Lahat ng Kabanata ng Love Amidst Deceit: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 10

Selena’s POVI forced a sweet smile as I entered the crystal-studded ballroom. I attended a charity gala with Agustin and Mando; it is one of his million ways to secure the upcoming election. The theme of the party is Mystery Gala, and I am wearing a black sequined, body-hugging floor-length dress and a black mask that just covers my eyes.From a distance, I saw Leonardo, dressed in a black tuxedo and wearing a mask almost identical to mine. He was looking at me, smiling as if nothing was wrong. I would have felt a flutter in my chest, if only I hadn’t discovered the depth of his betrayal. I ignored him and turned my attention elsewhere. I pretended he was nothing to me. I knew he wouldn’t mind, and he’d understand if I told him I was just being careful, in case he decided to confront me. We both knew why we were there. He was there to negotiate with Agustin's opponent, and I was there to accompany Agustin, playing the part of a faithful right-hand person.I was standing next to Agust

Andrew’s POVHindi ko itatangi na noon, ayoko talaga kay Selena nang unang beses ko siya makilala. Kung paano siya magsalita, kung paano siya gumalaw, kung paano niya dalhin ang sarili niya, at kung paano niya ako pagalitan at pagsabihan tuwing binibigyan ko ng sakit ng ulo si Dad. Akala ko noon ay masyado siyang nagpapabida sa trabaho, dahil gusto niyang mapansin siya ni Dad. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit ang init ng ulo ko tuwing nandiyan siya, pero ngayon, naiintindihan ko na. Siguro ay dahil gusto ko siya para sa akin, at hindi para kay Dad. Kaya naiinis ako kapag nakikita kong nagtatawanan sila sa tuwing may pinag-uusapan silang dalawa. Parang may inggit ako na hindi ko kayang ipaliwanag noon. Siguro, natatakot akong ilayo niya ang loob sa akin ni Dad, at natatakot ako magustuhan siya ni Dad. Dahil gusto ko siya.I’ve come to understand myself better now. I've realized that Selena isn’t my enemy. She holds meaning in my life—her strength, beauty, and care for me remind me that

Selena’s POV"I want you tonight, Selena." His voice was a whisper, low and intense, and those words seemed to hang in the air long after our lips parted. A rush of heat flooded through me as he stepped closer, pulling me toward him, and before I knew it, we were in his bedroom.His fingers found the hem of my blouse, lifting it slowly, almost reverently, as though he was taking his time to savor every inch of the moment. My hands moved of their own accord, helping him, the sensation of his touch on my skin making everything else fade away. It was like a spell I couldn't break.Soon, we were both standing there, vulnerable and exposed, our bodies bare before one another. There was a brief pause, the air thick with anticipation, before the world seemed to narrow down to just us. It wasn’t just physical—it was a moment of connection, raw and real, like everything else had fallen away, leaving only the tension between us.He was staring at me, his gaze filled with admiration, and I could

Andrew’s POV“This is such a great portrait, Andrew! Thank you so much!” Patty said, her smile practically reaching her ears as I handed her the finished portrait of her. She even gave me a tight hug out of sheer happiness.“I’m glad you like it,” I replied, smiling back. There’s something so fulfilling about seeing my clients happy with my work. It always gives me an extra boost of confidence and makes me even more dedicated as an artist.“I love it! I’ll definitely refer you to some of my friends,” she added.“Thank you for that, I will really appreciate it.”“As a thank you, let me treat you a dinner tonight,” she invited me in such a sweet way and then clung to my arm.“I am sorry Patty; I still have other things to take care of after this. I need to head home ASAP.” I told her, almost sounding too bad, that I couldn’t make it to the invitation, but honestly, I just wasn’t that interested. It was getting late, and I really wanted to head home because I already missed Selena.As soo

Selena’s POVHindi ko alam kung seseryosohin ko ang sinabi ni Andrew kagabi na magdi-date kami. Maaga akong nagising at nag-ayos ng sarili. Suot ko ang usual kong semi-formal outfit para sa trabaho, para hindi naman isipin ni Andrew na sobrang excited kong makipag-date. Nang matapos akong mag-ayos, bumaba ako ng kwarto. Wala pang tao sa dining area, kaya naglakad-lakad ako at napansin kong nakabukas ang pinto ng study room ni Agustin. Lumapit ako ng kaunti para sumilip. Nag-uusap sila ni Andrew. Pareho silang seryoso, pero kitang-kita ko na parang hindi maganda ang mood ni Andrew, may kakaibang ekspresyon sa mukha niya.Maya-maya, nakita kong tumayo si Andrew, kaya agad akong bumalik sa dining area at naupo. Ilang sandali lang, pumasok si Andrew, mukha pa rin siyang seryoso, pero nang makita niya ako, parang biglang lumiwanag ang mukha niya. Hindi ko alam kung bakit, pero lihim ko itong ikinatuwa. Kasunod niyang dumating si Agustin, at binati ko silang dalawa ng “Good morning.”"Selen