The Heroine's Obsession

Chapter 12

**

As I wrapped my arms around him, I whispered, "Why didn't you tell me that Ethaniel Jarred Zayn Faelden was your real name?" The morning light streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over us. I felt a surge of affection and snuggled deeper into his embrace, wanting to savor the moment and cuddle with him forever.

His eyes widened in shock, and he stared at me, seemingly taken aback by my words. His expression was a mix of surprise and bewilderment, as if he couldn't believe I had discovered his secret. He stood there, frozen, his arms still wrapped around me, but his mind clearly elsewhere, trying to process how I had uncovered the truth.

"Who told you and how did you know?" he asked, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and caution, his eyes still wide with surprise, his expression unchanged from the stunned look he'd had moments before.

I pouted my lips

"I saw your ID card on the floor last night," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, as I gazed up at him with a hint of a smile, watching as the surprise on his face slowly gave way to a look of sheepish realization.

I saw him sighed and gave me a peck on my head

"Yeah.. it's my real name. Hmmm" he said while embracing me into his arms

"Your name is beautiful. Ethan..." I whispered, my lips brushing against his as I spoke. "Can I just call you Ethan?" I asked, my eyes locked on his, and before he could respond, I leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips. His eyes fluttered closed, and he wrapped his arms around me, deepening the kiss.

I saw him smile

He chuckled and whispered, "Fine, but I'd rather you call me baby." His eyes sparkled with amusement, and his voice was low and husky, sending a flutter through my chest.

I giggled and squirmed as he tickled the side of my waist, his fingers dancing lightly over my skin, sending shivers down my spine. I pulled back from the kiss, laughing, and tried to wriggle free from his teasing touch.

"Anyway, regarding about that Hiruma Setsuko, have you seen him in person already?" I asked a sudden question. I saw him frown but that disappeared immediately

He raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of curiosity and caution. "I just saw him in the news," he said, his voice low and measured. "Only June, Clark, and Dion have seen him in person. I ordered them to follow and stalk him to gain more information." His eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze piercing as he asked, "Why did you ask?"

"I was just curious, that's all," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "And oh, by the way, I want to know every detail about your plan for tomorrow. I don't want to be left behind," I added, my voice taking on a determined edge. "After all, he's one of the killers of my mom." My eyes locked onto his, my gaze burning with a fierce intensity

"It's so broad, my love," he said, his expression softening as he gazed at me. "I think you can ask Shanaiah, she knows everything," he suggested, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

I nodded silently, my eyes never leaving his, and then I leaned in, pressing my body closer to his. Our chests touched, and I could feel the warmth of his skin radiating through his clothes.

That's exactly what happened to the two of us that morning. We cuddled and just enjoying each embrace. So, in the afternoon then, Ethan said goodbye that he was going to do something important with the men he talked to yesterday

At this moment, I'm with Shanaiah and the two stunning women who are also members of the elite team that Ethan is talking about. We're now in the living room, Shanaiah is braiding my long curly hair.

"Well...well..." I heard a woman say with a strange glint in her eyes looking at me. Her gaze sent shivers down my spine.

"Hmm you looked familiar to me?" I said, trying to sound calm.

The woman smiled at me creepily, her lips curling up into a sly grin. "It's been a long week, master" She uttered, her voice dripping with an unsettling tone.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as she spoke. There was something about her that didn't feel right.

"Hey, don't startle our lady," Shanaiah chimed in, her voice firm but polite. "Hindi pa niya naaalala ang lahat," she added, as if reminding the woman that I still hadn't regained my memories.

The woman, Xyvel, chuckled and shrugged. "Oh, I'm sorry. I just missed my master," she said, her eyes glinting with an unnerving intensity.

I forced a smile, trying to appear unaffected. "It's okay," I said. "I think she's harmless." But deep down, I wasn't so sure.

Yassi turned to me "Don't mind her, Miss Ayesha. This woman is such a creep" I just smiled "It's okay, I think she's harmless" I said, trying to downplay the uneasy feeling Xyvel's behavior had given me.

Shanaiah finished braiding my hair and stepped back to admire her handiwork. "It's finally done...woah you looked so pretty with this hairstyle, young miss" Shana happily told me, a wide smile spreading across her face.

I smiled back at her, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, Shanaiah. You're really talented," I said, gently touching the intricate braid she had created.

"I'm sure our boss will be thoroughly impressed when he sees how stunning you look right now," Shanaiah said with a sly smile, her eyes glinting with amusement.

"By the way, where's Ethan?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

"He's out hunting, young miss," Yassi replied. "I'm sure they'll return early today."

