CHAPTER ONE: HOPE's IDEAL TYPE
★HOPE RYKER LEE★
HINDI talaga 'ko makapaniwala sa nangyayari. Me, Hope Ryker Lee—Mr. Confidence himself—reduced to a blushing mess because my own fiancée hasn’t even looked at me simula pa kanina sa church nang magsimula ang seremonya sa kasal ng kakambal kong si Faith at hanggang ngayon dito sa reception.
Oo. Hindi pa naman kami magkakilala at ito pa lang ang unang beses ko siyang makita dahil si Mommyla ang nag-invite sa kaniya rito. Pero hindi lang naman siya basta bisita sa kasal ni Faith at Sugarpop. Inimbita siya rito para magkaharap kami at magkakilala.
Pero wala—ni balingan ako ng tingin ay hindi niya magawa. Instead, she’s engrossed in conversation with a few other guests at her table, flashing that stunning smile of hers. And when she laughs—man, it’s like the whole room brightens up. While I’m over here, awkwardly trying to catch her attention, but she’s in her own world, completely oblivious to my existence.
Dapat nga sana ay kami ang magkatabi, to get to know each other ba? Pero hanep, daig ko pa ang invisible. What’s up with that? Usually, I’m the one with girls practically tripping over themselves to talk to me, but now? Now, I’m the one sitting here like a lovesick puppy, staring at the back of her head.
Napansin ni Love ang pagsulyap-sulyap ko sa direksyon niya, of course. He always does. And because he’s my twin, he has to make it worse. “Ano’ng pakiramdam?” he asks, grinning like a cat that got the cream, “na hindi ka pinapansin ng babae? Hindi lang basta babae kundi fiancée mo pa.”
I groan and sink lower in my chair. “Para ‘kong magkokombulsyon. Why isn’t she looking at me? Nandito lang naman ako, and I’m wearing a killer suit!” I spread my arms, showing off my outfit as if that alone should be enough to break her concentration. But no, she’s still not looking.
“It’s like her radar’s on high alert—screaming, ‘Danger! Warning! Abort mission!’ She knows getting close to you spells trouble, so she’s already dodging like a pro,” pang-aasar niya pa. Kaharap ko siya sa table, pati si Summer at Tita Baby. Pero may sariling mundo ang dalawa sa girl’s talk nila kaya hindi nila rinig ang usapan namin ni Andreng.
I shoot him a mock glare. “Trouble? Huh! Kailangan ko pa bang ulit-ulitin kung sino ‘ko? My name is Hope Ryker Lee—the epitome of charm. I’m charming. Charismatic. Romantic. Fantastic. Energetic. Authentic. Acrobatic. Aesthetic. Automatic. Elastic. Erotic. Lahat ng may ‘tic’ sa dulo.”
“Abnotic,” biglang sabat ni Tita Baby, na hindi ko namalayang nakikinig na pala sa ‘min ni Love.
“Exotic,” natatawa ring dagdag ni Summer.
“Abnormalistic.” Pati si Love, tatlo na silang pinagtatawanan ako.
“Hoy—” inis kong saway sa kanila, pero agad ko rin hininaan ang boses ko. “Akala n’yo nakakatuwa kayo? Gusto n’yo bang mag-cry na lang ako rito?”
Love Andrei just shakes his head, clearly enjoying this way too much. “I think this is what they call karma, Hopia. You’ve spent years having girls throw themselves at you, and now the one girl you actually want to talk to is pretending you’re not even here. How’s that feel? Terrible, isn’t it?”
“Oo. Para ‘kong sinipa sa bayag,” pag-amin ko, half-laughing, half-pouting. “But I’m not giving up. No way. Gusto ko rin ng happily ever after tulad ni Faithfully kaya susubukan kong kunin ang atensyon niya. Hindi man sa ngayon, malay n’yo after ten years.”
“Para kay Kuya Faith lang ‘yong ‘Happily Ever After’. Kapag ikaw, ‘Happily NEVER After’.” Bahagya pang natawa si Summer. Ngayon ko na-realized na mahirap pala kapag nagkaroon ka ng kapatid na nakuha ang ugali mo. Hindi ko siya mabara dahil gano’n din ako mang-asar minsan.
“Pa’no mo naman kukunin ang atensyon niya?” tanong ni Tita Baby, bahagyang natatawa.
“I just need to... I don’t know, make her laugh or something. Gustung-gusto naman ng mga babae sa funny guys, ‘di ba?”
