THIRD POV“Can I finally get your approval to marry Lexi?” Chase asked, emotionless.Chase was currently at his family’s mansion, summoned by his father. He had left Lexi at the condo, still sound asleep. He had written her a note to ensure she wouldn’t worry when she woke up.It was the weekend, and Chase had planned to take Lexi out for some relaxation. However, since speaking with his father was a rare opportunity, he decided to indulge the older man’s request.“I want to understand why you’re so eager to marry that woman,” his father said seriously.He let out a bitter laugh. “Aren’t you the one pushing me to get married? That’s why you want me to marry that woman you liked,” he retorted."That woman has a name. It's Shiela.""Lexi also had a name," he said seriously.His father took a deep breath. “All we want is what’s best for you. Your mother chose Shiela because she knows who’s best for you. And it’s her.”Chase looked at his mother in disbelief. He had always thought she was
SHIELA'S POV"Where are you going?" Mama asked as soon as she saw me step out of my room."I need some air, Mama. I just want to relax," I replied quickly.Mama took a deep breath. She knew very well that when I wanted to go out, it meant I was extremely stressed out. There wasn’t much I could do right now since she told me to lie low. She assured me that she was handling things to stop Chase and Lexi's wedding, so I should just rest for now."Fix yourself up because Chase's mother called. Mrs. Mirasol, the grandmother, wants to meet you," Mama said seriously."When will that be?" I asked eagerly.This was a great opportunity to win Chase's grandmother over. If I could secure the approval of his entire family, Lexi might back out of the wedding herself.“Tonight. We’re having dinner at their place. Make sure you’re home early,” Mama replied.I nodded quickly. “Alright, Mama. I’ll come home early.”“You better. You need to get on his grandmother’s good side. Who knows? She might even a
THIRD POV"Are you ready?" Ricky asked his wife and daughter seriously as they prepared to leave for the Sandoval mansion.Shiela descended the stairs with a broad smile on her face. She was wearing a maroon dress paired with 4-inch heels, her hair styled and makeup flawless. She had meticulously prepared for this dinner because she was finally meeting Chase's grandmother. She will make sure that the woman will like her for her grandson."Behave yourselves, both of you. We can’t afford to embarrass ourselves in front of Mrs. Sandoval," Ricky added sternly.Minda chuckled. “When have we ever embarrassed you? It was always Emerald staining your name,” she said bluntly.“This will be the last time. Shiela, I want you to start forgetting Chase. Let’s leave him and your sister alone,” Ricky said flatly.Ricky had spent days thinking about his decision. He realized he had been unfair to his daughter Lexi and didn’t want to force Shiela onto Chase anymore. Forcing their marriage could only l
LEXI'S POV"Grandma, how did you meet Lexi?" Chase asked as we were currently eating dinner.Earlier, I felt uncomfortable because my father was there too, but things have eased up since I discovered that Chase's grandmother was the kind lady who helped me years ago. It really might be true that the world is too small."She was the young lady I helped six years ago. She was in trouble and couldn't pay for her things, so I stepped in and paid for them," Grandma began."Oh, Mrs. Sandoval, that's just how Lexi has always been—reckless. She always burns through her allowance too quickly," Aunt Minda chimed in, obviously trying to ruin my reputation in front of everyone.Mrs. Mirasol frowned. "That's not what she told me. She said her father cut off her credit card," she replied, looking puzzled."Ye—""Well, you can't always trust her. She lied to us many times before," Aunt Minda interrupted me.I looked down, unable to defend myself. I didn't want Grandma Mirasol to think badly of me, b
LEXI'S POV"Lex," Chase called out to me.The three of us were now in Chelsea’s room. But Chelsea had gone downstairs to grab some snacks, leaving me staring out the window. From here, I could see the garden where Grandma Mirasol and Shiela were talking."I think my sister is badmouthing me to your grandmother," I said, my voice tinged with worry.Chase let out a deep breath. I felt his arms wrap around my waist, his chin resting lightly on my shoulder."You don’t have to worry about Grandma. You showed her who you truly are six years ago," he said seriously.I smiled as memories of the past came flooding back. "The world is really small. To think that one of the reasons I was able to finish school was because of your grandmother. She’s so kind, Grey. I am seeing my late grandmother to her.""You don’t need to worry about her. She’s on our side," he reassured me.That’s when I realized something. I turned to face him, still wrapped in his arms."Wait, does she know about our agreement
LEXI'S POVAfter everything, Chase and I agreed to stay the night at his family's house. I could feel that his father had already accepted me, but what lingered in my mind was his stepmother. She had remained silent and simply observed us earlier. I didn’t want to assume she was like Aunt Minda, but I couldn’t help but worry. Still, I felt somewhat relieved now that Chase's family had agreed to formally visit mine. This meant our wedding was finally happening."Chase, my grandson, I’ll allow you to sleep in the same room, but I must ask you, please, don’t let me have a great-grandchild before the wedding. Be a gentleman, alright?" Grandma Mirasol reminded him.I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw Chase’s face turn red."And you, Lexi. Don’t surrender just yet, alright?" she teased, turning to me.This time, it was Chase who laughed. I secretly pinched his side in retaliation. If only Grandma knew I’d already surrendered that."Don’t worry, Grandma. Go on and sleep," Chase urged her."
