A Love Beyond Recall

Chapter 8: " Unexpected Goodbyes"

The first rays of dawn painted the sky in soft hues of pink and orange, gently coaxing Zack awake. He lay beside Avery, her warmth a comforting presence against his chest. She was curled into him, her sleep-kissed face serene, her long lashes casting delicate shadows on her cheeks. The sight of her, so vulnerable and beautiful in the morning light, filled him with a tenderness that bordered on ache.

He stole a glance at the wall clock. 3 am. He couldn't bear to leave her there on the sofa, so gently, he scooped her into his arms, careful not to disturb her slumber. Carrying her to her room, he laid her down on the bed, tucking the covers around her. He lingered for a moment, watching her sleep, his heart swelling with a love that felt both terrifying and exhilarating.

Returning to the living room, he surveyed the scene. The sofa bore a small, telltale stain, a reminder of their passionate night. He carefully cleaned it, a sense of protectiveness washing over him. He wouldn't let anyone know about this, not yet.

Avery woke around 7 am, the memory of the night before flooding back in a wave of warmth and wonder. She had no regrets, only a deep sense of contentment. She felt a pang of tenderness for the man who had awakened a passion she never knew existed. She got up, her body a little stiff from the night's activities, but her spirit soared. She had to take care of the mansion and her employer, but her heart was light.

"Good morning, beautiful," Zack greeted her, a playful smile on his lips as he stirred a pot on the stove.

"What are you doing? Why are you cooking?" Avery asked, walking towards him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. Zack, in a simple white T-shirt and branded cargo shorts, looked impossibly handsome, even in the casual attire. She wrapped her arms around him from behind.

"Nanay Maria's not here, so I'm cooking breakfast for you," he said, turning to kiss her gently.

"Hmm, this seems nice," Avery murmured, her cheek resting against his.

"Don't you like it? You want to eat my eggs instead?" he teased, his laughter booming through the kitchen.

Avery laughed, surprised by his playful side. She had never imagined him as anything other than the serious, reserved boss she had initially known.

After breakfast, they cleaned up the kitchen together, their laughter echoing through the mansion. Avery reveled in the simple joy of their shared moments, her heart full of hope for a future with this man who had stolen her heart.

Zack had to leave for the office, a mountain of work awaiting him.

"Take care of yourself, babe. I'll call you later," he said, kissing her softly.

"Okay, you too, Zack," she replied, hugging him tightly.

The days flew by, and soon it was time for Avery to start working at Zack's company. The paperwork was all in order, and she was ready to embark on this new chapter.

They continued to keep their relationship a secret, especially from Nanay Maria and Tatay Romeo. The setup at the mansion remained unchanged, with Avery still serving as Zack's personal maid. While Zack hated the temporary secrecy, he agreed to it to avoid any complications.

"Are you leaving?" Zack asked, his voice a low murmur as he watched her, his gaze lingering on her as she brushed her long hair in front of the mirror.

"Yes, I need to take care of some paperwork before I start work," Avery replied, a smile playing on her lips.

"Avery, don't forget you have a boyfriend. If anyone tries to court you, tell me, I'll fire them," Zack teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Yes, sir, I'll remember that," Avery answered, her smile widening as she teased him back.

"Sir??? really ," he said, scooping her up in his arms and carrying her to the bed.

He started to tickle her, causing her to squirm and giggle.

"Stop it, I'll kick you," Avery threatened, her laughter breathless. He didn't stop until she managed to escape and run out the door.

Suddenly, Avery stopped laughing and shouting.

"Nanay Maria," she whispered nervously.

Nanay Maria looked at the two, her eyes filled with questions.

Avery bowed her head in embarrassment, unsure of what to say, and ran out of the Mansion.

"Let's talk, Son," the old woman ordered.

Zack followed the old woman while scratching his head.

"Sit down," she ordered Zack seriously.

"Nay, let me explain," he started.

"Do you have a relationship with Avery?" Nanay Maria asked immediately.

"Nay, I don't see anything wrong with our relationship with Avery. We love each other. We didn't tell you because Avery didn't want to and..." Zack was interrupted when Nanay Maria decided to speak.

"Avery is still young, Son," Nanay Maria disagreed with their relationship.

"There are many other women out there, older and like you, who are wealthy. Avery is an innocent girl, I know, you have many women, and you're not serious in a relationship. What if you get tired, what then? Will you leave that girl? You know she still has dreams in life, I'm just saying, if this is a game, stop it," Nanay Maria's voice was filled with concern.

Zack took a deep breath.

"Nay, I'm serious," his face showed his sincerity and honest admission.

"Can you protect Avery? You know your world is complicated, Avery is just a simple girl, Son, Avery is still young, she doesn't fully understand about love," Nanay Maria still had her concerns.

"Just trust me, Nay. I won't hurt or endanger Avery," Zack explained.

Avery arrived without Nanay Maria and her boyfriend. Avery breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that she would face them one day. For now, she would think about what she would say.

Suddenly, Avery's phone rang.

Her Aunt Maring was calling from the province.

"Hello po, Tiya, why did you call?"

"Avery, hija, your mother passed away," she sobbed.

"What? I don't understand, Tiya," her voice cracked.

"Hija, your mother had cancer, brain cancer," her aunt said sadly.

"What? Why didn't you tell me before," tears started to fall from Avery's eyes.

"Sorry Hija, your Mom didn't want to tell you, because she was afraid you would stop studying," her aunt cried on the other line.

Avery's world suddenly went dark, unable to speak, her whole body trembling. Until she finally collapsed on the floor.

Avery didn't know what to do, she cried for almost two hours while sitting on the floor. She had to act, she had to call Zack.

She dialed Zack's number, which was saved in her phone book, but it was out of reach. She was also hesitant to call Nanay Maria because of what happened.

Avery had to go home as soon as possible, so she booked a ticket to Negros in the province. She was lucky there were still vacancies, her flight was at 5 am the next day. She immediately packed her things, including the gifts she was going to bring home in December, and she had some savings.

She called her boyfriend's number again, but it was still out of reach. Maybe he's just busy, she whispered to herself.

Because Avery couldn't sleep thinking and crying, she just got ready. She showered and got dressed, it was 3 am. She booked a taxi and went out to check on Zack's room, but he was still not there.