Happy reading guys! I hope you like this chapter.

A/N: Italics are past events!

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JACE's POV

I opened the door of my house while whistling merrily. Upon entering inside, I looked around and smiled. It has been three years since I last took a time to stare at everything inside the house without feeling sad and angry while doing so.

These past few years, I've been living in this house even though it always makes me sad whenever I remember my wife and I's happy memories. I looked at the big picture frame hanging on the wall. It was Christine and I's wedding picture.

I touched it while remembering how happy I was when we got married.

"You're staring at that picture again. Why don't you just throw it away so that it won't make you sad everytime you see it." My eyebrows creased when I heard that voice.

"Mom? What are you doing in here?" I asked upon seeing my mother. She was holding a glass of juice in her hand while standing at the doorway. It looked like she came from the kitchen.

"Why do you look displease of presence here? I'm here because I missed my only son who sadly couldn't remember to visit me anymore." She answered sulkily. I released a breath.

"I'm sorry, mom. I was just busy these past few days." I approached her and then gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek.

"Busy, huh? Really?" She sat on the couch and then placed her juice on top of the coffee table.

"Yes. Why do you look like you don't believe me?" She shrugged her shoulders and didn't comment. I heaved a sigh.

"And what were you saying just now about the wedding picture, mom?" She rolled her eyes.

"You heard what I've said, son. Since it has been three years, maybe it's time for you to move on. Christine doesn't have a plan of coming back to you anymore. Why don't you just court Arianne? I told you, right? You two look good together and-"

"Stop right there, mom. You know that Arianne and I are just friends. She's just like a younger sister to me. And did you forget that I'm still married? How could you tell me like finding another woman is just a normal thing to do even though I'm still married?" I couldn't help but to get irritated.

"Jace, I heard that she's already happy with her life in Houston. If she really still loves you, she should've come back to you by now. Just divorce her so that you could have a fresh start in life. Don't let your world revolve around a person who doesn't even love you anymore." My jaw clenched.

"Divorce her? Are you hearing yourself, mom? Did you forget what I've been through because you and dad got divorced when I was still young? I would never let divorce separate me and my wife, mom. I would never be like dad who's only thinking of his own happiness! I will never let that happen to Christine and I. Never!" I saw the pain that registered on my mother's face.

My anger subsided right away. I huffed and then raked my fingers through my hair in frustration.

"Until now, you still haven't forgiven us because we got divorced." Her voice faltered. I closed my eyes shut for good three seconds before sitting next to her.

"I'm sorry for raising my voice like that, mom. You know that I've never harbored any resentments towards you but when it comes to dad, that's a different story. I already forgot about what happened so let's not involve him in any of our conversations. He's not part of our lives anymore. He already made his choice long time ago and sadly; he didn't choose us." She smiled at me bitterly and the touched my cheek.

"You forgot but you never forgave, Jace, that's why whenever you hear something about your dad, you're like a volcano that's about to explode in an instant." I was taken aback and didn't know what to say.

"Mom..."

"Fine, let's not talk about getting divorce because I know how allergic you are when it comes to it. But son; as your mother, I just want you to be happy. It's been three years that you've been living like this, hoping that your wife will come back to you but it never happened. It's not healthy anymore. You're still young. Maybe, the destined woman for you is just near you but you can't see her because you're still holding onto our wife's memories."

"Mom, Christine is my destiny and no one can replace her in my heart. I didn't follow her to Houston because I wanted to give her enough time to heal. Now that she finally came back here to New York, I will do everything in my power to get her back. She's my wife and nothing could change that." My mother's eyes widened.

"She's returned?" She asked in disbelief.

"Yes, mom." She nodded her head.

"Now I know why you looked happy a while ago." She uttered like she was talking to herself before she looked at me again. "So, you two saw each other again? What happened?"

"She's still mad at me."

"What? Then, why the merry mood a while ago?"

