"Why do I have to be here? Should I have just refused Uncle’s suggestion?" Sirena thought uneasily. She looked around the restaurant, but there was still no sign of the man’s arrival. Patiently, Sirena waited, tapping her nails on the table. "So slow," she muttered in frustration. "Goodness, how much longer do I have to wait?" she murmured. It had already been an hour of waiting. If she could, she would escape this situation. But unfortunately, she couldn’t. She needed James's help with her family's company issues. It all began when her father was massively swindled by a trusted associate at the office. This caused the company’s stock value to plunge, halting production. On top of that, her father’s bank loans had left their grand home repossessed. Sirena's father, desperate, ended his life by jumping from the RV Group building's rooftop, and her mother was hospitalized due to a heart attack. After asking friends and relatives for help, no one was willing to aid Sirena—except for t
“Hah… hah!”Sirena opened her eyes, gasping for breath. She sat up, wiping the sweat from her brow."W-Was it all just a dream?" she wondered, still feeling confused.But her entire body felt sore and stiff. She pulled back the blanket covering her, and her eyes widened upon realizing she was wearing nothing."So, it wasn’t a dream?" she thought to herself. "Where are my clo–"Before she could finish her thought, her eyes landed on her torn clothes discarded on the floor. In an instant, memories of the previous night flooded her mind like an unexpected storm. Vivid flashes of her and James spending their first night together resurfaced clearly, each painful detail impossible to escape.She remembered the mixed feelings stirring within her heart, reflecting on the dire circumstances and the pain she had been forced to endure. What should have been a beautiful moment in their relationship had instead become a bitter reminder of the price she had paid for her family. To help them, Sirena
"Finally, I can go home and be free from that man," Sirena sighed, settling herself onto the sofa. She reached for her phone in her bag and tried to turn it on."It's dead," she muttered, rising from her seat and moving to charge her phone.As her phone powered on, she noticed several messages from her cousin, who had been helping care for her mother in the hospital. She quickly opened the messages."Ren, where are you? Why haven't we heard from you? Are you alright? Please come to the hospital soon—your mother is awake."The message was from her older cousin, Ramon."I just got back to the apartment. I'll be at the hospital soon." Sirena quickly responded and stood up, heading to her room to change and rush to the hospital.***Sirena arrived at the hospital and went straight to her mother's room."Mom?" she whispered, gently holding her mother's hand."Sirena? My daughter…""I'm here, Mom. How are you feeling?" Sirena asked, her eyes filled with worry. "After Dad passed away and you
"What is my mother's condition, Doctor?" Sirena asked anxiously as the doctor exited her mother’s room.The doctor explained her mother’s diagnosis."With a heavy heart, I must inform you of your mother’s health condition. She is currently suffering from advanced-stage colon cancer, which has put her in critical condition. Our medical team has done everything possible to provide the best care, but the challenges are considerable. We understand how difficult this is for you and your family. The support of loved ones is crucial during this trying time. We will continue to monitor her condition and keep you updated on her care,” the doctor explained somberly.Sirena stood in shock, her body frozen, eyes wide with disbelief.She looked at the doctor with a glimmer of hope and desperation. "Is there any chance my mother can be cured?" she asked, her voice trembling.The doctor responded cautiously, "I can’t make any promises," he said, "But, as her illness is in its final stage, surgery is
“This is my first time presenting in front of so many people,” Sirena muttered, looking at her reflection.The woman was all set in her formal attire: dark gray fitted pants, a crisp white shirt, and a matching blazer that made her look incredibly professional. The style was perfect for today’s shareholder presentation, but there was a personal touch that set her apart.She arranged her long, wavy hair neatly, aiming for an elegant yet natural look, with only light makeup to keep it understated. Surely, everyone who saw her would be captivated, especially considering how beautiful Sirena was, already known as the campus’ darling. Even though she usually kept her look simple, her natural allure still managed to draw attention without the need for heavy makeup. It seemed that her beauty and confidence were inherent, and her every step left an impression, as if she carried stars around wherever she went.“All right, done,” she murmured, grabbing her sling bag and heading out of her room.
