Khai held onto my arm tightly as I tried to pull away, but I couldn't; he was much stronger than me, and I'm just small. His cheeks were soaked with tears, and his eyes were red. "P-Please, let me go..." I uttered, my lips trembling, and it felt like something was stuck in my throat. Why is he like this? Why won't he let me go? "Francine... W-Why?" I could clearly see the pain and sadness on his face. "What w-why, Khai?" I asked, trying to ignore everything. "W-Why didn't you wait for me? W-Why?" His shoulders shook, and he covered his mouth with his hand. He seemed weak. I couldn't hold back my tears any longer, and they started to fall freely. "W-Why didn't I wait for you? K-Khai... Do you even hear yourself? Why are you asking me that when, in the first place, you never told me I needed to wait for you?" I asked, crying. It was so unfair to me. I felt like I was being choked, struggling to breathe. I tried to pull my hand away, but he refused to let go. "Baby..." "You left me, Khai... You left me and your child... And I had no right to stop you because I respected your decision," I said accusingly, hitting his chest. Maybe because he was weak, I was able to push him away even though he still held onto my elbow. "F-Francine..." "I had no right, Khai... None! I let you go even though... I didn't want to... Khai... Even though I couldn't bear to lose you... I actually did wait... I waited for you, Khai... But for two years... Two years your child and I waited! And you made it four years! A-And now... you're telling me, blaming me for not waiting?" I asked, clenching my fist and hitting his chest. "W-What am I to you, Khai? Huh? I have no right over you, and you're not even my boyfriend. I'm just the mother of your child... That's the only role I have in your life, right?! You know that, don't you?! So what right do you have to blame me?!" I shouted through my sobs. "Francine..." I wiped away my tears and still tried to pull my hand away, but he didn't let go. "I-I got tired, Khai... I got tired of waiting without any assurance. I loved you so much that I forgot about myself... I got tired... For almost 16 years, Khai, I did nothing but love you. Imagine? 16 years of being a fool for loving you. Who wouldn't get tired? I don't want to risk it again; I was only 15 years old when you hurt me without knowing. Of course, your girlfriend was more important to you. Because she's the one you loved. And when we had a child? I thought I finally had a chance, but still, there was none... Everything just became more complicated. You still had a reason to leave me," I said in a long, accusing tone, and at that moment, he finally let go of me. He rubbed his face, and his shoulders shook. "Why did you come back now when we can't be together anymore? I'm already married and have moved on. I'm happy with my husband now and with our child. I hope you are too... You can still be with our child. Just focus on him and love Zaidyx." After saying those words, I simply turned away, ready to leave. "Francine... If I could turn back time... Would you still wait for me?" he asked softly, making me stop in my tracks. "What's the point of waiting if I'm just going to get hurt again, Khai?" I asked him in return. "Francine, baby..." I closed my eyes as my chest tightened, and my tears fell rapidly. My hands and legs trembled. "I'm sorry," that was the last thing I said before I finally left him there. I could still hear his loud sobs. No more... We can't go back to the past, Khai. Because everything is over, even though we never really started. You chose to let me go, and I did the same after 16 years of loving you. I'm just tired, and I need a long break.
Chapter 1
FRANCINE's POV
I opened my window one morning when I woke up. I had a good sleep last night, thanks to Brother Khai. I went to his house yesterday to ask for help with one of my subjects, and voilà, I learned a lot. He's a great tutor, and I love him. I chuckled softly at the thought. I'm only 15 years old, but him? He's turning 22 soon.
I have my own balcony, and it faces Brother Khai's. We're neighbors because my parents and I moved here ten years ago, at my request. I wanted to see my crush every day.
Imagine, I was only five years old when I made him pinky promise that he would wait for me, and when I grow up, he would be my groom, and I would be his bride.
10 years ago...
I was playing with my doll when Daddy suddenly called out. We were in the living room. Mommy left me for a moment because she said she was going to make us a snack.
"Francine, baby!" Daddy called out. I hugged my pink doll and stood up, then went outside where Daddy was.
