18

Chapter 18

"Fabian!"

Jomari approached Fabian quickly. Fabian was seated at a table, getting touched up by several makeup artists. Jomari carried two cups of coffee and a paper bag, smiling as he placed them on the table.

"I don't want to eat, Manager," Fabian said, his eyes still on the script, his tone bored.

"So? Should I just give away this snack your wife sent?" Jomari teased.

Fabian paused, lifting his gaze. As Jomari reached for the paper bag, Fabian swiftly snatched it, maintaining a poker face as he claimed he was hungry after all.

"I thought you didn't want to eat," Jomari remarked.

Fabian didn't respond, instead inspecting the inside of the paper bag.

"Hey! That's not just for you. Madam said to share it with me too," Jomari added. But instead of handing over the bag, Fabian gave Jomari his card, instructing him to buy his own snack and get some for the staff in the tent as well.

Jomari pouted, commenting on Fabian's rudeness. Fabian read the note saying it was Sonia's favorite food and that she wanted to share it with him. Smiling, Fabian began to eat.

Fabian thought to himself that he should probably keep his schedule consistent with training and gym sessions to maintain his figure, especially with Sonia taking such good care of him.

Victor stared at the paper bag on Fabian's table, recognizing the logo from Sonia's favorite shop, the one they used to visit after class. Clenching his fists, Victor suddenly dismissed the staff from his tent, just as Themarie walked in, puzzled by Victor's mood.

---

"What's the matter, France? You seem quiet today. Don't you have any stories for mommy to share?" I asked, holding France's hand as we walked around the subdivision. It's a routine of ours to walk around before dusk—exercise for France and a way to curb his sleepwalking.

"I'm just sad, mommy. My classmates ruined the paper robot I made at school. I wanted to show it to you, but it's broken," France replied, his voice tinged with disappointment. Then he remembered the plastic bag he was hiding from me.

"Why don't you make it again, and I'll help you? We can put it in your room."

France stopped and looked at me, his eyes wide with hope. He asked if I would really help him.

"Of course. Don't be sad. I'll help you rebuild it. I want to see it too."

I poked France's cheek, and he smiled widely, hugging my leg.

We continued our walk, and when we got home, I sent France upstairs to shower while I started cooking dinner.

As I was searching the internet for recipes, an ad caught my eye. It featured Victor and Fabian. I quickly opened it to find a video of the two actors fighting on set.

My heart sank as I read the comments and the subsequent issue. The drama had been put on hold due to the conflict between the two actors. Fabian hadn't mentioned anything about it. This issue had been brewing for days. I covered my mouth in shock.

After cooking dinner, I continued watching the spreading rumors about Fabian. I couldn't help but worry. What if Fabian's career is ruined because of me?

I hadn't considered this when I agreed to the marriage. I hadn't thought about how I might affect Fabian's life.

When Fabian arrived, I didn't immediately bring up the issue because France was at the table with us.

"Goodnight, mommy and daddy!"

France kissed us both on the cheek and headed upstairs. I collected France's plate and started cleaning up.

"What's wrong, Sonia? You seem deep in thought. Is there a problem?" Fabian asked. I paused, holding the plate over the sink, my back turned to him. I didn't know how to respond.

Fabian came up behind me and peeked over my shoulder. I glanced at him slightly.

"I'm an actor too. I know when you're pretending. Stop acting. What's wrong?" Fabian pressed. I swallowed hard, nervously meeting his gaze.

"Why didn't you tell me you're working with Victor and that he's giving you a hard time? I saw the video," I said. Fabian paused, then reached for a strand of my hair.

"And what would you do if I told you?" Fabian asked. Before I could respond, he covered my mouth with his finger, looking me straight in the eye.

"I don't want to hear your apology, Sonia."

I closed my mouth. That was exactly what I was going to say. Sometimes it felt like Fabian could read my mind, reacting so quickly.

"Because not for a second have I regretted asking you to marry me and seizing the opportunity to be with the most amazing woman I've ever met. You don't need to apologize because you haven't done anything wrong," Fabian said. His words, his voice, and his gaze left my mind blank and my heart racing.

How does this man manage to calm my heart with just his words and looks? Fabian dispels my doubts and gives me reassurance.

"I'll finish up here. Go upstairs and rest," Fabian instructed. I tried to argue, but he warned me that if I didn't go up, he'd kiss me until I couldn't breathe.

