Juliana's point of view Wow! Staring at the transcript of my result, I couldn't believe I passed. I did! OMG! I really did! Dad would be elated to hear of the good news - I smiled, reminiscing how hard I studied to be able to get a scholarship. My hard work did not go to waste after all. It paid off. I giggled to myself and gazed at the results again for the umpteenth time. I just couldn't stop myself from repeating the process. It seemed so... Surreal, even to my own eyes. Dad; he worked so hard just to make sure I succeeded. I could wait no longer to get home and present my results to him. Indisputably, he would be astonished and overjoyed at the same time. Frankly speaking, he was the reason behind my zeal to get a scholarship so badly. I wanted nothing more than to be able to take us out of the poverty I grew up in. To be able to give him a better life. A life he actually deserved. Ever since I was just a kid, the way loan sharks harassed him had never gone unnoticed by me.
Groaning, I regained consciousness and just like like, everything that happened a while ago came rushing back into my system like a flood. Hot, fat tears ran down my cheeks like a loose faucet. Right in front of me, my entire world came crumbling down and I couldn't do anything to help. I was useless! Like a raging bull, I got up and pushed open the door, but to my horror, I met an empty living room. "Dad? Dad?" I screamed for him, but my efforts were futile. Knowing they couldn't have gone far, I raced outside and true to my words, I sighted them, throwing his body in the trunk of a black truck. I raced towards them, but at that very moment, the vehicle began to move. "No!" I continued running after the vehicle until my legs became jelly and I fell flat on my face. "Give him back to me." I cried intermittently. The image of his lifeless body in the pool of his blood suddenly flashed in my mind. "DAD! DAD!!" I screamed at the top of my lungs until my voice croaked and began to br
Mia let out a gasp. She obviously couldn't believe what she just heard. How could she when I still couldn't believe it myself. "Bes." She called, her voice trembling. "I'm... I'm so sorry. Who... Did that to him?" She stuttered. "I don't know who they are. It was my first time seeing them at our house... They looked like thugs." My lips quivered as I spoke. My heart was breaking into a million pieces. "Why did you not call the cops, bes? You should have done that immediately." Mia admonished, grabbing my trembling hand in hers. "I couldn't do it, Mia." I shook my head aggressively. "I couldn't leave or take my eyes away from him even for a blink of an eye." More tears slipped out of my eyes. "I think I lost my phone." "They weren't putting on masks?" Mia caressed my hand softly, emboldening me to continue. "No. I saw their faces. All three of them." I replied. How could I possibly not? Their faces were engraved in my mind and I didn't think it would ever fade. I knew I would ne
"Do you really plan on leaving Cebu? Where do you plan to go, bes?" Mia inquired. I had finally been discharged from the hospital after a few days later and was busy packing my stuff. "Can't you please just stay?" Her voice was laced with genuine worry. It was evident she did not want me to leave the province, but there was absolutely nothing she could do to convince me. I was hellbent of seeking vengeance for my father's death. I couldn't be stopped. Not even by my best friend. "Please reconsider," she continued. "You're not in the right state of mind and knowing you, you might do something reckless."I would admit, she was not wrong about that — I had always acted on impulse, but this time around, my actions would be justified. "Don't worry about me, Mia," I smiled, tightly. "I will be fine. I won't stop, until I get even with those monsters that ruined my life." The promise was more to myself. It was a vow I was ready to do anything to fulfill. There will surely pay in a dreadful
It had already been three days since I arrived in the big city, Manila, and as you'd guess, it had not been easy for me. Upon arriving in Manila, the bustling city presented unexpected challenges and tested my resilience. I almost got raped by some drunkards, but narrowly managed to escape.I also didn't have money to buy food, nor could I afford a cheap hotel room to stay in. Desperation led me to seek refuge beneath a bridge, among a community of individuals facing similar struggles. It was a terrible experience. For two consecutive days, I had nothing to eat and it started taking its toll on me. I became weak; my vision was blurry and I constantly felt like passing out. I tried looking for part-time jobs, but no luck. I was desperate. I needed a job to be able to survive. If I don't survive, how will I ever get justice for dad? Luckily for me, I walked by a cafeteria currently hiring waitresses. The ads were neatly placed by the entry. That was my cue to go in and apply. Gently,
"I feel so uncomfortable in this dress." I voiced out, adjusting the neck of the navy blue dress I was putting on — the dress Rosa borrowed me, because obviously, I didn't have any decent looking dress that would suit the occasion. I felt really uncomfortable in the dress. I wasn't really used to getting all dressed up. Rosa had wanted to force me into painting my face as well, but I strongly objected. It wasn't really my thing. I felt I always looked ugly whenever I had makeup on. I was comfortable with just my nude lipgloss on. "Don't worry, babes, you look stunning." Rosa reassured. "To be honest, you look different. Like someone else." Of course — I mentally rolled my eyes. I wasn't blind myself. I looked like someone else indeed. The dress I was putting on was borrowed, the bag, as well as the shoes. What did she expect? I was practically a counterfeitress. "Yeah, right." I slurred. "Do you think I'm going to meet the one for me, tonight?" She emphasised, flicking her long eye
