Chapter: Chapter 70: Original Spare DateThe face, the hug, the feeling – they are not just familiar but have been longed for. It’s been three long years since Billie got sick and everything else happened. All the misunderstandings and things that both of them already want to forget have presented themselves again in the moment.“What time is your flight tomorrow?” Billie asked.“After lunch,” Zofi said.“So soon. I was hoping it would be at night,” he said.“I want to rest a bit before the next flight,” she said.Billie looks away and stays focused there.“What is it?” she asked.He shakes his head while trying to hide the sadness in his eyes with a fake smile.“You’re turning 29. We are both 29 now and one of us is already taken,” he said.Zofi understood what he meant.“It can’t be pushed back anymore this time,” he said.“Are you assuming that I am going to end up with him?” she asked bravely.“I know he’s not going to let you go,” he said seriously.“We are still getting to know more about each other,” she said nervo
Last Updated: 2023-09-19
Chapter: Chapter 69: Chivalrous DateLizzie looks around the café while having her favorite drink. The place has improved a lot and it attracts more customers everyday. “Happy mood?” Zofi asked.“I’m enjoying this drink and this place,” Lizzie said.“I can see that,” Zofi said.Jiro entered the café and saw them immediately. He waved at them before heading to the café’s office. He looks so cool and handsome while juggling his duties in the café and his job as a consultant for a company.“We’ve been frequenting this place for months now,” Lizzie said.“It’s the closest to our office,” Zofi said.“I mean, you come here regularly,” Lizzie said.“And?” Zofi asked.“You’re really not afraid of him anymore?” Lizzie asked.“He’s nothing to me,” Zofi asked.“C’mon. Have you seen him lately?” Lizzie asked.“I see him almost every time I come here,” Zofi said.“Maybe….you know? You could explore the possibility?” Lizzie asked.“Of what?” Your imagination is getting weird,” Zofi said.Lizzie leans forward. “Don’t tell me you
Last Updated: 2023-09-15
Chapter: Chapter 68: Birthday DateZofi and Luke catch their breath upon reaching the entrance of the restaurant. “We should freshen up first before we meet them. I’m getting ready for a full lecture from my mother so you should be ready to,” she told Luke. “Maybe if we looked haggard she would be more understanding,” he said. “You don’t know her. Go wash your face first,” she said. Hundreds of thoughts come running in Zofi’s head. Explaining how they lost Danica is a big challenge. “Ready?” she asked Luke as he came out of the men’s room. The two walk slowly to their reserved table. Contrary to what they thought, her mother is in high spirit. Danica looks like she’s happy too. There’s no hint of what happened in the early part of the day. The two look at each other. Everyone in the table is happy but there’s one she doesn’t remember inviting to this dinner. “Why are here?” she asked Jiro who’s sitting in front of her mother. Jiro looks uneasy. “Hey, that’s not how you greet a guest,” her mother said
Last Updated: 2023-09-06
Chapter: Chapter 67: Chaperone DateIt’s Zofi’s twenty-eight birthday. She woke up even before her alarm goes off. Her phone is full of messages but Billie's message stands out. It reads, "Happy 28th birthday. I pray for your success and happiness. Enjoy your day.”“Were you expecting more like 'I love you'?” Natalie asked.“Don’t be silly. Of course not,” Zofi said.“But your tone said otherwise,” Natalie said.“I don’t know what you're talking about,” Zofi said.“Not me seeing you stalking his account,” Natalie said.“You did not,” Zofi almost screamed.“You left it open yesterday and I happened to see it,” Natalie said with a naughty smile.“Anyway, my parents are arriving anytime now,” Zofi said to change the topic.“Why do they need a bigger place? Are they coming with friends?” Natalie asked.Zofi looked at her for a moment then began thinking.“I was busy and just went ahead and looked for a bigger one. I didn’t care to ask,” Zofi said.“Hmmm….are they not bringing you a surprise guest for your birthday?” N
