Pagkapasok nila sa penthouse, Cinderella kicked off her shoes with a tired grunt and slumped on the dark couch. Her hair was somewhat unkempt, and her eyes were sharp despite the tiredness. The city lights shone through the glass walls, framing her like a painting. Nero closed the door behind them and loosened his tie, every movement deliberate. He headed to the minibar, poured himself a glass of whiskey then walked toward her with that same quiet dominance he carried everywhere. He stopped at the edge of the couch, towering over her but not intimidating. "Okay," he said, his voice soft and smooth like dark whiskey. "Let's run through the schedule for this week." Cinderella groaned habang humihiga pa lalo sa couch. “Seryoso? We just survived your ex, steak overload, at yung mga savage mong pinsan. Can’t we chill for like five freaking minutes?” “I don’t chill,” sagot ni Nero with that signature smirk. “I schedule.” “God, you’re such a CEO,” she muttered. Umupo siya nang maayos
Nakahawak pa rin si Nero sa baywang ni Cinderella. Malalim ang bawat hinga niya pero nanatiling banayad ang pagkakahawak ng kamay niya sa baywang nito. His grip firm yet gentle, possessive yet controlled.His thumb moved slowly against her bare skin and tracing small circles just above her hip. Every stroke was intentional like he knew exactly what he was doing and how it was driving her mad.She inhaled sharply.A soft shiver ran down her spine... At hindi niya alam kung dahil sa lamig ng hangin o sa init ng bawat dampi ng daliri nito sa kanya.It was not just a touch.It was a silent conversation.Wala pa ring kibo si Nero pero parang sinasabi ng katawan niya na 'I can go further but I'm letting you choose'.But his eyes… those dark… burning eyes are never left her face. Lalo na iyong mga mata niyang parang sinisilip ang lahat ng tinatago mo at lahat ng gusto mong itago.Hindi napigilan ni Cinderella na mapatingin sa mapulang labi ni Nero. That quiet, perfect curve na kanina pa nana
KinabukasanShe woke up with her head pounding like hell… parang may pumuwersang dumagan sa sentido niya. Her stomach churned, and she wasn't sure if she was dizzy, sick, or both. Lahat parang blur at gusto niyang magtago sa kumot at kalimutan ang lahat.She inhaled slowly, one hand shielding her eyes from the soft golden light streaming in through the curtains. Everything felt too bright, too still, too… real."Never again," she whispered to herself. Not just the hangover from the alcohol but from the night itself. From the chaos, the vulnerability, and everything she allowed her heart to feel.She groaned, her eyes narrowing against the soft glow coming from the window. Sinubukan niyang umupo pero may mainit na braso na mahigpit na nakayakap sa baywang niya at hindi siya nag-iisa sa kama.Then it hit her.Yes... She wasn’t alone in bed.Dahan-dahan siyang lumingon and there he was… Nero.He is soundly sleeping next to her.Ang braso nito ay nakapulupot sa kanya, hawak siya na para b
Manhattan’s elite district. Isang boutique na hindi basta-basta pinapasok ng kahit sino. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls, chandeliers imported from Milan, and racks lined with couture evening gowns flown in straight from Paris.At the center of it all ay naka-upo sa velvet armchair na parang reyna sa sariling kaharian si Cinderella na kalmado habang pinapanood si Vera.She was wearing a silk champagne slip dress, legs crossed, eyes half-lidded as she sipped her iced espresso. Beside her stood Vera. Chic in all black, iPad in hand at halatang sanay makipagsabayan sa boardroom at barilan ng matataray na babae.Pinuno ni Vera ang ilang fitting rooms ng mga bagong damit para kay Cinderella. Mula casual streetwear perfect for a chilly New York stroll, hanggang sa bold, body-hugging party dresses na parang isinukat para sa isang paparazzi-filled event. Designer pieces lined up like an armor of transformation for one week’s worth of curated luxury.“Lahat ng gown dito ay personally picked ni Ne
