NELINA
"Not again." I turned back to look at the man behind the voice to confirm it was correct. It's him, again. How could I say NO? I can't be late.
"Hey," I said as I drew nearer to the car.
Royce raised a hand in greeting, opening the door for me. I didn't hesitate because I only have 15 minutes before my breakfast meeting with Marica. "I'll put your bag in the back compartment."
I suppressed the guilt inside for not saying yes to his offer. Maybe tomorrow. "Thanks, I thought I was gonna be late for my meeting," I said as I made myself comfortable while fastening
NELINA I noticed he immediately lowered down the speed. He looked straight ahead, and I did the same. "I'm sorry about that, but you shouldn't worry. I'm a professional, I told you." "I know, it's just me. I had a traumatic experience almost two years ago," I said as I bowed my head and clasped my hands together, easing the tension. "Care to share that?" In my peripheral vision, Royce was glancing at me back and forth. I let out a long breath when I lifted my head. "My brother and my dad were in a car accident almost 2 years ago." I paused and pressed my lips together. Royce seemed to be attentive as he drove the car at the right speed.
ROYCE I genuinely think I made a great decision to have my breakfast in the potion cafe. I've been to many city cafes, but the potion cafe instantly became my most favorite. The place had a lovely ambiance and was not crowded like the fast-food restaurant where I first met Nelly. Not complaining. If not for that little curiosity, I wouldn't meet the beautiful woman I get to stare at while having my morning meal. It's not that I haven't been to a fast-food restaurant before. Only it was on our high school campus several years ago. To my surprise, my appetite was good. Probably because I came from a morning workout or probably not. I had french toast and egg salad for breakfast. When I was full enough and finished my coffee like the usual breakfast at my condo, I constantly sneaked a look at Nelly a few tables away from me. Perhaps the beautiful view has contributed t
ROYCE "Okay, I give up," I murmured as I took my phone from my pocket and then dialed Nelina's number. While the other line was ringing, I was still hesitant and making choices whether to turn it off or not. But before I could decide to cut it off, a fruity voice from the other line was heard. "Hello?" I could clearly hear her voice as I put it in speaker mode. "Hey, you there?" "Oh, hello, yes, I'm here." It took me a few seconds before I was able to respond. "I hope I'm not disturbing you. Are you out of work?" I inquired before I started talking about the reason why I called. "Well, in my line of work, time is not the ba
NELINA Nothing feels better than sweating out all the extra calories in my body. I was soaked wet after almost an hour of heavy workouts. "You're doing a great job, Nelly. Your determination and discipline are remarkable. I commend you for that." My instructor Jessie was nothing but very supportive. No wonder Marica recommended her. "Don't mention it, Jessie. I'll never drop you for another instructor. You're the best for sure," I said, patting the towel on my moist face. Jessie cracked, hearing my praise. "Thank you for that. You know, I noticed, if I may say. You are pretty much different from your best friend, Marica. She is so bubbly, and you are a little quieter than her. Marica and I, we're like we could talk all day." &nbs
NELINA We were sitting on the table set for 2, facing each other. I didn't bother to sneak a glance at Royce's evil face. I just glued my eyes on my food. However, my conscience bombarded me. Royce was so nice to me, but I was the opposite for no reason. I don't even know why. "Can I talk to you? Royce asked as he rested his elbow on the table. To be honest, it was a surprise that it took him minutes before he uttered some words. "About?" "About the invitation last week. You didn't forget, right?" I forcefully shut my eyes as if I was surprised by his question. "Oh...about that. I'm sorry, I was too busy to remember. And I haven't even made a de
NELINA It's Saturday weekend, but I have to grind for my family. Marica and I are set to prepare for the significant coming events in the company. I love working with her when it comes to bettering the business. It doesn't feel like working at all. Being my best friend's number one support system, I'm all for the company's progress. We started as a salon company, and now we offer make-up packages for events. This is a massive step for us, being a young company that started just over a year. I have never been happier for Marie. Between fixing my things for my lunch meeting with Marie, Royce's sad face flickers on my thoughts. I paused, realizing that I might have helped him if I asked what was wrong. He seemed too disturbed after he received a call. I shut my eyes close and shook the thoughts away. There's
NELINA Finally, Marica had enough time to visit mom and dad. "I'm sure mom and dad will be glad to have you home. It's been quite a while since you visited. They missed you, besty," I said, unbuckling my seatbelt when we got to the parking area. "I know Nelly, the feeling is mutual. Too bad mom and dad were not with us now. I'll make sure next time I will let mom know," she said. She sounds related to the mention of the possible reunion. "Yeah, please do. Then, we can have a small reunion. What do you think?" I suggested. "I mean, that's a good idea. How about we invite our parents to our victory party next month?" "Sounds good," I agreed.
