The sky blends with ash, orange, and red, indicating the approaching sunset. The wind intensifies, a sign that the day is drawing to a close. I smile at the beautiful scene, tears streaming down my face. My chest tightens, realizing this might be the last time I witness the sunset. Tomorrow... tomorrow, I won't be able to see it anymore. I release a sigh and gently wipe away my tears. I'm content, knowing I'll have more moments with my loved ones, even if not in this world. I turn as I hear approaching footsteps, and my heart flutters seeing the man who holds my heart. "Don Brill," I say, using the name I fondly call him. Denbrill Arkun Brilliantes is his full name, but I've always called him Don Brill, a playful nickname from our early days when love hadn't blossomed yet. It stuck, and he seemed to like it. He smiles as he comes closer. Decades have passed, but his masculine charm endures. Over the years, my love for him has only deepened, a love I never thought I'd experience. His hand hides behind his back. He kneels before me, and I, seated on a sofa near our room's window, watch him. "My Don Brill," I playfully say, caressing his jaw. He quickly catches my hand, kissing the back of it. "I'm not really a don, my love. Engineer suits me better. But since you gave me that name, I told people to call me that. Because I want to remember you always, even if... even if you leave me," he says, his voice breaking in the end. His grip on my hand tightens. "Love, I won't leave you," I assure him, but I notice the reddening of his eyes. "A-Are you sure? It seems like you're preparing," he says, revealing a hand holding a red rose. I look at it with a genuine smile, accepting it wholeheartedly, just as I accepted his love. "This is beautiful, Don Brill. Did you pick my flowers from the garden again?" I ask. "You're more beautiful than these roses, and yes, I did pick them," he replies, making me laugh softly. "Don Brill, remember that nothing lasts forever, and we all have our destinies. Love, don't think I'll leave you. Even if I'm not physically with you, I'll always be in your heart and mind. I'll remain by your side," I say, gently touching his face. "Love..." "I should be the one to go first, Lorainne... I should be the one before you," he interrupts, tears streaming down his face. I pull his arm to make him sit beside me, feeling his weakness. As he sits, he immediately envelops me in his arms. I smile as I hear the rapid beating of his heart, a beautiful sound that matches mine. "I love you so much, Don Brill. Not everyone leaves at the same time, and you... you have many things to do. Our children and grandchildren need you. Don't leave them so soon. I won't be gone completely," I assure him. "What... what do you mean, my love?" he asks, gazing into my eyes. "I won't be gone completely because soon, we'll have a granddaughter. But... there will be more if you choose to stay with them," I look at the darkening sky. My husband stands and closes the window. "It's time for you to rest, my love," he says, lifting me effortlessly and placing me back on our bed. "Yes, it's time to leave," I reply, and his lips part in surprise. He nods, tears falling rapidly. "Lorainne..." I take his hand and softly kiss his lips. He cradles my neck, deepening the kiss-our last kiss. "Remember, I regret nothing. I'm happy to leave this world, Don Brill. I'm happy that you're the man I loved throughout my life. The first and only man I'll love forever. We'll meet again... in the right time. There, I promise never to make you feel abandoned. Because there, our time is limitless. Free..." His embrace tightens, and he kisses my forehead. "If I could stop every ticking of time I would. It hurts to let you go suddenly. But promise I'll live as long as you said. I'm coming after you. Your love for me is priceless so take my heart too, my love... You're the only woman I'll love, even in the afterlife or our next life. I love you so much, Lorainne Angeles-Brilliantes, the mother and granddaughter of my children. You are free not because I set you free, you are free because your heart wants. We'll meet again, my love..." he says, closing his eyes. I take a deep breath, and before the darkness consumes me, our memories flood back. Tears flow, and his embrace tightens. "I love you so, Don Brill," I say with a smile, my cheeks wet. I feel my heartbeat slowing. Before I depart, I still hear his sobbing. "I love you, Denbrill Arkun Brilliantes..." are the last words that escape my lips.
