is fine, still developing but I am glad that I don''t get any morning sickness." Cielo responded. Her face was beaming with joy, clearly happy to receive this new gift of life.


    Jillyanna just nodded her head and caressed her own bulging tummy. "I''ve got three months to go. I am really excited to see my baby."


    Hearing her words, Travis raised his head from typing on the keyboard and looked at his wife. He really wanted her to get that chance. He wanted her to spend her life with the baby. He wanted her to see their baby grow up.


    His heart ache for her. Even though she was resting, eating healthy food, doing light exercise and keeping herself hydrated, she still looked pale.


    "Anyway, I just came to see how you are doing. I still have to manage our business so, I''ll have to leave now." Cielo stated while picking up her bag. "Yanna, get well soon and visit our store."


    Jillyanna waved her hand faintly. "I sure will. Take care of yourself and our business."


    "Take good care of yourself, too." Lucian came to her and rubbed her head. "I know how stubborn you can be but this time, please listen to your husband, hmm?"


    "I know. I know. Why else ma I here if I didn''t listen to him."


    Cielo and Lucian turned to Travis. "Well go ahead now. You both take care." Lucian stated while Cielo just smiled at him.


    Travis nodded his head and walked them out of the room. When they were finally gone, he walked back to her and sat on the chair beside her bed.


    "I bought the sketch book." Travis blinked his eyes while looking at her.


    Looking at his expectant expression, Jillyanna couldn''t help but roll her eyes at him. "If you want to get a kiss, just tell me."


    "Very well, I want a kiss from my cute little hamster."


    Jillyanna giggled and leaned closer to him so she can place a kiss on his cheeks. Before she could do so, Travis stopped her.


    "I want a kiss on my lips."


    "Quite demanding, aren''t you?" Jillyanna retorted but she still leaned and kissed him. "No intense kissing. I don''t want to ran out of oxygen."


    Travis stiffened and pushed her a little away from him. Jillyanna was confused but knowing why he stopped, she felt a little guilty for him.


    "I''ll get back to work now. Let me know if you need anything." Travis stood up and went back to his works.


    Jillyanna bit her lower lip while watching him walk away. In the end, she wanted to sacrifice a little for him.


    When Travis sat on his chair and was ready to start working, Jillyanna turned his chair around and sat on his lap. Travis was a little disoriented from her sudden action but his hands automatically wrapped around her waist to keep her in place and avoid falling off on the cold floor.


    "What is it? Are you okay?" Travis asked her softly while keeping his gaze focused on her.


    Jillyanna wrapped her arms around his neck, pressed her body on to his warm embrace and gently covered his mouth with hers.


    "I want you to kiss me." Jillyanna whispered before giving him another peck. "If I can''t hold on, I''ll let you know."


    "With her assurance and permission, Travis finally snapped his control and kissed her intensely. He nipped on her lower lip, swept his tongue on her lips before intruding her mouth. She tasted sweet and tangy.


    She opened up to her, let him taste her sweetness and intertwined their tongues happily. She would never get enough of him. If only, she won''t ran out of oxygen that soon.


    But her wish wasn''t granted. Not long after, she felt stuffy, so she pushed him a little to take several deep breaths. She was feeling dizzy and her heart was pounding like crazy. She thought her chest would burst.


    She leaned her head on his chest while Travis placed his chin on top of her head. "I am so glad that I am sitting on you. I could feel my knees were getting weak."


    Travis chuckled and kissed her head instead. "I admire your bravery sweetheart but let''s not do it again. I will wait until you''re fully recovered."


    "Really?" Jillyanna grinned cheekily and moved her hips. When Travis groaned, she chuckled and stood up on her feet. "Wait for me then." she giggled and walked away from him, leaving the helpless erection on its own.

 Chapter 370 - SKETCHING

    Helpless with her teasing, Travis just smiled with a sigh and went to the bathroom to take care of himself.


    When he came out, he was wearing a new set of clothes with his dirty clothings on his hand. He put the dirty clothes inside the laundry bag before walking towards his wife.


    "Did you have fun?" Travis asked, his fiery gaze pinning her down but Jillyanna didn''t avoid him at all.


    She raised her chin and looked at her with a cheeky grin. She silently nodded her head and beamed happily at him.


    "Don''t be cheeky on me. I have to work so, be a good wife and behave. If you keep teasing me, I might not be able to control myself and pound on you."


    "I''ll behave now. Go ahead and work." Jillyanna pushed his chest a little and she gestured her hand towards the desk not far from her bed.


    Travis gently pat her head and kissed her nose before going back to work. Jillyanna just sat on her bed and contentedly drew on her new sketchpad.


    Since she was a child, she always like to paint. In fact, in the small room that she used as a stock room now, most of the things there were her sketches and paintings. It was her father who taught her how to paint and draw. Well, most of the things she knew were her due to her father''s teaching since she spent most of her time with her father when she was young.


    Jillyanna started drawing the desk and the things on his desk. Then, silently with her nimble hands, she sketched Travis who was working silently.


    ''He really looked so handsome when working.'' Jillyanna thought while keeping her eyes on her drawing and sometimes raised her head to take a look at him.


    "Are you sketching me?" Travis asked her when he noticed her deep gaze.


    "Yup but my drawing and the person I''m drawing doesn''t look the same." Jillyanna commented humbly. She didn''t want to boast to anyone and she was just happily doing what she loves to do.


    Hearing her comment, Travis chuckled faintly without saying anything. He continued to work until in the afternoon, with just a break during lunch.


    Jillyanna didn''t do anything other than drawing as well. Dr. Allison visited her at one in the afternoon to check on her condition and left again. If she continued to rest, she might get the chance to go out during weekend to to buy the things she needed for Christmas presents.


    She yawned and stretched her arms due to sleepiness and placed the sketchpad and her pencil on the drawer beside her hospital bed.


    "RV, I''m going to sleep for awhile. Wake me up when Jackie''s here, okay?" Jillyanna reminded him as she lie down on her bed and covered her body with the warm blanket.


    Travis adjusted the blinds and curtains to dim the room so that she can sleep peacefully before he continued to work. He watched her sleep with her pale face and sighed sadly in his heart.


    He walked towards her bed and kissed her face tenderly. "I''ll wake you up later." When he was about to leave, he saw the sketchpad on the table. He picked it up and flipped open the pages. His smile spread on his lips as he looked at her sketches.


    Travis went back to his desk and took a picture of the sketch with his phone. "This is what keeps my wife busy. Isn''t she sweet?"


    Travis posted the picture on his account and tagged Jillyanna on it. It didn''t take long for the netizens to notice this post and many of them were awestruck with the drawing.


    "Our goddess only has eyes for her husband. So sweet!"


    "Jillyanna can really draw and she can capture the handsomeness of her husband too."


    "My goddess is not just pretty and kind, she''s also talented and skillful. How I wish to be like her!"


    "Be careful what you wish for. You don''t what Jillyanna had been through." This comment was from a dummy account that Riley used. When she saw the picture that her brother-in-law posted, she immediately sent a heart and read through the comments to see if anyone said anything nasty. And when she found this particular comment, she couldn''t help herself but reply on it. "You don''t even know how she lives her life so don''t casually to be in her position."


    Wynwyn and Shein knew what were the dummy accounts that Riley had, so when they saw her reply, they gave her a thumbs up to support her view.


    "@I_amHerHusband works really hard for his wife. He spoiled her so much and just let her draw and sketch happily on the side."


    "Sir Travis really adored his wife and spoiled her so much. He didn''t even want her to work anymore."


    "I haven''t seen our Madam Boss in a long time but looks like she''s enjoying our President''s company."


    "@goddess_YNA, your husband really spoils you. You should reward him accordingly."


    "Sigh. I am being fed again. I am so full now."


    "Single dogs can''t relate."


    "I want to find a boyfriend. Anyone interested? You don''t have to be as great as our Mr. Madrigal."


    Many comments, hearts and likes were accumulated in just a span of one hour. Jillyanna didn''t know all these and was sleeping peacefully on her bed.


    Travis likes to show off their relationship because he knew she''s worth showing instead of being kept. Aside from that, he wanted to boast to everyone that he was lucky to get married to her.


    Whatever it was that they''re going through, Travis didn''t care at all. As long as they are together, he believed that they''ll make it through and conquer all obstacles that life would throw at them.


    He picked up his pen and wrote a note on the side of his sketch. "I love you so much, Jill. Now and forever."

 Chapter 371 - HONEST TRAVIS

    Around five in the afternoon, Jillyanna woke up and found Travis wrapping up his work. He was about to close his laptop when he saw her stretching her body on the bed.


    "How''s your sleep?" Travis asked and kept his things away before coming to his side.


    "It was great. Did anyone come while I was asleep?"


    "Shein came to send some documents. Diego also visited for a while with Cheska. They didn''t want to disturb your sleep so they left few minutes later."


    "I see." Jillyanna was clutching her blanket while looking down on her white knuckles. "Don''t you get bored here?"


    "I don''t. As long as you are with me, I don''t get bored." Travis caressed her face. "Do you want to take an afternoon walk? It isn''t hot outside now."


    "Sure sure. I''d love to do that." Jillyanna answered and climbed down from her bed. Travis fixed her blanket while she took her long coat and wore it to keep her warm. "Let''s take a walk at the garden."


    She reached out her hand and held his, intertwining their fingers before Travis put their hands inside his coat pocket.


    When they went out, Top and the other body guards were just standing outside Jillyanna''s hospital room.


    "Watch over the room. Don''t let anyone in aside from Jackie." Travis reminded the guards before walking down the corridor towards the elevator.


    "How''s your work today?" Jillyanna asked him when they got inside the elevator.


    "It was quite tiring but I was okay. I had a good time in the afternoon, too." He answered with mischief dancing in his eyes. Jillyanna didn''t know why but she squinted her eyes while reading what was behind his expression.


    "You didn''t take advantage of me while sleeping, did you?" Her eyebrow was raised and she was waiting for him to lie or tell the truth.


    Travis laughed and pulled her close to him. "What do you think did I do to you?" he started teasing her to get back with what she did this morning.


    Jillyanna pouted and glared at him. "How would I know?"


    "You don''t have any idea? Want me to give you a hint?"


    Jillyanna didn''t know what to say to her shameless husband at all. Her blush started creeping from her neck to her face and she felt her face increasing in temperature.


    "No need. I don''t know what you did. I don''t want to guess either."


    "Then, why are you blushing?" Travis continued to tease her which earned him a pinch on his waist. "Are you really pinching me or tickling me?" he whispered close to her and even gave a light bite on her ear.


    When the elevator door opened on the ground floor, Jillyanna was beet red and was looking down to avoid anyone''s gaze which was directed at them. They both walked out and Travis had a wolfish grin on his lips.


    "You didn''t really do anything at me, right? You must be teasing me." Jillyanna spoke after composing herself. She knew Travis would do something if she wasn''t in her current condition but knowing that she''s frail, she knew Travis wouldn''t do anything to her. "You are just getting back at me for what I did this morning."


    Travis chuckled and kissed the top of her head. "What I said was half true and half lie."


    "What do you mean?"


    "I really did something to you but it wasn''t anything shameless." Travis opened up with a smile on his face. "I took a picture of your sketch and posted it."


    "That''s all?" Jillyanna asked with a doubt.


    "Maybe if you aren''t frail, I might have done something." he added which made Jillyanna chuckled this time.


    "I knew it. Hahaha I was so sure that you''d do something if I am not sickly. But now? I really doubt it."


    Travis walked her to a vacant bench and sat with her. "Jill, I was just thinking...hmm..how about we hold our wedding next month and just come back here after?"


    "You don''t mind us spending our honeymoon in the hospital?" Jillyanna asked him since it would be an important of their life and she wanted it to be special for them.


    However, Travis didn''t want to think about it. Sometimes, no matter how positive he was, he would sometimes think of the bad side.


    What if Jillyanna would really be gone? Doesn''t it mean that she won''t get the grand wedding he owed her? Doesn''t it mean that she won''t get to celebrate the baby shower?


    Honeymoon? It doesn''t matter to him anymore. All he wanted was to spend more time with her.


    Travis turned his body and looked directly in her eyes. His reflection was clear and he could see his own sad expression.


    He gently squeezed her hand which he had been holding since a while ago. "Jill, I don''t mind us staying in the hospital for our honeymoon. Wherever you are, I''ll stick with you and that is enough for me." For once, he wanted to be honest with his fears in front of her. "Sometimes, I also fear that you would be gone and the mere thought would drive me crazy. Every second of every minute in every day, I fear that you would fall asleep and won''t wake up again. Sometimes, I don''t want you to sleep. Losing you scares me the most." He took a deep breath to calm his heart. He felt so stuffy inside and his throat constricted due to his tears that he was holding back. "Jill, no matter how I think positively for us, I couldn''t help but think on the negative side. I don''t really want to lose you."


    A single tear is amounting to a man''s pride. But to Travis, pride was useless. He couldn''t hold back and cried in front of her. He didn''t know when he started be a crybaby but when it comes to her, his tears would just flow out.


    "Jill, don''t leave me please. I''m begging you. I don''t want to lose you at all. I couldn''t see myself without you." He was holding on to her hand tightly as if it was his life line.


    Jillyanna''s tears fell but she still managed to smile and comfort him. She pulled him close and hugged him. "I will fight for us. I will fight for my life. Whatever you think is right, I will follow through with your plans. You don''t have to beg me and be scared."


    However, no matter what you say in the present, the future still remains unknown.

 Chapter 372 - NATSU: NEW RIVAL

    And it was proven that nobody can detect or tell what''s the future awaiting for them.


    When both of them calmed down and talked what was really inside their minds, held her hand and walked around the garden again.


    They were about to stop at the fish pond when Jillyanna pulled Travis and walked the other way.


    "Are we going back inside?" Travis asked her while keeping with her pace. Jillyanna didn''t say a thing but she nodded her head. Just as she was about to step on the door leading to the interior of the hospital, a masculine yet worried voice called to stop her.


    "Jillyanna? Is that you?"


    She stopped on her track and looked back to see a handsome man walking towards her. His purplish white hair was long and shiny, tied at the bottom of his nape with a silver rubber band. Due to the shadow of the building and his long and thick lashes, she couldn''t see his eyes clearly. But Jillyanna knew who exactly the person was and she didn''t want to see him. Who would have thought that he would just suddenly show up?!


    Jillyanna smiled sheepishly at the man while still holding Travis beside her. "It''s been a long time Natsu. Why are you here?"


    The man named Natsu smiled and walked closer to them. "One of my friends got hurt and I came to visit her. How are you?"


    "My wife is feeling cold here. If you want to talk to her, you might as well do it inside the hospital room." Travis cut off their conversation and without waiting for the man''s response, he led Jillyanna back to her room. He didn''t forget to stake her claim because he felt that it was a new rival.


    Jillyanna chuckled but she didn''t say anything. She just leaned closer to Travis and got inside the elevator. Natsu also followed them but he pressed the third floor button.


    "I can see that you are frail. I won''t take much of your time for now. I''ll just come and visit you again when you''re alone." When the elevator door opened on the third floor, Natsu waved his hand at her. "See you my pikachu."


    Jillyanna''s mouth twitched and her hand was itching for a punch. Travis was also frowning beside her and his eyes were turbulent with different kinds of emotions.


    Both of them didn''t say anything and waited for the elevator to stopped at the VIP floor. And when it did, the atmosphere was rather gloomy even though they were still holding their hands.


    Jackie who was waiting for them felt the weird atmosphere between them, too. "I brought your dinner. I''ll go out for a while to visit a friend who''s also admitted here."


    It was clearly a lie to get out of the room and to give them space. She didn''t want to get in between a lovers'' fight.


    Jillyanna released her hold on Travis and sat on the chair behind his working desk. "Natsu Azumi is my...I don''t know if I should say friend or acquaintance. Well, we basically know each other since my first year in college." Jillyanna opened up while Travis arranged their dishes for dinner.


    "Go on." Travis urged her to continue because he didn''t want to be blinded by jealousy and judge her with his own view. He wanted to know who that freaking man was.


    Jillyanna picked up a pen from his drawer and started making a doodle while talking to him. "He was one of the men who pursued me and the only one who persistently continued up until now. He stopped looking for me when he started to manage his own company. Perhaps, he forgot me due to his busy schedule which was really a blessing. Now, I don''t know why he came. I highly doubt it if there''s really a friend who''s confine here."


    "Alright. I''m glad to know that." Travis finished setting up their dinner as he stated his response. "However, you mentioned that his name is Natsu Azumi?"


    "Yeah. If I remember quickly. Why?"


    "Is he from an aristocratic family?"


    "From what I''ve heard when I was in college, he was next in line to take over the throne in Japanese Empire. He refused it and claimed that he would find his cousin who was the rightful owner of the crown. I don''t know if any of those stories were true."


    Travis didn''t say anything and was lost in thought.


    "Do you have any other questions? It would be better for us to clear this matter before you get jealous of that man."


    He finally smiled and raised his head to look at her. "I won''t get jealous of him. I am the person you chose so he should get jealous of me." He walked towards her and pulled her up from her seat and take over the chair.


    Jillyanna pouted and had her hands crossed over her chest. "I want to seat here." she complained but Travis pulled her to sit on his lap. "If your legs go numb, it isn''t my fault."


    "I won''t ever fault you in anything. Let''s go and eat." Travis kicked his heel on the floor and let the chair slide towards the table. This time, he fed Jillyanna happily while stealing kisses from time to time.


    "Stop kissing my nape. It''s ticklish." Jillyanna mumbled while she covered the back of his neck with her hand. "Come on and eat." She picked a piece of shrimp tempura, dipped it on a sauce and fed it to him. Jillyanna kissed his cheek and giggled while reaching over for a face tissue.


    "Are you wiping your kiss?" Travis questioned in disbelief.


    Jillyanna nodded but Travis moved his head away from her. "Come on." She reached over her hand and put it around his neck. He wiped his face even though Travis was glaring at her. "I kissed you but my lips were greasy so I left some oil stain on your handsome face." Jillyanna explained. She leaned over again and kissed his lips instead. "I''m making it up to you. Even if your lips get oily, it wouldn''t matter, right?"


    Seeing her cheeky smile and naughty behavior, Travis pinched her butt cheek that he was holding, making Jillyanna widened her eyes in surprise.


    "Oh my gosh! Did you just grope me?"


    "That''s because you are being naughty."


    "Naughty? I was just being nice." Jillyanna retorted but she leaned her face on his shoulder to avoid his gaze, hiding her flushed face at the same time.


    Travis knew it was her weakness so he stopped when he finally got to see her reaction. He only wanted to tease her a bit to get rid of their gloomy atmosphere.

 Chapter 373 - MOVIE NIGHT WITH TRAVIS

    Natsu went back to the hotel that he booked and called his secretary immediately. "Find out what''s going on with Jillyanna and the man that she married. I need it before seven in the morning tomorrow."


    The secretary just bowed deeply and left after getting the clear instruction. He needed to do an extensive research of a woman that his employer took a liking for several years now.


    On the other hand, Jillyanna wasn''t really afraid of anyone. If Natsu makes a move against Travis or anyone that she cares about, she will put her life on the line and destroy him - even if they knew each other.


    Jackie went back after an hour and found Jillyanna sitting on her bed while Travis put away the empty dishes back inside the bag that Jackie brought earlier.


    "How''s your study?" Jillyanna asked when Jackie came inside.


    "I''m doing fine. The training was easier compared to the regimen that you gave us before."


    Jillyanna clasped her hands together and placed it on her lap. "How about the Regional City Jail, any news?"


    Jackie sat on the chair beside the hospital bed before she answered. "Vincent told me that the Summers were having a hard time. Every single day, when the clock strikes at ten in the morning, they will collapse from so much pain all over their body. Doctors couldn''t find anything and they believed that it could be something they got when they did a human experiment. Perhaps it was their karma. Vincent didn''t say anything about me so the Summers didn''t have any idea that they were poisoned at all."


    "How''s my uncle Simon?"


    "Vincent isolated him from his other family since they were all blaming him. He didn''t want anything to happen to him so he assigned someone to watch over him."


    Jillyanna smiled happily and gave Jackie an approving thumbs up. "You chose the right guy."


    "Who...who the hell chose the right guy?" she mumbled with a flustered face that made Jillyanna laugh.


    "Alright. I won''t tease you anymore. I''m glad that you are doing great in school. It''s good to know that uncle Simon is okay, too."


    Jackie stood up and reached for the bag that Travis zipped up. "I''m glad to see that both of you are fine, too. Anyway, I''m going back now. Tomorrow, it will be your mother and father who will bring your lunch. They can''t come during dinner because of Cielo."


    "It''s fine. Thank you." Jillyanna waved her hand as she watched her younger sister walk out of the room.


    When they were left alone, Travis picked her up and carried her to the make-shift bed that he used to sleep.


    "What''s the matter?" Jillyanna inquired since he didn''t know what he was planning to do.


    "Hmm..I was just thinking that it is still early. Do you want to watch a movie with me?"


    "Sure! What movie shall we watch?" Jillyanna mumbled excitedly since it had been a long time since she watched a movie with him.


    "I''ve got several movies in my laptop. You can choose whatever you like."


    "Yay! Go and get your laptop." Jillyanna even pushed him so that they won''t waste their time. Travis could only chuckle upon seeing her reaction before walking back to his desk and picked up his laptop.


    He picked several pillows and placed it on Jillyanna''s back before putting a blanket over her legs to keep her warm. He placed the laptop on his lap and gave Jillyanna one of the earpiece so that she can hear the sound clearly.


    "Do you mind if we watch an action movie or perhaps a sci-fi?" Jillyanna asked these two genre that she wanted to watch this time.


    "Just choose whatever you like."


    "Okay." Jillyanna opened the movie folder and found many lists of movies. She scrolled over to see anything nice but she couldn''t find anything interesting. "I don''t see anything interesting." she murmured while looking at the thumbnails.


    "You watched the Demon Slayer series, right? How about we watched the new released movie?" Travis informed her while taking over the laptop and checked the file of his anime lists.


    "You are the best." Jillyanna grinned happily and leaned over to kiss his chin. "When did you get this file?"


    "I bought it yesterday." Travis answered as he pressed the play button.


    Jillyanna leaned her head on his shoulder and watched the movie silently. Travis had his other hand wrapped over her shoulder to keep her in place.


    "I really admire the writer of this anime. Well, I admire every writer and comic artist in the world. They are all amazing." Jillyanna commented while watching the superb graphics on the screen. She wasn''t really a fan of anime but she liked how the artist draw their characters.


    "You told Brown and Valkyrie that you''d like to write something about them. Will you pursue the writing career?"


    "Nope. If ever I get the chance to live longer, I''d like to spend my time with you and our son instead."


    "I understand. However, if you find something that you''d like to do, I''ll show my support and I will never stop you."


    They were talking about random things but the atmosphere this time was harmonious and it could be seen that they were happily chatting, cuddling and feeling each other''s warmth.


    Not long after, Jillyanna felt sleepy and her eyelids were getting droopy. She tried opening her eyes to continue watching the movie which was halfway already but she couldn''t take it anymore.


    She snuggled closer to him and burrowed her face on his chest to find a comfortable position to sleep.


    Travis didn''t mind her sleeping either. This time, instead of sleeping separately, he extended the sofa bed to make it a bigger space and helped her lie down to sleep comfortably.


    He got up from the make-shift bed and walked to the door to lock it. He picked the wet wipes from the small bed-side drawer and cleaned Jillyanna''s face and body before changing her clothes to her sleeping wear.


    Even if they were staying in the hospital, the doctor allowed Jillyanna to wear the normal clothes sometimes instead of a hospital gown all the time.


    It was requested by Travis to make sure that his wife will be comfortable while staying in the hospital for the next few months.

 Chapter 374 - RILEYS PRESS CONFERENCE

    Two days later, as scheduled, Riley prepared to go to J Entertainment to proceed with the press conference for her new movie.


    Nobody knew that she would be the female-lead because what everyone knew was that she auditioned for the second-female lead and failed.


    This time, she dressed up elegantly. She wore the maroon gown that Jillyanna bought for her when she joined the entertainment industry. She never wear it because she couldn''t find any suitable occasion. Now, she finally got one.


    The gown had a slit from her upper thigh down to its hem and it was backless, too. When she wore it, her white skin was totally exposed and her long legs could be seen.


    She looked around her things and found a crystal glass sandal that Jackie gave her last Christmas. She wore it and found that it actually matched the dress and it made her look even more gorgeous.


    She looked at her own reflection on the mirror and smile. A sudden knock cut her off from admiring herself and she went to open the door, only to find Shein standing there with a box on his hand.


    He was stunned to see her looking so elegant in front of him and his blush crept up from his face to his ears.


    "Do I look okay?" Riley asked when she found Shein looking away from her.


    Shein just nodded his head and handed the box. "It''s for you. I wanted to give you this a long time ago but I only get the chance today. Congratulations for your first movie."


    Riley took the box without the slightest hesitation and opened it. What laid inside was a necklace with a diamond crescent moon pendant, holding on to a ruby star in the middle of it. "It''s beautiful. Can you put it on for me?"


    Shein went inside her room to follow her as she stand in front of the mirror. Even though Riley was standing with high heels, he was still one head taller than her. He took the necklace from her and placed it around her neck.


    When he was done, he bent over a little, one hand holding her from the back, pressed on her flat stomach and he placed a kiss on her bare back.


    Riley trembled when she felt his lips on her back and she felt her face increased in temperature. She saw her blushing expression on the mirror and she bit her lower lip to stop herself from making any sound.


    Shein pressed another kiss on her lower back and smiled. "It''s easy to leave a mark on your skin."


    "What?! You left me hickeys?!" Riley exclaimed and spun around to see him grinning happily. "You idiot! The media will make a fuss if they see it."


    Shein pulled her close and hugged her waist. "I wouldn''t dare do that. I know how important the event is."


    "Really?" Riley asked still doubting him. She knew that Shein likes to leave his marks so it was hard to believe that he didn''t do it this time.


    "Maybe a little?"


    "So you really did?!"


    "Uuhhmm..on your lower back."


    Riley closed her eyes and bit his forearm to take revenge. Shein didn''t make a sound even when it hurts.


    "I don''t have time now. What will I do?" Riley was in panic when Wynwyn called her that they arrived at Jillyanna''s house already. "I''ll settle our score later." Riley walked past him and went to the living room where Wynwyn was waiting for her.


    "Wyn, can you do something with the hickey on my back?" Riley honestly informed her which worried her manager.


    Wynwyn turned her around to see her back but there was nothing. "I don''t see anything. Where did your boyfriend place it?"


    "On my lower back."


    Wynwyn took another look and found nothing. "Your boyfriend must be teasing you earlier. There''s really nothing on your back. Anyway, let''s go now. We only have an hour before the conference starts."


    Riley held back her tears from guilt and walked out of the house. She bit Shein few minutes ago due to her rising anger and she knew it was painful. Now, she found out that he was just teasing her. He actually told her the truth that he didn''t leave anything but she doubted him.


    Wynwyn didn''t know what happened but she didn''t want to pry her on her private life so she just drove the car silently while throwing glances from time to rime.


    In the hospital, Jillyanna was tuning in to J Entertainment''s live stream to watch the conference. Travis allowed her to use his laptop during this time so Jillyanna was excitedly waiting for Riley to appear.


    Someone knocked on the door so Travis walked over to see who it was. However, the person standing in front of him made him raised his eyebrow.


    "Just as I thought. You''d be with her all the time." Natsu mentioned and went inside even though Travis didn''t let him in.


    "Where else should I go if not with my wife?" Travis retorted before walking to Jillyanna''s side once again.


    Jillyanna raised her head to see who it was and found Natsu standing in the middle of the room looking at her.


    "If you think I''d entertain you, I''m sorry but I won''t. I''m waiting for someone''s press conference so if you have something to say, you have to wait until the conference is done which would be at noon."


    Natsu shifted his deep gaze to Travis instead. "Can I talk to your husband then?"


    "Nope. I need my husband to stay beside me all the time. He doesn''t have time to entertain you either."


    Natsu was really dumbstruck with her straightforwardness. When they were still in college, she was already blunt and brave but he didn''t know she''s grow with extreme possessiveness over someone.


    ''Why can''t it be me? I have loved you for years. Why didn''t you choose me?'' Natsu had these thoughts but he remained poker face in front of them.


    "I didn''t know you are a wife slave. Aren''t you worried with your business affairs?" Natsu directed his question to Travis but the man didn''t react to his provocation at all.


    "My business will thrive whether I stay with my wife or not. I''d rather choose the first choice to avoid anyone from stealing her."


    Natsu''s smile froze on his lips but he didn''t show any signs of leaving.

 Chapter 375 - GETTING MORE FANS

    Not long after, the press conference started and Jillyanna ignored her uninvited visitor. Travis watched the conference with her to support her sister-in-law.


    On the screen, they saw the important guests who were involved in the movie making and Riley finally went out and sat on the chair for the female lead.


    Her appearance shocked everyone and the media couldn''t help but capture her ethereal beauty with their cameras.


    Wynwyn, who was her manager also supervised the conference to make sure that it would go smoothly and no accidents will occur.


    "Friends from the media, our audience in front of their television, phones and computers, family and friends, we will now commence and start with our press conference regarding the new movie "Dreamscape"." Wynwyn announced and let the assistant head PR do the rest.


    "Not long ago, a post went viral because Riley failed the audition. May we know what exactly happened? I''d like Ms. Riley to answer the question herself." the reporter asked the question that everyone had in their minds immediately.


    Riley picked the microphone in front of her and smiled in front of the camera. Her fans who were watching the live stream went crazy and posted different comments of praises.


    "I''d like to clarify this matter, too. I did audition for the second-female lead but I failed it. Instead, the director and everyone else wanted me to sign the contract for the female lead. It was really a blessing in disguise." Riley answered eloquently which was full of honesty.


    "Then why didn''t you clarify it back then? Was it to create hype for your name?" another reporter asked.


    "Hype my ass! Our pretty Riley don''t need any hype." a comment flashed on the live stream which made Jillyanna chuckle.


    "She didn''t clarify it because she didn''t need to stoop low." another comment was made to support Riley.


    On the other hand, it was the director who saved Riley when she was about to answer it. "I would like to apologize in behalf of the whole team and to Riley for being slandered at that time. We were just starting to create the movie and I didn''t want anyone to leak the news. Thus, we stopped her from speaking out."


    "To our beloved director and the team, may we know why you chose the new-commer Riley? Was there any underhanded means so you accepted her?"


    This question made Riley raised her eyebrow but the male reported looked at her with an evil grin. ''Minions will remain a minion.'' Riley thought. ''Looks like I''d have to clean up a lot of dirts before it can taint anyone else.'' she added mentally.


    The producer reached for his microphone and answered. "I funded this movie with my own money and several other people but there was nothing of a sort like underhanded means which you are talking about. I don''t know what you were told or where you get these ideas but you can just watch the movie and see for yourself how great of an actress our little Riley is."


    The reporter who asked the question just smiled but he threw a cold glare at Riley who only smiled sweetly at him, irritating him even more.


    After that, no one wanted to give a hard time with Riley anymore. They turned to the male lead and started asking questions as well.


    "We can see that our male lead Tyler has great chemistry with Riley, are expecting some intimate scenes with this movie." a female reporter asked which made Riley frown.


    Tyler smiled at them and to the camera. His cute dimples showed making everyone swoon for him. He was indeed considered handsome but Travis was more handsome then him.


    "I am glad to hear that we have a great chemistry. At the same time, we have different kinds of intimate moments. So you have to watch the movie and see if we are intimate or not." Tyler answered without any hesitation.


    In actually truth, Riley kept him within arm''s length. She would not even stay in the same space alone with him. He honestly like her but when Riley told him that she''s got a fiance, he stopped and just befriended her instead. He didn''t want to mess up someone else''s relationship.


    "Are we expecting a new love team because of this movie?" Another female reporter asked.


    Riley picked up her microphone this time to answer this question. "Tyler and I formed our friendship due to this movie, together with the other casts, too. I would love to work with him and everyone else but I am not interested to be paired with anyone. I don''t want to break all the young maiden''s heart out there."


    The live stream was bombarded with support both from her fans and from Tyler''s. Even her official social media account rose to millions of followers.


    "From now on, I will be a fan of Riley too. I am so happy that she understands us women."


    "I will follow you from now on Riley!"


    "Even if you don''t become a love team, I will continue to support you two."


    "Riley, I love you. I am your fan now."


    "Tyler and Riley forever."


    "I hope you will get to work together again."


    "I will forever support my husband Tyler and my princess Riley. Sorry, my queen is Jillyanna."


    Different form of support were expressed and Jillyanna was happy to see that she''s taking the first step of becoming a successful actress that she always dreamed of.


    "Looks like she learned a lot from you." Travis spoke to his wife and kissed her temple. "You are the best teacher."


    "Of course. I trained her myself. There''s no way she''d fail. If anyone do something underhanded against her, then I''ll happily break them." Jillyanna smiled sweetly but her eyes were cold and was holding danger.


    Natsu felt his scalp tingle and went numb upon hearing her cold response. She looked so pale and frail but she sounded confident without a little bit of joke.

 Chapter 376 - RETREAT

    When the conference was done, it was almost lunch and this time it was Lucian who brought their food.


    "Hi sweetheart." Lucian walked inside without waiting for Travis to open the door for him. Anyone who visited them would only knock once and get themselves inside without bothering Travis or Jillyanna to open. It was a way for the two to recognize that the person who was visiting was a family or friend.


    "Hi big bro. What''s for lunch?" Jillyanna asked as Travis took the laptop from her and closed it.


    "Guess what." Lucian stated before placing the food container on the table.


    "I won''t bother. I know it would be delicious." she looked behind him and didn''t see Cielo at all even after a few seconds. "Cielo didn''t come with you?"


    "She didn''t. She''s busy doing the accounting today." He turned to Travis and spoke. "How''s Jillyanna?"


    "Hey! Shouldn''t you be asking me? Why are you asking my husband instead?" Jillyanna complained with a pout.


    "Because you won''t be honest with your condition to avoid worrying us. However, Travis is very honest to tell us what exactly is going on."


    Travis placed the laptop on his work desk and faced Lucian. "She''s doing fine so far. If things go well, she can go out this weekend to shop."


    "That''s good to know. I''m glad you are always with her." After asking all the necessary questions, he spun around and looked at the man who had been silent this whole time. "Who might this guy be?"


    "This is Natsu. Remember the guy back in college days?" Jillyanna told Lucian and let him jog his memory down the lane.


    "Oh. No wonder you looked familiar." Lucian mumbled. "It''s nice to see that you are doing fine. You''re here to visit Jillyanna?"


    Natsu couldn''t be more helpless than he was in already. He really visited her at the wrong time. Well, even if he visits her on another time, it would still be wrong.


    "I met her the other day but I was too busy so, I decided to visit her today." Natsu responded. "I presume you married Cielo?"


    "Yup. We got married right after graduation." Lucian knew that the man liked Jillyanna but he didn''t know if the person still felt the same thing after many years. "Jillyanna registered her marriage too and they will be having their wedding next month. They''re also expecting a baby boy. How about you?"


    Jillyanna didn''t know whether to laugh or cry with Lucian''s choice of topic. Natsu felt really resentful this time but he could only smile in front of them. "I found someone but I don''t think we are meant for each other."


    Travis raised his eyebrow and Jillyanna looked at him weirdly. "I wish you all the best in pursuing her." Jillyanna smiled but Natsu felt a stabbing pain in his heart.


    "Thanks. Anyway, I''m glad to see that you are doing fine. I have to leave now." Natsu stood up and straightened his suit, gave a light bow and left.


    Lucian turned around and faced them with a sheepish grin. "I didn''t expect to see him after how many years. What was he doing here? Trying to split you up?"


    Jillyanna shrugged her shoulder and sigh. "I don''t really want to make an enemy with him. He was really nice back then and he helped me a lot of times. However, I just don''t feel the same way that he does. If he would really make a move, I won''t hesitate to put my life on the line and break him."


    Travis stopped taking the food containers for a few seconds but he still continued without saying anything.


    Lucian reached out her hand and rubbed her head. "Don''t worry too much. I''m sure Travis won''t be sitting around while that person makes a move."


    Travis turned to face Lucian and smile faintly. "Thank you for trusting me and you are right. Rather than letting my wife face him, I''ll face him myself."


    Meanwhile...


    Natsu was having a hard time calming himself. He wasn''t angry to anyone but to himself. He was angry that it took him so long to find her again. He was angry that he couldn''t make a move to hurt her. He knew it! If he dares to act against someone she cares, she would only hate him. He didn''t want her to hate him.


    Natsu went back to his hotel and called his men. "Don''t do anything. Retreat your force. I don''t want to deal with these people."


    Though confused, the man on the other line acknowledged his command and told his force to retreat. They were on their way to kidnap Riley but they made a u-turn and left her alone.


    It was the right choice, if they did move against her, he would lose his men. Riley wasn''t a weak target after all. Not only will he lose his men but, Jillyanna will also break him.


    Natsu laughed but a tear fell from the corner of his eyes. Jillyanna was the only person who believed that he can be someone other than what was paved for him. He didn''t want to become the next Emperor but venture the life of a businessman instead. It was Jillyanna who told him to do what he loves to do.


    "Why let people dictate your life? Your life is yours. Whatever decision should be made by you. Live your life. Don''t let anyone live it for you." Those were here exact words six years ago.


    Because of that, he started to admire her. His eyes would start to look for her and he was contented to see her smile. Even when he confessed and got rejected, he didn''t stop. They continued to chat like normal friends but he didn''t want to remain friends with her.


    He worked hard to make a name in business while his secretary kept an eye of Jillyanna''s status in relationship. It was recently that he found out that she got married and he was surprised at first.


    Then his surprise turned to jealousy. He immediately came to find her and ended in the hospital. However, seeing her happy smile made him feel guilty and he lost the courage to ruin it.


    He didn''t want to ruin her happiness. Bagging the broken pieces of his heart, he booked the earliest flight and left.


    It''s best to retreat with your pride and dignity intact. In love, it can''t be avoided to hurt or get hurt. In his case, he chose to get hurt for her happiness.

 Chapter 377 - RILEYS SORRY

    After the conference, Riley went home to take a rest and to apologize to her boyfriend as well.


    "Don''t forget your schedule tomorrow afternoon. You''ll have a photoshoot with MAGZ." Wynwyn reminded her after dropping her off at the entrance of Jillyanna''s house.


    "Thank you. I''ll make sure to be on time." Riley waved her hand as she watched Wynwyn drove her car and left the place.


    When she turned around to get inside, she saw Jenny coming out of the house with several groceries.


    "Hi Jenny! Are you sending these to the elders in that small house?" Riley asked the younger woman who was bringing three plastic bags of groceries.


    "Hn. They ran out of groceries so I bought some for them. I don''t have class today which is fine." Jenny answered. "Congratulations on your first movie."


    "Thank you. Have you seen Shein inside?"


    "Nope."


    "Alright. I''ll see you later." Riley clutched on to her clothes and walked inside the house. It was awfully quiet since Jillyanna had been staying in the hospital. Valkyrie and Brown was on a mission, too. Even so, the house was warm.


    "Good afternoon Riley. Do you want something to eat?" Auntie Fei who saw her walking upstairs greeted her.


    "I''m fine Auntie Fei. I''ll look for food if ever I get hungry." Riley answered with a smile to the older lady.


    Auntie Fei didn''t insist and just left her alone to clean the living room instead.


    As for Riley, she went directly to Shein''s room without even bothering to change her clothes. She needed to apologize as soon as possible.


    "Shein?" she called his name while knocking on the door to his room but no one answered her. "Shein, can you open the door?"


    ''Is he upset? He isn''t willing to see me?'' Riley''s mind were full of negative thoughts and she started to feel sad. ''I didn''t really mean to hurt him.''


    She pulled out her phone and went to her room to change her clothes while waiting for someone to pick up her call.


    The phone rang thrice before a lazy voice greeted her. "What''s the matter?"


    "Where are you?" Riley asked while pulling the dress down to her foot.


    "I''m in Venus Plaza."


    "Don''t go anywhere else, okay? I''ll come and get you." Riley spoke and ended the call before Shein can say anything else. She knew he was still upset base on his tone. And it was her fault.


    She took a half bath and tied her hair in a ponytail. She chose a dark blue jeans and a baby pink sweat shirt. She didn''t want to standout in a crowd, so she put on her beige long coat to keep herself warm. She got a dark shades and a white baseball hat to disguise herself.


    She put on her chelsea boots and ran out of her room with just her purse and phone. She called a taxi to take her to the plaza and drop her off at the Venus Plaza HQ.


    "Good afternoon ma''am. May we know who you are looking for?" the male receptionist asked Riley with a smile.


    "I''m looking for Shein. Is he still here?" Riley couldn''t expose her identity so she patiently went through this procedure.


    "Let me check if he''s still upstairs. Do you have appointment with him?" he asked once again at the same time, he was dialing the number on the top floor''s reception.


    "I don''t have appointment with him but please tell him that Riri is here." Riley informed using her nick name.


    Not long after, Riley was guided to the special VIP lounge so that she can wait for Shein who promised to come down and meet her.


    She was served with refreshments and there were magazines on the table that she can read as well.


    "Why are you here?" Shein asked when he got inside the special VIP lounge. He locked the door behind him and Riley heard the lock clicked, too.


    She put down the business magazine that she was reading and turned back to look at him. "I''m sorry."


    "Sorry? What for?"


    "I''m sorry I bit you earlier. I found out that there was really no markings on my back." she guiltily apologized while looking down on her hands.


    "I was deeply hurt when you doubted me." Shein spoke as he walked to sit beside her. "I know it was a very important event for you. I know the media will latch on you if they see any hickeys on your back. I''m not dumb you see."


    "I''m really sorry." Riley cried in front of him without caring about her image. In any case, it was only the two of them inside the lounge. "I''m really sorry. I was just too anxious earlier when you said you did. At the same time, you always leave markings on me so how would I know if you really did it or not?"


    Shein handed her a tissue but Riley didn''t take it at all. She wiped her face with the back of her hand. "It''s fine if you won''t forgive me. I just really want to say sorry."


    Shein looked at her but he didn''t say anything. It was really painful for him that Riley doubted him for the first time in so many years.


    "I''ve said what I want. Thanks for listening." Riley stood up and walked out of the room. Shein didn''t know what to do. He wasn''t ready to forgive her yet but he didn''t want to let her go.


    "We''re not breaking up, right?" Shein asked before Riley could close the door.


    Riley smiled at him before putting on her shades. "It''s up to you. I know I''m at fault this time so you can decide it." She closed the door and left him alone inside the lounge. She walked slowly thinking that he would come and chase after her but there was no Shein even when she got inside a cab.


    '' I already apologized this time but he didn''t forgive me. Was I too far to bite him? Or was it because I doubted him?'' Riley thought to herself while looking at her own faint reflection on the windshield.

 Chapter 378 - GUILTY RILEY

    Instead of going home, Riley bought some dumplings that Jillyanna liked and visited her at the hospital but Jillyanna was sleeping at the moment.


    "Oh, she''s sleeping." Riley commented and placed the box of dumplings so she turned to Travis instead. "Big bro, I brought some dumplings."


    "Thank you Riley. Congratulations on your first movie. Aren''t you guys going to celebrate it?"


    "We already did. For now, we are resting for a while before our promotion starts next week."


    "That''s good to know. If you need anything, don''t hesitate to tell Diego or Wynwyn about it. Your sister wanted you to become successful in your chosen career."


    "Big bro, did my sister ever doubted you?" Riley questioned, trying to get some advice.


    Travis throw a glance at her before he continued with his work. "She doubted me a lot of times before. We had so many arguments and she didn''t believe me even once before we become officially together. Our relationship wasn''t built from friendship like everybody else. It was built from so many misunderstandings since we were kids. Why are you asking this?"


    Riley was sitting on a chair in front of his work desk with a gloomy face and regret written all over her face. "For the first time, I doubted Shein today. I didn''t doubt his love for me but the reason was rather silly. I apologized earlier but it seems like he wasn''t ready to forgive me so I left before he gets even more angry. Should I apologize again?"


    "No, you don''t have to. You took the step to apologize to him so it is his time to decide whether to forgive you or not. I believe that he was just surprise that you doubted him for the first time. He will surely forgive you. Just give him time."


    "Okay. I don''t really mean it and if I really think about it, he was at fault, too. But I don''t want to dwell on this matter." Riley stood up and looked at the sleeping face of her sister. "Thanks for taking care of my sister. I will go now big bro. Thank you for your advice."


    "Hn. Take care of yourself. Don''t think too much about it."


    Riley left after that short visit. She looked at her phone and found out that she still got a lot of time to spare than staying inside the house alone. ''I''ll just visit Jackie.''


    She left the hospital and went to the Police Academy in hope that Jackie was available. Unfortunately, Jackie was still in the middle of her ground training.


    Riley went inside a cafe and bought some refreshments to bring to her sister once she''s done.


    "When will you be done? I''m inside the cafe across your school." Riley sent this message while looking outside the glass window.


    Half and hour later, Jackie came out still wearing her uniform and a face towel hanging around her neck.


    "I''m sorry you had to wait for a while." Jackie sat on the table across her sister who was still wearing her shades and cap.


    "It''s fine." Riley smiled and pushed a paper bag with different pastries inside. "It''s for you."


    Jackie looked at her twin and sighed. "Did you guys fight?" No one can make Riley sad like this aside from Shein. So they must have fought.


    "Just a little bit of misunderstanding. Are you done with your class?"


    "Not yet. I still have a shooting class after half an hour." Jackie took the paper bag and looked at it. "Do you want to have dinner together?"


    Riley shook her head faintly in refusal. "I''m fine. I want to go somewhere for a while."


    Jackie was a bit worried about her sister but she knew that Riley can perfectly take care of herself.


    "Do you want to talk about what happened?" Jackie asked trying to help her relieved herself a little bit.


    "No need. I don''t want to trouble you with my issues. Anyway, I just came to see how you are doing. Have your wounds healed already?"


    "Hn."


    Riley nodded her head and stood up. "I''m glad to see you. Go back to class now and take care of yourself." She didn''t wait for her twin to respond and left the cafe with her simple disguise.


    Jackie had been mistaken as Riley but when you see her in close range, you would know that they could impose different vibes and aura.


    Jackie watched her twin go out of the cafe and hailed a taxi to go somewhere. Who would''ve thought that she''d go to a night club.


    Since she became a celebrity, she didn''t go out in public alone, this would be the first time. There wasn''t many people in the club since it was still six in the evening but the dancers were preparing and giving light dance on stage.


    Riley sat on the counter and ordered a serving of martini. She didn''t care about who came in or who came out. She just wanted to escape the worry between her and Shein.


    "Can I buy you a drink?" a man in suit sat beside her and spoke.


    "No need. I can pay for my drinks." Riley responded bluntly without batting an eyelid. She didn''t even look at who was the man that sat beside her.


    When a man says he''d pay for your drink, that means he was hitting on you. If ever you agreed, he would probably bring you somewhere and do you however he wants.


    Riley learned so much from Jillyanna and that includes bar and club jargons and expressions. She would not fall for it.


    The man who sat down on the table next to her showed an evil grin. "Interesting." he muttered. "Are you drowning your sorrow?"


    "Nope. I''m celebrating." Riley lied. She was starting to get irritated and she was itching for a fight.


    "Wanna celebrate with me?" the man insisted but Riley only rolled her eyes at him.


    The man waited for Riley to get drunk but she would never get herself drunk in the presence of someone she didn''t know. In addition to that, someone who had an ulterior motive towards her.


    Riley smirked and drank the third drink she bought which was a whiskey. It was rather strong for a woman but she had a high alcohol tolerance.


    She didn''t know how much time had passed and she didn''t care either. She sat at the bar counter silently while thinking how she can earn Shein''s forgiveness.

 Chapter 379 - RILEYS IN TROUBLE I

    Someone sat on the other chair on her left side and his smile was rather freaking creepy which made Riley''s mouth twitched.


    The other man on her right side would sometimes steal a glance at her but she ignored them.


    "Don''t you dare touch me." Riley warned when he noticed someone''s hand was placed at the back of her chair.


    The man on the left side removed his hand and smiled. He even winked at the bartender who saw what happened but kept a straight face.


    They have seen this kind of things several times. They''ve watched women fought at first but would eventually give in. What surprised him though was Riley''s awareness with her surrounding. She had been drinking for quite a while but she wasn''t drunk yet.


    Another man came to Riley''s side with a cocky smile and he was about to put his hand around her shoulder when Riley leaned closer and avoided his touch.


    The bartender was amazed to see a woman like her and he was even praying that nothing would happen to a pretty woman like her.


    Right now, no one would noticed that it was an actress who came to a bar. She had her hair curled and put on a thick make up to hide her natural face.


    "Ooppsie. That girl is in trouble." one of the men who came to the bar whispered to their colleagues.


    "I know right. When Mr. Li, Lickon and JV makes a move, they will certainly get the women even if they have to beat her."


    "She''s rather pretty so those men would really make a move on her."


    "It would be a waste if she''d get beaten black and blue."


    Rational men sympathize with Riley but other men who think women were for fun supported the three bastards.


    These three men would always compete for one woman in the bar. They would see who could get the woman first but in the end, they would share her body to the other two. If anyone knew, they would really pity the woman who fell victim to these scumbags.


    Sadly, they met Riley who''s irritated and was looking for a punching bag.


    "Hey, little girl, why don''t you come along with me? I perform better than these men." It was the third man named JV who spoke to her.


    Riley smiled sweetly and faced the man. "Sorry, I''m not available tonight."


    "Then cancel your schedule for me. I can pay you and make you feel good. What do you think?"


    "I have money though so I don''t need your. I''m feeling good right now so I don''t your help."


    "She''s playing the hard to get game." Mr. Li who sat first on her right side spoke.


    "How much do you want darling?" Lickon asked.


    "A million for each." Riley winked but she beckoned the bartender to get the bill for her. She wanted to leave or else she would really beat their life out of them.


    The bartender gave Riley her tab and she placed her credit card on it before she returned the tab for the bartender to settle it.


    Seeing her gesture and expression which showed she was leaving the men just let her be. They were all thinking that she won''t make it out.


    When Riley left out, someone stuck his leg out of the table to block her way but she stepped on it purposely making the man yelp in pain.


    "F*ck you! You broke my leg!" the man yelled loudly but Riley just stared at him coldly.


    "Who told you to stick your leg out when it''s very dark? Are you dumb?" Riley retorted but while she spoke someone crept behind her to hit the back of her neck. "I''m telling you to stop what you are doing?" she turned to face the man who stiffened with the bottle of neck on his hand.


    "What a cocky girl you are." the man exclaimed but Riley didn''t care. She continued to walk out of the night club.


    However, when she went out, someone blocked her. "Little girl, I heard that you broke my brother''s leg..."


    "So what? Do you want me to break yours, too?" Riley raised her eyebrow and had her arms crossed on her chest.


    The people who were watching felt so bad for her. They didn''t know where she got her courage to talk back to the group of men who were known for being troublesome in bars and clubs. They were also related to the three men who sat beside her inside the bar earlier.


    The man thought Riley was just an easy target but he would know soon that she was not. He raised his fist and wanted to punch her stomach which was the weakness of all women, he thought, but Riley caught his arm and twisted it making the man cry in pain.


    Riley didn''t stop until she heard a ''crack'' which indicates the broken bone. She pushed the man on the ground who was cursing her relentlessly.


    "You f*cking bitch! I''ll kill you! I will really kill you!" the man shouted but Riley just kicked his leg with a smile in her lips. It was a smile that sent shivers down on everyone''s spine.


    "If you have the skill, come to me." she kicked him again and took a step back to walk away. Sadly, she couldn''t escape that easily. Several bulky men with piercings and tattoos came to surround her which gathered into a huge crowd.


    Riley took out her phone and checked the time. It was few minutes pass nine in the evening and she needed to get home soon.


    "Do you really want to fight with a helpless girl like me?" Riley questioned with a sigh. She put her phone inside her purse and zipped it to secure her things.


    "Didn''t you ask us to come and kill you. Are you telling us to let you go?" one of the men who came laughed scornfully at her. "Little girl, you must be crazy to provoke us."


    Riley just rolled her eyes and stood in the middle of the crowd. She didn''t want to make a move in case the police force gets involved, she would have a reason to say that she only did it to defend herself.


    While she was looking around her, someone sneaked an attack and threw a knife behind her.

 Chapter 380 - RILEYS IN TROUBLE II

    Riley took a step to the side and evaded the knife that was aimed at her. In the end, another man was hit on the side of his stomach and fell on the ground.


    "Whoa! That certainly hurts your comrade." Riley spoke with a sheepish smile, angering the men even more.


    "Go die!" Someone came to her and was aiming to punch her head but Riley only smiled at him. She caught his hand and made an overhead throw making the man groaned in pain.


    With that start, men after men attacked Riley from all direction. They were praying for her safety but they didn''t want to get involve in her affairs because they still value their life. They don''t even know how to fight!


    Riley punched someone''s face and caused his nose to bleed. She punched them with all her might, letting out some steam since she hadn''t fought for quite sometime now.


    With or without a knife, she fought all of them by herself. Her hands were coated in blood and her sweat shirt and long coat had stains of blood, too.


    Someone took hold of her bag and her eyes turned cold when she found that it was tainted with blood.


    "Get your hands off from my bag." she ordered coldly but the man only grinned at her. He touched it even more and the blood stains made Riley''s blood boils under her veins. "I told you to let go of your hands." She punched the man''s arm twice, making him to let go of his hand from the bag. She didn''t stop there. She punched his face, kicked his knee cap, punched his ribs and broke several bones of his. "I told you to let go but you didn''t. How dare you touch my bag with your filthy bag?"


    Everyone who watched the fight was dumbstruck. They were all thinking that she was done for earlier but now, they couldn''t help but looked at her in awe before looking to the ground with smiles.


    "Oh god! She''s amazing!"


    "I can''t believe she fought all of them alone!"


    "I thought I was watching a live action movie."


    "She wasn''t even afraid to take the challenge in public."


    "Will she be punished? I mean, these people has connections and I am afraid that she''d be in deep trouble."


    "We all witnessed the fight so we can tell the police that she did it to defend herself. She is a woman after all and she wad being bullied by these men."


    "You are right."


    The crowd''s opinion favored Riley and they were even willing to be her witness if she''s caught in jail.


    None of that happened though. When the police came, she was only taken to be questioned and several officers stayed to ask the crowd.


    When Riley got inside the station, she saw Lucian working over time again. She was wearing her cap and shades once again, so even though they were under the light, they couldn''t see Riley''s face.


    "Some of the men were sent to the hospital due to several broken bones." Officer David was the one who came to talk to her.


    "So? Do you want me to pay their bills? I''d rather let them die than waste my money on them." Riley spoke coldly without even looking at the police officer.


    David chuckled upon seeing her bravery and forthright attitude. He sat on his table and put down the documents he was holding on the table. "Will you tell me what happened?"


    Riley told him what happened and she even included the three men who spoke to her at the counter inside the bar. She didn''t miss anything at all.


    "Would you like to file a case against them?" David asked as he handed the form to her.


    "Can you deal with these people by yourself? I don''t want to file anything because I don''t want my name on your system."


    "Oh? You are interesting. Most women would file a complaint against these men but you won''t." David stated while taking the form back.


    "It would be troublesome for me." Riley answered. "Can I go home now?"


    "Kindly wait a minute, I''d have to proceed carefully with this matter since you''ve sent several men to the hospital."


    "I was defending myself. Anyway, go ahead and do your work. Finish it as soon as possible so I can go home."


    She waited in front of David''s desk while the men were sent to jail for confinement while waiting for the whole process to be done.


    Inside Jillyanna''s house, Shein was walking back and forth in the living room while waiting for Riley to come home. He called her earlier but the phone just kept on ringing without anyone answering him. When he traced her, the signal showed that she was at a bar which wasn''t a worry to him. He knew that Riley can put up a fight if needed so he didn''t worry about her.


    "It''s almost ten in the evening and she isn''t home yet. Did something happen to her this time?" Shein murmured so he tried calling her again.


    Riley was looking at her bag with a mournful face as if she lost something precious to her. It was at this moment that Shein''s call came so she answered it immediately.


    "Where are you now?" Shein''s anxious and worried voice made her cry on her seat. She abruptly wiped her face with the back of her hand before anyone could notice.


    "I''m dealing with some matters right now. Why?"


    "I..I was just worried since you aren''t here when I got home. Are you still at the bar? I tracked your location earlier and it showed that you are at the bar."


    "No, I am not. I am on my way home. I just stopped somewhere. You can go ahead and sleep. It would be bad if you are late for work tomorrow."


    "Okay. I''ll go to sleep now." Shein ended the call with a frown. He immediately tracked her again and found her location at the police station. "What is she doing in this place?"

 Chapter 381 - SHES FINALLY HOME

    It was the first time that Shein neglected Riley''s whereabout due to his anger at her. He didn''t check where she went to and he didn''t call her either.


    He was confident that Riley will be safe without him worrying about her. He knew that Riley was tough. Now, he was finally worried because she wasn''t home yet and it was almost midnight. She was even at the police station which was really odd.


    He was debating between going out to fetch her or to wait for her at home. After few minutes, he picked up his coat and went out. Just as he was entering his car, the tracking on Riley''s phone moved and was on her way back home.


    Shein went inside and decided to wait for her instead of going out or going to sleep. He turned off the lights in the living room and sat on the couch while waiting for her.


    Inside Lucian''s car, Riley was silent while looking outside the window. "Can you keep quiet about what happened today? I don''t want anyone to worry about me. At the same time, I am perfectly fine so it isn''t really a big deal." Riley told Lucian who was driving towards Jillyanna''s home.


    "Alright. I''ll help you keep this thing a secret but if in any case Jillyanna would ask me, I''ll tell her honestly. If she won''t, I won''t say a thing either." Lucian agreed because he didn''t want Jillyanna to worry as well.


    After that, the two of them remained silent until they arrived at Jillyanna''s house. "Thank you for sending me home big brother Lucian. Take care." Riley went out of the car and waved her hand at him.


    The house was quiet and only the porch light was on, illuminating the garden. Riley sat on the porch and looked at the dark sky dotted with stars. "I hate this day. I hate it so much." she couldn''t help herself and mumbled these words angrily.


    In the morning, she doubted Shein leading to the misunderstanding between them. She apologized but she didn''t earn his forgiveness. When she visited Jillyanna whom she viewed as her pillar of support, she was sleeping so she only talked with Travis. When she visited her twin, she was busy with her studies and she didn''t want to disturb her. And she got into fight with several men in the evening which delayed her time to come home.


    Riley pulled her knees close to her and placed her chin on her knee cap. "What a stressful day." she commented. She sat on the porch for a few minutes but Shein didn''t go out to see her at all. He didn''t know what he would say to her.


    After almost ten minutes, Riley stood up and opened the door to the house. She turned on the light in the living room and was startled to see Shein looking at her.


    "Hi." Riley smiled faintly and walked past him to the kitchen. She was really thirsty.


    Shein was still sitting on the couch with a pale face because he thought he saw a ghost earlier which made him stiffened on his seat.


    Riley didn''t wait for him to respond or say something. She walked upstairs to her room so that she could change her clothes immediately.


    She was about to close her door when Shein stuck his foot and stopped her from closing it. "Do you need something?" she asked without the intention of inviting him in but Shein went inside her room anyway.


    "What happened?" he asked her back while looking at her up and down. There was a stain of blood on her right cheek. Her clothes were stained with blood and even her bag had blood on it. She looked so messy and scary at the same time.


    Riley tore several tissue papers and placed it on top of her vanity mirror before putting her bag on top of it. "Nothing much. Just a minor fight." she answered in nonchalance. "If there''s nothing else, you can leave."


    She took her bathrobe and went inside her shower room before taking her clothes off. She looked at her back and saw two bruises being reflected on the mirror. "Sigh. It would take several days before these will fade." Riley murmured before standing under the shower head.


    She cleaned her body thoroughly, making sure that the blood stains were wiped clean. She took almost half an hour inside the shower and she felt so upset whenever she sees the bruises.


    When she came out of the shower, she thought that Shein already left but he was actually lying down on her bed.


    "Why are you still here? Do you have something else to say?" Riley asked while looking for a change of clothes.


    "I''m sorry." Shein mumbled while watching her back. "I''m sorry for not talking to you properly. I''m sorry for letting you wander in town without tracking where you go. I''m sorry for neglecting you. I''m sorry for letting you feel guilty when it was me who did something wrong."


    "Okay, I forgive you. Can you go out now and let me sleep?"


    "I won''t go. You are not really forgiving me, are you?"


    "What else should I do then? I''m just really tired and sleepy. Let''s talk again tomorrow." Riley murmured and went back the bathroom so that she can change. If it was like their normal days, she would just change her clothes in front of him but tonight, she didn''t want to show him her back.


    Riley changed her clothes immediately and went out only to find her boyfriend sleeping on her bed. She didn''t bother him anymore and went to her vanity mirror to get her phone from her purse. She set an alarm and put it on her bedside drawer.


    Shein wasn''t really sleeping. He was just pretending to sleep while actually trying to sense what she was doing. The other side of the bed sank which means to say that she was finally going to sleep.


    He opened his eyes to peek at her and found Riley sleeping under a different quilt. For the first time since they were together, they were sleeping with two different quilts!


    ''I must have gone too far.'' Shein thought sadly. ''If I talked to her properly, she wouldn''t have gone out and got involved in a fight. I even neglected her for the whole day.''


    He removed his blanket from his body and slid under Riley''s blanket. He even pulled her closer to feel her warmth. When his hand touched her back, Riley frowned with her eyes closed.


    "Stop moving around. I''m really tired today and please don''t touch my back." she murmured while snuggling close to him.


    Shein picked up her phone since he knew the password and opened the camera. He pulled the back of her clothes and took a picture of her back. He knew something was wrong when she frowned.


    "Just as I thought." Shein mumbled while looking at the two bruises that he was able to capture. "I''m really sorry." he kissed the top of her head and hugged her to sleep. "I''ll make sure to get back at them for you. I''m really sorry."


    Riley didn''t say anything because she couldn''t process what he was saying. She was really sleepy and the alcohol was messing up her mind as well. She only wrapped her hand around his waist and sleep comfortably.

 Chapter 382 - CAUGHT A COLD

    Riley didn''t close her window since she was on the second floor of the house. The wind blew gently, caressing her hair and waking her up from its cold breeze.


    She rubbed her hair and found someone''s arm holding her waist. Her back was leaning against someone''s chest and the warmth that he exuded was comforting her bruises.


    "Are you awake?" Shein asked her with so much concern since they weren''t able to talk clearly last night.


    "I have to go for a photoshoot today." she mumbled while trying to pry open his hand away from her waist. "Can you let go of me now? I want to take a shower."


    "I don''t want to." Shein mumbled and even tightened his hold on her. "I feel like, if I let you go, you''ll ran off again."


    Riley didn''t say anything. She just stayed still, lying on her side of the bed without moving an inch. Her breathing was uneven and she felt the throbbing pain caused by the bruises on her back.


    "Riri. I''m sorry. I know I was at fault, too. I shouldn''t have teased you. I should have talked to you yesterday. If I didn''t let you go, you won''t get involved with a fight and get these bruises on your back."


    Riley took a deep breath and sighed before turning her body over and faced him. "I''m fine. I already forgive you last night. So can you let go of me now? I still want to check if I can still save the bag you gave me."


    Shein removed his hands from her waist and watched her go to the shower room.


    Riley found the bag that she soaked with soap last night to remove the dirt and the blood stains. It wasn''t a very expensive bag or a branded one but, it was the first gift that she received from Shein three years ago. She cherished and treasured it so much which was why she was so angry that a bloody hands touched her bag last night.


    "Riri, what time will you leave?" Shein asked, still lying on her bed with no signs of leaving at all.


    "I''ll leave around ten in the morning." Riley answered from the bathroom. She was rinsing off the soap from the bag and was drying it using her hair dryer. "Would you like to have breakfast with me before you go to work?"


    "I''ll take you on with your suggestion." Shein agreed immediately. "I''ll go back to my room now. I''ll come and get you once I''m done."


    "Okay." Riley responded simply and continued to do her current work. As much as possible, she wanted to keep his gift with her forever.


    At the hospital, Jillyanna was having a headache early in the morning. Why? Because a certain someone caught a cold.


    "Don''t worry about me, I''ll be fine after a rest." Travis mumbled but his nasal voice betrayed him and Jillyanna would never let it go.


    "You are not fine. Just have yourself checked and let''s ask for medicine, okay? I''m really worried." Jillyanna pressed her forehead on his to check his temperature. "I guess it''s really just a mild cold. Even so, we couldn''t be so laid back with mild cold. Let me call Eli instead."


    She was about to reach for her phone but Travis stopped her. "I''ll be fine. Promise. Just let me rest for a little bit."


    Stubborn just like her, Jillyanna sat beside him helplessly. "I can''t kiss you anymore. I don''t want to catch your cold and infect our baby."


    "Oh. I''ll go ahead and have myself checked. I''m sure I''ll be fine." Travis didn''t wait for her to react and picked up his coat immediately and went out of the room.


    Jillyanna was laughing inside her room when she was all alone. She didn''t know if she should feel pity at him or if she should be delighted. He was really quick to react when she said that she won''t kiss him anymore since he got a cold.


    Travis would never let anything stop his wife from kissing him. He would make sure to get well soon. He walked towards the pharmacy and asked for over the counter medicine for colds, cough and fever. He wanted to be prepared to make sure that it won''t get any worse.


    He went back to her room and found her lying on his make-shift bed with a smile. "So? What did the doctor say?"


    Travis avoided her gaze since he didn''t look for a doctor. "I just bought several medicines. I know what''s good for colds. I can handle this. I''ll be fine in no time."


    Jillyanna didn''t want to force him and she knew that he wouldn''t go for a check up so she contacted Eli earlier when he left.


    "I''ll be monitoring you until you get better." Jillyanna spoke and sat up straight on the bed. "No kissing though. Mild cold is still dangerous for my health."


    "You really want to see a miserable me, don''t you?" Travis let out a throaty chuckle while he placed his medicines on the table. "I''ll be perfectly fine after a whole day of rest. And I''ll make sure to get my missed kisses."


    They were chatting happily in the morning when Cheska and Diego visited them. They brought them food which Cheska chose to cook in order to give Jillyanna a nutritious and sumptuous meal.


    They don''t really have any worries when it comes to food. The person who will visit them will let them know in advance and would bring them food as well. They would always visit them early in the morning, for breakfast, during lunch hours and around six or seven in the evening for dinner.


    Travis didn''t want Jillyanna to eat the food that the hospital provided so he was really thankful that their friends and families were willing to cook for them.


    "I am glad to see that you are doing fine." Cheska commented when she saw Jillyanna sitting on a make-shift bed where Travis usually sleep. "Are you guys okay here?"


    "Hn..We are." Jillyanna responded cheerfully. "Thanks for bringing us food."


    "No worries. We are happy to offer a little help. Diego wanted to discuss some business matter, too." Cheska answered happily before taking a sit on a chair next to the bed. She would never sit on someone else''s bed. "Will you be able to go out in the next few days?"


    "If I won''t have any relapse, I can go out tomorrow and on Sunday. I can only go out during weekends. Why?"


    "You guys need to go for your suit and gown fitting." Cheska mentioned which Jillyanna had forgotten. It''s not because she wasn''t looking forward to it but because she was contented in having Travis beside her. With or without the grand wedding is fine. As long as she''s with him and she was legally registered as his wife, she won''t ask for more. However, Travis really wanted to give her a wedding.


    "I see. I''ll try my best not to relapse. I''ll talk to him about it." Jillyanna stated with a faint smile. She didn''t know what would happen to her. Even if she didn''t do anything stressful, she would sometimes collapse on the spot so she can''t make any promises anymore. She didn''t want to break any additional promises.


    Diego and Travis stayed on the couch near the window, talking about their business while watching their women talking in whisper not far from them.


    "Do you know a man named Natsu Azumi?" Diego asked Travis as he opened his phone to show him an email. "I received it this morning and I was a little surprise. However, I don''t know much about this man."


    Travis read the email which was a proposal about expanding J Entertainment to Japan with their collaboration. Travis raised his eyebrow while reading the proposed benefits and contract.


    "Put it aside for now. I''ll check on it later when I get a grasped of what does he really wants. This man isn''t someone I know but he is someone that Jillyanna knows."


    "Oh. A love rival? Haha. Doesn''t he know that you guys are married?"


    "Of course he knows. He came to find her because he knows. Sadly, I''m staking my claim and I am not letting go of him even if I have to exchange all my business."


    Diego chuckled with a light shake of his head. "I would never imagine that you''d become like this. Who would''ve thought that you''d fall in love to the same person after how many years? Looking at you making your own family, I''m quite envious."


    "Then, why don''t you make your own family?"


    "I''m still working in getting her father''s approval. You know how difficult it is to deal Mr. Suarez." Diego whispered not letting Cheska hear what he was saying. "I''m really afraid that I''d die from the pressure before getting her hands in marriage."


    This time it was Travis who laughed at him. "Well, good luck to that. I''m pretty sure you''ll overcome this obstacle. Just make sure to love Cheska and respect her. And, it is her mother who gets to make the last decision. Get her mother''s approval and you will have a smooth sail."


    "Alright. I''ll think of some ways. Don''t forget about this Natsu guy. Private matters aside, his business proposal is indeed great. And also, do something with your cold, do you want your wife to catch it?"


    "I drank some medicine already." Travis mumbled with a glare. "Thanks for the food by the way. Let me feed my wife first since it''s already eight in the morning."


    "Okay. Go ahead and eat. I''ll send Cheska to her office. I''ll get back to get the food containers later."


    Cheska also stand when she saw Diego walking towards their direction. "I''ll be going to work now. You guys take care."


    "Bye Ches. See you around." Jillyanna waved her hand at them as they strutted towards the door.


    "Let''s talk about Natsu." Travis spoke which made Jillyanna frown.

 Chapter 383 - APOLOGY

    "What else do you want to know about him?" Jillyanna asked before pulling out the chair and sat in front of their small dining table.


    Travis arranged their dishes in front of her to make sure that they were within her reach. "I wanted to know if he is a good businessman or if he does anything shady. He sent me a proposal but I don''t know much about him and I don''t want to put our business at risk."


    She put her chin on her hand while thinking what kind of person Natsu was. "Hmm, as a person, he''s really nice and kind. I don''t know if that''s how he treat everyone else or it was just me. You know what I mean? At the same time, when it comes to business, what I knew is that he doesn''t deal with anything illegal or unorthodox."


    "I see. Well, I''ll think about his proposal some other time." He sat on the chair beside her and put several dishes on Jillyanna''s plate. "Let''s eat."


    They ate their breakfast while talking about other things aside from Natsu. They were happily chatting and devouring their food when Top knocked on the door.


    "Boss, there is a delivery for the young madam." Top spoke softly, and beside him was a delivery guy with big bouquet of red roses.


    Travis looked at Jillyanna who also looked back at him with her eyes blinking in confusion. "Did you order flowers for me?" Jillyanna asked him while letting the delivery man get inside. He handed her the bouquet and a clipboard to sign her name.


    Travis raised his eyebrow with this interruption. Not only his wife got a flower but it was also from someone else.


    Top escorted the man out and closed the door behind him to leave the couple.


    Jillyanna looked at the bouquet which was really nice but at the same time, it was weird to receive one that wasn''t from her husband.


    "Are you sure you didn''t buy this?" Jillyanna asked again while looking at the flowers if there was any card or letter involved.


    "My wife, I would know if I''m the one who bought the flowers or not. Why would I send you a bunch of ugly roses?" Travis sneered while looking at the flower with contempt.


    Jillyanna chuckled and put away the flowers to continue eating. "Well, it wasn''t yours but let''s keep it. I feel bad for the flowers."


    "Fine." Travis agreed but he wanted to know who the person that sent his wife those flowers.


    Not long after Jillyanna received the bouquet, her phone rang and a very familiar name was flashing on the screen.


    "Speak of the devil and here he comes." she mumbled while showing Travis the caller. She picked up the call in front of Travis while shoving a tomato on her mouth. "I''m eating my breakfast. What do you want?"


    Natsu smiled upon hearing her lazy yet sexy voice. Too bad, she wasn''t meant for him. He was sitting on his chair, facing the floor-to-ceiling glass window, watching the crowd below and the passing vehicles.


    "Did you received the flowers? I remember that you like red roses."


    Jillyanna raised her eyebrow but she remained polite since he didn''t say anything rude towards her.


    "I just got it. Thanks. However, I''d like to know what are these flowers for."


    "It''s my way of apologizing." Natsu stood up and paced back and forth in his office. "I know it was rude of me to show up when you''re married already and I even thought of doing something dishonest. However, I realized that I don''t want to be hated by you. Instead of claiming you by force and be hated in the end, I would rather be your friend. Will you accept my apology?"


    Travis on the other hand heard everything he said since Jillyanna turned the speaker and placed her phone on the table. But he didn''t say anything. It was a personal matter between his wife and Natsu.


    Jillyanna smiled and looked at the flowers again. "Come and attend my wedding next month. I will accept your apology by then and welcome you as a friend."


    Natsu was chuckling faintly on the other line. He didn''t expect her to be this bold. "You aren''t so sadistic, are you? I just gave you up and you want me to watch you walk down the aisle for another man. Are you torturing me on purpose?"


    "Of course not. I will be happy if you can come." Jillyanna responded. "As a friend, won''t you celebrate this special occasion with me?"


    "Alright. If you send me an invitation. I would really come and witness your vows."


    "Expect it." Jillyanna retorted. "I''ll continue eating now. Bye."


    "Bye." Natsu put down his phone with a heavy heart.


    "Your highness, are you really giving up this business? Are you willing to take over the throne?" his assistant, the son of the Prime Minister, asked him happily. He was tasked to look after the Prince who was the next in line for the throne.


    "Maybe. I want to find my cousin first. If I can''t really find her before this year ends, I will take over the throne by next year."


    Internal conflict to fight for supremacy was common occurence in a monarchy. Just like how his father became the Emperor after killing his older brother and sister-in-law. Natsu, didn''t like the idea of occupying a seat that wasn''t meant for him. Therefore, he needed to find Taira Azumi as soon as possible and return the throne to her.


    Back at the hospital, Travis was putting away their empty dishes back inside the bag that Diego used to place the food container.


    Jillyanna was arranging the flowers in a flower vase to put it on the table. "I think, Natsu will take over the crown." she commented out of nowhere while putting the flower stem one after another. "He was always looking for his cousin which was why he ventured the path of business. He thought he''d get more connection and would be able to find her."


    "Do you know the name of his cousin?" Travis asked but he might have the idea already. He wasn''t just sure of it.

 Chapter 384 - CAN HEAR YOU AGAIN

    "Nope. He didn''t mention her name to me." Jillyanna answered quickly. "If he can''t find her, he would be crowned as the next Emperor. Do you think his cousin will come back and claim it?"


    "I don''t think so. If she wanted to, she had so many times in the past years to do it. Perhaps, she was no longer interested in it."


    "You are right." Jillyanna placed the vase on the table when she finished arranging the flowers. "By the way, Cheska told me that we should get our suits and gown fitted. It was almost done but they needed to adjust the size due to my pregnancy."


    "When do you want to go?" Travis asked her. He would depend on her when it comes to these things since it would be very tiring to her. He wanted her to do these things whenever she''s comfortable.


    "How about the day after tomorrow? It would be Sunday so you don''t have to work. At the same time, tomorrow, we''d have to go shopping so we can''t see the dressmaker."


    "Whatever you think is fine, I''ll go with it." Travis mumbled with his nasal tone.


    "Is your cold getting worse?"


    "Nope. I''m getting better."


    They talked about their plans for the next two days to make it productive instead of being bored inside the hospital room.


    Before lunch, Dr. Alison came to check on her to make sure that she''d be fine to go out on the next day. "Whenever you feel tired, just find a place to sit and relax yourself. Walking for a long period of time would be a little taxing to you since your baby is becoming bigger and your tummy will be heavier. As much as possible, take a break between your shopping time."


    "Understood doc. I''ll make sure to take care of myself." Jillyanna smiled happily since she would be able to go out. She had been looking forward to this day.


    "If you guys need anything or if you have question, just come and find me in my office room." Dr. Alison reminded them before leaving with the clipboard that contained her status report.


    Travis just smiled to the doctor and gave a light bow. He didn''t want to speak because Jillyanna would know that his cold was getting worse. He was even feeling a little dizzy.


    Jillyanna had been observing him since earlier and she knew that he was lying to her about his condition.


    "Come here." she beckoned him to come closer with her index finger. Seeing his hesitation to come close, Jillyanna frowned and crossed her arms over her chest. "Are you coming over or would you like me to come to you?"


    Left with no choice, Travis approached her and sat on the chair beside her bed. Jillyanna didn''t say anything but she reached out her hand, holding the back of his neck and pressed their forehead. "You are having a light fever."


    Travis avoided her gaze with a flushed face. "I''m fine." he stated while looking on a different direction.


    Jillyanna just rolled her eyes knowing how stubborn he can be. "Go and drink your medicine again and sleep with me. We''ll both take a rest this afternoon."


    "We haven''t eaten our lunch yet." Travis was worried for her that she''d get hungry.


    "We ate a lot this morning. There are many snacks on the table, too. I am not hungry now so let''s take a rest."


    Travis obeyed her immediately. He drank his medicine for cold and fever before going to his make-shift bed where Jillyanna was waiting for him. "You don''t have to sleep with me. I don''t want you to catch my cold."


    "I''m fine. Don''t worry about me." She slid under the blanket and wrapped her hand on his waist. Travis returned her hug and cuddled her in his arms, both feeling the warmth that they emitted.


    While they were cuddling warmly, back at the hacienda, Winter was jumping up and down from happiness.


    It''s been over a month since she started reading lips movement with Gabriel. Whenever someone spoke to her, she would be able to understand without hearing them.


    However, there were times that she wanted to hear Gabriel talk. She wanted to listen to his voice even if it would mean that they''d end their precious moments together.


    Thus, her answer was finally answered. She was able to hear! She can finally hear! And to check it, she went to different places just to hear the noise.


    ''Wait a minute. If I won''t tell Gabriel that I can hear him now, I''d still be able to spend time with him, right?'' Winter thought with a frown. ''That would mean that I will lie to him.'' she mentally added which upsets her.


    She was happily jumping moments ago but now, she was like a deflated balloon. "Reality can be so cruel." she murmured to herself as she sat on a kitchen stool, watching their helpers cooking their lunch.


    Gabriel went out from his room and saw her sulking at the kitchen table. He maneuvered his wheelchair to approach her silently.


    "What are you thinking?" Gabriel asked which Winter clearly heard. Instead of answering him, she pretended not to hear or didn''t read his lip movements.


    Gabriel took out his phone and type the same question that he asker few seconds ago. This time, Winter smiled with an answer. "I want to see Jillyanna and Travis."


    "Do you want to visit them with me?" Gabriel asked her.


    "No. I don''t want to disturb them and become inconvenient. It would be difficult to talk to me."


    "You are not an inconvenience. I am sure, they would be happy to see that you are making a progress, too."


    "I guess you are right. Let''s visit them before dinner. I''ll give Jillyanna a call later." Winter answered him. "I''ll go back to my room for now. I''ll get back when lunch is ready."


    In fact, she just wanted to avoid him. If she stayed any longer, she might gave herself away and Gabriel would know that she was lying. She didn''t want him to know. Not now. Not yet.

 Chapter 385 - SHEINS LITTLE REVENGE

    In the afternoon, Shein sent Riley to the photoshoot location before going to Venus Plaza to work. He was the eye and ears of Travis inside the company and he dealt with some company affairs to make sure that everything will run smoothly while his sister and brother-in-law stay in the hospital.


    Wynwyn was staying with Riley so there wasn''t anything that he''d worry about at. He traced back her location last night and found the night club that she went to.


    Shein checked all the CCTV cameras, in and out of the night club, to make sure that he''d get the details of the men who hurt his girlfriend.


    He even saw the fight that occured the night before which caused her to get bruises on her back. He watched it over and over and found why she didn''t evade the attack behind her.


    She was busy taking the man down who touched her bag and didn''t care about the person who was sneaking an attack. Though the man was still knocked down, it was after she got hit on her back.


    Shein noted all the men involved including the people who harassed her inside the night club.


    Mr. Li, Lickon and JV were still sleeping peacefully due to hangover without knowing the brewing storm hovering above their head.


    Shein was digging up their dirts and was compiling everything for a great show. "You shouldn''t have touched what is mine." Shein mumbled as his fingers danced on the keyboard in a fast rhythmic sound. He was like a pianist playing his piano in a fast tempo. Only he knows what he was doing with his computer - with all the dialogue box and small windows opening and closing, he''s got so many information on the three men.


    ''Knock! Knock! Knock!''


    "Shein, here''s the files that needed the signature of our chairman. Thanks for helping us out." Mr. Sandoval''s secretary gave him a small flash drive which he placed inside the small pocket of his bag.


    "I''ll take care of this. But you''ll probably get it on Monday."


    "That''s fine."


    "Okay."


    Seeing that he was busy, the secretary left in silence. It was good enough that she can get those files signed before Wednesday next week.


    When the woman left, Shein continued to do his very important task as a consolation gift to his bruised girlfriend.


    Riley didn''t know anything at all. She was busy preparing for her photoshoot and Shein didn''t call her to say something either.


    She was just doing her job as an upstart actress. There was a short interview that would feature her in MAGZ next month''s edition and her relationship status will never be missing in this kind of interview.


    "You said that you are willing to work with Tyler once again but you didn''t want to become a lover team, do you have someone special which was the reason that you didn''t want to have a love team?" The journalist asked with a smile on her face.


    Riley didn''t care though. She was willing to admit that there is someone but she would never tell them who. She didn''t want Shein to be dragged into the entertainment circle.


    "There is someone special but it is not because of him that I am avoiding a love team. I just don''t want to be paired with anyone. Aside from that, I don''t want to be hated by all the ladies out there for taking their husbands away. Don''t you think so?"


    "Right. Many fan girls would get their heart broken if you are paired with their idol. Aside from these, many people wanted to know how you got inside the entertainment circle. Can you tell us about your journey?"


    Riley smiled at the camera while thinking back how Wynwyn invited her. "It wasn''t anything special. I came to visit my sister when Wynwyn came and saw me. I don''t know what she saw in me but she insisted that I''d give it a try - joining J Entertainment that is. I honestly don''t know that my sister is somewhat related to the company because we only knew that she was managing a small cafe."


    "Wynwyn is the head of J Entertainment''s PR Department. Did you feel that you are special because she is your manager?"


    "I don''t know if I should feel special. Like any other artist in J Entertainment, I have to fight for resources, too. I don''t see any difference."


    Riley answered honestly but anyone couldn''t point out any mistake with her answer at all. She was just being honest with how she felt which made it difficult to hate her.


    Around three in the afternoon, when the interview was over, Riley changed her dress to her normal clothes while Wynwyn stayed outside the room to guard her door.


    Wynwyn was busy cursing and laughing scornfully as she watched the news on her phone. "Good for you! It''s a karma, b*tches!"


    She was watching the news of the three men getting arrested for using illegal drugs, forcing women to have sex with them, drugging women, killing women who went against their wishes, beating people, and many other issues that was listed by the person who posted the news. There were many evidences attached to it which made it even more difficult to deal with.


    Shein didn''t just post it, he sent the files directly to Lucian, together with the current location of the three men.


    When Lucian and his colleagues arrived, the place was messy and several used condoms were strewn on the floor. The three men were still sleeping and a woman was shivering in fear at the farthest corner, away from them.


    Her eyes were empty, pale faced, and there were bruises all over her body. Officer David, came to her and draped his coat over her.


    Lucian hauled the men which startled the life out of them. "Knees on the ground! Hands on your back!" Lucian shouted angrily at them.


    If it were not for Shein, they wouldn''t know anything about these scums.

 Chapter 386 - HE IS TAKEN

    A policewoman came inside with a change of clothes that they borrowed from the neighboring house.


    The owner of the house didn''t know what was going on, since he was quite old and didn''t have any idea with what these three men were doing inside that house that they were raiding.


    The woman changed into the clothes that her handed to her with lifeless gaze. The policewoman had to roll the sleeves a little for her hands to come out since they were large clothes compared to her petite body.


    She really looked pitiful.


    Lucian was so angry with what he saw. Seeing the bruised woman, he remembered Jillyanna beaten black and blue few years ago. He remembered how close she was to her death, hanging on top of the building with many vehicles and crowd passing right below her dangling feet. It was a horrible sight. He almost broke up with Cielo because of that.


    The policewoman escorted the victim to a different police car and gave her food and drinks.


    The three men were still dazed with what happened to them, handcuffed and half-naked, they were brought to the police station in no time.


    The only good thing that happened in this mess was that, the reporters didn''t know who was handling the matter even though an article was posted. Therefore, the identity of the woman was kept to avoid any judgement from the public.


    The case was rather large and the mass number of people wanted this to be held in public trial.


    The judge and the police force didn''t allow it though. Several women were involved and they were rather young, they didn''t want to ruin their image in public.


    "What are you watching?" Riley asked her manager when she came out of the changing room.


    "Three men were arrested for different issues." She showed her phone to Riley which was currently displaying the faces of the three people who were very familiar to Riley. They were none other than Mr. Li, Lickon and JV, who were harassing her last night.


    "What reward should I give him." Riley mumbled while watching the news. She knew who exactly ruined these men and he deserved a prize.


    "We are talking about these criminals and yet you are thinking about a reward." Wynwyn spoke while taking her phone back. "Anyway, that''s your schedule for today. Let me send you home so that you can take a rest."


    "Can you send me to Venus Plaza instead?"


    "Sigh. You missed him so soon?" Wynwyn asked but she was walking ahead of Riley towards their car. "You should be careful. Even if you are not famous yet, paparazzi will still follow you around."


    "I dare them. They won''t get anything useful anyway." Riley snickered with confidence. If something about her is making a headline, it was because she let it happen. If she won''t, she highly doubt if anyone can escape Shein''s godly skills in computer.


    Shein made a last post using a dummy account which IP address was hidden behind several network codes and was placed somewhere overseas.


    "If you are one of the victims, you can finally settle score with them. Comment your number below and we will help you. No matter what you type or how long your statement is, only a single letter will appear while your information is sent to the police department who is handling this case."


    A woman, hiding inside her dark room, saw what happened and the post that Shein made. Taking the risk, she typed her phone number and entered it. Only a letter A appeared on a comment box under her anonymous name.


    At the same time, David was watching over Lucian''s computer and there appeared a small dialogue box with a phone number. He called it immediately and asked the most important questions to make sure that they''d get her to come and testify against the three criminals that they caught.


    Soon, other women and even men who fell in their hands before, provided their information. On the post, you will only see several letter A''s that people left in the comment box but in the Police''s end, it contained many helpful information.


    "It would be great if he could work for us." Lucian commented while watching his colleagues getting busy with phone calls. There were so many pop ups on her computer screen due to the number of victims and David couldn''t handle them alone so he asked for help.


    "Is this the same person who helped us with the city officials and Jackie''s case?" Nik asked Lucian while he compiled every evidences according to the crime the men committed.


    "Yes. He is the same person."


    "Wow! It would really be great if he would work with us." Nik exclaimed but they knew that it was impossible. Shein didn''t like working in a police station.


    While the police station was thrown into chaos, Riley went to Venus Plaza and waited for Shein. She didn''t go to the main VIP lounge but just waited for him at the reception. She didn''t want to stay alone in that boring room.


    "Should I call sir Shein for you?" the young female receptionist asked since Riley didn''t show any sign of leaving.


    "No need. He''s coming already." Riley responded. "By the way, it''s almost Christmas. Do you guys have a year-end party?"


    "We always have..for the past years..but we are not sure this year. The young madam is sickly and our chairman is busy taking care of her. I personally think that he takes care of his wife instead of throwing parties."


    "You are a great employee. Let me see your name." Riley checked the name tag of the receptionist and typed it on her phone. "I hope that your young madam will be alright soon so that you guys will have a party." Riley added even though she knew that they were talking about Jillyanna.


    Soon after, Shein went out of the elevator with his bag. "Riri, why didn''t you come up?"


    "Tiring."


    "There''s an elevator, okay?"


    "Still tiring." Riley mumbled while taking his hand and walked out of the building. "What do you want for a reward?"


    Their voices were fading as they walked farther from the reception. However, they clearly saw it with their own eyes. The boss'' secretary was already taken.


    "To all the single ladies who likes our boss'' secretary, just give up. His beautiful girlfriend came and picked him up." the receptionist posted on a group chat which composed of all women in the company. Jackie who was taking her break with the training read the post as well. After all, she worked in Venus Plaza for quite sometime.


    A small smile escaped her lips as she sent a message to her twin sister. "You are making a headline in Venus Plaza HQ. Take care."


    Riley read it and turned to Shein. "I think, I just made us a food for gossip."


    "I don''t mind. It''s with you anyway." Shein responded as he drove the car out of the parking lot. His smile and twinkling eyes showed how happy he was.


    He was happy to take his little revenge for his girlfriend. Being imprisoned was rather light compared to how they usually punish anyone who crossed them before. The three men should thankful that they were handled by the law or else, they would''ve been tortured to death by them.


    "Thank you, Shein." Riley whispered. "Thank you for saving the other women and me."


    "I just happen to save them when I executed my little revenge for you. No need to thank me."


    "Oh..so you don''t need a prize either."


    "I want the prize. What would it be?"


    "Me. Don''t you want me."


    Shein was surprised that she would answer that way. To his shock, he even stepped on the brake abruptly. Good thing there wasn''t any care following behind them or it would have caused and accident.


    "Not today. We''ll have to go shopping tomorrow with our big sis and brother-in-law. Or would you rather stay in bed?"


    "Let''s have dinner. My question was just a joke. I still want to shop tomorrow so let''s have dinner instead."


    Even if she wanted to throw herself to her little wolf, she knew when to retreat for important matters, too. And shopping was a very important matter.

 Chapter 387 - IS IT GOOD TO HAVE A BUSINESS OR IS IT BAD?

    Riley and Shein went home first to get their clothes changed at the same time, booked a restaurant for their dinner.


    She booked a private booth for both of them to make sure that no paparazzi would see them and make them a headline the next day.


    Both of them don''t like fancy dinners, but once in a while, they would go on a date like normal lovers do.


    "Let''s leave around six in the evening. I reserved two movie tickets which we can watch before our dinner." Riley spoke to her boyfriend while Shein was putting on her necklace, standing behind her. It was something that Jillyanna gave when Travis was in coma.


    "As you wish. I''ll follow you whatever your plan is." he responded with a gentlemanly bow after putting the necklace for her, making Riley chuckle with genuine happiness.


    She chose a white dress which was two inches above her knees with a red roses embroidered at the hem. The three-fourth sleeves showed her fair-white skin and the gold bracelet that Jackie gave her.


    Most of her things were gifts and she treasured all of them. She didn''t usually shop for herself because she still have so many things at home. Most of the time, she would shop for different items to give as gifts.


    Shein wore a white shirt and a black pants. The only accessory that he was wearing was the watch that Riley gave her before leaving to do the film overseas.


    They were both plain and simple. No need for extravagant outfit.


    **


    At the orphanage, Atty. Lewis was busy sorting the list of things that children wrote.


    He received a message from Jillyanna to ask the children what they wanted to get for Christmas. Most of them wanted toys, some wanted clothes, other were asking for expensive food, some were asking for mobile phones and many other things.


    "These kids aren''t shy at all." Atty. Lewis murmured while looking at the list. After sorting out the list to different categories, he sent them to Jillyanna since she wanted to see it before shopping.


    There were one hundred twenty-one children in the orphanage and most of them were kids below fifteen years old.


    Those who reached the legal age or older, and were able to go to school through scholarships, they didn''t stay in the orphanage anymore. Some of them would come and visit the place and would sometimes bring something for the children.


    There were those who have their own families and have forgotten the place or perhaps they just didn''t want to remember the time that they were once an orphan.


    To Atty. Lewis, only Anton didn''t leave the orphanage. In all his plans, he included the orphanage. And now, his one and only daughter was doing the same thing.


    **


    It was six in the evening when Jillyanna and Travis woke up from their sleep and get out from bed.


    Auntie Fei was in charge of their food that night but when she found them sleeping, she just placed the food container and went outside to wait for them. She didn''t want to disturb her employers.


    Jillyanna also received the message from Atty. Lewis and smiled. It was very detailed with the name, the thing that the child wanted including the size of the clothes.


    "I''m so excited to go shopping." Jillyanna exclaimed while looking at the list. "By the way, we need to order several computer sets for the orphanage. There are kids who wanted to get phones or computers but I think it would be unfair for the other kids so, I think getting a computer sets for the orphanage would be good. We can hire a teacher who can teach them basic computer skills, too."


    "That sounds good. I also have a proposal to you." Travis reached for his briefcase which he placed under the sofa bed and handed her a paper that he worked on a week ago. "I got the permit and I will be announcing this on Monday. I think it would be a great help to the company and to the orphanage."


    Jillyanna read the details which was actually an employment requirements for those who wanted to work part-time. Not only for the orphanage but other kids who wanted to work part-time can do it.


    "This way, they can work for the things that they want. They need to learn the way to live in this society. There''s no free food in this world. Beside, I am giving them a great deal." Travis added while looking at his wife with proud expression.


    It was a great deal indeed. Children from ages fifteen to seventeen can work part-time in Xavier''s Shoe Company and Factory. They will only have to work for four hours a day and they even have thirty minutes break in between two hours. The salary was five percent higher compared to the normal wages in the city. There were so many works that they can choose as well, whichever was comfortable with them.


    For eighteen years old and above, there was a different clause for part-time as well. He really thought about it. And all the permits were all complete!


    "Bravo! I salute to you my dear husband. When did you get this done?" Jillyanna was clapping her hands, clearly proud and happy with his idea.


    "Last week." Travis smiled while getting the papers back.


    "You are working so hard. I sometimes wonder if it is good that we''ve got several business or it is bad." she scoot closer to him and reached her hand to touch his forehead. "I think your fever has gone down but you still need to drink your medicine."


    Travis took hold of her hand and gently caressed it. "It could be a burden sometimes when things don''t go as planned. At the same time, with proper planning and management, with the help of everyone, our businesses are striving steadily. We were able to help many people as well. Do you think it''s bad?"


    "You are right. I shouldn''t think that way specially that we helped many people to get a job, send children to school and help the orphanage."


    "My wife is really kind." Travis leaned to kiss her but Jillyanna covered his mouth immediately with her free hand.


    "You still have a cold."

 Chapter 388 - LURKING EVIL

    Not far from City B, at the suburb near the boundary to City A, a man and woman were entangled with each other, there was no space in between their bodies.


    "If you want to take your revenge, you can do it tomorrow. I heard that they will be shopping for Christmas." the woman spoke before kissing the man again.


    "Ngh..they..still have the..nerve to spend..Christmas huh!" the man moaned between kisses but his mocking tone didn''t drown with the noise caused by their slapping bodies at all. "What..about..you?"


    The woman stopped kissing him as her orgasm washed over her like a tidal wave. She moaned on top of the man, waiting for her body to relax again.


    "I will wait for her to drown from shame." she smiled with her cold eyes. It was none other than Lyla. It''s been over a months since her scandal broke out. At first, she didn''t fight back because she knew it would be futile. However, after thinking about it a couple of times, she didn''t want Jillyanna to have a happy life.


    ''I will let you feel the embarrassment of being a scandal queen.'' she thought and immediately put her plans to action.


    She met the mayor''s son of city B who had been wandering in different places. He didn''t want to stay in city B after the shameful incident that Jillyanna caused and showed to the public. His father was now put in jail together with the other officials. His mother was sent to a mental hospital due to severe depression and his girlfriend left him.


    Lyla found someone who had the same goal as her. From that day on, she stopped taking calls and dedicate her time to him in order for him to cooperate with her plans.


    Ryden thought it would be easy to attain his goal with Lyla''s help since she found so many connections using her body. Therefore, he cooperated with her and enjoyed her lustful body.


    "We can''t do it if they were going to shop. First, there will be a lot of people. Her husband won''t leave her side. Second, we would be spotted easily. We need to do it with less crowd if you really want to take her." Ryden responded before shoving himself inside her again. He didn''t know how many times he released himself inside her already but he couldn''t just satisfy himself.


    "Then what''s your idea?" Lyla asked while feeling him hard again.


    "Let your mole monitor them. Once we get the chance that they''d go somewhere with less crowd, that''s the time that we will attack her."


    "Fine. I''ll visit him next week. I''d have to pay him for his service."


    "Your body will enjoy it." Ryden commented as he moved his hips again and again, sending her to the edge of fire before taking her to heaven.


    Ryden knew a lot of people who could do the dirty work for him as long as there was money involved. However, he didn''t have any plans and most-likely, he''d be found out if he would take action without careful consideration. Thus, having Lyla was a great advantage to him.


    But a fool and another fool won''t make them wise. Nonetheless, they still have someone who was monitoring Jillyanna and Travis in close range. Someone who knew where they will go and what they will be doing.


    "Alright. Let''s postpone the plan and wait for another time." Lyla spoke while she trembled underneath him.


    THE NEXT day, Jillyanna woke up earlier than Travis. She touched his forehead immediately and gave him a light kiss.


    Travis stirred for a moment but he only hugged her and continued sleeping. "Alright, let''s stay like this for another half an hour." she murmured, not sure if he even heard her.


    Travis snuggled closer and buried his face on the warmth of her neck. His warm breathing was tickling her and sent shivers down her spine to her toes.


    She needed something to distract herself from the onslaught of pleasure caused by his warm breath. She thought of different things and different event but her mind would wander to their past night activities that she missed.


    In all honesty, she missed doing those things with him. Even if it was embarrassing sometimes, she likes the comfort that his warm body emitted. At the same time, he was her husband, so that was just a normal thing to do.


    Remembering those things made her blush and she felt her temperature increased. "Are you doing this on purpose?" Jillyanna asked, giving him a light pinch on his back.


    Travis chuckled and pulled her even closer but he made sure not to press her stomach at all. "It''s because you didn''t give me a kiss."


    "It''s because you have a cold." Jillyanna retorted at his unbelievable response. "Do you want me to catch your virus?!"


    "Ouch!" Travis was exaggerating his reaction while placing his hand on his chest. "Virus? It''s just a mild cold. And I am fine. I wasn''t about to kiss you on the lips. Just on your forehead."


    Jillyanna rolled her eyes at him. "I''ll kiss you but I will decide where." She caressed his faced and kissed the tip of his nose, his forehead and his eyes. "Satisfied?"


    "Nope. Do it again."


    "My husband is quite demanding today." Jillyanna mumbled without moving an inch.


    "One more time, please?" Travis asked again with a pout and puppy eyes.


    Jillyanna laughed so hard at his silly reactions. "Don''t act like this. You don''t look cute, you look stupid." she commented but she still kissed him again and this time, she gave his lips a quick kiss.


    "I will only act stupid in front of you." Travis winked at her before getting out of bed. "Let''s take a shower together. We need to save water."


    "Save your little excuses. Save water my ass."


    "Your ass is cute."


    "Why are we even having this conversation?"


    "I don''t know."


    They both looked at each other and laughed out loud. To Jillyanna, having this short and silly conversation was enough to make her happy.

 Chapter 389 - THEYRE BACK

    Few minutes after they took their shower, Jackie and Vincent arrived with several food boxes.


    "Sister Cielo asked me to visit their house and get these food for your guys. I told Auntie Fei not to cook your breakfast today." Jackie informed Jillyanna who was sitting on her bed with Travis behind her, drying her hair.


    "What time will Shein and Riley arrive?" she asked them since she didn''t check her phone earlier.


    "When I called, Shein said that they were eating. They should be here when you''re done eating your breakfast." Jackie responded. "Are you guys sure that you want me to stay here? I mean, I think I''m more suitable to go out than Riley. She''d be in serious trouble if anyone will notice her."


    "She''ll be fine. Aside from that, you''ve been working hard with the training. It would be better if you stay here and relax yourself."


    "Okay." Jackie acknowledged without hesitation. "I''ll take Vincent to the garden while you guys eat. Just ring me up when you are done."


    "Sure. Sure." Jillyanna waved her hand as she watched them walk out of the hospital room. "By the way, Gabriel and Winter were planning to visit us but I told them we are busy at the moment. Maybe they can come on Monday?"


    "Monday is fine. We won''t be going anywhere." Travis responded before putting the hair dryer back inside the small drawer.


    "Time flies so fast. One more week to go and this month will be over." Jillyanna mentioned. "Let''s eat now before the food gets cold."


    Travis arranged the dishes while she was busy drinking her vitamins. "Right. Cheska told me that the invitation letter were all set and she added Natsu as well."


    "I''m a little bit nervous." Jillyanna admitted directly to him. "I''m nervous that something will happen during that day."


    "Don''t worry about that. I informed Dr. Alison in advance and she made sure to free her schedule on that day. She will attend the wedding to make sure that she can assist you if anything happens."


    "You were so busy coordinating with several people for this wedding while I sat her doing nothing."


    "Who said you were not doing anything? Your main task is to take a rest and take care of your health for me and for our baby. And you are doing perfectly fine with your task."


    Jillyanna smiled happily knowing that he was doing his best to comfort her. "When I planned on having a baby, I never thought of this possible instances. Now that I think about it, it was a blessing that Cheska exposed my plan to Diego, making Diego tell you about it."


    "We are destined to meet again and fate has a lot of ways to achieve it." Travis retorted while handing her the spoon and fork. "Let''s eat. Shein and Riley will be here in a moment."


    The door to her hospital room opened and to their surprise, it wasn''t Shein or Riley standing at the door.


    "We''re back!" different voices echoed in the room.


    "Savy!" Jillyanna exclaimed happily as she put down her spoon and fork. "I was just talking to Travis about you guys! I''m glad you are back!"


    Savannah walked towards her and hugged her gently. "I''m glad to see that you are safe."


    "What could happen to me with Travis by my side? Did you guys eat already?" she looked at Savannah before shifting her gaze to the three men who sat on the couch at the window.


    "We grabbed some breakfast on the way." Brown answered. "Are you guys going somewhere?"


    "We are going to shop for gifts that we will give to the orphanage." Travis responded. "Do you guys want to come along or would you like to rest?"


    "I''d like to tag along. We actually finished the mission a week ago but we stayed in the camp for a week to rest and to finalize the turnover procedure." Savannah raised her hand voluntarily.


    "I''ll go as well. I need to buy some things." Brown second in motion.


    "We''ll stay here." Valkyrie and Hawk stated in unison. They still wanted to rest and at the same time take care of the things inside the room. Specially that they noticed the work desk and the laptop on top. It was clear as crystal that Travis was working in Jillyanna''s hospital room.


    "Okay." Jillyanna replied with a perfunctory remarks before she continued to eat her food.


    After half an hour, Shein and Riley finally arrived.


    "Oh! You guys are alive!" Shein exclaimed with his wide eyes.


    "Did you expect us to die?" Valkyrie inquired with a raised brow.


    "Uh huh. After all, the mission that you were sent to was quite dangerous. And if I may say, you even got a wound on her side." Shein didn''t sugar coat his words at all.


    Riley could only press the space between her eyebrows and drag her boyfriend to sit on the chair beside Jillyanna''s hospital bed.


    "You should be used to his bluntness by now." Riley spoke while looking at Valkyrie.


    "He''s really a cheat. Stop invading the military security system." Valkyrie mumbled while pressing his hand on his side. He did get a stab wound but it was already stitched by Brown. It was also one of the reasons why they stayed in the military camp for a week.


    "Is it my fault that your system''s security is poor? And beside, I only checked it to see where you guys were sent to." Shein responded with light grievances.


    "Alright kids. Stop arguing." Jillyanna stated on the side that silenced both Valkyrie and Shein.


    She finished her food and put down her spoon and fork. Travis also finished his food and was pouring each glass of water for the two of them.


    "Do you want to eat somewhere later? Any cravings?" He asked Jillyanna who was wiping her face with a tissue.


    "Hhmm..I want to eat hotpot. Can I?"


    "I''ll find a good hotpot for you." Travis responded while handing her the glass of water. He would spoil his wife when needed and restrict her when it wasn''t good for her. Jillyanna knew it, too. Which was why she loves him every single day of her life.

 Chapter 390 - SHOPPING FOR CHRISTMAS I

    Lyla was sitting on her couch fuming in anger. She was holding on to her phone while listening to the man speak on the other end of the line.


    "If you want to do something, you have to wait until these four people leave to go somewhere. They were very capable and I heard that they often go off to different places for missions that Travis gave them. So you have to wait until Travis gives them something to do again." he was sitting on a vacant cubicle in the comfort room.


    "Fine. I''ll wait! When that happens, you better tell me as soon as possible!" Lyla stated with gritted teeth. She was so close to achieving her plan but now she had to wait again.


    She was so angry that she punched her wooden table. "You will pay for what you''ve done! I''ll make sure that you''ll pay for it! I''ll wait no matter how long. I will achieve my revenge against you."


    IN THE HOSPITAL, Travis and Jillyanna were ready to go. This time, Riley, Shein, Savannah and Brown were coming along with them.


    "Where''s Top?" Travis asked the other men who were stationed to guard Jillyanna''s room.


    "He went to the comfort room sir." the other men answered.


    "Okay. You guys can stay here. We won''t be bringing any guards to avoid standing out in a crowd." Travis took hold of Jillyanna''s hand and left after stating his piece.


    "Shein, can you drive the car today?" Jillyanna asked since she didn''t want to compromise her husband''s health. After all, Travis just got fine from cold and light fever.


    Shein nodded his head in agreement. He didn''t really mind doing such little task. "I brought the van today since we will be shopping. I presume there will be a lot of things and we need bigger space."


    Jillyanna gave him thumbs up. "You are really smart."


    "Of course. I take my braincells from you." Shein answered which made them laugh. It sounded like Jillyanna was his biological mother but in fact, he was already smart even before. She just helped him to discover his abilities.


    When they reached the ground floor and got out of the elevator, Eliezer was about to get inside for work as well.


    "Morning Eli!" Jillyanna greeted him with a smile. "Have a great work today!"


    "Thanks Jill. You guys take care! Don''t forget to buy me a gift, too." Eli responded with a chuckle while waving his hand at them. When the elevator door closed, he let out a sigh. "I wish I could be happy just like her."


    "Who was that?" Riley asked since it was the first she saw that man and someone closed to Jillyanna as well.


    "That''s Eliezer. We call him Eli and he''s our family doctor. He''s a close friend of mine as well. You can say that we''re childhood friends." Jillyanna answered truthfully since Travis knew him, too.


    "I see." Riley just nodded her head and followed Shein to the car.


    "We''ll take the other car to make sure that we''ll have enough space with the things we''ll buy." Savannah and Brown walked towards the different parking lot were Hawk parked their car earlier.


    Jillyanna and Travis went inside the van that Shein was driving.


    Soon, the two cars left the parking lot and headed for the biggest small in the city where they usually bought their stuff at home.


    Riley was wearing a round clear glasses and a baseball cap. She placed a mole at the corner of her right eye and wore a face mask to cover her face.


    Jillyanna and Travis were also wearing a disguise since they didn''t want anyone to know them. They were not celebrity but they were famous personality as well.


    "Where shall we go first?" Riley asked excitedly.


    "How about we check the Kid''s Apparel first. I''ve got the lists here so that we won''t get confused which one to get." Jillyanna responded.


    "I have a suggestion." Travis cut them short and spoke. "How about you guys shop the list of clothes and we shop for the toys. Brown will come with us to monitor my wife and Savannah come with you. How does that sound?"


    "I''m fine with that." Brown responded.


    "I don''t mind." Savannah added.


    So then and there, they divided the task to make their day productive. Jillyanna chose the toys according to the list. Travis was pushing the large cart beside her while she chose which one to buy.


    There were stuff toys, cooking toys, cars, transformers and many other toys that the kids requested. Brown enjoyed shopping with them as well. He likes choosing the toys for the children.


    After two hours, they finished buying what was on the list and Brown guided the attendant to bring the things to their car.


    Jillyanna and Travis went to look for the other three while sending their location to Brown so that he can find them easily.


    Savannah and Riley were buying the clothes for girls while Shein bought the clothes for boys. When Jillyanna and Travis arrived, they only came to pay and Shein was the one who guided the attendant to bring the things to their van.


    "We are done with the clothes and toys. What''s next?" Riley asked them since they still have a lot of time.


    "Accessories." Jillyanna took another list from her purse and showed it to them. "We''ll have to buy several computer sets, shoes and bags, too."


    "That won''t take time." Savannah took the list from Jillyanna. "Let''s go and find the shoes first. It''s on the same floor as we are now." Savannah led them to different shoe stores to find the sizes on the list.


    "We don''t need to buy expensive bags since the kids didn''t know much about them. Let''s buy something that they can use wherever they go." Riley suggested which ended up buying several backpacks.


    After buying the shoes and the bags, they took a rest and waited for Shein and Brown to come back. They went inside a fruit tea shop and relaxed.


    "We really did buy a lot." Riley commented while looking at the shopping bags on their side.


    "Let''s buy the remaining things later aside from the computers. We''ll buy it in the afternoon after lunch." Jillyanna mentioned which they all agreed.


    "Go ahead and choose which one you like." Travis handed them the menu.


    Riley chose something for her and Shein while Savannah chose something for her and Brown. Jillyanna chose one for her and Travis as well.


    "After we finished shopping the things for the kids, we will also shop for ourselves." Savannah stated while giving Riley a wink.


    "Yup. I need to buy gifts, too." Riley added with a smile.


    There were plans that they made without anyone knowing. They''d have to tell Brown and Shein about it later in secret.


    "That''s fine. It would be good if you guys can relax and shop too." Jillyanna retorted without any idea that they had something else in mind.


    Brown and Shein came back and they chatted for a little while before they continued shopping. They shop and shop until it was noon and just barely manage to finish what was on the lists. The last one would be the computer sets.


    "Let''s take our lunch first." Travis spoke with several shopping bags on his hand.

 Chapter 391 - SHOPPING FOR CHRISTMAS II

    Travis found a Chinese restaurant and ordered a lot of food for the six of them, and he didn''t forget to get a hotpot as requested by his wife.


    "How many computer sets are you guys buying?" Brown asked them while waiting for the food.


    "Ten? I guess?" Jillyanna turned to Travis since she wasn''t sure if that was enough.


    "Ten is fine. In any case, we have to restrain them from spending too much time with computers. It won''t be good for them." Travis answered, holding her hand and kissing her knuckles while speaking. He would always seize this kind of chance whenever he was permitted to.


    They could see his overflowing love for his wife and the same thing goes for Jillyanna. In the past, they would never imagine that these two people would end up together and would love each other this deeply.


    Time shouldn''t really be used to measure one''s love.


    Jillyanna chatted with Travis while the four people were secretly sending messages to their phones, in the group message that they created with the others. The only people excluded was the couple who were chatting happily in front of them.


    Riley: "Let''s buy the things needed at home. However, we cannot decorate the house until the wedding is over."


    Brown: "Why not?"


    Jackie: "Because there''s a chance that they''d come home after the wedding. With my sister''s current condition, most-likely, brother-in-law won''t travel for their honeymoon."


    Shein: "I agree. But since we get the chance to shop today, we will just buy everything that we need."


    Valkyrie: "Alright. Send here the things needed."


    Everyone thought of the things needed for the surprise they were planning for Jillyanna. They knew that she was thinking about so many things and would tend to forget herself.


    Savannah: "I''ll collate the list after an hour. I''ll take a break for now."


    Jillyanna looked at them and the to their phones. "You guys seemed busy. Don''t think about anything for now. Let''s eat and relax our brains."


    "Hn." they answered in unison which made Jillyanna raised her eyebrow but she just kept quiet and didn''t ask anything.


    Few minutes later, their food arrived and the hotpot was all ready. Jillyanna picked up her chopsticks immediately. It had been quite a while since she last ate a hotpot and she was really excited for it.


    "No spicy food for you." Travis popped her excitement bubbles while turning the hotpot over, facing her the original soup base.


    "Just a little." Jillyanna plead while looking at the spicy food in front of her. "Very very very little."


    Travis picked up his own chopsticks and picked a tiny spicy shrimp for her. "That''s a little spicy shrimp."


    Looking at the lonely shrimp on her plate, Jillyanna blinked her eyes and looked at her husband. "Do you want to sleep with me tonight?"


    That was a rather difficult question. If he said Yes, Jillyanna would demand to eat the spicy food. If he said No, Jillyanna would flip in anger and wouldn''t talk to him.


    Travis was put in a difficult question. He turned to face his friends to help him persuade Jillyanna but, they all avoided his gaze and ate happily.


    They would never make the decision when it comes to her food. They knew how capable Jillyanna was and it would be bad if they will become enemies just because of a spicy hotpot.


    "Do you want to sleep with me or not? C''mon. You have to answer me cause I''m hungry." Jillyanna urged him while picking up a cola chicken wings.


    "No."


    Jillyanna was stupefied and her hand that was holding the chopsticks paused midair. She turned her head to Travis with her blinking eyes.


    "Did I hear you correctly? You said no?"


    "Yes."


    Jillyanna smiled but it didn''t reach her eyes. "Alright." She started eating the food which wasn''t spicy and she didn''t even share her favorite dumplings.


    Looking at her sulking behavior, Travis picked up another spicy shrimp for her and placed it on her plate. However, Jillyanna didn''t eat it at all. She only moved it to the side and continued eating the beef tripes she got and the soft tofu.


    She didn''t care about him at all. She continued to eat the food that she thought were fine. She didn''t even notice that Savannah and Riley had stopped eating and were looking at her.


    Savannah turned to Travis. "You are so dead." She mouthed silently before she started eating again.


    Riley just chuckled upon seeing his defeated expression. It would be very difficult to coax her sister and she was looking forward as to how her brother-in-law would do it.


    No matter how much food Travis placed on Jillyanna''s plate, she didn''t eat a single one of them. She even returned them on his plate.


    ''Oh god! What should I do now?'' Travis thought helplessly. He didn''t know it would turn out this way.


    After an hour, they finally finished their lunch. Jackie helped Savannah in collating the materials and sent it directly to her.


    "Let''s go and buy the computers." Jillyanna stood up first and she realized that her stomach was rather heavy. ''Goodness! Did I just receive my karma from ignoring him?'' she cursed mentally while supporting her back and her lower stomach.


    Travis stood up and held her waist. "Are you okay?"


    She swatted his hand away, not so rudely, but the displeasure in her face was obvious. "I''m fine." She left first, Savannah and Riley was walking beside her.


    "Good luck in coaxing her." Brown whispered with a cheeky grin. It was clear that they were happy to see his schadenfreude.


    Shein gave him a light pat on his right shoulder. "I''ve been there, done that. Riley is so difficult to coax and Jillyanna is twice or thrice the difficulty. But I know you''d be fine. She loves you after all."


    Travis shrugged his shoulders helplessly. "Thanks for the encouragement. Let''s go and get the computers."

 Chapter 392 - TRAVIS LEFT

    Savannah led them to the topmost floor of the mall where gadgets and other appliances could be found.


    "Do you have any brand that you like?" Riley asked her while they check the different computers being displayed.


    "I''d like to have the latest model from Dell." Jillyanna mumbled and sat on the couch the she found. She was getting tired from walking and from being upset over some food. It was such a petty reason for a fight but she was really craving for it.


    ''Wait! Didn''t this happen before? I think I''m having a deja vu.'' she noted mentally while thinking hard, trying to remember when it happened. But she just couldn''t remember it. ''Well, there''s no use remembering such stupid matters.'' She gave up the idea and asked for a brochure from one of the attending staff.


    Soon after, the three slow men arrived and looked around as well. Shein was knowledgable when it comes to computers so Jillyanna just let him chose what he thought was best.


    "Are you still upset?" Travis scooted close to her but she also moved farther from him. "I''m sorry." There was still no response from her. "I''ll buy spicy food for you. Can you please forgive me?"


    Still given a silent treatment. Travis released a deep sigh and stood up.


    ''What the! He gave up just like that?!'' Jillyanna exclaimed angrily but she kept a poker face in front of him. She didn''t look at him either.


    Travis went out of the shop and called Auntie Fei to prepare something for him. He didn''t know if it would work but he will give it a try.


    Their friends didn''t bother them and get themselves involved in their LQ. They stayed out of it and focused in choosing the computers. Shein ordered ten sets of the latest Dell computer desktop and gave Jillyanna''s details.


    "Please give me a moment." Shein was currently signing the forms. He took the paper and went to Jillyanna. "Where should these computers be sent to?" he asked his sister while showing the form and receipt.


    Jillyanna took the pen and paper and wrote down the address before giving them back to Shein.


    "Uhhh..who will pay for this?" Shein asked while scratching the tip of his nose.


    Jillyanna opened her purse and took out her own card. She didn''t use the card that Travis gave her.


    Shein took the card that was handed to him and went back to the sales staff. He completed the procedure and got the card back.


    "Make sure to send it on the requested date." Shein reminded the staff.


    "Yes, sir." the man gave a light bow and left him to talk to their colleagues for the delivery arrangement.


    Jillyanna didn''t talk to them at all! After buying the things they needed they all went out of the shop and found Travis still talking to someone over the phone.


    "I''ll be there later." Travis simply stated and ended the call. "Are you done?" he asked while he pocketed his phone.


    "Hn. We''re done with all the lists. However, there''s something we need to buy. So, we''ll be parting our ways here." Savannah mentioned while looking at Brown, Shein and Riley.


    "Can I come with you guys?" Jillyanna inquired, her intention of avoiding her husband was as clear as the pure crystal.


    It was their turn to be in a predicament. If they said Yes, Jillyanna would know about their plan. If they said No, with her current emotion, she''d be more upset if they''ll refuse her.


    "Of course." Shein answered cheerfully. "You have to help me pick the gifts that I want to give."


    "Right. It would be awkward if I know what gift will be given to me. I''ll come with Savy and Brown." Riley added to get themselves out of this awkward moment.


    Jillyanna frowned and shifted her eyes between the four of them. ''Something isn''t right. Is it just me or are they avoiding me?'' she thought to herself while looking at them who only smiled to her in return.


    "Okay. I''ll come with Shein." Jillyanna adjusted her expression and went to Shein.


    Travis who was neglected all this time was feeling aggrieved on the side. "I''ll leave you guys alone." He mumbled making sure that Jillyanna would hear him but she only turned a blind eye and continued to ignore him.


    Brown took the shopping bags from everyone and gave half of them to Travis. "We''ll take this back to the car. Let us know your locations later so we can come and find you."


    "Okay." Savannah and Riley responded. Shein only nodded his head while Jillyanna turned her back on them.


    She was really upset!


    Travis and Brown left and the four of them went to different directions to shop. Shein opened his bluetooth earpiece and Riley did the same. Time to time, he would tell them their location and Jillyanna thought it was to make sure that they won''t lose each other. She didn''t know that it was a way for them to make sure that they won''t run across each other.


    "I''ll go home first." Travis mentioned to Brown as they walked towards the parking lot. "I have to find ways to get back to her good side."


    "How are you planning to do that?" Brown questioned.


    "I''ll cook for her."


    Brown didn''t comment on that. He didn''t know if it would work and only Travis knows his wife best. He would probably succeed with his cooking skills.


    "What time will you go back to the hospital?" Brown inquired so that they can adjust the time of their shopping as well.


    "I''ll be back around five. Please take care of her."


    "Hn. You can count on me." Brown promised while opening the car door. They placed all the things inside before locking the vehicle again.


    Travis hailed a taxi to take him home while Brown went back to find Jillyanna. He knew that if anything happens, Riley and Savannah can protect themselves. However, Jillyanna couldn''t fight due to her pregnancy and to her current heart condition. Shein didn''t know much about fighting so Brown must stay by their side to protect them.


    If Lyla knew that Travis left to go home, she would surely take this chance. Sadly, her mole was at the hospital and didn''t know what was going on inside the mole. So Jillyanna was out of danger.

 Chapter 393 - HIS WAY OF APOLOGIZING I

    Travis went home to cook for his wife. He was at fault for not letting her eat the spicy hotpot at the same time didn''t regret his decision for doing so. He knew that he was only doing what was best for Jillyanna. Even if she got mad, he won''t regret his decision.


    Still, he wanted to coax her. He called Auntie Fei earlier to prepare the ingredients that he needed. When he arrived, all he needed to do was to wear his apron and start chopping the ingredients that needed to he chopped and sliced those that needed to be sliced.


    He cooked a sweet and sour fish fillet, stir-fried vegetable, an apple pie and roasted chicken. He didn''t make any fruit drinks since it would be better if she would just drink water instead.


    While cooking, he also ordered a bouquet of red roses and chocolates for her. He was really putting a whole lot of effort for his wife.


    On the other hand, Jillyanna lost interest in shopping when Travis left. She would sometimes stare into space and be in a daze for few minutes.


    "Sis, are you okay?" Shein asked her while waving his hand in front of her face.


    Jillyanna snapped back into the reality and looked at him. "I''m fine. Do you need to buy anything else?"


    Shein nodded his head and brought her to a shoes store for women. "I want to give something to Jackie. Which do you think would suit her?"


    Jillyanna looked around the store to find a shoes for Jackie but she couldn''t make a proper choice because her focus was no longer with them. She wanted to see Travis!


    "Can you ask Brown instead? I''d like to take a rest for a while." Jillyanna mumbled and walked to the couch were customers usually wait for their orders.


    Shein didn''t stop her nor Brown. They just looked towards each other and shrugged their shoulders.


    They continued to shop until it was four in the afternoon to make sure that they didn''t miss anything.


    The van that Shein brought was fully packed with the gifts for children. There were christmas wrappers to wrap the materials, too.


    "Don''t worry about this sis. When we get home, Riley and I will wrap them up and write their name for identification." Shein voluntarily offered. He didn''t want to add any more stress to her.


    She didn''t really care who will wrap the gifts and when they will do it. All she wanted to do is to go back to the hospital and sleep.


    "Who will send me back to the hospital?" Jillyanna asked the four of them.


    "Brown and I will send you back." Savannah responded. "We will pick Val and Hawk on the way which would be convenient for us."


    "Okay. Let''s go back now." Jillyanna clutched on to her bag got inside the car. Shein and Riley went inside the van and drove off towards her house.


    Savannah was the one driving this time. She was slowly making her way back to the hospital, careful and cautious to make sure that they won''t get into accident.


    Brown was busy texting someone and Jillyanna thought it was Valkyrie. She didn''t know that he was sending messages to Travis.


    "We''re on our way back." Brown told Travis over a text.


    "I''m at the hospital now, preparing to make an apology." Travis replied and put down his phone before he continued to arrange their early dinner.


    Jackie was helping him in arranging the flowers and the scented candles that Jillyanna liked so much.


    "Will this be alright?" Jackie asked after putting the flowers inside the vase and littering some petals on the floor.


    "Hn. That''s great." Travis responded.


    "What exactly did you do that makes you resort to this way of an apology?" Valkyrie asked him with a raised brow.


    "Nothing." Travis spoke, clearly ignoring his question.


    When everything was ready, Vincent, Hawk, Jackie and Valkyrie went out of the room. "Are you guys leaving now?" Top asked when he saw that they came out fo the room.


    "We are waiting for Jillyanna." Valkyrie replied without knowing that a mole was listening. It''s no big deal though since Riley and Savannah can take care of anyone who would want to harm Jillyanna and her baby.


    Top didn''t say anything and just looked towards his men.


    They didn''t wait for a long time before Jillyanna arrived with Brown and Savannah following behind her. She had an indescribable expression on her face and her eyes spoke the intensity of her sadness.


    "Are you guys going home already?" She asked them upon seeing that they were just standing outside the door with their things.


    "I am going back to the house and help Riley and Shein to pack the gifts." Jackie answered. "Vincent is coming with me."


    "We have to go home as well." Valkyrie added while holding on to his luggage.


    "Okay. Take care." She watched them left the hospital in groups until they were out of her sight.


    With a deep and resentful sigh, she slide the door opened and saw Travis standing at their small dining table with a bouquet of red roses his hands.


