We went to the border of El Fuego where a tall lighthouse stood. We stood near the long cliff, watching the wild waves rule the sea below. Aside from the plantation and neighboring lands, this part was my favorite place to visit back then
The salty air is so damn refreshing, even the place is just naturally beautiful and tranquil. A place where you can feel comfort and peace. Indeed, nature will always be the most beautiful creation.
"Oh, beers." Carson distributed the canned beers. He was the one who brought the drinks. Sage is in charge of the food.
"It's yours," he said and handed me a carbonated drink.
We sat on the grass. I was next to Neri while Rage was on the other side of me. I don't know why he sat next to me. I don't want to be rude so I just remained on my position. Jesyl, on the other hand, is sitting beside him. Trying so hard to be noticed. But if before it was still answering, now it is not really.
"Elena," Neri whispered. "Rage see
"What, Elena?!" Neri was hysterical when I told her that I agreed to Rage’s offer. At the strength of his shout a few people looked at our behavior inside the restaurant we were eating at"Lower your voice.""You don't have to do that!" She slapped his forehead."We both know what kind of men your brother's friends are! And yet, you sacrificed yourself? You, bitch! Are you out of your mind?""I did it for you. So, just shut up and enjoy the benefits. So you must win the competition. Make sure of it. That's the least you can do.""No. Back off on that deal, Elena. I just want you to ask her but I won't allow it that way. That's too much!"I sighed."It's really fine, Neri. Do you think I'll be shaken by that playboy Rage? I've known him over a decade. He won't affect me, I tell you. This is a big opportunity for you. So improve now only in the club for you to be chosen. "She sighed heavily and tapped the glass of juice wi
It was Saturday the next day. But instead of joining the orphanage, I stayed at home. There are still cooking lessons because I need to master. Maybe I'll just get the kids back next time. Also, mama was with my older brother and our two cousins. Good thing, they are not busy today.I'm on the kitchen, practicing the different cuts of vegetables when I noticed someone's presence. I stopped slicing the carrots and looked up to arrive.When I saw who it is, my gaze went back on the chopping board and knife."Why are you here?" I asked curtly."Why? Can't I visit you?"I heard his heavy footsteps towards me.I glanced at him once. He stopped by my side, leaning against the counter top. I look hard. I sighed. Refocused attention on what was being done."Look, I'm studying, Rage. Don't disturb me.""I'm not interrupting you. I'll just watch. I won't disturb you."I continued to cut."How's your date? What happened? May
"You seem bothered... hmm," Neri said when we met at the school library. It's been three days since the last day I saw Rage. But what happened back when we were in El Fuego is giving me a damn hard time until now. I can't get it off in my head like a bullshit drug. I should get over it, right? It's just a fucking kiss! Anyone could kiss me like that! I shouldn't be bothered!I sighed heavily as I turned the page of the culinary book I'm reading."What happened? Spill the beans, Elena. We're just here so don't be shy. Did you... uh, did you..." I looked up at her. A malicious smile is plastered on her face. That moment, I knew what she's possibly thinking."Of course not!" My voice was not loud but very firm.She grinned. "Er, why do you seem to be affected by that? How many days have I noticed you like that. So I jumped into conclusion that something happened on your last date.""Shut up, Neri. Nothing like that happened, no. It's just your illusio
"I was late for my first class earlier. Well, Prof Minchin scolded me again," Neri said. Let's go home when we meet. When I got home last night, I texted him to see if he was home safely. It was morning when he replied, probably because he was drunk.I asked her if anything happened but she told me there was none. There I breathed a sigh of relief."That's what you've got from drinking too much last night. I don't know about you. You know you have low alcohol tolerance and then you're all drinking. You're really crazy."She snorted. "You didn't even stop me!""You're busy with Albert. I didn't realize.""Sus. You mean, you're busy with Leo!"I chuckled and shook my head. Afterwards, she suddenly stopped from walking. We stopped in the middle of the hallway of the building. She turned to me with narrowed eyes. I frowned."Ah! I remembered!""What?""I forgot why you suddenly disappeared. Now, I remember. Rage came! I also
"Go Wilson! Go Athelians! Go ADU!""Shit! Wilson is really handsome!" Neri giggled beside me.The students shouted louder at the bleachers as the game on the court got hotter. Our university's opponent is LIU. Their basketball players, led by Harris Formentera, one of the loudest names shouted inside the gym, are also great. With us was Wilson Quintana, the team’s captain ball. Also included were Shawn, Peter and Leo who also contributed big points."Go Harris! Go Lavanians! Go LIU!"“The LIU captain is also handsome,” I said."Wilson is more handsome, no! What are you? We have to support our team!"I scolded Neri. "Sus! You mean, you type Wilson!""What now if yes? He's really hot, you know! And besides, dean's lister! He's the ideal man, Elena. He's only been graduating for one year. And that's definitely suma cum laude."I shrugged and resumed watching."Go Wilson!" Neri joined in the cheering.
