I don't know what to feel. One moment, I had this sudden urge to rip everyone and everything to shreds, and in another, I had this urge to collapse on the floor and weep to my heart's content. I slowly closed the door behind me, and leaned on the door, with my eyes closed. My body shook as insistent tears slipped down my eyes. I felt like my heart was about to be ripped and torn to shreds. Why? This was the only question that occupied my mind at the thought that I'd lost a father. I've lost the only biological family I had left. Right now, I'm alone in this world. Tears slid down my eyes, but I didn't make a move to wipe them off. I let them slide down, to pool around my legs. The stares from the patients around didn't faze me. I needed to cry my heart out at the injustice of this world. I just learned that my mother might have been poisoned by a woman she once considered a best friend, so she could get married to my father. And now, more bad news is being dumped on my head. Can

He didn't say a word until P was out of earshot. Only then did he turn to face me. The expression on his face is a bit confusing. “Is my test result that bad?” I cringed, feeling like I did way back in high school whenever the teachers tried to inquire about the situation in my home. It always left me nervous. “No, that's not it.” He smiled at me. Though his face is innocent and bright, I felt imaginary insects crawling up my arms. I shivered a bit, with my entire focus still on him. “Is it about my absence? I thought my h—”“I'm Matt.” He brought his hand for a shake and tilted his head as he watched me to know my reaction. I squinted. What's with his introduction when I already know who he is? However, instead of asking the question I would have loved to voice out, I shook his outstretched hand, with a full-blown smile on my face. “Jewel.”“Jewel? What a pretty name for a pretty lady.” He smiled before he slowly let go of my hand. “You are not in the class group chat, are you?”

She huffed but didn't say a word further. My mouth curled to the side at the expression on her face. It pleased me to know how much my words affected her. Miguel didn't say a word. He slowly ate his food as he occasionally glanced at me. “Well, I'm still glad I was the one he painted for back then. I was his muse, you know?” She grinned, infuriating me further. This stupid woman doesn't know how to take a hint, does she?“Well,” I placed my spoon on the plate and turned to face her, with a smile on my face. “I'm glad you used past tenses in your sentence. You were his muse, but not any more. Hell, I don't presume you are muse enough for him to stop painting. Guess your face was too ugly for him.” I beamed at her, “you are just like an outdated vintage bag. The wealthy don't need you, and anyone can have you.”“Hey!” She hit her palm on the table. “You—” Miguel started to say, but I placed a hand on his, and shook my head, to let him know that I wish to take things on alone. “You

“You haven't?” She gasped, looking like my words couldn't be true, which seemed likely. Who will believe that I've lived with Miguel for two years, and have never stepped foot into his room? Before we reconciled —if you wish to call it that — he had never been to my room. We only meet in 'the room' where I pleasure him with my mouth, and that's that. There is nothing else involved. His room is off-limits. “No,” I shrugged. “He warned me never to enter his room, and I have been keeping to that.” I furrowed my brows, thinking back to what she said, not too long ago. “Have you been to his room? Which pictures are you talking about?”“Well,” she nervously chuckled as she ran a hand through her hair. The guilt on her face is unmistakable. “I took a lot of money from my brother, to keep this secret. I can't just tell you about it because you asked for it.” She glanced down the hall before she turned to face me. “Just let things slide. Pretend you didn't hear me say anything.” She took he

He frowned, looking like he wanted to ask more, but decided against it after a moment. “Where is Star?”“She went out on a date.” I circled my hands around his waist and placed my head on his chest. Nikki pursed her lips, “why do you guys love feeding dog shit to others?” She scrunched her nose, “I'm just tired of it!”“Move out then.” He leaned down and pecked me on my forehead, “how was School today?” He nuzzled my hair.“It was okay.” I hummed, with my head still placed on his chest, and a satisfied expression on my face. “Do you wish to eat out or….” He trailed off. “I will make dinner.” I sighed, “it has been long since I entered the kitchen, I hope I still have my skills.” “You will—”His phone started ringing, cutting off the words he meant to say. He brought his phone out, and the expression on his face changed. He looked damned murderous with the way his eyes dimmed. “Who is it? Your secretary?” I peered at his phone, trying to know who was calling. “No, Pearl,” he si