Bite

REESE was standing in front of Severus' villa while she's drenched wet from the heavy rain.

Reese hugged herself and she can't beat the cold anymore, she's shivering and she doesn't know why she is even punishing herself like this.

Napatingin siya sa malaking villa ng asawa at mapait na ngumiti. Bakit ba siya bumalik rito?

Hindi na dapat siya bumalik dito dahil ano naman ang mapapala niya sa pagtira dito? What Severus thinks about her is not that important, but it hurts her --- it hurts to hear that she's the worst from Severus' lips.

Wala naman na siyang bahay na mauuwian. She can't go back to the Chen mansion because of what happened earlier, her own family wants her dead. Baka bago pa siya pumikit ay patay na siya. Reese doesn't want to be a burden to her friend, Faith --- she's already asking too much from her and she doesn't want to involve her friend with her own family problems.

While Reese kept herself warm, she turned her back from the villa and Reese decided to leave. It would be for the best and maybe she really is a bad luck. Just like what her own mother always tells her. Wala na siyang maihaharap na mukha kay Severus, he won't accept a person like her, she almost killed her sister and she's already considered as a murder. A man like Severus doesn't deserve someone like her.

Annulment won't be a problem at all, as long as Severus won't have anything that links to her.

"How long are you going to stand there like an idiot, Reese." A baritone voice called her and she stopped from walking when she realized she's now under an umbrella. "Gusto mo talaga akong pinaghihintay palagi, Reese. You always make me worry and I hate it."

Dahan-dahan na humarap si Reese kay Severus at bakas sa mukha ng binata ang pag-aalala, he's still wearing the suit he wore when he went to work. Reese was about to cry when she realized that she can't do it in front of Severus.

Reese looked away and she held herself tightly. "If you hate worrying about others, then don't. Wala namang pumipilit sa'yo." Malamig na wika ni Reese. "Hindi mo na dapat ako hinintay, I should not be a priority… I will never be one, you'll just waste your time."

"Not my priority, huh?" Mahinang wika ni Severus. "I thought I already made myself clear… you are my wife, Reese. You will always be one of my priorities."

Reese froze from where she was standing and she looked at Severus. Sincerity and honesty shouts in his eyes and Reese doesn't know how to respond with what he said. Reese was startled when Severus held her hand and he pulled her inside the villa.

"Young master, the bar called and they told me that the young lady already left the ---" Hindi naituloy ni Butler Mo ang sasabihin niya nang makita siya nito na basang-basa dahil sa ulan at bakas rin sa mukha ni Butler Mo ang pag-aalala.

"Butler Mo, go and get me some towel." Utos ni Severus na kaagad na sinunod ni Butler Mo.

Pilit na hinila ni Reese ang kamay niya na hawak ni Severus, pero sadyang ayaw itong pakawalan ni Severus. "Severus, let go of my hand ---" Reese was stopped when Severus suddenly hugged her tightly and she was startled by what's happening. "H-Hey, let go of me --- you'll get your clothes wet --"

"I'm sorry."

Tumigil si Reese sa pagpiglas dahil sa sinabi ni Severus. He apologized and Reese can't say anything or respond with what he said. Hindi alam ni Reese kung ano ang sasabihin niya, this was the first she heard someone apologized to her.

"I'm really sorry, Reese."

Ang luha na kanina pa pinipigilan ni Reese ay nagsi-bagsaka, Reese sounded really weak and all she can do now is to cry in his arms. She gave in and she can't pretend to be strong anymore.

"I can't pretend to be strong anymore… I tried, but I'm already tired, Severus." Mahinang wika ni Reese habang lumuluha. Hindi niya inakala na bibigay siya ng ganito sa harap ni Severus, she felt safe and secure when he hugged her.

Severus covered her with a towel and he gave her a smile. "You don't have to pretend you're strong in front of me, Reese. I need you to be you, Reese." Nakangiting wika ni Severus sa kanya, "Go and take a shower first. After you take a shower, let's eat our dinner."

"Let's go, young lady… I prepared your bath." Wika ni Ms. Ann na katabi ni Butler Mo. Inakbayan siya ni Ms. Ann habang inalalayan siya nito paakyat kuwarto niya. Reese was shivering and if she won't heat herself up, she would catch a cold.

Ms. Ann helped her inside her own room and Reese removed the towel on her shoulders, she saw how Ms. Ann squinted her eyes and she looked at her shoulders with suspicion. Napatingin si Reese sa braso niya at nakita na mayroong iyong gas gas at dumugo na, mayroon din ang kamay niya na gas gas. Reese suspected where the wound came from and it was probably when she was thrown down by the man she killed earlier.

Why does it sound like she's already used by killing people and drinking their blood?

"Young lady, what happened to your arm?" Kaagad na lumapit si Ms. Ann at tinignan ang sugat niya.

"I… I slipped earlier." Reese lied.

Ms. Ann gave a sigh. "You should go and take a short bath right now, young lady. We need to treat it immediately, your change of clothes are already inside the bathroom." Bakas ang pag-aalala sa boses ni Ms. Ann.

Kaagad na tumango si Reese at pumasok sa loob ng banyo niya para maligo. Like what Ms. Ann told her, she has to take a bath quickly so they can treat her wound.

