"Paris, I will never cheat on you"

Nakapikit ang aking mga mata habang nakapaloob sa mga bisig ni Aidan, ilang beses niya iyong ibinulong sakin kalakip ang lihim na pakiusap na paniwalaan kong may katotohanan ang kaniyang mga sinasabi. He didn't let me go, or even make a space between us, it's as if he's so afraid that if he ever did, I might vanish.

"I didn't know, Paris" bulong niya. "I didn't know about the phone, most especially, I didn't know about that fucking panties! Paris, I'm sorry. Baby, I'm sorry. I didn't know... Please, Paris"

I reached for his back and gently caressed it, for some reason, I'm lost for words. I'm not used to this. Never in my life had I begged for something, and never in my life did I imagine that I'd have someone beg me for something. And now I have Aidan. Aidan, again.

He moved a little to see me. I don't want him to see me with all the tears flooding my face, but I can't stop myself from crying. His hands went up to cup both sides of my face.

"Paris, don't cry..." he whispered with an ounce of desperation. "That night, I'm not lying. I worked overtime. It took me. I was so tired, I'm not sure if I can make it home alive, kung sakaling umuwi pa ko ng gabing iyon. I stayed at dad's office, naabutan ko pa si Alaric na galing doon, because he too extended work hours. He even offered to drive me home, but I knew it was out of his way, so I told him that I was fine to sleep in Dad's office. It's more comfortable to spend a night there than in my box. After I called you, I fell asleep. I woke up in the morning with Alaric working his ass off on Dad's table. Late na siyang umuwi noong gabi ngunit maaga parin siyang pumasok, that's how bad the loads we've got. I need to help Aric, kaya umuwi lamang ako para makaligo at makapag-bihis. I swear, Paris, I know nothing about the phone and the thongs, hindi ko rin alam kung ano ang sinasabi ni Viel."

His voice was soft and a bit strained, like someone had hit him in the gut, and he was still recovering. He had a face like a wet weekend. Our eyes locked on like magnets, his were wounded and tired and hopeful. Those were the eyes of the only person who had loved me despite all of my flaws, Aidan's.

"I won't make any excuses. I won't point fingers at anyone. Hindi ko alam kung paano at bakit nangyari ang nangyari, Paris. I have no time to blame anyone for this. I'm all about running after you. And for what it's worth, I haven't seen Viel for a while now." I could see sorrow in his eyes as clearly as if he was speaking thoughts and emotions aloud. "Viel was my friend, I've known her for the longest period of time. I thought I've known her enough."

The was he used didn't go unnoticed. Made me frown.

"She lives on a dairy farm near my grandfather's summer house. Back in the day, Alaric and I used to spend our summer vacation with our grandparents while Mom and Dad were having the time of their lives traveling the world like a couple in love. Aric and I's personality almost never matched, as he wants to spend the day locking himself up in his room with books and comics, I on the other hand would love to go outside and make friends, help out some farmers of our little family farm. I've made friends with the locals, one of them is Viel. She'd always been the most fragile in our circle, we all grew up separately, rarely see them except on summers. But we all didn't lose contacts with each other, we always find time to strengthen our friendship, even though we all took different paths now. Then Viel's mother died, and she was diagnosed having depression. His dad had always been a busy man, and he couldn't find time for his own child. When he talked to us and asked for some help in looking after Viel, who am I to say no? That's a little favor I could do for a friend who had lost a mother."

I didn't interrupt him for saying anything, I've known Aidan for being so kindhearted, I'm very certain he'll never turn down such easy favor.

"But I'm not stupid, not even blind not to see things and where it's going. I have given Viel the benefit of the doubt though I find her actions very suspicious. I kept myself from doubting that she was faking things for the sake of attention. Until that night, when she was rushed to the hospital, half of me was worried, but the other half wasn't sure what more to believe in. I have given her my time of the day because no one was there for her, the next day she called me again, hysterically crying, saying thing on how much she wanted to end her life. I have convinced myself that that will be my last string, this had to stop. I invited her to join us for dinner, but she refused. I thought because she wanted to rest, but no, she later on decided to dine outside and stroll a little that's when you saw me. I had told myself then that the game was over. I saw the pain in your eyes, and that's when I'm certain I have to stop Viel myself."

Ipinanatili ko paring tikom ang aking bibig. I need to hear everything that would probably complete the puzzle I have inside my head.

"I told her dad that I couldn't be that friend anymore, I can't be available for her every time. That I have you and Ricos, a family to attend to. Surprisingly, I wasn't guilty. I didn't feel bad about it, it's like, I did the best decision to make things brighter. Since then, I haven't seen her. The last time I talked to her was when you answered her call. After that, I've avoided her like the plague. I even strictly ordered the building's security in the office to never let her in without my words. I don't even care if that was rude. I don't need politeness. I need you," he breathed. "I don't care about being a good friend anymore if that means I'll suck on being a husband. Damn, Paris, all I ever wanted is to be someone you can never run away from. But I'll be so damned if I won't go after you. I will chase and chase and will forever chase you if I can't stick you clinging to my side. Baby, I love you. I don't care about anything anymore, just please, don't fucking leave me. If you ever did, plant a bullet straight in my head. That's tolerable."

