Prologue

He’s the

boss

. As in, hindi lang basta-basta boss—he’s Liam Mikael Estrada. The most gwapo, most in-demand, charming bachelor in town. The type na parang walking endorsement ng every luxury brand you can imagine. Kaya nga secretly, I call him Mr. Human Ring Light —kasi kahit saang anggulo, kahit anong ilaw, ang perfect niya.

The catch? Medyo masungit siya. Not the friendly-smiley type, more like the “serious 24/7” type. Parang ginawa na niyang full-time hobby ang pagiging suplado at intimidating.

But here’s the thing—I got a crush on him the moment I first saw him during my job interview for his company. At first, I told myself it was just a harmless crush. Tamang work inspo lang. Something na parang bonus motivation para gumising ng maaga at pumasok on time.

Pero syempre, hindi gano’n kasimple. As days passed, mas lalo kong nakilala si Liam. And instead of fading, my feelings just got deeper. The more I saw his flaws, the more I realized na even those… made me like him more.

The problem? I’m trans. And he’s straight.

So now, here’s the million-peso question: kaya ko bang panindigan na hanggang crush lang siya, or will I fall so deep na baka wala nang balikan?

SECRETLY YOURS, BOSS

Written by talklikeaboss

All rights reserved. 2025

Chapter 1

I couldn’t sleep. As in, kanina pa ako paikot-ikot sa kama ko, parang I’m in some restless choreography na hindi ko naman sinasadya. My silk sheets, kahit gaano ka-luxurious, parang hindi makapag-comfort sa akin tonight. My heart is doing this drum roll inside my chest.

And the reason? Earlier today, I took the plunge and applied to one of the most prestigious BPO company in the country right now— Emerson & Lyle . Not your typical BPO ha—this is an international powerhouse, headquartered in the US, na last year lang naisipang i-extend ang empire nila dito sa Pilipinas. Think: Wall Street meets Bonifacio Global City. And me? I went in with eyes wide open… and heart in my throat.

If you think about it, I was already in a comfortable place career-wise. My former company treated me well, salary was decent, I even had a corner cubicle na may killer view. Pero alam mo ’yung when you just feel na your soul is craving for something bigger? That’s me. I wanted growth. Not just financial growth, but the kind that changes you. So with a very deep breath (and konting kape para sa lakas ng loob), I tendered my resignation, packed my designer mug, and walked away.

Noong nakaraang lunes pa lang actually ako nag-apply sa Emerson & Lyle. And I swear, I nailed that interview. Hindi sa pagmamayabang, pero out-of-the-box questions are practically my runway. Every answer, every smile, every calculated pause—I was serving it. Kaya when the panel said, “We’ll call you,” I almost gave them a standing ovation. But also, parang may tiny crack sa confidence ko.

Kasi, let’s be real—mga high-caliber companies like this have their own mysterious ways. Sa ibang kumpanya, one-day process lang. Dito? Even if you’re practically the reincarnation of their ideal employee, when they say “We’ll call you,” it’s either a promise or a polite no. And that ambiguity? It’s torture.

So here I am, kabadong parang I’m waiting for a next episode ng series na pinapanood ko sa netflix, praying na hindi mamatay ang bida. The idea of not getting in is unthinkable. Like, I already told my old workmates—with just the right touch of smugness—that I was leaving for Emerson & Lyle. Can you imagine the shame kung hindi pala ako matanggap? Social suicide.

Then suddenly—my phone rang. The sound sliced through my anxiety like a champagne cork popping at a yacht party. I glanced at the screen: unknown number. My pulse? Skyrocketing. I whispered a prayer to all saints of corporate success.

“Hello? Who’s this?” I tried to sound calm, pero may crack sa boses ko. Classy crack, pero crack pa rin.

“Hi! This is Sheena from Emerson & Lyle. Is this Brix Peralta?”

For a split second, I froze. Parang runway model na natapilok backstage pero somehow nag-recover. Her tone was bright, almost celebratory. And I was clinging to that hope like it was my Birkin.

“Yes, speaking.”

“Thank you for answering my call. I just want you to know that based on your interview last monday, we found out that you are qualified to be a new agent here at Emerson & Lyle. May I know the best day for you to come for your job offer?”

The words hit me like a perfectly chilled glass of Moët on a humid Manila afternoon. This was it. The golden ticket. The coveted yes. My inner monologue was already screaming and doing cartwheels in Louboutin heels, but outwardly, I kept my tone smooth.

“I’m available on Tuesday at 2 PM,” I replied, as if I hadn’t been manifesting this for weeks.

“Great! We’ll see you then. Bye.”

The moment the call ended, I finally let go. I jumped on my bed like a giddy debutante who just got proposed to at a Paris ball. The kind of joy na hindi mo mabibili kahit ilang Hermès pa ang bilhin mo.

Finally. Emerson & Lyle. My next chapter. And I’m ready.

Ako nga pala si Brix Martin Peralta—although honestly, I only really claim the first and last name. ’Yung Martin kasi, for me, parang sobra siyang pang-lalaki in a very straight, varsity-jacket, jeepney-sitting kind of way. And while I do love men (in every possible sense), that middle name just doesn’t match my energy. My friends—well, my real friends—just call me Brix.

I’m twenty-three years young, fabulously loud, unapologetically gay, and living solo dito sa Manila. My entire family, as in buong clan, relocated na to Canada years ago, all bundled up in puffer jackets and sipping peppermint mochas in some snow-covered suburb. Pero ako? I chose to stay here. Not because I didn’t love them—oh my God, I do—but because I wanted to prove something to myself. I wanted independence, the real, raw kind. I didn’t want to be that spoiled Manila boy na umaasa lang sa monthly remittance from parents abroad.

Sure, my parents can still provide me with everything I could possibly ask for—luxury bags, European vacations, limited-edition sneakers—but there’s something deliciously intoxicating about earning your own money. Kaya kahit masakit sa bangs ko minsan, I stayed, I hustled, I worked.

And because I’m me, of course gusto ko ring i-maximize ang pagiging free and fabulously queer. I wanted everything: the nights out in the city, the dangerous crushes, the 3 AM afterparties na amoy champagne at cigarette smoke, the kind of whirlwind romance na parang lumabas lang sa isang magazine. Gusto kong maranasan lahat ’yan—no parental curfews, no one asking “Anong oras ka uuwi?” Just me and the city.

So yes, I bought my own condo. Paid in full from my own savings and the salary I earned from my last job. Hindi siya Forbes Park mansion, but it’s mine—floor-to-ceiling windows, a closet that’s 70% statement pieces, and a queen-size bed na parang naging stage ko na rin for life’s… let’s say, more private performances.

And honestly? I can say na I’m living quite a lavish single life. My salary is mine alone—walang hatian, walang nagpapadala sa probinsya, no tita asking for pang-tuition. I’m grateful every single day na pinanganak ako sa isang pamilya na hindi lang financially comfortable, but also emotionally generous. No judgment, no shame. Ever since bata pa lang ako, parang alam na nila na babaihin ang bunso nilang anak—so by the time I officially came out, it was less of a confession and more of a formal announcement of something everyone already knew.

They just nodded, smiled, and probably thought, “Finally.”

Anyway, look at me—nagiging emotional na. Pero enough about my whole origin story. I need my beauty sleep. Tomorrow is officially my last day in my old company. May pa-despedida sila for me—nothing grand, just a small spread of wine, pasta, and probably the token chocolate cake with “Good Luck, Brix!” in overly sweet frosting.

And then, come Tuesday? My job offer day with Emerson and Lyle.

God, I can’t even stop smiling thinking about it. I feel like I’m standing right at the edge of something major. The kind of chapter change na parang soundtrack-worthy. Tonight, I’ll sleep with a grin on my lips, as if even in my dreams, I’m already stepping into that next, brighter room.

"Be, I'm seriously gonna miss you," Trish said, her voice trembling habang nakayakap siya sa akin na parang ayaw na niya akong pakawalan. I could feel her arms tightening around me, and when I glanced at her face, her eyes were glistening, ready to spill those precious tears na pilit niyang pinipigilan.

Trish is honestly my one and only real bestfriend here. Like, literally. Siya lang talaga. Everyone else sa company? Oh my gosh, pure plastics. As in, mga fake-fakean na parang friends lang sa surface pero deep down, ginagamit ka lang pala. And the worst part? They only pretended to like me kasi they know I have money. Ako naman, being my naïve, so trusting self, nagpauto pa talaga. Imagine, I actually thought they cared about me.

Pero si Trish? Iba siya. She's the only person na may guts to actually confront me about stuff—brutally honest kung brutally honest. If she doesn't like something about me, she'll tell me straight to my face, no filter. And she was also the one who opened my eyes na, hello, ginagamit lang pala ako ng mga ka-work namin. Like, she literally said, 
"Girl, wake up, they're just leeching off your wallet."
 That was my wake-up call.

After that, I kinda distanced myself from everyone else. I stopped joining their fake coffee invites, yung mga "let's hang out" na actually "let's see if you'll pay for our frappes." And from then on, I just stuck with Trish.

I honestly thought na maybe they prepared some cute padespedida for me or something, kasi nga I'm leaving soon. Pero, nope. Nada. Not even a single congratulations na natanggap ako sa Emerson & Lyle. Obviously, kasi wala na silang mahuhuthut sa akin. So sad for them.

"Be, I told you before pa na you should follow me to Emerson & Lyle. Para we can be together again, 'di ba?" I told her for like, the hundredth time already, with that little playful tone pero deep inside, 
I'm serious, girl.

I've been convincing her for weeks to apply with me. But this stubborn queen? She always says no. Takot daw siya kasi baka hindi siya makapasa sa interview. She knows kasi na super intense yung hiring process sa Emerson & Lyle—like, it's not for the faint-hearted. Pero ako, I went for it blindfolded, just for the sake of my career growth. And honestly? It paid off. Totally worth it.

"You know I can't just leave my job like that. My family needs me. Like, what would I even feed them if I don't have work?" she said, with that defensive but tired tone.

"Ayan ka na naman!" I groaned. "For once and for all, can you just think about yourself muna? Hindi pwedeng palaging sila ang priority mo. How will you even grow kung lagi mo silang binubuhat sa balikat mo?" I said, in full bestfriend motivational speaker mode, before casually sipping my iced caramel macchiato like it was a dramatic scene in some Netflix series.

She just sighed—one of those deep, weighted sighs—then looked away. Her gaze went far, like she was staring at a future she couldn't quite imagine yet.

Kasi here's the thing: Trish is the youngest sa siblings nila, just like me. Pero the difference? Siya pa ang breadwinner. Mind you, she's only twenty, pero she's carrying the weight of an entire household. Her older siblings? Oh, they married early. And guess what—when they run short on cash, guess sino ang unang tinatawagan? Yep. Trish.

"Hey, why are you crying?" I asked, nang mapansin kong may luha nang tumulo sa gilid ng mata niya.

"Wala lang," she said softly. "I just... had a realization about everything you said. You're right. Maybe it's about time I choose myself."

I smiled—one of those quiet, relieved smiles. Honestly, I thought this bestfriend of mine would never have that breakthrough moment. But there it was.

Finally, Tuesday na. I’m here at the chic and modern office of Emerson and Lyle, sitting in the waiting area, anticipating my turn. May ilan pa akong kasabay, all waiting for the same thing—a job offer.

Medyo may kaba pa rin. Kahit sabihin pang pasado na ako, there’s still that flutter in my chest that just won’t go away.

“Brix Peralta?” tawag ng isang babae from the reception area. I looked up, flashed a confident smile, and walked over. She guided me towards a glass-walled conference room.

Pagpasok ko, agad akong sinalubong ng malamig na hampas ng aircon. Inside, there were three people—two women, one man.

Naturally, my eyes went straight to the only man in the room.

My God. He’s hot . And when I say hot, I mean the type of hot na tipong mala-Michele Morrone ang aura.

Tangina , medyo nag-wet ata ang kiffy ko.

He was wearing a pale blue polo shirt, unbuttoned at the top for that subtle tease. Hair, perfectly brushed up. Skin, sun-kissed bronze. Eyes, almond brown. And those lips—soft pink and just the right shape. Tapos buff pa siya. As in, the type of buff na parang gusto mong magpa-headlock habang nakangiti.

“Hi,” bati ng babaeng katabi niya, pulling me out of my mini fantasy.

“Hello, I’m Brix,” I introduced myself, my voice just a tiny bit shaky. Not sure if it was from the AC… or from the view.

“Have a seat,” she offered. I sat down directly across from them, but my eyes kept darting back to Mr. Human Ring Light.

Grabe, I’ve seen a lot of attractive men in my life, but this one? He’s in a league of his own—parang laging may professional lighting crew following him around.

Gosh. Worth it talaga ang Emerson and Lyle. If this is the kind of eye candy I’ll be working with, walang absent-an to, promise.

“Hi Brix, I’m Sheena. I’m the one you spoke with the other night who gave you the good news,” she said with a smile. “As I mentioned over the phone, you’re qualified to be an agent here in Emerson and Lyle, but…”

She paused. Then her eyes flicked to Mr. Human Ring Light.

Biglang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Jusko , akala ko secured na ’to. Akala ko araw-araw ko nang makikita ang lalaking ’to sa opisina. Pero bakit may but ?

“Is there any problem?” hindi ko napigilan itanong, trying to sound calm kahit ramdam ko na parang may drumline sa dibdib ko.

Napatingin sa akin si Mr. Human Ring Light —seryoso ang mukha, parang hindi marunong ngumiti. Lalo tuloy akong kinabahan, parang may announcement na magpapabago ng buhay ko forever.

“Actually, you are more than qualified,” he began, in that impossibly deep, smooth voice. “As we reviewed your CV, we saw that you graduated from the University of Ontario, finishing Business Communication. So instead of offering you an agent position, management decided to give you a role in the back office.” Walang pause, walang crack sa boses, parang scripted sa isang luxury brand commercial. Mas lalo tuloy akong na-fall… sa boses niya.

“You heard it right, Brix. So it’s up to you if you want to accept the offer,” dagdag ni Sheena, smiling as if inaabot niya sa’kin ang susi ng bagong Range Rover.

Duh? Sino ba naman ako para tanggihan ang ganitong blessing? High position, competitive salary, plus gwapong officemate na parang leading man sa Netflix? Jusko , jackpot ito!

“Yes, of course. I’ll accept it,” mabilis kong sagot.

Napangiti si Sheena, satisfied. Pero si Mr. Human Ring Light? Wala pa rin. Same poker face, parang naka-Photoshop ang emotion out of his system. May tragic backstory kaya siya?

“Great to hear that. And, also, you’ll be working under Mr. Liam Estrada. He’ll be your boss.”

Boom. Parang nalaglag ang panga ko sa sinabi niya. Si Mr. Human Ring Light… magiging boss ko?! What the—

Chapter 2

Hanggang ngayon, I’m still in a state of disbelief sa nalaman ko kanina. Para talaga siyang straight out of a netflix drama series. Everything feels so cinematic, so impossibly perfect. Can someone, preferably a tall and dashing gentleman, pinch me para lang sure na gising pa ako?

And the pièce de résistance? Kanina ko lang natuklasan na si Liam Estrada—yes, the Mr. Human Ring Light—is none other than the CEO of Emerson and Lyle Philippines. As in CEO, darling. And guess what? I’ll be working directly under him. Tell me that’s not giving “modern-day Cinderella with better shoes and a corporate badge” vibes.

Honestly, my heart is doing cartwheels. This is my dream company, and not only did I get in, but I also skipped straight to a higher position—complete with a competitive salary package—and, of course, a dangerously handsome boss as part of the deal. I mean, really, the universe is showing off at this point.

Now, if we’re being honest, Mr. CEO radiates a certain… arrogance. He’s not exactly the warm-and-smiley type; more like the composed, unreadable, “I-own-the-room” variety. Which, frankly, only makes him more intriguing. May pinagdadaanan kaya siya? Or baka ganyan lang talaga kapag you sign paychecks with a pen worth more than my rent.

Regardless, I’m hardly complaining. We’ll be seeing each other five days a week—which, let’s face it, is the real employee benefit here.

My little daydream was cut short when my iPhone 16 Pro Max started ringing. Trish flashed on the screen.

“Yes, be—” I had to pull the phone away from my ear because, my God, she greeted me with a scream worthy of a sold-out concert.

“Huy! Why are you screaming?” I asked, half-laughing when she finally took a breath.

“You will not believe this,” she said, voice bubbling with excitement.

“Ano ba ’yan? Enough with the suspense,” I urged, taking a poised bite of my lasagna while waiting for her grand reveal.

“I passed! I got into Emerson and Lyle!” she announced, practically sparkling through the phone.

I froze mid-chew, mentally replaying her words until the reality finally landed.

Then it was my turn to squeal—unapologetically and with full force. My best friend and I, in the same company? It’s the kind of alignment you read about in a lifestyle magazines. Tears welled up, partly because I was just so proud of her, and partly because, for once, she was putting herself first. She’s really come into her own.

“Wow, I’m so happy for you, Trish! Sabi ko naman sa’yo, you just need to trust yourself more. O, ayan, kinaya mo rin, ’di ba?” sabi ko sa kanya, in full persuasive mode.

Truth be told, si Trish is one of those rare gems—only 20 years old yet already radiating unmatched work ethic. She’s never absent, consistently a Top Agent, and the type who treats deadlines like they’re VIP appointments. Honestly, that’s why I never hesitated to keep her as my inner-circle bestie—she’s the kind you don’t just befriend, you curate into your life.

Ang downside lang? Almost all her earnings go straight to her family. Wala na halos natitira for herself—not even for a decent phone. Kaya when the iPhone 16 dropped, I immediately bought mine and handed her my old iPhone 13. She tried to refuse, of course, pero kung hindi ko lang literal na tinapon ’yung luma niyang phone (na parang mula pa sa pre-pandemic era), she wouldn’t have taken it. Ayun, basag na, so no choice but to accept my hand-me-down.

“Thank you, kaya mahal kita e. Sana lalaki ka na lang,” she teased.

I pretended to gag dramatically. “Be, please. Let’s not traumatize each other.”

She laughed and quickly switched topics. “Anyway, how’s the job offer?”

I couldn’t help but smile—like, the kind na automatic kahit wala kang plano. My mind instantly replayed today’s events, especially those intense, almost cinematic gazes from my new boss. Para siyang scene na naka-loop sa utak ko.

I narrated everything to Trish—from the surprise promotion to the dangerously attractive aura of Liam Estrada himself.

Naturally, Trish squealed like she’d just unboxed her own dream bag. But I made it clear: Mr. Human Ring Light is strictly off-limits.

“OMG, be! I can’t wait to start at Emerson and Lyle. Sana naman may ma-meet din akong sariling Mr. Human Ring Light doon,” she said, half-joking, half-hoping.

We ended up talking about everything from career dreams to imaginary office romances, until sleep finally claimed us both—the kind of conversation that feels like champagne bubbles: light, sparkling, and endlessly fun.

First day at work. Kahit technically nasa training stage pa lang ako, hindi ko pa rin maiwasang ma-overwhelm at kabahan.

I mean, hello? Ako lang naman ang nag-land ng higher position sa lahat ng applicants na natanggap. Sino ba naman ang hindi magpapaandar ng nerves sa ganitong sitwasyon?

So basically, ang role ko rito is parang right-hand confidante ni Mr. Human Ring Light himself. Essentially, I'll be the one engaging with clients pre-deal, laying out the presentation, then he has the final say kung go or no-go. In short, ako ang gatekeeper ng future deals bago niya bigyan ng royal approval—only if he feels it's advantageous for the company.

My God. Part of me wants to back out and go back to being a simple agent. Pero 'di ba nga, we're aiming for career growth? So tiisin, smile, and serve realness. At least may daily visual inspiration naman—si Mr. Human Ring Light.

"Hi, Brix," bati sa akin ni Sheena pagdating nito sa waiting area. "Sorry to keep you waiting—nag-meeting kasi kami with a new client. Oh, by the way, I haven't properly introduced myself." She extends her hand with a smile. "I'm Sheena, but just call me Shin. I'm Liam's secretary, so expect na lagi tayong magkaka-interact."

Of course, I gave my own formal intro. "Nice to finally meet you, Shin. Looking forward to working with you."

She's gorgeous, by the way. Tall—probably 5'8" (I'm 5'10", pero magka-height lang kami thanks to her killer heels). Maputi, slim, very beauty queen aura. For one fleeting second, I wondered kung may something sila ni boss... but no, delete that thought. Walang haharang sa runway ko papunta kay Mr. Human Ring Light. Unless gusto niya ng World War III.

Shin has this approachable vibe though, so I'm hoping she won't make my life miserable.

After our pleasantries, she gave me the grand tour of my tasks as Client Expert. Yes, apparently iyon ang official title ko. Honestly, parang pang-MasterChef yung title—expert sa pagluluto, ganon.

Anyway, as I said earlier, all potential clients have to pass through me first before officially joining Emerson and Lyle. Which is a huge responsibility, considering I have to make my pitch flawless para kay Mr. Human Ring Light. And knowing Liam... getting him to say "yes" feels rarer than seeing a blue moon.

"Shin, kwentuhan mo naman ako about Liam," I asked out of nowhere after she showed me past client presentations.

She sighed—deeply. Like she was bracing herself for a TED Talk.

"Well... you'll need a considerable amount of patience, especially since you're new," she warned, almost theatrically.

"What do you mean?" I asked, pretending her tone didn't rattle me.

"It's not easy to please Liam. He needs everything immaculately detailed—no crumbs left out. That's why, when he found out you graduated in Business Communication, he took a chance on you as Client Expert. So don't waste it. Deliver."

And just like that, dagdag pressure agad. Imagine, he trusted me solely based on my degree? Do I really give off that much brilliance?

It makes me feel like I need to be flawless every time he's around.

"Sa tingin mo ba... like, magge-get along kami ni Liam kahit na, you know, trans ako?" I asked Shin in this really soft, almost hesitant voice, kasi honestly, parang ang bigat bigat for me to even bring it up. Alam mo 'yung moment na you're trying to sound casual pero deep inside, parang may konting kaba and insecurity na nakatago? Ganun na ganun.

Shin just gave me this really reassuring smile—'yung tipong effortless lang pero ang comforting tignan. Then she leaned back slightly sa swivel chair niya, crossed her arms like she was about to deliver something na pang-slam dunk na sagot.

"Brix," she started, with that calm pero slightly playful tone na parang alam mo nang may wisdom bomb na babagsak, "of course you will. As in, wala ka talagang kailangan i-overthink. Just to let you know, Liam is definitely not homophobic. Like, that's one thing you'll never have to worry about around here. Emerson and Lyle has always been a place where everyone—race, gender, identity, whatever—lahat welcome."

I blinked, slowly letting her words sink in, kasi parang may relief pero may doubt pa rin na hindi ko mabitawan. And then she leaned forward a bit, lowering her voice like she wanted me to really listen this time.

"And actually," she continued, "Liam already earned you a certain level of respect the moment he found out you graduated top of your class. Alam mo bang that's very rare for him? Kasi usually, he doesn't easily hand out praises or compliments to anyone. Like, super strict siya when it comes to acknowledging people's skills. Pero ikaw? He actually mentioned it—na impressive ka. And trust me, for Liam to even say something like that, that's already a big deal."

I swear, I felt my heart skip. Kasi iba 'yung impact na naririnig mo from someone else na Liam, the perfectionist, the intimidating boss, actually praised you behind your back. It's like this mix of flattery and pressure all at once.

Shin chuckled softly after seeing my wide-eyed reaction. "So hopefully, instead of making things harder, mas mapadali niya pa ang trabaho mo. Kasi at the end of the day, what matters to Liam is competence. And you already proved na you're more than capable."

And for the first time that day, I felt this tiny spark of reassurance inside me—na maybe, just maybe, I could actually fit in here.

So, tanggap ni Mr. Human Ring Light ang mga kagaya ko? Interesting. Hmm... baka may something din kaya sa kanya? I mean, possible ba na behind that impeccably tailored suit and those James Bond-esque vibes, ay may plot twist na hindi ko pa nakikita?

Pero wait lang, huy, ano ba, Brix! Don't be that person. Don't judge the book by its gorgeously leather-bound cover. Hindi porke't hindi siya homophobic ay automatic na may rainbow flag rin sa passport niya. Let's not be presumptuous, darling.

Besides, hello? Ni halos malaglagan ka nga ng invisible Hermès panties dahil sa sobrang manly presence niya—parang may sariling gravitational pull 'yung aura niya—tapos ngayon, iniisip mo na baka he's one of the girls? Be serious.

And then—like a perfectly timed entrance sa isang glossy magazine feature—there he was. Biglang sumulpot si Mr. Human Ring Light as if he materialized out of a couture smoke machine.

Natigilan ako. As in, totally caught off guard. Nawala ang carefully curated composed self ko, parang lahat ng PR training ko biglang nag-uninstall sa utak ko. Para akong stage actress na nakalimutan ang lines sa gitna ng spotlight. His towering height felt almost... cinematic. Tall enough to be the male lead in a Netflix romcom, but with the intimidation level of a CEO who actually replies to his own emails.

"Shin, have you already emailed me the files?" he asked Shin in that deep, unhurried tone na parang sanay siyang sinusunod ng lahat sa paligid niya.

And just like that—no glance at me. Zero acknowledgement.

Ni wala man lang basic hi or "welcome to the team" moment. Wala. Parang I was a decorative vase in the corner.

Hello? Excuse me. I am your new Client Expert. We're literally going to be breathing the same overpriced, recycled office air five days a week. The least you could do is a little small talk or a formal introduce-yourself session, 'di ba? Even a fake corporate smile would've sufficed.

"Ah, yes, Liam. Already sent," Shin replied, as calm as ever. Then, as if remembering I exist, Shin added, "By the way, this is Brix, our new Client Expert."

At doon lang siya tumingin. Saglit. Just one quick look, a polite but emotionally bankrupt hi, and then he turned on his polished Italian leather shoes and left. No smile. No warmth. No flicker of intrigue in those eyes that could probably negotiate peace treaties.

Gosh. This is going to be a long season. And by the looks of it, parang pahihirapan talaga ako ng bago kong boss. Huhu.

# Chapter 3

Nakalipas ang isang buwan, at slowly, I was starting to get the hang of the step-by-step choreography ng pagiging isang Client Expert. Medyo parang dance routine siya—at first awkward, pero once you feel the rhythm, nagiging natural na lang. I even had my first client meeting, and to be fair, it went surprisingly smooth.

Mukhang genuinely happy si Mr. Human Ring Light sa presentation ko—well, happy in his own... stoic, marble-statue kind of way.

Every time I spoke, explaining the details and walking them through the entire deck, I could see this tiny, almost imperceptible smirk sa lips niya. Not the warm, "I'm proud of you" kind of smile, but more like what Miranda Priestly does when she's secretly pleased yet pretending not to be—minus the Runway magazine drama. Shin even told me afterwards, 
"Mukhang satisfied si Liam kanina. Usually may mga pahabol siyang tricky questions, pero sa'yo, wala. As in zero."

And honestly, I took that as a silent standing ovation.

Of course, hindi naman magic 'yon. Isang linggo ko talagang pinaghandaan ang first-ever presentation ko. I went full academic-meets-corporate realness—talagang ginamit ko every ounce ng pinag-aralan ko just to make him nod in approval. I wanted that wow factor, that 
"you can rely on me"
 vibe, and I think I might have delivered.

Pero, here's the thing: hindi ko pa rin alam kung officially approved ang buong client proposal. Apparently, mag-e-email na lang daw si Liam kay Shin for the verdict, and si Shin na lang ang magre-relay sa akin ng result. Medyo nakakakaba, to be honest.

But you know what, if ever hindi man pumasa, at least I know I gave it everything. I delivered with grace, poise, and PowerPoint finesse. Still, fingers crossed na lang tayo, kasi siyempre, bonus na 'yung maaprubahan siya.

Anyway—today is my off. And I promised myself, no corporate stress, no overthinking. This day is strictly reserved for pampering my soul after a week of deadlines and late-night deck editing sessions with overpriced cold brew on the side.

So, I called Trish to join me for some much-needed self-care. First stop, our usual favorite café here in BGC—'yung parang second home na namin, where the baristas already know our orders. After our caffeine fix, we took a slow, glamorous stroll under the mid-morning sun before deciding to swing by sa Uptown Mall for some indulgence therapy.

By the time we sat down at one of those tastefully lit Japanese restos, I was already in full chismis mode.

"So ayun na nga, Trish—napaka-arogante niya. Like, I don't know if he was born this serious, or kung pinaglihi siya ng mama niya sa mga horror movie villains. As in, ni hindi man lang marunong ngumiti!" I ranted, before unceremoniously shoving an entire piece of tempura into my mouth. Decorum, be damned.

Kasi nga naman, nakakainis. Every single time, I try to be civil, warm, and professional... pero he treats me like I'm some background character in his action film. Para bang allergic siya sa kahit anong friendly gesture. And hello, I thought he wasn't homophobic? Pero bakit parang he's overdoing this whole 
"mysterious"
 persona?

"Be," Trish started, twirling her straw like she was giving sage love-life advice on a reality show, "baka naman nasa getting-to-know stage pa lang siya sa'yo. Give him a chance. Malay mo, eventually, mapangiti mo rin siya. Who knows, baka slow-burn 'yan."

I took a slow sip of my red tea, savoring both the flavor and the dramatic pause before answering. "Sana lang talaga, Trish. Kasi honestly, aanhin mo ang gwapong mukha kung hindi ka marunong ngumiti? It's like having a Ferrari na hindi mo puwedeng i-drive. Sayang lang."

Alam mo 'yung pakiramdam na parang you've fallen so far, so deep into someone's orbit, tapos biglang may plot twist na hindi mo alam kung blessing ba or plot device lang ng universe to test your EQ? Shucks, sobrang hirap niya basahin. Parang naka-Prada shades 24/7—hindi mo makita kung anong nasa likod ng lente. Is he intrigued by me? Or is he just casually indulging my presence the way one entertains a mildly amusing dinner guest?

"Anyway, change topic na muna, please," sabi ni Trish, sabay hair flip na parang nasa luncheon sa Manila Polo Club. "I'll start na this Monday. Pero may something pa pala akong hindi sinasabi sa'yo..." she teased, deliberately pausing to sip her matcha latte like she was staging her own slow-motion product ad.

Napalingon ako agad, eyebrows raised, kasi hello, suspense queen siya bigla. "Ano 'yon? Pa-suspense ka pa diyan, girl."

With the most controlled smile na parang iniipit lang niya ang tili, she leaned closer. "Well... I'll be your Assistant Client Expert."

Napa-nganga ako as in frozen for a second, like a scene sa teleserye na nag-zoom in muna sa reaction shot ko. Hindi ako prepared sa level ng happiness na 'yon. Imagine—my best friend, my partner-in-chaos, officially magiging ka-battlefield ko sa corporate trenches.

"Really?" tanong ko na parang hindi pa rin sure kung totoo. Tumango siya, still biting back that scream. Nang tuluyan nang mag-sink in, pareho kaming napatingin sa isa't isa, sabay silent tili sa loob ng Japanese resto—walang sound pero full impact performance. Siyempre, dignity first. Hindi puwedeng umalingawngaw ang energy namin at magpasabog ng sosyal chaos sa Uptown.

"Wow, Trish... sobra akong happy. As in, you have no idea kung gaano ako ka-thankful na makakasama kita. Kasi girl, grabe, the stress lately? Hindi sa work ha—I mean, presentation-wise, kaya ko 'yan ng eyes closed. Pero yung boss ko? Different league of stress 'yun."

Let's be real: hindi ako nahihirapan sa trabaho ko. These presentations? Puchu-puchu lang sa akin 'yan. I've been debating and defending my points since my college days—lagi pa akong top contender sa debate championships. Public speaking is practically my cardio. But Liam? Si Mr. Human Ring Light himself? That's a different battlefield altogether.

Grabe, ang hirap niyang pangitiin. Parang every smile niya may NDA, exclusive for select occasions lang. I want the kind of easy, relaxed rapport na meron siya with Shin—'yung casual banters, 'yung effortless warmth. Pero sa akin? Parang kailangan ko pang mag-apply ng visa at magtayo ng tulay just to cross over into his zone.

Pero maybe, tama si Trish. Maybe, kailangan ko lang talagang bigyan ng time si Liam. Let him get to know me, in the same way na I'll take the time to read between the lines of his guarded exterior. After all, the best things in life are always worth the slow burn.

Hindi pa doon natapos ang aming Saturday soirée ni Trish. I mean, hello, since nasa BGC na rin kami—the land of endless neon nights and people who treat cocktails like accessories—naisipan na rin naming mag-bar hop. We decided to go to one of those it pubs na parang permanent fixture na sa nightlife map dito. Actually, our usual spot ’yan before, back when I was still in my former company with my so-called friends. And yes, ako lagi ang taya noon—not because I had to, but because, let’s be honest, ako lang naman talaga ang may liquid assets sa grupo.

We didn’t even have to browse the menu. As in, muscle memory na for the waitstaff. They know my drink by heart—JD with lime and a rim of salt. Crisp, potent, unapologetic. My signature. Syempre, habang slowly swirling my glass, hindi mawala sa akin ’yung instinct to scan the crowd for the aesthetic male population. Because in BGC, the men are curated—a heady mix of gym-sculpted, cologne-drenched, and LinkedIn-successful. And honestly? If you’re here, you’re not just here to sip—you’re here to observe, be observed, and maybe play a little. Tonight, I was more than ready to be on that frequency.

Trish and I were deep in girl math and gossip mode, swaying ever so slightly to the beats, when Pussycat Dolls’ I Hate This Part came on—that bittersweet, cinematic anthem na parang laging may montage sa utak mo kapag naririnig mo. We were in our element, comfortable on this plush, circular sofa, our drinks catching the dim, golden light like they were props in a fragrance ad.

Then, out of nowhere, a group of guys made their approach.

They settled themselves casually on the opposite curve of the sofa, the kind of body language na alam mong they’ve done this a hundred times—scanning, calculating. And Trish and I, of course, knew this drill all too well. This is the urban safari version of BGC nightlife—predators (in branded polos) looking for targets who might be good for a round of free drinks. The formula is textbook: find guests who seem alone, initiate charming banter, and hope for the champagne to flow.

But, darling, I wasn’t born yesterday. Yes, bakla ako, pero alam ko ang boundaries ko. I can play along with the banter, treat it as entertainment, maybe even sponsor a drink or two if I feel generous. But cross the line? No. Plus, may kasama akong babae—so there’s that protective layer of mutual watchfulness.

And then—twist.

Instead of the usual flirty, “So, what are you drinking?” opener, one of them—a conyo-looking guy with Kenneth Cole loafers and a jawline that deserved its own ZIP code—leaned in, offering the kind of smile that felt both confident and almost too polite.

“Uh… can we just sit here? Wala na kasing upuan.”

Trish and I locked eyes—that silent girl-to-girl Morse code exchange na kayang maglaman ng limang paragraphs of judgment, amusement, and curiosity all at once.

I turned my head slowly, already rehearsing in my mind the perfectly measured, slightly aloof response I was about to deliver—something polite enough to be socially acceptable, but with just the right amount of disinterest para hindi halata na curious ako. My lips had barely parted, the first syllable lingering at the tip of my tongue, when—out of nowhere, as in like magic—a familiar face suddenly appeared in my direct line of sight.

And I swear, hindi ito exaggeration—but is it his actual hobby to just pop up everywhere? Like, does he keep a secret calendar of my whereabouts and strategically plan his entrances para laging may element of surprise? Because honestly, this was giving main character energy.

“Liam?”

The name escaped my lips before I could even adjust my tone to something more effortlessly detached. My voice came out softer than I intended, almost betraying the tiny spike of adrenaline that coursed through me the moment our eyes met.

There he was, standing a few feet away, looking like he had just stepped out of a meticulously curated GQ cover shoot. The ambient lighting from the bar’s warm Edison bulbs seemed to bend toward him, like even physics was contractually obligated to highlight his presence. His tailored jacket—midnight navy with a subtle sheen—hugged his frame like it had been commissioned exclusively for him by some Milanese artisan who doesn’t even advertise his services to the public.

And that expression… neutral but knowing, as if he had already read the entire script of tonight’s events and was simply here to deliver his lines at the exact moment they would have the maximum emotional impact. His eyes swept the space with that quiet authority that made you feel like everyone else in the room was background noise.

Inside my head, my thoughts were a mix of annoyance and intrigue: Why is he here? How long has he been standing there? And more importantly, why does his sudden appearance feel like the opening scene of a scandal I didn’t even know I was starring in?

Chapter 4

“Liam?” halos pabulong kong sambit, pero sapat pa rin para marinig ng universe—o at least ng sarili kong puso na biglang kumabog nang hindi inaasahan. The name felt foreign yet intimate on my tongue, like a secret I shouldn’t have said out loud.

He had appeared—quite literally materialized—sa likod mismo ng guy na kanina lang ay nagsasalita sa harap namin. The lighting in this part of the bar was dim, almost conspiratorial, but no amount of shadows could ever disguise him. I knew that silhouette too well. That broad-shouldered, athletic-but-not-trying-too-hard frame. The subtly confident way he carried himself, as if every step had already been choreographed by fate.

I mean, come on—I’ve studied his physique more than I’d care to admit. Guilty as charged. All those perfectly lit, strategically casual topless photos on his IG? Yes, I saved them. Every. Single. One. Judge me all you want, but if you saw him the way I do, you’d probably have an entire “Liam Mood Board” in your phone, too.

But seriously, bakit dito? Of all places, sa bar pa talaga? Hindi man lang sa Japanese resto na kinainan namin ni Trish kanina, where the most dramatic twist we could’ve gotten was an overcooked wagyu skewer. No, apparently the universe decided it needed better cinematic tension, hence… this moment.

Now, I’m caught in this impossible dilemma: should I pretend not to recognize him, or should I own the fact that I do—all too well? But let’s be honest, denial is pointless. We’re literally within the same sofa circle, barely a meter apart. If he decides to approach, there’s nowhere to hide. Then again, would he? Would he even bother speaking to me—his newly minted colleague who just happens to have fantasized about him from afar?

“Ah, okay lang ba?” the original guy asked again, pulling me back into the present. I blinked, realizing I had completely zoned out. Without thinking, I nodded quickly—the words I had prepared moments ago evaporating like mist, stolen by Liam’s sudden and almost cinematic entrance.

And then it happened. Liam moved closer, almost languidly, until he was seated beside his group… directly across from me. His gaze locked on mine, unwavering. No polite glance, no casual scanning of the room. Just… straight, unblinking eye contact. As if he was reading every single thought I’ve had about him—and there were many .

I could almost hear Trish’s voice through the muffled thump of the bass-heavy playlist. “Be, bakit hindi ka mapakali diyan?” she finally asked, her tone halfway between amusement and concern. And she was right—I didn’t know where to look. My hands fidgeted with my glass, my eyes darting anywhere except directly into Liam’s. But deep down, I knew. He recognized me.

Unable to resist, I leaned in toward Trish and murmured, “Be… nasa table natin ’yung magiging boss mo.”

Her eyes widened, then her hand flew to her mouth in shock. The gesture was so theatrical it could’ve been captured for a lifestyle spread. But, like true socialites trained in the fine art of understatement, we composed ourselves instantly, adopting an air of it’s-not-a-big-deal.

Except, of course, it was a big deal.

Because in that moment, beneath the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses, one unspoken question was hanging in the air between us and Liam—What if this changes everything?

While 
The Boy Is Mine
 from Ariana Grande's Eternal Sunshine album was seductively spilling from the club's premium sound system—that kind of bass na ramdam mo sa dibdib mo, with just the right reverb para maramdaman mong parang soundtrack ng sarili mong movie—I found myself in a situation I wasn't exactly prepared for.

The group of boys na kanina lang ay casually nakatambay sa sofa with us—you know, the type na parang straight out of a Tatler polo match feature—had now migrated to the dance floor. And, of course, kasama si Trish, swaying under the dim, moody lights, her champagne flute already replaced by a glowing cocktail that matched her dress.

And just like that, Liam and I were left... alone.

We were seated in opposite sofas, this gorgeous low-lit table between us, littered with crystal glasses, half-melted ice, and that faint aroma of expensive gin. Both of us drinking. Both of us silent. Both clearly aware of the situation but pretending otherwise.

No one dared to break the ice at first. Certainly not me. Alam mo 'yung feeling na kahit ang dami mong gustong sabihin, parang your vocal cords suddenly took a vow of silence? That was me. The shyness wasn't cute anymore—it was borderline criminal.

Finally, his voice cut through the soundscape. "Didn't know that you're a party goer?"

Just like that, my pulse spiked. Of course, it had to be him starting the conversation. The irony wasn't lost on me—I'm normally madaldal, the type na kayang magbenta ng refrigerator sa isang eskimo, pero pagdating sa harap niya? Wala. Not a single coherent word in sight.

Because Ariana was still belting in the background like she personally wrote the song for my love life, I pretended not to hear him. Classic stalling tactic. "Anong sabi mo?" I asked, feigning innocent confusion while my heart was doing a full choreography in my chest.

He exhaled, slow and deliberate. That kind of sigh na alam mong may kasamang 
Really?
 energy. It looked like he was debating whether it was worth repeating himself, but in the end, he did. And then—in one smooth, almost lazy motion—he stood and crossed the small space between us.

Before I could even process, he was there.

Beside me.

Not even a full arm's length away.

I froze. It wasn't just proximity—it was the weight of his presence. That kind of gravitational pull you only read about in Vogue Philippines profiles of men described as 
"dangerously magnetic."

And then came the scent. My God, the scent. I knew it instantly. That unmistakable, clean-but-intoxicating profile of 
Versace Eros Flame
—rich, spicy, masculine. The last time I smelled it was years ago, on my ex. And just like that, memories came flooding back—champagne toasts, Sunday brunches in Makati penthouses, late-night drives along the Skyway. Except this time, those memories were wearing Liam's face.

I took a discreet breath, composing myself. I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing me rattled. I had mastered the art of the poker face—years of social events and polite small talk had trained me well.

After all, sino ba namang may crush ang basta-basta aamin? Certainly not me.

Tumingin ako sa kanya—pero hindi basta tingin. This was the look. 'Yung klaseng tingin na curated, calculated, parang fine jewelry displayed under the perfect lighting: beautiful, but untouchable. A look na hindi niya mahuhuli na sobrang gusto ko siya. More of, 
I'm just your employee, and you're my boss 
kind of gaze. A gaze na may subtle boundary line na hindi pwedeng tawirin.

I let a small, almost effortless smile play on my lips, the kind of smile na puwedeng i-interpret as friendly, or just polite. Then, in the most casual tone I could muster—as if I wasn't currently sitting opposite the man who could singlehandedly unravel my composure—I answered his question.

"Minsan lang. Not really that much like the other Gen Z na parang every Saturday ay nasa mga pub or clubs. Ako kasi, I just hanged out here with my friend tonight to celebrate my first ever presentation."

It was the truth. Plain and simple. Wala naman talagang rason para mag-imbento pa ako sa kanya. My feelings, yes—iyon lang ang tinatago ko. But the rest? Walang filter.

He nodded, that subtle tilt of the head that felt almost approving. His eyes, however, were a different story—there was a glint there, as if my answer amused him more than I intended.

"Nice," he said after a pause. Then, almost too casually, he added, "But you can still make it more true."

Before I could even process the weight of that statement, he was already sliding away, reclaiming his earlier spot just as the boys and Trish returned from the dance floor—all glitter, perfume, and champagne laughter.

Ako naman, naiwan na parang slow motion ang lahat. I could literally feel my jaw drop, like I was physically trying to calculate his words in my head.

Ha? Ano raw?

Make it more true?
 E, iyon na nga 'yung truth! I was here because I wanted to celebrate a small win—the fact that I had presented in front of him and actually survived it without combusting. Wala nang ibang dahilan. Well... wala naman dapat.

I glanced at him, and there he was—already looking at me, but in that maddening way of his. The kind of gaze na hindi confrontational, pero alam mong may tinatago. A gaze na parang sinasabi, 
I know something you don't... and I'm not telling until you figure it out yourself.

Gosh. He was so unpredictable.

In all the men I've met—from trust fund babies at charity galas to the kind of high-powered execs na sanay sa boardrooms and yachts—siya lang ang ganito. Hindi mo mababasa. Hindi mo masusukat. Parang he exists outside the usual male archetypes na nakasanayan ko.

And yes, I know. He's straight. And I know—or at least I keep telling myself—na baka wala naman akong chance sa kanya. But is it really too much to hope for a sliver of possibility? Kahit katiting lang?

The problem is... it's hard to hope for something when you can't even read the person in front of you.

Being around him feels like trying to piece together a thousand-piece puzzle with no starting point, no picture on the box, and half the pieces missing. It's maddening.

Tangina.

Am I... actually falling for my boss?

This was supposed to be a harmless crush. A little thrill to make the workdays less dull. But now? Now it feels like I've walked straight into the kind of plot twist you only read about in glossy society magazine features—except this one, I can't skip to the end to find out if we end up together.

On X: 
he's so unpredictable.

# Chapter 5

Nakaupo lang ako sa cubicle ko, the kind of Monday morning haze na parang kulang sa caffeine kahit dalawang latte na ang naubos ko. The glow of my computer screen was softly reflecting on my face, my fingers hovering above the keyboard, while 
Hampstead
 played in my earphones—that melancholic, almost cinematic soundtrack na biglang nagiging score ng sarili kong love story na hindi ko alam kung nangyayari ba talaga o ako lang ang gumagawa.

[Dapat mayroong isang GIF o video rito. I-update na ang app ngayon upang makita ito.]

Honestly, I didn't even know what to prioritize first—my endless to-do list, or the replay button sa utak ko of that night.

That night... with him.

After that small talk—that brief, loaded exchange na parang walang laman sa surface pero puno ng subtext underneath—nagpaalam na siya. Said he was leaving. And before he walked away, he looked straight at me. That quiet, signature nod of his, like the gentleman who knows he's leaving an impression but won't admit it.

Of course, me being me, I nodded back, pretending it was just a normal goodbye.

Pero deep inside, I was screaming.

Because there he was—the ever smug-looking guy, so controlled, so minimal in his expressions, almost frustratingly poker-faced. No trace of warmth, and yet... my heart still caught on fire.

And now, here I am, days later, still trying to decode what this feeling is.

🎵
 I left my heart at a pub in Hampstead / And I misplaced my mind in a good way / Threw away my reputation but saved us more heartache / Yes, I know it seems messed up, and you're right... 
🎵

Should have been just a crush. Something light, harmless. Inspirasyon lang sana. A pretty little distraction from the monotony of work life.

Pero after the way he looked at me that night—after the way his presence filled the air without even trying—I found myself wanting to know more. To peel back the layers. To read the unspoken pages.

It's like there's a story sleeping inside him, one that's just waiting to be unfolded if I could only find the right way to open it.

Or maybe I'm just being delusional. Maybe sa kanya, it's nothing. Just another forgettable night.

Pero... what if it's not? What if there's really something there?

Hay. I hate myself for even going there.

I nearly jumped out of my chair when Shin suddenly appeared beside my desk, breaking the trance. "Ready ka na for the presentation?"

I managed a small nod, swallowing the wave of thoughts that threatened to spill out. Then I called out to Trish, asking her to prep as well.

We followed Shin to the conference room—the glass-walled kind with that polished, high-rise view of the city skyline. Inside, Liam was already there, along with the rest of the team, waiting to hear what I had to say.

And there he was.

Through the see-through walls, I could see him clearly. The same poised posture, the same unreadable face. But his eyes... God, his eyes.

It was the exact same look from that night in the club. That gaze that felt like it could both unravel me and rebuild me in a single moment. That gaze na hindi ko ma-get over, the one that has been haunting me, distracting me, making me rethink everything.

If I could, I would give anything to present without him in the room.

But here we are. This is the job I chose, and part of the package deal is his presence—every single fucking day.

And maybe, just maybe... that's both the curse and the thrill of it all.

“So basically, the client wants us to be their partner in their start-up business. And since Emerson and Lyle remains the number one outsourcing company in the entire Philippines—not just by numbers but by reputation—we can offer them the prime, unparalleled spot in the industry.”

I let the last sentence roll off my tongue with the kind of conviction that was calculated, deliberate. I could feel the gentle hum of the projector in the background, the crisp cold air of the conference room, the muted rustle of designer suits shifting in their leather chairs.

And yes, as expected, the polite ripple of applause followed.

Everyone seemed impressed.

Except Liam.

Instead, he sat there, one hand casually stroking his jaw, eyes fixed on me with this… infuriating half-smirk. Not the friendly, “I’m impressed” kind of smirk—but the kind that felt like he knew something I didn’t. Almost as if there was some private, inside joke playing in his head.

That tiny gesture? It threw me off balance for half a second.

This was my second major presentation at Emerson and Lyle. The first one, I had aced so seamlessly I might as well have been featured in the quarterly newsletter. Was I really about to falter on the second? Of course not. Not here. Not in front of him.

He shifted in his seat then—slow, deliberate—as if preparing to strike with a question.

And he did.

“How can we benefit from them knowing that they’re just starting up their business? Do you think it’s a challenge for us to be their partner?” His voice had that smooth, low timbre, the kind that could sound like either a genuine query… or a test.

I froze.

That wasn’t in any prep document. That wasn’t in any case study or “trick questions to watch out for” list that HR sends to rookies. For one split second, my brain went blank.

But then the overthinking started.

Was he doing this just to throw me off? Was he testing if I could think beyond the polished lines I’d rehearsed? Or worse—was this his way of quietly challenging my place here?

Come on, Brix. You’ve handled worse. You know your numbers. You know your case studies. You’re good at this.

Without even realizing it, I locked my gaze on him—that deliberate, “Go on, try me” look. No blinking. No flinching.

“Well,” I began, my tone smooth but firm, “in the past, I’ve reviewed the files of other clients, and some of them also began with brand-new ventures. We accepted them wholeheartedly, knowing we might not benefit from them at first.” I paused for effect, letting my words sink in. “But look at them now—they’ve grown with us, and in turn, we’ve grown with them. So I believe this new client of ours will offer us even greater returns in time.”

I didn’t break eye contact.

Neither did he.

It was like an unspoken chess match in the middle of the boardroom, the rest of the room fading into muted background noise. His expression didn’t change—still calm, still unreadable, but no longer with that mocking edge.

