TYSHA Bumping into Mr. Billionaire here unexpectedly felt like a stroke of trouble. I mean, what were the odds? First, he caught me ignoring him at the cabaret. Second, he saw me sneaking around his Bryse’s place and got his balls kicked, and now this? Great. Just great. I didn't sign up for this awkward encounter. The tension in the air was so thick you could cut it with a knife. It was like he was some magnet for trouble, and I couldn't escape it. All I wanted was to not see him again and make things more complicated. It felt like New York City became much smaller because I kept on crossing paths with this man. Geez, Tysha, what kind of luck did you have? What brought him here, anyway? Jeff called him "uncle," so maybe he's related to Miss Cindy? But honestly, it doesn't quite add up. This family doesn't strike me as particularly well-off. And since he was in the VIP loft the night I saw him in Eventide Cabaret, he must be a millionaire or billionaire. So, what are his connecti
RUE I could sense Tysha's nervousness, practically smell it. She was definitely lying when she denied about knowing me. As she entered the passenger seat, she immediately fumbled for the seat belt, not realizing that in my Bentley Continental, it operated differently. I sighed. Despite my disdain for her, I reluctantly helped her with the seat belt. Closing the door, I triggered the automatic belt bringer, pulling it over her and intentionally closing the gap between us. I couldn't ignore her sweet scent, oddly alluring, but I pushed that thought aside. "Uhh... thanks," she muttered breathily. I remained silent. After assisting her, I made my way to the driver's seat, and we finally left Cindy’s residence. An awkward silence lingered between us, prompting me to break it by launching into an interrogation. "You know me," I accused, pretending to be entirely certain of my statement. “H-Huh?” she stuttered, obviously nervous of my accusations. I noticed how she looked in my direc
TYSHA Rue might look perfect, but his vibes were a letdown. I wouldn't suggest going through that kind of meeting again. Right now, I worried that he might get the CCTV footage from Eventide, revealing my identity as the girl he's searching for. The thought of facing him after he confirms it haunts me. Gaslighting him was tough. I was even lucky that I drifted our conversation away from what happened outside Bryse’s house because if Rue continued to ask questions about that, he could have found out the truth. Especially since I mentioned I was his nephew’s ex! Gosh! I'm anxious about keeping up the act once he has evidence. It was hard enough the first time, and I secretly pat myself on the back for escaping without getting into trouble. When the next session with Jeff came, I headed back to Miss Cindy's residence, looking forward to a quiet tutoring day since I knew that Rue only visited the last time we crossed paths there. But as I rang the doorbell, surprise hit me like a lig
RUE I messed up big time. Watching Tysha gather her things and leave my sister's house, I felt a twinge of guilt for the words I threw at her. But instead of stopping her, I just stood there like a stubborn fool, letting her walk away. "Uncle, why did you have to say that?" my nephew asked, his innocence carrying a weight of understanding beyond his years. Yet, I couldn't find the words to explain my mistake. I clenched my jaw, frustration building within me. Damn it! What the hell was I thinking? Looking back, I'm puzzled by my own feelings. Why do I have this intense dislike for her? It's like this irrational pettiness takes over, clouding my judgment and making me say things I don't mean. It's not just about her tutoring skills or any excuse I tell myself. There's something deeper, rooted in my own issues. Maybe it's a mirror of my insecurities, a need to assert control, or just a display of some unresolved frustration. Whatever it is, it's clear I need to understand myself bet
TYSHA Gosh! Why did I have to dare Rue to get a new tutor for Jeff? Now, where am I going to get income from? Stupid Tysha! I walked out of Miss Cindy’s residence, contemplating the idea of going back and just confessing that it was all a prank. What if I just stroll back in, saying, “It’s a prank! I’m not that sensitive, you know!”? No, scratch that. Erase, erase. I could already envision Rue's expression if I pulled something like that. I can't handle another round of humiliation. Come on, Rue, just follow me and apologize! I can't afford to lose my job over a stupid dare! I deliberately took each step slower than usual, a silent plea in every footfall, hoping that Rue would swallow his pride and say sorry. But, true to his stubborn nature, it never happened. Reality hit me hard when I got home, sinking in even deeper when Sir Patrick, Miss Cindy’s husband, called me to break the news—they had found a new tutor for Jeff. Now, Rue's arrogance and my silly dare had cost me my j
RUE I've been raised with everyone always saying how strong I am. Some even questioned if I had any feelings for others. Tears were never a part of my story, not even when my dad passed away. Stoicism was my shield, and I wore it proudly. But when I saw Tysha crying outside that hospital, a twinge of something new hit me. It was like something squeezed my heart, a feeling I'd never felt before. Her tears, her vulnerability, stirred an unexpected pain within me. I had become really good at keeping my feelings in check, moving through life without letting emotions show. However, in that moment, as I saw her pain, a crack formed in the tough exterior I had carefully crafted. It was like a discovery, a peek into a world of emotions I believed were out of my reach. Her tears brought about a discomfort that went beyond the surface. It wasn't just sympathy; it was a stirring of something profound, a realization of our shared humanity. Perhaps, there's more to life than the unyielding toug