When the warm water from the shower touched her skin, Reese could feel the utmost calm and the coldness she was feeling earlier was slowly leaving.

Biglaang pumasok sa isipan ni Reese ang nangyari sa kanina, the murder and the call. Reese murdered the paid murderer by her own sister, Reema. Reese can't feel any guilt in her body and it's as if what she did earlier was just normal.

Reese gritted her teeth in anger, her sister wanted her dead --- the main reason why she had to go through a lot of things just to do what she wishes. Reese can't grant her sister's wish, hindi siya pwedeng mamatay, not in Reema's hands.

Reese closed her shower and she reached for her towel and she dried herself. Reese looked at her reflection in the mirror and Reese did realize that she could see her reflection. It would be impossible to call herself a vampire, right? She is not one and things like that don't exist.

Reese wore the clothes that was prepared by Ms. Ann and it was actually her house clothes. It was her shirt dress that she always wear before she sleeps, sinabit niya sa balikat ang tuwalya niya at kaagad na lumabas ng banyo.

Reese used the towel on her shoulders to dry her hair and she sat on her single couch and she grabbed a drink from her mini fridge. Matalim na napatingin si Reese sa kawalan at bumuntong hininga.

Wala dapat makakaalam sa nangyari sa kanya at kung ano ang mga nagawa niya. She will conceal her identity unless she would have the answer she would like to hear and all of those could be answered by her doctor or her grandpa. This is a matter she has to find out herself because this is not normal at all.

Reese heard that someone knocked on her door, so Reese immediately went on her door and she opened it. It was Severus and he was holding a medical kit, "Can I come in? Ms. Ann told me to treat your wound." Wika ni Severus.

Binuksan ni Reese ang pintuan at pinapasok ang binata sa loob ng kwarto niya, she sat on the side of her bed and gave a sigh. She looked at her wounds, "Hindi naman gano'n kalala 'tong sugat. It's just a scratch." Mahinang wika ni Reese at nakita niya na nilalagyan na ng gamot ni Severus ang bulak at umupo sa tabi niya.

"Kahit hindi 'yan malala, it's better to treat them so it won't worsen." He carefully treated her wounds and Reese looked at him while he was treating it. She saw how focused Severus was and this was the first someone took care of her like this.

Growing up independently, Reese didn't bother treating her wounds back then. Madalas hinahayaan niya lang ang sugat niya kapag hindi malala. Her parents only cared for her little sister then, so she grew up learning to do everything herself.

Reese didn't even realize that Severus finished treating her wound, nakapaglagay na rin ito ng bandage. She spaced out too much to the point she didn't even feel any sting when he applied medicine on her wound.

Napahawak si Reese sa bandage at tipid na ngumiti. "Thank you…" Mahinang pasasalamat niya kay Severus. Napayuko si Reese at napakagat sa pang-ibabang labi. "I also want to say sorry for what happened during the dinner with your friends and I'm sorry with how I acted earlier." Reese apologized.

Severus gave her a smile. "Naiintindihan ko naman. You already made your feelings with Sebastian clear and you already told me who he is in your life." Paliwanag ni Severus. Sinara ni Severus ang medical kit, "Let's go, we should eat our dinner before it gets cold." Pagtawag ni Severus at hindi man lang siya nito hinintay na magpaliwanag pa muli.

Severus was already in the doorway when Reese decided to grab him out of impulse and she wanted to explain Severus what she is feeling right now, she wanted to tell Severus at least that she already got over Sebastian.

Maybe it would be the best for her to move-on from Sebastian and let him go and she needs to slowly heal with it. Hindi pa rin lubusang maisip ni Reese na ganito ang mangyayari sa kanilang dalawa ni Sebastian.

Yung pitong taon nilang pagsasama mula noon ay nawala lang na parang bula at parang hindi lahat iyon nangyari. Hindi naman pinagsisihan ni Reese na nakasama niya si Sebastian pero nanghihinayang siya dahil nga mahal niya ito, pero isa naman sa naging desisyon niya na pakawalan ito.

And with this concrete decision, maybe it would be the best for her own heart and she should just focus on what she's facing right now.

Nakita ni Reese na tila natigilan si Severus sa ginawa niya at dahan-dahan na nilingon siya ni Severus at bakas ang pagtataka sa mga mata nito. Reese cleared her throat and she let go of Severus' hand.

"May… gusto sana akong ipaalam sa'yo and I hope you won't mind." Mahinang wika ni Reese at napayuko, Reese played with her fingers before she started saying anything. "I kept on telling you back then my relationship about Sebastian and I just want to tell you that he's already just a part of my past and now I know that he is happy with Olivia. I decided to fully give up on him and I did well doing it within a day." Paliwanag ni Reese at nagtaas ng tingin, she gave Severus a real smile. "That's all I wanted to say. Let's go and eat dinner before it gets cold." Singit ni Reese at naunang bumaba para magpunta sa hapag.

Reese was surprised to see Ms. Ann and Butler Mo at the end of the stairs and it was as if they were listening into something.

Mahinang natawa si Reese at kaagad na nagtaas ng tingin at dahan-dahan na bumaba, um-akto siya na tila hindi niya nakita ang mga ito para hindi mahiya ang mga ito sa kanya.

"Young lady… young master…" Salubong sa kanila ni Butler Mo at Ms. Ann.

