George's POVI was busy taking an important call earlier when I noticed that Jessica was missing. I walked around several times, but I couldnât find her, so I started to worry.When I saw her wiping and cleaning Nick's back, I got a bit curious. The atmosphere between them was quite different . I can't explain it.I also noticed that Jessicaâs face was blushing earlier. WellâĶ I was just thinking maybe itâs because she was feeling hot. Jessica is a mestiza, so her skin turns red easily with just a bit of heat.Earlier, I also noticed that Jessica seemed annoyed with Nick, so I was wondering why she was cleaning his back."Do you like it here, Jes?" I asked her while we were preparing the barbecue."YesâĶ it's beautifulâĶ It's like paradise, you know? You feel one with nature. Itâs refreshing. By the way, do you and Sir Nick come here often?" she asked."This is my third time coming here. I really love visiting this place. But it looks even more beautiful now. Theyâve improved it a lot,"
Jessica's POV I was surprised by Sophiaâs reaction earlier about Joseph. I canât forget Joseph because he was the first person to discover my talent for painting. I wasnât planning to sell my painting back then because I was shy, but he assured me that my work was exquisite. I couldnât refuse anymore. When he handed me the check, I was shocked because the amount he paid for my painting was so large. From then on, my confidence grew, and I became more dedicated to improving my art. "You are a painter?" Sir Nick asked. "Yeah, I know how to paintâĶ Just a hobby," I replied humbly. "I seeâĶ" He didnât ask any more questions and just quietly stared at the fire, seemingly deep in thought. The heat coming from the fire gave me a strange feeling. The weather was perfect. There were so many stars sparkling in the sky. The sea of clouds at night was so magnificent. If you focused your vision on the clouds, youâd feel like you were flying. I couldnât believe that a place like this exi
Andrea's POVWeâre here now in the dining area, having dinner. We were discussing Jessicaâs transfer to our company. I donât want her there, but thereâs nothing I can do about it. When Dad makes a decision, itâs final. I have to pretend that Iâm happy even though, in truth, Iâm deeply frustrated."When is Jessica transferring to the company? And why isnât she here now?" Dad asked."I called her earlier, Dad. She said she couldnât make it because she and George had plans. I didnât ask where they were going. Also, sheâll start next Monday. George asked for at least two weeks so Jessica could properly finish her pending work. And as a boss, I understand him, so I agreed," I replied."Why didnât you make her transfer right away!?" Dad demanded."George requested it, Dad. He wanted Jessica to have enough time to wrap up her work. And since Iâm a boss too, I respected his request," I explained."Hmmm..."Thankfully, Dad didnât push the matter further. The truth is, I was the one who suggest
Nicholas' POV It has been a week since the camping trip, and I haven't heard anything from Jessica or George. I've been busy with so many things as well. I'm waiting for my next meeting, which is why I'm here in the office resting. I also just finished reviewing our new project.Jessica keeps popping into my mind. I can still remember her sweet scent when I caught her, and I can still remember her tears that I wanted to wipe away. The sweet moments we shared while watching the sunrise."Huhh!.."This is not a good sign.It feels like I picked up a rock just to hit my own head with it. I'm already starting to doubt my plan. Part of me wants to teach her a lesson for fooling me. However, the bigger part of me wants to know and protect her, which is not part of my plan.I'm even wondering why I would want to protect her. Is it because of the way she shed tears during the camping trip???"Aaaah!!! I'm becoming disoriented...!!! This is not me..."Dominic dropped the papers he was h
Jessica's POVI feel overwhelmed by the size of our company. Today is my first day at work, and Iâve already spent half the day touring the entire company.My sister wants me to see every corner of the company. Even though Iâm tired, I can't hide my happiness. Iâm excited to help our company grow and succeed.Iâm with Ingrid, one of the managers in our company. My sister assigned her to give me a tour. "Did you know that Laviste Land Inc. is the number one construction company in the country right now?"She showed me all the awards the company had received. I couldnât be prouder! Especially now that I'm here and officially part of the company. Iâm SO happy!After touring the whole company, the last place we visited was the cafeteria. It was filled with a variety of food. "One of the perks of working in this company is enjoying a free meal.""Every employee here has a different-colored card that they show to get food. The card also symbolizes their status and level in the company,"
