0000: Prologue

On board the Luxor Grande, a massive 230-foot private jet cutting through the night sky, was none other than Edward Harrington, the big-shot CEO of Harrington Group of Companies. He’s rocking those fancy shades and a suit that screamed 'I'm rich and I know it,' perfectly matching the luxurious private jet he'd purchased for a cool $600,000,000 during his Swiss vacation. Talk about living the high life.

It had been six months since Edward jetted off to Europe for some serious business. Now, he’s itching to get back to the Philippines and surprise the most important woman in his life, Alice Dawson—his girlfriend of five years and his childhood sweetheart.

"Good evening, Sir. Dom Pérignon?" the stewardess asked, her smile as bright as the champagne she’s offering. She had a trolley piled high with fancy drinks and sandwiches, and her uniform was a tight fit, showing off her amazing figure.

"Sure," Edward replied, his voice smooth and cool, like a guy who knows exactly what he wants. He reached for the wine glass on his table, looking every bit the successful businessman.

The stewardess couldn't help but smile back, her cheeks blushing a little. Even though Edward had this "serious" vibe, he’s incredibly magnetic. No wonder he’s a real heartthrob.

Edward took a sip of the champagne, enjoying the taste. He’s about to turn and check out the view when he noticed the stewardess still staring at him. Curious, he turned back to her.

"Yes? Is there a problem?" he asked, a slight frown creasing his forehead.

The stewardess jumped a little, looking nervous. She hesitated for a second, then glanced at her colleagues, like she’s trying to decide what to say.

"Uh, Sir? Is it true that you have... a secret girlfriend?" she finally asked, her voice trembling slightly. The other stewardesses stopped what they’re doing, their eyes glued to Edward, waiting for his answer.

Edward was caught off guard, but he just chuckled. He wasn't mad, actually, he seemed to enjoy the gossip. "Yes, I'm taken. We've been together for five years. And guess what? We're getting married," he said, his voice confident and smooth.

His relationship with Alice might be a secret, but if anyone asked, he'd never deny it.

The stewardesses gasped, their eyes widening in shock. It’s like a bomb had just exploded in their faces. They couldn't believe it.

Edward Harrington, the guy who could have any woman he wanted, was already taken? What about all those women who were head over heels for him? Their hearts would surely be broken.

The stewardess who had asked the question put her hand over her chest, looking like she’s having a hard time breathing. She quickly left, looking upset. The other stewardesses were clearly shaken too. Edward just shook his head, a little amused by their reactions, and continued sipping his champagne. Then, he heard the pilot's voice over the intercom.

'Good evening, everyone. This is your Captain speaking. We've just landed in Manila, Philippines. It's 8 PM local time.'

Edward straightened his suit and got ready to step off the private jet. As soon as the door opened, his charisma and good looks took center stage. He smiled and looked around the fancy airport before walking down the stairs.

A line of bodyguards, all standing tall and straight, greeted him. They bowed as he walked past, showing their respect for the powerful CEO.

"Sir, here are the car options for you tonight," Toni, his new assistant, said, his voice professional and confident. He held a tablet displaying a range of car models. Red, green, purple, and blue, all the latest releases from a top car company. The expensive cars were parked outside, waiting for him.

Edward's eyes narrowed as he glanced at the tablet, then he quickly adjusted his tie. He looked a little annoyed. "I don't like those colors," he said, his voice flat.

Toni took a step back, his eyes widening in surprise. He hadn't expected that reaction. He had carefully chosen and prepared those cars—only to have his boss reject them.

"Sir, ah—" Toni started to explain, but one of Edward's female staff members cut him off.

"Mr. Harrington doesn't like bright colors. He prefers neutral colors," she whispered to Toni, her voice soft but firm.

"Oh? Really? I see," Toni said, trying to recover from his surprise. He quickly straightened up, "Give me a minute, Sir. I'll call our staff and have them bring some white, silver, and black cars here at the airport," he said, his voice now confident and professional. Then, he hurried off to make the call.

Edward pulled out his phone while he waited and called his best friend, Jonas Montegory. He had entrusted him to take care of Alice while he's away in Europe for the past six months.

'Hey man, how'd your meeting go in Switzerland? Did you seal the deal?' Jonas' voice boomed through the phone. Edward just chuckled, knowing Jonas was completely oblivious to the fact that he’s already back in the Philippines. He'd kept his return a secret from everyone, especially Alice, wanting to surprise her on their 5th anniversary

"My deal with Mr. Morris went well, I'm just chilling at the hotel now," Edward lied, keeping his true location under wraps. They chatted for a few more minutes when he heard a commotion coming from the arrival's hall. He cut the call with Jonas and turned to one of his bodyguards. "What's going on?" he asked.

"Sir! Sir!" Toni rushed towards him, his face filled with worry. "The reporters and paparazzi are going crazy in the arrival's hall. Turns out one of the stewardesses on your private jet was working for JN Magazine. They've leaked a recording of you admitting to having a secret girlfriend for five years. They're all desperate to get details. They might swarm you in the arrival's hall, Sir," Toni explained, his voice frantic. He opened his tablet, showing Edward a recording that’s quickly going viral.

'Uh, Sir? Is it true that you have... a secret girlfriend?'

'Yes, I'm taken. We've been together for five years. And guess what? We're getting married'

The staff around him gasped in shock, scrambling to open their phones and tablets.

Edward frowned, realizing that “privacy” wasn't exactly a word in his existence. He had no idea that the stewardess he'd talked to was an undercover reporter. But there’s nothing he could do now, his secret was out there, and it’s his own words that had exposed him.

He took a deep breath and just smiled. "Where are those new cars you had our staff bring?"

Toni blinked, trying to process the scene before him. His boss was incredibly calm, like he wasn't even fazed by the possibility of being mobbed by reporters and paparazzi. Edward took off his coat and made Toni wear it.

"They're just arriving at the entrance, Sir," Toni replied.

"Call our staff and tell them to park the cars around to the back of the airport. I'll be making my exit through the biggest door," Edward instructed, his voice firm. He adjusted the coat he gave to Toni and placed a fedora on his head before turning his assistant towards the reporters and paparazzi. "Meet them, bring the bodyguards with you. I want you to distract them until I get out of the airport," he said, his words sending a wave of shock through everyone.

Toni's jaw dropped. "M-me, Sir?" he stammered, pointing at himself.

"Yes," Edward simply replied, turning and walking towards the exit without looking back.

"Why me?" Toni muttered, scratching his head. His colleagues just gave him awkward smiles, knowing he’s about to be bombarded by a horde of reporters and paparazzi.

Edward's always like that, bossy and demanding. He's never had to lift his finger, and life has always been a cakewalk for him.

Toni just walked into the arrival's hall and pretended to be Edward. He had no choice but to follow his boss's orders.