"I've been tempted for a while. I just haven't kissed you yet because I haven't brushed my teeth," Fabian said, touching his lips and looking across the kitchen.

I blushed and backed away, embarrassed. I hadn't brushed my teeth yet either.

I heard Fabian laugh in the kitchen. Gosh, that guy is so shameless.

---

The next day,

I was alone in the mansion, sitting in front of my laptop, creating a fan page for Fabian.

I chuckled at the name I came up with and started inviting people, using a dummy account. I smiled as I began collecting Fabian's pictures, posting them on the page with content.

I defended him from bashers and visited his official page.

I was pleased to see the page quickly gaining likes and members joining the group. They shared pictures, and I was amazed at their extensive collections of Fabian's photos.

As I collected more pictures, I read about the female lead partnered with Fabian. I was impressed by her beauty and how she ranked second among the best artists, surpassing Victor.

Curious, I searched for her. She had only been in the industry for three years, discovered by a producer who saw her selling tilapia at a market because of her beauty.

I watched a clip and had to admit the woman was an excellent actress. She was currently being shipped with Fabian due to their chemistry.

There were photos of Fabian giving the woman coffee and them talking.

I closed the laptop. For some reason, my heart ached. They looked perfect together.

I shook my head. No, I couldn't let myself feel this way. I didn't want a repeat of what happened with Victor.

I slapped my cheeks lightly. I couldn't let my emotions get the best of me. I didn't want to make the same mistakes.

I collapsed onto the sofa, staring at the TV screen. An old commercial featuring my former self played.

With long hair, long lashes, perfectly curved lips, a bright smile, and a flawless figure, all my shows were hits despite the limited exposure given by my ex-mother-in-law's company. Even though I was gracing billboards, magazines, and had producers clamoring for me, I never felt secure because of my in-laws.

Many viewed me differently because I always inserted Victor into my dramas, as demanded by his mother. Now, looking back, I wanted to punch myself.

I had been so blind and foolish. I wondered if I had realized it sooner, could I have gone further in my career? Vladimir's face flashed in my mind. I bit my lip and squeezed my eyes shut.

"No, I can't regret it. I have my child, and even if I could go back and change everything, I would still choose the same path—for Vladimir," I whispered, opening my eyes and looking at the screen again.

After a while, I got up because I had to pick up France. I needed to shower and get dressed.

---

Later at France's school,

The children were having fun in the classroom, throwing papers and climbing on the chairs. France was laughing with friends around his table while a few girls confessed their crushes on him.

"No. I'm not interested in you," France said flatly. The girl's eyes widened, asking how she could get France interested.

France smiled sweetly and said, "If you become as beautiful as my mommy."

"I promised myself that I would only be interested in a girl if she's as beautiful as my mommy or more beautiful," France declared proudly. The boys laughed at the impossible standard.

France was handsome, and his dad was famous. It seemed impossible for any girl to meet France's standard. The girl left crying.

"Class, sit down."

The teacher entered, and the students returned to their seats. France noticed a boy standing outside, holding the strap of his bag and looking down.

"You have a new classmate. Welcome him and be nice," the teacher announced.

"Vladimir, come in," the teacher called. France raised an eyebrow at the familiar name.

A boy, about France's age but smaller, nervously entered the classroom, looking up shyly. France's eyes narrowed.

"I—Im—Vla—Vladimir Val—Valencia."

The children laughed at Vladimir's stammering. The teacher quickly silenced them, reprimanding them for mocking Vladimir. The teacher saw Vladimir was close to passing out and directed him to sit. Many kids refused to offer their seats, so the teacher asked France if Vladimir could sit next to him.

France frowned and quickly said no. The teacher was surprised by France's response, knowing him to be friendly.

France clenched his fist while looking at the boy who was now looking back at him. Their eyes met.

In France's mind, that boy was the one who would take his mommy away from him. He disliked Vladimir because he was his mommy's son.

France wanted Sonia all to himself. He would not allow that boy to take his mommy, especially since he was the reason why his mommy Sonia was struggling.

He hated Vladimir Valencia from the first time he saw his picture in mommy Sonia's wallet. His anger intensified at the idea that Sonia's blood flowed in the boy's veins and that his mommy cried for him every night.