And just like that, I knew I’d held my ground.

Natapos na ang buong presentation—the slides neatly closed, the polite applause still ringing faintly in my ears—pero ngayon, nandito na kami sa pantry ni Trish. That familiar hum of the fluorescent lights above, the faint scent of reheated food, and the steady clink of utensils against plates should have made this just another normal lunch break.

Pero ako? Wala talagang gana.

It's like my brain had been drained of every last drop of energy because of that one, very unexpected, very Liam-esque question.

"Be, ang galing mo kanina," sabi ni Trish habang sinasandok ang piraso ng adobong baboy mula sa baunan niyang plastic container—steam rising in little curls. "Feeling ko approved kay Boss 'yung presentation mo. And you handled his question so professionally, parang wala lang sa'yo."

Napahilot ako sa buong mukha ko, pressing my palms against my skin as if I could somehow rub away the weight of it all. But no—this wasn't work stress. This was... Liam stress.

You know that feeling when all you want is to work in peace, to focus on your deliverables, to just exist without unnecessary turbulence? Pero no. Here he is—Liam—like some uninvited storm cloud hovering above my head, making my thoughts spiral until it feels like my brain might just... combust.

I honestly don't know how to avoid him without making it glaringly obvious that I'm avoiding him.

Tangina.
 Why, in the first place, did I even entertain the thought of us being closer? I mean, okay, we're not exactly close-close, but there's this... something. This air. This pressure. And every time he's within a few meters of me, para akong sinisiksik sa isang room na walang bintana. Suffocated.

"Huy! Ayos ka lang ba?" Trish's voice cut through my thoughts, pulling me back.

I turned to her. "Ang hirap niyang iwasan."

Her brows knitted. "Ha? What do you mean?"

"I don't know," I sighed, my fork idly poking at my untouched food. "Para kasing may something. Or baka ako lang talaga 'tong nag-i-imagine na may something."

Yes. Maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm overthinking. Maybe I'm assigning weight to things that don't exist.

I was right in the middle of that mental tug-of-war when the pantry door swung open.

Shin walked in, carrying that bright, approachable smile of her like it was part of her daily uniform.

"Hi, guys!" She set her coffee down on the table beside us. "Gusto ko lang mag-thank you sa inyo. Lalo na sa'yo, Brix—you handled the presentation really well."

I gave her a small, polite nod, but then she added, "Liam approved it."

And that's when I froze.

It was like those three words echoed on loop in my head, each repetition heavier than the last.

Liam approved it. Liam approved it. Liam approved it.

As if my entire afternoon had just been reframed—not by the applause, not by the praise, but by 
him
.

# Chapter 6

We had this small but oh-so-chic celebratory gathering for my second successful presentation—emphasis on 
successful
, because honestly, it still feels surreal.

Noong una kong presentation, we didn't get the chance to celebrate at all dahil nagkaroon ng biglaang one-day Singapore business trip si Liam. You know, those last-minute CEO-type flights na parang scene sa isang drama? So ngayon na lang siya nag-decide na gawin ang celebration.

And honestly? Nakaka-proud lang. Like, I didn't expect this much. I had zero expectations—no grand plans, no fantasies—sabi ko nga sa sarili ko before, I just wanted career growth. Just a quiet, steady climb. But now? This feels like more than I ever asked for.

We're at this exclusive bar just a few blocks from the office—the kind of place na walang signage sa labas, only a discreet brass plate by the door. Inside, it's all soft amber lighting, marble counters, and waiters in crisp white shirts. And get this: Liam actually rented the entire place out. For me.

Isipin mo 'yun—just because I closed a deal, he shut down an entire bar? Hindi ito yung simpleng 
"Let's grab a drink"
 na after-work tambay. This is a production. This is an event.

Kanina pa lang, medyo nakapag-usap na rin kami ni Liam habang nasa sasakyan on the way here. And in that effortlessly composed, almost intimidating tone of his, he told me na that question during the presentation was purely to challenge me. According to him, the answer I gave was exactly the answer he wanted to hear.

Pero ang plot twist? Kahit daw hindi ko iyon masagot, he would have approved my presentation anyway.

And here's the kicker—I actually made him smile. Yes. I, the mere mortal, made Mr. Human Freaking Ring Light smile.

And it wasn't just any smile. No. This was the kind of smile na you see in the most high-end magazine spreads—the smile of an international luxury brand ambassador. The kind of smile na alam mong kailangan ng millions in advertising budget to capture. The kind of smile na rare, precious, and in his case... borderline mythical.

Pero sa akin? He gave it for free. No cameras. No contract. Just... a smile.

And like Shin said to me noong first day ko pa lang sa company, mahirap daw mapangiti si Liam—especially if he doesn't like your work.

But me? I just made the man smile.

And not just in passing—but in a way that made my pulse trip over itself, as if the whole evening suddenly shifted into slow motion.

"I just want to make a toast for Brix, for his second successful presentation. Congrats to you," Liam declared in that effortlessly charming yet commanding voice of his, raising his glass ever so slightly while locking eyes with me for a brief second. His champagne flute glistened under the dim golden lights of the lounge, and everyone around the table instinctively followed suit—lifting their drinks in unison, the subtle clink of crystal echoing in the air.

And just like that, we all toasted. My toast. My win. My moment.

I swear, I almost got teary-eyed right there—pero like, the good kind of tears, ha. The kind na parang finally, the universe is aligning for me. This... this is the dream I've been envisioning for myself ever since I started my career: a stable, high-paying company, a workload na hindi ka gagawing 
zombie
, a ridiculously good-looking boss na parang kinuha sa Pinterest mood board, and a bestfriend who loves and supports me unconditionally. Aaahhh... this is it. This is the life.

Almost perfect. Almost.

And you know what's even better? Me and Mr. Human Ring Light himself—yes, my boss—are actually getting along now. Hindi ko pa masasabing super close kami, but we've graduated from awkward nods to occasional small talk. And honestly, that's already a milestone in my book. He's not actually the snobby, arrogant CEO stereotype I first imagined. He's more... 
reserved
. Calculated in his every move. Rarely smiles, always serious. But I get it. I mean, if at 28 you already own your own empire, you'd probably carry yourself with that kind of gravitas too.

Of course, hindi ako 
marites
 ha—pero syempre, I did a little research on him. Google is free, my dear. And oh my gosh. This man is basically corporate royalty. His family isn't just part of the upper class—they are upper-upper society. The kind na hindi mo basta makikita strolling in the mall kasi they have people to do that for them. His dad? A hotelier tycoon. His mom? Former beauty queen turned actress turned business mogul. And he? The youngest among five equally successful siblings, each one running their own business empires.

So yeah, no wonder he's dead serious when it comes to work. The man was practically groomed for greatness since birth.

The night went on. Everyone else was laughing, mingling, dancing—meanwhile, I found myself in my own little corner, nursing my drink. Medyo quiet lang, letting the music and chatter fade into a soft hum in the background. And then it hit me—I missed my family. Like, really missed them. The last time I saw them was Christmas 2023. That's... what? A year and a half ago? I didn't even notice time flew by that fast.

Sure, we talk on the phone all the time, pero iba pa rin kapag nandyan sila physically—when you can actually hug them, smell their familiar scent, feel that warmth na walang kapalit.

"Why so quiet and alone?"

I nearly jumped out of my skin. Liam just appeared out of nowhere, sliding into the empty seat beside me like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Seriously? No warning? No footsteps? Parang may teleportation powers?

I immediately straightened up, smoothing my posture. "Just... missing my family," I replied softly, my voice trying to sound casual kahit medyo shaky sa loob.

He simply nodded, lifted his glass, and took a slow sip—his gaze still somehow lingering on me.

For a few minutes, we sat there in silence, watching our colleagues dance wildly to 
Warm
 by Ariana Grande. I swear, para akong estatwa—unsure if I should break the silence, unsure what to say, unsure if it's even my place to start a conversation with my boss in such a... off-duty setting. Because, come on—if talking to your boss in the office is intimidating enough, how much more in a setting like this?

[Dapat mayroong isang GIF o video rito. I-update na ang app ngayon upang makita ito.]

My God.

And then... it happened.

Without a word, he reached out, gently took my hand, and before I even processed what was going on, I was already walking beside him—out of the bar, into the cool night air, and straight into his car.

He started driving. No explanation. No destination mentioned. Just the quiet hum of the engine and the soft city lights streaking past the windows. I sat there, equal parts confused and curious, my mind spinning with possibilities.

I didn't know where we were going. I didn't know what this was.

But honestly? It felt exactly like one of those scenes you see in movies—where the real story is just about to begin.

He slowly pulled the car to a stop, the soft hum of the engine fading into the night air. Before I could even reach for the door handle, nauna na siyang bumaba. I was about to follow when, to my surprise, he walked around and gently opened the passenger door for me.

Wow. 
Gentleman si Kuya
. The kind na bihira mo na lang makita nowadays—lalo na in this generation. I gave him a small, genuine 
"Thank you
" as I stepped out, my heels clicking softly against the pavement.

The moment I looked around, my eyes widened. The air felt lighter here. The city noise was gone, replaced by the distant hum of crickets and the cool rustle of leaves. I realized where we were—or at least I thought I did. Parang Antipolo. Infairness, how did we even get here in just, what, fifteen? Twenty minutes max? Then I remembered—yeah, he drives fast. Not recklessly fast, but the kind of controlled speed na alam mong may tiwala siya sa sarili niyang skills.

While I was still processing everything, my gaze drifted forward... and then it hit me. The view. 
The view.

The Manila skyline stretched endlessly before us, bathed in the soft glow of a thousand city lights. It looked like someone had spilled golden dust across a canvas of black velvet. And at night? Grabe, ibang klase. The kind of view that makes you fall in love with life all over again. Add to that the strong, crisp wind rushing past my skin—it made me instinctively wrap my arms around myself. My 
Nirvana
 shirt—na ginawa kong crop top because 
why not?
—suddenly felt inadequate against the coolness of the evening air.

And then, out of nowhere, something warm and weighty draped across my shoulders. A coat. 
His coat.
 My fingers instinctively held it in place as if to lock in the warmth. I turned my head to look at him, but he wasn't looking at me—his gaze was fixed on the horizon, the city lights reflecting faintly in his eyes. There was the faintest curve of a smile on his lips.

I couldn't help but smile too. Slowly, I followed his gaze, letting my own eyes drink in the view he seemed so deeply connected to.

"When I feel like my head is about to explode because of work, I just go here to make myself feel better," he said quietly, almost like it was a confession meant for the wind.

I turned to look at him again. There was something different in his expression—something heavy yet quiet. May lungkot sa mga mata niya, a kind of sadness that doesn't shout but instead lingers, unspoken.

I wasn't used to seeing him like this.

"Are you okay, Liam?" The words slipped out before I could stop myself.

He glanced at me briefly, then gave a small, almost tired smile before walking back to his car. From the front seat, he took out a pack of cigarettes, tapped one out, and lit it with practiced ease. He took a slow drag, exhaled, and only then did he answer.

"I think so. Maybe I am... maybe I'm not." His voice was calm, but there was a weight behind it. He inhaled again, deeper this time, as if hoping the smoke could carry away whatever was on his mind.

I let out a sigh I didn't realize I was holding. Why am I even asking him this? He's my boss. I'm just his employee. There are lines here—boundaries I shouldn't be crossing.

And this—this moment, this night—shouldn't mean anything more than what it is. It's just him sharing his little escape space with me. Nothing more.

At least... that's what I keep telling myself.

# Chapter 7

It's been exactly three months since I officially started my new chapter here at Emerson & Lyle. And honestly? Everything's been running so smoothly that I almost feel like I'm in one of those glossy lifestyle magazine spreads—smiling effortlessly while holding a latte, work-life balance on point, and career growth happening in real time.

Imagine this: out of the ten client proposals I've submitted, eight got approved. 
Eight!
 As in, halos perfect score na. The remaining two? Well, they didn't push through—but not because I wasn't good enough. No, no. Those were simply meant for another company entirely. So, technically speaking, wala talaga akong kasalanan doon. If anything, it just proves na I'm still on top of my game.

So yeah, everything feels like it's finally falling into place. I've made new friends—Shin, the rest of my team, of course my ever-loyal Trish, and... well... Liam.

Now, never in my wildest daydreams did I think I'd be this close to Liam. Like, seriously. The Liam I used to just admire from a respectful distance, the same man whose LinkedIn profile could practically double as a Forbes feature—now actually talks to me like a person. And it all started that night... that unexpected night when he took my hand and brought me to his so-called sanctuary.

And before you even let your imagination run wild—no. Walang nangyari. As in, 
zero.
 Purely conversation lang. We just sat there, and he opened up in a way I never imagined he would. He told me about the frustrations he's been carrying around—specifically about his family.

And it's ironic, isn't it? Having everything anyone could ever wish for—wealth, influence, success—and yet still feeling weighed down. For him, the weight came in the form of an arranged marriage. His family wanted him to marry the daughter of some family friends. The catch? He doesn't even know her. Never met her. And obviously, he protested.

And you know what? I completely get him. Why would you commit to a lifetime with someone you don't love—or even know? That's like buying an expensive designer coat two sizes too small just because someone told you it 
"looked good on 

you

."

I'll admit, when he told me that story, there was this tiny, almost unnoticeable pinch in my chest. I mean... he's my crush. I couldn't help but hope—kahit kaunti lang—na maybe, just maybe, there's space for me in that guarded heart of his. Even if I know it's... well... unlikely.

That's why I told myself I should probably keep some distance from him. Maintain the professional line. But apparently, Liam didn't get the memo. It's not like he's physically hovering over me all the time, but more like... he finds ways to bridge the gap between us. Subtle, almost calculated ways.

Of course, part of it is work. Our positions require us to collaborate closely. That's probably the only reason, right? Which is why I refuse—
refuse
—to put any romantic shade on that night he brought me to his little escape space.

But since then, we've had more interactions. And with each one, I got to see a different side of him. Not the always-serious, Mr. Perfect CEO version, but the actual human underneath. The man who laughs—sometimes even teases—when the mood is light. The man who treats the team to coffee without a second thought.

The man who's slowly, almost imperceptibly, making me want to know more.

"Be, alam mo bang buntis na si Pat?" Trish suddenly blurted out while we were comfortably settled sa favorite café namin, halfway through our Saturday errands. We were in our usual corner table—me with my caramel macchiato, her with her iced Spanish latte—surrounded by the soft hum of indie music and the clinking of cups.

I raised my eyebrows at her, giving her the look—the one that says, 
seriously?
 She caught it instantly, and with a small smirk, she leaned in a bit, lowering her voice for effect.

"Yes, be. You heard it right. The oh-so-divine-Virgin-Mary is now pregnant. Can you even believe it? Miss 
'Tahimik-Lang-Ako-Girl'
 apparently has her own hidden wild side." She said it with such mock sweetness, but the bite in her tone was obvious—as if she was pouring espresso shots of sarcasm into every word.

Of course, I knew exactly why Trish's voice carried that certain flavor. There's history. And not the good kind.

See, this Pat we were talking about? She's one of our former colleagues back in our old company—part of that so-called "friend group" I had back then. You know, the ones who were all smiles to my face but only kept me close because I was the walking, talking sponsor for every lunch out and milk tea run. Trish, on the other hand, had even more reason to dislike her. Apparently, Pat had been spreading rumors that Trish was the secret mistress of our forty-something, already-married Team Leader—complete with a wife and five kids.

Plot twist? It was Pat all along who had some sort of 
"arrangement"
 with the walking midlife crisis that was our TL. And just so you know, Pat and Trish were the same age—barely mid-twenties. The irony writes itself.

Honestly, looking back, I just feel relieved we both left that toxic workplace behind. Okay, fine—the company itself wasn't inherently toxic. But when your roster of employees includes manipulative freeloaders and rumor-mongers, the environment inevitably becomes acidic. 
Leche ang mga tao doon
, as Trish would put it.

I just sipped my coffee, trying to appear unbothered but internally amused. Then I shrugged. "Well, ano pa bang ine-expect mo? Sabi nga, birds of the same feather flock together."

Trish grinned, leaning forward so our palms met in a perfectly timed high-five—sealing the statement like the classy, caffeinated besties-in-gossip that we are.

We were in the middle of enjoying our precious weekend ritual—me and Trish, two iced coffees, a slice of burnt cheesecake to share, and endless catch-up stories—when my phone suddenly lit up on the table.

I glanced at the screen... and froze for a microsecond. 
Liam.

Of course, I picked it up right away. My thumb swiped without hesitation, but my heart did this weird, uninvited skip.

"Yes, Liam?" I said, keeping my tone as neutral as possible, though I could already feel Trish's curious stare drilling into the side of my head.

There was a pause on the other end, followed by a heavy sigh—like the kind you make when you're both tired and frustrated. "Can you fetch me here at the airport?" His voice was calm but edged with fatigue. "I know, sorry if I'm bothering you right now. I totally forgot my driver is on vacation, and I really don't want to call my brothers just to pick me up. They're... well, they're fucking mad at me. So... ikaw na lang ang naisip ko. If it's okay with you?"

I went quiet for a couple of seconds, processing everything. Because, hello? This was not a work-related call. And Liam never calls me unless it's urgent.

Trish, of course, was already leaning forward, eyes wide, eyebrows raised, silently mouthing 
Who is that?
 I covered the mouthpiece and whispered, "It's Liam."

The smirk that spread across her face was the definition of meaningful. I rolled my eyes at her in warning.

"Y-yeah, sure. No problem. Now na ba?" I asked, my voice cracking ever so slightly—like my composure was slipping through the cracks.

Another sigh from his end, but this time it was softer... relieved. "Thank you, Brix. You're really a savior. Yes, if that's okay?"

"Sure," I replied, and after the call ended, I stared at my phone for a moment longer than necessary.

Trish wasted no time. "Ano 'yon? May something na sa inyo, 
'te
?" Her voice was practically dripping with mischief.

"
Gaga!
 Wala, no," I shot back immediately. "Nagpapasundo lang siya sa airport."

Her smile turned into a slow, teasing grin. "Wow... hindi ka lang pala Client Expert, driver ka na rin pala."

I threw a napkin at her, and we both burst out laughing.

A few minutes later, I excused myself, promising to text her later, and made my way to the parking lot. The late afternoon sun was casting that golden, cinematic glow over everything, and for some reason, my chest felt... lighter? 
Excited?
 I wasn't sure.

Sliding into my car, I started the engine, and as I pulled out of the café's driveway, I caught myself smiling.

I couldn't help it. Was I the first person that came to his mind? Was my name at the very top of his contact list? Not even Shin, not even anyone else—just... me.

Okay. I told myself to stop. This is just a simple boss-employee favor. He needed a ride because his driver's on vacation. I happened to be available. End of story.

Still, a part of me—one I tried to ignore—kept replaying his voice saying 
You're really a savior.

And I hated how that part of me kind of... liked it.

The moment my car slowly approached the arrival bay of the airport, my eyes instantly locked on him—Liam. Even from a distance, he was impossible to miss. He was just standing there in the waiting area, but in true Liam fashion, it wasn’t just standing—it was commanding the entire space like the world was simply his backdrop.

He had that unbothered, patient stance, hands relaxed at his sides, as if time itself was willing to wait for him. His black polo—immaculately pressed—was tucked neatly into pristine white trousers that fell perfectly along his frame. The subtle yet unmistakable glint of his Hermès belt buckle peeked through, like a discreet reminder of his taste for timeless luxury. On his feet, elevator shoes added just the right height, enhancing an already commanding presence.

On his left, his silver Rimowa luggage stood upright—because of course, Liam wouldn’t be caught dead traveling with anything less than the Rolls-Royce of suitcases. Draped effortlessly over his shoulder was a leather jacket, the kind that you know cost more than most people’s monthly salary. And shielding his eyes from the harsh afternoon light was a pair of black Chanel sunglasses, giving him that perfect old money look—like he could be either stepping out of a private jet or walking into a board meeting worth millions.

I swear, the man was dangerously handsome. So immaculately put together that it almost felt criminal. My gaze lingered longer than I’d like to admit, and internally I was practically drooling. Kahit sinong babae, kahit sinong bakla, kahit sino with a functional set of eyes and good taste—would fall hopelessly in love with a man like this.

I mean, imagine this: twenty-eight years old, already owning an empire, born with a silver spoon yet still managing to carve out his own kingdom. And then living in an extravagant man cave that could easily be featured in Architectural Digest . Ugh. Honestly, if he so much as hinted at marriage right there, I’d be like—Where’s the pen? Point me to the contract.

Before I could spiral deeper into my own dangerous thoughts, I drove up to where he was standing. I rolled down my car window with the kind of casualness I absolutely did not feel, then flashed him a smile.

“Hi, Liam. Tara?” I greeted, like I wasn’t internally combusting.

The moment his gaze met mine—well, met the general direction of my face since he was still wearing those sunglasses—his lips curved ever so slightly. That small smile instantly erased whatever trace of irritation might have been lingering earlier. Well, not that I was sure if he was irritated in the first place, since, hello, naka-shades siya. But you know Liam—he’s the type who’s always so composed, so serious, as if the whole world is one big business meeting that doesn’t exactly require smiling.

Without a word, he moved with that effortless, fluid grace of his—placing his Rimowa into the trunk, then sliding into the passenger seat beside me. He removed his sunglasses in one smooth motion, and for the first time that day, I saw his eyes.

And then he smiled.

Not the polite smile for clients. Not the calculated smirk he saves for negotiations. This was real. Warm. The kind that could melt every shred of composure you’ve built.

Grabe. I swear, I melted right then and there.

That smile wasn’t just charming—it was lethal. The kind that made you forget your principles, your boundaries, and quite possibly, your own name. And at that moment, I knew—I was in serious trouble.

Chapter 8

Huminto ang kotse ko sa harap ng isang ultra-sosyal na high-rise building dito sa BGC—at hindi basta-basta lang na high-rise ha, ito ’yung tipong may sariling aura of exclusivity na para bang may invisible velvet rope sa entrance. Dito nakatira si Liam.

The moment I stepped out, I couldn’t help but take it all in—’yung grand façade ng building, ’yung shimmering glass walls na parang salamin sa mga skyscrapers ng New York, and the discreet yet obviously expensive lighting na parang kumukutitap lang to whisper: You don’t belong here unless you’re somebody.

I mean, I also live in a condo naman—pero hindi ganito ka-engrande. My place is nice, yes, but this? This feels like another level entirely. Parang the kind of place na kapag naglakad ka sa lobby, automatic tataas ang credit score mo.

Speaking of lobby—oh my gosh, the reception area! It’s not just luxurious, it’s five-star hotel in Monaco levels of grandeur. The marble floors glisten under soft golden lighting, ’yung chandelier parang art installation na may sariling storyline, and the scent? My God. It’s that expensive hotel smell na hindi mo mabibili kahit ilang bote ng Jo Malone or Diptyque pa ang bilhin mo. If James Bond were to check in, I swear this is the set. Entrance pa lang, I already feel like I’m in a movie.

At siyempre, hindi rin basta-basta ang mga residents. The kind of people na kahit naka-jeans at white shirt lang, you just know na naka-landbank ang kayamanan nila. Me? I made sure I’m not papakabog. I’m wearing a crisp designer shirt, my Chanel Le Boy bag proudly hanging sa balikat, and heels that scream I belong here. Pero kahit na I’m serving a full “I’m expensive but approachable” look, deep inside I know—wala pa akong binatbat sa mga nakatira dito. Meanwhile, the women here? They’re carrying their Hermés bag like it’s just some grocery tote. Birkin sa kaliwa, Kelly sa kanan—parang they’re just deciding which one to use for picking up fresh flowers sa weekend market.

Liam, of course, walks in like he owns the entire building—which, honestly, baka nga may share siya dito. Everyone knows him. From the reception staff who greet him like royalty, to the valet who instantly takes my keys, to the Hermes-toting ladies who giggle softly when they see him. I can’t help but ask myself—ano ba siya? President ng HOA? Or honorary mayor of this building?

And yet, despite all that status, he’s warm to everyone. He gives polite nods and genuine smiles, the kind na mararamdaman mong sincere. Another side of Liam I don’t usually see at work—because sa office, he’s the definition of intimidating. But here? Even the janitor gets the same warm acknowledgment.

On our way in, inaya niya ako na umakyat muna sa condo niya for a drink—his “token of appreciation” daw for not thinking twice about picking him up from the airport. Of course, why would I say no? This is my chance to see more of him outside the work bubble.

I hesitated at first, trying to play it cool. But then, you can’t really say no to Liam. He’s one of those rare people who can make a simple invitation feel like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I even offered to carry his luggage since bag lang naman ang dala ko, but he gently refused—saying I’ve already done more than enough. Like, wow. Sobra naman siya ka-thankful. Boss ko pa rin naman siya in the end, but this? This is different.

Before I knew it, we were already standing in front of his condo door. He unlocked it, pushed it open—and my jaw might have actually dropped.

Para akong pumasok sa Architectural Digest spread. The space was massive, like a bachelor’s penthouse straight out of a glossy magazine. High ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows framing the BGC skyline, and high-end furniture that you don’t just buy—you commission. The palette is masculine perfection: clean whites, deep grays, and bold blacks. Everything about it whispers understated power. And yes, even his condo is as gwapo as he is.

“Have a seat,” he says, his voice low but warm as we step fully inside. And just like that, I’m wondering how in the world I got here—in his world.

Umupo agad ako sa couch—mabilis pero trying-hard pa rin na magmukhang graceful—si Liam naman ay naglakad papunta sa kitchen… I think? Hindi ko rin sure kung kitchen ba ’yun or parang mini bar area niya, kasi hello, sa ganitong klase ng condo, parang bawat sulok ay Instagram-worthy.

And then, eto na naman ako—hindi ko mapigilang i-analyze every single detail of his place. Like seriously, ang sosyal! Yung ambience, yung amoy ng expensive candles na parang nagkakahalaga ng kalahati ng rent ko, and the way the lighting hits the marble countertop? Ugh, parang Architectural Digest meets GQ Bachelor Pad edition.

Tapos biglang pumasok sa utak ko—ilang tao na kaya sa office ang nakapasok dito? Like… si Shin, for example. Nakarating na kaya siya rito? Or am I… the very first one? Gusto ko tuloy magtanong sa kanya pero syempre, I stopped myself. Hindi ito interrogation moment, besh. Ang mahalaga, nandito ako ngayon. Period.

Then bumalik siya, holding two glasses. Oo nga, galing siya sa kitchen. One glass of freshly squeezed orange juice—yes, kita mo talaga na hindi ito yung boxed juice na nabibili sa grocery. He handed it to me, and of course, I gave him my sweetest “thank you” smile habang tinanggap ko ’yun. I took a small sip, trying so hard not to gulp it down kasi hello, refined tayo dito.

He sat right beside me. LIKE. RIGHT. BESIDE. And that’s when my brain decided to go on airplane mode. Nilapag ko ang baso sa coffee table, then… silence.

And not the awkward kind of silence—but the kind na parang nasa slow-motion scene ng pelikula. Hindi ko alam kung anong uunahin: magsasalita ba ako o mag-concentrate sa fact na nararamdaman ko yung init ng presence niya sa tabi ko?

Kasi naman, every single time na magkasama kami, parang ako ’yung bida sa romcom na medyo pabebe sa umpisa pero deep inside ready nang magpa-fall.

Then he broke the silence.

“Brix, thank you again. I know this is not part of your job, but still… you made a way for me,” sabi niya in that calm, serious Liam voice.

I looked at him. And oh my gosh, he was already looking at me.

Our eyes locked—matagal. As in, tipong kaya na naming magkausap gamit lang ang tinginan. Until…

Before I could even process what was happening… I kissed him.

Like… ako ang nag-initiate.

And for about five long, cinematic seconds, my brain was just frozen. Then suddenly, reality hit me like a freight train—WHAT. THE. HELL. DID. I. JUST. DO.

Why did I kiss him? WHY ME? Ako talaga? Ako ’yung nag-take ng first move? Tangina, Brix!

I lost control. Yung cool, professional poker face ko? Gone. Disintegrated.

Dahil lang sa titig niya, nahulog ako. At sa paghulog ko, nakagawa ako ng isang bagay na hindi dapat ginagawa ng isang empleyado sa boss niya.

At ngayon, wala na ’tong bawian.

I pulled away slowly—as in parang isang eksena sa pelikula na may dramatic camera zoom out. My heart was racing so fast, I swear I could almost hear it.

Liam didn’t move. He just… stared at me. That same steady, unreadable look—the kind na parang you can’t tell kung galit ba siya, confused, o secretly pleased.

My brain, meanwhile, was having a full-on panic party.

“Uh… I—” I started to speak, pero naputol agad kasi biglang nag-smirk si Liam. Not a smile, not exactly, but that tiny lift in the corner of his lips that made him ten times more dangerously attractive.

“Brix,” he said in this low, calm voice na parang may hidden weight. “Was that…?”

WHAT.

My soul left my body for a solid three seconds.

“Wha— No! Of course not!” I blurted out, shaking my head so fast I probably looked like a bobblehead on caffeine. “That was… I mean… I don’t even know why I—”

“Because you wanted to,” he interrupted softly.

I froze.

Because here’s the thing—he was right. As much as I wanted to deny it, cover it up, make an excuse… I did want to. From the very first moment I met him, I wanted this.

But I couldn’t say that. So instead, I laughed nervously—the kind of laugh na medyo pilit pero hoping it comes off as cute.

“Wow. You’re so full of yourself, Boss,” I said, crossing my arms para magmukha naman akong defensive. Pero deep inside, my entire system was just one big fire hazard.

He didn’t answer. Instead, he leaned back, eyes still locked on me. That silence again—heavy, loaded, like the room was holding its breath.

Then, without warning, he leaned forward.

My eyes went wide.

Oh no. Oh yes. Oh crap.

And before I could overthink it, his lips were on mine.

This time, it wasn’t my move. This time, it was him .

The kiss was… intense . As in, hindi lang basta smack or cute moment. It was the kind of kiss na parang pinaghandaan na ng universe, pero sabay kaming nagulat na nangyari siya ngayon. It felt like we’ve been unconsciously waiting for this—craving it, even—without admitting it to ourselves.

But of course, never in my wildest, overdramatic daydreams did I expect that he would be the one to kiss

me back . Walang single clue, walang kahit isang pahiwatig na he’d actually want this too.

Sure, alam ko sa sarili ko na gusto ko siya. That much is undeniable. Pero I’ve been in denial sa thought na baka he feels the same. Kasi hello—what if nadadala lang siya sa emotions ng moment? What if pinagbigyan lang niya ako dahil magaling ako sa trabaho, and I’ve done things for him na technically way beyond my job description? My mind couldn’t help but keep replaying the worst-case scenario reel.

Pero despite my brain being a full-time pessimist, our bodies seemed to have signed a separate contract—one that said: enjoy this moment.

And then, without breaking the kiss, bigla niya akong binuhat. As in effortlessly—parang scene sa isang slow-motion movie—papunta sa bedroom niya. My heart was pounding so loud I swear I could hear it over the sound of our breaths.

He gently laid me down sa ridiculously soft niyang kama—the kind of mattress na baka mas mahal pa sa sahod ko for a year. I could still feel his lips pressing against mine, warm, insistent, until I finally found my courage to reach for his buttons.

I started unbuttoning his crisp polo, slowly, like I was unwrapping some rare, expensive gift na kailangan dahan-dahanin. And he let me. Walang pigil, walang hesitation. Until, finally, I slid it off his shoulders.

And then I froze.

Because there it was—his body. Not in a corporate event photo, not in my imagination, but right in front of me, in full HD, personal viewing mode. Broad shoulders, perfectly toned arms, abs na parang kinulayan ng shading pencil ng Diyos mismo.

Grabe. Am I in heaven already? Kasi kung oo, please lang, huwag niyo na akong ibalik sa lupa.

My fingers slid across the planes of his torso, feeling the slight roughness of his skin, the warmth, the ridges of his muscles. And all the while, he just kept kissing me—deeper, slower, as if memorizing my lips.

Then it was his turn.

He began undressing me, his movements careful, almost reverent. Nahiya ako bigla, kasi wala naman akong assets na pwedeng ipagmayabang. So instinctively, I wrapped my arms around my chest, half-covering myself.

But he gently took my arms away, his eyes scanning my body with this look—a mix of admiration and something dangerously close to hunger. And then that smile— that damn smile—the kind na parang sinasabi, “You have no idea what you’re doing to me.”

Nakakaloko.

And before I could overthink it again, his lips were back on mine, pulling me into another dizzying kiss.

We were… completely bare. No pretenses, no barriers, no fabric between us—just skin on skin. And for the first time, I could see everything —every line, every contour, every part of him.

And my God… his asset . Let’s just say, it deserved its own NDA. Mas malaki pa kaysa sa akin, and yes, I kind of expected it—he is a big guy after all—but still, seeing it up close? It was a different kind of… breathtaking.

He began kissing me, his lips traveling everywhere—and when I say everywhere , I mean walang skipped territory. Every inch of my skin was claimed, touched, worshipped. Mabuti na lang talaga, I smelled divine, my skin was soft and glowing—maputi rin naman, at of course, may ganda rin kahit na bakla ako. Let’s be honest, I wouldn’t even dare strip in front of someone like him kung hindi ko rin kayang i-back up with my skincare game. So yes, I stood my ground—confident, unapologetic.

But here’s the thing—this wasn’t like any other intimate moment I’ve had with guys I dated before. Wala itong halong pagmamadali, wala rin yung parang gutom na gutom na vibe. This… had finesse . Every movement was deliberate, soft, intentional. It felt less like lust, and more like… we were celebrating each other’s existence.

And then, before I could even gather my thoughts, he was suddenly on his knees—lips pressing, kissing, exploring places that made my whole body tremble. And then… oh my God. He was there. Doing that.

I swear to all the saints, tinawag ko silang lahat sa isip ko. The way he moved, the way he tasted me—it was like he had a PhD in this. My fingers found his hair and I couldn’t stop myself from holding on, tugging gently, lost in the sensation.

The night… was perfect. Too perfect. Something I never thought would actually happen. Wala ito sa Diary ko for him—hindi ko ito isinulat sa mga pangarap ko, kasi nga, hello, it was supposed to be just a crush. Just harmless admiration from afar.

Pero wala. Nandito na tayo. Nangyari na. And in that moment, I knew… I was completely, hopelessly, irreversibly gone for him.

Chapter 9

“You make me crazy,” he said, his voice low but loaded, right after that intense, unapologetic battle we just had sa kanyang kama.

I turned my head to look at him, disbelief written all over my face. Me? I make him crazy? Excuse me, bakit parang baligtad ata ang script dito?

We were still in his condo—dim lights, city skyline peeking through the huge glass windows. Magkatabi kami sa kama, his arm draped lazily yet protectively around my body, parang ayaw niya akong pakawalan. I was wearing his crisp, oversized polo—the one that smelled like him—habang ang kamay ko naman ay mahigpit na nakayakap sa kanyang hubad na katawan, tracing the lines of his muscles like they were my own personal playground.

In that moment, I swear, I felt like Anastasia Steele—except I wasn’t trapped, I was exactly where I wanted to be. And he? Oh, he was my Christian Grey. Not the billionaire with a Red Room, but the kind of man whose mere presence could make you forget your own name. God , I felt like the most feminine version of myself—kahit alam nating pareho na hindi ako babae, tonight, I was her .

“Why would I make you crazy?” I asked softly, my brows furrowed just a little. Hindi ito rhetorical; I genuinely wanted to know.

Kasi kung tutuusin, ako ang dapat magsabi niyan sa kanya. For almost a month, he had been driving me insane—sa lahat ng pambibitin niya. From that first electric eye contact we had sa bar sa BGC, to the time he randomly whisked me away to his little sanctuary in Antipolo, and now… this. Ako dapat ang nababaliw, hindi siya.

Pero hindi. Siya mismo ang nagsabi. That I make him crazy.

Paano? Sa anong paraan? Ano’ng ginawa ko?

“You know, the moment I saw your application? I was… honestly amazed at how you carried yourself,” he began, his tone shifting into something almost nostalgic. “Hindi ko tuloy naiwasang itanong sa sarili ko… am I gay? But no—I knew I was straight as hell. Pero the way you walked in, wearing those high boots, that crop top, and knitted jeans… in an interview? I was like, wow. This one’s different.”

He paused, chuckling at his own memory, like he could still see it playing in his head.

“And after that, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I even asked Shin about you, and she said you passed as an agent.” He looked at me, a ghost of a smirk on his lips. “I told her, nah… I want her in my team. Then, you walked into that conference room—all smiles, looking like you owned the place. And in that exact second, I thought… damn. I think I’m gay as fuck.”

He took a breath, his eyes never leaving mine. “Mas lalo akong nabaliw when I heard you speak. When you made everyone in that conference room hang onto your every word during your presentation… I couldn’t stop myself from smiling and admiring you. Pero syempre, boss mode pa rin—ayokong ipahalata. I didn’t just want you. I needed you.”

By the time he finished, my throat was already tight. I felt the sting of tears building up—not because I was weak, but because, damn it, who wouldn’t cry?

The man I had wanted since the first second my eyes landed on him… was confessing to me. Not casually, not half-heartedly, but like it cost him everything to put those words out there.

And just like that, every late-night thought I had whispered to myself, every impossible daydream I had pushed away, was suddenly real.

He felt it too.

He leaned closer to me, his forehead almost touching mine, at doon niya siguro napansin that my eyes were already glistening with tears. Gently, with those strong yet surprisingly tender hands, he wiped them away. Then, with that amused smirk na parang nananadya, he asked, “Why are you crying?”

Medyo natatawa pa siya habang sinasabi ’yon, which—honestly—made me roll my eyes internally. Kaya ayun, I gave him a soft punch sa dibdib niya. Not enough to hurt, pero sapat para ipaalam sa kanya na, excuse me, this is a very emotional cinematic moment for me, tapos tatawanan lang niya?

“Alam mo ba,” I started, with my voice shaking just a little pero still full of drama, “na mas ako dapat ang nababaliw sa eksenang ’to—because of you ?”

His eyebrows instantly went up—like a stock price na biglang nag-surge—parang hindi siya makapaniwala sa narinig. So I took that as my cue to go all in.

“Yes!” I continued, my tone now turning into that intense, monologue-level delivery na bagay sa isang primetime teleserye. “I was supposed to be the one who’s crazy over you. And you know why? Damn, Liam! Ang gwapo mo. You are literally the type of guy na pinagpapantasyahan ng bawat bagets na bakla sa brochure ng Avon kapag napapadpad kami sa men’s section. The sex appeal? Check. The oozing, ridiculously hot body? Check. That calm, composed, unbothered aura na para bang wala kang pakialam sa mundo pero secretly lahat ng tao gusto mong pinaglalaruan sa utak mo? Double check. Tapos ’yung striking attitude mo , always paired with that serious face na parang cover boy ng GQ Philippines—my God, ’yan ang literal na nakapagpabaliw sa’kin.”

I stopped for a second, catching my breath—pero hindi dahil sa pagod, kundi dahil gusto kong may dramatic pause. Meanwhile, he just kept staring at me, with this subtle smile na parang nanalo siya ng lotto at hindi pa rin makapaniwala sa jackpot prize niya.

“And then,” I went on, my voice softening but still dripping with drama, “those moments of pambibitin. Yung tipong hindi ko alam kung sinasadya mo ba o sadista ka lang talaga. I mean, I didn’t even know if I had a place in your company, pero every little interaction felt like may hidden meaning. At syempre, ako itong assuming queen.”

By the time I finished, his lips curled into this smug grin. “Wow,” he said, like he just uncovered the juiciest office gossip. “Sabi ko na nga ba, you liked me.” His tone was pure tease.

I smirked back at him, my heart doing parkour flips pero my mouth ready for a witty comeback. “Gago ka pala e,” I shot back. “Paanong hindi kita magugustuhan?”

And then, with all the confidence I could muster, I declared, “Yes, I liked you—Mr. Human Ring Light.”

That made him frown playfully, repeating my words with an incredulous tone: “Mr. Human Ring Light?”

“Yes,” I explained with a wicked grin. “That’s what I used to call you in my head. Kasi para kang may sariling glam team or personal ring light ka wherever you go. Like, paano ba ’yan? You just walk into a room and bam—perfect lighting, perfect skin, perfect hair, perfect aura. Wala ka nang kailangang gawin. And me? I couldn’t help but take a second look every single time you walked past me, kahit obvious naman na wala akong panama sa’yo. But here you are, Mr. Human Ring Light himself, confessing your feelings to a gay like me… like a true man.”

Then, without even giving me a chance to process everything I had just confessed, he leaned in and kissed me again. But this time… oh, this time was different.

It wasn’t the kind of kiss na puno ng gigil or wild passion—no. This was slower, softer, and laced with a tenderness that felt almost sacred. Parang every movement ng lips niya against mine was deliberate, carefully measured, as if he was writing something on my soul that only the two of us would ever understand.

There was this gentle pressure, that kind of pressure , na hindi para mang-angkin out of selfishness, but to quietly say, “You are mine. You belong here. With me.” And I swear, every second of it felt like he was sealing an unspoken vow, branding not my skin, but the very core of who I am.

In that exact moment, it was as if heaven itself had opened its doors just for me. I could almost hear the angels’ chorus blending with the rhythm of my own heartbeat. It felt like the universe had finally—finally—answered those long, desperate prayers I whispered to my pillow on sleepless nights. The kind of prayers na akala mo matagal nang hindi pinapansin, pero all this time pala, they were just waiting for the perfect timing to be granted.

And now here I was… in his arms, in this perfect kiss, realizing that maybe—just maybe—my idea of impossible had finally surrendered to reality.

Chapter 10

I’m at the office now. Monday. And you can literally feel the chaos in the air—parang lahat ng tao dito are moving like their lives depend on whatever’s on their to-do list. Phones ringing, keyboards clacking, people rushing from one cubicle to another—parang wala talagang may time to breathe.

While me? Nandito lang ako, sitting at my desk, sipping my overpriced caramel macchiato, with my AirPods in, listening to Ariana Grande’s Ordinary Things. And yes, habang pinapakinggan ko ’yun, I’m lowkey savoring every single detail of the intimate moment we had.

Even now, I still can’t fully wrap my head around it. Everything happened so fast—so unexpected —na parang panaginip lang talaga siya. Imagine… me, having that kind of moment with my boss. My freaking boss.

Like, hello? Sino ba namang mag-aakalang si Mr. Human Ring Light himself—’yung tipong lalaki na parang may sariling glam team na naka-standby 24/7—would actually lose his mind over someone like me? And not just that—siya pa ’yung gumawa ng paraan para mapalapit kami. Not me. Him .

Grabe. Just… wow.

“Beee, naiinis ako.”

I turned my head to see Trish sitting beside me, looking like she’s carrying the weight of the entire universe on her perfectly arched brows.

I sighed, removed my AirPods, and faced her. “Why? What happened?”

Her face was all sad girl aesthetic, like one deep breath away from crying. I couldn’t help but smirk—classic Trish. Always so dramatic, always with the suspense.

“Huwag mo akong pahulain, Trisha Nicole,” I said, deliberately using her full name because that’s my official sign that she’s testing my patience. Like, girl, spit it out.

She chuckled for a bit, but then her tone turned soft and serious. “Kasi naman, hindi ko alam kung ano itong nararamdaman ko. There’s something heavy in my heart,” she said while placing her hand over her chest, like she just came out of some telenovela breakup scene. Then she leaned closer and whispered, “I think… I’m in love with Shin.”

I literally froze. As in, statue-level froze. My brain played her words in a loop like it was trying to confirm if I heard it right.

Wait—what? She’s in love with Shin? As in… Liam’s secretary Shin?

It was like someone just poured a bucket of ice water all over me—complete with extra ice cubes for dramatic effect.

Never in my wildest thoughts did it cross my mind that Trish might actually be into girls. Sure, minsan napapansin ko na mas comfortable siya with guys than with us girls, but I just thought that’s her personality. Kaya nga natsismis pa siya noon sa office na kabit daw siya ng TL namin dati.

But now? My bestfriend just sat here, in broad daylight, at exactly 10:47 a.m. on a Monday, and casually confessed to me about her feelings… for a colleague.

And honestly, I don’t even know which part of that revelation I’m more shocked about.

“Wait… are you lesbian?” I finally asked after running her words over and over in my head like some dramatic teleserye replay. I swear, I was internally debating for a full thirty seconds before the question even left my mouth.

Trish just nodded. As in, straight-up nod lang. And of course, ang reaction ko? Another plot twist shocker moment worthy of a reaction meme.

“OMG! Ako ’tong certified bakla pero hindi ko man lang na-detect na you’re also part of the rainbow flag club!” I blurted out, half laughing, half annoyed at myself.

Like, seriously—how could I have missed this? Kung meron mang dapat sisihin dito, it’s me. Not her. And honestly, I wasn’t mad at Trish for not telling me sooner. I mean, hello? Coming out is no joke. Ang hirap kaya nun. And in my case, I never even had to “come out.” It was just… there. Like, people just knew. No big dramatic reveal needed. Siguro dahil in my family, there’s really no judgment—love is love, and you just… live your truth.

So when she finally admitted it to me, I pulled her into a hug. Medyo naiyak pa ako, I won’t lie. It felt like one of those movie moments where the background music swells and everything turns soft-focus.

Pero syempre, kahit emotional ako, hindi ko pa rin nakalimutan yung isa pang bomb na binitawan niya kanina: na in love siya kay Shin.

Now, don’t get me wrong—hindi ako against sa idea of her falling in love with anyone, girl or boy. But… why Shin? Of all people in this office—why her?

I gently pulled away from our hug and looked her straight in the eyes. “Why… Shin?” I asked, still with that I-can’t-believe-this-is-happening expression plastered all over my face.

Trish bit her lip like she was holding back a smile. “I don’t know, be. Iba talaga ’yung tibok ng puso ko when it’s her. It’s like… something in my stomach just flutters every single time I see her.” Her voice went all soft and dreamy, parang she was narrating a Wattpad romance.

And then—because the universe clearly wanted to play director in our little office drama—Shin just happened to pass by us. She gave us her signature full, radiant smile. Of course, I smiled back politely.

Pero si Trish? Oh my God. Parang nag-slow motion ang mundo niya. She looked like she just won the lottery and got front-row seats to a Taylor Swift concert at the same time. And I swear, I might be imagining it, pero parang naglaway pa siya nang bahagya when Shin flashed that smile at her.

Yuck. Pero love ko pa rin siya.

After Trish's unexpected rainbow flag confession, parang hindi pa nga fully nagsi-sink in sa utak ko yung sinabi niya, bigla namang may sumunod na chapter ang araw ko—pinatawag ako sa office ni Liam.

And syempre, automatic mode: I went straight to his office. I mean, hello, miss ko na agad yung mokong na 'yun kahit kaninang umaga lang kami nagkita. Ganun yata talaga pag crush mo... or, well, 
something more
 than crush.

By the way, quick OOTD check kasi importante 'to sa kwento: I'm wearing this super cute white printed shirt na—shhh—kinuha ko lang from his rack of clothes sa condo niya. Paired it with my Chanel skirt and high boots na parang pang street-style spread ng Vogue. Then my short black hair, styled effortlessly, but with the pièce de résistance—two adorable LV hair pins na literal na binili ko para lang i-match sa vibe ko today.

While walking towards Liam's office, I caught him staring—like, 
full-on eye contact
—through his glass wall. His expression? Serious. Intense. Parang pinag-aaralan niya every single move ko. And syempre, dahil alam kong he's watching, I made my walk a little extra... slower, softer, mas may sway ng hips, para mas lalo siyang mabaliw sa beauty ko.

Pero real talk? We're not officially together. As in, wala naman siyang sinabi na gusto niyang maging kami. Of course, ako, gusto ko talaga—syempre, baklang dalagang Pilipina tayo. And kung sakali mang tanungin niya one day if I could be his girlfriend, my answer would be simple, clear, and dripping with confidence: "Ligawan mo muna ako."

Pagkapasok ko sa office niya, kunwari pa akong mahinhin. I kept my head slightly down, playing the shy card. Narinig ko siyang tumikhim. That's when I tucked my hair behind my ear, took a small breath, and softened my voice into my most girly tone:

"May kailangan po ba kayo, sir?"

And then—boom. Out of nowhere—he grabbed my waist. As in, no warning. One second I was channeling sweet demure assistant, the next, magkadikit na halos ang katawan namin.

I froze. As in, my mind went from "cute office scene" to "oh my God, public scandal incoming." Like, hello? See-through ang office niya! The glass walls were practically screaming transparency, and his secretary was just outside. One quick glance and boom, chismis headline for the whole building.

I tried to gently push myself away, kasi, ayoko ng iskandalo. Pero compared to my petite, perfectly-proportioned sexy frame, his build was just... solid. Parang kahit anong pilit ko, hindi siya gumagalaw.

He looked at me in a way na parang sinasabi ng mga mata niya, 
"Walang ibang hahawak sa 'yo ng ganito."
 And then, just when I thought my brain was about to melt from the tension, he gave this tiny, dangerous smile.

"Dinner later. After work," he said, his tone dripping with authority—like it wasn't even a question, but a statement I was just supposed to obey.

Then, just as suddenly, he let me go. And I swear, my knees almost gave up.

Paglabas ko ng office niya, I swear, I was praying na sana walang nakakita sa ginawa niyang pag-grab sa akin kanina. As in, parang wala lang sa kanya 'yung fact na nasa loob kami ng glass-walled office niya where everyone could literally see every single move. Tapos, as if the scene wasn't enough, habang palabas na ako kanina, he still managed to give my behind a quick, playful squeeze. At siya? Tatawa-tawa lang na parang walang ginawa. Siraulo talaga.

So I went back to my desk, trying my very best to compose myself. Pero kahit wala namang nakakita, I can feel the heat rising on my cheeks. Like, alam mo 'yung tipong you're trying to act normal pero deep inside, gusto mong sumigaw because what just happened?!

Then, of course, here comes Trish—my ever-curious bestie—leaning on my cubicle with that mischievous smirk plastered on her face.

"Umamin ka nga, be... may something ba sa inyo ni Liam?" she asked, with that tone na parang alam na alam niya na ang sagot.

