NEXT DAY… I woke up early with excitement, I sent a text to Mom and Dad, updated them so they wouldn't worry. Also messaged Xander as promised, though no replies yet – maybe they're busy or still asleep. I put my phone down to pick out for today's outfit, I chose a blue bikini and denim shorts. Headed to the bathroom for a quick wash, toothbrushing, and a change of clothes. No need for a full shower since Penelope and I will get wet later. Speaking of Penelope, where is she? She said she'd be right back after going out for a bit. We decided on an island-hopping adventure today and picked a package tour last night. includes snorkeling, Kawa bath, paddleboarding, and a Disco boat. Tomorrow, we'll tackle package two with Jet Ski, Flyboard, banana boat, flying fish, and kayaking. Penelope has a visitor coming, so she wants to save some activities for tomorrow. I asked her who it was, but she responded with a sly grin. Well, it's fine, Xander will join us too, just wondering w
Vivien When Xander and Chad returned, we walked together towards the kwek-kwek stall, and I was startled when Xander held my hand. Even though I felt awkward, I glanced up at him. “Why didn't you even text that you're coming now?” He lowered his gaze and smiled cautiously. Finally, he smiled; he had been serious earlier. “I wanted to surprise you. And I'm glad you followed what I told you not to wear a bikini; it's much better that you're wearing shorts and a crop top.” I winced; if only he knew I was wearing a bikini earlier. It's a good thing I decided to wear a crop top and shorts over my white bikini now. I felt guilty. I stayed silent as we arrived in front of the stall, letting go of Xander. I happily scanned what else they were selling. They had almost all types of street foods, including chicken skin, which made my mouth water. Smiling, I took two large plastic cups and handed one to Xander, who promptly accepted it. I grabbed the tong hanging there and placed five
“Let's go, let's rent a jet ski.” I smiled and nodded at Xander, holding onto his arm. I was feeling better and had rested. We rented a jet ski, and they handed us life vests. I was about to grab mine when Xander took it and seriously helped me put it on. I tried to hold back my smile because he'd been taking care of me all day. He was the first to get on the jet ski, then he helped me get on as well. He even placed my hands on his waist. “Hold tight,” he said, and I followed his instruction. I screamed at first when he suddenly sped up the jet ski, and I lightly hit him because of it. He chuckled softly at my reaction. We went around and around, and when he got tired, he turned to me and asked with a smile, “Want to try?” Like a kid, I nodded eagerly because I really wanted to try. We switched places, and now he was sitting behind me. When he wrapped his arms around my waist, it felt like an electric current ran through my body. Damn, what was that? Tsk, never mind. I composed
Vivien Our vacation is over, back to reality now. Today, we're heading back to Manila. Time flew by so quickly, and our vacation is already over. In the remaining days we had with Xander and Chad, we made sure to finish the package activities. It would have been a waste not to, considering what Penelope and I paid. Chad and Penelope are doing well now; they've cleared things up between them. Now, Chad is officially courting my friend, and finally, they'll have a proper label. And as for the night Xander stayed in our room, I'm glad he was a good boy. We just ate and chatted on the terrace, then slept next to each other. I appreciated that because he probably sensed that I felt a bit awkward. During the few days I spent with Xander, I got to know him a little better. Now that we're heading back to Manila, we'll both be busy, and we’ll rarely see each other, which is fine by me so that we don't get tired of each other. Penelope and I are on the road now. Since Chad brought a car
I was looking at condos to avoid the hassle of traveling and for any sudden shoots. If I were coming from home, I'd always be stuck in traffic, and I really don’t like being late for work. I was hoping for a place at Sandoval Condominium since Penelope owns it, and a friend of mine also has a condo there. I don’t need a large condo—just two rooms would be enough so Penelope would have a place to sleep when she visits. Actually, my parents and brother don’t know about this yet. But I need to be close to the agency, and they’ll understand. I’ve saved up a lot, including money I received for birthdays, Christmas, New Year, my allowance while studying, from modeling, being an ambassador, and my debut. I’m not a lavish person; I saved all the money my parents gave me, so I can afford to buy a condo and my own car. I don’t want to keep borrowing my brother’s car, even though he’s fine with it. I want to have my own. It’s also a good thing I wasn’t costly before, so I can now buy my ow
While going down the stairs, I furrowed my brows when I noticed Daddy by the front door. He was facing away from me, talking on the phone. I watched him. Did he just get home? What time is it? How long was their meeting? And who is he talking to at this hour? He’s been coming home late a lot lately. It seems like Daddy is working himself too hard. As far as I know, Kuya Vince is the one managing the company now, so Daddy could be resting and visiting us more.I quickly went down the stairs and headed towards him. Daddy's voice was too low. Who is he talking to? I stopped not far from where he was, and he looked really stressed.“Vanessa, I have documents to take care of at the office tomorrow. Yes, I know, Vince will be with me when we go to the site. Yes, of course, tell Loraine that if I have some free time, I'll take her to the site. You know that it’s not just—” “Dad.” I called softly, and he immediately turned to me, clearly surprised. His face went pale as if he had seen