DENBRILL ARKUN BRILLIANTES' POV
I looked up at the top of our mansion when I noticed that the window of my husband's room was open. The white curtain dances because the wind blows it.
I couldn't help but look at the sky. The view was good because the sun had set but I still didn't like it. Because of the nervousness I feel.
Every step I took to enter our mansion was big but I saw my husband's beautiful red rose in the garden. I approached it and noticed that it was the rose that was difficult to bloom so I picked it even though I also knew that Lorainne would be angry. It's just amazing that they don't have thorns.
I found my youngest son Godfrey in our living room. He was focused on his laptop. He looked at my behavior and hurriedly stood up to meet me. He held my hand to guide me.
"Dad, I was going to say goodbye," he said and I glanced at his luggage on the floor.
"Why are you saying goodbye to me? You're at your Mommy's," I said shaking my head but she also looked at me.
"Hey, Dad. I finished saying goodbye to Mommy. He is in your room. He's been looking out the window for a while and I know he's been waiting for you," he said and my heart beat faster.
I stared intently at my son's face and stroked his head. Our youngest son is taller than me but he willingly bends down so that I can reach his head.
"Son, you'll be here at our mansion first," I promised weakly and I knew he saw the sadness on my face.
"Why, Dad?" he asked confused.
"Your mommy. He won't last much longer. He's going to leave me," I said and his lips parted in shock. He already knew what those terms meant.
"D-Dad... Why... Why don't we just send Mommy to another country for treatment?" he asked, his voice almost breaking into tears. I tapped him on his shoulder and smiled.
"You know your mother's body and her heart are weak. You stay here first, son," I just said and left him in the living room with tears running down his cheeks.
I opened the door of our room and at first my beautiful wife did not notice me. I wasn't wrong in my suspicion that he was on the opposite side of the window where I purposely put the sofa bed there so that he wouldn't get bored waiting for me from my work but since he became like this I chose to go first - leave the company to accompany him in his final life.
I hid the red rose behind me and he only noticed my arrival when he heard the footsteps of my shoes.
"My Don Brill," he said smiling at my name. He used to be the only one who called me Don Brill. He is the only one who gave such a name.
Even after a long time, I can still see the beauty of my beloved wife. She is still the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my entire life.
"I'm not really a don, dear. It's still better if you call me Engineer. But because my name came from you, I told people I know to call me that. Because I want... I will always remember you even if... you leave me," I said and my voice just broke.
"Honey, I won't leave you," he denied but the corners of my eyes still warmed.
Because I have a feeling... I have a feeling that now he is going to leave me. Can I just let him go?
"H-Isn't it? I guess you're getting ready, huh," I promised and gave him the thing I was hiding. A rose stem.
"This is very beautiful, Don Brill. You picked my flowers from the garden again, didn't you?" he asked.
"You are more beautiful than that rose and yes I did pick that," I answered and he laughed softly. It's enough to soften my heart. He has the best laugh I've ever heard. Except for the laughter of our children and grandchildren.
"Don Brill, remember that nothing lasts forever and we all have a place. My love, don't think that I will leave you. I...even if I disappear from your company, I will not disappear from your heart and mind. I will always stay by your side," he explained but my tears fell spontaneously and my shoulders were shaking as well. I felt his caress there. "Expensive..."
"I-I should be the first, Lorainne... I should be before you, my love..." I promised crying.
Never once did I really think that he would be ahead of me. Because that should be me. I should come first and not him. Because I can't lose her just like this. Can't we just be together?
He hugged me tightly as if this was the last time I would hug him like this. This is one I will be looking for.
"If I could stop every ticking of time I would. It hurts to let you go suddenly. But promise I'll live as long as you said. I'm coming after you. Your love for me is priceless so take my heart too, my love... You're the only woman I'll love, even in the afterlife or our next life. I love you so much, Lorainne Angeles-Brilliantes, the mother and granddaughter of my children. You are free not because I set you free, you are free because your heart wants. We will meet again, my love..." I said long and I heard her breathing deeply.
