I woke up when my phone alarm went off at 6:45 am. I set the alarm early to avoid rushing, as the meeting time with my manager was set for 8:30. I gently removed Xander’s arm from around my waist and slowly got up to avoid waking him. When I stood up, I looked at him and smiled at how peacefully he was sleeping; it seemed like he finally caught up on his rest. I went to the bathroom to wash my face and change clothes. Gosh, my sleepwear set was ruined because of Xander; I wish he had taken it off properly instead of tearing it. Shaking my head, I left the bathroom, being careful with each movement until I reached the door of the room. I opened and closed it quietly, then walked to the kitchen. I grimaced upon seeing my torn clothes scattered on the floor. I picked them up and threw them in the trash. I quickly cooked breakfast and ate, not bothering to wake Xander. I knew he was exhausted and needed more rest. Since no one was visiting my condo today, it was safe. I just needed
It seems the saying is true that someone inexperienced in love falls quickly. In the past three weeks, I don't know if my heart is still normal. Every time I talk to or video call Xander, my heart races so fast it feels like I'm always being chased by a horse. Since the night Xander got a bit upset with me, even though I’m extremely busy, I still update him, even with just two or three texts. It’s important that he knows where I am, especially since I’ve been even busier in the past few days. The last time we met was on my first day at work. He kept his promise to leave when I fell asleep. We still haven’t seen each other since; we’re both busy, especially me. At night, we can text even briefly, but sometimes I fall asleep while texting him. He understands that I’m tired. Today, my schedule is a bit lighter. I finished my shoot early this morning, so I’m free now, and I texted Penelope to meet at a restaurant. It’s been a while since we last saw each other because she’s also bu
Am I really so out of touch with him? Have I neglected him? Is he angry with me because it’s been almost a month since we last met? Is that why I haven’t received any texts from him? I explained everything to him. “Hays, anyway, it’s good that you’re with me now. I don’t want to go to Daddy’s office; I’ll just see Vivian there.” My eyes widened. Vivian? My eyebrows furrowed. That’s my mommy’s name—what the? But calm down, Vivien; maybe it’s just a coincidence. There are many people named Vivian in the world. “It’s Aunt Vivian, Lor. She’s kind to you; she doesn’t show you anything bad, so respect her,” Xander said firmly. “Tsk, why do I feel like you’re on her side instead of mine? We don’t know, Alex; maybe that woman is just pretending to be nice to me.” “Lor, I can judge people well. And what Aunt Vivian shows you is genuine.” “Tsk, whatever. Anyway, how are you and your fake girlfriend? Have you met her yet?” I raised an eyebrow. Fake girl? What the heck?“She’s not my fa
“I said leave, Mr. Montenegro. I can’t face you now. I’m tired and hurt.” Pain and fear flickered in his eyes, and his earlier pallor hadn’t faded. It seems he’s been here for a while; he probably thought I’d come straight here. It’s a good thing I was called to the agency. “Are you really mad?” he asked softly. I couldn’t believe he was asking me that, and I almost laughed at his ridiculous question. Isn’t it obvious? What reaction does he want from me? To be happy because I found out something? Of course, I’m angry because I feel deceived, made to look foolish, and there’s also a woman with him whose relationship with him I don’t understand. But since my friend advised me, I’ll follow Annie’s advice. I’ll hear Xander’s side, even if it hurts me. At least I’ll let him explain; I won’t regret it in the end. “What kind of question is that, Xander?” I said coldly. My irritation and anger had intensified. “What do you think I’m feeling right now? Happy? You didn’t even text me s
**Vivien** The day went by quickly, and now Xander and I were heading to Bulacan. I had already said goodbye to Mom and my brother, and I even texted Dad, but he didn't reply at all. “Ready?”Xander asked as I came out of my room. He had been here for a while, too excited as if I were going to run away from him. I wanted to relax a bit; my work schedule for the past weeks had been hectic. I was piled up with tasks, but they said it would be more relaxed when I returned. Since the day we had a misunderstanding, Xander had become more clingy. He sent me quite a few texts each day, and he seemed to update me on everything he was doing. He was a bit excessive with the updates, but I just let him be; that’s what he wanted.“Yeah, let’s go?” He came closer to take my bag and then gave me a sweet kiss on the forehead. I smiled; he had gotten used to that routine. I walked out of the unit first, with Xander following me. We headed to the elevator together. While we waited for it to ope
After eating, I didn't dare glance at Xander. I also didn’t speak and just focused on my food. I felt so awkward because I could feel his teasing gaze on me. I was the one who did a bit of teasing, but it quickly backfired on me—karma worked fast. But that wasn’t really what I intended to happen earlier. Aling Pilar's son escorted me to my room, on Xander's orders. He said Xander was at the house under construction, checking to make sure everything was in order since it’s almost finished. We’re staying here in their hut; it's large, and Xander usually stays here. It has four rooms, and the master’s room is in the other room. When I entered the room, I was amazed as I looked around. From the outside, it looks like an ordinary hut, but once you’re inside, the ambiance is different—a mix of provincial and city vibes. The room I was brought to even had a small air conditioner and its own bathroom. The bed is double-sized, and the surroundings are very pleasant. I set my bag down by
**Vivien** The next morning, I woke up with pain in the middle of my thighs. Xander really kept his word about making the most of the night. It was already dawn when he finally got tired and gave up. After going for five rounds, how could you not be exhausted? I looked at the other side of the bed, and Xander wasn’t there. I listened for any sound coming from the bathroom, but there was none. That guy! After wearing me out and leaving my body aching, he’s not even here beside me? What was that—sex and run? Tsk, he should’ve waited for me to wake up first. What a way to start the morning. I winced as I got out of bed, hobbling over to my bag to get some clothes, and then headed straight to the bathroom. Good thing the bathroom has a heater, so I took a warm shower to ease the soreness in my body. I must’ve soaked in there for about an hour before deciding to get dressed and step out of the bathroom. As I came out, I was stunned and my eyes widened in surprise when I saw Xander
**Vivien** Tears welled up in my eyes as I turned to look at Penelope, who now had a visible expression of pity and sadness. She took my hand and held it tightly. “I'm here, okay? No matter what happens, I'm here for you. I won't leave you, Girl.” I glanced again at the stairs they had gone up. I hoped I was wrong, I hoped Dad wasn't deceiving us. Slowly, I pulled my hand away from Penelope, then, trembling, I picked up the envelope I had dropped on the table. Confused, I looked at Penelope again. “H-how did you know that Dad and Loraine would be here?” She sighed. “I had someone follow Loraine, so I know her movements. From the first time I saw that woman, I had a bad feeling. That's why I told you I'd find out more about her. And I wasn't wrong. Inside that envelope is everything, Girl—the truth and the lies they've been hiding from you for so long.”My hands trembled even more as I looked at the envelope. “That's also why I didn't reach out to you for a month. I wanted to b