    His surprise really caught her off-guard and she couldn''t seem to move her feet from being taken aback.


    "W-why...why are..you here?" her small voice was barely audible but since the room was quiet, he was still able to hear her question.


    With large strides, Travis came to her and took hold of her hand. "I am here to apologize for what happened earlier. I didn''t know what I can do to earn your forgiveness so I decided to cook instead. I''m really sorry Jill." he kissed the knuckles of her hand and gave her the bouquet.


    ''We are both stupid and foolishly in love. How can I really get angry at you?'' She mentally noted with a smile. She opened her bag and took a small silver-colored box, and handed it to him.


    "I''m sorry for being willful too. And thank you for understanding me."


    A small smile appeared in his lips which made Jillyanna smile too. "I guess, we are both foolish."


    "I won''t argue with that. In any case, I still love the foolish you." Jillyanna mumbled and stand on her toes to give him a short kiss on his lips. "Thank you."


    As simple as that, they forgave each other and continued to live their life like usual, seeming indifferent to the impending danger that''s lurking over them.

 Chapter 394 - HIS WAY OF APOLOGIZING II

    Jillyanna happily ate the food that Travis prepared for her. She was munching the roasted chicken and she didn''t eat so much rice.


    "They said that it''s difficult to coax you but I personally think that you aren''t." Travis commented while taking a bite of his own food. "I mean, we''ve fought several times even when you haven''t married me yet but I didn''t have any difficulty in coaxing you."


    Jillyanna paused from eating and turned to face him. "I am not being difficult because it''s you. I have short amount of time left, why must I waste it in arguing or from sulking when I can be happy with you. I sometimes get upset, get jealous, or get angry but it would never last a day."


    "My wife loves me so much."


    "Of course. I love you and our baby so much." Jillyanna admitted making Travis blush once in a while.


    Whenever Jillyanna declares her love for him and their child, his heart would palpitate like crazy and he would blush from his neck up to his face and ears. He looked so adorable when he''s blushing.


    "Just eat your food." Travis murmured and fed her a spoonful of food to shut her mouth.


    Jillyanna giggled while watching his bashful countenance but she didn''t tease him this time. She just watched him happily.


    They had their simple dinner date inside her hospital room and Jillyanna was more than happy to receive such surprise from him. She didn''t really expect that he went home earlier just to prepare all these in order to apologize to her.


    "I''m excited to see the gift you gave." Travis mention as he reached for the small gift box that Jillyanna gave. "I thought you were super angry and wasn''t expecting this gift at all."


    "It''s nothing big or expensive." Jillyanna responded while watching him open the silver box.


    What greeted his vision was a black leather wallet with a diamond pattern. He didn''t notice it at first but, when he touched the side of the wallet to feel its texture, he realized that there was an engraved name.


    ''Jillyanna''s''


    "I never knew my wife is possessive." Travis commented while he read the word again and again. She was clearly declaring her ownership over him using the wallet.


    "You are mine and I want you to remember that." Jillyanna kissed his cheek and gave him a hug. "I want you to always remember me whenever you pull out your wallet."


    Travis hugged her back with a faint smile. He didn''t know what had gotten into her mind but he just wanted to assure her that he won''t ever forget.


    "With or without this wallet, I will always remember you. I will remember you every second of every minute of every hour of every day."


    "You are so cheesy."


    "Only because of you."


    "Do you want to watch a movie?"


    "After shower."


    Jillyanna let go of him and stood up from her chair. She chose their clothes to sleep while Travis cleaned their table.


    They took their shower right after he cleaned the table and empty dishes but this time, they took a little longer.


    "You are so warm." Travis commented without moving an inch from his place. He was standing right in front of her as she took care of his physical needs.


    Jillyanna just rolled her eyes since she couldn''t speak at all. Her mouth was rather busy taking him in and out.


    She pulled away from him and licked the tip of his shaft. She licked it twice and moved her tongue down to the very base of his thick and throbbing rod.


    Her tongue brought wonder and Travis couldn''t help but tremble under her warm touch and mouth.


    "You''ve learned a lot." he teased her but Jillyanna didn''t shy away this time. Instead, she made a simple retort.


    "My husband is a good teacher. He''s really shameless to teach his student about this."


    "What a good student you are. I will give you a reward later." Travis showed her a wolfish smile and Jillyanna knew that his prize was something naughty again.


    She didn''t care what he had in mind. She did her task until Travis released himself in front of her and washed themselves under the warm shower.


    "I don''t need any reward." Jillyanna murmured while he lather her body with a liquid soap. He scrubbed her skin gently from her head to her toes.


    Travis was standing behind her with the scrub in hand. Without any words spoken, he slipped a finger inside her which made Jillyanna yelped in surprise.


    "W-what are..what are you doing?" she asked him in gritted teeth. Pleasure was coursing thru her whole body and she curled her toes while bending her body forward.


    "I''m giving you a reward."


    "I said that..Ahh!.. there''s no..nngg.. need to." her statement were broken between moans which enticed Travis to do more.


    He slipped another finger inside her and thrusted it in and out. He could feel her clamping on his fingers tightly and warm liquid coated his hand.


    "Did you just have an orgasm?"


    "No..no..I..I didn''t.."


    "Really?"


    "RV, that''s enough. My knees are getting weak." Jillyanna managed to utter her words perfectly before she released everything that was building inside her. "I ahh..hmm."


    Instead of covering her mouth with her hands, Travis pulled her up and hold on to her waist to steady her, covering her mouth with his lips and drowned her cries with his kiss.


    She wrapped her hands around his neck to anchor herself and get a little support for her wobbling knees. Travis still kissed her and when she was running out of breath she just tap her back gently to remind him.


    "Sweet." Travis commented when he released her mouth.


    "I don''t think I can still hold up myself and watch a movie." she mumbled in his arms. "I''m really tired now."


    "Then, we''ll just sleep our night away. I''m contented as long as you are beside me." Travis responded and turned on the warm shower again to rinse their body.

 Chapter 395 - SUIT AND GOWN FITTING I

    After taking their shower, they didn''t do anything else during the night and rest the night away. They had a very peaceful sleep, uncaring to those people with malicious intent.


    Early in the morning, Sunday, Cielo and Lucian came with food just in time after the couple took their morning shower. They were all excited for the day''s schedule. It was the day to check the wedding gown and suit. The entourage will also be there since they had to check the fitting of the dress.


    "Oh my gosh! I am so looking forward to this day. We''ve all been waiting for this and several adjustments were made due to your complicated pregnancy." Cielo mumbled excitedly while placing the food container on the table. "Twenty more days and it will be your wedding! I am so happy for you."


    "I am happy for myself, too." Jillyanna admitted which made Cielo roll her eyes. Whether it was in the past, the present or the future, Jillyanna''s way of praising herself will never change. She would still be the same narcistic sister she had, given to her as a birthday gift.


    "Let''s eat first so that we can leave early." Travis cut their conversation in order for them to start eating. "Thank you for the food." He stated while looking at Lucian then to Cielo.


    Instead of Dr. Alison, Brown will be the one who will monitor her health instead. These past months, Jillyanna had been doing strenuous activities, fought with kidnappers, got herself kidnapped and experienced other stressful matters. It was not a surprise that her heart would fail her this soon. Thus, Brown made sure to prepare in case something would happen to her during the days.


    "Top?" Travis called for the man to get inside. Among all the bodyguards, he was the one that Jillyanna and Travis trusted the most.


    "Yes boss?" the man with a bob cut hair but still looking handsome on his black suit, came inside.


    "We will be leaving the hospital and we don''t know when we will get back. I want you to stay here and guard the room. Don''t let anyone inside aside yourself. When you want to eat, just call Auntie Fei and Auntie Sisi to send your food here." Travis reminded him which the man firmly acknowledged his task.


    He looked at Jillyanna who was eating silently and released a deep sigh. "Boss, can I say something?"


    "Go ahead." Travis put down his spoon and fork to listen. Whenever Top wanted to say something, it should be something related to Jillyanna''s safety. He was very loyal to them and would never let anyone harm them.


    "Can I ask sir Lucian to stand outside the door and not let anyone of my colleagues hear the words that I am about to say? This is a confidential matter that I am not so sure with but I know that someone was planning something awful against the Boss Madam."


    Lucian didn''t wait for Travis to say anything. When it comes to Jillyanna, he would do his best to protect this little sister. Failure to do so might cause a divorce between him and Cielo. He went outside the room and asked the guards to go somewhere due to some confidential matter.


    When he was outside, Top took a deep breath and started to narrate the serious matter that he found so far. "¡­I am not certain as to whom did he send the information or who he was talking to but I can''t keep myself from doubting. I have discovered him leaking your information twice. He didn''t know that I found out already which is why I am telling you this¡­so¡­"


    Jillyanna stopped eating and smiled. "It''s okay. We will ask someone to deal with this issue. Thanks for letting us know."


    "No problem, young madam. That''s all I have to say. I will excuse myself now." He gave them a light bow and left to get out of the room. Lucian went inside and waited for them to finish eating their food.


    Even if he wanted to ask what was the matter, he knew that it wasn''t the right place to talk. Lucian didn''t say anything but looking at his wife''s reaction, it must be something really serious. Travis looked grim and his eyes were cold. The only calm person was the target ¨C Jillyanna.


    Lucian didn''t know whether to laugh or cry at the situation. They were all worried for a certain someone while that person was happily eating, confident that nothing would happen to her.


    After eating their breakfast, Travis made sure to keep his important belongings inside his desk drawer. He didn''t need to worry about his work or any confidential files since Shein had secured everything to make sure that no one can steal any company properties or intellectual properties from him.


    At the same time, there were hidden cameras installed by Jackie and Shein before so everything will be recorded and Shein would know if someone was taking something from the room. No suspicious person can escape his watch.


    "Let''s go." Travis spoke and took hold of Jillyanna''s hand. Lucian and Cielo were walking ahead of them since they were the ones who knew where they parked their car.


    "I can''t wait to see the dress that you designed for me." Jillyanna mentioned happily. It wasn''t really Travis who designed the whole gown but he was very particular to the details so the designer asked for his personal ideas and made several samples until he found a striking gown. He made personal adjustments to it specially the back design and the stones and pearls that were being used. Jillyanna didn''t want to ask how much the cost was.


    As soon as they left, Top went inside the room to guard the place, not letting anyone inside even if they were colleagues. However, he let them go and loiter to places that they wanted to be.


    "I wish for their safety." He murmured before taking out his phone to call someone.

 Chapter 396 - SUIT AND GOWN FITTING II

    After an hour of driving, Lucian parked the car in front of a huge villa owned by Five Michael, a renowned fashion designer that mainly caters to celebrity stars, politicians and other known socialites in society.


    The cheapest gown that he ever designed was said to be the evening dress that Stephanie Cordova wore during her engagement party. Rumors said that it was a $20, 000 USD gown given by her future parents-in-law.


    The villa the Five Michael owned was a Japanese style villa, mostly made of woods and marble. The scent of the woods and the natural plants surrounding the place was refreshing after staying in the city for a very long time.


    Jillyanna inhaled the nature''s surprise and smiled. There was a huge fountain in front of the house and on the huge pool underneath the fountain were beautiful koi fishes. They varied in sizes and color which looked really wonderful.


    "I want to have a koi fish pond, too." Jillyanna mumbled out of surprise but she didn''t really mean it. It would be nice to have such grand fish pond but she knew that she would have to sacrifice her mother''s garden to make it happen, which she didn''t plan to do so.


    Travis was just listening to her and noted what she wanted and what she didn''t want. He was always like that. He would always pat attention to her preference wherever they went to.


    As Jillyanna admired the lush bamboo grove and the bunch of flowers, a tall and fairly feminine man came out of the house.


    "Oh my lovely bride! The gown I made was perfectly made for you." he greeted with high enthusiasm and gave Jillyanna a kissed on her cheeks. He did the same for Cielo and when he was about to kiss Travis, Jillyanna cleared her throat.


    "He is my man." Jillyanna declared with a faint smile.


    Five Michael stopped himself and lightly pinched Travis'' cheek instead. "I know dear. I just can''t help it." He winked at her making Jillyanna smile. "Come in. Your entourage had been waiting for you. They already check their gowns."


    He gestured to get inside the main house which mainly consist of everything black and white. Despite his feminine touch, his house was very manly.


    "Your house is really amazing. Did you design this too?" Cielo asked as they followed him inside. Just like Jillyanna, she couldn''t help herself but be amazed with the design and the whole layout.


    "Oh no no no. This house was built by my boyfriend for me and he gave it to me during our fifth anniversary."


    His answer really surprised them. Jillyanna didn''t really mind people with homosexual preference. At the same time, what she knew was that, they were the ones who gave so much for their boyfriends. It was her first time to hear that a man would really give something so expensive for his partner.


    ''I hope this is true love for you.'' Jillyanna thought while walking silently.


    He brought them to another large house at the back garden wherein they have to cross a small bridge to get there.


    Under the bridge where lotus pods and koi fishes. Jillyanna was really envious while looking at them. Even if she got so much money, she didn''t want to build a really large house where no one would stay.


    Along the way, as they continue to live their life, she knew that her adopted siblings will find their own path in life and get married, move out of her house and build their own. The same goes for Savannah and her friends. They will eventually move out and build their own family.


    In the future, perhaps, they can use her house as a vacation getaway? She didn''t know. And the idea of parting ways with them was making her feel a little sad.


    "Here we are." Five Michael opened the door where everyone was busy fitting their dresses and suits. Many people were there to assist them and to take measurements for any adjustments that needed to be done.


    Jillyanna could already see the beauty of her grand wedding that Travis prepared for her. The bride''s maids were composed of Cheska, Riley, Jackie, Winter and Jenny. They were wearing their airy blue tube dress with light silver touch making, giving the dress a winter vibe. Since it was almost December, Travis wanted her to a have a Winter Wonderland Wedding. He didn''t care how much it would cost as long as he could make a perfect wedding for her.


    The groom''s men were wearing a white suit with an airy blue and silver necktie to match with the girls. Shein was happily showing his suit to Riley who took pictures of him. Gabriel was there. Brown and Valkyrie were there too.


    "How about we plan for our wedding?" Valkyrie asked Brown who was blushing beside him.


    "Stop talking about wedding." Brown mumbled while looking down on his feet.


    "Why? Don''t you want to marry me?"


    "Of course I do."


    "Then, it''s settled! We''ll have our wedding next year."


    "Oh god! Just shut up already!" Brown glared at him as he adjust his tie.


    When no one was looking at them, Valkyrie pulled Brown''s neck tie and gave him a light kiss. "That''s how you should shut me."


    Brown slapped Valkyrie''s hand away with a flushed face. He walked away from him and went to Shein.


    "How do I look?" Brown asked him in a serious manner.


    "I think you can hold your own wedding with Val. You look great." Shein''s answer choked him. He wasn''t angry but was rather shock that he would say it directly at him.


    ''I asked the wrong person.'' Brown thought helplessly. With dejected expression, he left him and Riley, looking for Jackie whom he knew was a sensible person.


    "Jackie, do I look fine?" Brown asked her while the seamstress was measuring the adjustment on her waist.


    "Hn. You look good. Just make sure that your necktie isn''t crooked." Jackie answered him as she reached for his necktie and fixed it. "I know it wasn''t your fault that it turned out crook."


    "You watched us?!" Brown asked, his horrified expression made Jackie burst out in fit of laughter.


    "I wasn''t watching you guys. I just happen to turn my head in your direction and saw what he did. Don''t worry." She made a zipping action with her lips, relieving Brown from his worries.


    ''I will really kick his balls once we get home!'' Brown noted mentally and threw a deathly glare towards his smiling partner.

 Chapter 397 - SUIT AND GOWN FITTING III

    "Do you like their dresses and suits?" Five Michael asked as he ushered them to sit on the huge U couch.


    "Hn. They are beautiful. Thank you so much for your effort." Jillyanna smiled at him before shifting her gaze back to the busy people.


    Travis put on a throw pillow behind her to support her back. "What about the best man''s and the maid of honor''s?" Travis asked to make sure that Cielo won''t have to wait for a long time. After all, she herself just got pregnant and he didn''t want to compromise her health for his and Jillyanna''s wedding.


    "Just give me a moment. I''ll go and get it myself." Five Michael left them alone to get the dress and suit for Cielo and Lucian.


    "I want to get married again." Cielo whispered to Jillyanna, making her sister chuckle at her silly remark.


    "Wait until you have your golden wedding anniversary. I will give you a super grand wedding." Jillyanna winked at her but Cielo frowned instead.


    "Don''t just make promises that you don''t know if you can make. At least for now, make sure that you will live to witness my 50th wedding anniversary." Cielo reminded her in a soft voice.


    Whenever Jillyanna make a remark about the future, she would be worried, thinking if she can make it and live to fulfill her promise.


    Before they spoil the lively atmosphere, Cielo schooled her face and looked towards the small room where Five came out with a dress and a suit.


    "Wow! That''s lovely!" Cielo exclaimed with wide eyes. The dress had the same color as the bride''s maids but it was an off-shoulder and there was a hugs crystal in the middle of her chest.


    "It''s meant for you." Jillyanna uttered giving her a light push to take the dress.


    Cielo took the dress and Lucian received the suit. They immediately went inside the separate changing room and change their clothes into the dress and suit.


    "Perfect!" Five Michael remarked when they got out of the changing room. "Oh my lovely ladies and gentlemen. Where did you get your beauties?" Five Michael stated with his hands on his chest. He was admiring his works that were worn by people of great beauties.


    They just shook their heads upon hearing his exclamation. His assistants immediately took note of the adjustments that needed to be done before the wedding happens in twenty days.


    He didn''t lack in manpower at all since Travis was willing to pay no matter how much it would cost him as long as everything will be perfect and ready.


    Six dresses and six suits were made for the entourage. All of them had intricate designs and details. For the dresses and suits, it was Riley and Cheska who chose it to match with Jillyanna''s wedding gown. Amidst their hectic schedules, they made sure to make time and had a video call with the designer. When Riley came back last month, she slipped out of the house to meet with Cheska and Five Michael. Shein knew about it but he didn''t say anything after finding out that he was the designer that Travis chose for the wedding.


    Cielo was in charge with the flowers for the venue and for the bouquet. They didn''t want to give her a tiring task due to her pregnancy. Sky and Alex supervised the choices of food since they were the foodie couple.


    Savannah and Hawk will also be attending the wedding but they asked Travis to let them manage the security instead. They wanted to keep everyone safe on that much awaited day.


    Looking at them full of smiles, Jillyanna had a smile on her lips too. She never thought that she''d have these many people who will witness their vows and promises.


    "I don''t know how to thank you." Jillyanna spoke softly to Travis who was sitting beside her. "The word thank you is not enough to express how I exactly feel. I don''t even know how to put my feelings into words."


    He took hold of her hand and tucked the lock of hair behind her ears. He was looking directly in to her eyes, seeing his own reflection, holding on to her warmth and love.


    "A simple thank you is enough." Travis raised her hand and kissed the back of it. "I love you and I want to give you a perfect wedding. It is something that happens once in a lifetime and I don''t want you to miss it."


    "Thank you." Jillyanna reiterated his words. "And I love you, too."


    She didn''t know that it would be so easy to tell him these words now. Before, she would rather die than letting him hear these words from her.


    It took everyone an hour and half to finish with all the adjustments needed.


    "Those dresses were so delicate. I was so scared to touch it, thinking I might damage the cloth." Jackie expressed as she took a seat on the space next to Jillyanna. "It''s your turn after us."


    "Sis, have you seen the design of your dress?" Riley asked her with high anticipation.


    "Nope. I don''t know anything about it." Jillyanna answered truthfully.


    "You don''t know anything about your wedding, do you?" Riley asked with exasperated expression. "You are the only bride who didn''t know anything about her wedding."


    "What can I say, my husband didn''t want me to get tired. He managed everything for me. He spoils me to the ends of the Earth. So?"


    "Fine. Fine. Stop flaunting your love. I was just asking you a question." Riley retorted with a pout. "You are indeed spoiled by him. We knew it long ago."


    "You should ask Shein to spoil you, too." Travis added, teaming up with his wife to bully Riley.


    "Hmp!" Riley snorted and left them alone. She didn''t want to be a target of their bullying.


    They were all enjoying themselves aside from Winter who had been fidgeting on her seat. She really wanted to join their conversation but she didn''t want Gabriel to know that she was fine. He would leave her.


    "How lonely." Winter mumbled sadly to herself.

 Chapter 398 - SUIT AND GOWN FITTING IV

    Gabriel heard what she said but he didn''t know what she meant by that statement. He continued to speak with Valkyrie throwing glances at her from time to time. She was just sitting beside him in silent but her mind was wandering somewhere else.


    After taking a few minutes of rest, Five Michael called Jillyanna and Travis to change their clothes.


    "I''ll come and change with my wife." Travis informed him shortly. He didn''t want anyone to see his wife''s body other than him.


    Five didn''t mind at all. They were husband and wife so it wasn''t really an issue. He handed the white dress to Travis as well as the white suit.


    They got inside the changing room and Travis had to undress her so that she wouldn''t have to bend herself.


    "I haven''t seen the whole gown but I can see that it is really pretty." she commented while raising her hands over her head to remove the clothes.


    "A beautiful gown is for a beautiful bride. But my bride is more beautiful than this gown." retorted, clearly gaining brownie points from her. He unzipped the back of the dress and let her stepped inside before pulling it up on her body.


    The off-shoulder-ecru-colored gown in French lace, studded with Swarovski crystals and pearls, and with a ball skirt with cathedral train, perfectly fits Jillyanna''s temperament. There was a lot of space on her front side to make sure that they can make adjustment for her baby bump.


    Travis zipped up the gown at the back before changing to his wedding suit as well. Jillyanna helped him with his necktie and cufflinks to make sure that he looked great.


    After making sure that they were all set, the two of them went out. Everyone had their eyes on them. Nobody spoke or make comment. They were all speechless.


    "Uhh..Does it look good on me or not?" Jillyanna asked hesitantly, pulling them back to reality.


    "Your husband does have eyes for a beautiful gown that would perfectly match with you." Five Michael stated. "Come here for a sec."


    He walked towards another side of the room and opened the floor-to-ceiling glass window. A wide terrace with beautiful flowers greeted them. In front was another pond of koi fish and a tall flame tree with its lush orange-colored flowers.


    "Let me get a camera and take a picture of you." Five Michael winked his eyes and ran back to the sofa to get his phone. Everyone was doing the same thing as him. They were planning to take photos of Jillyanna.


    Jillyanna was standing in front of Travis. Her right hand was placed on his chest while she leaned her head on him. Travis was holding her waist and kept his eyes on her.


    "The epitome of perfect couple." Riley mumbled while watching her sister and brother-in-law.


    Five Michael got back and asked them to do this pose or that, and got several pictures. He showed them to Jillyanna and Travis. "Do you like it?"


    Earlier, when she changed into the gown, she didn''t see it clearly since it was Travis who put it on for her. She was also busy helping him so she didn''t get the chance to appreciate the gown.


    Now that she was looking at her own photos, she couldn''t help her mouth from gaping wide open. Beautiful is an understatement to use for such an amazing and breath-taking gown. She didn''t want to think about the cost at all. Surely, it costs millions.


    "I don''t want to take it off." Jillyanna commented making everyone laugh. "It''s really beautiful."


    "Thanks to your demanding husband, I get to design something extravagant."


    "Is that a compliment or a complaint?" Travis questioned with his raised brow.


    "You can take both." Five Michael retorted. "Do you want a copy of these pictures? Can I use you as a model for this design?"


    "Ask him." Jillyanna pointed her finger towards her husband. Basically, he was managing her life to make sure that she wasn''t doing anything reckless or too much for her health.


    Five wasn''t able to ask his question yet Travis already shook his head. "You can use these pictures but she can''t model for you. These pictures should be enough. Aside from that, the design isn''t solely yours so you can''t sell the same gown to anyone else. This is exclusively made for my wife."


    "I know that." Five Michael waved his hand. "Don''t worry, I won''t let anyone have this design."


    "Okay. Check any adjustment so that my wife can rest. She must not stand for a long time."


    As caring and as kind as he was to his wife, he was rather cold and indifferent to anyone who might cause any harm to her. Even standing to take adjustments was counted as a harmful matter to her. He was really over-protective.


    "Go and sit over there for awhile." Jillyanna told him so that he will stop worrying. "If I get tired, I''ll let you know."


    "Promise?"


    "Promise." Jillyanna firmly spoke.


    Travis sat on a couch where he can see her with clear view. There wasn''t anything wrong with his suit so he didn''t need any adjustment. Though he could already change his clothes, he waited for her to finish the fitting.


    Five Michael took adjustments on her waistline to make sure that the gown won''t press too much on her baby bump. Despite her bulging baby bump, Jillyanna still exuded the sexiness of a woman.


    "You are the only pregnant woman I know who still looked beautiful in her wedding dress even with a baby bump." Five Michael expressed while writing some notes on his paper. He also checked her back to make sure that there wasn''t much skin exposed.


    "Thank you. I didn''t know that he''d put so much effort into this wedding."


    "Your wedding has been put off for a while now. He must be working so much to make it up to you. I can see his overflowing love whenever he looks at you."


    "He is the only man who can love a flawed person like me."

 Chapter 399 - THEY NOTICED I

    Five Michael didn''t say anything anymore. He needed to finish his task immediately or a dragon might blow fireball at him.


    After quarter and hour, Jillyanna finished the adjustments and could finally change her clothes. Just like when she dress up, Travis helped her change again.


    "I love the gown." she kissed his chin and smiled at him. "Thanks a lot."


    "I''m glad that you love it. I was worried that it won''t suit to your taste."


    "You know me. I am just a simple woman yet you always gave me grand surprises that I didn''t know how to take."


    "That''s what a husband should do. He should love his wife. Work for her and the family. He shouldn''t make her feel tired. He should always make her happy."


    "Didn''t you make me feel tired last night?" Jillyanna argued back.


    Travis just laughed at her adorable response. She was pouting with grievances, making him want to kiss her again and again. He took a light kiss on her lips and smiled. "We were both tired so it was equal."


    "Really? You were tired?"


    "Uhh..a little."


    "Liar. You were obviously happy."


    Travis laughed again while hanging the gown carefully on the side. He helped her put on her original clothes before taking off his own suit.


    "I was tired since you didn''t talk to me and I was happy because we made peace."


    "Hmp! You just know how to coax me."


    "I have to study hard to make you happy."


    "You should." Jillyanna retorted with an arrogant expression. In front of him, she didn''t need to pretend anymore. He could almost read all of her expressions down to the smallest details. He was a terrifying observer.


    After putting their clothes back, they went out and sat on the couch. Five Michael was reading the details for all the dresses and suits while waiting for them.


    "With these needed adjustments, I believe I can finish these three days before the wedding. By then, I''ll ask someone to get these dresses here."


    "That''s not a problem." Jillyanna responded. "Thank you for your effort."


    "Your husband paid me for this job. There''s no need to thank me."


    "Even so, you still worked for that money so you deserve my thanks. If there''s nothing else, we''ll leave you now so you can start working." Jillyanna mumbled.


    They all bid their good bye and left the villa one after another. Since it was very rare for them to be together, Jillyanna invited them for lunch.


    She was currently calling Shein to inform everyone inside his car to know about her plan. "No sis, we can''t." He refused immediately. "We can''t have our lunch at home.


    "Why not?" Jillyanna asked him to know if there was something wrong with her house.


    Shein looked towards Riley and Jackie who was with him. "We can''t..because..be..cause.."


    "Because we forgot to give Auntie Fei the money for groceries. There''s no food left at home." Riley answered for him due to his slow response. "We didn''t want to let you know since were thinking of buying groceries in the afternoon. We just didn''t know that you''d invite everyone for lunch."


    Jillyanna sighed and massaged her temples. "Nevermind. Let''s just eat outside." She ended the call and turned towards Travis. "Where shall we have our lunch?"


    "How about the Moonlovers? It''s a restaurant with variety of Asian dishes." he suggested since it was the closest from where Five Michael lived.


    "That''s it then." Jillyanna agreed almost immediately. She wasn''t someone who was choosy when it comes to food so she didn''t really mind. She sent everyone a text blast to let them know the venue for lunch.


    Shein, Riley and Jackie were all relieved to know that there was a change of plans. "We almost got busted!" Riley exclaimed. "Do you thinks she''s being suspicious of us?"


    "She is." Jackie affirmed their doubts. "Jenny is entrusted for the groceries at home and for grandpa and grandma Shan. When you told her about the groceries, she knew that we must be up to something."


    "Then why didn''t you say anything?" Riley questions incredulously. "Will she go back home to see what''s going on?"


    "Nope. First, she had been going out for two consecutive days. Travis won''t let her go out again. Tomorrow, Winter was planning to visit them - that''s what she told me. We need to do something that will keep her busy for the next couple of days."


    "What do you have in mind?" Shein asked her. Among the three of them, Jackie was the most reliable and the sanest of them all. Even though Shein was intelligent, he was also very straight forward. As for Riley, Jillyanna would know if she was being honest or was acting. If it was Jackie, she wouldn''t suspect anything.


    "This week, I won''t be going home to the dorm. I''ll be coming home to help you with the preparation. During the day, we''ll ask someone to keep her busy." Jackie mentioned.


    "And who would do that?" Riley asked hopelessly.


    "Is that even a question? Of course it is brother-in-law. We just need to tell him what''s really going on. I am sure that he will agree and help us keep it a secret." Jackie retorted to her twin. "When it comes to surprises, as long as she won''t get hurt, brother-in-law would cooperate."


    "Didn''t we agree that we''ll do it during Christmas? Why did you guys change the plan?" Shein asked about it. They just talked about it yesterday that it would be a surprise during Christmas but this morning, Savannah and Jackie changed it.


    "This surprise and that surprise are two different things."


    "Fine. Do what you think is better. We will follow your lead." Shein and Riley commented.


    "Of course. You''ve always been following my lead." Jackie winked at them cheerfully.


    "But...I just want to say something. It''s really out of topic..however..did..you guys notice that something was off with Winter? Or was it just my imagination?" Riley voiced out her doubt. "I can sense that she wanted to say something but she always held herself back."


    "I noticed it too." Jackie admitted.


    "Same here." Shein added making them look towards each other. "Anyway, if what we know is right, she must have her own reasons to hide it."


    "Correct. Let''s not do anything that could hurt her. The three of us are just an audience." Riley agreed. They won''t interfere with her plans. Whatever it may be, it was her life and any decision must be made by her.

 Chapter 400 - THEY NOTICED II

    They arrived at Moonlovers restaurant one after another. Jillyanna looked at the three of them and they avoided her gaze except for Jackie who walked directly to her side.


    She did it on purpose so that Jillyanna won''t speak to Jenny. "What food does this restaurant have?" she asked her sister while looking at the majestic restaurant with a huge space and unique design.


    In all sides of the restaurant were different dishes from different Asian countries. In the middle of the huge hall were long tables and chairs for the customers. It was an all-you-can-eat restaurant and it didn''t matter wether you get your food from left to right or from right to left. It all depends on you.


    "This is an amazing place. I bet it was brother-in-law who chose this." Jackie commented in which Jillyanna nodded her head.


    "Why do you think he chose this place?" Jillyanna asked her knowing how sharp Jackie was.


    "Base on your health condition. It was past eleven in the morning when we left the villa. He wouldn''t want you to get hungry and at the same time, he wanted to eat in a place with good sanitary. As far as I have observed, this is the nearest restaurant with good hygiene."


    "Stop showing off your intelligence." Riley pouted. "We also know that."


    "Of course you knew. We are twins after all." Jackie retorted with a chuckle.


    They all found a place to sit and placed their belongings on their chair. Winter let Gabriel settled himself and decided to get his food for him.


    "I''ll be right back. Just wait here and look after my bag for me." Winter reminded him, after getting his approval, she left.


    She choose Japanese and Thai cuisines and a little Filipino dishes. She didn''t get so much, afraid that they won''t be able to finish it. She didn''t want to waste the food.


    Jillyanna was also staying back at their table while Travis got their food. "Gabriel, how''s Winter? She seemed really down. Did you guys fight?"


    He shrugged his shoulder, clasped his hands together and put it on the table. "I am wondering about that too. Few days ago, she started acting strange and she spaced out a lot of times. Whenever I asked her if anything''s been bothering her, she would say no. I don''t really know how to make her talk to me."


    Jillyanna frowned. Thinking back to the events earlier, she noticed that Winter opened her mouth multiple times and closed it without saying anything. She could tell that she wanted to say something but she always held back herself.


    ''Could it be...No..it can''t be that, right?'' she expressed her doubt mentally while looking at the crowd in a daze. She wanted to believe she was wrong but a little part of her wanted to know that she was right.


    She had been praying that she could head again and if her guess was right, it was a good news!


    ''But why is she keeping that?'' she negated her own idea until she saw Gabriel still looking at her. ''That made sense. She wouldn''t let anyone know because of him.''


    "This is awful." she grumbled and placed her chin at the base of her palm. She looked bored and upset. "Will you leave Winter once she can hear you again? You are just staying because of your guilt, right?"


    Gabriel was taken aback at her sudden questions and was at a loss for words. "I..of course not.."


    "Why are you stuttering?" Jillyanna added with an imposing behavior. Even though she was just sitting far from him, he could feel the rising anger from her.


    "I was surprised with the question." Gabriel admitted. "Deaf or not, I promised not to leave her again. I am not doing this out of guilt as well. Maybe, a little guilty with what happened but all this time, I still love my little Winter."


    "I hope you are being honest this time Gab. This is your last chance. I will help you with her but if in any case you''d hurt her again, I won''t let you see her, not her shadow or a strand of her hair. My friend had gone through a lot. I don''t want her to suffer because of a man again."


    "Are you guys having a fight?" Cielo joked upon seeing the tension between them. Lucian was following behind her and threw them a side glance.


    "Just a small serious discussion for the security of the wedding." Jillyanna lied without a change on her facial expression. "I want everyone to be safe on that day, specially that it will be attended by several well-known people."


    "You can leave that to me and Hawk. I spoke to them about it." Gabriel added to make their lies seemed true.


    When Winter got back with two plates of different dishes, Jillyanna tried testing the water.


    "Winter, I was just wondering.." She didn''t finish her words yet when Winter turned towards her.


    Feeling like she fell in to a deep trap, Winter smiled and pushed her plate a little. "Do you want to get this spicy garlic shrimp? I remember that you like this a lot." It sounded a good excuse to cover her sudden response to Jillyanna''s call.


    Jillyanna waved her hand in front of her. "Travis will be back. You can have yours." She was certain that Winter faced her earlier because she called out her name. Asking about the shrimp was an excuse that she made in a whim.


    ''She can definitely hear us.'' Jillyanna confirmed. ''Well, I''ll confirm it with her during her visit tomorrow."


    While she was noting some things mentally, Travis arrived with several types of sea foods. "Wow! You are really allowing me to eat these?" Jillyanna asked to make sure that he won''t be restricting her.


    "Hn. These aren''t spicy so it should be fine."


    "I don''t mind." Jillyanna cheered instantly and got herself a piece of scallops. The juicy meat of the seafood brighten her mood instantly. She got another piece and gave it to him. "Delicious right?"


    "Super. Specially when it is you who''s feeding me." Travis replied while peeling of the lobsters to get its tender meat. He placed the meat on her plate but Jillyanna would only take a bite and gave him the rest.


    No matter what venue or who they were with, they wouldn''t cease to flaunt their sweetness. Travis was in-charge of removing the shell while Jillyanna was in-charge of feeding the both of them.


    They were so sweet that other people started to feel envious of them. Some of the people who knew them secretly took pictures. Not only them but it also included Riley and Jackie.


    Not knowing what happened, the restaurant''s staffs were confused as to why there were so many people who came to their restaurant on that day.


    They kept coming to the point that there were no more available chairs and tables. Aside from that, they kept taking pictures on table no.11 where Jillyanna and her friends ate their lunch.


    "Are the people in no.11 celebrities?" one of the staff asked when she could no longer hold on to her curiosity.


    "That pregnant woman is named Jillyanna Madrigal after marrying Travis Madrigal. Before she got married, she was an Internet singer idol. Another thing is the twins. One of them is a celebrity but I don''t know which. As for Travis Madrigal, he was known as the youngest successful businessman in city B." replied the other staff who was busy taking pictures too. "I guess, these people came to see them."


    "Wow! They would really help someone make a fortune by just showing up."


    "I know, right."


    "They are so sweet as well."


    "Hn. Her husband spoils her a lot. That''s what I know from the social media."


    Whispers, gossips, clicks of camera and other type of noises made Jillyanna frown. She just wanted to eat in peace but now it was disturbed.


    She didn''t really mind though but everyone around her will be exposed to the media and their normal life will be affected, too. Most specially, Jenny. She wasn''t used to this kind of set up and many people will come to question her.


    "I''m full." Jillyanna told Travis before drinking her juice.


    "Are you sure?" Travis asked.


    "Hn." she leaned closed to him and whispered. "And can''t you see how uncomfortable your cousin is from so much noise? She just got her sense of hearing and she was assaulted with so much noise."


    "You mean..she can.."


    "Shh..I''ve yet to confirm it." Jillyanna whispered with a smile.


    Everyone just finished the food on their plate, unsatisfied with the environment. Even if they still wanted to eat, there were just so many people all around them.


    Seeing their displeased expression, the manager took out their bill and put a twenty percent discount.


    "What''s the discount for?" Jillyanna asked when she saw their bill.


    "It''s an apology for your disturbed meal ma''am. I can see that the new guests came to see all of you and that affected your meal. It was due to our neglectful attitude that this happened." The manager apologized at them.


    "It''s not your fault. You don''t need to put this discount. It would be bad for you if the owner finds out. Just give us our original bill. I also enjoyed the food here." Jillyanna insisted. It would be great to get a discount but if it wasn''t a promotion, it would be troublesome for the manager. She didn''t want to put someone in a difficult situation at all when that person wasn''t really at fault.


    "Please wait a moment ma''am." He printed another receipt and gave it to her. Jillyanna handed Travis'' card to pay.


    They needed to leave soon or Winter will flip out from so much noise. She had been feeling dizzy and her head was throbbing from pain.


    ''Oh god! They kept on whispering like a buzzing bees. So annoying!'' she exclaimed mentally while pushing Gabriel''s wheelchair out of the restaurant. ''I hate this type of noise pollution!'' she added angrily.

 Chapter 401 - BETRAYAL I

    While they were having a great time fitting with the wedding dress and suits, eating and chatting, people with evil minds started to put their plans into action. They were monitoring their movements since they left the hospital.


    After what Top said, they never put their guards down. They were always on high alert in case something would happen to them.


    "What Top said earlier is really worrisome. You are getting married and these people kept stirring troubles. Do you have any idea of the enemy''s identity?" Cielo asked when they were back inside the car.


    Jillyanna looked outside the window, particularly, to the car that was following them since earlier. "With the number of people I offended, I don''t know which one was taking their revenge on me."


    "Whoever they are, I won''t let them do anything to you." Travis spoke with dark coldness in his eyes. He was willing to die for her and it won''t change. He would make sure to keep her and their baby safe.


    Lucian drove the car out of the parking lot and sent them back to the hospital. Top was sitting on a couch near the door to make sure that he can take immediate action if anyone would come inside without permission.


    He was currently monitoring someone on his phone. He wasn''t someone very techy but he knew basic tracking information. On his phone was a red dot that stopped in a club. "Hm? What is he doing there? Clubs don''t open until it is night time, right?"


    Earlier when they left, he told his colleagues to go somewhere and have fun while the boss wasn''t around. Few minutes later after they left, he called Hans and told him not to go somewhere far since their boss might come back sooner than later.


    In fact, when he asked them to leave earlier, he gave Hans a gentle pat on his back and placed the small tracking device that Valkyrie gave him before. It was to make sure that they''d be able to track them in case something happens and they were together with Jillyanna and Travis.


    It came in handy at this moment and he was able to do something worth his time while waiting for his boss to come home. Hans was the bodyguard whom he followed twice and found him leaking information to someone who would be harming Jillyanna.


    Base on their conversation, it was clear that Jillyanna was the main target. They were even planning to set up several men to rape her! And for Pete''s sake, the boss madam was pregnant!


    "Whoever is planning all these were evil. Once boss finds out, he would surely dispose all of them." Top thought while looking at the red dot. It wasn''t moving at all and the suspense of waiting made him stay alert.


    "Coming in." Travis spoke and opened the door at the same time. Top was on his fighting stance before he realized that it was Travis and Jillyanna who came back.


    "Sorry boss. I didn''t realize it was you." He was scratching the back of his neck awkwardly with a deep bow in front of them.


    "It is fine. Where''s everyone? No one was standing guard outside." Jillyanna inquired while letting Travis take off her coat for her.


    "I asked them to leave the place and go somewhere. And I found a very interesting event. Hans went to a night club. However, nightclubs should be closed during the day, right?"


    Jillyanna perked up her ears when she heard what he said. "Which night club?"


    Top showed him his phone and enlarged the map where the red dot was blinking. "This is the club." He gave his phone to Jillyanna so that she can check it herself.


    Out of his expectation, Jillyanna chuckled and returned the phone to him. "Looks like he found someone who can help him with his physiological needs. I know the person whom he made a deal. After all, I only knew a single person who worked there. Thanks for your help, Top."


    "No problem, boss. If there''s nothing else, I will excuse myself now." Top gave a deep bow once again and went out of the room.


    Travis was sitting on his make shift bed waiting for her to come over. "It''s Lyla."


    "Uh huh." She slowly walked towards him and stood in front of him. "I guess she had not learned her lesson yet."


    "Can I take care of this?" Travis asked her since she was the one who dealt with Lyla last time. "I don''t want you to be troubled of this Trivial matter."


    "My dear husband, this is a fight between women. I deal with her and you deal with her partner. How about that?" Jillyanna proposed because he didn''t want Travis to handle everything for her. She wanted to grow and become strong, not become someone who''s being sheltered from thunders and storms.


    Travis reached out his hands and wrapped it around her waist. He was worried, deeply worried for her. "When will I ever stop worrying about you? I''m afraid of closing my eyes thinking you''d be in trouble again.


    "You are just a worry wart. Don''t worry about me. I will be fine. Besides, I have way to deal with this matter without doing anything stressful. Did you forget that you found a smart wife?"


    "I know. I just¡­sigh..''''


    "Stop sighing. You will have wrinkles if you keep stressing yourself."


    "Won''t you love me when I get wrinkles?"


    "I will love you even when all your teeth fall out." Jillyanna retorted and kissed the top of his head. "I love you to the moon and back."


    "I love you too Jill." Travis responded and kissed her bulging baby bump. "Would you like to have a movie date with me? We still have the whole afternoon."


    "After Dr. Alison makes the routine check-up. We can relax and watch a movie. Let me change my clothes first." She unwrapped his arms from her and looked for a change of clothes. Travis helped her change into a long sleeveless dress.


    No more than half an hour after they arrived, Dr. Alison came to check on her. "How was your gown fitting?" she asked her while helping Jillyanna lie down on her hospital bed.


    "It was great. I was really amazed with the gown that Travis designed for me. I am turning a blind eye to how much it costs him."


    Dr. Alison laughed at her last response. "Travis told me that money is not an issue as long as it is for you. He must have prepared for this wedding a long time ago."


    "I wouldn''t refute that. This grand wedding is such an important event but he didn''t let me do anything to help."


    "That''s how much he spoils you." Dr. Alison stated. She was checking her heart condition and her lungs to make sure that it wasn''t affected after the lack of oxygen. "Seems like you''ve been really good these past few days. Your heart is stabilizing now."


    "Of course. I''ve been obedient."


    "That''s good to know. Don''t do anything reckless. I''m pretty sure that you''ll be able to give birth safely and have an operation, right after." Dr. Alison reminded her.


    Travis was listening carefully on her side to reassure her with moral support and to hear what the doctor says about her current condition.


    In one of the rooms inside the club, Lyla was gyrating her body on top of Hans. During the day, the club was the only place she can go without any worries. She had a key to the backdoor and the manager let her do her business in one of the rooms inside the club. As long as she brings in a lot of money, the manager won''t do anything.


    Hans didn''t just tell her about Jillyanna''s future plans and possible places she''d go to. He even informed her about Jillyanna''s heart condition. Lyla really knew how to take advantage of her prey using her lustful body.


    "Tell me more." She urged him, moving herself up and down on him while lightly teasing his nipples.

 Chapter 402 - BETRAYAL II

    "She had been going in and out of the hospital even before. She''s been staying in the hospital for almost a month now. Travis won''t let her go anywhere alone. She would always be heavily guarded. Specially that their four friends are back, you will have a hard time dealing with them. The hospital is guarded and Travis don''t leave her alone."


    "What an annoying couple." Lyla mumbled unhappily.


    "Annoying couple or are you just jealous of them?" Hans provoked her but she only smiled.


    "I hate them." She stated before giving him her best moves and let him released everything inside her. She wasn''t worried about getting pregnant at all. She had asked a doctor to remove one of her ovaries before and she would always take several pills before and after having intercourse with someone.


    She remained sitting on top of him until she felt him calmed down inside her. "How long does she have to stay alive?"


    "No one can tell. If she won''t get a transplant right after giving birth, she will die."


    "Do they have a heart donor?"


    "Nope. They don''t." Hans answered. He sat up on the bed and pulled her from on top of him down to the space beside him. "I have to go back now. They should be back at this hour. I can sense that Top was already suspecting me."


    "Okay. Let me know if you have any news." Lyla went to the bathroom to clean herself. When she got out, Hans was no longer inside the room. Only a letter with a single stalk of white rose was lying on the bedside table.


    "Don''t be blinded with your hatred. After all, you were the one who started this whole issue. Nevertheless, I will continue to provide you information." These were the words written on the paper. Lyla crumpled it and threw it inside the bin together with the white rose.


    "I don''t need such stupid reminder." She murmured while getting herself dressed. She checked on her bank account and smiled. "This can still last my parents a life time." She sat on the bed so much regrets.


    She hated Jillyanna for being brave. She didn''t know how to back down and she wasn''t using Travis to gain leverage in society. She had been working hard when she was still a university student and made a name for herself in the music circle.


    "We both did our best but why am I not successful?" Lyla asked in tears. "I did my best during my exams but that professor tricked me and gave me a fail mark just to get my body! I didn''t even want to become like this. Why? Why do people see me as a f*cking bitch, a slut or whatever the call it while she gets to live her life happily? I also liked him for a long time but he never once gave me a side glance!" Whenever she''s alone like this, she could let her emotions flow without anyone knowing. "The only drawback she got is her failing heart but it can also be replaced. Why am I suffering so much while she lived, basking in love and joy?" her tears continued to fall on the back of her hands.


    She had been studying hard so that she can get a stable job in the future. She wanted her parents to travel the world with her. She wanted to show them the Merlion in Singapore that her parents wanted to visit. And one single scum teacher ruined all her hard work. Without any decency, he even took a video of her and showed it to his colleagues, forcing her to leave the school. And to make matters worse, she met him when she worked as a waitress and showed the video to other perverted scums of the Earth. Stripped off with her dignity and pride, she succumbs to this filthy and disgusting life.


    She never wanted it to happen but she got paid with good amount of money. She thought that there wasn''t any other way. She sold her body and soul to earn for her parents. Asking her brother to bring them somewhere far where they wouldn''t know anything about her.


    "I hate them. I hate the people in this world. I hate everyone." Lyla mumbled in sorrow. She was mourning of her past self who worked so hard for nothing. She was mourning of those useless efforts and sleepless nights.


    Suddenly, Hans words resonated at the back of her mind making her feel guilty and sad. He was right. She started all these. Jillyanna only retaliated because of what she did. She was the horrible person who caused her own demise.


    She spent her time reflecting on her past behavior and a smile escaped her lips. With her bold idea, she wiped her face, put on her glasses, grabbed her bag and went to Senyu Medical Hospital where Jillyanna was currently staying.


    Jillyanna and Travis spent their time cuddling together while watching a comedy movie. They didn''t have much to do and they didn''t want to go out either so, they just stayed at the hospital. In the middle of the movie, Travis received a message from Jackie asking him to stay away from Jillyanna for a while since she was going to call him.


    He didn''t know what they were thinking but he certainly can''t leave Jillyanna to answer a call. She would be suspicious because he had never done that. No matter who''s calling him, he would always speak to without hiding anything from her.


    Travis sent her a reply and asked her to just send a message because Jillyanna was ''sleeping'' in his arms. That was clearly a lie. Jackie understood that he didn''t want to disturb his wife so she sent him a message.


    "Please keep our sister busy these next few days. We are preparing a surprise for her on Friday night."


    "Okay."


    "Who''s texting you?" Jillyanna inquired without shifting his eyes from the laptop in front of her.


    "Jackie asked me if you are doing fine since you finished your lunch with few amounts of food." Travis invented an excuse since he can''t tell her about the surprise. "I told her that you are doing fine now."


    Jillyanna didn''t inquire anything anymore but she told him something which made Travis chuckle. "I am pretty sure those trio were up to something."


    "Why do you think so?"


    "They lied to me before lunch. They told me that there weren''t any groceries at home because they forgot to give Auntie Fei the money for groceries. But Jenny was in-charge for the groceries while we''re not around. Obviously, they''re stopping to go back home."


    "Shall we go and give them a surprise?" Travis suggested because he knew that she won''t go and even if she would want to go, she would stop her.


    Expectedly, Jillyanna shook her head. "There''s no need to. Even if they were up to something naughty, I know that they won''t destroy the house. I can always count on those three."


    Travis hugged her and placed his chin on top of her head. "You found three reliable kids. They are not just intelligent but they are also loyal to you."


    "I am grateful that I helped them back then and looking at how things turned out this way, I know that I made the right choice."


    "My wife is really blessed because of her kindness." Travis mumbled and kissed her head. "I hope this blessing will also grant you a longer life."


    She snuggled closer to him and placed her head on his chest. She was happily watching the movie with him beside her.


    On the other hand, Lyla was inside Dr. Alison''s office proposing a deal which was related to Jillyanna.

 Chapter 403 - LETS MAKE A BET

    Monday morning, Travis had to start working again. Shein came to give him the documents that needed his signature before going to the company and hand them over to those that needed it. He was very diligent at work and Riley was doing her best in the entertainment industry. Jackie went back to the Police Academy to continue her training.


    "These are the food for breakfast today." Shein mentioned as he placed a bag with food containers on the table. He gave Travis the documents and waited for him to finish signing it.


    "Have you finished wrapping the gifts for the children?" Jillyanna asked him since they promised to deal with it.


    "Savannah and Brown were wrapping the clothes while Val and Hawk wrapped the toys. The rest were done by me and Riley. Jackie was tasked to write the names since she was the one with the best penmanship. But for today, they printed the names since Jackie had to leave for school."


    "I see. It is fine." Jillyanna responded softly. "We will be giving those o the first week of December."


    As they spoke, Travis was focusing on the documents on his table. He was reviewing the documents one after another. "By the way, can you inform the HR to make preparation for the year end party? It would be better if they can do it during weekends."


    "Sure! They''d be very happy about that." Shein acknowledged immediately. "Shall I inform the Xavier''s too? Will you do it separately?"


    "We''ll have a separate celebration for Venus Plaza, J Entertainment and Xaiver''s. I can''t accommodate a huge number of crowds at the same time." Travis responded. "Your sister shouldn''t be exhausted too so, we needed to separate the celebration. Also, inform the Finance Department of the three companies that a meeting with the shareholders will be held. I will send them the details. Just let them know to proper the year''s account."


    "Copy that!" Shein smiled happily while noting what his brother-in-law told him in his mind. As a temporary secretary, he was really free yet he was getting a good sum of payment. He wasn''t just a secretary though. He was dealing with the company''s network security and at the same time, checking if anyone was leaking information outside work. So far, the employees were all good. They must have learned their lesson after Jillyanna hauled out the moles before.


    Jillyanna helped him check the documents so that they can eat together. She didn''t want to eat while he was working hard and while Shein was waiting.


    "I''ll check these documents." Jillyanna stated and picked up a stack of papers. Most of the documents sent to him were for the projects that needed a renewal of contract. Some of the companies were just renting a space to ran their business like how Jillyanna rented a place to ran their caf¨¦.


    "Now that I think about it, why didn''t I know about you renting a place for your caf¨¦ before? If I had known, I could''ve found you sooner." Travis stated without looking at her. His eyes remained on the paper while waiting for her answer.


    "The business is named under Cielo. I didn''t intend to show up at all. All the paperwork was named after her and she would just give me half of the profit."


    "Aren''t you afraid that she won''t give you any shares?" Shein inquired when he heard what her sister said. As far as he knew, Cielo wasn''t her biological sister either. In fact, Jillyanna was just adopted to their family.


    Jillyanna turned to face her brother and smiled. "That is exactly my plan ¨C to have everything for her. It is the only way I know to repay their kindness after all these years. I asked her to keep the money to herself for the family but, she kept sending money to my account."


    "You found yourself a good family." Shein and Travis stated in unison making Jillyanna laugh.


    "I did." She nodded her head in affirmation before she continued to do her task.


    Shein played with his phone while waiting for them to finish with the documents. He was told not to contact Riley in the morning due to her busy schedule. He didn''t want to disturb her during work as well so he was just passing his time with his mobile games.


    After an hour, Travis finished signing everything and handed the documents back to him. Shein bid goodbye and went out of the room with his backpack.


    "Let''s eat. It''s almost nine and you haven''t taken your vitamins yet." Travis took hold of her hand and led her to their small dining table. He let her sit on the chair while he arranged the dishes in front of her.


    "Winter will come during lunch." Jillyanna informed him about his cousin.


    "Do you want to make a bet?" Travis showed her a mischievous smile and she didn''t have intention of backing down.


    "What is this deal all about?"


    "Do you think Gabriel will come or not?"


    "He will come. Maybe not together with her but he will come and visit us." Jillyanna confidently answered. "I gave my opinion first so you should be taking the opposite."


    "Alright. I''ll take the choice of Gabriel, not coming to visit us."


    "What''s the prize?" Jillyanna eagerly asked with anticipation. "It would be great if we can go out."


    Travis sat on the chair beside her and handed the spoon and fork to her. "How about checking a pet store?"


    "Really?" Jillyanna''s eyes widened in surprise. "You will bring me to a pet shop? Are we buying a pet?"


    "I''m thinking of buying a dog but I want it to be your choice." Travis responded happily. "That is if you win the bet. If you lose, I will postpone this idea."


    Jillyanna smirked and stood up from her chair. "I''m taking your phone. You might call him secretly and make me lose."


    Travis chuckled at her statement. In truth, no matter what the result is, he would take her out and buy a pet for her. Buying a pet was also just an excuse. He was actually going to check for koi fishes and inquire about making a koi fish pond. He wanted to see her smile again.


    Jillyanna placed both their phone on the bedside table, sat back on her chair and began eating. She didn''t have any idea what''s in store for her.


    They talked about different kinds of animals that they can possibly pet and the maximum number they can take home. She didn''t want anyone to have a hard time with so many pets at home.


    After breakfast, Dr. Alison came to check on her. She looked sad at the same time hopeful making Jillyanna wonder with what was going on with her doctor.

 Chapter 404 - CONFIRMED I

    Dr. Alison found her heart becoming stable but the danger was still hanging over her head like a ticking time bomb if she won''t get an operation. "Just endure a few more months. You will soon give birth and have an operation."


    "I have a good endurance doc. Don''t worry about me." Jillyanna assured her with genuine smile. Dr. Alison also smiled towards her but her heart was heavy. "By the way doc, can I still go out? We won''t be going to any dangerous place. We will just be checking a pet shop."


    "That is fine. Just make sure that you take a rest from time to time." Dr. Alison confirmed, gave her several reminders before leaving.


    "Happy?" Travis asked while typing something on his laptop. He was working while Dr. Alison checked on his wife but he was listening to their conversation.


    "I am very happy and I know that Gabriel will be here. I am sure that I''ll win this bet." Jillyanna wiggled her eyebrows at him. She looked really cute and silly at the same time, she was oozing with confidence. "I''ll be drawing again so just do your work. I won''t disturb you now." Jillyanna stated while taking out her art materials.


    This time she sat on the couch at the window and looked outside her room. The clear blue sky and little fluffy clouds drifting in the wind lift up her mood. She didn''t want to think about anything negative at the moment as she started to draw the fluffy clouds.


    Her strokes were airy and the colors were light, reflecting her light mood. She drew the trees outside and the flowers that bloomed beautifully under the sun. "You look so pretty but you are gone so soon." Jillyanna murmured while looking at the beautiful flowers. They were the best example of the quotation, beauty is fleeting.


    Just like the flowers, everyone will grow into a bud and soon, will bloom into a beautiful flower. However beautiful they are, they will still grow old, get wrinkles and eventually die out of old age. They will decompose and become dust or fertilizers.


    Thus, for Jillyanna, beauty isn''t the most important thing a person should find. Though many people claimed that she was beautiful, she would never admit it in public. For her, it''s good enough that she knew about her beautiful yet failing heart. Her appearance doesn''t matter. That was also the reason why she hid her face for over six years as an Internet idol.


    She looked towards her husband who was working seriously. Everyone thought that he was scary, cold, strict and many other negative traits. Many people said that the only good thing about him was his face and his ability to do business.


    Very few knew about his real face. He wasn''t cold at all. At least, that''s how Jillyanna, his friends and family viewed him. He cared about those people who were closed to him. He didn''t let anyone hurt what''s within his territory. Not only his family, but he made sure that all his artists in J Entertainment won''t be bullied. He made sure that his employees were safe.


    Just make sure that you won''t betray him because that''s when he showed how ruthless he can be.


    Thinking about all these made Jillyanna smile. She closed her eyes and pictured him walking outside the garden, looking at her with so much love in his eyes. Her hand moved slowly while she tried to grab onto her imagined figure.


    She drew him slowly with precise movement to make sure that she''d get the right figure. The angle of his face, the corner of his lips pulled up into smile and his eyes which seemed like looking into her soul ¨C she gave so much focus on them. She was so engrossed with her drawing that she lost track of the time. She didn''t even notice that Winter was standing behind her, looking at her drawing.


    Making sure that she won''t be startled, Winter sat on the chair not far from her and watched her drew. Travis didn''t disturb her either so he asked Winter to bring her chair and sit in front of his work desk.


    "How are you?" Travis softly asked her but his eyes remained on the laptop in front of him. "Are you getting used to your hearing now?"


    Winter wasn''t surprised that her cousin knew and she won''t be surprise if Jillyanna knew as well. "I''m getting used to it. It was annoying at first when I can hear so much noise. I was getting comfortable with the silence and here I am, getting all fine."


    "Don''t you like it?"


    Winter didn''t answer this question. She released a deep sigh and looked towards Jillyanna who was still drawing. "Do you want to know what she has been drawing this whole time?"


    "I don''t need to guess. It''s me." Travis uttered and saved his worked file. He closed his working windows and faced his cousin. "You are running away again."


    "I will tell him the truth. I thought about it for a long time and realized that I don''t own him at all. I shouldn''t be selfish just because I like him. He''s got his own life, too." Even though she was smiling when she said these words, her tone was regretful and sad. "I will report back to the military next week but I will ask him to extend my leave until the wedding."


    "Are you sure with this decision? I don''t want you to be burdened with regret in the future. But if you think this is for the best, I will support you. I will never abandon you."


    "Thank you so much RV." Winter smiled but a single tear escaped her eyes. "I know I can count on you."


    "You can count on me, too." Jillyanna mumbled as she put down he sketch pad. "I won''t ever let anyone hurt you."


    "I know that. I''m more worried about those ''anyone'' instead of you." Winter chuckled, wiping her tears away. "I didn''t know you are good in drawing."


    "I just remembered that I am good at it." Jillyanna laughed softly before showing her sketch to them. "When you get bored, your forgotten talent will emerge." She walked towards Travis and sat on his lap. "What time is it?"


    "It''s almost lunch time." Travis answered her at the same time, he clicked on the time on the right side of his laptop. "You were so focused in sketching me that you didn''t notice the time and Winter''s arrival."


    Jillyanna scratched the tip of her nose with a sheepish smile on her lips. "You are the best subject I can sketch. Aren''t you proud that you are my muse?"


    Travis kissed the tip of her nose that she was scratching. "I am so proud."


    "Hello? I am still here." Winter cut them off with obvious grievances. "Spare me from so much sweetness, ''kay? I am broken hearted here."


    "Why don''t you let him fix your broke heart?" Jillyanna threw a question while her gaze was directed to someone at the door.


    With her hyperventilating heart, Winter turned around and found Gabriel sitting on his wheelchair at the door. "How long have you been here?" Despite her calm expression, her trembling voice betrayed her.


    "Let''s talk at home." Gabriel stated with no room for refusal. "Do you guys want to have lunch together?"


    Jillyanna refused him outright. "I want to eat lunch peacefully with my husband. I don''t want to eat with this tense atmosphere. You better settle your matter first before inviting us to lunch."


    "I don''t want my wife to be stressed out." Travis added which means that Winter and Gabriel will have lunch on their own.


    "You guys just told me that I can count on you. Why do I feel like you are pushing me away?" Winter sulked and complain but Jillyanna just winked at her.


    "I said that I will support your decision but I didn''t say I''ll have lunch with you two." Travis responded. "How about you go back home and talk. Don''t you think that would be wise? You were planning to talk to him anyway."


    Winter knew that they were encouraging her to make a proper conversation with Gabriel. Even though they sounded like they were pushing her out, she knew that it was for her own good. It''s better if they get to talk with just the two of them.


    Winter stood up and bid farewell. Even with her impending loneliness, she still helped Gabriel with his wheelchair. For her, that would be the last time she can do something so simple yet fulfilling.

 Chapter 405 - CONFIRMED II

    Like the wind breeze, they came in and went out not longer an hour. Dejected as she was, Winter could only look back towards her cousin and her friend before closing the door behind her.


    "Do you think it was right for us to force her to talk to Gabriel?" Jillyanna questioned with worry.


    "That''s fine. She was planning to do it anyway. Before she could change her mind, it is better that she did it now." he responded, stood up with Jillyanna in his arms and walked to the hospital bed and put her down gently. "She would run away like you if they don''t talk now."


    Using her past dirty trick against her, Jillyanna glared at him. "I wasn''t running away. I was planning to have a vacation in States and in Europe."


    "Oh right. I remember you asked my father to take you to Italy for vacation." Travis grinned at her.


    "Why are you bringing this up? It''s frustrating me." her face showed her irritation and annoyance, making Travis chuckle at her.


    "I just want to tease you a little. I miss teasing you." Travis smiled and kissed her forehead. "I miss making you frown."


    "You are insane!"


    "I''m insane for you."


    "I will -hmm"


    Her words were cut off when he covered her mouth with his lips. His kiss was light and tender, gently caressing her lips like a touch of butterfly wings.


    He slipped his tongue inside and parried with hers like a sword fight. ''It tickles but it feels good.'' Jillyanna thought as she wrapped her hands around his neck. Sadly though, she was running out of breath.


    Gentle yet hurried, she tap the back of his shoulder and Travis stopped kissing her. "I miss doing this with you." he stated while looking at her clear brown eyes. He could see his own soft expression and he liked it when all she could see was him.


    Jillyanna calmed herself, leaned closer to him and gave him a peck on his chin. "I miss it too."


    They were cuddling and flirting for the remaining time before lunch. He would tease about different things and she would always retaliate with his past deeds.


    This time, they were making a joke of their pasts, not letting it affect themselves anymore. Along the way, they have learned to treasure what was right in the present instead of lingering with their past.


    Meanwhile...


    "Where do you want to eat lunch?" Gabriel asked Winter who had been silent since they left the hospital.


    They were on their way back to the mansion and Uncle Wesley, the driver, was the one taking them home. The atmosphere was uncomfortably silent so Gabriel wanted to talk to her.


    Winter looked outside the window as she answered him. "We can have our lunch back in the mansion."


    "Okay." Gabriel whispered softly. "Do you want to go somewhere else before go home?"


    "No."


    Gabriel shut his mouth since she wasn''t really happy to have a conversation with him. The cheerful Winter can''t be found anymore. He missed her smiles. Even when she couldn''t hear, she would always try to converse with him, laugh with him and smile. Now, she was devoid of any expressions and her answers were perfunctory as well.


    With Uncle Wesley''s driving skills, they came back in a very short time. Winter stood in the middle of the living room, waiting for Gabriel to come with Uncle Wesley pushing the wheelchair for him.


    "Let''s talk in my room." Gabriel informed her and he maneuvered his wheelchair to go back to his room. Winter was closely following him.


    He unlocked the door and allowed her to get inside before he came in himself. He closed the door behind him and stood guard in case she''d open it and ran away.


    "So you can hear now." not a question but a statement which was to confirm everything with her.


    "Yes, as you can see."


    "Since when?"


    "Few days ago."


    Gabriel just nodded his head as if he was expecting that answer from her. "Then, I think I can finally go."


    Winter''s heart lurched in to her throat when she heard the thing that she hated the most. He was leaving. "Hn. You can." she forced herself to say these words but she didn''t look at him.


    This whole time, she was looking down on her feet, avoiding his gaze and avoiding the pain it would cause her.


    "Why didn''t you tell me sooner? I could''ve left sooner, you know." Gabriel gave a hollow laugh which sounded awkward at this point.


    Her throat constricted and she could feel her heart shattering into tiny bits of pieces again. ''No matter what you do, if he isn''t yours, he will never be yours.'' she mentally noted and smile despite her stinging nose. She blinked her eyes to stop her tears from falling and raised her head to look at him.


    A smile was plastered on her lips. "I was still trying to cope with it. I wasn''t sure either if I could really hear or was just having hallucinations. Nevertheless, I have confirmed it now. Thanks for helping me out."


    "That''s not what I want to hear from you." Gabriel stated, picked the crutches which was standing at the side of the door and used it to support himself to stand in front of her. "Do you really want me to go?"


    "Ha? What does it have to do with me? You can decide that on your own." Winter retorted. She didn''t want to giver herself another false hope. She learned her lesson in Pantar already. Her stubbornness almost cost her early death. She fell on a cliff, almost drowned herself in the river and lost her sent of hearing. She won''t be stubborn anymore. She won''t be reckless either.


    Gabriel walked towards her in one leg with the help of his crutches. He looked down directly into her eyes. He was so serious that she was starting to blush already.

 Chapter 406 - TAKE A STEP WITH YOU

    ''What''s wrong with this guy?'' Winter asked herself mentally while looking up at him.


    "Do you really want me to go?" Gabriel asked her again. This time, he sounded serious and was patiently waiting for her answer.


    She stood up from his bed and helped him sit instead. She didn''t want to keep looking at his discomfort. She knew that he didn''t like using the crutches but he did it this time.


    She inhaled and exhaled a couple of times before facing him. "Gabriel, that isn''t a decision that I should make for you. Your life is your own. I don''t own you and I won''t impose anything on you."


    "Do you really want me to go?"


    "Oh my god! Why are you so stubborn?!" Winter stomped her feet on the floor from frustration but Gabriel didn''t waver at all.


    He kept looking at her with that same serious facial expression. However, he was smiling deep inside. As the seconds went by without an answer from her, he can tell that she didn''t want him to go which was why he asked her again and again.


    "You once told me that you don''t want to see me anymore and I still keep that in mind. I know it''s really annoying to see the people you hated so much and I felt guilty that you''d have to endure it because of what happened." she forced herself to smile at him. "I don''t blame you for anything. You have the right to hate me. So Gabriel, I want you to go. Don''t imprison yourself here, okay? I am not your obligation. What happened was due to unforeseen circumstances and it wasn''t your fault."


    She maybe hurting inside but she didn''t want to be selfish anymore. Forcing someone to love you back won''t bring you happiness. You will always worry and fear that someone would come and steal that person away. In that case, why not set them free? It won''t be a big loss when someone take him away since he wasn''t yours in the first place.


    Gabriel looked at her, dejected and regretful. He did say a lot of hurtful words to her. He almost cause her death. That was something he couldn''t deny.


    "Is there really no chance for us?" Gabriel asked him directly.


    "What are you talking about?"


    "I know that I was being rude and mean to you when you came to find me. I know you didn''t fall in the river on your own accord but because I startled you that night. I know I hurled out so many hurtful words. I am sorry for venting out on you. I was just afraid that what I feel was all one-sided. You''ve loved your fiancee after all and you refused to remember your past which means you didn''t want to remember me either. When I decided to give up, you came and messed up my plan again. And now that I wanted to give it a second try, you decided to give up as well. It''s funny to think that we''d never met in between."


    "You can''t be serious." Winter mumbled, watching him with wide eyes. "It''s not a good joke Gabriel."


    "Do you think I''m joking?"


    Winter sat back on the space next to him. Her heart was racing and she felt weak on her knees. One part of her wanted to believe him and the other part was doubting him.


    She had trust issues and trusting him again after all that happened was asking her to take a big leap of faith. She was afraid to do that.


    "I.." she swallowed her fear and faced him head on. "I don''t know if I should be happy or if I should be worried." she started with trembling voice while looking at him. "This isn''t your way of taking revenge on me, right?"


    "What makes you think it that way?" Gabriel didn''t know where she got that idea but he knew about her insecurities. "After what happened with your previous relationship, you are afraid, aren''t you?"


    Winter nodded her head in silence.


    "Winter, I don''t want to leave you again. Perhaps it is a blessing in disguise that I lost my leg, in that way I can''t run away from you. I want to give us a chance. The years that we lost, I want to make up for that. But I can only make it happen when I''m with you."


    Winter''s tears fell on her face as she tried to organize her thoughts. "You don''t hate me?"


    "No."


    "You didn''t mean what you say back in Pantar?"


    "No."


    "Then, what if I died when I left back then, what would you do?"


    Human brain is the most complex existence. Our way of thinking differs and it could make the situation worse or lighten.


    Winter was thinking about the time that she fell on a cliff, hanging on to her dear life. If he didn''t mean what he said, then she could''ve lost her life for nothing. And Gabriel would live his life in guilt.


    "If you died, then I will have to follow you." Gabriel answered immediately. "I became a soldier to protect you. While trying to achieve that goal, someone was already taking my place and you always hated me. I thought it would be great to let you see the places we''ve been to, but you always refuse it. Thus, I decided to give it one more try before I gave up." He reached out his hand and wiped her tears away.


    "If I find out that this is just some kind of a joke, I will ask someone to cut off your other leg." she mumbled in symphony with her sniffs and hiccups. "I will lock you up." she hiccuped and sniffed again. "I will torture you. I will feed you off to the sharks. I tie you up in a rocket ship and send you out into space."


    Amidst her series of threats, Gabriel laughed faintly at her. He knew she wouldn''t do any of that because he won''t give her the reason to.


    "Does this mean, we are staring over?" Gabriel asked in anticipation.


    "Hn. I won''t let you go. If you go, don''t let me see your face or even your shadow or else I will tear you apart and give you to my dogs."


    "You don''t even have a dog." Gabriel retorted, reaching out his arms and pulled her in a hug.


    "I will buy one." Winter stubbornly insisted as she wrapped her arms around his waist. "I finally get to do this with you." she cried again. She was so happy and relieved at the same time. She never thought that this day would come. She prepared herself to part ways with him but she got a surprise gift instead.


    "I''m happy. Thank you for being brave and for taking this step with me." his sincere words warmed her heart. "I know this is not easy for you and I will make sure that you won''t regret your decision today."


    Winter just nodded her head. She couldn''t find any words to say at the moment. All she wanted to do was to bask in his warmth and let her heart settle down.

 Chapter 407 - A SURPRISE?

    Jillyanna was eating her food with joy. She won the bet! Of course, she''d be happy after all she can finally get some pet. She isn''t fond of dogs and cats so she crossed them out on her lists. At the same time, it would be a problem after giving birth.


    Dogs loves barking and it would affect her baby''s rest. Cats loves to purr so it would seek attention from the owner. She didn''t want to have large pets thus; a decision was made. She was going to get a bird. She always like the sound of the birds when they mate or when they called to their friends. She liked their colors and they were the types of pets that were not costly. However, they needed delicate care.


    "Let''s get some birds. Small ones would be great." Jillyanna commented while eating her food. Travis nodded his head in agreement. Well, he wasn''t planning to reject her idea. He was planning to indulge her in whatever she likes to do, given that she wasn''t being reckless or overdoing anything.


    "Tomorrow, we will take a look at the four shops that I chose. There were different kind of birds in there so we can check them."


    "Tomorrow? Not this afternoon?" Her disappointment was evident and she pouted her lips in displeasure. "I got my hopes up I advance. You should''ve informed me. Well, that''s fine." She immediately changed her mood and since she couldn''t do anything about it. Aside from that, he still got some work to do, so she was trying her best to be understanding.


    "I have prepared a special surprise for you and I know that you like it. However, you can only see it after your operation."


    "You are really doing so much for me and I am here lying around, relaxing like there''s no problem."


    Travis took hold of her hand and kissed her inner wrist. "It is my job to provide for our family. Your task is to take care of yourself and our child. DON''T, don''t ever think that you are not being helpful. Your presence and knowing that you are doing good is a big help. It puts my heart to rest and calm me."


    "AHHHH!" she screamed in low voice and hugged him tight. "Lord gives me such a good husband. I will really do my best and survive for you." She kissed his jaw even though she smelled like food. "Don''t mind the scent of food on you."


    Travis hugged her back and his shoulders were shaking from his muffled laughter. "I don''t mind as long as it is you." He kissed the top of her head and gently caressed her back. "I am sure you like my surprise so you have to really survive. Not just because of me but because of everyone who will be waiting for your full recovery."


    "Hn!" she pushed him a little and showed him her brightest smile. "Fighting!"


    They continued to eat their lunch with joy. People said that no matter how expensive and delicious the food was, you won''t enjoy it if you are eating alone. At the same time, no matter how simple a meal was, if you are eating it with someone you love, you will think it was the most delicious food you''ve ever had. The joy wasn''t just because of the food but because of the people who you ate with.


    Travis didn''t need to exert effort when it comes to occupying her time. Whatever he had in mind, he would let her know to keep her focus between them. Aside from that, he was getting information about Hans. He wanted to know why he was colluding with Lyla.


    After taking their lunch, Jillyanna logged in to her social media account and found several photos of them, eating somewhere.


    "It is really difficult to live a normal life when people kept monitoring you. Good thing that our house is guarded." Jillyanna stated as she looked at the pictures.


    "That was the reason why I didn''t like anyone to get pictures of me." Travis mentioned. "That was before though. Now, as long as I am with you, I don''t mind being photographed."


    "I feel the same." Jillyanna agreed. After all, she hid her face for six years as a singer.


    They talked about several things while Travis worked. Sometimes, she would sketch him and sometimes she would take photos of him. She had so many photos taken and she kept all of them.


    When the clock hits five in the afternoon, Jillyanna immediately stood up from the couch and put on her long coat. She wore a beanie and put on her shoes. "C''mon hubby, I only have an hour to loiter outside." She urged him and gave him his coat to wear.


    Travis agreed for her to go out when she wanted to take a walk outside, but she can only do it for an hour which was from five in the afternoon to six in the evening. It was to make sure that it wasn''t hot outside.


    "Let me save my files, first."


    She was leaning on the door, waiting for him to finish. It didn''t take long for him to finish what he was doing and they immediately went out, asking Top to guard the room while they were outside.


    They walked around the hospital garden and admired the streaks of red-orange clouds in the sky. The sun was setting and it was leaving a great view for them.


    "You talked about the year-end party for the companies, you are allowing me to attend it?" she asked him as they walked, hand-in-hand while other looked at them with envious gazes.


    "That depends on your condition. As long as you are doing fine, I will let you attend the party. At most, we''ll just stay for two hours."


    "Great! I will do my best to become better so I can attend it with you."


    "How about your caf¨¦? Aren''t you having a year-end party?"


    "Cielo already talked to them about it. I think it will be in the first week of December. Will you allow me to attend?"


    "Hn. Same time condition ¨C two hours."


    "Two hours is fine with me."


    They continued to walk along the path in the garden, paused for a rest and continued walking again. It was to lightly exercise her heart and her waist for successful birth delivery in the future.


    "Boss, it is confirmed. The Madrigal couple is staying in the hospital." A man wearing a black coat and a black hat informed someone on the other line of his call. "The information we got was right."

 Chapter 408 - I DONT CARE ANYMORE

    Travis felt that someone had been following them. He couldn''t point out who but he was sure that there was someone observing them.


    "I think we should go back inside." Travis whispered to her but his eyes were looking at the fish pond. They couldn''t allow anyone to know that they were found out.


    "I guess you noticed it, too." Jillyanna beamed a smile towards him. "Let''s go back."


    Instead of an hour, Jillyanna was only able to spend half an hour outside. Even so, she didn''t complain since they didn''t want to risk her life.


    "Why don''t we make a move first? It would be better if we take action ahead of time, instead of waiting for them to take action against you." Travis told her but Jillyanna shook her head from side to side.


    "I won''t strike if they hadn''t done anything to me. Plans are plans. As long as they won''t put it into action, I won''t retaliate against them."


    "Alright. Let''s wait and see what''s in store for us."


    They found Top waiting outside the room instead of the inside. When they opened the door, they saw Savannah and Hawk, together with Thomas who came to check on them.


    "Hi dad!" Jillyanna greeted him happily and hugged him. "How are you?"


    "I''m doing better than you. You look pale and horrible wherein I am looking strong and sturdy." Thomas winked at her as he led her to sit. "I heard that you guys went to check your dress and suit yesterday."


    "Hn. The gown looked really amazing." she leaned closer to him and whispered. "I think it costs us a huge sum. Tell Travis to spend less dad. If I tell him, he will always find excuses."


    Hearing her whispered words, Thomas chuckled and ruffled her hair. "You silly child. Let him spend his money on you. It isn''t a problem."


    Jillyanna scratched the tip of her nose awkwardly. Now she knew where Travis got the characteristic of spoiling his wife. It was clearly from his father.


    "You didn''t bring Winter and Gabriel this time?" Travis probed to know if the two were doing great or if they were still in a cold war.


    "They went out earlier. I think they were planning to watch a movie." Thomas told his son, not knowing why he asked about them all of a sudden.


    Savannah talked to Travis and handed him a flash drive which contains information about Hans. He didn''t ask Shein to do it because Jillyanna would know. Surely, he will inform his sister about the people that Travis asked him to look into. Even if they can be considered family, Shein''s loyalty will always remain in the twins and Jillyanna''s side. He won''t allow anyone to influence his loyalty.


    Travis turned on his laptop while his father kept her busy. He checked on the information het got and he didn''t expect such news in front of him. Jillyanna would be shocked to know about such thing as well.


    He closed his laptop and didn''t say anything. He will just talk to her when they get some alone time again.


    He let his father talk to her for an hour before sending them off. Jillyanna needed to rest and knew the information that he found. Thomas didn''t mind the short time that he got to spend with his daughter-in-law. He was glad that she was doing fine now and he can sleep peacefully with less worry.


    "Is something bothering you?" Jillyanna asked him since it was the first time that he asked his father to go home. Usually, he would let them spend time until it was his father who would want to go home, not him who wanted his father to go home.


    "I was wondering if you remember someone named Hanreich Percibal." Travis mentioned to her.


    Jillyanna paused for awhile, trying to dig up her memories but she couldn''t recall anyone with that name. "I don''t know who that person is."


    "Do you find Hans a little bit familiar?"


    "Nope. If I knew him, I don''t think I would just ignore him. Why? Don''t tell me, you asked someone to check on him?"


    Travis sighed and sat on the bed space beside her. "I intend to keep this a secret but I remembered that we don''t keep a secret anymore." It was clearly a white lie. He intended ot keep it a secret forever if he didn''t find the silly reason for such betrayal.


    Jillyanna just looked at him, waiting for the rest of his statement. "How many men pursued you before getting married?"


    "Oh gosh RV, don''t even ask me about that. I didn''t count them."


    "I know and I think you didn''t give them a side glance since you didn''t know most of them."


    "Only Natsu stand out among them. After all, he always help me back then. As for the rest, I don''t even know their names."


    "As expected of my beautiful wife." Travis chuckled with a light tease coating his words.


    "Why are you bringing this up?" Jillyanna looked at him with doubtful eyes, thinking that she messed up something again without noticing it.


    Travis reached out his hands and lightly pinched her cheeks. "There wasn''t anything wrong. I just thought it was funny that someone would take revenge against you because you rejected them. I never expected that he would even work for you. Isn''t it a little creepy?"


    "Someone''s stalking me? I never noticed it."


    "That''s because you don''t put your guard around everyone. It was a neglect of duty in my part as well. I should have checked everyone before letting them work for us."


    Jillyanna was getting more confused and she wanted to shake him so much to let her know what he found as soon as possible. He kept her waiting on edge and she was starting to get nervous.


    "I want you to take a look at Hans once again and make you remember something." Travis urged with mischief but Jillyanna didn''t budge at all. She remained seated on the bed and she was starting to frown.


    "Hanreich Percibal, Hans, is someone I rejected? Stalked me to work for me, monitored me and let the enemies know about me? He was colluding with Lyla to put me in danger?"


    "My wife is a genius! That''s right! You rejected him so he is out there making plans to take you down."


    "That''s insane!" Jillyanna exclaimed angrily. "Don''t I have the right to refuse?! How is that my fault?!"


    "So, will you let me take action or will you wait until he would take action?"


    "Do whatever you want." she answered lazily and bored. She didn''t care about anyone anymore. She was even starting to suspect that Travis got into accident because of him. Who else would leak their whereabouts aside from him. On the day of the accident, she clearly remembered that he was standing right in front of them without doing anything. If it weren''t for Top, Travis could''ve died due to massive blood loss.


    "I don''t care anymore." she mumbled and stood up to check the food that her father-in-law brought for them.

 Chapter 409 - PET STORE I

    Travis knew that this day would come and he was well-prepared for this battle. Unlike in the past, he was no longer the cold-blooded and ruthless man who would take someone''s life easily.


    He wasn''t a saint and he took several lives in his twenty-seven years of existence. He wouldn''t deny it. However, he learned to give someone a second chance because of Jillyanna. He didn''t want to kill unreasonably but if someone would cross the line, he would take its life without any hesitation.


    They ate their dinner together while he was keeping in mind their plans for the next day. He didn''t want to dwell on this stressful matter as he already made plans for it.


    "What time shall we leave tomorrow?" Jillyanna asked while drinking her fish soup.


    "Let''s leave after you get checked." Travis responded calmly.


    "Okay. Do you want to watch a movie?"


    "Not now. Let''s take a rest for tomorrow. It would be a long day and you will need a lot of energy for that."


    "I understand." With the promised surprise, Jillyanna was doing her best to get better everyday, to make sure that she''d give birth successfully and hoping that a heart donor would be ready at that time.


    After eating their dinner, they took a shower and rest the night away with tender kisses and warm hugs.


    Most shops opened at nine in the morning so Jillyanna didn''t wake up early. She snuggled in the warmth that her husband gave. She hugged his waist and burrowed her face on his chest.


    Travis had been awake for quite awhile already. He propped his chin on top of her head and smelled her hair. He was contented to this kind of scene, waking up beside her and feeling her soft and warm body lying next to him.


    He was caressing her head and rubbing her back gently. Her steady breathing, the up and down movement of her chest showed her peaceful sleep.


    The sun was rising steadily from the east. Nothing could stop the day from breaking and taking over the dark night.


    Birds flew merrily and they sang with high notes joyfully. The flowers in the hospital garden danced to the wind breeze and it was a beautiful day to spend the day outside.


    She stirred in her sleep and slowly opened her eyes. She blinked several times to adjust herself to the light, her lashes fanning her cheeks and her dark brown eyes were clear from any negative emotions.


    "Good morning my Queen." Travis greeted her and kissed her forehead.


    "Good morning my shameless wolf." she replied with a grin on her lips. She kissed his chin and rubbed his newly-grown stubbles. "Did you have a good sleep?"


    "Yup. I slept peacefully beside you."


    "Let''s cuddle for a bit longer, shall we?" It was a request that Travis will never refuse at all.


    "Half an hour."


    They stayed in bed for another half an hour, talking about their plans, about their friends and other things that concerns her safety.


    "When will you deal with him?" she inquired about his plans regarding Hans. It was really a surprise to her that he resorted to this shameful act just because she rejected her. Nonetheless, it won''t change the fact that he was colluding with her enemies to bring misfortune to her.


    "I will talk to him once we get back from the pet store. In the meantime, I won''t let him come with us."


    "I think it would be good if we ask Top to stay with him."


    "I guess so. I''ll ask it Brown or Hawk can come with us while we let Top stay here and monitor your ex-suitor."


    "Hey!" Jillyanna throw a light punch on his chest. "You don''t need to say the last part of your statement."


    Travis chuckled for the successful teasing. He kissed her nose and eyes to make it up to her. "I was just teasing you a bit."


    Their conversation circled to different subjects as they snuggled close to each other.


    Time was up after half an hour and the both of them climbed down from the sofa bed. Sky and Alex had been waiting outside with their food.


    When they arrived, they found that Jillyanna and Travis were still sleeping so they didn''t come inside. They waited for them to wake up and stayed outside of the hospital room.


    It wasn''t after the both of them had finished taking their shower that Alex and Sky came in.


    "Morning mom. Morning dad." Jillyanna greeted them while Travis dried her hair behind her.


    "Morning."


    "Morning."


    Sky and Alex greeted one after another as they placed the food containers on the small dining table.


    "Are you guys going somewhere?" Alex asked when he noticed that they were dressed up.


    "Hn. We''re taking a short trip in the city." Jillyanna responded. "Do you want to come with us?"


    Sky refused with a light shake of her head. "You guys should spend your time together. We don''t want to disturb you."


    "I agree with your mom. You should enjoy some alone time and go on a date." Alex added.


    They could imagine how boring and tiring their stay in the hospital was. It would be great if they can come out and spend their time together.


    Jillyanna didn''t insist about the invitation. She sat silently on the bed in front of her husband while he tied her hair into a high ponytail.


    A simple act of love that warmed her and her parents who were watching them.


    After making sure that she was all set, Travis dried his hair as well. Jillyanna put all the necessary things inside her bag such as: their phones, wallets, face towel and many other things.


    Since they were busy, Sky and Alex arranged the dishes on the table for them. They thought it would be good if they can eat their breakfast while it was still hot.


    "Come and eat once you are done drying your hair." Sky told Travis who was still holding the hair dryer.


    "Yes mom." he acknowledged it immediately. He didn''t fully dried his hair and stopped already. It wouldn''t be good if he kept them waiting. Not only that, Jillyanna had to eat already and drink her vitamins.


    Any more delay will make Dr. Alison get mad.


    They started eating and sometimes Sky would ask him questions related to Jillyanna. She was really worried for her but knowing that she was doing better, she felt relieved.


    Outside the room, Hans heard that they were going out. With an excuse of going to the comfort room, he called Lyla to make a report.


    He didn''t know that Top had been following him secretly

 Chapter 410 - PET STORE II

    Lyla answered his call immediately. She didn''t say anything as she listened carefully to his words.


    Hans told her everything he knew and went back to his post outside Jillyanna''s hospital room.


    Not long after he arrived, Top also came with coffee in his hand. It was as if he went to get a coffee for himself but in actual fact, he just bought it after eavesdropping.


    Travis and Jillyanna finished eating their breakfast and was currently waiting for Dr. Alison to come and check her.


    "Should I call her for you?" Alex suggested but Travis refused it as soon as possible.


    "There is no need to do that dad. She will come since it is part of her routine check." he told him with a faint smile.


    And he was right! It wasn''t even five minutes after he said those words when Dr. Alison came in.


    "How''s my beautiful patient today?" Dr. Alison asked Jillyanna as she walked inside the room towards her.


    "I am fine." she answered shortly.


    After their perfunctory greetings, Dr. Alison started checking her ECG status and other organs that might be affected due to her lack of oxygen.


    Her heart wasn''t working properly which was why she lacks oxygen in her body. Her fingertips were purplish white and when she moved too much, exhausting her heart, her lips would turn pale as well.


    Travis had been very careful when it comes to her health which was why, he wanted her to get checked before going out.


    Dr. Alison didn''t find anything risky for now, so she allowed her to go out. Jillyanna happily stood up and supported her waits and stomach with her hands.


    Travis came to her and supported her immediately. "Let''s wait for Hawk and Brown for awhile. We are not leaving without them."


    "Hn. Got it Captain!" she winked at him making everyone laugh at her adorable reaction.


    Sky and Alex put away the empty dishes and went out of the room with Jillyanna''s doctor. Dr. Alison talked to her parents about her condition and the possibilities of survival in the future while the two of them stayed in the room, waiting for their friends.


    Half an hour past ten in the morning, Hawk and Brown arrived to pick them up. Savannah also came but she only came along to guard the hospital room.


    They wouldn''t let their guard down specially that some of the works of Travis were stored in his laptop which was lying on his work desk. He was really being complacent.


    The truth was, Travis didn''t worry about his works because Shein was guarding its security.


    The four of them left Savannah in the hospital to start checking the pet shops in the city. Top secretly sent them a message containing a warning to alert his boss that Hans already leaked their whereabout.


    Travis was thankful that he got someone loyal to him when the others were not.


    "Shall we check out the pet shop near the mall?" Brown suggested. "They''ve got different varieties of birds and fishes."


    Jillyanna turned to Travis to know his decision. She was letting him take the lead for them. "I''ll go wherever you go."


    Brown rolled his eyes when he heard what she said. No matter the time and place, they would always find ways to flaunt their love and sweetness.


    He was a little envious with them because they can be open with their relationship anytime and anywhere.


    His relationship with Valkyrie can''t be shown to the public making him feel a little guilty towards his partner.


    He wanted to go on a date like normal couples do. He wanted to show their love to everyone like everyone does.


    He was really grateful that Valkyrie was very understanding of their relationship and didn''t pressure him. Nevertheless, he always wanted have the two of them met in between. He didn''t like it when Valkyrie had to make little sacrifices for him all the time.


    Brown was still lost in his thoughts when they arrived at the first pet shop. It was called Pets City and they offer so many kinds of pet.


    "We''re here." Hawk told them as he parked the car in front of the shop.


    Travis came out first and reached out his hand to hold his wife. He wrapped his other hand around her waist to support her.


    "Welcome to our store." the shop''s attendant greeted them.


    Jillyanna looked around the place and found quite a number of dogs and cats. She admired them for few minutes and left to check the other animals.


    There different kinds of reptiles, spiders, different kinds of cats and dogs, as well as several types of birds and fishes.


    It was really an amazing shop and she had a great time looking at the pets. Sadly, she didn''t find a bird that suits to her taste. Contrary to what she was looking forward to, she found cute little fishes instead.


    "If we can''t find the birds that I like, let''s just take fishes. That''s fine, right?" Jillyanna asked Travis who was following closely beside her.


    Brown was inquiring about koi fishes and how to make a fish pond for them.


    "If you want to make a fish pond, I know an architect who specializes in this field." the shop''s attendant gave Brown a calling card of the architect. "Contact him if you want to get some advice from the expert."


    "Thank you." Brown kept the calling card and waited for them to finish looking around.


    His main task was to observe and to monitor Jillyanna in order to avoid any risk concerning her health.


    So far, there wasn''t anything wrong or anything alarming with her but that didn''t mean she was out of danger.


    Under his observation, Brown noticed someone observing the couple as well. Sometimes he would speak to someone over the phone while keeping an eye to Jillyanna.


    "Sigh. People just don''t learn." Brown murmured as he signaled Hawk to keep track of the man''s movement as well.


    In other words, the enemy was observing the couple while Hawk and Brown were observing the enemy.

 Chapter 411 - SHOP! SHOP! SHOP!

    Hawk and Brown monitored their enemies while making sure that Travis and Jillyanna were doing good as they check the pet stores - one after another.


    The second pet store that they went to was inside a mall. Most of the animals found there were birds and fishes. There were hamsters and rabbits, too.


    "Looking at these animals, I want to get two for each." she mentioned casually but her eyes were looking brightly at him, anticipating him to agree.


    Travis reach out his hand and pat her head lightly. "We''ll talk about it once you are discharge."


    "Okie dokie." she smiled at him and looked around the shop again.


    Before they left the hospital, they talked about the kinds of animals to pet which was decided to be a bird.


    Now, she was changing her mind and she wanted to get other animals aside from birds. Of course, that would happen if she can survive the operation.


    Travis really found different motivations for her. He wanted to give her a huge surprise once she''s fully recovered and he wanted her to look forwards to that surprise.


    They had lunch together after checking the two pet shops before proceeding to the next store. They would take a rest after some time to make sure that Jillyanna won''t be tired.


    "Do you mind expanding our house?" Travis asked her after they checked all the shops that was on his list.


    "I don''t mind. But we don''t have much space at home. Are you thinking of making a third floor?"


    "Nope. It''s part of my surprise so look forward to it." Travis winked at her.


    Jillyanna didn''t have any idea what he was planning but she knew it would be great. Travis wouldn''t make something that would disappoint her. He would always go through great lengths for her.


    "Shall we go home, now?" she questioned though her expression was expecting him to refuse. She wanted to stroll in the city a few more hours.


    Travis chuckled, looking at her puppy eyes. As the best husband, he wanted to make sure that his wife would enjoy.


    "Do you want to go somewhere?" he asked while keeping her close and holding her hand with his.


    "Let''s buy gifts for everyone at home. I didn''t buy gifts for them when we came at the mall the last time we got out."


    "Okay." Travis agreed immediately.


    Brown drove them to the largest mall in the city to shop. His eyes were carefully observing the car that had been following them for quite sometime now.


    "Are we being followed?" Jillyanna mentioned since she had a bad feeling from the time they arrived at the first pet shop.


    Travis nodded his head slowly. "They''ve been following us since we arrive at the first shop."


    "I see."


    "Don''t worry, Jill. We are prepared if anything happens. I informed Savannah and the others too if we need back up." Hawk commented to lessen her worries. He knew it wasn''t good for her to worry about so many things. As much as possible, he wanted her to be free of anything stressful.


    Jillyanna sat in silence beside Travis. She leaned her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes to rest.


    Inside the black van that was following them, the driver was seriously driving the car with steady speed to tail them.


    His companion was talking to their boss, reporting all the details and current plight of Jillyanna''s team.


    They weren''t told to kill their target but was informed to keep an eye on them no matter when and no matter where.


    "Boss, there are just four of them. Don''t you want us to make a move?" the man on the front seat beside the driver talked.


    "What the eyes can see is not exactly right. The two people with them can easily wipe you out. Travis won''t go out without any back up, specially if he is with his wife." the man on the other end of the line responded.


    What he said wasn''t exactly wrong or right. Travis did have a back up but it was only after Hawk contacted Savannah. He trusted his friends to keep his wife safe so he dared to go out with just the four of them.


    The man instructed his men not to take action against them. It would be great if they can just closely monitor them.


    They agreed to his arrangements and followed them without any complaints.


    When they arrived at the mall where the second pet shop was, the one they checked earlier, the four of them went out of the car and walked inside.


    They checked the department store to find something for Auntie Fei and Auntie Sisi. They included grandma and grandpa Shan, too.


    As for the men in the security group who was in charge at home, in charge of Jenny''s safety and the ones at the Madrid mansion, Jillyanna decided to just give them a red packet.


    Travis decided to do the same for the people at the hacienda. It would be easier to just give a red packet for all of them since there were so many of them.


    Jillyanna bought different gifts for everyone and decided to wrap them up in the hospital. She didn''t want them to know that she prepared gifts for them during this time. It would be troublesome if they knew about their surprise.


    She also made sure to buy something for Eliezer. Well, she always give him gifts in the past and this year was no different. She bought him a watch since she noticed that he wasn''t wearing any watch when he visited her. There wasn''t any watch when they met at the ground floor as well.


    "That''s for Eli?" Travis asked her.


    "Yup."


    "How about Lucian?"


    "I''m buying him a new briefcase. The one he''s using is really old."


    "I see."


    They went to different shops and bought different items. Once they finished shopping, the three men she was with, were holding so many shopping bags. She was the only one with free hand.


    "Hehehe..sorry..I didn''t realize it would be this many." she scratched her cheeks awkwardly when she realized it.


    Helpless with her, they just smiled at her with indulgence.

 Chapter 412 - FACING HANS

    The last thing Jillyanna bought was a gift wrapper with different designs. She didn''t want to buy the gift bags because she felt like she wasn''t putting an effort to her gifts. Thus, she wanted to wrap the gifts herself.


    It was almost four in the afternoon when she finally decided to go back to the hospital.


    "We''ll just place these bags here." Brown told Jillyanna and put down the bags at the side of the sofa bed.


    Hawk and Travis did the same and placed everything in there.


    "Do you want us to make a move against those people who were tailing us?" Hawk questioned them.


    Before Travis could answer, Jillyanna beat him to it and spoke. "Don''t do anything for now. However, Travis will cut off their source of information. "


    "When will you do it?" Hawk inquired.


    Dealing with this kind of matter, they need someone to look after Jillyanna since they would need to leave the hospital.


    "I will call him out tonight. I guess Savannah and Riley will come to bring dinner, so they can stay with her while we are gone." Travis informed them. He already made arrangements concerning Hans and Top was all ready to help them.


    After almost two hours of waiting, Savannah and Riley did come to bring food for their dinner. Travis informed them of what was about to happen and how they will put their plans into actions.


    "It''s not an issue for us. We can stay with her until you are all back, safe and sound." Riley was sitting on the couch at the window while listening to the instruction. "Will you leave someone to guard the place?"


    "Hn. I will only take Hans and Top with me. The rest will stay here." Travis responded seriously. "If anything happens, let me know as soon as possible."


    Jillyanna didn''t express her opinion to them. She just listened to what everyone said while keeping in mind several possibilities that could happen while the three men were gone.


    Savannah was also preparing herself for any possible attacks. After all, Jillyanna''s whereabouts had been leaked several times. It would be impossible if their enemies didn''t know her room number.


    Travis and Jillyanna ate their dinner first before he set out. She wouldn''t allow him to go with an empty stomach.


    "Boss, are we going somewhere?" Top asked as if he didn''t know what was going on. He, together with Hans, followed Travis will Brown and Hawk behind them.


    "We will find someone." Travis simply answered and kept quiet after that.


    Hans didn''t notice that he was walking into a trap laid out by Travis. He was calmly following him at the same time, worried that he can''t give information since he was surrounded by everyone.


    Travis drove the car that Brown used earlier and they went to a suburb with few people around. There was a small house with just a single lamp that lit the place brightly.


    Everyone went inside and found that the house had no furnitures in it aside from a single bed, table and three wooden chairs.


    "Why are we here?" Top asked again.


    Travis asked the two of them to sit on the bed. He sat on a wooden chair and faced the both of them. Hawk and Brown stood at the door to block the only escape route.


    The house got only one window but it was covered with a thick curtain which prevents anyone from peeking. Outside the window were several number of metal bars to stop anyone from using the window as an escape route. The window was made of thick glass as well. This was owned by Travis and many people had been there. Most of them never make it out alive if he didn''t want them to. Only those who got his permission to live can go out alive from that house.


    Hans started to sweat on his back. He felt something was wrong and he didn''t know what to do.


    He cleared his throat before he spoke to his employer. "Boss, what are we doing here? Are you giving us some secret task?"


    "I guess you know what we are doing here." Travis retorted while giving him a small envelope.


    Inside the small brown envelope were several pictures of him meeting with Lyla in the night club. With the different set of clothes, it showed that they had been meeting with each other for a while.


    Travis also pulled out her phone and let him listen to different recordings. As time went by, Hans was getting paler and paler. The cold sweats on his back were soaking his suit and his forehead was dotted with sweats as well. His heart was beating so fast and he didn''t know what to say.


    Travis didn''t say anything to him. He was silently waiting for Hans to speak.


    "Uh..boss..what about me? Why am I here?" Top asked once again, still pretentious of what was happening.


    "Nothing. I just brought you here as bait." Travis responded.


    Top made an ''oh!'' sound and looked towards his colleague. He had known about Hans'' betrayal and he wasn''t shocked at all. He was just acting all this while.


    Hans looked towards Travis and then to Brown and Hawk. He also gave Top a side glance before he let out a soft chuckle.


    "So, you knew I''ve been meeting this girl. I assume you know what she''s planning, too. You know why I am colluding with her as well. What do you want?" Hans calmly stated and put the pictures on the bed space beside him.


    "I want you to leave this city. Go as far as you can, to a place were I wouldn''t see your face or your shadow." Travis stated. "I don''t want to take your life or beat you. My wife doesn''t want that."


    Hans laughed so hard like what he heard was some kind of a joke. "Letting me go? As if I''d believe that. How many people have you killed? Did anyone ever survive?"


    "Whether you survive after leaving this place depends on you. As compensation to your betrayal, I won''t pay you anything. That''s all there is to it."


    "Heh! Just because you want to settle things out doesn''t mean it would end there. After all, I am not the only person who had been giving out your information." Hans mentioned.


    Travis felt a sudden fear in the pit of his stomach, his eyes turned cold and he stood up immediately.


    "Deal with him."

 Chapter 413 - UNDER ATTACK

    Back at the hospital, half an hour after Travis and his company left, the three ladies stayed inside the hospital room.


    There were four other security men outside Jillyanna''s room, so they didn''t worry that much but Jillyanna was more than prepared than anyone else.


    She sat on the swivel chair behind the work desk that Travis usually use. She took out all the pens available from the drawer. There were scissors and other materials too.


    Savannah and Riley didn''t know what she was trying to do by placing all of them on top of the table but, they didn''t say anything either.


    Riley was talking to Shein who was currently on his way to the hospital with Jackie. They wanted to bring in more people to make sure that nothing will happen to Jillyanna.


    Sadly, before Shein and Jackie could arrive, a group of men came inside. They were all wearing a doctor''s lab gown with stethoscope as their sole accessories.


    What was more shocking was the three men who were the security men that Travis left. They were standing behind the fake doctors with wicked smiles hanging on their lips.


    Jillyanna didn''t know what was given to them for them to betray their employer and she didn''t care for the reason either.


    Before anyone else can react, a ball pen flew towards the first person who was standing in front of the group. It stuck on the center of his forehead, killing him on the spot.


    "You bitch!" one of the men cursed and pulled out a knife which was hidden under his lab gown and started attacking Jillyanna.


    Riley came forward to rescue her and fought with the man. There were a total of seven men and the other was taken down by Jillyanna.


    Savannah was also fighting with the other two men who rushed towards their death in front of her.


    "I can''t believe they betrayed you!" Riley stated angrily while giving her enemy a roundhouse kick, hitting the chest and making him fall on the ground.


    "I don''t know why either and I don''t care." Jillyanna lazily responded as she picked a metal pencil case that she used to store her pencils and ballpoint pens.


    With one strike, she threw the case and hit the back of someone''s head. She threw what she can with right amount of force.


    As they continued to fight, Savannah was able to knock out two of the enemies and the same went for Riley.


    The remaining to men were fearless and kept attacking them. They thought it would not escalate to something worse.


    While they were busy fighting off the remaining two standing enemies, one of the men who was lying on the cold floor took out his gun.


    ''Bang!''


    The sound of the gun shot stunned everyone, including the two enemies. It was so sudden and the didn''t know someone would shoot. They were tasked to bring Jillyanna alive, not dead.


    Taking advantage of their surprise, Riley gave the man an uppercut and a strong jab on his stomach. Savannah kicked the man again and again until he fainted and fell.


    Jillyanna was still sitting on the table. Her right shoulder was bleeding and her shirt was soaked with blood.


    The man who shoot her was still lying on the floor but his eyes was already lifeless, a pencil was stuck on his forehead and two other pencils were stuck on his chest, deeply buried.


    Doctors, nurses, patients and the security group who heard about the loud gun shut came in, one after the other.


    They were crowding outside Jillyanna''s room and found one unconscious man who was part of Travis'' security personnel, sitting on the bench like nothing happened.


    "This man is still alive." one of the doctors declared and asked someone to lift the man and brought him to another room to make sure that he was really fine.


    "This is a huge mess." another doctor mentioned while looking at the men lying on the floor. Some were dead and some were just unconscious.


    They all wanted to come inside and check what happened but they knew that no one can come in if Travis or Jillyanna won''t give the permission to do so.


    Even when her shoulder was bleeding, she didn''t care about anyone. She didn''t ask the doctors to come in since she didn''t know if she could trust any of them.


    "I''m calling Eli." Jillyanna informed Riley and Savannah. She picked up her phone and called her friend to come over.


    Eli didn''t know why he was called to come to her room and so, when he got inside, his eyes widened in shock and worry.


    "You were under attack?!" Eli exclaimed while looking at her from head to toe and stopped on her shoulders. "Call Dr. Alison while I clean up your wounds."


    Jillyanna obediently followed his instruction. The hospital''s security group managed the crowd and asked everyone to go back to their room to make sure that the evidence of intrusion won''t be damaged.


    Dr. Alison was currently conducting a surgery so she didn''t know about the incident until two hours later.


    Lucian came with Nik as soon as he received the news from Riley. He checked them first to make sure that they were all fine before he started his investigation.


    "Where''s Travis?" Lucian asked while putting on his gloves.


    "Apparently, we were being played. He went out to deal with someone. We didn''t know that there was more than one enemy in our own turf." Jillyanna answered calmly.


    "Does he know?" Elizier asked her, too.


    "Nope. I didn''t give him a call since he was also dealing with a crucial matter."


    Savannah and Riley were being questioned by Nik and they answered thoroughly. Not long after the short preliminary interrogation, Shein and Jackie came.


    "What the f*ck?! What the hell happened here?!" Shein exclaimed with wide eyes. He tiptoed around the room to make sure that he won''t touch any of the men on the floor.


    "Did someone come to rob you?" Jackie questioned while looking around the messy room.


    Savanna and Riley could only sigh and let Lucian explain the matter to him.


    "We will need the cctv footage inside the room." Lucian spoke to Shein. "Can you give me a copy?"


    "Sure sure." Shein answered happily. He was a little relieved that he can be useful at this moment.


    Eli finished cleaning and dressing the wound on Jillyanna''s left shoulders. He put his apparatus inside his bag and spoke calmly. "Rest your body and mind. Your husband will be home soon and I know you''d be able to figure out a solution to this matter. I don''t know who is your enemy this time but I know they won''t have a happy ending."


    "Thanks Eli." Jillyanna murmured her response.


    Since Eli had so many works at hand, he left her as soon as he finished dressing up her wounds.


    In the small house at the suburb, Hans was beaten black and blue. They were asking him for information about the other men who were colluding with Lyla to cause harm to Jillyanna.


    Despite the pain inflicted on him, Hans refused to give the name of Lyla''s partner. He was not willing to cooperate with them.


    Only Hawk, Top and Brown stayed to deal with Hans. Travis was speeding up his way back to the hospital with lingering fear. His heart was shaking like crazy and he was gripping the stirring wheel so hard.


    He was definitely afraid for her. He would never forgive himself if some thing happens to her.


    He dialed her phone number and Jillyanna''s voice echoed from the other line. "Jill, are you alright?"


    "Uh..Uhmm Hn. I am fine." Jillyanna softly uttered her reply. "I miss you hubby. Can you come back soon?"


    Travis smiled after hearing her words. His heart was warming up so much that it spread to his face. "I am on my way back."


    "That''s great. I''ll wait for you." she cheerfully added. "Drive safely."


    Travis didn''t notice anything from her words but as soon as the call ended, he got a message from Shein, informing him about the messy event. There were even pictures to support his story.


    Blue veins popped on the back of his hands as Travis held onto the stirring wheel with so much force.


    "I will make all of you pay." Travis mumbled angrily. His eyes wast on the road but his mind was wandering back to Jillyanna''s safely.


    He would never let anyone escape unscathed after what happened to his wife. ''How dare they point a gun towards her?!'' He noted mentally to himself.


    His anger didn''t decrease at all until he arrived in her room back in the hospital. "Jill." The soft whisper of her name made Jillyanna turned around hesitantly. She saw Travis standing there, drench in sweat and looking so troubled.


    "Welcome back, my dear husband." Jillyanna stood up, walked towards him slowly with a simple greeting.

 Chapter 414 - MESSY NIGHT I

    Relief washed over his fear and his heart finally calmed down. "Thank God, you are fine." He pulled her gently into a warm embrace and buried his face on her shoulder. "I was so worried."


    "You don''t have to worry that much. Riley and Savannah protected me so well." she told him while returning his hug. "I am glad you are safe, too."


    Savannah and Riley looked towards each other and smiled faintly. Instead of the two of them protecting Jillyanna, it was more like of Jillyanna protected them.


    Jillyanna realized it first that they were facing an enemy. She made the first attack and made sure that no one will get to her. Sad to say, she still got herself shot on her shoulder.


    "I didn''t know that there would be more of them. I''m sorry I left you in danger." he mumbled his apology. He felt so guilty that she was in grave danger and he wasn''t around to protect her.


    She gently pat his back to comfort him. She knew that she was feeling guilty but she didn''t want him to feel such negative emotion. "It is not your fault. We didn''t know that this would happen. No one anticipated this to happen. Don''t be guilty about this."


    She led him back to their make shift bed and sat on it. Riley and Savannah sat on the couch while waiting for the investigation to be done by Lucian''s team. Shein was busy extracting the footage that Lucian needed. He even included the hospital''s CCTV recording from the time that these men entered the hospital, assaulted doctors and nurses, and changed their clothes.


    For those that were still alive, they will be facing the consequences of their actions. Different charges will be filed against them and most likely-they will be imprison for a long time.


    For those who died, their families will be informed but Jillyanna, Savannah and Riley won''t be charged for it. After all, what they did was for self-defense.


    Travis and Jillyanna were still comforting each other when his phone rang. He pulled it out and found Brown''s name on the screen.


    "F*ck! We are under attack! Someone knew our agenda tonight."


    Travis could hear the sound of gun shots from the other end of the line but Brown remained calm and rational.


    "Get out of there alive. Don''t bother about Hans. I want you back at home, safe and sound." Travis ordered. There will be time that he''d be able to take them down all at once. Right now, he needed to make sure of their safety instead of his personal gains.


    "Alright." Brown ended the call and informed Hawk and Top of their conversation.


    When they were attack from the outside, Hans took that chance to run for the door and went outside.


    He escaped from them and the other men attacked Brown and Hawk.


    "Let''s go now. We can''t let any civilians get involve." one of the enemies stated.


    "If we won''t kill them, they might kill us in the future." another man retorted which everyone agreed.


    They surrounded the house and fired their guns. Brown, Top and Hawk crawled to the farthest corner and used the beds and table as cover.


    "I ran out of bullets."


    "Me too."


    "We wasted it."


    "Go and check the house." someone ordered.


    Hans who had been silent from the start due to his wounds and bruises, spoke at this point. "If you don''t want your men to die, don''t let them check the house. They are not dead yet. They -"


    He wasn''t even done speaking when a single bullet hit his chest, killing him on the spot.


    Everyone looked around and to see who was the traitor. They shook their heads to deny what happened when another person was hit on his forehead and fell on the ground, cold and lifeless.


    "Run!" someone shouted and they all ran in panic.


    This time, Brown, Top and Hawk had the leverage to make an attack. Their enemies ran out of bullets and they didn''t know which side of the house was Brown, Top and Hawk stayed while the three of them had a clear view of the outside.


    One after another, Brown and Hawk hit their enemies on their vital parts. Some died on the spot and some were bleeding profusely.


    Amidst the panic, one of them successfully escaped, leaving his dead comrades and friends.


    After making sure that it was safe to go out, Brown and Hawk left the messy place immediately with Top in the middle of their group. He was the only one without his gun as well after Hans took it from him . Ignoring the number of bodies lying in a puddle of blood, the three of them looked for a safer place.


    Brown didn''t notice the wound on his leg when they were still inside the small house. Now that they were finally out, the pain made him winced and cursed.


    "You were hit?" Hawk asked as he crouch on the ground to check Brown''s leg. His jeans were soaked with blood and it wasn''t just one but two bullet wounds.


    "I didn''t notice it." he admitted with a faint smile. "We don''t have a car since RV drove it. Shall we get a taxi or call someone?"


    "Let me call Jackie." Hawk told him. They couldn''t ask Valkyrie to drive for a long distance since he was also wounded thus; Jackie was their last choice.


    Jackie who was at the hospital received the call and immediately informed Jillyanna and Travis. She got their permission and left the hospital to pick the three from the suburb.


    It was a really messy day and many people from the media knew about what happened. They came to the hospital with their cameras and recorders.


    Savannah went out of the room to inform them that they won''t be taking interviews for the time being.


    Knowing that Travis would make them pay for disturbing his wife, they left and waited for the time that they''d get the notice for interview.


    Dr. Alison also came to find them as soon as she got the news after the surgery. She wanted to move them to a different room but Jillyanna refused the offer.


    "I am fine here. Don''t worry doc." Jillyanna told her. Instead of giving her enemy a hard time. She will welcome them with open arms. ''Let''s see who will win.'' She was confident with herself. Even if she won''t move, she can still kill.

 Chapter 415 - MESSY NIGHT II

    The hospital room was soon cleaned up by the janitors and the hospital''s staff. Travis asked the doctor to transfer his body guard on the next room beside Jillyanna''s for easy access. He wanted to make sure that he was doing fine after being attacked by his comrades.


    Savannah and Valkyrie stayed with them to make sure that someone could guard them while everyone was doing their part.


    Riley and Shein came with Lucian to be the witness and to help them trace their enemies whereabout using the graphics and face detector that Shein made.


    Jackie was on her way to the suburb to pick Brown, Hawk and Top. Among the three of them, Top was the weakest thus; the two of them protected him well. He was very loyal to Travis and Jillyanna and they didn''t want such person to die a meaningless death.


    "I''m glad you are here." Hawk commented while Brown was leaning on him. Top was carrying their things for them to walk easily.


    "I''m glad that you are all alive." Jackie retorted. "Get inside. I''ll send you to the hospital first."


    Hawk and Top helped Brown to get inside, disregarding the blood that stained the car.


    "Aside from Brown, are you two alright?" Jackie asked them since she would need to tell her sister and Travis about their status. "No matter how small the wound is, you have to tell me."


    Top coughed and cleared his throat before speaking. "I..I got hit on the side of my stomach. I think the bullet just greased over it."


    "Why didn''t you tell me?" Brown inquired. When he got wounded, he immediately told Brown what to do in order to stop his bleeding. After all, he was a doctor.


    "I didn''t notice." Top stated. "You guys protected me and the noise of gun shots were overwhelming. I didn''t realize I got hit until the time we left."


    Hawk, the only unscathed among them, pulled up his shirt and found bleeding wound. Though the bullet just scraped over his skin and flesh, it still needed an immediate care.


    Jackie sped up her car and directly sent the three of them to Senyu Medical Center. They told their doctors about what happened and that they were going to report the event to the police.


    Jackie processed everything to them and called Lucian over.


    In one night, they could see the stress building up on Lucian. One crime after another. First was his little sister-in-law, now the friends of his little sister-in-law. Lucian knew the reasons but he didn''t say anything that would harm them. He focused himself to find the mastermind of this crime before anything else will happen to Jillyanna.


    "Sorry for giving you troubles." Jackie apologized to Lucian after he took their statement and information of the crime scene.


    "I''m doing my job and so are you. I am thankful to everyone for keeping my little sister safe."


    "She''s very important to us. Her safety is our utmost priority." Jackie retorted.


    "Thanks. If there''s nothing else, I''ll go ahead and settle this matter."


    Jackie nodded her head and waved her hand at him. Lucian left and Jackie went back to Jillyanna''s room to make a report.


    "How are they?" Jillyanna asked when she saw Jackie.


    "They are doing fine. Brown was shot on his leg twice. Top was hit with a stray bullet and got a scrape of skin on the side of his stomach. Hawk was unscathed. Hans died. Lucian came to get their statement and linked this matter with what happened here earlier."


    "It is good to know that they are safe." Jillyanna mentioned with a sigh of relief.


    "Sadly though, one of the men escaped." Jackie added to her report.


    "That''s fine. They won''t have a second chance to do it." Travis retorted.


    The news of Jillyanna and Riley getting attacked in the hospital spread like a wildfire. The version was that Riley visited Jillyanna and got caught in a gun fire.


    Some said she was hit and was in critical condition. Some said that Jillyanna had a miscarriage because of what happened. Some people said it was because Travis gained so many enemies in the business world. Rumors spread here and there.


    Unless, they would make a statement, the rumors won''t be cleared immediately. Wynwyn and Diego were affected too. Riley was a J Entertainment artist and Jillyanna was their company''s boss madam. Not only the two of them, even Cielo and the cafe staff were worried. Venus Plaza employees were concerned for safety of their boss.


    It was late into the night when Jillyanna finally fell asleep. Savannah went to find Hawk and monitored Top, Brown and the other body guard.


    Riley and Shein came back to the hospital. Shein and Valkyrie stood guard outside the hospital room. Jackie and Riley was staying inside.


    Travis was talking to Diego by the window to let him know about their situation. He also sent a message to Wynwyn, asking her to come over the next morning.


    After talking to his friend, Travis walked towards Wynwyn. "Go back home and get some sleep. You still have a class tomorrow. Your sister will feel bad if you get an absent mark because of her."


    Jackie thought about it for a while and eventually nodded her head. "Let me know if anything happens."


    "Hn." Travis agreed. "How about you Riley? Don''t you have any work tomorrow?"


    Riley pulled out her phone to check her schedules. "I have a promotion show tomorrow afternoon. I can still have a rest in the morning before work. I can still stay here."


    "Okay. If you feel sleepy, you can sleep beside your sister. I still have some work to do." Travis informed her.


    He walked towards his working desk and returned the unused pens and pencils inside his drawer. Riley played with her phone to make sure that she won''t disturb anyone.


    As time passed by, she fell asleep on the couch. Travis sighed and took out an extra blanket, and draped it over Riley, making sure that she won''t catch a cold or Jillyanna will feel guilty if her sister catches a cold because of her.

 Chapter 416 - SKILLS TESTS I

    The next morning, Wynwyn announced the press conference regarding the sudden attack that involve Jillyanna and Riley. These women were known in the society and even if Jillyanna was no longer a celebrity, many people paid attention to her life.


    The press conference was to happen at 10 o''clock in the morning. It was a very sudden announcement, yet people from the media didn''t spare any effort for the said conference. They were all waiting for it!


    The conference was being held in J Entertainment hall. Any events regarding PR would always be held in the same place as long as it involves the J Entertainment artists.


    Riley didn''t need to attent for the said conference. She had to prepare for her promotion in the afternoon so Wynwyn didn''t want her to stress over some petty matters.


    "Sis, I have to go now. I still have work in the afternoon." Riley informed Jillyanna after waking up late in the morning.


    "Sure sure. Take care of yourself. You didn''t get to eat your breakfast, make sure you grab something to eat before going to work." Jillyanna reminded her sister.


    Shein just bid his goodbye and went home with Riley. Valkyrie was left all alone with them.


    "If you want to check on Brown, just go. We''ll be fine here." Jillyanna commented knowing that the man had been worried the whole night.


    "Are you sure?"


    "Hn. No one will come after what happened last night." she affirmed her statement so that he won''t worry about them.


    "Thank you. I''ll be right back." Valkyrie left as soon as he got the permission and went to the other VIP room to check Brown.


    Travis was still working, didn''t get a wink of sleep, making Jillyanna felt bad. "Why don''t you get some sleep?"


    "I''m fine. I need to deal with several matters." Travis refused her suggestion. He was afraid to sleep. He was afraid that once he closed his eyes, someone will come and hurt his precious wife.


    Jillyanna took a deep breath and sigh. She walked towards his desk and sat on the chair in front of it. "You''ve got dark circles under your eyes. I can see that you are sleepy. Why don''t you take a rest. I promise, if anything happens, I will scream to wake you up."


    "That''s not very reassuring." Travis retorted. "It might be too late if I wait for you to scream."


    "Nothing will happen today. I''m sure of it." Jillyanna insisted. She didn''t know how to prove it but she knew that nothing will happen. "I''ll call someone to look after us."


    "Who?"


    "Uh.." she put her finger on her temple to think about it. "Winter and my teacher."


    "Your teacher?" Travis asked to make sure that he heard her correctly. "Your teacher is coming?"


    "Hn. I told her to come and attend my wedding. I informed to come in advance so that she can have a tour. Winter should be on her way to pick our teacher."


    "If it''s your teacher, that is a bit reassuring." he paused for a while and looked at her. "I want you to stay beside me while I sleep."


    "Okie dokie." she agreed without any hesitation. As long as he will take a rest, she will do anything to reassure him.


    Travis put down his things and closed his laptop. He returned them inside his drawer and locked them.


    "Let''s go to bed." he pulled him in his arms and led her back to their bed.


    Jillyanna followed him and let him do as he pleased. The both of them were lying down on the bed, even though she wasn''t sleepy anymore. Travis buried his face on the warmth of her chest and hugged her to sleep.


    She was his comfort zone and anything else won''t matter as long as she was beside him. It didn''t take long for Travis to sleep comfortably in her arms.


    When Valkyrie came back, he saw the man snuggling close to his wife. He just smiled at Jillyanna and went out to avoid disturbing them.


    The news about the attack had been circulating thus; Cielo and her family knew about it before Lucian could fill them in with information.


    Due to Cielo''s pregnancy, they didn''t set foot to the hospital until the next morning. They brought them food and several vitamins for Jillyanna. Just like Valkyrie, they couldn''t bare to disturb the couple.


    After making sure that Jillyanna was fine, they left the hospital to give them space. It was enough for them to see that she was doing well. They didn''t want to stay any longer and disturb the sleeping man beside her.


    Thomas heard about what happened too. He came with Gabriel since Winter left early in the morning. Just like everyone else, they came in and left right after.


    Thomas visited Brown and Top as well before leaving the hospital premises.


    "She should have let her husband hired the most capable bodyguards! Look at her suffering with this injustice and betrayal now!" an angry woman was walking down the hallway with Winter beside her.


    "Teacher, they were the best from the recommended agency. We can''t get someone from the military because Uncle Calhoun won''t allow it. We already have four military officers with us and we can''t abused our power." Winter tried to explain but the woman just snorted.


    "Best?! You call it best?! She should have asked her sisters then! They were far better than this incapable men."


    "Shh! Keep it low teacher. She would be angry if you disturb her husband."


    "Disturb her husband?" the woman was confused and asked.


    "She sent me a message that Travis just fell asleep and she didn''t want anyone to disturb his sleep. That means, she knew that you''d be loud."


    "Tsk!" the woman sneered for the last time before she kept quiet.


    They saw Valkyrie sitting on the bench outside while texting Brown who was still bed ridden.


    "Lieutenant, you are here." Valkyrie greeted her.


    "Hn. Jillyanna was expecting us to come today but I guess that can wait since Travis just got himself some rest." Winter spoke and led her teacher to sit on the space beside Valkyrie. "Teacher, this is Valkyrie." Winter introduced. "Val, this is my and Jillyanna''s teacher. I won''t tell you her name or she might kill the both of us."


    Although he found it weird, Valkyrie just nodded his head and greeted the woman politely. Given Winter''s and Jillyanna''s strength and fighting skills, it was obvious that the woman was twice stronger than the two female beasts he knew.


    Valkyrie told Winter about what happened and what was about to happen. It was better that she was well-informed to make preparations just in case the enemies would take a step against them once again.


    "Gather all body guards that Travis hired and let them know that there will be skills tests tomorrow." Winter stated which stunned Valkyrie.


    He looked towards Winter before shifting his gaze towards the woman beside him. "Copy that. I''ll relay the information now." He stood up and walked to corner to make several phone calls.


    Travis hired several men but they were all dispatched to different places to keep several people safe. Therefore, he needed to inform them as soon as possible to gather them.


    "Bless their body and souls for the skills tests." Valkyrie prayed in whisper knowing that it won''t be Winter who will do it. Most likely, the person who will test the body guards will be her teacher.


    It wasn''t until lunch time that Travis woke up from hunger. Auntie Fei brought them food while he was asleep and Jillyanna''s parents brought some dishes earlier as well.


    Since Brown and Top weren''t allowed to move so much, Valkyrie brought them food to eat. The other guard who passed out last time was already discharged since he wasn''t hit critically. He was currently eating lunch with Top.


