ChantriaWe are currently packing our things for our trip back home. I'm feeling tired now and my arms are almost too weak to lift anything. But I don't ask for help from Louella and Lorreine because I know they're also tired like me.After all the fun and enjoyment, tiredness follows. It's not that I'm complaining, though. I just really want to lie down and rest.As we exit the cabin, almost everyone is already outside. I quickly scan the area to look for Iwatani, who is already loading our things onto the bus. After he finishes, he quickly finds me and approaches me."Did you forget anything?" he asks as he hands me my belongings."No, these are all my things."He just nods and starts putting my things away. I look over to Lorreine who is beside me. "I wish I had someone to carry my stuff. When will I find someone to help me?"Louella and I laugh softly. "Men aren't something to be searched for, Lorreine," Louella says. "They come naturally. Seanne is just lucky to have found hers a
ChantriaI looked around the restaurant as I pondered on our situation. Knowing Gab and his humongous house, I knew that he was rich, or at least his parents were. So, I wasn't surprised when he took me to an expensive restaurant."I told you," I said, "we could have gone to a cheaper restaurant. I'm not picky."He opened his mouth to reply but paused, deep in thought. Then, he leaned in close and whispered, "This is supposed to be a secret, but I'll tell you anyway. I don't really eat cheap stuff. My stomach hurts when I do.""Seriously?"He nodded. "Yeah. I don't like being picky about food, but I just can't help it. I'm allergic to many foods, so let me do this. It's my treat anyway. Let's just say you accompanied me to eat here. This is the least I can do."I smiled at what he said. I wasn't sure if he was really allergic to cheap foods, but I let it slide. He seemed genuinely interested in treating me to a fancy meal to cheer me up.Well, I'm not one to refuse free food, so I ord
ChantriaAs expected, it's very awkward whenever I'm left alone with Iwatani, especially now that Louella and Lorreine are in line with the four of us for food. Actually, Louella insisted that she should accompany us instead of Iwatani.I couldn't do anything about it because someone needed to stay at our table to avoid someone else taking it. I also didn't want to leave Iwatani alone here. But to be honest, I really wanted to leave my seat now because of the extreme awkwardness.I know Louella knows. I don't know how she does it, or maybe it's just that me and Iwatani are too obvious. Whenever something happens between us, it's like Louella knows immediately. Maybe she's good at reading the atmosphere. I don't know. But I'm happy because she gives us space and privacy somehow. She doesn't ask anyway.Louella and Lorreine arrived, and Iwatani and I were still quiet. But unlike before, I started talking to Lorreine as if nothing had happened. I'm not really planning to hide this from t
ChantriaWhen Gab dropped me off at home, that was the only time I took a good look at him. He looked better than earlier. It seems like I was able to lighten his mood a bit.His problems didn't disappear, but at least I was able to provide him some comfort even for a little while. From here on out, it's up to him to resolve his problems. Whatever happens, I'll be here to give advice."Thank you so much for today, Seanne," he said. "I won't forget this."I smiled. "You're welcome. If you ever need someone to lean on or talk to, I'm here. We're friends, after all."He didn't answer immediately. "Right. We're friends."I didn't respond since I saw Iwatani's car park in front of their house.I looked back at Gab who was now looking at Iwatani who was getting out of his car. "Anyway, classes start early tomorrow. We'll be busy since graduation is coming up soon."He nodded and looked back at me. "Yeah. Good luck with your research.""Good luck to you too."A car pulled up near our house.