To Rosa's disappointment - and of course, mine, he walked past us and towards a very beautiful, tall, pale looking lady. For a brief moment, my jaw hung. I took the opportunity to take in the girl's appearance - she was dressed in a red, mini dress. She was heavily made up, just like Rosa, but hers was classier. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail. Her heels - it was just so beautiful beyond description. I would definitely love to own a pair...someday. It was a matching pair with her dress. Her expensive Michael Kors bag made my jaw drop even lower. I had always wanted the exact bag, but couldn't afford half the price. Dad had promised to get me one if I passed my scholarship examination. At the thought, sadness washed over me as I suddenly remembered he was gone, and I would never see him again. I missed him a lot. His memories were still fresh in my mind. Not a single one had been omitted. Everything still felt like a dream to me. A terrible one. Right at that moment, I realize
Sauntering towards him, I could feel his gaze on me, but I pretended to be oblivious. Immediately I was few inches away from him, I pretended to trip and in the process, threw my drink all over his pants. "Oh no!" I gasped, feigning remorse. "I'm so so sorry for that. I'm usually not this clumsy. I must be tipsy from all the drink I've consumed tonight. I'm going to pay for the damages if you want." I mentally cringed at my own words. What if he actually agreed to what I said? Where was I ever going to get such a huge amount of money? "Once again, I'm terribly-" He suddenly cut me off by chuckling. Oh my! He actually chuckled! "It was a honest mistake." He justified. "...and I don't hold grudges against people for little mistakes, especially if the mistake is coming from a beautiful lady such as yourself." I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes at his comment and pretended to blush instead. "Thankfully, the stain isn't too obvious. I will just go to the restroom and have it clean
A sly smile spread across my lips as Sergio sat beside me. I loved the fact that he sounded so angry. "What did he say to you?" I wiped away the nonexistent tears from my face and shook my head. "He didn't say anything." "Nicole!" Sergio's voice was firm. "Look at me. Talk to me! Tell me exactly what he said to you!" That was my chance. I averted my gaze to him, making sure to fixate my gaze in his. Air fanned my eyes making tears instantly well up in them. "I don't know why Diego dislikes me this much. I thought we were getting along. I thought he liked me, but I've been wrong. This isn't even the first time he's treating me like I'm a nobody," I swallowed. "I know I'm not, but it still hurts when he reminds me of that all the time. He always finds ways to make sneaky remarks about me. Why? What's my offence? I didn't want to take your card but you insisted I do, I went shopping to get a few essential things I needed, and I end up being called a golddigger and a socia
"I don't know what you're talking about, Diego," I insisted. Diego shook his head, a knowing glint in his eyes. "I'm your brother, Sergio. I know you better than anyone else. Besides, I saw you leaving the room." Panic surged through me, but I forced myself to remain calm. I couldn't afford to be caught. Not now or ever. "I went there," I began, my voice steady. "because like she said, she had a breakdown and I went there to comfort. That was it." "I believe you," Diego said, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You'd never do anything to jeopardize your relationship with Scarlett. You're also not that kind of person to cheat on anyone, let alone Scarlett. It's Nicole that I don't trust." His words sent a pang to my heart. Despite being guilty, I couldn't fathom Diego harboring such thought about Nicole, especially after she'd risked her life for our father. "Why don't you trust her?" I asked, anger creeping into my voice. "She saved Dad's life!" "I'm sorry to say t
SERGIO'S POV Nestled in Scarlett's arms, I couldn't help but remember the illicit thrill I had experienced with Nicole last night while Scarlett was busy sleeping. Last night's kiss with Nicole had been a betrayal of everything I claimed to be, yet the memory lingered. I felt extremely guilty, but I couldn't stop myself. The thought of doing it again wasn't repulsive. In fact, just thinking about it made me suck my bottom lip involuntarily. This wasn't me. I wasn't a cheat. But there was something about Nicole that I couldn't put my finger on. Something alluring. I wanted to stay away, but the more I tried, the more I became drawn to her. It was as if I was trapped in a magnetic pull towards her. Scarlett's voice, soft and soothing, broke into my reverie. "Babe, I've been talking to you. Where has your mind traveled to?" The question was innocent, but it felt like she'd seen through me. I leaned in, my heart pounding a guilty rhythm as I placed a quick kiss on her lips. How