"Nothing. I'm just happy, that's all." I answered, deliberately didn't answer her question. She shook her head confusedly.

"I really don't understand you. Anyway, I came here to ask you if you could accompany me today. I want to go shopping."

"Sorry, mom, but I can't go with you today. I need to do something important that can't be rescheduled."

"And what is more important than your own mother?" Her voice raised an octave. I sighed and then gathered her closer to me to kiss her on the forehead.

"This is equally important, mom. Don't worry, I'll make it up to you next time." She sighed in defeat.

"Fine. I can't do anything about that. Just make sure that this is important."

"Yes, mom. It is. I am trying to take back my life so please understand me." Her forehead crinkled.

"What do you mean?"

"I'll tell you about it when the right time comes, mom. For now, just let me do this."

"Whatever you say, son." I chuckled. We talked for about ten minutes more before she went home. I went upstairs to change my clothes before going down to the kitchen. I instructed my household helpers to cook Christine's favorite foods because I was hoping for her to come.

But hours passed by, but she didn't come.

CHRISTINE's POV

My eyes went somber while staring at Marky playing with his toys. Just as I've promised to him at the airport, I bought him those toys the day after I made that promise to him and he was so happy. Until now, he still loves playing with them.

Maggie and I Marco went to the hospital for Maggie's monthly checkup. I told them that they could leave Marky to me because I wouldn't go anywhere today anyway. Mary, my nephew's nanny went to the kitchen to prepare a snack for him.

My parents were in their room, probably watching a movie.

"Aunt Tin, look! I made a dragon!" I got out of my reverie when I heard Marky's excited voice. I looked at his toys and chuckled when I saw that he indeed made a dragon like figure out of his Legos.

"Wow! Very good, Marky boy. You're so smart." I praised her proudly.

"Yehey! Auntie Tin likes it!" He even jumped happily.

"Why, baby? Did you make this for Auntie Tin?" I asked him tenderly and he nodded his head.

"Yes, because you looked so sad." The smile on my lips widened. He's such a sweet boy.

"Come here." I coaxed him and he obliged. I held her hands.

"Auntie Tin's sadness is gone now because of you. Thank you, baby." He smiled cheerfully and then hugged me. I hugged him back and then kissed his forehead. Then, Mary came back from the kitchen, holding a tray with her.

"Marky, your snack is here."

"C'mon, go eat your snack." I told him and he did what he was told. While watching him eat with gusto, my heart tightened again but I tried my best not to think about it. I really couldn't help but to remember about him whenever I stare at Marky. I sighed.

Then, I remembered about Jace. I gritted my teeth. If he thinks that he could manipulate me into succumbing into him by keeping my phone, he's wrong.

I stayed the entire morning playing with Marky. Being with him really makes me feel happy. When Maggie and Marco arrived, Marky greeted them cheerfully. He even kissed his mother's tummy which made us all smile.

"Tin, what happened to your phone? I called your number a while ago and Jace was the one who answered." Maggie said in disbelief.

"That jerk took my phone last night." I answered in irritation. Marco and Marky together with Mary went to the playroom so it was just my sister and I at the living room.

"Tell me honestly, sis. What happened with the two of you last night? Jace looked so jealous and angry. D-Don't tell me, you-"

"We didn't!" I answered defensively, cutting her off. She stared at me intently as if reading what was on my mind.

"Yes, you did." She sounded so certain. I felt my cheeks redden as anger rose within me.

"That jerk! Did he tell you about it?" I questioned without thinking and Maggie's eyes widened as her lips parted in shock.

"Oh, God! You actually did it?!" She couldn't believe it. I avoided her scrutinizing gaze. Damn. I slipped.

"No, we didn't." I denied even though I knew that telling her lies was futile. I heard her sigh.

"He told me that he wants you back." I chuckled bitterly.

"He told you that?"

"Yes. What are you planning to do now? He sounded so determined when he told me that on the phone." My jaw flexed as my anger doubled. Jace even included my sister with this nonsense of his and it didn't sit well in me.