"Dinner's ready. I prepared the young master and young lady's favorite dishes." Masayang anunsiyo ni Ms. Ann.

Napansin ni Reese na kakaiba ang saya ni Ms. Ann at miski ang mga ngiti ni Butler Mo. Reese felt like the two were overjoyed with something and they became happier than they originally were.

This made Reese smile at them and Reese was surprised to see Ms. Ann and Butler Mo look at her as if they were examining her.

Dahan-dahan napalitan ang ngiti ni Reese ng pagtataka. "Is there anything wrong? What's with your faces?" Reese asked out of confusion and she gently touched her face to check if there's something on her face. "Is there something on my face?" Pagtatanong ni Reese.

"No," Mahinang wika ni Butler Mo. "We are, uhm…" Tila hindi makapagsalita si Butler Mo at hindi rin siya magawang tignan nito sa mga mata. Butler Mo kept on pushing his glasses upwards as if he suddenly felt shy about something.

"No, walang mali, young lady." Nakangiting wika ni Ms. Ann.

Nabigla si Reese nang may umakbay sa kanya at napatingin siya at nakita niya si Severus sa mayroong suot na ngiti.

"They were just amazed with how you smile. No fakeness. Just your true smile." Severus whispered at her and Reese felt shy because of what he said.

Nakaramdam tuloy ng kung anong hiya si Reese dahil alam ng binata na madalas siyang ngumiti ng peke.

"Does my wife look good when she smiles? It's not like I did not inform you guys about it." Mahinang tawa ang binigay ni Severus kila Butler Mo at Ms. Ann habang sinabi ito.

Napayuko si Reese at mahinang natawa. "T-The food's getting cold… Let's go." Wika ni Reese at naunang nagpunta sa hapag.

Reese was really weirded out with how she reacts at this moment. It felt like this is not her and how can her heart be warmed like this? She should not fancy romance at all. This is not what she should be thinking right now.

REESE opened her eyes when she heard a few knocks on her door and Reese looked at the time and it was just eight in the morning.

Reese doesn't have classes today because today is saturday and she can finally get the chance to relax, no Reema, no Kier and most importantly, she gets to sleep all day.

Reese knew that once someone wakes her up, wala na siyang pag-asa na makatulog pa muli.

Dahan-dahan tumayo si Reese at ininat ang mga kamay. She removed the blanket and she fixed her hair before opening the door.

Reese stopped herself from yawning in front of Ms. Ann and Reese greeted the housekeeper.

"Good morning, Ms. Ann." Bati ni Reese.

Ms. Anm gave her a smile. "Good morning to you, too, young lady." Bati ni Ms. Ann sa kanya pabalik at mayroong ngiti na nakapaskil sa mga labi nito habang nakatingin sa kanya.

"Breakfast is ready, young lady. The young master went to work early today, so the young master told us to look after you, young lady."

Hindi na nagtataka si Reese na nagtatrabaho si Severus kahit na weekends, this always happens to businessmen who want to manage a company with care and Reese has been seeing it with her grandfather who did work hard ever since she was young.

She's not a kid to have someone look after her the whole day. But Reese doesn't want to complain at all, she should be thankful because there are people who actually care for her.

Reese gave Ms. Ann a nod. "Okay, I'll be there to eat breakfast. I'll just wash myself up." Paalam ni Reese kay Ms. Ann.

Reese immediately went inside her bathroom and she took a shower before going down to eat her breakfast. Come to think of it, this is her first weekend inside the villa and she never knew that it would feel a lot different than before.

People around the Chen mansion won't bother waking her up for breakfast or lunch, they treat her like she doesn't exist when her grandfather's not around. They won't care if she'll starve herself to death.

Bumaba si Reese at naabutan si Ms. Ann na nilalagay ang juice sa baso niya. Kahit na mag-isa lang siyang mag-almusal ay napakarami pa rin nakahandang putahe para sa kanya. She's not an early bird, so she never eats breakfast. But now? Looks like she'll be having breakfast everyday, alagang-alaga siya sa poder ni Severus.

Umupo si Reese at tahimik na nag-almusal. Habang kumakain siya ay panay lang ang tingin niya sa paligid at tanging huni ng ibon at hinahangin na dahon ang naririnig niya. This is a peaceful place and Reese felt really relaxed.

Reese kept on thinking what she'll do after eating her breakfast, she wants to do things to kill time. Reese stood up after she finished drinking her juice and she went around the villa.

Reese stopped walking when she saw that there was a piano at Severus' covered garden, dahan-dahan na nilapitan iyon ni Reese at napatingin sa paligid. Nakita ni Reese ang mga naggagandahang pulang rosas sa paligid at mga paru-paro na nag liliparan sa paligid.

Umupo si Reese sa harap ng piano at tinaas iyon. She saw that there was something engraved on the piano's cover.

Reese gently touched the engraved words and she muttered it in a low voice, "Vita non est vivere sed valere vita est…" From the way Reese had read the phrase, she knew that it was an latin.

But too bad, Reese can't understand it.

She pressed one key and the sound coming from the piano echoed inside the whole covered garden. She never learned to play the piano, but she is amazed with just thinking that she could play it.

"Young lady, I was looking for you… Nandito ka lang pala."

Reese looked at her back and she saw Ms. Ann held something and she was with Butler Mo. She closed the piano and she stood up.