ChantriaWith so much going on in school, I didn't realize that our graduation was getting closer and closer. We were getting ready for our defense later and I couldn't sit still.I knew we had prepared for this day, but I couldn't shake off the butterflies in my stomach due to nervousness. Even Lorreine and Louella were repeating and rehearsing what they were going to say.Only Iwatani remained calm, his eyes closed on one side, as if he was ready to jump in at any moment."I'll really pay a lot to get that confidence of yours, Iwatani," Lorreine commented. "I don't know how you manage to stay calm in these situations."Iwatani opened his eyes and looked at Lorreine. "I'm also nervous. This is just my way of calming myself down."Lorreine just nodded. "You look so calm, though. It's not obvious at all."We didn't continue our conversation as the first group exited. My nerves doubled since we were up next."Good luck," Gab said as they left."Thanks!" I said. "Is it difficult?"He sho
ChantriaI'm glad that Iwatani and I are becoming real friends, not just childhood friends that we pretend to be. Because of my confession, we were able to rest and think about everything.Slowly, we're getting to know each other better. We're becoming proper friends.But what I don't like right now is the awkwardness between Gab and me whenever we're left alone together. It doesn't happen often, but I can't help but feel sad.That's when I realized how that kind of feeling can get in between two friends. When one falls for the other, it's just one of the two. Either they both will have feelings for each other, or they'll stop being friends because the other one doesn't feel the same way.It's just sad that it had to happen to me. I'm really glad that I'm friends with Gab. I'm happy because I have a friend who understands me to some extent. I'm happy being friends with Lorreine, Louella, and Iwatani, but we're nothing alike. We all have different problems and flaws to deal with.I sig
ChantriaI have already been to Gab's house before but I still can't help but be amazed. Their house can be considered as one of the most beautiful residential houses in the Philippines, if not in the whole world.Even though I've seen it before, I'm still in awe of the vastness of their garden and their palace-like house. Even their maids seem to sparkle in my eyes. I think I'm the only one who got lost here and looks like a rag."I heard you've already come here once," Mr. Guanzon said as we got out of the car. "I know it might be uncomfortable being with me, but please feel at home.""Yes, Sir. Thank you.""And please don't call me sir. Call me tito."My mouth fell open and I quickly looked at Gab. He just nodded, so I did too. "Okay po, Tito. I will."When we entered, we were led to the living room. Their maids already prepared our food in the dining room. We waited in the living room while chatting. Tito didn't change his clothes immediately and joined us in the living room."So,
Chantria"What did dad tell you?" Gab asked as we walked towards their gate.I don't even know why we have to walk when they have a car, but I didn't complain. I don't want to be demanding. Just because he likes me doesn't mean I should take advantage of that. I'm not like that."Nothing to worry about," I replied.He paused before asking again. "He didn't threaten you, right?""No. Why would he?""I mean, he didn't tell you to leave me alone, right? He didn't say anything harsh or anything?"I chuckled before facing him. "No, he didn't. Like I said, you don't have to worry. And I don't think your dad's that type of person. I think he's great. He just doesn't always know how to show his true self to other people."He closed his mouth. "I know that. I'm just worried you'll ignore me in school after this."I laughed again. "Even if he asks me to leave you, I won't do that. I won't leave you alone." I turned around and walked towards the gate.After saying that out loud, I realized how e
ChantriaI slowly opened my eyes, but quickly shut them again due to the pain in my head. But when everything came back to me, I quickly got up from my bed. I ignored the throbbing pain in my senses because there was only one thing I wanted to see right now."Carleigh!" I exclaimed as I entered the living room of our house with Chanel.Chanel and Iwatani, who were playing Xbox, both turned to look at me. Iwatani immediately stopped playing to talk to me."She's in the kitchen," Chanel replied. "She said she wanted to cook for you."I didn't finish what she was saying and ran to the kitchen. There I saw her back turned on me. She was mixing something in the pan.Tears once again fell from my eyes. I can't believe that she's really here. It wasn't a dream. She's really in front of me."Carleigh..." I said.She turned around briefly, surprised at my sudden speech. "Chantria, you're awake. How are you feeling? I'm cooking soup."I didn't pay attention to what she was saying and ran to her
Chantria"Woah! Woah! Calm down, princess," Lance said with both hands raised in the air."You said you're friends with Iwatani. You lied to me!""I didn't lie, miss. Iwatani is my best friend.""If he's your friend, why are you with this guy?" I pointed the gun at Gab, who was calmly standing near a car. He leaned on it, looking at me as if he wasn't scared of what I was holding."Isaac? Why? He's not my best friend, but we're friends too. Do you know him?""I don't just know him. I know him well."Lance turned to his friend when he asked, so Gab answered. "She's Chantria, Lance. Or you might know her as Seanne."Lance's jaw dropped and he seemed frozen in place. "This is the girl you're crazy about? I didn't expect this from you."I tried not to react to what Lance said. He might be lying. No. He's definitely lying. Iwatani isn't even here, as he said. How can I trust someone like him?"Great," I said. "We're already here anyway. Why don't you answer my questions, Gabriele? Where's
ChantriaAfter a long day at work, I went straight to our house with Chanel. And yes, we’re still living together. However, we rarely see each other except in the morning before we go to work. But I was surprised because she came home early today."You're early," I greeted her. I also slumped on the sofa and grabbed the chips she was eating."Just for a change. I need a break," she replied.We were quiet for a while, watching TV when she suddenly spoke. "I heard the one who killed Carleigh is caught." Her voice was low, just enough for me to hear."I don't know yet. But according to Lorreine, the man they caught had something to do with what happened. I don't know if he's the one who killed her or if there's someone else involved.""Why do you seem hesitant? This is what we've been waiting for, right? To find the killer.""I don't know. I don't think I can face him yet."She turned off the TV before facing me. "Let me ask you something. What do you want to do? What kind of revenge are