Last Updated: 2023-09-04
Chapter: Chapter 66: Dateless DateNatalie opened the door with a big smile on her face.“I knew you saw it. And don’t pretend that you had nothing to do with him waiting for me in the airport today,” Zofi told her.The smile on Natalie’s face quickly vanished. Ryan listens to the girls’ conversation.“Hello there,” Zofi greeted him as she walks to her room.Ryan signaled that she follows her and try to explain.“Listen, he was just concerned about you,” Natalie said outside Zofi’s door.Zofi stays quiet inside her room. She too couldn’t believe she got inside a cab with Jiro. Her neck hurts a little from not moving during the short cab ride.“It's a good start,” Ryan told Natalie.“Is he really a good person?” she asked.“He is. He’s just misunderstood because he cares a lot for her but he’s a little careless too,” he said.The mood in the office is light as everyone anticipates an outing for all employees and interns.“Finally, you’re here!” Lizzie said as soon as Zofi entered their area.“What did I miss?” Zofi
Last Updated: 2023-08-29
Chapter: Chapter 65: Still Waiting DateZofi slowly opened her room’s door. The entire unit is dark with only the light coming from the kitchen. There’s no sign of Natalie being awake. She then carefully pulled her luggage and walked quickly and quietly to the main door.She catches her breath as she stands outside of their unit. A car service taking her to the airport awaits downstairs.“Miss, would you like to have some coffee or tea?” the flight attendant asked.“Coffee, please,” she said with a sign of relief on her face.It’s two more hours before she lands in Manila. She messaged Natalie to tell her about her early flight.“I couldn’t believe myself,” she said to Natalie yesterday afternoon.“What happened? Why are you panting?” Natalie asked.“My mind was wandering. I knew I saw Jiro coming from the opposite direction but I didn’t bother taking a different route,” Zofi said.“Wait. He came from the opposite direction so he’s not following you,” Natalie clarified.“It’s a different way of doing it but I wasn’t
Last Updated: 2023-08-22
The Third Book
Following the success of her two novels, Cela receives an offer for the TV adaptation of her stories but a third story has to be written soon to complete a three-story special. She is not in to the project until she rediscovers the paper bearing the address of the meeting place of her supposed first date with Nate. Now that her mother is no longer around to interfere, she becomes inspired to reunite with him after many years and hopefully write the third novel based on their new story. Unfortunately, he is now about to get married in two months. Disappointed with the turn of events, she decides not to meet him again.
She visits their old meeting place and finds it a good place to write but unexpectedly meets him there. They agree not to talk to each other if they meet there again but fate leads them to meet again under different circumstances leaving them no choice but to speak to each other.
Suddenly, Nate’s fiancée starts acting weird and suggests that he spend the weekend with Cela while she is away. Although it confuses him, he figures that it is her way of helping him get closure.
The two spend one Sunday reminiscing the past expecting a closure in the end but the wonderful moment they share this time only makes it harder to achieve that closure so Cela has to put a stop to it saying, “Please don't think even for a second that there is still something left or something new to explore after everything that happened or did not happen. This is not a novel. This is reality. We don't get sequels or spin-offs in real life. We just continue. We move forward and that's how we get to the ending."