    "When I found out about their plans, I was already too late." the guard told Top. "They spared me because we''ve been together for almost two years even when the lady boss wasn''t around yet." He looked down towards his hands that were holding his plate of food. "I just don''t understand why they betrayed our boss. For a quick money, they exchanged their loyalty. I don''t think that was a good deal."


    "Don''t think too much about it. They were fools for being blinded with a quick reward. Our boss had been kind to us. He didn''t let our families suffer. He made sure that we are all living happily and well - provided. Where can you find a boss who will secure your children''s education? Where can you find a boss who will make sure that your old parents get proper medical treatment? Where can you find a boss who cares so much about his employees? Only our boss and lady boss can do that." Top stated with great admiration.


    Travis might be known as cold and heartless person in the business world but, behind closed doors, he was warm and kind to his people. Only those who betrayed them suffered from his wrath.


    "I feel a little sad for the family of those who betrayed him. Not only the traitors suffered but their families, too." the man responded.


    "That''s why I''m telling you that they were fools. As long as you know what loyalty is, you are in good hands." Top told him before he continued to eat.

 Chapter 417 - SKILLS TESTS II

    When Travis woke up, Winter came inside followed by a woman and Valkyrie.


    Jillyanna stood up and made a light bow to show her respect before she introduced him to her teacher.


    "This is our teacher. You don''t need to know her name." she informed Travis. "Teacher, this is my husband, Travis."


    The woman gave Travis an overall look from head to toe. She was clearly dissatisfied with a scornful look on her face.


    "I told you to never marry a businessman! Look what you got yourself involved! You''ve enemies everywhere! And your security? They were all incapable! Where did you get those idiotic men?!"


    Jillyanna blinked her eyes but she didn''t dare talk back while her teacher was speaking. She let her words in with her one ear and let them out with the other.


    Travis didn''t know how to react either. It was the first time that someone scolded him who wasn''t his family. His mother didn''t even scold him when she was still alive. Nonetheless, he still respected the woman and let her chewed them out.


    "I don''t really know what to do with you! You were telling me that you won''t get married and you broke that promise! You told me that you''d keep yourself safe but I''ve been hearing many news involving you! Just what the hell were you thinking?!"


    "Teacher..." Jillyanna called in whisper. "I couldn''t stop my heart from falling in love with him again. You won''t get it even if I explain things to you.."


    "Y-you..this..you stupid woman!" her teacher yelled at her but Jillyanna just smiled.


    "I''ve been keeping myself safe. Even though I''ve been involved to different issues, nothing happened to me. Travis had been doing his best to protect me. Another thing, those people who attacked us wasn''t because of him or because he is a businessman. They were all targeting me."


    "Huh? Why? What have you done?" Her teacher and Winter asked in unison. They didn''t know about this. They all thought that those men were targeting her because of Travis.


    Jillyanna bit her lower lip and led the two of them to a sofa to sit. Travis went to sit on his swivel chair since he didn''t want to disturb their conversation. He was obviously listening to them though.


    "I am not so sure myself." Jillyanna started. "I''ve been doing a lot when Travis was hospitalized because of me. I offended several people and I don''t know which of them were messing up with me."


    Her teacher was pressing her temples, feeling all frustrated with her student''s current condition. Among all her students, Jillyanna was the best and Winter came in second. Looking at her fragile constitution, she didn''t know how Jillyanna survived all those training menu she gave.


    "Nevermind." her teacher waved her hand in dismissal. "Tomorrow, I have ordered to gather all your remaining body guards. I will conduct a skills tests to them. I don''t want anyone to put your life in danger!"


    Travis didn''t comment on it. He let Jillyanna decide on this matter. Of course, he would agree personally but he didn''t want to interfere with their conversation.


    Valkyrie pulled a chair and sat in front of his work desk. "I wonder how the skills test will turn out..hmm..aren''t you curious."


    "I am but I have more important things to do instead of watching a training. You assist the teacher tomorrow. After all, she''s doing this for Jillyanna''s safety." Travis responded.


    "Copy that!" Valkyrie winked at him before he moved to get food for Brown and everyone else, then left the room in silence.


    "Teacher..uhmm..would you like to eat with us here or would you like to eat with Winter somewhere? I don''t really go out of the hospital without the doctor''s permission so I always eat my meal here." Jillyanna invited at the same time gave a brief explanation.


    She was a bit guilty that she couldn''t serve her teacher at this moment due to her health. She felt that she was being disrespectful.


    "I''m fine here if you have enough food. It''s hot outside." her teacher responded.


    "Okay. I''ll ask Travis to prepare our food." Even though she said that, she only turned her head and smiled at her husband. Understanding each other, including subtle movements is the key to harmonious relationship.


    Travis stood up and went to their small dining table where only four people can dine. He set all the dishes and utensils for the four of them.


    "The food here is safe. Our helper cooks them for us so there''s nothing to worry about." Jillyanna informer the woman to make sure that she won''t scold her for being careless again.


    "That''s good to know."


    "And Travis came up with this recipes." Jillyanna added to gain points for her husband. She didn''t like it when someone belittled Travis but she could understand her teacher''s frustration for her thus; she can only raise his points through simple things.


    "I''m glad that he''s taking care of you."


    "My cousin dotes on Jillyanna so much." Winter chimed in to get more brownie points for Travis.


    "He always put me first before himself." Jillyanna interjected.


    "My cousin doesn''t want her to work." Winter added.


    "Wait..wait..wait.." the woman put her palms facing her students and stopped them from saying anything. "I know he is the best. I won''t nitpick on him anymore, so stop praising him."


    "Okay." Jillyanna and Winter immediately agreed and pulled their teacher towards the dining table.


    "Let''s have our lunch." Travis told them as he pulled a chair out for Jillyanna.


    "Looking at you, you must have trained in martial arts, why did you stop?" the teacher asked Travis as she took out a chair and sat.


    "I did train for few years for self defense purposes. I stopped to take over my father''s business." Travis answered humbly to the woman.


    "Given your strength, I hope your men will have something to show during the skills tests. I hope you won''t take this against me but, I don''t intend for my student to suffer due to your insufficient capabilities in choosing a guard for her."


    "It is my honor to have a teacher like you train our bodyguards. Thank you." Travis made a light bow to show his respect and gratitude.


    "Well, good luck to them."

 Chapter 418 - SKILLS TESTS III

    After lunch, Winter brought the woman to the hacienda. It wouldn''t be right to let her stay in Jillyanna''s house when she wasn''t around to accommodate her. Therefore, she left everything to Winter''s capable hand.


    Instead of taking a tour to let her enjoy the city, Winter and her teacher spent their afternoon looking for a suitable place for the skills tests which will be done the next day.


    Winter searched for different venues through different websites but she couldn''t find anything that they can use.


    "How about I ask uncle Calhoun to let us use the military training camp?" Winter suggested since she was running out of ideas.


    There wasn''t any place where they can do all sorts of combat activities and the only place she could think of was the military training camp.


    "I don''t think that''s a good idea." Gabriel who had been watching the two woman commented. "New trainees will use the place. I don''t think he will allow it."


    "He will." Winter spoke with determination. She had something in mind and she knew that Calhoun won''t say no to her. "Let me give him a call."


    She pulled out her phone and went our for a while to talk to Major General Calhoun. "Hi uncle."


    "Winter?! You can hear now?!" Calhoun stood up from his seat due to the surprise he got.


    "I am doing fine now and I am planning to make a report on Monday."


    "That''s good to know. I am glad that you are doing good. I felt so horrible after what happened to you and Gabriel." Calhoun sounded regretful and Winter grasped this moment to make a request.


    "That''s alright uncle. However, we are having a little problem here. You must have heard about what happened in the hospital, right?"


    "Hn. I did hear that Travis was betrayed by his men."


    "I felt a little bad for Travis that he found incompetent and idiot men. Following this issue, we would like to conduct a skills tests for his remaining people. We would like to know them better for the safety of everyone. Can you let us use the training camp?"


    Calhoun was silent for a while when he heard her request. It would be a little difficult since his men would be using the camp as well.


    "While we''re at it, I can be a sparring partner of your new recruits, too." Winter added which made Calhoun smile.


    "That''s a deal." he responded without any hesitations left.


    It was rare to make her agree in becoming a sparring partner. She hated it when she fought with weak soldiers which was she would rather take difficult missions than to train men.


    "Thanks uncle. We''ll be coming tomorrow morning." Winter ended the call and went back to the living room where her teacher and Gabriel were waiting. "We can use it."


    "How did you make him agree?" Gabriel asked in curiosity.


    "By becoming a sparring partner for the new recruits."


    "Oh! Poor men! They would be struggling with their lives tomorrow." Gabriel commented as if their lives were already on the line.


    "Tsk! I won''t beat them to death." Winter retorted before turning towards her teacher. "Teacher, I will ask everyone to gather tomorrow morning. You can take a rest for now. I''ll call you once dinner is ready."


    "Thanks Winter." the woman gave Gabriel another look before leaving.


    Winter didn''t notice the tense atmosphere between her teacher and Gabriel. She kept her things away and pushed Gabriel''s wheelchair back to his room.


    "Are you fine with me being disabled?" Gabriel asked out of nowhere making her frown and raised her eyebrow.


    "What''s with this question? I don''t care if you are disabled. Just stay beside me and I will be complete."


    "I will be a burden to you."


    "Whether you are a burden or not, is for me to decide. Just don''t leave me, okay?"


    "Hn. I won''t leave you even if you will push me away." Gabriel responded with relief. He didn''t care about what will people say. He will only care about what Winter will say and no one else.


    "Would you like to come with us to the skills tests tomorrow?" Winter asked him while she placed her things on top of his bedside drawer.


    Ever since they settled their issue, she was staying on his room most of the time. She had been sleeping there for quite sometimes already and she would only go back to her room to wash up or change her clothes.


    "I don''t want to. It will be too hot." Gabriel refused immediately. "I''ll monitor you from here instead. I''ll ask Shein to get me a camera footage of you."


    "Sounds fine."


    The two of them talked for a long time while waiting for dinner. Thomas was still out in the hacienda, talking to the farmers about the farm.


    Meanwhile, when Lyla refused to meet with Ryden after what happened to Hans. She transferred all her money to her parents and her brother.


    She only saved few thousands on her account for daily expenses. She sold her apartment and her other expensive things as well to save money and left the place.


    She wanted to do something good while she can. She changed her phone number and kept one single contact which was Dr. Alison.


    "Sir, I heard that Lyla sold her apartment and her things." a man reported to Ryden who was currently doing someone.


    He didn''t care even when his men would find him doing someone. He didn''t care even when they knew that he was taking women from left and right. In fact, he was very proud of it. Lyla was just one of his pawns.


    "Let her be. She must have cowered from fear." Ryden waved his hand in dismissal as he continued to pound himself inside the woman beneath him.


    The man left and closed the door behind him, letting his young master do whatever he wanted to do with the woman they got from a club.

 Chapter 419 - SKILLS TESTS IV

    The next day, Jenny was told to come back home to the Madrid''s mansion since she''s got no body guard who will keep her safe.


    Thomas was told not to go out when there''s nothing important to do. Auntie Fei and Auntie Sisi were also informed to stay inside the house and not leave until the guards came back.


    Sky and Alex were told to stay at home and not to visit the hospital for the meantime.


    Since there weren''t that many people to guard them, Lucian was tasked to send and to pick Jenny. Cielo stopped going to work for the meantime to stay at home.


    While Lucian was at work, Riley took a day off to guard the Madrid''s mansion to keep everyone safe in case someone will come and attack them.


    ''Hopefully, they won''t use bombs or hand grenades.'' Riley thought since she doesn''t have anything to counter those things. She''s good with close combat but she would be at a disadvantage when her enemies will aim fire against her.


    Since Winter accompanied her teacher, Valkyrie stayed and guarded Jillyanna''s house where Shein and the two helpers were staying. He was also monitoring grandpa and grandma Shan.


    Savannah and Hawk stayed in the hospital since most of their friends were hospitalized.


    As for Thomas, he didn''t need to worry that much. He''s got Gabriel who can still shoot someone accurately and their chief security guard, their gardener and Uncle Wesley, were someone retired from the military. They looked ordinary to everyone but only Thomas and Travis knew about their true identities.


    "I''ll have a meeting with the finance departments later. Would you like to join?" Travis asker to relieve her boredom a little.


    "Are you sure?"


    "Hn. Just for an hour. I don''t want you to have a short-circuited braincells due to numerical figures."


    "Hey! I''m not dumb. I graduate in business, too."


    "I know. But you''ve been busy sketching me, fighting with your enemies, dealing with some matters; I don''t want you to overuse your braincells."


    "Fine. Fine. Just an hour." Jillyanna conceded to him to join the meeting for an hour.


    Inside the bus that Winter booked, several men where gathered together and were quite nervous of what was bound to happen to them. They all heard about the betrayal act of their colleagues and the death that befall them. Even if they were men, they also felt scared, not for themselves but for their family.


    "What do you think is this skills test? Do you think they are going to examine our fighting skills?" one of the men inquired.


    "Probably."


    "They were probably alarmed after what happened. After all, boss loves his wife so much. He was even willing to exchange his life for hers."


    "They were really idiots. Not only causing harm to their employer and to themselves, but to their families, too."


    "I agree with you. We''ve been working under our boss for a long time and he was always kind to us as long as we do our job properly. I don''t really understand why they do that."


    "For quick money. I heard they were paid thrice the amount that boss pay us for a month."


    "That''s what you get for being greedy. You have to pay it with your life."


    "What were they dissatisfied about? We are paid $700 per month. Our children went to school with full scholarship from him. Our parents who are ill got medical support from him. We all live in the same apartment complex that he paid the electric bill. Basically, we are only paying our water bills and our daily needs. When we are at work, our food and expenses were all covered. I don''t think there''s anything missing. With the money I saved up from this work, I can already buy my own house but, I am saving that for my children."


    "If you really think about it, we saved up so much from this work. Yes, our life is on the line but it''s not everyday that we have enemy tailing us."


    Different thoughts and opinions came out from the remaining body guards but one thing stood out the most, Travis was the most warm person that they ever worked with.


    As they chatted among themselves, they didn''t notice that the bus entered the military training camp, until it stopped in the middle of the vast training ground.


    "Everyone, welcome to our training camp." Winter announced when she came out from the bus.


    The military personnel who saw her made a respectful salute before going on to their work. The guards who saw what happened was surprised. They didn''t know that they''d be sent out to the military training camp.


    "Good morning Lieutenant Colonel Avery. Major General Calhoun asked me to give you these." the man in camouflage suit handed her a box with several monitoring badge.


    The body guards knew that Winter was working in the military but they didn''t know she was a high ranking officer.


    Winter handed them the badge, including her teacher, before she explained the details to them. "This badge is your permission to gain access. Without this, you will be immediately sent out of the camp. Another thing, there are specific areas that you can and can''t go. If you cross the line to the CAN''T GO areas, you will be sent out immediately. Got it?"


    "Yes ma''am."


    "Alright. Next, I will introduce to you the person who will conduct your tests." Winter smiled cheekily at them and walked towards her teacher. "This is my and Jillyanna''s teacher. She will test all of you. As for her name, you don''t need to know it."


    The men looked towards the woman beside her and frowned. One brave soul went forward and raised his hand.


    "Yes, what is it?" Winter inquired to make sure that there will be no problem.


    "Excuse me and I apologize in advance if you find me rude but, teacher, are you blind?"


    "Do you have any problem with a blind person?" the woman retorted in a calm manner.


    "Not really. I was just kind of worried."


    Winter smiled at him while nodding her head. "I understand your point. However, my teacher isn''t blind. She will only open her eyes to her worthy opponents. So far, the only person who could do that is your lady boss."


    "What?!"


    "Really?!"


    "That''s absurd?!"


    "How could she?!"


    Winter chuckled upon seeing the surprise, shock and fear crisscrossing their faces and eyes. "I don''t mean to scare you but your lady boss is really scary."

 Chapter 420 - WHITE AND GREEN

    They didn''t waste any more time. Winter sent them to the building where they will stay for the time being with the new recruits.


    After letting them rest for an hour, Winter called them out including the new recruits. The only thing that could help you identify them were their clothes.


    The new recruits were given camouflage for their training. With the bodyguards'' case, they were told to wear their most comfortable clothes.


    Winter blew a whistle to get their attention and let them line up in two lines. "To the new recruits, I will train you in close combat. However, before we proceed on that area, I''d like you test these men''s skills. Do you have any questions or objections?"


    One man came forward and raised his hand. "Is there any specific rules in this duel?"


    "As long as you can throw your partner on the floor, you win. Got it?"


    "Yes, ma''am!"


    "Now proceed to the gym." Winter led them inside their mini gym where several puzzle mats were placed on the floor. "We''ll proceed according to your badge number." she announced to bring order to the duel.


    The close combat started and didn''t last an hour. Why? Because the guards were so easy to fight. They have good strengths and fundamental skills but they couldn''t grasp on to the technique used by the military trainees. In short, they lost.


    The woman had been watching them from the start. She could tell that the guards got some skills but they couldn''t last a fight for more than five minutes.


    After a ten-minute break, the groups were divided into two. The guards followed the teacher while the new recruits followed Winter.


    "Today, I will teach you two techniques in close combat. You need to practice it for the whole morning and for two hours after lunch. After an hour break, I''ll come and test you again."


    She let them sit on the floor and showed her two basic moves. First was giving strengths to her claws. It was a gripping technique, pressure point strikes and also to hold your enemy and take them down. You might think it was easy, but without enough force it was equal to breaking your fingers and hands. Second was a move using your feet. It was a grappling technique for you to straddle your enemy before you make your final move. You can straddle them in any part of their body that you think can give you an advantage in a fight.


    "We have limited time so I can only teach you things that are easy to understand." she showed it to them twice and let them practice.


    She monitored their proper postures, the subtle movements of their fingers, the position of their toes, the angle of their stand; everything. She was very meticulous when it comes to teaching and she wanted to give Jillyanna a better set of body guards.


    Since the guards already had a powerful stamina, good foundation and basic fighting skills, they were able to understand what was taught to them in a very short time. It wasn''t even lunch yet and the teacher could see improvement in them already.


    Calhoun saw their group, practicing under the teacher''s tutelage. He frowned while watching them since it was the first time he saw the woman.


    "Who''s that woman." Calhoun asked one of the officers in the camp.


    "Sir, that woman was brought here by Lieutenant Colonel Avery."


    "Oh..okay.." he walked further inside to find Winter and the new recruits. He was interested in martial arts but those martial arts masters didn''t like taking in someone from military. Therefore, when he saw the woman, his interest flared up once again. But he was soon faced with disappointment.


    "No, I won''t." Winter refused Calhoun immediately as soon as she heard his request. "My teacher didn''t like dealing with men. She will kill me."


    "Then why is she teaching those men?" Calhoun retorted.


    "That is for Jillyanna''s sake."


    "How about you teach our men?"


    "I AM teaching them."


    "Not the new recruits but those combatant in the field already."


    "I''ll do it once I''m back to work. We already talked that I won''t be back, not until after the wedding."


    "Hn. I''m keeping that promise." Calhoun stated before leaving her to continue his observation.


    They trained for the whole day. The teacher tested them after the training and found that they have improved.


    The next day they were introduced to fencing. Practice in the morning and a test in the late afternoon. The day after that, they were introduced to shooting, wherein most of them were good at. On the fourth day, they were having basic first aid education and a practical test using dummies in the late afternoon.


    Before the day ends, Winter gathered all the guards once again. "Attention!"


    Everyone stood straight and stayed silent while waiting for her instruction. "This ends the training for this week. We will go back to the city tonight so that you can all have a proper rest. Make sure to gather up again on Monday for another week of training."


    "Are we going back to our own family?"


    "Yes. You can go home to your own family." Winter stated. "Gather up all your things and return the badge once you are on your way out."


    "Yes ma''am!"


    After dismissing everyone, they all ran towards the building where they stayed and pack up their things. The bus was already waiting for them and they were all excited to go home.


    Winter was excited, too. Jackie had been calling her since earlier regarding the event.


    In Jillyanna''s house, even though they were on guard everyday, it didn''t stop them from preparing a little surprise for Jillyanna. Jackie had been going home from school to make sure that she can finish the preparation.


    Riley made sure to come back home from the Madrid''s house to help her twin. Shein was helping them, too. Brown and Top were already discharged that afternoon, but since they were told not to move so much, they just stayed on the couch while pumping air to the balloons.


    The house was decorated nicely and there were different kinds of foods, too. Sky and Alex came in the afternoon after Lucian got off from work and came home to pick Cielo. Instead of driving separately, they used one car instead to save money from gasoline.


    Vincent was there, helping with Jackie tying things here and there. The presents were placed on a round table near the Christmas tree that Shein also decorated.


    "What time are they coming?" Cielo asked Jackie since she was in charge in contacting everyone to make sure that Jillyanna won''t suspect anything.


    "Big bro said that they''d be here before seven. He was still wrapping up some work." Jackie answered.


    "Okay. We are almost done here anyway."


    The living room was littered with white and green balloons to match up the theme that Jillyanna got for her baby''s room.


    Families and friends started coming over with their gifts in hand for the baby.


    "I bet she would never expect this." Riley commented with a huge smile hanging on her lips. She was so happy that they made it even after the little accident in the hospital. "Now, let''s just wait for our sweet couple to come home."


    "I have readied my cameras in all corners." Shein proudly stated while holding his laptop. He wanted to capture this precious moment and let the child watch it in the future.


    "You sure know your thing." Gabriel commented.


    "Of course." he grinned happily. "Are you happy watching your girl through the cameras?"


    "Hn. She''s dazzling." When Winter left for the skills test, Gabriel called Shein to set him up a monitoring equipment so that he can watch Winter from home.


    "My girl is more dazzling." Shein cut him.


    "No, my girl is the most dazzling." Vincent told them with a smirk.


    "Stop your stupid argument. Jillyanna is here." Wynwyn informed the three men who only looked indignant towards each other. ''Oh god! What''s with these stupid fools?'' she sighed internally while watching Jillyanna came out of the car.

 Chapter 421 - BABY SHOWER

    Jillyanna and Travis arrived home around six in the evening and everything was all set according to their plans for the surprise. "Oh? Who decorated the house? It''s been a long time since I last saw the house being this lively." Jillyanna commented as she walked on the pavement with Travis holding her hand.


    "I heard that everyone helped out to decorate the house, except you and me." Travis responded to her.


    "Don''t make me feel guilty."


    "I am not. I am just letting you know that even when you can''t do it, someone will help you do it."


    They walked towards the porch and Jillyanna noticed the interior decoration through the glass window. Her eyes lit up and her heart was coated with something sweet and warm. And she wasn''t disappointed. When she opened, the door, the smiling faces of her family and friends greeted her.


    "Surprise!"


    Jillyanna stood in the middle of her living room. The house was full of life and it felt so good to be true. Not knowing if she was dreaming or if she was really awake in reality, she pinched her cheeks until she couldn''t bare the pain.


    "What are you doing?!" Travis immediately took hold of her hand and rubbed her face. Tears started welling up in her eyes from the love and support she got from all of them.


    "I am so happy. Really happy. Thank you so much." Jillyanna mumbled, holding back her tears but they still fell on the cold floor. "I didn''t know you guys would prepare this. I thought you were up to something naughty again." She spoke towards the twins and Shein, who were smiling foolishly at her.


    "I am so glad that big brother kept you occupied in the hospital." Jackie murmured.


    "Huh?" Jillyanna asked in confusion. "Travis was part of this?"


    "Uh huh. With all the things that has happened, we aren''t sure if you forget that we haven''t celebrated the baby shower. So, with everyone''s effort, we came up with this surprise before you get to hold your wedding." Riley added. "And there''s another surprise for you later."


    "Congratulations on your baby and on your upcoming wedding. I wish you to have a good health." Thomas commented to his daughter-in-law. "Previously, I was really anticipating to match you up with Travis. I almost gave up with the idea when I found out that he got someone pregnant. Who would have thought that the woman would turn out to be you? It only means that you are really destined with each other."


    "I agree with that Uncle." Cielo added. "I could still remember the time that she cursed Travis in front of you. In the end, she fell in love with him again after more than a decade had passed."


    "Wait." Jillyanna placed her palm in front of them as she spoke. "Are you really congratulating me or are you recalling my dark past?"


    Everyone was thrown into a fit of laughter because of her statement. What can they do? She just had so many dark histories and they enjoyed teasing her with it.


    "Congratulations for giving us a nephew sis." Jenny stated with her soft voice. Even though she had stayed with them for a long time, she still tends to shy around them. "Here''s my small gift." Jenny handed her a green paper bag.


    "Thanks Jen." Jillyanna opened the bag and found a mint green soft sole leather moccasin. "Wow! I like this color. The interior is really soft."


    "I am glad you like it." Jenny responded with a smile. She moved to the side and let the others speak to Jillyanna.


    "How about we let her sit? Did you forget that she''s frail?" Savannah interrupted their gift givig ceremony.


    Jillyanna just chuckled and walked to the nearest couch. There were so many balloons with white and green colors. She really liked it and thought it was refreshing. Just as she got herself to sit, Shein immediately approached her with a gift.


    "This is my gift." His stupid smile already gave him away and Jillyanna knew that he was up to something again.


    "Young man, what is it your planning again?" Jillyanna asked him without opening the small box.


    "Huh? I am not planning anything. But, I really suggest that you open my gift later."


    Jillyana just nodded her head and put the small box inside her bag. Everyone started giving their gifts to her as well. Cielo and Lucian got her a crossbody diaper bag. Her parents gave her a bundle of green and white blanket and pillows. Riley got her a baby carrier-holder. Jackie gave her a bunch of cute animal cocks and mittens. Savannah and Hawk gave her a cotton washable organizer. Gabriel gave her a cute Patagonia Baby Furry Friends Hoody which was good during the cold winter. Wynwyn and Zachary gave her a hooded towel, and cute animal-printed blanket. Cheska gave her a set of board books for kids.


    "Eh? What''s this?" Jillyanna asked when she opened Diego''s gift. It was something she didn''t expect at all. What was lying inside the small box was a card. A real bank-card! There was even a letter stating the password of the card. "I don''t think we are in need of money."


    "Of course, you don''t." Diego mumbled. "I was planning to shower your baby with money but I can''t do it now. So, keep that and buy him a lot of things in the future."


    Jillyanna didn''t know whether to laugh of cry at his reasons. Nevertheless, she can feel that Diego was wishing her baby well. "My child will never feel hungry with this money.''


    "Right. Right. Feed him well."


    They were all holding their laughter at him. It was obvious that he didn''t have any idea when it comes to this kind of events.


    Valkyrie and Brown presented the gifts that they bought with joy for the baby in mind. They had the biggest gift among everyone and inside the huge box were different kinds of toys. There were stuff toys of furry animals, transformers, cars, airplanes and helicopters, rubber ducks, magnetic fish toys, puzzle blocks, activity cube with different shapes and colors, and a whole lot more.


    "I guess, you only wanted my child to play so much with these toys." Travis commented while watching the bunch of toys from them.


    "Of course, a child should enjoy his life, He needed to play while he still can since he will grow up and by then, he would have to work and do serious stuff. Your child can''t be like you." Brown responded. They all knew that Travis was sent to different schools when he was young.


    "I won''t send my child to those boring classes." Travis responded with a snort.


    "Hey! I am still here. Don''t indirectly badmouth me." Thomas argued back. After all, he was the one who sent Travis to those ''boring classes''.

 Chapter 422 - BRIDAL SHOWER I

    Everyone had a good time while waiting for Jillyanna to open the gifts that they gave. There were so many things and Jillyanna didn''t know where to place them.


    "Wait." She placed her hand in front of her again to stop them from talking. "I guess I am missing two people."


    "Winter and your teacher are on the way back from the military camp." Gabriel informed her in case that she was looking for them.


    "I see. I hope they''ll get her soon." Jillyanna uttered before she continued to open the gifts. Since the space beside her were occupied with gifts, Travis decided to bring the gifts upstairs ¨C to their baby''s room. He placed everything on the bed since he knew that Jillyanna would like to arrange them herself. She enjoyed doing it and sometimes he would help her if it''s too much to handle by herself.


    On the second time that Travis carried the gifts, Shein and Hawk helped him to finish the task quickly. On the third time that they carried the gifts upstairs, Winter and her teacher arrived as well.


    "Congratulations on becoming a mother." The teacher greeted Jillyanna and gave her a small box. When Jillyanna opened it, her eyes widened in surprise. Even Winter was shocked to see what was inside the box as well. "Let''s talk about this gift later."


    Jillyanna nodded her head and put the lid back to cover the gift. She placed it inside her bag to make sure that she won''t lose it. It was the third gift that she placed inside her bag. First was the gift from Shein that she didn''t know what was inside it. Second was the bank-card that Diego gave and lastly, was the gift from her teacher.


    Aside from Winter, no one else knew about the gift.


    "It''s almost eight in the evening. Let''s have dinner." Travis told them so that they can take a rest and dine. The dining table was full of different dishes, making Jillyanna''s eyes sparkle from happiness. "Sorry to disappoint you my wife but, among these dishes, you can only choose five. No more than that."


    "That''s fine. I thought you''d forbid me again." She sat beside Travis and let him pick the food that she likes. The only thing she did was to demand, wait, and eat; demand, wait, and eat. "I miss eating these kinds of food." She mumbled after chewing the chicken meat she had.


    "As promised, after you have your operation and recover from it, I will cook more food for you and you can eat to your heart''s content." Travis whispered while placing another meat on her plate.


    "Hn."


    They ate and chatted about different things, like the wedding preparation, the upcoming Christmas and New Year, and many other things. They didn''t run out of topic for conversation at all. Jillyanna looked around everyone and the cheerful dinner she had. ''Mom, Dad, I finally found the people who truly cares for me, the people who didn''t care about my money; those people who only see me as me.'' She thought to herself while recalling her parents. "I wish you guys are here." She mumbled to herself.


    "Who do you wish to be here?" Cielo who was sitting beside her asked.


    "My parents."


    "I am sure that they are happy for you. They must have been guiding you all these years." Cielo told her. "They guided you to us and guided you to find Travis once again."


    "You are right." Jillyanna smiled happily with this idea. ''Indeed. They must have been guiding me.'' She mentally stated to herself, believing that she was never abandoned by her parents.


    After dinner, Jillyanna and Travis were separated, confusing them but they trusted their friends and family so they didn''t think much about it.


    "Don''t worry, this won''t take long." Savannah spoke to her while leading everyone to the room where she stayed with Hawk for the time being. They didn''t bother blindfolding her and just let her see what was inside the room. "Your second surprise!"


    "What is it this time?" Jillyanna questioned as she looked around the room. There were red and white curtains, drinks and cookies, gifts, red and white balloons and there were pictures attached to the balloons.


    "It is your bridal shower." Jackie answered for everyone. "You guys registered your marriage hastily and the celebration was even postponed after the accident. Now, we finally get the chance to throw a bridal shower for you."


    Her nose stung and she felt like crying again. She blinked her eyes to stop her tears from falling and smile. "Thank you so much. I didn''t know that you were all busy preparing for this. I didn''t even think about this."


    "That''s the purpose of having family and friends." Cielo and Riley stated in unison. They both looked to each other and laughed.


    "I am so happy for you, Yanna. I am sure your parents and Venus felt the same way too." Sky, her foster mother, spoke gently to her. "We can''t give you riches and gold but, we can give you our love and support."


    "I know it mom and I am thankful that you are always behind me, acting as my mother in behalf of my dead parents."


    "Since there are so many of us girls, let us give Jillyanna a group hug." Winter cheerfully announed and approached everyone with an open arm. In the middle group was Jillyanna, laughing heartily from the warm love and kindness she received from them.


    "Don''t forget our gifts!" Jenny told them.


    "Right! Our gifts!"


    Somehow, Jillyanna felt that this bridal shower will be full of mischief. And she was right!


    Winter picked up her gift and gave Jillyanna the small box. What laid inside were two tickets to Bali, Indonesia. "I made sure to book the flight for next year in April. That way, you can have your belated honeymoon."


    Jillyanna was speechless. Before she could even react, Jenny gave her another gift. She unwrapped the gift and pulled out what was inside. "Oh my gosh! Jenny!" Jillyanna was so shocked that she placed the thing inside the box.


    "It was Winter who told me to buy it for you." Jenny responded with a red face. She, herself, felt embarrassed with the gift.

 Chapter 423 - BRIDAL SHOWER II

    What Jenny gave her was a black sheer lace short robe. There was a black sheer lace lingerie that came with it, too. "What have you been teaching to her, Winter?"


    "I taught her the world of the adults. Sooner or later, she would fall in love, get married and have her honeymoon too." Winter grinned as she gave her lame excuse.


    She was about to retort her statement when Riley and Jackie gave their gifts to her. "These gifts should always be together."


    "I don''t feel like opening these." Jillyanna spoke with her flushed face. She can feel her blush from the increasing temperature of her face. Even though she said it, she still opened the gifts. What Riley gave her a black killer heels and what Jackie gave her were two pairs of different black sheer lace top stockings. "I knew it! How did you guys come up with these ideas?"


    "It is for honeymoon use." Riley responded with a chuckle.


    "You need to look sexy even after giving birth." Jackie added.


    Sky was just watching them with a wide smile. She knew these kinds of stuff and it was normal for women. She just let them be and enjoyed herself watching them.


    "Alright. I guess, you were all thinking about naughty stuff. What else do you have?" Jillyanna just gave up and let herself be the source of their entertainment. She knew that they were just teasing her but she still couldn''t stop herself from being shy.


    Cheska approached her and handed her a box which was quite heavy. She was wondering what was inside to have such heavy gift. She opened it immediately and found a pair of blue robes for her and Travis. There was three pieces of large scented candles, too.


    "Finally! I got a normal gift." She exclaimed happily and smiled to Cheska. "Thanks for this Ches."


    "Uh..how do I put this.." Cheska was a bit hesitant and she started to feel guilty. "Those candles¡­"


    "Those scented candles are made of Patchouli and Rosewood fragrances. It said that they are the best candles with aphrodisiac effect." Winter helped Cheska to say what was in her mind.


    Jillyanna blinked her eyes once, then twice; disbelief was evident in her face. "Winter! What nonsense have you been doing with them?"


    "Nothing." Winter grinned without explaining anything. She thought about it several days ago and decided to tease Jillyanna during her bridal shower.


    "I don''t know what Travis will say after he sees these things." Jillyanna looked at the gifts and smiled awkwardly.


    "My cousin would thank me for these brilliant ideas." Winter retorted, unrepentant to what she did. Jillyanna just rolled her eyes helplessly.


    Wynwyn handed her a small box, almost the same size as the one that Winter gave her earlier. "This is for the accommodation."


    Jillyanna didn''t quite understand what she meant by that but, when she opened the box, that was when she knew what was that all about. Inside the box was the information for the booked hotel in Bali. Savannah also approached her and handed the third small box.


    "Let me guess what this is." Jillyanna smiled sheepishly. She already accepted her fate that she will be teased for the night. "This is the return ticket from Bali?"


    "Half right." Savannah replied. "There''s a return ticket from Bali and another ticket to Singapore."


    "How long will this honeymoon last?" Jillyanna asked them in curiosity.


    "Just a week long." Winter responded.


    "Thanks god, I won''t have to stay away for a long time." She looked at the gifts once again and smiled to them. "Thank you. Even though you are all happily teasing me, I am still grateful for the effort."


    "We are happy that you are happy." Cielo mentioned. "As for serious gift, we actually prepared some as well."


    "Really?" Jillyanna asked with doubt. She didn''t know if they have the same definition of serious things.


    Cielo and Savannah pushed a huge box from a corner where it was hidden from her sight. When she opened the box, there were several items inside. A bed linen from Jenny, a cookbook from Sky, a pair honeymoon sweatshirt from Jackie, personalized pillow cases from Riley, a sweet-scented diffuser from Savannah, couple set scarf from Cheska, a stainless-steel French press coffee maker from Winter, set of gold and marble coasters from Cielo, outdoor wine rack from Wynwyn, and a shower and bath set from her teacher.


    Jillyanna was so overwhelmed with emotion and she didn''t know what to say. She had been saying thank you but she felt that her words weren''t enough to express her gratitude. "I am at loss for words. I don''t know what else to say aside form my ''thank you''. I am just so happy."


    "If you can''t find the right words, then you don''t have to say anything." Cielo told her. "Do you have any idea why we are doing this for you?" Jillyanna shook her head. "We are doing this to motivate you."


    "Correct.?? Jackie mumbled. "We want you to stay strong and make it alive after the operation. Who will use these things if you are gone? So, you have to make sure that you will become strong sis."


    "Big brother has prepared so many things for you. He planned so many things for you. You have to stay alive for him and for your baby." Riley commented with a faint smile.


    "Jill, we all wish you to live happily. You deserve so much in life. You deserve to live, to enjoy, to love and to continue sharing your kindness. We wish you to become strong and give birth to a healthy baby. And we wish you to become even stronger, go through the operation and recover from it." Sky spoke to her daughter gently. "Always remember that we will be supporting. We''ve got your back."


    "Oh geez! Mom, you are making me cry again." Jillyanna exclaimed while sniffing and blinking her tears. "I will live. Don''t you worry guys." Jillyanna mumbled while wiping her tears away.


    While they were happily throwing surprises to Jillyanna, someone had been watching them from afar. The anger and killing intent were so strong that the men who were talking at the garden felt it. At this moment, Jackie, who was at the second floor, received a text from Vincent.


    "Someone escaped from the jail. Someone from the Summer."

 Chapter 424 - JACKIES RESOLVE

    Jackie''s eyes darkened after getting the news. Jillyanna had been lenient to them and yet, they wanted to harm her again. ''Wasn''t it enough that she lost both her parents?'' she thought about it and she felt pain for her sister. "Got it." She replied to Vincent and walked towards Jillyanna. "Sis, we didn''t plan a huge surprise for you but I am happy that you like it."


    "I am more than happy to receive these blessings and wishes. Thank you." Jillyanna responded, her smile was blooming like the roses in their garden and it was contagious. Everyone smiled to her in return.


    "We talked and teased her for a long time. It is almost midnight and Jillyanna needs to take a rest." Savannah spoke out of the blue.


    "Alright. Let''s end this bridal shower here. We need to get some rest." Winter agreed.


    Altogether, they helped clean the room but the balloons and other designs were brought down to the living room and added life to their Christmas decoration. Jackie didn''t tell Jillyanna about what happened in the jail yet. She didn''t want to ruin the happy atmosphere.


    It was past one in the morning when everyone finally settled down and went back to their respected homes. Jillyanna was snuggled up close to Travis, still smiling foolishly from the whole event.


    "Their painstaking effort was well-paid with your happiness and smiles." Travis commented while kissing the top of her head.


    "I am thankful that I get so many people who cares for me." She mumbled in a sleepy yawn. "It''s been a while since we last sleep on this bed."


    "Hn. Sleeping beside you here is the most comfortable thing in the whole world. No, doing anything with you always comforts me."


    Jillyanna raised her head and looked at him in the eyes. The room was dimly lit but she can see his face clearly. "None of this happiness will come if not because of you. I won''t get a bridal shower if not because of you and I don''t think I''ll get a baby shower if not because of you. All this happiness is because I met you."


    She was speaking to him seriously when Travis covered her mouth with his. She didn''t know what it was for but she returned his kiss eagerly. He slipped his tongue inside and stroke every corner of her mouth. It tickled her and sent shivers down to her toes but it was really comforting and good.


    Travis stopped kissing her when he felt the light tap on his waist which means to say that Jillyanna was running out of breath. "I didn''t say anything that warrants a kiss."


    Travis chuckled and placed a quick kiss on the tip of her nose. "I don''t need reasons to kiss you, do I?"


    "No. You will just be shameless whenever you like."


    His faint laughter rang again and Jillyanna''s heart strings were plucked, sending warmth all over her body. She hugged him even closer and leaned the side of her face on his chest.


    "Let''s sleep. Good night my shameless wolf King."


    "Good night my adorable Queen."


    No strenuous activity was allowed for the time being thus; they rested the night away, snuggling close to each other.


    Sunday morning, after that event, Jillyanna and Travis going back to the hospital again. Jackie and Riley woke up early to help Auntie Fei cook their breakfast. Jenny was out in the front yard, taking care of the plants with Auntie Sisi while the sun wasn''t that hot yet.


    "Riley, do you have time tonight?" Jackie asked her twin while slicing the tomatoes.


    "I am free all day and all night. Why?"


    "We are going on to a little trip." When Jackie said this, Riley knew that it wasn''t going to be a peaceful night. She didn''t know about the news yet and Jackie wasn''t planning to tell her either or anyone else.


    Jillyanna and Travis were just right in time for the twin to finish cooking their meals. They set the table immediately so that they can have breakfast before they go back to the hospital.


    Jenny came inside to join them for breakfast while Auntie Sisi went to the second floor to call Valkyrie and Brown. Savannah and Hawk went back to the hacienda after the event.


    As they ate their breakfast, Jillyanna noticed the silent Jackie. "Jackie, is something bothering you?"


    "Diamond hearted Jackie will be bothered, too? Is it a man? Is it Vincent?" Valkyrie started teasing her again but she only rolled her eyes and sneered at him.


    "Nothing bothers me. I was just thinking about the plans for Christmas." She lied with a straight face but Jillyanna knew. Riley didn''t say anything and just continued to eat her food.


    "Whatever it is you''re thinking, don''t do it." Jillyanna uttered, leaving everyone confused, except Riley and Travis.


    "You knew?" Jackie inquired hesitantly.


    "Hn. Vincent told Travis about it and my husband informed me earlier."


    Jackie sighed and just nodded her head but she wasn''t going to follow Jillyanna this time. She will make sure to eliminate any obstacle that would block Jillyanna in her life. Eliminate by means of killing them. ''They didn''t deserve to live in the first place. What I''m going to do is to serve justice to those people who fell victim in their hands, experimented and tortured without an ounce of pity.''


    She already made her resolve and she won''t change her mind, unless Jillyanna would kill her. To Jackie, the first life was given by their parents and was taken away when they died, leaving her and her twin vulnerable and become an easy target for inhumane acts. The second life was given by Jillyanna when she found them in the slums; and she won''t let anyone take it from her. She will not let anyone take Jillyanna away from them.


    "I''m full. I''m going back to my room first. Excuse me." She wiped her face with the table napkin and stood up from her seat, leaving them without turning back.


    "This is bad." Travis mumbled beside his wife.

 Chapter 425 - NEW RIVAL? AGAIN?!

    Valkyrie and Hawk went back to the hospital with Jillyanna and Travis. While the guards were out, taking the skills tests, they will guard them in the hospital for the mean time. A man was sitting on the bench outside Jillyanna''s room and he was holding a bouquet of flowers.


    "May I know what your purpose is here?" Hawk asked, startling the man and causing some petals to fall off from the bouquet.


    "I''m sorry. I¡­I was told to hand this bouquet to Ms. Jillyanna no matter what happens. I got a large tip so I didn''t mind waiting here." The man answered with sweats covering his forehead. ''I didn''t know that her guards are scary!'' he exclaimed to himself internally.


    "Who asked you to send this?" Jillyanna asked since the flowers didn''t look like the ones that she likes.


    "I don''t have any idea. This was ordered through our website and the name of the sender was hard to understand."


    "Got it." Travis received the flower in her behalf and led her inside. The man walked away from fear while Valkyrie followed him secretly.


    "There is no letter on it?" Jillyanna asked in wonder.


    "There''s none." Travis checked the bouquet and found nothing out of sorts so, he threw it away.


    It wasn''t even a minute yet after the flowers were thrown when Jillyanna''s phone rang. The string of numbers was extremely familiar. "Yo! Jill, how are you? Did you get my flowers?"


    ''When will I stop being bothered with these men?'' she grimly thought of it while listening to the other person talked.


    "I bet your husband threw my flowers already."


    "Yes, he did."


    "I heard that Natsu came to visit you not long ago."


    "Yes, he did."


    "A news came to me that you are attacked in the hospital."


    "Yes, that happened."


    The man was silent for a moment before he burst out laughing. "Why are you getting more boring?"


    "Because I am talking to a boring man." Jillyanna retorted.


    "Even if we parted in bad ways, I don''t mean any harm to you."


    "So?"


    "Nothing. I just thought that it would be good to speak to you once in a while. And, I am already married so you don''t need to be on guard against me."


    This time, Jillyanna felt relieved and sighed. "I am glad that you finally settled down."


    "Hn. It is just so funny that my wife likes you so much. She had been following you for years. When I found out your identity, I promised that I''d bring her to meet you someday. It took me a long time to get your number."


    "And how did you get it?"


    "I paid Natsu a huge sum for your number, just so I could let my wife meet you." Jillyanna could hear him taking a deep breath on the other end of the line. "Will you allow my wife to see you?"


    "Can she wait until I am fully recovered? I don''t want my husband to worry."


    "Sure. I''ll let her know. Thank you for answering my call. Bye for now."


    The call was ended and Travis was looking at her with a raised brow. He didn''t need to say anything for Jillyanna to know what he wanted to ask.


    "That was one of my classmates back in college. His wife is my fan and when he knew it was me, he promised his wife to let her meet me one day. I told him to wait until I am fully recovered."


    "Just a classmate?"


    "Uh..an enemy classmate? I guess?"


    "Not one of your suitors?" Travis inquired just to make sure that he wasn''t going to meet another rival.


    "Tristan is not one of those men. He was my no.1 enemy back then. He was smart and knows many things but I often oppose his ideas back then. The last time we fought was the day before our graduation ceremony. I was hailed as the top student and he was second after me. He was furious about the result since I was absent from class most of the time. He hated me because his effort couldn''t surpass mine."


    "That''s all?"


    "Well¡­how should I put this¡­on the day of our graduation ceremony, he told me something.."


    "What is it?" Travis was sitting on the couch with his arms crossed over his chest. "Don''t hide anything."


    "Uh¡­he told me that he didn''t really want to compete with me at first. He just wanted to let the person he liked that he was worth something other than his looks. He wanted that person to see that he was better. In the end, he couldn''t win over me."


    "And the person he liked back then was you." Travis added the information that Jillyanna had been trying to hide. She couldn''t do anything about it anymore so she just nodded her head slowly. "How many rivals do I have?"


    She frowned at this question but and idea instantly popped in her mind. She walked towards him and sat on his lap. She pulled his arms and wrapped it around her waist so that she can lean on him. "How many do you think there were?"


    "I don''t know and I don''t want to guess."


    Jillyanna kissed his cheek and smiled at him. "There was only one rival."


    "Who? Natsu?"


    "Hubby, are you becoming stupid? He isn''t worthy of becoming your rival."


    "Then who?"


    "Your past self." Jillyanna answered him. "I didn''t take notice of those men because I was still bound to the past kid that I once fell in love. Even if I hated you, I won''t deny the feelings I have for you. During the times that someone would court me, I would use you to ward them off."


    "Let''s change your contact number. From now on, you will be using my phone and I will be using yours."


    "Why?"


    "Because I don''t want anyone from your suitors to contact you again. Natsu is more than enough to give me stress."


    Jillyanna chuckled at this cute reaction from jealousy. Nevertheless, she agreed to his condition.

 Chapter 426 - INFILTRATE ONCE AGAIN

    The whole day passed peacefully and Valkyrie didn''t find anything weird about the delivery guy as well. When he came back, Jillyanna told him that there wasn''t anything to worry about.


    Around midnight, inside Jillyanna''s house, Jackie was tying her hair in a high ponytail. She dressed herself in a black stretchable leggings and a black tube. She was wearing gloves to avoid leaving any finger prints that could gave her away. She covered the lower half of her face with a face mask and pick up a small bottle from her bedside drawer.


    Riley came knocking at her door with the same get up as her. It was their choice of clothes whenever they went to assassinate someone without Jillyanna''s knowledge.


    "Are you ready?" Riley asked her with bright and clear eyes.


    "Let''s go.''" Jackie walked out of her room and slid into the shadows and dark places. Other people were already asleep while the two of them sneaked out of the place.


    Shein was inside his own room monitoring the two of them to make sure that they can go out with out any problem and to erase any traces of them.


    As the two of them went out of the house, Jackie noticed a car hidden in a thick foliage of bushes. If it wasn''t for the mirror reflecting the light of the moon, she wouldn''t notice it all.


    "Wait here." Jackie whispered and made a round to see who was observing them from afar. ''Huh? There''s no one?'' she thought to herself while looking at the car carefully.


    "What are you doing in the middle of the night, darling?" a mocking and lewd voice spoke right beside her ear.


    Jackie stiffened and didn''t dare to move at all. She could feel the cold nuzzle of a gun pointed behind her head.


    "I thought I found a comrade. I am checking out the Madrigal''s home." Jackie lied in order to get herself out of the situation.


    "Who sent you? Jillyanna is my target so don''t touch - ugh!" He couldn''t finish what he said since Riley came and strike him from behind.


    "Let''s drive that car and leave him somewhere." Jackie suggested. The two of them dragged the man and tied him before throwing him inside the car.


    "Let me drive." Riley volunteered and opened the car door to the driver seat. Jackie didn''t argue with her.


    She climbed inside the car and check the man whom they met. "Lucky!" Jackie uttered happily. "I was wondering where I could find you but you came to deliver yourself to hell."


    "Who is that?" Riley asked, maneuvering the car out from the bushes.


    "Someone escaped from the jail and we are going there to settle things."


    "What about Jillyanna? What if she knows that we are out doing this again? You know, she tried so hard to give us a normal life. She doesn''t us do this again."


    "A normal life for me is when Jillyanna is alive. What will you do if this person causes her death?"


    Riley couldn''t find anything to retort that question. She also didn''t want Jillyanna to die but she didn''t want to take more lives than she already had in the past.


    Jackie could sense her twin''s hesitation and she couldn''t blame her. She gave something to the man without batting an eyelid before facing her sister once again.


    "You don''t need to kill anyone. You just have to wait for me and keep watch of my surroundings. Distract anyone who might come to me but don''t take their lives."


    "Okay." Riley answered almost a whisper to her ears.


    Jackie felt a little guilty for bringing along her sister who wanted to change her life. She never wanted this to happen but she couldn''t leave someone out there, trying to target Jillyanna and kill her.


    They passed through a dark alley with less crowd. Not waiting for another second, she threw the man she captured - poisoned to death already.


    She didn''t know the name of the person she caught but she knew it was the eldest of the Summer family. He was the one who killed Jillyanna''s mother. ''How dare you escape!'' Jackie sneered with cold eyes. ''No one can take her life. Over my dead body!''


    Riley continued to drive the car, leaving a huge commotion behind. She drove all the way to the foot of the mountain where the regional city jail was found.


    "Don''t get inside the parameter. Just lure them somewhere so I can infiltrate the place. I heard from Vincent that they tightened the security after I sneaked in last time." she informed Riley about her plan and their escape route and the time they should meet. "I''m off now. See you in an hour."


    Shein was also listening to their conversation through their earpiece. It was his only way to communicate and to tell them which place to take and not to take.


    "Shein, are you ready?" Jackie asked him, he who was looking at them through his computer screens.


    The vicinity got so many added cameras and Shein will have a lot of work to do but he couldn''t care less about it. His mission was to erase their traces and helped them escape. That''s what Jillyanna told him before they left to go back to the hospital. She knew that Jackie will make a move, so someone needed to check thru backend to make sure that they will be home safe.


    "I''m ready whenever you are." Shein firmly nodded his head and started working his fingers. They were like butterfly wings fluttering over his keyboard, shutting down several cameras at the same time.


    Still remembering her last route when she first infiltrated the system, Jackie jumped over the wall and landed on the same lettuce plot like before. She didn''t have any idea that her previous items were buried right beneath her feet.


    "It''s payback time." Jackie murmured as she ran through hallways and corridors, looking for the entrance to the cells.

 Chapter 427 - DEATH OF SUMMER

    Jackie just reached the corridor to the kitchen when she saw several men running and preparing for combat.


    "Hurry up! Someone just infiltrated the place in the north wing!" One after another, they left their station to capture Riley.


    "You won''t see anyone until the third floor." Shein''s voice echoed in her ear when he spoke. She immediately dashed to the cell building without anyone''s notice.


    Inside the computer room, an officer frowned when he noticed something. "Sir, is it just me or something''s off with our security cameras?" he asked towards Vincent who wasn''t able to sleep because of the paperworks that he needed to finish before the end of the month.


    Vincent looked at the cameras and found it strange as well. He got report from the outside that someone was infiltrating their place and many of his men left their post to find that person. However, when you looked at the cameras, none of them left their posts.


    His heart was pounding loudly and he was starting to sweat coldly. ''Oh god! Please tell me it''s not my girl again.'' He prayed silently while looking at the screens.


    The officers who specialized in programming were already moving, trying to gain the control back.


    "Shit! They noticed it sooner than I thought." Shein cursed anxiously.


    "How much time do we have?" Riley asked while running somewhere to lure the officers away from the compound.


    "Ten minutes."


    "That''s more than enough." Jackie uttered before dashing to the third floor where the Summers were staying.


    Two officers were stationed to watch over the cell which made it easier for her to handle. She slid down on the floor to avoid getting shot. She kicked them on their feet, making them fall.


    Just as they landed on their back, she immediately roll on her stomach and crouched low to get her hands on their guns. She threw the guns away from them and hit their solar plexus consecutively.


    She didn''t waste anymore time. She pulled out a pin from her ponytail and used it to open the lock. There was a ring of keys dangling on the side pocket of the officers but she didn''t know which one was for which. She couldn''t waste more time in identifying the right key, so she might as well use her pin for convenience.


    Some of the inmates were awake due to the commotion. Some just ignored what happened and continued to sleep. Some were anxious to know what was going on.


    When they saw a woman in black getting inside the room, they were all curious to know who it was.


    "Young lady, what are you doing here?" someone asked but Jackie didn''t answer at all.


    Her eyes were looking towards the three certain cells were all the Summers were being kept.


    "Six more minutes." Shein reminded her. Even though the cameras ceased to function in Vincent''s end, Shein had full control of them from his room. Therefore, he can see what everyone was doing.


    In regional city jail, men and women were only separated inside their cells but they all stayed in the same building.


    Without any more delay, Jackie opened the lock to the first cell. There were eight inmates that she needed to kill, all of them were women.


    "Who are you?" one of them asked her in fear. She didn''t know their names but she could tell from their faces.


    "I''m death." Jackie stated nonchalantly as she threw a small pouch. "Get one and eat it." she ordered them but no one moved. "Are you going to eat it or I will kill you?"


    "What if you are giving us a poison?" another woman asked.


    "Brilliant! I am giving you a poison indeed. Now choose, die silently with this poison or do you want me to break your limbs one after another."


    Her face was half covered, making anyone unable to see her expression. The chilling coldness in her eyes brought goosebumps to their body but they couldn''t do anything to fight her back.


    "Why should we listen to you?" a woman, who was a little bit older than Thomas questioned her.


    Jackie gave a hidden smirk at her. In a flash, she took out a small handkerchief and stuffed it inside the woman''s mouth. It was all too sudden that she couldn''t keep up with her moves. She broke the woman''s forearms, one after another.


    Her muffled screams couldn''t be heard by the other inmates aside the other ladies who were shocked silly with what they witnessed.


    "That''s for everything you''ve done to Elizabeth." she whispered beside the woman''s ears who was already crying from pain. "You don''t deserve to live."


    She kicked the woman on the floor and stepped on her legs, the sound of bones cracking were so clear that the other inmates paled. That wasn''t all, Jackie stomped on the woman''s stomach again and again until she was lifeless.


    "I hope your parents will die a horrible death!" another lady shout with her shaking voice.


    "My parents are already dead. I''v got nothing to lose. Now, eat it or I will kill you like her."


    They scampered towards the small pouch and took one pill after another. Jackie watched them eat the small pill, swallowed it and watched them breath the last oxygen they could take.


    The other inmates who were watching from the opposite cells were horrified. They didn''t know if they will be the next target and they were all worried. They didn''t want to die yet!


    "Jackie! You only have two minutes." Shein reminded her again but she didn''t care anymore. Her main goal was to kill everyone who caused Jillyanna''s misery.


    "I''ll spare no one except Simon." Jackie mumbled before she opened the next cell. The cell full of inhumane doctors and scientists. The people who was supposed to save lives but took them instead.


    "Please spare our lives. We don''t want to die yet! We will atone for our sins. Please spare us." They were kneeling on the floor but Jackie didn''t care at all.


    "Did you spare those kids, those women and those helpless men when you were experimenting them? You didn''t, right? So why should I?"


    She did the same thing to them. No negotiations needed. She gave them the pills and let them die in front of her.


    "Hold them off for another five minutes. Do whatever you can." she ordered Shein who had been working his hands non-stop.


    "I''m working on it."


    Three cells, all from the Summer family, died in one night. No one knew who it was and when the officers got back their control on the security cameras, they were just a minute late.


    Jackie was jogging back to the car where Riley was sitting on its hood. "Let''s leave the car here." Riley suggested.


    "Fine with me."


    Hand in hand, this twin walked their way back to the city silently. The stars sparkled like diamonds in the night sky. The crickets and fireflies was giving them serenity that they haven''t felt for a while.


    "Did you think it was worth it?" Riley asked.


    "Their life can''t amount to those that they killed. I don'' regret doing it."


    "But they aren''t the ones behind Jillyanna''s recent attack in the hospital."


    "But that doesn''t mean they won''t attack her. Didn''t you hear the man I killed earlier. His target was Jillyanna. I would not wait for them to kill her before I take action."


    "Are you satisfied?"


    "Not yet. I won''t be satisfied until I take everyone to their grave." Jackie clenched her fists, feeling the strength in herself.


    Riley stopped walking and looked at her sister. "You joined the Police Academy to bring justice to those who needed it but, this is not how they do it, you know. They have the law to follow."


    "Did you think police officers are innocent? Don''t be. They aren''t much different to us assassins." Jackie spoke with apparent annoyance. She hated it when she was being questioned or talked to like this.


    "I''m sorry Jackie. I just wanted to make sure that you won''t regret the decision you made tonight."


    "I won''t regret it. Not now, not ever." she retorted before walking briskly towards the city center, stepping into the shadows to hide themselves.

 Chapter 428 - WHOS NEXT?

    Vincent had been calling Jackie''s phone for several times but no one was picking it up. He was anxiously watching the cameras while calling her.


    He was afraid for her. He was afraid to find her in the screens. He was afraid that she was involved in this matter once again.


    He wanted to interfere but he would be deemed criminal and guilty for obstructing the officers in doing their job. All he could do was to pray that she won''t be there when the officers gained control of the security cameras once again.


    "It''s fixed!" someone shouted, pulling Vincent back to reality. His heart lurched into his throat and he was having a hard time breathing while the officers looked into the cameras, back warding the time to thirty minutes later.


    One after another, they checked the footage and found nothing was out of ordinary. Vincent started to feel relieve and his heart was calming down as well.


    He was just about to sit on his chair and sigh from relief when the intercom on the side of the wall buzzed.


    "Sir, third floor of the cell building was...was a mess. The guards were lying on the floor unconscious and three cells were opened but, everyone...everyone inside are all dead."


    "What?!" The officers, including Vincent, were surprised from the news.


    They immediately checked the cameras on the third floor of cell building and found the two guard on the floor but they didn''t find anyone who came inside. In fact, the gate to the cell room was still closed.


    No matter how they tried to recover the details and the lost data, they couldn''t find anything and they didn''t see anyone at all.


    "How did this happen?" the officers questioned with helpless gazes. Their faces darkened from their obvious incompetence and they were worried that they would be fired at once.


    Vincent shook his head to clear his mind. "Let''s check the cell building first. Call someone from officer Seville''s team and a forensic doctor. Ask them to come over immediately."


    It wasn''t long ago that Lucian and his team worked on a case that involved Jillyanna and Travis. Now, he was called to take another murder case which was possibly involving them again.


    He arrived at the regional city jail with Nik and David. Someone from the forensic department came with them to check the dead bodies as well.


    "Would you mind briefing us about what transpired?" Lucian asked Vincent who looked so stress and haggard.


    "Someone hacked our security system and helped someone infiltrate the compound. It was clear that their main target was on the third floor of the cell building. The suspect didn''t kill anyone aside from the Summers."


    "But you mentioned that one of the family were still alive." Nik cut in to add what he remembered.


    "Simon Summer. When they were all captured, he was the person who confessed everything to the law and helped us with the investigation. He was also the one who helped the special task force team to infiltrate the laboratory. I had him isolated from the group to keep him safe. Among them, he is the only one left alive."


    "That''s odd." Nik murmured. "And you wanted me to recover the loss of data right?"


    "Yes, if possible. My men couldn''t get anything at all."


    Lucian already had a bad feeling about what happened and he didn''t want Nik to find something that can be used against Jillyanna.


    ''How am I so sure that it is her? Am I suspecting my little sister?'' Lucian asked himself. His suspicion was actually grounded since Jillyanna held a deep grudge to this family but he was also doubting if it was her.


    "What have you found so far?" Lucian asked the forensic doctor who was checking the victims.


    "Only one suffered a painful death. Her limbs were broken and she suffered from so internal damage. Aside from her, everyone died from a very potent poison."


    Vincent looked at him before shifting his gaze to the dead bodies lying on the floor. "It could be that she used the headmistress to threatened everyone."


    "That''s very possible." Lucian responded. He turned around to see the other inmates who had been watching the investigation. "Can you tell us what you witness?"


    "We knew that it was a girl."


    "It was a woman in black."


    "A woman killed them!"


    "A little girl poisoned them."


    "She was really scary!"


    Vincent and Lucian looked towards each other with knowing eyes. Lucian knew that Jackie was the only one who can possibly infiltrate the place in a short time since she worked there for quite sometime. Vincent knew that only Jackie would do it since she had done it before already, which means she can do it a second time.


    "Did you report this to the heads already?" Lucian asked Vincent who nodded his head faintly. "Let''s wait for their decision then."


    They did a little investigation but they didn''t really put their heart into it. Firstly, the public didn''t care about their death. They would even be happy about it. Secondly, if they would really make a thorough investigation, it might lead them to Jackie and they didn''t want that to happen. Thirdly, they knew that there was a high chance of the higher head to dismiss this case. They were taking their bet on it.


    In the computer monitoring room, Nik shook his head towards the other officer. "I''m afraid I can''t do anything about this."


    "That''s fine. We already tried our best." the officer gently pat Nik''s shoulder.


    He really wanted to suggest getting Shein and recover the data but he was told by Lucian, again and again, that Shein shouldn''t be involved in their job or Jillyanna will pull their heads off their necks. Thus, he sealed his mouth and gave up on the idea.


    The death of the Summer family was spread far and wide but nobody cared about it. Why would anyone care for evil humans? Why would anyone feel sorry for them.


    They deserved to die!


    However, Jillyanna felt a little guilty that Jackie had to bare the burden of having blood in her hand.


    Jillyanna called for Jackie first thing in the morning before she was going to leave for school. She wanted to make sure that she was alright.


    "You don''t really have to feel guilty about it." Jackie stated, arranging the dishes that she brought with her from home.


    "You didn''t wish for this thing to happen. You wanted to become a police officer right?" Jillyanna spoke solemnly to her sister.


    "I don''t wish for it and I don''t wish for your death. I would not wait for anyone to kill you before I make a move. What''s the purpose of teaching me if I can''t protect you?"


    "I taught you to fight so you can protect yourself."


    "I am protecting myself by protecting you." Jackie retorted. "Really sis, you have nothing to worry about."


    "Okay." Jillyanna softly whispered. Even so, she still felt bad for Jackie. "Don''t push yourself so hard."


    "Hn." Jackie nodded but her mind was working as to who should she target next.

 Chapter 429 - JADE

    Even after all the things that happened recently, Jillyanna didn''t forget the orphanage at all. She always schedule everything and she went according to her plans as long as nothing would hinder her.


    Right now, she was on her way to the orphanage with Travis and Hawk. It was the day to give their early Christmas presents. She wanted to do everything she can while she was still doing fine.


    Riley was busy with her movie promotion. Jackie was back to school as well as Jenny. Shein was working at the company again.


    "Savannah, Valkyrie and Brown already arrived at the orphanage and were currently supervising the kids. The computers just got delivered and the technician was setting it up." Hawk informed them after getting the news from Savy.


    "That''s good to know." Jillyanna mumbled while she rubbed her baby bump. It had grown so big and now, she felt tired just from a little distance of walk. Most of the time, Travis will carry her or let her use the wheelchair.


    "We''ve arrived." Travis stated while looking at the huge gate in front of them. He alighted from the car first and helped Jillyanna out. "Would you like to use the wheelchair?"


    "Later."


    They stepped into the vicinity and found Savannah playing with the kids. Valkyrie was talking to the guards, probably regarding their security measures. Brown was inside the computer room that Atty. Lewis arranged.


    "I am glad to see you doing well." Atty. Lewis smiled upon seeing Jillyanna and Travis. "Come inside."


    The orphanage was lively and the decorations made it even livelier. There was a huge Christmas tree in the center of their hall and the lights were blinking cheerfully.


    "I am glad that my father came from this orphanage. I can see that they really took care of the children."


    "Everyone who works here were investigated thoroughly to make sure that they love children." Atty. Lewis stated.


    It wasn''t even five minutes yet and Jillyanna was already gasping for air. "Let''s sit over there." Travis carried her to a wooden bench and placed her gently on it. "I''ll get your wheelchair."


    "Okay."


    He left as soon as possible, leaving Jillyanna with the old man.


    "Is your illness getting serious?" he asked her while looking at her from head to toe.


    "A little bit. My baby is growing and my stomach is quite heavy. It''s taxing to walk in a long distance."


    "I informed Dr. Sweden already to leave his schedule open for the next two months. He will come right away if you ever needed him."


    "Thank you Atty. Lewis." Jillyanna bowed her head lightly to express her gratitude.


    "No need to thank me. I am only doing what I can to repay Anton. He saved me once and I can only help you through this little means."


    Travis came back with the wheelchair and helped Jillyanna sit on it. He wrapped a warm blanket on her lap to make sure that she won''t get cold.


    "Let''s go to our activity hall. The kids prepared something for you."


    The old man led them to the back portion of the orphanage where the activity hall was located. There were several children varying from sizes and genders. They social workers were facilitating them to make sure that they were fine.


    In one corner, some children were singing, some were dancing, some were making a jingle and some were acting.


    "Are they going to have an activity?" Jillyanna wondered since they were also dressed with cute costumes.


    "Hn. The kids wanted to showcase their talents in front of you."


    "Wow! I can''t wait to witness this!"


    As they spoke, a little girl, around six years old approached Jillyanna with a two pieces of chocolates.


    "Big sister, I will pay you with these chocolates, when you give birth, can I have your baby? I want to have a baby sister." the little girl spoke with so much anticipation. Her clear brown eyes spoke her innocence and honest intention.


    "No, can''t do." Jillyanna refused to see how the child will react.


    "Is your baby so expensive? Are these chocolates not enough? In our house, baby can be given to anyone. Why can''t I have your baby?"


    Jillyanna chuckled when she heard this remark. "What''s your name?"


    "If I give you my name, will you give your baby to me?"


    "Nope but, I might do something for you to have a little brother."


    "Is your baby a boy?"


    "Hn. I have a baby boy." Jillyanna found it funny to talk to a little kid like her but she was also interested in her. "Why do you want to have a baby sister?"


    The little girl pulled a chair and placed it beside Jillyanna. "My mother was supposed to give me a baby sister. When she gave birth, they both died. I didn''t get a sister and my mother left me as well. Jade is alone." she sniffed back her tears to make sure that they won''t fall. "I only wish to have a baby sister. Here, the little babies were given to someone and I have no baby sister or baby brother left."


    "What does she mean?" Jillyanna asked Atty. Lewis who was standing beside her.


    "Most of the couples who came to adopt here chose to get the babies. As of now, we have no babies left. Jade is the youngest among the girls here and she always wanted to look after the child."


    "I see." Jillyanna looked towards the child once again who was holding the chocolates. "I can''t give you a baby sister but, is it fine for you to have a baby brother?"


    The girl''s eyes lit up and she smiled happily, nodding her again and again like a hen pecking a grain. "You will give me your baby?"


    "I can''t you my baby because you don''t have enough money to take care of him. You are still young to take care of him. You need someone to guide you."


    "You don''t mean to...to adopt her right?" Atty. Lewis widened his eyes in surprise.


    "What''s so wrong about me adopting her? Just so you know Atty. Lewis, I have adopted so many kids already."


    "Really?"


    "Hn. One is currently an artist. The other is studying in Police Academy. One and only male who is working in Venus Plaza as my husband''s secretary. The other is a senior high school student." she informed him about her siblings but she kept her identities. "Adding one cute little girl isn''t bad."


    "How about Travis? Are you fine with this?" The old man turned to Travis who was silently observing the child.


    "I don''t find anything wrong with my wife''s decision. And it would be nice if my son gets a big sister."


    "Let''s talk about it after the activity." Atty. Lewis spoke and clapped his hands to get everyone''s attention. "Call everyone to gather here. We''ll start in a few minutes.


    Jade who was sitting in front of Jillyanna looked at them under her curious gazes. She didn''t understand what they were talking at all. The only thing she knew was that, she would have a baby brother soon.


    ''Thank you for answering my prayer, Lord.'' the little girl silently prayed and expressed her gratitude.

 Chapter 430 - EARLY CHRISTMAS I

    All the children from all ages were called to come inside their activity hall. The social workers were also stationed to different corners in order to bring organization and to make sure that they can tend to the children''s needs immediately.


    "Good morning, everyone!" the host, which was also one of the social workers greeted them. "Today, we will have a special celebration and to spend an early Christmas with our benefactors."


    "Why so early?" one of the kids asked in curiosity.


    "They are very busy people. And our young madam, is pregnant so the doctor doesn''t want her to get tired. Do you get what I''m saying?"


    "Yes, big sister Jiya." the children answered simultaneously.


    "However, they wanted to spend Christmas with us. So, for us to do that, we are going to celebrate and early Christmas."


    "Yay! Will we get presents, too?"


    "That''s a surprise for later." Jiya cheerfully stated leaving everyone in suspense. "Now, let us welcome sir Travis to give us a inspirational message."


    Originally, it was Jillyanna would come on stage but because of her health and her pregnancy, they changed it to Travis.


    His words were simple to make sure that the children will understand him. He encouraged them and gave them blessings of support. The children were all happy hearing him and they knew that they were never abandoned in the orphanage.


    Their parents might have left them or abandoned them but they were all thankful that they ended at the orphanage. A place were everyone was taken cared of and people didn''t compete for food or attention. They were well-provided.


    After Travis gave his message, the children performed on the stage. A group of little girls and boys danced to a remix song of jingle bells and other Christmas songs.


    "Even though these children ended up here, I can see that they are still happy." Jillyanna commented while she clapped her hands happily to the beat of the song.


    "It''s because of you and your father." Atty. Lewis responded with a faint smile. "The children here, even without their parents, are well-provided. There are teachers who taught them different things. They learned basic education and there are scholarships available for them if they decided to go to school. Even if no one would adopt them, they didn''t mind it as long as someone would welcome them home in this orphanage."


    "Thank you for managing this place all this time." Jillyanna mumbled.


    "It''s my honor to bring happiness to these kids."


    After the dance, everyone gave them a ruond of applause.


    Everybody thought that they would proceed to another intermission number but what came out on stage was unexpectedly a huge Santa Claus with a huge bag.


    "Eh? Santa Claus?!"


    "Ahhh! It''s Santa Claus!"


    The children cheerfully chirped and screamed to see Hawk in a Santa Claus costume. Even Jillyanna was laughing happily beside Travis. He had never seen her this happy for a long time now.


    "I guess this idea is worth of my time thinking since I can see you laughing." Travis whispered close to her making Jillyanna''s eyes widened in amazement.


    "This is your idea?!"


    "Yup. I thought that since this is an early Christmas celebration, why not let the kids feel that it is really Christmas. Since we are giving them presents, why not let Santa give it to them. I talked to Jackie and Savannah about this and they both suggested for Hawk to do it."


    "Wow! I didn''t know you were doing a lot behind my back."


    "Are you happy?"


    "Hm. I am really happy. Thank you for putting so much effort to this place."


    "This place is their home. A home should be full of life and happiness."


    Jade could sense the happiness from Jillyanna and she was happy, too. She can tell from Jillyanna''s voice that she was kind and virtuous.


    Kids don''t lie. Kids could see if someone has a bad intention or good intention. Kids could easily learn things. With their innocent and blank slate of minds, whatever you teach them, they would instantly believe you.


    That is why, building the children''s foundation in values should start from a very young age. You should teach them all the good things before she would know how to make her own decision. In that way, she can always balance the pros and cons of each action.


    At this point, in Jade''s mind, she only wanted to have a baby sister. Now she got a baby brother, it''s up to Jillyanna and everyone older than her as to how they can guide her.


    "I don''t believe in Santa Claus." Jade commented making Jillyanna looked sullen towards her. "I didn''t get my wish in the past years but I believe in you big sister."


    "You believe in me?" Jillyanna questioned since she didn''t know what the little girl meant. "What do you mean?"


    "Santa didn''t fulfill my wish but you will, right? You said that I will have a baby brother." Jade''s clear eyes was staring right back at her, as if she was looking straight to Jillyanna''s soul.


    Jillyanna reached out her hands and touched the little girl''s small cheeks. "I will give you a baby brother. Tomorrow, I will come back so wait for me, okay."


    "Okay."


    They were busy chatting while the other children were playing games. They were asked to bring something to Jiya and the first person to get that item to her will get a present from Hawk a.k.a Santa Claus.


    After ten rounds, Santa Claus made an exit and the program continued. Jiya was a really good host. She made sure that everyone was enjoying and she made sure that they behave whenever she was talking.


    "Earlier, we watched our little brothers and sisters dancing on stage. This time, let''s welcome our second group who will give us a song. A round of applause please."


    A boisterous clappings of hands rang inside the hall as the group of teens, both male and female, came up on stage.


    "They are our mini band here." Atty. Lewis informed Jillyanna and Travis.


    "There are so many talented children here." Travis responded while keeping his eyes on the stage.


    "I thought I''d miss this..."

 Chapter 431 - EARLY CHRISTMAS II

    Brown came inside with sweats dotting his forehead.


    "Is it done?" Travis asked him, meaning the computers that Brown supervised to be set up on that day.


    "Yup. Just got it done." Brown pulled another chair and sat at the table beside Jade''s chair.


    Jade saw his forehead dotted in sweat and he was breathing hard. "Were you running in the hallway?" she asked with her small voice while trying to reach the small handkerchief inside her pocket.


    "Little girl, you are so smart. I was running to come here because I don''t want to miss this activity." Brown chatted with Jade, grinning at her like a fool while he was still sweating.


    "Are you friends with the big sister here and big brother?" she asked while looking at Jillyanna and Travis.


    "Yes. Why?"


    "Since you are friends with them, you can use my handkerchief to wipe your sweat."


    "Oh.." Brown chuckled as he reached for the small cloth on Jade''s hand. "Thank you so much. What''s your name?"


    "My name is Jade. You?"


    "My name is Evan."


    Jade found another person to talk to and enjoy herself. Brown didn''t mind chatting with her since he also came from an orphanage. Even though he was well-off now, he didn''t forget his origin. In fact, most of his income from the military service was given to different orphanages and foundations.


    As the program continued, Hawk would come out every after a performance to give prizes during games. They played different kinds of games and the children''s laughter were so nice to hear. It can make your heart feel warm and feel accomplished.


    "It''s almost lunch time, so everyone let''s take a break and have our lunch." Jiya announced and the kids exclaimed happily. "Let''s go to our dining hall."


    One after another, the children lined out and walked out of the activity hall to get into their dining hall. There were different kinds of food from different restaurants.


    Jillyanna remembered that some of the kids wished to eat delicious food during Christmas but she changed those to tangible items like clothes or toys.


    "You coordinated with several restaurants?" Jillyanna asked her husband who was silently pushing her wheelchair for her.


    "I informed Riley and Shein about this. They were the ones who gathered all these restaurant services. They paid for this, too."


    "Really?! I..I didn''t know about that." Jillyanna never thought that her small act of kindness years ago would give her so much blessings and support. She never knew that Riley and Shein were doing this for the kids. "I am so proud of myself." she burst out with a wide smile. "I raised four children who turned out really kind and helpful."


    "It''s because you were kind and helpful to them." Brown told her while carrying Jade in his arms.


    "Eh?! Brown, where did you get this child?" Savannah asked while watching Jade in his arms.


    "Big brother, you told me your name is Evan. Why is she calling you Brown?" Jade''s inquisitive look deemed him speechless. "Did you lie?"


    "No, he wasn''t." Savannah saved Brown instantly from the little girl''s accusing look. "In our family, we called him Brown but his real name is Evan."


    "I understand." Jade zipped her mouth and didn''t say another word when she got the response.


    Jillyanna giggled while watching them explain themselves to Jade. She knew it! Having her around would add up to the cheerfulness in their house.


    Valkyrie came inside and was introduced to Jade as well. They didn''t want to shock the girl that they will adopt her, so Jillyanna allowed her to get used to the presence of her friends.


    They had their lunch with all the children and the social workers. The doctor was there too, asking Jillyanna how she was doing and letting them know few things about Jade.


    After lunch, they had a short opening ceremony to their mini computer laboratory. Travis also announced that they will be accepting part-time workers in Xavier''s Shoe Company and Factory and that the orphanage is the priority when it comes to this work offer.


    Children who were of age to work were happy that they can earn their own money. They were happy that they can go to school like normal kids. They were happy that they finally have their own computer rooms for research.


    After the ceremony, they continued their program in the activity hall. There was a short drama and interpretative dance. After that, they had another game before they all took a rest.


    "Did you have fun everyone?!" Jiya shouted happily and turned her mic on them.


    "Yes!" Everyone answered gleefully to her question.


    "I am glad to hear that you are having fun. And now!" the children turned quiet and paid attention to her. "Now, your most awaited part has come. It is gift giving!"


    Their smiling faces, cheerful laughters, high and low fives, fist bumps and, other expressions and actions were recorded in Jillyanna''s mind. ''Dad, you protected these smiles and I am glad I could do the same.'' she noted mentally while watching them.


    Hawk was sitting on stage with several huge bags with different presents inside. Valkyrie and Brown were going back and forth to carry bags while Hawk read the name of the kids to hand out their gifts.


    On the other side of the stage, Savannah had a list of names, too. It was the list of staff in the orphanage. Instead of wrapped gifts or presents, she was handing them a red envelopes as their year-end bonus. They just added a little extra on top of their calculated 13th month pay.


    Saying it was a little extra was an understatement. When the staff opened their red envelope, their eyes were wide open from surprise. The little extra was a big amount to them.


    "We just got the slip for our 13th month pay and now we got this extra red packet. The young madam is really generous." one of the employees stated.


    "As long as we do our work properly, they won''t treat us badly." Jiya told them. "We have to take care of the children and teach them properly. That is how we can repay our benefactor''s kindness."


    Atty. Lewis got his red packet, too but he shared it to the other staff instead. "You don''t really have to give me anything." he told Jillyanna when he got back to his seat.


    "You deserve it."


    "I don''t have family anymore. I don''t money or any kinds of riches. I can''t bring it to my grave. Instead of giving it to me, just give it to the orphanage. My soul will be more happy to see that."


    "Okay. I will do that next time." Jillyanna promised to the old man.


    Outside the gate of the orphanage, a car stopped but no one came out. It stayed for a few minutes before it left the place.


    "That''s weird." the guard murmured before running towards the activity hall and informed Valkyrie about it.

 Chapter 432 - NEW FAMILY MEMBER I

    As the saying goes, happiness doesn''t last for long. Right after the activity ended, Jillyanna was sent back to the hospital immediately. She had a relapsed and was having a hard time breathing. She wasn''t even doing anything tiring but her condition was getting worse.


    "Is big sister going to be alright?" Jade asked Atty. Lewis while they were cleaning the activity hall. The children were sad for Jillyanna after they witnessed her pale face and complicated expression.


    "She will be alright." Atty. Lewis answered softly. "Come with me, let''s pack your things."


    "Pack my things? Why?" the little girl didn''t know what was happening but she still followed Atty. Lewis back to the children''s room.


    "There is a surprise for you tomorrow."


    During the activity earlier, Jillyanna and Travis talked to him about the adoption process. Since they knew each other and he knew that they will take care of her, Atty. Lewis didn''t hesitate to help them process everything. He already contacted someone from the Social Services Department to give approval with the adoption papers. The documents will be sent tomorrow morning.


    Jillyanna was grumpy from the relapse. "I can''t believe this! I didn''t even do anything and I just had a relapse."


    Travis rubbed her arms to calm her down. "Your condition is different from those with other heart disease. While some got it later part of their life, yours was from the time you were born."


    "I know that. I just don''t like it when I break a promise. Remember, we have to take Jade home tomorrow. How will I do that? Will you allow me to go out? I am sure you won''t. You are acting like a strict doctor to me."


    "Weren''t you doing the same to me when I was the patient? You took care of me like a caregiver, reminded me strictly like a doctor and of course, it was because your love for me. I am just doing the same to you."


    "But..but¡­when you were the patient, I brought you to different places. We went out a lot. So.."


    "Your situation is different to my situation back then. We went out so that I can get my same familiar to the city again."


    "Won''t you really allow me to go out?" she asked with dubious expression.


    "Dr. Alison said that it wasn''t very serious. However, I will still be the rule between us for the meantime." He held on to her chin and tilted her face so that she can meet his eyes. "I will take you with me tomorrow to pick up Jade but, you will stay in the car until I get back."


    "Sure." Jillyanna grinned happily.


    Travis narrowed his eyes at her and shook his head. "I know you are not really agreeing with me. Looking at your face, I am pretty sure that you will just come out of the car stubbornly."


    "I promise, I won''t. This time, I will really be obedient." Travis was satisfied with her answer so he didn''t make things difficult for her. He led her inside the shower room and bath her so that she can finally rest the night.


    Morning came and not only Jillyanna, but Riley was so excited when she heard about Jade yesterday. They were supposed to hand out the invitation cards but she begged Jackie to let her off for once. In the end, Jackie, Shein and Diego was tasked to send the invitations out. Riley came with Savannah to the hospital so that she can tag along to the orphanage.


    "You know, you can always wait at home and prepare snacks for her." Jillyanna told Riley who was currently sitting on the couch to wait for them.


    "I don''t want to wait at home." Riley grumbled with her arms crossed on her chest.


    "Alright. I don''t mind anyway." Jilyanna turned to Savy and talked to her about the room. "Did you ask Auntie Fei and Auntie Sisi to clean the other room?"


    "About that¡­Hawk and I already left the house. We decided to stay in the hacienda while we don''t have any mission. The room we used in your house was bigger so we did a little renovation and we will let Jade use that instead."


    "I see. By the way, don''t you have plans to buy your own lot and build a house? If I remember correctly, there was a space near my place that was being up for sale." Jillyanna commented making Travis cough profusely. "Are you okay?" Jillyanna asked him immediately.


    When she was facing her husband, she didn''t see the secretive smiles between Riley and Savannah. They couldn''t help but stifle their giggles due to the reaction from Travis. There was a big secret known to everyone except Jillyanna. She was the only one who knows nothing.


    After taking their breakfast, they set off immediately towards the orphanage. Savannah was driving a separate car with Riley coming along with her. Hawk was driving another car with Travis and Jillyanna with him.


    When they arrived at the place, only Riley and Travis went out of the car to pick Jade from the orphanage.


    "Little Jade, are you really leaving this place?" one of the kids asked her while they helped the little girl carry her two little bags.


    "Hn. I found a baby brother and I will come to him to take care of him." Jade answered innocently.


    "Will you come back here sometimes?"


    "I don''t know. I will ask the big sister and the big brother if I can come back here sometimes."


    "Oh. Don''t forget us, okay?" the kids followed her until the office of Atty. Lewis. "Take care of yourself little Jade."


    "Thank you." Jade reached out her hands to get her bags and watched the other kids left to play. She turned around and knocked on the door of the office. "Good morning grandpa." Jade greeted Atty. Lewis. In the orphanage, the children called him grandpa while the staff called him uncle.


    "Good moring, Jade. Come and sit over here."


    Jade followed obediently and sat on the couch. "Grandpa, the other kids said that I am being adopted. Am I really going to have parents?"


    Atty. Lewis came to her side and rubbed her head gently. "If you want to get a baby brother, you will need parents. Don''t you want it?"


    "You mean, the big sister and big brother yesterday will become my parents?" Jade asked hesitantly since that was never mentioned to her. They just told her that she would get a baby brother. She didn''t know that she will get parents as well.


    Atty. Lewis was just about to answer her when Jiya came knocking on his door. Following behind her were Travis and Riley. "You are finally here." Atty. Lewis stated. "Have a seat."


    They talked about the adoption matters and the things that they might want to change. "These are just the papers with the Social Service Director''s approval and signature." Atty. Lewis gave them a bunch of documents. "These one here, are documents that you needed to sign. You can also place the changes you want to make like her name. I can also change her birthday for you."


    "Do we have to sign this right now?" Travis asked since Jillyanna was outside the orphanage.

 Chapter 433 - NEW FAMILY MEMBER II

    "Not really. You can hand it back to me after two days. You talk to Jillyanna about this."


    "But, I can already bring the child back with us, right?"


    "Yes. You can take her with you."


    Travis and Riley looked towards the little girl who was sitting quietly on the couch. Riley stood up from her seat and approached her. "Hi sweetie. You are Jade, right?" Jade stared right back into her eyes and nodded her head. "My name is Riley. Come here." She reached out her hand and held on to the little girls cute and small hand. "You are coming with us to your new home."


    "Where is the big sister yesterday? She told me that she is coming today.'''' Jade made inquiry since she didn''t find Jillyanna.


    "She is waiting for you outside." Riley answered the little girl. "I''ll take you to her."


    Travis watched them left the room before turning to Atty. Lewis and Jiya. "Thank you for taking care of her and the other children. I''ll give these documents to Jillyanna first. She might want to change some information. I''ll have someone send these documents back in two days."


    "Thank you for taking her in Mr. Madrigal." Jiya made a light bow, expressing his gratitude towards him. "We will leave her now in your family''s care.''''


    Travis just nodded his head at them before taking the envelope with bunch of documents and left the office.


    Meanwhile, Jillyanna had been staring at the porch of the orphanage to see if anyone''s coming out. So far,, there were only children who came out to play with their friends.


    "What''s taking them so long? He could just get the documents and the child, then left." She mumbled unhappily.


    "Doesn''t he need to sign anything before getting the child?" Hawk, who was sitting on the driver''s seat, asked her about the process.


    "Not really. He can hand it in the next few days, in case there are things that we wanted to change."


    "You are quite familiar with the process."


    "Of course. Did you forget that I have adopted several kids already?"


    Instead of watching her through the rearview mirror, Hawk turned his body to the side so that he can see her clearly. "You mean to say, the twins and Shein, you really adopted them?"


    "Did you think I just picked them up and name them with out going through proper procedure?"


    "Well, I don''t know much about adoption process and I didn''t ask you about it before." Hawk returned to his original position while throwing a glance at the entrance of the orphanage.


    "Since we finally get the chance to talk alone, I have something to ask you. Are you serious about Savannah?"


    Hawk chuckled and gave her a smile. "Is that even a question. Isn''t it obvious that I am head over heels for her?"


    "You are? I don''t see that." She was really blunt and straight forward. "She had been staying in your family, right? Does your parents like her?"


    Hawk looked at Jillyanna again, then looked around them to make sure that no one was listening outside. "Please help me keep this a secret to her." He leaned over his seat and whispered to her. "My parents always like her. In fact, they wouldn''t want me to marry anyone but her. I also joined the military because of her. She always wanted to become strong so that she can protect the ones she cared about. My parents wanted me to protect her with all my life. In the process, I didn''t know she''d fall in love with me which is a very good thing."


    "What''s the point of keeping this a secret?" Jillyanna asked in confusion.


    "That''s not the main point. The main point is, I talked to my parents secretly and asked help regarding my proposal. We have been busy and I couldn''t find a way to propose to her. I passed my application of marriage to Major General Calhoun already and they are doing their part to help me keep this a secret. After our last two upcoming missions, I will be proposing to her."


    "Oh my gosh! Really?!"


    "Of course. I don''t want anyone else to take her away from me."


    "Alright. I will keep this a secret. Make sure that you won''t hurt her or I will really beat you up."


    "I don''t want to be your enemy so I will never hurt her."


    They talked a few minutes more about Savannah and how she can help with the engagement. Whenever she found something happy, she would tend to forget that she had a serious illness.


    "That is why, you have to get better. I am sure she would want you to attend our wedding. And I would love it if you are around, too."


    "Thanks Hawk. I will try my best to be okay."


    Not long after they finished their conversation, Riley came out of the orphanage while holding Jade with her hand. The little girl talked to her friends for a while before they waved goodbye to her. Jillyanna opened the car window and looked at the little girl coming to her.


    Riley opened the door and let the little girl inside. "Hi little sweetheart. How are you?"


    "I''m okay. What about you, big sister? You were sent to the hospital yesterday."


    "I am also fine." She lightly pinched the little girl''s cheek and kissed her forehead. "You will be coming with us now. Also, don''t call me big sister. You can call me mom. I will be your second mother from now on." She made sure to include second to let the child know that she wasn''t replacing the position of mother in the child''s heart. "The big brother yesterday will now become your second father, so call him dad."


    "Okay. I understand." Jade spoke softly in front of Jillyanna. "Mom."


    "Yes?"


    "Mom."


    "I am here."


    Just as Travis get inside, Jade cried in Jillyanna''s arms. "I have been alone after my mother and baby sister left. No one was willing to take care of me. I called mom, very very long time ago. Inside the big house, there were many brothers and sisters but we don''t have a mother and father. Only grandpa Lewis."


    Jillyanna rubbed the child''s back to comfort her. "Don''t worry, when you arrive to our house, you will have a big family."


    "I will have uncles and aunties?"


    "Yes."


    "Grandpa and Grandma, too."


    "Yes."


    Jade wiped her tears clumsily and looked at Jillyanna. "Thank you, mom." Then, she turned towards Travis and smiled. "Thank you, dad."


    "Your welcome. Stop crying now. You will look ugly."


    Her sobs turned to hiccups as they set off towards Jillyanna''s house. When Travis and Riley left earlier, Jillyanna called everyone so that she can introduce the child to them. It would be great that she would know everyone and get used to seeing them.

 Chapter 434 - NEW FAMILY MEMBER III

    Jackie just handed the invitation to the ones at the Xavier''s Shoe Company and Factory. Shein handed the invitation to everyone affiliated with the Venus Plaza and everyone with good relationship to Travis. Diego was in-charge to the ones in J Entertainment, everyone without any scheduled activity on the wedding day was given an invitation. Large company owners were invited, too.


    The wedding isn''t merely a celebration but it was another way to build rapport to other businessmen and to talk about their business deals and to see if anyone''s interested to cooperate with them. Natsu got his invitation as well and he couldn''t help himself but sigh to the pain in his heart.


    Saying something and doing what you said are completely two different things. He said that he would give up and will just support her but, he couldn''t do it. "Time will heal this wound." Natsu murmured and kept the invitation inside his safe. "Important things should be kept safe."


    When Travis said it would be a grand wedding, he really meant it to be grand. Unexpectedly though, this would be a grand wedding where he spent less money. Sky and Alex volunteered to spend their money for the food, saying that Jillyanna gave them so much but they could only repay them during her wedding. Cheska and Diego volunteered for the flowers needed at the wedding church and at the reception, telling him that it was their way of making it up to him after helping them for years. The souvenirs, the decorations, the priest, the music band, and other things, they were taken by his friends. In his mind, he only remembered paying for the rings and the wedding suits and gowns.


    Back to Travis and Jillyanna, they just arrived at their house with Jade. Riley was quick to jump out of the car and took the child''s hand with hers. "Riley really liked taking care of others." Travis commented while he helped his wife to come out.


    "When I first found them, she was taking care of Shein, too. Back then, Shein was really small and malnourished. I thought he was just an 8-year-old child. I didn''t expect him to be just a year younger to the twins."


    They walked inside the house and found Jade being cuddled by her mother. Sky was really happy to have a grandchild and her smile can''t hide that fact.


    "Ahem! Ahem!" Jillyanna faked a cough to get their attention back. "That is my child. Can I have her for a while?"


    "Tsk! What a jealous hen." Sky mumbled but Jillyanna and Cielo laughed at her. It was clear as day as to who was the real jealous hen.


    "Everyone, this is my daughter Jade. From today onwards, she will be our new family member. She will stay here with us." Jillyanna announced to them before turning towards the little girl. "Jade, this will be your new family." She pointed towards everyone, one after the other. "This is your grandmother Sky and grandfather Alex." She introduced her parents who were smiling like a fool. "This is your grandfather Thomas."


    "I am your Auntie Riley." Riley cut in and introduced herself.


    "I am your Auntie Savy. We met yesterday." Savannah introduced herself without waiting for Jillyanna to do so.


    "Nice to see you again, little fella. It''s me, Uncle Evan."


    "Pretty uncle, should I call you Uncle Brown or Uncle Evan? Everyone else calls you Brown, right?" Jade asked to make sure that she would get it right but everyone burst out laughing instead. She didn''t know what happened but they were laughing while pointing to Brown.


    "Pretty uncle. Hahaha." Savannah threw herself in a fit of laughter. "The child can really see your true colors."


    ''''Shut up!" Brown glared at his friend before smiling back to Jade. "Just call me whatever you want."


    "Okay pretty uncle." Jade nodded her head with a smile.


    Valkyrie was holding back his laughter and watched the others introduced themselves. Jillyanna sat on the vacant couch instead and watched everyone interact. Travis went to the kitchen and got her a glass of water while getting a glass of milk for Jade. When it was Valkyrie''s turn, Jade looked at him and bit her lower lip.


    "Uncle, I wanted to ask you this yesterday." Valkyrie leaned closer to her and was ready to listen. "Do you always spend time with pretty uncle?"


    Everyone turned silent at her question. How can a young child be perceptive like her? And it was a topic not meant for children of her age.


    Valkyrie nodded his head to admit it. "We grew up together. We worked in the same place and we stay in the same house. You can say that we spend so much time together."


    "I understand. What''s your name?"


    "Just call me Uncle Matt."


    Travis came back, gave Jillyanna the glass of water and Jade, the glass of milk. He pulled up the little girl and let her sit on the couch where everyone asked her a question. Jenny wasn''t there since she still has two more weeks of class and she decided to stay in the dorm for a while. Jillyanna''s teacher and Winter weren''t around as well since they haven''t finished the skills tests and training.


    "Let me show you to your room." Riley spoke to the little child since she can''t wait to see her reaction when she sees her room. They stayed up all night just to made a little renovation of her room and they ordered a lot of things that she can use as well. There were toys and books on her private shelf but her wardrobe was still empty. They didn''t know her body size after all.


    Everyone let her go and look at her room. Sky couldn''t separate herself from the little girl and even came up to her room with them.


    "I guess we have to move out soon." Valkyrie stated which earned him a piercing glare from Brown. ''''Our relationship isn''t suitable for a little child. Let''s buy our own lot and build our own house."


    "That''s a great idea." Brown retorted but he wasn''t happy at all. She didn''t want to leave far away from Jillyanna and Travis. "Go, find a place yourself.'''' He mumbled as he slouched on his seat.


    "Let''s discuss that later." Travis informed with a light raise of his eyebrow. Valkyrie and Brown received his signal and nodded their heads. "I''ll bring Jillyanna to her room to rest for a while."


    "Okay." They knew that Jillyanna needed ample time to rest so they didn''t mind her leaving them on their own. As soon as Jillyanna was out of sight, the remaining people in the living room talked among themselves.


    "I am not really against her decision to adopt a child but, wouldn''t it be too much stress to her?" Brown questioned.


    "It could be and it could not be. As of now, what we can do is to help her take care of the child and let the child understand that her mother needed to rest and proper care." Savannah commented. "I can sense that the child is very sensible despite her young age and small body. I''m sure she would understand."


    "Then, let''s take turns in taking care of the child." Thomas suggested.


    "I''m afraid that won''t happen." Alex butt in to their conversation. "Didn''t you see how happy my wife upon seeing that little girl? Most probably, the child will be staying with us."


    Jade would have never known that her innocent wish of getting a baby sister will turn her to have a fateful meeting with Jillyanna and bring her countless blessings and a warm love from her new big family.

 Chapter 435 - SMART JADE

    Riley and Sky was showing Jade her room and her other things. They helped her arrange her small personal belongings from the orphanage while they''re at it.


    "Am I really staying in this room? No one will come to share this room with me?" Jade asked to make sure that she wasn''t overstepping her boundaries. She was a very cautious child.


    "This is your room. We all have our own room here. Will you be okay? Are you afraid if you are alone?" Riley asked because she was also afraid on the first night that Jillyanna had them slept in separate rooms. In the end, she had to slipped to Jackie''s room sometimes in the middle of the night. Sometimes, she would sneak inside Shein''s room and sleep with him. "Do you want me to stay with you tonight?"


    "Can''t I stay with my mother?" Jade asked since Jillyanna was the one who adopted her.


    "Do you know that your mother has an illness? She will be going to the hospital again and she will stay there for quite some time." Sky spoke to her softly. She put her hands under her armpit and pulled her up to let her sit on the bed. "Your mother is pregnant and will give birth to a baby boy. That is why she needed to stay in the hospital."


    "Will she be okay? My mother died when she was giving birth to my little sister. My little sister died after few minutes, too. In the end, I was left alone." Jade told them the things that she could still remember clearly."


    "Where''s your father?" Riley asked since she never heard the little kid talk about her father.


    Jade shook her head from side to side. "I don''t know who is my father."


    Sky hugged the little girl and kissed her head. "That is fine. Your mother will not die. She is a very strong person and she will give you a baby brother soon."


    Riley checked the time and found that it was almost lunch time already. "Auntie Sky, can you play with Jade for a while. I will go downstairs and help Savannah in the kitchen."


    "Sure. That is not a problem."


    Riley immediately went out of the room to go to the kitchen. Whereas, Sky pulled out a picture book and read it to Jade to pass the time.


    Not long after, Shein and Jackie came home from sending the invitation. An idea popped inside Riley''s head and her gaze was full of mischief. She took Jackie''s hand and dragged her upstairs to her room. "Do you still have our matching shirt?"


    "I do. Why?" Jackie was very confused at her twin''s actions and she hadn''t seen the little child that Jillyanna brought as well. She even made sure to finish her task as early as possible to see the little kid but, here she was being dragged around by her twin.


    "Let''s wear it now." Riley pulled her own shirt and changed into it as well as changed into a dark blue jean. "Let''s go to your room so you can change."


    "Are you going to prank the child?" Jackie asked when she finally realized what her twin was up to.


    "Just a little. Come on." She dragged her sister out of her room and they walked inside to Jackie''s. When the both of them came out, they were wearing the same white printed shirt, dark blue jeans, a high ponytail and the same hair clips. Riley borrowed some clips from her twin.


    Not many can identify the twin from the other. They can count the number of people who can identify them with their fingers and now, they wanted to see if the child can identify them or not.


    The two of them went back to the kitchen and found the other guests looking at them. "What are you guys up to again?" Brown asked them with his narrowed eyes.


    "Nothing much, pretty uncle."


    "Y-you! You¡­tsk. I''ll get back at you soon." Brown bit his lower lip from frustration and Riley had fun teasing him.


    "Okay pretty uncle. I will wait for you to get back at me."


    "What''s with this ''pretty uncle'' thing? Have you lost your mind?" Jackie scolded her twin.


    "Hey! It wasn''t me who started it. It was Jade." She argued back to defend herself. "I just copied her since it fits well to his image." She mumbled enough for Brown to hear.


    "Hey, you little lady!" Brown exclaimed and was about to scold her when Jade and Sky came down. They didn''t want to argue in front of the child so they all became smiling idiots in an instant.


    Riley didn''t smile though. She copied Jackie''s expressionless face instead and looked towards the child. Jade slowly walked downstairs while holding on to Sky''s hand. She walked towards Jackie and Riley with curious eyes.


    Everyone waited for her to act and identify which of the two was Riley, whom she met earlier. Under everyone''s gaze, Jade raised her hand and held on to the hem of Jackie''s t-shirt. Riley was about to jump in victory because she thought the child made a mistake.


    To everyone''s surprise, "Are you Auntie Riley''s twin? What''s your name?" Jade asked these questions without blinking her eyes.


    Riley scoffed and coughed to swallow back her victory. She didn''t expect the little kid to identify them all. "Are you disappointed that you lost your own game?" Brown smirked at her before turning to the little girl. "Baby girl, how did you know that this woman isn''t your Auntie Riley?"


    "Auntie Riley was copying her expression but she can''t copy someone''s look in the eyes." Jade stated which earned a round of applause from everyone.


    "Great job!"


    "You are amazing little baby!"


    "That was a great feat for you to identify this pair."


    Jade didn''t think that she did something amazing but since they were happy, she also smiled at them.


    "Nice to meet you, Jade. My name is Jackie." Jackie introduced herself to the child. "You said that Riley can''t copy the look in my eyes. How do you see my eyes earlier?"


    "Auntie Riley knew me earlier. Her face was expressionless but her eyes were gentle. Auntie Jackie, on the other hand, your face was expressionless but your eyes held curiosity when you saw me. That''s how I know." Jade answered slowly as she explained herself.


    "Travis and Jillyanna are lucky to have this kid. She''s smart and knows how to read expressions. She can''t be lied." Thomas commented while watching on the side.


    "Enough with that." Savannah spoke from the kitchen. "Can someone call Travis and Jill. It''s time for lunch."


    "I''ll go." Brown volunteered and went upstairs.


    Jackie wanted to talk more to the child but it was time to eat already. ''She''s a very interesting child.'' Jackie thought to herself while watching the kid walked to the kitchen with Brown holding on to her right hand and Riley on to her left. "You are lucky to meet Jillyanna." She murmured before following them.


    In city C, inside the huge mansion, a man was drinking wine with a picture frame on his other hand. One of his trusted men came inside to report to him. "Sir, it is confirmed. The young lady was indeed sent to the orphanage."


    "Prepare to visit the orphanage."

 Chapter 436 - A NEW BEGINNING FOR JADE

    The man put down the picture and the glass of wine on the table. He picked up his cane and walked out of the room, led by his men. Anyone who would see his cane would know his identity as soon as possible. The customized silver cane had a skull ornament on its handle which was biting on to a ruby stone. It was said that you can make a fortune by just selling his cane but you would have to pay for your life if you want to get your hands on it.


    He wasn''t that old but his leg was injured, the reason why he was using a cane. "Did you verify it?" the man asked his subordinates as they walk towards the front porch.


    "Yes, sir. We verified the information and that the young lady had been staying in the orphanage for a year."


    The man got inside the car and closed his eyes. His hands were clutching on to the cane tightly as if it was his life support. ''My princess, I hope you can forgive me.'' He mentally spoke while keeping his heart calm. "If I remember correctly, my daughter just turned three years old when I left. It''s been three years since I last saw her."


    "Don''t worry sir. I found that she had been well-taken cared of in the orphanage. It is said that this orphanage where the young lady stayed is really good. They are well-funded and they take care of the children like their own family."


    "That''s good news if that is true." He opened his eyes and looked at the scenery outside his window. "Drive to the maximum limit. I want to see my child soon."


    In the meantime, Jade was having fun with everyone in Jillyanna''s home. They gave her a short tour of the house to know which place is which and which room owns by whom.


    "Auntie Riley, I am just a little curious." Jade spoke in her soft and small voice.


    "What is it?" Riley stopped on her track and crouched low to level her eyes with the little girl. "You can tell me anything."


    "It is¡­it''s about the two rooms downstairs."


    "Huh? Which room?"


    "The ones behind the bookshelves? When we came upstairs, I saw two rooms behind the bookshelves. Who owns those rooms?"


    "Oh that! Your mother owns that room. It is her comfort room. Let''s ask her if you can use that to play. I heard she kept her toys and things when she was still small there."


    "Okay." Jade nodded her head.


    "Also, just a little reminder." She rubbed the girl''s head to make sure that she would feel comfortable around her. "Don''t do anything to the flowers and plants in this house. Your father fixed the swing under the mango tree so you can play there as well. However, don''t step the flowers under the mango tree. The flowers and other plants here are very important to your mother. She would be sad if something happens to them."


    "Then, can I water them?" Jade inquired with her round eyes. "In my previous home, I always water the plants. Can I do that here?"


    "Sure, you can. But you can only do that when it''s dusk."


    "Okay."


    "Good. Don''t hesitate to tell me if you needed something. Later, let''s go to the mall and buy your personal things." Riley smiled at her before standing up, held her hand and walked back downstairs. Jillyanna and Travis were preparing to leave and they were giving them few reminders.


    "Come here sweetie." Jillyanna signaled Jade to come over which the little girl followed at once. "I will be staying in the hospital to give you a healthy baby brother, okay?"


    "I understand." The little girl was staring directly into her eyes while nodding her head. "When will you come back?"


    "After giving birth to your brother. At the same time, you can visit me every day. I always get bored in the hospital so come visit me, okay? I will teach you to read, write and count."


    Jillyanna spoke to her daughter for long time, making sure that she will be alright in the house. She reminded Riley to take Jade out for a shopping and get everything she needed in her room. She also told Savanah to add additional dress for Jade to wear on her wedding day.


    After making sure that they didn''t forget anything, they left to go back to the hospital. The other remaining people at home talked about the duration that they can stay with Jade. In the end, it was decided that she will stay one week in Jillyanna''s house, one week in the hacienda, and one week in the Madrid''s villa, before going back to Jillyanna''s house and the cycle starts again. During this one week stay, every afternoon she will visit the hospital to spend time with her parents.


    She was loved and cared for by everyone. Even though they were not related by blood, they never treated her as stranger. Riley and Jackie brought her to the mall and bought many things for her. They shopped for dresses, shirts, sweatshirt, shorts, jeans, skirts, shoes, hair accessories, and many other things. It wasn''t until the car''s trunk was full that they decided to stop.


    "Let''s shop next time when I don??t have work again." Riley stated as she led them to a nearby restaurant to eat dinner.


    "I will be busy the next two weeks because of the training." Jackie informed her twin.


    "Then, Shein and I will take care of her." Riley stated nonchalantly.


    Jade tugged on Riley''s hand and looked up at her. "Auntie Riley, what is your work?"


    "I work in a T.V station."


    Though she didn''t quite understand what Riley said, she still nodded her head. "How about you Auntie Jackie?"


    "Me? I am still studying. I will become a police officer someday."


    "Wow! That''s amazing!" Jade was truly amazed to hear Jackie''s profession and she was quite thrilled at the thought. "Auntie Jackie is great! You will help the people by catching criminals."


    Riley frowned and glared at her twin. "I''m amazing, too." She mumbled softly, clearly sulking on the side because Jade didn''t praise her.

 Chapter 437 - DIGGING DIRT SHOULD BE DONE IN THE MORNING

    Inside the orphanage, Atty. Lewis and Jiya were having a headache after meeting Mr. Walter Damien.


    When he arrived earlier in the afternoon, they were a bit confuse and afraid. They were not informed ahead of time that someone of his caliber will come and visit the orphanage. If possible, they didn''t want to have anything to do with him.


    "I''d like to know if this kid is here." Mr. Damien stated and handed them an old-creased picture. "The little girl is my daughter."


    Atty. Lewis looked at the man again before turning to the picture. Jade resembled the man a little but most of her features were taken after her mother. "I''m afraid you are too late Mr. Damien."


    "What do you mean?" the man held on to his can tightly, waiting for the bad news.


    "Your daughter got adopted already."


    "By home?" his agitation was clear but Atty. Lewis steeled himself to fight for the righteousness. Personally, he didn''t want the little girl to fall in the hands of her father. He might be considered cruel and heartless for depriving the little girl of seeing her biological father but, it would be better than getting hurt and putting the child''s life in danger.


    "I can''t divulge that information to you Mr. Damien. Even if you are the child''s father, we cannot tell you her whereabout. That is against our privacy."


    The man looked towards Atty. Lewis without saying anything for a while. They didn''t know what he was thinking but Atty. Lewis knew that it was something bad.


    "I understand. I will just find a way to know where my daughter is." Mr. Damien stood up and left, followed by his men.


    Atty. Lewis and Jiya waited for them to leave the office before releasing a sigh of relief. "I can''t believe that person was Jade''s father! He even has the guts to show up!" Jiya exclaimed with obvious distaste towards the man.


    "This is a big problem. Make sure to remind the kids not to take anything from strangers. I''m afraid that man will bribe the children to locate his daughter. I will call Travis to let them know about this."


    "Okay Uncle Lewis. I will leave this matter to you.'''' Jiya also stood up and left the office. Atty. Lewis was in a daze for a few seconds.


    "Anton, please guide your daughter and keep her safe. Her life had been in danger several times now. I don''t know what else to do." Atty. Lewis whispered into the thin air, without anyone listening to him. He picked up his phone from the drawer and dialed Jillyanna''s number.


    Travis was currently keeping his things away when Jillyanna''s phone rang. They talked about switching their phone few days ago and now he was using Jillyanna''s phone. "Atty. Lewis is calling." He informed his wife who was busy eating grapes on the couch.


    "Go ahead and answer it. I am busy." She popped a piece of seedless grapes inside her mouth. "M mawtsful (My mouth''s full)." Travis knew that she was just being lazy but he didn''t care about that. On the third ring, he picked up the phone and answered it.


    "Travis speaking."


    "Can you hand the documents tomorrow?"


    "Why so urgent? You said that we can give it back after few days of consideration." Travis retorted which grabbed Jillyanna''s attention to him. She stopped eating and wiped her hands with a tissue.


    "Jade''s father came out. He is Mr. Walter Damien."


    "I don''t care whoever he is. He abandoned his child once. We like the child that he gave up so, we won''t give her back to him." Travis stated calmly. "I will have someone send the documents first thing tomorrow."


    "Okay. No matter what happens, I will help you keep the child." Atty. Lewis told him some information about Walter Damien before finally ending the call.


    Jillyanna stood up from her seat and walked towards Travis. "Jade''s father was looking for her?"


    "Hn. He has a big name in the society. Have you heard about Walter Damien?"


    "Oh shit! He is Jade''s biological father?" Jillyanna asked in surprise. "That person who was running a hotel with hidden illegal casino?"


    "Yup. That man."


    "How did he become Jade''s father? As I listened to Jade''s story, it seemed to me that he abandoned them long ago. If he was this reach, how come her wife died in giving birth? Jade was left alone with no relative, too? If not for the orphanage, that lovely child would''ve been gone already! How dare he claim his daughter back!"


    "Calm down." Travis held her hand and gently squeezed it. "I won''t let anyone take our child."


    "But what if Jade wanted to go to him?" Jillyanna questioned the thing that she was most afraid of. "I know that we just spend a few hours with her but I can''t give her up. I love that child."


    "Is it because you see yourself in her?"


    "Hn. Despite the difficulties and challenges, she was struggling to live. She deserves to live. She''s kind, and honest. She loves her family which sadly left her alone. She is just like me."


    Travis hugged her and rubbed her back. "Don''t worry, I''ll think of a way. Let''s talk to Jade tomorrow. Don''t think too much for now."


    Jillyanna sighed and pouted. "Every time something good happens, bad luck follows right after. I hate this."


    "Everything happens for a reason. As long as someone lives, danger will never cease. Bad luck and lovely good luck co-exist in human lives. This is just part of our trial. We''ll get trough this. Trust me."


    "I always trust you. Anyway, let''s talk about Jade. Do you want to change her name? How about Jade Venus Madrigal?"


    "Naming her after my mother?"


    "Yup."


    "That''s a great idea. How about her birthday?"


    "Let''s not change it. After all, it is her information that would connect her to her biological mother. Let''s not take it away from her."


    Travis pulled the envelope which contained the documents and gave it to her. "Here. Just fill up the information. I''ll sign it after you are done."


    Jillyanna reached for the documents and read through it before filling in the information. "Jade Venus Madrigal. A beautiful name for a beautiful girl." She mumbled happily to herself. Seeing her happy like this, Travis loved it and he hated it when some people wanted to rob off her genuine smile.


    He contacted Shein immediately to look into Walter Damien. "Dig as deep as you can. Take out all the skeletons in the closet of this person. He is making your sister unhappy."


    Shein was planning to put off the task until the next morning. However, when he read the last statement, his eyes turned cold and fierce. His hands started flying over his keyboard, not stopping until he was done with the task.


    Shein''s dark eyebags and tired face almost startled Jade''s innocent soul when the morning came. "Uncle Shein, what happened to you? Are you sick? Should I look for a doctor?"


    "I''m fine. I''m fine." Shein waved his hand in front of him.


    "Don''t worry about him sweetie. He must have played with his computer all night." Riley stated with a chuckle. "You got a last-minute task?" she asked her boyfriend as she led her down towards the kitchen.


    "Big bro needed something. It wasn''t that urgent but when he said that big sis was unhappy, I needed to vent my anger. So, I end up digging so much dirt until four in the morning."


    Jade, who didn''t understand what they were talking about, thought that Shein was digging literal dirt. "Uncle, don''t dig dirt at night. You can do it in the morning at the garden."


    Her innocent remark made Shein and Riley stifle their laughter. They really couldn''t stop themselves from laughing when she was looking so serious yet adorable when as she spoke to them.


    In this same moment in city C, Walter Damien just received the news from his subordinate. "Sir, we found who adopted the young lady. It is the business man in city B, Travis Madrigal."


    "That young business man? Why did he adopt my daughter?"


    "Uh..you might have not known of this news sir but, Mr. Madrigal got married not long ago. His wife must have wanted a daughter and found the young lady."


    "Oh? Then, let''s give them a visit."

 Chapter 438 - JUST WANT TO TEASE

    The subordinate stopped his boss immediately before it''s too late. "Sir, don''t visit today."


    "And why is that?" Walter Damien questioned with narrow eyes. What he hated the most is when people keep interfering with his decision. He didn''t like being told by someone.


    "With all due respect sir, I am just giving you a safety reminder. Mr. Madrigal is known as a fearless and decisive young man in city B. Not only that, he didn''t like people who comes uninvited specially that his wife is resting. What I know is that, his wife is currently staying in the hospital due to pregnancy."


    "I see. Then prepare some gifts and inform them that we will be visiting in three days." Walter Damien returned to his seat. His subordinate left as soon as possible to execute his orders.


    That same day, Hawk sent the documents to the orphanage while Valkyrie and Brown stayed to guard the hospital. "Any moment, Walter Damien will visit us. Should we inform Jade about this?" Travis asked Jillyanna who was busy sketching him again.


    "We should. Even if I hate doing so, he is still the child''s father."


    "Okay. Let''s tell her this afternoon. I heard that she will come to visit you every afternoon. Everyone talked about this and this is the conclusion that they came up with."


    "I don''t see any problem with that. It is good that she gets to spend time with everyone."


    "Hn. I am fine with it as well. That way, you won''t be too tired."


    "I am so lucky."


    "Hn?"


    Jillyanna put down her pencil and sketch pad on the table before walking towards him. "I am so lucky that our parents were friends. I am lucky that I met you and fell in love. I am lucky that I didn''t love someone else. I am lucky that the person I love actually love me back." Travis was looking at her intently waiting for her to finish her words. "I am lucky that I was taken by the Madrid. I am lucky that I met the twin and Shein. I am lucky that I have Jenny. I am lucky that grandpa and grandma Shan took care of the house when I was away and busy. I am lucky to have so many friends. I am lucky that I found Jade." She held his face and caressed it gently. "I am so lucky to have you."


    "You are my lucky charm too." Travis took hold of her hand and kissed her inner wrist. "Ever since I was young, I made every step in my life with you in mind. I always ask myself, if I take this step, will this lead me back to you? I was looking for you but no one had information about you. The Summers refused to say anything either. I presume they wanted you to suffer with no one to rely on. I never would have thought that you were still in contact with my father. Thinking back about it, I find it funny. The person I''ve been looking for was actually very close to me."


    Jillyanna chuckled while thinking back at their distant memories. "Well, everything turned out good."


    "It''s because you took the step to accept me." Travis kissed her knuckles this time. "Thank you."


    "Why are we even talking about this?" Jillyanna grinned and leaned closer. "I love you." She kissed the tip of his nose and giggled. "I really like watching your reaction when I do this to you."


    "What do you mean?"


    Jillyanna put her finger on her chin while looking at his face. "Sometimes, my husband can be so shameless. He likes teasing me and seeing me blush. But when I sometimes say some sweet words, the tip of your earlobe would turn red."


    Travis had a set of wide eyes in front of her. He let go of her hand and touched his ears. "No wonder I felt that my ears were turning hot."


    "Hehe. My shameless husband can be cute sometimes."


    "Stop teasing me."


    "I am not teasing you. I am just letting you know of my opinion."


    Travis pulled her and let her sit on his lap. "It is really true that a pregnant wife can turn a husband so much."


    "Huh? What are you talking about?" Jillyanna somehow felt that she was caught by a predator. Travis was grinning mischievously at her and she knew it wouldn''t be good to say something naughty but, she wanted to see how much he can endure. "Are you saying you are turned on right now?"


    "Why don''t you see it for yourself?" He took her hand and placed it on his bulging anatomy. "See?"


    Jillyanna blinked her eyes and leaned close to him, pressing her full chest on his chest. "You can''t be naughty." Even do she was saying that, she was rubbing her chest at him. "Too bad, it is not allowed by the doctor."


    "But you can use your hands, right?"


    Her mouth twitched at his statement. Yes, she can use her hands but she didn''t want to. Her intention was to tease him like what he did to her before. "Oh no, I can''t. I am so tired, right now. I want to sleep." She stood up from his lap and she didn''t forget to give him a hot and intense kiss. "Wake me up after two hours."


    Travis watched her go with shaking shoulders. She was clearly laughing at him after the result of her teasing. As the days passed by, she was getting back at him from his teasing before. It was because he couldn''t do anything to her. "Just you wait. I will punish you one day."


    "That''s still a long time to go. You would eventually forget it." Jillyanna waved her hand at him. Without her knowing, Travis recorded the event that day and the punishment that was waiting for her. Well, that would be a story for later. Right now, he needed to take care of himself in the bathroom.


    While he was taking care of himself, Shein sent them an email stating that Walter Damien will visit them in three days. Jillyanna just snorted. "Let him visit." She replied to Shein. ''There''s no way he can get his daughter back, over my dead body.'' She added mentally with a snicker.

 Chapter 439 - I DONT WANT TO GO

    Later that afternoon, Jade came to visit with Riley holding her. She was carrying a cute Hello Kitty backpack with several things inside like, baby powder, face towel, water bottle, snacks, coloring books, crayons, pencils and other stuff.


    "Hi mommy. Hi daddy." Jade greeted them enthusiastically as she ran with her two small feet towards Jillyanna.


    "Hello sweetheart. How have you been doing at home?" she asked her daughter while taking off the bag off her shoulders.


    "I am good. Yesterday, Auntie Riley and Auntie Jackie brought me to a big big super big mall. They bought so many many things for me. I don''t know if I could even use all of them." Jade narrated to her mother what recently happened to her. "And you know what mom, I found Uncle Shein funny. He told Auntie Riley this morning that he was digging dirt last night until dawn. Isn''t he supposed to that during daytime?"


    Travis who had been listening while doing his work couldn''t help himself but cover his mouth to muffle his laughter. It was just hilarious! "Right, your Uncle Shein has a weird hobby." He stated with faint chuckle. "Don''t mind him."


    Jillyanna didn''t know if he should feel sorry for Shein or if she should laugh at him, too. In the end, she could only smile and explain to the little girl. "Your Uncle Shein has a very weird job but he is really good. Don''t think too much about it, ''kay? You will understand his work in the future."


    "I don''t really mind." Jade opened her bag and took out three pieces of chocolates. She gave one to Jillyanna and one to Travis. "We bought this yesterday and it tastes really good. I am sharing this with you. I gave some to Uncle Hawk already."


    Travis gently pat the girl''s head to compliment her. "Our little Jade is very generous. Thank you for this."


    "You''re welcome." she walked back to Jillyanna and took out her small notebook. "Look at this mom." She showed her a page full of her first name. "Auntie Riley taught me this morning."


    "This morning?" Jillyanna was quite surprise. Base on her handwriting alone, she can see the rapid improvement of her penmanship.


    Riley stood up and shared what she found. "You always find a treasure my big sister! Jade is very smart. I thought her the alphabet song and she memorized it after three times. Come on Jade, sing the alphabet song to your mother and father."


    Jade drank a mouthful of water first and cleared her throat. "A, B, C, D, E, F..." she finished the whole song without making any mistakes. Her pronunciation was very clear, too.


    "That was amazing!" Hawk was clapping his hands at the door. Jillyanna, Travis and Riley were doing the same. They were giving her a round of applause.


    "You did a great job little princess. What else do you know?" Travis asked her from his work desk.


    "I know how to count. 1, 2 , 3, 4, 5....100. I don''t know what''s next to 100." she humbly stated with a little pout on her lips.


    "Our little princess is really smart. That is thanks to your real mother." Jillyanna would never take credit of something she doesn''t own. It was still thanks to her real mother that she found a real treasure.


    "Hn. My mother was really smart. She would always sing us to sleep. She can cook, do the laundry, wash the dishes - she can do a lot since my father left. I don''t even remember my father. He never visited us even after my mother died."


    "Speaking of your father," Jillyanna turned towards Travis before shifting her eyes back to the little girl. "If, I mean if, if your father comes back and wants to take you, will you go to your father?"


    "No."


    "What if your father owns a big house, has lots of money and can buy lots of things for you?"


    "I won''t go. You give me a big house with so many people. I have friends in the orphanage that I can visit when I am with you. Auntie Riley and Auntie Jackie bought me lots of things already. And I will have a baby brother soon. I won''t go."


    "But he is your REAL father." she gave emphasis to the word real to let her understand the weight of her biological parent.


    Jade''s eyes turned red and she was about to cry. "I don''t want to go. I don''t want to know if he is rich. I would only get angry at him. If he has a lot of money, why did he let my mother die? My mother had to work very hard just for us to survive day after day. If he has a lot of money, he should''ve at least sent my mother to the hospital! What kind of father is he? What kind of husband is he? I don''t want a father like him?!" Her tears started rolling down her face as she spoke. "Mom, don''t send me to him. I don''t want another father."


    Jillyanna hugged the child tightly in her arms. "Mommy won''t send you to him. I was just asking for your opinion. I don''t want to send you as well. Stop crying now."


    "You won''t really give me to him?" Jade experienced so many difficulties in life before finally ending up in the orphanage. Right now, she needed reassurance that she wouldn''t be abandon again.


    "Mommy and Daddy won''t give you to someone else. We will all be sad if you go far away."


    Seeing that Jillyanna was being honest to her, Jade finally stopped crying. She wiped her tears with the back of her hand and smiled again.


    "I am already happy with my new family."


    "We are happy, too." Riley spoke and grabbed her for a warm hug. "We won''t let you go our little princess."


    Jade giggled in Riley''s arms. She was certainly and genuinely happy with them. Although Jillyanna and Travis were in the same room, she still sent him a text to make sure that the little girl won''t hear them.


    "Do whatever you can to keep our baby." This was her message to him.


    "Yes, my Queen."


    Jillyanna chuckled at his response and threw him a smile.

 Chapter 440 - BECAUSE YOU DONT DESERVE HER

    Since Riley had to go back to work, Shein was working at the Venus Plaza and Jackie was busy with school, Sky finally found her chance to visit the child and spend time with her.


    "Grandma!" Jade was running from the kitchen towards her. "How are you?"


    Being called grandma by the cute little girl, Sky was grinning happily at her. "I am so happy to see our little girl. Have you been doing well?"


    "Yes, grandma. I''ve been doing well. Do you want to eat breakfast with me? Auntie Riley left for work early this morning and I woke up late so I am eating my food with Auntie Fei and Auntie Sisi."


    "I see. People here are always busy. Do you want to come with me to my house?"


    "Let''s ask mommy and daddy first. They will be worried if I am not here. Auntie Riley and Uncle Shein will be looking for me, too."