RUE Rij and I entered Eventide Cabaret once again, and the rhythm of the music hit me like a wave. The place was a low-lit sanctuary, with an exclusive vibe enveloping us as we walked in. The sweet scent of pricey perfumes mixed with the rich aroma of cigars, creating a unique atmosphere. This upscale strip club for millionaires and billionaires felt like a separate world. Plush velvet drapes decorated the walls, concealing private corners where hushed conversations took place. The bar, stocked with the finest liquors, tempted patrons to indulge in luxury. “This is new. I really could not understand how your mind works,” Rij continued to tease me as we both entered his so-called paradise. “Shut up,” I retorted. “Should I get you women? Like the last time?” he asked, his eyes scanning the club. I immediately declined his offer; that wasn't my reason for being here. "No need. I gotta go." I tapped my friend's shoulder before setting off to explore the place by myself. Luckily, Rij
TYSHA In Barra's backstage dressing room at the Eventide Cabaret, the weight of the offer she presented sank in as I sat on the edge of her couch. The name she dropped caught me off guard, and I had to confirm if I heard correctly. "Rue Colterzon?!" I exclaimed, unable to believe the revelation. I contacted her the moment I decided to finally take the job she was offering last week. I had no choice but to accept her offer. This was my only hope to pay all of our debts and have some funds for my mother's upcoming surgery. She quickly laid out the details of the job and dropped the bomb – Rue Colterzon was the billionaire I'd be working with. That revelation hit me like a ton of bricks, sending my mind into a whirlwind of contemplation. Barra, leaning against her dresser with a mischievous glint in her eyes, responded, "Yes. Do you know him? Then, your work will be a lot easier if you already know him!" Of all people?! Really?! Is the universe playing tricks on me? Gosh! And what
TYSHAAm I really going to be the billionaire’s wife? Everything still felt surreal. When Rue finally got down on one knee and popped the question, I swear my heart skipped a beat. For a moment, I was frozen, not quite believing what was happening. It was like time stood still as I processed the moment.At first, I'll admit, I had my doubts. I mean, after I talked to his grandfather, that was when I realized that I answered his call and that he heard everything I said. Like gosh! What if he no longer proposed to me after I declined his grandfather’s offer to marry him? God knew how I barely had a sleep the night after that realization of mine. Although what I meant by my refusal was… I didn’t wanna marry Rue for money, I still felt scared that if ever he, indeed, heard our conversation, he would think I didn’t want to marry him in general. No. That was the complete opposite of what I was feeling. If I were to settle down, to build a life with someone, it would be with him.Marria
RUEI used to doubt love. I used to think that it was just a distraction, something that got in the way of real goals and messed with your head. Growing up, I saw too many relationships fall apart and people getting hurt, including my family. So, I promised myself I wouldn't let that happen to me. Focus on work, keep emotions in check—that was my rule.Then I met Tysha on that one special night in Eventide Cabaret.Everything changed. She wasn't like anyone else I'd ever known. There was something about her that drew me in. At first, I fought it. I told myself it was just a phase and that I'd get over it. But the more time I spent with her, the more I realized she wasn't a distraction. She was exactly what I needed—she set fire to my sleeping lust.“Every time I walk you to your room, it leads to lovemaking,” I whispered in between our kisses. Right after she accepted my not-so-spontaneous proposal, she pulled me into her room to continue our kissing session.“Next time, you won’t
RUE“I won’t marry Rue.”I couldn’t believe what I just heard. Tysha’s words echoed in my mind, bouncing around like they were trying to make sense but failing miserably.When she accidentally answered my call, I didn’t hang up, especially when I heard my grandfather’s voice talking to her. I was mad at Grandpa for offering Tysha money to marry me, but I stayed silent because I wanted to hear her answer. I never expected her answer would break me.“Our relationship is not a transaction, Mr. Colterzon. Just so you know. While I appreciate your concern for our future, marrying him should come from our hearts, not a financial incentive,” I heard Tysha continue. “So, no. I won’t marry him for money.”After that, I ended the call before she even noticed I was listening to her conversation with my grandfather.I felt a mix of emotions. I was angry at my grandfather for interfering, for thinking that money could solve everything. But Tysha’s words cut deeper. She didn’t want to marry me, eve
