“You know I love you,” she pouted, and looked at the man in front of her with loving eyes as she stroked his cheek.
“I don’t know anymore. You’ve been with him for so long you must have fallen in love with him.”
“Ha! Is that a joke?” She rolled her eyes at him. “I never loved that brat. You do not know how much self-control I needed to not slap his face when he’s being childish.” He pulled her waist closer to him and kissed her mouth. In response, she wrapped her arms around his neck, stroking his hair while her tongue wrapped around his.
“I am jealous. You know I want the world to know you’re mine.” He said between kisses as he nibbled his way to her neck. He nuzzled her neck and inhaled her fragrance.
“No marks, baby,” she reminded him, as she tilted her head back to give him more access.
“Dump the brat, already”. His hand found her breast and gave it a not-so- gentle squeeze. She let out a soft moan. Encouraged, he nibbled on her ear while his hand found its way inside her clothes.
“I will, Babe. Give me some time, OK?” she deftly opened the top button of his shirt. “I need him to make me the lead star to this big drama which will cement my career then I’ll leave him.” She completed unbuttoning his shirt at the same time as she finished her sentence. “Then we can let the entire world know about us.” She licked his chest wantonly, which drove him crazy.
“You know I can make you famous too.” The gasps he made as her tongue trailed his body can not conceal his jealousy.
“I know, but I don’t want to hurt your career, baby.” She tiptoed to cover his mouth with hers, wiping off his jealous retorts. They filled the dressing room with their suppressed moans.
Outside the dressing room stood Ryo Matsuda. His hands tightened on the bouquet of roses he was holding, uncaring if he ruined them. He had just finished a variety show guesting. Since the studio was quite close to her shoot’s location, he wanted to surprise her. The irony of it all. It turned out that she was the one who had a surprise for him.
The smile that he wore as he approached the dressing room vanished, and his expression turned darker. He heard every word she said crystal clear. Her ridicule did not escape him, too.
He did not need to guess who was with her in the room. He knew that it’s from Yuki Yamada, a former member of a male group and a rising matinee star. Some say that Yuki’s looks are second only to his.
With a thud, the roses he held bounced from the dressing room’s door and landed on the floor mangled. He no longer bothered if the two people inside heard the thud on the door. He also did not want to waste his energy on a confrontation. There was no reason to fight, because nothing was worth fighting for to begin with. He turned around and left the set, ignoring everyone he met.
He drove aimlessly around to vent out his anger. When either side of the road was no longer lined with buildings, he lowered his windows and let the wind dry the tears he did not bother to wipe from his face. He stopped by the edge of a cliff which faced the ocean.
Why did this happen to him? Why did he always end up wasting his time, his energy, and his emotions on people who do not know how to cherish him? Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. He sneered as he recalled other previous relationships that ended up the same way.
“What is wrong with me? Sure, I can be childish and arrogant, but I’m loyal and honest. I gave them all the love I have. Why did they always end up betraying me?” He asked himself as he recalled his previous relationships.
His first love used him to get closer to his best friend. Another one saw him as a living ATM, then this last one who wanted his influence in the industry.
“Why am I so dumb”.
For an unknown period, he sat in his car. One of his arms dangled from the open window. He inwardly punished himself by recalling the dialogue he heard earlier. He stared at the ocean before him and listened to the angry waves that hit the rock boulders below. After a while, he got out of the car and dangerously walked towards the end of the cliff.
“Ahhhhhh!” he screamed his lungs out. He wanted the world to know how furious he was. His chest puffed as he inhaled more air to scream some more.
“I am done with love!” he screamed to the ocean as if it had offended him.
“F*ck love!” salty tears run down his cheeks.
He forgot how many times he had screamed his head off. Tired, he plopped himself in the dirt as he stared at the ocean before him.
“I will never love again.”
Ellie felt her cellphone under her pillows as the alarm awakened her she set. 4:00 AM. Ellie had to brave the cold weather and get up from bed, while most still snuggled on their beds.She tidied up her bed, then went to the bathroom for a quick shower and prepared herself. After her shower, she picked up her phone and opened an app that showed her all the orders she needed to complete for the day. Today’s orders read: 1 two tiered cake for a baby shower, 3 dozen chocolate cupcakes, 1 dozen matcha flavored cupcakes, 2 blueberry cheesecakes. On top of these, she also needed to make sure that there are enough cakes and cupcakes for the display, so she needed to make 1 strawberry shortcake, 1 ultimate chocolate cake, 1 blueberry cheesecake, 1 dozen red velvet cupcake, another dozen chocolate cupcake and matcha cupcake, and 1 dozen cheesecake cups. Another busy day!After reviewing the cakes and cupcakes she needed to bake, she heade
After witnessing her betrayal, he broke up with Sofia Jones. He did not waste his breath for an explanation. Immediately after their breakup, he went radio silent and hid under the radar. He received a lot of an angry backlash from fans. Even his own fans chastised him. They called him a jerk for dumping her for no reason. She of course took this as free publicity. She looked very pitiful in interviews. Making sure she always appeared distraught and aggrieved. Of course people sided with her. After all, she was their goddess. She’s an angel to many people. She’s pure while they knew him as the entertainment circle’s bratty heir. A second generation heir who knew nothing but to make trouble. He cannot help but sneer at the irony of it all. If people only knew what a scheming sl*t, their goddess was. They will definitely throw up every time they see her crying like a widow.
