Chapter 5

ALEX’S POV

A month after Bryan and I talked in my office, I haven’t heard anything from him since then.

My phone is now quiet. I am not a fan of text and call, which is very weird because I’m into gadgets, especially cellphones. I constantly change my phone twice a year. I saved a lot of money when we started carrying Sapphire because I get to have new phones every quarter for free from our latest release given by the manufacturer.

But no matter how I tried to deny it, I miss receiving text messages from him, especially his “good morning” and “goodnight” messages. Even if he only wanted to annoy me most of the time.

I am not surprised that Bryan did what I told him to do. What do I expect? He always follows what I want.

I know that I should be happy because Bryan is doing what I want him to do, but I must admit that it saddened my heart.

***

We will be having a Media launch next week. And because of that, Liz and I decided to go to our favorite boutique to buy clothes that we will wear for the said event.

As owners, of course, we need to look presentable. We are the ones representing our products. And for sure, this launch will be featured in Magazines, Newspapers, TV, other media, and social media platforms.

When we arrived at the boutique, we were immediately greeted by our favorite designer Ms. Leila. She is a known designer not only in the Philippines but also around the globe. She has dressed many famous personalities. With her credibility, those who ask for her design are not just ordinary people.

We are very blessed because Ms. Leila is a family’s good friend; that is why we are very privileged to have the opportunity to wear her creations.

"As expected, Ms. Leila, you are superb. It's so beautiful! I can't wait to wear this." I told her after I saw the gown that she specially made for me for the said media launch.

"Me too. I can't wait to see you two wearing my creation. I always wanted you guys to be my models, and I hope you agree to be my model. I’m sure you two will be a big hit.” Ms. Leila said.

When we were in college, Ms. Leila always persuades us to be her model. The thing is that we are both not confident to do it. We prefer to be an entrepreneur than a model.

“If our business will fail, we may consider your model offer. But as you can see our business is running smoothly. Even if we want to, it is quite impossible because we need to focus on Sapphire.” I explained to her in a sweet voice.

I saw her pouted her lips. “Hmph! I was the one who gave you an offer first!”

We chuckled. "Don't worry, Ms. Leila. When we can adjust our schedule for Sapphire, maybe we can try a few model jobs for you.” Liz said.

We saw her eyes twinkle from what she heard from Liz. We just shook our heads.

***

Liz and I left the boutique of Ms. Leila. We both decided to have dinner first before going home.

My best friend and I were busy eating and chatting when a man approached us.

We looked at the man at the same time. In fairness, he is handsome but wait; I think I already saw him. I can’t remember where I saw him. I looked at Liz, and from her reaction, she seemed to know him too.

"Hi, Ms. Ramirez and Ms. Rivera, right?" The guy said

We both nodded.

"I'm Gian Fabian, the owner of AAT Magazine and Bryan's best buddy." He introduces himself.

I remember that Bryan introduced him to us on his birthday because it was easy for us to get space in their magazine for ads, especially for tech reviews.

"Yes, I remember you, Mr. Fabian. Nice seeing you here." Liz said.

He smirked. "Don't be too formal, Liz. Just call me Gian."

Handsome but too cocky.

"Okay," Liz said, smiling at the cocky guy.

Wait! Look at how these two look at each other... hmmm, I smell something’s fishy with these two, especially in that guy Gian. It is so obvious the way he flirted with Liz. Did he know that Liz and Bryan were already done? Is that why he is making a move with my best friend now?

"By the way, Gian," I butt in.

"Did you receive our invitation for next week's media launch?"

Since it's a media launch, Gian is one of those we invited for Press Release. Writers and AE are the ones we asked, but since Gian is a familiar friend, we have also invited him.

"Yes. Expect me to be there." he winked at LIZ? OMG!

I know that he has hots for my best friend. But he didn’t even think of what Bryan will say if he makes a move to Liz?!

After we left the restaurant, I immediately talk to my best friend.

“Hey, sis, you have some explaining to do!”

“What do you mean?” She asks innocently.

I look at her intently. “Don’t play innocent with me. What is the meaning of the wink of that cocky guy Gian? Explain it to me!”

“I don’t know. I am not the one who gave a wink.” She said in a sarcastic tone.

I rolled my eyes. “If Bryan will know about this-”

I wasn’t able to finish because Liz cut me off.

“We already broke up, remember?” She said to remind me.

I suddenly felt guilty when I saw sadness in her eyes.

“Omg! I forgot, sis. Sorry.” I said, then lower my head.

“Don’t be like that, sis. It's okay. I understand.” She said while giving me a forced smile.

Even if my best friend doesn't say it, I know she still can't move on from Bryan. Haist ... why did that man think of a perverted thing? They would still be okay now if it weren’t for his perverted needs.

‘We will also still be okay now.’ Said the other part of my brain.

Oh no, Alex, what were you thinking? So what if you are not okay with him?! Erase erase. Don't ever think about that again? You knew that your best friend is in love with that guy!

***

BRYAN’S POV

Gian texted me that he had talked to Liz earlier. He said he saw her in a restaurant, so he thought of going to them and started our plan.

I immediately picked up my cellphone to catch up.

"Hello, Gian, how was your talked with them earlier?"

‘Great. I already made the first move. Alex invited me to attend their media launch next week.’

I frowned. Wait, why Alex? Don't tell me Alex likes him? From what I know, Alex likes Korean. "Why did Alex invite you?" I asked.

It looked like our plan is not good. Instead of Liz, Alex might be the one who falls for him. Among the three playboys, Gian is the most loved by girls. He did not make any effort to get a girl because girls are the one who is making the first move.

He chuckled. ‘Yes, dude. What are we going to do now? It looks like Alex is the one falling for my charm instead of Liz?’ He laughs so hard.

I was stunned. Hell! I will not allow that!

"Hey, Gian, what we have agreed on is that you will build a friendship with Liz to help her to move on, and you will help me to make a move with Alex!” I angrily said to Gian.

Why didn't I think that Alex might like him? What did I do? I am still not allowed to approach her.

‘Relax, dude. Alex is not my type FOR NOW. But we can’t be sure because she's beautiful, sexy-‘

I didn’t let him finish talking. "Dude, back off. If you want us to be friends still.”

I can no longer control myself. It's so frustrating because I feel like I can't do anything. Alex won't let me approach her while Gian and even other guys were free to come and even make a move on her.

He laughed so hard that it made me more pissed. ‘Chill, dude! I need to cut this call; I have a meeting now.’

He ended the call.

I’m not sure if I made the right decision.

As I was thinking about the plan, I suddenly remembered my aunt's offer to me. I got my phone to call her.

"Hello, Auntie! I've decided. I will take your offer."

I only have one thing on my mind right now. I can't lose Alex.