My steps were slow because my legs were still short. Unlike Daddy, who has long legs. But I like it when he always carries me.
I didn't have a baby brother or sister yet. I was the only child because I was only five. But I always told my mommy and daddy to give me a playmate, which is a baby sibling. I only played with my doll and sometimes my kitchen stuffed toys.
"Daddy? Why do you keep calling me?" I asked Daddy, my eyebrows furrowed as if I were serious. But to be honest, I was curious.
"Look who we have here, honey. Come here, baby," Daddy said sweetly. I smoothed out my pink dress while walking towards Daddy.
Daddy's smile was so sweet that I couldn't help but smile too. So I hurried my steps but stopped when I saw a tall guy standing to Daddy's left.
I froze, and my eyes widened because I was shocked!
"Brother Khai?!" I exclaimed, recognizing the son of my godmother, Ninang J. I squealed and ran towards him. "Brother! You're here at our house?!" I raised my little arms because I wanted him to carry me-I mean, he's really tall now.
"God, she's really excited, right, Alkairro?" my daddy asked.
"Yes, Uncle," Brother Khai replied with a smile and then carried me. I stared at his handsome face, and he looked even more dashing, just like my daddy. "How are you, Francine?" he asked me, his voice naturally gentle whenever he talked to me. But to others, I knew he was quiet and serious.
"I'm perfectly fine," I answered and kissed his cheek. He kissed me back. I pointed to my other cheek, and with a laugh, he kissed that too.
brother Khai was wearing a white t-shirt, a gray blazer, black pants, and a pair of white sneakers. His clean-cut hairstyle suited him well. And he had fair skin, uh...mestizo, right?
"Glad to know that, Francine. Oh, you're heavier now," he said, and I hugged his neck tightly.
"Silly you, ! I'm still five, and you're as handsome as my daddy!" I said happily. Both he and Daddy laughed, and Brother gently pinched my cheek. "Are you alone, Brother Khai? Where's my Ninang J?" I asked.
"Mommy isn't with me. She's busy with a photoshoot, Francine," he replied, and I nodded. I miss my godmother.
"Let's go inside, Francine, Alkairro. You can continue talking inside, lovebirds," Daddy said, and I giggled when I heard that. brother Khai let out a short laugh too.
"You heard that, Brother? We're lovebirds," I joked, and his smile widened.
Daddy then took me and carried me. I blew a flying kiss to Brother, pretending it had a heart that flew towards him, which he caught. My cheeks warmed, and I hid against Daddy's chest. I heard him chuckle and kiss my temple.
"You're so sweet, honey," Daddy Storm uttered.
We were in the living room, and I sat on Daddy's lap. Mommy Z was sitting beside Brother Khai. He was happily chatting with us while we ate our snack.
Mommy made pizza, we had pineapple juice, and also sandwiches. I was so focused on Brother presence that Daddy had to feed me.
"He's grown so tall, babe, isn't he? He's a young man now," Mommy Z commented.
"Yeah. He's left his childhood behind," Daddy replied, and I frowned because I knew what that meant.
"Daddy, that's not fair," I said, pouting as I looked up at him. I leaned against his chest. He kissed my pouty lips, and I smiled at him. I really love my father, and my mommy too. I glanced at Brother Khai and quickly hid in Daddy's chest because he was looking at me.
"Like she's really shy, babe. She just got a glance from her crush," Mommy teased, and I covered my eyes.
"Don't bully my daughter, babe," Daddy said. Mommy just laughed. She was teasing me because Brother Khai was our visitor today.
"Thank you for the fresh flowers, Alkairro," Mommy said, and I looked at them. He had given her flowers.
"No worries, Auntie. I also came here because I haven't seen Francine in a long time," he explained and quickly glanced at me and Daddy's side. Specifically at me.
"Yay! Our only daughter is feeling giddy!"
"Mommy!"
Then, it was just Brother Khai and me left in the room. I moved closer to him, and he helped me sit beside him, where I studied his face. He's really super handsome.
brother Khai doesn't have a daddy because my godmother doesn't have a husband. But everyone thought Ninang J was just his sister. Because they didn't believe it, he also calls his grandparents mommy and daddy.
