42

“Didn’t you even think about what I was going through in Bicol? Didn’t you even remember me? How I would feel every time your man was away?” It hurts so much to hear how disappointed she is to me. I slowly looked at her and stood up. Even though I couldn’t do it, I faced mom.

“I-im sorry, ma…” His palm landed on me again now it was on my other cheek.

“Sorry? Mom?!” This bitter smile.

“She doesn’t have a mother, Fertine. When I decided to go with that man, she lost her mother.” It turned away, but I tried to hug it even though I was weak. My first tears fell behind it.

My hug had no effect because he loosened it. Its heart is made of stone because of me. I tried to chase after him, but due to my knee shaking, I fell to the floor again. Failed to catch up and apologize.

I felt Hades warm hand on my shoulder. I looked at him as tears continued to flow from my eyes. It is on its knees. I can see the pity in his eyes. He pulled me closer towards his chest. I didn’t give up and continued to cry on his chest.

“Hey gorgeous.” I turned around to meet Hades eyes. I gave him a wide smile.

He walked towards me. With his formal business attire he looks so handsome. His hair is still up. I can see his handsome and smooth face.

I dropped the folder I was holding. I stand up to give him a hug and kiss his cheeks.

“Did you have lunch?” This is a question. “Yes, a while ago. Hbu?” I answered him.

“I would like to invite you to lunch because it’s edible.” It said sadly.

“We can still go out. I’ll eat with you.” I said so. “Hmm, how about dinner later?”

“I finished at 8pm, is that okay?” I answered him and picked up the folder that was taken down from the table earlier.

“Yes. I will look forward to that dinner.” He said sweetly then flashed a genuine smile.

“Don’t say you’ll eat dinner later? Eat first.” I said while my eyes darted at the folder.

“You look so busy here.” I looked up to him. “Yes… But it’s okay. Business is business.” I promise.

“How are you?” Every day he asks me how I am doing. Even in text he always asks that. “I’m okay.” I smiled bitterly at him.

“Are you?” He asked while raising his right eyebrow. “Yes!” I tried to laugh.

His cell phone rang. He gestured to me and I just said no. I returned to the swivel chair. I look around my office.

It’s a big spacious office with a mini living room set for visitors and cabinets for my important files and some expensive decorations like paintings and vases, even my furniture is expensive too including all the things inside here.

“Hey. I need to go now. I’ll see you later at 8?” It promised. “Yes. Eat lunch. Let’s just meet at the restaurant.” He frowned at what I said. “You don’t want me to pick you up here?” He asked.

“Don’t go there. To save on gas. I’ll bring my car.” I said to him. “Fine. If that’s what you want. See you later.” He leaned over and gave me a kiss on the forehead.

Then finally go out.

I heard the door open again. “Did you forget something?” I asked while signing the papers.

“Hello Ms. Athena Fertine Wu.” My eyes widened when I heard that familiar voice. I looked up to confirm who it was. I was right.

“Freeda!!” I was in such a hurry that I even hit the table, I didn’t move anymore, it didn’t hurt that much. I jumped it to get close to him.

“I miss you so much, Fertine!” He said laughing. “I miss you!” I screamed in excitement. “I miss you too, Fertine is Athena!” He laughed when he corrected himself.

I pulled away from the hug. “Tsk.” I pretended to be him.

“There’s still Athena now huh! Athena Fertine Wu! Beautiful! So pretty! It’s so beautiful!” It points to my name written on the table.

Yes. My name was added.

“Freeda, it’s still Fertine.” I told him. “By the way, our names start with the same F so it’s a good fit for us to be best friends! But it suits you, you’re beautiful, like a Greek goddess! But I’m prettier than you, should I change my name too? What about Aphrodite?”

“I don’t know about you! Let’s sit down first.” I said chuckling while moving her towards the sofa.

“I saw Hades outside this building, but he’s in a rush so he didn’t see me. But My God Fertine! He is still handsome like before! Even better! His body has grown bigger! He’s matured more! I’m really sorry Fertine, I’m going to seduce your brother!” He laughed at this promise.

Yes. Hades is my brother.

“Go seduce him! It’s like he doesn’t always worry about me!” I answered him. “Just wait Fertine. I can’t wait for you to be my sister in law!” He promised excitedly.

“Julia Freeda Villareal Wu. OMG! So good!” He’s about to pass out from the excitement.

“Tsk. Do you think you will agree to be my wife?” I said flatly. “Well, just try not to agree Fertine! I’ll release your college weird photo!” He threatened.

It turns out that he has blackmailed me with my picture before. Why did I let him tell me that he made me look beautiful?

“You can’t be a joke! You’ve already got my cut!” I gently hit his arm then laughed.

His face was serious. “Even though it’s been four years, I still can’t believe all this.” She said seriously. “I really can’t believe that Hades is your brother. As far as I remember, we just made out, bro

Then you didn’t go to school for a few days and suddenly word spread around the school that Hades was your brother! I also read that in the news before!” I smiled bitterly at what she said.