Jana's amusement didn't last for a week. Lawrence thought his incessant calls made Myriad feel loved but in all honesty, the whole thing only reminded Jana of her imminent death once she couldn't find an escape plan. She's a high school student, so her moves are restricted by her age. For one, she couldn't take Austin. Austin is a great guy— but in the end, he's just a part of the game. She can't hung herself on him when she knows he might not even be real in person. But it's hard trying to 'not' love the male lead. "You're spacing out." Spencer poked Jana's cheeks with his pen. "Is it because of your brother's call?" "Hmn." She won't dwell into why he knew about her dilemma. Austin taking a suspicious glance at them back and forth is the sole culprit. "He wants me to visit home. But I don't think I can safely go with the assurance of getting back whole and breathing. You know, there's a chance I'll die on the way.' The arranged plane crash appeared sooner than she had imag
THIRD INSTANCE: TARGETING THE CHARMING GEORGE SALINZER JANA lowered the cap on her head and tried her best to mix among the crowd. The small camera inside her makeshift lighter shines because of the streetlights. Not too far from her spot was a billboard of a perfume ad containing a man in his prime. He sat on a red loveseat with his tie askew and a bored expression in his face. Jana can see the arrogance and the indifference but she couldn't deny that he's extremely attractive. 'George Salinzer.' He's an anti-social man who managed to overthrow the entertainment industry because of his skills in acting, dancing and even singing. He was hailed the number one hottest guy in town and he's been resting in that spot for the last five years. He managed to be consistent for five unbelievable years! It is normal to have reporters following his tails. Just a week ago, he was almost attacked by a stalker. The woman claimed to be a reporter— fine, paparazzis had no clean representation i
"JANA, I need some juicy details, okay?" The editor in chief grumbled on the phone while chewing his dinner. Jana endured the unappealing noises. 'This is your boss, so hold your horses.' "You suggested this in the first place. Does this mean you can't really do it?" "You're wrong to think that on my part. I have to inform you that I'm doing my best but the guy was just so slick—I can't get him on the act!" It was like George Salinzer was very careful with his move. Like all this time he knows that Bernice of The East is following him. "Fine. But please be reminded that I'm not patient. I won't forget the good things you've brought to me before. I wish for those blessings to come again, okay?" Jana needs to bring back the glory of her muckraking ways. She hope James can help her in this. 'Yeah, fat chance. He's tight on a budget too.' "I will tail him for a few more days. If nothing comes up, I will try and find another subject before pursuing George. He's been unusually carefu
JANA WAS glad that the restaurant was not that far from her apartment. She managed to get inside right on time. James left already after giving her a brief 'good luck'. It looks like he's not interested with McKinley after all. Jana totally understand him. He probably hadn't taken his dinner yet. For James, nothing is more important than food. Wearing her black blazer and a large cap, she eyed every table until she found George's. Jana didn't have to look for long. There were a lot of people staring at his direction. It was just a matter of seconds to find the source of attention. It was a pity that Denise cheat can only accommodate her for one time. She wanted something like that for her too but until now, Jana doesn't know Vivien's special function. Except maybe in being her emotional companion, there's nothing unique about Vivien. For an Ai, she's quiet and never speaks about anything besides issuing plot information. She couldn't even get double points so Denise' suggestion
George's condo unit looks warm, and incredibly dusty. Jana sat unmoving in the couch. How can a handsome man like him have a dirty house? Though Jana should really change her perception about him. There's nothing normal about how he's acting right now. Vivien's information were twisted! Or that George is a player inside the game as well. She can't ask him that directly. "Do you know Director Sanders?" George lit a cigarette as he sat opposite Jana. "I'm sorry about the dust. It's been years since I last remember this place." "Yeah, I can figure that myself." Jana's nerves were frayed and fragile at the moment— she want nothing else but to flee from George. "And yes, I do know him. What about Mr. Sanders?" "He's my uncle." He stopped and failed not to show his grimace. "He's my uncle in paper. She's my mother's adopted brother, and I don't like him." In attempt to delay George, she asked, "Why?" She doesn't expect George to answer. Things like family problems should not be d
She debated whether bringing an extra piece of towel would help. 'Of course it does. Maybe George sweat a lot?' Jana really needed to visit the internet now. Vivien's suggestion surpassed her expectations though. She decided to agree with it. This is her first day on the job. 'Why do I hate it already?' "Fine. Let's go!" The heavy bag on her shoulders pulled her back but she persisted. This is only the starting point. She's going to get used to this soon enough. 'Yes. We have to be optimistic about everything.' "Vivien, what time is the shoot?" "It will start at 9 am. Host should arrive earlier than the male lead." "Got it." 'But I don't have a car?' Jana pursed her lips and stared at her reflection on the elevator. 'Do I have to take the subway?' "We can book a taxi, host." 'Booking a taxi? What an expensive way of living!' "Vivien, I ate nothing but instant noodles in the last three days. No one is more familiar with my financial status than you already are."