"I love you so much, Don Brill..." I could see her tears welling up. "I love you, Denbrill Arkun Brilliantes..." The last words he said made me cry the most.
My heart was so happy but there was pain and sadness, but even though the pain prevailed, I chose joy because in the last chance of his life, he still loved me. I was still the one he said those magical words to.
That was the last time I would hear his voice and saying he loved me was enough for me even though he left me completely.
My voice crying and lamenting echoed in the four corners of our room. At that door I saw my son fall to the floor while he was still holding back his crying. With a gesture of my hand, he slowly stood up and approached us.
He positioned himself behind his mother and like a child nuzzled her neck while she was still crying.
"M-Mommy..."
That's what my children found and it seemed too heavy for them to step up just to come to us. I let them hug their lifeless mother and cry in her arms.
I taught them how to hide their true emotions and be serious about their lives but not to the point where it's like they just came back from childhood. They bring out the true attitude and show vulnerability.
There is pain in my heart and yet the joy is still there because I know that my beloved woman, my wife, will no longer feel pain.
He's free now, even though it's still very painful for him to leave us like this. Even though I had prepared, I still couldn't stop not being hurt and crying too much.
Who wouldn't be hurt when you lose someone you love so much? Who can't cry when the one you love that you draw strength from is also gone?
But still I chose to accept it. Because I know that we will meet again, not even in this time and in this world.
I looked outside. I left with my husband in the setting sun. Although half of my life was lost, the fruits of our love were left behind.
With my tears falling and closing my eyes I returned to the memory, where Lorainne and I first met.
The girl I can't even say I loved first is still everything to me. My life...
I am Denbrill Arkun Brilliantes, better known as Don Brill nickname given to me by my wife. At the age of sixty-four, Lorainne left, but that doesn't mean that our love will end forever. Because I know it will continue forever.
he is the heir of all, he's an important heir of Cordovas, they are the families of Billionaires all over the country. he will inherit all Family companies of the clan and will be the next CEO of the Cordova GOC (group of companies) Jared IS the Cordovas 5th Legacy, and now I'm bearing his Legacy, the 6th LEGacy Im carrying his child I'm carrying the Billionaires Legacy
The door sounded, I walked near there and opened it and it was Cyrus De Luxrell. He kissed me while entering here inside then locked the door again. "I got you food, my wife." he said softly in my ear so I nodded. "Does your back still hurt?" so i Shoked my head sit in his lap where he wants me to sit."Tomorrow, be ready. We're attending something gorgeous party." he said and gave me a smack kiss on my lips. "What party?' I said in my mind. I was treated well here even though I was kidnapped and big different in my family house who always wanted me to be their money machine all the times. They didn't try to find me and comforted my betrayal heart.
Who am I? What happened to me? Why I can't remember anything. All I know is I woke up didn't know how to walk, how to speak completely, it feels like I'm a new born baby but the opposite is I have a grown up body. I'm so weak that I can't even move my muscles. I'm so weak that I can't even mutter a single word. Hera Lopez has been in a coma for 8 years. How can an innocent girl live with all the problems? How will he get along with the people around him? A lot can happen and can be done to him by exploitative people. Would be a professor name Clinton Niccolas Donovan will help and teach her how to survive from cruel and twisted reality or be one of those people who have a cruel intention and motive?...
