Yannie Ace RuizI couldn't get Josh and what I learned from Arriane out of my mind. So, holding the card with the address of Josh's workplace, I finally decided to go there.I quickly left the house after telling my parents I was going to see Josh. Since they had accepted our relationship, they were no longer strict with us.A few minutes later, I arrived at the resto-bar where Josh works. It was close to my part-time job.I carefully peeked inside to see if he was there, but I didn't see him. I wasn't sure about his work hours, but I wanted to take a chance. So, I stayed and went inside. I sat at an empty table in the corner and continued to observe the surroundings until I spotted a familiar figure busy cleaning a table.My heart ached as I watched him. He was wearing the resto-bar's uniform and seemed hurried as he cleaned the tables. His face showed signs of exhaustion, indicating that he had been working hard for a while. The sweat on his forehead was evidence of his effort.
Yannie Ace RuizI could feel my heart pounding loudly because of Josh's words. I could see in his eyes how much he loved me and how sincere and serious he was about everything he said.And in those moments, it seemed like I ran out of words that could match his. Or maybe because I knew that words were insufficient to explain to him how much I loved him.Our hearts and eyes spoke. And the next thing I knew, our faces were slowly getting closer until our lips finally met.Only the screams of our hearts were heard in those moments. Until his kisses gradually deepened, and I responded in kind.I felt Josh's arms wrapping around me as we continued to kiss. Automatically, I placed my hands on his shoulders, wrapping them around his neck, while my lips were busy responding to him.I'll admit, every time he kissed me, I always felt a rush of emotions building inside me. Like he was an addiction that was hard to resist.I felt Josh's hand gently moving down my back towards my waist, whic
Yannie Ace RuizI woke up to the sunlight hitting my face. I didn't want to open my eyes yet because my sleep felt so good. But the sunlight was too bright, so I moved slightly to the other side and slowly opened my eyes. At first, I blinked a few times due to drowsiness, but my heart skipped a beat when I saw Josh peacefully and soundly asleep beside me.So that's why I had such a good sleep—it's because he's here with me now. I smiled sweetly as I watched him. But seconds later, he moved and hugged me. My heart almost skipped a beat again because of his closeness.The events from last night suddenly came back to my mind. We almost went too far. I blushed as my mind replayed those moments one by one.I knew what happened last night shouldn't have happened. And I also knew that if it were to happen again, I'd give in again and surrender myself to him completely. Maybe that's just how much I love him.I freely admired his handsome and perfect face. Until now, I didn't know what goo
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Do we really need to leave your apartment?" I asked Josh gently."Huh?""Isn't it better if you rest now? Especially since you've been sleep-deprived for a few days because of your new job. You work at night, and in the morning, you come to pick me up and drop me off at work."Josh sweetly smiled at me, then reached out to hold my hand gently while driving."I'm okay, my love. You don't have to worry about me. And besides, I had a good and restful sleep last night. So, I'm already feeling better," he replied to me, followed by a grin as he emphasized the last word.I smirked. Those scenes between us almost came back to my mind. Scenes that almost led to something sacred that only married couples do."Plus, you took a leave from your part-time job for me today. I don't want your day to go to waste," he added."Why would it be a waste?""I don't want you to be cooped up inside my apartment all day, my love," he replied."Josh, I never feel like any moment or da
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Mom! What are you doing?!" Josh angrily shouted at his mother as he stepped closer to her.I also moved towards my parents. "Mom, Dad," I said with a heavy swallow.I didn't know what else Josh's Mom said to my parents. But I'm not stupid to not understand what's happening now."Why, Mr. and Mrs. Ruiz? Isn't twenty million pesos enough?" Josh's Mom asked my parents."Mommy! What are you doing?!" Josh scolded his mother again. But she ignored him and continued insulting my parents."Is that amount still not enough for your daughter to stay away from my son?""Mom, enough!" Josh shouted in anger."Mrs. Montez," Mom said, interrupting all of us.Mom stood up from her seat and walked to the kitchen. In a moment, she quickly returned, and we were all surprised when she suddenly poured a jar of salt on Josh's Mom."Mom!" I shouted. Josh's bodyguards were also surprised, but they stepped forward towards my mom. Dad quickly stood up to block my Mom."Maybe these sal
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Sorry, Yannie. I was also short on funds and couldn't think of anyone else to turn to but him. And I didn't know that he... got evicted from their place," Veron explained to me while we waited for Mom to come out with Dad and Josh.I called Veron and the others to borrow money so I could get Mom out, as my savings weren't enough for the amount they were asking for."It's okay, Veron. It's not your fault," I replied to her.A moment later, we saw Jenny and Jomar arriving quickly."Yannie! How's Auntie?" Jomar asked me anxiously."She's okay now. She's with Dad and James inside. Josh is also there," I replied."And how are you?" Jomar asked me again after a while. I saw Jenny glance at Jomar because of that."Huh?"Jenny cleared her throat and then spoke. "Ivory wants to apologize for not answering your call right away. They also had an emergency.""Huh? Why? What happened?" I asked Jenny worriedly."The owner of the house they're renting suddenly evicted them
