"Anj... Anj..."
I slowly woke up to someone gently shaking me. As my eyes fluttered open, a handsome face came into view—leaning over me, smiling.
"I know I'm good-looking, Anj, but don't stare at me like that. You might actually fall for me," he teased, grinning. Under normal circumstances, I might've smiled back. But not today. Not when my world feels like it's falling apart.
"What the hell happened to you? You were losing it earlier," he said again, now sitting on the floor beside my bed, his back resting against it.
"And you are?" I asked flatly, not even bothering to look at him properly.
He smirked. "Seriously? You forgot about me too?"
I kept silent. What was the point in explaining? No one ever believes me anyway. They'll just think I'm confused or going insane.
"What? Starstruck again? Want me to help you remember who I am?" he said, raising an eyebrow playfully.
Before I could even think, his lips were already on mine. I pushed him away, not too forcefully.
"I'm not Kristine," I whispered.
"Yeah? Then I guess I'm not Vince either," he said, flashing that cocky smile again and leaning closer. I turned my head away.
"I'm serious. Please… believe me." My voice trembled, almost begging.
For a moment, something flickered in his eyes.
But then he kissed me again.
I didn't fight back this time.
Not because I wanted it—
but because I was tired.
Tired of explaining.
Tired of being unheard.
Tired of existing in a world where I didn't belong.
His hand moved to my chest. He cupped me while his lips explored my skin. He took off my shirt, unhooked my bra, and started sucking on my nipple while one hand wandered down my body. I felt the heat of his touch…
But me?
I felt nothing.
No spark. No longing.
Just… emptiness.
He continued, now sitting behind me, holding me from behind while kissing my neck. But then he suddenly stopped.
"Who are you?" he asked softly, now standing in front of me, shirtless—with abs that could literally kill. Dang. But wait—I'm broken right now. Priorities, girl!
"Maicah Louise D. Lopez," I said flatly. As if he'd believe me.
"Shit!" he whispered. "You... you're Adrian's wife?" he asked, looking seriously concerned.
My heart skipped. Did... did he just believe me?
"Oh my god! Yes! Yes, I am! You believe me?!" I said, jumping up and grabbing his hand. "Please! I'm telling the truth—I don't know how, but I swear it's real!"
He stared at me, emotionless.
"I believe you," he finally said.
"You... you do?" I could barely believe it.
"Yes."
He quickly grabbed my clothes and handed them back. We sat beside the bed and talked—really talked.
***** END OF FLASHBACK *****
That was the beginning of my friendship with Vince.
He promised to help me prove to Adrian that I was his real wife—not the woman pretending to be me now.
We spent a whole month looking for evidence. But nothing. Everything was too clean, too perfectly planned. Kristine—yes, the real Kristine—is the one living with Adrian now. Vince confirmed it. He said he always knew she loved Adrian, but he never imagined she'd go this far.
I even asked him what his real relationship was with Kristine. I mean, he kissed me before he knew I was Maicah… but every time I brought it up, he'd just change the subject.
So after a month of dead ends, we came up with a plan.
I'm going to seduce Adrian.
Yes. I'm going to seduce my own husband.
I need to earn his trust somehow. I know it sounds crazy, but what choice do I have? The longer this drags on, the more afraid I become… that I'll lose everything forever.
If Adrian looks at me long enough… will he remember?
"Sir, your 10 o'clock appointment is here," said Judy, Adrian's secretary.
"Let her in," I heard him reply from inside.
Judy turned to me. "You may go in now, Ma'am."
"Thank you, Judy," I said, and walked into his office.
I watched Adrian approach his desk. God, I missed him. He looked so handsome in that rolled-up blue long-sleeve shirt. It made his tan skin glow. He looked like James Reid—just a bit more mature. He is 26, after all.
"Kristine," he said softly when I got close. He stayed seated behind his desk while I took the seat in front of him.
"Adrian, I want to apologize for what happened the last time we talked. I had a breakdown. So much was going on, and I didn't mean to hurt Kri—Maicah," I said, lowering my head.