I stood up. "I'm going to him."

"What? Are you sure?"

"Yes. I'll get my phone from him and after this, I'll cut off whatever connection I have left with him." I answered with a stern voice before leaving Maggie at the living room. I took my car key and then went to the garage to get my car. I'm tired of this game, Jace. This needs to end...

I then drove out of our property and went to Jace's place. I was determined to show him that there's no point of him trying to win me back because I would never go back to him.

But when I arrived there and saw the mansion from inside my car, that heavy feeling invaded my chest again. My body began trembling and I felt like my strength was being suck out of my body as my emotions became turmoil.

I gingerly stepped out of my car and then looked at the gate. Everything looked the same from the outside. I didn't know why but my eyes suddenly watered upon seeing the place where Jace and I spent our days as a married couple.

I swallowed hard as my throat tightened as my emotions began ruling over me again. I wanted to go inside but I just couldn't. I thought, I could but I just couldn't...

I quickly went back inside my car. The tears that were threatening to fall from my eyes fell. I clutched my chest. Seeing the house made me remember all that happened in the past. It was still as clear as crystal in my head...

I couldn't help but to sigh while staring at Zardius. The guys were currently playing beach volleyball. We're currently at Villa Carmela, Marcos' property in Australia. Tomorrow will be Maggie and Marco's wedding day. Marcos' friends arrived this morning and now, everyone was here at the beach.

"Hey, why don't you approach him?" My forehead crinkled when I heard Luna's teasing voice.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I acted clueless but she just chuckled.

"Christine, don't lie to me. I know that you have a crush on Zardius. It's obvious by the way you look at him." I wanted to falsify her claim but not a word came out of my mouth. She laughed.

"If you want him to notice you, do something. But don't do something crazy like going to his room during the night." She said playfully and I rolled my eyes.

"Whatever." I muttered but deep inside of me, I was thinking the possibility of it. I began to have a crush on Zardius ever since my cousins introduced him to me. He has was the serious, mysterious yet handsome type of a guy. He's the only one of them who is always quiet and doesn't talk about girls and I liked that about him.

We continued watching the guys play. Then suddenly, the ball bounced to our direction. It almost hit me but since my reflexes were fast, I managed to avoid it.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" My forehead knitted when someone came to get the ball. Of all people, he has to be the one. It was Jace Montejo.

As usual, he has that playful smile on his lips while his eyes gazed at me. He was only wearing his swimming trunks and I must admit, he looked so hot!

I mentally shook my head upon realizing what I was thinking. What the hell, Christine! Did you just think that he's hot?!

I looked down, intending to evade his gaze but I accidentally caught a glimpse of that thing between his legs and my eyes almost came out of its socket when I saw that bulge.

"Pervert!" I yelled at him and then walked away from there. I felt my cheeks go red because of what happened. How come that monster didn't tear the fabric of his trunks?!

My entire body was feeling hot all of a sudden and there was an unknown sensation that crawled down my spine to the center of my being.

I mentally shook my head. What the hell are you thinking?! Stop it! That was just Jace!

I wanted to go back to the house but before I could even get away from the beach, I felt a hand stop me by the arm.

"Christine, wait." It was Jace. He's really so persistent. He and I first met last year when Zandro introduced him to us. My cousins warned me and Maggie not to fall under his charm because he was such a womanizer. So, when Jace showed me his interest, I flat out declined his attempts.

But then, he didn't give up. He courted me without my family knowing. Zandro was the only one who knew about it. Because it was already in my mind that he was a womanizer, I tried my best to avoid him. I didn't want to risk my heart getting broken because of him.

"How come you called me a pervert back there when I didn't even do anything to you?" I faced him with a sharp glare.

"Really? You don't know? Liar!" I pulled my arm from his grip and then continued walking away.

