24RUIZ ROYAL ESTATES••••Alejandro was busy with his phone when someone knocked on the door and entered. It was a well-dressed woman."Mr. Alejandro, Mr. Fernando is here to see you," she informed him."Let him in," Alejandro sighed. It wasn't long before Fernando barged in."So now your friend has to make an appointment before he sees you?" Fernando casually sat on the swivel chair opposite Alejandro."What do you want?" Alejandro asked tiredly."What do you mean? I came to check up on a good friend," Fernando twitched his lips and rolled his swivel chair around."Do you redesign your office every day?" he asked while looking around. Then he picked up a photo stand on the table. It was an unaware picture of Camila."Wow, what a beautiful picture. Does she know you have this with you?" Fernando admired the picture."Stop touching my property!" Alejandro's vein was popping."You call your wife your property?" Fernando looked amused."She always has been!" Alejandro yanked the picture
25Camila looked stunned as she moved closer. She took a moment to touch the flowers gently, making sure they weren't fake and wouldn’t explode any second now. But they were real.She picked up the ruby chocolate, her favorite, and looked at it with mixed emotions as she was suddenly taken back to eight years ago. Ruby chocolate had always been her favorite, but her family had expected her to be perfect, limiting her from eating it. Alejandro had worked twice as hard just to get it for her back then."Do you want me to get you bigger flowers or another flavor of chocolate? You can tell me," Camila turned back to the familiar voice. Alejandro was standing behind her, looking like he had just gotten back from work."Why?" was all Camila could manage to ask."You don't want it?" He looked worried."Why are you giving me gifts, Alejandro?" Camila repeated, noticing his breath hitch. He was struggling to apologize, and she knew it."Don't push it. Can you not make things hard for me and ju
"Why are you dressed like that?" he asked with a gloomy expression."Can we not do this now, please?" Camila tiredly sat down, dragging some pancakes towards her, but she couldn't eat."Why are you not eating?" He questioned, concern evident on his face."I'm not hungry," Camila mumbled."You're never not hungry in the morning," he called her bluff."And since when do you care?" Camila looked annoyed."Tell me what you want to eat," Alejandro ordered."Nothing," Camila sighed."You think I will really let you leave here with nothing in your stomach? Do you need me to ask the maids to make fresh pancakes?" he kept insisting."It's not the pancakes. When I'm in my time of the month, I don't really crave food. My stomach is torturing me right now, so can you not!" Camila snapped, standing up and leaving the dining room.Alejandro stayed quiet for a while before calling the head maid over."Yes, Mr. Ruiz?" Lucy respectfully approached him."What do you think my wife would eat while she's
Alejandro was seated in his car, on the way back to the mansion, when he noticed a treats shop. The first thing that came to his mind was Camila and how her face brightens whenever she sees chocolate."Stop here," he ordered his driver, Peter.Peter stopped the car, looking confused as he watched Alejandro open the car door and step out, heading toward the treats store."What is wrong with him?" Peter asked himself.Alejandro stepped into the store, feeling uncomfortable with how small the place was compared to the supermarkets he was used to shopping in."Good evening, sir. We were about to close," the saleswoman, who looked about 40, approached him with a polite smile. "But don’t worry, I can help you. Are you looking for something for your wife, your mom, or your sister?" she asked briskly."Brett, get a chair for our customer," she shouted. It was the first time a rich man had walked into their little store, and she didn’t want to scare him away."There’s no need," Alejandro stopp
28Camila couldn’t resist throwing a pillow at him. Alejandro caught the pillow and tossed them aside."Don't give me that face, you heard what grandpa said" He smirked."Why are you so raw?" Camila asked, squeezing her face as she made her way to the dining room for dinner.Alejandro helplessly shook his head and followed her. It was confirmed. Teasing her was the best experience life had ever given him and he won't be stopping anytime soon.•••••••••••••••The next morning, Camila was woken up by little noises before someone knocked on her door and entered.It was Daniela, Alejandro’s mom, and she came with a flask."My mother called me this morning. She said she spoke to you last night and you were on your period. She also said Alejandro has been spoiling you with sweet treats," she twitched her lips as she walked in.Camila smiled shyly."I brought you ginger soup. It’s really delicious and helps reduce cramps. I make sure my daughter takes this every time she’s on her period, and
29NEXT DAY, RUIZ ROYAL ESTATE •••" Good morning, Mr. Ruiz!" Welcome, Mr. Ruiz!" Hope you had a wonderful night, Mr. Ruiz!Alejandro arrived at the company without Camila. Her cramps had worsened, so he left her at home with the maids to look after her."Good morning, boss," Diego greeted, taking Alejandro's briefcase and instructing an employee to deliver it to the office."The members are waiting in the boardroom. You're late for the first time. I hope everything is alright at home?" Diego asked worriedly as they walked to the meeting room.About ten wealthy-looking clients were seated, each with a bottle of water on their desks, waiting for Alejandro to arrive."My apologies for being late today. My wife is not in the best of health," he said casually, taking his seat at the head of the table."We hope she gets better soon, Mr. Alejandro. Your wife is such a beauty to fall ill," a male client commented, earning a glare from Alejandro."You don't seem serious about this meeting,