Chapter 21Iâm here at One of the five star hotel in the country. Itâs our Quarterly Meeting, which is also doubling as an acquaintance party.Iâve been busy talking with our shareholders, business partners, and distinguished guests.Iâm checking my phone, itâs almost 10 PM. I just came from an out-of-town trip and went straight here to attend the party, so Iâm exhausted. Iâve decided to leave the party early. Thankfully, I already had Dominic book me a room here. I donât think I can manage the drive back to my condo. All I want is to lie down and have a good rest.While walking toward my room, I started loosening my tie and unbuttoning my shirt. I feel like Iâm suffocating.When I checked my phone, my brows furrowed at the notifications. I stopped walking. "Purchase confirmation from a restaurant in this hotel" "Purchase confirmation from a shop in this hotel""Purchase confirmation from a shoe store in this hotel"My brows knitted together.I donât recall asking Dominic to buy a
Nicholas' POVAs I slowly pulled down her dress, my heartbeat pounded louder and louder. As her bare back came into view, I felt my body heat rising. I carefully slid her dress down. "OhâĶ ShitâĶ She's not wearing a bra." I quickly stood up and took a deep breath.I donât know why Iâm finding it difficult to undress Jessica when Iâve done it so easily with other women before. I grabbed a towel and a bathrobe to cover her chest before completely taking off her dress. "Perfect!"Jessica is now wrapped up. I managed to put the bathrobe on her. "Huh! After a million yearsâĶ!"I carried her again and placed her on the bed. She was still fast asleep. While carrying her, I noticed that the lower part of the bathrobe was soaked.Her underwear was wet. Now that Iâve laid her on the bed, Iâm torn about whether to remove her underwear or not. I decided to go with the first option. For health reasons, I need to remove her underwear, I convinced myself. "Huh!!! Breathe deeply, Nick!" I encoura
Jessica's POVI had such a good sleep. I could feel the warmth coming from the person next to me. I instinctively snuggled closer. But after a few seconds, I froze."Wait??? Someoneâs beside me??? Iâm sleeping next to someone???"My eyes shot open, and they widened even more when I realized that I was hugging the arm of a man?, and my hand was resting on his bare chest. He wasnât wearing a shirt."Waaaahhhh!!!" I screamed in shock and immediately kicked him off the bed. He fell to the floor."Wha... what?... What did you do to me?? Why am I here?? Why am I na... naked??!!!"My heart was racing. I was only wearing a bathrobe. I peeked underneath it. Yes, I was naked. I started pacing back and forth on the bed, trying hard to remember what happened. My head hurt. I was dizzy. I held my temples and pulled at my hair, completely confused.I was startled by the sound of the doorbell. But what shocked me even more was when I realized who the man I had been sleeping beside was."Sir Nick???!
Jessica's POVAfter a while, I started enjoying skating. My fear was gone. Rich and I just laughed whenever I fell. Somehow, during those moments, I forgot about Nick. Like now, Rich was happily showing off his skating skills. I could see he really loved skating. I just smiled while watching him, already tired from all the skating. After a few rounds, he skated toward me.âWhen did you learn how to skate, Rich? You're really good at it,â I asked.âHmm, let me think.â He stroked his chin like he was deep in thought.âI think I started during elementary. I was challenged to skate because my friends teased me. It took a while before I could skate without holding onto someone,â he said with a smile.âI still remember how many times I fell. Too many to count. I almost gave up. Hehe.ââDid you join competitions?â I asked.âI fell in love with skating, so yes! Eventually, I got good and joined competitions.â Richâs eyes sparkled as he said that, reminiscing about one of the happiest times in
Jessicaâs POVI glanced in the direction of Nick and Ate Andrea before getting into the car. I saw how bright her smile was while talking to Nick. I was holding back my tears. It hurt. Nick didnât even want to listen to me. I sadly got into Richâs car. Rich looked at me and smiled. "You know what? I know a place where happiness exists," he said cheerfully. I forced a smile."And whereâs that?" I asked, a little doubtful. "Trust me! Itâs a surprise. So, are you in?" he asked excitedly.It took me a while to answer. Maybe I did need a little distraction. If I went home now, Nick wouldnât even talk to me. Iâd just sulk in my room. It was only seven oâclock. I took a deep breath."Okay, letâs go," I said with a smile.A few moments later, I noticed Richâs car pulling into a mall. I looked at him curiously."Have you tried skating?" he asked."No," I replied."Come on!" He pulled me toward the skating rink. I noticed there was no one else around. Just us. I looked at him questioningly.
