"C-Clar—" I didn't finish what I wanted to say when he suddenly pulled me to the sofa. He sat there and pulled me in his direction to make me sit on his lap.
"You're alluring lately," he said while smiling.
"By the way, what's your name, miss?" he asked after sipping wine. He didn’t take his eyes off me while gulping an expensive kind of drink.
Does he not know me? Does he not know me anymore? Does he not recognize my face?
I asked myself in the back of my head.
Suddenly, something I had never done before sank into my mind.
My mask...
I immediately touched my face to make sure. And, I was right. My mask was still on my face. I forgot to take it off after I danced on stage.
"Hey?" he gently calls me. I shifted my gaze to him again.
There was only one thing I could say now. He was so handsome. He looked more gorgeous than the last time I saw him way back seven years ago.
Wait! What was this man doing here? How did he end up in such a filthy place? Was he look like the other men who were willing to pay just to devour a body of a prostitute like me?
Why are you here, Clark?
"Hey... Are you okay, huh? Is there something wrong?" There was a hint of concern drawn on his masculine face. He withdrew me from his lap and let me sit nicely next to him.
"Tell me, miss. Are you okay?" he asked once again.
I absentmindedly nodded to him. Up until now, I still couldn't believe what I was seeing.
"Are you sure? I can give you medicine if you want." he offered and stood up from the sofa. I immediately held his broad arm to stop him.
"I'm okay!" I said a little bit louder. I immediately released my grip on his arm and bow shyly.
"I'm fine, don't you worry," I humbly said. Giving him assurance about what I feel.
"O-okay." His response seemed unconvincing.
"So, where are we? May I know your name, miss?" he asked one more time and held my waist using his right arm. He pulled me closer to him which earned me a gasp in shock.
"Ah— M-Magda," I stuttered. I felt nervous and excited at the same time. He slowly moved his face onto mine and then suddenly, he laughed softly.
"It's your name here in the entertainment club, right? I bet it's not your real name," he said and drank the wine again. I nodded shyly as if I agreed with what he had said.
He stared at me for a moment and sighed. He lowered the goblet containing an expensive wine that could be equivalent to one month's supply of our food at home.
"It's okay if you want to keep your identity. Your name here is Magda? It's cool anyway." he complimented.
"You know what, Magda, you have the vibe of a person I've been searching for for so long." he shared. I gulped after hearing it.
Is he talking about the person he's been searching for for so long is... me?
I stopped thinking when he stared at me for too long and here we go again. He was little by little approaching me. His broad arms snaked around my waist and became even tighter and my heart was beating too fast. My breathing became unsteady.
Sh*t, Clark...
I uttered at the back of my head because of nervousness and an exciting feeling that ate my entire system.
He began to caress my arms and slowly traveled to my shoulder.
I bit my lips hard at the strange sensation I was feeling.
Is that you, Clark?
No! Maybe, you just look like him.
My mind was battling while staring at his ocean eyes. Still think if the person in front of me was Clark, my childhood friend way back seven years ago. His face kept getting closer and closer to mine. I shut my eyes tightly and waited for his lips to take over my world but—suddenly his phone rang.
He released me gently and looked at his phone on the top of the glass table. He immediately picked it up and answered the call.
"Hello..."
"What?!" he suddenly shouted which startled me. I stared at him in surprise.
Who is he talking to?
I curiously asked myself.
"Why couldn't you find her?! Are you pretty sure that you're doing your job?!" he asked. His voice was filled with disappointment. He stood up from his seat and used his right hand to comb his hair because of the extreme frustration and disappointment he felt.
"If you couldn't find her, it's much better to hire a new competent private investigator than you!" he shouted at the phone and hung up the call. He let out a deep breath before glancing at me.
My attention was shifted to the door of the VIP room when someone entered.
"Sir Clark, Mr. Sy moved your meeting recently. You have thirty minutes to prepare." The man in a suit said. I think he was a bodyguard.
Wait! What?! Did he call this gorgeous man Clark?
"What the? Tonight?! Meeting?" he asked incredulously. The bodyguard nodded in response.