    "That''s right. Let''s ask them later." she held on to the child''s hand and led her back to the kitchen so that she can continue to eat.


    "Good morning Madam Sky." greeted the two helpers that they have.


    "Good morning Fei. Good morning Sisi." Sky greeted them back before she took a seat beside Jade. "Do you still have a plate of fried rice that you guys are eating?"


    "Yes madam. Let me get you some. Do you want anything to add?"


    "I''ll eat whatever you are eating." Sky stated with a smile. She wasn''t really some kind of picky mistress. She would eat whatever is edible in front or her. After all, she didn''t really grew up from a wealthy family. They only became rich because of Jillyanna. She wouldn''t dare act high and mighty.


    Auntie Fei got her a plate of fried rice and a glass of water. There were bacon, hotdog, ham, sausage and other viand on the table so she can get whatever she likes to pair with her rice.


    Jade was eating slowly, chewing her food properly and making sure that she wasn''t leaving any mess on the table. She would always swallow her food before speaking.


    "By the way grandma, I''ll show you something later." Jade excitedly told her which Sky was looking forward too.


    "Okay. Show me what you have after eating." With the child eating with her, it took them half an hour before they finish eating their food. Sky wasn''t in a hurry though. She likes watching the little girl doing things at her own pace.


    "Grandma, why don''t they let me wash my plates?" Jade asked her when they were back in the living room. "My mother told me before that I should always wash my own plates when I grow big. Now, I am big but the two Aunties won''t let me wash my plates."


    ''What a sensible child!'' Sky exclaimed internally as she let the child sit on the couch. "It''s because the kitchen sink is very high. You can''t reach it yet. When you grow taller, taller than the kitchen sink, then you can wash your own plates."


    "But I can always use the chair to climb up."


    "Don''t do that. It''s dangerous. What if you''ll fall? We will all be sad if you get hurt."


    "Then, I will wait to grow taller." Jade mumbled to herself. "Ah, grandma, I forgot to get it."


    "What do you want to get?"


    "My drawing. It''s in my room."


    "Then, let''s go up and see it." The two of them went upstairs to see the drawing that she wanted to show. Just like any other children, her drawing wasn''t that great but it wasn''t bad either. Unlike the children who drew a skeleton-stick drawing, Jade''s drawing had complete body parts and you could easily identify which one was who because of their distinguishing marks that she included.


    "Wow! This is a nice drawing Jade. Who taught you to draw?"


    "I went to the hospital yesterday and mom taught me how to draw. Last night, when I got home, I drew everyone. Can you find yourself grandma?"


    "This is grandma." Sky pointed her finger to a drawing with a mole under the left side of her lower lips.


    "Wow! Grandma is very amazing! You can identify yourself from my drawing."


    "That''s because you drew me nicely." Sky complimented the little girl. "Let''s put this in your bag so that you can show this to your mother."


    Everyday, Jade would learn different things and she would show it to Jillyanna and Travis at the hospital. Since everyone was busy in Jillyanna''s house, she got the permission to stay in the Madrid''s villa for two weeks, which made Sky so happy.


    As promised and scheduled, Walter Damien came to visit the hospital to meet them around 1 o''clock in the afternoon. As a little courtesy, he brought his most-trusted subordinate and several gifts to them. Hawk did the body check to make sure that they weren''t bringing anything harmful.


    Walter Damien didn''t mind being checked since it was for safety purposes. He would also do the same if someone unfamiliar came to his place.


    "You are finally here, Mr. Damien. Have a seat." Travis let them sit on the couch near the door to make it easy for them to leave.


    Jillyanna smiled at them but her eyes was holding an unknown storm. "Sorry, I couldn''t attend to you properly. My doctor told me to rest today."


    "That''s fine Mrs. Madrigal." Walter Damien just waved his hand as if it was nothing to him. "This is a little token of my gratitude for taking care of my daughter."


    "Thank you." Travis didn''t touch the things or pushed it away. He was just looking at the man directly. "You don''t have to beat around the bush. Just tell us your intention."


    "I want to get my child back." he stated calmly while clenching his hand around his silver cane.


    "That''s a little difficult Mr. Damien. My wife would kill me if I do that." Travis was faintly chuckling to him.


    "I can pay you millions just to dissolve the adoption papers."


    "We don''t need money."


    "Why won''t you give her back to me? I am her real father after all."


    "Because you don''t deserve her..."

 Chapter 441 - I DONT BARTER MY CHILD FOR MYSELF

    "W-what did you say?" Walter Damien''s subordinate rose to his feet from rage. He didn''t like it when his boss was being looked down upon.


    Travis leaned back on his chair and looked at them. Walter Damien was looking at him, too.


    "I know I made a mistake but, won''t you give me a chance to become a good father?" he was almost pleading to Travis but the man in front of him was cold and indifferent to him.


    "I don''t care about you wanting to become a good father. You lost that chance when you abandoned your family. At the same, it''s not really me or my wife who doesn''t want to give your child back, it''s your daughter who didn''t want to see you at all."


    "You told her?"


    "We spoke to her three days ago. Such a young child...she went through so much without you showing any care. I might as well tell you, your daughter might be young but she already know how to hold grudges against someone. She can''t be lied either because she''ll see right through you. She can easily distinguish someone''s expression. Even if you take her back, I don''t think she''ll ever call you ''father''. I am not looking down on you Mr. Damien but, I am just telling you the truth."


    "Y-you...you.." Walter Damien was pointing his finger at him angrily but Travis was still nonchalant in front of him. He wasn''t threatened at all.


    "Don''t make it difficult for me either. Don''t do anything stupid or you will lose everything in one night." Travis warned him. "Don''t lay your fingers in my family or your daughter will hate you forever."


    The man put down his hand and took a deep breath as he closed his eyes. It took him few seconds before he opened his eyes and spoke again. "Can I, at least, see her?"


    "Sure. You can wait. She will be visiting her mother in a while." Travis stood up and walked back to his work. He didn''t care about them at all.


    "I heard your wife is going to have a heart transplant after giving birth." Walter Damien spoke again.


    "What are you trying to say? Get to the point." Travis responded while keeping his eyes on the screen of his computer.


    "I can get you a heart donor in exchange of my daughter."


    This time, Jillyanna glanced at him coldly. "I don''t barter my child for myself. We already have a heart donor. No need to waste your time. If you want to see your daughter, keep your mouth shut and wait there."


    Travis just smiled while watching his fierce wife. "Don''t bother about that Mr. Damien."


    The man kept quite on his seat but his mind were full of plans to get his child back. ''I won''t give up no matter what.'' He thought to himself while waiting for his child.


    After almost half an hour, Jade came inside with Sky following behind her.


    "Mommy, Daddy, look what I have." she showed them a white handkerchief with her embroidered name on it. "Grandma made this for me. I wanted to try making one for baby Raizel but grandma said that it''s dangerous."


    "Just make it when you are a bit bigger." Jillyanna spoke softly to her daughter. "What else did you do this morning?"


    "Oh! We also tried baking cookies." she opened her bag and took out a box with chocolate chip cookies. "Tada!" she opened the box and showed what was inside. "I made it with grandma and grandpa."


    "Wow! That looks delicious. Can I have one?"


    "Sure. You can get as many as you want."


    "What if I want all of this?" Jillyanna joked at her daughter.


    "No, you can''t. Mommy, you have to share it with Daddy and Uncle Hawk." Jade was shaking her head from side to side.


    Jillyanna chuckled as she gently pat the child''s head. "I was just kidding. I''ll just get one because my doctor told me not to eat too much sweets. Go and give some to your daddy and Uncle Hawk."


    Jade obediently followed and walked towards Travis. "Here daddy."


    Travis picked one and took a bite. "It''s yummy. Our little princess can already bake this kind of cookies. You will inherit your grandma''s cooking book."


    "Grandma gave it to me already." Jade proudly stated with a beaming smile.


    "She did?! Wow! That''s great of you. Did you thank grandma?"


    "Yes. You told me to thank someone if they gave me something or if they help me."


    Travis rubbed the child''s head happily. "Very good. Go and give some to your uncle."


    Jade walked slowly while holding the box of cookies. When she passed by the couch, she saw the two me who had been waiting for her. She just looked at them and went outside where Hawk was sitting on a bench.


    "Uncle Hawk, I brought some cookies. Give it a try."


    Hawk picked up one and slowly took a bite on it. "This is delicious. Who made this?"


    "Me."


    "Really?!" Hawk acted surprise even though he heard from the inside that she baked it. "Our little Jade is impressive! You can bake cookies already!"


    "That''s because of grandma and grandpa. They helped me make it."


    While Jade and Hawk chatted, Travis looked towards the man who was clutching the silver cane. "Your daughter doesn''t even recognize you."


    Sky who heard the statement turned to look at them. "This is Jade''s father?"


    "Yes Ma." Travis and Jillyanna answered in unison.


    "Oh." Sky didn''t say anything more but her eyes was looking at the man disdainfully.


    Walter Damien was a little embarrassed but he couldn''t do anything. He wanted to see his daughter very much.


    When Jade came back inside, she looked towards the two men again. "Do you want some cookies?" she asked with hesitation but her parents didn''t stop her, so it must be okay.


    Walter Damien stared at his daughter with tears welling up in his eyes but because he didn''t want to surprise her, he swallowed back his urge to call her and just took a piece.


    "Uncle, are you alright?" Jade asked him softly while peering up in his eyes.


    "I''m fine. Thank you for the cookies."

 Chapter 442 - INTRODUCED AS HER UNCLE

    Jade just smiled at him before going back to Jillyanna. "Mom, what are we going to do today?"


    "Today, we well make bracelets to pass the time." Jillyanna opened the drawer beside her bed and took out several boxes. "We will use these things here."


    As she explained to Jade the things inside the box, Travis spoke to Walter Damien. "What will you do now? She''s already right in front of you."


    "Does she really hates me?"


    "Why don''t you give it a try?" Travis challenged him. "I don''t really mind." He stood up and walked to his daughter and wife who were busy checking the small items. "Jade I have something to tell you."


    "Don''t!" Walter Damien stopped him as soon as possible. "Don''t say it." He thought his heart was going to burst. He was afraid to see the hatred in his daughter''s eyes.


    She was genuinely happy around her new family and it was obvious that they all cared for him. He didn''t want to destroy that happiness.


    "Uncle, don''t shout here. My mother is pregnant so you can''t be very noisy." Jade reprimanded him which made Travis smirked at the man.


    Walter Damien apologized immediately. "Sorry." He found a pen and paper under the coffee table so he wrote something and gave it to Travis.


    Travis couldn''t help himself but chuckle at the wise tactic written on a piece of paper. He looked towards Jade who was watching Jillyanna making a bracelet before looking towards the man who was eagerly waiting for his decision.


    "I don''t want to lie to my child." He wrote back on the piece of paper.


    "You can just explain it to her when she''s old enough to understand." Walter wrote back to him.


    Travis didn''t bother with him anymore. He crumpled the piece of paper and throw it inside the trash bin.


    "I''m begging you." he unexpectedly kowtowed in front of him. Not only Travis, but everyone else was taken aback with his sudden action.


    "Sir, what are you doing?" his subordinate was so shocked that he didn''t know what to do.


    "I don''t care about my pride. Seeing her is the most important." he begged him on his knees, asking him to do him a favor.


    Travis looked at the man once again. He was the first person who begged him like this. "Fine."


    "Really?"


    "Stand up before I change my mind."


    "Thank you Mr. Madrigal. I''ll think of this as a huge favor. Let me know if you need help someday. I will do my best to accomplish it." He rose to his feet and dusted off his pants.


    Jade was really confused with what was happening around her but she didn''t really care. The most important thing for her was to spend time with her mother and father.


    Travis rubbed the child''s head to get her attention. "By the way little princess, this man is a friend from one of my business. He came to visit your mom today. You can call him Uncle Walter."


    Jade turned to look at the man who was on his knees earlier. "Did he do something wrong Dad? Why was he on his knees earlier?"


    "Yes, he did something wrong but he already regreted it.You will see him more often from now on. Just treat him like how you treat everyone at home."


    "Okay. Nice to meet you, Uncle Walter." Jade smiled at the man.


    "Nice to meet you, too." He turned to Travis and smiled at him. "I''ll go home for now. I don''t have any presents for her."


    "Just do whatever you want. Just make sure you won''t do anything stupid."


    "Of course, I won''t. I''m leaving first. Bye for now." He instantly left with a bright smile on his face. Hawk looked at him weirdly but Walter didn''t notice it. He was just too happy to see his daughter.


    "You are letting him go just like that?" Sky asked because she couldn''t understand why Travis did it. The man could take action against them any moment.


    "Don''t worry about it Ma. Rather than being hated by his daughter for his whole life, he would rather spend few years of happiness with her. When she''s old enough to understand things, perhaps, she won''t hate him so much by then."


    And Travis was right. That was the last plan that Walter Damien thought would benefit him the most. He even thought of kidnapping his own daughter but there were so many consequences. His daughter would hate him even more, his business will decline and he could be imprison.


    "So, you wanted to act as her Uncle to avoid all these worries?" his subordinate asked him helplessly.


    "If you can avoid it, why not? I can spend time with her as an Uncle. Perhaps, when she''s old enough, she wouldn''t hate me as much as she hates me right now."


    "You have a point in that matter. But would Mrs. Madrigal allow it? I heard she''s very possessive to the people who belongs to her family clan."


    "I will propose something like visiting them once a week. In that way, the child won''t suspect anything. She would be wondering for someone like me to visit her everyday thus, once a week is better choice."


    "It''s your decision sir. I will just support you." his subordinate couldn''t change his mind but he was also happy that his boss got the chance to see his daughter and will have even more time to spend with her. Only he knows, how much his boss missed his daughter over the years.


    If not because of the danger, he wouldn''t leave them. In the end, his ambition caused him his wife and children. Now, he can''t even stand as her father.


    Just as they thought they have escaped this issue, Jade spoke softly, almost a whisper to herself.


    "You lied to me."


    "Jade?" Jillyanna held on to the girl''s shoulders. "You knew?"


    The girl nodded her head as two fresh drop of tears fell on her lap. "I knew."

 Chapter 443 - BATTLE OF WIT I

    They turned silent while watching the little girl. They thought she wouldn''t understand what they were saying but she did.


    "When I looked into his eyes, they looked very familiar. When he kowtowed in front of Daddy, I thought it was really weird. I couldn''t understand it at first. I just realized it now, his eyes were familiar because I''ve seen it numerous times. I have the same eyes as that man." Jade told them her observation which stunned the adults.


    It was unimaginable for a kid of her age to come up with that deduction.


    "You said you aren''t giving me back to him but you lied to me."


    "No Jade, we aren''t." Jillyanna hugged the child and patted her back gently. "We are not giving you back to him. It''s just that, Mommy and Daddy didn''t want to become selfish. Do you get what I mean? He is your real father and he wanted so much to spend time with you."


    "But I don''t want a father like her." the little girl argued.


    "Which was the reason why he was introduced as your uncle. You can treat him as an uncle. He is old already and he already regretted the things that happened. Just give him another chance, ''kay?"


    "You mean, I need to pretend?" Jade was really straight forward.


    "If you can pretend, why not? When you are ready to forgive him, you can just tell him everything."


    "But you aren''t really giving me to him, right? I will still be staying with you?"


    "Hn. You will be staying with us. I will only allow him to see you once a week."


    "Okay."


    ''Smart children aren''t easy to deal with.'' Jillyanna mumbled to herself internally. The last time she had a hard time like this was when she was dealing with the twins and Shein.


    After an hour, Jade finally calmed down and she was happily making a matching bracelet for Jackie and Riley.


    It took her half an hour to finish one bracelet because of her meticulous attitude. She chose everything, taking notes of the colors and sizes. There were small blocks with letters on it so she used some to form the name of the twins.


    "What about grandma? Won''t you make one for her?" Jillyanna asked since she had been spending time with Sky lately.


    "No."


    Sky was shocked and even Travis was surprised.


    "Why not?" she asked her daughter again who was busy making the second bracelet.


    "Because this is not the ones I like for her. I want to learn the embroidery because I want to make something for her and baby Raizel but you told me I have to wait until I grow a little bigger."


    "I see. Then make sure to remember that. Grandma will be sad if you will forget it." Jillyanna told her daughter.


    "I will never forget it."


    "That''s good."


    It wasn''t until the sun sets that Jade finally finished three bracelets.


    "Who will you give the third bracelet?" Jillyanna inquired since there was an extra item.


    "I will give it to Uncle Shein. I will use this as payment to use his computer."


    They all laughed at her silly remark. How could she use it as payment. Besides, Shein doesn''t like anyone touching his computers.


    "Why do you want to use his computer?" Travis asked.


    "Auntie Riley told me that Uncle Shein is very good in computers. I want to show him something."


    "I see. Then, you have to fight him with your smart brain. Your Uncle Shein can''t be fought with cuteness."


    "He doesn''t like cute children?" Jade asked because she thought everyone likes cute children, like the staff in the orphanage who likes children very much.


    "He likes children but he can''t be bought with cuteness. You need to be smart and battle him with your wits."


    "Okay." She didn''t really know what her father was telling her but she still nodded her head.


    When they were about to go home, she asked Sky to send her back to Jillyanna''s house for the mean time. She really wanted to show something to Shein before she forgot it.


    When Shein came home after work, he found a little box at his door. "What''s this?" he looked around to see anyone but he found nothing. He opened the box and saw a bracelet with a note on it.


    "This is my payment to use your computer. Come and find me in the kitchen. - Jade." Shein erupted into a series of laughter. "Payment? This little princess is really something." He went inside his room first to change his clothes before going out to find the little girl.


    Jade was helping Auntie Fei and Auntie Sisi wash the vegetables. She was standing on a chair to reach the kitchen sink with their helper standing beside her to guide her actions.


    "Welcome home, Shein." Auntie Fei greeted him when she saw him standing the door frame to the kitchen.


    "Hello Auntie. Riley isn''t home yet?"


    "She is. I think she went to her room and get changed. She might have fallen asleep due to her work."


    "Little Jade, I''m here already." Shein called out the attention of the little girl who was busy with the vegetables.


    "You agreed, Uncle?" Jade asked him in surprise.


    "Agreed about what?"


    "About me using your computer. You showed up here so, I take it that you agreed."


    "No way."


    "You can''t go back with your actions Uncle Shein. I clearly wrote it in my note."


    "You only told me to come and see you. There wasn''t any question if I agree or not." Shein argued back to a child. He can''t believe it. He was arguing with a child!


    "You didn''t read the back portion?" Jade asked incredulously but it was a trick that she made.


    Shein took the piece of paper from his pocket to see the back portion. ''That is, if you agree to let me use your computer.'' He read it mentally before reading the while message loudly. "This is my payment to use your computer. Come and see me in the kitchen. That is, if you agree to let me use your computer."


    "See? You can come and see me here if you agree. Now, you are here with my later and bracelet. Don''t tell me you didn''t know this."


    "You tricked me!"


    "It''s not my fault. Who told you to be easy to trick."


    "Y-you...you little devil." Shein lost to a child and he couldn''t take such a blow. "Go ahead and use it. Let''s see if you can open my computers." He picked her up from the chair and carried her upstairs. "Your payment is not enough, too."


    "What do you want me to pay? I can only make that." Jade told him while helping him wear the bracelet.


    "Bake me some cookies next time. Your mother made us jealous with the cookies."


    "Sure sure. I will bake lots of cookies for you."


    "Promise?"


    "Promise."

 Chapter 444 - BATTLE OF WIT II

    The two of them went up stairs to get to Shein''s room, leaving the two Auntie''s to finish their work. They weren''t in a hurry since it wasn''t their schedule to send food to the hospital. It was Gabriel and Winter''s turn to visit the couple and bring them food.


    Back to Shein''s room, he put Jade down on the floor to admire his computers. Jade was indeed amazed and she was already touching the keyboards and the mouse.


    "Let''s see how you will use it." Shein dared her and Jade accepted the challenged. She picked up the wires and inserted them on ther respective places. "Are you sure that''s where you should put it?" he asked the little who seemed confident with her actions.


    "It has the same colors so, it should be right." Jade answered him.


    "But I interchanged their colors. They are no longer matching." Shein lied again while making a soft whistle.


    Jade put down the wires and looked at him. "Do you really want me to match the wrong wires? If you keep telling me the wrong instructions, it will damage your computers."


    "Y-you...you little devil..why aren''t you cute like any other children? You are so smart and frank."


    "Because you won''t buy my cuteness. Only Auntie Riley is cute and adorable to you."


    Riley who woke up and was currently listening to them outside the room was giggling to her heart''s content. It wasn''t every day that Shein found a match like this, it was fun to listen with their silly argument.


    She opened the door and went inside to see the a man of legal age having a staring contest with a child of six years old. It was so funny!


    She took a picture of them and posted it in their family group chat where everyone would see their happy moments wherever they were.


    "A staring contest between a child and a man. It is so funny watching them argue about silly things."


    She posted the picture and gained so many laughing reactions.


    "Jade is just so adorable. What are they fighting for?" Savannah asked.


    "They are arguing about the computers." Riley responded.


    "Jade wanted to use the computers? That''s really surprising." Diego commented. "I have heard a lot of things about this little girl but I haven''t seen her in person."


    "You should visit the hospital during the afternoon. She always visits her parents there." Valkyrie retorted.


    Since she didn''t want to enjoy the moment alone, Riley turned her video instead to record the two guys staring each other.


    "Go ahead and turn it on." Shein stated with a smirk. Jade just smiled at him and went to connect the remaining wires before she booted the system. "How do you know about computers?"


    "When I was still roaming around, I often ended up in computer cafes. I watched people do this."


    Soon, the computer was completely started but there was a password needed. "You want to use my computer, right? Then, you will have to crack the password."


    Jade crossed her small arms over her chest. "You think too highly of me Uncle. How would I know something I didn''t study. Nobody taught me how to crack password so, just type it yourself. Or do you want to be locked out from your own computer?"


    Riley burst into a fit of laughter again. Jade really knew what to say and gain agreement from someone. With defeated expression, Shein walked towards her and typed the long password.


    Jade''s eyes lit up when she saw the applications on his computer. He looked for a certain symbols among the apps and clicked it.


    "What are you doing?!" Shein was horrified to see her opening the Java and HTML. "That''s something you can''t play."


    "Who said I am playing. Just watch a little. I wanted to show you something and see if it is a good skill or not."


    "Oh god this little devil." Shein was petrified but he also wanted to know what he was up to.


    Riley ended the video and sent it to the group chat again.


    "This is hilariously fun! I can''t believe Shein was defeated by this little princess." Lucian mentioned after watching the video.


    Shein opened the group chat and vented his little frustration. "Princess? More like a little demon! She tricked me into this!" he took two separate pictures of the note he got from her. "I wasn''t able to read the second part of the note and I found myself agreeing to her little scheme."


    "It''s your fault for getting tricked."Jackie retorted when she found out what was going on after during her break.


    "What''s her payment by the way? The notes stated a payment. What is it?" Winter asked.


    "It is a bracelet that she made herself." he uploaded a picture of his arm with the bracelet. "And she will bake me some cookies, too."


    "That''s so sweet of her." Wynwyn commented.


    "Jade is really a nice girl." Sky added to the chat.


    "What does she want to do with your computer by the way?" Hawk asked since Shein had a very valuable computer. It wasn''t something a child can play.


    Shein looked towards the little girl in front of his computers, looking so serious while typing some letters and numbers on the screen.


    "What is it that you want to show me?" he asked when he couldn''t take it anymore. Riley was sitting beside the child, watching her do her own thing.


    "I don''t know. I just saw someone doing this. When that person was done, there were numbers and symbols on the screen." Jade answered without looking at him. She was so focused with her work.


    "Wait..this looks very familiar to what you did before." Riley mentioned as she tried to recall some things from her distant memory.


    "Now that you mention it, it is indeed familiar." Shein looked at the series of codes that Jade wrote. "It''s a calculator!" he exclaimed when he finally figured out what she was making.


    "Calculator? What is that?" Jade didn''t know what she was making. All she wanted to do was to know if the skill or talent she remembered can be of any use.


    "Give me a sec." he used her phone to search for calculator app and showed it to Jade. "Is this what you are trying to make?"


    "Yes, that''s it." Jade admitted when she saw the simple calculator app.


    "You know how to make this?" Shein can''t believe that he found a talent.


    "I saw someone making this and I remembered it clearly. I can type what''s in my mind."


    "Wow! That''s amazing, Jade. Go on and finish it. I''ll show it to your Mom and Dad." Shein was extremely excited to find a genius. His grinning face couldn''t hide his happiness anymore.


    After an hour, Jade finished what she wanted to make and showed it to Shein. "I am done, Uncle."


    Riley captured a photo of Jade''s work and sent it to the chat. "This is what she was making for an hour."


    The message caused an uproar to their group chat. Jillyanna found herself a genius, kind, adorable and sweet daughter.


    ''I am indeed lucky.'' she stated mentally while reading the messages.


    "I didn''t know if Jade understand what was battle of wit means but, she is actually doing it." Travis commented with a faint smile. "She''s a rough diamond that needed to be polished. Too bad for Damien, he abandoned a trump card."

 Chapter 445 - WEDDING PREPARATION I

    Before school starts in June next year, Jade had a full-load schedule. Spend time with her grandparents or aunties or uncles in the morning while learning different things. Visiting her mother in the afternoon and spend time with her doing different things that they can enjoy. Saturday morning was scheduled to study computers with Shein. Whole Sunday was playing pretend with her biological father.


    Time quickly passed and it was three days before the wedding. Jillyanna was permitted to go home for the meantime until the wedding end of her wedding.


    "Mommy! I saw the dress that was made for me! It was very beautiful! I look like a real princess." Jade excitedly stated towards Jillyanna who was sitting on the couch in the living room.


    "You are our little princess and you will attend Mommy''s wedding." Jillyanna mumbled. She was excited too. She haven''t seen the venue or the reception or anything. All she knew was that her wedding gown was luxurious and grand.


    "Mommy, can I come with Auntie Riley to the preparation? I want to help, too."


    "But if you go there, Mommy will be alone."


    "Right. I will just stay with mommy." Jade responded with a smile. "Mommy, Daddy said you have something to show me."


    "Hn. It''s an important place to me." Jillyanna stood up and held Jade''s hand before leading her to the rooms behind the bookshelves. She already asked Travis to place the bookshelves somewhere so that Jade will have an easy access to the place. "These are my rooms when I was little. Now, it is sort of storage room for my personal stuff."


    Jade looked around and found a large picture frame of her late parents. "Who is this beautiful bride and handsome groom?"


    "That''s my biological parents."


    "Huh? You are adopted, too?" Jade was really surprised to know that.


    "Yup. My father died when I was six or probably seven years old. He left us during his sickness so I didn''t know he was dead already. I thought he was still a live. Did you see the small flower bed under the mango tree?"


    "Yes."


    "That''s where my father was being buried."


    "Oh. That''s why Auntie Riley told me to make sure that I don''t step on the flowers. How about your mother?"


    "My mother died when I was twelve due to an accident. Then, I got adopted later on."


    "I didn''t see Daddy''s mother. Is she gone, too?"


    "Yes. A year after my mother died, she also passed away. My mother and your Daddy''s mother were best friends."


    "That is really sad. But they must be watching us from heaven. Grandpa Lewis always told me that my mother and baby sister are watching me from heaven."


    Jillyanna caressed the girl''s cheeks. She''s very small but she knows a lot. Once you tell her something, she would remember it carefully and store it in her amazing brain.


    "You can use this place, too. You can play here. You can also study here. You can choose whichever room you want to use."


    "Thank you, Mommy." Jade threw herself to her mother and hugged her carefully, making sure that she wasn''t hurting the tummy.


    "You are very much welcome, sweetheart."


    Since they couldn''t leave the house and everyone was busy for the wedding preparation, the two of them spent their time inside Jillyanna''s personal space. She read books to Jade, answered her questions, wrote letters and numbers, drew different things and color them. They only took breaks for lunch and snack time.


    Travis was busy coordinating with everyone at the reception, at the church and the construction happening for expanding the area of their place. The last thing was something Jillyanna and Jade was unaware of.


    On Friday, they only managed to finish designing half of the reception hall. The wedding church was almost done since it didn''t need so much decoration.


    The twins and Shein came home together from the reception. Even after the whole day of work, they were still full of energy.


    "I am so excited for this wedding." Riley mentioned as they walked inside the house.


    "Me too. When I saw the reception hall, it was so huge that I was really surprised." Jackie added.


    "Huge indeed. We only manage to finish half of it." Shein agreed to her.


    Jade heard them from the room and asked Jillyanna if they could go out already. Jillyanna let her go and she ran to Riley immediately.


    "Auntie, is the place really big?" she asked with her round eyes, eagerly waiting for Riley''s answer.


    "It is. You will be very surprise on Sunday." responded to the child. "Did you try your dress already?"


    "Hn! I tried it earlier and it was perfectly fit. I was afraid to damage it so I took it off immediately."


    "That''s fine. We will see you on Sunday wearing it. I am sure you will be very pretty." Jackie told the child with a smile.


    "How''s the preparation?" Jillyanna asked them softly when she got out of the room, closing the door behind.


    "When big bro said this will be grand, it is really a grand wedding. I saw the wedding church and it would take you two minutes to walk down the aisle. Since you will have to walk slower, I guess the guests will have to wait three to four minutes before you reach your groom." Riley answered with a grin. Her eyes were shining as if she was the one who was getting married.


    "Not only that, the reception hall was very big. I think it can fit five hundred people inside. We only manage to decorate half of the place." Jackie mentioned to her.


    Jillyanna didn''t know what to say. Since Travis wanted to surprise her, she didn''t know what he was up to. Even now, he was busy in the study room doing things on his own, without letting her worry about anything.


    "I see. Go and wash up now. Auntie Fei and Auntie Sisi are almost done cooking our dinner." Jillyanna could only say these words since her mind was still imagining the kind of grand that Travis wanted.


    "Mommy, how grand is grand?" Jade asked her since she didn''t know what grand was.


    "We have different personal meaning of grand but I guess your Daddy''s grand is a very very very big event. Let''s just see it on Sunday. I haven''t seen it myself."

 Chapter 446 - WEDDING PREPARATION II

    Later that night, as they lie down on their bed, Jillyanna asked Travis the question that Jade asked her.


    "How grand is grand?" she mumbled, wrapping her arms on his waist for a hug.


    Travis kissed her forehead and placed his hand on her back. "I don''t know how to measure a grand event. In my mind, I just want this wedding to be memorable for you. After all, our marriage registration was followed by an accident."


    "I''m kind of a little nervous." Jillyanna honestly admitted how she felt. "We still have several enemies our there. I don''t want this wedding to be ruined by them."


    "Don''t worry about that. Your teacher will be coming back tomorrow with the guards."


    "Okay." She was just about to close her eyes when she remembered something. "Do you know who buy the area next to ours?"


    "Why?"


    "I was actually planning to buy that place. I didn''t remember it until I saw the construction going on."


    "Oh. I didn''t pay attention to that area either." Travis lied. He was the one who bought the place with cooperation from everyone.


    They all wanted to settle down and have a place of their own. Valkyrie and Brown didn''t want to stay far away from them thus, they needed a place to stay close. Hawk wanted to surprise Savannah with a house since he was already planning to propose to her after their next two missions. Winter and Gabriel wanted to have their own space as well. Shein and Riley wanted to invest for a house, too. In the end, they bought the area next to Jillyanna. It was a huge lot and can accommodate five large houses.


    Travis made sure that it will be connected with their space so that he can build a fountain, plant different kinds of flowers, chinese bamboo and a pond of koi fish.


    Jillyanna didn''t know anything about this.


    "What do you want that place for?" Travis asked to see if he can make adjustment according to her plan.


    "I was planning to give Riley and Shein their own house. And build another one for Jackie. I don''t really want these three to be away from me."


    "I see." his perfunctory remark made her sleepier. ''I''ll ask Jackie about his plan.'' he noted it mentally in order to make adjustments.


    Next morning, Travis woke up earlier than her. Since he couldn''t leave her alone, she sent Jackie a text instead. "Do you want to build a house near your sister''s place?"


    Jackie was on her way downstairs when she received the message. She stopped at the foot of the stairs and replied to him. "I talked to grandpa and grandma Shan already. They already sold their land area to me."


    "I see. That is good then. Jill told me that she didn''t want to be far away from the three of you."


    The land area owned by grandpa and grandma Shan wasn''t really big. It was a 100 meter square area that covered both their house and Jenny''s previous place until the border to Jillyanna''s house.


    Jackie talked to them before if they have any relatives who will inherit the land but they immediately offered to sell the place to her instead. She agreed to it and they already signed the documents. However, she didn''t let them leave the place. She asked them to stay until the end.


    Grandpa Shan and grandma Shan were thankful to Jillyanna''s family. They''ve been very kind to them even though they were not blood related.


    Since Jackie already found her own place, Travis got one less thing to worry about. He cuddled with his wife and waited for her to wake up.


    Jackie found Riley and Shein cooking with Auntie Fei. Jade was currently drinking a glass of milk and watching them cook.


    "Good morning." she greeted them while pouring a glass of warm water to herself.


    "Good morning Auntie Jackie." Jade greeted back with a smile, a milk mustache was covering her upper lip.


    "How''s your sleep?" Jackie asked her while wiping the mustache of milk away.


    "I was so excited for the wedding that I didn''t get to sleep early." Jade informed her.


    "Then, get some sleep later. You need to be beautiful tomorrow."


    "Hn. I will do that."


    They had their breakfast together with Jade and left early to meet with the organizer at the reception hall. They still needed to finish the decoration.


    Jade was playing in the living room when Valkyrie and Brown came down with sleepy faces.


    "What time did you come home last night pretty uncle?" Jade asked as if she was asking her son. "You should not stay very late outside."


    Brown almost tripped on his own feet if it wasn''t for Valkyrie who immediately grabbed his hands.


    "My little Jade, I came home early last night. You just didn''t notice it."


    "Are you sure? Lying is bad."


    "We came home around nine last night." Brown admitted defeat and just told her the truth. "How can you be so perceptive?" he reached his hand and lightly pinched his cheek.


    "It''s because you still look sleepy. I thought you might have come home late."


    "There are different things that will cause someone to be sleepy. You will understand it once you are old enough." Valkyrie told Jade which the little girl just blinked her round eyes.


    Brown kicked Valkyrie''s foot for spouting nonsense again. If it wasn''t because of him, he wouldn''t be sleepy right now. They they got home early, he got the chance to sleep after midnight. Valkyrie was just so hungry he didn''t know how to satiate him anymore.


    "Pretty uncle, kicking is bad also."


    Valkyrie chuckled and kissed little Jade''s cheek. "Our little Jade is really kind and sensible. That''s why everyone loves you." He carried her up in his arms and brought her to the kitchen. "Did you eat breakfast already?"


    "Hn. I ate with Auntie Jackie, Auntie Riley and Uncle Shein."


    "They left already?"


    "Hn. They said that they will finish the decoration at the reception today."

 Chapter 447 - WEDDING PREPARATION III

    Inside the reception hall, Shein was busy installing the small cameras. He was in charge of the footage to make sure that no one will come to destroy the event. He place some on the stage, in several flower vases, walls, and he even asked someone to get a folding metal stairs so that he can climb up to place some cameras on the chandeliers.


    Riley was busy arranging the flowers with the other people. They decided to do the flower arrangement that day to keep the flowers fresh until the next day. The room was cold so the flowers would not dry up that easily. Jackie was busy arranging the chairs and table, as well as the tablewares and table napkins.


    They had to arrange everything accordingly, including the place where instruments of the bands can be placed, the area where the host can stay, the area for gifts, and the entrance-exit of the place.


    All waiters and staff were chosen by Savannah and Hawk. Even during the preparation, they were checked everytime they got inside and went out. They were very strict with security matters.


    Once it was time to leave, no one was allowed to get inside the venue as well. If you forget anything, you will have to wait for the security to retrieve your things. They didn''t want anyone to tamper anything inside the place.


    Shein was the one with the most tiring responsibility. He would need to monitor the whole place from morning to night, until everyone gets out safely.


    It wasn''t until three in the afternoon that they finished everything. Shein stretched out his body and yawned.


    "The problem lies with the food tomorrow." he commented while packing up his things.


    "Don''t worry about that. The teacher came home earlier and she will come tomorrow morning to monitor the food. The security will be tightened as well." Jackie informed them the information she knew.


    "I am a bit nervous." Riley stated while her heart was pounding in her chest. She didn''t know for what reason but she felt really nervous.


    "You don''t have to be nervous. Everything will be fine." Jackie gently rubbed her twin''s head.


    They watched the other people leave the place before the walked following them.


    "You didn''t forget anything?" Hawk asked since he was the one tasked to deal with the security in the reception.


    "Hn. We are all good. Let''s go home." The three of them went home together. Hawk went to the wedding church and picked up Savannah first before going back to the hacienda.


    "Tonight, Winter and I will go to Jillyanna''s house for preparation." Savannah mentioned to her boyfriend on their way back.


    "Should I just drop you there and picked up the men? I think it will save time." Hawk suggested.


    "I think that will be fine." Instead of going back to the hacienda, Hawk sent her to Jillyanna''s house.


    "Hawk! Come and help me bring these suits." Valkyrie called out while holding on to several hangers in his hand.


    Hawk took some from him and placed it inside the car. The folded the seats to make sure that there will be enough space for the hanger stand.


    Travis was still reluctant to go. He hated the tradition of not seeing the bride before the wedding day. It was making him anxious.


    "We will be fine here. We are all fighters. Nothing will happen to me." Jillyanna tried reassuring him once again.


    "If anything comes up, call me as soon as possible, okay?"


    "Yes, sir!" Jillyanna even made a salute to him. Travis kissed him and left to find his daughter.


    Jade was currently talking to Savannah and the other women. They were all excited for the wedding which will happen the next day.


    "Daddy, are you leaving now?" Jade asked when she saw him walking towards her.


    "Hn." Travis squatted down to level his eyes with hers. "Daddy will prepare for the wedding. You will stay with Mommy here. You know what to do already, right?"


    "Yes, Daddy. I remember what you said." Jade nodded her head.


    Just a precaution, Travis told her to hide if something bad happens.


    "Alright. That''s my good girl. I''ll have to go now." He placed a tender kiss on the girl''s head and left.


    Everyone knew why Travis was reluctant to leave. This event can be taken advantage of and their enemies might take action against them.


    "Take care, Daddy." Jade shouted and watched the cars leave one after the other. She waved her small hands at them even though they were already out of sight.


    Not long after they left, Cielo, Sky and Jenny arrived. "Hi Jade. How are you?" Cielo asked the little girl who was still standing at the porch.


    "I am fine and a little sad."


    "Why are you sad?" Sky asked her granddaughter at once. She held on to her hand and led her back inside.


    "Because Daddy had to leave."


    "Oh..I see. It''s part of the ceremony. You will see your daddy tomorrow."


    "I still hate it." Jade was very honest with her feelings at all. The only person she wasn''t honest to was her biological father. She needed to pretend okay even when she didn''t like the person at all.


    Sky talked to her to help the child calm down. In the end, they baked cookies to let her forget her sadness.


    Since the wedding will start at ten in the morning the next day, the girls had an early dinner so that they can also take an early rest.


    Despite of saying it was an early rest, only Jade was sleeping beside her mother. Jillyanna was wide awake and she was currently sending messages to her teacher.


    "Just for this day, can you ask the others to come over? I can''t feel at ease at all." Jillyanna texted.


    "I already informed them yesterday to come over tonight. They will be staying in a hotel few kilometers from the church and the reception. I know you won''t be settled down so don''t worry. You can sleep peacefully. We''ll wake you up once the make-up artists and hair artists are here."


    "Thank you teacher."


    Jillyanna cuddled her daughter close and slept. The other women were in the living room, chatting happily, they couldn''t sleep because of excitement and a little nervousness.

 Chapter 448 - THE GRAND WEDDING I

    They chatted among themselves and didn''t notice the time. It was already three in the morning when Jenny noticed the clock on her phone.


    "Ah! We need to prepare now." she exclaimed which caught everyone''s attention. They all looked at their phones and found the time.


    "Oh no! They will be here at four. We need to hurry." Winter stood up and ran towards the guests room.


    "You girls go ahead. Don''t wake up Yanna yet. Let her sleep for a while. I''ll cook us a light breakfast." Sky went to the kitchen followed by the teacher and Savannah.


    "Let us help you Auntie. It would be quicker if we work together." Savannah commented. She didn''t need to do any make-up or style her hair since she was tasked to secure the place. All she needed was her black suit, black pants, black heels and ear piece.


    The three of them prepared their meals and they included a portion for the make-up artists and hair stylists in case they haven''t eaten yet. They also made snacks in case they would get hungry in the middle of their work.


    The other women were busy bathing and cleaning themselves while the mother and daughter was still asleep.


    As expected by everyone, the make-up artists and hair stylists arrived few minutes before the clock strikes four in the morning.


    Jenny was first to finish her bath and was currently wearing her robe. She put on her underwear and cycling as well as her strapless bra. She didn''t bother drying her hair and went out to eat her breakfast.


    Sky entertained the guests in the living room and gave them some snack since they already ate early breakfast, too.


    "It''s fine to leave the bride as the last one right? She is really frail and needed more rest." Sky told them.


    "Yes, ma''am. No problem. The wedding is still at ten so she can still sleep. We will work with the entourage first." one of them responded to Sky.


    After getting their confirmation, she left them alone so that they can set up their things. Cielo came down as well to eat her breakfast. Riley and Jackie came down together. Winter was the last one to come down.


    They had their breakfast and Sky made a different set of meal for Jillyanna based on the recipe that Travis made specially for her.


    Jenny finished first so she went back to her room and changed into her dress before coming out again.


    "You really have a nice skin. What skin scare do you use darling?" the make-up artists asked her.


    "I don''t know the names of those things. My sister bought them and left instructions for me but I don''t know where she got them." Jenny answered honestly since her sister was the one who was more concern of her skin than her. Personally, she didn''t care about her skin or her face but Jillyanna insisted of buying those Korean products and left instructions about their used since there wasn''t any English translation for some of the products.


    "I see. Let''s just use light make up for you to match up with your skin tone."


    While someone was doing her make-up, another person was also drying her hair before styling it to save time. There were four people who will accommodate them. Two for each person. Since Jillyanna didn''t have many entourage, it wouldn''t take time.


    It would take half an hour for each person before they could finish styling the hair and finish the make up. They weren''t in a hurry though since they were paid for a whole day.


    Around six in the morning, Cheska was sent by her driver. She didn''t get to stay with them last night because of her last minute patient.


    She went to the guest room, the one Winter was using and changed into her dress. "Where''s Jillyanna?" she asked since she didn''t see the bride anywhere.


    "She is still sleeping with her daughter. They will be the last one to have their make-up and hair style." Winter responded to her as she helped Cheska zip her dress on her back.


    "I am so excited to see the little princess. I haven''t seen her in person but she was already making everyone happy. She was also adorable in her pictures and videos." Cheska exclaimed happily. She likes children which was the reason why she became an OB, to make sure that the baby will develop healthily inside the womb. She likes watching them come out of their mom''s tummy as well. She likes to hear their first cry, indicating the start of a life.


    "You will see her soon. Let''s go down so you can eat breakfast first." Winter came out and Cheska was following behind her.


    "This wedding is full of pretty ladies." the make-up artist commented while watching the ladies on the side.


    "Thanks for the compliment." Cheska mumbled with a smile. She went to the kitchen while Winter went to sit on a vacant couch, waiting for her turn.


    Jillyanna woke up first and checked the time on the clock on top of her bedside table. It was just few minutes after six. She closed her eyes again and breathed deeply before releasing it. She looked at the girl who was still snuggling close to her.


    "Jade?" she called softly to her while caressing her face. "Wake up sleepy head. Mr. Sun is shining on your butt already."


    Jade pulled the blanket with her eyes close. "Mr. Sun can''t see my butt." she mumbled lazily making Jillyanna laugh. When she heard her mother''s soft laughter, she opened her eyes immediately. "Mommy, what time is it?"


    "It is six in the morning."


    "Mommy, we have to hurry. It''s your wedding day!" Jade climbed down on the bed and looked for her slippers.


    "Just calm down. We won''t be late." Jillyanna reminded her child. She also climbed down off the bed and looked for her slippers.


    Jade helped her arrange their bed before going to the door. "Mommy, I will take a bath in my room and come back here to change."


    "Okay. Make sure to properly wash your hair. Don''t forget to brush your teeth." Jade nodded her hair at these reminders before finally going out.


    While they were busy preparing for the wedding, some other people were busy preparing to destroy them.


    "Boss, the day has finally come. You can avenge the ruins of your family."


    "Right boss. Your father will be happy to hear that you take revenge for them."


    Ryden smirked and a cold glint flashed across his eyes. "I will make sure she''ll pay for what she did. My father was the mayor and she ruined our name. I will not just ruin her wedding but her whole peaceful life."

 Chapter 449 - THE GRAND WEDDING II

    Jade took a shower in her own room, washed her hair properly as reminded by her mother. She brushed her teeth right after the shower and wrapped her self with the purple bathrobe that Jackie bought for her,


    ''Knock! Knock! Knock!''


    Jillyanna opened the door and found her daughter standing outside with her hair wrapped in a towel. "Come inside. I''ll help you with your dress."


    Jade went side and sat on the chair in front of the vanity mirror while her mother took the hair dryer. "Mommy, I can dry my hair for me. You don''t have to move around."


    "Thank you sweetheart but, mommy is fine doing this little thing for you." Jillyanna unwrapped the child''s towel to start drying her hair. "We will just make sure that no water would drip from your hair. You don''t want to ruin your dress, right?"


    Jade nodded her head and shrugged her shoulders. She can''t really do anything when it was her mother. She sat still and watched the beautiful woman dry her hair from the mirror''s reflection.


    "I love you, mommy." Jade whispered, thinking that Jillyanna won''t hear her but she was wrong. Jillyanna heard it loud and clear.


    "I love you, too sweetheart. Mommy and Daddy loves you. Everyone loves you so much." Jillyanna stated with equal fondness. She really likes the girl. If not because of her condition, she wanted to have another baby with Travis. However, it wasn''t even a guarantee if she would survive after giving birth to her first baby.


    She didn''t really completely dry Jade''s hair. It was still a little damp but, it was enough not to ruin the dress. "Alright. Let''s change you to your beautiful dress."


    Jillyanna asked Riley before to make sure that there will be a dress for Jade on her wedding day and Riley did as per instruction. They didn''t know that Travis contacted the designer to make sure that Jade''s dress will match up with Jillyanna''s wedding gown. It was clearly an indication that he cares for the little girl and an obvious announcement of the mother-daughter pair.


    Jade changed into her cute little dress while Jillyanna put on her wedding gown, too. She felt a little nervous mixed with extreme excitement and happiness. ''Okay, let''s calm down. It''s not your first time getting married. You also wore a wedding gown after your marriage registration.'' Jillyanna told herself mentally while she calmed her hair. She can''t afford to have a relapse on the most important day of her life.


    "Are you ready to go our, Mommy?"


    "Hn. Let''s go."


    They were both wearing a glass silver sandals to match themselves and they wore a matching dress. When the Queen and the Princess came out, everyone''s eyes were glued into them.


    "So beautiful." Jackie murmured in mesmerized countenance. She was really amazed and surprised to see how beautiful Jillyanna and Jade was.


    Jillyanna was always beautiful but she never thought that her sister would become even more beautiful. "Pregnancy can really enhance someone''s beauty."


    "Really?! I want to get pregnant, too." Riley exclaimed which earned a scolding look from everyone. She scratched the tip of her nose and grinned at them. "I was just joking."


    "What a lovely mother and daughter pair!" one of the hair stylist complimented with his clasped hands.


    Sky walked towards her daughter and helped her descend from the stairs to make sure that she won''t trip. Jade was walking gracefully towards the make-up artist. "Hello! I''m Jade. I want to have the same make-up and hair style as my mother."


    "Okay sweetheart. Let''s ask your mom what style she wants." the make-up artist and hair stylist waited for Jillyanna to come over.


    "Can I choose while I eat my breakfast?" Jillyanna asked them.


    "Sure Mrs. Madrigal." they gave her the hair style brochure so that she can check them while she ate her breakfast with Jade. They didn''t take long though. Since they had a light meal, it only took them quarter an hour to finish their food. Jillyanna found the style that she wanted and that can match with Jade as well.


    Jade was sitting quietly while watching her reflection on the mirror in front of her. They were drying her hair completely before styling it.


    Jillyanna''s hair was braided from the side of her head ''til the tips. Then, the hair stylist used the braid to form a bun on top of her head. They put several hair clips to keep her hair in place. They pulled some strands to the side of her ear to gave a sense of elegance.


    They did they same thing to Jade. The only difference was that, Jillyanna would wear a tiara on to hold down her veil but Jade wore a silver hairpin with a blue butterfly and cherry blossoms on its end. She looked like a little princess from Old Chinese Dynasty while her mom had a look of a European Queen.


    "I wish I have a daughter like you." the hair stylist commented to Jade. "You are so pretty."


    "Thank you. I wish you will have a beautiful daughter, too." Jade responded with a smile.


    They knew it was impossible for a gay to produce a beautiful baby like her but they still smiled for her well-wishes. Jade watched the man''s eyes and she knew in that moment that he was like his pretty uncle. They were the same.


    "If you can''t give birth, you can find beautiful children in an orphanage. You can adopt one by then." Jade stated calmly. Everyone looked at her but they couldn''t understand her way of thinking at all.


    "Thank you for the suggestion." the man said before leaving her to the make-up artist to finish.


    "Mrs. Madrigal, your daughter is very perceptive and smart." the hair stylist whispered which made Jillyanna chuckle.


    "Hn. She is."


    They continued to work before they would ran out of time. They still have more than two hours before the wedding would start.


    In the hacienda, all the boys were done and prepared. After all, they didn''t need to do anything extra like make up and hair styles. Hair wax and hair gel would be enough for them to keep their hair in place.

 Chapter 450 - THE GRAND WEDDING III

    One hour before the wedding would start, people started pouring inside the Metropolitan Cathedral of Sain Vitalis. Family, friends, business partners, artists, and people from different walks of life came one after another.


    The church wasn''t heavily guarded since it was a sanctuary of God and they believed that Jillyanna''s enemies won''t take action inside the place.


    Though there weren''t that many guards, Shein''s small cameras can see all nook and cranny of the place. It was a high definition cameras so everyone looked very clear in front of his screen.


    They arrived earlier and he was currently waiting for Savannah inside the car. They already planned to have Savannah monitor the place since she was assigned with the security matters. Once the wedding is done, Shein will take over and keep all securities in check at the reception.


    The bride''s maids were supposed to come first but Winter and Jackie stayed with Jillyanna to make sure that they can fight an ambush. In fact, it was the only wedding were bride''s maids and groom''s men were secretly armed.


    Forty minutes before the wedding, Top drove the limousine in front of Jillyanna''s house. Jade, Winter, Jackie and Jillyanna went inside. They were the last to leave the house.


    Jade was sitting beside her mother and her hand kept touching the ruby on the center of her chest. "Mommy, are we returning this gown to the man who made them?"


    "Nope. This is ours. Why?"


    "Oh, that''s great! I really thought I''d have to let go of this beautiful dress." Jade responded happily. She really liked it because it was matching to Jillyanna''s wedding dress and she didn''t want to let go of such piece.


    If Jade was busy touching the stone, Jackie was busy touching on the knives hidden beneath her dress. Her eyes kept looking at the sceneries outside to makes sure that no one can approach Jillyanna.


    Actually, their worry was grounded. Their enemy can easily ambush them. However, they never imagined their enemies to be idiots. Ryden didn''t know about the ceremonial belief of separating the man and woman before the wedding day. He never anticipated that Travis will leave the house. He didn''t know as well that Jillyanna would go to the church with all women, except Top, around her. He was foolish enough to focus all his men to the hotel reception. His men were equally foolish and idiots because they didn''t think of that as well.


    Therefore, Jillyanna arrived at the church without any problems.


    Savanna was currently sitting inside the van that Shein brought. Inside her monitors and speakers showing the church view from different angles.


    Quarter and hour before the wedding starts, all the entourage were ready and have lined up with their partners. The ring bearer and the bible bearer were from Winter''s family. Though she hated her family, she couldn''t change the fact that they were still relatives to Travis. She doesn''t have any grudges to her nephew so she still smiled at them whenever they would greet her.


    "Whose daughter is that pretty little girl? She''s very lovely." one of the guests whispered to her colleague.


    "I don''t know. I haven''t seen that child."


    "Her eyes looked like someone I knew from city B." one of the men murmured.


    "Travis and Jillyanna don''t have relatives in city B. That''s impossible."


    "She is really cute."


    Jade was standing behind the two boys and she was smiling towards the guests while holding her basket of flowers.


    "Look at her smile! She''s very cute!"


    "Whoever the parents of this child are very lucky."


    The two little boys turned towards Jade since she garnered so many attention. They wanted to know who she was.


    "Hi! I am Jemson Avery and this is my cousin Kyle Avery. Little sister, what is your name?" Jemson asked politely, still holding the heart shaped pillow which contained the wedding rings.


    "My name is Jade Venus Madrigal. Nice to meet you."


    Not only Jemson and Kyle but, the guests got confused as well. They knew that Thomas had one son and that was Travis. They knew that Travis didn''t have a daughter. And most of all, she was named after his mother Venus Avery Madrigal.


    "She is a Madrigal? And she is, at most, five or six years old. Did Travis fool around before? I don''t think he is that kind of man."


    "How did Travis get a beautiful daughter?"


    Because Jade was named after Venus, everybody almost thought that Jade was a hidden daughter of Travis which was really funny.


    "If you are Uncle Travis'' daughter, then that makes us cousins." Jemson spoke once again. Kyle was just watching them talk to each other.


    Jade was about to respond when the bell rang to indicate the start of the wedding. The violinists and pianist started the wedding song which was Canon in D major composed by Johann Pachelbel started already.


    Jemson and Kyle went back to their position and counted from one to three before taking a step forward. They were smiling happily to the guests and all pictures taken were loved by the photographers.


    Jade took a handful of petals and threw them every step of the way. She was clearly enjoying her task and all the guests were really curious to her identity. She was so pretty and her eyes were full of life. She looked like a flower fairy in her pictures and the photographer couldn''t stop taking pictures of her.


    "I''ll try asking Mr. and Mrs. Madrigal if their daughter can model for me. She is really a star." the photographer murmured while looking at the pictures he got.


    When his team was contacted to do the take video and pictures on the wedding, he was really grateful that someone likes their works. And now, his happiness was doubled because he found a cute little muse.


    The reason why he knew she was the Madrigal''s daughter was because of her hair and dress. Jillyanna was already standing behind the door with her father and before he came inside he saw the style of her dress and hair. Among all the entourage, only the little girl matched up with Jillyanna''s style.

 Chapter 451 - THE GRAND WEDDING IV

    As soon as the entourage reached the end of the aisle, the double door was immediately opened by the guard and the lovely bride came into view.


    The dressmaker was really a genius. You wouldn''t know that she was pregnant unless you watched her from the side view.


    She stood at the door, everyone was looking at her but her eyes was glued to the man at the end to the aisle, waiting for her to arrive. He was dazzling and handsome. He looked like a modern prince from England with his white suit. The smile on his lips could take one''s breath away.


    She felt like she was floating towards him. She didn''t know how she managed it but, she didn''t trip on her dress even when she wasn''t watching her steps. She even had to blink her eyes twice because she thought there were just two of them. She thought the guests all faded out in the background.


    "You know what Dad, I never imagined that this day would come." Jillyanna spoke to her father. She cleared her throat to hold back her tears which were threatening to fall on her cheeks. "I was hellbent in escaping him before. I didn''t know that staying with him would bring so much happiness in my life. If Cheska didn''t tell Diego about me and if Diego didn''t inform Travis about me, I would miss this lifetime of happiness."


    "When you are meant to be, no matter how you want to escape, your destiny will bring you back to meet him." Alex responded to his daughter. He, himself, didn''t expect this to happen as well. They were all ready to support her being a single mom. Who would have thought that Travis would come and change her life. "I am happy to have him as my son-in-law, a loving husband and a great father to his children."


    As she walked down the aisle, someone in the crowd clutched his chest. He loved her for so many years, though he got busy at some point, she was still in his mind. Now, he was watching her walk down the aisle to the man that she loves and who loves her back.


    "I can''t believe I am attending her wedding." Natsu mumbled to himself while watching Jillyanna walk on the red carpet. She was really beautiful but, too bad he wasn''t the man waiting at the altar.


    Jillyanna looked around the crowd and she spotted Natsu Azumi looking at her. Her smile widened and she managed to mouth her words of ''Thank you!'' to him.


    Natsu could only look back at her and smile. This time, their line of relationship can only be friends. She promised to forgive him and to become his friend on her wedding day. As a noble man, be wouldn''t covet someone who was already owned by someone. It wasn''t his personality to force someone to be in a relationship with him.


    Savannah was also watching Jillyanna from the monitor. When she paused shortly and looked to a certain someone, she couldn''t help but looked towards the crowd as well. There she saw the very familiar face of her cousin.


    "It can''t be him, right?" Savannah asked herself. To be sure, she turned on her earpiece and asked Hawk who was at the hotel reception. "Can you check if we have a guest named Natsu Azumi."


    "Wait for a while." Hawk checked the lists of names from the woman at the door. She was the one in charge to get the invitation and check their names. "Yes, we do."


    "Oh crap! How did he became acquainted with Jillyanna and Travis? He isn''t here to take me back, right?"


    "I am not sure about that." Hawk responded. "Don''t worry, we''ll figure out a way. I won''t let him take you away."


    "Thanks. I''ll count on you." she muted her earpiece and check the monitor again. Even though she said those words, worry still lingers in her heart. She didn''t want to go back to Japan.


    Not long after, Jillyanna reached the end of the aisle and she was handed to Travis. Travis took her hand and led her to the altar where they will take their seats.


    The priest preceded over the wedding and started the ceremony. They priest read over some gospel for them and thoughtful remarks, including his blessing and well-wishes for them. Then, he turned towards Travis to ask the question that everyone was waiting for. "Do you, Travis Madrigal, take Jillyanna Madrid, to be your legally wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part, according to God''s holy ordinance; and thereto you pledge her your faith?"


    Travis looked at his wife with a huge smile, brimming with happiness and joy. "I do."


    "Do you, Jillyanna Madrid, take Travis Madrigal, to be your legally wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part, according to God''s holy ordinance; and thereto you pledge him your faith?"


    Jillyanna clutched the bouquet of flowers in her hand and turned to Travis with a sweet smile. "I do."


    The priest raised his hand and blessed them. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."


    "Kiss her hard!" Diego yelled in a joking manner.


    "You idiot! Do you want the bride to collapse?" Valkyrie retorted.


    "Wetwew!" Brown whistled making everyone laugh.


    Jillyanna turned towards her husband, the one she registered her marriage to, the person she would always look forward to see every waking moment and before closing her eyes to sleep.


    She thought the time stopped when all she could see and think was him. He lifted the veil covering her face and placed it over her back.


    "I love you."


    "I love you, too."


    And just like how they always do it, Travis cupped her face, leaned closer and kissed his lips. It wasn''t a French kiss but it he kissed her longer than a peck. He can''t kiss her hard or she might collapse in front of everyone.


    When he pulled away from her, everyone gave them a round of applause, well-wishes and congratulations. Jade was jumping up and down on the wooden from so much joy.


    "Be careful, Jade." Winter reminded the little girl in case she''d slip and fall.


    "Auntie Winter, Mommy and Daddy are now married. We are one big happy family now."


    "Hn. You''ve got one big happy family." Winter rubbed the child''s head lightly.

 Chapter 452 - THE GRAND WEDDING V

    The wedding ceremony took an hour before it officially ended which was planned in order to have lunch with the guests.


    Jillyanna and Travis got inside the limousine and waited for Jade who was carried off by Valkyrie.


    "Where are we going after this Uncle Matt?" Jade asked while she was being carried out of the church. She can see almost everyone from her top view.


    "We are going to the hotel reception. We will eat with everyone." Valkyrie answered.


    "Really?!" her round eyes of surprise made everyone smile happily at her. "We are all eating together?! All of us?! This many?! Are we even going to fit in one table?"


    "You will find out soon." Valkyrie opened the door and gave her to Travis. "Don''t worry about anything, the security was tightened with Major General Calhoun and my father." he informed Travis shortly. He closed the door after and watched Top drove the car out of the place.


    Shein went towards his own van and checked Savannah who was busy checking the crowd. "Are we taking off the cameras?"


    "Nope. We''ll take it tomorrow. That''s what I promised to the priest." Shein responded.


    Cars of different brands, different sizes and colors followed the limousine towards the hotel where the reception was held.


    "Oh my god! This wedding costs several tens of millions." one of the guests exclaimed when they saw the name of the hotel and the venue. It was none other than Hyatt Regency Hotel. It might not be the most expensive hotel in the world but it still expensive for common people. And to think that they booked the largest hall, several numbers of rooms for the entourage and their personal use, they thought that Travis spent a lot of money.


    "Boss, the groom and bride arrived." one of the men reported to Ryden.


    "Go to your respective position. Don''t do anything until I say so." Ryden picked up his gun and knives from the table. He was staying in one of the hotel rooms, too. In fact, he was staying on the floor next to Jillyanna''s. He couldn''t get a room in the same floor as her since Travis booked the whole floor for their family, friends or any guests who wanted to take a rest.


    "Wow! This is indeed a very huge place." Jade stated while walking in between her mother and father. "Are we going to eat here with all these guests?"


    "Hn." Jillyanna nodded her head. As they walked down the aisle, Jade saw Atty. Lewis standing with some gentlemen.


    "Grandpa!" Jade exclaimed happily. "Mom, can I go to grandpa Lewis?"


    "Sure." Jillyanna and Travis let go of her hand.


    She ran immediately towards the old man and hugged him. "Grandpa, how are you?"


    The other guests were watching her making interaction with the old man. She looked extremely pleased to see him.


    "I''ve been doing great little Jade. How about you?" Atty. Lewis looked at the child who seemed to be more livelier compared to the time she was in the orphanage.


    "I am so happy grandpa. Everyone was taking good care of me. They bought me so many things and they taught me different skills." Jade responded enthusiastically. "Last time, I played with Uncle Shein''s computer. I also baked cookies with grandmother Sky. Mommy, helped me make a bracelet, too. She reached for her small pouch and took a personalized bracelet. "This is for you grandpa."


    "Wow! This is beautiful. Thank you."


    "You''re welcome grandpa."


    While they spoke to each other, other businessmen who saw Jade talking to the old man gasped in astonishment. "Isn''t that Atty. Lewis who never lose in any court case?"


    "The one who was rumored to be dead?"


    "No, he didn''t die. He was taken by Anton Xavier."


    "The one who owned the largest shoe company in our city?"


    "Yes, that Anton."


    "Then, how did he become acquainted with the little girl?"


    "I don''t know. I didn''t pay attention to him anymore. He stopped taking cases as well."


    They were curious about so many things but Jillyanna and Travis didn''t care about it. He was busy coordinating with his men to secure the place. Jillyanna was busy calming her heart as well.


    Jillyanna''s teacher was at the hotel''s kitchen, checking the food to make sure that no one tampered it. Before the waiters could get inside, they will be checked by Hawk and his men at the door. They even got a dog to sniff for any bomb hidden under the trolly carts.


    Major General Calhoun arrived with Dr. Anderson, still wearing his camouflage and boots. "I just arrived this morning and didn''t have time to change." He told Travis and Jillyanna.


    His imposing manner and calm stride made everyone felt envious for his connection. Sadly, they don''t like mingling with other people aside from their families.


    "Thanks for coming Uncle." Travis clasped his hand with the other man and gave him a hug. Jillyanna also greeted him and placed made a proper salute.


    "I prefer to gave you a salute since I can stand straight. It''s really difficult to lean with this heavy ball of stomach." Jillyanna explained to make sure that she won''t be misunderstood.


    Calhoun chuckled and nodded his head. "I can understand. When my wife was pregnant, she heated bending or leaning over as well." He closed the distance between them to give a short information. "Don''t worry about the security. My men are stationed in different low and high places."


    The Major General wasn''t lying at all. All his forces who didn''t have any mission in the meantime was brought by him to secure the place. Some were dressed with suits and ties, some were acting like normal civilians on the street, some worked as part of the kitchen staff, others were waiters and some roamed around the hotel to make sure that no one could sneaked inside.


    The floor to Jillyanna''s room was also heavily guarded and the guards had a lists of name of who were allowed to come inside and who were not.


    Several men were staying at the highest floor of the hotel with Shein. One had a binocular on his hand. "Report, one man on the second floor of the building across the hotel is not one of us. He is heavily armed and had been checking the hotel."


    "Copy that!"


    "Report, a man dressed us civilian had been checking the limousine thrice now. Go and catch him." He sent a picture to their phone to make sure that they would get the right person.


    "Yes, sir!"


    "Report..."


    One after another, the officers at the top floor dispatched their men while Shein hacked into street cameras, hotel cameras and other things that he can look into. There were drones outside as well to monitor the surrounding.


    A military officer barged into the second floor of the building across the hotel. A man who was trying to assemble his gun was caught red-handed.


    "Who are you?! Why are you here?!" he pointed his gun at the officer who was dressed with civilian clothes.


    "You forgot the bullet case." the officer smiled and picked up the case on the bed. "I''m telling you, whatever you are planning to do with your friends, you better stop it. We all know your position."


    "Boss! Boss! Run! Someone tipped us off! We are completely known by the target!"


    "You dare!" the officer landed a quick and heavy punch, making the man fall in one blow.


    Ryden heard the sound from the back ground. Jillyanna knew of their plans and made ample preparations. His men was being taken down one after another.


    "Damn that bitch! Damn it!" He hid his things and went out of his room. "I will take this lose today but I will make sure to let you pay one day."

 Chapter 453 - THE GRAND WEDDING VI

    Jillyanna can''t allow him to live for another day though. While they were happily celebrating the wedding inside one of the hotel''s large ballroom hall, Calhoun''s men were relentlessly pursuing the enemy with the help of Shein.


    "Young man, I can see that you are very skillful and you can even track down these many opponents. How about you join the military forces as one of your IT specialists?" one of the officers spoke to Shein who was busy locating the escapees.


    "I''m sorry officer but I will decline your offer. I want to help my sister and stay beside her. I don''t want to get myself involve in military affairs. Besides, I don''t know any combat skills. If enemy, only if, they would attack your camp, I can''t fight or protect myself so, your men will have to protect me at the cost of their lives. I don''t want that to happen. If you need my help in the future, just tell Ms. Savannah about it. I will do the best I can to be of help."


    "I see. Then, I will turn to you when we face something really difficult." The officer responded with a smile. Whenever Shein locked on a target, the officer will relay the information to his men immediately.


    Back inside the reception, the guests were currently eating while the host spoke about some things related to the groom and bride. "Do you guys know that, our lovely couple on stage won''t end up together if not because of an obgyne and a cheeky vice-president?"


    "Hey! I am not cheeky!" Diego yelled to defend himself.


    "So, the obgyne must be Cheska?" the guests tried guessing the other identity.


    "You are right!" The host grinned towards Cheska and Diego which made everyone turned to see them as well. "Our bride here didn''t know about her pregnancy, when she went to the hospital for a physical check-up, her attending physician supposedly Dr. Rivera was busy, thus she didn''t disturb him and look for someone else. Then the doctor found that she might be pregnant. To make sure she brought our lovely bride to Dr. Suarez. Guess what happened?"


    "Travis found out."


    "Cheska called Travis and reported the pregnancy."


    "No no no." The host was having her index finger at them. "Inside the room, our bride carelessly exposed her plan that she wanted to escape!"


    "Why would she want to escape?" one of the guests asked the question.


    "Right! Why did she want to escape? Let''s ask our bride." The host turn to Jillyanna and gave her the microphone. "Mrs. Madrigal, why did you want to escape that time?"


    "Uh¡­honestly, I just wanted to have a child. I never thought of getting a husband but due to several circumstances, we still end up together." Jillyanna responded shyly. "I am thankful by the way to Cheska and Diego for ruining my plan. If it weren''t for them, I wouldn''t be this happy."


    "Let''s give a round of applause to our bride and to the two friends who became a sturdy bridge in this relationship." The host really know what to say. "And to add more details of the story, when our bride came out of Cheska''s office, Diego went to visit his girlfriend and saw Mrs. Madrigal. He asked his girlfriend and found the details. He called his best friend, Mr. Travis and told him everything. I guess you know now, what happened after that. Our groom stopped her from leaving."


    "It''s good to have friends like Mr. Sandoval and Ms. Suarez." The guests whispered to one another.


    "They didn''t just think of themselves but helped Mr. Madrigal with his relationship, too." Other guests mumbled.


    "Hephep!" The host stopped them and added. "There''s more to this lovelife. Our groom and bride were actually childhood sweethearts, got separated for several years. When they met again, they didn''t even recognize each other. Though you can say they were childhood sweethearts, they only met few times when they were young and they didn''t even know the full name of each other."


    "Oh gosh! They must be really destined by fate. How else will you end up with the same person after all these circumstances."


    "Their fate was already written and no matter how many people wanted to change it, it was already fixed and can''t be broken."


    "I am so envious of their relationship."


    "I wish I can have a love story like them."


    Different opinion and different response came from different people. Of course, many of them were envious but they never knew how much they suffered before getting into this stage of happiness. It wasn''t even a guarantee if Jillyanna will get to live longer or if she will be alive after giving birth to her child.


    "What we know is just the beginning and perhaps, halfway of this fated relationship. Our lovely couple are still young. They are expecting a baby in two months-time and they still have a long way to go. Let''s wish them happiness and prosperity. A toast to our newly wed!" Gabriel led to make this toast and everyone followed suit. They raised their wine glasses and make a toast.


    "May you have a blissful life all throughout the year, all throughout your life. My well-wishes to you Mr. and Mrs. Madrigal and to your children." The host made his toast as well.


    Jillyanna weren''t allowed to move around so she raised her glass while sitting on her chair. Travis was the only one who stood up to accept the ceremonial toast by everyone. Then, he took a seat and do the lover''s toast with his wife. Crisscrossing his arm with hers and drank the wine. Jillyanna just took a sip since she wasn''t allowed to have a drink. Dr. Allison was sitting at the nearest table from them to make sure that she can assist if something happens.


    "Mommy, I just saw a man earlier. He passed by the hallway and he was looking at you angrily. His eyes showed that he was really angry. Did you do anything to him?" Jade informed them just as Jillyanna put down her glass.


    "Who? Is he here?!


    "I don''t know."

 Chapter 454 - IDENTIFIED

    "Which hallway did you see the man?" Jillyanna asked her daughter in alarm. Travis was already taking action, informing Hawk to ask someone to check the hallway.


    "Remember, I went to the comfort room earlier. Auntie Winter was with me, right? When we came out someone talked to her so I looked around and found a man standing at the hallway, looking inside the reception. He looked angry. After Auntie finished her chat, I asked her to stand in the same place as the man did. She said that the guards couldn''t see her because she was hidden behind the pillar and all she could see was you sitting here. I concluded that the man was angry at you." Jade''s smart brain helped her deduce the events. It was brilliant of her to even ask Winter mimic the action of the man.


    "Sweetheart, do you remember the person?" Travis asked her softly.


    "Yes, Daddy. However, I don''t know how to draw that much. I am not as good as Mommy."


    "Let''s ask someone to help us. That man was a bad person. He was looking at your mommy angrily because he wanted to harm your mommy." Travis tried to explain in a way that the child could understand. "He was jealous of your mom, so we need to capture him."


    "I understand, Daddy."


    The celebration continued as if there wasn''t anything dangerous lurking behind them. People started to approach them, handed their gifts and stated their well wishes. Some talked about business and some were curious about why Atty. Lewis was there and what was the real identity of Jade in the Madrigal family.


    There were games to entertain the guests and different performance prepared by the guest artists. They were enjoying the activity while Jade was taken to a close room with two officers and Major General Calhoun. She was asked to describe the person he saw while one of the officers sketch the person base on her description.


    "I couldn''t see the other side of his face but he was a little tan. His eyebrows were slightly longer and thicker. His lips were thin and his eyes were like and almond shape. His hair was¡­" Jade continued to describe the person.


    The host came forward and went back to her place to lead the atmosphere. "Mr. Madrigal, as I was roaming around earlier, many of the businessmen here wanted to know how you get acquainted with Atty. Lewis. I won''t name a person. They were just merely curious about your relationship."


    Travis picked up a microphone on the table to answer her. "I don''t personally have relationship with Atty. Lewis but, my wife does. He is basically a grandfather to her. One of the people that her father trusted the most."


    "Her father?"


    "Isn''t she from the Madrid family?"


    "What exactly is her identity?"


    "Who is her father? Didn''t Atty. Lewis serve Mr. Anton Xavier? I heard that man got married but there was no information about his family."


    Murmurs, whispers, gossips and other things started to spread among the guests. Travis cleared his throat which gained everyone''s attention once again.


    "My wife is Anton Xavier''s one and only daughter, carefully monitored by Atty. Lewis to be safe and sound all the time. Jade Venus Madrigal is our daughter, too."


    They when to stop asking questions knowing that it wasn''t their place to know such information. However, knowing that Jillyanna was the heiress to Xavier''s Shoe Company and Factory, businessmen started to formulate proposals in their mind. They will never let any opportunities escape their grasp.


    Jade finished with her task and went back to the reception hall once again. Many people greeted her. Even though she didn''t know why they were being nice to her, she still politely smiled back at them. She walked towards Riley who was currently talking to Jackie.


    "Auntie, where is Uncle Shein? I haven''t seen him after the wedding? Did he even eat?"


    "He is currently busy about something. He will be here after a little while. Why are you looking for him?"


    "There aren''t many kids around. I want to play with him."


    "But your Uncle Shein is not even a kid." Riley responded with a chuckle. She didn''t know that Shein was just a kid in the child''s mind.


    "I know he is not but I like to play with his computers. He told me one time that he will bring a computer here."


    "How about you play with your cousins?" Jackie interjected and gave a suggestion.


    They didn''t expect for Jade to refuse though. She just had a conversation with the kids earlier and she seemed to be having fun. Now, she was refusing with all her might.


    "Would you mind telling Auntie why you don''t want to talk to them?" Riley inquired in her softest voice.


    "It''s not that I don''t like them but, the people who came with them had been looking at him with disgust. Their eyes were glaring at me fiercely. I don''t like to approach them." Jade had always been honest to everyone except her biological father. Hearing her saying these words broke Riley''s heart.


    They knew that not everyone will accept the decision of Jillyanna and Travis but, who cares? They don''t need people like them anyway. Riley held Jade on her waist and raised the child to let her sit on her lap. "It doesn''t matter if other people don''t like you. What matters most is that, your parents love you, your grandparents love you, your uncles love you and your aunties love you. People who looked at you with disgust don''t matter at all."


    "Then, what should I do?"


    "If you can avoid them, do it. Stay with the people who cares about you. If they will do something bad, tell your parents immediately. You can come and tell us, too."


    "Thank you, Auntie Riley. Thank you, Auntie Jackie." Jade kissed the twin''s cheeks with a lovely smile hanging on her lips. She already forgot about the meaningless people.


    Inside the suite at the top floor, Shein was currently checking the identity of the man that Jade saw. After the officer got the drawing correctly, he immediately gave it to the higher officers on the top floor. "Interesting." Shein mumbled when he uncovered of the identity of the person.


    "Who is it?"


    "It''s nothing important, just a son of a corrupt mayor that my sister dragged down not long ago." Shein responded before sending an email to his sister and Travis.

 Chapter 455 - THE FIFTH PRINCES I

    NOTE: The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the authors. To the extent any real names of individuals, locations, or organizations are included in the book, they are used fictitiously and not intended to be taken otherwise.


    The fun continued inside the hall while the pursuit to find Ryden continued as well. Jillyanna and Travis were able to dance for a few minutes before they gave the floor to the guests. Some single businessmen took an artist as their partner. Some danced with their wives and some danced with their friends. Most of the guests mingled with Thomas and Atty. Lewis after being introduced by common friends.


    "You are so lucky to have a son like Travis, even luckier to have a daughter-in-law like Jillyanna Madrid." One of the guests commented towards Thomas.


    "My son is the lucky one, not me. I am just here to guide him before following his mother." Thomas answered humbly. There''s no need to boast such blessing.


    "Don''t say that. You are still healthy like you were decades ago. Don''t just something of an ill omen."


    "Right. Don''t you want to see your grandchild? When is Jillyanna due to give birth?"


    "I am waiting for that baby too. It is good to have a pair of granddaughter and grandson. Jillyanna will give birth in mid-January. Earlier or later than that."


    "Oh! That''s less than two months. I wish her to deliver her child normally and healthy."


    "Thanks for your well-wishes." Thomas made a toast to them. Even if he was no longer involving himself in the business world, he needed to pay respect to these men in order to gain connections for Travis. They might not be the richest man in the world, but they were the richest in city B. Their business and stronghold ran across the globe as well. They got many connections and business cooperation overseas. Travis needed support from these men to keep his seat.


    "I can finally enjoy myself." Shein yawned and stretched his legs across the floor. "Are you guys going back to the camp or are you going to stay until the wedding reception is over?" He asked the officers who were starting to keep their things.


    "We are going back to the camp. We are needed by our comrades, too. Send our warm regards and best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Madrigal."


    "Sure. I''ll do that." He started keeping his things too but he kept his ipad open since he was still monitoring the venue. "Remember to talk to Savannah if you guys need my help."


    "Thanks, Shein. We''ll do that. See you next time." One after another, the officers left the room. Soon, Shein also came out and went to the reception hall.


    Jade had been looking for him and when she saw him, her eyes lit up as if she saw her ultimate savior. "Uncle Shein!" she called his name to get his attention while running towards him. "I''ve been looking for you. Where have you been all this time?"


    Shein crouched low to lever their height. "I had to go on an errand but, I finished it already. How are you doing? Are you having fun?"


    Jade rolled her eyes and shrugged her shoulders. "I was really looking forward to this event but I can''t enjoy it. There wasn''t anything made for children. This is a world for adults."


    "Aren''t you an adult? I thought you are an adult."


    "I think like an adult but I am still a child. That is an undeniable truth."


    "Wow! Where did you learn these logic and reasons?" Shein reached his hands and held her up. He carried her back to their table. "Are you really that bored? Would you help me look into this?" He gave her his ipad which shows the entire venue.


    "Who am I looking for?"


    "The man you saw earlier."


    "Which man?" Riley and Jackie asked simultaneously when they heard their conversation.


    "The man who looked at mommy with so much anger. I don''t think he is still here." Jade mentioned but she still looked at the footage. "I will keep watch of this Uncle. Go and get something to eat."


    "Our little princess is very caring. Thank you. I will go and get some food now." Shein left her in the twin''s care. Actually, he knew that Ryden left already but he still needed to make sure that nothing goes wrong inside the venue. He couldn''t let Jade suspect everyone inside which was why, he used Ryden as the bait to keep her occupied.


    Ryden was able to successfully make an escape amidst the chaos between his men and the soldiers. He didn''t know why there were soldiers involve but that didn''t stop him from leaving and plan another attack. Little did he know, Shein already added him in the wanted list. His face was already posted across all police department websites. He couldn''t even leave the country now.


    "As long as I live, I won''t let you have a peaceful life. You don''t deserve to be happy while I am suffering." He gritted his teeth while cursing Jillyanna in his mind. "And where the hell is Lyla?! I could no longer contact her. Her place was even sold. Damn that bitch!"


    Since she wasn''t making a move against Jillyanna, they thought that she already learned her lesson and stayed low. Only she knew what was her ultimate plan. Something that Jillyanna would carry for the rest of her life.


    Back to the reception, after cutting the cake, Jillyanna was extremely exhausted and she started to become pale. She used her pregnancy to escape from the event and went back to the hospital. As she ran away from them, she just randomly threw her bouquet. Savannah was in a hurry to leave the place and accompany them to the hospital, when she just turned around to follow them, the bouquet hit her chest.


    Savannah: ????


    Everyone gave her a round of applause. She didn''t know what happened, still focus in following them out as she placed the flowers on the table near her. "I''m sorry but I have to go. I am not part of the entourage, too." She tried to explain in case they''d think she was killjoy.


    "Taira?" a soft, tentative whisper of her name came from behind her.

 Chapter 456 - THE FIFTH PRINCESS II

    Savannah stiffened when she heard her real name being called. No one inside that hall would call her name unless it was from the Imperial family. Even Hawk wouldn''t call her name because she hated it. She hated the fact that she was born from an Imperial family, a family that shed so much blood for a mere throne.


    Maybe that was two decades ago but, in her memory, the fresh drop of blood, the screams and flames, they were all engraved in her memory. She could still clearly see the faces of her dead brothers and sisters. The tear-streaked face of her mother who tried sending her away just to keep her alive. She hated it! She hated everyone who were still alive after killing her entire family just for the crown and power.


    "Taira Azumi, it is really you." Natsu mumbled happily. He just decided to give up his search not long ago but he actually found her when he least expected it.


    "Taira Azumi? Isn''t that the Fifth Princess, who was supposed to inherit the throne of the Japanese Empire?"


    "I thought she died."


    "No, it was rumored that she was lost after the chaos decades ago."


    "How did she end up here?"


    Murmurs about her identity spread among the guests like a wildfire. She took a deep breath and wanted to confirm their guesses when Hawk arrived. "Did you mistake my girlfriend for someone else? Her name is Savannah."


    "Savannah?" Natsu asked with narrowed eyes. "Is that her new name after your parents took her in?"


    "Mr. Azumi, we don''t want to cause a scandal here with your family issues. If you got questions for my girlfriend, how about you talk upstairs." He knew that Savannah didn''t want her real identity exposed. So, he tried to find a way.


    "I have to leave though. I have more important matters than inquiries about my identity. Please excuse me." Savannah didn''t let anyone stop her from leaving. "Jade, are you coming with me to your mother?"


    "No, Auntie Savy. Mommy needs to rest so, I will stay here and go home with everyone later." Jade answered politely. She found that Natsu wanted to stop Savannah from leaving so she turned her little face to the man. "Handsome uncle, can you let my Auntie go? She needed to keep my parents safe while resting."


    Looking at her adorable face and round puppy eyes, Natsu couldn''t say no to her. He touched her head and lightly caressed her hair. "Alright. I will let your Auntie go this time but I will still come and find her after several days."


    "You are very sensible, handsome uncle."


    The guests couldn''t help themselves but laugh at her adult-like remark. She was really smart and can perceive someone''s emotion base on their facial expression, eye movements and subtle body gestures.


    Natsu just watched Savannah leave the hall with Brown and Dr. Alison following her. Since she didn''t have much to do, she would rather stay with Jillyanna to avoid her cousin. Natsu might not be involved with the crime of his family but, he was still the son of the person who murdered her family. She can''t just forgive him that easily.


    Brown was driving the car for them and he would glance at her from time to time.


    "What is it?" Savannah faced him to see what he was up to. "If you have any question, just go ahead and ask me."


    Brown cleared his throat and asked the question that everyone wanted to confirm. "Are you really the rumored Fifth Princess of the Japanese Empire, who got lost amidst the chaos decades ago?"


    "It''s the title that I abandoned after losing my family over-night."


    "Then, is it true that your uncle was the one who killed your father to take over the throne?"


    "I don''t know. But it was his men who burned our houses and killed my brothers and sisters as well as my parents and servants."


    "How did that happen? Isn''t it prohibited to kill in your country?"


    "That law was just made after my parents died. The country is already peaceful and I don''t have plans to take back what was supposedly mine. I am happy of what I become and I know my parents wouldn''t want me took revenge for them."


    "So, you aren''t going back?"


    "Hn. I won''t."


    Perhaps many people would say that she abandoned her duty and that she was being irresponsible. But for Savannah, she just made the right decision. She would never be at peace knowing that her parents died for because of the throne. At the same time, she didn''t want to serve the Empire while bearing grudges.


    Even though they left already, the celebration continued until six in the evening. By then, the host officially ended the event after Thomas gave her the instruction. Valkyrie and Shein carried the gifts to the car in order to bring them back to Jillyanna''s house. Jade came along with Riley and Jackie to go back home.


    In one single day, many things happened and there were several discoveries, too. Even so, this didn''t stop the people from sharing the joy with everyone. Many photos and videos were uploaded to different social media accounts of the artists and some young businesswomen. Those who weren''t able to see it in person could only watch from the short videos that got uploaded.


    "Oh! Our perfect couple got a lovely daughter."


    "Oh my gosh! Jillyanna is actually the sole heiress of Xavier''s Shoe Company and Factory!" They didn''t know that Jillyanna actually sold her shares to Travis.


    "They even have connection to the one and only Prince of Japan."


    "Another heavy news! The Fifth princess is still alive?! Well, it wasn''t confirmed yet."


    "The gown of our goddess YNA is just amazing! It was even matched with her daughter''s dress!"


    "This is the wedding of the year! What a grandiose event!"


    "This really costs a fortune! The gown alone looks very very very expensive. (Important matter must be said thrice)."


    "This is the grandest wedding I''ve seen so far"


    "The wedding of the year indeed."


    Thus, after several hours, the hashtag wedding of the year became the number one tag in social media which showed the Madrigal''s grandiose wedding.

 Chapter 457 - THE FIFTH PRINCESS III

    A grand wedding should be followed by a grand honeymoon. In their case, they would have to postpone their honeymoon and focus on Jillyanna''s health. There''s still two months before she could give birth and she was already becoming frailer each day. Her daily exercise became shorter since she would get tired easily. She often gets dizzy and pale even when she wasn''t doing anything.


    "I want to go to the amusement park." She mumbled while sitting beside her husband who was busy working again.


    "You can''t even ride anything due to your health. What will you do there?"


    "I just want to see the people or watch Jade enjoy herself. We didn''t bring her to any trip so, maybe she would enjoy there."


    "Won''t you feel jealous?"


    "Nope. I just want to see something."


    "Let''s go out in the afternoon, then."


    "Really?!"


    "Of course. I will be there to take care of you."


    It was just two days after the wedding and she was already bored to death. Jade didn''t visit her the day after the wedding as well because ''people'' said that her parents should spend time together after the wedding. Though it wasn''t counted as honeymoon, they still wanted the couple to spend some quality time.


    Currently, Jade was staying with the Madrid. She still got one week to spend with them. Jillyanna called her mother to bring the child to the hospital. The moment she finished making a phone call, her teacher came in with Winter. They even brought fresh basket of fruits from the hacienda.


    "Morning little lass."


    Morning teacher. How have you been doing? I am sorry I had to trouble you with the guards. I couldn''t even tend to you while you are here. The sisters couldn''t show themselves while in a mission, too."


    "That''s fine. Winter had been very hospital in your behalf." She put the basket at the center of the small dining table. "I have helped you with the guards. I bet my life on the line that none of them will betray you in the future."


    "Why are you saying this?" she had a hunch that her teacher was going to leave already. "Before you leave, can you join us this afternoon to the amusement park?"


    "You are going to the amusement?!" the teacher suddenly raised her voice and she even looked towards Travis with accusing eyes. "Why are you bringing your wife to the amusement park?" Even though she said that she won''t be prejudiced towards Travis, she couldn''t seem to stop herself from doing so.


    "She wanted to watch her daughter having fun." Travis simply answered with his expressionless face. It was his characteristic not to involve his emotion with people who didn''t like him.


    Jillyanna held her teacher''s shoulder to pacify her. "I am not going to take any rides. I will just watch my daughter."


    What else can she do? She just agreed to come with them in case she would be needed. Her flight was still in the evening so it wasn''t a problem.


    Though her days were boring, she was still happy since it was rather peaceful compared to her recent days. She didn''t have to be wary about someone or something. She felt safe.


    Peaceful? No, not yet.


    Savannah was currently talking to Calhoun for their new mission. Since the original guards were back, Calhoun wanted them to get back to work. She was right outside Jillyanna''s room with Hawk. "I understand Major General. I will check the details later."


    "What did he say?" Hawk asked after the phone call.


    "Let''s talk about this at home." She turned around, only to see Natsu standing behind her. She was no longer startled to see him since she was expecting him to come sooner or later. "What do you want? Be quick since I still have a job to do."


    "You know exactly what I want Princess Taira." Natsu placed his hand on his abdomen and made a low dip of his head to formally greet her.


    "And why would you think that I would come back?"


    Natsu was standing, gawking at her in disbelief. "I¡­I need you to succeed the throne."


    "So that you will live your life free from guilt? Why should I do that?"


    Natsu was lost in thought. ''Indeed, why should she do it?''


    Savannah peered at him directly in his eyes. "Natsu, I don''t blame you for what happened in the past. Yes, I can''t forgive you and forget what happened but, that doesn''t mean I would harm the innocent. It was my family''s fate to fall decades ago and you have nothing to do with that. However, I can''t really ascend to the throne. I can''t take it."


    "But people knew that you are alive." Natsu retorted back at her.


    "Then, say that you made a mistake. Do whatever you can to make my name cease to exist. We are destined to live our life like this now and I am happy to see that you are doing well. The country will be in good hands. Do the things that our fathers weren''t able to do."


    "Won''t you change your mind?"


    "Nope. I am happy of what I have become today. Whenever you need help to bridge our country with the others, let me know so I can find ways to assist you."


    Natsu thought that he would be able to escape the responsibility of the Japanese Empire but he failed. "I will ne enthroned in few months as the next Emperor of the Empire. Will you come?"


    "I will watch you."


    "Savy, right? Let me call you Savy or Savannah as well."


    "Go on."


    Natsu stopped forcing her already this time, he just wanted to clear something. Maybe she would feel at ease and her burden will disappear. "I have something to tell you. A very important matter. Can I talk to you alone for a sec?"


    Savannah nodded her head before turning to Hawk. "Wait for me before going back to the hacienda. I will be back right away. Don''t worry, it wasn''t running in our blood to kidnap someone."


    Hawk was stunned to hear her words. He was exactly worried about her getting kidnapped but she still trusted her cousin in front of her. She believed that he was an honest man.

 Chapter 458 - THE FIFTH PRINCESS IV

    The two of them went down to the ground floor, walked towards the garden and found a wooden bench to sit. "We can talk safely here. Just don''t drop any names." Savannah informed her after checking her surrounding to make sure that no one could hear them.


    "Would you believe me that my father didn''t kill your family?" Natsu stated with a low voice. He was looking at the pine tree not far from them and the scent of wood wafted to his nose whenever the wind blows.


    "I had a hunch. However, it was an undeniable truth that it was your father''s men who killed them."


    "I am not saying this to clear my father''s name. I just want you to know what really happened that year base on what I heard." He took a deep breath and released it. "I was seven and you were five that spring. Our family had been together for years. Even though your father was the son of the Empress and mine was the son of a concubine, they grew up close to each other. Your father, the Crowned Prince, didn''t know how to manage the palace affairs."


    "I agree on that. He often talks to your father about several matters. My father wasn''t really smart. I don''t know why he was chosen to be crowned. I was even wondering if the late Emperor wanted to incite chaos within his sons."


    "I have the same doubt as you." Natsu responded before he continued. "Many of the ministers started to take my father''s side. They thought that he was more fitting to be the Emperor instead of your father. They came to our courtyard to persuade my father but he always refused. Days turned to months and months turned to a whole year. My mother warned your mom about the possibility of catastrophe falling in your family. Your father knew about it, too but he trusted my father so much."


    "And he was betrayed." Savannah added."


    "Sort of. His kindness and simplicity were taken advantage of. While my father and elder brother went out to hunt, the ministers plotted against your father. I was there on the roof sun bathing when they told our guards to besiege your place and that my father will reward them handsomely once he became the Emperor. Our guards were fooled. That day, my learning about horses was tested for the first time. I went to the hunting ground to find my father and brother. I informed him about what happened. But it was too late. My brother even died because he tried to rescue your elder sister. A flaming beam fell on him."


    "Hatsuo died?"


    "You didn''t know?"


    "I thought he was just staying in seclusion. I was even shock that you will be the next Emperor. I didn''t try looking into it though."


    Natsu looked up into the bright blue sky. "It was even in the middle of the day. One sunny day became a bloody hell." He looked down on his hands once again. "When the bodies were taken for proper burial, you were the only one missing. My father believed that you are still alive. I didn''t look for you because I want to escape from the responsibility but because it was my father''s wish. He wanted to return the crown to you. Sadly, he passed away before he can find you."


    "I was also wondering about what happened back then. I had nightmares and I often cried in the middle of the night after escaping the place. However, I have always been bugged by a question. Why do it in the middle of the day when he can secretly kill my father? I don''t think Uncle was that stupid."


    "So, you believe me?"


    "There is no reason for you to lie. But I still won''t change my mind. I won''t go back."


    "I know. I just want to lighten the burden you are carrying for decades now."


    "Thank you."


    He rose to his feet and made a deep bow this time. "Fifth Princess Taira Azumi, with your permission, I will declare you lost and dead to the whole world. In this way, you will be able to live a peaceful life."


    "Sure. I don''t mind. When I get married, be sure to attend, ''kay?"


    "Hn. I will support you." Natsu smiled at her. He straightened his body, reached out his hand and messed up her hair. "You have grown into a strong woman."


    "I found people who cared for me."


    "Whenever you need help, just let me know."


    "Likewise."


    Complicated matters won''t be settled easily and misunderstandings won''t be cleared right away if you won''t take any action. Perhaps, people won''t understand you or forgive you in an instant but, they will surely start to think about what you just said. That''s how we all are. Once someone says something other than what you believed in, you will start to wonder about the fact and validation. Sometimes, trust is all that matters for you to believe in the person.


    "I will go back to Japan now."


    "Take care of yourself."


    Natsu left without letting Jillyanna know. He wasn''t ready to see her yet. He would move on first before finding her again. Nonetheless, he still kept in touch with Travis for cooperation. Their country isn''t very stable yet and not many businesses were booming. He needed someone who can help him boost the country''s economy through business cooperation.


    Savannah went back to the hospital to talk to Travis about the time they''d be gone. "Where''s Natsu?" Jillyanna asked when she saw her walking inside all by herself.


    "He went back already. He would need a lot of preparation as the next Emperor." Base on her statement, there''s no need to ask about her decision. It was clear as day to everyone.


    "Let''s wish him good luck and prosperity, as well as good health and mental strength. After all, he will be dealing with the whole country''s affair." Jillyanna stated with a smile.


    Since there weren''t any ill feelings between him and Savannah, Travis decided to accept the proposal that Natsu sent. He had been waiting for Savannah''s decision regarding her personal matter before coming to conclusion. He didn''t like putting anyone in an awkward position thus, Travis put everyone''s feeling into consideration. Specially Savannah, if he will cooperate with Natsu, as one of his temporary secretaries, she will have to travel to Japan. It wouldn''t be good if she still holds deep grudges towards the people and the country.


    "Happy cooperation to you, Mr. Madrigal. I''ll send someone to process all the legal documents for us." Natsu replied to his email that Travis sent few minutes ago.

 Chapter 459 - TO THE AMUSEMENT PARK

    Ryden lost contact of his men after they were captured. He had been on the run for two days after finding out that he was added on the wanted lists. There was even a price for anyone who would sell him out. He got a bounty of two thousand dollars hovering over his head.


    "F*ck! F*ck! F*ck that bitch! How dare she do this to me?! Did she think I''d be afraid?! Huh! Let''s see. I will make sure that you would beg me on your knees." His sinister smile crept across his lips as he walked from alleys to alleys. He didn''t bring any money with him in case someone would rob him in the street. He didn''t want to garner attention and expose himself to the crowd.


    He had been walking for two days back to their house. After what happened to his father, his whole family left the city and abandoned their house. They never visited their father in prison as well. However, he was the most stubborn of them all. He didn''t want to abandon the life that he grew up and take a setback. He wanted to avenge the pride and prestige that his family gathered for years. He wanted to humiliate Jillyanna the same way that she did to his father.


    Sometime, anger can blind people''s judgement. In his eyes and mind, Jillyanna was the wrong person in this whole ordeal. His father was the good one who was unjustly put to jail because of a vixen. He completely forgotten the fact that his father humiliated Jillyanna first. His father stole from the people''s contributed taxes. His father proposed a project which could put peoples'' lives in danger. His father killed other people to seal their mouth. His father beat several women and abused them for lustful desires. The whole being of his father was corrupted but he failed to see it. He was arrogant and a prideful man.


    Just before noon time, he arrived at the abandoned house. The once, prestigious mansion was now empty. The flowers in the garden weren''t kept properly. Weeds grew everywhere after few months of abandonment. The pavements were mossy and you might slip up if you aren''t careful. The fountain was dried up. Twigs and dried leaves scattered on the ground. The colorful paint of the walls faded and there were broken window panes. The place looked like a haunted house.


    Ryden opened the door, the creaking sound startled him as he made his way to the living room. "I''m home." He whispered softly even though no one would respond to him. The living room was bare from any furniture. The place was so dusty and cobwebs were weaved all over the place.


    "I will make sure that you will pay for all of the things you took away from me. I will make sure that you live I hell! There''s no way I''d let you become happy!" He mumbled through gritted teeth. As of now, he needed to hide and plan for his next move. He no longer has anyone to rely on. The only thing he was afraid of was, the captured men would rat on him.


    He had reason to be afraid about it but there''s no need for anyone to do all that. They already know about his identity without asking his men. Jade was enough to make him trip on his own trap.


    In the hospital, Jillyanna and Travis just finished eating their lunch. Jade was waiting for them while talking to Winter and the teacher. Kids have so many things that they were interested about and Jade was no different than the other kids. Her curiosity can make everyone wonder, too.


    "What comes first, the chicken or egg?" Jade question while looking at them. "I was eating a fried chicken and I was just wondering which comes first."


    "The mother hen."


    "The egg."


    Winter and the teacher got different answers making Jade even more confused.


    "If it was the mother hen, where did she come from? If it was the egg, where did the egg come from?"


    "Oh, my goodness! I am starting to have a headache." Winter stood up and excused herself. "I''ll go to the pharmacy and buy some medicine."


    "I''ll come with you." Her teacher responded.


    In the end, Jade looked at them with doubt. "How can they have a headache? They don''t even look like someone in pain. Did they just make an excuse to leave me?" she asked herself with her round eyes widened in shock and surprise at this realization. She turned to Jillyanna who was currently tying her hair. "Mommy, what comes first, the chicken or the egg?"


    Jillyanna tried to think for a while but she wasn''t sure either. In the end, she played it with words. "There are so many things in this world that you couldn''t fathom or understand. Just like your question, no one really understands which of them comes first."


    "I see. I did hear about the mysteries of the world." Jade responded softly.


    "Where did you get this question by the way?"


    "Uncle Shein."


    Jillyanna coughed drily because of her answer. Instead of teaching the child about computers, he was telling her about different stuff that could obviously confused the kid. "Your Uncle Shein has weird hobbies in finding mysterious things."


    "I know but, I always have fun when I am with him."


    "That''s good to know." She turned towards Travis who was busy keeping his things. "Aren''t you done yet?"


    "Almost. Just give me a minute." Travis responded while closing his laptop before placing it inside his bag and locked it inside his drawer. "Is Top already here?"


    "Hn. He is currently talking to Hawk outside the room. They must be talking about security measures again. That''s what they always talk about."


    "I see. Let me talk to him for a sec. We can leave after I am done." He didn''t really have anything important to say other than asking him to think about the Christmas party that the guards can have. He was thinking of giving them a one week off but they needed to find ways about that since Jillyanna''s security was the most important matter.


    Travis, Hawk and Top talked about it outside. "I''ll talk to everyone about it and discuss any options that we can come up with." Top responded politely.


    "Once you come up with an idea, let me know as soon as possible." Travis reminded him. "Anyway, we will be leaving. I will leave the room in your care."


    "No problem, boss."


    Soon, Hawk left the hospital to discuss the new mission with Savannah, Valkyrie and Brown. He just stayed earlier to wait for Top to come over. Jillyanna, Jade and Travis came out as well and found Winter and the teacher sitting on the bench near the entrance to the hospital.


    "Auntie Winter, is your headache okay now?" Jade asked the woman who was happily chatting with her teacher.


    Winter chuckled awkwardly at her question but she still nodded her head. "I am fine now. Thank you for your concern."


    Jillyanna could only shake her head at her best friend. Travis snorted at his cousin. But none of them said anything. The five of them went to the car that Winter drove and got inside to got to the amusement park.


    A loud ringtone rang in the whole abandoned mansion. Ryden was wise enough to charge his phone at the hotel and kept it off while escaping. Now, he still got a whole battery life. A string of familiar number reflected on his phone and he was reluctant to answer it. "There''s no way I''d let you trace me." He let the phone rang until the person decided to end the call.


    ''Ding!''


    A text message arrived in his inbox instead. "Boss, I have been monitoring the hospital and found the couple with several people come out of the hospital."


    Ryden''s eyes lit up immediately. "You weren''t caught by the soldiers?" he texted back.


    "No, boss. I managed to escape at the first rise of suspicion. I was looking for you but your phone had been off."


    "I can''t take any action for now. I am in the wanted list. I have to hide for a while."


    "Alright boss, then I will keep an eye with the couple for you."

 Chapter 460 - HER BOTTOM LINE

    Even though they weren''t completely out of danger, Jillyanna was confident that they would be safe. Most of the men who were paid to target her or anyone from her family were taken into custody by the policemen.


    Everyone from whole police department, inside and outside the city B, was monitoring their hotline in case someone would contact them regarding Ryden.


    "Ex-mayor, I heard your son is on the run. He is already in the list of wanted man." one of the inmates stated in bored tone.


    "What can you do, it runs in their blood to do a crime. Like father like son, as the saying goes." another inmate made fun of the jailed ex-city mayor.


    They were laughing and hooting at him, happy at his schadenfreude. There were different types of criminals inside the jail but to them, the ex-city mayor was the worst. The crime that each of the inmates did was all done by the mayor. He killed. He raped. He framed innocent people. He robbed people''s taxes. He abused women. Name it and that would be on his checklists.


    The ex-city mayor didn''t say anything. There''s nothing he can do as well. He was sentenced a lifetime of imprisonment. How will he send help? How will he keep his son safe?


    While someone was ''atoning'' for his sins inside the jail, no one knew if he was really sorry though, Jillyanna and her family was enjoying their time in the amusement park.


    "Look at that big bear!" Jade looked in wonder to her right. "Wow! Look at that big round ring!" she exclaimed while pointing her fingers at the ferris wheel. "Daddy, look at that big ship!" her big round eyes were sparkling with excitement and joy. Her index finger was pointing here and there. She was so happy being out in such a wonderland.


    Jillyanna was watching her happily too. Jade''s cheerful laughter and excited remarks were contagious. "That big round ring is a ferris wheel. I rode it once with your Daddy. Do you want to ride on it?"


    "Can I?" Jade asked her with expectant gaze.


    "Of course. Daddy will go with you. I will watch you from here." Jillyanna told her. It was her intention to bring Jade out and let Travis experience the role of a parent.


    "Will you be alright here?" Travis asked her. If he could make a choice, he really wanted the three of them to be up on a ferris wheel. It was just impossible to ask her such huge risk and sacrifice.


    "I will be fine here. We will stay down here and watch you two. We will grab something to eat as well."


    "Alright. I will take Jade to ride it first." The father and daughter pair left the three women to get tickets for their ride.


    Winter watched them go and a smile was hanging on her lips. "I have never imagined that my cold cousin will be this warm. I am glad that you came back to his life."


    "There are many things that we won''t expect. In fact, I didn''t expect you and Gabriel to end up together as well. After all, you had been refusing to remember your past."


    Their teacher was also in wonder as she listened to them. She was indeed surprise with the development of her two outstanding students. She never thought that they would fall in love or trust their heart to someone else after being betrayed.


    Jillyanna felt betrayed by Travis when she was young and she refused to love him again but, she still found her way towards him. Winter forgot the person she really liked and ended up loving someone insolent and a bastard, got her heart broken during her engagement and started to hate men. In the end, she still remembered him and started to love him again.


    "I am starting to doubt myself if I did the right choice." she mumbled to herself. Jillyanna looked at her with an inquiring gaze but she only shook her head to tell her that it was nothing. "Let''s buy something to eat while waiting for them." She pushed Jillyanna''s wheelchair to find a place where they can get some food and sit.


    Travis and Jade were waiting in line among other people. Travis was carrying her in his arms to make sure that his daughter won''t be pushed by other people.


    "Daddy, it very high up her in your arms. I can see everyone in line. There are many people waiting like us."


    "Do you hate crowded places like this?"


    "Not really. As long as I am with with Daddy and Mommy, I don''t care about the place." Jade answered sweetly which made other parents envious of them.


    "My daughter is very sweet." Travis kissed her cheek making Jade giggled.


    "Jade is sweet because Mommy and Daddy love me so much."


    "Of course. You are our one and only little princes."


    "And baby Raizel will be the one and only little prince." Jade added to her father''s statement.


    "What a sweet child!" exclaimed one of the parents following them in line.


    "Look at that pretty little girl. You should be good and sweet like her." another mother reprimanded her own daughter while comparing her daughter to Jade.


    "But I don''t want to be a girl. I don''t want to wear skirts like her or wear cute shoes like her. I don''t want to wear a braided hair. I don''t like to act cute and sweet." the child argued back. Instead of acting like a little lady, she was acting like a man. She was even wearing a baggy shorts, big white shirt, a rubbed shoes and a reversed baseball cap.


    Her mother couldn''t do anything but roll her eyes at her daughter.


    Other little kids, specially the boys, had been staring at Jade. She was really pretty and even with her shades, she looked adorable.


    "I only see her father. Where is her mother?" one of the kids asked while observing that she was only with Travis.


    "Her mother probably hates ferris wheel." the mother of the kid answered.


    "Is she afraid? Is that the reason why she wasn''t with them? Hmp! I have a better mother than her."


    Since he wasn''t very far from Jade and she can see anyone down from her place, she immediately found the kid who insulted Jillyanna. She raised her shade and looked towards the crowd. She didn''t look sweet at all. In fact, she was staring daggers at them.


    "Just because my mother isn''t around doesn''t mean she is a coward. She is pregnant and isn''t allowed to ride on this things." she mumbled, loud and clear for everyone to hear. Her tone was condescending and her haughty attitude made everyone''s scalp numb. The sweet child they admired earlier was showing her tough and sharp tongue. It was the first time that Travis heard her spoke that way, too. Jade didn''t just stop there. She crossed her arm over her chest and even pointed her finger at the little kid. "You were thinking that my mother was a coward because she isn''t joining me and my Daddy here. How about your father? Where is he? Hmp! I have a better father than you."


    The other parents who heard her couldn''t help themselves but stifle their laughters. Her last statement was the exact statement that the kid used earlier and now she was using it against him.


    "That''s alright, Jade. You don''t have to do that." Travis spoke to her. "Your Mommy won''t be happy if you get into fight."


    "But she insulted my mother! Why can''t I insult his father?" she couldn''t understand the logic that people can just make an insult but she can''t.


    Travis patted her head gently with a smile. "My little princess is smart. Insulting people is an attitude of a fool and stupid people. You don''t have to stoop to their level. Don''t insult anyone."


    He was telling his daughter not to insult someone but he was clearly insulting the mother and child. What a nice way of correcting his daughter!


    "Okay Daddy. Jade won''t do it again." even though she promised it, she looked at the kid and glared at him. "I will let you off today."


    The kid and his mother were embarrassed to the point that they had to leave their place in line. The careless remark of her son made them a laughingstock after Jade reprimanded and insulted them back.


    They looked towards Travis before shifting to Jade who was currently putting back her shades.


    "Daddy, what ride will we take after this?"


    "Let''s ask your mother after this. She must have something in mind already."


    "Does she want me to spend the whole afternoon here?"


    "Uh huh. She wants you to enjoy your time."


    "Yehey! I will surely enjoy all the ride. When Mommy is allowed to join us on different rides, let''s come back here."


    "Of course. We will 5 back here. All four of us with the baby."


    She was finally back to being cheerful and sweet again. A kid with bottom line. She might be young but she can understand many things. Once you teach her about something, she would always remember it.


    That is why, kid should be taught correctly at the very young age. Because their learnings from one to seven years old is their foundation.

 Chapter 461 - ENJOYING TO HER HEARTS CONTENT

    Jillyanna sent them a message to see if they had gone aboard. She wanted to see them from the ground using the binocular that she bought from one of shops.


    Travis told her that they just got inside the ferris wheel cart. Jade was bustling with excitement and joy when she got inside the cart.


    Travis made a video call with Jillyanna to show how their daughter was doing. Jade was smiling from ear to ear.


    "Mommy! I am high up in here!" Jade exclaimed as she talked to Jillyanna on the phone. "The people and the shops are getting smaller!" she added with extreme happiness.


    Jillyanna was also smiling as she watched her daughter enjoying herself with her father. "I am glad you are having fun."


    "I am happy because Mommy and Daddy allowed me to come here." Jade spoke to Jillyanna. She took hold of the phone and let Jillyanna look over the view with her and Travis. "Did you see that roller coaster, Mom? It looked so big on the ground but it looked so small here." Jade continued to speak as she point her index finger on the roller coaster. "Daddy, is it just me or are we getting closer to the sky?"


    Hearing her question, Jillyanna and Travis chuckled at her. Even Winter and their teacher gave off a faint laughter.


    "It''s because we are getting higher. As we go up higher, we will be closer to the sky. However, we aren''t really close enough to touch it." Travis tried to explain it to his daughter.


    "When my mother was alive, we lived somewhere far from the city and I was able to touch the clouds back then." Jade narrated her past experience.


    They knew that she was talking about fog but Travis didn''t want to explain it to her for now. She needed concrete evidence so Travis was planning to make a trip with his family. It would be a story for later once Jillyanna gets better.


    After the ride on a ferris wheel, they got of from the cart and looked for Jillyanna and the others. They rested for a while and let Jade and Travis ate some snacks.


    Next ride was the pirate ship. Travis was wiping her sweat off of her forehead while waiting in line. "Thank you, Daddy." Jade whispered when Travis finished wiping her face.


    "You''re welcome, sweetheart. Mommy will be worried if you get all sweaty."


    Under the envious gazes of everyone, the father and daughter pair boarded the pirate ship. This time, they didn''t need to call Jillyanna since she found a place to see them without worrying about the sun''s heat.


    Excited screams and a bout of laughters escaped from Jade''s lips. Even though there was a safety bar in front of her, Travis still put one arm on his daughter''s waist to keep her safe.


    "My cousin will become a good father. He knows how to take care of Jade so it won''t be difficult to take care of his son in the future." Winter noted while watching the smiling face of her cousin.


    "I''m sorry for judging your husband." Their teacher whispered to Jillyanna. "I was really prejudiced against him from the start. As I have observed him for quite sometimes now, I can see how much he loves you and everyone you cared about. He isn''t a cold and ruthless capitalist as I have thought of him."


    "You are right and wrong teacher. My husband isn''t really a warm and kind person. I guess all of us have a bad and good side. My husband cares for us but when needed, he can be cold blooded and ruthless. As long as you don''t cross his bottom line, he won''t really do anything bad."


    "I was wrong of my judgement. I''m sorry."


    "Don''t worry about it. My husband won''t take it to heart." What Jillyanna said was true. Since their teacher didn''t really damage anything, Travis won''t say anything either. He didn''t care if she was being prejudiced against him. As long as she won''t do anything to hurt anyone of his family, he won''t care.


    Travis and Jade got off from the pirate ship and took a few minutes of rest before lining up for the roller coaster. This time, Winter tagged along with them.


    "Auntie Winter, when will Jemson and Kyle visit us again? I want to see my cousins, too."


    "They will visit you one day. They are busy with their studies so it would be difficult to let them have a vacation." Winter responded to her.


    Travis didn''t get the chance to ask her about her family so he decided to probe it that day. "Did you speak to your mother?"


    "Nope."


    "How about your father?"


    "I didn''t speak to any of them." Winter answered truthfully. "I don''t have plans to do so."


    "Won''t you need their blessing if you decides to marry Gabriel?"


    "That can wait. Gab and I haven''t talked about marriage. I would start reporting back to the military so we would have shorter time together."


    "Why not plan your wedding? You aren''t growing young anymore and so is Gabriel. What are you waiting for?"


    Winter kept silent after hearing his words. In actual fact, she wan''t really angry with her parents. She just wanted to give herself more time to forgive her parents from what happened in the past. They were hellbent in surpassing the Madrigals that they allowed their daughter to be taken advantage of. If not for Travis and her Uncle Thomas, she would''ve been forced to marry a scum for the sake of business cooperation.


    She could still remember what Travis told her parents back then. "As long as I live, I won''t let her get bullied. Even if you are her parents, I won''t let you lay a finger on her. She isn''t someone you can sacrifice for your own benefit."


    That same day, she was taken back to the hacienda and started living there. She would report back to the military but whenever she got time for short vacation, she would go back home to the hacienda, the place that she knew she won''t be bullied at all.


    "I''ll think about forgiving them." Winter mumbled before getting on her seat in a roller coaster ride. After making sure that safety bars and belts were put on, the roller coaster started a slow pace as they tried reaching the highest platform.


    Just as they stopped at the top, after a few seconds, the roller coaster slid off its trail in a fast speed ride. Screams and shrieks due to adrenaline rush made everyone''s blood boil. Amidst these screams, a cheerful laughter came from Jade. She was even raising her arms up high, feeling the gush of wind breezing past her face, blowing her hair and touching her skin.


    "Thank you so much, Mommy, Daddy and Auntie Winter! I am so happy today." Jade yelled at the top of her lungs. Travis looked at her with a smile on his lips.


    Jillyanna didn''t talk to them this time. The ride, even if she wasn''t taking it, would make her feel extremely nervous. Thus, Travis didn''t make a call even though he got the tripod with him, he was taking video instead to show it to Jillyanna once she gets better.


    When they got off this time, Winter was slightly pale and her knees went weak. Contrary to her deathly pale face, Jade was vibrant with smiles.


    "Oh my gosh, Mommy, it was very exciting and nerve wracking! The speed was so fast, I thought my face was going numb from the breezing cold wind touching my face. I heard them screaming from excitement, too. The ride was so..." Jade continued to talk while Jillyanna was listening to her attentively. Winter was sitting on the side to drink some water. It had been so long since she last rode a roller coaster. She thought her soul left her body at the fast speed.


    Not having enough fun yet, Jade was even the one who suggested to get inside the haunted house. Travis was carrying her on his arms to make sure that she won''t be lost. Instead of getting scared, she even chatted with the ''ghost'' and ''monsters''. She wasn''t the least bit affected.


    For the first time since they took this job, the people who worked as ghost and monsters felt so useless and incapable. They couldn''t even scare a young child.


    Jade exited the place with a huge smile. "That was fun."


    "Our little princess is very brave. You weren''t scared at all." Travis stated and walked away from the venue.


    Other people who screamed at the top of their lungs earlier while getting messed with the ghosts and monsters felt embarrassed. They were so afraid that they were getting goosebumps but the child wasn''t afraid at all. She was even having fun.


    They followed the father and daughter pair with their gazes. They were walking towards the carousel where Jillyanna and the other were waiting for them.


    "Let''s take this relaxing ride next. You can take a rest while having fun riding with the horses." Travis suggested which Jade didn''t refuse at all. Winter came with her to ensure her safety.


    Travis sat beside Jillyanna and told her about Jade''s first ever fight with a mother and son pair.

 Chapter 462 - 8th MONTH

    After that trip to the amusement park, they went directly to the airport and sent off their teacher. She was bound to go home that day after her short vacation.


    "Once you need something, don''t hesitate to come and seek me." their teacher stated to both Winter and Jillyanna. Then, she turned to Travis. "I will entrust her to your care."


    "I will do my very best." Travis responded solemnly.


    Jade was looking at them talk and was waiting for the teacher to say something to her. Like a reminder or suggestion. What came out of the teacher''s mouth was a little unexpected though.


    "Little Princess, be strong and live happily. Don''t stir up trouble for your Mommy and Daddy."


    "Yes, teacher. I will be a good girl." Jade knew how to keep a promise just like how she promised to pretend in front of her biological father.


    Not long after, their teacher finally left, waving her hand one last time at them.


    Winter drove the car and sent the couple back to the hospital before driving Jade back to the Madrid''s villa and she herself went back to the hacienda.


    Jillyanna would rest for two days and come out for half a day with Travis and Jade. They went to Ocean Park, to Snow World, to Jurrasic themed-park, to Disney land, and to other places where Jade could enjoy herself and to let Travis experience the role of a father.


    Sometime, Riley and Shein would come along. Sometime, it was Jackie and Vincent who came with them. Some other times would be top and other guards. Sometimes Jenny and Sky would keep them company.


    Savannah and her friends were busy taking another mission. Winter also reported back to the military camp. Major General Calhoun still wanted Gabriel to come back to the service but Winter talked to Gabriel about it. She didn''t him to put his life in danger again. Calhoun was very understanding so he just let go of this matter and dismissed Gabriel permanently, using his health as a valid excuse.


    Time passed quickly and the cold December came. Stores, houses, schools, different establishments and even the streets were oozing with the atmosphere of festivity. Lanterns, christmas trees, mistletoes, series of light bulbs, christmas music; the season of giving was really enchanting.


    Jillyanna was still in her hospital room, watching the snow falling outside her room, covering the garden right below.


    "Am I allowed to spend Christmas with everyone?" she asked Travis who just came inside for Dr. Alison''s office. He was getting permission for Jillyanna to come home.


    "She said that you can go home but you shouldn''t excite yourself that much. She''s allowing you to come with me to the party as well but you can only stay for two hours at most."


    "That''s fine with me. I just really wanted to spend Christmas with everyone."


    It was still two weeks before Christmas but Jillyanna didn''t want to spend it inside her hospital room. She wanted to go home at least for Christmas and New Year.


    Travis started packing her things and their important belongings so that they can leave immediately.


    There wasn''t much that they needed to bring since they would be coming back after New Year. They just brought back their gadgets, documents and Jillyanna''s medications.


    "Are you all set?" Travis asked her after she wore her down jacket.


    "Hn. I''m all good."


    After confirming that nothing''s wrong, Travis asked one of the hospital staff to close the door and keep the key. If anything happens to the room or if anything''s missing, the staff will be responsible for it. Thus, the staff made sure to keep the key safe with him.


    Top and other three body guards escorted the husband and wife back to their house where Jade had been waiting since morning.


    "Mommy! I miss you." Jade ran towards her and hugged her thighs. "You didn''t let me visit you these past few days because it is cold so, I was really really really bored."


    "Really?" Jillyanna asked while rubbing the child''s head. "Didn''t you miss, Daddy?"


    "Of course I miss Daddy. I just saw you first." she made an excuse which sound agreeable.


    Shein helped Travis with the bags and brought it upstairs so that they can take a rest. It was still two in the afternoon but due to the weather, the afternoon looked gloomy yet wonderful. The snow wasn''t heavy and it gave an impression of an enchanted land.


    "I''ll take a rest for a while. Please wake me up after three hours." Jillyanna stated before walking upstairs with Jade. She wanted to sleep with her daughter this time.


    Jackie and Riley was still in the living room and when Jillyanna left, they immediately called Cielo and Jenny.


    "Is she home already?" Cielo asked softly.


    "Just got home." Riley answered. "Her baby will turn eight months old. What do you think should we do for her?"


    "I heard that Jillyanna isn''t allowed to take surprises anymore. We shouldn''t do something overwhelming. I suggest we just throw a small celebration. Like a little get together before Christmas." Cielo suggested with concern for her sister.


    "Okay. I''ll inform big brother about this. Let''s just hold the celebration here. It would be bad if she travels with a heavy stomach." Jackie stated.


    They all agreed to do a little celebration for Jillyanna before Christmas. It was for her baby which would turn eight months old. It wasn''t like the grand baby shower but just a little celebration to spend Christmas with distant friends and families.


    Jillyanna was starting to get accustomed to surprises but she would still become very happy whenever she gets one.


    After the discussion, Travis was informed immediately. He just let them do whatever they want as long as no one would get hurt.


    Second Saturday of December, friends and family held a little get-together to celebrate a little for Jillyanna and her baby at the same time, have an early Christmas celebration with them.


    This time, Savannah and the other weren''t around due to their work. Eliezer and Vincent came with their gifts. Jillyanna had gifts for them, too. A little toke of gratitude from her. She didn''t know what Vincent liked so she gave him a pair of shoes. For Eli, she bought him a watch.


    "I noticed that you have been using your phone to check for time. I know watch is very important but no matter how important it is, you don''t have time to buy one for yourself. So, I got you one. Advance Merry Christmas, Eli." Her eyes squinted into a crescent moon as she greeted him happily.


    "Thank you. Merry Christmas to you and your family." Eli responded as he tried putting on the watch. It was a perfect fit around his wrist.


    Travis looked at them from his peripheral vision but he was no longer jealous of Eli. He knew that Jillyanna didn''t have feelings for him other than being friends.


    ''Thinking about Rival, I still have one that is yet to come. I hope he was telling truth about having wife.'' Travis thought when he remembered about the man that Jillyanna talked to few weeks ago.


    Thomas also came and brought his early gifts for everyone. He came with Gabriel this time since Winter was still in the military.


    "Make sure to visit your parents once the weather gets a little better. They would be disappointed if you''d forget to visit them." Thomas reminded Jillyanna and Travis at the same time.


    "Yes, dad." They answered in unison which made Thomas smiled at them. They actually planned to visit them before Christmas but the weather wasn''t cooperating at all.


    They didn''t have much activity, just a little chitchat here and there, eatings, playing cards, chess, and other sort of light activities. It wasn''t anything extravagant but everyone was enjoying their time.


    "One more month and you will give birth to our baby. Just hang on a little longer, okay? I will always be here to support you and help you." Travis mumbled beside her while they watched everyone having fun.


    Jade was playing with Shein using his laptop and they were creating blocks and different kinds of shapes using codes. Even though Jillyanna was smart, she wan''t that well-versed when it comes to computer codes and programming but Jade was able to learn it quickly.


    Seeing her happy smile, Jillyanna knew that she made the right choice of adopting the kid. Not only that, she was even blessed to have a sensible, smart and honest child. She was kind, too. ''Such adorable being fell into my arms. I must have accumulated so much good karma to get her in this life.'' Jillyanna thought with a huge grin hanging on her lips.


    "Don''t worry. I will cling to my life and do my best. I won''t leave you no matter what." Jillyanna told Travis after sometimes.


    However, no matter how much you hold on to that hope, some people can''t leave you be. Some people were just full of greed and envy that they can''t allow Jillyanna to be happy.

 Chapter 463 - VENUS PLAZA YEAR-END PARTY

    Since Jillyanna was given the permission to go home, Travis also got the time to go back to the company to hold meeting with the directors, check anything that needed his opinion and close every possible deals before Christmas.


    He was confident with Jillyanna''s safety at home. She''s got more people to rely on compared to the time that she was inside the hospital.


    She continued to live her life and enjoy every moment that she got to spend with the people she loves. She taught Jade privately about different things. She played with her daughter using her old stuff toys and other stuff. Her things finally found their purpose as to why they were kept for a long time.


    "Mommy, will Daddy come back late again today?" Jade asked while coloring the drawing that she made. It was a sketch of their house which Jade etched in her memory. Even though it was snowing outside, Jade drew the environment with different kinds of plants of different colors and sizes.


    Jillyanna was holding a book about parenting while she listened to her question. "He will be back early tonight. He needed to rest since there will be ball tomorrow."


    "Can I come to the ball?"


    "No, sweetheart. It''s really cold outside and you might catch a cold. We will only stay there for an hour or two. Then, we will come home to accompany you."


    "Will Auntie Jade and Auntie Riley stay?"


    "Hn. Only your Daddy and I will come out. Your Uncle Shein hated this kind of event. Your Auntie Riley would rather take a rest since she still got some work. Jackie doesn''t want to leave the house as well. So, you get to stay here with them."


    "When will pretty uncle and everyone come back? They''ve been gone for quite sometime now. Won''t they go back here? Don''t they miss Jade?"


    "Of course, they would miss you. It''s just that, their work is difficult. They will probably come home during New Year. I am not so sure though."