"Why? Is there anything wrong?" Pagtatanong ni Reese.

"We want to ask a favor for you, young lady." Panimula ni Butler Mo at kinuha ang tatlong folder na hawak ni Ms. Ann. "The young master's secretary called us because he left these files on his study, she asked us to bring the files but we need to go to buy groceries. So we thought of disturbing you, young lady."

Reese looked at the files and she gave them a smile.

She took them, "Don't worry. I'll hand these to him." Napatingin siya sa hinawakan niyang files. "What time did he tell you to bring these to him? Or do I need to hand these to him immediately?" Pagtatanong ni Reese sa dalawa.

"He needs it before lunch, young lady." Butler Mo answered.

"Okay, I got it. Will there be a car available here for me to use? I can't use my ducati in broad daylight." Pagtatanong ni Reese kay Butler Mo.

"Yes, young lady."

Napatango si Reese at tinaas ang file. "Okay, I'll give these to him after I look into my emails later." Aniya at aalis na sa hardin na pinuntahan niya.

"Another thing, young lady…" Biglaang wika ni Ms. Ann na kumuha ng atensyon ni Reese. Napatingin si Reese kay Ms. Ann na mayroong pagtataka sa mukha niya. "Is it fine if you can bring something for him to eat for his lunch break?"

Lunch? She also has to bring him lunch? Why does it feel like she has to look like she's a real wife while she delivers Severus' work files? Is it necessary?

Reese gave Ms. Ann a glance and she could see that there was something in Ms. Ann's eyes. It was the look of hope for her to say yes. What else can she do but to agree with what Ms. Ann wants her to do?

"Okay, I'll do it." Reese sighed in defeat and she saw how Ms. Ann and Butler Mo smiled as soon as she agreed.

"Great then!" Masayang wika ni Ms. Ann. "The young master doesn't really like eating takeaways, so if you can --- I hope you can cook something for him. Thank you, young lady!"

"Wait ---"

"Well then, we'll be off. See you later, young lady!" Butler Mo said and the two of them stormed out and the two of them immediately went to do groceries.

The two of them didn't even wait for her to finish what she was about to say. Reese can cook, but today is Saturday and her laziness is kicking in.

She looked at the files she's holding and gave a sigh. How can that guy be so choosy? This is just plain pain.

Reese took the files with her and she immediately went into her room and she left the files on her bed and she immediately went to her study table to open her laptop and to check her emails from the publishing company she works at.

She immediately opened the email and she was shocked at what the publishing company asked her to do.

They want her to do a meet and greet to her book's loyal fans. She's been ditching those kinds of events because of her allergy.

Reese replied that they should talk about this matter personally, so she asked to meet her boss before dinner at a restaurant near the publishing company.

Reese stretched her arms as soon as she typed that formal invitation to her boss, she never met her boss personally and she hopes that her boss can reconsider that fan meeting.

Reese closed her laptop and she immediately went to her walk-in closet to change into something that she has to wear. She chose her fitted turtleneck white long sleeves with her boyfriend jeans and sneakers.

Reese thought of something she should do to feed her choosy husband's stomach.

She should order a takeaway and bring some lunchbox with her and ask if they can put the food she ordered in her own lunchbox, in that way, she can fool Severus that she actually brought a lunch that was home cooked.

Reese doesn't know the difference between takeaways from restaurants and home cook foods, they are definitely the same, so why would Severus be choosy with what food he wants to eat.

Bumaba si Reese habang dala-dala ang bag niya kung saan nakalagay ang files na kailangan niyang dalhin kay Severus at kaagad siyang nagtungo sa kusina para kumuha ng lunch box na dadalhin niya isang paper bag.

Panay ang ngisi ni Reese habang bitbit ang lunch box palabas ng villa.

REESE was holding the paper bag where she had her two lunch boxes that contained Severus' lunch that she bought from a restaurant that sells great dishes. Panay ang ngisi ni Reese tuwing napapatingin sa paper bag na hawak niya.

Reese had the car parked just outside the company and the guards allowed her because Butler Mo called earlier to inform them that she would deliver something for Severus.

As soon as Reese entered inside the company, she was amazed by how the building was built and designed externally and internally.

She can tell the she did marry a rich man, kaya siguro ganon na lang kadali sa mga magulang niya na sabihin na mang hingi ng malaking halagang pera kay Severus dahil akala siguro ng mga ito ay barya lang iyon ni Severus. Reese really hated how her parents thought.

Pagkapasok na pagkapasok pa lang ni Reese sa loob ng kumpanya ay nakita niya na ang sekretarya ni Severus at mukhang hinihintay siya nito.

Lumapit ang sekretarya sa kanya at binati siya. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Lim." She slightly bowed at her and Reese can't help but to get insecure with how Severus' secretary looks like.

Secretary Cindy has a good body shape, she's tall and really pretty. If she's compared to her, Secretary Cindy would definitely stand out. Reese greeted Secretary Cindy back with a smile.

"Good morning…" Reese greeted Secretary Cindy back with a smile.

Nilabas ni Reese ang dokumentong tinago niya sa bag niya at iaabot na kay Secretary Cindy. "I brought his lunch and the files he requested ---"

Secretary Cindy cutted her out. "Mr. Lim is currently in a video conference, so he personally asked me to fetch you here to let you go and visit him at his office." Anito, "Follow me, Mrs. Lim." Unang naglakad si Secretary Reese at napahawak ng mahigpit si Reese sa paper bag na hawak niya.