Clark turned his gaze back to me.
"I gotta go..." he said briefly and immediately kissed me on my cheek. He left the VIP room right after he kissed me. I was left dumbfounded in my seat. I felt like a fool holding my cheek.
Me? Did he kiss me on my cheek?
I felt my face heat up. I bet it was red like ripe tomatoes. I covered my face with both of my hands and screamed that time to release the joy and happiness I had felt.
* * * *
“WHAT?! You finally met him?! What–ouch! Angela!"
Bel tasted my sadistic hand once again. She had already said that line a few more times. I thought I was the only one who was overreacting to the situation after I met Clark but Bel was more overreacting than me. She could finally win the Oscars for being the best actress. Felt like Bel was the one who waited for Clark for a long time.
"Tone down your voice, Bel. The kids are asleep," I reminded and pinpoint the direction where my siblings were sleeping on the mat. She immediately covered her mouth.
"Sorry," she naughtily apologized. I did nothing but shake my head.
What a naughty Bel.
"But Angela, what happened after you met him? Did the two of you talk? Did he miss you, huh? Did he?" she asked with a shudder. She clapped her hands out of excitement.
"No. He didn't recognize me," I said and sighed deeply.
Bel's eyes widened and exaggeratedly shouted 'WHAT?' without a voice.
I had been dreaming of kicking this woman out of our house. She was more affected by what was happening than I was.
"I wore a mask. I forgot to remove it."
"Oh..." There was a melody of regret in her voice.
"You idiot, Ange—" She no longer completed what she wanted to say when I glared at her. She immediately shut her mouth.
"I better go home. Just give me an update if there's progress in your love story. Clarky Clarky!" She teased and laughed as she hugged me.
After a minute, she finally left the house.
"Take care!" I said as I watched her walking away. She nodded and waved her hand back at me as if she was saying goodbye.
"Big sister, I'm hungry..." Maymay said while sobbing. She sat on the floor while holding her aching stomach. I approached her gently and bent my knees in front of her to make eye contact. "Uhmm... Maymay, wait a minute. I'm waiting for your Auntie Bel's reply," I explained to her. I turned my attention back to my phone and fiddled with it. To Bel: Bel, can you lend me ten dollars? We just wanted to buy something to eat for tonight. I ran out of money. Sent! This was the third time I texted Bel, but there was no reply. What happened to that woman? I stood up and went back to the kitchen. I massage my temple out of frustration. My boss didn't give me my salary from the club for this month. This was how they work. They treated me like that. Just one complaint, someone will point a gun at your forehead and you will receive all kinds of insults but—I worked for that money. I worked for it but they didn't give it fully. "Big sister..." Maymay called while crying at the salas. "Ma
Almost a week ago was the last time I saw Clark here at the entertainment club. After that, he never showed up again. For those weeks, I couldn't believe myself to be getting excited. I was looking forward to the night. Just in case he came back. I sighed as I watched the reflection of my face in front of the vanity mirror. "Angela!" Our manager called. I looked in his direction. "Someone bought you today! Your sales are really great!" he exclaimed excitedly and caressed my hair. I smiled at him a little. "Go to the VIP. Enjoy..." There was an obscenity in his tone at the last word. I just shook my head before I excitedly went to the VIP room. Is that him? I hope so... I almost stumbled while heading to the said place. I wouldn't mind the height of my heels and the possibility of tripping over. I was excited to see him again. When I was at the front door, I immediately opened it and took a step forward. After a few minutes of scanning the place, the smile I wore on my face was