His deep-seated eyes made their way to my heart. It's overpowering and overwhelming both at the same time. I feel like drowning in his words. I love Aidan. I love him so much. But I think the love I have for him will pale in comparison to the love he has for me. The things he'll do for me are something I have never expected in this lifetime. He's too good for me, but he's mine. This man is mine! I own him, and I'm owning him.

All my pent-up emotions went free like water in a broken dam. I surrendered my body to his embrace. Crying in his arms, with him holding me. I don't know how to love Aidan properly, but I swear to all the angels in heaven I'll learn my way.

"I love you, Aidan Zeus. I'm sorry," I whispered.

"You did nothing wrong," he whispered back, running his fingers through my hair. "I understand. If I was put in the same situation, I, too, wouldn't know how to react. Yours was just primal."

I groaned inwardly. Aidan understands; he always understands. Even if I find it so hard to keep up with myself, Aidan keeps it cool. Why is he so good yet so real?

"Paris, I'm sorry..."

"Stop saying sorry," I moved a little away from him to check him out. There's a restrained tear on the corner of his eyes, the tip of his nose pointed red. "It's not your fault that you had a kiss-ass friend. I'm so gonna make her pay."

His eyes lowered to my lips. I had him my ready smile crept. "I knew you were pregnant,"

I gasped, raising him a brow. His face hardened in concentration as he stared at me.

"I am your husband. I know when you're supposed to have a flow. When it didn't come, I knew by then I was a father of two." He smiled and looked like he was enjoying how bewildered I was. "Paris Amanda, I'm so attentive to you and Ricos. I was just waiting for you to realized it because I don't know how to crack it out, I just can't ask you to pee on the kit. Or had an appointment with the ob. So I waited. That's why I was worried as hell when you were hysterically crying the moment I opened the door. Goodness, baby, air should fly. All my thanks to Heaven for keeping you and our baby safe. Hinding hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili ko kung may nangyaring masama sainyo."

His heartfelt remarks got my head spinning. I looked around, the gate of our mansion was close. Dad drove his car back and we didn't notice it. Aidan took more than five minutes, but I don't think Mom will let Dad interrupt just to remind us of his given time. But that's not important anymore, all that matter is Aidan. Him and the squeeze he gave my heart.

One hand went down caressing my flat stomach, a glint of mischief crossed his eyes along with a smile that curved his lips. "Four weeks,"

I nodded my head.

"That explains your aggressiveness that matched mine..." his voice trailed off; I knew exactly what he was saying, and that made my cheeks heat.

Feeling embarrassed, I caught my lip between my teeth.

"If you weren't angry the moment you threw your panties on me, I would've seen you as hot stuff," he gave me a throaty chuckle.

Dang! That sounds so sexy! In broad daylight, Paris? Really? You're having midnight thoughts?! I silently cursed myself.

"But whatever," he shrugged. "You've always been my hot stuff."

Before I knew it, he already lowered his lips and locked mine. The depth of his love is indicated in his kisses, and I couldn't ask for more, well, but to feel more! My husband is mine. All bitches come screwing our life messed up with the wrong one. I'm not Paris Amanda Santa de Leones for nothing.

Aidan and I talked things over with my parents. He explained himself to them, mom had her extreme faith on Aidan, she'd believe him without a word. Dad didn't say anything more than a warning that he wouldn't open his ears anymore if things happened again. I don't know if he believes Aidan or not, but what's important is that he let it go.

We stayed in the city, but we promised Mom and Dad that we'd follow them. I just need to settle some things. Mom and Dad took Ricos with them. Sasama rin sana si Romee but I told her that I'll be needing her around. I could do this alone if I weren't pregnant.

"Aidan literally camped out on the gates of the mansion, Paris" Romee chuckled, driving her Lamborghini. "I've always admired his guts, you're one lucky girl. Konti nalang ang mga lalaking kagaya ni Aidan ngayon. Hindi ko alam pero sobrang rare na ng paninindigan para sakanila."

I don't know where she's coming from, but with her words, I know it's deep. So deep.

Hindi na ako nag-salita pa. I looked down at my phone and watched the video Lance had sent me hours ago. It was the CCTV footage of Aidan's office Lance retrieved from the connection. I didn't tell Aidan about this. I don't wanna bother him because up until now, he's loaded with some stuff about their company. But I did tell him to fire his secretary and had him replace it with a more efficient one I got from Icen's recommendation.

Sandaling sinulyapan ni Romee ang cellphone na hawak ko. "But I admire that dull-witted bitch for her brave soul. Imagine? She wasn't shaken by the thought that she was crossing a Santa de Leones lane."

She's referring to Aidan's secretary, Angie. Viel's hired troublemaker. She's the one I called in to inform that I was coming. She's the one seen on the footage opening Aidan's drawer, placing underwear and a phone. Viel is the mastermind, and she's an accessory. I had Romee deal with her when she was bored.