On Friday, I had just come out of the culinary laboratory after the food presentation when I received a text message from Rage. I paused to read the message.Rage:I'm at the parking lot. Are you done?I was about to type a reply when someone approached me. It was Zoren, flashing his boyish smile. I put down the cellphone first."Hi, Elena. Are you going home?""Uh, yup.""Let's have a snack at a nearby café first. If it's okay with you ..."If it is a normal day I will accept his invitation. But it's not. Morris was waiting for me"I'm sorry, Zoren. I have a walk, eh. Maybe next time. But not now."He smiled sparingly. "It's OK.""Alright. I'll be the first," I said before he turned away. After a few steps away, I lifted up my phone and typed a short reply to Rage:Me:I'm coming.Rage:You're coming? I haven’t done anything yet, ah.My forehead furrowed and didn&rs
I sneezed and formalized the walk. The attention of reporters immediately went to us as we entered the banquet hall of the hotel where the celebration would take place. I am holding Revo’s arm while our mother was beside me. Mama answered a few questions before we glided to the hall.We are not with papa. He needed to attend an important event. So just the three of us went. They are close to the Vasquez family. I don't have problem with Aunt and Uncle I just don't like their child. Beatrice is a bitch beneath her mask."Happy birthday, Florencio," Mama greeted Uncle. I spotted Beatrice. He immediately approached us and clung to his older brother like a leech. Times like this, she can't hide her aggressiveness.How pitiful."It's good that you were able to attend. Philip?""He has an important appointment. That's why we were the only ones who went. I hope you don't mind."The old man chuckled. "I really don't mind, Helena. I know your h
For days, I practiced cooking. Rage came to watch me more often. I didn't have time to go out with Neri. After school, I went straight home. I admit, those days were exhausting. Especially since there are also school works that need to be done. But at the end, it was all worth it when the result was announced.Congratulations on coming out of the culinary lab. Neri cried and hugged me tightly."Congrats, Elena! I told you so and you will be the one to choose!"I laughed. "It's just luck, Neri."He let go. "Luck? No! You're really naturally good! It's not about luck, it's about talent!"We walked down the hallway of the building. We meet greetings that I just reciprocate with a smile. I was just so overwhelmed. I don’t think I would be a freshman to choose from. I was even so nervous the whole time I'm presenting my third dish!"This deserves a celebration!" she chirped."Yup. Go to the mansion. Let's celebrate there. What?"
Rage's POV"Oh, Elena is here." Jonas pointed to the girl wearing a pale pink dress. She was staring at the piano with her curious innocent eyes.His candle-like fingers traced the space in front of the piano. The amazement was etched on her pale face. Looking down, his long lashes were sharpened. Those have little curls at the end, making her eyes look so soft.Her hair is longer compared to previous visits. Although I heard she's only nine, the way she looks and moves told me she's older than that. Her demeanor was refined even as a child. And she has that paper white skin that I always notice every time it turns to pinkish white, when it's sunny or when from tiredness every time she helps her Mama."She's so pretty, isn't she? I'll make her my girlfriend once she's thirteen or fourteen," Carson said to me immediately."Why don't you prioritize your project? You're not here to fancy a little girl, Carson.""Ow. You sound like you're too ol
"Congrats! Another successful performance!" Luke hugged me at the same time, while Rita was still in tears by our side."You're really good, Miss Elena!”Many more greetings happened backstage. Rose and Brenda, who had a banner before, didn't give up. It wasn't the first concert I had, but it felt like the happiest. Not because there were more spectators, but because they were waiting for me below the stage.When I entered the dressing room, I did not hesitate to find him. He was leaning on the small table, staring at the gifts I received from the fans.I slowed down and stared at him intently. He's now staring darkly at the boxes of chocolates. His brows furrowed, seemed so annoyed at the innocent chocolates."You like
After the show, we returned to the city and Rage took me home. He said he would pick me up at six o'clock tomorrow. Although he assured me that his family will surely like me, that didn't ease my nervousness.I know I have achieved so much. But I still can’t get over the thought that many women are more deserving of him. He's holding two of the companies under their empire, if he chooses a woman in line with his track, he has a partner in management. To think it was easier for him then. It's an advantage he didn't take."Elena, answer me, will you? I've asked a question here before but you don't answer me!" Luke sighed as he followed my movements.I was busy finding an appropriate dress while he was prying around. Of course now that we're on our own he hasn't missed it yet. I'm sure he was very eager to ask me earlier. Only now was given the chance so I wasn’t let go."Are you really? Something happened to you? How was he in your suite earlier