ChantriaI lowered the cap I was wearing to hide my face a little bit. I also adjusted my fake glasses to see where I was going more clearly.I continued pushing the cleaning supplies towards the elevator. I greeted some people I passed by and they greeted me back, but they didn't ask any further questions.I needed to act as natural as possible. I didn't want to get caught after everything I had done for this mission. I wouldn't leave the hotel without finding any evidence against them.When I reached the twelfth floor, I got off and continued pushing the cleaning supplies towards Gab's room.I looked left and right before inserting the key card and swiping it. I held my breath until the lock clicked, indicating that the door had opened. Lorreine was really reliable in these kinds of tasks.And Chanel would surely scold me if she found out. Iwatani didn't want me to do these things either, so I didn't tell him about my plan. It was better if only Lorreine knew.When I got inside, I l
ChantriaI was staring into space while lost in thought. The encounter we had at 7/11 earlier is still on my mind. I can't believe I saw him again after several months.And he wasn't looking for me, he said. He wouldn't show up if I didn't want to see him. I don't know if I should be happy about what he said or not.But one thing is for sure, he still loves me. Chanel is right. He loves me. Well, he's not sure if he really loves me or not, but he said his feelings haven't changed.There's something inside me that hopes he's telling the truth. There's a part of me that believes he really had nothing to do with what his dad was doing. He was just caught in the middle.Now, I just have to wait. Wait for whatever plan he has in mind. I don't know what kind of plan he'll make, but I will believe in him."Let me have your ice cream." Chanel snatched the ice cream from my hand before I could react and licked it."Chanel!" I tried to take it back from her. "That's mine!""You're not eating it
Chantria"Congratulations on passing the interview," said HR Manager Ms. Dianne Gutierrez. "From here on out, you'll be assigned to different leaders to guide you. I want to introduce you to Miss Anna Marshall, the head of the marketing department."A tall woman with glasses introduced herself. Afterwards, Lorreine and Louella were introduced as Miss Marshall's apprentices."And Miss Yao Lu, the head of the general management." She was a shorter woman with glasses, but with thicker lenses.Chanel and I nodded as she called out our names. We were assigned to her. Only Ma'am Dianne knew who we were to avoid favoritism in the company.We didn't want any privilege as apprentices here. It was already a big help that we were able to get in despite still being in college. We didn't want to abuse our influence. It was also fortunate that we were allowed to bring Louella and Lorreine.It's been a few months since we graduated. We've been busy taking care of our apprenticeship here. Luckily, Da
Chantria"Why are you so surprised to see me?" he asked. "I told you I'm coming today, right? Did you forget?"I forced myself to smile, but it came out awkwardly. "I-I'm just... yeah. I forgot."He chuckled softly. "That's okay. I'll wait for you here so you can freshen up. We're going somewhere, and you're going to love it."He turned to head back to his car when I called out to him. He faced me with a questioning look."What? Is there a problem?" He walked towards me. He reached out his hand to touch me, but I didn't accept it."Let's not go today. I'm not feeling well."Ignoring my rejection of his hand, he touched my forehead. "You don't have a fever. But if you're feeling unwell, we can go there next time. Wait, I'll buy you some medicine."Before I could stop him, he had already left. I let out a sigh before going inside. I needed to figure out a way to get rid of him without him suspecting anything. I knew it was only a temporary solution, but I needed more time to think about
ChantriaI sipped my coffee before facing Iwatani. We were in the living room to introduce me to the important people in the business world. This was the first step in my revenge.Of course, I needed to know who I was going to face. I couldn't just bump into them without knowing anything."First of all, the Zima Company. Your dad's company." I was about to object, but he didn't let me. "Even though you're the heir, I know you haven't met all of your dad's staff yet. Am I right?"I thought about it, and he was right. I didn't know anyone. I knew Joaquin was my dad's secretary before he disappeared, but I didn't know who replaced him. I also hadn't met any of the board members yet because of what happened.He placed a photo of my dad on the table, which I immediately looked at. "Philippio Geronimo Zima. The president and CEO of Zima Corp. As you may know, he owns hotels, restaurants, condominiums, and other residential properties both in and out of the country."He then placed another p
Chantria"So, who's the other guy?" she asked while looking at my friends who seemed to have breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing that the tension between the two of us had subsided.I looked at my friends because I wasn't sure who she was referring to. "Who? Iwatani?""The other one. The cute one." My eyes twinkled because both Iwatani and Gab were cute. "The new one. I already met that Japanese-looking guy. The other one. The Spanish-looking one."I nodded. "That's Gab. My boyfriend."She raised an eyebrow in my direction. "I thought the other one was your boyfriend.""No, he's not. He's my bodyguard. What about that guy? Your boyfriend?"She rolled her eyes. "My bodyguard, Chantria. Dad didn't just assign a bodyguard to you. And he's annoying. There's no way in hell he's my boyfriend."I laughed at what she said. "You two look cute together."She grinned at me because of what I said. "You and your bodyguard look cute together too."I gave her a stern look. "He rejected me already.