Becca was reading the newspaper. She already knew her son Frank would be going abroad because his father had spoken to him about managing the company's overseas operations.
Since she scolded Frank, he hadn't spoken a word to her—and she didn't either. She decided not to disturb him anymore, no matter what decisions he made in life.
She could only sigh.
Am I really a good mother to him? Becca wondered silently, questioning how her son had turned out that way when it came to women.
Have I really been guiding him well? she asked again, unable to focus on what she was reading. She just placed the paper on the table and shook her head in dismay.
She looked at the calendar—only two days left before the board exam. Her thoughts turned to Mariely. She was worried.
Then she heard footsteps upstairs. Frank came down carrying a suitcase. They looked at each other silently. He was leaving—but still, no words between them.
He had reached the bottom of the stairs.
"Mom," he finally said.
She looked at him, her eyes fixed.
"Can we talk? I don't want to leave with you still angry at me," he told her.
She let out a deep breath. "I'm not angry with you, Frank," she replied.
Frank simply nodded. "I just want to hug you tight right now. It might be a long while before I come home again," he added.
She said nothing, only hugged him tightly.
"Mom," he said again, hugging her back just as tightly before pulling away.
"Mom, I have a favor, please?" he asked.
She frowned slightly. "What is it?" she asked.
She could never truly stay mad at her son, no matter how much of a womanizer he was.
He pulled out an invitation.
"Please attend their wedding in my place and—" he hesitated. "I'm still thinking of what gift I could give them," he said.
She sighed. "Son, I'm invited to the wedding too," she said.
"Oh, I see." He sighed as well.
"Let me know what gift you want to give, and I'll be the one to deliver it," she told him.
He nodded. "Thanks, Mom, I'll update you. They were my classmates before, and I—I think Nathan, too, who's now marrying the sister of the woman I dated," he said, shaking his head.
She didn't respond—she knew he still had more to say.
"Mom, tell her I'm sorry—and that I'm just a jerk," he added.
"Frank, let's go," his father called out.
"I need to go, Mom. Please take care of yourself," he said.
"You too. I love you, son," she replied.
"I love you too, Mom." He hugged her again tightly.
She patted his back. "Go now, or you'll be late for your flight," she reminded him.
He nodded, grabbed his suitcase, looked back at her with a smile, and gave a small wave.
"Bye, Mom," he said as he left.
"Take care over there, Frank," she called after him.
He was gone. She followed him with her eyes until he was out of sight. When she could no longer see him, she sighed.
She looked at the invitation from Nadia and tucked it away. The wedding was fast approaching.
Well, what should I give the newlyweds? she wondered.
XXX
Clover was startled awake by the sunlight streaming through the window. As he sat up, a headache hit him immediately. He noticed Clarisse still sound asleep beside him.
He had no clothes on—and neither did Clarisse. Well, it was no surprise. Whenever alcohol hit Clover's system, the night usually ended with physical pleasure.
He got up—he needed to take a shower. He checked the time.
This late? he thought. He had originally planned to bring Frank to the airport, since Frank was flying to the U.S. to manage his father's company there.
He scratched his head. He needed to shower before Clarisse woke up and demanded the bathroom.
Clarisse was his girlfriend now. She was the only woman he brought home to his condo. Honestly, all he initially wanted was her body—and her virginity. But somehow… he couldn't bring himself to let her go.
I'm really having a hard time letting go of that woman. If Frank were in my shoes, would he be able to let her go? he thought.
Oh right, they broke up. He's even worse than me—Frank is heartless, he added silently.
Now he had to get serious about work. For now, he was in charge of the company that was partnered with his father's.
Frank, you gave me a pile of work again. You better not be enjoying too much over there.
After showering, he wore a bathrobe and started drying his hair. He noticed Clarisse was awake now, already making coffee for him. She wore a loose shirt that revealed her panties and nipples.
"Good morning," she greeted him with a smile.
Despite her messy hair, she looked stunning. He swallowed. It was hard to let go of a woman like her. She was the only one who really stirred his heart.
He had been with many beautiful and sexy women—but she was the only one who stayed in a relationship with him.
I want her, he thought.
"What's wrong?" Clarisse asked, concerned.
"Nothing," he replied, walking toward her.
They shared a kiss.
Whatever. This woman is mine, he thought as their lips met.
"Hon, I need to take a bath too," she said.
"Later. You still smell good," he said, hugging her.
"Hon," she protested.
He responded with a deep, urgent kiss, which she returned.
"Clar, you're mine only," he whispered.
"I am always yours, Clover," she whispered back.
His body heated up—his desire rushing in. As they kissed, he caressed her large chest.
"I want you now," he whispered.
She moaned softly at his touch. Still unsatisfied, his hand slipped under her loose shirt.
"Hon," she murmured, her body heating up too.
She gasped when his fingers began teasing her aroused core. They kissed deeply. He was already hard.
"Hon…" She reached into his bathrobe. She knew what he wanted.
"Please do it, Clarisse," he whispered.
She parted his robe and began to move her head rhythmically.
Damn, this sensation… he thought, pulling on her hair, guiding her rhythm.
Then he pulled her up and brought her to the bed, massaging her as she moaned softly.
"P-Please, hon, do it now," she said breathlessly.
"Your wish is my command." He suddenly entered her, making her gasp.
She moaned softly. He spread her legs wide, and she let him take control.
Clarisse wrapped her arms around him, her breathing heavy as she matched his rhythm.
"C—Clover, kiss me."
"You really love kissing while doing it, huh?" he whispered.
She didn't answer, waiting for his lips. He was captivated by her gaze, so he kissed her chest, making her cry out.
"Clover, Clover," she moaned deliriously, repeating his name.
They kept going until they reached their peak. He looked at her, kissed her forehead, and said:
"Go take a shower now. We have errands to run."
She nodded and smiled. "I love you."
"I love you too. Go on, before I change my mind," he teased.
She gasped, laughing softly as she got out of bed. He drank the coffee she had made—though it had gotten cold from what just happened.
Time to get dressed. He waited for Clarisse to finish—because they were leaving together today.