My gaze drifted to Xyvel, and I couldn't help but feel uneasy. There was something unsettling about her, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

After chatting with the three women, I decided to take a leisurely walk around the mansion. The grounds were still heavily guarded by armed personnel. Feeling curious, I wandered into the bedroom I shared with Ethan. With nothing better to do, I began to snoop through his belongings. I opened his drawers, but they were surprisingly sparse, containing only guns and a set of chains.

I made my way to the small drawers and noticed a tiny box tucked away. I retrieved it and lifted the lid, revealing a note inside.

To me who is yet to come: Embodied compassion, radiate kindness, foster harmony and integrity. Keep spreading love, never harm.

Keep my words to yourself. This letter will be a reminder from your old and innocent self

The note was dated eleven years ago, and my name was scribbled at the bottom. I was stunned - I had written this before, but why did Ethan have it? I returned the note to its hiding place, my mind racing with questions. I couldn't wait to confront Ethan about it. Suddenly, I felt overwhelmed with fatigue, my body feeling heavy. I decided to lie down and rest.

Hours later, I was roused from my rest by a knock at the door. I stretched, feeling a bit lethargic, and slowly got up to answer it.

"My lady," the serious-looking man said, his expression formal.

"What is it?" I asked, my voice laced with sleepiness. "The young lord requests your presence," he replied. "He's asked me to escort you to him." Despite my initial laziness, I agreed to follow him. As we descended the stairs together, my curiosity got the better of me. "Hey, what's your name?" I asked, breaking the silence.

He cleared his throat

"I am Dion, my lady," he replied with a slight bow. "I've had the privilege of serving as your personal butler." With that, he escorted me to a stunning garden, and then, with a discreet nod, he took his leave, disappearing into the background.

"How are you?" Ethan asked softly, his fingers intertwining with mine as he gently took my hand.

"I'm fine, thanks," I replied, stifling a yawn, which promptly escaped, revealing my sleepiness. Ethan chuckled and smiled. "Let's take a walk," he said, offering his arm. "The gardens are lovely this time of year." As we strolled, I saw that he was right - the garden was a kaleidoscope of colors, with vibrant flowers blooming all around us. Delicate butterflies flitted about, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

The beautiful weather added to the garden's serenity, with a brilliant blue sky above and an atmosphere so calm it seemed to whisper tranquility. It was the perfect haven to unwind. "The flowers are stunning," I breathed, my eyes wide with wonder. Ethan's voice dropped to a soft whisper, his words sending a flutter through my chest: "Almost as lovely as you."

I couldn't help but smile as I took in the serene atmosphere. "Why did you bring me here?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

Ethan's expression turned contemplative, and he let out a gentle sigh. "I wanted to remind you that beauty still exists in this world," he said, his gaze drifting upward to the vibrant blue sky. "That despite the darkness that surrounds us, there's still so much to appreciate and cherish."

He held my hand tightly

"If I could turn back time, I would have taken you away from your father's cruelty," Ethan said, his voice laced with regret.

I let out a deep sigh, sensing the weight of his words. "What do you mean about my father?" I asked, my brow furrowed in concern.

Ethan's expression darkened, his anger palpable. "He's a ruthless man who takes lives for his own amusement. He's a terrible father who destroys your innocence, exposing you to his wicked deeds and treating you like a mere experiment."

"Is that why I'm trapped in this dark world?" I asked, my gaze was still fixed in the sky

Ethan's eyes locked onto mine, his expression resolute. "Yes, but I've made a promise to myself that, after seeking justice for your mother's death, I want to help you achieve your dream of becoming a writer."

As Ethan's words hung in the air, he drew me closer, his warmth enveloping me. I felt a surge of gratitude towards this thoughtful man, who always seemed to be there for me, supporting me at every turn. His kindness left me speechless, and I couldn't thank him enough.

Although my memories were fragmented, my heart still held a deep affection for this man. I searched for answers, my voice barely above a whisper. "Do you love me?" I asked.

Ethan's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes burning with intensity. For a moment, time stood still. Then, his voice filled with conviction, he replied, "I loved you, I love you now, and I will love you even more with every passing day."

I smiled at him

"I love you too" I replied

Ethan then gave me a long passionate kiss. For me, it was the sweetest kiss na pinagsaluhan namin. A sweet kiss from a sweet moment. I wish this could last longer

**

During the evening in the living room. Ethan have finally introduced me properly to his elite team

"It's nice seeing you again, boss" said by the man named Clark. He's kinda the playful type of person. The one beside him spoke too

"You seem so innocent now, Miss Ayesha," he said, his tone laced with amusement. "A far cry from the...obsessive girl we've encountered."

I winced at the word "obsessive," feeling a pang of defensiveness. Was I really that obsessive?

Lewis, the towering figure among them, chimed in, his deep voice reassuring. "Pay no mind to his nonsense, Lady Ayesha."

