If you guys are reading my book and are here, may I know through the comments what you think so far? :') I feel like no one's reading my book and I think I'm not doing a great job. :'(
“Did you see their faces?” I managed to say between fits of laughter.Joaquin nodded, his shoulders shaking with amusement. “I think we might’ve just ruined their date.”“Well, at least we’re having fun,” I replied, grinning.Joaquin looked at me, his eyes sparkling with mirth. “That we are, Haven.”As the laughter subsided, we continued eating, sharing small, amused glances and smiles. The earlier tension between us had completely dissolved, replaced by a comfortable camaraderie. It felt like a real date, a real connection, even if it was born out of an arrangement.I realized then how much I enjoyed Joaquin’s company, and how, despite the odd circumstances of our relationship, moments like these made it feel genuine. We finished our meal in high spirits, ready to see where the rest of the day would take us.Just as we were about to head home, I stopped in my tracks, a sudden realization hitting me. “Wait, Joaquin, we forgot to buy underwear!”He chuckled, clearly amused by my oversig
As we arrived home, I headed straight to my room to sort through the new clothes we’d bought. It felt surreal to have so many new outfits.I’d never had this much before, even when I was living alone. I happily folded each piece, admiring the various styles and colors. It was a luxury I wasn’t used to, but it felt nice.Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. I looked up to see Joaquin leaning against the doorframe, a soft smile on his face."What's up?" I asked, returning his smile."I just wanted to see what you’re up to," he said, his eyes scanning the room. "Are you happy?"I nodded, still smiling. "Yes, I’m happy. I feel very spoiled, actually.""Good," he said, stepping inside and sitting on the edge of my bed. "You deserve it.""I almost feel guilty about all of this," I admitted, folding another shirt. "But since you keep reassuring me that it’s alright, I thought maybe I could abuse you more financially."Joaquin laughed, the sound rich and genuine. "It will never be an abuse
I woke up with a start, the room bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun. The clock on my bedside table read 7 PM. Rubbing my eyes, I stretched and stood up, feeling the lingering effects of the nap. I decided to check on Joaquin.As I approached his room, I noticed the door was slightly ajar. Peeking in, I saw him still asleep, his face peaceful and relaxed.Not wanting to disturb him, I decided to do something nice for him. I’d cook dinner. Quietly closing his door, I headed to the kitchen. Opening the fridge, I saw that most of the meat needed to defrost.Letting out a sigh, I rummaged through the cabinets and found some canned meats: spam and corned beef. I settled on the corned beef and decided to mix it with onions. I also decided to cook some rice since it would make a hearty meal.We hadn't eaten since lunchtime and both of us would be hungry when we woke up.As I prepared the ingredients, I decided to listen to some music. The beat of the song filled the kitchen, creating a
The hospital room was quiet, save for the faint beeping of the monitors. Joaquin lay in the bed, his face pale but peaceful, a bandage wrapped around his side.The doctors had assured us that the wound wasn’t deep, but he had lost a significant amount of blood, necessitating an overnight stay for observation. I sat by his bedside, holding his hand, my mind racing with everything that had happened.Ethan had worked quickly to block the news from reaching the media, preventing any commotion that might alert Joaquin’s father. He stood by the window, speaking in low tones with hospital staff and making sure everything was handled discreetly.I squeezed Joaquin’s hand gently, the events replaying in my mind. He had rushed to protect me without a second thought, and the thought of him being hurt because of me was almost too much to bear.I worried about the state Joaquin’s beloved bachelor pad, unsure if I had turned off the stove in the chaos. But Ethan had reassured me that the officers ha
"Please teach me to become a better writer!""Oh?"Joaquin got his glass and sipped his whiskey as he looked at me in a condescending manner."I need something in return," he teased as he put his glass down on the table, making me nod excitingly."Yes, yes! I would do anything you ask for!"Hearing her feedback, he stood up from his chair then walked towards me, chuckling."Erm..."I stepped away from him, now bumping my back on the wall behind me. Surprised, I gasped as he did a breathtakingly hot “kabe-don”. He then spoke near my ear, sending shivers down my spine."What if I ask... for a collaboration?"***~One hour ago, Joaquin’s party in his mansion~I adjusted the hem of my borrowed dress, my heart pounding as I slipped through the grand entrance of the opulent mansion. The evening air was cool, carrying the distant hum of the city. Inside the mansion, however, it buzzed with the vibrant energy of the literary elite.Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the expansive room,
“Is that so? And what, pray tell, does a copy editor like yourself want from me?”I swallowed. He’s talking to me as if he knows me! Does he know what I look like? I haven’t even told him my name yet because I’m caught off guard!“Well?” His voice snapped me out of my thoughts. His eyes never left mine. He cocked his head to the side as if urging me to continue talking. My heart skipped a beat when he called my name! “Haven Thorne… right?”I stood rooted to the floor. What. The. Hell! He DOES know me!But how? Through Jessie? Wait… she said she wouldn’t squeal that I am in the party—that I’m using her invitation to get inside! Right?She’s not like that. Even though she’s also friends with Joaquin, she assured me she wouldn’t tell… right?“Who is she?”“Does Joaquin know her?”“It looks like someone we don’t know.”“Is she a writer?”“A referred friend, perhaps.”“Then why is Joaquin acting like it’s the first time they met?”“Hmm… quite audacious of her to approach him in the open if
I paused when I heard him challenging me right on the spot. I actually have the draft of my work here on my phone and it’s already finished and that’s what I plan on showing him so I could ask for his opinion.“Umm…” I hesitated, my eyes locking with his. I stiffened once more as his eyes really never left mine. “I actually have my story here in my phone’s drafts and—”“No,” he interrupted, cutting me off from my upcoming suggestion. “I want a new one on the spot.”I furrowed my brows. “What do you want me to write?” He’s challenging me, so fine… let’s take the challenge!“What’s your genre?” he asked, now sitting on the leather chair opposite mine.“Contemporary romance, fantasy romance,” I answered, Joaquin giving me a single nod.“Alright. Then write something romantic,” he replied, giving more details. “A domineering man, softening to a sweet woman. Go.”I held the pen on my hand as I stared on the blank paper. I felt cold sweat on my back as I grew conscious of the fact that Joaq
I froze, my eyes wide as I processed what Joaquin had just said. His father’s stern gaze flickered with surprise, but he quickly regained his composure.“Your fiancée?” His father’s voice dripped with skepticism.Joaquin tightened his grip around my waist, his posture relaxed but his eyes intense. “Yes, Haven and I have been keeping it private, but I suppose the secret's out now.”My heart pounded in my chest, my mind racing to keep up. Why is he dragging me into this? What does he mean by fiancée?His father’s eyes narrowed. “I see. Then perhaps you won’t mind if we have a private discussion, Joaquin.”Joaquin’s expression hardened slightly, but he nodded. “Of course, Father. We’ll schedule it at another time.”His father gave me one last scrutinizing look before turning and leaving the room, closing the door behind him with a decisive thud. Joaquin looked at me, too, making me conscious on the borrowed clothes that I am wearing at this party.Yeah, yeah… I look ordinary, a girl with