Ever since the day Jana first entered the studio, George has been looking at her with questioning expression everyday. As if he wants to study her but is afraid about what he will find out. After quietly mumbling to himself, "Huh, I'm so right.", he wouldn't tell Jana what's the matter. Jana can only leave the guy's head to rot on its own. On the fifth day of doing her job, George asked her to reserve a table at a restaurant after work. Jana did her job without asking. Observing George's movements and searching things on the internet about Director Sanders. Jana haven't met him yet but she knows it will be soon. She started to notice the tightness around George's eyes. The reason could only be his uncle. Jana didn't ask. She knows George hates it when she does. He will inform her once he already made a plan. In her opinion, a male lead like this is a trustworthy team mate. And so she patiently wait. The matter between Seline Chan and George was not settled that day. Georg
Carmila rarely watches the television. She lived a joyful childhood. Her family is not rich, but she grew up with love. With the right guidance and the protection of her beloved father. When both of her parents died, Carmila didn't feel anything particularly. She expected the intense hurt, despair and even thoughts about death. Carmilla is an only child. And being left behind by both of her parents should break not just her heart but her ambitions to succeed in life. Her primary reason for striving hard was now gone. What's the use of insisting? But surprisingly, Carmilla carried on like nothing happened. She didn't think it was weird. In fact, she couldn't think about anything at all. Her boss called and ask why did she stop coming to work. Only then Carmilla realized that she had to report back. She forgot taking a bath. She forgot about her parents death. Carmilla had stopped eating after one week. She didn't feel that there's something wrong. Carmilla even thanked god t
Ezekiel and Jana went shopping the whole morning. Because they were both college students both short in money, they opted to go visit thrift stores and dollar shops. They found a lot of useful things and a few miscellaneous items that Jana bought specifically for Vivien."I created Vivien for myself. I lost her halfway when my souls scattered. I'm glad that she went with you. She followed my memories and hold on to you, you're the most familiar thing to both of us inside the game." Ezekiel took a sip in his iced coffee while they walked in the park. His black jacket reeked of his head throb perfume. Every lungful of Jana makes her head full of his scent. "At first I thought she'd go for Jazz but then Jazz already had a system of her own so... it's kind of... complicated.""She never stopped looking for you, you know. She's a loyal older sister.""Yeah, I guess. We never really got to be closer before. After knowing about the things she did in order to find me... I feel happy. I was ne
It was a silent morning of February when our midterm exams began. I finished my paper and turned it in within 30 minutes of the test. My favorite part was the critical essay writing because the topic used was my report in the first month of the school-year, hence the subject is my forte. However, it was a minor subject. So passing it would mean I don't have to take it again. That's my main motivation the whole time I was taking it.I jogged to the cafeteria to get myself an early lunch. The crowded hall gets a bit humid and annoying during the break time, so I have to deal with my food at the earliest time to avoid unnecessary arguments with my schoolmates.Someone beat me on my favored seat when I got there.The spot with the nicest seat would be the window by the last corner of the room. It has a wide view of the cafeteria as well as the beautiful gardens outside the glass wall.It was a junior of mine who beat me to it. A fourth year highschool student with the dumbest polka dot ha
'Meow.' Vivien hates her current situation. She can't speak! And her owner has been grumpy for the last two days. What seems to be the problem of the great Ezekiel?Well, apparently, he can't find her former host. Miss Jana 'hoest' Tesoro. Vivien is naturally sad about this— not. 'Hmp!'Her last host was indeed a very good one at exaggerating her mistakes and berating her about her lack of support! But to be fair, Vivien does miss Jana.They've passed several worlds and lived several lifetimes together. It is impossible not to get attached."What do you think about it, Ezekiel?" Spencer paced the room two times. When the man he questioned did not answer, he turned his face to Ezekiel's side. "Kiel? Hello?""What do you exactly hate about her? The one who jailed you inside the game is her uncle. You should stop associating them together. You have to take into consideration the fact that the game consumed her when she forced her way into the simulation just to save you.""That's what ir
"What do you suggest, Roshan?" The emperor is old. He had an expression that shows how tired he is even if this is his first private meeting this very day. He's not that enthusiastic about Jana and Roshan's relationship. He sees colors for what they really are. Pixena is hailed the winner even when the match has not yet started. What's wrong with giving Jana the third rank? Roshan has defended her to this point. Their relationship is obvious. He would always favor Pixena over any other girl in the empire. Bias works this way. Still, he can't dictate Roshan's wishes. If he saw Ms. Jana as a worthy woman... then he could only give his blessings."This month." Ezekiel gave Jana a small smile. He wrapped his hands around her delicate fingers, massaging it lightly. "I want the wedding to be this month."Jana can't believe it!This man tricked her thoroughly!With warm tears in her eyes, she nudged him lightly by the shoulders. That's why he said Jana should enjoy this world— because it was