“Huwag mong lahatin,” ani Summer. “Hindi lahat natutuwa sa funny guy. Kami nga inis na inis sa ‘yo, eh.”
I narrow my eyes at her, determined. “Huwag n’yo ‘kong malitiin. Manood kayo.” Tumayo ako sa kinauupuan ko, buong determinasyon na pupuntahan sana ang fiancée ko sa table na kinaroroonan niya, pero no’ng humakbang na ‘ko, hindi pa man ako nakakalayo sa table namin, my legs feel like jelly. What the heck? Since when do I get nervous?
Tita Baby laughs so hard she nearly falls out of her chair. “Oh, gosh, this is priceless. Hope Ryker, the guy who’s never nervous, can’t even walk straight.”
“Shut up, Tita Babes!” I mutter, but even I can’t help but chuckle. It’s ridiculous, and yet here I am, totally thrown off my game. But one way or another, I’m going to get her attention. Even if I have to pull off the most embarrassing stunt ever, she’s going to look at me. Not today, but soon.
“Mukha kang desperado, Kuya Hope,” komento ni Summer pagbalik ko sa upuan ko. “Na-love at first sight ka ba kay Ate Elisse?”
Elisse.
Yeah.
Elisse Garcia. That’s her name. Bagay na bagay sa kaniya. Ang sarap bigkasin. Pang mahinhin, yet masiyahin. Apo siya ng isa sa mga kaibigan ni Lolo Don A noon. Kilala rin ang pamilya nila sa industriya lalo na sa larangan ng Entertainment dahil daddy niya ang kasalukuyang CEO ng film production company nilang Garcinema, habang siya naman ang production manager.
But it’s one of those things that really gets under my skin. We’re both in the entertainment industry, right? So why is she acting like she doesn’t know who I am? I mean, she should at least be familiar with me—Lee Entertainment isn’t exactly small-time. Not to brag, but from what I know, Lee Entertainment has been at the top of the rankings since last year and hasn’t budged an inch.
“Love at first sight?” Napairap ako kay Summer, kasunod ng pag-iling ko. “Wala na tayo sa unang panahon, Summer. Nineteen-kopong-kopong pa ‘yang love at first sight na ‘yan. ‘Di naman ako naniniwala r’yan.”
Summer just looked at me, eyebrows raised, clearly unimpressed by my modern-day skepticism. “Alright. Pansin ko kasing hindi mo maiwanan ng tingin si Ate Elisse, kaya akala ko na-love at first sight ka na.”
“Well, ano ba’ng tipo mo sa babae?” tanong ni Tita Baby na medyo umagaw sa interest ko kaya napangiti ako.
“Of course, gusto ko ng katulad ko.”
“Sintu-sinto rin?” gulat na tanong ni Summer.
“Hindi. Bwisit ka!” Inirapan ko siya kaya natawa sila. “Gusto ko ng cheerful, fun to hang out with, and never a drag. You know, the kind of person who can keep up with my spontaneous road trips and impromptu dance-offs. I want a partner who’s always up for anything, because let’s be real—if you’re with someone who’s all about good vibes, your life just turns into one big adventure.”
Malapad akong napangiti habang iginagala ang tingin, ini-imagine ang gano’ng sitwasyon kasama ang mapapangasawa ko. “Ganito lang ‘yan: kapag ang taong kasama mo ay may positive energy, every day feels like a celebration. And who wouldn’t want that? I mean, who needs a boring life when you can have a blast all the time? Being happy is practically a superpower. It’s like a personal longevity program. More laughs, more fun, and you just keep going strong.”
Habang nagsasalita ako, nakatingin lang sila sa ‘kin na salubong ang kilay, pero bahagyang natatawa. “So, that’s what I’m after—someone who can match my energy, because with a partner like that, life’s one big, happy party.”
“Pa’no kung hindi gano’n si Ate Elisse?” curious na tanong ni Summer.
“Simple.” I smirked. “Divorce is the key.”
