PROLOGUE

“I will not let him go, kahit ano pa ang sabihin mo!!!” I shouted as I step out of our house and run as fast as I can.

I need to see him, hindi ako papayag na masira kami ni Mom, she has no right to decide what’s best for me. All my life was already controlled by her, I think this is the right time to stand for myself and for him.

I will fight for our love and nothing’s gonna stop me from doing this.

He had already spent whole his life following my family’s rules, he didn’t have the chance to choose what he wants and what he love because of this fucking indebtedness he felt, and my mother made him feel that.

This time I will stand for him and fight for him, I’m not afraid of losing anything right now just to be with him.

He was the freedom I need, in his arms I feel nothing but love. His kisses made me feel like nothing gonna hurt me anymore. His simple touch matters, his happiness is my dream.

I’ll free him to the chain that locks him in, I will save him in any way I can…

Wait for me Love…

I run as fast as I can until I reach the gate of our subdivision and quickly ride the taxi.

“Saan po tayo Ma’am?” the Driver asks while looking at the view mirror.

I sniff and wipe my tears up and speak, “Delavine’s Condominium please” I said and look at the window, still busy wiping my tears and caressing my numb and swollen cheeks.

My cheek feels like it’s beating on its own and numbness surrounds the other half of my face.

After a minute, the taxi stops in front of Delavine’s Condo and I hurriedly pay for the charges and quickly step out of the car and run inside.

“Miss Chantel bakit ho kayo andito?” I stop when one of the employees approached me.

“I need to see Kace,” I said and run-pass past him, he called my name, but I didn’t look back, he was not the reason why I’m here so I focused on the way to Kace’s pad.

I was running through the elevator and still hear someone call my name, I ignored it and run faster but my heels suddenly broke their heel. “Fuck!” I haze and quickly remove both of my heels and run with my bare feet.

I immediately push the button to close the elevator as I step in; quickly push the 9th floor where his room lies.

My hands were shaking while my feet feel freezing because I was standing on the cold floor of this fully air-conditioned building. I hugged myself a bit to loosen the coldness and wait for this elevator to open.

I endure the pain beating on my numb face and aching red eyes, I cried so hard that it hurts my eyes already.

I keep sobbing the whole time until the elevator door opens; I hurriedly step out and walk fast to his room. My hand feels so cold.

My heart suddenly pound so fast, as I took every step near to his room. Heavyweight suddenly falls on my chest. I stop when I hear the staff calling me again. “Really? He still followed me?” I whisper with disbelief.

I ignored him once again and continue walking as fast as I can, I can’t run any more my feet are freezing.

When I stand in front of his door, my heart race so fast and it’s hard for me to breathe.

“Miss Chantel!!!!” the guy still calls me and runs towards my place, so I didn’t bother to knock on the door and hurriedly open it then lock it.

The lights were off, only the light from the moon creates dim lights inside the whole place. It seems so silent and my heart keeps on pounding.

I feel nervous all of a sudden.

“Love?” I call him and no one answers so I walk and open the lights inside the place.

I was about to take a step when someone knock on the door. “Miss Chantel” him again, hindi ba siya titigil? Did mom send him in to stop me from seeing Kace? I walk with irritation to Kace’s room and check him if he’s sleeping already, “Love.”

“Love are you asl––,” I stop when I open the door and see nothing, I hurriedly check his bathroom and also see nothing, I look around the place and didn’t see any trace of him inside.

“Where is he?” I whisper and keep looking around the place and as I end up in his closet area, I feared and slowly open the door and I see terror…

My heart beats crazily that it took me a minute to remember to breathe again. My eyes widened and my hair moved as the cold and empty closet showed.

Wala itong laman ni isang gamit, I weakly step back and hurriedly grab my phone out of my pocket and try to contact him. “The number you have dialed is either unattended or out of coverage area pl––,” hindi ko na ito tinapus at sumubok muli.

I weakly step back when I reach 100 calls already but he still did not pick it up… after a second Kace door suddenly opens, and when I hear it I quickly run to it, but only to find out that the staff opens it using the spare keys.

“Why are you here!!!” I ask and glared at them.

“Miss Chantel, Sir Kace already leave with Miss Carmitte,” I stiffed and weakly lean on the wall to grab some support because my knees suddenly weakens.

“W-why?” I whisper and tears suddenly roll down my face. Why Kace?

Why? Do you choose her while I choose you?

“Leave me” I speak, “Pero Miss Cha––,” “I said, leave me alone!!!!” I shouted and they quickly disappear around the place. I was left alone here inside the cold and silent room… I can hear my heart beating so fast because of the loud silence.

Tears kept on flowing and the pain keeps on running inside my whole system…

The numbness in my cheeks suddenly surrounds my whole body; I feel numb and hurt so bad that I can’t breathe right now anymore.

“Do you really choose her over me Kace? Tell me where are you? I’ll—I’ll—I’ll chase you, Love,” I whisper and cry harder. I ask and didn’t receive any answers, only pain.

Does he really choose her? Why Kace? Bakit ngayong pang lumaban na ako para satin? Why did you leave me hanging alone?

“P-paano na ako?” I whisper and shook my head weakly.

“Why did you choose her over me?”

---

“Ma…mmm….ma….pa,” I got back to my senses when I heard her speak.

I quickly carry her up and smile while I kiss her. “What did you just say little bunny?” I genuinely ask and swing her a bit.

“Mmmmm…” she looks at me and mumbles with her saliva falling from her lips which I immediately wipe up and smile at her.

“What did my little bunny say? Did you say, Mama?” I ask and filled her with tickly kisses that made her laugh.

“Hmmm..mmmm,” she was mumbling, “Yes, that’s it say Ma-Ma, Bunny,” I said and showed her my lips moves, so she can follow.

“Mmmm…pa…pa,” I stop dancing when she finally speaks again but she didn’t say Mama or Ma instead she said Pa, “Bunny, it’s supposed to be Maaamaaa… like this Ma- Ma,” I tried again.

But she just giggled at me and hug me, leans her face on my shoulder. “Hmmm…pa..mmmapapa,” she keeps on mumbling, I just sigh and grab my bag and wear my front baby carrier and put her in. “Ikuzo(Here we go)” I cheered which makes her giggle and went out of our house.

I walk on the bright street of Japan with this little bunny, who keeps on giggling and mumbling unconstructed words. She keeps saying Apapa, not Mama so disappointing and painful, knowing that she had no father at all.

I stop in the shop for chocolates and instantly went inside. “Ohayogonzaimasu(Goodmorning)” I greeted the old lady inside. “Ohayo(Goodmorning)” she gently said and keeps fixing the new stock of chocolates in her shop.

“Nani Hoshii ka?(What do you want?)” she asks.

“Beri Chokoreto(Berry Chocolates) “ I answered and grab the chocolates that I wanted to buy, and handed her the exact payment as I always do.

“Domo arigatogozaimasu (Thank you very much)” I said and bowed at her. “Doitashimashite (You’re welcome)” she said and smile. I handed one bar of packed chocolate to this little bunny and let her play with it.

“Anata wa sore ga sukidesuka? (Do you like it?)” I whisper at her while walking to the side of the street. “Hmmm,” she answers and wiggles the chocolate on her hands, and because of her small hands that didn’t fit the bar of chocolate, the chocolate slip on her little hands and falls on the floor.

“Ochiru (It fall)” I said and glace at it.

But suddenly someone picks it up for me and as I look at him. I gasp.

I stiffed, why?! I suddenly feel anger inside of me, he leaves and chooses other women over me and he has no right to know anything about Bunny anymore.

I grip on my baby carrier and cover her as much as I can and glare at this guy who’s standing in front of me, I feel so shocked right now, but I need to stand straight right in front of me, show him that I moved on already.

I need to protect my baby. “Nice to see you again Paige… is that my daughter?”

Chapter 1

Disclaimer: This story fiction name, characters, business, events, places, and incidents are produced by the author’s imagination or dreams, any resemblance to the actual persons or events is purely coincidental.

This story might contain mature scenes, and strong language that is not suitable for very young readers, please read this at your own risk.

This story is purely unedited and has lots of errors please if you have encountered a typo’s language error please bear with me, I will try my best to fix it at any moment. The other languages used in the story were translated using google.

This Series has six-story inside and it is not all about Law, as mentioned the Series names which Law of Attraction doesn’t mean that it’s about the law. Law of Attraction is

a universal principle that can be applied to all areas of your life, including relationships, which proposes that like attracts like. (google)

This is all about business and romance.

---

“January 10, 9:30 pm last night an accident happens in the near building of Delavine’s Condominuims. A family car crash through an uncontrolled track, Ayon sa mga nakasaksi ay lasing ang driver ng truck at mabilis itong magpatakbo, hindi napansin ang sasakyan ng pamilya na kaya nagdulot ito ng malaking trahedya sa harapan ng sikat na Condominuim ng Delavine. Patuloy iniimbistigahan ang pangyayari at kasalukuyang tumutulong ang Delavine sa pagpapalibing sa pamilyang namatay dahil sa trahedya.”

“Boring,” I whisper and turn off the 60 inches Television inside my brother’s room, I roam around his room and play with some of his stuff that I don’t have in my room.

I played with his dozen toys and gadgets, I usually do this when he’s out with mommy, I get the chance to play all I want inside his room which I see as a wonderland, filled with exciting stuff, not like my room had nothing but crowns and books. Tumatalon talon ako sa ibabaw ng sobrang lambot niyang kama, kahabang patuloy ang pagkain ng lollipop saking bibig. Hindi ko mapigilang ngumiti habang andito ako sa loob ng kanyang silid.

My brother has it all and I can’t help to admire all things that he had. My brother is the best guy in the world, so smart, and handsome and he had the personality my Mommy wanted. While here I’m enjoying my 3 hours playing inside his room and eating sweets, which my mommy band me to eat but who cares their all out of the house.

Ginawa ko lahat ng bagay na gusto kong gawin sa loob ng kwarto ni Kuya at pagsapit ng ala-sais ay agad akong nagligpit at nilinis ang kanyang kwarto, upang hindi mapansin ni Mommy na pumasok ako sa kwarto ni Kuya.

After cleaning everything, I ran to my room, quickly took a shower, and dried my hair, I also climb up on my study table to reach the book that my Mom assigned me to read before she leave. I this early age my Mom forced me to learn about business and things about the financials and advertising stuff which was unbelievably learned by an 11 years old girl like me.

I sat on my bed after getting it and open the book, I already read this last week and she wanted me to repeat it again so I just read the ending and check a modeling book. “How to introduce yourself,” I read the part I opened, and follow the guidelines.

“I, Delavine, Chantel Paige the daughter of Delavine’s, 11 years of age. Graduated from International Reisse Academy as an elementary student…ahm, I like modeling, taking pictures, and posing in front of the camera. I also like chocolates but I can’t, ok this is not right I should read this again,” I said and put the modeling book aside and read the business book again.

I lay on the bed while reading but instantly stand up when I heard my parent’s car outside, “They’re here,” I whisper and fix my seat like a gentle girl.

I also took a smell or sniff on my breath using my palm to check it still smell like a lollipop, “Oh no..” I hissed, and hurriedly run to reach the mouth wash in the bathroom.

Dahil sa kakamadali ay ininom ko na ang mouth wash at agad bumalik sa pagkakaupo sa kama. The exact moment I seat properly my room’s door open and showed my Mother with her elegant LV coat and silk dress underneath.

“Mommy,” I gently said and look at her. “Did you stay here the whole time?” bungad nito sa akin at hindi pinansin ang aking pagbati. I smile and nodded at her.

“Ok, Cadmus and I already ate dinner so you should wait for your dad and eat dinner with him, I’ll be resting in my room… we’ll talk tomorrow,” walang gana nitong sambit, Mommy looks tired so I just nodded and let her leave.

As the door closes, I let out a heavy sigh and put the book on the side table, lay on the bed, and cover my eyes using my arms. “You said that we’ll eat together,” I whisper, kasabay non’ ay ang pagtunog ng aking tyan.

I’m hungry, all I eat this morning is Lollipops up to noon, my tummy is longing for a great meal but just like what Mommy said I’ll wait for Daddy. I glance at the wall clock and smile seeing that it’s already quarter to 9 pm, so any moment now Daddy will be here, I can wait.

I just read books again just to kill time…

9:30 pm

10:00 pm

10:30 pm

11:00 pm

12:00 am

“Daddy, where are you? I’m hungry,” I whisper while lying on the bed and looking at the ceiling, my eyelids seem to feel heavy that this moment and I tried my best to open my eyes but slowly I feel so sleepy already.

But still, I’m hungry. “Daddy, I’m hungr—–,” before I know I fell asleep. Kinabukasan, gumising ako sa alarm clock na sinet ni Mommy simula 7 years old ako, as I stand up my stomach aches and I feel so empty inside my tummy.

I went straight to my bathroom and fix myself like my Mommy said, after that, I run downstairs and saw all our maids back again, yesterday was their break so I was the only one staying inside the house.

“Yaya!!!!” I shouted and run to her, hugging her tightly. “Ay nako kang bata ka, matumba tayo,” natatawang sambit ni Yaya Carmen habang inaayos ang aking nagulong buhok.

I look at her and smile widely, “Yaya, I mishuuuuuu,” I said and pouted so hard. She laughs and pinches my cheeks. “Nako kang bata ka, binobola mo pa si Yaya ah,” she said.

“Yaya, I’m hungry na po,” I said while I was about to cry, I suddenly felt like crying because I miss her, I’m sure if she’s here yesterday I would eat a lot even without Mommy and Daddy. “Hindi ka ba kumain kagabi?” nag-aalalang tanong nito sakin at hinaplos ang aking mukha, I slowly nodded.

“Nako, sinasabi ko na nga ba’t mangyayari ito, hala sige tara sa loob,” she pulls me inside the kitchen and gives me a piece of the pancake while she’s cooking the main breakfast. While eating, I went to the refrigerator to get some water but I saw a box of matcha-cake inside so I quickly get it and put it on the breakfast table inside the kitchen.

“Wow,” I whisper and quickly open it and take a big slice. “Hmmm…” I was enjoying the cake when, “Chantel!!!!” the fork slip into my hands, and slowly look at my Mom, who was currently standing at the door.

“M-mommy,” fear suddenly run all over my body and my hands trembled as she glared at me with her flaming eyes.

“What did I tell you!!! don’t fucking eat sweets!!! It’s not good for you modeling!” she shouted. “Mo-momm-my, s-sorry,” I tried my best to talk but my fear is eating my words.

“You disobey me again, because of that, you will not eat breakfast and lunch to lose those calories that you gain from that cake!!! Get out of here!!!!” My Mom’s voice was the scariest sound that I hear, I glance at Yaya Carmen before I leave the kitchen and run through the garden.

While running tears and trembling hands are attacking me, I still feel so hungry but I choose to follow my Mom’s punishment and stay here in the garden. I cried, even more, when I reach the wide garden here in our house, wiping the icing on the side of my lips and licking it while continuously crying.

“Sobs I’m so…so hungry,” I said while crying, my stomach aches so much. “I sobs want t-to ea—–,” I was cut out when someone showed up behind those large bushes here in the garden.

I stiffed and saw a guy, wiping his cheeks while his eyes were red and a bit swollen. He walks through my place and grabbed something from his pocket and handed me a chocolate bar. I don’t know what to do but I accept the chocolate without eave thinking, but still, my eyes were still locked on his face.

His handsome and seems older than me, his height is just like my brother’s height. But wait why his here inside our garden?? “sob Who are y-you?” I ask. He didn’t answer but he just stared at me instead.

He looks so sad, wait paano siya nakapasok sa bahay namin? I don’t remember any of our workers here had child-like him…

“Bakit ka andito sa garden namin ah!!!?” I ask with a suspicious look, inspecting his whole features. I think he’s not a theft because he looks powerless, and he can’t fight with all our guards here, but what if he is?! I instantly took a step backward and hug the chocolate….“Are you a the––,”

“Chantel!!!” I was cut out when my brother showed up calling me and standing beside me. “Here’s your food hide it from Mom,” he said and handed me a bento box. I smile and grab it, hiding it underneath my shirt.

“You meet him already I guess,” My brother said, his pertaining through this guy in front.

“No,” I said. “He’s Kace.”

Chapter 2

“You meet him already I guess,” My brother said, his pertaining through this guy in front. “No,” I said. “He’s Kace,” he said, I glance at this boy in front of me and frowned.

“Kace?” I utter while wiping my tears up. “Yes Kace Lennon, he’ll be staying here in our house,” I automatically face my brother when he said those words. Why?!

My brother notices my expression so he chuckled and put both of his hands inside his pockets and nodded to the guy in front. They communicate using their eyes and started to walk inside the house leaving me dumbfounded.

The guy is really mysterious, a while ago he look so easy to talk to, but suddenly changes when my brother came and they know each other, is he my brother’s friend from his school?

I ignored them and look at this chocolate bar that he gave me, I look back at the house and when I saw nothing is around, I run behind those bushes where the guy hid a while ago. I sat on the grass and open this yummy chocolate bar together with my bento box; I wish mom won’t see me here.

As I open the bento box I automatically smile and lick my lower lips, “Wow”, I whisper and smell the meal inside, I’m super-duper hungry. I was literally hiding while enjoying this yummy food they gave me, I always got into this kind of situation so I’m so used to it hiding while eating and disobeying my Mother’s punishment for food.

After finishing the meal, I hurriedly run through the maid’s headquarters and run inside Yaya Carmen’s room. She always left it open because she knows that I’ll be here after getting punished. I hide here until my mom puts his attention on my Brother again and forgets about me.

Yaya also left a dishwashing liquid here inside her room so I can wash my bento box inside the bathroom sink. After cleaning the bento box I will just play here inside here small room and wait until it’s midnight. Hindi na ako kumain ng lunch at dinner dahil iyon ang rules ni Mommy, but I’m fine I already eat this morning.

I can survive hunger until tomorrow, isa pa may tira pa ako nitong chocolate bar, I can eat this little by little. 9:30 pm I step out of Yaya’s room and took the shortcut into my room’s terrace, I climb on the fire exit and jump into my room’s terrace. I’m wearing a dress while climbing and putting my feet up the railings when the other room’s door opened and the guy from the garden showed up.

He stops and stares at me with a blank face, I stiffed and he quickly avoided his gaze at me, then I realize that my dress lift up a little bit it showing my short shorts underneath my dress, so I rush climbing and fall on the terrace floor. “Ouch!!!” I said.

Hinihimas-himas ko ang aking balakang at dahan-dahang tumayo, as I stand my gaze got back to him but this time he was not looking at me, instead his gazing at the dark night sky.

I stare at him and scan his features, he has bright skin like my brother, neat but wavy hair, a pointed nose, thick brows, and thin lips with a pinkish color. His eyes shine like the moonlight connects with them. “Hey,” I said and try to get his attention but he ignored it and continues looking at the sky.

“Pss sungit,” I whisper and enter my room, as I enter I remember the chocolate bar in my pocket, “Ohhh nooo,” I whisper after seeing it crash, naupuan ko nong bumagsak ako.

Wala akong nagawa kung hindi itapon ito at magpatuloy na sa banyo, I took a night shower and sing inside the bathroom. Whenever I stay here in my bathroom I feel so me, free with anything I want to do, free from Mommy’s rules. I always spent an hour every time I took a night shower, “Lalalalaaaaaa….hayeahhhhh,”

I keep singing until I finish and dress in my pajamas and run, jumping on my bed. “Owww!” I groaned when my hips hit the bed because compared to my brother’s bed, my bed is harder because just like my mom said, this will help for my proper posture.

So, many rules!!!

I choose to sleep instead of thinking about my aching hips… then tomorrow in the morning I wake up and do the morning routine and run to the kitchen to eat but I end up seeing mom watching the maids prepare the meal so I quickly step out and run to the living room to watch T.v.

While watching I glance at the stare case and saw my brother talking with the guy from yesterday, they look so serious while talking about something, and I focused my gaze on the Kace guy. He looks so blank like a test paper that has no answers. His eye has no expression at all.

I started to get curious about him and why Is he staying here in our house, we ate breakfast and end up with mom and dad giving him a lot of food and continuously asking him to take more, while they gave me a bit piece.

“Mommy, I want that chick––,” I was cut off when, “No, you can’t here eat this insated,” nanlulumo kong tinignan ang nilagay na gulay ni Mommy sa plato ko at masamang tinignan ang plato nong Kace na yon na punong-puno ng masasarap na pagkain.

So unfair!!! I ate my food with frowned eyes and after breakfast, they resume talking, four of them in the living room. Dad, Mommy, Kuya and that Kace… I don’t know what they are talking about because I’m still stuck on the fact I ate vegetables and he ate yummy food.

I glance at him and when he looks back at me, I immediately glare at him and stick my tongue out. but instead of glaring back he just gazes at me with no expression in his eyes and slowly looks back at my parents.

I thought his gonna fight back but he just ignored my rude attitude, I also catch him bitterly smiling when my parents make him laugh. “What’s with this guy?” I whisper and slowly leave them in the living room and run to the kitchen to sneak some snacks.

After getting all the snacks I want, I hide them in my pockets and run to my room, I hide it all under my bed and when I was about to go out to get some more, I stop when dad showed up in front of me, “Daddy!!!” gulat kong sambit at ngumiti sa kanya.

His glaring gaze make me tremble and feared my whole body. “Did I just see you hiding food under your bed young lady!!!” mapanganib nitong sambit.

I automatically shake when he said, “D-daddy I’m so-sorry,” I said while trembling so much.

I almost shout and cover my face when he started to move his hands, I thought his going to hit me but instead of hitting me, he showed his hands filled with chocolates and candies. My eyes widened when I see those, my dad suddenly smiles, “Shhhhh” he gestured to make a silent move before we enter my room and make sure to lock it.

I can’t help but to smile so wide when he gives me all these sweets, “I brought that from Japan yesterday, hide it in a very safe place so you won’t get caught by Mommy, ok,” my dad said pat my head.

“Thank you, Daddy!!!!” shouted in a whispering way and hugged him so tight. “You’re welcome my princess,” he said while chuckling, we both sat on my bed and talk about funny things. “Daddy, who’s that Kace? Is he Kuya’s friend?” I ask out of curiosity. “Ohh yes, he’s your brother’s friend and classmate also,” Dad answered.

“Why is he staying here in our house, does he don’t have parents and a house?! Naglayas ba siya sakanila Daddy? Is he a bad guy just like in the movies?” sunod-sunod kong tanong, but my dad just laughed at me.

“No princess, Kace is staying here because he already lost his family; his parents die due to a car accident. No one is left to be with him,” my dad said while combing my hair. “Car Accident Daddy, is that the accident in front of our condo, the news yesterday?” I ask.

“Yes Princess, it’s his birthday he was waiting for his family that day before the accident, he was living on one of the units in our condo and his family is coming to visit him but end up with that accident and die. His sister, mother, and father my friend Cedrick die so I volunteer to be his guardian,” that’s the reason why he’s like that.

“Dad, are you going to adopt him?” I ask. “I want to but he doesn’t want to, he said he will just stay here until he graduated college and work for us” I was shocked at that young age he decision for himself that instant, and, he’s sure about that already.

“So, I want you to understand him ok, he will be staying here, don’t worry has a nice kid and is so smart try to be friends with him so he would feel comfortable here ok” my Dad pat my head and continue talking things about this Kace guys.

I pity him for losing his family at an early age but I’m amazed at how he still carries on and stands like his as a strong guy. The next day, I end up looking at him most of the time, because I’m so curious if he’s sad or what, because he’s always so blank and expressionless.

He’s currently reading right now so I hide here behind the door in the living room and watch him read. “Is he sad or what?” I whisper but quickly look at the stare case when I heard a noise but there’s nothing up there.

When I look back at him his not there anymore. So I step inside the reading room to find him.

“Where is he?” I whisper and look around the place. “Did he just disappeared––,” I was cut out when he suddenly showed up in front of me with his dark stares.

“Looking for someone?” he speaks!!! My eyes widened.

Chapter 3

“Looking for someone?” panong andito siya agad sa harap ko, saan siya galing? Nanlaki at puno ng pagkagulat ang aking mga mata, I stiffed dew to his sudden appearance. “Hahahaha I-I w-was l-looking for a b-book,” I excuse and avoid his blank gaze.

He remains silent and just stared at me, so I felt uneasy and took a step backward. What should I do next? Did he catch me watching him? Should I act normal? What to do???

“Ahhh…yeah, I just want to say thank you for the cho––,” I stop when he just walks past me like I was not starting to have a conversation with him. Naiwan akong nakatulala dito sa silid, hindi niya man lang ako pinatapos magsalita. When I look back his already gone, “Bastos,” I whisper with frowned brows.

So the whole day I continue spying on him and watching his expression. Dad said he lost his family so I want to see him sad. I know it’s weird, to want someone to feel sad, but I just feel that he needs it so he can let go of his family.

I feel sad for him; I know it pains him a lot, knowing that he is the only one alive and all his family are dead already. I know that Kace guys are just keeping it inside and didn’t want to show any weakness at this moment.

“I want to be friends with him,” I whisper while watching him eat dinner with us. He didn’t talk the whole meal so I just stared at him the whole time. After eating I followed him sneakily through the garden and watch him play with a necklace while staring at the night sky.

I don’t know but I suddenly felt so interested in him I want to be friends with him, I want to comfort him because he lose his family, I know he’s sad right now but he doesn’t want anyone to know how he feels. I just watch him for an hour and he didn’t do anything but play with the necklace and watch the dark sky and bright moon.

“Ouch,” I whisper and hissed when insects started to bite my legs, I didn’t make any noises but still, I started to get red marks on my thighs and legs.

“Oh no,” I whisper. Patuloy akong busy sa pagaasikaso ng mga kagat sa hita ko ng—

“You better go inside,” Kace said in front of me before he enters the house with a blank expression. “Oo nga, mayayari ako into,” I answered and still busy scratching my legs but—–, my eyes widened when I realize who I talk too, agad akong sumilip sa iuupuan niya at wala na siya doon. Siya nga ang nakausap ko pumasok na siya! Alam niyang andito ako!!!

I just did a facepalm because of my careless actions,  I surely know that he notice me following him the whole day. Pagpasok ko sa loob ng bahay agad ko siyang hinanap at kakamadali ko sa paghahanap sakanya ay may nakabanggaan ako.

“Ay sorr—–,” I was cut out when I saw Mommy standing in front of me and her eyes were locked on my legs. Oh, shoot! I’m dead! “What the fuck is that Chantel Paige Delavine?!” I almost cover my ears because of Mommy’s loud voice. Her eyes were burning with anger already and I know she was mad right now.

“A-hmmm,” I don’t know what to say. “Didn’t I tell you to be careful with your body? how are you supposed to attend the photoshoot with that kind of legs, Chantel?!!!” I don’t know what to answer so I just shook my head as an act of apologizing.

“Because of that, I need to re-schedule that fucking photoshoot again! you are so careless, that so stupid Chantel!!!”  she shouted and pushes me lightly so she can walk passes through me.

I was holding looking at the floor when she walks through, “and, another one Chantel, you are grounded until tomorrow evening, don’t you ever go outside of your room, do you understand?” pahabol ni Mommy bago pumasok ng kwarto.

I was left alone here in the hallway and when I raise my head up I saw Kuya and Kace standing on the edge of the hallway, because of embarrassment I urged a small smile at them before I run to my room. My heart is aching but I choose to smile and just read books, Mommy was just worried about my modeling carrier that’s why she reacted like that.

Kinabukasan nagising ako sa sinag ng araw mula saking bintana at gaya nga ng sinabi ni Mommy hindi ako lumabas ng aking kwarto at hindi dinalhan ng breakfast, sa tingin ko pinagbawalan sila Yaya na dalhan ako ng pagkain.

I just seat on the terrace and watch the beauty of the morning, “It seems like I’m on a diet again haha,” I joked to myself and laugh.

Then I was right the whole day they didn’t give me the right food only water and vegetable, which I hated to eat at this moment because I feel like a goat while eating them. So, I choose to play inside my room, read books and take a long shower inside the bathroom.

Pinalabas lang ako nila Yaya, when they have already finished the dinner, and everyone is in their room. I ate dinner on my own. After eating ako narin ang nagligpit ng pinagkainan ko dahil pinapasok na nila Mommy sila Yaya sa kwarto nila.

After washing the dishes I grab some milk from the ref. and when upstairs with a glass of milk in my hands. Pagdating ko sa tapat ng kwarto ko I saw a one piece of chocolate bar on the floor in front of my door.

I quickly look around before hurriedly getting it and going inside the room, “Is this from my brother?” I ask, and a wide smile suddenly flashes to my face, run to my bed and drink my milk with this yummy chocolate bar.

“Thank you, Kuya,” I whisper.

I sleep well that night and woke up, do my morning routine, and meet Daddy downstairs. He’s reading his files from work I guess.

“Daddy!!!” I said and give him a peck of a kiss on his cheeks. “Hello princess,” He greeted and smile at me, I seated on his side and smiled at him either.

Kasabay non’ ay ang pagbaba ni Kuya kasama si Kace, I haven’t seen him for a day yesterday so I feel happy that he looks fine right now, also his talking with Kuya like a carefree guy and his enjoying the conversation, I wonder what are they talking about I wanna join tho.

We all seat in the dining area, Mommy wasn’t here because she had a meeting dad said, so we ate just the four of us and they all talk about business and I stayed silent and observed Kace the whole time. But, this time I make it lowkey so he won’t notice me.

“By the way Chantel, I have good news!” Daddy suddenly opens a conversation with me, so I quickly look at him.

I look at him with a question mark on my face and my mouth filled with pancakes. He chuckled before he speaks again.

“You’re going to the same University with your brother and Kace since you turned in High school now,” I thought I’ll continue my high school at my old school.

“But Daddy, I don’t know that school, I don’t have friends there,” I said. “No worries, Kase and Cadmus are there.”

“Their fourth year already Daddy how can they supposed to be my friend there, if we’re not on the same level?” puno ng pagaalangan kong sambit.

“No worry your brother might be busy with school but Kace will be there he’ll stay with you all the time right Kace?” Nakangiting sambit ni Dad, Kace glanced at Daddy and casually nodded before he glance at me and give me those blank expressions again.

“I’ll stay with you,” he said.

Chapter 4

“Daddy and that Kace was a liar,” I whisper while standing alone here in front of the University.

“Minami International University,” I read the name of the university while watching a hundred students walking inside the campus, while I was left alone here standing and trembling in front of the main gate. This was a big environment for me, and I feel uneasy about this. I don’t know what to do? Where to go?

“That liar, may pa I’ll stay with you pa pero iniwan din pala ako!!” when I woke up this morning, Yaya Carmen said that Kuya and that Kace went to school early for something important, kaya kinailangan kong pumunta dito mag-isa.

Our family driver sent me in and leaves me alone as soon as I step out of our car.

This was my first day in high school and I can say this already, I don’t like it here. I feel like no one’s like me here. As I started walking inside the campus a lot of the girls out there, were staring and glaring at me I don’t know why.

Tiningnan ko ang suot kong uniform, there’s nothing wrong with it they look the same as them, why are they staring at me, did I do something wrong?

I tried to ignore their glares and smile at them, I want to make friends not enemies. “Hi are you a new student?” someone suddenly pops up in front of me and smiles at me widely.

He’s wearing a football uniform and he has a little bit of sweat on his forehead. Then he has a friend behind him who’s currently smiling at me either. “Ahm hi, y-yes” I answer and took a step backward, his too close.

“First-year level?” one guy behind him ask, I nodded as an answer but I notice a lot of girls behind them are murmuring something and glaring at me.

“What’s your name then?” this guy in front asks and took a step closer.

Dahil sa biglang paglapit niya ay mabilis akong umatras at kasabay non ay ang pagbangga ng likod ko sa pader. “Ay!” I said but the wall moved and held my arms to support my weight.

Wait, what?! The walls have arms!? I look back and I was wrong it wasn’t a wall it’s a liar. “Kace?” I utter and saw my brother show up behind Kace.

“Ahh!!!Omg !!!!!” I almost cover my ears when a lot of girls started shouting and smiling. The atmosphere here suddenly becomes cold, and when I look back at the three football guys they step backward and urge an awkward smile with my brother who’s silently staring at them.

“Roy, ikaw pala haha b-bakit kayo Nandito?” The guy asks.

“What did you call me?” My brother steps in front of me and asks the guy while this guy behind me, the liar still holds my arms. I suddenly feel irritated, so I avoided his hand and move away from him.

Sinungaling siya! He just looks at me blankly as I roll my eyes at him and look back at my brother.

“R-Roy,” kinakabahang sambit nong football player. “I didn’t remember allowing such a weak football player to call me in my second name, didn’t I Kace?” Kuya puts his hands on his pocket and glances at Kace a little bit as he asks.

“You didn’t allow anyone” Kace speaks and casually glances at me, but I glared at him and look away. “S-sorry Ro—I mean Pres, it won’t happen again,” kinakabahang sambit nito at tumalikod na.

Pres? Ah yeah, I remember my brother was the student President here. “Wait,” Kuya speaks which makes them stop and look back at us with fear on their faces.

“I don’t want any of you getting near to her, understand!” He said and the guys hurriedly nodded and walk back to the football field.

After that, I look around and I feel like, my life was a death threat because of the glares raining on me. Every girl glares at me and snubs me, even more, all of a sudden.

“Welcome to my territory sister” I look back at my Brother when he said that without even looking at me and started walking, Kace followed him and when he notice that I wasn’t moving in my place he glance at me and to a hand gestured.

He signed me to follow him with his pointed finger. I frowned and glared at him but I did what he said I followed them until we reach my signature room. “That’s your homeroom starting today, make friends ok,” Kuya said and pat my head.

“My hair!” I hissed because my hair got messy a little bit. “My bad, let’s go,” Kuya said and talk to Kace, he started walking and this Kace look at me before he followed my brother. What’s with him, he keeps looking at me this often, does he feel guilt?

“Yeah, that’s right feel guilty! I’ll stay; I’ll stay ka pa dyan!! Sumbong kita kay Dad eh!” I whisper while making faces. But I realize that this wasn’t me, I never get mad at anyone.

But this guy makes me feel angry!! Binaliwala ko nalang ang aking iniisip at pumasok sa silid ng may maaliwalas na ngiti. Everyone look at me so I hurriedly choose the seat at the back to avoid their stares, and as the class started the homeroom advisor Miss Glenda make me stand in front to introduce myself.

“Come on introduce you, beautiful lady,” She said.

I smile before started talking, “Hi, Delavine, Chantel Paige. You can call me Chantel or Paige, I’m eleven years of age turning 12 next month and I was from International Reisse Academy, I graduated there as an honor student and actively model of the school and I hope to do the same thing here, nice to meet you all” I said and smile again, but my smile slowly disappear when they all just stared at me and some of them are whispering something, and I guess it’s about me. They seem didn’t like me here either, but no Chantel don’t be so negative they like you they’re just shocked by your presence like what mom said everyone stares at me at first and admires me after.

“Welcome to Minami University Miss Delavine, are you some kind of related to Cadmus Delavine?” She asks.

“Yes, he’s my brother” I answered. “Oh, I see, have a seat have seat, iha,” she suddenly speaks softly and guides me to my seat which I feel awkward a little bit. “Another special treatment I see,” the girl from the other table whispered and roll her eyes at me.

I just ignore it and listen as the class started. “Ok class, I know it’s too early for this but I want you to group yourself into two and make a self-portrait with your partners and it will be passed on Wednesday ok, feel free to choose your partner to dismiss.” Miss Glenda said and leave the room, I quickly look around and watch everyone to group their self, I waited for someone to find a partner but all of them have their partner and no one left for me.

“Sorry Transferee the head counts fit us already, you have to do the task alone,” one of my classmates said and they all started walking out of the room. Tama siya sakto ang head counts sa kanila, may isa talagang mag-iisa at ako yon, “Looks like I have a group task with myself haha,” I whisper before I fix my things and ready to go home.

“Oh my gosh!” I said when I was about to step out of the room when Kace suddenly showed up leaning on the wall. “You startled me!” I whisper and fix my hair.

“Let’s go,” he said and removes strands of hair on my face before he walks first. I just look at him for a second and follow him after, so this is what he means by I’ll stay with you hatid sundo pala ako.

Nakarating kami ng parking lot ng hindi nag-uusap at naabutan si kuya sa look ng sasakyan na busy sa pagbabasa sa tablet niya.

“Hi Kuya,” I greeted him as I enter. “Low,” he answered without even looking. “Wow, I said and put my bag on my lap. Kace seated on the shotgun seat, sa tabi ng driver. Manong strated to the engine when Kace said. after a few minutes nakarating na din kami sa bahay at agad sinalubong ni Mommy si Kuya mula sa loob.

“Cad my son look I saw a great resort on Zambales, this is very great for a vacation look,” Pinakita ni Mommy ang ipad niya kay Kuya at nag scrolls ng mga pictures. I joined them and look at the pictures.

“Wow, mommy this vacation will be fun!!!” I said excitingly while looking at the pictures. “You’re not coming to Chantel, you have schedules for modeling the new issues of teens perfume of our company, Cad will go there alone to rest” I stop and look at mommy when she said that.

“Isn’t it nice son,” Balik ni Mommy kay Kuya, Kuya just nodded at her and walk pass through her after.

“I already reserve you a big suit for three days their son!!” Pahabol ni Mom kay Kuya, when she looked at me her smile suddenly faded and speak, “You, don’t eat too much chicken for dinner you have to be ready for the shoot ok!!!” she said and leave.

I smile and said, “Ok, Mommy,” alam kong hindi niya na iyon narinig dahil pumasok siya sa office room niya dito sa baba. My smile fade away after and started to walk upstairs, I fix myself and started to plan what portrait should I do. “I forgot! I don’t know how to draw portraits!!!!” I whisper and mess my hair up.

“Chantel dinner is ready iha bumamaba ka na,” I heard Yaya Carmen said front the door, inayos ko muna ang gamit ko bago tumuloy sa baba.

“Wow!!!!” I said and look all the yummy food served on the table. I was seated and was about to get my food but Mom suddenly food a plate in front of me with a lot of vegetable salad and dressing.

“That’s your meal for tonight, gotta be ready for the modeling, it’s now or never,” Mom said and started eating, I just smile at her and follow what she said, it’s for you Chantel. I eat the salad while they ate the yummy dinner, pagkatapos kumain umakyat agad ako ng kwarto but still I feel hungry.

“Oh Lord bless me with a drawing talent just for this moment please!!!” I shouted inside my room, I don’t know what am I gonna do with this task at school.

Maya maya lang ay bumukas ang pinto ng aking kwarto, I stiffed when I saw Kace standing in front of my door.

I fix my seat and ask, “What?” He throws something at me and I quickly catch it, it’s a chocolate bar again. “Meet me in the garden with your drawing kit,” He said.

“What?” I don’t get it. “I’ll draw you.”

Chapter 5

“I’ll Draw you,” He said and started walking. “Ano?!” gulat kong sambit at sumunod sakanya dala-dala ang sketch pad ko at pati narin ang pencil case ko.

“You have task right, Portrait, I’ll help you Cadmus said you don’t know how to draw tho” Casual nitong sambit at tinignan sandali bago nagpatuloy sa paglalakad. “Hoy hindi ah marunong kaya ako!!!” I said and run towards him so we can walk together.

He just remains to stare on the way and keeps his blank face and hands in his pockets. “Really?” he asks with a sarcastic tone. “Oo kaya, drawing pa kita d’yan, I mean I’m capable of doing things on my own naman and I’m good that everything!” I suddenly boost myself even though I’m not this proud of my abilities.

Bakit pagsakanya pakiramdam ko ayaw kong natatalo. He stops stalking, kaya tumama ako sa balikat n’ya. “Ouch!!!” I haze and touch my forehead. “You’re really good at it,” he said, what does he mean? “What?” I ask and raise my gaze at him.

“You’re good at acting like everything is fine with you, then if your that good at drawing, you don’t need my help anymore go back to your room and ask your groupmates about your amazing drawing,” he blankly said and turn his back on me, I suddenly shook my head and his words hit me big time.

He started walking away from me. “Wait!” I said without even looking at him, I knew he stop because I can hear his footsteps stop. I raise my head and our gaze met, I suddenly felt teary when I face him and speak. “I don’t have groupmates.”

He remains staring and does not respond to what I say, he likes waiting for me to tell more.

“Alright, I don’t know how to draw,” why is it hard for me to admit it when it’s him? He just stares at me, still no response. “Are you deaf I said I don’t know how to draw,” sabi ko at iniwasan ang kanyang mag tingin.

Hindi pa ’rin siya nagsasalita ay casual lang akong tinitigan at pinasok sa bulsa ang magkabilang kamay. “Hey!!!” I said and start walking close to him again when I stop in front of him he look a bit down because he was taller than me and I look up at him with frowned brows.

This is not the nice Daughter of Mommy! This is not the usual Chantel.

This guy making me so different, “Hoy sinabi ko na ngang hindi ako marunong magdrawing bakit hindi ka pa nagsasalita dyan? Yeah, I’m not good at drawing but I’m good at baking, dancing, and singing and I do great at modeling!!! Hoy hindi ka ba magsasalita dyan? Do I need to translate it into English so you can understand ––,” I saw cut off when he grab my sketch pad and put it in my face before he turn his back and walk again?

“Talk less, ask for help. Isn’t that hard?” I heard him whisper and enter the Garden.

“What does he say? Talk less and what???” I ask myself before following him through the garden.

We both seated on the garden table set and put my things there, he just wait for me to fix all before he reach for the sketch bat and one charcoal pen.

“Alam mo ba ang gagawin mo?” I ask and cross my arms in front of my chest, looking at him with a smirk. “Yeah, Miss Glenda was my former homeroom advisor” He proudly said with a blank face.

“Ah, ok,” sagot ko at umupo sa harap niya. He started doing the drawing by glancing at me and putting his other feet above the other one so he can put the edge of the sketch pad on his knees.

I suddenly feel awkward by him keeps on looking at my face. “Teka hindi ba ako malalagot niyan if sarili ko ang idradrawing, it’s too obvious na pinagawa ko lang iyan sa iba.”

“That’s how school works, let others do things for you then take the credits,” He said casually. “No! I don’t want that, I want to do it on my own you’ll teach me!” Buong tapang kong sambit.

He looks at me and urges his lips before he stands up and goes beside me and grabs the chair, sat close to me, handed me the sketch pad, and lifts my other hand to grab the pen.

I stiffed and my eyes literally widened, by his sudden movement.

“Ok, I’ll teach you first you have to start the base life on the face, like this,” he said and she show me all how it works by guiding my hands, and after showing me the tricks he sat in front of me and read a book.

“Now start drawing me,” he said and focuses on what his reading. Nanatili akong nakanga-nga pero ng marealize ko ang sinabi niay ay agad din akong nagsimula magdrawing, I’m a fast leaner so I’m sure I can do this.

And he shows me the easy steps, and it’s so easy to follow. “So who do you find our family?” I ask to crack the silence. “Too ruled by your mom,” he said like it’s nothing, what does he mean by that. “What did you say?” I ask and focusing on his eyes. “Nothing.”

“You know you’re so straightforward, I know what you mean by that. My mom is very bossy talaga sometimes, I mean every time but it’s for the better naman kaya we follow and kaya siya over protective sa akin because I’m her favorite kasi haha..” I said and chuckled a little bit.

“Cadmus was her favorite not you” nagulat ako sa sobrang talas ng bibig nitong lalakeng ito. “Hahaha no mothers don’t have favorites kaya,”

“You just mention it a while ago” he said, “Hoy hindi kaya ang ibig kong sabihin I was mommy’s favorite daughter and Kuya was his favorite son!!!” pagpapaliwanag ko.

“As if you had other siblings to compete with tss,” he said, what’s with this guy it’s so irritating. “Ok I’ll change the topic nalang, so I don’t have friends on school, so I want to be friend with you,” pagiiba ko ng topic at ngumiti sakanya, nasa kalahati ng ako ng drawing ko.

“No,” that is so straightforward. “Ok, let’s make a deal if I draw you right, just like what you teach me we’ll befriend and if not the no” he just nodded like he’s so done with me and after that he didn’t speak but I continue, I keep telling him stuffs and other stories about my former school.

“Done!!!” saka ko lang ulit naagaw ang atensyon niya ng matapos ko na ang portrait ko sakanya.

He stands up from his seat and walks beside me and checks my sketch, I draw him perfectly fine just like what he teaches. “Not bad,” he said and nodded a little bit. “Our deal!!!” Pagpapa-alala ko sakanya at tinignan siya ng diretso. “Fine, go to your room and sleep,” he said and walk inside the house.

“Friends na tayo ah!!!!” I shouted and run inside the house.

Wednesday comes and unexpectedly I got the highest grade for our first task to Miss Glenda, Because of that, I received a compliment from her in front of the class. But I just make it worst, mas lalo ata akong inayawan ng mag kaklase kong babae dahil ang sama ng tingin nila sakin nang ipakita ko ang portrait ko.

“How was the portrait?” Kace ask as I went out of our room and sabay kaming naglakad papunta ng parking kung saan naghihintay si Kuya. “It was fine, you know what I got the highest score thank to yo—,” hindi ko nagawang tapusin ang sasabihin ko ng may bumanga saking balikat mula sa likod, I fell on the floor.

“Ouch!” I shouted when my knee hurts, Kace quickly held my arms and help me stand but I end up seeing my knee bleed. There’s a small piece of cracked glass on the floor that causes my knee to bleed. “Oh no,” I whisper, while Kace saw it too.

“Oops sorry,” the girl who bump me said and leave. “Tsss!” Kace hissed and hurriedly carry me. “Hey! I can walk!” I said. “It’s not that bad, just a small bruise,” he said, ignoring what I’d said and keep glancing at my bleeding knees.

“Fuck, what happen?” salubong ni Kuya sa amin at agad akong pinasok sa loob ng sasakyan.

I saw Kace hurriedly run to the shotgun seat and ask our driver to drive while he handed the first aid kit to my brother. “Cad,” he said and Kuya quickly get it from him.

“Ouch, kuya!” paginda ko sa kirot ng pagdampi ng alcohol sa tuhod ko. “Shhh,” Kuya said and focuses on cleaning my bruises.

Pagdating sa bahay ay agad akong bumababa ng sasakyan, I saw how Kace stand behind me to guide me. As my brother opens the door my eyes widened when Mom showed up in front of the door.

“Son,” she greeted Kuya and hugs him, then her eyes landed on my knees. Her soft expression suddenly changes and became mad. “What is that Chantel!!!”

Chapter 6

“What is that Chantel!!!” she shouted and pulls me inside the house.

“DIDN’T I TELL YOU TO TAKE CARE OF YOUSELF——”

“Mom that’s not serious it’s just bruised, she got from school it’s normal” Kuya tried to help me.

“She had another photoshoot tomorrow!!!” mom said and glare at me.

“Overreacting, tsk” Kuya haze and walk away from here. Mommy looks at him before she looks back at me and says, “You never listen to me, Chantel! You always do things that are against my rules! Didn’t I tell you, you’re going to be the face of Delavine’s Scent in the future, why are you so careless? you never made me feel proud!!!” I shook my head as my mom let out hurtful words.

“S-sor—”

“You are always disappointing me!!!” she shouted and walk out.

As she leaves, tears suddenly fall from my eyes and my bruises ache so bad that make me cry harder. I know that this pain in my chest wasn’t really from the bruises on my knees but from the bruises of my heart.

I disappointed her again.

I wipe my tears using my arms, paika-ika akong naglakad paakyat ng kwarto ko at doon nagkulong. I cry longer than I expected and hug myself on my bed. “I wish I was good like Kuya so I won’t disappoint mommy” I whisper.

I cried a lot until I didn’t realize that I fell asleep.

Nagising nalang ako ng makarinig ng sasakyan sa labas, papungas-pungas akong tumayo at tumuloy sa bintana upang silipin ito. It’s Dad going out of the country again. I glance at the walk clock and it’s already 1 in the morning and I haven’t eaten dinner.

As I think of that my stomach suddenly remembers that their hungry too, I walk downstairs and all the lights were off. Mommy is probably backed in their room to sleep again.

I went to the kitchen and saw nothing on the fridge, no cooked meal left for me. I guess mom did that again my punishment is back.

I just grab some bottled water and drink, I can last until tomorrow with water. Babalik nalang ako sa pagtulog ko para makalimutang gutom ako.

“Hey,”

“Ay—hmf! Oh my gosh you startled,” I almost shout buti nalang natakpan ko agad ang bibig ko, I whisper at him with a death glare.

He look into my knees before he gaze at me, “Come to my room,” he said and walk out of the kitchen.

What did he say? Sa kwarto niya bakit?

I followed him even if I’m still confused but as we enter his simple and manly room, I automatically smile and look at him with so much excitement.

“Akin yan?” I ask with too much excitement controlled inside of me.

He lean on the door, cross his hand over his chest, and nodded at me. As he answers I quickly went inside of his room and got to his study table, where their dinner meals on tapper wear.

I started eating and heard him close the door and seat on his bed. He half lay on the bed; his upper body is leaning on the headboard while he read a book.

“Thank you for this,” I said while my mouth if full of rising.

“Hindi galing sakin yan,yaya Carmen” he said without looking at me. I smile and eat again.

I focus on eating and after that I fix the tapper wear, put it on the side of the table and face him. “Thank you” I said, this time he glance at me and nod.

“By the way, bakit gising ka pa?” I ask out of curiosity.

He frowned his brows on me while he look at his brows, giving me a look says isn’t it obvious I’m reading.

“Ah yeah I got it hahaha, so what are you reading…friend” I said and smile at him.

“Friend?” he asks.

“Yes, diba friends na tayo, yong deal don’t tell me you’re not a man of his words?” I said, but instead of answering me he look at my knees again and stand.

“Let’s put ointment on that,” he said and gets something on his side table.

“Hindi na ok naman na siya, it’s not that bad too so no nee––” I stiffed when he kneel in front of me and held my left leg and lift it up to rest on his thighs.

“Always put ointment to this so it will heal fast, para hindi kana pagalitan ng mommy mo,” he said and gently put some on my knees.

“Ah hindi naman ako talaga pinagagalitan ni Mommy, she was just worried about me kaya ganon si––”

“Liar,” he said and keep focusing on my knees.

“What? I’m not lying Mommy was just worried, she’s overprotective like I said from the last time she just wants the best for me.” I said.

“Ok,” he said.

“That’s it? wala ka nang sasabihin pang iba?” hindi makapaniwala kong sambit.

“Nothing,” he said and put a pink band-aid on my knees.

“Thank you” I said as he stand and out eyes met.

“Make friend tomorrow at school and I’ll treat you chocolate if you had one at the end of the day,” he said and go back to his bed.

“Huh?”

“Make friends and I’ll treat you chocolates tomorrow,” he said and lay on the bed.

“With whom?” I confusedly ask.

“With someone on school,” he asks and opens his book again.

“That’s easy” I can easily make friends with guys at school, sambit ko saking isipan.

“With a girl,” he suddenly said and glance at me.

“What?! are you crazy? You know naman na ayaw sa akin ng girls as school, how am I supposed to have a girl-friend there? It will take years for me to have one!!!” I said with disbelief in my tone and surrendered feels.

I guess I won’t have chocolates tomorrow.

“Try to make one,” he said and put his book on the side and cover his self with the comforter.

“As if I can” I whisper and walk out of his room, going back to my room to sleep again.

Kinabukasan maaga kaming pumasok sa school dahil kuya had a meeting with the deans daw, so hindi ko na naabutang gising si Mommy, I would like to apologize but maybe later.

Pagdating sa University, Kuya and I go to our separate ways with us, and Kace walks me to my room. I think Kace and I, are really friend already because I’m getting comfortable with talking with him and he seems talk a lot more than the first time we met.

“Here we are,” I said as we stand in front of my home room.

“Make friends ok,” he said and pat my head before he leave. I roll my eyes on him and face the room. I suddenly feel pressured when all the girls inside were glaring at me again.

“See how can I make friends with this?” I whisper to myself and walk to my seat.

“Hi” nagulat ako nang may magsalita sa tabi ko. This was an extra seat how come someone is seating here now?

When I raise my head I saw a pretty girl seating beside me, with a bright smile and calming charisma. “Hi, are you the new student?” She gently asks, her voice were like a melody to my ears.

“Ahm..I guess” I answered, hindi ba ako dapat ang magtanong non’ sakanya dahil I never seen here in the first three days on school days.

“Nice I’ll be your friend here,” she said cheerfully with a calming tone.

“What?” I ask.

“I’m Sienna, Ashiena Rei Minami” she introduces her name, it sounds familiar.

“Minami?” I whisper and keep thinking, I hear her chuckle and speak. “Yes my family owns the University, Minami International University,” she said with confidence but not that proud na kakainin mo dahil mayabang ang dating, she seems like an angel who was sent from above.

“You are?” she asks.

“Chantel Paige Delavine ‘’ I said and smiled at her. “No way Delavine’s cherry glimpse!!!” she said and brought our perfume teen collection out of her bag.

“I love Delavine’s perfumes, that’s why you look familiar you’re at the commercial when they launched this teen collection right, you were the model!!!” she said with excitement on her face but still spoke calmly. Sobrang mahinhin siya and I love it.

“Yes,” I said.

“Let’s be friends Chantel,” she said and smiled at me, I nodded and after that, we talked the whole day and ate lunch together.

She’s a great person, so nice, so kind and so calm. If I were a boy I would definitely fall for her.

“Bye Chantel see you tomorrow,” she said and left the classroom, I smiled and fixed my bag like the routine ako lagi ang huling lumalabas sa room.

As I went out of the room I saw Kace standing in the hallway, hands in his pocket. I automatically urge a smile and run to him.

“I make friends with Sienna!!!” masigla kong sambit and jump in front of him.

I saw him urge a small smile and pat my head, with a chocolate bar. He left it on my head so I quickly catch it before it fall.

“Told you,” he said and started walking; I followed him and keep teasing him and telling him that I had friend.

“She was so nice, so pretty and so calm like, she’s every girls dream” I keep on talking while were walking.

“She’s the dream you’re the reality” he whisper something but I didn’t clearly hear it.

“What?”

He chuckled and walk faster and say.

“Nothing”

Chapter 7

Months passed by, Kace and I became closer to each other, but he still had this silent attitude, and he still didn’t open up any topic about his family, he prefer that I would talk the whole time and he will just listen to what I said. Minsan hindi niya talaga ako pinapakinggan, but I’m fine with it, we’re good friends now, not that super close but fine to be comfortable with each other.

“I can’t believe I survive 7 months already here at the University and guess what I still have one friend only and it didn’t increase, all the girls here still hate me being close to my brother, what can I do we share the same blood,” I said in a frustrated tone as we walk through my homeroom, Kace still walks me to my room every morning and nothing change.

He grins but still looks straight out of the hall, “You’re laughing, you’re also one of the reasons they hate me,” I said and pouted at him. This time he glance at me with questions on his face.

“Me?” he asks. “Yeah you, half of my brother’s fangirl admires you, you are their bias wreaker and they hate it when you walk me to my room like this,” I said. “There is she again, claiming the entire hot guys again,” sakto pagkatapos kong magsalita ay may nadaanan kaming grupo ng mga babae na nagbubulungan but one of them say it loud.

I sigh as we walk pass them, “See,” I said at pinamukha sa kanya ang punto ko. He just chuckled and continues walking, I just pouted and walk with him.

“See you later,” he said and pat my head before leaving, I enter the room with the daily routine, glaring eyes from the girls and admiring stares from the guys.

I was about to step when Sienna held my hands and wrap her arms around mine, “Ohayo (Good morning)” she greeted.

I smile, “Ohayo,” I said and we sat together and talk about some stuff, but I can say we often talk about Japan, I’d love to go there with her, and it was her home country.

“Osaka was very calming, I often go there with my friends when I was in elementary days,” pagkwekwento ni Sienna but she stops when Ms. Glenda enters the room and hits the table with her stick.

“Good Morning everyone, I have an announcement so please go back to your seats, asap!” She said, our classmate quickly fix their chairs and seat properly.

We waited for the announcement and, “Ok, it’s already Ber-months and we have this event in Minami International University called the Grandnight ball, more like a JS from and it will happen this Friday night in our auditorium, I know everyone will wear their best coat and dresses and I’ll be expecting stunning students that night, prepare for that night ok. That’s it for this time I’ll give you free time today because I have urgent meeting with the heads, bye class,” kasabay ng paglabas ni Miss Glenda sa room ay ang kanya-kanyang usapan ng mag kaklase ko about sa Ball.

I look at everyone and all of them look so excited, I felt Sienna hold my hands and make me look at her. “Grandnight Ball was the date where my family opens this university so we always celebrate it,” she said and smile at me.

“Wow, congrats tho,” I said and face her properly.

“Yeah, thank you, so the Ball requires an escort for every student, who would be yours?” She asks and held both of my hands.

“I don’t know, who’s yours?” I ask back.

“The usual, my brother, Kent,” she said as if she’s tired about it, I find it cute so I chuckled. “Maybe my brother will also be my escort,” I said and smile at her. Nagkwentuhan lang kami sa free time na binigay ni Miss Glenda, and attend our other subjects for the whole day.

“Bye Chantel, see you tomorrow,” Sienna said and grabbed her bag and run as she step out of the room.

“Yeah, see you, take care!!!” I shouted at her, she waved her hands and continue running, when I looked on the other side of the Hallway Kace is standing on his everyday spot.

I smile at him and walk toward him, “Heard about the Ball this coming Friday?” I ask while pulling my back up.

He nodded and start walking, “So, who’s it gonna be?” I ask playfully and make it sound teasing.