In drowsiness, my eyes warmed as I leaned against his chest. He caresses my hair as silence prevails over us. All happened too fast, I can't help but close my eyes and remember all of it bit by bit. If I wasn't drowning to him before, now I can say I'm drowned, and I might not be able to get up again."I won't go to work tomorrow," he said.I looked up at him, eyes wide. He lifted my head a bit, he adjusted the overlap of my head on his arm. He then snaked his arm on my waist, resting his hand on my hip."It's okay. It's also my last mall show here in Laguna. I'll be back in Manila right after. Just go home tomorrow."His eyes darkened, the reluctance was surely screaming in his head."I don't have important meetings tomorrow. Why can't I skip even just a day? Besides, I can make time for you always. I want to be with you. One more thing, I hope I have a plan for us tomorrow night. Will that be okay? "I looked up at him even more. He crouch
I was busy for the next few weeks. Rage visits me regularly. We can't go out much because my schedule is hectic. On top of that, I also avoid the people so I can’t go to crowded places. I didn't hear any complaints from him, though. I also lost my fear of Lyka because they were already locked up and Rage made sure that they could not get out again.I was shocked when Lyka's mother asked for an appointment with me. He talked to Rita and since it seemed like he had no bad intentions, I agreed. It was true, she didn't mean any harm. In fact, he met with me to apologize for what Lyka had done. She said, it was her fault she didn't guide her enough to be a good person. I said it wasn't his fault. It was Lyka's choice to take the wrong path.We always have a choice to be good or bad. That is not the fault of the people around us. It is our own will to choose what we want. And sometimes, we tend to do things we know could hurt other people."Ma'am, there are flow
When we got out of the car I adjusted the bag on my shoulder before facing Rage. "Don't go up. I can go alone from here," I told him and pointed to the elevator.I noticed that the security of the whole building was tightened even more, and even here in the car park the guard increased."I'll walk you to your door," he insisted.I bit my lower lip subtly and just nodded to avoid an argument. If I contradict him, the conversation will be long. And I am still embarrassed of how I confessed earlier at his penthouse. I can't believe I had the guts to say that to him. And when I remember his reaction it was like someone was drumming in my chest. I've never seen him that surprised... and genuinely happy."Is Luke already inside?" he asked as we confessed to my unit.I nodded. “Maybe already asleep...""Okay. Get inside," he demanded softly.I nodded. "Are you going back to the penthouse?""No. I'll sleep at home first because D
Elena’s POVWe used the chopper to go back to the city. At the helipad of the MG building the chopper landed, and I didn’t expect who were waiting for me there. Luke, Rita and Rose were there. As well as Georgia and Zoren. But what surprised me was to see who was on the side of the five of them."Livius..." I whispered under my breath."Put this on," Rage said and handed me his black coat.I nodded and put it above my sleeveless dress. She helped me fix my wind-blown hair before we approached the waiters."Elena!" Luke's voice can surely break walls. He couldn't wait any longer. He met me halfway and hugged me tightly."I'm glad we met again! It's finally all over! I missed you so much, K! You worried me so much too!""You made us all worry, Elena. I just found out everything that happened yesterday. Why didn't you tell us? Mommy and I could have helped you," Georgia said.I let go of Luke's hug and faced them. My e
Rage’s POVI can feel my hands slightly trembling. Fuck. Why does she have to hurt me over and over again? She's the only one who can hurt me like this. Only her. But why does she keep on hurting me?Confused and pained, I followed her steps. I gently touched her arm once calling her name. She faced me with anger in her eyes. She violently removed the arm from my grasp."What? Didn't you hear me? I said, go out! Get out!""Why are you doing this to me?" I asked weakly.She told me she'll visit me on my office. But he did not come. Worst, she was nowhere to be found. I'm very worried. I even ditched my meeting with a foreign supplier and canceled the rest of my appointments because I was busy searching for her for the last six fucking hours!Then can I reach him like that? Kissing the bastard that was beaten up? She didn’t know how dark my vision was when I saw them in that position! For the first time in my life, I felt like I ca
I gasped a few times as I stared at the sea. I don’t know what came to mind and I went here in El Fuego. But I don't have anywhere else to go. Well, not literally. I mean I couldn't think of another place to go. Maybe because my mind is clouded with the things that’s going on so I can’t think clearly.I'm angry, that's the truth. I am angry at what is happening in my life. Yesterday, everything was okay, I was happy. But suddenly all of these shits happened. Seriously? Don’t want to stay happy with me? I'm not doing anything wrong, ah? Why doesn't destiny want me to be happy? Am I a cruel person? I know I'm not that good. But I also know that I'm not that involved. So why is this? Why do I have to shed tears over and over again?"Crying won't make you look pretty."I looked at the person speaking next to me who I didn’t even realize was approaching me. Recognizing who it was my jaw dropped in shock. It's been years since I last saw