He just asked her to bring the files he would need, dagdag na lang ng dala niyang pagkain! So going inside his office is really not necessary!

"Mrs. Lim, is there anything wrong?"

Umiling si Reese at binigyan ng ngiti ang sekretarya. "No, there's nothing wrong…" Kaagad na lumapit si Reese kay Secretary Cindy. "Uhm, is it really necessary for me to go there? I just came here to give the documents and his lunch." Pagtatanong ni Reese kay Secretary Cindy ng deretsuhan.

Secretary Cindy chuckled and she looked at her with amusement playing in her eyes.

"Mrs. Lim, you're the company's president's wife — not his deliveryman." Anito at kinuha ni Secretary Cindy ang hawak niyang paper bag. "Let's go, Mrs. Lim. Mr. Lim's waiting for you there, baka mainip 'yon."

Nagtataka si Reese kung bakit walang nararamdamang atraksyon si Severus sa sekretarya nito. Severus' secretary is really perfect from head to toe.

Reese followed Secretary Cindy and they went inside a private elevator. Reese doesn't want to go there but, what can she do? They kept on insisting and it would be suspicious if she kept on telling them she has to leave.

Hindi alam ni Reese kung bakit kailangan niya pa pumunta sa opisina ni Severus. It's not like she won't leave after showing up there.

Reese doesn't want to roll her eyes out of annoyance, she has to pretend to be a 'good wife' in his territory. Though, some people might have guessed that they were pretending because this is just plain benefits.

As soon as the elevator opened, there were few employees that looked at her like they expected that she would visit the company.

Reese just followed Secretary Cindy and as soon as they reached the end of the office where a heavy glass door was placed and she knew that it was Severus' office.

Secretary Cindy knocked on the glass door and she slightly opened the door. "Sir, Mrs. Lim arrived." She announced.

Tila parang wala nang narinig si Reese kung 'di ang 'Mrs. Lim' na tawag sa kanya. She doesn't like being called like that, nararamdaman niya na parang ang tanda niya. It really doesn't suit her.

"Mrs. Lim, you may go in." Secretary Cindy handed her the paper bag and Secretary Cindy opened the door for her.

Reese went inside Severus' office with a wide and a very fake smile. As soon as Secretary Cindy left, Reese immediately went to Severus' table.

Naabutan niya ito na pumipirma ng mga dokumento at napabuntong hininga si Reese. Nilapag niya ang dokumenti at paper bag sa harap nito.

"Is it really necessary for me to go inside your office just to bring these things for you? Puwede ko naman na ibigay iyon sa sekretarya mo." Iritadong wika ni Reese.

Napansin ni Reese at mahina nitong pagtawa at nakita niya na nagtaas ito ng tingin. "Good afternoon, yea, it was nice to see you here, my wife." Tila parang bakas ang sarkasmo sa mga salitang binigkas ni Severus. "What a great way to greet your husband, Reese." Dagdag pa nito.

Reese sneered and she slammed the table. "I brought your damn papers and your damn lunch." Wika niya at halatang-halata ang pagka-irita sa boses niya.

Tumayo si Severus at kinuha ang paper bag na ipinatong ni Reese sa lamesa nito at dinala sa parang sala set sa opisina nito. Umupo si Severus at kinuha ang lunch boxes na nasa paper bag.

Hindi al ni Reese kung hanggang sa pag kain nito ay kailangang makita niya. Reese just wants to leave and go back and take a rest back at her room.

"You cooked these?" Severus asked as soon as he opened the lunch boxes.

Reese chuckled and she felt like her nose grew long like how Pinocchio's nose grew longer every time he lied.

"Of course, I heard from Ms. Ann that you're a picky eater. Yikes." Saad ni Reese na tila nag mamalaki. "You hate takeouts, right? So yea, home made for you." Dagdag na pagsisinungaling ni Reese.

She definitely wants to laugh her ass out, but she can't. She has to lie and act flawlessly, so it can look like it's really the truth.

Severus took a bite from the pork cutlet beside the vegetables. "Well then, nagawa ko naman na ang mga kailangan ko'ng gawin. I'll be leaving —"

"This is a takeaway."

Reese froze from where she is standing when Severus definitely figured out what she did. Reese sighed and she faced him with a blank face.

"It's still the same as long as it's edible, right?" Wika ni Reese at pina krus niya ang kamay niya. "C'mon, let me leave, please? I want to sleep." Dagdag ni Reese.

Bago pa magsalita si Severus ay mayroong kumatok at nakita nila na ang sekretarya pala ito ni Severus.

"Sorry to disturb you, Sir. But, Mr. Fujioka moved the meeting for tomorrow. He had to take her daughter to the hospital today." Anunsiyo nito.

"Okay, thanks for letting me know. That would be my last meeting for today, right? Then I don't have anything else to do?" Pagtatanong ni Severus at kaagad na umiing ang sekretarya nito.

"You still have to do your paperworks, Sir." Secretari Cindy informed Severus.

"Oh, yea…" Napatingin si Severus sa mga papeles na nasa lamesa nito. "You may go now." Anito at napabuntong hininga.