CHASE'S POV9 years ago...It was the first day of school, and I was already on campus early. While walking, my friend Jay suddenly tapped me on the shoulder. He is my teammate in basketball and has been my classmate since junior high school.“I heard there were a lot of transferees this year,” he began.That wasn’t surprising. Many schools in our area only went up to junior high, so most students transferred here for senior high.“Stop it. You won’t get anything from it,” I replied flatly. I know Jay too well—he has a thing for transferee girls who match his type.“Did you know the sister of your persistent admirer is studying here now?” he added, walking beside me.I didn’t respond because a girl caught my attention. I saw her trip and fall flat on the ground, almost kissing the pavement. The laughter of the crowd filled the air, and I could only shake my head.“She could’ve been pretty, but she’s nerdy and clumsy,” Jay commented, also witnessing what happened.Honestly, I hated thi
LEXI'S POV"Is everything you said true?" I asked, still in disbelief.Chase smiled slightly. "Do I have any reason to lie to you?" he replied with a question.I avoided his gaze. I didn’t know what to say. I only found the courage to agree to his proposal because I assumed he never really loved me before. I quickly set aside my uneasiness, thinking that our past no longer mattered since it was all just a game.But when I heard from him that there was never a bet and that he was genuinely serious about me, it felt like I had been transported back in time. The feelings, the atmosphere, the memories—it was as if I was a teenager again."I'm sorry for doubting you back then," I finally said.Chase took a deep breath. "I can’t blame you, Lexi. For nine months, you heard nothing from the other students but the word 'bet.' I failed you too. I shouldn’t have let them poison your mind."I flopped onto his bed, my feet still resting on the carpet. I stared at the ceiling, my mind replaying eve
THIRD POV"Really? My sister seems to be enjoying the attention you're giving her a little too much," Lexi said in a deep tone after Chase ended the call.Chase smiled slightly. "Let her be. It's actually better that she trusts me," he replied.His wife rolled her eyes at him and placed her spoon down. They were in the middle of their meal, as Chase had just returned to the house where he was hiding with Lexi."Wasn't it enough that you spent hours together at the bar? She didn’t even think about the possibility of someone seeing you two together, knowing that you’re her brother-in-law," Lexi said, shaking her head.Chase's smile widened. He was amused to see his wife annoyed at his plan to get closer to her sister, Shiela. He didn’t intend to tease her, but he couldn't help himself."Well, she’s actually not bad to talk to. I mean, she’s not like before when she was desperately trying to get my attention."Lexi abruptly stood up, causing Chase to rise as well. She glared at him, maki
THIRD POVChase pulled the car to a gentle stop in front of the Castillon residence. The night had stretched longer than expected, but neither he nor Shiela seemed to mind.“Thank you, Chase,” Shiela said with a warm smile as she turned to face him.Their conversation at the bar lasted nearly three hours. Shiela had taken the opportunity to talk with him extensively, grateful that, for the first time, he seemed open and willing to share parts of himself. She had not drunk too much and was careful to stay sober enough to savor their time together. Chase, too, had limited his drinks, knowing he had to drive. When he offered to take her home, she gladly accepted, leaving her car in the care of her friend, Jenny, the bar's owner.Chase exhaled before speaking, his tone serious. “Shiela, I don’t want to rush things. My wife just passed away. I don’t want to give you false hope.”Shiela shook her head gently. “I’m not in a hurry, Chase. What matters to me is that you’re finally talking to m
SHIELA'S POV"Shiela, that's enough. You're drunk," Jenny said seriously, trying to stop me from drinking anymore.I shook my head slowly. Right now, alcohol is the only ally I had. I had no idea how my life had come to this. I thought everything would finally fall into place once my half-sister was out of my life, but it turned out to be the opposite. My father became even more distant, and my mother seemed to care for nothing but the company.And Chase? He felt even more out of reach. If there had been a wall between us before, now it feels like he had built an entirely different world—one I had no place in. The chances of him noticing me had become even more impossible."I don't know if you're celebrating or mourning," Jenny muttered, shaking her head.I let out a bitter smile. "If you think about it, I should be happy that Lexi is gone. I thought I would finally get everything I wanted. But I was wrong. My life has only become more miserable, Jenny.""Well, it's never that simple,
THIRD POV"Chase, I'm sorry that Grandma and I just got back now," Chelsea said, crying as she hugged her brother tightly.It took them a while to return home because Chelsea had an upcoming exam, so she had to take it before coming home. Their grandmother came with her since she, too, was deeply affected by Lexi’s sudden passing."Get some rest first; you must be tired from the trip," Anna told the grandmother and granddaughter.Mirasol immediately shook her head. "I want to visit my granddaughter, Lexi. Chase, come with us to see her," she said authoritatively.Chase gave a silent nod, showing no emotion. Carlo let out a sigh as he observed his son's behavior since Lexi’s passing. Chase showed no emotions and remained quiet most of the time. Although he hadn't neglected TAC, the drastic change in him was noticeable. He practically lived in his office and had only come home to the mansion now because his sister had arrived."I'm worried about him, Mama. He makes it seem like he's oka
