“He changed so much,” I said.
"Who?" Sage asked.
"Your cousin," once looked at him.
"Power of a heartbreak."
Heartbreak? Seriously?
I doubt it there. I don't think someone like Markus will be like that just because of a heartbreak. He's a playboy. But then, maybe a lot has changed. After all, nothing is steady in this world. Maybe everything is changing. It just depends on what can change you.
"We're leaving, Sage!" Jonas shouted from the living room. "Enjoy yourselves!"
My cheeks warmed when I realized what they were thinking. I don't know what's better, for them to stay here even if it's awkward, or to be left alone with Sage.
"Who's with you in the condo later?" he asked after a short silence.
"It's just Luke."
"Okay," he nodded and sipped on his coffee.
When we got out of the car I adjusted the bag on my shoulder before facing Sage. "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 suprised ... and genuinely happy."Is Luke already inside?" he asked as we confessed to my unit."Maybe I'm asleep ...""Okay. Get inside," he demanded softly.I nodded. "Are y
Flashes of cameras welcomed my arrival in the conference. The director of my record label was there, we talked for a while before Luke and I went to the front.Bodyguards surrounded the entire hall. Sage was standing behind the last reporters, looking straight at me. I was intimidated by that. He's just going to watch me at a press con. I don't know if he attended my concerts before, but if he did, at least I didn't know. But now, I knew very well he was watching me.When Luke motioned for me to speak I nodded. I looked at Sage before I finally spoke. A lot of cameras were focused on me but I wasn’t nervous because of that. It was those raven eyes at the back, watching me seriously like a hawk guarding it's prey."Good morning. First and foremost, I'm sorry if it took a while before I finally express my stand. Zeus Philips is a friendly person. I can't say that we're close enough to be called friends, but I he's a
I was busy for the next few weeks. Sage visits me at the condo regularly. We can't go out much because my schedule is hectic. On top of that, I also avoid the media 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 Sage 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 oth
We're accompanied by the bodyguards on our way out. Before they boarded Luke I told them to go first to their suites because we were going to have dinner at the hotel restaurant."A private room, please," Sage told the restaurant attendant. The woman there guided us into the room. Two waiters came with us eventually. I picked a not so heavy meal."Uh, I'm sorry if you still have to come here. You have work tomorrow, right? You're going home after dinner?" I will ask."I'll stay for the night," he said."But your work is still early tomorrow, isn't it? You might take a long time," I said firmly."I'll be late, then."We ate quietly. He was giving me cold glances. He didn't say anything but I had a different feeling. I asked him a few things about his work and he answered all of it seriously. He asked nothing. Or maybe he's just tired? Did he realized now that
"You think any woman can steal my attention just like that? I'm not that shallow, Kaia."I adjusted the hem of the robe but when he kissed my neck again I let go so I finally fell. He stopped kissing me and looked at my half exposed chest. My left shoulder was exposed, and my right chest was almost completely visible. His eyes drifted at the valley of my breasts. I was about to fix that because of the embarrassment when he lowered my clothes even more. My lips parted and he took the advantage to claim my mouth again.A soft moan escaped from my lips when his warm hand covered my breast. I almost bit his lip when he played with the top of it. He flicked it gently and I felt so hot and needy. I feel hot all over my body. His calloused fingers felt so warm, I can sense the sensitive bud of my breast erecting so hard.He kissed my neck, down to my collarbone and then he crouched more to reach the valley of my breasts. His ot
When we went out, our breakfast is ready. Sage took a bath and got dressed. Though, I wonder where did he get clothes?My gaze lingered on her as I adjusted the belt of the dress. His t-shirt is white and his pants are gray. His damp hair is now a bit longer. It was brushed up, but there were a few strands left at the side of his forehead.I stared at him more while he was busy on his phone, looking so snobbish and cold. Is that how he always expresses himself every time he works? He's too serious and arctic.When he looked at me, the coldness in his eyes faded. Her eyes widened as I walked closer. He pulled my hand and I almost ended up sitting on his lap. My lips protruded in my way of hiding a smile as I pulled my hand and sat across him."Did you bring a dress?" I asked."Yup. I actually planned to sleep here before I left Manila.""Oh." I nodded.
