I looked at myself in the large mirror before leaving the office. "My suit is so wrinkled," I said to Miguel as we entered the elevator. He took off his suit and handed it to me. "You can wear my coat," he said, draping it over my shoulders. "This wouldn't have been wrinkled if you knew how to control yourself," I glanced at him. His hand slipped into his pants pocket. He chuckled. "Why didn't you stop me? I'm not the only one who couldn't control myself, Caroline." I raised an eyebrow at him. "It's fair now. We're fuck buddies, as you said. We can't just do that whenever you want. I have needs too." I gave him a stern look. "Be careful with your words. Someone might overhear you." He just laughed at me. I rolled my eyes and put on his coat. The elevator rang, and the doors opened. Miguel stepped out first, and I followed. I walked quickly, noticing that the surroundings were getting darker. I held onto Miguel's arm. He furrowed his brow, looking at my hand tightly gripping hi
I continued to gaze at him, not expecting him to confess so soon."I like her, Caroline. But liking her is a big mistake," he said."Why? There's nothing wrong with loving someone," I remarked."We're not meant for each other. I thought I could easily forget my feelings for her when she went abroad. But no, I longed for Love Rein's presence back then.""Hey, you shouldn't have rejected her feelings for you. What if you were the reason why she went to another country to study? What if you admitted to her that you both felt the same? There might have been a chance for you two."I felt Miguel slow down the car. The surroundings were quiet, with only a few cars passing by."I have no intention of confessing to her. I chose to hide my feelings for her. She doesn't know I have feelings for her." "Maybe this is the right time for you to tell Love Rein how you truly feel, Miguel. This is your chance." Miguel shook his head. "It's too late. She's getting married." I bit my lower lip. Miguel
I first went to our home’s mini-bar to drink alcohol. I didn't like what Cecile said before she left the living room. I poured myself some whiskey. I drank it straight from the bottle without bothering to get a glass.I closed my eyes as I remembered what happened to Julian, my gay friend. He's gay but dresses like a man. He doesn't wear feminine clothes, so sometimes people mistake us for a couple when they don't know Julian's real gender.Julian works in our company as an accountant. Julian had just started his job when Alexander began pursuing me. Julian is aware of Alexander's actions. However, Alexander isn't aware that the man I'm always with when I go out shopping is gay. I had no idea that Alexander followed him, beat him, and almost killed him after finding out he was gay. I only found out about what happened to Julian when he went abroad for treatment.I took another gulp of whiskey from the bottle before returning it to the mini-bar. Until now, the pain of what happened to
I poured water into my glass and took a sip. I arranged my utensils. I felt hungry, but suddenly lost my appetite."I'm done. Enjoy your breakfast. I'll go change now," I said before standing up."You’re done already? Why did you eat so little? Are you on a diet?" Mommy asked, looking at my plate. "You need to eat well; you might get sick. What will Mr. Mercedez think? He might think I'm a neglectful mother."I sighed. I thought she was concerned about me. She was more concerned about what the Mercedez family would think if I got sick."I'm full now," I said with a smile."Don't worry about her, Mom. She's grown up; she can take care of herself," Cecile interjected before taking a sip of cold juice."Just let her go. She still has to work," Daddy said coldly. I just smiled at them before turning away."Anyway, she needs to work because she's not part of the—""Cecile!" Daddy snapped.I immediately looked at them. Cecile maintained her smile, one hand covering her mouth. I clenched bot
"Good morning, Ma'am Caroline!" Nika greeted me as I entered the meeting room. She then turned to Miguel, who was following me. "He's my bodyguard," I said and glanced at Miguel. His face was serious as he looked at me. "This is Nika. She's Daddy's secretary," I introduced. Miguel smiled before speaking. "Good morning, Ma'am Nika!" Miguel extended his hand, which Nika readily accepted. Nika's gaze lingered on Miguel. She was almost reluctant to let go of his hand. She had a big smile as she looked at Miguel. I cleared my throat and smiled at Nika when she noticed me watching them. "Nice to meet you, M-Miguel," Nika said, still with a smile on her lips. "Miguel, you can carry my bag now," I told Miguel, and he nodded. I scanned the room. My eyes widened as I noticed the female employees looking at us. I walked towards them, following their gazes until I was a few inches away from Miguel. I swallowed and covered my mouth as all the women focused on Miguel. I coughed, trying to reg
Cecile and I locked eyes for a few minutes. She still hadn't let go of Miguel. "You're not the one making decisions for Miguel, Caroline," Cecile said sharply, pulling Miguel towards her. "Wait, wait," Miguel said, removing our hands that were holding onto him. "Are you coming with me tonight, or will you be a servant to my sister?" Cecile asked. My eyes widened as she suddenly produced money. "One night in exchange for the money I have right now," she added, giving Miguel a significant look. I glanced at Miguel. I knew he needed the money. I felt anxious that he might agree to Cecile's offer. "Sorry, Ma'am Cecile. I can't accept your offer," Miguel replied. I secretly smiled and raised my eyebrows at Cecile. Cecile grinned. "What? So you'd rather be a servant to my sister than come with me for one night, even if I'm willing to pay you? You're something else, aren't you?" "I'm not being a servant to Ma'am Caroline. She's kind," Miguel replied. This only annoyed Cecile even more