Overcrowded places, tight roads, and dirty surroundings came across as I was driving towards Angela's place. The people kept on staring at my car as I made my way. It was visible to their eyes the curiosity and wonder as to who was the driver of the expensive car. I stopped the car when I reached Angela's house. I found a little house made up of some hollow blocks and woods. It looks unfinished. It looked like I am already here. I immediately grab the brown envelope that John handed last yesterday and scanned the papers. After I saw the records of Angela printed on the paper, I was now one hundred percent sure that this is the house where she lives. I quickly removed my seatbelt and got out of the car. "Psst!" The drunk neighbors whistled at me. "Let's get drunk, sir. Give us money!" The drunk man greeted me in not a nice way. I ignored each one of them and just kept on walking. I had no business with them and I didn't like to waste my time. "Where's the doorbell?" I asked as I
Angela's POV "Big sister!!!" Maymay greeted me excitedly when I entered the house. I gladly hugged her tightly. After a second, she let go of the hug and helped me with the bags of food that I was carrying. "Where's your brother Kokoy?" I asked and roamed my eyes around. "Brother is in his room, sleeping," she politely replied. From what I heard, I nodded and we walked together toward the kitchen. She placed the bags on the kitchen table and excitedly picked up the cooking utensils that were going to be used. I also started to take care of the ingredients. "Big sister, someone came here lately. He's looking for you," Maymay said while she was busy with what she was doing. "Who is it? But hey... Remember what I've been always reminding you and your brother, huh? Don't talk to someone you don't know. Maymay, it's dangerous," there was a melody of concern in my voice as I sliced the vegetables. "But big sister... He knows you well and he said you also know him—" I rose my right
Clark’s POV "H-hi..." she stammered while looking at my face. Looked like she was surprised by my sudden appearance, right here in front of her after seven years ago without seeing each other. "C-Come—come in..." she added and shyly bowed as I entered their humble home. "Sir Clark!!!" Maymay suddenly showed up like a mushroom and jumped up to hug my waist. I laughed a little and smiled while looking at her innocent face. I glanced in Angela's direction who was now confused by the scene. "Sir Clark..." Kokoy called me from the kitchen and greeted me. I just nodded and smiled back in response. After a minute, Maymay finally let go of the hug and play her toys on the salas. "How?" my gaze shifted to Angela. "I came here yesterday," I explained and smiled sweetly at her. She was surprised by what I said. "Since when you came back?" she asked in confusion while her forehead furrowed. "It's not important anyway. What matter is now," I answered and smiled for the nth time. "You woul
"Take care of yourself, huh? Be careful there.""Of course Angela, I'll be careful as you wish.""Uhmm...""Hey? Are you crying? What's the matter?""No! I'm not crying. It's just... I'm just going to miss you.""Aw... How sweet of you, Angela. Come here, I will hug you.""Wait, Angela! Before I forgot! Here, take this. Promise me you'll always wear it.""A ring?""Yep!""I bring a gift to you too.""A picture of you?""Yes. So you won't be able to forget me.""Haha! Of course! I'll never forget you.""Uhmmm... Clark?""Yes, Angela?""Hey, Clark sweetie! Come on! We're leaving!""Come on, spill it! Mom's calling me.""What are we?""Haha! Of course, we are---""Clark!!! How many times do I have to call your name for you to come over?! We're late for the flight!""Mom's getting angry. I gotta go Angela.""Uhmm... All right. Be careful there, huh? Take care of yourself, always.""I will. Come here, I'll kiss your forehead. Mwah! There you go..." (Giggled)"You're making me miss you even
Clark's POV"I'm happy to see you again, Angela," I uttered lovingly and held her right hand. I placed it on the top of my chest where she could freely feel my heart beating with love and joy.I'm longing for this moment to happen. I am happy that I'm already here in our homeland. I am ready now. I know. "You don't have any idea how much I miss you... I am always thinking of you every single day." I added and smiled at her sweetly. Being there in the States without a glimpse of her is freaking difficult. There is always sadness here inside my chest. I always look up at the sky. Watching the moon, hoping she's looking at the moon too. And waiting for the stars to fall to make a wish to fast forward the time. When it comes to her, my heart really softens. Fortunately, Angela and I were having a moment alone this time because her best friend was outside of the house. Talking to someone over the phone. I don't know what's up with her best friend. It seems she's jealous. But why? We w