"Lady Pixena, do you have any words for the players of this cooking event?" The emcee was more than elated to finally interview the prime minister's daughter. The woman was even more gorgeous up close!"Well, I chose to be blunt. Haha! If Lady Jana wins in this event, I will willingly shave my eyebrows."It was the hardest blow. Even Jana who was seen to be smiling up until three seconds ago is now frowning hard with a hurt expression on her face. Pixena didn't even flinch. She laughed right at the audience's face.'I thought I had to sabotage her dish to make Roshan lose his interest for her but lo and behold! She did it herself!' Pixena inhaled and assumed her timid expression."Wo-Wow!" The man got more than he expected. He only wanted to throw shade at Lady Jana for entertainment purposes but now Lady Pixena pulled a wide blown start of a real cat fight!Jana's parents took offense at what Pixena said. Even if Jana's dish does look bad. It doesn't warrant her insult just like tha
Denise hasn't shown her presence. It was official, she finally got out of the game. Ezekiel told her that and it finally settled the little bit of conscience in her mind.Morning came and the cook-off session started. Pixena —unsurprisingly, joined the challenge and ordered tons of vegetables and spices for her own use. The emperor was too biased because she allowed Pixena to do this when in fact, he had strictly implied that no one should use resources aside from what the organizers had prepared."Ladies and gents, you will be given an hour each to complete your dishes!"'Might as well give me an eternity and it will still taste the same— morbid shit.' Jana stood above the platform readied for her. The audiences scattered around to look at the two meter distance. Every contestant have either a concerned or nervous expression. Only Pixena was confident, smiling brightly and scattering kisses everywhere.Ezekiel stood at the center of the stage. He is one of the panelist chosen to judg
On that morning, Jana tried to see if she can make use of her antagonistic halo and be good about something in just one night. She heard something about 'beginner's luck' and so she hopes to see if the same good fortune applies to her.Well, it was proven not.She started early in the morning, doing her job earnestly and receiving cuts from the knife and burns from the pan itself. Up until now she can't see herself improving. Ezekiel was hopefully supplying her with good words. Too good words but the man won't personally taste the dishes that she prepared. She can take the hint so his promising words became empty not long after she exposed his dual face and black heart.Jana doesn't know which one to make tomorrow. 'God! The event will start tomorrow and I'm still not prepared!' Which dish is she going to make?She need not ask to know that Pixena will be there too. The life of the villain wraps around the protagonist. So if her name is on the participating list, then it means Pixena
"Pixena!" The exquisite saloon had its windows widely opened. It's understandable why they only cater to beautiful women— it would be a shame lowering the curtains down when the most fantastic view is inside. "Oh, wow! Girl, you look splendid!""Do I?" Pixena wasn't pleased. She cut her hair shorter than she would have liked. That's all because Roshan said that girl... Well, 'Jana' needs to cut her hair short. Could there be any other meaning why Roshan wanted the woman to cut her hair that way? No! It must be because Roshan himself likes girls with shoulder-width hair and nothing else.It's bad for eavesdropping on other people's conversation but she can't help it! Pixena liked Roshan for so long and these past three months... Jana has been following him like a loyal dog. She had dug about the woman's background— nothing shady. In fact, Jana has quite the modest background and the skill to boost it up too.At the age of ten, she was able to refine materials for her dad to use in thei
… a month ago …The people of the Durham empire looked all wealthy and secure in life. She saw the rural parts of the empire— still, even the farmers themselves have gold pendants in their necklace to show some sophistication. A mark that they came from a prosperous country, and that their ruler is generous enough to let them grow.Jana's family this time is a wealthy craftsman. Her father makes watches, customized jewelry and even compasses. He was even once commissioned by the royals themselves to make a gold-rimmed eye-glasses.Needless to say, her family has a reputation to uphold. And yes, their family knows how to live well too.Jana wore her velvet green nightgown and jewelries on her head. From afar, she's a sculpture of perfect glam. Up close, her skin looks radiant— not even a scar anywhere.A result of a good upbringing from a wealthy family.Her kitten heels clacked on the tiles while she walked gracefully on the corridor, Jana's eyes like an eagle hunting her prey.Her ta