The Lady in Red
Aurora just got out of an abusive relationship and walked out with an inferiority complex, low self-esteem, and zero self-confidence plus depression.
A few weeks later, she's jumping right back in but this time, with the hottest guy on campus. Ex on one side trying to get back her attention, Aurora on the other side, leaving her best life with her newly found knight in shining armor.
What she didn't know was that her college prince charming wasn't exactly who she thought he was and she, on the other hand, was busy living in her imagination of a perfect gentleman while there was none.
She discovered soon enough only to be left with two options; Stay just friends with her prince charming who had been secretly having an affair with the same girl that has been broke her previous relationship or walk out on the duo and leave behind a beautiful friendship she just started experiencing for the first time in 22 years.
What she didn't know, however, was that her Prince Charming was already head over heels in love with her but was scared to admit it.
Basahin
Chapter: A night with a stranger We got to his house faster than I expected and I was a bit pleased to discover that his place was not quite far from mine.His apartment was cozy and tastefully furnished with cream paintings and well decorated walls. The whole place screamed class and the art paintings on the wall said the same too."Welcome to my humble abode." He said, placing enough emphasis on "humble." I laughed quietly and then responded;"Your house is beautiful and trust me, there's nothing humble about this place." I replied and he flashed a smile in return, sat on the cushion and started untying his shoe lace, apparently in a bid to pull it off. "Should I pull mine off as well?" I asked with curiosity."Of course, what were you thinking?" He asked with a stony solid expression. "Oh, Okay." I responded and stared down at my heels. I didn't like waking barefooted but this wasn't my place and I sure wasn't in a place to call the shots. As soon as I bent over in an attempt to unzip the first shoe, he burst ou
Huling Na-update: 2023-05-09
Chapter: A Friend from far away His name was Raymond but he preferred being called 'Ray' by his closest pals because according to him, Ray sounded much more cool and befitting for a handsome hot guy like him.He was also funny, smart, and very thoughtful. We sat in the car for a very long time and while at it, I unburdened my heart to him in a way I had never done with anyone, not even with Catherine. He was very understanding and occasionally rubbed my back gently while I was ranting to him. We took a walk thereafter while he devoted his time to telling me stories that made me laugh so hard like never before. Before long, I was feeling like a different person and there were little or no troubled memories left from the previous event.As we drove home, Ray played Johnny Drille's songs and we sang along at the top of our voices. I found out that we had similar tastes in music and a whole lot of other things. When we got to the driveway that led to our apartment, he stopped the car, turned off the music, and started
Huling Na-update: 2023-04-13
Chapter: Maybe one dayChapter FiveThe voice that came on next was the most melodious I've ever heard. The intense undisguised passion underneath his tone made my eyes water. I was still drooling when Pete called me again, this time, shaking my shoulders a little. "What's wrong with you Aurora?" He asked with a stern face and a very low voice that I could barely hear. "I don't understand Pete, what are you trying to say?" I asked with all innocence. Next thing I knew, I was being dragged out of the hall like a child, and with my super uncomfortable heels, I struggled to maintain my balance when he finally let go. "What's the meaning of this, Pete?" I asked with anger written all over my face. As far as I was concerned, the only thing I did wrong was admiring a hot guy with a nice voice which was not wrong at all compared to what Pete did the ladies on campus. "You slut! How dare you embarrass me in front of everybody." Pete snapped angrily. The right response eluded me and I stood staring helplessly an
Huling Na-update: 2023-04-08
