"I ignore the tension between the three of us and try to stay positive about what's happening. 'W-what are you talking about? Of course, I'm with your siblings. We're just hanging out. Why only now?' Maybe he only took Lavinia out because it's also work. This is work, right? Lavinia raised an eyebrow, but quickly dismissed it as if she was thinking about something and faced Alex. "Honey," she said affectionately. H-honey? Why does Lavinia call him that? I hoped Alex would dismiss it, but he didn't. He looked back at me with eyes that made my heart drop. He even smiled at Lavinia as if she was the only one his eyes could see. "Yes, hon." I bit my lower lip to ease the ache in my chest. His response to her was something I never expected. They're separated, but why do they still talk like that? I tried to dismiss all the reasons I was thinking of. I shouldn't give in because Alex himself said he no longer feels anything for his ex-wife and he wants me. He wants me, and he told me t
Because of what happened, I could hardly sleep. Even in my dreams, I still see that scene. I wanted to hit my head with a hammer to stop thinking about it, but the pain is still fresh. I turned on the television with little enthusiasm, sinking into the couch. After coming home from school, all I did was cry. My ability to focus on work has evaporated due to my emotional state. Reaching for a snack on the small table, I absentmindedly flipped through the channels. It was then that I recognized a familiar face on the screen. I quickly opened my phone and searched for an article, and I wasn't wrong. Alex's mom was on TV, and they were trying to obtain her will. I scrolled and searched for why that happened and read other reasons from the news. Lavinia accuses Tita of embezzling a substantial amount of money from a charity organization they both volunteered for in the past. She claims that Tita manipulated the money records to divert funds for her personal benefit. I was taken aback
I was breathless because of the excitement I felt. Why did I agree to be his date tonight? What will his fans say? The gown I'm wearing is tight, adding to my nervousness. I want to take it off. The Annual Gala has a royal ball theme, and because I'm the partner of the renowned actor, I'm channeling a villainous vibe. I'm wearing a fitted lined gown with a slit on the left thigh. Marabou feathers are perched on my shoulders, matching the black mask. I glanced at my entire ensemble, even raising my eyebrows, though not visible due to my half mask. Seriously, I look like a villain. "Are you ready?" Oliver asked as he approached. He's wearing a medieval suit, entirely black. He looks like a villain from a fantasy movie, which suits him well since he often plays antagonists. He also has a red crown with black and diamond designs. I'm curious if it's real. If I didn't know Oliver, I might think he's part of the bad boy vibes because of his aura, unlike Alex, who is more chill. Neutral,
Oliver approached me on his own and supported me as I seemed on the verge of collapsing due to weakness. "Are you okay?" he asked. I gave him a disdainful look. "Your question is pointless, just stay quiet." There was irritation in my voice. "Just concerned," he whispered, pouting. He fell silent, and I was seated at a nearby table. They didn't hear our earlier conversation as everyone resumed their activities when Alex's father appeared. I avoided looking at them, trying to hold back the tears welling up in the corners of my eyes. I casually wiped away my tears and quickly drank the wine in the cup. Meanwhile, Oliver intermittently glanced around. I was about to run out earlier, but Oliver and I had an agreement that I couldn't just walk out like in movies because we still had a mission to make his crush jealous. Fortunately, not everyone was interested in our conversation with Lavinia, and we weren't in the main hall, so some people remained oblivious to the commotion. "Oliver
Doubtful glances greeted me from Kalel's friends. I sat on a chair in their kitchen, wearing his T-shirt. Ignoring them, I continued eating, wondering if it was the first time Kalel brought a girl here. He couldn't drop me off last night due to an unexpected person waiting outside my apartment – Alexander. Alone, no bodyguards. He had made countless calls, along with messages from Oliver and Dad. Kalel noticed and asked if I would talk to Alex, but I quickly shook my head, and we headed straight to their house. They recently bought a place near the university, where they sometimes stay when they have classes. Today, his friends are here. Kalel sat beside me, serving my plate. "Eat first before Shena takes you away. Don't want her saying I neglected you." I nodded, eating. A car pulled up outside, and seeing the commotion, I feared Shena's gaze as if she was about to kill someone. Stopping mid-step, I watched Rhys quickly approach the gate, wiping his wet hair. Just as Shena was ab
I trembled as I took my cellphone from my bag and dialed a number. Gasping for breath, I hid in a corner on the same street leading to my apartment. When the number answered, it felt like a glimmer of hope! I didn't expect this to happen to me. I was just going to buy a gift for Mom! "D-d-dad." "What happened?! Are you okay?" "D-dad, help. Huhu." I've been running to escape them since earlier. If only I hadn't noticed those guys this morning, I don't know. "Someone hurt you?! Who?" I covered my ear because he was shouting. I was more concerned about my ear than those guys. "B-because someone's following me. Since this morning. They're like dogs! I'm tired of running. I look like I have a stalker!" Dad fell silent on the other line. I thought he hung up. "That's not my people, Isabella. I'm not desperate enough to assign someone to watch over you." "Huh? Whose people are they then--" Suddenly, someone came to mind. I touched my forehead. "Well, okay, Dad. Looks like I know who."
Mama focused on listing various items on the table while I wrapped the groceries for the customers. I had been selling in front for a while now since more people were buying. "Ate, one kilo of this," a young lady pointed to the pork. "Kuya, one kilo," the guy just nodded and started slicing the meat. I handed him a plastic bag, and he swiftly placed the sliced meat into it, weighing it. "Beyutipol, buy your mussels!" a man shouted as he approached. "None left. Go to the other stall!" I didn't bother looking at him since I was busy calculating another customer's purchase. "564 in total, ma'am," I quickly said to the woman as I handed over her groceries. She took out a thousand, which I immediately gave to Mama. The other customers left, leaving only him in front. "Are there really no mussels? There were plenty earlier," the man scratched his head. "All gone, sir. Come back tomorrow. Why did you come so late? You know they sell out quickly," I scolded him. He looked at me. "They
I couldn't help but glance at him while we were having dinner. He was sitting formally in front of me, while Mom was beside him, also eating but with her phone in hand, engrossed in another K-drama. Alex was almost done with his food, but he seemed hungry, so I stood up to get more rice and barbecue for him. I placed it in front of him, and he glanced at me before taking more food. Was he that hungry when he arrived? Good thing he didn't get lost or Oliver might have directed him here. I started washing the dishes. Mom went to her room, saying she'd finish watching her show. We were surprised because she cried while we were at the dining table. She got hooked on it because of Shena. She also enjoys watching those kinds of shows. I, on the other hand, prefer Hollywood movies. I brushed the strands of hair that fell on my face. I was soaping up, too lazy to tie it up properly. Each time I bent down, my hair covered my face. Annoyed, I washed my hands and was about to tie my hair when