30"Are you planning to take your wife out?" Diego asked, immediately regretting it under Alejandro's sharp gaze."Forgive me, boss. I'm on it right now," Diego respectfully bowed and left the office."What did Mr. Alejandro tell you to do?" Sandra asked, sneaking up behind Diego."I don't think you've learned your lesson. Alejandro was kind not to fire you, so if I were you, I wouldn't be all up in his business," Diego scoffed as he walked to his office.Sandra only rolled her eyes. She had been on suspension and was back today but didn't find Camila in the office. The employees said Alejandro had made her stay home because she wasn't feeling well."That bitch," she cursed, clenching her fist as she thought of Camila and her annoying face."No one double-crosses me and thinks they can get away freely. When I'm done with you, even Alejandro won't be able to save you," she scoffed before returning to her office.•••••••••••••••••••••••••••BRIARWOOD SCHOOL •••The election was over, an
31Camila admired herself in the mirror. She was wearing a sleeveless silk lavender gown that hugged her curves perfectly. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, and her makeup was simple but stunning.She looked good enough to make Alejandro lose his mind, but she quickly shook off the thought, convincing herself this wasn't about what Alejandro thought.There was a knock on her door, and she went to answer it. It was Peter, looking stunned. Her beauty always left him speechless, but after what happened last time, he knew better than to compliment her."Mr. Ruiz said I should come get you," he said, clearing his throat to distract himself from the breathtaking sight."He's not coming home?" Sadness flashed through Camila's eyes; she had hoped he would pick her up himself."He had to attend to something urgently," Peter informed her."Oh," Camila murmured. Maybe she was misinterpreting things; perhaps his work still took precedence over her."Let's go then," she mumbled and left the
76THE RED LION PUB***Camila had come here for her lunch break, but Alejandro’s cold reaction earlier kept playing in her mind. She sat at the counter, massaging her temples.“Can I get your best drink, please?” she asked tiredly.The bartender handed her a menu, and she ordered a cocktail. It was soon served, and she took a sip, trying to relax.“Drinking alone in the afternoon? Marriage troubles?” a familiar voice teased, taking the seat beside her.Camila didn’t need to look to know who it was.“Who said you could sit here?”“It’s a pub, Camila. Anyone can sit anywhere,” Rafael replied casually, eyeing her drink. “That looks refreshing. What’s it called?”“There’s a menu. You don’t have to talk to me,” Camila snapped.“We’re not enemies, Camila. I’m just rivals with your husband,” Rafael shrugged.“A rival who doesn’t know how to play fair. You should be ashamed,” Camila scoffed.Rafael smirked and turned to the bartender. “I’ll have what she’s having.”As the bartender prepared h
75“Happy birthday!” Camila shouted, throwing confetti at him, but Alejandro stood still, looking as though he couldn’t believe what had just happened.His fists clenched tightly, his eyes darkening with anger. He was taken back to his childhood, a small house, balloons, and a cake..."Who did this?" His voice was a dangerous whisper, trying to control his fury.Diego and Camila exchanged nervous glances."I thought..." Camila began, but Diego interrupted her."I planned it, boss. I noticed you’ve never celebrated your birthday, so I wanted to do something special for you," Diego explained.Alejandro shot him a blood-chilling glare, and Camila felt a wave of fear. She had never seen him like this before.“Do you want to lose your job?” Alejandro asked coldly.“No, boss,” Diego shook his head.“Then get this mess out of my office—now!” Alejandro commanded before storming off.Camila swallowed hard, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill.“I’m sorry, ma’am. I didn’t expect him
74Valeria burst out laughing. “You’re hilarious, Isabella. A real comedian.” She wiped a tear from her eye and stood, moving to another spot in the room.“You’re insecure, Valeria. That’s why you bully others—to cover up how bad you feel about yourself!” Isabella repeated.Valeria suddenly turned toward her, fury in her eyes.“Look at me, Isabella! I’m beautiful, I’m smart, I’m sexy! Why the hell would I be insecure?” she yelled, her face flushed with anger, startling Isabella.There was a tense silence before Isabella spoke softly, “I thought I might find something good to write about you, but I was wrong. You’re awful.”“I didn’t even try because, honestly, what good could I find in you?” Valeria scoffed.“How do your parents even like you?” Isabella mused aloud.“How does anyone like you? A shapeshifting tramp who stole her best friend’s crush and then dumped him for a gay guy,” Valeria huffed.“Is that all you’ve got on me, Valeria?” Isabella asked calmly.“You wish,” Valeria rol