"I wonder, Brother, if you look like your daddy," I said, and he pinched my cheek.
"My daddy?" I nodded.
"Aren't you looking for your daddy?" I asked again, and he laughed.
"Your daddy. You really are still a baby, Francine," he said, and I leaned against him.
"Brother" I showed him my little finger, and he looked at it, puzzled.
"Yes?" he responded, making me smile.
"Can you wait for me, Brother? I want you to wait for me to grow up, and I also want to be your bride. brother Khai, I want to marry you when I grow up," I said.
"Oh, you like that? Should we make a pinky promise?" I nodded. "How long will I have to wait, Francine?" he asked, holding my chin.
"When I turn 18. I also want you to be my last dance and then my escort."
"Eighteenth," he uttered. "So, I'll be 25 by then, and I'll wait for you for 12 years. You know, Francine, you're still a baby. Your preferences for a guy might change. You might see someone your age and want to marry him when you're grown up," he said thoughtfully.
"But I like you, Brother," I insisted, my expression turning serious. He just kissed my temple.
"Okay. There's no harm in trying a pinky promise," he said, and he mimicked me. We made a pinky promise. "I promise to wait for Francine to grow up and be her groom."
"And give me something, Brother Like...uh-" I didn't finish my sentence because he unbuttoned one of his blazer buttons and gave it to me.
"Then this is mine," he said, taking off my pink bracelet. My mommy bought it, but I didn't mind if Kuya took it.
"Thank you."
The present...
That's where Brother Khai and I started our promise to each other. I know to him, it might have just been a joke, or maybe he just indulged a five-year-old's request.
But the truth is, I'm going to take it seriously and do everything I can to win him over. I know he loves me, but as a little sister. For now, I'll accept that. We're very close, anyway.
"Good morning, Francine." I was startled, my shoulders jerking in surprise, as I suddenly heard Brother Khai's voice. He was on the neighboring balcony and had apparently been watching me for a while. His arms were resting on the railing of his balcony.
I was busy monologuing about past memories and the pinky promise we made when I was five years old.
I smiled because, first thing in the morning, I was greeted by his handsome face and killer smile. He looked fresh, already dressed in his white uniform, probably ready to head to his university.
He's a graduating student and always takes me to my school-not because my school is on his way, but because it's actually out of his way. He started picking me up and dropping me off when I entered junior high school, and now I'm in grade 9.
My dad usually takes my mom to work, but even though my dad insists on taking me, my mom always butts in and says I should just go with Brother Khai. We've gotten used to it. It's a favor for me too. Hehe.
I know my mom and my godmother are doing this on purpose. Ninang J is very supportive of me and is one of the few who knows I have a crush on her eldest son.
"Good morning, Brother" I greeted him back, smiling sweetly.
He looked me over. I was just wearing pink pajamas and a white tank top. I ran my fingers through my hair, which now fell past my shoulders. As usual, my heartbeat sped up. The reason for my racing heart was standing right in front of me.
"Did you just wake up?" he asked, and I nodded. I rested my chin on the railing and gazed at his handsome face. If I could watch him all day and all night, I would. I didn't mind the warm sunlight hitting my skin. It was breezy up here anyway. "So, you probably still smell like drool?" he joked, and I laughed.
To Be Continued...