He sighed. "I'm sorry too for pushing you. I was just... shocked. Listen, Kristine..." He stood up and walked around the desk, then took my hand. "I want you to know that if something's bothering you, you can always talk to me. We've been best friends even before everything that happened. Don't forget that."
I nodded. Why do I get the feeling that Kristine means a lot to him? And what exactly happened between you two, Adrian? Why didn't I ever know Kristine if she was that important to you?
I took a deep breath. "Thank you, Adrian... Also, there's another reason why I came today."
He waited for me to continue.
"Mr. Lee sold me his shares. Thirty-five percent of the company. Which makes me a major stockholder now. Isn't that great?" I smiled sweetly.
"What?!" His shock was almost amusing. "I mean—sorry for reacting like that. It's just... wow. The company's been doing really well lately, so why would he sell?"
"Well, I guess there are things more valuable than money, Mr. Lopez." I chuckled.
He just stared at me, still stunned.
I stood up so our eyes were level.
"Looks like we'll be seeing each other more often now. At least I won't be dealing with everything alone. See you tomorrow, Adrian," I said, and walked out, leaving him speechless.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
"Welcome to the company, Ms. Roxas," greeted Mr. Ramirez, one of the shareholders and Adrian's friend. Adrian had just announced the sale of Mr. Lee's shares to me during the board meeting.
"Thank you, Mr. Ramirez, for the warm welcome," I replied with a smile.
One by one, the others followed suit until the room cleared. Only Adrian and I remained.
"Welcome to the company, Kristine," he said, offering his hand.
"Thank you!" I took his hand and gave him a flirtatious smile. "So... want to come celebrate with us after work?"
"Uhm, no. I'm good," he replied politely.
"Hey Kristine! We're still on for tonight, right?" Mr. Alexander Ramirez suddenly appeared at the door.
"I don't know... Adrian doesn't want to come. And what's the fun without our CEO?" I said, giving Adrian a pointed look.
"What?! Hey bro, come on! It's Ms. Roxas's treat! And she's right—you'll miss all the fun!" Xander insisted.
"I'm not sure. I kinda want to go home early. Maicah hasn't been feeling well these days," Adrian replied.
"Really? Why?" Xander asked, frowning.
"I don't know. She's been sluggish and irritated. I'm getting worried..." Concern was written all over Adrian's face.
Ugh. That woman's sick? Good. Karma is a bitch.
"Bro... what if Maicah is pregnant?" Xander said excitedly.
"You think so?" Adrian looked like he just won the lottery.
"NOOOOO!" I blurted out.
Both of them stared at me, confused.
"I mean—uh, you should consult a doctor to be sure, right?" I quickly covered up, smiling awkwardly. They nodded in agreement.
It's been two months. Two months of her pretending to be me, living in my house. It's not impossible that she got pregnant. I mean... who could resist a man like Adrian, especially since we don't have kids yet?
Shit. I need to act fast—before she ruins everything I built!
Adrian didn't join us that night. I went home disappointed. But hey—tomorrow is another day!
The next morning, I came in early and headed straight to Adrian's office.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Come in," he called.
"Hi! I brought you coffee," I said sweetly, handing him the cup I made just for him.
"Mmm," he hummed after taking a sip. "Delicious!"
"Of course. Just the way you like it," I replied, settling onto the couch by his desk.
"Yeah... just like how Maicah used to make it. Wait—how'd you know my coffee preference?" he asked, typing away on his laptop.
"Oh, believe me, Mr. Lopez. I know everything about you." I smirked.
He just chuckled and shook his head.
"So, how's your wife?" I asked. Of course, I meant the impostor.
"She's okay," he answered briefly.
"And the baby?" I asked, holding my breath. Please... no.
"What baby?" he frowned. "Ohhh. No, she's not pregnant. Just stressed."
I exhaled deeply.
I smiled. "Better luck next time, Mr. Lopez."
"Yeah... I guess that's what I need. Luck," he replied with a faint smile.