They walked together towards the far end of the city. Away from the scenic spots and famous museums and from the noisy tourists. As they were walking, he told him his name was Takumi. He was from Japan and was visiting Paris for the first time. (Of course, these are all the information that the show told him to say)While she shared that she’s from the Philippines and came to France to study. She enrolled for a 2-month cake and pastry lessons. She also said that she owned a small cake and pastry shop.Since she was staying in France for 2 months, she rented a tiny apartment rather than stay in a hotel.They reached her apartment building. It was a five-storey building. It’s quite old. The paint was already peeling, but somehow it added to its appeal. Its tiny balconies had flower planters, with colorful flowers spilling over them.Her unit was on the 4th floor but since the bu
Ryo looked at her as she focused her attention on the movie she watched. Her face was an open book. One moment her lips would stretch to a smile, the next moment her forehead creased. She’d burst out laughing one moment, then cry the next. Any actor who would see the way she watches a movie will feel delighted.But not right now. Not for Ryo. The more looked at her, the more irritated he became. “How could she enjoy such garbage? What’s so good about that second-rate actor? He cannot even say his lines right,” he mocked Yuki in his head. He killed Yuki with his mental criticisms.Ellie seemed to see something from her peripheral vision, so she paused the video. Her eyes rounded, and she clutched her chest in surprise when she turned in his direction. “You scared me. I thought you were a ghost,” she said, catching her breath. After she recovered, she smiled at him. “Can’t sleep?” She
Ellie hardly realized that a month had already passed since she got back from Paris. She drowned in her work as soon as she got back. She hardly noticed the passing of time. Her excitement to apply what she learned made her forget about the hurt she had. It only proved she made the right choice when she moved away. Her business has also grown popularity. Before she left, they depended on the university students for their sales, but they were only breaking even. But through word of mouth and the improvements she did on her recipes, orders started coming in. Now, she had clients would drop by the store to pick up orders they brought online or would pick up something to go. Some would schedule a delivery through an app. As for those the app could not reach, she’d deliver their orders herself. The movie adaptation of the manga that inspired her store added popularity to the store. There are passersby who would pose outside her shop for p
Confusion filled Ellie’s face as she stared at the man before her. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’ve met you before.”
“Finally, it’s Sunday!” Ellie thought as she snuggled into her blanket. Her shop closed on Sundays. She bolted from her sleep when she remembered that today is her grandma’s birthday. She got out of bed, took a bath, and went down to her kitchen.宋体; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: ini
Ellie glared at her best friend as she wiped her mouth. Her face red as a tomato from too much coughing and embarrassment. “What bullshit are you talking about, Naomi?” her voice hitched. “Language, Elizabeth.” The deep voice of Ellie’s father warned her. “He’s not my boyfriend. What made you think he is?” Ellie’s voice was still indignant as she challenged Naya. Naya shrugged her shoulders. “This is the first time you brought a guy home, and it’s even on Nana’s Birthday.” Ryo cannot help but feel surprised by the revelation. “Wow, I’m the first guy she brought home. No wonder they’d think I’m her boyfriend.” Ellie’s face cannot be any redder. She stole a glance at Ryo, who sat beside her, grinning. “Sorr
“One step back, and you’re back in your comfort zone, assured of what each day would bring you. One step forward, and take a gamble taking a path full of uncertainties. Not knowing if it would give you pain or happiness.” Ellie could not help but shake her head. She gave Ryo the same choices two months ago. Who would have thought it boomeranged to her? She looked at her father with her bright eyes. The tiny dimples at the corners of her mouth deepened as her lips stretched into a smile. She took her father’s arm and made one step forward. His father smiled at her and assisted her as they walked further down the stone path. It felt like her feet were stepping on clouds. She could not feel her feet at all. Her mother waited at the end of the path, behind a closed door. She handed her a bouquet of roses and gave each of her cheeks a peck. Her eyes looked at each of her facial features with such adoration. “You l
It’s been a couple of months since the Academy Awards and Ellie has not heard from Ryo. For each day she has received no message or phone call from him, the heavier her heart felt. But then, didn’t she give him a choice? His nonresponse must be him telling her his choice. She’s fine either way but she hoped to at least spend one more day with him. One more day to look at him, talk to him, and engrave his presence in her memory. Because that day is all she’d have.It’s hard to believe that Ryo was her “the one that got away” because for the life of her, she wanted him to be the one. That one person whom she’d share her morning coffees with. But then, her pride and fear pushed him out of her life. She’s been through many breakups but none felt as painful as Ryo’s. She loved him dearly, and she loves him still. It’s hard losing somebody when you do not see it comin