“Y-You slapped me!” galit na sigaw ni Bianca, halos nanginginig sa inis.Cinderella didn’t flinch at all. Her voice was icy, steady, and threatening. “I let you in out of courtesy,” she said coldly. “Pero pumasok ka na parang pag-aari mo ang mundo. Someone had to remind you, not everyone who smiles will tolerate bastos behavior.”Belle made a slight movement beside her like she was about to step in.But Cinderella cut her off with a single lethal glare. “Don’t,” she said sharply, her voice calm but laced with warning. “I’m not exactly in the mood to make it two slaps today. But please, feel free to test how fast my hands can be.”Sa isang tingin lang ay nanigas si Belle. Hindi na siya gumalaw sa kinatatayuan niya dahil alam niyang hindi ito isang banta lang. Kayang-kaya ni Cinderella panindigan iyon.Bianca’s cheek was still burning, but her pride? Mas masakit. Mas malalim ang sugat. And like any overindulged Vergara na nasanay sa yaman pero kulang sa breeding, she did what she always
Vera sat alone in front of her monitor, arms crossed as the boutique footage played.Cinderella stood straight as her hand landed on Bianca's face, creating a crisp snap that resonated throughout the room.She paused the video.“Damn,” she muttered. “That’s what I call brand protection.”She looked at the boutique manager next to her. “Delete this from your system,” Vera instructed in a loud and commanding voice. "No copies, backups, or leaks. There's not even a whisper online. Or I'll personally ensure that your boutique never works with the Vergaras again."The manager nodded immediately. “Y-Yes, Ms. Vera. N-No problem at all.”Vera transferred the footage onto an encrypted drive and handed it to her assistant. “Secure line. Send directly to Mr. Vergara. Track it. No copies.”Vera saved the footage on an encrypted device and handed it to her assistant. "Secure the line. Please send straight to Mr. Vergara. Keep track of it. There are no copies."Her assistant replied with a faint b
"Miss Cinderella."Mabilis na napalingon si Cinderella, agad na nakasalubong ang matalim at walang bakas na ekspresyon ni Marie, siya ang pinagkakatiwalaang sekretarya ng kanyang ama. Tahimik ngunit may awtoridad ang bawat hakbang nito, ang tunog ng kanyang takong dumadagundong sa sahig habang papasok sa silid. Sa kanyang mga kamay ay isang gown ang marahang nakasampay—isang obra ng pinakamamahaling haute couture designer. Deep crimson, shimmering under the golden light, each intricate detail screaming elegance and power.Dumiretso si Marie sa kama na marahang inilapag ang gown na parang isang kayamanang hindi dapat madungisan. She crossed her arms and maintained an unyielding stance.“Wear this,” Marie’s voice was firm; there was no room for argument. “Darating ang makeup artist at hairdresser mo by six.”Tumingin si Cinderella sa orasan—5 PM. May isang oras pa. Isang oras para mag isip para matakasan ito.Narinig niya ang mahinang buntong-hininga ni Marie bago ito muling nagsalita.
Cinderella sat at the corner of the dimly lit restaurant, the soft clink of silverware and the murmur of voices around her fading into the background as she checked her watch—again. It was already 8:15 PM, and Nero Vergara was nowhere in sight. Her patience, which she had been holding onto with a thread, was starting to snap.She had dressed up for this dinner. She had shown up early, tried to put on a smile, pretended to be the perfect fiancée that the world expected. But where was he? His secretary had sent a message earlier in the evening, saying that he would be late. But an hour late? That was pushing it.Her jaw tightened as she glanced at her phone. No new messages. No apology. Not even a “I’m running late” text. Just silence from Nero.Pilit niyang nilalabanan ang inis, pero hindi maikakailang unti-unti nang sumisikip ang kanyang dibdib sa pagkainip. Mula sa gilid ng kanyang mata ay napansin niya ang waitress na palihim na sumusulyap sa kanya. Nahihiya tuloy siyang umorder ng