CHAPTER TWO: STUNNING LEGS★HOPE RYKER LEE★"Hope."Napalingon ako sa likod ko nang marinig ang boses ni Mommyla, na ngayon ay papalapit na sa table namin. Ilang hakbang na lang ang layo niya mula sa 'min nila Summer, Love, at Tita Baby, kaya agad akong tumayo para salubungin siya."Hi, Mommyla," bati ko nang nakangisi habang hinawakan ang braso niya bilang paggalang. Nagkita na kami kanina pa sa church, pero hindi kami nagkaroon ng pagkakataong mag-usap dahil parehong busy—lalo na at kumanta pa 'ko, at siya naman sa pakikipag-usap sa mga bisita simula nang dumating kami rito sa reception.Bumati rin siya sa anak niyang si Tita Baby at sa dalawa kong kapatid. Pero sa 'kin lang agad bumalik ang tingin ni Mommyla. "Nagkausap na kayo ni Elisse?" tanong niya, hindi na nag-aksaya ng oras.Napakamot ako sa batok. "Uh... hindi pa po, Mommyla," sagot ko nang medyo nahihiya. "Kanina pa siya doon sa kabilang table, busy makipagtsismisan sa mga kasama niya. Ni hindi nga ako nililingon kahit sagl
CHAPTER THREEWILD IMAGINATION★HOPE RYKER LEE★GAYA ng ipinangako ni Mommyla, nag-set siya ng isang family dinner ngayong gabi, dito mismo sa mansyon niya. The entire setting was carefully prepared—from the elegant table set with crystal glasses and porcelain plates to the flowers meticulously arranged in the center. The occasion was supposed to officially introduce Elisse and me to each other, pero hindi ko naiwasang mapaisip kung bakit nag-iisa lang siya na kaharap namin ngayon. None of her family members were present.Sabagay, nabanggit na sa 'kin ni Mommyla na namayapa na ang Mommy ni Elisse na siyang nakipagkasundo raw noon kay Don Adolfo, pati ang lolo niya, para i-match kaming dalawa. It was strange to think that a deal like that had been made so long ago, especially knowing that her mother was no longer here.'Yong daddy naman niya na si Vladimir Garcia, ibang usapan na 'yon. Hindi ko siya kilala nang personal, pero kilalang-kilala ang pangalan niya dahil sa mga balitang kuma
CHAPTER FOURENCOUNTER★HOPE RYKER LEE★Engaged. The word still feels surreal, even a month later. Dapat ay nagdiriwang na kami ngayon, or kahit ako man lang sana ng masaya, pero heto ako, kinakailangan harapin ang mga usap-usapan ng mga tao.Our engagement party was supposed to be a grand celebration. Pero dahil sa mga kumakalat na bulong-bulungan, napilitan kaming gawing pribado na lang ang lahat. Hindi lang kasi kami ang pinag-uusapan ni Elisse. People can't seem to wrap their heads around why we chose Garcinema, of all companies, to partner with. They say it's a sinking ship, a once-great name now on the brink of collapse.Well, hindi lang 'yon ang issue. Isang article pa ang kumalat, at no'ng pagkabasa ko, napa-"What the f*ck?" talaga 'ko. Sinasabi ro'n na nakipaghiwalay daw si Elisse sa nobyo niyang kilalang engineer para lang i-grab ang opportunity na maisalba ang kompanya nila sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakasal sa 'kin. Hindi ko nga alam na may nobyo siya!Wala kasi kaming usapan
CHAPTER FIVEENCOUNTER PART II (ELISSE)❥ ELISSE GARCIA ❥The office is cold and impersonal. No matter how much I adjust the thermostat, the cold doesn't seem to reach the chaos inside me. I stare at my desk, my father’s words echoing relentlessly in my mind."Huwag ka nang mag-inarte, Elisse. Magpapakasal ka, sa ayaw at sa gusto mo!"The thought of marrying one of the Lee twins, Hope Ryker Lee, feels like a cruel joke that just won’t end. Kahit papaano, kilala ko na siya sa pangalan. Paanong hindi? Ang Lee Entertainment ang isa sa nangunguna sa industriya, at hindi lang ito—ang Lee Tower Mall, Lee Company, at ang Lee University ay ilan lamang sa mga sangay ng kanilang negosyo. The Lee name stretches into every corner of our world, and their influence is undeniable.Kahit na hindi ko pa siya kilala nang husto, his name is synonymous with prestige and respect. Associating with the Lee family seems like a boost of credibility you can’t ignore. Walang sinumang negosyante ang aayaw kapag