    "I hope they will come home soon. I miss pretty uncle and everyone."


    She kept talking and asking about different people but she never talked about her biological father. She had been like that since Jillyanna asked her to pretend in front of her father.


    "Jade?" Jillyanna called out her name softly as she placed the book on the table where Jade was coloring her sketch.


    "What is it, Mom?"


    "Are you angry that I asked you to spend time with your father even though you hated him?"


    Jade was silent for a moment and she was staring right into her eyes before she opened her mouth once again. "If Mommy says I have to do it, I will follow it. There must be a reason why you wanted me to do it."


    Jillyanna reached out her hand and lightly rubbed the child''s head. "I am glad that you are very understanding. One day, once you are old enough, I will tell you why."


    "Okay. I will wait for Mommy to tell me the reason."


    Jade continued to color her sketch while Jillyanna continued to read the book. They were minding their own time, quietly doing what they wanted to do making the atmosphere calm and harmonious.


    Even though she was still six years old, Jade was studying advance subjects compared to students of her age. She couldn''t be enrolled yet since it was almost end of the year thus; she studied at home with the help of everyone.


    Every day, Travis would come home to see his wife and daughter spending quality time together. Sometimes they were reading, writing, doing mathematics, making crochet, making bracelet, painting, studying history, memorizing poems, and many other things.


    His life had been dark for a long time after he got separated from Jillyanna years ago and when she came back and reunited with him, his life had been very colorful. Despite the danger they had faced and would face, the spectrum of colors still shines radiantly as if nothing can stain it.


    Just like this time, Jillyanna was leaning on a couch, her back was facing the door, reading a book which guides parents how to deal with children. Jade was sitting on her cute little chair, busy picking up crayons of different colors to give life to her drawing.


    "Until when are you planning to look at us?" Jillyanna voiced out which made Travis chuckled and walked towards them.


    "Daddy!" Jade exclaimed and put everything down before running towards him, throwing herself in his arms and gave him a light kiss on his right cheek.


    "What were you busy doing that you didn''t notice me?" Travis asked Jade who smiled at little awkward at him.


    "Hehe..I..I was busy coloring the house." Jade admitted.


    "Whose house?"


    "Our house."


    "Can I see?"


    "Sure." Jade led him to the small table and gave him the sketch which showed the front view of their house.


    "Wow! Our little princess is very talented." Travis praised Jade and gave her a gentle pat on her head. It was said in one of the books about parenting that children should be praised when they do something good to encourage them to do better.


    "I''m glad that Daddy likes it. Mommy likes it, too." Jade stated happily.


    Travis returned the sketch pad back to her so that she can continue coloring the sketches. When Jade wasn''t looking at them, Travis pulled Jillyanna''s book down and stole a kiss from her.


    "I''m home." Travis announced with a sheepish grin. Even though it was a late greeting, he still wanted to say it.


    "Welcome home, hubby." Jillyanna leaned closer to get another kiss from him. Travis looked towards Jade and since their daughter wasn''t looking, he gave Jillyanna another kiss.


    "Have you prepared your dress for tomorrow?" Travis asked her since they will be attending the first year-end party of the month. It will be a party for all staff working in Venus Plaza Industrial Park. Security staff, janitors or janitress, Network security staff and everyone else were invited. It would also be the first Christmas that Jillyanna would spend with them.


    "I haven''t checked any dress yet. It''s not a problem anyway since I got so many dresses to choose from." Jillyanna responded to him.


    "Hn. Don''t think about it. I have arranged for our suit and gown." Travis stated with a smile. "I know you will be busy with Jade so I figured you might have not prepared anything."


    "How thoughtful of you."


    "Of course. I''ll do everything for my beloved wife."


    In big events like year-end parties, many people would really post something on their social media accounts. They would post the dresses they would wear, the people they were looking forward to see, the prizes they were aiming for and many other activities for everyone to feel envious of them.


    It was also because of this that Jillyanna would find herself in danger once again. People had been posting that Goddess YNA will be one of their guests or that the prominent housewife of the young business tycoon will come and join their party.


    Many people had been paying attention to every little details of her life and one of these people was Ryden. He might be on the run but that didn''t mean he didn''t have enough resources. There were still people who wanted to help him plot his revenge. However, the person he had been waiting to show up disappeared like a bubble. There wasn''t any sign of her as if she didn''t exist or as if she was nothing but an illusion.


    Lyla didn''t give up with her revenge yet but she has another plan. She was just waiting for the right time. She was no longer careless and stupidly following her rage. She finally learned her lesson this time and she was just patiently playing - playing the waiting game.


    The clock slowly ticked and the time was slow to pass. It was as if the day didn''t want to come, hindering Jillyanna to come out and meet her doom.


    Tick! Tock! Tick! Tock!


    Some people wanted the days to pass by quickly. Some people wanted to make it slow. And some people wanted to even make the time stop. Jillyanna belonged to the third group. If possible, she wanted to stop the time so that she can stay with her family but it was the most impossible wish to come true.


    No matter what you do, what was bound to come will always come. The time for the party was slowly approaching. Jillyanna was leaving few reminders to Jade while Travis was frying her hair. The little girl was listening to her while matching different accessories to her mother''s dress.


    "Mommy, don''t worry about me. I will behave here and wait for you." Jade promised before picking up a silver butterfly earrings. "I think this will match up with your dress, Mommy." She picked another silver chain necklace with a small stud diamond in the center of the star-shaped pendant. "This will be a good pair, too."


    "Alright. I will wear this." Jillyanna took the accessories and put it on. "Remember to keep your promise."


    "I swear." Jade even raised her hand to show her sincerity. "But Mommy, I feel really nervous tonight." Jade mumbled with concern.

 Chapter 464 - A CALL FOR HELP

    Jillyanna wore her evening dress. It was a Chinese style black dress which covers up to the base of her neck. It was to make sure that she would keep herself warm during the party. The size of the dress was a little loose in order for her to properly stretch her limbs and give space for breathing. No one would like to die from suffocation for a mere dress. She''s a tall woman so, she chose to wear a two-inch black shoe to pair with her dress. The accessories that she Jade chose matches with her dress perfectly.


    Travis helped her put on the necklace. "Don''t leave my sight tonight. No matter what happens. You must stay with me." Travis reminded her firmly. It was an order and she couldn''t say no to it.


    She nodded her head in agreement while watching themselves in the reflection of the mirror. "How many people are we bringing tonight?" she asked casually since she would be putting the lives of other people in her hand. Even though the guards applied to secure her life in exchange for hers, she couldn''t just let them die. They have families, too. They have parents, wives and children waiting for them to come home. As much as possible, she wanted everyone to come home safely.


    "Six people will be coming with us tonight. Two of them are already in the venue to check the place with other securities. The other four will tag along and will keep an eye on you."


    "I see." After saying those words, she kept quiet and was thinking about what Jade said earlier. It was given that someone would feel nervous if something happens to the people that they cared about. Jade feeling that way made Jillyanna felt a little apprehensive. But she wasn''t nervous at all though. Unlike before, she always felt bothered and troubled before things got messy. ''I must be overthinking.'' She dismissed all the negative thoughts and breathed in and out to calm herself.


    "Are you nervous?" Travis asked her while putting on his necktie.


    "A little. It is my first time to attend a year-end party."


    "That''s alright. You will get use to it." Travis responded with a smile.


    After few more minutes, around seven in the evening, the two of them finally left with the four bodyguards tagging along. Top was responsible for driving them to the venue where everyone was waiting for the arrival of their boss and madam.


    "I am so excited to see our goddess YNA tonight."


    "Me, too. It''s been quite sometimes since she last visited the headquarters. Many things happened to her as well and her pregnancy is very risky."


    "I pray for her recovery and for her to give birth to a healthy baby."


    "I hope nothing bad will happen to her. I like her so much, you know."


    "I think we all like her."


    "I don''t just like her because of her songs in the past but because of her personality. As long as you won''t do anything that would go against her bottom line, she would be very kind to you."


    "I even heard that our bonuses were raised because of her."


    "Hn. That''s what I heard to. According to the rumors, our goddess told her husband that the directors and shareholders are the brain of the company but the employees are the core soul of the place. It''s because of us that the company prospers."


    Jillyanna and Travis didn''t arrive yet but they were the focus of group conversations here and there, specially Jillyanna. There was indeed a time that she told Travis to raise the employees'' bonuses. She just didn''t know that it would make her look like their savior. She only did it because the remaining employees were the loyal ones. After all, she made a thorough clean up mission when Travis was still in comatose.


    It made everyone do their work diligently and became honest with their time attendance and performance. Because of that, the productivity of the employees raised and they even finished their works on time. Those people who were sent to jail set as an example to the remaining employees. If you dare mess with Jillyanna, she will mess up your whole life.


    "Good evening everyone!" The host went up to the stage to get everyone''s attention. "I am honored to be the host for this lovely and most-awaited event of the year. Everyone had been working hard for the whole year and this time, we get to spend a break and enjoy ourselves to our heart''s content. I am pretty sure that we all are happy after receiving our bonuses. Am I right?"


    "Yeah!" Everyone cheered and responded to him happily.


    "Did you guys buy your Christmas presents for your family and friends?" the host asked again.


    "Of course. That''s the priority."


    "We didn''t forget."


    "You bought presents already? Why didn''t I get one? Don''t I have friends here?" The host complained as if he was truly aggrieved. "It''s fine if I don''t have friends here. I have a beautiful girlfriend anyway."


    "Hey! That''s mean."


    "Stop flaunting your love!"


    "Hmp! You are just envious because you guys are single."


    "Get down there or I will really kick you out." One of the women yelled but her face was clearly showing it was a joke.


    "We don''t have a partner this year but, we will have one next year." Another single woman stated.


    The host just chuckled while watching everyone below the stage. He received a message from the security officer stationed outside that the President and his wife finally arrived.


    "You might not be envious of my relationship but you guys will be envious of this couple who had been through a lot yet, they stayed faithful and loyal to each other. They''re really living up to their vows of going through bad times and good times together. In sickness and in health, they strive forward and overcome different adversities. Let''s welcome Mr. Travis Madrigal together with his wife, the lovely Jillyanna Madrigal."


    The huge door to the entrance was pushed open and what came into view was the gorgeous Jillyanna standing beside her handsome husband. Four body guards were following closely behind them.


    "Good evening Mr. President. Good evening Madame."


    "Good evening Travis. Good evening Jill."


    "Hello boss. Hello boss madam."


    Different kinds of greetings came from different people. Their smiles made Jillyanna felt warm and welcome.


    "Good evening everyone." She returned the greetings and smiled at them. Travis also nodded his head to the people around him while holding his wife close to him. He found a place to sit and let Jillyanna take a rest since she walked several steps from the parking lot. It should be exhausting for a pregnant woman like her.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, let''s welcome our President to give us a short message."


    Travis made sure that Jillyanna was fine before coming up on stage. Jillyanna was sitting quietly with the guards standing close to her. "Good evening everyone!" Travis greeted perfunctorily. "This year had been a difficult year for all of us. A lot of things happened, both good and bad. After all the adversities we all went through, I am glad to see all of you standing in front of me right here, right now. Because of your hard work, the company prospers and we got more and more projects with great offers. In behalf of my family who founded this business as well as the board of directors and shareholders, I''d like to extend my gratitude to everyone. Tonight, this is purely a celebration to have fun and enjoy our time. I hope you all have a great evening."


    A warm applause erupted from everyone as Travis left the stage to go back to his wife. Some people approached them to give their well-wishes and some asked Jillyanna for her autograph. Even though she was no longer working as a singer, her name was still living in people''s hearts even though she already stopped few months ago.


    "Travis, congratulations on your wedding. I couldn''t come last time because of my health and my daughter kept nagging me to leave with her to seek help overseas. I hope you don''t mind my late gift." It was Mrs. Ching, one of the shareholders. "Congratulations in becoming the Mrs. Madrigal, Jillyanna. I know you are the most deserving person to marry this man. I am glad to see that he wasn''t married off to someone out of convenience."


    Travis chuckled knowing who the old lady meant. She was never close to Mr. Suarez and she always hated him every time he would mention marrying his daughter to Travis. It wasn''t because she didn''t like Cheska but, she just didn''t like anyone to be married against their will.


    "Thank you for this gift, Auntie Ching." Travis responded.


    "Thank you." Jillyanna responded politely as well. She wasn''t used to addressing people intimately when she wasn''t close to them so, she decided to omit the name.


    While they were attending the event, Jade was restless at home. She couldn''t understand why she was feeling nervous all of a sudden. Her small hands were sweating coldly and she could hear the beating of her heart. Jackie and Riley were cooking food for dinner while Shein was still upstairs taking a bath. Whenever they were free, they would usually cook for themselves, not depending on to their helpers.


    Their telephone rang all of a sudden, startling Jade from being anxious. Since everyone was busy, she decided to pick up the call. Her eyes widened and her breathing hitched.


    "J-Jade¡­help..help me¡­"

 Chapter 465 - ITS MY FATHER

    Jade''s hands trembled as she listened to the voice. She didn''t speak and tried to listen attentively for any other sound.


    "Don''t come! Don''t go out!" This time, the voice held warning and was shouting fiercely from the back ground.


    "Shut up!"


    "Ugh!"


    Jade figured out that someone was using a voice changer to call her. The first person who spoke to her sounded wary and worried. It was as if he was suffering from pain. However, someone called out to warn her.


    Ryden didn''t expect such thing to happen. He never thought that the man would gain consciousness in no time. "I should really have poisoned you." He threatened but the man smirked at him.


    "Go ahead."


    On the other line, Jade hang up the call and dialed her mother''s number. No one answered her. She dialed again but it kept ringing without anyone picking up the call. She dropped the call again and this time, she called Travis. To her worry and fear, none of her parents answered her call.


    "Auntie Jackie! Auntie Riley!" she yelled at the top of her lungs while still dialing the series of number that she memorized. "Come her immediately."


    Riley turned off the stove and came running towards her who was already crying silently, still trying to reach her parents. "What happened?"


    "What''s wrong?" Jackie also asked while wiping Jade''s tears.


    "You call Mommy and Daddy, too. I need to know if they are fine. We need to hurry." They didn''t what happened but seeing her distress look and hearing her plea, the twin pulled out their phones instantly to call Jillyanna and Travis.


    "Would you mind telling us what happened while we try to reach them?" Jackie suggested, rubbing the child''s cheek to calm her a little.


    "Someone called. I don''t know why but he knew that it was me who answered the phone. It was really suspicious and someone shouted from the background that I shouldn''t go out no matter what."


    "Was it a man or a woman?"


    "I don''t know. The person was using a voice changer. However¡­however..the man who warned me¡­his voice was very familiar to me."


    Jackie were getting restless as well. They haven''t reached the husband and wife even after that several calls. Shein heard the commotion earlier and changed his clothes as fast as he can before coming down to find out what was happening.


    "Go back and get your computer." Riley ordered him as soon as she saw him come out. He had not step on the staircase and yet, he had to go back to his room once again to get his laptop. When he came down, Riley handed him a piece of paper with a string of numbers written on it. It was the called ID that she got from the land line recorder.


    "when did the call happen?" he inquired while starting to open some dialogue boxes on his computer screen.


    "Around ten minutes ago."


    Shein didn''t ask for more information and started tracking the caller. At the same time, he was infiltrating the network security of the hotel where the year-end party was being held. They needed to know if the couple were doing fine, specially that none of them answered their calls.


    "Will they be alright?" Jade inquired, her voice worried and anxious. She was still trying to figure out who was the person that yelled from the background of the call.


    "Don''t worry sweetheart. Your parents will be alright." Jackie responded in an attempt to comfort her.


    "This is weird." Shein mumbled while looking at the details of the number that he traced.


    "What''s wrong?" all three women, one kid and two adults, looked at the series of information in front of them. The map where the red dot was coming from, it was around their place!


    "Isn''t this near this house?" Shein asked hesitantly. He doubled check the information and it still showed him the same place. "It is really from this place. This¡­are..are we being watched?"


    They all looked towards each other and smiled like nothing happen. "Let''s ask as if we don''t know anything. Let''s all pretend that we don''t care about this. No wonder the person knew it was Jade who answered the telephone."


    Jade sat on the couch and bent her knees, curling her body like a cooked shrimp. She was worried for her parents but she can''t do anything. Jackie decided to send another message to Jillyanna and Travis.


    "We should probably get the numbers of the body guards next time. Everyone''s number; to make sure that we can reach the people we needed to reach." Riley stated. "Let me continue to cook. If anything will happen, we need to eat and have energy for a possible trouble." She walked back to the kitchen with Jackie following behind her.


    Ryden on the other hand was getting impatient. He finally got the time he needed to get his revenge but it seemed like he would fail again. "Why don''t I just kill everyone, without letting anyone come out alive?" He looked at the man whom he tied on a tree. Other men were lying on the ground, breathless; died completely from the bullet. "Don''t you think it was more fun to do it that way?"


    "Don''t! My daughter is innocent."


    "My siblings were innocent, too." Ryden answered back.


    "Which was why they weren''t killed."


    "They weren''t killed but they would live in shame for the rest of their life." He retorted with overwhelming hatred.


    "What your father did was wrong?"


    "Then, did Jillyanna do the right thing by putting father to jail?" He smirked at him and even landed a punch on his gut. "Killing them or letting them live in shame, it is all the same." He turned around and looked back at the house not far from where he was hiding. "Killing everyone inside that house is also the same as killing an ant."


    His eyes glowed with extreme hatred and killing intent. "Too bad, I didn''t bring any bomb with me." He laughed, one that could raise goosebumps on your arms and back. "It would have been a wonderful sight."


    "You are crazy!"


    "So, what?" He didn''t care if he was being called crazy. It doesn''t matter anymore.


    Inside the house, Shein stopped infiltrating the network security for the meantime. He carried Jade in his arms and brought her inside his room. He took a bulletproof vest that he got from Jillyanna years ago and helped Jade wear it.


    "Uncle, are we in danger?"


    "I suppose, yes. I am not sure if we will be attacked tonight but it would be better if we are ready."


    "How about you? What will you wear?"


    "I have another one which would fit me. Don''t worry." After making sure that she wore it properly, he brought her out and went inside her room. He took three thick Jacket and let her use it to cover the vest before the two of them went out to go to the kitchen.


    "You guys eat first, I will just change." Jackie took off her apron and left.


    "I''ll do the same." Riley ran after her twin to prepare herself. Shein placed some food on Jade''s plate for her to eat.


    "Uncle, where are we going after this? Don''t we have a guard?"


    "We have. However, we can''t put our lives in their hands. We need to escape before anything happens. What if the person hunting us brought a bomb, we will die in an instant if that is the case."


    "So, the bullet proof¡­"


    "It''s just for precaution, just in case the enemy or enemies are using guns."


    Jade continued to wolf down her food. She needed to be strong and make sure that she won''t be a burden to anyone. "Where are we going later?"


    "We will go to your grandmother''s house." Shein responded to her.


    When Jackie and Riley came out, they were wearing a black tights and black jacket. Their hair was tied up in a high ponytail as well. They were both holding two guns and there was a knife slid on the side of their black boots.


    "Cool." Jade commented. "If only we are not being hunted."


    Jackie sat down on the chair opposite the little girl. The kitchen was located somewhere at the back portion of the house so, one can see them from the outside. She called Auntie Fei and Auntie Sisi and told them to stay in grandpa and grandma Shan''s house for a while. The three body guards who were responsible for their safety were told to get ready. They needed to leave as soon as possible before their enemy could strike them.


    It''s better to be safe than sorry. They didn''t know what happened to Jillyanna and Travis yet which was why, they needed to escape. "I contacted Lucian earlier. They will come and pick us up at the east border. We can''t escape through the main road; our enemy will know." Jackie informed them.


    "Don''t be scared, Jade. We will protect you." Riley stated but Jade only nodded her head in silence. She was still thinking about the man who shouted a warning to her.


    ''Was he just scaring us so that we would come out? Or was that person really planning to strike at us?'' Jade was thinking deeply even when they were about to leave the place. ''Where exactly did I hear that voice?''


    Riley and Jackie were walking in front, Shein was carrying Jade in the middle of the group and the three bodyguards were following behind them.


    "Stop! The man who yelled from the background was my father!" Jade exclaimed when she realized who that voice belongs to. "It''s my father!"

 Chapter 466 - MAGICAL WORDS THAT SHE NEEDED TO HEAR

    Ryden was walking slowly towards the house. He wasn''t afraid to be seen at all. If he would perish, he would drag everyone with him.


    "Ryden, you monster! Don''t include my daughter in this mess! You f*cking bastard! Get back here!" Walter Damien shouted at the top of his lungs until he was getting hoarse.


    Ryden did stop and turned around to face him. "Why should I stop? The more you want to stop me, the more I want to slaughter them." His twisted face and cold eyes were not showing any traces of being human. He was mad! There''s only madness and killing intent in his eyes.


    "If something happens to my daughter, your family will never live peacefully in this life and in the next. I will haunt you to the ends of the Earth if you do something to Jade!" He was struggling to free himself from the bind. He just wanted to visit his daughter and send her an early Christmas gifts but, they were ambushed and his men were killed from the sudden attack. His trusted subordinate exchanged his life to save him but Ryden still caught him.


    "There''s no use shouting those curses at me." He continued to walk towards the house which wasn''t very far from where they were.


    "AAAAAHHHHHH! HELP! SOMEONE COME AND HELP!" He no longer cared about his image. He just wanted for someone to hear his call of help. He wanted someone to save his daughter. He was yelling like crazy, losing his composure from fear and anxiety.


    "SHUT UP!" Ryden turned towards him and shot him on his chest, stopping him from shouting ¨C forever. "What a waste of my bullet. If you didn''t show up here, you wouldn''t be killed. I didn''t even know that she was your daughter. HAHAHA. I will kill whoever is related to this bitch! And it just so happens that you wanted to visit them. Tsk!" He left without checking his victim.


    Bent on exacting his revenge, blinded by anger and jealousy, he was left without any trace of humanity in him. He just killed indiscriminately as long as the person shows connection to Jillyanna. His hatred towards her was bone-deep and there''s no space for negotiation or truce.


    Jackie and everyone else were still walking towards the east border where Lucian will pick them up with one of his colleagues from work. "Are you sure it was your father?" Jackie asked the little girl to make sure.


    "I am not certain but he is the only person I know with that voice. If it wasn''t him then, I don''t have any idea who else would it be."


    "I''ll come back to check the place later. The most important thing is to get you out of here safely." Jackie responded while they continued to talk. The guard already told their neighbors what to in case someone would come in pursuit of them and they trusted that they won''t sell them out.


    It wasn''t because they were close with the neighbors but, Jillyanna was. She helped them whenever they needed her help. They also helped her look after the house when she often leaves the country before. Diego even had a rough time when he tried investigating the ownership of the house before. They would never say anything that would harm Jillyanna and her family.


    And their trust wasn''t broken!


    Ryden walked towards the house and rang the doorbell as if he wasn''t planning anything evil. No one answered him though which was already within his expectation. He walked around the house but he couldn''t find any other way to get inside. He found a small house not far from Jillyanna''s place and walked there to get information.


    ''Knock! Knock! Knock!''


    Auntie Fei, who went to the house of the Shans with Auntie Sisi, opened the door and found a young man standing outside the house. "Hello! How may I help you?" Auntie Fei maintained her polite attitude as if she didn''t expect the person at all. She was smiling at him like she didn''t know he was there to kill her employer.


    Ryden made a light bow and greeted. "Good evening, Madam. May I know where the people in that house run to?" He asked while pointing his finger in the direction of Jillyanna''s home. He wasn''t discreet at all! He was direct and straight to the point.


    "I heard that the Madam in that house and her husband left for a party. As for the others, I didn''t see them leave the house." Auntie Fei answered, acting like she didn''t know Jillyanna and her family.


    "You are not hiding them here, are you?"


    "Huh? Ah no. I don''t really understand what is going on. Do you need something from them?"


    "Don''t talk sh*t with me! Where are they?!" His eyes were red and glaring daggers and Auntie Fei whimpered on the side like a little animal scared by its predator.


    "I don''t know. I''ve been taking care of my old parents here. I am not even friends with the people in that house. Poor people like would not associate with wealthy people like them."


    "Tsk!" Ryden left when he got nothing from Auntie Fei. Since they weren''t related to Jillyanna, there''s no point in killing them since that won''t affect Jillyanna. He didn''t know that the woman he talked to was one of the two trusted helpers in Jillyanna''s house.


    He retraced his steps and looked around the place. He found another house which wasn''t very far and walked in that direction. The family of five, parents and three kids, were having their dinner when Ryden came knocking on their door.


    It was the father who opened the door and found Ryden standing in front of him with a gun being tossed and turn on his hand. The father paled instantly and dropped to his knees. "Sir, just take whatever you want. Please don''t harm me and my family. We don''t have much get whatever you like."


    The wife heard what happened and check on what was happening, finding his husband kneeling on the floor with a stranger in front of him, holding a gun. "Sir, have mercy on us. We are just a poor family."


    "I know." Ryden answered flatly. "I am not here to bully you. I just wasn''t to ask if you know where Jillyanna and her family go?"


    "Jillyanna? Ah! That rich woman?" The father exclaimed and put his index finger on his temple, acting like he was doing some hard thinking. "I saw her left with her husband. I don''t know where they went to though. As for the other people, I haven''t seen them leave that house. Once evening falls, my family and I don''t usually go out. So, we don''t know if they left tonight."


    "This place isn''t that very big. Doesn''t she greet you? Many people said that she''s a nice woman." Ryden kept talking, wanting the man to trip up some little information to him.


    The father chuckled though. "Nah. I don''t really know if she''s nice. We don''t mingle with her since she got so many guards. They all look scary."


    "Once they left, what time do they usually come home?"


    "I am not really sure. There are times that they wouldn''t come home. Sometimes they''d be back early, sometimes very late."


    "Okay."


    That''s it and he left. He was really true to his own words. As long as the person is not related to Jillyanna he wouldn''t do anything. In the end, he got nothing and decided to go back to where he left the dead bodies. When he got back, his rage flared up and he shoot the bushed and shrubs like crazy.


    Walter Damien''s body was gone!


    Jackie was running with Walter following behind her. He didn''t care about his appearance anymore. He''s got bruises and small wounds everywhere. The bullet that Ryden shot him was still stuck on his bulletproof vest. He could only thank his lucky fate that the enemy was stupid.


    He didn''t check Walter earlier when he tied him. He didn''t check him as well after shooting him on his chest. He was really confident in killing him. He was really lucky that Ryden didn''t shoot him in the head like how he killed his guards, if so, he would''ve really died in that place.


    "Is my daughter safe?" Walter asked Jackie as he ran behind her.


    "Hn. My sister took her away."


    "Thank God. I was really afraid that you guys would come out from worry and use the main road. Ryden was waiting to ambush you."


    "You daughter heard your warning."


    "Where''s Jillyanna and Travis? You guys must inform them about it. I believe that mad man won''t leave the place."


    "There''s no need to worry, Lucian was able to contact them."


    Jillyanna and Travis got distracted from all the people who wanted to chat with them so, they didn''t notice that they missed several calls already. No matter how loud the ringtone was, the music in the venue was even louder. It wasn''t after two hours, when they were about to go home that Jillyanna opened her phone.


    -Don''t come home. Someone wanted to kill all of us.- It was a message from Jackie.


    -Be careful on the road and don''t come home. We will be running somewhere tonight. ¨C It was from Rylie.


    She was just about to call them as panic rose deep in her heart but Lucian''s call beat her to it. "They''re safe." Those were the magical words that she needed to hear the most. Lucian knew she would be worried after seeing several missed calls so, he kept calling her until she answered it.

 Chapter 467 - MISERIES

    Travis saw her breathing in relief. She might have not noticed it but she was actually sweating coldly. Her hands were shaking lightly as well.


    He also found the several missed phone calls from Jackie and Riley but, Jillyanna was quick to call them back.


    "Let''s go back to the villa tonight." she whispered while looking down on the floor.


    "Okay."


    She knew that this day would come and she wasn''t that surprise but she was still worried for her family. She didn''t anticipate that Ryden would be so bold to go and find them by himself.


    ''Wait! By himself? He went there alone?'' she couldn''t wrap up her mind in this thought. ''It''s impossible that he was alone. I don''t believe it.''


    And she was right in her wild guess and thought. Ryden wasn''t alone but he was just so stupid and over confident. After killing the guards who came with Walter earlier, he let his two men to guard the main road in case someone would escape. With his small and stupid brain, he would have never anticipated that there was a different exit that Jackie and the others could use.


    Travis and Jillyanna went home to the Madrid''s family villa after the party. After finding out that everyone was safe, she wasn''t worrying anymore.


    ''I don''t want to kill people again.'' Jillyanna thought. She just wanted to live her life peacefully. ''Well, I don''t think he is considered a person so, I guess it''s fine to kill him?'' she added mentally, fiddling with her wedding ring without her knowing.


    Travis took hold of her hand and intertwined their fingers. "What ate you thinking?" he asked with concern. She had been silent since they left the party venue and he was starting to get anxious.


    "I was just thinking how to deal with Ryden. He had been messing with me for quite sometimes and I am really pissed off right now."


    "You are that pissed off?" Travis wanted to laugh amidst the danger lurking around them. She said that she was pissed off but she was rather calm and nonchalant about. It just meant that she was handling her emotions properly.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll think of a way to deal with this. Don''t think about anything anymore."


    "I won''t ask how you will do it." She didn''t need to know because how it will happen because she knew how it will end already.


    Not long after, Top drove the car inside the gate of the Madrid''s villa and stopped it in front of the main entrance.


    "Mommy! Daddy!" Jade''s cute and adorable face came into view as she ran towards them. "I was so worried about you two. Why didn''t you answer my calls? Do you know how afraid I was? I really thought that something happened." She was complaining but her tone still has traces of concern and worry for them.


    Jillyanna wasn''t allowed to bend so Travis picked up their daughter to carry her in his arms.


    "Sorry for making you worry." Jillyanna spoke softly and leaned closer to them to kiss her daughter''s cheeks.


    "It was a good thing that Uncle Walter warned me." Jade mentioned and shortly informed them of how they were able to escape.


    Earlier, she told Jackie and her company that it was her ''father'' and now, she was back to calling him uncle. She was could easily switched between her two roles.


    Sky and Alex sighed a breath of relief after seeing them intact without any bruises or wounds. Since they were fine, they went inside their room to sleep the night away. They weren''t that worried since there were many guards who looked after the house and their security.


    Cielo also greeted them when she saw that her sister had come back safely. "I''m glad you''re all safe. I was worried when I heard the news from Jade and the twins."


    "Sorry." Jillyanna mumbled almost a whisper to them.


    "That''s fine. You''ve been out for a while and a lot of things happened. Go and take a rest. Don''t think too much for now. Your baby needs to rest as well." Cielo reminded her.


    "I already arranged your room, and changed the bedsheet and pillows. It''s ready to use." Jenny informed her.


    "Thanks Jenny."


    "You''re welcome." Jenny smiled faintly at her. "We don''t have much room here so the twins will be sleeping with me."


    "I see. Then, Shein can use the remaining spare room." Jillyanna responded promptly. "I''m sorry but I will retire first."


    "Good night." They greeted back to Jillyanna.


    They couldn''t do anything about what had happened. Worrying about it will just make them more anxious. So, they decided to just let the law take care of everything.


    Travis asked Walter about the whole event while Jillyanna led her daughter to their room and sang her to sleep.


    "So, you were ambushed on the way? Where are your men?" Travis asked which darkened the face of the man in front of him.


    "They''re all gone."


    "Ha?"


    "They''re gone. Dead. When we were ambushed, Ryden and his men shoot my guards on their heads, not letting anyone escape."


    Travis didn''t say anything but he still gave Walter a gentle pat on his back as a form of comfort.


    "Just let Lucian handle this matter. You can be a witness to this crime but we can''t be so sure if they would be able to catch him." Travis sighed at his own statement. "If they authorities can''t subdue him, would you like to work with me?" He whispered to him, making Walter stiffened on his seat.


    Lucian was long gone to accompany his wife to sleep so, he didn''t know what Travis was talking about. Since they got the statement and information from Walter, he already asked Nik to check the crime scene as soon as possible.


    While everyone was minding their own business, the two in the living room already made a pact to do things on their own if the law can''t do anything.


    Ryden didn''t care about the person who escaped. He wasn''t his main purpose anyway. He can do whatever he wants once he would take down Jillyanna. She was his main target in this messed up game of revenge.


    Ryden went back to the abandoned house of his family with the two men who still stayed and worked for him.


    "Boss, when are we going to attack them again?" one of the men asked as the trek the road leading to the huge but abandoned house.


    "Let''s wait and see. For the meantime, let''s figure out where those scoundrels ran off to." Ryden responded with his grim face. "At the same, do you still not know where Lyla is?"


    "No boss. She just disappeared into thin air. Do you think Jillyanna silenced that woman already?"


    "It''s a possibility."


    Ryden clenched his fist and unclenched it again. He really wanted to punch someone to pulp due to so much anger but, he only got two allies whom he couldn''t dare to hurt. They''re the only people left by his side, he couldn''t afford for them to leave as well.


    Next morning came and Walter was long gone without waiting for his daughter to wake up. He needed to see his men, who stayed by his side until their very last breath.


    They might not have any families or dependents but to Walter, they were his companion when he couldn''t even stay with his family.


    He had a dangerous background and from time to time, people would target him. He just didn''t expect that his wife would really turned her back on him. She didn''t even ask for his help and she never once accepted his help either. When he left, to protect them, his wife made a clean break and told him not show his face in front of them anymore.


    She returned all the money he sent and chose to die with their baby. Even in her last breath, she didn''t tell Jade who was her father and she didn''t tell him to look after their daughter.


    In his opinion, his wise was rather selfish and not understanding. However, he couldn''t blame her. His fate was just too dangerous and if he stayed with them they would die.


    ''If I knew you would still die in the end, I would have stayed and died with you.'' This was what Walter used to think. After knowing that his eldest daughter was still alive, he decided to live his life again.


    Now, he could only watch her call someone else her father while he stayed as her uncle. How ironic, isn''t it?


    Walter saw the lines of dead bodies in front of him. All pale and breathless. "After the autopsy, please have someone cremate their remains. I''d like to give them a proper burial." He mentioned to the police officer and to the forensic doctor who will make proper autopsy for the investigation.


    "I am, perhaps, destined from the very start to live alone in this world." He mumbled to himself while looking down on his feet. A lone tear dropped on the floor from the overwhelming misery he felt.


    Then and there, he decided to abandon the life that he was used to for a change.

 Chapter 468 - HER ANXIETY

    Nobody anticipated the choice that he made. In one day, the news of one of the largest casino being up for sale spread all over the city and to other places as well.


    Many businessmen were interested in such a deal and many tried to verify the information before making their decision.


    It was a shock to some people knowing how successful that casino was and giving it up was kinda waste to think. They just didn''t know how much Walter lost because of that business. Family, friends and his trusted subordinates who stayed with him were all gone.


    "Are you sure with this decision? Are you really selling your shares?" one of the businessmen who looked for Walter asked, still doubtful of the news he received.


    "I am."


    "Is it really the price? Isn''t it too low? I don''t mean to be rude but is there any hidden loopholes that I am not seeing?"


    "You are thinking too much." Walter chuckled faintly as he waved his hand in front of him. "There''s nothing hidden or any loopholes. I just want to spend the rest of my life peacefully. I don''t have anyone to inherit my business so money isn''t something I really need."


    In fact, he''s got so much money in his different savings accounts and selling the shares was just some formalities that he wanted to go through.


    He sold most belongings, cars, vacation houses, hotels, and many other stuff. He was old and soon, his time to bid goodbye will come. As much as possible, he wanted to spend his time with the only living family he got, even though he was just an uncle to her.


    Jillyanna wasn''t permitted to go out again. They needed to catch Ryden first before she can leave once again. They all stayed in the Madrid''s villa to keep everyone safe. The security was also tightened for the safety of everyone.


    "Mommy, I will be learning embroidery today." Jade stated while Jillyanna combed her hair.


    "Do your best and make sure to be extra careful with needles."


    "Hn. I will remember that." Jade responded with a faint smile. She waited for Jillyanna to finish tying her hair up before she spoke again. "Mommy, will the bad man look for us again?"


    "I am not sure sweetheart. Nevertheless, we need to be very careful."


    "But Auntie Riley keeps going out for work. Will she be alright?"


    "Your auntie is very strong. Nothing will happen to her."


    "I see. Then, I''ll go find grandma now." she waved her hand and ran out of the room with het two small feet. Travis also came out from the shower with fresh set of clothes with a towel hang around his neck.


    "For the event in Xavier''s, I think it is better for you to stay here." Travis informed his wife of his idea. "We don''t know if that man has anyone eyeing us. If so, you will always be in danger unless he''s captured and sent to jail."


    "I am worried about you."


    Travis sat on the bed space next to her. "Don''t worry about me. I may not look like someone buff or with hard muscles but, I was still trained in the military. I can protect myself."


    "Do you really have to attend it?"


    "Hn. I will just stay for an hour."


    Jillyanna knew that she was being unreasonable by asking him to stay but she can''t help herself from worrying about him. In the end, she just stayed silent and nodded her head. There''s nothing else that she could do. If she would come with him, she will become his burden if in case they were ambushed. She didn''t want that to happen.


    She kept herself busy with different little things at home. She helped Jenny with some stuff for school. She taught Jade mathematics and science. She made some cookies with her daughter. She composed music when she got really bored. She wrote a short story. She painted some nature scape. She did so many things to pass the time. Every day, she would make something to keep her from being bored.


    Every single day had passed without any news of Ryden being captured. Every night, Lucian would come home with dejected expression. He wanted to help Travis and Jillyanna but he had been a disappointment the past dew day.


    "I''m really sorry, Yanna. We couldn''t find him. His father wouldn''t say anything either." Lucian informed, one night after he came home from work.


    "It''s fine bro." Jillyanna responded. She knew that Travis will do something about it so she wasn''t that worried. "Don''t stress yourself over it."


    "Travis will be attending a party this Saturday, right? Will you be coming with him? Do you want me to send someone to escort you?"


    "No but thanks. I won''t be coming along with him this Saturday."


    "I see." He stood up from the couch and stretched his legs. "It''s late already. I will join my wife and go to sleep now. You as well, get some rest. Travis will be home in a while."


    Even though Jillyanna was staying at home, Travis and Shein would still leave for work everyday. Sometimes, they will leave after lunch and come back before dinner. If there''s something very urgent, they would leave around ten in the morning, after Jillyanna wake up and eat her breakfast.


    However, this time, Travis and Shein had been out so late. They contacted her earlier that they were on the way home but it''s been half an hour since they called her and they weren''t home yet. It was even past dinner time.


    If it was like before, they would still be awake until ten in the evening. Recently, with what was happening around them, everything was just draining and most of them would retire after dinner.


    Right now, only Jillyanna and Riley were staying in the living room to wait for Travis and Shein. Jade was with Sky and Alex, sleeping with them. Jillyanna was getting anxious over time when there wasn''t any news from her husband and her brother.

 Chapter 469 - TRICKED

    Riley was busy checking her schedules and her upcoming movie premiere. The production team decided that they will show the movie on Christmas day. Thus, Riley was both nervous and excited at the same time. It was her new movie after all and she was even the female lead.


    "Riley, did Shein contact you?" Jillyanna asked. "I am trying to reach them but no one is answering. I don''t want to get nervous for nothing."


    "Don''t worry, sis. Shein just sent me a message and that they''re on the way home."


    "Okay." Jillyanna clenched her phone and tried contacting Shein as well. However, no one picked up her call but, she received a message from him.


    "We are on our way home." This was what Shein sent her after she ended the dialed call.


    "Something''s wrong." She murmured and read the message again. "Riley, can I see the message that Shein sent you."


    Riley didn''t know what was going on but she felt that something must have happened for Jillyanna to ask for her phone. Riley handed her mobile phone, displaying her conversation with Shein earlier.


    Shein sent a message around six in the evening that they were wrapping up everything and was about to go home. Half an hour after, he sent another message that they were on their way home. Another hour had passed and he sent the same message to Riley. And the same message that Jillyanna got from him as well.


    "No! No way! This is just a joke!" Jillyanna dialed the number again and when someone picked up the phone, it was suddenly disconnected. No matter how many times she dialed the number, no one was picking up her call.


    She tried calling Travis and it was the same thing. Their phones were off.


    "Sis! What happened?! Please calm down! Sis!" Riley was starting to panic as well. Jillyanna was getting paler and she was clutching her chest.


    "Get.. me a.. glass of water." Jillyanna ordered in between gasps. Riley ran as fast as she could towards the kitchen. Jillyanna was didn''t want to believe her own conjectures. She didn''t want to think anything about it. She didn''t want to think! No! She wanted to blank out her mind!


    Riley returned with a glass of water in her hand. She was just about to hand the water when she saw the picture on Jillyanna''s phone. Horror struck her dumb!


    "This..this..is.." Jillyanna turned around to face Riley, her tears were falling down on her face. "This is just..a joke..right?"


    Riley stood in front of her sister with gaping mouth. She was stunned and scared of other possibilities. "It can''t be true. What about Shein? Where''s Shein?" She grabbed Jillyanna''s phone but there wasn''t any picture of her boyfriend.


    Jillyanna''s eyes rolled back and she fell. Before she would hit her body on the floor, Riley came to block her and cushioned her sister with her own body.


    She didn''t notice that she threw the glass of water and Jillyanna''s phone to save her. The glass shattered and jolted everyone awake.


    "Help! Help!" Riley shouted at the top of her lungs and everyone came out with their robes on and mismatched slippers. "Call an ambulance! No! Drive the car to the hospital!" Riley ordered and Jackie ran out without bothering to change her slippers.


    "What happened here?" Sky ran towards her daughter and checked her pulse. "She''s getting weaker."


    Lucian was still wearing his pyjamas and wasn''t fully awake but seeing the red spot right underneath Jillyanna, he didn''t think of anything before carrying her out.


    Riley got blood on her thighs as well when she blocked Jillyanna from falling. They shards of the broken glass were scattered on the floor and she stepped on some of them. Her palms were also leaned on some of the shards as well as her butt.


    Jackie drove the car and Lucian went inside with Riley. She supported Jillyanna''s back while Lucian do the cardiopulmonary resuscitation. She wasn''t aware of the wounds on her palm at all. Her mind was a mess and she was still thinking about Shein and Travis.


    Back inside the house, Jade was crying non-stop when she saw her mother lying on the floor with a pool of blood. She saw the mobile phone on the ground and picked it up.


    She just picked it up and not a minute later, the phone dropped once again. Her tears didn''t stop falling and she didn''t dare speak at all.


    Cielo wanted to know what was on the phone and what exactly happened to Jillyanna. Knowing that she was pregnant, Alex grabbed the phone and didn''t let his daughter see it.


    Three guards followed the car that Jackie drove. The remaining people were torn as to what they should do.


    "Stay here." Alex ordered his daughter. "Don''t think too much. You are pregnant, too. I will come to the hospital with Jenny. Sky, make sure to stay with Jade."


    Jade opened her mouth but no words came out. She wanted to scream but she couldn''t. The picture traumatized her and the sight of her bloody mom added to the impact.


    Alex also checked Jillyanna''s phone and saw the horrifying photo. If he wasn''t healthy, he would''ve died in shock as well.


    "Where''s Travis and Shein?! Why didn''t anyone call them?!" Cielo yelled when she realized the two were missing. They should''ve been home by now but not even a shadow can be seen. A horrible thought sank in her and she paled. "It can''t be, right? It''s not what I am thinking, right?"


    But no matter how she think about it, only Shein and Travis were missing. No one can shake Jillyanna to the extend that she''d faint and bleed aside from her family.


    Something must have happened to them!


    Sky was trying to calm Jade who was hiccuping and sobbing from pain. They were all worried and the child was still young to see something so horrifying.


    Alex and Jenny didn''t bother to change their clothes. They walked out of the house to follow Jillyanna to the hospital.


    When they arrived outside the emergency room, Alex felt his knees go weak and he stumbled. The person they thought had died was there, seating on a bench with his eyes closed.

 Chapter 470 - CRITICAL

    Alex was stupefied and he fell on the floor from shock and fear. It was fear for the life of his daughter and grandson. Travis wasn''t surprise to see them but he was confused why Alex was looking at him like he was some kind of vicious ghost.


    "Dad? Get up there." Travis helped him up but Alex was unmoving as he pointed his trembling fingers at him. His mouth was gaping open and close, open and close but there was no single word that came out.


    It took almost a minute before a sound came out from his mouth. "Y-you..you..how..this.."Alex''s eyes was restless and he couldn''t seem to form any proper statement. Shein also approached him and helped him stand on his feet. "Why are you here?" Alex asked which confused both Shein and Travis.


    "We were on our way home but an incident occurred causing us to have a flat tire. The driver had to change the tire which took a little while. My phone ran out of battery life so, I couldn''t contact Jillyanna. She called Shein but he was also talking to a business partner thus; he sent a message to her. When he wanted to answer her, the call ended. He tried calling her back but his call wasn''t coming thru." Travis recounted the event that caused their delay of arrival. "Someone placed a jamming device at the back of the car and activated it when the driver was changing the tire. It is clearly a planned accident. Top contacted the driver and informed us about the incident at home. Instead of going back, we change our route to this hospital instead."


    Listening to the narration, Alex felt his throat constricted. They all knew how risky his daughter''s pregnancy was and it was used against her. It wasn''t because Jillyanna wasn''t smart she got easily tricked but everything just coincides with the event, leading her to the edge of her fear and anxiety.


    Alex fished out the phone of his daughter which he brought with him and showed the content to Travis. "This is what caused the incident."


    Lucian and Shein who were on the side also checked what was on the phone and their expressions changed the moment they saw what it was. On the photo, a man was tied on a chair. His feet and hands were bound by a rope and he was messy with blood and bruises all over him. It was none other than Travis himself. Or should we say, the fake Travis.


    Ryden couldn''t show himself up for the time being since he was among the high priced wanted criminal. His face was all over the internet and there were many posters of his face on the city walls, light posts, restaurant''s bulletin, internet caf¨¦; and other establishments. If he showed up, it wouldn''t take a minute for the police force to capture him.


    Since that was the case, he changed his tactic. He found out the risky condition of Jillyanna''s pregnancy. He also knew about her critical CHD. In the end, he stayed low and planned his most-awaited revenge. From Jillyanna''s house, he asked someone to monitor the place and check anyone who would come; helper, gardener, guards; anyone who would come to the place should be followed.


    First, it was the police officers who came to check the mess he created when he ambushed Walter and his men. The next day, no one came as if the house had been abandoned. Another day had passed and there wasn''t anyone who came to check the house again. Ryden asked his men to withdrew and stationed them to Venus Plaza.


    He managed to find photos of Jillyanna in the social media and saw the young and weak man among her group. Who else could it be other than Shien? From monitoring the house, the changed course and monitored Shein. At first it was just Shein who came to work. Later on, they found Travis was coming to work as well.


    "Boss, our hard work is finally paid off. You can finally ruin them." One of his men exclaimed with a wide smile on his face. He was sending photos to Ryden about his findings.


    "Follow them wherever they go. Let us see where that bitch is hiding."


    "Yes boss."


    After following them for couple of days, they finally noticed that Travis was going home to heavily guarded house. They didn''t know who owned the house so they observed the place for another two days. The figured that it was where Jillyanna lived before getting married. They also noticed that Travis would always go home using the same road every single day. Therefore, an evil plan was instantly created by Ryden.


    He looked for a man with the same body building as Travis, asked his men to check and see what kind of clothes was worn by Travis that day and hired a professional make up and cosmetic artist. They paid the man a hefty sum of money to cooperate with them and the same thing for the make-up artist.


    They let the man change his clothes into the ones that had the same style and brand as Travis, let him sit on the wooden and dirty chair and they tied his feet and his hands with a rope. The make up artist tousled his hair into a mess and put on some red liquid as if he was dripping blood. They also made some cosmetics make-up and formed some small wounds and gashes on his face, on his exposed neck, and on his arms.


    The make-up artist was really professional and she even made some bruises on the face and wounded the lips. The blood was some red liquid that she mixed herself. After making sure that Jillyanna wouldn''t be able to tell that it was a fake Travis, the took a picture of the man.


    Around five-thirty in the afternoon, one of Ryden''s men placed a jamming device at the back of the car, right below the trunk where no one can see it. Even if Travis'' phone didn''t run out of battery, they would still make sure that Jillyanna can''t reach them. They even placed some sharp nails on the road where Travis used to travel to burst his car tires. They didn''t care if other drivers will fall victim on them.


    Ryden might have been stupid and crazy but he was still able to do something to win against Jillyanna. She fell victim on his trap and was currently in a critical condition; in a brink of miscarriage and death.

 Chapter 471 - CHILD OVER WIFE

    After seeing the picture, Travis clenched and unclenched his fists. His eyes were bloodshot and he looked like he was about to murder someone. He couldn''t blame his wife from falling into such petty trap. The man on the picture really looked so much like him after the make up and the mess that was made.


    Plus, she wasn''t able to contact them, her anxiety was just raised up and she was being paranoid as well. The picture was the final blow that shattered her into pieces.


    Riley was also sent to another room to get her small wounds treated. After seeing the picture, himself, Shein went to find his girlfriend to see how she was doing. Travis was pacing outside the emergency room. "What are you planning to do now?" Lucian asked.


    Travis was just about to answer when Dr. Alison and the obstetrician came out with a paper on her hand. A foreboding news made him sweat coldly. It was the same thing as what happened when Jillyanna was just a month old pregnant.


    "You know what this means, right?" Jillyanna''s OB questioned since she was the one who handed the same form to him last time.


    Alex and Jenny looked at him solemnly. It was the most difficult decision that he will do once again in his life. Lucian was sitting on the bench beside him, his eyes closed and weary.


    "Just do what you think is right. Something that will never regret in life. No matte what happens, no one will blame you." Lucian stated which brought back some memories that Travis tucked away in his mind.


    "No matter what happens, you must choose to save the child." It was what she said. "I will hate you for the rest of my life if you will choose me over our baby." If it was few months ago, Travis would, without a doubt, save Jillyanna over their baby''s life. But now, their baby just needed one more month to fully develop and he didn''t want to be selfish.


    A tear dropped on the paper as he chose his son over Jillyanna. His signature was messy but was still legible to read. "Don''t worry Mr. Madrigal, we will still try our best to save both your wife and the child." The OB left first leaving Dr. Alison behind.


    "I received an information that one of the renowned surgeons will come to operate Jilllyanna after the cesarean section. The heart donor had been secured so we can perform the operation as soon as he arrived. Let''s just hope and pray that it will be successful."


    Alex slumped on his seat with Jenny supporting him. He wanted to hate Travis for choosing his son over his wife but he didn''t have the right to do so. Jillyanna must have known that Travis will decided this matter this way. Still, it was painful that they would bid goodbye to Jillyanna.


    "Uncle, don''t be so depressed about it. The doctors will still do their best to save sister Yanna and baby Raizel. Let us just pray for their successful operation." Jenny tried comforting the old man. After some unknown time, Thomas also arrived with Gabriel. His hair was disheveled and he was even wearing a mismatched set of slippers.


    "Son, how''s Jillyanna?" he asked immediately even though he was till few meters away from him.


    Travis raised his head and he didn''t bother with his look anymore. His dried-up tears on his face made him look even messier than his father. "Dad, my wife and my child..they¡­"


    "Shh..Shh.." Thomas patter his back to comfort him. "Everything will be alright. Don''t worry. They will be fine." As Thomas comforted his son, Dr. Sweden arrived in hurried steps and he didn''t bother looking at them. They were told before that the operation would be a 50-50 chance but, Jillyanna and Travis was willing to take that gamble.


    Dr. Alison was expecting the man to come so she immediately led him to the room where Jillyanna was. They were busy rescuing the baby and maintaining the stability of her vital sign when the two doctors arrived.


    On a different hospital bed, Lyla closed her eyes and listened to the sound on the operation not far from her. She was determined to change her life and achieve her revenge. She didn''t know if she was doing the right thing and it wasn''t even a hundred percent sure that the operation will be successful.


    All she wanted to do was to escape from the humiliation in a way of dying, loving Travis by giving Jillyanna her heart, and for Jillyanna to owe her the second life she gave. To some people, it was rather shameless of her to do but to her, it was the only way she can achieve everything that she wanted in life. So, what if she dies? As long as her heart was alive in someone else''s body, she can still be considered living. That was her belief.


    "Are you really sure about this?" Dr. Alison asked Lyla on the side.


    "I am more than certain to do this. Just help me give her the letter afterwards." Lyla stated with a smile. She could hear the loud beat of her heart and it was the first time, after so many years, that she felt so much alive and was beaming with energy.


    After an hour, the baby was finally rescued and was sent to another room to have him incubated. It was the only way to save him and helped the child fully developed. Alex, Jenny and Thomas followed the nurse who cleaned the baby and placed him on the small bed together with other children who was also born prematurely.


    After making sure that the baby was alright, the nurse went back to Travis and asked for the baby''s name. "I wish and pray that your wife will overcome this obstacle, Mr. Madrigal. As for the baby, he was very healthy and, though premature, we can all see that the mother was well taken cared off."


    Travis gave her back the form that he filled in and smiled faintly. He was thankful that their baby was healthy but he was still worried for Jillyanna.


    The nurse left to encode the information of the baby and not long after she left, one of the attending nurses for the cardiac operation went out in a hurry. Jillyanna was losing more blood!

 Chapter 472 - COLLECTING LIVES I

    Travis was alerted when he saw the nurse was running in a hurry from the emergency room. "What''s happening?!" Travis questioned but the nurse didn''t have the time to chat with him.


    They would have asked for someone from her family to donate their blood for a transfusion but Dr. Sweden informed them that none of them was Jillyanna''s biological family. Instead of taking more time for examination and blood extraction, they decided to call the blood bank to get three bags of blood from them.


    The nurse who just went out was going to their blood bank to get the bags that they asked for. Lyla was watching Jillyanna from the sideline. The once beautiful and outstanding woman that many looked up to was now lying on the operating table, paled face, disheveled hair and messed up with her stomach sliced up from the c-section earlier.


    "If it was years ago, I would never expect this scene. I would never imagine that I will be saving your life when you just ruined mine." Lyla murmured. "But there''s no going back. Even if I live, I will be living in misery and humiliation."


    When Jillyanna was sent inside, Lyla was dressed up as one of the nurses to hide her identity. She didn''t want anyone to know that she would be the one who will save Jillyanna. There''s a chance that Travis will stop her and she couldn''t take that risk. She needed her plan to succeed.


    After almost ten minutes, the nurse went back, sweat dotted his forehead as he handed the Styrofoam bucket which contained the three bags of blood. The tried to stabilize Jillyanna''s condition first before they will proceed with the operation. Another half an hour had passed before they finally got the right numbers on the monitor. Dr. Sweden had sanitized himself as well as Dr. Alison who will be assisting him.


    "Are you ready?" Dr. Alison asked Lyla who just nodded her head. "I wish you to have a better life in your next lifetime. Thank you for your courage and help." Lyla didn''t speak another word. She just smiled faintly, her eyelids getting heavier from being drowsy as the drug kicked in.


    Dr. Sweden didn''t need to say a single word since Dr. Alison knew that he needed to operate. Dr. Alison took out the still beating heart from Lyla''s body and handed it to the old doctor who will operate Jillyanna. They were all nervous yet confident. Nervous that Jillyanna''s vitals will plummet which will put them in a predicament and confident that they can make it successful as long as nothing happens to her during the operation.


    Outside the operation room, Travis and everyone were all waiting for him. Waited and waited, waited and waited; they didn''t even know how long it was. Travis stood up and called Shein. "What happened tonight pulled the last string of my humanity. Send me the details." Travis didn''t say another word and didn''t wait for anyone to come with him. He left and no matter how many times Lucian called out to him, he didn''t heed to his call or even stopped on his track.


    Thomas tried stopping his son, too. Just like Lucian, his call was futile. Travis wasn''t thinking of anything else aside from his intention to kill someone. When he passed by the general ward, he saw Shein was holding Riley who wanted to find her sister. Jackie was with her, too. When they saw Travis, they were all stunned and confused.


    "Meeting someone?" Jackie asked. That ''meeting someone'' was actually killing someone. However, they couldn''t say it out loud in the premise of the hospital thus; she changed her words. Travis still understood what she meant and nodded his head. "I''ll come with you. I know the place. I was watching Shein searched for it earlier."


    Without further ado, the two left the hospital to meet someone. Travis couldn''t wait to kill someone. If he had made his moves, Jillyanna wouldn''t be in this dire situation. It was because of hid carelessness that his wife was now in a critical situation. Jackie took the laptop from Shein and used her basic knowledge when it comes to monitoring someone. She didn''t have to do so much since Shein already uncovered the whereabout of their enemy. They just needed to the red dot which was blinking on the screen.


    Before they went off to chase their enemy, Travis went back to Jillyanna''s house and picked up some tools. Jackie didn''t get anything since she already got her guns. She was just waiting for Travis to come out. After getting their tools, the two of silently traveled towards the destination where their enemy was waiting for them.


    Ryden was ecstatic after the victory he gained. From afar, using his binocular, he saw Jillyanna fell on the floor with a pool of blood underneath her. He was delighted to see that she was going to die. But then again, he was stupid and overconfident. "Going to die" and "dead" are completely different matters. He was already celebrating his not-so-clear victory. He didn''t even confirm himself if Jillyanna was really dead.


    Utterly stupid! Foolish!


    He was drinking some red wine which he asked his two subordinated to buy. Even though they weren''t that wealthy as how they were before, even though he was listed as the most high-priced criminal, his mother would still send him money, using the identity of his men. They couldn''t send money directly to him in order to avoid the law who never ceased to haunt him.


    "Boss, you are so great! They must be mourning right now. Hahaha!"


    "Who told them to mess up with our boss and his family? Hmp! They should have looked over the people they wanted to step." The other man chided in.


    "C''mon. Don''t think about that bitch anymore. Let''s drink to our heart''s content." Ryden raised his glass for a toast and sipped on the wine. The house was still dark and their voices echoed at the empty abode. The only source of light was the candle on the center of their table.


    Travis parked the car at some distance to make sure that they won''t alert the enemy. He carried his tools while Jackie carried the laptop to make sure that they were still on the right direction.


    "That bitch deserved to die." Ryden stated with a maniacal laughter. This was also the statement that Travis heard upon reaching the place. His eyes were red and he was already clutching his hand on the trigger.


    BANG!

 Chapter 473 - COLLECTING LIVES II

    With one shot, Travis killed the man who was sitting on the left side chair of Ryden. When the man fell, he slumped on to the table where they placed their drinks and snack and other stuff. He even toppled the candle and caused a little fire but Ryden immediately threw a rug to put it off and to darkened the place once again.


    But he was too late.


    Travis saw that there were just the two of them who remained which made him feel even more angry. It wasn''t just the anger towards Ryden but also towards himself. He was angry because he let down his guard which caused his wife to suffer.


    Jackie turned off the laptop and took out her own gun. She placed the laptop somewhere, walked around the house and found that the back door was opened. ''I can''t believe that this idiot managed to fool my sister. Tsk!'' Jackie snorted mentally as she made her way inside the abandoned house. It wasn''t completely dark inside. The light of the full moon passed through the window glass, illuminating the place to give them the brightness they needed.


    "F*ck! What the f*ck?!" Ryden cursed in a whisper as he looked for a place to hide. One of his men died and there were only two of them left. Jackie was closing in from the back door while Travis used the front door to get in. He wasn''t afraid at all.


    "I know you are here so no need to hide. Why don''t you face me head on? Such a coward! You only know how to deal with women." Travis provoked him. "You must be so weak which was why you kept targeting my woman instead of looking for me."


    No one responded and only the sound of his footsteps can be heard. "Oh! Never mind. I don''t need to act myself." Travis sat on the couch where Ryden and his men had a drink earlier. The dead man was still slumped on the table and Travis even raised his feet, placing it centimeters away from the dead person''s face.


    Jackie wanted to laugh hard when she got inside from the back door. What came into her view was Ryden looking for a place to hide and it just so happen that he was at the kitchen side of the house, the place where the back door would lead Jackie to. She didn''t have to exert so much effort and the person came right in front of her.


    "Are you playing hide and seek?" Jackie asked with her soft and angelic voice but when Ryden turned around to face her, he didn''t see an angel but rather a devil appeared behind him. He was just about to pull the trigger when Jackie shoot his hand and took his gun away.


    Blood dripped, painting the cold wooden floor with an art that no one would be able to understand. It was an abstract art made of human blood. Ryden groaned, holding his bleeding hand close to his chest. His clothes were dirty and stained but nobody cared.


    She hauled him up and shoot the back of his knees, making him stumble and fall once again. He endured the pain of the bullet wounds, groaning in pain but he never screamed or yelled at her. Jackie pulled him up and dragged him towards Travis. "He''s all yours to play with. I am going to play hide and seek with his companion."


    Travis nodded his head and smiled towards Ryden. "It''s nice to finally meet you. I didn''t know that you would be so capricious and ambitious to even hurt my wife in order to exact your revenge."


    "I was never wrong and I will never admit that I am wrong. Your wife was the one in the wrog!" Ryden shouted and spat towards Travis but he evaded it immediately.


    Travis still smiled at him but his eyes held the murderous gaze. He placed his tools on the table and walked towards the wounded man. He picked him up and helped him sit on the chair, beside the dead man. "Stop moving or I might really kill you." He threatened without a single expression on his face. Travis found a rope and tied Ryden''s hands, disregarding the blood that was dripping. He tied his feet after to make sure that he won''t run around or walk and escape.


    While he was busy preparing his toy, noise came from upstairs as Jackie fought with the other man. The man wanted to jump from the balcony but Jackie shot his legs. Even though he was wounded, he still moved and fought with her. They exchanged blows but it didn''t even take her five blows and the man was already weak from all the hits he got.


    Jackie didn''t care about the place and dragged the man from upstairs down to the living room. She was even holding his arms as he dragged him down, groan after groan, whenever she took a step down the stairs. Blood trailed down the floor and she gave him to Travis like how she gave Ryden to him.


    She sat on the other couch and watched her brother-in-law do his own work. She already did her part in capturing them. "Aren''t we going to chase after his family?" Jackie asked while eyeing Ryden who stiffened on his seat.


    "No need. I am not like him who targets the helpless." Travis responded while tying the other man as well. In front of him, he''s got two men to play with and collect some debts. "What should we play first?" He looked at his tools and found a long nose pliers. He picked it up and held it close to Ryden''s face. The coldness of the metal touching his face made him shiver down his spine.


    "You are insane! Crazy! A psycho!" Ryden yelled at him, squirming on his seat trying to loosen the rope on his hands but Travis tied it into a dead knot to make sure that no one will escape from his game.


    "My toys shouldn''t talk back to me." He ripped the couch''s cover and placed the cloth inside Ryden''s mouth to stop him from screaming. He did the same thing to the other man who was battered and bruised beside him. "Now, we''re all set. Let''s play a game now." Travis sat in front of them and smiled with the long nose pliers in his hand.


    "This is for my daughter that you traumatized." Travis clipped Ryden''s fingernails with the pliers and removed it, blood oozed out and dropped on the floor. Ryden screamed and squirmed but his voice was muffled so no one heard him. "You scared my daughter twice so, I will take two of your fingernails to repay her."


    Jackie had never seen Travis like this and it was the first time that she felt fear towards this man. His anger was bone deep and he was venting it to the person in front of him. "You killed Walter''s subordinates and there were six of them." He plucked six fingernails from Ryden''s hands once again. "You threatened our two neighbors." The neighbors he meant was the Shans and the family of five who helped them cover the escape route of Jackie and everyone else.


    "Ten finger nails aren''t enough. Let''s go for your fingers this time." Travis spoke in his soft voice as if he was talking to a child. Every single mistake that Ryden committed was exchanged for his fingers. When his fingers weren''t enough, Travis took a knife and stabbed Ryden''s thighs.


    Tears and snots were mixed together while Ryden screamed from agony. A scream with no one to hear him. The man beside him was also crying from fear and he even peed his pants. Every time he stabbed Ryden''s thighs, he would grip the knife handle and turn the knife to make a bloody hole. Ryden was getting weaker from the blood loss and pain, so Travis let him rest for a while and switched to the other man on his side.


    He couldn''t find many reasons to pull his finger nails or to break his fingers but the fact that he was an accomplice, Travis let him taste the hell that Ryden experienced earlier. He plucked his fingernails, broke his finger and stabbed his thighs as well. While giving them time to rest, he walked towards the kitchen and looked for an alcohol.


    Jackie looked at the mess that Travis just made and she couldn''t help himself but shiver as well. "You asked this for yourself. If you didn''t mess up with his wife, you wouldn''t end up like this."


    She didn''t do anything else, just watching on the sideline was more than enough for her. After a little while, Travis came back with isopropyl alcohol, the once that doctors used to disinfect the wounds. However, he poured the whole content to the stabbed wounds that he just created earlier. It stung so much that Ryden banged his head on the couch but since it was cushioned, his agony wasn''t relieved at all. No matter how much he wanted to die that moment, Travis won''t allow him to die yet.


    "Let''s have fun. Didn''t you have fun putting my wife''s and baby''s life in danger? Why don''t I do the same thing to you?" Travis questioned but the glint in his eyes told them that he wasn''t there to make fun at all.

 Chapter 474 - IM BEGGING YOU TO STAY

    Jackie turned a blind eye to what was happening around her. She already expressed her opinion towards the victims and, though she was a little bit afraid of the current Travis, she couldn''t blame him for getting angry.


    Jillyanna was his life, the woman that he had been yearning to find all his life, the only person that he was willing to spend the rest of his life yet, they ruined her. They put her life in danger again and again. It was no wonder that Travis would flip up and became this angry.


    "Big brother, until when are you going to play? Big sis should be done with her operation by now." Jackie reminded him, in case he didn''t notice the time. It seemed like they just arrived in the abandoned house but since the time Jackie gave the men to him, for him to play, an hour had passed already.


    Travis nodded his head in silence but Jackie wasn''t sure if the two of them were in the same boat. He was still pouring the isopropyl alcohol on the stab wounds that he made. Jackie could already imagine the pain that the victims were going through and she felt goosebumps were rising on her arms.


    When he felt satisfied, he removed the gagged that he placed in their mouth. Ryden was weak, even raising his head to meet Travis was a labor for him. His head was lolling on the side, looking like a detached head of a mannequin.


    "I''m having fun. Are you having fun?" Travis asked. His chuckle was loud and clear in the middle of the night, inside the abandoned house with no one else but the four of them. "Are you happy?" He asked again while slapping the face of the man he detested the most. "I promised not to deal with animals anymore. I promised not to stain my hands with blood of insignificant people but you made me break it. So, who shall pay for it?"


    Ryden slowly raised his head to see him. A smile was formed on his lips, no trace of concern for his life or a trace of guilt at least. He was indeed happy. "I am happy. I am so much happy that you break your promise. I am happy that your wife is in danger. I am so happy that your child was born prematurely. I am happy to see you like this." Ryden mumbled in his hoarse voice. There was mirth in his eyes, reflecting his insanity and killing intent.


    "Too bad, my wife and I still won in the end." Travis straightened his body and stretched his limbs. "Have fun in hell." He murmured and left the house with Jackie following behind him. When he was rummaging through cupboards and drawers, he found a few gallons of kerosene. He didn''t know why there was a stock of kerosene in there but it made him smile and appear glad for this discovery. He poured the kerosene on the floor and kicked the gallon towards the living room where Ryden was staying.


    Either they noticed it or not, they couldn''t speak anyway so it was useless if they did. Jackie didn''t care about what he was doing and just helped him on the side. When the two of them were finally out, Jackie shoot the metal near the kerosene gallon. The spark of the bullets when it hits the metal caused fire. And after a few seconds, the fire caught the curtains and other flammable materials.


    Ryden and his man was still alive and screaming from pain but Travis turned around and walked away, leaving the burning house, akin to a hell that he pulled out from who-knows-where. The fire engulfed the house and soon, the voice could no longer be heard.


    Travis drove the car and they went back to the mansion first. They needed to change their clothes and wash themselves before they''d go back to the hospital.


    Travis was standing in the middle of their bedroom. He looked miserable with all the messy hair, weary eyes and stains of blood everywhere on his shirt and pants.


    He immediately took a shower to refresh himself, change his clothes after and drove back to the hospital with Jackie. By the time he finished his matter, it was past midnight already.


    Lucian also received a call from one of his colleagues that an arson was committed somewhere and there were two people who died from the incident. He knew who caused it but he doesn''t have any evidence and he wasn''t planning to bust them as well. In the end, he let them take care of it, making plausible excuses just to make sure that he won''t be part of the investigation.


    "How is she?" Travis asked the moment he arrived. Lucian was leaning on the wall with his hands in his pocket. Thomas was sitting on the bench with Gabriel sitting on his wheelchair beside him. Riley was covered with plasters and gauze due to the wounds she got from the shards of the glass earlier and Shein was sitting beside her, worry and fear were reflecting on his face.


    "She will stay in the ICU until she gains consciousness. They needed to observe her to make sure that she will be fine. Even though the operation was successful, her numbers on the chart weren''t looking good." Riley responded to her brother-in-law.


    Travis looked at the pale face of his wife through the glass window. She''s got so many things attached to her and he hates looking at her like that. After observing her for quite sometime, he left the place and went to the premature baby area.


    The nurse saw him and went out to talk to him. "Mr. Madrigal, do you want to see your child closely? We didn''t get the chance to have you see him since you left earlier. If you don''t mind, you can check on him for a couple of minutes."


    Travis nodded his head and followed the nurse inside. He put on the hospital gown, the mask and gloves for sanitary purposes. ''God, he is very small. Are all babies like him? I think I can carry him in one arm.'' Travis thought as he placed his index finger on to the small hand of their child. "Raizel Xavier. Our little angel." He mumbled and warmth slowly came back in his eyes. A genuine smile was hanging on his lips and he was grinning from ear to ear as he played with the child''s hand even though the baby wasn''t responding to him.


    "Until when is he going to stay here?" Travis asked. He read a lot of books about parenting but he didn''t read anything about premature babies. He didn''t want to make his own conjectures as well specially that it was the life of his child that was on the line.


    "Baby Raizel will stay here for a month and two weeks. One month to let him fully develop himself. Two weeks for observation to make sure that the baby is doing well. Premature babies are prone to several risks and we want to make sure that the babies will be fine before handing them back to their parents."


    "Can I visit him everyday?"


    "Yes, sir. You have few minutes to see your baby everyday."


    "Thank you. I will leave him in your care."


    "No problem, Mr. Madrigal."


    After few minutes, Travis left the nursery ward and went back to the ICU where Jillyanna was staying. He asked everyone to leave and take a rest while he stayed to guard them.


    Instead of a Merry Christmas with the whole family, the atmosphere at home wasn''t merry at all. Everyone was gloomy and Jade wasn''t even saying anything. The lovely and cheerful girl they have was now quiet and sad.


    Jade couldn''t go back to sleep anymore. She was worried about her mother and whenever she closed her eyes, she could see her mother lying in a pool of blood.


    Travis was the same. He was wide awake in the hospital, not even a wink of sleep was given to him, or rather, he didn''t want to take a wink of sleep. Afraid that Jillyanna would be gone the moment he close his eyes.


    Shein visited the hospital to bring him food and a change of clothes. He wanted to check the condition of his sister before going to work as well. He needed to work in place of his brother-in-law who will be staying in the hospital. One of them should work and guard the empire.


    "Bro, I will deal with the company today. Just take a rest while looking after my sister." Shein mentioned as he handed him the bags which contained several clothes.


    "Thank you. I am-"


    ''BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!''


    The sound was alarming and Dr. Alison came running towards the ICU. Jillyanna was convulsing and the numbers on her chart were rapidly decreasing!


    "Please hang in there. Please don''t leave me, Jill. Please wake up! Jill." Travis whispered while he took hold of her hand. When the doctors came, he also rushed inside to see her. Since it was a little critical, they wanted to have someone who can talk with Jillyanna while they were trying to revive her. Doctors still believe that patients could hear even during these kind of moments. "Jill, don''t leave me. Don''t leave our child. You want to become a mother, right? Come back to me, please. I''m begging you." His tears fell on the back of her hands. He was afraid. He was afraid of losing her once again.


    "One Two Three clear!" Dr. Alison was trying her best to revive her. "Keep pumping!" She reminded the nurse who was holding the oxygen. "C''mon Jillyanna, fight it. Don''t just die!" She wasn''t worried about her reputation if news goes out about her failure. What she was afraid of was, failing the woman who gave the heart. She didn''t want to fail Lyla and Jillyanna. She wanted them to live.

 Chapter 475 - WALKING DOWN THE MEMORY LANE

    For some reason, Jade felt unease. She was restless and she was breathing really hard. Sky was starting to worry for her. At such a young age, she witnessed her biological mother died during labor. Now, she saw the same fate was happening to Jillyanna as well.


    "I''m a bad luck. I am a bad luck. I am a bad luck. Anyone who wanted to become my mother will end up in a bad state. I am a bad luck." She started crying once again and she gripped her head tightly.


    If it wasn''t for Sky holding her in her arms, she would bang her head on the headboard of Jillyanna''s bed. She had been awake since last night and her eyes were already bloodshot from lack of sleep and stress.


    A small child like her, instead of enjoying her Christmas, she was basking in so much pain. "Sshh. Sshh. It''s not your fault sweetheart." Sky mumbled while gently rubbing her back. "Your mom will be fine. Get some sleep and we will visit your mother in the afternoon. Don''t blame yourself."


    "Grandma, I am scared. I am scared of losing my mother and baby brother." Jade sobbed in Sky''s arms, holding on to the old woman, tightly clutching her clothes to gain some sort of support.


    "Your grandpa called and said that the baby is fine. Don''t worry. Your mother is strong so I know she will come out fine as well." Sky added. Even though she was comforting the child, her own heart was breaking into millions of pieces. She was afraid as well.


    They knew that sooner or later, Jillyanna would leave them and follow her parents. But when it actually happened, they were still afraid. They don''t want her to leave. Many people still needed her warmth. They couldn''t afford to lose her.


    "I don''t want my mom to leave me." Jade mumbled between her hiccups and sobs. Her eyes were swollen and her face was a mess.


    Sky couldn''t help but pity her. ''Lord, please keep Jillyanna with us. Don''t take her yet.'' Sky silently prayed while hugging the child.


    Perhaps, out of exhaustion and other mixed feelings, Jade finally fell asleep but it wasn''t a peaceful sleep at all. Her brows were pulled together in a tight frown and she was holding Jillyanna''s pillow in her arms.


    It was darkness covering all around her. She couldn''t even see her own hands which she knew were right in front of her. Jade walked aimlessly, the sound of her footsteps echoed and groaned. Her heavy breathing accompanied with her footsteps was scary and she started to feel scared.


    "Mommy? Daddy?" She called but no one answered her. "Mommy?! Daddy?!" She screamed at the top of her lungs but there wasn''t anyone who reached out their hands to pull her out of the darkness.


    Suddenly, she heard whispers and murmurs, still not finding anything, she followed the direction of the voices. Steps after steps, she gradually found a small light of hope. She ran to chase it, getting closer as it gradually appear brighter and wider in front of her.


    What she was looking for wasn''t the one she found. What awaited her after that expanse of light was a dimly lit room. A little girl was weeping beside the bed where a woman was lying in a pool of blood beneath her.


    "Mom?" she asked tentatively, worried to startle them but the woman was no longer speaking. The little girl kept sobbing, a girl smaller than her but when it turned around, she saw her own little face.


    She watched her little self wiped away the tears and ran out of the room. She remembered it was when her mother told her to run. Run away from home, ran as far as she can where her father couldn''t find her. It was the last plea of her mom.


    She wanted her to run and never show herself in that place again. Otherwise, her father''s enemy might use her against him. She didn''t understand why her mother did that before. Now, she knew why. Her father owned a casino, a gambling place where people win and lose. He made several enemies and anyone close to her will be used against him.


    Jade walked towards the deceased woman. Just as she was about to touch her, the memory blurred and it shattered into pieces.


    "Jade?" A soft voice called out to her. The voice that she will never forget no matter how much time will pass. "Jade, when you grow up, you have to be strong. Don''t let anyone bully you. Be smart and humble. I will forever guide you."


    Jade watched the memory flashing right in front of her. Her tears fell on her cheeks and she wiped it with her small hands. "You said it yourself. That you will guide me forever. But you still left."


    Her young body and mentality couldn''t take it anymore. She decided to sat down wherever she was and cried her heart out. "You are all leaving me. No one will stay with Jade. Everyone is leaving me behind."


    "Jade?" This time it was a voice with a hint of laughter. "Jade Venus Madrigal. That is your new name from now on." It was Jillyanna''s face who came into view.


    She was gently patting her head, making the small girl raised her head to see her for herself. Jillyanna was smiling at her. Her beautiful face was radiant, her hair was tied in a ponytail, and she was wearing the bracelet that Travis gave him.


    "You are looking at my bracelet again? Do you like it?" Jillyanna asked as if they were really talking to each other. Jade nodded her head, and as if Jillyanna saw her nod her head, she also smiled and answered back. "This is the first ever accessory that your Daddy gave me. He said that it will keep me safe no matter where I am. I am giving this to you now. Keep this for me and no matter what happens, don''t lose this."


    "Are you leaving me as well?" Jade asked but the image of Jillyanna didn''t answer her question. "Don''t me leave me, okay? I will behave and study hard. I will be obedient. I will help with the house chores. Just don''t leave me. Mom, don''t leave me." Her tears rolled down one after another. She was devastated. She didn''t want to wake up. She didn''t want to know the painful reality. She wanted to hide herself in that dark place where no one can find her.


    "Jade." Sky called her name anxiously. "Jade, wake up." She wanted the child to sleep earlier but seeing her face crunched up, sobbing silently, probably due to a nightmare, Sky was even more worried. She shake her lightly to wake her up. "Sweetheart. No one is leaving." She tried talking her out but it was to no avail. "Jade?" Sky was alarmed when she wasn''t waking up at all. "Jade? Wake up, honey." Sky went downstairs and took an ice cube. She couldn''t pour a bucket of water but she can press a cold thing on her face.


    Jade didn''t know what happened but she felt her face was getting colder. The image of Jillyanna in front of her wasn''t fading as well. It was still talking about random things to her. Things that happened in her reality and was kept in her files of memory.


    She laid herself somewhere and watched Jillyanna talk non-stop, gradually falling asleep, happy to have her as a company to sleep.


    She stirred in her sleep and she flinched from the cold. Her breathing was stabilizing and the frown on her face was disappearing. The panic that Sky felt started to subside and she finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    "What am I suppose to do if Jillyanna will be gone?" she whispered to herself. Not only them, but Travis will suffer, the two children will suffer. Specially Jade. The death of her biological mother left a deep scar in her young heart and mind. They couldn''t afford to cause another trauma to the child.


    In the hospital, Travis was sitting on a chair beside Jillyanna''s hospital bed. She was still inside the ICU after the doctors successfully saved her from the tight clutches of death. However, ther situation wasn''t looking good. Thus, they permitted him to stay inside the room. He had been talking to her, hoping that she would hear him and his pleas.


    "Jill, I still have so many surprise to show you. I haven''t spent your birthday yet. It''s been so many years since I last celebrated your birthday with you beside me. And now, I thought I have the chance to celebrate it with you. Aren''t you going to let me spend your birthday?" He was holding on to her hand and caressed it gently as he spoke. "I still want to travel the world with you. Ever since we got together, we haven''t had the chance to spend a long vacation overseas. So many things had happened and we chose to stay in this city for your sake. Jill, come back to me, to us, to your family and friends. You haven''t seen our baby yet." He paused for a while, looking at her pale face with a smile. "I fulfilled my promise. A choice which wouldn''t make you hate me. How about you? When will you fulfill your promise? When will you wake up and see me?"


    This time, the situation was reversed. It was him who was safe and sound while she was lying on the bed, critical and in the precipice of death. "I understand how you felt when I was the one lying here. I understand the pain. And you know it, too. Won''t you spare me from this suffocating agony?"


    He had spent all his morning talking to her and the doctors had been running back ''n forth to rescue her. Still, it was to no avail.

 Chapter 476 - JADE VISITS

    Winter heard about what happened to Jillyanna from Gabriel. She was currently in her office, writing about her progressive report when he called.


    They knew that this was coming but they didn''t know it would be this early. Everyone has their own time but she was still very young and the children, they needed their mother.


    Winter finished her report in order to leave the military ground as soon as possible. She kept her lines open in case someone would look for her.


    Calhoun asked her to give him an update to know what was happening as well. In any case, Jillyanna was already part of their family. Whether they like it or not, they would still be worried for the people who will be left behind.


    Around four in the afternoon, Jade woke up with her eyes still swollen but a little bit better compared to her look in the morning. She was still hugging Jillyanna''s pillow and she immediately remembered the reality of her life. Her mother was still in danger.


    Instead of crying, she climbed down from the bed, waking up Sky who was able to sleep beside her as well.


    "Where are you going?" Sky asked while she tried to get up from bed, too.


    "I am going to take a bath and change my clothes. I will visit my mother and father."


    "I see. Do you want me to bath you?"


    "No grandma. I can take care of myself."


    "Alright. Once you''re done, just come down to eat. I''ll cook something for you."


    "I understood grandma." Though she was behaved and respectful, it was still odd to look at her or listen to her. Her voice lack emotions. There was no sadness, happiness, or fear. She was indifferent! And her eyes looked dull.


    "Your mother will be fine." Sky mumbled before leaving her alone. She went downstairs, to the kitchen, to cook something for her empty stomach.


    Shein finished his work as early as he can. The people from the company didn''t know what exactly happened but they could tell that it was something dreadful. How did they figure things out?


    First, Travis didn''t come to work. Second, Shein didn''t talk much and most of the time, he was just staying inside the CEO''s office, looking gloomy and weary. His eyes looked tired and exhausted.


    When Shein arrived at the hospital, there wasn''t any changes. Travis was still in the same place and position as he remembered when he left. He even looked pale.


    ''Knock! Knock! Knock!''


    Shein knocked on the glass window to call his attention. Travis raised his head, saw him faintly smiling and he stood to open the door and see him. "Work''s done?"


    "Hn." Shein answered. "I''m here to check on you. Bro, do you want to go to the VIP room and eat? I can watch over her for you. You look pale and gaunt."


    "I''m fine." Travis waved his hand in dismissal. "Just a little tired but I can still hold up."


    "But I heard that Jade will be coming over to see you and Jillyanna. She just stopped crying from what happened and if she happens to see you like this, she will be devastated."


    This statement worked on Travis. He glanced at his wife before patting Shein on his shoulder. "I''ll leave her to you. I''ll just fix myself and get back here as soon as possible."


    Not long after he left, Jade indeed arrived with Sky and Alex. The adorable child was now looking gloomy and her eye bags were still a little reddish and swollen.


    "Hi, uncle." Jade greeted politely. "Can I see my mom?"


    "Sure." Shein crouched low and picked her up, carrying her in his arms, he let her watch her mom through the window glass. "How are you holding up so far?"


    "I am doing fine, uncle. I have to be strong for Mommy, for Daddy and for baby Raizel. So, little Jade is no longer crying."


    "That''s our princess." Shein kissed her left temple. "I am glad that you are doing fine. The doctors are trying their best to save your mother. We will just have to wait for her to wake up."


    "What if she won''t wake up?"


    "That''s impossible. Your mother will wake up to see you and your baby brother; and of course, your father as well."


    Jade just watched her mother silently while listening to Shein. Nobody know what she was thinking but no one disturbed her as well. Either she was listening or just letting the words pass through from one ear to the other, it didn''t really matter to them.


    "Where''s Travis?" Alex asked when he didn''t see his son-in-law anywhere near Jillyanna.


    "I told him to get something to eat. He looked pale and tired when I arrived." Shein informed them.


    After observing her mother, Jade asked her Uncle Shein to show her where the nursery room was. She wanted to see her younger brother, the one that she had been looking forward to have.


    "That baby on the left side, the one with incubator; that is your baby brother." Shein spoke and pointed his index to the sleeping baby Raizel.


    "So small." Jade commented, leaning closer to the glass to watch him carefully. "He looks so red."


    "That''s how babies are."


    "Why is he inside that small box with that light? Other babies don''t have like that."


    "That''s because your baby brother was born prematurely. He needed to fully develop in a warm environment which is why they placed him inside the incubator."


    "I understand uncle. Then, when will he come out of that incubator?"


    "I think after a month."


    "Then, we can bring him home?"


    "Yeah. I guess so."


    They say children are curious creatures and Jade was no different. When she see things that she wasn''t familiar with, she would really ask someone about it. It was also because of her curiosity that she learned so many things.


    While they were at the nursery ward, Winter also arrived, still wearing her official military uniform, looking fierce and strong.


    "Hi Auntie. Hello Uncle." she greeted Jillyanna''s parents with a smile. "How is she?"


    Sky shook her head from side to side. "She has not woken up yet since her operation."


    "Was the surgery not successful?"


    "It was. However, they said that her vitals keeps on fluctuating. She is still under careful observation until she gains consciousness."


    "I''m sorry to hear that." Winter stated. "Where''s RV? Why isn''t he looking after her?"


    "Travis went our for a while. He had been staying here since last night. I am even wondering if he got a wink of sleep. Shein told me that he was looking pale and tired. I hope he''s alright." Sky responded in worry.


    The situation wasn''t really positive and they couldn''t see the light at the end of the tunnel yet.


    Dr. Alison was also gloomy. Unlike her other patients who only come during check up or operation, Jillyanna had been staying in the hospital. She had spent her time away from her family. She knew how much Jillyanna wanted to have a child. She wanted someone to inherit her possessions. They had been worried that there wouldn''t be a heart donor who would willingly help them. Time and time again, she relapsed and was bedridden but it didn''t dim the light of hope in her eyes.


    If it wasn''t for Lyla, they don''t know where to get a heart that would match hers. Lyla was still a mystery to her. She just came out of nowhere and informed her that she wanted to donate her heart.


    "What could be inside this letter?" Dr. Alison mumbled before closing her drawer. She just kept the letter that Lyla had asked her to give to Jillyanna after the operation. She didn''t know what was the relationship of the two but she knew that it wasn''t anything good.


    With how Lyla looked towards Jillyanna, Dr. Alison could tell that she hated the woman that she wanted to save. ''So, why help her? She even gave her heart.'' Dr. Alison thought but there wasn''t a single soul who can answer her question.


    She wasn''t someone nosy, so she let go of the matter before getting the patient''s charts and made her round of check up.


    Around six in the evening, Travis came back with a new set of clothes. He also ate something from the hospital canteen to make sure that he won''t collapse from hunger.


    Jade ran towards him when she saw her father coming. Travis squat down to level their heights and hugged her. "How''s our little princess?" he asked as soft as he could to her.


    "I am sad." Jade answered. "But I promised Mommy that I will be strong so I stopped crying already."


    "Good girl." Travis rubbed her head gently. "Did you see your brother?"


    "Yes. He is so small. He..." The father-daughter pair talked for a while, distracting themselves from the pain. They talked about different things just to alleviate the painful probability of losing the person that they love.

 Chapter 477 - MISSION NOT YET ACCOMPLISHED

    Brown slumped on the ground with Valkyrie next to him. The wind was chilly in December but they were rather warm and sweating. A three-storey house was burning right in front of them and with no way of escape. Anyone inside were trapped in this hellish flame.


    Old Man Arc burnt his own place to stop anyone from capturing him. Instead of suffering in prison, he would rather die in his own place. It was as if he already expected that they were coming and had placed several remote bombs inside her own abode. Before they could even get to him, he detonated everything and blew her own roof.


    "That man was insane." Brown commented. "As one of the Four Herald Bosses, he was rather stupid and dumb." He added.


    "He must have wanted to put an end to his crime and to his life. Well, it saved us time and a space in jail." Valkyrie responded. "I wonder if Hawk and Savannah managed to take his underlings."


    "Not yet. If they did it, she would have called us already."


    The four of them were divided into two pairs again. Brown and Valkyrie were asked to take down the mastermind behind the abduction of children who were sold to different families as sex slaves. Hawk and Savannah were tasked to take care if his underlings who were responsible for abduction.


    "How do I say this..uh..don''t you think it was kind of easier and quicker? Do you think he blew himself together with his house?" Brown asked in wonder. It was true that they have been observing the man from a distance but when they came to surprisingly catch him, they were overwhelmed with the number of bombs and it wasn''t even a minute after they reached that the two of them ran away, scampering off like a little squirrel running for his life. Splinters and debris flew from all direction as they fled from the place, stumbled and fell on the pavement while other households look over as to what happened.


    They were able to see the man himself standing with a detonator in the middle of his spacious living room but they weren''t so sure now.


    "We will know once the fire fighters put off the flame. I don''t think he will be burn to ashes." Valkyrie''s eyes reflected the scene from hell in front of him. The flame rose, reaching for the sky but the fire fighters rained it with so much water. His right hand was covering his left arm that was wounded from the splinter and debris. The blood was dripping on the ground and it took Brown quite sometime before he noticed it.


    It wasn''t because he neglected him that he didn''t notice the wound but Valkyrie was lying on the ground, hiding his arm out of his field of vision. Brown choked up and stood up from where he was lying. "There should be a medic from the fire fighter''s group. Let''s get your wound tended to first."


    Valkyrie nodded his head and reached out his right arm so that Brown can pull him up. "Don''t cry. This is far from my intestine. I won''t just die because of this."


    "Who the hell is crying?!" Brown retorted while wiping away his tears. He wasn''t really a cry baby but every time Valkyrie gets hurt, he would cry from guilt. Because Valkyrie would be wounded in order to protect him. Just like in this mission, when they were running away earlier, he remembered that Valkyrie hugged him and the two of them stumbled before getting up and ran again. It was probable because he saw a sharp thing coming towards him and he used his own body to shield him from it.


    Valkyrie just chuckled while rubbing her head. "Just reward me something after this."


    "Tsk! Who will reward a foolish man like you?"


    "You, of course."


    "Shut up! I might ask them to sew your mouth instead of your wound."


    "It wouldn''t do you good if you ask them to stitch my sweet mouth. After all, my mouth is better than my hands, don''t you think so?"


    "La la la la la la la la la la la la la¡­" Brown didn''t want to hear anymore of his nonsense. It would only increase the beating of his heart and lose his mind. He dragged him to one of the waiting ambulances and asked one of the doctors to aid his partner. The chief of the fire fighters asked them some question and they answered truthfully to gain cooperation.


    Just as the two were resting, waiting for the firemen to put off the fire, Savannah called and exclaimed happily. "We did it! We can finally celebrate a peaceful Christmas with everyone!"


    "You are done in your end?" Brown asked the obvious. "That is good for you. In our case we needed to make sure if the man is really dead or if he was also able to escape." Even though it was impossible to get out from that explosion, Brown and Valkyrie didn''t want to overlook any possibilities. It was their job to make sure that the mastermind won''t escape. If the man is still alive, it would be their demerit and they might be suspended from work. Though suspension isn''t really a bad thing, it will still tarnish your record and Calhoun might pull them out from his group.


    "Wait for us there. We are on the way." Savannah informed them and ended the call. This was what people often say, ''all for one, one for all''. They wanted to celebrate Christmas together so it was natural that they would come to help.


    Brown put down his phone and looked towards Valkyrie. "They will be here in a moment. I just hope that everything will be fine. I want to go home and have fun."


    "We will go home soon." Valkyrie assured him with a smile. Not long after, one of the firemen came to inform them that it was safe to come to the burned house.


    The majestic house earlier was now a black of ashes and charcoal. There were few smokes here and there but there wasn''t any fire anymore. The heat wave from the fire earlier wasn''t all gone but it was already doable for someone to come. Brown took a pair of gloves from the rescuers and wore it. It was to makes sure that he won''t get burn from the lingering heat on the metal and other materials.


    The two of them walked towards the burnt living room and found nothing that remains of the standing man earlier. "I guess he died from the impact of the explosion. Explosion comes first before the flame so I think his body was scattered from the impact before it was burnt to ashes." Brown stated. It wasn''t just his assumption but from the factual things that he knew.


    The continued to walk and covered almost all nook and cranny of the house but they couldn''t find anyone''s bones. "Officers, I found a head over here." One of the rescuers called. He was just about to come up and see if there was anyone who died from the second floor and the third floor when he saw a skull under some rubbles and stones.


    Valkyrie and Brown were still looking around at the ground floor since that was where they saw the man; just didn''t expect him to be blown away towards the staircase. The two of the approached them man who called them and looked at the dark skull.


    "If there isn''t anyone else in this house, this skull must be from the one we''re looking for. Can we ask someone to come and fetch this for DNA analysis?" Valkyrie questioned the rescuer who called them.


    "Yes, sir. I have reported this to the chief as well. He should be sending someone to get this.'' And sure enough, after he was done talking, someone came with a bag to get the bones of the dead. "I''ll take a look upstairs and let you know if I find any other body."


    "Thank you so much for your assistance." Brown gave him a salute before helping the other rescuer picked up the intact bones. The lower half was nowhere to be found so, they retreated and kept the upper remains of the body.


    Savannah and Hawk also arrived and spotted the two of them immediately. Savannah checked the two of them from head-to-toe and front-and-back. "I can''t believe you''re hurt again." Savannah mumbled when she saw the state of Valkyrie.


    "To be wounded on behalf of him is my greatest honor." Valkyrie responded which earned him two sets of rolling eyes. "I don''t want my father to flare up if he knew that Evan is wounded. If I am wounded, he would be angry and kill of the enemies in one go. If Evan is wounded, he would become extremely angry, kill of the enemies in one go, scold me to death and refuse me to see Evan again. Do you see the difference?"


    Hawk and Savannah nodded their heads like a hen pecking some grains. What he said was true and base on experience and observation. "Anyway, it would be great if the test result will be out as soon as possible. In that way, we can surprise them of our arrival once again." Savannah happily stated, her eyes sparkling without any shade of gloominess. Still in the dark of what was happening to their friend.

 Chapter 478 - HAPPINESS TO SORROW

    Savannah and Hawk made their report first while waiting for the DNA analysis of the bones that Valkyrie and Brown found. Their mission was considered half done and one more mission to go before Hawk can finally make his proposal. Savannah didn''t know anything about.


    They already made plans that they will be staying with Jillyanna and Travis during Christmas. Then they will go back to the Knight''s family during New Year. Same goes for Brown and Valkyrie, as long the mission was a success, they would go back to spend Christmas with Jill and RV then, spend New Year with Dr. Anderson.


    Calhoun didn''t tell them anything yet. He wanted them to focus on their mission specially that their lives where in the line. He can''t afford to give them distractions. Two days later, they received the documents containing the result of the DNA. Brown brought the documents to Calhoun and showed it to him.


    Relief and joy washed over their anxiety after seeing the result. It was a positive, meaning the person who died was really the leader. Valkyrie was so happy that he immediately started his report with Brown''s help. They wanted to finish their tasks as soon as possible and leave the camp.


    After an hour, he submitted the file in their system and waited to get approval. It will be reviewed by their specialist and once it was approved, they can already count it as accomplished. Ten minutes after the submission, Valkyrie received a reply of verification and approval came after it.


    "Yes!" He exclaimed as he asked Brown to close the computer. "Let''s go."


    Brown stood up but Calhoun came to find them instead. Savannah and Hawk was following behind him. "Major General, are we going for another mission?" Brown asked him. It wasn''t new to them to get a mission right after finishing one. It happened a lot of times to their team and they were used to it.


    However, it was not the reason that Calhoun came to find them. "You are going back to the hacienda?"


    "Yes, sir." The four of them answered.


    "Hn. I don''t want you to be surprised but I might as well tell you the news now."


    "What do you mean? Did something happen while we''re gone?" Savannah started to get anxious and her hands were shaking on her side.


    "Remember Ryden?"


    "Yes."


    "He is dead." Calhoun stated flatly.


    "So?"


    "Before he died, he made a move. Jillyanna is currently in Senyu Medical Center, fighting for her life."


    "And the baby?" Brown asked. He knew how much Jillyanna wanted to have a child and Travis was also looking forward to see their baby.


    "The baby was born prematurely but he was doing fine. It''s just that, Jillyanna is in critical condition. So ---"


    "Thank you, Major General. We''ll go now. Let us know if there''s any mission that needs our help." Savannah didn''t let him finish and they turn around and left the place. It didn''t matter to him if they made a salute or not, as long as no one sees them. It had always been like them. As long as no other officers were around, they would just treat each other as family ¨C no need for superiority pressure or formalities.


    Calhoun watched them leave and sighed. He was mentally praying that Jillyanna would make it alive.


    Hawk drove the car that they borrowed from Travis when they left for the mission. They had parked it inside the military compound to make sure that they can use it to come back. Instead of going back to the hacienda or to Jillyanna''s house, the four of them went directly to the hospital.


    They all wanted to see her first to make sure that she was still there, fighting and not giving up yet. The car was silent and they were all thinking about what they can do to help her. They were thinking about the baby that will not see his mother if Jillyanna really leaves.


    "Good Lord, please bring her back to us. She doesn''t deserve to die." Brown mumbled to himself.


    "I know right. There are many bad people out there, why must He take Jillyanna?" Savannah added.


    "She won''t go. I trust her strength. She won''t just give up." Valkyrie chipped in but in his heart, he was deeply worried. Hawk didn''t say anything as he focused himself to drive. He kept his speed in maximum as per traffic regulation. He wasn''t over speeding but he was still driving fast.


    Two hours later, they arrived at the hospital and the three of them jumped out without waiting for Hawk to finish parking. They asked the receptionist and found that she was indeed under tight observation in ICU. They immediately ran towards the ICU without using the stairs. It was a waste of time to wait for the elevator.


    Many people watched them but they didn''t even glance towards anyone. People were confused to see several military officers running towards the stairs and hallways. Savannah and her company didn''t realize the problem until they reached the ICU. Travis looked at them from head to toe, one of his eyebrows was raised and he was looking at them questioning gaze.


    Savannah looked at herself before looking towards Brown and Valkyrie. She slapped her forehead and closed her eyes. "No wonder people were looking at us."


    Travis just sighed and closed the door of the ICU to face them properly. He looked tired and his face was just as pale just as Jillyanna''s. They were like a pair of corpses.


    "How is she?" Brown asked as soon as Travis was out.


    "She has not woken up since the operation."


    "Wasn''t the operation successful?"


    "It was but her vitals keep on fluctuating."


    Savannah leaned on the glass window to see the face of the woman whom she knew was very strong. She could kill her enemies in a flash yet remained kind to the people who respected her. "How did this happen? What exactly did Ryden do?"

 Chapter 479 - BATTLE FOR LIFE

    Travis narrated what happened to them. The picture was already deleted so they didn''t see what was really sent to Jillyanna. However, base on his narration, they could sum up just how hateful Ryden was.


    "How about Lyla? Didn''t she work with them?" Valkyrie asked upon remembering the woman who made issues against Jillyanna before.


    "I am not sure about her but after what happened to Hans, I haven''t heard anything about her. It''s like she disappeared into thin air." Travis responded. "I don''t really care about her though so, I don''t know if she''s still alive or dead."


    "I hope she won''t do anything anymore. It''s already a complete mess and I don''t think I''d welcome an additional stress." Savannah also commented. "How about your baby? Can we see him?"


    "Hn. Let the nurse show you the nursery room. I don''t want to leave my wife."


    They just nodded their head and waited for the nurse who was checking on Jillyanna to finish her routine. The only good thing that happened the past few days was that Jillyanna ceased to convulse from time to time. Her vitals dropped a few times as well but it wasn''t very severe like last time. At least in a day, the doctors were now running back ''n forth thrice a day. Unlike before that they would come almost every hour.


    Travis just his friends left to check his son. Top was sitting on the bench, waiting for any instructions. In the past few days, he was tasked to look after Jillyanna and Travis during the day. At night Jackie would look after them with Vincent since she has no class, as per curriculum, it was her vacation time.


    Shein was still busy working at Venus Plaza while Riley tried to finish some work even though she was still wounded. People who knew about what happened keep their mouth tightly sealed to make sure that no one from any media company would know of this issue. It was to make sure that Jillyanna won''t be disturb during this critical moment.


    Atty. Lewis visited them once to make sure that she was still breathing and fighting for life. Cheska and Diego would drop by from time to time to check on Travis, Jillyanna and the baby.


    Jade was told to stay at home and study. They didn''t want her to keep seeing Jillyanna in a difficult state. It would be depressing for a child to relive the moment her biological mother died. It would leave a shadow in her heart if she keeps seeing Jillyanna lying in bed.


    She already blamed herself and suffered, they couldn''t afford to add more burden on her shoulders. Sometimes, Travis would call her to let her know that Jillyanna was getting better and that the baby was slowly developing. It was the only way for them to keep moving forward.


    Few minutes later, his friends came back with a little joy in their eyes. Savannah was really surprised to see such a small baby. She even looked at him for such a long time, trying to make whose face did the baby look like the most. In the end, she couldn''t tell if he looked like Jillyanna or if he looked like Travis.


    "Wait for few more months and you would see which side did he look like." Brown told her so that she''d stop staring at the baby.


    "Right."


    When they reached the ICU, Hawk also arrived with a box of food that he bought. He gave it to Travis and leaned on the glass window to see Jillyanna. "Why don''t you go to the VIP room, eat and take a rest. I will look after your wife and call you if anything happens. I don''t you will last longer than her if you forget to take care of yourself." He mumbled softly without looking back at him.


    Travis looked at the food in his hands and his stomach growled. He was hungry. He didn''t respond to Hawk and left to go back to the VIP room where Jillyanna stayed before. He ate the food, slowly filling in his empty stomach. After eating, he took a shower and changed his clothes; getting ready to sleep and get more energy to look after her later.


    Now that they''re back, he felt a little at ease. He knew that they would never let anything slip under their watch. Savannah sat on the bench to guard with Hawk. Valkyrie and Brown went back to the hacienda first to get some rest. They tacitly decided that Savannah and Hawk will stay during the day while Brown and Valkyrie will stay during night time.


    Which means, Top and Jackie would be able to take a break as well. Since Top didn''t have any family or dependent, he stayed back in the Madrid''s villa and helped with the security. Sometimes, he would plant different flowers with Jade to keep the child occupied. Some other times, he would teach her basic martial arts.


    Sky was against it at first but she realized that it would be good for Jade to protect herself against bullies someday. Walter still continued to come and see her during weekend but he never took her out of the house. He didn''t want to put her life in danger.


    Day after day, different people came to visit Jillyanna. Day after day, Jade would ask her father as to when they''d come home. Day after day, doctors and nurses came to check her vitals, rescue her when she convulses and expressed their sorrow when nothing changes.


    Still, Travis didn''t lose hope. Jillyanna didn''t give up on him when he was the one lying on the bed. This time, he will never give up on her. He will stay by her side. He will continue to talk to her until she''s fed up and decided to open her eyes. He will never ever let go of her no matter how much it would cost him.

 Chapter 480 - NEW YEAR CAME WITHOUT YOU

    Christmas came and everyone where having a great time except Travis and his family. They still received their presents from Jillyanna which Travis took over to hand out. Their helpers got a huge bonus and a two-week vacation. Jillyanna prepared it when she was still around. Jade got the greatest number of presents among all of them. Her father''s and mother''s friends gave her gifts and she was thankful to all of them.


    However, behind closed doors, she would cry her heart out because her mother wasn''t awake yet. She had been sleeping for quite sometimes without any signs of waking up. She just wanted for her mother to come home. She didn''t care if she didn''t get any gifts.


    They didn''t really celebrate this year''s Christmas. After Travis gave their gifts, he left and went back to the hospital. He wasn''t able to visit his mother''s grave and his mother-in-law''s grave as well. He would always visit them during this time of the year but this time, he was too cope up with so many problems that he put off his visit for the mean time.


    One more week and it would be another year. Once February comes, Jillyanna''s birthday would be around the corner. Yet, the woman whose birthday was coming was still sleeping on her ICU bed. They were just waiting for her to respond to any kind of stimulus but she was so difficult to deal with.


    Her vital kept on fluctuating, putting everyone into a sudden panic, fear and anxiety rushed up to their throats whenever she''s being revived. Travis had made the hospital his home already just like how JIllyanna did it when he was the one on the hospital bed.


    Every morning, he would visit his son in the nursery ward and asked for progressive report. Around five in the afternoon, Shein would come to see him and show him the details of the work that was done in a day. Sometimes, he would bring documents that needed his signature and approval. At the same time, he would check his sister for himself.


    The season was getting even more colder and the snow outside was getting stronger and heavier. Jade wasn''t allowed to come out of the house so, most of her time was spent with everyone inside the villa. They already went home to Jillyanna''s house instead of staying with the Madrids.


    Jade insisted to them that her mother would be sad if the house was left alone. There was Anton''s little graveyard that they needed to take care of as well. Because it was jade who plead towards the elders, they allowed them to leave. Since they arrived home, they never went out of the house. They didn''t even bother checking the group of villas that Travis asked to build. It was Brown who would check the site and the workers to make sure that they were still alive and working amidst the snow.


    Their life was dull and boring. Jade continued to study with Jackie''s help. Riley was able to finish her job before the year ends so, she also helped jade with her study together with Jackie. The two of them took turns in teaching her and on weekend, it will be Shein who will teach her computer and Walter who will come to visit her.


    People already accepted the fact that Jillyanna resigned from the music industry and that she rather lived her life in a carefree manner. It wasn''t new to them that she wasn''t posting anything on her timeline. It wasn''t new to them that she wasn''t sending pictures of her and her family. Therefore, no one speculated that Jillyanna was actually in a critical condition. It never crossed in the people''s mind.


    Travis would wake up, eat his breakfast, take a shower before going to check the baby and then his wife. He would take his lunch, take a short nap, wake up after an hour and checked his wife in the ICU. He will eat his dinner, take a half shower, checked his baby and his wife before getting some sleep. Woke up in the middle of the night, drink some water, check his baby and his wife before going back to sleep. This was basically his schedule and it went on and on for god-knows-how-long.


    It wasn''t even a month since she was sent to the hospital but to him, it seemed like a year had passed already. Even though he wasn''t the one who was lying critically, he looked thin compared to when Jill was still around. He looked exhausted and his eye bags were getting darker even though he sleeps at night.


    No one can blame him though, even when he slept, his heart and mind were never put to ease which still caused exhaustion both mentally and physically. Savannah always reminded him to take care of himself but as long as Jillyanna won''t wake up, he would never be fine. He was like a walking corpse with flesh and blood.


    Days had passed and New Year arrived still, no sign of waking up. "I thought we get the chance to celebrate Christmas and New Year again." Travis stated while holding on to her hand. "I thought we''d meet the new year together. Well, we basically meet the new year but only your body is present." He kissed the back of her hand and squeezed it. "Jill, I will wait for you. Just don''t give up. No matter how long it will take, we will wait for you. By the way, baby Raizel was developing greatly. The doctors and nurses said that he will be fine after a month but they would still observe him to make sure that nothing will happen. Don''t you want to see him?"


    Inside the ICU, it was just him and the unconscious body of his wife. His back looked lonely and even when you couldn''t hear what he was saying, with the look of his face alone, you can tell that he was pouring his heart out again.


    Savannah felt her throat constricted when she saw his dejected expression. He was a man of pride but in front of his wife, he was just someone weak who couldn''t bear to separate with his wife. When he signed for the paper between his child and his wife, he chose his child over her.


    In fact, Travis knew that Jillyanna had a very slim chance to survive. It had been discussed several times to them but as long as there was a chance, he would hold on to that and wait for her. He believed the doctors. He believed that they would help him. He knew that she would fight for him and for the family that they put together.


    She still wanted to witness Savannah''s engagement. She still wanted to become a godmother to Cielo''s baby. She still wanted to see Riley become a successful actress. She still wanted to witness Jackie become a police officer that she would be proud of. She still wanted to take care of their child. She still wanted to experience the role of a mother and to stay beside him forever.


    Travis knew that there''s no way she would give up these things. Every single day, he would remind her of these things. He would speak to her as if she was really listening. That''s what she did for him back then and he was just doing the same thing. She believed in him so he will also believe in her.


    Winter came to visit again. She was coming in and out of the hospital to see her best friend and her cousin. Calhoun didn''t give her a vacation period since she just got one not long ago. She had so many things waiting for her at work so she could only slip from time to time whenever she has no scheduled task.


    She wanted to ask their teacher to help Jillyanna but she realized that it would be of no help as well. Their teacher can only cure an illness caused by poisons. An illness like CHD was out of her scope and she didn''t even know how to operate. Winter gave up on that idea and could only silently pray that she will be fine and wake up soon.


    Travis didn''t like speaking to anyone. Whenever someone spoke to him, he would either nod his head or shake it. If he would speak it will be a ''YES'' or ''NO'' answer. The only person that he ever spoke with was his wife. The nurse and doctor in the nursery ward were used to his personality already. Whenever he showed up, they would instantly tell him the update of his baby. He didn''t even ask questions to them.


    The person who would ask them question after question was Brown and Savannah.


    "Hey, I have a little concern." Savannah spoke to Winter to get his attention.


    "What is it?" Not just Winter but Hawk also turned to face her.


    "I was just wondering, with the way things turned out, Travis won''t hate his son, right? He won''t blame him for losing her, right?" Savannah asked. She had reasons why she thought that way. Travis had been acting weird and even though he visited the child, he didn''t really stay for a long time before going back to Jillyanna again.


    Winter took a deep breath and sighed. "He won''t hate the child, I guarantee that. From what I can see, he hates himself instead of the child. Perhaps, he was guilty because the child was born prematurely. He was blaming himself because he was the reason that this happens. I know my cousin. He would never hate the child that was made of Jilyanna''s flesh and blood." Winter stated firmly. "I understand your worry but there''s no need to. RV will surely love the child."


    Of course, there''s no way for him to love Jade who wasn''t even his child and neglect his own son. He and Jillyanna were looking forward to meet their baby. He will be his strength and weakness.

 Chapter 481 - TO THE CEMETERY

    TWO MONTHS LATER¡­


    Jade changed into her black dress and chose a pair of black shoes to come with it. She had learned to choose her own clothes, tie her own hair, bath herself and do other things by herself. The little child forced herself to learn as many things as she could after her mother had an accident.


    Baby Raizel was already allowed to come home and the family welcomed him happily. Sadly, Jillyanna was just so unfortunate that she didn''t see her own child right after giving birth to him.


    "Jade? Are you done?" Riley called to her from outside her door. "We will have to go in half an hour? There will be many people in the cemetery later."


    "I''m almost done Auntie. I''m putting on my shoes." She retorted back.


    "Alright. Come downstairs once your done. You haven''t drunk your glass of milk yet."


    "Yes yes. I will be done in a moment." She continued to do her thing while listening to Riley''s fading footsteps. After making sure that she didn''t forget anything, she walked out of her room and walked downstairs. There many people who wore the same color of clothes as her. Most of them wore black and white while some were wearing gray clothings.


    "Jade, make sure to drink your milk. It''s getting colder already." Travis reminded his daughter.


    "Yes Dad." Jade went to the kitchen and drank the milk prepared for her. Auntie Fei placed a small pouch in her hand which contained chocolate chip cookies. They will be staying in the cemetery for quite sometime and the ride going there will take sometime so she wanted the child to have something she can munch in case, she''d get hungry. "Thank you so much, Auntie Fei."


    "You''re welcome sweetheart." Auntie Fei caressed her face before taking the empty glass from her so that she can wash it.


    In the living room, Travis was holding on to the small baby in his arms while waiting for everyone to come down. Shein already prepared the cars that they will be using to the cemetery. There were flowers of different kinds which they freshly picked from the garden. Cielo was the one who arranged them when she visited yesterday.


    "Daddy, let me bring the diaper bag." Jade commented when she saw that her father was holding onto the bags while having the baby in his arms. Actually, other offered to help him as well but he didn''t like anyone touching his child''s things. He was a very hands-on father.


    He was responsible for changing the baby''s diaper, for singing him to sleep, feeding him with milk, cleaning the water bottles, washing his clothes, playing with him and many other things. He doesn''t even like anyone getting inside the baby''s room. He was very possessive of his son. Only Jade was allowed to come inside since she would always look after the baby.


    When the baby came home, Jade was so happy that she even forgot about the news of her mother''s health. Baby Raizel stayed with the Madrid''s family for the time being while Travis arranged everything at the hospital. He would always call Sky to check on the child as well as Jade who came to stay over once again. It was for the sake of keeping the baby company. Riley and Shein stayed home while Jackie went back to school already.


    Jade was a very good elder sister. "Daddy, you will be tired with both the baby and the bags." Jade reminded him.


    "Won''t you be tired? The bag is a little heavy." Travis mumbled.


    "It''s fine. I can just take a rest if I get tired." Jade answered him.


    "Alright." Travis gave her the bag containing the extra diapers as well as a bottle of milk that he kept warm in a small insulated container.


    With what happened to Jillyanna, Jade matured earlier than everyone of her age but, Travis didn''t forget to spoil her from time to time. Riley would bring her souvenirs as well whenever she gets home from work. Shein would allow her to play with his computer when Baby Raizel was sleeping. Cielo would visit them as well to check both children.


    Shein became the temporary CEO of the Venus Plaza but every time he would decide over something important, he will still consult his brother-in=law. He worked hard to guard his Empire while Travis kept their family intact. The past two months, people noticed that something was wrong and that Jillyanna no longer showed up in any places that she frequently visits before. Riley didn''t talk about her family even when the news of the baby was out. Shein didn''t answer any questions from the shareholders and directors either. There was even a time that Diego walked out from a Finance Magazine interview when he was asked about how Jillyanna was doing.


    It wasn''t really part of the scope but almost everyone wanted to know how Jillyanna was doing. There weren''t any photos of her during Christmas and New Year. The last picture of her that was uploaded on line was the one from Venus Plaza''s year-end party. After that, there wasn''t any update about her. It was like she just disappeared into thin air.


    The doctors and nurses who knew the truth didn''t say anything. They knew how to keep this kind of confidential matters. Aside from that, they didn''t want to become the enemy of Travis Madrigal.


    Back to the mansion, Jade followed Travis out of the house and got inside the car first. Jillyanna came after her and last was Travis. Shein placed her wheelchair at the back of the car before walking towards the driver''s seat. He will be driving the car for them with Rilley sitting on the front seat.


    "Sis, are you alright? Make sure to let us know of any discomfort." Riley told Jillyanna who just smiled and nodded her head.


    Jillyanna was really weak this time since she just got out of the hospital. Jade was even stronger compared to her. She was back to her old self where few steps would exhaust her so much. Now, the mansion was just like how it was before; pitcher of water was placed everywhere and will be changed every 24 hours.

 Chapter 482 - THEY ARE OF THE SAME KIND

    Two weeks ago, when Jillyanna finally woke up, she looked for Travis immediately. And the first thing that came out of her mouth was, ''let''s go to the cemetery''. Travis was really happy when she woke up but when he heard about her request, his smile faltered.


    "Why do you want to go there?" Travis asked while the doctors checked her vitals. They didn''t know how it happened but the numbers on her chart rose up and stabilized. It was one of the miracles that doctors witnessed again. Even if they are doctors, they knew that there are certain times that they couldn''t really do anything and they also believe that miracles happen.


    She stayed for two weeks in the hospital for close observation and physical therapy. She stayed in bed for more than a month so, her nerves and muscles need to be exercised to make sure that she will be able to walk just fine. They were relieved when she wasn''t experiencing any other side effects aside from getting tired easily.


    Dr. Alison kept the letter to herself first. She wanted to make sure that Jillyanna was fine before handing the message to her. She didn''t really know what was inside the letter but she knew that Lyla hated her so she was just being careful.


    After the two-week long period for therapy and observation, she was finally allowed to leave the hospital but a nurse will accompany them wherever they go to make sure that she was alright. Therefore, Brown''s worry will be lessened since there''s a nurse who would help him.


    He promised her that they would go to the cemetery but he didn''t expect that everyone would come with them. Sky and Alex wanted to visit the doctor who helped them as well, the biological mother of Jillyanna. Thomas actually visited his wife and Elizabeth not long ago but he wanted to come along with them, too.


    The twins and Shien wanted to know a little about Jillyanna''s mother and Travis'' mother as well. Jenny wanted to come and pay respect to Jillyanna''s mother, the person who gave birth to a wonderful woman in her life.


    Jade was also very excited to go to the cemetery since she will be introduced to her grandmothers. She had been looking forward to this day and she couldn''t contain her excitement.


    "Mommy, why do we have to wear black?" Jade asked her while looking at her cute black dress.


    "Because that is the color of death. I am happy that I am alive but I am mourning as well. I miss my mother so much that I wanted to come with her." Jillyanna answered softly while looking at her daughter. Even though she wasn''t facing Travis, she could feel the intense gaze that was being directed to her. "When I was at the hospital, when I didn''t know how long it was already, I remained seated in a corner of a dark place. I didn''t want to move and wander around. Then, I saw my mother. I was so happy when I saw her again. She had the same beautiful face as a I last remembered and she brought me to different places that we used to go." Jillyanna narrated her experience. "I saw my father, too. I saw the man that I missed so much. I talked to him, I asked for forgiveness; I had been feeling guilty because of my accusations to him. I just really missed the two of them. I missed eating with them, chatting with them, playing with them; I miss everything that we used to do in the past. I didn''t know how long it was since I stayed with them. Then, I told her that I want to stay and accompany them but my mother sighed. She didn''t want me to come and find them. She told me that someone was waiting for me. It didn''t even occur to me that you are still alive." Jillyanna stated the last stamen to Travis.


    Travis knew what she meant since he was the reason that she got tricked and was in a brink of death. "When I woke up, it was my instinct that told me to find you."


    Travis reached out his hand and held hers. Jade was looking at her mother, listening to her story and a tear fell on the corner of her eyes. She was glad, very glad that the person who took her in was Jillyanna. She had the same experience as her and they understood each other. She also didn''t neglect the fact that Jade might not want to forget her biological mother. Such a fine woman deserves to live a happy and peaceful life.


    Jade turned her face and looked at the scenery outside the window. She wiped her tears when no one was watching her and smiled. ''Thank you for always guiding me, ma. You told me that you would guide me forever and you did. You guided me to meet these kind and warm people.


    Well, they were kind and warm to those people who would show respect to them but they can be cold and ruthless when someone overstepped their bottom line. Jade might not have known it but she was also the same kind as them. Jillyanna tried getting another wink of sleep on their way to the cemetery since she felt really tired. She just wanted to conserve her energy. She was just about to close her eyes when she remembered something.


    "I just have a question, you mentioned that you have been looking for me, didn''t you visit the cemetery this past decade?"


    "I did. I always visit our parents during their death anniversary."


    "Then, didn''t you notice the flowers that I planted around my mother''s grave?" Jillyanna questioned. It was something that she forgot to ask him


    Travis looked at her as if trying to recall something. "I didn''t know you planted those? There was a time that I visited the cemetery and I found our gardener planting the flowers around your mother''s and my mother''s grave. I thought it was Dad who asked someone to plant them."


    Jillyanna chuckled faintly when she realized how their fate played with them. She remembered that Thomas volunteered to have someone take care of the plants while she was away. She didn''t expect that it would make them missed each other''s path again.


    "If I had known, I would''ve found you sooner than later." Travis spoke with regret expression. He missed so many details in the past that could have led him to her.


    "Don''t think about it. It''s already in the past. I was just wondering earlier. Forget it already." Jillyanna responded to him. She didn''t want him to regret about it again.

 Chapter 483 - PREPARING A BELATED BIRTHDAY SURPRISE

    It''s been a month since she was discharged from the hospital. Travis still asked the nurse to come and continue her therapy. She was getting stronger each day and now, she can go up and down the staircase without getting flustered and running out of breath. Travis allowed her to carry their baby for ten minutes now but she was still not allowed to stay late at night.


    He was still responsible for taking care of their son. Jillyanna didn''t really mind but sometimes, she would intentionally sulk to him because he was being strict. However, no matter how much she sulks or act, Travis wouldn''t give in to her. When it was time to sleep, she had to sleep. When it was time to do a light exercise, she had to exercise. When he wanted to drink a little bit of coffee, he would scold her before giving her a glass of milk.


    Her birthday had passed and they weren''t able to celebrate it and it looked like he didn''t have any plan to celebrate it either. He was busy with their children and making sure that she followed through her schedules every single day. This time, Travis gave her a day off, a whole day in which he wouldn''t debate with her no matter what she wanted to do.


    Just in time, Cielo called her and asked if she wanted to come to the villa. Since she had holed herself inside the house under the surveillance of her husband, today, she finally got the chance to leave and enjoy herself. She looked for him inside the room of their son and found him reading the book about the three little pigs to their son who was sitting on his lap, behaving like an obedient student with the handsome teacher. Jade was on the other side, playing with his phone.


    "I finally found you." She mumbled making the three pairs of eyes looked at her. "I want to go out."


    "Where to?"


    "To the villa with Cielo."


    "Bring Jade with you. Mom and Dad just called to let her visit them."


    "Okay. Come here, Jade." Jillyanna reached out her hand and hold the little girl. Jade returned the phone to Travis with a wide smile. She didn''t know that she was being set up again.


    "Take care of yourself. Make sure to call me. And don''t go outside the villa. Bring Top with you as well as Brown." He reminded her.


    "Yes, sir." She leaned close to him and kissed his lips before kissing the top of her son''s head. "Thanks for letting me out."


    Travis just smiled and watched her leave. When she was out of his sight already, he immediately sent a message to Jackie and everyone else. Sky, Cielo and Alex received the message as well and smiled. They will do their best to keep their part. Jenny left the villa and asked her body guard to drive her to Jillyanna''s house. Since she couldn''t really get rid of the bodyguard so, she decided to just get used to them. However, when she''s going to school they would maintain a certain distance.


    Jackie and Riley went to the back garden instantly. Jillyanna never got the chance to visit the back garden since the time she was discharged. Travis told her that there was a construction in the neighborhood and it would be dusty. She didn''t have any idea that the construction was a surprise for her.


    The construction was almost done and they also needed to place the koi fishes and the lilies on the pond. The filters and fountains were done and the lush bamboo groves were planted on the side. It was inspired with the Japanese style villa of Five Michael, the designer.


    Jackie and Riley coordinated with everyone to help finish whatever it was that needed to be done. They already bought the furniture for the houses and it was ready to be lived in. Valkyrie and Brown were responsible for the security of the whole property and a batch of construction workers came to change the fence of the house as well. This time, they weren''t just putting a fence to Jillyanna''s house but to the whole property that the men bought. Shein and Riley finally have a house of their own, away from the prying eyes of the public. Hawk wanted to give Savannah a place to stay when they were not in a mission as well. Brown and Valkyrie needed a place where they can do their thing without worrying about the effect to the young children.


    They only have a day to finish everything and to set up Jillyanna''s birthday surprise. They doubled the man power and increased the salary for that day just to make sure that everything will be finished. Since they didn''t have much time, Jackie also contacted an event organizer to help them.


    Inside the house, Travis was still holding the sleeping baby in his arms. As time went by, he could tell that the baby got his look from his mother. He''s got the same eyes as Jillyanna, thick and long lashes, the same nose and the same small face. "You will be handsome just like how your mother is beautiful." Travis murmured and kissed the baby''s forehead.


    Just like a smart child, or perhaps the baby felt how much his mother struggled this past months, baby Raizle never once gave them a problem. He would only cry whenever he''s wet or when he''s hungry. When he''s sleepy, he would just find the best position in his father''s arm and close his eyes.


    With the ongoing construction and other noise pollution, Travis decided to bring the child to Jillyanna''s little room downstairs. It had the best soundproofing and as long as you close the door, you won''t hear anything from the outside. Before, it was Jillyanna''s room. Now, it was Jade''s small study room and play ground. They also installed cameras and proper ventilation to make sure that she''s fine and comfortable whenever she uses the room. As of the moment, the past and current owner of the room wasn''t around so, Travis got the whole room to himself. There was a small crib in the corner that Jillyanna placed to make sure that she can watch over the child while playing with Jade.