I gave her the safest answer I could—just a casual shrug. Pero hello, this is Trish. Kilala niya ako. She knows when I'm lying. Kahit simpleng kilay ko lang ang gumalaw, alam na niya agad if may tinatago ako. And yes, ganun din si Liam, which is exactly how he found out na crush ko siya.

Buti na lang, Trish knows her boundaries. Hindi niya ako pinilit. She just gave me that 
I'll-wait-until-you-spill-it
 look, and then went back to her desk.

Fast forward to after office hours.

Liam told me to just leave my car sa parking area ng building, kasi siya na raw ang maghahatid sa akin. And then, casually, like it’s no big deal, sinabi niyang baka sa condo ko na lang daw siya mag-stay after dinner.

Like… excuse me? Bigla akong napasigaw internally: Hell no! Ayokong magpunta siya sa condo ko kasi baka ma-overwhelm siya sa pagka-girly haven ng place ko. As in, everything is pink—sofa, curtains, throw pillows, even my coffee maker! Hindi ko alam kung matutuwa siya or tatawa ng sobra.

So I tried to refuse politely, pero, syempre, this man is way too smart. Sabi niya, “Kung ayaw mo sa condo mo, then sa condo ko tayo mag-stay.”

At dahil wala akong choice, I ended up agreeing to let him stay at my place. Bad idea? Possibly.

Dinner went surprisingly well. We didn’t even talk about work. It was just… easy. We laughed, we shared random stories—how I first realized I was gay, bakit I decided to stay in the Philippines instead of joining my family in Canada, and in return, I got to know things about him too.

Like, apparently, he only had three girlfriends in his entire life. And one of them? He almost married. Pero, ayun nga, life happened, and here we are.

When we finally got to my condo, he stepped in, looked around, and smiled.

“Ang cute,” he said, eyes roaming the room like he’s studying every detail. Then, without asking, he flopped onto my L-shaped pink sofa and—oh my god—hugged my teddy bear. As in, he even buried his face in it like he’s smelling it.

Thanks heaven, buti na lang at bagong-laba ’yun. Kung hindi, I would have died on the spot.

He was still hugging my poor teddy bear like it’s the most precious thing in the world. Tapos, he looked at me with that smirk—the same one na ginamit niya nung una kaming nag-meet—parang sinasabi niya na “I know something you don’t.”

“Pink everywhere,” he teased, eyes scanning my throw pillows, my pink rug, even my pastel mugs na nakalagay pa sa open shelf. “You really committed to the Barbie-core aesthetic, huh?”

“Excuse me,” I defended myself, crossing my arms. “This is soft glam minimalism. Hindi ’to Barbie-core.”

“Mhmm…” he hummed, clearly amused. “So where’s my room?”

Room? As in… room ?!

I froze, because, let’s be honest, my unit is basically just one big open space with a bedroom na separated lang by a sliding glass partition. If I tell him “over there,” that’s basically inviting him into my bed.

“You’re sleeping on the sofa,” I said, pointing at him with authority. “Period. End of discussion.”

But this man had the audacity to pout. Like, full-on, hot CEO doing a puppy-eye act. “You know I’m too tall for this sofa, right? My legs will literally hang off.”

“Then curl up like a shrimp. Problem solved,” I shot back.

He chuckled, stood up, and walked over to the small kitchen area. He opened my fridge without asking—like, sir, this is not your house—and pulled out a bottled water. While drinking, he leaned on the counter, watching me like I’m some Netflix drama he’s binging.

“You know,” he started, “you’re cute when you’re bossy.”

My brain? Error 404. Because what was that? Flirt? Joke? Compliment? I couldn’t even tell anymore.

I busied myself fixing the sofa bed set-up para hindi halata na my heart was already doing gymnastics. But then, I felt it—him—standing right behind me. Too close. Like, I could literally feel the warmth of his breath near my ear.

“Thanks for letting me stay,” he whispered, voice lower than usual. “I promise… I won’t bite.”

I turned around, and our faces were just inches apart. For a split second, I forgot how to breathe. His eyes were locked on mine, and it felt like the whole room got quieter, as if waiting for what’s about to happen next.

But then—he smirked again, stepped back, and plopped down on the sofa with my teddy bear in his arms.

“Goodnight, soft glam minimalism ,” he teased, closing his eyes like he just won the night.

Meanwhile, ako? I’m just standing there, clutching my throw pillow, wondering if I should be scared… or excited… for tomorrow morning.

Chapter 11

The next morning, I woke up to the faint smell of coffee. As in, legit brewed coffee—not the instant one na usually tinitimpla ko habang half-asleep. My brain needed three seconds to remember: Oh right… may lalaki sa condo ko.

I sat up, my hair obviously looking like I survived a typhoon, and peeked past the glass partition. And there he was—Liam—standing in my tiny kitchen like he owns the place, wearing my white oversized hoodie. MY hoodie. Which, by the way, is too big for me, pero sa kanya? Perfect fit. Unfair .

He looked up, catching me staring. That smirk again. “Morning, sleepyhead,” he said, like it’s the most natural thing in the world. “I made coffee. And, uh… I found your pancake mix. Hope you don’t mind.”

Excuse me? Pancakes? Coffee? Hoodie theft? Ano ’to, live-in na agad?

“Why are you wearing my hoodie?” was all I could manage to ask, kasi my mouth decided to bypass the coffee-and-pancake part.

He shrugged, like it was the most obvious thing ever. “It smells like you.”

My heart? Went into full cardiac gymnastics mode.

“Um… okay? But, like, I didn’t exactly say you could—” I stopped mid-sentence when he placed a mug of coffee in front of me on the counter. Freshly brewed, with just the right amount of milk. “One sugar, right?” he asked, already knowing the answer.

I sipped, trying to look unfazed, pero hello—this man remembered my coffee preference from that one random lunch break two weeks ago? What is this sorcery?

He leaned on the counter across from me, watching me drink. “You know,” he said slowly, “you’re actually cuter in the morning. Messy hair, half-asleep eyes…” He tilted his head, pretending to study me. “It’s unfair. Makes it harder to keep my hands to myself.”

My mug almost slipped from my hands. “E-excuse me?!”

He chuckled, clearly enjoying the chaos he just caused in my brain. “Relax. I’m just saying.” Then he turned back to the stove to flip a pancake like nothing happened.

I sat there, staring at his back, wondering—half-annoyed, half-thrilled—if this man is seriously cooking breakfast just to ruin my emotional stability.

And the worst part?

It’s working.

We ended up at my tiny breakfast nook—two chairs, one round table that’s just big enough for a laptop and a plate. Pero ngayon, it’s filled with a stack of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and two mugs of coffee. Liam sat across from me, pero somehow, his knee still managed to brush mine under the table.

Once. Then twice. Then… was that on purpose?

“Sorry,” he said, not sounding sorry at all, while reaching for the syrup. But instead of handing it to me, he leaned forward—too close—and drizzled it over my pancake himself. “There. Perfect.” His arm lingered there for a second too long, and I could feel the faint warmth radiating from him.

I stabbed a piece of pancake just to focus on something other than his proximity. “You’re… really comfortable here, huh?” I said, trying to sound casual, kahit obvious na I was avoiding eye contact.

“Shouldn’t I be?” he replied, smirking, eyes locked on me as he took a bite. “You let me stay over. That’s a big deal, right?”

I rolled my eyes, but my heart was already sprinting. “You practically invited yourself.”

He shrugged, taking another forkful. “Yeah, but you didn’t stop me.”

I tried to take a sip of coffee, but when I set my cup back down, his hand brushed mine. Totally by accident— or so I thought —until his thumb lightly grazed my knuckle before pulling away. My brain short-circuited.

We both kept eating, but every so often, our eyes would meet for half a second longer than normal. Like there was some unspoken thing hanging between us, waiting for one of us to… cross it.

At one point, he reached to wipe a tiny smudge of syrup from the corner of my mouth with his thumb. “Got it,” he murmured, his voice just a notch lower than usual.

I froze, and I’m not proud to admit it, but I completely forgot how to breathe for a solid five seconds.

“Thanks,” I finally said, looking down at my plate like it was the most fascinating thing in the universe.

“Anytime,” he replied, with that damn smirk again.

Breakfast continued, but now, every small movement felt amplified—the clink of cutlery, the brush of knees, the occasional touch when we both reached for the same thing. Nothing happened… but everything felt like it almost did.

After breakfast, Liam casually announced, 
"I'm just gonna freshen up a bit, ha."
 Akala ko toothbrush lang, pero no—the man straight-up took a shower in my bathroom like he owned the place. I could hear the sound of running water, the occasional low hum from him (which, let's be honest, sounded way too sexy for a morning tune), and me just... pacing in my living room pretending to check emails while my brain screamed.

A few minutes later, the bathroom door opened. And there he was.

Freshly showered. Damp hair pushed back. Just a white towel hanging over his shoulder... and his used boxer briefs. No shirt. Bare chest. Defined abs. Skin still glistening from the steam.

"Hi there," he said casually, like he wasn't completely altering the trajectory of my day. He strolled to the sofa, grabbed his coffee cup from earlier, and took a sip like this was normal.

I blinked at him, then remembered I had to say something before I completely short-circuited. "Uh... we—we should probably get ready. Like, pumasok na sa office, you know? Or else late na tayo."

He just smirked, setting down the cup. "Do we really have to?"

I frowned a little. "Liam..."

He stood up, walked towards me, his hair still dripping a little. "Brix, listen. We've been working non-stop for the past... what, months? Today, for once, we can just... not. We can just enjoy... this." His arms slid around my waist so smoothly, it was like my body was built to fit against his.

"Enjoy what exactly?" I asked, my voice coming out softer than I intended.

"This," he murmured, pulling me closer until our chests were almost touching. "You. Me. No meetings, no reports, no deadlines. Just us... and maybe a second round of pancakes later."

I laughed nervously, trying to push him away but my hands betrayed me, resting on his shoulders instead. "You're insane. We can't just skip work para lang... magyakapan?"

He tilted his head, grinning. "Why not? Hugging is therapeutic. Scientifically proven, babe."

Before I could answer, he pulled me into a full, warm, all-encompassing hug. And just like that, my perfectly logical reasons to go to work disappeared. All I could smell was his fresh shampoo mixed with that faint scent of the soap on his body. All I could hear was his heartbeat. And all I could feel was that maybe, just maybe, I didn't want this moment to end.

So yeah... we didn't go to work.

One minute I was still trying to convince him to get dressed, the next minute, I was already on my sofa with Liam sprawled beside me like it was his own condo. He grabbed the remote, turned on Netflix, and started browsing.
 "You like crime documentaries or romcoms?"
 he asked, like those were two things that could possibly be in the same mood board.

"Romcom," I said, a little too quickly.

"Thought so," he smirked, settling on some cheesy love story. Except halfway through the movie, we weren't even watching anymore. We were just... talking.

And when I say talking, I mean that kind of conversation where every sentence is loaded.
Like when I told him,
 "You know you're a bad influence, right?"
 and he leaned closer, his arm draped lazily behind me on the sofa, replying,
 "Or maybe I'm just exactly the influence you need."

And I swear—there were moments. Little moments that made me think we were seconds away from kissing again.

Like when his fingers brushed mine while reaching for the popcorn. Or when his knee touched mine and he didn't bother moving it away. Or when I caught him staring at my lips and he didn't even pretend to look away.

By lunchtime, he decided he wanted to cook. And by "
cook
," I mean he made an omelet while shirtless, which honestly should be illegal because I could not concentrate on anything except the line of his back muscles as he reached for the pepper.

"You're staring," he teased, glancing over his shoulder.

"I'm supervising," I shot back, trying to sound composed.

We ended up eating at the kitchen counter, our stools pulled a little too close together. His thigh brushed against mine every time he shifted, which, let's be real, was not accidental.

After lunch, he just... claimed the pink L-shaped sofa again, lying down and patting the space next to him. "Come here. Power nap tayo."

"I don't nap," I said, standing my ground for exactly five seconds before he grabbed my wrist and gently tugged me down beside him. Suddenly, I was lying on my side, face-to-face with him. His hand rested lightly on my waist, like he wasn't even thinking about it—except I knew he was.

"You know," he said quietly, "this is nicer than any meeting we'd be having right now."

I tried to roll my eyes, but it's hard to act unaffected when you're close enough to count someone's eyelashes. "You're too much," I whispered.

"And you love it," he whispered back, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

And just when I thought he was going to kiss me, he closed his eyes instead, pulling me closer until I could feel his breath on my neck. We stayed like that—half-watching TV, half-dozing, entirely aware of every accidental (and not-so-accidental) touch—dragging the tension until it was almost unbearable.

Dumating na rin ang gabi, and honestly, I was kind of dreading it. Kasi it meant Liam had to go home. And yes, okay fine, I know we literally just spent the entire day together here sa condo ko, but still… it felt different. Special. Alam mo ’yung kahit simpleng breakfast lang na siya ang nagluto, then lunch na siya rin ang gumawa, tapos Netflix lang kami the whole afternoon—pero para sa akin, parang buo na ’yung araw ko.

Iba talaga. Wala akong naranasan na ganito with any of the guys I dated before. And even if, technically speaking, wala pa kaming official na label—like, we haven’t had that whole “so, what are we?” conversation—deep inside, I couldn’t help but feel na meron na akong maliit na spot sa puso niya.

“See you tomorrow,” he said, so casually, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Then he leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. Not too quick, not too lingering—just enough to leave me standing there, feeling stupidly giddy.

He was wearing my hoodie pa rin, the one na sinuot niya kaninang umaga after habang nagluluto ng breakfast. And apparently, gusto niyang dalhin pauwi. “Para maamoy ko pa rin ’yung scent mo,” he said, with that infuriatingly cute grin.

Of course, my instinct was to protest—like, hello, that’s my favorite oversized hoodie. But then he gave me this ridiculously effective puppy eyes look, the kind na parang wala kang choice but to melt on the spot. Ang layo, sobra, sa image niya noon as my intimidating, straight-to-the-point boss sa office. So yeah… I gave in. Well, “let him borrow” kuno, pero honestly, in my head, it’s already his.

And then he left.

As soon as the door closed, I finally picked up my phone. Ayun—countless messages and a string of missed calls from my bestie, Trish. Napangiti ako mag-isa, kasi I could already imagine kung gaano siya ka-hyper ngayon. Obviously, she could sense something. And honestly? I think I’m ready to tell her everything. After all, wala na namang reason para magtago pa.

So I dialed her number. Barely five seconds in, she picked up.

And oh my God. As expected—instant litanya. No “hello,” no “kumusta,” just a full-on verbal assault with her high-pitched, “Hoy, anong nangyari? Bakit ka’yo absent ni Liam? Spill. Everything. As in right now.”

Told you—she knows me too well. And with Trish, there’s zero room for bluffing.

Me: “ Hoy, can you please breathe muna bago ka mag-lecture sa’kin?“

Trish: “Excuse me?! Breathe daw ako? Girl, do you know ilang beses akong nag-heart palpitations today kasi hindi ka sumasagot? Tapos hindi ka pa pumasok, I mean, kayo ni Liam. Para akong nagpa-full body check-up sa St. Luke’s sa kaba!”

Me: “OA. I was busy.”

Trish: “Busy? With WHO? And don’t you dare pretend na it’s work. Kasi work does not smell like Dior Sauvage and testosterone, okay?”

I covered my mouth to stop myself from laughing, kasi I swear, how does she always get it right?

Me: “Okay fine… Liam was here.”

Trish: “LIAM?! As in Boss Liam? As in tall, dangerously hot, scary-but-kind-of-hot pa rin, oh-my-god-I-hate-him-but-also-wanna-marry-him Liam?!”

Me: “Yes. That Liam.”

Trish: “Putang— GIRL. Wait lang, I’m getting wine. This is not a coffee story. This is a full-bodied-Merlot story.”

I waited, giggling to myself, habang naririnig ko pa sa kabilang linya yung kaluskos ng wine bottle at pagtapon ng cork.

Trish: “Okay, start. How? Why? Details. As in, I want it like I’m watching a Netflix Original.”

Me: “Well… he kinda stayed over last night.”

Trish: “STAYED OVER?! Girl, ‘stayed over’ as in… oh my god—”

Me: “Not like that! Stop assuming, you green-minded witch.”

Trish: “Excuse me, my mind is a full Pantone palette, thank you. But continue.”

Me: “So… this morning, he cooked breakfast. Like, actual breakfast—sunny side up eggs, pancakes and even made me coffee. As in feeling ko nasa Pinterest board ako ng ‘Couple Goals.’”

Trish: “You’re telling me the same man who once gave you a 15-slide deck about your ‘performance metrics’ now made you pancakes?!”

Me: “YES! And then we ate together, tapos may mga accidental touches, alam mo ’yun? Like yung arms namin nag

ba

-brush while getting the syrup, tapos our knees were touching under the table. Sobra siyang subtle pero—“

Trish: “Pero it’s like… magnetic?”

Me: “Exactly. Magnetic. And then habang nanonood kami ng Netflix, bigla siyang nag-lean closer, like super close, na parang if I moved just a little—”

Trish: “Girl, I will personally sue you if you don’t finish that sentence.”

Me: “…nothing happened. We didn’t kiss. Pero alam mo ’yung feeling na parang the air is so thick, if you breathe wrong, you’ll end up doing something?”

Trish: “So basically, you’re in that dangerous, delicious slow-burn phase na kung saan one day, boom, bigla na lang may fireworks sa rooftop.”

Me: “Exactly. And Trish…”

Trish: “Hmm?”

Me: “…he took my hoodie home. As in the one he wore kaninang umaga.”

Trish: “Girl. Stop. My heart. I’m gonna cry.”

We both screamed into our phones like complete psychos.

After what felt like an entire season finale episode of me and Trish’s over-the-phone chikahan—complete with her sarcastic gasps, unsolicited life advice, and random background noises of her opening another bag of truffle chips—I finally ended the call. My voice was already a little hoarse from laughing, but my heart? Oh, my heart was practically floating.

I was still clutching my phone, half tempted to scroll through my photo gallery just to re-stare at the very few stolen shots I had of him, when my screen suddenly lit up. And just like that, all the post-call bliss I had from Trish turned into this sharp, tingling anticipation.

It was from Liam.

“Just got back sa condo,” his message read, “on my way na rin to my parents’ place for family dinner.”

Medyo napanganga ako sa phrase na “my parents’ place”—because let’s be real, alam ko naman na hindi ito simpleng bahay lang. We’re talking about the kind of house na more accurately described as a manor or estate. The type with a wrought iron gate na may sariling crest or initials. The type na may sariling driver’s quarters, koi pond, at siguro kahit isang secret garden na pang-period drama.

I could almost see him in my head—walking through a massive entryway na may high ceilings, the kind where your voice echoes for three full seconds. I imagined him being greeted by staff na probably knows exactly how he likes his wine poured, and a dining table so long you need walkie-talkies just to pass the salt.

And yet, despite that whole image of old money perfection, my mind kept going back to the version of him I saw earlier—standing barefoot in my kitchen, hair slightly messy, wearing nothing but that worn boxer brief and a grin that was one part playful, one part dangerous. The contrast was almost… dizzying.

I typed back, “Drive safe, Mr. Human Ring Light,” trying to sound casual even though my thumbs were already betraying my giddiness. Then I set my phone down… only to immediately pick it up again, hoping he’d reply.

The truth? I wasn’t just smiling because he texted. I was smiling because after today—after the cooking, the Netflix, the lazy hugs on my couch—I started to feel like maybe I wasn’t just some random chapter in his life. Maybe, just maybe, I was starting to be part of the story.

Chapter 12

Liam’s POV

The crystal chandeliers above the long mahogany table were casting this warm, golden light, bouncing off the silverware that had been polished within an inch of its life. My mother was seated at the head of the table, in her usual pristine cream silk blouse, casually twirling her wine glass as if it were part of some art installation. My father, on the other end, was leaning back in his upholstered chair, wearing that same expression he always had during “serious family discussions”—a look that made you feel like you were about to be cross-examined in court.

Everything was perfectly… rehearsed. The china was aligned to the millimeter, the wine breathing at exactly the right temperature, the dishes arriving in silent precision thanks to our household staff. This was the setting where the Liams of the world were expected to nod politely, say “yes, Father” when spoken to, and keep family tradition alive.

Halfway through the roasted lamb course, my father cleared his throat—a sound so deliberate, it could’ve been the opening gavel in a board meeting.

“Liam,” he began, his voice steady but loaded with that weight, “your mother and I have been discussing something with the Garcias.”

My fork paused mid-air. The Garcias? As in those Garcias? The ones with the vineyards in France and a vacation house in Santorini?

He continued, “They have a daughter, Isabella. Lovely young woman. Accomplished. Well-bred. We believe she would make an excellent match for you. We’ve spoken with them, and they are more than agreeable. We can arrange for an engagement announcement before the end of the quarter.”

I blinked. Twice. “I’m sorry—before the end of the what?”

“The quarter,” he repeated matter-of-factly, as if this was just another M&A deal to close. “You’re not getting any younger, Liam. And an alliance with the Garcias would—”

“No.” The word came out sharper than I expected, cutting through the clinking of cutlery and the soft classical music in the background. “I’m not marrying someone I’ve never even met.”

My mother’s eyebrow arched ever so slightly. “You’ll meet her. You’ll like her. She’s from a good family—”

“That’s not the point,” I said, sitting back in my chair, feeling the tension coil in my chest. “I don’t want a merger disguised as a marriage. I don’t care how many vineyards they own or what good family means on your checklist. I’m already in love with someone.”

The room stilled. Even the servers seemed to pause mid-step. My father’s gaze sharpened. “And this… someone… does she belong to our world, Liam?”

I met his eyes. “She belong to my world. That’s enough.”

There was a flicker—just a fraction of a second—where I saw his composure waver, but it was gone as quickly as it came. He leaned back, steepling his fingers.

“We’ll revisit this conversation,” he said coolly. Which, in my family’s language, meant: This is not over.

But for the first time in years, I didn’t feel like the obedient son trapped in their chess game. I felt like I had drawn my own line in the marble floor.

After that intense conversation with my family earlier during dinner, I finally retreated to my room here in the mansion. The moment I stepped inside, I could already feel the heavy weight of everything that just happened clinging to me—like perfume you can’t quite wash off. I slipped out of my dinner jacket, loosened my tie, and just let myself sink into the mattress. The cool silk sheets felt comforting, but not enough to quiet my mind.

While I laid there staring at the intricate molding of the ceiling, my thoughts—traitorous as always—went straight to Brix.

Yeah… it’s true. What I admitted earlier in front of my family wasn’t some spur-of-the-moment rebellion. I meant every single word. I love Brix. And she does belong to my world—or maybe, if I’m being honest, she’s the only part of my world that actually feels real. She’s not some fleeting distraction or another name on a list of conquests. She’s… different. She means something to me in a way I can’t reduce to labels or explain in clean, polite dinner conversation. Siya ’yung gusto kong makasama. Full stop.

And even if I try to deny it—even if I pretend that I’m still figuring it out—deep down, I know the truth is already written somewhere inside me. That somehow, I love Brix more than I love my own life.

I was right in the middle of that quiet, dangerous confession in my head when the door to my room suddenly opened.

“Ate Sandra,” I breathed, recognizing her instantly. My second eldest sister—my ate who had always been both my shield and my soft spot.

She smiled at me in that familiar, knowing way, the kind of smile that says she already knows half of what’s on my mind. She walked towards me, her heels clicking lightly on the marble before she reached the edge of my bed.

I sat up, smoothing down my shirt automatically, and returned her smile. “Hi, Ate.”

“Hi, Liam,” she said, her voice calm but tinged with that big-sister concern I could always hear even when she tried to mask it. She sat beside me, the mattress dipping slightly under her weight. “How are you?” she asked, her eyes searching mine.

“I’m fine,” I replied, my voice neutral, and offered her a small, practiced smile—the kind I give the press, or my father, when I don’t want them to see too far in.

Of all my siblings, Ate Sandra has always been the one closest to me. Even though there’s a big age gap between us, we’ve always been each other’s safe place. Ever since we were kids, I’ve told her everything—especially on the days when I was always getting into trouble, always getting scolded. She was the one who’d pull me aside, fix my messes, and shield me from worse consequences.

“I know you’re not okay,” she said softly, her tone leaving no room for me to lie. “Is it because of what Dad said? About the arranged marriage?”

I stayed quiet, my gaze fixed on the faint pattern of the carpet, but she didn’t need my answer. She already knew.

“I’ll talk to Dad,” she said gently, as if her words could untangle the knots in my chest. “Don’t worry.”

I finally looked at her. She was smiling—that reassuring, almost maternal smile she reserved only for me—before she leaned in and wrapped me in a hug.

And for a moment, in the warmth of her arms, I could almost forget the cold weight of the dining room earlier. Almost.

When Ate Sandra finally left my room, the silence felt heavier than usual—like the walls of this mansion were suddenly pressing in on me. I reached for my phone on the bedside table, my fingers almost acting on their own. I unlocked it and stared at Brix’s name in my messages for a moment before typing. Hoping—praying, actually—that she’s still awake.

Me: Can I come ulit sa condo mo? :(

Kasi, honestly, every time I’m here in my parents house, I feel like I’m wearing this invisible crown that I don’t want to wear. That constant, suffocating reminder that I’m “the heir,” as if my whole life is just one big corporate succession plan. And now, Dad wanting me to agree to some ridiculous arranged marriage with a girl whose name I don’t even know.

It’s almost laughable—except it’s not. Because for almost two years, I was like a ghost, drifting without direction, after that… broken engagement with Natalie. God, I remember those days. I didn’t even know what to do with myself. I was devastated—the kind of devastation you don’t just feel in your heart, but all over your body. Like one wrong move and my whole life would just crumble right in front of me.

Natalie was… the love of my life back then. If I could’ve given her the moon and the stars, I would have—and without even thinking twice. But apparently, even if I had the money, the power, the stability—all the things they say that every girl dreams of—I still wasn’t enough. She left me.

For my best friend.

I don’t even know which part hurt more—the betrayal, or the realization that everything I thought was solid could just… vanish.

But then, Brix happened.

Meeting Brix was like this… unexpected sunrise after years of overcast skies. She didn’t just distract me from the pain—she pulled me out of it. She bridged this massive gap in me I thought could never be fixed. And somehow, she made all the shattered pieces fit again.

And yeah—call me stupid, call me reckless—but I, the supposedly straight Liam Mikael Estrada, fell for her. A transwoman who, for some reason, decided to give me the most ridiculous nickname in history: Mr. Human Ring Light.

Funny, right? I don’t even know anymore. All I know is… there’s something about Brix that makes me want to know her deeper, to see her smile every day, to be with her in every possible version of my life. Every single day. Of my fucking life.

Chapter 13

Brix’s POV

Mr. Human Ring Light: Can I come ulit sa condo mo? :(

I was mid-bite sa buldak noodles ko, nakahiga na sa bed, half-watching some random K-drama episode sa Netflix. My laptop balanced on my knees, the smell of spicy ramen mixing with the faint lavender linen spray I always use before bed. Alam mo ’yung finally in your own bubble moment? That was me—until my phone lit up.

The name on the screen?

Liam Mikael Estrada . A.k.a. Mr. Human Ring Light.

I stared at it for a good few seconds, parang huminto ’yung utak ko. It’s almost 9 PM. Bakit gising pa ang mokong na ’to? Hindi ba dapat by this hour naka-retreat mode na siya sa malaki at malambot na kama sa kwarto niya, sipping overpriced single malt whiskey or whatever rich boys drink before bed?

Pero no. He was texting me. And not just texting— asking if he can come over. With a sad face emoji pa.

Which, honestly, is weird. Hindi kasi siya ’yung tipo na maglalagay ng kahit anong emoji sa text. Usually it’s just straight to the point, almost cold, parang he’s closing a multi-million peso deal. Kaya ngayon, my brain immediately went into overdrive. Something must’ve happened.

Was it the family dinner? Did they bring up the arranged marriage again?

Just the thought of it made my chest feel… ugh, itchy. Not in the literal allergic reaction way, but in that restless, uncomfortable, ayoko na marinig ’to kind of way. And I hate it. Because I know my place. I know this isn’t some fairytale romance where the guy falls in love with the girl. I’m not even the girl. I’m trans. Proudly so, yes. Pero in this country? Let’s be real—relationships like ours, if you can even call it that, aren’t exactly celebrated. We’re still decades behind.

Still, I took a few more minutes to breathe, gather the courage, and finally typed my reply.

Me: Why po? ~.^

I even added a cute tilde-winky-smiley combo for good measure, para kunwari I’m chill. But my eyes stayed glued sa screen, waiting.

One minute passed. Two. Three.

By the fifth minute, I was starting to feel ridiculous. No typing bubbles. No follow-up. Nothing.

So, I sighed, put my phone down beside me, and pulled my blanket over my head—half in irritation, half in shame. Irritated at myself for feeling this way, and ashamed because… well, maybe I wouldn’t be overthinking like this if I hadn’t kissed him in the first place.

Ayan tuloy. I’ve confirmed what I was afraid of—na baliw na baliw na pala ako sa kanya.

Of all the guys I’ve dated before, he’s the only one who’s given me this kind of… emotional pull. ’Yung tipong gusto ko lagi siyang nasa tabi ko, kahit wala kaming ginagawa. Gusto ko siyang yakapin hanggang sa tuluyang ma-deform yung crisp, perfectly ironed shirt niya. Gusto kong amuyin yung distinct scent niya—expensive cologne mixed with something warm and familiar. Yes, even the faint smell of his kilikili after a long day. Don’t judge me.

The kilig was starting to bubble up again, making me kick my feet against the bed like some high school girl with a crush, when suddenly—

Ding-dong.

My heart stopped.

The doorbell rang.

When I opened the door, bumungad agad sa akin si Liam.

Not in his usual “Mr. Gala Dinner” outfit, but in something way more casual—grayish na t-shirt, layered with a varsity-style Letterman jacket, khaki shorts na surprisingly bagay sa kanya, and a pair of well-worn black Converse na parang mas gusto ko na ngayon kaysa sa mga leather loafers niya. To top it off, naka-brown leather LV cap siya, tilted just right para magmukhang effortless, kahit alam kong pinag-isipan niya ’yon.

At syempre, sa kamay niya? A glorious, grease-spotted Popeyes paper bag. The kind na kahit anong diet plan mo, bibigay ka.

He gave me that smile. That guilty, “

Sorry if I’m here again,

pero cute ako so you can’t stay mad“ smile.

I just smirked and, without even a full greeting, told him, “Come in.” Tapos tumalikod na ako, pretending I wasn’t already low-key melting inside.

Pagkasara ng pinto, ayun na. His arms suddenly wrapped around me from behind—warm, solid, and completely catching me off guard. I froze for half a second before turning around and hugging him back.

Then, with those ridiculously large hands of his, he cupped my cheeks like I was something fragile—tapos hinalikan ako. Gentle at first, but full of that slow, deliberate passion na parang alam niyang mahihirapan akong bumitaw. It was dangerously close to becoming a full-on French kiss because, hello, this man is basically addicted to kissing me.

But I managed to break it. Pulled away, composed myself, and gave him a knowing smile while placing my hands sa bewang ko. “What brings you here again, sir?” I asked, my voice half-playful, half-challenging.

Of course, Liam being Liam, hindi sumagot agad. Instead, he made himself at home—slouched comfortably sa couch as if he owned the place… and maybe even me.

“I miss you already, Mrs. Estrada,” he said with this shameless conviction, showing just enough of his perfect white teeth.

Excuse me, Mrs. Estrada agad? Asan na yung marriage contract, ha?

Pero okay, fine. Aminin na natin. Kinilig ako—very slight lang naman, promise. Hindi ko lang pinapahalata. Kaya dumiretso na ako sa kitchen, inunbox yung Popeyes takeout niya, and pretended na I was too busy with the chicken to be swooning.

“Sus! Can you spill the real tea, Liam? What really brings you here… again?” I said without looking at him.

The truth is, I wasn’t sure if I really wanted the answer. I had a strong feeling it was something heavy—something I wasn’t ready to hear. So I masked it with playful banter, hoping to keep the mood in kilig territory.

Pero siyempre, hindi ’yon pinatagal ni Liam. He followed me to the kitchen, came up right behind me, and hugged me again—this time mas snug, mas… possessive. And yes, let’s not even talk about what I felt pressing against me because, ugh .

As if that wasn’t enough distraction, his hands started wandering in that casual, “I belong here” way. Then he lowered his head, lips brushing my ear, and whispered—voice low and almost trembling— “I just needed to see you again.”

And right there, I felt his breath against my skin, warm and achingly familiar. My knees almost gave out, and the tiny hairs sa batok ko and behind my ear all stood up like they’d just heard the most dangerous secret.

I shifted my body slightly so I could really look at him—close enough to notice how his eyes seemed to soften every time they landed on me. His hands were resting firmly on my waist, almost as if anchoring me in place, while mine were flat on the cool kitchen counter, grounding myself from the chaos in my head.

He leaned in, clearly about to kiss me—his signature move, confident yet devastatingly tender—but I turned my face away at the last second. That earned me a sly smirk from him, the kind of smirk na may halong amusement at challenge, as if saying, “Oh, so this is how you wanna play it?”

But the truth? I didn’t want to play anything tonight. I wanted to be brutally, painfully honest.

Because—puta—this feeling is eating me alive. Like I’ve said before, Liam drives me insane in ways I can’t even fully articulate. And that? That’s dangerous.

We have our limitations. Especially him.

He can’t just decide to love me—at least not the way I wish he could. His life isn’t as simple as mine. He has his family, their expectations, their polished, high-society plans for him… including that arranged marriage hanging over his head like a permanent, inevitable storm cloud.

And me? I’m just me. No last name that opens doors. No family legacy that commands attention. No carefully curated image to impress the elite. I’m just a person he somehow stumbled upon—someone he happens to like because maybe, for a moment, I amused him. Maybe I intrigued him. But that’s it. That’s the entire context.

Nothing more. Nothing lasting.

And yet here I am—still getting butterflies when he pulls me close. Still secretly treasuring the way he texts me late at night just to say he wants to see me again. Still memorizing the way his voice dips when he’s teasing me, or the warmth in his touch when he’s holding me like I belong here.

But I know—sooner or later—this will stop.

The giddy smiles. The lingering hugs. The stolen kisses in between laughter. All of it will stop the moment he finally gives himself to someone else. Someone who actually belongs in his world.

And when that time comes, I’ll have to be ready. I’ll have to watch him become a stranger again.

“What are you thinking?” he asked suddenly, his voice cutting through my spiraling thoughts, almost as if he could read them.

I bit my lip, unsure if I could even form the words without my voice breaking. And then, before I could stop it, the sting in my chest spilled over into tears.

I wiped them away immediately, almost violently, as if erasing evidence. I couldn’t— wouldn’t —let him see me like this. Not when I was supposed to be the one in control.

“I know what you’re thinking. Can you please, for once, not think about it?” he said, his tone steady but laced with that quiet intensity he reserves only for conversations that matter. “Because me? I will not let that happen. Hindi nila pwedeng diktahan kung sinong gusto kong mahalin.”

The way he said it—like a man drawing a line in marble—made something inside me loosen, just a little.

Then, before I could even process the gravity of those words, he leaned in and pressed a kiss on my forehead. Not hurried, not perfunctory, but a lingering kiss that seemed to silently promise, “You’re safe here.” His arms wrapped around me again, and for a fleeting moment, my spiraling thoughts quieted. The fears about where we stood, the inevitable end I was bracing for… all of that blurred into the background.

We stayed like that, tucked into the soft glow of my condo’s warm lights, until the moment naturally melted into two hours of watching a random K-drama on my laptop. Yes, K-drama—because kahit pa siya ay hardcore documentary type, wala siyang nagawa. Hello? In this condo, I’m the boss. His CEO aura? Cute, but irrelevant.

“Ang init,” he muttered suddenly, breaking our focus, before casually pulling off his t-shirt in one smooth motion. And I just stared at him for half a second, like—really? The AC was already cranked to Arctic Expedition levels, but here he was, claiming it was too warm. Wow. Okay. Drama much?

I decided to ignore his theatrics, focusing instead on the Popeyes chicken he brought over—crispy skin, perfect spice, like an edible hug. My mouth was full, my eyes on the screen, when I suddenly felt his arm slide behind me. Without even thinking, I leaned in and wrapped my own arm around him.

And then… I caught it. That faint, warm, and admittedly very distracting scent. Without shame, I buried my face a little, taking a quick inhale at his hairy armpit.

He burst out laughing the moment he noticed.

“Sorry,” I said quickly, trying to look innocent but failing spectacularly. “Medyo… obsessed ako sa guy’s armpit. Like, legit.”

He just shrugged, eyes glinting with amusement, and leaned back as if to make more space for me. “Go on,” he said, lips curving into that dangerously playful smile. “It’s all yours. My body. Sa’yo lang ’yan.”

And somehow, in that ridiculous little exchange—half banter, half intimacy—the world outside stopped existing.

Chapter 14

One month. Can you believe it? Parang isang iglap lang, tapos boom—isang buong buwan na agad ang lumipas. And honestly? Ang daming nangyari between me and Liam. Like sobra. And yes, totoo nga… nililigawan niya na ako. Isn’t that nakakakilig? As in, hihi, parang ang corny pakinggan pero totoo talaga.

Anyway, in that whirlwind of a month, something shifted inside me. Parang finally, I found the courage to put into words yung matagal ko nang iniisip pero lagi kong pinipigilan. Yung mga tanong na I used to be too scared to even whisper, kasi, what if hindi ko magustuhan ang sagot niya? Pero still, I asked him. Kasi I needed clarity.

I told him straight—walang paligoy-ligoy—that what we had was not some trivial fling, not some passing curiosity. It was something special. As in, hindi siya basta basta. For us, this thing, this relationship, was more precious than any rare gem. A hidden treasure na kahit hindi makita ng lahat, alam naming dalawa ang halaga.

Pero siyempre, I also had to be realistic. Sinabi ko rin sa kanya that other people might not accept us. Na the world is not always kind to something different. People will stare, people will whisper, and people will judge kapag nakita nila kaming holding hands sa kalsada or sharing moments na sa amin lang sana. Kaya sabi ko, kailangan naming maging lowkey. Hindi dahil nahihiya ako—never that—but because it’s safer that way. Mas mapapanatag ang loob ko na hindi kami nasa spotlight ng lahat.

So, ang may alam lang ng relasyon namin? A very tight circle. Trish, siyempre. Because, let’s be real, wala naman akong maitatago sa kanya—ever. Then si Shin, although she didn’t see that one coming at all. Like, straight as hell si Liam sa paningin niya, kaya she was literally shook when we told her. But eventually, she understood. She knows her place, and she respects that not everything about her boss’s life is hers to meddle with.

And then… his Ate Sandra. Oh my God, I met his gorgeous ate. At first, grabe yung kaba ko. Kasi duh, family niya ’yon. What if she felt betrayed or worse, disapproved? But Liam assured me that Ate Sandra was his closest sibling, the one he trusted above all. So I gave in, I let myself be introduced. And she was… surprisingly warm. Genuine warm, the kind that makes you exhale the breath you didn’t know you were holding.

So ayun, sa ngayon, tatlo lang ang nakakaalam. Tatlo lang ang nakasaksi sa isang bagay na mas malaki pa kaysa sa pangalan ng Estrada empire, or kahit sa pagkakaiba namin ni Liam.

And oh, about the ligawan? Honestly? It’s not really a “ligawan” na parang traditional courtship. More like, gusto ko lang ma-feel ’yung idea of being pursued. Alam mo ’yon, that girlish, kilig fantasy na kahit alam ko namang obvious na mahal na mahal niya ako, gusto ko pa ring maramdaman ’yung effort. Haha. Parang indulgence ko na lang.

So yes. One month. And already, I’m not the same person I was before.

“Looking for Brix Peralta?”

Napalingon ako when I heard my name being called. And there, not too far away, stood this delivery guy—naka-uniform pa siya with cap, parang straight out of some romcom scene—holding a bouquet of pink roses.

“Here,” tinaas ko agad ang kamay ko, subtle lang, and he spotted me kaagad. With that, naglakad siya papunta sa desk ko, inabot ang bouquet, sabay labas ng maliit na clipboard for me to sign. After I scribbled my signature, umalis na siya as quickly as he arrived—parang whirlwind cameo lang.

And then there it was. A bouquet of pink roses—fresh, fragrant, delicate. My chest literally did a mini flip. Hindi ko napigilang kiligin habang binabasa ko ’yung maliit na card na nakasiksik sa petals.

I miss you already, baby.

L

Like, hello? Do I even need to explain? Kahit baligtarin mo pa ang mundo, kahit pa ipasa mo sa lahat ng Sherlock Holmes d’yan, we all know exactly kung kanino galing ’to.

So naturally, napatingin ako sa see-through glass wall of Liam’s office. And there he was, casually seated like the composed CEO that he is, pero his eyes? Oh my God, directly on me. Nakangiti siya, that kind of smile na hindi innocent, kundi yung ngiti na parang silently nagwa-warning: “Be prepared later. I’ll bite you.”

I rolled my eyes and smirked—kunwari deadma—then deliberately turned my gaze back to my desk, as if hindi ko naramdaman ’yung subtle electricity sa buong katawan ko.

Pero siyempre, hindi nakatakas sa mga mata ng buong floor ang little moment na ’yun. I mean, hello? Sino pa ba naman ang magpapadala ng flowers sa akin in the middle of a random afternoon meeting rush? At hindi lang basta flowers ha—pink roses. Consistently. My absolute favorite. Kaya I can literally feel my officemates dying of curiosity. I swear, kating-kati na silang malaman kung sino ang laging nagpapadala ng bouquet sa akin.

“Sana all na lang talaga,” Trish teased, her voice dripping with playful envy, habang kunwari busy siya typing on her keyboard.

Napalingon ako sa kanya, raising my brow in mock judgment. “Bakit hindi mo na lang kasi aminin kay Shin that you liked her? Instead of admiring her from afar like some tragic side character.”

Trish instantly froze for a second, then rolled her eyes at me. Ever since that full revelation niya sa akin about her identity, about her actual crush on Shin, she hasn’t really gathered the courage to tell Shin how she truly feels. So, hanggang sulyap-sulyap na lang siya, pretending to be totally fine.

“How? What if I get rejected?” she whispered back, may halong kaba sa tono niya. Kita mong pinangungunahan na agad ng doubt yung utak niya.

I smirked, tilting my head towards her like I was giving her some VIP-level advice. “Ano ka ba? Why do you always think agad na it’ll be rejection? And if ever, so what? Will that end your world? Of course not. At least you tried, and at least you let her know your real feelings. Kesa naman you waste all this time silently worshipping her from a distance, looking like some lovesick puppy.”

Natahimik siya, and I could see her chewing on my words. Meanwhile, I clutched the bouquet tighter, still feeling that lingering heat from Liam’s smile across the glass.

Sometimes, it’s so ironic. Ako na literal na nasa isang secret relationship, I’m the one giving love advice about honesty and courage. Pero I guess that’s what love does—it makes you brave, kahit pa ang mundo mismo ay hindi ready na tanggapin ang love story mo.

"Really?" I managed to say, my voice coming out heavier than I expected—halata sa tono ko na I was absolutely not ready for whatever bombshell Liam just dropped on me.

Kasi, like, hello? Out of nowhere, bigla niyang sinabi na we had to fly to Thailand 
today
. As in, ngayong araw mismo. Apparently daw, our client meeting was moved doon, since Emerson & Lyle will officially be expanding to Southeast Asia.

And I was like—girl, excuse me? 
Today
 talaga? Hindi ba pwedeng bukas man lang? I mean, I am absolutely not prepared for this kind of ambush travel moment. Like, paano na lang ang skincare arsenal ko? Ang mga curated OOTDs ko? My accessories, my looks, my mood board for Bangkok—lahat kailangan i-map out, and now wala na akong time! Ugh. And Thailand pa ha—the land of golden temples, silk markets, Buddhist monks, and let's not forget, heat + humidity na hindi friendly sa makeup.

"Yeah. So I want you to prepare now and let's just meet at the airport," Liam said, with that trademark serious bossy tone of his. Parang may stamp of finality yung boses niya, na tipong no arguments allowed, wala nang negotiation, sumunod ka na lang or else.

Of course, I just gave him this smirk—yung tipong subtle pero loud na sinasabi, 
"Fine. Lagot ka mamaya sa akin for this last-minute announcement."
 Then I stood up gracefully from my seat, nag-flick pa ako ng hair for added drama na akala mo ang haba ng buhok ko, and walked out of his office. Diretso akong bumalik sa desk ko to gather my things in a mad rush.

"Ano daw 'yon?" tanong ni Trish, raising a brow at me, kasi napansin niyang para akong whirlwind storm packing my stuff.

"This human freaking ring light wants me to come with him to Thailand. Ugh. Like, hello? So last-minute," I groaned, rolling my eyes habang sinusuksok ko lahat ng pampaganda ko sa bag.

Trish just smirked knowingly. "Ayaw mo nun? At least you'll have more time with him. And mas less yung takot niyo na baka may makakita sa inyo. Go lang, ride lang sis."

I stopped for a second, then sighed. Okay, fine. She had a point. Technically, she's correct. At least in Thailand, malaya kaming makakalabas ni Liam. No constant paranoia, no ducking behind tinted glass windows. We could walk side by side, hold hands freely, maybe even sneak a kiss sa mga night markets if the moment was right. Unlike here, na lagi kaming confined sa condo niya or sa condo ko—super tago, super secret.

"Yeah, right," I muttered, my tone short, pero deep inside I felt a little flicker of excitement I didn't want to admit out loud.

From there, I dashed straight to the parking lot and zoomed out with my car. Pag-uwi ko, hindi na ako nagpatumpik-tumpik pa—I immediately hunted for my Rimowa luggage. Mabuti na lang talaga na OC ako and I always keep a small emergency bag with my entire skincare kit ready-to-go. (Priorities, hello.) Then mabilis akong pumili ng few staple outfits na pwedeng pang-client meeting pero chic pa rin.

Of course, nag-text pa ako kay Liam kung formal attire ba ang peg since client meeting ito—meaning mga CEOs and executives ang kausap namin. And this man, this 
delulu
 man, had the audacity to reply with: 
"Wear anything you want, baby."

Like, duh? As if pupunta lang kami sa Starbucks. Kung client meeting ito, tapos I show up wearing, I don't know, pambahay chic? No. Absolutely not. Kaya I ignored his questionable advice and packed my porma outfits anyway.

After fixing my luggage, time for the most important part: my airport look. Kasi syempre, aesthetics above all. I pulled out my black t-shirt with a bold Bangkok print across the chest (nabaliw ako sa kanya nung last visit ko to Thailand), paired it with a denim skirt na slightly above the knee, and finished it off with knitted high socks and my classic black converse. Then Prada sunnies for that low-key celebrity incognito vibe.

Nag-check ako sa full-length mirror, and honestly? Ang ganda ko. As in, 
effortless chic
, casual pero angat. The kind of airport look na hindi trying hard pero alam mong pinag-isipan.

To complete the vibe, I grabbed my Bottega Veneta Teen Jodie bag—just the right size, just the right attitude. And then I exhaled, smiling at my reflection.

"Bangkok, here we go."

Mabilis akong nag-book ng Grab, kasi, sino ba namang may extra patience pa to drive all the way to NAIA on a weekday? Thank God, parang mga one hour lang nasa Airport na ako. Milagro na walang traffic, kaya I swear, parang may blessing from the universe today.

While si Kuyang driver was slowly maneuvering the car papunta sa bay ng mga sasakyan, my eyes instantly found him . And like, wow. As in wow wow . Liam was just casually standing there, parang siya yung bida sa sariling runway show niya. He was wearing this green letterman jacket that hugged his frame just right, paired with a simple tee underneath, a grayish trousers, plus sunglasses na akala mo fresh from an LV campaign shoot. His Rimowa luggage was standing tall beside him, tapos naka-black Converse siya—like low-key twinning with me. I couldn’t stop myself from smiling. Matchy kami, hindi man planned, pero parang destiny approved our airport look.

And honestly, sobrang unfair. Ang dami kong nakitang girls na parang they were visually undressing him habang dumadaan sila. Pero sorry, ladies—plot twist: that walking green flag? Taken na siya. And not for sale. Signed, sealed, delivered—he’s mine.

Nang huminto na si Kuya driver right in front of him, I gave a quick thank you, bumaba na ako, and grabbed my luggage from the trunk.

“Hi,” bati ko, trying to act chill kahit obvious na nanginginig ang tuhod ko sa kagwapuhan niya.

Pagkakita pa lang niya sa akin, he didn’t even hesitate. As in agad-agad , he pulled me closer by the waist and kissed me on the lips. Parang walang pakialam sa paligid, walang takot na may makakita. Just him, and me, and that kiss.

“Ang ganda mo, baby,” he said, in that low voice na parang may built-in reverb effect. Of course, kinilig ang lola mo. Sino bang hindi mapapaluhod after hearing that line live and exclusive?

Sa peripheral view ko, I caught the girls from earlier smirking, like trying to compute kung paano nangyari ito. Yung crush nilang airport prince, biglang nagkaroon ng plus one. Ako.

“Your fans hate me,” biro ko, gesturing subtly towards the group of girls na halos magka-neck sprain kakatingin sa amin.

“That’s why I did this,” bulong niya, eyes locked sa akin, “so they’ll hate you even more.”

Napailing na lang ako while softly hitting his chest para iwasan ang sobrang kilig, pero syempre ang kapal ng mukha niya—he just laughed, that deep laugh na parang nahuli na naman niya ang weak spot ko.

So ayun, he handed me my plane ticket, tapos sabay na kaming naglakad papunta sa loob ng airport para mag-check in ng luggage. And then plot twist number two—guess what? Business class. Like, excuse me?! Three-hour flight lang naman ’to to Bangkok, tapos naka-business class pa kami?

Not that I’m complaining. Obviously hindi ako tatanggi sa mas comfy seats and elevated airplane food. Pero still, parang ang extra? Well, who cares. As long as may champagne at masarap na croissant waiting for me sa taas, wala na akong reklamo.

We just landed sa Suvarnabhumi Airport after that smooth three-hour flight from Manila to Bangkok. Honestly, I was already feeling so spoiled from the whole business-class experience—the champagne, the silk blanket, the way Liam kept subtly brushing his hand against mine like we weren't in a public cabin na punong-puno ng executives na trying hard magpaka-busy sa laptop nila.