I waited for a few minutes for them to finish their smoking and coffee before we left for the Italian restaurant Alexander had booked.Mommy and Daddy walked ahead, while Alexander walked beside me. Cecile was busy chatting with Miguel about random things. I heard her asking him about his life. He only answered with "yes" or "no."As we arrived at the parking lot, I turned to Miguel. He was my driver, so I should be the one getting in his car, but Alexander pulled me towards his vehicle."You're getting in my car," Alexander said before opening the door for me. When I turned back to look at Miguel, I saw my sister happily getting into the car. "Are you getting in or are you going to get in the other car?" he asked irritably, slamming the door shut.I was surprised when he pulled me towards the car driven by Miguel. I noticed my parents turn around as well."Oh, aren't you going to use your car, Alexander?" Cecile asked as she opened her window."We're getting in this car. It seems lik
MIGUEL'S POV We had been standing outside the VIP Room of this Italian restaurant, where the Brooks and Mercedez families were dining, for an hour now. I was with Rene, one of Sir Samson's trusted men, and the other men from Mr. Mercedez's team. We were instructed by both families to keep watch because Mr. Mercedez's wife had been restless all evening. "How's your job as a bodyguard for Sir Samson's daughter?" Rene suddenly asked. I turned to him. "It's fine, sir," I replied. "Isn't she difficult to deal with? Many people say she has a bad temper. Does Ma'am Caroline make your life difficult?" I quickly shook my head. "Not at all. Ma'am Caroline is kind to me. Sometimes she yells at me, but I'm used to it. I think she's tired from work." "That's good to hear. Hopefully, you'll stay with her, especially since you were the first person Sir Samson hired to guard his daughter." "Didn't she have a bodyguard or someone to watch over her before, Rene?" I asked curiously. Rene leaned
MIGUEL'S POV "You're just her bodyguard," the guy flirting with Caroline laughed. He tried to touch Caroline's arm, but I quickly grabbed his hand."Don't touch her if you don't want to meet St. Peter," I threatened. I pulled Caroline away from him.Nico smirked. I’d wanted to punch him since I saw them kissing. I felt betrayed. I knew Caroline wasn’t mine. I confessed my feelings, but that didn’t mean she liked me too.“I can take her to my condo. Caroline and I talked earlier. She wants to go with me,” he said proudly.My blood boiled with anger even more. I had to control myself because my friend owned this bar. I didn’t want to cause a scene.“I’ll take her home. She doesn’t need to go with you. She’s drunk, she doesn’t know what she’s doing and saying.”I gasped when Caroline hugged me. She was smiling while touching my stomach. I waved to Tommy when I caught his eye. He owned this bar.“Is there a problem, Miggy?” he asked, looking at Nico. “Is this your boss’s son? Seems like
I smiled and leaned in closer. He tried to kiss me, but I moved away. He tightened his grip on my waist.“Do you want to come to my condo?” he asked as he danced, pressing his body against mine.I suddenly thought, "I don’t know this guy. I just wanted to have fun, but I didn’t want to go with him."“I’ll think about it,” I answered. I continued dancing. I took his hand off my waist and put it on my shoulder.I was facing away from him as I danced. I stopped dancing when my eyes caught sight of Miguel. He was glaring at me angrily. I rolled my eyes and faced the guy again.“By the way, what’s your name?” I accepted the drink the waiter gave me.“I’m Nico. But you can call me babe.” He fixed my loose hair.I suddenly laughed at his cheesiness. “Nice name, Nico. I’m Caroline,” I introduced myself.“Let’s have another glass?” he asked.I immediately nodded. He pulled me to the bartender. We were given a glass of wine each. I frowned when I tasted it. It tasted different. This was the fir
The dark-skinned woman rolled her eyes. She looked me up and down again. I didn’t back down. I stared at her too. She was beautiful. Her skin wasn’t dirty at all. I just wanted to tease her. She had large breasts and a beautiful body curve.“Caroline?”We all turned when I heard Amira’s voice. My eyes widened when I saw what she was wearing. Her breasts were almost spilling out of her strapless dress. She walked towards us, holding a drink.“How are you? When will you revisit Michelle?” Amira asked. I swallowed when she suddenly hugged me.“You know each other?” asked the three women. Their eyes shifted between me and Amira.“Yes. She’s Miguel’s friend. She’s also the daughter of Miguel’s boss,” Amira answered. Amira’s forehead furrowed when she noticed the expressions on their faces. “Why are you looking like that? You look like the world has ended.”“You’re friends with this woman?” asked the woman with short hair. “She insulted us, Amira. She even called us smelly and said we smell