Kace glanced at me with frowned brows, “What?” he asked. “Sabi ko sino ang magiging partner mo, Sienna said required daw ang escort sa ball” I said.

“That’s for the first year only, we are not required to do it,” he said in a bored tone and walk faster. “Ooook,” tumango-tango kong sambit at sumunod sakanya.

Pag-uwi sa bahay ay agad akong kumain ng dinner, Mommy wasn’t here for almost a month because she had business on Paris. But I think I need to call her and talk about the ball, what to wear, and other thoughts about it the ball that might help me. Sabay kaming kumain nila Kuya at Kace. They both talk about fourth year stuffs so I feel out of the place kaya mas binilisan ko nalang at agad umakyat sa kwarto para tawagan si Mommy.

After a few rings, Mom answered it, “Mommy” masigla kong sambit. “What is it this time Chantel?” she asks.

“Mom, there’s a Ball this Friday night what do you think I should wea––,” she cut me off by asking. “Does your brother already have his suit? Wait, I’ll call my designer to make Cad one,” Mom said. “Mommy, how about me?” I ask.

“Yeah, I’ll send you a designer’s dress Friday in the morning,” she said which make me smile widely. “Mommy I wanna ask what’s happening in a ball po, it’s my first time to atten––,” she cut me off again and “Tell your brother that I’ll call him, bye,” after that she hangs up the call.

“A-ahm ok Mommy, bye take care,” I whisper kahit wala na sa kabilang linya si Mommy.

Walang gana akong lumabas saking kwarto at tumuloy sa kwarto ni Kuya para sabihin ang sinabi ni Mommy but I just receive haze from him.

Friday morning, I woke up by Yaya Carmen’s knock. I stand up and walk through the door to open it even though I was still half asleep. “Yaya, morning,” I greeted and let her in.

“Ito na pala yong dress na susuotin mo mamaya para sa ball,” I automatically wake up and open my eyes hearing what she said. I open the box and saw a very beautiful baby doll dress with chain straps and vibrant pink color.

“Wow!!!” I whisper and touch the dress, this is so pretty. I can’t help but smile thinking that Mommy chooses this for me.

“Nako, bagay na bagay sayo iyan Chantel” Yaya said and smile at me. I look at her and put the dress above my chest to take a glimpse of it in the mirror. The whole day I just read books about balls and proper ethics and when the time clock pointed to 3 pm I run to the bedroom to take a shower and prepare for the ball.

Saktong paglabas ko ng bathroom ay ang pagpasok ng naman ng make-up artist ni Mommy. “Hello po,” I greeted them with a sweet smile.

“Madam Vivian really has created a goddess,” one of the gay whispers but I can clearly hear it so I just smile at them and seat on the vanity.

“This won’t take long darling, sa ganda mong yan retouch nalang ang kailangan,” Sambit nito bago ako simulang ayusan.

After a half-hour they already finished, “Bwela so gorg!!!” pumapalakpak nilang sambit habang nakatingin sa’kin, I still don’t see my face because they don’t let me look at the mirror the whole time, so I had no idea what I look like right now.

“Are you ready?” they ask, I nodded as an answer.

Then they turn my chair to face the mirror and there is it, I saw myself with an ethereal updo with a headband hairstyle and soft pink makeup.

“Wow,” I whisper with disbelief.

“Is this me?” I ask, they laugh and nodded. “Walang duda, Vivian’s copy-paste talaga,” they are comparing me to my mother right now, and I feel happy when I stand beside her name.

“Chantel Iha, ready na sila Cadmus sa labas iha, nako sobrang ganda mo anak,” gulat na sambit ni Yaya Carmen pagpasok sa kwarto.

I smile at her, “Yaya naman eh,” I humbly say and stand, picking up my purse bag.

“Thank you,” I whisper to the makeup artist before leaving the room. “Nako, Chantel nak sobrang ganda mo lalo ngayon,” sabi ni Yaya habang inaalalayan ako pababa ng hagdan.

“Chantel,” napalingon kami sa baba ni Yaya ng tawagin ako ni Kuya, there he is standing in front of the door with Kace. 

Kace wearing a matte black suit and his hair were slicked back side part for the first time, and I admit he looks so handsome right now. My hands suddenly feel cold seeing him at the end of the staircase.

“Hi,” I greeted as I stand in front of them. “You look pretty,” Kuya said and walk first through the car. “Thanks,” I said and glanced at Kace who was staring at me still. “How do I look?” I ask him.

He blinks twice before he gulps and follows my brother without answering me. “Hey!” I said and follow him.

“You look the same every day,” he said. What! That’s it?! “You’re so mean!!!” I haze and walk faster than him and go inside the car.

I saw him chuckle and enter the shotgun seat, our eyes met in the view mirror. “Tss…”

Chapter 8

“Chantel!!!!” Sienna showed up as I enter the auditorium, all the girls started shouting when my brother and Kace enter the hall. Then it doubles when Sienna’s brother joins the group and they all walk in the middle of the crowd like a knight shining prince, they are shining.

“It’s the Attention seeker for me,” Sienna whisper and we both laugh and go to our seats.

Everybody looks so great in their own suit and dresses, and all of the students are showing their self-confidence with their attires. “You look like a goddess Chantel no doubt,” Chantel said, “Same as you, I like the dress,” I said and look at her whole dress, Sienna is wearing a black empire waist dress with ombre red at the bottom. She’s like a so sophisticated bloomed flower.

“Thank you,” she said, we talk a lot about our dresses when the event started with a lot of speeches from the board members of the University. We listen and my eyes can’t help glancing at Kace whom he seriously silencing in front.

“So serious,” I whisper and smirk. “Hey!” nagulat ako ng kalabitin ako ni Sienna at sinalubong na isang ngiti.

“What?” I ask, she just smile at me and lppk back at the stage. Napakunot ang aking noo dahil sa ginawa niya.

When I look back at Kace his already looking at me so I quickly act like looking at something behind him and look back at the stage.

“He got you there hahaha,” Bulong ni Sienna sa tabi ko. “You saw that too?” I ask with embarrassment and she nodded with a teasing smile.

I just shook my head and wait for the speech to end.

“Everybody please enjoy the night!!!” The dean shouted and the entire student clapped, the music turned on and everyone started dancing.

“Let’s eat” Yaya ni Sienna sa akin at hinila ako sa food area, there are so many sweets around here and I saw many chocolates on the side. My eyes were spackling right now, so I slowly grabbed reach for one and second and third and fou—–,“

“Ehem,” I immediately let go of the chocolates when some coughed. When I turn around I almost let go of the plate when Kace was standing close to me, my eyes widened and I stiffed. “Too many sweets” he whisper and get my plate for me and insisted to get my food.

“Go back to your seat I’ll bring this there,” he said and get busy putting food on my plate. “O-ok,” I said and pull Sienna back to the table.

“I’ll just go to my dad, his calling me Chantel,” Sienna whispered and let go of her plate on the table and leave.

I watch her walk to her Dad, and his brother also. They look so powerful together but Sienna looks so charming and calm, like the only white rose in the group of wild roses. When Sienna notice that I was looking at her, she smile lightly wave at me, and mouthed, “Be back later,” I nodded and smile at her.

When I look back to our table I saw Kace walking toward my place with two plates in his hands. I flinched and seat properly as he walks closer.

His so handsome tonight, I mean extra handsome tonight, it’s making me nervous. “Here,” he whisper and put the plate in front of me, it was filled with healthy food and no chocolates, so I pouted and felt sad about it, and I thought I can eat a lot of sweets tonight.

I stop pouting when he pulled the chair beside me and puts his plate beside me. “Hey hey hey!” I said so he stop and look at me.

“What are you doing?” I ask and look around.

“Seating? I’ll eat” he casually said and seat. My jaw literally drops as Kace seat close to me. This is not a great idea.

“Hey hey no! aren’t you going to eat with Kuya?” I ask with a panicking tone.

He seat casually and rested his back on the chair, put his arms on the table, and look at me in the eyes. “There no into eating at this moment there busy and I’m hungry,” diretso niyang sambit at nagsimulang kumain sa tabi ko.

Because of what he said, I took a glance at my brother’s table and saw him with girls and other guys. So, he’s busy with girls, Does Kace don’t like it?

“Where’s your girl there?” I ask out of the blue, kahit ako nagulat ako sa sinabi ko pero hindi ko pinahalata, I acted like I was teasing him.

“Don’t have,” walang ganang sambit at patuloy sa pagkain. I just look at him for a second before I start eating.

“Wow, this is good!!!” I said and show him the dish on my plate. He just took a glance and continues eating. When he notices that I eat it quickly, he started putting his on my plate. “Akin na lang?” I ask with excitement tone. “Yeah,” he said.

“Thank you,” I cheerfully said and eat my meal. After eating we just watch the people around, dancing, talking and laughing with each other.

When I saw a group of friends in the crowd, I smile and wish that I had that big group of friends too. What does it feel like to have that big amount of people around you?

“Hi Kace,” napalingon ako kay Kace nang may babaeng tumayo sa harapan niya.

Kace look at me when the girl call him, I pointed to the girl using my lips so he would face her, and he follows him to face the girl with a lazy glance.

“Do you wanna dance with me?” the girl shyly asks while playing with her fingers.

I notice Kace sigh, and I know what’s gonna happen next so I interrupt. “N—,” Kace was about to answer but I speak, “Yes! He would like to dance with you right Kace!!” masigla kong sambit.

He frowned his brows at me and cross his arms above his chest. “What?” he asks. “Yes, you like to dance with her,” I repeated. “No, I don’t,” he said and I saw how the girl turn teary eyes because of what he said so I glared at him.

“Dance with her Kuya Kace,” madiin kong sambit at ngumiti sa babae. I saw how Kace irritatingly smirk at me and stand. He glared at me and get something in his pocket and put it in front of me “I’ll dance with you later” he said before leaving with the girl who look like she won the lottery.

I look at the thing he put on the table before leaving, “No way!!!” I whisper and my eyes sparkle again. Its dozen of small chocolates, I can’t help but smile widely and quickly put it all in my purse and start eating them.

When I eat the first one I smile and dance a little bit. I roam around the crowd to look at him with a smiley face.

But I stop when I saw him sweetly dancing with the girl in the middle of the crowd, the girl’s hands are on his shoulders while his hands are on her small waist, the girl was smiling at him and they are talking about something while dancing.

They look so sweet, and the girl is completely blushing. What’s that? I stop chewing and look at the other place, but I can’t help to look back. I watch them dance and after the girl may lumitaw ulit at pumalit sa babae. My lips parted when I saw the line to him.

May mga nakapila para pa lang masayaw niya? I also saw my brother dancing worth girls and some of them are fighting who was next to him.

“Wow,” I whisper and just watch them. Time run so fast and the ball ended without him dancing with me like he said, so I quickly say goodbye to Sienna at an una na sasakyan. I also tell the driver to drive me home and just get them back after.

Umakyat ako sa kwarto pagdating sa bahay at nagpalit agad ng pajama’s. I went to the garden and eat the chocolates.

I ate aggressively and didn’t notice that his already there. I just notice him when he stands in front of me. “Why didn’t you wait for us?” he ask, and his still on his suit but the take of the coat only the black matte shirt left the tank in on his pants.

“I don’t know,” I said without looking at him and kept on eating. “I said I will dance with you,” he said in a serious tone so I look at him, this time.

“Tapos na ang ball, kinulang ang time n’yong isayaw ang lahat ng babae sa university,” I said in a sarcastic tone, even though I’m controlling myself to sound one. What’s happening to me, I suddenly feel irritated with him.

“Then let’s dance here,” he said. “Are you crazy hahaha,” I said and laugh with bitterness? If he only asks me to dance first before he dances with all the girls at the university.

What did I just think?! “What’s the problem with that?” he asks. “The ball has ended and can’t you see we’re not on the ball anymore we’re in our garden, backyard,” I said and stand in front of him.

“My ball is where ever you are,” he said and reaches for my hands, slowly put it on his nape, and held my waist.

I stiffed and just stared at him with wide eyes. My heart starts beating so fast and it gives me a hard time breathing.

He grabbed his headset out of his pocket together with his phone and play the music, but one piece was on my left ear, and the other one is on his right ear.

He plays Strawberries and cigarettes and started moving to slay. Wala akong nagawa kundi sumabay sa kanya. My heart keeps on pounding while we stare at each other.

“Nakapajama’s ako,” I whisper and avoided his gaze, if only he dance with me a while ago then I still look good.

“It’s fine,” he whispers. “It’s not fine I look so simple and ugly right now, not like all the girls that you dance with tonight,” I hissed and look away with pouted lips.

He suddenly tightens his grip on my waist making me close to him even more, so I quickly look at him. He leans closer and put his face beside my face and whispered. “Your beauty is incomparable.”

Chapter 9

I gasp,  when I close the door of my room, as soon as I enter it. I can’t help to touch my chest who’s founding so fast right now. I felt like I’ve run the whole soccer field sa sobrang bilis ng tibok ng aking puso.

Hinihingal ako at malalamig na pawis ang tumutulo saking noo. “What’s that?” I whisper and slowly walk to my bed, quickly lay down, and watch the ceiling like it was moving.

“Your beauty is incomparable.”

That has run through my ears and mind since I went here inside. His face also didn’t wash away from my sight. Pakiramdam ko nakikita ko parin siya ngayon, ang ngiting iyon? Why is that so sweet?

“Your beauty is incomparable,” I stiffed as he say those compliments, I mean I’m used to getting many compliments from other people but this one is different.

I move my hands away from his nape and slowly move away until he let go of my waist and stare at me consistently, while I’m dying here just to avoid his gaze.

What’s happening to me?

“I-I k-know that I’m pretty no need to tell it again l-like that,” why am I shuttering and shaking right now?! 

What’s this Chantel?

I was looking at the ground when I heard him laugh, my eyes widened as I watch him laugh in front of me for the first time. 

My heart founds even more. Why is he so handsome while laughing playfully at me?

“W-why are y-you l-la-laughing?” I ask. 

He stop laughing and grin at me while he put back his hands in his pocket and pull the headset away from me.

“You’re so confident, I didn’t expect it haha,” he said and chuckled while controlling his laughter and disbelief.

“No I was just….te..telling the truth since you complimented me.. I wanna show you that I’m used to it na,” paputol putol kong sambit at tumayo ng tuwid sakanyang harapan.

“Used to it? Then why are you blushing?” he ask and lift up the small strands of my hair out of my face which made my eyes wide open even more.

“Hey!” I hissed, and step backward and push his hands away. I saw my hands shaking while doing that.

He just chuckled and stare at me, “Goodnight Paige” he whisper and smile at me before he leave first. 

After that, I run through my room, and here I am now lying on my bed with a dumb face and burning cheeks. “Why are you beating so fast?” I whisper and ask my heart before I sleep.

After that day Kace and I became more stock with each other because he helped me with my school works and since the school year was about to end, I was filled with school works and projects. He said that he would like to help me since Kuya and Him are graduating students so they have plenty of time to spare with me.

But Kuya wasn’t here he’d go back to the place where Mom make him a vacation and I don’t know why.

“Hey, are you listening?” I got to my senses when Kace speak and catch my floating attention.

“Ah? What?” I ask. “Tss,” he hissed and put the paper in front of me. “You didn’t listen so answer this,” he showed me an equation and let me answer.

Good thing I’ve already read this last night, so I can answer this without a doubt. I was so confident with my answer while writing the solution and as I finished it I quickly face him and show it to him, but before I know we are only inching apart, and I can feel his and smell his mint breath right now.

I purse my lips in and wide eyes open staring at him who’s seriously staring at me.

“Here’s…my an—answer,” I whisper and slowly move away. He slowly lifts his hands and intendedly lets his hands touch my arms up to my hand where I held the paper and get it from me.

Parang tumayo lahat ng balahibo ko sa katawan ng magtama an gaming mga balat. “Great as always,” said and smiles at me and goes back to what his doing beside me. I felt my cheeks heated, so I hide it using the book in front of me and acted like I was reading.

When I clearly hide my face on the book, I urge a small smile as my heart beats so fast.

---

“Welcome, Minamians to our sports fest!!!” our dean shouted in front of the stage every student cheered up and raise their balloons.

Sienna and I look at each other and smile, we are both wearing purple shirts because it’s our college team color while I gaze at the guy 5 meters away from me, wearing a pink shirt and seriously standing beside my brother.

I can’t help but smile as I stare at him. “Let’s watch the basketball game later my brother is in, I know yours too,” I look back at Sienna when she said that and help my arms.

I know that because Kace invited me to watch it before we went here to the university.

“Watch the basketball game later,” he suddenly said while were both walking down the star case.

I glance at him and, “Why would I? I’m not into sports,” I said.

“I’ll play watch me,” he said and pull my hand and walk faster, “Hey!” nagulat ako ng hilain niya din ako at sinabay sa bilis niya sa pagbaba sa hagdan.

I saw him smile even though he’s in front of me; I look at his hands holding mine and can hide a small smile.

“Ok I’ll watch, but you have to win it,” I said, he nodded and open the main door of the house and we both walk to the car.

Sienna and I quickly run to the gymnasium as the basketball announce on the field, we were seated on the near court so we can have a better look at the game.

I look around the gymnasium and I can say that a lot of woman watches basketball. “I didn’t know that half of the university girls watch basketball I thought boys were only into it,” I said and held Sienna’s arm to catch her attention through what I’m saying.

“They’re just watching because of the pink team,” she said and smile at me.

“What?” I ask confusedly.

“Watch,” she said, at kasabay non ay ang makalas na pito sa loob ng gym at pagpasok ng kanya kanyang representative ng bawat courses.

“Ahh!!!!” my eardrums almost burst out when the woman behind us shouted her lungs out, the crowd are so loud so I need to cover my ears.

“See,” Sienna mouthed at me and pointed to the Pink team who’s entering.

I slowly let go of my ears when I saw him walk out of that space wearing his black jersey. This is the first time I saw him wearing sleeveless clothes. His white biceps are exposing and the band on his forehead adds so manly appeal to him.

“Wow,” I whisper but Sienna hears it and teases me.

“Wow, what?” she asks I look at her and avoid it instantly. “Wowowww,” pagpapalusot ko at iniwasan ang tingin niya. She just laughs at me and continues clapping as a sign of cheering up the teams.

I look back at him and our eyes met, he smile and focus on what my brother saying beside him. I felt shivers as I saw his smile; I smile either and watch the game start.

The game started well by their team, lumalamang sila simula palang at hindi mahabol ng team amin ang score nila.

So, they end up winning without hard strategies from our team, they face a new team and have to protect their rank until they all defeat all the team and win as the champion.

They are announced as the winner and Sienna’s brother won the MVP, we went close to them to congratulate them.

“Kuya,” I call my brother and hugged him. “Congratulations,” I said and he hugs me tighter and answer. “Thank you,” he said and pat my head, facing other people who greeted him.

As my brother let go of me someone grab my wrist from behind and pulls me, it’s Kace he made me face him.

I automatically smile as we gaze at each other. “Congrats,” I said and chuckled.

“Yeah,” he said while scratching the bridge of his nose. “You have to treat me chocolates then” I joked and he quickly grin and nodded.

“Yes—–,” he wasn’t able to finish what his going to say when some girls pull him for pictures. He looks at me and mouthed. “See me later Paige” I nodded and find Sienna and went out of the gymnasium.

After the games it’s already sunset when I saw him waiting in the car, I smile and quickly run to him. When I stand in front of him he smirks and I smile.

“Hi.”

Chapter 10

“Hi,” I greeted him as I stand in front of him with a bright smile.

“Hi,” he said and handed me his jacket because it’s getting colder out here. “Tara, kain tayo sa labas bago umuwi,” he said and put his hands on his pocket, walks through the car.

He opens the door for me and when I saw no once inside the backseat, Agad akong lumabas muli ng pinto at hinarap siya, “Saan si Kuya?” I ask him.

“May lakad,” he said and guided my head as I ride the car. He seated beside me here in the backseat and asks the driver to go to the nearest mall.

“Saan mo ko ililibre?” nakangiti kong tanong at inayos ang pagkakasuot sa jacket niya.

“Where do you want?” he ask, kaya mas lalo akong napangiti.

“I want Krispy Kreme,” I said and do the widest smile I can give. He smirked, pushes my forehead away, and chuckled.

“Hindi ba mayayari ka nanaman kay Mommy mo niyan kung kakain tayo ’don?” he was looking at the road while asking that to me, which I quickly pouted and say, “She won’t know, it’s our secret shhh!” He just lick the tip of his teeth and smirked while he nodded as a gesture of agreeing with what I’ve said.

“Yes!” I whisper and look at the window, while he makes his way to the nearest mall.

As soon as we arrive at the mall parking, I immediately pull him out of the car. He talks to our driver before we enter the mall and run to Krispy Kreme.

My eyes glimmered as we enter the store, chocolates instantly caught my attention. When Kace saw me staring at the chocolate donuts, I just heard him chuckle before he push me lightly to an available table for two.

“Wait for me,” bulong niya bago tumuloy sa counter at umorder, I was still stock in the shining chocolate donuts here kaya medyo wala ako sa wisyo.

My stomach seems like having a welcome party inside, ready to welcome this bunch of chocolate donuts here. Kace and I were seated at the corner and not at the side of the glass wall because we don’t wanna be caught by my mom’s allies.

Because if someone caught me eating sweets here, they’ll surely tell to my mom and surely I’ll be locked in my room again because of this. So, we need to be careful, Kace is aware of this very well so he knows how to handle it.

Maya maya lang ay dumating na siya na may dalang number for our order. “What did you ordered for me?” excited kong tanong sakanya pagkaupo niya sa harapan ko. “Chocolate Iced Custard Filled, Glazed Devil’s food cake,” He casually said while fixing his shirt.

“That it?” he only bought me two-piece of donuts? That it? I stared at him with disbelief and he just gaze at me like an innocent person.

“That’s enough,” he said and look at his phone instead, I felt betrayed so I cross my arms above my chest and glared at him. But he just ignored it until our order came, He order me what he just said a while ago and chocolate drinks.

When I look at his order it’s just a simple one piece of Honey-glazed donut and original Kreme drinks. “Thank you,” he asks the crew and started drinking his drinks. Nauna niyang abutin ang tinidor kesa sa akin at tinanggal ang balot nito, inabot sakin at nagsimula nang kumain. I started eating but still feel sad that I only have two.

We both ate silently until we finish it and he look at me while I’m busy drinking my chocolate drinks. “Ready?” tanong niya sakin habang inayos ang buhok pataas.

I look at my plate and still feel sad about the number of donuts I eat, I expected more. Sad. “Tara na,” he said and pulls my wrist to stand when I still stare at my plate. Kace while chuckling while pulling me out of the store, I just followed him like a small girl and drink my chocolate drink.

“Sir!” some crew stops us when we are about to leave. Kace faces her and when I look at her too my eyes automatically landed on a box of donuts that she’s giving to Kace.

“Sir your take out po,” She said, Kace nodded and get it from her. When he faces me I can’t help but smile at him. He chuckled seeing me smiling at him now while I almost kill him with my glared a while ago.

“That’s mine,” I sounded like a baby when I said that to him, kaya umiling-iling na siya at hinila na ako palabas. This time my mood suddenly changes and I feel so happy, and taking a gaze at the donut box beside him.

Umuwi na rin kami pagkatapos non at patago akong tumakbo sa kwarto ko dala ang donut na binili niya para sakin. I put it on my small fried here inside my room. It’s for my water kasi talaga mommy bought this for me but little does she know I was hiding my food here. Every time Kace buys me some sweets that Mom forbids me.

Day has passed; I’m always with Kace all the time. He teaches me things that I can be better with. We share funny moments even though I’m the only one who’s laughing often, we sneak out just to eat sweets and I can say that he spoils me too much.

He keeps on treating me with chocolates and yet I’m still not gaining weight, maybe my metabolism is great that’s why.

Right now I’m in my room just reading some books and glancing at the box on my desk. It’s my gift for Kace, graduation na kasi nila bukas ni Kuya. They’re graduated as a Summa Cum laude and Magna Cum Laude and it’s expected naman them the grade student at the university.

This box is hiding a necklace inside; it’s my gift for him, a graduation gift. I seat properly and open it again. I can’t hide my smile while staring at the pendant.

It has a ring-style pendant together with a chocolate bar pendant. I make it unique because…hmmm… I just want it and it seems to be funny a manly and neat guy like him, would wear a necklace that has a chocolate pendant.

“I hope you would like it,” I whisper and smile again.

---

“Congratulations our batch 2020 graduates! Minamians rein the better future ahead of us!” Our University President shouted and the entire graduate student clap, even the audiences like us.

I can’t believe that my brother is a graduate already and he’s going to handle the company already.

“Congrats my son,” Mommy immediately hugs my brother as they walk to our place. While Kace gets a proud hug from my Dad. “I’m proud of you Kace, I know you’re Parents too,” Dad said and smile at Kace.

“Congrats Kace,” I said and smile at him. “Hey, Princess why are you calling him like that his older than you,” Dad said and frowned his brows on me. I look at Kace and smile teasingly, “I forgot, Congrats Kuya Kace” I said in a playful tone which makes him smirk and keep talking to my Dad.

“Let go, let’s go,” Mommy said and pull my brother out of the venue, Our parents settled a dinner after the graduation because Kuya don’t want a big celebration for this, so Mom choose to book us in a high-class restaurant.

Only the five of us are going to celebrate their achievements. Mommy ordered a lot of food but only give me a vegetable salad. “Here’s your Chantel,” Mom said and put the plate in front of me, I pouted and gaze at Kace.

He smile at me and handed me a bar of chocolate underneath the table since he seating beside me. I bite my lower lip to hide my smile and started eating.

“Since Cadmus and Kace already graduated I think Cadrius can handle things here na,” Mommy open up a topic. “Yes, I think so, Kace and Cadmus will be helping me on our companies so you can go now honey” Naguguluhan namin silang tiningnan.

“What do you guys mean?” Kuya ask. “I’ve decided to live in Paris with Chantel and she’ll be studying there for better standards of knowledge and also for her modeling career.” My eyes widened.

“What?!” I said and quickly look at Kace who’s looking at me either. “Yes, Darling you’ll study in France and live there for good” Mommy said.

“For good?!” No! This can’t be happening!

Chapter 11

“How about my study here, Minami University standards are the same as the Universities abroad Mom,” I said with disbelief.

“No more further explanation Chantel, I’ve already fixed your transfer papers on Minami and we’ll fly to France next month,” Mommy said casually and continues eating and talking to my Dad.

I can’t help but gaze at Kace who’s seriously eating and focusing on his food right now. Why do I feel like I don’t wanna go anywhere without him, masyado na ata akong nasanay na nasatabi ko siya kaya ganito ako.

Kumain na lang muli ako at hindi na nagsalita sa buong dinner celebration at ganun din si Kace, and when we are already at the house Kace straightly went to his room, he said that he was tired so Dad let him while Kuya and Daddy had a few drinks on our mini bar here inside the house.

I went upstairs and stop in front of Kace’s room, I was about to knock when Mom appears beside me and look at what I’m holding.

I shudder when I realize that I’m holding the chocolate that Kace give me when we were at the dinner. “Still doing this silly stuff until now Chantel?” madiin at puno ng nakakatakot na aura ang pagsasalita ni Mommy.

“N-no Mommy, it’s for Kace Yaya Carmen said to hand it to him” pagpapalusot ko.

“That’s great to hear, I thought you’re still not maturing and eating those kinds of stuff. You will just gain calories from that trash. After that sleep in your room already and start preparing your things, little by little for our flight. “I just nodded and bow my head, waiting for her to enter and go down the staircase.

When she’s already gone, I knock on Kace’s door but he’s not answering and opening it. “Kace.”

“Kace. knock knock.” I kept on knocking but he was not answering, I lean on the door to check if it his taking a shower but I hear silence inside so I keep on knocking. It takes me minutes here knocking but still no response. “Kace are you sleeping already?” I ask while leaning on the door. I only hear the sound of the aircon inside.

Nang hindi parin siya sumagot sa huling katok ko, I’ve decided to cross the line between us nalang. I went inside my room and open the door at the terrace. I saw the lights were off but there’s a light on his side table from the lampshade, I lift my dress up my thigh and cross the terrace to his.

Pagkababa ko sa terrace ng room niya agad akong sumilip sa pinto and try to open it but it’s lock. “Kace!” I knock and this time I saw him stand up from his bed and confusedly look at his terrace where I’m currently standing at.

He looks shocked and quickly opens it. “Did you cross again, Paige!” he nags as he opens the door. “Isn’t it obvious?” I sarcastic said and move my brows in a teasing face. “Tsk! It’s dangerous,” he said in an irritated tone. “I’m fine, I’m a professional on crossing and climbing the terrace so no worries” nakangiti kong sambit pero sinungitan niya lang ako.

“You cannot always tell when will accidents come, Paige!” seryoso niyang sambit kaya, I bow and play with my finger like a kid getting nagged by her mother. “Sorry,” I whisper.

“Tss,” he hissed. “Don’t be mad na I won’t do it again ok, I just kept on knocking on your door kasi and you’re not answering!!” nakanguso kong sambit, but he just avoided my gaze when I said those.

“Sorry I didn’t hear it,” he said. “Hmf!.. by the way I’m here kasi, I want to give this to you as a graduation gift” I cheerfully said and handed him my gift.

He looks at me first before he reaches for the box and opens it. I saw him smirk when he held the pendant so I smile too. “I made that possible talaga, so you know kung kanino galing chocolate means Chantel hahaha” I joked and he still focuses on the necklace before he looks at me.

Our eyes met and my heart pound fast again. I don’t know if I saw that right but I saw a glimpse of sadness in his eyes but suddenly turn serious. “Thank you for this Paige, It serves as a goodbye gift also I guess,” he said and chuckled. “E-eh,” I was caught off guard by what he said and sadness runs to my chest suddenly.

“Don’t worry I’ll take care of this,” he casually said, but I remain to stare at him, and before I know tears fall from my eyes already when he looks back at me you can see how his eyes widen when he sees me crying in front of him. I don’t know why I’m crying!

“Hey why are you crying?” he asks and held my arms. “I don’t know,” I confusedly said and lean my head on his chest. “I don’t know why I’m crying!!” I said and watch my tears fall on the floor while he started rubbing my back.

“Shhh,” I hear him utter and calm me down. He lifts my face using both of his hands and made me face him. “You’re tired already go back to your room and sleep,” he said and pull me inside of his room, close the door through the terrace and walk me through the door inside.

“Sleep now Paige, thank you for this, really” he whisper and kissed me on my forehead, wiping my tears up before he opens the door and let me go out and close the door. I feel weak when I go back to my room and lay on my bed. “France,” I whisper, and a tear falls again.

After that night Kuya and Kace become busy starting already on Delavine’s Scent together with dad so they don’t have time here at the house. I’ll wake up and they’re already off to the company also during weekends Kace goes to the company to learn with Dad so I rarely see him around.

He was so busy right now, while here I am packing my things every day, little by little. “Chantel, did you already put your perfume collections in the suitcase?” I look at the door when Mom showed up, I nodded as an answer. “Good!!! Are you ready for our flight tomorrow?” Mom asks.

“I guess,” I said, “Great,” Mom said and left. The whole day I just pack my things and since then I feel so sad and lonely. I don’t know why. After I finish packing I grab my phone to Call Sienna, she already knows that I’m leaving tomorrow.

After a few rings, she answered it already. “Hello, Chantel,” she answered. “Hi Sienna, so I’m already done packing so this is it, I’ll be leaving tomorrow,” I said and let out a deep breath.

“Yeah, but why does your voice sound like that? Don’t you like it?” She asks from the other line. Napaisip ako sa tanong niya and I still don’t know why tho. “I don’t know too but let’s not talk about my voice right now, I’m gonna miss you!!!” I said.

“Yeah, me too but don’t worry there will be times, I’ll visit you there,” she said. 

“Really!!!”

“Yes, of course,” she said and we keep on talking on the phone and it only ends when Yaya Carmen calls me for dinner with Mom. Dalawa lang kaming kumain dahil wala pa sila Kuya, Dad at Kace. They usually go home at 10 pm already so hindi na talaga namin sila hinihintay.

After eating I go to my room and stayed on the terrace, I read the book there because it’s very refreshing here.

I didn’t realize that I stayed long at the terrace reading, I check the time it was already 11 pm. Our flight tomorrow is at 7 am.

I need to sleep, I was about to enter my room when Kace open the door of this terrace. Nandito na pala sila. I stop and greet him. “Hi” catches his attention and looks at me.

“Hi, geez I forgot I have something to do, goodnight Paige, and have a safe trip tomorrow,” he said and he was about to go back inside his room when I ask him. “You’re not coming to the airport?” I ask and play with my fingers, it’s trembling right now.

“Sorry, I have important agendas in the office tomorrow so I won’t be coming, so I’ll say goodbye now and have a flight,” he said and urged a small smile before he enters his room and close the door.

I shook my head and go inside to sleep. I sleep with a heavy chest and I don’t know why…!

I woke up early hoping that I could say goodbye to him again but Yaya said he was already at the office. Until we go to the airport I was hoping that he will catch up.

“Goodbye Princess, I’ll miss you but don’t worry I’ll visit every month,” Dad said and hugged me so tight. “Me too Daddy, I’ll miss you,” I whisper and close my eyes.

After Dad Kuya hugged me too and rub my hair, “Take care there, always follow what mom’s say so you will eat every day, I won’t be there to bring you food when you’re grounded and punished,” this time I literally cry and hugged my brother super tight. I feel super sad that I don’t wanna go.

“Shhh don’t cry now,” Kuya said and chuckled.

“Chantel, it’s time to let go, Cadmus son take care ok I’ll always call you,” Mommy said, kiss my Dad, and started walking inside the airport. I pouted and wave at Dad and Kuya before I followed Mommy inside, I keep on glancing at the entrance hoping to see him but I didn’t.

“Ladies and gentlemen passed your seatbelt was about to board,” the announcement inside the plane said.

I look out the window when it started to fly. A tear escapes from my eyes and I whisper. “Goodbye Kace.” 

*** 

Author: Sorry for the errors, please bear with me.

Chapter 12

“Chantel faster! We’re getting late!!!” as I heard Mommy call my name down stares I hurriedly put some earing on and grabbed my bag, running fast out of my room.

“What took you so long?!” Mom haze and roll her eyes at me, “Sorry po,” I said and followed out of the house.

It’s already our second week here in France and like what Daddy said he just visited us here yesterday and flies back to manila after. Daddy said that Kuya and Kace are doing great in the company that’s why they’re so busy and could not be contacted.

Because since I stay here in France I tried calling Kace but he’s not answering, when I call on the house landline the Maids will just say that he’s at work already. I never get the chance to contact him in his free time so were not having communication since then.

I understand naman na his busy, his pursuing his dream and I should be doing that too right.

Right at this moment Mom and I are heading to my new University here in France, it will be my first day too so I’m a little bit nervous. This is a whole new environment for me, I just wish that this day would be at a good start.

If Kace were only here, I think I would feel better because when back in Minami International. He and my brother were at my back so I’m at ace but no it’s only me.

I let out a heavy breath, “What’s the problem?” Mom asks as she noticed me.

“Nothing Mom,” I said and avoided her frowned eyes. “You better start doing great things here Chante; don’t you dare disappoint me here. I’m telling you, you should push yourself to the limit if you want to be great.” She said in a serious tone while looking straight at her phone.

I shook my head and answer, “Yes Mom” I said.

“By the way after school, I’ll fetch you up” my mood suddenly lighten, this would be the first time Mommy will fetch me after school.

“I mean I fetch you up, I’ll tell the driver to get you here after school and meet me in the studio, for your first photoshoot here in France,” she said and glance at me.

The smile on my face faded as she looks back on her phone. I thought she’ll fetch me because she want to but I guess it’s for the modeling only.

I shook my head and phone my phone to write another unseen text message to Kace. I’ve always texted him every time I want something to share with him but ever since he never checks any of it and leaves it unseen.

Is he that super busy even a simple message he can’t even read for a second.

129 text message to Kace,

Hi good morning here, good evening there. How are you? Right now I’m about to go to my new university, I’m a bit nervous but I can do this right. Mom will fetch me later after school can’t you believe that for the first time right hahaha… but guess what she’ll just do that for the purpose of modeling. I’ll be having a photoshoot every after school so I might get busy like you… Have a good day bye.

I sigh as I send this message, I surely know that this will leave unseen again. But I’ll never stop texting him even if I’m busy so when he had spare time we would read all of this and know what’s happening to me here.

“Were here, get out of the Car Chantel” Mom said and open the door at her side. Sabay kaming pumasok sa loob ng napakalaking main building g University na ito.

I roam my eyes around the place and there are many foreign students here, halo-halo ang mga ito. “Vivian! Enfin (Finally!)” A lady went near us and hugged my Mom with a warm smile on her face.

“C’est don de te revoir, Venice (Good to see you again, Venice)” Mommy speaks in France and smiles at the Lady she called Venice.

“Est-ce votre fille?(Is this your daughter?) “ The lady asks and looks at me. “Oui elle l’est (Yes she is)” Mommy answered and held my shoulder; I smile at the Lady and slightly bow my head.

“Bonjour Mademoiselle (Good morning, miss)” I greeted her, “Oh tu es si belle( Oh you’re so beautiful)” she said and kiss me on the kiss.

“Viens, je vais te visiter (Come I’ll tour you around)” The lady Venice said and pull my mother’s hands and they walk together as I followed right behind.

“Est-ce quelle aime le mannequinat comme toi? (Is she into Modeling like you?)” I heard Venice ask my Mom.

“Elle est déjà mannequin (She’s a model already)” Mommy said and they keep on talking but this time I didn’t bother listening, and just look around the whole place.

Venice discusses a lot of rules and terms here about the university until we stop in front of the Creative Arts and Design Building. “Ca y est (This is it)” Miss Venice said.

“This will be your first building Chantel,” Mom said, first? What does she mean?

“First?” I utter with a questionable look.

“Yes I’ve enrolled you in a two-course, here and there” Mommy pointed at the building in front of us and next to the building beside it. The other building says Business Management.

What!

I look at her with disbelief and when she noticed that she speak again, “Yes Chantel you’re going to study both at the same time, don’t worry Venice has already fixed your special schedule, you’ll be attending Creative designs subjects in the morning and business management subjects at the afternoon. This will not affect your photoshoot shoot after classes. All of it is settled right” Mommy said and Miss Venice nodded with a bright smile.

“Mom..b-but didn’t you think that’s too m-much?” I utter.

“What’s too much about it Chantel? You’re aiming for two golds at the same time, it will be hard but it’s the best way to be successful. Like I said push yourself through the limit to be better”

“B-but Mo––,”

“No more buts!” she said and walk beside me and whisper. “Don’t disappoint me this time”

I nodded and shook my head, “Ok I’ll be leaving, Venice will guide you here see me in the studio after class” bumeso si Mommy sakin bago tuluyang umalis.

“Allons-y (Let’s go)“Venice said and guided me inside the building.

“Ce sera vortre section de blocage (This will be your block section)” She said and open the door for me, all the students inside stop talking and look at me.

“Rentr te voir (Go inside, see you)“Miss Venice said and leave.

I don’t know what to do but I greeted them, “Bonjour à tous (Good morning everyone)” they just continue staring at me until I was seated on the available seats.

When I had already settled myself they ignored me and continued talking with each other, everyone has their own conversation so I didn’t bother to interrupt one.

I just grab some books and read while waiting.

“Salut beauté (Hi beautiful)” Some guy said and wave at me, I just smile nicely at them and go back through what I’m reading.

“Nouvelle salope à detester (New bitch to be hated)” I heard some girl behind me whisper, I glance at them and they just roll their eyes at me.

This is bad.

I just grab my phone out of my pocket and text Kace.

#120 massage to Kace,

“I wish you were he beside me”

Chapter 13

The class runs so fast here and like what Mom said, after my creative design subject, Miss Venice quickly walk me to the business Management subject and just like what happened in the creative design. Girls here hate me too.

Why do I always end up being hated on the first day of school, every time, everywhere? What’s the problem with me?

After classes as soon as I step out of the university I already saw our driver outside, we went straight to the studio where mom said.

“Mommy,” I called her and went near her. “Chantel,” she said when she saw me and when I was about to kiss her on her cheeks she push me toward the makeup artist and say, “Quick fix her already the photoshoot will start any moment, Bring out all the collection Celine” aligaga nitong sambit at inawan ako dito.

The makeup artist started to do the makeup, while the other staff are fixing my hair and what will I wear. “You look stunning even though you still don’t have any makeup darling,” The makeup artist said.

“Thank you,” I said and smile at him, she smile and start doing the foundation. Everyone here is working for Delavine’s Scent, they are in charge of the endorsement here in France while Mommy is the head of our branch here in Paris.

I feel a little bit dizzy because I only eat sandwiches at the university and I feel hungry at this moment but I’m sure it’s a bad idea if I tell Mom. I’ll just keep it until we go home and I’ll eat a lot of dinners later.

“Done,” the makeup artist shouted that catching Mom’s attention so she quickly pull me to the spot of the photoshoot. “Let’s start,” Mommy said and everyone settled. I do hit some poses and the photoshoot goes by… they took a lot of shoots with me holding our fresh new perfumes for Delavine’s. I thought it’s gonna be fats but I didn’t expect that will take longer, and ended up at 10 pm already.

“Last shot Miss Chantel,” I did what they say. “That’s it and done!!!” Everyone clapped and Mom showed up to say, “Ok pack up, guys pack up,” The assistant covered guided me back and remove my make-up, and fixed my hair back. I change and everyone says goodbye to us and after that Mom and I go home.

“Eat dinner by yourself, Chantel, I’ll be resting now,” Mom instantly heads to her room leaving me here in the leaving room. Wala akong nagawa kundi tumuloy mag-isa sa kusina at kumain ng Salad for dinner. I check my phone to see if Kace already read my messages, but he didn’t “Why does being busy make me lonely,” I whisper and shook my head on the table.

The routine remains like that, I’ll wake up in the morning go to school, do Creative design subjects in the morning, do business management in the afternoon, modeling in the evening. I really had a hell schedule but just like Mom said push myself to the limit so I’m doing my best here.

Right now I’m taking dinner here in the cafeteria alone but still, I can feel a lot of guys were watching me eat so I just bother myself on my phone and keep texting the guy who has never seen my text messages.

#823 text message to Kace,

“I’m eating custard muffins and vegetable salad right now here at the cafeteria, I also had a report a while ago on my Creative Design subjects and I’m alone as usual hahaha, Nobody wants to be my partner like the same old days in Manila, but I wish Sienna was here so I can have a partner or maybe you. How are you doing there, heard from dad that you and Kuya just close a big deal there. I’m happy for you guys congrats, you should treat me… no just seen my massages and that would be fine.. bye.”

I let out a sigh after that and continue eating and ignoring these guys.

“Seul shorty? (Alon shorty?)” nagulat ako ng may biglang umakbay sakin at umupo sa tabi ko ng sobrang Lapit.

“Hey!!” I push him and take his hands around my shoulders. “Hey hey, chill shorty, I’m just asking,” he playfully said and lean on the table. “Do I know you? NO! so leave me alone, pikupikuugoku(Jerk)” I said the last word in Japanese.

“Hey, I know that I’m not a jerk Miss I’m just being friendly here since I saw you alone,” He said and smirk at me. “I don’t need company,” I said and stand up. “Corporation, do you want?” maloko nitong sambit.

“No,” I said and leave but he followed me. “Where are you heading?” he ask and walk beside me, like was a friend which is not. “Not your business,” I said and walk faster but he just jives in.

“I had a business soon,” he said and chuckled. “By the way what’s your name miss?” he asks but I just stop on walking and let him head the door that was about to open. I already notice it coming so I stop and he didn’t. “Ouch!” so he gets hit. After that, I started walking and left him there still aching his forehead.

“Hey!!!! You brat!!!!” I heard him say but I just continue walking until I reach my room. When I seat on my chair here in business subjects, I grab my phone and text Kace again.

#824 Text massages to Kace,

“Some jerk guy tried to seat beside me in the cafeteria, it’s irritating,” the class started and ended up with so many papers works to do at home, business plans, and other ideas for an advertisement to be submitted on Monday.

“Rejet de classe (Class dismiss,)” everyone started to fix their things and go out of the university just like I do.

The same routine goes to the studio after classes. I feel tired and stressed but I can’t ever show it to Mom so I tried my best to hide it with a cheerful smile. “Ok, Pack up guys, Chantel let’s eat dinner outside I’ll meet my friend,” Mom said, I nodded and change my clothes. After that we went to an elegant restaurant here in Paris and waited for someone to come, Mom said it was her close friend.

While waiting I just watch some videos about my assignments for tomorrow. Studying two courses at the same time is like living in hell but I can do this I need to do this, I won’t disappoint Mom this time and I’ll be seen like my brother.

“There you are,” I raise my head when I heard someone greet Mommy. “You!!!” sabay namin sambit when we saw each other, Mom’s friend is with the guy at the university a while ago.

He has a band-aid on his forehead right now. “You’ve met each other already?” Mom asks I look at her with a disbelief face. The guy automatically smirks. “I guess Tita,” he said and kisses my Mom on her cheeks and gaze at me with a playful smile.

“This is my daughter Chantel Paige Delavine,” Mom said.

“My Son Vernon Cliss Mergo,” Mom’s friend said. “Hi, I guess will be seeing each other more often, Chantel,” he said. No way!

Chapter 14

10 years passed by, “So, you’re really going back tomorrow to manila?” He asks as he seated beside me while I’m busy fixing my things here inside my room. “Yeah, Daddy asks for this and surely Mom will follow,” I said and keep arranging the suitcase.

I saw him pout while he reach for my things and handed them to me. I smile at him and put my purse inside my suitcase. “What’s with the face Mergo?” I said and try controlling my laughter. “I can’t go with you there at this moment Dad needs me on the Company,” He said and sadly lean his head on my shoulder.

“It’s fine you don’t need to come there,” I was folding my clothes when he seat properly and made me face him by holding both sides of my arms.

“Let’s go somewhere,” he said and without even letting me answer, he quickly pulls me out of my room and run out of the house. He instantly put me inside his Mustang GT flashback and hurriedly starts the engine. I look at him with confusion and ask, “Where are we going?”

“I wanna spend time with you before you leave tomorrow, give me this day,” he said firmly and focus on driving. I chuckled and, “Really Vernon? Aren’t we spending our whole life for 10 years already?” I can’t help but laugh at his crumpled face right now.

“You never leave my side over ten years Vernon and now I’m just going to stay in Manila for a year, and you’re acting like a child here,” I tease him and look at the window. “I’m not used when you’re not beside me, Chantel,” he seriously said and I just nodded as a sign of defeat since he always wants to win in any conversation.

Umiling-iling nalang ako at hinayaan siya kung saan niya ako balak dalhin. I can’t believe that we’ll end up like this, but back then we almost buried each other because of irritations.

“This is my daughter Chantel Paige Delavine,” Mom said. 

“My Son Vernon Cliss Mergo,” mom’s friend said.

“Hi, I guess will be seeing each other more often, Chantel,” he said and smirk at me like he’s teasing me. 

I raise my brows on him and just focus on the food while our mothers are busy talking, I feel his feet under the table hitting my heels, so I quickly glared at him and without signals, I kick his legs.

“Aghmmmm!” he groans and tries to control it. “What happens to you Vernon?” his Mom asked.

“Nothing,” he said and his eyes landed on me and glared at me, this is the first time I did this to a guy and it feels good. I

 stick my tongue out a bit and continue eating, “Mom, I’ll just go to the restroom,” nagpaalam ako at tumuloy sa public restroom ng restaurant.

I just fix my hair and look in the mirror, then leave but as I open the door. This jerk is already standing in front of the door. 

“What do you want?” I ask calmly.

“You did me wrong, baby,” he said and smirked. Kumunot ang aking noo sa kanyang sinabi at tinignan siya ng masama. “What?” I ask again. 

“See this and this,” he showed me his forehead with a band-aid and bruises on his legs that I kick a while ago.

“You did this all to me” he said, ngayon lang ako tinamaan ng knosansya ng makita ang lahat ng sugat niya. 

I remember I’m not used to being the badass girl, I feel guilty but I remain calm and look straight at him.

“Sorry,” I said and try to walk past him but he didn’t let me. 

“Hey, you need to pay for this,” he said and moves closer to me. 

“How much?” I ask.

He smirks and licks his lower lip before staring at me again, “You know you’re really different, I like it,” he said and rub his chin. 

I remain standing straight and wait for what he’s going to say next. “I don’t need money, I have plenty, so offer me something different,” he said. 

“I don’t have any ideas for that so if you’ll excuse me I don’t have time for––,”

“Let’s be friends,” he said suddenly and urges a sincere smile. “You’re crazy,” I whisper and walk and he follows. 

“I know,” he said and smile.

“No way, Vernon,” I said as we step out of his car. “Why not?” he asks and smiles. Really? He just brings me to a kid’s playground. “Were so beyond this age Vernon, you’re really crazy!” I said with disbelief and laughed at him. Also, I’m wearing a tank top and a shirt, so how is it possible that we’ll stay here.

“It’s ok,” he whispers and brings his jacket out of the car and wraps it on my waist, then pulls me to the swing. “No way!” I haze with laughter and he pushes the swing to sway me. “Would you be able to contact me when you are busy in Manila?” he asked while kept on swaying me.

“Yeah, why would I not text you?” I ask and enjoying the wind as he sways the swing. “I’m just making sure,” he said and keep on swaying.

We played here at the playground and talked, and eat ice cream. Vernon becomes my partner here in France. He was there when I was having a breakdown on my two courses when I could not think to handle it anymore his the one who help and push me to live in and here I am now. I graduated with two majors and now working at Delavine’s Scent France as a Media Planner.

I have been through a lot of troubles with Mom, but I really tried my best not to disappoint her and obey all she wants for that 10 years. Now, I’ll be going back to Manila to help Dad and my Brother in our Company, to enhance the endorsement level of sales there, also I’ll be modeling for new perfumes there. This will be my first time since 10 years ago; I’ll be going back to Manila again.

“I won’t be in the airport tomorrow, I had a meeting with an investor but please text me Chantel,” here we are again, his pouting face and grumpy brows showing again. “Yes, I’ll be texting you always so you better go home now, bye,” I said and push him to his Car.

He held my hand and stare at me while I’m still pushing him. “Go now! Vernon,” I said while letting out a bit of chuckle. Pahirapan pa bago niya ako tuluyang bitawan at umalis, we just played and eat at the playground and it was fun as always. Now back to reality I still have to pack things and wake up early for the flight tomorrow.

---

“Latest update on the weather at our destination will be given as we approach Manila.” This is it, I’m here already. The plane lands faster than I expected because of the good weather here in Manila, so I didn’t take a long time at the airport. I ride a taxi and call my Brother; it took a few rings before he answer.

“Chantel?” he asks. “Yes Kuya, I’m here already, I’ll be heading straight to the Company right now” I straightly said. “Great Dad’s here see you,” he said and ends up the call.

It just took us an hour and a half when I reach the Company, as I step out of the Taxi some staff here help me with my things and bring them to my Brother’s Van.

After making sure that all my things are out of the Taxi, I went inside the Company and head to the 19th floor. I know that’s my Brother’s office floor.

I was catching a lot of attention as I walk inside the Company, and I’m used to it ever since so I just smile at everyone and walk straight to Kuya’s office.

Dire-diretso akong naglakad sa office ni Kuya and I was about to open the door when someone speak. “Any appointment with the CEO Miss?” do I need that? I’m his sister.

“Yeah I had a special appointment with the CEO,” I said calmly and keep looking at my watch, I’m hungry. I waited for the secretary to speak but he didn’t so I raise my head and look at hi—–. My whole body trembled and my heart pounded so fast all of a sudden.

“Kace.”

Chapter 15

“Kace,” I whisper and I literally stiffed and didn’t move a muscle. There he was standing in front of his secretary desk, wearing his navy blue suit and tie. He was a lot mature and his body is more built up right now. His face doesn’t change a lot still has the same features and expression. Blank.

I couldn’t believe that we parted for 10 years and he didn’t even contact me, and right now he’s standing right in front of me.

I didn’t know but my heart is pounding so fast, that it was giving me a hard time breathing properly. He remains standing there, “Ah..Ka––“I wasn’t able to continue what I’m going to say when the door in front of me opens and my brother showed up. Up.

“Chantel,” he said and instantly pulls me for a hug. “Kuya!” I said and hugged him back, my eyes glance at Kace once again but I just saw him seat back at his table and face the computer like nothing is happening.

My smile fades away because of that and still hugging my brother. “Come inside,” Kuay said and without any hesitation, he pulls me inside and close the door. “How was the flight?” Kuya ask in his big voice and sat on the couch here inside his wide office.

I look around the whole place and can’t help to smile, “So this is your Cage now,” I said with a teasing smile.

“Yeah, I guess,” he said and looks around also. “So, what do you want me to help here, brother?” I ask and seat in front of him. “The sales and advisement are decreasing its impact to the consumers and about the modeling for the new set of perfumes are you in? I mean Valerie isn’t available for it, so I ask mom if you’re good. She quickly said yes but I still want to ask your decision about this.” he asks while resting his arms on the couch like a king.

“Yes sure, if mom agrees, there’s no reason for me to say no, right?” I said and smile brightly. “You sure?” he asked. “Yeah,” I blondly said. “It’s a sexy perfume so the photo shoot will be daring still in?” He asks and I can see worry all over his face, he knows that I’m not into that kind of modeling but it Mom said this I think I need to do this. As I said, I don’t want to disappoint her.

“I think I can do this, don’t worry Kuya,” I said and smile with assurance so it will lessen the hesitation on my brother’s side. He hissed and said, “Valerie was really the model for these new issues but suddenly she declines it, don’t know why,” I see confusion and questions written all over my brother’s face. Valerie, I can’t help but feel uneasy when everyone mentions her name. She was like my sweet anxiety.

“Chantel didn’t I tell you to do your best this day’s photoshoot! because my friend is watching but looks at what you’ve done!!!!” Mom keeps on shouting at my back keeps on following me to my room.

I didn’t bother to face her this time because really feel super dizzy and weak, kanina pang umaga masama ang pakiramdam ko, I have light flu because it’s winter but I didn’t tell it, Mom. Until the photo shoot didn’t go well this time because my face are not in the mood for the ideas they needed.

That’s why Mom’s mad at me now because her friends are watching and I just ruin their expectations, it’s just my second month here in France and I have already caused trouble for Mom.

“I’m sorry Mom,” I said and enter my room, sat on my bed, and try to clear my dizzy sight.

Mom stands in front of me and nag again, “You always do unnecessary things in time like this Chantel, laging ganito ang excuse mo tuwing gumagawa ka ng kapalpakan. Valerie is way better than you right this moment, she’s doing great on modeling kaya siya ngayon ang Face ng Delavine’s Scent imbis na ikaw. You’re the daughter and yet here you are still learning the basics, please Chantel just once does better, you always fail, I’m sick of it!!!” After that, she leaves my room.

I couldn’t feel any better right now, my head is aching, and I feel dizzy, weak. I’m super drained I just had an exam this day and a report so I don’t really have the energy to do great on the photo shoot and I admit it. It’s just that it’s bad timing, maybe if I’m feeling better and I have no light flu maybe I empress her friend.

I don’t know if I want to cry because I feel sick and weak or because I’m still getting compared to my cousin. 

I crawl to the center of my bed and wrap myself in the comforter, tears started running from my eyes.

“I will do better Mom, promise,” I whisper. “

I can do it Kuya, don’t bother asking Valerie anymore if she doesn’t want to“ I calmly said and smiled. This time wants to prove myself even just for my Mom’s eyes.

“Ok, if you say so, then you wanna go up to see dad?” He asks and stands up, fixing his tie. I automatically smile when I heard the word Dad, I miss him so much. “Yes, let’s go,” I said and wrap my hands in my bothers arms.

As we walk out of my Brother’s office my eyes quickly landed on the table was Kace was seating a while ago, but this time his not there anymore. “Where is he?” I whisper and Kuya heard it. “Who?” he asks.

“Kace?” I said and he also looks at Kace’s table. “Maybe he’s in the board meeting right now, I ask him to attend as my substitute since you’re here that I need to accompany you.”

I just nodded slowly and keep walking with him, “Was he doing well here?” I ask. “Yes, so great that he can also do my work when I’m away” he casually said. “Away? Where are you going?” I ask. “Not your business,” he playfully said and the elevator opens so we both step in.

“Really are you hiding something?” I joked and he just smirks. We keep talking about some sort of things about business and in our life while we’re in the elevator until we reach Dad’s main office. I didn’t bother to knock, I just quickly open it and call him, “Daddy,” I said, I run to him and give him a wide embrace.

“Oh my princess you’re finally here, you’re so beautiful I mean beyond beautiful. You’re like a goddess” he said and hugged me even more. “Yes, Daddy,” I said and chuckled. After the warm welcome, Dad, Kuya, and I just continue talking and discussing things to improve the company and advertisement that will be given as a task to me.

“Ok, it’s already time, let’s have dinner outside. Come, come,” Dad said and sabay kaming lumabas ng opisina niya. We headed to the parking lot and go to my borther’s Van. “I already put my things here na pala Kuya” nauna akong naglakad sakanial para mabuksan ang Van at tignan ang mga gamit ko.

“Here oh I alre—–,” I stop as I open the door of the Van and saw Kace seating inside already and checking some papers while wearing specs on. He looks at me and I’m still in a state of shock so my eyes were just wide open while staring at him. “Good Morning Sir,” He said and seat properly, he was greeting Dad and Kuya.