Pero apparently, hindi pa doon natatapos ang surprise 
love moment
 nitong si Mr. Human Ring Light. Because the second na nakalabas kami ng arrival gates, eto na agad—a sleek black car waiting for us, with a driver holding a small placard na may name ni Liam written so neatly. Like, wow. Hindi man lang van, hindi man lang Grab, but an actual arranged car service. Syempre ang drama ko sa loob-loob ko was, 
excuse me, ano 'to, honeymoon?

And then, guess what? Hindi pala hotel ang pupuntahan namin. Nope, nope. Not even a five-star chain. Instead, sabi niya with that casual, bossy tone of his na parang wala lang, 
"We're staying in an Airbnb. Pero don't worry, it's one of the best."

Well, girl, understatement of the year. Kasi pagdating namin, boom. It was not just an ordinary Airbnb na tipong cute-cute lang for Instagram stories. This was a full-on Superhost property—like one of those you'd only see in architectural magazines na may caption na 
"Modern Tropical Living in the Heart of Bangkok."

Pagpasok pa lang sa gate, I was already floored. The house was freaking huge. As in, sobrang laki, parang pang K-drama shooting location. Everything was white—white walls, white marble tiles, white sectional sofas na sobrang lambot na parang ulap, and a glass façade that practically begged the Bangkok skyline to come in. Floor-to-ceiling windows everywhere.

And don't even get me started on the room. Our room. Kasi hello, of course, our 
room
 lang. Walang hiwalay-hiwalay drama dito. The bedroom had a full glass wall with sheer curtains na perfect for that "soft morning light" vibe. Tapos may sariling balcony pa, and guess what's on the balcony? An infinity pool. Like, infinity pool na literally overlooking Bangkok. As in habang nagsu-swim ka, may skyline ka as background. Netflix who? I'm living my own cinematic masterpiece.

For a moment, I honestly had to stop and ask myself: 
Is this really for work?
 Or is Liam secretly planning our engagement here? Kasi this doesn't feel like a business trip. This feels like a curated romantic getaway na hindi ko in-order pero suddenly delivered to my doorstep.

Pero then again, company-paid naman daw ito, kaya fine. Instead of overthinking, I told myself to just breathe, relax, and enjoy the perks. Kasi if this is how "work trips" are supposed to look like? Sign me up for every single one.

# Chapter 15

Wala pa atang dalawang oras mula nang makarating kami sa Superhost Airbnb na tinutuluyan namin when suddenly, si Mr. Human Ring Light himself, a.k.a. Liam, bigla na lang akong inaya to go sa Bangkok market.

Like, excuse me? Hindi ka ba napagod sa three-hour flight natin, plus the whole transfer from airport to here? Kasi ako, medyo nafi-feel ko pa rin yung airplane dryness sa skin ko. Pero when I looked at him, parang walang kahit anong trace of pagod sa mukha niya. As in fresh na fresh, with that green letterman jacket still looking crisp, hair perfectly in place, and that smug little smile that tells me na once he decides on something, wala ka nang choice.

So, wala na nga akong nagawa kundi sumama. After all, sayang naman ang outfit ko if hindi ko mairarampa agad. I mean, come on, I put effort into my travel look. Hindi siya pwede masayang sa apat na pader ng isang villa kahit gaano pa ito kaganda.

Pagbaba namin sa ground floor, nandun na agad yung rented car niya, parang bodyguard on standby. Sometimes I really have to remind myself na hindi kami artista, kasi everything feels so... extra. Like sobra sobra talaga for a simple "few days business trip meeting." Sino ba naman ang gumagastos ng ganito para lang sa isang work event? But of course, Liam being Liam, hindi siya titigil unless he gets the exact vibe he wants.

Not that I'm complaining—let's be real, sino ba naman ako to complain na sobra kaming spoiled? Pero somewhere in the back of my mind, I couldn't help but think: Wait lang, hindi ba dapat pinag-aaralan na namin yung meeting? Like yung slides, yung talking points, yung flow ng presentation? Kasi kung ako lang, medyo conscious ako na baka hindi ako prepared. Pero siya? Nope. Deadma. Instead, he looked so relaxed, like he already had everything under control.

So habang nasa car kami, I finally asked, "Are we supposed to, you know, be ready for the meeting?" Medyo hesitant pa ako, kasi I didn't want to sound like killjoy.

He didn't even glance at me. His eyes were fixed on the busy Bangkok streets outside, all neon lights starting to flicker alive habang nagta-transition ang city from day to night. Pero his hand, oh my gosh, his hand was casually resting on my thigh, gently massaging it like it belonged there.

"Don't worry about that," he said, calm and short, like the way CEOs end conversations. "Let's enjoy muna."

And of course, Liam being Liam, wala ka talagang magagawa once he decides. The way he says things, parang may finality. You either fight him—and lose—or just go along and secretly enjoy the ride. And me? Well, you know na the answer.

By the time we got to the Bangkok Night Market, it was already around six in the evening. The place was alive. As in super alive. The whole street was bursting with colors, scents, and sounds. Lahat ng tao nagkakandarapa sa food stalls, in between stalls na punong-puno ng quirky trinkets, clothes, at mga souvenirs.

We were walking hand in hand, squeezing ourselves through the sea of people, and honestly? For the first time, it felt so normal. Like we weren't these two people carrying secrets. We were just... us. Lovers, blending into the crowd.

Oo nga pala, bukas daw ay Songkran Festival. Kaya ngayon pa lang, everyone seemed hyped. The energy was electric, parang the entire city couldn't wait to erupt into one giant water fight. Ang saya ng vibe.

But for now, our destination was simple—isang sikat na Thai resto na known for having the best Pad Thai in the area. And honestly? My heart and my stomach were equally excited.

That delicious plate of Pad Thai officially became our dinner for the night—and honestly, ang sarap niya, like, life-changing levels of flavor. Yung balance ng tamis, alat, at asim ng lime, tapos may kick pa ng chili flakes. Every bite felt like Bangkok itself was introducing me sa chaotic but beautiful personality niya. And syempre, habang kumakain kami, hindi ko maiwasang tumingin kay Liam na sobrang chill lang habang nagchi-chopstick, parang hindi siya CEO na may empire na iniwan for a few days. Parang normal guy lang, quietly enjoying his noodles.

After we ate, hindi pa pala tapos ang adventure. He suddenly said na kailangan na naming mag-roam around sa Night Market kasi, according to him, kung bukas pa kami bibili ng pasalubong, for sure magiging war zone na dahil sa Festival crowd. And ako naman, like... okay go! Adventure is adventure. Buti na lang talaga dala ko ang eco bag ko, kasi I had a feeling na mapupuno ko ito with all kinds of random stuff.

So ayun, ako yung naging bida sa market tour, habang si Liam, let's just say, napilitan na lang magpa-drag along. As in, hila-hila ko siya sa mga stalls, pointing at everything like a kid sa candy store. He didn't even complain—he just let me pull him from one stall to another, hands full with whatever random thing na gusto kong bilhin. Para tuloy siyang boyfriend na nagti-tiyaga maghintay sa girlfriend niya na hindi matapos-tapos mag-ikot sa Watson's. And honestly? Super nakakakilig.

I ended up buying so many things. Ref magnets for my officemates, kasi iyon na lang pinaka-safe gift. Tapos for Trish and Shin, I got matching Bangkok t-shirts, one in white and one in black. Honestly, hindi ko alam kung matutuwa sila or mai-weirdohan, pero bahala na sila. For me, cute siya. At para magka-idea na rin si Shin. Haha.

And of course, hindi ko nakalimutan si Liam. I just 
had
 to buy something for him. Kaya ayun, I grabbed this ridiculously sexy bikini brief from one of the stalls. As in yung tipong hindi mo alam kung tinatago pa ba o pinapakita na yung dapat itago. I swear, the look on his face when I waved it in front of him was priceless. Sobrang nahihiya siya, his ears literally turned red, but I couldn't stop teasing him. Sabi ko pa, "This is so you! Kaya ba ng empire mo to wear this?" He gave me that deadly CEO glare na sobrang intimidating in meetings—pero dito, sa gitna ng night market, it only made me laugh harder.

After almost an hour of roaming around and my eco bag slowly transforming into a pasalubong loot bag, we finally decided na umuwi na. Pero syempre, dumaan muna kami sa 7/11—kasi what's a Bangkok night without a quick pitstop for midnight snacks? We grabbed instant noodles, a bag of shrimp chips, dalawang bottled water, at syempre pa, one guilty-pleasure chocolate bar na ayaw aminin ni Liam na gusto rin niya.

By the time we got back to our room, I was already feeling that delicious mix of pagod and excitement. I sat down sa edge ng bed, unzipping my eco bag to check kung kumpleto ang pasalubong haul ko, when I suddenly thought to ask, "How long will we be staying here?"

"Three days," he answered, short and simple, habang ina-unbutton niya yung letterman jacket niya. He took it off together with his inner t-shirt in one smooth motion, and I swear, for a second, na-stuck ako sa pagtingin sa kanya. His movements were so casual, pero at the same time, there was this quiet confidence na parang sinasabi ng body language niya: 
I know you're watching. And I don't mind.

Then, as if hindi pa sapat ang kilig, he sat down beside me sa kama. No words, no preamble—he just leaned closer, casually breathing me in. As in literal, he tilted his head, brought his face near my shoulder, at inamoy-amoy ako like I was something he was curious to memorize.

Umibabaw ako kay Liam, settling myself comfortably sa lap niya, and suddenly, parang the entire room shifted into this thick, heavy atmosphere of unspoken tension. Our faces were so close that I could literally count the flecks of brown and gold in his eyes. And then, just to break the seriousness of the moment—or maybe para lang mang-asar—I reached for the bikini brief na binili ko kanina sa night market, and shamelessly waved it right in front of his face.

And there it was again—that exact same hiyang-hiya expression na nakita ko sa kanya kanina, yung mixture of disbelief and 
"seriously, are you really doing this to me?"
 vibes.

Ako naman, I didn't even try to hide my grin. I just leaned back slightly, smirking, waiting for his cue—that tiny flicker of surrender that would tell me na he was actually going to wear it. And my God, ang loko, hindi talaga nagpatalo. In one swift move, he snatched the bikini brief from my hand, stood up with this almost dangerous glint in his eyes, and without a hint of hesitation, hinubad niya yung suot niyang pantalon together with his boxer briefs, right in front of me.

And there I was—frozen, caught completely off guard. Oo, yes, I can be playful and mischievous at times, pero never in my wildest imagination did I think na sasakyan niya talaga ang kapilyuhan ko this far. Yet here he was—Liam, Mr. Human Ring Light himself, CEO ng Emerson and Lyle, confidently pulling on the tiniest, most ridiculous bikini brief I had ever seen. And the audacity—he wore it like it was Armani.

And me? Half-shocked, half-swooning, and one hundred percent convinced that the universe was playing with my self-control. He stood there in front of me, with his oh-so muscular body sculpted like a freaking Greek statue, the bikini brief barely clinging onto him, and that teasing smile on his lips that practically said, 
"You think I can't wear this? Watch me."

Then, before I could even recover, he stepped closer—closing the space between us, grabbing my hand gently but firmly, and placing it exactly where his confidence was practically screaming for attention. And syempre, ano pa bang magagawa ko? Hindi na ako nagprotesta. Like, hello? This was Liam. 
The
 Liam. Mr. CEO Human Ring Light na all-powerful at larger-than-life sa lahat ng tao, pero right now, standing in front of me wearing a bikini brief I chose for him. You think I'm going to complain? No, thank you.

That night in Bangkok—let's just say it ended exactly the way fantasies are supposed to end: in one of the most intimate, unforgettable moments I never thought I'd actually have with him.

When I finally woke up at around 8 AM, the first thing I noticed was the silence. Walang katabi sa kama. No warmth beside me, no steady breathing that usually comes from someone na mahimbing na natutulog. Instinctively, I reached out my hand sa side niya, only to feel the cool, untouched sheets. And doon ko lang narealize: Liam was already up.

Medyo pupungas-pungas pa ako while I sat up, the sunlight filtering through the thick curtains, painting everything with that golden, almost cinematic glow. For a second, I just sat there, hugging the duvet close to my body, replaying fragments of last night—his laugh, his touch, that ridiculous bikini brief moment na hanggang ngayon parang hindi pa rin nagsi-sink in. And then, with a half-smile on my lips, I dragged myself out of bed.

By the time I made my way downstairs, the faint yet mouthwatering smell of bacon was already hanging in the air. Alam mo yung amoy na kahit antok na antok ka pa, it forces you to wake up fully? Exactly that. And when I stepped into the kitchen, there he was—Liam, looking completely at home, standing by the stove in just a plain white shirt and pajama bottoms, hair still messy in that perfectly imperfect way.

Without even thinking, I walked up to him, wrapped my arms briefly around his side, and kissed him on the cheek. “Morning, Papa,” I teased, deliberately dragging out the word.

He smirked instantly, that kind of smirk na parang half-disbelief, half-gusto pero nagmamatigas. And still, kahit pinipilit niyang maging cool, I could see the tiniest shift in his expression—that soft flicker na parang he actually liked it. He didn’t say anything about it though, except for that knowing look, and then he gestured for me to sit sa bar stool habang tinatapos niyang lutuin yung bacon.

So I sat there, watching him move around the kitchen like he actually belonged there. He plated the bacon, cracked an egg or two, and then with this almost ritualistic patience, he made us both coffee. The kind of small, ordinary thing na somehow felt so intimate because it was him doing it.

It was a light breakfast, nothing fancy—bacon, eggs, and two mugs of steaming coffee. Pero habang kumakain kami, out of nowhere, he looked up at me with this casual calmness and dropped, “Wanna go to the festival?”

I literally paused mid-sip. Slowly, I put my cup down, narrowed my eyes at him a little, and smirked. “We have a client meeting, right?” I reminded him, my voice light but tinged with disbelief.

Instead of answering seriously, he just smiled. That kind of smile na parang sinasabi niya na he was messing with me all along, na everything about work and meetings was just part of his little charade. And ako? Medyo inis, honestly. Kasi bakit kailangan pa niyang mag-sinungaling? Why make it sound like we were here purely for business, when clearly he had other things in mind?

But then again… that’s Liam. Complicated. Calculated. Pero at the same time, the kind of man who tries—in his own weird, CEO way—to create moments just for the two of us. And I couldn’t help but soften. Because even if it wasn’t straightforward, kahit may konting deception involved, you still knew na the effort was there.

“Sorry, baby,” he finally said, eyes softening into that ridiculously effective puppy-eyed look. The kind of look na kahit ilang million-dollar negotiations kaya niyang panindigan, pero pagdating sa akin, he resorts to something as disarming as that.

And me? I sighed, leaning back slightly, pretending to resist pero deep inside, I already knew I’d given in. “May magagawa pa ba ako? We’re here na,” I said, surrendering to the inevitable.

The way his face lit up after that—grabe. Para siyang bata na nanalo sa isang small but very personal victory. He literally looked like he wanted to celebrate, fists subtly tightening in that quiet gesture of triumph. And honestly? As much as I wanted to roll my eyes, I couldn’t. Because in that exact moment, watching him so happy over something so simple, I felt it again. That unexplainable warmth. That truth na kahit anong pilit kong i-deny, I was falling—deeper, harder, and more recklessly than I ever planned to.

And seriously, how do you even stop yourself from falling for someone like Liam?

Chapter 16

Days passed. Halos isang linggo na ang nakalipas mula sa aming three-day escape in Bangkok, pero hanggang ngayon, it still lingers so vividly in my mind. Everytime I replay those moments, parang may instant tug sa dibdib ko. Alam mo ’yung feeling na kahit sandali lang, kahit borrowed time lang siya, it felt like the entire world revolved only around the two of us? As in, walang ibang tao, walang ibang problema—just us, laughing, eating pad thai, holding hands in crowded night markets, at secretly stealing glances as if nobody else mattered.

But then, reality always has a way of snapping you back. Kasi now, we’re back to work again. Back to fluorescent lights, the constant tapping of keyboards, the monotone ring of office phones. Back to pretending. Back to being lowkey. And kahit gaano ko i-deny, may part of me that hates how we have to shrink ourselves—na our stolen moments are ours alone, na no one else can ever know.

Then suddenly, out of nowhere, that day happened.

I was on my desk, trying to finish a report, when the air literally shifted. You know that kind of silence na halos maramdaman mo physically? Everyone’s posture changed. Heads tilted, whispers hushed. And then I saw him—a man older, taller, carrying the kind of presence na kahit walang magsalita, everyone already knows he’s someone you don’t mess with. Roman Estrada III. The father of Liam. The man behind the name, the empire, the weight of everything that Liam has been trying to live up to.

He walked past all of us without even glancing sideways, straight into Liam’s office. And in that second, parang bumigat ang buong atmosphere ng palapag. I froze.

Inside, Liam instinctively stood up from his chair—that natural, respectful gesture to greet his father. But before he could even open his mouth, before he could even offer a single polite word, his dad’s hand landed across his face. A sharp, resonating slap that echoed louder than any boardroom argument.

I swear, the entire office collectively gasped. As in, may mga napabitaw ng ballpen, may isang tumigil sa pagtawag in mid-sentence. Everyone saw it. And me? My chest tightened so hard, I almost couldn’t breathe.

I wanted to close my eyes, pretend it didn’t happen—pero how could I, when Liam’s office had those clear see-through walls? We all had a front-row seat to the humiliation, to the father berating his son. I felt my stomach drop, my hands tremble, and only one question kept spiraling in my head: Is this because of us?

Did he find out? About Bangkok? About me and Liam? About this dangerous little secret we’ve been nurturing in stolen hours and whispered conversations?

Because if he did—then this is it. This is the moment I’ve been dreading all along. The day our relationship would no longer be hidden. The day the fantasy ends, and the real world finally claws its way back in to remind me na hindi ito simpleng love story. That no matter how much I care for Liam, I’ll always be the girl who’s too disposable for someone like him.

And I was scared. God, I was fucking terrified.

I tried to look away, pero my eyes were glued to the scene. His dad’s lips were moving fast, words laced with anger, his whole stance reeking of power and control. But Liam… Liam didn’t look at him. Not once. His jaw was tight, his fists curled on his desk as if every fiber of him wanted to fight back. Pero he didn’t. Maybe he couldn’t. After all, it was his father standing in front of him—the man who raised him, the man he still respected despite everything.

But what shook me most? His eyes. Because through all that chaos, through the scolding, the humiliation, the weight of being belittled in front of everyone, Liam’s gaze didn’t waver. He wasn’t looking at the floor. He wasn’t staring blankly to the side. He was looking at me.

Dead serious. Intense. As if trying to tell me something without uttering a single word. His eyes were practically burning with emotions I couldn’t even categorize—anger, defiance, longing, and maybe even a plea for me not to back away.

And in that single stare, I felt it. The danger. The gravity. The reality that this—us—might cost him everything.

And yet, against every rational bone in my body, all I could think was: I couldn’t look away either.

I found myself wandering aimlessly around the building after the incident. Parang automatic lang na my feet kept moving, like they were searching for him kahit hindi ko alam kung saan. And before I knew it, I was already at the rooftop. It was quiet up there, but not the peaceful kind—more like heavy silence na parang may tinatago.

And then, there he was.

Liam. Standing near the edge, half-shadowed by the fading afternoon light. He was smoking, the ember of the cigarette glowing faintly as he exhaled a thin stream of smoke into the air. His necktie was loosened, his shirt slightly wrinkled, and his right fist clenched so tight na parang handa siyang makipagsuntukan kahit kanino lang.

I froze for a second. I'd never seen him like this. Vulnerable, unpolished, raw. He looked both powerful and broken at the same time.

I slowly walked towards him. He noticed me almost instantly—nagulat siya for a moment, but then his face softened, like he knew all along I would find him there. Without saying a word, he flicked the cigarette away, stepped on it, then turned his back on me. His hand brushed through his already messy hair, like he was trying to compose himself, but failing.

And when I finally reached him, he suddenly faced me. With a smile. As if nothing happened. As if the sting of his father's slap in front of everyone didn't cut through his pride.

"Hi, baby." He greeted, voice light, almost teasing.

Pero ako, hindi ko kayang makisabay sa pretense niya. My face fell the moment I saw it up close—a faint bruise blooming on his right cheek, just enough to remind me that the slap was real, that everything earlier wasn't just some office drama we could shrug off.

Gently, I reached out and touched it. My hand lingered against his skin, trembling a little, but steady enough to let him know I cared. And without hesitation, he caught my hand, pressing it against his cheek before bringing it closer to his lips. He inhaled softly, like the simple scent of my skin was enough to ground him, to heal him, to remind him that amidst all the chaos, I was there.

My chest tightened. The moment was tender, but heavy.

"Liam..." I whispered, my throat tight. "Do you think it's about time?"

His eyes opened wider, like I had pulled him out of a dream. "What do you mean?" he asked, though deep down, I knew he already understood. He just didn't want to hear it.

I sighed, my heart aching. I wanted to be brave, to be honest. This was the reality we've both been avoiding. The walls were closing in. The secret wasn't safe anymore.

"Liam, you know what I mean." I said quietly, almost pleading for him to see the truth without me having to spell it out.

I watched as his expression shifted. The softness faded, replaced by something darker. His jaw tensed, his fist clenched again. And before I could stop him, he spun around and slammed his knuckles against the cement wall.

The sharp crack of bone against concrete echoed through the rooftop. I gasped, instantly covering my mouth with my hand, horrified by the violence of it.

"Liam!" I almost screamed, rushing closer but stopping myself when I saw his shoulders rising and falling with ragged breaths.

His voice came out sharp, almost breaking. "What? You want us to stop this? You're letting them win? You're just going to give up that easily?" He turned to me, eyes fierce, almost wounded. "After everything, you're telling me we're done?"

I couldn't speak. The tears were already welling in my eyes.

He stepped closer, his gaze desperate now. "What about your promise, huh? That night in Bangkok. When you told me you'd never break my heart." His voice cracked, heavy with the weight of both anger and pain. "Do you really mean to take that back now?"

And just like that, the memory of Bangkok crashed back into me—the quiet room, the city lights through the curtains, our whispered promises in the dark when the world felt like it could finally be ours.

And standing there in front of him, I felt torn between two impossible choices: to keep fighting for us no matter the cost... or to save him from the destruction that loving me seemed to bring.

Nanginginig ako habang unti-unti akong lumalapit kay Liam. My whole body felt weak, like every step I took towards him was heavier than the last. And when my eyes landed on his fist—dugo, tumutulo, freshly scraped from the brutal punch he gave the cement wall—para akong nalunod sa sariling takot at guilt. My chest tightened. I couldn't breathe properly. But still, I found a way to reach him. Because no matter how broken he looked, no matter how much he was hurting, my instinct was to be closer.

I carefully held his hand, the one covered with blood, not even minding if it stained my skin. My tears were already falling uncontrollably as I pressed my other hand over his knuckles, as if I could magically stop the pain.

"Liam..." I whispered, my voice trembling, almost cracking into pieces. "I'm scared."

The moment the words left my lips, everything about him shifted. The fiery anger that consumed him just seconds ago—the clenched jaw, the heavy breathing, the storm in his eyes—all of it softened. It was like hearing my fear broke through the armor he was wearing. He looked at me, really looked at me, as if I was the only person in the world that mattered.

And without hesitation, he pulled me into his arms. His embrace was so tight, so desperate, na para bang gusto niyang ipaalala sa akin na kahit buong mundo ang kalaban namin, he would never let me go. His lips brushed against my hair as he whispered, voice low but firm, every word sinking deep into me.

"Don't be scared, baby. I'll handle this. Just... don't let go that easily."

I closed my eyes, burying myself deeper against his chest. My arms instinctively wrapped around him, holding him with everything I had. Because right there, in his shoulders, in his arms, was the only place I felt safe. The chaos outside didn't matter. The weight of his family's power, the disapproval of the people higher than him, the judgmental eyes around us—lahat iyon naging blur for a moment.

It was just him. Him and me.

And though deep inside I knew na the road ahead was going to be cruel and merciless, his words carried a kind of conviction that made me want to believe. Because if there's one person in this world I would choose to bet on, it's Liam.

And in that rooftop embrace, with his blood staining my hand and my tears soaking his shirt, I silently told myself—I believe in him. No matter how impossible this fight may seem, I believe in him.

# Chapter 17

Liam's POV

"Liam... I'm scared."

Her voice still echoes in my head. The way she said it that night on the rooftop—fragile, breaking, almost like she was handing me her heart and asking me not to crush it. I can still feel her trembling against me, still smell the faint trace of smoke in the air mixed with the salt of her tears. I gave her every reassurance I could think of, every promise my soul could make, just to keep her from slipping away. Because I love her. God, I love her. And no empire, no fortune, no legacy is worth losing her.

Yet here I am. Sitting in this suffocating dining hall, surrounded by chandeliers that look like they cost more than an entire floor of Brix's condo. My family. Her family. The girl they want me to marry. Everyone dressed like royalty, glasses clinking, laughter bouncing off the marble walls. They're all animated, talking about business expansions, new properties in Europe, their next ski trip in the Alps.

And me? I'm here but not really here. My body is in this chair, but my mind is with Brix—curled up on her couch, in her ridiculous oversized PJ's, the ones she swears are "pangit pero comfy." She'd be nagging me about the plot of whatever K-drama she's currently obsessed with, pausing the episode just to explain things I don't even care about. And we'd laugh while slurping instant ramen straight from the pot because neither of us bothered to get bowls. That's where I want to be. That's home.

I clench my jaw. Every smile, every fake laugh I force out tonight feels like a betrayal. Because deep inside, all I want is to scream. To flip this table, to shatter the illusion, to tell them all: This is bullshit. This arranged marriage is a fucking prison dressed up in designer suits and fine china.

I glance at my father. Roman Estrada III. He's radiant tonight, like the king who thinks he's just secured another kingdom. His smile is wide, his posture straight, his eyes gleaming with the pride of a man who believes he has outsmarted the world. For him, this union is not about love. It's about leverage. Power. Bigger companies. Bigger empires. And he looks at me like I should be grateful.

But no. No, I won't let him write my future like a business transaction.

"So, Isabella," my mother's voice breaks through my thoughts. Her tone is warm, rehearsed, the kind of charm that's been polished by years of luncheons and galas. "How do you find the Philippines so far?"

The girl beside me straightens. Isabella. She's undeniably beautiful. The kind of beauty that turns heads when she walks into a room—poised, elegant, the perfect photograph. Any other man in this hall would be falling over themselves for her attention. But not me. Never me. My eyes, my heart, my everything—they've already been claimed. Brix has me. And I don't even want to be freed.

Before Isabella even answers, she glances at me, her lips curling into a small, deliberate smile. A calculated move.

"I haven't enjoyed it much yet," she says sweetly, tilting her head just so. "I've only been staying at the hotel. But... if someone were to accompany me..." She lets the words linger, her eyes flicking to me again, the suggestion heavy and intentional.

The table chuckles politely. My mother beams. My father looks at me with that unspoken command in his eyes: 
Do your duty, son.

But all I feel is rage clawing up my chest. Because while Isabella speaks, all I can see is Brix—terrified on that rooftop, clutching my hand like it was the only thing keeping her grounded. And suddenly, Isabella's smile feels like an insult.

Because no matter how perfect she is on paper, she'll never be Brix.

"I think this is the time, Liam, that you get to know Isabella more." Dad said with that usual commanding tone of his, the one he always think that the whole world will bend according to his rules.

I swear, I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes too obviously. How many more fake smiles do I have to endure tonight? My head was already somewhere else—imagining myself leaving this suffocating table, driving straight to Brix's condo, kicking off this stupid tuxedo, and just laying on top of her, wrapped in her warmth while she nags me about the K-drama scenes I pretended to understand. That's the only kind of reality I want. Not this fakery. Not this circus of champagne glasses and false pleasantries.

"After all, you're both getting married," Dad added, his voice sharp, almost celebratory—like he just declared some kind of victory.

And the moment that cursed word slipped out of his mouth—
married
—I felt my whole body stiffen. My fist clenched automatically under the table, knuckles almost whitening, nails digging into my palm. It's insane how fast I can transform from polite son to barely-restrained rebel whenever he shoves this arranged marriage down my throat.

I was ready to snap, to throw words I know will ruin everything, when Ate Sandra's voice suddenly cut through the air like a lifeline.

"Dad, do you think it's too early for that marriage?"

I turned my eyes to her instantly, my heart softening. My Ate. My ever-straightforward Ate Sandra. I gave her a subtle glance, almost whispering with my eyes: 
thank you.
 Because she knows me. She knows the storm brewing inside me. And if she hadn't spoken up, I might have unleashed something that no one in this table wanted to hear.

"Sandra, kailan ka pa naging pakialamera when it comes to my decision?" Dad snapped, his smile faltering for the first time, his voice low but sharp enough to sting. I knew he wanted to scold her, to humiliate her even, but of course—image first. We had guests. He wouldn't dare lose face in front of the guest.

Ate didn't even flinch. God, I admire her for that. She lifted her chin slightly, her tone calm but firm, her words heavy with truth.

"Dad, I don't meddle with your decisions. Ever. But don't you think this is too much already? Look around you. All your children, halos lahat kami, naging produkto ng arranged marriages. Two of us, yes, Louisa and Ezra, fine, they made it work. But me? Isaac? We ended up divorced. Because let's face it—there was no love in those marriages. None. It was all business. Pati ba naman kay Liam, uulitin niyo pa rin? Can't you just let him choose who he wants to love? Our company is already massive, Dad. It's big enough. What more do you need?"

Her words struck the room like lightning. Suddenly, the polished laughter and clinking glasses stilled, like everyone knew this was no longer just family banter—this was defiance.

I looked at my father. His jaw was clenched, his temples twitching, his nostrils flaring ever so slightly. I knew that look. He was seconds away from snapping. It was almost visible, the way he was holding back the urge to slam his hand on the table or worse, to lash out at Ate Sandra right then and there. But of course, image. Always, always the image.

And me? I wanted to stand up and clap. No—I wanted to hug Ate Sandra right there, to tell her she finally said the words I've been screaming silently in my head for months. For once, someone in this family actually spoke for us, not for the empire, not for the business.

And she was right. In every single aspect, she was right. All of my siblings were pawns in my father's endless empire-building game. Ate Louisa and Kuya Ezra? They somehow managed to make it work, forcing themselves into love with strangers-turned-spouses. But Ate Sandra and Kuya Isaac? They couldn't survive the lie. They broke free, even if it meant bearing the scars of divorce.

And now me. His youngest son. His last card. What is more important to him? His empire, or his own family's happiness?

"Cassandra, stop," Mom interjected, her voice gentle but firm, her hands slightly raised like she was diffusing a bomb. Always the peacemaker, always the one to keep the illusion alive.

But Ate Sandra wasn't finished.

"Why, Mom? Why stop? Are you that scared of the truth?" she fired back, her voice louder now, shaking the air with conviction. "Hindi ba ganun rin naman kayo noon? You and Dad—you were both forced into an arranged marriage. And now you want the same cycle to keep repeating? Don't you see how destructive this is? Pati ba naman sa bunso niyo? Can't you just let Liam decide for once? Let him choose, please."

The silence that followed was deafening. Forks frozen mid-air, wine glasses untouched, every pair of eyes darting between Ate Sandra, Dad, and me.

And me? My chest was pounding. Because for the first time tonight, I didn't feel completely alone. For the first time, someone dared to stand up to him. And maybe, just maybe, there was still hope.

Isabella's dad suddenly cleared his throat—like a subtle little reminder that, yes, he was still very much present at the table, watching every single thing unfold. And just like that, my dad, he shifted again into that perfect 
gentleman host persona
—the kind that makes you forget that awhile ago he was practically fuming at his own children. Honestly, it's wild. The way he can switch faces that fast... it doesn't even feel human anymore. More like a machine that's been programmed to save face, to protect his image in front of society, no matter what's really happening underneath.

Then my eyes went back to Isabella, who's seated right beside me. Her face? Totally unreadable. She looked unreadable. Like she was lost in everything that was happening. And I could tell—this wasn't a girl who was genuinely okay with it. She was just... trying to go along with it, like a passenger with no choice where the ride would take her.

I leaned closer, my voice low but firm.
"You don't need to do this," I told her. "If you're not happy, then go away. You don't have to marry me. You don't have to force yourself into something you don't deserve.."

She was surprised. She looked straight into my eyes—confusion and hesitation all over her face—then she gave me this polite, almost apologetic smile. And then, without warning, she stood up.

"This is bullshit!" she said loudly, her voice echoing across the whole mansion dining hall. And just like that, she bolted, running out as if the walls were suffocating her.

"Isabella!" her father shouted, his booming voice bouncing against the high ceilings. But it was useless. She didn't look back anymore. She was gone.

I looked around the table. One by one, their faces fell. Rage. Humiliation. It's like they all lost the lottery. The atmosphere was so heavy, I could almost crumble under the pressure.

"This needs to stop," I finally said, my voice cutting through the thick silence. "Don't turn us—your children—into currency for your business. Don't make us pawns on the chessboard of your empire. You don't know how much you're destroying us."

I stood up, the scrape of my chair loud against the polished marble floor. I was already walking away when I heard Dad call my name.

"Liam. We're not yet done," he said, his tone low but full of weight—like a threat, like an order.

I stopped. Slowly, I turned back, loosening my necktie like I was finally freeing myself from a chokehold. Then I looked him straight in the eye.

"No, Dad," I said, every word deliberate, unshaken. "We're done."

And with that, I walked out of that suffocating house.

The moment I got into the car, I could barely remember how I even started the engine. I just drove—faster and faster—until all I could think about was her.

Brix.

God, I miss her. I miss her so fucking much. Her scent. Her lips. Her touch. The way she hugs me like I'm her safe place. Her body that I keep longing for.. Everything about her—every damn detail.

And right then and there, while I was speeding toward her, I realized: I no longer cared about my family's empire. She's the only empire I want to build.

# Chapter 18

Brix's POV

Nandito ako ngayon sa kama ko, queen size pa naman, pero it feels so small tonight. As if kahit anong ikot ko, kahit ilang beses akong magpa-gulong gulong, I can't escape this heaviness. I've just been lying down, crying, and overthinking—like sobra, as in my mind keeps on replaying everything over and over again.

Parang mababaliw na ako sa kakaisip. What's going to happen to us? To me and Liam?

I mean, I've never felt this kind of ache before. Dati, if I meet a guy, it's either casual lang, or sex lang, tapos that's it. After that, I move on. Madali lang for me to detach, kasi sanay na ako na walang permanence. But this one—God, this one feels so different.

This isn't your typical girl-meets-boy love story na nakikita mo sa Netflix romcoms. This is a story of a boy who fell deeply, madly, irrationally in love with someone like me—a trans na hindi naman siya dapat ang tinitibok ng puso niya. It's messy, complicated, and against every possible odd.

Yes, Liam always assures me na he will do everything just to protect me, to fight for me. And as much as gusto kong paniwalaan 'yon, I keep asking myself: how? How exactly? Like, saan siya huhugot ng lakas, saan siya huhugot ng control? Because no matter how much I force myself to believe that everything's going to be fine, it still doesn't feel enough.

Kasi hindi lang society ang kalaban ko dito. Hindi lang yung judgment ng mga tao. Mas mabigat pa. Ang kalaban ko mismo ay pamilya niya. His dad. His whole clan na may hawak ng mundo niya. And the worst part? His dad already knows everything about us. Hindi lang iyon—they even demanded na mag-resign ako sa position ko, to just disappear quietly from Liam's life. Pero siyempre, Liam being Liam, he didn't allow it. Kasi nga daw, 
"You're not just someone, Brix. You're my person. My top priority."

And yet here I am, still curled up on this bed, drowning in fear and doubt.

Out of habit, I grabbed my phone and started mindlessly scrolling sa Facebook. Trying to distract myself kahit konti lang. Then suddenly, a random post from some concerned netizen popped up on my feed.

The caption said: 
"A guy in his mid-20s driving a car was accidentally hit by another vehicle earlier tonight."

At first, wala lang. I was about to scroll past it, but then I noticed something. My chest tightened.

So I tapped the video. The clip played, shaky cam, headlights everywhere, people screaming in the background. And then, I saw it.

The plate number.

My blood turned cold. Because it wasn't just any car. It was Liam's car.

Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin ko. As in, my whole body was trembling, parang nanginginig yung kaluluwa ko. Ang lakas ng tibok ng puso ko, it's like ramdam ko siya sa tenga ko, parang may drumline inside my chest. I was literally screaming in my head,
 "Please, please, please let him be okay."

My first instinct was to text him. To call him. To at least hear his voice kahit isang word lang. But then reality hit me—paano ko siya mata-text kung unconscious siya? Paano ko siya makakausap if right now he's literally fighting for his life?

So without even thinking, I just grabbed the first thing I could wear—his hoodie, yes, 
Liam's hoodie
, the one he always left sa condo ko. I pulled it over my head, hindi ko na inisip kung mukhang basag na basag ako or kung hindi bagay sa suot ko. I didn't care anymore. Wala na akong pakialam sa image ko. All I wanted, all I needed, was to see him. To make sure he's still breathing.

I rushed outside, hailed the first cab I could see, and told the driver, 
"Kuya, bilis, ospital, ngayon na."
 My hands wouldn't stop shaking. My phone kept slipping. The whole ride felt like forever, parang ang bagal ng oras. Every red light felt like torture.

The moment I arrived at the hospital, I just sprinted straight inside, my chest tightening with every step. Pagdating ko sa Nurses' Station, halos hindi ako makahinga when I asked, "Where is the guy who just got in? The one who was in the car accident?"

The nurse looked at me, suspicious pa nga. 
"Ma'am, ano po ang relation niyo sa patient?"

For a second, I froze. My heart wanted to scream I'm the one he loves. 
I'm the one he's fighting for. I'm his everything.
 But I couldn't. Hindi ko kayang ilabas ang totoo. Hindi ito yung oras para ipaglabang kilalanin ako.

So with the calmest voice I could muster, I simply said, "I'm his employee."

The words stung. They felt like knives sa lalamunan ko. Pero wala akong choice. Right now, hindi importante kung sino ako sa kanya. The only thing that mattered was to see him.

The nurse nodded, then guided me down the hall. And when we reached the ER, doon ko siya nakita.

Through the glass doors, my world completely shattered.

He was lying there, lifeless. Blood smeared all over his face, his body hooked up to machines, while doctors and nurses kept trying to revive him. CPR. Defibrillator. All those sounds you only hear sa mga movies—ngayon, naririnig ko na rin in real life. And it was his body on the line.

I pressed my hand against the glass, my tears falling non-stop. "Liam..." That's all I could whisper. Over and over again. Kasi wala akong magawa. I was just... powerless. The one person who promised to protect me, ngayon, ako yung hindi makaprotekta sa kanya.

My mind was racing. Why was he even out there driving so late? Saan siya pupunta? Bakit siya nagmadali? Liam was never reckless. Yes, he liked speed, pero hindi siya careless. He wasn't stupid. He always had control. Unless...

Unless he was on his way to me.

The thought ripped through me like a blade.

And then, before I could even process it further, I felt the air shift. The sound of heavy footsteps filled the hallway. The Estrada family had arrived.

I stood up instantly, wiping my tears kahit alam kong obvious pa rin. And then I saw her—Ate Sandra. Her eyes immediately locked on me. She didn't hesitate. She walked straight to me and pulled me into her arms. For one brief second, I felt like maybe I wasn't completely alone.

But that fragile comfort shattered the moment his father's voice thundered across the hall.

"What did you do to my son?!"

Everyone froze. His words cut through the air like a whip. My heart sank.

Before I could even react, Ate Sandra positioned herself in front of me, as if shielding me. "Dad, stop. It's not her fault—"

"Her fault?!" His father's voice rose even higher, full of venom. "E putangina nang baklang 'yan! Dahil sa kanya, mamamatayan pa ako ng anak!"

The way he spat that word—
bakla
—it was like acid thrown at me. My knees nearly gave out.

I couldn't stop the tears. I couldn't stop the guilt crawling inside me. Kasi what if he was right? What if it really was my fault? What if Liam was driving that night because of me? What if he was on his way to my condo, to see me, to hold me, to make sure I was okay?

And instead, he ended up on that hospital bed.

I stood there, trembling, asking myself over and over again:

Is Liam lying there because of me?

Liam survived. But he’s still unconscious. Limang oras na mula nang i-revive siya ng mga doctors, and yet, hindi pa rin siya nagigising. Para akong nakakulong sa kulungan, just waiting, praying, begging for any sign na he’ll open his eyes again.

Kanina, sabi ng mga doctors, his head took the worst impact. Lubhang naapektuhan daw, pero—thank God—walang crack sa skull niya. That’s probably the only piece of good news I could hold on to. Kasi knowing Liam, kahit mahilig siya mag-Fast and the Furious vibes sa daan, he would never forget to put on his seatbelt. He’s reckless, but never careless. That’s the kind of man he is.

And so I found myself thanking the Almighty above, silently, desperately, kasi He spared Liam’s life. Pero kahit anong gratitude ang nararamdaman ko, I still couldn’t shake off the truth na it was still my fault. Kahit anong anggulo, ako pa rin yung rason.

His dad was right, wasn’t he? Kung hindi ako dumating sa eksena ng buhay ni Liam, baka by now he’d still be perfectly fine—alive, healthy, and maybe even preparing to marry the woman his family chose for him. Maybe everything would’ve been smoother, cleaner, without me messing it up. Without me ruining their perfect plan.

That thought alone was enough to crush me.

Kaya unti-unti, I slipped out of the hospital. Hindi na ako nagpaalam, hindi na ako naghintay pa. I just disappeared. My body felt heavy, like every step was drenched in guilt and exhaustion. My condo wasn’t far, so I decided to just walk. Pero habang naglalakad ako, I could feel it—even my own feet were mourning with me, dragging themselves like they too were carrying the weight of everything I was feeling.

I stopped in the middle of the empty street. My chest ached, my breathing shallow. I tilted my head upward and stared at the sky. Ang dilim, pero the stars were scattered everywhere—parang pinapaalala nila sa akin na may liwanag pa rin kahit sa pinaka-madilim na gabi.

And right there, with my tears streaming down my face, I whispered a prayer. My voice cracked, almost inaudible, but my heart was screaming.

“God… please. Just wake him up. Gisingin mo lang si Liam. Let him open his eyes, let me hear his voice just one more time… then I swear, I’ll disappear. I’ll vanish forever from his life, if that’s what it takes. Just please… save him.”

And as the night swallowed me whole, I cried. Because maybe that’s the only bargain I could make with the universe.

Chapter 19

All eyes were literally on me habang nagbubuhat ako ng box filled with my personal stuff sa office. You know that awkward heavy feeling when everyone is just pretending na busy sila pero in reality, their gaze is secretly following every move you make? That was exactly what was happening to me at that moment. And honestly, I wanted to cry right then and there. As in I could already feel my throat tightening, my eyes almost betraying me with tears. Pero I told myself, No, Brix. Not here. Not in front of them. Not in front of your colleagues.

Yes. This is real. I’m leaving. Permanently. No more extensions, no more what ifs. And this isn’t just about work. This is about everything. Kasi I made a promise to Liam’s dad—a solemn one. That once Liam wakes up, I would vanish. As in disappear completely, like I was never even part of his life. No traces, no remnants, nothing that would remind him of me.

Masakit siya, sobra. Kasi deep inside, I want to stay. I want to fight for him. Pero ito rin ’yung matagal ko nang hiningi kay God, ’di ba? Na kung bibigyan si Liam ng second chance sa buhay, I would pay the price by leaving. And now that the time has come, I have to fulfill my end of the bargain.

Maybe this is what’s right. Maybe ito na talaga ang tama. Kasi kahit anong pilit, kahit gaano ka-strong ang feelings namin para sa isa’t-isa, hindi talaga pwedeng maging kami. His life is bound by their family’s traditions—old, rigid, unbreakable. I can’t go against that. I can’t rewrite a history that was already written by the blood of their ancestors. Kahit pa makipaglaban ako hanggang dulo, kahit pa ipagsigawan ko sa mundo how much I love him, I will never be the one who gets to make that decision.

“Beee…” I suddenly heard Trish’s voice trembling beside me, like she was one breakdown away from crying. Ever since she found out na nag-resign na ako, hindi na siya tumigil sa pangungulit, sa pangungumbinsi, sa kakaiyak.

I turned to her and gave her this half-smile, bittersweet. “Please take care of my condo ha?” I reminded her softly. She nodded, kahit halatang hindi siya sold sa idea na titira siya doon. Pero wala na siyang choice, wala na rin naman ako roon.

Then Shin came rushing in, her face already red, her eyes watery. She hugged me so tight, as if by holding me harder, she could convince me to stay. “I’ll miss you, Brix,” she whispered. And that broke something inside me.

But I couldn’t waste any more time. After securing all my things, I walked straight to my car. I carefully placed the boxes sa trunk, then slid into the driver’s seat. And the moment I closed the door, the dam finally broke. I let it all out. I cried—no, I sobbed. Every tear I was holding back, every piece of pain na kanina ko pa kinukulong, everything just poured out inside that car.

And that’s when it hit me—I will miss this place. I will miss every corner of this office. Every laugh, every memory. But most of all, I will miss Liam. God, I will miss him.

My eyes instinctively drifted to my hand. Doon sa palasingsingan ko, nakasuot pa rin ’yung ring na binili niya for us—a simple pair of rings. A promise we thought we could keep. The other one is with him. Slowly, I removed it. My chest ached, parang pinipiga. But I knew I had to.

Because I don’t want to carry any piece of him with me anymore. No memories. No reminders. Just the pain I have to learn to heal from. Kahit masakit, I have to move on.

So I made my decision. I’m flying back to Canada. To heal. To forget. To live a life as if Liam was never part of it. Even if deep inside, I know… he always will be.

Canada

Pagkalabas na pagkalabas ko ng Airport, the cold breeze immediately kissed my skin, pero mas mabilis akong nainitan ng mahigpit na yakap ng pamilya ko na agad sumalubong sa akin. Si Mama, si Papa, si Ate Llana, si Kuya Alex, at si Ate Jovie—lahat sila, sabay-sabay akong niyakap, as if they were trying to patch up every broken piece of me na iniwan ko sa Pilipinas.

And in that very moment, I couldn't help but cry. As in hindi ko talaga napigilan. The tears just came flowing, kasi sobrang na-miss ko talaga sila. You know that feeling when you're so drained, so lost, and all you want is to fall into the arms of the people who will never judge you, never question you, but will always, always catch you? That's exactly what I needed right now. A family that can hold me together, a family that can help me forget, a family that can remind me na I'm still worth loving kahit gaano pa ako nabasag.

The past four months I spent with Liam—grabe, it shook my entire world upside down. Like, everything I thought I knew about love, about myself, about what I was capable of feeling, nagbago lahat dahil sa kanya. Kaya ngayon, ang hirap. As in ang hirap-hirap for me to just... move on. You can't just unlove someone na ganon kalaki 'yung naging impact sa'yo, 'di ba? Pero as painful as it is, I know it 
is what it is
. Wala akong choice kundi gawin 'yon. I need to heal.

And healing... means cutting ties. Every single thread that connects me to him. Kaya I deactivated all my socials. I changed my phone number. I even begged Trish not to tell Liam where I am. Kasi, kilala ko siya—Liam being Liam, gagawin niya ang lahat just to find me. He'll fight, he'll chase, he'll never stop. But that's exactly why I have to disappear completely. Kasi kung makikita ko pa siya ulit, kung mararamdaman ko pa ulit ang presence niya, I swear, I will melt. I will crumble. And everything I worked so hard to let go of... will be gone in an instant.

"Anak, we really missed you," Mama whispered habang hindi pa rin ako binibitiwan sa yakap niya. Her warmth felt like home.

I told them everything. As in everything. Wala akong itinago. They're my family, my safe space, and they deserve the truth. In fact, they were the ones who pushed me to come back here sa Canada. And honestly, tama naman sila. Kasi kung mananatili pa ako sa Pilipinas, para lang akong nagmamarathon in circles—paulit-ulit lang, walang progress. At least here, I can breathe. I can start over.

After the whole emotional reunion drama sa Airport, we finally drove back home. And pagdating namin, they had already prepared a small feast for me. Typical ni Mama—lahat ng favorite kong pagkain niluto niya. And the smell alone almost made me cry again. Ang tagal ko na 'tong hinintay. Ang tagal ko nang na-miss 'to.

Pero ayun na naman. Bigla na lang sumingit sa isip ko si Liam. I remembered how he would always cook for me whenever he felt like it. Breakfast in bed, spontaneous lunch dates, romantic dinners, even silly midnight snacks just because I was craving. Every dish he made carried a piece of his heart.

I shook my head, trying to erase the thought. Pero ganon yata talaga. Lahat ng bagay, lahat ng eksena, may paraan para ipaalala siya sa akin. Kahit ayaw ko na, kahit pilit kong nilalabanan, he lingers.

"Ang tagal na naming sinasabi sa'yo na bumalik ka na dito sa Canada," Ate Llana said, her tone sharp but not unkind. She's always been like that—blunt, straightforward. And to be fair, she was the first one I confided in about Liam, about what we had, about how it ended. She knew everything, from the butterflies to the heartbreak.

"Ate, it was her choice naman. At least now, natuto na siya. Right, sis?" Ate Jovie, my third sibling, quickly defended me, her voice softer, warmer. Then she flashed me this smile na parang sinasabi, 
I got you
. She's always been my partner in crime, my safe accomplice.

"Hay nako! Can you two please not nag my baby bunso?" Dad suddenly interjected, playful but firm. Then as if on cue, I immediately ran to him, sat on his lap, and wrapped my arms around him like a little child again.

And right there, I felt it—acceptance. Love. Safety. See? This is my family. They embrace me wholeheartedly, no matter what, no matter who I am, no matter who I loved. Even my dad, the strongest figure in my life, calls me his princess. And in that moment, I realized... maybe, just maybe, I can survive this.