Vera sat alone in front of her monitor, arms crossed as the boutique footage played.Cinderella stood straight as her hand landed on Bianca's face, creating a crisp snap that resonated throughout the room.She paused the video.“Damn,” she muttered. “That’s what I call brand protection.”She looked at the boutique manager next to her. “Delete this from your system,” Vera instructed in a loud and commanding voice. "No copies, backups, or leaks. There's not even a whisper online. Or I'll personally ensure that your boutique never works with the Vergaras again."The manager nodded immediately. “Y-Yes, Ms. Vera. N-No problem at all.”Vera transferred the footage onto an encrypted drive and handed it to her assistant. “Secure line. Send directly to Mr. Vergara. Track it. No copies.”Vera saved the footage on an encrypted device and handed it to her assistant. "Secure the line. Please send straight to Mr. Vergara. Keep track of it. There are no copies."Her assistant replied with a faint b
“Y-You slapped me!” galit na sigaw ni Bianca, halos nanginginig sa inis.Cinderella didn’t flinch at all. Her voice was icy, steady, and threatening. “I let you in out of courtesy,” she said coldly. “Pero pumasok ka na parang pag-aari mo ang mundo. Someone had to remind you, not everyone who smiles will tolerate bastos behavior.”Belle made a slight movement beside her like she was about to step in.But Cinderella cut her off with a single lethal glare. “Don’t,” she said sharply, her voice calm but laced with warning. “I’m not exactly in the mood to make it two slaps today. But please, feel free to test how fast my hands can be.”Sa isang tingin lang ay nanigas si Belle. Hindi na siya gumalaw sa kinatatayuan niya dahil alam niyang hindi ito isang banta lang. Kayang-kaya ni Cinderella panindigan iyon.Bianca’s cheek was still burning, but her pride? Mas masakit. Mas malalim ang sugat. And like any overindulged Vergara na nasanay sa yaman pero kulang sa breeding, she did what she always
Manhattan’s elite district. Isang boutique na hindi basta-basta pinapasok ng kahit sino. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls, chandeliers imported from Milan, and racks lined with couture evening gowns flown in straight from Paris.At the center of it all ay naka-upo sa velvet armchair na parang reyna sa sariling kaharian si Cinderella na kalmado habang pinapanood si Vera.She was wearing a silk champagne slip dress, legs crossed, eyes half-lidded as she sipped her iced espresso. Beside her stood Vera. Chic in all black, iPad in hand at halatang sanay makipagsabayan sa boardroom at barilan ng matataray na babae.Pinuno ni Vera ang ilang fitting rooms ng mga bagong damit para kay Cinderella. Mula casual streetwear perfect for a chilly New York stroll, hanggang sa bold, body-hugging party dresses na parang isinukat para sa isang paparazzi-filled event. Designer pieces lined up like an armor of transformation for one week’s worth of curated luxury.“Lahat ng gown dito ay personally picked ni Ne
KinabukasanShe woke up with her head pounding like hell… parang may pumuwersang dumagan sa sentido niya. Her stomach churned, and she wasn't sure if she was dizzy, sick, or both. Lahat parang blur at gusto niyang magtago sa kumot at kalimutan ang lahat.She inhaled slowly, one hand shielding her eyes from the soft golden light streaming in through the curtains. Everything felt too bright, too still, too… real."Never again," she whispered to herself. Not just the hangover from the alcohol but from the night itself. From the chaos, the vulnerability, and everything she allowed her heart to feel.She groaned, her eyes narrowing against the soft glow coming from the window. Sinubukan niyang umupo pero may mainit na braso na mahigpit na nakayakap sa baywang niya at hindi siya nag-iisa sa kama.Then it hit her.Yes... She wasn’t alone in bed.Dahan-dahan siyang lumingon and there he was… Nero.He is soundly sleeping next to her.Ang braso nito ay nakapulupot sa kanya, hawak siya na para b
Nakahawak pa rin si Nero sa baywang ni Cinderella. Malalim ang bawat hinga niya pero nanatiling banayad ang pagkakahawak ng kamay niya sa baywang nito. His grip firm yet gentle, possessive yet controlled.His thumb moved slowly against her bare skin and tracing small circles just above her hip. Every stroke was intentional like he knew exactly what he was doing and how it was driving her mad.She inhaled sharply.A soft shiver ran down her spine... At hindi niya alam kung dahil sa lamig ng hangin o sa init ng bawat dampi ng daliri nito sa kanya.It was not just a touch.It was a silent conversation.Wala pa ring kibo si Nero pero parang sinasabi ng katawan niya na 'I can go further but I'm letting you choose'.But his eyes… those dark… burning eyes are never left her face. Lalo na iyong mga mata niyang parang sinisilip ang lahat ng tinatago mo at lahat ng gusto mong itago.Hindi napigilan ni Cinderella na mapatingin sa mapulang labi ni Nero. That quiet, perfect curve na kanina pa nana