73Lucia stood before him, completely naked save for the towel wrapped around her hair. His eyes widened in shock, his heart pounding as a wave of forbidden desire washed over him."Lucia... you did not just do this," he rasped, his voice heavy with lust."You can turn away... or take me to the counter," Lucia smirked. George wanted to turn away, but he couldn't tear his gaze from her. The most tempting part of her body was her small breàsts, with their perfectly pointed nïpples."Fuck!" George stormed toward her and lifted her up. He carried her to the counter, standing between her legs before pressing his lips onto hers in a deep, hungry kiss. Lucia wrapped her arms around his neck, responding with fiery passion.George’s lips moved from hers to her jawline, trailing kisses down to her neck. Lucia threw her head back, moaning."So good," she murmured.His hand wandered to her breàsts, squeezing them gently. "They’re small, but I love them, especially your pointy nïpples," he whisper
72 “If you’re incapable of managing this company, then maybe it’s time we vote for a new CEO or—”Alejandro slammed his fist on the table, finally fed up. “Or what?” he demanded, his piercing gaze silencing the room. “Who else wants to stand up? Go ahead, do it now!” His tone was icy. “Did I hear something about a new CEO?” he asked, chuckling to himself.“Mr. Marcel, Mr. August, Mr. Peterson—you three have been here the longest. Let’s say we agree to vote for a new CEO. Can any of you explain what it takes to run one of the world’s biggest companies? To make deals with both locals and foreigners, to come up with innovative strategies daily?” Alejandro challenged, his eyes daring them.The three men exchanged confused glances, unable to respond, which made Alejandro smirk.“Handling both local and foreign clients requires negotiation skills. I personally speak twelve different languages and am still learning more. Mr. Peterson, you were the first to stand up, and we’re currently work
71“Ace... yes, give it to me, Ace... oh... Oh... God... yes... yes!” Chappell moaned, her body arching as she used a dildo on herself, her eyes fixated on a picture of Ace. The ecstasy in her voice was undeniable as she lost herself in the moment."This is so messed up. Did Valeria upload this?" Isabella muttered under her breath, quickly turning off her phone. She glanced over at Chappell, who sat frozen, staring at the screen as if in a trance."I'm really sorry about this video. It’s disgusting that it was posted, but don’t beat yourself up over it," Isabella tried to console her, but Chappell remained unresponsive.“That’s it! I’m going to find Valeria!” Isabella fumed, storming out of the room. She found Valeria chatting with Gloria and Abby, yanked her by the hair, and spun her around.“Why did you post that video?” she demanded, her voice shaking with anger.“Ouch, Isabella! Handsy much?” Valeria sneered, smoothing her hair back. “And you saw the video too?” she added, feignin
70••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Lucia sat comfortably with George, chatting animatedly. She had no idea they were being watched."I don’t think he’s just her bodyguard," Fernando said, sipping his drink."Yeah," Chandler agreed, "looks like there’s something more going on between them."Fernando scoffed."Shouldn’t you call off the engagement? You’re not the marriage type, so how do you plan on treating my sister?" Chandler asked pointedly. "Plus, she’s a tough one."Fernando remembered when he first found out he was engaged. They were still in high school, and he had convinced himself he didn’t like her. She was spoiled, always getting whatever she wanted. He even made fun of her small breasts once, calling them peanuts."I didn’t know how to tell her back then that I actually like peanuts," he muttered under his breath."What?" Chandler gave him a confused look.Realizing he had said that out loud, Fernando quickly shook his head. His phone rang
69"That's what I thought, Lucia. You don’t have a choice, and I don't have a—" George's words were abruptly cut off as Lucia stood on her tiptoes, pressing her lips against his.George’s hands instinctively gripped her waist, pulling her closer as their kiss deepened. He didn’t know what had come over him, but he couldn't stop. His tongue explored her mouth, eliciting a soft moan from her.When they finally pulled apart, they were both breathless."Come to the party with me," Lucia said, her eyes pleading."I—""Please," she urged again before he could refuse. George nodded, and her face lit up with a smile as she took his hand, excitedly leading him inside.•••••••••The mansion was elegantly decorated and filled with the perfect number of guests. Although the music hadn’t started yet, people mingled and sipped their drinks."Okay, bye." Camila hung up her phone and faced the gathering. "Turn off the lights and hide under the tables! Dad’s coming!" she announced. Everyone quickly co
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••A few minutes later, the house was fully decorated, and the cake was ready, sitting proudly on the table. The doorbell rang, and Camila opened it to find Lucia, who threw herself into Camila’s arms."I can’t believe you made it!" Camila exclaimed, hugging her tight."I told you I would, didn’t I?" Lucia smiled."Where’s your ‘bodyguard’?" Camila asked, using air quotes."He’s party-shy and refused to come in, but don’t worry, I’ll go drag him in," Lucia laughed, turning to leave but then paused. "And by the way, he really is just my bodyguard," she added with a smirk."Sure," Camila replied, giving her a knowing smile."I’m serious!" Lucia scoffed. "I’m not standing here to explain myself!" Then she left.Alejandro walked up and hugged Camila from behind. "Birthday decorations are exhausting," he mumbled.Camila smiled, holding his hands around her waist. "Haven’t you ever helped with birthday decorations for your family?" she asked."We don’t do that. We