“I am me and you are you. We could not change it. I wouldn’t change it. Our paths were not meant to cross, but they did. That must mean something, right?Now, I am putting us at another crossroads. We could spend one unforgettable night today and have a lifetime of certainty apart. Or we could have a lifetime together, making each uncertain night unforgettable. Ryo Matsuda, what does your heart tell you?”The camera panned to Ryo, displaying his face. Everyone in the venue and those watching at home could see his shock. But none of them felt the nuclear bombs detonating inside him. What does his heart tell him? Does he need to answer that? He looked at the vacant seat beside him and read the name written on it. Diwa Malaya. He does not know the name. But the words Director Nakamura read connected with him. It spoke to him. His head throbbed from trying
For the umpteenth time, Ryo surveyed his reflection on the full-length mirror before him. His stylists stood around looking at him, waiting for him to say something. The tailored tuxedo fit him like a second skin. The top half of his dark hair tied in a neat man bun at the back of his head while the rest brushed his shoulder. He looked fresh and gorgeous, like the true heartthrob that he is.Only when Ryo gave his smile and nod of approval did his stylists release their breaths. They’re already pressed on time and could not afford a wardrobe, makeup, or hairstyle change.As if on cue, Miyagi entered the room and signaled it’s time to leave. He turned around and walked out of his hotel room down to the parking where his team’s limousine waited. His eyes trained on the scenery outside the window. They’re on their way to the venue for the Academy Awards.The
Several months had passed, and Ellie’s life slowly returned to normal. Like every news in the country, a bigger news popped up and overtook Angelo’s death. The reporters who hounded her soon chased the bigger story and let her be. Social media bashers did the same. She and Diana had a talk months after the media frenzy. She’s still grieving, which mother wouldn’t but she chose to have her peace. After their long and heartfelt talk, Diana has forgiven Ellie. She also asked forgiveness for her son’s shortcomings. At first, it confused Ellie when Diana said the perpetrator’s family came forward and confessed. She said it was one of Angelo’s flings. The girl loved him so much and when he broke things with her; she committed suicide. The girl’s father could not accept her daughter’s fate and plotted revenge. Ellie kept her silence. It still amazed her how much influence Ryo’s family had. This time, they ma
“What do you plan to do, Ellie?” he asked as he stroked her back. They were lying on her bed, holding each other.“I don’t know, Ryo. Everything’s happening too fast. I’m overwhelmed.” She took a deep breath, then snuggled closer to him. “Part of me wanted to get away from all this. But another part of me forces me to stay, to face this. My conscience is clean, Ryo. It never crossed my mind to harm Angelo. I did not hire people to kill him. I couldn’t… I wouldn’t do that. And if I flee, it’s like I am saying I’m guilty of their accusations. I’m not.”Ryo felt her shuddering against him. Her tears wet his bare chest. The sobs she tried to suppress stabbed his heart. His jaws clenched, listening to her pain. How did things end up this way? Of everyone who has to suffer, why does it have to be her? She who had done nothing.
“Why are you here?” Ellie asked after crying her eyes out. Her icy hands cupped his face. Last time she checked his calendar, he’s booked solid.“I heard what happened. I have to be here.” His tender eyes scanned her face. His finger wiped her tears away. The way she looked broke her. Ellie’s not always made up. Her hair always seemed messy. Lip tint and a faint blush were the most makeup she wore. But she always wore her sunny disposition. It never failed to light up the room. But now, the sun did not seem to shine on her. Fear replaced the brilliance in her eyes.Ryo tugged her closer and brought his lips to her. He wanted to comfort her and he did not know how to do it with words. His lips touched on hers with such tenderness and longing. “I’m sorry, mahal ko.”Ellie, who felt so caught in a
“Let’s go to the old mansion,” Ryo said as he stood up from the couch. Still in costume, he strode out of the trailer and into the waiting Bentley. Since earning his own money, Ryo rarely visited the old mansion. It lacked the warmth of a home he experienced with Ellie’s and her family’s. Soji, his grandfather’s butler, opened the main door for him. They were expecting him. It only means they’re already aware of what’s happening with Ellie.“Young Master, Master is waiting for you at the Clan hall.” Soji stated as he bowed his head.With long and steady strides, Ryo walked towards the fourth basement of the mansion. Yellow fluorescent lights illuminated the cold corridors. A metal door was at the end of the hall. A man used to guard this door, but with technology, various biometric
Ellie had been busy with the preparation for moving to Japan. First thing she did was to inform her family about her decision. Like she predicted, although they did not stop her, they were sad she had to move far from home. She assured her family she’d keep her communication lines open and will call them regularly.She also informed Beth and Maya about her decision. Both were there to see hers and Ryo’s love story and supported the couple. But then they were both breadwinners of their families. The money they earned helped in their family expenses. So, facing the possibility of losing a job disheartened them. They did not need to say it, Ellie knew this.The universe seemed to work in Ellie’s favor. Her friend who helped her source her coffee beans has put up a coffee shop. As a regular customer of her shop, he is familiar with Beth and Maya. So Ellie did not need to say much. The ladies’ work ethics have spoken for them. They will star