CHAPTER SIXENCOUNTER PART III (ELISSE)❥ ELISSE GARCIA ❥Habang nagmamaneho ako papunta sa M-Power Hotel, halu-halong emosyon ang nararamdaman ko. Masakit na masaya, na may halong kilig habang iniisip kong si Miles ang pagbibigyan ko ng pinakaiingatan ko. I don't know why, but there's something about Miles that makes me feel this way—vulnerable and tender, as if I can let down all my guards around him.Pero pagdating ko naman sa bahay, I become closed off again, retreating into my shell. Even with my siblings, I put on a stiff, distant demeanor.It's not a new habit; it's how I've always been. I've grown accustomed to being known for my quiet, standoffish nature. People know me as someone who's reserved, even cold-hearted at times. I've never been one for socializing unless it's directly related to business.Kapag nasa isang event naman ako, namimili lang ako ng kakausapin, kung sino lang 'yong papansin sa 'kin o sa tingin ko ay makaka-vibes ko. Kakausapin o pakikisamahan ko lamang d
CHAPTER SEVENENCOUNTER PART IV (HOPE)★HOPE RYKER LEE★"Isang tanong, isang sagot. Were you two there to fvck?"She didn't answer. Her eyes locked onto mine, searching for something—maybe for the right words, maybe for a way out—but she remained silent.I let out a small chuckle, the sound dry and bitter, and a smirk tugged at my lips. "So, tama ako?" I asked, my voice laced with a hint of mockery.She stayed silent again, her eyes flickering with something I couldn't quite decipher. My smirk faltered for a moment. 'Tsaka ako nagbuga ng hangin, the sound almost like a dismissive "Pah," as if blowing away the frustration that was bubbling up inside me.Hinugot ko ang mga kamay sa harapang bulsa ng pants ko at humakbang nang dalawang beses para magkalapit kami nang husto. Napasinghap siya nang hangin, halatang nailang, pero hindi siya naglakas ng loob na umatras. Instead, tiningala niya ako para salubungin ang tingin ko."Kung ayaw mong magpakasal sa 'kin, sabihin mo lang. Mabuti na 'y
CHAPTER EIGHT: DINNER❥ ELISSE GARCIA ❥PAGDATING ko sa bahay, sinalubong ako ng isa sa maid namin, si Agnes. Tinanong niya agad ako kung gusto ko ng kape dahil nakasanayan ko nang nagpapatimpla kapag umuuwi."Black coffee. No sugar," sabi ko rito habang nakasunod pa rin sa 'kin. "Wala pa ba sila?" Sila, ibig kong sabihin ay 'yong mga kapatid ko pati na rin si Daddy at ang madrasta ko."Wala pa po. Ikaw pa lang ang dumating."Umiba agad ako ng direksyon. Imbes na paakyat sana sa hagdan para tunguhin ang kuwarto ko ay lumiko ako papunta sa kusina. "Kung wala pa sila, ipaghanda mo na 'ko ng hapunan. Mauuna na 'kong kumain para maagang makapagpahinga. Masakit ulo ko.""Sige po, ma'am." Agad siyang sumunod sa 'kin. Ang totoo, ayoko lang talagang sumabay sa kanilang kumain. I preferred eating alone. Whenever we were at the dining table together, there was always some argument, especially once my stepmother started nagging, and my father would join in. Naririndi ako sa gano'n kaya mas prefer
CHAPTER NINE: KITTEN ❥ ELISSE GARCIA ❥ “Mom, Dad, andito na ‘yong mamanugangin n’yo,” nakangising sabi ni Hope pagdating namin sa maluwang nilang dining. Hawak niya pa rin ang kamay ko at ayaw niyang bitawan kahit pasimple kong binabawi. Bumaling sa amin ang buong pamilya niya. Nakapuwesto sa upuan ang dalawa niyang kakambal at ang Daddy nila, nagkukuwentuhan. Sa kabilang banda, ang Mom niya at ang dalawang babae—si Poppy at ang bunsong si Summer—ay abalang tumutulong sa paghahain sa mesa. Even the housemaid in uniform paused, her eyes following our entrance. Hope’s mom flashed a wide smile at me. “Hi, Elisse!” she greeted warmly, placing the bowl she was holding onto the table and quickly walking over to me. ‘Tsaka pa lamang binitawan ni Hope ang kamay ko. Before I could say anything, Hope’s mom kissed me on the cheek, and I felt the warmth of her welcome. “Buti nakarating ka. Ikaw lang ba?” Lumingon pa siya sa gawing likuran ko na tila may hinahanap. “Hindi mo kasama ang family