    You can say that the whole house was changed and set up with the consideration of the two children. Travis looked around the room and found the albums that Jillyanna kept all these years. Most of them were pictures of her childhood and few pictures of her when she grew up.


    He found a baby picture of his wife and sure enough, when he compared it to their son, he really looked like her. "I just wish for you to grow up in good health with good manners. I won''t force you to learn everything like how my father did in the past. I will give you the freedom to choose." Travis mumbled softly.


    If he knew how troublesome his son would be in the future he wouldn''t say it today. He didn''t know that in the future, Raizel would grow up and would want to learn different things. They were polarly opposite. The things he hated to do when he was young would be the things that Raizel would love to be doing once he grew up. Anyway, that''s a story for later, a story five years later with the troubled father.

 Chapter 484 - SPOILING THE MOTHER

    In the Madrid''s villa, Jillyanna was sitting on the couch with her arms crossed over her chest. She left with a smile on her face but when she arrived, the smile disappeared and she was sulking. "He really just allowed me to go? Isn''t he worried about me? He didn''t even ask me if I have arrived safely."


    Cielo rolled her eyes when she heard her sister speak those words again. She had been repeating the same questions in the same tone with grievances. She didn''t know what to say. Not long ago, she was sulking because Travis won''t allow her to leave the house. Now that she was allowed to go out, she was still sulking because he didn''t stop her. Just what exactly does she want her husband to do?


    Jade looked at her mother before going to the kitchen to find Sky. "Grandma, can I borrow your phone?"


    "Sure. Give me sec honey." Sky stated while placing the apples on the table, wiped her hands and fished out her phone from her pocket. She gave it to jade who immediately called her father.


    Travis felt the vibration of his phone from his coat so he pulled it out and saw Sky''s number flashing on the screen. When he answered it, it wasn''t Sky who spoke to her though but his daughter.


    "Dad, call mommy right now." Jade whispered with urgency. "She''s sulking and frowning because you didn''t call her."


    Travis chuckled when he heard about this news. "I can''t call her baby. She might notice something and come back home. The preparation isn''t done yet."


    "Then, what should I do?'' Jade inquired. "We can''t allow her to continue being like this because it is not good for her health."


    "How about you ask her to bake with you. Tell her that I want some cookies or anything that can occupy her mind."


    "The only one who can occupy her mind is you. Don''t you know that, Dad?"


    Sky who was listening on the side couldn''t help herself but laugh. She was so young but she already knew this kind of things and it was the most probable thing when it comes to Jillyanna''s thinking. Just imagine, when she woke up from being unconscious for more than a month, the first person she looked for was him. She didn''t even ask about their child!


    Travis also laughed on the other end of the line. "I guess you are right on that matter. Just think of anything to occupy her." Travis stated. "Your baby brother is awake now, I still need to feed him. Do your best in helping Daddy?"


    "Okay." Jade mumbled helplessly. Her mother was still thinking about her father. Her father was busy with the baby. She was the only one left with an intact awareness of her surroundings. At the young age of six, she lost count of the numbers that she sighed because of her parents. She returned the phone to Sky after the call ended.


    "Do you want to make an apple pie with your mother?" Sky asked knowing what the child worried in that moment.


    Jade nodded her head and looked at the apples on the table. "Is it okay to use your kitchen grandma?"


    "Sure thing. Go and call your mother." Sky responded and Jade immediately went back to the living room, only to find her mother slouching lazily.


    ''My parents are worrisome.'' Jade thought to herself. "Mommy, I remembered that Daddy wanted to eat an apple pie. I checked the kitchen and found several apples. Can you help me bake it?"


    Jillyanna rose to her feet and took hold of her daughter''s hand. "You have to teach me how to bake it."


    "Okay." Jade smiled happily as the two of them went to the kitchen. Jillyanna actually knew how to bake an apple pie but she wanted to give Jade the leverage to ''teach'' her something. Cielo could only watch her sister acting silly because of Travis. She followed them to the kitchen and pulled out a chair to watch the mother-daughter pair bake an apple pie.


    "You should actually be thankful that Travis still allowed you to go out after what happened to you. He didn''t even pressure you or ask you to take care of the children. You are rather carefree for a housewife and a mother." Cielo commented with her chin on his palm.


    "But I don''t like it when he is shouldering everything on his own."


    "Then make sure to properly take care of yourself. Once you''re back to how you were, strong and healthy, he would probably allow you to take care of him. I mean, the children." Cielo laughed at this intentional slip of the tongue.


    Jillyanna blushed when flashes of memories assaulted her mind. She suddenly thought that the temperature inside the room was getting hot. "Go and lower the AC temp. I''m getting hot in here." Jillyanna ordered Cielo but the woman didn''t move at all. Jade was also looking at her in worry.


    "Mommy, you look so red. Are you okay? It is not hot here. Are you feeling ill? Should we call uncle Eli to take a look at you? Should I ask Dad to call Dr. Alison?"


    Jillyanna, for the first time, realized that she adopted a child which matches Travis when it comes to nagging her. She was so like her father and she started to think that Jade was sent by her husband to keep her in place. ''Sigh. My husband and daughter keep on nagging me.'' She thought to herself. She calmed herself and ruffled Jade''s hair. "I am fine. I just got a little nervous since I don''t know how to make an apple pie. I am afraid that you father won''t like it."


    "That''s impossible." Jade exclaimed firmly. "Dad won''t do that. Even if your food is unpalatable, he would still eat it because you are the one who makes it."


    Jillyanna didn''t know whether to laugh or cry at this statement. Well, Jade had the reason to think that Jillyanna didn''t know how to cook since Jillyanna had not cooked for a long time. Travis didn''t permit her to use the kitchen ever since the two of them got together. It was either he would cook, the helpers would cook, their friends would cook, their parents would cook, her siblings would cook but never did it happen that she was allowed to cook.


    So, jade had never known that her mother knew how to cook as well. Jillyanna didn''t correct that and just allowed her daughter to spoil her mother, instead of spoiling the daughter.


    While the two of them started preparing for their baking lesson, Sky talked to Jackie about some things that Jillyanna might prefer. Unlike the twins who spent a couple of years with Jillyanna, Sky raised Jillyanna since she was thirteen up until she got married. Basically, she knew more things than them.


    Riley was busy helping the organizer to blow the balloons while Shein helped with the other matters. Savannah was busy coordinating with the construction workers who were trying to finish their task before the day ends. Some people were slowly cleaning the debris that the workers left. Some were watering the newly planted plant. Some were fixing the lights that will be used later. They were very busy. Jenny was in the kitchen, helping Auntie Fei and Auntie Sisi cook the food for dinner.


    Travis was on the other side, feeding the baby with milk. They couldn''t have Jillyanna breastfed the child because of the medications that she was taking for her heart. So, Travis looked for the best milk formula even if it was expensive. He''s got money to spend so he wasn''t the least bit worried.


    ''Tick! Tock! Tick! Tock!''


    The time slowly passed and Jillyanna kept glancing at her watch. It had been three hours since she arrived in the villa but Travis didn''t call her even once. "I don''t like this. I''m going home now." She declared and picked up her bag to go back home without waiting for anyone to stop her.

 Chapter 485 - DRESSING UP FOR HIM

    "No, Mommy. Don''t go home yet." Jade called out to her as she chased after her mother to get back inside the house. "The apple isn''t cook yet. If you leave now, what will we bring to Daddy?" She looked so adorable while holding onto Jillyanna''s hands. Her eyes didn''t even blink when she talked to her.


    "Let''s just bake some at home?" she suggested to her daughter. Looking at the two of them, it was like Jade was the mother who was stopping her daughter to see her boyfriend. The role was reversed!


    Jade pulled her mother back inside the house. "No, we have to wait for it. First, daddy wants to eat an apple pie. Second, it is something that we made together. Third, we don''t have enough ingredients at home." Jade reminded her mother while she was pulling her.


    Jillyanna didn''t have much of a choice so she went back inside following the cute little girl. Cielo laughed at her when she saw her situation. "It''s good to have Jade around you. She can help you get back on track and not just go with whatever you''re thinking."


    "Yeah. She may not be our biological daughter but she is really a lot like Travis. Their attitude was the same as well."


    "She learns quickly and learning from her father is the best way." Cielo chuckled when she saw how grumpy her sister was. "Don''t worry, you just have to wait a little."


    They waited for another half an hour for the apple pie to cook. Actually, it was already cooked but Jade didn''t tell her. She didn''t know what else to occupy her mother. She sat on a stool chair and placed her chin on her palm while watching her grandmother make some fruit juice for her.


    While she was thinking what else to do, an idea popped in her mind. Since they were planning to surprise her, and since it was a belated birthday surprise, Jade decided to help her mother dress up for the occasion. It wouldn''t be suitable if she comes home and find out that everyone was all waiting for her, and she''s wearing simple clothes.


    Jade climb down from the chair and ran towards the living room. She knew that her father would prepare a dress for her mother when she comes back but, she wanted to buy more time for them and this was the only way she could think of. "Mommy, the apple is almost baked."


    "That''s good to hear. We can go back home soon." Jillyanna responded which made her daughter sigh internally. How long has it been that she left the house? It wasn''t a month or a week! It was only half a day and she was already missing him so much.


    Jade kept her act and smiled at her mom. "Do you want to give Daddy a surprise?" Jade asked her.


    "What are you up to?" Cielo and Jillyanna asked in unison. Cielo knew about the surprise but she was acting like she didn''t know anything and decided to support Jade with whatever that comes to mind.


    "I was just thinking that Mommy wasn''t able to come out of the house this past few months. Daddy had been very strict as well. Why don''t you dress up and once we''re home, you can ask Daddy to bring you out on a date."


    Jillyanna knocked her daughter''s head when she heard her statement. "Where did you learn this nonsense? I know your Daddy. If he says he won''t, then he won''t. He might bring me out on a date but that would be a date outside the house. Probably at the back garden or in the front yard under the mango tree that we have."


    "Mommy, you just have to understand that Daddy is doing what is good for you. You know how scary it is to watch someone in a brink of death, right?"


    This made Jillyanna think back on the past few months. On the day that they registered their marriage, he almost died because of her. That time, her heart broke apart whenever he was sent to the ICU. She even decided to live in the hospital despite her pregnancy. She was really scared back then. Every time she heard the faltering ''beeping'' sound, her heart would lurch on her throat, chocking her from her tears and fear.


    Jillyanna watched her daughter in silence. She reached out her hand and pulled Jade in a hug. "You are right. It is scary and I must have scared him so much."


    "Not only Daddy but, you scared all of us Mom."


    "I''m sorry." Jillyanna whispered to her.


    "Do you understand now why Daddy is very strict to you? If I remember correctly, Uncle Shein told me that you were very strict to Daddy when he came out of the hospital as well."


    "Hn. I understand. You don''t have to lecture Mommy anymore."


    Jade hugged her mommy back and kissed her cheeks. "Once you become strong again, Daddy will allow you to come out and have fun."


    "Jade is really sweet and understanding." Cielo commented which earned her a smile from the little girl.


    Jillyanna just nodded her head in agreement. Jade might be young but everything she said was sensible. She wasn''t just spouting nonsense but an information from her careful observation. "Alright. Help me dress up and surprise your Daddy. Even if it is a date at home, it is still fine."


    "Okay." Jade and Jillyanna went upstairs to find Jillyanna''s room. Even though she seldomly visits the villa, she still got so many clothes in her wardrobe. Cielo watched the mother-daughter pair walked upstairs. When they were out of sight, Cielo called Travis to get some update.


    "Is it not done yet?"


    "Give us half an hour to check everything. We are almost done." Travis responded when he answered her call.


    "That''s good. I don''t think Jade can stop her mother again. I can''t obviously stop her to leave the house, that would make her think that we are up to something."


    "It''s fine. If she decided to leave again, just let her go. I have some plans at home that can stall her time."


    "Sure." Cielo responded. "I''ll go check your wife and your daughter now." She didn''t tell him that Jillyanna was currently dressing up herself for him. She went to the kitchen, took the tray which contained some refreshment and brought it upstairs.

 Chapter 486 - IM GOING TO SEDUCE MY HUSBAND

    Jillyanna was carefully selecting a dress to entice her husband. She was planning to seduce her husband to let her go out again. Looking at the set of clothes, her eyes caught the dress that she wore on the night that she gave herself to him. She started to blush when she remembered the hot and passionate night with him.


    A grin slowly formed on her lips when she looked at the dress. She picked it up and without saying anything, she changed into it, to see if it still fits her. She might not have grown so big because of her calculating pregnancy but after leaving the hospital she had been carefully fed that she thought she gained weight.


    It was just her thought that she gained weight because the dress still fits her perfectly. This time, it even showed her perfect curves since her chest grew a little bigger since she''s lactating. Though the baby can''t drink it since she''s taking a lot of medicines.


    Jade was amazed to see her mother dress up sexily. It was her first time that she saw her in that kind of get up. In her memory, her mother always wears a hospital gown, a set of pajamas, long dressed with over coat, legging with large and thick jacket, and so on. She had always covered her whole body before.


    "Mommy is not just pretty but also very sexy." Jade commented while giving her mother an overall look.


    "Not just that. I am smart, too." Jillyanna stated. ''Smart enough to know that you guys are planning something again.'' She didn''t spoil their plan though. Whatever it was that they''re planning, she knew it wasn''t anything bad for her so she didn''t really mind.


    "Daddy will be happy to see you like this."


    "Hn. He will be very happy." Cielo added on the side. It downed on to her just why Jillyanna chose that dress. It was the same dress that she wore on the night that she hooked up with someone. And that someone was basically her husband.


    "Let me see. I should have that shoes here." She opened her other closets to find the same shoes that she wore that night as well. "Here you are." She picked the nude colored sandals and wore it. "Now, where did I place that bag?" She was basically talking to herself as she rummaged through her things.


    Jade just watched her mother while checking the time again and again. "How about accessories? Do you not plan on wearing one?" Jade asked her mother.


    "Hmm, let me think about it. I don''t remember wearing any accessories that night." Jillyanna answered which confused Jade. "Was I wearing any accessories that night?" she directed this question to her sister.


    "You didn''t. You just put on a red lipstick and brought your purse." Cielo answered.


    "Then, let''s not put any accessories. Let me tie my hair up." She looked for her hairbrush to comb her hair.


    "I want to become pretty like mommy." Jade commented.


    "You will become pretty like your mommy. Your real mommy. She was a pretty woman, wasn''t she?" Jillyanna smiled at her daughter. Jade nodded her head while watching her own reflection on the mirror. After Jillyanna tied her hair into a ponytail, she turned around to face her daughter. "I am your mother now but, don''t forget your real mother as well, okay?"


    "Hn. I won''t."


    "Good. I don''t want your mother to feel sad if she finds out that you forget her because of me." Jillyanna added. She continued to prepare herself after giving Jade a little piece of her thoughts.


    After she finished dressing up herself, the three of them went out. Sky was in the living room, carefully placing the apple pie on a basket. "I know you will leave after this is cooked so I prepared it for you already."


    "Thank you, grandma." Jade responded with a smile.


    "Thanks, Mom. I''ll visit you guys again when I am no longer bothered."


    Cielo just rolled her eyes at her sister. "Don''t talk about the impossible. We''ll visit you instead."


    Jillyanna bid farewell to them and got inside the car that was waiting for them. Hawk and Top were actually talking to the other guards in the place to make sure that they were doing their job right. Top was tasked to drive the car on the way home since it was Hawk who drove it when they left.


    Jade and Jillyanna sang a song together to pass their time, talked about their favorite cartoon movies and other stuff. Hawk was talking to Savannah through his earpiece, giving her hints that they were on the way inconspicuously. Savannah was the one who asked her question and he would answer with other words. It was a code they talked about to make sure that Jillyanna won''t know about the surprise.


    When they arrived home, Jillyanna looked at the front porch before looking around the house. She noticed that there were more cameras installed, thermal sensors and other security type measures. The fence was changed, too. Even though the sound was faint, she could make out the noise that came from the back garden.


    Instead of getting inside the house, she walked around and went directly to the back garden, catching everyone in surprise. People were chatting, laughing, some were swaying to the music and some were just sitting watching how people got along.


    "Did I arrive to someone else''s back garden?" Jillyanna asked herself but when she turned around, she saw Jade got inside without any care to the people. Just as she was about to get inside as well, Jackie came out and saw her.


    "Sis? Why are you here? Why are you dressed like that?"


    "Uh..I am going to seduce my husband. Where is he? What happened to our back garden?" Jillyanna was still confused. And she didn''t seem to notice that the people went silent after her words. Who would have thought that she''d blurt out those words in front of them? She didn''t care though since it was her real intention. She was going to seduce him!

 Chapter 487 - GET LOST IN OUR LOVE

    Jackie mentally slapped her forehead from hearing her sister''s words. The guests wanted to laugh as well because she had never changed. No matter what happened, she was still the same old Jillyanna that they knew.


    Jillyanna looked around again and she knew most of the people who were there but what she couldn''t understand was the fact that she looking at a different garden. As she kept looking at the place, she found it very familiar. Ignoring everyone''s stares, she walked towards the small bridge, and sure enough, there was a koi fish pond right below it.


    A smile appeared on her face when she saw the lush bamboo groves, the blooming flowers, the swimming fishes, the lilies and everything around the area. It was what she wished before her wedding ¨C to have a place like the ones in Five Michael''s house. She was really envious of the place back then, but she didn''t think that Travis would actually build one for her.


    "Well, it seems like our surprise didn''t work this time." Diego commented from the crowd while watching Jillyanna stare into her surroundings.


    "Yeah. Travis miscalculated something. He didn''t realize that his wife would miss him so much and would come home, sooner than later." Zachary added which earned a hefty laughter from everyone.


    Travis was ended confident that Jillyanna won''t be around since she had been sulking that he hadn''t let her out. He thought that if he allowed her to leave on the day that they were planning a surprise, it would workout. He didn''t anticipate that his wife would come back because of him.


    "Whose houses are those?" Jillyanna asked Jackie who was following beside her.


    "The one on the left is Schniezel''s house. It''s a surprise for Savy. The one in the middle is Shein''s and Riley''s house, and the one on the right is for Evan and Matt. Don''t let Savannah know yet." Jackie whispered to her sister.


    "Okay." Jillyanna perfunctorily answered before turning around to face the guests. "Uh..I don''t really know what the occasion is or what is currently happening. But, you guys enjoy yourselves. I''ll just look for my husband."


    "Sure thing. Go ahead and find your husband. Be sure to seduce him." Valkyrie joked at her.


    "Of course. See yah." She trotted on the ground and went inside the house through the backdoor. She went upstairs and, instead of going inside their room, she went to their son''s room instead. Just as she expected, both her husband and daughter were busy taking care of the child, trying to make the baby sleep.


    "Daddy, mommy is here." Jade reminded her father who was actually staring at her mom already. "Uhh..do you want to talk to each other?" She was being considerate knowing that her mom was planning on something but she didn''t really know what it was. She just knew that they should talk to each other.


    "Then, I''ll leave your baby brother to you. If you need something, make sure to call your Auntie Riley." Travis reminded his daughter. Riley was great in taking care of children so Travis was confident in her though, he would only ask for her help when there''s no other choice. As much as possible, he wanted to take care of the baby by himself.


    However, he doubted himself to do that right this moment. Why? Well, he was having trouble while watching his wife dressed seductively. How else will he take care of the baby if he can''t take care of himself as of the moment.


    Jade just nodded her head in agreement before taking a book from the small shelf. She was planning to read while waiting for her parents to finish their discussion. Jillyanna was led by Travis back to their room, quietly following him and thinking of her script. She had a clear goal in mind so she was rehearsing mentally. When they got inside their room, she opened her mouth to say something but Travis covered it.


    She covered her mouth with his, kissing her passionately, holding her in his arms, feeling her warmth and savoring the taste of her. Jillyanna blinked her eyes from the onslaught of his kisses. She forgot what her mission was! She forgot her own script! And her body was responding to him instinctively.


    ''Am I the one being seduced directly?'' she asked herself and her eyes twinkled with smile.


    Travis pulled away from her, a drip of silver lining connected the two of them after fiery kiss. Jillyanna grinned at him while he watched her intensely. "Why are dressed like this? Are you planning to seduce me again like the first time we met after a decade?"


    "Hn. I was planning to do that but the instant you kissed me, I forgot about it." Travis was stunned at her straightforward answer and he couldn''t help himself from taking another kiss from her. "Stop kissing me. I would seriously lose my mind if you do that."


    "That''s fine. Just let your mind be lost in our love." Travis kissed her again. His hands were starting to wander over her body and she felt a tingle of sparks flying in the atmosphere. She started to feel hotter as he continued to touch her skin. She wrapped her arms around his neck and Travis pulled her up, carrying her to bed.


    He laid her down gently and hovered above her. "I have been controlling myself not to devour you for months now, yet, you showed up looking like that. Do you know what you''re doing?"


    "Of course, I know. You just told me to be lost in our love. So, I''m doing exactly what you wanted me to do." She pulled him close and kissed his chin, the gesture that she loved doing ever since they got together.


    The night was still young and the people seemed like they guessed something so they weren''t really bothered that the two weren''t showing up yet. Jackie and Riley were attending to the guests while Shein checked the houses, there wasn''t any problem that needed their attention.


    Without further ado, Travis took off the dress that Jillyanna was wearing. If the dress wasn''t memorable, he would have ripped it apart. Jillyanna did the same for him. The two stood facing each other, naked and with eyes full of desire. Travis leaned closer and kissed her again. His kissed trailed down to her neck, leaving his marks again before it went further down to her navel. He bit her, licked her, sucked her and kissed her, letting her voice out into soft moans pleasure.


    Travis likes to hear her moans whenever they make love and this time was no different. He buried his face on to her core and licked her juices that flowed out. Her taste was intoxicating that he wanted to do it all night. Sad to say, there were guests waiting for them.


    The two of them spent an hour of passionate love making, letting themselves fall even deeper into their desires. Travis had come inside her a couple of times and so was she. She writhed under him from so much pleasure. Every time he drove her to a climax, she would bite his shoulder to stop her voice from getting louder. When the two of them finally felt satisfied, Travis changed their position and let her lie on top of him, still not leaving her warm insides.


    "What exactly were you planning to do to me? Do you remember?" Travis asked. He still wanted to know what was his wife was thinking when she chose to dress like that.


    "Well, I was planning to seduce you and ask you to go on a date, or something along that line." She mumbled on top of him.


    "I see. Then, shall we go for our postponed honeymoon?" Travis inquired. It was part of the post wedding celebration but they had never done it even though they got married twice already.


    Jillyanna kissed his chin and nodded her head. "Let''s do that." She smiled at him but she also frowned after a few seconds. "Before we wander off to a different topic, shouldn''t we face the guests first? I think you have some explaining to do."


    Travis chuckled as he nodded his head. "Let''s take a half bath first." Instead of taking himself out, he let Jillyanna straddle him and he carried her off to the shower, had another round before they finally took a bath.


    "Oh, here you are. We thought that you won''t be going out after getting inside with your outfit earlier." Savannah teased her which made Travis realize that everyone saw what she was wearing an hour ago.


    "Don''t walk around in that kind of get up again. You are only allowed to show that to me." Travis whispered to her before kissing her temple.


    "I''ll remember that." She responded while looking at the guests. "Now, would you like to explain the things you''ve done to my garden?"

 Chapter 488 - MY DADDY IS THE BEST

    Travis held onto her hand and walked to the crowd. "Tonight, we''re celebrating your birthday." He started with a sigh. "I am happy that we get to celebrate it but I''m quite disappointed in myself. I have realized that I''ve been doing things rather late. I got you pregnant before marrying you. Our engagement came later than the time we registered our marriage. We are celebrating your birthday way past after the real date. And I haven''t taken you to our honeymoon. I feel a little incapable lately."


    Jillyanna rolled her eyes at him. "What ae you sulking about? Aren''t you feeling that way because of me? I hooked up with you to get myself pregnant. I tried running away and you keep chasing after me. I agreed to marry you even though we didn''t really havw concrete plan for our future. You had to take care of me and our family because of my illness. I even added another company to burden you just because I don''t want to lose it and selfishly pushed everything to you. You have to look after the children, me, the company, the people we care about and so many things. While, I, on the other hand, just sit on the side and watch you do everything. I couldn''t be more than thankful for that. Aside from my ''thank you'', my body, my heart, my soul, and my time, I don''t know what else to give. So, don''t feel bad about yourself." She whispered everything to him in one go, not allowing to interrupt her momentum.


    Travis felt a surge of emotion in his heart and he could only pull her in a warm embrace. "Uh..you guys aren''t done yet? You should go back to your room and finish everything before coming here." Diego commented while watching the two of them being lovey-dovey in front of him.


    "Ah Dee!" Jillyanna called out his name happily and walked up to him. It was the first time that she called him with his nickname. "I have not thanked you yet for the thing that you''ve done. If it wasn''t for your loud mouth, Travis and I won''t be where we are now."


    "Haha. Are you really thanking me or cursing me? Anyway, it''s not a big deal." Diego responded with a faint smile on his lips while scratching the back of his head. "Belated Happy birthday to you."


    "Happy birthday, Jill!" Cheska and Wynwyn came and greet her together.


    "Happy birthday, sweetheart." Thomas greeted her as well.


    "Thanks, Dad."


    "Happy birthday, sis." The twins and Shein came over to greet her as well. Friends from business industry were also there, admiring the newly-built villa and the garden.


    "My attention was diverted again." She mumbled to herself before raising her head to see the man next to her. "Would you like to tell me what happened now?"


    Travis nodded his head and took a glass of fruit juice from one of the passing waiters and gave it to her. Jackie and Riley couldn''t serve everyone so they hired for waiters from the same event organizer. Even though they would only serve the guest for few hours, the payment was equal to a whole day of work so people wanted to grab this opportunity.


    Hawk wanted to surprise Savannah with a house and he had a rough sketch of the design already. Shein and Riley wanted to be away from the prying eyes of people but our house wasn''t that very large and the fence wasn''t high enough so they wanted to build a domain with high fences, away from the paparazzies. Brown and Valkyrie thought that their relationship might not be a good influence to the children so they wanted to have a space of their own where they can do their thing."


    "So, everyone built their house in my back garden?"


    "Sort of. The land next to us was put on sale, so I bought it without any hesitation. We thought that it would be good to have a place where we will be together. A place where the kids can play around, where you and the othes can bask in the sun, admire the fishes and flowers ¨C something along that line."


    "Aren''t you forgetting something?" Jillyanna cut him off.


    "What?"


    "What about Jackie?"


    "She bought her own place already. The Shans sold their piece of land to her. But she was planning to build her own house when the right time comes. "It might not be a good thing to say but, Jackie was actually just waiting for the Shan''s to die before taking over the place. It won''t be if she would chase the old couple away from their own place even though she bought it.


    Jillyanna didn''t say anything anymore. Some people came over to greet her and she just smiled at them. Her family came as well and Sky immediately asked for her grandchildren. It had been always like this, whenever she came over, it was to find the two children. Cielo and Jillyanna had no more space in her life. She just wanted to spend her time with her grandchildren. Sometimes, she would even tell Cielo to hurry up and give birth already. It was ridiculously fun specially that Cielo was still several months away from her due date.


    Together with her husband, they stood up on the bridge and watched over the moon being reflected on the pond. The koi fishes swam over and hid the moment they notice a movement over them. The place was brightly lit due to the event and from the full moon as well. The brightness was sending warmth in her heart.


    "Thank you so much for always considering my needs and wants." She spoke to him softly. "This was never the scene that I imagined myself to be in. Few years back, I imagine myself living in Europe or in States with my baby. I didn''t see any man in imagination before. I didn''t see a place where a husband could stand with me. Now, I don''t need to picture anything in my mind."


    "I will stay with you forever, now and tomorrow and the next coming days of our life."


    "I know I can count on that promise. Thank you."


    "I am-"


    "Daddy, baby Raizel is awake." Jade''s voice rang out from the back door, trying to get to him as quick as she could.


    "Let''s talk again once we''re alone." Travis told Jillyanna as he kissed her forehead and walked away from her. He walked towards Jade and gently pat her head before walking back inside.


    "Little Princess, shouldn''t you be calling your mother? I never heard of a man taking care of his child." One of the guests, a business partner, commented when he heard Jade call for her Daddy.


    "I''m sorry to hear that you don''t know such information. My father is the most capable person, he can take care of large empire so it is given that he can take care of his family. My Daddy is the best father in the world. Please excuse me." Jade left the man speechless with her statement, looking both haughty and proud.

 Chapter 489 - I GAVE MY HEART, MY SOUL AND MY BODY TO YOU

    The man just chuckled while watching the little girl walked towards her mother. Gossips between the business partners and other people erupted. Among their friends and family, it was known how much Travis dotted on his wife and children.


    "You must have not known this but Travis treasured his wife so much." One of the lady guests commented to another acquaintance.


    "Right. As much as possible, he wanted his wife to relax and not do anything."


    "I can understand why. After all, they went through so many life and death situations. It must have been hard for them."


    "Correct. It was really god''s blessing that Jillyanna made it back."


    After so many months of new update, people started to become more persistent to know about Jillyanna. They only released the news about her hospitalization when she was finally out of danger. Which was why, people knew how much she suffered after giving birth. Even if they would say that they knew what she went through or that they understood her pain, in fact, they didn''t really know anything.


    You could only imagine the pain that she went through but you will never understand her unless you experience the same exact situation as her.


    "How long has the baby been awake?" Jillyanna asked her daughter who came to her side.


    "About an hour."


    "An hour? Why didn''t you call us soon?"


    "I managed to calm the baby down and talk with him for a moment but, he started to cry louder and he was a bit smelly." Jade leaned closer to her mother and whispered. "He pooped. And Daddy, didn''t teach me how to change the diapers."


    Jillyanna ruffled her daughter''s hair with a huge smile on her face. "It''s my birthday celebration today. Do you have any gift for Mommy?" It was shameless of her to ask something from her daughter but she was really expecting something even if it wasn''t expensive.


    "Of course. I know that Daddy was planning to surprise you. How can I not prepare something?" She put her hand on her back pocket, trying to get something for her. "Close your eyes, mom." Jillyanna did as she was told and closed her eyes. Jade opened her palm and exposed two beautiful butterfly clips. It was something that she had been busy making in the past few days.


    She put on the clips on Jillyanna''s hair before letting her open her eyes. "Can you take a picture of me so I can see it?"


    "Okay." Jade received her mother''s cellphone and smiled upon seeing the picture. It wasn''t long ago that her wallpaper was just her and Travis, now it was changed to a family picture of the four of them. It was a photo taken by Riley last week. "One. Two. Three. Smile"


    "It''s lovely." Jillyanna commented, touching the clips with her other hand while she looked at the picture. "Did you make this?"


    "Hn. I made it with Auntie Jackie''s help. Happy birthday, Mom"


    ''No wonder it''s pretty.'' Jillyanna thought to herself. Jackie likes hairclips and most of the clips she had were made by her. The ones that she didn''t make were usually gifts from her sisters and from Shein. "Thank you darling."


    The crowd were envious of the interaction between the mother and daughter. Jade was a little mature for her age and she shared her parents'' burden, making her understand the world of the adults. She was also very proud of her family and she didn''t like anyone to talk bad about them. She was also very sharp tongue and has her own bottom line. Cross it and you will find yourself in a deep pit of grave.


    "They are sure lucky to have a daughter like her."


    "I agree. She''s very smart, understanding and skillful. She doesn''t look spoil as well, not demanding and very reasonable."


    "I agree. It was a pity that she was abandoned at the very young age. It was a great thing that the couple likes her a lot."


    "What a beautiful girl."


    "Her biological mother must be really pretty, too."


    "Too bad she died early."


    "What about her father? Do you guys have any idea?"


    "No, we don''t. Even though it isn''t a secret that she is adopted, everyone was refrained from saying that to the child. It will anger the lady of the house, and if she gets angry, Travis will make you pay for it. No one was allowed to look into the details of their daughter''s birth as well."


    Hearing the whispers among the crowd, Walter smiled sadly to himself. He lost something and it was something that he will never gain back even though he already found it. He could regret all he wants but it will not change a thing, it will not change the fact that he chose his business over his wife and children. He abandoned them.


    Without anyone''s notice, he left the place in silent and never came back.


    Travis came down again and this time, he was carrying the child in his arms. He was still few months old but there was a great development on the small child. He was looking at the face of everyone as if he was trying to etch them in his memory.


    Cheska looked towards his friend and smiled. "Can I hold him?"


    "No." his answer was abrupt as if he knew what she wanted to tell him way before she opened her mouth. "Make your own baby if you want to hold a child."


    "Then, I''ll just carry little Jade." Cheska snorted and turned to walk away.


    "You can''t carry her." Travis called out.


    "Why not?"


    "She''s my daughter. If you want to carry a child, get married and make your own baby." Travis answered expressionlessly as he walked over to his wife and his daughter.


    "Why are you so selfish?!"


    "That''s how I am." Using Cheska as an example, people didn''t ask Travis to hold the child. They just greeted the couple, chat a little with Jade, smile at the baby and left to go back to their won seats. The father was overprotective and the mother didn''t really mind.


    When the family of four settled down, Jackie came out to lead everyone to sing a happy birthday. They gave her their well-wishes and gifts, heartfelt messages, message of gratitude and so on. It was another event for her to receive so many gifts in one night. All of them were expensive and if she could sell everything, she would earn a million from it.


    Among all the gifts, only Jade''s gift was handmade. And this time, no one gave her a cash which was a good thing. Just as she was enjoying her birthday celebration, she realized something. Travis didn''t give her a gift!


    "Where''s my gift?" Jillyanna asked him with a pout on her lips.


    "I gave it to you already."


    "Huh? When?"


    "Earlier."


    "I didn''t receive anything." She argued back while trying to recall if he handed her something but she couldn''t remember anything.


    Travis leaned closer to hear, his warm breath fanning her earlobe, sending tickles down her spine. "I gave my heart, my soul and my body to you earlier. Did you forget?" He kissed her earlobe after he whispered those making his wife blush in a deep shade of crimson.

 Chapter 490 - SOCIALIZING WITH SOCIALITES

    Jillyanna knew that she was just being greedy for asking a gift from him after everything he has done for her. She didn''t really need anything fancy but she knew that he prepared something for her which was why she asked for it. There''s no way that his husband wouldn''t give her a gift specially that he was looking forward to her birthday more than her.


    "Thanks for everything you have done for me." She responded to him and her mind started wandering off to her past again, the time that she wanted to spend with him but couldn''t.


    "What are you spacing about? Stop thinking negative matters." Travis snapped her out of it.


    Jade turned to her mother with a spoon of pudding in her hand. "Eat this, Mom. You will forget all your worries." Jade raised her hand even higher to feed her mother who started to look gloomy.


    Jillyanna calmed herself and ate the pudding that her daughter requested. Among the guests she was the only one who was eating a pudding. It was her special request and exclusively hers. "This is delicious. Who made this?"


    "Uncle Vincent did." Jade responded nonchalantly and continued to eat.


    "Looks like he won your heart." Jillyanna commented while caressing her daughter''s cheek with a smile.


    "You are wrong, Mommy. He won Auntie Jackie''s heart, not mine." She corrected her which made Jillyanna and Travis chuckle. "He told me that he will feed Auntie Riley with this pudding. It''s her favorite."


    ''Right.'' Jillyanna thought to herself. When she tasted the pudding, it was the same pudding that Jackie always buys when they were still staying overseas. She thought that it was her sister who made it but, it seemed like her future brother-in-law was learning it for Jackie instead.


    Jillyanna looked towards Jade and sighed. ''My darling is physically cute and adorable but she grows up so fast.''


    "What are you sighing for?" Travis asked her with a deep frown on his face.


    Jillyanna didn''t answer him but turned to their daughter. "Jade, don''t grow so fast, okay? Let Mommy and Daddy pamper you and spoil you."


    "No, I don''t want to become a spoiled brat. I am okay with how everything goes. Having a family is more than enough for me." For a child who suffered so much at the very young age, Jade had a very simple wish and it was to end up in a loving home. She didn''t care about being spoiled or not as long as her family will truly care for her. She was afraid that if she asks for more, everything will just disappear.


    Jillyanna knew how hard it was to grow up without your biological parents, feeling like you''ll have to constantly mind your words and actions around your foster parents, thinking how to find a way to repay them, always giving your all to be accepted. She knew that because that''s how she felt back then when she got adopted into the Madrid family. As for her mother''s so-called relatives, they didn''t care about and she stopped trying to care about them.


    In the end, she asked to pay everything with their life. Well, not everyone from their lineage died, only those who joined the illegal human research. The other family members went into hiding and never showed their faces. The Summers that shone brightly without any care were the twins and Shein.


    She could only hug Jade since she didn''t know what to say at this point. ''I promise I''ll take care of you.'' Jillyanna promised, the words she wanted to hear when she was young. Though her foster parents didn''t say it, their actions said it all.


    The party continued and Riley hosted a little game all about Jillyanna. It was to measure how much people know about her sister. She was carefully observing everyone and if she finds out anyone suspicious she would keep the person in mind and would let Shein search for them. Any threat to Jillyanna will be taken care of by her.


    They had enough of getting their sister in a brink of death. Watching her and her family suffer was something that Riley hated the most. When Jillyanna came to their life and rescued her, Riley promised that she will grow up to protect the kindest person she met. No matter what it was, she will make sure that she''s safe.


    She asked them about her real birthname, about her songs, her visit to the companies, her life as a student, where she stayed overseas, what she had been doing and stuff. It was to know how much they paid attention to her. After the informal questioning, Jackie came up to have a game with the single men and women. Why the singles? Because most of the businessmen with their wives came to talk with Thomas and Travis about the upcoming projects of Venus Plaza. Jillyanna was chatting cordially with the wives to let them feel welcome.


    She knew that socialites, mostly women, likes to chat over tea or rather gossip during their idle times. Jillyanna didn''t like that which was why she didn''t know most of the women who came with their husbands. For the men, she knew some of them when she worked as the temporary CEO when Travis was in coma.


    In her mind, she was thinking that it gossiping with another person''s life wasn''t productive at all. It will give fun to others but it will add stress to her. Instead of gossiping, she would rather stay at home, spend time with her family, and love them. It was also the reason why many children from rich households weren''t closed with their parents, because they were busy with other people and neglected their children.


    "Your daughter is really pretty just like you." One of the women commented while looking towards Jade.


    "Thank you. Both my mothers are pretty." Jade responded with a gentle smile on her face. She was making sure not to make a misunderstanding. If she agrees that she''s as pretty as Jillyanna, many would think of her as arrogant and cocky, that she already thought of herself as related to Jillyanna when she was not. However, if she says that both her mothers were pretty, people would think that she''s sensible enough to know her place.


    "I heard you are already six years old. Are you studying already?"


    "No, I haven''t yet. Mommy and Daddy will enroll me this year."


    "Oh! That''s great. You will definitely have fun in school."


    "Thank you." Jade responded politely.


    "Which school will you enroll her, Mrs. Madrigal?"


    "Travis haven''t made up his mind yet. He couldn''t find a suitable school for her."


    "Why? Are there any particular needs of your child?" another woman stated, her hidden meaning was clear and some of her colleagues elbowed her for being gutsy.


    Jillyanna didn''t mind it though, after all, only few people knew how intelligent her daughter was. Some say she was smart and sensible but they don''t know the extent of her intelligence. "We have checked the different school in the city but none of them offers accelerate learning curriculum. We were thinking of checking the other city before school this year."

 Chapter 491 - JADES SMART MOUTH

    Everyone knew what accelerate learning means. It was known for children who were extremely smart to attend school who offers accelerate learning. Which means to say, Jade was extremely smart to skip grades. There parents who thought that their children were smart but when they took the test to skip grades, the couldn''t pass the test.


    Accelerate learning was for children who can learn things for their age and the things meant for older students. The woman who spoke about the ''particular needs'' shut her mouth and excused herself to get some drinks.


    Hearing about what they have discussed, Tiffany, one of the women who came with her husband Mr. Kroger, excused herself from the business discussion and went to the lady of the house who was also the birthday celebrant. "Happy birthday, Mrs. Madrigal." The woman greeted with a smile and sat on the chair on the other side of Jade. "I heard you want to enroll your daughter to an accelerate learning school?"


    Jillyanna nodded at the woman who came to talk to her. Ever since she arrived with her husband, she didn''t really mingle with the other''s wives present. She stayed with her husband and listened to their business discussion. It looked like that she wasn''t just an empty vase unlike the other women. Jillyanna instantly liked her!


    "My husband and I were planning to do that. However, there are just so many things to consider. It would be boring for her to learn something that she already knew. At the same time, it would be a bit challenging to socialize with other people if they aren''t the same age as her. Don''t you think so?" Jillyanna expressed her opinion when she finally found someone who seemed to understand her.


    "I agree with you on that, Mrs. Madrigal. What grade is she currently learning?"


    "She just finished the 4th grader books that I gave her last time. We are planning to buy books for 5th and 6th grader." Jillyanna''s answer made the other ladies stiffened. They were just planning to belittle the child since she wasn''t related to Jillyanna and Travis anyway. But they failed without a single fight.


    "Excuse me, Mrs. Madrigal. I''ll just go and find my husband."


    "¡­.I''ll just get a drink."


    "¡­I''d like to taste the food that were prepared for your birthday."


    One after another, the first batch of women who came to "chat" with her left. She didn''t care about them though so she ignored them and looked towards the woman in front of her. "Just call me Jillyanna."


    "Tiffany."


    The two of them started talking about their children once again. "I have a son who goes to Trine Elite University. It is in city A. They offer accelerated learning and he''s currently in 6th grade."


    "That''s so great of you. You should bring him and visit us sometimes. My little Jade has no playmates here."


    "I have you and everyone else to play with." Jade corrected Jillyanna for this matter as well.


    "Right. You have all the adults to play with but no one of the same age as you. It''s good to socialize with other children of your age." Jillyanna told her daughter. She was growing faster with the adults around her and she was afraid that she won''t get the chance to spoil her.


    "What about Jemson and Kyle?" Jade questioned regarding her step-cousins.


    "It''s a little complicated to get them to visit us." It was because Winter hasn''t made peace with her family yet. Travis was implicated since he was protecting his cousin. As his wife and daughter, they would naturally become part of the people that the Avery family doesn''t like.


    Jade didn''t say anything anymore. She just continued to eat the food that she like and didn''t bother her mother anymore. Tiffany couldn''t help herself but chuckle at the little girl. She was just like her son who could think of many reasons to say ''No'' to her.


    "Little Princess, I will come and visit with my son someday. He is a little moody since he''s got no one to play with. If you can be friends with him, I''d be really happy."


    "He doesn''t have anyone to play with? You don''t play with him? My Mommy and Daddy always play with me."


    Tiffany was stumped at her words. She suddenly felt guilty because she didn''t really spend time with her son. They rarely talk to each other as well. He would always stay cooped up in his room and would only come out during meal time. "I like you Jade. I hope my son is like you."


    "No, you can''t wish like that. I am me. He is he. Auntie Tiffany, don''t you like him because he is not like me?"


    "Alright. Stop talking and finish eating your food. It''s past bedtime already. You have to sleep soon." Jillyanna stopped her daughter from spouting another word. She was just too smart to handle. "I''m sorry about that." She apologized to Tiffany who only smiled faintly. "She spent so much time with adults that she learned so many things. She can easily deduce something from few clues as well. I am really worried about this side of her."


    Tiffany took a deep breath and sighed. "Your daughter is actually right. Thanks to her, I learned something. Do you want to exchange numbers? That way, we can keep in touch regarding the school."


    "Sure. I don''t mind." Jillyanna took out her phone to save Tiffany''s number as well as gave her own.


    Jade, who finished her food, didn''t have any idea that she just reprimanded her future mother-in-law. But that''s a story for the next two decades. We''ll have to wait until they grow old, old enough for me to write something about them.


    As the party neared its end, Jade went back to her room first to take a half bath. Tiffany and her mother continued to talk while her father chat with the businessmen with the baby in his arms. Baby Raizel wasn''t making any noise and it seemed like he was listening to their conversation.

 Chapter 492 - HIS BIRTHDAY GIFTS

    One after another, the people left when it was almost midnight. Jade was already sleeping in her room and Jillyanna was sending the guest off with Travis.


    "Tsk! You never once allowed me to carry the baby." Cheska grumbled when she walked past him.


    "He is my son. If you want to-"


    "Shut up." Cheska glared at him. "I have heard enough of your words tonight. Don''t say it again."


    "I just want to say, if you want to carry him, come back during day time wherein I can see him in clear daylight." Travis continued the words that he wanted to say.


    "Really? You promise?" Cheska jumped to her feet happily. She was really eager to hold the baby but Travis won''t just allow her to. He was just very possessive of the child.


    "I promise."


    "Yay! I will come during my day off so I can spend my whole day with him."


    "What about me?" Diego questioned her when he heard that she was planning to spend her weekend with the baby.


    "You? You stay put and reflect why." Cheska glared and walked away after bidding farewell to Jilly and her family. The rest of the food that were not eaten were given to the waiters who served that night. Even though they were able to eat the food, their family didn''t so it was better to give it to them instead of letting it spoil and throw it.


    Once they were all gone, Travis and Jillyanna went to Baby Raizel''s room to tucked the baby to sleep. It didn''t take long before the baby sleep and the two of them checked on Jade who was already sound asleep.


    "We didn''t read a bedtime story to her." Jillyanna mumbled with guilty conscience.


    "She will understand." Travis stated and closed the door of their daughter''s room. "You asked me where your gift is, right?"


    "I did but I don''t really mind if there''s none."


    "But you also knew that there is."


    "Yeah. I know it''s impossible that you don''t have one for me." Jillyanna retorted as she followed him to their room.


    "I do have."


    "It''s not your body again, right?"


    Travis let out a faint laughter upon hearing her question. "I gave it to you earlier and I believe you need to have plenty of rest before I can give it to you again."


    "So, what is it that you really want to give me?" Jillyanna sat on their bed and looked at him.


    "Close your eyes for a moment." Travis ordered her. She did as she was told and closed her eyes. Travis opened the curtain to see if everything was alright.


    "Can I open it now?"


    "Wait a minute." Travis walked back to her and held her hands. He led her slowly to the glass window and made sure that curtain won''t obscure her view. "You can open your eyes now."


    She slowly opened her eyes and saw the best view of their house. It was the back garden. It was just a place with different flowers planted by her mother and father, and a wall that kept anyone from intruding her space. There was a small gate at the back before where she used to sneak out of the house and went to the Shans.


    Now, what she was seeing wasn''t the same view that she was used to these past years. What was in front of her was the lavish garden with the koi fish pond and the bamboo groves and the three houses. What was more surprising was that, the flowers that her mother planted were moved and were formed into words. ''FOREVER WITH YOU'' was how they were out together. She didn''t notice it earlier and she wasn''t really paying attention to it. She was just happy that the plants were still there and that she got koi fishes and bamboo groves. She never anticipated this. The lights that were placed at the side of the plants, making an outline of the words were shinning brightly. Jillyanna''s tears started falling down on her face and she just couldn''t stop her sob. So many things happened in her life that she thought she was abandoned and felt hopeless of herself.


    Travis pulled her into a tight hug and kissed the top of her head again and again. "Every day, this view will remind me of my promise to you. No matter what happens, I''ll be forever with you."


    Jillyanna just nodded her head on his chest. Her tears soiled his shirt already but none of them mind it. "I was expecting an accessory or something. At least, it won''t make me cry."


    "I did buy an accessory for you."


    "You did?"


    "Uh huh. You haven''t gone out to shop so, I thought of buying them for you." Travis responded to her. She immediately wiped her tears away and fixed her hair. She wanted to divert her brain into something else before she dwells on her past and self-pity the past her again.


    Travis took a box from under their bed and gave it to her. It was nicely wrapped and there was even a note on the lid cover. ''I hope you will like them.'' She looked towards him and somehow, she had a bad premonition of what was inside it. "Reading your note made me not want to open this."


    "Why not?"


    "Because you were hoping that I will like them. You know that I like whatever you give me. So, why hope? I guess it is something else."


    "My wife knows me well." Travis chuckled and his eyes were expressing the mischief he had in mind. And sure enough, when Jillyanna opened the box, what greeted her were a pair of black sheer stocking with a belt and gartered thong attached to it. Plus, a black brassiere which would only cover a small part of her chest. The accessory? There was an accessory; a black headband of a cat ''s ear and a cat''s tail.


    "You, shameless pervert!" Jillyanna covered the box, pushed it back to him and ran to hide under her blanket. "We''ll sleep tonight. We''ll sleep tonight." She murmured to herself under her thick quilt.


    "You haven''t showered yet." Travis reminded her with his soft and sweet silk voice. Jillyanna clutched onto the blanket and closed her eyes. "I''m very tired already. Let me sleep already."


    "If you won''t shower, I will wipe your body."


    "I will take a shower but don''t shower with me."


    "Okay." Travis just wanted to tease her a little but the things he gave to her weren''t just to tease her. He really wanted her to wear them. "I''ll let you off this time." He murmured to her with a trace of laughter on his voice. "Go and take a bath now before I change my mind."


    Jillyanna got out from bed and went to the bathroom immediately. ''I can''t take it anymore if he attacks me now.'' She thought to herself when she got inside the bathroom.

 Chapter 493 - THE LETTER I

    The night went by peacefully since Travis kept his promise. He didn''t tease her after taking a bath either. He allowed her to rest as much as she can.


    When morning came, everyone were busy packing things and bringing them to the newly built house. Jade was helping Shein pack some of his stuff since Jackie was helping with Riley. Brown and Valkyrie didn''t have that many stuffs and some of their things were also at the hacienda, same with Hawk and Savannah.


    While Brown and Savannah took care of their things from Jillyanna''s house, Valkyrie and Hawk went to the hacienda to move their things. When she woke up from her slumber, everyone was almost done moving out their stuff. Auntie Fei and Auntie Sisi cleaned the backyard with the help of the guards. Everyone was busy except her.


    She was sitting inside her son''s room, waiting for Travis to bring her food. She can actually just go out but Travis told her to stay put and wait for him instead. Ever since she got out of the hospital, she realized that she was the laziest person of them all. "I''m bored." She muttered to herself while watching her baby sleep. "Baby, your father is over protective, overly cautious, possessive and strict." She mumbled to the child who was sleeping soundly in his crib. Travis just got back when he heard her muffled voice. "At the same time, he is kind, smart, loving and caring. I won''t wonder if you will become closer to him than me given the time you spent with him. Sigh, I wish he''d let me start taking care of you as well. I must have really scared him when I was dying. Now, he''s become even more strict compared to the time that I was still pregnant."


    Travis knocked on the door to call her attention which made her raised her head and looked at him. "I was talking bad about you to our child." She stated without any remorse.


    "I know."


    "Well, I intended those words for you. So, how about it? Will you allow me to take care of him?"


    "No. It''s tiring to wake up late at night to feed him and change his diaper. It will give you sore arms if you hold him to sleep. I don''t want you to get tired so wait for another month until you get back your energy."


    "Aren''t you worried that I will become really lazy?"


    "You can be lazy if you like. I''ll just do my best to cover your laziness."


    "Alright. I''ll just let my husband dote on me." Jillyanna happily stated and took the tray of food from his hand. Her smile was so bright and contagious that Travis smiled as well.


    "By the way, I made an acquaintance with Tiffany Kroger last night." She informed before putting a spoonful of food in her mouth.


    "Hn. I noticed that you were talking to her last night. It seemed to me that she was the only one whom you befriended."


    "Well, she''s the only one who was really nice and didn''t cause trouble. She took a liking to Jade as well. She will come and visit next time with her son who is attending an accelerated school."


    "Let me know when they will come. I must be present during that visit. Who knows, her son might steal my daughter." Jillyanna almost choke on her food because of his last statement. He was thinking far ahead of time and she was now worried that her daughter won''t find a boyfriend in the future because of him.


    As they continued to spend their time, Jade came knocking on the door to find her mother. "Mommy, your doctor and your nurse are here." She informed her without coming inside and left again.


    Jillyanna blinked her eyes and took a glance at her husband. "Why was she sweating so much?"


    "Look outside." Travis told her, gesturing her to open the large window. Jade''s laughter rang out while she ran at the garden. She was playing with Riley and Jackie with a tag game. Riley was the one chasing after the two girls.


    "How do you know she was playing? We didn''t open the window earlier and I didn''t hear anything either."


    "Did you just forget that I went to the kitchen to cook for you? She asked for my permission if she could play." Travis responded to her. "Anyway, finish your food and come downstairs to let them check on you."


    "Yes, sir." Jillyanna replied and went back to sit and continued to eat her food.


    Dr. Alison and the nurse weren''t really in a hurry since they didn''t have any other appointment that day. Jade also told them that her mother was still eating so they waited for a little longer.


    After almost ten minutes, Jillyanna came down with Travis following behind her. The baby was still sleeping so he was able to come down and accompany her, just making sure that the door was opened so that they can hear the child if he would cry.


    Jillyanna had two little rooms in the first floor when she was young, one was her bed room and the other was her playroom and study room. Now, it was Jade''s hideout. One of the rooms contained some monitoring equipment for Jillyanna and instead of going to the hospital, Dr. Alison and the nurse will come to check on her instead.


    She was gradually improving her health and wasn''t easily running out of breath. Travis was very strict on her diet as well. As much as possible, he would let her eat delicious and low-fat food. He would always search for recipes to make sure that she won''t get bored of her food.


    "Did you feel any discomfort these past few days?" Dr. Alison asked while looking at her charts.


    "None so far. Travis is always helping me."


    "That''s good to know. Since you are doing well, I have something to give you."


    "I''m not a kid to ask for a prize just because I''m doing good." Jillyanna retorted sheepishly.


    "Well, this is not really a prize. I guess I would have to burden you on something." Dr. Alison opened her bag but she still hesitated if she should give it now. "Are you really alright? I''m a bit worried. You see, there wasn''t supposedly a heart donor for you. Someone came into my office and offered her heart. She wouldn''t let anyone have her heart aside from you. She was just waiting for you to need her. On the day of your operation, she handed me a letter and asked me to give this to you."


    Travis felt something was amiss from the very start but he didn''t pay any attention to it. He knew that the hospital had a first come first serve policy and Jillyanna was at the bottom of the list as he last remembered and there were several other patients before her.


    "I don''t really know what''s inside the letter which is why I waited for you to become stable." Dr. Alison added.


    "That''s fine. I can handle whatever is in the letter. I should be thanking the one who gave her heart to me." Jillyanna responded.


    Since she said so, Dr. Alison didn''t hesitate anymore and handed the letter to her. Jillyanna looked at the small letter envelope and didn''t find a name. "I''ll read this later." She stated and they continued with her check-up and physical therapy to make sure that her muscles were fine.


    Curious as she was, Travis eyed the letter and wanted to read it before her. He wanted to know if it would cause her harm or not. However, he wanted to respect the donor''s wishes so, he stopped himself from snatching the letter from his wife. At the very least, it wasn''t a love letter from another man.

 Chapter 494 - THE LETTER II

    Dr. Alison and the nurse left after getting the progressive report of Jillyanna''s health. She was actually recovering faster than expected with Travis help but he still wanted to make sure that she was being monitored at least twice a month to make sure that she won''t relapse. There''s nothing from being overly cautious.


    Jillyanna went back to their room so that she can read the letter while Travis went to their son''s room to give her some space she needed. She watched her daughter from her window who was still playing with her sister. "I''m blessed to see this scene because I survived with the sacrifice of someone else." She mumbled to herself, enjoying the view outside her room.


    She walked towards her bed and sat down, still holding the letter in her hand. "Alright. Let me read this." She took a deep breath and opened the it.


    ''To Jillyanna Madrigal,


    All these years, I just wanted to be acknowledged. I wanted to help my parents by finishing my studies. I wanted to be loved by someone that I love. I wanted to be happy. I just wanted to be happy. But you see, happiness is very elusive to me. All that happened to me brought me misery.


    These past months, I realized that I did wrong you. I shouldn''t have done that and now, my secret was exposed. People knew my secret- classmates, co-workers, childhood playmates, neighbors; they knew it. Am I ashamed? Of course, I am. And I am so angry that you had to get back at me in that way. You could have just sent someone to beat me up or maybe sent someone to kill me, in that way, you could end my misery. Why didn''t you do that? I was ready to die. I wanted to die so badly.


    At the same time, why should I blame you? If I didn''t do anything in the first place, you don''t have anything to hold against me. So, you see, everything was my fault. I''m sorry for blaming you. I''m sorry for hurting you and your baby. I''m sorry for trying to put a wedge between and your husband. I didn''t really know how to compensate you for what I''ve one. So, I guess, giving you my heart will help me and help you.


    Did you really think I give you my heart because I like you? Hmp, you wish. But, only by giving this will I rest in peace. Why? Because I can finally stop being scared. I can love your husband because you are using my heart to love him. Hahahaha. I don''t need to be worried about people''s opinion and I don''t need to hide. I am finally free. By the time you are reading this, I am fully functional within you. Thanks to you, I have gained my freedom. Hahaha I still won in the end. You would never have guessed that I will take my revenge this way, right? Are you guilty? Are you regretting for what you''ve done?


    Can I have one last favor? Can you visit my family and see how my parents are doing? And can you delete my videos as well? I don''t think you will be able to do the last one but it''s okay. Anyway, that''s all for me. Take care of yourself and don''t forget to take care of my heart. You won''t find someone as generous as me again.


    Your no.1 enemy,


    Lyla.


    Jillyanna didn''t know what to say, think or feel. She read the letter once again before folding it and placed it on the back cover of her phone case. "You are the most stupid person." She mumbled thinking back to the woman she met back in city A few months ago. Her tears started falling down on her face and she couldn''t seem to stop it. She felt so bad for her. Lyla might have thought that she won because she died but, in the end, both of them lost in this game of revenge.


    "You could have just strayed away from me in the beginning. If you didn''t show up that night, none of this will happen to us." She felt sad, horrible even for letting Shein posts those videos online. Back then, she was really angry at her. "Anyway, I don''t have time for regrets. Let''s just live our life with you inside me."


    She stood up from her bed and wiped her tears away. "From this moment, I''ll let you live a life full of happiness. I won''t let you become miserable again." She murmured to herself while clutching her chest. It was her second life given by her so, she wanted to make sure that none of her sacrifice will go to waste.


    She took a bath and changed her clothes before looking for her husband. She thought he was still inside their baby''s room but when she opened the door, there was no sign of him. "Huh? Where could he be?" She closed the door again and walked downstairs. "Hon?" she called for him as she walked to the kitchen. "Honey?"


    "Mom, we''re here!" Jade shouted from the back garden when she heard her mother calling for her father. When Jillyanna came to out, she saw them under a parasol, her husband holding their son while Jade was making a flower crown using the flowers in their garden. She was busy connecting the flowers together while she sat on a blanket laid on the ground.


    Jackie and Riley were nowhere to be seen. "Where are the twins?"


    "They wanted to help Shein with something."


    "Oh." Jillyanna sat on the ground to help her daughter with the flower crown. "Can I leave tomorrow?"


    "Where are you going?" Travis and Jade asked in unison.


    "I want to pay respect to Lyla''s grave." Hearing the name and the place she wanted to visit, Travis didn''t need to ask his question. He figured out the sender of the letter and the donor of the heart. He didn''t want to burden his wife with questions as well.


    "Alright. You can visit her tomorrow. Would you like me to come with you?"


    "No, I''m fine. I''ll just bring Jackie and Riley." Travis nodded his agreement. He, personally, didn''t want to visit the woman''s grave. Even though she donated her heart, he wouldn''t forget the fact that she put Jillyanna''s life in danger time and time again. His wife might be forgiving but, he wasn''t.

 Chapter 495 - DELETING HER EXISTENCE

    Jillyanna gave Shein a series of tasked that day. He was asked to find Lyla''s parents and delete all videos of Lyla that they uploaded. Everything about Lyla should be deleted. The first task was easy but, the last one was very difficult since he had to hack millions of IP addresses to remove the downloaded videos as well.


    "Sis, why are you doing this to me? Have I done something wrong? Why are you punishing me this way?" Shein questioned since he didn''t know why he was asked to delete the videos that he uploaded.


    "You didn''t do anything wrong. This isn''t a punishment either. I just want to make it up to my heart donor."


    "You mean¡ª"


    "Yeah. Don''t ask about it." Jillyanna responded to him and left. Shein didn''t need to ask anymore and started working. He logged on to the hacker''s forum and as one of the top hackers in the whole world, he ordered everyone to help him with the task and everyone will be rewarded handsomely. Some of them didn''t need cash but some other help so he promised to help them as long as none of the videos will show up again.


    In that one day, several people posted that their computers or phones were hacked and there were number of pictures and videos that were deleted. Not just in one city but in the whole world. It was like an organization made a move and decided to clean their phones or computers. No one mentioned what information were deleted but a post confirmed something which made some of the people scared.


    "ANYONE WHO WILL POST A VIDEO OF LYLA, YOU KNOW WHICH LYLA I MEAN AND YOU KNOW WHY YOUR THINGS WERE CLEANED, I WILL DESTROY YOUR LIFE. COME AND TRY ME." This wasn''t just posted in a social media but to every social network site. It was even made into an ad and some streaming outlets were hacked to view this warning. It was really chaotic since no one knew what was going on. When you search anything about Lyla, no information of her will show up, not even her school records. The professor who molested her before was also punished.


    It was the least thing that Jillyanna can do for her. Lyla thought it was impossible to achieve her last request but Jillyanna was still able to do it with the help of her younger brother. Other people who saved a copy of her videos were so afraid when they found about this warning so they deleted it themselves.


    After that day, it was like Lyla didn''t exist in the first place.


    Travis knew that his wife felt guilty for what she did and he felt bad because of that. "Do you want to carry the baby?"


    "Can I?"


    "Hn. I''ll let you take care of him until he sleeps tonight"


    "Really? You won''t take back your words?"


    "When have I taken back my words?" Travis smiled and kissed her temple. "I will help you as well."


    "This is great." Jillyanna took the baby from him and went inside the house. "You play with Jade here. I''ll bring him inside."


    So, the father-daughter pair played with the flowers while the mother-son duo stayed inside the house, Jillyanna was reading a story to her son. It was the first time that she read a story to him since she was discharged from the hospital. Travis had been the one responsible to lull their baby to sleep and sometimes, she''d fall asleep too.


    "Baby, mommy will take care of you, today. Isn''t that great?" Jillyanna spoke to her child who smiled happily at her. "My baby is the most handsome." She stated as she made a nose-to-nose gesture with her baby. "What else shall we do today?" she questioned even though the baby didn''t really respond to her.


    She spent her time with her baby and sometimes, Jade will join them but most of the time Jade was answering some workbook beside her mother and brother. Travis was busy making snack for them. The four of them were so happy spending their time together.


    Shein came to find her and reported his work. "I finished it. I didn''t really delete everything since I can''t cover the whole world and you can only imagine how many gadgets I''d have to hack to achieve something like that."


    "So, what did you do?"


    "I deleted most of the videos that I can cover, my friends helped me as well. I put up a post to warn anyone so I don''t think someone will upload her video as well and I a placed monitor to find anyone who will upload it."


    "Alright. I won''t ask you how you do it, it will give me a headache. As long as nothing about her will show up in public media again, everything''s alright."


    "Is there anything else you want me to do?" Shein inquired to make sure that he didn''t miss anything.


    "None so far. I''ll let you know if something comes up." Jillyanna responded.


    "Can I borrow Jade for a while? It''s boring at home."


    "Wait for her to finish one lesson."


    Jade raised her head to her mother and blinked her eyes. "I covered three lessons already. Can I play now?"


    "Wow! My little princess is very smart. Let Uncle Shein check it and you can play after."


    "Yay! Thanks, mom." She handed her book to her uncle and left with him. "Dad, I''ll play with Uncle Shein and Auntie Riley for a while. I''ll come back later." Jade informed her father while following beside her uncle.


    "Don''t tire yourself so much." Travis reminded her.


    Jade might not be spoiled so much by her family but she was having so much fun with them. She wasn''t materialistic type of kid as well but, she would still be happy to receive something. However, she would never ask for it voluntarily.


    They were the only household where their servants were quite free. As long as they were not busy, they would do the work themselves. They would cook their own food, they would wash their own dirty dishes and sometimes water the plants. Most of the time, Auntie Fei and Auntie Sisi were only responsible for the laundry, the cleaning the house and the garden; and they don''t even have to do it all the time. Anyone who works for them, as long as you are loyal and truly cares for them, you will be considered lucky.

 Chapter 496 - VISITING LYLAS PARENTS

    The next day, as she planned, she left the house to find were Lyla was buried. It was Dr. Alison who processed everything for the cremation and chose the columbarium to keep her remains. She gave the address to Jillyanna when she asked for it this morning.


    Top was driving the car for her while Jackie sat at the front seat. Jillyanna was sitting at the backseat with Riley and Valkyrie on each side of her. They were heavily armed as if they were going for a war. It was a good thing that there wasn''t any checkpoint. In any case, even if there is, they can get away with it with Valkyrie''s identity. She didn''t really know whether to roll her eyes with their overprotectiveness or laugh at their silliness. It''s not like Ryden would come back from hell and haunt her again.


    The columbarium wasn''t very far from the city and it wasn''t crowded as well, making it easier for her to locate the place where Lyla''s remains lie. When she arrived at the third floor, she immediately found her. Jillyanna placed the flowers that she specially picked from her garden. She prayed for her to rest in peace and promised to visit her again sometime.


    "I will visit your family later. I still don''t know if I should tell them the truth of your life. Would you like them to know?" Jillyanna questioned. "I''ll just figure it out myself. Anyway, your heart is residing within me so, I will just follow your heart."


    She talked for a while as if someone was really listening to her. After half an hour she left to visit her family who moved to a different city during her scandal. She wasn''t sure about the reason why they moved but she wanted to fulfill her three last wishes.


    "Are you planning to tell them about her?" Riley asked since it wasn''t a secret to them as to who donated Jillyanna''s heart.


    "I don''t know. It will depend on her family''s response and situation."


    "I am really adamant with this visit." Jackie expressed her opinion in this matter.


    "Me, too." Riley added.


    "Don''t worry. Nothing will happen to me. Aren''t you here to protect me?"


    Jackie and Riley just released a deep sigh since Jillyanna already made her mind. They could only do their best to protect her if the need arises. After almost two hours of driving, their group finally found the village where Lyla''s family moved. There wasn''t a wide road for a car to pass so, Top was left alone to guard their vehicle while the four of them traveled the rest of the way by foot.


    Though it was considered part of the city, the place was rather a mountainous area and most of the residence were farmers. The asked several people in the area but the weren''t quite familiar of Lyla''s family. When they asked if anyone moved a couple of months ago, they led her to the same direction. Which means to say, other than her family, no one moved in this suburb place in the last couple of months.


    In one of the small hills, a house stood firm and beautiful. It was made of bricks and it had an overlooking view of the whole village. It wasn''t very big but it was enough for a family of three since Lyla was gone. Around the house were different kinds of flowers and vegetables. A woman was currently removing weeds around her egg plants.


    "Excuse me? Is this where Lyla''s parents live?" Jillyanna asked while looking at the lady.


    "Yes. I am her mother. May I know what do you need her for?" The woman removed her gloves and opened the small wooden gate. "Please come inside."


    "Thank you." Jillyanna came in together with Valkyrie and the twins. "Are you living alone?"


    "Ah? No. No, I am not. My husband and my son went to the city to buy some groceries. Come and have a seat." She gestured for them to sit on the couch. The house was very simple and neat. There was a kitchen, a living room and three bedrooms. Jillyanna guessed that they made a room for Lyla, waiting for her to come back. She felt a pang of guilt deep inside her heart when the thought crossed her mind. "Do you want water, juice or tea?" The lady asked with a warm smile.


    "Water''s fine." Jillyanna responded.


    The lady went to the kitchen and not long after, she came back with four glasses of water. "May I know how I can help you?" she questioned them their purpose of visit.


    "Ma''am, when was the last time that you have seen your daughter?" Jillyanna questioned her back. The lady was stunned with this question and she had a bad feeling about it.


    "Lyla, came back two years ago during Christmas. She stayed for almost two months with us in our old home before going back to study. She said that she was currently on break that time but it made me wonder why she had a different break compared to the other students."


    "Did you ever tried to ask her why?"


    "I didn''t but I secretly went to the city and looked for her. I found out that she already stopped studying and started working as a waitress." The lady broke into tears as she continued to speak. "I was ashamed for being incapable of sending her to school that she had to stop and start working. I was so ashamed that I didn''t dare myself to confront her."


    "Does your husband know?"


    "No, he doesn''t. I don''t want to anger him since he''s got a heart disease. I am afraid that he would have a heart attack. My daughter suffered a lot because of us and if I tell him, he might commit a suicide. I am afraid to let him know."


    "Did you know anything aside from that?"


    "No. After quite sometimes, she stopped calling us but she would always send us money to help us. I made excused to her father to make sure that he won''t find out. We told him that Lyla was studying and working at the same time which was why she had not graduated yet."


    "These past months, did you ever try to contact her?" Riley asked the woman cause she seemed to feel that Lyla wasn''t really important to them. It felt like the were just using her to have a better life. They didn''t even try to find her and ask how she was doing and she was right. The lady shook her head to say ''no''.


    Jillyanna stared at the woman and smiled. "Your daughter is a good friend of mine. Do you want to see her?"


    "Ha? Ah no. I''m afraid she''d be ashamed to see a mother like me. I don''t want to show myself in front of her. We will just wait for her to come home."


    "Your daughter is not coming back." Jillyanna told the woman directly, leaving her speechless.

 Chapter 497 - MAKE THEM PAY FOR HER SUFFERINGS

    "Ha? What do you mean with my daughter is not coming back?" the woman asked with stiff expression. She didn''t expect such words to come out from Jillyanna and it was a little scary to think of.


    "Here." Jillyanna handed a letter to the woman. "This is what she wanted me to give you."


    The lady, with her trembling hands, took the small envelope from Jillyanna and opened it. In actual fact, the letter was not written by Lyla. It was written by Jackie after learning Lyla''s penmanship. Jackie was gifted in copying someone''s penmanship but she rarely used it because Jillyanna didn''t want her to, unless it was really necessary.


    The letter wasn''t long like how Lyla wrote a letter to her. It was just a two-paragraphed letter plus, a check inside worth several thousands of dollars, enough to let them live until their bored of their life. The main content of the letter was for her parents to stop looking for her again and that she will never go back to them.


    "Ma, I''ve done everything I could to help you. I did my best but my best wasn''t good enough. This is the only money I saved up all these years and I am giving this to you. Thank you for all your love and care." These were the content of the last and second paragraphed.


    Jillyanna didn''t intend to use that letter but she still prepared it just in case. Why she did that? She gave it some thought as to why Lyla had to resort to selling her body and soul when she can just go home and tell her parents about what happened. She asked to look into her again and try to look for something that happened in her past before coming to the city.


    What Shein discovered was pretty scary and disgusting. At the age of twelve, Lyla was molested by her own older brother. Instead of being protected, her parents blamed her for being a slut and for seducing her brother. She grew up, trying her best to forget everything and live her life like nothing happened. On the day before she left to study in the city, her brother did it again to her yet her parents didn''t do anything. It seemed like, she was an existence that they never wanted to happen.


    She still tried her best to get acknowledgement but her parents didn''t give her that feeling of belonging. Instead if going home, she decided to stay in the city and work to provide for her family. It was her way to make them feel that she existed and that she was still out there, waiting for them to call her, to find her and ask her to come home. But there was no one who came to visit her. When she came home, they only asked if she got some money but they never asked how she was doing.


    Perhaps, Lyla was waiting for someone to hack her phone or someone to read the message and let it spread to bring shame to her family. She wanted them to feel ashamed of their deeds. Why must she live in suffering while they enjoy the things she works so hard for. She waited for someone to come and save her but there was no one who reached their hands to her. So, she ended up selling her own body to bring money for her family.


    It was because of her filthy and disgusting family that she suffered so much. Jillyanna expected Lyla''s mother to see something a little truthful to her but none of what she said was true. Her hate surged, she felt so angry that she clenched her fists on her side. Lyla'' kept a small folder on her social media account where she stored all her grievances and that''s where Shein found this information.


    Jillyanna was still mad and she didn''t like them to live peacefully. ''Your daughter suffered yet you didn''t do anything to help her. You must experience the same fate as her.'' She noted mentally while looking at the woman. "I''ve been friends with Lyla when we were in college but she suddenly stopped going to school. Months ago, she asked me to give you this before she disappeared." She handed a CD to Lyla''s mother. They were never proud of her from the very beginning so she wanted them to feel guilty, eating from what their daughter worked so hard for. "That''s the job she made to earn the money she gave you all these years. Your son knew it, too." After all, when Shein hacked into different gadgets, he noticed something from one of the gadgets. When he dug even deeper, he found that the gadget was owned by Lyla''s brother.


    Jillyanna didn''t know much about hacking or computer skills, so she didn''t ask Shein to elaborate it or she will just get a headache. After an hour, Jillyanna and her group left the simple house, leaving the woman looking at the money and the CD in her hand. When no one was left aside from her, she turned on the tv and their DVD player to see what was inside the disc.


    What came out widened her yes, her face paled, the cheque that she was holding fell on the floor and she crumbled down as well. Her daughter was being taken by three males, using her body as much as they want. Even though Lyla was in pain, she endured everything. It wasn''t just a single video but there were hundreds of them. She looked at the check on the floor and picked it up.


    The words of her daughter from the letter kept flashing in her mind. "Thank you for your love and care." Did they even give that to her? They did not. They only knew how to abuse the goodness of Lyla''s heart. She pushed her own daughter to hell while they live heavenly from her suffering.


    She was so guilty and that guilt was suffocating her in her heart. She picked a lighter from the kitchen and burned the cheque. After that, she looked for a cloth, tied it on a beam and hang herself to death. When her husband and her son came home later, all that was waiting for them was a video of Lyla playing on the TV and a cold corpse hanging in their living room.


    Jillyanna was never a good person. Maybe, what Lyla suffered wasn''t her own but, Lyla sacrificed so much in her life without getting anything back in return. Even the smallest amount of love from her parents wasn''t given to her. So, why not make them pay? It might not be what Lyla wants but that Jillyanna wanted to do.


    Isn''t that better? When they''re all dead, she can confront all of them in hell. Jackie didn''t ask her anything since she knew that her sister was extremely furious right now. Valkyrie didn''t know what Jillyanna planned because he wasn''t around yesterday since he was moving back and forth between in the hacienda and the mansion.


    "Did Lyla really give that letter?" Valkyrie asked Riley who was walking alongside him behind Jillyanna. He knew that Jillyanna was saved by Lyla by donating her heart.


    "Nope. It''s Jackie who wrote the letter. The cheque was from Jillyanna and the CD was from Shein. It was to make them pay of the suffering that Lyla endured all these years."


    "Your sister is really good to help her enemy."


    "Good? You call it good?" Riley chuckled at him. "You don''t know that my sister just killed them, do you?"


    "Killed? She killed them? How?"


    "Their physical body might still be alive. Take note, I said ''might''. As for their mentality, I am pretty sure it has crumbled already. If the mother still had conscience, she would be dead by the time we arrive home. As for the husband and the son, I don''t know what will happen to them but they won''t live peacefully either."


    Valkyrie understood what Riley was saying and he agreed at the same time, he took back his words about Jillyanna being good towards her enemy''s family. She wasn''t good at all!


    On their way home, Jillyanna stopped by in a mall to buy something for her kids and husband. She bought a stuff toy for her children and a long coat for her husband. She didn''t get this chance of going out everyday so, she wanted to make most of her time while at it.


    It was another way to distract herself from her murderous thought as well. It won''t be good if she gets home and her daughter sees her like this. "Let''s get something to eat first. By the time we arrive home, it will be past noon and I will be scolded if my stomach is empty."


    "Let''s find a place to eat." Jackie responded while holding one of the shopping bags from her. Riley was bringing the other two. The two men were left to take care of the security around her. The five of them started to look for a place to eat, to fill their stomach and to avoid getting scolded at home. If Jillyanna comes home with an empty stomach, Travis won''t just scold her but all five of them. Thus; food was their priority before going back home.


    At the same time, the village that they visited earlier was thrown into chaos after a family of three was found dead with their bodies hanging on a beam. Groceries were littered on the floor and a scandalous video was playing on the background.

 Chapter 498 - TESTING HER STAMINA

    "Mommy!" Jade greeted her happily when she saw her mother came home from her short trip somewhere she didn''t know. "You are finally back. How was your trip?"


    "It was fine." Jillyanna handed the gift to her child. "This is for you and this is for baby Raizel. Where''s your father?"


    "He''s upstairs taking care of the baby."


    "Okay. I''ll play with you later honey." She gently pats her daughter''s head and left to find her husband. Travis was currently feeding the baby on the large couch. "I''m home."


    "Hn. Welcome back. How was your trip? Did you cause any trouble?"


    "Yes, a big one." She admitted it herself. "I don''t know what happened to them now but I certainly wanted them to die."


    "What exactly did you do?"


    "I gave them a letter and a compilation of Lyla''s videos."


    "Why did you give them a copy of that? Didn''t you just delete it? What if someone gets hold of that?"


    "Shein told me not to worry about that. The video can only be played within four hours. After fours hours, there will be an error on the disc. I don''t how he made it but I trust his skills."


    Travis didn''t know what to say at all. She didn''t really have to do such act but it seemed like his wife was really angry with Lyla''s parents. "You could have just let them go, you know."


    "I can''t. While she was alive, they made use of her body and soul. They caused her suffering. If they find out that Lyla is gone, the will have someone to look into it. Or maybe not. But since they were greedy, I am certain that they will ask us for a hefty sum of money to pay for the heart of their daughter."


    "We can just give them the money if they wanted to."


    "No. I will definitely not do that. How could I let them take advantage of her when she''s already dead? Can she not at least her last shred of dignity? Her parents and brother took most of that already and by giving me her heart, she trusted me to do something that would make her feel she lived for something honorable."


    "But it''s not something for you to decide. She may have hated her parents but she didn''t ask you to kill them or do something against them, right?"


    "Why can''t I decide it? I own her heart now and that''s what I feel I should do. Isn''t it her telling me to do it? And why are you even opposing me now?"


    Travis carried the baby to his crib and laid him down after feeding him. "I am not opposing you. I was just telling you about my opinion. I''m afraid you would be burden with the thought of your actions."


    Jillyanna sat on the couch where he was sitting earlier. "I hated them. True, it was my intention to harm them but I did not act it myself. It was their own conscience that harmed them. I only showed them the truth and the sacrifices of their one and only daughter. If they are indeed dead, that would be great." She wasn''t sure yet if they really died but if her calculation was right, they should be dead by now.


    Travis pulled her into his arms and hugged her. "You have done your best for her. Don''t worry about it now."


    Jillyanna nodded her head and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I want to go on a date with you."


    Travis chuckled heartily at her response. They were talking about some serious matter and here she was, asking to go on a date with him. She''s really someone who can warm his heart with whatever she does. "Okay. I''ll plan for our date."


    "By the way, I have been doing nothing in these past months and I recover most of my former strength and stamina. When are you going back to work? I can take care of the children at home so, you can start working as well. It won''t be good if you won''t be around for a long time."


    "Let''s test your stamina, tonight." Travis responded to her. Of all the things she said, he was stuck on the stamina part. And he was even planning to test her!


    That night, Jillyanna laid exhausted on top of him. She just finished a round with him and she thought she was going to collapse. He was full of energy and strength. He never got tired, thrusting himself in and out of her. From bathroom to bedroom, he carried her all the way while impaling himself in her.


    "I''m going to die." Jillyanna mumbled softly. "I thought you will break me."


    "How can I do that?"


    "But you''ve grown so big than the last time." She complained to him, still trying to catch her breath.


    "You are just so small sweetheart. And besides, we haven''t done it in a while so your body is still adjusting to me. Since you have recovered, we have done it twice so, I won''t wonder why you are so tight."


    "Shut up. Don''t talk to me about it you, shameless pervert." She lightly punched his chest but she felt him throb inside her. "And when are you going to stay inside me?"


    "Until I''m satisfied."


    "What? You still want to do it? No. Wait a minute. Stop moving! Ahh! RV, don''t just move inside me. Uhm..Ahh" Her moans and cries motivated him to move again and make love to her for another round. "You are so deep. I can''t..anymore. Ahh! No. Hmm" His movement became harder and faster, bringing them both to an ecstatic pleasure.


    Travis hugged her waist and waited for a full minute before pulling himself out. "Now, where''s the stamina and strength you boasted earlier? I don''t say a trace of them."


    Jillyanna rolled her eyes and bit his shoulder. "It was a strength and stamina for taking care of the children, not for taking care of a hungry wolf."


    Travis let out a guttural laughter and it rang so nicely in her ears. "Build your stamina for me. If you can last five rounds, I will go back to work and let you take care of the children."


    "No. I''m taking back my suggestion. You don''t need to go back to work. Just stay here and take care of the children."

 Chapter 499 - CAN I MARRY YOUR DAUGHTER?

    Six months have passed since Jillyanna gave birth to a healthy baby boy and in these six months, she was in comatose for two months. The four months that should be spent with her son was divided into different schedules and her time for baby Raizel was the least amount.


    Imagine, she was the mother and she only got ten minutes at most to hold her own baby. She was so frustrated about it but Travis was so difficult to persuade. She needed to be strong first before she can take care of the children and his way of testing her was the reason why she''d lost so much energy.


    "How should I make him work so I can take care of the children?" she mumbled to herself while walking aimlessly in their back garden. "I''ve always wanted to become a mother but he isn''t giving me that chance because of what happened."


    "Mommy? What are you talking about?" Jade asked her when she noticed that her mother had been talking to herself while spacing out.


    Jillyanna snapped out from her daze and looked at her daughter. "Jade, it''s almost time to go to school. Let''s ask your Daddy about it. Also, Tiffany will visit this afternoon with her son. Let''s ask them about the school."


    Jade just nodded her head even though her mother didn''t answer her question. She was a little bit worried about her mom. An idea popped inside her mind and she excused herself to get back to the house. Jillyanna didn''t know why Jade left in a hurry but she didn''t follow her since she knew the little girl won''t cause any trouble.


    Jade ran upstairs and looked for her father. She remembered something before the wedding and it was something that her aunties planned. The honeymoon! "Dad!" she opened the door to Raizel''s room where Travis spent most of his time.


    "What happened? Why were you running? What if you tripped over?'' he questioned while taking a tissue and wiped her sweat. "What''s the matter?"


    "Daddy, you and Mommy haven''t gone to your honeymoon yet, right?"


    "No, we didn''t have time for that."


    "What about now? I am big already so, I can take care of myself. I can keep watch of the baby, too."


    "What made you bring this matter up? Aside from that, this shouldn''t be what you''re thinking now."


    "I know. I didn''t really mind it at first but, Mommy looked so sad earlier. I couldn''t think of the reason and I remembered that she once told me she''d go on a date with you."


    "Come to think of it, I heard it from her, too."


    "See? And you haven''t taken her on a date. You are busy with baby Raizel all the time. And, I remember that Auntie Savannah and the others bought a ticket to Bali for the both of you."


    What Jade stated made sense and Travis realized that he had been focusing on the baby so much. ''Did I make her feel neglected? But she had always been honest to me and she never mentioned anything about this.''


    "Daddy?"


    Travis looked at his daughter and smiled. "Thank you for your concern. I will think of a way."


    "Okay. I just want both of you to be happy." Jade added. "And it is not like you will be gone for a long time."


    "Right. Jade is such a good girl." Travis kissed her cheek and ruffled her hair. "Go and play with your mother for a while. I will do some thinking about the date."


    Jade nodded her head and walked out of the room. She was just about to close the door when she remembered the coming visitors. "One more thing, there will be visitors this afternoon. Mommy, said it is about my school."


    "Alright. Let me know once they''ve arrived." He was left inside the room once again. He thought to what Jade said and to his wife''s request one time. She had mentioned it multiple times but he had not fulfilled it yet. "Let''s go on a honeymoon, then." He whispered to himself with a smile.


    In the afternoon, Tiffany came to visit them with her son, Ethan. One single look and you can say that he was a child of high status. The air around him was full of aristocratic vibe. He was holding his mother''s hand as they got inside Jillyanna''s house. His eyes widened when he saw the place, not because it was huge or majestic but because, despite not having so many people around, it feels warm and full of love.


    Unlike his home where people come and go, no time for each other and just minded their own business. They didn''t care about anyone. Their house was like a boarding house and all of them were strangers living in the same house. He couldn''t even say if it was really a home.


    "Whose house is this?" Ethan asked his mother while looking at the pictures. He wasn''t so familiar of the people in the pictures. How can he be familiar? Whenever there''s gathering, he would not come out of his room and he spent most of his time studying. He didn''t even like going to the mall to shop for clothes. All his clothes at home were customized and the tailors and seamstresses were the ones who came to his house to get his measurement.


    Just as he finished his question, Jillyanna came inside from the back garden with Jade holding her hand. "I own this house. Do you like it?"


    Ethan nodded his head and looked at Jade. "Little sister, are you the daughter of this household?"


    Jade nodded her head slightly to give an affirmative answer. Ethan''s eyes lit up when she nodded her head. She let go of her mother''s hand and went to Jillyanna. "Auntie, I want to live here. Can I marry your daughter?"


    The house sank into a deafening silence, in which only the ticking of the clock can be heard. Ethan''s eyes were shining brightly while waiting for an answer. It was the first time that Tiffany saw such spark in her son''s eyes.


    "You can''t marry my daughter!" A loud and angry voice came from the second floor and when four pairs of eyes looked up, Travis was standing there with a dark face.

 Chapter 500 - DISCUSSION OF THE CHOSEN SCHOOL

    Jillyanna slapped her forehead mentally. She remembered that he wanted to be present during the visit of Tiffany and Ethan, and now, he''s practically scaring the child.


    "Darling, what are you doing scaring your guests?" she mumbled while gesturing Tiffany and her son to sit on the couch.


    Travis still looked domineering as she strode to the living room. "You can''t marry my daughter, young man. You are too young to get married."


    "Then, when I''m old enough, can I marry her?"


    Travis'' mouth twitched when he got to hear his retort. "Let''s not talk about it."


    Tiffany slightly bowed her head to apologize to them. "I''m really sorry for his rudeness. This is the first time that this has happened to him."


    "Of course, this is the first time. It''s my first time so see such warm house." Ethan added to which made a surprise look in Jillyanna''s face.


    So, it wasn''t because he fell in love with their daughter but he fell in love to the ambiance of their house.


    "That''s alright. I''m glad to see that our house cheers him." Jillyanna responded with a faint smile on her lips. "So, regarding the school."


    "Right. I brought their current manual with me." Tiffany reached out for her bag and took out the manual and a magazine which features the school. "This is their guide and this magazine features the school facilities. As for first hand experience, you can ask my son."


    Jade was sitting in between her parents and she kept glancing on the little man in front of her. His eyes were sparkling while he looked around the living room.


    ''Is his house not as huge as ours? But he''s going to an expensive school so they must be rich, right?'' Jade thought to herself. When her mother received the manual and the magazine, she looked at the pictures as well.


    The school looked majestic in the picture and there were features of their security as well. There were photos of children playing, eating, having a class, doing experiments and so on.


    "I like this school." Jade mumbled softly to herself.


    "You like this? You''d have to get up early since this is located in another city. Would that be fine?" Travis asked her since she would be sacrificing her sleep to wake up early for school.


    "That''s fine Dad. I can manage. Besides, I always wake up early even when I don''t go to school." Jade told him with a little insistent.


    "Little sister, what year do you want to skip?" Ethan asked her since she will have to take the acceleration test.


    "I am currently doing the 5th grade course. So, I guess I''ll skip it and move to 6th grade."


    "Wow! You''re that smart?!" Ethan exclaimed happily with face full of surprise.


    "I am not really smart. I just got so much time in hand which is why I studied at home." she humbly replied while clutching on to the hem of her skirt. She was a little bit shy that someone outside her family complimented her.


    "If you decide to study in Trine, I will look after you. In that way, you won''t feel lonely." Ethan suggested which perked up Travis'' ears. However, he did not make a comment on that since the offer was good. His daughter will have a friend and she won''t feel lonely and bored in school.


    "When do they usually take the examination?" Travis asked Tiffany, his mind was already set on the school that Ethan goes to.


    "You just have to contact their administrator and they will give you a date as to when you can come and take the exam." Tiffany answered.


    "As for their material, do they gave it themselves or are we buying it?" Jillyanna questioned as well.


    "They will provide it since it is part of the school fees."


    Jillyanna turned to Ethan to gather a little bit of information about the students. "Are their any bullies in your school?"


    "Bullies? Oh, there are. There are so many arrogant fools in school who likes to pick on those who looked weak but, I never got bullied. I am so smart that they would better scram out of my sight."


    Travis couldn''t help but laugh at his statement. He was just talking about arrogant fool but he was arrogant himself as well, boasting his intelligence in front of them. There wasn''t anything wrong with that though since what he said was true. He was indeed smart.


    "If that is the case, I will entrust my daughter''s life in school to you. Don''t let anyone bully her, okay?" Jillyanna spoke to the young boy with a smile.


    "Yes, ma''am!" He even made a salute to show his sincerity.


    Tiffany didn''t what had gotten inside her son''s mind but she was happy to see that he was cheerful and smiled. She had never seen her son smile that happily in front of her.


    "Since you''ve been studying in Trine for quite sometimes, how is it like? Is it fun?" Travis asked. He didn''t want to bore his own child in a school that purely focused in academic fields. He hated it. He experienced it before when he was in States and he didn''t like them. He even hated his father for sending him to schools like that.


    Ethan thought for a while before he opened his mouth again to answer. "I honestly don''t know the answer to that. I don''t particularly find it fun or boring. There are so many school activities all throughout the year but, I don''t like joining in any of them. Most of the students in my grade are older than me and I don''t have anyone to talk to. So, if little sister studies in my school, maybe I''d have a little fun."


    "I like your honesty." Travis retorted back to the young man. "Alright, since she will be under your care in school, it would be better that you get to know her. This is my daughter, Jade."


    "Hello! I''m Ethan. Nice to meet you."


    "Nice to meet you, too." Jade slightly bowed her head in response. "I''ll be in your care."


    "Hn. I got your back." Ethan responded happily. She wasn''t admitted to the school yet but, they were already certain that she''d make it.

 Chapter 501 - TAKING A STEP FOR THEIR LATE HONEYMOON

    Tiffany and Ethan stayed a little bit so that the kids and catch up with each other. They let them play on their own while Travis tended to their son upstairs.


    "I''m still worried for her." Jillyanna mumbled while watching her daughter feed the koi fishes with Ethan in the backyard.


    "You should put a little trust in her but be sure to communicate with her every after school. I don''t want you to end up like me and my son."


    "Hn? What do you mean?"


    "Ethan has always been smart since he was young. He can easily grasped into little things and understand it. He could converse with the adults like he is and adult himself. We started to trust him and thought that he would be fine on his own. He is smart and capable so we were so sure that he will be just fine. I don''t know when it started but he started to close off himself. He shut us from his world and he would never talk to us. He didn''t like to attend any gatherings or any events. Even going to a shopping mall or to a restaurant is a hassle to him. When I asked him that we will come and visit you, he was still adamant about it."


    "What made him come?"


    "I told him that there''s a special little girl living here who can probably understand him. That little girl is your daughter. And I guess, I made the right decision."


    "Uh..this won''t lead them to an arrange marriage, right? I don''t like that kind of set up." Jillyanna expressed what she thought honestly.


    "No, I don''t mean it that way. I still want him to choose the woman he will love in the future. I won''t force him even if I like your daughter."


    "I''m glad we are on the same page." Jillyanna responded happily. "But, I''d be very happy if your son will become her friend. I need someone who can be trusted and I know Ethan is that person."


    "That is not an issue to me."


    They watched their children talk about fishes, laugh about silly jokes and become surprise of the other''s trivia.


    Jade finally found someone of her age that can totally understand her. Ethan felt the same thing.


    "Don''t you like your own house?" Jade asked out of nowhere while they played with the koi fishes.


    "Why do you ask?"


    "Because you were so happy looking at our house. Your eyes sparkled when you look around our place. Or is it because our house is huge? Or the architectural structure is nice?"


    Ethan looked at her for a few seconds before averting his eyes and looked at the fishes that fed on the the food she''s holding in her dipped hand. "Our house is cold. It''s like no one lived in there. People just come and go like they were strangers."


    "I see. I''m sorry to hear about that. Have you ever tried communicating with your family?"


    "I tried but they''re always busy. They don''t have time for me." Jade felt bad about him so she reached her hand to pat his head. "What are you doing?"


    "I''m comforting you. That''s what my mother and father do when I''m feeling upset or sad."


    "Your family is really nice."


    "Of course." Jade proudly responded. "But I have a secret to tell you."


    "What is it?"


    "I am not their daughter. I am just an adopted child." Jade whispered with a smile on her lips. "I am so lucky I met them, don''t you think?"


    "Yeah, you are." Ethan replied with a little bit of jealousy. Jade wasn''t really a biological daughter yet, she was loved by everyone. On the other side, he was made of the same flesh and blood as his parents but they just neglected him. "Where are your true parents?"He asked.


    "My mother died when I was three together with my younger sister. My father? Uh..he is still alive but I don''t know where he is now." Jade wasn''t lying. If it was before, she still knew where her father was but after Jillyanna''s birthday, he didn''t show up again and disappeared like a popped bubble.


    "I''m sorry to hear about that. I guess, we are really of the same kind."


    "I guess so."


    The two of them continued to play and chat while Travis watched over them from Raizel''s room. ''I''m a bit troubled watching these two.'' He thought to himself while holding the baby in his arms.


    "Let''s think about the date." he mumbled before walking towards the bed and laid the baby down. He picked up his phone from his drawer and called Jackie about the trips they have planned for him and his wife.


    Jackie was currently having her break after an intensive training when Travis called her. She filled him in with the details of the trip for the honeymoon.


    After talking to Jackie, he called Sky and Cielo to come and stay in their house during their trip. He needed their help to take care of the children. Riley was back to work, Jenny and Jackie were back to school. Savannah helped Shein with work and Hawk was their bodyguard. Valkyrie and Brown was entrusted to take care of the security in their house. Everyone was busy and he couldn''t bother them with the children.


    Sky agreed immediately without a second of hesitation. Cielo promised to come and visit but she had to come home as well since her husband will be waiting for her. Travis didn''t mind it. He was more than grateful to have Sky take care of the two children.


    "A week of honeymoon. Baby, don''t give trouble to your sister, okay? Mom and Dad will spend a little time together in a faraway place but we will be back as soon as possible." he told the little baby on the bed who only smiled at him. "Though it''s late, we still can''t miss this stage that should have been given after the wedding."

 Chapter 502 - ILL COME AND SEE YOU SOON

    He was happily planning their late honeymoon while his wife was busy take care of their guests. That night, Travis informed Jillyanna of their upcoming trip to Bali.


    "You are not kidding, are you? We are really going somewhere?!"


    "Yup! We are going on a trip."


    "Just the two of us?!" she questioned him relentlessly, clearly surprised and amazed at the same time.


    "Uh huh. Don''t be so excited about it. We still have to make ample preparation. We''ll leave next week."


    "Ahh! I am so happy!" she jumped on to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I am so glad that you finally decided to come out with me."


    "I want to make you happy and Jade was worried about you as well since you''ve been down these past few days."


    "I''d be very happy if you come back to work and let me take care of the children, too."


    "Don''t get ahead of yourself." Travis kissed the tip of her nose as he kept hold of her waist. "I''ll think about it after the trip."


    "Promise? You will think about it?"


    "Hn. I promise. But, remember my word, I just said that ''I''ll think about it'' so, there is no guarantee."


    "You trickster! I hate you! Hmp!"


    "I love you, Jill."


    "I know. And I know that you will give in to me eventually." She winked at him and gave him a quick kiss on his lips. "Now, it''s time to bath and rest."


    "Okay." Travis carried her off to the bathroom to take a shower together. Even though his got his own physiological needs, he still respected her and just let her shower without doing anything. He didn''t want to tire her out so much.


    The night was peaceful, the soft and low sound of crickets plus, the wind breeze caressing the tree branches and leaves made the night exceptionally wonderful. Even thought everyone was already asleep, except for the guards who were on night duty, the house still felt warm and full of life.


    While Travis and Jillyanna slept peacefully, cuddling close to each other, Jillyanna''s phone received a message from an unknown sender. They didn''t know anything that lies ahead of them.


    Inside Valkyrie and Brown''s room, the two were still lying wide awake. Brown''s head was placed on top of Valkyrie''s chest while he wrapped his hands onto Valkyrie''s waist. "Don''t you think that everything''s going rather smoothly these past few months?" Brown asked with a little concern.


    "After what happened, I am happy that we get to rest like this. Jillyanna and Travis needed to take a breather as well. They just went through a difficult ordeal."


    "I know. I just feel a little restless thinking about it."


    "Don''t think too much. We''ll just do the best we can while we''re here. At the end of the day, they''re the second family that we have next to our father, who''s always busy with his study."


    "Right. I agree with you on that. By the way, have you heard that the two of them will go on a trip next week?"


    "Yeah, I heard." A mischievous smile appeared on Valkyrie''s lips. "I''m thinking that it would be good for the two of them."


    "Don''t try to trick me. With that smile on your face, I know that you are thinking of something else."


    "You really know me."


    "Of course. I wouldn''t be here, naked, with you playing with my body."


    "It''s not playing, okay. It''s love making." Valkyrie responded with a face full of smiles. A deep shade of red started creeping up on Brown''s face, making him feel his temperature rise. With that being said, he averted his eyes and closed it.


    "I''m going to sleep now."


    "Now?! Aren''t we going for another round after taking a short rest?"


    "Are you crazy! We still need to get up tomorrow. My energy is not limitless, just so you know." Brown retorted before turning his back on his partner.


    "Alright. We''ll sleep, then." Valkyrie hugged him and the two of them decided to retire for the night.


    "We should get change, something''s poking behind me." Brown mumbled softly which made the other man chuckled behind him.


    "I''ll get us some clothes."


    Thus, they ended up changing the bedsheet and changed clothes since they won''t be going for another round.


    Riley and Shein started living together as well but they don''t engage to this kind of activities since Riley always comes home pretty tired and dead beat. Same went for Shein who handled the company''s affairs in behalf of Travis. A gentle kiss was more than enough for the two of them.


    The one who didn''t move out from Jillyanna''s house was Jackie and as for her love life, it was moving slower than a turtle. It''s been several months since the she started going out with Vincent but they had never go beyond holding hands. To Jackie, she wanted to achieve her goal first ¨C that was to become an honorable policewoman. To Vincent, he would support her first above all things. They can cross over the line once Jackie would reach the right age. For now, that was put on hold.


    Savannah received the house happily and started living with Hawk but she still didn''t know that he was planning to propose to her. She was still in the dark of the whole plan.


    The next morning came and it was Sunday. Jillyanna woke up excitedly since it was a family gathering day. It''s nothing formal but just a way to catch up with the others. Atty. Lewis was invited too, in order for him to catch time with Jade.


    "Hey, honey?" Travis called out her attention while holding her phone. Before she gave birth, Travis and her exchanged their phones. Therefore, he was using her phone all this time.


    "Yes?"


    "Someone''s going to see you soon. I guess."


    "Hn? Who is it?"


    "I don''t know. It''s a message from an unknown person. It says her ''I am glad to see that you are doing perfectly fine. I''ll come and see you soon''. Do you have any idea who this person might be?"


    "Since there''s no name on it, let''s ask Shein to ask for the identity. I''m tired of guessing." She ignored the message and quickly picked up her robe to take a shower.


    Somewhere, far from the city, a man was looking at her computer, displaying Jillyanna''s perfect smile.

 Chapter 503 - ISNT YOUR SISTER PRETTY?

    "Morning Mommy! Morning Daddy!" Jade greeted her parents when they came inside Raizel''s room.


    "Morning sweetheart. You are very early today." Jillyanna greeted back and kissed her daughter''s check. Travis did the same.


    "I always wake up early. You just didn''t know it."


    "Right. Mommy wakes up very late all the time." Travis added which made Jade grin at the them. It was true though.


    Even though Raizel was staying in a different room, Travis didn''t have any problem monitoring him so, he wasn''t very worries. But he will still worry sometimes specially when he won''t cry. They said that children often cry but his son don''t and whenever he sees someone speaking, it seemed like he was listening to their conversation as well.


    "Mommy, what breakfast do you want today? I can help Auntie Fei cook it for you."


    "No need to bother yourself, your daddy will do it." Jillyanna gave her daughter a winked and it didn''t take a few seconds for Jade to get what she meant. Her mother wanted to take care of the baby and for her to do that, Travis must go to the kitchen and cook her breakfast.


    It''s not like Travis didn''t know anything about her little scheme but he didn''t say anything about it either. He knew how much his wife wanted to take care of the children but he was worried for her health. Since cooking her breakfast won''t take very long, he would just give her the time to look after the children.


    There wasn''t any problem with Jade since she was smart and she was very behaved as well. The only problem was their son. He was still small and he needs so many things and attention. He loved to be carried around and that would expend her energy. Which was why he asked her to become stronger and have a little bit more of stamina.


    He sighed to himself before kissing his son''s forehead and gave him to his wife. "If ever you get tired, just let me know as soon as possible. Don''t get sore arms from carrying him. He''s a little heavier now."


    "Yes, sir. I understand. Now, go and cook something for me. Oh! Prepare his milk formula first and send it to me. I''ll feed him while you''re cooking."


    "Okay. I''ll be right back."


    As her wish came true again, she immediately sat on the bed with the baby in her arms. "Oh, my little darling! You''re spending time with mother again! I am so happy! Are you happy?" she spoke to the child while Jade looked for a picture book. "Your sister and I will spend time with you now. Let''s have your sister read us a book."


    Raizel smiled to whatever Jillyanna said as if he knew what she was talking about. He held on to her mother''s face and looked at her. "Is your mother pretty? She''s pretty, isn''t she?" She asked the baby who couldn''t give her an answer.


    "Our mother is the most beautiful." Jade stated as she climbed on to the bed. "Now, how about I read the story of Jack and the Beanstalk."


    "Alright. Go ahead." Jillyanna let Jade sat beside her while she read the book to her little brother. When Travis came back to bring the bottled milk, he saw the warmest scene he ever saw in his entire life. It was something he had never though of in the past.


    ''Fate and destiny bound us to be together like this forever.'' He thought to himself with a smile. He got inside the room and gave Jillyanna the milk before walking out again to continue his cooking.


    Since he started cooking, he decided to cook for everyone instead. Auntie Fei assisted him with other stuff while Auntie Sisi cleaned the living room.


    Brown and Valkyrie prepared the tables and chairs at the back garden where everyone will gather later. Usually they would come before lunch so that they can eat together. Savannah saw the bedsheet on the dryer that Valkyrie placed while helping Brown for the mean time while waiting for it to dry.


    "You both are always energetic at night." Savannah commented which stiffened Brown''s whole body.


    "What do you mean?" he asked with flushed cheeks and ears.


    "Well, it hasn''t been a week since Valkyrie washed your bedsheet."


    "Tsk!" he snickered and threw deathly glares towards Valkyrie.


    "That''s nothing to be ashamed of. We know of your relationship."


    "Right. Why are you getting angry at me when it is natural for us to do stuff in the darkness of night."


    "Shut up! You, idiot!" Brown threw the table cover at him and left.


    Savannah and Valkyrie were left alone laughing together at him. "Stop teasing him." Hawk came out and told his girlfriend.


    "It''s nice to see him all flustered. Anyway, I''ll go and help Travis in the kitchen."


    "Okay. I''ll go grab a cup of coffee, too." Hawk and Savannah left towards Jillyanna''s house.


    Even though they have their own houses, complete with appliances and groceries, they still like to stay and eat together with Jillyanna and her family. It was warmer whenever you eat your food with the people you care so much about.


    Riley and Shein woke up really late and even skipped their breakfast. They were tired with all the work in the past few days and decided to take a little bit more of rest. When they woke up, it was past nine in the morning.


    "Let''s go to sister''s house. Jackie sent me a message that they left food for us." Riley informed Shein who was still hugging her and rubbing his eyes from drowsiness.


    "Can''t we sleep a bit more?"


    "It''s past nine in the morning. Let''s get up since everyone will be coming soon."


    "Wait! Is it just me or is there a sound coming from my computer room?" Shein tried to listen carefully as he put on his shirt. Riley tried to listen on it to.


    ''Beep! Beep! Beep!''''


    "It is coming from your computer room!" Riley jumped out of her bed and without wearing her slippers, she ran towards the computer room after Shein.


    ''ISN''T YOUR SISTER PRETTY?'' this was the question on the screens of his six computers. It was written in bold red letters which made Riley felt goosebumps rising on her skin.

 Chapter 504 - THE MYSTERIOUS PERSON

    Shein tried his best to take control of his computers again but he couldn''t seem to do it. Questions after questions kept flashing on the screens.


    "WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I SEE HER?"


    "WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE''LL SAY AFTER SEEING ME?"


    "DO YOU THINK SHE''LL REMEMBER ME?"


    The last question made Shein and Riley looked towards each other. "REMEMBER ME? Does that mean, Jillyanna knew of this person before?" Shein questioned his girlfriend.


    "I guess so. Who else in this world can hack into our system? Do you have any idea?"


    "I ranked second in the whole world and most people don''t want to cross with me. Only the first ranked T would do this and is capable of doing this."


    "T?"


    "Hn. That is the code that this person chose. We still don''t know if he''s a he or if she''s a she." Even as he spoke, his fingers didn''t stop working, flying across his keyboard.


    "As soon as you''re done here, go to the mansion. I''ll inform big sis about this."


    "Okay."


    Riley washed her face and brushed her teeth as fast as she could. As soon as she was done, she left the house and went to the other side to find her sister.


    When she got into the living room, she saw Jillyanna and Travis playing with their children. "Sis!" Riley called out which startled the kids. Riazel was even looking at her with fear from her loud voice. "Sorry for the sudden intrusion but we have a problem."


    "What problem?" Travis was greatly alarmed when he saw how flustered and worried Riley was. She was never someone who lose her composure for no reason. Something must have really happened.


    Riley took a seat on a vacant couch and faced the couple. "Did you guys notice anything suspicious lately?"


    "None so far." Jillyanna answered unconcerned since she was too tired to think about it. Travis contradicted her though.


    "This morning, a message was sent to Jillyanna''s phone. It''s about someone who wanted to see her." Jade didn''t say anything on this matter since they were talking about some serious matter.


    "This is bad." Riley bit her fingers from anxiousness. "Shein''s computers were also hacked this morning."


    "Really?!" Travis and Jillyyanna exclaimed in unison. Their faces showed a trace of disbelief that someone actually managed to slip inside Shein''s security network. Riley just nodded her head and recalled the person that Shein mentioned earlier and the possibility that Jillyanna know this man or woman.


    "Aside from Shein, I don''t really know anyone who''s better than him in the hacker''s world. Most of the people I know were from entertainment and business industry." Jillyanna stated her opinion on this matter. "Maybe I met this person in passing."


    The identity of the person was still a mystery to them but Jillyanna wasn''t the least bit bothered. She wanted to enjoy her life to the fullest and no one will come to hinder her from doing that. ''Come and let me destroy you.'' She thought to herself while keeping a smile on her lips. She can play weak in front of her husband, act coyly whenever she wanted but, she can also kill if some warrants her to do it again.


    "Don''t think too much about it. Call Shein and eat your food." Jillyanna reminded her sister.


    Riley just nodded her head and left them alone for a while to call her boyfriend. It was after half an hour that Shein manages to fix their system but somehow, he wasn''t feeling confident against that first ranked hacker. Nonetheless, he was still able to get back his control.


    With the two children keeping people together, they dispelled the negativities around them and everyone was soon happily gathered together in the living room.


    Shein and Brown talked about getting their personal information changed for the sake of the people that they will spend time for the rest of their life. Shein and Riley had the same last names since Jillyanna was the one who gave it to them. Now that they have fallen in love, it wouldn''t be good for both of them if people knew about their relationship. Shein didn''t want to risk Riley''s carrier.


    As for Brown, everyone knew that he was the adopted child of Dr. Anderson. Even if the man didn''t change his name, he was still considered a son in papers. He wanted to change it for Matthew''s sake.


    Jade was happily talking to Valkyrie about the military forces and their combat skills. He showed them some pictures of their air crafts and other machineries. He searched for videos when it comes to combat practice and showed it to her as well. "But, you know what, your mother is still the strongest woman I know."


    "Huh? Is my mother part of the military forces?" Jade asked since it was something she never heard of.


    "Nope. She''s part of a secret organization. You can ask her about it but I can definitely say that she''s strong, even stronger than your Auntie Winter."


    "Really?!"


    "Really." Valkyrie answered with clear admiration. He would never forget the scene when Jillyanna fought with the criminals back then. She''s very intelligent and perceptive as well. However, he was a little doubtful of her strength now. She had been hospitalized for a long time and she didn''t have time to practice her skill. It was a bit worrisome whenever he thought about it.


    As time went by, lunch break was soon approaching and one after another, their guests arrived. Thomas and Gabriel came together with Uncle Wesley, their driver. They even brought two baskets of fresh fruits from the hacienda. Cielo and Lucian came together after getting her check up done and she brought a cake which the chef in Summer Caf¨¦ made. Alex and Sky also arrived with Jenny following behind them. The three of them brought some food that they made together before coming over.


    Savannah and Hawk also finished cooking in the kitchen and was currently setting the table at the back garden. It''s always nice to gather everyone in the family once in a while. That''s what others thought but for Jillyanna, she wanted to spend time with them as much as she could since her numbers are still counted. Even if she got a transplant, there''s still a chance that she would relapse and die.

 Chapter 505 - FAMILY GATHERING I

    "Grandma!" Jade greeted happily when she saw Sky coming over. She had always been closer to Sky among her grandparents. It''s not that she wasn''t loved by her grandpas but, they just didn''t know how to take care of children.


    "Hey there, sweetheart. How have you been doing?" Sky asked as she pulled the little girl in a warm embrace.


    "I have been doing very well. Daddy and Mommy talked about sending me to school this year and I made a new friend yesterday as well. His name is Ethan. I will introduce you to him next time."


    "Wow! That is great news. I''m excited to know this new friend of yours. Is he the same as you?"


    "Nope. He is older than me but he is also very intelligent. He is still nine years old but he''s already in 6th grade. He will be in 7th grade next school year." There was a smile and proud expression on Jade''s face when she talked about Ethan. After all, it was rare for her to meet someone smart who wasn''t an adult yet.


    The two of them continued to talk while Thomas and Alex had a chat on their own. The were talking about fertilizers and stuff that can be used for the betterment of the hacienda. Alex wasn''t a farmer but he used to plant some vegetables in their small garden before they even became rich. He knew so much about planting since that was their source of consumption before.


    Cielo and Jillyanna talked about parenting with Travis. She got so many recipes from Travis as well which were nutritious and delicious. Lucian was talking to Shein and Valkyrie about the current threat that was lurking in the shadows.


    Jenny helped Savannah and Hawk in the kitchen while Riley and Jackie dealt with the things at the back. Someone should keep watch of the place before lunch.


    "I really like how lively the atmosphere in this house. It wasn''t like our old home where our parents always suffered to raise us and didn''t have time for us, until they died." Riley commented out of nowhere while staring up in the clear blue sky.


    "Don''t think about it. Our parents must want us to keep moving forward. If you keep thinking about the past, you might get stuck in it. Be careful." Jackie responded to her sister before she walked out and went to the bridge to look at the koi fishes.


    "Jackie, do you want to forget our parents?" Riley asked hesitantly since her sister wasn''t that easy to fathom. People said that twins have some sort of telepathy that helps them connect to the other. However, sometimes, she felt that she couldn''t quite understand what her twin was thinking. Ever since they were kids, Jackie was the one who didn''t show her emotions. She was used to keeping it and Riley was also used to not to pry on her.


    "I won''t ever forget them. It''s just that, I don''t want to keep on reliving the painful memory of them."


    Riley thought that she was making sense. It was painful to see their pale and lifeless faces again and again. She didn''t respond to what Jackie said and just decided to look after the garden. Sometimes, there are things that didn''t need to be said.


    As soon as everything was set, everyone went out to the back garden to have their lunch. They didn''t need to be worried about the heat of the sun since they were under the tent and the wind was quite cool and breezy. The guards and the helpers were having their lunch inside the house while they enjoyed their time in the garden. Travis was holding their son so, Jillyanna decided to feed him.


    "Sweet as always." Gabriel commented when he saw their interaction. "Aren''t afraid that you will get bitten by ants?"


    "You are just envious since Winter isn''t here." Jillyanna retorted back. "When is she coming back by the way?"


    "She''ll be back in a month." Gabriel informed her. "She was just preparing some documents in the compound."


    "So, you are finally getting married? When will she talk to her parents?" Travis questioned his friend.


    "She told me that she''ll talk to them once she''s back."


    "How about you Schniezel and Taira?" Thomas directed the question to Hawk and Savannah. "Isn''t it time for you to settle down as well?"


    "Uh..we haven''t talked about it but that''s part of the plan." Hawk responded with a faint smile on his face. Savannah who heard the question just smiled to Thomas but deep in her heart, she was also a bit worried. Why? Because even though he said that they ''talked'' about it, there wasn''t any talking that happened. He never once mentioned about getting married to her. He did say that he wanted to have children with her but getting married and wanting children were two different matters.


    Jillyanna could feel the sudden uneasiness on Savannah''s face. She couldn''t blame her though, specially that Hawk kept everything a secret to her. Giving a house wasn''t enough to prove someone''s loyalty. Anyone can give you a house but he can also do the same thing to other women. He can say that he wanted to have children with you but, he can also have children with anyone he likes. Even married couple commits adultery and infidelity.


    Relationship would really measure someone''s trust, love and loyalty. Savannah was strong enough to kept these three things with her towards Hawk despite not talking about marriage. She still believes in him.


    Hawk caught hold of Savannah''s hand under the table and squeezed it with a smile on his face. "No matter what, I will only love you in this life time, in the next life and the next one after that. No matter how many times it will be, I will only love you." Hawk whispered softly while looking directly on to her eyes.


    Savannah smiled back. ''There''s no way I would doubt this man''s love for me.'' She thought to herself. They had been through a lot. Even though they grew up together, they always get into heated argument. When they joined the military, they would always argue and at the same time, they understood each other. Most part of their life was spent together and there was nothing more precious than that. "I don''t regret loving you." She whispered back to him.


    Since everyone was busy talking about this thing and that, they didn''t notice this short exchange between the two lovers except, Jillyanna and Jade who sat directly across them.

 Chapter 506 - FAMILY GATHERING II

    Their lunch lasted for almost an hour and everyone was having a good time chatting. "By the way, have you seen Eli these past few days?" Jillyanna asked Cielo about their family doctor and friend. "The last time I saw him was during my stay in the hospital. He visited me several times but he was gone after that."


    Cielo was walking right beside her with Travis and Jade following behind them. They were currently walking back inside the house. "Eli said that he will be gone for a while due to some seminars and trainings that will be conducted in the neighboring cities."


    "I see. I was a bit worried because I haven''t seen him for quite a long time." Jillyanna responded softly. She knew that Eli had feelings for her. She knew it but, she didn''t want him to avoid her just because that. He was still considered her close friend even though they couldn''t be together. Can''t they just remain in that zone?


    Travis didn''t have anything against Eliezer. He was a man worthy of his respect. Jade wasn''t very close to Eli since she wasn''t able to spend time with him. However, she knew that the man named Eliezer was someone that her mother cares about. She could count the number of times that she saw him and she can say that he was a good person.


    Jackie was also following behind the group when she received a message from Vincent. He was currently out of town so, he wasn''t able to attend the gathering. However, he made an appointment to date her later that night so that they can catch with each other and have a chat. Well, they were still in the stage of getting to know one another so she wasn''t the least bit worried. In any case, she''s still young and should enjoy her life without tying herself to someone else. When the time is ripe, she can go and get herself tied in a knot with him.


    He told her that he would come and pick her up around six in the evening for their date, making her smile foolishly while facing her cellphone.


    "Hey." Riley nudged her elbow towards her sister''s waist to get her attention. "Would you like to help our sister pack her things for their honeymoon?"


    "What are you up to?" Jackie questioned knowing that her sister must be thinking of doing naughty things again. "Besides, it is too early to pack. Their trip will last on Wednesday next week."


    "When the time comes, let''s volunteer to help her."


    "You can volunteer on your own." Jackie responded with a smug face.


    "You have no sense of joy. I mean, isn''t it nice to help her?"


    "Oh yeah? Help her? Doing something naughty is helping her?"


    "Of course! That''s how you spice things up. C''mon, don''t tell me you haven''t done that?" Riley crossed her arms over her chest and eyed her twin.


    "Don''t tell me you''ve done that?"


    "I wouldn''t cross the line in such young age."


    "Then, we are the same. Aren''t you the same age as me? Do you think I would do that to someone I am not sure if I am really in love with? I am still getting to know him better. Unlike Shein, whom you know for decades, Vincent and I just met few months ago."


    The two of them bickered back and forth, from helping Jillyanna pack to how their love life was sailing; the two of them talked like there wasn''t anyone around them. Well, they''re all adults so it wasn''t new to them. Jade, on the other hand, she didn''t want to join the adult''s conversation. It would be such a hassle to understand their world.


    "Uncle Shein, can I borrow your computers?" Jade asked.


    "Sure. Let''s go over to my house. We can play with the computers there." Shein responded and carried her on his arms to go back to his own house. Jillyanna and Travis didn''t stop them from leaving since it was better than staying with them who discussed adult stuff which shouldn''t be spoken with a child around.


    There wasn''t any problem with the baby since he couldn''t understand what the adults were talking just yet. Nonetheless, Travis still carried him to his room and put him to sleep. Doctors said that babies need to sleep more compared to the adults and he believed in those words.


    Jillyanna discussed to Cielo and Sky the upcoming trip once again. She needed to make sure that the kids will be alright while they''re away.


    "You don''t have to worry about the kids. Leave them to me." Sky reassured her daughter about. As much as possible, she''d lie to give her and Travis some time to be alone together. They had been preoccupied with so many things and it wouldn''t be good if they won''t relax and give time to themselves. Besides, she wanted to take care of her grandchildren! Even if Travis and Jillyanna wanted to leave the house for a whole month, she wouldn''t disagree. She would even send them off happily.


    Jillyanna was finally at ease and confident that nothing will happen while they''re gone. "Let me get some water first. Excuse for a while." She stood up from her seat and left to get a glass of water from the kitchen. While doing so, her phone, originally owned by Travis, vibrated in her pocket.


    She fished it out and checked who sent her a message. "Hi. I just realized that your other number is being used by your husband. So, I guessed that you will be using his. I am excited to see you again." Jillyanna raised her eyebrow while reading the message. She typed her reply and sent it to him. ''I will welcome you with open arms.'' This was what Jillyanna typed before blocking the number. Though, she doubted it will stop the person from contacting her.


    "Well, there''s no other way but to face him. Didn''t he say that he is married already? Why is he sending me messages like this? That''s a little bit weird." She mumbled to herself without noticing that Travis was standing right behind her.

 Chapter 507 - HEART-TO-HEART TALK

    "You know who he is?" Travis spoke from behind which startled the hell out of her.


    "Don''t startle me like that." Jillyanna scolded him while clutching her chest.


    "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to startle you. Besides, you didn''t really notice me here? That''s odd." With his wife''s ability, he knew that she should have noticed his presence.


    "Why would I out myself on guard inside my own house? Do you think someone would creep behind me and kill me? I would only be wary around the people I don''t know."


    "You are so trusting."


    "Because everyone her trusts me, too." Jillyanna responded with a smile. "Going back to your question, I have a guess to the identity of this person." Travis just cocked his brow for her to continue while he sat on a stool right in front of her. "Remember the time that I was under observation few months ago? Someone called me that time and you even asked if her was your rival."


    "Oh? You mean that man is the same man who''s sending weird messages to you now?"


    "I guess. When Riley told me about the message they got this morning, I was quite bothered by it. If I remember correctly, Tristan told me that he''d come and visit with his wife."


    "If it is him and he just want to purely visit you, he didn''t have to do those weird things, don''t you think so?"


    "I agree with you on that. I am not really sure how he''s doing now and I don''t have any interest either but, I guess we need to check on him just in case."


    "Let''s talk to Shein about him later." Travis stood up and held her hand before they got out of the kitchen.


    Thomas and Alex were playing chess with Hawk and Valkyrie watching their game. Jenny was talking to Brown regarding some medical stuff. She wanted to become a doctor and since she was smart, likes science and math, they didn''t doubt that she''d make it.


    Hearing some parts of their conversation, Jillyanna was intrigued. In truth, she was slowly influencing Jenny to become a doctor. When she first took Jenny in and sponsored her education, she told her about the wonders of science and mathematics. After sometimes, she told her about how beautiful it would be if someone can cure people like her. Then, she introduced her to Brown who''s a doctor and has more knowledge when it comes to the medical field. Slowly, time after time, Jenny took interest with Medicine and Biology. She likes checking the Internet for some information and she likes to watch experiments as well.


    It was all under Jillyanna''s grasps. She wanted someone to inherit her mother''s research and continue; Jenny was the best candidate. However, she was a bit worried for her. These past few times that they met, she thought that Jenny had something she wanted to talk about. But she never opened up to her.


    "Jenny, can we talk later?" Jillyanna asked het to make sure that she will have a chance to communicate with the young girl before she leaves the house.


    "Sure. I''ll come and find you after getting more information from Evan." Jenny responded enthusiastically. She had a bad feeling about this ''talk'' that Jillyanna wanted to have but she didn''t know the reason for that.


    Around four in the afternoon, they had an afternoon tea with some desserts that Cielo brought earlier plus, some cookies that Savannah made. Shein and Jade were still happily having a contest of who can crack a security server faster than the other. It was Jade who will choose which server and to make sure that it wasn''t a bias game. Riley came in and brought them some refreshments but the two of them didn''t even acknowledge her presence.


    "These two are hopeless." She murmured before going out of the computer room to give them space again.


    Jenny and Jillyanna was sitting on the bridge, their feet were hanging down, hovering over the pond beneath them. "Do you have anything you''d like to tell me?" Jillyanna spoke first, trying to sound gentle as much as she could.


    Jenny looked down on the pond, watching their reflection as the fishes rippled the water every time they moved. "I actually wanted to talk to you about something but I don''t know how to deal with it and I am a little afraid."


    "What makes you afraid? Didn''t I tell you that you are a family to me. At the same time, I don''t want to hold too much control of your life. If you want to do something, just do it. As long as you won''t step on other people, I won''t hinder you."


    Jenny took a deep breath and looked towards Jillyanna, the person who acted as her guardian when there''s no one who cares about her; even her mother left her. "The truth is¡­I..someone..I like someone." Jenny opened up with shaky voice.


    "And then?" Jillyanna questioned softly.


    "Well, this person likes me, too." She paused for a while and fiddled with her fingers.


    "I can sense that there''s a ''BUT'' next to your words."


    "Well, kind of. His from a prominent family in the city and his parents didn''t like me. I don''t mind about it since we aren''t married or engage. Nonetheless, it still bothers me. I like him since the first time I met him during the entrance ceremony."


    Jillyanna reached out her hand and ruffled the young girl''s hair. "There''s a season and time for everything. Did you agree to become his girlfriend?" Jenny shook her head to deny it. "Since you aren''t committed to him yet, don''t stress yourself over it. You are still young to start thinking about that. Aside from that, if that person really loves you, he will do everything he can for his family to accept you. If he won''t even defend you against his parents, I don''t think he loves you at all. However, this is just my own conjecture. I don''t really know him to say something ill but, if you really love him, then do your best to prove to his family that you are worthy of his love. Study hard."


    Jenny knew that she needed to achieve something to prove that she was worthy to stay beside him and to do that, she needed to become the best person in medical field. That was the reason why she was so obsessed with science and mathematics. Jillyanna''s influence really came in handy to her.