“Kace son, ano bang sinabi ko sayo hindi ba’t pagtapos na ang trabaho wag mona akong tawaging Sir, Call me Tito Cad” Dad said and pat his shoulder as he enter the Van and seated on the back.

“Sorry Si—Tito,” Kace said and bow his head. Kuya also went inside beside dad, so only the seats beside Kace were available. “Chantel, what are you still doing there?” Kuya ask.

“Nothing,” I said and smile instantly and seat beside Kace, who was busy on his paper again. I can’t help to glance at Kace while he’s seating beside me, I don’t know but I feel super nervous right now.

Should I open a conversation with him like in the old-time? Or should get mad at me for not contacting me while I’m in France, isn’t he surprised at what I look like right now? I mean I take care of myself super-careful so I know my looks improve even more.

I look at the back, Kuya and Dad are busy discussing something so I look back at Kace. I’ll talk to him like the old times! Right! “Hi Kace, so how have you been?” I ask and smile at him. I got the feeling that I want to hug him right now, but he didn’t respond to what I asked, kaya inulit ko. “Kace, who are you? long time no se—,” he cut me off and said. 

“I’m busy, please be quiet.”

Chapter 16

“I’m busy please be quiet,” he said in a serious tone without looking at me.

I was left dumbfounded by his response and I feel awkward and embarrassed about it. So I slowly seat back properly and pretend that I’m looking at my phone. Maingay ba ako? I ask myself. But I just ask him in my normal voice which is not that loud.

Because of what he said I remain silent the whole time even if Dad asks me something. I don’t know but I get stuck on the fact that he said I’m noisy? Did I just piss him off because of asking? Should I just talk to him later? I don’t know I get paranoid if he’s mad at me right now?

I just play with my finger until we reach the restaurants were going to eat. Sabay silang tatlong naglakad papasok sa loob habang ako ay nakasunod lang sakanila. I keep on watching Kace’s movements and still thinking if I get him mad at me. “Let’s seat and order,” Dad said as we all seat at a wide round table for four.

“I’ll just order pesto and red wine,” Kuya said to the waiter. “I’ll order the same” Kace said, I quickly look at him as he speak, but he didn’t look nor glance at me, he just continue focusing on some sort of thing.

“How about you Chantel?” Kuya ask. I got back to my sense and stop staring at Kace and look at my brother. “Ah—i-I’ll just order a veggie salmon salad and sparkling water please,” I said and shook my head, but still sneaking at Kace.

Why does it seem like it’s normal for him that I’m already here, he’s too busy on some things and not giving attention to me? Wasn’t he happy that I’m back? Our order serve in just a minute so we started eating but the waiter put my sparkling water on Dad’s side so I can’t get it. Kace is between us, so how can I get it?

I need to ask help, “A-ahm K-Kace can yo—–,” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng iabot niay ito sakin ng hindi manlang ako tinatapunan ng taingin. I’m confused! “T-thank you,” I whisper and continue eating.

“So how was France?” Dad asks while eating, “It was fun Dad, and sad also because even though you visit there sometimes I still miss you.” I said. “Yes, I remember when you graduated you were about to cry when we are leaving but you keep controlling it hahaha, “Dad said.

Yeah, I remember that Kace wasn’t there also because he was the one in charge of the company at that time, which is the true reason why I have teary eyes; I was expecting him to come and attend that moment.

We just laugh but when I glance at him his just busy eating. What’s this? Why is he so different? Kace remains like that until we finish our dinner and went straight to the mansion. As we enter the house Dad speaks.

“By the way Princess you’ll start tomorrow right?” he asks. “Yes, Dad,” I uttered, “Ok, see you at the office tomorrow,” he said, I give him a peck of a kiss on his cheeks before he enters his room. “I’ll head upstairs now, Chantel, goodnight,” Kuya pat my head and went upstairs. Napalingon naman ako sa likod at sakto namang pagpasok ni Kace. “Kace we di——,” I stop and left dumbfounded there as he didn’t let me finish what I’m gonna say and just walk past me and went up to his room.

“What just happen?” I whisper. I’m really confused right now. “Did he just ignore me?” I ask myself. Wala sa sarili akong umakyat sa aking kwarto, the room was clean and fixed already so I jump into it and look at the ceiling while biting my lower lip.

“Did he ignore me?” I whisper. “Or he didn’t hear me? Maybe he didn’t hear me” I convince myself and roll onto the bed. I feel dizzy because of jetlag, but my brain is crazy thinking about what Kace just acted with me.

Kanina pa ako napaparanoid, if I did something wrong that made him act like that, or it’s just that he’s busy and I’m just overthinking.

Umikot-ikot ako saking kama ng makita ko ang pinto sa terrace, god I just realize that I miss this room. agad akong tumayo para pumunta sa labas ng terrace at damhin ang malamig na simoy ng hangin.

I can’t help but glance to the other side where Kace’s room, “What?” I whisper with disbelief, His now using black curtains, and because of that, I can’t sight any view inside his room. I lean on the railing and look at his closed doors. “Why aren’t you still not talking to me?” I whisper.

“Are you mad or something? Don’t you miss me?” I look like a crazy lady here talking to a closed door. “Cause you know what I mi—hmf!” I gasp and quickly seat on the floor to hide behind the railings because his door suddenly opens. Good thing the railings are good for hiding so he wouldn’t able to see me here. I just sneak on the small spaces of the railings to see him.

I gasp and instantly cover my mouth when Kace went out of his room topless and has a white towel on his neck. He just got done from the shower I can say by his wet hair.

My eyes widened, how come he has those muscles and six-pack abs, yes I counted it, Gosh, Chantel you’re a pervert! I don’t know but my face is heating up right now, I watch him lean his hands on the railings and look at the dark sky.

He’s wearing black jogging pants, but still, my eyes keep on landing on those abs, why!? I almost jump in nervousness when he looks at my terrace, he stares at her for a second before he lifts his hair up using his hands and went inside his room.

I seated on the floor and exhale when his gone. I thought his going to catch me watching him. if that happens I might die of embarrassment. But still, my face is burning, why does it suddenly feel hot in here?

“This is so crazy!” I whisper and facepalm. I also lightly slap both of my burning cheeks. “The question is where do those abs come from?” whisper out of the blue and woke up instantly, this time I really slap my face.

“You’re Crazy Chantel!!!!” I said and close my eyes hard but I just still saw his body in my mind. “No way,” I whisper and keep calming myself. I face his terrace and pointed it, “You! You change!” I whisper and acted like I’m confronting him.

“You really change! Your attitude and your hot body.. fuck Chantel what was that!!!” I hit my head this time. “Where did that come from?” I ask myself. “Is that what you’ve represented Chantel” I’m currently dizzy, had jetlag, and nagging at myself.

This is Crazy, I am Crazy!!!!! I was busy slapping myself when I heard his door was about to open again so I quickly run inside my room and lock the door.

“Rest Chantel! Rest,” I told myself and lay on the bed. I close my eyes and—, “Fuck those abs! Get out of my mind, fuck!!!”

Chapter 17

I wake up early in the morning to prefer for my first day in Delavine’s Ph main branch. All along I thought I wake up early and everyone is still in the house but I was wrong.

As I went downstairs the maids said that everyone has left the house and already on the company. “It’s only &:00 am in the morning,” hindi makapaniwala kong sambit, umalis na sila Dad ng ganong kaaga?

I just go to the kitchen, and immediately stop when I saw my lovely Yaya standing in the kitchen she was busy cooking breakfast. I bite my lower lip to control my smile and tip-toe walk through her place silently and I hugged her from the back as a surprise.

“Yaya!!!!” I shouted, “Ay jusko! Chantel nako!!!” Yaya face me and hugged me so tight. “Nako Chantel andito ka na talaga, nako dalagang dalaga na ang alaga ko, nako jusko, napakaganda mo anak,” Yaya Carmen is already teary eyed while she’s holding my face and staring at me.

“Miss me,” I ask and smile. “Nako sobra!” she said and hugged me tight once again.

“Hala sige, maupo ka na doon at ipaghahain na kita ng pagkain mo,” I nodded like a child and seat on the breakfast table. I watch her do her thing, Yaya Carmen’s hair, has already turned white and she really aged right now. I miss her embrace it was like the softest feeling I could ever feel.

“Yaya, I have pasalubong for upstairs, you can just go there later and check it. I don’t have time kasi I’m starting to work with Kuya,” I said as she put my breakfast in front of me and seat beside me.

“Nako, ako na ang bahal doon, wag mo nang alalahanin iyon aayusin ko na rin ang mga damit mo mamaya sigurado akong hindi mo pa iyon naaayos. Nako Chantel hindi pa ’rin ako makapaniwala na Malaki kana anak umalis ka dito hanggang dito lang kita ngayon ang tangkad mo na,” Masiglang sambit ni Yaya na ikinatawa ko.

“Am I qualified to pageant in your province na Yaya?” I joked since I was a kid Yaya Carmen never stop talking about some sort of things kaya I know it. “Nako, hindi lang sa porbinsya namin, pwedi ka na sa miss universes sa sobrang ganda mo,” Yaya answered and we both laugh.

I just ate the breakfast she serve and talk to her the whole time and after eating I say goodbye and went straight to the company. “Good morning Miss. Delavine,” the guard greeted, “Good morning po,” I said, slightly bowing my head, and enter the lobby.

While walking in the middle of the place, I catch a lot of attention from the employees. I’m used to it ever since but I still feel nervous about what their thinking about me. Mabilis ko nalang tinahak ang papaunta sa opisina ni Kuya para magpa-assist.

As I step in front of his office door, I can’t help but look for Kace. Wala siya sa table niya. I knock this time and after a few seconds it opens, “Kuy––,” I admit it I’m too careless, I quickly took a step forward when it opens and didn’t think that I might bump into someone.

So I end up hitting Kace chest as the door opens. His inside pala kaya wala siya dito sa labas. Who could you not know that possibility Chantel!! I slowly took a step backward and try to look at him. “Sorry I didn’t me––,” hindi niya nanaman ako pinatapos sa pagsasalita ng maglakad siya palabas ng office ni Kuya like nothing happens.

“Chantel you’re here, come let’s discuss the platform, I’ll build,” Kuya suddenly said and looked at me. I got back to my sense and walk through his table. “So, where’s gonna be my office?” I ask as I seat in front of his table.

“Yes, your office is settled already just wait for Sienna to come and fetch you up,” He said. “Oh my gosh, I forgot that Sienna’s working here pala!!!” I suddenly feel excited when he mentions my best friend’s name.

Sienna and I never lose connection with each other when I’m in France sometimes she also visits me there kaya we never change, Hindi kagaya ng iba. After a few minutes of discussing with my brother the door opens and Sienna pop out the door. “Chantel!!!” she said.

“Sienna!!” I said and run to her, she did the same thing and we hugged each other in the middle of my brother’s office. “Gosh, I missed you so much even though we just talk on the video call before the flight,” I said while chuckling. Sienna laugh in a soft tone too and hugged me tighter.

It took us a minute to enjoy each other’s presence, “I dare to interrupt ladies, I bet you need to check Chantel’s office now and start working time it running” Kuya said while playing with his pen. “Yes, Sir,” Sienna said and pull me out of my brother’s office.

“Good thing your office is near to mine so we can catch up on lunch all the time,” Sienna softly said, until now Sienna never change her way of talking it was still the softest voice I ever heard.

“Really that’s great, but I bet I won’t really stay here at the office because I’m in charge of the photoshoots for endorsements,” I said and we both agreed to that fact. “Here’s your office the staff under you is just outside don’t bother asking them, they already know you’re here and aware of your position so feel free to talk to them,” Sienna said while I sat at my table.

“Sienna you know naman na, I’m not really used to approaching others,” I said and shook my head a bit.

“Yes, I know, but still if you need help ask them, their very accountable promise,” Sienna said. “Yeah, I understand,” I said. “Now I better go and I still have a lot of work to do, start working na let’s see each other later lunch ok” I nodded at her and watch her leave my office.

I took a heavy sigh when I’m already alone here at my office. “I got this,” I whisper and start working. Just a half-hour since I started doing my work when someone knocked on my door, “Come in,” I said.

I heard I open and when I rose my head up, our eyes met. Is here and holding a coffee in his right hand. “Good morning, Ms. Delavine your coffee,” he said in a professional way. I just stiffed in my seat until he put the coffee on my desk. “The CEO wanted to give you that, I will take my leave now Miss,” he politely said like I was a whole stranger to him.

Why is that!!! Before he opens the door I finally speak, “Hey!” he stop and did not look back at me, he just remains standing facing the door so I choose to stand up and walk close to him.

“Are you avoiding me Kace?” I straightly ask and stand in front of him so our eyes met.

“No, Miss,” he answered. “Really? Then why are you not talking to me since yesterday, I mean hey I’m already here your childhood friend didn’t you notice? I’ve been texting you since I leave the country 10 years ago you didn’t even read and reply to a single one. Why is that?” I confronted him.

“I lose my phone back then Miss,” he said, I don’t know but I get irritated by the way he’s calling me. “My name is Paige, not Miss. Kace!” I said and took a step closer. “Miss Delavine I still have work to do” he changes the topic so I lock the door behind me and glared at him.

“So you’re really avoiding me!!!” I said the fact. He didn’t respond and just avoids my gaze. “This is irritating, what did I do wrong?!” I haze and ask.

“You did nothing, I better go Miss Delavine,” he said and tries to walk past me, but not this time. I won’t let him! “Is this how you want to welcome me Kace, then I’ll play with you” I said sarcastically. This time he looks at me, see I got you!

“Let’s eat lunch together later,” I firmly said.

“I can’t, Miss,” he said with a blank expression. “You played like this then I’ll do the same, I’m your boss sister right, then follow my rules too. Eat with me, talk to me, walk with me, and don’t you ever ignore my presence Kace!” I said I don’t know I’m not used to commanding other people and forcing them to do things but if it’s him then I’ll do it this time.

He looks at me like he used to stare at me back then and it quickly melts my heart. I miss this guy I knew ten years ago. “Don’t ignore me this time, please.”

Chapter 18

“Yes, Miss,” I haze and lean on my swivel chair as I whisper what he just said a while ago.

“Don’t ignore me this time please,” I said and it was almost a whisper at the last part because I felt so sad all of a sudden. 

I remember all the days I wish he was there for me to lean on.

He stand straight and look at me in the eyes, I got shocked when he step closer but I don’t see any other expression on his face, or maybe I can’t read him anymore.

“Yes, Miss,” he said and took the chance that I’m still stiffed and leave my office. I quickly cope up and open the door to shout at him. 

“Be here at lunch!!!!” I shouted and he just continues walking.

“What’s wrong with him does he really change? Or he doesn’t want to be friends with me again?” I keep talking to myself and swinging my swivel chair while thinking. “I don’t get if his acting like I’m just an ordinary boss of him and nothing more, does he have amnesia?” I said and put my arms on my table.

“Or, he gets mad at me, so he was ignoring me? But I don’t remember anything I did wrong to him” I whisper and look at the ceiling. “God damn it, I’m getting crazy over this issue!!!” I haze and shook my head on the table and cover it with my arms. “This is crazy Chantel thi––––,” I stop when someone knocks on my door.

I quickly fix my seat and hair before I speak, “Yes, come in,” The door slowly opened, and saw a pretty girl, “Good morning Miss Delavine, you are called to the board meeting” She said and smile at me.

I immediately stand up and grab my cardigan to put it in, “Your name?” I gently ask while smiling at her.

“Milana Villarino po, Miss, Media Planner head in designs Miss.” She answered, I nodded and walk out of the office with her.

“Everyone is in the board meeting?” I ask while we’re walking in the hallway. “Yes, Miss,” he uttered, “Even the CEO?” I ask and she nodded as an answer. That mean Kace were there also.

“Ok,” I said and cheer myself up. Pagpasok namin sa board meeting lahat ng atensyon ay napunta saamin, “Sorry for the inconvenience” I apologize and seat beside my brother.

As I take my seat Lana seated behind me, and I still notice the shareholders keep on staring at me, so I lean on my brother and whisper. “Why are they looking at me like that?”

“I don’t know, focus on the meeting please,” he said, I know my brother when it comes to work his always that serious, a perfectionist I say.

Because he didn’t answer what I said I look at his back where Kace are seating and gestured him to come closer, he slowly leans on and faces me with his ears.

“Why are they staring at me? Do I have something on my face?” I whisper, he looks at me before he answers. “Nothing Miss” he answered, I look glance at the shareholders, and still they are all staring at me.

“Then why are they keep staring?” I whisper while watching others stare at me. I felt Kace lean closer to my ears and whisper.

“Because you’re too beautiful Miss,” I stiffed and my eyes literally widened through what he said when I glance at him his already seating straight at his chair and listening the meeting.

What was that!!!! My heart is pounding so fast right now. My hands are also cold and freezing.

“Miss, are you ok?” Lana suddenly whispers at my side, I look at her with a confusing face why is she asking that kind of question to me?

“No, why?” I ask. “Your face is red, Miss,” she said, I quickly held my face and look straight. My face is burning geez.

“Do you want water Miss?” Lana asks again. Umiling ako at sinagot siya, “No, I’m fine don’t bother,” I whisper and she goes back to her seat, and my body shivered when I felt Kace staring at me from the back.

I can freaking feel it right now!!! I tried my best to focus on the meeting but I can’t because my heart keeps on remembering what he said.

“That would be all,” napalingon na lang ako kay Kuya ng tapusin niya na ang meeting at nagsitayuan na ang lahat ng tao sa loob ng board meeting.

“Chantel, aren’t you eating lunch?” My brother asks when he notices I’m still seating and not moving on my seat. “Yea——,”

“I’ll be eating lunch with her Sir,” nagulat ko ng magsalita sa likod namin si Kace.

Kuya look at him and said, “Really, ok that’s good to hear, I’ll be leaving for this afternoon I’ll leave everything to you Kace,” Kuya said, Kace nodded, and with that Kuya leave the room.

I was still seating when we are both left here inside. “Let’s go eat,” He said and stand in front of me. “Where’s the Miss?” I ask.

“It’s not working time anymore,” he seriously said and put both of his hands in his pocket. “Ahh, so why are you going to eat with me?” I ask. “You said we should eat,” he casually said. “But it’s not your working time anymore,” I said.

“Let’s just eat Miss,” he said and started to walk out of the room. “Oh, the Miss is back?” I said and followed him. Dire-diretso kaming lumabas ang company at nagtungo sa parking lot. I just followed him where ever he goes.

We stop in front of a white Ford Sedan, “It’s yours?” I ask out of the blue. “Where are we eating Miss?” he ask and ignore my question. I roll my eyes at him and just hope inside the car.

Sumakay na ’rin siya at sinimulang paandarin ang sasakyan, I’m really pissed of right now so I don’t speak the whole ride and he just keep on driving until we stop on a mall. “Mall?” I whisper and look around.

Pagkatapos niyang ipark ang sasakyan agad siyang bumaba at pinagbuksan ako ng pinto na parang boss. Akala ko ba it’s not his working hour why is he still acting like a secretary.

“Where are we going?” I ask, but he just started walking and we both went inside of the Mall. I just followed him until he enters a fast food place. “Seat there Miss,” he said and pointed at the seats at the edge.

I don’t know but I just followed him and seat there, Kace ordered food at the counter. I just watch him talking to the crew.

And, I suddenly feel uneasy as I watch him flip the sleeve of his polo up to his elbow. I notice some veins on those sexy arms—I mean arms.

“What the f!” I hissed and just look at my wristwatch.

Maya-maya ay dumating na siya na may dalang pagkain, he ordered rise with chicken and vegetable salad, ice cream and chocolate drinks. Siya ’din ang naghain ng pagkain sa harap ko, he puts the vegetable salad and chocolate drink on my side and he the rise with chicken on his side also the ice cream.

“Let’s eat,” he said and started eating, I did the same but I was shock when he put some piece of chicken on my plate and pushes the ice cream on my side.

Hindi nalang ako umimik at nagpatuloy na sa pagkain, I ate everything he puts on my side. “Let’s go, Miss,” he said while checking on his wrist watch, I nodded and bring the chocolate drinks with me.

We got back to the company at the exact time and go back to our work. I didn’t speak to him but he said that I’ll be going home with him.

I think his following my command and it’s pissing me off even more, Para kasing ang lumalabas ay ginagawa niya lang ito dahil inutos ko and he still didn’t stop calling me Miss. “I really don’t get you!”

Chapter 19

“Tomorrow will be Delavine’s 10th year anniversary Chantel are you informed?” Dad asks while we’re eating dinner here at the house.

“Yes Dad, Sienna already told me about it,” I said while chewing the steak. “Good who will be your escort?” Dad asks, I stop and look at him.

“Kuya,” I said but my Brother automatically disagrees. “That won’t be me, Chantel,” he said. “Why?” I ask.

“I already had one sorry sister,” he said and continue eating. “And who’s that?” I ask with disbelief. My brother just smirks and didn’t answer my question.

“Who’s gonna be my escort then!!!” I said with frustration. Dad chuckles and speaks, “Kace,” he said. I quickly look at Dad when he says that. “Kace will be your escort since he’s always been attending the year anniversaries alone,” He said and smile at me.

I gaze at Kace, who’s still seriously and silently eating in front of me. Does he attend the year anniversary without a partner? Why tho? “Kace are you fine with escorting Chantel?” Dad said and this time Kace rose his head and face Dad. “ Yes, Tito,“ he said.

“Great,” Dad said and smile at me. I watch Kace go back to eating again, and wait if I see some changes in his expression but I see nothing. He just remains calm and serious about the food.

I just did the same thing; I ate and avoid getting distracted by him. After dinner, I feel uneasy about him being my escort by force so I follow him and call him before he enters his room.

“Kace, wait up,” I said, he stops and look at me.

“Are you sure you’re fine about the escort thing? I mean I don’t want to force you if you don’t really want it. I can just find another guy to be my escor––.”

“I’ll be your escort,” he firmly said and enters his room, I flinched when he close the door a bit too hard causing a loud sound.

“Ok, goodnight,” I whisper and go to my room. “Is he mad?” I ask myself.

---

I woke up a bit late this morning because we don’t have work because it was the grand anniversary celebration later, so I decided to rest for half of the day and go to the hotel after to get ready for the party later.

I was in the family van, on the way to the hotel when Sienna call. “Yes?” bungad ko sa tawag.

“I’m on my way to fetch my assistant slash friend Aberry, remember the one I’ve mentioned yesterday?” Sienna said in the other line, yes, I remember that she mention that name, sabi niya kasama daw namin itong mag-aayos.

At first, I feel uncomfortable about that because I’m not really that friendly person na, I don’t know if she’ll like me or hate me but since she’s Sienna’s friend, I think it’s fine and she’s kind.

“Yes, I remember so I’ll just see you both at the hotel room,” I said.

“Yes, see you,” she said and ends up the call. Nakarating ako sa hotel suit ko at agad akong naligo, I stayed there for an hour and after that, I just wear a silk white nighties and stay at the room when I heard Sienna at the leaving room.

“Paige, we’re here,” I heard Sienna shout outside. I smile and open the door and saw them in the leaving room of my suit, “Hi there” I said, I saw how the girl beside her stared at me filled with admiration so I suddenly feel shy inside.

Even though I feel shy I walk to her place and greet her. “Hi, nice to meet you, I’m Chantel by the way but you can call me Paige”

She remains to stare at me and answers, “H-hello, Aberry po,” I find her cute when she shutters a bit in front of me.

I look at Sienna when she starts talking,“Paige, siya yung sinasabi ko sayo na assistant ko, and also my new friend,” I nodded and smile, I remember Sienna mentioned here about my auntie’s issue that she make her calm.

“Yeah, you already told her to me, btw I must give you a big compliment bout’ what you did to Tita Felice,” I said and smiled at Aberry who’s still staring at me.

“Aberry Chantel kapatid ni Cadmus, the Mister CEO,” Sienna said to her, Aberry’s eye automatically widened when Sienna said that.

“Nako, nakakahiya pong nandito ako, Ma’am Dalavine,” she suddenly feels uneasy and tries to bow her head because of my presence I find it super cute, I think I like her already.

“Hey no way, don’t bow your head on me it’s just me your new friend, and what’s the problem be with me being the sister of Cad?” I quickly ask.

“Tama si Paige, Aberry kaya nga kita dinala dito para maging magkaibigan tayong tatlo, and don’t worry know given profession or level in life when it comes to friendship, so feel free with Paige she’s super nice,” I think what Sienna said made her feel at ace so I make a move.

“Come on let’s start preferring na, I already fixed everything inside my room come,” I said and pull her hands to my room, and we start preparing for the party.

I help Aberry with her make-up and hair, she’s so pretty and I really want to enhance her beauty tonight. “Bwala!” I said as I presented her to Sienna.

“Nooo, who are you?!“Sienna teases her and we both laugh. Now I just choose to wear a Gray Baby doll dress with a body con necklace that wraps around my body.

I look at Aberry and I can say she’s really beautiful, “I told you it would fit you,” I said to her, she smile and, “Thank you, Chantel, Sienna,” she said.

“Don’t thank us now, the party didn’t even start yet?” I said and grabbed my purse and held her hand, walk out of the suit and go to the venue.

“Let the party start,” I said and enter the venue.

As we step inside the venue, all eyes landed on our spot. “Eyes on us, as expected,” I said and smile at Aberry to make her feel confident in her dress.

“Hey bring your friends to our table ok I wanna meet them,” I told Aberry and go to my brother. “Hi, there handsome,” I tease him.

“Hey,” Kuya said and just look around. “The place is nice,” I said as I roam around the place. “Yes,” Kuya agreed.

“Where’s your partner?” I ask out of the blue, since yesterday kasi sabi niya, he has a partner I get curious and wanted to see that girl but from what I’m witnessing now he has no partner.

My brother hissed and leave, “What’s his problem?” I whisper and go to our seats. The party started.

“Good evening everyone, I am Cadmus Delavine, Director and CEO of Delavine’s Scent. It is my distinct honor and high privilege to welcome you all to the 10th Anniversary Ball to celebrate an important Delavine’s history. Everyone enjoy the night and let’s have a wonderful celebration this evening, Thank you,” Kuya speaks in front but all I notice is his bad mood, I can’t help but smile and laugh at him.

He looks like a grumpy old man.

“Chantel, Sienna,” I look at Aberry when she’s here already together with her two friends, I suddenly wanna be friendly today because I don’t feel any possible rejections from them. Because all my life I tried to make friends but I always end up getting hated so I stop being friendly.

“Oh hi, here have a seat everyone,” I said and let them a seat and we talk and talk a lot.

When they already played a song, I wanna have some fun and I already drink the number of cups of wine so I’m a bit tipsy, “Let’s dance guys,” I said and pull Aberry and Lana into the middle of the crowd.

The three of us dance along with the crowd and I started drinking some wine while dancing, “Woahh!” Lana dances aggressively so the drinks that she’s holding splash on her chest and because I’m close to her I get slash two.

I stop dancing and look at my dripping wet dress. “Oh, my—–ah!” I was cut off when Kace suddenly appear in front of me and carry me without consent.

“Hey!!!” I said and saw Aberry getting pulled by a guy also Lana suddenly disappears.

“Hey Kace let go!” I said while she carrying me.

“Want me to let you go when I can already see your whole body when you stand by this soaking wet dress, want other guys to stare at you when I let you go?!” he madly said.

I bow my head and say, “No.”

Chapter 20

“Want me to let you go when I can already see your whole body by this soaking wet dress want another guy to stare at you when I let you go?!” he madly said. I bow my head and say. “No,” I whisper and just avoided gazing at him.

He brings me out of the venue and let go of me in front of his car. Nangmabitawan niya na ako agad kong inayos ang dress na suot ko at pinagpagang basang parte nito gamit ang palad ko. “Tss,” I heard him hissed, and open his car, he gets something inside.

I didn’t bother to look at it and just focus on my wet dress, “It’s ruined,” I whisper. “Here,” I rose my head when Kace stand in front of me and handed me a clean white towel together with his hoodie.

When I reach for it and accept it, he crosses his arms upon his chest and leans on his car. He watched me wipe my dress using this towel and put his hoodie on.

As I wear his hoodie I instantly smell his scent on it. It’s still the same 10 years ago. I bet he didn’t change his perfume.

“I still wanna drink,” I whisper after putting his hoodie on.

I saw him stare at me and just sigh while focusing on what I’ve said. “But your dress is messed up,” he casually said.

“Yeah, that’s the problem,” I whisper, I feel a little bit dizzy na but I’m not that drunk, I still want to drink more.

I pouted and just kick the small stone in front of me. We both remain silent for a moment until he finally speaks again. “Wanna drink?” he asks. I pouted and say, “Yes,”

“Fine,” he said and stands straight, walk through his car and start the engine. Nanatili akong nakatayo sa harap ng kanyang sasakyan at nang mapansin niyang hindi ako gumalaw saking kinatatayuan ay agad niya akong sinenyasan na pumasok sa loob.

“Where are we going?” I ask as I seat beside him here at the passenger seats.

“Drink,” he said and starts driving. I just stare at him and didn’t bother to speak more, nahihilo narin naman ako kaya mas pinili ko nalang manahimik. I need to sober up so I can drink more.

After a few minutes, we stop on the side of the road where it’s a spot of sightseeing here. You can see the city from here.

He park the car and didn’t open the door, instead he reach something from the back seat and when he go back to his seat. He handed me a can of beer, so he has stock here?

He already opens it for me and he drinks his, I watch him first before I slowly drink mine. He just drink silently and I kind a feel awkward about the silence around us so I try to open some topic. “So, how are you?” I ask and laugh awkwardly.

“Fine,” he said in a cold tone so I get pissed off again, ito na naman tayo sa pagiging cold at pagignore niya sa akin.

Because of my temper, I drink my beer straight up and get his also and drink it all. He looks shock at me and just looks at me while I throw the can at the back.

“You know you’re really making me mad!!! After 10 years this is how you’ll treat me!!! I’ve been trying to contact you in every way that I can since then but I didn’t get any response from you!!!!” I shouted then make him stare at me deeper.

I know I’m drunk already and I didn’t get sober up!! I’m gonna seize the moment where I con confront him.

“Don’t you know that as soon as I step in France, I think about being alone again but it quickly disappears when I know that you’re at my back, I know that you’re going to support me even though were far from each other because your my friend, you’re the person I trust and feel comfortable with. But I was wrong, you didn’t reply to my text messages and didn’t even bother to inform me that you lose your phone 10 years Kace!” I suddenly feel heavy thing on my chest as I started open up my thoughts when I first go to France.

Kace just avoided my gaze and look in front of the car. He doesn’t seem to be affected to what I’ve said so I suddenly felt like crying because his making me feel worthless friend.

“Hey, I’m talking to you!!! Do you not know how hard for me to start over again there, I was hated by the students on school again, I don’t have friends, I study all the time I didn’t have time to enjoy myself even just to make a simple conversation with the person I’m comfortable with, I didn’t get the chance to do it because I was so focus on what I’m ordered to do, you are the only one person I think who could make me feel better but you didn’t reach for me, you didn’t think of me. Does Chantel’s doing well there? Does Chantel feel sad there? Does Chantel feel lonely there? No one ask me that for almost 10 years no one ask me that, but it’s ok I handle it alone well, You know Kace your supposed to be asking me now if how are you Chantel. You know pambawi lang sa pagiwan mo sa akin sa ere.” I said and I completely burst out here inside the car.

I feel so sad asking that all to myself, I remember the times I need someone to lean on. I can’t reach for Kace, I can’t talk problems with Sienna because she happy I don’t want to make her stress that time. My brother was also busy being a CEO so I called nothing. I just handle it all by myself. When I’m about to give up on school and modeling still push myself that time, even though I always cry at night.

Kace didn’t speak, so I sigh with disbelief. I’m so drunk and my emotions are out of the right place anymore. Fuck!

“Do you really not care for me Kace? Didn’t you miss me? Didn’t you feel sad when I leave?” I ask but still didn’t respond so I cried even more.

“Kace, aren’t you gonna answer me?” I ask and push his arms. “I’m crying already?!!” I’m like a child asking for attention but still didn’t give a chance to be notice.

“Kace!!! I’m still your friend or almost like your sister!!!!” I shouted but I stop when he finally face me with those flaming eyes. “That’s the fucking problem Paige!!!” he hissed, and pull my arms.

And before I knew our lips already touched. “I don’t fucking want to be related to you nor’ be friends with you.”

Chapter 21

“I don’t fucking want to be related to you nor’ be friends with you,” he said and let go of me. I was literally shocked and didn’t move a muscle as everything still didn’t sink into my mind. What did just happen?

Why is my heart pounding so fast and my whole body is trembling? I feel so dizzy and at the same time, my mind is so messed up. I can’t think straight anymore. Kace hit the steering wheel and keep on cursing. “Fucking shit! Fuck!”

I remain staring at him and slowly lift my hands to touch my lips. Did our lips just meet? Did he kiss me? Why would he do that? What’s that for? Why is he mad?

What’s happening? Gulong gulo na ang aking isipan. But my heart keeps on beating so fast and my mind is getting drowned by that touch. “W-why?” I utter.

Kace just rests his head on his seat and covers it with his arms. I saw him gulf and clenched his jaw when I ask him.

“Why did you kiss me?” I whisper wheel sobbing and wiping my tears.

He sighs and “Forget about it, I’m sorry,” he hissed filled with frustration. Did he just kiss me and then regret it in just a glimpse?!

I don’t know but I suddenly feel offended and mad at his action. To the point that I really understand anything but there’s one thing that’s clear to my mind right now even though I’m drunk.

“It was a mistake Paige can we just forge——,” I didn’t let him finish because I quickly lean on his seat, and grabbed his face for a torrid kiss him.

I feel him stiffen and his eyes are open wide right now but I just ignore it and kiss him deeper.

Because this is the only thing that’s clear to my mind right now, I wanted to feel his lips on mine once again.

I started moving my lips but he just remains stiff and when he got back through his sense he push me, “Paige!!!” he shouted.

“What!!!!” I shouted back which make him shock even more. “You started this!!! Don’t you ever regret a thing that you’re the one who started! I hate you!!!” I shouted and cried, leaning on his chest and crying on it.

“You ignored me for 10 years and now hearing you say that you don’t wanna be friends with me breaks me so much!!! You were the only friend I got that I show my true self,” I burst out and cry on his chest while hitting him lightly.

“You don’t understand Paige,” I heard him say, and his voice sounded so tired and wasted when he said that.

I face him, “Then make fucking understand Kace!! Hindi yong ganito na wala akong maintindihan sa lahat ng giangawa mo!!!!”

“Umalis ako ng pinas ng hindi kita nakita, you ignored my text and didn’t reach for me, after that I’m already here and still got ignored by you and now you’re telling me that you don’t want to be close nor friends to me!! Why Kace?! Tell me why!!! WHY!!!! WH——.”

“Because I’m fucking in love with you!!!!” He shouted through my face.

“I’m fucking in love with you since the first day we met Paige!!! I fucking want you but I can’t, I ignored you for 10 years because I realize that my feelings for you were wrong! I can’t love a person who treats me like her older brother only. I don’t reach for you because I’m trying my fucking hard to forget about my feelings for you!!! So, don’t ask me why I don’t want to be related to you because I fucking want you as my woman, not my sister or your friend shit Paige!!!!”

I stiffed but quickly recover and grabbed his face, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier Jerk!!!” I shouted back and kiss him again.

I know there’s something inside of me wanting to hear that from him, I’ve been always seeking answers to why I’m so mad when he ignores me and when he just treats me like a wind. I always feel pain when it comes to him.

But now maybe I finally find the answer, and it’s because I have had feelings for him ever since I leave the Philippines and it gets deeper when I started missing him. Longing for him and wanted him by my side. It’s not because I need a brother at my side instead I need Kace as my man at my side for almost 10 years.

It’s finally over, it’s clear to me that I have feelings for this man.

I initiate to deepen the kiss and wrap my arms around his neck and seat on his lap. He remains stiffed at first but responds after. I felt his warm palm on my waist as he caresses it carefully.

All this time I have been forcing myself only to treat him as a friend and almost older brother but little do I know I have hidden feelings for him. I admire him since I was only 11 years old, I want to be close to him back then because I admire him and I want to get part of his life.

My heart is pounding so fast because I’m happy knowing his feelings and all my longing massages madness fades away as he speaks for the reasons behind it.

I cut our kisses and gaze at him, our eyes met. “Why would you choose to forget these feelings, when I feel the same thing” I sigh, and hit his chest. “We can’t Paige” he whispered. “Why not?” I ask.

“I owe my life to your family, it will be a betrayal if I loved the daughter of the person who treats me like his own son,” said using his husky and tired voice. Something aches in my chest as he said those words, why do I feel that loving me will be a sin?

“Don’t say that,” I said and lean my head on his chest. Tears started to run again. “We can’t Paige,” he said once again.

He reaches for my chin and lifts my face up so we can look at each other. He wipes my tears and all I can see is the blurry sight of him. Why do I get myself drunk it will end up like this! shit!

“Love me,” I whisper and wipe my tears using the back of my hands.

“Please,” I whisper again. “Fuck!” he hissed, and I just saw myself on his arms and lips again. “Why can’t I fucking resist you?!”

Chapter 22

R18

 

“Why can’t I fucking resist you?” he whispers and tightens his grip on my waist and pull me even close to him.

I gasp as I felt a bulge hit me in between, I grab his nape and gather all my strength to compete with his kisses. It was torrid and filled with hunger.

He started licking and exploring inside my mouth, I was too drowned and drunk, so I copied what his doing and savored his touches. “Fuck!’ he curses and grips the back of my head to deepen the kiss.

I felt him lift both of my thighs up to both sides of the driver’s seat and lift my dress slowly. Hindi kona alam kung bakit hindi ako nahihiya sakanya ngayon, maybe it’s the help of the alcohols inside my body.

His kiss when down to my child, to my jaw, and end up on my neck. “Agh!’ I groan as Kace bites some part of my neck. He sucks and licks every part of it. I lift my head to give him better access to my neck.

But he changes his spot and bites the strap of my baby doll dress, he looks into my eyes with those fearless and blank eyes, and slowly pull down the strap and expose my strapless black bra.

Kace stared at me as he slowly give a peck of kisses on my chest up to the tip of my mound, even though I still have my upper underwear I can already feel the warmth of his lips.

“Haa,” my breathing became so heavy and I keep hunting for better air to breathe because my heart was about to explode, and it really gives me a hard time breathing right.

“Kace!” I shouted as he licks the tip of my bra and stares at me sensually. I feel so seduced by those expressionless faces and I can’t resist it now.

“Pull it down,” I whisper and initiated the first move, even though this would be my first time if confident and sure about giving this to him.

“What did you say?” he whispers and leans on the side of my head while his hands started touching both of my mounds.

“Haa pu-pull it d-down,” he gives me hard time speaking properly as he keeps on teasing me down there.

“What?” he asks with a playful tone in his voice. “I s-said hmm…p-pull it ah!” I groan when he massages my breast in a circular motion. I admit that it gives a lot of pleasure to my side.

I knew that is doing this on purpose, his teasing me. “I said to pull my bra down you jer—hmf,” he wouldn’t let me finish my words and sealed my lips using his and pull down my bra and touch my bare mound using his warm palm.

His other hand roams around my waist and plays on the side of my undies. “I want you,” I whisper between our kisses; he stops as I say those and stares at me for a moment.

I watch him clench his jaw as his gaze goes down to my breast. And get back into my eyes after. “Are you sure about this?” he asks seriously, I smile at him and nod as my sight gets blurry. Fucking drunk Chantel!

“Fuck why would I ask her? if I clearly know that she’s drunk and wasted I fucking taking advantage of the situation, fuck you, Kace,” heard him whisper but I can’t clearly understand it anymore, but I heard the word advantage.

So I speak, “No Kace don’t think of this as an advantage I like it, I want you,” I whisper and pull him for a kiss once again.

“You’ll regret this tomorrow Chantel but I guess I won’t,” he said something again but this time I don’t really understand a thing. He kisses me aggressively, from my lips to my jaw down to my neck, moves into my chest, and his hands down to my pearl.

“Hmm..ahh.Kace,” I don’t understand what I wanted to say right now but I just want to call him in any way I can. I wrap my arms around his neck and lean my head on his shoulder as his hands move inside my underwear and touch mine in between.

I grip harder on his back and bite his shoulder when I felt his hands slowly move down there. “Ohh Kace,” I was already moaning! Fuck! “I’ll go in,” I heard him say and “Hnngg!” I felt his finger inside and it’s driving e crazy!

I give a little bit of pain but I try my best to endure it and hugged him tighter, his hands started moving and because of that, I don’t know where to face him right now so I just hide my face on his neck and tightens my grip.

His movements became faster and faster, “Ahh K-kace!!!“I groan.

He keeps going and going and when I felt something inside of me building up, I bite his neck, “Ah fuck!” he groans in pain.

“Ahhh!” I whimper and weaken as I reach the pick of sensation. I rested on his chest as I let out something down there. “Let’s go home, Chantel!’ I heard him whisper, “No,” I answered and face him.

Ang mapungay niyang mga mata ang sumalubong sakin, kahit na medyo Malabo na ang aking paningin sa puntong ito natatanaw ko parin ang kanyang mga mata.

My hearts keep beating so fast, thinking that’s something happening to us gives me shivers and butterflies inside my stomach.

I feel so drunk but at the same time I feel loved at this moment, I don’t want this to end easily. “Bring me somewhere Kace” I whisper into his ears and purposely let my lips touch his ear lobe.

“I have to take you home Chantel, Tito and Cad might look for you,” he said, and I fucking know that’s his controlling himself.

“I’m old enough to handle myself they know that, haha so stop holding yourself and bring me somewhere Kace,” I drunk said and hugged him tighter. “No, Chantel,”

“Yes, Kace! Bring me somewhere or I’ll go somewhere!” I hissed. I feel him sigh before he started the engine even though I’m still seating on his lap. He drives fast away from the hill and brings me somewhere.

“This could be the end of me,” he sighs, and we stop in front of the Delavine’s Condominiums. I can still fucking recognize our properties even though I’m drunk tho.

“Hmf!” I said and look at him while were inside his car, all I can see clearly right now is his eyes staring at me.

“Are you going to fuck me here?” I ask. “Fuck, Chantel!!!”

*** 

Author: MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Chapter 23

R18

“Can you still walk straight Paige?” he whispers while we are both standing inside the elevator. I urge a playful chuckle before I lean on his shoulder, “I’m not drunk you know, just a little bit sobby.” He just sighs and wraps his arms around my waist to give some support, and I would able to stand straight. He also grabs my right arm and wraps it around his neck.

The elevator opens and he quickly walks with me and leads us to the last door of this floor, he opens it with a pin code and brags me inside.

He let me a seat on the couch and when he was about to leave, I quickly reach for his hands and pouted at him. “Where are you going?” I ask, “I’ll grab some water,” he said. “I don’t one,” I said.

“What do you want?” he confusedly asks, as he asks I immediately pull him to my side and sit on his lap. “Enough Paige” he whispers and tries to remove my arms around his shoulders.

I make face at him and lean closer, “What?” I ask teasingly and lean my head on his shoulder, letting him smell my neck.

“Fuck, Paige we need to stop this. I’m telling you this could be the end of me,” he begs and tries his hard to control himself, but I surely know that he wants it to. “Shhh shut your mouth and just kiss me,” I said and initiated the kiss.

I as kiss him, and he quickly gives in and kiss me back, held my waist pull me close to him, and held my nape to support my head.

His kisses went down to my neck and he slowly lay me down on the couch and positioned me above him. He leaves kisses on every part of my face down to my neck and chest, he slowly pulls down the strap of my dress while he’s busy doing his business on my chest and he removes my bra in just a glimpse.

“Hmmm,” I groan and I can’t even recognize if this is still my voice, hearing it makes me blush so much. I felt Kace go down to my stomach and slowly pull down my dress until he fully undresses me. Right now I’m only wearing my underwear in front of him.

I’m a little bit dizzy and sleepy but the sensation inside of me is keeping me awake. “Hngg..Kace!” I moan his name as I feel his warm lips on my thighs, his breath touching my skin is making me tremble so badly.

He planted small kisses on my thighs down to my sensitive part, to which I quickly reacted, “Oh Kace!!!” I groan as I felt his lips down there, it was warm and it give me shivers even though I’m still in my undies.

My thighs are shaking already, “Paige,” Kace huskily whisper my name and make me look at him down there. Kahit nanlalabo na ang aking paningin dahil sa epekto ng alak pinilit ko paring tignan siya.

I bite my lower lips so hard as he gives small kisses down there, It’s turning me on even more and I can’t take it anymore, I seat and pull him up back above me and kiss him.

I lift his shirt off and when he realizes what I’m doing he cut our kisses and undresses above me and goes back to my lips, he also slowly removes my undies while he’s still busy on my lips.

He felt a bulge hitting my stomach again and I didn’t bother to look at it, because even when I’m drunk I know what that thing is.

I touch Kace’s abs and deepen the kiss, I also let him kiss my neck and give him better access again. “Kace, let’s do it,” I whisper in his ears.

Kace quickly looks me in the eye with too much sensation between his eyes, his burning with desire, and I guess he doesn’t even know he is.

He kisses me gently as I felt him position himself, “Hmm!” I moan between our kisses as his things rub between my thighs, it brings too many sensations.

And I’m burning right now, I want him inside. “Kace hmmm,” I whisper between our kisses and hug him tighter.

His kiss when up to my forehead and as it goes, I whimper with pain as he enters me slowly down there. It feels like I’m sliced by two, his thing wasn’t even fully inside of me. I cry in pain.

“Want me to stop now Paige?” Puno ng pag-aalalang tanong nito saking habang pinupunasan ang aking mga luha. Umiling ako at pinunasan ang aking sariling hula. So he can see that I still want this to happen. “Continue,” I whisper and kiss him softly.

He nodded and kiss me gently, driving me inside with his gentle kiss and putting my focus on his lips as he goes in slowly.

I endure the pain and savor his gentle kisses, even more, the pain is still there but it loosens when I feel Kace is adjusting and doing his best not to hurt me even more.

“I won’t move unless you say so,” He whisper between our kisses and stared at me for a while, he continue wiping my tears up and calming me down. When I finally fell at ace, I slowly nodded at him and whispered, “Move.”

He sigh and continue kissing me, he also started moving slowly down there. At first, it was still in pain but as it goes in the pain changed into an intimate pleasure.

He moves faster as I completely adjusted. “Agh Kace!!!” I moan. “Fuck,” he groans and keeps moving.

I gasp as he lifts me up while he’s still inside of me, “Oh Kace!” I groan because his thing goes deeper. He carries me and walks me through his room, Kace opens the door and quickly lays me on a soft bed, and starts moving side of me once again.

“Kace,” I have gone crazy calling his name, even though he’s in front of me already. He keeps moving faster and faster, and I felt something inside of me building up and was about to explode. “Kace, I’m cumming!” I whisper at him.

He keeps moving faster and faster. I don’t even know where to face my head right now. I’m drowned by this burning sensation and I’m about to blow up.

“Ahh!!! Kace!” I trembled as I felt my climax. I felt weak, but my eyes instantly widened when Kace turn me around and enter once again. “Kace!”

He kisses my nape and slowly moves again, this position gives a higher level of sensation and it freaking drives me crazy.

He moves faster and faster, I grip on the headboard for support as he continues moving at the back. “Fuck Paige!” I heard him moan.

When he keeps moving, I felt another set of things building up again inside of me, “Kace, I’m cumming!!” I said while tightening my grip on the headboard.

“Fuck Paige, me either,” he groaned and moves faster.

I can hear the weird sound that our body is making as we go faster and after a few hard thrusts. “Kace!”

“Paige!”

We both reach our climax, he hit his release inside of me. he lay on the bed as my body weakens, I felt him lay on my back and kiss my shoulder before he remove his thing inside of me and lay beside me.

I really feel sleepy right now; I move and face him, hug him and sleep on his chest.

Kace hugged me back and sleep beside me.

“Fuck, I just did a sin,” he whispered, I smile and whisper, “I love your sin then.”

Chapter 24

I wake up as I felt the sunrise touches my bearskin, as soon as I move some parts of my body instantly ache. “Hmm!” I groan and try to stretch it.

I roll over the bed while my eyes were still closed, my body aches in pain but my heart shouts happiness within me. I stop when I suddenly remember what happened last night!!! My eye immediately opens and I seat, look around and see nothing.

“Kace?” I call his name and stare at the bathroom, thinking that he could be there.

But after staring at it for a minute there’s no sign of him there. I want to stand up but my in-between feel so sore. I can’t even move my lower body because of it; I also saw a red stain on the comforter. The mark that means I’ve given in something last night.

I know I’m drunk last night, not every detail is clear but I completely remember a thing, and how it feels last night.

It was unexpected but it was wonderful, what he said last night was crystal clear and it made me realize what I truly felt for almost 10 years. I long for him because I like him from the very start and that didn’t change even a bit.

I was silently thinking when the door opens and Kace showed up with his gray jogging pants, his topless. He looks at me the first thing he got in.

My eye automatically glimmers as our eyes met, butterflies in my stomach burst and went crazy as he walk closer to me.

My heart pound so fast and it’s making me shy. “Kace,” I said and watch his seat at the edge of the bed.

He is seated at the edge of the bed and looks straight at the side, he looks so serious and I bet he’s thinking something right now.

Suddenly the atmosphere became uneasy. I seated properly and fix the cover of the comforter around my naked body.

“Kace?” I call his name to get his attention when he already spends seconds silently staring at the wall.

He rubs his nose using both of his hands and faces me with a worried expression. “What happen last night wasn’t right, it’s my fault I took advantage of you,” he said and shook his head of me.

I stiffed and sudden pain stabs my chest, does he regret what happened last night? I glance at my hands which trembled already. I don’t know what to feel about what he said, does he regret it?

“You are regretting it?” I ask but it ends up like a whisper already.

He sighs and covers his face with both of his hands. “It’s wrong Paige” he whispers but I clearly hear it.

I couldn’t control my emotions and sudden anger so I quickly grabbed the pillow beside me and throw it through his head. “Well, I don’t regret it!!!!” I shouted when the pillow hits him.

He automatically rose his head as the pillow hits him, and stare at me with his shocked expression. Showing emotions now jerk!

“I don’t see anything wrong happen last night Kace!!! I’m single your single and we’re old enough to do that kind of stuff!!!” I haze and glared at him.

“It was my first time and I’m happy giving it to you with all my heart and you’ll just act like this first thing in the morning!!! Regretting!!! Fuck you I hate you!!!” I shouted and forces myself to stand out of the bed, cover myself with the comforter, and go straight to his closet to look for some clothes I might use.

“Paige, it’s not like that,” I heard him say, and followed me here inside.

“Ganon yon’ Kace!!!” I said and grab a white sweatshirt out of his closet and gray trousers pants. “Your face says it all, your face shows too many regrets tho!!!” I said and started to wear his clothes. I grab one of his belts for the trousers pants and walk past him to look for my heels around the room.

“Paige what I’m trying to say is that what I did to you was wrong, it’s completely wro—,” he uttered but, “Blablabla, I can’t hear you!!!” I cut him out and keep looking around the room for my heels.

But, when I can’t see it around here inside I quickly step out of his room and find it here outside. Even though my sensitive part aches so bad down there for every move I take I endure it and make myself firm and strong.

“Paige are you still sore?” I heard him ask behind me while I still keep on looking around the house for my heels. “I’m not!!!!” I shouted at him and keep on walking.

But, I almost panic when he suddenly showed up behind me and carry me, “Hey put me down!!!” I shouted and try to move in his arms but he won’t let me.

“Put me down!!” I firmly said, but he just continues walking and put me down on the kitchen counter. He let me a seat on the high chair here in his kitchen and lock me down by resting both of his hands beside my chair.

“Why did you do that!? I need to look for my heels and leave this fucking place of yours so I won’t get irritated with that regretful face of yours because it’s making me so ma—–.”

“I didn’t say I regret a thing, Paige! What I’m saying is what happened last night was wrong! I own your family myself and yet I betrayed your dad by bedding you last night!!!” he said and cut me.

My eyes widened and push his shoulder using my pointing fingers. “Bedding me huh!!! Is that what you called that?! I thought it was love-making because you just confesses your feelings to me last night right!!!” I said. “Yea––,”

“See you agreed and you love me so why are you keep thinking that what we did was wrong!!! I love you too, I like you!!!!” I said.

“But we can’t,” he said and move away, he grabbed some food out of the oven and served me some baked mac.

“Eat breakfast before you leave,” he said and seat in front of me, he also brings up my heels and put it on my feet while I started eating.

I ate the baked mac with frowned face and I glared at him as he seats in front of me. When he looks at me he controls his smirk and watches me eat while killing him with my death glare.

“Can you be my boyfriend then?” I ask out of the blue, he almost throws up the coffee that he’s drinking when I ask him.

“Paige! No,” he said while wiping the coffee that slip on the side of his lips.

“Then, can you bed me again?” I innocently ask and this time he completely throws his coffee cup. “What the fuck, Paige!!” I stick my tongue at him and continue eating.

Chapter 25

“He’s getting into my nerves Sienna if only you could see his face!! He really shows regret tho!” I almost crash the donut that I’m eating while telling those to Sienna.

After I ate breakfast at Kace pad, he quickly drove me home without talking. He avoids making conversation with me the whole time.

And that makes me go mad. He denied it when I said he is not regretting but his actions show it all. “Maybe he has a reason, Paige,” Sienna calmly said and crossed her arms above her chest while staring at me.

“Yeah, he said that he owes my family big time and he can’t afford to disappoint dad after he gives him a future,” I said and rolled my eyes, and I took a bite of my donut.

“Ayon naman pala may reason siya, and i thinks his right. Kace grew up in your family, your dad took the responsibility of being his parents when he lost him, that’s why he doesn’t wanna disappoint your dad. And liking you is one of the disappointments Paige” She said.

“But I like him, no I love him… Sienna, I have loved him for almost 10 years. What should I do with this if we can’t be together?” said and pouted at her.

She just urges her shoulder up and tries to think while drinking her coffee. I remain to stare at her while I continue eating. “Are you willing to take chances, Paige?” I raised my head as Sienna started to talk again.

“Chances like what?” I ask and lean over a bit. She did the same, leaning over and whispering. “Seduce him. I saw it on Tv, you said that Kace already confessed to you and he can’t resist you last night. It means he is weak when it comes to resisting you. Seduce and persuade him”

What she said made me think and smirk, “You’re right,” I whispered and smiled at her. “I can’t believe I said that,” Sienna whispered as she went back to her seat and drank coffee again.

I chuckled and said, “You just saved a love story that is to be told Sienna,” I said and sat properly. We continued eating here at the coffee shop before we went back to the company and did some work. But I admit it the whole day became just a brainstorming day for me. I try my best to think of a good way to make him agree to be my boyfriend and I come up with a great idea.

“Are you sure about this Paige? What if your brother finds out… hindi ikaw ang mayayari si Kace remember that,” Sienna said while we’re walking out of the lobby.

“I’ll take responsibility Sienna don’t worry,” I said and winked at her before we separate ways.

“Good luck Paige,” she said before she went to Gun’s Nissan Patrol. I wave as a sign of goodbye and quickly run to the parking lot.

And drive my brother’s Van, good thing I have his spare keys. I went straight to Delavine’s condos and as an assistant to Kace pad. I successfully went inside and while Kace was still at the company I prepared the plan. After a few hours of waiting, I heard the door open so I quickly positioned myself in the middle of his bed.

I waited for his bedroom doors to open, and as soon as Kace opened the lights his jaw dropped. “What the Fuck Paige!!!!”

“Surprise,” I said and smiled at him. His hands automatically landed on his forehead and massaged it for a moment of time. He let go of his suit on the table beside him and walked towards my place. He reaches for the comforter and throws it to my body, to cover it. “What!” I said and tried to remove it.

“Don’t you dare move that comforter away,” he said in a serious tone. “I wear this nighties silk for you to see Kace not for you to cover,” I hissed, and glared at him.

“Who asked you to do that?” he asked without looking at me. “Myself, ask me,” I answered casually. “Why?” he asked in a frustrated tone.

“Because you can’t resist me, and this is the only way I knew to make you agree to be my boyfriend,” I said and crossed my arms above my chest. He sighs heavily before he faces me. “We can’t,” he firmly said.

“Let’s keep it a secret then,” I said and crawled close to him and held his shoulders. He shook his head and whispered. “We can’t.” I move closer and kiss his cheeks, trying to seduce him. “We can,” I whisper and give him a peck.

He sighs once again and faces me, holds both of my arms with his hand, and looks at me straight in the eye. “Please Paige, don’t provoke me, stop this and stop the idea of us being in a relationship because we can’t, ok,” he weakly said and it sounds like he is begging me.

That sent a little bit of pain in my chest but I can’t give up now. I’m already here and I have to make him my boyfriend before anyone else does.

I removed his hands from my arms and nodded, “Fine, madali akong kausap,” I said and stood out of his bed. He watches me pick up my bag and asks, “Where are you going?”

“Going out obvious ba?” I said and tied my hair up. “Only wearing that?!” he panicked when I nodded to his question. “No Paige, wear some clothes,” He said and followed me out of his room.

“This is clothes, Kace,” I said with sarcasm and continued walking through his door but he stopped me by grabbing my wrist. “Paige!” he said in a threatening tone and darkly glanced at me.

“Diba sabi mo ayaw mo akong maging girlfriend” I said. “I didn’t say that what I’ve said is that we can’t,” he said. “That’s the same tho!!!” I hissed at nagpumiglas sa pagkakahawak niya.