"Love, let's go to the park." I went down the stairs, filled with hope, and approached Cloud, hoping for a softer response. "Please, Luna, can you stop this? And don't call me 'love'-I don't love you. Ours is just an arranged marriage, and maybe you've forgotten that you're the reason Stella and I broke up." "Is it my fault, Cloud? I'm a victim too. Do you think I wanted to be tied to a man I don't even love? I'm struggling just as much as you are, Cloud." My voice trembled, pleading for his understanding. "Why don't you just leave me? Oh, right, because you won't have anyone to leech off of if you leave me." He laughed, but his every sneer was filled with anger, especially when our eyes met. "You have no right to say that, Cloud! I've never asked you for money!" I shouted back, holding onto what little dignity I had left. "I'm getting the divorce papers finalized today, and you need to sign them as soon as possible. I can't stand seeing your face every day." But the truth was, every word he said felt like a knife cutting into my heart. "C-Cloud, maybe we can still talk about this." I reached for his hand, still hoping there was a chance, but he pulled it away. "What's there to talk about? Isn't it clear that I don't want you and that I don't love you?" His voice thundered through the mansion, his words like a storm shattering my world. "Right, you don't love me." I laughed, but it was filled with bitterness. I looked at him, trying to hide my tears. "You know, Cloud, I wanted to stay by your side until you learned to love me. But I can't, because you've already given up on us. Yes, you don't love me because I'm the reason you and Stella broke up." "Cloud, I studied how to love you. I admit, at first, I didn't want to be with you. But I couldn't help it. Slowly, I started falling for you, and I foolishly thought that maybe one day, you'd learn to love me too. But no, I was wrong. I just wanted to be loved by you, Cloud, but you denied me even that. My chest felt heavy, and trembling, I stepped back." "You know, I dreamed of you loving me the way you loved Stella. But I guess that's impossible." I laughed again, but this time, it was empty, filled only with sadness and pain. "There's no point in forcing myself on you anymore. Maybe I've suffocated you so much that you're begging for your freedom. I'm sorry for being the reason you and Stella broke up. Don't worry, I'll talk to her." I forced a smile, even as I felt myself breaking inside. "Since your birthday is coming up, my gift to you is my signature on the divorce papers. Just call me when they're ready. I'll start packing." Once inside my room, I collapsed to my knees, letting the tears I'd been holding back flow freely. "Why does it always have to be like this? I just wanted to feel his love..." After I finished packing, I went down the stairs. I found Cloud in the living room, standing with his back to me. "Ah, Cloud, I'm leaving now. Just call me when the divorce papers are ready. Thank you for everything, Cloud." I forced a smile and walked out of the mansion, carrying the feelings I wanted to bury but couldn't let go of. "You're free now, Cloud. You can be with Stella. Even though it hurts, I'll endure it. I took a deep breath. This time, I won't beg for your love."
Synopsis Translation in English She's a Princess... She has everything a girl could ever dream of: Beauty Wisdom Wealth Kindness In short, her life is perfect... But there's one thing she could never have-something more precious than jewels: Freedom. Presenting Yriana Winzyll, the "Princess of Orientalis" from the Kingdom of Hyemenaius. ~~ On the other hand, there is a Prince: Handsome Intelligent Wealthy The only thing he desires is to rule his kingdom and fulfill his destiny as heir to his family's throne. Everything changes when their families decide to arrange their marriage. Will this union end in failure or success? ~~ The story begins with Yriana, caught between her responsibilities and her longing for freedom. Will this marriage bring her closer to her dreams, or will it further bind her in chains? Meanwhile, Kyzer's determination to rule is tested as his heart begins to soften in ways he never expected. Two royals, two dreams, one fate-how will their worlds collide?
In my world, if you're weak, you're done for. I refused to be one of the weak, so I committed myself to intense training to become stronger. I pushed my limits, sharpened my skills, and believed that I could overcome any challenge. But in the end, I died... trying to help someone weak. Or at least, that's what I thought. When I opened my eyes, I found myself in an unfamiliar place. And soon, the truth hit me: I had been reincarnated.
"P-please d-don't," I said to him fearfully. "Uh huh, let me enjoy tonight, baby," he whispered in my ear. Tears streamed down my face as my body trembled from his presence. I never wanted to wear this to our prom. I didn't choose this. I should have refused back then so none of this would have happened. I knew he'd be angry seeing me in this outfit, but we ran out of time, so I couldn't argue anymore. "Please, Kairus, d-don't, s-stop, please," I begged him. "Shhh, don't test my patience, baby. You know what I can do, right?" he grinned. "N-no, p-please," I cried. "The more you beg, the more I want you," he smirked. He's Kairus Jei Styles, the son of the owner of my school, and he's the bad boy everyone fears. He has friends who are also feared at Styles University. He's the man who raped me and turned my four years in their school into a living hell. I'm Allysiah Quin De Villa, and I was 17 years old when Kairus took control of my life. He was 20 at the time, and I later discovered that he was a terrifying psycho bad boy.
