Chapter 1

Martha’s POV

I gazed at the engagement ring on my ring finger. It sparkled, made of expensive diamonds. Just one more day and I’ll be married to the person I love so much. We will throw a bachelorette party today. This was planned even before the wedding date was set. It’s kind of a tradition in our family. We’re all girls, and I’m the only one among us who hasn’t tied the knot yet.

“Are you excited for tonight?” asked Ate Angie. I was facing the mirror, currently getting ready. I could only see her in the reflection of the mirror. I applied a bit of foundation to my face and fixed my thin bangs.

“Of course, it’s my last day as a single woman.” I smiled, and I caught a glimpse of the sparkle in Ate Angie’s eyes from the mirror’s reflection.

“We’ve prepared so many surprises for you from me, Kara, and Angeli.”

My lips curved into a grin when I heard Angeli’s name. Angeli is one of my close friends because she’s my fiancé’s best friend. Ate Kara and Angeli were classmates in college. Angeli introduced me to Hubert, and she was also the one who almost orchestrated our closeness.

I’ve had a crush on Hubert since college. I often saw him in the computer lab. I always made excuses to use the computer, but the truth is I just wanted to catch a glimpse of him. Angeli was a godsend, and she managed to bring us together. Now we’ve been together for three years. Time flies. Just last month, he proposed to me, which I didn’t even think to refuse. I want to spend my life with Hubert. I’m very sure he is the one.

“I’m nervous about your plans. Is Angeli the mastermind behind this?” I joked, laughing with Ate Angie.

“She’s an expert at this. You saw how successful Kara’s bachelorette party was. We want you to experience that too.” She placed her hands on my shoulders and gently stroked my freshly ironed hair.

“Since this is your last day as a single woman, we want you to experience the best.”

Even though I was confused, I still managed to smile. I stood up from sitting for a long time in front of the make-up booth and grabbed my pink pouch. I'm ready for their surprise.

It’s true that Ate Kara's bachelorette party was so much fun. We rented a popular bar in Makati for the whole night. We didn't leave the bar until we were wasted and dead drunk.

“Angeli pretty much planned this, and I know you'll love it.” I nodded while following her out of my room.

I was wearing an above-knee dress because that was the dress code they gave me. It wasn't really a flouncy dress. It was fitted and sleeveless. I chose the gold one from the brochure to look oddly beautiful for tonight. I don't really know what kind of bachelorette party this will be, but I'm so excited. When we arrived at the parking lot of Ate Angie's apartment, she led me to the parked black car.

The car window rolled down, revealing Angeli's sweet face. She waved at me.

“Oh, you really went all out for today's event. You've outdone us all. Hop in, I’ll take you to the hotel.” I glanced back at Ate Angie, who hadn’t moved from where she was standing.

“Aren't you coming?” She smiled and shook her head.

“We want this to be exclusive for you. We know what you want!” She and Angeli did a high-five. I couldn't understand what kind of surprise this was, but I just smiled and got into the car.

“What’s it like knowing you’re getting married tomorrow? That you’ll be a Cruz?” Angeli started the car and drove towards the road.

“Of course, I’m happy. I couldn't contain my happiness that finally, after waiting so long for him to propose, here we are. We’re getting married.” Angeli didn't respond straight away to what I said, but she quickly smiled. I didn’t know why she paused at my answer.

Maybe I'm being too obvious, but I really want Hubert to propose to me.

“Well, maybe think about that tomorrow, but right now, Martha, you have to embrace being a crazy single lady.” A crazy single lady?

“I’ll try to enjoy myself. This is my last day as an unmarried woman. I know I need to make the most of it.” I touched the engagement ring again and focused all my attention on the view outside the car. Angeli drove quietly until we reached the hotel. She parked the car, and we got out together. She took my hand and squeezed it.

“Do you know you won’t get to taste other dishes once you settle for one?” I stopped walking in the hotel lobby. I didn’t understand what she meant.

“What dishes?” She rolled her eyes.

“Martha, this is what girls do before they get married. Don’t be so conservative and innocent. Let’s go.” She pulled me towards the counter. I had no choice but to follow Angeli. The staff gave us a card, and then we got into the elevator.

“Angeli, what kind of bachelorette party is this? Ate Angie and Ate Kara didn’t come... Don’t tell me you’re leaving me here too?” Angeli didn’t answer. The elevator opened on the sixth floor, and she dragged me down the dark hallway.