“I’m going to look for another boy out there and ask him to be my boyfriend instead,” I said. “No, you won’t!”

“Sabi mo naman ayaw mo akong maging girlfriend so maghahanap na lang ako ng iba napapayag sa gusto ko and sa tingin ko naman with my looks right now, as soon as I open that door I can grab guys easily” I said and raise my brows on him.

I pull my arms away and turn my back on him. And as I was about to pull the doorknob he stopped me and said.

“Fine!!!” I face him and ask. “Fine, what?“I asked, “Fine, let’s be in a secret relationship just don’t fucking go out there wearing that fucking sexy dress, fuck!!!”

Chapter 26

“You said that!!!” I said cheerfully and jumped into him. I can’t help but smile widely and hug him so tight. “Yes, so let’s get you home,” he whispered and put me down. He grabs his car key out of the side table but I stop him. “I’ll sleep here,” I said and pouted him.

He sighs when he faces me, and as I wrap my arms around his waist. “You know you can’t stay here,” he almost whispered what he said and sounded so frustrated. I hugged him tighter and asked. “Why not? I’m your girlfriend now.”

“Yeah, you’re my girlfriend and I don’t want you to be the mother of my child tomorrow,” I don’t know what to react to what he said but I just choose to laugh and hug him even more.

“I’ll sleep here,” I said and pulled him inside his bed. He just sighs frustrated and let me bring him to bed. “Let me take a shower first,” he said as we both sat at the edge of the bed.

“No!” he hissed and glared at me, I chuckled at him and just lay on the bed. I grab my phone and just scroll down on my emails for the photoshoot tomorrow while waiting for him.

“I have a schedule tomorrow am with the Colado’s,” I whisper while reading some emails. I continued reading when I heard the bathroom door open and Kace came out from the bath.

With his brush-up wet hair, he is wearing black strip pajamas and a white plain t-shirt on top. He also has his face towel wrapped around his neck. He sat at the edge of the bed, I quickly let go of my phone and crawl to him.

“Let me help you,” I whisper and help him dry his hair. He leans up so I can have better access to drying his hair. Kace closed his eyes and just feel my hands on his head like a child.

“So, what will you call me now?” I ask. He opened his eyes and looked at me, “Paige,” he whispered, I frowned instantly and glared at him. “I want us to have an endearment, like babe or love you choose,” I said.

“I’m fine with Paige,” he said as I rolled my eyes. “Whatever if that’s what makes you happy old man,” I said and threw the towel on his lap after I dried his hair and went back to my place and lay down.

“Old man?” he asks as he stands up and puts the towel back in the bathroom. “Yes you, your old man don’t wanna have endearment because you are old and lazy to say it,” I said and tried to piss him off but he just smirked and sat beside me.

“So, you like old men?” he teases back and leans his face closer.

“No!” pagtatanggi ko at nilabanan ang paglapit niya. He chuckled and held my chin up for a kiss. “No? But you just force this old man to be your secret boyfriend?” He playfully said while he teased me more with his wet kisses.

What he is doing is easily building heat inside of me, the sensation of his touches really brings a big effect on my whole system. I raised my hands and held his nape and gave back the kiss he was giving.

When he felt my hands he stopped and said, “Let’s sleep kid,” he teased and laid me down by guiding my head and fixing the pillow for me. “No sex?” I innocently ask what makes him choke, “Can we stop saying unexpected words Paige and just sleep?” he said and lay on the bed. As soon as he lay beside me I quickly wrapped my arms around his body and hugged him so tight.

Kulang nalang ilubog ko ang sarili ko sa kanyang katawan dahil sa sobrang siksik ko. Nang mapansin siya ang ginawa ko ay wala siyang nagawa kundi harapin ako at kayapin pabalik. He hugged me and surrounded me with his warm arms.

“Do you think this will work?” he asked in a serious tone.

“Yes, it will promise” I whisper and rest my head on his chest and feel his heartbeat until I fall asleep already. The next morning I woke up hearing the water running from the shower inside the bathroom, and that’s the sign that Kace was already in. I rub my eyes using my hand while I walk through the bathroom and enter.

I saw Kace taking a shower, he didn’t notice me enter so I took the chance and removed my nightdress and went inside the shower area, and wrapped my arms around his body.

At first, he was startled but when he saw me leaning on his back he quickly faced me and gave me a gentle kiss. “Morning,” I whisper after the kiss, he smiles and whispers back. “Morning gorgeous,” we both smiled at each other underneath the rushing warm water on our body, I started to look at his upper body and touch his abs.

“You work out?” I ask. “Sometimes, I guess,” he humbly said and chuckled. I stared at him again and leaned over to kiss him again.

This time I kissed him with more passion and intimacy. He responded and pushed me slowly to the wall here inside the shower area. His tongue explored inside my mouth as I opened it wide for him.

I felt Kace’s hands on my thighs up to my waist, “Hmmm,” I whimpered when he bit my lower lip and his kisses went down to my neck.

His other hands lift my other thighs up to his waist and carry me up after, he pushes me even more to the wall for better support and devours my neck. “Fucking early in the morning Kace!” he nag at himself makes him cuter in my eyes.

“Yeah, Kace,” I joke, he gazes at me and smirks, and kisses me again. His hands are already doing their business down there.

I hardened my grip on his shoulder as his hands touched my clit and started to play with it, he’s playing with it! And it’s making me go crazy.

“Soaking wet Paige,” he groaned between our kisses. “Hnggg” I moaned and arched my back to feel his touch even more. “Ah!” I gasp when I feel a hard thing banging me in between and when I look at it I almost fall in his grip.

It’s standing in front of me, “It’s that normal?” I ask out of the blue. Kace stops kissing me and looks at where I’m looking. “Is that thing literally that big? Who did it fit me last time?” I can’t believe that thing fit inside me?

“It fits perfectly Paige,” he whispers in my ear, I gasp and cover my mouth, really?!!! “What’s its size?” I ask and try to measure it with my hands but Kace stops by sucking my mound and it makes me arch up and moan. “Ahhh,”

I also felt him start to position himself between me and enter me while sucking my breast. “Agh!!!!” I groaned and closed my eyes harder. He thrust gently at first until it got faster and faster as the heat between us leveled up. “Kace ah!” I keep moaning his name as he continues creating pleasure between us.

The water running to our body gives a more intimate sound as our body hits, “Oh Kace..agh,” I started to shout his name when something inside of me was building up.

I felt like I was about to explode any moment now, Kace thrust faster and harder but I can still feel his gentle touch through my neck and lips. His kisses are filled with love and he not only fills me down there but also his filling me with love inside my heart.

“Agh fuck, Paige,” he groans and rides faster. I don’t even know where to face my head as the pleasure between up and down at me.

“I’m cumming!” I whimpered between our lips, he nodded and said, “Me too,” he ground and thrust harder. After a few more hard thrusts, we reach our climax and he releases it on my stomach. “Shit!” he curses when he sees his cum all over my body.

Nagulat ako ng hilain niya ang pull-out shower at agad tinutok saking tyan upang matanggal ang marka niya dito. I bite my lower lip and watch him panic and focus on his thing down there. I really wonder what it’s size is. Habang busy siya sa aking tyan agad kong nilapit ang aking kamay sakanyang nakasaludong kaibigan.

I try to measure it using my hands but… “Oh my! Are you 9 or something? It’s too big Love?”

Chapter 27

“Bye, I’ll see you later at your condo,” I whisper in his ears as gave him a peck on his cheeks.

“No, you’ll go home later,” He said while still holding my right hand. I pouted at him and he just smiled at me as his response.

I urged my lips for him to kiss me but he just looked around and said, “Someone might see us Paige,” he said.

“Your car is tinted love,” I said and frowned my brows at him. He sighs and gives me a peck before he removes my seatbelt and pats my head. “Goodluck,” he whispered, I nodded at him and got out of his car. Agad akong pumasok sa Colado’s studios para magtrabaho.

I didn’t bother to look back on Kace because I know he already left, it was part of our plan so no one would know about our secret relationship.

I enter the lobby and a cute lady quickly assisted me, “Good morning, Miss Delavine I’m Mrs. Colado’s assistant, she’s been waiting for you in her office this way ma’am” she formally said and led the way.

I nodded and professionally followed her and checked my phone for any update from my brother. I also texted him that I’m already here for the photo shoot. As the door through her office opens a fine lady greets me, “Oh the great sister of Cadmus Delavine, Chantel, right?” she asks as she kisses my cheeks.

I nodded before I answered. “Chantel Paige Delavine, Mrs. Colado,” I said and offered my hand. She accepts it and we both shake hands.

“So, about the photoshoot, it’s a little bit adult, are you open for the lingerie set?” she instantly asks as we both sit on her mini sofa set here inside her office.

Kumunot ang noo ko sa kanyang sinabi at agad kinuha ang phone ko upang basahin ang details about this photoshoot. “There no deal here that I’d be wearing a lingerie during this collaboration photoshoot Mrs. Colado,” I said.

Mrs. Colado shyly smile and said, “Yeah, there are sudden changes that just happen this morning before you come so we didn’t put it on the papers yesterday but if you are not ok with it, don’t worry will change the theme,”

“No, it’s fine I’m just surprised, I mean I didn’t bring that kind of clothes if the theme is about lingerie,” I said and smiled at her.

“Oh, that’s not a problem, we already bring things for you. Everything is settled in the studio,” I nodded and let her discuss other things and guide me through the studio.

“Here’s the clothes if you wanna check them, first you can go to the fitting room first” Mrs. Colado handed me the paper bag and pointed at the door that had a sign of a fitting area.

I nodded and went straight inside and locked the door. I took the things out of the paper bag and saw three lingeries dresses.

It’s like the nighties I’d wear last night, I can’t help but smile remembering how he ended up being my boyfriend. Kace really can’t resist me. He really loves me.

I was about to wear black and red lingerie when my brother called, “Hello, Kuya?”

“What did you just text me? What changes are held?” he asked from the other line.

“Oh, about the theme they change it kasi, imbes na fine adult theme ginawa nilang desiring adult scent tutal for women naman daw ang scent na iproproduce so I’d be wearing lingerie” I said while looking at the other dresses.

“You’re going to wear lingerie on a photoshoot?” Kuya asks.“Yes, I guess, I’m checking the designs of the lingerie right now,” I answered.

“Are you sure about that? That will be posted on the highway billboard” Kuya sounded worried but I just smiled and said, “I’ll call you later ok stop worrying start working there bye” I said and turned off the call.

After a few seconds of letting go of my phone it rings again, I didn’t bother looking at the caller already because I know it was my brother again.

“What again Kuy—–,” I was cut when the person on the other line spoke. “Don’t fucking wear that lingerie Paige!” it’s Kace. “W-what?” I ask and stand straight. “I said don’t wear things like last night on the photoshoot” he firmly said.

“But, the Colado said it’s the them––,” again, he cut me again. “Didn’t we talk about this?’ he said.

I sigh and nodded like a child who gets nags from her mother. “Ok I won’t, I’ll just ask Mrs. Colado to change it.”

“I’ll be there at lunch. Cadmus said I’d bring you lunch, wait for me, change the theme ok, bye,” he said.

“I love you,” I whisper. “I love you too,” he whispered from the other line before he turned off the call. I bit my lower lip to control my smile and quickly pack the lingerie and find Mrs. Colado.

“What do you think?’ she asked. “Mrs. Colado can we change the theme? I feel uncomfortable about this lingerie ’’I shyly said and bow my head.

“Ok, Let’s change it to a more conservative theme, I understand you. Guys change the theme!!!” She said and asked everybody to change the set. After a few minutes, the photoshoot started and the theme changed to Paris-style dressing and a touch of a fine and sexy lady with the hard red lips and 80s hairdo.

“That’s it, doing great Chantel one last shoot, that’s it!!! Lunch break!!!” the photographer shouted and the make-up artist ran to me, and assisted me with my make-up and hat.

They all remove the bangles on my neck and let me rest in the dressing room. “What do you want for lunch Miss?” one of the staff asked me while I sat here inside.

“I need I already have one I’m just waiting for i——,”

“Miss Delavine may naghahanap po sa’inyo, Sir dito po,” the Colado assistant cut me out by saying that and Kace showed up with paper bags on his hands on both sides.

I smile at him and he raise his hands and show what he brings, “Lunch of Miss Delavine,” he said.

The staff and assistant smile at Kace like they admire his presence before they take their leave.

I face him and smile, “So, what’s for lunch?” I ask.

“Steak and vegetable salad, Miss,” he said and put it in front of me, he started to prepare it on the free table.

“Don’t have chocolate?” I asked and pouted. “No,” he said while seriously fixing my food.

“I was asked to bring you out and each lunch outside but I don’t wanna make it hard for you so I just buy you food outside you’ll eat it here so that it won’t be tiring for you to walk and it’s so hot outside,” he said while handing me the spoon and fork.

I smile and feel butterflies in my stomach as he said that, I find it so sweet and caring.

“Thank you… Love, I love you,” I said and whispered the last part before we both started eating. We both acted professionally, so no one would notice.

After eating lunch Kace said he will just watch teh photoshoot because didn’t give him that much work so he stayed and waited for me until the photoshoot ended.

“Last one.. and, that’s it!!! Great job Miss Delavine and our team, we’re finally done, it’s a wrap!!!”  the photographer shouted, and just like a while ago some staff assisted me and helped me talk off my clothes.

“Wait for me,” I said to Kace as I walked past him in the dressing room door. I quickly change and go to him, bring all my things up and say goodbye to Mrs. Colado.

“I still feel sorry about the changes I made for the photoshoot Mrs. Colado” I apologize and bow my head.

“No, Miss Delavine we understand it and it’s fine, the photoshoot went better than we expected so it’s fine, I’ll see you tomorrow for the photos ok, Bye” she kisses me on my cheeks before she leave.

After that I face my man behind and smile at him, “Let’s go?” I said and he nodded and led the way to the parking.

As soon as we entered his car I quickly reached for his hand and intertwined it. “Finally,” I whisper and let out a heavy sigh, what an ace to feel his touch again.

I saw him smile and hold my hand tighter and started the engine, my heart beating so fast just by holding his hands.

Just his presence and touch really make my heart happy and explode. “Are we going to your pad?” I ask like a child.

Umiling siya at sinabi, “No we’re heading to your house,” he said and looked straight at the road. I pouted and rested my head on his shoulder. “But I don’t want to,” I whisper.

I surely know that we can’t have alone time so I wanted to stay at his condo. “We need to go there,” he said.“Why!!!” I hissed. “Your Mom is back,” What!?

Chapter 28

“Gosh, what day is it ba?” I instantly panic when I realize what he said.

I grab my phone to check the day on my calendar, his right ngayon nga ang uwi ni Mom. Shocks, I wasn’t ready for this. “I forgot for god sake,” I hissed and rest in my seat.

I saw Kace glance at me while focused on driving and held my hand tighter. I smile at him and just close my eyes as we head our way to our house. “Will you stay for the night?” I ask when we enter the subdivision. “I don’t think so, I still have papers to check on my pad, maybe I’ll go home after dinner,” he seriously said.

I sigh and just sit silently in my seat, I want to stay with him later. “We’re here,” he whisper, I squeezed his hands for a bit before I first got out of the car and walked straight inside the house.

“Where’s my Son?” The first thing I heard as I entered the house. Mom’s really here and the usual she’s looking for Kuya. I exhale for a bit before I walk straight to the kitchen where I heard her voice. “Mom!” masigla kong sambit at nilapitan siya.

I kissed her on her cheeks and was about to give her a hug but–– “There you are my son!!!” she said and ran to my brother who just entered the kitchen with Kace behind him. “Mom?” Kuya uttered and looked at me like he wasn’t expecting that our mother’s here.

“Oh my, Son I missed you so much, I brought you a new watch. It’s already in your room, are you going to stay here for the night?” Masiyang pagtatanong ni Mom kay kuya habang naglalakad sila papasok dito sa kusina. Kuya went to the fridge to drink some water and answered Mom, “I already have enough watches Mom” he hazed and kept drinking.

“I know, but I still want you to buy me one, so are you going to stay?” She asks, I just sat on the breakfast table here in our kitchen while watching them talk.

“No I won’t”tamad na sagot ni Kuya kay Mom. “Mom I’ll stay here po,” I said and smile at her. “I didn’t ask Chantel, can you please change your clothes?” she said irritatedly.

I shook my head and nodded, “Ok, hehe,” I awkwardly said and started walking out of the kitchen. Kace touched my hands as I walked past through him just to comfort me for a simple gesture, I glanced at him and smiled before I went up to my room and changed.

As I stepped inside my room I expected something inside but I got nothing, “Walang pasalubong?” I joke and walk inside the closet. I change into a simple white dress and just fix my hair a little bit, I also remove my makeup before I go down.

The dinner is already served and Kuya and Kace are already seated at the dining table while Mom is talking to someone on her phone. “Where’s Dad—–,” I was cut off when Dad showed up beside me.

“Present Miss,” he joked and pushed me lightly to the dining area and sat beside Mom’s chair. “Ok, Let’s eat,” Mom said as she sat beside me and put down her phone.

Katapat ni Kuya si Mom at ako naman ay katapat si Kace na tahimik lang kumakain sa tabi ni Kuya, they somehow talk if Dad ask something about work. “How about the Colado’s collaboration is the photoshoot done already?” Mom suddenly speak and asked my brother.

“Already done, Mom,” Kuya answered, stiff when Mom faced me, “Did you wear the lingerie?” she asked. “N-No Mom,” I utter. Her brows automatically frowned when I answered, “And why is that?” she asked.

Everybody becomes silent and just waits for Mom and I’s conversation. “I-it’s too revealing Mom, so I ask them to change the theme to Elegant Paris themed because I think it’s much better and teen frie——,” I was cut off when “My god Chantel!!!!! You’re embarrassing!!! You just ask Coleen Colado to change her theme which I clearly approved!!! This is so embarrassing god’s sake!!!!” Mom hissed and glared at me.

Nagulat ako sa reaksyon ni Mom, she knows about it? “I approve that theme because I know you will do it, nakakahiya na binago mo iyon kahit inaprubahan kona, ano nalang sasabihin ni Coleen pagnagkita kami!!!! God Chantel!!!! Until now!” She disappointedly said and massage the bridge of her nose beside me.

“I’m done,” Kuya shrill, stands up, leaves the dining room, and goes upstairs. Dad just shook his head.

Did I disappoint Mom again? “I’m sorry Mom” I whisper. “If you’re done eating please go, I don’t wanna burst out even more Chantel!” madiin at may galit na sambit ni Mom, I instantly stand up and walk out of the dining.

“Vivian calm down babe,” I heard Dad say to Mom, while I’m walking up the stairs. “Your daughter has never made me proud since then, Cadrious up until now, she keeps embarrassing me to others!!!” I heard Mom haze and sigh heavily.

I couldn’t handle what I’m hearing anymore so I ran into my room and calmed myself at the terrace. I don’t want to cry and get swollen eyes tomorrow.

“Wanna go to my pad?” agad akong napalingon sa kabilang terrace ng biglang magsalita si Kace mula doon. When our eyes met I quickly melted and tear up, I promptly crossed our way and hugged him. Lock my arms on his waist and cry on his chest.

“It’s my fault,” he whispered and patted my head, calming me down. “No it’s not, I’m fine,” I whispered and hugged him, tiger, this was the comfort I long for almost ten years. Every time Mom gets mad at me in France I always imagine hugging him and now I’m really hugging him in this kind of situation. “I wanna stay with you tonight,” I whisper and sniff his shirt.

“Yes let’s do that,” he gently whispers and lets go of me, “I’ll wait for you outside the village,” he whispers and kisses my forehead before he leaves his room.

I wipe my tears up and go back to my room, grabbing my purse and phone, “Yaya I’ll be leaving for tonight I’ll stay with Sienna inform them if they happen to ask my whereabouts” I said to Yaya Carmen and kiss her on her head before I leave. “Mag ingat ka anak ah,” I heard her say I nodded and went out.

As I step out of the gate I received a text message from Kace,

From Love,

Sumabay sakin si Cad, can you just ride a taxi? I’ll wait for you at my pad.

I nodded and quickly called for a taxi and made my way to the Delavine’s Condo’s. I knock once and his door quickly opens and pulls me inside.

I can’t help but to smile when I saw many food on the table, “Alam kong hindi ka nabusog kanina sa dinner kaya dumaan ako sa resto sa baba and grab you some, I also got this for you, comfort food I guess?” He said and raised his hand, who has a bar of chocolate.

I bite my lower lip before I smile at him and kiss him. “Thank you,” I whisper to him, he smiles and says, “Love you,” he whispers back and kisses me again.

“Let’s eat,” he said and guided me to sit on the chair. We ate the whole meal he bought and just watched some movies on his laptop here at his dining area, and when we were done eating he said that he will just wash the dishes while I’m eating my chocolate here.

While watching him wash the dishes, I can’t help but stare at his body shape. How come his body is built like that but he seldomly does work out?

I walk to his place and wrap my other arms around his waist while he’s busy doing the dishes, “Hi,” he whispers at me, I smile and sniff on his back.“Hi handsome,” I whisper at him.

“Paige patapusin mo muna ako dito,” he hissed at me. I chuckled and purposely touched the chocolate on his neck. “Opss,” I teasingly said and lick the chocolate on his neck.

He stiffed and hurriedly wash the last plate, “Oh no, you’re not doing this to me Paige,” I took one step away from him and asked innocently, “I did?” I said and licked the chocolate on the side of my lips.

He moved faster and when I saw him put the last plate to where it belongs I quickly ran through his room. “Oh you’re so dead, Paige,” he said and wiped his neck with his hands.

“Kace!!!!”

Chapter 29

I wake up feeling soft kisses on my forehead and as I open my eyes Kace’s handsome face shows up. He was laying beside me taking up some strands of my hair out of my face and smiling. “Morning,” he whispers and kisses my eye.

“Morning,” I whisper back and wrap my hands around his waist, resting my head on his chest and listening to his heart bit. He wrapped his other hands on my waist and pulled me close to him. “I cook breakfast,” he said and looked at me.

I raise my head and stare at him, “Really?” I ask, but realization quickly hits me and I instantly cover my mouth and move away from him. “Why?” he asked and looked worried at me, all of a sudden.

“I haven’t brushed my teeth yet,” I said underneath my hands and stood out the bed. I ran through the bathroom and hurriedly brushed my teeth. It’s embarrassing to kiss Kace without even brushing my teeth. “That’s mine, I guess,” I stiffed when Kace showed up behind me with his arms crossed.

Dahan-dahan akong napatingin sa toothbrush the hawak ko, at agad ko itong nabitawan, “Oh my, I’m sorry,” I said at agad nagmumog, before I face Kace his already beside me and wrap his arms around my waist.

“What’s mine is yours Paige,” he said and carried me to sit on the sink, he grabbed something out of the mirror and brought out a new toothbrush.

“But, I think you need this,” he smiled and handed me the new toothbrush. I smiled, “Thank you,” I said and hugged him. I waited for him to finish and let him carry me through the dining area and serve the breakfast he made. “Wow,” I utter as I watch him serve breakfast, he makes bacon with eggs, fried rice and chocolate pancakes with raspberries.

“Niluto mo lahat ng to’?” I can’t help but to ask him, I started tasting it and it all tasted great. “Yeah,” he said and pointed a bacon on my mouth, I ate it and smiled at him. This is the first time I felt so happy with a simple breakfast, maybe because preparing it for me that’s what makes it special.

While we’re eating my phone ring and receive a text message so i grab it to check the message. Kace looked at me like he wanted to ask who it was from but he chose to wait for me to say it. “It’s from Mom,” I said and opened the message.

From Mom,

I already talked to Colado’s they are willing to do the photoshoot again and this time lingerie theme is up, don’t you ever disappoint me this time come here after 20 minutes.

My mood automatically changes as I read it out loud so Kace can hear it. “You have to eat fast and continue eating, I’ll take a shower, I’ll drive you there,” he said and went straight inside his room.

I ate what he served and after that I took a quick shower, good thing it’s too early so we didn’t have to face heavy traffic, before 20 minutes were already in front of Colado’s studio. “Are you sure you’re fine with this?” I asked him before removing the seat belt.

He sighs and just kisses the back of my hand instead, “Why do you have to be that beautiful?” he whispered, I smiled and gave him a peck before i went out of his car and ran inside so no one would see us.

“She’s here,” salubong ni Mom paglapit ko sa kanya, I was about to kiss her on her cheeks but she avoided it and called the makeup artist to help me change.

“Not again, Chantel!!!” nagulat ako ng biglang pagalit na nagsalita si Mom sa likod ko habang nagbibihis ako. I face her and stop what I’m doing, “Why, Mom?” I started trembling as fear popped up in my chest while I faced Mom.

What did I do again? “You have mosquito marks on your back didn’t I tell you to take care of your body for god sake Chantel!!!” She nags and did a walk out with a pissed face.

I look at the mirror and check what she was talking about and saw, I gasp and cover my mouth, “My god, Kace why did you leave marks!!!” I whisper and put on a concealer to hide it.

I suddenly remembered what we did last night!!! “Miss Delavine, naiinitan ho ba kayo?” one of the staff asked me, “No why?” I ask back.

“Namumula po kasi kayo kaya po tinatanong ko ho kung naiinitan kayo,” she said and smiled at me. Ghad this is so embarrassing, why am I thinking of those things in the middle of work. “No, I’m fine don’t worry,” I said and entered the dressing room to change my clothes into lingerie.

I took a picture of myself and sent it to Kace before I stepped out of the dressing room. “Ready guys? Miss Delavine you can go to the center now,” the photographer said and guided me.

“Do better than they expected Chantel,” Mom whisper at my back and go out of the set with Mrs. Colado. What she said gives more pressure on me but I try my best and do great poses for the photoshoot. It took us the whole day for the photoshoot and I couldn’t have the chance to check my phone because Mom is watching me.

“You’re so great Miss Delavine, manang mana ka kay Mrs.Vivian grabe ganito din siya dati” the photographer said, “What she did wasn’t that enough to be at my level Greg you know that she’s still an amateur,” Mom said with sarcasm, and I feel shy about it, so I just shook my head at nagpaalam na magbibihis na muli.

“Isn’t what you say Vivian is a little bit harsh for your daughter I mean she’s great,” I heard Mrs. Colado say to Mom while I’m changing my clothes.

“You still haven’t met my niece yet, she’s way better than my daughter, she’s still busy in Germany right now, if only she’s here I would recommend her instead.” a sudden pain hit my chest as I heard Mom said.

I was about to cry when my phone rang, Kace is calling. “H-hello?” I answered. “Hi, I miss you, how’s the photoshoot going? Did you eat a proper lunch? Wanna have bake mac for tonight? I’ll wait for you in my condo. I love you” he said and quickly turned off the call, the tear that was about to burst out suddenly changed into happiness.

What Kace said quickly removed the pain my Mom said. I grabbed my things after changing and went straight to Mom. “Yes, my niece Val is already a famous mode—–,” I cut their conversation out. “Mom, I’ll go first see you tomorrow I’ll be staying at my friend’s pad,” I said but she just acted like she didn’t care and just nodded, so I left and went straight to Kace pad.

The traffic got me stock on the road for an hour so I got to his pad a little bit late. Naabutan ko si Kace na nakaidlip sa couch habang may mga papers na nakapaligid sakanya at nakabukas pa ’rin ang laptop niya.

Still wearing his specs, he fell asleep while waiting for me. “My poor man,” I whisper and get the laptop out of his lap. Naalimpingatan siya ng magalaw ko ang kamay niya dahil kinuha ko ang paper dito, he sligtly open his eyes and look at me, hinila niya ako paupo sa lap niya ta niyakap.

“Cad already showed me the photo taken from the photoshoot a while ago,” malungkot niyang bulong habang sinisiksik ang mukha saking leeg. “You’re too sexy for that,” he whispered and hazed, I chuckled and said, “Was that a compliment, Love?” I teasingly said.

“No,” he answered. “I don’t want others see those skin, fuck!” now he is being possessive, I find it so cute like he wanted to be one but he can’t because he knows i need to do it for Mom. “It’s fine they just saw me in lingerie but you already saw me naked,” I said and laughed at him.

He gulped and fixed himself, “We can’t do it now, stop tempting me. I have a meeting with Cad tomorrow. Let’s just eat,” he said and carried me to the dining area. “I’m hungry,” I said and pouted.

“Yes, we’re going to eat now,” he said and put me down. He first grabbed some bottled water and drank. While he’s drinking I speak that makes him burst out the water he drinks.

“I wanna eat you.”

“Paige!!!”

Chapter 30

“Paige, are you done?” I heard Kace ask from the kitchen, his washing the dishes while I’m preparing for work.

As soon as we both woke up, he quickly cooked breakfast and let me prepare for work because he knew that he was faster than me. Kakatapos lang namin kumain ng breakfast at naiwan siya sa kitchen para maghugas ng plato habang ako naman ay busy sa paglalagay ng make-up dito sa kwarto.

Good thing I always bring my make-up kit in my bag, next time I think I should bring more things here on his pad so it won’t be a hassle for me to stay here more often. “Almost done, Love,” I shouted and put on my earrings. I don’t have a photoshoot this day, so I think I’d be staying at Delavine’s building this day and doing some paper works there.

“I’m done washing the dishes? Can you bring my watch here after you’re done with your makeup” He said, I quickly stood up and checked his watch on the side table of the bed, and brought it with me outside.

“Here,” I said and handed it to him, he got it from me after he dried his hand with some towel. I also checked my bag if my phone is inside already.

“Phone check, wallet chheck, Let’s go love,” Nauna na akong lumabas ng pad niya at sumunod naman siya, we both ride the elevator, may kanya kanya kaming inaasikaso habang nasa elevator, Kace was checking my brother’s schedule while I check my whole schedule for the week.

I’ve noticed that my schedule for this week wasn’t that full so I have free time. Pagbaba namin sa parking agad kaming dumiretso ni Kace sa sasakyan niya at tahimik siyang ngadrive papuntang Delavine’s, he held my hand the whole ride while I’m busy reading stuff’s about work.

“Were here,” hindi ko namalayan na andito na kami sa tapat ng building dahil sa kakabasa ko, buti nalang sinabi ni Kace. Tinanggal ko na ang seatbelt ko at baba na sana ng sasakyan niya ng magsalita siya. “Here,” I smiled when he handed me a small bar of chocolate and kissed my hand before I went out of his car.

“Thanks,” I said and closed the door. “Chantel?” I was instantly stiff when I heard my brother’s voice behind my back.

Agad bumaba si Kace mula sasakyan ng makita si Kuya sa likod ko, I strated shaking when I face my brother. “Kuya,” I utter, I can’t speak so suddenly, my whole body just trembled. “Cad… I mean Sir good morning” Kace said and close the door of his car.

“Why are you together?” He asked. I don’t know what to answer. Are we caught? “No Sir, I just saw her on her way here, kaya sinabay ko na siya,” Kace calmly said and fix his tie. I was shaken when my brother stared at me seriously.

Does he notice? “Really that’s good, I suggest you’ll just be her service Kace since you have more time. Chantel let Kace drive you here every morning,” Kuya said and started walking.

I let out a heavy breath, ngayon lang ako nakahinga ng maayos akala ko mahuhuli na kami. Kace followed him and I walked beside him. “Kuya said you’ll have to drive me here every morning but little does he know you also drive me crazy every night,” I playfully whispered to Kace while we were walking behind my brother.

Kace choked and suddenly makes us stop walking, “What happened?” Kuya asks and faces us. “Nasamid lang, Sir,” Kace said and glared at me, I just make face at him and continue following my brother. When we were in the lobby Kuya and Kace went straight to his office while I separated ways with them and went to my office.

“Hey, Paige,‘’ as soon as I sat on my chair the door to my office opened and Sienna showed up.“Morning pretty,” I greeted her, she seated in front of my table and stared at me for a second. “Oh my, don’t tell me!!!” Sienna’s eyes widened while she stared at me and covered her mouth.

“What?” I ask. “Did you do it with him?” She asked and waited for my answer. I smiled and nodded at her. “Oh my gosh, no!” She commented and laughed with me.

“So, you’re gonna keep it for a long time?” She suddenly asked. “I still don’t know Sienna, parang feeling ko kasi siya ang mahihirapan if ever may makaalam ng about sa relationship namin, I mean I understand his reason naman. He owes my parents and I surely know that Dad would get mad at ever they know about us, maybe we’ll stay like this for a while hanggang sa makaisip kami ng way pano ito sasabihin sa kanila. I’m still enjoying my time with him. I’ll just seas the moment for now,” I said while smiling at her.

She nodded while smiling and said, “Ok, if that makes you happy I’ll support you,” She said and we continued talking about things, she gave advice when it comes to handling a relationship because she’s good at that Gun and she stayed together for a long time. “It’s lunchtime already, let’s grab some lunch outside,” Sienna said, I nodded and texted Kace.

To Love,

Love, I’ll eat lunch with Sienna outside your gonna eat with whom?

After a few seconds, he replies,

From Love,

May lunch meeting kami with the investors kasama ko ang kuya mo, enjoy your lunch.

To Love,

Ok, love you.

From Love,

I love you more, I put chocolates on your makeup kit, and eat them after lunch.

Agad kong kinalkal ang bag ko habang nasa loob kami ng elevator ni Sienna, I open my make-up kit bag and saw some small kisses chocolate there, he put it here, silly guy. “Why are you smiling?” Sienna asked, “Nothing,” I said and put it back in my bag.

“Oh my gosh!! Chantel! Ashienna!” nagulat kami ni Sienna ng may biglang yumakap saming dalawa and when she face us our eyes widened. “Zoey!!!” Sienna and I utter her name.

“Yes, it’s me,” She cheerfully said and smiled widely. “Why are you here?” Sienna asked. Zoey was one of the daughters of our family friends, we often saw each other during summer when we were in high school. “I just got back from abroad and I’m here to see my boyfriend,” She said.

“Boyfriend who?” I ask and look at Sienna who clearly had no idea.

“Do you know Oliver Beltran, the finance head manager of Delavine’s?” She said. “Ohhh Oliver is your boyfriend? I didn’t know that” Sienna said, oh so she knew that guy. “Yeah, we’ve been in an LDR relationship since then so I’m going to surprise him now, gotta go, bye! Oh! By the way, I have a birthday party on Friday. Be there ok, BYE!!!!” She said and kiss us both before she went inside the elevator, Sienna and I just nodded at her and watched her go.

“Who’s Oliver?” I ask Sienna, “Remember the guy you saw with Aberry last time at the ball he’s that guy” Sienna calmly said and we started walking again.

My lips turn into O shape when I remember that guy, “Oh my god I thought he was Aberry’s boyfriend!!!”

“Yeah, I thought that too, but I guess we were wrong,” she said. “Oh my, Oliver and Aberry look good together,” I whisper, nanghihinayang ako sa kanila they really look good together and I saw when Aberry smiled at him she look so in loved. Wait does she? Sienna and I just ignore our thoughts and just eat outside, and after that, we go back to work.

“Bye Sienna,” I waved at her as she went to Gun’s ford. Pagkaalis nila ay tumuloy na ako sa parking at sumakay sa sasakyan ni Kace, I waited for him hear for almost 30 minutes, and I saw him running to the car and went inside.

“Sorry, nagovertime yung meeting,” hinihingal niyang sambit habang binbitawan ang mga gamit sa back seat. “No, it’s fine love,” I said while eating some chocolates from my makeup kit. “Great,” he said and started the engine. “By the way, do you know Zoey?” I asked, and he nodded “Yes, isn’t she the girl you fight with when we were on the summer vacation back when you were in high school,” He said and smirked at me.

“Oh yeah, I remember that, I had a small fight with her back then because she said she’s going to marry you when we grow up” I hissed, rolling my eyes, I still didn’t know I like Kace that time but I got so irritated when Zoey said that. “Yeah, so she invited us to her birthday this Friday, I surely know he invited you and Kuya already right,” I said.

“Pumunta siya kanina sa office ng Kuya mo para imbitahan kami,” he said, “And, what did my brother said?” I ask.

“He said, yes,” he uttered, “Yes!!!” if my brother will come Kace will.

“But, I’m not coming, because I’ll be fixing the investment with Colado’s on Friday and weekends,” he said while his focus was on driving. I automatically pouted and leaned on the window. “You’re not coming? Then the party would be boring,” I whisper.

Chapter 31

“Let’s go, Paige,” Sienna said as she opened the van and brought out her things with her. I didn’t know that I fell asleep during the ride to Zoey’s birthday venue.

They say that we’d be staying here for the whole weekend so I bought clothes with Sienna. But I feel sad about the thought that I won’t be able to see Kace this weekend because he is busy at work. “Chantel let’s go,” I got back to my senses when Kuya called me while picking up our things at the back of the van.

“Yeah, I’m coming,” I said and took off the headset on my ears and went out of the car to help him pick our things up. “Zoey said that Aberry and her friends will be here later,” Sienna said while we walk inside the lobby of the resort.

“Really, that’s great,” I said and got our room key.

We fix our things inside the room and after that, we just kill time before they call on us for dinner. “Miss Delavine, Miss Minami, the dinner is served at the lobby” a resort service crew knocked and said.

“Susunod na kami,” Sienna said and stood out of the bed and reached for her phone. “Tara na sa baba, Paige,” she said, I nodded and walked with her out of her room. As we both step out of our roo kasabay din non ang paglabas nila Kuya, Kuya Kent and Gun. “Hey” Gun greeted Sienna and pulled her close to her.

I automatically roll my eyes at them and pull Sienna back, “She’s mine!” I hissed at him but he just laughs at me and we walk through the lobby. Pagbukas ng pinto sa lobby naabutan naming nakaupo na sila Tito and Tita Milendez sa long table, also Aberry, Alliana and Lana are here.

We smile at them and set, “Do you feel it?” I whisper at Sienna. I feel an intense atmosphere here, I don’t know why. Maybe because I see how Aberru looks at Oliver who’s currently Zoey’s boyfriend.

“It feels tense tho” Sienna whispers, we start eating and I keep on glancing at Aberry and Lana who look so uncomfortable in here.

Sienna and Gun talk and talk, Zoey is clinging to her Boyfriend while my brother is busy on his phone, Aberry and Lana look so off. Alliana seems busy also. Sienna’s brother Kuya Kent is busy with his girl. I feel so lonely if only my Kaace were here.

After dinner, we go back to our rooms to rest because the real party starts tomorrow evening, “At last” I hazee and lay on the bed.

“Paige labas lang ako samahan ko lang si Gun saglit,” Sienna said, I roll my eyes at her like a bitter one, and “Yeah go, enjoy”I tease. “Sira,” she said before she left the room.

I open my phone and straightly call my man for a video call. After a few rings, he answered it and his face showed up on the camera.

“Hi love,” I whispered and acted cute on him, I miss him already. “Hi gorgeous, did you eat already?” He asks while he’s doing something on his Laptop, He’s already at his pad I can see the headboard, and he’s already wearing a white plain shirt and his specs which he usually wears at home only.

“Yeah kakatapos lang, how bout’ you?” I ask and lay on the bed. Raising up my phone so he can see me. “Kakatapos ko lang din,” he answers and is still busy on his laptop. I pouted, he’s still busy at work it’s already 9:40 pm. “So, love the party will start tomorrow at 7 pm,” I said just to open up a topic. He nodded and glanced at me.

“Ok, enjoy the party tomorrow, why won’t you sleep now it’s getting late you should rest,” He said, and I can’t help to admire his features, he’s so handsome.

I can’t help falling. “You should tell that to yourself, Love,” I said and we both chuckled. “I still need to finish this Paige you go sleep first,” he said and continue typing. “Yeah I understand, I’ll be wearing a swimsuit tomorrow ok,” I said and covered myself with the comforter.

“What?” he asked like he didn’t hear it clearly so I smirked and said, “Wala I said I’ll sleep but I won’t turn off the video call ok,” I said and put the phone on the side table so he would still see me.

“Goodnight Love,” I whisper and close my eyes. “Goodnight Paige, I love you,” I heard him say before I fell asleep. Kinabukasan nagising akong nakapatay na ang phone ko and I saw Kace end up the video call at 3 am in the morning already, and after a few minutes I wake up I received a call from him.

From Love,

Good morning, eat breakfast and enjoy your day, rest, and behave ok. I love you.

I smiled and went straight to the bathroom to take a shower. Naabutan kong nagbabasa si Sienna sa kama n’ya pagkatapos kong magshower. “What time did you go back last night?” I ask her while drying my hair. “Almost 11 I guess, naabutan ko pa ngang pinapanuod ka ni Kace kagabi. Good thing he didn’t notice me. I can’t help but smile when I feel butterflies in my stomach when she says that Kace was watching me.

My face suddenly heathen god Kace you are making me blush even if you’re not here.

Sienna smiles playfully and just continues reading, I’ll just take a walk around the seashore and I’ll be back before lunch. “Ok, ingat,” She said. Gaya ng sinabi ko naglakad-lakad lang ako sa tabing dagat at pinanood ang mga naliligo I also saw my brother so I seat beside him and we have a little talk and he seems like he was watching someone here but I don’t know who until It’s already lunch and we stay at our room for the whole day and just started to prepare when the party was about to start.

I just wear a maroon one-shoulder strap swimsuit and top it with black crochet above the knee. I also put a shell ankle foot chain that I bought a while ago at the seashore stoles. I really find it cute so I also buy Kace one, I’ll give it to him when I go back to Manila. We all gather at the seashore bar where Zoey said and we all just sit on the high chairs, I sit beside my brother because Sienna is with Gun.

We all watch Zoey go up the stage and speak, “This night was the most special moment of my life now I’m turning 23 and I feel so old na but still look pretty right, I would not end up here without the people who supported me from the very start, Mom Dad thank you so much you give me everything I need and all the best for me you are the best… Also to my man who’s standing over there, his my inspiration and my future Hi Babe I love you so much please don’t leave my side,” After what she said she smiles brightly with that Oliver guy. And I notice Aberry went to the bathroom after the speech.

The party started and I just stayed in my seat while Gun and Sienna were enjoying the beach. “Tss love birds!” I whisper and just look around while drinking this wine.

“Chantel, I’ll just go there,” My brother suddenly said and walked fast. Naiwan akong nakaupo dito habang hindi kona makita kung saan siya pumunta.

Dahil mag-isa lang ako dito naisipan kong maglakad muna sa tabing dagat ng medyo malayo na ako sa lugar na inuupuan ko kanina naisipan ko nang bumalik kaso may biglang humarang sa akin.

“Hi there, Alone I guess?” this guy in front of me said. “No,” I answered and tried to walk past him but he stopped me once again. “I don’t see anyone around you so I bet you’re alone, wanna have company” he playfully said and licked his lips in front of me which is so gross.

“No I’m not alone,” I hazed and glared at him, but I also simply looked for my brother if he was near so I could make him an excuse for this guy.

“I know you’re alone you’re just saying that,” he said and reached for my hand but I quickly moved it away. “I have my boyfriend around so back off!!” I said and glared at him, but he just smirked and grabbed my hands.

“No boyfriend would let his girl wear that sexy suit around the beach lady,” He said and pulled me close. “What the fuck!” I hissed when he didn’t let go of my arms.

“Let g——,” natigilan ako ng may humawak sa braso niya. “My girl can wear whatever she wants, you touch her. I’ll break your face. That’s simple,” he darkly said and glared at this guy in front of me.

The guy gets frightened and quickly lets go of my hands and runs away. “Kace, you’re here?!”

Chapter 32

R18 (STRICTLY NOT FOR YOUNG READERS! READ IT AT YOUR OWN RISK)

“Yeah, I’m here,” He said and removed his white button shirt and made me wear it even though I already had my cover-up. “I thought…,” I whisper and I still can’t believe he is here in front of me.

“Let’s go,” he said and pulled my hands away from Zoey’s birthday venue.Para narin siguro walang makakita sa main. When we stop behind a big rock here at the seashore. Everything finally sank into me, so I jumped into him and hugged him so tight.

“Oh my god, you’re really here Love!!!!” I said and kissed every part of his face. I give a peck on his cheeks, nose, eyes, forehead, and every part of his face to his jaw and neck. “My, I miss you, Love,” I said and hugged him so tight, he carried me so I instantly wrapped my thighs around his waist and just rested on his shoulder.

I face him and smile at him, kiss him once again but this time it’s on his lips already. The kiss was soft at first but when I felt his warm hands on my butt, he deepened the kiss. The surroundings suddenly heathens and the heat inside of me burst out, I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him even more.

When Kace lips went down to my neck, I felt uncomfortable when I viewed our place. What if someone might see us. “Love someone might see us,” I whisper in his ear as he keeps giving me wet kisses on my neck.

“Let’s swim then,” He whispers and carries me to the water, I tilt when the water touches my body. It’s so cold but my body is filled with heat right now. Umabot kami ni Kace sa isang malaking bato sa dagat kung saan hanggang bewang niya ito.

This part has no people around because it’s the dark side of the resort. This is so embarrassing I can clearly feel the coldness of the water but I’m already drowned by the heat that Kace’s presence gave me.

“I want you,” he whispered into my heart as let me sit on the part of the rock and look me in the eye. I suddenly felt dizzy by looking at his dark eyes but intimate heat built up and I initiated the kiss and pulled him close to me.

He responded quickly and caresses my waist, malakas ang alon dahil sa lakas ng hangin ngayong gabi kaya tumatalsik ito samin at tuluyan kaming nababasa. Kace tongue explores inside my mouth, sucks my lower lip, and gives me too much pleasure that I can’t handle anymore. I wanted to moan so hard but he kept locking my lips on his, that’s why I moan between our lips.

His hands went up to my cover-up and touched my mound, “Hmmm!” I groaned as he started massaging it and encircling it using his warm hands. “I miss you, fuck why did you wear this suit” He hissed and keep on massaging my breast alternately.

His kisses went down to my jaw and neck, then he sucked and licked some part of it. That makes me go crazy. The place that was in adds more sensation inside of me and I don’t know why. Am I this pervert already, why am I enjoying outside activities. “Kace,” I whimper as he carries me and pushes me to the rock, making me feel his bulge down there.

He kept kissing me from my neck down to my chest, then he let me sit on the rock once again and kneel in front of me, his completely soaking wet because the waves are strong enough to wash him up.

He kissed me down there, “Oh no Kace!!” My head almost heated the rock as I arched when he started doing something down there.

He didn’t leave marks on my neck but on my thigh he did, he sucked it hard but it feels good.

“Kace!“I keep groaning his name, but I really try my best to keep my slow low but what he’s doing to me makes me wanna faint.

“Kace put it in already,” I whisper and I bet he heard that because he stood up and faced me, looked me in the eye, and kissed my forehead.

“You just made me fucking crazy with this suit fuck!” he said and put my bottom suit at the side revealing my wetness and grabbed his thing out of that board shorts and slowly put it inside of me. I bite his shoulder when he penetrates inside, it has pain but the pleasure is overpowering the pain.

He started thrusting and kept pounding me down there. “Oh Kace,” I whisper and keep biting him. I’m going crazy over him.

He thrust more and faster this time and started sucking my breast. He pulled my swimsuit down a bit and sucked my nipple alternately. “Agh Kace, Love,” I don’t know what to say anymore. I’m filled with pleasure right now and I’m about to explode.

“I’m cumming love,” I moan in his ears. “Fucking..” Kace groans and moves faster and harder, every thrust feels so deep inside. After a few more pushes I reach my climax and weaken.

I rested on his shoulder and hugged him with love, “This is crazy,” he said, nagulat ako ng buhatin niya ako patayo at pinatalokod sakanya, “Kace wha– ah!” he entered me again and started thrusting once again.

“I’m not done yet, Love,” I almost melted when he whispered that in my ears. The way he called me a love for the first time feels like eternal love. Never-ending happiness, “Ah, Kace!!!”

“Almost there, Love,” he moans and pushes harder and deeper. My vision suddenly turns blurry as the pleasure eats me. “I feel dizzy Love,” I whisper as he keeps pounding. “Almost there Love, Almost there,” he hazed and moved even more.

After a few more hard thrusts he releases something inside of me, it’s so warm and sticky. But I really feel dizzy so suddenly.

“I love you,” I heard him whisper. I feel so weak, my knees are shaking, my vision is blurry and I really feel dizzy. “I lov––,” my vision is so blurry and it started to turn black, “Paige? Are you about to faint?!? Love!!”

Chapter 33

I was sleeping soundly with this nice and firm pillow, I kept rubbing my hands over it because I felt like I had a good sleep because of this, but I can also feel my body ache a bit. “Enjoying my body?” I automatically opened my eyes when I heard Kace’s voice.

My head is lying on his chest right now, so all this time I thought I was hugging a hard pillow but it was just Kace. “Morning,” I whisper and hug him tighter, also my eyes roam around the room and I surely know this wasn’t my room, Sienna is not here.

“Did you book this room?” I ask while looking around the room. “Yes, because you just fainter last night” bigla akong napaupo dahil sa sinabi niya at tinignan siya. “Me? Fainted after sex?” hindi makapaniwala kong sambit.

I noticed that I’m already wearing his shirt, where was my suit? “Yes, may nakalagay na sleeping pills sa ininom mong wine kagabi, buti nalang konti lang ang ininom mo but it still had an effect on you that’s why you fainted, Remember that guy last night he put that in your drink last night” he seriously said while still lying on the bed.

“But, he wasn’t at the party. I just met him at the seaside,” I was trying my best to remember if he was there at Zoey’s party but I couldn’t remember anything.

“He was there and he followed you to the seaside because he already knew that you’re gonna faint!” bakas ang galit sa mukha ni Kace, samantalang ako patuloy parin naguguluhan dahil patuloy paring umiikot ang isipan ko. The effect of alcohol on me really takes time to fade away. “Thank you,” I said and hugged him again. I’m grateful that he came last night.

“If I saw that guy again, I might kill him,” he hissed and wrap his arms around my shoulder.

“Why didn’t you punch him last night?” I ask. “I’m not that mad at him last night, because I was there and he can’t touch you from the very start… but right now after what happened last night I’ve changed my mind… I’m mad now” Kace’s eyes darken and I saw his jaw clenched. “Why?”

“You just fainted last night, I wasn’t done yet! You fainted because of that fucking sleeping pills!!!!” He said at bakas sa mukha nito ang pagkabitin dahil sa nangyari kagabi. Hindi ko napigilang tumawa dahil sa sinabi niya. His mad dahil nabitin siya kagabi. “Hahahhaha,” I kept laughing while Kace just glared at me and gave me that It’s not funny face.

“Hahahaha, this is hilarious, so what did you do after I fainted?” I teasingly said and sat on the bed again. “I bring you here to my room and change your clothes and fucking sleep!!!” Galit nitong sambit at umupo na upang suotin ang relo niya. Habang ako naman ay tumayo na at tumatawang naglakad papuntang bathroom.

As I step in front of the bathroom door I glance at him, he’s still pissed off while reaching for his phone to check his schedule. “Hey Love,” I called him but he didn’t even glance at me. He ignores me and keeps scrolling on his phone.

“Hey Love, look at me,” I gently said and urged a smile at him. “What is it Paige if you’re going to laugh at me bette—–,” I cut him off and said. “Wanna join me in the shower instead?” I make my voice sexy for him.

I almost burst out laughing when I saw his eyes widen and automatically gulf after, but I controlled myself and kept my sexy act in action. “You’re really a pain in the ass,” He hissed, stood up, and straightly walked towards my place.

This time I laughed as he grabbed my waist and pulled me inside the bathroom, quickly locked the door “You have to pay for what you did last night Lady,” he said, and, “Kace!!!” He carried me to the bathtub and everything is a wonderful history.

---

“Paige, saan ka galing kagabi pa kita hinahanap!!!” Bungad sa akin ni Sienna pagpasok ko ng room namin, she’s already fixing her things para sa paguwi namin sa manila.

“Shhhhh!!!” I gestured and pointed my finger on her lips so she would speak in a more low tone, “Did my brother look for me?” I ask and sit on her bed, in front of her. “No, good thing nawala din siya kagabi kaya hindi nagkagulo nong hinahanap ka namin, saan ka ba nanggaling?” Sienna whispered and glared at me.

“I was with Kace ok,” When I mention Kace’s name, Sienna’s face automatically turns into a teasing smile. “Ok, I understand it already, I don’t need to explain,” she said while chuckling and resuming fixing her clothes.

Even though Sienna said that she already know and understand what happen, nagkwento pa ’rin ako sa kanya tungkol sa nangyari kagabi about don sa guy na nagplan ng something sa drinks ko. She got mad but we just continued talking while fixing our things. After fixing up we all gather at the lobby para magready na sa pag-uwi sa manila.

“Paige umalis si Cad dala ang Van niya kagabi saan ka sasabay ngayon?” Sienna said when Gun whispered to her.Where did my brother go again this time?

“Siguro sain—–” I was cut when Kace appeared beside me, “She’ll with me, Cad already tell me to drive her home” He formally said to everyone, Gun and Kent nodded at him while Sienna is smiling purposely teasing me.

“Let’s go,” Kace formerly said and started walking to his car. I face Sienna “Mauna na kami ingat kayo, bye,” I waved at everyone and followed Kace after.

“Did Kuya say where he was going?” I ask Kace as we both enter the car. “I don’t know either, sinabihan niya lang ako sa sumunod dito kahapon, he didn’t say that he’s leaving last night,” He said and started the engine.

“I wonder where he went,” I whispered and looked out the window as I held his hand in my right hand. “Can I play a song?” I asked him while he was busy driving, he nodded and glanced at me.

I let go of his hand for a bit and connected my phone to his car, and played a song. The first song on my list was Love Story by Taylor swift. After I played it Kace reach for my hand again and hold it tight.

“We were both young when I first saw you. I close my eyes and the flashback starts, I’m standin’ there on a balcony in summer air See the lights, see the party, the ball gowns, See you make your way through the crowd and say, “Hello,” Little did I know, I started singing and dancing a bit while smiling at him, Kace smirk as he glances at me.

“Come on Love sing with me, That you were Romeo, you were throwin’ pebbles and my daddy said, “Stay away from Juliet” and I was cryin’ on the staircase, Beggin’ you, “Please don’t go, “ and I said,” Kace started to chuckles when I sing it loudly and start shaking my head.

“Come on Love sing!!” I said and tried to convince him but he just kept chuckling, umiling-iling lang siya. “Come on please,” I pouted at him and made a puppy eye, leaning in front of him while his driving he glance at me and smile.

“Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone, I’ll be waiting, all there’s left to do is run. You’ll be the prince and I’ll be the princess. It’s a love story, baby, just say, Yes!” I burst out crying when he sing with me at the chorus part, he also chuckled and we keep singing in the road.

I continue shaking my head while he just keeps smiling and lowkey singing with me. “Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone I’ll be waiting, all there’s left to do is run, You’ll be the prince and I’ll be the princess It’s a love story, baby, just say, “Yes,” Romeo, save me, they’re tryna tell me how to feel this love is difficult, but it’s real, Don’t be afraid, we’ll make it out of this mess It’s a love story, baby, just say, “Yes, Oh, oh,” I sing it to him with a genuine smile on our face.

This simple moment filled my heart with true happiness, We just enjoyed the song the whole ride. “Napagod ako,” I uttered after the song ended. Kace laugh at me and say, “Let me choose the song” he said and click something on his phone.

He played a song and as it continue playing I started to recognized it, sinasabayan ni Kace ang bawat lyrics nito at patuloy ang pagsulyap sakin. I just remain watching him while he sings and my heart keeps pounding so fast.

“I see swimming pools and living rooms and airplanes, I see a little house on the hill and children’s names I see quiet nights poured over ice and Tanqueray But everything is shattering and it’s my mistake, Only fools fall for you, only fools, Only fools do what I do, only fools fall, Only fools fall for you, only fools, Only fools do what I do, only fools fall” I surely know I’m blushing right now, his like serenading me.

He continued singing until the song ended, he just sing Troye Sivan’s song one of my favorite songs, Fools. “So, only fools fall for me?” I ask and cross my arms on my chest, he looks at me and smiles. “Yes, by the way, hi Miss nice to meet you I’m Fool” He said and smile, hindi ko napigilang kiligin at agad lumapit sakanya para halikan siya. “I love you Fool,” I whisper.

We continued the ride and as we reached Manila we decided to go straight to the mansion as we entered the house.

“Chantel!!!!” Someone jumped and hugged me before I entered the house, as I recognized who it was my eyes widened. “Vernon?!”

Chapter 34

“Vernon?!!” hindi makapaniwala kong sambit nang harapin niya ako ng maayos at hindi binitawan ang aking magkabilang braso. I glance at Kace who’s beside me darkly staring at Vernon’s hands on my shoulder, that’s why I slowly remove Vernon’s hands and awkwardly smile at him.

“You’re here?” I utter. Vernon smiled ear to ear and said, “Yes, I’m finally here!” he shouted and was about to hug me again but I stepped back and looked behind him where my mother was smiling.

“Vernon just went here from the airport, early this morning and waited for you, I suggest for him to stay here,” Mom said and sat on the couch while drinking her coffee. “Where will he stay here Mom, rooms are all occupied,” I said and walked towards her place, Vernon followed me, and Kace just remained standing there.

“In Kace room, Kace you often stay here right? Would you let Vernon stay in your room?” Mom said and looked at Kace, I quickly faced Kace and waited for his answer.

“Yes Ma’am it’s fine,” He said and bowed his head politely. “What? but how about Kace things” I know Kace’s room was his only escape from his responsibility, doon lang siya nakakapagpahinga ng maayos it’s his private place why would Mom just let Vernon stay there when Vernon can easily afford high-class suit in the hotels.