Sinundan ng tingin ni Reese ang sekretarya ni Severus at nakangising hinarap si Severus, bakas ang pagtataka sa mga mata ni Severus nang tignan ito ni Reese.

"What's with that stare?" Pagtatanong n Severus sa kanya at kumuha ng pork cutlet.

Kakainin rin naman pala nito ang pagkain. "You don't feel any attraction with your secretary? Look, she's really great!" Reese said, "If you tell me that you don't feel any attraction with her, I will definitely question ---"

"Why would I be attracted to my secretary who has the same age as my mother?"

Reese was surprised with what Severus just spilled right now. "S-She has the same a-age with your mother?" Kanda utal na wika ni Reese.

Hindi halata sa sekretarya nito ang edad nito, she looks like she has the same age as hers and Reese is starting to freak out. How did she do it?

"I have to admit, I really hate takeaways." Reklamo ni Severus at kumuha muli ng pork cutlet. "But, since you did put a lot of effort plotting this… I have to at least enjoy these…"

Reese rolled her eyes and went over to Severus and she grabbed the fork with the pork cutlet and she immediately ate it.

"Napaka arte mo, home cooked dishes and takeaways from restaurants are the same for me." Aniya, "Don't force yourself to finish these. Since I haven't had my proper lunch, then let me eat these." Wika ni Reese at inagaw ang kutsara at tinidor kay Severus.

Reese started eating the dishes inside the lunchbox and Reese was really happy because of the flavours playing in her tongue. The dishes do really taste good and Reese can't deny the fact that these are best.

Reese was about to take a bite with the buttered shrimp when Severus suddenly grabbed her hand and took the buttered shrimp from her fork. Reese looked at Severus in a mocking manner, "Look at you… akala ko ba ayaw mo? Ako na nga umuubos para 'di masayang."

Kinuha ni Severus ang isang kutsara at kumuha ng fried rice. "I just said that I hate takeaways, pero hindi ko sinabi na ayaw ko nang kumain." Anito at nagpatuloy sa pag kain.

Binaba ni Reese ang kutsarang kakakuha niya lang at napatingin sa palugid. Reese then realized that she already stayed at his office for too long. She could have left earlier, but look at her --- sitting beside him as they eat their lunch. This wasn't her plan, she should leave now.

Reese face Severus who was eating seriously beside her, "I think I should ---" Nabigla si Reese nang isubo sa kanya ni Severus ang isang pork cutlet na ikinatigil niya sa pagsasalita.

"Mayroon ba akong nakakahawang sakit? You really want to leave so bad, is it that bad staying with your husband?" Severus questioned her as he looked at her straight in the eyes. Severus suddenly leaned close to her and gave her a small smile, "Come on, Ree. I'm your husband, is there anything wrong with wanting to dine lunch with you?"

Matagal na napatitig si Reese sa mga mata ni Severus at unti-unti siyang nakakaramdam ng kung anong nagiliparan sa tiyan niya dahil sa sobrang lapit nila sa isa't isa. Reese gave Severus a headbutt and she heard him curse because of the pain.

"Stop flirting with me, jerk." Wika ni Reese at kaagad na inirapan ang lalaki.

"That hurts, Reese. When did you get so violent?" Reklamo ni Severus at panay ang paghawak sa nuo nito. That would probably create a bump because she did go a bit too violent.

Reese sneered and she gave him a smirk. "Since when did you get too close to me, huh? C'mon, I'm hard to deal with remember?" Malamig na wika ni Reese at tila nawala ang kung ano man reaksyon sa mga mata nito.

"Look, I didn't mean when I told you that." Mahinang wika ni Severus. "It was just that… I was ---" Reese can see how he was all tensed up with what she just said.

Reese chuckled and she crossed her arms. "C'mon, Sev." Panimula ni Reese. "Don't take it seriously, I was just teasing you. PLus, it's not like I don't always hear that --- it's not like you're the first." Paliwanag ni Reese kay Severus at nakita niya kung paano natigilan ang binata sa sinabi niya.

Reese looked at her hands and she saw the bandage that was stuck on it and she forgot to change it. Nabasa na ito nung naliligo siya and this is now kind of dirty, her wounds might get infected. Looking at the bandage on her hand, she remembered what she just heard last night.

Nakita ni Reese na binaba ni Severus ang hawak nitong tinidor at kutsara. He then faced her and Reese was kind of confused with the way he suddenly acted. Reese raised an eyebrow as she seriously looked at Severus. "What's with you?" Pagtatanong ni Reese at bumuntong hininga. "I told you, it's already fine. I was just kidding ---"

"I wanted to ask you if what you told me last night was true."

Reese froze when he suddenly asked her about what she said last night. Is it about what she just told him about Sebastian? Reese cleared her throat and she looked away. "Do you think that I was bluffing?" Reese said in a low voice. "Plus! Why is it that important to you? I mean, so what if I already got over with my ex-boyfriend? Is it that big of a deal?"

Nakangising sumandal si Severus at tinignan siya. "Of course, it's a big deal for me. I'm your husband and now knowing that my wife already got over with her ex-boyfriend is a big relief." Paliwanag nito.

"What the hell, Severus?" Wika ni Reese. "Does that even mean that you already like me?" Hindi makapaniwala na pagtatanong ni Reese.