THIRD POV“Where is Chase?” Carlo asked the moment he arrived in the dining area of their mansion. He found Anna already seated, waiting for him.“I called him, and he said he would be working overtime at the office,” his wife replied seriously.Carlo let out a deep sigh. He no longer knew what to do with his only son. Ever since his wife passed away, Chase had become distant, shutting everyone out. He was always at the office, and Carlo rarely saw him anymore. At first, he gave his son space, allowing him time to grieve, but now he was beginning to worry about his behavior.“Just give him some time, Carlo,” Anna said as she began serving herself some food.“Until when? He can’t be like this forever,” he said, shaking his head.“He loved Lexi dearly, but he would eventually move on. He’s still young, so he will surely find someone else to love. If only Lexi wasn’t Shiela’s sister, I would have suggested once again that we arrange for them to be together,” Anna added.Carlo turned to h
THIRD POVDinner was quiet, almost eerily so. Minda and her daughter, Shiela, sat at the dining table, sharing a meal for the first time since that morning. But the silence between them was heavy, filled with unsaid words and lingering tension."At least Chase chose to stay out of the company’s affairs," Minda finally broke the silence, her voice carrying a sense of relief.Shiela scoffed, her tone laced with sarcasm. "You don’t have to worry anymore. You’re still the CEO, after all."Minda frowned. "Shiela, instead of standing with me, why does it feel like you’re turning against me? What exactly do you want?"Shiela sighed, shaking her head. "Honestly? I don’t even know anymore. The company? Chase? Papa? I have no idea, Mama. Lexi may be gone, but it feels like she’s still haunting me."Minda froze, her fork slipping slightly from her fingers. Her eyes widened as she turned to her daughter. "She’s haunting you too?" she asked in disbelief."I mean, she’s not truly gone because I sti
THIRD POVMinda was left speechless as her daughter, Shiela, walked away without another word. Frustration boiled inside her, pushing her to seek out her husband, who remained unable to speak. Finding him awake, she wasted no time."Can you just forget about your illegitimate child? Shiela is the one beside you now, and she should be your priority," she said coldly, her voice laced with anger.Ricky simply stared at her. What else could she expect? He had lost his ability to speak. Ever since his heart attack, she had stopped sharing a room with him, choosing instead to sleep in the guest room. She had only given Shiela a convenient excuse, and her daughter had accepted it without question. Rarely did she visit him anymore, and now, after so long, she finally stood before him again."You have already lost one child, Ricky. Don’t let Shiela slip away from you too."With that, she turned on her heel and walked out. A deep breath escaped her lips as she gripped the doorknob tightly. If n
FLASHBACKChase had just finished his meeting and was making his way back to his office when he noticed his mother, Anna, hastily walking through the hallway. She seemed anxious, looking around as if making sure no one was following her. His instincts kicked in, and without a second thought, he decided to trail her discreetly. To his surprise, she headed straight for the rooftop of the building."Hello. I need you to do something for me right now," he heard her say to someone over the phone.A few seconds of silence followed before Anna spoke again."Sneak into Chase's condo. Open the gas tank so that when Lexi gets home, it will explode on impact. That woman has to disappear—she’s a hindrance to all our plans. Make sure it looks like an accident. Do you understand?"Chase felt his blood run cold. He couldn’t listen any further. Without hesitation, he turned and rushed back to his office, locking the door behind him. With trembling hands, he dialed his wife's number."Lex, where are y
THIRD PERSON'S POV"Mama, have you heard the news? The building where Lexi and Chase live is on fire right now."A secret smile played on Minda’s lips as she listened to her daughter. She had long wished to remove her husband’s child from his past relationship. Now, she had finally executed her plan, ensuring that Lexi’s death would once again appear as an unfortunate accident."I don’t know how to feel, Mama. They say Lexi is trapped inside the building."Minda glanced at her daughter, slightly taken aback by the concern evident in her voice. That was not the reaction she had expected."Don't tell me you're worried about that woman?" she asked in disbelief."Mama, I despise her, but I’m thinking about Papa. As much as I hate to admit it, I know he’ll be devastated if Lexi is gone," Shiela answered somberly.She took a deep breath and approached her daughter, gently stroking her hair. "Hija, you need to think about yourself right now. That woman has been stealing everything that shoul