# Chapter 20

Two months have already passed. Can you believe that? As in, parang isang iglap lang talaga. Everything just went by so fast. Kasi parang kailan lang, iyak ako nang iyak, almost every single night, my pillow soaking wet with tears, my chest heavy with that suffocating feeling na parang wala nang bukas. Lahat ng oras, lahat ng minuto, pati na 'yung mga seemingly irrelevant na bagay—it all just reminded me of him. The ringtone of my phone, the smell of my coffee, even the smallest glance of someone na naka-suit sa daan, lahat bumabalik sa kanya.

But now, things are... well, different. Hindi ko na siya gano'n kadalas naiisip. Paminsan-minsan, yes, lumilitaw pa rin siya sa utak ko—like a ghost of what once was. Pero unlike before, ngayon tinatawanan ko na lang. Para bang dati, bawat alaala ay isang sugat. Pero ngayon, it has become something lighter, something I could carry without crumbling. Ironic, no? That the same memories that used to break me are now the same ones that make me smirk at my own past self for being so overly dramatic.

And honestly, I owe it so much to my family. Kasi kung hindi dahil sa kanila, baka hanggang ngayon, lost pa rin ako. My mom, for example—she never failed to remind me to take care of myself. Lalo na nung first month, kasi literally, my routine was just bed, iyak, stare at the ceiling, repeat. She would come to my room with her calm but firm voice, always saying things like
 "Anak, kumain ka muna, don't skip your meals."
 And you know what? It helped. Hindi agad-agad, but it slowly sank in.

My dad, on the other hand, had his own way. Every single morning, kahit alam niyang I'm not a morning person—like seriously, my default mode is grumpy before noon—he still made sure that breakfast was there. A soft knock sa pintuan ko, then his voice saying,
 "Brix, may pagkain na sa table."
 Kahit pa one bite lang ang makain ko, at least it was something.

Then there's Ate Llana. Even though she already has her own household and lives away from us, she'd call me constantly. Not to bombard me with advice, but in the most casual way—like asking me to come along sa grocery runs with her twins, my pamangkin. I know she just wanted me out of the house, to see people, to breathe air outside my room.

And then, of course, Ate Jovie. She's the type who doesn't ask permission. She'd just burst into my room, arms loaded with snacks—chips, chocolate bars, sodas—and then she'd say,
 "Hoy, let's binge-watch rom-coms, now na."
 And kahit wala ako sa mood, wala na rin akong magagawa, kasi she made it feel so effortless, so comforting.

Kuya Alex naman, oh my God, siya 'yung pinaka persistent. He'd always knock and drag me outside to play basketball with him in the garden. Like, hello? Sports and I are not a match made in heaven. But still, he'd insist. And even though I mostly just stood there pretending to play, those small moments helped me breathe again.

Those gestures—those seemingly small, almost mundane things—they became the very reason why I started to heal. Because little by little, they reminded me that life was still happening. That despite everything, I could still smile. And now, here I am. Breathing a little easier. Laughing a little louder.

But of course, life doesn't pause for heartbreaks. I couldn't just stay home forever, hiding behind my family's love and care. At some point, I had to step out, face the world again, and prove to myself na kaya ko pa rin. So I looked for a job. Not the kind of high-paying, glamorous career I once had in the Philippines, but something stable enough to keep me going.

And so I ended up here—working at a grocery store. Specifically, as part of the back office staff. Kami yung nagchi-check ng deliveries, nag-a-audit ng items, making sure na everything's in order. Not exactly a dream job, but you know what? It's okay. Because for now, that's what I need. Something that keeps my mind busy, something that diverts my thoughts away from the what-ifs and the memories.

"Hey, Brix. Lunch?"

I was startled. Napalingon ako sa pinanggalingan ng boses. It was Harvey—one of my Canadian workmates. There he was, flashing his usual bright smile, waving a Subway sandwich in the air like he was in some quirky commercial.

He's always like this. Always asking me to have lunch with him, kahit na alam niya namang hindi ko siya sinasabayan. I gave him a small nod, a polite smile, and quickly turned back to the papers I was checking. Hoping he'd leave it at that.

But of course, he didn't. I could feel him moving closer, his presence lingering just behind me. And then, out of nowhere, he reached out and snatched the pen and paper from my hands.

"Hey!" I immediately protested, trying to grab it back, pero ang daya niya—he kept pulling it away, teasing me.

"Why don't you want to have lunch with me?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief, as if he already knew the answer.

I sighed, my patience thinning but at the same time, already too used to this routine. "I'm not yet hungry."

He laughed. That kind of laugh na parang he saw right through me. Light, playful, almost mocking. "Oh, come on! You're not good at lying."

And as if on cue—the worst timing ever—my stomach betrayed me. A loud growl echoed from my belly.

Bwisit. Ngayon pa talaga siya kumalam.

I gave in, finally. Parang wala na akong laban when Harvey flashed that half-smirk, half-victorious grin of his, habang iniabot niya sa akin 'yung isa pang sandwich na hawak niya. He was obviously too pleased with himself, like he just won some unspoken challenge between us. I rolled my eyes slightly, pero syempre, I accepted it. "Thanks," I muttered, trying to sound casual. And then, sabay na kaming nagtungo sa pantry area para doon mag-lunch.

Harvey is... mabait. As in genuinely mabait. And yes, gwapo siya. The kind of gwapo na effortless lang—matangkad, maputi, sharp jawline, with those easygoing eyes na laging may kasamang ngiti. Approachable, charming, and ridiculously pleasant. Kahit pa sigawan siya ng mga stereotypical Karens dito sa Canada, his reaction is always the same: a smile, a polite nod, and then he just brushes it off. Walang init ng ulo, walang sarcasm, walang malisya. He's just that kind of person—parang sunshine na naglalakad.

Which, of course, makes him so 
different
 from... him.

Ugh. There I go again. Naalala ko na naman siya.

I tried to shake it off, refocusing on the sandwich sa kamay ko. "Thanks for this," I said once again, kahit nasabi ko na kanina. Parang gusto ko lang ulitin, maybe to ground myself sa present moment, not the past.

"Anytime," Harvey casually replied, bago kumagat ulit sa sandwich niya, as if it was the simplest, most natural thing in the world.

Tahimik lang kaming kumakain. The silence wasn't awkward though—more like comfortable. Ako, slow-paced as usual, taking small bites one at a time, savoring every chew. Meanwhile, siya naman, parang may eating competition na sinalihan—in just under two minutes, his sandwich was gone. As in completely vanished.

Napanganga na lang ako, staring at him in disbelief. Meanwhile, ako? Hindi pa man lang nangangalahati yung sandwich ko.

"Gutom na gutom lang, 
'te
?" I muttered under my breath in Tagalog, teasing him.

He looked at me with a furrowed brow, clearly confused kasi obviously he didn't understand what I said. That clueless look on his face was so adorably funny na natawa na lang ako, shaking my head, and went back to eating quietly.

For a moment, I just observed him. His movements, his presence, his energy. He wasn't trying to impress me. He wasn't even trying to be anything but himself. And maybe that's why it felt... refreshing.

Then, breaking the quiet, he suddenly spoke again. "Anyway, there will be a little celebration later on at my house," he said so casually, as if it wasn't a big deal. Then he glanced at me, his smile widening just slightly. "It's my birthday. Wanna come?"

My fork—well, sandwich in this case—paused mid-air.

Wait. What?

A birthday celebration. At his house. An invitation. For me.

For a second, I didn't know what to say. My mind automatically flashed images of family gatherings, balloons, cake, people I didn't know, and me awkwardly standing in the corner trying to figure out what I'm supposed to do there. But also... a part of me, the part that has been lonely for quite some time, felt a tiny spark. That small, dangerous, hopeful spark.

Should I? Or should I not?

Matagal akong nag-isip. I sat there for a good minute, holding my half-eaten sandwich, debating with myself kung sasama ba ako or not. But in the end, I decided not to. Not because I didn't appreciate the invite—kasi honestly, sweet naman na in-offer niya—but simply because hindi pa ako ready. Hindi pa ako handang makipag-socialize sa ibang tao, especially sa setting na puno ng strangers. At higit sa lahat, not with him. Not yet. I'm still figuring myself out, still patching up my broken pieces. Kaya sabi ko sa sarili ko, 
"No, Brix. Don't push it."

Still, I smiled at him and softly said, 
"Happy birthday."

I noticed the subtle shift sa mukha niya. Parang saglit na nalungkot, yung tipong he tried to hide it behind his usual cheerful aura, pero halata pa rin. And then, just like that, para bang may light bulb na biglang nag-spark sa isip niya. His eyes lit up as if he had just discovered a brilliant solution.

"How about, tomorrow?" he asked, leaning closer, his voice hopeful. "Since it's our day-off and it's Sunday, can I take you out?"

I blinked, taken aback.

But he wasn't done. He went on, determined to make his case. "You know, all of our workmates will come. Then, it's only you who will not come." He paused, catching his breath, then softened his tone, almost persuasive. "So, if you're not comfortable with them, maybe we can both go out? Just the two of us?"

I almost laughed—not because it was funny, but because grabe talaga ang fighting spirit ng isang 'to. Harvey wasn't one to take no for an answer, clearly. Para siyang player sa game na kahit ilang beses ma-block, he'd still find another way to score. Hindi talaga nagpapatalo.

Pero kasi, I know this routine all too well. Let's be honest—oo, trans ako, but I'm not clueless. Hindi naman ako papakabog when it comes to reading signals. And definitely, hindi ako magpapaloko when it comes to 
pagpapapogi at pa-charming moves.
 Kaya I know. I know when a guy is just being friendly, and I know when a guy is trying to... well, hook up.

And Harvey? He was giving off that vibe. That kind of persistence that wasn't just about friendship.

I let out a small sigh, then shrugged my shoulders casually. "Okay, that sounds great."

The way his entire face lit up after I said those words—sobra. His smile stretched so wide, parang nanalo siya ng jackpot sa lotto. As if my yes was the best gift he could have received on his birthday.

I didn't mirror his excitement though. Instead, I just gave him a polite smile. Kasi deep inside, I reminded myself of one thing: itong pagsama ko sa kanya bukas is just part of my healing process. Nothing more, nothing less. A small step out of my comfort zone. A tiny attempt to reconnect with life.

But that doesn't mean na ie-entertain ko na siya. That doesn't mean I'm ready. Kasi I'm not. My heart is still tender, still fragile. And truth be told, I'm not yet ready to open the door for a new relationship. Not when the ghost of the past still lingers in the corners of my mind.

So for now, this will remain just what it is—a harmless "yes" to a harmless invite. Nothing deeper. Nothing serious. At least, that's what I keep telling myself.

# Chapter 21

Someone suddenly grabbed my waist—firm enough to surprise me, pero gentle enough to feel safe. Before I could even react, he pulled me closer to him, leaning in just enough for me to hear his soft murmur, 
"I miss you, mi amore."

My lips curved into a small smile the moment I recognized that voice. Slowly, I turned to face him. And there he was—Harvey. Standing in front of me in his usual effortlessly casual fashion: a black hoodie draped loosely over his frame, knitted cargo pants that made him look extra laid-back, his classic black Converse na parang signature footwear niya na, and of course, that bull cap he always wears backwards, like it's his personal statement.

He flashed me that smile—the kind that always manages to disarm me no matter how much I try to act composed. And before I could even tease him for being too dramatic, he leaned forward and gently pressed his lips against mine.

God, I missed him. So much.

It's been two and a half months since we started dating. Two and a half months of getting used to his persistence, his energy, his way of invading my quiet spaces. And if I really think about it, it all began with that one moment—when he insisted na samahan ko siya sa post-birthday celebration niya. Back then, I wasn't comfortable being around a crowd, pero he refused to let me isolate myself. He made sure I was there, beside him. I thought it was nothing. I thought it was just another gesture of his stubbornness. But now... here we are. That small insistence snowballed into something I never thought I'd find again.

He's so determined. Harvey is so determined.

And honestly? I never thought I'd fall for him. I swore to myself before—I told myself na I would distance myself from anyone who tried to confess their feelings for me. Kasi nga, I was still in the middle of my healing process. I didn't want to drag someone else into my mess. I didn't want to open a door I wasn't ready for.

But Harvey... he was different. His persistence wasn't pushy, it wasn't suffocating. It was the kind of persistence na nakakainis kasi it makes you smile despite yourself. Nakakainis kasi he always made sure I was fed, lagi siyang may extra sandwich na dala para sa akin. Nakakainis kasi whenever there were leftover flowers sa flower section ng store, he'd grab them just for me—and lagi pang pink, alam niyang weakness ko.

And tell me, paano ka hindi kikiligin doon? Kahit anong pilit kong magpaka-stoic, kahit anong effort kong magpakalayo, those little things chipped away at my walls. Slowly, deliberately.

At some point, I thought—maybe, wala namang mawawala if I tried again. Maybe it was okay to give myself another chance. After all, for sure, masaya na rin si Liam wherever he is. Baka nga kasal na sila nung babaeng pinipilit ipakasal sa kanya noon. Maybe he already built the life that everyone wanted for him. So why should I still keep myself locked up in the past? Why should I keep torturing myself with what-ifs?

So I gave Harvey a chance.

And in doing so, I also gave myself a chance. A chance to heal, a chance to move forward.

I told him everything—my scars, my regrets, my heartbreak. Wala akong tinago. I laid it all bare, the ugliest parts of me included. And him, being the man that he is, he didn't flinch. He didn't run away. Instead, he stayed. He listened. He understood. And more than anything, he helped me pick up the broken pieces of my heart, patiently, one by one.

"When did you come back?" I asked softly, after we pulled away from the kiss.

"Earlier," he answered simply, almost nonchalant. But then, before I could even tease him for being vague, he leaned in again and kissed me. Mas matagal, mas sabik. As if he had been deprived of me for years when in reality, kahapon lang naman kami huling nagkita.

"I really miss you," he whispered again, this time with exaggerated puppy eyes, parang batang inaapi. "You know, I can't focus on work because you're always on my mind."

I couldn't help but laugh at his theatrics. Ang OA niya, pero ang cute. Kaya kahit gusto ko sanang deadmahin, my laughter betrayed me.

Of course, I knew why he was acting like this. Kailangan kasi ng tao sa isang branch ng store namin, so he was one of the few assigned there temporarily. Kaya siguro he's been extra clingy now that he's back. Parang gusto niyang bawiin lahat ng oras na nawala.

And honestly? I can't even complain.

Because deep down, I missed him just as much.

After work, dumiretso kami sa apartment niya. Honestly, medyo sanay na rin ako sa setup na iyon kasi ever since nagkakilala kami, his place has always been parang safe haven namin. Hindi siya nakatira with his family—he’s been living alone here in Canada for quite some time now. If I remember correctly, parang almost five years na ata siyang ganito, on his own. His family is actually based in the US, pero ayaw niya talagang umasa sa kanila. He told me once na he wanted to prove something to himself—na kaya niyang maging independent, kaya niyang mabuhay without leaning too much on anyone. And I admired that about him, kasi in some ways, parang ako rin. I’ve been trying to live my life with that same principle—na kahit mahirap, kahit masakit, you stand on your own two feet.

Habang nagkukuwento siya, napansin ko ’yung parang bittersweet smile niya. He started opening up about his past relationships, and to be honest, hindi ko in-expect na magiging gano’n siya ka-transparent. He said na marami-rami na raw girls ang dumaan sa buhay niya. Some of them, umabot na sa point na almost on the verge of marriage. Pero for some reason, things fell apart. Minsan daw, sila ’yung nag-cheat sa kanya. Minsan naman, siya mismo ang nag-slip. He admitted it without excuses—walang filter, just raw honesty. And that struck me, kasi bihira ang lalaking ganito, na kayang i-admit na minsan sila mismo ang nagkamali.

Of course, me being me, I couldn’t help but throw in a playful remark. I teased him, “So am I really the only gay person you’ve ever been in a relationship with? Like, there’s really no one else before me?” I said it with a half-smile, pretending to be casual but deep inside, syempre, I wanted to know.

And without even blinking, he said yes. No hesitation, no drama. Just one word, direct to the point. “Yes.”

I laughed a little, trying to brush it off, pero deep inside, my heart skipped. Kaya naman I pushed a little further, sabi ko, “But what if you only liked me because you just wanted to experience what it feels like to have a gay partner? Like some sort of… experiment?”

But again, he shut that thought down immediately. His eyes softened, and then he said something that honestly caught me off guard. He told me na the very first moment he saw me—noong unang beses daw akong pumasok sa store, back when I wasn’t even working there yet—he felt something. “You swooned me away,” sabi niya. Parang dramatic pakinggan, but the way he said it was so sincere. “My jaw literally dropped when I saw you, because you’re so beautiful. I just couldn’t take my eyes off you.”

He even confessed na ever since that day, lagi na raw niya akong inaabangan whenever my Ate Llana and I would do our groceries. And when fate decided that I would actually end up working in the same store? That’s when he knew he had to make his move. Kaya pala noon, he was always so insistent about inviting me to lunch. Hindi ko alam, pero para sa kanya pala, every small moment was a chance to get closer, to be noticed. Until eventually, he reached his limit. He said he just had to give in, to approach me head-on, kasi apparently, hindi raw sapat ang kapogian niya at charm niya to break down my walls.

For a brief second, natulala ako. Because suddenly, bigla kong naalala si Liam.

Ganito, ganitong-ganito rin ’yung kwento niya sa akin noon. The way he described how he first liked me, how he fell, how he pursued me no matter how much I resisted at first. The parallels were uncanny.

And that memory—as warm as it was painful—tugged at my chest.

Chapter 22

I was just there, standing in front of my vanity mirror, literally zoning out habang inaayos ko ang make-up ko. I couldn’t help but stare at myself. Like, wow. Ang dami na palang nagbago sa akin after almost five months of living here in Canada. My hair is now much longer, mas flowy, mas feminine. I even had my boob job done last month lang—a decision na matagal ko ring pinag-isipan pero eventually I did it for myself. On top of that, I also gained a little weight. Not too much naman, pero just enough to make me look softer, healthier.

Every time I would mention kay Harvey na parang tumataba na ako, he would always, as in always, assure me na, “Baby, you’re still sexy. In fact, you’ve become even more irresistible now.” And honestly, I could feel na he really means it. That’s the kind of man he is.

At least, that’s a good sign, right? Kasi somehow, I feel like I’ve been transforming not only physically but also emotionally. Slowly, I realized na halos nakalimutan ko na si Liam. He no longer lingers in my thoughts. Wala na rin halos triggers that remind me of him.

Akala ko dati, I would forever be stuck, like trapped in the shadows of our past. Akala ko noon, it was impossible to move forward from him—from us. But apparently, hindi pala ganon. Sometimes, with the right people around you, with the right kind of love and care, you actually do move forward. You get to heal. You get to forget, little by little, kahit gaano ka-painful ’yung nakaraan.

I was halfway done with my make-up when I suddenly heard a knock sa may main door downstairs. Napangiti ako agad, kasi I know it was Harvey. It’s our third month together today, and we planned a simple yet intimate date para i-celebrate ’yung milestone naming dalawa. So of course, natuwa ako.

Mabilis akong bumaba para pagbuksan siya. But the moment I opened the door, my entire world literally stopped.

It wasn’t Harvey.

It was… “Liam?”

Parang natuyuan ako ng dugo sa katawan. I froze right then and there, like a statue. My knees felt weak, my chest tightened. All those walls that I carefully built for months, all those invisible barricades that kept me safe from him—suddenly, they all came crashing down.

Anong ginagawa niya rito? How on earth did he even find me?

The moment his eyes met mine, he smiled. And oh God, I could see it. His eyes were glassy, almost teary, filled with longing. You can just tell na he missed me so much, na he’s been waiting for this day na magtagpo ulit kami, kahit gaano pa katagal.

But this was not the Liam I once knew.

Not the flawless, put-together CEO. Not the ever-gwapo, ever-charming bachelor boss na parang hindi natitinag ng kahit anong bagay. Standing there in front of me was a different man. A stripped-down version of himself. He was only wearing a plain t-shirt, loose pants, worn-out sneakers. His face was rugged, unshaven, puno ng balbas, and he even looked like he lost a lot of weight. He wasn’t glowing with authority anymore. Instead, he looked… human. Vulnerable. Broken, even.

“Hi,” he said, his voice cracking slightly.

I don’t know why, but the moment I heard his voice, tears suddenly welled up in my eyes. It was as if every memory, every buried emotion, rushed back to me all at once.

And just then, I heard Ate Jovie’s voice from the back, curious. “Sino ’yan—” she trailed off the moment she caught sight of Liam standing at the door. Her words froze in her throat, her eyes widened. She, too, was completely stunned.

Ate Jovie finally stepped forward, positioning herself slightly in front of me, like she was my shield. “Liam, please… just go. Let my sister be in peace. Tama na, okay?” Ate Jovie’s voice was firm, pero may pagsusumamo pa rin.

And there I was, standing right behind her, my heart pounding so loud na para bang buong bahay ay maririnig. I wanted to say something, kahit ano, but my lips were sealed.

Liam just gave this faint smile, the kind na hindi mo alam kung pain ba or resignation, then rubbed his face with his right palm as if he was trying to gather strength. “I’m not here to start a scene. Hindi ako pupunta rito para manggulo. I just… I just came here to see Brix. To talk to her. And most of all… to say I’m sorry.” His voice cracked a little, and for a moment, the CEO, the bachelor, the intimidating Liam Mikael Estrada was nowhere to be found. What stood there was just… a man. A man filled with regret.

Pero ako? Wala akong nasabi. I couldn’t. It felt like the ground beneath me swallowed me whole. My throat tightened, my eyes blurred, and I couldn’t even dare to look straight at his face. Kasi the moment I do, I know babalik lahat. The longing, the hunger, the ache I’ve buried for months.

And to be honest? Deep inside, I wanted to run to him. I wanted to wrap my arms around him so tight na wala nang makakakuha sa kanya palayo sa akin. I wanted to kiss him, taste his lips again, at isampal sa kanya lahat ng mga salita na hindi ko nasabi before I left. Every “I love you” that died in my throat.

But my feet felt like they were nailed on the floor. My voice was gone. I was mute, paralyzed in this emotional ambush.

Then he spoke again, softer this time, like a plea only meant for me. “Please, Brix… let’s talk.” His eyes—God, those eyes—were begging.

And for the first time since he showed up, I forced myself to look at him. Kahit na nanginginig ako, I straightened my back, inhaled deep, and finally found the courage to speak.

“Not today, Liam.” That’s all I could manage. Two words that felt like a dagger to both of us.

And then—like the universe really wanted to make things harder—Harvey’s car pulled up in front of the house. The familiar hum of his engine, the sound of his car door opening, and there he was, walking towards us with that signature smile of his. The kind of smile na automatic na nagpapagaan ng loob ko.

“Hi, babe. Hi, Ate Jovie,” he greeted warmly, casual and effortless, like nothing was wrong.

But then his gaze shifted. His eyes finally landed on Liam, standing literally just a few steps beside me.

And in that split second, I saw it—the unmistakable flash of shock on Liam’s face. The way his jaw clenched, his eyes widened, and his entire body tensed up when Harvey called me babe.

Parang biglang nag-iba ang hangin. The tension was so palpable, parang kahit hindi ka magsalita, the silence itself already screamed of everything that was unspoken.

Napatango-tango si Liam, parang he already pieced everything together kahit walang sinasabi. Then he forced this half-smile, so faint and so fake, na kahit hindi siya magsalita, ramdam mong basag na basag na siya inside. “Sige… I’ll go,” he finally whispered, voice low, eyes glistening with tears na pilit niyang pinipigilan bago siya tuluyang nagpaalam.

I just stood there, nakatingin lang sa kanya, frozen in my spot, watching every step he made habang dahan-dahan siyang naglalakad papalayo sa bahay. Each stride felt heavy, bawat hakbang niya ay may bigat ng lahat ng hindi namin nasabi. And the moment his figure disappeared from my line of sight, doon na ako bumigay. The tears I’ve been holding in—kanina pa sa pinto—suddenly cascaded down my cheeks like a dam finally breaking.

Ate Jovie rushed to me instantly, wrapping her arms around me. I clung to her so tight, kasi kung hindi, baka tuluyan na akong gumuho. Hindi ko na nga namalayan that Harvey was already there, standing quietly, watching everything unfold.

Pinaupo ako agad ni Ate Jovie sa sofa, her hands rubbing my back while whispering comforting words. Thank God wala sina Mama at Papa. They decided to stay at Ate Llana’s house for the weekend, kaya it was just me and Ate Jovie here. Kuya Alex naman is miles away, nasa India for one of his solo travels. Kaya right now, it was just the three of us—me, Ate, and Harvey—inside this house filled with silence and suppressed emotions.

“Sige lang, sis. Let it all out,” Ate Jovie whispered softly, like a lullaby. “Ilabas mo lang lahat ng iyak mo. Don’t hold it back.” Then she turned her head, addressing Harvey. “I’m sorry you had to see Liam here,” she added, apologizing on my behalf.

I forced myself to look up, searching for Harvey’s reaction, terrified of what I might find in his expression. Jealousy? Anger? Doubt? But his face was calm, steady, like still water. “Oh, I see,” he simply said, his tone neutral, almost nonchalant—like he wasn’t shaken at all by the fact that the man who once owned my whole world just showed up at our doorstep.

“I’m sorry…” I whispered, my voice cracking. My apology wasn’t just for what happened tonight, but for the vulnerability he had to witness—for seeing me crumble, break down into pieces, all because of Liam. I didn’t think he would fully understand. How could he? Pero deep down, he knew the story. He knew the weight of the history between Liam and me.

Harvey didn’t flinch. Instead, he walked closer, leaned down, and pulled me into his arms. He held me steady, his palm gently tapping my shoulder like he was grounding me. “I understand,” he said softly. And those two words carried so much compassion that I felt my chest loosen, even for just a moment.

That night, Harvey didn’t press me with questions. He didn’t force me to explain. He simply let me rest. Kahit paulit-ulit kong sinabi na I was okay, hinayaan niya pa rin akong humiga, to breathe, to think, and to process everything. He tucked me in with patience and quiet understanding, giving me the space to confront the storm inside me.

Because the truth was—Liam is still my ex. A shadow from my past that I thought I had already outrun. And Harvey, in his silence, knew what I needed most. He wanted me to really think… if I was ready, or even willing, to give Liam that chance he was begging for. A chance to talk about us.

Chapter 23

Bigla akong nagising, parang hinila ako palabas sa isang malalim na panaginip. I reached for the clock on the bedside table, and there it was—2:30 AM, dead of the night. My heart was racing, my eyes heavy with tears I didn’t even realize I was shedding. Kasi sa panaginip ko… it was Liam.

I dreamt of us, of our happy moments back in Manila—yung mga simple days sa condo niya o sa condo ko, the spontaneous trip to Bangkok where we felt like the world belonged to us, those long nights in his safe space, curled up with nothing but his heartbeat as background music. Every corner of those memories came alive in my sleep, too vivid, too real. And now, they’re haunting me.

I found myself quietly sobbing. I reached for my phone, my fingers almost shaking, and opened the gallery. With just a few swipes, I went to that secret, hidden album—the one where I tucked away every single photo of us. Lahat ng pictures namin ni Liam, I kept them. I never had the strength to delete. Oo na, maybe it’s masochistic, pero totoo ’yon—na those photos, those captured moments, are the only tangible fragments left of the happiness we once shared. And the rest? Nasa utak ko, replaying like a cruel film I cannot stop.

So I scrolled through them, one by one, while my tears flowed endlessly. And with each picture, it felt like I was deliberately stabbing my own heart. The months I spent trying to move on, the countless days I pushed myself to forget… all of it shattered into dust the moment na nagpakita ulit siya.

And now, I’m terrified. Terrified that the feelings I buried will resurface. Terrified that the walls I built will collapse. Terrified na baka masaktan ko si Harvey—this man who walked into my life and helped me patch up the broken pieces. This man who held me when I thought no one would.

Ayokong saktan si Harvey. Because I am happy with him, and I do love him. Pero kung nandito si Liam, lurking in the corners of my life again, how do I protect Harvey from the storm I still carry inside me?

I shifted my gaze beside me, and there he was—Harvey. Peaceful, asleep, but still here. He never left. He stayed by my side last night when I told him I was fine. He didn’t force words out of me, didn’t demand anything. He just kept quiet, choosing to stay, choosing to keep watch over me like some unspoken vow.

Then suddenly, he stirred. His eyes fluttered open, and the moment he saw me, he smiled—sleepy but warm. He sat up, wrapped his arms around me, and pulled me close.

“Brix…” his voice was low, tender, almost breaking the silence in the gentlest way possible. “You don’t have to say anything yet. I’m not going to pressure you. But I know Liam’s sudden appearance shook you. And I want you to be honest with yourself, even if it hurts or complicated.”

And his words… they cut so deep, they went straight to the part of me I was most afraid to face. Honesty. Kaya ko bang maging honest sa sarili ko? Because the truth is, I still long for Liam. A part of me still aches for him, like an unfinished song that lingers in your head.

Pero at the same time, there’s Harvey—this man who stayed, this man who made me believe in love again. The man who picked me up piece by piece when Liam left me broken.

I couldn’t answer right away. My throat felt tight, my mind tangled in chaos. I just stared at him, as if his face, his eyes, his presence could give me the answers I’ve been too afraid to say out loud. My hands trembled, betraying me, and yet they reached for his almost instinctively.

And then, I felt it—Harvey’s hand covering mine, steady, grounding, warm like an anchor in the middle of my storm.

“You don’t have to decide now,” he whispered, his thumb gently tracing the back of my hand. “All I’m asking is… don’t run away from your feelings. Face it. Whatever choice you make, I’d rather it be real than half-hearted.”

I swallowed hard, my chest tightening. My heart was in knots. Liam’s face kept replaying in my mind—the tremor in his smile, the break in his voice when he said sorry. And yet, here was Harvey—solid, present, unwavering, holding me without asking for anything in return.

It felt like I was standing in between two worlds. The past that still had its claws in me…

And the present that was patiently, desperately, trying to build me a future.

It was just another normal day, parang wala namang kakaiba. Pero habang naglalakad ako sa loob ng store kanina, bigla kong na-realize na, wow... two weeks to go na lang, magpapasko na. Everywhere I looked, punong-puno ng ilaw, ng red and green decors, and of course, the endless sound of Christmas songs on repeat. Nakakatuwa lang kasi people were already gagging to buy gifts for their loved ones—parang lahat may hinahabol, lahat may hinihintay, lahat may taong gustong pasayahin. Ang ganda tingnan.

After two years of spending Christmas away, finally this year I'll be spending it again with my family. Just the thought of it already makes my heart warm.

Ngayon lang ako pumasok ulit after three days—ever since na bigla na lang nagpakita si Liam sa bahay. Out of nowhere. Walang warning. Walang pasabi. Just him. Standing right there in front of me.

For the past three days, I kept contemplating. Paulit-ulit kong tinitimbang 'yung sarili ko—should I talk to him? Should I face him? Should we finally discuss us? Pero ang daming tanong na hindi ko kayang sagutin. Like... what will we even talk about? Closure? Or is he hoping na maybe we could try again, start over? Honestly, I don't know. And because I didn't know, I decided not to. Not now. Kahit pa may go-signal na si Harvey, kahit pa he said it's okay if I talk to Liam... deep inside, I chose not to.

Siguro kasi, I still believe na timing matters. Maybe this isn't the right time yet. Maybe hindi pa buo 'yung loob ko. And maybe, if God wills it na magtagpo ulit kami ni Liam sa tamang pagkakataon, then I'll know that's the right time to face him. Yung wala nang takot, wala nang pangamba, wala nang hesitation.

"Lunch?" I suddenly heard Harvey's voice behind me, habang inaayos ko yung mga candy canes sa aisle. When I turned around, he was smiling at me in that boyish way he always does. I smiled back and just nodded.

We walked together papunta sa pantry. He handed me my sandwich, the usual. I whispered a soft "thank you" while he opened his own.

"Where are you going to spend Christmas, babe?" tanong ko sa kanya after I took a bite.

As usual, ubos agad yung sandwich niya in two minutes flat bago pa siya sumagot. He wiped his mouth with a napkin, leaned back, then said quietly, "I don't know. Maybe... alone?"

I couldn't help but smile. Of course, hindi ako papayag na magpapasko siyang mag-isa. Ang bilis ng sagot ko, without even thinking twice: "Sa bahay ka magpasko. Okay?" I said it in Tagalog, just to make it feel more personal.

Good thing na lately mas naiintindihan na niya ang Tagalog, and he's even learning how to respond.

His eyes widened, parang nagulat siya, like he couldn't believe I was serious even if I've mentioned it before. Honestly, ang cute lang. 'Yung tipong parang bata na biglang niregaluhan ng toy na matagal na niyang gustong-gusto.

We were still in that soft moment when suddenly, my phone rang. Napakunot agad yung noo ko when I saw the name flashing on the screen. It was 
Trish
.

Si Trish, my best friend. Constant naman niya akong kinakamusta, pero usually through text lang. Rarely does she call. So the fact na she was calling now? Medyo nagulat talaga ako. I answered quickly.

"Yes, be—" hindi ko pa natatapos, tumitili na agad siya on the other line, typical Trish kapag sobrang excited or kinikilig.

"Hoy, kalma!" I laughed, pero napa-side glance ako kay Harvey who was already raising an eyebrow. I mouthed "best friend" and he just nodded, gave me a quick smile, and excused himself to go back to work.

"So what's with the call?" I asked once Trish finally calmed down a bit.

Pero syempre, hindi mawawala yung pagka-cliffhanger queen niya. "Hulaan mo," she teased, obvious na obvious na may pasabog.

For context, before I left the Philippines five months ago, Trish finally confessed to Shin. And guess what—Shin liked her back. Boom, instant couple. Kaya alam ko, whatever she's about to tell me, it has something to do with Shin.

"Trisha Nicole, you're doing it again," I warned her, knowing exactly how she loves suspense.

"Okay, fine!" she laughed in surrender. Then in one breath she said, "Shin and I decided to tie the knot."

I froze. Like literally three seconds of blank space bago ko nasabi, "Really?"

"Yeah! I proposed last week lang, and we decided we're getting married after Christmas."

My heart swelled for her. "Oh my gosh! I'm so happy for you both. Sabi ko naman sa'yo dati pa, you should've confessed earlier! Para at least, I was still there to witness it."

She giggled. "Ano ka ba, mas maganda nga na tumagal. Mas worth it. At saka—wait lang—what are you saying? You mean hindi ka pupunta?!"

That's when I went silent. Because her question hit me like a ton of bricks. Would I really go back? Am I ready to step on Philippine soil again? Ready to face not just my friends... but also Liam?

The last time I saw him, I almost broke down. And now, what more if I come back? Kaya ko ba?

"Hoy, are you okay?" Trish snapped me back.

I forced a smile, kahit alam kong hindi naman niya nakikita. "I'll think about it, Trish."

She paused for a while, then softly said, "I understand, be. Pero if ever, I'll be looking forward to seeing you on the happiest day of my life."

We ended the call shortly after.

And the moment I hit that red button, my thoughts spiraled again. All the memories of Manila came rushing back—masaya, masakit, magulo, everything.

If I go back... would the pain still haunt me? Or maybe, just maybe... this is the chance to finally face it all. To face everyone. To face 
him
.

# Chapter 24

Last night, Christmas Eve, honestly felt like such a core memory. Alam mo 'yung parang ang tagal mong nawala, tapos finally, you get to experience it again? After two whole years of not visiting my family here in Canada, finally nakapag-celebrate ulit ako ng Christmas with them—with my siblings, with Mama's amazing home-cooked dishes, with all the laughter and chaos of gift-giving—and of course, with Harvey by my side.

We had a few drinks with my siblings, sabay-sabay kaming kumain sa lamesa na parang walang katapusan ang kwentuhan, and then came the traditional exchanging of gifts. Super light-hearted lang, happy vibes everywhere.

Pero kahit napapaligiran ako ng kaligayahan, in the back of my mind, Trish's words about her wedding with Shin kept echoing. Parang may tiny voice na hindi tumitigil. I was still torn kung uuwi ba ako or not.

My heart kept whispering, 
"She's your bestfriend, you have to be there for her."
 Pero my mind, ever so logical, kept saying, 
"You already built a new life here. I'm sure Trish will understand if you don't come."
 It was confusing, nakakabaliw, almost.

Pero at the end of the day, pinili ko pa rin ang sinasabi ng puso ko. No matter how painful my memories were back in the Philippines—the heartbreaks, the goodbyes, the things I tried so hard to leave behind—none of those were valid reasons para hindi ako um-attend sa wedding ng bestfriend ko. This is her happiest day, and as her bestfriend, I should be there. Period.

So, I told my family about my decision. At first, halatang hesitant sila. Na baka raw pag nagkita kami ni Liam, lahat ng dati kong feelings would resurface, and that I might get lost in it again.

But then, Harvey suddenly spoke up. He said, 
"I think it's better if they meet and finally talk about whatever unfinished business they had in the past."
 And then he turned to me, his eyes so steady, and added, 
"And whatever your decision will be after that, just remember, I'll still be here. Waiting for you."

The moment he said that, parang gusto ko talagang umiyak. Imagine—Christmas Eve pa mismo, tapos iiyak-iyak ako? Kaya I held it in. I smiled instead. Pero deep inside, my heart was trembling.

Pero at the same time, sobra akong thankful na Harvey is so understanding. As in, he has this kind of maturity and emotional depth na bihira mo na lang makita in a person nowadays. Hindi siya 'yung tipo na magpupumilit na sagutin ko lahat ng tanong niya agad-agad, or na kailangan kong mag-decide on the spot. Instead, he gives me space—the kind of space na hindi cold, pero warm. Yung presence niya nandiyan lang, steady, constant, parang invisible safety net na alam mong sasalo sa'yo kapag bumagsak ka.

I remember last night habang nagkakagulo ang lahat sa dining table, tumatawa ang mga kapatid ko, si Mama busy sa kusina, si Papa nagbubukas ng wine—I caught myself glancing at Harvey. He wasn't even doing anything grand. Naka-upo lang siya, smiling softly, making small talk with my siblings, occasionally checking if I was okay. Pero doon ko narealize: wow, this man really understands me in ways na hindi ko minsan naiintindihan ang sarili ko.

He knows na hindi ko pa fully closed ang chapter with Liam, and instead of taking it against me, he accepts it as part of my story. And that's rare, 'di ba? Kasi sino ba naman ang comfortable sa idea na the person they love still carries pieces of someone else in their heart? But Harvey—he chooses not to see it as competition. He chooses to see it as something I need to go through, something I need to face, para mas maging buo ako.

And honestly, that's what makes me more grateful. Kasi kahit ako mismo, nahihirapan akong i-handle ang sarili kong emotions. Sometimes gusto kong tumakbo, minsan gusto kong magtago, minsan gusto kong sumuko. But Harvey? He simply stays. He waits. He listens. And he reminds me, without even saying too much, na I don't have to rush healing, I don't have to pretend, and I don't have to carry everything alone.

That's why kahit gaano kabigat ang nararamdaman ko ngayon, somehow, I feel a bit lighter knowing na I have someone like him by my side. Someone na hindi lang basta mahal ako, pero naiintindihan din ako in my most complicated, messy, human moments.

Kaya siguro, kahit ang dami kong fears sa pagbabalik ko sa Pilipinas, kahit alam kong may posibilidad na ma-shake lahat ng progress ko—I also know na may babalikan akong tao na hindi mawawala.

And that person is Harvey.

I even asked him to come with me, kasi syempre gusto ko sanang makasama siya, para makilala na rin niya si Trish. Pero he gently declined, saying na mas mabuti raw kung ako lang muna ang uuwi. Para raw makapag-usap kami ni Liam ng maayos, without the pressure of him being there.

To be fair, hindi lang naman si Liam ang dahilan kaya ako uuwi. I'm really going back for Trish—for her wedding. Everything else is just... a bonus. Although, honestly, hindi ko rin maitatanggi na kabado ako, kasi I already know that Liam's part of the entourage. And the biggest plot twist? Guess who my partner is.

Yes. Si Liam mismo.

Trisha Nicole talaga. That girl clearly has a death wish for me. Para bang gusto niya akong saksakin ng literal sa puso.

And now, here I am, seated inside the plane, staring blankly at the clouds outside my window. My heart's racing, my mind's running a thousand miles per hour. Waiting for the moment this plane touches down sa bansang once upon a time, I used to call my safe haven.

The Philippines. The place I ran away from. The place that might just hold the answers I've been avoiding.

I was wearing this simple yet elegant white gown na may delicate beadwork details na hindi naman OA, just enough para magbigay ng shimmer every time it catches the light. I curled my long black hair into soft waves that framed my face, and chose to go for a very subtle, natural-looking makeup look—light blush, glossy nude lips, and just the right hint of shimmer sa eyelids. I wanted to keep it simple kasi hello, it’s Trish’s day, not mine. This was her spotlight, her moment.

The venue was this stunning garden setup sa Tagaytay, specifically sa Crystal Palace. Grabe, when I saw the place, my jaw literally dropped. Ang ganda, sobra. Like, halos everything was pure white—the flowers, the drapings, even the tiniest details sa tables. Parang you just walked into a dream sequence na straight out of some Pinterest wedding board. Napaisip tuloy ako, how in the world did they manage to pull this off in just a week? Kasi knowing Trish, she’s not even the bridezilla type, but still—perfection talaga ang execution.

I was inside Trish’s suite. The room was buzzing with soft laughter and faint background music, while the glam team was busy prepping her. And when I looked at her… wow. She was radiant. Like, not the heavy-made-up, celebrity kind of radiant—but this quiet, understated beauty na lumalabas lang when someone is genuinely happy. Her gown was so her—simple, classy, and hindi agaw-eksena. Just perfectly Trish.

“You look beautiful, be,” I whispered while carefully placing the veil on her head. Her eyes started glistening, and I immediately grabbed a tissue to dab her tears before they could ruin her makeup.

“Gaga ka, huwag kang umiyak,” I teased, trying to lighten the moment. “Masasayang ang effort ng make-up artist.”

She let out a soft laugh, but her voice cracked a little as she said, “Sino ba naman kasi ang hindi maiiyak, be? Aside from this being the happiest day of my life, umuwi ka pa. Ang saya, ’di ba?”

And right there, I hugged her tight. “Of course, be. Walang universe na pwedeng pumigil na hindi ako magpunta sa happiest day mo. I’ll always be here for you.”

Just then, the wedding coordinator peeked in, announcing that everything was ready and it was time.

Lumabas na ako ng suite, and as I walked through the hallway toward the garden venue, I couldn’t help but glance around. My heart was restless. I didn’t even know exactly why I was searching for him, but somehow, my eyes betrayed me. Maybe I wasn’t exactly excited to see him… but deep down, I wanted to know. I wanted to see for myself kung kumusta na siya. Kasi the last time I saw Liam in Canada, he was a wreck—broken, devastated, a shadow of the man I used to love.

And now, the question in my head lingered: has he changed? Has he moved on? Or worse, has he stayed the same?

And then—as if fate itself wanted to mess with me—he appeared. Biglang dumaan sa harap ko, our shoulders brushing ever so slightly, just enough for me to freeze in place.

He was wearing shades, but please, hindi na kailangan. I knew it was him. I could recognize Liam anywhere. That familiar, intoxicating signature scent—still the same. That towering height, that commanding presence, that sharp jawline that could cut glass. He was back. Not the broken version I last saw, but the Liam I used to know. The confident one. The unapologetic one. The one who could walk into any room and make heads turn without even trying.

And just like that, Mr. Human Ring Light was back.

“Liam?” I softly called his name, my voice almost trembling habang pinipihit ko ’yung katawan ko towards him. At first, nakatalikod pa siya—standing there, tall and composed, like time itself had frozen sa mismong hallway na iyon. Pero eventually, he turned around.

With one smooth motion, he removed his shades. And then, that smile—that painfully familiar smile—greeted me. A smile that carried our memories, the kind of smile na parang sinasabi na ang tagal nating hindi nagkita, and yet here you are again.

“Hi… Brix,” he said, his tone soft but steady, almost casual.

And me? I just stood there, completely caught off guard. Hindi ko alam if I should smile back, or cry, or run away. All I knew was that my knees were shaking like crazy, and my heart was beating so fast it almost hurt.

Because truthfully, the Liam standing in front of me now—he wasn’t the same Liam na huli kong nakita sa Canada, doon sa labas ng bahay namin. Back then, he looked shattered, vulnerable, like the entire world had caved in on him. Pero ngayon… he was different.

His mustache was neatly trimmed, giving him this sharp, more polished aura. Nagkalaman ulit ang katawan niya—no longer frail, but strong, defined, masculine, the way Liam always used to be. That familiar physique na kahit hindi mo aminin, you just know kaya ka niyang i-headlock playfully like before, or carry you effortlessly when he wanted to.

He was dressed in a sleek black suit—of course, not even following the program attire na dapat ay naka-white lahat. But then again, this is Liam. Ever since before, he always had this way of bending the rules without even trying. He carried it with such ease, such confidence, na parang wala siyang pakialam sa sinasabi ng mundo. Because for him, his decisions were enough.

“It’s been a long time,” he finally said, nonchalantly.

The words were simple, almost flat, pero the delivery… it pierced me. Because this wasn’t the same Liam who once begged me, who once cried in front of me, who once pleaded for just one more conversation, just one more chance.

This Liam was calm. Detached. Almost as if he had finally buried the past.

And in that very moment, I realized something painful: hindi mo na mababakas sa boses niya ’yung longing, ’yung desperation na narinig ko the last time. The pain that once mirrored mine—gone. Parang naka-move on na siya. Parang lahat ng sugat na iniwan ko noon ay matagal na niyang pinahilom.

And the scariest part? He looked like a man who had already let go.

Chapter 25

I was on Liam’s right side, nakakapit ako sa braso niya habang naglalakad kami down the aisle.

And honestly? That moment felt so surreal. Kasi kanina lang, after our so-called mini encounter sa hallway, hindi man lang kami nagkaroon ng chance to actually talk. As in wala. Zero. And yet, ang dami kong gustong sabihin sa kanya. Like, I had all these words na inulit-ulit ko sa utak ko for months, na parang script na pinaghandaan ko just in case makita ko siya ulit. But then, when the moment finally came, nothing came out.

I don’t know why. Parang nautal ako. Parang biglang nag-collapse ’yung confidence ko. It felt like my entire tongue betrayed me.

And then, the strangest thing happened. Right in the middle of the aisle, naghiwalay na kami. I went to the right side, and he went to the left. And just like that, our paths literally parted.

I stole a glance at him, hoping na maybe he’d do the same. Pero hindi. He didn’t even bother to look my way. Para bang ako lang ’tong unsettled, ako lang ang nagsho-short-circuit sa presence niya. Siya? He was composed. Unbothered. As if my sudden reappearance didn’t even register sa mundo niya.

And that’s when it hit me: this is really, really weird. Kasi ang nasa isip ko all this time, he’d still be longing for me. That maybe deep down, he still wanted to see me, still wanted to talk to me—the way he used to beg for even just one more conversation. But no. Looking at him now… I think he’s done. I think he finally moved on. Parang wala na ’yung galit. Wala na ’yung sakit. Parang lahat ng iniwan kong sugat… he already healed on his own.

And then the ceremony started.

Trish and Shin walked down in their gowns, both looking divine, ethereal even, in the silhouettes they chose. The whole scene was straight out of a dream—the soft garden lights, the white blooms framing the aisle, and the way their eyes lit up when they saw each other. And me? I couldn’t help it. Naiyak talaga ako.

By the time they exchanged vows, the entire venue was glowing with this kind of love na bihira mo lang masaksihan. And right then, I felt so grateful na I was there—kahit pa ang dami kong personal battles na dala, kahit pa my heart was racing because of Liam.

After the ceremony, same venue din ang reception. It wasn’t some grand, over-the-top production. It was simple. Intimate. Just Trish, Shin, some friends, their families, and a few of us na naging workmates before sa Emerson and Lyle, noong time na I was still there.

So of course, nagkaroon ng kamustahan. Konting chikahan, konting reminiscing of the old office life, and yes—chismisan ng updates sa mga tao at kung anu-ano pa.

And that’s when I finally heard the truth. The missing piece of the story. What really happened to Liam after I left him.

According to them, noong time na na-discharge siya from the hospital, the very first thing he did was look for me. As in, hindi man lang siya nagbihis. He was still in his hospital gown, but he ran out anyway—desperate, rushing, hoping he could catch me. Because he knew. He knew that his dad had talked to me, forcing me to stay away.

But when he couldn’t find me, something inside him broke. They said he was devastated. To the point na he lashed out at his own father. He hated him for meddling. For ruining us. And from there, Liam spiraled.

The company, Emerson and Lyle, started to suffer. He neglected everything. Hindi na niya pinapansin ang trabaho niya. His siblings had to step in just to keep it from collapsing. For five long months, ganun siya. Showing up to the office half-drunk. Losing himself. Nawala talaga ’yung dating Liam na strong and steady.

And in the middle of all that, he kept begging Trish. Constantly asking her where I was. Over and over again. Until eventually, Trish gave in. Kasi she couldn’t take it anymore—she couldn’t watch him destroy himself like that. She finally told him.

And that’s when he decided.

He went after me.

He flew all the way to Canada just to find me.

Natuloy rin, in the end, na ikinasal si Liam kay Isabella. Like, parang wala na talagang makakapigil pa. Pero you know what really broke me? The fact na nalaman ko lang much later on na when he flew to Canada, his actual intention was to talk to me—face to face—dahil deep inside, gusto pa niyang ibalik ’yung dating kami.

Sinabi niya raw na if I only said yes that time, he would’ve chosen me over everything else. He would’ve canceled the wedding, left Isabella behind, and risked it all just to fight for me. Can you imagine that? ’Yung buong mundo niya, willing niyang bitawan, just for a single word from me.

And honestly, I can’t help but feel so painfully sad when I learned about it. Like, ang bigat sa pakiramdam. Kasi if only I had known sooner, maybe—just maybe—we could have found our way back to each other. Maybe we could’ve had that second chance na both of us secretly wished for.

Pero at the same time, reality hits me hard. Kahit sabihin nating nagkabalikan kami, would it really work out the way we dreamed it to be? Kasi the truth is, ang daming taong involved—his family, his closest friends, basically everyone he loves. And if sila mismo hindi masaya or hindi tanggap ang desisyon niya, then paano kami magiging genuinely happy? Ang hirap if your love story feels like you’re constantly fighting against the whole world.