Chapter: It Looks a Lot Like LoveThe only thoughts in my head were those of Pete and how he was going to lose both balance and focus the minute he sets his eyes on me. I had a lacy red slightly below the bum insanely hot dress on with very high silver stiletto heels and of course, lots of silver accessories. Catherine did my makeup as she insisted that I needed to own the show and in her own words, show Pete exactly what he would have missed with his cowardice." I couldn't fathom how she was so quick to attribute Pete's actions to cowardice not like I was going to challenge the statement because, yunno my flawless face-beat was not something I was willing to risk over Catherine's extremely wild temper. "Now turn around and tell me what you see girl," She said while swirling my chair around to face the mirror. To say I was speechless was an understatement, the face that stared back at me was not mine. A few drops of tears fell before I could hold them in. This was the closest I've ever been to perfection. "Do I se
Huling Na-update: 2023-04-04
Chapter: A glimpse of sorrowChapter Three.The weekend came so fast with me seeing less of Pete and less of Mr. Stranger. Pete did a good job of avoiding me the few times I saw him in school. He never called me, when I called, it went straight to voicemail which he never responded to. I pretended to be okay about it at first but deep down, I was starting to get worried. I knew he was eventually leaving me for good this time. We've had a few brawls in the past but none has ever left such an indelible mark on me. The experience I had this past week was one I would never forget in a hurry. The trauma alone... Oh God!"I have to call him," I said out loud and before I could allow my head to process the thought, I was already dialing his number."Please pick up Pete" I was pacing up and down my small room while my heart keep thumping loud, threatening to fall off my chest. First, second, and third ring and there was no response. My feelings were clouded with intensified thoughts of losing him.Catherine pushed op
Huling Na-update: 2023-01-13
Chapter: It takes two to play the gameChapter TwoI can’t imagine how we managed to reach safely in one piece after that insane episode of ‘reckless driving with Pete.' If there was something worse than a terrible driver, that would be Pete. He had zero understanding of road signals and whenever I try pointing it out to him, I was sure to be slandered by him. Correcting him was pointless so I made sure to stay in my lane and avoid having a verbal battle with him.‘Okay, we are here now?’ he said with a straight face ‘Are you not going to get the door' I asked innocently. ‘Get the door for you? Do you not have hands my darling? He asked with a stern face and deep tone laced with anger.‘Okay, let’s not make this an issue. You are upset so how about we talk about whatever it is later after my test.’ I tried kissing him but he quickly turned away his face. ‘See ya later Aurora and thanks for the ride, Pete.' Catherine said and hopped out of the car almost immediately. I should have followed suit but I figured I should fi
Huling Na-update: 2023-01-06
When Obsession Wears a Ring
Tessa and Raymond’s marriage was never about love, it was convenience, appearances, and expectations. Raymond, with his conventional charm and striking handsomeness, was admired by everyone, but his heart was never fully hers.
He had always been drawn to Danielle Green. He claimed she was just a friend, but Tessa knew better. Every secret outing, every hidden smile all carved wounds into Tessa’s heart, leaving her feeling invisible in her own marriage.
The tipping point comes when Tessa stumbles upon a post online, a wave of public scolding aimed at her for supposedly breaking the home, for being the obstacle to Danielle. In a blaze of frustration and humiliation, she serves Raymond divorce papers. But instead of freeing her, Raymond refuses. He offers her silly, manipulative terms to meet him, seduces, and taunts her, proving he will never let her go easily.
Fueled by a mix of rage and determination, Tessa begins to reclaim her power. She finds herself drawn into a complicated dynamic with Derek, Raymond’s best friend, a man with his own history of tension with Raymond and secret feelings for Tessa. The attention stirs something in her: attraction, validation, a hint of revenge. It ignites a spark Raymond cannot ignore.
For Raymond, it is only the beginning. The thought of losing her shook him to the core. He begins to fight for her in ways he never has, even as his love twists into jealousy and obsession.
When Raymond finally drops the mask, revealing the man beneath the arrogance, the man terrified of losing her, Tessa is forced to ask herself the question she swore she’d buried:
Can love truly be reborn in the depth of hate, or is his devotion just another chain designed to keep her bound?
