Rey's thoughts raced back to a year ago when he had desired Sheira to be his wife. However, winning Sheira's affections was no easy feat. Every time he reached out to arrange a meeting, she would ignore his texts, and he didn't even know where she lived. As desperation grew, fueled by his grandfather's insistence on Rey marrying and producing an heir, Rey eventually found himself engaged to Bella—a woman he didn't love, motivated solely by ego and rivalry with Arsen, who was deeply in love with Bella. Their marriage was merely a means for Rey to assert his power and secure an heir.
Now, Rey found himself entangled in Sheira's scheming while Bella was six months pregnant, and recalling it all left him feeling upset.
"Mr. Rey!" someone called out suddenly. Rey dropped his hand from his face and turned to see Sheira standing in the doorway.
"What do you want?" he asked.
"Can I know what the requirements are to be a secretary?" Sheira replied. Rey straightened up, intrigued by her question.
"Why do you want to know?"
"Maybe I can meet the criteria," Sheira said, approaching him slowly.
"Are you volunteering to be my secretary?" Rey asked, looking directly at her. Sheira nodded enthusiastically as she got closer.
"Even though I haven't finished my studies, I'm in my final year and know a lot about management and accounting. Besides..." Sheira sat on Rey's lap, a sensual smile on her face.
"If I become your secretary, we could benefit each other, right?" She continued, brushing her fingers against Rey's lips.
"I might consider it, but I want to see your skills first," Rey replied, squeezing Sheira's waist. Her allure only intensified in his eyes.
"You'll see," she teased.
Suddenly, Sheira kissed Rey, wrapping her arms around his neck. Rey responded in kind, their kiss igniting passion as Sheira's hands began unbuttoning his shirt. Sheira's kisses trailed down to Rey's neck as he tilted his head back, giving her access. Red marks and lipstick stains adorned Rey's neck. Amid their heated moments, Rey's phone buzzed from his pocket, indicating a call. He glanced at the screen and saw it was Bella. With Sheira's hand now tantalizingly between his thighs, Rey sighed and set the phone down, choosing to focus on Sheira's touch.
Sheira began to unfasten his pants, revealing Rey's readiness which caught her by surprise.
"What are you waiting for, Sheira?" Rey urged, nearly overcome with desire.
"I-I was just surprised," she stammered, cupping him as she stroked gently.
"Put it in your mouth," Rey insisted, unable to contain himself.
"But..." Sheira hesitated, unsure if she could take him fully.
"Come on, hurry," Rey urged. Ravaged by desire, Rey silenced his phone, ignoring Bella's insistence.
As Sheira continued, Rey couldn't help but revel in the moment. Her methods were slightly inexperienced, but it felt exhilarating compared to his previous encounters with Bella, who he didn't truly love. With Sheira, he craved more.
Sheira's actions intensified until Rey reached his climax, releasing himself unexpectedly all over her face. Angry that he hadn't warned her, she rushed to the bathroom to clean up. When she returned, Rey was still in his previous position, reaching out to pull her close again.
"So, how do I pass the selection?" Sheira asked, gazing into Rey's eyes.
"You want to be a secretary?" he questioned, a hint of amusement on his face.
"Yes!" she beamed.
"You pass," he replied playfully.
Sheira embraced him, thanking him with genuine warmth. As she noticed his cellphone turned off, guilt tugged at her. She was well aware that the caller was Bella, Rey's pregnant wife. The betrayal weighed heavily on her conscience, especially knowing the pain it would cause.
-//-
"Welcome to Ria's Bakery, Sheira!" a clerk called out cheerfully as she entered the shop. Eager to visit a friend and relive a piece of her past, Sheira was greeted with open arms by Anna.
"I've missed you!" Sheira exclaimed, hugging Anna tightly.
"You say that now, but it's been a month since you last visited after landing that job," Anna teased, although clearly glad to see her friend.
"It's been hectic with my internship, college, and taking care of my dad in the hospital," she replied.
"Were there any updates on Uncle Antonio?" Anna inquired, recalling the stories Sheira had shared.
"Please pray—he's waiting for a potential kidney donor," Sheira said, hoping for the best.
As they spoke, two men entered the shop—one in a sharp dark blue suit and the other in casual attire. Anna immediately offered her assistance to them.
"I'm looking for a special birthday cake," the suited man stated. Sheira's eyes landed on the man in the jacket; he seemed familiar. Suddenly, memories surfaced.
"Excuse me," she approached them, catching the men's attention.
"Did we meet before?" she asked the man in the jacket, who looked puzzled.
"Really? When and where?" he replied skeptically.
"Your name is James, right? Didn't you accompany Bella to the obstetrician's office the other day?" she recalled. Bella had introduced him as Rey's trusted ally. James grew visibly agitated, the man in the suit looked taken aback.
"No, you've mistaken me for someone else. Which Bella are you talking about?"
"The one married to Mr. Reynaldo. I wouldn't confuse them," she insisted, confidence in her memories.
"I don't know Rey or Bella, and I'm not associated with them," the man in the jacket stated firmly. "Sorry, but I'm sure this woman is trying to trick me," James said to his companion.
Sheira shook her head, "What would I have to gain from that? It was Sheira herself who told me you were reliable for keeping an eye on Mrs. Reynaldo..."
"Enough!"