“Martha... Don’t waste this moment, okay? It’s just one night. One chance to score with someone else. After this, you won’t be available anymore. Don’t miss this chance, and just make this night amazing.”

I furrowed my brow as I analyzed what she said. Before I could respond, she handed me the card and the room key. She tapped my shoulder and quickly headed back to the elevator.

I was left gaping and confused. The last thing I knew, she was out of sight and I was alone. I thought carefully about her last words. I put my hand to my forehead when

I realized their surprise for me was a one-night stand. They wanted me to sleep with another man for my last day as an unmarried woman. Gosh. I can't believe them. Shaking, I squeezed the key in my other hand. I could back out now and admit to them that I didn’t want to do this, but Angeli was right; I should enjoy this night.

Hubert and the others were having a bachelor party tonight too, and they might have planned something similar or even worse. Is this considered cheating? I glanced down the long hallway. There were numbers posted on each door.

The dim lights stuck to the ceiling made the place feel censored. It made me want to run away and forget about the bachelorette party.

I can't do this to Hubert. I'm too proper to settle for a one-night stand before my marriage.

I was about to step closer to the elevator when suddenly there was a blackout. I froze in place.

I could barely see anything in the pitch darkness around me. I took my phone out of my pouch and turned on the flashlight. Maybe there was a sudden power interruption and there’s an issue with the hotel’s generator. I couldn't use the elevator. I waved the flashlight across both pathways, trying to figure out where the stairs might be.

I stopped what I was doing when I heard a door open. I pointed my flashlight towards the other way, and out of fear of being discovered, I quickly turned it off.

I heard footsteps coming closer to my direction. I crouched down. I still couldn’t see anything as the lights hadn’t come back on. I nearly gasped when I felt an arm wrap around my waist. I felt myself being lifted off the ground. It was like I was just a towel draped over a shoulder.

This person was big and tall. They had hard muscles and undeniable strength. I could smell the expensive cologne from their clothes, which was almost tickling my nose.

 I struggled, but their grip just tightened around me.

“Oh let me go!” I slapped at their chest, but the man wouldn’t budge.

I felt us moving. I didn’t know where he was taking me. After a few seconds, I sensed a door opening and then closing. I had lost the strength to resist.

I was dizzy from everything happening. How did I end up in this position? Suddenly, my strength returned when the light turned on.

The surroundings brightened, and that’s when I realized I was inside a room. I was right; I was with a man. I was still draped over his shoulder, and now he was walking towards the bed. I couldn’t move, just waiting for him to set me down before I thought about what to do next.

I felt the keys digging into my palm. That’s when I realized this man was probably the one Angeli hired for tonight. He gently lowered me onto the bed. My body fell onto the soft mattress. I was overwhelmed by the fact that I couldn’t escape this surprise of theirs.

Before I could catch a glimpse of the man, he quickly walked away. I adjusted my sitting position on the bed and followed his broad back with my gaze.

He was tall and had a well-built physique. He has a nice back.

“Do you want wine?” he asked. I didn’t know how to respond, so I just stayed silent.

When I finally get back home and see Ate Angie, Ate Kara, or Angeli, I’ll make sure they get a taste of my anger. How could they frame me like this?

I snapped back to reality when I felt the man approaching. I recoiled on the bed, trying to cover my exposed thigh because of how short my outfit was. I couldn’t even meet the man’s eyes.

“I don't think I can do this,” I said. I have to muster some courage and put an end to this show.

I felt his large hand cover my cheek. He lifted my head to face him. At first, I refused to make eye contact, but before I realized it, I was already caught by his gaze.

I gasped when I saw his appearance. The man had brown hair, a bit messy, but it suited his incredibly handsome face. He had light skin, a pointed nose, and very dark eyes.

I knelt down when I saw the perfect line of his jaw and his full lips. His eyes were glued to mine. With every blink, his long lashes brushed against his skin.

He didn’t look like an escort or someone hired for one-night stands. He seemed more domineering and superior. He exuded class and elegance.

His gaze was disarming. I almost forgot that I was supposed to be getting married tomorrow.

“Pardon?” His husky voice made my whole system malfunction. I wanted to respond to what he said, but no sound came out of my mouth.