A man approached Miguel and put his hand on his shoulder.“I don’t care if you’re her date,” the man said, glancing at me. “I’m going to teach him a lesson!”My eyes widened as the man suddenly punched Miguel. But Miguel quickly dodged the punch, sending the man sprawling to the ground. I got out of the car and pulled Miguel away from the man.A few men approached us, presumably the man’s friends. They helped him to his feet.“Let me go!” the man yelled angrily and kicked the men helping him up.“Drake, that’s enough. You’re drunk. Don’t start any trouble!” shouted a man with dark skin and curly hair.“I’m going to teach that woman a lesson! How dare she call me a b-” He didn’t finish his sentence before he threw up.“Let’s just take him home. He’s drunk,” said one of his companions, who had slanted eyes. He looked at us. “Guys, please excuse our friend. He doesn’t know how to control himself when he’s drunk. We are sorry for the inconvenience.”Miguel just nodded. He put his arm arou
I excitedly entered my room. I searched for clothes in my suitcase that I could wear. I found a black strapless silk dress. I looked at myself in the big mirror. After I got dressed, I put on light makeup just enough so that the swelling of my eyes wouldn’t be noticeable.“I’m done!” I announced when I came out of my room. I furrowed my brow when I saw what Miguel was wearing. “We’re going to a bar.”He was wearing a black suit and black pants. In his outfit, he looked like a mafia boss, and he became even more handsome.“I don’t have anything else to wear, Caroline. You’re the only one who’s going to drink. I’m your bodyguard. I’ll watch over you while you’re partying,” he said gruffly.Sometimes I wonder if he works for my family. Since we became close, our way of addressing each other became casual. I can also show myself to him, the real me.He opened the car door for me. I immediately got in. I looked at myself in the mirror. I adjusted my eyeliner and eyeshadow.“Fasten your sea
I wanted to go with him to ease the problems I was thinking about. But I immediately changed my mind when I heard Love Rein’s name again.“Love Rein was asking what your favorite foods are. She plans to visit here.” Miguel sat on the floor.I closed my eyes before facing him. I forced a smile. “Did you tell her where I’m living now?”Miguel nodded. “She wants to be friends with you. There’s nothing wrong with that, I think -”“I need some privacy, Miguel! It would help if you hadn’t told her where I live. Why are you so impulsive? You didn’t even ask me if I wanted to be friends with her or not. I know you’re friends with her. You two have a history, especially since you have feelings for each other. You’re friends with her, Miguel. I’m not. You shouldn’t have told her where I live!”“I told her the address of your house, Caroline. I didn’t tell her you’re living in the condo,” said Miguel. I covered my mouth. “I won’t force you to be friends with her if you don’t want to.” He stood u
I stayed in my room all day. I wanted to be alone, so I told Miguel to go grocery shop for food.I opened my social media accounts, hoping my friends had unblocked me. My shoulders slumped when I saw that I was still blocked in their social media accounts.I created a new account. I followed them all and immediately sent them messages. I placed my phone on the table after I sent them messages on their respective social media accounts.I continued sipping the warm soup Miguel cooked. He’s a good cook. It was like I was eating at an expensive restaurant. I looked at the rice Miguel put on my plate earlier. I swallowed when I finished it all. It was the first time I ate that much rice again.I picked up my phone when I noticed someone was calling. I smiled with joy when I saw Avery’s name. I quickly answered it."Hello, Ave!" I tried to adjust my voice so she wouldn’t notice I had been crying. "Ave? Avery? Are you there?" I asked when she didn’t answer.I heard her clear her throat on th
I grabbed a large suitcase and packed my belongings. I took my car keys before leaving my room. As I opened the door, I saw Daddy standing by the side."Caroline, let's talk first. Don't leave—""We have nothing to talk about, Dad. You lied to me. You made me a fool!" I yelled, dragging my suitcase down the stairs. Daddy followed me. I quickened my pace. "What reason do I have to stay in this house, Dad? Mommy is furious with me. I don't want to add to her problems."I caught Cecile in the living room. She was watching TV, and her smile stretched from ear to ear when she saw my large suitcase."Want me to see you out?" she asked sarcastically."That's enough, Cecile! Don't talk to your sister like that!" Daddy scolded her."Why, Dad? She's the one who wants to leave the house. We're not kicking her out. But it's good that she's leaving so there will be fewer people to feed." She rolled her eyes.I smiled. My whole life, I've been trying to get their attention. Now she calls me a freel
Mommy lowered the glass she was holding. She grabbed another cigarette and lit it. It was like I wasn't even there in front of them."Why aren't you answering my question?" I turned to Mommy's friends. "Do you know anything about who I am?"They didn't answer. They just looked down. I gasped."Oh, there's Samson. We're going home, Glenda," Tita Monique said. She stood up and grabbed her bag.Mommy just nodded and took a sip of her cigarette. "Be careful on the road. Thanks for visiting. Just text or call me when we go to the casino again.""Are you leaving?" Daddy asked Mommy's friends when he arrived."Yes, Samson. Samantha and I have somewhere to be. We'll leave you for now," Tita Monique answered. She pulled Tita Samantha outside even though she wasn't done putting on her makeup."How are you feeling, hija?" Daddy asked me. He tried to hold my hand, but I quickly pulled it away."Are you my father from outside, Dad?" I asked. His eyes widened. He turned to Mommy and Cecile."What k