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Yannie! Are you at the shop already?" Jenny greeted me with a question when I answered her call."Hello, Jenny. I'm on my way to the shop. There was an emergency at home, so I'm late—" I couldn't finish my sentence because Jenny started talking from the other end."Please tell the boss that I can't come in today.""Huh? Why? Is there a problem? Did something happen?""It's my brother, he was picked up by the police," Jenny replied, which worried me a lot."Huh? Why? What happened?" I asked anxiously."He was accused. His colleague is blaming him for scamming the complainant. Honestly, I don't really understand it either. So, my mom and I are going to the precinct now.""Okay, take care of yourself and your mom.""Thank you!"I gently put down my phone and rubbed my temples. I didn't know why it felt like problems were coming at me one after another. The problem at home hadn't even been resolved, and now my friends were having issues too.When I arrived at th
Yannie Ace RuizMy chest tightened as I finally exited and got away from that place. It felt like all the courage I had earlier suddenly abandoned me, causing my knees to weaken significantly.Once again, I felt the corners of my eyes start to heat up. I didn't know what I should feel after realizing that the cause of all the problems my family and friends were facing was none other than me. I was the reason all of this was happening to them. I didn't know what to feel, and I didn't know what to do.I didn't want them to be hurt and suffer. I didn't want anyone else to be involved just because of me. But... I couldn't leave Josh. I couldn't hurt him and let him go.I bit my lower lip as my tears finally started to flow. What should I do? I told Josh's mom that I would fight, but in truth, I didn't know how I could fight when all the people important to me were being affected.Am I bad because I'm selfish? Am I bad because I can't let go of the man I love so much, even though other
"Oh my gosh! This is it, girls! Finally!" Ivory exclaimed happily as she approached us."Yes, finally! Can you believe it? We all made it here," Jenny added."I'm so proud of us, girls! Finally, this is it! Congratulations to all of us!" Veron chimed in joyfully.I smiled sweetly at my friends. "Congrats to us. I'm so happy and proud of all of us," I said as we gathered for a group hug.Two fast-paced years have passed, and finally, one of the most awaited days has arrived. The day when we would march together to mark the end of our studies. Yes, today is our graduation day, and my heart is bursting with overwhelming joy. All the exhaustion, sleepless nights, hardships, and sacrifices are finally paying off.I still remember the part-time jobs my friends and I took on just to support ourselves and our families. And now, the day we've all been waiting for has finally come.In a few moments, the line where we stood started moving, as they began letting us in one by one into the venue."
"Yannie..." Ramil uttered my name with a hint of concern when he saw me entering Josh's room.I looked at him questioningly until my gaze landed on Josh's empty bed. My brows furrowed slightly."Where's Josh?" I asked Ramil and Byron. The two took a deep breath, and I could see the worry and concern on their faces. It seemed like they had something to tell me but were hesitant. "Why? Did something happen? Where is Josh?" I asked again.Before answering, the two exchanged glances, seemingly urging each other to respond. Eventually, Ramil met my eyes and spoke. "Josh left. We caught up to him, but... he wouldn't be stopped.""Huh? What do you mean he left? Where did he go? Did he go home? Was he discharged?" I asked, confused and bombarding them with questions."He insisted on being discharged by his doctor. He left and went to the airport... to chase after Arriane," Ramil replied."H-Huh?""Arriane told him she was continuing her studies abroad. So, he hurried off to the airport to cat
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Nice! Nice try, bro. But drop that joke," Ramil broke the silence that enveloped us after Josh asked who I was."What try? What joke?" Josh asked Ramil, confused."Bro—""I'm serious. Who is she? Who are they?" Josh pointed at me and Veron."Get it together, bro. This isn't funny—""You get it together," Josh quickly interrupted Byron, then looked at me again. His gaze was far different from how he used to look at me. It was as if my presence confused him deeply. It was as if he had forgotten everything about me—everything about us.Because of those looks, my heart immediately grew heavy. I couldn't explain what I felt at first."Son!" Josh's parents suddenly arrived. "How are you, son? How are you feeling now?" his father quickly asked."I'm okay, Dad. I just... don't understand why I'm here," Josh replied to his father."You don't remember... what happened?" Josh's mother asked in confusion."I can't," Josh answered simply, which made my heart feel even heavier and