“Did I hear it right; you don’t want to do this?”

His gaze was like a whirlpool, pulling me in. How could I resist this man? How could I waste this chance? I’d be married soon... No one would know.

This was my last day as a bachelorette.

“I think I’ve changed my mind...” I replied, almost hoarse. If I thought his gaze was his most dangerous weapon, I was wrong. When he smirked, all my sanity vanished.

He moved away from me for a moment and took a sip of wine. He looked so sexy as he wiped the excess wine from his lips with the back of his hand. He ran his fingers through his hair and unbuttoned the first two buttons of his white polo shirt.

“Lights off or lights on? Your choice.” I averted my gaze. Hubert and I had been together for a while, but we hadn’t done this yet. I’d only read about these scenarios in books and seen them on TV. How would I know which is better?

“Okay, since you don’t want to speak, I’ll do it my way. Lights off.”

He moved to the light switch and turned off the lights. There was still some light coming from the lampshade.

I suddenly felt the atmosphere heat up. I didn’t know if what I was doing was right. I could run away if I wanted to, but that felt impossible now.

“What’s your name?” he said, trapping me in his arms. Instead of stepping back, I stayed where I was.

My heart was still pounding with anxiety, but I didn’t know why my body wouldn’t move. I knew I shouldn’t be doing this, but... How could I waste such a chance?

“Martha. That’s my name. And you?” I knew I was going a bit crazy.

Why did I need to ask him such details? I should detach myself from him if I wanted to accept this gift from Angeli or my siblings. Yes, I think this is a gift.

Sleeping with this man is a present I wouldn’t return. He smiled again. My heart went crazy as he smiled like that.

I knew it was wrong, but how could I control my own feelings?

“I'm Tristan Luchavez. I thought you knew me, or is this part of the show? If it is, then it's working. I didn't know you were this beautiful. I always decline such invites, and now I kind of regret it.”

I couldn't quite follow what he was saying. Tristan... I have to remember that, then forget it tomorrow.

His name was sexy as hell. He dreamily set his eyes on me. I don't know why, but there was something in me dancing with happiness at the sight of him, looking at me like I was a precious gem.

“Martha, what a beautiful name for a beautiful woman.” Tristan took my hand and shifted on the bed. He guided my back down onto the mattress.

He climbed onto the bed and towered over me. The way he looked at me was something I had never experienced in my three-year relationship with Hubert. He held my hair back, brushing aside the strands that were covering my face.

“What a wonderful gift you are...” he whispered, leaning in to close the gap between our faces. I could smell the mint on his breath. He was so close and familiar. I had never felt this welcoming warmth from any other man, not even with Hubert.

I wrapped my arms around his neck.

“Kiss me,” I begged. His smile returned. He was so handsome when he smiled.

I couldn't get enough of that. He nodded and pressed his soft lips against mine. I parted my lips and pushed his head in closer. He took over my mouth.

He grazed his tongue against mine and deepened the kiss. I moaned when his hand made contact with my skin.

“You're making me crazy, Martha," he whispered in my ear. I felt his hands gliding over my upper body. And then I felt it on my breasts, cupping them gently.

“Don’t stop please,” I said pleadingly.

Tristan grants my wish. He didn't stop stroking my breast, and planting small kisses in my collar bone. I didn't expect his touch to be this gentle and warm.

His fingers left my upper body. He was still kissing me just as gentle as his touch. He slipped his fingers in the garter of my panty and dug my core using that long fingers of his.

I feel crazy that time! It makes me full. The way he strokes my core and kiss my lips everytime I let go a moan. I know it was a preparation for the next stage. Now that I'm wet and ready, he pulled his pants down. Although it's dark I can still see his hard material. It was long and erect. I have never seen one before.

“Are you ready?” he asked me. I just nod my head that time, surrendering myself to him.

He pushed his material to my core, and all that I know is I'm feeling so right and beautiful. We are too perfect to feel pain. All I can feel is bliss and pleasure. He started in a speedy rhythm, and I hugged him for support.

This is the best gift I ever received in my life. Oh, this man. He was more than a present.

Everything that's happening is really overwhelming. I don't even know what I'm doing or what the outcome might be. I just let him get the most of me.

Tomorrow, I'll entertain those question of uncertainties, but right now, I wanted to forget about it. This is my night, my last night as a maiden.