Pagkapasok nila sa penthouse, Cinderella kicked off her shoes with a tired grunt and slumped on the dark couch. Her hair was somewhat unkempt, and her eyes were sharp despite the tiredness. The city lights shone through the glass walls, framing her like a painting. Nero closed the door behind them and loosened his tie, every movement deliberate. He headed to the minibar, poured himself a glass of whiskey then walked toward her with that same quiet dominance he carried everywhere. He stopped at the edge of the couch, towering over her but not intimidating. "Okay," he said, his voice soft and smooth like dark whiskey. "Let's run through the schedule for this week." Cinderella groaned habang humihiga pa lalo sa couch. “Seryoso? We just survived your ex, steak overload, at yung mga savage mong pinsan. Can’t we chill for like five freaking minutes?” “I don’t chill,” sagot ni Nero with that signature smirk. “I schedule.” “God, you’re such a CEO,” she muttered. Umupo siya nang maayos
Isang mahabang katahimikan ang maririnig sa table nila. Wala nang biruan at wala nang tawanan. The air shifted the moment Cinderella stepped out to take that call.Nakatitig pa rin si Nero sa silhouette ni Cinderella sa terrace na kitang kita na mukhang seryoso ang pinag uusapan. His expression? Isang blanko na hindi maipaliwanag pero sa likod ng mga mata niya ay may damdamin na pinipigilan.Brick leaned in first. “So… anong totoo? Kayo ba talaga?” tanong niya na may mahinang boses.Hindi sumagot si Nero. Hindi man lang siya kumurap. Parang kasing isang move lang ni Cinderella ay baka wasakin na niya ang buong restaurant.Zylan glanced at Nero then to Brick. “Alam natin ang dating siya. Ruthless. Strategic. Detached. Pero ngayon?”Sabay turo sa terrace. “Look at him. That’s not Nero playing anymore.”Tumahimik sila saglit. Hanggang sa nagsalita si Brick ulit. “Sure ka ba? Baka infatuation lang iyan. Gusto mo lang kasi mahirap siyang kuhanin. Alam mo naman ego mo.”Nero slowly turned t
Brick and Aubrey arrived at the table. Aubrey, always charming, leaned in and extended his hand. “Hello. You must be the wife we've been hearing rumors about. I'm Aubrey Vergara. I tend to make headlines and questionable choices.” Cinderella took his hand but raised an eyebrow. “I make history and far better choices.” Brick smirked. “She’s quick. I like her.”Zylan chuckled. "It's too bad she's already tied the knot with Nero. Otherwise, you two could have had a chance and possibly missed out." "Hmmm," Aubrey said, looking at Nero with a playful smile. "She's bold. She's strong. She orders a lot of food and even tells his ex to leave the restaurant," Zylan added. “You really married her?” nakangising tanong ni Aubrey.“Legally, emotionally, physically,” sagot ni Nero, leaning back with one arm resting behind Cinderella’s chair. “All forms confirmed.”Cinderella grinned and looked at Aubrey. “Sorry, guys. I’m not available. But you can admire me from a distance.” Brick gave her a
Pagkapasok nila sa loob ng restaurant ay hindi na nag-aksaya ng oras si Cinderella.“Excuse me, CR lang ako,” ani niya nang may pilit na ngiti at kalmadong tono, pero halatang may bahid ng tensyon ang boses niya. Hindi na niya hinintay ang tugon ni Nero at agad na siyang tumalikod, deretso ang lakad papunta sa restroom.Mabilis, determinado ang bawat hakbang niya. Sa labas, she looked composed... cool, elegant and poised. Pero sa loob ay grabe ang kaba parang sasabog ang dibdib niya sa bilis ng tibok ng puso niya.Pagkapasok sa CR, dumiretso siya sa harap ng vanity mirror. Binuksan niya ang faucet pero hindi man lang tumingin sa tubig. Ang buong atensyon niya ay nakatutok sa sariling repleksyon.“Damn it,” bulong niya na halos pabulong ngunit mariin habang nakatitig sa salamin.She hated what she saw.Dahan-dahan niyang inalis ang coat ni Nero. At doon, sa ilalim ng soft lighting ng marble-tiled vanity ay mas malinaw niyang nakita ang iniwang marka ni Nero.Mga kiss marks.Hindi lang