When we arrived at the condo, Kuya helped me organize things. He stacked my shoes and bags in the glass cabinet while I replaced the old cover on the bed with a new one. I also brought my favorite comforter. After finishing with the bed, I turned to my suitcases. The clothes inside were already folded, so I just needed to move them to the cabinet.“Lil sis, what do you want to eat? I ordered food,” Kuya asked as he faced me.“Is it okay with you, Kuya, if we eat fast food? I’d like to have Chickenjoy, Spaghetti, and Sundae from Jabee?” I said with a smile.“Of course, we grew up with Jabee. I missed eating that too. Wait, I’ll just order,” he replied, and I nodded, returning to organizing my clothes. After thirty minutes, Kuya’s order arrived. We went down to the lobby to get the order. There was a problem because the pineapple drinks and one of the sundaes got spilled. The Grab driver almost had an accident because some young motorcyclists were rushing due to a checkpoint. They
**R18** I went straight to my room to take a shower and rest. It’s only now that I’m feeling exhausted. As I stepped out of the bathroom, my phone beeped. I glanced at it and saw a text from my brother.**Kuya Vince:** "I'm home. Get some rest. Goodnight, lil sis. Your kuya loves you."I smiled. I’m really lucky to have such a sweet and supportive brother. I typed out my reply.**Me to Kuya Vince:** "I love you too, kuya. Get some rest, you're more tired than I am. Thank you again and goodnight! Mwah." I put down my phone and turned to head to the vanity mirror to brush my hair. I hadn’t even taken a step when my phone rang again. I grabbed it, thinking my brother might have forgotten to tell me something, but I was overjoyed when I saw the caller. It’s Xander! I quickly answered the call.“Hello?” I answered, frowning when I heard noise in the background. Where is he? Is he outside?“Where are you?” he immediately asked. Shouldn’t I be the one asking where he is? It’s la
Lex stepped back when he saw his uncle calling.I answered the call right away.“Hello, Kuya?”“Bunso? Are you busy right now?”“I’m not doing anything, Kuya. Lex and I are just resting; we just got home from the park. Why?” I asked, curious.“Can I talk to you for a moment?”“Sure.” I adjusted my sitting position to hear him better, while Lex moved to the single sofa and grabbed his iPad from the center table, keeping himself occupied for now.I waited for Kuya to speak.“Are you busy again? Is your schedule hectic? Do you have a lot of shoots this month and next month?” His rapid-fire questions made me furrow my brow, and his tone sounded different—agitated and troubled.“I’m not busy yet; I haven’t started any shoots. I said I’d begin next week because I need to take care of the resort I’m building. Why? Is there a problem?” I asked, worried.He took a deep breath before answering.“I know you’re focused on your modeling and on Alexis, but Kuya needs your help now,” he said sadly.
What is he doing here? Has he been here for a while? Is he waiting for Loraine? But there aren’t any other people inside.I swallowed as his gaze swept over my entire body, finally stopping at my left hand where I held my purse. His eyes darkened as they settled there.I felt uncomfortable with his scrutiny, so I stepped forward, planning to walk past him, but he suddenly blocked my path. I couldn’t believe I was looking at him.“What do you think you're doing, Montenegro?” I asked, irritation creeping into my voice. What’s his deal? What if Loraine sees him? What would that saintly girl think? This is going to cause trouble again.I was taken aback when he just smirked and then shot me a dirty look.“Stay away from my cousin, Ms. Herrera. You already have a fiancé, but you're still flirting with my cousin, huh?” My eyes widened at his words. What is this guy talking about? I glared at him.“What are you saying? I'm flirting with your cousin? Are you sure of what you’re accusing me of
Mom gasped in shock. Oh come on, Mom, can’t she get it yet? My brother stayed silent, looking like he already knew why I was wearing a ring. Meanwhile, I could feel Penelope holding back her laughter. What have I gotten myself into?Since I gave birth to Alexis, I've done nothing but work and take care of my child. I don't have time for anything else. I admit that I had suitors when I was in California, but I cut them off right away. My top priority is my child, nothing else. “Sorry, Dad. I didn't take him with me. He's busy right now, and everything happened suddenly.” Gosh, it’s so awkward. “Aww, is that so, Ate? What a pity, then.” I rolled my eyes mentally. Why is she answering? I’m talking to Dad, not her. Does she feel close to me? Maybe she’s forgotten that we’re not okay? And we will never be okay because I can't accept her as my sister.“Excuse me, everyone, I just need to borrow my best friend for a moment. We forgot to go somewhere. The manager is looking for her, and he
