ROYCE
At precisely 1 PM, the team was complete. Nelly and I were the last ones to arrive at the Racing Track. Rico, Santi, Leo, and Andi were already in their racer suits. Well prepared for our scheduled Sunday drag racing practice. "Guys, you know my girlfriend, right?" I said as we joined in the group patiently waiting for us. Nelly's hand entwined with mine.
"How could we forget?" Rico was quick to answer.
"Hi, Nelly," Andi and Leo said in unison and raised a hand in greetings.
"Hi, guys," Nelly responded as she pressed her lips in a thin line. She's still a little shy around my friends.
"Sweet..." I heard Santi. His voice had a trace of tease as he prolonged the word, a sinister smirk pla
ROYCEA few minutes had passed, but Nelly never said a word following Roxie's encounter. I brought her to my quarter to calm down. My eyes stuck at her innocent face as she sat opposite me. Her face down as she squeezed her hands. Nelly's chest rose and fell, which is quite different from ordinary; I could hear her breathing because of the silence that dominated between us.Even if she hasn't uttered a word, I know that she's having an inner argument. The last thing I want her to think is questioning her worth just because Roxie belittled her."Do you wanna say something? Ask me anything."I broke the silence. Only by then, Nelly lifted her head, her sight landed on mine. She straightened her body, her back on the cushion. All the while, never leaving my eyes that
ROYCE"What? That's your car," she said as she pointed at the car."Used to, but this is yours now. I want you to have it as a birthday gift. This was the first car I bought with my hard-earned money. That's why I'm choosing this as my late birthday gift for you. Giving a gift from my hard-earned money would be the best instead of relying upon my grandparents' wealth." I told Nelly, loud and proud, as I opened the driver's seat door.Nelly was staring at me the whole time I was talking and didn't say a word."If this is not your type, we can-""I like it," Nelly said, cutting me off. She pressed her lips before she let out a long breath. I would have offered to buy the latest model for her.&
NELINAA week has passed quickly, but still, the memories with Royce in the car were vivid to me. I love how he held me in his arms, the touch of his hands that sent warmth on my skin, and the way he pressed his lips on mine. My heart skipped a beat imagining Royce's face, overjoy clouded his features as he trailed his fingers on my cheek. I never thought there could be any safer place than the arms of my dad and my brother Mark.I was cut off from my daydream when the doorbell rang. It must be Marica. I threw a brief look in the mirror before I intended to attend who's on my door.I was about to grab my clutch bag when I saw the Mercedes Benz car key. The sentimental guy.
ROYCERoyce inclined his arm around me and gently squeezed my shoulder, which was consoling. He smiled pleasantly when I glanced up at his face, and I took it as my assurance to stay calm."Uncle Philip, this is Nelly, my girlfriend, baby, my this is my uncle, Philip," Royce said as he looked at his uncle back and forth and me."Pleased to meet you, sir," I greeted as I offered a hand for a handshake.His facial expression softened, a smile crept on his lips."Finally, it's nice to meet you as well, Ms. Cruz," he said as he stood up and took my hand for a handshake.I felt a burden lifted from my shoulder when I saw him smile at me; before my thou
NELINAI saw Marie dancing with Leo on the far left side, and there was Rico, Santi, and Andi, all of them, who had a girl; only God knows where they found them. Probably just in their circle of friends, it was an invitation-only party."Baby, why did you choose classical music?" I can't help myself but ask Royce. This is not the typical choice of men at his age. My face was an inch close to his. My hands clasped on his nape, his hands on my waist as we swayed to the melody."The music is one way of remembering my grannies; they like classical music," he said, shrugging his shoulders."Well, at their age, it's understandable, right? And to be honest, I was kind of learning to like it as well," he said as he showed an awkward grin. He must have been a little shy to
ROYCEI know I have to be honest with Nelly and confront her even though it won't be easy. Every time I lay my eyes on her innocent face, my heart melts."Baby, I have to ask you if you had any strange experiences in the past few days."Nelly seemed to contemplate my questions as we were alone with some of the hotel staff left. Then, finally, she had her own space to think clearly. By the look on her face, I sensed that she indeed had something to tell me."It's okay, baby; any small details would help.""Yeah, but let's not talk here. Can we go home?""After what happened tonight, I can't let you home alone in your condo. Stay with me."
ROYCE"What are you both doing here?"Their presence came as a shock to me. Never did I dream of having them in my life again. When I was an innocent kid, I had wishful thinking of having them with me, the usual complete family like my friends. But those years are gone. I taught myself to accept things as they are and continue to live my life even without their presence. Who needs complete parents when you have the perfect grannies.Mom and Dad stared at me, both unable to speak right away. It must have been a miracle that got them together because they couldn't even stand being 5 meters close the last time I knew."Royce, who are they?" Nelly asked as she clung to my arms. I was contemplating what to say to her if I should tell her the truth or
NELINAI opened my eyes, and the first thing my eyes laid on was a beautiful man sleeping beside me. His face was a resemblance of stillness. Moving out of bed was hard when I got to see his whole face, eyes closed.Last night was difficult for him. I could tell by how he looked at his parents and when he returned after talking to them. I saw the pain in his eyes, like never before. I could never tell how hard it was for him, he tried to hide it from me, but a smile can't hide a hidden pain in his eyes.My heart tightened and sore for him. Royce sees me through every trouble I was in, not considering how he was in his own dilemma. I feel bad for not looking after him, and I think it was all about me. How did I end up like this? I was selfish.
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