“I'm prosti-" Ting! Her words were cut off when my phone rang. Indicating I received a message. We both shifted our gaze to the table where the phone would be found. I chose to ignore the text message and didn't bother to check it. I looked back at the woman I love and put a smile on my face. "What is it again, Angela?" I asked and tuck her some baby hair at the back of her right ear. She breathes deeply and slowly releases it. Looks like she's nervous. After that, she spoke. "I am a pros-" Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting! The text message's tone alert ruined our conversation for the second time around. I gasped, shut my eyes, and later sighed in annoyance. "Uhmm... Check your phone, Clark. It seems important," she uttered and caressed my shoulder. I slowly opened my eyes and looked at her deeply. I don't want to ruin our moment but my phone keeps on ringing with a message tone alert. The hell? She just caressed my cheek then after a second, I sigh for the nth time and nodded as I
"A ring?" I uttered in astonishment and disbelief as I examined the ring on the tissue. I took another tissue to wipe it again. I was about to wipe the ring but stopped when I noticed something written on the tissue. I read it in curiosity."Will…" I read. I took another tissue and something was written again."You..."I picked up another one but this time, I placed and laid it on the table so I could read it properly."Will you marry me, Angela?"I was stunned and shocked after I read those words. I stared at the ring that I was holding and looked at my siblings and Bel who was now smiling at me so dearly.I sighed and lazily stared at Bel."What is this, Bel? Is this a prank?" I asked in assumption and looked at them boringly."You are fooling me," I concluded. Bel and my siblings just laughed in their seats. Later, the waiter approached me.My siblings and even Bel started screaming and shouting in amazement and excitement. I looked around and realized that there was no one else in
"Big sister, come on! Hurry up! We are going to be late if we stay here for more minutes!" Kokoy shouted in a hurry outside my room. I quickly tidied myself and hurriedly reached for my bag then opened the door. I saw Kokoy fully dressed with his basketball jersey while Maymay was sitting on a wooden chair in the living room."Come on, kids. Let’s go," I said. They approached my direction and we left the house together.As I locked the door, I saw Bel waiting for a vehicle that we could take a ride. Moments later, a bus stopped in front of us and we immediately stepped inside. Kokoy and Maymay were very excited to go to school. They both went to the same school.Bel and Maymay ended up sitting on the right side of the bus while Kokoy and I were on the left.After I paid the fare fee, I caught a glimpse of Kokoy who now had a smile on his face but you could see he is undeniably nervous as well.I just tapped his shoulder twice to give him courage. The two of us looked at each other and
"You're staring blankly in the air again. Back to earth, Angela."I got back to my senses when Bel suddenly appeared right behind me. I laughed and smiled at her."You are missing hi—Ouch! What is that for, Angela?!" she stopped from what she was going to say when I slapped her on her right arm. She immediately touched her arm that I hit and glared at me."I'm staring blankly then you showed up just to piss me off? You're a very supportive friend, Bel," I uttered sarcastically then chuckled.She sat down next to me on the wooden chair here in the backyard of the house."Well, it's true. Truth hurts, right?" she countered while gently caressing her arm.I smiled sadly and looked up at the sky. Every time a plane passes by on the horizon, I always get out of the house just to look at it. Not because I just want to see a plane, but because I think that maybe, on a plane I looked up in the sky, Clark is one of the passengers.Bel seemed to notice the changes in my mood. She sighed heavily.