I ignored the whispers and walked confidently toward Mom’s table. Why are my family, Dad's family, and Xander's family all at the same table? Is this some kind of mini-reunion? Tsk.I glanced at the other table where Penelope stood, smiling, with Chad next to her, also smiling.As I approached the table, Mom greeted me with a tight hug.“You're back! When did you get back? I miss you, sweetie…” Mom whispered, almost in tears. I hugged her back tightly. I missed her so much too.“I just got home the other day, Mommy. I was supposed to visit you at your office, but I found out you were in Cebu, so I didn’t go.”“Yes, I just got back from Cebu this afternoon. Come, let’s sit down.” Mom helped me, but before we reached the table, my best friend intercepted me.“Aunt, can I borrow BFF for a moment? I just need to chat for a bit, just a quick one, hehe. Is that okay?” Mommy chuckled softly.“Alright, you two. Just be sure to come back to the table, okay?” Both Penelope and I nodded before
After I talked to Penelope, Alexis woke up just in time. Thankfully, she didn't wake up earlier when I was talking to her aunt.When she saw the snack I made, her eyes lit up, and she smiled as she sat down. I could only shake my head. I got a small plate and filled it with baked mac and a piece of garlic bread.Before I sat down, I went to check on Manang Fe in the guest room to invite them for snacks. I had also let them rest after lunch since there was nothing else to do, and my priority was to watch over Alexis. When I'm not around, Manang Fe cooks for them while Len keeps an eye on Alexis.We all ate snacks together, and at first, Manang Fe and Len didn't want to join us. They said we should finish first, but I’m not used to that. I consider Manang Fe family; she's like a second mother to me.She happily shared stories about Alexis, saying she’s a kind, respectful, and obedient child. Alexis doesn’t misbehave, and she knows when it’s time to bathe and sleep in the afternoon with
I couldn’t believe what Penelope had said. She looked at me with uncertainty.Xander was here earlier? Jeez! Thank goodness I spent three hours at the agency! Otherwise, we might have run into each other. “Good thing you came here only now; I didn’t know you had already returned, so I didn’t get a chance to let you know,” Penelope said softly. I sighed; it would have been my fault if we had met.I hadn’t told Penelope that I had come back suddenly.“It’s okay; let’s just be grateful we didn’t run into each other. Fate is still kind to me. So, changing the subject, why are you in such a bad mood?” She exhaled before returning to her seat and picking up the design she had been looking at earlier.“Well, I’m not satisfied with the design. I feel like something’s missing, but I don’t know what,” she said, staring at her design. I approached her to check out her interior design.“What do you think, girl? What else is missing or wrong here? I can’t think straight,” she said, pouting as she
What happened? How did Loraine become a Herrera? Why didn’t I know about this? Why didn’t Kuya or Penelope mention it to me? Since when has that woman been using our last name?And so, she’s still with Xander, huh? I smiled bitterly. After all these years, they ended up together in the end. They’re getting married, and that woman’s even an actress now? Tsk.The elevator doors opened, and the two women stepped out. I sighed, leaning back against the wall. I’ve just returned to the Philippines, and already I’m hearing all sorts of things. Well, I had been cut off from everything that happened for the past seven years because I asked Penelope not to tell me anything. So, it’s no surprise I’m shocked by what I’m hearing now.As the elevator reached my floor, I straightened up and quickly exited. I shouldn’t dwell on what I overheard; we each have our own lives now. When I reached my unit door, I entered my passcode and stepped inside. I’d link my fingerprint tomorrow.I set down some of t
In life, you’ll realize that there’s a reason why you meet certain people. Some come into your life to use you, some to break you, and others to hurt you.Even if they used you, broke you, and hurt you, at least in the end, you learned something.—**PRESENT**Jeez, how much longer for my order? I really want to leave this place. I’ve been sweating nervously for a while. It seems Xander didn’t order takeout; he’s eating here! Gosh, he chose to dine in.Of all the fast-food places here, why did he have to pick this one? So annoying! What a lovely way to kick off my return to the Philippines.I remember when I left seven years ago, Annie and I left together. I thought my boss wouldn’t let me go, but he understood my situation. Annie even volunteered to come with me, no matter what.Two weeks later, Penelope joined us in California. She told me Xander had been pestering her constantly, pressuring her to reveal my location. He wouldn’t leave her alone and even went to Batangas and Bulacan
I gasped when he turned me to face him.I was shocked to see him in tears, his eyes filled with pain and pleading.I covered my mouth as he suddenly knelt, gently took my hand, and kissed it softly while crying. “I'm begging you, Dawn. Please…” His eyes were speaking to me as he looked at me, while I, in disbelief, stared back at him as he knelt before me.My tears began to fall again. Why does it hurt so much? I could clearly see the pain in his eyes, his suffering and pleading. Why, Xander? You're only making things more confusing.But this is wrong. No, I shouldn’t be swayed by what I see. It would be best if I went away.Our baby's life is more important than the two of us. If I stay here, the problem may get worse, and I might not be able to handle the stress.With trembling hands, I slowly pulled my hand away from him before shaking my head. “I'm sorry, Xander. I have to do this. I have a strong reason for leaving. Forget me and go back to Loraine. She needs you now... Goodbye