WHEN I GOT HOME, I went straight up to the room. After tidying up, I went downstairs. There I caught up with Dad talking to Rexon in the kitchen over coffee.
“Ah, Dad, I’m sorry I didn’t come last night,” I say timidly.
I noticed he glanced at Rexon before nodding.
“I’m leaving, Dad, be careful. Don’t forget to take your medicine.” I hugged him tightly. It also takes a month, so I can’t get rid of my worries.
“Be careful there.” He patted my back, so I hugged him even tighter.
During the flight, I glanced at him from time to time. I wonder what Dad and Rexon talked about earlier while I was sorting things out?
Whatever it is, I don’t want to know first. Because I knew for sure, Dad would disagree if he found out about Rexon’s offer to marry me.
In the distance, I could see the reporters waiting for us to come down. I glanced at Rexon for a moment, whose atte
I OPENED the laptop Nicholas had bought me. I plan to greet Dad tonight. Due to time differences, it’s only five o’clock in the afternoon there while here it’s already ten o’clock in the evening.“Hi, Andrew, how are you?”“We’re fine, sister.” He turned to his back and adjusted the laptop to get a better view of the kitchen at his back. Dad Gorio and Aunt Melva were there to wave at me.“How’s Dad? Is he taking his medicine on time?”“Yes, sister, he has full of energy as always because Rexon brings him fruits every day.”My lips parted. I couldn’t speak right away.“You, isn’t there something you’re not telling us?”Sweat seemed to accumulate on my forehead because of the kind of look he gave me.“Tss . . . It’s just your imagination. All right, I’m early for the rehearsal tomorrow.”
“ARE WE really going straight to New York this weekend?!” Farrah asked Nicholas enthusiastically.We are in her suite now because he called a meeting. After all, we just finished our last fashion show last night.“So get your sweaters ready because it’s winter season there.” he made me think.“Right, Cherry?” said Nicholas to me.He has decided that we will not go home to the Philippines for a weekend vacation. What would you expect, Cher? Nicholas is not the type to waste money just on your whim!“Yeah, It’s a good idea. Ah, I’m going to rest. Let’s just talk tomorrow.” I was no longer holding back Farrah when she called me.I lay down on the bed and closed my eyes firmly. My heart and mind are debating whether to follow the plan or go back to the Philippines.Rexon was immediately the first thing that came to my mind. What if I lose him again? What if Hannah had
“Oh? How’s Hannah?”There was a moment of silence on the other line, and a few heavy breaths were released before replying, “She fine, how is your day? When are you coming home?”I was the one who could not speak. Ever since I talked to them, Dad, my mind has been arguing again.Again, the heavy breathing that comes from his mouth intensifies the thunder of my heart.Alright, I get it.”I firmly bit my lip because of the heavier sighs on the line.“I’m sorry, Rex. This will be my last show. I’ll be home after this. I just don’t want to disappoint Dad. You know this is his dream for me.”I heard a soft laugh coming from him, I stopped speaking.“I know, I’m not stopping you from what you want. If you’re happy with your decision and love what you’re doing, be it, I’m just here waiting . . .”I bit my lip again at his answe
TODAY is our flight to New York. I also don’t force Nicholas to take a vacation in the Philippines because our flight was already scheduled here.“Welcome, New York!” Farrah shouted as we got out of the airport.As Nicholas said, the climate is cold here because it is the winter season in the country.“Picture! Picture!”Farrah pulled me next to Nicholas, and the four of us took a selfie with Dillan in the back.“What’s that, trendy smile!” He showed me our shot while frowning.“Let’s be consistent because we’re both tired from the trip. It’s better to wait,” Nicholas said to Farrah.We were greeted by a foreigner in a suit and holding a placard. Nicholas immediately shook his hand after talking for a while.When he turned to us, he let us into the van. During the flight, Farrah’s mouth was restless with the amount of sight.“I used
WEARING the shiny see-through gown and feather wings, I barely smiled. But I quickly stood up when I saw Nicholas enter.I looked up as he approached me. His eyes were gleaming with amusement and with a lace of seriousness.It made my whole being look tired. He touched my two shoulders before smiling.“You’re wonderful tonight, Cher.” He rubbed more on my body before shaking and looking back at me.“Sir, it might dissolve!” Farrah’s point here.I did not answer. To this day, my mind is still full of why we need to lead like this.But Nicholas doesn’t take his hands off my shoulders, and the stares deepen even more even as Farrah told him to back off.“Can we have a moment, please?” he said to Farrah.I glanced at Farrah, who seemed thrilled to come out of my dressing room.“Nick, what is this again?” I chuckled a bit. I want to calm my heart, but I have mi
TWO WEEKS passed swiftly after I got back from New York.I’m not staying home, even though I’ve already filed a resignation letter with Nicholas ‘office. I frequent Calixto’s Bar and Restaurant and sleeps in Jacky’s home sometimes.I didn’t hear anything from Rex after that fashion show in New York. I also didn’t have a chance to explain to him that kissed because they said he was still in Europe for their world tour.I tried to follow his track, but I couldn’t talk to him due to his tight security. I think he was really just avoiding me, so I decided to come back here and wait.“How many more do you have?”I looked up at Calixto, who was in front of me at the Bar. He shouldn’t be the one in the Bar, but since I’m here for the fourth time, he’s the one who confronted me.“Why are you asking me?” I smiled at him after I dropped the brandy I was drinking
IT’S THE SECOND week of December. It’s only a few days before Christmas. Just like the weather, my heart is as cold as it is.I heard a noise from the living room because Andrew is putting up a Christmas tree. I got up and took a shower. I received a message from Ms. Cindy.“Oh, our queen is awake!” Andrew smiled broadly at me as he faced the Christmas tree.“Are you leaving again?” Aunt Melva asked.I glanced at Dad holding some garlands to attach to the Christmas tree.“Yes, Auntie, I just have an appointment today,” I say goodbye here.I stepped closer to Dad and gave him a kiss on the cheek, “I’m leaving, Dad,” I said.“Won’t you have breakfast first?”“Not anymore, maybe at the meeting.” I turned my back on them and walked out.I went to Cindy’s boutique. It’s been a while since we saw each other, so I decided
I LOOKED UP at the five-star hotel that Cindy told me about.“Are you sure this is the venue?” I asked as we walked down the hallway.“Yes, they’re in the function room.”Before we entered, she first took me to one of the suites to get dressed.I have seen some models smile at me. They are wearing the work that Cindy herself did.I looked down at the black corset dress I was wearing. Its chest contour was slightly low, so my chest almost popped out when it tightened the ribbon on my back.“Perfect!” Her wide smile commented on me.I glanced again at the models next to me, who were wearing far away from me.“Ahm, is this really what I’m going to wear? Isn’t it too sexy?” I hesitate to ask.“It’s the groom’s request. You’re the main guest tonight, so you’re great because he’ll give you a big tip to make sure.” She re