“Kace can you remove your things out of the room para magamit ni Vernon, ok lang naman sayo diba, I mean my husband already bought you a condo I suggest you’ll just stay there for good na lang para sulit yong pera naginagamit sayo,” I gasp with disbelief, on how my Mom speak to Kace that is so rude.

“Mom!!!” I hissed. “What?” she asked me and raised his brows at me. “What do you think of Kace?” she asks Kace. “Yes, Ma’am I’ll just pack my thing up the stairs if you’ll excuse me,” Kace said while he bowed his head again and walked up the stairs.

I watch my man go upstairs and suddenly I feel so pissed off by the way my Mom speaks to him. “Why can’t Vernon stay at the hotel? How long are you planning to stay here?” I look at Vernon who clearly did nothing but stare at me.

“As long as I want him here Chantel’ imbis na si Vernon ang sumagot ay si Mom ang nagsalitakaya muli ko siyang hinarap. “R-really?” I asked Vernon and he nodded quickly and hugged me once again. “I miss you so much Chantel” Vernon said and tightened his hug, my gaze went up the stairs where I saw Kace watching.

I wanna push Vernon away but surely Mom will get mad if I did that. “We’ll be together again Chantel” Vernon continued talking, I watched Kace walk out and hear the door to his room closed.

My mood suddenly fell off, “Chantel helped Kace up the stairs to pack his thing so Vernon can move in already,” Mom said and crossed her arms above her chest.

“Excuse me Vernon” I immediately stand up and excuse myself to go upstairs. “Want me to help you, Chantel?” Vernon asks. “No, let them be Vernon, mapapagod ka lang ’don,” Mom said, I turned my back on them and tightened my grip on the railing just to release my anger and went upstairs.

Kinabahan ako ng konti kumatok sa kwarto ni Kace kaya tumuloy ako sa kwarto ko at lumabas ng terrace, buti nalang bukas ang pinto nito at nakapasok ako agad. “Love,” I whispered and looked for him inside, I found him in the closet putting his things in a bag. He continued packing up and acted like he didn’t hear me, I suddenly felt sad so I went behind him and hugged him from the back.

“Why did you agree?” I asked and rested my head on his back. “What do you expect me to do, this is your Mom’s house nakikitira lang ako,” he calmly said.

“I don’t want you to move out, I’ll tell this to Dad and Kuya. I’m sure they’ll disagree and let you stay,” I said and made him face me, this time we were staring at each other and pakiramdam ko naiiyak ako bigla.

“No need Paige, tama ang mama mo kailangan kong gamitin ang perang ginagastos sakin ni Tita Cadrius para hindi ito mapunta sa wala,” He said, “Hindi naman napupunta sa wala ang pera ni Dad when it comes to you ah, you give your besteverytime Dad invested on you. The condo was his gift for you para pag hindi ka makauwi dito mas malapit sa company yon’. Dad didn’t buy that so you’ll move out here. I gotta tell this to Dad,” tinangka kong kunin ang phone ko ng pigilan ako ni Kace.

“It’s fine, Love I don’t want to trouble Tita and you Mom” he sighs and hugged me. This time I really tear up. “I don’t want you to go.”

“Hey my pad is just a few blocks away from the company, it’s fine.” He chuckled and patted my head. I faced him with a frowned expression and said, “If you’re moving out of this house, then you gotta bring some of my things with you!”

“Why?” he asked. “Because I’ll surely stay at your pad either, wait for me pack some of my things to” I said and run to my room, kumuha ako ng mga damit ko na isasabay ko sa mag gamit niya.

We pack his thing together in some of my clothes and I help him bring them downstairs. “Oh Chantel, let me help you,” Vernon was about to get the travel bag in my hands when Kace quickly got it from me and brought it outside.

“N-no thanks, I guess,” I said when Vernon looked shocked at Kace’s actions.Nangpalabas na ako ng pinto ng bahay biglang nagsalita si Mom, “Where are you going Chantel?” Mom asked.

“Ahm sasabay ako kay Kace may naiwan kasi akong gamit sa office,” I excuse. “No, you’re not going anywhere, you need to accompany Vernon, and were going to have dinner,”

“Then I’ll just say to Kace that we have dinner,” I said pero sakto namang pumasok muli si Kace sa bahay para kunin ang isa pang maleta. “It’s a Family dinner, and I think Kace has work to do right Kace?” I hate the way Mom emphasizes the word Family like she’s saying that Kace didn’t belong to our family.

“Yes Ma’am I have work to do at the office” pagsangayon ni Kace sa sinabi ni Mom at tinignan ako. “I’ll see you at work tomorrow Miss Chantel,” he said and left the house.

I wanna follow him but I fucking can’t, I wanna get mad at Vernon’s wrong timing but I fucking can’t. I wanna get mad at Mom because she just humiliate Kace in front of us but I freaking fucking can’t. “Magbihis lang ako sa taas,” walang gana kong sambit at tinanggal ang pagkakahawak ni Vernon sa kamay ko at walang ganang umakyat.

I change my clothes and just lay on my bed the whole time until the maid calls me for dinner. Pagbaba ko ay kasabay non’ ang pagpasok ni Dad sa bahay. “Great you’re here, Dinner is served,” Mom said to Dad. “Wow, we have family dinner,” He said, I saw my brother enter the house and go straight to the dining table.

“Who the fuck are you?” Kuya asks Vernon and stands beside him. “Ahm Hi I’m Vernon, Chantel’s frie—–,” he was cut when Kuya spoke again. “I didn’t ask, that’s my seat get out,” Kuya rudely said, walang nagawa si Mom at Vernon sa sinabi ni Kuya at agad lumipat ito ng upuan, “Seat here Vernon son,” Mom said and pointed at the other seat.

“Isn’t that Kace seat where he is?” Dad asks when he saw Vernon is about to sit in Kace place. “He’s busy,” Mom said and made Vernon seat in Kace’s place. Nagsimula na kaming kumain at patuloy akong kinakausap ni Vernon pero wala talag ako sa mood ngayon makipagusap.

“Chantel won’t be going to work tomorrow,” Mom said to Kuya. “Why?” sabay naming tanong ni Kuya. “She’s having a date with Vernon tomorrow,” what!?

Chapter 35

“Kace?” I whispered when I saw Kace outside the house.

“Oh, he’s here, what’s his name again?” Vernon said beside me while staring at Kace who’s standing beside his car.

“I told him to fetch you up, and be with you on your date,” Biglang sumulpot si Kuya sa likod ko na ikinagulat naming dalawa ni Vernon.

“What!?!” Vernon hissed irriatedly and look back at Kace. While I resume staring at my brother. “I don’t trust him, so Kace will be with you,” He said lowkey and walked towards his mustang and left.

“How would this supposed to be a date, if we have him?” Vernon kept on talking, so I started to walk and greet Kace.

“Morning,” I gently said. Kace stood straight and fixed his sleeve, smiled at me and, “Good Morning,” he said.

Hindi ko maiwasan ang kilig na aking nararamdaman dahil sa simpleng ngiti at presensya niya lang. Last night I was so not in the mood for this date but knowing that Kace will be with us. I suddenly feel excited and happy.

“Lord, please tell me this is not happening,” Vernon kept hazing beside me. “But it is,” Kace said and opened the door for me.

I simply touch his hand when I enter the car, touching his skin does send butterflies on my stomach. So I bit my lips as he closed the door and we waited for Vernon.

Padabog na sinara ni Vernon ang sasakyan at nakasimangot na tumabi sakin.“It’s fine Vernon, Kace know the whole place so we won’t get lost” kanangiti kong sambit at tinignan si Kace mula sa view mirror ng sasakyan.

I saw him stare at me and start the engine, the way he stares at me really makes me blush. I just hope that Vernon won’t notice it.

“He,y why are you blushing already Chantel don’t tell me you’re falling to me already,” Vernon said and smirked at me.

“Ay!” I gasp when Kace suddenly drive fast, Vernon almost hit the window with his head dahil na out of balance siya sa biglaang pagbilis ng andar ng sasakyan.

“Sorry, kailangan lang bilisan para hindi maabutan ng traffic,” Kace palyfully said.

“What did he say?” Vernon ask me, “He said we got to hurry,” natatawa kong sambit habang pinapanuod si Vernon hinihimas ang tumama niyang balikat sa upuan.

I know it’s bad to laugh at others’ accidents but what Kace did to Vernon is hilarious.

“Why?” Vernon asks. “So he could avoid the traffic,” sabat ni Kace at patuloy na nag-focus sa pag drive.

“We’re here,” Kace said when we stopped in front of a fancy restaurant. “Why are we here? Isn’t this so fancy?” I said while fixing my purse.

“I choose this one because you deserve the best,” Vernon sweetly said and held my hand. “Vernon tell me the truth, why are we having this kind of date? And mostly, why are you here, what about your business, they need you?” tanong ko habang pinapark ni Kace ang sasakyan niya.

“I take a break from my business to be here with you, I just realize that I have to move you to win your heart so now I’m here and I ask Tita Vivian to help me. You’re fine with that right?” He sincerely said while caressing my hands.

“A-ahm, Vernon didn’t we ta—–” he didn’t let me finish and speak. “Please, Chantel give me a chance this time!! Please, please!!!” He begged.

“We already park!” Sabat ni Kace at agad bumaba ng sasakyan at binuksan ang pinto sa tabi ko.

“Let’s go, Vernon,” I step out of the car while Kace is guiding my head, Sabay sabay kaming naglakad nila Vernon papasok ng restaurant.

“Reservation for Delavine’s please,” Vernon said when the waitress approached us. “Yes Sir, this way please” she led the way and show us the table for three.

“What!? Tita Vivian book table for two, why is it three?” Kumunot nanaman muli ang noo ni Vernon dahil sa table namin.

“Sir, Mr. Cadmus Delavine just called this morning and said change the table for three,” I instantly bit my lower lip to hide my smirk when I heard what she said.

My brother is lowkey super cool as always. He’s my lowkey knight in shining armor.

“Ok na yan, let’s just sit and order food. Miss the menu please” pinaupo ko na silang dalawa kahit hindi parin maipinta ang mukha ni Vernon dahil kasama namin sa table si Kace.

Habang si Kace naman ay busy sa phone niya, when I glance at his phone I saw him discussing something with my brother on the phone.

“So what’s your order?” I ask, it was supposed to be for Kace but Vernon answered. “I’ll order Balsamic-glazed steak and endives with shrimp salad, and a four-season drinks please”

I gaze at Kace and kick him a bit underneath the table. “I’ll just go with salmon with white asparagus and pineapple drink,” I nodded on what he ordered and chose mine.

“I’ll be fine with white meat with cucumber salad and sparkling water,” the waitress quickly nodded and so to the kitchen.

Pagkaalis nito bigla kong naramdaman ang kakaibang atmosphere sa table namin. The way Vernon keeps growing while Kace keeps busy and silent with his phone is a bit awkward for me.

Parang may kuryente sa kanilang dalawa pero hindi mo nakikita, nararamdaman lamang. “So you’re Kace, the one Chantel keeps talking about when we’re in France,” Vernon said out of the blue.

Kace gazed at me and I avoided it because I felt embarrassed, he’d know that I talked about nothing but him in France.

“Really?” He said and it feels like it has a double meaning so I finch his thighs underneath the table.

His seating beside me so i can easily reach him not like Vernon, his seating in front of us.

“What did she tell you?” Kace asked him and caught my hands, intertwining it under the table.

Nang magtanong si Kace kay Vernon na may ngiti sa labi biglang nagbago ang timpla ni Vernon at sumimangot ulit. “I don’t know I forgot and it’s not that important to keep in mind right” Vernon said it with sarcasm.

“While waiting for food, I’ll just ask you things so we could kill time,” Vernon said and grinned. That grin wasn’t good Vernon is a jerk, I knew him if he grinned like that he surely knew he’d win in this.

“What is it?” Kace asks.

“I’ll ask you things about Chantel, let’s see who mostly knows her best,” Oh no.

“Roll,” Kace said and leaned on his chair. Like his ready for Vernon’s challenge.

“What’s her favorite snack?” Vernon asks.“Chocolates,” Kace answered easily, Vernon nodded and thought of a new question.

“What’s her favorite color?”

“Pink” Kace.

“Nu-uh, She likes peach color now” Vernon confidently said, Kace looked at me and I slowly nodded. I don’t wanna lie.

I saw how Kace’s jaw clenched and waited for the next question. “What’s her favorite meal for dinner?” Vernon asks.

“Vegetable salad” Kace, “Oh my you’re wrong again bro, she likes shrimp salad since she tasted the most delicious shrimp salad in France, oh I understand this country doesn’t have that dish” mapangasar na sambit ni Vernon.

“Are you sure you know her? By what you’re answering it seems like you’re just forced to be with her, am I right?” humigpit ang pagkakahawak ni Kace sa kamay ko dahil sa sinabi ni Vernon.

Oh my gosh, Vernon!

Masama na ang timpla ng mukha ni Kace and I surely know that his mad already. Buti nalang dumating na yung waitress and staff para i-hain ang food namin.

“Let’s just eat and stop this childish play of yours, Vernon,” I said and we started eating, Vernon kept talking and talking about our time in France while Kace let go of my hands and silently ate beside me.

The date just lasted for 4 hours and Vernon just talk and talk and talk. Ngayon kasalukuyang hapon na kaya nagdrive na kami pauwi ng house.

Nang tumigil na ang sasakyan sa harap ng mansion nag isip ako kaagad ng excuse kay Vernon. “Vernon you go inside, I’ll just go to my friend Sienna and be back later Kace will drive me there see you later”

Bumaba na si Vernon at nginitian ako, “Ok, I’ll wait for you, can’t wait to spend the night with you here” Vernon’s words don’t have filter and I know Kace didn’t like what the way he said that’s why he quickly drive our way to his pad.

Until we reach his pad he remains silent and calm but I knew he was off. “Love are you mad at me?” I ask and sit on his lap as he sits on the couch.

“No,” he said and avoided looking at me. I kiss his cheeks and ask again, “Then why are you like this pala?” I made my voice sounded sad so he would give in.

“Like what? I’m normal Paige,” he hissed, see!

“I know you, you’re off and there’s something behind that. Remember Love I know you, even the smallest details I know it” I cope with his face and make him face me and our eyes me.

“Yeah! You know every detail about me but I don’t know your!!! Fuck!” he haze and curse kaya nagulat ako.

“Love, why?” ayon nalamang ang nasabi ko dahil nagulat ako.

“I’m jealous ok! Fuck that Vernon for knowing so many things about you! He pissed me off, shit!”

Chapter 36

“Oh my gosh, Love, you’re so cute!!” natatawa kong sambit ng nakasimangot niyang sinabi ang mga iyon. This freaking hot old guy is jealous of Vernon, I understand that he sees Vernon as a threat but I surely know that he has nothing to worry about. My heart and soul are his.

Kace just turned his face to the side to avoid my gaze, so, I laughed harder and kissed his cheeks. “Come on Love don’t be jealous, I’m all yours and no one gonna get me away from you ok,” I whisper and rested my head on his chest.

I felt him soften and slowly wrap his arms around my waist. “What can I do, you’re so beautiful,” he whispers in a weak tone and kisses my head. I just bit my lip and controlled my smile, hugged him tighter, “I love you, Kace,” I whispered and made myself comfortable in his arms.

We stayed like that, Kace just played with my hair while I rested on his chest. These kinds of moments are simple but precious as gold.

“Love, what do you plan in the near future?” I ask, I don’t know. It just pops up in my mind all of a sudden and asks.

“What do you mean by near future?” He asks, I raise my head and look at him before I speak. “Do you have dreams that you still haven’t fulfilled? Mga gusto mong gawin sa future like that,” I explained and lean my chin on his chest, and staring at him.

I watch him look at the ceiling and try to think, “I don’t know, I already had you, you’re the only one I ever wanted,” I literally and instantly make kilig face when he said that and hid my face in his chest. “Hey!!” Natatawang sambit ni Kace at pilit tinaas ang aking mukha at hinawakang ang magkabila kong pisngi.

I know I’m blushing right now, and that makes him laugh. “Seryoso kasi, I mean, like me I still dream about putting my photo on a billboard and being the official of a brand. I dream about that but I guess I was never enough to be posted on Delavine’s billboard. It’s always been Valerie,” I said and shook my head.

“Don’t say that, you are way better than Valerie not only on your talents when it comes to modeling but also by your soul and attitude,” I know Kace is good at comforting me through his action but I didn’t expect her word for comfort brings confidence inside of me instantly.

“Why are you so good at this comforting thing,” Natatawa kong sambit, “Because, I knew it,” He confidently said and fixed his hair up. Natawa nalang ako sa kanya at niyakap siya ulit, “That’s my dream and I hope someday it will come true, I’m sure I’ll be the happiest woman if I saw myself on the big billboard someday,”

“It will,” Kaace whispered and rubbed his hands on my back. “How about you, you gotta have one dream tell me Love,” pilit ko sa kanya.

“Ahmm…maybe I wanted to build up my own business and company with you someday,” He whispered and gaze at me.

“Wow, that’s good!! Ok, I’d change my dream. I wanna be your brand ambassador so you have to achieve that dream for me to achieve mine ok,” I said but Kace just laughed and hugged me, siniksik niya ang kanyang mkha sa aking leeg at bumulong.

“Letting you go would be the end of me Paige, I purely, honestly love you,” He whispered in my ears. I genuinely smiled and hugged him tighter. “I love you too and I will do anything for our love, so please don’t leave my side,” I said.

“Ay!” I almost shouted when Kace stood up and carried me, “Let’s go to sleep,” He whispered and walked through his room with me in his arms, my thigh wrapped around his waist.

He put me down on his bed and lay beside me, covering ourselves with the comforter and locking me in his arms. “Goodnight Love,” He whispered.

I lean up to kiss his lips for a peck and whispered, “Love you, goodnight,” I whispered and closed my eyes, and before I knew it, I quickly fell asleep on his arm, safe and sound. Nagising nalang ako kinabukasan na naamoy ang niluluto niya.

I went to the bathroom first and washed my face and brushed my teeth. It’s just 6 am in the morning pasikat palang ang araw pero ganitong oras talaga siya gumigising para lutuan ako ng breakfast.

I would be so lucky if he became my husband someday. I smiled thinking of that thought and went straight to the kitchen. Wrap my arms around his waist.

“Morning handsome,” I whisper at him and smell his shirt. “Hey,” He utters and continues frying some bacon with egg. “Mom texted me she’ll be at the company with Vernon later,” I said and watch what’s his cooking. “Ok, It’s done, let’s eat because we have to go to work after,” He said and served the food on the table and I remained locked on his waist.

“Hey, Paige let’s eat, let go and seat now,” Natatawa niyang sambit habang kumukuha ng tubig mula sa fridge.

“I don’t want to, I wanna stay at your side forever,” I said and pouted. He sighs and lets go of the water on the table and pulls me out of his waist, sits on the chair, and carries me on his lap. “Here, now let’s eat,” He said and reach for the spoon and pork, siya na din ang nag-initiate na subuan at pakainin ako, para tuloy akong batang pinapakain. But I enjoy this.

After we ate breakfast, we took a shower together and prepared for work. While we were in the middle of our way to the company I received a text message from Mom.

From Mom,

Go straight to your Father’s office, Vernon is here.

I rolled my eyes and just put my phone back in the bag. I saw Kace look at me but he just chose to keep silent.

Pagdating namin sa lobby ng company, we distance ourselves from each other so no one would notice. “Princess! Kace!” We both stopped when Dad showed up. “You’re here, come your Mom is in my office with that guy she said she’d be waiting for you up the stairs.” Dad said at inakbayan kaming dalawa ni Kace at tumuloy sa elevator.

“Sir, I think I need to attend the CEO’s office first,” Kace said in a formal tone of voice. “No son, I have some files upstairs that you and Cad would need so you need to get them now,” Dad said while staring at the level of floors we are in.

When the elevator opens at Dad’s office, we enter it and saw Mom and Vernon sitting on Dad’s office couch. “You’re here,” Mom said and gestured to sit on the chair beside Vernon.

“You go talk,” Dad said to Mom, “Here Kace come here, here are the files,” Dad said and go to his file shelf with Kace.

I was busy looking at them when Mom speak,“Chantel you’ll have to date Vernon, it would be great if you become in a relationship,” muntikan na akong nabulunan sa sarili kong laway ng sabihin ni Mom yon, “What!!!”

“You’ll Date Vernon, you’re good for each other,” She straightly said and smiled at Vernon. “But Mom, Vernon, and I are friends!!!” I said. “Yeah, good friends can be the best couple so you’ll date Vernon,” She calmly said, I glanced at Kace and his just silently standing there with Dad. I couldn’t see his face because his facing dad and all I can see is his back.

I feel pain suddenly, I don’t want him to feel at loss with Vernon and Mom!

“No mom, I see Vernon as a friend only!!!” I said and stood up.

I love someone else, and someone already owns me, and that’s no other than Kace! I walked out of the office and heard Mom call my name but I chose to ignore it this time. “Chantel!!!!”

Chapter 37

Kace’s Point of View

“Chantel!!” Paige Mom shouted her name but it seems like Paige purposely ignored it and ran away.

“That pesky woman!!!” She hissed and looked at her husband. “She was just shocked, Honey,” Sir Cadrius said and continued looking for the files in front of me.

“I’ll go follow her Tita,” we all glanced at Vernon, when he stood up and asked Paige Mom. “Yeah, that’s a great idea follow her Vernon,” She said and nodded at him.

Vernon runs out of the office, I just watch him go outside before I focus on the files that Sir. Cadrius was talking about.

“Here it is!!! Here son, this is the files for the Noel’s Essence company Cadmus will need to check this before he send one of our employees to Paris,” He said and handed it to me with a genuine smile.

“I’ll review the file Sir and let’s the CEO check it,” I said in a formal way, He nodded while smiling and tap my shoulder. “You’re really capable of task Kace, my investment for you was all worth it Son,” He said, I bow my head as a sign of respect.

“I’ll be going Sir, Ma’am,” I said. “How many times do I tell you to call me Tito you still call me Sir, young man,” Sir Cadrious said.

“Sorry, Sir,” I said and bowed again and this time, I took my way out of the office. As I held the door and was about to open it. “I’ll be leaving too,” Paige Mom said and stood up, held her purse, walked to her husband for a kiss and walked towards my place.

I immediately opened the door for her, “See you at the house Honey,” Sir Cadrius said, Paige Mom just nodded and walked out of the office. “Sir,” I said before I closed the door of the office.

When I was about to walk I instantly stopped when Paige Mom waited for me. “Can we talk? Kace” she said. At first I got shocked but I nodded at her, we walked to the hallway and she started speaking. “I know Chantel wasn’t that close to you since she moved to France when you and my son graduated, right?” She said while walking straight and facing the way filled with sophistication.

“Yes, Ma’am,” I answered. “But, I’ve noticed that she’s been comfortable with you since we went back, and why is that?” she said and glanced at me.

“Maybe, it’s because the CEO asked me to guide her sister around the company since she’s new here,” I feel uneasy by her question, knowing that I’ve been secretly dating her child that’s why we’re close.

“I see, that’s great then I think it will be easy for you to do something for me,” I looked at her when she said that. “What is it Ma’am?” I asked and kept walking beside her.

“As you can see, I want Vernon for my daughter not I’ll ask you a favor. Ask my daughter to give Vernon a chance and help me get them together,” I gulf and speak, “But Ma’am isn’t it right to force her to this?”

“I’m not forcing her, that’s why I’m asking you a favor because I want you to help Chantel to fall for Vernon,” She said. “But M––––,” she cut me off when I was about to talk again.

“My husband funded your financial needs and wants, also I’m one of the people who help you right? Without me and my permission you’ll end up in the trash. This will be the first time I’ll ask you to do something for me, so that I can see the worth of helping you,” She straitly said and glanced at me.

What she said really hits me, she’s right I don’t have the rights to decline her favor. I owe them my life. I bowed my head at her and answer, “I’ll do my best Ma’am,”

“Great, I’m looking forward to the success of my favor. Show me your worth so that I can tell your parents that they raise a good kid not a worthless one. And maybe I can ask my husband to give you a right amount of money if you succeed. That’s what you need right money,” she calmly but firmly said before she entered the elevator and left.

I bowed just to remain looking at the floor as the elevator door closes. When she’s out I took a heavy breath before I walked to my place and started working.

As I walk at the hallway I saw the CEO walking while fixing his tie. “Kace where have you been? I didn’t see you at your table, so I check my own schedule instead,” He said. “I’m sorry Sir, Your father ask me to go to his room for these files,” I said and slightly lift up the papers for him to see. 

“What’s that for?” he ask and reach from me, read some of it’s part and scan it. “It’s the file for Noel’s Essence Sir, He said that I should scan it and give it to you so you can finally decide who will you send to Paris, to handle the deal with Noel’s,” I explained what his father tell me and let him check it. 

“Ok,” He said. “Do you have someone in mind that you’ll send for the deal Sir?” I ask and look at him. “I know who will fit this deal and I’m surely he’ll surely close this. It’s Beltran and Minami Sienna. They’ll close the deal,” He confidently said and give the file back to me. 

I knew his right, Oliver is my friend and he’d been a great working ever since he started working here. Just like what the CEO believer’s Oliver and Miss Minami will surely close the deal without problem. “Ok, scan it while I’m out,” He said and fix his coat. “Where are you going this time, Sir,” I ask. 

“Don’t tell Dad, I’ll e checking some of the new branch sites,” He said, pat my shoulder, and quickly walked through the elevator. He always go out to check the sites when the fact is he don’t really need to do that. “Ok, Sir,” I whisper and go to my table to start my work. 

While working and scanning the file that Sir Cadrius gave me, I received a text message from Paige.

From Love,

Love, I’m with Vernon he keeps following me. Don’t worry I’ll clear everything to him. That I just see him as a friend and there’s no chances of us being together. You know where I belong right, see you at your pad later. Love you so much.

I sigh and whisper. “You don’t belong to me, I guess..”

Chapter 38

Chantel’s Point of View

“Chantel!! wait for me!” I automatically rolled my eyes when I heard Vernon’s voice from the back. He runs fast and he quickly catches up with me, we both ride the elevator and I remain silent because I really feel pissde of right now.

Why would Mom say that, when Kace is there. I know he would feel that Mom is right again and I don’t want him to misunderstand things. “Chantel, are you mad at me?” Vernon asks while we’re inside the elevator.

I didn’t answer him and just kept staring at the floor number. Pagbukas ng pinto ng elevator ay agad akong umalis ng dito at ganon din ang ginawa ni Vernon.

He kept following me even though I stepped out of the company building already. “Stop following me Vernon, I’m not in a good mood,” I hissed at him, and walk to the Taxi parking.

“No, I’ll go with you,” Pagpupumilit niya, mabilis akong sumakay ng taxi at ganon din siya.

“What the…Vernon please leave me alone!!!” I said when we were both inside the taxi.  “No, I’ll follow you wherever you go, period!” He said and crossed his arms above his chest and acted like a spoiled kid.

Wala na akong nagawa kung hindi hayaan nalang siya at hindi pansinin. “Manong to the Mall, please,” I said and focused on the window. I was trying my best to cool down.

Nakakainis bakit pinpilit ako ni Mom kay Vernon, I love Kace and I don’t see myself loving any other guys than Kace.

My heart is marked as his and no one would change that. Mga ilang minuto din nangmakarating kami sa Mall, I paid the taxi driver and went out not minding this guy who kept following me.

I went straight inside the mall and sought the donut shop that Kace brought me when I was in high school. Good thing it’s still here, same spot and same features. “Where are we going, Chantel?” Vernon said and tried to hold my hands, but I quickly avoided it and glared at him.

I was never so irritated with him ever since, I was always so nice to him and calm but at this moment I really feel irritated after what Mom said. He wanted him for me when I can have my own decision in life. Vernon is just a friend and that would never change.

I still remember how Kace bowed his head when Mom said that, I don’t wanna see him that way Kace thinks of his life as a payment for my parents keeping him and continue to lock him in, following rules not say no even if he doesn’t really want to do it, he had no choice. I want him to be happy and free with me.

“Chantel, please don’t be mad at me, I really don’t mean to force you and make you pressured about me courting you.” Vernon sincerely said while we walked inside the shop.

At first, I wanna sit on the same seat where Kace and I sit back then but when I realize that I’m with Vernon and he’ll surely sit on the same seat where Kace sits. So I choose to find other spot ayaw kong may ibang uupo sa spot na iyon kundi si Kace lang.

“Let’s seat,” walang gana ’kong sambit at umupo na, he followed me and seat in front of me with worried face. I sat and glared at him.

“Chantel, please don’t give me that look, I’m sorry, what do you want me to do, just to make you feel better,” He said. Agad akong nakaisip ng bagay na pwedi niyang gawin, “Buy me two box of chocolate glazed donut that will do I guess” I said.

“But, Tita Vivian said you shouldn’t eat sweets nor chocolates,” Nagaalala nitong sambit, tinaasan ko siya ng kilay at sinabi, “Then you need to leave me alone before I’ll get totally Mad at you then,” this is the first time I speak rudely at other, maybe because I really feel pissed at this moment.

“Ok, Ok, I’ll buy you three boxes,” He said and hurriedly ran to the counter. As he goes away I grab my phone instantly and text my man.

From Love,

Love, I’m with Vernon he keeps following me. Don’t worry I’ll clear everything to him. That I just see him as a friend and there’s no chances of us being together. You know where I belong right, see you at your pad later. Love you so much.

I was expecting to receive a reply within a second but I didn’t have one. I guess he’s still busy with Dad’s task.

Maybe he’ll reply after he’s done with his work. “Here’s your three boxes,” Vernon buys three boxes like what he said and I get him and stand up. “Thank you,” I said and started walking with these three boxes. “Wait, Chantel where are you going?” He asked and followed me again.

I find a place where we can talk and I choose to go to a coffee shop and buy us drinks. “Seat,” I said when we finally found a place.

He sat in front of me and took a sip on his frappe, “I want to clear things out Vernon, I only see you as a friend please don’t expect something from me and don’t get my Mom involved in this,” I seriously said and make it clear to him.

“Do you have someone you like already so you’re not giving me a chance?” Vernon suddenly became serious also and asked me. I suddenly feel uneasy when he asks that and I feel scared that our relationship might get caught so I need to deny it.

“No, I don’t have and I still don’t have any plan, Your my friend and nothing else Vernon,” I said calmly to hide the tense of hiding my relationship with Kace.

“Give me one week to prove myself Chantel, one week if you don’t fall in love with me then I’ll stop,” He said and I know he’s serious about this.

“I don’t know, I’ll go now please don’t follow me this time I’m going to my friends house bye,” I said and this time he listened and I left him, and went straight to Kace pad even though it’s still early in the morning.

I’ll just ask my assistant to send me all my work. I stayed at his pad the whole day and tried to cook simple fry fish fillet for lunch and dinner later so Kace will just rest when he goes home. I also clean his room after I finish all my paperwork. Then watch TV while waiting for him.

After a few hours, I heard the door open and I quickly stood up and ran to him. “Love!!” I jumped into him and hugged him so tight. “You’re here the whole day?” he asked and put me down, he looked exhausted and tired, so I got his coat and helped him fix his thing.

Pagkatapos kong ayusin ang coat niya at neck tie niya agad akong nagayos at naghain ng pagkain para saming dalawa but… “Hey Love where are you going?” I asked him when he was walking through his room.

“I’ll take a shower and sleep, I just feel so tired and I need to sleep,” pagod niyang sambit habang tinatanggal ang butones ng kanyang shirt. “But, aren’t you gonna eat first?” I ask while putting the plate on the table.

“Oh that, sorry I already ate because Cad and I had an early dinner meeting with the investors,” He said and it really looks like he wanted to sleep badly. “But I cook this for you? Won’t you like to taste a bite?” I said and smiled at him, showing him what I’ve cooked.

He looked at it and smiled a little bit, “Thank you, but I’m really full. I’ll just eat that tomorrow morning, put it in the fridge, goodnight Paige,” he said, walk inside his room, and closing it.

Nanatili akong nakatayo sa aking kinatatayuan at nakatingin sa pinto ng kwarto niya, mga ilang segundo lang ay narinig ko ang pagtagas ng tubig mula sa bathroom ng kwarto. “But, I waited for you Love, even though I’m so hungry,” I whisper and put back all the food on the fridge.

I’m hungry but I don’t feel like eating, also the three boxes of donuts I just put in the fridge and continue watching the movie.

When the movie is done, I walk straight to his room and see him sleeping soundly on his bed.

He is already wearing a black pajamas and gray shirt, there are papers at the side table. Kaya sa tingin ko nagbasa muna siya saglit bago matulog.

I lay on the bed at hugged him, siniksik ko ang sarili ko sa kanya at niyakap siya ng mabuti. Siguro bukas masasarapan siya sa niluto ko, excited na ako.

I stare at his handsome sleeping face before I reach for his lips and kiss him, “Goodnight Love, I love you,” I whisper and close my eyes. “I love you so bad.”

Chapter 39

As I wake up, I quickly seek Kace’s presence beside me in the bed. But he wasn’t here. I instantly stood out of the bed and went straight to the bathroom to wash my face.

Maybe Love was already cooking breakfast outside. Then, suddenly I remembered that I already cooked something last night and he said that he was going to eat it this morning so I suppose he’s not cooking. Baka nagkakape or iniinit niya na ang pagkain na niluto ko.

After washing my face and brush my teeth,naglakad ako palabas ng kwarto at nagtungo sa kusina para kay Kace. but I stop when I saw no one in the kitchen.

“Love?” I called his name out and tried to look for him around the pad. I check him in the closet and every side of the pad but he’s not there. Where is he? I ask myself and go back to the bedroom. I was about to get my phone on the side table when I saw a small note under it. When I grab and read what it says I suddenly feel sad. 

Paige, I already left because Cad called me for an emergency meeting. Eat breakfast before you go to work.

-Kace

That’s it? No I love you? Nakakunot akong napaupo sa kama at binuksan ang phone ko. It’s just 6:37 am, sobrang aga naman ata siyang pinatawag ni Kuya. Walang gana akong tumuloy sa kusina at tinignan ang niluto kong fillet sa fridge. Hindi man lang niya natikman. I put it in the oven and eat it after, while reading some of my paper works.

“I better text him,” I whispered and quickly tested him.

To Love,

Love, I just got up, you didn’t eat breakfast because you go out so early, so I’ll just bring breakfast to you.

Nakangiti ko itong sinend sa kanya at nagsimulang magpack ng fillet sa bento box dito sa kitchen. Dadalhan ko nalang siya at least matitikman niya parin ang luto ko. I’ll take a quick shower after this and go to the company, hand him his breakfast and bring him coffee.

While I was enjoying packing his breakfast my phone rang and I just receive two messages. I check it and one is from my Mom then the other one is from Kace. I check Kace massage first,

From Love,

No, don’t bother we’ve already eaten breakfast and I’m at the site.

My shoulder drops and suddenly my excitement disappears. Kace is in the new branch sites and it’s too far for me to go there so I feel so upset. I won’t be able to give him this. Kaya sinimulan ko ulit itong tanggalin sa bento box at kinain nalamang.

“It’s ok I can just cook him later for dinner,” I whisper and cheer myself up and eat a lot. My phone rings again, I remember Mom messaged me and I still didn’t check it yet.

From Mom,

Go on ***** restaurant lunchtime.

I shook my head and ignored it, I prepared for work and wore a white paired formal female coat and shorts, also a black slick top underneath the coat. I wore a few gold necklaces and rings so it would spice my OOTD for today.

“I’ll go with smoky,” I whisper and face the large mirror here inside the bathroom. I put on some make-up and curl my hair a bit so it would turn out wavey.

While preparing I still feel uneasy thinking that Kace was so busy and didn’t have time with me. I’m worried about him so much, I wanna hug him so tight, kiss him but he’s still busy so I’ll keep understanding.

I know how pressured he is in his life and work and I don’t want him to suffer more if I think about my personal need. I can deal with missing him instead of pressuring him and making him feel stressed. Pagpasok ko sa opisina agad akong tinambakan ng trabaho, dahil marami kaming ni reready na media plan for the new issues of perfume so I had so many work here also.

But even though I have a lot of things to do I can’t help missing my boyfriend. I haven’t seen him for almost half a day. I miss him already.  Tried to text him every hour that passed by but we weren’t replying and also his phone was off. I couldn’t even call him.

“Miss Chantel,” napatingin ako sa pinto ng opisina ko ng kumatok ang isang assistant ko.

“Yes?” I ask. “Mr. Vernon is outside, he said he had lunch with you,” She gently said and looked straight to my place. “But, I don’t remember any dinner with him, tell him I had a lot of things to do ok,” I said and she nodded.

Mga ilang saglit lang ay bumalik ulit siya at sinabi, “Ma’am, Sir Vernon said he will not leave until you agreed also didn’t Ma’am Vivian imford you daw po about this” magalang nitong sambit.

Realization hits me, so it’s a setup again. She just texted me and asked me for lunch because of Vernon. “Tell him I’m busy and tell him to wait till he quits,” I firmly said and focus on my work again.

I didn’t eat lunch because I knew that he was waiting outside, and still I still feel full because I ate a lot of breakfast at Kace pad. Natapos ko ang trabaho ko buong araw at agad ko ring kinuha ang mga gamit ko dahil kailangan kong lutuan si Kace ng dinner.

Paglabas ko ng office agad kong nakasalubong yong staff here in Media dept. “Ma’am, Sir Vernon already left after he fell asleep waiting for you,” I smirk and say, “Great, I’ll go ahead” I said and walked to the elevator. Pagbaba ko sa lobby ng kumpanya nakasalubong ko ang isa sa friend ni Kuya.

“Atty. Austine you here!” I greeted him, he smirked and nodded his head before he spoke. “Delavine, it’s good to see you again,” he gently said and smiled like he always does.

“Why are you here Atty. Austine?” I ask and keep smiling at him, he is a good friend of my brother. “I’m here to meet my cousin Beltran and also I have a meeting with your brother this evening,” He said, I stopped when he said he has what? Meeting with my brother but they’re on the site.

“What, my brother is not here?” I said, “No, he just texted me that he was in his office the whole day how come he’s not here?” he said. What!!! “I better go now you know your brother he doesn’t want late people, see you when I see you,” He said and walked past me.

I was left dumbfounded, still didn’t have an idea or a clear mind. My brother is here? But I thought he and Kace were at the site because that’s what Kace said.

Wala sa sarili akong naglakad palabas ng company at sumakay ng taxi papunta sa pad ni Kace. dumating ako doon ng wala pa ring tao, I decided to cook even though my mind are still not working. “Ow!! Shocks!” I haze nang napaso ako ng pan. “It leads mark, shit!” I whisper when my skin gets burned a little bit and it leaves dark marks.

Patuloy ang paghapdi nito hanggang sa natapos akong magluto at maghain ng pagkain sa lamesa. I sat and waited for him here at the dining table and after a few minutes the door opened and Kace showed up.

“Love,” I said and walked towards him, gave him a peck of a kiss, and pulled him here at the dining table. “Did you drive Kuya home?” I try to ask and I feel nervous as we both sit at the dining table.

I hope he wouldn’t do such a thing as lying to me, please. I silently pray. “Yeah,” bagsak balikat akong napatingin sakanya dahil sa sinagot niya, he was busy put food on his plate that’s why he didn’t notice my reaction. Love why are you lying?

I try to act normal and let it pass by laughing and opening new topics. “Mom texted me, and she’s still pushing me to Vernon!” nakasimangot kong sambit at hinihintay ang sasabihin niya.

I was expecting him to be jealous like what he did last time but what he said was really unexpected. “Why not try dating him?” what!!!

Chapter 40

“Why not try dating him?” He said while tasting what I cooked and straightly looking at the window in front of the dining table, What did he just say?

My jaw almost dropped, I can’t believe he said that. “What did you say, Love?” hindi makapaniwala kong tanong, this time he face me and look at me like he said nothing wrong.

“I said try dating him, malay mo your good together. You can just leave me when he finally gets your heart. That would be fine with me, I mean less hassle right. Hindi kana mahihirapan pang mag-isip kung pano ipapaalam yong relationship natin sa Mom mo, I think that Vernon will take good take of you” He said casually and continue eating while I stayed staring at him with my mouth parted.

My heart beats so fast that make my chest aches, parang sumisikip ang dibdib ko. I can’t believe he would say this, “Y-You t-think I’d be g-good with h-him?” my voice was cracking but I tried my best not to cry and control my emotion, maybe he was just joking.

“Yeah,” tumatango-tangong sambit nito at patuloy sa pagkain, halos malalaki ang pagsubo niya ng kanin at ulam, I don’t know if he’s purposely doing that because he lke the food or gusto niyang matapos ng mabilis at para iwasan ako.

What’s the problem? Why is this happening? My heart is aching so bad right now, that I don’t know what to say.

“Would you really let your g-girlfriend d-date other M-Men?” I was literally trembling right now, I don’t know what to say and how to stop my heart from aching.

I watched him take the last bite and put down the spoon and fork on the table and say, “I’m done thank you for the food, It was good” he said, quickly standing up and walking inside his room, leaving me stiff here in the dining area.

My tears wanted to burst out but I controlled them and cleaned the table instead. I don’t want to cry, I know he didn’t mean what he said, I know him and he loves me.

“Ahh!” I whispered when I accidentally hit my burned wound on the sink, sobrang hapdi to the point that I burst out crying instantly because of the pain in my wound.

I sit on the floor like a child and cover my face using my arms, I cry silently waiting for the pain of my wound to stop.

I keep sobbing and slowly raise my head to check my wound and now it’s bleeding, I just pop the burned wound and it shows the blood, kaya mas lalo akong naiyak.

My wound is almost near to my wrist and I surely knew that this would leave a big scar if it healed. I cry even more and keep the sound low so Kace won’t hear me crying.

“Paige?” I heard Kace say and the door of his room opened, so I quickly stood up and wiped my tears as fast as I could but he caught me wiping my tears and asked.

“What happened to your arms!!!” He said and hurriedly held my hand to check my wound. “What happened Paige!!!” bakas ang pag-aalala sa kanyang mukha, he was checking my wound and try blowing it gently.

This time I burst out again and didn’t handle my emotions, I broke down and shook my head.  “Ahh!!!” I shouted while I cried so hard. “Fuck! Does it hurt so bad?!” Kace panicked when I started crying.

“Come here,” He hurriedly and gently carried me and let me sit at the breakfast table. “How bad does it hurt?” he asked and wiped my tears. “S-so b-bad,” I whisper and continue crying and covering my eyes using my other arms.

“Wait, let’s put some ointment on it” Kace grabbed the first aid kit above the fridge and put ointment on my wound but I wouldn’t stop crying. “Hey, stop crying please,” He said and remove my arms from my face so he can see me.

When our eyes met I cried even more, “Wait, masakit pa rin ba?!” he asks and looks so dead worried.

I nodded so he tried to check it again and add ointment to it, “It hurts so bad” I said and looked at him. This time he looks at me and slowly realizes what pain I’m pertaining to.

He slowly put my hands down and held them both above my lap. He remains to stare at me as I cry. “Why do you h-have t-too s-say that?” I ask.

He didn’t answer and just stared at me, “Why did you lie to me? You said you’re with my brother but my brother is in the company the whole day” I can’t stay staring at him while saying this because his eyes just admit that he lies.

“Why are you avoiding and distancing yourself from me? Why are you pushing me away?” this time my sobs create loud sounds around the place and it’s making me hard to breathe.

“Why are you giving me away?” I broke down and shook my head, leaned on him, and cried on his chest while starting to hit him.“Why do you have to break my heart in the nicest way? You, letting me go is worse than cheating on me”

“Please, don’t push me to anyone else, please don’t let go of me, please hold me more, Love please don’t,” I look at him again and beg.

“Because, I don’t know what to do if you let me go, I might di——,” hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng bigla niya akong yakapin ng mahigpit.

“I fucking don’t want to let you go Love, I fucking don’t want!!!” Madiin niyang sambit at mas hinigpitan ang pagkakayap sa akin. “Then why do you have to say those?”

“Because your Mom asks me to help her make you fall for Vernon, Like I said Love I owe your parents so much when your Mom asks me a favor, even if I fucking hate it, I try to do it and it leads me hurting you, shit!” I pushed him a little bit and looked at him, my brow frowned, and asked him, “Mom, did that!!!” I said with disbelief.

This is getting worse than I expected and I can’t bear it anymore. I felt anger, so Mom just tried to make Kace feel big conscience again. Hindi kasalanan ni Kace na namatay ang magulang niya at kailangan niyang ituring na utang na loob ang pagaalaga sa kanya ng magulang ko. Lalo na si Mom she never took care of him, I mean she didn’t care for him. My dad is the only one who raised him so she can’t force him to do things that he didn’t want to do.

“I’ll talk to her! She can’t do this to you and to me, I won’t tolerate it this time, Mom doesn’t have the right to make you feel like you are obligated to follow all her rules and it’s my heart she can’t force me to love someone I don’t!!!”

“Hey, hey, hey, shhh don’t do it. I will just lead into a fight, Let’s just let it pass and I don’t do it anyway,” He said and copped my face. “But, you just did it a while ago,” I said.

“I know and I’m fucking regretting it. I won’t do it again love please forgive me,” he said and kissed my eyes.“You know how much I love you,” I lean on his shoulder and hugged him tightly, “I will never get mad at you even if you keep hurting me, I love you so much that I can’t imagine myself getting mad at you.”

“I’m so sorry,” he whispers. “It’s ok to love just please don’t push me away again,” I said, he copped my face again and looked at me as he nodded.

He kissed my forehead, both of my eyes, the tip of my nose, both sides of my cheeks, and down to my lips. It was the most gentle touch I’ve ever felt and I won’t get tired of tasting this touch.

His kisses deepened and he started carrying me, I wrapped my thighs around his waist as he started walking and brought me to his room.

When he put me down on his bed, he let go and undressed me in front of me. “Let’s go on a date tomorrow, Love,” he said that making me smile. “Yes, sure,”

“But, first let’s get it over with,” he teasingly said and pushed me to lay on the bed. “Kace,” I called his name before our lips locked again and we had an intimate and stimy night.

---

“Good morning Ma’am, sir any reservations?” The waiter approaches us as we enter the restaurant.

“Yes please, reservation for Kace Lenon,” Kace said, the waiter quickly nodded and led the way to our reserve table.

They serve us fine dining food and we just enjoy the food and talk about some sort of things.

“I love you,” I said as he pointed the shrimp in my mouth and bite it. He smiles and “I lo——,” he was cut off, “Chantel?!”

“Vernon?!” 

*** 

Author: Akala niyo magkakaR-18 ah nek nek niyo wahhahahahah!

Chapter 41

“Chantel?” he said breathlessly. “Vernon,” There he was standing in front of our table. “Y-your h-here,” I was shutter when I asked him because I’m afraid that he caught us. “What are you both doing here?” he seriously asks and stares like he is suspecting us.

“Just what the fuck is this I just saw Chantel!!!” He suddenly and aggressively asks, As I respond I quickly stand up and pull him out of the restaurant and we go straight to the parking lot.

Kace followed us and I can also see how serious he is while Vernon kept glaring at him. As I let go of Vernon here on the edge of the parking he quickly grabs Kace’s shirt.

“You!!!” He said with anger in his voice.

“Vernon, let him go!” I went between them and pushed him a bit so he would let go of Kace’s shirt.

Nang tingnan ako ni Vernon ay pabalibag niyang binitawan si Kace, na naging dahilan kung bakit ito napaatras ng konti. Kace remained staring straight at him and reached for my hand. “What the fuck is this Chantel did I just heard it fucking right!!!! You’re dating his guy? Is he the reason why you don’t want to give me a chance?” Vernon hazed and glared at Kace even more, he also madly stared at our hands.

“Calm down Vernon,” I said and try to make him stop being aggressive and impulsive. “How the fuck will I calm down Chantel, your dating your father adopted guy! Fuck!” Vernon said that made Kace go to him but I quickly stopped him and pulled him in my arms, hugging him and whispering. “Love please calm down, please Love” I whisper in his ears and keep hugging him while he stares at Vernon after what he said.

“You traitor, Tell me Chantel did he fucking force you? Did he do anything to you? Tell me!!!” Vernon said while wanting to punch Kace but I’m in between so he can’t.

“No Vernon, Kace didn’t do any things please calm down you two!” I shouted and tried my best to calm them both but deep inside I’m nervous and trembling so much.

“I won’t stop Chantel I’m sure he did something to you that’s why your lock at him, Did he rape you and force you on dat—––”

“Kace!!!” I shouted when Kace didn’t let him finish what he was saying and punched him so hard that he fell on the floor. I run to Kace and hugged him again, “Love stop, please,” I begged and try to pull him away but Vernon speak again.

“Are you enjoying the daughter of the person who treats you as his own son?” Vernon said that make Kace try to punch him again I stop him.

“Love! Love, Love please calm down!” I was already shouting and we are starting to make a scene here, and it’s making me scared, many people are watching us and I’m afraid that Kace might get hurt, so I started to shake and tears started to fall from my eyes.

“You don’t have any respect for Tito Cadrius, after feeding and dressing you up you end up seducing his daughter! What a disgrace Man, fucking disgusting… are you wanting Chantel because you want money? Are you a fucking goldig——,” This time Kace remove my arms around his waist, Then he run toward Vernon’s place, and attacked him.

“Love!!!” they both started fighting and hitting each other, I don’t know what t do, “Vernon stop! Love, Kace!!!” I gasp as I weakness Vernon hits Kace so hard that blood on Kace’s side lips shows. I cover my mouth and cried, even more, I wanted to stop them but I felt stuck where I’m standing.

“Please stop,” I whisper as I am shaken and Kace and Vernon keep fighting. “You fucking traitor!!!” Vernon shouted and urged another punch on Kace, Kace fought back and punched him too.

Their faces started to have wounds and bruises. It’s a good thing the guard from the restaurant stopped them and put them away from each other. “I will fucking tell this to Tita Vivian!!!!” Vernon shouted and ran to his car, driving as fast as he can away from this place.

“No” I said as I watched his car go. I felt Kace’s hand hold mine, so I look at him and cry in his arms.

“Let’s go,” He whisper, I raised my head to face him, and my heart almost broke seeing his wound and bruises on his face. “Oh my gosh,” I gasp and gently touch his face, I feel so hurt seeing him in this state. “Let’s go,” he repeated.

“Where?” I asked while caressing his cheeks gently. “To your house,” I stiffed and breathed in, he smiled at me and kissed the back of my hand before he apologized to the guards and walked us to his car.

We drove our way to the house and saw Vernon outside the gate standing beside his car. Agad akong bumaba dahil sa takot na magsuntukan sila ulit. Nilapitan ko si Vernon at sinabi, “Vernon please” first thing I said.

“I didn’t tell to your mother yet don’t worry I still got a clear mind, and I won’t care about your family’s fucking issues and secrets!! I just waited for you here because I wanna tell you that I’ll never bother you again,” He said and entered his car without even letting me speak.

He drove as fast as he could until I didn’t see his car anymore. “I’m sorry” I whisper and feel sad about our friendship. Because of his feelings and my feelings for Kace, we end up breaking the friendship we built for ten years.

“Hey,” Kace said and held my hand, squeezed it gently making me feel his warmth. “Let’s go inside,” He firmly said letting go of my hand to open the gate for me and let me enter first.

Pagpasok palang namin sa pinto ng bahay ay agad ng bumungad samin si Mom dala-dala ang phone niya. “What is this!!!” she shouted and showed us her phone with the video of what happened a while ago at the parking lot.

“Why are you getting into a fight with Vernon, Kace?!” Mom shouted at our face and make the loud sound all around the house, sakto namang bumukas muli ang pinto sa likod namin at pumasok si Kuya hawak ang coat niya, at bumababa si Dad mula sa hagdanan.

Mas lalo akong kinain ng takot ng andito silang lahat, “Don’t say anything,” Kace whisper at me white straightly looking at my Mom.

“I’m sorry Ma’am we just had a simple fight” He politely said but I gasped when Mom slapped him with full anger on her face. “Vivian!!!” Dad shouted and walked towards our place.

“Simple fight!!! Do you know what my friend would say if she saw this! Vernon’s mom, never let even a bug bite her son’s skin and yet, here you are you just beat him because of a simple fucking fight!!!” Mom shouted and Dad held her hands, “What is wrong with you!? you can’t just hit Kace like that, he’s not your son!!”  Dad darkly said.

“The hell I care, what he did to Vernon will make my friend disappointed! ano na lang sasabihin ni Maviana sa’akin?! pinabayaan ko yung anak niya dito?!” Mom is getting too paranoid.

“This kid!! Itong batang ito, bakit ba kailangan nandito siya?  bakit kailangan pa natin siyang patirahin dito?!”  “Vivian, Kace is my friend’s son! of course, I’ll take him!” Dad shouted at me, this is the first time I saw Dad shouting at Mom because he always just let Mom when she gets mad and just helps to calm her up.

“Yeah right! you go take good care of that pest and forget your own son too, this kid had things he wants in just a snap, you always give anything he wants, but when it comes to our son you always had to push him to his limit and make him get what he wants on his own. Lahat na lang napupunta sa kanya, he would just have good grades and you’ll already give him a special gift, while our son Cadmus had every achievement that he could get from his school and yet he still achievements can’t be recognized by his dad!” Kace, should just live on his own now, hindi yung umaasa pa’rin siya sa pera ng asawa ko! Nung namantay and mga magulang mo kami and gumastos sa lahat ng expenses mo, alam mo kung alam ko lang na ganito ang gagawin mo pagkatapos ng lahat ng ginawa namin para sayo, hindi ka na lang sana namin inalagaan at hinayaang tumira sa tabi ng puntod ng magul––,“  

“Stop it, Vivian!”

“Stop, mom!” sabay naming sambit ni Kuya. “You’re fucking getting overboard, Mom!” Kuya said and walked past Mom, Mom stiffed when Kuya spoke rudely at her.

“Cad, son,” Mom tried to call him but Kuya ignored her and went upstairs. “See, what you’ve done!” Mom shouted, I saw Kace shake his head. “And you! Chantel, you’ll go on a date with Vernon and be her girlfriend!” 

“No, Mom,” I whisper. “What did you say? No? You’ll follow my rules Chantel! You’re going to be with Vern––,”

“No, Mom!!!!” I shouted that made her stop, hindi kona kinaya at hinayaan na ang emosyon ko ang magsalita para sa akin. “What?!”

“No, Mom, I will never love and date Vernon because Kace is already my boyfriend!” Oh god, what did I just say, “What!!?!” Mom and Dad.

Chapter 42

“What did you just say Chantel?” Dad confusedly asked while staring at me, our surroundings suddenly became silent and everyone was staring at me.

Bigla akong nakaramdam ng kaba at hindi ako makapagsalita. “A-ahm…” I don’t know what to say.

When I don’t speak nor answer his question, Dad automatically faces Kace, who is standing beside me.

“Is that true Kace?” Dad darkly asks, I slowly glance at Kace who’s staring at him. He took a deep breath and answered. “No Sir, It’s not true Chantel was just mistaken,” he said.

My lips parted at what he said and slowly looked back at Mom and Dad. “He’s right, nadala lang po ako ng emosyon k—–,” I wouldn’t able to finish what I’m gonna say when Mom slap me.

“You’re such a disgrace and desperate!!!” she shouted and walked away. “Kace you’ll go now sorry for the trouble my daughter brought,” Dad walks to Kace and pat his shoulder and lead him outside the house.

Our eyes met as he was about to leave, and that’s when tears rushed down my face. I see the pain in his eyes but he had no choice but to deny me, I understand him and I will always understand him.

Pagkasara ng pinto ay agad akong dinaluhan ni Dad at niyakap, “Shhhh don’t cry now, I won’t force you to anyone you don’t like, I’ll talk to your Mom ok” He gently said and rub my back.

“And, don’t you ever joke like that anymore,” Dad’s voice we’re serious as he said that, so I just cry even more.

I went upstairs and locked myself inside my room. My face feels so numb as my Mom’s slap remains on my cheeks, it leaves a red hand mark on my cheeks which means her slap was a bit hard. I sat on my bed and wiped my tears, I understand why he denied it, I understand it. I understand! I understand.

But why it is hurting me so bad, paulit-ulit na nagplaplay saking utak ang sinabi niya kung pano niya tinaggi ang lahat. I understand him but it hurts so bad.

Kahit alam ko ang posibleng dahilan kung bakit niya tinaggi ang sinabi ko patuloy parin akong haihirapang tanggapin ang binitawan niyang salita, I wanna cry because we can’t be free because of our situation.

I know what Mom said to him really makes him weak. He has nothing to prove when it comes to my Mom because he knows that they fed him and helped him live.

I just wish I can stand for both of us.

While every thought is sinking in my mind, my phone suddenly rings and receives a message. Agad ko itong kinuha at binuksan.

It’s a message from Kace.

From Kace,

Paige, I think we need to stop our relationship. I don’t wanna ruin your life because I’m a worthless guy just like your Mom said. I can’t prove anything to anyone, I can’t fight for us. I’m too weak and helpless to do such a thing. I’m not for you. I can’t bear to see you break your relationship with your parents so I’m letting us go.

What he sent made me gasp and gripped my phone. That’s it! I won’t let this happen, he said these things because of what Mom made him realize. She made him realize how worthless and helpless he is.

But I know it’s not true!

I grip on my phone so hard before I decided to stand up and go to my closet, I quickly change my dress into black pants and a black hoodie. I grab my phone and wallet, walk to the terrace and jump my way down, and snakingly go outside.

When I’m already out of our gate I instantly call for a taxi and make my way to Kace pad.