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Chapter: Final Chapter: The blue sky with the setting sun and the cool breeze make a perfect late afternoon at the park. This is one of those moments when it is certain that nothing will ever go wrong. It’s like the answered prayer that finally came after years of waiting, longing, and enduring sadness.Anyone can stay in this moment forever.Cela looks at her picture from her phone. She smiles at how she looks on the picture taken more than a year ago on the day of the viewing of her last book that was turned into a mini movie aired on television. One of the guests snapped a photo of her while trying to collect the roses that fell on the floor after she tripped. The picture is not bad at all. She turned into a meme that is rarely seen as beautiful rather than funny. She feels good about it and the memory of that night becomes a constant reminder for her to move forward and get what she deserves.“Hello,” she picked up her phone.“Hey, I’m leaving my hotel now. I can pick you up from your hotel,” Nat
Last Updated: 2023-03-12
Chapter: Chapter 30: A Letter To Cela“Are we all good to go for the viewing tonight?” Lora asked her team.“Yes, Ms. Lora. Everything is ready for tonight,” her assistant confirmed.“How’s the attendance?” Lora asked.“Only one has not confirmed. Nate Romero,” her assistant said.Lora sighed. She feels that the tiny hope is fading completely.“That’s fine. Our bosses are the important guests. Finally, this project will be over and we can plan for the next one soon,” she said.Cela’s entourage waits for her at the lobby of her place.“Wow, the gang is complete!” she said. “I’m staying here. We’ll wait for you to come back after the viewing,” Nanny Rita said. She’s holding her new born baby girl.“That’s a good idea. This cutie must take care of my place,” Cela said of Nanny Rita’s daughter. “Besides, your mother knows everything and beyond than what we are about to see in the viewing,” she said.“Good luck! Everything will be good,” Nanny Rita said.“How are you feeling, sis?” Rolan asked.“I’m okay. Everythin
Last Updated: 2023-03-08
Chapter: Chapter 29: One RoseNate could hear Auntie May’s laughter from outside the gate. He thought she’s having another lunch with the ladies from her group in the church. To his surprise, she’s only having coffee with Dina. The two have grown closer these days.“How come you’re back already?” Auntie May asked as he's getting out of his car with those still fresh yellow tulips in one of his hands.Nate smiled at them but held back a little. After the small tiff with Dina last night, he’s not prepared to see her as early as now. “There’s something in my stomach. I had to rush back,” he said.“Those are beautiful flowers,” Auntie May said upon noticing the flowers.Nate looked at flowers with disappointment. “I wasn’t able to give them away,” he said.“You left without meeting your friend?” Auntie May asked. Dina quietly listens to the conversation. She too wasn’t expecting Nate to arrive around this time.Nate shook his head. “I couldn’t but I called her. I told her I couldn’t meet her today,” he said.T
Last Updated: 2023-03-04
Chapter: Chapter 28: Safe DistancingNate looks behind to check on everyone who suddenly becomes very quiet. The children are all sleeping. They’re all tired but happy from a day of activites in a different parish. Dina watches the road while a kid sleeps on her lap. Nate finds the scene very calming.“What is it?” Dina asked.“Nothing. You look so calm back there,” he said.“Hey, talk to the driver,” she said.“It’s still early. He can’t sleep while driving at this hour,” he said.“Look at these kids,” she said.Nate smiled. They’re like a married couple travelling with their kids.“Auntie May’s calling. I’ll put her on speaker,” he said.“Why are you two not answering my texts?” Auntie May asked.“I’m sorry, Auntie. We are on our way back. What is it?” he asked.“Tell Dina to come here after you bring the kids home. Her mother’s joining us for dinner,” she said.Dina agreed. They arrived just in time for dinner. Nate started browsing his messages. He couldn’t check his phone earlier.“Anything wrong?” Dina a
Last Updated: 2023-02-27
Chapter: Chapter 27: Short MessagesThe morning breeze entered Cela’s room and woke her up gently. It’s a new way of waking up in the morning and so much better than waking up with the annoying sound of her phone’s alarm.She realized her phone’s battery was drained all night that made it easier for her to get better sleep.A beautiful smile quickly showed on her face the moment her phone opened. She carries that smile the whole morning.“Do you think they’re now talking?” Lora asked Hyun.“She’s not saying anything,” Hyun said.Both speak in a low voice as they watch Cela type on her laptop.“Is she hiding this thing from you now?” she asked.“It’s probably to avoid the jinx. By now, I know her well. She’s trying not to expect a lot but inside she does,” he said.“But she keeps looking on her phone. Is she still meeting me? Am I waiting for something here?” she asked.“I’m really sorry, Ms. Lora. She’s been losing her focus these past few days but you know….,” he said.“I understand and I want to be more understan
