FRANCIS LOCAN'S POINT OF VIEW
It's been a year, hasn't it?
So much has happened that it's almost been too much to bear. It's been three months since Akeshia went abroad. She chose to distance herself from us—especially from Kuya. My heart aches for both of them, even more so when we found out she's carrying someone else's child. That's the secret she'd been hiding from us. Hard to accept, but… maybe it's for the best.
I hope.
"Good morning, L," my cousin greeted me. I ignored him.
"I heard you still haven't hired a new secretary. But based on what I saw during the interviews, they're all qualified," he commented.
"Of course they're not. There are qualifications I need that they just don't have."
"Is it really about qualifications… or is it that no one can replace your old secretary?"
"Shut up, Carl. You know too much already. Anyway, I'm heading home today, so I'll let you handle the applicants." I stood and grabbed my coat.
"Then I'll be in charge."
"Yeah, right. You take care of them. My wife is waiting for me."
"Sus. You haven't even proposed yet! You're not married!"
"We'll get there," I replied, climbing into my car. The moment I got home, I immediately looked for her.
"Wife? I'm home."
I froze when there was no answer. I checked the kitchen, the garden, the living room—she wasn't anywhere. Panic crept over me as I called out her name.
"Answer me… please…" I tried calling her several times, but there was no reply.
"Where the hell are you?" I muttered to myself.
Then I saw her descending the stairs. She was wearing a red, impossibly thin dress, frowning at me.
"You keep calling? I'm still showering," she snapped.
I rushed to her and hugged her tightly.
"I missed you so much."
"Yeah, yeah… just got out of the shower, and now you're clinging to me." She stepped back slightly, making me laugh.
"But you don't smell bad," I teased. I pulled her close again, holding her tightly.
"Let go!"
"Roll number—"
"You can't be my secretary anymore, so your rules are useless," she retorted with a mischievous glare.
"But you're my wife."
"Uh-huh. No wedding rings, no rules."
"Fine. But it's my birthday—can I eat my birthday cake now?"
"Uh… I'll think about it—just a sec!" I didn't give her a chance to finish and scooped her up, bridal style, carrying her to our bedroom.
I sat her on the bed and took her hand, kissing it over and over.
"I love you," I whispered again and again, until my lips trailed up to her neck.
She cupped my face, letting her hands explore my neck. Then she kissed me.
"I love you too, Francis," she murmured.
Slowly, I slid her thin dress down past her waist. She suddenly straddled my lap.
"Let me serve your food," she teased, making me grin.
"You're turning me on, Lady," I whispered. She quickly pressed a finger to my lips.
"Shhh!"
She slowly unbuttoned my shirt and slid her hand inside. Her gaze dropped to my pants, and she deftly removed my belt.
"Naughty," I muttered with a grin. She smiled back, leaning closer until my lips met the tip of hers.
"G-Gianna…"
I called her name as her mouth moved over me. It was driving me insane.
"Shut up and just enjoy it," she whispered, pulling me back into the moment.
The night stretched on, both of us exhausted from what we'd done. Her soft snores pulled my gaze, and I kissed her neck gently. Who would've thought? She hadn't just taken my pain—she'd taken my heart too.
She's everything to me. A treasure I will protect, even if it costs my life. She's suffered enough, shed enough tears. I will protect her—and this is the promise I'll swear on the aisle.