When she was forcibly dragged out of her Aunt Leonora's house by armed men, she could do nothing but scream and shout. No matter how much she struggled, she couldn't break free, especially when they covered her mouth and nose with a cloth that had a dizzying smell. Eventually, she lost consciousness. She woke up in a luxurious mansion and met the owner and the mastermind behind her kidnapping-Alted Dela Fuente-her husband. She was utterly confused about what was happening, especially when he insisted that she was Candice Dela Fuente, his deceitful wife. Anger, hatred, and disgust were all she could see in the eyes of the man standing before her. The man was very handsome, but he had an authoritative presence, and the first emotion he showed her was anger. He didn't believe anything she said. She wasn't Candice. She knew herself; her name was Aurora, and she knew she had no husband and could not have any relationship with Mr. Dela Fuente. But he refused to believe her; he wouldn't let her go or escape. She knew the man would make her suffer, but what else was new? Her whole life had been filled with hardship and mistreatment. That was nothing new to her. "You can't fool me, Candice, not again," Mr. Dela Fuente told her through gritted teeth. The blazing anger in his eyes was proof that he would never let her go. How could he believe her when she looked exactly like his wife, Candice? Every angle, eye, nose, shape of the face, even their body, looked like a xerox copy. "You're my wife." That statement made her feel overwhelmed. Wife? Impossible, yet something pushed her to pretend to be his wife. She had many reasons to impersonate Candice. Those reasons urged her to assume Candice's identity, borrow her persona, and escape her own as Aurora Sandoval. She was not his wife... she was not Candice. Life had not been fair in her past, so maybe she could be his fake wife and pretend to be Candice for a while. She was Aurora, and she would become Candice, the lost wife of the rich and well-known Alted Dela Fuente.
"You are not my child. "You don't belong in this family! "trash!" "Gross!" "What a disappointment!" "Ugly and trash!" "You're disgusting!" "You don't belong in this school, b*tch!" I let out a deep sigh as I recalled the hurtful words they hurled at me. Whether at home or school, it was the same—nothing but pain was brought upon me. "Why is the world so unfair to me?" This was the question I always asked God. Why was I born into this world only to suffer? All I wanted was to be loved—to be happy—so why does it seem like everything is denied to me? I don't understand why it feels like the world is playing a cruel trick on me, intentionally keeping me from getting what I desire. I sighed again. "I hope in my next life, I will be happy." I forced a smile, hiding the deep pain that lingered within me. I could never have imagined that everyone would be so cruel to me, that I would experience such hardship. I placed my hands on the concrete while gazing at the vast surroundings and the students scattered around. I had been sitting here on the railing of our school building's rooftop for some time. This is where I come whenever I'm sad or when everyone bullies me. I sighed once more and looked up at the sky. "Lord, was I a bad person in my past life? Because the world is so cruel to me." Was I truly bad? Or is it just the people around me who are? No one treated me well. Everyone hates me. I have no friends or even anyone I can call 'family.' Do I deserve to live in this world? I placed my hands on the concrete again to support myself as I stood up. "I'm tired of everything. I want this to end." I looked down. My knees trembled as I realized how high up I was. If I fall from here, I will surely leave this world forever. "Maybe if I die, they will be happy," I whispered sadly as I closed my eyes, recalling the faces of all those who caused me so much pain. Tears streamed from my eyes. I felt trapped in a never-ending cycle of torment, reliving the painful experiences over and over again. I've had enough. I'm tired. Maybe it's time to rest... forever. "To end this pain is to finish everything," I whispered again, opening my eyes and slowly stepping onto the edge of the railing. "Goodby—" I was about to fall when suddenly someone forcefully grabbed my hand, causing me to land on top of someone's body. I recognized the familiar scent of his perfume. I quickly stood up as I realized who it was. It's him again... The guy who became my tormentor, making my life even more miserable. "You should have just let me go. Isn't that what you—and everyone—want? For me to disappear from this world," I said lifelessly. His face remained blank, showing no emotion as he looked at me. "Tsk!" I was startled when he suddenly closed the distance between us and spoke coldly into my ear, "If you want to die, wait for me to be the one... to end your life." Then, he immediately turned his back on me. I don't know why, but a surge of intense anger suddenly welled up in my heart because of what he said. The sadness I felt moments ago was instantly replaced with rage. My face suddenly became devoid of emotion. "Oh, is that so?" I said, colder than ice, which made him stop walking. "Alright," I continued, quickly removing my heeled shoe and throwing it at him with all my might, hitting him squarely on the head. I quickly walked toward him and confronted his shocked face. "Sorry, I didn't mean to," I said, cold as ice, but dripping with sarcasm. After saying that, I picked up my shoe and swiftly turned my back on him.
