Rich's POVI was busy signing documents and making phone calls when my Dad walked in."Rich, come with me later. I'm playing golf with Elmer. You're good at that gameâbeat him for me," he invited."DadâĶ I have piles of work to finish and study.""Leave that for now; you still have tomorrow. Besides, Elmer is only available today. If you want, I can have your brother Dilan sign those for you," he said.I know my dad. When he gets like thisâdetermined to take me alongâhe wonât stop. Heâll keep pestering me until I give in."Okay, Dad. What time?" I asked."We should be at the golf course by 3:00 PM," he said happily.SighâĶ Just when Iâm busy, thatâs when Dad chooses to bother me."Yes! Be at your best! Jessica will be there," he added playfully with a wink. I just laughed at his expression. No wonder he wanted me to come, it was because of Jessica. Well, I smiled. Yeah, I kind of miss Jessica. Over the past few days, weâve seen each other a lot because of business meetings, and Iâve lea
Nicholas' POV Today is the day of the bidding. We only have one competitor, Laviste Land Inc. I am confident with my proposal. I already have several investors just waiting for me to secure this project. I have been working on this for months, ensuring that I have a high chance of winning. Laviste Land Inc. presented first. My team is waiting outside since it's a closed-door presentation. After a while, I saw Andrea come out with a smile. "Good luck, Nick," she said with a smirk. I just nodded. I adjusted my necktie before entering the room. Almost everyone inside was a billionaire, investors for the Mega City. Once Dominic had everything set, I began my presentation. "Good morning, everyone. Iâm Nicholas Ford, representing AMT Construction. As you all know, AMT has primarily focused on designing and support. However, we have now decided to expand into building and construction, the legacy of my late father, Agustine Ford. I want to revive that legacy..." I noticed almost
Jessica's POVWe are here now at a private beach resort. Finally, we get to rest again after so much work. Good thing Nick had some free time after the bidding. It was also perfect timing that Scarlett came home from abroad, and George was able to join us too.This beach resort is beautiful. It's peaceful. The sand is lovely. I also saw some people camping, but their tent is quite far from us.We are just sitting here, listening to the sound of the waves. Weâve already had dinner and changed into comfortable clothes. Weâre planning to sleep in a tent. Right now, Nick and I are sitting on a sand-proof mat. Heâs in front of me while I lean against his chest. Heâs hugging me from behind. We are facing the sea, with the fire beside us. George and Scarlett are sitting on chairs, facing the fire."Come on, Nick! Tone down the sweetness, it's making me uncomfortable," George teased as he saw Nick kissing my hair."You're just jealous," Nick replied seriously."Hahaha," I laughed out loud."W
Scarlett's POV It had been days since George and I last saw each other. Iâm happy because weâre together now. I shouldn't be, but I miss him so much. After the exhibit, we didnât get another chance to meet.The place and the atmosphere are so romantic, under the twinkling stars, the bright moon, and the sound of the waves. George and I arenât really talking much. We just keep drinking beer. Itâs like I canât think of anything to say. Why do I feel so awkward? Whatâs happening to me? I used to be a talkative person, but now Iâm speechless.When George mentioned that he was going to buy more beer, I insisted on going with him. I didnât want to be a third wheel to the couple being all lovey-dovey in front of me. I got into the car and could tell George was kind of surprised."I'm going with you," I said."Okay," he replied.He had been driving for almost five minutes, but neither of us had spoken, so I decided to break the silence."How are you?""How are you?"We spoke at the same time
George's POVI keep trying to avoid the attraction I feel toward Scarlett. I thought it was just a simple crush like with other girls, something that would just pass. But with each passing day, she keeps invading my thoughts. Her beautiful smile, her loud and cheerful personality, it all disturbs the quietness of my heart. Damn! My heart. She's getting into my heart, not just my mind.To make matters worse, there's also my lust. Or can I really call it lust? Because every time she's near, it's like she's a magnet pulling me closer. These feelings started when I kissed her lips. My body craves more every time I see her.So earlier, even though there was still beer left, I purposely walked away because I could feel my body heating up while watching Scarlett drink. Especially when I saw beer dripping down her lips and her licking it off. The fire burning inside me just grew stronger.Then she chased after me. I was gripping the steering wheel so tightly just to hold back. You know that f
Nicholas POVIâm in the office right now, signing some documents. I'm in a hurry because I have to attend a meeting about the bidding results. After signing everything, I stood up and handed all the papers to Dominic. I fixed myself before heading out. While we were on our way to the meeting, we got caught in a small traffic jam. Suddenly, I saw someone familiar eating at a restaurant. I frowned, it was Jessica and Rich. They were laughing and clearly having a good time.I clenched my jaw and looked away. I called her. After a few rings, she answered."Hello, love!""Where are you?" I asked directly."Ah, Iâm having a meeting with a client! You?" she said.I glanced at them again, Rich was clearly focused on her."Which client?" I asked."Hello? Hello... hello love..." It seemed like her signal was gone.I decided to turn off the phone and look straight ahead. I didnât want to look in their direction because I might not be able to stop myself from going over there and dragging Jessica
Jessica's POVI wake up early to cook breakfast for Nick. The bidding results will be announced soon. I wanted to make him feel that no matter what the decision is, Iâll be here by his side. I also plan to finally tell him about my family later.âHi Love, good morning.â Nick came out already dressed and ready to go to work. âEat breakfast first.â I offered âHumm, smells good,â he said. âYou shouldnât have gone through all the trouble. You might be late for work.â He hugged and kissed me.I pushed him gently and seated him at the table to eat.âHurry up or you might be late,â I said as I sat in front of him to eat as well.âBy the way, Love, I have something important to tell you later.âHe stopped eating and looked at me.âPlease, Love, let me finish first before reacting,â I said nervously.He nodded and smiled.âOf course! Love,â he replied. I smiled at what he said.After breakfast, Nick left first for work. I also rushed to get ready so I wouldnât be late to the office.When I a
Nicholasâ POVAfter dropping Andrea off, I headed straight to the bar. I knew Jessica wasnât at the condo yet because she was still at Andreaâs mansion.I ordered liquor and drank it immediately. Everything felt so heavy. I couldnât accept that I didnât get the project. I canât explain what Iâm feeling right now, regret, disappointment, anger? Jealousy?I ordered another drink and kept drinking. Then I noticed a woman sit beside me, subtly lowering the strap of her dress. I smirked. If this were before, I probably wouldâve gone along with it. She was attractive and seemed game.I decided to call Jessica.âThe subscriber cannot be reached. Please try again later.ââShit!!â I slammed my phone on the table. I kept drinking. I tried calling George, but he didnât answer either.âWhy look for someone whoâs not there when someone else is right next to you?â the woman said.I just looked at her and continued drinking.âDid he cheat? You cheat? Or are you the one who got cheated on?â she asked
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