Mahigpit at napupuno ako ng halo-halong emosyon, I feel so tough and fearless so suddenly. I need to see him and slap him because my love for him doesn’t define his weakness and our situation.

Pagdating sa condominuim, agad akong tumkbo at tinahak ang daan papunta sa pad niya. I didn’t bother to knock and just open it with my spare keys.

Naabutan ko siyang nasa breakfast table dito sa kitchen niya. There were so many bottles of beer around him and he shook his head at the table. I inhaled and exhaled before I went towards him and called his name. “Kace!”

He slowly lifted up his face and looked at me, I almost fell when my knees weakened as our eyes met, he was crying and it was making me weak and in pain seeing him like this.

“Love?” he whispers while trying to take a good look at me, pumupungas pungas siyang hinarap ako. “Paige,” as he says my name, tears escape from his eyes and he reaches for my face.

“Is this a dream?” he asks and starts rubbing his fingers through my cheeks. “If yes, can I hug you please Love,” He said, like he’s begging and crying like a fragile boy.

“I don’t want to let you go, I don’t want to deny you… believe me, I don’t fucking want it Love…but fuck I was too weak and scared to ruin your life. I owe your parents so bad that I can’t fight for my feelings for you…Love, I love you but we can’t,” I cover my mouth as he cries on my chest with his eyes closed and he looks so weak.

The pain of seeing us in this situation really kills me, and just wanted to run away just to be with him. Free and happy.

“I’m sorry because my parents died and I have to be a burden to your parents, Sorry they died, I’m sorry they leave me, I’m sorry I’m alone and I don’t have the strength to fight for you. I don’t have strength on my back because I don’t have a family anymore. It’s my fault that they die, I should be there with them. Maybe If only I choose to be with them at that time. Maybe this wouldn’t be so hard if I just died with them back then. It’s all my fault I’m so sorry” he tightens his grip on my waist and cries in pain.

I hugged him so thigh and kissed his head, I could feel his pain, “It’s not your fault Love” I whispered.

“It’s my fault,” He said and kept crying in my arms. I don’t know what to feel, I pity him for blaming himself about his parent’s accident and also his sister. He was suffering this for so long, buong buhay niya nanatili siyang tahimik tungkol sa pagkamatay ng kanyang pamilya, mas pinili niyang maging malakas at itago ang nararamdaman simula nong bata pa kami.

This was the reason I wanted to be close to him back then because I know he’s been through a lot of hard times and now I’m also one of the people making things hard for him.

I wanna be by his side and be the strength at his back that he was pertaining to. “Love, please don’t let go of me,” I said because that’s all I want from him and I will be able to stand for the both of us.

“Don’t be afraid Kace, Love I’ll be fighting for the both of us, you will be free of this burden and be happy with me just please don’t let go of me Love, don’t leave my side” I said and copped his face so I could see his eyes.

As he faces me his swollen and red eyes make me weak and sad. I kiss his eyes just like what he did to me, I know he is drunk right now and thinks of me as in a dream but I will be by his side no matter what.

“I love you, Paige,” he whispered while his eyes were closed and I kept kissing his eyes and forehead.

“I love you more Love, don’t worry I will fight for us just please don’t leave my side and let go of me,” I said and look at his eyes, tiningnan niya ako gamit ang mapungay niyang mga mata.

Tears fall from his eyes, lean-to kisses him.

“If you can’t do it for now, then I’ll stand for the both of us. I will be strong for you, I promise,” I whisper between our kisses before he holds my nape to deepen the kiss. “I’ll Fight for you, Love.”

Chapter 43

R18

His kisses deepened and started to taste the beer that he drank while we were kissing. His eyes still release tears and same as I do. My Man is still in deep pain, the only thing that I can do right now is to stay by his side and forget what he said in that text message.

I will fight for him, for us, and I won’t let him end our relationship just like that. I felt Kace up under my hoodie, I automatically felt the warmth of his hand underneath my hoodie because I’m only wearing a sports bra under this hoodie. Kace started massaging my waist while we were savoring each other’s lips.

As our intimate connection with each other heats up, I wrap my arms around his shoulders and give him more access inside my mouth by parting it, enough for him to explore inside. His tongue roams around my mouth, it gives a sensational feeling deep inside of me.

“Hmmm,” I groaned between our kisses because he suddenly bit my lower lips and grabbed my mound down there.

I arched and stopped our kiss just to whimper as he started massaging my breast, as my body arched my neck was free so Kace instantly kissed my neck and sucked it.

He pulled me and seated me on his lap, he licked and sucked every part of my neck, “Agh Love!” I almost shouted his name when he bite my neck and shoulder, napara bang pinagigigilan niya ito.

“Paige,” He said and resumed what he was doing to my neck, and breast. The way Kace kisses my neck is a bit gentle and possessive, it’s giving me a hard time thinking straight anymore, any touch brings intimate sparks inside my body.

I watch Kace lift up my hoodie up to my neck and let me bite the edge of it and pull down my sports bra to kiss my breast and start playing with using his tongue, I watch him doing things on my breast and didn’t leave the sight of him, I’m getting crazy thinking that what his doing is fucking sexy.

“Hmmm Love,” I whispered while still biting my hoodie to remain up and he had better access to my chest. I was just watching Kace on what he was doing when my eyes widened because Kace started to bite my nipple and play with using his tongue.

““K-kace,” I didn’t control myself from moaning anymore what he’s doing is fucking great.

My heart pounded so fast when Kace opened his eyes and looked at me while doing that. His eyes give me shivers, I surely know that I’m also blushing right now. The thought that Kace is also drunk, adds more hotness when his eyes were a little bit red and grumpy.

“Hmmm,” halos hindi kona makilalang tunog na ginagawa ko dahil sa nakakalunod na sensyon ang ginagawad niya sakin.

Kace licks the center of my chest sensually before he slowly lifts me up and lets me sit on the breakfast table, my lips parted when he undresses his shirt in front of me so my hoodie falls, Kace reaches for me the edge of my hoodie and slowly lower down his level.

“Kace!” I gasped when he went inside my hoodie and sucked my mound again. I can’t see him this time because he is underneath my hoodie and I’m going crazy about it, I wanna see his face but also this position gives a lot of temptation.

“Hmm,” I heard him groan while making a loud sound of sucking my breasts like a baby. “Kace s-stop,” I whisper and try to push him gently away from my mound because I feel so embarrassed by that sound.

He stopped and let go of my breast and went down by kissing my stomach down to the garter of my pants. I still can’t see what he’s doing because he’s still inside my hoodie but I can feel him.

I felt him bite the tie of my pants and pull it so he can easily pull it down and remove it. When he finally removes it he just throws it somewhere and kisses my undies. “Paige,” He called my name and continued what he was doing down there, I almost fainted when he sucked me down there even though I still have my panties on.

“Kace,” keeps moaning his name, I know I’m starting to get wet down there because of what he’s doing and I admit it feels so good.

He slowly pulled the side of my panties until he finally removed them and let them go on the floor, I covered my face because of embarrassment seeing my undies wet is a total level of embarrassment.

Kace started to do the things that he did to my mound down there and this time, because of the amount of pleasure he was giving me my knees are shaking already and I want him inside of me.

“Kace,” I try to cope with his face and remove him inside my hoodie and make him face me, His grumpy eyes stare at mine, “Love,” I whisper and kiss him instead, He kisses me back and hold my waist, I wrap my feet into his waist and pull him closer.

“Inside,” I whispered between our kisses, Kace nodded like a polite kid and unbuckled his belt while giving me a wet kiss on my cheeks. After unbuckling his belt, he let out his thing and kissed me again, his kiss was a bit rough and aggressive. He’s distracting me with his kiss so I won’t notice him down there.

“Hmmm!!!” I whimper between our locked lips as he penetrates me aggressively down there. His whole thing is inside of me in just one thrust.

“Paige,” He groaned and started moving, thrusting, and kissing.

“Hmmm..hnng,” I moan and get more embarrassed at the way our body makes a sound. He thrust harder and faster and that sound surrounded his whole pad.

As we went on, something started to build up inside of me and any moment now I might explode, “Kace, I’m cumming Love,” I groaned and arched my head up as the pleasure eats me.

“Ride me,” He whispers sexily in my ears. He thrust harder and deeper and, “Agh!!!” my eyes closed so hard as I felt his warm release inside of me, halos manlambot ako ng sobra dahil dito. He breathed heavily on my shoulder for a second.

After that, he put me down from the breakfast table and made me turn around and bend over my body as he entered me from the back.

“Kace!!!” I shouted as he started thrusting again, he pushed deep and I can feel him more at this position. I’m going crazy about it. We reach our climax for the second time around and continue it inside his room as he carries me there.

“Agh Love!!!” I moan for the last time. “Paige, Love” he whispers before he falls above me and rests. “I love you so much,” He whispered, I urged a smile and, “I love you more Kace.”

Chapter 44

I woke up when I felt a heavy weight above my stomach, as I opened my eyes, Kace’s handsome face is the first thing I see.

Hindi ko maiwasang hindi ngumiti at hagkan ang kanyang mukha, I give him a peck on his lips but he just moves, and he’s still in his deep sleep, I guess it’s because of alcohol.

Because Kace normally wakes up, when he feels something touches him, But this time he is sleeping soundly beside me like a fragile kid with his bit swollen eyes.

I kept staring at him and continued rubbing his hair gently. I can’t help falling to this face and person. I will do anything for him.

While staring at him, Mom suddenly popped up in my mind. What she said last night was enough. I don’t want it to happen again, I don’t want Kace to lose and give up. I lean close to Kace and kiss him again after I decided to stand up and check my phone for the time.

It’s just 5 in the morning, that’s why it’s still dark outside. The sun was just about to rise. walked naked to the bathroom and silently took a shower while Kace was still sleeping.

After taking a shower I cover myself with the robe and straightly walk outside, I instantly blush as I see the place outside his room. It was filled with mess and the breakfast table has my hoodie on, and my underwear and bra are on the floor.

I slowly pick all the things up and clean the whole pad. Also, wipe the semen on the chair even though I’m so embarrassed because I surely remember where this came from.

I wipe the floor, throw the cans of beers in the trash, and also cook breakfast for Kace. I’m planning to go back to the house after I cook him breakfast.

I cooked him porridge and made his pineapple juice. So it will make him sober up, and work with his hangover. I also make a note for him on a stick note after I prepare his breakfast on the table.

I put the note beside the plate so that when he wakes up he’ll see it instantly. I wore my hoodie and pants again and also my bra but didn’t wear my underwear because it’s wet, Shit.

After fixing it all, I went back inside Kace’s room and sat beside him on the bed, he was still soundly sleeping. I stare at him and kiss his lips gently. “Wait for me,” I whisper and stand, grab my phone and wallet and go out of his pad.

“I love you,” I whisper while walking straight out of the condominium. This is it, handa na akong harapin sila Mom at ipaglaban si Kace. I won’t ever let her make him regret his life again. Not again, Not this time Mom.

I will stand for us Love, I’ll make them accept us and we will be free. Kaagad akong pumara ng taxi at tumuloy sa bahay, As I step out of the taxi cab I took a deep breath before I decided to go inside the house without fear.

Pagbukas ko ng pinto ng bahay ay isang malakas na sampal ang sumalubong sa akin. “Look what you’ve done, Chatel, Vernon’s mom is mad at me, because of you and that bastard worthless Ka–,” I didn’t let her finish.

“Stop mom!!!” I shouted, which made her shocked and stopped. “Chantel?” Kuya suddenly showed up fixing his tie and coat, and Dad came down from the staircase.

Bakas sa mukha nila ang pagkagulat sa pagsigaw ko, at nang subukan ulit ni Mom na sampalin ako I speak again. “Fucking stop, mom!!!!” I shouted and stared with anger inside of me.

This is enough! “What did you just say?” Hindi makapaniwalang sambit ni Mom at kitang-kita sa kanyang mukha ang namumuong galit. Pero hindi na ako matatakot sa galit na iyon, si Kace na ang pinag-uusapan dito at hindi na ako papayag namamaliitin siya ng kung sino man.

Even my own Mom. “I’m in a relationship with the guy you are calling a bastard worthless guy, Mom, I love that bastard,  and this time, I won’t let you look down at him again!” this time they all looked shocked.

“Is that true Chantel?” Dad asked and still looked confused through what I’d said. “No, that’s not true your daughter is just crazy, she won’t be with that guy,” Mom said and her tone was filled with humiliation.

“Yes mom, I love the guy you treat like trash, you see as a worthless man. The guy you called a gold digger, the guy who did nothing but follow everything you said and respect you with all his heart, owes his life to you guys!!! Yes, I love that man, and I’m ready to fight for him even if you’re the one I’m against with.” I shouted all out.

“See, your daughter just proves how stupid and how much disgrace she’ll bring to our family!!!“Mom shouted at Dad while Dad remains staring seriously at me.

“Why did you do it, Chantel?” Dad calmly asked, but I started to see the disappointment on his face.

“I love him, Dad!!!” this time tears started to run down my cheeks. “I loved him ever since and I will do anything for him Dad,” I whisper and look straight into his eyes.

“I don’t know what to say,” Dad said and massaged the side of his head before he took a last glance at me, and this time he faced so deep disappointment in me. After that, he went to his office room and closed it.

Also, Kuya follows him inside his office. This is the first time Dad looks at me like that and I don’t know that it will hurt me this hard to see the man who trusted me and stayed by my side from the very start gets disappointed in me.

“I’m sorry, Dad,” I whispered and shook my head. “I will not tolerate this Chantel!! guards!!” Mom shouted and the door behind me opened and our guards grabbed my arms. “Lock her inside her room, and don’t ever let her go outside!” 

“You won’t be able to see that guy again, Chantel!!!” Mom said and told the guard to bring me up the stairs.

“No, mom, don’t do this to me, Mom, this is fucked up! Let go of me!!!” I keep shouting when they brag about me upstairs.

No, I need to go back to Kace. they lock me in my room, “Open this door, Dad! Kuya! Please let me out of this room!!! Kace needs me!!! we love each other!!!” I shouted inside the room and tried to beg anyone for help but no one came.

This will not stop here Mom, I quickly walk to the terrace and pull my comforter and use it as a rope to escape. Bumaba ako sa terrace at tumakbo papuntang gate, palabas ng bahay. Pero palapit palang ako sa gate nang sumigaw si Mom.

“Chantel!!!” Don’t you dare!!“ she shouted. I bite my lower lip and look at her with all my anger out. “I will not let him go, kahit ano pa ang sabihin mo!!!”

Chapter 45

I shouted as I stepped out of our house and ran as fast as I could. I need to see him, hindi ako papayag na masira kami ni Mom, she has no right to decide what’s best for me. All my life was already controlled by her, I think this is the right time to stand for myself and for him.

I will fight for our love and nothing’s gonna stop me from doing this.

He had already spent whole his life following my family’s rules, he didn’t have the chance to choose what he wants and what he love because of this fucking indebtedness he felt, and my mother made him feel that.

This time I will stand for him and fight for him, I’m not afraid of losing anything right now just to be with him.

He was the freedom I need, in his arms I feel nothing but love. His kisses made me feel like nothing gonna hurt me anymore. His simple touch matters, his happiness is my dream. I’ll free him from the chain that locks him in, I will save him in any way I can. 

Wait for me Love, I run as fast as I can until I reach the gate of our subdivision and quickly ride the taxi.

“Saan po tayo, Ma’am?” the Driver asks while looking at the view mirror.

I sniff and wipe my tears up and speak, “Delavine’s Condominium please” I said and look out the window, still busy wiping my tears and caressing my numb and swollen cheeks.

My cheek feels like it’s beating on its own and numbness surrounds the other half of my face. After a minute, the taxi stops in front of Delavine’s Condo and I hurriedly pay for the charges and quickly step out of the car and run inside.

“Miss Chantel, bakit ho kayo nandito?” I stop when one of the employees approached me. “I need to see, Kace,” I said and ran past him. He called my name, but I didn’t look back. He’s not the reason why I’m here so I focused on the way to Kace pad.

I was running through the elevator and still heard someone call my name, I ignored it and ran faster but my heels suddenly broke their heel. “Fuck!” I hissed and quickly remove both of my heels and run with my bare feet. I immediately push the button to close the elevator as I step in; quickly push the 9th floor where his room lies.

My hands were shaking while my feet felt freezing because I was standing on the cold floor of this fully air-conditioned building. I hugged myself a bit to loosen the coldness and wait for this elevator to open.

I endured the pain of beating on my numb face and aching red eyes, I cried so hard that it hurt my eyes already. I keep sobbing the whole time until the elevator door opens; I hurriedly step out and walk fast to his room. My hand feels so cold.

My heart suddenly pounded so fast, as I took every step near to his room. Heavyweight suddenly falls on my chest. I stop when I hear the staff calling me again. “Really? He still followed me?” I whisper with disbelief.

I ignored him once again and continued walking as fast as I could. I can’t run anymore. My feet are freezing.

When I stand in front of his door, my heart races so fast and it’s hard for me to breathe. “Miss Chantel!!!!” The guy still calls me and runs towards my place, so I didn’t bother to knock on the door and hurriedly open it and then lock it.

The lights were off, only the light from the moon created dim lights inside the whole place. It seems so silent and my heart keeps on pounding. I feel nervous all of a sudden.

“Love?” I call him and no one answers so I walk and open the lights inside the place. I was about to take a step when someone knocked on the door. “Miss Chantel” him again, hindi ba siya titigil? Did mom send him in to stop me from seeing Kace?

I walk with irritation to Kace’s room and check him if he’s sleeping already, “Love.”

“Love are you asl––,” I stop when I open the door and see nothing, I hurriedly check his bathroom and also see nothing, I look around the place and don’t see any trace of him inside. “Where is he?” I whisper and keep looking around the place and as I end up in his closet area, I fear and slowly open the door and I see terror…

My heart beats crazily that it took me a minute to remember to breathe again. My eyes widened and my hair moved as the cold and empty closet showed. Wala itong laman ni isang gamit, I weakly step back and hurriedly grab my phone out of my pocket and try to contact him.

“The number you have dialed is either unattended or out of coverage area pl––,” hindi ko na ito tinapos at sumubok muli.

I weakly step back when I reach 100 calls already but he still did not pick it up… after a second Kace door suddenly opens, and when I hear it I quickly run to it, but only to find out that the staff opens it using the spare keys. “Why are you here!!!” I asked and glared at them.

“Miss Chantel, Sir Kace already left with Miss Carmitte,” I stiffed and weakly leaned on the wall to grab some support because my knees suddenly weakened. Carmitte was the girl he had a meeting with back then, I never saw her as a treat but I guess I was wrong.

“W-why?” I whisper and tears suddenly roll down my face. Why Kace? Why? Do you choose her while I choose you?

“Leave me,” I speak, “Pero Miss Cha––,” I cut him off,  “I said leave me alone!!!!” I shouted and they quickly disappeared around the place.

I was left alone here inside the cold and silent room… I can hear my heart beating so fast because of the loud silence. Tears kept on flowing and pain kept on running inside my whole system.

The numbness in my cheeks suddenly surrounds my whole body; I feel numb and hurt so bad that I can’t breathe right now anymore. “Do you really choose her over me Kace? Tell me where are you? I’ll—I’ll—I’ll chase you, Love,” I whisper and cry harder. I asked and didn’t receive any answers, only pain.

Does he really choose her? Why Kace? Bakit ngayong pang lumaban na ako para satin? Why did you leave me hanging alone?

“P-paano na ako?” I whispered and shook my head weakly. “Why did you choose her over me?”

Chapter 46

2 months later, 

Knock knock, I slowly move from the cover of my comforter and glance at the door of my room. I slowly wipe my eyes because it has a few dry tears on the side that make it hard to open my eyes properly.

“Chantel?” I heard my brother’s voice outside the door so I slowly sat on the bed and stood up to open the door for him.

When I opened it and just took a glimpse of him, He stare seriously at me and waited for me to open the door widely. I move to the side and open it widely for him to enter my room. Kuya brought food inside and put it down on my side table.

“I just got here after a trip and the first thing I heard is that you still didn’t eat properly since that day happened,” He said and sat on the bed. “Do you have any idea where Kace goes Kuya?” I ask desperately at him and stand in front of him.

“That’s not what I ask Chantel,” he said. Tears started to fall from my eyes again, “Kuya please tell me you already found him Kuya please,” I instantly kneel in front of him and held his hand.

Kuya sighs and, “No lead, I already hired three detectives to find him around the world but they couldn’t find any signs of him, but can we please talk about you, take care of yourself Chantel look at you, you’re getting thinner and thinner,” Kuya said.

I avoided his gaze and spoke, “If only Mom didn’t lock me here in my room, I can look for Kace on my own” I said it with anger and remembered that day. 

“Chantel,” I looked at Kace’s door when my brother showed up and ran to me. I burst out when he’s in front of me. “Kuya” I called him and hugged him so tight.

“Kace left, he’s gone. I can’t find him Kuya. I need to see him please Kuya” He hugged me back and rubbed my back while I cried in his arms.

My heart is breaking so hard and it tears me apart knowing that my Man left without a word.

“Shhhh Let’s go home” He said and carry me, “Kuya I need to find him Kuya, I can’t leave here baka bumalik siya Kuya. Kailangan ko siyang makita, I will wait for him here please Kuya I need to see him, he needs me at his side same as I do Kuya please,” I beg him to put me down and let me stay here because I know Kace will come back.

“I will find him ok, but now we need to go home please stop crying,” Kuya gently said and make me lean on his chest and started walking, I had no choice but to cry on his arms, hindi na rin naman ako makapanlaban dahil nanghihina ako sa sobrang sakit ng puso ko.

“Wait for me at the office,” Kuya speak when he was walking so I took a glance at the person he was talking about and I saw Alliana, Aberry’s cousin she’s walking behind us and her face was so much worry when she looked at me, but I was filled with mix emotion right now and I feel so embarrassed her seeing me like this.

I hid my face on my brother’s chest and I heard her speak, “Y-yes Sir,” she said and went separate ways with me.

Kuya brought me in his Mustang and gently put me inside the shotgun seat and went inside the driver side, started the engine and handed me a bottle of water. Tinaggap ko ito pero hindi ko ininom, nanatali lang akong tulala at patuloy na lumuluha habang nakatanaw sa bintana.

Kuya remains silent while driving and when we reach our house he guides me on walking inside the house because my feet and knees feel so weak.

As we opened the door we saw Mom sitting on the couch while drinking her coffee and looking at me, “What did you get Chantel?” she said in a tone of sarcasm.

I just stared at her while Kuya was holding me, “There are some love and feelings that weren’t worth fighting for my dear child, look what happened to you? The Man that you fight for just leaves you without a word, the man that you are willing to sacrifice your family just to be with him just leaves you, are you regretting it all now?” She raises her right brow while she asks me that, but I firmly look at him and speak fearlessly.

“No, I won’t ever regret loving Kace and you can’t change that.”

“If only you choose Vernon over that trash then your life wouldn’t be this hard and you won’t disappoint me” she stood up and walked towards our place and fixed the strand of hairs on my face and she smirked.

I push her hands away and darkly look at her, “I don’t fucking care about your feelings anymore, Mom!!! I don’t care if I disappointed you again this time, all my life I spend it fulfilling your desires and decision. I don’t even get a chance to choose, what I really want because of you, I have let you control my life for almost 21 years, and inside those 21 years, have you ever asked me about what I really want to do?! No, you never fucking did because you don’t treat me as your child, you just see me as your toy. This is enough—,” One hard slap hits my face and Mom’s anger surrounds the whole house.

“How dare you speak to me like that, after I make your life better!!!” She madly said and pushed my shoulder a bit. “

Better?! You just make it harder for me mom!!! When we were in France did you ever ask me if I can study both courses at the same time?!?! No, you didn’t care, you didn’t ask and you just force me to do it, even if it kills me already, I was studying and working at the same time.. is that what you call better? Fuck your definition of better, Mom!!!“ I shouted and cried, even more, the pain in my chest doubled because of all the hardship I’ve been through all this year.

“No one fucking ask, no one fucking ask me if I’m ok if I’m doing ok, no one Mom!!!” I shouted, 

“How dare you—––,”

“Fucking stop mom!!!” Mom wasn’t able to finish what she was going to say and wouldn’t be able to slap me when Kuya shouted and caught her hand. “

C-Cadmus,“ Mom utters his name, Kuya forcibly lets go of Mom and looks at me, “Let’s go upstairs,” Kuya gently said and guided me up the stairs and left Mom stiffed.

He brought me to my room and let me lay on the bed, I continued crying so he wiped my tears. “I will find him Ok, for now, take a rest” he whispers and kisses my forehead. “I have a 2 months business trip, I’ll be leaving tomorrow, but I’ll promise I will find him ok. Take care of yourself,” He said before he left me and closed the door of my room.

“Where are you Love?” I whisper before I close my eyes and fall asleep. 

After that, I wake up and remain laying on the bed for a few hours, but when I realize that I’m wasting time, I should be out finding Kace instead.

I stood up and went straight to the door but It was locked, “What?” I whisper and try everything to open it but it’s clearly locked.

You gotta be kidding me! 

“Mom, don’t lock me here!!!!” I shouted and heard a footstep outside. “I won’t let you ruin your life finding that Man Chantel, I’m doing this for you,” I heard Mom say.

“No mom! Please let me go!!! Mom, please let me go!!! Mom, please I’m begging you open this door now!!!”  I shouted all out.

“This is for you Chantel,” I heard her say and leave, I panic and hit the door hard, “No mom, mom don’t leave, open the door, you can’t do this to me!!! Dad!! Kuya!!! Open the door, please!” I shouted but I remember Kuya has a business trip and so does Dad.

Starting that day I was locked in my room and they just delivered food, but I would not eat it.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there,” Kuya whispered and pulled me for a hug. “Kuya please help me find hi––,” I stop and quickly run to the bathroom and puke.

“Chantel!!!!” Kuya followed me inside and rubbed my back, “What’s this?” he asked confusedly. I look at him and slowly wipe my lips, “I don’t know,” I whisper. “Are you fucking pregnant?”

Chapter 47

“Are you pregnant?” His face became so serious and I watched his jaw clench. But, what he said really did make me stiff and shaken, I’ve been having morning sickness for the past few weeks. All along I thought It was because I haven’t eaten a proper meal for almost two months but what if I’m pregnant?

I held his hand and looked into his eyes, “Kuya, I think I might,” I whisper, and fear already eats my whole system, what if I’m pregnant?

“Let’s go to the hospital right now, stand up,” He said and guided me to stand and walk outside the bathroom, grab my face towel and give it to me, “Wipe your lips, we’re going now,” He said while texting someone in his phone and still didn’t let go of my hand. “K-Kuya,” I whispered and tears started to run down my eyes, I don’t know where I’m scared right now. I wish Kace were here.

He looked at me and sighs before he held my hand tightly and we went outside my room, we went downstairs but Mom showed up. “Where are you going?!” She asks confusedly. “Mom move we need to go”Kuya darkly said at Mom, and you can see the fear on Mom’s face. “N-No Cadmus, Chantel isn’t allowed to go outside!!!” Mom still tried to stop us, but all I did right now is to cry because of the thought that I’m pregnant.

I have no time to think of other things right now, Only the possibilities and the time when Kace and I didn’t use condoms. What if I’m really pregnant?

“No, I’ll bring her out Mom, move and let us pass!” Kuya said. “No Cadmus!! I won’t let this brat find that ma—–,” mom was cut off when “She might be fucking pregnant Mom so please move and let us go to the hospital don’t wait for me to lose my limit!!!” I watched Mom let go of her phone when she heard what Kuya said.

“W-what,” Mom whispered and glanced at me, she stared at me while I cried so hard. She slowly looked at the floor and moved to let us pass. Kuya quickly pulled me gently and went outside the house leaving Mom dumbfounded.

Sumkay kami sa Mustang ni Kuya at mabilis niya itong pinaadar at tinahak ang daan papunta sa pinakamalapit na hospital. As we stopped in front of the hospital, I let out a heavy breath and sob. “K-kuya, I’m scared,” I whisper and wipe my tears, he holds my hands and caresses them gently, and says, “Don’t be scared I’m here,” He said and went outside the car to open the door for me.

Inabot ni Kuya ang aking kamay at sabay kaming naglakad papasok ng hospital, we get assisted at by the front desk here in the hospital. “Where’s the obstetrician?” Kuya asks and the nurse quickly leads the way. “This is the room Sir,” she said and left.

Papasok na sana si Kuya habang hawak ang aking kamay pero pinigilan ko siya kaya hinarap niya muli ako, “Kuya, I need Kace,” I whisper. He sighs and, “I’ll find him ok, but first let’s check if you’re really pregnant,” He said and pulled me inside.

Halos hindi ako huminga ng pumasok kami sa loob at sinalubong kami ng Ob/gyn. “Good morning, have a seat,” she said. Kuya made me sit in front of the desk of Ob/GYN. “I confirm if my sister is really pregnant” diretso nitong sagot, The OB smiled and quickly brought a paper and handed it to me, “Fill this up and after that come with me inside,” she said.

“I’ll do it, go with her now,” Kuya said and grab the paper from me, “Ok, let’s go check your pee first,” The OB said and gently led me to the restroom and handed me a medical cup for my pee to get tested. I did what she said, pee, and handed her the sample, she let me go back outside where my brother and say, “This test will just take minutes, will you wait?” she asked, “We’ll wait” Kuya said.

I sat in front of him and he handed me the fill-up form. “Let’s wait for the results, do you want anything?” he asked, “No, I’m fine Kuya,” I said, he nodded and checked his phone again. I silently shook my head and watched my handshake while waiting for the results. Kace where are you, come on show up I need you right now. My heart beats so hard.

Please Kace I need you right now. “So!!!” agad akong napatingin sa pagbalik ng OB, she comes back with her brightest smile. And sitting at her swivel chair, Kuya put his phone back in his pocket and looked at the OB like what I’m doing.

Halos hindi ako huminga habang hinihintay siyang magsalita dahil hindi ko alam kung anong mararamdaman ko natatakot ako sa lahat ng pweding mangyari, I feel so weak now that I know taht Kace wasn’t here beside me, I was like a flytless bird with him my wings.

“Congratulations Miss Delavine, you’re six weeks pregnant,” She cheerfully said, making my lips part. Nanginig ako ng sobra dahil sa mga narinig ko, nang mapansin iyon ni Kuya agad niya akong hinawakan sa kamay at nginitian. “It’s Ok,” he mouthed and looked back to the OB.

“But, let me tell you Miss Delavine, Mahina ang kapit ng bata sa ngayon dahil siguro nastress ka nitong mga nagdaang araw during those six weeks, please do avoid stress because the baby wasn’t that strong enough to hold. Eat healthy food and take good care of yourself ok,” She said and grab a paper.

“Ito ang reseta mo, you need to take this medicine to help you take good care of your baby, please be careful starting now,” she said and smiled brightly at me. I slowly nodded but still, I can’t talk right now. I don’t know what to say. I just hold my tummy and think of him. Kace where are you?

Kuya and the OB talk a little bit more, while I just space out and keep touching my tummy. I have someone inside of me right now. A living and breathing blood of us.

Kace please come back, Love. “Thank you Doc will be back next month for the check-up,” Kuya said and guided me out of the room. “I already ask our maids to buy all you need, Chantel you need to eat and take care of yourself, you have another life inside of you please help yourself and think about the baby.” Nakatulala lang akong naglalakad sa tabi niya nang sabihin niya iyon at ang tanging sinagot ko lang ay, “I need Kace,” I whsiper.

“Chantel, can you stop thinking of Kace this time, think about the baby first and yourself please,” Kuya said and we both entered his Mustang. “I’m scared, Kuya. I don’t know if I can take care of the Baby I just need Kace Kuya, please,” I cry again and cover my face while we’re already inside the car.

“I’ll try my best to find him, but you need to think of the baby now. Be strong,” Kuya said and drive our way back the house, Pagbalik sa bahay hindi ko nakitasi Mom, pagkatapos ay pinaghain ako ng maraming pagkain nila Yaya Carmen.

“Iha anak kumain ka ng marami, alagaan mo ang sarili mo ngayong may baby kana. Anak hindi madali ang pagbubuntis pero nak lakasan mo lang ang loob mo,” She said, I raise my head and look at her then hugged her waist.

“I need him Yaya, I need him to be strong again, Kuya,” I whisper, “Nako, shhhh wag kana umiyak nak makakasama iyan sa baby, makikita mo rin si Kace anak, tahan na,” she keeps rubbing my head when the door opens and Mom enter the house. Kuya is already up the stairs, I grip on Yaya as Mom walks towards my place. I don’t wanna fight with Mom right now, I don’t wanna hurt my baby.

“Are you pregnant?” she asks as she stands in front of us. “Yes Mom, and I don’t wanna fight right now please let me be for a while mahina ang kapit ng baby ko at makakasama sa akin kung ma stress ako” Diretso kong sambit. “Ok,” she said and looked at my tummy before she left and went upstairs.

Days pass by. I continue longing and asking everyone to find Kace for me, I cry every time I simply remember him, everyone inside the house panic all the time because they all know how dangerous my pregnancy is.

“Chantel anak tahan na iha,” Right now Yaya is still trying to calm me down because I keep finding Kace, until now there’s no lead for him until now.

“Chantel, you need to stop!” Napalingon kami ng biglang dumating si Mom. “Look at this, and see it for yourself and stop seeking for that Man,” Mom said and handed me a USB.

“W-what d-do y-you mean?” I ask. “See it for yourself,” she said and left.

Chapter 48

I went upstairs as I brought the USB with me, I don’t know what Mom meant to say but I want to see what was inside of this USB. I have this feeling that I need to see this.

While walking up the staircase I was rubbing my tummy and wiping my tears using the back of my hands. “Hang in there Baby”I whisper and feel so guilty when I realize that I just made my baby cry again because of my longingness with Kace.

As I entered my room I went straight to my working table and opened my Laptop, I inserted the USB and checked what was inside. I have only one folder that says, DLVN’s Cndo CCTV footage.

When I open the folder it has 5 CCTV records. They are names like Footage 1, 2, 3, and on. My tummy aches a little bit and suddenly my hands turn so cold, that I feel nervous about nothing. “Baby, are you ok?” I whisper and gently touch my tummy before I open the footage.

The video starts in the plain hallway of the condominium, there are people walking in it and I think it’s the residents of the hotel.

The video plays like that for almost five minutes until a familiar girl walks through the hall toward Kace’s door. I quickly looked at the date of the video and it says August 02, 2020, I was still in France at that time. It’s almost two months before I go back here to the Philippines. She knocks on Kace’s door pad, and after a few knocks it opens and Kace quickly hugged her. Which makes me gasp, he looked so excited as he hugged her.

What’s this? They hugged for so long until Kace invited her inside, then the video stopped there. I instantly move into the next Video. It’s on November 20, 2020, I was here already at that time.

Again the same girl walked into the hall again and knocked on Kace’s room, with a pizza in her right hand. The door opens and Kace smiles at her before they both went inside the pad. My heart started to beat so fast as I feel so nervous about what I’m seeing right now.

The next video is her again entering Kace pad with a bundle of food. And that time was already me and Kace are in a secret relationship. He didn’t say anything to me about her.

The video plays the same, everything shows this girl going inside Kace’s pad. When I stay at the house. “Oh no please, I don’t believe this,” I whisper and open the last footage. While my hands are shaking so bad. My heart almost stopped when the footage was the day when Kace disappear.

Tears started to fall from my eyes when the video showed me walking out of his pad filled with determination and strength. After a few minutes of the video, the girl showed up again and knocked on Kace’s door. She opened the pad with a spare key and went inside and I just waited for a minute for the door to open. Kace and the girl went outside the pad with, I know it’s Camitte.

I watch how Kace stares at the pad for a second before Carmitte holds his hand and Kace stares at her before they hug each other so tight and leave. I cry so hard and forcefully close the laptop. I cry all my heart out, my whole body becomes so numb and my heart is breaking into pieces.

It breaks me so badly as I watch the man I love leave with another girl. I cover my mouth, bite my hand, and cry all over again. “Ahhh!!!’ I shouted and felt the stab in my heart, I don’t know why you did this to me Kace but it hurts me a lot that I feel like dying already.

I kneel on the floor and just cry. Why? That’s the only question on my mind that hurts my heart. Why do you have to leave with that Girl? Why did you leave with any explanations? Why do you make me weak like this?

“Why?!” I whisper and cover my face, I wanna cry so bad, I wanna see him and ask why did you leave. Why are you with her? Why didn’t you tell me a thing?

“Why Kace tell me please because I might go crazy hunting for your answers”I whisper, my chest feels so heavy and It’s making me hard to breathe.

“Why Ka—––” I didn’t finish what I’m gonna say when my tummy ached, suddenly my eyes widened and I held my tummy instantly.

“No..no please” I whisper while whimpering by the pain in my tummy, the baby. “No no please Baby hold mommy” I cry harder as the pain attacks and the panic in my baby’s situation hits.

“Kuya!!!!!!” I shouted I need help… I almost fainted when I saw blood on my thighs. I stiffed and just gasped, “No, No, please, please, I’m sorry please Baby hang in Mommy,” I beg and started to crawl to the door.

“Please Baby, hang in there, ah!” My tummy aches so bad. I crawl to the door but it suddenly opens. Mom showed up. “Oh my gosh, Chantel! Cadmus! Cadrius!!!” Mom shouted all out and held me. My sight started to get blurry, and I felt so deeply weak already, but I never let go of my tummy and keep begging in my mind that my baby should hold on.

Please lord, save my baby, “Fuck!!!” natanaw ko si Kuya at Dad na dumating, “Let go of her Mom!” Kuya said and quickly carried me out of the room, I heard everyone panic inside the house as they ran me outside to the car.

“K-kuya,” I whisper and cry, “M-my b-baby” He put me inside the car, and lt the driver starts the engine, “No will save the baby don’t worry hang in there”

I started to feel dizzy and the pain was killing me, I got blurry even more and I can’t even talk because of the pain. I wanna fight the pain for my baby but I’m too weak right now.

“K-kuya,” I whisper and hold his polo. Unti-unti konang napipikit ang aking mga mata pero pilit ko itong nilalabanan pero sadyang mas nanaig ang pamamanhid at pagkahilo ko dahil sa sakit.

“No, don’t close your eyes, Chantel!!!! Fucking no!!!” Kuya said and kept tapping my cheeks. “Save my baby,” I whispered for the last time before I closed my eyes and started to lose consciousness. “Drive fucking faster!”

Chapter 49

“Paige,” is that Kace voice? “Paige, wake up please,” there’s a voice, I keep hearing but my eyes feel so heavy to open, It’s so dark.

“Paige come on wake up” the voice suddenly turns soft, I slowly open my eyes and bright lights shine so bright and It makes me close my eyes again.

“She’s waking up,” Some said, I heard movement for the chairs and footsteps around me while I’m still closing my eyes and wiping them up with my hands but my hands suddenly felt like there was something inserted into it.

“Hmm” I groan as I slowly open my eyes and try to see everyone in a better view. It took me a second of wiping my eyes when I started to see Sienna.

“Paige, you’re awake finally!” she said and gently held my hands. Behind her, there is my Dad who looks so worried and relieved at the same time, at Dad’s side its Mom. I quickly avoided her gaze and looked at my brother beside me, he looked so tired.

“I was so scared Paige,” Sienna said and suddenly became teary eyes, with that I realized something. “How’s my baby?!!” I shouted and burst out crying. “Hey, hey Paige calm down please you might get hurt,” Sienna said and caressed my hands.

“My baby?” I whisper and cry so hard, Please tell me lord you save my baby.

Sienna looked into my eyes, “What!? How’s my baby!!!” I started to panic when no one answered me but suddenly the door opened and the doctor came, she was my OB.

“The Baby is fine, what happened to you is internal bleeding because of stress, a good thing the Baby hung in and didn’t let go. I’m telling you Miss Delavine if you still didn’t take care of yourself you might lose your baby this time and it’s for real” she said and talked to my Mom and Dad.

A big realization hits me, I just forget about my baby because of that video. It’s Kace and Mom’s fault. I almost lost my baby because of what they did. For Kace who cheated on me and disappeared and for Mom giving that video caused me to cry so hard that almost led to my baby’s death.

“Chantel” Kuya called my name and looked at me. “Kuya,” I whisper and look sad at him. Yes, I’m happy that my baby is safe but at the same time, I feel so sad thinking that I almost lost my baby because I’m too blind to love.

“I will find Ka––,” I cut him off by saying, “No don’t bother Kuya, I don’t need him anymore,” I said that making all of them look at me. I’ll be strong for you Baby, I will raise you well and take good care of you.

I face my brother who still looks shocked at what I said. “I will forget about him and just think of my baby, I will stop loving him,” I said and I caught how Mom looked at me.

“Happy now?! I will stop loving that trash just like what you’ve said, I will let go of him and not fucking find him anymore, that’s what you want right!!! Happy? You just fucking success ruining my life and make it fucking ass better!!!” all of them stopped when I said that to Mom.

Mom just remained standing beside Dad while staring at me with her pitiful eyes. “You’re one of the reasons why I almost lost my Baby, giving me that video knowing that I have a dangerous pregnancy, you did that just to make me stop crying. Just like you did when I was a kid you just gave me an iPad to stop me from crying and didn’t ever ask why I’m crying!!1 don’t worry I won’t ever do that to my child” She gulf and tried to speak. “I’m sorry,” She said.

I smirked bitterly and held my tummy, just this one last baby held Mommy tight, please. “You’re never sorry Mom if you excuse me, can you leave!!!” I shouted Dad quickly guide Mom outside the pad and they both leave, I saw my Mom dumb found while she stare at me as the door closes.

“Calm down, Paige,” Sienna said and guided me to lay on the bed again, and handed me a bottle of water. “I already know everything that happens and I just want to let you know that I will never leave your side. We can do this, Ok,” she said and wipe my tears while fixing my hair and tying it.

Kuya just remains silent and just gives me what I need while Sienna takes care of me and feeds me at lunch. “I wanna leave,” I whisper out of the blue while we’re just silently inside this hospital room.

“What?” Kuya. “What do you mean Paige?” Sienna asks and seat beside my bed while facing me.  “I wanna leave this country and fly to Japan,” I faced Kuya and held his hand. “I wanna live in Japan Kuya.”

“Are you fucking serious?” Kuya asks. “Yes, I realize that it’s too risky for me to stay here. I will just always remember Kace and always end up fighting with Mom, I can’t bear to risk my child’s life again. I wanna move out of the country to where I can find peace and will live a simple life during my pregnancy. And the only place that I feel safe is Japan” I said.

“If you’re going to Japan me either, I’ll stay with you there,” Sienna said and smiled genuinely at me. “Kuya please help me move to Japan,” as I said that the door opens, and Mom and Dad come in hearing what I just said. “Your what?” Dad asked.

I face them straightly and say, “I want to live in Japan and do my second and third trimesters there” I firmly said. “No, Chantel you need to stay with us, your pregnancy is too risky and it’s dangerous if you stay in another country without us” Dad gently said.

“It’s riskier inside that house, I might lose my baby again if I continue staying there,” I said and glared at Mom. Kuya stands up sighs and glances at me before he faces Mom and Dad. “Chantel will live in Japan, and that’s final.”

Chapter 50

“We’re here,” Kuya said as we stopped in front of the airport. I look at him and smile. “Thank you for everything” whispered and held his hand, he looked at me and patted my head. “You’ll be fine right?” he said.

I nodded at him before I took a glance outside the van. There’s Sienna with all her luggage with her. She was already smiling and waving at me. “Be strong there,” Kuya said, making me look at him again. “I will,” I said before he went out of the van and brought all my things out of the car.

“Paige,” Sienna hugged me as soon as I stepped out of the van. “Are you ready?” She asked while holding my hands, I took a deep breath and smiled at her. “Yes,” she chuckled and cheerfully nodded.

“This is everything, I guess,” Kuya said beside me as he brought down all my things at the airport cart. “Yes, it is,” I said and checked all my bags, it’s complete. Kuya put his arms around my shoulder and looked at Sienna. “Does he know?” He asked her.

Sienna’s smile suddenly faded and she avoided our stares, “There’s no need for him to know haha,” She gently said but still avoided our gaze, and tried to urge a fake smile. Kuya nodded and faced me, “Be strong, call me every time you need me,” he said and kissed my forehead before he looked at Sienna once again and said. “Take care of her please” he seriously said.

“I will,” Sienna said and smiled at him, Kuya took a last kiss on my forehead before he left. “Bye!!!” I said and watched his Van leave. Tears couldn’t be controlled and I tear up as I watch my brother leave. He was my armor every time I’m weak and I will never stop leaning on him.

“Chantel will live in Japan, and that’s final”

Kuya firmly said that making all of us look at him.

Mom and Dad look at him seriously, “But how can Chantel her pregnancy alone?” Dad asked.

“I will be going with her, Tito,” Sienna said and held my left hand. I noticed Mom didn’t talk; she just stared at me the whole time.

“Are you sure about this Chantel, You can just stay here near us if you don’t want inside the house I’ll just buy you your own” Dad tries to convince me but my decision is final?

“Stop trying Dad, maybe this is the right time for Chantel to choose for herself at once let her be” Kuya darkly said and looked at me, “I’ll fix your papers as soon as possible don’t worry,” Kuya said, and pat my head.

“If that’s what you really want, Then do so,” Dad said and leave with Mom. “One last thing,” I said that made them stop.

“When I live in Japan, let me cut my connections with you. Give me freedom until I give birth to my baby. I’ll live on my own so don’t ever go there to check me” I said and looked out the window until they left.

“Stop crying already Paige, your baby is hearing you,” Sienna said, Kuya’s Van was already gone, and Sienna asked me if we should go inside the airport already and wait for our flight.

“Flight 901, Manila to Japan, please settle your things in gate 3,” As we entered the airport, they already called for our flight so we didn’t wait for the flight and went straight ahead to gate 2 and went inside the plane already.

“How about your work Sienna?” I ask as we finally settle seating inside the plane. She looked at me and smiled. “I already resigned to Delavine’s scent Paige,” My eyes widened. “Why?!” I asked and saw a glimpse of pain inside her eyes, but she hid it with her smile. “I don’t know but I think it’s the right thing to do,” she said while chuckling.

I didn’t bother asking her anymore because I feel like she doesn’t wanna talk about it anymore. I understand and respect her.

Our flight took 4 hours and 13 minutes before we reached Japan Haneda Airport or known as Tokyo International Airport. “Haaa…Home,” Sienna whispers as we step out of the airport and the cold breeze of air touches our skin.

Sienna holds my hand and says, “Let’s go? A new start awaits,” I smile at her and nodded, “Let’s go!!!” I said.

---

5 months later,  “Sienna?” I whisper and try to open my eyes, I check the time and it’s just 1:35 am but I need something. I want something.

“Hmm, Paige?” Sienna slowly woke up from her bed beside mine and looked at me. “What?” She asked. “I want strawberry chocolate with chili flakes now” I whisper and pout at her. This time she opened her eyes and looked confusedly at me. “You want what?”

“I want strawberry chocolate with chili flakes,” I repeated. “Did I hear it right? Do you want strawberry chocolate with it? Chili flakes? Or it’s just strawberry chocolate AND chili flakes?” She asked. “No, I want the chili flakes mixed with the strawberry chocolate Sienna,” I said.

“Oh my, your cravings are a bit too strange tho,” She said and walked out of the room. I followed her outside and watched her make what I want.

First, she melted the strawberry chocolate that we have in stock and put a few chili flakes, “Add more Sienna” I said, “Like this?” She asks and adds more. “More!” I said.

Her eyes widened because she put all the chili flakes because I say it. “Oh my god Chantel hindi ba makakasama ito sa baby?” She asks and she looks so scared. “But, my baby wants it,” I said and held my tummy, “Fine, fine, fine,” She said and continued doing it, we froze it for a minute and after that, I ate it in the model of the night.

“Thank you, Sienna, I love you,” I said while enjoying my spicy strawberry chocolate while Sienna goes back to sleep beside me. “Hmm..welcome,” she whispered.

Kinabukasan gumising kami ni Sienna ng 9:00 am para pumunta sa OB ko dito sa Japan this is the day where we’ll find out the gender my baby. I just wear a white pregnancy dress and flip-top sandals, tie my hair up and bring my chocolates to my body bag.

“Let’s go,” Sienna said and grab her car keys as we drive our way to the hospital. “Ohayo gonzaimasu, go kibun wa ikagadesu ka (Good Morning, how are feeling?)” the doctor said and let me lay on the bed for the check-up and ultrasound.

“Junbi wa deki taka (Are you ready?)” The doctor gently asked and put gel on my tummy. “Hai (Yes)” sabay naming sambit ni Sienna kaya sabay din kaming tumawa.

“Wakarimashita, ikimasu,” The doctor said and started the ultrasound, “Sore o sansho shite kodasai. Sore wa akachandesu (See that, it’s the baby)” she said and pointed at the screen.

“Seibetsu, seibetsu!!” I ask and excitingly ask. The doctor slashes Ob’s smile and…..“Ona no ko (Girl)”

Chapter 51

“Onna no ko(Girl)” she said and smile at us, Nagkatinginan kami kaagad ni Sienna at inabot nito ang aking kamay. “Oh my god!!” She whispered and started to have teary eyes.

“Why are you one who’s crying?” Natatawa kong sambit, The Doctor laughs with us and continues the check-up, again she advises some food I need to eat and about the vitamins I’m drinking.

“Domo arigato zaimashita (Thank you very much)” I said as we stood up and were about to leave. “Doitashimashite, jibun o daiji ni shite kudasai to akachan (You’re welcome, Take care of yourself and the baby)” She said, “Hai, hai (Yes, yes)” we said and bow our heads before we leave the OB, and went outside of the hospital.

“Satingin ko dapat na tayong bumili ng gamit para sa baby, since we already know what’s her gender already.” She said while I wrap my hands around her’s, she had a point that I need to buy stuff for my baby now.

“Yeah, Let’s go buy,” I said, we both nodded at each other before we went inside her car and drove our way to the Diver City Tokyo Plaza, a mall here in Tokyo.

“Tara dali, excited na ako,” Sienna said and we quickly went inside the mall after we got out of her car. We head straight to the clothes store and go to the baby section. “Sotua okusama e yokoso (Welcome to the store Ma’am)” the saleslady greeted us and guide us in buying things and stuff for the baby.

And we took almost a half-day on buying things, We also just ate at the nearby restaurant and continued buying things again. We buy a lot of things using my savings and what Kuya gave me. “Ang dami na nating napamili” Sienna said while putting all the paper bags in her car. “It’s fine, It’s for the baby and I won’t feel sad losing money just for my baby,” I said while rubbing my tummy.

“Right, Done! Yuko(Let’s go)” she said and we both went inside the car, driving our way home. But while we were in the middle of the street I saw a chocolate shop.

“Sienna stop!!!” I shouted, making her panic and stop the car at the side. “Why? What happened!!!!” she asks while panicking and checking me out.

“No, Sienna I want chocolates,” I said, making a pity face on her. She sighs and says, “Paige, may konting stock ka pa ng chocolate sa bahay,” she hissed and look at the shop I’m pertaining to. “Please, I think the baby wants it so bad,” I said and she sigh so hard before saying, “Fine let’s go.”

“Yehey!” I said, sabay kaming pumasok sa loob ng chocolate shop, at halos lahat ng matipuhan ko ay kinkuha ko, walang nagawa si Sienna kung hindi sundan ako at tulungan akong kunin ang mga gusto ko. My baby seems to inherit my favorite chocolate also. “That’s enough Piage, sobrang dami na nito! Dalawang basket!” Sienna said and pulled me to the counter.

Pagkatapos namin bumili, mabilis pinaandar ni Sienna pauwi ang sasakyan para daw maiwasan kong makakita ng paggagastusan nanaman.

“At last,” I whisper as I lay down the bed, sa wakas makakahiga narin, sobrang nabibigatan na ako sa katawan ko. Even though I’m pregnant I’m still thin and my tummy wasn’t that big, but it’s so heavy and hard to walk. “I’ll just fix this,” I heard Sienna say, she’s pertaining to the things we bought.

Umidlip lang ako saglit at paggising ko ay nakapagluto na agad si Sienna ng dinner. She cooks two sets of egg rolls, shrimp fillet, and rice, they are all served at our table. “Wow,” I said and instantly sat in front of the table, took a sniff at the food, and waited for Sienna to sit too.

“Naayos kona ang mga gamit ng baby pati na rin your birth bag mo if ever na manganak kana bubuhatin nalang natin pagpunta sa hospital, yong mga chocolate mo alam mo naman kung saan nakalagay doon oh” She’s like a mother telling me things that I need to follow.

“Yes, Mom,” I tease her and get my chopstick. “Tabemono o arigato (Thank you for the food)” I said and started eating. Sobrang lakas ko nang kumain dahil kay Baby.

Sienna and I keep talking about things and stuff when her phone suddenly rings, she crawls to get it and check who it is. “Sino?” I whispered and took a bite of the egg roll.

“It’s Mom,” She said and answered. “Moshi moshi, Mama naze anata wa? (Hello, Mama why did you call?)” she asked and looked at me.

I just watch her talk to her Mom, but when her face suddenly turns worried, I stop eating and just watch her. What’s the problem?

“Hai, Hai watashi wa ashita soko ni imasu, shinpai shinaide (Yes, yes, I’ll be there tomorrow, don’t worry)” She said and turned off the call. I watched her sigh and worry is flash all over her face. “What happened?” I ask.

“Dad is in the hospital in hokkaido” Bakas sa mukha ni Sienna ang takot at pagaalala.“Paige I think they need me?” Tears started to fall from her eyes, kaya mabilis akong tumayo at niyakap siya. “You should go,” I whisper.

“But how can I leave you? Manganganak kana next month who will be by your side if I leave you?” umiiyak niyang sambit. “Don’t worry about me I can handle myself, Your dad needs you” I said and rubbed her back to calm her down.

“I don’t want to leave you Paige, it’s dangerous,” She said and hugged my waist. “Come on Sienna your father needs you more right now you should go, I’ll be ok please trust me on this. I’m gonna be fine” This time she didn’t speak anymore she just hugged me so tight while she was still shaking.

It took her an hour before she made up her mind and stopped crying. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, sorry Paige” She kept saying while packing her things up and sobbing. I chuckled at her and helped her, she’ll be leaving tonight so she can be there in the hospital tomorrow morning.

“Hey, tumigil kana nga, I already say it’s fine and I can handle myself ok don’t worry about me worry about your father,” I said and closed her bag, she took a heavy breath as she carried her bag and wore her coat.

“Call me please ok, I will fly as soon as I can if you ’re about to give birth ok,” she said, I laughed at her and nodded, pushing her to the door. “Off you go now, have a safe trip ok,” I said and watched her leave.

Her father needs her more than I do, I just hope her dad will recover. After she left I just slept and lived a life alone. Kagaya ngayon I’m just here sitting at my bed and reading books.

“Sienna, water,” I said while reading, then I remember Sienna left for already 3 weeks now. I sigh and put down my feet and wear my bunny slipper, “Ah,” I cheer as I stand up, It’s a little bit hard to move right now because it’s my dew date this month.

“We need water,” I whisper and walk to the kitchen and grab some water while drinking…“Ouch!” I groan as the baby kick inside my tummy, “Hahaha hey baby sorry natagalan bago tayo makainom ng water, ang hirap na kasi kumilos Baby.” I talk to her and rub my tummy.

“We can do this baby,” I whisper and go back to the room to sleep.

Kinabukasan medyo hindi na maganda ang pakiramdam ko at bawat minuto ay kumikirot ang tyan ko. Because of that, I’ve decided to go to the hospital already and get confined. I brought my birth bag with me and I stayed at the hospital for the night.

While eating chocolate here in the hospital room, suddenly my tummy aches, and parang pumutok na ang panubigan ko. When I removed the comforter, I was right. I instantly click the button to call the doctor and nurse.

After a second they’re already here the doctor quickly checks me, “The baby is contracting Miss Delavine, you’re in labor already we just have to wait,” She said. “Wait for what?” I ask. “For the baby to finally come out.”

Chapter 52

“For the baby to finally come out,” She said and smiled, I slowly nodded and looked at my tummy. Is this real she’s really gonna come out any moment now.

I wasn’t expecting that the labor will last long like this, it’s already three hours and my tummy just keeps on contracting, the nurses here are guiding and staying beside me. The doctor said the baby was contracting and finding her way out that’s what happen during the laboring, “Ouch,” I groan as my tummy aches again.

“Are you ok Ma’am?” The good thing is my nurse and Doctor here are fluent in English,  so I don’t need to speak Japanese. “Yeah, I’m fine but…”

“What is it, Ma’am?” She asks, I point at my birth bag and say, “I want chocolate please” the laboring is giving me a hard time to the point I already feel hungry and I think I need sweets. She looked shocked when I asked but quickly followed and handed me one bar. I just ate and watched a movie here while my tummy is contracting and I’m in the middle of labor.

I also fell asleep but instantly woke up when my tummy aches again, I remained to wait and just watched my tummy move. “Are you feeling it already Miss?” The nurse ask, kaya pinakiramdaman ko ang sarili ko at nang wala akong maramdam na kakaiba sinagot ko siya.

“No, I feel noth––Ah!!” I shouted when my tummy aches so bad this time. My eyes widened when I already felt it. “It’s coming” I whisper and close my eyes as the pain eats my whole system. “Doc,” The nurse clicked the button and the doctor came, they fixed around me while I was in deep pain.

“Here we go,” The Doctor said. “Aghhh!!!!!!!” I shouted as I started pushing, “Keep going Miss Delavine” the doctor said, the pain is killing me so bad. “Oh my aghhhhhrrrr!!!!!” I shouted and grip on the pillow so hard. Ang sakit, nanghihina na ako.