The love was there, the willingness was there, pero the timing? Sobrang mali. And sometimes, kahit gaano ka pa kamahal ng isang tao, love alone isn’t enough to make everything fall into place.

Malalim na ang gabi, halos wala nang tao sa paligid. Isa-isa nang nagsiuwian ang mga bisita, but here I am, nakaupo pa rin sa isang sulok ng hotel lobby, staring blankly, not even sure kung anong next move ko.

Like, hello, I don't even have a car to go back to Manila, doon pa naman ako nakapag-book ng hotel. To make things worse, fully-booked lahat ng hotels dito sa Tagaytay. Grab? Good luck. Ang hirap mag-book kasi ang layo ng venue sa kahit anong main road.

Trish and Shin already left din, kasi right after the wedding, diretso na sila sa airport for their flight to Japan. Honeymoon time na nila. Kaya ako, literal na stranded. I don't even know what to do.

And while I was sitting there, trying to hold myself together, ayun, I found myself crying. Not the ugly crying type na hagulgol, but more like those silent tears na hindi mo kayang i-hold back. My eyes were already teary. I told myself na if worse comes to worst, fine, I'll just stay here sa lobby. Hay. What a night.

Then suddenly, a voice broke through my thoughts.
"Hey."

Napalingon ako agad, and to my surprise, it was Liam. Standing just a few steps away from me. And swear, nag-protesta ang buong pagkatao ko. Like, what the hell? Of all people to show up right now, siya pa?

Kasi honestly, kanina ko pa siya hinahanap sa reception. Oo na, guilty ako. Kahit alam kong wala na talaga, kahit isang sulyap lang sana sa kanya, enough na. But then, after the ceremony, parang bigla na lang siyang nawala. So I thought, ayun na 'yon. No chance to see him again.

But now, he's here. Out of nowhere.

And damn, he looks dashing tonight. I'll admit it, medyo nag-fangirl ako ulit like the very first time we met. That aura—serious, sharp, on-point. Totally different from the Liam I saw a month ago. Parang na-resurrect ulit 'yung dating version niya na once made me fall.

And kahit ayokong aminin, he looks... happy. Like genuinely happy.

"Are you going back to Manila?" he asked, pulling me back to reality. He started walking closer, and I felt my chest tighten.

I straightened myself, trying to compose whatever dignity I had left. "Ah, yeah," I replied quickly, almost robotic. Then I stood, ready to walk away, pero bigla niyang hinawakan ang braso ko. I froze.

Promise, para akong nakuryente when our skin touched. My brain screamed na umalma, but my heart betrayed me.

I didn't dare to look at him. I just stood there, his hand still gripping my arm, waiting for whatever he'd say next.

"Sumabay ka na sa akin," he said so casually before finally letting me go. And only then did I realize na hindi pala ako humihinga properly.

I forced myself to look at him, and wow—he was too close, too perfect. "I just booked a Grab pauwing Manila. But thanks for the offer," I lied. Fast. Defensive.

He chuckled softly, that teasing kind of laugh na parang alam niyang nagsisinungaling ako. "Oh, I doubt it," he said, matter-of-fact.

I raised my brows, trying to sound tough. "Excuse me? I just said I already booked a ride."

He leaned in slightly, enough to make my breath hitch, then without asking, he grabbed my hand. Next thing I knew, I was walking beside him, completely caught off guard.

"Don't waste yourself waiting na may susundo pa sa'yo dito," he muttered as we walked.

And I hated it—that power he still had over me. I wanted to pull away, to remind him na hindi na kami. Pero ang katawan ko? Traitor. I just kept walking with him.

But then I snapped. I tried to pull my hand away with all my strength. He turned to me, surprised.

"Can you please stop it? May asawa ka na, Liam." My voice trembled but I made sure my eyes stayed firm on his.

He stopped. He wasn't angry, pero you could see it in his eyes—he didn't like what I just said. That look pierced through me.

Too late to take it back. The words were out there.

Why did you even say that, Brix?
 My heart whispered. 
He's just trying to help you, to make sure you're safe.

But my brain screamed otherwise. 
No, tama lang 'yon. Put up your walls. Remind him. Remind yourself. Wala na kayo.

He sighed deeply, then took a step closer. For a second, I thought he'd say something more, something that would break me. But instead, he whispered, "Fine. Ingat ka rito."

Then he turned his back on me, walking toward his car.

And there I was, frozen, staring at him as he walked away. Torn between two voices inside me—the heart that still beats for him, and the mind that insists it's over.

# Chapter 26

I was just standing there, totally frozen, habang pinapaandar na niya 'yung sasakyan niya.

And honestly? Gusto ko talagang murahin ang sarili ko for being so stupid.

Like, seriously Brix? He was just offering you a ride. As in simple, harmless, innocent ride. Pero ikaw, nagmatigas ka pa. For what? Pride? Ego? Girl, come on. Kung wala na, 
edi
 wala na. Period. End of story. He's happy now, with his new life, with Isabella, and you—yes, you—should also learn to be happy for him. Stop torturing yourself, Brix. Move on. Please.

That's what I kept repeating in my head habang pinapanood ko 'yung kotse niya na unti-unting umaandar palayo. Parang with every inch na lumalayo siya, unti-unti ring natutunaw 'yung lakas ng loob ko.

And then—snap. Something inside me just broke. Or maybe it awakened. Hindi ko na na-control. I ran. As in full-on run, tapos hinarang ko 'yung kotse niya before he could disappear completely.

He stopped. Slowly bumaba 'yung window ng sasakyan nito, and there he was, looking at me with those familiar eyes. "What?" he said. Not angry, not irritated—just genuinely surprised at my stunt.

Huminga ako ng malalim. Okay, Brix. This is it. Just be yourself. It's not like you're asking him to love you again. Sasabay ka lang naman sa kanya pauwi ng Maynila. That's it. Nothing more. Nothing less.

"Fine," I blurted out, my voice trembling yet determined. "Pwede bang sumabay?"

For a moment, silence. Then I swear—swear talaga—I saw it. A small smile flickered across his lips, almost like he was trying not to show it.

A few seconds passed before he finally answered, "Okay. Hop in."

And just like that, I jumped in. Mabilis akong nag-seatbelt, as if baka magbago pa siya ng isip. "Thank you, Mr. Human Ring Light," I whispered under my breath, barely audible. I prayed na hindi niya narinig.

But of course, he did. He chuckled softly, that familiar teasing laugh. "You still call me Mr. Human Ring Light?" he asked while restarting the engine.

Oh my gosh. Eto na ba 'yung beginning of an actual conversation? Just the two of us, in one car, driving all the way back to Manila? Brix, compose yourself. Please, don't ruin this. Go with the flow. Don't push the past. Let it breathe.

"Hindi, 'no," I quickly defended, shaking my head. "Bigla ko lang naalala 'yon."

He smirked, eyes still on the road. "Then, you always think of me pala?" he teased, his voice carrying that same cocky confidence I both hated and missed.

What? Ang kapal din talaga ng mukha ng lalaking 'to. Imagine, having the audacity to say that straight to my face? Wow, ha.

Mabilis akong nakaisip ng pambara. "Baka ikaw ang nag-iisip sa akin parati, kaya lagi kitang naiisip." Hah! Akala mo siguro matatalo mo ako. Nice try, Liam.

But then, he said it. Calm, steady, with no hesitation whatsoever. "Yes. I always think of you. There's no day that I don't think of you."

And just like that, I froze. My brain short-circuited. My mouth went dry. Napalingon ako sa kanya instantly, but his eyes never left the road. He was serious. Too serious. As if every word that left his lips came straight from the core of his being.

I was shook. Shook to my very core. I thought I won that round, na I had the upper hand. But no. He just completely disarmed me.

And for the first time in a long while, I had no words. Absolutely nothing.

He gave me a quick glance, parang gusto lang niyang makita kung ano'ng naging reaction ko sa sinabi niya. And of course, I was shocked. As in, hindi lang basta nagulat—more like napatigil ako sa lahat ng iniisip ko. Kasi honestly, I thought this was just going to be a light conversation. You know, small talk lang, konting asaran, konting reminiscing, pero walang malalimang confrontation. Pero eto siya, parang siya pa mismo ang nag-initiate na buksan 'yung pandora's box namin—our unfinished business.

"What? May mali ba sa sinabi ko? Should I not think of you ba?" bigla niyang tanong, halatang curious kung bakit hindi ako makasagot agad.

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin, forcing myself to stay composed kahit nag-uunahan na ang tibok ng puso ko. I tried to come up with words that would sound casual, kahit deep inside, I was crumbling. "E-ewan ko. It's you naman, e. Desisyon mo pa rin if you're going to think of me." I said it like I was convincing him, pero in reality, I was convincing myself.

But then, he pushed even further. "How about you, Brix? Did you ever think of me? Did it ever cross your mind to go back with me?"

Boom. Parang biglang huminto ang mundo ko. I froze all over again. Hindi ko inakala na he'd be brave enough to ask that. Kasi this wasn't just casual anymore—this was it. The very conversation na matagal na naming iniiwasan. The talk na either maglalagay ng closure or magbubukas ulit ng sugat.

I closed my eyes for a second, inhaling deeply, bago ako naglakas-loob na sumagot. "Do you wanna know the truth?" I whispered, almost afraid of my own words.

He didn't answer. No nods, no words. Just silence. But his silence was heavy, like he was giving me all the space I needed. Like he was ready—finally ready—to hear everything.

So I continued. My voice was trembling. "Yeah... I always think of you. As in every single day, bawat maliliit na bagay ay nagpapaalala sa'yo. And it's so annoying kasi akala ko, kapag lumayo ako, kapag nawala ka sa paningin ko, makakalimutan na kita. But then, hindi pala gano'n kadali 'yon." My throat tightened, my chest ached.

"Kasi, to be honest, mahirap kang kalimutan, Liam." My voice cracked a little, my fingers twisting nervously on my lap. "It's really, really hard to forget you dahil nagkaroon ka ng sobrang laking space sa puso ko. And when I left, ang hirap bumalik sa dating ako. Ang hirap ulit buuin 'yung puso kong parang nabutas. Kasi, it's always you who can fill that space in my heart."

By then, I was already trembling, my lips quivering, holding back the tears that were desperate to fall.

He still didn't speak. He just kept his eyes on the road, but I could feel it—he was listening intently, absorbing every word I said like it was oxygen.

And then, I broke even more. Tears started streaming down my face as I whispered shakily, "Noong gabing nagpunta ka ng Canada, I really, really wanted to run to you. To hug you so tight. To say sorry. To say na I still love you. But I didn't. I chose not to." I gasped for air, my chest so heavy. "Kasi alam ko, masasayang lang lahat ng pinaghirapan kong buuin ulit ang sarili ko. And because... I respected Harvey so much. Siya 'yung tumulong sa'kin to finally stand up again. Siya 'yung umalalay when I was drowning in my own pain. I couldn't just throw that away."

The car was silent. The road stretched endlessly in front of us, headlights illuminating the dark. And in that moment, I felt bare—stripped down to my very core—giving him the pieces of me I swore I'd never show again.

Then, suddenly, he stopped the car—right there, sa gitna ng daan. The world seemed to pause with us. Mabuti na lang at walang dumadaang mga sasakyan, kasi otherwise, baka sabay na kaming mabangga ng lahat ng emotions naming hindi namin ma-handle.

Napahawak siya ng mahigpit sa manibela, halos maputol na ang ugat sa kamay niya. Then slowly, he bowed his head, shoulders trembling, as if the weight of everything we've been avoiding finally crushed him.

I didn't know exactly what was running inside his head in that moment, after hearing every word I confessed. Pero one thing's for sure—ako mismo, I felt a strange relief. Parang, finally, nabitawan ko rin lahat ng mga salitang matagal nang nakakulong sa dibdib ko. Words that had been screaming silently, na ngayon lang nakalabas.

Unti-unti niyang inangat ang ulo niya, then turned to me. His eyes glistened—slightly teary, heavy, almost begging. His lips trembled as he whispered, "I... I'm sorry." His voice cracked, fragile, as if he was breaking into pieces right in front of me.

I smiled, pero it was the kind of smile that hurt. The kind na bittersweet, na parang pilit kong ipinapakita na okay lang kahit deep down, it wasn't. "Don't be, Liam. Please... don't be sorry. I chose what's best for us. And look at you now..." I paused, forcing myself to sound convinced. "...more than happy than ever."

He let out a short, bitter chuckle. Almost sarcastic. As if my words were the biggest joke he'd ever heard. "Happy?" he repeated, his eyes narrowing, his tone heavy. "You think I'm happy?" His laugh faded into silence before he continued, his voice raw. "I was happy when I was with you, Brix. You. You were my happiness. My only true happiness."

The way he said it, the weight of each syllable—it almost melted my knees. My heart clenched, my body froze.

Then he went on, his words slicing through me. "The moment I saw you that night... I felt it again. The same feeling. And for a split second, I wanted to ask if we can fix it. If we can rewrite everything. But then..." his voice faltered, his throat tightening, "...I saw you smiling. I saw you with him. And I told myself—you're happy now. You've moved on. So who am I to ruin that?" He exhaled shakily, as if the sentence itself cost him everything. "That's when I realized... maybe it's really over between us."

My lips quivered as I bit them hard, trying to cage my emotions. But it was useless. My tears betrayed me, spilling down faster than I could stop them. They rolled freely, hot and relentless, as I sat there in silence.

I wanted to speak. To say something, anything. Pero wala. My mind was a complete blur, my heart torn into pieces I couldn't piece back together. I didn't even know how to feel anymore—kung manghihinayang ba ako, or should I be thankful na at least, nagkaaminan kami.

No more words came out of me. No more words came from him.

And then, without warning, he started the car again. The engine roared softly, filling the hollow silence between us. He drove forward, eyes fixed on the road, hands steady on the wheel. But this time, he never spoke again. Not about us. Not about our past. Not about the love we both lost but still carried.

Only silence remained—our final witness.

# Chapter 27

Tapos na ang isang linggo kong pamamalagi rito sa Pilipinas. And now, the reality hit me—konting oras na lang, babalik na ulit ako sa Canada. Babalik na sa buhay na iniwan ko doon. Back to routine, back to normalcy. Parang isang cycle na paulit-ulit. I was finally done with everything here. Tapos na. Period.

Noong gabing hinatid ako ni Liam pauwi ng Manila, hindi na talaga kami nag-usap pa ulit. Walang closure. Walang kahit anong salita. As if iyon na talaga ang official ending ng love story naming dalawa. No explanations, no what ifs, not even a single attempt to stop me. He didn't even beg.

Pero bakit nga ba siya magbe-beg? He's married now. May asawa na siya. He's living the kind of life na pinili niya. Supposedly happy. Supposedly complete.

Nasa kalagitnaan ako ng pag-aayos ng mga gamit ko for my flight when suddenly, my phone rang. Nag-vibrate lang siya sa bedside table, pero parang umalingawngaw sa buong kwarto ko. I checked the screen—
Trish
.

I answered right away, trying to sound casual. "What's up, be? How's the honeymoon?"

"Hi, be. Nasa Manila ka pa ba?" She asked instead, her voice unusually serious.

"Yes, why?" I replied, confused.

"I'll go there sa hotel mo. Text kita pag nasa lobby na ako." She said, and just like that—binaba na niya yung call. Hindi man lang ako nabigyan ng chance to ask why.

Napailing na lang ako. But then again, later pa naman ang flight ko, so pwede pa kaming magkita. Maybe she just wants to bond before I leave.

Minutes later, I got a text. "Nasa lobby na ako."

So I grabbed my bag and rushed down. And there she was, standing elegantly sa lobby—pero hindi siya mag-isa. She was with Liam.

Wait. With 
Liam.

My brows furrowed instantly. My chest tightened. What kind of sorcery is this? Pinagtitripan ba nila ako? Is this some sick set-up?

I walked towards them, my eyes immediately locking on Trish with obvious irritation. "What's this all about, Trish?" I asked, my tone sharp.

She reached for my arm gently, parang pinapakalma muna ako, like I was some ticking bomb. "Let me explain, be," she said softly, in the most calming tone she could muster. Pero kahit gano'n, hindi pa rin nawala ang kunot ng noo ko.

"He asked me... kung pwede ka niyang makita. Kasi, he has a favor for you."

My eyes darted to Liam for a second, who was just standing there beside her, awkward, tense, his presence almost suffocating. Then I turned back to Trish, unimpressed. "And so? Kung may kailangan siya, siya mismo dapat ang lumapit sa akin," I snapped, my tone dripping with pride and a hint of sarcasm.

Deep inside, I hated myself for feeling a flicker of something—excitement, maybe—knowing he wanted to see me before I left. But no. Hindi enough iyon. If he needed something, it should've been him, not Trish, not anyone else, making the move.

"Ayun na nga e," Trish sighed, almost frustrated. "He knows na hindi ka papayag kaya lumapit siya sa akin."

I crossed my arms, my chin held high, my eyebrow arched in full mataray mode. "And how would you even know na papayag ako just because you asked?" I retorted proudly.

And then... I made the mistake of glancing at Liam again. His face—his damn face. Kinda weird, pero obvious. Parang nagmamakaawa. Parang desperate. Like every inch of him was silently begging me to give him this chance.

Trish, now clearly annoyed, threw her hands in the air. "Ayun na nga e! Ewan ko ba dito sa boss kong 'to. Kayo na nga lang mag-usap. Bahala na kayo!" And just like that, she walked away, leaving the two of us standing awkwardly in the middle of the hotel lobby.

The silence was deafening. The kind that echoed louder than any words could. Both of us looked anywhere but each other, parang nag-uunahan kung sino ang unang magsasalita.

Until I gave up. I rolled my eyes, exhaled sharply, and finally broke the silence.

"Ano bang kailangan mo?" I asked, half-irritated, half-mataray. My voice sharp, but deep down, trembling.

Siguro naman, may karapatan naman akong tarayan siya after that so-called "talk" we had. Kasi hello, I was expecting something deeper, something na mas meaningful, parang closure maybe—or at least, honesty. Pero no. Apparently, ayaw niya na talagang pag-usapan 'yon. And then here he is, standing right in front of me, with that confident aura, asking for a favor from me.

"Go back to work again," he said, super casual lang. As if parang wala lang. Seryoso siya.

Talaga ba? Wala man lang hint of sincerity? Walang "please" or kahit ano man lang na medyo humble? Ganun-ganun na lang 'yon? Akala ba niya I'll just melt?

"What?" I managed to say, half in disbelief, half in irritation.

He looked at me directly, parang wala siyang balak umatras. "I need you to go back to Emerson and Lyle, Brix," ulit niya, pero this time, may kakaibang tono na. Like there's this subtle eagerness, parang desperation even, na gusto niya talaga akong bumalik sa trabaho.

Pero hello? Hindi ako basta-basta mabibili sa ganyan. So I raised my perfectly arched eyebrow, giving him that sharp look. "So... that's the big favor? That's what you're asking from me?"

He nodded. Walang drama, walang paligoy-ligoy. "Yes," he simply answered, as if that one word can change my whole world.

I sighed, and then I shrugged my shoulder, parang wala lang talaga. "Sorry, Liam. I can't. I won't. I mean, your dad personally asked me to resign, remember? And that was our kasunduan. And I guess, you already know that. Tapos na ako rito. I already have a new life waiting for me in Canada. A life that I've chosen. So... I'm done here." My voice was calm, pero inside, may subtle heaviness, kasi alam kong mahirap sabihin 'yon nang hindi ako matitinag.

I turned, maglalakad na sana ako pabalik ng room ko, when suddenly—he grabbed my arm. Exactly the way he did last night. And just like before, naramdaman ko ulit 'yung pamilyar na kuryente na parang dumaloy sa buong katawan ko.

"Please," he whispered, pero this time may tremor, may pleading na hindi ko narinig from him ever before.

I froze. But I didn't turn around. Kasi I know myself too well—kapag nakita ko 'yung mukha niya na nagsusumamo, I swear, baka hindi ko kayanin. Baka bumigay ako. And I don't want that to happen.

"Please help me, Brix. Just this time." He said, with that voice na parang basag pero still trying to keep its usual composure.

And right there, parang may something na kumurot sa puso ko. Hindi ko alam kung ano itong nararamdaman ko ngayon. Halo-halo siya—parang pity, parang guilt, parang longing, all blended into this heavy feeling na hindi ko ma-explain.

As much as I try to convince myself na wala na akong pakialam, parang iba. Para ba akong naaawa sa kanya. Naiinis ako kasi hindi dapat ganito. I shouldn't feel this way. Dapat stone-cold na ako. Dapat, detached na ako, dahil tapos na kami. We ended, and I told myself na I'm done—period.

But then, here he is. Right in front of me. With those eyes na dati kong pinagmamasdan every single day, now looking at me as if ako lang ang lifeline niya. Begging. Literally begging for me to come back.

And honestly, ang hirap. Kasi kahit ilang beses ko nang sinabi sa sarili ko na I've already closed that chapter, he's pulling me back again. And I hate it. I hate that part of me na nadadala pa rin sa presensya niya. I hate that even in this moment, naririnig ko pa rin ang tibok ng puso ko na parang sumasabay sa kanya.

"Liam..." I whispered, halos hindi ko na rin marinig ang sarili kong boses. I wanted to sound firm. I wanted to sound final. Pero ang lumabas ay parang may pira-pirasong basag na damdamin na pilit kong tinatago.

He tightened his grip, his hand trembling slightly, like he's scared na mawawala ako ulit. And for a second, my walls almost crumbled.

Pero hindi dapat. I reminded myself. Hindi ako pwedeng bumigay.

Because if I do... I know, masasaktan na naman ako.

# Chapter 28

Sinabi sa akin ni Liam ang rason kung bakit niya ako gustong pabalikin sa trabaho. And honestly, hindi siya simpleng dahilan lang. It was heavy, mabigat pakinggan, parang may bigat ng buong kumpanya na nakapatong sa balikat ko.

It's because one of their biggest clients decided to pull out all their assets simula nang nag-laylow ang Emerson and Lyle because of everything that happened.

And here's the catch: iyon mismo ang pangalawang client na prinesent ko sa kanya noon. Iyong maliit pa lang sila, nagsisimula pa lang. And I fought for them. I really did. I remember how I convinced Liam that this client had potential, na kahit underdog sila, they could bloom with the right partnership. And I was right.

Kasi simula nang naging partner sila ng Emerson and Lyle pagdating sa customer service, nag-boom ang kanilang business. And not just that—they became the biggest contributor to the growth of Emerson and Lyle. They were the backbone, the silent engine that powered so much of the company's success.

Pero when the chaos happened—when everything crumbled—sila ang unang nagdesisyon to pull out.

And then I found out, pinakiusapan na pala sila ni Liam. He begged, he negotiated, he tried to assure them na they would fix whatever damage had been caused. Pero the client was unmoved. They didn't want to go back... unless it was me. Unless ako mismo ang makikipag-usap sa kanila.

And that's why he needs me back.

My heart clenched a little, but I kept my face still. "How about your dad? Alam ba niya ito?" I asked coldly, kahit deep down gusto ko rin ng assurance. Kasi hello, why would I even consider coming back kung the people around him—the people na once pushed me away—wouldn't even want me there?

I wasn't saying yes. Hindi pa. I couldn't. Para kasing tapos na ang trabaho ko. Ginawa ko na ang lahat before—lahat ng kaya ko—just to help him build his empire. And now, naguguilty rin ako in some way, kasi maybe... maybe may fault din ako kung bakit bumagsak ang ilang parte ng kumpanya niya.

"Of course he knows," he answered quickly, almost defensive. "And there's nothing he can do if you come back. That client is one of our biggest now. And you're right, Brix... they grew because of us—because of you. Kailangan ulit natin sila." He continued, and in his tone, I could hear the echo of that one conversation we once had—when he asked me why we needed to take that client in the first place, and I gave him my answer.

For a split second, I felt something—pride. Medyo na-proud ako sa sarili ko. Kasi somehow, in the grand scheme of things, I made a difference. I left my mark on his company. And now, months later, he's standing in front of me, practically admitting that he needs me. That he can't do this without me.

And yet, habang naririnig ko siya, ramdam ko rin ang bigat ng mga salitang kailangan kong bitawan.

Napabuntong-hininga ako. Malalim. Mabigat. "Liam," I said softly, pero firm, "you know I can't go back. I have my life now sa Canada."

And that's the truth. I have my new life now. A life I worked so hard to build after everything fell apart. A life that doesn't revolve around him or his company anymore.

I'm happy now. Masaya ako sa mga choices ko. Masaya ako sa kung anong meron ako ngayon.

And besides... Harvey is waiting for me.

Ayokong saktan si Harvey. He was the one who accepted me for exactly who I am. Walang filter, walang kondisyon. He fixed those shattered, broken glasses of me na akala ko hindi na talaga mabubuo ulit. He gave me his life, his time, his everything—just to make me smile again, just to bring back the version of me na nawala noon.

And yet... what if? What if sa pagbabalik ko rito, sa pagbabalik kong ito... manumbalik din 'yung nararamdaman ko kay Liam? The thought terrifies me, kasi it's the very thing I've been running away from.

Then his voice broke through my spiral. "What would it take... for you to come back again?" tanong niya, almost pleading. His tone wasn't the Liam I used to know—the confident, untouchable, untamed Liam. This was different. This was vulnerable.

At doon ako natigilan. Kasi ito na nga ba 'yung sinasabi ko. Ito 'yung kinatatakutan ko.

Now I'm torn. Completely torn.

Gusto kong tulungan si Liam, gusto kong ibalik 'yung dati naming pinaghirapan. Because deep inside, I know I still care. Pero at the same time, naaawa ako kay Harvey—my Harvey, the man who waited, the man who stayed. He's there, waiting for me. And how cruel would it be if I betray that kind of devotion?

I looked at Liam. And there it was. His eyes. Those eyes na ayaw kong makita pero hindi ko rin matanggihan. Eyes that are silently speaking, almost begging. Those were the same eyes I saw the day he flew to Canada, just to see me, just to ask for a talk. Those were the same eyes that melted every single wall I built around me before.

And now, here I am again—caught in between the present and the past. Torn between a love that saved me, and a love that broke me but still owns a piece of me.

My chest tightened. My heart whispered one name, pero my mind screamed another.

And in that silence, I knew... whatever choice I make, may masasaktan.

Nakatingin lang ako sa mga bagahe ko. Blank stare, halos wala na akong awareness sa paligid. Parang lumulutang ako, parang nawawala sa sarili. Kasi after Liam asked me that one favor—na bumalik ako sa kumpanya niya—para na akong mababaliw. My mind kept replaying his words over and over, like a broken record na ayaw tumigil.

Hindi pa ako tuluyang pumapayag. I couldn’t. I didn’t want to give him false hope, kasi alam kong this isn’t just a small favor. It’s something big. Malaki itong tulong para sa kanya, para sa kumpanya nilang halos nawalan ng buhay. A chance to restore the dignity and strength that once defined Emerson and Lyle.

Pero paano naman si Harvey? Paano ko siya haharapin kung ako mismo, hindi ko alam kung saan ako lulugar? Paano naman ang taong matiyagang naghihintay sa pagbabalik ko, ’yung taong walang sawang umaalalay at bumubuo sa mga wasak kong parte?

Nabalik lang ako sa realidad nang biglang tumunog ang phone ko. Napakurap ako, tinitigan ang screen. At doon ko nakita ang pangalan niya. Harvey .

Huminga ako nang malalim bago sinagot ang tawag.

“Hi, Brix,” bati niya, cheerful, as if everything was perfectly normal.

“Hi,” sagot ko rin, pero ramdam ko agad na may kaunting lungkot na kumapit sa boses ko. I tried so hard to mask it, to hide it behind a fake smile he couldn’t even see… but still, Harvey knows me too well.

“Are you sad?” tanong niya, that calm, soothing voice wrapping around me like a blanket.

Hindi ako nakasagot agad. At bago ko pa namalayan, my throat tightened, and then I realized—umiiyak na pala ako. Hikbi. Luha. At doon ko narealize ang totoo.

The truth is… I still wanted to stay here. I still wanted to help Liam. But my heart was breaking because I knew, miles away, Harvey was waiting for me. Waiting with a kind of patience na halos hindi ko na maintindihan kung saan niya hinuhugot.

Narinig ko ang malalim na buntong-hininga niya mula sa kabilang linya.

“If you can’t come back yet… I understand,” he whispered. Still gentle, still steady. “If you need to settle all your unfinished business there, I’ll let you do it.”

Parang tinusok ang puso ko sa bawat salita niya. Kasi kahit ngayon, kahit halatang nasasaktan siya, his voice stayed calm. Peaceful. Loving.

“Besides,” he added softly, “I told you before… whatever your decision is, I’ll still be here. Waiting. Patiently waiting for you.”

Doon na ako tuluyang bumigay. I broke down. My sobs filled the silence.

“Harvey…” I managed to whisper, my voice shattered into pieces.

Sa totoo lang, napakaswerte ko kay Harvey. Because he is that one rare kind of man who would understand you endlessly, kahit pa ang kapalit nun ay ang masaktan siya. Kagaya ngayon. Once again, nagpaubaya siya. I know it hurt him—I know it cut deep—but he chose to hide it, because all he wanted was for me to be happy. And how could I deserve someone like that? Someone willing to sacrifice his own happiness… just to make sure I find mine?

“It’s okay, babe,” Harvey said, his tone still calm, still soft, still full of love. “I know you still love him. I know you’re longing for this moment. And I’m still here, for you, no matter what.”

His words broke me even more. Hindi nagbago ang tono ng boses niya—steady pa rin, calm, almost selfless. Willing to let go, if that’s what it takes.

“Thank you, babe,” I said between sobs. My chest felt like it was splitting apart. “I know you’re only doing this because you want me to be happy.”

“Yeah,” he breathed, and even then, his voice carried nothing but love. “And if that happiness makes you smile again… then it’s all worth it.”

And that night, as my tears soaked my pillow, I knew deep inside—my heart had already made a choice.

I decided to follow what my heart was screaming all along.

To help Liam.

Chapter 29

I woke up extra early today. Like, as in before sunrise pa. And the very first thing na ginawa ko? Nagpa-fresh. Self-care is key, hello. I went straight to my favorite salon, had my hair and nails done, parang major glow-up moment ulit. Then, I spent an entire hour just deciding what to wear. Kasi hello, this is not just any ordinary day. This is my comeback. My official re-entrance to Emerson and Lyle.

Yes, honey. Brix Peralta 2.0 is now officially back in the game.

But let’s set things straight: this is purely business. Nothing more, nothing less. I’m doing this because Liam asked for a favor. Period. After this, uuwi na ako ulit ng Canada. That’s the plan. That’s the priority. After all, we’re both supposedly happy in our own separate lives, di ba? Kaya why should I stay longer than necessary? Hindi ito teleserye. This is just business, honey.

So I chose the ultimate power outfit. Chanel from head to toe—statement piece, sharp tailoring, classy but commanding. My comeback look. I stepped out of my car, my heels clicking against the marble pavement as I walked towards the towering glass building of Emerson and Lyle. And I swear, the moment I entered, all eyes were on me .

As in, lahat sila, napatigil. Their stares followed me, like they had just seen a ghost. Well, technically, parang ganun na rin. Kasi for them, maybe I was gone for good. Maybe they thought they’d never see me walk these halls again. And now, here I am, strutting back like nothing ever happened. Of course, they couldn’t believe it.

But sad to say, darlings, this is not a permanent comeback. This is just a quick rerun. A limited edition appearance. Because I know my priority—just to help Liam. That’s it. Nothing else.

I removed my oversized shades the moment I stepped inside the elevator, giving one last smirk sa mga nakatingin pa rin sa akin, before the doors slid shut. Pagdating ko sa floor kung saan nagsimula ang lahat—where everything once felt like the center of my universe—lahat ng mata na naman ay sa akin nakatingin. And honestly, it almost felt like time stopped. Like every single heartbeat in that office froze when they saw me again.

I gave them a polite smile—classy, controlled, distant. Pero obviously, they weren’t the reason I came back. I was here for one person only. For Liam. To tell him I finally agreed to his favor.

And then I saw him. Sa usual office niya, that iconic glass box where he always sat, like a king surveying his empire. He was busy, head down, eyes focused on some papers. He didn’t notice me at first. But the moment I opened that glass door, that crisp click echoing in the silence—he finally looked up.

And oh my God. His reaction. Napanganga siya. As in literally. Like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Like I was some apparition standing right there in front of him.

I gave him a smile—well, I tried. Kasi honestly, medyo nanginginig ang tuhod ko the moment his eyes landed on me. Those eyes. My God. Those same eyes that once broke me and healed me at the same time. The same eyes I tried to run away from, only to find myself right here, staring back at them again.

And then his stare changed. From shock to something else. His eyes softened, then sharpened, then burned. Yung titig niya, it’s giving oomph . Like he was undressing me right then and there, peeling away every layer of Chanel, staring straight into the Brix I tried so hard to hide.

Kanina lang, gulat na gulat siya. But now? Now he’s staring at me like I was some prize, a trophy wife displayed on his shelf. Like I belonged right there, in his office, beside him.

“Hi, Liam,” I finally said, my voice calm but with just the right amount of bite.

He straightened up slowly, like he was composing himself. Then he crossed his leg, leaned back, and studied me, every single inch of me, as if he was analyzing my existence.

Napairap ako internally. My eyebrow arched almost instinctively.

Like, excuse me? Ganito ba ang attitude ng isang taong humihingi ng pabor? As if ako pa ang may utang na loob sa kanya. Ni wala man lang thank you, ni wala man lang recognition that I said yes. Shocks. Typical Liam. And yet—why does my heart still skip a beat at his every move?

But then again… this is Liam. And honestly, what more can you expect?

Nilagay ni Liam ang kamay niya sa kanyang baba, that signature pose of his na parang lagi siyang nag-iisip ng malalim, habang nakatitig pa rin siya ng diretso sa akin.

I swear, at that moment, nacoconscious na talaga ako. Like, hello? Is there something wrong with me? May mali ba sa suot ko? Did I go overboard with the Chanel look? Am I overdressed for this kind of comeback? Or worse, pangit ba ako sa paningin niya ngayon? Kasi parang lagpas trenta segundos na siyang nakatitig lang—steady, unmoving—without even uttering a single word.

It was too much. Too deafening. Too intimidating. Kaya in the end, ako na naman ang nag-break ng silence.

“Are you just going to stare at me all day?” Mataray kong tanong, my eyebrow arching like a challenge, trying to cover up the fact na deep inside, my knees were literally shaking.

And that’s when he finally started to move. He stood up, slowly, with that quiet confidence of his. He began walking, every step echoing inside the glass-walled office, until he stopped right in front of me. His face looked serious, composed, but his eyes—oh, his eyes—were screaming something else. There was disbelief, almost wonder, na parang hindi pa rin siya makapaniwala that I actually said yes to his favor.

“Thank you, Brix,” he said finally, his voice low but firm. “It means a lot.”

At last. Sa wakas. For a moment, akala ko talaga nawala na ang empathy sa katawan niya. But here it was—bare, unguarded, sincere.

And just as he was about to move closer—too close—like he was about to hug me, the sound of knuckles rapping against glass interrupted the tension. A knock on the door. Liam and I both turned our heads, startled, as if we were snapped out of some dangerous spell.

My brows furrowed instantly. Who could it be?

The door opened, and in came a woman I’ve never seen before. An unfamiliar face. But she carried herself with such poise, such elegance, that the entire atmosphere shifted the moment she entered.

She was smiling. Almost glowing. And without hesitation, she walked straight to Liam, leaned in, and pressed a kiss against his lips.

“Hi, love,” she greeted softly.

And that—right there—was the exact moment I froze, my entire body going stiff, my blood running cold.

Is she…?

I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe. My whole world tilted for a second.

Then she turned to me, as if she just noticed my presence, her perfect smile still plastered on her lips. She gave me a small wave, so casual, so effortless.

“You must be Brix?” she said, her voice sweet but sharp enough to slice through my silence.

And just like that, every single word I had prepared, every speech I thought I could deliver, vanished. My lips parted, but no sound came out. It was as if my entire vocabulary abandoned me in that instant.

Because standing right there, in front of me, was the very first time I finally saw her in person. Isabella. His wife.

And let me tell you… she was breathtaking. Beautiful in a way na hindi kayang tapatan ng kahit sinong nakilala ko. Elegant. Refined. Flawless.

For a split second, I felt like the entire room was spinning—and I, Brix Peralta, the so-called comeback girl, the Chanel-clad woman na akala ko untouchable—I suddenly felt small.

Very, very small.

“What are you doing here?” tanong ni Liam kay Isabella, his voice flat, almost nonchalant, as if her sudden appearance was nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

For a split second, Isabella turned her gaze to him, still carrying that poised smile na parang sanay siya na siya ang main character in every room she enters.

“I just wanna say na gusto kong sabay tayong mag-lunch,” she replied, her tone soft yet deliberate, like she was trying to sound casual pero halatang calculated ang bawat syllable.

Liam exhaled, turning his back to her as if he couldn’t be bothered. “I’m busy,” maikli niyang sabi, sharp and dismissive, not even sparing her a glance.

And that was the moment I realized something odd—ni minsan, hindi niya siya tinawag sa pangalan nito. Not even a simple “Isabella.” The way he treated her was like she was nothing more than a mere accessory, a background prop in his already curated world.

But Isabella, oh darling, she wasn’t the type to be ignored. She stepped closer and without hesitation, she slipped her arms around him, hugging him from behind. It was the kind of embrace na sa ibang tao, siguro romantic tingnan—but not in this case. Because Liam? He was stiff, motionless, utterly unaffected. No reaction, no reciprocation, no spark. As if her affection couldn’t even touch the surface of his cold exterior.

And then, slowly, almost painfully deliberate, Liam reached for her hands. One by one, he peeled them off his waist, his movements steady, controlled, parang ayaw niyang mag-iwan ng kahit anong illusion na he wanted that intimacy. Then, he finally turned to face her.

His face was unreadable, but his eyes carried a seriousness that cut through the air like glass shattering.

“Let’s make things clear here,” he began, his tone low, commanding, the kind of voice na kapag narinig mo, automatic kang tatahimik.

“This marriage… there’s no love here. We both know na the only reason we got married is for the merger of Dad’s company and yours. Nothing else. Nothing more. And we both agreed that this marriage will only last for two years. So please, stop acting like we love each other.”

And just like that—silence. Deafening, suffocating silence.

Ako? I was frozen. Para akong nanonood ng pelikula, sitting front row sa isang sinehan na hindi ko alam na I actually starred in. Nakatingin lang ako, wide-eyed, mentally munching on invisible popcorn habang pinapanood ang eksenang ito na parang straight out of a high-budget K-drama.

But then, it hit me. Hard.

Their marriage… was not a marriage at all. It was a contract. A business deal wrapped up in expensive rings and carefully staged photographs. Two years. Only two years. After that, tapos na, wala na, goodbye na.

And suddenly, the entire narrative shifted. Everything I thought I knew about Liam, about Isabella, about the life he lived—cracked wide open right in front of me.

And maybe, just maybe, my role in this story was bigger than I thought.

Chapter 30

Nakatingin lang ako sa kawalan. As in blank stare, like my whole soul just drifted somewhere far. My thoughts were swirling, sobrang consumed, na hindi ko na-realize na kanina pa pala nagsasalita si Trish right beside me. Her voice was just there, pero parang background noise lang siya sa utak ko.

“I–I’m sorry, what is it again?” I snapped back to reality, half-apologetic, half-lost.

Trish raised her brows at me, her chin resting sa kamay niya. “Girl, what’s wrong with you?” Her tone wasn’t judgy, more like probing—alam mong she already knew may laman ang utak ko.

Napangalumbaba na lang ako, staring blankly at my iced coffee while that one scene earlier kept replaying in my head. The scene sa office ni Liam. Ako. Siya. At ang kanyang “wife.” Inside the four corners of his office, para kaming characters ng isang cliché teleserye na may confrontational scene. You know, the kind na parang any minute now, the legal wife will raise her hand and slap the so-called other woman across the face. Except, duh, I’m not literally the kabit. Let’s be very clear on that. I was there first. Ako ang nauna sa kanya. And no, walang sampalan na naganap.

“Is it about kanina? Sa office ni Liam?” Trish’s voice cut through my mental rerun. She was guessing, pero obviously she was right.

I didn’t answer. Instead, I just sipped slowly on my iced coffee, feeling the cold liquid slide down my throat habang my gaze shifted to nowhere.

“Alam mo,” I finally said, my tone half-bitter, half-amused, “I never thought na a moment like this would actually happen. Like seriously, parang trip lang talaga ni Universe to orchestrate such a scene. Pagtagpuin kaming tatlo in one frame—as if scripted.”

I swear, hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala. This was never part of my so-called itinerary sa pagbabalik ko rito. Walang naka-forecast, walang naka-plan na makikita ko, in person, in the flesh, ang mismong asawa ni Liam. I mean, what was Universe trying to tell me? Na kailangan kong makita at maramdaman mismo ang realidad na matagal ko nang sinusubukang i-deny?

At ’yung nalaman ko pa—the truth about their marriage—it planted this dangerous little thought sa utak ko. Like, is there even a possibility na after two years, puwede kaming magkabalikan ni Liam? Could there be a “chapter two” waiting for us?

I shook my head instantly, almost violently, rejecting the thought. No. Hindi na puwede. That love story already had its ending, whether I liked it or not. And whatever is happening now? This is not rekindling, this is not some grand reunion. This is purely circumstantial. A favor, nothing more.

“True, be,” Trish chimed in, twirling her straw like she was narrating some juicy tea, “maski ako na-shock sa sudden entrance ng oh-so-called wife niya. Like, hello? Never pa siyang nagpunta sa office since ikasal sila. I swear. I think she only showed up dahil nalaman niyang nagbalik ka.”

That made me stop. My eyes darted to her, studying her expression.

Could it be possible? Na the reason why she suddenly decided to grace Liam’s office with her presence was because of me?

Well… not that I’m assuming anything, okay? I’m not delusional. But baka tama rin si Trish. Maybe she did come because she felt something. Maybe she wanted to see me for herself.

Pero bakit? Why would she need to look me in the eye? To measure me? To size me up? Is it because she feels threatened by my presence?

Oh, girl. Hindi ko naman aagawin si Liam sa kaniya. Hindi ko rin kailangan pang agawin, to be honest. Kasi once upon a time—he was already mine.

“Hi.”

Pareho kaming napahinto ni Trish, as in nag-freeze for a second, when suddenly, out of nowhere, the very person na pinagchichismisan lang namin kanina—biglang sumulpot right in front of us. Si Isabella.

Like swear, para talaga kaming nakakita ng multo with her sudden entrance. Ang awkward, ang bigat ng hangin, parang bumagal ang buong paligid.

Her eyes shifted kay Trish, and with this calm but loaded tone, she said, “Can I talk to Brix? Alone?” Polite naman siya, but there was something sa timbre ng boses niya na parang may underlying edge.

Trish looked at me, parang nag-a-ask ng silent permission, mouthing “aalis na ba ako?” I gave her a slight nod, kahit inside me, sobrang torn ako if I wanted her to stay as a buffer.

“Sige, be. See you later,” paalam ni Trish, her voice light but her eyes telling me, good luck, girl. She grabbed her bag and gracefully walked away, leaving me with Isabella.

And then, Isabella sat down sa seat na iniwan ni Trish—smooth, composed, like she owned the space. Now she was right across from me, smiling. But I couldn’t decode the smile. Was it genuine? Was it sarcastic? Was it a challenge? I honestly didn’t know.

Ako naman, poker face mode. Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin, kasi hello? I wasn’t expecting na may ganito kaming tagpo. Like seriously, what is the grand plan of the Universe at kailangan pang orchestrate ng ganitong encounter?

“I’m going to be straight with you, Brix.” She began, clearing her throat softly. Her tone was calm, pero sobrang precise. “I’m not what you think. I’m not a cheap wife, and I don’t like making a scene. I know na may past kayo ni Liam.” She paused, as if carefully choosing her next words. “I’m starting to love Liam, and I want Liam to love me as well. Pero hangga’t nandyan ka, mahihirapan siyang mahalin ako. Because we both know—may feelings pa rin siya sa’yo. So I hope this… whatever this is, is purely business.”

The way she ended that sentence—parang ang linis ng putol, pero may tama.

For a moment, I froze. As in literal na hindi ako makagalaw. It felt like her words turned into sharp knives, sabay-sabay na tumarak sa dibdib ko.

Yeah. It hurt. Sobrang sakit marinig. Not because umaasa pa ako na magkakabalikan kami ni Liam, pero ’yung fact na she was openly claiming na gusto niyang mahalin siya ni Liam, and that my existence was a hindrance—it was more than just about her. It was like a silent demand for me to step aside completely.

But I couldn’t let her see me crumble. No way. Kaya I composed myself quickly, forcing a small, polite smile. Reassuring. Controlled. “Nothing to worry about, Isabella. I’m not here to win Liam back. I know my place here.”

There was a brief silence. Then she smiled back at me—lighter this time, almost satisfied. “Great to know that.”

And just like that, natapos ang confrontation.

Pero deep inside? God, the sting was still there. Kasi kahit na alam kong hindi ko na gugustuhin pang magkabalikan kami, her words left a mark. A mark na nagpapaalala sa akin that this chapter is officially over—whether I liked it or not.

Liam and I were both stuck in the middle of brainstorming for our actual presentation this week. The clock was already nearing midnight, and kami na lang dalawa ang naiwan sa office. The whole floor was quiet, parang kami na lang ang survivors ng isang corporate warzone.

He was intently focused on his computer screen, typing, analyzing, recalibrating numbers like a machine, while ako naman, naka-slouch sa chair, holding a stack of papers, scanning line by line, highlighting key points. The silence wasn't awkward—it was that productive kind of silence na parang may rhythm, may flow.

Then suddenly, he broke it. "You want some coffee?" he asked casually, his eyes still locked on the monitor.

Napatingin ako saglit sa kanya, then bumalik ulit sa binabasa ko. "Yeah, caramel macc—"

"Caramel macchiato. Iced. Already ordered it for you." He cut me off mid-sentence.

That's when I froze for a bit, my head snapping to look at him. My lips slightly parted, not because of the coffee, but because of the memory that suddenly hit me. Biglang nag-flashback sa utak ko 'yung time na we were in this exact same spot, brainstorming like this, and out of nowhere he ordered coffee for both of us. And now—he still remembered my favorite.

He must've noticed my stare, kasi without looking at me, he smirked, his fingers still typing. "It's hard to forget, e." Then he leaned back slightly, flashing that subtle smile before returning his eyes to the screen.

And me? I froze even more. Like seriously, I wasn't prepared for that. Okay fine, aaminin ko—medyo kinilig ako. I mean, hello? Of all the little things he could've forgotten, he remembered this. My caramel macchiato. Iced. Minimal detail lang 'yon, but the fact that it stayed with him—God, what else kaya does he still remember about me?

I shook my head instantly, trying to dismiss the thought. No. I couldn't let my imagination go that far. Dangerous territory 'yon.

A few minutes later, dumating na 'yung delivery. He took the tray, walked back calmly, and handed me my caramel macchiato like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Here," he said softly, before grabbing his own hot black coffee.

We went back to our routine. Silence again. Papers. Screens. The occasional sound of pens scratching on paper. Until—without warning—he stood up.

I was still absorbed in the numbers when suddenly, I felt a shadow fall over me. I looked up, confused. Then it happened.

"God, I can't take it anymore," he muttered under his breath.

Before I could even process, he grabbed me, lifted me effortlessly from my chair, and pressed his lips against mine with so much force and longing that it knocked the breath out of me.

I froze. My body stiffened. My brain screamed at me to react, but my whole system just—stopped. My arms instinctively clung to the papers that fell from my hand, scattering on the floor, while his lips moved against mine with such desperation.

He kissed me like a man starved. Like he was reclaiming something he thought was lost forever. And I—God, I hated myself in that moment—couldn't react right away. I didn't push. I didn't protest.

Until finally, I found my strength. My hands pressed hard against his chest, my face turning away, struggling to break free. "Liam—stop!"

But he resisted. His arms tightened, his lips still seeking mine, refusing to let go.

And then—I slapped him. Hard. The sound cracked through the silence of the office.

He froze this time. His eyes wide, shocked at what just happened. Slowly, his arms loosened, and he gently set me down, stepping back immediately. His breathing was uneven, his chest heaving, his whole body screaming with a mix of guilt and frustration.

His hand ran through his hair roughly, eyes darting away, as if realization just hit him like a truck.

I stood there, still trembling. My knees were weak, my hands shaking uncontrollably, and my lips still burned from his kiss. I couldn't even speak. I was still processing the audacity of what he just did.

"I'm sorry..." his voice finally broke through the deafening silence. Low. Regretful. Heavy.

And just like that, the weight of everything fell between us—unspoken, suffocating, impossible to ignore.

# Chapter 31

I can still feel Liam's lips on mine. Hanggang ngayon, parang may naiwan siyang invisible scar, a strange kind of mark that lingers sa labi ko. Every detail is still vivid—how his lips moved against mine, so desperate, so passionate, so full of this unspoken hunger na hindi ko inaasahan.

Almost instinctively, my fingers reached up, brushing my lips ever so lightly, as if I could still trace the memory of that forbidden kiss. My heart betrayed me—each beat reminding me of the moment na pinilit kong kalimutan pero ayaw maglaho.

I shook my head quickly, harshly, trying to snap out of it. No, Brix. Stop. Para akong baliw na kinakausap ang sarili ko. I grabbed the nearest pillow and pressed it against my face, hard, as if puwede nitong burahin ang memory ng halik niya. As if puwede nitong tanggalin ang lahat ng feelings na bumabalik, one by one, breaking down the walls I painstakingly built all these years.

"Stop, Brix! Don't go over there. Tapos na kayo ni Liam," I whispered into the silence, my voice trembling. "At please, kung ano lang 'yung usapan ninyo, 'yun lang dapat 'yun. Nothing more. Nothing less."

But then, the betrayal of my own memory—it replayed again. The way he looked at me earlier, the intensity in his eyes that said more than words ever could. The way he called my name, "Brix," like it still belonged to him. And the way he kissed me... God, the way he kissed me—it wasn't just lips meeting lips. It was him tearing down the barricades I built, dismantling the walls piece by piece, until I felt myself melting right into his arms.