After the show, we returned to Manila and Sage took me to the condo. 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."Kaia, 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
I can't relate, though. Fortunately, Maddy was talking to me so I wasn't too bored."I heard William Lacson is going to run in the senate election. What do you think about that, Philip?" Tito Anton asked."I don't know him that much but I like his overpass project. Won't his children enter politics?""I really want that Patrick, e. Case doesn't seem to get involved in politics. Besides, I heard he's out of the country with his family–""I'll be the first," Markus said firmly together. He didn't wait for anyone to talk and immediately left. He hadn't even finished the food on his plate.My forehead creased. Sage followed the cousin's gaze. So is Maddy who now seems to have changed her mood as well. Morris tapped her shoulder silently."Has Markus had a problem lately, Revo?" Tita Odessa asked.Revo cleared his throat."He's just in the process of dealing something, Tita. Let'
I almost shivered when his hand touched my waist. Every flick of his tongue was full of ardor. I was so close to his shoulder when he lifted me off the bed. Crouching in front of me like a dominant hunter ready to end his long famine, he pulled my nape aggressively as he gave me an alluvion of intoxicating kisses. A strange heat flared up in my body. His hand skillfully found the zipper of my dress and maneuvered it, while his hot kisses were traveling down to my jaw. I flinched at the caress of his hand on my back. My body was shaking and it feels like I couldn't hold on to my precious sanity any longer. My inhibitions and rationality were all thrown out of the window, leaving my mind empty. With my kind of lifestyle, I could have easily gave in to my past boyfriends who asked me for it. I’m not ready yet, that’s what I always say. But the truth is, I was searching for the man who could make me feel like this. I can’t give that to past boyfriends because I c
Holding my books, my props rather, I went in, and the chatterings were silenced.It wasn't long though, when I heard soft murmurs."Grace? So she's the one who will help Mrs. Rellis present the topic? Pero first year lang siya. Don't you think that's a bit off?" the girl on the third row whispered to her seatmate."Ah. It's a good thing I didn't continue to be absent. I wouldn't miss this," the man in the back said. His group looked at me as if I'd be pleased with their smug smiles."Yeah, bro. Grace's beautiful. I really don't know why so many are afraid of her. I mean, why would they be scared of an angel's face?"I could feel my lips almost twitching. Angel? I wonder if I'd let them see my fangs, would they still think the same?"Pabida. Isn't this an insult to us? We're in our third year and then we will be taught a first year without even taking a course?"Jealousy. One of the emotions very common among humans. Nothing new.
My eyebrows rose."In that case, why are you still here?"His lips parted a bit and gave me a critical look. He didn't speak immediately as if he knew I would be offended by what he was going to say."Tita suddenly ordered something so Cesar left on my motorbike. I will take you home.""What ?!""Yes, Chanelle."Lintik!"What is Mommy's order and all of a sudden ?!""I don't know. Cesar never said that."I sighed and rolled my eyes. Push me into the back seat. Why is it that he was not the only one ordered instead of my driver.Mommy and Daddy took a long time to get home that night. It's often like that. So every time like that, often, I deliver dinner to teresa or say to eat later. I don't even want to keep up with Euan.I rehearsed the lines of my audition piece before going to sleep. With my effort, I'm sure there's a good chance I'll get it. So the next day, I was really positive."Good luck, Ch
Of course! Why would I prioritize anything else if I knew my family was falling apart? I would have booked the earliest flight the moment I heard the news."Of course, I also don't want to ruin a special event in your life. Especially since you announced you had a big endorsement offer in the States."I sighed. Coming back to Philippines was supposed to be just a short vacation. And even before going home, I decided to accept the offer. While I was studying my film degree, I also accepted some modeling jobs and catwalks.At first, I only accepted the offer because I was bored and wanted to try. Eventually, I realized it's fun and I was actually good at it. So I started accepting offers one after another. My parents didn't have problem with it.Mommy even offered to help me land in good offers, since she was also a model before, and many acquaintances. But I declined because it seemed unfair to others who eeffort to go to go-sees. I don't want to be chosen