“I can see the head already keeps going Miss” What she said gave me strength and push again. “Ahhhh!!” I need to help the baby out. We can do this Baby, Mommy can do this! I keep that in mind and keep pushing. “Ok, ok, that’s it, one more push!” The doctor said.

“Ahhh!!!!!” I bite my lower lip so hard, “Here we go” I heard the doctor say and after that, I heard a baby cry, that’s when I let go of the pillow and lay weakly on the bed. “You did great Miss” The nurse who stayed with me a while ago said and smiled at me when she removed her mask.

“Here’s your baby, Miss Delavine,” The doctor said so I open my eyes and saw the baby still covered with blood and she was crying so hard. “Oh m-my b-baby,” I whisper and tears start to escape, my heart is beating so fast like it’s gonna explode.

I can’t express my happiness now, it’s already beyond happiness I guess, “Hello,” I whisper at her and kiss her forehead. After that, I still feel weak because the doctor got the baby back to clean it. I can’t take it anymore, I need to sleep.

And before I knew it I fell asleep, I just woke up when I heard someone talking around me, I slowly opened my eyes and saw Sienna beside me. “Thank you, you’re awake!!!” She said and held my hands.

Kumunot ang noo ko ng makita siyang lumuluha, “Why are you crying?” I ask. “I’m so proud of you,” She said and wiped her tears. “As soon as I received your text that you’re on labor I quickly asked Mom that I’ll be going to you for a couple of days,” she said and smiled at me.

“Also, I already informed your brother about this. He said he’ll go after his business trip” I nodded and smile at her, we just talk and talk. Her father is already stable now but still, he needs to stay at the hospital so Sienna can’t stay that long and I understand it. I think I can handle myself now that the Baby is here already. I will be more strong and fearless just to make her happy and safe.

“I brought you chocolate, from a fine shop of chocolates in Hokkaido, try it,” Sienna said and gave me a piece of chocolate. I quickly taste it, I almost swallow it all because it is so good. “Where did you buy this? I want this one!!” I said while enjoying eating it, parang ngayon lang ako nakatikim ng ganitong chocolate, it has a taste of mint, raspberry, and matcha flavor which is an ultimate combo flavor. 

“Hey dahan-dahan naman Pai—–,” naputol ang sasabihin ni Sienna ng bumukas ang pinto at pumasok ang nurse dala ang baby ko.

“Sienna please hold this but don’t eat it it’s mine,” I handed her the chocolate and waited for the baby to give it to me. “Here’s your healthy baby girl Miss Delavine,” The nurse said and let me carry my baby, she’s peacefully sleeping right now.

“She’s so beautiful,” Sienna said while staring at my baby. we are both staring at her, admiring her peaceful sleeping face and her charming face. She has long lashes and pouty lips, she hair is curly. Her skin is so soft and I can’t help falling in love with this little thing. “Yes, she looks beautiful,” I whisper and touch her face. 

“Hi baby, it’s Mommy,” I whisper at her and kiss her forehead gently, I don’t wanna wake her up. Sienna and I look at each other and genuinely smile, “You did it,” She said. 

“No, Sienna we did it, without you I will not survive here, you are part of the hard work,” I said and held her hand, she tear up again and quickly wipe it.  “You are making me cry,” She said and we both laugh silently. 

“What will you name here?” Sienna asks and smiles at me. I stared at my little bunny and smiled. “Meet my Kacey Ellousie Delavine.”

Chapter 53

“Because I’m fucking in love with you!!!!” Kace shouted through my face.

“I’m fucking in love with you since the first day we met Paige!!! I fucking want you but I can’t, I ignored you for 10 years because I realize that my feelings for you were wrong! I can’t love a person who treats me like her older brother only. I don’t reach for you because I’m trying my fucking hard to forget about my feelings for you!!! So don’t ask me why I don’t want to be related to you because I fucking want you as my woman, not my sister or your friend shit Paige!!!!” It was a lie. 

“Why would you choose to forget these feelings, when I feel the same thing,” 

“We can’t, Paige,” he whispered. 

“Why not?” I ask. 

“I owe my life to your family, it will be a betrayal if I loved the daughter of the person who treats me like his own son,”

“Don’t say that,”

“We can’t Paige,” he said once again. 

“Love me…”

“Please,” I whisper again.

---

“Love?” I call him and no one answers so I walk and open the lights inside the place.

I was about to take a step when someone knocked on the door. “Miss Chantel” I walk with irritation to Kace’s room and check him if he’s sleeping already, “Love”

“Love are you asl––” I stop when I open the door and see nothing, I hurriedly check his bathroom and also see nothing, I look around the place and don’t see any trace of him inside.

“Where is he?”

“Why are you here!!!” I asked and glared at them.

“Miss Chantel, Sir Kace already left with Miss Carmitte.”

---

“Chantel you need to stop!” Napalingon kami ng biglang dumating si Mom.

“Look at this, and see it for yourself and stop seeking for that Man,” Mom said and handed me a USB.

“W-what d-do y-you mean?” I ask.

“See it for yourself,” she said and left.

The video shows Kace and Camitte leaving the pad after the moment I leave to fight for our love, but I guess I was the only one true about that love.

***  

“Paige are you sure you not gonna tell him this if ever you see each other in the near future? Sienna asks while she’s playing with Ellouise’s hand. 

I took a deep breath and remember everything that happen. “I will not forgive him for playing with my feelings, for taking me for granted. for ruining my view of a better life with the man I love. He will regret going with that girl and leaving me. That man will never know he had this precious one” I said and look at my Baby. 

“I can fulfill her needs without him, I will be her mother, and father at the same time. I don’t need anyone to raise my child. I will be enough, we will be enough for each other” I firmly said and look at Sienna with full determination. 

“You cannot dictate what’s god’s plan for you and your baby Paige, ayon lang ang masasabi ko,” Sienna said and look at my baby again. Whatever God’s plan is, I will gratefully accept it, but if we meet again in the future I will make sure he won’t know about my baby.

2 years passed by,  He broke me so badly, I won’t ever wish to see him again. After giving everything to him and loving him so pure, he chose that girl over me.

He will never meet my Baby Bunny, I will never let him touch my baby.

Since the day he left, that’s also the time he just lost my heart and my trust, lastly, he loses his right to his own flesh.

“Ma…mmm….ma….pa,” I got back to my senses when I heard her speak.

I quickly carry her up and smile while I kiss her. “What did you just say, little bunny?” I genuinely ask and swing her a bit.

“Mmmmm…” she looks at me and mumbles with her saliva falling from her lips which I immediately wipe up and smile at her.

“What did my little bunny say? Did you say, Mama?” I asked and filled her with tickly kisses that made her laugh.

“Hmmm..mmmm”

“Yes that’s it, say Ma-Ma, Bunny,” I said and showed her my lips moves, so she can follow. “Mmmm…pa…pa,” I stopped dancing when she finally spoke again but she didn’t say Mama or Ma, instead she said Pa…

“Bunny, it’s supposed to be Maaamaaa… like this Ma- Ma” I tried again. But she just giggled at me and hugged me, leaning her face on my shoulder. “Hmmm…pa..mmmapapa,” she keeps on mumbling, I just sigh and grab my bag and wear my front baby carrier and put her in.

“Ikuzo(Here we go)” I cheered and made her giggle and went out of our house.I walk on the bright street of Japan with this little bunny, who keeps on giggling and mumbling unconstructed words.

She keeps saying Apapa, not Mama so disappointing and painful, knowing that she had no father at all. I stop in the shop for chocolates and instantly went inside. “Ohayogonzaimasu(Goodmorning)” I greeted the old lady inside.

“Ohayo(Goodmorning)” she gently said and kept fixing the new stock of chocolates in her shop. “Nani Hoshii ka?(What do you want?)” she asks. “Beri Chokoreto(Berry Chocolates)” I answered and grabbed the chocolates that I wanted to buy, and handed her the exact payment as I always do.

“Domo arigato gozaimasu (Thank you very much)” I said and bowed to her. “Doitashimashite (You’re welcome)” she said and smiled. I handed one bar of packed chocolate to this little bunny and let her play with it.

“Anata wa sore ga suki desu ka? (Do you like it?)” I whisper at her while walking at the side of the street. “Hmmm,” she answers and wiggles the chocolate on her hands and because of her small hands that didn’t fit the bar of chocolate, the chocolate slips on her little hands and falls on the floor.

“Ochiru (It falls)” I said and glance at it. But, suddenly someone picks it up for me, and as I look at him. I gasp, and I stiffed, why?!

I suddenly feel anger inside of me, he leaves and chooses other women over me and he has no right to know anything about Bunny anymore.

I grip on my baby carrier and cover her as much as I can and glare at this guy who’s standing in front of me, I feel so shocked right now but I need to stand straight right in front of him, show him that I moved on already.

I need to protect my baby, “Nice to see you again Paige… is that my daughter?”

Chapter 54

“Nice to see you again Paige… is that my daughter?” He confidently asked while he put his hand on his pocket, then grinned at me after. I remain stiff and I couldn’t move a muscle, All I know right now, is I need to hide Bunny from him.

Kace totally changes his appearance, becomes more powerful and intimidating right now, his body build becomes more mature, his firm fine jaw is still the same. His hair is now beat wavy hindi na kagaya ng dati na laging nakaayos. Ngayon parang hinayaan niya na lang ito na maging natural. His also wearing a sky blue dresser shirt kung saan nakatupi ang sleeve nito hanggang kanyang siko.

Ibang-iba ito sa Kace na nakilala ko noon, this guy is more carefree and bright. Because the Kace I know back then are more used on dark colors and neat features. This guy is not the Kace I know, and I will never want to know. My heart is pounding so fast because of nervousness, my hands and fingers are shaking already.

“Hmm..apapap,” Instantly looks at Bunny when she mumbles and smiles at me. Then gaze at Kace who’s seriously staring at my baby carrier which I’m covering right now.

“No, She’s not your Daughter,” I said and tried to turn around and walk away but before I took a step Kace quickly grabbed and pulled my right arm to face him again. “We’re not done yet, I know it’s mine,” He said, as his face was half an inch away from mine.

I stop my breath as his standing close to me makes me wanna stop breathing and run away from him, but how can I do that when he’s holding my arms so tight. “No she’s not, she’s Vernon’s—–ah,” Hindi ko nagawang tapusin ang sasabihin ko ng humigpit ang pagkakahawak niya sa braso ko at umigting ang kanyang panga.

He looks at me darkly and pulls me even closer. “We need to talk,” madiin nitong sambit. “There’s nothing to talk about, now let go,” I said and gathered all my strength to stare at his eyes and glare at him. Sinubukan kong tanggalin ang kanyang kamay saking braso pero masyado siyang malakas kumpara sa akin.

“Let’s talk,” He said, still staring straight at me. “I said no, let go of or I’ll call the police!” I threaten him but he just smirks at me and pulls me even closer, I try to move my face away as my body is touching his already because of his pull.

“Then call one,” He playfully said and move his face close, patuloy siyang lumalapit sakin habang ako naman ay patuloy na umiiwas sa kanya. I close my eyes when I can’t move back anymore because already reach my limit, dahil pagpinagpatuloy ko pa ang paglayo ay siguradong matutumba ako o mahuhulog.

“Why are your lips so dry?” He whispered gently and moved closer, “Let go!” I whisper as I hardly close my eyes. Silently praying to escape from his hand. Nanigas na ako sa aking kinatatayuan ng maramdaman ko na ang kanyang paghinga na patuloy na palapit sakin.

Please lord don’t let his man touch my lips once again. “Achuuuu..!!!” I flinch when Bunny sneezes between us, and that makes Kace stop and look down at her.

I watch him stare at her and how his face softens, but when I cover Bunny’s face and avoid him he looks back at me and lets go of my arms. “Let’s talk or I’ll carry you?” He said and threatened me with that.

Wala akong nagawa kung hindi sundan siya papasok sa isang coffee shop na malapit at umakyat kami sa second floor kung saan konti lang ang tao.

As we both seat the cute waitress quickly approaches us, “Ohayo,Go chumon wa nandesuka (Good morning, what’s your order Sir)” she asks Kace while her eyes are sparkling as she stares at him.

Sumingal lang ako dahil sa uri ng pagtingin ng babae kay Kace, I was once looking at him that way but then I realize his nothing but a jerk.

I just look at my Bunny and give her a pacifier and let her play with my necklace. While I hugged her tighter and did not let Kace stare at her for a long time, I covered her face by lifting the carrier up. Kace remains watching us while the waiter keeps talking to him and discussing what’s on the menu. Hindi ko kayang makipagtitigan sakanya kaya mas tinitignan ko nalang si Bunny at patuloy na palingon lingon sa paligid just to avoid his gaze.

“Chokoreto Sheiku ga hoshi, Yawarakai Chokoreto pankeki mata (I want Chocolate shake, also soft chocolate pancake)” He said and was still staring straight at me. I gulp and look away and let Bunny hold my pointing finger. I feel so nervous and I badly want to run away from here right now.

The waitress nodded and said, “Wakarimashita (Ok Sir)” she bowed her head and walked down the stairs. Ngayong naiwan kaming dalawa at tumayo na para umalis ang tao sa katabi naming table kaya kaming dalawa nalang ang andito sa second floor.

Parang biglang nanlamig ang aking paa dahil sa kaba, hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin ko. He crossed his arms above his chest and looked at me, “She’s mine,” he said. “No,” I said, still looking at the window avoiding his dark gaze.

“I know she’s mine, Paige,” he said once again. “No,” hindi nagpapatalo kong sambit, gaya ng sabi ko hinding hindi mo malalaman ang totoo. “Why do you keep denyi——,” I cut him out and looked at him, “She’s Vernon’s daughter!!” madiin kong sambit pero pinapanatili kong mahina ang aking boses para hindi matakot si Ellouise.

Kace became furious, “Don’t fucking trick me, Paige,” He said and glared at me. I suddenly feel fear from him by the way he stares at me but I remain strong and keep fighting his glare. “What you can’t believe? After you disappear with your girl, Vernon and I have something, he comforts me and something happens to us before he goes back to France,” I said like it was true but it’s all a lie.

“Don’t fucking play with me Paige!” He angrily said. “I’m not playing, it’s true,” I said and smirked at him even though I’m dying because of nervousness deep inside of me. The way I smirk makes him mad and hits the table.

That made Bunny shocked and started to cry. “Shhhh…no it’s ok Baby don’t be scared Mama is here,” I whisper and hug her. I glared at Kace and gave him a blaming stare. Look what have you done! Ellouise kept crying and holding my necklace, I hugged her and kept whispering to her to stop and it’s ok.

Habang hinehele ko ang baby ko napansin ko ang paglambot ng tingin ni Kace kay Bunny pero agad ding naging seryoso at hinarap ako muli. “I want a DNA test, Paige!” No!

Chapter 55

“I want a DNA test, Paige,” he said that making me stop. Bunny kept crying but I suddenly felt everything become silent and only one word is all I can hear right now. DNA test? No… h-he c-can’t d-do that…

Para akong nabingi, nakikita kong umiiyak si Ellouise pero hindi ko naririnig ang kanyang boses, parang naging tahimik ang paligid, when I look at Kace his looking straight at me and his face shows a lot of determination. “Why would you do that, I already told you she’s not yours,” I said and fixed my baby carrier ready to walk out of here but the waitress came and served the food Kace ordered.

“Kore ga anata no chumondesu okusama (Here’s your order Ma’am, Sir)” The waitress said and smile at us, and I notice her staring at Bunny as she kept crying but when she saw the waitress smiling at her she stop and look at her.

“Anata wa kawaii akachan no sa o motte imasu (Your baby is so cute Sir)” She said and looked at Kace. I quickly responded and said, “Sore wa kare no akachande wa arimasen (It’s not his baby)” I said and made the waitress’s eyes widen.

She panic and instantly bow her head a couple of times and said, “Gomen’nasai anata no kappuro ga (I’m sorry, I thought you are a couple)” she said and bow one last time. “Ie watashitachi wa sode wa arimasen (No we’re not)” sambit ko at inayos si Bunny saking harapan.

She nodded, “Gomen, gomen (Sorry, sorry)” She said leave. “This doesn’t make sense, we better leave. I still have things to do so if you’ll excuse me” I try to stand and bow at him before I leave but Kace stood up and stared at me, the way he stared was very scary and made my knee weak.

“I want a DNA test and that’s final, meet me tomorrow, at the same spot” He seriously said and looked at the table when he said the word same spot.

After he said that he looked down at Bunny again and this time they made eye contact, Suddenly Bunny giggled and spoke, “Pap..papap hmm,” She mumbled and smiled at him. Kace was about to touch her face but I immediately avoided her and looked away, “Tomorrow, fine,” I said and hugged Bunny.

Kace slowly put his hand down and nodded before he left, doon lang ako nakahinga ng maayos ng mawala na siya sa harap ko. I weakly seat back on the chair and look at Bunny.

“Say Mama,” I said, she watched my lips and tried to copy it. “Mmmm..papap” She said and raise her hand to show me how she do a close open while she keep chuckling.

“That was unexpectedly bad” I whisper and close my eyes, pakiaramdam ko nakipagkarera ako sa sobrang bilis ng pagtibok ng aking puso at hinihingal ako ng sobra.

Habang pilit ko paring binabalik ang lakas ang aking katawan may dumating na isang matandang babae, she seated on the other table and ordered a drink. She kept looking at my baby and smiled.

“Anatta no otto wa chodo migi o saru (You husband just leave right?)” She said out of the blue. “Nani? (What?)” what does she mean by that? “Akachan wa watchi ga kaidan no shita de miru otoko no yo ni Miemasu(The baby looks like the guy I see down stairs)” the old lady said, and tried to make Bunny laugh.

“Ie sore wa kanojo no chichioyede wa arimasen (No it’s not her father)” I said but the old lady looked confused.

“Demo karera wa hontōni chichitoko ga sukidesu (But they really look like father and daughter)” pagpupumilit into. “Ie gomen’nasai (No, I’m sorry)” tumayo na ako at nagsimula nang maglakad palabas ng coffee shop na iyon.

That lady was a bit scary, I look at this little thing on my chest and poke her chubby cheeks. “Do you really look like him?” I ask her but she just giggles at me and pulls my necklace again. “Apap pap” she said it again.

I sigh and fastly walk back home. “Kitaku shimashita (We’re home)” I said as we entered the house. It’s a Japanese thing that you have to say your home before you enter the house even if there are no people inside, it’s a respect for the spirits in it.

Kaagad kong binaba si Bunny sa kama at hinayaan siyang paglaruan ang pacifier niya, I put the baby carrier at the side of the room, change my clothes, same as Bunny, I change her diapers also.

I give her a bottle of milk and let her fall asleep while listening to music. Ellouise loves music so much and she couldn’t fall asleep without it.

Habang natutulog si Bunny, agad kong inabot ang cellphone ko para tawagan si Sienna, She’s in Hokkaido right now. After a few rings she answered it. “Moshi moshi, Paige ogenkidesuka? (Hello, Paige how are you)” bungad nito sa kabilang linya.

“Sienna he’s here!!!” I immediately said. “What do you mean he’s her–– OH MY..NO!!!!” she said, bakas sa boses nito ang pagkagulat dahil sa sinabi ko. “He saw us and he claimed that he is the father of Ellouise,” I said.

“Isn’t he?” She asked. “Sienna, alam mo naman hindi na siya ang ama ni Ellouise simula ng iwan niya ako hindi ba. Ellouise is mine, only mine…”

“What did he say?” Huminga muna ako ng malalim dahil naramdaman ko nanaman ang kaba, dahil sa sinabi ni Kace. “He wants a DNA test,” I heard Sienna gasp from the other line.

“What are you gonna do now?” She asked. Hindi ako agad nakasagot sa tanong niya dahil mismong ako hindi ko rin alam kung anong gagawin ko ngayon. What if he got the DNA test done and knows that Bunny was his, he will get her from me and bring Bunny to that Cammite. No that’s not gonna happen. Kailangan kong umalis dito…

I need to hide from him, he will never see Bunny again. “Sienna, can we stay there in Hokkaido?” seryoso kong sambit. “Why?” natataka nitong sambit at tila hindi maintindihan ang nais kong iparating. “We’ll hide there somewhere far from here.”

“Are you sure about this again Paige?” puno nang pagaalala nitong sambit. “Yes I will not let him have Bunny, tatakasan namin siya. Aalis kami dito mamayang madaling araw I will call you when where on the train station of Sapporo ok”

“Ok, ok, I’ll wait for her,” Sienna said, we just planned things out and turned off the call, I took a nap with Bunny on the bed and woke up in the evening to feed her dinner. She just eats fermented beans and rice after that she just plays around the room until she gets tired and sleeps again.

When she sleeps, I pack our things up and put them in a travel bag. I only bring the important thing and prepare Bunny’s milk for the travel hour. I take a nap and wake up by my alarm at 2 am in the morning and prepare for our lives. I just wear a simple white striped sweatshirt and black long shirt, put a jacket above it and a pair of rubber shoes.

“Akachan o okosu (Wake up, baby)” I whisper to Bunny but she’s still in deep sleep so I just carry her and put her in the stroller, grab our bag, and ready to leave the house.

“Hmmm…” Bunny groans as I move the stroller, “Shhh…” I whisper and try to get her back to sleep. “Let’s go,” I whisper and look at the house for the last time.

I open the door and push the stroller out of the house but it hits something… N-no it hit s-someone—– “Where do you think you’re going in the middle of the dawn?”

“Kace!!!”

Chapter 56

“Kace,” hindi makapaniwala kong sambit, halos hindi ako nakahinga ng magtagpo ang aming mga mata. I stiffed and just grip on the holder of the stroller. Why is he here?

“Again, where are you going in the middle of the dawn, with the kid?” He seriously asked and held my hand. This time I can’t even swallow my own saliva as he asks me that question. Think Chantel.

I need an excuse, “I’m going to the nearest farm to have an early grocery of fruits,” I said without stuttering but my knees are shaking so bad. “With the kid?” he asks and walks closer to me, and reaches for my wrist. I almost gasp so loud when he grip on it and pull me close. “Yes,” I said and fought his stares.

He smirks and fixes the strand of hair on my face, putting it in the back of my ears. “Are you trying to leave and escape Paige? Because I surely knew you and your decisions in life. You surely are trying to hide from me, avoiding the DNA test?” he said and leaned closer.

“Why would I?” Walang takot kong sambit, ngunit ang totoo ay hindi kona alam pano siya tatakasan nito. He’s holding me tight and also his other hands is in the stroller, If I try to push him and run I know it won’t work because his strength is triple as mine and if I run it will wake up Ellouise.

“Then just tell me that this kid is our child,” He said, the way he speaks is really different from the Kace I knew. Or maybe this is the real Kace that I didn’t meet back then. Because he is hiding the perfect guy personality he has always shown since we were young.

“I don’t need to tell you anything because in the first place she’s not yours”Madiian kong smabit at sinubukang magpumiglas pero lalo lamang humigpit ang kapapahawak niya sakin.

“I need proof, Paige,” He whispered in my ears, “Proof? Ok, Vernon and I had se——agh!” I groan when he almost crashes my wrist because he holds me so tight.

“Don’t fucking say it!!!” He hissed and looked me in the eyes. We stayed staring at each other for a second before he clenched his jaw and darkly spoke. “You’re not going anywhere, you’re coming with me,” He said.

“No!” panlalaban ko sakanyang sinabi. He smirks and quickly gets Ellouise out of the stroller, turns his back, and brings Bunny with him. “Kace!!! Ibalik mo siya sakin ano ba! Magising ang bata!!!” I ran after him and tried to make him stop walking but he didn’t stop until we reached his raptor.

“Kace magising ang bata!” I keep saying that makes him stop and face me with Bunny sleeping soundly in his arms. I have never seen, Bunny sleep so peacefully like that, her face shows like she was sleeping on the clouds, dreaming of good things.

“Give her back to me,” I said and glared at him. When Kace was about to talk suddenly Bunny raised her head and opened her eyes. Pumupunga-pungas itong tumingin kay Kace at ganon din ang ginawa ni Kace, tinignan niya lang ang bawat galaw ng bata at hindi gumalaw.

When their eyes met, I watched how Ellouise smiled and giggled at him even though he wasn’t doing anything. Ellouise even leaned her head on Kace’s shoulder and wrapped her little arms around his neck and hugged him softly.

We just wait for what she’s gonna do next but she just falls asleep again, “Go with me or she’s going with me alone?” Kace seriously said and grinned at me.

Wala akong nagawa kundi sumakay sa Raptor niya at binalik sakin si Bunny nang sumakay siya sa drivers seat para magdrive.

“I knew you would fall for that trick” Kace whispered something I didn’t understand because I didn’t hear it well. I’m focused on thinking about what will happen next, and where will he bring us?

What if he finds out that Ellouise is his child? What will he do next? Is he going to take her from me? I notice we enter a black wide gate and my eyes widen when we stop at a big mansion. “Where are we?” I ask out of the blue.

Kace removed my seat belt and opened the lock of the door, “Home,” he said before he stepped out of the vehicle and opened the door for me, I guided Bunny’s head as I stepped out of the Raptor to avoid her getting hit by the door.

My eyes were so captivated by this beautiful Mansion, It was a modern Japanese Mansion that really makes a beautiful house, it has a touch of wood and high-quality wall glasses. Also, the lights around the plays were like fireflies, it’s so beautiful, and it was like a dream house for me.

“Who’s house is this?” I ask as I gently rub Bunny’s head, I slowly look at him and he is staring at the mansion. “It’s my wife’s house” He straightly said and glanced at me, I quickly avoided it and bit my lips. Look how bastard he is, why did he bring me to his wife’s house, I mean Carmitte’s house. “Let’s go inside,” he said and led the way.

We went to the living room and he made me sit on one of the couches here. Also, he sat in front of me and called a maid out. “Give the child to her so she can sleep on the bed already,” He said and looked at me. “No, my child will stay with me.”

“You think the child position right now is a good way to sleep? She needs to get laid on the bed and let the kid sleep peacefully will you, she will not do anything to her. Also, we need to talk” he darkly said.

“Akachan o heya ni tsuereteiku (Bring the baby in the room)” He speaks in Japanese because I guess his maid is a Japanese girl.

“Dono heya no sa? (What room Sir?)” The maid gently gets Bunny from me. “Watashi no tonari no heya (The room beside mine)” I didn’t bother to listen to what they were talking about, I’m just staring at Bunny while the Maid brings her to a room.

“So, I want you to stay here until we get the result of the DNA test,” he said and raised his hand with Bunny’s pacifier in it. When did he get that?

Agad akong umiling at hinarap siya, “No we don’t need to stay here, I have a house. Where can you show me the room where the maid brings my girl.”  Agad akong tumayo at sinubukan hanapin si Bunny pero hahakbang palang ako ng bigla akong hilain ni Kace at naglakad ng mabilis sa pinuntahan ng maid. “Hey, let go of me!” I haze at him as he keeps pulling me.

He didn’t respond and just kept pulling me until we reached two doors at the end of the hall and he opened one of them and then pulled me inside.

“Hey, why did you bring me here!!?? Were leavi—–,” he cut me out. “If I need to lock you here inside this room just to make you stay until the result is out, I will,” What!!!

Chapter 57

“If I need to lock you here inside this room just to make you stay until the results are out, I will,” he said and lock the door behind him.

I heard how the door locked and that made my blood run out inside my body as I realized that we were in one room. “What!!!” I shouted, I pushed him and made him out of the way but he was too firm and strong for me to defeat.

“I want to talk to you Paige,‘’ suddenly his voice becomes so gentle and soft like the sound of the Kace I know. My heart beat so fast and that made me nervous till death, No! Don’t use that sound to me right now. You can never trick me again.

“As I said, we have nothing to talk to so let me out and we’re leaving, we can just meet when the results are out. Since you already had the sample right!!!” Malakas kong sambit at pilit niyang tinutulak. “I wa——,” Hindi niya natapos ang sasabihin niya ng mag kumatok mula sa labas.

“Akachan ga naite okasan mite iru(Sir the baby is crying and looking for her Mom)” kasabay non’ ay ang malakas na pag iyak ni Bunny mula sa labas ng pinto. Kaagad akong tinalikuran ni Kace at binuksan ang pinto, mabilis ko siyang tinulak ng mawala na ang lock ng pinto at kinuha si Bunny sa maid. “Mama wa koko ni imasu, shhhh (Mama is here shhhh)” Hinele ko siya at niyakap ng mahigpit, Ellouise don’t like waking up without me at her side, she always cry if she open her eyes and I’m not there.

“Anata wa ima shuppatsu suru koto ga dekimasu (You can leave now)” Kace said and the maid leave, sinubukan kong sundan ang maid para makaalis na ngunit agad akong hinila ni Kace sa aking bewang papasok sa silid.

Ellouise stops crying when he sees Kace, she just stares at him and holds my shoulder. “Stay here, I’ll bring you breakfast,” He said, eyes on my baby before he left and closed the door.

I waited for five second before I quickly go to the door and try to open it, “Fuck!!” It’s locked. “I know you’ll do that but sorry” I heard Kace speak outside, he’s still here?! He locked us in here! “Fucking open this door, Kace!!!” I hit the door so hard and shouted, I felt Bunny flinch because of that and she remained focused on looking around the room.

Narinig ko ang foot steps sa labas palayo kaya mas lalo akong nagwala, “Kace you can’t just lock us in here!!! Kace, open this… Kace!!!” nang wala na akong marinig na ingay sa labas naghihina kong hinampas parin ang pinto, “I hate you Kace!!!” I whisper and lean my head out the door.

Wala akong nagawa kundi humarap sa malawak na silid na ito at maglakad papasok, The room has a fresh ambiance and fine interior design. I walk around the room and let Bunny play with my fingers. I seated on the bed and put Ellouise down she quickly crawl on the pillows and play with it, I also see her sniff it and hug it so tight, kahit mas malaki pa sa kanya ang unan tuwang tuwa niya parin itong pinanggigilan.

I smile at her and just watch her play, but when my eyes roam around the place it quickly lands on the table below the TV, there are a lot of picture frames on it. Nilingon ko muna si Bunny para sana tignan kung pwedi ko ba siyang iwan dito sa kama pero nakita ko nalang siyang mapayapa nang natutulog muli habang yakap ang unan na kinuha niya kanina.

I slowly stand up and walk towards the picture frames. The first frame shows Kace’s family picture before the accident happens and the next one is him wearing a gray formal suit while holding the pack of chocolate bars, the picture has a caption that says, The First ever product of L.C.T chocolate corp. With the CEO.

“He really owns the chocolate brand that we always buy?” bulong ko at sumingal, “What a fooling game” I said with disbelief, All this time I was just buying the chocolate that the person I’m hiding for owns. The next picture is also him but behind him is a big factory of chocolate. He really owns a bid brand I guess.

How can you achieve all of this for just 2 years? “What did you do?” I whisper. I took a step to look at the next picture, but I stiffed when I realize the next person in the next picture. It’s a solo picture of Carmitte, she was in the Meiji shrine here in Tokyo, wearing a red ankle dress paired with white shoes.

The picture looks taken by a guy because there’s a hand on the side of the picture, she looks so happy and in love. Parang may mabigat na bumagsak saking dibdib at bigla nalang akong nahihirapan huminga ng maayos.

I look at the next picture and this time my heart beats so fast, It’s a photo of Kace and Carmitte. It was taken in a studio, Kace is wearing a black suit while Carmitte is wearing a white sheath dress. Kace hands were on her waist while Carmitte smiles so pure.

The picture beside it is also the same place and clothes but this time Kace we’re smiling and Carmitte looks like laughing at him as they look at each other. My eyes also notice the ring on Carmitte’s hand, so this is their wedding picture. So nice. and it has a caption says Just got Married, at mukha pang sulat ng babae ang nagsulat ng caption na ito.

I was about to look at the next picture when the door opened, showing Kace holding a breakfast food. Naglakad na ako pabalik sa kama at umupo sa tabi ni Bunny at nagpanggap a hindi siya napansin.

“She fell asleep again,” Kace utters but I didn’t answer and remained to ignore him. “Eat breakfast Paige, I’ll just take a shower and get ready for work,” he said, tinatanong ko ba siya?

I just rolled my eyes and continued watching Bunny until I heard him already inside of the bathroom. I look at the breakfast he brought but when I look back at the pictures, I suddenly lose appetite.

I wanna leave this place as soon as possible. Mga ilang minuto din akong nakatingin lang kay Bunny at narinig ko nalang na lumabas na si Kace sa banyo at dumeretso sa walk in closet. I fix Bunny’s shirt while she sleeps. “Why aren’t you touching the food Paige, you need to eat breakfast” Kace said, coming out of the closet buttoning his dresser shirt.

I just glance at him before looking back at Bunny, I don’t want to waste my voice talking to him.

“Paige you nee——,” Hindi niya natapos ang kanyang sasabihin ng tumunog ang phone niya at agad niyang sinagot ang tawag. “Carmitte? Yes… Ok I’ll be there,” I heard him say and without any word he left and close the door.

He runs fast as his wife calls him, I don’t understand why he is after us when he already has his own family. I fucking hate the way you think Kace, I can’t fucking read any of it. I stand up and walk to the door to try to check if Kace forgot to lock this door. But I guess he’s too determined to lock us in here.

Bumalik ako sa kama at humiga nalamang sa tabi ni Bunny at umidlip, when I wake up Bunny was already playing with my hair, I just make her milk and let her drink, hindi ko ginalaw ang breakfast na dala ni Kace. Hanggang sa may dumating na maid para magpadala ng lunch pero hindi ko rin ito kinain. Sinubuan ko lang ng konti si Bunny pero hindi ako kumain.

I just sleep with Bunny in the afternoon and we just play when we wake up. The maid came again to bring dinner and just like a while ago I didn’t touch nor taste it. Ayaw kong kumain ang tanging gusto ko lang ay makaalis sa lugar na ito.

Habang pinapatulog ko si Bunny biglang bumukas ang pinto, dumating si Kace kasama ang maid. “Let her take care of her,” He seriously said and let the maid get Bunny out of the bed and walk out of the room.

Dahil sa gulat hindi ako nakagalaw at nakatanggi ng kunin si Bunny. Nang isara ng maid ang pinto narinig kong naglock ito at nangtingnan ko si Kace saryoso lang itong nakatitig sakin.

“Why didn’t you fucking eat the whole day!!!” He darkly said, but I was just staring at him, para akong nawalang ng boses dahil sa kaba na aking nararamdaman ngayon.

Pero pinilit kong ipakita sa kanya na hindi ako natatakot sa kanya, “Why do you care!!!” I said and stood up. Kace clenched his jaw before he fiercely stared at me.

“Didn’t you just lock us in here, sa tingin mo ba gaganahan akong kumain kung kinulong mo kami dito!!!!” I said push his shoulder, if he’s mad, well I’m madder.

“Paige, can we be mature this time, you know that you need to eat, why didn’t you?” He hissed, and it gets into my nerves already.

“Really!? Be mature? Then you also know that you should stay by my side back then but why didn’t you? huh, Kace!!! IS THAT HOW YOU DEFINE MATURITY HUH!! FUCK IT!!!” I shouted to his face.

He pushes me to my limit and I’m already done pretending not to want to open that issue again because in reality I fucking want to blackage him.

He didn’t speak so I continue, “YOU FUCKING FOOL ME, TRICK ME BACK THEN,YOU USE ME KACE!!!! YOU FUCKING SHOWERED ME WITH FAKE LOVE. TAPOS NGAYON SASABIHIN MO ANAK MO SI ELLOUISE?! ANG KAPAL NAMAN NG MUKHA MO WALA KANG KARAPATAN NA ANGKININ ANG HINDI SAYO!!!” I shouted.

“I didn’t use you Paige” He calmly said.

“THEN WHAT DO YOU CALL THAT KACE? LEAVING ME WITH OTHER GIRL!!! B-BREAKING ME!!!” My voice started to crack as tears started to fall from my eyes. “YOU FUCKING KNOW HOW I LOVED YOU KACE, I GAVE YOU EVERYTHING I HAD BUT YOU CHOOSE TO LEAVE ME WITH OTHER GIRL!!! AND NOW THAT MY LIFE IS STABLE ETO KA NANAMAN GUGULUHIN MO NANAMAN AT SISIRAIN!!! MINSAN MO NANG SINIRA ANG BUHAY KO KACE HINDI NA AKO PAPAYAG NA GAWIN MO ULIT IYON SAKIN!!!” I shouted and slapped him on his cheeks.

“AALIS NA KAMI DITO!!! WALA AKONG PAKIELAM SA RESULT NA YAN!!!” I shouted and walked fast through him.

I was about to open the door but Kace grabbed my wrist. He pulled me and made me face him, hold my nape and kiss me. “Please Let me tell you the whole true story, Love” He whispered between our lips.

Chapter 58

Tears escape from my eyes as our lips touch, he moves and grips my waist. I tried to remove his arms around my body and push him away but he didn’t let me.

His lips move as she gently touches my neck and deepens the kiss. “I use you,” he whispers between our lips, “I would never do that,” he keeps speaking as he explores inside my mouth.

“I never fake love for you,” every sentence he says is the equivalent of one kiss. I didn’t move because I don’t know how to… I suddenly became a statue in front of him as he started speaking with that tone of voice. “I never want to leave you,” as he said those words, I felt pain in his voice but I chose to think that it was an act.

And I suddenly remember that Kace already has his wife Carmitte, so I gather all my strength and push him so hard that he hit the wall because of it. “I don’t play with me, and Kace has fucking respect for your wife!!” I shouted and opened the door, looking for Bunny in the other room, and there she was sleeping peacefully on a pink bed.

Kaagad ko siyang binuhat at nilabas sa silid na iyon, mabilis akong naglakad para hanapin ang pinto palabas sa mansion na ito. Palingon-lingon din ako sa paligid upang tignan kung may nakasunod sakin.

Bunny remains sleeping in my arms while my heart beats so fast, and having a prayer inside to find the door so we can leave this mansion. This place is so wide, I couldn’t remember where the living room is, nong hinila ako ni Kace hindi kona napansin ang daan na dinaanan namin dahil sa sobrang bilis niyang maglakad.

Ngayon hindi ko alam kung saan ko hahanapin ang living room at ang pinto palabas sa mansion na ito. “Paige!” I started running when I heard Kace call my name from somewhere. I look at the back but he’s not there. I need to find the way out here.

I run and keep hearing Kace’s voice calling my name, “Look for her!!” I heard him shout, Oh my god he asked his maid to look for me. Habang tumatakbo ako sa hallway mabilis akong nagtago sa pader ng may makitang maid.

I held Bunny’s head when she started to move, sign of her waking up. I hugged her and tried to make her sleep again. Sumilip ako para tignan yong maid kung andon pa pero nong wala na siya mabilis akong kumilos at nagsimula muling hanapin ang pinto palabas dito.

“Mmmmm,” I immediately look down on Bunny when she mumbles, she’s awake. “Shhhh,” I gestured at her but she just giggled and hid her face on my neck. She thought I was playing with her, Oh please don’t let us get caught. We need to get out of this place.

“Paige!!!” the way my heart beats so fast makes me get tired easily as I run to find the door out. “Apapapmmmm…mammipap,” Bunny keep mumbling on my neck and touching my face with her small hands. “Quit Bunny we need to find the door,” I whisper at her, habang hinahanap ko ang pinto palabas nakita ko ang isang maid papunta sa lugar kung nasaan ako.

Kaagad akong naghanap ng pweding pagtaguan, at wala na akong ibang makita kundi ang pintong ito sa gilid ko. Mabilis ko itong binuksan at pumasok bago pa lumingon dito ang maid.

I didn’t fully close it because it might cause noise. I just hide at the back of the door. And waited for her to walk past through. When she was finally gone, I was about to open the door when I saw something inside the room. It was dark here inside but the light coming from the window gives a bit of light inside this room.

I slowly walk towards it and stand in front of it. It was a big portrait in a frame. The portrait shows Three people in it. I arched my head just to see it properly because it’s so big.

Ang tatlong tao sa larawan ay isang nasa mid fourthies Man nakaupo ito sa isang magarang upuan at may isang lalake at babaeng nakatayo sa kanyang likuran. Ang babae at lalaki ay mukhang nasa edad 18 to 19 lamang.

I look at the bottom part of the portrait and see a name in it. It says Driecos… Stare at the portrait for so long when I realize something familiar. The beautiful lady at the back looks like Kace’s mother.

What’s this? “Paige!!!?” renege kong sigaw ni Kace mula sa labasan, at mukhang malapit na ito sa lugar kung nasaan ako kaya kaagad kong inayos ang pagkakabuhat kay Bunny at dahan-dahang sumilip sa pinto. When I checked the hallway was clear I slowly went outside of it and took a last glance at the portrait and walked again.

“Paige!” Mabilis akong napalingon sa likuran ng tawagin ako ni Kace his standing at the end of the hall at my back.

“Apapap!!!” Bunny said and giggled. When I saw Kace take a step I quickly started to run and saw the living room. I ran and saw Kace running after me. When I reached the living room, I quickly searched for the door out of here. “Apaap…hmmmm,” Bunny keep giggling.

There it is!!! I found the door, “Paige!” Kace is near and I run to the door and open it. “Oh my god!!!!” Nagulat ako ng may tao sa labas ng pinto, and she’s….

She looked at me and slowly looked at Bunny… I know this face, my heart pounded so fast when our eyes met and the pain of yesterday overflows inside of my system.

I bit my lower lip and control my tears. “Carmitte.” 

“Chantel,” sabay naming sambit, she knew my name. “Paige,” Kace showed up behind my back. I almost lost my soul when they both stood near me, the video of the CCTV kept replying inside my mind. My hands were trembling so bad, and my knees weakened. Bunny looks at my back and giggles once again, her giggle kills the silence between us three.

“Papammmm,” Bunny said. We look at Carmitte when she gasps and covers her mouth. I know this will hurt her, seeing some other girl in her house and with a child. “Is that my niece?!” Carmitte.

Chapter 59

“Is that my niece?” she said and suddenly urged a bright smile, her gaze went up to mine. I remain stiff in my place and my hearts stop beating so fast, suddenly my world stops through what she asks. What does she mean?

Hindi ko alam kung tama ba ang narinig ko o nagiilusyon lang ako ng kung ano-anong bagay. Parang nabingi din ako saglit at tanging ang maganda niyang ngiti lamang ang nakikita ko.

“Why are you here in the middle of the night Louise?!” I just go back to my senses when Kace speaks and walks near us. He stood beside me and seriously looked at Carmitte. What’s this?

“I got bored in the house,” She said and smiled at me again, she didn’t take her eyes out on me and Bunny. She looks so excited at Bunny.

“And lucky me, my niece is finally here!!!” She said and suddenly get Bunny from me, dahil sa gulat at patuloy parin akong naguguluhan na nangyayari, mabilis niya lang nakuha sakin si Bunny dahil hindi ako nakagalaw sa paglapit niya.

I almost lost breath as our skin touched, I don’t know what was happening but all I know is I don’t understand a thing. Kace’s wife called my daughter her niece. “Does she understand Japanese?” She asked me, I didn’t know what to do and just nodded at her while my head was still floating inside my head.

“Kon’nichiwa akachan, watashi wa anata no oba desu (Hello Baby, I’m your aunt)” she said and bring Bunny inside, sitting on the couch while she play with her hands. “A-aunt?” I whisper and slowly glance at Kace, who’s standing beside me and staring at me right now.

“Take as seat Paige,” He said and walked to the next couch beside the couch where Carmittie is seating with Bunny. Naiwan akong nakatayo dito sa tapat ng pinto at pinanuod si Kace na umupo doon.

“Come here,” Kace said, I don’t know but I was like a robot who easily followed what he said and sat on the couch in front of both of them. “Carmitte is my cousin, Paige” Kace straightly said and looked at me in the eyes, what he said made my eyes widen, and slowly recognized their similarities when came to their eyes.

“H-how?” I can’t even construct any word right now, Only the word how is running in my mind. “She’s my cousin from my mother’s side, the portrait that you see inside the room you come from, that’s my grandfather, my mother, and Carmitte’s father,” Kace said.

Suddenly I remember the word on the bottom of the portrait, it says “Driecos” I whisper. “Yeah, that’s my surname, Carmilita Louise De Vera Driecos” Carmitte said and smile at me.

My lips parted as she said her whole name and when I looked at Kace, Carmitte spoke again. “And his Kace Driecos Lennon the only grandson of Alejandro Driecos, the owner of a large group of companies in Spain, mi Abuelo (My grandfather)’’ Carmitte proudly said. W-what?

Halos hindi kayanin ang utak ko ang pumapasok na impormasyon dito at hindi ako makapagisip ng maayos sa ngayon. Driecos? Grandson? Spain? What’s happening?

“Paige, are you ok?” Kace asked and acted like he was about to stand and come to me but I looked at him and gulf.

“This doesn’t make sense,” I finally speak and gather myself again. “It does,” Carmitte said and smirked at me. “Long time ago, Tia Klarice Vier Driecos, Kace’s mother, fell in love with a guy named Cedrick Lennon, an aspiring businessman who ventured into Spain, with no assurance that he would succeed. They met and fell in love with each other. While enjoying their moment, Mi Abuelo heard about their relationship and instantly wanted to part them away. Back then Mi Abuelo wanted somebody else for Tia Klarice but like Kace’s personality, Tia fought for her love and sacrificed her own family.”

“Mi papá no me casaré con ese hombre!!! (Papa, I will not marry that man!!!)” Klarice shouted all out as she followed her father’s walk inside their mansion.

“Amo a Cedrick más que a nadie!!! (I love Cedrick more than anyone else!!!)” she kept shouting until they finally entered the living room of the mansion. That’s when Don Alejandro stopped walking but still didn’t face Klarice.

“Ire con Cedrick y dejare esta casa—( I will go with Cedrick and leave this house—)” one hard slap hit Klarice’s beautiful face that made her fall on the floor. “

No vas a ninguna parte con esa basura (You will not go anywhere with that trash!)“ He shouted and the guard lifted up Klarice using his arms.

“¡Encierrala en su habitación! (Lock her to her room!)” Klarice was bragging up to her room as she begged. “No me haggis esto por favor necesito verlo!!! Mi papa!!! Por favor!!! (I don’t do this to me please I need to see him, Papa!!!, please!!!)” She cried all out but she wasn’t heard and got locked in the door.

But, the maiden Klarice didn’t end there; she grabbed the fabric from her bed and made it as a lather to her terrace and escaped, running to her love.

“Tia decided to escape from Mi Abuelo’s side and go to the Philippines with Mr. Lennon. At that time Tia was just 17 years old. But Mr. Lennon got help from his friend Mr. Delavine brings Tia to the Philippines and hides her from Mi Abuelo. They marry each other and build their own peaceful family.” She said it like a true fairytale story, But my Dad helped Tito Cedrick back then, which means Dad and Tito are really deep friends, so that’s why Dad didn’t hesitate to accept Kace in our house.

“And the reason Kace disappear back then was because Mi papa dies five years ago and no one will run the whole business of Driecos, Since grandfather know where I Tia Klarice he send me to the Philippines to find her but I didn’t know that we’re too late Tia Klarice died with her family. I thought we had no hopes for the company anymore because Tia and her family already died but I was the wrong Kace we’re still alive so I came to him and introduced myself. I stayed and earned his trust for 3 years because it’s really hard to please,” Carmitte said.

I looked at Kace and he was just staring at Bunny the whole time, his face showing like he wanted to touch her and carry her.

“Kace disappears because Mi Abuelo needs him, and my story ends there. I will bring this little kid to bed and you should go talk,” She brightly said and stood up, started to walk, and brought Bunny up the stairs.

I quickly stand up and try to run after her to get Bunny and go home, I still want to go out of this place. “Give me back my daugth—––,” I wasn’t able to end what I’m saying when Kace grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to the room he locked me in.

He locked the door just like he did yesterday, he pulled me inside his room and made me face him. “That’s the true story Paige, my grandfather got sick so I need to leave,” He said and tightened his hold on my hands. “Without any words nor goodbye?!” I shouted at his face. My heart beat fast again and I won’t fucking want this, because I know any minute now if this continues I will cry again.

He avoided my gaze when I said, Guilty! “I was so messed up that time, I don’t know what to do so I just leave and see my grandfather who needs me,” He softly said.

“How about me didn’t I need you too?” That’s it. I give in and cry in front of him, all the pain and suffering when he leaves came back. “Didn’t I ask you to stay with me because I was so ready to fight for you!! But what happened to me? Nong time na pinaglaban kita kay Mom iniwan mo ako, pinatunayan mo lang na mali ang pinaglalaban ko non’ nagmukha akong tanga Kace kakahanap sayo at nagpakabaliw sa pagkawala mo pero anong napala ko? wala!! Wala Kace lalo lang pinamukha sakin ni Mom lahat ng pagkakamali ko, pag ako ang nagdedesisyon para sa buhay ko!!! I just prove them right. That I was a fucking disapointment because I go crazy over loving you!!!” I broke down and let out all I wanted to say back then. All the sufferings, the pain and almost losing myself.

“Hindi sapat na rason ang buong istorya ng angkan niyo para iwan mo ko nang walang kahit anong salita!! Kahit kailan Kace hindi magiging tamang rason na kailangan ka ng lolo mo, dahil pwede mo namang sabihin sakin iyon at umalis ka, dahil papayag naman ako!!!” I feel so weak at this moment and I just sit in the bed as I cry and shake my head.

“That’s not only the reason why I leave you without any words,” Kace seriously said as I raised my head and faced him. “Then tell me the other fucking reason because I will never forgi—–,” I stop when he cut me out and suddenly my body breaks down and my whole system turns into a piece because of what he said. “Your Mother made me do it,” not again.

Chapter 60

Kace’s Point of View

June 17 (The Accident of Lennon Family)

“Hey, Kace, seat here you’re daily will be here any minute now, I’ll just ask the staff to bring the Cake out already,” Tita Cadrius said as he patted my head and went to talk to a waitress. I was too excited because it’s the first time I will celebrate my birthday in a Hotel.

I went here early with Tito Cadrius because I wanted to have a tour inside the hotel. My family said that they’ll just follow me here. Right now, I’m already done on the tour around the hotel, I’m just waiting for the family here at the restaurant of the hotel. “Here’s your Cake Kace, wait I forgot the candle inside,” Tito Cadrius said while chuckling, I nodded at him and looked at this yummy chocolate cake.

I look around before I slowly get some small amount of chocolate from the Cake and as I put it in my mouth!! “Ay jusko!!!!” A loud sound and shout came from outside, Tito Cadrius got out from the kitchen to check it, While I tried to look at what the people outside were looking at.

I walk to the glass window and try to look for a better spot, I slowly see it when the ambulance comes and the people around it move away. I saw m—— my hearts stop beating as I see. Suddenly a hand covered my eyes and pulled me to face him, Tito Cadrius hugged me so tight and I just felt him sobbing.

It was my Mom, Dad, and Sister inside the car with blood covering their faces. I just close my eyes and loud silent noises surround my ears. What happened to my Family? Why does my heart hurt so bad?

June 20 (The Delavine Mansion)

“Hon he’s Kace Lennon, Cedrick’s firstborn he will be staying with us starting tonight,” Tito Cadrious said as to bring me to his house. “Hi Kace, I’m tita Vivian Delavine, but you can call me Mama if you want” She sweetly said. I didn’t answer because I don’t know what to say.

“I’ll just get his thing out of the car ok, call the kids,” Tito Cadrius said and leave. “Hey!! Don’t call me Mama and Tita ok call me Mom! My husband is going to feed another pest,” She said in an irritated tone and walked through the Kitchen but she stopped for a second.

“By the way condolence, I feel bad for your little sister, she was so young to die. God how I wish she’s the only one to survive instead of you,” She said and left. I stand up and walk, look and roam around the house until I reach the glass door through a beautiful garden. I went outside and looked at the stars, and suddenly I remember my sister Kacey.

“Ma’am Vivian was right, I should be the one who’s dead now since I’m useless. I cried behind the bushes when I saw a girl wearing cute pajamas. Tito Cadrius’s daughter.

November, 02 (At the garden of Delavine)

I was staring at the moon while remembering how my sister used it. She always asks me to go outside every night just to look at the moon. Yesterday was the first time I went to my family’s grave, I didn’t shed any tears as we went there. I just started at their graves the whole time and just put the flowers above them.

I don’t know how to express sadness when I’m facing them, I feel like Mom and Dad don’t wanna see me cry when I go to them so I will not cry. I promise that. While staring at the moon, Paige suddenly showed up at my side and she’s also staring at the moon. “Why are you still out?” she asks and gazes at me with her beautiful smile.

I glance at her and look back at the moon as I answer, “My sister loves the moon,” I said. “Really?! What’s her name?” She asks with an excited tone of voice. “Kacey Lei Lennon,” I utter.

“Wow she had a pretty name,” She said and chuckled. I look at her and watch chuckling as she stares at the moon, the brightness of the moon shines on her face that making me want to stare at it the whole time.

“If I would have a baby in the future I will name her Kacey too,” She said out of the blue then looked at me with that genuine smile. “Why?” I ask.

“So, you will always remember your sister when you see my baby,” she said and stood up, “I’d better go, I need to study my assignment upstairs go inside too, ok,” she was about to walk inside but I stopped her. “Wait,” I got a bar of chocolate in my pocket and handed it to her, “Noooo,” She whispered and looked around before she smiled at me and wink before she ran inside.

I watched her until she’s gone before I decided to go inside and see Yaya Carmen. “Oh Kace anak anong ginagawa mo sa labasan?” she asked. “Wala naman po,” I said. She nodded and, “Siya nga pala gusto mo ba nito chocolate na ito? Pinapatapon na kasi ni Madam Vivian para hindi na makakuha si Chantel, kesa sa masayang ibibigay ko nalang lahat sayo ito,” Yaya Carmen handed me a large box of chocolates.

“Oh siya mauna na ako ah, matulog kana wag mong papakita kay Chantel yan ok,” Yaya Carmen pat my head before she went inside the maids quarter. I look at the bunch of chocolate and quickly remember who Paige smiled at every time I handed her chocolate. So I decided to keep this chocolate and give it to her little by little so she would always smile like that. Because I love those smiles.

April 12 (Chantel leave for France)

“Oh Kace nak bakit hindi ka sumama sa paghatid kay Chantel sa airport nako hinihintay ka pa naman niya kagabi ba?” Yaya Carmen said as she saw me enter the house.

I wake up so early to go to the Company because I need some papers to get and bring it here in the house, I also use that excuse to go out early so that I won’t be able to see Paige leave.

“Ok lang po iyon, sige po mauna na ako sa itaas,” I said and go straight to my room.

I sat on my bed and looked at the bundle of chocolate I made for Paige, I wanted to give this to her before she left last night but everything changed…

“I don’t wanna let Chantel play with that Kace anymore she started to lose her focus on modeling because of that guy!!!! That kid is just a bad influence on my child Cad!!!! I will bring Chantel to France so she would have a better future, My Chantel doesn’t go low like that Kace kid does” I heard Ma’am Vivian say as I walked here in the hall on the second floor.

“Kace is not our child Vivian so you don’t have the right to call him low, he’s smart, he also helps our child with her studies!!!” Tito Cad said. 

“I don’t care, I don’t want that kid around Chantel!! They are not on the same level!!!”

Last night when I realized that I liked Paige since I first saw her, but I guess Ma’am Vivian was right we are not at the same level in life. I will never fit in her perfect life. My feelings for her aren’t valid, so I choose to avoid her and let her leave without me seeing her for the last time.

February 7 (At the Delavine’s Condominiums)

I was walking through the pad that Tito Cadrius bought for me, and gave me as a gift. When I was near to it I saw a girl standing in front of my door. She was unfamiliar, no I don’t know her… but I walked to her and asked her. “Excuse me? Why are you in front of my door?” I ask that make her face me.

Her eyes widened and she bit her lower lip to control her smile and before I knew she jumped into me and hugged me so tight, “Oh my god! Gracias a dios te encontré! (Thank God I found you!)” I immediately and gently push her away from me and ask her, “Who are you?”

“I’m Carmitte your cousin!!!! Te busco y ahora por fin estas aqui (I search for you and now you’re finally here)” She said good thing I understand a bit of Spanish because my Mom used to speak Spanish. “Eres la hija del tío Javier? Aqui (Are you uncle Javier’s daughter?)” Tio Javier was my Mom’s brother, she once told us that she had a brother.

“Si lo soy abuelo mándame aquí para encontrarte (Yes I am, grandfather send me here to find you here)” I still have family? “Find me why?” I ask. “Eres el único heredero de Driecos (You are the only heir of Driecos)” that’s when I meet one part of my family, Carmitte.

December 19 (Delavine’s Scent company)

“Kace” I heard Cadmus, the CEO called me from his office so I instantly stood up and went inside his office. “Yes Sir?”

“I already had the email from Mom, this will be the new cover of the new issues perfume.” He said and slowly turned his laptop to show me what was on the screen. I stiffed when I saw Paige’s picture on the screen, she already grew up and looked so fine and elegant as always.

My heart beats so fast as I stared at it longer, “What do you think?” Cad asked. “She’s perfect,” I utter out of the blue. But when I realized what I’d said I instantly looked at Cad, he was smiling as he also stared at Paige’s picture. “Yes, she is beautiful,” He proudly said.

After that the whole day I did nothing but stare at my copy of the picture and admire how Paige turned out to be a fine lady. Since I started avoiding her for good, I also started to lose attention to other girls, because I only think of her, always her.

“The best thing I never had,” I whisper and touch her face on the screen.