"And besides..." I said aloud again, trying to sound firm but breaking at every syllable, "...you promised his wife. You told her that after this favor for Liam, you'll leave. You'll walk away for good."

My chest tightened, a sharp sting pressing against my heart as the words echoed back to me. Because the truth? That promise felt heavier than chains. And living with it felt almost impossible now.

How could I keep a vow that was tearing me apart? How do you leave when the very person you're supposed to escape from keeps pulling you closer? Every day, lagi kaming nagkikita. Lagi kaming magkasama. Lagi kaming nag-uusap. How do you keep your distance when distance simply doesn't exist anymore?

It's exhausting. It's torturous. It's... unfair.

I buried my face deeper into the pillow, muffling the sound of my own frustration. "I hate myself..." I murmured, almost inaudible, "...because I can't resist him."

And then another question clawed its way out of me, sharp, bitter, relentless: Why is he like this?

Why does he keep making me feel things that shouldn't even exist anymore? Why give me these fragments of hope that I never asked for? Why kiss me like that? What does it even mean?

The kiss... what was that all about, Liam?

Didn't you move on already? Weren't you supposed to be someone else's husband? Weren't you supposed to love her now?

Then tell me... why? Why me? Why now?

I was lost in my own thoughts when suddenly, a knock echoed on my hotel room door. I froze instantly, my breath catching for a split second. Like—seriously? It's two in the morning. Sino namang matinong tao ang magtatangkang bumisita sa akin ng ganitong oras? I wasn't expecting anyone. Definitely not Trish, because hello? She's not the type to make a surprise appearance at 2 AM. And certainly not the hotel staff, since wala naman akong binilin or in-order for them to deliver.

My curiosity got the best of me. Slowly, I stood up and walked toward the door, my heartbeat quickening with every step. When I leaned forward to peek through the peephole, that's when my stomach dropped.

It was Liam.

Standing right there outside my door. His whole figure slouched, his posture unsteady. And oh my God, he looked wasted.

A jolt of unease shot through me. My mind instantly flashed back to earlier, sa office, that reckless kiss na until now ay parang nakatatak pa rin sa labi ko. Could this be part two of that scene? Was the universe conspiring again? But I quickly shook that thought away—no, Brix, don't even go there.

Maybe he just forgot to tell me something important about our presentation with the client. That could be it. But then again... bakit ganito ang hitsura niya? His polo shirt was half unbuttoned, his hair disheveled like he had been running his hands through it too many times, and the way he was swaying on his feet—obvious na obvious na lasing siya.

And before I could talk myself out of it, I hurriedly unlocked the door and pulled it open.

"What are you doing here—" I barely got the words out when, out of nowhere, his whole body collapsed forward, straight into my chest. The weight of him completely knocked me backward, and we both fell onto the floor in one ungraceful heap.

"God, Liam!" I gasped, stunned for a full minute, kasi I wasn't expecting this at all. He was heavy—too heavy for me to carry—but there I was, trying to summon every ounce of strength I had just to move him.

I heaved, I pulled, I struggled. "A-ang bigat mo..." I muttered in between breaths, half-annoyed, half-concerned, as I dragged him inch by inch toward the bed.

"Mmm..." was all he managed to respond, a low groan, eyes closed, completely out of it.

Shucks. Ano ba naman 'tong trip ng lalaking 'to? What on earth pushed him to drink this much? Did he fight with his wife? Or—worse—was this because of what happened earlier between us? Was the guilt eating him alive, kaya he drowned himself in alcohol?

Finally, after what felt like forever, I managed to lay him down on the bed. I straightened up, panting, and looked at him. He was out cold. Fast asleep. And even in that state—rumpled, undone, lost—he still managed to look infuriatingly handsome.

I sighed, shaking my head in frustration, but at the same time, there was this unexplainable tug in my chest. Against my better judgment, I moved to the bathroom, grabbed a clean towel, soaked it in warm water, and wrung it out. Returning to his side, I carefully slipped off his crumpled polo, revealing his skin flushed slightly from the alcohol.

Then, with deliberate gentleness, I pressed the warm towel against his body. Small strokes, slow and tender, almost like I was trying to wipe away not just the sweat, but the chaos that clung to him tonight.

While I was carefully pressing the warm towel against his chest, my hand slowed down, almost hesitant. I couldn't help but take in every detail of him, every contour of his body that once felt so familiar—so mine. This body was once my safe place. Once upon a time, I rested my head on this very chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat as if it was my favorite lullaby. Once upon a time, I wrapped my arms around this torso, never wanting to let go.

And as my eyes wandered, memories suddenly flooded me, uninvited. Our intimate moments—those secret nights—flashed back vividly. How he used to hold me so gently, as if I was fragile. How his hands would graze every inch of me with reverence. How his lips would trail soft kisses on my shoulder, lingering there like they never wanted to leave.

"Baby..."

My thoughts were cut short when I heard him moan softly, his voice thick with sleep.

Baby. That was what he used to call me. That was our word. My heart jolted, torn between disbelief and longing. Was he... was he calling me?

Then another whisper, this time slurred but clearer: "P-please... come back to me..."

My brows furrowed immediately. What? My mind scrambled, my chest tightened. Was he... was he talking about me?

And then, the dagger came. "B-Brix..."

Definitely me. He was calling for me.

I stared at his face, still and peaceful in slumber, his eyes shut tight as if trapped in a dream he couldn't escape. My own reflection stared back at me in his vulnerability.

Why? Why was he like this? Akala ko ba we were done? Akala ko ba settled na lahat? Didn't we already have that difficult conversation, agreeing na our story had already reached its ending? So why—why is he doing this now?

Does this mean... he still loves me? Is this drunken confession proof na hanggang ngayon, I still live in his heart? Or is this entire "favor" thing just his way of pulling me back into his orbit—his subtle strategy para mapalapit kami ulit?

Honestly, I felt like I was going insane. Yes, mahal ko pa siya. I can't even deny that to myself anymore. But I promised—I swore—to myself na hindi na ako babalik. Our worlds are too different now. He has his wife. I have my new life in Canada. We're not supposed to collide again.

But just when I was trying to steel myself against those dangerous thoughts, the universe decided to mock me. Out of nowhere, the faint melody of Foolish Heart—Nina's version—started playing on the radio. Her voice filled the quiet room, raw and aching.

I'm feelin' that feelin' again...

And I'm back in the game I can't seem to win...

Love's knockin' on the door of my heart once more...

Think I'll let him in before I begin...

That particular line cut deep, like it was written for me—for us. It was too on point, too brutally aligned with what I was feeling at that very moment.

Because here I was, confused and torn. I didn't come back for him. I came back to finish what was left unfinished, to fulfill my end of the bargain, to close that one last chapter. And yet... here he is, unconscious but still playing his card, unknowingly pulling me back to a game I swore I would never play again.

And the most painful part? I wasn't sure if I had the strength to resist this time.

# Chapter 32

Liam's POV

I honestly lost count of how many cans of beer I downed last night. All I knew was that I felt weak, stripped of all control—vulnerable in ways I never allowed myself to be. My head wasn't in the right state when I kissed Brix. Damn it, I should've held myself back. I should've stood my ground and kept the distance. But the moment I saw her again, standing right in front of me in flesh and blood, everything I built up inside me collapsed. My heart betrayed me.

And truth be told—I don't regret kissing her. Not even for a second. Because deep down, I wanted her to feel it. I wanted her to know, without any words, that I still love her. But the timing... God, the timing couldn't have been more wrong.

That's why I dragged myself here, to the hotel where she's staying. I wanted to apologize. Not just for the kiss, but for everything. For the weight of my absences she's carrying. For all the times she waited for a sorry that never came. She deserved to hear it, to know that I tried to fight for us... but it was already too late. I've made choices I can't undo, and those choices destroyed us. If only I had the courage to tell her everything straight, maybe things would've been different. But fear—fear of being rejected, of being turned away—kept my mouth shut.

So I drank. And with every shot, I thought I'd find strength. But the alcohol only dragged me deeper, leaving me wasted on her doorstep without the words I came to say.

When I woke up, the first thing I caught was the faint smell of coffee. My eyes half-closed, still heavy from the night before, I turned and saw her. Brix. Sitting quietly on the balcony, a cup of coffee in her hand, her gaze lost somewhere out there beyond the glass doors.

I couldn't stop the smile tugging on my lips. Even in silence, just seeing her calmed me. I stood up and walked towards her, my voice breaking the stillness.
"Good morning."

She turned to me, startled, almost as if she forgot I was even there. Her eyes widened for a second, then she abruptly stood and headed straight to the bathroom without a word.

My brows furrowed in confusion. What the hell was that? It's not like my breath stinks—I know she used to love stealing kisses from me in the mornings, teasing me about my so-called morning breath.

I moved towards the bathroom door and knocked. "Is there a problem, Brix?" I asked, waiting for her voice on the other side. Nothing. The only reply I got was the sound of the toilet flushing before the door swung open and she stepped out, her face flustered, her movements restless.

"You should go home," she said quickly, pacing back and forth across the room as if her own thoughts were chasing her.

I sat down at the edge of the bed, watching her with a half-smile tugging on my lips. I couldn't help but laugh under my breath. She looked... rattled.

"Should I go home like this?" I asked, motioning to myself. I was half-naked, only in my boxer briefs, hair sticking out in all directions.

Her eyes darted to me and she immediately snapped, "Of course not!"

"Can you please calm down?" I said, my voice low but firm. I'd been watching her pace back and forth across the room for minutes now, and it was starting to make me dizzy. She froze mid-step, as if she caught herself. Slowly, she stilled, her body facing me but her gaze fixed somewhere far beyond me—like her thoughts were locked in a place I couldn't reach.

I pushed myself up from the bed and walked toward her. My steps were slow, heavy with everything I carried inside. "I'm sorry if I bothered you last night," I admitted, my tone softer now. "It wasn't my intention to show up here drunk, or to throw all of this at you when you clearly didn't ask for it."

She didn't move. She just stood there, her figure tense, her silence louder than any words she could've said. She looked like a statue—still, unmoving, but filled with a thousand emotions trapped inside.

I exhaled, forcing myself to break through that silence. "I know you're confused," I said, my eyes on her even if she refused to meet mine. "Maybe you're even asking yourself if I've lost my mind for kissing you yesterday."

I walked over to the table where she had left a cup of coffee for me. I picked it up, took a sip, let the bitter warmth steady me. Then I let the words fall, raw and unpolished. "Yeah, maybe I have gone insane. Because after everything, it's still you. Even when I try to convince myself that you're happy now, that you've already built a new life without me, I can't bring myself to feel the same. I can't find that same happiness anywhere else. It's always been you, Brix. No matter how much I deny it, no matter how much I try to bury it—it's still you."

Finally, she turned her face toward me. And when I saw her eyes, red and swollen like she'd been holding back tears, something inside me cracked. It wasn't just sadness in her stare—it was everything we both left unsaid, everything we both tried to kill but never could.

That was when I closed the distance between us. I didn't think. I didn't weigh the consequences. I just pulled her into my arms. But this wasn't like the embraces we had before. This time, it wasn't about desire, or even habit. It was about truth. About letting her feel that every word I just said wasn't empty—that everything came from the most honest part of me.

I know she has someone now. I know she's no longer mine, and I'm not here to force myself back into her life or break the world she's built without me. But for once, just for this fleeting moment, I wanted to hold her again. To be selfish enough to ask for a fragment of happiness that I've been starved of.

Just this once, I wanted her in my arms again. And after this moment passes, I'll let her go. I'll let her return to the life she chose, to the man she chose. Even if that life doesn't include me.

But for now, just for now... she's here. With me.

"Please, baby... just this once. Allow me this moment." My voice was low, almost a plea, as I held her close. My arms wrapped around her tightly, desperate to keep her there, to keep her from slipping away again. She didn't hug me back—and I understood. I didn't need her to. All I wanted was to feel her warmth against me, even if it was only for a few seconds, even if it was just me holding on while she stayed still.

After a breathless pause, she pulled away from my embrace. Her face was serious, her lips trembling slightly as if she was fighting with her own words. "Liam," she said firmly, though her eyes betrayed her, "your wife is waiting for you. Please... go home."

Her words stabbed me, but her eyes—they told me a different story. I could see it clearly. She wasn't pushing me away because she didn't want me. She was doing it because she thought she had to. Because resisting me was easier than admitting that she still longed for me. And I knew she did.

I reached for her, cupping her chin gently but firmly, tilting her face toward mine. I didn't say a word. Words felt useless now. Instead, I let silence speak for me as I leaned closer, pressing my lips slowly against hers. At first, it was just a question—an unspoken ask if she still wanted me here, if she still wanted us.

And then she answered me. Not with words, but with the way she kissed me back. No hesitation. No protest. Just pure surrender, like this was the first time our mouths had ever met. Her lips moved against mine, desperate, hungry, but soft all at once—as if she had been waiting for this moment as much as I had.

I could feel it—the way her body responded to mine, the way her breath trembled as she matched the rhythm of my kiss. Every movement I made, she followed. Every longing I carried, she mirrored.

My hands began to roam, unable to stay still, memorizing the familiar yet forgotten lines of her body. Her touch found me too, just as restless, just as yearning. The electricity between us was undeniable, and it pulled us deeper, drowning us in something we thought we had lost.

Without breaking the kiss, I lifted her into my arms. She clung to me—not resisting, not doubting—just surrendering. I carried her to the bed, laying her down gently, as if she were something sacred I had been given a second chance to hold.

I took a moment to look at her—really look at her. The rise and fall of her chest, the way her eyes burned with unspoken words, the way her body trembled under the weight of everything we both wanted to say but couldn't. She didn't push me away. She let me peel away the barriers between us, until nothing stood in the way of our skin, our heat, our truth.

We kissed again, deeper this time, until my lips wandered lower—down her jaw, her neck, her shoulder, tracing every inch as if I had all the time in the world. Her breath grew heavier, her fingers tightening around mine, our hands locking together like an anchor in the storm.

And in that moment—through the warmth of her skin, the taste of her lips, the way her body answered mine without a single word—I knew. She still wanted me here. No matter what she said, no matter what life she had built away from me, here in this moment... she was still mine.

# Chapter 33

Brix's POV

Our presentation was finally done, and honestly, it went better than I expected. The client gave us a yes—well, not just me, but 
us
. It wasn't solely my effort; Liam worked hard on this too. Kaya nga I couldn't even take the credit all to myself. Team effort siya, and in fairness, we delivered.

But instead of basking in the success, my mind was wandering somewhere else—like para akong nasa ibang dimension. Kasi out of nowhere, my thoughts drifted back to that night... the night Liam showed up at my hotel, completely drunk.

And then the morning after—something happened. Something na supposedly hindi talaga dapat nangyari.

Pero the thing is... our bodies decided for us. They betrayed all logic, all rationality. Parang kahit gaano ko i-justify na mali, the truth is, our bodies craved it, and we just gave in.

I'm not exactly regretting it, but I'm not at peace either. Because the reality is, may isang taong nasaktan sa ginawa namin. Actually, not just one, but two.

Number one, it was wrong. Liam is married. And me? I have a boyfriend who doesn't deserve this betrayal. Kaya I keep asking myself—bakit hindi ko napigilan? Bakit nagpadala ako sa weakness ng moment na iyon?

And maybe because I miss him. God, I miss Liam so much. I've been suppressing it for years, telling myself kung ano lang talaga ang pakay ko rito. But every time I see him, parang bumabalik ako sa mga araw na masaya pa kaming dalawa. Yung tipong the world revolved only around us, like nothing else mattered.

And that's dangerous. Kasi ngayon, eto ako—conflicted, torn into pieces. I don't even know anymore: should I fight for him, or should I just let reality sink in and allow myself to disappear from his life completely?

"Are you okay, be?"

Narinig ko si Trish, her voice snapping me out of my spiraling thoughts. I turned my gaze to her, quickly wiping the tears from my face before she could notice. Then I forced a smile.

"Yeah, mamimiss lang talaga kita," I said, trying to sound casual.

But of course, Trish wasn't buying it. She never does.

"Be, please," she said, narrowing her eyes at me. "You know that I know when you're lying, right?"

And just like that, parang nahuli ako. She was right. Kasi the truth is, iba talaga ang dahilan ng mga luha ko. Hindi lang simpleng 
I'm going to miss you
 moment ito.

I sighed deeply and stared blankly at nothing, and before I knew it, tears started falling again. Trish reached out and hugged me tightly, her warmth seeping through, as if telling me silently that she understood.

"I know you still love Liam, be," she whispered gently. "And I know how long you waited for this moment—na finally, magkita kayong muli. But listen to me... whatever decision you make, I know it will be the right one. Kasi only you can tell kung ano talaga ang makakabuti for you."

Her words hit me hard, and for a second, I felt both comfort and guilt all at once. Because she was right—ako lang talaga ang makakapag-decide kung saan ako lulugar.

"All the passengers going to Ontario, please proceed to Gate 2."

The announcement echoed across the entire terminal, a crisp reminder that my time here was finally up. I slowly stood from my seat, my chest tightening as if the simple act of rising meant leaving more than just this country behind. Trish wrapped her arms around me one last time, her hug lingering with that warmth na parang sinasabi niyang ayaw niya rin akong pakawalan. I held her tighter, memorizing the comfort of her presence, before gently pulling away.

With heavy steps, I started walking toward the gate, suitcase in hand, when I suddenly heard it—

"Brix!"

The voice was so loud, so raw, that it felt like it shook the very walls of the airport. My heart jumped in shock.

I turned my head, searching where it came from, and there he was. Liam.

He was standing just outside the restricted area, sweating, chest rising and falling heavily as if he had sprinted the entire way here. The guards were already blocking him, refusing entry since he clearly had no boarding pass. His eyes, however, were fixed only on me—burning with urgency, desperation, and something else I couldn't quite name.

My brows furrowed in confusion. What on earth was he doing here? Our business deal was finished. I already returned his client to his company. We both agreed—no, we promised—that whatever happened between us would be buried and forgotten. We said it was over.

And yet, here he was.

I found myself walking closer, almost against my better judgment, my mind swirling with questions.

"What are you doing here, Liam? Our deal is over. Ano pa bang kailangan mo?" I asked, my voice low but steady, though deep inside, I was trembling.

He just smiled faintly, catching his breath, as if my presence alone gave him strength. Then, after a pause, he reached into his bag and pulled something out.

"I just want to say thank you... and I wanted to give you this."

I glanced down at the item in his hands—and froze.

It was my hoodie. The very same one he borrowed the morning after he unexpectedly showed up at my condo, and the morning he made breakfast for us wearing it. That hoodie carried memories—memories I wasn't sure I wanted back.

I didn't know how to react. Should I feel touched that he held onto it, or should I feel angry that he thought it is necessary to return it, as if handing it back would erase everything between us?

But in the end, I accepted it. Because for him to come all the way here, fighting his way through just to hand me this simple piece of clothing—it meant something.

"Thanks," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

He looked at me with eyes glistening, his voice breaking ever so slightly. "Brix... I'm really, really sorry. I mean it."

I forced a smile, though my tears were already threatening to fall. "You're forgiven, Liam. And thank you... for everything."

Before he could even reply, I turned my back quickly, my chest aching, because I knew if I stayed a second longer, I would crumble. My tears fell the moment I walked away, each step heavier than the last, until I finally reached the gate.

Trish was right all along. In the end, the decision was mine to make. And today, I chose to let go. To cut ties with Liam completely.

Because sometimes, the bravest form of love is knowing when to stop fighting—and choosing, finally, what will be better for the both of us.

Canada

After 2 years

“Beeeeee!”

Narinig ko ang malakas at excited na sigaw ni Trish the moment I saw her at the arrival gate. I couldn’t help but smile wide as I waved at them. She was with Shin, of course, and not just the two of them—may kasama na silang baby.

I immediately pulled Trish into a hug, long and tight, as if the years of distance could somehow be erased in that single embrace. Then I hugged Shin as well, his eyes glowing with a happiness na hindi ko pa nakikita sa kanya noon. They looked radiant, parang may ibang fulfillment sa mga ngiti nila ngayon—lalo na ngayong may baby na sila.

“Be, thank you sa pagsundo mo ah?” Trish said softly, her voice a mixture of gratitude and relief.

I shook my head, smiling. “Ano ka ba, wala ’yon. Anytime. Tara na, let’s head home.”

When we finally reached the house, I introduced Trish and Shin to my parents and siblings. They were welcomed with warmth, almost as if matagal na silang parte ng pamilya. I also told them they could stay here as long as they needed to.

“What’s your son’s name?” Mama asked curiously, cradling the baby boy in her arms with a soft, affectionate smile.

Shin answered with pride in his voice, “Liam Martin po.”

And just like that, silence fell in the room. Everyone turned to look at me, their eyes filled with that unspoken question—kung okay lang ba sa akin na marinig na ang baby ay ipinangalan sa akin at kay Liam.

So I cleared my throat and quickly spoke before the moment got too heavy. “No worries, fam. Nagpaalam naman sa akin ’yung dalawa. They’re really fans of my love story with Liam, kaya they chose that name. And it’s fine. I’ve already moved on a long time ago.” I said na natatawa na lang.

My family visibly sighed in relief, parang nabunutan ng tinik. They didn’t want me to get hurt all over again.

But inside me, I wasn’t sure how to feel. Sure, I told them it was okay, and on some level, it really was. Pero deep down, I couldn’t help but think: was it right? I mean, fine with me if my name was used, but what about Liam? Would he have agreed? Or would he have felt the weight of it like I secretly did?

Still, two years had already passed. Two whole years. Ang tagal na nun. So yes, I should’ve moved on. And in truth, I have. I’ve rebuilt myself, I’m more than okay now. And besides, I’m engaged to Harvey. He’s currently in the US visiting his parents, but soon he’ll be back—this time with his whole family, ready to meet mine. Life, in its own way, has been kind to me again.

Later that night, when Trish and I finally had time alone together, we settled into one of those familiar catch-up sessions that always lasted for hours. It felt like being transported back to Manila, except now, we were wrapped in the comfort of my Canadian living room.

She started with her usual animated tone, eyes sparkling as she spoke. “So ayun na nga, be. Ang dami ko sa’yong ichichika!”

I chuckled, shaking my head, letting her take me into her whirlwind of stories.

“Si Don Roman—Liam’s father—bedridden na ngayon. Alam ko kasi si Shin, hindi na lang siya secretary ni Liam, secretary na siya ng buong pamilya nila. Kaya updated siya sa lahat ng nangyayari sa mansion. Kaya ayun, na-confirm ko talaga.”

Her words hit me. I blinked, surprised, kasi I never imagined the once mighty Don Roman—the man whose authority felt like law itself—would end up that way. He was the kind of figure you could never imagine weakening, kasi he was the boss, the one everyone feared and obeyed. Honestly, it explained so much of Liam’s personality; he was his father’s son in more ways than one.

But let me be clear—I never wished harm on Don Roman. Kahit siya ang naging dahilan kung bakit nagkahiwalay kami ni Liam, I never wished this upon him. That’s a completely different matter.

Trish went on and on, telling me more updates, mostly revolving around Emerson & Lyle and the people connected to it. I listened, half-amused, half-intrigued, though my heart was already pressing for the one thing I wanted to ask.

I’ve avoided this question for years, convincing myself na hindi na importante. I kept telling myself that I made the right decision, because it was for our betterment. Pero deep inside, I couldn’t help it—I wanted to know.

So I finally asked, my voice quieter than I intended. “How’s Liam?”

Trish’s eyes immediately met mine. Her expression shifted, almost hesitant, as if she was weighing if it was safe to tell me. But I gave her a small nod, silently letting her know that I was ready to hear it.

She exhaled softly before speaking. “Well… as what the contract said, after two years, magdi-divorce na si Liam and Isabella. And… they officially divorced. Last week lang.”

Her words settled into me, heavy, echoing louder than the silence of the room.

Parang may kung anong kumislot sa dibdib ko nang marinig ko kay Trish na nag-divorce na si Liam at si Isabella. It was such a simple piece of news, just a single line dropped into our conversation, pero para sa akin, it echoed like a thunderclap inside my head.

I couldn’t even name the feeling. I don’t know if it was supposed to be joy—kasi technically, that means Liam is free now. Or sadness—kasi after everything, it still ended this way. Maybe it was both, mixed together, twisted in a way that I couldn’t untangle.

I know about their contract marriage. Alam ko, kasi siya mismo ang nagsabi noon sa harap ko, and Isabella.

But deep down, I never truly believed it. I honestly thought na by the time I was gone, Liam would eventually learn to love Isabella. That somehow, with time, with shared days and nights, with the quiet domestic rituals of married life, he would soften. He would grow into it. He would forget me.

I thought that was how the story would end—me fading into the background, and him, learning to find happiness elsewhere.

But then… I was wrong. So wrong.

Kasi he didn’t learn to love her. He didn’t stay. He didn’t let that marriage bloom into something real. Instead, he chose to end it, to break away from it—proving that maybe, just maybe, some ties, no matter how tightly bound, are never meant to hold.

And that realization hit me harder than I ever thought it would.

Chapter 34

It’s been two months since Trish and Shin, together with their baby, spent their vacation here in Canada. And yet, two months later, I still find myself unable to completely move on from the story Trish shared with me—about Liam and Isabella’s divorce.

I don’t know why it lingers with me this much. Maybe because, all this time, I had this image in my head na sila ang magkakatuluyan. I honestly thought that once I stepped out of Liam’s life, he would finally learn to love Isabella. I thought that with my absence, he would eventually let go of me and embrace the woman he married.

But apparently, I was wrong. Kasi hindi pala ganoon ang nangyari.

And now, tuloy, I can’t help but wonder—hanggang ngayon ba, ako pa rin ba ang mahal niya? Hanggang ngayon ba, somewhere out there, he’s still waiting for me to come back?

According to Trish, after the divorce, Liam disappeared from the corporate world entirely. He flew to Thailand and decided to live in some remote province there, far away from everything—far away from the empire he once ruled, and far away from the life that used to consume him. He left Emerson & Lyle under the care of his Ate Sandra, almost as if he wanted to completely cut ties with the very world that defined him.

As for Isabella, she returned to France. No one has really heard anything from her since. Just like that, she slipped back into her own life, leaving nothing but silence behind.

And then there’s me. Still here. Still trying to breathe past all of these lingering thoughts. But in fairness, my life has moved forward in ways I never thought it would.

I am happily engaged now—to Harvey, the love of my life. And every single day, I remind myself that this is the best decision I’ve ever made. Because finally, I am with someone who sees me, accepts me, and loves me without conditions. The people around us, especially his family, genuinely embrace us. His parents—when they first found out I was trans—did not show even a trace of rejection or hesitation. I never once heard a single hurtful word from them. Instead, they welcomed me wholeheartedly, as if I was always meant to belong.

And that kind of love, that kind of acceptance—it’s something I never thought I’d have.

But even in the midst of this joy, a part of me still wrestles with the ghost of the past. With Liam. With the memory of what we once had, and what we lost.

“Are you ready?”

I was pulled out of my thoughts when I heard Ate Jovie’s voice. She was standing by the doorway, looking radiant in a simple above-the-knee dress, her hair neatly flowing down, her smile warm and full of pride as she looked at me.

I turned to her and smiled back. “Yeah,” I answered softly. Then I turned again to the mirror in front of me, checking every detail, making sure my face was flawless, as if any little imperfection would matter on this day. My fingers fidgeted with the lipstick, considering another touch-up, kahit na kanina pa ako nag-aayos.

Ate Jovie chuckled, shaking her head as she gently took the lipstick away from me. “Sis, maganda ka na. Okay na ’yan. You don’t need anything else.” Her tone was playful, teasing, but there was also tenderness in her words.

I rolled my eyes at her and let out a small laugh, finally giving in. She looped her arm through mine and together, we made our way downstairs.

The moment we reached the last step, I immediately felt the weight of every gaze on me. My family, Harvey’s family, a few close family friends, and some of our dearest workmates were all waiting in the living room. Everyone stood, their faces lit with smiles that carried nothing but love and support.

Finally, after everything, Harvey and I were getting married.

This wasn’t the extravagant, over-the-top wedding I once imagined back when I was younger—no grand cathedral, no lavish reception, no hundreds of guests dressed in glittering gowns. No, this was something else entirely. This was simple, intimate, and deeply personal. The wedding was happening right here in our home, in the very living room that had been filled with countless memories of family dinners, celebrations, laughter, and tears. And for me, this simplicity made it even more perfect.

All eyes followed me as I descended the stairs. Each step felt like walking toward a new chapter, leaving behind every piece of the past that once held me back.

And then my eyes found Harvey.

He was standing in front, waiting for me, looking devastatingly handsome in his suit. His eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and the moment he saw me, his lips parted slightly in awe. That sight alone made my chest tighten, and I couldn’t stop my own tears from pooling.

Because once upon a time, I dreamed of this moment too. Of walking down the aisle, of pledging forever. But in those days, I thought it would be with someone else—someone I believed I would spend the rest of my life with. But life has its own ways of breaking and mending us. And here I am, standing at the edge of a dream once more, but this time with a man who truly accepted me, who embraced every part of who I am, and who is ready to walk with me for the rest of our lives.

Mama and Papa were waiting for me at the foot of the stairs. They both reached out, their hands trembling slightly with emotion as they guided me forward. I hugged them tightly, feeling their love and blessing pour into me in that embrace.

“I love you, anak,” Papa said, his voice almost cracking as he tried to hold back tears. “You know that I’m very happy—finally you’ve found the happiness you’ve been longing for.”

“Thank you, Pa,” I whispered, my own voice breaking as I held him closer.

Mama wiped at her cheeks, her eyes swollen but glowing. “Always remember, we are here for you. If you and Harvey have problems, face them together. Talk it out. Don’t ever let a day end with you two still angry at each other. Look at me and your Papa, anak. That’s the secret.” She gave me her advice between sobs, her words heavy with wisdom only a mother could give.

I embraced them both again before turning to Harvey’s family, who also welcomed me with open arms. Their hugs carried the same sincerity, the same warmth, the same acceptance I had always prayed for but never thought I’d truly find.

And then, at last, Harvey and I were standing hand in hand before the pastor. My heart was racing, not from fear, but from the overwhelming love I felt in that moment.

“You look beautiful, love,” Harvey whispered, his eyes never leaving mine.

I smiled through my tears. “Ang gwapo mo naman,” I said softly.

“I know,” he teased with a playful smirk.

I laughed, shaking my head at his arrogance, though the truth is, he really was.

And with that, the ceremony began. The wedding I once thought I’d never have was finally unfolding before my eyes—not in the way I once imagined, but in the way it was always meant to be.

Two days after our wedding, we flew straight to Thailand for our honeymoon. Honestly, the original plan was really to just have our honeymoon—well, technically staycation—dito lang sana sa Pilipinas, somewhere private and cozy. But of course, si Harvey insisted that we go to Thailand. He told me that he had stayed in that country years ago, like mga three years back, and he wanted to revisit the place. He wanted me to experience it with him this time, in a way na mas romantic, mas special, kasi nga it's our first trip together bilang mag-asawa.

And I actually mentioned to him, parang out of nowhere, na Liam and I also went to Thailand before. Though at that time, ang alam ko talaga, business trip lang siya—visiting a client, work-related. Yun pala, it was a short vacation na disguised as something more professional. Hindi ko siya binanggit kay Harvey para mang-asar or para intentionally saktan siya by reminding him na may memories ako with Liam in the same country. I told him kasi I wanted to see his reaction, if he'd feel that tiny bit of jealousy, or kung mai-insecure ba siya.

Pero surprisingly, Harvey didn't flinch. With that calm, confident tone of his, he simply said, "That was the past. Whatever memories you and Liam may have had here, that's different. Because now, it's you and me who will create our own memories in Thailand."

And honestly? I couldn't agree more. May point siya eh. Whatever I shared with Liam in this place—they're locked in the past. Parang when those flashes come back to me, I just smile at them, not with longing anymore, not with that quiet hope na mauulit pa. Instead, it's just a memory, frozen in time. Kasi now, the only thing that matters is the new set of memories I'm creating—this time with Harvey.

So here we are, sa vibrant and chaotic yet beautiful streets of Bangkok. Tourists and locals alike moving in every direction, neon signs lighting up the night, tuk-tuks passing by with that distinct buzz. Harvey and I were casually walking, enjoying the energy of the city, while hunting for pasalubong to bring back home. He suddenly ran into an old friend—randomly bumping into someone he used to know—so they got caught up in that kamustahan mode, cheerful and animated.

Ako naman, I excused myself. I saw this stall selling gorgeous Thai silk, mga shawls and scarves in jewel tones na sobrang elegant. And of course, I got curious. The fabrics shimmered under the dim streetlights, parang each one was whispering luxury, so I went over to check them out.

I was carefully touching the silks, trying to decide on the perfect color, when suddenly, someone bumped into me from behind. Or maybe it was me who bumped into them—I wasn't even sure. But instinctively, I turned around, bowed slightly, and apologized in Thai, "Khǎaw-thôot," my voice soft, my head lowered out of respect, the way the locals do especially kapag kausap ang mas nakatatanda.

The person in front of me didn't respond right away. No reaction, no words. Parang for a second, time just paused in that busy Bangkok street.

So I slowly lifted my gaze, my brows furrowing as my eyes finally met the face of the stranger.

And then my heart skipped a beat.

"Liam?"

# Chapter 35

Liam was standing right in front of me. Wearing nothing but a tie dye sando that looked a little too loose on him, with tiny holes scattered here and there. He paired it with denim shorts na halatang galing lang sa pinutol na lumang pantalon, then finished it off with a pair of worn-out slippers and a bucket hat casually thrown on his head. Sobrang simple, almost rugged, parang walang effort at all.

And it struck me—this wasn't the Liam I was used to seeing before. The Liam I remembered was always firm, poised, the type na palaging naka-tuxedo, brush-up ang buhok, and laging amoy expensive cologne. He used to radiate this air of control and sophistication. Pero itong nasa harap ko ngayon? He was different. Completely different.

But no matter how drastically his looks may have changed, kilalang kilala ko pa rin siya. Kahit pa anong alteration pa ng itsura niya, my memory of him never faded. His face was still engraved in my mind, impossible to forget.

"Hi," he greeted me, with that familiar smile that tugged at something deep inside me.

I had to pull myself together quickly, trying to mask the shock and disbelief from this unexpected, almost surreal encounter. Like, never in my wildest thoughts did it cross my mind that I'd bump into him here in Thailand. Oo, I knew from Trish na after his divorce with Isabella, he came here to settle down. Pero still, with how massive this country is, with how crowded the city streets are, the possibility of seeing him again felt so close to impossible.

Especially since the last thing I heard, he was living somewhere remote—out in the provinces, away from the busy chaos of Bangkok.

So what was this? Was it fate playing its games again? Or was it pure coincidence? Honestly, I couldn't tell.

"Hi, Liam," I greeted back, trying to mirror his calmness. I managed a smile.

"How are you?" he asked casually, still wearing that unbothered, light smile on his lips.

"I'm doing great," I said, steadying my tone. Then I added, almost like a subtle declaration, "and happily married." I lifted my hand slightly, letting the glint of my wedding ring catch his attention.

But his face remained unchanged, still smiling, as if my words didn't shake him one bit. "Congratulations, Brix," he said simply.

"Thanks," I replied, just as short.

Then silence settled between us. Not the heavy, awkward kind, but more like a comfortable pause. I distracted myself by running my fingers through the vibrant Thai silks on display, pretending to be absorbed in choosing a fabric.

And you know what's strange? I wasn't like before. Hindi na ako 'yung dating Brix who would ache for him the moment we'd meet again. Hindi na ako 'yung tipong gusto ko siyang yakapin agad, as if I'd been missing him all along. This time, I just felt a quiet kind of happiness. A gentle relief that we managed to cross paths once more. And in this city pa—Bangkok, the very place where our love once burned the brightest.

But as the saying goes: what happens in Bangkok, stays in Bangkok. Those memories we shared here, they will stay here.

"Hi, babe," Harvey's voice suddenly cut through my thoughts. His arm slid around my waist and he pressed a quick kiss on my lips.

"By the way, babe, I want you to formally mee—" I turned, about to introduce him to Liam. But just like that, Liam was gone.

My brows furrowed instantly. Ang bilis niya namang makaalis. He was literally just beside me a second ago while I was browsing through the silks. And then poof, parang bula siyang naglaho. Was it just my imagination? Was I hallucinating?

But no. He was real. I know it. He even said my name. Which only meant one thing—he was truly there.

"Who?" Harvey asked, scanning the area, curious to know who I was about to introduce.

I gave him a small, confused smile. "Ah, nothing," I muttered softly.

He shrugged it off, as if it didn't matter, and we continued walking, blending back into the busy rhythm of the Bangkok night.

It’s already 12:35 AM here in Bangkok, and honestly, I can’t even bring myself to sleep. So instead of endlessly tossing and turning on that ridiculously comfortable hotel bed, I decided to just make myself a cup of coffee. Then I went out here in the balcony, settling on this lounge chair, sipping slowly habang ramdam ko ’yung malamig na hangin na sumasalubong sa akin. The city lights from below look like scattered diamonds, sparkling against the dark canvas of the night, pero kahit gano’n kaganda, my mind is somewhere else.

And the truth is, I actually know the exact reason why sleep won’t come to me tonight. Kasi hindi mawala sa utak ko ’yung unexpected encounter with Liam earlier. Like, I swear, it was him. Hindi ako nagha-hallucinate, hindi rin ako nagpapaka-delusional. It was really Liam. Kilala ko ’yung bawat gesture niya, the way he laughs, the curve of his lips when he smiles, and especially the familiar look sa mga mata niya. I know him too well to ever mistake him for someone else. And besides—he called me Brix. Only Liam ever calls me that in that tone, kaya walang doubt.

But the thing is, our moment was fleeting. Saglit lang, parang binigay lang ni Universe as some kind of subtle reminder, na maybe I don’t have to carry him in my thoughts anymore. Na baka ang ibig sabihin lang nito is, Liam is already living his own life—happy, content, and obviously, has already moved on.

“Why are you still awake?” I suddenly heard Harvey’s voice, groggy and soft, as he made his way to the balcony. When I turned my gaze to him, I saw him still half-asleep, naked, rubbing his eyes. Without a word, he gently pulled me up from the chair and sat down, making me sit on his lap instead.

“Can’t sleep, babe?” he asked, his voice low and concerned.

I simply nodded. Then instinctively, I held the back of his neck and kissed him.

“Mmmm…” a sound escaped me as our lips deepened into the kiss.

For a brief moment, I forced myself to push away that lingering thought of Liam, choosing instead to focus on Harvey’s warmth, his lips, his presence. But then, Harvey suddenly stopped me.

He pulled back and looked at me closely, like he was trying to read everything that was going on in my head. I quickly averted my eyes, guilty. And then, he said it.

“I saw you earlier. With Liam.”

My eyes widened in shock. Medyo na-stun ako kasi ang buong akala ko, no one noticed. I thought it was just some private, fleeting moment na ako lang ang may hawak. But apparently, Harvey saw us. Which only proves one thing—hindi talaga ako namamalik-mata. It really was Liam.

And you know what? Hindi ko mapigilan ang subtle happiness na naramdaman ko. Not because nagkita kami ulit, not because I wanted something to rekindle. No. The happiness came from seeing him well. Alive, okay, moving forward. And in that simple truth, my heart felt some sort of peace.

“I’m sorry, babe,” I whispered, apologetic. But Harvey only chuckled lightly.

“Why? Why are you saying sorry for something unexpected like that?” he asked, letting out a deep sigh. Then he smiled at me—genuine, reassuring. “I’m actually glad. I’m glad you both saw each other again. And to be honest, I’m happy to know by now, you both have already moved on.”

That moment, I couldn’t help but smile back at him. Because he was right. I have already moved on. I’m no longer that same person who would crumble and break down whenever I saw Liam. No longer the one who wanted to beg for another chance. That version of me doesn’t exist anymore.

If there’s one important thing I learned from my relationship with Liam, it’s this: you have to learn the art of forgiving yourself. Kasi yes, it’s good to forgive the people who have hurt you. But more importantly, you also need to forgive yourself—for the choices you made, for the pain you allowed, for the mistakes you couldn’t undo. And once you do, once you truly release yourself from that weight and move forward, that’s when you start to realize na your heart can actually be happy again.

Philippines

After 2 Weeks

Matapos ang two weeks honeymoon namin ni Harvey sa Thailand, diretsong lipad naman ako rito sa Pilipinas. Baptism kasi ng baby nila Trish and Shin, and guess what? Kinuha nila kaming dalawa ni Harvey as godparents. It's such an honor, actually, kasi parang family na talaga ang turingan namin.

Pero ayun, twist of fate, Harvey couldn't come with me. He had to immediately fly back to Canada kasi naospital 'yung mom niya. Siyempre, automatic instinct ko was to go with him. I even told him na maiintindihan naman ni Trish if we couldn't attend the baptism. Pero he insisted. As in sobra siyang firm na I should stay here, represent both of us, and fulfill our ninong and ninang duties. Almost nagkaroon kami ng slight tampuhan about it, kasi gusto ko talagang sumama. But at the end of the day, wala akong nagawa but to respect his decision.

Now here I am, on my way to the church kung saan gaganapin ang binyagan. The vibe felt both familiar and foreign. May mga kilala akong tao sa crowd, but there were also faces na hindi ko pa talaga na-meet ever. I kept a polite smile, greeting here and there, before heading straight to where Trish and Shin were seated together with the other godparents.

"I'm sorry, be, late ako," I whispered to Trish, sounding a bit apologetic.

"Okay lang, hindi pa naman start," she replied, smiling, trying to assure me.

Nag-sesermon pa kasi ang pari, and the solemnity of the moment somehow calmed me. Then eventually, the actual baptism started. Seeing that tiny baby officially welcomed into the faith—it felt pure, parang nag-iba ang atmosphere ng buong simbahan. After the rites, everyone headed to this fine dining restaurant nearby, where the reception was being held.

While we were eating, finally nagkaroon kami ng chance ni Trish to really talk.

Out of nowhere, I leaned closer and said in a softer voice, "Alam mo bang I saw Liam sa Thailand, nung honeymoon namin ni Harvey?"

Her eyes instantly widened, like I just dropped a bomb right in front of her. She even gasped, mouth slightly open.

"O.M.G! Seriously? Like... really?!" she blurted out, a bit louder than intended, kaya napatingin tuloy 'yung ibang guests sa amin. I gave her a small nod, confirming, and she immediately leaned in even closer. "What on earth—at sa Thailand pa talaga kayo nagkita?!"

I reached for my glass of water first, trying to compose myself, before answering. "Exactly. Kaya nga ang weird, diba? Sa sobrang laki ng Thailand, andami-daming tao, pero doon pa kami nagtagpo. Parang ang surreal lang. But in fairness, he looked... okay. As in genuinely okay. Mukha siyang maayos, mukhang at peace."

I couldn't help but smile faintly habang nire-recall ko 'yung moment na iyon. Kasi seeing him again—it wasn't painful, it wasn't heavy. It felt... lighter.

"Did you guys... talk?" tanong ni Trish, her tone careful, almost hesitant, as if she wasn't sure if she wanted to hear the answer.

I shook my head slowly. "Not really. Small talk lang. Kamustahan. And honestly, ang bilis lang din ng encounter na 'yon. I even wanted to introduce him kay Harvey, but before I could, bigla na lang siyang nawala." I sighed, but then smiled again. "Pero alam mo, be, iba na ako ngayon. Hindi na ako kagaya dati na parang longing, like I was desperate to hold on to him. Wala na talaga. Yes, I miss him in a way—pero not like before. Hindi na yung tipong I'd run and beg him to come back. Hindi na gano'n. In fact, I even told him that I'm already married. And you know what? He just smiled and congratulated me. That was it. And honestly, I was happy with that."

Trish just nodded, absorbing every word, her face showing both relief and amazement.

Then she leaned back a little, her expression shifting into something more serious. "You know what? Before umalis si Liam papuntang Bangkok, he actually tried to ask me if I still had in contact with you."

Napatingin ako bigla sa kanya, a bit shocked, kasi she never mentioned this to me before. She continued anyway.

"Sabi ko, of course, I still have. But I also told him na you were about to get married. And then he just went quiet. Hindi na siya nagsalita pa after that. Maybe that was the moment na he finally realized—na it was really the end for the two of you."

I let her words sink in. Kaya siguro, when I showed him my engagement ring that day in Thailand, the smile he gave me felt different. It wasn't just politeness. It was acceptance. Maybe even relief.

And somehow, knowing that... gave me peace too.

# Chapter 36

Liam's POV

Flashback

"You know that I love you, Liam." Isabella's voice trembled as she stood by the bed, tears rolling down her cheeks. I was busy packing my things, trying to shove clothes into the suitcase as quickly as I could. She kept reaching out, pulling things back out of the bag, as if undoing what I was determined to finish.

I looked at her, my stare sharp, my tone colder than I intended. "You love me?" I repeated, almost laughing in disbelief. A bitter, sarcastic laugh slipped out of me. "Damn it, Isabella. Haven't we gone through this a thousand times already? What part of our contract marriage do you still not understand? Do you want me to spell it out for you again?" I asked, my voice low but piercing.

Her eyes wavered, unable to hold my gaze. "Why? Is it because of that gay—"

"Don't you dare call Brix that way!" I snapped, cutting her off before she could even finish. I grabbed her arm, forcing her to look at me. My chest rose and fell heavily. "You don't know her. You don't know anything about her."

The silence that followed was heavy. I let go, turning back to my suitcase, breathing hard, forcing myself to calm down. Isabella stormed out of the room, and for a moment, I was left alone with the sound of my heartbeat hammering in my ears.

The truth is, Brix was never 
just someone
 to me. She was everything. She wasn't just beautiful—she was the kind of woman who could disarm me with her laughter and rebuild me with her kindness. She changed the way I saw love, the way I saw myself. She made me a better man, even when I didn't deserve it.

And yet, here I am—divorcing a woman I never truly loved, and still haunted by the 
woman
 I let go.

I know I made mistakes. God, I made too many. Two years was not enough to pay for the regret of letting Brix slip away. I should have fought for her. I should have chosen her from the very beginning. Maybe if I had, she would be the one standing by my side today, not Isabella.

With Isabella, it was never real. It was a contract. A performance for the world. Yes, there were nights we shared a bed, but every time I closed my eyes, it was Brix's face I saw. Every touch reminded me of what I lost.

Brix was, and still is, the only one my heart screams for.

I remember the day she walked away. She gave me a choice, and I was too weak to fight for us. I told myself I was protecting her, sparing her the pain of my chaos. But letting her go tore me apart. And now, I live in a world I never wanted, bound by decisions I regret every damn day.

But today, I'm free. And I've sworn to myself—I will take every risk if it means I can win her back.

The moment I stepped into the office, I called Trish. "Do you still have contact with Brix?" I asked the second I saw her.

She hesitated. Her silence said more than words. So I pressed on, my voice firm, but soft enough to show I wasn't there to cause trouble. "Don't worry, Trish. I'm not going to show up and ruin her peace. I just need to know... is she okay?"

Trish sighed, finally answering. "To be honest, boss... yes. We talk almost every day."

I couldn't help but smile at the thought of Brix still being close to someone I trust. But then Trish's next words hit me like a knife to the chest.

"But she's getting married. To Harvey. And she's happy, boss. Truly happy. You need to understand—that was her choice. And maybe, that was the right choice for her. She wanted you to learn to love Isabella... and she wanted herself to finally be free."

It felt like the heavens and the earth collapsed onto me all at once. My breath caught in my throat. Married. She was marrying someone else. The woman I thought was still waiting for me... had already chosen someone better.

I clenched my fists. My chest ached with the kind of pain I didn't know how to bear. I made the stupidest mistake of my life—not fighting for her when I had the chance.

Now, she's happy with another man.

"Boss, let her be happy," Trish said gently, almost pleading. "You love her, right? Then you should know—more than anyone—that she deserves this. After everything she went through with you, she deserves peace. She deserves love."

Maybe she was right. Maybe it was finally time to let go. After all, I was the one who pulled Brix into the chaos of my broken world. She deserved more than I ever gave her. She deserved better than me.

After that, I ran away. I flew to Thailand and spent four months living in a remote province, punishing myself. I even entered a monastery for a while, searching for penance, seeking some form of forgiveness for all the wrong I had done.

But fate has a cruel way of mocking us. Because one day, in the crowded streets of Bangkok, I saw her again.

"Liam?"

Her voice. That voice I'd been starving to hear. I turned, and there she was—Brix. My Brix. My heart thundered in my chest, threatening to break through my ribs. I forced myself to smile, to stay calm, though every fiber of my being was screaming to hold her, to kiss her, to never let her go again.

"Hi," I managed to say, smiling softly.

She looked at me like she'd seen a ghost. Her eyes widened, her lips parted, but then she regained her composure. "Hi, Liam," she said, her voice gentle, accompanied by the smile I had missed more than life itself.

God, that smile. It was the same smile that once saved me from my darkest days. The smile that made the world lighter.

"How are you?" I asked, trying to sound casual, though inside I was a storm.

"I'm doing great," she answered, her eyes shining with sincerity. Then, almost effortlessly, she lifted her hand. A wedding ring gleamed on her finger. "And happily married."

Her words shattered me. The smile I forced on my lips faltered, but I tried to hold it. Tried to pretend I wasn't breaking apart.

"Congratulations, Brix," I whispered. My voice betrayed me—it carried bitterness I didn't want her to hear.

"Thanks," she said softly.

And just like that, the air between us grew heavy, awkward, unbearable. Until someone appeared by her side.

Harvey.

He slid his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to kissed her. He looked at me, smiled politely. I couldn't smile back. I couldn't pretend anymore. So I turned, and walked away. Without even saying goodbye.

God. I am such a fool. I should have fought for her. I should never have let her go. If I had only ignored my father's manipulations, if I had only chosen her above everything else... she would be mine now. I would be the one holding her hand. I would be the one she chose forever.

But she's happy now. And I... I need to learn to be happy for her.

Maybe it's time. Time to finally let her go. Time to forgive myself.

I only hope, somewhere deep inside, she has forgiven me too.

