“FRANCE!”

Seri wrapped her arms around him as soon as he got out of the car, pretending to be overly ecstatic seeing him.

“Seri, honey,” he said with a laugh. Well, he did call her ‘honey’ as an endearment.

“I miss you so much.”

“I miss you, too.” France gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Dad.”

Fernan was just behind Seri. She moved aside so the two could have a mini-reunion.

“Son, I’m glad you got here safe.”

France hugged his father.

“It’s been a long time. Is everything okay?”

Seri and Fernan glanced at each other.

“Of course. Seri is very friendly with everyone around here. Are you hungry? Lunch is waiting.”

“Oh, yeah. I’m starving.” France snaked an arm around her waist. “Did you cook?”

“Of course,” Seri said, beaming. She glanced at Fernan before she went inside the house with France.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

“I CAN SEE that you have been having fun screwing my Dad.” France folded his arms across his chest.

They went inside his room after lunch. Fernan left because he had a date with this Doctor Marian.

“Oh, yes. I’ve been enjoying every single moment of it. You know I only sleep with men when I wanted something. Ever since I became busy with House of Seri, I have never gone into hook-ups, either. When it comes to your Dad, I feel like a woman.” Seri wrapped her arms around her. “I never enjoyed sex like this before.” She sighed dreamily.

“I just found out recently that he’s seeing Doc Marian.”

“Even if I knew he’s dating, I would still push through with the plan. They’re not yet engaged, you know.” Seri shrugged.

“As soon as Dad leaves me alone, we’ll stop.”

“France, that’s the plan. And then, we can go on with our lives,” Seri assured.

“I think we’re succeeding.” France smiled.

“Oh, yeah. I deserve a reward, then. How about a trip abroad?”

“Hmm. Not bad. I just realized I badly need a break.”

*** *** *** *** *** ***

DOC MARIAN was a simple yet elegant woman in her late forties. She only wore light make-up and a pair of earrings as her accessories. She was also soft-spoken.

Seri found out that she was annulled and did not have children with her former husband. Everyone who sees her with Fernan thinks that they were a good match.

“You look like a lovely couple, but you don’t have to rush marriage. Taking your time is never wrong,” Doc Marian said.

They were having dinner in a fancy restaurant in town.

Seri and France glanced at each other.

“Well, of course, Doc Marian. Seri and I still have our careers as our priority. I think it’s you and Dad who should rush marriage.”

Doc Marian laughed heartily at France’s remarks. Fernan cleared his throat and laughed along.

“Up to this day, I still don’t understand how I agreed to date Fernan. I mean, I’m good with being single.” She stared at him. “I guess he’s just charismatic enough to win the hearts of the people and mine.”

“Marian, you’re making me blush,” Fernan joked.

“That is so true,” Seri agreed at once.

Fernan stared at her.

“It’s the same with France. There’s just something about him. When I met Congressman, I realized why.”

Fernan looked relieved as he fixed his tie. He grabbed his wine and took a sip.

“France chose a smart girl for a girlfriend. Don’t you think so, Fernan?”

“Of course. He took after me,” Fernan said, clearing his throat.

Seri winked at France, which the latter returned with a smile.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

SERI OPENED her eyes as she felt someone move behind the bush. She was at the poolside at past midnight. She had been swimming for almost an hour, wearing the same bikini she wore in the photo she sent Fernan.

The moon was full in the sky. She could still see anyone even though the lights from the lamp post were off.

“Where’s France?”

It was Fernan. He was already wearing a robe.

“In our room, asleep. He had too much drink tonight. Anyway, it was you I’ve been waiting for to join me.” Seri stood up and helped him remove his robe. He was wearing a swimming trunk underneath. “I can’t believe this is our last night together.”

Fernan held her waist firmly.

“You can always come back with or without France.”

Seri pulled him to the pool. They removed their clothes, and instead of swimming, they were busy exploring each other’s bodies.

Seri felt the gutter against her back as she grabbed Fernan’s nape. He was licking and sucking her nipples alternatively. Seri was moaning loudly.

“Honey, you’ll wake the maids,” he said.

“I can’t help it,” she breathed.

“Let’s go over there.”

They evacuated the pool. Fernan pulled her to a massive Indian tree, which the lights could not reach.

“There. Moan as loud as you want,” he teased.

Seri giggled. She leaned on the tree as Fernan lifted her one leg. He penetrated her with ease. He claimed her mouth before he lifted her waist. Seri snaked her legs around him, and he began to take her in a standing position.

“Oh!” Seri hugged him tightly. She had never tried that position before. It was new, yet it felt intense.

She was dizzy with delight. She did not want it to end. And as they climaxed, Seri thought she had forgotten something.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

SERI’S head ached as she read the headline of the newspaper while sitting in her office.

CONGRESSMAN FERNAN REYES AND DOCTOR MARIAN AGUSTIN ARE ENGAGED.

The two personalities who had been keeping their affairs in private announced that they are getting married on Sunday. According to sources, the engagement happened during Doctor Agustin’s birthday celebration…

Seri did not finish reading the whole article. She stared at the pregnancy test kit in her hand with two red lines in it.