 Chapter 508 - ANXIOUSNESS

    The gathering continued until it was dinner time and Jackie had to leave the place for a date. Lucian had to go back to work as well so, the remaining people were the only ones who dined together and watched an action movie after. Though Travis wanted to watch action movies, he preferred taking care of their baby. Jade was with him since she didn''t like to watch the movie they aired. The sound effects were so loud that she thought she''d be deaf.


    "Do you mind reading the story of The Turtle and The Rabbit?" Travis asked his daughter who were looking for stories on the shelves.


    "Okay." She reached for the book and walked towards the bed where her father and her baby brother were staying. "Daddy, is it alright for Mommy to watch a very loud movie? I just thought that it would stimulate her heart to beat faster."


    "Your Mommy will be fine. She said that she''ll only stay for half an hour."


    "I understand."


    True to her words, Jillyanna and Cielo went out of the movie room after half an hour. They only went there to show respect with everyone''s choice. At the same time, even though they left, the people inside didn''t mind it since they knew that the two women needed to be conscious of their health. The other was pregnant and the other one just got out from the hospital few months ago.


    "Do you want to eat some ice cream with me?" Jillyanna asked her sister who was walking beside her.


    "A little bit is fine."


    "Okie dokie." The two of them descended the stairs and went to the kitchen to get some ice cream. "Cielo, do you remember Tristan?"


    "Tristan? Your classmate in college who liked to compete with you?"


    "Hn."


    "Well, I can still remember him. Why do you ask?"


    "I was just wondering if he had always been good in computers before. He was indeed smart but I viewed him as someone who wasn''t really into computer stuff." She pulled a chair and let Cielo sat on it before walking towards the freezer.


    "Now that you mention it. I saw him several times coming out from a net caf¨¦. He also spent a lot of time in the university''s computer laboratory."


    "He did?"


    "Yeah. But I am not sure what he was doing back then. I just thought that maybe he was working on some school activities or projects." Cielo revealed all the information that she knew. "Why are you asking about him?"


    "Well, he told me that his wife is a fan of mine and he promised that he''d let her meet me. I feel a little adamant about it."


    "Did you tell Travis that he''d want to meet you with his wife."


    "I did. He was fine with it." Jillyanna answered while scooping a vanilla ice cream for Cielo.


    "As long as he is fine with it, I guess that it''s okay." She smiled at her sister and received the cup of ice cream from her. "I am just so happy for you, Yanna. Imagine, you have completely laid out the path of your life. You were very specific with your wants and needs. To tell you honestly, I thought that you were leading a boring life. I thought that your idea was kind of lonely. At the same time, we still supported your decision of having a baby without a father. And now? Look at you and your family. I am so glad that your plan to escape was ruined. But, we were also in constant worry for you. It''s not even a year yet but, you have experienced so many life-and-death situations."


    "Actually, I have experienced a lot more than you know. Anyway, I''m glad that you stopped me from running away as well."


    The two of them shared their thoughts about different things. Jade was already very sleepy from the day''s gathering; and while she was trying her best to keep her eyes open and read the book, her eyelids weren''t cooperating at all. In the end, she fell asleep on her baby brother''s room.


    Seeing that his son was sleeping peacefully in his crib and his daughter was sound asleep on the small bed, Travis felt so much joy from the bottom of his heart. He bent down and picked up his daughter to bring her back to the room. He tucked her in under the blanket and kept the room temperature lower to keep her from sweating.


    When he got out of Jade''s room, everyone was also coming out from the movie room. Thomas and Alex were talking about the movie enthusiastically like the youths who often went to a movie house and rent their favorite DVD. Sky and Jenny were following behind them and so were the others.


    "How was the movie?" Travis asked them as he walked towards the master''s bedroom.


    "It was nice. Thanks for today, son." Thomas responded with a gentle smile on his lips.


    "No problem. Let''s have a gathering again once we''re back from our trip."


    "Right. You take care of your wife and children. I''ll go home with Gabriel now since it''s late. Winter would be angry if her man stays late outside the house."


    "Okay. Bye, dad. See you again next time."


    "Thanks for inviting us." Sky also stated to him.


    "I''m glad that you''re here, Mom. Jillyanna is very happy as well."


    "Where is she by the way?"


    "She''s probably in her small rooms downstairs or in the kitchen."


    One after another, they bid their farewell to Travis and to Jillyanna who was indeed staying in the kitchen, eating an ice cream with Cielo.


    When everyone left, the house was in deep silence once again. The only thing you could hear was the running water in the kitchen since Auntie Fei came inside and helped Jillyanna washed the dirty kitchen wares. This whole gathering helped the servants relaxed their mind and body since the family was very hands on to their food and preparation. The only think they could help was to being a dishwasher for them.


    They have always been like this. Once there''s a gathering, they would always cook for their own food instead of asking their helpers to do it.


    Jillyanna let Auntie Fei finished washing the things that they used and she went upstairs. Travis was sitting in a bathtub, enjoying his time waiting for his wife. When Jillyanna came in with a towel wrapped around her body, he moved over to give her some space.


    Unknowingly, a new message was received on her phone that she placed on top of her bedside drawer. "It''s nice to see your smile."

 Chapter 509 - I WANT TO DO NAUGHTY THINGS WITH YOU

    Jillyanna leaned on her husband''s chest, feeling his warmth on her back and the coolness of water kissing her skin. "Did you have fun today?" Travis asked her while kissing the back of her shoulder.


    "I did. I am so glad that we gathered almost everyone today. How about you?"


    "Just so-so."


    "So-so? Why?"


    "Because I want to do something naughty with my wife but there were so many people today and they kept you occupied." Jillyanna chuckled while listening to his nonsense grievances. She could already guess that it was his lower body that needed attention.


    "If you do something naughty now, I might not have energy for the upcoming trip."


    "Didn''t you say that you''ve got great strength and stamina?" Travis questioned as his kisses moved from her shoulder the side of her neck and to her nape.


    "Just forget what I said. I was just joking. I am still weak and needed more energy." Jillyanna insisted but she could already feel that her body temperature was increasing. She was feeling hot and she could feel the thick and hot rod pressing her back. "I think I''m done bathing." She wanted to escape from him or she won''t be able to get up early tomorrow. But then again, her husband had been starved for several months due to her health and letting him have a taste of her was just making him crave for more.


    "Don''t go yet." Travis held her waist to stop her from leaving. "Just stay like this for a while."


    Knowing that he was trying his best not to do something against her will, Jillyanna felt bad for her own husband. She shifted her body and came to face him, kissing his lips directly which stunned him. He wasn''t stunned for a long time before his lips moved in symphony with hers.


    He nibbled on her lower lips while his hands started to move all over his wife''s body. The place that he touched tingled and sparked, sending waves and waves of pleasure down to her very core. She could no longer feel the coolness of the water and her brain was starting to get fuzzy as well.


    Travis cupped her chest and played with her nub, rolling it under his thumbs which elicited a muffled cry from her. His kisses traveled down to her jaw and to her kissable collarbone. She was so sexy and tempting and the scar on her chest couldn''t hide her beauty. He kissed her scar which was from the operation she got during the transplant.


    "I love this scar so much. It symbolizes your bravery." Travis whispered before kissing it again. His left hand moved to her lower abdomen and touched the scar of her C-section there. "This symbolizes your love for our family. And you symbolize love itself."


    Jillyanna loved the words she was hearing and she loved it even more when his fingers touched the place that she wanted it to be. Travis was thrusting his fingers in and out of her and he could feel her throbbing. Her whimpering moans made him even more hard and he could no longer take it any longer.


    He stood up from the bath tub and pulled her up as well. "Can you face the wall for a while." Jillyanna did as she was told and placed her palms on the wall for support. Travis held on to her waist while pushing his length inside her. Jillyanna''s knees were going weak just by having him inside her. And when he moved, she couldn''t stop herself from crying out his name.


    "RV, not so hard. I''m going crazy. This is just too intense for me." Jillyanna mumbled while clamping on tightly.


    "Don''t clamp on me. I''m going to burst."


    "But, ah! Wait¡­I..Travis.." she couldn''t comprehend anything anymore and she couldn''t finish her words. Her palms were sliding off the wall and she was having a hard time keeping her posture.


    Travis pulled himself out from her which totally confused her. Before she could even ask ''why'', he went out of the tub and lifted her as well, impaling her with his shaft as she straddled him. With him inside, he carried her off to their bed and continued their activity.


    One thing that she learned from this activity was, never boast your strength and stamina with your husband. The energy that she stocked all these times in order to take care of their children was sucked dry by him. She was so exhausted by the time that they were done. ''I won''t boast anymore.'' Jillyanna told herself mentally.


    Travis was wiping her body with wet wipes and tissue to clean her up. After making sure that she was fine, she dressed her with her nightdress and shorts. She didn''t like wearing underwear when she''s sleeping. Well, she didn''t really like sleeping with clothes on but it would be a problem for Travis. He dried the tips of her hair that got wet from the bath earlier before he took care of himself.


    "I love you so much, Jillyanna Summer Xavier Madrid Madrigal." Travis whispered as he moved her hair away from her face and kissed her forehead.


    "I love you, too, Travis Avery Madrigal." Jillyanna whispered back without opening her eyes. She wasn''t sure if she was hearing things but she responded to him anyway.


    Travis smiled and hugged her to sleep. Husband and wife, a relationship that he''d never dreamed of having after he hurt her in the past. Now, they were not just husband and wife but a mother and a father as well. Their two kids were their treasures and even if Jade wasn''t really their daughter, they loved her like their own.


    And because they loved her, they were going to make an appointment with the university admin for Jade in the next morning. However, Jillyanna was too tired that she ended up sleeping the whole morning and woke up just few minutes after twelve. She could still feel the pleasure within her and she didn''t want to move. ''My husband has never changed. He is still the same hungry wolf even though I have fed him not long ago.''

 Chapter 510 - TAKING THE PRELIMINARY EXAM

    Travis brought her food upstairs and let her eat while he took care of their son. Jade was answering her workbooks to finish the whole 5th grader course before taking the exam. She was very hardworking and whenever she''s got questions she couldn''t quite understand, she''s got her parents to explain it to her.


    "I''ll contact the school administrator later to get a schedule for your examination." Jillyanna told her daughter who was answering her math questions.


    "During the examination, are you coming with me?" Jade asked her mother without raising her head.


    "Of course. I''ll go with you since your father will be taking care of the baby." She stated with a victorious smile. Since he won''t let her take care of their son so, she will take advantage of it to go out with her daughter.


    Little did she know, she won''t be able to do it.


    After she ate her food, Jillyanna called the number on the back of the manual to get in touch with the admin.


    "Good afternoon! This is Trine Elite University admin. How can I help?"


    "Hello. This is Jillyanna Madrigal. I''d like to ask if you are starting to accept application for your accelerated study test?"


    "Yes, ma''am. How old is your child?"


    "She''s 6 years old."


    "Just give me a sec." the lady on the phone opened her computer to get into the profile section for applicants. "What''s her name?"


    "Her name is Jade Venus Madrigal."


    "What grade would you like her to skip?"


    "5th Grade."


    "I presume this is a female student."


    "Yes."


    "What''s your email address for notification purposes?"


    "Do you have anything on the 25th of this month?"


    "No."


    "Good. I''ll send a confirmation message on the phone number you are using right now and please follow the steps to proceed."


    "Thank you."


    "You''re welcome. I wish your daughter luck." The woman ended the call and sent a message to Jillyanna.


    "It''s done?" Travis asked her when he saw her putting down her phone.


    "Yup. But, there''s still some things we need to do. I just got the message."


    "Let me do it for you. You can take care of the children here." Jillyanna didn''t ask anything anymore and gave her phone to him. She would never let this chance pass when she can finally take care of her babies.


    Though it was considered taking care, she was just looking after them since Travis fed their son and changed his diaper already. She''s got nothing much to do. In the end, she just sang a song to him. After all, she was once a singer.


    Travis took a little time since there were several steps needed for the school examination. On the last step, it was asking for Jade to take several tests from Grade 1 to 4. Though there weren''t so many questions, it was still considered time consuming. One grade was equal to one and hour which means, Jade will take the exam for six hours.


    Travis looked towards the time and it was just few minutes past one in the afternoon. "Well, I guess she can finish this before dinner time." He mumbled to himself and brought the laptop to Raizel''s room. "Jade, you will be taking a preliminary test before getting the proper 5th grader exam on the 25th. Would you like to answer this here or inside your small study room downstairs?"


    "I''ll do it downstairs."


    "Alright. Daddy will accompany you. Come here." The two of them went down, leaving Jillyanna and Raizel alone. She wasn''t bothered by it since she was alright with her son. It was also their quality time. She carried the baby and slowly walked around the room while telling him some fables.


    Travis set up the laptop on the small table and started the exam time for his daughter. He was a little worried since she was studying with 5th grader topics earlier and now she was taking this exam again. If they knew it would be like this, he wouldn''t have allowed her to study earlier. It will tire her brain.


    He sat on the couch behind her and watched over her. Thinking that she''d need to replenish her energy, Travis went to the kitchen and took out some snacks for her. "Sweetheart, do you really want to take this school? It''s a bit tiring to take these whole exams of different subject."


    "Don''t worry, Dad. I finished the first grader already."


    Travis blinked his eyes at her. It hadn''t been long since he left and she was done with one grade already. Well, it should be a piece of cake to her since she had done taking this course few months ago. Still, Travis was worried that she''d burnt out her brain circuits. He wasn''t really asking so much from her. As long as she enjoys her life, he won''t set high expectations from her. It''s not because he didn''t believe in her but he was a little worried that she''d have a boring life.


    He''s been there so many times. When he was young, he studied hard and agreed to whatever his father wanted him to do or study. He wanted to prove to them that he was smart and capable. They''ve got high expectations from him. In the end, he had the most boring childhood and he ruined the first person that he befriended.


    No matter how much Jillyanna told him not to think about it, he can''t stop himself from doing so. He would always feel guilty because of what happened. Which was also the reason why he loved her so much now. He wanted to make up for the lost years when they''re still apart.


    ''Tick! Tock! Tick! Tock!''


    Time was ticking slowly while Jade answered the exam. When she looked in the lower right corner of her father''s laptop, it was still three in the afternoon. The number of items were increasing as well. When she answered the first grader exam, there were 50 items per subject and she took five subjects. For the second grader, there were 60 items per subject and it was still the same five subjects. She was currently taking the third subject and there were 70 items per subject. This time, there were six subjects that she needed to answer.

 Chapter 511 - YOU WONT LET MOMMY GO WITH ME...

    Jade continued to take the exam and she only left her seat whenever she had to go to the bathroom. Her eyes were a little tired so she stopped for a while and closed it. She was putting some sliced cucumbers on her eyes while taking her break. It was already five in the afternoon and she will be taking the 4th grader exam. She checked the instruction earlier and found that it was a 100 items exam per subject. Though there were only six subjects, it can still be considered a lot to answer within one hour and half.


    "I thought that the time will be carried over once I''m done with one grade. I didn''t expect that one and half hour will only be allotted for one grade, finish or not." She mumbled softly to her father.


    "Will you be able to finish the last grade?"


    "Hn. I think I can do it." Jade affirmatively responded to him. After ten minutes of rest, she started taking the exam again. On the side of the laptop was a plate of dark and think chocolates for her. Travis also made sure to keep her hydrated by placing a glass of water on her side.


    "Daddy, I was just wondering."


    "Hn? What is it?"


    "You won''t let Mommy go with me to city A during my examination day, right?"


    Travis cocked his eyebrow with this question. How can she be so perceptive? Nonetheless, he still answered her honestly. "I am planning to go with you instead of her."


    "I guess so."


    "How did you guess it?" Travis asked. Even though they were having a conversation, Jade still continued to answer.


    "First, Mommy isn''t fully recovered yet. She said that she''s got better stamina but she still ends up sleeping all the way ''til noon." Travis let out a faint chuckle knowing that he was the cause of his wife''s oversleeping. Second, she always attracts trouble. Since she got pregnant all the way to giving birth, trouble didn''t stop coming. Third, someone''s been keeping an eye on her recently and you are worried. Fourth, you wanted her to take care of baby Raizel while we''re gone. Fifth, you just want to keep her safe."


    Travis didn''t know what to day at this point. Everything that Jade said was true. Down to the last reason she mentioned. "You are a blessing to us, Jade."


    "You are wrong, Daddy. I am the one who''s blessed for meeting all of you." Jade retorted back. She just prayed to have a baby sister or baby brother last Christmas and it didn''t mean that she had to be adopted. If a baby came to the orphanage, she was still alright with that. However, God answered her prayer in a different way and there were extra blessings added to it.


    She was so glad that she didn''t stop living her life. Even when her mother and her baby sister died, she didn''t lose hope. She strived to live her life no matter how low she can go.


    Five minutes before the time was over, Jade finished the 4th grader exam. It was the last test that she needed to take which made her feel relieved. She stood up from her seat and stretched her limbs. "I''m done, Dad."


    "Let me send it back to the admin." Travis took the laptop and finished the process. The two of them went back to Raizel''s room when they finished everything. The room was silent and a two figure were sleeping on the bed. Jillyanna cuddled her baby to sleep while her husband and her daughter dealt with the exam.


    "You take a rest here. I''ll cook for our dinner. Call me once the baby wakes up." He whispered to his daughter while placing his laptop on the small table inside the room.


    "Got it."


    Travis left them alone and went to the kitchen. Auntie Fei and Auntie Sisi were currently preparing the ingredients for dinner but Travis took over while the two helped him as his assistant. Not long after, Shein, Savannah and Hawk came home from the company. Shein brought another batch of documents that Travis needed to review. Savannah sorted out the projects for Travis to check later as well. It had always been like this since he stopped coming to the office.


    "Bro, I''ll place everything inside the study room." Shein informed Travis as he walked upstairs. Savannah followed him and made sure that everything was organized to save time for Travis later.


    Riley came home as well with a new script in hand for a TV series that she will be auditioning in a week from now. They were all busy but they won''t forget to play with Jade whenever they''re at home.


    "Jade?" Shein knocked on the little girl''s room but there was no response. He retraced his footsteps and stopped in front of Raizel''s room. They were not allowed to enter the room unless Travis says so, therefore, he could only knock again and wait for Jade.


    "Wait." Jade''s small voice rang out and was slightly muffled since the door and the walls to this room was very thick to avoid disturbing whoever''s inside, specially a child who can be easily disturbed in his sleep. Jade opened the door and saw Shein standing there with a smile.


    "Welcome home, uncle."


    "Do you want to play with my computers?"


    Jade looked down on her hand and shook her head. "I just finished answering a whole bunch of exams for Trine Elite University. My eyes are very tired."


    "I see. Well, let''s play again when you are not tired."


    "Thanks, Uncle."


    "Sure. I''ll take my leave now. Your auntie will be looking for me again."


    "Right. She just got home. You should go to your house and see her."


    "Yup. See you later."


    "Later." Jade went back inside when Shein left to go back to his own house. Jillyanna had woken up but baby wasn''t so, she asked Jade to look after him while she went downstairs to make the milk formula to fed him later.

 Chapter 512 - ITS NOT FROM ME...

    Jillyanna went downstairs to get the milk for her baby but something caught her eyes outside the house. Instead of walking towards the kitchen, she went out for a bit and found a small box near the gate. There was no name written on it and the thing that caught her eyes earlier was the small mirror which was attached on top of the box.


    "I wonder who left this here." she didn''t pick it up since she had no idea what was inside it. "Travis?!" she yelled for his name to come outside the house.


    "What is it? Why are you here? Weren''t you sleeping upstairs?" he asked while running towards her.


    "That is not important. What''s important is this." She pointed at the box near the gate while looking around the place. "No one reported anything suspicious. Is someone guarding the security room? Why didn''t anyone notice this?"


    "That''s weird. Shein and the others just got home and they didn''t say anything either." Travis reached out for her hand and moved her out of the way, shielding her from anything harmful or from anyone lurking in the dark.


    Top just came back from getting some water and seeing that the two of them were wary about something outside, he was quite alarmed as well. "Boss, young madam, what happened?"


    "Uh..Do you now who left that box?" Jillyanna asked him while pointing at the box again. Top shook his head and opened the gate wider to get out. He looked to his left and right but he didn''t find anyone.


    Just as he was about to pick it up, the box moved and the three of them were so surprised that they instantly stepped back. The box burst open from the inside and what greeted them was a small robot. Its head was super round and it had big eyes. The legs were made of wheels and it had complete metallic fingers.


    "This is Astro. The most intelligent robot. Do you like me?"


    "OH MY GOSH! JUST WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!" Jillyanna exclaimed and walked towards her husband''s side so that she can see the little thing clearly. "This is awesome! Who made this?! Was anyone playing a prank on me?"


    "As much as I want to surprise you, this is not from me." Travis told her immediately.


    "Then, who brought this one here?" Top asked in wonder as well. As far as he remembered, Shein and the others came home earlier but none of them left a box outside the gate.


    "Let me question you again, do you like me?" Astro, the little robot asked with his cute little voice.


    "No, I don''t like you." Travis answered the robot with intense glare.


    "I can sense that you despise me but, I am not asking you the question. I am asking the woman beside you."


    Jillyanna was thrown into a fit of laughter when the robot responded. It was very intelligent indeed. She was holding her stomach from laughing so hard and her husband was even more upset with the robot. He was just about to kick it when the robot spoke again.


    "Don''t kick me, bad guy. I am here to help."


    "Help? I don''t need your help." Travis crossed his arms over his chest and snorted. "Pick that scrap metal and burn him." He ordered Top and left to go back inside the house.


    Jillyanna was still laughing silently, her shoulders were shaking uncontrollably. "Don''t throw him. Put him inside the box again and send him to Shein. Let him know about what happened."


    "Shein?! No! I don''t want to face that brat! Astro doesn''t like that brat."


    "Oh? Really?!! Then, I just made the right choice." Jillyanna smiled and followed her husband inside. Since the robot''s legs had wheels, it ran on the ground when Top was trying to catch it. It had fixed its mind not meet Shein.


    She already guessed who the secret sender was but, she was really bothered by something. The past few days, his messages sounded perverted and threatening and now, he sent a robot to help her. ''Just what exactly is he trying to do?'' Jillyanna thought to herself. And since she was spacing out, she didn''t notice that Travis already stopped walking and she bumped right on his chest.


    "What are you thinking that made you space out?" he asked his wife as he rubbed her forehead that bumped him.


    "I was just wondering what that man was up to." She admitted it honestly to him.


    "Don''t think too much about it. He will show himself up, sooner or later."


    Half an hour had passed and Top was still chasing after the small robot. Despite being small, it ran so fast on uneven ground. Rocks and weeds couldn''t stop it at all. And it was a little difficult for a big guy like him to catch something so small, smaller than Jade.


    The robot didn''t know where to go and just went to random places to run from its capturer. Even though it claimed itself as the most intelligent robot, it was still considered stupid. Why? Because he sent himself to Shein. It didn''t know that the direction it was running to was towards the backyard where the other houses were located. And out of three houses, it even chose the one that Shein lived in.


    Top was secretly enjoying himself since he didn''t need to do anything much. The robot made it all the way to Shein''s place.


    Shein heard the commotion outside and saw Top chasing after a small thing, something so familiar to him. A smile appeared on his lips and he ran downstairs to help Top catch it.


    The robot bumped into something sturdy and couldn''t move. When it raised its head, it was like a person who was traumatized when it met its phobia. It didn''t move and just watched Shein''s face getting closer and closer to him.


    "It''s nice to see you again, Astro. Did your lovely husband repair you after our last meeting?"

 Chapter 513 - WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?

    The robot seemed to tremble when Shein greeted it and after a few seconds the light in its eyes dimmed and it completely stopped moving. "Hahahaha." Shein laughed happily upon seeing its pitiful reaction. Astro was just a robot but it can perceive little things like a real person.


    Jillyanna didn''t know that Shein was familiar with the robot, she just told Top to bring it to him since he was the most techy person among them. It was purely a coincidence that they were familiar with each other. As far as she remembered, Shein loved to assemble and disassemble things. He was a very curious child when he was young and he wanted to know how a thing function.


    Shein picked up the robot and when he was inside his computer room, his computers were all showing the same handsome face of a man. "Little brat! Don''t disassemble my love! It took me a whole year to repair her because of you."


    "You are really weird. So, was it you who hacked my network security?" Shein asked while holding the robot in his arms.


    "It was me."


    "Whoa! As expected of you. Does that mean you are the one who ranked no.1 in the hacker world?"


    "I don''t really care about that title. I just want to make money and live happily with my beloved."


    "Beloved my a**! You can just go out and find a real person, why must you hide yourself and do this?"


    "Because the woman I like is already gone."


    "Tsk! And here I was, thinking that you like my sister."


    "I liked her. But that''s in the past. All I want is to help her now."


    "Didn''t you say would come and meet her again?"


    "Actually, I am just few meters away from your place but, I felt afraid in the last minute."


    "Where are you?"


    "Are you picking me up?"


    "No. I''m going to put you in a sack, tie you in my car and drag you down on the road."


    "Cruel."


    "Shut up. Let me see your location." Shein put down the robot and controlled his computers to trace the man''s location. He was indeed not far from their face. "You are such a coward."


    "I''m not."


    "Stay wherever you are. I''ll come and get you. Don''t run if you don''t want me to disassemble your beloved." The computer turned black for a moment before it went back to its normal displays. He talked to Riley about it and the two of them went to Jillyanna''s house.


    "Are you going to pick-up Tristan?" she asked her brother who walked inside from the back door. She was currently trying to cool down the milk for her baby. Some mother would pour cold water in a milk formula, some would pour hot and cold. For their baby, they would pour a hot water to perfectly dissolve the powder before placing the bottle on a cold bucket of water to lower its temperature.


    "Prepare yourself when you see him." Shein told her which made Jillyanna even more confused.


    Travis was almost done cooking the first dish and his two assistants were preparing the ingredients for the second one. He was also interested with the identity of the person that they will be meeting later but he didn''t show it on his face. Jillyanna knew Tristan in the past but he didn''t know what happened to him after their graduation.


    Shein and Riley went to pick Tristan together. He was inside a van which was full of computers and other equipment, and when they opened it, he was hugging a picture of a woman. It was his deceased fianc¨¦e. Shein knew some things about him since the two of them had encountered each other in the past. He just didn''t know that he would become the no.1 hacker in the whole world, while he came second only to him.


    "Come on. My sister is waiting for you." Riley spoke softly with a smile. She heard from Shein how the man ended up this way and she felt sad for him. And a little pity maybe.


    "I''ll drive the car for you." Shein stated and asked for the car key and as soon as he received it, he got inside the car with Riley and drove it towards Jillyanna''s mansion.


    Jade was looking after the baby since her mother went downstairs and when Raizel woke up, she called her mother to come upstairs. Instead of feeding him inside his room, Jillyanna carried him to the living room. Savannah and Hawk also came to help Travis cooking their food. Valkyrie was at the living room, building a tower of cards with Jade while waiting for Brown to come home.


    Since they got back from their mission, Brown stayed at the hacienda to look after Thomas. Jillyanna had a lot of people to depend on but Thomas just got few people at home. Not long after, Brown arrived. "I had so much fun today. The mango trees had small fruits already and I helped the farmers spray it with some plant medicine. They said it was a type of insecticide. I never thought that climbing trees would be so much fun."


    "It was your first time to climb trees?" Jillyanna asked him in surprise.


    "Well, yeah. I climbed many mountains, cliffs and buildings but, today was my first time to climb trees."


    "It seemed like Travis made the right decision to send you there." Valkyrie responded with a smile. "Go and take a shower. You can''t touch the kids when you haven''t cleaned yourself. Travis will kick you."


    "I know. I''m outta here." Brown jogged towards the back garden to go back to their own house for a shower and to change his clothes as well.


    While he was not around, Shein and Riley arrived as well it a handsome man with them. He looked pretty feminine with his long hair tied in a high ponytail. His skin was so white and it was better than a girl''s. He kept looking down on the floor while he played with his thumbs so, they couldn''t see his face clearly.


    "What happened to you?!" Jillyanna asked in exasperation as she stared at the person in front of him. He was so different to the person she had in mind.

 Chapter 514 - TRISTANS VISIT

    Travis cocked his eyebrow when he heard his wife. "Isn''t this the same Tristan you had in mind?" he asked her while taking the baby from her.


    "Uh..how should I say this¡­hmm.The Tristan in my university years was a little tan, and had a short hair. He was also a bit chubby with cheerful personality even though we kept arguing at times."


    "Hey! I''m still the same Tristan, okay? Did you just discriminate my past self?!" Tristan questioned with so much grievances. "So cruel. This world is so cruel!"


    "Alright. I''m sorry. I am just really shock to see you like..like..like this. What happened to you all these years? Didn''t you study making business? How come you''re acquainted with Shein? Where''s your wife?"


    "Wait! Why do you have so many questions? Can I sit down for a while? I haven''t been out in the open for a long time. Having these many pairs of eyes looking at me like I''m an insect ready to be dissected, I think I''m going to die for anxiety!" Tristan wasn''t very reserved in front of them at all. Whatever he felt, he thought, he wanted to say; he expressed them in all honesty.


    "Let me get you something to drink." Jillyanna stated and walked towards the kitchen.


    "Can you add a little something for me to eat. I think I''ll pass out from hunger."


    Shein rolled his eyes at him as he sat on a different couch opposite their guest. He didn''t know that Tristan was acquainted with Jillyanna at first. And he thought that Jillyanna just guessed Tristan''s identity from the result of a private investigation. ''Wait, sis didn''t ask me to investigate him. So, did she know all along?'' Shein asked himself mentally.


    Tristan looked towards Travis and grinned. "Did I make you feel threatened when I called her for the first time?"


    "Why should I feel threatened when she never really looked at you like how she looks at me?" Travis questioned with unhidden arrogance.


    "Cruel! So cruel! Can''t you be a little honest without an ounce of arrogance on your face. I know you were jealous."


    "Tsk! Whatever."


    Tristan laughed so hard when he saw the indescribable expression on Travis'' face. "It''s fun to see your face like that."


    "Did you forget that your wife is still inside my house?" Shein voiced out which silenced the laughing Tristan. He drew his knees together and clasped his hands together. He looked so behave that it was rather ridiculous to watch.


    "I shouldn''t have come and help! You are just bullying me!" Tristan took a throw pillow and hugged it. "Can I have my wife back? I want to hug her."


    "Later." Shein responded nonchalantly.


    "Later? When is that later?"


    "Later when I think it''s the right time."


    Jillyanna came back with a tray of juice and three sandwiches for him. No matter how much she looked at him, he was just so different to his past self. She even thought that his past self was just a pigment of her imagination. "This is for you."


    "Thanks, Yanyan." Tristan murmured and started wolfing down the food.


    "Hearing that old nickname made me realized that it is really you. Let me introduce my family to you."


    "No need. I know all of them. Travis is your husband, Jade and Raizel are your children. Jackie and Riley are the adopted twin. You''ve got soldiers here as well. And there''s Shein, the little brat."


    "Hey!" Shein stood up to argue with him. "I am not a little brat, okay? You are just few years older than me."


    "Whatever." Tristan waved his hand to dismiss the angry little goblin in front of him. "Anyway, I am here to help."


    "What help? I don''t think we have a problem now." Travis responded to him.


    "Yeah? With a large piece of land, booming business from here and out of the country, how many people wanted to take you down and overtake your Empire?"


    "So? They can come and try taking it."


    "Arrogant, aren''t you? Did you forget that your wife just got out of the hospital not long ago?"


    Travis wanted to find something to retort him but, he realized that Tristan was right. "I think, it''s likely that you needed our help instead of you helping us."


    This stunned Tristan and the sandwich that he was holding fell on the floor. His eyes dimmed as he wiped his face and picked up the now-dirty sandwich and put it back on the tray. "So, you''re saying that you won''t need my help? You are just pushing me away because you feel threatened with my presence."


    Travis chuckled while watching the man in front of him. "Let''s drop the act. Tell us why you''re here. If you won''t become honest with me, I will not let you approach any of our family members even if you consider them acquaintance or friends."


    Seeing the brewing tension between them, Riley brought Jade upstairs. It would be bad if she stayed back. "Is the visitor a bad person or not?" Jade asked her auntie as they walked towards her room.


    "I don''t think he is bad but, there are things that only adults can handle. Let''s not join their conversation."


    "Okay." She didn''t ask any other question and went to her room. There, she played with Riley while waiting for her parents to call them.


    Back in the living room, Tristan was quite for a whole minute already. He was still contemplating if he should really tell them everything. Travis, together with his family, was the new target that the underworld wanted to take down. He didn''t anticipate this order and he was unhappy when he received it. He wanted to refuse them but his family will be in grave danger as well.


    "Someone hired me and asked me to dig all your dirty secrets. When I told them that there''s none, they took my sister and held her hostage. I don''t really want to cross you guys but, I don''t want my sister to die."

 Chapter 515 - COOPERATION CONFIRMED

    Tristan told them everything about the Dragon Gang that owns a large market in the business world. They had shares in several hotels and restaurants, in entertainment industry, in supermarkets, in clothing lines and other types of business. And most of all, they were trading illegal firearms.


    "How did you make connections with those scums?" Valkyrie asked him since Tristan looked decent and wasn''t someone who would do something unscrupulous.


    "I was overseas when I met one of their underlings who thought that I would be useful. He offered me a job and I accepted it since I had nothing back then. At first, they only asked me to improve their security network and create strong firewalls. They paid me a huge sum of money for that. I sent everything to my parents since they would need it more than me. My father built a small toy factory and started selling toys. I didn''t even know that it was rapidly growing in the span of two years. I told my parents not to sell any shares to the Dragon Gang and I even sent them a list of names that they needed to avoid. As the years passed by, they were asking me to dig this and that. I didn''t know what they were using that information for. Until I saw the news about those people I checked. Some of them died, some were sent to prison and some left the city. And the Dragon Gang took over the business and made it grow like they didn''t have anything to do with it. When I wanted to leave, they took my sister and kept her. My parents and I were afraid to let anyone know so, we just told the people who asked about her whereabouts that she was studying abroad."


    Shein pitied him so much. They might not be experiencing the same thing but they both suffered. Jillyanna raised her hand with a faint smile on her face. "We will think about this issue later but, are you really married? You didn''t lie to me last time just to make me agree about this visit, right?"


    "Huh? Ah! I am not married."


    "I knew it! You lied to me!"


    "Well, I don''t have the chance to marry her. My fianc¨¦e''s gone."


    The atmosphere turned gloomier and no one spoke for a whole minute. Brown came from the back door, fresh from the shower with a new set of clothes. "What''s happening here? Oh! We have a guest?"


    Tristan looked at him and smiled faintly. "I''m Tristan. Nice to meet you."


    "I''m Brown."


    "I''m sorry for asking you insensitive questions." Jillyanna apologized. "I didn''t know."


    "It''s fine but, you actually met her earlier."


    "We did?" Travis was the one who asked this question. "Is it the robot?"


    "Yes. I built her in memory of my fianc¨¦e. When she was alive she would always listen to Jillyanna''s song and she always dreamed of meeting her. When I found the identity behind the singer, I promised to let her meet you someday. Sadly, she passed away before I can fulfill my promise. Anyway, let''s not talk about it. It''s depressing."


    Brown didn''t really know what they were talking about so, he left them and helped Savannah and Hawk in the kitchen. Valkyrie cleared his throat and stared at the man. "You said you wanted to help us and at the same time get us to help you, right? Do you have any plan in mind? Base on your description, this gang is a large group that is widely spread in our city."


    "I have all their information including the leaders. What we need is a high number of manpower because we need to act at the same time before they could give information to their higher ups."


    "I need to talk to Calhoun about this." Valkyrie responded.


    "I have another question." Travis stated. "Since you weren''t able to find anything on us, what will they use against us?"


    "They will use brute force! I found them discussing about erasing all of you here including the people in your hacienda and the Madrid''s villa. If I may say, this is the biggest and most brutal business acquisition. I wanted to tell the law forces about this but, they also have someone in the police department. I can trust anyone but, you, the target of this matter."


    Jillyanna took a deep breath and sigh. "Seriously?! They are planning all these when Travis finally decided to bring me out in two days?! Are they really tired of living?!"


    Tristan could only sympathize for having her long-awaited vacation postponed. They needed to make preparation before it''s too late. There were so many lives at stake in this acquisition game. "I''m really sorry for telling you this now."


    "No, there''s no need for you to apologize. You just did the best thing." Travis told him and stood up. "I suggest it would be best if you and Shein works together to gather more information here."


    "I can''t stay here. It will be bad if they knew that I keep in touch with you. I''ll stay in my own place and share the information to Shein."


    "Alright. Let''s start making preparation after dinner." Valkyrie mentioned and stood up as well. They just finished their discussion, when the four military officers inside received a message from Calhoun about their next mission.


    It was purely a coincidence that the given mission was the same topic that Tristan mentioned earlier. Nonetheless, they were happy for having information and several leads on this matter. They don''t need to closely monitor the targets as well.


    "I think we will have a good cooperation on this." Valkyrie told Tristan. He didn''t tell them about the specifics but he told him that the military will be cooperating with him.


    Tristan sighed a breath of relief when he finally got an affirmative answer. He was happy that he''d be able to save his sister. He can''t let her suffer the same fate as his fianc¨¦e. He needed to save her while also saving Jillyanna''s family.

 Chapter 516 - HIDING HIS FAMILY

    After dinner, Jillyanna went to bed directly. She was so upset with what was happening around her. She was so excited for the upcoming trip without knowing that danger was lurking right in the corner of her life. She hated it!


    "What are you thinking?" Travis questioned when he got inside with baby Raizel in his arms. The child wasn''t sleepy yet so he decided to bring him around while Jade took a rest already. The child was also tired from all the exams she took.


    Jillyanna sat on the couch and drew her knees to her chin. "I''m really upset with this new problem. Can''t we just live our life peacefully? I mean, why do people want too bother us when we don''t even do anything to them! If they want a large piece of land, they can just buy it! Why go through the hassle of killing someone?!"


    "I understand how you feel. Maybe, there''s a reason why this was happening."


    "And that reason would be to get rid of the evil people in this world. I''ll get rid all of them!"


    "Not you, sweetheart. I can''t let you put yourself in harm''s way again. Let''s have the military handle everything. This is considered their jurisdiction so, we''ll just stay behind them and not involve ourselves."


    "But we are involved in this. We are the target, remember?"


    "I know. However, we can just let them handle everything. We''ll just wait and see how thing will go. We can''t act recklessly or we might tip them off."


    "What about our trip? I have been looking forward to that! This is just ridiculous! Argh!" she was getting more frustrated and just thinking about the trip which will be cancelled made her blood boil. "I hate this."


    Travis took a deep breath and sigh. "I''m sorry for letting you go through all this."


    "Why are you apologizing to me? It''s not your fault that some killing maniacs are out there targeting us."


    "Personally, I don''t want to cancel our trip as well. However, we need to mind our safety first. We have children that needed protection. Our family needed protection. I hope you''ll understand."


    "I understand. I totally understand which is the reason why I am so upset."


    "Wait. I have an idea." Travis smiled happily when he suddenly realized something. "Since there were people who are probably monitoring us, won''t they find it weird that we would suddenly cancel our trip? They would think that we know something and would make more preparation against us, against Tristan. Why don''t we continue our plan? At the same time, let''s have everyone stay in crowded places as well."


    "Like a hotel or resort perhaps?"


    "Right. We can ask them to go on vacation too."


    "All of them?"


    "Yes. All of them."


    Jillyanna thought about it for a while. She didn''t have any problem with that since money wasn''t an issue to them. They can stay out of their house at the same period of time that Travis and her had their trip. "It seems fine to me. I don''t see any problem with that."


    "See. We can all enjoy ourselves while waiting for the military to do their job."


    "Will we be able to arrange everything? We will be leaving in two days."


    "Just leave it to me. Would you like to help me put the baby to sleep? I''ll just contact someone."


    "Sure." Jillyanna took the baby from him and went to his room. Travis went to the study room and made a little preparation. Sending them a place with tight security isn''t a problem to him. He knew someone who owns a very amazing hotel in the city.


    Stefan was sitting on his couch, alone and sad while taking a sip of his favorite whisky. He wanted to sleep but he couldn''t. His insomnia was getting worse and even alcohols won''t make him sleep. His sleeping pills don''t work on him anymore.


    He was looking at the scenery outside his room, the city lights, the tall buildings around him and the people on the ground, walking to and fro. He was thinking about his life in the past when his phone rang. He fished it out of his pocket and saw Travis'' name flashing on the screen.


    "Yo!"


    "Hey. Haven''t gone to sleep?" Travis asked.


    "You know I can''t. Anyway, what made you call me?"


    "I need your help."


    "Just state it."


    Travis informed him about the plan of sending everyone to have a vacation. He didn''t tell him that they were being targeted to make sure that he won''t be dragging Stefan with him. "In short, you want me to pull some strings, book two floors of my beach hotel and ask someone to guard your family while you and your wife have a trip in Bali?"


    "Hearing it from you, why does it sound so bad?" Travis commented with faint chuckle. "But, yes. That is right."


    "When do you want it to happen?"


    "In two days."


    "Got it. Send me all the information of the people who will be staying in my hotel so I can have it done as soon as possible. I''ll send you the confirmation tomorrow morning."


    "Thanks. I''ll email it to you, now."


    Travis sent him the list of the people who will be going for this short vacation including their helpers and the bod guards. They needed to protect the people while they''re having a vacation. Though it was stated as vacation, they were most-likely hiding away from the enemy.


    Travis couldn''t allow anyone to take the risk of staying at home when their enemy can easily strike them down. The military was still making its preparation and it will probably take them a week to settle everything down. Tristan was very careful when it comes to sending information as well. He might be the best hacker in this world but he was also being monitored. In fact, the leader of the Dragon Gang found out that he visited Jillyanna''s house.


    And the next day, he was interrogated.

 Chapter 517 - CELESTINE, THE HOSTAGE

    Tristan was sitting on a couch calmly like he wasn''t facing the most notorious gang leader in the world. "What were you doing in the Madrigal''s home yesterday?"


    "You told me to find some information regarding them but I couldn''t find anything related to them through hacking. They seemed fine with no bad record. So, I decided to pay them a visit. Mrs. Madrigal was once my classmate in college so I used it as an opportunity to get close to them."


    "What did you guys talk?"


    "I introduced them to my robot plus, we were catching up for the all time''s sake. I was trying to feel the strength of their group since you mentioned that they were strong opponent. When I came to their house, there was just a small actress, a not-so-good programmer, two children, Mr. Madrigal was there, a young doctor, a chef, a housekeeper and a gardener plus few guards. There wasn''t anyone who looked strong at all."


    "Are you sure about that?" the burly man who had been standing behind Tristan spoke. "We heard that there were people from the military in their family."


    "Army should be considered smart, right? When I was speaking to them, none of them looked so smart to me aside from the couple and the doctor. I did find that there was once a military officer who stayed with them but that person was now crippled. He lost his left leg and got dismissed. I even checked his military profile and sure enough, he was dismissed due to his physical disability."


    "That''s weird." The man spoke in low tone. "Before I asked you to look at them, I had other resources who told me different information."


    "Are you saying that I am lying to you? Would I dare to when you got my sister in your hands?"


    "Right. When I think about it, Tristan never failed us before. Maybe Travis Madrigal is just so good in hiding information." The bulky man behind Tristan spoke again. "I also heard that Madrigal likes to work alone. That might be the reason why no one knew if he had committed crimes in the past or not."


    "I agree. I did all the best I can. I am planning to visit them again after a week or two so that I can check their security measure and see if there''s any secret passages or not. I am going to do everything I can to free my sister."


    "That''s good to know. Anyway, I''ll have Hibiki show you the way to see your sister today." The Dragon Gang leader spoke to Tristan.


    Hibiki, the burly man who was standing behind him, gestured him to stand up and follow him. Tristan made sure to take note of the passages that they went through and the mechanics of the place to make sure that anyone who will come to rescue his sister won''t be trapped.


    He wasn''t stupid enough to believe their words again. After what happened to his fianc¨¦e, he won''t trust their words again. He will make sure to get his sister out of this prison as soon as he can.


    Hibiki was silently walking ahead of him while he was busy looking around the place. "Is it necessary to send my sister in a place like this? Can''t you at least put her in a decent room?"


    "No, we can''t. Until you accomplish your mission, we will not release her."


    "Is there anyone who guards her here? What if she would need something?"


    "I look after her. If she needs something, I always make sure to give it to her. As long as you don''t fail the boss, nothing will happen to her."


    "Thank you for looking out for her." Tristan stated with a smile but his eyes showed no emotion. He was angry and upset that he couldn''t do anything to get his sister out of this hell yet. ''Just few days more and everything will end.'' He chanted mentally just right before he arrived in a cell.


    Although it was a prison and the hallway were kind of dark and creepy, the cell of his sister was big and clean. There was a small cabinet with several change of clothes. She''s got an electric fan as well. Her bed was spacious and his sister didn''t look like a prisoner. She was quietly reading a book on her bed.


    "Celestine?"


    The young woman stopped reading her book and raised her head. "Tristan! I am glad you are here! Are you taking me out now?"


    "I haven''t finished taking the mission yet. Don''t worry, I''m doing my best to get you out of here. While waiting, make sure to behave properly, okay?"


    "How our parents? Are they alright?"


    "Hn. They''re fine. They miss you so much. I''m sorry for dragging you along with this mess."


    "That''s fine bro. They didn''t do anything to me here. Just go and do your thing."


    The two of them talked with the metal bars in between them. Hibiki won''t open the cell door so they''ve got no other choice but to speak with the bars blocking them.


    Celestine was very afraid when she was taken in but, she was a little relieve that the people didn''t really want to do her any harm. They just wanted her brother to do his job properly which was why she was taken by them. Nonetheless, she didn''t like the idea of staying in there.


    She hated it that Tristan was doing something he didn''t want to do just because he wanted to save her. He will be committing crimes because of her. Tristan stared at his sister and mouthed ''Someone is coming to help us.'' He reached his hand and held her sister''s cold hands with his. "I''ll do my best to get you out of here. Just trust me, okay?"


    "Okay. I will trust you. I will wait for you to finish your mission." Celestine promised happily.


    Tristan smiled and let go of her before leaving the place once again. He just wanted to familiarize himself with the lay out and at the same time, check if his sister was being treated properly. As soon as he left the house and arrived at his small apartment, he drew the lay out of the house including the traps and mechanisms.


    "This is my last hope for my sister. Please make this work." He murmured to himself while creating the blueprint.

 Chapter 518 - PACKING JILLYANNAS THINGS I

    Even with the issue and the danger lurking around them, Riley didn''t give up with her mischievous plan of ''helping'' her sister in packing her things.


    "You will leave tomorrow, right? How about I help you pack with your things?" Riley asked her sister over dinner. They were also gathering to talk about the trip that everyone will have to take while the couple''s away from home.


    "You can pack your own stuff. Why bother me?" Jillyanna retorted before eating a spoonful of food.


    "Shein packed my things already. I just want to help you since you will be packing the stuff for kid, right bro?"


    Travis could see the mischief behind her smile and he wanted to go along with her plan. ''It''s good to be naughty once in a while.'' he thought to himself with a faint smile. "You can pack her things. Make sure to pack her ''most important'' belongings."


    "Sure."


    "Why are we going on a trip, too? Isn''t it supposedly your date?" Jade asked her parents about it.


    "Your Dad and I will go to a different place while you and the other stays in Clover Beach Resort. You won''t be coming along to our date." Jillyanna answered her daughter truthfully.


    "We won''t be going on that trip with everyone since we have a mission. But I guess, we can ask Calhoun to let Savannah and Brown stay with you guys. After all, you are also implicated in this matter." Valkyrie suggested.


    "I''ll handle that matter. Hopefully, Calhoun will allow us so, that someone can keep them safe on this trip." Savannah added.


    "You mention that it is ''everyone''. Does that mean everyone in their house or will that include the family in hacienda and Madrid''s villa?" Jackie asked to make sure that she got the information correctly.


    "This trip includes them." Travis responded. "Tomorrow, once we leave for Bali, you will also leave for a trip."


    "Honestly, this is the first time that I feel afraid over a fight." Riley commented as she put down her spoon and fork. "I''ve always been confident with my fighting skill but, facing this problem suddenly makes me feel weak."


    "Who says you''re going to face them?" Hawk questioned softly. "The military will face them but not you. We received the information from Tristan and Shein will help us check it later. You don''t have to worry about anything. Leave this matter to the soldiers."


    While listening to their conversation, Jade understood that the trip tomorrow wasn''t merely a family vacation. It was also to hide them and keep them safe from the lurking enemies.


    In a small apartment, Tristan was finalizing all the information he gathered while taking a sip of his energy drink. Since he arrived home from the interrogation and from visiting his sister, he hadn''t taken any food and he avoided contacting his parents as well. He didn''t want them to worry so much and it was also possible that they were being monitored so he was avoiding all forms of contacts with them.


    "Dragon Gang might be powerful with so many people connected to them and so much money and assets in their possession. I wonder why they were all stupid?" He murmured to himself while his hands didn''t stop doing their job of typing on his keyboard. "I don''t know if I should feel bad or if I should laugh that they trusted me so much. Don''t they know that even a mouse, when cornered, it can bite a cat? Just because they have my sister, doesn''t mean I''ll obey everything they says. Hmp! I will make sure that you''ll pay for what you''ve done to my fiancee."


    To the outside world, what they knew was that his fiancee died due to a car accident. However, to her family and to him, they knew who the people involved in her death.


    They wanted to retaliate. He wanted to retaliate. But he was powerless against them. He was only good in business and technology. He was best in hacking. But, it was also easy for them to figure out that he was the one who leaks the information and he couldn''t risk it. He will be dead before he can achieve his goal.


    His one and only option was Jillyanna. When he was first given the task to check on Travis Madrigal, it was her name that caught his attention. He never thought she would be relates to the powerful man. What was more shocking was that, she had been targeted by different people and she had been putting her life on the line for her baby''s sake. She was so brave that he envied her strength and intelligence.


    When he contacted her for the very first time after several years, he remembered his fiance. At that point, he really wanted to introduce his beloved to his former classmate but she was gone. All he could do was to make up some lies and take his time.


    He thought that the Dragon gang already gave up their pursuit after few months. He didn''t know that they would ask him to do the same thing again. They still wanted to take the business that Travis put his life on to. Not just him, his father and his grandfather nurtured the company to what it is today.


    He hated the idea of doing it but they used his sister against him. Thus, he could only do whatever they want while mixing his own plan. He would make sure that he destroy all of them.


    "It''s payback time." Tristan mumbled and sent the documents to the Shein as well as to Jillyanna and Travis to make sure that the both of them were calibrated.


    Jillyanna got his message and replied with an ''OK'' sign before going to their daughter''s room. She was tasked to pack her things while Travis pack their son''s things. Riley was tasked to pack Jillyanna''s stuff. Well, she wasn''t really tasked to do it but she insisted in doing it.


    "I''ll make sure they''ll have fun even if we are having this little problem behind us." Riley chuckled whenever she imagine her sister''s reaction. "It would be pretty fun."

 Chapter 519 - PACKING JILLYANNAS THINGS II

    She was given free access to their things but she was only responsible for Jillyanna''s things. Travis will pack his own things later.


    She had her hands on her hips while looking at her sister''s clothes. "There are so many of them." she murmured as she checked each of them to choose which one to pack or not.


    "This red lingerie looks hot and seducing, let''s pack this."


    "This black two-piece is really sexy, sister will look good in this."


    "I like her to wear this as well. I''m pretty sure that Travis will love this." She pulled the knitted semi-transparent sky blue dress that can be worn over the bathing suits.


    Most of the things she chose for her were swimsuits and lingeries. The normal clothes that Jillyanna could wear in Bali were handful. She was so excited to know her sister''s reaction when they got there.


    As for Jillyanna''s shoes, she chose few heels and shoes for her. She knew that they wouldn''t be going out that much once they arrive at the hotel. Travis won''t just allow that. She was so sure of it.


    "What else?" She looked at the things on the suit case before looking at the wardrobe again. "Let''s try putting the normal clothes on top so that she won''t suspect anything."


    She was so focus on her task and she even included some costume outfit that Travis got for her sister. She knew those kinds of stuff so she wasn''t really shy to see those things in their wardrobe. She even once tried wearing a nurse costume for Shein to tease him up so, it was really nothing.


    When Jillyanna finished packing her daughter''s clothes, she went back to their room and found Riley packing some jeans, shorts, t-shirts and few dresses. She didn''t suspect anything under those normal clothes. She just let Riley do whatever she wanted while she packed some important cosmetic products, passport, gadgets and her wallet.


    "Since you will be staying for a week in Bali, I packed extra clothes for you." Riley informed her sister without telling her what those extra clothes were.


    "Thanks."


    "Sure. Enjoy yourselves and don''t think too much about us. I''ll make sure to protect everyone when I don''t have work to do."


    "I know I can count on you." Jillyanna winked at her sister and smiled. Riley might look young but she was really strong. She might be scared but Jillyanna knew that she would never surrender herself. She would fight her way no matter how many people would want to hinder her.


    Riley finished packing her sister''s clothes and left her to call Travis. They needed to make sure that Jillyanna won''t look into her suitcase.


    Travis was very cooperative with Riley''s plan. As soon as his sister-in-law came out, he went inside to start packing his own things.


    "I already told our parents about the plan and they were all prepared. Sky and Alex will come tomorrow to pick up the children." Travis informed his wife while he was taking out some clothes to out in his suitcase.


    "How about Valkyrie''s suggestion? Did Calhoun allow Savannah and Brown to stay with them at the resort."


    "They told me they''re having a meeting right now. We''ll probably hear some news later."


    "I see." Jillyanna sat on the bed with her passport in hand. "Once the trip is over, let''s go back home immediately, okay?"


    "Of course. Let''s all head back home to celebrate our victory."


    That night, no one was able to sleep from anxiety, except the two children. Calhoun agreed to Valkyrie''s proposal to let Savannah and Brown stay with the family. It was best to protect them since they were the next target. He also sent some men to dress-up as civilians and protect them at the resort.


    Their mission to take down the Dragon Gang will start as soon as the flight for Bali that Travis and Jillyanna boarded take off.


    Early morning, Sky and Alex came with Officer Nik and Officer David to take the children to the resort. Jenny and Cielo were also together with Lucian and Jenny''s bodyguard with them.


    Gabriel and Thomas also left the hacienda with several body guards with them. The gardeners and the other helpers were also told to leave the house at night.


    Tristan was monitoring the Dragon Gang to make sure that no one was alerted to intercept their plan. He cooperated with Valkyrie and Hawk to relay information that he sees on the screen.


    Shein, Top and two other bodyguards accompanied Travis and Jillyanna to the airport. They needed to make sure that they will board the plane safely.


    Stefan also made sure that everyone on the lists that Travis gave him was present. He even ordered two elite groups of security guards to look after the two-floors of the hotel that he assigned to them.


    They would need to verify their identification everytime they went in and out. No one was allowed to use the two floors as well aside from them. It was to make sure that no one would be mixed up in Travis'' and Jillyanna''s family.


    Only their family was occupying the 11th and 12th floor. The security around the resort was also tightened and the military forces that was assigned to them also arrived looking like tourists on vacation, too.


    They''ve got names and lists of people associated to the Dragon Gang and everytime a name or a picture turned black and white, that means that person died or was captured by the military.


    Jillyanna and Travis was already inside the plane, making themselves comfortable while the mission time was approaching.


    "Ten seconds."


    "Eight."


    "Five."


    "Three."


    "Two."


    The flight for Bali took off which made Jillyanna closed her eyes and held onto her husband''s hand.


    "Mission commence! Take everyone, kill if they fight back." Calhoun commanded all the troops and all forces dispersed to their assigned area. Winter was also part of this mission and she made it her goal to capture as much enemy as she could. She would only kill if she''s left with no other choice.

 Chapter 520 - TRIP TO BALI

    Jillyanna and Travis arrived in Bali after few hours. They were picked by one of the military personnel that Calhoun arranged to guard them while they''re away. They couldn''t let anything to happen to them specially that they''re currently away.


    They were sent to their hotel and the officer rented the room across them to make sure that he''d be able to respond if anything happens to them.


    "Thank you." Jillyanna mumbled and gave the man a faint smile. Travis also bowed his head lightly to the man as well.


    As soon as they entered their room, Jillyanna laid on to their bed and closed his eyes. She was a bit worried for her family. "I''ll contact them." She mumbled softly without opening her eyes.


    "Go ahead." Travis told her, opened his own phone, dialed Sky''s number, gave it to his wife and started unpacking his things. Instead of using her own phone to call them, she was using her husband''s phone.


    Sky answered the call immediately when she saw that it was Jillyanna calling her. She remembered that Travis was the one using Jillyanna''s phone so, she didn''t expect that it was really Jillyanna who was calling her. "Yanna, what''s the matter?"


    "Nothing. I''m just a little worried. Are you guys alright?"


    "Hn. We arrived half an hour ago and everyone was trying their best to settle down for now."


    "How about the children?"


    "Jade is currently playing with Riley in the living room. Raizel is sleeping in his crib right now."


    "Thanks for taking care of them, Mom."


    "No problem. Just relax yourself and enjoy your trip. I''ll take care of my grandchildren here."


    "Hn. I''m confident of their safety with you."


    Jillyanna talked for a little while more before she ended the call. She returned her phone to Travis and looked at her suitcase. "I''ll start unpacking your things." Travis told her but she refused his help.


    "I''ll do this on my own. You don''t need to worry about it."


    "Alright. Just tell me if ever you need my help."


    "Sure."


    Travis went to the bathroom to take a shower while Jillyanna opened her suitcase. At first, she didn''t see anything embarrassing and she was just fine with it. She took out her shirts and arranged it on the closet. Next were her shorts and jeans. As she continued to take out her clothes, she noticed that there were very few normal clothes. When she realized what Riley has done, her face started to blush.


    There were many bathing suits and lingerie in her suitcase. In fact, half of the suitcase was occupied with her lingerie, costume clothes and sexy bathing suits. "What the hell was she thinking?! I can''t believe I''ll be staying with him for a whole week with these clothes. I''m going to die in embarrassment."


    She didn''t take out the rest of her things and just closed her suitcase and put it inside the bottom of the closet. She won''t let him see those things because she will be dead for sure.


    Travis came out of the shower with a robe tied around his waist. His hair was still dripping and drops of water fell on his shoulder and traveled down his abs. Jillyanna looked at him in a daze. When he stopped in front of her, she realized that she had been staring at him.


    "Are you alright? You look a little red."


    "I''m fine." Jillyanna answered immediately. "I''ll take a shower, too."


    She left him without saying another thing. Travis checked the closet and found her clothes. A smile escaped his lips and he pulled his wife''s suitcase. He took out all the remaining items and placed it inside the closet together with the other clothes. Jillyanna didn''t have any idea that her clothes were already exposed to her hungry husband.


    She was still enjoying herself in a bath while Travis changed into a fresh set of clothes. He didn''t choose anything fancy but just a plain black denim shorts and a white shirt. For now, he won''t tease his wife. He knew that she was worried about many things and he wanted to make sure that she''s free from worry before doing anything else.


    When she got out of the shower, she was a bit hesitant to open her closet. It was truly horrible that she didn''t have many clothes. As soon as she opened the wardrobe, her eyes went wide open and she instantly turned towards her husband, who was actually lying on their bed with a smile on his lips.


    "Uh¡­you know I didn''t pack my clothes, right?"


    "Of course. That is why I am so happy that you weren''t the one who packed your stuff."


    "So you mean, you cooperated with Riley about this?!"


    "Not really. I just knew that she would do something which would be favorable to you."


    "To me or to you?"


    Travis chuckled when he got her response. "For both of us." He said while putting his hands beneath his head to use it as a pillow while watching Jillyanna chose her clothes carefully.


    She didn''t have that many clothes and since they decided to stay in the hotel on their first day, she decided to chose a pair of shoes and shirts. "Do you want to play some game?"


    "A game of cat and mouse?"


    "No way! If I know, you will only think of eating the mouse."


    "That''s right. My wife is really thinking a step ahead of me."


    Jillyanna just rolled her eyes at him while she was looking for a hair dryer. She found none in her thing so she decided to wrap her towels around her head to let it absorb the water from her hair. Travis felt a little a bad for his wife knowing that she''d have to wait for her hair to dry before she can sleep or take a rest.


    "Come here." Travis called to her while he patted the space on the bed next to him. He was holding a hairbrush in one of his hands. "I''ll comb your hair and help you dry it."


    "Okay." Jillyanna walked towards him and sat on the bed with her back facing him. Travis unwrapped the towel from her hair and slowly combed it for her. "Mom told me that they just arrived earlier and was currently trying to familiarize themselves with the place."


    "That''s good to know. I also heard from Savannah that the security was tightened to make sure that no one will harm them." Travis responded softly. "Are you still worried?"


    "Hn. A little. I know that they will be fine."


    "Right. Many people will protect them." He paused for a while to find a way to change the topic. He didn''t want her to worry all the time during their honeymoon. "Didn''t you ask me to play a game with you? What game do you have in mind?"


    "A card game or a board game would be fine. It will help me relax my mind."


    "Let me ask the hotel if they can provide us a scrabble board to play."


    "Sure."


    Travis stopped from combing her hair and took the telephone on the bedside drawer to call the hotel customer service. He asked for a scrabble board, medium cooked steak and a bottle of red wine. He wanted to eat first before they start playing. Jillyanna hadn''t taken any food since they left and he didn''t want her to be hungry. No matter where they were, his goal was to always protect her and keep her safe.


    After quarter an hour, their food was served and there was the scrabble board as well. "I hope you''ll have a good stay." The service boy stated and left.


    "Let''s eat first, your hair will probably become dry after eating."


    "Alright. I won''t refuse this amazing suggestion."


    "I always suggest amazing things to you."


    "Really? I don''t remember. I only remember how shameless you are."


    "Being shameless in front of you is my forte."


    "I won''t argue with that." Jillyanna covered her mouth in muffled laughter. The two of them ate their food in their veranda, overlooking the view outside which shows the vast sea with so many people sunbathing on the shore. Jillyanna could feel the saltiness of the sea breeze whenever the wind blows towards them.


    "I like the view from here." Travis stated while he arranged the food on their table.


    "It''s beautiful."


    "But you are more beautiful."


    "Of course." Jillyanna retorted instantly. "I don''t think you will find someone more beautiful than me."


    "I don''t plan to look for anyone else. Having you is more than enough."


    "What about their children?"


    "They''re the bonus I got after getting you."


    "You really have a sweet mouth."


    "Did you just realize it now? You''ve tasted my mouth several times before already." Travis teased her again which made Jillyanna blush.


    She couldn''t really understand why she would still blush and feel shy around him. They''ve been together for more than a year but she would still feel the racing beat of her heart whenever he teases her. She liked it a lot.

 Chapter 521 - I WILL WIN THIS TIME

    Jillyanna and Travis ate their food while enjoying the view. "Let''s have a family trip next year." She calmly suggested while taking a sip of her wine.


    "Where do you want to go?"


    "Anywhere you think is fine. I will rely on you when choosing the place."


    "Hn. I like it when you rely on me more."


    "More? I''ve been relying on you all these times. I don''t want you think I''m a burden."


    "I have never thought of you that way. I''m happy and satisfied whenever I make you smile." Jillyanna felt warm in her heart and she fell in love with him once again. Every little thing that he showed to her every single day made her fall for him once again. And she knew that this love would never fade no matter what adversity they will face.


    Travis looked at his wife since she didn''t respond to him and he was a bit worried if he said something that displeased her. "Jill? Are you alright?"


    "Yup. I just think that it is quite unfair to leave everything to you. I am your wife. Why don''t we share our worries together? Just let me take care of the children once we get back. You can focus on the company while I take care of everything at home."


    "Do you really want to do it? I am worried that you''ll be tired."


    "I won''t be tired. If I ever get tired, I''ll let you know. I won''t endure it and make you worry."


    "Okay."


    JIllyanna looked at him and blinked her eyes several times. "O-okay? You agreed?"


    "Hn."


    "Really?" she had been telling him about this matter but he said different excuses to make her back down from her own offer. She didn''t know that she would agree this time. She was still not able to believe it.


    She stood up from her seat and walked to his side, hugged him tightly from so much happiness and kissed his chin ¨C her favorite gesture towards him. "Thank you. I''ll make sure to do my best and make you proud for having me as your wife."


    Travis put down his wine glass and hugged her waist. "I''m proud and happy enough to have you by my side. You don''t need to do so much for me. Just make sure that you are safe and healthy. That''s more than enough for me."


    "And the kids?"


    "You will be protecting and taking care of the kids so I am sure that you will keep them safe."


    Jillyanna squinted her eyes while looking at him. "Why do I feel that you care for me more than the children?"


    Travis was stunned to hear those words from her. He wanted to deny her words but it was actually the truth. He took care of the children because he didn''t want her to worry. He didn''t want her to get tired, to be upset or to feel anxious. He did everything for her.


    Jillyanna took a deep breath and sighed. "I know you are always worried for me but I am really fine now. I know you love the children as much as I do but I can still see that you care for me more than them."


    "Sorry." Travis mumbled softly.


    "Don''t be sorry. I know you are doing what you think is best and right."


    "Thank you."


    "I should be the one thanking you." Jillyanna responded to him. "Travis, I don''t really know what would become of me if I didn''t meet you. If I wasn''t crazy for hooking up with you, I don''t know where I''m at now."


    "Actually, I always believe that you will be fine wherever you are, with or without me."


    "But you won''t leave me, right? We promised that we''ll always be together, grow old together and die together."


    "I won''t break my promise." Travis responded as he took hold of her hands and kissed the back of them. He turned them over and kissed her inner wrists as well. "I will stay with you ''til death do us part."


    Jillyanna smiled, even her eyes turned to a lovely crescent moon when she smiled. She leaned her face closer to him and kissed his lips but Travis didn''t respond to her. Her face changed abruptly and she was already frowning. "Why aren''t you responding to my kiss?"


    Travis peered directly into her eyes with deep lust swirling in his gaze. "If I respond to your kiss, I will break my promise earlier."


    Jillyanna was slightly confused. "What promise? Did you promise not to kiss me anymore?"


    "I promised when we arrived that I will not do anything to you today since we just arrived and you are still worried about our children."


    "And kissing is included in that promise?"


    "Well, kind of. If I would really kiss you, I won''t be able to stop once I start it."


    "Oh.. I see." She nodded her head and a grin slowly formed on her face. "I''m so glad to hear that you made that promise."


    "Take note of my words. I said ''it is only for today''. Got it?"


    "Hn. I totally get it." She kissed him once again and didn''t let the chance slip off from her grasp. When she moved, she lightly knocked the table and the red wine spilled, making a little mess on her shirt.


    "Are you alright?" Travis asked immediately while looking for a tissue to wipe the stain from her shirt.


    "Don''t worry about it. I''m fine. I''ll just change my clothes."


    Travis didn''t know that his wife was having naughty thoughts in her head. She was teased by him these past few weeks and she wanted to retaliate. ''Let''s see if you can really keep your promise.'' She thought to herself while thinking of a plan. ''He''ll play scrabble with the sexy me.'' Hana laughed victoriously in her mind.


    She walked towards the bathroom with his semi-transparent lingerie. She was going to make him go crazy for her during the game. ''I will win this time.''

 Chapter 522 - SEDUCING MY OWN HUSBAND

    Travis cleaned the table and placed their dirty dishes on the sink. They will just ask the hotel service to take them later once they order their food for dinner. After making sure that everything''s fine, he set up the scrabble board on their mini living room while waiting for his wife to come out from the bathroom.


    When Jillyanna came out, she was still wearing a robe. "Are we going to start the game now?"


    "Yup. Let''s play while waiting for our food to be digested."


    "Sure." She walked to the other couch opposite him and sat across the board. "Is there some kind of twist in this game? Or is it a normal scrabble game."


    "I thought of adding a little spice in our game. How about we play truth or dare. Whoever formed a lower score of word will get to choose truth or dare." Travis suggested.


    "Sure. I don''t mind." Jillyanna agreed, raised her left leg and placed it over her right thigh. The robe that he wore was already above her knees and when she crossed her legs, it exposed her white and smooth legs. It made Travis swallowed his throat drily.


    "Ahem! Ahem! How about you put some clothes first?" he asked her to keep himself from being distracted.


    "I am actually wearing my clothes but you know Riley, she only packed my nightwears and bathing suits. I don''t have any other choice."


    He could already imagine what she was wearing and it already gave him a hard on. "I see. How about you pick one of my shirts and put it on?" Travis suggested with a little difficulty.


    "Really? I can do that?"


    "Of course. Why can''t you?"


    "Yay! Thank you for lending me a shirt." She stood up from her seat and walked towards their wardrobe once again. She steeled her resolve to tease him.


    Travis felt something wasn''t quite right and while watching her rummaged through his pile of clothes, he realized something. She was teasing him! She was definitely teasing him after he promised no to do anything to her today.


    Jillyanna found a large black shirt from his clothes and pulled it out. Without saying anything, she untied her robe and exposed what she was wearing. She was only wearing a black underwear and a black spaghetti-strapped bra with a sheer cloth hanging down on her stomach, making her look sexier than standing naked in front of him.


    "Ahem! Can you dress up quickly?"


    "Okay." She walked towards him while putting the shirt on. Intentionally raising her arms to shows her belly button and her lean waist. Even though she just gave birth not long ago, she still looked sexy because Travis always watched after diet. Plus, she had to be extra careful with her food because of her surgery. She had two scars; one on her chest and the other was on her stomach. It wasn''t very obvious because of the medicine that Dr. Alison prescribed to her. But if you really look closely, you can see the mark of her surgery.


    No one would be able to see it though except Travis. After all, he was the only person who can see her naked. "Are you done teasing me?"


    "Huh? What are you talking about?" Jillyanna played dumb as if she had no idea what he was talking about.


    "Never mind, let''s just start our game." Travis just shifted his eyes to make sure that he won''t be looking at her legs. It was killing him!


    "Should I go first?" she asked while picking her letters.


    "Sure. I don''t mind." Travis replied while he arranged the letter he picked on his rack.


    The two of them looked at their letters and thought of the words to make out of them. Jillyanna was having a hard time because she picked one vowel letter and the rest were consonants. "This is a little difficult for me." She mumbled and placed her first word on the board. "CAN"


    "Wow! That is so great of you." Travis clapped his hands before putting his letters. "FEAR"


    "You were just making fun of me!" Jillyanna exclaimed unhappily since Travis won the first round. "I''m choosing dare."


    "My wife is really brave."


    "Of course. I will do anything you want me to do."


    "Really?"


    "Yup."


    "How about you look for some pants or shorts in your clothes? Put something to cover your body."


    "Sure. Sure." She didn''t really mind it. She can continue with her plan later. They still have a long day and night; she can still tease him later.


    She looked for shorts again and found the last two very short shorts in their closet. "I can only wear one of these clothes. I can''t wear my jeans or I won''t have anything to wear tomorrow."


    "I understand. Just choose from those."


    Jillyanna chose the black one which would complement her underwear and lingerie. She felt a little victorious whenever she sees the discomfort on his face. He was clearly controlling himself to keep his promise.


    "I''m all done. Let''s continue." She sat across him once again to resume their game. She picked up three letters and placed another word on the board. "FRY."


    Travis sighed this time since he couldn''t think of another word from the tiles of letters on his rack. "I''ll choose truth." He mumbled while he placed his word ¨C "BAR"


    Jillyanna smiled and thought for a question that she can ask him. Most of the time, they would share whatever they had in mind and they talked about their past as well. She didn''t have many things she''d want to ask him. "How did you feel when you signed the papers for the operation?"


    Travis was slightly taken aback with this question. After Jillyanna came out from the hospital, she never asked him about this. "I was really scared at that time. I was afraid that I would blame the child in the future if you really died. But then, I remembered my promise to you. And I know you won''t blame for not choosing you so, I signed to save the baby and begged the doctors to save you as well."


    "Is that the reason why you''re extra worried for me this time?"


    "Hn." Travis answered her truthfully.


    Jillyanna smiled and stood up from her seat. Her questions were her ways to act and tease him. "Because you are very honest to me, I will give you a prize." She sat on his lap and kissed him happily. "I''m such a good wife, right?" she teased him after giving him a kiss.


    "No, you are not. You are clearly seducing me."


    "That''s fine. I''m seducing my own husband anyway." Her laughter rang in his ears, strumming the string of his heart and produced a warm melody.

 Chapter 523 - PLAY AND CUDDLE

    Travis also laughed upon hearing her words. "Are you sure with what you''re doing? Aren''t you afraid I''d lose control and break my promise?"


    "You won''t do that." Jillyanna gave him another kiss before leaving him to go back to her own seat. "Let''s continue this game."


    Travis could only smile and shake his head helplessly. "Who''s turn is it?"


    "My turn. I just kissed you and now you forgot already?"


    "My wife made my mind go blank. I can''t help it."


    Jillyanna grinned at him and wasn''t the least bit guilty with her actions. There''s nothing wrong in seducing your own husband. He was hers to seduce every day and spend her lifetime with. She looked toward the board and checked her tiles again. With a cheerful smile, she placed her tiles to connect with the word that Travis formed earlier ¨C "FEARLESS".


    Travis sighed deeply when she made her word. He picked up unlucky tiles and he couldn''t find any better words that can score higher than her word. "I got LAID."


    Jillyanna raised her eyebrow and looked at him. "I was the one who got laid, not you."


    "Right. My bad." He chuckled and carefully placed his word ''LAID'' on the board. ''I choose dare this time."


    "I dare you to make a sexy dance in front of me for a full minute." His jaw dropped at her words and Jillyanna could only laugh at him. She was really having fun at this point. "Come on. Just a minute sexy dance in front of me. Should I play a song for you?"


    "Is there a punishment if I don''t do this?" Travis questioned his wife. Sexy dancing was never his forte. He never danced and he was embarrassed to even try it.


    "No room for discussion. You''ve got to do this." She borrowed his phone and searched for a song to play. "I''ve got the perfect song for you." She played the song ''Crazy In Love by Beyonce'' and played the slow version of it.


    "You are certainly enjoying this. Be prepare with my retaliation later." He stated as he walked towards her. He took a deep breath and started to dance in front of her. Instead of doing a mere dance, he was obviously seducing her. He wanted to give her the taste of her own medicine.


    Jillyanna wasn''t the least bit affected. She had been seduced by him a long time ago and it was no longer new to her. He can seduce her however he wants and she will give in without a fight.


    Travis lifted his shirt and showed his abs to her- the abs that Jillyanna had been drooling for. She liked his well-defined abs and muscles. And she loved it whenever he''s holding her. She looked for a magazine under the coffee table and fanned herself. She felt extremely hot.


    "That''s enough." She stopped the music but Travis didn''t stop dancing. This time he was the one who was teasing her. He hummed the song on his own and danced in front of her. He even moved closer to her. "It''s fine already. I can''t take it anymore."


    Travis chuckled after seeing her reaction and leaned down on her. He kissed the tip of her nose before pulling down his shirt and stepped away from her. He was enjoying the look on her face. He really likes it whenever she blushes because of him.


    The continued their game and Jillyanna was even more careful with her words. She didn''t want to give him a chance to retaliate against her. "BEAR is my word."


    "I got the word SEX"


    "I hate you!" Jillyanna mumbled. "I choose truth."


    "You won''t choose dare?"


    "No."


    "I thought you are willing to do whatever I want you to do?"


    "Not now. I''ll think about it later." There''s no way she''d allow him to bully her.


    Travis thought for a little while. "Hn¡­I want to know your current thoughts."


    Jillyanna didn''t expect those words. She thought that he would be asking difficult questions. "Uhh¡­I am thinking of teasing you. I am thinking of doing something naughty to you."


    "Really?"


    "Yup."


    Travis shook his head in disbelief. "Then, I can only be thankful that you are exerting so much effort for me."


    "You should be." Jillyanna retorted.


    "I hope you won''t regret anything tomorrow." His devilish grin sent shiver down her spine.


    "Actually, I am just thinking of going for a swim. I didn''t think about teasing you." Jillyanna took back her words because of his threat. She forgot that this was their honeymoon and she will be thoroughly spent for sure.


    Travis let out a throaty chuckle and which made her feel even more nervous. "There''s no use taking back your words."


    "Fine. I won''t regret anything."


    "That''s good to know." Travis stated without giving her a room for negotiation. He will let her know that it was not a good idea to tease him.


    Jillyanna stood up from her seat, walked towards him and sat on his lap. "Hubby, I''m sorry for teasing you. I won''t do it again. Let''s not do anything tomorrow, okay?"


    "You are not going to do it again? What are you doing now?"


    "Hn? I am talking to you?"


    "Really?"


    She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her head on his shoulder. "This is plain talking and cuddling."


    "I like this better." Travis mumbled and wrapped his arms around his waist. He kissed her head again and again while rubbing her back. "Let''s just cuddle like this. I don''t want to play this game anymore."


    "Alright. I don''t mind doing this as long as you won''t punish me tomorrow."


    "I can''t promise you that."


    "Why not?"


    "Because the purpose of this honeymoon is to punish you."


    "If I had known, I wouldn''t be so excited. It was really foolish of me." She pretended to sulk in his arms but she actually happy to be with him like this. She likes to play with him, talk to him, eat with him, cuddle with him; and do many things with him. As long as she''s with him, her world would be full of colors and she felt complete.

 Chapter 524 - YOU WILL LOVE IT

    The game was stopped and they just cuddle with each other. Travis was lying on the couch while she was lying on top of him. "Where should we go tomorrow?" she asked him while making circles on his chest using her finger.


    "Let''s take a stroll at the beach and have a short swim."


    "Don''t you have any plan to find a shopping mall with me?"


    "Why are we going to look for a mall?" Travis played dumb even though he knew why she wanted to find a mall.


    "We need to buy some clothes for me. Do you really want me to wear those things in our closet?"


    "Why not? You look good in those clothes. Besides, we are not going somewhere that would require you to wear dresses or any other clothes."


    Jillyanna pinched his waist and bit his chin. "Stop being naughty. Where are you putting your hands?"


    "I''m putting them on your back." He deadpanned with his answer.


    "I know it''s on back. Why is it under my shirt? It''s moving upward, too."


    Travis chuckled and kissed her right eye. "I like touching your warm skin. It makes me feel at ease and sure that you are really with me."


    She leaned her head on his chest and hugged his waist. "I like doing this with you as well. But I won''t be putting my hands underneath your shirt."


    "You can do it, too. I''d be very happy if you will do it."


    "No way. I don''t want to awaken a certain beast and suffer losses later."


    "You won''t suffer anything."


    "I will. I will run out of energy and I will have to stay here instead of enjoying the place outside."


    Travis laughed again. His heart was full of joy with her words and with their warm affection. They might not be doing extremely hot activity but it was still more than enough to fill his heart with love. "I love you so much, Jill."


    "I know."


    "That is not the answer that I am looking for."


    "Uhh, thank you?" she teased him again with her answer.


    Travis grinned and spanked her butt cheeks which made her eyes go wide. "I love you so much, Jill."


    "I love you, too." Jillyanna answered with gritted teeth. "Don''t spank me again."


    "Why?" Travis questioned as he gave another round of spanking. Jillyanna wasn''t really against his action but his biological weapon which was pressed beneath her was sliding on her smooth thighs. A moan escaped her lips making her close her eyes and buried her face on his chest.


    "Don''t ask me you, shameless wolf! Be mindful where your shaft is pressing!"


    "Is that so bad?"


    "It is bad! You told me that you won''t do anything today."


    "I am not doing anything to you."


    "Stop lying ton me. You are clearly making me feel horny!" His laughter echoed inside their room once again. Ever since they were together, Jillyanna learned to be shameless as well but, it depends on the time. "You''ll regret it if you won''t stop."


    "What should I be regretting about? I will welcome you to do anything to me." Jillyanna rolled her eyes at him. It was indeed unfair on her part because Travis would welcome whatever she had in mind.


    "I want to eat again." She mumbled to change the course of their topic.


    "You can eat me."


    "No, I won''t. I''ll be full in no time if I am going to eat you."


    "Isn''t that great?"


    "Stop being shameless. Let me call the hotel service."


    Travis let her go to contact the reception desk. He let her order whatever she wanted to eat but, in the end, she only asked for a tub of vanilla ice cream. He was really expecting that she''d order a full course meal. After all, he knew that she used to eat a lot. If it wasn''t because of her pregnancy and later on, her surgery; she would never allow herself to go on diet.


    An idea popped in her mind and she smiled with it. Travis promised that he won''t do anything to her today but that didn''t mean she wasn''t allowed to do anything. Aside from that, whether she stop now or retreat from her plan, she won''t be able to escape from his punishment tomorrow.


    ''I should do something while I am still in control, right? Either I do it or not, I will still receive his retaliation tomorrow. Better do something today.'' She ordered something else before putting down the telephone but, he didn''t hear it clearly.


    Travis didn''t know what she was thinking. When she turned around to face him, she run towards him and jumped without a warning. Travis was caught in surprise but he was still able to catch her and brought her to their bed. "What are you up to this time? Looking in your eyes makes me fear for my life."


    "That''s right. You should fear me today." She responded while nodding her head in agreement. Travis gently placed her on their bed since they were still waiting for the ice cream that she ordered. "I''m planning to enjoy myself to my heart''s content."


    "And how will you do it?"


    "By eating an ice cream with you." She answered simply but the mischief in her eyes and tone couldn''t cover up the evil plan she had in mind. ''He wants kinky play? I''ll give him what he wants.'' She thought happily while waiting for the hotel service. After a few minutes, someone rang the doorbell to their room and she immediately walked away from her husband to open the door.


    There was a tub of vanilla ice cream, two ice cream bowls, spoons and two pairs of black handcuffs. Jillyanna was wearing a large and dark shades when she received the items so the person didn''t see her face clearly.


    She took the tray inside and placed it on the coffee table. "I have a surprise with you." She told Travis and drag him towards the wardrobe she took a handkerchief from his things and placed it over his eyes. "No peeking."


    "Okay." He just went along with her plan knowing that she would never do anything that would compromise their safety and health. "I''m looking forward with your surprise."


    "Hn. I am hundred percent sure that you will love this." Jillyanna responded with victorious smile on her lips.

 Chapter 525 - EATING ICE CREAM WITH YOU I

    Travis could hear faint noises around him but he didn''t take a peek from the blindfold that his wife put on him. Jillyanna didn''t tie his hands but he still remained honest and behaved this time.


    She led him to their bed and let him sit before leaving him to get the tray that she received from the man earlier. She would be grinning from ear to ear whenever she thinks of her plan towards him. It wasn''t everyday that she can dominate him so, she was looking forward to this day when he''s not planning to do anything.


    Travis knew that she climbed up on the bed since the other side sank a little from her weight. "Give me your right hand." She ordered him which Travis followed without the least bit of hesitation. To his surprise, Jillyanna cuffed him and placed the other end on the metal headboard. He wanted to remove his blindfold to see what she was up to but, Jillyanna sat on top of him, straddling him to stop him from moving.


    "It was foolish of me to belittle your strength." Travis commented with faint chuckle escaping his lips. "I forgot that my wife is actually strong. My bad."


    Jillyanna cuffed his left hand as well and connected it again to the metal headboard. Both his hands were now tied and he was still blindfolded with his own handkerchief. "You look better in this position."


    "Hn. I can already sense your domineering attitude." Travis responded. Since he was blindfolded, his senses were heightened to know what was going on around him. Now, he could feel the tingling sensation of his wife''s hands touching his chest and poking his abs. "Wifey, why are you punishing me? I didn''t do anything or say anything bad to you."


    "Tsk! Alright. I''ll stop." Jillyanna moved away from him with a silly smile on her lips.


    "You''ll stop?"


    "Hn. I don''t want to hear your complaints so, I''m stopping whatever I have in mind."


    "Honey, why are you being cruel to me?"


    She crawled on top of him, hair caressing his face and arms, sending sparks and pleasure down to his heart. "I wanted to eat ice cream with you. Do you have any complains?"


    "Nope, I don''t." Travis answered almost instantly.


    "That''s good to know." She moved away again; and this time it was to get the ice cream and removed her shirt and short. She didn''t care where she dropped her garments and just continued with her plans. She scooped some ice cream and placed it on her cup.


    "I''m all set." She mumbled happily and approached him with scissors. "Don''t move, darling."


    "Okay." Travis felt something cold and sharp touched his skin. Holding his body still, he waited for her to finish whatever she was doing with him. When the cold wind inside the room touched his skin, he realized that his wife tore or cut his shirt into half.


    She set the scissors down on the bedside table and removed his torn clothes away from him. Travis gulped drily and moved his body to find a comfortable position. He was still blindfolded so he didn''t know what his wife was doing. He could hear the clanking metal and glass, rustles of clothes and the creaking of bed when she climbed up again.


    Jillyanna positioned herself on top of him once again. She was only wearing her black lingerie and her black panty. Her thighs were pressed directly on to his stomach. "Wifey, are you sitting naked on top of me?"


    "Hn? Not really. I am still wearing some flimsy clothes that you anticipated me to wear."


    "Really? I thought you are going too eat an ice cream."


    "I am eating an ice cream already. Do you want some?"


    "Will you feed me?"


    "Sure." She removed the blindfold from him so that he can see his surroundings and his sexy wife on top of him.


    For a moment, his vision was blurry and he was still adjusting his sight. When his vision was already clear, he found his smiling wife, wearing her sexy lingerie that she covered earlier. She was holding a cup of ice cream and a spoon. "This is a great treat. You should have informed me that you will do this."


    "I didn''t really plan this. It just popped in my head." She scooped a spoonful of ice cream and fed him. "Delicious, isn''t it?"


    Travis licked his lips and smiled at her. "Hn. Sweet." She continued to sit on top of him and ate her ice cream while feeding him from time to time. He was just about to ask what was her next plan when an ice cream fell on his chest. It was so cold that he shivered from it.


    Jillyanna smiled and blinked her eyes as if she was surprised and sorry for what she did. "Let me clean it for you."


    Travis thought that she would get a tissue and wiped it off from his chest but, he didn''t expect her to lean closer to him and licked the ice cream off from him. He wasn''t prepared at all and his guttural moan escaped.


    "Wait! Wifey, stop it."


    "Not yet. I am not done cleaning you."


    "No. You don''t have to do that."


    "I am just returning the favor. Didn''t you always clean me?"


    "That was different kind of cleaning." His breathing was becoming hollow and quicker. "I..ahh..you are making..me crazy."


    Jillyanna smiled and tucked the loose strands of hair behind her ear. "It''s good to know my effect on you."


    "You should have known that a long time ago."


    "I didn''t know.'''' She pretended and let out a faint chuckle. "I have cleaned it already."


    "Thanks." Travis mumbled with a deep sigh, like a prisoner that gained his freedom before the blade touched his neck. He thought it was the end but, Jillyanna intentionally dropped the ice cream on his again. She even spread them from his chest up to his neck and down to his stomach.


    "You promised that you won''t do something to me but, that doesn''t mean I can''t, right?" her mischievous grin made Travis felt alive and his manhood was even more excited.

 Chapter 526 - EATING ICE CREAM WITH YOU II

    Travis was both excited and nervous since he knew that his wife was up to no good again. She licked the ice cream from his chest up to his neck, taking her sweet time in torturing him with slow kisses and fiery gazes. His breathing hitched and his chest was raising up and down.


    "Sweetheart, you are really getting brave." Travis mumbled while stopping himself to moan from the pleasure she was bringing to him.


    "I just realized that I should be in control sometimes. Shouldn''t we be equal in everything? How come that you always get to punish me but I can''t punish you?"


    "So, this is the kind of punishment you are referring to? How should we do it equally?"


    Jillyanna stopped moving and thought about it. "I can''t think of a way. Let me think about it." She responded and continued to frolic with him. Her tongue was hot to his skin and it made his blood boil in pleasure. She moved down to his stomach and licked everything clean from him.


    After seeing that he was already clean, she moved up and kissed his lips. Their passionate and hot kiss was heart melting that Travis wanted to move and hold her in his arms.


    The handcuffs created faint noises when he tried to move but he wasn''t able to move according to his will. "Honey, can you remove these things from my hands?"


    "No way. I want to enjoy this while I can. Just let me be, ''kay?"


    Travis could only close his eyes and nod his head. He would just let her do whatever she wants, make her feel okay and erase her worries for the time being. Jillyanna raised her eyebrow in his agreement and kissed him again. "I''ll make you happy this time."


    He was looking forward to it without knowing the extent of her evil plan. She unzipped his pants and took out his length, feeling his warmth in her hands and smiled. It was an ice cream play that she thought of so, she didn''t forget smearing some vanilla ice cream on his shaft.


    "Wifey, don''t kill me."


    "Hn?" her questioning gaze made her look innocent even though Travis knew that she was at her mercy. She was in control and it was up to her how she would deal with him.


    JIllyanna licked his length from its base to its tip, earning moans and groans of pleasure from her husband. Her smile couldn''t be wiped out from her lips and Travis was addicted to it. "This is better." She mumbled and moved her hands up and down his length.


    She could feel his hardness and she even thought that it has grown bigger. Jillyanna blinked and looked towards her husband. "I''m always wondering how this fits me. "


    "Well, it means I am made just for you." Travis responded to her.


    "I would never disagree to that." She crawled over him and sat on his shaft, putting it in between her thighs and rubbing him up and down. She bit her own lips to stop herself from moaning while doing him.


    "Honey, stop moving for a while. I won''t be able to hold it in."


    "Don''t." she stopped moving and looked at him. "You want to come just from that?"


    "What can I do? Just seeing you like this makes me wants to come already."


    "You''re hopeless." Jillyanna moved and she even moved quicker this time.


    "Ah! Wifey, w-wait..stop! Stop for a while."


    Jillyanna didn''t listen to him and he released his stored vigor. It made a mess on her thighs and navel. "This is sticky." She moved away from him and looked for a tissue to clean herself.


    "Can you let me go now?" Travis asked her while watching his wife cleaning herself.


    "Wait for a while." She wiped herself with tissue and threw it inside the trash bin she found. After making sure that she was clean, she walked back to the bed and unlocked the handcuff.


    His wrists were bruised when he tried to move earlier and it made her feel guilty. "Let''s not do this again." She stated softly before kissing his inner wrists. "Sorry."


    "It''s fine. I like your punishment so you don''t have to apologize."


    "Can you not do this play with me? I don''t like getting bruises."


    "I don''t plan on doing it either. I hate seeing bruises on you except my hickeys on your skin."


    Jillyanna smiled helplessly and handed him his robe. "Go and wash yourself. You''re sticky now." She pushed him off the bed but Travis held her hands and looked directly into her eyes. "What is it?"


    "I am not satiated yet. Can we do it again?"


    "But I am tired already. Can you just do it yourself?"


    "No, I won''t be satisfied if it is not with you."


    "You''ll be fine. I know you can do it." Jillyanna insisted and smiled at him. "My husband won''t do anything to me today, right? Then, you have to keep your promise."


    Travis squinted his eyes and looked at her. "This was your whole plan, right? You just wanted to tease me and leave me hanging."


    "Oh! You found out?" she was averting her eyes away from him while scratching the tip of her nose.


    Travis laughed and took the robe from her. He kissed her forehead before wearing the robe and left her to take a shower. "Get yourself ready for tomorrow. It''s my turn to punish you."


    Jillyanna pouted at his words but her mind was already finding excuses to leave the hotel tomorrow. Travis wouldn''t do anything to her if she''s tired so she needed to exhaust herself tomorrow to make him surrender from exacting his punishment.


    However, she didn''t know that Travis was also looking for ways to keep her by his side. He won''t allow her to make any kind of excuse tomorrow.


    While the two of them were enjoying their trip, their whole family was also doing the same. Only the military forces and the Dragon Gang were active and was keeping each other at bay. Tristan was also doing his best to relay the information he got to Shein without getting caught by his employer.

 Chapter 527 - RESCUING CELESTINE

    Tristan wasn''t good with martial arts or shooting guns so, he had to rely to the soldiers when it comes to his protection. Shein was also cooperating with him for the success of this plan. There so many lives at stake in this mission and they can''t afford to lose anyone of their troops.


    Valkyrie and Hawk was tasked to raid the mansion and to rescue the prisoners including Celestine. "At the count of three, I''ll come inside and clear the way. Cover for me." Hawk instructed Val.


    "Hn. I got your back." Valkyrie nodded his head.


    Shein and Tristan were monitoring the surveillance cameras and was making sure that no one would see them. Nonetheless, the soldiers had to be very careful since there were some blind spots in the mansion. Hawk led everyone to the interior of the large house.


    "Where should we go from here?" Hawk asked through his earpiece.


    "One of team should go upstairs. Another team should check the basement which should be containing the hostages." Tristan responded.


    "Got it." Hawk led half of the team to the basement while Valkyrie brought the other half to the second and to the third floor of the building.


    "Please be careful. The leader of the group is very cunning." Tristan reminded Valkyrie.


    He was very cunning indeed. He didn''t dare himself too escape or face his enemies head on. Valkyrie and his team looked for him everyone; room after room but, he was nowhere to be found. Just as Valkyrie was about to open the last closed door, his hand stopped midair and he leaned his ear on the door.


    ''Beep! Beep! Beep!''


    His gut told him to run away, far from the room that they all wanted to open. "F*ck! Go away! Run!" Valkyrie shouted to his troops. They were on the third floor and at the farthest corner of the hallway. Even if they would run, they won''t make it to the other end! They will die. The leader placed the bombs at the last room where the soldiers would find it last. He wanted everyone to gather at the end of the hallway to make sure that they won''t have room to escape.


    The beeping sound of the timer on the bomb was getting faster and it was expected to explode any time. They didn''t find anyone inside the mansion and they didn''t see anyone come out either. Tristan told them that the leader and his two trusted men were still inside so they were baffled when they didn''t find anyone inside.


    Hawk, on the other hand, found three hostages and on the farthest corner was Celestine''s room. When he came to get her, he stopped on his track and raised his hand over his head to surrender. A middle-aged man was holding her with a sharp knife pressed on her neck.


    "Just as I thought. Tristan betrayed the organization and sold us out." The man spoke softly with twisted madness in his eyes. Hawk look around to see if there''s anyone with him but he didn''t find another soul from them.


    Celestine was crying silently while trying to hold out the man''s hand from pressing the knife on her throat. She was scared. She didn''t want to die yet. "Help me." They could hardly hear her trembling voice and she was clearly shaking.


    "shut up!" The man shouted and tightened her hold on her, almost choking her to death. Celestine kept her mouth shut while her tears kept streaming down her face. "I hate people who betrays the trust given to them. I have helped him for so many years and this is how he will repay me?! Insolent!"


    "You betrayed him first! Didn''t you kill my sister-in-law?!" Celestine yelled at the man who only smiled at her.


    "Oh! He found out?" The man questioned without any trace of guilt on his face at all. He seemed to be enjoying the memories of his evil actions. "Well, too bad. He wasn''t able to stop her death. If he didn''t refuse my request, he would''ve been happily married now."


    "You''re a monster!" Celestine shouted angrily. "My brother never wanted to betray you. You were the one who was being too much. Why are you doing this to him?"


    "No reason." The man responded nonchalantly. In the dark place, Hawk noticed someone moving towards them He wanted to shoot whoever was lurking behind them but the man warned him. "Don''t shoot him or she will die."


    Another man emerged from the shadows, who seemed to be of the same age as Valkyrie. He was pressing his gun on Hawk''s head with a faint smile on his lips. He was looking towards the gang leader and Celestine. His hand was steady and his breathing was stable.


    "Sir, I have followed your instruction." Hibiki informed the leader while keeping the gun on Hawk.


    "Good. Come and hold this woman for me. We need her as a hostage to get out of here." The middle-aged man responded.


    Hibiki walked towards him while keeping his gun pointed towards the soldier and Hawk. The soldiers couldn''t act recklessly specially that it was part of the mission to keep the woman alive.


    The gang leader smiled when he saw his trusted aide came towards him. He handed the woman to him with victorious smile on his lips. "Let us go or I will ask him to kill this woman. You''ve got your choices."


    "If we let you go, do you think we won''t continue to pursue you?" Hawk question to buy sometime. He was sure that Valkyrie would be coming down to the basement now.


    "I can at least find a new place to hide in exchange for her life."


    "Correct." Hibiki mumbled, raised his gun and shoot the man with less effort. It was so sudden that the gang leader didn''t know how he died. "Sorry it took me long to come and get you." He spoke to Celestine and gently pat her back to comfort her.


    "I thought you abandoned me."


    "I would never do that." Hibiki responded with a smile.


    Hawk gestured the man and the woman to come and follow them out but a loud ''bang'' stopped them from running out. Several debris were falling from the loud noise that came from above the ground. It was so sudden and they were all taken aback.

 Chapter 528 - FINDING VALKYRIE

    "Run as fast as you can! I have disabled all the trap mechanisms here. It''s fine to run out of this place." Hibiki announced and dragged Celestine towards the exit of the basement. Hawk and the other soldiers followed them out and when they arrived on the first floor of the mansion, they saw a huge portion of the wall was destroyed. There were many wounded soldiers as well and Valkyrie was nowhere to be found.


    "Val!" Hawk called out his name as loud as he can. "Valkyrie! Where are you?" There was still no response. He checked each of the soldiers and helped those that were stuck and bleeding. Celestine was already out of danger so she helped in taking the soldiers out of the house.


    "Officer Anderson!"


    "Captain!"


    "Sir Anderson!"


    "Valkyrie!"


    Hawk and the other soldiers kept calling his name while digging on the pile of rubbles and cement. They needed to find him, bring him back ¨C dead or alive. It would be great if his alive. They don''t want any casualties on their team.


    Valkyrie''s ears were still ringing from the loud noise due to the explosion earlier. He was at the end of the group and the last one to escape. The floor under his feet collapsed from the explosion and he fell on the ground. He couldn''t move his feet and his surrounding was very dark.


    "I''m still alive, right? I must be alive. I can still feel the pain so I must be alive." He murmured to himself and tried moving his body. He felt some smooth walls on his left and his other leg was also numb from pain. "I won''t be crippled, right?" He was starting to worry for himself while trying to make a room for himself. He touched his ear too see if the earpiece was still there but he only felt something sticky on his ears. When he smelled it, he realized that it was his own blood.


    Brown was staying with Savannah and the whole family at the resort to keep them safe in case someone would really attack them. He was currently playing chess with Jade when he felt a sudden tug in his chest. He felt nervous for no reason and the first person he thought was Valkyrie.


    He wanted to call him but he realized that he shouldn''t be bringing his phone during this critical mission. "Wait a minute, Jade. I''ll call Shein." He stood up as he dialed Shein''s phone number. Seeing his anxious face, Jade started to worry as well. She could count the number of times that Brown had that look on his face and most of the time, it''s because of Valkyrie.


    "I hope Uncle Matt is alright." Jade whispered to herself while watching her Uncle Brown made a phone call.


    Shein had been trying to figure out a way to trace where Valkyrie was after the loud explosion. As soon as he received Brown''s call, he told him the real condition of the soldiers involved in this mission including Valkyrie. "Sorry Brown. I am still trying to locate him. I think his earpiece fell somewhere since he wasn''t responding to my voice. I don''t want to make a conclusion of his life. I still believe that he is alive and waiting for us to find him."


    "Please, Shein. I''m begging you to find him soon." Brown responded. He wanted to calm himself but his mind would always wander to the negative side of the situation. He wanted to believe that Valkyrie was still alive. He wanted to see him alive.


    "Let''s just continue this game next time, Uncle Evan." Jade told the man and rubbed his back. "I know you are worried for everyone specially, for Uncle Matt who''s out there fighting the bad guys. Let''s just pray that they''ll be fine."


    Brown pulled the young girl into his warm embrace. He needed comfort right now and the little girl in front of him was the answer. "I hope everyone''s fine."


    Hawk had told the wounded to stay outside and to tend to their wounds first. Celestine was good in doing first aid so, she was able to help them. Hawk and several soldiers went back inside to look for Valkyrie once again. They couldn''t give up on him since there was a high possibility that he was still alive.


    "Valkyrie! If you can hear me, please answer. I need to know where you are so I can get you! Val!" Hawk shouted as loud as he can. They were walking towards the second floor to see if he was stuck under the collapsed floor upstairs.


    Valkyrie stopped moving to conserve his energy. He didn''t have any idea how everyone was doing or if the mission was a success. He closed his eyes, took a slow but deep breath and shouted at the top of his lungs. "Schniezel Knight!" It was Hawk''s complete name that he shouted in an attempt to get his attention.


    It was the best move he had done since Hawk was just nearby. Hawk heard someone calling for his name, though muffled, he was still able to find the source of the voice. Together with the other soldiers, they slowly lifted the boulders and the cement that collapsed due to explosion.


    It took them three minutes to finally see Valkyrie''s face. "Val! Are you alright?" Hawk asked immediately while lifting some debris away from him.


    "I guess but, I couldn''t move my feet. It hurts." Valkyrie mumbled.


    It was his upper body that they saw first and while talking to Hawk, the other soldiers where lifting the rest of the debris from his body. What was exposed to them was his leg being pierced with three metal bars.


    Valkyrie saw the horrible expression on their faces so he looked towards her lower body. "I''m so dead."


    "Yeah. If not Dr. Anderson, Brown will probably kill you." Hawk responded to him blandly. "I''ll ask for someone to send us the needed help. We can''t just move you without proper aid."


    "Hn. P-please..call.." Valkyrie didn''t finish his statement and he fainted. Perhaps due to the lack of oxygen earlier or from so much pain and blood loss. His body wasn''t able to bare the pressure and he gave in.

 Chapter 529 - FIERCE AVERY IS BACK I

    It hasn''t been long after he contacted Shein when Brown received a message from Hawk. "He''s injured and we''re sending him to Dr. Anderson. Don''t worry, we will make sure that he''s alright. Take care of everyone and the kids."


    A sigh of relief escaped his lips after getting the information. It was better than receiving a news of Valkyrie''s death. He sent a message to Dr. Anderson about Valkyrie and asked him to keep in touch regarding Valkyrie''s condition. Jade saw that her uncle had a calm expression and she also smiled.


    "I guess Uncle Valkyrie is alright now." She mumbled which made Brown smile at her. They weren''t completely out of danger yet. There were many enemies this time and they soldiers just managed to get rid of the leader but, its tentacles had reached to different corners of the country already. "Until when are we going too stay here?" Jade asked softly.


    "Until your parents are back." Savannah responded when she heard her question. "Don''t worry. Everyone will be safe and everything will be okay. Let''s just trust the soldiers to do their job."


    Jade nodded her head and looked outside the window. The sky was clear and there were many people having fun at the beach not far from where they''re staying. "I''m hungry." She murmured to change their topic. She realized that it wasn''t good to talk about depressing matter. It will only make things worse and make you feel anxious.


    Savannah took Jade''s hand and they went to the kitchen. The hotel room that they had were like a huge house with a living room and dining room in one room. They were occupying two floors of the hotel and there were several guards and soldiers looking out for their safety.


    "What do you want to eat? I''ll cook it for you."


    "Thank you, Auntie Savy. I''m fine with anything that you''ll make."


    Jenny, Jade and Savannah were staying in one room and Brown just came to visit and play with the little girl. Jenny still needed to go to school so she was accompanied by several soldiers who dressed like civilians and students. Jenny didn''t want anyone to know about her relationship with Jillyanna and Travis. She didn''t want anyone to take advantage of her because of her connection with them.


    Sky and Alex were taking care of Raizel and from time to time, Jade would come to check on them. They were staying next doors, so it wasn''t a problem. Sometimes, they would bring them snacks and sometimes, it was Sky who would visit Jade in their room. Jackie and Riley were staying in the same room. For safety precaution, Wynwyn, postponed all her scheduled activities and informed the investors that she was sick and needed to recuperate.


    Riley cooperated with her excuse and hid herself away from the public. She didn''t even get out from the hotel to enjoy the beach. Her life, everyone''s life, was more important than having fun at the beach. Jackie was having a final exam before she can formally enroll herself to the Police Academy. She was confident in her skills so she didn''t ask for anyone to come and guard her. Nonetheless, Vincent pulled some strings for her safety. He asked several people to guard her which made Jackie felt a little warm in her heart. Even though he did it secretly, she was still able to find out the truth.


    Shein had to go to work to make sure that someone was looking after the Empire that his brother-in-law and sister worked so hard for. He didn''t really have to do much at the company so, he was able to help Tristan and the soldiers with his hacking skills. He was relaying information while attending to the needs of the employees in the company. After few hours, piles of papers were towering on his desk. They were project proposal, finance report, documents that needed to be signed and other things. He had to sort them out later before giving it to Travis. Good thing, Savannah was staying back at the hotel and he can ask for her help.


    One after another, man and woman, they were slowly marked with X in the tracker that the soldiers had, which means that they were either captured or killed. When they first received the lists, they were quite shocked to see that there were thousands of people involved with Dragon Gang. This mission was like a way of sweeping the society from all the evil people.


    From thousands to hundreds, they were getting smaller in numbers. After all, they were caught by surprise and they didn''t receive help from the higher ups as well. If they wanted to survive, they''d have to do it themselves and escape. However, Calhoun was prepared for escapees. He had asked several soldiers to be stationed to different airports and piers. Security personnel of the said places were very cooperative when they found out what was happening. Their employees were even screened to make sure that none of them were part of the lists that were sent to them.


    As expected, there were four employees that were part of the gang and they even informed the rest of the members to stay away from airports and piers. They won''t be able to escape the place by plane or by ship.


    This was the largest operation that the soldiers got so far and among all of them, Winter was the one who captured a lot of them. When her target was armed, she''d kill it. When her target was unarmed, she''d beat them to pulp before handing them to the young soldiers who were waiting for her.


    "I have done it several times so, you should know how to do it. You will handle the next target. We''ll do it according to your code numbers."


    "Yes, ma''am!" Her soldiers salute and left with a handcuffed man. People could only watch them come and go. They will never mess with people from the military.


    Lieutenant Colonel Avery was back on the field and she was very serious with her job this time. She''s got no room for discussion or negotiation specially that, the Dragon Gang had been targeting her family.

 Chapter 530 - FIERCE AVERY IS BACK II

    There were people who could come and take care of the mess when they killed the target and someone would also come to collect the living person that she beat up. She was merely having a practical training with her soldiers. If they won''t be able to do it, she would come to the rescue and take note of their weakness and their strength. She needed to know what was good and what was bad for them. She needed to know how to improve their skills.


    "Alright. Next target. There will be seven people and you have to take care of them. Capture them dead or alive. We''ll start with 7201 to 7207. I won''t be able to come and check you all at once. I will have two people to accompany you and record your actions. Make sure that no civilians are involved."


    "Yes, ma''am!" they answered in unison, all with serious expressions on their faces. Winter drove the military vehicle and they arrived at the hotel where their targets were working. Two of them were managers, one was working as a chef, another one was supervising the cleaners and the others were working as waiters. The looked like decent workers but in fact, they have killed many people before getting the work they have now.


    The waiters would also work diligently but in fact, they were gathering information from their customers and reported it to their higher ups. It was their way of acquiring business and people. They would gather those who were desperate and used all kinds of tricks to make them join their group. Those who refused the offer were killed.


    Tristan had all the evidence of their crimes and if their family would file a claim against the way the soldiers do their job, they would have concrete evidence to show them. Not a single one can escape from the law. It was the only way to give justice to those who died meaninglessly in their hands. It was also the way for Tristan to atone for their sins. After all, he was part of the group and he was also one of the main reasons that they got all the information to use against their enemies. He was their main intel and the one who caused so many deaths.


    When Winter''s team came inside, they caused panic to the people''s heart inside the hotel. They were wondering why they came in large number, armed and serious-looking. They wanted to know who their target was but they don''t want to be involved as well. The targets that they were able to capture were the waiters. Since they were working as waiters, the weren''t armed. Thus, Winter told her men to capture them alive.


    "Run!"


    "Ahh!"


    People were screaming and fleeing which alerted the chef. However, he wasn''t able to escape as well. There was someone waiting for him at the back door. "Let me check the remaining three." Winter informed and looked for her other soldiers. They''ve got information from Shein that the other targets were at the 5th and 7th floor. Her soldiers also went upstairs directly to tackle them.


    As soon as Winter arrived at the 5th floor, a warning was sent by one of her soldiers. They''ve got a device that they used for communication. If you tap on it thrice, it will issue a warning to your leader. Winter''s eyes turned cold and she told her other soldiers to stay at the lobby instead of coming up with her.


    She needed room in case she''d have to fight and rescue her soldiers. She couldn''t afford to put the rest of her team in danger. She checked her tracker and found that the list of people who needed to be captured was still in full color. Her soldiers failed. Winter put on her black gloves and walked towards the door where the people should be located.


    The door wasn''t locked and when she opened it, she found two of her soldiers were injured and wounded. Blood were all over the floor, the tables and chairs. The place was a mess and the most worrying thing was the bomb tied around one of her soldiers.


    "Lieutenant! Behind you!" one of the soldiers, who was still conscious, shouted a warning and Winter side stepped to avoid the attack. The person was using a metal bar and he was good in fighting. In his light steps alone, Winter could tell that he was a difficult target to handle. No wonder her soldiers were beaten to pulp.


    "Weak." Winter smiled and tied her hair into a high ponytail. In the military, most of them were asked to shorten their hair because it would sometimes cause someone to fail in their mission but Winter didn''t like cutting her hair. She would sometimes trim it but she would never cut it short. She kept it long after becoming an officer.


    The man was standing in front of her with a smirk. "Weak or not, I can at least take some of your beloved hatchlings with me to hell."


    "Dream on!" Winter smiled and, in a flash, she landed a punch on the man''s stomach. He was pushed back but he didn''t fall. "Oh! You are strong for such a lean man." She didn''t wait for him too react and gave him a roundhouse kick, an uppercut punch and took the metal bar from him. "I''m still stronger than you." He used the same metal bar and stabbed him with it.


    The man died without having a chance to fight back. Not waiting for the others to sneak attack, Winter took out her gun and fired at the closet several times. Two bodies fell on the floor from the closet and their blood flowed out on the floor.


    "Where''s the other one?" Winter asked while trying to check the bomb. There was five minutes left and she didn''t care about the other person who seemed to have escaped. The bomb wasn''t familiar to her and she couldn''t just recklessly rip it off from her soldier. She contacted Calhoun to ask for someone who''s familiar bombs.


    "Lieutenant, I don''t really mind taking this bomb with me. I don''t have a family who look for me which was why I joined the military. I would be happy to keep the people safe." The man with the code 7205 talked softly. He looked calm but his eyes showed that he was afraid.


    Winter knocked his head. "Shut up! I don''t want anyone from my team to die this way. I won''t allow it!"


    "Lieutenant, save my comrades first. Don''t worry about me. I''ll wait for help here."


    "No! I won''t go. You can die!"


    "I know. I will wait for help here but I guess the others needed to have their injuries and wound treated as well." Winter looked around and found that the other soldiers were still lying. The others were getting their consciousness back but the others were severely injured.


    "Okay. Please wait for me while I bring them down."


    "Hn." The young soldier nodded his head. There were three minutes left before the bomb explodes. Even if Calhoun found someone to stop the bomb, it would take few minutes to check and cut the right wire. Instead of waiting, he would rather save everyone.

 Chapter 531 - WINTER CRIED

    Winter carried one of her wounded soldiers. She asked one of the conscious men to carry the other injured soldiers. She was carrying 7206 while talking to Calhoun. Tristan was also checking the monitor to see if he can see the bomb for himself.


    "Go back to the room! Code 7205 went out." Tristan''s voice rang through her earpiece. It was so sudden that Winter''s left ear was ringing. She asked the other soldiers to help her with the injured men before she left and went back to the room. Sure enough, code 7205 was nowhere to be found.


    "He walked towards the other fire exit. He was trying to escape!"


    Winter ran as fast as she could to find the exit of the hotel. When she found it, she tried to listen to the sound of footsteps to know of her soldier was walking downwards or upwards. If he would walk out, he would cause panic to the people outside. Betting on her instinct, Winter ran upstairs to find him.


    "F*ck! I''d skin him alive!" she cursed loudly as she ran towards the rooftop. If the bomb explodes on the rooftop, there won''t be heavy casualties compared to the crowded area on the ground. It was a gamble and to the extent of sacrificing her soldier''s life. As a soldier herself, she knew that dying in line of duty was inevitable but even so, she didn''t want her men to die. She worked so hard to train them, not because she wanted them to kill the enemies but to protect themselves. She would never ask them to just sacrifice their lives. She didn''t like that idea.


    "One minute and thirty seconds." The young soldier murmured while looking at the place around him. Small figures of people can be seen below him, tall buildings were surrounding him and behind him was the panting Lieutenant Colonel. "What are you doing here?!" he asked in panic when he saw their leader.


    "Shouldn''t I be asking you that question?! You promised to wait for me and bring some help! You gave me your words!"


    "Lieutenant, this is not the time to be sentimental. If I won''t sacrifice myself, many people will die here."


    "No one''s going to die! Shut up!" she turned to Tristan once again. "I found him. Can you see the bomb through my necklace?" It was the necklace that Jillyanna used when she was accidentally kidnapped. It was the one with a sword pendant and a small camera.


    "I can see it now. Move closer so, I can see it clearly." Tristan ordered while trying to get the information regarding the bomb.


    "Please hurry. I''ve got less than a minute to deal with this."


    "Just calm down. I am trying to check all the kind of bombs that the gang has been producing." Tristan responded softly. His hands were moving even faster and different kinds of bombs appear on his screen. He was trying to match the one on the soldier''s body to find a way to stop it.


    "Thirty seconds!" Winter cried out.


    "I got it. Find the smallest wire at the bottom of the wire. The thinnest wire there is. It should be white in color." Tristan shouted as he enlarged the model of the bomb. It was the latest product that the group produced that year.


    "Please lie down." Winter ordered her soldier and she even pushed him on the ground. If they weren''t dealing with the bomb, people who would see this scene would think that she was forcing herself on the young soldier.


    "Lieutenant, you can just leave me alone. I am fine."


    "Shut up, Shawn or I will sew your mouth." Winter stated calmly. She finally found the wire that Tristan told her so, she took the necklace off of her neck so that she can cut it using her sword pendant. Seeing that there were few seconds left, her hand trembled and the smiling face of Gabriel appeared in her mind. "We can''t die. I still have to get married."


    With all her strength, she held on to the wire and cut it with the small sword in her hand. It was very sharp which made it easy for her to cut it. Shawn, the young soldier with the code 7205, closed his eyes, prepared himself to die already.


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Three seconds.


    Four seconds.


    It was as if the world stands still and the time stopped. Indeed, the time stopped. When he opened his eyes, Winter was sitting on the floor with a flood of tears. The timer on the bomb stopped at 1 second and 12 nanoseconds.


    Winter was relieved. She thought that she was going to die and never see Gabriel again. It was really scary but she couldn''t allow her soldiers to see her fear and anxiety. Now that it was over, she was so happy to be alive. "We''re alive." She mumbled and helped the man to take off the bomb from his body. She wiped the tears off of her face and smiled. "I will definitely contact my parents to get married soon." If she wasn''t in a life and death situation, she would never think this way.


    "Lieutenant Colonel, thank you so much."


    "Thank you?! Don''t thank me yet because I am still going to skin you alive! Idiot!" she knocked the man''s head and pulled him up. "Let''s go back to the lobby. Everyone''s worried for you."


    Tristan also breathed a sigh of relief. Even though he was just watching far from them, using the camera on Winter''s necklace, it was as if he lost his soul for a moment there. He didn''t even realize that he was holding his breath until the timer stopped. "That was scary." He mumbled. After few seconds, he moved on from it and looked into the status of other soldiers. The mission was still on going and they won''t stop until they clear out the people on the lists.


    For him, this mission was merely an excuse to avenge the death of his fianc¨¦e. If the group didn''t pose a threat to the safety of the whole nation, the soldiers won''t interfere or helped him. He could only thank Jillyanna and Travis because of their connection. If the Dragon Gang wasn''t greedy and didn''t target the couple, they won''t end up like this.


    Greed is really a deadly sin.

 Chapter 532 - MISSION CONTINUES

    The night fall and people were coming home to their houses. For Jackie and Jenny, they were coming back to the hotel after their class. The same went for Shein. And even though he went home with so many paperworks for Travis, he still needed to assist the soldiers who were still out to finish the mission.


    "Let me help you with the documents. I''ll sort them out for you since you still have to help us." Savannah offered a helping hand.


    "Thanks. I''ll leave them to you. If there''s anything that I can help, just let me know. I''ll be staying in Riley''s room."


    "Okay." Savannah took the briefcase from him and started doing her work. That night, it was Alex who cooked the food for all of them. Even though they were staying in a hotel where food can be served, they were still on guard. Instead of getting food from the hotel, they would rather cook their own food for their safety.


    Stefan didn''t mind that since he knew it would be better for him as well. It''s not that they don''t trust the security of the hotel but they can''t be too lax. They needed to be on high alert all the time. Loyalty can be bought and their food can be tampered. If it does happen, it would be troublesome.


    Brown was talking to his foster father regarding Valkyrie''s condition. Jade was with him, sitting on his lap while they were having a video call with the doctor.


    "Don''t worry, he is not in critical condition and there''s no need to amputate him either. It was a blessing that they found him sooner than later."


    "When will he wake up?" Jade asked Dr. Anderson.


    "He should wake up tomorrow."


    "When will he come back with us?" she asked again.


    "Once he can walk, I will let him go back to you."


    Jade nodded in understanding and raised her head to look at Brown. "Uncle, I know you miss him and you are worried, too. Rest assured, Dr. Anderson will take care of him."


    "Hn." Brown faintly smiled. "He will be fine."


    "Once everything''s settled, why don''t you come home as well. It''s been a long time since we had dinner together." Dr. Anderson mentioned to him.


    "Okay. We''ll come home after this mission."


    They talked for few more minutes before the call ended. Brown was relieved to know that Valkyrie was fine. However, the battle wasn''t over yet.


    Injured and wounded soldiers were sent back to the military hospital for recuperation. The ones who were still fine continued to search and capture the people on the list. Celestine was also sent home to her family which surprised them so much. Tristan didn''t tell them about the mission for their security and he did the right thing.


    "I am so glad that you are fine. I was really worried when they took you as their hostage." Her mother stated, tears flowing down on her face.


    "Someone took care of me when I was captured."


    "That''s good to know. How about your brother?"


    "He is still helping the soldiers."


    Seeing that she was fine and home, Hibiki went along with the soldiers to be interrogated. He was handcuffed and Hawk brought him to the military compound along with the other gang members that they and the other soldiers captured. There were so many of them; men and women, different ages, worked in different fields, married, single, divorced; just too many to mention.


    While the mission continued, Calhoun assigned some police officers from Lucian''s department as part of their cooperation and several soldiers as well to help them with the interrogation process.


    Hibiki was silent and didn''t fight back. There''s no need to be afraid since he knew that nothing will happen to him. He won''t die and if he will be imprisoned, it will probably be just a year.


    "You look rather calm." Hawk commented as they walked towards his designated room for interrogation.


    "I am fine. I may have committed some crime but it won''t warrant a death sentence. I won''t be imprisoned far longer than a year, too."


    "How do you know?"


    "Because I know the kind of crimes I have committed outside and inside the group."


    "I see. That''s good to know, then. In any case, it is up to the law if we will imprison you or sentence you to death."


    "I don''t have a lawyer. Can we wait for Tristan to finish this mission before we start my interrogation?"


    "Why?"


    "Because he was the one who brought me to the group." Hawk nodded his head.


    "Alright. I will tell Calhoun about your request. Just stay here and don''t cause trouble."


    Hibiki sat on the chair inside the lonely room and someone was guarding the door outside. "I''m glad that she''s fine. It should be enough to repay the kindness he showed me all these years." He murmured to himself while staring at the lamp over his head. If it wasn''t for Tristan''s help, he would have committed countless of crimes.


    Tristan received a message from Calhoun regarding Hibiki. Though Hibiki can be considered accomplice, his crimes were very light so Tristan wasn''t that worried. He would make sure to bring him out or else, his sister would kick him.


    On the other hand, Jillyanna and Travis were still thinking of their own excuses. Travis was thinking how to keep her. Jillyanna was thinking how to escape from his punishment. After so many hours of thinking, Jillyanna decided to call her family and check how they were doing.


    "I''ll call and check on Shein and Savy to know the condition of our company. Let me talk to Jade before you end the call." Travis reminded his wife.


    "Sure."


    She walked to the balcony as she dialed Sky''s phone number. It rang for the third time before someone answered it.


    "Yanna! How are you?" It was Cielo who picked up the call.


    "Where''s mom?"


    "She''s taking care of the children. Feeding Raizel while keeping watch of Jade. We are having our dinner. How about you? How''s the honeymoon going?"


    "We are doing fine."


    "Really? You didn''t spend your time worrying about us, right? You should think about your honeymoon and how to make your husband go crazy for you."


    "I don''t have to do that. He''s crazy for me already." Jillyanna whispered and looked back towards her husband who was also calling someone.


    "Wow! Very confident!"


    "Of course." Jillyanna proudly responded. "Let me know if Jade''s done eating."


    "I''m done! I''m done!" Jade''s loud voice rang from the background. The call was on loudspeaker so she heard what her mother said.

 Chapter 533 - I DIDNT SAY TONIGHT IS INCLUDED

    Jade happily received the phone from Cielo and talked with her mother. "Mommy! Are you having fun with Daddy? Don''t worry about us, we are all fine here. But I we are a little sad because Uncle Valkyrie was injured. He won''t be coming home for a couple of days."


    "How about your Uncle Brown? Is he doing fine?"


    "Yup. He is okay after talking to their father. Dr. Anderson was currently taking care of Uncle Val."


    "That''s good to know. I know that this is not a very nice trip but I hope you are having fun and enjoying yourself."


    "Hn. I am happy here. Auntie Savy always cook me food. Uncle Brown played games with me and Auntie Cielo helped me make a new embroidered handkerchief."


    "That''s great! I am glad that you are alright. Do you want anything for souvenirs? I''ll be going out tomorrow and I''m planning to buy things for you." In actual truth, she didn''t really plan that but she finally found an excuse and she wasn''t planning to let go of this opportunity.


    "Anything is fine mom. As long as you pick it for me, I know it will be special." Jade responded without knowing what her mother was planning.


    "Okay. I''ll find something cute and pretty souvenir for you."


    "Mommy, I miss you and Daddy."


    Jade mumbled with a sad expression on her face. Jillyanna might not be seeing her expression but she can feel the sadness in her voice. "I miss you, too sweetheart. Don''t worry. It''s just a week-long vacation."


    Jade nodded her head even though her mother can''t see her. "By the way mom, don''t go out tomorrow. I heard from Uncle Hawk and Auntie Savy that there were many enemies who escaped. Some of them went to Bali. Even though you have guards over there, it would still be troublesome if something happens to you and Daddy. Just buy the souvenirs on Saturday."


    Jillyanna frowned but she didn''t say anything against her daughter''s request. She had no idea that Jade was reading a script prepared by Cielo. Cielo had no idea that Jillyanna was planning to go out as well. All she wanted to do is to keep her sister inside the hotel for her safety. She didn''t expect that she will cause Jillyanna to be punished sweetly because they stopped her from going out.


    After she talked with Jade and left few reminders, she gave the phone to Travis who just finished talking to Shein and Savannah. He had a conference call with them to save time since Shein had to continue assisting the soldiers and Savannah was sorting the documents that he needed to review once their home.


    While Jillyanna and Jade talked about cute stuff and souvenirs earlier, when it was Travis who was talking to her, the little child became matured. She was like a little officer who came to report to the captain.


    "I didn''t do anything naughty today. I played chess with uncle Brown. I helped Auntie Savy cook some snacks. I made another embroidery and I helped grandma take care of baby Raizel."


    "You didn''t come to accompany grandpa Alex to buy stuff outside?" Travis asked as if he was interrogating his daughter if she did something.


    "No. I wasn''t allowed to come out. Grandpa Thomas and Grandpa Calhoun talked and they said that we can only come out after it''s confirmed that there''s no more members roaming outside."


