Chapter 1

Maica Delmundo is a famous model, known for her long, slender legs and flawless skin. With her wavy, waist-length hair, sharp nose, naturally rosy lips, and an oval-shaped face, she possesses a striking beauty that captivates many. Her fair complexion, almost as if she were carved from ivory, and her perfectly sculpted hourglass figure make her irresistible. It’s no surprise that countless people admire her—even some of the most famous celebrities look up to her.

But Maica isn’t just about beauty; she’s also incredibly intelligent. She graduated cum laude with a degree in Architecture and later pursued another course, Interior Design, where she also graduated with honors. She recently topped the board exams, earning even more admiration from the public. However, not everyone is happy about her success. Many envy her—some even despise her. When she entered the fashion industry, some careers crumbled, and ever since, she has been receiving one project offer after another. Her manager couldn’t refuse them, and neither could she, because this was what she had always dreamed of.

Maica grew up in poverty. Her father was a farmer, and her mother stayed at home to care for her newborn sibling. She once invited them to move in with her, but they preferred their peaceful life in the countryside. So instead, she chose to renovate their home, ensuring they lived comfortably. Her parents refused to leave their land, as it held deep sentimental value. Her father’s farming was what had supported her education up to high school, and when she reached college, a friend helped her land a job at a well-known fast-food chain in Manila.

It was during this time that Mr. Milendez, a well-known talent scout, discovered her and offered her a career in modeling. She worked tirelessly, juggling her studies and her job, determined to provide a better life for her family. And though they didn’t fully support her chosen path, she continued to provide for them while respecting their wishes to stay in the province. She visited them regularly and made sure they never lacked anything. This was her way of giving back for all the love and care they had given her.

For Maica, her parents were her greatest inspiration. Without them, she wouldn’t have reached her dreams. They may not have lived in luxury, but she never once felt unloved. She was grateful to God for blessing her with such a wonderful family.

***

“Ms. Delmundo, there’s a rumor circulating that you’re getting married. Is it true?” a reporter asked as she stepped out of The Alpha building.

“Is it true that your manager, Denver Castillo, is your soon-to-be husband?” another reporter blocked her path.

“No comment.” That was all she said, keeping her response short to avoid further discussion. More than anything, she hated having her private life exposed. She believed that some things were meant to remain personal.

Her bodyguards and security immediately stepped in, blocking the reporters and creating a path for her until she safely entered her car.

“Maica, where is that rumor even coming from? About you and Sir Denver?” her best friend and personal assistant, Julie, asked, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s not a rumor, Julie. But let’s keep this between us. We don’t want it going public.”

“OMG!” Julie gasped, her eyes wide with shock. “How is it that I, your best friend, didn’t know? And now I hear about it from gossip? Your stalkers are seriously impressive!”

“Well, I doubt it was a stalker who leaked the information,” Maica replied calmly.

“What do you mean?”

“You’ll understand when we get to my place.”

***

Their ride home was quick, thanks to the light traffic. The moment Maica entered her unit, she found Denver, her manager, sitting comfortably on her couch, typing away on his laptop.

“Denver, while I was out working on a photoshoot, here you are, lounging in my living room. Are you really my manager?” she teased, folding her arms.

“I’m actually organizing your schedule. Prada just sent a proposal—they want you as their new model. Since Prada is a high-end brand, we’ll prioritize them and reschedule your other commitments.”

Maica raised an eyebrow. So he had time to fix my schedule, but not to deal with the chaos he started?

Annoyed, she snapped his laptop shut, forcing him to look at her.

“What the hell, Maica?”

“I told you, Denver, I don’t want our relationship to go public. Why did you have to broadcast it on social media?” she demanded, standing in front of him.

Denver let out a small chuckle. “So, you figured out it was me. You really are sharp.” He took her hand and pulled her down beside him. “I’m just tired of hiding. You should be grateful that I only mentioned we’re getting married.”

“Should I really be thankful?” she scoffed. “The moment I stepped out of The Alpha, I was bombarded with reporters. And where were you? You weren’t even there to help me handle the situation. You know what this means, right? Once we go public, we lose our privacy. That’s how relationships start falling apart.”

She sighed, frustrated by the mess Denver had created.

“What are you so afraid of, hon? I’m yours now. We’ve been married for almost two years. Nothing can change that,” Denver said, looking straight into her eyes.

“Wait. WHAT?!”

Both Maica and Denver turned to Julie, who had been quietly listening the entire time.

“You’ve been married for almost two years, and I had NO IDEA?!”

Maica couldn’t help but smirk at her friend’s exaggerated reaction. She looks more outraged than someone objecting at a wedding.

“Stop overreacting, Julie. And yes, we’re married.”

Julie clutched her chest dramatically. “Wow, that really hurts, Maica. Can I be mad at you?”

“Why would you be mad?”

“I thought we were best friends! You didn’t even make me your bridesmaid. You could’ve at least invited me to the reception to eat lumpiang shanghai!”

At that, both Maica and Denver burst into laughter. Julie does have a point—we really did keep this a huge secret from her.

Feeling guilty, Maica got up and hugged her friend.

“I’m sorry, okay? Next time, I promise to tell you everything.”

Julie eyed her suspiciously. “No more secrets?”

“No more secrets.”

Julie finally smiled. “Well then, congrats on being married for two years! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness.” She hugged Maica, who, feeling touched, gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Denver, watching the moment unfold, pouted. “Why does she get a kiss, but I don’t? Am I just an extra here?”

Laughing, Maica leaned in and kissed him on the lips. Julie, blushing, immediately covered her eyes.

“Oh my God! You guys are too much!” she squealed.

Denver and Maica simply chuckled, relieved that their secret was finally out.