ROYCE At precisely 3 pm, I was at Grand Villa residences to pick up Nelina. As soon as I parked the car, I dialed her number to notify her as she instructed. I didn't wait long before seeing her walking to my car, wearing a white polo shirt, faded ripped blue jeans, and paired with white rubber shoes. A small sling bag in her shoulder, swaying as she walked in haste. Before she reached the passenger's door, I already opened it for her. "Hi, gorgeous," I said, smirking like I usually do. She rolled her eyes at me like she always does. She's even prettier when she's annoyed, just what I like. I knew she wanted the compliment; it's just my evil smirk that she hates. I chuckled when she was finally inside the car. When we were on our way to the racing track, I remember to ask a question that's been on my mind
NELINAEverything changed from where I stood. The tragic event remains in my memory, but justice has been served, so it felt better. I was looking at where my brother died 5 years ago.I lit a candle and brought white roses for my brother Mark. He sure smiles back at me as we finally commit justice for him.My anxiety was gone. For years I couldn't stand visiting the exact place. I was too scared to be bombarded with the horrible incident that gave me nightmares for years. But everything was in the past. I healed myself with the help of those who genuinely love and support me.The executives tried to appeal but failed to twist the truth and even lower the sentence. They will be stuck in prison for the rest of their lives. And obviously, they were all removed as executives in Sunny Corporations.Lexxi, Mia, and Arya didn't bother to argue with us again. My wish is that they have learned their lessons. I never meant to take revenge wrongly; I only wanted justice for my family."I'm so p
NELINAOne morning Marica called me. She wasn't in a good mood; I could tell by the tone of her voice."Besty, what's wrong?" I asked her."It's bad news.""Tell me.""I can't proceed with filing a case on anybody regarding the accident. The man driving the Ferrari was shot dead a day after the incident, and now the police have no lead on who could be the mastermind. It was a dead end.""Oh, Marica, I'm sorry to hear that.""The police just found out recently. They couldn't trace the car anymore; they suspected it was chopped and sold apart. Those bastards thoroughly clean up the mess they did.""They are so good at doing this. Don't worry, besty, we will surely find justice in another way.""What do you mean?""You know what I meant. The trial is ongoing, and we have a higher chance of winning. The sentence should be enough for them to be in prison.""Yes, I'd love that.""Besty, I am free for today. Well, I am always free since I don't have regular work. I want to visit you if you n
ROYCEThe first day of the trial has arrived. I was preparing my clothes when I got a call from Nelly."Hello, baby, how's your morning?""Not so fine," Nelly said weakly. It alarmed me to hear her that way."What's wrong? Are you worried about the trial later? Don't be; we have a strong chance of winning. I've talked to our legal team.""No, it's not that. I'm worried about you. Someone called me and said Mr. Gonzalez withdrew the charges against you, and he would expect us to do the same. I stood firm and told him we would continue the fight.""Baby, you did the right thing. We will fight and win. There's nothing to worry about. Was it Mr. Gonzalez who called?""No. And he was using a different number. But I'm sure he was tasked by Mr. Gonzalez. I mean, who else could it be?""Don't worry about that, baby. We had predicted he would withdraw the charges against me. He has too much in his hands now. He can't bear another problem, especially with me.""Yeah, but I'm worried for you. Mr
NELINAI gently shook Royce's shoulder to wake him up."Baby, I have to go."Royce had a little movement on the third time I shook his shoulder. His lips parted, and he talked like a baby. He opened his eyes little by little, and as soon as his sight landed on me, he smiled."Good morning, baby. What time is it?" He asked, grabbing me on my waist and pulling me close to him."Baby, stop. It's almost 8 in the morning; mom and dad must be worried. Besides, you still have to go to your company.""Hmm…it seems too early to work. We can spend an hour staying in bed. What do you think?""We can't; I have to go. Let..."Royce kissed me before I could finish what I had to say. I couldn't find the strength to protest as he was deepening our kiss. Royce succeeded in getting me to stay in bed for an hour.Before heading to shower, I checked local news online to see if there was an update about the charges we filed against the Sunny Corporations executives. Since they are well-known men, the pres
