Chapter 001

**Aira Jen's P.O.V**

I focused on organizing the paperwork for my boutique's next branch. There are many reasons why I started my own business; I simply didn't want to return to something that weighed heavily on my mood.

"Pen, what's my next meeting after this?" I asked my secretary.

"It's all set, Miss, but Ms. Raven called earlier. She wants to meet with you. Should I confirm?" my secretary added.

"Don't confirm; let her be," I said with a smile.

She didn't mention she was coming back to the Philippines and now wants to take up my free time. Who does she think she is? Haha, just kidding.

Raven is my best friend, the one who stood by me when no one else believed in me. There used to be two of them, but one walked away without explanation.

Whenever I did something wrong, I always apologized. I texted, but there was no response. Even when we met, he barely acknowledged me.

Anyway, I'm Aira Jen Villanueva, owner of Jen Coords and Lady's Boutique. I don't consider myself part of the Villanueva siblings for many reasons, mainly because even my mother made me feel I wasn't accepted.

I remember my siblings always being scolded for coming second or third in class while I always came first. Whenever I told Mom and Dad, they'd say, "It's expected of a Villanueva." I never felt they were genuinely happy about my achievements, but I kept showing and telling them. At 17, I realized my efforts were futile; I felt like a disappointment to my family.

Someone close to me distanced themselves when we were teens. Initially, I thought it was due to a girlfriend, but he remained alone. His personality changed, becoming cold and distant.

Much has changed between us, and I've accepted it all.

"Hey, on Earth, man!" a woman screamed in front of me.

I was stunned when I realized who it was. I stood, grabbed my bag, ready to leave.

"Wow, nice to have you back!" she said sarcastically.

I shook my head, smiling as I walked away.

I knew she'd follow even if I asked her not to. She's stubborn. I had an afternoon schedule; when asked, I said nothing. I wasn't surprised; I knew she'd canceled everything.

"So, am I just a dog following you?" she asked, trailing me.

"Did I ask you to follow?" I retorted sarcastically.

"Hahahaha, I'm just laughing inside," I thought.

She's beautiful, classy, tall, and wealthy. But she's not into men.

"You know where we're going," she added.

"You canceled all my appointments without my permission. How dare you?" I scolded.

That's Raven and me. We're business partners in the boutique, but she's more of an investor; I handle everything while she invests. Her main job is as a stylist for an artist. Guess whose artist she styles? Haha.

We drove to our favorite spot at the bar to unwind, as usual.

"Is she already here?" I asked.

"Yes, but she won't go straight to your family mansion. She's stopping at a resort she bought. She'll be there for a week, so expect peace for a week," Raven explained.

"Dad said two weeks. What's she planning next week?" I inquired.

I still care, but I'm not as showy as her or others. If she wants a quiet vacation first, I'll allow it without informing Dad.

"I'm her stylist, not her manager. Call her if you want to know," she replied flatly.

"Let's talk about our business. How's the boutique?" she changed the topic.

"If you don't want to discuss work, neither do I," I flatly replied.

We're straightforward with each other, but we care deeply. We laughed when we realized we were on the same page. She's Rea Vanessa Legario.

We've been friends for years. She once confessed she wanted more than friendship, but I clarified my feelings. We didn't mention it for two months. One day, we talked and returned to normal.

I don't know how or why; I just know we're friends, and that won't change.