Nickâs POV âI think we should eat. The foodâs getting cold,â I said firmly. Both Andrea and Jessica looked at me at the same time.âOh yeah! Sorry, Nick! Letâs eat!â Andrea said sweetly.I was observing Jessica earlier while she was feeling embarrassed by Andreaâs remarks. I think it was a mistake to agree to have dinner with Andrea. Here I go again. Instead of staying mad at Jessica, my protective instincts are kicking in. I hate it when people mistreat her.I kept watching her as she ate. I felt like she hadnât eaten again. She always does this and it annoys me.âHere, Nick, this oneâs really good. Try it,â Andrea offered me some seafood and even peeled it for me. I just let her. âThank you,â I replied briefly. She smiled at me so beautifully. I saw Jessica shoot a subtle glance at Andrea. I couldnât help but chuckle at her expression. Then she pouted and quietly kept eating, focusing on her food. I could tell she was slicing her meat with so much intensity.Even the way she was
Jessicaâs POV I was shocked when I saw Nick entering our company building. I had just returned from lunch and was in the lobby. I was about to greet him, but I noticed the serious look on his face. His eyes narrowed when he saw me, so I stopped walking halfway. Nick really has a strong presence, especially when heâs in business attire. So powerful. I could hear whispers from people behind me.âHeâs so handsome! Who is he??ââOh!? Is that Nicholas Ford? Why is he here? I thought our companies were rivals?â âDamn! Heâs even more handsome in person,â someone squealed with excitement. A few moments later, I saw Ate Andrea greet Nick with a smile. She even kissed him on the cheek, and Nick just let her. My fists clenched. âOh-em-geeâĶ this is hot gossip!! Could Maâam Andrea be his girlfriend?? Wow! Theyâre such a perfect match! The Princess of the Construction Business and the King of Design. Perfect combo, even their heights match! Ayiiee, Iâm getting giddy,â a flamboyant guy behind me
Andreaâs POV Jessica and I arrived at the office at the same time. I could see how downcast she looked, walking into the elevator like she was in a daze. She didnât even notice me. I smirked in triumph. I know Iâve successfully stirred conflict in their relationship. And Iâm just getting started. I wonât let them get back together. I know Jessica, and I know Nick. I can play them both in the palm of my hand. I smiled to myself. Jessicaâs steps looked so heavy. She left the elevator without even lifting her head. She just kept looking down. When I arrived at my office, I happily greeted all the employees there. I noticed them exchanging glances. Haha, theyâre not used to seeing me cheerful and in a good mood.Once I got into my office, I called my secretary. She came in right away.âKindly set a meeting with Nicholas Ford of AMT Construction,â I said.âOkay, Miss Laviste.â She was about to leave, but I suddenly thought of a great plan. âWait! Ask if we could have the meeting here at
Dominic's POVWe were still joking around in the pantry with one of the secretaries when we saw Sir enter the office looking grim. We quickly stood up from our seats and rushed to greet him. âGood morning, Sir!!â we greeted him with smiles.âCall the marketing team and the designers. We have an emergency meeting!!!â he said firmly.I felt nervous from Sir Nickâs aura and tone of voice. Itâs been a long time since he acted like this. The secretary beside me looked at me with questioning eyes. I simply shrugged in response. I followed behind Sir Nick as he walked into his private office.âSir, itâs not even eight yet, so some people arenât in the office yet,â I said. He went straight to his chair and looked through the documents I had placed on his desk.âBy the way, Iâve already set an appointment with Sir Carlos San Fernando. He said heâs available tomorrow night.âHe looked at me for a long moment before speaking.âWe didnât get the project, so we donât need a major investor anymor
Jessicaâs POVMy steps felt heavy as I walked out of Nickâs condo. My tears wouldnât stop falling. I never expected Nickâs anger to run that deep. When I stepped out, I turned around to glance at his door. I couldnât bring myself to walk toward Scarlettâs condo.I didnât go home last night because Dad didnât want me to. He said I should just go home in the morning. I was too busy taking care of Rich anyway. Dad insisted that I attend to Rich while he and Richâs father played chess. So I showed him around the house. Some of my paintings were displayed there, and I proudly showed them to Rich. I loved how much he understood art, his knowledge of it was impressive. We were in the middle of a cheerful conversation when Sister Andrea arrived. I saw her walk in, clearly drunk, swaying as she entered. I was about to help her, but she gave me a âshh!â sign, reminding me not to mind her. Rich and I just watched her walk past. When I looked out the window, I thought I saw Nickâs car. I shook m
Nicholas' POVI turned my back when Dad told me he loved Elena, even when my mom was still alive. I covered myself with a blanket and ignored him. I felt so betrayed. I was hurting for Mom. I couldnât even bring myself to question Dad.âLetâs talk tomorrow, Nick, when youâre no longer drunk. I have something important to tell you too. Get some rest for now.âI didnât respond, so he left me alone. He tapped me before walking out. After that night, we never got to talk again. I booked another ticket back abroad. Dad wasnât there when I left because he had an emergency at the company. Since that night, my relationship with Dad changed. I became distant. I focused on studying and got into other extracurricular activities. I forced myself to take my mind off the Country and forced myself to be happy.Eventually, Elena and Dad got married. Dad sent me an invitation, but I didnât go. I made up an excuse. Dad didnât push me either. I spent more time abroad than at home. Elena treated me well,
Nicholas' POV~~~~ Flashback â 16 Years Ago ~~~~After Momâs burial, I went back abroad. I didnât have the time to investigate what I had overheard. Life went on despite the tragedy in our family. From being a happy-go-lucky guy, I became more serious about life. I was already in my second year of college studying architecture when I decided to go back to the Philippines for a vacation.I missed Dad. I wanted to spend time with him. I was excited to see him, so I decided to give him a surprise visit at his office.I happily went up to his office. The long-time employees in the company recognized me, so they let me through without a problem.When I entered Dadâs office, I ran into his assistant. I gave him a quiet signal since I wanted to surprise Dad. However, when I opened the door, I was the one surprised. I saw Dad kissing a woman. The woman was sitting on his office table. They were kissing passionately. Dad quickly pushed her away when he saw me standing at the door.âNick!â he g