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Rhiana..."I quickly wiped away my tears and just as quickly let go of Josh's hands when I heard Ate Rica's voice.My heart immediately pounded with anxiety as I slowly straightened up and turned to face them. There, I met the gaze of Josh's mom. I struggled to swallow because it felt like the words I wanted to say were fighting to come out of my lips. I didn't know how to start apologizing to her for being here now.I knew I had promised her before that I would never show myself to her son again. I had promised her before that I would disappear from Josh's life, but... here I am now, crying in front of her son. It was as if, in an instant, all the promises I had made to her and my determination back then had suddenly crumbled. I wanted to kneel before her again and beg for her to let me be with Josh.I struggled to swallow again before starting to speak. "S-Sorry," I said weakly while trying to hold back my tears. "I just wanted to make sure Josh is okay." I looked d
Yannie Ace Ruiz"No! No, Yannie! No!" Josh cried repeatedly, holding me tightly in his arms."J-Josh..." I managed to say with difficulty. I forced myself to utter his name despite the intense pain caused by the bullet wound."Don't leave me, Yannie. Just hang in there, okay? You can do it, Yannie. Please, don't give up!" Josh kept crying to me."D*mn it! How did she get away from you? You idiots!" I heard the man who shot me yelling at his men."You bastard! I'll kill you!" Josh shouted angrily at the man."I'm the one who's going to kill you! Thank your girlfriend for taking the bullet that was meant for your head! If she hadn't done that, you would be dead by now, and she would be crying over you. But don't worry, you won't be around much longer because I'm going to finish you off too." The man pointed the gun at Josh again.I swallowed with difficulty, feeling my breathing become labored."D-Don't..." I whispered weakly, trying to protect him."Wow. That's touching. You love this
Yannie Ace RuizMy tears continue to flow incessantly while my chest keeps rising and falling with the intense anxiety I'm feeling right now. I hold my breath as if exhaling freely might bring something wrong upon me, even though I'm just sitting inside this car.I don't know how many minutes or hours have passed since these men took me. I don't know who they are or why they are doing this to me. Over and over again, I replay in my mind if I have wronged someone."We're here," said the man in front of his companions. He stopped the car, and they got out one by one.The man beside me opened the car door and stepped out, giving me a sharp look. "Get out," he commanded.I struggled to swallow and looked around at where we were. It was dark surroundings, but I could see tall grasses around us, with a large warehouse in front of us."Get out, I said," the man repeated his order."Who are you? Where are you taking me? What are you going to do to me?" I asked fearfully, one question after an
Josh Rain MontezArriane stood quietly in front of me after seeing whoever arrived inside the coffee shop where we were."Aunt..." she said as the footsteps approached us.I lifted my emotionless gaze to the person who came closer and faced me. I could see the deep concern on her face as she looked at me, as if afraid of what I might do after learning the truth from Arriane. Her throat moved repeatedly as tears seemed about to fall."I'm sorry, Aunt," Arriane broke the silence. "I did everything, but... he's truly, madly, and crazy in love with that girl. With Yannie," she said to Mommy, then sadly walked out of the coffee shop, leaving us behind.I avoided looking at Mommy and lifelessly stood and turned away from her. I was about to step away, but she quickly stopped me and blocked my path. "Josh..." she said my name. I didn't respond and instead continued walking past her. But I stopped when she spoke again. "Aren't you going to ask me about what you've learned?"I smirked sarcasti
Josh Rain Montez"Bro, that's enough. You've had way too much to drink," Ramil interrupted me as he reached for the alcohol I was drinking. But I quickly pulled it away from him."I'm okay, Bro. I'm not drunk yet.""But, Bro, you've been here drinking for a while now. And you've been doing nothing else but drinking for days. You might get into trouble.""Yeah, Bro. Who knows what might happen to you with all this," Byron added.I took another sip of my drink and replied to them, "Whatever happens to me, it's probably better than this.""Bro, that's enough. You're drunk," Ramil intervened again, successfully taking the alcohol away from me this time."What the heck? Why are you so persistent? Why are you meddling?" I snapped at him, getting annoyed as I stood up."Easy, Bro!" Byron said to me."You're already drunk, so stop drinking—""Damn it! So what if I'm already drunk? Why do you have to interfere? Can't you just leave me alone?!"Ramil took a deep breath and looked at me wearily
Josh Rain Montez"Are you drunk again?" Mom started as soon as I walked into the house. But I ignored her and continued walking past her. "Seriously, Josh? Until when are you going to behave like this just because of that worthless girl?!" I stopped walking after she said those words. "She's gone, Josh. She left you, but you're still wallowing because of her!"I slowly faced Mom. "Have you been in love, Mom?" I asked gently, which seemed to stun her momentarily."What?""You know what, Mom? I've always wondered if you've ever been in love with Dad. Because every time I look at both of you, I don't see love between you."Her jaw clenched. "Stop talking nonsense, Josh. Don't drag me and your Dad into your drama.""I guess you've never been in love. That's why you're like this, maybe because you've never experienced loving someone, especially getting hurt." My vision started to blur as tears threatened to escape from me.Several days have passed since Yannie blatantly rejected me, but un