"You sure about this, P?" Romee cocked me a brow as she parked her car in front of the Viel's condominium building. "Samahan na kaya kita sa taas? You know, that bitch is psychotic, baka kung ano ang gawin nya sayo. I wouldn't worry too much if you weren't pregnant."

"I'm okay, Ro," I assured her, unbuckling the safety belt. I went off her car, and Romee rolled her windows down.

"Paris, I'll be watching you"

"I need you, too," I grinned.

I had a strong grip on my phone I held in my hand as I rode the lift talking me to the floor of Viel's unit. I wasn't asked for any identification card because Lance had this all setup.

As the elevator door opened, I stepped out. Walking my way to my destination. I'm trying so hard to keep my emotions all pent-up. I swear I'm gonna kill a bitch once I was pushed.

My index finger pressed the buzzer of her unit. I mentally noted myself to have it cleaned properly later when I got home. In a few, the door flies open, revealing Viel in her satin robe. She was not so glammed up, with her hair almost everywhere and her face void of any makeup to cover the dark circles under her eyes. Her nose was swollen like her cheeks, and the crack on her lips wasn't covered by any matte lip product the way it was when I last saw her.

She gave me a startled look as if she wasn't expecting me. Why will she be expecting me anyway?

I didn't smile, up and down gaze is all I could give.

"Paris," she said, almost unable to produce a sound.

"Glad you remember me," I said.

I invited myself in by shoving her a little so I could have some space. Isang atras ang kaniyang ginawa, tila hindi pa niya nabubuo sakanyang isipan ang katotohanang nasa harapan niya ako.

Ako na mismo ang siyang nag-tulak ng pinto pasara. I don't want us drawing attention from anyone outside. As much as possible, I want to keep things clean.

"So, Viel Ferrer, I won't beat around the bush. That's not my thing," I breathed. "Anong gusto mo sa asawa ko?"

From her surprised look, there goes flicker in her eyes. "Bakit hindi mo tanungin ang asawa mo, kung gusto mo palang malaman?"

The confidence in her voice almost rendered me laughing my ass out. Alright, we'll play her game. I kept myself steady. "I've seen it all,"

"Then what you see is what you get," isang mapanglamang ngiti ang kaniyang pinakawalan. "Aidan had long been in love with me, kung paanong ganoon din ako sakanya. We'd been childhood sweethearts and probably married by now if you didn't come along and had yourself pregnant by him."

Wow, so it's my fault now. God, this bitch is a sick-fuck. I couldn't believe Aidan wasn't wise enough to filter his friend list. This one is worse than Wendell and Karen.

"Masakit ba Paris? Masakit ba na hindi ka mahal ng asawa mo?" She said that in the most believing way. Well, her being an actress shouldn't be underestimated.

"Oo, masakit" I fake a sad curve on my lips but smile in less than awhile. "Pero may alam akong mas masakit,"

Hindi ko na siya binigyan pa ng pagkakataon na makapag-isip at makabuo ng sasabihin. In a quick, I had my palm kissed her cheek and was followed my another one and another. Those were the most forceful slaps I'd give in this lifetime. Had her ass smooching the floor in a second.

"That's for you, you psychotic, lying, scheming bitch!" I spat those words in her face. "Wakeup in your helluva dream, Aidan was never in love with you. What is it to love about you? You are so fake from your nose, and you are all, you doltish pathetic sorry-ass woman!"

She was about to stand up and was hell ready to throw a fit on me. As if on cue, the door opened, Romee stepped in on her cowboy boots and behind her stood, Lance Dela Paz. But the gang didn't end there. Kourtney came in, having Anja next to her.

"Thalia couldn't come," Romee informed. Nilingon niya si Viel, flashing her dangerous smile. "We meet again, dear"

"A-Anong gagawin niyo sakin?" Nahihintatakutang sabi ni Viel nang itulak na ni Anja pasara ang pinto. Umatras siya na tila ba may matatakbuhan siya upang makawala. Nanlalaki pa ang mga mata nito habang nakatingin kay Kurtney. "K-Kurtney..."

Kourtney gave her a devious smile. "You've messed with a De Salvo twice, game over."

I didn't get that, but I don't care.

"Paris, Caice is waiting for you at the lobby; she'll drive you home," Romee kissed my cheek. "We don't want to stress you out, I swear, no bloodshed."

"Can't promise that," Kourtney whined and chuckled.

"Get your ass going so we can start; I have so many things to do," Lance snarled impatiently.

Alangan man ay nag-lakad na ako patungo sa pinto, one last glance, I saw Viel still looking at Kurtney's direction. Anja had the door open for me.

"Tangina, sige na Paris, alis na. Kami na bahala, pang malakasan 'to." Anja sounded exactly like her mom -Tita Moana.

I shrugged my shoulders and smiled, walking my way completely out. Well, that's what she get. Messing with me means messing with my whole clan.