Last Updated: 2023-02-22
Chapter: Chapter 26: Longing“Hyunnnn!” Hyun heard the loudest greeting from Cela that morning.“Ms. Cela, calm down. Tell me happened. Should I go to your house or to the studio? Should I call your brother? Ms. Ivy? Wait…what’s really going on?” he asked almost non-stop.“You’re so overreacting,” Cela said.“Alright, alright. I overreacted but what happened to you?” he asked.“Nate sent me a message this morning,” she said with so much joy in her voice.“Really? What did he say?” he asked with excitement.“Well, it's just the usual greeting for now,” she said.Hyun is a little disappointed but he doesn’t want to let Cela feel it.“Did he say he’s calling you any time soon?” he asked.“Oh, dear. I shouldn’t expect that but I will wait,” she said. “Surely, you can wait,” he said to himself.“What’s that? Did you say something?” she said.“Nothing, Ms. Cela. I’ll meet you later in the studio,” he said.Hyun is still in awe at Cela’s change in behavior. She’s acting as if she were a teenage girl who just sa
Last Updated: 2023-02-19
I Don't Want To Live With A Billionaire
Newly graduated Audrey becomes the new assistant to Joaquim, a billionaire and the CEO of a start-up software company. The role is previously handled by Joaquim's ex-girlfriend who also used to live within the mansion compound. She makes it clear that she will stay in the office, not in the mansion to do her job where she works with Bobby, Joaquim's loyal right hand man who she wishes is her boss.
Audrey is in the mansion for her regular task when the strict implementation of the lock down is suddenly enforced leaving her no choice but to stay there until she gets her permit to go out. She and Joaquim bond naturally after they are left alone in the compound for a few weeks. He grows fond of her stories, which he prefers over his boring sentiments making him more relax and smile easily. On the other hand, she knows him better now and changes her mind about living in the mansion with him. Eventually, she goes home to her family and sees Bobby as well. This turns the bond between them back to being purely professional.
Audrey recommends Bella, her former classmate to be the new cook for Joaquim, who after knowing him tries to win his heart. Later on, they discover that she is pregnant. Thinking it is Joaquim's baby, Audrey resigns and begins to date Bobby. Joaquim loses focus on an important project that compels Bobby to step in making Joaquim suspicious of his motives. They have an argument causing Bobby to leave the company too.
Two years later, the two meet in an event. Joaquim shares his life changing experiences during the pandemic including some losses in his own business to which Audrey reminds him that she still does not want to live with a billionaire.
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Chapter: Chapter 68: Fresh SummerA year after ending an old era in my life and facing challenges in my corporate life while still working on my channel, I feel so tired but my mind refuses to surrender.“You had a delivery,” Mom said while pointing at the white square envelope on the table.I got curious about it but I have a feeling that my parents know or at least have a hint of what it is about.“An invite?” I asked but she ignored me.The invite is for the wedding of Bobby and Rocio. It's no surprise that they would begin liking each other after going through their company’s ordeal but it still surprised me that it has reached this point already.“It’s for Bobby and Rocio’s wedding,” I said to my parents.They look at me without reaction on their faces. They knew it.“I know you won’t attend it,” Bobby said on the other line but he’s not mad.“But you did send an invite anyway,” I said.“That’s my way of telling you,” he said.“I wanted to call you last year when I saw you on the magazine cover but I thought it
Last Updated: 2023-09-12