Severus looked at her with a much visible smirk. "If you think so," He paused and leaned near her, now they are just an inch apart. "then let's leave it that way." he whispered and he moved away as soon as he finished saying it.

He went back to eat the dishes prepared and Reese was definitely startled that she froze while digesting the words he just said. What the hell is wrong with this guy? He didn't act like that from the past days they were together and now look at him.

Reese immediately looked away and she immediately stood up as she looked at this capricious man. "I-I'm leaving!" Hindi alam ni Reese kung bakit siya nauutal at kaagad na nagtungo sa pinto ngunit bago niya pihitin ang door knob ay nagsalita si Severus.

"You think I'm capricious, right?" Pagtatanong nito sa kanya at taas kilay na niingon ni Reese ang binata. "Well, sorry to pop your bubble, but I'm not. I'm just comfortable with you now."

Reese did not hesitate to open the door and she left his office like she did not hear anything. Something's going on in her heart and Reese is not dumb not to know what's happening to her, she has to do what he grandfather asked her to do. To not fall in love with her own husband and she should stick with that idea until the very end.

REESE managed to kill time in a library just beside the restaurant she will meet her publisher, and as soon as the sun went down, Reese already left the library to take a short stroll. Reese never knew that the restaurant she decided to meet her publisher is just one block away from Severus' company. Reese did meet her publisher at the restaurant and they did discuss the pros and cons of her fan meeting.

Meeting her publisher personally would make things easier for her. She did her best to tell her that she's declining the offer and it would be much better for her to stay low-key and be the same unknown author they always knew her.

It took Reese an hour to talk with her publisher and she told her publisher that the latest book she gave them would be her last. She has to focus with her course now, she already got the chance to continue what she left and to be able to be the best, she has to do her best effort with everything she'll do.

"If that is what you want, then I don't have the right to force you with it." Nakangiting wika nito sa kanya at sabay silang tumayo.

"Thank you for understanding." Wika ni Reese at naglahad ng kamay. "I had fun working with your company for almost four years." Dagdag ni Reese.

"We are also happy to have you as our company's well-known author, Ms. Chen." Wika nito.

The publisher she had a talk with left the restaurant ahead of her. Reese had to check the person who kept on messaging her when she had to discuss some matter with her publisher. As soon as she saw that it was all sent by her husband or should she say, Severus.

Reese ignored the message and she went outside. Reese felt really relaxed as soon as she got to breath on a fresh air, the air conditioning was strong inside the restaurant and it kind of made her uncomfortable.

Napag-desisyunan ni Reese na umuwi na para makapag pahinga na siya. Tinungo niya ang kotse niya na nakaparada sa hindi kalayuan kung saan walang gaanong maaninag na tao na naglalakad at napakadilim sa lugar na pinili niya pagparadahan.

Nilabas niya ang susi ng kotse na nasa bulsa niya at natigilan si Reese sa pagbukas ng kotse niya nang makaramdam siya ng mabigat na presensiya mula sa likuran niya.

Before she could even react, she already felt like she had been punched several times on her back only to realize she'd been stabbed twice on her back side. Reese did not mind the stab and she immediately faced the person who stabbed her and she saw how the man was shocked to see her as soon as Reese faced him.

Reese suddenly felt an unknown rage that made her want to kill the man who stabbed her. The man who stabbed her suddenly ran away and Reese did not mind her stab wounds and she wanted to catch the man who stabbed her. Reese did incredibly good as she ran in the same direction as the man went. The man went on an empty alley and Reese managed to catch up with him, and as soon as she caught him --- Reese held his neck and she pushed him on the wall.

Panay ang pagpiglas ng lalaki at naramdaman ni Reese na sinaksak siya nito muli sa may tagiliran. "Stabbing me won't do any good." Malamig na wika ni Reese at matalim na tingnan ang lalaki. "Did someone ask you to do this?" Reese asked.

Napansin ni Reese na ayaw nitong umamin at mas lalong naging rason iyon para makaramdam ng matinding pagka-inis si Reese. Mas humigpit ang paghawak ni Reese sa leeg ng lalaki at napansin niya na nahihirapan na ito sa paghinga.

"I...It was… the s-second y-young miss of the C-Chen ---" He said in between his breath and Reese was pissed off as soon as she heard what the man told him. Reese felt very angry and she felt her teeth suddenly fell sharp.

"Reese."

She was about to bite his neck when someone suddenly stopped her. Reese came back to her senses and she looked at the person who stopped her and she saw that it was Kier. Hinarap ni Reese si Kier na mayroong ngisi sa labi at gayon din ang binata.

"Let the man go, Reese." Wika ni Kier.

"I want to let you know that I go for the saying, 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth'." Malamig na wika ni Reese at dahan-dahan tinignan ang lalaking nagpupumiglas.

You're a monster! A monster!" Panay ang wika ng nagpupumiglas na lalaki sa kanya at mahinang natawa si Reese.

"Let the man go, and you'll get what you want." Wika ni Kier at wala nang nagawa si Reese kung 'di pakawalan ang lalaki at pareho nilang tinignan ni Kier ang lalaki na tumakbo paalis, pero natigilan si Reese nang naglabas ito ng baril na mayroong silencer at binaril ang lalaki ng tatlong beses.