TYSHA“You wouldn’t be able to drive us home?” I asked Rue on the other line. I had just finished all my classes for the day when he called.“No. We just had an emergency meeting at the company. But I’ll send Fred,” he offered, but I immediately refused.“No need. I can drive us myself.”“Okay. Just tell the kids I’ll visit them later,” Rue said before ending the call.As I continued gathering my things to leave the faculty room, one of my co-teachers approached me with a curious look.Tysha, someone’s looking for you,” my co-teacher whispered, nodding toward the entrance. I glanced up from my stack of papers, my heart doing a little flip. Who could it be? A parent? Another teacher? “Huh? Really?” I tried to sound nonchalant, but my pulse quickened. The school day had been ordinary so far, and I wasn’t prepared for any surprises.“Yes. He’s waiting in the parking lot, with lots of convoys,” my co-teacher grinned, clearly enjoying my confusion. With my co-teacher's grin, the first
TYSHARue wanted to introduce our kids to his mother and grandfather and the thought of it made my stomach churn with anxiety. Like, gosh!I couldn't help but overthink the whole situation. His grandfather had always hated me, ever since I was with Bryse. He did everything in his power to separate us before. And now, after all this time, I was terrified that his hatred for me would extend to our children.What if Rue’s grandfather took one look at them and saw nothing but a reminder of my past mistakes? What if he couldn't see them for the wonderful kids they are and only saw my flaws? The idea of my kids being judged or rejected because of my history was unbearable.I kept imagining different scenarios, each worse than the last. Would his grandfather's anger flare up the moment he laid eyes on them? Would he blame them for the messy past I had with his family? I could almost see the disapproval in his eyes, and feel the tension in the room.Rue seemed confident that things would be f
TYSHA“This is their picture?” Rue asked as I handed him the photo album, filled with pictures of our kids. After they had fallen asleep, he had suddenly asked to see some photos of them. Luckily, I had been making albums of their milestones.“Yeah, right after they were born,” I said proudly, sitting beside him on the couch and joining him in looking at the pictures.Rue carefully stared at each photo, his eyes filled with a mix of wonder and regret, as if trying to relive the moments he had missed. Each image seemed to pull him deeper into a past he wasn't part of, yet desperately wished he had been.He traced a finger over a picture of their first birthday, his expression softening. “Who was with you?” Rue asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.“My parents,” I answered simply, trying to decipher what was going through his mind.“Just them?” He glanced at me, seeking confirmation.“Yes. Just them.”“How about Charles?” he asked.I thought he might be jealous, but when I l
RUEIn a short amount of time, I became super attached to the twins. Every day without them felt like a lost chance to be their real father. That's why I found myself constantly at Tysha's house, trying to make up for lost time.I longed to bond with them, to be a presence in their lives that they could rely on. It wasn't easy, knowing that I missed out on so much, but I was determined to do better.I held out the hairbrush when my daughter Addison came out of the bathroom. Her hair was damp and clinging to her small shoulders.As usual, I was in their house again, wanting to spend more time with my children."Can I brush your hair?" I asked, hoping she'd say yes.“Okay, Daddy.” Addison nodded, a shy smile on her face, and took a seat on the stool in front of me.I took a deep breath, aware of the importance of this gesture, and of the trust she was placing in me.As I began to brush, I was careful, mindful of every stroke."Am I doing this right?" I asked, watching her reaction in th
TYSHAOkay. If I was having fun earlier about how Rue shut Celeste’s bitchy mouth, I was no longer enjoying it now.“Is it true, Tysha? You’re dating Mr. Colterzon? The billionaire?!” asked one of my coworkers. “Err…” I stammered, unable to find the right words immediately.First of all, I didn’t feel the need to tell the truth to them. Second, to be honest, I didn’t really know the answer to that. Am I dating Rue again? We used to date but does co-parenting with him count as dating?“How about Charles, Ma’am Tysha? Did you two break up already?” Another question was thrown at me. It was Rupert who asked this time. The faculty room had turned into chaos the moment I walked in after finishing my classes.Even though Celeste kept her mouth shut after what Rue said to her, the news still spread like wildfire. Fortunately, before I had to say something, Madeline came into the faculty room. "Everyone," she addressed the room sternly, "what's all this commotion? Where is your professio
TYSHASince Rue had insisted on driving us to school, and I couldn’t help but feel a little bit nervous. I’m sure it would spark a new rumor about me and gosh! But yeah, I must comply. This would be nothing compared to the six years I’ve taken away from him.As I told my kids about what their father planned on doing, Aiden and Addison were already perched by the window, their noses pressed against the glass, waiting for their father.Then it arrived. Rue’s car glided to a stop in front of our house, sleek and attention-seeking because of its vibes that were screaming ‘wealth.’ It was the kind of luxury car you’d see in magazines. But what can I say? The father of my kids is a billionaire so…“It’s Daddy!” Aiden and Addison said in chorus as their eyes grew wide with wonder. They rushed out the door, their school bags forgotten for a moment, as they circled the car with open-mouthed awe.I watched them.“Good morning, buds! Ready for school?” Rue greeted them with the same enthusiasm a