"Christine, wait!" Argh! Such a persistent guy! But I ignored him and just continued walking away. Thankfully, he didn't follow me.

After that, I stayed in my room for about two hours. When I heard that everyone came back from the beach, I decided to go to the waterfalls without telling anyone.

I haven't been there since we arrived the other day and I wanted to see it. Since I couldn't take a dip at the beach a while ago because of Jace, I just wore my bathrobe. Underneath was my swimsuit.

I just walked for a couple of minutes and I reached the waterfalls. The view of the place took my breath away. It was like a paradise. I took my bathrobe off and was about to dive in the water when someone suddenly emerged from the water. It was Jace!

"What the heck are you doing here?!" I asked exasperatedly. I didn't see him at the house so I thought, he was probably showering in his designated room but I was wrong.

"Swimming by myself. What else?" He answered with a sensual voice as his eyes inspected my body. My body suddenly felt hot. When I saw him walking towards me, I instantly panicked. I was about to pick up my bathrobe so that I could runaway rom there, Jace suddenly pulled me by the arm and we both fell in the water. I squealed.

When we both emerged from the water, I gave him a glare.

"Damn you!" I was so mad but he didn't seem effected by it. Instead, he smirked.

"I'm glad, you decided to join me here." His voice suddenly become husky as I felt his arms encircled around my waist.

"J-Jace...What do you think y-you're doing?" I rebuked with a soft tone. My heart started beating wildly. He suddenly turned serious while staring into my eyes intently.

"You really are so beautiful, mi amor. You're the only one who could make me lose my control like this." He whispered sensually as he caressed my cheek with the back of his hand while staring into my eyes. I could clearly the see the desire in his eyes.

I swallowed hard as my throat went dry. I wanted to get away from him this instant but I felt like my body turned into a statue, unable to move at all.

"Be mine, mi amor."

I blinked innumerably. "Jace, I already told you my answer to that." I answered as I looked away. He cupped my face and then made our eyes met again. I groaned inwardly.

"Tell me that you don't like me." His eyes were determined. I opened my mouth, intending to tell him that but I felt like I lost the capability to speak. This was the reason why I did everything in my power to avoid him at all cost.

His effect on me was unbelievable not to mention that he was such an expert seducer. His eyes brightened happily.

"See? You can't say it. I know that you like me too, mi amor, but you're just sacred. Don't worry, I promise to take care of your heart." I didn't know what happened. I got lost under his spell while staring into those grey eyes of his.

I didn't know who started the kiss but I found myself kissing him back with equal fervor.

The kiss felt so magical and addicting. I couldn't believe that my first kiss would be this hot and it made my senses reeling. For a moment, I forgot everything and went on with the flow. His naughty hands began romancing my back with sensual touch.

We just stopped when we felt the need to breath for air.

"Your lips are so sweet...so addicting." Jace breathed the words and was about to kiss me once again but I already got back to my senses. I turned my head away.

"J-Jace, no." I heard him curse in frustration as he raked his fingers through his hair.

"Why do you keep on denying me like this?" I bit my lower lip and then shook my head.

"I don't want anything to do with a player like you." I managed to say before I managed to gather all the strength I have left in my body. I went out of the water, picked up my bathrobe on top of the big rock and then hurriedly walked away from there.

I felt like my heart was about to come out of my chest because of how hard and fast it was beating. While walking briskly, I gingerly touched my slightly trembling lips. I could still feel the soft lips of Jace moving against mine.

I groaned inwardly. I shouldn't let his happen again. Being with Jace would just hurt me for sure because of his reputation. Maybe, I am just a challenge to him that's why he keeps on pursuing me.

"Where have you been? We've been looking for you." My mother asked when I arrived at the house while looking at me from head to toe with furrowed eyebrows.

"I just took a dip at the falls." I answered and then told her that I would just take a shower in my designated room. After about two hours, I saw Jace at the living room with the guys but I ignored him. I saw how he flexed his jaw while looking at me but I was determined to avoid him at all cost.