    "I see. Then, continue to be observant, alright? If you noticed something wrong, make sure to tell your Auntie Savy and Uncle Brown as soon as you can."


    "Yes, daddy."


    "And make sure that you sleep early and don''t skip your meal. I don''t want my little princess to become skinny like Mommy."


    "I understand, Daddy. I will make sure to take care of myself and look after baby Raizel as well. You can always count on me."


    "I know. You are the best daughter and sister in the whole world." Travis commented which made Jade smile happily on the other end. "I have a surprise for you when we''re home."


    "Really?!"


    "Yup."


    "Yay! Then, I''ll be looking forward to that."


    Jade talked with her father for few more minutes before giving the phone to Sky. He talked to his mother-in-law about the children and their needs. They didn''t really have any issue when it comes to the children and the couple enjoyed taking care of them as well. Thomas would come from time to time but Brown always reminded him not to overwork himself since he''s got a problem with his heart as well.


    It wasn''t the same as Jillyanna''s which was inborn. His was from all the stress, fatigue and overworking himself all these years. Sometime he would play with Jade and Raizel but most of the time, he will play chess with Gabriel.


    After almost half an hour of calling their family, Travis went back inside the room and found his wife arranging their food on the dining table. "We''ve got so much food tonight." She commented while looking at the variety of dishes in front of her.


    "You need to eat a lot. I promised to let you eat a lot after the surgery, right?"


    "Oh! You still remember that? I thought you have forgotten your promise sice you''ve been very strict with my food after the surgery."


    "I need to look over your meals all the time, I can''t just let you eat anything which could be unhealthy and bad for your heart."


    "Yeah, I noticed. I can see more veggies than meat."


    Travis chuckled at her statement and facial expression. She was obviously complaining but she couldn''t do anything since he was very conscious with her well-being. Fear can sometimes bring fortune and blessing. Just like how he feared to lose her, he decided to take care of her and love her with all his being. She was his no. 1 priority.


    "Are you upset that I''m overprotective?" Travis asked while hugging her from the back. He leaned his chin on his shoulder and kissed her neck.


    "I''m not upset. I just miss the times that you allowed me to eat a lot."


    "I see. Once we''re home, I''ll definitely cook a lot of food for you. I will make sure to cook a lot of meat."


    "Promise?"


    "Hn. I promise." Travis smiled and kissed her again. His hands slipped inside her lingerie and were touching her body.


    "Darling, you promised that you won''t do anything today."


    "I said ''today'' but I didn''t say ''tonight'' is included."


    "Y-you..you!"

 Chapter 534 - ILL WASH YOU PROPERLY

    If there''s a contest for being a shameless person, her husband would top the ranking worldwide. He clearly said ''today'' and for most people, that includes the night as well. However, to Travis, it was very different.


    "You tricked me!" Jillyanna exclaimed and took hold of his hands to stop him from wandering all over her body. "I thought it would extend until tonight."


    "It was your own thinking but I didn''t say that." Travis retorted while keeping his laughter to himself. He wanted to laugh at her aggrieved expression but he also wanted to continue teasing her. "You should have asked me to have a clear information on the time."


    "Can we call it quits? I gave you a treat this afternoon so, it should be fine if we''re not going to do anything tonight."


    "It was you who made a move. I didn''t do anything so that means, I didn''t break my promise."


    "Seriously?"


    "Uh huh."


    Jillyanna looked at him and back to the food. "I''m hungry." She responded and took a seat. She needed to start eating in order to stop herself from getting in trouble. Aside from that, she can take her time to eat and he won''t have a choice but to stop whatever he was planning.


    Travis cocked his eyebrow but he didn''t say anything. He sat beside her and took his own spoon and fork to start eating. "Want some shrimps?"


    "Yeah. Don''t peel the shells. I''ll do it myself." Since they''ve been together, whenever she craved for lobsters, crabs or shrimps; it was always Travis who would remove the shells for her to make sure that she can eat without worry. This time, she wanted to do it herself. In that way, she can take time in peeling the shells, take time to eat and think of a conversation that can make him forget his plans.


    Yes, it was their honeymoon but it made her more worried. In the past six months, she can count in one hand the times that she fed her hungry and shameless wolf. Now that they''ve got their honeymoon, she didn''t know if she can last a week. It was never easy to satiate his hunger.


    Travis ate his food silently. He could tell from her face that she was just stalling for time and was looking for a way to escape his sweet punishment. Internally, he was grinning from ear to ear. ''She always takes my words seriously. So cute.''


    Even though she said that she''d want to removed the shells herself, Travis still helped her. "Just eat slowly. You can take your time. We are not in a hurry."


    "Hn." She took some lettuce leaves and wrapped the meat and tomatoes with eat before putting it in her mouth. "It tastes great." She mumbled after chewing it. She made another wrapped meat and fed it to Travis. "It''s delicious, right?"


    Travis nodded her head and gave her a thumbs up. There were four slices of tuna sandwich as well and Jillyanna took one for herself. Though it was for herself, she would feed Travis from time to time since he was busy with the shrimps. There wasn''t any rice so, she ate a lot of green leafy veggies and would sometimes wrap the meat with them.


    "Is pineapple juice mine?"


    "Yup. You''ve always like pineapple juice."


    "Thanks." She took the pine apple juice and placed the grape juice beside him. "I thought that we ordered a lot but now, I think it was too little."


    "I agree. But you are not supposed to eat a lot at night. It''s unhealthy."


    "I didn''t eat a lot. You ate most of the food." She was clearly throwing the blame on him but Travis didn''t care about that. As long as she''s happy and well-fed, he wouldn''t care about anything else.


    "Since we ate a lot, it would be better if we do some exercise before sleeping. Don''t you think so?"


    "No, I don''t think that''s a good idea. It will cause us to have an appendicitis. I don''t want to undergo another surgery."


    Travis couldn''t hold back his laughter anymore. His hearty laughter brought warmth in her heart and she was happy to hear him laughing like this. It''s been quite a long time since she heard him laugh with so much happiness and warmth.


    "Alright. I don''t want my wife to undergo another scary surgery as well. No exercise for tonight." Travis responded and placed a kiss on her lips.


    "Why did you kiss me? My mouth is greasy from so much food."


    "That''s fine. My mouth is greasy as well. We are just the same."


    "If that''s the case¡­" she leaned closer and kissed him as well. "Hn. I like it."


    "I don''t understand why you always test my control. Whenever I say that I won''t do anything, you would become naughty. And when I decide to punish you, you''ll make excuses."


    "I like it when I''m the one doing it."


    "Then, I''ll let you decide next time. I don''t mind receiving your sweet punishment."


    "Just continue to eat your food." Jillyanna forked some meat and placed it in his mouth. She continued eating as well with a smile on her lips. ''The proposal isn''t bad. That way, I have more control with our love making. I can decide when to stop.'' Even though Travis said it, it was still a wishful thinking to decide when to stop their session. As she said before, it was difficult to satiate her hungry and shameless wolf. It seemed like she forgot that fact.


    After they ate their food, Travis cleaned the dining area while Jillyanna called for the hotel service to get their empty plates and dirty utensils. The two of them worked efficiently and by the time they finished their chores, it was almost eight in the evening.


    Jillyanna sat on their bed with her phone. She was playing a game while taking a rest. "Why aren''t you bathing yet?" Travis asked her.


    "You can go first. I''m taking a rest for few minutes. I''ll come after you."


    "No. Let''s go and take a shower together." He didn''t even wait for her to response and he carried her to the bathroom. "I''ll wash you properly."

 Chapter 535 - TAKING A SHOWER TOGETHER

    "No, you can''t. I''ll take a shower on my own." Jillyanna retorted, still thinking that he would do something to her. She wasn''t ready yet. She has not gained enough strength and stamina to withstand his attack.


    "Don''t worry. I won''t do anything tonight. I promise."


    "Promise? As in promise? It''s a real promise?"


    "Why are you doubting me?" Travis asked with a depressed tone. He sounded like someone who was wrongly accused.


    "I''ve got reasons to doubt you when it comes to this matter. You''ve tricked me several times when it comes to these things so, you can''t blame me for doing so, right?"


    "I understand. I''m sorry for tricking you. I won''t do it again." Jillyanna looked at him before nodding her head in response to what he said.


    Travis put her down under the shower and helped her remove her clothes. It was a test of endurance for him but since he promised, he would never break it this time. Besides, he just wanted to tease her. He wasn''t really going to do anything to her.


    Jillyanna just stood in front of her, naked and alluring. She wasn''t doing anything since he wanted to wash her. However, she was looking at him, observing his every move to make sure that she won''t be tricked. It''s not because she didn''t trust but, she fell for his tricks several times already!


    "You don''t have to be so tense in front of me." Travis commented while scrubbing her body with the soap. His movements were gentle and he made sure that he wasn''t being rough with his actions. He would never want to see her having rashes on her skin.


    "It is your fault for tricking almost all the time. I would subconsciously think that you will do something whenever we are inside the shower."


    "Am I that shameless?"


    "Yes, you are. You are the most shameless wolf but still, I love your shamelessness. Just don''t do it all the time."


    "Yes, my Queen."


    "It''s been a long time since I''ve heard you calling me that name."


    "Well, I''ve got so many names ready for you."


    "For me? You didn''t use them to your ex-girlfriends?"


    "My ex was called Jill. I never gave her any endearment."


    "I feel bad for Jill." Jillyanna chuckled. They were just talking about her and her little self so, she wasn''t upset at all. "RV, once we get back, let''s visit Jade''s mother in her grave."


    "Okay."


    "You don''t want to ask why?"


    "I know why so there''s no need to ask about it."


    "You always understand me. Thank you."


    "It''s my job to understand my wife, care for my wife, love my wife and put her as my no.1 priority."


    "You''ve got a tough job. What about me? I felt like I haven''t been doing anything to help you."


    "Regarding that. I have decided to go back to work. You will be staying at home, taking care of the children while waiting for me." Jillyanna stopped him from moving and cupped her face.


    "Are you serious? You won''t take back your words, right?" she asked him with so much happiness bubbling up inside her heart. She was extremely happy. Travis nodded her head to give her an affirmative response. "Really?! Ah! Thank you. I''m so happy." She couldn''t contain her happiness and she hugged him, pressing her whole body on to him.


    "Uhmm, honey? Are you really thanking me or torturing me?"


    "Oh sorry. I am just really happy with your decision." she pulled away from him but before she could completely pull away, she gave him a quick kiss. "I love you."


    "Do you still want to come out unscathed?"


    "You are just making excuses." She argued back at him. "Come and finish your task so I can go out."


    "I''ve got no prize?"


    "Didn''t just I kiss you?"


    "That''s all?"


    "Hubby, do you want to receive your treat tomorrow? If yes, you should behave tonight."


    "How domineering." Travis commented with faint laughter. "I''ll behave tonight. I don''t want my prey to leave me."


    "Tsk!" Jillyanna lightly bit his shoulder and kissed it. The two of them continued to take a shower and Travis kept his words. He didn''t do anything to his wife.


    After bathing, he carried her off to bed and helped her dry her hair. He chose her clothes to wear, and since she didn''t have many proper clothes, he just picked her underwear and spaghetti strapped sleeveless blouse. He picked one of his t-shirts and dressed her up.


    "Jade told me that we can''t go out tomorrow." Travis informed her while helping her put on the t-shirt.


    "She told me the same thing. I guess I''ll have to postpone my shopping time."


    "I guess the group was fixed in getting rid of us."


    "They won''t be able to do it."


    Since it was Jade who told them not to go out, they didn''t doubt her at all. They would never have thought that it was all scripted and she was just reading some lines prepared by Cielo. Jillyanna was lying on their bed while Travis was drying his hair. She was playing some mobile games as she waited for him.


    "Honey, do you mind if I sleep half naked?"


    "I don''t mind you sleeping naked either. Do whatever you want." Jillyanna responded nonchalantly. They have slept together for a over a year already and he had been sleeping naked, half naked and with clothes on beside her. It won''t make any difference now.


    Travis just wanted to see her reaction but it seemed like Jillyanna was already getting used to it. She had to get used to it since she got a shameless wolf for a husband. Besides, she would sometimes become shameless as well, depending on her mood.


    After making sure that his hair was completely dried, he crawled on to their bed and laid beside her. Jillyanna put down her phone and snuggled close to him. She always like to cuddle him to sleep.

 Chapter 536 - CONCEDING TO HER DEMANDS

    "You don''t have proper plan for this honeymoon, right?" Jillyanna asked him while hugging his waist and leaning her head on his chest.


    "Aren''t we suppose to be lovemaking in a honeymoon?"


    "Who says that?"


    "Isn''t honeymoon created for a husband and wife to make a baby?"


    "But we already have children." Jillyanna responded with a frown.


    "Then, we''ll just have a lovemaking with no intention of creating a baby."


    Jillyanna raised her head and looked at him. "Hubby, do you only have that in mind?"


    "Hn. I only want to spend my time loving you, cuddling you to sleep when you''re tired, eat with you to have energy and make love to you again. That''s the cycle I have in mind."


    "I don''t think I would be happy with that. I would be completely exhausted if we do that."


    "That''s fine. We can also take a rest."


    "No way. Let''s not do what you have in mind."


    "What''s your suggestion?"


    "I can let you do me at night. No daytime."


    "So, I can do it the whole night?"


    "Whole night? Are you a beast?"


    "I will be if we won''t reach a consensus."


    "You''re going to kill me."


    "No, I won''t. How about five rounds? I can let you rest in between."


    "No, that won''t do. Three would be fine."


    "Three? That''s too little. I can do five."


    "I can''t do five. Did you forget that I had a surgery not long ago?"


    "I''ll concede to four rounds."


    "Why can''t we do three? I won''t have time to sleep if we''ll do it four times at night."


    "Then, you''ll sleep in the morning."


    "Won''t we go somewhere during the day? I really want to travel and explore the place."


    "Fine. I''ll agree to three." Travis decided and kissed the top of her head. "I guess your stamina and strength won''t make you last longer than I thought. I''m quite worried for the children now."


    "Hey! You told me that you won''t take back your words." Jillyanna exclaimed and pinched the side of his waist.


    "Ouch! I won''t. I just said I''m worried. I won''t take back my words."


    "You better keep your words. I will shred you to pieces if you break your promise."


    "I won''t. I won''t. I promise. I don''t want to see you sad."


    Jillyanna looked at him before shifting her gaze to his chin. She kissed his chin and smiled. "I love you so much."


    "You''ll just love me when I concede to your demands."


    "Of course. My demands would always benefit the both of us. You just won''t listen to me and you always worry about me."


    "If I won''t worry about you then, who should I be worried about?"


    "The children."


    "I worry for the children''s welfare as well which was why I personally took care of them when you were at the hospital and when you were still recuperating." Jillyanna didn''t say anything and just hugged him even tighter. "Did I say anything wrong?"


    "Nope. I just realize that you''ve sacrificed a lot for me and for the children. I haven''t been doing anything to help you."


    "Staying alive, staying beside me, waiting for me to come home, taking care of the children; these things are more than enough to make me happy. You don''t have to think much. But, I''d be happy if you can give me a reward at night."


    "Tsk! I''ll think about it." Jillyanna responded and closed her eyes. "Let''s go to sleep. I need to have energy to keep up with you tomorrow."


    "Goodnight, my love." Travis kissed the top of her head again and eventually closed his eyes to sleep. They were in a honeymoon yet they were arguing what to do and how many times to do it. It was rather funny.


    Meanwhile, Shein and Tristan were almost done with their work. There were few people left and Calhoun told his men to wrap up everything before eight tomorrow morning. Those that weren''t captured will be dealt with after few days. The most important thing was to subdue their forces and to stop them from targeting Travis and his family.


    Even so, they couldn''t have them come back to their houses yet. They needed to make sure that no one''s left and that they will be safe after coming out. They still have several days before Travis and Jillyanna comes back. It''s enough time to deal this whole matter.


    After three hours, Shein and Tristan were allowed to pull out from the mission. Shein could finally take a rest but Tristan still needed to go to the military camp to help Hibiki. He needed to take him home. His relationship with Celestine was a little complicated but it was no longer his concern. He just needed to bring him out.


    When he arrived at the military compound with the soldiers who were tasked to pick him up, Hawk was also there, waiting for him to arrive.


    "This will be a little difficult to handle. Our Major General will be the one who will do the interrogation and you will be included."


    "I understand. I am considered accomplice after all."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll help you out since you''ve helped us in this mission. If I guess it correctly, you will be fine and Major General must have something to offer as well."


    "I hope that''s the case." Hawk dismissed the other soldiers and brought Tristan personally to Calhoun.


    Tristan knew that his crime was just the fact that he was an accomplice and that he hacked several networks which eventually helped the group expand their territory and power. People may think that it wasn''t a big crime but if you really think about it, he killed people indirectly.


    That night, the military compound was busy and lively. Officers came in and out. Prisoners were taken to different detention center one after another. Doctors were busy tending to the injured and wounded soldiers. So far, it was the liveliest time of the year for their team.


    They thought that the mission was coming to an end. Nobody knew that several people had infiltrated the hotel where the Madrigals and the Madrids were staying.

 Chapter 537 - TAKING PRECAUTIONS AGAINST ENEMIES

    Jade woke up in the middle of the night and climbed down of the bed to get some water since her throat was a little parch after eating a lot of sweets the day before.


    "Sweetie, where are you going?" Savannah asked when she felt that the other side of the bed was empty.


    "I''ll get some water, Auntie Savy. Just go back to sleep. I''ll be fine."


    "Okay. Don''t go out of the room."


    "Yes, auntie." Jade poured a glass of water for herself and drank it. She also brought another little to place it on the bedside table, just in case she''d get thirsty again. She walked back to the bed with the bottle of water.


    She noticed that there were people walking back and forth outside the room and base on their steps, she could tell that they were the soldiers stationed to keep them safe. How she knew? Well, she was living with four soldiers at home and she can distinguish the light steps whenever they walked.


    Remembering what Savannah said, Jade ignored what was happening outside and went back to sleep. If she went out, she''d probably be taken as a hostage. There were members of the gang who infiltrated the hotel and the soldiers received the information not long ago.


    They didn''t have any idea who the people were and what kind of identities they used. They needed to strengthen their security. Stefan also received the news from the head of the security department of the hotel. Worried for the security of his friend''s family, Stefan told the security department that other guests should use a different elevator, as well as the hotel employees. The elevator at the left wing should be used by the soldiers and Travis'' family. No one else aside from them can use it.


    It was another way for him to separate his special guests from the possible treat that came to his hotel. He also informed Travis about it via text message since he knew that it would be inappropriate to disturb him in the middle of the night.


    When next morning came, Travis woke up first but he still stayed beside his wife. He knew that Jillyanna would panic when he''s not there the moment she wakes up. He picked up his phone on the bedside table and cuddled her once again. He read the messages that he received overnight.


    His eyes turned cold when he read the one from Stefan. It was a serious matter and if Jillyanna knew about it, she''d be worried again. She couldn''t make a phone call with her in his arms so he sent a message to Savannah, Brown and Gabriel about it.


    Savannah just woke from her sleep when she received the message from Travis and Jade was still sleeping beside her. "This is bad." Savannah whispered to herself as she read the message. She sent a response telling him to take care of themselves since she will take care of the children and the other people with her.


    Travis was confident that everyone will be safe with the soldiers looking after them. Brown sent him a message with the same thought as Savy. The same went for Gabriel. Even if he can''t fight, he can still fire a gun if someone would forcefully take anyone from their side.


    Brown informed Riley and Jackie about the message that he got from Travis. Between the three of them, the twins were the ones who can fight admirably against enemies. They got skills and strength to defend the family whereas Shein was a little weaker compared to them but he was very smart as well and can think of things strategically.


    Stefan went to the hotel the next day to see how everyone was doing. Since they were considered under his protection, he needed to make sure that they were doing fine in his hotel. After all, Travis had helped him a lot. It was his little way of repaying his kindness.


    He went to look for Jade first and when he found that she was alright, she looked for Raizel which was being taken cared of Sky and Alex. He brought them fruits and other kind of food that they can consume. Even though they were in a resort, they couldn''t enjoy the place because of the risk that''s lurking around the corner.


    It was Winter''s soldier who found out that some of the escapee went to the resort where the Madrigal and the Madrid were staying. They were about to withdraw from the mission to wrap things up when he noticed that four people from the lists had a change of information.


    He didn''t know how it changed but he knew that Tristan did something with the profiles. Whenever the member tries to escape, the information will also change and it will show their current location. The reason why he knew that it was the resort that Jillyanna''s family hid was because he was told by Winter to look after Gabriel from afar.


    Wherever Gabriel was, Thomas should be there. Wherever Thomas was, Brown and Savannah would be there. Wherever these two people are, Jillyanna''s family would be there. Therefore, he made a conclusion that it was where the whole family stayed. He relayed this information to Winter as soon as he can and she confirmed that it was indeed the resort where the whole family stayed.


    Thus, the soldiers were dispatched once again to capture those men before they can harm the people at the resort. They can''t be certain if they were targeting the Madrigal family but it would be troublesome if the criminals will involve the civilian, Madrigal, Madrid or not.


    Soldiers were roaming around the place to make sure that no one will come to the two floors were the VIP guests were staying. Some people were even wondering what was going on. Yesterday, the soldiers were wearing civilian clothes but it would be difficult for the other family members to distinguish them from the other civilians.


    Now, with the threat of the criminal being in the same premise as them, the soldiers changed into their camouflage and brought out their guns. They all had a serious facial expression and the looked really imposing.


    The other guests feel comfortable as well, knowing that they were secured from any harm with the soldiers around them.


    "Looks like we can''t take action against them. It would be better if we surrender instead of getting killed. Our punishment should be lighter since we haven''t killed anyone yet."

 Chapter 538 - CANT GET THEM THEN, JUST KILL THEM

    "But our leader said that we will get a hefty reward once we take the two children. We don''t need to kill them but just take them away."


    "Do you think we can get them? Didn''t you see the soldiers who came in and out of the private lift. I have heard that there are special guests in this hotel that the soldiers are guarding. Aside from the Madrigal, who else could it be. Aside from that, there were two floors that we don''t have access to. We have observed the other floors but we didn''t see them come out from any of the floors."


    "So? You would really give up?" the other man asked.


    "Hn. I will surrender. Besides, we haven''t heard anything from the leader. The other members were either killed or captured. Some of them left us a warning but the leader didn''t say anything. I think something must have happened. My life is more important than this mission."


    "And what if the leader is alive?" Argued the other gang member. "If he''s alive, he would send men to kill us."


    "I doubt that. There were many soldiers being dispatched yesterday and their target is our group. I am pretty sure that we are all under their radar. We will be killed if we fight back."


    "If you really want to surrender, you can do it but I will not." The other man told the two members. Among the three of them, he was the one with most bloodlust. In fact, he had killed many people before and he wasn''t after the prize as well. He just wanted to kill for the sake of fun.


    The two other members looked at him and nodded his head. "I wish you luck and safety." However, the man only smiled at them. He watched them walk away and when they almost reached the door, he raised his gun and shoot them.


    "Sorry, I can''t have you surrender and sell me off." He walked over them and opened the door. He looked so happy and normal when he passed by the other people, but the blood of two members slowly soaked the carpet on the floor. He shot them on their head so there was no way for them to survive from that.


    He walked like nothing happened and since his gone had a silencer, nobody noticed anything from their room. It wasn''t until three hours after, when the blood flowed out the door that one of the guests noticed it. When the manager forcefully opened the door, two dead bodies greeted them.


    The soldiers heard about what happened and one of them went to check the dead people and the crime scene. It showed that there wasn''t any fight that happened between the victims and the suspect. It seemed to them that they knew the person who shot them and they didn''t expect that person to kill them either, which was why they let their guard down.


    When the soldier checked the lists of members who were supposed to be staying in the same resort as them, he confirmed that they were indeed part of the gang. He informed the other soldiers immediately to be in high alert while he waited to the police officers to take over of the crime that happened.


    As soon as someone came from the police department, he walked back to his post which was to stay at the elevator that will be used by Jillyanna''s family. He was tasked to make sure that no one will use it aside from them.


    The man knew that he couldn''t use that elevator so he used the fire exit stairs. Unknown to him, two soldiers were also guarding the fire exits of the two floors. When he decided to use the elevator for the other guests, there was a soldier who volunteered to be the elevator boy. And two buttons which corresponds to the two floors were crossed out. He tried everything he could do to get inside the place but it was heavily guarded.


    "Tsk! What a killjoy." He commented when he arrived at the rooftop. He carefully disguised himself to make sure that the soldiers won''t recognize him. He wasn''t sure how the recognize everyone from the group but he knew that someone betrayed the organization which led to their distraction. He just didn''t know who it was.


    Jade woke up from her sleep when it was around ten in the morning. She washed her face, brushed her teeth and looked for Savannah so that they can eat together. Savannah brought her to Sky''s room so that they can have a breakfast. Only the two of them had missed their breakfast because she woke up late.


    When they came out of their room, one soldier escorted them towards the other room which was just several steps away from where they stayed.


    "How was it?" Savannah asked about the crime that she heard which involved the gang members who stayed in the same resort as them.


    "We haven''t caught him but the security department said that the other person who stayed in that room have not checked out from the hotel yet. They have been checking all the people who came in and go as well. There''s a possibility that the person is still here."


    "I understand. Please make sure to tighten the security. I''d rely on you to make sure that no one will come here."


    "Yes, Captain." The man left after the two women went inside Sky''s room.


    Raizel was currently playing with Riley after Sky fed him. "Good morning, everyone." Jade greeted with a happy smile as she walked towards her baby brother. "Good morning little brother." She kissed Raizel''s face and gently pat his head. The baby smiled at her which made Jade feel so happy, too.


    "Eat your breakfast first before you play with him." Alex reminded her.


    "Yes, grandpa." Jade obediently went to the dining area where Savannah was waiting for her. "Auntie Savy, can you call my dad later? I want to talk to him."


    "Okay. I''ll call him after breakfast."


    While they felt secure inside the hotel because of the soldiers'' help and the bodyguards'' assistance, the man at the rooftop decided to force his way. "If I can''t get them then, I''ll just kill happily."

 Chapter 539 - RILEY CAUGHT HIM

    The man put on his hat and walked back inside to the hotel from the rooftop. Since he had been going up and down the building, surveying the building floor to floor, he was familiar with the location of the CCTV cameras already. He knew where the blind spots were and he knew where the soldiers focused their security.


    "What floor are you going, sir?" The soldier, who stayed at the elevator to monitor the flow of guests who came in and out, asked the man who was wearing a hat.


    "Bring me to the 8th floor." The man responded with a smiled.


    "Okay."


    The elevator sank into a deafening silence and none of them speak again. There were only two of them inside the elevator. ''DING!'' The elevator opened and the man went out. "He seemed a bit off. Why was he at the rooftop?" The soldier questioned himself with a frown.


    He immediately called the other soldiers through his earpiece and reminded them to tighten up the security. He reported the suspicious man but he also told them not to act recklessly. Right after he said his reminder, he heard a gunshot from the background.


    "There''s an intruder to the 10th floor. Guard everyone!"


    "Catch him!"


    ''Bang! Bang!"


    Jade noticed the hurried footsteps of the soldiers outside. Her heart faltered and she felt a little worried. Savannah also signaled everyone to stay quite while she took out her own gun. She stationed herself at the door together with Brown. Riley brought Jade to the bathroom together with Sky, Alex, Cielo and Raizel.


    Another shot rang out which startled Jade. She was worried for baby Raizel. When she looked at her brother and found him playing with the small teddy bear, she was a little relieved. "Grandma, will we be alright?"


    "Hn. We will be fine. Just trust you''re the soldiers outside. They will keep us safe."


    "I am still worried."


    "Everything will be fine." Sky caressed her face gently. She was also worried but she can''t show it to the children. She needed to be strong for them.


    Outside their room, blood was splattered everywhere. Injured and wounded soldiers can be found lying on the floor, leaning on the wall and some were trying to corner their enemy. One single enemy made a mess out of them. It''s not because they weren''t skilled enough but because they were worried for the civilians that they were trying to protect. They couldn''t act recklessly.


    They thought that their enemy would be using a gun with silencer again but it seemed like he was bent on having a killing spree inside the hotel. Top was able to hit the man and wounded him on his arm. Droplets of blood fell on the floor wherever he goes. Even so, it didn''t stop him from charging.


    "Killing people is so much fun. I like this." The man mumbled with a smile on his face. He was deeply happy with what he was doing. He didn''t have any conscience so he wasn''t worried about anyone that he will hit with his gun. He didn''t feel any guilt with the people he injured and wounded. It was the advantage he got.


    For a moment, the noise stopped and the soldiers didn''t make any move as well. The man was stealthily hiding behind the pillar at the most corner of the floor. "Come over here. Come and get me." He whispered as if making an incantation to lure his prey towards him.


    The other soldiers provided first aide to the wounded and injured. When they all checked everyone''s status, it showed that the man was able to take two lives with his gun. "Damn it! How could this be possible?!" one of the soldiers cursed while getting the dog tag of his dead comrades.


    In the other room, Gabriel was also guarding Thomas with the other two body guards and a soldier assigned to them. The soldier didn''t leave his post during the commotion, worried that someone would make a sneak attack while he was gone. Calhoun had reminded him over and over again that he needed to protect Thomas and Gabriel. He can''t abandon his main duty.


    "How many enemies do we have here? Why were there so many soldiers outside?" Gabriel asked while holding his gun, ready to take fire if necessary.


    "We should have three enemies but, the one notorious killer killed the other two. We don''t know what caused him to kill them. Now, the killer is causing some troubles and killed two soldiers already."


    "He does have guts to charge in when he is obviously outnumbered."


    "He isn''t a simple killer. The soldiers who faced him said that he was someone difficult to deal with. It''s not because of his skills but because he lacks moral. He didn''t have any conscience and didn''t feel any guilty. There was madness in his eyes. That was what they said."


    Gabriel nodded his head in understanding. Killers who kills for fun are the most difficult to deal with, specially in a crowded place. Civilians will be involved and, while soldiers won''t hurt the civilians, the killer can do whatever he wants to do. He didn''t need to worry about anyone''s life. If soldiers were meant to protect the lives of people, he was meant to destroy it.


    Even if they will be in a brink of death, they will still make sure to drag someone down with them. That''s the kind of criminal the soldiers were facing.


    The man took a peek at the soldier who were looking for him. There were four of them and two body guards. "Great." He mumbled and licked his lower lip maniacally. His movements were quick and his shots didn''t miss. He wasn''t wasting a single bullet all.


    The sound of the gun firing made the other guests who stayed at the other floors shivered in fear. The sound was so loud and there were some guests who were loitering using the stairs as well. They''ve seen the bloody mess and they couldn''t help but ran for their lives.


    The soldier didn''t stop firing towards the man, leading them down the spacious hallway. They bombarded him with bullets but the man was so quick to evade them. Though he''s got wounds in different parts of his body, his actions didn''t slow down at all. He was like a bottomless pit of strength and energy.


    "Let''s continue this game until I''m satisfied. I''m enjoying this so much." The man laughed hysterically. A laughter that seemed to come from the deepest corner of hell.


    "Top?" Brown called Tops name through the earpiece.


    "What is it?"


    "Can you tell me where his location is? I might be able to catch him off guard."


    "He is currently hiding behind the pillar at the east wing, near Miss Riley''s room."


    "That''s kind of difficult for a sneak attack since we''re at Sky''s room."


    "I agree. Don''t worry. Leave him to us but I suggest that you call for medical assistance. There are several wounded and injured soldiers."


    "I understand. I''ll do it now." Brown called for medical assistance and asked them to stay on standby since they will be needed as soon as the commotion stops. Calhoun sent several men to serve as back-up as well.


    Savannah looked towards Riley and Brown. "I''ll go out to face this man. You two, stay here and protect everyone."


    "Can I go out instead?" Riley asked since her hands were itching to have a fight again but Savannah dashed her enthusiasm.


    "No, you can''t. You''re an actress. What if there''s someone out there who''s watching? You''ll never know. It will, no doubt, ruin your career."


    "Okay. I''ll stay here and behave." Riley responded sadly. She gave up with that idea but destiny helped her fulfill her dream.


    The man continued to play the chasing game with the soldiers when Savannah came out. His eyes lit up and he grinned evilly towards her. Savannah didn''t care about the lewd provocation on his face. She pulled out her gun from her back and opened fire.


    "Oh! That wasn''t bad." The man commented while evading Savannah''s shots. "But it would be better if you come and play with me instead of playing with a gun."


    "Really?" Savanna cocked her eyebrow while focusing her gaze at him.


    Riley on the other hand was still bent on fighting him. She opened the door to take a peek and look for an opportunity. "What are you doing?" Brown asked her as he swat her hand away.


    "I was just taking a peek." She answered almost instantly. In her field of view, the man had his back facing their way while he was facing Savannah. Seeing this opportunity, Riley opened the door and pulled the man by the collar.


    "What the f*ck?!" The man cursed as his vision turned upside-down and up again. When he came to his senses, Riley was sitting on top of him with a lovely smile. "Can you help me with my need?" she asked while grinding her hips suggestively.


    "Baby girl, I am busy at the moment. How about I help you later?"


    "I want you to help me now!" Riley shouted and punched him on the gut. It was so painful that he wanted to curl his body. He moved his hand to supposedly shot her but Riley was kneeling on them. His gun was nowhere to be found either. "Will you help me or not?" Riley asked while making small circles on his chest.


    "No, I-"


    "No?! You don''t want to?!" Riley punched the man''s face with full force. It caused him to cough up a mouthful of blood and few teeth. "Why won''t you help me?"


    The soldiers didn''t know whether to laugh or cry at the situation. They were fighting with this man to death earlier and now, he was being straddled by a woman, getting punched on his stomach and face.


    "Don''t you like me?" Riley asked, acting all cute and adorable.


    "Wait.."


    "I was just asking you a YES/NO question. I wasn''t even giving you a hard time. What was so difficult with that?" Riley punched the man again and again. If you were on the actual scene, you would know that she was just making silly excuses.


    ''If I am being asked this way, I would have a hard time answering the question as well.'' The soldiers thought internally while watching Riley vent her anger.


    "You don''t like me? Then, I don''t like you, too." She stood up and smiled at him but before the man could move, she stomped on his gut again and again before kicking him. He rolled on the floor as she kicked him. It looked like she was playing a soccer with a human as her ball.


    Jade wanted to watch what was going on outside but Cielo pulled her back in her arms. She knew that Riley and Jackie were not someone you could mess with and base on Riley''s tone, it was obvious that she was dealing with someone. She can''t allow a child to witness such horrible sight.

 Chapter 540 - FINALLY, THEYRE SAFE BUT, TRAVIS WAS IN A LITTLE TROUBLE

    Riley felt so infuriated at this moment. "This is for targeting my family." She stomped on the man''s wrist and ground her shoes on it. "This is for causing trouble in this hotel." She pulled his right leg and broke it. The shrill sound of his yell sent goosebumps to Cielo''s arms who heard it clearly. Jenny was also horrified to see such scene from the wardrobe where she hid herself. It was the first time that she saw Riley became this angry. In her memory, Riley had been very kind and gentle to everyone. She always had this lovely smile on her lips and she looked like an angel.


    She could never associate the Riley in her memory and to the Riley inside the room. They were polarly opposite! Jenny covered her ears to make sure that she won''t hear any sound. Cielo was doing the same thing to Jade. She covered the little girl''s ears with her hand.


    "You wounded our body guards, right? Did you know that my sister and brother-in-law cares for them? Since you wounded them, I should do the same thing to you." Riley didn''t want to move away from him just in case the man would escape. Even though it was impossible, she wouldn''t such risk too happen. There was a flower vase on the table and she broke it purposely. Taking one sharp and bigger piece of broken ceramic, she used it to cut the man on his arms, his legs, his chest and his face. "These are for the people you killed, wounded and injured. I hope you like it."


    She even smiled at him but to the man, her smile was more like a smile of a big demon instead of an angel. "I don''t regret what I''ve done. In fact, I am super happy." The man stated which angers everyone who heard him.


    Riley looked at him with her head nodding up and down. "I agree with you. I am not regretting what I''ve done to you. In fact, I am also very happy. Why don''t we celebrate this happiness, hmm?" she stabbed the sharp ceramic on his right thigh and smiled. The painful groan made her grin from ear to ear. "She stood up again and stepped on the long gash she made on his thigh. "Oopssie! I stepped on it accidentally."


    "You, stupid bitch! I''ll kill you!" the man shouted angrily.


    "You are more than welcome to try. I''m waiting." Riley provoked him again and again but before he could even move, she would kick him and stepped on his wounds intentionally. The floor was a mess and blood can be seen everywhere the man landed.


    "Ms. Summer, that''s enough. We can take care of him?" one of the soldiers interrupted. He wasn''t worried for the man but he was worried for the young woman. It shouldn''t be something she needed to experience.


    "Alright. You can continue the fun." Riley casually threw the sharp ceramic and it stuck on the man''s chest. Killing him on the process.


    The soldiers looked at her and back to the dead man on the floor. They couldn''t believe that she was so strong to the extent that she seemed casual and yet she could kill a big man.


    Brown and Savannah looked towards Riley and sighed. "Just report it that Riley tried to defend herself from this man. Anyway, he''s got several crimes listed under his name. Having one defend herself and kill him on the process won''t be a big impact. Make sure that this won''t get out to the media. Riley is an actress after all." Brown reminded them to cover up what Riley did.


    "Yes, Captain." The soldiers took the body away and Savannah called for a hotel cleaner to clean the mess. After few minutes, Riley was back to herself and she walked out of Sky''s room to go back to their own room to take a shower and change her clothes.


    Jenny came out from the closet and stayed away from the perimeter of the crime scene. Cielo looked for a cloth to cover Jade''s eyes so that they can come out and change rooms. They can''t let the children stay in that place anymore. Jade was very obedient as well. She knew how serious the commotion was and that they were the one being targeted.


    "Can I talk to my Daddy and Mommy?" she asked Alex who was carrying her out of the bathroom.


    "Hn. We''ll call your Mommy and Daddy once we''re out of this room. Just wait a little longer." Alex responded while coaxing the child to calm down. Even though she was smart, a child''s mental fortitude couldn''t be a strong as the adults. Even adults would crumble down after witnessing a horrible scene. How much more a child of her age? They didn''t want to cause another trauma to their little princess.


    Cielo also called Lucian as they walked out of the room. The soldiers escorted them to another room to make sure that they were safe. Jenny was a little shock and surprise with what happened. ''I''m so glad that I am a family and not an enemy to her.'' She thought to herself when she remembered how Riley acted earlier.


    Savannah went out with the whole family to help them bring their things and settle down in a different room. As soon as Jade was put down, she asked for a mobile phone to call her parents. Alex gave her his phone and she dialed her father''s number immediately.


    Travis was pacing back and forth when Jillyanna came out of the shower room. "You looked restless, what happened to you?" she asked her husband while she wrapped a dry towel around her head.


    "I received a message earlier that some of the gang members arrived at the hotel. I''m waiting for the result."


    "Why didn''t you tell me about this?! Are they okay?"


    "You were still sleeping and I was worried that you will be surprised and that your heart won''t be able to take it."


    "Why aren''t you calling them?"


    "I am trying but none of them was answering."


    Jillyanna sat on the bed with so much worry. She was worried for her children who were small and helpless. She looked for her phone to call them when Travis received a call.


    "Jade?"


    "Daddy!" Jade exclaimed in relief.


    Jillyanna was also relieved and she walked towards her husband''s side to listen to their conversation. Travis turned on the loud speaker and let his wife listen.


    "Are you alright?" Jillyanna asked her daughter on the other end of the line.


    "Hn. We are all fine. The soldiers protected us. Auntie Savy and Uncle Brown hid us as well."


    "What about Riley?"


    "She''s fine. She''s currently taking a shower in her room." She didn''t tell her parents that Riley fought with the bad guy. She knew that her mother will be angry since she had been reminding Riley not to fight with anyone.


    "How about baby Raizel and your grandparents?"


    "Baby Raizel is fine. Grandma and Grandpa protected him. As for Grandpa Thomas, he was with Uncle Gabriel and the other soldiers."


    "None of you were hurt?" Jillyanna asked again to make sure.


    "Hn. We are all fine, not even a single drop of blood was taken."


    "That''s good to know. I''m finally relieved" she mumbled and pushed the phone back to Travis. "You talk to her so I can change my clothes. I don''t want to catch a cold."


    Travis nodded his head and talked to Jade to know how her mentality was doing. He didn''t want her to be traumatized again. They talked about different things and she sounded composed and stable. She didn''t stutter and she was always quick to answer his question. After few minutes, Jade bid goodbye to her parents because she wanted to rest.


    Brown left them and went to look for Gabriel and Thomas to see how they were doing. When he came inside their room, he found Thomas sitting on a couch with a chess board in front of him. Gabriel was currently keeping his gun and the soldiers assigned to them were walking at the lobby to check every nook and cranny of the floor. The couldn''t have anyone sneaking an attack against them again.


    "I''m glad that you two are fine."


    "It is not my time to die yet." Thomas mumbled with a faint laughter.


    "Not my time either. I haven''t married Winter yet." Gabriel also stated.


    Brown was shaking his head from side to side as he took a seat across Thomas and moved one pawn chess piece on the board. "It was quite a mess in our floor. I''m glad that it didn''t happen here."


    "Yeah. I heard that there were several injured men."


    "Hn. The soldiers lost several lives. Riley caught the man off-guard and took him down."


    "I always felt something towards the twins. I didn''t know that they were very brave to face a notorious criminal."


    "You have so many things you don''t know regarding them, uncle. Anyway, I just came here to check on you. I''ll go back to report back to Major General Calhoun. I might need to make a testimony for Riley."


    "Okay. Go and do your job. We will be fine here." Thomas urged Brown to leave them.


    Back in Bali, Travis was done with the call and he was looking at his wife with a mischievous grin. "Honey, our problem is now solved. Don''t I have any rewards?"


    "No, you don''t. You kept something very important from me. I am upset."


    "Looks like I''ll have to persuade her of our love making session again." Travis mumbled to himself with a helpless expression.

 Chapter 541 - IM STILL UPSET

    "Are you really going to ignore me?" Travis questioned after an hour since they received the call from Jade. His wife was still upset and their late-night talk last night was dissolved. She was completely ignoring him!


    Jillyanna didn''t say anything. She didn''t even look at him in the eye. In truth, she was just doing it to make an excuse to pass their love making session. She finally found a reason not to do it today, why would she waste such opportunity?


    She changed her clothes to a bathing suit and covered it with a robe. Outside the hotel, everyone was practically walking around with just their swimming clothes on since they were at the beach. It was pretty normal to walk around with just a two-piece or a one-piece. However, Jillyanna wasn''t that confident in her figure anymore. She had two scars that she didn''t want to show anyone except her husband.


    "Are you going out? I thought we''re not going out today." She only glared at him sharply before taking her sunglasses and summer hat; and walked out of their hotel room. "Wifey, wait for me."


    She continued to walk while Travis followed her closely. The soldiers who were tasked to look after them also followed discreetly. They couldn''t let anyone that the husband and wife were guarded. They needed to observe the surroundings as well to make sure that no one will come to harm the couple.


    "Is Mr. and Mrs. Madrigal fighting?" one of the soldiers asked through his earpiece. He was watching the two not far from him and he noticed that Jillyanna was wearing a dark face and Travis was following with a teasing grin on his face. "Never mind. I think the husband was just teasing his wife."


    "That''s practically what the honeymoon is all about." The other soldier responded.


    "Man, I''m envious of them. When will I get a girlfriend?"


    "If you stop taking care of your guns and start looking for a woman. How will you find a woman when you spent most of your time with your collections of knives and guns? Women will be afraid of you if they know that." The third soldier responded with a deep sigh.


    "Then, maybe I should just give up on the girlfriend part. I can''t let go of my collections."


    "Then, spend your time being alone forever."


    The three soldiers were talking back and forth while keeping their eyes on Jillyanna and Travis. The couple were going to the nearest swimming pool where Jillyanna can have a refreshing dip in a cold water. It wasn''t very cold, just enough temperature to make you feel so refreshed.


    She took of her glasses and hat, and placed it on the small table near the rattan chair that she found. There weren''t many people using the pool since most of the tourists were at the beach. She wanted to go there as well but she thought it was too hot to be dipping in a sea water.


    "Wifey, you can have a swim while I look after your things." Travis volunteered while helping his wife took of her bathrobe. She was wearing a red two-piece swimsuit which looked so sexy on her tall and lean body.


    "Don''t go anywhere." Jillyanna reminded him while she dipped her foot on the water surface. She wanted to feel the temperature first. "Not bad." She murmured and looked back to him. "I''ll be spending time with the water and you should never go anywhere else."


    "Hn. I understand my beautiful wife." Travis leaned to kiss her but Jillyanna covered his mouth to stop him.


    "Don''t think you can go all physically touchy with me just because I''m talking to you. I am still upset."


    "Sorry. I won''t do it again." He threw all his acting skills in this moment and looked like a sad puppy in front of her. "Will you please forgive me?"


    "I''ll think about it while swimming."


    Without further ado, Jillyanna get into the pool with a wide smile on her face. She was finally out and if her acting continues, if she will be able to endure the harsh treatment she was giving him, she can skip tonight''s session. That''s what she planned.


    Travis watched her wife swam across the pool. Sometimes she would swim towards him but she won''t say anything after emerging from the water. Since he couldn''t leave his post, he called for a hotel service lady and asked for two drinks and two sandwiches. They haven''t eaten anything and she''s probably hungry, just not saying it because she was mad at him.


    Iillyanna noticed that someone was gazing at her. It was so intense that she felt it was burning her skin. She looked around the place and found a man looking at her across the rim of his juice glass. He was wearing a flower printed shirt and a white short. Even though he was quite far from Jillyanna, she could feel that the man was looking at her. She had a 20-20 vision after all.


    Disgusted with how he was ogling at her, Jillyanna swam towards Travis and sat beside him, didn''t even care about her wet body pressing his. "Someone''s looking at your wife with clear lust. I hate it." She whispered to him while he helped put the robe on her.


    "Which one?" Travis questioned without looking around, pretending that he didn''t know but he was taking note of her description. After a few minutes, their drinks and food arrived so Jillyanna had the time to rest this time. She leaned on him and hugged her one hand on his waist while she was holding the juice with her other hand.


    She needed to show to the world that she''s taken and someone that you couldn''t take. When Travis wasn''t looking, she raised her chin up and looked towards the man who had been watching her. Her smiled was one of mocking and victory. She was clearly showing who owned her.


    The man just smiled and left. "God! I hate that kind of look they threw at me. It made me want to gouge their eyes and feed them to the dogs."


    "Hey! You can''t be too violent. It''s not good for you. I can gouge them for you instead? Do you want it serve in a platter or in a bowl?"


    "None of them. They don''t deserve to be placed in those things. They can just be thrown directly. Tsk!"


    Travis chuckled and hugged his wife to calm her. "Alright. Don''t worry about it anymore. Everything will be fine. I''ll deal with this matter. You don''t need to be upset."


    "Hn. I won''t let it ruin my day."


    "Do you want to swim again? Maybe I can accompany you."


    "Maybe? You don''t have plans to accompany me?"


    "Well, I thought you are still upset."


    "Huh? Ah! Oh! Right. I am still upset. Don''t swim with me." She stood up to take another dip when Travis held her hand and pulled her back. He was hugging from behind while placing his chin on her shoulders.


    "Wifey, I know I''m wrong. Can we please make up now? I don''t want you to get angry at me. I''m really sad."


    "Really?"


    "Hn."


    "I''ll forgive you if you promise me something."


    "What is it? I''ll do it without a doubt." Travis was expecting something doable and he was very eager to earn her forgiveness. Of course, he would do his best to accomplish his promise.


    "I want you to promise that we won''t do anything exhausting tonight."


    "What? Why?"


    "Why are you reacting that way? I thought you want me to forgive you."


    "But..b-but we talked about it last night."


    "And you did something bad this morning."


    "Was it bad that I was worried for you? I didn''t say anything because of your fragile heart. What would I do if something happens to you?"


    "What would you do if something happens to them without me knowing?"


    "I don''t think something will happen to them. I trust my friends. I trust the soldiers. I know that they will keep our family safe at the cost of their lives. There''s now way something bad would befall them."


    Jillyanna looked at him before averting her eyes. He was right. In fact, she also trusted the people who Calhoun sent. However, she can''t stop herself from getting worried. Nonetheless, she was just making excuses in front of him. She wasn''t really angry or upset about him.


    "Okay. I''ll change my condition to forgive you."


    "What is it this time? You won''t make another impossible request, right? You can ask anything, just not the thing we talked about last night. I can''t do it. I''ve been longing to hold you in my arms."


    "Aren''t you holding me now?"


    "Then, should I let you go?"


    "Try it and you will never see me again."


    Travis couldn''t hold back his laughter anymore. His wife just so adorable and beautiful. Even when she''s acting mad, she would often look at him from a far. She might have been trying to hide it but Travis knew that she was looking at him from time to time.


    "Fine. Let''s go and have a tour today."


    "Sure, madam. I''ll go on a tour with you." He responded almost instantly, without a doubt, without hesitations.

 Chapter 542 - WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?

    She was elated to finally knew that she would be able to have a tour around the place. It was one of the places that she wanted to visit since she was in high school but she was always busy with several stuff, putting on the trip on hold and totally forget it after many years. It would be a waste if she wouldn''t have a proper tour in the place.


    She swam for few minutes more, basked under the sun, chatted with her husband and ate different kinds of food. She did all these since she finally got an agreement for a tour with him. She was no longer upset.


    After an hour, she put on her robe and wore her glasses. "Let''s go back inside. It''s getting hotter here."


    "What time are we leaving for a tour?"


    "Around one in the afternoon."


    "Got it." Travis took hold of her hand and linked their fingers together. "What will you wear to go out by the way?"


    Jillyanna stopped and her eyes went wide. "Oh shoot! I forgot! I totally forgot! Why didn''t you tell me earlier?!"


    "I thought you considered it before proposing that condition to me."


    She looked at him without saying anything. Travis also looked back without saying anything. He wanted to find out how long she can last without asking him for help.


    "What are they doing? I thought they made up already. Are they still fighting?" one of the soldiers asked his comrades.


    "I don''t think so. They looked to be fighting but their eyes held love and care."


    "How the hell did you see that? "


    "It''s none of your business. A single man like you won''t understand it."


    "Tsk! I''m starting to despise couples now."


    "That''s a problem with singles."


    "Shut up!"


    Travis and Jillyanna didn''t know that the soldiers were talking about them and they were still staring at each other. Travis blinked his eyes and smiled. "I''m giving up. I''ll shop some clothes for you."


    "How do you plan to do that?"


    "I''m buying it online."


    "I see. I thought you will leave me and go somewhere to buy it."


    Travis pulled her close and wrapped his arm around her waist. "I would never do that. This is not our house and you would never want me to leave your side as well, right?"


    "Yup. My husband knows me best."


    "Of course." Travis kissed her temple as they continued to walk back to the elevator, back to their hotel room. Travis pulled out a shirt from his clothes and underwear from her things while Jillyanna was taking a shower to rinse the chlorinated water off of her body.


    She didn''t have any decent clothes to wear outside and she didn''t want to wear those kinds of lingerie around him either. She would awaken a certain beast and she would be the one and only victim that he would ravage. It would be troublesome if that happens.


    While she was inside the shower room, Travis looked for malls around the place that offers delivery in an instant. He wasn''t planning to order that many clothes for her or else, he wouldn''t be able to enjoy the view of his wife wearing the lingerie in her closet.


    He ordered a black denim shorts that has a crisscrossed silk ribbon design on the sides, a white spaghetti strapped top with a blue butterfly embroidered on the center of the chest, and a white high cut shoes to pair with it. He paid extra amount to have it delivered within an hour.


    When Jillyanna came out of the shower room, she put on the clothes that Travis chose for her while waiting for the clothes that he ordered. It was the third time that they bought clothes in a whim and it was all because of her. Last time, she was able to chose her clothes, this time, she had no idea what he bought but she trusted him.


    "Let''s watch a movie while waiting?" Travis suggested while turning on the smart TV. "What do you want to watch?"


    "You choose. I don''t really have anything in mind."


    "Okay." A grin emerged from his lips as he chose from the set of movies provided as default by the hotel. There were horror movies, comedy, drama and some erotic movies on the lists. Since he was the one who was tasked to choose, of course, he will choose something sexy and hot. Jillyanna didn''t know what he was choosing since she was drying her hair and had her back facing him. "Let me dry your hair." Travis offered as he took the towel, hair brush and dryer from her.


    Jillyanna took a plush cushion pillow, placed it on the carpeted floor and sat on it while Traviis sat on the couch behind her. The movie was playing in front of them and she was watching it with intent focus. It looked interesting and there was a bit of dram added into it. It was a story of a man who fell in love with a woman who saved his life. After making sure that he was out of danger, he disappeared in his life. When they met again, he did his best to make sure that she won''t escape from him. He had done all he could to be gentle, to be kind, to be honest and to love her with all he got.


    "This movie is quite nice. I didn''t know you were into this dramatic type of movie." Jillyanna commented while she leaned her head on his lap.


    "I didn''t know that this is a drama." Travis responded. He was starting to doubt his choice now.


    The movie continued and Jillyanna continued to watch it, too. After almost half an hour, her hair was almost dried and the scene that Travis waited the most has finally come. It was the scene where the man and woman made love, the scene that would embarrass Jillyanna the most.


    "Why did you choose this?!"

 Chapter 543 - ILL JUST STAY HERE, TAKING A PEEK

    "You said it was nice. Why are you angry now?"


    "Because I thought there wouldn''t be anything like this. You didn''t tell me about this."


    Travis laughed upon seeing her bashful reaction. He always like watching her looking like this. An exclusive expression that she only shows in front of him. "It''s fine. It will serve as our lesson for tonight''s class."


    "I won''t do anything with you. Hmp!"


    "But we talked about it." Travis retorted, obviously in disagreement with her words. Jillyanna just rolled her eyes and bit his thigh for getting all the embarrassment she felt. The movie was still playing in the background. The lewd noise of flesh hitting flesh, the loud moans and kissing sounds; they were all so clear to hear and it sent something tingling within her.


    "I''m not watching this anymore! It''s annoying."


    "But I want to watch it."


    "But it is very loud. Can you watch it on your phone?"


    "No, I can''t. I want to watch it here." Jillyanna pouted and decided to sit beside him. She''s got no other choice anyway. Even if she won''t watch it, she would still be able to hear the sound.


    "Don''t touch me while watching it."


    "Why?" he questioned, looking so innocent and unbothered with the movie in front of them.


    "No particular reason. Just keep your paws to yourself."


    "But I want to hug you while watching the movie."


    "No way. Your hand will wander while you''re watching it."


    "Is it bad?"


    "It is bad. Things will escalate quickly if you start hugging me and the tour will be postponed. It is super duper bad. Watching this movie is bad enough. How much more if you start touching me."


    "That''s a very advance thinking that you have there."


    "I know how you think and I know I''m very accurate."


    Travis let out a hearty laughter once again. His wife looked like a cornered hamster who was fighting back with all her might and he liked teasing her that much. "Fine. Fine. I''ll keep my hands to myself."


    The two of them watched the movie. Travis was sitting on the other end of the couch, looking calm and steady. Jillyanna was sitting on the opposite corner with a flushed face and hyperventilating heart. The movie was just too crazy and overwhelming to her. At first, she thought it was really nice because of the dramatic counterpart which was shown at the first part. However, after half an hour, the movie focused on their love making which happened in almost all part of their house and to different places they''ve been to.


    There was an erotic scene in the kitchen, at the stair, in the living room, in the shower room, at the private beach owned by the guy, on a yacht, inside the black and tinted van; almost every place that you could think of. ''That''s insane!'' Jillyanna exclaimed mentally. ''I would probably die from exhaustion if that happens to me.''


    Travis was observing her reaction through his peripheral vision and he was suppressing his laughter whenever he sees her rolling her eyes or covering her face. She had been whispering curses as well. It was really unexpected for someone who''s married and for someone who have done it several times with him.


    In Jillyanna''s case, she enjoys doing it with Travis but she didn''t like doing it all the time. She didn''t want to appear like a maniac in front of him and aside from that, she didn''t have the strength to last long under his attack. Such activity is very tiring. Moreover, she always felt embarrass whenever she felt him inside her or whenever he looks at her from beneath him.


    Just as the movie ended, the doorbell rang. Travis looked at the monitor and found a man holding two paper bags in his hands. "Hello, sir. I have delivery for Travis Madrigal." The man stated when he saw Travis opened the door.


    "That''s me." Travis signed the delivery form and received the bags from him. "Thank you for your service."


    "No worries." The man left after getting the signed form him.


    "Sweetheart, your clothes are here." Travis gave her the bags so that she can change her clothes.


    Jillyanna received the bags from him and gave him a kiss on his lips. "Thanks for these."


    "Hn. I won''t want you to worry over something so small but-"


    "But?"


    "Can you close your eyes for a while?" Jillyanna didn''t say anything and just followed his instruction. The kiss that he gave her wasn''t the same as hers. She gave him a peck but he gave her a French kiss. It was so sudden that she instantly opened her eyes when he pried open her mouth.


    "Mmnh." She wanted to speak but his lips were still covering hers. His tongue snaked inside her mouth and sent a tingling sensation down to her very core. She even shivered a little from it. "Mnhm..mnmhk" she gave him a gentle tap on his shoulder to get his attention. Travis pulled away from her with a smile.


    "That was satisfying." Travis commented before giving his lower lip a sexy lick.


    "That was literally the type of ''you took my breath away''. I thought I''d die from lack of oxygen."


    "I wouldn''t want that to happen. I was planning to stop after a minute."


    "Did I end it too quickly?"


    "Nope. Just enough for me to be happy for the rest of the day."


    "If I didn''t let you kiss me, you won''t be happy?"


    "I would still be happy. The kiss was just a bonus."


    "Tsk! You perverted shameless husband should start thinking differently. You will break my hips and spine in the future if you keep thinking that way."


    "I''ll start considering about that. After all, I still want to spend time making love to you until we''re too old to move."


    "You''re crazy." Jillyanna pushed him a little bit with faint laughter. "I''ll change my clothes now."


    "Sure. I''ll just stay here, taking a peek."

 Chapter 544 - WHO WILL YOU CHOOSE?

    No one can surpass his shamelessness at all. Jillyanna changed her clothes with her husband looking at her. When he said he would take a peek, he really did.


    "Don''t put on your blouse first." Travis stated and he even held her hands to stop her from putting her blouse on. He used his other hand to over her eyes and lowered his head. This time, he didn''t give her a hot and passionate kiss. Instead, he kissed the underside of her breast, right below her bra and left a kiss mark.


    "Hey! Don''t just do that out of nowhere."


    Travis uncovered her eyes and as he looked at the mark that he left. A satisfied smile appeared on his lips and he helped her put on her top. "I like to know that my mark lingers on you."


    "You are just being possessive."


    "Do you hate it?"


    "Nope. I love it." She stood on her toes and kissed the tip of his nose before walking away to get her bag. "Let''s go."


    The two of them left to have an afternoon tour around the place. They bought souvenirs for everyone at home; and Jade''s gift was special among everyone. Raizel was still small so they didn''t need to buy a lot of things for him around this time. Aside from that, he''s got so many things at home already. They would wait for him to use all his things and when he was too big to use them, they can new ones and donate the old things. Jillyanna was someone who always bought things with purpose. She didn''t just buy them because she fancies it.


    After buying the souvenirs, they had their late lunch in one of the local restaurants. They walked along the beach and enjoyed the beautiful sunset.


    "I like this view here." Jillyanna commented. She was watching the sunset while holding her husband''s hand.


    "I like the place as long as you are with me." Travis responded before raising her hand to kiss the back of it. "No matter where we are, as long as you are with me, I don''t care about the place."


    "Hon, did you just forget our children?"


    "Oh! Right. As long as we are complete, I will be fine."


    "Between the children and me, who will you choose if we drown?"


    "Raizel." Travis answered with a straight face.


    "Wow! That was unexpected. I thought you would save me."


    "First, you know how to swim. There''s no way you would drown. Second, Jade doesn''t like beaches or pools. She would come and watch us swim but she would never swim herself. I think she''s afraid of deep waters. Third, our son is very young. He doesn''t even know how to walk yet."


    "Tsk! I can''t believe you are being logical with me."


    "Why did you even ask about it?"


    "No reason. I just want to know."


    The two of them continued to walk along the beach, hand-in-hand, chatting so carefree. "But in the next 5 or 7 years to come, my answer will change and no matter what happens, I will only choose you."


    Jillyanna chuckled when she heard his comment. She didn''t need to know that because she knew she would. "Travis."


    "Hn?"


    "Travis."


    "Yes."


    "My dear husband."


    "I''m here."


    "I like calling your name. Before closing my eyes to sleep, I want to see your face. The moment I wake up, I want to see your face. That is why, I hate it when I don''t see you sometimes."


    "I''m glad that I''m all you can think of."


    "This characteristic I have now, you don''t feel annoyed?"


    "Nope. In fact, I want you to be even more clingy to me. I want you to depend on me. I want you to always look for me. I feel satisfied when I do something that makes you happy."


    Jillyanna stopped and walking and pulled him to stop as well. As the night started to greet them and street lamps turned on one after another, giving the place a different glow; Jillyanna hugged him tight. "I love you. I love you. I loved you in the past. I love you now. I will love you in the future. I will never stop loving you not unless the time stops for me. I will love you again in our next life and next time, I won''t try to run away either. I will come and chase you like how I chase for my dreams. Next time, make sure to chase after your wife and meet me in the middle, okay?"


    "I promise. In this life time, in the next one and the next one after that, I will only have space for you in my heart." Travis reiterated as he placed his arms around her waist. The two of them hugged into a warm embrace under the twinkling stars.


    When they arrived at the hotel, Travis finally got his reward. From the bathroom, to their bedroom, they engaged in a hot and steamy love making. He learned a lot when it comes to making a woman feel pleasure, after all, he watched something earlier that day which he used as reference.


    In the first round he was on top, thrusting himself inside, making her feel hot and in ecstatic. Every single thrust would hit her good spot which would elicit a moan from her. Her moan and cries drove him even madder and from shallow strokes, it became deeper and faster.


    "D-don''t¡­don''t break me." Jillyanna whispered as she wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck.


    "Don''t tighten yourself. I''ll cum..oh, I''m cumming." Travis hugged her and let out a throaty groan while releasing himself. Since he was afraid of Jillyanna getting pregnant, he was using condom this time.


    Jillyanna closed her eyes and thought she could rest. She felt him raised her up and when she opened her eyes again, she was already on top of him.


    "Let''s do the second round with you driving me wild." The teasing grin on his lips made her blush but at the same time, she was happy to gain and upper hand this round.

 Chapter 545 - MY HOME IS WHEREVER YOU ARE

    The next morning which was also their third day, Jillyanna woke up around eleven in the morning. Since she was getting used to his size and his movements, she didn''t have a sore waist this time. Aside from that, she remembered Travis giving her a massage last night while she was drifting off to sleep.


    "Morning." Travis greeted her with a kiss on top of her head. He was reading some messages on his phone regarding the companies that he was handling. There were messages from Shein and Savannah regarding some financial report and there was a message from his father as well, encouraging him to bring good news of Jillyanna being pregnant again. He didn''t reply to it since he knew his father was just joking. They already talked about it and his father knew that Travis didn''t want Jillyanna to get pregnant again.


    "Morning." Jillyanna greeted as she hugged his waist and cuddled with him.


    "Do you feel any discomfort anywhere?"


    "Nope. I''m fine."


    "That''s great! I was worried that I won''t be able to do anything tonight."


    Jillyanna''s eyes went wide and she softly scoffed. "I think, my waist is still a little soar. Let''s not do anything tonight, okay?"


    "I have asked for a massage service for this afternoon."


    Jillyanna made a ''tch-ed'' sound and pinched his thighs. "Fine. Fine. I''m alright. No need for a massage. I want to spend my afternoon on a food trip."


    "Sure." Travis agreed and put down his phone on the bedside drawer.


    "Won''t you call the hotel service to cancel the massage?"


    "Hn? There''s no need. I didn''t call for one."


    "You tricked me!" Jillyanna lightly punched his chest. She was pouting her lips while throwing sharp glares at him. "You perverted trickster!" Travis couldn''t hold back his laughter anymore and he let it out. His laughter echoed in their room as he hugged his wife.


    "Sorry. I just knew that you''d be making excuses so, I decided to tease you a little bit."


    Jillyanna rolled her eyes at him as she propped herself up to sit by his side. "I''ll take a shower first."


    "Do you want me to shower with ¨C"


    "No. I''m a bit worried if we shower together now. We might not come out."


    "I won''t do anything, I promise. I will wait until tonight."


    "Didn''t you shower, yet?"


    "Nope. I was waiting for you to wake up."


    He carried his wife to the bathroom and the two of them showered together. True to his words, Travis didn''t do anything.


    Since they will just be going to have a food trip in some local restaurants, Jillyanna didn''t need to wear anything fancy or anything great. She just picked some long sleeves from his clothes and wore it. Travis folded the sleeves up to her elbows and left the two upper buttons open to give her a sexy vibe.


    She still got one shorts left in her clothes so, she chose it to pair with the shirt she got. She also wore the wedged slipped sandals that she bought the day before when they went to the mall. She still looked great even when simple clothing style.


    Travis also chose a T-shirt of the same color as hers. They appeared casual but the cost of their clothes was more than a thousand of dollars each.


    After making sure that they were all good, Jillyanna picked up her bag and phone to go. Inside her bag, there was only a handkerchief, a press powder, a wallet and phone. Inside her wallet was Travis'' card and hers plus, several bills. Most of the time, they used his card to pay for their purchases.


    This time, they used their cash to pay for things since Jillyanna decided to try the food display in the local market. She only chose those that looked edible and clean to her. Travis was very conscious of her health so, he always monitors the food that she was eating, asking the vendor what meat it was and what part it was.


    "C''mon. Stop asking what this is or that is. Let''s just enjoy. This is only once in a lifetime chance. Let''s take this opportunity to explore." Jillyanna grabbed his hand and they walked along the street where many food stalls were located.


    Travis could only take a deep sigh and follow her. There wasn''t really that big of a difference when it comes to Indonesian street food and their city B''s street food. They may have different names and a little different in taste but they all taste great. Jillyanna was enjoying her time, hopping from one stall to another, until she felt so full she didn''t want to move.


    "Let''s take a rest on that bench." She stated while pointing on an empty bench not far from them. Travis walked beside her in a slow speed to keep up with her. "I had fun eating their food here. I am so full now." She commented while rubbing her stomach. Travis also reached his hand and rubbed it for her. Some people said that rubbing your stomach can help with the digestion. That was probably why they were doing it.


    She leaned her head on his shoulder while watching the people from all ages, from different countries and from different races, passed by them. "I am so happy that we finally have this trip."


    "Me, too. I''m that we''re here. Cielo told me that you wanted to go here since you were in high school. I''m glad that I am the one who accompanies you in this trip."


    "Darling."


    "Hn?"


    "I want to go home now. I want to see the kids. I want to see our house. I want to see our plants. I want to see our fishes. I just want to be home."


    "Then, shall we book a flight back?"


    "Huh?" Jillyanna straightened up and looked at him. "No. There''s no need. I was just saying it because I miss them. Let''s just finish this trip and go home after."


    "Okay. Whatever you say, I''ll follow your lead. At the end of the day, my home is wherever you are."


    "You forgot the children again."

 Chapter 546 - DINNER DATE IN BALI

    There life in Bali revolved around a tour and exploration in the afternoon, a love making session at night and sleeping in the whole morning. This cycle kept on until the sixth day of their trip. Jillyanna was packing her things and was arranging her other stuff to make sure that she won''t forget anything tomorrow once they leave.


    "We can''t do it tonight. We have to leave tomorrow afternoon. I don''t want to miss our flight." Jillyanna stated while placing her shorts inside the suitcase.


    "Can we do a round?"


    "No."


    "But I haven''t seen you wear the nurse uniform."


    "I can do it for you at home."


    "Promise?"


    Jillyanna looked at him and grinned. "No. I was just joking. There''s no way I''d do that."


    "Why not? It''s not like you''ll be showing that in front of anyone else. You will only be showing that in front of me."


    "That''s what I''m worried about. I''m showing it in front of my shameless husband."


    Travis laughed and hugged her from behind.  "I was just teasing you. Let''s just take a rest tonight so we can leave early tomorrow."


    Jillyanna placed her hands on his and smiled. "I like the time we have spent here. I hope we can have this again some other time."


    "I wish the same." Travis mumbled and kissed the side of her neck.


    "Hephep! Don''t kiss me there."


    "A kiss is not allowed, too?"


    "Your kisses are brought danger to me. I don''t want to lose my mind."


    "I''m glad to know I have that effect on you."


    "You just know that now?"


    "I knew it long ago which was why I like doing it to you."


    Jillyanna laughed and swatted his hands away from her. "Come on. Let''s stop this and continue to pack. You can hold me all you want after."


    The two of them packed their things. Since Jillyanna had fewer things in the first place, she finished packing her things and turned to help him with his things.


    With the two of them working together, they finished packing their things in an hour. It was already six in the evening and Travis asked someone from the hotel service to set up a candle lit dinner for them at the beach. It was their last night there in Bali and he wanted to make it special for her.


    "Where are we having dinner?" she asked her husband who was still sitting on their bed, watching a movie on the television.


    "Our dinner will be ready in a while. Just let me finish the movie. It''s almost done."


    "Okay." Jillyanna went to the balcony and watched the city lights in front of her. The sea breeze blew and she like the coldness that touched her face.


    Travis watched her back and he smiled. He stood up from their bed and walked towards her. "Let''s go down and have dinner."


    "The movie''s done?"


    "Hn." Travis held her hand and the two of them walked out of their room.


    "Where are we eating tonight?"


    "At the beach."


    "Really?"


    "Yup."


    "Did you ask someone to set up our dinner?"


    "Yup. I want to make our dinner extra special since this will be our last night."


    "Thank you." Jillyanna tightened her hold on him and she leaned closer to him. "I''m so happy that I gave us a chance to work things out. I''m probably regretting it if I didn''t."


    "If you didn''t give us a chance, we''ll probably end up being single forever."


    "Probably. Or I might have died a long time ago. I realized that I was really selfish before. It wasn''t until recently that I realized, I was only thinking for myself but not the baby. I was thinking it would be great to become a mother but I didn''t take into consideration that I could die any moment, leaving the baby alone. I didn''t even think of having a heart transplant."


    "Why are you saying all of this now?"


    "Nothing. I just realized so many things in this past few days that we''re here. I realized that I wouldn''t have this happy life if it wasn''t because of you. You changed my view in life."


    "That being said, don''t I deserve some sort of reward?"


    "What is it that you want?"


    "Let me think about." Travis responded with a grin on his face.


    "Seeing that sly grin, I think you are up to something naughty again. I can do anything but no love making. I want to rest for a while."


    "I''m not up to something naughty. I''m thinking of some serious matter."


    "Well, I''d like to hear about that serious matter later."


    Travis nodded his head and wrapped his hand on her waist. The two of them got inside the elevator, so sweet that the other guests were envious of them.


    Jillyanna liked Italian cuisine so, Travis asked the hotel manager for a favor. He paid a little bigger but he didn''t care about it as long as his wife enjoys their night. All he wanted to see was the smile on her face. The location of their date was at the beach which was not far from the hotel. There was a huge heart made of small lights and there were flower petals scattered around the place. The wind helped them scatter the flower petals as well.


    The wind wasn''t strong so the candles weren''t put out. They used a scented candle which made the atmosphere even more romantic. The table and chairs were set in the center of the huge heart and there was a violinist at the side.


    "You really put so much thought on this." Jillyanna commented when she saw the set up in front of her.


    "It''s for my wife. Of course, I''d make sure to give it so much thought." Travis led her to her chair and pulled it for her. "For you." Travis gave her a bouquet of flowers, treating it like a very special date even though they''ve been together every single day. "I love you Mrs. Madrigal."


    Instead of sitting on her chair, Jillyanna stood up and hugged him. "I love you too, Mr. Madrigal."

 Chapter 547 - TEASING JADE

    Jade was lying on the couch. She raised her left leg, put it down, raised her right leg and put it down. She did it a couple of times while waiting for Brown to finish calling Valkyrie. He had been calling him for almost two hours now and their game was put on hold because of that.


    "When will their call end?" Jade mumbled with a sigh.


    "Don''t expect it to end soon." Savannah answered her question as she placed a slice of cake in front of the little girl. "They must have missed each other so much."


    "How about you, Auntie Savy? Don''t you miss Uncle Schniezel?"


    "Of course, I miss him."


    "Why didn''t I hear you call him for almost two hours? Did you ever call him?" Jade questioned innocently. She was just wondering why since she never really noticed Savannah talking to Hawk.


    Savannah blinked her eyes and laughed awkwardly. She didn''t call him but they would always text each other into the late hours of night. Brown can call Valkyrie whenever he wanted since Valkyrie was staying at the hospital. However, Savannah couldn''t do it with Hawk. He was still busy dealing with the aftermath of the mission. There were just so many things to do and she didn''t want to disturb him.


    "He is a little busy so, I just sent him messages to know how she was doing."


    "Isn''t that boring? My Mommy and Daddy couldn''t last a day without talking to each other."


    "Your parents are example of people who are madly in love with each other."


    "Is it bad? Being madly in love, is it bad?"


    "I don''t think so but, some people weren''t like them."


    "Why not? I can see my parents are happy being madly in love with each other. How about you become madly in love with Uncle Schniezel, too?"


    Savannah pinched the little girl''s face and kissed the tip of her nose. "Why are we even having this conversation? You are still so young to have this conversation with adults."


    "Isn''t this better? The earlier I know about things, the earlier I can guard my heart from pain."


    "You have a point." Savannah nodded her head in understanding. "At the same time, you don''t really need this knowledge for now. Maybe after ten years, we can have this conversation again."


    "Why are you talking about love?" Brown questioned after his call ended and heard about Jade and Savannah''s conversation. "Do you have someone you like?"


    Jade blushed and averted her eyes from them. "I''m sleepy now. Let''s stop playing and go to sleep now."


    "Did you just avoid my question?" Brown asked again and threw a playful look towards Savannah.


    "Oh my gosh! Jade, you like someone?" Savannah added, the two of them thought of teasing her tonight.


    "Who said I like someone? I will only like someone who''s very much alike my father."


    "Oh! I know someone who''s very much alike with Travis." Brown commented to see how she would react but Jade remained unmoving. She would never say anything to them.


    "Is it Ethan? When I look at him for the first time, I thought he was like Travis. Don''t you think so, Brown?" Savannah chided as well.


    "Oh! Right! I think so, too." Brown added with a sly smile.


    Jade turned her face to see them and rolled her eyes. "You can stop making assumptions, alright. I am still young and I don''t even understand what you were talking about."


    Brown and Savannah laughed together upon seeing her cute reaction. It was the first time they got to tease her and they were clearly having fun. "Fine. We''ll stop teasing you now." Savannah stood up to leave. "If ever you fall in love with Ethan, I''d be laughing with your answer today."


    "Stop it! I''m not going to fall in love with him! Never!" Jade yelled and threw the pillow towards Savannah who caught it and laugh at her.


    Brown also gave her a wink before keeping the things on the table. Jade just pouted her lips and ate the cake that Savannah gave her. She just said that she wanted to sleep but she wasn''t really sleepy at all. She still wanted to play but the two adults with her were just teasing her.


    "There''s no way I''d fall in love with Ethan. I will only look up to my father and not anyone else." Jade mumbled while stuffing her mouth with the cake.


    "Don''t talk like you are so sure of the future." Brown reminded her but Jade just rolled her eyes. She would never expect that this conversation today will measure her determination in the future.


    "I miss my parents." Jade mumbled. "They won''t bully me like this."


    Brown laughed again and his worry about Valkyrie''s situation had completely disappear. "We will all be going home tomorrow and your parents will be home as well. Make sure to sleep early so you can wake up early as well."


    "I''m so excited to see them." Jade responded.


    "Me, too. I''m so happy that they''re coming home."


    "I know why you''re happy." Jade stated with a teasing smile.


    "Why?"


    "Because we are all going home and you can finally go to Uncle Matt."


    "I never said that."


    "I know. I know. You didn''t say it but that''s how I look at it."


    Brown was speechless and he could only shake his head several times. "Are you excited going to school?"


    "Of course. I am looking forward to it."


    "I know why you are looking forward to it."


    "Why?" Jade was the one who was asking this time.


    "Because you will be able to go to the same school as Ethan and spend time with him."


    Jade''s smile disappears and she jumped down on him. She opened her mouth widely and bit him. "Ahw! Ouch! I won''t do it. I''ll stop teasing you." Brown shouted while holding Jade on his back to make sure that she won''t fall. He wasn''t like Hawk or Valkyrie who got muscles so, her bite still hurt a little bit. "Sorry. Sorry."


    Jade stopped biting and scornfully looked at him. "I''ll ask Uncle Matt to punish you for bullying me."


    "No! Don''t! I promise to never tease you. Just don''t say anything to him."


    "Hmp! Too late." Jade got off from him and walked away with a victorious smile.

 Chapter 548 - EPILOGUE I

    Three days after the family went back to their houses, Jade was scheduled to take the exam in Trine Elite University. She had to pass it in order to study in their school as a 6th grader at the age of seven years old. She would be one of those geniuses in their school if she gets admitted.


    Jillyanna was supposed to come with her, however, Travis was worried so he came with them along with their son. The three of them stayed in the car while Jade was at the examination room, taking a series of test to determine if she would be accepted or not. Every time she finished taking the test for one subject, the facilitator will collect her paper to have it checked. In that way, the result will be out before the end of the day.


    So far, she finished taking the Math and Science tests and she passed all of them. She was currently taking analogy at the moment. Travis gave her several pieces of small candies earlier and a bottle of water. It was to ensure that she''s have some sugar to keep her energize while taking the test.


    "She''ll have an hour of break for lunch later. Let''s go somewhere to eat. It would be better to give her a change in environment for a while. I''m worried that she''ll be stressed out."


    "I booked a reservation in a Japanese restaurant near her. Don''t worry about that."


    The couple were both thinking about their daughter. They weren''t nervous or anxious of the test results because they were confident that she would pass the exam and get accepted in the school that she wanted.


    Quarter to twelve, the facilitator brought Jade out and sent her to her waiting father at the lobby. She reminded them to come back at least ten minutes before one so that Jade can still relax herself before taking another test in the afternoon. She was happy with the result and she was sure that the little girl will be accepted base on the current results she got.


    "How was it?" Jillyanna asked her daughter as soon as she got inside the car.


    "It was alright. A little challenging and a little tiring. I think I made some mistakes in some parts. I''m not sure."


    "That''s alright, sweetheart. You don''t need to perfect it. As long as you get a passing score and get admitted in their school."


    "Well, despite the mistakes, I am sure I still get 90% of right answers for all subjects."


    "Wow! That''s already high enough. Don''t stress yourself so much over it." Travis commented as he drove the car to the nearest Japanese restaurant that he booked. Their son was currently sleeping in Jillyanna''s hands making Travis felt bad for his wife. "I can carry the baby for you."


    "No way." Jillyanna responded almost instantly. "I''m fine here."


    "Tell me if you ever get a sore arm."


    "O-okay. I will."


    Jade just observed her parents interact which made her smile. She also wanted to have someone who will care for her in the future like how much her father cares for her mother. She wanted so have someone who will understand her like how much her father understands her mother. She could only smile and let the future wait for her to discover what''s in store for her.


    They arrived at the restaurant as well the bodyguards who followed closely behind them. They moved in sync sat in corners and places which wasn''t far or close to the family. They needed to keep them safe all the time.


    Ethan was sitting on his bed, playing chess with her mother while waiting for Jade''s good news. He knew that she would be taking the exam on that day and he was sincerely wishing for her to pass the exam.


    "A little distracted?" Tiffany asked her son since he had been spacing out for a while now. He had stopped moving his chess pieces.


    "Just wondering how she''s doing with the exam." Ethan responded. Ever since they met Jade''s family, his mother spends more time with him every day. She would also cook his breakfast and she would also play with him no matter how bored his games were. She stopped attending the tea parties held by her socialite friends and she was more focus on him and how to handle family affairs. Ethan liked it so much. However, he would like it even more if they visit Jade''s house.


    The past weeks, he was notable to visit them because of some security issues and Jillyanna told his mother not to visit until everything''s settled down. It wasn''t until recently that the family started accepting visitors again. They can finally visit them on weekend.


    Ethan was looking forward to it.


    Around four in the afternoon, Jade finished taking all the exam and she stood up to stretch her limbs. She picked up her small bag and placed her pencil and water bottle inside. "Thank you for looking after me, ma''am."


    "You''re welcome." The woman smiled and gently pat Jade''s head. "Can you tell your parents to wait for at least half an hour? I''ll just finalize the result for you."


    "Okay. We will wait for you at the lobby." Jade bowed her head respectfully and walked out of the room. Her father was already sitting on the bench outside the room, waiting for her to come out. "She told me that the exam result will be finalized in half an hour."


    "Let''s just wait for it, then." Travis responded and took her bag from her. "Do you want to have a little tour of this school while waiting?"


    "Can we?"


    "Hn." Travis took hold of her hand and the two of them roamed around the school campus. They saw the gym, the school cafeteria, the track and field, there were two buildings for male and female dormitory as well. They just walked aimlessly until twenty minutes over. "Let''s go back to get the result."


    "Okay." Jade nodded her head happily and a beaming smile was plastered on her face which captured the heart of the students who were at the campus dormitory. She was just so lovely and adorable to look at.

 Chapter 549 - EPILOGUE II

    Winter took a deep breath and held on to Gabriel''s hands. When she was about to die during the mission, while trying her best to save her trainee from the explosive, she promised to talk to her parents if she ever survived. Now, she was going to leave to go back to her family and talk about her marriage with Gabriel.


    "Are you sure you don''t want me to come with you?" Gabriel asked since he could feel that she was still getting nervous with the thought of seeing her parents. Her hands were also sweating coldly.


    "I think they are fine with you. I won''t really take long. I just want to tell them that I''m getting married."


    "I want to go along. We should be in this together like Travis and Jillyanna."


    Winter chuckled when she heard his response. Her cousin''s marriage life was their kind of goal and they wanted to be united like them. "Fine. Let me get some clothes for you to change." Winter walked towards their closet. They were still staying in the hacienda with Thomas but Gabriel had been looking for a house while he was bored. After all, they needed to have their own love nest after getting married.


    Gabriel was watching her back as she moved inside their room. They had been living together in one room for quite sometime now and he could say that their relationship was deeper than before. Winter was busy with her duty as a soldier but she would never forget to give him a call.


    "Winter."


    "Yes?"


    Gabriel wheeled his chair towards her and stopped right beside her. "When we face your parents, can I talk to them first before you do?"


    "Why?"


    "Because I had been communicating with them these past years about you. I think they will understand our situation if I give them a little explanation."


    "What explanation will you give? Remember, we are not going there to seek for approval. We will face them because we want to let them know that we are getting married. Whether they will like it or not, I will marry you."


    Gabriel just nodded his head but he knew that it won''t be an issue. Winter was just full of hate towards her family because of her failed relationship in the past. She might be still blaming them but time will heal all kinds of wounds. He believed that there will be a time for her to forgive her family for what they did and for them to accept the fact that she''s all grown and can make decisions on her own.


    Travis knew ahead of time that his cousin will visit the Avery family. He called them ahead of time to make sure that the family will be there when Winter arrives. He wanted his cousin to be happy and he will make sure that she will achieve that. Therefore, he needed to deal with her family in order to pave the way for her. He didn''t want her to go through another difficult times.


    "Daddy, is Auntie Winter going to marry Uncle Gabriel this year?" Jade questioned when they''re at the backyard, playing with her cute German Shepherd puppy. It was the special gift that Travis mentioned to her when he was still in Bali with his wife. He had called a pet store and asked if there was an available puppy of the said breed because he wanted to give one to Jade.


    He noticed that she often read the stories about dogs and she likes watching movies with dogs in it as well. Sometimes, when she used Shein''s computers, she would search for dogs and how to take care of them but she never said anything. She would never say what she likes or what she wants. So, Travis took the initiative to buy one for her.


    When he saw how happy she was upon seeing the small puppy, he knew that she made the right decision. Not only her but, his wife was happy to see the dog as well. In fact, she wanted to have one a long time ago but Travis told her it wasn''t the time for it yet.


    "She will get married next year." Travis answered her daughter while helping her comb the dog''s hair.


    "She''s going back to her family, right? Is she going to stay there?"


    "I don''t think so." Travis responded. "I guess, they''ll be staying in city A."


    "Why there? That''s quite far."


    "Because I bought a house for them there. Keep it a secret for me, okay?" Jade grinned and nodded her head. She was happy to share another secret with her father. It would always make her feel that she really belongs to their family. "Shouldn''t you be taking a shower now? Tiffany and Ethan will be here in a while."


    "I''ll take a shower after brushing Ike''s hair."


    "Ike?"


    "Hn. His name is Ike."


    "Why?"


    "Because he is a handsome dog." Jade responded with a chuckle. "Ike is short for Ikemen. In Japanese, it means handsome."


    "Good choice." Travis rubbed his daughter''s head before looking up to the second floor. Jillyanna was standing at the glass window with Raizel in her arms. He waved her hand at her and Jillyanna blew a kiss towards him.


    This couple would never run out of sweetness. They may quarrel sometimes but they promised to never sleep if they couldn''t fix their issues. They promised to always talk about everything.


    "Dad, you will be going back to work on Monday, right?"


    "Yup. So, I''m entrusting you to look after your mom and baby brother. You know, your mother can be clumsy at times."


    "No worries. I will always look after them."


    "Let me know if something happens, alright."


    "Sure. Sure. They continued to bond at the back garden while Jillyanna watched them happily from her son''s room.


    On the other hand, Gabriel and Winter was on their way to see the Avery family. They were finally going to settle everything with Winter''s family. Their life story is another thing to talk about and since they will get married next year, they still have so many things to experience within this year.

 Chapter 550 - EPILOGUE III

    The private island was rented by Travis for a special event. His family arrived there ahead of time since Jillyanna had to take care of some things. It had been a month since they came home from work. He had been coming to work for two weeks. Another one month and Jade will start going to school as well.


    "Dad, can I go out and help at the beach?" Jade asked since her mother had been out to deal with some preparations. The twins were there as well but Shein was still at the city B because of some pending work that he needed to finish. He promised to arrive at night before the actual event happens.


    "Come over here for a while." Travis beckoned her to come closer while holding a sunscreen lotion in his hands. "Let''s put this on your exposed skin first. I don''t want to be yelled at by your mom."


    Jade nodded her head with a grin. She knew that her father''s weakness was her mother and it was fun seeing them interact. When her mother sulked over something, her father would be thrown in panic. She likes watching their farce.


    Travis squeezed a good amount of lotion and spread it over his daughter''s arms. He made sure that it was evenly spread, up to her exposed shoulders and neck. Next was her small legs and a little amount on her face. If she gets sunburns, his wife will diss him and will never give him a reward for two weeks at most. That was something he couldn''t bear to happen.


    "Is this good enough?" Jade asked to make sure that her parents won''t argue over her well-being.


    "Let me get your pink floppy hat. You need to wear it all the time. And make sure that you don''t go to the beach alone. Always stay within your mother''s field of vision."


    "I understand." Jade responded while her father put on her hat for her. He also gave her a bottle of water since it was specially, hot at the beach with the coming summer season. "I''m going out now."


    "Hn. Ask Top to bring you there."


    "Yes, Daddy." Jade went out of their hotel room and asked Top to bring her to the beach where her mother and the others were currently putting on the designs and set up.


    Last week, they were looking at the brochure that Hawk found for event theme and organizer. Savannah liked the beach theme since Summer was approaching. Jillyanna pretended to like something with a fairytale vibe since it was something that Travis did for her. In fact, her wedding was given a little grandiose name as the wedding of the year.


    She was no longer considered as celebrity since she stopped singing and vlogging but, many people were influenced by her and many people were waiting for the good news which was her wedding and her baby. The wedding was the most expensive and grandiose wedding so far and even celebrities didn''t hold that kind of wedding. It was all because of Travis who spoiled her so much.


    Winter pretended to choose a theme with fiery red and gold. Riley likes the one with mint or lime green. Jackie didn''t say anything since she wasn''t very much particular when it comes to this kind of things.


    Savannah didn''t know that it was for her engagement. Hawk had been preparing for that and Travis helped him to find a venue to make his plan happen. And because Hawk and Savannah had been helping him countless times, he decided to pay for the venue and for the yachts which will take the guests to the island.


    Savannah was still at the military camp since Calhoun called for her to do some close combat training with the new batch of trainees. She didn''t know that it was just a plan that Hawk organized with his close friends and other field officers in the camp. Calhoun is their direct superior at the same time, he was close to them due to personal connections and reasons.


    While Savannah was busy with the training, everyone else aside from her were at the private island already. They were busy setting up for the venue. There were some guests who took this opportunity to take a swim and enjoy the beach as well. Most of them were busy with work and their businesses. It was seldom for them to have a break so, they were happy to have this opportunity and it was in an island, too. The white-sand beach was very enticing and even Jade was envious of the other guests who were dipping at the clear and cool water.


    "Mommy, can I arrange the flowers?" Jade asked since they haven''t arranged the flowers at the venue yet.


    "Go ahead. Just let me know if you need some help or if you want to take a break."


    "Okay." Jade picked up the vases and brought them to the other table where they placed a bunch of flowers. She sat on the chair and happily did her task without bothering anyone. From time to time, her mother would check on her to make sure that she was doing fine. Top was helping her cut the stems to the size that she wanted as well as staying beside her to protect the little girl.


    After the series of events in their life, Travis was very obsessed with the security of his family and he even employed several people to add up to the number of their body guards. It might not be obvious but there were men in black scattered all over the place to look after everyone, including the guests.


    Every guest would go through a strict security procedure as well which they understood since they were people of high status. Hawk was on his way to the airport to pick up his parents. Natsu was also on his way to witness his cousin''s engagement. They might not be as close as they were when they were children but, he wanted to be there for her to make up for the loss and the years they missed each other. At the end of the day, they were each other''s family.

 Chapter 551 - EPILOGUE IV

    Valkyrie and Brown had been staying with Dr. Anderson for a week now. He fulfilled his promise to the doctor that he will be coming home to spend time with him and perhaps, have dinner as well. Since Valkyrie still needed to recuperate, they didn''t leave their father so soon. They stayed to spend more time with him.


    Sometimes, they would discuss about some medical matters and Brown informed him of the research in Jillyanna''s hands. Since Jillyanna didn''t want to sell the research, they could only wait for Jenny to get into college and absorb her to do research with him in Military Hospital. They don''t just deal with medical assistance but they also have a research team. Jenny would fit in their field with the research of Jillyanna''s mother.


    Dr. Anderson was planning to talk to the little girl during the event tonight and he was already prepared. All he needed to do was to wait for the two men to wake up. Since Brown arrived home, he and Valkyrie had been getting up late. There''s no need to say what they were doing because he knew exactly what they''ve been to. He actually surprised to know that his son still got aplenty of stamina even after the painful operation he had with his leg.


    Well, it was his left leg that got injured, not his third leg. And besides, there''s no need to exert that much of an effort since Brown can ride him and take all of him. Easy-peasy.


    Jillyanna''s family arrived after lunch but Cielo and Lucian weren''t able to come. Cielo just gave birth and Lucian was worried for her to travel and besides, it wasn''t good to travel with a newborn baby. They all understood and Cielo just asked her mother to bring her and Lucian''s gift with them.


    Jade was looking to the inviting beach not far from her before looking at her mother who was busy talking to the guests and at the same time, arranging the flowers on the table that Jade made. "Do you want to take a swim?" Top asked her since he noticed that the young lady had been looking at the beach and the other swimming guests. "Go and tell your mother. I can keep an eye on you if she agrees."


    "Okay. I''ll give it a try." Jade put down the blue roses on the table and walked towards her mother. "Mommy?"


    "Yes, darling?"


    "Can I take a swim? Uncle Top can look after me while swimming. I won''t go far as well. I won''t take more than an hour."


    "Did your father gave you a sunscreen lotion?"


    "Hn. He did."


    "Go ahead. Make sure not to stay far away." Jade grinned and ran away from her mother. She left as soon as she gained agreement. Top was watching her at the beach, and one of the other guards, who saw her swimming, left to get a towel for her. The safety of the young lady doesn''t just cover the external forces but they needed to make sure that she won''t get sick as well.


    Travis was overprotective and even a mosquito bite will make him paranoid. He was traumatized and scared. They were his life and if something happens to them, it was like his life was being shorten.


    Jade was happily playing with the water and her hearty laughter attracted the other guests. They were so envious of the smart and sensible daughter that Travis got. She wasn''t spoiled and she knew how to understand other people as well. She was the ideal daughter that couples wanted to have. Too bad, she''s unique ¨C one and only in the world; and no one else can have her.


    Sticking to her promise she gave her mother, she asked Top of the time she had been spending in the water. She couldn''t spend too much time under the sun so, she got out of the water after forty-five minutes. Top wrapped her with the towel and carried her back to the hotel room where Travis was singing his son to sleep.


    "You took a dip?" Travis whispered when he saw his daughter dripping wet and happy.


    "Mommy agreed."


    "I see. Come here and get your clothes change. I will be scolded if you catch a cold." Top put her down on the floor and he went to his own room to change his suit as well.


    Jade walked inside, droplet of water fell, leaving traces of her as she walked towards the bathroom. "Daddy, why are you afraid of Mommy? I don''t think she''s scary."


    "I am not afraid of her. I am worried for her. When she gets angry, that''s because she''s worried and stressed over something. And we both know how fragile your mother is. All I want is to make sure that she''s fine and happy; stress and worry fee."


    "I see. I thought you are afraid of her." Jade mumbled with a cheeky grin. Travis placed her clothes inside the drawer located in the corner of the shower room and left so that she can take a shower with fresh water. Most family, it was the wife who''s tasked to take care of the children. In their case, if he didn''t need to work, he would rather stay at home and take care of the family. He didn''t want to stress his wife.


    While he was thinking of some matters seriously, Jillyanna suddenly thought of something. It''s been a while since she posted on her social media account. From goddess_YNA, she had changed it to I_amHisWife. It was to pair up with the account of Travis which was named as I_amHerHusband. She didn''t post anything about songs anymore but she posted random things in the past.


    "My camera is getting rusty. I should start doing something to share to my followers." She mumbled while making a design on the make-shift stage that they made.


    "Didn''t you decide to make some vlogs? Why not do that again? You can upload some pictures or videos at least once a week. You have so many fans who wanted to see how you''re doing." Riley responded.


    "How about we take a picture now and upload it. We can upload it together." Jillyanna suggested.


    "I don''t mind doing so." Riley took out her phone and waved it in front of her sister. They still got a lot of time before the actual time of the event so they can still take some break.


    The two of them took turns in taking pictures and later on, Jackie and Jenny joined them. There were some guests who took pictures of them as well. Not far from them, Jillyanna saw someone who seemed to be vomiting. She wanted to help but someone else came so she decided not to pursue it. However, an idea popped in her head which made her smile happily.


    ''I should surprise my husband with a baby.'' She thought to herself and laughed along with the other guests, even though she was laughing over something else.

 Chapter 552 - EPILOGUE V

    Calhoun called for four specific people and that includes Savannah. He told them about the secret operation that they needed to do that night which will be at the private island in Palawan, Philippines. Someone reported something suspicious was going on and that they needed an immediate response from the military team. The Philippine Army were informed about the event and there were three officers wo were invited to make sure that nothing suspicious was happening.


    Savannah understood that this was a sudden mission so she went back to her camp office to leave a message for Hawk that she will be home late. She didn''t tell him why. Hawk knew that Calhoun already did his part and soon the event will start.


    They have finished the set up around five in the afternoon and Shein arrived around this time as well. Not long after, Brown and Valkyrie came with Dr. Anderson. One after another, the invited guests came and the atmosphere were getting warmer and people were in jovial mood.


    Jillyanna had changed her clothes as well and she was currently holding Jade''s hand while Travis was holding their baby son. Even though they were not the highlight of the night''s celebration, people were all looking at them. The husband and wife were handsome and beautiful. The daughter was very cute and adorable. Her joyful smile was contagious and the other people couldn''t help but smile as well. Their son was very quiet but his eyes were observant and he looked at the people around them. He like a split image of Travis.


    Hawk was a little nervous but Natsu was there for him to support him. With the look on his cousin''s eyes, he knew that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with the man beside him. He knew that Taira loves the man named Schniezel Knight.


    Back at the military camp, Savannah got inside the chopper with the other three soldiers. All three of them were close friends of Hawk. Perhaps, Calhoun was worried for her and since Hawk wasn''t around, he looked for men who would be able to protect her in behalf of her boyfriend.


    She wore her headphones and made sure that her hand guns were carefully placed within reach. "Are you all ready?"


    "Yes. Let''s get this mission started." Their pilot started the engine and soon, the chopper flew over the city. Calhoun took another chopper with several other officers who were also invited by Hawk. They couldn''t alert Savannah so they had to leave the place separately.


    Savannah still had no idea of what was about to happen. All she could think of was to get this mission over with so that she can go home and sleep in the arms of the man that she missed so much. She didn''t really know why she was asked to go back to the camp when Hawk just got home from the mission. She felt sad about it but, at the same time, it was part of her duty. The country''s welfare is her priority more than her own happiness. She couldn''t just say no when it comes to mission.


    After two hours, they were finally flying over the island''s premises. By the looks of it, she can tell that it was a private resort and there were people holding a celebration. The beach at the east side was brightly lit and there were so many people chatting and some were dancing to the beat of the music. There were fire dancers and other performances as well.


    "Where''s the binocular?" Savannah asked but the men who were with pretended that the couldn''t find it. In fact, they didn''t really bring one with them. "Seriously?! Are we going to head out without knowing anything?"


    "Let''s scout the place on the west side first. Let''s not become hasty." One of the soldiers stated.


    "Where will you dock this chopper?" Savannah questioned.


    "I can''t dock this near the premises or the people will know. You have to get down with the rope."


    "Alright. Just try to get low as you can so we can jump out." Savannah replied as she unfastened her seatbelt.


    The other officer threw the rope down and he got down first. Savannah came second and the other pilot jumped last. "Make sure to keep your lines open. If anything hap-"


    She wasn''t able to finish her sentence when the first soldier who came down hit the back of her head. It was unexpected blow and she wasn''t able to protect herself. Before she completely lost her consciousness, she heard someone''s voice. "Let''s undress her."


    She was afraid but she couldn''t seem to open her eyes.


    Valkyrie met the soldiers at the west side and when he found that Savannah wasn''t completely unconscious, he played a prank by saying ''let''s undress her''. It would give her an impression that someone was really going to do something to her. And because he did that, he earned a whack on his head from Brown. Savannah was a girl after all and by saying those words, no matter how strong she was, she would still feel fear knowing someone wanted to rape her.


    The loud noise assaulted her ears and she felt someone''s hand was wrapped around her waist. She was on high alert and the moment she opened her eyes, she tightened her hold at the hand but when she raised her head, she met Hawk''s eyes. She blinked her eyes and shook his head to dispel her hallucination but when she looked at the man again, it was still Hawk''s face.


    She was still frowning and couldn''t process anything. The cold wind blew and she shivered from cold. That was when she realized that her camouflage was gone and she was already wearing a dress.


    "Can someone explain to me what''s going on?!" she exclaimed and looked around her. Her friends, family, even Natsu was there. They were all smiling at her but she wasn''t the least bit happy at all. Recalling what she heard at the beach before losing her consciousness, she looked for Valkyrie. She knew it was Valkyrie. "Matthew Anderson! I will make you pay for what you said earlier!"


    The surprise that Hawk planned with careful consideration became a venue for Savannah to vent her anger and anxiety. Valkyrie just laughed at her and even let his tongue out at her.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, let''s welcome the star of the night, Taira Azumi." Riley announced and everyone clapped. Savannah was still clueless but she went on stage and received the microphone from Riley.


    "Uh..can someone tell what''s happening first? I don''t think it''s my birthday today. Did something happen while I''m gone."


    "Yes. Someone''s planning to get married."


    "Who? Am I going to become a bride''s maid? Ah! No, that can''t be." She mumbled which earned another round of laughter from the guests. "Is someone playing a prank on me?!"


    Jillyanna couldn''t help but snicker. "Tsk! If I remember correctly, someone suggested to do this during my engagement as well. I wonder who it was?"


    "Engagement?" Savannah blinked her eyes and somehow, she felt extra nervous this time. She looked towards Hawk and towards the Knight family. They were all there and Natsu also raised his wine glass to gave her a toast. "No way!"


    "Yes way!" The guests responded and laughed.


    "Look at your hand." Winter instructed.


    Savannah realized that there was a ribbon of red string tied around her red finger. She didn''t notice it at all! She tugged it and she realized that the other end was tied around Hawk''s ring finger as well. Hawk smiled at her and walked up to the stage. Her throat constricted and she was about to cry.


    "It hadn''t been easy for us. We''ve been to different dangerous mission and there were times that we almost lost our lives. Every time it happens, my fear would get the best of me. I promise that I will never let go of you. I''ve been planning this for a long time, even when we argued almost all the time. Tonight, under everyone''s eyes, I want to take this opportunity to seal the promise I made." Hawk held her hand and kneeled on his left knee. "Taira, will you marry me?"


    "Is that even a question?" Savannah pulled him and even took the ring from him. She put it on her ring finger and hugged him. "I''ve been waiting for this. I''ve been waiting for you to do this." She hugged him while wiping her tears away. How many times did she pray for this moment? She lost count already.


    The thunderous claps from all the audience cheered everyone''s hearts. They were happy to be part of this wonderful event and even Jade was jumping up and down from joy. "I wish you''ll have a baby soon." She loudly wished which earned another laughter from the audience.

 Chapter 553 - EPILOGUE VI

    Speaking of baby, Jillyanna was bored to death and she wanted to do something fun. She didn''t tell anyone what she had in mind and she was hoping her plan would succeed.


    Seeing everyone was happily chatting, giving gifts to the engaged couple, and taking pictures; Jillyanna pressed her temple and acted dizzy.


    "Mommy, are you okay?" Jade asked in worry when she saw her mother was frowning and looked a little pale. She didn''t know that her mother had a concealer in her small pouch.


    Travis was slightly alert as well. "Hon, are you alright?"


    "Yeah, I''m fine. Just a little dizzy. Maybe from the drinks."


    Travis raised his eyebrow when he looked at her wine glass. She did take a sip but there''s no way that would make her drunk. Nonetheless, he was still worried for her. "Do you want to take a rest? You''ve been out here since morning. I''m sure they''ll understand."


    "Alright. I''ll go ask them." Jillyanna rose to her feet but she sat back again.


    "I''ll go. Just stay here." He called Hawk to come over and told him about what''s happening. Knowing that Jillyanna had been helping them since morning, he didn''t mind them leaving to rest ahead of time.


    Jade was worried for her mother so she came with them, back to their hotel room. Top carried her on his arms to make sure that she won''t trip and fall. Jackie was carrying baby Raizel while Travis carried his wife. He wouldn''t let anyone touch her at all. Jillyanna felt a little guilty with her acting and she wanted to stop already but she wanted to test something as well.


    Riley was left a little confused. Her sister asked her earlier to film her and her family. She didn''t know what happened but Jillyanna reminded Riley not to stop filming until they leave the place. Seeing them goo, she stopped filming and saved the video. ''What exactly is going on with my sister?'' she asked herself in worry but since they weren''t making any fuss, she didn''t worry about it so much.


    Travis placed Jillyanna on their bed and helped her remove her shoes. Jade went to the bathroom and wetted a face towel to wipe her mother''s face. Jackie placed her nephew on the crib and gave him some toys to play.


    "I''m fine. Don''t worry about me." Jillyanna insisted but her husband and daughter wouldn''t stop caring for her. "I''m fine. Really."


    "Sure?" Travis questioned."


    "Yes, Mr. Madrigal." Jillyanna responded. "Just let me rest for a while."


    "Okay. I''ll have the baby sleep, too." Travis took care of the children while she was resting. Her guilt was eating her but she was enjoying what she did. She can only pray that he won''t throw her out of the house later on.


    This acting continued for several days even after coming home. Travis went to work and he would always call her to ask how she was doing. Of course, she told him she was fine but Jade was different. She told her father that her mother had been vomiting several times in a day.


    Until one time, Jade found something from the internet. She had been researching what causes vomiting and there were so many things that could possibly cause it. However, something in the information looked plausible ¨C pregnancy. Everything was just coincidental. Jillyanna placed the positive pregnancy test result on top of her drawer to let her husband see it upon coming home. However, Jade came inside and saw it first before her dad. She didn''t know what a real test result looked like. Jillyanna cut the date of the result because it was the result she got during her pregnancy with Raizel. Thinking it was real, Jade called her father and told him what she found.


    Travis was having a meeting and hearing the news from his daughter, his heart lurched and fear was trying to consume him again. ''She can''t be pregnant!'' Travis thought to himself. It''s not because he didn''t want to have another child but the fear of losing Jillyanna in exchange of their baby''s life was still lingering in his heart. It was the scariest thing for him.


    "Excuse me but I will have to leave for a while. I''ll leave Shein to attend this meeting in my behalf."


    Everyone looked at him with worry. He would only look like that whenever his wife gets involved into something dangerous and now, it happened again. They didn''t really have any problem with Shein but they also wanted their boss to be alright.


    Travis came home as soon as he can and he found his wife sleeping on their son''s bed. Her body was curled and Jade was sitting on her side. Their son was also sleeping on his crib. Jade handed him the paper that she found and looked at his reaction. "Is that real?" Jade asked. She knew how risky her mother''s pregnancy was and her father would never want it to happen again.


    Travis covered his face with the papers and looked at his wife. His throat constricted and he was about to cry from anxiety. He had no idea what to do. He was so lost.


    Jillyanna heard her daughter talk and she immediately know that her husband was there. "What are you guys doing?" She asked upon opening her eyes.


    "Is this true?" Travis asked her, pointing his finger at the result he was holding on his hands.


    "What''s real?" Jillyanna questioned and took the papers from him. "Huh? Isn''t this my pregnancy result of Raizel? Why do you have it?"


    "Oh, god! I thought I was gonna die from fear!" Travis hugged her tight and kissed her head again and again. She wanted to tell him that it was a prank but she couldn''t say a word. She was worried. Travis noticed something in the corner of his eyes and when he looked at it carefully, he found that it was her camera. "Where you filming this event the whole time?"


    "What are you talking about?" She deadpanned and played dumb.


    Travis pinched her face and kissed the tip of her nose. "You, cheeky brat! Were you playing a prank on me?"


    "I wasn''t."


    "You dare deny it?" he looked towards her daughter and grinned. "Were you playing along with your mother?"


    "No! I promise, dad. I had no idea what Mommy was planning."


    "Sure?"


    "100% sure. Cross my heart."


    "What should we do with Mommy, then? She made us worry for her."


    "Sorry. I''m sorry." Jillyanna uttered even though they didn''t do anything yet. After few minutes, her husband and daughter tickled her and she couldn''t stop herself from giggling. She squirmed in their hands and she tried to stop them but they were having fun tickling her. "Stop! Stop! I promise I won''t do it again. I promise. I promise."


    Jade stopped and looked at her parents. "I wish for us to stay like this." She mumbled.


    Travis and Jillyanna stopped moving as well. They looked at their daughter and smiled. Travis pulled his wife and daughter into a warm embrace. "We will always be happy like this. No matter what happens, I will always protect you three. I will always do my best to provide for the family and keep all of you safe." Travis mumbled and kissed the two women in his life.


    At this point, baby Raizel cried in his crib which made everyone laugh. "Someone''s jealous." Jade chuckled while her father took the baby from the crib.


    "You are included in this happiness, little guy. We are a package." Travis commented and brought him to Jillyanna. The happy family of four had their fun and their promises of happiness inside their home sweet home. "My home is wherever you are and the children." Travis added. This time, he no longer forget the children.


    **THERE WILL BE SOME EXTRAS TOMORROW FOR YOU TO TAKE A SNEAK PEEK OF THEIR FUTURE LIVES


    ***


    You might think that this is the end of their story but, you are mistaken. This is just part of the few chapters of their lives together. They will still experience so many things along the way that will test their relationship.


    At the same time, we will have to see them in the next chapters of their lives through the SECOND BOOK (She''s My Sleeping Pill). This is the story of Stefan Dumrique and Cayenne Ardolf, a novel which will teach us another form of love. Travis caught his wife after chasing her for so many years. This time, let''s give the floor to Stefan. Let''s see how will he catch the woman who''s the cure to his sleeping disorder.


    You can also try reading (SAY YOU''LL LOVE ME AGAIN), a modern fantasy novel that will make your heart bleed and at the same time test your own relationship. A story of a cursed woman, who will die when the person she loves will love her back. How will she ever undo the curse? Join Hana in her adventure and discover the beauty of love, just like the beauty of her name.

 Chapter 554 - EXTRA I: ELIZABETHS DYING THOUGHTS

    Elizabeth was reading another medical book she found in the mini library of the orphanage. She was one of the frequent users of the library since she likes books a lot specially science and mathematics. Beside her was the sleeping face of Anton. Every time she visits the library, Anton will come along with her, only to sleep when they arrived.


    She looked at him and smiled. ''If after ten years we are still together, I would want to marry you.'' This was what Elizabeth thought. Among the other children, Anton was the one who understood her the most. He cares for her a lot and he also protected her from other children who always bully her because of her in becoming a doctor.


    Anton also plants her favorite roses and took care of them when she couldn''t. He was kind and helpful. He knew how to make her laugh, too. She didn''t have any high standards when it came to men. Anton''s quality was more than enough for her.


    "Anton. Wake up." Elizabeth was shaking his shoulders to wake him up. "It''s almost five.  We need to leave now."


    Anton stirred and opened his eyes. She was the person he saw before sleeping and the first person he saw after waking up. "Did I fall asleep again?"


    "Duh! When have you stayed awake with me here?"


    "Sorry."


    "No problem. It''s alright." Elizabeth arranged the books she used and, just like always, Anton took it from her to return them on the shelves. "Anton, I have something to tell you."


    "Hn? What is it?"


    Her heart rate increased and she started to blush. "Just forget about it. I forgot."


    "Heh! Is it about your crush?"


    "Shut up!! Just forget about it."


    Anton chuckled as he returned the books on their respective shelves. Elizabeth was fiddling with her fingers behind him, nervous and anxious. "I like you." Anton whispered.


    "Huh? Did you say something?"


    Anton bit his lower lip, not sure if he should say those words again. He kept his back facing her and he clenched-unclenched his fist. "I¡­I like you."


    Elizabeth blinked her eyes, not sure if she was hearing things right. She held his hands and had him face her. Looking at his flushed face, Elizabeth knew that she heard him correctly. "I like you, too."


    The two of them faced each other, looking at each other''s eyes, seeing the love they have for one another. "You are not joking, right?"


    "Why? Were you joking with your words?"


    "No, I am not. I am serious here." Anton responded with a smile. "Can I hug you?"


    "You hugged me several times in the past, did you ask my permission?" Anton chuckled and pulled her in his arms.


    In the corner of the library, the two of them confessed their feelings, praying that they will stay just how they were. Sadly, certain things must come to an end. Elizabeth was adopted. He wanted to stop her but that would show how selfish he was. He wanted her to have a beautiful future and that could only happen when Elizabeth gets adopted to a wealthy family.


    Elizabeth found a new family. She was sad. She wanted to be with Anton. "Can I still visit the orphanage in the future?"


    Mrs. Summer, her new mother, looked at her and smiled. "Sure, dear. You can visit them whenever you want." Elizabeth was happy to hear such news and it didn''t take long for her to get used to her new life. The only problem was, she''d get nightmares in the evening and she often had episodes of sleepwalking. She kept looking for Anton.


    Weeks turned to months and months turned to years. Whenever she wanted to visit the orphanage, they''ve got so many excuses to give her. She was brought overseas for some medical therapy regarding her sleepwalking and her recurring nightmares. She had no idea that she was being hypnotized. She had been doing the therapy for almost every year. Eventually she forgot the orphanage.


    At the same time, fate would bring destined couples closer to each other. Elizabeth found her way to the orphanage. She may have forgotten them but there was something in her heart that whispers it was an important place. And there, she met Anton again.


    He was running towards her and there was a happy smile on his face. However, the closer he got, the smile turned to a sad expression. "Hello." Elizabeth greeted him. There was something in him that made her feel lighter. She likes to hear his voice and she likes to see the smile on his face.


    Anton led her to a flower field that he said was planted by him and his friend. He looked happy and sad when he talked about his friend and Elizabeth felt sad for him as well. ''He must have missed his friend so much.'' Elizabeth thought to herself while watching him.


    "What do you want to become when you grow up?" she heard Anton asked her. They were currently playing with the swing under the mango tree. It was a really nice place.


    "I want to grow up as soon as I can. I want to go get married and go to a faraway place."


    "Aren''t you happy?"


    "No."


    "I''ll study hard and grow up. Then, I''ll take you away from them."


    "Promise?"


    "Hn. I promise."


    Elizabeth remembered countless memories with the young Anton Xavier. She remembered the time that they were in the library. She remembered the first time that they planted the flowers that he likes. She remembered the time they confessed their feelings. She remembered the moment that she left. She remembered his promise.


    "Anton, why?" her tears kept flowing while she clutched the necklace that he gave her. "Why did you have to fulfill the promise that I have forgotten? Why?" she could feel the pain in her legs. She knew that if she''s going to be saved, her legs will be amputated. She could smell the spilled gas as well. "Anton, aren''t we meant to have a happy ending? I have learned to love you again. I want to fulfill my end of the promise. Why did you leave me?" she kept murmuring and her tears kept falling.


    While she was in the brink of death she remembered her mother''s conversation with her doctor. "What will make her remember everything? What''s the key to the locked memories?"


    "Once she''s in the brink of death, when she felt she''s dying, everything will come back to her." The doctor responded.


    At first, she didn''t understand what it means. She didn''t know that her memories were locked intentionally with her mother''s request. Now, she understood everything but, it''s too late. The man that she was supposed to love for the rest of her life has left. It had been seven years, she had been waiting for seven years but there wasn''t even a shadow of him. Atty. Lewis came to them to give them the house property and the bank accounts that should be given to them.


    Elizabeth didn''t accept any of them. She wanted to see her husband, not the riches he got.


    She could see people trying to open the car window to get her. She could hear faint voices but her vision was getting blurry and breathing was becoming laboring for her. It was painful in her chest when she tried to take a deep breath. "Jillyanna, I''m sorry."


    Then and there, her last moment was given to her husband and her last breath was given to her daughter.


    Fate was really cruel to her and to Anton. At the ve ry young age, they knew that they wouldn''t want to marry anyone aside from them. At the very young age, they were separated. At the very young age, Anton learned to look for money. He worked hard to fulfill his promise. Everyday, all he could think of was Elizabeth and their future. He did his best to get her.


    Elizabeth forgot him. She fell in love with someone else. She got heartbroken. She thought she failed the person she loved the most. When she got married, she realized that she did the right thing. She accepted the fact that Enzo wasn''t meant for her. She didn''t regret anything and Anton was very kind to her. He was respectful. He was caring. And most of all, he truly loved her.


    From the very start, they were meant to spend their life together. However, there wasn''t any communication between them. They weren''t honest to each other. Secrets kept piling one after another. Insecurities ate Anton away. Guilt coated Eliabeth''s heart for leaving Enzo without saying anything.


    In the end, the two of them suffered because of their own actions. And the most affected person was the daughter that was left alone. They were both selfish, they kept thinking for themselves. They never thought of the consequence that would befall on their daughter. Instead of living their present and plan for the future, they were bound to their pasts. They kept thinking about their unsaid secrets.


    Before taking their last breaths, they only felt one thing - and that''s regret.

 Chapter 555 - EXTRA II: MISSED CHANCES

    Jillyanna was sitting on the cafeteria with Cielo and Lucian, two months from now, they will be graduating but Jillyanna will still have one more year left. "I have enough money to start with our business. Let''s just do it after you graduate." Jillyanna stated.


    "Weren''t you planning to leave for Europe again? You will need that money." Cielo responded to her while forking the carbonara on her plate.


    "I have enough money to go to Europe."


    "Are you sure about this?" Cielo questioned her again.


    "Yup. You and Lucian will be getting married soon. You will have your own family and you need to be financially prepared for that. This business will be our opportunity."


    Lucian reached his hand and rubbed Jillyanna''s head. "Thank you for thinking about our future. It is not really your problem to deal with. Just focus on your studies."


    "I just want to help. Aside from that, I want to have more money. How will I feed my child in the future if I don''t have money?"


    "Here we go again." Cielo chuckled before taking a sip of her juice. "Aren''t you giving up with that idea of yours? It''s never easy to have a baby."


    "It''s fine. I can perfectly take care of him or her."


    "Do you have anyone in mind to get the sperm?" Cielo whispered since their topic was a little too much and if anyone hears them, they will think weirdly of them.


    Lucian also knocked his girlfriend''s forehead for going along with her sister. The two of them were really getting dumber when it comes to Jillyanna''s plans. "Stop talking about that. Yanna''s still very young."


    "She''s past the legal age already." Cielo responded.


    "Still, getting a baby in a very young age would be a little difficult for her." Lucian insisted.


    "Fine. Fine. We won''t talk about this for now." Cielo conceded and the three of them ate their food peacefully.


    Jillyanna already knew what kind of business she wanted. She has concrete plans and steps to achieve her goals. Her brain was full of thoughts with dollar signs.


    "Hi Yanna!"


    Jillyanna raised her head and saw Natsu walking towards her. "Hey."


    "Did you finish your report for this afternoon?"


    "Yeah. I have it all prepared."


    "That''s good to know. It would be sad if our smart student fails due to a missing report."


    "Tsk! Don''t show your face in front of me." Jillyanna waved her hand to shoo him away but he only chuckled at her. "I really hate your smiling face."


    "I like yours."


    "Shut up!"


    Cielo watched them bicker back and forth. Natsu was really a good-looking guy and he was also smart. He was actually Jillyanna''s junior but there''s a subject which the two of them attended together. They were closer than the other classmates and even after Natsu confessed and got rejected, they still stayed friends.


    Natsu conversed with her for a while and left since he still need to do something. "Natsu is really a nice person and a handsome one, too. Why did you reject him?"


    "Because¡­because.."


    "Because you are still thinking of your childhood friend. He won''t be coming back Yanna. Get real!" Cielo interrupted her which was true. She hated RV but at the same time, she wanted to see him.


    Jillyanna sighed and just smiled faintly. She didn''t have anything to refute her sister''s word.


    Just as she planned, after Lucian and Cielo graduated, they started their business idea. Cielo was able to get a space in Venus Plaza which was what Jillyanna wanted her to do. She didn''t know why she wanted to have it in Venus Plaza but seeing their sales prospect, Cielo understood what her sister was thinking.


    However, there was another reason why Jillyanna chose Venus Plaza. She wanted to be closer with RV and maybe, they would be able to see each other.


    On the day that the construction started for their caf¨¦, Jillyanna and Cielo came to supervise it and to make sure that they didn''t lack anything. They were very hands on with their business. The interior design was done by Jillyanna and most of the recipes were done by their parents and Cielo herself.


    Travis just finished working and Hawk was currently driving the car so that they can go back to the hacienda. "What''s that shop being constructed over there?" Travis asked while watching the workers arrange their equipment after a whole day of work.


    "That should be the Summer Caf¨¦. It was submitted last year and their proposal was really good. If nothing unexpected happens, their business will boom in just a year. They might open another stall around here."


    "Did I approve of this?" Travis questioned again since he couldn''t remember anything.


    "Yes, you did." Savannah responded. "You even said that the owner''s name means ''Sky or Heaven'' and that they will be blessed for sure."


    "Did I?" Travis frowned but he just continued to watch the construction. "Summer caf¨¦." He said the name several times. He remembered that Jill''s middle name was Summer. "Where could she be right now? I hope she''s doing fine."


    The traffic light turned to a stop so, Hawk stepped on the brake to stop. On the other lane, Lucian also stopped the car because of the stop light. Jillyanna looked outside the window and saw the handsome side profile of the man on the next lane. "If you will look at me, you''ll be mine." Jillyanna whispered with a smile.


    "Yanna, what are you looking at?" Cielo called her attention since she was very focused on something outside.


    "Ah? N-nothing. I was just looking at the cars."


    Inside the other car, Travis felt someone was watching him, when he turned his head to look outside the window, he found a woman who was talking to another woman. He couldn''t see her face since her hair was blocking her and she was facing the other side as well.


    "What are you looking at?" Savannah asked Travis.


    "Nothing. I am just looking at the cars." Travis responded before looking back in front of him, ignoring whoever was looking at him.


    The traffic light turned green and Hawk stepped on the accelerator to go home. Jillyanna watched the car leave and she let out a deep sigh. ''That handsome man wasn''t meant for me. No one is.''


    On the day of the opening, Jillyanna had to go back to states to check her adopted siblings. She had to see their progress and to make sure that they were doing well. "Take care of our caf¨¦ while I''m gone. If there''s any problem, let me know as soon as possible."


    "Okay." Cielo hugged her sister. Their parents were there as well as Lucian. "Take care of yourself and make sure to call me when you have time."


    "Sure. Sure." Jillyanna pulled away from her sister and took hold of her suitcase. "I''ll go now." She waved her hand before dragging her suitcase to get inside the airport.


    There still an hour to go before boarding time so Jillyanna sat on the bench that she found. She checked her social media account while waiting for the time.


    Travis was sitting on the bench at the airport, waiting for his boarding time. He was currently having a call with Savannah who was checking with Jill''s whereabouts. It''s been so many years and there was still no lead of her. There was no record of her being dead as well. Her relatives, who were supposed to take care of her, didn''t know where she was either. Or rather, they didn''t want to tell him.


    "Savy, please do everything you can. I don''t believe that we won''t be able to find her. I might be late but I still want to fulfill my promise to my mother. We need to find Jill."


    Jillyanna flinched when she heard the name that the man behind her spoke of. After few seconds, she also dismissed her anxiety since there are millions of people with the same name or nickname as her. The man continued to talk over the phone regarding Jill this or Jill that. He sounded anxious.


    Hearing how anxious he was and how desperate he was, she knew that the ''Jill'' he mentioned was a very important person. ''I hope you find her soon.'' Jillyanna prayed silently before putting down her phone. ''I hope someone would also look for me because I am an important person, not because I have so much money.''


    "All passengers for New York please¡­" the announcement came few minutes before their boarding time. Jillyanna stood up to fall in line and Travis did the same. However, there was one person in between them. They were both taking a business class seat but Jillyanna''s seat was on the left side, two rows from the front and Travis was on the right side, two rows from the back.


    During the whole flight, the both of them were sleeping. One didn''t know that someone was looking for her. The other didn''t know that the person he had been looking for was just within reach.


    Fate was having fun playing with them.


    **


    I hope you are having fun reading this dramatic, serious, fun and sexy novel. I had been going through a lot these past months but I am glad that I didn''t miss any update. This novel had been a rollercoaster ride for me. I cried, sometimes, I laughed while writing this. I got my heart broken because of Elizabeth and Anton but I also fall in love because of Jillyanna and Travis. I put my heart into this and I hope you like this.


    I''m sorry for some typos here and there.


    Also, I''d like to thank all of you for supporting my work. Thank you so much! Mwah!


    Just like Travis and Jillyanna, our journey together doesn''t end here yet.


    ***


    Read (She''s My Sleeping Pill) the book II of the series. It is the story of Stefan and Cayenne. Jillyanna and Travis will be featured as well.


    Read SAY YOU''LL LOVE ME AGAIN, a modern fantasy novel which will show us the love between Hana and Jacob. The woman who lived several lives but would end up dying when she knew that the person she loves also loved her. Bearing the curse within her, she was looking for a way to undo it, just to be with the person she likes. But will she be able to handle the price that comes when undoing the curse?