A rising actress who only got a glimpse of success suddenly found herself in a predicament. A crisis in a form of three small children knocking on the door of her life. The most worrying thing is that they call her... "Mama!" Thinking of what I could drink, I stared at the bartender for a long time. He's busy attending orders from other customers so he probably didn't notice me. He's tall and has a good physique. His muscles are visible because of his fitted white button down shirt. He deliberately undone three of his top buttons that's why women are drooling over the sight of his broad chest. It's no wonder that only women wait for orders at the bar counter. Even if they can't drink, order after order. It is the bartender the one they want to buy not drinks. He whistled. When I looked up at him again, our eyes met. I held my mouth. "Did I say that too loud?" I asked unconsciously. He chuckled. "Would you like a drink?" Instead of answering, he offered me a drink. I don't know what drink he put in front of me. It has a bright orange color. I gave him a stern look. "I never order for this." I pushed the glass towards him, but he handed it back to me. "That drink will suit your taste." I want to wipe off the sly grin he has. "Was it drugged?" "What kind of perverted ideas are you thinking?" My cheeks instantly heated by his vulgar way of asking. He's smiling from ear-to-ear. He's having fun toying with me. "I wasn't particularly thinking of anything!" I strongly defended myself which made him act as if he's surrendering. "Alright! We don't need to raise our voice here, Ma'am. We're both clean." I hate his grinning face. I rolled my eyes before chugging down that suspicious drink he offered. I blinked twice and stared at the half empty glass. "It was... an orange juice?" Damn this bartender! He's laughing his @ss off. "Was it too strong? Want something gentle?" I gritted my teeth. Now he's offering me a milk in a bear-shaped cup. My face was red, not just because of embarrassment but because of so much anger. I guess even if I love him for the milk he gives, I still can't get rid of my anger towards him. "Call your manager! What kind of crappy service is this?" My voice is raising dramatically. He pretended to take a breath as if in submission. "I think that's enough. You're already drunk, Ma'am." His face looks concerned but his voice sounds playful. This made me more furious. "I'm not drunk!" I tripped in time and spilled the orange juice on the counter. The irritating thing is that instead of getting angry, the smile on his lips grew even bigger. "Fine. You're not drunk." My vision is turning so blurry. I'm dizzy. I saw him gently touch my elbow to check if I was fine but I slapped his hand away. "That was too strong, rabbit." He chuckled. I don't remember what happened next because I lost consciousness completely. I knew it! That drink was drugged! I'll get back to that bartender! I felt the familiar warmth of my bed. How did I get home last night? I must have drunk too much because I don't remember anything. I was about to go back to sleep when I heard a strange noise around me. "Shhh! Don't make noise! Mama's sleeping!" Did I leave the TV on? What's with this noise? I heard a baby's cry. It was loud as if the baby's just beside me. "I'm hungry! Mom wake up!" Wait. I'm scared. This is way too realistic. Why is there a small hand touching my stomach? I don't want to open my eyes. "Wakey wakey, Mama!" I gasped for air as I opened my eyes when something hit my body. My eyes are playing games with me. There are three children in my bed! "Good morning, Mom!" -
I fell down on my bed. My body aches from practice. It's only four o'clock in the afternoon, it's shocking. Is this how Mommy suffered at HTS? If I only knew, I wouldnât have bothered to join yet. I struggled to get up and picked up the phone on top of my side table. "Mother Martha," I began tiredly and she answered me with full concern. "Please. Can you just bring me some food up here. Even if you just order another maid. The pain is over. My body really, I can't really go down. All right, thank you. " I immediately removed my bra and stretched. Even maybe opening a social media account is boring to do. I've only been in training for two weeks but I'm tired, I don't want to. I closed my eyes, waking up, tired and tired. I was startled by a noise coming from a cell phone, as if a gunshot had been fired. I seem to have fallen asleep tired. I turned to the person next to me and focused my eyes on his cellphone. My vision was blurred but it didnât take long and I saw who was next to me. "Calyx!" I slapped him with a lampshade. "Hey! Don't! â he blocked her face with his arm and immediately left my bed. "Why are you here? And ... And it's still here in my bed! " "I don't know about you. I just delivered your food and then you took advantage of my