"Welcome, Sirena," Uncle Luke greeted warmly as Sirena arrived at the company."Thank you, Uncle Luke. Has everyone gathered?" Sirena asked."Yes, they have. Relax, don't be tense," Luke encouraged her. "By the way, I heard you successfully persuaded James to invest in our company. I always knew you’d manage to convince him. After all, James still has feelings for you," Luke added with a chuckle, making Sirena offer a faint smile."Uncle has no idea how that annoying man is using this situation to his advantage," Sirena thought to herself."How is Brianna doing?" Luke asked."Mom's condition is improving, but she still needs close monitoring until her chemotherapy schedule is finalized," Sirena replied."So, she really has cancer," Luke said with a sigh, sadness and worry evident in his voice."Yes, Uncle," Sirena confirmed."You must stay strong, Sirena. If you need anything or face difficulties, let me know. Right now, you're the only one who can save this company and your family,"
"We don't have any kind of relationship, Uncle," Sirena answered calmly."That's a lie. It looks like your relationship is very serious. Are you two dating?" Luke asked."No," Sirena replied firmly. "Please stop asking about that. What's important now is solving all these problems and convincing the investors not to withdraw or cancel their contracts. We need the support of other investors too.""Alright, fine," Luke finally agreed.They then discussed work-related issues and Sirena's future plans for managing the company her father left behind."Finally, home sweet home," she sighed, throwing her bag onto the sofa and plopping down with a loud creak that echoed her exhaustion after a long day.At home, the cozy couch was her most desired spot. She planned to enjoy a bit of relaxation to ease her stiff muscles before moving on to her next plan—visiting the hospital later that night. The thought of facing the somber atmosphere and grieving people weighed on her, but it was her responsi
On the other hand, James stared at his phone with a mixed expression of hope and frustration, occasionally sipping vodka from the glass in his hand. A sense of disappointment began to envelop his heart because the only thing he wanted at that moment was a reply from Sirena, the arrogant girl who always made his heart race.Time seemed to pass slowly, and each second that went by felt like a ridiculous twist in the circle of time, making him more restless. He scratched his head, which wasn’t itchy, while glancing at the wall clock that seemed to mock his foolishness. The mixture of frustration and amusement finally made a small chuckle escape his lips.“How foolish I am,” he thought. Waiting for a reply that might never come, yet still holding on to hope, as if he were waiting for a miracle.The grip on the vodka glass in his hand served as a reminder that life is full of absurd moments that sometimes make us smile, even though they are quite annoying.“This arrogant woman, I’m so obse
“Ugh!”Sirena opened her eyes and glanced to her side. James was no longer there, making her instinctively sit up while clutching the blanket that covered her bare body.“James?” she called out, looking toward the door, but there was no response. Slowly, she climbed out of bed and grabbed her nightgown, which was draped over a chair near the bed. She put it on and stepped out of the bedroom.“James?” she called again, but there was still no answer. The apartment felt eerily silent, devoid of any presence.“Where is he? Did he leave while I was sleeping?” she murmured, lost in thought, an uneasy feeling creeping into her chest. “Why did he leave without saying goodbye to me?”Sirena went back into the bedroom and picked up her phone, attempting to call James. But she had forgotten—she only had his old number, which was no longer in service. Now, she didn’t even have his new number, which made her even more frustrated.With a sigh, she sank onto the edge of the bed, exhaling a long brea
"Nothing has changed," James said as he stepped into the apartment."Yeah, there's nothing I want to change—except bringing its owner back," Sirena replied, strolling inside and sitting on the sofa.James smiled, crossing his arms over his chest. "So, you really wanted me to be here?" he teased."You already know the answer," Sirena turned her face away, embarrassed.James walked closer, leaning toward Sirena while resting his hand on the sofa's headrest beside her. "So, Miss Cold- Hearted isn't acting distant anymore? Oh, or did you bring me here to continue our next round?" James teased, making Sirena's face turn red."Marry me, James."Thump!James froze, as if Sirena's words had just turned him into stone.His eyes locked onto hers, searching for confirmation that he hadn’t misheard."You said... what?" James' voice was almost a whisper, filled with shock.Sirena swallowed hard, trying to calm her racing heart. "Marry me," she repeated, this time with more conviction. "I don't wan
Sirena looked at James and froze in place. She could only let out a deep sigh. She knew this was probably karma for rejecting James’s feelings before. She wouldn’t blame him—she acknowledged her own mistakes.At the very least, there was nothing left for her to hide from James. She had laid everything out clearly.“I’m leaving. Sorry for making you come here when you’re busy,” Sirena said as she resumed her steps.“Sirena!” James called out.What surprised Sirena was when a strong grip suddenly pulled her back, turning her around until she fell into James’s warm embrace.“Don’t go,” James whispered, holding her tightly.Sirena, unable to hold back her tears, let them fall as she clutched onto the fabric of James’s suit.“I’m sorry… Please, don’t go,” he murmured.“Then don’t let me go,” Sirena answered, her voice breaking as silent tears streamed down her face.James tightened his embrace, as if afraid that the moment he let go, Sirena would truly disappear from his life. His breath t
