June when class started. High school is two weeks ahead of college so for two weeks Rustov always picks me up. By the way, when their class started, he couldn't take me anymore. We have different schedules. And often, his class was until five or six o'clock while my dismissal was always at four o'clock.I insisted that I could just wait for him so that at least we could go home together. But he don't like the idea of me waiting for him. I got dismayed of the new situation. However, he consoled me that we can meet during Saturdays, if we are both idle. And we can meet sometimes in school, too. At lunch breaks and if there is vacant time. Even if it was a little against my will, I couldn't do anything.Janice and I were in the cafeteria with a few classmates to discuss a group work while eating. The question didn't just enter my brain because the eyes were on the other table. Rustov was there with friends, and of course Kiara. I was bothered a bit. I think we should have just been tog
He licked his lower lip and sighed. He then whispered..."Maybe ... I could just change my plan. There's a firm there in Albeda. Once I pass the board, I can work there first. Let's just wait until we're both ready for a long distance relationship. There's no need I'll leave Manila immediately. You're not ready for it. "My lips parted in shock. I stepped back but he immediately caught my elbow. Good news that we are not separated. But I couldn’t help but be happy.It didn't sound right. It will never sound right. I understand that he has to leave for that. I'm sad but I won't go against it because that's how it should be. He already planned that. How can I destroy that?"A-What are you saying?"He's unbelievable!"No, you're not staying, Rustov! Just for me, will you do that? Do you think that's right? Yes, I'll be sad if you leave, but you shouldn't change your plan just because of that! After the board, if you'll have the opportunity, then take it and stay in Manila! "He touched m
"Look at you. Its cute!" at the same time I will show the picture of baby Sia to Rustov.I've been with Ate for the whole semester break and I'll just be back. I couldn't go while he was in labor so I was a little guilty. Besides that, I also plan to tell him about Klyde's girlfriend Sia for a few months now. I had a lot of chances to tell her, but I just couldn't keep up. She seemed very happy, I don't have the courage to spoil her happiness."Yeah. She's cute and pretty," Rustov said. We sat under a coconut tree, in front of their plantation."That's because her aunt is pretty."His eyes drifted at me. He tilted his head and stared at me intently. Then, his lips curved into a mischievous smile."Why? You don't agree?""You're beautiful, of course ..." he said softly.I stifled a smile."Who's prettier than Kiara and me, then?"He groaned."You don't have to compare yourself to her, Audrey. That's just my friend.""Right. I already know that. I'm just asking. Why, is it bad? Why don'
There are texts from Janice, Enzo, Ate Dulce and a few other trusted in the business. Even Rustov texted. I did not reply to them and called Ate Dulce."Audrey! Where's Ma'am Priscilla?" she asked, panicking."A lot of reporters here! Even Madam's secretary, no one can answer! What, is it true that you are in Biliran?"I close my eyes emphatically."I don't know where Mommy is. I tried to call her too, but she was out of coverage.""Oh, Audrey! The business has gone downhill this past month, and then there's another scandal. I'm sure many clients won't continue! Maybe your new investors will disappear!"I didn’t go to school that day. I feel like I'm going to lose my mind with the amount of news coming out on the internet. That is pure evil. The media is too much to deny what is happening. All of those are pointing at us! I know Mommy is wrong, but they should conduct further investigation!The following day, I still heard nothing from Mommy. I expect him to act on it soon. I know how
"Is it true that you're in a relationship with Rustov Melgarejo, Audrey ?!" Mommy's voice echoed throughout the study.I just got home and my housemate told me she was waiting for me at the study. I was no longer surprised that he found out and why he reacted this way. Mommy is a socialite with never ending prejudices for the people below us."It's true," I replied coldly.Her brows furrowed, eyes widening in shock, disdain and anger. I saw how his hand trembled as he laid the champagne flute on the table. Her unforgiving eyes were screaming for many hurtful words."What are you thinking, Audrey ?! I thought Imelda's son just made a mistake, but now you're here, admitting that it's true! This is unbelievable! How did that become your boyfriend? A bastard and slap-""Don't call him that!""Why? It's true that he's a bastard! He's a disgrace to the Melgarejos so he's just rubbish! If you just like Melgarejo too, you should have picked Orio or Thiago! I taught you to be a woman with clas
The rain began to fall. The tighter my grip on my chest, the less air I get. I was crying so much as the rain poured hard. I got wet but I didn't care.Maybe because of the cold and grief, my emotions poured out even more. The image of him leaving me behind like that was playing over and over again in my mind.I would have almost sunk into the sand if only someone hadn’t held my arm. I looked up and even with tears welling up in my eyes I met Kuya Edu.He was holding an umbrella as he pulled me up. I wanted to withdraw the arm but I was too weak."What are you doing here? I'm not sending you!" I tried to shout but it ended up like a forced whisper.My driver did not speak. Instead, he led me to our car.I ended up locking in my room that day. I had a fever that night but no one knew. I already made myself look very pitiful in front of Rustov. That was enough showcase of my weakness.I closed my eyes tightly and hugged myself. I didn't care about how I was trembling in cold, or how I w
"What are you saying, Rustov?" my voice rose in spite of the painful lump in my throat. I was shocked, hurt and frustrated."You didn't call me back! You didn't reply to my texts! Then that's what you're going to say now? What kind of a jerk are you, huh?" I tried to steady my voice but in the end, it also screamed.He did not say a word, his gaze dark. My tears are flowing but he just stared at me ruthlessly, immobile and cold.I wanted to slap him and hurt him but I was too weak. I was lost these past days. I'm hurt and tired. He was the first person I expected to hug me in the midst of pain, how could he himself be able to hurt me like this?"Call me whatever you want, Audrey. But this is the best for both of us–""How can you say that it's the best for me when I'm hurting ?!""Should I be responsible for your feelings?"My lips parted. His words stung."W-We both committed this relationship! So why not?"He averted his eyes and his mouth tightened."Look, we've already talked abou
"You can't humor me," I said and started eating."I'm not making you laugh. I'm just telling the truth.""By the way, congrats on your graduation. We haven't heard.""Thank you."I ate quietly. I entertained some calls after. I was in the middle of calling Ate Dulce when I saw a breaking news on TV. It was as if I had landed on the seat and let go of the cellphone.Priscilla Escareal of Escareal Holdings, the socialite behind the huge drug den in Biliran, caught hiding in a private island in Visayas."So it's true ... she's just hiding," I whispered to myself."How could she do that!" I shouted angrily."Calm down, Drey ..." Kirk said."How can I calm down? Daddy has worked hard to grow all our business! Now everything is a mess! It's all a mess! I can't even defend myself against the allegations because I have a feeling Mommy really did it all! I didn't believe at first ... but now, the truth is in front of me! Kaya paano ako kakalma? ""Look. I'm sure we can figure out a solution or