NELINA"Nelly, who is it?" Marica asked casually."It's the same number as yesterday.""Take it; let's hear what he has to say this time," Royce said.I swiped the screen to answer the call and then put it on speaker mode. We were all attentive in listening to the other line. "Nelly, you didn't listen to what I said the last time I talked to you. Let's make a deal. You stop the cases against Mr. Robert Gonzalez and the other executives, and we will withdraw the case against your boyfriend. You surely won't like having your boyfriend locked in jail. Do you?" The man, in a rough voice, laughed. He sounded like he was mocking me.His confidence in getting Royce in jail was on another level: he scared me to death and could not speak. Royce gently squeezed my shoulder; it took me out of reverie. He grabbed the phone from my hand."You cannot threaten us just like that. If you think you have what it takes to win this war, show it in court, not here. Mr. Chairman, you won't be bragging abou
NELINAI nodded to the bodyguards standing in front of Marica’s hospital room. I assumed Leo and Marica had hired security personnel just as Royce suggested last night. Four of my bodyguards join them in watching outside the room.I knocked on the door and patiently waited for Leo to open it for me. It took him so long that my naughty thoughts ran wild. “They couldn’t do it here,” I whispered and tried not to giggle. I didn’t want the securities to look at me like I'm an idiot.I hated myself for coming up with dirty thoughts in just a little while standing at the front door. By the time Leo opened the door, he looked at me in confusion. His hair was a mess which fed my naughty thoughts about him and Marica.“What’s wrong? What are you smiling at?”“Nothing.”Leo bobbed his head. “Come on in. Marica and I have been waiting for you.”I followed Leo and the look of Marica’s bed wasn’t helping with my dirty mind. The blanket was a mess and even Marica’s hair.“What are you laughing at, s
NELINAFirst thing in the morning I got a call from Royce. It brightens my mood to see his name on the screen of my phone. “Good morning, baby, why so early?” I answered as I sat on my bed and rested my head on the headboard.“I only want to check my baby following what happened last night. Did you get another call from the same man?” Royce asked in his husky morning voice.“No calls from him anymore and I hope he won’t be calling again. I hate the sound of his rough voice. It sent chills in my body.”“Baby, don’t be scared, I got you. You and your family are guarded. I added security personnel so no one could ever harm you. And one more thing, I already asked someone to trace the number if there’s anything we could get which will lead to the investigation.”“Thanks for the security. Regarding the sim card. What if he already threw it?”“Well, we can surely find another way to trace him. Anyway, we are certain he is one of the culprits, or he has been paid to do it.”“Same thoughts.”
NELINAMarica and I looked at Royce and Leo with our mouths falling open. Their reactions were unexpected. We laughed in unison, seeing how worried Royce and Leo were; both of them stared at us in confusion.“Is this a game? Girls, why are you crying?” Royce asked. He seemed relaxed by then.“No, baby, it’s just a sudden burst of emotion after sharing some of our recent experiences. You know, about my family and the incident today.” I didn’t mention Marica’s family matter as I thought she wouldn’t like discussing it in the hospital.“Can we have our coffee now?” Marica asked excitedly.“Sure,” Leo said as he handed Marica’s coffee, next was mine. Both of them were seated on the sofa while I stayed by Marica's side, sipping my coffee.The hospital room was spacious enough to have a sofa set and dining area beside it. It appeared neat and elegant with white paint, and a modern and luxurious interior.“God, it’s so good. This helps me relax.““Seriously, besty?”“Yeah, it does help me ca
NELINAIt took us almost 30 minutes to drive to Arturo Medical Center. Four of the bodyguards came with us inside the hospital. Royce and I hurried to the front desk, and I immediately asked the staff in charge.“Ms. we are looking for Marica Lopez. She was admitted just an hour ago and our friend told us she’s still in the emergency room.”The woman wearing white, probably in her mid-30s scanned the desktop immediately. She had a pleasant smile when she seemed to have found the answer. “Ms. Lopez is already in her suite room. Please head to room 309.”“Thank you,” I said as I nodded at her.“Baby, let’s go,” I said and dragged Royce on the elevator, the four men followed us. My heart was pounding in my chest even stronger with every step I made on our way to Marica’s room.“Calm down baby, we’ll get there now.”“Baby, you know I can’t. I’m so worried about Marica. My head just won’t stop thinking about the worst-case scenario.”“I’m here,” Royce said, clasping his hand on mine tightl