Excuse

"James, I didn't know you'll visit!"

I smiled at Denise. I had no plan on visiting them but this is the place I thought of after I woke up and found out that Yelle already left my house.

Yellle often visits them to bond with her goddaughter, Tanya. But I guess she's not here.

I was not drunk last night. I spotted Yelle upon entering the bar. She was drinking alone. Men are checking her out so I decided to join her.

"Hey, gorgeous!" I teased her.

She rolled her eyes at me which she always does.

"Still a snob? I thought we were already close?" I teased her more.

"Can't you see I want to be alone?!" She said sounding annoyed.

"I can see that. But how many drinks did you have? You look like a mess! Were you dumped by a guy or something?" I said with concern.

I admit that I didn't like her at first. I questioned her friendship with Denise. I know that she likes my brother so I can't help but be wary of her. But she prove to me that she was genuine with Denise, and unlike Jana, she will not do things to ruin my brother's marriage, which earns my respect for her.

People became selfish and obsess when it comes to love. They tend to make their feelings an excuse to justify their wrongdoings.

"So what if I look like a mess?! It's none of your business! Just leave me alone!" She hissed.

"How can I leave you when you look like that? Aren't you aware of the possibility that someone might take advantage of you because of how you look now?"

"So what?! What it is to you if I end up having sex with a stranger?!" She said in irritation.

I glared at her. I didn't like what I heard from her. I know she didn't mean that but still, I can't accept that.

"Do you think I will allow that?" I said in a cold voice.

She just rolled her eyes. "As if I care."

"Why do you hate me so much?" I can't help but ask.

I know that we started on the wrong foot. I was suspicious of her and I admit that I was a bit cold to her. But after all the things that happened, I thought that our relationship will improve, yet she was still cold and annoyed towards me.

"You are honestly asking me that?"

I furrowed. "Yes, because as far as I know, I did nothing to you." Except for being suspicious of you - I wanted to add that but I decided not to.

She laughs bitterly. "You thought I would never find out how you bad mouth me to Mara and Andrew! You already ruined my life, and then you also want to ruin my friendship with Mara!"

I was stunned and felt guilty by those words. She was right. And I guess her anger towards me is valid.

"Fine, but I am not entirely wrong. You like my brother!" I accused her to prove my point.

She smirked. "I don't like your brother. I love him!"

My jaw clenched. I didn't like what I heard, though I already know it. I just hate hearing it, especially from her own mouth.

"Do you plan to ruin their marriage just like Jana?" I can't help but ask. Though I know that she will not do that. I just want confirmation coming from her.

She shooked her head. "Yes, I am in love with your brother. But I know that he is in love with my best friend. I will never do anything to hurt my best friend. I love her more than I love you, brother.

I bit my lips to suppress my smile. I like her answer!

I look at her intently and sighed. "I'm sorry for doubting you. I am just protective of Mara."

She rolled her eyes. "Then why did you leave her? She was in love with you then."

"You hate me because I left my family? You hate me because If I just stay, then Mara would have married me?! And then what? You think you will stand a chance now on Andrew?"I said in a low but dangerous voice.

I can't believe she said that!

"Yes! Mara is in love with you; she will be very glad to marry you! And if that had happened then I know that I will have a chance on Maru!" She told me with honesty.

I know Yelle is drunk, that's why she was saying things with no reservation.

"You are crazy!"

"Crazy in love with your brother! I wanted to be Mrs. Ottave, you know!" She said then laughed.

Yelle was indeed drunk, then an idea popped into my mind.

I look at her intently and said, "I can still make you Mrs. Ottave." I said in a seductive voice.

She smirked. "How?"

I went closer to her, so close that my face is almost touching her lips. "Marry me," I said in a whisper.

"But I want Maru Ottave." She whispered back.

"I am Maru Ottave," I said then I claim her lips. She was still absorbing everything but she did kiss me back.

"Let's leave this place and marry me."

I called my friend who's a mayor to officiate our marriage. I'm not surprised when I did not see Yelle when I woke up. She was surely shocked by the thing that happened last night.

I know I took advantage of her drunkness. I also didn't why I did what I did. But one thing is for sure, I did not regret my decision on marrying her.

"You look happy." My brother, Andrew can't help but notice.

"I am happy."

"Care to share with us the reason why you look so happy now?" It was Denise.

I wanted to tell them, especially Denise that I am not married to her best friend. She will surely be happy with the news. She's always playing cupid with me and Yelle. But I need to talk to Yelle first before I share the news. I don't want her to be angry with me.

"I'll tell you soon. But I notice your best friend is not here, which is so unusual." I said because I wanted to know where is she right now. I wanted us to talk about our relationship. I tried calling her, but her phone was off.

"Oh, didn't you know she already left?" Denise.

My brow furrowed. "what do you mean? Where did she go?"

"Ninang left to pursue her dream. Don't worry uncle, I'm sure you'll see her when you go back to your office in New York." Tanya said sounding a bit sad.

"New York?" I looked at Mara to ask for an explanation.

Mara nodded. "It was always in the plan to go to New York to pursue her career."

"But why? Can't she pursue her dream here in the Philippines?" I asked a bit confused.

"She doesn't her career to be influenced by her family. You know how influential her family is in this country." Mara's simple explanation.

"Oh, and you might see her there. Are you familiar with JD Legacy International? She wanted to work there."

"JD Legacy International?"

My brother looked at me and smirked.

"Yes, are you familiar with that company?"

"Very. And why did she want to work there, out of all the big companies in the US?"

"Yelle is a big fan of JDLI. She loves the unique design of the furniture. All the furniture that she used in all her projects was from JDLI. And she was amazed by the success story of the owner."

"Really? Interesting, I didn't know that. Anyway, I have to go. I remember that I still have work to do."

"On a weekend?" Andrew said with a smirk.