I soon discovered that the group was split into two factions. One group, jokingly referred to as "Team Weirdo," consisted of Dion, June, Clark, and Xyvel. Ethan warned me that these four individuals were not only unconventional but also dangerous. Apparently, they were his go-to team for covert and high-stakes missions, entrusted with tasks that required their unique skills and expertise.

Ethan referred to the second group as the "team of ex-soldiers," which explained their rugged, athletic builds. This group consisted of Lewis, the towering former Philippine Navy member. Shanaiah, a skilled military surgeon. Darwin, an ex-convict with a background in the FBI. Yassie, a model with a secret life as a professional con artist; and Gabriel, an expert sniper. Interestingly, they all seemed to serve me with a loyalty that rivaled their devotion to Ethan, as if I were their boss too. Perhaps Ethan had instructed them to treat me with kindness. The exception was Dion, who had cryptically mentioned that he'd been watching over me since we were young.

"I'm grateful we're all in this together," I said, feeling a sense of unity. "I hope we can finally achieve the justice we're seeking."

As I listened to their stories, I discovered that each of them had a compelling reason for joining Ethan's team. They shared heartbreaking tales of losing loved ones - family members brutally murdered by heinous criminals. Their pain and desire for justice had driven them to seek revenge, and Ethan had become their ally in this quest.

Their words echoed in my mind: "To take down the wicked, you must be willing to walk among them." I couldn't help but agree. After learning about their pasts and motivations, I bid them farewell and headed back to my room. As I entered, a sudden, sharp pain pierced my head.

I declined Ethan's offer to drive me, knowing he had more pressing matters to attend to. "I'm fine, go back to your meeting," I said, aware that Mr. Hiruma Setsuko's party was just two days away and they needed to finalize their plan to catch my mother's killer.

Ethan's eyes lingered on mine before he leaned in, his lips brushing against my forehead in a gentle kiss.

"Okay. I follow you there, later" He said

I smiled at him and left. As I entered my room, I collapsed onto the bed, cradling my stomach. A wave of dizziness washed over me, and nausea churned in my belly. Before I knew it, I was rushing to the toilet, overcome with a violent bout of vomiting.

Once the worst had passed, I returned to bed, exhausted, with a throbbing headache. A nagging thought crept into my mind: Could I be pregnant? Ethan had told me that before my memory loss, we'd been intimate numerous times. The possibility sent my mind reeling.

He doesn't used condoms when we're making love..

My mind was racing with the possibility of pregnancy. It all made sense now - the increased desire, the missed period. I needed confirmation, but I was hesitant to share my suspicions with Ethan just yet. Seeking discretion, I considered confiding in Shana, the soft-spoken military surgeon who often stayed behind with me. She seemed like the perfect person to ask for help, and I thought to myself, "I'll ask Shana to get me a pregnancy test."

**

The day before the party...

I turned to Shanaiah, who was strolling beside me in the garden, enjoying the fresh air. "Hey, Shanaiah," I said, catching her attention.

She looked at me with a hint of curiosity. "Yes, Miss Ayesha?"

I made my request, trying to sound casual. "Shanaiah, could you please get me a pregnancy test?"

Her eyes widened in shock, and she clamped her hand over her mouth, as if to stifle a gasp. "You're...pregnant?" she whispered, her voice trembling with surprise.

I quickly clarified, "I'm not sure yet, that's why I need the test."

"Oh. Does Mr. Faelden knew this" She asked and I shook my head

"I'd prefer it if you didn't mention this to Ethan just yet," I said, wanting to keep the news private for the time being. "I'll tell him when the time is right. For now, I just need confirmation."

Shanaiah nodded understandingly, and at my request, she purchased two pregnancy tests. As soon as she returned, I hurried to the bathroom to take the tests.

The results were unmistakable - two distinct lines indicated that I was indeed pregnant. I left the bathroom, searching for Shanaiah, and found her in the living room.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she asked, "So, it's true? You're pregnant?"

I smiled at her

"I'm not" I said nonchalantly

"Ohh." the dismay on her voice clearly visible

"I was wondering, what time should I expect Ethan to return?" I asked Shanaiah.

"Probably tomorrow night or afternoon, Miss Ayesha," she replied.

I nodded, then curiosity got the better of me. "Hey, as part of Ethan's elite team, do you have any insight into his plan for Mr. Setsuko's party? I'd love to help him with the planning if I can."

Shanaiah let out a sigh, then said, "Particularly, yes... I do know some details."

"I'd also love to learn more about Mr. Setsuko," I said, my eyes locked on Shanaiah's. "Ethan has already done so much for me, and I'm eager to return the favor by helping with the planning and organization. It's the least I can do to alleviate some of his burden."