Basahin
Chapter: Chapter 45 - Caught in the MiddleTessa had convinced herself that once she was back home, Raymond would simply settle her in and leave. But Raymond did not retreat. At least, this version of him didn’t.He had quickly stepped down and crossed to the other side of the car to get the door for her and as soon as the car door clicked behind her, Raymond’s hands were on her shoulders, steadying her as she swayed slightly from the lingering dizziness. “You okay?” he asked, voice calm, but his eyes sharp, scanning her like she was a delicate artifact that might break if he blinked the wrong way.“I… I’m fine,” Tessa muttered, brushing off the concern as if she could wipe it clean with the back of her hand. But Raymond wasn’t buying it.“Do you need me to carry you up?” He probed further. Tessa laughed when she saw the small crease on his face.“Hell no, Ray. I can absolutely walk by myself.” He nodded and put his hand across her waist, guiding her slowly to the entrance, and stairs.He helped her up the stairs, slowly, car
Huling Na-update: 2025-12-01
Chapter: Chapter 44 - You AgainTessa didn’t leave her apartment for the rest of the week. Not for frequent early morning run or even to pick up the meals she ordered… she simply opened the door, grabbed the tray, and shut it again like she was afraid the hallway might bite her.At first, she told herself it was because she didn’t want to risk seeing Derek but within, she knew she could not explain how much of her still wished, Raymond has tried, to even stay or pushed back when she asked him to leave. It sounded conflicting even to herself - how does she explain that a part of him wanted him to leave, and the other part wanted him to at least try and stay. On the third day, she opened her door to collect her lunch and saw a bunch of neatly wrapped flowers. There was no note this time, but she left it. She had rung the housekeeper and asked her to take the flowers home for herself.Derek called, texted and even her buzzer but Tessa ignored everything. A part of her could tell that she was about to get mixed in anot
Huling Na-update: 2025-11-27
Chapter: Chapter 43 - Who Sent the Flowers?Tessa stared along cluelessly first at the boy, then back to Raymond who was already shutting the door after giving what appeared to be a nod to him.“You are not answering my question, Tessa. Who’s the damned man sending you flowers?”Tessa was furious and she was unable to hide it much longer. “How is any of it your business?” She responded earning a wide eye from Raymond.“Is that him you are going to see, is that why you dressed all up early in the morning? Let me guess, the guy from the notebook.” Tessa tried to speak but Raymond continued and cut her off in the process.“Is this why you left? Because you wanted some privacy to do God knows what with your little side piece and there you were judging me like you’re all innocent…” A hot slap delivered across the face made Raymond pause in his statement. “Don’t you ever… ever say that to me again.” Tessa’s voice was almost breaking. So she stormed out before crying and making herself a fool before him.Raymond stood fixated on the
Huling Na-update: 2025-11-25
Chapter: Chapter 42 - I Will Wait for YouTessa woke up the next day in the arms of an unclad Raymond. She wasn’t clear on how they landed there. The last thing she remembered was going to bed hungry and alone. She was fully dressed and didn’t remember any other thing happening. Of course Raymond still had some trace of decency left.She wanted to wriggle out from his hold and wake him up, he didn’t have the right to sleep on her bed. But as she stared at his peaceful form, she thought otherwise.He looked relaxed but stressed, his large hand cuddled her tightly, as though he was scared of her leaving, as though he didn’t want her to leave. The unmistakable early-morning hardness pressing against her hip. Tessa looked up again at the majestic man in her bed, then shook off the thought that tried to crawl in.She tried again, to wriggle free, this time slowly, but the slow mumbling of “hi you” from him told her that it was unsuccessful. She froze and looked up to meet his gaze. His eyes were warm, the rich brownness of it burn
Huling Na-update: 2025-11-23
Chapter: Chapter 41 - No Distance in LoveRaymond turned slowly to stare at her as she entered the room and smirked slowly when his eyes went to the knife she held out. He could see her trembling hands and all he wanted was to stand up and melt into her arms, but no, he would take his time, else he would scare her away.“Hi,” he said when it was obvious that it was beginning to turn into a starring context. Tessa still could not find words. What was Raymond doing in her apartment, lying on her bed, and holding her journal.WAIT A MINUTE! HER JOURNAL???Tessa dived in a split second and tried to yank the book off his hands. Raymond was caught off guard but managed to hold on tightly to the book still.“How dare you read through my journal? Are you familiar with the word privacy?” Tessa asked furiously. It was glaring that she was angry, but Raymond was a stubborn breed.“There’s no such thing as privacy in a marriage.” Raymond started and paused when he saw the fierce fiery look in her eyes. “Okay… I’m sorry.” Tessa grabbed t
Huling Na-update: 2025-11-23
Chapter: Chapter 40 - ReunionTessa sat on the cold metal bench outside the café, fingers pressed to her temples, trying to breathe normally. But her heart was still punching against her ribs from what she’d seen on Derek’s phone… from what he’d admitted.The tracker. The photo from weeks ago. Him being… there. It was all a lot to take in.Her voice came out small. “How long, Derek?”He sat beside her, not touching, not leaning in, just there, like he was afraid any closeness would make her crumble or bolt. He made a face but did not answer.Tessa chipped in again after the stretched silence. “How much did you see?”“Tess…” Derek exhaled shakily. “I didn’t follow you inside your home, if that’s what you’re afraid of. I didn’t invade your privacy that way.”“That way,” she repeated, almost a laugh, but broken and humorless. “You literally stalked me, Derek.”His jaw clenched. “I know, Tess. And I’m sorry. I… I...”She rubbed her palms together, swallowing the lump rising in her throat.“So tell me,” she whispered.
Huling Na-update: 2025-11-23
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