weakness," she replied and threw my bra on my bed, apparently hanging from her hair. Immediately warmed my face to what he did. I know there was no malice in what he did but I couldn't help but be ashamed. In the crowd, why Calyx yet? "The thickness of your face! Get out of here!" I repel while averting my eyes. "Why are you the one who delivered?" "I volunteered," he answered simply so I turned to him. âI would like to talk to you. I would have woken you up just because you are sound asleep so I would have planned, just wait for you to wake up. â "So who gave you the right to sit on my bed?" I raise my eyebrow. â âI am not comfortable on the floor. â "The thickness of your face, get out!" I rock him a pillow. He also left my room immediately. I just wiped my face. We are now facing each other in the living room as he rubs the lump on his forehead that was hit by the lampshade I hit. "I didn't invite you," he complained. "Don't play the victim. Anyone who sees our position before will think it's ugly." "Ja, you're the one who hugged the two of us. Why are you still angry? Shouldn't I? I feel like I took the wrong course, I should be a politician so I can pass a law that also aims to protect men from your women . " I was amazed at his reasoning. I donât know if he has a saltik or what. I closed my eyes tightly and whispered to him. "Hey. Calyx Napoleon Tan De Jesus, let's be clear. If you don't want to marry me, make sure no one knows what happened." "You're beautiful. It's not bad to marry you," he smiled mischievously and raised his eyebrows so I threw the magazine at him. I was even more annoyed when he laughed out loud. "Get out of here!" I hit the magazine. "Ja, let's talk," he laughed at my blows. "Let's talk about the two of usâ ouch!" he rubbed his forehead and quickly sat down next to me. "What's ours? There is no U.S!" I stomped on him. I sighed as he pulled my two legs closer to him, causing me to lie down on the sofa. He put one arm around my head and brought his face close to mine. I couldn't breathe or even move when our noses came together. I stared into his eyes moving my eyes and my lips. I sighed again when his finger stuck to my forehead as he parted my hair. I closed my eyes tightly and slapped him so he moved away from me. I immediately stood up and walked away from him. I felt my blood boil when I saw him smiling while holding his blushing cheek. "Strength," he said, shaking his head and smiling at me. âBut Ja, didn't you crush me then. I was just wondering, why? "Calyx growled. "Can I have Calyx. It's a memory I want to forget," I replied angrily and he laughed. I was about to stone him with the magazine when I heard the doorbell ring. Our assistant hurried to the gate to open the door for the visitor. I focused my eyes on the door of the house. "Are you expecting someone?" he asked in front and lay down on the couch. "It's none of your business. Can you just leave first because it's embarrassing for the visitor. â "Wow! Heavy! â he applauded. I turned angrily to the man who was just staring at me. He immediately âkissed me. "Fuckboy," I whispered. âHey, that hurts. You are a judge. â "Truth hurts, Calyx," I smiled sarcastically. "Ms. Jayesa," the maid approached me. "She's supposed to be your visitor. Keshaun Medrano. Shall I let her in?" âKeshaun? Thatâs a boyâs name, and youâre still a guest? Are you misleading? â Calyx stood up and got serious. âWhat are you doing? You also said, I'm beautiful, âI replied. I looked back at the maid and ordered him to let Keshaun in. "Jayesa, I know you're 18 but you're still a baby in our brother's eyes." "Why are you interfering?" "I'm just concerned." "Concern? Stop me," I
"Huh?" I asked confusedly. Mr. doctor's answer? "C-come again? I'm what⊠now?â "Pregnant Lady Ca-" âPregnant!?! I!? HOW!?â I shouted at him. He raised an eyebrow at me and stared at me like some sort of a weirdo. "By having an int*rc*urse of course Lady Candace." I looked at him, well, doctor, I'm not in the mood to joke here, what? How am I pregnant!? I'm not even from here! I'm literally not from here, I'm from planet earth! E-A-R-T-H EARTH! From the Philippines, Cebu City! I was drinking with some friends because there was a celebration... But, I got drunk and I don't know what happened. When I opened my eyes, my environment was different. I woke up on some sort of small house and when I came out the people were dressed fancily. Their set-up is ancient but fantasy themed? It's like a peg only in fantasy books. That's it! I really don't know what's going on- maybe I'm just pranking but it's not really. The way they talk is weird, my h-ngh-ng friends don't speak that fluently. So I'm convinced that I'm no longer a prank and I woke up in another world. Maybe that's possible, I'm listening to lessons and watching Isekai anime. (Our character here is quick to believe in magic