"Harris, this is Kaia, my best friend. Kaia, meet my cousin, Harris."
An amused grin plastered on Harris' face. We shook hands. But that was only quick. The guy is handsome. That was the first thing I realized. He has a fair complexion. Her black hair is quite long with brown highlights. Overall, he looks dashing but somehow, playful.
"He studies in Manila and is rarely here in Lucena so you don't know him," Rose whispered to me.
"Nice to meet you, Kaia," Harris said.
I kept raising an eyebrow. That look. He was so arrogant that it seemed as if he could tame all women.
"Harris," Kenneth whispered. He followed us. He was still holding a wine glass. He looked at me, one eyebrow raised. My forehead furrowed.
"Ken, long time no see!" Harris smirked.
We barely moved away from the two men.
"That cousin of yours is a playboy, Rose," I whispered. "I'm sure there are many of those women in Manila so don't make the mistake of taking me t
"Harris, this is Kaia, my best friend. Kaia, meet my cousin, Harris."An amused grin plastered on Harris' face. We shook hands. But that was only quick. The guy is handsome. That was the first thing I realized. He has a fair complexion. Her black hair is quite long with brown highlights. Overall, he looks dashing but somehow, playful."He studies in Manila and is rarely here in Lucena so you don't know him," Rose whispered to me."Nice to meet you, Kaia," Harris said.I kept raising an eyebrow. That look. He was so arrogant that it seemed as if he could tame all women."Harris," Kenneth whispered. He followed us. He was still holding a wine glass. He looked at me, one eyebrow raised. My forehead furrowed."Ken, long time no see!" Harris smirked.We barely moved away from the two men."That cousin of yours is a playboy, Rose," I whispered. "I'm sure there are a lot of women in Manila so don't make the mistake of taking me there.
"What are you saying?""I thought you like Livius? Now you have a boyfriend, huh? Where is he?" once look at the hall."What are you saying, Sage? Where did you know that?" I don't get him. I don't even accept lovers after having a boyfriend? Am I a joke to him?"Someone called using your phone and introduced himself as your boy," he said darkly. My eyes rolled.Meaning...He was the one who texted earlier!"You're the one I sent here. I want to meet that boy of yours. What type of guy is he? Is he like Livius? Those are your types, aren't they?"His tone. The irritation was obvious there. It was like he's just suppressing it."If that's the case, what's the matter with you? You're out of my personal affairs, Sage. So I'm not obligated to answer your questions. And why did you say I was the one you came here? Don't even say that was ordered by Livius? " My gaze deepened on him.He averted his gaze and did not speak. He l
"Eat well, Kaia," Mama said and laid the plate down in front of me. My gaze passed over Livius and Jonas. They're here for a visit."Did Brenda come here earlier?""Ah, yes. It's her morning, eh. Do you have a conversation?""She's going to help with Ericka's costume," I pointed out to her younger sister who will be participating in a pageant."I'll just take him to them later.""Your carbonara is really delicious, Mom!" and Livius. Mom smiled."Yes, it's delicious!" agrees Jonah."Oh hey, you eat a lot."The two nodded almost simultaneously. I smiled and continue eating. They were the only two to visit this month. I tried to talk to Livius about Sage. But he just didn’t listen and said it would be better for me to have someone deliver at home. For safety it seems. I insisted I could. But he just said they already had an agreement.It's been two days since the party. On Monday, Sage just sent a driver because
"The fuck with that!" Brenda yelled when the group left. I breathed a sigh of relief as they left but when I remembered what Damian had said I was devastated. He said he would visit me!"When he visits you, don't talk to him! That man didn't do any good! The arrogance you thought was all in him! Eh, do you know that Cindy, his ex-girlfriend, moved school because he beat her up! Cindy's parents just couldn't get along because her family was influential! Oh, avoid that Kaia if you don't want a complicated life. It's dangerous! ""Even if you haven't said it yet, that's really what I'm going to do Brenda."Like what I expected, Ericka got the Miss Teen title. He also bagged special awards. We had so much fun coming home because it was worth our hardships from the costumes, to training her, to making her props for the talent portion. There was a little party at Brenda's house. Of course, Mom went too. It was past eleven o'clock when we got home. Exhausted, I went st
"We're going to eat at the grill after the shift. Are you sure you're not really coming?" Rian asked as I immediately asked. I don't have plans about it. Also, Mom ordered me to go through the supermarket before going home. I still have things to buy so I won't be coming."Because Mama ordered me. It's just you, Rian." He smirked at my refusal. I just chuckled and left her to accommodate another customer.Rose visited me that day. She told a story about the new man she met. He was hopeful there again and he seemed to have forgotten recently when he cried because of Baldo's deception. I warned her about this guy she just met. But he said that he was kind and that I had nothing to worry about. Even so, I can't help but get worried. That's what he always says. Then in the end, nothing either."Don't worry. On our next date, we'll visit here so you can meet him. I'm sure you'll like him, Kaia! And oh, he mentioned that he has a male cousin. I'll include that too for
"Aren't you busy? You said you're still in Manila for a week?""I can work even I'm here," he replied, eyes focused on the road. When the red light came to us, he just looked at me."What's the name of the bastard?" he asked. My forehead furrowed, eventually also understanding who he was referring to. Bastard. That seems to matter to Damian."Damian.""Last name?"I leaned back in the chair. "That's not necessary, Sage." Why is he still trying to find out Damian's last name? What is he planning? Whatever it is I think, it shouldn’t be."Just tell me.""What will you do?"He did not answer and started the car again. I didn't even speak. When we arrived at the supermarket, I told him that he could just wait in the car. But he insisted that he'll come with me. Eventually I just let him do what he wanted to happen."You can wait there. You just got back from work ..." I was going to get a cart but he got ahead of me.
"What did you say?" Sage lowered the cup to the table and looked at me intently as if unable to believe what he heard. I felt like my cheeks are burning. Realizing how I said it, I noticed how scandalous it sounded."I mean, you can sleep in my room. I'll just put it next to Mama ..." I bit the insides of my lower lip subtly. The wrinkle on his forehead was gone, now enlightened. But he didn't seem to agree with what I said."Sounds good. But I don't want to rob you of your bed. I've lost a bit of sleep because of the coffee. I'll just drive.""Are you sure? I can really be in Mama's room. I'm too busy for you tonight. It's embarrassing if I just let you go like that ... But if you insist, go ahead. Just be careful when driving ... "If he doesn't want to, don't! I will not insist.The side of his rose for a smirk. It was as if someone had noticed something good."Yeah. I should go now. Maybe I'll be sleepy again and ..." he trailed off and
I shook my head. He didn't need to know that anymore. I'll handle my personal affairs. I don't need to tell him about it."Are you sure?""Only Brenda texted ..."Doubt was evident on his eyes. I shook my head and averted my gaze. He never asked about that again."If you want some music, you can connect your phone."I did exactly what he said. For well not too awkward and not boring. But I don't think my choice of music suits his taste. I don't even think he's the man who likes listening to music as pastime.Those like him, probably spends his free time with women who can entertain him the way he wants it. Surely, he can lure them on his feet without any sweat or even saying any word. That’s how I feel about him. A man who's air is like a vast darkness, dangerous."Do you want to eat something?" he asked in the middle of the trip."I'm not hungry yet ...""Okay ..."It was past eleven o'clock when we arrived
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