Chapter: Chapter 67: End of an EraNeedless to say that my parents, especially my father, are not happy with my split from Bobby. They’ve been giving me the cold treatment since that night that we broke up. He was my first serious boyfriend that they met and they were really rooting for him. I try to act normal every time I am working from home. I film my videos when they are already in their room. They thought my newfound interest was one of the reasons why I split from Bobby. Until now, they still believe that I still don’t know what I want in life and this cooking and filming interest is just another phase.“I’m glad you agreed to having additional one day working in the office,” Trevor said.“It’s fine. It’s starting to get boring at home. I see many are back to the usual set up,” I said.“Well, hybrid is the best. I won’t last the entire week working here,” he said.I smiled. It’s the first time I heard him say about his dislike about working in the office. “Anyway, your views are getting higher,” he sai
Last Updated: 2023-09-08
Chapter: Chapter 66: Beautiful Sunset“Behind every successful man, there is a woman,” Rocio started her introduction.I feel the cringe as many eyes are looking at me like I’m the luckiest girl in the world.“How does it feel to be the wife of the youngest CEO and billionaire in the country? Not to mention – a very charming man?” a guest asked me.I can’t breathe. I don’t know what to say but I know what I want to do and that’s to run away from everyone.My phone has been ringing nonstop. I saw two missed calls prior to the current one.“You’re still awake, aren’t you?” Ally asked on the line.I checked the time. It’s still Saturday night. I fell asleep while uploading my latest videos in my online channel.“What do you want?” I asked.“Congratulations!” she said.“What? No! I’m not getting married yet!” I screamed.The dress that Auntie Blessy bought for me a few months ago is finally out of the closet. It’s simple yet very elegant. I’m still hesitant to wear it to my lunch with Bobby tomorrow.“Are you sure yo
Last Updated: 2023-08-31
Chapter: Chapter 65: Defining MomentThe sight of Bobby eating with so much appetite is refreshing. But if my observation was right, he’s in need of something he couldn’t find just anywhere even with the power and money that he has.“Hey, join me. I’m sorry for devouring your food,” he said with a noticeable sad smile on his face.“It's alright. We had heavy snacks this afternoon,” I said.“Do they come here often?” he asked.“Just today. I wanted them to taste my desserts and……,” I said but couldn’t finish.“And then?” he asked.“I am also filming my cooking,” I said shyly.“You’re vlogging,” he said.“I want to try. It’s Trevor’s idea,” I said.“He’s got a great idea,” he said.I regret telling that to him. “You’re surrounded by good people,” he said.I’ve been wanting to ask him why he suddenly arrived but I recalled what my parents said that he’s not required to call in advance to let me know he’s coming. “I missed you. I missed being around you,” he said.He holds my hand while he continues eating. He looks
Last Updated: 2023-08-25
Chapter: Chapter 64: Start Up RecipeI spent the rest of the evening going through my old recipe notebook that contains all my imaginary recipes that I never get to try and have remained unfinished up to this day.Thanks to Bella for reminding me that once upon a time, I dreamed of becoming a chef or even just a cook. I realized once again that I spent so many years in college trying to figure out what I wanted to do in my life only to graduate, find a job, and still continue figuring out if what I’m doing now is the one that I really want.“Audrey is not with us yet,” Gelly said in the video call.I tried to open my eyes immediately. “I’m sorry. I was having a hard time sleeping last night,” I said an alibi.“We can proceed now,” Trevor said.“We will be needing your team’s assistance in our next project. Basically, we will be requesting data from your end,” she said.“Sure. We are happy to assist. Just send us your requests,” I said actively.Trevor hides his smile but I could still see it from the screen.“I sen
Last Updated: 2023-08-21
Chapter: Chapter 63: Right PlaceThe sound of people talking inside our house was what I instantly heard upon opening our gate.“Where have you been?” Bobby asked as soon as I entered our house.My parents look happy being reunited with him.Is this my punishment for sneaking out to meet Quim? I completely forgot to think of an alibi before returning home. “Why are you here? Did you call?” I asked Bobby defensively.“What kind of question was that?” Dad asked as Bobby looked surprised as well.“If I knew you were coming, I would’ve not met with my colleagues,” I lied.“He doesn’t need to call to announce he’s coming. He’s welcome here,” Mom said.“It’s fine, Uncle, Auntie,” Bobby said.“Please bear with her, son,” Dad said to him.“I completely understand. I know she’s enjoying her colleagues’ company lately,” Bobby added.“We’ll leave you two here,” Mom said.“I’m also leaving in a few minutes, Auntie. I just waited for Audrey to arrive,” Bobby said.Mom shook her head. She’s probably disappointed.“Feel free t
Last Updated: 2023-08-12
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