I was a little terrified when we looked at each other. I immediately turned to Mommy."Mom, he looks unpleasant. He's too thin, pale and has very dark eyes. He looks like the nerd and malnourished version of Dracula–""Chane!"I stopped and bit my lower lip."He's a very kind boy. He's poor and has no relatives. He has nowhere to go. Can't we help him a bit?""Then, bring him to the orphanage?"Mommy greeted me."We're not planning to adopt him, okay? We'll just help him a bit. You'll remain our only baby, Chanelle," she assured me and kissed my forehead.I pouted. I looked at the boy again and when I saw that he was also looking at me, I hid a little from Mommy. I'll remind Daddy later to double the locks on my door. Maybe later it's Dracula's slave and he's planning to suck my blood at night.With another person living in our house, it was really hard to adjust at first. I got used to just the three of us Mommy s
"What ?! You're just suddenly popping up there! What are you? Ghost?"His brow raised."How about you? Why are you standing there in the middle? You're even modeling in the car park?"This idiot!"What do you care? Mind your own business!" once turn away from him and walk away.Though, it's not long when I heard his voice again. He followed me."Where are you going, Chanelle? You've already passed your car."I closed my eyes tightly, not looking back at him."I know! I won't use that car. Froilan already has the key so how can I use it?""And what car are you in?""Cinderella's carraige?" my sarcastic answer."Very funny, Chane.""Oh, I'm glad I humored you!"A tug on the wrist stopped me. In shock I even released the clutch. I glared at Euan. If I could just blow out the fire, he would have been cooked for a long time."You're being dragged! You've been here before, ah? What the hell i
"Chane Estrella?"I smiled at the acquaintances. They were shocked that I came."Chane! You're back! When else?""Just hours ago," I replied and looked around. It's just that I couldn't find Daddy because there were other acquaintances to greet him."Hello, hija! Are you here to accompany your Daddy?"I smiled at the old woman. Family friend so I let go."Yes. Actually, my Mommy should be with her now. But something urgent came, so I'm here on her stead.""Oh! But I thought ..." she trailed off and laughed a bit.The malicious glint in her eyes told me what she's thinking. I plastic smiled and passed him. Supposedly friendly, but really just want to gossip.The whispers of the envy did not escape me, the ones who can never reach my level, so the envy just goes through the motions. I continue walking without looking at them, unbothered by whatever they're talking about behind my back.An actor greeted me. I would h
"She offered me and my father's campaign team to stay here for the campaign. She promised a comfortable place and good accommodation. Is that what you're saying?""She didn't promise anything else?" His lips stretched in doubt. The look is stinging."What else would she promise?""Like marrying me?"There was a ghost of smile on his lips."She brought you here. She won't do that just to help. It's obvious that she's pairing us."I grinned and shook, laughing. I never thought he could humor me that way.Her eyes narrowed as if wondering why I was reacting that way."Why? You're afraid to be tied up?" I taunted."So you know Mama has such a plan? You want to marry me?"This brute! Very arrogant too really. Is he thinking that every woman in the world is dying to marry him? Ridiculous."Don't worry. I'm sure your Mama has no plans to marry us. And I don't want to marry you as well."Her smile faded. For
The first courses and drinks were served. I was expecting that we'll talk about family issues that night, but since Tita Glesilda was there, if not the business then the campaign is in question."Actually, Leandra wants him to lead the campaign there in Antique this summer.""Really?" Tita Glesilda looked at me."Yes, Glesilda. She's that passionate to help her father's campaign," Mama said proudly."That's good! If so, where will she stay in Antique during that time?""We have a mansion in San Ardiente. She can stay there with the campaign staffs.""But who will take care of them there? Do you have househelps there?""Ah. Right! We haven't been there since Mama died so only the caretaker was left. But ... I think we could just send househelps ...""Oh, that's too hassle, Ramona! How about this ... I'll house them in our mansion in Vida Riqueza?"Lucius and I looked at each other. He raised an brow and smirk."Are