# Chapter 37

Brix's POV

After spending two full weeks in the Philippines, finally, nakabalik na rin ako rito sa Canada. Honestly, I missed Harvey so much. As in sobra. Two weeks rin kaming walang proper contact, kahit na I was constantly messaging him. Pero kahit gaano kadami ang texts and updates na pinapadala ko sa kanya, not once did he reply. At first, I tried not to overthink. I told myself, maybe he was just busy taking care of his mom sa ospital. Maybe that's why he couldn't answer back.

My stay in the Philippines was... well, normal. Wala namang masyadong drama. Everything went smoothly, parang isang ordinary vacation lang. Nakapunta ako sa iba't ibang provinces, nag-explore ng mga places na matagal ko nang gustong makita. But honestly, it wasn't the same without Harvey. The plan was supposed to be the two of us—exploring, laughing, creating new memories together. Pero dahil nga sa biglaang emergency, ako na lang ang mag-isang gumawa ng lahat ng iyon.

And you know what? There was no trace of Liam the entire time. Hindi ko man lang siya naisip habang masaya kong nilalakbay ang Pilipinas. For the first time in a long time, I could truly say na I had finally moved on.

Pagdating ko dito sa Canada, walang sumundo sa akin sa airport. Sinadya ko talaga iyon. I wanted to surprise everyone—lalo na si Harvey. I was actually excited, imagining the look on his face the moment he sees me again.

But the moment I stepped inside our home, tahimik lang ang paligid. Mom was in the kitchen, Papa was in the living room watching a football game. My siblings were nowhere to be found—probably out on their usual errands. Everything felt... normal. Too normal, almost suspiciously calm.

When Mom finally noticed me standing there, she froze. Halos mabitawan niya 'yung hawak niyang dish towel. Her eyes widened in shock, like she saw something she wasn't prepared for. Papa turned his head too, and his reaction was the same. Para silang parehong nakakita ng multo.

"What's with the face?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood as I dragged my luggage further into the house.

"Anak... you're here," Mom finally said, walking closer to me. Pero ramdam ko agad 'yung kakaibang tono sa boses niya—worried, almost trembling. I couldn't help but smirk a little, kasi halata na there was something off.

My eyes shifted to Papa, who only let out a heavy sigh, avoiding my gaze.

"Is there a problem?" I asked, starting to feel uneasy.

Mom gestured for me to sit down first before she spoke again. "How was your flight?" she asked, forcing a smile. Pero halata sa ngiti niya that it wasn't real.

"It was fun," I casually answered, shrugging.

She nodded, her eyes flickering away. "Are you hungry?" she asked next.

But I ignored the question. "Ma, what's going on?" I pressed, my chest tightening.

I glanced at both of them, back and forth, and the more I looked, the more I saw the burden written all over their faces. Ni hindi maipinta ang mga itsura nila. It was as if they were carrying something too heavy to even say aloud.

"Ma, Pa... what's happening? Why are you acting like this?" I couldn't stop myself anymore.

Finally, Mom looked back at me. But this time, her eyes filled with tears. And before I could even prepare myself, she broke down crying.

"Anak..." her voice cracked. "Harvey has cancer."

The world stopped.

It was like a bomb exploded inside my head, and suddenly, I couldn't hear anything else. My ears rang. My lips parted but no words came out. My mind tried to form questions, denials, anything—but everything came out as silence.

I just sat there, frozen, staring at Mom's tear-stained face. My chest burned. My throat tightened. And when Dad walked over and placed a hand on my shoulder, it was then I realized that my own tears had started falling.

"Ma, are you joking?" My voice cracked, though deep down I already knew it wasn't a joke.

Dad was the one who answered. His voice was heavy, filled with sadness. "It's true. Stage 3. Liver cancer."

And just like that, I broke. Completely. I cried harder than I had in years, sobbing uncontrollably, shaking my head as if that could erase the words I just heard.

I didn't know what to do. Should I run out that very moment to find Harvey, to be with him, to hold his hand in whatever hospital he was in? Or should I just collapse here and cry my heart out until there was nothing left in me?

Never—never in my life did I think Harvey was sick. For almost three years of being together, I never once noticed anything wrong with him. He always seemed so strong, so full of life. Maybe he was hiding it from me. Maybe he didn't want me to know, because he didn't want to burden me.

And then I realized—that's why he would often disappear for weeks, sometimes months. All those unexplained trips. All the times he said he was busy. He wasn't avoiding me. He was fighting for his life.

But still, the questions cut through me like knives. Why didn't he tell me? Why didn't he trust me enough to share this pain with me? Why did he choose to carry it alone until it got this bad?

We are married. I should have known. I deserved to know.

But even as the anger rose in me, it was quickly swallowed by guilt and love. Because maybe... he was just protecting me. Maybe Harvey was keeping it from me not because he didn't trust me, but because he loved me too much to let me suffer with him.

And that thought hurt even more.

New Jersey

Me and my ate Jovie were on our way to Hackensack University Medical Center, kung saan naka-confine si Harvey. Two days pa lang ang nakakalipas mula noong nalaman ko that Harvey has liver cancer, pero hindi na ako nakapagpigil. I immediately insisted na magpunta kami ng New Jersey, kasi doon nakatira ang family niya. I felt like every single second na hindi ko siya nakikita was a second wasted.

And until now, honestly, I still cannot process it. I still cannot believe na may cancer siya. The whole flight from Canada to New Jersey was a blur of tears. As in iyak ako nang iyak, walang tigil, to the point na parang drained na ako paglapag namin dito. Pero kahit gano’n, the heaviness never left my chest.

Pagpasok namin sa loob ng hospital, my knees were literally shaking. It felt like I was walking straight into my biggest nightmare. Doon kami sinalubong ng mama ni Harvey. The very moment I saw her, I completely broke down. Hindi ko napigilan. I just cried uncontrollably and hugged her so tight as if hawak ko na rin si Harvey through her.

“Mom…” I sobbed, my face buried in her shoulder.

She gently held me, trying to calm me down kahit halata rin sa mata niya ang bigat na dala niya. “I know, Brix,” she whispered, her voice trembling but firm. “But we have to accept this.”

Her words felt like knives cutting through my chest. Accept this? How do I accept na Harvey will no longer be by my side? Parang hindi ko kaya. Parang hindi ko kakayanin.

Kahit pa deep inside ayoko siyang makita na gano’n—helpless, weak, fragile—I forced myself to gather every bit of courage and walk into his room. Kasi baka ito na rin ang last chance ko to see him alive.

And there he was. My Harvey. My love. Lying in that cold hospital bed, surrounded by wires and machines that were supposed to keep him alive. His head was bald already, his body frail, so thin—like the sickness had stolen weeks, months, even years from him in such a short time.

Slowly, I walked closer, my heart shattering with every step. I reached for his hand, held it tightly, and the moment I felt his skin, naiyak na naman ako nang sobra. I prayed silently, desperately, begging God to give him more time. Just a little more time for us. Kasi I wasn’t used to seeing him like this. This wasn’t the Harvey I knew.

My mind was drowning with questions. Why me? Why us? Why do I always have to lose the people I love the most? What kind of twisted plot is the universe writing for me? I just wanted to love. Was that really too much to ask?

While I was still holding his hand, tears streaming endlessly, I noticed his eyes slowly opening. My breath caught. I leaned closer, clutching his hand even tighter. And then he smiled at me. That same gentle smile, kahit hirap na hirap na siya. I tried to smile back, but no smile could ever hide the pain breaking me from the inside.

“You… you came…” he whispered, his voice cracking, his breath short. Every word looked like it cost him all his strength.

Mas lalo akong naiyak. “Harvey, babe, why? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” My voice trembled, heavy with helplessness.

“P-please… take care of yourself always…” halos pabulong na sabi niya, bawat salita ramdam mo na parang struggle na ilabas sa bibig niya. Hirap na hirap na siyang magsalita, but still, he forced those words out, as if iyon na lang ang last strength na meron siya. Then slowly, he curved this small, almost fragile smile—yung tipong kahit gaano ka-late at dark ng moment, it still carried a sense of hope.

I just looked at him, holding back my sobs, then smiled and nodded to what he said. Pero deep inside, my heart was breaking into tiny pieces na parang baso na nabasag sa sahig.

“I-I love you, babe… you can do this… we’re here for you, always,” sabi ko with all the trembling in my voice, habang tuloy-tuloy lang ang pag-iyak ko. Hindi ko na nga alam kung paano ko mapipigilan.

I was clutching his hand so tightly, na parang wala na akong pakialam kung masaktan man siya sa higpit ng hawak ko. Because letting go felt like the scariest thing in the world. Para bang the moment na bibitawan ko siya, baka iyon na ang huling beses na mararamdaman ko pa ang warmth ng kamay niya. Kaya I held on, as if by holding on, I could keep him with me a little longer.

“I—I love you…” he managed to say. His voice was so faint, but his words cut deep into my soul.

And then… just like that, his eyes closed. His vitals dropped.

Doctors rushed in, alarms went off, and the room turned into chaos. They tried, they fought so hard to revive him. But after everything, after all the attempts, Harvey was declared dead.

I screamed, I cried, I begged. I prayed harder than I ever had in my life. I held on to every shred of hope na baka milagro na lang ang kailangan. But there was nothing. No more tears came out of my eyes, just endless sobbing and endless prayers. And still, God took him away from me. He took my husband. He took the man who taught me how to love again.

And when the doctors finally stopped, when everything turned quiet, I felt my whole body collapse. Right then and there, my world fell apart.

Chapter 38

Nailibing na ang katawan ni Harvey, pero somehow it feels like kasama na ring nailibing ang puso ko. Every single day na lumilipas mula nang burol niya, it’s always the same scene: me crying, me trying to breathe, me wondering paano ba ako makaka-move on from this. Parang wala na ngang luha na lumalabas because I’ve already poured everything out, pero the pain? Grabe, parang mas lalo lang siyang humihigpit.

I was just sitting here quietly sa garden ng bahay nila Harvey. The wind was calm, the atmosphere was so heavy, and ako, I was just staring blankly, lost in my own thoughts. Then suddenly, dumating ang mama ni Harvey. She walked towards me, then sat beside me sa bench. She looked at me, with this warm yet pained smile. I tried to smile back, kahit na alam kong halatang hirap na hirap akong pilitin ang mga labi ko na mag-form ng kahit konting ngiti.

“You know,” she started, holding my hand so tenderly, “Harvey was only waiting for you. He held on because he wanted to see you for one last time. Even if we already signed the waiver, even if we already knew his liver couldn’t function anymore, he still waited. Because he wanted to see your face before he let go.”

The moment she said that, tears began streaming down her face. And ako, tahimik lang na nakikinig habang she tried to hold herself together.

Then she continued, her voice soft but firm, “I want to thank you, Brix. For everything. For coming into Harvey’s life, for loving him, for accepting him wholeheartedly. I know it’s painful now, but believe me, Harvey is happy. And you know he would want the same for you—to be happy, to keep living, to keep loving.” Then she leaned closer and hugged me.

And I just broke down. Hindi ko na napigilan. Sobrang naiyak na ako. Because the truth is, ako dapat ang magpasalamat kay Harvey. Ako ang dapat mag-thank you kasi he accepted me kahit na pira-piraso ang puso ko. Kahit basag-basag ako when he found me, he still patiently picked up the pieces. He loved me without asking for guarantees. He stayed kahit alam niyang may iba akong mahal. He waited without forcing me. He gave me love in its purest, bravest form.

I should be the one grateful, not him. And yet, here I am, receiving gratitude from his mom, when in reality, it’s me who owes Harvey everything.

Then his mom softly said, “By the way, my son wanted me to give you this.” She reached into her bag and pulled out an envelope, then gently placed it in my hands. “He asked me to give you this when he’s gone. And I promised him that I would.” After that, she stood up, gave me one last look, then slowly walked away, leaving me with the letter.

With trembling hands, I opened the envelope. And inside, I found his words, written so carefully, so full of love—his final message to me.

Hi babe,

I won’t even ask you if you’re okay, because I already know— the moment you find out that I’m sick, you’ll cry like a river. And that’s okay. I know it’s partly my fault for keeping this from you. But you know what? I honestly thought it would be better if you didn’t know. I never wanted to become a burden to you. I know your struggles, I know the pain you’ve carried, I’ve seen it in those nights when you cried yourself to sleep. And yet, I chose to hide my own. For that, I am truly sorry.

I’m sorry for not being able to give you the happiness you deserve. I’m sorry that our love story has to end this way. I hope that someday, you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me. But please, never ever think that I didn’t love you. God knows how much I tried to gather the courage to tell you the truth. But I was too weak to do it.

Please, don’t let sadness take over even if I’m no longer by your side. Promise me you’ll still choose to be happy. I know you’ll miss my jokes, but believe me— I’ll miss your smile so much more. From above, I’ll always be watching over you, making sure you’re okay.

And please… don’t stop yourself from loving again. Go after the happiness you truly deserve. Go back to Liam. I know how deeply he loves you, and I also know how much you love him too. I can still see it in your eyes.

If I would be given a chance to be alive again, I would still choose you.

I love you, mi amore. Always and forever.

Harvey

I just couldn’t stop myself from crying the whole time I was reading his letter for me. Every single word felt like it carried the weight of his heart. Each stroke of his handwriting seemed so alive, so full of emotions, na para bang habang binabasa ko siya, I could almost hear his voice whispering those exact words sa tenga ko. As if he was still here, right beside me, softly speaking to me with so much love.

And then, without me even noticing, a small, fragile smile curved on my lips. Kahit na masakit, kahit na parang dinudurog ang puso ko, I smiled. Because deep down, I know… Harvey is happy now. He’s finally at peace. He is far away from pain, far away from the heaviness na matagal na niyang pasan.

Pero kahit ganun, kahit alam niyang I was, and I am still, deeply in love with Liam… never, not once, did he show any hint of jealousy. Hindi siya naging selfish. Hindi niya ako pinigilan, never niyang ipinakita na bitter siya. Instead, he let me go. He entrusted me to the man he knew I truly loved, kasi alam niya na one day, darating din ang time na mawawala siya sa tabi ko. And in his own quiet, noble way—he chose love over everything, even over his own pain.

I lifted my gaze, tumingala ako sa kalangitan, as if I could see Harvey’s face painted in the clouds, smiling back at me. My tears kept falling endlessly, but I whispered through the sobs, “Babe… thank you, and I love you. Ikaw na bahala sa akin dito. Please, guide me always.”

Healing is not something you rush. It’s a journey. It’s slow, it’s painful, it takes time. And right now, I’m learning to embrace that. I’m learning to allow myself to feel every single crack, every single wound, with the hope na someday… all these scars will remind me not of my brokenness, but of how much I was loved.

“Sis, you okay?” I heard Ate Llana’s soft voice habang nakikita ko siyang approaching from a distance. She had this warm, reassuring smile plastered on her face, the kind na kahit hindi siya magsalita, you’d already feel comforted just by seeing her. Slowly, she walked towards me, her steps calm and graceful, as if ayaw niyang guluhin ang moment ko of quietness.

“Yes, ate…” I managed to say, forcing a small smile, kahit alam kong hindi totally convincing. My voice was a little shaky, pero I tried to hide the heaviness in my chest.

She sat down beside me, and without hesitation, she placed her arm gently over my shoulder, pulling me closer habang tinatapik-tapik niya ang balikat ko. That simple gesture—it felt like such a big comfort. “Alam ko, we’re not exactly super close,” she said softly, “pero please, always remember, I’m here. Anytime you feel like the world is too heavy, I will listen. Every single time you need someone to talk to, just call me, and I’ll be there.”

“Oo nga, sis. You don’t have to carry everything on your own. We’re always here for you. You got our back,” biglang sabat ni Kuya Alex habang lumitaw siya out of nowhere, then casually sat beside me with that protective vibe he always has.

As if on cue, Ate Jovie also followed, her presence bringing this motherly aura. “Always and forever, nandito kami para sa’yo. Huwag mong solohin ang pain,” she said in the gentlest tone, before she sat down as well, completing the circle of siblings around me.

And in that very moment, I couldn’t help but smile. A real, genuine smile—kahit may traces pa rin ng tears sa mata ko. Because right there, I was reminded of one thing: I still have my family. I still have these people who never left me, who stood beside me through all the storms, who became my anchor whenever life felt too heavy to bear.

I looked at each of them, my heart swelling with gratitude. “Thank you, guys…” I whispered, my voice breaking yet filled with so much sincerity. Then I leaned forward and hugged them tightly, as if I never wanted to let go. That embrace—it wasn’t just a hug. It was a reminder, a promise, and a lifeline all at once.

Chapter 39

Harvey’s POV

Meeting Brix was one of the most beautiful gifts life has ever given me. She accepted me for who I am, without judgment, without hesitation. And in her acceptance, I found a kind of love I never thought I would feel again. I honestly believed that part of my life was over—that I would never experience the kind of love I once gave away so freely in the past.

I never asked for her love, never sought for it, yet it came to me. Uninvited, unexpected, but perfectly timed. The very first moment I laid my eyes on her, I knew it wasn’t just a fleeting attraction. It wasn’t just a simple crush. Something in my heart told me that she was different, that I needed to know her, to draw closer to her, to discover the depth behind those eyes.

And so I did. I found myself longing for her presence every single day. My mornings felt incomplete if I didn’t see her smile, if I didn’t catch even just a glimpse of those beautiful eyes. But the more I stared into them, the more I realized—behind their radiance was a quiet pain. A pain she never spoke of, a pain she tried so hard to mask with her smile.

I knew she was carrying broken pieces of her heart. And somehow, I made it my mission to piece them back together, to help her rediscover herself, to remind her how it feels to be loved, to be cherished, and to be happy again. And though I tried—though I gave my all—I could still see in her gaze the echo of one name. Liam.

But I was never jealous. Never bitter. I didn’t pretend to be someone else just to win her heart. I was simply grateful that I was given the chance to be a part of her healing. Because sometimes, loving someone isn’t about erasing their past—it’s about embracing all of them, including the scars left behind.

I gave her my best. I gave her everything I had. And in return, she chose me. She chose to stand beside me, to marry me, to give me the honor of loving her for the rest of our lives.

“Harvey, do you take Brix to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?” The Pastor asked, his voice steady, almost echoing inside their living room.

I couldn’t take my eyes off her. There she was—Brix—standing before me, her hands in mine, her smile radiant, her presence more breathtaking than anything I had ever seen. To me, she was everything. She was all woman, in every sense of the word, and nothing else mattered but the truth that I loved her.

“Yes, Pastor,” I answered without hesitation, my voice firm, my smile unshaken. My gaze never left hers.

The Pastor turned to her. “And you, Brix, do you take Harvey to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”

Brix didn’t falter. With a smile just as pure, she answered, “Yes, Pastor.”

In that exact moment, my heart felt like it was overflowing. I have never known happiness like that before. I was the luckiest man alive, because the woman I prayed for, the woman I waited for, the woman I loved more than my own life—was finally mine. Forever.

Forever, I thought, was something untouchable. I believed she would always be by my side, that the dreams we whispered to each other late at night would someday come alive before our very eyes. I believed we would build a life that was ours and ours alone. But I was wrong. Forever, I realized, had its limits.

Three years ago, the truth hit me like a storm. I was diagnosed with liver cancer. At first, I brushed off the pain in my stomach, thinking it was nothing more than hunger or exhaustion. I told myself it was nothing serious. But it was. The pain grew worse, the truth sharper than any blade, and soon I had no choice but to face it.

I remember the moment I held the result in my hand. My chest tightened. My heart was caught in a war between fear and love. Should I tell Brix? Should I let her share this burden? My mind screamed yes, but my heart whispered no. Not because I doubted her, not because I thought she would leave me—she never would. It was because I couldn’t bear to see her happiness crumble again. She had been through so much darkness, endured so much pain in her life. And now, when she finally found joy again, who was I to take it away from her?

So I chose silence. I buried the truth deep inside me. I carried the pain alone, because that was the only way I knew how to protect her.

Our honeymoon in Thailand was supposed to be everything—a celebration of us, of love, of the life we promised to build together. But instead, with every passing day, my body betrayed me. The pain clawed deeper, harder, and I knew I was running out of time. I made the hardest decision of my life: to return to Canada without her. I gave her excuses, fabricated reasons, because if I brought her with me, she would see the truth. And once she did, she would break. That was the one thing I couldn’t allow.

But fate has a way of stepping in when you least expect it. Before I left, Brix and Liam crossed paths again—an accident, but one that shook me to my core.

I saw it. The way Liam’s eyes lit up at the sight of her. That fire of love hadn’t gone out, not even after all these years. He was still waiting, still hoping. And in that moment, I knew what I had to do.

That night, I asked Liam to meet me privately. I wanted to face him not as a rival, but as a man who loved the same soul he did. When he arrived, we sat across from each other. Our eyes locked. There was no bitterness, no anger. Only the heavy silence of two men who understood what it meant to love Brix with everything they had.

I started. “Liam, I want to talk to you man to man. Because I know, without a doubt, we both love Brix.”

He gave a small nod, his jaw tight, his eyes clouded.

He spoke first. “I know you’re married now. I won’t ruin her happiness anymore. Just… tell her I’m sorry for the things I did before.” His voice cracked slightly, the weight of regret pressing on him.

I took a deep breath, feeling the sting in my chest. “Don’t lie to me, Liam. I can see it in your eyes. You still love her. You’re still waiting for the day you can hold her again.” He froze, his silence an answer louder than words.

So I laid it bare. “I have a favor to ask, bro. One that I never thought I’d have to say. I don’t have much time left. I have cancer. Brix doesn’t know about it.”

His eyes widened, shock flashing across his face. He tried to speak, but the words never came. I pressed on.

“Please… take care of Brix. Take care of her the way you used to, the way only you can. I know you two are meant for each other. Maybe God only lent her to me for a short while, just so I could know what it feels like to be loved by someone so extraordinary. But when I’m gone, she’ll need someone strong. Someone who can catch hee when she falls apart. That has to be you, Liam. Promise me one thing—don’t ever hurt her again.”

I watched him struggle to breathe through the weight of it all. He still couldn’t find the words, but I could see the tears threatening to fall, the disbelief, the pain.

So I stood. I placed a firm hand on his shoulder, looked him straight in the eye, and said quietly, “Promise me, Liam. Please.”

Walking away that night, I felt a strange mix of peace and sorrow. Peace, because I knew I had done the right thing. Sorrow, because I knew that one day Brix would learn the truth, and her heart would shatter.

But I also believed in her. I believed that with time, she would heal. And when she did, she would be in the arms of someone who could love her long after I was gone.

That was the hardest decision of my life: to let go of the only person who ever made me believe in forever.

Chapter 40 (Last Part)

Brix’s POV

One Year After

Grabe, time flies so fast. Imagine, it’s been exactly one year since Harvey passed away. And honestly, I can finally say na somehow, I’m healing little by little. Hindi na ako gaya dati, like during those first few months, when every single day felt like torture. Iyong tipong all I did was cry endlessly, lock myself inside my room, refusing to eat, and not even wanting to talk to anyone.

Ilang buwan kong kinarga ’yung bigat na iniwan niya. Syempre, kahit na surrounded ako by family and friends who truly care for me, you can never really erase that emptiness. Especially kapag everyday, ang daming bagay that constantly reminds me of him—his laugh, his scent, the little habits he had. Minsan kahit simpleng kanta lang sa radyo, parang binabalik ako sa lahat ng memories namin together.

But then, there came a point when I realized, I couldn’t stay stuck there forever. I knew Harvey wouldn’t want that for me. Siya pa nga ’yung taong nagturo sa akin kung paano ulit ngumiti, kung paano ulit maging masaya after everything I’ve been through. So parang ang selfish naman kung ipagkakait ko sa sarili ko ’yon—lalo na for him.

So kahit mahirap, I tried stepping out of my comfort zone again. I pushed myself to socialize, to reconnect with people, and slowly rebuild my life. Bumalik ako sa work, nag-engage ulit sa mga projects, and little by little, natutunan ko na ulit ngumiti—hindi na fake smile, but ’yung genuine na may kasamang peace of mind. Step by step, the pain became more bearable. It doesn’t mean I stopped loving him, because Harvey will forever have a permanent place in my heart. Pero natutunan kong tanggapin na kahit wala na siya physically, nandiyan pa rin siya somewhere, watching over me, guiding me silently.

“Bakit ba paborito mo ang Thailand?” Napalingon ako kay Trish, who was sitting beside me sa airplane seat. Kasama ko siya ngayon on this trip, kasi she and Shin decided to celebrate their baby’s first birthday here. They invited me, kaya sumama na ako. Besides, I miss this place.

I just gave her a small smile. ’Yung tipong smile na may kasamang hidden meaning. Hindi ko na siya sinagot, kasi alam kong mahaba-haba kung i-eexplain ko pa. Instead, tumingin na lang ulit ako sa bintana ng plane, staring at the sea of clouds, amused by how breathtakingly beautiful they looked.

And in my heart, I knew exactly why Thailand will always be my favorite.

Dalawang rason lang naman talaga ’yon. Una, because of Liam. He once brought me here, under the impression na it was purely a business trip. Pero to my surprise, he turned it into this short but unforgettable vacation. It was simple, but incredibly special, because it was something I never expected. A memory that will forever stay with me.

At ang pangalawa, it was Harvey. Thailand was his happy place. He lived here for years, embraced the culture, and built pieces of his life here. And most importantly, this was also where we spent our honeymoon. Kaya para sa akin, Thailand is not just a place—it’s like a sacred box of memories, both with the man I loved in the past, and the man who continues to hold a place in my heart.

Every corner, every little thing here, reminds me of them. And kahit paulit-ulit ko pang balikan, I will never get tired of reliving those moments. Because Thailand isn’t just a country for me—it’s a living reminder of love, of pain, of healing, and of the kind of forever I once believed in.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, we are now landed at Bangkok, Thailand.” The FA announced over the speaker, her voice calm yet full of finality, as the plane slowly rolled on the runway. Finally, touchdown na kami sa Bangkok.

Paglabas namin ng airport, agad kong naramdaman ’yung init ng hangin, mixed with that distinct scent ng Bangkok na parang mixture ng street food, humidity, at energy ng lungsod. It’s so familiar, and yet parang brand new pa rin sa paningin ko. All the memories I created here before started to creep in, isa-isa silang naglalaro sa isip ko, nag-uumpugan, parang eager silang magpakita. I couldn’t help but smile, kahit na may halong bitterness sa likod ng ngiti na ’yon. Kasi unlike before, ngayon ako na lang mag-isa ang bumabalik dito. Walang Liam, walang Harvey. Just me, my footsteps, and the shadows of my past. But still, deep inside, may happiness pa rin—kasi in every corner of this city, nakatago ang mga alaala. Parang nakasilid sila, just waiting for me to come back so they can burst free and embrace me once again.

Pagdating namin sa hotel, after settling down, nagpaalam agad ako kay Trish at Shin. I told them na I’ll just wander around on my own, gusto ko lang maglakad-lakad, magpakain sa memorya. They agreed without hesitation, parang naiintindihan na nila na I needed this moment for myself.

So there I was, walking aimlessly, letting my feet decide kung saan ako dadalhin. Each street, bawat kanto, bawat signage na nadadaanan ko—lahat may kwento. Every step I took felt like unwrapping another memory. And totoo pala talaga, when they say na a city never forgets. Kasi habang naglalakad ako, I could almost see flashes of us—laughing, running, arguing, holding hands.

I ended up sa Bangkok Night Market, a place full of life, noise, and colors. The neon lights were buzzing, the crowd was thick, at kahit saan ka tumingin, may pagkain, may tao, may kwento. I strolled around, smiling to myself, letting the sights and sounds trigger the memories I thought I had locked away.

I wandered through different stalls, running my fingers across fabrics, smelling the aroma ng spices, hanggang biglang pumasok si Liam sa isip ko. That one night, when it was just the two of us here. I remember how he pulled me by the hand, insisting na mamili kami ng pasalubong. Sabi niya, baka raw hindi na kami makapamili kinabukasan dahil sa festival na pupuntahan namin. He was so excited, like a kid who wanted to take home pieces of Bangkok. Naalala ko rin when I jokingly bought him a bikini brief—I think, white pa ang kulay n’on. He gave me that are-you-serious look, and then we both laughed so hard that night. Just the thought of it made me chuckle softly while walking through the crowd, as if he was still right there, rolling his eyes at me.

Eventually, I found myself sitting sa isang maliit na restaurant along the street. The same restaurant where we once sat together. The smell of freshly cooked Pad Thai filled the air, and when they served it sa table ko, I couldn’t help but stare at the dish for a while. This exact chair, this exact spot—dito kami umupo ni Liam. We shared a plate of Pad Thai, laughing over something so random, as if the world outside that table didn’t matter.

And now here I am, alone, pero hindi rin talaga mag-isa. Kasi sa bawat higop ng hangin, sa bawat kain ng Pad Thai, in every corner of Bangkok—nandito pa rin siya. Nandito pa rin kami.

Pero siyempre, it’s not only Liam na may memories ako dito sa Thailand. Me and Harvey also shared some of the best moments in this country. It may have been short-lived, pero grabe, it was full of lighthearted fun, laughter, and those kinds of memories na kahit gaano kaiksi, will linger in your heart forever. Until now, they’re still alive inside me, playing like an old film reel whenever I close my eyes.

I remember, bago ang last day namin dito sa Thailand, we rode a tuk-tuk, just the two of us, habang umiikot sa buong Bangkok. The streets were alive, full of lights, colors, at parang lahat ng tao were moving in fast motion, but kami, slow motion lang. Then we ended up by the Chao Phraya River. Tumambay lang kami doon, just sitting side by side, kumakain ng street food, laughing at the silliest things, telling random stories habang nakatitig sa breathtaking view ng river.

It was so light. So carefree. Parang wala siyang iniindang sakit, as if the illness wasn’t even part of his body. Or maybe, baka he was deliberately holding it in, ayaw niya lang na ipakita sa akin na nahihirapan na siya, kasi he didn’t want to ruin the moment. And that breaks me. Kasi I did nothing to comfort him. If only I had known earlier, maybe I could’ve done more.

After I finished my meal at the restaurant, I stood up and walked out again. Naglibot-libot ako sa market, namili ng kung ano-anong pasalubong for my family back in Canada. I was moving from stall to stall, until—suddenly—my eyes caught a very familiar figure.

He was standing by a stall selling Thai silk. His posture, the way he moved, the way he ran his fingers through the delicate fabrics—it was all too familiar. My heart skipped. Slowly, I followed, pretending na tinitingnan ko rin ang mga tela, my eyes trailing him discreetly.

Then, as we both reached the end of the row of silks, he turned around.

And there he was.

He smiled at me. That smile. And without hesitation, I smiled back. It wasn’t heavy anymore. Walang baggage, walang issues, walang past pain. Just light. Just… pure. Almost like it was the very first time we met all over again.

“Hi,” bati ko, my lips still curved.

He smiled softly, pero nag-iwas siya ng tingin, pretending to focus on the silks. Yet, he spoke anyway, his voice calm, familiar, grounding.

“Why is Thailand your favorite place?” he asked casually, habang nilalaro niya ang mga hibla ng silk between his fingers.

I couldn’t help but smile even wider. That question—it reminded me of something Trish once asked me. I shrugged lightly, my eyes falling on the silks in front of me. “I don’t know,” I answered softly. “Maybe because all of my favorite moments happened in this country.”

He froze, his hands pausing mid-touch on the silk. And then, before I realized it, our hands brushed. Then rested. Magkadikit na pala ang mga kamay namin.

I looked up at him. His face was serious, but not in a heavy way. There was a gentleness in his aura, a spark in his eyes, as if he had been waiting—patiently—for this exact moment to happen.

“You? Why do you always come back here?” I asked, my voice cracking just slightly, betraying the emotion building inside me.

He gave a small smile, but his eyes never left mine. “This country holds a special place in my heart,” he said simply. “And also, there are so many memories I treasure here.” He took a small step closer—not too much, just enough to close the gap ever so slightly. I could feel his breath, warm, brushing against me, sending shivers down my veins. Then he added, in a voice so low, it felt like a secret only meant for me: “And you’re part of that memory, Brix.”

His hand reached out, holding my chin gently. His eyes were piercing through mine, passionate, unafraid. And in that small stall, surrounded by hanging silks and bustling strangers, it felt like the world disappeared, and it was just us.

“How I missed this, Brix,” he whispered.

Liam.

That’s him. That’s the man standing right in front of me. The very first man who walked with me in this country. The man who made my heart race with an unfamiliar thrill the very first time I saw him. The man I never needed to scream to the world about, because my heart already screamed his name endlessly.

I never thought destiny would cross our paths again—here, in this exact place. Maybe it was the universe, maybe si Harvey mismo conspired for this moment. But right there, I couldn’t stop the soft laugh escaping my lips.

I smiled at him, genuinely, fully. I had longed for this, dreamed of this. And now that he was here, standing in front of me again, I knew—I couldn’t, I wouldn’t let go.

Whoever dares to stand in between us this time, I will fight. I won’t allow him to slip away from me again.

“I miss you too, Mr. Human Ring Light,” I finally said.

And without hesitation, he pulled me in, his lips capturing mine.

And in that very moment, I knew—nothing had changed. It was still him. It was still Liam.

🩷🩷🩷🩷

Thank you for everyone who’s reading Secretly Yours, Boss. I hope na nagustuhan niyo ito. Thank you sa mangilan-ngilan kong taga-basa ng bago kong librong ito. I know, someday, na dadami rin ang reads at votes nito gaya nang iba kong stories dito. 🤞🏻

Special chapters are on their way! 🫶🏻

Special Chapter (1)

Liam’s POV

I still can’t wrap my head around it—Harvey has cancer. Not once did it ever cross my mind that something like this could happen. I don’t personally know him that well, but just the thought alone is heavy. To know that the man Brix married, the one she chose to spend her life with, won’t even get the chance to stay by her side until the end… it hits differently.

And now, here he is, asking me—no, entrusting me—with Brix, like it’s his final will before he takes his last breath.

I don’t even know how to react. I never wished for this. Not once. I never wanted him to be sick just so I could have another chance with Brix. I couldn’t do that. But the truth is, I still love her. I always have. And even if I knew she was happy, even if I forced myself to accept that she had already chosen someone else, that love never left me.

But tell me, how can she be happy now? How can she keep that same light in her smile when the man she married is slowly being taken away from her?

It doesn’t make sense. None of this feels real.

“Promise me, Liam. Please.”

Those words cut through the fog in my head. His voice is firm, but I can feel the tremor beneath it. He said it while patting my shoulder, like it’s the last gesture of strength he can give before everything is taken from him.

And me? I stood there, frozen. His words refusing to sink in.

I know how much he loves Brix. I’ve seen it, even without trying. The way his eyes soften whenever her name slips from his lips—it’s obvious. But in those same eyes, right now, I see something else too. Regret… because he knows he won’t get to stay with her for the rest of her life. And strangely, I also see relief—as if handing her over to me is the only comfort he can cling to.

“Bro!” I finally managed to say, finding a voice I didn’t know I had left. He turned his head, his face pale but steady. I walked closer, threw an arm around his shoulder, and we began to walk slowly. I exhaled deeply. “I’m not the type of man who agrees to things like this. I don’t believe in granting wishes. But I do believe in second chances.”

Harvey stopped mid-step and looked straight into my eyes. His stare was empty at first, like he was searching for words. Then he nodded slowly. “I know, bro.”

He gave a short laugh, but it wasn’t out of joy—it was the kind of laugh you let out when memories suddenly sting. “You know what? Brix… she always talks about you. From the first time you met, down to the moment she walked away without saying a word. I’ve heard it all.”

He sat down on the gutter, his body tired. I followed, sitting beside him. His voice was weaker now, but his words carried weight.

“Sometimes, I felt jealous. Because whenever she talked about you, I could see it in her eyes—the spark. The kind of glow you can’t fake. She still loves you, bro. That’s why I know… when I’m gone, she’ll be okay. She’ll find her way back. She’ll accept it. She’ll accept you.”

His words hit me like a punch to the chest. I froze, my breath caught halfway. I didn’t expect that. Not from him. Not now.

For a moment, I didn’t know if I should feel guilty, honored, or broken. Maybe all three.

Until now, I honestly thought Brix had forgotten what we once had. I believed that chapter of her life was closed, locked away somewhere I could never touch again. But then Harvey—her husband, the man she chose over me—tells me otherwise. Even to him, even in their marriage, she still spoke about me. She still remembered.

I looked at Harvey carefully. His face was pale, tired, but strong in a way that only a man facing his own end can be. His eyes glistened, fighting back tears, the kind of tears you don’t want people to see because it feels like weakness—but it wasn’t weakness, it was love. I reached out, tapped his shoulder firmly, the way men do when words fall short.

“There’s always a second chance, bro,” I told him. My voice was steady, but deep inside, I was fighting my own storm. “Maybe not for me and Brix. But for you and her. Get better. Don’t let this sickness swallow you whole. You can fight this. You can still win.”

I forced strength into my words, trying to build him up, to remind him of the man he was. But Harvey only gave me a small smile—that kind of smile that says he already knows his fate and has made peace with it. A smile that carried acceptance, not hope.

That smile cut deep.

The truth? I wanted a second chance with Brix. Not like this, not because of this. I wanted to make up for every mistake I made, for every time I hurt her, for every time I let her walk away without fighting hard enough to stay. I wanted the chance to apologize, to stand in front of her as a man who was no longer selfish, no longer unsure.

But this wasn’t the second chance I was asking for. This was cruel. This was fate twisting the knife.

I could accept not having her back in my life as my woman. I could live with that. What mattered more to me was that someday, she would find forgiveness in her heart—for me, for herself, for everything we went through. That’s what I prayed for. Forgiveness, not a replacement.

Days turned into months. Then the call came.

Trish was the one who told me. Her voice was soft, careful, like she was afraid her words would break me. Harvey had passed away.

I remember going silent, the world suddenly slowing down around me.

She said Brix had flown back to the Philippines from Thailand. They were supposed to celebrate a second honeymoon, something Harvey had promised her. But he didn’t make it. An “emergency,” Trish called it. The truth was harsher—Brix never knew that the last time she saw Harvey would also be the final moment they’d ever share.

And for me, that’s the part that stings the most. Not the fact that Harvey died, not even the fact that fate handed me a twisted kind of opportunity. It’s the cruelty of it all—the moment you think you’ve finally glued the broken pieces of your heart back together, life comes in and shatters it all over again.

And Brix… she’s the one living in that pain now.

I wanted to see her. Every part of me wanted to go to her, to hold her, to let her know she wasn’t alone in this storm. But who am I to show up now? Who am I to suddenly appear just because Harvey’s no longer in the picture? That’s not me. That’s not the kind of man I want to be.

I’m not going to take advantage of her grief. I’m not going to insert myself into her life when she’s still bleeding.

Harvey entrusted her to me—but this isn’t about taking over. This is about waiting. About respecting her journey, her healing, her choice.

So I’ll wait. I’ll wait until the day she’s ready to face the world again. I’ll wait until she’s strong enough to let someone in again. And if that day comes, that’s when I’ll honor Harvey’s last request.

Not before. Not like this.

And now, a full year has passed. A lot has changed—more than I could ever imagine. Including me.

I’m not the same man I used to be. Back then, I was the kind of guy who rarely smiled, the man who wore seriousness like armor, keeping people at a distance. But now… I’ve opened myself up. I’ve learned to engage with people, to listen, to be present.

Here in Thailand, I even joined an outreach program. We go around different schools, speaking to students who dream of becoming CEOs someday, just like me. I share with them not just strategies, but my failures, my scars, and the lessons that made me who I am today.

And strangely, it makes me smile. Because this was never the ending I once pictured for myself. I used to think happiness only came with power, success, and control. But here I am—finding joy in the simplest things, in giving back, in seeing young people’s eyes light up when they realize they can become more than their circumstances.

My company back in the Philippines? It’s still standing strong. In fact, it’s thriving. Thanks to Ate Sandra—my sister, my backbone. When I was completely broken, she was the one who held everything together, who carried the weight I couldn’t. She gave me time to heal while she protected everything I built.

And now… I can finally say I’m okay. My heart is steady. My mind is clear. I’m no longer the man drowning in regrets and ghosts of the past. For the first time in years, I feel like I can finally face Brix. I can finally honor Harvey’s last request.

Fate—it’s real. I believe that now. Because when I least expected it, it happened. In the same place, at the same time, as if written in the stars—Brix and I crossed paths again. Here in Thailand.

It felt like the universe was pulling strings, or maybe Harvey himself arranged this moment from above. A gift. A reunion.

And there she was. Standing right in front of me. The love of my life.

She looked at me with those same eyes I’ve memorized a thousand times in my head. And when she smiled… damn. That smile. The one I missed every single day, the one that made everything else fade into the background.

I couldn’t help myself. My hand reached for her face, gently holding her chin, grounding myself in the reality that she was here. Real. With me.

“How I missed this, Brix,” I whispered, my voice lower than I intended.

Her smile widened, and for a moment, it felt like time folded back on itself. Like we were meeting for the very first time, but also like we had never parted.

“I miss you too, Mr. Human Ring Light,” she said, her tone playful yet soft, carrying with it a weight of memories.

That name. That silly, ridiculous name only she could come up with. She called me that because she said my presence lit her up like no one else could. And as much as I used to tease her for it, deep down, I loved it. I missed hearing it. I missed her voice. I missed everything about her.

Slowly, I leaned in, closing the distance between us. Our breaths mingled before our lips finally met. That kiss wasn’t just a kiss—it was a promise, a renewal, a homecoming.

And in the silence of my mind, I spoke to Harvey.

I promised you, bro. I’ll never hurt her again.

Special Chapter (2)

Brix’s POV

Three months ago since nagkita ulit kami ni Liam. And honestly, hanggang ngayon, parang I’m still in shock. As in, hindi ko pa rin totally ma-wrap ’yung utak ko around the fact na we are actually back together.

Like, imagine all the years that have passed. Ang daming nangyari, ang daming nagbago, and deep inside, never ko talagang inexpect na darating ’yung araw na ’to—na ako at si Liam, after everything, magiging kami ulit.

At first, I refused to believe it. I kept telling myself, “Baka panaginip lang ’to, Brix. Wag kang assuming.” Kasi, let’s be real—ilang beses na rin akong nasaktan sa illusions ng puso ko. Pero no. This time, it’s not just in my head. It’s real. Totoong kami na ulit ni Liam.

Sometimes, I wonder—tadhana ba talaga ’to? Or maybe, sobra lang akong favorite ni God, kasi imagine, He gave me back the man I once lost, the same man I never stopped loving.

But don’t get me wrong ha. Hindi ibig sabihin nito na nakalimutan ko si Harvey. Never. I loved him—like truly, wholeheartedly. Every single day na kasama ko siya, natututo akong mahalin siya more and more. Walang araw na hindi ko siya minahal. At kahit alam kong bitin ’yung time namin, God knows how much I prayed, how much I begged for more days, more hours, more seconds with him.

If I had the chance, I would have given up everything—yes, even my love for Liam—just to have Harvey stay with me forever. Not because I owed him for helping me heal, pero dahil natutunan ko talaga siyang mahalin for who he was. And nothing, not even Liam, can ever erase that love.

I’m endlessly thankful kay Harvey. Kasi he didn’t just love me—he changed me. He changed my whole perspective in life. With him, life was so light, so easy. Walang away, walang selos, walang drama. It was pure. Almost perfect, if only hindi niya tinago sa akin ang sakit niya.

And to be honest? That part broke me. I felt betrayed. Like, why didn’t he tell me? Edi sana I could have taken care of him more. Sana mas na-maximize pa namin ’yung oras namin together. Pero at the same time, I understood. Sabi nga niya sa letter niya, he didn’t want to be my burden. He wanted me to live light. He wanted me whole again.

And he succeeded. He built me up piece by piece. And his last wish? For me to be happy.

And now, here I am. With Liam. With the man I’ve been longing for.

I turned my head to the side, and there he was—Liam, nakahiga sa blanket na nilatag namin on the sand. Shirtless, arms stretched lazily above his head, sunglasses shielding his eyes from the blinding Phuket sun.

My God. Ang gwapo niya talaga. I swear, nakakabaliw lang siyang tignan. I found myself staring, like literally drooling over him, my mind wandering off into all sorts of wild daydreams. Para akong teenager ulit, gigil na gigil sa crush ko.

Then suddenly—“Why are you looking at me?”

I almost jumped in shock. Like, legit muntik na akong mapatili. My heart went boom boom boom sa kaba. Quickly, I turned away, pretending I wasn’t caught. “Ha? Hindi ah. Feeling ka naman.” Defensive mode agad, syempre.

“Really?” he teased, his voice low but playful. “You can’t even hide your smile, Brix.”

I snapped my head back at him, ready to glare, but then—ayun na. Shades lifted halfway, eyes locked onto mine, lips curved into that soft, devastating smile.

“You’re not a good liar, Miss,” he murmured.

My chest tightened, and para hindi mahalata na kinilig ako, I rolled my eyes dramatically and shifted my gaze to the horizon instead.

The beach. God, Phuket was breathtaking. The sound of the waves gently crashing, the salty air brushing against my skin, the vast blue water stretching endlessly—parang ibang mundo. Peaceful, serene, far away from the suffocating chaos of the city. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I could breathe freely again.

“What’s on your mind?” Liam suddenly asked, breaking the silence. His tone was calm, curious, but may halong lambing na nakakapanghina.

I didn’t turn to look at him. I just kept my eyes on the horizon, my lips slightly parted, my heart beating so loud I was afraid he could hear it.

What’s on my mind?

Well… deep inside, there was only one question echoing, heavy and restless.

“Bakit ka nagbalik?” I finally asked. The words slipped out of my mouth, pero in reality, matagal ko na talaga siyang gustong itanong. Simula nang magkita ulit kami, paulit-ulit na lang itong bumabalik sa isip ko. Like, why now? Why him? Why us again?

Kasi honestly, all this time, I thought he already moved on. I thought he had his own new life na—far away from me, far away from our history. Alam mo ’yung pakiramdam na iniwan ka na ng mundo? That’s exactly how I felt. Pero ngayon, he’s right here beside me. With me.

He sat up slowly, his broad shoulders catching the sunlight, and then just like me, he fixed his gaze sa horizon—parang sinasabay niya ang emosyon niya sa alon ng dagat.

“To be honest,” he started, his voice deep, steady, pero ramdam mong may halong bigat, “hindi ka naman talaga nawala sa isip ko. You still lingered on my mind every fucking day.”

As in literal na tumigil ang mundo ko doon. Napahigpit ang hawak ko sa kumot na nasa buhangin. My chest felt heavy. Hindi ako nakagalaw. Then he let out a deep breath, parang matagal na niyang tinatago ang confession na ’yon.

“Pero…” he continued. His tone softened, almost hesitant. “Harvey secretly talked to me.”

That made me snap my head toward him. My lips parted, eyes wide—parang hindi ko ma-process agad ’yung narinig ko. Shock was an understatement. Harvey… and Liam? Nagkausap? Just the two of them?

He didn’t meet my eyes. Instead, nakatingin pa rin siya sa horizon, the corners of his lips lifting slightly, as if recalling a memory so vivid, so intimate.

“He said,” Liam continued, voice low and steady, “that he wants me to take care of you again. Na kapag dumating na ’yung time… if ever he died, he wanted us to be back together. That was his last wish for you—na maging masaya ka ulit.”

When he finally said it, my whole body froze. Para akong natulala. I just stared at him, searching his face, his eyes, for any sign na baka nagbibiro lang siya, na baka I misheard him. Pero no—he was dead serious.

And that’s when it hit me. Harvey loved me so much, na kahit sa last moment of his life, he was still thinking about me. About my happiness. About who would catch me when he was gone. And he knew… deep inside, that person would be Liam.

God. My throat tightened. My chest felt like it was caving in. And before I knew it, naramdaman ko na lang na namamasa na ang mga mata ko. The tears came, uninvited, hot against my cheeks.

Mabilis ko itong pinunasan, halos nagmamadali, kasi ayokong makita ni Liam. Ayokong isipin niyang weak ako. I turned my face away from him, looking out at the endless horizon, pretending to admire the view, kahit sa loob ko, basag na basag ako.

Pero deep down, I knew he already noticed.

I felt his arms slowly wrap around my shoulder—warm, steady, parang sinasabi ng yakap niya na “you’re safe here.” Instinctively, I leaned my head against his shoulder, letting myself rest there, habang sabay naming pinagmamasdan ’yung araw na unti-unti nang lumulubog sa malawak na dagat.

The sky was painted with this perfect mix of orange, pink, and purple—parang obra maestra ng Diyos. Ang hangin, malamig pero comforting, carrying with it the faint scent of the ocean. For a moment, tahimik lang kami, and it was the kind of silence that didn’t feel empty—it was full, heavy with meaning.

Then, his voice broke through the sound of the waves. “Harvey really loved you so much, Brix,” he said softly, almost like a confession, habang nakatingin pa rin kami pareho sa kawalan.

My chest tightened hearing Harvey’s name from his lips.

“Alam mo, nagpapasalamat ako sa kanya,” he continued, his tone deep, sincere. “Kasi kahit in the most painful way, he brought me back to you. I know… hindi maganda na isipin, let alone hilingin, na sana ibalik ka niya sa akin. But I can’t help it, Brix. I can’t erase you from my mind.”

His words hung heavy in the air. I could feel my heartbeat quicken, parang lumalaban sa mga emosyon na sabay-sabay kong gustong i-hold back.

“Ikaw ang laging naiisip ko araw-araw,” he said again, this time with more weight, as if every word was pulled straight out of his chest. “I thought I could move on kapag lumayo ako sa’yo. I thought distance would heal me. Pero mali pala. Mas lalo akong nasaktan, mas lalo akong nawala. Kasi the truth is… I can’t live without you, Brix.”

And that’s when it hit me so hard. The man I once thought I lost forever—the man I tried so hard to bury in the past—was here again, confessing his raw, unfiltered feelings. The same man I cried for, the same man I tried to forget, was telling me he never stopped loving me.

I broke. Mas lalo pang tumulo ang mga luha ko, tears rolling down uncontrollably, hot against my cheeks.

I tried to wipe them discreetly, but it was useless. The emotions were too strong, too overwhelming. I still couldn’t fully believe it—that this man, the very same one I forced myself to let go of, was now holding me close, whispering the truths of his heart against the backdrop of a dying sun.

And all I could think was… how is this even real?