Lindsey's fiancé was the devil's first son. Not only did he lie to her but he also slept with her stepmother, conspired to take away her family fortune, and then set her up to have sex with a total stranger. To get her lick back, Lindsey decided to find a man to disrupt her engagement party and humiliate the cheating bastard. Never did she imagine that she would bump into a strikingly handsome stranger who was all that she was currently looking for. At the engagement party, he boldly declared that she was his woman. Lindsey thought he was just a broke man who wanted to leech off her. But once they began their fake relationship, she realized that good luck kept coming her way. She thought they would part ways after the engagement party, but this man kept to her side. "We gotta stick together, Lindsey. Remember, I'm now your fiancé. " "Domenic, you're with me because of my money, aren't you?" Lindsey asked, narrowing her eyes at him. Domenic was taken aback by that accusation. How could he, the heir of the Walsh family and CEO of Vitality Group, be with her for money? He controlled more than half of the city's economy. Money wasn't a problem for him! The two got closer and closer. One day, Lindsey finally realized that Domenic was actually the stranger she had slept with months ago. Would this realization change things between them? For the better or worse?
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"
"You're mine, little puppy," Kylan growled against my neck. A soft gasp escaped my lips as his lips brushed my skin. My mind screamed at me to push him away-the Lycan Prince who had humiliated me again and again, but my body betrayed me, leaning into him before I could stop myself. He pressed his lips against mine, and his kiss grew more aggressive, more possessive as I felt my legs weaken. What was I doing? In a split-second, I pulled away and slapped him hard across the face. Kylan's eyes darkened, but the smirk on his lips exposed his amusement. "You and I both know we can't fight this, Violet," he said, gripping my wrist. "You're my mate." "And yet you don't want me," I replied. "You told me you were ashamed of me, that l'd never be your queen, that you'd never love me. So please, accept my rejection and let me go." "Never," he whispered, his grip tightening as he pulled me closer. "Soon enough, you'll be begging for me. and when you do-I'll use you as I see fit and then I'll reject you."
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins—a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. "It's time to reveal your true identity, darling."
Allison fell in love with Ethan Iversen, the soon-to-be Alpha of the Moonlight Crown pack. She always wanted him to notice her. Meanwhile, Ethan was an arrogant Alpha who thought a weak Omega could not be his companion. Ethan's cousin, Ryan Iversen, who came back from abroad and was the actual heir of the pack, never tried to get the position nor did he show any interest in it. He was a popular playboy Alpha but when he came back to the pack, one thing captured his eyes and that was Allison.
Everyone thought Lorenzo truly loved Gracie, until the day of their daughter’s heart surgery. To Gracie’s utter shock, Lorenzo gave the precious organ needed by their child to another woman. Devastated, Gracie opted for a divorce. Fueled by her need for revenge, Gracie joined hands with Lorenzo’s uncle, Waylon, and orchestrated Lorenzo’s downfall. In the end, Lorenzo was left with nothing and consumed by remorse. He pleaded for a reconciliation. Gracie thought she was free to move on with her life, but Waylon held her back in a death grip. “Did you think you can just walk out on me?”