While I was inside the car, tears continued to fall from my eyes. Every sob was painful. Mrs. Clarkson who was now sitting next to me inside the car glanced in my direction. I heard her sigh because of my behavior."Do not worry. You can forget him soon...""You made the right decision, Angela. Don't cry too much. The sacrifice you made for Clark is for his sake and good condition. You just made the right decision. Maybe Clark will be angry with you first but you know my son. In the long run, he will understand why you chose to free him instead of keeping him with you," she comforted me which made me cry even more.Thinking that Clark would be separated from me, my heart was crushed by the extreme pain.Hopefully, what Clark's mother said will come true. I hope it crossed Clark's mind that my decision is for his best.I glanced outside the window. Buildings and spacious roads turned into narrow streets and close-knit wooden houses after a half-hour of a long ride. I could say we are no
I hurriedly got off the bus when it stopped near where Clark lived.I walked quickly under the sun. When I was in front of Clark's mansion, I took a deep breath before ringing the doorbell.Just a few seconds later, the huge white gate opened in front of me. There, it appeared an old woman who I assumed was their housemaid."What do you need, ma'am?" she asked politely while looking at my face.I blinked a couple of times and cleared my throat before answering her."I-Is Mrs. Clarkson there?" I asked the maid anxiously and swallowed hard.The person I was looking for is not an ordinary woman in this society. She was well known for being rich and having businesses across the globe. That woman was Clark's mother who was extremely wealthy.My knees were shaking out of fear and nervousness. Nervous due to the idea that Clark and his mother got into trouble because of me. Getting nervous because I know Clark's mom already knew that I was a prostitute.What kind of face am I going to show to
"Clark..." I whispered as the tupperware fell to the ground. I walked a little bit closer just to make sure that the man who was mixing the cement was Clark."Clark! Hurry up!" the man who I think is the foreman shouted to him.My tears rolled onto my cheeks after I heard what the foreman said. I slowly took a step backward and then ran away. I looked for a bus and went inside. After paying the fair fee, I looked outside the window. My tears started to flow. I wiped it away but it seems it was like a river that never stops falling.Why did he lie to me? In one month? And what is he doing there? Did his mom know already about me? Did his mom know that I am a prostitute? Don't tell me he suffered like that because of me?I broke into tears as I stared outside the window. When I was finally in our village, I got out of the bus and walked straight inside our house. I went to my room and sat on the bed. I slowly hugged my knees as I was thinking about what happened during my one month of me
I slowly opened my eyes when I felt someone caressing my cheek gently. The first thing I saw was the warm smile of the beautiful woman living here on earth. She gently caressed my right cheek repeatedly while staring at me lovingly."Good morning, Clark," she whispered, then caressed my hair with her fingers.A smile automatically decorated my face. My heart was melting every time Angela showed me this kind of gesture. Even if I only got two hours of sleep, my day got fully energized when I got a glimpse of her in the morning.Come on, Clark. So cliché.I teased at the back of my mind."Get up, my love. You are going to the office," she reminded me and got out of bed.She held my both hands and pulled me just to make me sit on the bed. I laughed when she couldn't pull me. She was using her full force and it was visible on her face she was having a hard time.I laughed again as I pulled her in my direction. She fell on top of me. She got frozen when our faces were just a few inches away
"It is so refreshing to see you here in my office. The day I became a shareholder in your company, you never visited me, Sir Clark," he uttered then chuckled again.I felt embarrassed and angry at the same time. I was now applying to this old man's coffee shop."Actually, I received an email from your mom saying don't bother to accept you if you ever seek a job at our business firm."I gulped and clenched my fist. No wonder how he got that email. My mother knows him well too.Mr. Montenegro stared at me deeply then after, he sighed. He put his both hands on the top of his office table and intertwined them."Are you aware that finding a job in this country is tough for you?" he asked.I cleared my throat and sat up straight."Yes. I'm aware," I answered and it earned a smirk from him."Your mom is so powerful. It's a wrong move to disobey her. Choosing a prostitute woman instead of your mother," he commented that making me grit my teeth."You don't know anything, Mr. Montenegro. If you
After taking a bath, I quickly approached my baggage just to find a formal suit. When I'm done tidying up, I quickly left the room and went to Angela's room.As I entered, I saw Maymay looking at her big sister Angela who was sleeping on the bed. I could see the sadness on the child's face.I took a deep breath and released it slowly. I knocked on the door just to get the child's attention and I succeeded.She quickly wiped away her tears and cleared her throat."Sir Clark," she uttered in a weak voice. I walked to approach her. I sat on the bed next to Maymay and glanced at Angela."She will be fine soon, Maymay," I reassured her and averted my gaze back to the child. She lowered her gaze. It looked like she was embarrassed to show her weakness in front of me.Without any hesitation, I hugged her tightly which made her break into tears. She hugged me back while crying her heart out.She was so broken by what happened to her big sister. Even though she didn't know the real reason why h