Rosa's squeal sent a jolt through me as she crushed me in a bear hug. "Oh my God, Nicole! Where have you been? Do you know how worried I was? I've missed you so much!" My arms snaked around Rosa's back, returning her hug briefly before I pulled away, a smile tugging at my lips. "I've missed you too." Rosa's eyes scanned me from head to toe, particularly my outfit. "You look different, Nicole! What's the secret? Tell me you've hooked a rich billionaire, babe!" I rolled my eyes. Rosa would always be Rosa. A golddigger through and through. I loved her though. She had been a good friend to me from the first time I started working at the coffee shop with her. Her heart was as big as her dreams. Her eyes widened in excitement. "It's true, isn't it?" I chuckled. "You could say that." She gasped, her eyes sparking with excitement. "You're lying!" "Of course I am," I playfully pushed her away. "Do these things even happen in real life? I have told you before to stop watchi
Last night was like a dream. Waking up the next morning, the remnant of his cologne on my nightie filled my nostrils. I still couldn't believe Sergio was in my room, his lips meeting mine in a desperate and undeniably passionate kiss. A kiss that defied his pleas, his warnings about not jeopardizing his long term relationship with Scarlett. Now, who was the traitor? My reflection in the bathroom mirror barely registered as I splashed cold water on my face. The events of last night couldn't stop playing over and over again in my mind. For a fact, I knew Sergio had feelings for me. It was pretty glaring, the lingering gazes said it all — I was also certain that even Diego could tell. I had seen the way he looked at us whenever Sergio and I were in the same space, Interacting. It was always almost as if he had something to say to us, but always kept it to himself. Or at least always tried to keep it to himself — but I didn't know he was going to act up on it. I had always been a
I felt shivers run down my spine as his lips moved against mine softly at first, then, his arm snaked around my waist, pulling me closer to his body and evoking sensations that I never knew I was capable of feeling before. My arms instantly wrapped around his neck, savoring the taste of his plump lips. I was kissing him back with the same passion. Then, he stopped, and stepped back. In his eyes, I could see a mix of regret and satisfaction? "I'm sorry," he started, breathing deeply. "I shouldn't have..." I scoffed, taking a few steps away from him. It was my turn to give him a dose of his own medicine. "Then leave, Sergio." "Are you okay though?" he asked, closing the gap between them. "I just want to make sure." "I am," I answered, wiping nonexistent tears from my eyes. "I'll be okay." "Nicole..." Sergio began to speak but the rest of his words died on his lips. "We shouldn't—" I rolled my eyes, annoyed at his indecisiveness. One minute, he was saying someth
I was jealous, Sergio. Despite how hard I tried to get those words from Nicole out of my head, I couldn't. They kept repeating themselves like a mantra. I heaved a sigh of exasperation and shut down my laptop. I couldn't even have any work done. I reclined against the chair, the image of Nicole's disappointed face flashing in my mind and my heart tightening against my chest. "Stop!" I gently slapped my face. "Are you out of your mind, Sergio? What the heck!" "Talking to yourself?" Scarlett's voice instantly sent a wave of guilt over me. She was my fiancee, yet I was preoccupied with the thoughts of another woman. I felt even trashier when I recalled the times Nicole and I kissed. It felt like I didn't only cheat on her physically, but emotionally as well. Scarlett was the sweetest person I had ever come across, and that was the reason we could maintain how relationship for so long. Betraying her was the one thing I never saw myself doing. She always put up with my workaholic
As soon as the words emerged from my lips, Sergio stepped into the room and shut the door behind him, his eyes cold. I stilled. I could literally feel his breath on face. "Don't ever say something like that again. Someone could have heard!" I rolled my eyes. "You asked me what was bothering me, and I replied. What would you have had me do? Lie?" "Look, Nicole," Sergio's breath uneven. "I know we've..." he trailed off. "Kissed," I completed his sentence for him. "More than once." He nodded in acknowledgement. "But that was a mistake," he paused, studying my demeanor. "I'm sorry of you thought it might degenerate into a relationship or something. You're a wonderful person, Nicole." Why did his words feel like a breakup? I almost teared up listening to him say those words to me. "Fun to be with and to converse with. I enjoy your company, I won't deny it, I do. I care for you. As a person," he added with emphasis. "You're like a little sister to me," he paused ag
"Scarlett!" Helen squealed, throwing her arms around her in a tight hug. I was too stunned to speak. I looked at Sergio, but he seemed to be in another word. He wouldn't look at me, talk more of talking to me. His attention was on his 'fiancee' and the little reunion they were having with his family. I suddenly felt out of place. "I have missed you so much, Mom," Scarlett said in a singsong voice. "I'm so glad to be back!" "And we're so glad to have you back, sweetheart," the mother said, untangling herself from the hug. "Dad!" Scarlett walked over to where he was standing, her smile widening. "I've missed you so much too, my governor!" Mr. Eduardo pulled her into a fatherly hug. "Welcome home, my daughter." Based on what I was witnessing, how she was interacting with the family, I could tell the family were fond of Scarlett. She was like the perfect daughter-in-law in their eyes. The excitement in their eyes were like none I had ever seen. Scarlett, on the other h