The man fell on the ground as he bathed with his own blood and he did take three bullets the same amount of stab wounds she got. Reese looked at Kier who was wearing a white button down polo with his three buttons undone with his coat and a slacks.

"Did you follow me again? Are you a stalker?" Malamig na wika ni Reese at nakatingin sa sarili na punong-puno na ng dugo ang puting damit na suot. Kier gave him the voat and Reese took it without even hesitating just to cover the blood from her white clothes.

"You're really leaving traces of your murder by biting them. You should stop doing that." Wika ni Kier at tinago ang baril na ginamit nito. 'I'm not a stalker, I'm just your admirer. I like you, Ms. Chen. I hope you already figured out who you really are." Nakangising wika nito at kaagad na umalis sa harap niya.

Reese felt a bit of pain from her stab wounds, she has to go to the hospital and get herself treated. She has to do something with her own sister who is trying to murder her by all means.

Halos hirap sa paglalakad si Reese pabalik sa kotse niya at pansin rin ni Reese ang kakaibang tingin ng mga tao sa paligid niya. As soon as she managed to get inside her car, she heard her phone ringing and she immediately answered the call when she saw that it was from Severus.

"Where are you? I'm already back ---"

Hindi pinatuloy ni Reese ang sasabihin ni Severus at kaagad niyang sinagot ito ng deretso. "I'm on my way to the hospital." Wika ni Reese at hindi na hinintay ang sasabihin ng asawa at kaagad na pinatay ang tawag at minaneho niya ang kotse papunta sa hospital.

INSTEAD of feeling the pain, Reese felt like she's been dehydrated, she wanted to drink her daily juice out of thirst. She arrived at the hospital while she was trying to hold herself up as she went inside the hospital.

The thirst that Reese was feeling is slowly worsening. She looked at every person inside the hospital as if they were her drink, she could see their blood flow and Reese was at her limit with restraining herself.

"Ms. Chen!" Reese slowly looked at the person who called her and she saw that it was her doctor. Kaagad na lumapit si Reese doctor at dinala siya nito sa isang private emergency room, Reese sat at the hospital bed that was already prepared.

Her doctor did not call anyone, she was just alone with him and he looked at the blood on her very white shirt. "What happened to you, Ms. Chen?" Pagtatanong sa kanya ng doktor at kaagad na kumuha ang doktor ng inumin sa isang cabinet.

As soon as Reese got to smell the scent of the drink, she immediately grabbed it from her doctor and she greedily drank it as if there's no tomorrow. She felt the utmost satisfaction as soon as she finished drinking the juice within just the matter of seconds.

She did not mind her wounds at all. She just remembered that she bled a lot after she finished drinking her juice. She looked at her doctor and she saw that her doctor was about to dial her family.

"Don't call my parents." Babala ni Reese sa doktor. She can't let them know that she is here, especially her sister. She plotted on killing her using those dirty tricks. "I was stabbed three times, I think I lost a lot of blood." Wika ni Reese at kaagad naman na naalarma ang doktor sa sinabi niya.

Reese removed the coat she was wearing and she tore the lower part of her shirt and she was shocked to see that she doesn't have her wounds anymore, it's as if the wound did not exist in the first place. But the blood stains on her shirt were her proof that she got stabbed.

"What the hell?" Reese cursed. "My wounds are gone!" Reese exclaimed. Nagtataka na tiningnan ni Reese ang doktor na tila hindi nabigla sa sinabi niya. He acted as if what he saw was normal.

The doctor cleared his throat and he gave her a sigh. "Ms. Chen, I mean, Mrs. Lim ---"

"What's happening with my body?!" Reese exclaimed. "I've been acting really weird these days and I kept on feeling massive thirst with something I should not desire! What is my real sickness, doc? I think you know what's happening with me, why won't you tell me?" Halos iritadong wika ni Reese sa doktor at tila napayuko ang doktor sa sinabi niya.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Lim." Paumanhin nito. "I can't tell you anything without your grandfather's approval. You should ask him about this matter, Mrs. Lim. I'm sorry." Dagdag nito at lumabas sa private emergency room.

Reese looked at her body once again, there were really no signs of stab wounds on her body and it felt like it already healed itself within just a matter of minutes. There is definitely something not normal on her body and this is not how the human body works.

Reese stood up and she remembered that her teeth felt sharp earlier, she tried to feel if her teeth were sharp, but they were not sharp like how it felt earlier. Reese wants to follow what her doctor just told her.

She should ask her grandfather about this.

"Reese!"

Reese was startled when someone suddenly pulled her on a hug and she saw that it was Severus and he was with Butler Mo.

Severus broke the hug and he inspected her from head to toe, but as soon as she saw the blood stains on her shirt, he suddenly started to panic by asking her questions. "What happened? Bakit ang daming dugo sa damit mo?" Pagtatanong ni Severus.

Reese looked away and she came up with a lie. "I saved a woman earlier, I brought her here. Nothing happened to me." Sagot ni Reese.

"Thank goodness…" Mahinang wika nito. "You made me worried."

Should she tell him about her sister who tried to murder her? Maybe it would be better to not involve him with her family matters.

She has to find answers. She has to ask her grandfather with her true identity. People around her started giving signs, and she had to take the bait.

Reese, herself, was confused with what she truly is, and only her grandfather can give her answers.