Shanaiah's expression turned cautious. "I understand your willingness to help, Miss Ayesha, but I'm afraid the details of the plan are confidential. Mr. Faelden has restricted access to that information, and I'm not at liberty to disclose it to you."

"I'm sorry, Miss Ayesha. I'm just following Mr. Faelden's order" I touched her shoulder

"That's alright, I understand it's for my own protection," I said, smiling wryly. "Just please let me know when they arrive."

As I turned to leave, a sly grin spread across my face.

"Don't think you can keep secrets from me, Shanaiah," I thought to myself, a hint of amusement dancing in my eyes.

2 hours earlier...

"Can you please buy me a pregnancy test?" I pleaded

"You're pregnant?"

"Pssssh. I'm not sure yet..that's why I want you to get me a pregnancy test" I said

"Oh. Does Mr. Faelden knew this" She asked and I shook my head

"I'd prefer it if you didn't mention this to Ethan just yet. For now, I just need confirmation."

I handed Shanaiah the cash that Ethan had given me earlier. As soon as she took it, she turned to leave. I walked with her to the gate, and with my newly authorized fingerprint, I was able to open it myself, letting her out.

I trailed behind Shanaiah, keeping a safe distance. Just before she entered a nearby pharmacy, three men clad in black approached her. One of them leaned in, their lips meeting in a brief kiss - clearly, he was her boyfriend.

As I listened in, one of the men asked, "So, the plan is to take out Mr. Setsuko tomorrow, at his own party?"

Shanaiah's voice dripped with irritation. "Yes, damn it. Warn the old man to watch his back. Tell him the leader of Gruppo Oscuro has marked him for death."

Shanaiah's boyfriend urged, "What about Ayesha Howard? When are we going to take her? Time's running out, Shanaiah."

Shanaiah reassured him, "Don't worry, I'm gaining her trust. It's even easier since she has amnesia. Now, go! We can't risk being seen together here."

Shanaiah, what a b***h. Hmmmm let's see if you can avoid what's coming for that old man, Hiruma Setsuko.

*

7:23 pm

As soon as Ethan walked in, I rushed into his arms, embracing him tightly. "I've missed you so much," I whispered.

Ethan's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I've noticed you've been extra affectionate lately, always hugging and snuggling me."

He wrapped his arms around me, holding me close. I smiled mischievously, pulling out the pregnancy test from behind my back.

"It's not just me who missed you," I said, my voice filled with excitement. "Our baby too."

I saw his eyes bulged

"Y-You are p-pregnant?" He shockingly asked

I nodded happily

Ethan's face lit up with joy. "We're having a baby!" he exclaimed, his lips meeting mine in a tender kiss.

I looked up at him, my eyes shining with excitement. "Let's keep this between us for now, okay?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan nodded, pulling me into a warm hug. "You're right. It's safer if no one else knows about the pregnancy. If word gets out, our enemies might target you."

Fastforward...

After dinner, Ethan and I retired to our room. We shared a relaxing shower, and our passion for each other ignited once more. We made love, our desire for each other undeniable.

As I reached the peak of ecstasy, I moaned in bliss. Ethan's own pleasure culminated, and he whispered endearments as he held me close.

Exhausted, we lay together, our bodies entwined. Ethan wrapped his arms around me, pulling me nearer, his warmth and love enveloping me.

"I love you" he said then kissed my forehead

"I love you, too" I replied back

"Hey, about your plan, are you still going through with it?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

"Yeah, and there have been some changes. Only Dion is aware of the updates," Ethan replied, his voice low and soothing.

I suppressed a sly smile, thinking to myself, Good luck, Shanaiah. May luck be on your side.

After discussing the plan for the next day, Ethan drifted off to sleep. I gazed at him, my heart filled with affection, and gently pressed my lips to his.

I couldn't help but laugh at the irony. "My darling, you're a master manipulator," I thought, recalling how effortlessly Ethan had convinced me of his innocence. I had doubted my own sanity, but it turned out the man I loved was far more complex and dangerous than I had ever imagined.

From the moment he kidnapped me, I knew something wasn't quite right. He'd used a voice changer to disguise his voice, but I never lost my memory. I was terrified, yet I remained calm, observing everything.

As his hands touched my body, I recognized the familiar sensation. It was Ethan. I knew it was him, and I played along, pretending to be clueless.

My love for Ethan was overwhelming, and I couldn't help but respond to his touch, even when he wore a mask. Deep down, I knew it was him, my beloved Ethan.

I decided to play along, secretly matching his moves. He manipulated me expertly, but now the tables have turned. Interestingly, whenever he uses tranquilizers on me, they don't seem to work. I'm not sure why, but as long as my memories remain intact, I'm good.

"Let's play them, my love," I whispered, sharing a final kiss on his luscious lips

**

end of chapter 12