"Where are you going, James?" Jeslyn asked, stopping James as he was about to leave the mansion.James halted and looked at Jeslyn. "I don't think that's any of your business," he replied."I'm serious, James. You shouldn't be wandering around showing your face. What if the Scout family sees you?" Jeslyn questioned.James took a deep breath. "I know what I'm doing. So, you don't need to worry about me," he said before walking away, leaving Jeslyn standing there, feeling both frustrated and annoyed."Where exactly is he going? Why is he in such a hurry? Does this have something to do with that woman?" she muttered angrily to herself.Jeslyn clenched her fists, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "That woman... Sirena?" she thought. Jeslyn had already gathered information about Sirena through her investigation.She had been feeling uneasy for a while now. James always kept secrets from her, but this time, her instincts told her it had something to do with Sirena."What exactly is James's
Sirena paced back and forth in her room, her mind working nonstop, trying to figure out how she could meet James. Longing and anxiety mixed together, making it hard for her to think clearly."How can I meet James?" she murmured, biting her fingernail anxiously.She paused for a moment, staring at her phone lying on the table. Her hand reached for it, opening her contacts and scrolling through the list, hoping to find someone who could help her. But who? There was no one she could call to ask about James—not even James himself, whose number was no longer active.Sirena sat on the edge of her bed, letting out a deep sigh. "I have to come up with the right idea to meet James and not be apart from him anymore. Yes, I have to fight for my own feelings, no matter what happens," she said with determination.But before she could decide on her next move, her phone suddenly vibrated. An incoming call from an unknown number. Sirena frowned, staring at the screen. Hesitant, she finally swiped the
"Marriage?" James smiled."Yes," Jeslyn answered with full confidence."Jeslyn, I've told you before. I will help you and work with you. But on one condition—there will be no conditions like this. Right now, we are business partners in a mutually beneficial relationship. I bring you benefits, and you do the same for me. Do you understand?" James emphasized."So, who is she?" Jeslyn asked, her eyes filled with curiosity as she looked at James."None of your business!" James replied, rising from his seat."James, I'm still talking to you!" Jeslyn called out, but James chose to walk away.He ignored her completely, leaving Jeslyn fuming with frustration. She clenched her fists, her eyes flashing with anger. From the beginning, she knew that James wasn't the type of man who could be controlled, but she never expected such a firm rejection."James!" she shouted again, but the man kept walking without even glancing back.Jeslyn gritted her teeth. "Damn it!" she muttered, staring at the drin
"You seem to be in a really good mood right now. Did James really affect you that much?" David asked as he drove."Pretty much," Sirena replied."In that case, you're not suspicious of me anymore, right? Can we be friends now?" David asked with a sweet smile."Friends? Of course not," Sirena's answer made David's expression change instantly. He furrowed his brows."I took you to your dream guy, didn’t I? What else are you suspicious of? Even though James and I never got along, the fact is, we’re working together now," David responded.Sirena crossed her arms and looked at David with a flat expression. "I know you helped James, but that doesn’t mean I trust you right away," she said in a sharp tone.David took a deep breath and shook his head slightly. "Oh, come on, Siren. I’m a good guy, you know? Besides, if I had bad intentions, I wouldn’t have gone through the trouble of bringing you back safely."Sirena glanced at him briefly before looking out the window. "Maybe. But you’re still
"So, James is hiding a woman in his room?" Jeslyn asked."That's right, Miss. A mysterious woman. She seems quite special to James, and David is helping him. I think those two from the Scout family are planning something dangerous," reported the man who served as Jeslyn's spy."Hm... Planning something? Do they think they can go against Romano Castel?" she said firmly.Jeslyn leaned gracefully against her chair, her gaze sharp and calculating. "Who is this woman? Can you find out more about her?" she asked while tapping her fingers on the armrest.The spy obediently nodded. "I will dig deeper, Miss. But from what I’ve seen, the woman is quite close to James. In fact, James seems very protective of her."Jeslyn narrowed her eyes, uneasiness creeping into her heart. "Protective, you say? That means... she’s important to him."The spy nodded again. "Exactly, Miss. And it seems David is also involved in protecting her. They’re being extremely cautious, keeping a close watch on her every m
"Are you done with your shower? Come on, let's have breakfast," James invited, already sitting comfortably in his chair with a variety of breakfast dishes spread out on the table."Um... yeah," Siren replied, feeling awkward and embarrassed. She desperately wanted to disappear at that very moment and avoid looking at James. She couldn't stop thinking about her actions last night, which surely must have shocked him. Even she was stunned at herself, acting so impulsively."What's wrong? Why are you just standing there?" James asked. "Come here and eat a lot. I know you're hungry and tired after last night's... surprising activity."Siren's face turned bright red at James's teasing, making her even more embarrassed."Um... yeah," she answered, walking over to the chair in front of James. Without looking at him, Siren began to eat quickly, stuffing her mouth until her cheeks were puffed out with food.James laughed, having watched her fondly the whole time."Wh-why are you laughing?" Sire