Then the night came. There was a small party in house held by the soon-to-be married couple, Maggie and Marco.

While I was drinking alone on the single sofa, I saw Jace talking to his phone. He was laughing and looked like enjoying every second of his conversation with the person he was talking to. I gritted my teeth. Such a womanizer!

I could see that he was face-timing with a woman. I felt the urge to throw the bottle of alcohol that was on the table to him.

I wanted to pull my hair. Why would I do that? So, what if he was talking to another girl? It's not like we're in a relationship. I shifted my gaze to Zardius who was quietly drinking at the corner. Yes, Zardius is my crush and I should focus my attention to him.

"Hey, why don't you do something for him to notice you?" It was Luna. She looked kinda tipsy already.

"Luna, you're drunk." She laughed.

"No, I'm not. I even saw you killing Jace with your eyes just now." I was caught off-guard. I cleared my throat.

"I don't know what you're trying to say." She laughed.

"Really? Well, it's better for you not to involve yourself with Jace. I heard he's a womanizer. If you want, you can pursue your crush, Zardius. Why don't you barge into his room and make him yours?" I gave her a deadpan look. Is she serious?

She then burst into a fit of laughter and then peace-signed at me. "I was just kidding. Don't take me seriously." Shook my head. She's really drunk already. The party continued and so was my drinking. I didn't notice that I was already drunk myself.

Luna already passed out of drunkenness and one of the guys took her to his room.

When the party was over, the others went to their designated room while the others remained drinking while chatting.

I decided to go sleep too. I was about to ascend on the stairs when I heard Jace's voice. Looks like he was talking to someone. It was Zandro. They were at the doorway of the kitchen.

"She must be very special for you to act like this, bud." Zandro said while chuckling amusedly.

"Yes, she is and I'm determined to make her mine." I didn't know why but my heart tightened as an unfamiliar feeling rose within me. My hands balled into fists. How could he tell me that he likes me when he likes someone else?!

"Jerk!" I uttered to myself and then ascended the stairs. I didn't know why but I was so mad at him. I went to the terrace on the third floor. Everyone was downstairs so it was quiet there. I wanted to calm my senses.

I looked at the bottle of alcohol that I was still holding. It was almost finished already so I decided to chug the remaining content down. I stayed there for about 10 minutes. When I finished drinking, I decided to go to my room. I couldn't walk straight anymore but I managed to go down to the second floor.

While I was walking down the hallway, I saw a certain room. If I remember it right, that was Zardius'.

I didn't know if because I was drunk or what but I suddenly had the urge to get back at Jace for playing with my emotions. I suddenly remembered what Luna said a while ago. She's right. Why wouldn't I do something to get Zarduis? He's a better man than Jace.

I opened the door and to my surprise, it was unlocked. I felt the urge to lay down already because of drunkenness so I staggeringly walked towards the bed. It was dark but not dark enough to see that there was someone laying on the bed. I smiled.

"This is for you, Jace." I muttered to myself before sitting on the bed. I felt like I could do everything because of the influence of the alcohol.

To my surprise, the person on the bed, sat up. I really couldn't see his face because of the darkness. My heart thumped for an unknown reason. I swallowed hard. I suddenly had a second thought. Then, I shook my head. This wasn't right. I stood up.

"Sorry. I need to go." But before I could even take a step away, I felt his hand on my hand and then pulled me to him. I gasped when I landed on top of him. I was about to speak when his lips suddenly captured my lips with a rough yet gentle passionate kiss which made my brain hazy.

His hands began roaming around my body and it ignited the fire within me. I got lost with his touch and kiss. It was like magic...

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The continuation of the past will be on the next chapter because this is too long already.

What do you think of this chapter?

Who do you think was the person who was inside the room with Christine? Is it Zardius or Jace?

Who do you think is the 'he' that Christine remembers everytime she stares at Marky?

what do you think will happen next?

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