November 24 (Chantel’s come back at Delavine’s building)

“Kace,” as she utters my name, My brain suddenly loses words to produce. My heart is pounding so fast as I stared at the most beautiful lady I ever had. A goddess who I can never reach by a human-like me.

I avoid her and just act professionally when she’s around because I’m trying my best to control my feelings back. It would be a waste of effort if I give in and fall for her even more. The 10 years feel like yesterday of forgetting my feelings. “We can’t Paige,” I said and hardly clenched my jaw as I controlled myself.

“Love me,” she whispers, with her eyes saying I should give in. “Please,” Please don’t make me fall for that eyes of her. I try my best to stop myself but I guess I can never win over her, “Fuck!” I lost it and just found myself kissing the woman I love for so long.

Chapter 61

Kace’s Point of View

January 17 (At Kace’s Pad)

“Mom texted me and she’s still pushing me to Vernon!” she said while her face doesn’t look good, you can see to her face that she doesn’t like what her Mom tells her.

“Why not try dating him?” Fuck! I said that and deep inside of me wanted to kill myself for fucking saying things I never wanted to happen.

She stops what she’s doing and I watch how her lips parted when I say that, “What did you say, Love?” she ask and this time I face her and stare at her sad eyes, fuck!

“I said try dating him, Malay mo your good together. You can just leave me when he finally gets your heart. That would be fine with me, I mean less hassle right. Hindi kana mahihirapan pang mag-isip kung pano ipapaalam yong relationship natin sa Mom mo, I think that Vernon will take good take of you,” I said and resume eating, but I almost break the fork I’m using, I fucking hate my life. Why does it need to be like this? I continue eating and act like what I said is just nothing.

“Y-You t-think I’d be g-good with h-him?” I heard her voice cracking and she’s trying to stop herself from crying which breaks my heart inside.

“Yeah,” tumatango-tangong sambit kong sambit at patuloy kumain at nilakihan ko na ang bawat pag subo ko ng pagkain para mabilis makaalis sa tabi niya dahil hindi ko alam hanggang saan ko kayang maging ganito sa kanya. Kailangan ko itong gawin.

“Would you really let your g-girlfriend d-date other M-Men?” she asked. I gulf and take the last bite of food before I put down the fork on the table.“I’m done thank you for the food. It was good,” I said, quickly standing up and walking inside my room, leaving her in the dining area.

As I close the door I lean on the wall and cover my eyes. I bite my lips so hard and I badly want to punch myself right now. Instead, I punch the wall. After punching the wall I decided to check her out there, I know she’s not ok.

When I walked out of the room I didn’t see her on the dining table so I quickly walked and looked at the kitchen. I saw her sitting on the floor holding her arms.

“Paige?” when I call her she quickly stands up and wipes her tears. Trying to hind it for me, but I already saw her.

“What happened to your arms!!!” I said and hurriedly held her hand to check her wound. “What happened Paige!!!“I panicked and asked her again.

She suddenly burst out crying, “Wahhh!!!” so I panicked even more, scared that I hurt her by blowing her wound. “Fuck! Does it hurt so bad?!”

“Come here,” I hurriedly and gently carried her and made her sit at the breakfast table. “How bad does it hurt?” I asked and wiped my tears, my heart beat so fast because of nervousness Fuck! “S-so b-bad,” she whispers and continues crying and covering her eyes using her other arms, like a child.

“Wait, let’s put some ointment on it, “I said and grab the first aid kit out. “Hey, stop crying please,” I beg her and remove her arms from her face. When our eyes meet I almost melt seeing the woman I love is carrying and hurt. “Wait, masakit pa rin ba?!” she nodded and I continued adding up more ointment on her wound.

“It hurts so bad,” she whispers as she looks at me, that’s when I realize that it was not the wound that hurt her It was me. “Why do you h-have t-too s-say that?” she asked. “Why did you lie to me? You said you’re with my brother but my brother is in the company the whole day,” she avoided meeting my gaze while saying that while I feel so guilty about it. “Why are you avoiding and distancing yourself from me? Why are you pushing me away?”

“Why are you giving me away?” she shook down her head and leaned on my chest. “Why do you have to break my heart in the nicest way? You, letting me go is worse than cheating on me”

“Please don’t push me to anyone else, please don’t let go of me, please hold me more, Love please don’t” she begged. “Because I don’t know what to do if you let me go, I might di—–,” I didn’t let her finish and just hugged her so tight.

“I fucking don’t want to let you go, Love, I fucking don’t want!!!” I hardly said and hugged her tighter. “Then why do you have to say those?” she asks like a baby.

“Because your Mom asks me to help her make you fall for Vernon, Like I said Love I owe your parents so much when your Mom asks me a favor, even if I fucking hate it, I try to do it and it leads me hurting you, shit!” I give in and let her the truth, I don’t and I can’t hide it from her.

“I’ll talk to her! She can’t do this to you and to me, I won’t tolerate it this time, Mom doesn’t have the right to make you feel like you are obligated to follow all her rules and it’s my heart she can’t force me to love someone I don’t!!!” galit nitong sambit.

“Hey, hey, hey, shhh don’t do it. I will just lead into a fight, Let’s just let it pass and I don’t do it anyway,” I cope with her face. “But, you just did it a while ago,” she said and pouted.

“I know and I’m fucking regretting it. I won’t do it again love please forgive me,” I said and kissed her eyes.“You know how much I love you.”

“I will never get mad at you even if you keep hurting me, I love you so much that I can’t imagine myself getting mad at you,” she gently said, that made me melt, and loved her even more.

“I’m so sorry,” I whispered. “It’s ok love just please don’t push me away again” I’m so damn fucking lucky to have this woman.

May 2 (Kace pad, when Carmitte visits him)

“Cuando planeas contárselo? (When are you planning to tell here?)” Carmitte said and took a sip on her drink.

“No se, sigo esperando un buen momento ( I don’t know I’m still waiting for a good time)” I’m scared that Paige would change if she’d know that I still have family, I don’t want her to feel scared of me leaving her, because I badly know that if she knows about this she will feel scared, thinking that I would leave her.

“Creo que será mejor que se lo digas ahora (I think you better tell it to her now)” she said. “Ella se merece saber que aun tienes familia ( She deserves to know that you still have family)” Carmitte has a point.

“Si su madre sabe que eres rico entonces (If her mother knows your rich then)” She stop and smirk, “Estás en el mismo nivel que su hija ahora (Your same level as her child now)” Carmitte use to know all of that because I tell it to her since I treat her like my own sister already.

Will Ma’am Vivian change her mind if she knows that I’m a Driecos?

May 26 (After the Denying Chantel)

I drown myself in so much beer because I feel so useless, I deny her and try to push her away, because I got scared…

I’m fucking weak!! I don’t fucking deserve her, even if I’m a Driecos I will never fit to Paiage life. I’m a trash and worthless guy.

I grab my phone and text her and stop being a trash on her life.

To Paige,

Paige, I think we need to stop our relationship. I don’t wanna ruin your life because I’m a worthless guy just like your Mom said. I can’t prove anything to anyone, I can’t fight for us. I’m too weak and helpless to do such a thing. I’m not for you. I can’t bear to see you break your relationship with your parents so I’m letting us go.

I chuckled bitterly as I sent the message and drank the beer and opened another one, “Jerk!!” I said and laughed at myself.

I shook my head on the table and closed my eyes for a while.

“Kace!!!” Did I just hear Paige’s voice? I slowly raise my head to look at it and there she is, she’s standing beside me, tears suddenly overflow from my eyes. “Paige,” I whisper and wipe my eyes to see her better.

I reach for her face and touch her soft face, “Is this a dream?” I ask, I’m seeing her in my dream right now. “If yes, can I hug you please Love” I beg, I badly want to hold her.

“I don’t want to let you go, I don’t want to deny you… believe me, I don’t fucking want it Love…but fuck I was too weak and scared to ruin your life. I owe your parents so bad that I can’t fight for my feelings for you…Love, I love you but we can’t” I lean on her chest and whisper, I break down and feel so weak.

“I’m sorry because my parents died and I have to be a burden to your parents, Sorry they died, I’m sorry they leave me, I’m sorry I’m alone and I don’t have the strength to fight for you. I don’t have strength on my back because I don’t have a family anymore. It’s my fault that they die, I should be there with them. Maybe If only I choose to be with them at that time. Maybe this wouldn’t be so hard if I just died with them back then. It’s all my fault I’m so sorry” I said as my heart feels so weak.

I felt her tight embrace and she said, “It’s not your fault Love”

“It’s my fault” I whisper.

I wanna be by his side and be the strength at his back that he was pertaining to. “Love please don’t let go of me,” I said because that’s all I want from him and I will be able to stand for the both of us.

“Don’t be afraid Kace, Love I’ll be fighting for the both of us, you will be free of this burden and be happy with me just please don’t let go of me Love, don’t leave my side?” she said and copped my face. “I love you, Paige,” I whispered when I felt her soft lips on my eyes.

“I love you more Love, don’t worry I will fight for us just please don’t leave my side and let go of me”Tears fell from my eyes but I just felt soft lips on mine.

“If you can’t do it for now, then I’ll stand for the both of us. I will be strong for you, I promise” she whispers between our kisses. This dream feels so real, I grab her nape and deepen the kiss. “I’ll Fight for you Love.” I heard her say.

May 27 (The day after)

I wake up with my head hurting so bad, “Agh! shit” I whisper when I slowly sit.

When I opened my eyes I saw my room looked so clean and when I walked out of my room, even the whole pad was so clean. All the beer I remember I used last night is gone. And there’s breakfast on the table. There’s a note on the side table of my bed, it’s from Paige?

Last night? She was really here? It wasn’t a dream?! My heart beats so fast, realizing what she did and said last night. My woman is fighting for our love and I know she needs me. I quickly take a shower and change my clothes, Paige needs me. I’ll stand beside her.

While fixing my shirt my door suddenly opened and Carmitte showed up, “Kace tenemos que ir a españa ahora mismo (Kace we need to go to Spain right now!!!” She shouted.

“What?!” I ask.

“El abuelo está enfermo en el hospital!!! (Grandfather is sick, he’s in the hospital right now)” Terror shows all over her face. “Nos necesita ahora (He needs us now)” She said and tears escaped her eyes.

It took me seconds before I decided and, “Traeré a Paige con nosotros vamos ( I will bring Paige with us, Let’s go)” with that Carmitte helped me to pack my things and I also brought Paige clothes with me.

Susunduin ko siya sa kanila at isasama sa Spain.

We went out of the pad and quickly went to Delavine’s mansion, Carmitte was the one who drove and it just took us 10 minutes to reach the mansion.

I step out of the car and quickly go to the gate but the guard blocks me to go inside, “Sir Kace pasensya na napag utusan lang ho,” He said and bowed his head.

“What do you mean!!! Let me in, I need to talk to Paige!!!!” I said and tried to push him but he didn’t give in. “You can’t talk to my daughter anymore!” Suddenly Ma’am Vivian showed up and slapped me so hard.

“Que carajo! (What the fuck!)” I heard Carmitte’s voice as she stepped out of the car too. “How dare you slap my cousin!!!” She shouted at Ma’am Vivian. “Oh so you bring complies,” She said and smirked at me. “I need to talk to Paige Ma’am,” I said.

“No you will never see her again, That’s enough you will never be good enough for Chantel, you let her fight for you alone? Even if that’s the man’s job? Now can you tell me that you deserve her?” I shook my head because she was right.

“You can never fight for Chantel because you’re too weak and poor!!! it would be better if you leave Chantel alone and let her have a better life” she said.

“Que carajo, quien es pobre!?! (What the fuck! Who’s poor!?!)” Carmitte hissed and was about to walk towards Ma’am Vivian but I stopped her.

I guess she was right, Hindi ko kayang ipaglaban si Paige. Wala akong kwenta at hindi nababagay sa kanya. “Hey old beautiful lady with a bad attitude, do you know that Kace is a——,” I cut Carmitte again and say.

“A trash” Carmitte forcibly looked at me with her lips parted, “I will leave and let Chantel have a better life like you said Ma’am Vivian ‘’ I said and looked her in the eyes.

“Ya vas a rendirte!? (Your going to give up already!?)” Hindi makapaniwalang sambit ni Carmitte at pinalo ang aking braso.

I gulf and close my fist so tight, “But let me tell you this, I will go to the top, and when I reach that I will get her and fight for her without any fear,” I firmly said which makes her raise her brows on me.

“Whan that time comes You can never do anything to stop us,” I said and straightly looked at her eyes. Like I buried my words in her mind.

“Nonsense,” She said and turned her back on me. “I will come back for Paige!!!” I shouted as they closed the big gate. “I will come back, Love.”

Chapter 62

Kace’s Point of View 

May 28 (Driecos white Mansion)

I arched my head to see this big Mansion properly, after a long flight from Manila to Spain, it really gave me major jet lag.

“Vayamos adentro (Let’s go inside)” excited na sambit ni Carmitte at hinila ako papasok sa loob. As we went inside there was a line of maids wearing black uniforms and bowing at us.

“Es bueno verlos chicos (It’s nice to see you guys)” Carmitte cheerfully said and pulled me for a long here inside the wide mansion. This was bigger than Delavine’s Mansion.

“No puedo esperar a ver su reacción, Mi abuelo (I can’t wait to see his reaction, Grandfather)” she said and smiled widely. We went upstairs and wall in a silent hallway here on the second floor. While we were here in a wide beautiful mansion, my mind kept thinking of her. I leave her and break my promise. But I promise I will come back for you Love. Please wait for me.

“Nosotras estamos aqui (We are here)” I got back to my senses when Carmitte stopped in front of a black gigantic door. I took a deep breath before I looked at her and nodded.

She smiles and slowly opens the door. As it opens a wide table the first thing I see and a black swivel chair. The table name plate say’s Alejandro Driecos.

“Te pareces a el, tu padre (You look like him, your father)” napalingon kaming dalawa ni Carmitte nang may magsalita sa gilid, and there he was.

Laying in a big bed with oxygen and dextrose connected to him. I feel so uneasy seeing him for the first time, He’s my mother’s father, my grandfather. He was seriously looking at me.

“Pero tienes los ojos de tu madre (But you got your mom’s eyes)” he said and urged a smile.

“Mi abuelo!!! (Grandpa!)” Carmitte said and ran to him, held his hand, and hugged him. “Cómo te sientes? (How are you feeling?)” She said and kissed his hands. He smiled at her and patted her head. “ Estoy bien solo enfermo un poco (I’m fine, just a sick a little)“ He playfully said and chuckled, before he looked at me again and smiled.

“Ven aqui mi nieto (Come here my grandson)” he said and gestured to me to come close to him. I walk close to him and as I hold his hand he pulls me for a tight hug. “Lo siento, no estuve allí cuando me necesitabas (I’m sorry, I wasn’t there when you needed me)” with that my tears fell, and hugged him back.

“Estoy aquí ahora, nunca estaras solo (I’m here, now you will never be alone)” He said as I cry in his arms, I felt Carmitte hug me, and that’s when I felt so strong because I have my family on my back again.

But I think destiny and life are really filled with circumstances and challenges. It was just months when I met him, but God took him already. Mi Abuelo died seven months after I met him. Carmitte and I were left but because of Mi Abuelo I became strong and stood for both of us, Carmitte needed me that time and I became strong for both of us because we’re only each other’s family.

I work hard to handle all Mi Abuelo’s business with the help of his trusted assistant, and as life goes on Carmitte get married to the man he loved, I take charge as his father, cousin, and brother I walk her to the isle and dream that someday I would see Paige walks in the aisle too.

As months passed by, the business became stable and I turned the place to Mi Abuelo’s trusted assistant, I made him the CEO of Driecos group of Company. And started to make my own business.

Where I dream with Paige, After a year it becomes successful and has already reached other countries.

I made it a business that Paige would love, I built a Company of chocolates where all the products were based on Paige’s favorite flavors. Everything was for her and only her.

“Mr. Lennon, are we going to release the official name of the company? Do you have anything in mind already?” My board members ask as we are in a meeting for the grand opening of the official factory of my business. “Yes,” I said and smiled at everybody.

“What would it be Sir?” They ask. “L.P.T. company,” I said confidently, which made everybody frown and confused. “What’s its meaning Mr. Lennon?” one of them asked.

I cross my arms above my chest, lean on my chair and stare at the factory blueprint. “Love, Paige tastes,” I said.

January 23 (A month before Kace meet Paige again)

“Do you have any lead where she is?” I ask Carlos, the guy I hired to look for Paige because I found out that she left their house a month after I left.

“Yes Sir, Miss. Chantel Piage is now living in Tokyo Japan with her Daughter Kacey Ellouise Delavine” my lips parted when he said, “Daughter?”

“Yes Sir, her daughter is currently 2 years old,” He said. 2 years old, that got my heartbeat so fast and suddenly I smiled and tears escaped from my eyes.

“That’s my daughter!!!, get me a flight to Japan right now and tell the branch out there that I’ll be handling our branch there.” I said and pat her shoulder, leave my office and run to Carmitte’s house.“

“Carmitte!!!!” I shouted as I entered her house, I saw Drake, her husband in the living room, and Carmitte showed up. “What happened, why are you shouting!!!” Carmitte said and walked towards me, I hugged her as soon she step in front of me.

“I’m going to Japan, I found her!!!” I said and I can’t control my tears and happiness. “Chantel? You found her already?! Oh my god, what are you waiting to go now!!!!” She said and excitedly pushed me. But I face her again and hold her shoulders, wiping my tears before I speak.

“I have a daughter, she’s living in Japan with my daughter,” I said and tears fell again, it never stopped. “Oh my gosh,” She said and cried with me, hugged me, and patted my back.

February 25 (Kace and Paige meet on the street)

“Anata wa sore ga suki desu ka? (Do you like it?)” I watch her walk towards my place as she talks to the little angel in her arms.

Our angel, my heart beats so fast and I just wanted to run to them and hug them both so tight. My woman looks so mature and beautiful even more. “Hmm,” Two more steps, our angel wiggles her hands and makes the chocolate that she’s holding fall.

“Ochiru (It falls)” Paige said, I can’t take it anymore and walked to them and pick the bar of chocolate for her. When she looked at me, her eyes widened and she gasped, I fucking wanted to cry and hug her so tight, I suddenly feel weak and wanted to lean on my woman.

I remain cool and watch her hug the baby and cover her face from me. “Nice to see you again Paige… is that my daughter?” I ask. “Hmm..apapap” cute and angelic voice of the baby surrounded my ears, it was like a melody.

“No, She’s not your Daughter,” Paige said, trying to turn around and walk away, I clenched my jaw and grabbed her, stopping her. “We’re not done yet, I know it’s mine,” I said and gently looked at her. Oh, how I longed for you, my love.

---

Chantel’s Point of View

I don’t know what to say, after knowing the whole story. My brain can’t take it anymore. “I still want to leave this place,” I whisper and get my hand away from him.

I stood up and ran to the door but Kace was always so fast and grabbed my hand back. “Not anymore,” He said and grabbed my nape for a kiss. The gentle gentle kiss I longed for so many years makes me weak and tears fall from my eyes once again and give into him.

“I will never let you go alone this time, we are not leaving each other’s side anymore, Not anymore, Paige,” he whispers and carries me back to his bed. “It’s all for you Love.”

Chapter 63

R18

He laid me down on the bed and continued kissing me, It was a type of kiss that controls me and gives in. I kissed him back as he wiped my tears while we were kissing. His hand went down to my neck, touched every part of it down to my shoulder, she reached for my wrist and lifted it up beside my head.

I felt his hand slide from up wrist up to my palm, as he intertwined our hands and kissed me even deeper. “Tell me she’s my daughter,” He whispered as he opened my mouth and explored inside.

“N-no,” I whisper and try to be hard and strong, I still don’t know if I would tell him about Bunny. “Agh!” I groan as he bites my lips and goes down to my neck, aggressively sucking some part of it and making me whimper in the tingling sensation his warm lipid brought.

“S-stop it Kace!!” I try to stop him, sinubukan kong labanan ang aking sarili at pilit nagmamatigas. I want this to stop before I lose myself and just give in to him and accept everything like it was just yesterday’s problem.

“Tell me, Paige, she’s my daughter come on,” he asked again while leaving wet kisses on my neck, making me lose conscience with those kisses.

“Hmmm” Umiling ako at pilit tinatanggi ang kanyang sinasabi. I saw him stare at me from my chest and pull my shirt down. I gasp as he aggressively pulls my bra down and his lips touch my mound making me whimper and feel shivers all over my body.

I arched my body as he started sucking it and I fucking admit it that I’m a bit sensitive right now. It’s been 2 years since something like this.

“I know she’s mine, Love,” He whispered between my mound, and I felt like I was stiff when he called me Love. the sound of yesterday’s love was the same.

“No, she’s not…Ah,” I open my eyes so wide when he bites my nipples while she’s staring straight at me. I felt like my face burned up as he did that while staring at my reaction, I covered my face and tried to hide my embarrassment. “Hmmm!” I make a strange sound as he licks it for the last time and removes my shirt from me.

He also takes my bra and throws it somewhere, after that he levels his face to mine again. He removed my hands from my face and kissed me on the lips. He gave me soft kisses before he sat and removed his shirt in front of me. His body become more masculine than the last time I saw it. I know my face is burning right now, this feels so awkward again, It was like two years since I saw his body and now it is exposed in front of me again.

“She got my eyes, Paige,“Kace said and went back to my breast. “Hmmf!.. I already s-said n-no,” I am still consistent on my answer but he keeps messing up with me everytime I disagree. Binibitin ako ni Kace sa bawat halik niya sa’king dibdib na alam kong ginagawa niya iyon dahil sa sagot ko.

He went down to my stomach and left some marks on it. I don’t know what kind of pleasure that brings me but I’m starting to get crazy about it. Kace slowly pulls my black pants down and reveals my underwear, “She got my hair color, Love,” He keeps talking about Bunny. “No,” I said.

He pulled my pants out of my legs and threw them somewhere. “Still No, huh,” He said and smirked. I watched him slowly lean down between my thighs and he lifted one of them. He didn’t stop staring at me and showing me his every move. My body trembled as he started kissing my feet, leaving wet kisses up to my legs, up to my thigh, and leaving marks on my thighs.

Because my thighs weren’t exposed to the sun since I gave birth to Bunny, I always wear pants that’s why it’s so white right now, and it’s easy for Kace to make marks on them. And It was so visible.

He sucks and licks my upper thighs and he’s almost touched me in between making me go crazy over him. “She got my lips,” He whispered and darkly stare at me. “N-no––agh!!!” I arched my body so hard when he licked me in between even though I’m still in my undies I can already feel how warm his tongue feels.

“She is” I heard him whisper and keep doing things down there, I don’t know where to face my head right now, I just get eaten by the big pleasure Kace brings. I can’t believe until now he can control me like this and his effect still rules my whole system and soul.

What can I say since the very start, Kace removed my underwear and did his thing down there, I almost fainted as he continued doing that thing. I felt like I already had my first release as he continued sucking and licking it.

I open my eyes when he stops and positions above me, “Tell me, Love, she’s ours” He whispers before he kisses me on my lips and I felt him removing his pants while driving me crazy with his kisses.

My eyes widened when I felt his thing hitting my in between, Halos mawalan ako ng hininga sa bawat pagtama ng bagay na iyon sa akin. I was waiting for him to put it inside but he’s not doing it, he’s just letting it hit me and teasing me.

I went crazy and asked for him, “Kace.“I called out his name, making him open his eyes. “Yes?” He asked innocently like he was not doing something down there.

I cover my eyes and speak, “Put it inside now,” I said. “Tell me first that she’s my child,” he said with a hoarse voice. Sending me more heat inside of my body and my heart.

He hit it purposely and tried to make me crazy about it, I saw a glimpse of a smirk on his lips as he kept kissing me and teasing me down there.

I can’t take it anymore, I want that thing inside of me….“Kace please put it in already” I whisper between our kisses. “She’s mine Paige,” He said and kept kissing me.

He hit me again and this time I have gone crazy already, “Fucking yes, Kace! She’s yours, she is your blood and flesh, she was the fruit of my love for you and I carried her for fucking nine months, I suffer a lot!” I said that made him stop kissing me and stare at me with a bright smile as tears fall from my eyes.

He smile and chuckled a little bit before he speak, “I know Love, I know and I love you for that,” nakangiti niyang sambit habang pinupunasan ang luha ko, “I’m sorry I wasn’t there,” He whisper and kiss me again.

“I fucking love you and I don’t think anything but you Paige, I love you please tell me you still love me,” He whispers. Tears kept on flowing and emotions kept exposing and the truth escaped my heart too. “I still love you Kace nothing changed––ah” with that he entered me, which made me cry even more.

It was like the first time again after 2 years… I held him so tight as he started thrusting and pushing it deeper. “Ah L-love,” I whisper and moan.

I hugged him and stopped our kisses and bit his shoulder instead, I could hear his breath in my ears as he moved faster and harder. “Fuck so tight,” Kace groans and moves faster.

I bite him harder as I heard the sound that our body makes, I started to feel something inside of me start to build and explode. “I’m cumming,” I whisper. He thrust hard, making me arch again and closing my eyes so hard. “Fuck, I’m near” he groans and moves hard and deeper.

After a few more hard and deep pushes I whimpered as I let out something down there and I felt his release inside of my body. My head falls on the pillow as I feel so weak and shaking. “I love you, Paige, please forgive me and start a new life with me, with us” He wipes and kisses my forehead.

Tears fall from my eyes, Those were the words I long for, He wiped my tears and copped my face. Keep kissing my forehead and eyes. “Like I said I can never get mad at you, I was just sad and scared when you left and tried to show others that I was mad at you but I admit that I was just longing for you, always longing for you,” I said and cried again.

“I’m sorry,” He whispered and kissed the tip of my nose. “I will never leave you again,” he said. “I still love you and that will never change please don’t hurt me again,” I said and closed my eyes when he wiped my tears.

“I love you, Paige,” He said and lay beside me, locking me in his arms and covering us both in a big comforter. He rubs my hair using his other hands and with that I slowly feel sleepy and dizzy, and before I knew I have already fallen asleep.

I wake up when a soft thing touches my lips, and as I open my eyes I see the dream that I wanted to see for so long. It was Kace carrying Ellouise in her arms and trying both trying to wake me up.

“Say Good Morning Mama,” Kace said to Bunny but Bunny just looked at her and giggled. “Come on say Good morning Mama,” he repeated and tried to make Bunny understand but the child just kept on giggling thinking that he was making her laugh.

“Papa..pappamamap,” Bunny mumbled and hit Kace’s face softly. Kace just chuckled at her and kissed her before he leaned down on me and kissed me too.

“I cook breakfast for you in the dining area beside the living room,” He said and kissed my forehead before he left with Bunny.

It was like a picture of a perfect life, I feel so free and light as I stand out of the bed. But I also felt my in-between aches but it’s bearable. I walked to the bathroom and saw a dress inside with a complete set of underwear, I bet Kace prepared this for me. My heart quickly bounced because of happiness, I guess this will be our new start.

After taking a shower and dressing up, I went outside the room and went straight to the living room to find the kitchen.

There it is, I walk toward the kitchen and as I enter it there’s no one inside but I saw a set of breakfast on the wide table. “Kac—–hmmf,” I wasn’t able to finish what I’m saying when he showed up beside me and kiss me.

“I love you,” He whispers and pulls me and makes me a seat in the dining area where he serves so many breakfasts.

“Chocolates,” sa lahat ng pagkain dito chocolate talaga ang nakaagaw ng atensyon ko. Kace chuckled and pushed it close to me, “Meet Chantel,” he said, and showed me that pack of the chocolate, its name is really Chantel.

“The first product of Love, Paige Taste Company,” He said, it made my heart pound knowing how he named all of his hard work to me.

His success was in my Name. I smiled at him and he was about to kiss me when someone knocked on the door. “Wait,” he said and quickly stood up and attended to the door. I followed him and saw a guy in front of the door, he handed Kace a file.

And Carmitte showed up with Bunny in her hands and smiled at me, “What’s that?” Carmitte asked. Kace smiles and says, “It’s just the DNA result,” he said and smiles at me. I smile at him cause we both know the results and what’s true.

He opened it and checked the papers, Carmitte went beside him and checked the papers. Kace looked at me and his smile faded, And Carmitte read the results. “It’s Negative?!”

Chapter 64

“It’s Negative,” Carmitte read it and you can see the confusion on her face. I slowly look at Kace who was seriously staring at me right now as he was standing beside Carmitte, still looking at the paper.

I suddenly feel uneasy and my chest aches by the way Kace is giving me that look. His eyes showed how he is now doubting me, his eyes show that he’s believing what’s written on the results makes me go weak.

“What’s this?” Carmitte asks and glances at Kace, who’s still melting me with those painful stares. “I don’t understand Paige,” he seriously said and a painful glimpse in his eyes but he quickly hid it. I don’t know what to say, my mouth suddenly shot and I can’t think of the right words to use right now.

Suddenly tears fall from my eyes and, “I don’t k-know either,” Naguguluhan kong sambit, bakit ganon? Why is it negative when I surely know that Kace was the only one? The way he ask and look at me makes me go weaker, hindi ko alam kung bakit mas masakit ang nararamdaman ko ngayon, hindi ko alam kung bakit may pagdududa sa kanyang mga mata.

Kung bakit nagtatanong pa siya kung alam naman niya ang totoo, My heart feel so heavy and weird, it’s beating normal but it aches for every beat. “Are you doubting me?” I whispered and looked straight into his eyes, waiting for his reaction, and I regret staring at him because he avoided my gaze and clenched his jaw.

His doubting me? “Is that why you keep telling me that she’s Vernon because it’s true?” he asked, that made me part my lips and unbelievably look at him. My heart turns into pieces as he asks that, his really doubting me. “Napilitan ka lang bang sabihin sakin na anak ko siya dahil kinukulit kita?” Kace asks again, every word hits and stabs my heart with pain.

Why are you asking all of this Kace? Why now that I already open my heart again? Why are you doubting me? “Tell me, Did something happen with you and that Vernon?” Kace darkly asked and stared at me, I gaps and covered my mouth, tears started to fall from my eyes.

“H-how?” I whisper but I know he heard that. How could he think of things like that? I can’t ever do things like that to another man.

“Tell me is she, not mine? Did you just lie?” that kills me, he just kills me with his innocent words. “I-I t-think we’ll j-just g-go to the r-room,” Carmitte said and was about to turn her back and bring Bunny with her but I stopped her.

“No, don’t go anywhere,” I said and wiped my tears, I walked towards her and got Bunny from her, and face Kace looked at him straight in the eyes and bit my lower lips before I gathered the strength to talk.

“How dare you?Paano mo nagawang isipin ang mga bagay na iyon sa’kin?” I ask and tears can’t be held; they just fall and fall as I stare at him. “Paano mo nagagawang magduda sa akin ngayon, ngayon na ako mismo ang nagsabi sayo na anak mo si Ellouise? Paano mo nagagawang mas maniwala sa papel na yan kesa sakin?” I ask weakly and keep looking at those eyes.

He avoided my gaze and clenched his jaw once again. “It’s a DNA test, Page, of course, I would believe it,” he said while looking at the side and kept avoiding me.

I gasp with disbelief and step back, “Do you think I can do that thing with another man?” I ask.

He didn’t answer and didn’t even glance at me, and with that my whole world just turned into pieces. I saw how Carmitte looked at me with pity in her eyes and looked at Kace with disbelief.

I smile and wipe my tears in front of them, I look at my child as she gets doubted by his own father. “I guess silent means yes,” I whisper and look at him, while my heart slowly breaks.

“I can’t believe that you would believe in just a piece of paper rather than my words” I whisper, he didn’t answer and remained looking at the side.

Now he can’t even look at me, even just a glance, umiling iling ako bago naglakas loob magsalita. “I never thought this situation would come, but what can I say you always do unexpected things, right?” I said and carried Bunny tighter.

“Maybe that result we’re right you are not my daughter’s child, so there’s no reason for us to stay here and lock us in” I keep looking and staring at him hoping for him to look at me and say that he wouldn’t believe anything but me.

But I was always wrong, he didn’t look at me, “I will leave now” I whispered and shook my head before I started to walk towards the door.

Waiting for him to grab my wrist and hugged us, Hoping things would be right. I Happy ending really wasn’t for me? Bawat hakbang ko papalapit sa pinto ay katapat ng sakit sa aking puso.

I looked at Bunny, she was just staring at me and his little hands touched my cheeks, making me cry even more. I push the door to open it and step outside, I stop and wipe my tears before I decide to leave and stop hoping…

Why? Kace?

I walk fast and keep wiping my tears that continuously fall. I was near the gate and my heart is breaking even more, painful than the pain 2 years ago. As I stood in front of the gate the guard quickly opened it for me and let us out, “Arigato (Thank you)” I whispered and bowed at him a little bit before I started walking beside the street and grabbed my phone out of my pocket and called him…

After a few rings, he answered, “Hello?”

“K-Kuya” I whisper and burst out crying again, I need him by my side right now. “Why are you crying?!” He asks from the other line. “I wanna go home” I whisper and hug my daughter even more.

I heard Kuya sigh from the other line before he spoke, “Go to the nearest airport right now” He said. I nodded before he ended the call and I quickly called for a taxi.

“Doko ni iku no (Where are we going Ma’am)” The driver asked. “Moyori no kuko e (To the nearest airport,” I said to fix how Bunny seat on my lap.

“Mam…ma,” Suddenly Bunny spoke and touched my chest where my broken heart was located.

She finally said Mama, wiping my tears is no use because I just cried even more and hugged her. “Watashi no kawaisona akachan (My poor Baby)” I whisper and kiss her forehead that making her giggle. “It’s me and you again Bunny” I whisper.

Epilogue

Kace’s Point of View 

“Hey! what are you doing? stop her!!!” Carmitte shouted and hit my left arm, but I remained stiff and still looking at the window. What did just happen? Why is this happening? Is she really isn’t mine?

I don’t know what to say and what to believe, Is it true when she says that Vernon was the real father of Ellouise. Was I just really expecting things to turn up perfect, when I left her for two years without any words?

Hindi imposible na mangyari ang nasa isip ko, pagkatapos ng lahat ng ginawa ko sa kanya. She never heard anything from me since I left, I don’t know if Vernon comforted her that time and something like that happened.

“Hey!!! Kace, wake up!!! She’s already out of the mansion!!!! Come on while she’s still near. STOP HER!!!” I got back to my senses when Carmitte slapped my face slightly and tried to make me look at her.

“Hey why did you let her leave?” She asked when I looked at her, I shook my head and, “I don’t know” I whispered.

“What if Verno—–,” I couldn’t finish what I’m gonna say when Carmitte slapped me. “Does that matter? I thought you love her? why are you letting her go? why is the results a big deal, when you fucking know that it’s your child, Kace! Kacey, clearly look like you and you’re still doubting because of this fucking sheet of paper? This may have been a mistake—,”

“Sir!!!” Carmitte and I looked at the door when someone showed up, it’s Robi, my assistant. Hinihingal at mukhang tumakbo ito. “Why are you here?” I ask, I didn’t remember asking him to come, because I set this day for Paige but I guess it’s not gonna happen again,she already left.

“Sir, the results were mistaken, this is the real result,” he said, and with that Carmitte and I looked at each other and she quickly grabbed the envelope and opened it beside me. “Oh god, I’m gonna punch you if this is positive, imbecil! (Jerk!)” she said while opening it, my heart is pounding so fast while waiting for it.

Oh please don’t let me lose this time again. I silently pray. Carmitte opened it and our eyes quickly landed at the bottom part of the paper and as I saw the result a hard punch hit my face made me step backward and felt my lips pop.

I watch Carmitte shake her hands and glare at me, “ Que te dije!!! (What did I tell you!!!)“ She hazed. That punch clearly woke me up and instantly stood straight, “Shit!!” I said and ran as fast as I could to reach the main gate.

It’s positive, She’s my daughter Paige carries my daughter. “Kanojo wa doko?! (Where is she?!)” I quickly ask the guard that makes him stand up and look at me. “Kanojo wa sudeni sā o sarimashita (She already left Sir)” he said.

Fuck! I quickly run out of the gate and look around the street. If she’s still here, I walk and run around the area but I can’t see her.

“Sumimasen, mawari ni kanojo o mimashita ka (Excuse me, did you see her around?)” I ask the old lady sitting on the bench. And I showed her Paige picture of Paige from my phone.

She looked at it and thought, “Hai, kanojo wa sudeni takushī ni notte imasu (Yes, she already rides a taxi)” She said and kept nodding. “Kanojo ga doko ni iku no ka kiita koto ga arimasu ka (Have you heard where is she going?)” I asked and hoped that she heard it. Oh please God, help me with this.

“Kuko,Moyori no kūkō (Airport, nearest airport!)” she said and with that, I immediately ran to my house and ran towards the car. “Where is she?!” Carmitte asked as she went outside of the mansion. “Airport,” I shouted and went inside the car. “Wait!!!” she shouted and ran to my window.

“What?” I ask and try to make our conversation faster because I need to stop Paige. “Here” she put it in my palm and smiled genuinely. “Bring her home,” she said and open the engine by putting the car keys on and letting me leave.

I look at what she gave and quickly secure it in my pocket and drive fast as I can to the nearest airport. “Please, don’t leave…” I whispered and tears started to escape.

---

Chantel’s Point of View

“Watashitachiha kūkō ni imasu (We’re here at the airport)” I open my eyes when the Driver speaks and stops the car in front of the airport.

I nodded and put my phone into his scanner, “Arigatōgozaimashita (Thank you)” I said and sob before we stepped out of the car. I gathered all my strength and breathed out before I started walking toward the entrance of the airport.

“Pappapmmm….hmm,” Bunny started to cry when we enter the airport and seat on the lobby just like what my brother said.

“Shhhh don’t cry Bunny,” I whisper at her and try to make her stop but she just cries even more. “Papap!!!papapapapa,‘’ she kept on calling him and crying louder, and it started to catch people’s attention.

“No baby please not here, come stop crying” I whisper in her ears and try to shake her and hug her to stop her from crying but it didn’t work.

I started to feel panic when everyone is looking at me now, here in Japan it’s a rule that you should keep a low sound when you’re in a public place and now Bunny is just making the loudest voice around here making everyone look at us so I stand up and carry her.

“Shhhh please stop crying, Ellouise,” I beg and my eyes started to feel watery, I don’t know what to do she’s not stopping. “Papap…papapa….papa!!!!” she’s shouting.

I try to stop her with anything I know to stop her from crying and make her focus on other things but none of them work. Sabay sabay na lahat ng problema at sakit, hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko….lumuha na ako habang patuloy siyang pinatahan.

“Paige!!” I heard Kace’s voice, and now I’m hallucinating and Bunny’s voice is hurting my ears already. “Paige!!!” I started walking towards the restroom area and tried to make Ellouise stop crying there. Oh my gosh“!“ I shouted when Ellouise jump in my arms, at muntikan ko na siyang mabitawan, mabuti nalang nahila ko ang damit niya.

“Papa!!!” she shouted and kept making me let go of her. “Ellouise stop,” I said and try to carry her properly but she kept moving. I cry with her, dahil tuliro na ang isipan ko at hindi kona alam ang gagawin ko para mapatigil lang siya.

“Please stop, baby,” I whisper and wipe my tears using my other hand and continue to walk towards the restroom.

“Paige,” I gasp when someone grabs my hand and makes me turn my back. A tight hug I felt when I turned my back and suddenly Bunny stopped crying and tried to hug the person who’s hugging me right now. And I surely know who this is. “Papap,” Bunny mumbled and hug Kace instead of me.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry for doubting you…I was just so scared that I was too late and wrong, I was too scared to admit that leaving you might lead to circumstances like that.. I have so many what if’s in my mind and when it comes to you, they’re always the hardest ones. I didn’t doubt that you would never sleep with another man, I didn’t answer because I was scared to hear anything from you. I was scared that it was true, It’s been two years and now I realize that I’m still fucking weak when it comes to you. Now I run after you because I’m scared of losing you again, I’m scared of losing this game again, this time I wanna fight but I end up hurting you again because I’m a weak person, I understand if your going to give up on me now, I know I deserved it, but please let me beg to you, let me beg to you this time…“I felt my shoulder get wet by his tears as he started crying in my arms.

“Let me beg you and ask you to stay by my side, don’t leave me,” My eyes widened when he slowly kneel down, and as Bunny let go of him, watch him kneel, Bunny spread her arms and closed open her hands like she’s asking Kace to come back and let her hug him again.

I burst out crying as I watched them both kneel to level with Kace and let Ellouise hug her again. “Please I’m begging you to stay with me, don’t leave me” Kace shook his head and cried. Ellouise just move to him and hugged him tapping her little hands on Kace back and mumbling words, “Papap…papap.”

I wipe my tears and cope with Kace’s face using my other hands, making him look at me. “Please,” he begged as our eyes met.

I close my eyes before I whisper, “I will,” I said and kiss him. Loving him was not a choice, it was a must. Whatever happens, loving him is always a must, even how hurt I would End up. I will still love him and forgive him, giving him myself, my soul and my heart.

Because I don’t see myself loving another man more than him, “Will not leave you so please be strong for me,” I whisper and face him, wipe his tears and smile at him.

“Forgive me,” he whispered while I wiped his tears and Bunny helped too, she put her little hands on Kace’s face and touched his tears using her pointing fingers. “Hmmm,” she said and showed me Kace tears.

“Forgiven,” I said and kissed his forehead, “Stop crying now,” I was about to kiss the tip of his nose when Ellouise stopped me by pushing my face using her little hands. She leaned on Kace and kissed his eyes. “Papa,” she whispered after kissing Kace, Kace carried her from me and hugged her so tight.

“Paige, I love you,” he said and reached for my hands. I smile at him “I love you more than my life Kace, You and Ellouise ‘’ I whisper. Kace, let go of my other hand and get something from his pocket and show it to me.

“What’s that?” I ask. “This was the first wrapper of the chocolate bar I gave you after you threw it away I picked it up and made it a ring, promise myself that I will give this to you in the time when I finally am going to ask you to marry me,” he said.

“But we were still kids when you gave me the first chocolate bar?” I utter. “The first time I laid my eyes on you, I knew that you’re the one I want to marry someday and now I won’t waste time anymore, I want to ask you will you marry me Chantel Paige Delavine? Can you stay with me for a lifetime, spend days, hours, minutes, and seconds with me?” he said and pointed the paper ring on my hands.

Bunny looks at us and grabs the ring from Kace and wears it in her hands. “Yeshhhmmmm,” she said which made us laugh. “She already answer it for m——,” hindi ko na natapos ang sasabihin ko ng halikan ako ni Kace, at nakarinig ako ng malakas na palakpakan sa paligid.

When I open my eyes, there are a lot of people watching us. Kace and I stood up and he hugged me, so I hid on his chest while he smiled around the people.

“So, you called me, crying and saying you want to go home. When you really just want me to watch this jerk proposed to you,” Agad akong napatingin sa likuran ko ng marinig ang boses ni Kuya. He was standing there with her arms crossed above his chest as he smirked at us, “KUYA!” I said and ran to him.

“Cad,” Kace said, smiling at Kuya, Kuya nodded at him before he finched Bunny’s cheeks and looked at me. “So, when’s the wedding?”

---

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the priest said Kace lifted up my vail, touched my face as he gave me the sweetest kiss in the world. A loud clap surrounds the whole garden as our family and friends cheer for us. This is the day I’m finally Mrs. Lennon.

After the wedding, we went straight to the venue and entertained our guests. “Kace! Chantel!!” while taking a picture Carmitte suddenly shouted and ran to us. “Why are you shouting?” Kace asks her. “Ellouise is missing!!!”

“What!!!” Kace and I quickly run to the door out of the venue, but instantly stop as we open the door and see Ellouise in front of us.

She was carried by my Mom, “M-mom,” I whisper. Mom suddenly cries and smiles at me, she looks so different right now, she’s wearing a white simple dress and no pieces of jewelry. Dad showed up by her side and held her shoulder as they both smiled at us.

My heart beats so fast and suddenly my eyes become watery, “Congratulations,” they both said, and with that, I burst out and ran to them.

I cry in their arms as they hug me back so tight and Mom whispers at me, “I’m so sorry for everything, I was never a good mother to you please forgive me” I think that’s just the only word I need to hear from her and everything is fine again.

“I love you Mom, you are always the best teacher in my life without you I won’t be strong enough to face this, I love you and now I understand it all,” I said.

She moves away to kiss my forehead and give Dad Ellouise, as she walks toward Kace and hugs him. “I’m so sorry for everything,” she said, Kace quickly hugged her back and showed a longingness on a mother’s hug, tears falling from his eyes.

“Without all your challenges we won’t be facing this perfect life with each other, Thank you for the test now I’m already strong enough to fight for your daughter,” Mom smiled at him and patted his head as she nodded and went back to Dad.

The day ends so fast and right now we are in our room as a married couple, and Ellouise sleeping between us. “Sobrang tagal na simula ng maramdaman ko ang pakiramdam ng buong pamilya” Kace pertaining about his family.

“Thank you, you give me another chance to feel it again and now with my own built family, thank you for everything Love, thank you for being strong when I’m weak. Thank you” he genuinely said.

“You’re welcome,” I said and we both laughed, “I love you, Mrs. Lennon,” he said and reached my hands, intertwined them, and leaned for a kiss.

“Ouch,” he groan when Ellouise moved and lifted her feet that hit Kace’s face.

I cover my mouth and laugh silently, Kace did the same thing and just did a flying kiss. “I love you for a lifetime Love, with no expirations,” I said and we both laughed silently as we both kissed our little Bunny. This is my own kind of fairytale.

I wasn’t perfect but it was wonderful, I must say that the real story was just about to begin. Chantel Paige Delavine resigning now, and Chantel Paige D. Lennon is now and forever will be His Assets.

Fin

EXTRA INFO.

CHANTEL PAIGE DELAVINE

Age: 21 y/o

Birthdate: March 26

Blood type: +AB

Weight: 54 kg/ 119 lbs

Height: 179 cm/ (5’10“)

Zodiac: Aries

Eye color: Blue-green

Hair color: Cream brown with ash highlights

Hobbies: Modeling, eating sweets chocolates.

KACE DRIECOS LENNON

Age: 25 y/o

Birthdate: November 27

Blood type: AB

Weight: 74kg/163 lbs

Height: 186.5cm/ 6’1“)

Zodiac: Sagittarius

Eye color: Hazel Brown

Hair color: Black

Hobbies: WORK! Spoiling Paige

PLEASE READ!!!

Hello,

New Readers and Old Babidawns, I’m here to sincerely apologize for ruining your expectation for this story, alam kong sobrang daming errors, typos, grammatical errors, wrong spellings sa story na ito. Hindi po kasi inaasahan na madaming magbabasa nito ngayon kaya hindi ko muna inabala ang pageedit ng mga stories ko. Alam kong mahirap magbasa ng mga story na maraming error, please just let me finish my on-going story and I promise to fix all of my errors to all my story. Please don’t expect too much, I’m just starting to grow in this flatform. Please bear with me and I’m really sorry.

-Dawnvellichor

SECRET SPECIAL CHAPTER OF LOA#1

(EXCLUSIVELY FOR BADIDAWNS)

FADED ACCOUNTS

“Ay tanga sa likod!!!!” malakas kong sigaw ng mamatay ang kasama ko. Bobo amputs!

“Hey, bibig mo,” napalingon ako bumukas ang pinto ng kwarto ay pumasok si Oli, na may dala-dalang langka. Mabilis ko siyang nginitian at hinarap ang screen ng PC ko.

Kailangan kong manalo, pang ilang laro ko na ito palaging talo. Kailangan kong manalo kahit isa lang bago matulog. “I think that’s enough” halos gumuho ang mundo ko ng tanggalin ni Oli ang saksak ng PC sa saksakan at tuluyan namatay ang PC ko.

Nanlulumo akong napasandal sa aking gaming chair at pinanuod siyang ilagay ang isang mangkok ng langka sa aking harapan at tinabi ang mga plastik ng yemang kinakain ko kanina habang naglalaro.

“What?” he asked when I remained staring at him when he made me face him and he sat in front of me.

Wala sa sariling kinuha ko ang aking cellphone sa kama na nasa likuran ko lang at agad tinawagan si Sienna. After three rings sinagot niya na ito at ginawang face time ang call ko kaya hinarap ko sa aking mukha ang aking cellphone.

When I saw her face agad akong umiyak at nagsumbong, “Sienna hindi na ako mahal ni Oliverious!!!” Malakas kong sambit, “What?” gulat na sambit ng lalakeng nasa likuran ko.

“Why?” tanong ni Sienna mula sa kabilang linya. “ Kasi pinatay niya yong PC ko on game ako!!! Hindi niya na ako mahal“ Umiiyak ko sambit at agad tumulo ang luha ko.

“Oh my god,” Sienna commented.

“Hey I just did that because you need to eat first, It’s not that I don’t love you anymore” umupo sa kama si Oli para makaharap ko.

“Wahh ganun na din ’yon!!!” sambit ko at muli siyang tinalikuran sa pamamagitan ng pagikot ng gaming chair ko at kinausap si Sienna.

“Hey stop crying na Aberry, Tomorrow I will send you treats from Japan, morinaga caramel and kinokono yama right?” agad nagliwanag ang paningin ko at tila nagmukhang anghel sa aking paningin si Sienna at agad akong tumango na parang bata.

“Stop crying na, Eat the langka na..” Sabi niya kaya pinunasan ko ang aking luha at nakita ko pang inabutan ako ni Oliver ng face towel pero inisnob ko lang siya.

“Ok call you tomorrow ok bye” She said and turn of the video call, hinarap ko si Oli at tinignan ng masama, inabot ko ang mangkok ng langka at nagsimulang kumain habang patuloy siyang tinititigan ng masama.

“Hey haha, hindi ba papanget ang baby natin niyan kung nakasimangot ka ng sobra” Tignan mo tong gagong to’ pagtritripan laro, pati mukha ko!

“Hindi panget ang anak ko dahil si Sienna ang pinaglilihihan ko!!! Mukhang japanese tong anak ko no!!! Tyaka wag mo nga akong kausapin magkaaway tayo diba!!!” I said and kept on eating.

“Anak ko din po yan” magalang niyang sambit habang nakangiti sa akin, saya ah! “Wala akong pake hindi mo na to anak ngayon! Pinatay mo laro ko!!” singhal ko dito at mabilisan inubos ang langka.

He sighs and smile at me once again, “Ok tell me what do you me to do, para maging anak ko na ulit ang anak natin” natatawa niyang sambit, aba talagang masaya ka pa ah!!

“Maglaro ka pataasin mo ang rank ko” sagot ko at inabot ang cellphone kong isa para sa laro, inabot ko sa kanya pagkatapos kong ipunta sa laro.

“Yan pataasin mo yong rank ko dali!!!” kinuha niya ito at kasama ang kamay ko, hinila niya ako kaya napatayo ako mula sa gaming chair papunta sa hita niya, pinaupo niya ako sa lap niya at nagsimulang ayusin ang laro sa aking cellphone.

“Itataas ko ang rank mo them bati na tayo ulit?” Tanong niya habang pinipindot na ang laro na malapit nang magstart.

“Di ko sure hmf!” sagot ko pero tumawa lang siya at nagfocus na sa laro. Pinanunuod ko lang ang laro niya, pero ng mapatingin ako sa mukha niya napansin kong nagkakabigote na siya ulit at hindi na naahit ang makapal niyang kilay.

Bigla kong naalala na ilang buwan na din akong nakatutok sa laro kaya hindi ko na siya na alagaan at hindi ko na nagagawa ang mga obligasyon ko bilang asawa niya. Nakaramdam ako ng kirot sa aking dibdib at hindi ko namalayan na lumuluha na naman ako.

Baka hindi niya na ako mahal dahil hindi ko na siya naaalagaan, baka ayawan niya na ako kasi ang taba-taba ko na tapos hindi ko na siya napagluluto ng pagkain.

Masyado akong nagfocus sa pagbubuntis ko at hindi ko na siya naalala. Ang sama kong asawa!

sobs

Agad siyang napalingon sa akin at kunot noo akong tinignan bago bumalik sa laro at kinombohan ang kalaban kaya panalo sila agad, ako nagturo non! Ay huhuhu hindi pala ako mabuting asawaaaa!!!!

“Hey, hey bakit umiiyak ka nanaman? Nanalo ako oh Baby look” he said and showed me the phone but I just shook my head and leaned on his shoulders.

“Ang sama kong asawa” Bulong ko, “What i don’t understand what you said, ulit” he said and held my hand and made me look him in the eye.

“Why are you crying Aberry”, He ask and wipe my tears. Hindi ko napigilan at niyakap ko siya ng mahigpit. “Sorry” I whisper.

“Sorry saan?” he confusedly ask, “K-kasi..k-kasi hindi na kita naalagaan ako na lang lagi mong inaalagaan.”

He stiffed for a second before he laughed and hugged me back and sniffed my neck, “Your moodswing is killing me hahaha” bakit siya tumatawa?

Mas umiyak ako lalo at isiniksik ang aking sarili sa kanyang balikat. “Hindi mo kailangan maguilty if ever na hindi mo na ako naalalagaan dahil ikaw ang gusto kong alagaan ngayon and I’m happy na naalagaan kita, tyaka na ako magdedemand ng alaga mo pagmalaki na ang baby natin, you know I understand it clearly.. Ikaw inaalagaan mo ang baby natin and alam kong sobrang hirap non even though sana tyan mo pa lang siya.. So, I think my job here is to take care of you so you can take care of our baby well” malambing niyang sambit.

“Pano ka sinong mag-aalaga sayo?”

“Our baby, hearing his heartbeat on your tummy means a lot of energy for me, and watching her kick makes me so alive kaya don’t worry na ok, I love you” he said and kissed my head, I looked at him and let him wipe my tears again.

“Eh pano yong ano hindi na natin nagagawa baka mamaya maghanap ka ng kapartner mo habang di ako pwedi!!!” I said and glared at him.

“Anong ano? What do you mean? Partner saan?” naguguluhang tanong niya. “Sa ano…yong ano..” he laughed at my struggles in saying what I wanted to say and asked once again. “I don’t understand you Aberry”

“Yong sex!! Hindi na tayo naggaganon kasi!!! Baka mamaya maghanap ka ng iba habang di ako pwedi, mamaya makipag anohan ka sa secretary mo kasi needs mo yon, kagaya nong mga napapanuod ko sa palabas!!!” pikit mata kong sambit at hinampas ang kanyang braso.

“Hahaha..my secritary? Aberry wife, my secretary is a guy.. Dencio do you think I would have se––” tinakpan ko na ang bibig niya, shet di ko maimagine!

“Ah basta! Subukan mong maghanap ng iba habang di ako pwede di mo na kami makikita ng anak mo!!!” pagbabanta ko pero tinawanan niya lang ako ulit. “I will never find someone better rider than you” he said and smirked sensually.

That suddenly light up my mood, and I smile at him, “Dapat lang ako lang talaga pinakamagaling sa lahat!!!” pagmamayabang ko.

“Really? Can you ride me again please?” he said, and kissed my lips. I open my mouth so my husband can explore inside of it and arched my head when he move down to my jaw and neck.

He lifted me up and slowly laid me on the bed…

Sinimulan niya nang abutin ang strap ng sando ko at sinimulan itong ibaba ng biglang….

“Agh!!!” I shouted….

Sumasakit tyan ko ng… Sobra!!!

“Aberry, what’s happening?” he asked.

“Ahhh ptangna, manganganak na ako, Oliverious!!! Aray!” I shouted with all my lungs out.

“Car key? Wallet? Phone” agad siyang tumayo at nagpapanic na ninahanap ang mga pinagsasabi… p*ta sakit na!!

“Ahhh, Oliverious Beltran, kasalanan mo to!!!”

“I know,” he said.

“HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA——

---

“Happyyy birthday to you… Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday, Happy birthday Dear Olivia, Happy Birthday to you…” malakas naming kinanta ito para sa aming munting prinsesa.

I lean her near towards the cake and blow it with her, Alari is four years old already…

My sweet little Olivia Polarice C. Beltran…

“Play with your friend now Oli” I whisper in her ears and let her go, she immediately runs towards Ali and Chantel’s baby and plays with them.

“Hi gorgeous looking go as always? Can you give me a ride?” the big Oli whispers in my ears and wraps his arms around my waist.

“Mamaya na yang kahalayan mo pwede ba bantayan mo ang anak mo” sambit ko at hinrap siya. “Oh so ngayon anak ko na lang siya samantalang nong pinagbubuntis mo siya ipinagdadamot mo siya sa akin” his teasing me.

“Yeah, pero iba na ngayon anak mo na lang siya pareho kayong makulit” I said, “No your wrong sweetie ikaw ang makulit sa ating dalawa kaya kayo ang magkapareho” he said and move his face closer to mine.

“Kayo!” bawi ko, at lumapit din, “No, kayo,” he said and move again. “No, kayo,” natatawa kong sambit dahil magkadikit na ang aming noo.

“No, kayo,” Oli.

“Hindi kay––”

“Excuse me, can you guys repeat us single?” nagulat kami ng sumulpot si Sienna sa gilid namin, agad kaming naglayo ni Oli at nginitian siya.

“Excuse?“Awkward kong sambit at tumawa kaming tatlo.

“Hala, ayun na hinalikan na ahahaha!!” napalingon kami ng marinig ang sigaw ni Lana, and we saw her taking a picture of our daughter getting kiss by Dyky!!!

“Oli!” sabay namin sambit at tumakbo sa anak namin.

Yeah, this is it, my own true happy ending…

Faded Accounts no more!!!

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