so he quickly adapts what is happening. Then I also read reincarnation stories, be it manwha or manga. Maybe I was de-ds when I drank too much? I know that's not the only problem I have. My hair color also changed, I still have the same face and all but- I DON'T HAVE A FROST BLUE HAIR! My uncle's life was gone when he saw me coloring. Also what is with my eyes!? I don't wear contact lenses either!? I didn't even know what was happening and then I just found out that I'm pregnant?! I know the kid is from j-gj-gan but duh!? I'm a virgin! One hundred percent! Not a single man moved my flower! My beautiful flower is well protected by me! But new?! I suddenly found out that I'm pregnant!? Then I still don't know the child's father juskooo- forgive me father for I have really s-nned. Mamang will slap me left and right when he hears this! I haven't even graduated from college yet and I'm already doing kerengkeng. Huh. What if I suddenly got pregnant? What is magic? But magic exists here- because eehh! I really can't process what's happening to me. I'm still adjusting to this because I just reincarnated and then I found out that I'm pregnant without knowing who the father is. I mean- I don't have memories whatever. Not really! as in none! Nothing! Is this how you wake up in another world? I have read fantasy books, why aren't my scenes the same as theirs? They woke up because they remembered something from their past self chuchu. Why am I not there? Does this body have amnesia? This may not be my body even though we have the same face. What the h-ck is happening? Not only do I have no memories, I suddenly got pregnant. I bit my lip, seriously, if I am reincarnated in another world, I must also have memories so that I can catch up on events. But nothing really, I was not blessed. I scratched my head while looking at my stomach, whatever. I'm gonna take care of this child. I, Candace Dulce will be raising this baby! With or without someone! Well, I'm such a strong independent woman!
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"
Five years ago, he upped and left his wife without informing her. He had always felt unworthy. As a result, he decided to go and become a better man. It took him five whole years of daily hard work. When he was satisfied, he returned as a powerful and honorable man. He intended to start a family with his wife. But he got back to meet the greatest shocker of his life. He actually had a daughter!
Everyone was shocked to the bones when the news of Rupert Benton's engagement broke out. It was surprising because the lucky girl was said to be a plain Jane, who grew up in the countryside and had nothing to her name. One evening, she showed up at a banquet, stunning everyone present. "Wow, she's so beautiful!" All the men drooled, and the women got so jealous. What they didn't know was that this so-called country girl was actually an heiress to a billion-dollar empire. It wasn't long before her secrets came to light one after the other. The elites couldn't stop talking about her. "Holy smokes! So, her father is the richest man in the world?" "She's also that excellent, but mysterious designer who many people adore! Who would have guessed?" Nonetheless, people thought that Rupert didn't love her. But they were in for another surprise. Rupert released a statement, silencing all the naysayers. "I'm very much in love with my beautiful fiancee. We will be getting married soon." Two questions were on everyone's minds: "Why did she hide her identity? And why was Rupert in love with her all of a sudden?"
âDrive this woman out!â "Throw this woman into the sea!â When he doesnât know Debbie Nelsonâs true identity, Carlos Hilton cold-shoulders her. âMr. Hilton, she is your wife,â Carlosâ secretary reminded him. Hearing that, Carlos gives him a cold stare and complained, âwhy didnât you tell me earlier?â From then on, Carlos spoils her rotten. Little did everyone expect that they would get a divorce.
Three years ago, Cecilia was left battered and alone by the man she loved most, Alston, yet she bravely completed the wedding ceremony while pregnant. Three years later, although they were married, they grew apart over time. Cecilia focused on her career, no longer foolishly believing in love. But her transformation instantly threw Alston into a panic... And what is the secret from 11 years ago that Cecilia has always been reluctant to reveal? *** "She went to a law firm, met with a lawyer..." A lawyer? Is Cecilia suing someone? Who? Is there any recent litigation against the company? Alston suddenly chuckled coldly, "Who could she sue? I'm the CEO of this company. How come such a matter doesn't come to me first?" The assistant swallowed nervously, speaking softly, "Sir, there's no litigation against the company. She met with... a divorce lawyer."
Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."